New growth drivers in sight as China powers up future industries Xinhua) 08:02, February 13, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China is driving continuous breakthroughs in frontier technologies, fostering the development of future industries as part of efforts to cultivate new growth engines. Industries of the future are characterized by foresight, strategic importance and disruptive potential, as exemplified by fields such as quantum technology, biomanufacturing, hydrogen and nuclear fusion power, brain-computer interfaces, embodied artificial intelligence (AI) and 6G mobile communications. These six sectors were explicitly highlighted in the Communist Party of China Central Committee's recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) released in October last year. The document calls for exploring diverse technology roadmaps, identifying typical application scenarios, developing feasible business models, and formulating appropriate market regulation rules for these industries, with the goal of nurturing them into new drivers of economic growth. The future industries highlighted in the recommendations represent transformative technological breakthroughs, with vast potential to boost productivity and generate powerful spillover effects across the broader industrial landscape, according to Xin Yongfei, an expert at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. The focus is already yielding measurable economic returns. According to the China Academy of Industrial Internet, the output of these industries reached approximately 11.7 trillion yuan (about 1.68 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, which is projected to expand to 13.4 trillion yuan in 2025 and 15.5 trillion yuan in 2026, representing an annual growth rate of 15 percent. Building on this momentum, the country is doubling down on support by fostering synergy between technological and industrial innovation, empowering enterprises to take the lead in innovation, and strengthening policy services tailored to these sectors. In January, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that over the next five years, efforts will be made to carry out a slew of forward-looking sci-tech projects of strategic significance in future industries, and support local authorities in developing these sectors according to local conditions. Echoing national directives, local governments are tailoring detailed plans to their unique resources. In this year's government work reports, Jiangsu has pledged to deepen its three-year action plan for cultivating future industries, stressing the need to selectively nurture future industries based on local resource endowments, industrial foundations and scientific research conditions. Zhejiang has set a target to establish 10 new pilot zones for future industries, while Sichuan is also making forward-looking arrangements for future industries. By integrating their vast market advantages, full-industry-chain strengths and rapidly evolving technological capabilities, local governments are poised to cultivate globally competitive industrial clusters, said Ding Zhuang, a research fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China. Many future industries are taking shape, driven by successive breakthroughs from the private sector. China is now fostering a collaborative innovation ecosystem centered on enterprises, channeling diverse resources to where they can be put to best use. A primary example is the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center. Established in September 2023 as the country's first AI large model incubation platform, it has attracted over 200 companies. The center offers integrated support spanning computing power, datasets, financing, talent and application scenarios, helping startups overcome hurdles such as high costs, limited data and fundraising difficulties. Within the building, companies along the supply chain operate just floors apart, and neighbors often grow into close partners. The Shanghai center is not alone, as similar hubs are emerging nationwide. The national information technology innovation park in Beijing E-Town now houses over 1,000 enterprises, extending its industrial footprint into quantum information, 6G communication, smart hardware and other cutting-edge fields. In Shenzhen, the Liuxian corridor, also known as "Robot Valley," boasts a complete supply chain, including self-maintaining humanoid robots, sensors and agile workshops that rapidly produce customized components. The entrepreneurial landscape is flourishing. Data from the State Administration for Market Regulation show that in the first 11 months of 2025, some 283,000 new firms in future industries were registered, a year-on-year increase of 35.8 percent. Notably, the number of newly registered generative AI companies surged more than 29-fold, while new humanoid robotics firms increased by 48.9 percent. Despite the rapid growth, future industries are marked by long incubation periods and considerable risks, requiring both entrepreneurial risk-taking and sustained government support. To meet these needs, China will continue to refine fiscal and tax policies, bolster tech-focused financial services, and ensure that talent is cultivated, attracted and fully utilized, while also pursuing effective and well-conceived regulation to guard against risks in future industries. "These continued efforts in investment and institutional support are designed to accelerate the translation of sci-tech breakthroughs into industrial applications, helping fledgling future industries grow from seedlings into towering trees," said Deng Zhou, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) China allocates 4.44 bln yuan of relief funds for disaster-affected people Xinhua) 09:14, February 13, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Emergency Management said Thursday that the distribution of 4.44 billion yuan (about 639 million U.S. dollars) in relief funds from the central budget has been completed, benefiting 26.01 million people. These funds are intended to help local governments advance post-disaster recovery and assist those affected by natural disasters during the winter and spring seasons. The ministry has also provided guidance for local authorities to better implement relief measures, accurately distribute relief funds and focus on the needs of disaster-affected groups. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 13 February 2026 22:21 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Mike Sicilia, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.-based Oracle Corporation one of the worlds largest software and cloud technology companies in Munich on February 13. During the meeting, the parties discussed Azerbaijans technological transformation policy and the development of artificial intelligence under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. They noted mutual interest in expanding cooperation with Oracle, emphasizing that a framework agreement has already been reached regarding partnership prospects. The discussion also covered long-term cooperation, including the provision of Oracle services to both state and private enterprises in Azerbaijan. The operation of three Oracle academies at leading Azerbaijani higher education institutions was also highlighted as an area of collaboration. Additionally, the officials hailed the high level of AzerbaijanU.S. political relations, underscoring the significance of the recently signed Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America. It was noted that artificial intelligence is identified as a priority direction within bilateral cooperation under this Charter. 14 February 2026 01:27 (UTC+04:00) On February 13, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by France 24 in Munich. AzerNEWS presents the interview, citing Azertag. Correspondent: Hello and welcome to Tete a tete, France 24s flagship interview show. Our guest today is the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Thank you very much, Mr. President. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. Correspondent: On August 8, there was a trilateral summit at the White House with you, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and U.S. President Donald Trump, and a declaration to end the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia was signed, with promises to reopen transportation routes and normalize relations. Can you tell us whether total peace and full normalization are now coming soon? President Ilham Aliyev: I think so, because the signing of this historic document at the White House, in the presence of the President of the United States, who, by the way, also signed the Joint Declaration as a witness, means that the conflict is over and that we have entered a period of peace, which I hope will last forever. Since that time, more than six months have passed, and we have a very quiet situation on the border with Armenia. No more shootings, no victims, no wounded. Azerbaijan unilaterally lifted the restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia, and we also started supplying critical oil products to Armenia, which actually marks the beginning of our trade relations. So we can see that peace has already been achieved. There are certain formalities in order to sign a final peace agreement, but along with the declaration, which you mentioned, the foreign ministers of both countries in Washington also initialed the text of the peace agreement. So for me, it is done. I think the Prime Minister of Armenia shares the same opinion. We are just learning to live in peace, and it's a very good feeling. Correspondent: It's a very good feeling. However, what's missing for full normalization? I understand that for Azerbaijan there is an issue with Armenia's constitution and language pertaining to territorial claims on Garabagh. Is this an absolute red line for you? Without this being changed, there will be no normalization? President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, you're right. There will be no signing of a peace agreement. I would divide normalization from a formal peace agreement because normalization is already taking place. As I said, all these positive developments show that. But the Armenian constitution, which was adopted a long time ago during the times of the occupation of Garabagh, contains the reference to the Declaration of Independence of Armenia, which contains the paragraph that so-called Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia should unite. So this is a territorial claim to Azerbaijan. Our position for many years, since the end of the Second Garabagh War, has been very clear: this should be changed. And as far as I know, Armenia is planning to hold a referendum. And as soon as it is done, there will be no obstacles to the formal signing of a peace agreement. But again, I'd like to underline that for Azerbaijan, peace has been achieved. The normalization process is moving successfully, and I hope that as soon as these legal formalities are done, we will have formal peace. Correspondent: This year? President Ilham Aliyev: Definitely. Correspondent: JD Vance, the Vice President, visited both countries. There were announcements of a strategic partnership, where the U.S. would sell all kinds of weapons now to Azerbaijan. There is also this so-called TRIPP project, the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, a road and rail link through Armenia to your exclave of Nakhchivan. Is this a pie in the sky, or is this really going to happen and change the dynamics? President Ilham Aliyev: I have no doubt that it will happen. One of the reasons is that, again, the United States played a crucial role in this process. The route, which will connect two parts of Azerbaijan through Armenia and even stretch to the European continent, carries the name of President Trump. It's the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. And I think that this very personal commitment of the U.S. President and also the agenda of the U.S. government shows that the TRIPP will be built. It's not a big distance; it's only 40-plus kilometers. By the way, I'd like to say that the railroad which Azerbaijan is now building to the Armenian border from the capital is about 400 kilometers, plus almost 200 kilometers in our Nakhchivan exclave to be rehabilitated. So the Armenian segment of the Zangezur Corridor, as we call it, is very short. And I'm sure that it will be done. And coming to the question about Vice President Vance's visit, yes, it was a very important visit. The visit in itself of the Vice President of the United States is important for any country. In this case, it was marked with the signing of the Charter on Strategic Partnership between the governments of the United States and Azerbaijan. Thus, we became an official strategic partner of the most powerful country in the world, and we consider it a big success for our country. And this Strategic Charter, it was published in the press, so it contains different segments. One of them was defense sales, but not only that. It's energy, connectivity, AI, investment, and trade, and also all the restrictions on the arms supplies to Azerbaijan have been lifted. Correspondent: I want to get to a decision by the military court in your country that handed out harsh prison sentences to 13 officials of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including life imprisonment for the former leader. There were reports that the U.S. Vice President talked about the issue and asked you maybe to grant them a pardon as a way to seek peace in the region. Did he do this, and will you do this? President Ilham Aliyev: During the interaction with the Vice President, which lasted for several hours, among other issues, this issue was also raised by him, and I expressed Azerbaijan's position on this issue, and that was it. We mainly discussed bilateral relations, regional development, TRIPP, and prospects for formal peace with Armenia. With respect to these people whom you mentioned, these are the leaders of the illegal separatist regime, which illegally functioned on our territory, on the territory of the sovereign Azerbaijani state, recognized as such by the entire international community, including Armenia. For many years, these people were masterminds of all the war crimes against Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijan, and they were brought to justice. They were detained in Garabagh as a result of our military operation and brought to justice. They were provided with lawyers. The trial was absolutely transparent. Their crimes were proven by the testimonies of witnesses, numerous testimonies, and there is no question about suspicion of wrongdoing. Correspondent: But could you do something about this, Mr. President? President Ilham Aliyev: What do you mean? Correspondent: Turn the page and grant them clemency or something. You could make a gesture. This is within your powers. President Ilham Aliyev: You know, these people committed serious crimes against humanity. Imagine after the Second World War, the Nuremberg trials, and all those Nazi leaders, who were sentenced to death, in two months some would come and say, please release them. Correspondent: It's the same for you? President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, absolutely. It's even worse, even worse. Their crimes were even worse than what the Nazis did during World War II. Correspondent: But in terms of turning the page, do you also maybe have some compassion for the Armenians who had to leave Garabagh as a result of the latest war? President Ilham Aliyev: Our position on that issue was very clear. It was articulated many times, including publishing on the website that we offered all Armenians who lived in Garabagh to apply for citizenship or to apply for a work permit. We had several rounds of interactions with the representatives of Garabagh Armenians, but they preferred to choose to leave for Armenia. We have hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who have been deported and ethnically cleansed from the territory of today's Armenia, but never did the Armenian government offer any kind of proposals for them to come back. I think we need to treat this issue from a reciprocal point of view. The right of return is a universal right, and, of course, Azerbaijan will definitely observe this right if we have such an application. But at the same time, taking into account that we were at war with Armenia for 30 years, and for 30 years they were occupying our territory, we expect the same attitude toward hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, who we call Western Azerbaijanis, to be able to return to today's Armenia. Correspondent: I want to quickly get to the relation with France. It was very bad, especially during the last war. You criticized France for being a colonial power in New Caledonia and in Corsica very harsh words. A few months ago, a French citizen, Theo Clerc, was freed. There's another one who's currently on trial. You met the French President briefly on the sidelines of a European summit. Would you say that the relation is back on track, or that there are still problems between Azerbaijan and France? President Ilham Aliyev: You know, we were not the source of the problems with France. We had very good relations with France before the Second Garabagh War. There have been visits of presidents, of President Sarkozy, President Hollande, and my official visits to France. Also, I visited France during the term of President Macron. We had very friendly relations, a lot of business activity, more than a dozen sister cities. But when the Second Garabagh War started, and we started to restore our territorial integrity, unfortunately, the position of France was absolutely incomprehensible, because France is defending the territorial integrity of countries. It tries to defend its own territorial integrity. Now it defends the territorial integrity of Denmark. They defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but unfortunately, they supported separatists. More than 10 resolutions of the National Assembly and Senate were aimed at supporting separatists, and even your parliament recognized so-called Nagorno-Karabakh, though even Armenia did not recognize it. Also, relations with the government were tense, but again, we were not the source of this tension. We only wanted our sovereignty to be respected. Correspondent: But you used very harsh words President Ilham Aliyev: Well, I did not start to use the harsh words. What was done on behalf of Azerbaijan, I want you to be absolutely sure, was only a response. We have a catalog of harsh words which were used by the French President and many French officials, chairman of your Senate, chairman of your National Assembly, your famous personalities, which used words that insulted our state and me personally. Moreover, after the Second Garabagh War of 2020, before the anti-terror operation of 2023, very famous French personalities like Madame Pecresse, Monsieur Barnier, Monsieur Retailleau, all the names are familiar to the audience, illegally visited Garabagh and supported the separatists. So that was an open insult to Azerbaijans statehood and a total sign of disrespect. All that has been said or done by us was done and said in response. Maybe it was harsh. It's difficult to measure. But I think what is important is, as you mentioned, my meeting with President Macron at the end of last year, which was very positive, and we agreed to put a restart button. We are ready for that. The last thing we need is to have problems with any country, including France. Again, it was not our initiative, but now I think both sides are more ready for normal relations, especially after Armenia and Azerbaijan have already achieved peace. Correspondent: So as a conclusion, we can expect maybe you to meet the French President in the near future. President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, definitely. By the way, our meeting in Copenhagen was very friendly. And, of course, since the meeting took place several months ago, there has been a lot of interaction between our teams. They regularly contact each other. There have been several meetings. Yes, there are still some issues which President Macron and I underlined to be settled by both sides. But again, it's important to understand that it's a road with both directions. And as two sovereign countries, we need to respect each other, respect each other's legal systems, and also not interfere in each other's affairs. We were not the first, if I may use your word, to talk about Caledonia, etc. It was France who started to interfere in our internal affairs about Garabagh, and not only that, even into our political agenda. So this should be stopped. And I think both sides know how to do it. Correspondent: President Aliyev, thank you very much for being our guest. And thank you all for watching this edition of Tete a tete here on France 24. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. 14 February 2026 01:55 (UTC+04:00) The last thing we need is to have problems with any country, including France, the head of state emphasized. I think what is important is my meeting with President Macron at the end of last year, which was very positive, and we agreed to put a restart button. We are ready for that, said President Ilham Aliyev during his interview with a correspondent from France 24 TV channel. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 13 February 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Chinas space program, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, conducted a test flight of a new reusable booster and crew capsule late Tuesday (US time), yielding spectacular results, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) described the demonstration as a significant breakthrough in the development of Chinas manned lunar exploration program. China and the United States are effectively racing to achieve the next human Moon landing, a contest fueled by both national prestige and interest in lunar resources. The Long March 10 rocket and the Mengzhou spacecraft, both tested on Tuesday, are central to Chinas lunar architecture. A subscale version of the Long March 10 rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island at 10 p.m. EST Tuesday (11 a.m. Beijing time Wednesday). The launch allowed engineers to verify critical systems in the new Mengzhou capsule. Flying without a crew, the spacecraft ascended on the booster before activating its abort motors just over a minute into flight, simulating an in-flight escape at maximum aerodynamic pressure (Max-Q). The capsule then deployed parachutes and splashed down safely offshore from Hainan Island. Unlike NASA and SpaceX abort testswhere boosters are typically expendedthe Long March 10 first stage continued ascending after the capsule separated. Powered by its kerosene-fueled YF-100 engines, it reached space, reentered the atmosphere, reignited its engines, and made a precise propulsive landing in the South China Sea next to a recovery barge. CMSA confirmed that both the booster and capsule landed safely in designated areas. A recap video from Chinese state media highlights the successful test. CMSA said it verified the functional performance of the rockets first-stage ascent and recovery, as well as maximum dynamic pressure escape and spacecraft recovery, while also collecting valuable data for future manned lunar missions. The Mengzhou capsule, whose name means dream vessel, will ferry astronauts from Earth to lunar orbit, where they will transfer into a lander for Moon missions. It is also expected to service Chinas space station in low-Earth orbit, gradually replacing the Shenzhou capsule used since the 1990s. The spacecraft is designed for multiple reuses and can carry up to seven astronauts in low-Earth orbit missions, with smaller crews for lunar flights. Its first orbital test flight is scheduled later this year, when it will dock with the Tiangong space station. The Long March 10 rocket, capable of placing payloads up to 70 metric tons into low-Earth orbit, will eventually transport the 26-metric-ton Mengzhou spacecraft to the Moon. CASC, Chinas leading state-owned aerospace contractor, said the recovery of the booster sets the stage for subsequent full-profile flight tests and marks a significant step in mastering reusable rocket technology. Chinas progress comes amid a surge in domestic reusable rocket initiatives, with at least ten companies developing rockets at various stages of maturity, aiming to rival SpaceXs successes. In December, Chinese launch providers tested the Zhuque-3 and Long March 12A rockets with partially reusable boosters, and several companies have carried out high-altitude vertical takeoff and landing tests. These advancements coincide with NASAs preparations to send a crew of four astronauts on a loop around the far side of the Moon next month. While China demonstrates rapid progress in reusable rockets and lunar exploration, US lunar lander technology for crewed Moon missions is still several years from readiness. 13 February 2026 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Singapores Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Lawrence Wong, on Thursday unveiled a series of measures in the 2026 financial year budget aimed at boosting artificial intelligence (AI), including business tax incentives, employee training programs, and free public access to advanced AI tools, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media. Harnessed well, AI will be a strategic advantage for Singapore. It can help us overcome our structural constraints our limited natural resources, rapidly ageing population, and tight labor market, Wong told Parliament. The government will launch a set of national AI Missions to drive AI-led transformation across key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance, and healthcare. Wong will also chair a new National AI Council, tasked with providing strategic direction for the countrys AI initiatives. For businesses, companies will be able to claim 400% tax deductions on up to 50,000 Singapore dollars of qualifying AI expenses per year for the 2027 and 2028 assessment years. Tailored support will also be provided to firms seeking to use AI to transform operations comprehensively. To address concerns about AI and employment, the government will help workers acquire practical AI skills, starting with professionals in accountancy and law and gradually expanding to other sectors. Partnerships with industry will offer AI courses for the public, and the course website will be upgraded to make AI learning pathways clearer and easier to navigate. Singaporeans who complete selected AI training programs will also receive six months of free access to premium AI tools. Our advantage does not lie in building the largest frontier models. It lies in deploying AI effectively, responsibly, and at speed, Wong said. Singapore has intensified its AI efforts in recent years, launching the National AI Strategy in 2019, updating it in 2023, and announcing in January an additional 1 billion Singapore dollar investment in AI research and development from 2025 to 2030. The 2026 budget also includes measures to advance Singapores economic strategy, strengthen the workforce, expand family support, and ensure sustainability and public safety. Singapores financial year runs from April 1 to March 31. Public consultations usually begin in December, followed by the finance minister presenting the budget and Supply Bill in Parliament in February. The bill must be debated, passed, and receive presidential assent before taking effect by March 31. Analysts say Singapores approach emphasizes practical AI deployment rather than purely chasing cutting-edge research, positioning the city-state as a global hub for applied AI solutions in both business and public services. 13 February 2026 12:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The speech of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi at a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, scheduled to begin on February 23, has been canceled after his name was removed from the official list of speakers, AzerNEWS reports. The development was announced by Hillel Neuer, an international lawyer and UN executive director, in a post on X. Neuer said Araqchi was no longer listed to address the council. According to Neuer, the decision followed the collection of more than 100,000 signatures calling for Araqchi not to be invited to the meeting and urging Swiss authorities to arrest him over alleged crimes against humanity. No official comment has yet been issued by Iranian authorities or the UN Human Rights Council regarding the removal. 13 February 2026 23:50 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more As Valentines Day approaches, the idea of a soulmate - the one perfect person meant just for you - looms large in our imagination. Across history, humans have been captivated by the notion that love is not random. In ancient Greece, Plato told of humans once whole, with four arms, four legs, and two faces, split in two by Zeus; ever since, each half searches for its other, giving birth to the modern notion of soulmates. In the Middle Ages, tales of Lancelot and Guinevere recast love as a lofty, often unattainable devotion, where knights proved their worth through self-sacrifice. But what does modern science say about The One? - AzerNEWS, citing a report by BBC, explores recent research into the psychology of love and the concept of soulmates. Professor Viren Swami traces the European understanding of romantic love to medieval stories of Camelot. "These stories first pushed the idea that you should choose one individual as your companion for life," he says. Prior to that, love in Europe was fluid and not necessarily sexual. Swami adds that industrialization uprooted communities, leaving individuals alienated and seeking one person to save them from the isolation of modern life. Today, dating apps attempt to quantify this search, turning romance into a form of relation-shopping, Swami says. Users swipe through dozens of profiles, often feeling the experience is soulless rather than meaningful. Professor Jason Carroll frames the discussion differently. While humans are naturally attachment-driven and crave deep bonds, he distinguishes between soulmates and The One. A soulmate is simply found, pre-made. A one and only is something two people carve out together over years of adapting, apologizing, and sometimes gritting their teeth, Carroll says. Carrolls research, compiled in The Soulmate Trap, highlights the difference between destiny beliefs - that true love should feel effortless - and growth beliefs, which focus on working to strengthen the relationship. Studies led by Professor C. Raymond Knee show that those who cling to destiny beliefs often doubt their commitment after conflicts, while growth-minded couples remain committed even through disagreements. Carroll warns that the soulmate trap can set unrealistic expectations. The most meaningful relationships, he says, are those where partners witness not only each others strengths but also vulnerabilities. If relationships are going to last, its never just a downhill run, he says. In short, love isnt just about destiny - its about the work, compromise, and growth that couples share over a lifetime. 13 February 2026 16:19 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described a defining moment and a new era in geopolitics as he travels to Europe to deliver a major speech at the Munich Security Conference, AzerNEWS reports, citing BBC. Rubio will lead the US delegation at the first major international security event since former President Donald Trump sparked tensions by threatening Danish sovereignty over Greenland. His visit comes amid heightened debates about the future of transatlantic relations. Speaking to reporters, Rubio said: The world is changing very fast right in front of us. We live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be. He added that Europeans are seeking clarity on the US position and future cooperation. The conference will address pressing global challenges, including the war in Ukraine, tensions with China, and a potential US-Iran nuclear deal. Around 50 world leaders are expected to attend, discussing European defense, NATO, and the transatlantic alliance at a time when Washingtons commitment to NATO has been questioned. Last year, US Vice President JD Vance delivered a confrontational speech criticizing European policies on free speech and immigration, triggering a year of strained relations. Rubio is expected to adopt a more measured tone this year. Tensions between the US and Europe have escalated in recent months, particularly over Greenland. Trump repeatedly claimed the island was vital to US national security, asserting - without evidence - that it was covered with Russian and Chinese ships. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she plans to meet Rubio to discuss the situation. Many European leaders view the US threats as a watershed moment that has eroded trust between allies. Ahead of the conference, eight former US ambassadors to NATO and eight former US commanders in Europe issued an open letter urging Washington to maintain strong support for the alliance. They emphasized that NATO is not a charity but a strategic force-multiplier enabling the US to project power efficiently. Conference speakers will include French President Emmanuel Macron, who has warned Europe must prepare for greater independence from the US, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose government aims to reaffirm Europes strategic role in NATO. UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will also attend, meeting with Merz and Macron before addressing the summit. Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger highlighted the challenges facing transatlantic cooperation: For generations, US allies could rely not just on American power but on a shared understanding of international principles. Today, this certainty is far less secure, raising questions about the future shape of international cooperation. As global security dynamics shift, the Munich Security Conference is poised to be a critical platform for redefining NATOs role, the US-Europe partnership, and the broader geopolitical order. 13 February 2026 16:45 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Munich on February 13, AzerNEWS reports. During the meeting, Nechirvan Barzanis visits to Azerbaijan and his meetings with the President of Azerbaijan were fondly recalled. The sides noted that these contacts create favorable opportunities for discussing prospects for cooperation. President Ilham Aliyev and Nechirvan Barzani exchanged views on the development of relations in the economic, trade, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, and discussed issues of mutual interest. President Ilham Aliyev invited Nechirvan Barzani to visit Azerbaijan. The President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq gratefully accepted the invitation. 13 February 2026 19:50 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The White House is currently reviewing the list of goods subject to import duties and is considering reducing tariffs on certain products, particularly in the metals sector, AzerNEWS reports. Last summer, US President Donald Trump signed a decree that doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising them from 25% to 50%. According to reports, some government officials believe that these high duties have been negatively affecting consumers by driving up prices on a wide range of products, including packaged foods and beverages. Officials also note that the current tariff system has become overly complex and difficult to manage, prompting calls for simplification. The proposed easing of tariffs could have significant implications for key US trading partners, including the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union. Trade analysts suggest that reducing tariffs could not only ease consumer costs but also strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with allies. At the same time, critics warn that lowering duties may impact domestic metal producers who have benefited from protectionist measures, highlighting the delicate balance policymakers must navigate. Some experts also note that this potential adjustment could be an early sign of a broader shift toward more pragmatic trade policies in response to global economic pressures. 14 February 2026 00:19 (UTC+04:00) By Peter M. Tase On February 10th, 2026, The Trump Administration and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a Charter on Strategic Partnership. This historic document encompasses the Strategic Interest that Azerbaijan has ensured and earned in the lenses of the Government of the United States of America. At a time when the European Union is scoffing at Washington, the Trump Vance Administration has taken a monumental decision to establish a working group to shape an ambitious bilateral agenda that will uphold the strategic discussions of President Ilham Aliyev and President Donald Trump at the White House on August 8th, 2025. In the Diplomatic History of the United States, the visit of J. D. Vance to Baku marks a pivotal moment in the Trump Corollary Doctrine and will generate higher levels of economic prosperity for the people of Azerbaijan as well as generate new employment opportunities for American citizens. This Charter reasserts Washingtons full support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The steadfast leadership and statecraft of President Ilham Aliyev have made possible the achievement of this Strategic bilateral partnership with the United States of America, and this Charter has a special significance, it brings the bilateral alliance into the highest levels of cooperation that has ever existed in International Politics. The partnership priority given to Azerbaijan by the Trump Vance Administration is a decision that benefits the U. S. Economy above and generates additional security measures and guarantees durable peace in South Caucasus and Central Asia. Other tenets that are included in the bilateral Strategic partnership are regional transportation connectivity, economic investment, and security cooperation; the geopolitical priority emanating from Washington DC towards Baku, is visionary decision that is backed by the TRUMP Brand; such a priority given to economic projects and land transportation corridors by the White House, has not even taken place in South America (Western Hemisphere) let alone in the rest of the world and these landmark decisions benefiting the economy of Azerbaijan and guaranteeing the full territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, are admirable diplomatic and strategic actions taken by Washington. In the same vein, the Administration of President Ilham Aliyev has pursued an outstanding diplomatic campaign and implemented a dynamic foreign policy roadmap that has generated confidence in Washington and made Azerbaijan, a developed nation that stands apart from the other countries of the world, when dealing with the United States of America. Regional Connectivity, Including Energy, Trade, and Transit, are some of the principal sectors of cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States of America. Both nations intend to work together to promote regional connectivity, with a focus on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (Middle Corridor) by cooperation on land, maritime, and air transportation infrastructure development; energy and data connectivity; trade and transit facilitation; customs control and border crossing; international multi-modal logistics; and other related areas. Both Governments acknowledge the importance of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), as a multi-modal connectivity project that will provide unimpeded connectivity between the main territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with reciprocal benefits for international and intra-state connectivity for the countries involved, and unlock the regions potential for international trade and transit in line with the Washington Peace Summit Declaration of August 8, 2025. The development of tourism sector in the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan is another area of bilateral cooperation. The top quality products of Nakhchivan, including Nakhchivans famous marble tiles will very soon reach the U. S. Real Estate Development Market and the exports of Badamli Mineral Water to the U. S. Supermarkets will very soon be a reality. The Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States of America intend to work toward improving the business climate, foster economic growth, and increase trade and investment flows to promote bilateral economic relations while building upon the productive history of the Azerbaijan-U.S. relationship, a remarkable partnership that has resulted in the implementation of the Contract of the Century, the Southern Gas Corridor, and benefited both sides and the broader region through close collaboration. To this end: The Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States of America intend to expand cooperation to promote connectivity with a focus on developing the Middle Corridor across the energy, transport and digital infrastructure sectors, including through the development of the TRIPP and other projects; Recognizing the importance of regional connectivity, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States of America will actively explore opportunities to mobilize public and private sector investment in the energy and transport sectors as well as digital infrastructure development; Acknowledging the Republic of Azerbaijans strategic importance as a reliable partner in energy security, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States of America will expand energy cooperation including in the oil, gas and electricity sectors bilaterally and through partnerships with third countries toward implementation of joint projects, such as interconnector projects, and diversifying supply routes. ---- Peter Marko Tase is the author of twelve books on International Relations, Cultural Diplomacy, Southeast European History, Latin American Studies, and The Southern Caucasus Regional Politics and Economic Integration. Tase is an Investigative Journalist, Public Speaker, and has authored and edited many published books, including two bilingual and one simultaneous dictionary using Italian, Albanian, Spanish, Guarani, and English. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. BENNINGTON The Select Board has approved a policy for its new economic development subcommittee, which will advise the board and work with private developers, lenders, state officials, organizations and town staff to help promote housing and other projects in Bennington. And in a related decision, the board authorized the towns use of an exemption now allowed by the state to a full Act 250 regional review for some housing and mixed-use projects. The exemption to a full regional review of housing projects is intended to simplify and localize the review for projects with less than 50 units proposed on less than 10 acres. The board had on Jan. 26 agreed to make a temporary three-member Select Board study committee a standing committee going forward. Its members will work with town community development staff and other entities, advise the full board on its progress and seek approvals as required. On Monday, a draft of a proposed policy for the Economic Development Committee was approved on a 5-1 vote, with Nancy White opposed. Appointments The three group members will be appointed by the Select Board chair. As a non-quorum of the full seven-member board, officials said it will be able to initially meet privately with developers, lenders and others to discuss projects or initiatives without holding open public meetings. The intent is to allow project details to be worked out before the developer is ready to fully reveal a business plan that is still a work in progress. Clark Adams, who chairs the three-person committee, and other officials stressed that the full Select Board and the public will be briefed on emerging projects or initiatives before any final town decisions are made, and community input will be sought. Committee goals In general under the adopted policy, the committee is to leverage outside funding, prioritize high-impact projects; measure development progress and engage with the community on development-related issues and ideas. Another overriding goal, officials said, is to increase housing and other development in town and, as a result, increase the towns property grand list, thereby widening the local tax base. The committee is expected to meet monthly or as needed, and representatives from Bennington County Regional Commission and the Better Bennington Corporation will likely be invited to committee meetings. Each committee member will be appointed to serve a two-year term with the option of requesting to be reappointed. Select Board Chair Tom Haley and Town Manager Dan Monks said it makes sense to appoint EDC members as needed because of vacancies, and also when openings on all town boards and commissions are filled annually in the spring. Progress reports The EDC will present a progress report to the board at least once a year on its activities and initiatives. The committee policy approved Monday can also be amended as needed by the Select Board. The subcommittee was appointed on a temporary basis by Haley last summer, after Select Board members Adams and Jackie Matts suggested the benefits of a small group to help facility or promote housing or other development in town. Those board members and board Vice Chair Jim Sullivan were appointed by Haley, and Adams has acted as committee chair. In casting the lone vote against the new standing committee and its policy, White questioned having the group meet privately with private entities and other officials outside the full Select Board. Adams and others stressed that private developers, lenders and others involved in development projects often want to keep their plans private until they are ready to make them public, and the board subcommittee format allows those discussions under the states Open Meeting Law. In addition, the group is advisory only, they said, and all reports or requests for town action or support will be decided by at the Select Board level in open session. Act 250 exemption With the Select Boards request for the Act 250 review exemption under what is called a Tier 1B review, the town is eligible because it meets the provisions of having public water or sewer or suitable septic soils; local zoning and subdivision laws and town staff to work on local reviews. The projects to be considered under the Tier 1B process, which was created as part of state legislation designed to facility construction of new housing, also must be planned in village centers, village areas or downtowns and outside river or flood corridors. A map of that proposed area in Bennington was displayed during a presentation Monday on Tier 1B by Nick Zaiac, regional planner with the Bennington County Regional Commission. He said the area essentially includes the downtown and planned growth areas designated in Benningtons recently updated Town Plan. Increase in local control Importantly, this represents an increase in local control, Zaiac said. This a greater reliance on your local zoning bylaws that you guys have worked really hard on the last couple of years. The Tier 1B process is expected to begin by mid-year for communities that have opted in, he said. The board voted 5-1, with White opposed, on a resolution to adopt the Tier 1B option for Bennington. The town Planning Commission had voted last year to recommend that the Select Board opt into the Tier 1B review process for Bennington. Officials said other Bennington County towns have also adopted a Tier 1B resolution, including Manchester, Shaftsbury and Arlington, while Dorset and North Bennington are considering it. Earlier this week, the Proprietors Lodge was filled with people who knew Biagio Kauvil, who was fatally shot by a police officer earlier this month in Hinsdale during a response to a mental health crisis that authorities said escalated into a struggle. I dont ever want B to be defined by his mental illness." Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Letter: State lawmakers must respect the auditor and the will of voters Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Hilary Duff has included a Dublin date on her lucky me tour, with a show at the 3Arena on Sunday, September 6th. Tickets for the Dublin date will go on general sale on Friday, February 20th at 10am, priced from 57.90 to 88.90, including booking fee. Bookings are subject to a 12.5 per cent service charge per ticket (maximum 10.50), with tickets available via Ticketmaster. La Roux will support Duff on the Dublin date. Hilary Duff has included a Dublin date on her lucky me tour. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images The tour announcement comes ahead of Duff's sixth studio album, luck or something, which will also be released on February 20th. Duff will also perform in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. In a series of intimate gigs entitled Small Room, Big Nerves, Duff teased her return to touring. Duff is also well-known as an actress, starring in the likes of Lizzie McGuire, Cheaper by the Dozen, A Cinderella Story and Younger. Prisons were operating at such extreme levels of overcrowding that senior officials warned they might not be able to take any new inmates and would struggle to produce prisoners at court. In a stark warning, the Director General of the Irish Prison Service said the countrys main remand prison was at 125 per cent capacity and only had room for three more people. Caron McCaffrey said once those three mattresses were used, there would be no further secure accommodation available at Cloverhill Prison. Ms McCaffrey said six jails were operating at capacities of between 123 and 154 per cent of their intended capacity. She said there was an unprecedented risk in the penal system because of the worsening overcrowding crisis. A letter to the Department of Justice said: It is likely our ability to continue to receive committals out of hours, our ability to produce ever increasing numbers of prisoners to court and our ability to accommodate prisoners once we run out of secure cell accommodation will be impacted in the coming weeks and months. Advertisement The Director General said the situation was now critical and asked for an urgent meeting of a taskforce on overcrowding. At the time the letter was sent last October, there were 5,581 people in custody, 20 per cent above designed capacity. McCaffrey wrote: Certain prisons are now under extreme duress as a result of operating at higher-than-average capacity. She forwarded a paper from the UK on how they had managed a similar overcrowding crisis, in particular around setting operational capacity limits. A review by the Department of the governance structures in place to support the management and mitigation of risk across the sector is, in my view, now critical, the letter concluded. A response from Oonagh McPhillips, the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, said they were acutely aware of the difficult circumstances. She wrote: I can assure you that the Department will support you in whatever way possible during this very challenging period. McPhillips said the National Development Plan included prison investment and that increased funding had been given to the Probation Service to support the penal system. Her letter in early November said: Once again, I want to put on record my appreciation of the work being done by you and your staff in very challenging circumstances. A copy of the paper from the UK on how they managed their overcrowding crisis said rising prison numbers had stemmed in part from a political narrative around being tough on crime. There had been a decline in community sentences, more recalls to prison while on temporary release, and overuse of short custodial sentences. Advertisement It said operational red lines had been set on how many people a prison could safely house, with an understanding that these would not be breached. The presentation said: It assists in managing pressures to ensure the safety of staff and prisoners, this includes restricting crowding to limits it has assessed as safe. The paper also said around 500 places were reserved for emergency access in case of an unplanned loss of capacity due to fire or water outages. Asked about the records, which were released under FOI, the Irish Prison Service said they had nothing further to add to the contents. Seamus Culleton, the Irishman from Kilkenny who is currently detained in Texas awaiting deportation, was facing drug charges when he moved to the US. According to the Irish Times, he was facing charges of alleged possession of drugs, and possession of drugs for sale or supply, at Ballyverneen, Glenmore, in May 2008. A warrant was issued for his arrest in April 2009, a month after he had relocated across the Atlantic. He was also allegedly facing charges for obstructing a garda during a search by throwing 25 ecstasy tablets on the ground. A further warrant was issued in September 2009, in relation to an alleged criminal damage charge from September 2007 at Weatherstown, Glenmore. Culleton moved to the US in March 2009, and married a US citizen Tiffany Smith in April last year. He had applied for a green card on the basis of his marriage, but in September, he was picked up by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and transferred to a detention facility in Texas. Advertisement Culleton has described the conditions there as "like a modern day concentration camp", a statement which the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has described as "false". The DHS has alleged that when Culleton arrived in the US in 2009 under a visa waiver programme, which allows people to stay in the US for 90 days without a visa, he did not leave after this period. A pending green card application and work authorisation does not give someone legal status to be in our country," the DHS previously said. Culleton has asked for his case to be raised in the Taoiseach's visit to the White House in March. Micheal Martin has said that "five to six" Irish nationals are currently detained by ICE in the US. The largest Education and Training Board (ETB) in the country made pension overpayments totalling 202,739 for almost a decade after a widow/er of a deceased ETB worker failed to disclose a new marriage for nine years. The newly released 2024 annual report for the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB reveals that it has now entered an agreement with the former spouse to recover the 202,739 overpayment. The overpayment arose in 2010 after a retired ETB employee died and their spouse was subsequently awarded the spouses pension. However, the person remarried in 2015 but failed to inform the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB and the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) for another nine years before finally disclosing the change in marital status in August 2024. The NSSO administers pension payments on behalf of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB, and when the spouse claimant contacted the NSSO and advised them of their changed marital status, the NSSO immediately discontinued the spouses pension payment in August 2024. Advertisement The report states that 202,739 was the gross overpayment and 108,653 is the net overpayment. The section of the report which deals with Statement on Internal Control states that, as a consequence of the overpayment, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB revised and amended the Spouses Pension application form. It states that the amended application form now includes an instruction that a spouse/civil partner must contact Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB in writing if their marital/civil status changes. The gender of the former widow/er is not disclosed in the report. Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB is the largest of the 16 ETBs throughout Ireland and employs over 4,600 employees and supports over 80,000 learners in their career and education. The 2024 report shows that its spend increased to 313.4m that included 151.2m in pay. Elsewhere in the Statement on Internal Control, it deals with Data Breaches, Fraud, a Revenue Unit and Payment of Arrears. In the case of Data Breaches, the report states that in 2024, five data breaches ranging from low to high risk were reported to the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) - one low, one medium and three high risk. The report states that no claims for compensation were paid in 2024 for any of the 2024 breaches. It adds: In March 2023, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB had a data breach related to learner data in a centre. This breach resulted in payment of compensation through our insurers to two individuals in 2024. Under the heading of Fraud, the report states that two external investigations were ongoing in 2024 in relation to the suspected fraud that was notified in 2022 in two bodies funded by Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB. Advertisement The report states that in 2024, both sums were recovered by Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB. It goes on: "However, per capita payments linked to one of the cases is likely to result in additional monies being repaid to Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB. Garda investigations are ongoing in both cases." The report states that no new incidents were reported under Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETBs' Fraud Policy in 2024. Under the heading of Revenue Audit, the report states that Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB was one of the ETBs selected by Revenue in April 2025 to complete a Level 1 Compliance Intervention focusing on Electronic Services supplied by foreign suppliers for the period 2023 - 2024. The report states that following engagement with Revenue, it was identified that DDLETB had applied a VAT methodology that differed from Revenues position on specific invoice types. The report states that following the review, additional VAT liabilities were identified. The total additional VAT paid was 47,666, interest of 6,815 and a penalty for 2023 of 687. In relation to pay arrears, the report states that 256 staff members were paid arrears ranging from 40 to 9,106, and the total of these were 336,690 and the causes of these arrears are varied and primarily due to normal payroll amendments. A Co Kildare family was locked in a loo for almost an hour at Dublin Airport and had to be rescued by firemen who were forced to break down the door, Judge James ODonohoe was told in the Circuit Civil Court. Owen Nolan, his daughter Ailbh (9) and sons, Hugh (5) and Max (2), had been helplessly trapped for 50 minutes as their airline continuously called for them to board their holiday flight to Spain on May 30th 2022, barrister Karen Nolan (no relation) told the court. Ms Nolan, who appeared with Emily Brown of Newbridge-based Burns Nowlan Solicitors, added that the distressed mother of the children spent her time trying to console her children and stop the plane from taking off without them. Counsel for the Nolan family, who live at The Avenue, Riverside Manor, Kilcullen, Co Kildare, said the children were becoming more and more stressed after two failed attempts by maintenance staff to get them out of the bathroom that had child and adult facilities. Advertisement They had notified staff of their predicament by pulling the emergency cord in the bathroom, and 50 minutes later, were told by firemen to stand back and protect themselves in a corner as the door was coming in, barrister Nolan said. Judge ODonohoe was told the whole stressful incident had been caused by the inside handle on the door having come off when the family had attempted to get out. They had eventually just made their flight but their week-long holiday had been impacted by the incident. Ireland Woman tells court younger brother 'learned to rape' her when he was a child Read more The court heard that Ailbhe, a student, was now aged 13, and her brothers were now nine and six, both of whom had settlement offers of 7,000 each ruled earlier by a judge in the District Court. Counsel for the family said the Dublin Airport Authority had accepted an Injuries Board assessment of 21,000 compensation, inclusive of expenses, for Ailbhe, who had suffered significant distress as a result of the incident. She said Mr Nolan, through whom Ailbhe had sued the Authority and was satisfied with the offer. Judge ODonohoe, approving the assessment, said he considered the amount of compensation as on the mark. Former University of Limerick (UL) president, professor Kerstin Mey, is seeking a High Court injunction preventing the university from proceeding with any reinvestigation in connection with claims she misled the Dail Public Accounts Committee (PAC) or a previous investigation officer. Prof Mey, currently UL professor of Visual Culture, resigned as president in 2024 as part of a settlement agreement after she was threatened with disciplinary action over due diligence and adherence to policies during the universitys 2022 purchase of a 20-house development at Rhebogue, Co Limerick, for rent to 80 postgrad and research students. The university paid some 12.4 million for the development, which was valued for the Comptroller and Auditor General just a year later at 6.5 million, with an "in-use" value put at 7.4 million. Prof Mey, in an affidavit seeking the injunction, said this led to public controversy and a delegation from the university was invited to appear before the PAC on May 18th, 2023. Advertisement She said an issue arose around why UL's chief corporate officer (CCO), Andrew Flaherty was not in attendance before the PAC even though he stayed the night before in the same hotel as the delegation, had dinner with them paid for by the university, and he also allegedly claimed travelling expenses to Dublin. It later emerged that he was also allegedly texting the delegation during the PAC meeting. Prof Mey said Mr Flaherty was not listed as a member of the delegation because he had a longstanding prior commitment on May 18 and was on a day's leave then. In August 2023, Caroline Jenkinson was appointed by a newly appointed Special Disclosures Group at the university following a protected disclosure to the Minister for Further and Higher Education. Ms Jenkinson was to investigate the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Mr Flaherty as CCO and the reply given to the PAC about why he had not been in attendance at the May 18 meeting. Ms Jenkinson found no wrongdoing on behalf of Prof Mey or her representatives in relation to Mr Flaherty's non-attendance. Prof Mey was off on sick leave from March 2024 and due to return on June 6th 2024, but was put on special leave from then. In the meantime, another university delegation had met with the PAC. UL's Audit and Risk Committee conducted a review in early 2024 of the 12.4 million housing purchase and concluded that it could not be said that due diligence was undertaken at all stages or that university policies and processes were adhered to during it. Advertisement Mediation followed between Prof Mey and the university, which resulted in a settlement whereby she would resign from August 31, 2024, with a particular clause stating no disciplinary action would be brought against her. She was to move to a new 175,000 a year post as professor of visual culture. Prof Mey said media controversy over the housing deal continued, and in May 2025, the Special Disclosures Group told her a reinvestigation was to be carried out over an "apparent conflict of information" in what was said by the former president to the first investigation and to the PAC. Solicitors' correspondence followed with Prof Mey disputing the right of the university to reopen the investigation. The university stood firm in its stance. She initiated legal proceedings last December seeking to prevent it from initiating any disciplinary proceedings in connection with the allegation that she misled the PAC. She said she is also to be subject to a proposed separate investigation providing an account for her actions and decisions in relation to revised payment arrangements for the housing deal. She was invited to a meeting on Tuesday next (Feb 17th) in relation to a reinvestigation. On Friday, Marcus Dowling SC, for Prof Mey, was granted permission for short service of injunction proceedings restraining a reinvestigation. The application was ex parte, or with only the Mey side present. Mr Dowling said his client has told the defendant she will not be attending the meeting and will not be doing so. Mr Justice Brian Cregan said the case could return on Tuesday. Ireland's first European Space Agency Phi-Lab will be headquartered at Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The six-year pioneering programme is designed to drive innovation in space technologies within companies in Ireland. Phi-Lab Ireland will fund cutting-edge research from materials discovery and testing, to the scaled production of components optimised for the unique and challenging environment of space. The launch forms part of a wider national commitment to the European Space Agency, with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment committing 170 million in investment to ESA over the next five years. Produced using a space-grade additive-manufactured material mounted on a local piece of 6,500-year-old Irish Bog Oak, the plaque heralds Irelands formal entry into ESAs elite network of applied space-innovation centres. Since the publication of Irelands National Space Strategy for Enterprise in 2019, there are now 120 space-active companies working with ESA in Ireland. Advertisement Speaking at the launch, Barry Kennedy, CEO of IMR, described the new Phi-Lab as a defining moment for Irelands innovation landscape. Today marks a significant milestone in Irelands space and innovation ambition. "IMR is proud to lead the launch of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, establishing it as a national platform for space technology development. "This facility positions Ireland at the forefront of European space-enabled innovation, where advanced manufacturing, AI and data-driven technologies can be developed, tested and commercialised for global impact. Ultimately, this is about translating world-class research into real economic and societal value. A 32-year-old man who was previously charged with directing a criminal gang has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to a series of lesser offences, including having cocaine for sale or supply and making threats to kill. Mark Salmon, of Kilbarron Avenue, Kilmore, West Dublin, was originally charged with a total of 16 offences, including directing a criminal organisation, making threats to kill or cause serious injury to several individuals and making demands with menaces for more than 250,000. His trial was due to start at the non-jury court on Friday. However, when Salmons case was called on, defence senior counsel Dominic McGinn said progress had been made and asked that his client be arraigned on four counts on the indictment. Fiona Murphy SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the three-judge court that the pleas were being offered on a full facts basis and arose from what were, in effect, three separate incidents. Advertisement Counsel said the drugs charge stemmed from the transportation of cocaine to Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim and incorporated threats made to a woman, as well as criminal damage. As the matters were intrinsically linked, she said it was appropriate that a charge of criminal damage be taken into consideration in relation to the Section 15A drugs offence. The former charge related to criminal damage at a property belonging to two others at Seagrange Road, Baldoyle Dublin 13 on April 19th 2024. The second set of circumstances concerned two counts of possessing property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct. Ms Murphy said that full evidence would be given at the sentence in relation to all money laundering matters contained in the book of evidence. The final matter related to threats to kill or cause serious harm to another man, which were made to his mother. Counsel said impact statements would be heard at a later date from the victims. Salmon was then arraigned before the court, where he pleaded guilty to charges that he engaged in acquiring and/or possessing property which was the proceeds of criminal conduct to the value of 24,257.44 between January 01 and December 31st 2022 and property which was the proceeds of criminal conduct to the value of 60,565.41 between January 1st and December 31st 2023 while knowing or believing that, or being reckless as to whether or not the said property was the proceeds of criminal conduct. He further admitted to making a threat, intending a person to believe it would be carried out, to kill or cause a man serious harm on a date unknown between January 1 and 20 May, 2024. Advertisement Salmon also pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cocaine worth in excess of 13,000 for the purpose of unlawfully selling or otherwise supplying the drugs to another on 26th March 2024 at or near Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. Mr McGinn asked that legal aid be extended to cover a psychological report. Ms Justice Karen OConnor, presiding, granted the application, directed that the victim impact statements be prepared and adjourned the case for sentencing to May 11. Salmon was remanded in custody to that date. A sales representative at the Irish arm of global soft drink brand, Coca-Cola, was dismissed for his offensive action in sharing with colleagues inappropriate language and images via Snapchat. Now, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Adjudicator, Michael McEntee, has dismissed Shane Molloys claim of unfair dismissal against Coca-Cola HBC Ireland Ltd. In his findings, Mr McEntee found that no unfair dismissal had taken place after concluding that the finding has to be that the dismissal was within the band of reasonableness for the employer. Mr McEntee stated that Mr Molloys claim of unfair dismissal has to fail. Mr Molloy commenced employment with the Coca-Cola firm on March 31st 2022, and he was dismissed on December 10th 2024 and Mr Molloys salary was 39,000 per annum. Mr Molloy represented himself at the two-day hearing and he accepted that he had instigated and shared with colleagues inappropriate language and images via Snapchat. Advertisement Mr Molloy had apologised fully for these actions, which he accepted "were inappropriate and offensive". The content of the Snapchat messages is not disclosed in the published WRC ruling. However, Mr Molloy believed that the Coca Cola firm had failed to properly consider the context of the material, his previous exemplary record and had failed to consider any sanctions other than dismissal. Mr Molloy argued that the messages were largely banter between colleagues and never had any intention to hurt or cause offence. Mr Molloy argued that the penalty imposed was completely disproportionate to the offence. In addition, he considered that the disciplinary process had breached confidentiality, had suffered from managerial bias, an inconsistent standard was applied where other staff sending messages were not sanctioned, and in general the entire process had lacked what he called Substantive Fairness and Proportionality. On behalf of Coca Cola HBC Ireland Ltd, Ms Mary Fay BL instructed by Sonam Gaitonde of Arthur Cox, argued that a textbook and studiously fair investigation and disciplinary process had taken place. Ms Fay stated that every step was documented, evidence shared, and all opportunities were given to Mr Molloy to advance counter-evidence. In summary, Ms Fay argued that the investigation and disciplinary process had been exemplary and without fault, and the appeal hearings/investigation were in a similar vein. Ms Fay argued that the dismissal decision was appropriate and fair for a reasonable employer, and reinstatement or reengagement were clearly not viable options. In his findings, Mr McEntee cited the evidence of a senior Coca Cola HBC executive, Mr OD, who oversaw Mr Molloys internal appeal against his dismissal. Mr McEntee stated that Mr OD presented as a most credible and very experienced Senior Manager who comprehensively knew the organisation, its culture and practices. Mr McEntee stated that on questioning, under Oath, Mr OD indicated that he had carefully considered the reasonableness question. Mr McEntee stated that it was Mr ODs conclusion that reinstatement or re-engagement of Mr Molloy was simply not va iable option for the organisation. A witness due to give evidence against Gerry Adams in a forthcoming civil trial should not be anonymous because he has published multiple articles in his own name, the UK High Court has been told. Three men who were injured in Provisional IRA bombings on the UK mainland in the 1970s and 1990s are bringing legal action against the former Sinn Fein president for just 1 in damages. John Clark, a victim of the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London, Jonathan Ganesh, a 1996 London Docklands bombing victim, and Barry Laycock, a victim of the 1996 Arndale shopping centre bombing in Manchester, all allege that Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA on those dates, including of its Army Council. Adams denies that he had any role in the Provisional IRA and is opposing the claim, which will go to trial on March 9th. Advertisement Edward Craven KC, for Adams, said in written submissions for a hearing on Friday that there is no cogent evidence that two anonymous witnesses due to give evidence in support of the three men would face any risk if their identities were revealed. He said: The claimants solicitors did not disclose that one of the two witnesses, witness B, has published multiple articles under his own name. He added that those articles expressed detailed views about various issues concerning the Troubles and that the witness had openly published such information about his past roles in Northern Ireland. The barrister also said that there were no references to fears for their safety in the witness statements given to the court. He said: If they held genuine and objectively well-founded fears for their safety if their identities were to become public, then one would logically have expected those fears to be reflected in those witness statements. The absence of any reference to such fears in those statements is therefore significant. Anne Studd KC, for the three men, said anonymity for the witnesses should continue, after an order made in August last year. She told the court that one witness said in his statement that he believes the Provisional IRA or people associated with it still exist. She added: This case is very likely to increase interest again in these issues and this witness, with his past experience, is concerned about that. In written submissions, she said: The claimants concede that the statements in support here do not go as far as to provide the court with objective evidence upon which it could be satisfied as to real and immediate risk to life or serious harm. Advertisement She continued: However, there is clear and cogent evidence of objective and subjective risk of harm which is far from fanciful in the context of this claim. In response to one witness publishing articles under his name, she said the circumstances where the witness has given previous information publicly previously is very different. Ms Studd also applied to include more witnesses being able to give evidence at trial, which Mr Justice Swift allowed. The judge also said that the application last year to anonymise the two witnesses was not made correctly. He said: Therefore, the appropriate course will be to discharge the order and consider again whether the anonymity sought by witness A and witness B should be granted. He continued: In the meantime, the order that has been made must remain in force. A new crew rocketed toward the International Space Station on Friday to replace the astronauts who returned to Earth early in Nasas first medical evacuation. SpaceX launched the replacements as soon as possible at Nasas request, sending the US, French and Russian astronauts on an expected eight- to nine-month mission stretching until autumn. The four should arrive at the orbiting lab on Saturday, filling the vacancies left by their evacuated colleagues last month and bringing the space station back to full staff. It turns out Friday the 13th is a very lucky day, SpaceX Launch Control radioed once the astronauts reached orbit. That was quite a ride, replied the crews commander, Jessica Meir. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four aboard the Dragon space craft lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida (John Raoux/AP) Nasa had to put spacewalks on hold and deferred other duties while awaiting the arrival of Americans Meir and Jack Hathaway, Frances Sophie Adenot and Russias Andrei Fedyaev. They will join three other astronauts one American and two Russians who kept the space station running the past month. Advertisement Satisfied with medical procedures already in place, Nasa ordered no extra check-ups for the crew ahead of lift-off and no new diagnostic equipment was packed. An ultrasound machine already up there for research went into overdrive on January 7 when used on the ailing crew member. Nasa has not revealed the ill astronauts identity or health issue. All four returning astronauts went straight to the hospital after splashing down in the Pacific near San Diego. It was the first time in 65 years of human spaceflight that Nasa cut short a mission for medical reasons. In preparation for Moon and Mars trips where health care will be even more challenging, the new arrivals will test a filter designed to turn drinking water into emergency IV fluid, try out an ultrasound system that relies on artificial intelligence and augmented reality instead of experts on the ground, and perform ultrasound scans on their jugular veins in a blood clot study. They also will demonstrate their moon-landing skills in a simulated test. Palestine Action remains banned as a terror group in the UK despite its co-founder winning a High Court challenge. Huda Ammori took legal action against the Home Office over then-home secretary Yvette Coopers decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Judge Victoria Sharp said she won her challenge on two grounds, but the ban would remain to allow further arguments and the Government time to consider an appeal. The ban, which began on July 5th last year, made membership of, or support for, the direct-action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, with thousands having since been arrested for supporting the group. About a hundred people gathered outside the High Court building in central London cheering and chanting Free Palestine as the decision was announced. Advertisement At a hearing late last year, lawyers for Ammori told the High Court that the ban was an ill-considered, discriminatory, due process-lacking, authoritarian abuse of statutory power. Dozens of people were arrested on the first day of the hearing in November for supporting Palestine Action (Ben Whitley/PA) Barristers for the Home Office, which is defending the challenge, said the move strikes a fair balance and that those who support Palestine Action can still protest without breaking the law. Reading out a summary of their ruling, Sharp, sitting with Judges Swift and Steyn, said that Ammoris challenge succeeded on two of four grounds of challenge. Ammori began her legal challenge against the decision in June before failing in a last-minute bid on July 4th to block the ban from taking effect. In October, the Home Office lost a Court of Appeal bid to block the challenge from proceeding, with judges dismissing the departments argument that Ammori should challenge the decision through the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, rather than at the High Court. Opening the full hearing of the challenge in November, Raza Husain, for Ammori, told the High Court that there had been more than 2,000 arrests after Palestine Actions proscription, including priests, teachers, pensioners, retired British Army officers and an 81-year-old former magistrate. He continued that the ban was alien to the basic tradition of common law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Owen Greenhall, also for Ammori, said that protesters holding up signs which read I support Palestine Action was very much classic civil disobedience territory that has a huge history. He continued: The breach of unjust laws is absolutely classic civil disobedience territory. Advertisement The consequence of the (home secretarys) position is that Rosa Parks would not have any weight to her right to freedom of expression, simply because she deliberately chose not to move on a bus, and that demonstrates the absurdity of the point. On the first day of the hearing, police arrested 143 people after demonstrations took place in support of Palestine Action. The court also heard written evidence from Normal People author Sally Rooney in support of the challenge, after she previously said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations of novels to Palestine Action. Whilst it has at all times been open to supporters of Palestine Action to protest against its proscription without breaking the law, certain individuals have instead repeatedly sought to flout Palestine Actions proscription Sir James Eadie KC, for the Home Office Rooney said it was unclear whether any UK company can make payments to her under anti-terror laws and that if she was prevented from profiting from her work, her income would be enormously restricted. The Irish writer also said it is almost certain she cannot publish or produce new work in the UK while the ban remains in force. James Eadie, for the Home Office, said the ban strikes a fair balance between interference with the rights of the individuals affected and the interests of the community. In written submissions, he said: Whilst it has at all times been open to supporters of Palestine Action to protest against its proscription without breaking the law, certain individuals have instead repeatedly sought to flout Palestine Actions proscription. Eadie added that the aim is stifling organisations concerned in terrorism and for members of the public to face criminal liability for joining or supporting such organisations. That serves to ensure proscribed organisations are deprived of the oxygen of publicity as well as both vocal and financial support, he said. The United States will send the worlds largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East to back up another one already there, putting more American firepower behind Donald Trumps efforts to coerce Iran into a deal over its nuclear programme, sources said. The USS Gerald R Fords planned deployment to the Middle East comes just days after US president Mr Trump suggested another round of talks with the Iranians was at hand. Those negotiations did not materialise as one of Tehrans top security officials visited Oman and Qatar this week and exchanged messages with the US intermediaries. Mr Trump said failure to reach a deal could be traumatic for Iran (AP) Already, Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Middle East still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Iranians are beginning to hold 40-day mourning ceremonies for the thousands killed in Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, adding to the internal pressure faced by the sanctions-battered Islamic Republic. Advertisement The Fords deployment, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. Already, the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers are in the Arabian Sea. It marks a quick turnaround for the Ford, which the US president sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration built up a huge military presence in the lead-up to the surprise raid last month that captured then-Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. The death of protesters in Iran triggered demonstrations across the world (AP) It also appears to be at odds with Mr Trumps national security strategy, which put an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. On Thursday, Mr Trump warned Iran that failure to reach a deal with his administration would be very traumatic. Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman last week. I guess over the next month, something like that, Mr Trump said in response to a question about his timeline for striking a deal with Iran on its nuclear programme. It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly. Mr Trump told Axios earlier this week that he was considering sending a second carrier strike group to the Middle East. The US leader held lengthy talks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and said he insisted to Israels leader that negotiations with Iran needed to continue. Advertisement Mr Netanyahu is urging the administration to press Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and end its support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any deal. The USS Ford set out on deployment in late June 2025, which means the crew will have been deployed for eight months in two weeks time. While it is unclear how long the ship will remain in the Middle East, the move sets the crew up for a long deployment. Keir Starmer met the Ukrainian president and European leaders at a major defence summit. Efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia are high on the agenda at the Munich Security Conference as the four-year anniversary of Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion nears. The future of transatlantic ties is also the focus of discussions as Europe grapples with antagonism from Donald Trumps White House. The US delegation is being led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who pointed to a new era in geopolitics before his arrival. The British Prime Minister was seated next to Mr Rubio at the Ukraine meeting, although the US politician had not arrived by the time the press left the room for the private talks to commence. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the session with a special welcome for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Munich (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Leaders from France, Denmark, Nato, the European Council, European Commission and other countries were also present. The meeting was billed as an extension of talks held in Berlin in December, when European leaders set out conditions for any peace deal with Russia, including security guarantees backed by the US. Advertisement Another round of US-brokered negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war are set to take place next week. Starmer then met Mr Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron at the packed Hotel Bayerischer Hof. The German chancellor quipped I hope you dont mind about the European flag as the trio posed for the cameras in front of a row of flags before they sat down for talks on the sidelines of the summit. He will address the conference on Saturday morning and take part in a moderated conversation titled Principled and pragmatic: wielding power in a world in disarray with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He is expected to call for the bloc to move away from its overdependence on Washington. The conference is being held at a time when the USs commitment to Nato has been called into question. Tensions flared over Mr Trumps recent threat to take over Greenland from Nato partner Denmark. Mr Merz called for a new trans-Atlantic partnership and acknowledged that a divide had emerged between the continents as he opened the conference. US vice-president JD Vances criticism of European countries, including the UK, over free speech and immigration last year set the tone for a dramatic deterioration in relations. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Patriot lines up global copper-silver assets for the AI-driven surge Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd February 13, 2026 3:49pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A As the AI revolution juggernaut pushes on and the copper-silver data centre glut increases tensions, ASX-listed junior Patriot Resources has masterminded a globally scaled copper-silver portfolio to ride the explosive wave of demand being driven by artificial intelligence and data centres. The company has stitched together a set of perfectly timed high-grade assets in Africa and South America just as copper prices continue to shatter all-time highs currently above US$13,000 (A$18,300) per tonne - and silver surges on demand from the electronics industry and from its role as a precious metal. The high-grade San Gabriel gold mine in Peru lies immediately adjacent to Patriot Resources recently acquired Tassa silver-gold project. The company has also brought in fresh management to accelerate its exploration journey. Dominic Duggan, who has stepped up as chief executive officer, has an operationally disciplined background that perfectly suits the companys dual-pronged copper-silver strategy. Duggans decade-plus experience stretches across iron ore, gold and base metals - spanning underground and open-pit environments - and brings the ideal mix of technical rigour and financial savvy to drive high-impact decisions. Advertisement Patriots strategic arsenal of near-term discoveries across two premier mining belts is led by its flagship Tassa silver-gold project in Peru. Management says its new play, scooped two months ago, is a high-grade epithermal stunner and catapults the company into the heart of southern Perus prolific Southern Epithermal Belt. This latest bolt-on, secured for just 20 million shares and US$500,000 (A$710,000) cash, positions the explorer squarely in a tier-1 jurisdiction buzzing with major activity. The belt is home to world-class silver and gold systems, attracting well-known heavy hitters such as Teck, Barrick, and Fresnillo, all of whom are pushing hard with aggressive exploration programs. Their presence is a powerful endorsement of the districts pedigree for high-grade vein- and breccia-hosted epithermal deposits, supported by strong infrastructure in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Tassa shares its eastern boundary with Buenaventuras San Gabriel underground gold mine, which hosts 1.8 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves and associated silver at a hefty 3.71 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. Advertisement Scout diamond drilling at the project has already delivered a treasure trove of intercepts that scream scale, including 60 metres at 224.20 g/t silver from 24m, 37m at 113.5g/t silver, 16m at 152.9g/t silver and a scorching 4m hit running 919.5g/t silver. The projects southern zone flips the script to gold credits, with promising whiffs of the yellow metal, including 16m at 1.5g/t gold, 81.9m at 0.41g/t and a whopping 234 metres grading 0.25g/t gold. Management is lining up a drilling blitz this year at Tassa to expand the mineralised zones, test depth extensions and chase a maiden resource that could reveal a serious silver-gold contender in a district already producing at scale. While Peru leads the charge as Patriots high-conviction precious metals spearhead, the companys copper-silver firepower is firmly anchored at its Zambian Mumbwa copper district, delivering a complementary base metals punch to round out the balanced portfolio. At the projects Target B1 prospect, advanced geophysical surveys are dramatically revealing the true scale of a near-surface polymetallic system, extending the anomaly from 400m to a commanding one kilometre of strike, with mineralised signatures confirmed to at least 100m in depth and open laterally and along strike. Advertisement The geophysical breakthrough has built on earlier phase 1 trenching results, where silver emerged as a standout, with credits up to 4.93g/t across 26-metre widths and gold adding value in extensions. Importantly, copper equivalent grades hit 0.33 per cent over 14m, with mineralisation remaining consistent across some 344m of trenching. The company says the anomaly appears to be a classic flat-lying zoned structure, with phase two exploration expected to double down on high-resolution ground magnetics and induced polarisation (IP) surveys to tweak the systems high-grade zones. Refined drill targets will then be rapidly followed up on, with a maiden drill program slated for as soon as next quarter to probe those extensions and validate the polymetallic potential. Kitumba lies within the Katanga Supergroup of the Central African Copperbelt, a geological hotspot for major base and precious metal deposits. The project also sits hard up against Sinomines Kitumba operation, just 4.4km away, which is set to fire up its new plant and smelter later this year. Advertisement Patriot says its Zambian footprint is massive and contiguous, making it one of the biggest groundholdings in the Mumbwa district. With high-grade copper open in all directions at secondary targets such as its Katumba prospect, exploration is being considered to tap the big district-scale upside. The addition of silver-gold results at Target B1 has further strengthened the companys blue-sky approach, while significant polymetallic potential continues to grow across its system. As a double-barrelled copper-silver darling, Patriots portfolio is strongly aligned to the insatiable demands of the AI revolution and data centre boom, with copper wiring the massive server farms and silver powering the electronics and conductivity needs of the endless data surge. The 2026 roadmap for the company looks aggressive and clear. Prioritise the high-grade discoveries at Tassa with drilling leading to a resource in short order, while Kitumbas large-scale geophysical interpretation feeds into a major drilling attack on Target B1. Although not in the crosshairs right now, Patriot has kept its Gorman lithium project on watch in North America as lithium prices once again begin to sneak back to feasible levels. Advertisement Early-stage discovery stories in tier-1 neighbourhoods such as Patriot can quickly turn capped explorers into market standouts. With chronic supply shortages driving commodity prices to historic highs, this juniors strategic portfolio appears perfectly timed to deliver a discovery that matters. If southern Perus epithermal belt and Zambias Copperbelt extensions keep delivering, this ASX junior may not stay under the radar for long, with its prime ground sitting squarely in the sights of global majors. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement EnvironmentConservationEndangered species Dozens more plants and animals added to Australias endangered lists Bianca Hall February 13, 2026 2:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Nineteen species have been added to Australias critically endangered list, including a wingless stonefly found in about four square kilometres of a Victorian mountain. In total, 34 species have been added to the countrys threatened species list, edging ever closer to extinction. Lemuroid ringtail possums are now listed as endangered. Gary W Wilson via iNaturalist They include the lemuroid ringtail possum of northern Queensland, a charismatic marsupial also known as a brushy-tailed ringtail, which lives in tall, moist and mature rainforests in the wet tropics. Lemuroid ringtail possums, now listed as endangered, are highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly increasing temperatures and drying conditions. Advertisement The Australian Conservation Foundation says that as temperatures rise, the animals are being forced to move to higher elevations in the Wet Tropics rainforests. On the critically endangered list for the first time are the Mount Donna Buang wingless stonefly, a diminutive flightless insect that has a habitat range of four to six kilometres, but could be found in less than one square kilometre. Despite its name, the Mount Donna Buang wingless stonefly cannot, in fact, fly. Andrew Douch via iNaturalist The ACF says the insect is the only known Australian stonefly that hatches in snow and, as such, is highly vulnerable to a heating climate. Australia has so many unusual and amazing species, yet an increasing number are threatened with extinction, said ACFs national nature campaigner, Jess Abrahams. Advertisement Creatures like the lemuroid ringtail possum in the rainforests of the Wet Tropics and Victorias extraordinary Mount Donna Buang wingless stonefly are highly vulnerable to climate change, while Tasmanias glossy grass skink has had much of its habitat taken over. The skink, which lives in the north-west of Tasmania, has fallen victim to habitat loss from land clearing for logging and agriculture, as well as urban sprawl. The glossy grass skink has been added to Australias threatened species list. via iNaturalist Of the latest additions to the threatened species list, 25 are plants, including several wattle species, and a spider orchid. By being added to the threatened species list, all of these creatures are now matters of national environmental significance under Australias national nature law, which was strengthened by the parliament late last year, Abrahams said. Advertisement Related Article Australia votes Troubled waters: Tasmania goes to the polls for the salmon election The ACF is calling on the federal government to ensure the new rules being developed by Environment Minister Murray Watt under reformed environmental laws are strong enough to protect threatened species and their habitats. The push comes a month after the government added the Murray River, downstream of the Darling River, and its associated aquatic and floodplain systems to the threatened species list, listing it as critically endangered. Meanwhile, Watt on Friday rejected a request to update the listing of the endangered Maugean skate to critically endangered, a decision he said was informed by advice from the independent Threatened Species Scientific Committee, the Tasmanian government, researchers and members of the public. The skate is under increasing pressure from industrial salmon farms in the pristine Macquarie Harbour. Advertisement The Australian government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the Maugean skate does not go extinct on our watch, Watt said in a statement. This decision does not change the need to undertake critical actions for the Maugean skate and its home in Macquarie Harbour. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Endangered species Bianca Hall is The Age's environment and climate reporter, and has worked in a range of roles including as a senior writer, city editor, and in the federal politics bureau in Canberra. , Facebook or email. Connect via X Advertisement NationalQueenslandQueensland government Hanson backs rebel bid to put abortion back on Queensland agenda William Davis February 13, 2026 5:38pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has backed a rebel LNP representatives efforts to reignite the abortion debate in Queensland. Mackay MP Nigel Dalton crossed the floor on Tuesday, supporting a Katters Australian Party push that would have reversed a gag introduced by David Crisafulli in an attempt to neutralise the issue. This is a personal response, this is me getting right with God, getting right with the community, Dalton later said in an online interview explaining the decision. Pauline Hanson fronted media in Brisbane on Friday after Angus Taylor deposed Sussan Ley as leader of the federal opposition. William Davis The effort failed, but put the spotlight back on a fracture in the conservative side of Queensland politics that has largely been contained since the 2024 election. Advertisement Asked if she thought the move was in the interest of Queenslanders, Hanson said on Friday it was a central concern for many voters. Related Article Updated Abortion Liberal-National MP rebels against Crisafulli on abortion The abortion issue is very important to a lot of Australians, and Ive actually had my concerns about it greatly, Hanson told reporters at the Commonwealth offices in the Brisbane CBD. What have we come to in this country? Wheres our humanity? I think its disgusting. At the 2024 election Labor tried to wedge the LNP on abortion, suggesting many members privately planned to support legislation banning the medical procedure. Advertisement Crisafulli repeatedly stated changes to the status quo were not part of our plan, and described the Labor narrative as a scare campaign. This week Dalton confessed he had not believed the rhetoric of his own leader. I stood in press conferences in Mackay alongside other members who are now in the government and we said there would be no change no change to the abortion laws, he said. There probably wont be any changes, but I didnt believe that. I hope, in some ways, by standing up and saying this and doing this, we can actually draw attention to what the abortion act actually says in Queensland. Advertisement One Nation has surged in polling recently, with the trend largely attributed to ongoing cost-of-living pressures and a wave of dissatisfaction with the Liberal and National parties. Related Article Abortion This is my time to redeem myself: Rebel Liberal-National MP hopes to reignite abortion debate Hanson did back one LNP policy, the reintroduction of optional preferential voting in Queensland, suggesting it could benefit her party at the 2028 state election. The public are screaming out they dont want their vote to flow to someone they dont want in parliament, she said. Give them the option whether they want to put a mark beside one of the candidates or leave it blank, because of a lot of these people should not be on the floor of parliament. Advertisement The populist firebrand did not give her verdict on the incumbent LNP government in Queensland, but said major party members were defecting to One Nation across the country. Different jockey, same dead horse, she said of Angus Taylor five hours after he had deposed Sussan Ley as leader of the federal opposition. The people have had enough. They are hurting and they want strong leadership. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Travel newsCruises The coolest new ships launching in 2026 (including one in Australia) Brian Johnston February 13, 2026 11:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A From a special Australian arrival to chic luxury yachts and big budget ships, were spoiled for choice of new ship launches this year. Next month, PS Australian Star, operated by Murray River Paddlesteamers, will be launched. The ship carries 38 guests and features a lounge, a fine-dining restaurant and 19 staterooms. It celebrates the Murray regions heritage in its decor. The paddle steamer Australian Star passing under a bridge at Swan Hill on its 19-day voyage from Mildura to its current mooring near Echuca. Murray River Paddlesteamers An artists impression of one of the cabins on the Australian Star. Murray River Paddlesteamers The ship sails three, four and seven-night round-trip cruises from Echuca, and partners with APT, which has chartered nearly half its sailings. Most cabins have already sold out this year, and demand for 2027 is high. Advertisement Australian Star may be the most unusual ship launching in 2026, but it is far from alone. The posh 190-guest yacht Four Seasons I, a first from the upmarket hotel chain, has recently sailed out on its maiden Caribbean season. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Also, now sailing in the Caribbean is Windstars 224-guest Star Seeker, the companys first brand-new build. A refurbished 224-guest ship, Star Explorer, is slated for December. An artists impression of Windstars Star Explorer on the water in Norway. Aqua Lares launches this month. Artists impression This month, its the turn of Aqua Expeditions Aqua Lares in the Seychelles and in April, Emerald Cruises (owned by Scenic) will inaugurate Emerald Kaia in the Mediterranean. The 128-guest ship is larger than Emeralds existing two yachts, with bigger staterooms, more decks and a new sky lounge and spa pool. Advertisement Those who prefer larger ships will delight in the arrival of the 3550-guest Norwegian Luna in the Caribbean in April, and the 5628-guest Legend of the Seas from Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean in July. The delayed 6700-guest Disney Adventure finally sets sail next month. Homeported in Singapore, the ship features Disney, Pixar and Marvel themes and has exclusive areas for tweens, teens and adults. Goldilocks types wanting something in the middle can look forward to Explora Journeys 926-guest Explora III in the Mediterranean the halfway mark for a new luxury brand owned by MSC Cruises, which will later be launching a further three ships. Disney Adventure will be Disneys biggest ship yet. Artists impression The design for Explora IIIs Conservatory Pool and Bar. Advertisement Explora III has some tweaks on previous vessels. It has expanded public spaces, kids clubs and wellness areas, and it will be powered by liquefied natural gas. Then theres Viking Mira and Viking Libra. Both hold 998 guests and will sail inaugural Mediterranean seasons. Libra is notable for being the worlds first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. And for those looking for top-tier luxury, the 108-guest Orient Express Corinthian, the venture of another hotel company, Accor, arrives in the Mediterranean in June. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is launching the 822-guest Seven Seas Prestige in December, the first of a new class of ship that promises new staterooms and restaurant options and new public spaces that will surely be as opulent and eye-catching as those on its other ships. Finally, in December 2026 will come the arrival of the 6762-guest MSC World Asia which, despite its name, starts sailing in the Mediterranean more evidence that winter cruising in Europe is gaining popularity. The ship will have some Asian-inspired design, a dining venue serving pan-Asian street food and a sushi and teppanyaki restaurant. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Cruises Ocean cruises River cruises Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home. Advertisement WorldEuropeCrime Gold thief escapes on getaway donkey Lily Shanagher February 13, 2026 10:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A thief who broke into a jewellery shop fled the scene on a getaway donkey, trotting through the empty streets in the dead of night. The man, identified only as MC, made the escape after burgling a store in Kayseri, central Turkey, on Tuesday. Security footage showed the masked suspect using a forklift to prise open the metal shutters of the shop, where he allegedly stole 150 grams of gold jewellery. First, he broke a window to get to the shop counter, then he pushed the glass-topped counter on its side and leapt over it before searching through the contents that had tipped out over the floor. Advertisement Related Article Gold Hungry for gold: Inside an 800kg heist The suspect then made his escape by jumping back over the cupboards and out the window. Once outside, he was captured on several cameras riding through the empty town on a donkey. The 26-year-old suspect was later found and arrested by police, who had identified him through the CCTV footage. Video showed him being walked out of a station by two officers. Police officers later found the stolen gold jewellery, which had been wrapped in a black plastic bag and buried in a muddy patch of land. Advertisement The goods, which included rings, necklaces and bracelets, were returned to their owner, police said. The burglar might have done well to research the effectiveness of using a donkey as a getaway vehicle before planning his raid: in Colombia in 2013, thieves were thwarted when their getaway donkey made too much noise and alerted police. A group of men had stolen the donkey to use for their escape as they took food from a shop. But the 10-year-old animal, named Xavi, refused to co-operate and brayed so loudly that police came to investigate, prompting the criminals to flee. Xavi was held at the police station for 12 hours, until his owner came to collect him. The Telegraph, London Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Crime Animals Gold & nbsp; The governments Defence Acquisition Council on Thursday accepted proposals worth Rs. 3.60 trillion, including procuring Rafale fighter jets and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) for the Indian Air Force. The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) marked a formal in-principle approval to induct AS-HAPS to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and communication capabilities, marking a push in indigenous near-space defence systems. What are pseudo-satellites The AS-HAPS are unmanned platforms that operate 10 to 50 kilometres above the Earth's surface and at temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to -56 degrees Celsius. The distance is far above commercial aircraft but below traditional satellites. The platforms can stay aloft for weeks or even months, acting like atmospheric satellites. These satellites are usually solar-powered with onboard high-density batteries for day and night operations, allowing long-duration missions without frequent refuelling or recovery. Also Read IN-SPACe selects Astrome, Azista and Dhruva Space for satellite bus plan Unlike conventional satellites, AS-HAPS can be repositioned, upgraded and maintained, providing flexibility similar to aircraft while retaining satellite-like persistence. AS-HAPS can be deployed for ISR missions, electronic intelligence gathering and telecommunication support. They are expected to provide continuous monitoring of Indias land borders, maritime zones and other strategically sensitive regions. These satellites can hover over a fixed area for long a feature that makes them valuable for real-time situational awareness, especially in high-altitude terrains and remote coastal belts where uninterrupted surveillance is critical. by Raghavan Srinivasan Published by Penguin 300 pages, 799 Each year, during Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil months of March and April, the streets around Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore come alive for the Arubathu Moovar festival in Chennai. Sixty-three bronze idols representing the Saiva Nayanmars are taken out in procession, gleaming with silk, flowers and jewels. As a child perched on my fathers shoulders, I remember less the meaning of the festival and more the heat, the noise, the press of bodies, and the towering wooden chariot carrying a resplendent Siva. The saints were distant, magnificent figures, part of a grand religious spectacle. Raghavan Srinivasans Rebellion in Verse: Resistance and Devotion in the Tamil Bhakti Movement offers something very different from that sensory overload. It is a quiet, thoughtful companion that brings the Nayanmars and their Vaishnava counterparts, the Alwars closer, not as statues or processional icons but as living poets who reshaped faith, language and society through their songs. The books central argument is clear and compelling: The Tamil Bhakti movement was not just about personal devotion. It was also an act of resistance. Through poetry and music, Bhakti saints challenged rigid caste hierarchies, questioned religious authority, and made devotion available to everyone, regardless of birth or status. Srinivasan shows us that these poets were not passive mystics but active social voices, using verse as a way to speak back to power. The Nayanmars 60 men and three women and the Alwars 11 men and one woman lived between the 6th and 12th centuries CE. The Saiva saints sang of Siva and local deities like Murugan, while the Alwars devoted themselves to Vishnu, often called Tirumal. What united them was their choice of Tamil over Sanskrit. This was a bold and political decision. Sanskrit was the language of ritual elites, while Tamil was the language of the people. By composing hymns in Tamil, the Bhakti poets ensured that devotion could be felt, sung and understood by ordinary men and women. Srinivasan traces how these hymns grew out of older traditions. The poets borrowed the lyrical beauty of Sangam poetry, absorbed Buddhist and Jain ideas, and reshaped them through intense personal emotion and love for a chosen god. Bhakti, as the book explains, was deeply intimate and a direct relationship between devotee and deity, yet it was also public and collective, sung aloud in streets, temples and town squares. One of the books strengths lies in its portraits of the saints themselves. These were people from all walks of life: Kings who gave up their thrones, Brahmins, traders, hunters, forest dwellers, and Dalits. Nandanar, born into a marginalised leather-working community, longed to worship at Chidambaram and was ultimately accepted into the temple. Tiruppaan Alwar, considered low caste, was carried on a priests shoulders into the Srirangam temple. Tirumangai Alwar was once a military commander and bandit before becoming a Vaishnava saint. Sambandhar, the child prodigy, is said to have been fed divine wisdom by Siva himself and began composing hymns at the age of three, attaining liberation by 16. Appar, once a Jain monk, turned fiercely against Saiva and used his verses to challenge Jain authority, even converting kings. Women saints receive careful attention, too. Andal, who refused earthly marriage in favour of Vishnu, and Karaikal Ammaiyar, who chose an extreme ascetic life, are presented not as exceptions but as proof that Bhakti opened spiritual space for female voices. The book also explores sacred geography. The Alwars sang of 108 Divya Desams or blessed Vishnu temples, while the Nayanmars praised 275 Padal Petra Sthalams, or Siva temples sanctified through song. These hymns turned the Tamil landscape itself into sacred space, mapping devotion onto everyday geography. Srinivasan pays close attention to how these verses were preserved. Under Chola king Rajaraja I, the Saiva hymns were recovered from crumbling palm-leaf manuscripts in the Chidambaram temple vaults and compiled by Nambiyandar Nambi, even restoring their original musical forms. Vaishnava hymns were similarly collected by Nathamuni in the 9th century. What began as wandering songs eventually became temple liturgy rebellion absorbed into ritual. At times, the books richness can feel dense, with the many strands of history, philosophy, iconography, gender and social commentary woven together. But its aim is generous: To move Bhakti beyond devotional nostalgia and show its radical energy. Srinivasan also traces how this Tamil movement travelled north, influencing Basavanna in Karnataka, the abhang poets of Maharashtra, and later figures like Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas, Guru Nanak, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Sankardev in Assam, all of whom used local languages to speak of devotion and equality. Rebellion in Verse ultimately asks us to listen again to hear Bhakti not as background music to ritual, but as songs that once disrupted social order. In doing so, it restores risk, urgency and a voice to saints too often frozen in bronze. For readers willing to move past spectacle into reflection, this book makes the Tamil Bhakti movement feel alive, questioning and deeply human. The committee has the potential to be the equivalent of the first M Narasimham Committee of our times if it is not restricted to the banking turf that is. The first Narasimham committee, set up by Manmohan Singh as finance minister in August 1991, had a broad mandate nothing less than the committee on the financial system and its commonly held association with pureplay banking is because Narasimham was a former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor. The second committee headed by him in December 1997, when P Chidambaram was finance minister, had a narrower footprint as the committee on banking sector reforms. The sequencing is important. The financial sector has changed beyond recognition since the two Narasimham committees. Nearly all RBI regulated entities (REs) have business lines that cut across financial regulators: Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irdai), and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). R Gandhi, former deputy governor of RBI, said, Let us wait for the terms of reference of the committee (proposed in the Budget). It is possible that while it is called a committee on banking reforms, its footprint may be wider. Our multi-regulator financial architecture anchored by the RBI, Sebi, Irdai and PFRDA reflects diversity and sectoral depth, but it embeds coordination challenges that unified regulators in many developed markets have sought to eliminate, said Ravi Bhadani, legal expert in banking and financial services. The view is shared by Nishith Mehta, lead-risk and compliance at Trilegal: Banks will continue to be the foundation of financial stability and credit delivery. At the same time, the structure of financial intermediation has evolved, with credit now flowing through a wider ecosystem that includes non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), capital markets and technology-enabled platforms. His point is that it would be useful for the committee to take a forward-looking and system-wide view even as it maintains a strong focus on strengthening the banking sector. Such an approach would help ensure that reforms improve resilience, enhance the efficiency of credit transmission, and enable the financial system as a whole to support the next phase of economic expansion. In terms of issues theres the larger NBFCs ambition to become banks the missing aspect in their portfolio at the group level and the as- yet unsettled matter of new bank licences. The RBIs Internal Working Group (IWG) to review extant ownership guidelines and corporate structure for Indian private sector banks made a case for large corporate and industrial houses as promoters of banks. Large NBFCs with an asset size of 50,000 crore and above including those owned by corporate houses, are to be considered for conversion into banks. Mint Road, while accepting 21 of the IWGs 31 recommendations, held the remaining recommendations as under examination. This was read by banking licence hopefuls as a sign that the issue remains open. To be sure, the IWG itself referred to concerns over connected lending and exposure between banks, other financial and non-financial group entities, and the need for strengthening the supervisory mechanism for large conglomerates, including consolidated supervision. Out with the old The need to do away with the outdated in banking has been in the spotlight in recent years. The Regulatory Review Authority (RRA 2.0) drew from the best practices of global central banks: Be it consultation before policy formulation, feedback from REs, or structured meetings with banks corner-room occupants and senior compliance officials, key stakeholders and trade bodies. Over 400 circulars were withdrawn. It was the open-door policy of the RBI to foster better engagement with REs. RRA 2.0 was a follow-through on Y V Reddys decision as deputy RBI governor to set up its first edition in 1999 (he was later appointed governor in September 2003 and served in the position for five years). This was ahead of its times. The polestar for Reddy may well have been the 96th report of the Law Commission of India (1984), which said: Every legislature is expected to undertake what may be called the periodical spring-cleaning of the corpus of its statute law, in order that deadwood may be removed, and citizens may be spared of the inconvenience of taking notice of laws which have ceased to bear any relevance to current conditions. The forward movement with the proposed committee on banking reforms (and the RRC) is to be read with another critical initiative flagged in the Union Budget of FY24 by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She referred to the need for better governance and investor protection in banking through proposed amendments to the RBI Act, 1934; the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970. Taken together, the two RRA editions, RRC, and the budgetary moves in FY24 and FY27 appear to convey that banking is the hinge around which the financial sector revolves. While Indias is in the main a banking-driven financial sector, this may not hold in the decades to come certainly not in 2047. Templates Our financial sector has changed in the post-reform period. Banks have become financial conglomerates, said S C Garg, former union finance secretary. While the first Narasimham committee was on financial sector reforms, it was largely on banking, reflecting the reality of those times. But now things are different. Yes, I agree the mandate (of the proposed committee) should be wider: Financial sector reforms. Look at it from another perspective. While bank deposits still form a significant part of households financial assets and have grown in absolute terms, their share in incremental financial savings have moderated in recent years. Theres been a significant increase in allocations of investments toward non-bank channels such as mutual funds, equity, insurance, and pension funds. said Rohan Lakhaiyar, partner, financial services risk advisory, Grant Thornton Bharat. This is reflective of the broadening of intermediation across a wider set of financial instruments. Given this evolving landscape, financial stability considerations, consumer protection risks, and systemic transmission channels may not be solely banking-centric, he added. Therefore, the formation of an inter-sectoral regulatory committee that spans banking, capital markets, insurance, and pensions would be better aligned with the current structure of household financial intermediation and more suited to framing coherent, system-wide financial sector reforms. A good template to pursue would be the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC). The FSLRC was set by the government in March 2011 to review and rewrite the legal-institutional architecture of the financial sector. It was for the creation of a Financial Sector Appellate Tribunal, and to merge all trading regulation under a unified financial agency. It remains to be seen how the authorities look at these suggestions more than a decade after the FSLRC. This leads us to another aspect. Multiple self-regulatory organisations (SROs) are in place on RBIs turf the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment; the Fixed Income, Money Market, and Derivatives Association of India; Sa-dhan; MicroFinance Institutions Network; Foreign Exchange Dealers' Association of India; Finance Industry Development Council. In the queue are the Unified Fintech Forum (which is the rebranded Digital Lenders Association of India), National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation, and an entity (unnamed) for business correspondents. But what of coordination between SROs, more so if they were to crop up in the domains of Sebi, Irdai, and PFRDA? Is there a mirror-image of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) set up in December 2010 the coordinating agency for regulators chaired by the finance minister? This comes into relief given the move in the Union Budget FY25 to set up a mechanism under the FSDC to evaluate the impact of current financial regulations and subsidiary instructions. This was also to formulate a framework to enhance their responsiveness and development of the financial sector. As Bhadani puts it, specialised regulators bring domain expertise, supervisory proximity, and risk sensitivity; and fragmentation can increase compliance costs, create regulatory arbitrage, and slow innovation. The answer is not necessarily a single super-regulator, but a stronger, institutionalised coordination framework with clear lead regulator principles, harmonised compliance norms, and real-time data sharing. A system that is unified in outcomes but specialised in execution can simultaneously improve ease of doing business and preserve financial stability by ensuring that no systemic risk falls through the cracks, Bhadani said. On the regulatory front Alkem MedTech, the medical devices arm of Alkem Laboratories , has announced its intention to acquire a majority stake of up to 55 per cent in Switzerland-based Occlutech Holding AG for 99.4 million (about Rs 1,074 crore), marking its entry into the global structural heart devices segment. The transaction, announced on Friday, is subject to statutory and regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed by June 2026. Alkem MedTech has executed a binding offer for the acquisition, which will give it a controlling stake in Occlutech, a company specialising in minimally invasive cardiac implants. Founded in 2003, Occlutech develops and manufactures devices used in the treatment of congenital heart disease, stroke prevention and heart failure. The company is the second-largest player in Europe and the third-largest globally in the minimally invasive cardiac implants segment. It operates manufacturing and research and development facilities in Germany and Turkey, a global distribution hub in Sweden, and clinical operations in the United States. In calendar year 2025, Occlutech reported unaudited revenues of 49.4 million, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 15.7 per cent over the past three years. Around 85 per cent of its revenues are derived from Europe and the US, according to the company. For Alkem MedTech, the acquisition represents a strategic shift beyond its current focus on orthopaedic implants into advanced cardiovascular devices, a segment characterised by high regulatory barriers and strong pricing power. The company currently operates a robotic and automation-enabled manufacturing facility in Gujarat and has been expanding its medical devices portfolio as part of Alkems broader diversification strategy. B N Singh, Executive Chairman, Alkem Laboratories, said, The acquisition of Occlutech opens up significant opportunities for Alkem MedTech and reinforces Alkems long-term vision of becoming a global player in the medical devices industry, replicating its success story in pharma. Kaustav Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer, Alkem MedTech, said, Occlutech has established capabilities in structural heart devices, and a highly experienced management team, which provides a strong foundation for Alkem MedTech to begin its journey in the cardiology segment. It gives us entry into high-barrier, high-value markets such as the US, Japan, Germany and other western European markets. Tor Peters, Chief Executive Officer, Occlutech, said, With Alkem MedTech as our strategic investor, we aim to make an impact together through continuous R&D and innovation programmes, bringing high-quality products to serve unmet needs and tap new markets. We also expect cost-optimisation synergies that will create value for both organisations. The deal remains subject to the signing of definitive agreements, fulfilment of conditions precedent, approvals related to foreign investment controls in certain jurisdictions, and the absence of material adverse events. Boston Consulting Group acted as an adviser to the transaction. Gurugram-based hospital chain Fortis Healthcare posted a 21.8 per cent decline year-on-year in its consolidated net profit for the third quarter of the financial year (Q3FY26) at 193.7 crore. However, revenue from operations went up by 17.5 per cent to 2,265 crore. The decline in profit can be attributed to a one-time exceptional expense of 55.2 crore pertaining to the new labour codes. However, this was partly offset by a 9.4 crore gain from the reversal of impairment in an associate company. As a result, the net exceptional impact on profit was 45.9 crore for the quarter. On a sequential basis, the companys profit fell by 39.8 per cent, with revenue from operations also declining by 2.8 per cent. The results were announced after market hours. Fortis shares on Friday declined by 1.22 per cent, ending the days trade at 916.9 per share on the BSE. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, managing director and chief executive officer, Fortis Healthcare, stated, We have witnessed healthy growth in our hospitals business across all key specialties, notably Renal Sciences and Orthopedics. Our acquisition in Bengaluru enables us to strengthen our presence in this market from approximately 900 beds across seven facilities, with a potential to scale up to over 1,500 beds in the future. We continue to progress on our brownfield expansion plans and are evaluating further inorganic opportunities in our existing clusters. The sustained recovery in our diagnostics business is encouraging and we expect this to progressively improve. The hospital business reported that revenues rose by 19.4 per cent year-on-year to 1,938 crore in Q3 FY26, compared with 1,623 crore a year earlier. Operating Ebitda increased 28.9 per cent to 420 crore, while margins expanded to 21.7 per cent from 20 per cent. For the nine months ended FY26, hospital revenues grew 19.1 per cent to 5,749 crore, with operating Ebitda up 32.1 per cent to 1,278 crore and margins improving to 22.2 per cent. The growth was driven primarily by a 14 per cent increase in occupied beds during the quarter. Capacity expansion also contributed, with the company acquiring the 125-bedded People Tree Hospital in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, in January 2026 for 430 crore. The acquisition included the underlying land and an adjacent parcel, enabling future expansion to over 300 beds. In November 2025, the company also launched Adayu, a 36-bedded specialised mental healthcare facility in Gurugram. Operational metrics in the hospital business remained stable, with occupancy at 67 per cent in Q3 FY26, while average revenue per occupied bed (ARPOB) improved to 2.56 crore per annum from 2.45 crore a year earlier. Average length of stay (ALOS) edged up marginally to 4.29 days. The diagnostics business posted moderate revenue growth but sharp margin expansion. Revenues rose 8.3 per cent year-on-year to 371 crore in Q3 FY26, while operating Ebitda surged 73.5 per cent to 86 crore, lifting margins to 23.1 per cent from 14.4 per cent a year ago. For the nine-month period, diagnostics revenues increased 7.7 per cent to 1,139 crore, with operating Ebitda rising 48.6 per cent to 275 crore and margins expanding to 24.1 per cent. Test volumes increased to 9.94 million tests in Q3 FY26 from 9.59 million a year earlier. The company continued to expand its diagnostics network, taking total customer touchpoints to 4,370 as of December 31, 2025. The share of the preventive portfolio in diagnostics revenues rose to 12 per cent, while the specialised portfolio increased to 35 per cent, reflecting a shift towards higher-value tests. Diagnostics revenues are reported on a gross basis, with consolidated financials reflecting revenues net of inter-company eliminations. On this basis, net diagnostics revenues stood at 327 crore in Q3 FY26, compared with 305 crore in Q3 FY25. Excluding one-off rebranding expenses, operating Ebitda margins were 21.3 per cent for Q3 FY25 and 21.4 per cent for the nine months ended FY25. Bengaluru-based real estate developer Puravankara Ltd reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 58.48 crore for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 ended in December, compared to a loss of Rs 93.73 crore in the same period last year. The company said the turnaround reflects a sharp recovery, driven by improved execution, timely project completions and tighter operating discipline. The company noted that the strong quarterly performance has substantially offset a significant portion of the cumulative losses incurred in the previous two quarters. Those losses were largely attributed to handover delays in H1FY26, stemming from regulatory transitions, including the implementation of e-Khata and changes in building by-laws. Further, the realtor clocked a net revenue of Rs 1,104.06 crore in Q3FY26 against Rs 334.20 crore in Q3FY25, up 231 per cent year-on-year (YoY). Its revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,069.31 crore in Q3FY26, up 236 per cent YoY. Ashish Puravankara, managing director, Puravankara Limited, said, The return to profitability in Q3 reflects the underlying strength of our business and the momentum we are building across execution, sales and cash flows. Improved realisations and timely project deliveries have translated into strong revenue growth and a meaningful recovery in profitability. The strong performance in Q3 has materially offset the impact of the earlier loss-making quarters, marking a clear inflection point in our earnings trajectory. Further, Puravankara said that with healthy collections and strong revenue visibility from ongoing projects, the company is well positioned to pursue disciplined growth while continuing to strengthen its balance sheet. The company reported an increase in customer collections by 22 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,140 crore, reflecting stronger cash conversion and improved operating efficiency. For the first nine months of FY26, total project revenue stood at Rs 2,305 crore, up 51 per cent year-on-year, while customer collections increased 8 per cent to Rs 3,045 crore. Operating cash inflows during the period were Rs 3,504 crore, marking a 9 per cent rise over the previous year and resulting in a cash operating surplus of Rs 755 crore for 9MFY26. The company has consistently generated a cash operating surplus on a quarter-on-quarter basis. The expansion of our development pipeline enhances long-term growth visibility in high-demand urban micro-markets. Going forward, our focus will remain on calibrated launches, execution-led delivery and consistent cash flow generation, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and portfolio expansion, Puravankara added. In addition, during Q3FY26, sales value grew 17 per cent YoY, supported by sustained demand across key markets and strong price realisations. In the quarter, about 1,116 homes were handed over, covering 1.23 million square feet. During 9MFY26, Puravankara expanded its development pipeline by adding over 12.7 million square feet of potential developable area, with an estimated gross development value of around Rs 13,900 crore. The additions span key markets such as Bengaluru and Mumbai, strengthening the companys medium- to long-term growth visibility. VMPL New Delhi [India], February 13: In an era where digital visibility often outweighs substance, Clickseon Private Limited is emerging as a structured growth company focused on long-term authority, measurable scalability, and premium brand positioning. Headquartered in the capital, Clickseon operates as a leading Digital Marketing Company in New Delhi, delivering integrated solutions that align strategy with performance. Unlike conventional service providers, the company follows a selective partnership model -- working only with founders and brands that demonstrate scalability, clarity of vision, and commitment to sustainable growth. Recognized for delivering some of the best digital marketing services in India, Clickseon builds interconnected growth ecosystems rather than isolated campaigns. Its approach integrates SEO, public relations, paid media, design intelligence, and founder positioning into a unified framework designed for market leadership. As the best SEO company New Delhi, Clickseon focuses on long-term search authority through technical optimization, structured content systems, and high-quality link acquisition. The emphasis is not only on rankings but on conversion-driven organic visibility that supports revenue growth. Through its best copywriting services in Delhi, the company develops strategic brand messaging that enhances perception and strengthens positioning. From website communication to campaign narratives, clarity and persuasion remain central to its communication framework. Clickseon is also gaining recognition among the best PR companies in Delhi NCR, offering structured authority-building initiatives that combine media placements with digital credibility strategies. By integrating PR with SEO and social visibility, the company ensures layered brand trust rather than temporary exposure. Positioned among the best social media marketing companies in Delhi NCR, Clickseon designs influence-driven social ecosystems that prioritize engagement quality and conversion efficiency. Its performance marketing division provides ROI-focused Meta ads services in Delhi, structured around scalable funnel systems and data-backed targeting. Additionally, Clickseon delivers top graphic design services in Delhi, ensuring visual identity aligns with premium positioning. With UGC videos for brands Delhi NCR, it incorporates authentic storytelling into performance-driven campaigns. Strategic collaborations aligned with event management companies in New Delhi further extend brand presence beyond digital platforms. Recognizing the importance of leadership visibility, the company also offers personal branding services in Delhi, positioning founders as authoritative voices within their industries. By maintaining disciplined client filtration and executive-level involvement, Clickseon Private Limited continues to strengthen its standing as a future-ready Digital Marketing Company in New Delhi, built for brands aiming at long-term authority rather than short-term visibility. For more information, visit: https://Clickseon.in/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) The only major beneficiary is likely to be Reliance Industries , they said. On Friday, Reuters also reported that RIL has been awarded a general licence by the United States to directly import Venezuelan crude. It's Jamnagar refiner is the only facility in India that has blending infrastructure capable of absorbing large volumes of dirty Venezuelan Merey oil on a sustained basis, a senior refining official from a state refiner said. Indian Oils Paradip and HMELs Bhatinda plant also count as complex refineries, but a lack of adequate blending infrastructure limits operations, a senior refining official said. However, any increase in imports of Venezuelas heavy, acidic grades are cold comfort for the rapid depletion of higher-quality Russian varieties from Indias crude oil basket, a shift that has been accelerated by US pressure, senior industry officials said. Even at its peak in 2015 and 2016 when Venezuelas oil production was around 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) India imported only around 441,000 bpd and 415,000 bpd, respectively, according to data from maritime intelligence agency Kpler. Flows of Venezuelan oil to India trickled to 167,000 bpd in 2020 before sanctions halted purchases altogether. The lifting of sanctions by the previous Biden administration in 2024 and the award of a licence to Reliance Industries to import Venezuelan oil hardly moved the needle on flows, with purchases averaging only 70,000 bpd after Venezuelan oil production shrank to around 800,000 bpd. By contrast, India imported a monthly average of 1.7 million bpd of crude oil from Russia last year, with flows declining to 1.2 million bpd this month, Kpler data showed. Russian medium, sour Urals crude is a much superior grade to Venezuelas dirty Merey oil, which needs to be blended with lighter, higher-quality oil for use in a refinery, industry officials said. Reliance accounted for 75 per cent of Venezuelan flows in 2015, 70 per cent in 2016, and 84 per cent in 2024. Rosneft-run Nayara Energy was the second-biggest buyer after Reliance, but sanctions on Nayara by the European Union bar the company from importing Venezuelan grades. Despite upgraded facilities, state-run refiners have barely upped their intake of Venezuelan oil, levelling out at 12 per cent in 2024. Reliance was the only buyer of Venezuelan oil in 2025, taking in 28,000 bpd. Nonetheless, Venezuelan oil works well for RIL, said Kpler India analyst Sumit Ritolia, noting that A stabilisation of Venezuelas oil sector could allow limited volumes of discounted heavy crude to re-enter Indias import mix, benefiting complex refineries. Flows resume Venezuelan flows have resumed this year after US President Donald Trump unseated the countrys president Nicolas Maduro and started lifting sanctions gradually on oil flows. Last week, Washington passed an order offering non-US companies a general licence to all potential buyers that are not in any sanctioned territory to import Venezuelan oil, according to US government data. That theoretically allows Indian state-run refiners, including Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum, to import the oil provided they do not buy sanctioned Russian oil. What the order does at a more rudimentary level is to remove intermediaries like Vitol and Trafigura from the deal, which have been tasked with marketing 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil lying in storage. These traders took margins of $1.5 per barrel, besides controlling shipping and freight rates while delivering the fuel to India, a senior Indian refining official said. Venezuelan oil is currently being traded at a discount of around $15 per barrel to European benchmark Brent, a light, low-sulphur, superior crude, an industry official said. Freight rates to India average $7 per barrel, leaving only around $6-$7 per barrel for Indian refiners. Last year, Venezuelan oil on a delivered basis fetched Indian refiners a discount of around $10 per barrel on a delivered basis, the official said. Indian Customs data also shows similar numbers. Widening discounts However, an increase in Venezuelan flows has widened the discount to lighter grades, US officials said on earnings calls. Wider discounts on heavier crude oils, including Canadian grades, help companies like Reliance that process such crudes, a Mumbai-based analyst said. But state-run refiners like Indian Oil may not benefit because the heavier grades they buy from Iraq, such as Basrah Heavy, are of better quality and will not see much difference in rates, a company official said. Also, there is not enough Venezuelan oil to supply the world. A top official from a state-run refiner told Business Standard that there is not enough Venezuelan oil to go around. US refiners are laying first claim on the oil, the official said. Norway-based consultancy Rystad Energy reckons Venezuela would need $183 billion of investment between now and 2040 to restore crude oil production to the early 2000s highs of around 3 million barrels per day. US independent refiner Phillips 66 said in its fourth-quarter earnings call that the return of Venezuelan barrels translates into a growing availability of heavy, high-sulphur crudes and reflects in higher margins for refiners with advanced processing facilities. Company executives said additional Venezuelan barrels have helped widen discounts on heavier grades by significantly more than $1 per barrel. Even if the Venezuelan crude doesnt come to our refineries, (but) it hits the global market, its going to impact heavy crude differentials, said Brian Mandell, executive vice president of marketing and commercial at Phillips 66, on the call. World Radio Day honours a medium that continues to speak to millionsoften with nothing more than a signal and a simple receiver. Long before smartphones and streaming apps, radio became a companion in homes, fields and far-flung corners of the world. Even today, its strength lies in its simplicity: no internet, no expensive gadgets, no digital learning curvejust sound travelling across distances, bringing information, music and voices together beyond economic, geographic and social divides. Every year on February 13, the day is observed to honour radio's contribution to community education, democracy, and cross-cultural and cross-regional connections. On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Modi also praised the importance of radio on World Radio Day. PM Modi on World Radio Day 2026 On World Radio Day 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on the importance of radio. Additionally, he reminded the public to submit ideas for his Mann Ki Baat program's upcoming broadcast on Sunday, February 22. PM Modi posted on X, "World Radio Day is about celebrating a medium that is a trusted voice for people, be it in remote villages or bustling cities. For years, the radio has delivered timely information, amplified talent and encouraged creativity. This is a day to acknowledge the efforts of all those associated with this medium". World Radio Day 2026 Theme "Radio with Artificial Intelligence" is the theme for World Radio Day 2026, and it is based on the tenet that "AI is a tool, not a voice." It highlights how artificial intelligence is changing radio broadcasting while highlighting the importance of human judgment, ethics, and inventiveness in journalism. ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???? Observed annually on 13 February to commemorate the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946. ???? This years theme is Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice. ???? Akashvani reaches nearly 99% of Indias pic.twitter.com/zWty5afUOp All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 13, 2026 History of World Radio Day World Radio Day is a worldwide event that emphasises radio's ability to inform, educate, bring people together, and strengthen communities. It is organised by UNESCO and recognised by the UN. First observed in 2012, it was declared by UNESCO in 2011. ALSO READ: AI Impact Summit: Indigenous SLM, LLMs to take AI summit centre stage The founding date of United Nations Radio was set for February 13th, 1946. Since then, the day has been observed yearly to promote support for broadcasters around the world and to increase awareness of the significance of the technology. 2026 World Radio Day celebrations This year's celebration's theme invites all voices to consider creating an inventive, accessible, and moral future for radio as artificial intelligence continues to transform media creation and dissemination. With the Indian government hopeful of overcoming the turbulence in New Delhi-Dhaka relations since August 2024, and improve its relations with its crucial eastern neighbour under a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning was the first world leader to personally phone BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is set to be his countrys next prime minister. But former and current diplomats in Dhaka and New Delhi pointed out that a stronger presence of the Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladeshs new National Assembly would be a concern for India-Bangladesh ties even as the two neighbours would try to increase trade and connectivity. The PM conveyed his best wishes and support to Rahman in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh, the Indian government said. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed Indias continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples, the PM said. In an earlier social media post, Modi said India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals, he said. The BNP thanked Modi for recognising the verdict of the elections and hoped that the relations between the two countries would be strengthened under the new government. The BNP is on course to win more than two-thirds majority. But sources in Dhaka and in the Indian government in New Delhi told Business Standard that the increased strength of the Jamaat-e-Islami in the new Bangladesh parliament would keep the BNP government on its toes, especially on the question of New Delhi-Dhaka relations. The Jamaat is a hardline party known to be close to Islamabad, and for its anti-India posturing, and is likely to win around 75 seats in the new Bangladeshi parliament. The Jamaat has also been a former ally of the BNP when the latter was in power between 2001 and 2006 with two of Jamaats leaders serving as ministers in that government. In an indication that the BNP would be unwilling to concede any space to the Jamaat on Dhakas relations with New Delhi, the Tarique Rahman-led party on Friday reiterated its firm stance on seeking the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial. The foreign minister has already persuaded the case for her extradition, and we also support it, senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said. We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We also asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh, he added with a caveat that the BNP seeks normal relations with all neighbours, including India, but only on equal terms. India-Bangladesh relations were strained under the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus with New Delhi expressing its concern on several occasions about the increased attacks on Bangladeshs religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. There is, however, hope both in Dhaka and New Delhi, as also in Kolkata, that the BNP government, as it promised in its manifesto, would deal severely against perpetrators of attacks on minorities. Indias former High Commissioner to Dhaka, who is currently a nominated Rajya Sabha member, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, I think in many senses, we have come full circle and the people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest. It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971. Shringla said the BNP chief has made some positive statements about his intentions to maintain good relations with India, to ensure that minorities are protected in his country. But indicating at the increased strength of the Jamaat in Bangladesh politics, he said that it does not mean that the spectre of a move towards a communal, radical ... and Islamisation of the country is over. New Delhi is also concerned at the increasingly friendly relations between Dhaka and Beijing during the tenure of the interim government. China on Friday said it is ready to work with Dhaka to take the Strategic Cooperative Partnership forward, and expressed its readiness to work with Dhaka to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. (With PTI inputs) Banks have been mandated to have a credit-deposit (CD) ratio of 60 per cent for their rural and semi-urban branches in the country, according to the regulators draft revised guidelines on the lead bank scheme (LBS). The norms, laid down by the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ), have asked bank to prioritise opening in Tier-V centres outlets powered by core banking solutions (CBS). While the CD ratio need not be met for each branch, district, or region, banks are required to ensure that wide inter-state or inter-regional disparities in the ratio are avoided. The RBI noted that low credit offtake in some districts was due to factors such as inadequate infrastructure and limited regional credit absorption capacity. Banks have been advised to review branch-level performance in such districts and take steps to augment credit flow. Under the revised framework, districts with a CD ratio between 40 and 60 per cent will be monitored by the District Consultative Committee (DCC). Districts with a CD ratio below 40 per cent and/or whose credit disbursement falls below the figure for the previous year will monitored by a special sub-committee of the DCC. The sub-committee will make plans to improve the CD ratio. Districts with a ratio below 20 per cent will be classified as a special category. In such cases, in addition to a special sub-committee and an action plan, state governments will be required to make efforts to create infrastructure and conditions for lending, while banks will be responsible for enhancing credit disbursement. Progress in these districts will be monitored by the DCC and reported to banks corporate offices for focused intervention. The draft says state-level convener banks have to identify and maintain an updated list of all unbanked rural centres (URCs) in the state and display it on the state-level bankers committee (SLBC) websites to help banks in selecting locations for opening outlets. To meet the requirement of opening at least 25 per cent of banking outlets in Tier-V and Tier-VI URCs, banks need to prioritise unbanked villages with populations above 5,000 (Tier-V centres) and ensure their coverage with CBS-enabled banking outlets on priority. For Tier-VI centres, convener banks will monitor coverage, and advise lead banks to review progress in DCC meetings. The LBS, introduced in 1969, provides a mechanism for coordination among banks, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate priority-sector credit flow, promote financial inclusion, and support rural development. The revised guidelines seek to finetune the objectives of the scheme, strengthen institutional mechanisms, clarify roles and responsibilities, and reinforce the functioning of SLBCs. Th RBI has invited public comments on the draft guidelines by March 6. Under the LBS framework, the RBI designates a commercial bank as lead bank in each district to coordinate credit institutions and stakeholders. Each bank appoints a lead district manager to oversee district-level implementation. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development appoints a district development manager to promote rural credit, financial inclusion, and agricultural and rural development, while the RBI designates a lead district officer (LDO) to represent it at district level. Few sectors have transformed India as dramatically over the past decade as digital payments. Since the launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on April 11, 2016, the country has leapfrogged into a new payment paradigm. In calendar 2025 alone, UPI recorded over 228 billion transactions, worth nearly 300 trillion, according to the National Payments Corporation of India. December saw a record 21.63 billion transactions, valued at 27.97 trillion. QR codes (quick response machine-readable barcodes) have become as ubiquitous as shop signs, and even the smallest roadside vendor now gestures towards a squiggly square when its time to make the payment. Against this backdrop, where do global card networks like Visa, among the largest in the world, stand? Credit card transactions, though substantial, are still less than 10 per cent of UPI by value. Up to December 2025 (calendar year), credit card spending totalled 23.18 trillion, a fraction of UPIs scale. Has the meteoric rise of QR code-based payments hurt card networks? Ghosh is candid. A portion of the business particularly debit, and to a smaller extent credit has felt the disruption. But he is far from defensive. For companies like Visa, so far as consumer payments are concerned, we are in the business of displacing cash, he says. The common enemy is cash. He sees my eyes widen. Yes, not UPI. Not RuPay. Not other global networks. Cash. Nearly 50 per cent of Indias consumer spending thats roughly $1 trillion is still conducted in cash. Step outside the metros and mini-metros into Tier-II, -III and -IV towns, and the cash economy remains dominant, says Ghosh. In other words, Indias payments story is far from complete. Compared to markets such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong or Scandinavian countries, where cash usage for transactions has fallen to around 10 per cent, India has a long runway ahead. The opportunity for digital players lies not merely in competing with one another, but in formalising this vast swath of informal commerce. As we order Samuza Hincho, a Burmese fusion dish with small samosas served in a tangy, spicy broth with crisp spring vegetables and spiced black chickpeas, Ghosh reflects on his own professional journey. It spans industries as diverse as his palate, which leads him to restaurants that range from Mizu to Wasabi and Bombay Canteen in Mumbai, and to Paturi in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which, he says, serves one of best Bengali cuisines. A Mumbai native, he grew up in the city, graduated from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, and went on to complete his MBA at IIM Ahmedabad. His career began in the world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), where he served as category head-Marketing, South Asia at PepsiCo. He later spent nearly a decade at Citibank, heading commercial banking operations in India. There were stints at Bharti Axa Life Insurance and EY before he joined Visa in 2022. My roots in financial services came from Citi, he says, drawing a line from those early banking years to his current role. The cross-sector experience appears to shape his worldview, and prove useful in the role he holds today. Payments, after all, sit at the junction where consumer behaviour, technology, risk, regulation, and economics converge. Sometimes we joke about it, that Visa is the worlds oldest fintech, Ghosh says. In every sense it is a fintech company, set up 60 years ago. Long before fintech became a buzzword, Visa was building digital rails for commerce. Visa started using artificial intelligence and machine learning some 30 years ago, he adds, highlighting the networks long investment in fraud detection and risk analytics. That investment has become even more critical as digital transactions scale. Technology has advanced, but so have digital frauds. While Ghosh does not dwell on specific threats, he repeatedly returns to the importance of authentication, tokenisation and intelligent risk management. These are systems, he says, that work invisibly but surely in the background. The main course arrives: The restaurants signature Oh No Khowsuey, a creamy coconut milk curry infused with lemongrass and tamarind, served with noodles. The flavours are complex, but the dish goes down smoothly. We are, however, about to venture into a subject of friction. One of the biggest friction points for card payments, particularly in e-commerce, he says, is in the transaction flow. A customer must enter the 16-digit card number, expiry date and CVV (card verification value), followed by an OTP (one-time password) authentication. Even when card details are saved, the OTP step often causes transactions to fail due to delays or technical glitches, he maintains. To address this, Visa is preparing to roll out Visa Payment Passkey in India. The solution, he explains, is designed to identify and authenticate digital users in a more seamless manner. This allows the network and the issuer to be able to authenticate a transaction without the need for an OTP up to a certain amount of money, he says. It is an issuer-based authentication, which means banks determine transaction limits according to their own risk tolerance. The aim is twofold: Reduce friction for consumers; and improve authorisation rates, while maintaining high security standards. Enhanced transaction data and advanced fraud prevention techniques, he adds, are at the core of the system. With the technology ready, Visa is now working with banks, and a rollout is expected in the coming months, he lets in. Another initiative in the pipeline is Visa Flexible Credential, which allows customers to switch between debit, credit and reward points using the same 16-digit credential. This, he adds, blurs the lines between payment types and offers consumers greater control. Yet, even the most seamless technology requires acceptance infrastructure. And so, increasing the number of merchants who accept Visa cards is a top priority. Here, the conversation turns to economics. In India, there is no merchant discount rate (MDR) on RuPay debit cards or UPI transactions. MDR, the fee charged to merchants for accepting digital payments, is typically shared among the issuer, the network and payment processors. For global card networks, zero MDR is not a viable model. While card companies like ours do not wish to work with zero MDR, we do have programmes for small merchants, and micro sellers, which allow for lower fees to be charged than the standard rates, Ghosh says. He proposes that if fees are substantially low say, 5 paisa or 10 paisa small merchants may be willing to pay for the benefits of card acceptance. Visa is also working with acquiring ecosystem players to introduce low-cost card-accepting devices. In this context, Ghosh explains the concept of Visa Accept, a solution that allows micro-sellers to receive payments directly to their eligible Visa debit card using any NFC (near-field communication)-enabled smartphone through a banking app. NFC-enabled phones facilitate contactless payments, effectively turning smartphones into acceptance devices. The solution has already been launched in Sri Lanka and is expected to be introduced in India. Beyond merchant acceptance lies the question of credit penetration. India has around 115 million credit cards in force, about half of which are held by unique customers. Growth in the number of cards has slowed. Year-on-year, growth till November 2025 was 6.3 per cent, compared with 10.4 per cent in 2024 and 20.6 per cent in 2023. Debit cards, at roughly one billion, have seen stagnation owing to the UPI surge. For a country of our size and scale, we are hugely under-penetrated when it comes to credit, Ghosh says. Even today, self-employed, small businesses do not necessarily get a credit card or unsecured loan very easily. He draws a contrast between India and smaller economies like Brazil, which have 400-500 million cards in circulation. The implication is clear: Expanding access to formal credit remains a significant opportunity. Dessert arrives. Berry Burst, a coconut citrus pudding with berry caviar, almond crumble and palm jaggery. It is light, creamy and crunchy all at once, with a burst of berry flavour. It helps with the turn our conversation is now taking, to regulatory architecture and the idea of a level-playing field. In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India allowed credit cards to be linked to UPI, but only on the home-grown RuPay network. The expansion to other networks is still awaited. Similarly, the National Common Mobility Card is enabled only on RuPay. Ghosh is one for open-loop systems. Our view is that the benefit of going open loop is that, not only Indians who have cards from any other network can use it, anyone coming from anywhere in the world can also use it because they are unlikely to have a RuPay card, he explains. There is also a systemic argument. Concentration risk, he cautions, should be avoided. All eggs should not be put in one basket, he says, pointing to the need to prevent potential single-point failures. Ultimately, he says, customers should have a choice. The regulator has increased equity exposure in the government composite NPS scheme to 19 per cent from 15 per cent and expects allocations to rise further towards the newly permitted ceiling of 25 per cent. Ramann said pension funds are likely to move gradually towards this limit in line with demand from government employees seeking higher equity allocation. As equity exposure rises, corporate bond holdings have eased marginally, while the share of government securities has remained broadly stable. The rebalancing comes amid expectations of softer government bond yields over the long term, prompting the regulator to explore new asset classes to preserve return profiles. If you look at the share of G-secs compared to last year, it is about the same. Equity has gone up a bit, and corporate bonds have come down slightly. Since we have allowed equity to rise from 15 per cent to 25 per cent for the largest scheme, which is the government composite scheme, Ramann said, adding that equity has gone up to about 19 per cent. Therefore, I think corporate bonds has as a group come down a little bit, said Ramann. The pension funds would probably like to move up to 25 per cent equity in that scheme. That is also the demand from government employees, who feel they are underweight on equity, he added. The PFRDA is also preparing to begin investments in alternative investment funds (AIFs), a new asset class for the NPS. While no allocations have been made so far, operational systems are in place and the first investments could be made before the end of the current financial year. We have not put any money into it till now. Weve created the structure, and the operating systems are in place. We should be able to have money flowing into AIFs fairly soon, he said. The regulator has also permitted limited exposure to gold and silver exchange-traded funds within the alternatives bucket, subject to strict caps. Beyond portfolio diversification, the PFRDA is working on a market-linked assured return product. The proposed structure may not offer a hard guarantee but could deliver returns within a specified band, reducing guarantee costs while remaining more attractive than traditional annuities. Ramann indicated that a limited band of returns could be more viable than a fully guaranteed product. Separately, the regulator is piloting a medical savings-linked initiative under the NPS framework in collaboration with pension funds and healthcare providers. The proposal involves creating a dedicated medical corpus, effectively a self-funded deductible that can be used for hospital and diagnostic expenses. Pension funds are in discussions with health insurers to offer group top-up insurance plans above the subscribers deductible. One pilot, led by ICICI Pension Fund, involves a tieup with Apollo Hospitals to offer preferential rates to NPS subscribers through aggregation benefits. Other experiments under discussion include structured topup insurance products in which subscribers maintain a minimum self-pay amount, potentially 50,000, to access higher coverage at competitive group rates. The regulator said instant settlement to hospitals, backed by pension-managed funds, could make the model more attractive than existing government reimbursement systems. The initiative is positioned as a long-term medical emergency fund rather than an insurance product, aimed at improving health coverage penetration. The PFRDA is also seeing interest from banks in setting up pension fund subsidiaries. Enquiries have been received from at least two banks, including ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, with processes underway. A consortium led by Union Bank of India and Indian Bank is also exploring entry through a bank-dominated structure. The application window remains open until March 21, the chairperson said. On distribution, the PFRDA is developing a digital gateway with the National Payments Corporation of India to integrate NPS onboarding with UPI-based platforms and third-party application providers. The aim is to enable seamless, three-step account creation and tap into Indias large digital payments user base. In a strong observation that could worry homebuyers, the Supreme Court on Thursday questioned whether Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERA) across states are truly serving the people they were created to protect. The remarks came during a hearing related to the shifting of the Himachal Pradesh RERA office from Shimla to Dharamshala but the courts comments went far beyond the administrative issue and focused on the larger functioning of RERA. What the case is about: This case began after the Himachal Pradesh government decided in June 2025 to shift the state Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) office from Shimla to Dharamshala, saying the move was an administrative step to decongest Shimla and support development in other cities. The Himachal Pradesh High Court stayed this decision, but the state challenged the order in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has now allowed the government to shift the office for the time being, while clarifying that the final outcome will depend on the High Courts decision in the pending case. During the hearing, however, the Supreme Court made strong observations about the functioning of RERA authorities across states. The bench said many homebuyers feel depressed, disgusted and disappointed because they are not getting effective relief from RERA. The judges also remarked that in some places the authority appears to be facilitating defaulting builders rather than protecting buyers, and questioned the practice of appointing retired bureaucrats to such bodies without domain expertise. The court also addressed practical concerns about access to justice, noting that most real estate projects and complaints in Himachal Pradesh are located around Shimla. To reduce inconvenience to people affected by RERA orders, the court suggested shifting appellate powers to a district court in Dharamshala if the office relocation proceeds. Overall, while the case is technically about relocating a state RERA office, it has drawn attention to broader concerns about how effectively RERA institutions are working for homebuyers. Why the Supreme Court is concerned A bench led by the Chief Justice said that, instead of protecting homebuyers, RERA in some cases appears to be facilitating defaulting builders. The court also noted that many people who approach RERA are depressed, disgusted and disappointed due to delays in relief and ineffective enforcement. For homebuyers, this is significant because RERA was created to: Protect buyers from project delays and fraud Ensure transparency in real estate projects Provide faster dispute resolution hold developers accountable The courts observations suggest that these goals may not be fully met in practice. What this means for homebuyers For ordinary property buyers, the issue is not about the location of an office its about how effectively complaints are resolved. Many homebuyers rely on RERA when: possession of a flat is delayed refund claims are stuck builders change project plans promised amenities are not delivered If the dispute-resolution mechanism becomes slow or ineffective, buyers are often forced to approach courts which can mean longer legal battles and higher costs. Concerns about appointments and structure The Supreme Court also questioned how RERA bodies are staffed, suggesting that some authorities may have become rehabilitation centres for retired officials, rather than expert regulatory institutions. The court indicated that domain experts such as urban planners or architects may be better suited to help shape real estate regulation and planning decisions. The bigger picture RERA was introduced in 2016 to restore trust in Indias real estate sector after years of project delays and developer defaults. It significantly improved transparency by mandating project registration, escrow accounts, and disclosure norms. However, implementation has varied widely across states. The courts comments highlight growing concerns about: delays in complaint resolution weak enforcement of orders uneven regulatory capacity across states What homebuyers should take away If you are planning to buy property: Falls can happen suddenly, and their impact can be life-changing. They often lead to fractures, head injuries and hospital stays, and they can also reduce confidence and independence. While ageing is a known risk factor, balance problems can affect people across all age groups as muscle weakness, joint pain and neurological conditions all play a role. Experts share that balance can be improved with simple exercises that can strengthen the body while also restoring confidence. The key is combining strength, coordination and postural control. The hidden factors behind poor balance Dr Sourav Kumar Mondal (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist, Kolkata Medical Centre and Hospital, explains that falls are highly prevalent and often lead to fractures, head injuries, hospitalisation and loss of independence. He adds that neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinsons disease and dementia, along with diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis and vertigo, significantly affect stability. Dr Ashish Agrawal (PT), Director, Department of Physiotherapy , CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, says that strength training improves muscle power and balance control, and core stability supports better posture. As a result, stronger muscles improve protective reactions, and this lowers fall risk and related injuries, he notes. Together, both doctors emphasise that balance depends on muscular strength, nerves, vision, the inner ear and brain coordination, and therefore training must address multiple systems. Most effective exercises to improve balance Experts recommend combining the following exercises into a weekly routine for best results. These exercises are safe when performed correctly and can be adapted across age groups. Standing on a single leg Improves space perception and postural control. One can begin by standing on one leg with support before progressing independently Improves space perception and postural control. One can begin by standing on one leg with support before progressing independently Tandem walk or single-line walking Enhances dynamic balance while improving coordination Enhances dynamic balance while improving coordination Sit-to-stand 10 to 20 repetitions daily. It builds lower limb strength and functional stability 10 to 20 repetitions daily. It builds lower limb strength and functional stability Core strengthening exercises Bridging, planks and abdominal bracing improve spinal stability and body control Bridging, planks and abdominal bracing improve spinal stability and body control Gait training Side walking and high-step gait enhance walking stability and boost confidence Side walking and high-step gait enhance walking stability and boost confidence Frenkel exercises Controlled stepping patterns while standing or tracing shapes with the foot also help improve coordination and body control Controlled stepping patterns while standing or tracing shapes with the foot also help improve coordination and body control Perturbation training Trains your body to react quickly and regain balance when you are suddenly pushed or lose footing, for example, when a therapist gives a gentle, unexpected nudge while you are standing Focus on strengthening the thigh muscles, back of the thighs, glute muscles and lower back, because these muscles help you stand upright, walk steadily and stay balanced, according to experts. Dr Mondal explains that strength and weight-bearing training improve lower limb muscle power and stability during walking and standing, and they also help maintain joint mobility while reducing stiffness in arthritic joints. He adds that these exercises increase bone mineral density and reduce osteoporosis and fragility fractures, particularly in the hip and spine. How to practise at home Dr Mondal advises that those with severe balance deficits or frequent falls should consult a physiotherapist before beginning an exercise routine. Training should start with static balance, such as independent standing, and then progress gradually to dynamic tasks such as controlled movements or catching a ball. For safe home practice: Begin with supported standing before progressing toan unsupported stance Perform mini squats and sit-to-stand drills regularly Practise 3 to 5 times weekly or in short daily sessions Ensure a caregiver stands nearby for elderly individuals Use resistance bands and gym balls to improve muscle power and core control Common mistakes to avoid Although balance training is beneficial, certain mistakes can increase fall risk instead of preventing it. Experts caution against: Poor posture and improper alignment during exercises Progressing difficulty too quickly without adequate strength Ignoring joint pain and inflammation, especially in osteoarthritis Skipping professional assessment when balance deficits are significant Failing to ensure a safe exercise environment Dr Mondal stresses that balance training should not begin without restoring strength in weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees and ankles, because weak muscles reduce joint stability and increase fall risk during advanced drills. He adds that effective rehabilitation must integrate visual, vestibular and somatosensory retraining, and not muscular work alone. Living in Canada on a work or study permit? Thinking about filing an asylum claim? Or already waiting for a decision on a refugee application? Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canadas Immigration System and Borders Act, is moving quickly through Parliament and could soon become law. If passed, it would reshape how permits, asylum claims and border controls are handled. The legislation comes as Canada faces an asylum backlog of nearly 300,000 cases and growing border enforcement pressures. On February 9, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs. On February 12, Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne is due to testify as the committee begins reviewing its draft report. For many applicants, the real question is: What does this mean for me? Victor Ing, a Canadian immigration lawyer, wrote in a blog post that the Bill gives the government broad powers to vary or cancel existing visas and permits, suspend the intake of new applications and even eliminate backlogs if deemed in the public interest. This aspect of Bill C-12 has garnered significant attention because it affects not only those already living in Canada but also would-be immigrants who may already be in an immigration processing queue or expecting to file applications soon, he wrote. Bill C-12 unnecessarily creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, he added. What are the main features of Bill C-12? The legislation focuses on stronger immigration enforcement, expanded security measures and tighter oversight of applications. It introduces new asylum eligibility rules, broader information-sharing powers and enhanced border controls, while giving the cabinet authority to act in what it considers the public interest. The Migrants Rights Network, a cross-Canada alliance advocating for migrant justice, has set out five areas where the Bill could have the biggest impact. Cancellation of immigration documents One of the most debated provisions gives the Governor-in-Council effectively the federal cabinet the authority to mass-cancel, suspend or modify immigration documents, including work permits, study permits and visitor visas. What this means for applicants: Work permits, study permits or visas could be cancelled in groups if the government decides it is in the public interest The power may be used in cases involving organised fraud, cyberattacks, public health emergencies or national security threats The government may stop accepting new applications for certain categories altogether Any such action must be published in the Canada Gazette The Minister must table a report in Parliament within seven sitting days The power cannot be exercised by the Immigration Minister alone. It requires approval from the full cabinet. The legislation also makes clear that cancelling documents in bulk does not automatically strip someone in Canada of their status. Existing removal procedures and protections remain in place. For example, if hundreds of international students were found to have fraudulent acceptance letters from the same consultant, the government could invalidate those permits collectively rather than examining each case individually. New asylum ineligibility rules The Bill introduces two new grounds that would make certain asylum claims ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). New ineligibility ground one: The one-year rule Asylum claims made more than one year after a persons first entry into Canada, for entries after June 24, 2020, would not be referred to the IRB. If you entered as a visitor, student or worker and later decide to claim asylum, you must file within 12 months Claims made after one year would not receive a full IRB hearing Instead, you would be limited to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment before deportation New ineligibility ground two: The 14-day rule Individuals who cross irregularly into Canada from the United States and claim asylum more than 14 days after entry would also be ineligible for IRB referral. Claims filed after 14 days would be channelled towards removal, with only a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment available The Safe Third Country Agreement remains in effect Unaccompanied minors are exempt from these rules Canadas asylum backlog stood at about 299,452 cases as of November 2025, with average wait times of 16 months. Claims rose from 92,000 in 2022 to 173,000 in 2024. The government has said the measures are intended to prevent misuse of the asylum system by people seeking to extend temporary stays and gain access to work permits. Expanded government information sharing Bill C-12 would expand how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shares personal information across programmes and with provincial and territorial partners. Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne is scheduled to address these provisions before the committee. Under the changes: IRCC could share information between its own programmes, such as using data from a permanent residence application when processing a citizenship file Identity, status and document details could be shared with provincial, territorial and federal partners Discrepancies between different applications could be identified more easily Applicants may no longer need to resubmit documents already provided to another IRCC programme The Bill requires written information-sharing agreements. Provinces and territories would not be allowed to share data with foreign entities without IRCCs written consent. Any such sharing must comply with the Avoiding Complicity in Mistreatment by Foreign Entities Act. For applicants, this means less repetition, but also closer scrutiny if details differ across applications. Streamlined asylum processing changes Beyond eligibility rules, the Bill proposes procedural adjustments intended to speed up decision-making. Changes include: A unified application process whether a claim is made at a port of entry or inland Referral to the IRB only when files are complete and ready to schedule Decisions made only when the claimant is physically present in Canada Removal of inactive cases from the system Removal orders taking effect the same day a claim is withdrawn Appointment of designated representatives for vulnerable individuals, including minors For those considering an asylum claim, preparing a complete file from the outset may become more important, as incomplete applications could face delays. Enhanced border security and enforcement The legislation also strengthens border enforcement measures, targeting organised crime, auto theft and fentanyl trafficking. CBSA President Erin OGorman and RCMP Senior Deputy Commissioner Bryan Larkin appeared before the committee to discuss these provisions. Proposed changes include: Expanded authority for the Canada Border Services Agency to examine goods for export at transport hubs, rail yards and warehouses Requirements for port and facility operators to provide and maintain enforcement infrastructure A new security mandate for the Canadian Coast Guard, reporting to the Minister of Defence Plans to add 1,000 RCMP personnel and 1,000 CBSA officers Implementation of 24/7 border surveillance While most measures focus on goods and organised crime, travellers may notice stricter screening at ports of entry. When will Bill C-12 become law? Committee hearings are nearing completion, with draft report consideration under way on February 12. If it proceeds swiftly, the Bill could pass third reading and receive Royal Assent as early as March 2026. Will your current work permit or study permit be automatically cancelled? No. The Bill does not automatically cancel documents. Mass cancellation would require a specific Governor-in-Council order for defined circumstances such as fraud, a public health emergency or national security concerns. Permits obtained legitimately remain valid unless subject to such an order. The British government must rule out applying new settlement rules retrospectively to migrant families already living in the UK, cross-party MPs and workers rights campaigners have told Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan initiated the latest appeal to Mahmood on Wednesday, with a letter signed by more than 50 fellow members of Parliament, including MPs of Indian origin, peers, civil society organisations and one of the countrys largest trade unions, Unison. What is changing under the new settlement rules? At the centre of the row are plans to extend the time migrants must live and work in the UK before qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The government wants to double the standard settlement period from five years to 10 years for most migrants. For workers in the social care sector, the qualifying period could rise further to 15 years. The proposals would also introduce fresh conditions tied to earnings and employment history under what the Home Office describes as an earned settlement model. The changes are targeted at an estimated 1.6 million people expected to qualify for ILR between 2026 and 2030, with a peak of 450,000 in 2028. Families have planned their lives around current rules The cross-party letter warns that the changes are not only unfair but could undermine the governments priorities for economic growth. Thousands of families have planned their lives around current rules, the letter reads. The proposal to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to 10 years, rising to 15 years for those such as care workers, wrongly deemed low-skilled, alongside new conditionality is deeply unfair. The proposals to change settlement rules would pull the rug from under migrant workers, including in social care who provide dignity and comfort to our loved ones, often in difficult conditions and for low pay. The government must uphold its promises we cannot simply change the rules halfway through an agreed process, it says. The letter, signed by British Indian MPs Navendu Mishra, Nadia Whittome and Warinder Juss among others, also raises concerns about the process behind the reforms. It must restart the process with an Impact Assessment, together with a Child Rights Impact Assessment, with the starting point of treating people fairly as well as supporting the economy and public services, the letter says, referring to an ongoing online consultation to finalise the details of the new settlement framework. UK govt calls it biggest overhaul in decades The UK Home Office has described the package as the biggest overhaul of the countrys legal migration system in decades, shifting towards an earned settlement approach that rewards those making greater contributions to British society. Mahmood announced the changes last year, saying they are needed after more than 2 million migrants arrived in the UK from 2021 under the post-Brexit Conservative government a period dubbed the Boriswave after former prime minister Boris Johnson. She has described tackling soaring immigration, both legal and illegal, as her moral mission, with tougher residency and visa rules due to take effect from April. Campaigners warn of exploitation risks Workers rights groups say the longer route to settlement will leave migrants more exposed. These plans condemn migrant workers to at least a decade of sponsorship, tied to employers for years with no opportunity for upward mobility, and at risk of exploitation, said Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, a charity campaigning against the extended ILR rules. They reduce contribution to the balance on a payslip, and penalise the most vulnerable for getting sick or being a refugee. Retrospective application means that while migrant workers have upheld their side of the contract, the UK government is trying to renege on its own. It is simply not right to canvas the publics view on the biggest shake-up to the immigration system in 50 years when the government has not assessed the potential impact on commutes, public services, and our economy. This consultation is a farce and it must be restarted with the full picture made available to the public, she said. The UK Home Office on Thursday released its monthly statistics for January 2026, laying bare a sharp contraction across two of the countrys most relied-upon migration routes. Overall, work visa demand has fallen. But the steepest drops are in the Health and Care Worker route and the sponsored study route, long seen as central to the NHS, the social care sector and the international education economy. Applications for Health and Care Worker visas have fallen from a peak of 18,300 in August 2023 to just 500 in January 2026. The fall follows ministers decision to end overseas recruitment for most frontline care roles and to bar dependants from accompanying workers. Study visa numbers have also slipped markedly. Study route sees weakest January in years There were 19,800 main applicant study visa applications in January 2026, the lowest January figure since at least 2022 and 31 per cent below January 2025, according to the data. The drop comes after the 2025 decision to prevent most postgraduate taught students from bringing family members. Universities had warned the move would deter applicants from key markets including India, Nigeria and Bangladesh. Ruth Arnold, Director of External Affairs at Study Group, told Times Higher Education that the reduction was linked to wider concerns about the UKs appeal. The reduction in numbers is linked to perceptions of UK higher education and employment opportunities for graduates, as well as economic challenges and increasing opportunities elsewhere in the world, she said. Traditional study destinations such as the UK cannot take the international students who are so fundamental to our universities, communities and economy for granted. British universities are global leaders because they are international and rely on talent from around the world to teach and research, as well as to support domestic activities, Arnold added. Several universities have linked the fall in overseas enrolment to fragile financial positions in their latest accounts. What changed in the rules? Officials point to the July 2025 tightening of skills and salary thresholds as a key reason for the wider fall in work visas. Changes included: Raising Skilled Worker roles to RQF level 6 Increasing the general salary threshold to 41,700 Stepped-up compliance action in the care sector The curbs came alongside restrictions on dependant visas and closer scrutiny of sponsors. How employers and universities are responding In the short term, businesses reliant on overseas recruitment are reviewing workforce plans. Some are looking at alternative routes such as the Graduate Visa, which remains uncapped but is under review. Others are focusing more closely on domestic recruitment and training. Universities, meanwhile, are lobbying for a sector-specific International Education Accord. The proposal would ring-fence a limited number of study visa places and restore restricted dependant rights. Whether ministers soften their stance may become clearer when the next quarterly migration statistics are published on May 28, 2026. The Congress has set up two key panels for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls, with Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor appointed chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of the party's campaign committee. Tharoor's appointment assumes significance as it comes days after he met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi for redressal of his grievances, after which he said "all is good" and "we are all on the same page". Since then, Tharoor has been seen speaking prominently for the Congress, and also initiated the discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. Congress president Kharge has approved the proposal for the constitution of the campaign committee and the manifesto committee of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee for the upcoming Assembly elections, a party statement said. While Chennithala has been named the chairman of the campaign committee, Tharoor has been appointed its co-chairman. Congress MP Shafi Parambil will be the convenor of the campaign committee with Hibi Eden, Roji M John, C R Mahesh, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Ramya Haridas, M Liju and Deepthi Mary Varghese as members. Congress MP Benny Behanan will be the chairman of the manifesto committee, with the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, Kodikkunnil Suresh, as its co-chairman. The manifesto committee will have Dean Kuriakose and Jebi Mather as members. After meeting Kharge and Gandhi earlier this month, Tharoor said that he was very satisfied with his meeting with the top Congress brass. Sources said it was a "comprehensive" meeting covering a wide array of subjects. Tharoor had been upset over the treatment meted out to him at a Kochi event recently, and attempts by some leaders to 'sideline' him in Kerala. However, his issues appear to have been redressed and he is expected to play a key role in the party's campaigning for the Kerala polls. The Kerala polls are crucial for the Congress as it seeks to wrest power from the Left after 10 years in the opposition, and the party is going all out to secure a victory in the southern state. The elections are expected in April-May. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings as two western disturbances affect northern parts of the country. These systems are forecast to bring isolated rain and snowfall to the western Himalayan region on February 13 and again around February 16 and 17. Snow and rain will mainly impact the higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The IMD said precipitation activity is expected to remain largely confined to higher elevations, where fresh snowfall could affect hill roads and tourist areas. Lower valleys may receive light rainfall at isolated places. While no widespread heavy rainfall has been forecast, intermittent spells could disrupt local travel and outdoor activities in the hills. The Met department said these disturbances are typical winter systems that influence north Indias weather. Apart from bringing precipitation to the mountains, they can also lead to a temporary dip in temperatures and shifts in wind patterns across adjoining plains. Over the next few days, residents in north India may notice slight fluctuations in minimum temperatures as cloud cover increases. Fog and visibility concerns in hills Dense fog warnings remain in place for hilly areas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where early morning visibility may be significantly reduced. Shallow to moderate fog could also form in isolated pockets of adjoining hill districts. Authorities have advised travellers and commuters to exercise caution, especially along mountain roads, highways and rural stretches where visibility can drop suddenly. Drivers have been urged to use fog lights and maintain safe distances. Aviation and rail services in fog-prone areas may also experience minor delays during early morning hours. No major rain alert in plains; calm sea outlook For most of north and central India, no major rainfall or severe weather warnings are expected today. The plains of northern states and the capital region are likely to remain largely dry, with partly cloudy skies at times due to passing western disturbance cloud bands. Morning mist may briefly affect visibility in isolated pockets, but conditions are expected to improve as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain near or slightly above normal levels in many parts of the northern plains. There are no current fishermen warnings for coastal waters, indicating relatively calm sea conditions. Marine activity along both western and eastern coasts is expected to continue without significant disruption. Delhi weather forecast for today Delhi woke to misty and foggy conditions early on Friday, with shallow mist reported in several parts of the city during the morning hours. Visibility improved gradually after sunrise as sunlight strengthened. The capital is expected to witness a mainly dry day with clear to partly cloudy skies. Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, making afternoons noticeably warmer than recent days. Minimum temperatures are likely to hover between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius, maintaining a mild winter pattern. Light surface winds are expected during the day, turning calm during late evening and night. No rainfall has been forecast for the city today, though passing cloud cover may appear at times under the influence of the western disturbance. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday passed grants amounting to 6,713.59 crore for different ministries by voice vote after daylong discussions. The House approved 5,298.43 crore for the public works department, 866.16 crore for industries and commerce, 285.26 crore for labour and employment, 198.82 crore for skill development, and 64.93 crore for mining, officials said. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who holds charge of these departments, said the government is focused on creating a robust road network to connect habitations and promote socio-economic growth, given the Union territory's difficult topography. "More than 40,000 km of road network has been developed so far, while 18 major projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are in the pipeline this fiscal. Also, 22 key projects, mainly bridges, have been inaugurated to enhance connectivity and defence mobility," he said. On industries and commerce, Choudhary said the department is prioritising grounding of investments, MSME strengthening, startup promotion and protection of traditional sectors like handloom and handicrafts. "Investments worth 5,349 crore have been grounded in 2025-26 till January, the highest in a single fiscal and nearly 12 times the annual average prior to 2020," Choudhary said. Under the 28,400 crore Central industrial development package (NCSS), 971 applications involving 14,292 crore investments have been registered, he said. "J-K secured 5th rank nationally in the Business Reform Action Plan in November 2025," he added. "The number of registered startups has risen from 69 in 2020 to 1,342 in 2025-26, including 490 women-led ventures, with 853 new startups added this year," the deputy chief minister said. He also said that amendments to the J-K Industrial Policy 2021-30 are being proposed to recalibrate incentives post NCSS. On mining, Choudhary said the government is focusing on sustainable mineral resource utilisation and policy reforms. "Under SASCI 2025-26, key reforms have been completed and the Ministry of Mines has sanctioned 100 crore as incentive," he said. Studies and e-auctions of lithium in Reasi, lignite and marble in Kupwara and biogenic shallow gas in the Karewa Basin are targeted by June 2026, while sapphire in Paddar and granite and graphite in Doda and Ganderbal are being prepared for auction, Choudhary said. On labour and employment, he said 3.628 million unorganised workers have been registered on the e-Shram portal. "Funds of 244.64 lakh have been spent on labour sarais in Rajouri and Kathua. As many as 135,000 entrepreneurship units are being created to generate employment for 450,000 youth over five years," the deputy chief minister told the House. So far, 49,000 applications have been approved, 17,200 enterprises have been sanctioned by banks and nearly 1,000 crore has been disbursed, he added. KLA Corporation, a global leader in semiconductor process control and process-enabling technology, on Friday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish a new research and development (R&D) and innovation campus in Chennai. As part of the agreement, KLA intends to invest up to $400 million (Rs 3,600 crore) over the next decade, underscoring the companys long-term commitment to India as a strategic hub for R&D, software and AI-led semiconductor innovation. Planned on a 12-acre site, the campus is envisioned as one of KLAs largest innovation hubs, building on the success of the companys existing operations in Chennai, with a potential capacity of up to 1.5 million square feet over time. The facility is designed to support advanced research and engineering and is expected to generate up to 4,000 jobs over 10 years. KLAs decision to establish its new R&D and innovation campus in Tamil Nadu reinforces the states role in the global semiconductor value chain, said T R B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce. We welcome KLAs long-term commitment and continue to support investments that create high-quality jobs, build advanced technology capabilities, and further strengthen Tamil Nadus position as a preferred destination for global innovation. The MoU was signed between KLA and the Government of Tamil Nadu in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Rajaa, Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, Industry Secretary Arun Roy, and Bobby Bell, EVP and Head of Government Relations, KLA. Once opened, the planned R&D and innovation campus is intended to serve as KLAs flagship innovation hub in Chennai, expanding on decades of growth in the region. India has been a critical part of KLAs global growth story for over two decades, said Dominic David, President, KLA India. This MoU continues our long-term vision to scale India as a global centre for AI- and software-led semiconductor innovation. We expect the planned Chennai campus to extend our existing R&D capabilities, strengthen collaboration across global teams, and provide broader support to customers. China's airplane hospital provides free medical services in Laos Xinhua) 09:28, February 13, 2026 VIENTIANE, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- An airplane hospital jointly developed by the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) recently arrived in the Lao capital Vientiane to carry out its first overseas public welfare medical mission. The hospital, modified from a C909, a home-developed short-medium range turbofan regional aircraft, successfully completed its first on-board surgery on Tuesday. Lao Vice President Pany Yathotou, accompanied by officials from relevant government departments, visited the "C909 Airplane Hospital" at Wattay International Airport on Tuesday. Lao Minister of Health Baykham Khattiya said the medical initiative demonstrates a strong humanitarian spirit and underscores the effective cooperation between Laos and China in the healthcare sector. She noted that the project further enhances mutual understanding and deepens the friendship between the two peoples. In her speech, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong described the airplane hospital as an innovative model of medical cooperation between the two countries, vividly demonstrating the spirit of the China-Laos community with a shared future. She expressed hope that more livelihood-focused cooperation projects will take root and flourish across Laos, allowing the longstanding friendship between China and Laos to shine even more brightly in the new era. A medical team from the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University arrived in Vientiane on Jan. 30 to provide free medical consultations and examinations. Out of 600 patients screened, nearly 50 were selected for surgery. They were scheduled to undergo procedures either aboard the airplane hospital or at local hospitals. The "C909 Airplane Hospital" is the world's first aircraft-based hospital specializing in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and related medical procedures. The aircraft is equipped with advanced medical facilities, including ophthalmic surgical microscopes, ENT Endoscopes, and digital diagnostic and treatment systems. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The stormy first part of the Budget session, which saw heated exchanges over the India-US interim trade deal and unpublished memoir of former army chief M M Naravane, concluded Friday and the House will now reassemble on March 9. The three-week recess period will allow standing committees to examine allocations to various central ministries given in the Union Budget. Earlier in the day, the House was adjourned for one hour after Opposition members raised slogans demanding resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Puri. The opposition members were also protesting against the India-US interim trade agreement. The first part of the Budget Session began on January 28 with the address of President Droupadi Murmu to a joint sitting of the two Houses. The Lok Sabha witnessed dramatic scenes and repeated adjournments from February 2 afternoon after the Chair disallowed Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to quote from the excerpts of the memoir of Naravane relating to the India-China conflict of 2020. The House witnessed noisy protests and dramatic scenes in the coming days leading to the suspension of seven Congress and one CPI-M member from the House for the remainder part of the Budget session for unruly behaviour, including climbing on tables of officials and throwing torn papers at the Chair. Employees and workers associated with a joint forum of central trade unions held protests in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Thursday against the Centre's labour reforms and economic policies. Calling the Centre's policies "pro-corporate", the union representatives held an agitation at Chandigarh's Sector 17 and raised slogans against the Union government. They were holding placards mentioning "We reject labour codes" and "We oppose anti-labour codes". In Ludhiana, the Punjab Bank Employees' Federation (PBEF) organised a massive rally at the Bharat Nagar Chowk. Demonstrations were also held at many places in Haryana, including Sonipat, Rohtak and Hisar. However, banks and roadways buses functioned normally at most places in the state. The president of All India State Government Employees Federation, Subhash Lamba, claimed a "very good response" after workers associated with the forum held a protest at various places. In the industrial sector, several workers in Manesar, Gurugram, Faridabad, Bawal, and Dharuhera joined the strike, he said, adding that the ASHA and the Anganwari workers also took part in the demonstrations. "The strike also had an impact on various departments of the state government, like Urban Local Bodies, power, tourism, irrigation, health and revenue," Lamba said. However, an official statement of the Haryana government said the nationwide strike on the call of central trade unions had no significant impact in Haryana. Normal life continued smoothly across all districts, and no reports of any untoward incident, vandalism, or disturbance to law and order were received from anywhere. The situation throughout the state remained entirely peaceful and under control, it said. Traffic remained unaffected throughout the state, and road, rail, and public transport services continued to operate normally, the statement said. Industrial areas, markets, educational institutions, and government and private offices functioned as usual. Health services, banking services, water supply, electricity supply, and other essential facilities remained uninterrupted, ensuring that citizens did not face any inconvenience, it said. The demonstrations by trade unions are observed across several parts of the country, including West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The demands include the scrapping of four labour codes and rules, withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill and Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act. The four labour codes are -- the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. The unions are also demanding the restoration of MGNREGA and the scrapping of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday afternoon chaired the meeting of the Union Cabinet at South Block, the final such meeting in that location, and later inaugurated the new Prime Ministers Office (PMO), called Seva Teerth. In the first set of decisions from Seva Teerth, the PM signed files related to women, farmers, youth, and vulnerable citizens, approved by the Union Cabinet earlier in the day. According to a government statement, the PM signed files relating to doubling the target of Lakhpati Didis to 60 million, doubling the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to 2 trillion, and allocating a corpus of 10,000 crore for the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. The government said the PMs first decisions from Seva Teerth reflect a spirit of seva (service) and touch every section of society. The PM RAHAT scheme, under which accident victims will get cashless treatment of up to 1.5 lakh, was also launched. Earlier in the day, the PM inaugurated Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2, marking the relocation of the PMO from South Block under the Central Vista redevelopment. The PM reached the Seva Teerth complex in a motorcade along with Union Ministers Manohar Lal and Jitendra Singh and top PMO officials, and inaugurated the complex housing the PMO, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat. Modi garlanded a statue of Lord Ganesha in the PMO. He also unveiled the plaque of Seva Teerth at the new complex, with its motto Nagrik Devo Bhava (citizen is akin to god). The relocation to Seva Teerth will bring together the PMO and the offices of the Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat that were located at different places. The PMO will now be called Seva Teerth, while the Central Secretariat buildings have been named Kartavya Bhavan. The inauguration marks a transformative milestone in India's administrative governance architecture and reflects the Prime Minister's commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible, and citizen-centric governance ecosystem, a statement from the PMO said on Thursday. For decades, several key government offices and ministries functioned from fragmented and ageing infrastructure spread across multiple locations in the Central Vista area. This dispersion led to operational inefficiencies, coordination challenges, escalating maintenance costs, and sub-optimal working environments. The new building complexes address these issues by consolidating administrative functions within modern, future-ready facilities, it said. Addressing a gathering, the PM said that after Independence, many important decisions and policies for the nation were made from buildings such as South Block and North Block, structures which were built as symbols of the British Empire and intended to keep India chained in slavery for centuries. He said that Raisina Hills was chosen so that these buildings would stand above all others, allowing none to be equal. Modi said the new Seva Teerth complex is not on a hill but more connected to the ground. He said that with new technologies rapidly emerging, the old buildings were proving inadequate for expanding facilities and adopting new tools. The PM said that even decades after Independence, numerous ministries of the central government were functioning from more than 50 different locations in Delhi. He said that every year, 1,500 crore was being spent on rent for these ministry buildings, while daily logistics costs were incurred for 8,000 to 10,000 employees moving between offices. He said that with the construction of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavans, these expenses will be reduced and employees time will be saved. The PM said the old buildings would house a museum for the nation, making it part of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum. He said that even years after Independence, the Prime Ministers residence was once called Race Course Road, the Vice President had no designated residence, and the road leading to Rashtrapati Bhavan was called Rajpath in a democracy. He said that in 2014 the country resolved that the colonial mindset would no longer continue. Seva Teerth houses the Prime Ministers Office, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, all of which were previously located at different places. Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 accommodate several key ministries, including finance, defence, health and family welfare, corporate affairs, education, culture, law and justice, information and broadcasting, agriculture and farmers welfare, chemicals and fertilisers, and tribal affairs. Government sources pointed out that the shift came on February 13, which marked 95 years since the formal inauguration of New Delhi as Indias modern capital in 1931. In a major administrative shift, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will relocate the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) from Delhis historic South Block to a newly built complex called Sewa Teerth on Friday. The move formally ends the PMOs nearly eight-decade presence at the iconic building. The Prime Minister is scheduled to chair the final Cabinet meeting at South Block before the transition. After the meeting, Union ministers and senior officials will shift to the new complex, located less than a kilometre away on Raisina Hill. A historic shift after 78 years The relocation marks the end of an era for Indias administrative centre. The PMO has functioned from the South Block since Independence, making this the first such move in 78 years. The new Sewa Teerth complex will house the Prime Ministers Office along with the Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat -- all of which earlier operated from different buildings. What happens to North and South Block With ministries vacating both South Block and North Block, the two colonial-era buildings will no longer serve as Indias central power hubs a role they held since 1921. The government plans to convert the iconic structures into the 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum', which will showcase Indias civilisational history. Officials say the relocation is part of a wider effort to modernise governance spaces and move away from colonial administrative layouts. Where the PMO is shifting The PMO will now operate from Sewa Teerth-1, one of three interconnected buildings in the Executive Enclave-I zone. The complex is located near Vayu Bhawan. Sewa Teerth-2 already houses the Cabinet Secretariat after its shift from Rashtrapati Bhavan. Sewa Teerth-3 will accommodate the National Security Council Secretariat and the National Security Advisers office. The enclave will also include India House, a new venue designed for hosting high-level international delegations. A brief history of the PMO South Block and North Block were completed in 1931 during British rule. Indias first Cabinet meeting under Jawaharlal Nehru was held at South Block after Independence. The PMO itself evolved over time: It began in 1947 as the Prime Ministers Secretariat In 1964, during Lal Bahadur Shastris tenure, it received formal status Its authority expanded under Indira Gandhi In 1977, the government led by Morarji Desai renamed it the Prime Ministers Office In the coming weeks, the defence and external affairs ministries will also vacate South Block, while North Block has already been emptied. Key features of the Sewa Teerth complex Located on Dara Shikoh Road, the Sewa Teerth campus includes three interconnected buildings designed as modern, digitally integrated workspaces. The facility includes: Smart access control and surveillance systems Centralised public interface zones Conference halls and reception areas Renewable energy, water conservation, and waste management systems Built to 4-Star GRIHA environmental standards, the complex is intended to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency and collaboration among departments. Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the relocation as a symbolic step in moving away from colonial legacies. In a post on X, he said, "Tomorrow, Feb 13 2026, the history of independent India takes a new turn. The iconic PMO 'Prime Minister's Office' moves from the British era South Block to its new address, #SevaTeerth". Incidentally, on this very day in 1931, February 13, the British declared New Delhi the Capital of colonial India." "From that colonial proclamation to this decisive transition, the journey reflects PM @narendramodi's resolve to shed colonial legacies and build a truly Aatmanirbhar, self-confident New India." (With agency inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said radio is a medium that is a trusted voice for people, be it in remote villages or bustling cities, and it has delivered timely information, amplified talent and encouraged creativity. The prime minister said World Radio Day -- celebrated on February 13 each year-- is an occasion acknowledge the efforts of all those associated with this medium. "World Radio Day is about celebrating a medium that is a trusted voice for people, be it in remote villages or bustling cities. For years, the radio has delivered timely information, amplified talent and encouraged creativity," he said on X. The prime minister said through his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address that he has experienced the potential of the radio firsthand in bringing out the societal strength of the people of the country. "This month's programme will take place on Sunday, 22nd February," he said. Mann Ki Baat began in October 2014, a few months after Modi assumed the charge of the high office. The programme has served as a direct communication platform for the prime minister to share his thoughts on governance, social issues, and inspirational stories with citizens. It is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month at 11 am. Be it cleanliness, social service, water conservation, sports, or women empowerment, citizens can share online their ideas and suggestions with the prime minister for his radio programme. In 2011, UNESCO announced that February 13 would be celebrated as World Radio Day to commemorate the establishment of the United Nations Radio in 1946. The Indian Railways has sought final approval from the Centre to begin gauge conversion of the Mhow-Khandwa line in Madhya Pradesh that could lead to felling of over 120,000 trees, officials have said. Once approval is granted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the trees could be cleared for the broad gauge line across dense forests in two districts, they said on Thursday. Officials said the 156-km broad-gauge line will replace the 118-km narrow-gauge track laid during the pre-independence princely state era. The gauge conversion work is ongoing and is expected to be completed within the next two years. In a statement, Mukesh Kumar, public relations officer of Western Railway's Ratlam division, said the remaining gauge conversion work for the roughly 90-km Mhow (Dr Ambedkar Nagar)-Omkareshwar Road section requires final clearance from the central ministry. "Construction will take place on about 454 hectares of forest land between Mhow and Mukhtyara-Balwada. For land acquisition, the Railways has already deposited 100.08 crore with the Forest Department and obtained in-principle approval from the ministry," he said. Railway officials said the Mhow-Khandwa gauge conversion will strengthen rail connectivity between northern and southern India, improving both passenger services and freight movement. A Forest Department official estimated that the remaining construction in Indore and neighbouring Khargone districts may require cutting around 124,000 trees. The department has prepared a detailed plan to minimise environmental impact and preserve a significant number of trees, he said. He added that compensatory plantations will be undertaken over double the area affected to offset environmental loss. A report by the UN Security Council sanctions monitoring team has noted that Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed was reported to be linked to a terror attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi last November that killed 15 people. "One Member State noted that Jaish-i-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for a series of attacks. It was also reported to be linked to an attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi on November 9 that killed 15 people," the 37th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted to the Security Council1267 Sanctions Committee concerning ISIL and Al-Qaida said. The report, issued here, added that on October 8, JeM leader Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi "formally announced the establishment of a women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, which was aimed at supporting terrorist attacks." Even as another member state reported that Jaish-e-Mohammed was defunct, the report added that "Separately, it was reported that on July 28, three individuals allegedly involved in the attack perpetrated in Pahalgam, in Jammu and Kashmir, were killed." A deadly and high-intensity explosion had rocked the Red Fort area in New Delhi, killing about 15 people and injuring many more. The explosion had ripped through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station. At his weekly briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked for a comment on the UNSC report. "This particular report that you refer to, it is available in the public domain. It is online. This was the 37th Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. This was published on February 4, 2026," he said. "And, we have seen that they have taken on board our inputs, India's inputs in regard to our concern on cross-border terrorism, and also as to how we can strengthen the global fight against terrorism," the MEA spokesperson said. The UNSC report further said that Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) remained active in south-eastern Afghanistan, where the Haqqani Network exerts considerable influence. Osama Mahmoud, the "emir" of AQIS, and Yahya Ghauri, his deputy, were reported to be in Kabul, with the media cell of AQIS based in Herat. "There were concerns that AQIS was increasingly focused on external operations. Such operations would likely be unclaimed or deniable operations, perhaps as part of the umbrella group Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistanso as not to create difficulties for the Taliban as hosts of AQIS," it said. The report added that ISIL-K was active mainly in northern Afghanistan, particularly Badakhshan, and areas close to the Pakistani border. It continued to develop its network of cells to project a threat regionally and beyond. "Aggressive propaganda by ISIL-K in Central Asian languages expanded its target audience. It sought to exploit issues such as the Gaza and Israel conflict to promote recruitment and financing," it added. With wheat production and stocks expected to touch new highs in the coming season, the government on Friday approved exports of 2.5 million tonnes (mt) of wheat and an additional 500,000 tonnes of wheat products. Simultaneously, the government also permitted exports of 500,000 tonnes of sugar on top of the 1.5 mt allowed earlier. The ban on wheat exports was lifted after a gap of more than three years while that on products was eased few months back. India had banned exports of wheat on May 13, 2022. Wheat traders, meanwhile, were apprehensive as to whether any substantial exports could happen now as globally Indian wheat was quoting at around 2,536 per quintal ($280-290 per tonne and assuming an exchange rate of 90.59), while current domestic market price varied between 2,500 and 2,680 per quintal depending on the region where it was being sold. Globally, wheat was selling at $260-265 per tonne. Indian wheat is highly overpriced in the international markets as our minimum support price (MSP), which is fixed by the government, is quite high, making Indian wheat costlier than all competitors, a senior industry official said. The MSP for 2026-27 marketing season that will start in April is around 2,585 per quintal, while for the current season it is 2,425 per quintal. Traders said exports can happen only when domestic market prices come down in the next few months under the weight of a surplus harvest. Indias wheat production in 2026-27 marketing season is projected to cross the previous record of almost 118 million tonnes. The decision to allow wheat exports comes ahead of the 2026-27 procurement season that is expected to start from April. As of late January, wheat crops for the 2026-27 season have been sown in around 33.41 million hectares. That is 107 percent of the normal area and 6.13 per cent more than in the corresponding period last year. Traders said Indias closing wheat stock as of March 31 this year is expected to be around 20 million tonnes, as against a buffer requirement of 7.5 million tonnes, while the government in an official statement said it could be close to 18.2 mt. As of January 16, India had a 60 mt stockpile of wheat and rice, as against a buffer requirement of 21.4 mt. With ample wheat available in the open market and a robust harvest expected soon, the government has taken a calibrated decision to offload excess stocks through exports. This move aims to protect farmers interests by ensuring stable wheat prices, said Navneet Chitlangia, president of Roller Flour Millers Federation of India. The government statement said the decision to allow exports follows a comprehensive review of stock availability and price trends and it would not compromise food security. The statement added that wheat stocks held by private entities in 2025-26 are estimated at around 7.5 mt, nearly 3.2 mt more than in the corresponding period last year and indicating a comfortable supply position. In addition, total wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India is projected at around 18.2 mt as of April 1, 2026. Extra sugar exports Alongside wheat, the Centre has also decided to permit the export of an additional 500,000 mt of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025-26 to willing sugar mills. Earlier, an export quota of 1.5 million tonnes had been allowed through an order dated November 14, 2025. According to information furnished by sugar mills, only about 190,000 tonnes of sugar has been exported up to January 31. Additionally, around 270,000 tonnes has been contracted for export so far, the official statement said. The newly approved 500,000 tonnes export quota for sugar will be available to willing mills on the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has opposed the Department of Financial Services (DFS) move to alter the performance-linked incentive (PLI) framework in public sector banks (PSBs), alleging that the proposed changes are divisive and violate the status quo agreed during conciliation proceedings. The PLI scheme was finalised under the 11th Bipartite Settlement and 8th Joint Note in 2020, covering employees from part-time staff to general managers in Scale VII. Since then, incentives have been paid uniformly within each bank based on its overall performance. However, last year, the DFS advised PSBs to shift from the settlement-based structure to a revised mechanism under which PLI for officers in Scale IV and above would be linked to individual performance. The PLI scheme under the Bipartite Settlement is uniformly linked to the overall performance of the bank. The DFS-advised model seeks to make PLI for Scale IV and above dependent on individual performance, placing officers in different risk brackets and creating an artificial and divisive classification within the cadre, AIBOC said in a statement issued by its General Secretary Rupam Roy. Under the existing framework, more than 90 per cent of employees including workmen staff and officers up to Scale III are eligible for a maximum of 15 days basic pay plus dearness allowance as PLI. The proposed model, the unions said, would allow officers in Scale IV and above incentives of up to 360 days basic pay. On the one hand, this amounts to discrimination between Scale IV officers and above and the bulk of the workmen staff and officers up to Scale III. On the other hand, it divides senior officers by extending PLI on an individual performance basis, the statement said. The issue was included among the major demands in the strike notice served by unions in March 2025. During conciliation proceedings before the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), banks were advised to maintain status quo and work towards an amicable solution through bipartite discussions between the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and UFBU. It is unacceptable in principle, untenable in law and practice, and corrosive to settled industrial relations if there is any departure from the recorded understanding, the unions said, noting that representatives of PSBs, DFS and IBA were signatories to the conciliation minutes. UFBU said it had suggested modifications to make the PLI scheme more equitable and that these proposals were forwarded to DFS for consideration. The matter also figured during conciliation meetings held on January 2223, 2026, in connection with the proposed strike over the demand for five-day banking. According to the unions, DFS indicated that proceeding with the strike could affect the governments stance on other pending demands, including the PLI issue. The unions have now alleged that PSBs have been advised to credit PLI for the year ended March 31, 2025, even though the issue remains pending before the labour authorities. They claimed that at least one bank has already credited the incentive. This is nothing but an attempt to browbeat UFBU and divide the workforce in banks, the statement said, adding that the matter would be raised in the next round of conciliation talks. UFBU has urged employees across banks to remain united and vigilant against what it described as unilateral changes to a negotiated settlement framework. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday imposed monetary penalties on Bank of Maharashtra, DCB Bank and CSB Bank for non-compliance with directions. The central bank imposed 32.50 lakh fine on Bank of Maharashtra, 29.60 lakh on DCB Bank, and 63.60 lakh on CSB Bank, RBI said in a release. The RBI also penalised Navi Finserv with 3.80 lakh, and slapped a 5.30 lakh fine on IIFL Finance, the release added. The monetary penalty on the Bank of Maharashtra was imposed, as the lender did not report Self Help Group member-level data to credit information companies and did not identify beneficial owners in certain accounts. CSB Bank was penalised as it entered into an arrangement with business correspondents for undertaking activities outside the scope of activities that can be undertaken by them, and levying charges in certain savings bank accounts without ensuring that customers were made aware of such charges upfront, the RBI said. In the case of DCB Bank, the RBI found that it failed to maintain the prescribed loan-to-value (LTV) ratio in certain non-agricultural gold loan accounts during the tenure of such loans, which resulted in the penalty. Non-bank lender IIFL Finance failed to classify certain accounts as 'non-performing assets' on restructuring, and Navi Finserv contacted customers at odd hours for recovery of overdue loans and did not follow the due protocol while sending messages to customers, which resulted in it getting penalised by the central bank. Anthropic, AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, SAP, Jio Platforms, Ericsson, Nokia, NTT, Cassava Technologies, Cohere, Hanwha, Nscale, Rapidus, and Saab on Friday launched the Trusted Tech Alliance (TTA) at the Munich Security Conference, pledging to build a cross-border technology stack anchored in a shared set of principles from connectivity, cloud infrastructure, and semiconductors to software and AI. This alliance of 15 companies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America is a first-of-its-kind attempt to adhere to common commitments of transparency, security, and data protection, which build trust and pass on the benefits of technology to people across the globe. These principles are designed to ensure that, regardless of a suppliers nationality, companies in this alliance will adhere to common commitments of transparency, security, and data protection. In the current geopolitical environment, it is critical that like-minded companies work together to protect security and advance high global standards to preserve trust in technology across borders, said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft. In response to an unprecedented pace of technological change and an increasingly complex environment, countries and customers are seeking greater reliability and resilience across technology providers and the services they deliver. At the same time, there is continued scepticism about digital technologies and their potential negative impact on individuals and societies. In defining the attributes for trusted technology and a set of operating principles to which signatories will adhere, TTA members are committing to work with governments and customers to ensure that the benefits of emerging technologies can accrue to broader public trust while driving job creation and economic growth. Trusted, secure, and transparent technology is essential to unlocking inclusive digital growth at global scale. Through collaboration with global partners, we aim to strengthen resilience, expand digital opportunity, and build long-term confidence in next-generation connectivity, cloud, and AI systems, said Kiran Thomas, chief executive officer, Jio Platforms. Participating companies have agreed to five specific principles that define what it means to develop, deploy, operate, and cooperate as a trusted global technology provider. These are: first, transparent corporate governance and ethical conduct; two, operational transparency, secure development, and independent assessment; third, robust supply chain and security oversight; four, an open, cooperative, inclusive, and resilient digital ecosystem; and finally, respect for the rule of law and data protection. In an era of rapid technological change, collaboration between like-minded industry peers is essential to promote customer trust and realise the full benefit of technology on the economy and society. We are joining the Trusted Tech Alliance to reinforce our continued commitment to provide customers with trusted, secure, and resilient technology, said David Zapolsky, chief global affairs and legal officer, Amazon. As AI systems grow more powerful driving innovation, accelerating economic growth, and reshaping national security the United States and its allies and partners must ensure that the worlds most widely adopted models are safe, reliable, trustworthy, and transparently developed. Anthropic is proud to join the Trusted Tech Alliance and to support American AI leadership and advance common principles for trusted AI alongside like-minded partners, said Sarah Heck, head of external affairs, Anthropic. No single company or country can build a secure and trusted digital stack alone. Rather, trust and security can only be achieved together. Thats why, together with like-minded industry peers, we have launched the Trusted Tech Alliance an initiative committed to verifiable trust practices across the digital stack, said Borje Ekholm, president and chief executive officer of Ericsson. By Jo Constantz International Business Machines Corp. said it will triple entry-level hiring in the US in 2026, even as artificial intelligence appears to be weighing on broader demand for early-career workers. While the company declined to disclose specific hiring figures, it said the expansion will be across the board, affecting a wide range of departments. And yes, its for all these jobs that were being told AI can do, said Nickle LaMoreaux, IBMs chief human resources officer, speaking at a conference this week in New York. LaMoreaux said she overhauled entry-level job descriptions for software developers and other roles to make the case internally for the recruitment push. The entry-level jobs that you had two to three years ago, AI can do most of them, she said at Charters Leading With AI Summit. So, if youre going to convince your business leaders that you need to make this investment, then you need to be able to show the real value these individuals can bring now. And that has to be through totally different jobs. The result is a different mix of duties for early-career workers at IBM. Since AI tools can handle most routine coding tasks, the companys junior software developers now spend less time on that and more time working with customers. In the HR department, entry-level staffers now spend time intervening when HR chatbots fall short, correcting output and talking to managers as needed, rather than fielding every question themselves. IBMs decision comes as questions mount about whether AI will wipe out opportunities for new graduates. Last year, Anthropic Chief Executive Officer Dario Amodei warned that half of entry-level office jobs may vanish by 2030. And recent advances in AI models have stoked anxiety among college students worried about being displaced amid an already tough job market. Slashing early-career recruitment may save money in the short run, but it risks creating a scarcity of mid-level managers later on, LaMoreaux said. That could force firms to poach talent from competitors, which tends to be more costly than promoting internally. Those hires also typically take longer to acclimate to the companys culture and systems than those trained in-house, she said. Some executives and economists argue that younger workers are a better investment for companies in the midst of technological upheaval. When it comes to using AI, its like theyre biking in the Tour de France and the rest of us still have training wheels, said Melanie Rosenwasser, chief people officer at file-sharing platform Dropbox Inc. Honestly, thats how much theyre lapping us in proficiency. Dropbox is now expanding its internship and new graduate programs by 25 per cent to capitalize on the AI fluency of younger workers, she said. Jindal Stainless has partnered with the Indian Railways to manufacture stainless steel salt containers in the country. The integration of stainless steel into salt transport logistics marks remarkable milestone indicating growing consumption of corrosion free value-added steel in the railway industry, Jindal Stainless said. In a statement, the company said it had partnered with Indian Railways to develop India's first corrosion-resistant stainless steel salt container. A prototype successfully underwent loading and unloading trials at Bhimasar, Gandhidham, Gujarat, on February 10, 2026. The 20-foot salt container has been fabricated entirely in 304 grade stainless steel. Commenting on the partnership, company's Managing Director Abhyuday Jindal said salt transportation is highly vulnerable to corrosion, particularly in coastal environments, leads to frequent repairs, premature asset failure, and significant resource wastage. "With India's container market growing steadily, driven by infrastructure expansion, port-led developments, and rising bulk commodity movement, the sector requires materials that can withstand harsh operating conditions while ensuring long-term sustainability," he said. Jindal Stainless is India's largest stainless steel manufacturing player. The company has signed an agreement with Ministry of Steel under the newly launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) 1.2 scheme for speciality steel, to manufacture high-end steel for critical applications. NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, has signed an agreement with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet), Malaysia's national payments network, to enable QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia. The rollout of this initiative will happen in a phase-wise manner, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said in a statement. In the first phase, Indian travellers visiting Malaysia will be able to use their UPI apps to make seamless cross-border merchant payments at DuitNow QR acceptance touchpoints, it said. "DuitNow QR is Malaysia's national QR standard, operated by PayNet. In the subsequent phase, Malaysians visiting India will be able to scan UPI QR codes to make merchant payments using their DuitNow apps," it said. With this integration, Indian tourists will gain access to millions of DuitNow QR merchant touchpoints in Malaysia, across restaurants, retail stores, tourist attractions, and other establishments, it said. Similarly, Malaysian visitors to India will benefit from acceptance at millions of UPI QR-enabled merchant locations across the country, it said. The collaboration between NPCI International and PayNet Malaysia strengthens cross-border payment connectivity between India and Malaysia by enabling interoperable QR payment infrastructure that supports secure, efficient and seamless merchant payments for travellers in both countries, it added. Hindalco Industries tumbled 4.31% to Rs 922.70 after the company reported 45% drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,049 crore despite a 14% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 66,521 crore in Q3 FY26 as compared with Q3 FY25. On the segmental front, Novelis revenue was Rs 36,663 crore (up 9% YoY), Aluminium Upstream revenue was Rs 10,620 crore (up 6% YoY), Aluminium Downstream revenue was Rs 3,909 crore (up 22% YoY) and Copper revenue was Rs 18,233 crore (up 33% YoY). EBITDA rose by 5% to Rs 8,543 crore in Q3 FY26 from Rs 8,108 crore in Q3 FY25. The company recorded an exceptional charge of Rs 2,610 crore in Q3 FY26. Hindalco said that on 20 November 2025, Novelis' plant located in Oswego, New York, was impacted by another major fire apart from an earlier reported fire that occurred on 16 September 2025. The fire was contained to the hot mill and did not impact the rest of the plant. Novelis expects to incur costs related to repairs, clean-up and other costs related to this event until the operations are fully-restored at the facility. The plant is insured for property damage and business interruption losses related to such events, subject to deductibles and policy limits. The costs associated with both the events have been recorded as exceptional expenses (net of insurance proceeds) amounting to Rs 2,610 crore during the quarter ended 31 December 2025. Profit before tax in Q3 FY26 stood at Rs 2,829 crore, down by 47% from Rs 5,296 crore recorded in Q3 FY25. Hindalco stated that the impacts of Oswego disruption were partly offset by cost efficiency benefits at Novelis, and record profits by the India business. The India business continued to outperform on the back of favourable macros coupled with the companys focus on resource security, value enhancement through new product development, and operational efficiencies. Novelis registered an improvement of 6% in EBITDA per tonne despite lower volumes due to the Oswego disruption, reflecting its focus on cost-optimisation and operational excellence. Satish Pai, managing director, Hindalco Industries, said: We made strong progress across our downstream portfolio with the commissioning and ramping up of key projects including Aditya FRP, battery foil, AC fin-coating, and Copper tubes, positioning us well for emerging growth opportunities. We have entered the next phase of growth with a clear roadmap to expand upstream capacities across alumina, aluminium and copper with aluminium capacity planned to scale up from 1.3 million tonnes to 1.7 million tonnes, and copper smelting capacity from 400 KT to 700 KT. Novelis underlying performance remains strong despite short-term capacity constraints from the Oswego disruption. The 600 KT Bay Minette project, on track for commissioning in the second half of FY27, will be a key growth driver. Hindalco Industries is the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. A $28 billion metals powerhouse, Hindalco is the worlds largest aluminium company by revenues, and the worlds second largest copper rods manufacturer (outside China). Powered by Capital Market - Live News Sales decline 48.55% to Rs 75.38 crore Net profit of Hindustan Oil Exploration Company declined 80.89% to Rs 8.28 crore in the quarter ended December 2025 as against Rs 43.32 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2024. Sales declined 48.55% to Rs 75.38 crore in the quarter ended December 2025 as against Rs 146.52 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2024.75.38146.5236.1650.5226.7672.336.8652.478.2843.32 Powered by Capital Market - Live News Sales rise 32.43% to Rs 270.40 crore Net profit of Honda India Power Products declined 12.68% to Rs 16.67 crore in the quarter ended December 2025 as against Rs 19.09 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2024. Sales rose 32.43% to Rs 270.40 crore in the quarter ended December 2025 as against Rs 204.18 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2024.270.40204.1811.8310.1940.3331.1534.5725.7416.6719.09 Powered by Capital Market - Live News Indian Hotels Company's consolidated net profit jumped 55.10% to Rs 903.23 crore on 12.91% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 2,841.96 crore in Q3 FY26 over Q3 FY25. Profit before tax increased 44.29% year on year (YoY) to Rs 1,203.46 crore in the quarter ended December 2025. EBITDA stood at Rs 1,076 crore in December 2025 quarter, registering the growth of 12%, compared with Rs 962 crore in Q3 FY25. EBITDA margin declined to 37.9% in Q3 FY26 as against 38% in Q3 FY25. Indian Hotels Companys consolidated same-store hotels reported a 9% growth in RevPAR. Management fee income rose 15% to Rs 203 crore, driven by not-like-for-like growth. In Q3 FY26, IHCL signed 239 hotels across its brandscape, including strategic acquisitions and partnerships with Clarks Group, Madison, Rajdarbar Group, Ambuja Neotia, and Atmantan. The company opened and onboarded 120 hotels, taking its operating portfolio to 361 hotels with an inventory of over 32,000 rooms. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, said, Q3 FY2026 marks fifteenth consecutive quarter of record performance with a Consolidated revenue of Rs 2,900 crores, a 12% growth over the previous year, EBITDA of 1,134 crores and an EBITDA margin of 39.1%. The revenue in the quarter was driven by a strong same store performance, not like for like growth, supported by a 17% growth in airline and institutional catering and 31% growth in New Businesses. The hotel segment reported a revenue of Rs 2,579 crores resulting in the best ever quarterly EBITDA of Rs 1,050 crores. He added, IHCL continued its growth momentum in FY2026 with 239 signings to reach a portfolio of 617 hotels and opened and onboarded 120 hotels, led by strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Under Accelerate 2030, IHCL expanded its brandscape with the acquisition of controlling stake in Atmantan, an integrated wellness brand and entered into definitive agreements to acquire 51% stake in Brij, a boutique experiential leisure offering and scaled the Ginger brand with 51% acquisition in ANK & Pride Hospitality. IHCL Consolidated continues to maintain a healthy balance sheet with a gross cash balance of INR 3,877 crores as on 31st December 2025. IHCL is well placed to deliver sustained performance enabled by a diversified topline across brands, geographies and contract types. Ankur Dalwani, executive vice president & chief financial officer (CFO), IHCL said, For Q3 FY2026, IHCL Standalone reported a revenue of Rs 1,654 crores, clocking a strong EBITDA margin of 48.2%, an expansion of 40 basis points and a PAT of Rs 921 crores post Exceptional Items. He added, During the nine months ending December 2025, IHCL Consolidated generated cash of about INR 1,600 crores and undertook capital expenditure to the tune of INR 750 crores towards greenfield projects at Ekta Nagar, Taj Frankfurt, brownfield expansion at Taj Ganges Varanasi and the upcoming Taj Bandstand project along with renovations to key hotels such as Taj Palace Delhi, Taj Fort Aguada Goa, President Mumbai and St James Court London among others. The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group o brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. Shares of Indian Hotels Company declined 2.87% to Rs 691.20 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Lupin reported 37.46% surge in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,175.55 crore in Q3 FY26 as against Rs 855.16 crore posted in Q3 FY25. Total revenue from operations jumped 24.26% year-on-year to Rs 7,167.52 crore in the quarter ended 31 December 2025. Profit before tax stood at Rs 1,522.04 crore during the quarter, up 4207% from Rs 1,071.27 crore recorded in Q3 FY25. EBITDA stood at Rs 2,376.6 crore in Q3 FY26, registering a 68.6% growth compared with Rs 1,409.80 crore in Q3 FY25. The EBITDA margin improved 840 basis points to 33.5% in Q3 FY26 from 25.1% in Q3 FY25. U.S. sales for Q3 FY26 rose 54% to Rs 3,113.2 crore ($350 million) from Rs 2,022.1 crore ($240 million) in Q3 FY25, accounting for 44% of the companys global sales. During the quarter, the company received 1 ANDA approval from the U.S. FDA and launched 3 products in the U.S., taking its total generic portfolio to 149 products. Lupin continues to be the 3rd largest pharmaceutical player in both U.S. generic market and U.S. total market by prescriptions (IQVIA Qtr. TRx Dec 2025). Lupin is the leader in 55 of its marketed generics in the U.S. and amongst the Top 3 in 116 of its marketed products (IQVIA Qtr Dec 2025 by extended units). India sales for Q3 FY26 were Rs 2,038.7 crore, up 5.6% from Rs 1,930.5 crore in Q3 FY25, accounting for 29% of the companys global sales. India Region Formulation sales rose 10.9% in the quarter compared to Q3 FY25. During the quarter, the company launched 3 brands across therapies. Lupin is the 8th largest company in the Indian pharmaceutical market (IQVIA MAT Dec 2025). Lupins Other Developed Markets sales for Q3 FY26 were Rs 812.1 crore, up 10.8% from Rs 732.8 crore in Q3 FY25, accounting for 11% of the companys global sales. The companys Emerging Markets sales for Q3 FY26 were Rs 917.0 crore, up 42.4% from Rs 644.1 crore in Q3 FY25, accounting for 13% of the companys global sales. Global API sales for the quarter were Rs 219.5 crore, down 24.1% from Rs 289.1 crore in Q3 FY25, accounting for 3% of global sales. Investment in Research & Development stood at Rs 535.2 crore (7.5% of sales) for Q3 FY26, up from Rs 441.2 crore (7.9% of sales) in Q3 FY25. During the quarter, Lupin received approval for 1 ANDA from the U.S. FDA, taking its cumulative ANDA filings to 431 as of December 31, 2025, with 341 approvals received to date. The company now has 52 First-to-File (FTF) filings, including 22 exclusive FTF opportunities. Cumulative U.S. DMF filings stand at 93 as of December 31, 2025. Commenting on the Q3FY26 results, Nilesh Gupta, MD, Lupin, said We are happy to deliver another quarter of strong growth led by our highest ever quarterly sales in the US and double-digit growth in India and all other regions. We are on track to deliver a strong close to FY26." Lupin is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Mumbai, India, with products distributed in over 100 markets. It specializes in pharmaceutical products, including branded and generic formulations, complex generics, biotechnology products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Shares of Lupin declined 1.55% to Rs 2,175.90 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News The National Stock Exchange of India has crossed a major milestone, with total unique trading accounts or client codes surpassing 25 crore in February 2026. The exchange said the most recent one crore accounts were added in just two months, reflecting an accelerated pace of market participation. The last five crore accounts, representing 20% of the total, were added over the past 16 months. As of 31 January 2026, the number of unique registered investors stood at 12.7 crore, after crossing the 12-crore mark in September 2025. Since investors can hold accounts with multiple brokers, the number of trading accounts exceeds the count of unique investors. State-wise, Maharashtra leads with 4.2 crore accounts, accounting for nearly 17% of the total. Uttar Pradesh follows with 2.8 crore accounts (11.3%), Gujarat with about 2.2 crore (8.7%), while West Bengal and Rajasthan have 1.4 crore accounts each, representing 5.8% share apiece. The top five states together account for nearly 49% of all investor accounts, and the top 10 contribute over 73%. The exchange attributed the growth to rapid digitisation, fintech-led access, low-cost trading platforms and rising investor participation. Over the five years ending 11 February 2026, the Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 delivered annualised returns of 11.3% and 13.7%, respectively. Indirect participation has also strengthened. Between April 2025 and January 2026, nearly 6 crore new systematic investment plan accounts were opened. Average monthly SIP inflows during the period rose to Rs 28,766 crore from Rs 23,743 crore a year earlier. As of 31 December 2025, individual investors, including those investing through mutual funds, held 18.6% of the market capitalisation of NSE-listed companies, compared with 14.6% five years ago. The exchange also said it conducted 22,931 investor awareness programmes in 2025, reaching nearly 12 lakh participants. Its Investor Protection Fund stood at Rs 2,791 crore as of 31 December 2025, up 18.5% year-on-year. Sriram Krishnan, chief business development officer at the National Stock Exchange of India, said crossing 25 crore trading accounts marks a significant milestone for India's capital markets. He noted that the rapid growth reflects rising household confidence and wider acceptance of equities as a long-term investment avenue. He added that participation is expanding across regions and demographics, supported by access to diverse asset classes. As markets grow, he emphasized the need to strengthen investor awareness, promote disciplined investing, and maintain robust safeguards to ensure sustainable and inclusive wealth creation. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) reported 1.60% increase in standalone net profit to Rs 8,371.85 crore in Q3 FY2, compared with Rs 8,239.92 crore in Q3 FY25. However, revenue from operations declined 6.43% YoY to Rs 31,546.51 crore in the quarter ended 31 December 2025. Profit before tax (PBT) stood at Rs 10,602.36 crore during the quarter, down 3.61% from Rs 1,1000.26 crore posted in same quarter last year. The companys net crude oil realization was $61.63 per barrel (down 15.08% YoY) while gas price realization was $6.59 per mmtbu (up 1.38% YoY) during the period under review. During the quarter, crude oil production declined 1.31% YoY to 4.592 million metric tonnes (MMT) and gas production was 4.988 billion cubic metre (BCM), (up 0.20% YoY). On consolidated basis, the companys net profit jumped 16.67% YoY to Rs 10,015.78 crore on 0.12%marginal rise in revenue from operations to Rs 1,67,422.93 crore in Q3 FY26 over Q3 FY25. The board has approved a 2nd interim dividend of 125%, i.e.,Rs 6.25 per equity share of Rs 5, amounting to a total payout of Rs 7,863 crore. The record date for the dividend distribution is 18th February 2026, as intimated to the stock exchanges. Maharatna ONGC is the largest crude oil and natural gas company in India, contributing around 71% to Indian domestic production. It has in-house service capabilities in all areas of exploration and production of oil & gas and related oil-field services. The Government of India held a 58.89% stake in ONGC as of December 2025. Shares of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation declined 2.90% to currently trade at Rs 268.25 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Payment digitisation improved further in the six months to September 2025, continuing a year-long trend, the Reserve Bank said on Thursday. The composite Reserve Bank of India - Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI), which has been published since January 2021 with March 2018 as the base year to capture the extent of digitisation of payments across the country, showed an improvement in the first half of FY26, it said. The index for September 2025 stands at 516.76 as against 465.33 for September 2024 and 493.22 for March 2025, the RBI said in a statement. The increase in RBI-DPI index was driven by significant growth in parameters viz. Payment Performance and Payment Enablers across the country over the period, RBI noted. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Sales rise 14.91% to Rs 175.10 crore Net profit of United Polyfab Gujarat declined 3.37% to Rs 4.88 crore in the quarter ended December 2025 as against Rs 5.05 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2024. Sales rose 14.91% to Rs 175.10 crore in the quarter ended December 2025 as against Rs 152.38 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2024.175.10152.387.937.8211.9010.098.436.814.885.05 Powered by Capital Market - Live News India's gem and jewellery exports witnessed a 5.79 per cent on-year decline in January to USD 2,238.54 million amid global trade headwinds and tariff-related pressures in key markets, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said on Friday. The overall exports stood at USD 2,376.02 million in January 2025, for the same period of the previous year, GJEPC said in a statement. However, overall exports remained steady during the April 2025-January 2026 period with a marginal decline of 0.64 per cent at USD 23,185.87 million, as compared to USD 23,334.73 million for the same period of the previous year. The export outcome was significantly influenced by a sharp contraction in shipments to the United States, India's largest gem and jewellery export destination, where exports declined by over 45 per cent due to elevated tariffs and pricing disadvantages. Meanwhile, India has successfully diversified its export markets, and during April 2025 - January 2026, exports to the United Arab Emirates grew 23.71 per cent, Hong Kong rose 33.5 per cent, while Australia and France posted robust growth of over 36 per cent each. Other markets such as Belgium, Thailand and Israel also recorded double-digit growth, demonstrating India's growing global footprint and the industry's ability to adapt to shifting trade dynamics. "India's gem and jewellery exports have remained broadly stable during April-January at USD 23.19 billion, despite global headwinds, with a marginal decline in dollar terms and positive growth in rupee terms, underscoring the sector's resilience. "The announcement of the framework for India-US trade deal has brought much-needed relief, with the revised 18 per cent tariff on jewellery and zero duty on diamonds and coloured gemstones, which will place India in a structurally superior position over key competitors across diamonds, coloured gemstones and studded gold jewellery," GJEPC chairman Kirit Bhansali said. He said, this advantage is expected to help Indian exporters regain lost ground in the US market and re-create trade, potentially adding up to USD 3 billion in the near term. Supported by market diversification and a strong pipeline of trade agreements, the industry is well-positioned for recovery and sustained growth in 2026-27, Bhansali added. "This outward-looking trade strategy has been strongly complemented by domestic reforms. Union Budget 2026-27 is highly positive for the gem and jewellery sector, with a clear focus on ease of doing business, customs reforms, faster clearances and improved access to finance, which is aligned with the sector's long-term vision of achieving USD 100 billion in exports by 2047," added Bhansali. Meanwhile, the overall exports of Cut and Polished diamonds declined by 3.64 per cent in January at USD 979.27 million compared to USD 1,016.3 million for the same period of the previous year. Total exports of Polished Lab Grown Diamonds in January dipped by 2.81 per cent at USD 83.45 million as against USD 85.86 million in the same month of the previous year. Export of Gold Jewellery dipped by 16.57 per cent in January at USD 883.12 million compared to USD 1,058.51 million for the same period of the previous year. However, silver jewellery exports surged by 107.04 per cent in January to USD 152.42 million compared to USD 73.62 million in the corresponding month of the previous year. Gold Price Today: The price of 24-carat gold fell 10 in early trade on Friday, with ten grams of the precious metal trading at 1,58,390, according to the GoodReturns website. The price of silver climbed by 100, with one kilogram of the precious metal selling at 2,95,100. The price of 22-carat gold decreased by 10, with ten grams of the yellow metal selling at 1,45,190. The price of ten grams of 24-carat gold stood at 1,58,540 in Mumbai and Kolkata, and 1,59,270 in Chennai. In Delhi, the price of ten grams of 24-carat gold stood at 1,58,390. In Mumbai, the price of ten grams of 22-carat gold was 1,45,190, the same as in Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and 1,45,990 in Chennai. ALSO READ: 62% Gen Z, mllennials buy gold under 5 grams, pick bullion over MFs, stocks In Delhi, the price of ten grams of 22-carat gold stood at 1,45,340. The price of one kilogram of silver in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai stood at 2,95,100. The price of one kilogram of silver in Chennai stood at 2,99,900. US gold Gold and silver rebounded on bargain-hunting on Friday after sliding to one-week lows in the previous session, with a break below key supports deepening losses as selling pressure intensified after strong US jobs data curbed rate-cut bets. Spot gold was up 1 per cent at $4,966.83 per ounce by 0127 GMT after falling more than 3 per cent in the previous session to a near one-week low below the key $5,000 level. US gold futures for April delivery gained 0.7 per cent to $4,985.40 per ounce. Spot silver rose 2.1 per cent to $76.76 per ounce, after a 11 per cent drop on Wednesday. The US dollar was mostly flat against peer currencies on Thursday, holding steady after mixed signals from the latest release of US economic indicators. A stronger dollar makes greenback-priced metals more expensive for holders of other currencies. Spot platinum added 1.7 per cent to $2,033.15 per ounce, while palladium rose 1.4 per cent to $1,639.99. (with inputs from Reuters) Bharat Forge's share price hit a 52-week high of 1,784.7, gaining 1 per cent on the BSE in Fridays intra-day trade in an otherwise weak market on a healthy business outlook. In comparison, the BSE Sensex was down 1 per cent at 82,827 at 10:16 AM. The stock price of the auto parts company was quoted higher for the fifth straight day, surging 15 per cent during the period. It is quoting close to its all-time high level of 1,826.20 touched on June 21, 2024. Whats driving Bharat Forge's stock price? Looking ahead into the March 2026 quarter (Q4FY26) and the financial year 2026-27 (FY27), the management said that the worst is behind the company and things are starting to look up. With both domestic and export markets looking strong across sectors, and the commencement of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) execution in H2FY27, the management expects high double-digit top-line growth and commensurate impact on profitability. In the December 2025 quarter (Q3FY26), Bharat Forge secured new orders worth 2,388 crore, including 1,878 crore in Defence. As of December 31, 2025, the defence order book stood at 11,130 crore. The company signed the CQB Carbine contract with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of more than 250,000 units to the Indian armed forces. This order unlocks significant growth opportunities for the companys Small Arms vertical within the Defence business. Brokerages view on Bharat Forge Nomura | Neutral | Target raised to 1,844 from 1,727 Nomura said Bharat Forges Q3FY26 consolidated revenue rose 25 per cent Y-o-Y, beating its estimate, led by a sharp 102 per cent Y-o-Y jump in defence revenue, while Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) margin came in broadly in line at 17.3 per cent. Management sounded optimistic, expecting high double-digit growth in Q4 and FY27 on improving domestic and export demand, strong MHCV outlook for the next six months, and a global commercial vehicle (CV) cycle that has bottomed, while highlighting order wins of 2,390 crore in the quarter (including 1,880 crore in defence) and an expanded defence order book of 1,110 crore to be executed over four years; it expects defence to grow 3040 per cent in FY27E and reach 1820 per cent of revenue by 2030E, with margins similar to automotive but better return on capital employed (ROCE), alongside very strong aerospace growth over the next two years. ALSO READ: Sensex falls 900 pts, Nifty below 25,600: Why are markets falling today? Nomura views the ramp-up in defence and aerospace, improving India MHCV demand, and the IndiaUS trade deal (removing tariff overhang) as key positives, with potential restructuring/shifting of the EU steel business to India as a catalyst; it raised its target price to 1,844 by increasing its FY28 EV/Ebitda multiple to 20x, noting the stock trades near fair value at 19x FY28 EV/Ebitda and 31x FY28 P/E, and preferring Sona Comstar, Uno Minda and Motherson Sumi. Emkay Global Financial Services | Buy from Add | Target raised to 2,000 from 1,450 Emkay has upgraded its rating and sharply raised its target price on the backdrop of an expected valuation re-rating as the high-margin defense segment contributes more to the mix. The brokerage said that the company reported a strong Q3 with consolidated revenue and Ebitda growing 25 per cent and 20 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), respectively, despite some margin pressure from subsidiary consolidation and a gross margin dip in standalone operations. Emkay believes the "worst is behind" for the company, supported by a robust outlook for Indian CVs post- goods and services tax (GST) cuts, healthy momentum in passenger vehicles (PVs), and a massive ramp-up in the defense business, which is expected to grow 3040 per cent in FY27 as major orders like the ATAGS and QCB Carbines enter execution. ALSO READ: Nifty IT index tanks 10% in 2 days; TCS, Infy, Wipro slump to 52-week lows Additionally, with the North American CV market bottoming out and other industrial verticals showing strength, Bharat Forge anticipates double-digit growth in FY27. The brokerage has modeled an 18 per cent profit after tax (PAT) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY2528E, noting that defense could contribute 2030 per cent of total revenue within the next 23 years. Motilal Oswal Financial Services | Neutral | Target hiked to 1,597 from 1,342 Motilal Oswal noted that while the outlook has improved, the recent stock rally has largely priced in the positives. The brokerage highlighted that the GST rate cut has revived the domestic auto business, and the US Class 8 cycle appears to have bottomed out, with defense, aerospace, and JSA expected to remain key growth drivers. Consequently, it raised its FY2627E earnings per share (EPS) estimates by 810 per cent and now forecasts a 15 per cent/17 per cent/31 per cent CAGR in revenue/Ebitda/PAT over FY2528E. However, with valuations currently at 44.7x FY27E and 36.2x FY28E, Motilal believes the stock is fairly valued at current levels.. Disclaimer: View and outlook shared belong to the respective brokerages/analysts and are not endorsed by Business Standard. Readers discretion is advised. Chaman Lal Setia Exports share price today Share price of Chaman Lal Setia Exports zoomed 17 per cent to 321.20 on the BSE in Fridays intra-day trade amid heavy volumes in an otherwise weak market post December 2025 (Q3FY26) quarter earnings. At 02:41 PM; Chaman Lal Setia Exports was trading 14 per cent higher at 313.15, as compared to 1.1 per cent decline in the BSE Sensex. The average trading volumes at the counter jumped over 10-fold with a combined 6.51 million shares changing hands on the NSE and BSE. The stock had hit a 52-week high of 395.30 on July 1, 2025. Whats driving Chaman Lal Setia stock price on Friday? In Q3FY26, Chaman Lal Setia reported 29 per cent year-on-year (YoY) and 89.9 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) jump in net profit at 35.9 crore. Net sales grew 57.9 per cent QoQ at 431 crore. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 29.3 per cent YoY and 110.5 per cent QoQ at 51.10 crore. Margins improved 186bps YoY and 296bps sequentially at 11.85 per cent during the quarter. The quarter marks a pivotal turnaround for the companys export business, characterized by a drastic surge in export volumes to 48,965 MT in Q3FY26. The surge in volume, driven by strategic global stockpiling and rising rice consumption partly due to food security concerns during the Israel-Iran conflict was further amplified by a highly favorable pricing environment, the management said. The company realized a price hike of 10 per cent20 per cent across premium Basmati categories, specifically the 1509 and 1718 variants (Steam and Parboiled). This price hike in rice, coupled with the benefits of operating leverage, drove EBITDA to ~Rs 10 per kg, the management said. Outlook Looking ahead, the reduction of the United States (US) import tariffs from 25 per cent to 18 per cent is a significant structural tailwind for the company, the management said. This lowers the landed cost of the companys premium Basmati and strengthens competitiveness in the US market. The management remains confident in sustaining this growth trajectory while continuing to enhance margins and expand the companys global footprint. India is one of the largest producers of Basmati rice, with balanced quantities from Pakistan. Indian Basmati rice has got Geographic Indication (GI) recognition and thus, enjoys a strong dominance in exports (160+ countries), especially to the Middle East. India exported 19.865 million tonnes of rice till March 25 in FY25, marking a ~21 per cent increase over the previous years full exports. Growth was seen across all categoriesbasmati, parboiled, non-basmati, and broken rice. Strong global demand and rising industrial use (like ethanol and poultry feed) continue to support export momentum, the company said in an investor presentation. Nifty India Defence index movement today Shares of the frontline defence companies were trading firm, gaining up to 4 per cent on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Friday's intra-day trade after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence proposals worth 3.6 trillion. At 11:15 AM; the Nifty India Defence index was the sole sectoral index trading in green up 0.08 per cent, as compared to 1 per cent decline in the Nifty 50. The Defence index was up 0.50 per cent in intra-day trade. Astra Microwave Products, Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) Bharat Forge , Axiscades Technologies, MTAR Technologies, Bharat Forge and BEML were up in the range of 1 per cent to 4 per cent in intra-day deals. ALSO READ: Coal India Q3 review: Analysts split on e-auction recovery vs headwinds Meanwhile, the Nifty India Defence index was quoting higher for the fifth straight day, gaining 4 per cent during the period. In comparison, the Nifty 50 was down 0.55 per cent during the same period. Whats driving the India Defence index? The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday gave its in-principle nod for the purchase of various combat items, including French-made Rafale fighter jets and the US-made maritime aircraft. The DAC approved the acceptance of necessity (a technical term) for proposals from the three services estimated to be worth about 3.6 trillion, a Ministry of Defence media statement said. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), approvals include MultiRole Fighter Aircraft (MRFA Rafale), Combat Missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS), with majority of MRFA to be manufactured in India. The Army has received AoN for Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and overhaul of T-72 tanks, BMP-II and ARVs. The Navy secured approvals for P-8I aircraft and 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generators under the Make-I category, while the Coast Guard will procure EO/IR systems for Dornier aircraft. The approvals significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing under the indigenisation push. The large AoN outlay (~3.6 trillion) materially improves medium-to-long term order visibility for Indian defence manufacturers, especially with majority domestic content in MRFA and Make-I naval projects, according to ICICI Securities. Dynamatic Technologies and Azad Engineering can be a beneficiary in the P-8I project for manufacturing aero structures and engine parts respectively considering Boeing and CFM International being key customers. Bharat Forge would be a key beneficiary in Anti-tank Mines (Vibhav). Overall, the brokerage firm believes the approvals reinforce the governments sustained focus on domestic procurement, localisation and technology transfer, strengthening multi-year growth visibility for the listed defence ecosystem. Meanwhile, in Union Budget 2026 , the Ministry of Defence is one of the ministries with the highest increase in outlay. Appreciable increase is towards other equipment and naval fleet, even as expenditure on aircraft and aero engines comes down. The defence sector saw the highest allocation with a growth of 17.6 per cent despite the fact that capex for FY26RE was overachieved. The higher allocation to defence underscores the governments twin priorities of strategic preparedness and domestic capability-building. Beyond immediate security needs, capital-led defence spending has a powerful economic multipliersupporting indigenous manufacturing, technology development and skilled employment, according to Varun Gupta, CEO, Groww Mutual Fund A sustained shift towards domestically sourced defence capital can strengthen Indias strategic autonomy while creating durable growth opportunities across the broader industrial ecosystem, said Varun Gupta. ======================================== Disclaimer: View and outlook shared on the stock belong to the respective brokerages and are not endorsed by Business Standard. Readers discretion is advised. Shares of Hindalco Industries Ltd. fell over 6 per cent on Friday as concerns around its overseas business weighed on sentiment, after the company reported a 45 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline in consolidated profit for the December quarter. The company's stock fell as much as 6.26 per cent during the day to 904 per share, the biggest intraday decline since February 1 this year. Hindalco Industries stock pared losses to trade 5.8 per cent lower at 908.8 apiece, compared to a 1.02 per cent decline in Nifty 50 as of 09:50 AM. CATCH STOCK MARKET UPDATES TODAY LIVE Shares of the company fell for the third straight session and currently trade at 1.3 times the average 30-day trading volume, according to Bloomberg. The counter has risen 2.5 per cent this year, compared to a 2.1 per cent decline in the benchmark Nifty 50. Hindalco Industries has a total market capitalisation of 2.04 trillion. Hindalco Industries Q3 results The Aditya Birla Group company posted consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of 2,049 crore in Q3FY26 , down from 3,735 crore a year earlier. The decline was largely due to exceptional expenses of 2,610 crore linked to the Oswego incident. The company's India business, a key driver of growth, touched an all-time high PAT of 3,581 crore, up 24 per cent, during the quarter. Consolidated revenue rose 14 per cent to 66,521 crore, supported by higher metal prices and strong momentum in the India business. Ebitda increased 5 per cent to 8,543 crore, indicating steady operating performance even as Novelis faced lower volumes and disruption-related constraints. Analysts on Hindalco Industries earnings Motilal Oswal said Hindalco Industries reported an in-line consolidated performance in the third quarter of FY26, with earnings growth largely driven by favourable pricing. The brokerage noted that the earnings outlook for the Indian business remains strong. However, the overall business outlook has weakened due to the Oswego fire incident and higher costs related to the Bay Minette project. ALSO READ | HAL's 2.4 trn order book to propel manufacturing revenue, say analysts The brokerage has maintained its consolidated earnings estimates, with robust domestic performance expected to offset subdued profitability at Novelis for the FY26 and FY27. It has reiterated its 'Buy' rating on the stock with a target price of 1,110. Analysts at JM Financial noted that net debt increased significantly to 59,400 crore in Q3FY26 from 41,400 crore in the second quarter. The rise was driven by an increase in net debt at Novelis and an infusion by the parent entity through a debt raise. Additionally, higher working capital requirements in the copper business led to an increase of about 4,000 crore in debt. However, the brokerage believes the current strength in London Metal Exchange (LME) prices is likely to support the companys earnings trajectory. It also highlighted improved raw material security following the acquisition of the Meenakshi, Bandha and Chakla mines. JM Financial has maintained its 'Buy' rating on the stock. ========== (Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by the analysts in this article are their own and not those of the website or its management. Business Standard advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.) The Indian Hotels Company share price today: Shares of hospitality major The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) fell around 4 per cent to hit an intraday low of 683 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), amid an overall subdued market, despite the company reporting strong quarterly numbers for the October-December quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY26). READ LATEST STOCK MARKET UPDATES TODAY LIVE Around 12:50 PM, the IHCL share price was trading 1.2 per cent lower at 703.55 compared to the previous session's close of 712 on the NSE. In comparison, the NSE Nifty50 was down 0.91 per cent at 25,570 levels. The market capitalisation of the company stood at 1,00,195.39 crore. The stock has recovered around 20 per cent from the 52-week high of 858 touched on March 25, 2025. The Indian Hotels Company's Q3 performance In the Q3FY26, IHCL reported a net profit of 954.2 crore, up 50.2 per cent compared to 635.2 crore in the year-ago period. The company's revenue from operations grew 12.2 year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to 2,842 crore from 2,533 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) grew 11.9 per cent to 1,076 crore against 961.2 crore in the year-ago period. However, Ebitda margins remained flat at 37.9 per cent against 38 per cent in the Q3FY25. Roots Corporation (RCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of IHCL, acquired a 51 per cent stake in ANK Hotels and Pride Hospitality on December 1, 2025, for a total consideration of 190.47 crore. Management commentary Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and chief executive officer at IHCL, said Q3 FY26 marks the 15th consecutive quarter of record performance with a consolidated revenue of 2,900 crore, a 12 per cent growth over the previous year. The revenue in the quarter was driven by a strong same-store performance, not like-for-like growth, supported by a 17 per cent growth in airline and institutional catering and 31 per cent growth in new business. He added that the hotel segment reported a revenue of 2,579 crore, resulting in the best-ever quarterly EBITDA of 1,050 crore. ALSO READ | ONGC shares slide 4% even as Q3 earnings come in line with estimates IHCL continued its growth momentum in FY2026 with 239 signings to reach a portfolio of 617 hotels and opened and onboarded 120 hotels, led by strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Under Accelerate 2030, IHCL expanded its brandscape with the acquisition of a controlling stake in Atmantan, an integrated wellness brand and entered into definitive agreements to acquire a 51 per cent stake in Brij, a boutique experiential leisure offering and scaled the Ginger brand with a 51 per cent acquisition in ANK & Pride Hospitality," he said. Here's what the brokerages say on IHCL's Q3 results: According to analysts at Axis Securities, IHCL maintains a robust outlook, driven by demand consistently outpacing supply. The company remains confident in delivering double-digit revenue growth for the full year and sustaining marginal stability. The brokerage said strategic initiatives are anchoring IHCLs growth, with its new businesses, including Ginger and Qmin, gaining momentum and expected to contribute 25 per cent of revenues by FY27 as the integration of the ANK and Pride portfolios scales up. Analysts noted that the company plans to maintain disciplined capital allocation, guiding for an annual capital expenditure of around 1,000 crore, to be fully funded through internal accruals. With a strong pipeline of 30,200 keys and expansion into high-margin segments such as integrated wellness and luxury safaris, Axis Securities believes IHCL is well-positioned to double its consolidated revenue and expand its portfolio to over 700 hotels by 2030. It has a 'Buy' rating on the stock with a target price of 820, down from 835 earlier. Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL) said the outlook for IHCL remains healthy, supported by strong traction in both its core hospitality operations and its new and reimagined business segments. The brokerage expects the momentum to sustain over the medium term, driven by a robust room addition pipeline across owned and managed hotels (5,940 and 24,630 rooms, respectively), continued favourable demand-supply dynamics, and rising MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) activity in India. From New Delhi, we can only admire the problem. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) elected Mr Singh as their leader in New Delhi (not Imphal) hours before Presidents Rule, in force since February 2025, was to end. That a Meitei (the Hindu community is around 53 per cent of the states population) should become chief minister was not a surprise. However, a representative each of the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribes was also inducted in the government as deputy chief minister, signalling great optics and community reconciliation. The effect was somewhat ruined when one of them, Nemcha Kipgen, a prominent Kuki leader with ministerial experience, opted to be sworn in virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi, rather than travelling to Imphal, fearing for her safety. Two MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community Churachandpur MLA L M Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate, MLA from Tipaimukh also supported the government virtually. No Kuki MLA from the 10 elected to the 60-member assembly has been to Imphal since May 2023 while the Meiteis draw a line at visiting hill areas. Kuki organisations have pledged publicly not to cooperate with their elected representatives and have issued warnings to them. It takes little to set off violence in Manipur. The latest round was caused by a High Court order in March 2023, allowing the Meitei community to claim Scheduled Tribe status and, therefore, enable it to buy land in the hills dominated by the Kukis and Nagas. That order has since been amended. But it sparked massive violence (more than 200 dead) and displacement (Manipur has around 40,000 Internally Displaced Persons from different communities in camps). The original issue whether the Meiteis can claim Scheduled Tribe status is yet to be decided because the state government has still to give its opinion to the Centre. Two questions arise: Why Yumnam Khemchand Singh; and why now? Mr Singh is seen as a neutral, non-controversial BJP leader with a long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He has been MLA twice (2017 and 2022), on both occasions from the Singjamei constituency. Till 2022, he was speaker in the Assembly, and later minister in the Biren Singh government till 2025. He visited a camp for displaced Kukis in December last year and one for Meiteis earlier this week. However, the complexity of Manipurs society and politics goes beyond tokenism and evenhandedness. Myanmar has just concluded elections, leading to the predictable installation of a military-backed political party. But vast swathes of the country, including parts of the Sagaing province, which shares borders with Manipur, are outside the military governments control. Myanmars unravelling is no longer contained within its borders. The central governments calculation is that an elected government in Manipur will be better placed in engaging with political issues arising out of a disturbed border. Manipur specifically Ukhrul is the home of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), with which the Union government has been in negotiation for the longest time over its demand for a greater Nagaland. In the mean time, although it has signed agreements with NSCN supreme leader Muivah, it recently announced an agreement with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation to work towards creating an autonomous authority in the eastern parts of Nagaland. This has dealt a blow to the NSCN dream of unifying Nagaland and has contributed to the restiveness of the Nagas in Manipur. Ongoing efforts to derail multilateral tax cooperation lie at the heart of a global programme to replace democratic governance with coercive rule by the extremely wealthy or what we call 21st-century Caesarism. Any strategy to counter this programme therefore must recognise that taxing extreme wealth is essential to saving democracy. Fortunately, there has been some progress here. The African Union continues to champion the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation; Colombia, Brazil, Spain, and Tunisia have implemented progressive tax reforms; the French public has signalled strong support for a 2 per cent tax on the ultra-wealthy; and a proposed California ballot initiative would enact a one-time 5 per cent tax on billionaires net worth. But tax justice remains hotly contested. At the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework negotiations in early January, more than 145 countries agreed to give big US multinationals a free pass. Having been compromised by power imbalances from the outset, the OECD/G20 process was easy for US President Donald Trump to hijack. Following intensive lobbying by the US, large American energy, technology, and pharmaceutical firms secured sweeping exemptions from the 15 per cent global minimum tax that had been agreed in 2021 after a decade of painstaking negotiations. Of course, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework could not state its surrender openly. Instead, it suddenly discovered that the existing US tax regime is equivalent to Pillar Two of the original agreement, implying that other countries are barred from imposing additional taxes on multinationals headquartered in the US. But the two are not the same: The global minimum tax applies a country-by-country computation to determine the amount, whereas US rules apply to US-based multinationals total foreign profits. The latter allows companies to offset high taxes paid in some countries against zero taxes paid in others, thus restoring the advantages of zero-tax jurisdictions. Not only does this new agreement fundamentally undermine the principle that multinationals should pay a minimum coordinated tax rate wherever they operate. It also grants US-headquartered multinationals a competitive advantage over other multinationals, all of which are still subject to the 15 per cent global minimum tax. The mechanism for this capitulation was revealing. Under threat of retaliation from the US, G7 leaders pre-negotiated the new terms in June, and Inclusive Framework members rubber-stamped them last month to avoid picking another fight with Mr Trump. As Oswald Spengler warned a century ago about the collapse of democracy and the rise of Caesarism, the forces of dictatorial money-economics are dismantling the regulatory state and multilateralism. Mr Trumps aggressive neo-mercantilist strategy unilaterally declaring punitive tariffs, threatening and imposing blockades, kidnapping national leaders, wielding aircraft carriers like privateer ships, and proposing boards of peace designed to re-establish colonial control bypasses existing international institutions wherever it can. But no country should relinquish its sovereign right to tax multinationals and the super-rich. To surrender this prerogative is not only morally bankrupt and strategically misguided; it is also economically foolish. To see this, consider Brazils economic recovery under President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, Spains robust growth under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, or Colombias growth since the introduction of progressive tax reforms by former Finance Minister Jose Antonio Ocampo. These governments stood up to Mr Trump and are leading a global democratic counter-reactionary coalition. Their success provides powerful empirical evidence that progressive fiscal policies and enhanced state capacity correlate with positive economic indicators and greater social cohesion. Many in Europe are coming to this realization, too. In France, the Zucman Tax Gabriel Zucmans proposed minimum 2 per cent tax on the wealth of the ultra-rich commands almost 90 per cent public support and is dominating the national conversation. In California, voters this year will decide whether to impose a one-time 5 per cent levy on billionaires wealth to fund health care, food assistance, and education. True, one of the Trump administrations first acts was to withdraw from these talks. But the rest of the world decided to continue. The goal is to deliver a framework convention and two early protocols one on the taxation of cross-border services, and one on disputes for approval by the General Assembly in 2027. The current tax rules for multinationals, devised in the 1920s, are no longer fit for todays digital economy. Negotiators in New York must seize this unique opportunity. A unitary taxation approach is long overdue. Multinationals global income should be apportioned to different jurisdictions on the basis of verifiable factors such as sales and employees, rather than on the outdated principle of arms-length transactions. The text of the tax convention should reflect this. Failing that, the current, deeply flawed rules will become entrenched, and the pursuit of compatibility with existing frameworks developed at the OECD will compromise both the ambition and the objectives of the UN Tax Convention. The result would be another fruitless tweak to a failing system. If democracy is to prevail over Caesarism, we must tax extreme wealth and we must do it fast. The authors are, respectively, a Nobel laureate in economics and professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Project Syndicate, 2026 Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday met leaders of farm unions from across the country in Parliament House complex during which the need for a nationwide movement to oppose the India-US interim trade deal as well as safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers was discussed. During the meeting, the farm union leaders expressed their opposition to the India-US trade deal, and conveyed their deep concern for the livelihoods of farmers of corn, soyabean, cotton, fruits and nuts, the Congress said. Gandhi said the trade deal has opened the door for agricultural imports and that many other crops would soon follow, according to the party. The farm leaders and Rahul Gandhi discussed the need for a large-scale national movement to oppose the deal, and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers, it said. The farm leaders who met Gandhi here included All India Kisan Congress chief Sukhpal S Khaira, Ashok Balhara of the Bharatiye Kisan Mazdor Union, Haryana, Baldev S Zira of the BKU Krantikari, R. NandKumar of the Progressive Farmers Front, Amarjit S Mohri of the BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Guramneet S Mangat of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha -- India, and Hameed Malik of the J-K Zamidara Forum, among others. The meeting comes a day after Gandhi asserted that the government can file cases or a privilege motion against him but he will stand strongly with farmers. He had also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being "anti-farmer" and "selling" the country through the India-US interim trade deal. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha had shared a video statement on X in which he made a scathing attack on the government over the India-US interim trade deal. In a post in Hindi on X along with the video, Gandhi had said, "FIR is filed, a case is registered, or a privilege motion is brought -- I will fight for the farmers." "Any trade deal that takes away the farmers' livelihood or weakens the country's food security is anti-farmer. We will not let the anti-farmer Modi government compromise on the interests of the food providers," he had said. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday launched a sharp attack on the opposition Congress for "spreading lies" about the India-US trade agreement, asserting that the Narendra Modi government has completely safeguarded the interests of the farming community. Addressing the 64th convocation ceremony of ICAR-IARI, Chouhan said that not only the trade deal with the US, but all free trade agreements with other countries, including the one with Europe, have been done in the national interest. "All the FTAs, including one with the EU and other countries, are all in the interest of the country. The deal with the US is in India's national interest and completely safeguarded. The interests of the farmers have been kept at the top," Chouhan said. In an apparent reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the minister said some people are creating a "ruckus" on this issue. "They are creating a ruckus and saying we are looted. We are ruined. Everything is destroyed. Nation is sold out," Chouhan said, adding that they are doing it as "they cannot bear the strength of the farmers". The minister alleged that the Opposition is "lying" and spreading lies. "They are lying. They keep eating lies, drinking lies, waking up with lies, sleeping with lies and spreading lies. They have opened a shop of lies. Spreading the arms of lies. "But today from this established stage, I want to say to my countrymen and farmers that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the interests of the farmers of India are completely safeguarded," he said. He asserted that no major crops -- such as wheat, corn, rice, soybean and coarse cereals -- face any tariff concessions that could harm domestic producers, while sensitive sectors like dairy and poultry are completely safeguarded. Chouhan further said that India today is surging ahead with unstoppable momentum -- the world can no longer ignore or overlook us. In the vision of the prime minister, a proud, glorious, prosperous, powerful, self-reliant, and fully developed India is taking shape. "This is the great Mahayagya -- the sacred collective endeavour -- of building a Viksit Bharat. Are you ready to offer your oblation to this yajna? Will you step forward and make your contribution? Let us resolve to do something meaningful," he said, addressing the graduates. He added that India stands as the world's fourth-largest economy, and will soon rise to the third position. "Our firm target is to become the number one economy by 2047. Every step we take is firmly directed towards that historic milestone," he said. Ministers of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General M L Jat and other senior officials were present at the ceremony. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his views after the appointment of the members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the General Assembly. In an official statement, he called it a foundational step towards global scientific understanding of AI and said, "The 40 members of the new Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, established within the United Nations, have been appointed by the General Assembly of the United Nations for a three-year term. They will serve in their personal capacity." He further shared that the members were selected from more than 2,600 candidates, after independent review by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). According to the UN Chief, a multidisciplinary group of leading AI experts from across the globe --geographically diverse and gender-balanced --would provide independent and impartial assessments of AI's opportunities, risks, and impacts, including for the new Global Dialogue on AI Governance. "In a world where AI is racing ahead, this Panel will provide what's been missing -- rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all Member States, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing", he said. In his concluding remarks, he expressed confidence that their work would inform collective dialogue on AI and support evidence-based decisions grounded in solidarity. According to the United Nations official website, the General Assembly on Thursday appointed 40 members recommended by the Secretary-General to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI), following a request from the United States that the vote be on the record. Established by General Assembly resolution in 2025, the Panel is the first global scientific body of its kind, and it aims to bring experts together to assess how the technology is transforming the world and its people. It will issue an annual report containing evidence-based scientific assessments that synthesise and analyse existing research related to the technology's opportunities, risks and impacts. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, positioning India as host of the first global AI summit in the Global South. Organised under the IndiaAI Mission and anchored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the five-day programme aims to bring together governments, companies, startups, researchers and civil society to focus on how artificial intelligence is being deployed on the ground, not just debated at a policy level . ALSO READ: AI Impact Summit: Indigenous SLM, LLMs to take AI summit centre stage For businesses, the summit is less about headline speeches and more about signals on where AI adoption is moving, which use cases are gaining institutional backing, and how public systems may shape future demand. Sectoral AI use cases moving beyond pilots A core focus of the summit is showcasing AI applications already being deployed across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, governance, education and financial services. According to the officials, these are not framed as experimental projects but as scalable systems intended for public service delivery and industry adoption. For companies building in AI, especially applied AI, this summit is expected to move the narrative from experimentation to execution, said Apurv Agrawal, CEO and co-founder of SquadStack.ai, a conversational AI company whose voice-based agents became the first in the world to pass a Turing Test. We are looking for clear signals on infrastructure support, policy stability, compute accessibility, and long term commitment to deep tech. Startups and companies working on farming advisory tools, remote diagnostics, language translation, fraud detection, and judicial automation are expected to feature prominently across the summits thematic tracks, as per the official release. For businesses, these sessions offer visibility into how AI is being operationalised in real environments, particularly in rural and low-resource settings, and where government-backed demand may emerge. Agrawal said industry is watching closely for alignment between policy ambition and enterprise realities. The biggest expectation is that this becomes a platform where real use cases, real deployments, and real outcomes are highlighted rather than just announcements. Indian startups to watch on responsible and applied AI Several Indian startups are part of the summit ecosystem, reflecting its emphasis on applied and responsible AI. These include firms working on privacy-preserving AI systems, cybersecurity platforms, multilingual AI tools for farmers, vertical language models for smallholder agriculture, aquaculture monitoring, fresh-produce quality tracking, AI-enabled governance tools, and judicial transcription systems. Others operate in conversational AI, surveillance analytics, satellite-based AI, video generation and drone-based inspections. Companies expect three things: regulatory clarity that balances innovation with governance, expanded access to sovereign compute infrastructure Indias 1.2 million H100-equivalent capacity is a fraction of the USs 39.7 million and concrete global collaboration frameworks, especially around AI chip access and cross-border R&D, said Sudiptaa Paul Choudhury, CMO of QNu Labs, a full-stack hybrid quantum cybersecurity company, which delivers hardware and software solutions that protect critical infrastructure worldwide. She added that the presence of a large international business delegation raises the stakes. With 100+ US firms attending through USISPFs largest-ever delegation, the stakes are real. What must not get lost in the AI euphoria is the security conversation. Every AI system is only as trustworthy as the cryptographic infrastructure protecting it, and quantum computing is about to upend that entire foundation. Global tech leaders and policy signals The summit is also expected to see participation from senior leadership at major global technology firms, alongside Indian business leaders and policymakers. The summit is also being framed as a platform to position India differently in the global AI economy not just as a talent supplier, but as a deployment and product ecosystem. This summit can position India not just as a talent hub, but as a product nation in AI, Agrawal said. He pointed to opportunities around indigenous model development, public-private partnerships in sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and governance, access to datasets and computes for startups, and exporting AI products built for Indian conditions to other emerging markets. ALSO READ: AI Summit 2026: Here are the seven chakras guiding India's AI roadmap The presence of global CEOs and founders alongside regulators and multilateral bodies signals that outcomes from the summit may feed into future standards, partnerships and procurement decisions, particularly in emerging markets. Flagship challenges and funding pathways A major business-relevant component of the summit is its set of flagship challenges. The AI for ALL Global Impact Challenge, AI by HER Global Impact Challenge, and YUVAI Global Youth Challenge are designed to surface deployable AI solutions in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, climate and governance. Winning teams are eligible for financial awards, mentorship, cloud credits, pilot opportunities with institutions, and visibility through the summits official platforms. For investors and enterprises, these challenges function as a pipeline for early-stage technologies that have already been screened for real-world relevance. What companies should track closely India is strong in AI talent, data scale, and applied AI use cases, Agrawal said, while flagging lagging compute access and long-term capital. Choudhury described the gap more starkly, Indias AI talent advantage writes cheques its infrastructure cant yet cash. Hence, for businesses tracking the summit, the key signals will lie in commitments on compute access, security standards, data governance, procurement pathways and the scale of public investment announced or avoided. The outcomes may shape not just Indias AI roadmap, but how companies plan deployment, partnerships and risk over the next decade. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport here on Friday, calling for the monarchy's restoration as Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah arrived amidst tight security. "We want King Gyanendra back to save our nation," the loyalists chanted, carrying placards as the former monarch landed at the Kathmandu airport. The activists gathered at the airport despite the Kathmandu District Administration Office's prohibitory orders banning gatherings of more than five people in and around the Tribhuvan International Airport area. Nepal abolished monarchy in 2008, but pro-monarchy demonstrations resurfaced last year amid economic distress and political instability. There was a heavy deployment of security personnel in the surrounding area of the airport. Cadres of pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party, led by senior leader Kamal Thapa, and various other loyalist groups led by Navaraj Subedi and medical professional Durga Prasai, had gathered at the airport area since Friday morning. During a press meet in Kathmandu on Thursday, Prasai said that they want to restore the institution of monarchy before the March 5 general election. He claimed that the election cannot be held without addressing their agenda of reinstalling a Hindu monarch in the country. Aluminium prices sank to a one-week low on Friday after a report the US may trim some tariffs and other industrial metals also lost ground on profit-taking and risk-off sentiment. Benchmark three-month aluminium on the London Metal Exchange gave up 1.9% to $3,040.50 a metric ton by 1020 GMT, its weakest since February 6. On Thursday, it touched a nearly two-week peak on supply concerns. "Macro-driven risk-off sentiment and broad profit-taking continue to unwind the strong early-year rally," said Ewa Manthey, commodities strategist at ING in London. "News that the US may roll back parts of its aluminium tariff regime has introduced an extra layer of uncertainty for trade flows and pricing." TRUMP REPORTED TO BE CONSIDERING EASING TARIFFS US President Donald Trump is considering rolling back some tariffs on steel and aluminium goods because his officials believe the tariffs are hurting consumers, the Financial Times reported on Friday. Trump hit steel and aluminium imports with tariffs of up to 50% in June last year. The most-active aluminium contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange declined 1.8% to close daytime trading at 23,195 yuan ($3,355.27) a ton. "Trading has also slowed ahead of the Chinese New Year, adding to the weaker tone across the complex," Manthey added. SHFE will be closed from February 15 for China's nine-day Lunar New Year break and reopen on February 24. LME copper fell 0.5% to $12,810.50 a ton, moving further away from its record peak of $14,527.50 hit on January 29, as physical demand declines ahead of the break. The amount consumers pay for spot copper over the SHFE copper price flipped back into a 60 yuan per ton discount on Thursday from a premium last week, highlighting the softening demand. Among other metals, LME zinc dropped 1.7% to $3,316 a ton, nickel shed 2.3% to $17,030, lead fell 0.6% to $1,966 and tin gave up 2.9% to $48,250. ($1 = 6.9130 Chinese yuan renminbi) The world's largest aircraft carrier has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, a person familiar with the plans said Thursday, as US President Donald Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran. The move by the USS Gerald R Ford, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region as Trump increases pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear programme. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military movements. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks ago. It marks a quick turnaround for the USS Ford, which Trump sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration build up a huge military presence in the leadup to the surprise raid last month that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It also appears to be at odds with Trump's national security strategy, which put an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. Trump told Axios earlier in the week that he was considering sending a second carrier strike group to the Middle East. The USS Ford set out on deployment in late June 2025, which means the crew will have been deployed for eight months in two weeks time. While it is unclear how long the ship will remain in the Middle East, the move sets the crew up for an usually long deployment. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman , is set for a sweeping victory in Bangladeshs general elections. The official counting is still underway. The vote was held to elect a new government that will replace the interim administration formed after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, early counting on Friday morning showed the BNP leading in 151 constituencies. Initial trends also indicated that Jamaat-e-Islami could emerge as the main opposition, with about 43 seats. Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, formally became BNP chairperson on January 9 after her death. In a post on X, BNP's media cell claimed victory, saying, "The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP is set to form the government after victory in the majority of seats." Voting also took place alongside a nationwide referendum on an 84-point reform plan known as the July National Charter. PM Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Rahman after the BNPs strong showing in the elections. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "I convey my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership." "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," he said. First election after political upheaval Bangladesh voted on Thursday after months of political uncertainty. The election aimed to form a new parliament and replace the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024. This was the countrys first national vote since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced out of power. She fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 and has been living in India since then. Earlier, a Bangladeshi court had declared her a fugitive. ALSO READ: Bangladesh heads to polls on Feb 12: Why the outcome matters for India The referendum held alongside the elections focused on the July National Charter, a wide-ranging reform plan covering constitutional, electoral and administrative changes. Strained India-Bangladesh ties Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained tense since the Awami League government was toppled. Concerns grew over reported violence against minorities, especially the Hindu community. India responded by restricting tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens and withdrawing families of its diplomats from Dhaka due to security concerns. It also ended a transshipment facility that allowed Bangladeshi export goods to pass through Indian routes. ALSO READ: US-Bangladesh pact to put India's textile, cotton exports in a spot Recent incidents of violence, including the killing of political activists and attacks on minority communities, have further added to tensions. Bangladesh polls: Main contenders in the election Bangladeshs political landscape changed sharply after Hasinas exit. Her party, the Awami League, was banned by the interim administration and did not contest the elections. The main contest narrowed to the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Rahman led the BNP campaign after returning from long-term exile in London. He had spent years abroad while facing multiple cases during Hasinas rule, all of which were later dropped. The BNP, which is part of a multi-party alliance, fielded many candidates under local arrangements. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami led a separate alliance that included student-led groups active during the 2024 protests. (With agency inputs) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday appeared headed for a decisive victory in the South Asian nation's general elections as counting progressed for the polls to elect a government that would replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. Multiple media tallies showed the BNP had won more than 151 seats in the 300-seat parliament. The Election Commission (EC) is yet to make a formal announcement. An EC spokesperson said the results in several seats were still being processed and were likely to be announced in a few hours. The election was seen as a direct contest between the BNP and its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina's now disbanded Awami League. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has been in place for 18 months. The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on the implementation of a complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter. The BNP had earlier announced that if it wins the election, then its chairman and former premier Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman would be the next prime minister of Bangladesh. "We are confident of forming the government by winning more than two-thirds of seats," BNP's central election steering committee spokesman Mahdi Amin told a media briefing in the early hours of Friday. Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December last year after over 17 years in self-exile, asked party leaders and activists to offer special prayers across the country after mid-day 'Juma' prayers instead of holding victory rallies. The EC was yet to announce the voter turnout figure. It dismissed allegations of manipulation regarding voters' appearances in polling centres. "There were debates over turnout percentages in past elections as well. Please don't question it now," Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasur Uddin told a reporter on Thursday evening. He said variations were natural as results from several thousand polling centres arrived at different times. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed earlier said 47.91 per cent voters had cast ballots by 2 pm on Thursday at 36,031 of the 42,651 polling centres. More than 2,000 candidates, including a number of independents, were in the fray for 299 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls. Polling for one seat was postponed due to the death of a candidate. The counting of votes began soon after voting concluded at 4:30 pm (local time). The Election Commission made elaborate security arrangements for the elections, deploying nearly 1 million security personnel -- the largest-ever in the country's electoral history. By Natalia Drozdiak and Jacob Gu The Central Intelligence Agency is targeting Chinese military officials in its latest recruitment video, in an effort to capitalise on potential disillusionment inside the Peoples Liberation Army in the aftermath of President Xi Jinpings military purges. The US spy agency on Thursday released a video in Mandarin that portrays a fictional mid-level military officer who decided to contact the CIA after seeing qualified officers removed and replaced with inexperienced leaders more interested in lining their pockets than defending their country. The video follows Xis dramatic escalation of a sweeping shakeup of Chinas military in a campaign that suggests that political loyalty not just corruption is increasingly under scrutiny. Any man qualified to lead us is deemed a threat and unceremoniously removed, the fictional Chinese military officer says in the CIA video, before sending files from his laptop at night from a parked car after sneaking out of a military facility. I am a soldier and I signed up to defend my home and my country. This is the path I choose in order to serve, he says. Since mid-2023, China has ousted more than a dozen senior officials and generals. In a first, the Chinese government in January said it was investigating a close Xi ally and the countrys top general, Zhang Youxia a move that left the nations apex military body with just two people. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said the CIA video constitutes a serious infringement on Chinas national interests. China strongly condemns the move and will take all necessary means to resolutely counter infiltration and sabotage by anti-China forces abroad, and to firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests, Liu said. The clip is the third such CIA recruitment video targeting Chinese officials. They have reached millions of people and inspired new sources for the agency, according to a CIA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said that if the videos werent working, the CIA wouldnt keep rolling them out. Last year, CIAs Mandarin video campaign reached many Chinese citizens, and we know there are many more searching for a way to improve their lives and change their country for the better, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in an emailed statement. Were going to continue offering Chinese government officials and citizens an opportunity to work toward a brighter future together. The effort is part of a broader strategy by the CIA chief to boost intelligence collection on China and in-country informants. Those efforts are aimed both at deterring Chinese military aggression but also at helping the US compete against China in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The CIA also has published text-only videos, including one last month that had no storyline but had updated information on how to contact the agency, including via the dark web and VPNs. It also contained tips such as leaving mainland China before contacting the CIA. By Todd Gillespie Citigroup Inc boosted the pay of Chief Executive Officer Jane Fraser to $42 million for 2025, putting her among the highest paid US banking heads. The 22 per cent increase, disclosed in a filing Thursday, follows a year in which Citigroups stock rose 66 per cent, more than any other Wall Street bank. The pay bump puts Frasers total package for the year just $1 million behind that of JPMorgan Chase & Co.s Jamie Dimon. Frasers pay bump is another sign of confidence from the board in her leadership of Citigroup, which shes trying to turn around after years of lagging behind its peers. She restructured the banks divisions and brought in outside hires to top posts while calling for the end of old, bad habits that she said enabled mediocrity at the firm. The compensation includes $1.5 million base, $6.1 million of a cash incentive award and the rest in stock awards. It follows a retention bonus granted to Fraser when she was named chair of the banks board in October, which was worth $25 million at the time and fully vests after five years. The pay package reflects her work to meaningfully strengthen Citis performance throughout 2025, her strategic vision and her leadership in executing that vision, and the continued execution of the bold choices she has made to position the firm for further growth, the company said in the filing. Morgan Stanley boosted CEO Ted Picks pay by 32 per cent to $45 million. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted CEO David Solomons by 21 per cent to $47 million. Wells Fargo & Co. raised Charlie Scharfs pay 28 per cent to $40 million, while Dimons compensation climbed 10 per cent to $43 million. Bank of America Corp. hasnt yet disclosed CEO Brian Moynihans pay. By Gerry Doyle, Andrea Palasciano, Ania Nussbaum and Sam Dodge When the US briefly stopped sharing battlefield intelligence with Ukraine in March 2025, the results were immediate. Kyivs forces suffered decisive setbacks on the battlefield as its European allies watched in horror. The outage only lasted a few days, but it sent shockwaves through Europe as a new reality dawned: Washington was no longer a reliable military partner, and the continent needed a plan B. Europe has been fighting to keep an increasingly hostile US in Nato while countries race to rearm. And now for the first time since the end of the Cold War, European capitals are discussing how to develop their own nuclear deterrent, according to people familiar with the matter, citing conversations between militaries and governments. Europe depends on the US for its so-called nuclear umbrella, comprised of American weapons based on the continent and Natos mutual defense pact. If the US can no longer be trusted, Europe is faced with the sinister prospect of being home alone with a neighbor, Russia, that owns the worlds largest nuclear arsenal. At the moment, only the UK and France have atomic weapons. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to offer nuclear deterrence to the rest of Europe in a speech this month, according to people familiar with the matter. He already evoked the possibility of extending the French umbrella over the rest of Europe last year following the events in Ukraine. With enough money, other European countries theoretically could get nuclear missiles. But that would require painful choices: high costs and international treaty violations if countries want to develop their own arsenal, or the acceptance that signing up to defend an ally comes with the likely trade-off of being attacked themselves. Imagine that Russia invades Estonia, said Pavel Povdig, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. So, France has this calculation they have the capability to do a lot of damage to Russia, but Russia would definitely do a lot of damage to France in response. Would that be something Paris would be willing to contemplate? Europe is treading carefully. As officials tackle the issue, they have been mindful of what signs they send to Russia, keeping the conversations in bilateral or trilateral formats among countries that have strong trust, a person familiar with knowledge of the talks said. They declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. The countries involved in discussions usually host US military assets, are close to Russia and feel directly threatened by Vladimir Putin, the person with knowledge of the talks said. They are occurring at a deep military level, and even ministers may not be aware, the person added. Nuclear deterrence is set to be a hot topic at the Munich Security Conference, which starts on Friday. Macrons nuclear speech will come later, in France, after consultations with the presidents advisers, according to people familiar with the timing. For now, Europes best move would be to develop its advanced non-nuclear weapons arsenal, which can threaten valuable targets inside Russia and blunt an invasion, according to Darya Dolzikova, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute. Replacing the US umbrella with new European weapons is unaffordable for most countries, among other problems, experts said. The continent is already breaking the bank to scale up conventional military power. In 2025, the European Union and the UK together spent more than $530 billion on defense, more than half the entire gross domestic product of Poland. I dont see a pan-European nuclear deterrent, said Dolzikova, author of a recent report on nuclear deterrence in Europe. I dont think thats feasible. What I do think there is room to do is ask, How do the French and the British think about their own domestic deterrents, and how does that affect European security? France and the UK have about 400 deployed warheads between them. That compares with Americas 1,670, a number that could grow following the expiration this month of the New START treaty between the US and Russia that controlled nuclear arms. Despite their smaller arsenal, the French and British warheads have enough explosive power to destroy hundreds of cities, according to Dolzikova. Russia, by contrast, is more nimble, its vast arsenal including smaller weapons giving it more options for targets and how it responds in any escalation. The UK and France spend about $12 billion together to maintain their weapons each year. Thats more than half the entire defense budget for Sweden, Natos newest member. Convincing voters to accept that pricey nuclear weapons cover other countries even if the costs didnt rise could be a tough sell. Both Paris and London already face taxpayer grumbling as the governments make tough budget choices. The two countries have been holding discussions on how to better coordinate their nuclear forces. Last year, they signed the Northwood Declaration, which stated: Our nuclear forces are independent, but can be coordinated and contribute significantly to the overall security of the Alliance, and to the peace and stability of the Euro Atlantic area. France could station nuclear-capable fighter jets in other European countries, such as Poland, according to a report by the Paris-based think-tank IFRI. Easier options include increasing the participation of Nato countries in French nuclear exercises, or closer alignment between France and Natos Nuclear Planning Group. Individual countries could invest in turnkey capabilities, which means having all elements in place to build a nuclear weapon if needed. But even that requires nuclear power plants, complex and expensive enrichment facilities, and the political willingness to violate non-proliferation agreements, according to a person familiar with Europes nuclear discussions. It is a very complicated matter because the French nuclear deterrent is not an actual nuclear umbrella like Nato offers us, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever told Bloomberg. If you would talk about nuclear weapons, then you talk about spending a lot of money. From their partners perspective, its also not a given that the UK and France will always have governments committed to the idea of protecting the rest of Europe, said IFRI researcher Heloise Fayet. France is due to hold a presidential election next year, and Marine Le Pen and her right-hand man Jordan Bardella have vocally protested against any idea of sharing the nuclear deterrent. Our allies may come to think that they cannot rely on us, said Fayet. Credibility requires acting quickly and fast to create habits. Nato, meanwhile, is doubling down on its messaging of unity. Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said repeatedly that the Americans remain fully committed to the transatlantic alliance. A Defense Department official in Washington said the US continues to extend nuclear deterrence to its allies. Indeed, when the US talks about Europe handling its own security, its about conventional defense. President Donald Trump has not mentioned the nuclear umbrella and the US has not broached the subject in private either, according to people familiar with the matter. The White House didnt respond to a request for comment. For its part, the UKs arsenal is deeply linked to the US. Although the UK has operational independence of its nuclear deterrent, and the submarines are British-made, its missiles are built by US defense firm Lockheed Martin Corp. Unlike France, the UK has also assigned its nuclear deterrent to the defense of Nato since 1962, the only European nation to do so. That means it doesnt need to negotiate and sign bilateral umbrella agreements with other members. But the challenges and costs of developing nuclear arms to rival the US will most likely keep European goals more modest. If you want a multi-layered nuclear umbrella then you are very hard en route to becoming a world power, Belgiums De Wever said. I am not sure if Europe has to go all the way. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called for a stronger Europe to reset its ties with the United States, wanting Washington to repair and revive trust in a dangerous new era of great power politics as the old global order crumbles. In a speech to open the Munich Security Conference, Merz warned the US could not go it alone but also said Europe must beef up its own defences and mentioned confidential talks with France on nuclear deterrence. The speech underscored how European leaders are increasingly looking to carve an independent path after a year of unprecedented upheaval in trans-atlantic ties, while also striving to maintain their alliance with Washington. Taking his cue from those warning that the international rules-based order was about to be destroyed, Merz said: I fear we must put it even more bluntly: This order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form. Switching to English at the end, Merz said: In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone. Dear friends, being a part of Nato is not only Europes competitive advantage. It is also the United States' competitive advantage. So lets repair and revive transatlantic trust together, he added. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said trans-atlantic ties faced a defining moment in a rapidly changing world but struck a warmer tone ahead of the Munich Security Conference on Friday after a year of unprecedented upheaval. At the same gathering of top security officials last year, Vice President JD Vance had attacked European allies, triggering a series of confrontations, with the U.S. seemingly set on dismantling much of the international order it helped to build. In response, Washingtons partners have been pushing to chart a more independent course while preserving the basis of the alliance, as they face myriad athreats from Russia's war in Ukraine to massive ructions in global trade. I think it's at a defining moment ... the world is changing very fast right in front of us," Rubio said before departing for Munich. The Old World is gone, frankly, the world grew up in, and we live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be," he said. Europes push to become more self-reliant in technology could end up slowing its own growth if it limits access to global digital tools, a senior executive at Google has cautioned, Financial Times reported. The warning comes at a time when policymakers in the region are actively working to reduce dependence on foreign tech companies, especially those based in the United States. Kent Walker, the companys president of global affairs and chief legal officer, said Europe is facing what he described as a competitive paradox". He explained that while the region wants to boost growth and innovation, it is also putting restrictions on the very technologies that could help it achieve those goals. Walker noted that Google provides significant value across Europe through its services. According to him, creating barriers that make it harder to use advanced technologies could ultimately harm the region rather than help it. He also pointed out that technology is evolving very quickly, and limiting access to leading tools at such a time could slow businesses and reduce opportunities for innovation, the news report said. Push for digital sovereignty The debate comes as leaders from the European Union met in Belgium to discuss ways to strengthen the regions competitiveness in an uncertain global economy. In recent months, Europes push for digital sovereignty has gained momentum. Policymakers want stronger control over key technologies and infrastructure. This effort has also been influenced by geopolitical concerns, including fears that foreign policy shifts under US President Donald Trump could lead to a widening technology divide between the US and Europe, the news report said. European companies are already responding to this trend. French AI start-up Mistral recently reported a sharp surge in revenue, driven by growing demand from businesses seeking alternatives to American technology providers, the news report said. ALSO READ: Google offers exit package to select GBO staff who are 'ready to move on' The European Union is expected to unveil a tech sovereignty package in the coming months. This plan will focus on strengthening local cloud systems and improving the regions independence in software and digital infrastructure. Call for an 'open' approach Walker urged policymakers to adopt what he called an open digital sovereignty model. He said Europe should aim to maintain control over critical technologies while still benefiting from global innovation. He suggested that one possible solution would be partnerships between US and European firms. Such collaborations, he said, could allow data to remain locally stored and ensure compliance with European rules, while still giving businesses access to advanced tools. Rising tensions over regulation Differences between the European Union and Washington have grown in recent years, particularly over digital rules and policies such as restrictions on social media use by children. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that more disputes over technology regulation between the two sides are likely in the near future. Walker said he hopes conflicts can be avoided, stressing that global companies depend on consistent and predictable rules. He added that operating under widely different regulations across countries makes it harder to build and deliver digital services. Impact on innovation and consumers Walker also warned that heavy regulatory pressure could slow innovation and prevent businesses and consumers from accessing the best digital tools. Unlike some other tech firms, Google is not asking the European Union to scrap its digital laws. Instead, Walker called for a practical and forward-looking approach, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence, which he described as the fastest-moving technology shift yet, the news report said. The European Commission is currently in discussions with Googles parent company, Alphabet, over compliance issues linked to the Digital Markets Act. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a landslide victory in the general elections, on Friday reiterated its firm stance on seeking the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial. "The foreign minister has already persuaded the case for her extradition, and we also support it," Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said. "We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We also asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh," he added. Ahmed emphasised that Bangladesh seeks normal relations with all neighbours, including India, but only on equal terms. "We need a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, equality with all the countries, including India," he said. His comments came soon after the BNP's sweeping victory in the general elections held on Thursday. This is the first election since the mass uprising in August 2024 that forced Hasina to flee to India. Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since her ouster, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in November 2025 for crimes against humanity linked to the violent suppression of the 2024 uprising. Ahmed dismissed criticisms about the election's inclusivity after the Awami League was barred due to its suspension and ongoing violence probes. "People of the country know that this is a very inclusive election. If you like to mention the exclusion of Awami League etc, people have rejected through the mass uprising in Aug 2024," Ahmed underlined. The Awami League's exclusion stemmed from a decision by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which banned the party's activities in 2025 amid probes into its conduct during the uprising. "They are being prosecuted, and also the investigation is going on against the political party Awami League. This is under the process," Ahmed added. An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 rattled Chile at a depth of 58km, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 58km. In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 6.1, On: 12/02/2026 19:04:33 IST, Lat: 30.80 S, Long: 71.25 W, Depth: 58 Km, Location: Chile." Stretching along Latin America's Pacific coast from tropics in the north to freezing micro-climates in the south, Chile faces an array of natural hazards. Home to 20 million people, its location in the Ring of Fire and proximity to major tectonic plates exposes Chile to earthquakes and volcanic activity, as per UNDRR. A high-income country recognised for its good governance, Chile has reduced many of the risks associated with earthquakes and tsunamis. However, the country must also adapt to the new and intensifying hazards related to climate. Chile was one of the first countries, together with Bhutan, Madagascar, and Tonga, to implement the new Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Review. Developed by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) the methodology helps countries to identify and prioritise the strategies that will build their infrastructure resilience through a five-step approach. Within the disaster risk community, Chile stands out for its proactive approach to disaster risk. While saving lives is the top priority, the motivations are also economic. Between 2000 and 2019, damage to infrastructure accounted for 53 percent of all economic losses from disasters in the Latin American and Caribbean region. By enhancing its infrastructure resilience, Chile also protects its economy. Chile had already begun its search for new solutions to its disaster risk by the time Chile engaged with UNDRR and CDRI. In 2021, Chile replaced its National Emergency Office of the Ministry of the Interior and Public Safety (ONEMI) with SENAPRED, a new National Disaster Prevention and Response Agency, shifting the emphasis from recovery and reconstruction to disaster prevention, as per UNDRR. The Trump administration has reached a trade deal with Taiwan, with Taiwan agreeing to remove or reduce 99 per cent of its tariff barriers, the office of the US Trade Representative said. The agreement comes as the US remains reliant on Taiwan for its production of computer chips, the exporting of which contributed to a trade imbalance of nearly $127 billion during the first 11 months of 2025, according to the Census Bureau. Taiwan's exports to the US will be taxed at a 15 per cent rate or the US government's "Most Favoured Nation" rate, the USTR's office said on Thursday. The 15 per cent rate is the same as that levied on other US trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan and South Korea. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer attended the signing of the reciprocal agreement, which occurred under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. Taiwan's Vice Premier Li-chiun Cheng and its government minister Jen-ni Yang also attended the signing. The deal comes ahead of President Donald Trump's planned visit to China in April and suggests a deepening economic relationship between the US and Taiwan. Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy that China claims as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. Beijing prohibits all countries it has diplomatic relations with - including the US - from having formal ties with Taipei. Under the deal, Taiwan will make investments of $250 billion in the US industries such as computer chips, artificial intelligence applications and energy. The Taiwanese government says it will provide up to an additional $250 billion in credit guarantees to help smaller businesses invest in the US. The agreement would make it easier for the US to sell autos, pharmaceutical drugs and food products in Taiwan. But the critical component might be that Taiwanese companies would invest in the production of computer chips in the US, possibly helping to ease the trade imbalance. The investments helped enable the US to reduce its planned tariffs from as much as 32 per cent initially to 15 per cent. The US side said the deal with Taiwan would help create several "world-class" industrial parks in America in order to help build up domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies such as chips. The Commerce Department in January described it as "a historic trade deal that will drive a massive reshoring of America's semiconductor sector". In return, the US would give preferential treatment to Taiwan regarding the possible tariffs stemming from a Section 232 investigation of the importing of computer chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. TSMC, the chip-making giant, is expected to be the key investor. It has committed to $165 billion in investments in the US, including not only fabrication plants but also a major research and development center that would help build a supply chain to power US artificial intelligence ambitions. Major US tech companies such as Nvidia and AMD rely on TSMC for manufacturing highly advanced chips. Two people reported minor injuries on Wednesday (local time) when a US warship and a Navy supply vessel assigned to the military buildup in the Caribbean collided during a ship-to-ship refuelling, according to a military spokesman, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply collided during a replenishment-at-sea, according to US Southern Command spokesman Colonel Emmanuel Ortiz. Two people reported minor injuries and are in stable condition, and both ships have reported that they are able to continue sailing safely, Ortiz told the Wall Street Journal. The cause of the collision isn't yet clear, and the incident is under investigation, Ortiz said. The exact location of the collision wasn't immediately available. The Truxtun left its home port of Norfolk, Virginia, on February 6 to begin its scheduled deployment. The supply has been operating in the Caribbean. A military official said the collision was in the Southern Command area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean and parts of the South Atlantic and South Pacific, as per the Wall Street Journal. US President Donald Trump ordered a massive naval buildup in the Caribbean in recent months to support his campaign against drug traffickers in the region. There are 12 warships in the US Southern Command, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group, as per the Wall Street Journal. Underway replenishments involve transferring supplies and fuel between two ships sailing side-by-side. Ships like the Supply are owned by the Navy but primarily operated by civilian mariners. Collisions involving Navy warships are relatively rare and can be deadly. Seventeen sailors died in two separate collisions between Navy destroyers and merchant ships in the Pacific in 2017. On June 17, 2017, the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with MV ACX Crystal, a Philippine-flagged containership, about 90 miles from Japan, killing seven sailors. Just two months later, on August 21, Liberian-flagged tanker Alnic MC struck the destroyer USS John S McCain in the busy waterway of the Strait of Malacca near Singapore, ripping a hole in the hull and drowning another 10 sailors, as per Wall Street Journal. By Allyson Versprille Key US senators are seeking answers from the US Federal Aviation Administration and the Pentagon over what led to the sudden closure of airspace around El Paso, Texas, earlier this week. Democrats on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the FAA, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity around the closure as dueling narratives caused confusion. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas who chairs the commerce panel, also said Thursday that hes pressed the FAA and the Pentagon to clear up what exactly happened, calling for a classified briefing with lawmakers. The Department of Defense declined to comment. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford during a visit to Capitol Hill on Wednesday said he would respond to Cruz directly about a briefing. Administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have said the shutdown occurred because of Mexican cartel drones that breached the US airspace. Others with knowledge of the events pointed to testing of US military counter-drone laser technology that they said the FAA feared would affect safety of nearby civilian aircraft at El Paso International Airport. The airspace closure was prompted by Department of Homeland Security operation of an AeroVironment LOCUST system, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity. The US Army has more than a dozen of the systems, which include laser and tracking elements and can be mounted on multiple types of vehicles. DHS didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the Senate Commerce Committees top Democrat, said the incident underscores the need to fix the coordination problems between the FAA and the military especially after similar concerns about communication failures were raised after last years midair collision between a US Army helicopter and American Airlines Group Inc. regional jet. Chris Sununu, president of Airlines for America and former Republican governor of New Hampshire, said El Paso was a big frustration. In that situation, there was a breakdown in coordination between agencies, he said during an interview on Bloomberg Television. Clearly some new protocols and better communication have to be put into place to make sure this doesnt happen again, he added. The FAA issued a notice late Tuesday announcing the El Paso airspace closure and citing special security reasons. The shutdown was initially supposed to last 10 days but was reversed hours later. The conflicting reports that emerged do not inspire confidence that the FAA and DOD have improved their communications either with each other or within their own organizations, said Senator Tammy Duckworth, the top Democrat on the aviation-focused subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy also weighed in even though her agency isnt involved in the situation, saying these communication issues have persisted for years and are a problem across the federal government sometimes within a single agency. I dont understand it, Homendy said. People cant talk? Its astounding to me. By Karishma Vaswani Bangladeshs election marks a welcome break from the past. The embrace of democracy is a hopeful sign, but the result also shows how deeply entrenched dynastic politics are in the nation of more than 170 million. For India and China, two powers that have long competed for economic and security influence in the region, the outcome will bring profound changes. Its almost 18 months since Gen-Z protesters filled the streets of Dhaka and other major cities in mass demonstrations that led to the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas long-entrenched government. Their demands were clear: Cleaner politics, greater job opportunities and an end to the infamously corrupt and repressive system. The nations youth roughly a third of the population is between 18 and 35 are restless for a better future and meaningful political reform. That energy carried into this weeks polls that are widely viewed as the first genuinely competitive election in 17 years. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has emerged as the dominant political force, according to several local television networks. Official results are expected later on Friday, but a BNP victory would pave the way for leader Tarique Rahman to become prime minister. The partys main rival Jamaat-e-Islami appears to have failed to galvanize momentum despite forming an alliance with the student-led National Citizen Party. Hasinas Awami League, once the central pillar of political life, was barred from contesting. Rahman, who is the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP who was assassinated in 1981, returned to Bangladesh from a 17-year exile in London. He will have to deliver meaningful change or disappoint voters who believed this election would mark a real break from clan-driven politics. Bangladeshis also voted on a referendum that introduces a 10-year cap on the prime ministers tenure, among other constitutional changes aimed at strengthening democratic checks and balances. This ambition should be applauded if successful, these reforms will transform a nation that has long been held back by its authoritarian system. Both India and China have a stake in this shift, and its here that the new leader must tread carefully. He will need to resist the temptation to tilt decisively toward Beijing, while avoiding pressure to slip back into New Delhis orbit. Dhakas greatest leverage lies not in choosing sides, but in being actively courted by both. Bangladesh is central to Indias security, bordering its sensitive northeastern states. For China, its a significant node in its Belt and Road Initiative, and an important strategic presence along the Bay of Bengal. Yet the two powers built influence differently. New Delhi tied much of its leverage to Hasina personally she is now living in self-imposed exile in India while Beijing cemented its presence through long-term investments designed to survive political change. Washington has added another twist. US President Donald Trump has granted duty-free treatment for certain Bangladeshi textile exports made with US inputs. The sector is the economic lifeline for Dhaka, which is the world's second-largest exporter of clothes after China. For Indias garment makers, though, its a reminder that its economic advantage in the region is no longer automatic. New Delhis Bangladesh policy rested heavily on Hasina, a bet that now looks deeply misjudged. In return for close cooperation on security and trade, India overlooked concerns of democratic backsliding. Diplomatic ties have been further complicated by Hasinas continued presence in India, which has fueled harsh criticism in Bangladesh, particularly from the Gen-Z demonstrators who brought down her government. A special tribunal in Bangladesh sentenced her to death in absentia, finding her guilty of crimes against humanity over her role in the violent crackdown on the 2024 protests. The BNP poised to lead the next government is neither anti-India nor overtly pro-China. Crucially, it doesnt anchor its foreign policy around New Delhi, and has indicated that it will grant no neighbor privileged status. Instead, it will prioritize the interests of its youthful electorate. This creates an opening for China, already Bangladeshs largest supplier of arms and a major backer of infrastructure and energy projects. Their closeness was on display when Muhammad Yunus, the interim governments chief advisor, traveled there for a key foreign trip, in a break from the standard practice of visiting India first. None of this means China is winning. Geography alone ensures India will remain indispensable. But both New Delhi and Beijing will need to compete harder for goodwill in a country whose electorate is no longer content with being treated as a geopolitical pawn. Diversifying political partners is prudent. Bangladesh has recently deepened defense engagement with Pakistan, in a move that will surely rile India. The two nations have resumed direct trade for the first time since the 1971 war that led to Bangladeshs independence, while military officials have restarted regular exchanges. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code If theres a sign that things still arent well over at China-run Geely Motor Philippines, just look at their marketing and IT departments. ... Sean McCarthaigh Planning permission for a 100m new wing for critically ill women and infants at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin has been rejected following a successful objection by a conservation group. An Coimisiun Pleanala has overturned a decision of Dublin City Council to approve the proposed development of a new four-storey, critical care wing which would have provided 80 extra hospital bedrooms as well as a new theatre and connections to the existing entrance and main hospital buildings. The plans also provided for the demolition of the existing Outpatients Department on the Rotundas campus on the western side of Parnell Square. The Commission upheld two appeals against the councils ruling by the Dublin Civic Trust and an individual, while rejecting the recommendation of its own planning inspector to grant planning permission for the project. In a letter to hospital staff, the Master of the Rotunda, Sean Daly, said the Commissions ruling was incredibly disappointing news for us all but most importantly for the families that we serve. An Coimisiun Pleanala said it agreed with the appellants that the proposal to demolish the Outpatients building and replace it with the Critical Care Wing would be contrary to the zoning objective of the site which only allowed limited expansion within Georgian conservation areas. It claimed the proposed development would not serve to protect the existing architectural and civic design character of the site or Parnell Square generally. The Commission said it was satisfied that the scale, form and location of the new wing meant it would encroach upon and further compromise the architectural and historical integrity of Parnell Square. It claimed the development would fundamentally alter its character by creating a street frontage opposite protected 18th century houses that would fail to respect the historic charge and built heritage of the area. The Commission said it was also satisfied that the proposed development would significantly impact the view across many protected structures within the Architectural Conservation Area. It agreed with its own planning inspector and the Dublin Civic Trust that Parnell Square and its surroundings are a heritage setting of the highest order but also that the scale of the Critical Care Wing would have clear heritage impacts. The Commission said it disagreed with the inspectors view that the development represented limited expansion of the Rotunda campus as it pointed out that the new Critical Care Wing would have 10 times the floor area of the Outpatients building. It also disagreed with the inspector that the plans represented an overwhelming public benefit sufficient to justify the degree of heritage harm identified. The Commission noted that Government policy is to co-locate the Rotunda Hospital in the medium to longer term to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown by which time the adverse impact of the proposed development on the character and setting of protected structures and the Georgian Conservation Area could not be undone. In reaching its ruling, the Commission said it had taken into consideration the revised National Planning Framework in relation to the need for the health system to respond to projected population changes and reports and letters of support for the development as well as the underlying clinical imperative for the facility and the submissions of the appellants. Daly warned last October that objections to the new wing would result in significant risk in terms of providing optimum care to patients transferred to the hospital from all over the country. He called on the Government to review the planning process, with respect to healthcare-related infrastructure, where delays are costly both in human and financial terms. Daly said the need for the new facility was essential, both locally and nationally, for the provision of high-quality pregnancy-related and neonatal intensive care. The Critical Care Wing would have provided a 16-bed labour ward, a 20-bed neonatal intensive care unit, a 25-bed special care baby unit and a 19-bed post-natal unit together with a new operating theatre and recovery area. Consultants for the Rotunda said the plans had been developed in line with built heritage policies and in consultation with Dublin City Council and conservation experts in order to minimise the visual and structural impacts on historic buildings. They claimed the new wing would be an attractive contemporary structure that would replace an unsightly building and would be in harmony with the historic architecture of Parnell Square. The hospital expansion was also supported by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald as well as several other local TDs including Gary Gannon. Marie Sherlock a Labour TD in Dublin Central said there was a need for the new wing as the Rotunda was providing excellent care from sub-par accommodation with staff operating under very significant physical constraints. In its appeal, the Dublin Civic Trust claimed the hospitals plans represented a material contravention of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028. The organisation said it would result in a profound built heritage impact that would irrevocably damage the character of Parnell Square. The trusts chief executive, Graham Hickey, said the proposal also represented poor healthcare planning, clinical practice and value for money. Hickey acknowledged the extraordinary daily work of clinicians, staff and governors of the Rotunda but said the development was being proposed without a future plan for either the hospital or historic Parnell Square. He said it was shocking and unacceptable that the Rotunda had submitted a gargantuan development proposal that would build out and over one of Dublins greatest gifts to European society and culture.Dublin Civic Trust expressed hope that the refusal of planning permission would set in train public health planning for a clinically optimal new site as well as a masterplan for Parnell Square. Another heritage body, An Taisce, also made a submission to the Commission in which it claimed the proposed hospital wing brought into question the status, future and regeneration potential of one of the great Georgian squares of Dublin. High Court Reporters A "law-abiding citizen of impeccable character" has alleged at the High Court that she was falsely branded a "major criminal" and a "serious female gouger" after officers discovered she was in a relationship with a garda. Sinead Warren alleges that following the execution of a search warrant at a Dublin address, messages circulating on WhatsApp that could only have originated from people involved in or close to the search, suggested that her long-term partner, Gda Joseph Kavanagh, had been "caught in the scratcher" with her. Ms Warren submits that the messages also suggested that Gda Kavanagh's career was ruined due to his relationship with her. She alleges that he was dropped from a Special Crime Task Force that he had been selected to join and suffered intimidation and harassment from his superiors in the force. At the High Court, Mr Justice Micheal O'Higgins heard from Mark Harty SC, for the plaintiff, Ms Warren, that his client was of impeccable character and had been in a relationship with Garda Kavanagh for years before the search warrant was executed on December 5th 2016. The warrant had been issued for the investigation of a burglary in Dublin that did not involve Ms Warren or Gda Kavanagh, but they were present at the address when three armed and three unarmed gardai arrived. Ms Warren took her case against the Commissioner of An Garda Siochana, the Minister for Justice, Ireland and the Attorney General, seeking damages for interference and breach of Ms Warren's Constitutional rights, negligence, breach of duty, misfeasance and deceit. It is submitted that in or around February 2013, Ms Warren entered into a relationship with Mr Kavanagh, who was later selected to become a member of the newly-formed Special Crime Task Force (SCTF) attached to the Garda National Drug and Organised Crime Bureau. It is accepted by gardai that Ms Warren is known as a person of "impeccable character" who had been Garda-vetted for her employment at a creche and has never been involved in criminality, nor does she associate with criminals. It is submitted by lawyers for Ms Warren that the search of her home amounted to an interference in her personal life and her relationship with Gda Kavanagh. The State denies the allegation of interference. It is claimed by the plaintiff that senior gardai "deemed the relationship between Gda Kavanagh and Ms Warren to have been inappropriate and set out to interfere by carrying out surveillance and by making enquiries to ascertain the nature and extent of the relationship". This is also denied by the State. It is further alleged that the gardai who executed the warrant "were there for the sole or predominant purpose of ascertaining the whereabouts of Gda Kavanagh and they were present only to confirm his presence there", which is denied. It is also alleged that Mr Kavanagh's presence was communicated to senior gardai and that he was removed from his position as a member of the SCTF within hours of gardai entering the apartment. Ms Warren claims that thereafter Gda Kavanagh was "intimidated" and "harassed" by superiors in An Garda Siochana and that he was informed that he "needed time away from his position" in the unit. This is also denied. Mr Harty told the court that the warrant had been used to achieve an "unlawful objective". Counsel further said that matters were then "greatly aggravated" by reason of the alleged leaking and dissemination of information concerning the plaintiff which led to the "irresistible inference" that the source of the leak was gardai who attended the apartment or were closely privy to the search . "Immediately subsequent to the search, messages on the WhatsApp platform were sent and were circulated," said counsel. Mr Harty said that the messages said, or, in the alternative, implied the plaintiff to allegedly be "a major criminal" and that Ms Warren was a "serious female gouger" and that Gda Kavanagh was "caught in the scratcher with her". Further, said Mr Harty, the messages either directly or indirectly claimed that Gda Kavanagh's career was ruined by reason of the relationship. "In these circumstances, a respected member of the community and a law-abiding citizen [Ms Warren] was disparaged, maligned and was subjected to public ridicule and contempt", which is denied in full by the defendants. The non-jury trial continues at the High Court before Mr Justice O'Connell. Isabel Hayes A woman who was allegedly sexually abused by seven of her family members has told a court her younger brother learned to rape her when he was a child. The woman, who is deaf, was continuing to be cross-examined at the Central Criminal Court trial on Friday. John Peart, defence barrister, was cross-examining the woman in relation to her allegations against his client, her 32-year-old brother. This man, referred to as Accused F, has denied five counts three counts of anal rape and two counts of raping his older sister on dates between 2007 and 2010. Seven men, aged between 32 and 55, are on trial in relation to a combined total of 103 charges against them, of which 98 counts pertain to the main complainant. They are her four younger brothers and three uncles. They are accused of sexually abusing her at various stages over 17 years, between 1996 and 2013, and deny any wrongdoing. None of the parties involved can be named for legal reasons. The woman is giving evidence via video-link and through two interpreters an Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreter and a deaf relay as well as an intermediary who is a linguistics expert. There are also two interpreter monitoring teams present in court to ensure the woman is being interpreted correctly. Charts and symbols are also being used to assist the woman in communicating with the court hearing; she has challenges communicating timelines in terms of calendars and sequence. On Friday, Mr Peart put it to the woman that she told the jury last November that her brother raped her on two occasions, when she was 17 and 18. The woman agreed that this meant her brother was aged 13 to 14 at the time of the alleged rapes. (He) learned how to rape me. (He) learned to rape me, the woman said to the court. She agreed that she previously told the court that she told her brother she would tell his girlfriend if he raped her. Are you saying (your brother) had a girlfriend when he was 13? Mr Peart asked, to which the woman replied, Yes, and told the court the name of this girl. Mr Peart submitted that the woman's brother says he never raped her, to which she replied: I'm telling the truth. Finishing his cross-examination, Mr Peart asked the woman: Are you saying a boy of 13 raped you when you were 17 and a half? It's (his) fault, the woman replied. The trial continues before Ms Justice Biggs and an extended jury panel of 14 jurors. Accused A the woman's 55-year-old uncle - is accused of a single count of raping her on a date between December 2009 and April 2011. He has denied the charge. Accused B (48) another uncle - is accused of eight counts comprising rape, oral rape and anal rape of the complainant on dates between December 2008 and December 2010. He has denied the charges. Another three of her younger brothers are also accused of sexually abusing her over varying periods of time. Accused C (34) is accused of 45 counts 22 of rape and 23 counts of anally raping her over a 12- year period between 2001 and 2013. Accused D (33) is accused of 22 counts of sexually abusing his sister over an 11-year period on dates between 2002 and 2013. He has pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape. Accused E (32) is accused of 16 counts of sexual abuse against his sister over an eight-year period between 2003 and 2011. He has denied nine counts of anal rape and seven counts of raping her. A third uncle, Accused G (45), has denied a single count of raping her on a date between 1996 and 1997. Accused C is further charged with the sexual abuse of two of his younger sisters. He is charged with one count of sexual assault in relation to one sister, Complainant 2, on a date between 2005 and 2006 when she was a child. He is also charged with two counts of rape and one count of anal rape of this woman on dates between 2016 and 2019. He is also charged with one count of anally raping a third sister, Complainant 3, on dates between 2013 and 2014. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112. CARLOWs Ye Vagabonds have just released their fourth album, titled All Tied Togetheron Rough Trades River Lea label. The multi-award-winning Mac Gloinn brothers from Palatine take listeners on a journey through the places of their past. All these songs have addresses, says co-frontman Diarmuid Mac Gloinn. Theyre about specific locations and specific people. The albums opener On Sitric Road details their time living in Stoneybatter in Dublin, with Brian singing over swelling synths: I remember that first evening/Singing John Prine Itil dawn/Round the iron stove on Sitric Road/With my big wool coat on. The brothers, Diarmuid and Brian, first started performing on the streets together as buskers in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crash before they created music nights in Carlow and, later, Dublin, which led to the creation of the collective today. All Tied Together was recorded mainly in a house in Galway with celebrated producer Phil Weinrobe flying over from Brooklyn to be at the helm, while multi-instrumentalist Shazad Ismaily also travelled from the United States to contribute. In preparation for the album, the Mac Gloinns created a Dublin-based songwriters meet-up and took part in online workshops, dedicating their lives to studying the craft of songwriting. I treated it like my nine to five, says Diarmuid. I was going to a desk in our rehearsal space five days a week. For months. The days I wasnt working, I was reading about the process of both songwriting and short stories. The brothers are currently on a headline tour of the USA, which began in Brooklyn, New York and will conclude on 16 February in Seattle, Washington. The pair will then return home to Ireland to play a number of shows across the country before coming home to Carlow on 15 March, where they will play the GBS Theatre in Visual. Their final gig in Ireland will be at Dolans in Limerick on 28 March before they embark on a European tour. Tickets for all the shows can be found on the groups website yevagabonds.com. What is Opioid Use Disorder? Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), a substance use disorder, sometimes referred to as "opioid abuse or dependence" or "opioid addiction" is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. OUD is a treatable, chronic disease that can affect anyone regardless of race, sex, income level, or social class. A diagnosis of OUD is based on specific criteria such as unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use or use resulting in a failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home, among other criteria.1 It can even lead to overdose and death.2 In 2022, an estimated 6.1 million people had an OUD.3 What increases your risk Anyone who takes prescription opioids can develop opioid use disorder. You may also develop tolerancemeaning that over time you might need higher doses to relieve your pain, putting you at higher risk for a potentially fatal overdose. You can also develop physical dependencemeaning you have withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped. Take and store opioids properly: Never take prescription opioids in greater amounts or more often than prescribed. Avoid taking opioids with alcohol and other substances or medications. It is very dangerous to combine opioids with other drugs, especially those that cause drowsiness, such as: Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Valium) Muscle relaxants (such as Soma or Flexeril) Sleep aids (such as Ambien or Lunesta) Other prescription opioids Do not share or sell your prescription opioids. Store prescription opioids in a secure place, out of reach of others (including children, family, friends, and visitors). Dispose of unused prescription opioids at the end of your treatment. Find your community drug take-back program or your pharmacy mail-back program, or flush them down the toilet following guidance from the Drug Disposal: FDA's Flush List for Certain Medicines | FDA . Ways to prevent opioid use disorder There are a variety of ways to help reduce exposure to opioids and prevent opioid use disorder. Prescription drug monitoring programs, which are state-run databases that track prescriptions for controlled substances and can help improve opioid prescribing, inform clinical practice, and protect those at risk. Academic detailing to educate providers about opioid prescribing guidelines and facilitating conversations with patients about the risks and benefits of pain treatment options to educate providers about opioid prescribing guidelines and facilitating conversations with patients about the risks and benefits of pain treatment options Quality improvement programs in health care systems to increase implementation of recommended prescribing practices Patient education on the safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids Improve awareness and share resources about the risks of prescription opioids, and the cost of overdose for patients and families. See CDC's Rx Awareness Campaign website Making a plan It is important to work with your doctor to make safe and effective pain management decisions together. You can discuss your specific circumstances and situation to find treatments that are effective for your body. Share your concerns about the benefits and risks of prescription opioids and other pain treatment strategies. Nonopioid treatment options, treatments that do not use opioids and sometimes may not use medications, may provide greater benefits relative to risks. Be sure to ask questions, communicate openly, and share your feelings. Having open, honest conversations with your doctor can help build a relationship with shared understanding. By deciding treatment recommendations specific to your situation, you can reduce the risks associated with pain treatment. Talking openly with your doctor can help make sure you're getting care that is safe, effective, and right for you. Before taking opioid medication for pain: - Set treatment goals with your clinician for pain and function in your daily life. - Talk to your doctor about pain treatment options, including ones that do not involve prescription opioids. - Discuss the risks and benefits of opioid therapy. - Talk openly with your doctor to make sure you're getting care that is safe, effective, and right for you. - Tell your doctor about your medical history and if you or anyone in your family has a history of substance use disorders (SUDs). If you are prescribed opioids for pain management Follow up with your doctor within the first few days of starting your prescription to ensure opioids are helping. You should also discuss what kind of pain relief and improvement you can expect overall. Opioids can reduce pain in the short-term but will not likely relieve all your pain. Also let your doctor know about any side effects or concerns you have about using opioids. Develop your personal pain management plan with your doctor which may include: Your personal treatment goals, which describe what you may achieve as you make progress Information about treatment options Referral to specialists as needed La Cruz Azul Cooperatives cement plant in Tula, Hidalgo, has returned to the control of the companys Board of Directors led by Victor Manuel Velazquez, after being held for around six years by an opposition bloc linked to former president Guillermo Billy Alvarez Cuevas. The takeover followed an early-morning confrontation at the site on Thursday, which triggered the mobilisation of security forces. Authorities have not issued official reports of arrests or injuries, although local residents reported hearing gunshots. Velazquez later claimed the sounds were fireworks. Velazquez said the plant had been held hostage for more than five years and that court-ordered actions were now being enforced. In an institutional video, he called for peace, said jobs would be recovered, and pledged dialogue to support the economic recovery of Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul and the wider municipality. Advertisement The Hidalgo Attorney Generals Office said the movement at the plant was a restitution operation ordered by a judge in the State of Mexico, supported by state and municipal security forces. However, a legal representative for the opposing faction alleged contempt of court and claimed there were injuries during the operation. European carbon prices recorded one of their steepest declines in over three years on 12 February, as mounting political pressure to revise the blocs Emissions Trading System (ETS) rattled markets. Benchmark European Union Allowances (EUAs) slid to around EUR73 (US$86.6) per tonne, the lowest level since late 2025, after comments from senior leaders suggesting the climate-policy tool should be reviewed to ease industrial burdens. The drop marked a significant pullback from price levels above EU90 earlier in the year, with carbon permits losing nearly 20 per cent of their value since mid-January. Market participants cited risk-off selling and unwinding of long positions as political debate intensified ahead of an EU leaders summit on competitiveness and climate policy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sparked the sell-off by stating that the ETS should be revised or at least postponed if it undermines industry competitiveness, prompting similar calls from other member states to reconsider the pace and structure of emissions pricing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended the ETS as a core climate tool, highlighting its role in driving clean technology investment and generating substantial revenues for member states since 2005. Advertisement Trading volume in EU carbon contracts surged as participants grappled with the implications of potential reforms, with analysts warning that ongoing uncertainty could weigh on investment in emissions-intensive sectors, including cement and steel. The ETS is scheduled for a formal review later in 2026, with outcomes expected to influence the shape of Europes decarbonisation agenda and carbon pricing framework. Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) announces ODarius Davis as the 2026 recipient of the Matthew Vroman Memorial Scholarship. Davis, a resident of Rome, is an Aviation Maintenance Technology student at GNTCs Floyd County Campus in Rome. Matthew Vroman earned a diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology and three Aviation Maintenance Technician certificates at GNTC. He passed away in 2024 at age 25 after years of battling numerous health issues. This scholarship, established last year, supports Aviation students who possess Vromans traits of kindness, solid values and relentless work ethic. We were shocked and devastated at Matthews passing and wanted to honor him in the best possible way, Kathi Vroman said. My husband and I thought of this scholarship, because completing GNTCs Aviation Maintenance program and becoming certified by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) was Matthews proudest accomplishment. From a very young age, Matthew was fascinated by all things related to planes, Kathi Vroman said. He was the little boy that had a toy aircraft carrier and stopped whenever he was playing outside to identify whatever plane was going by. He began taking flying lessons at age 12 and flew solo at age 19. The Vromans proudest moment was when their son passed the oral exams for his FAA certification. Kathi Vroman said, It was a huge accomplishment for him after so much hard work. Matthew Vroman was shy, soft spoken and one of the kindest and gentlest souls you could ever meet, his mother said, adding that he was determined if there were something he wanted to accomplish. Matthew was the type of student that might only come around once in a career, said Jon Byrd, executive director of Aviation at GNTC and Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state aviation advisor. In class, he was quiet and reserved and had to be encouraged to ask questions during lectures, but he studied harder than any of his cohort classmates. His love of Aviation kept fueling his fire to push through the challenging FAA curriculum and time demands, but I never once witnessed Matthew complain, Byrd said. Once he knew what was expected of him, he went to work and deliveredno matter what struggles he was dealing with in his personal life. It was only after his passing that I learned the gravity of his personal battles. Byrd said he does not know how Vroman managed to complete the demanding program and continues to marvel at his resilience to pursue his dreams and goals in aviation. I hope every GNTC Aviation Maintenance Technology student that is worthy to receive the Matthew Vroman Memorial Scholarship can know just what an honor it is to keep Matthews name and spirit present, Byrd said, adding his gratitude to Tim and Kathi Vroman for keeping their sons memory alive and well at GNTC. Matthew Vroman worked as an aviation mechanic at S&S Aviation Co. at the Cherokee County Regional Airport in Ball Ground. State Representative Dan Howell announced that Meigs County has been awarded $100,000 through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developments Site Development Grant program to support due diligence work at Meigs County Industrial Park.Officials said, "The Site Development Grant program is part of the Rural Economic Opportunity Act established in 2016 to strengthen the local economy and workforce of Tennessee's rural communities by investing in infrastructure and engineering improvements that prepare industrial sites for economic development and job creation.The grant program supports strategic investments that make industrial sites more competitive and marketable by funding planning, grading infrastructure and related improvements."This investment equips Meigs County for future economic growth and job opportunities, and I'm thankful for Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner Stuart McWhorter's foresight to protect the fiscal climate of rural communities. said Rep. Howell. Site readiness is one of the most important factors in attracting new industry, and this grant supports the critical work necessary to place Meigs County on a level playing field when bidding for highly competitive projects.Meigs County is one of 13 counties awarded a Site Development grant, totaling than $13 million in award funding. Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee made up of TNECD, Austin Consulting, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Confucius Institute holds Chinese New Year cultural event in Baku, Azerbaijan Xinhua) 09:40, February 13, 2026 A student from the Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages performs Chinese poetry recitation during a Chinese New Year cultural event at Baku Book Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11, 2026. The Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages hosted a Chinese New Year cultural event here on Wednesday. Over 80 local audience joined students from the institute as well as representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises to enjoy performances including classical Chinese poetry recitations, classic Chinese songs, Chinese folk-style dances, and Peking Opera excerpts. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) A student from the Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages performs Chinese folk dance during a Chinese New Year cultural event at Baku Book Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11, 2026. The Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages hosted a Chinese New Year cultural event here on Wednesday. Over 80 local audience joined students from the institute as well as representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises to enjoy performances including classical Chinese poetry recitations, classic Chinese songs, Chinese folk-style dances, and Peking Opera excerpts. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) A 90-year-old local woman (1st L) attends a Chinese New Year cultural event at Baku Book Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11, 2026. The Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages hosted a Chinese New Year cultural event here on Wednesday. Over 80 local audience joined students from the institute as well as representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises to enjoy performances including classical Chinese poetry recitations, classic Chinese songs, Chinese folk-style dances, and Peking Opera excerpts. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) A faculty member from the Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages performs traditional Chinese tea ceremony during a Chinese New Year cultural event at Baku Book Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11, 2026. The Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages hosted the Chinese New Year cultural event here on Wednesday. Over 80 local audience joined students from the institute as well as representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises to enjoy performances including classical Chinese poetry recitations, classic Chinese songs, Chinese folk-style dances, and Peking Opera excerpts. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) A student from the Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages performs Xinjiang dance during a Chinese New Year cultural event at Baku Book Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11, 2026. The Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages hosted a Chinese New Year cultural event here on Wednesday. Over 80 local audience joined students from the institute as well as representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises to enjoy performances including classical Chinese poetry recitations, classic Chinese songs, Chinese folk-style dances, and Peking Opera excerpts. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) A student from the Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages performs Peking Opera during a Chinese New Year cultural event at Baku Book Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11, 2026. The Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages hosted a Chinese New Year cultural event here on Wednesday. Over 80 local audience joined students from the institute as well as representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises to enjoy performances including classical Chinese poetry recitations, classic Chinese songs, Chinese folk-style dances, and Peking Opera excerpts. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Caring for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when families begin asking the hard questions: When is it time to make a change? What resources are available? How do we prepare?The Morning Pointe Foundation will host a Caregiver Cafe titled Caring in the Cove on Thursday, March 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove. The free event is open to caregivers, adult children and community members seeking clarity and practical next steps.Rather than focusing on a single topic, the evening will feature a four-person panel of local professionals who regularly support families navigating aging-related decisions.Attendees will hear expert insight and have the opportunity to ask questions during an open discussion period. Light snacks and vendor booths will also be available.Panelists include:- Paula Larkin, CADDCT, certified Alzheimers disease/dementia practitioner and trainer;- Lacy Graydon, BSW, community liaison with Adoration Hospice;- Chuck Alsobrook, Hamilton County Veterans Service officer and office manager, guidance on Veterans Pension with Aid & Attendance benefits; and- H. Ben Davis III, CSA, broker manager with Select Pointe, LLC, medicare insurance.This Caregiver Cafe is about helping families feel heard and better prepared, said Sarabeth Wilkins, executive director at Morning Pointe of Greenbriar Cove. We want attendees to leave with trusted resources, new connections and greater confidence in the decisions ahead.The event is part of the Morning Pointe Foundations ongoing mission to provide caregiver education while also supporting scholarships for students pursuing careers in nursing, culinary arts, social work and therapy through partnerships with local schools.The Caregiver Cafe is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend, ask questions and connect with local professionals in a welcoming environment designed to support and empower caregivers. A quick trip to the internet provides endless conflicting tales about a third century saint who was allegedly executed by a Roman Emperor. Woe be to any modern-day spouse, significant other, etc. who forgets to participate in the 40-billion-dollar worldwide February 14 celebrations in recognition of the patron saint of lovers, epilepsy, and beekeepers. While the 132 elected members of the Tennessee General Assembly have not yet declared the horrendous act of forgetting said sacred date on the 365-day calendar as a capital offense subject to lethal injection, the electric chair, hanging or firing squad, said neglect or omission may result in a life sentence worse than any of the above deaths! (You dont have me a 10 lb. box of Whitmans Sampler, a $312.99 bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne, a dozen artificial flowers, or the keys to a beautiful battleship gray Tesla automobile?) Having gracefully moved into the topic of Amore, several references in the literary world are excerpted from the writings of legitimate authors by a magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the 13,000-acre institution on Monteagle Mountain, where he also earned the ultimate honor of working in the Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department as an undergraduate. In The Mississippi Book of Quotations, (2016 Nautilus Publishing Company), author, David Crews compiled quotes from the writing of several Mississippians in 70 topics of which Love is only one: 1. we are the two in all the world who can love each other without having to. William Faulkner, The Town 2. The way you look, the way you laugh, the way you love with all you have, there aint nothing bout you that dont do something for me. Rivers Rutherford, Aint Nothing bout You 3. Saw what I liked and liked what I saw And my heart went along for the ride Uh,oh, Im falling in love again. Jimmie Rodgers, Im Falling in Love Again 4. They kissed. . . the kind they had enjoyed as teenagers when Kissing was fun and mysterious and the ultimate. John Gisham, The Firm 5. It could be a spoonful of coffee. It could be a spoonful of tea. But one Little spoonful of your precious love is good enough for me. Willie Dixon, Spoonful 6. I think once you love somebody, you love somebody; thats just how it is. Richard Hannah 7. As long as I am acting out of love, I feel I am doing the best I know how. Donna Tartt, The Goldfinch 8. For love gonna board The midnight train to Georgia. Jim Weatherly, Midnight Train to Georgia (if and when we get one?) 9. We love each other fiercely, while we live and after we die. Jesmyn Ward, Men We Reaped P.S. DISCLAIMER: The well written and poignant remarks of B.C. in their February 11, 2026, Opinion Article, Why Everyone Isnt Excited About Valentines Day and How Silly It Really Has Come, are their sole responsibility and resulting consequences! (Happy Valentines Day!) ---- If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com) Day Shift February 11: A Squad 26-001297 400 BLK Donaldson Road- Theft Police spoke with the reporting party who stated her son's bicycle was stolen from her front porch. Her neighbor had initially called police to report the theft and described the suspect as a taller, slim build, male who was last seen riding the bicycle going towards Germantown Road. The suspect has not been identified at this time. 26-001286 1600 BLK Prater Road - Theft Police spoke with the caller who stated her Tn. tag was stolen from her vehicle. The tag was thought to have been removed from the vehicle at an East Ridge business on Tuesday evening. She later advised the tag was taken in Chattanooga. She was asked to report it with CPD. 26-001288 600 BLK Camp Jordan Parkway - Suspicious Person/BackEMS - Police responded to the business after a male was behaving oddly. Police identified the man from Florida who appeared to be in an altered mental state. CEMS arrived and advised that he appeared to have an infection that could be contributing to his altered behavior. HCEMS transported for treatment. 26-001292 700 BLK Barlow Way - Assault/Arrest A man was arrested for punching his neighbor in the face following an argument over a trash can placement. 26-001293 5500 BLK Ringgold Road - Theft Officers were dispatched to the laundry where they met with the caller to report that someone had stolen a single dress that belonged to his girlfriend. Officers could not find any evidence of theft. 26-001290 4400 BLK Ringgold Road - Deceptive Practice Officers were dispatched to the market on reports of someone cashing a check that bounced on 02/06/2026. Officers reviewed camera stills where they viewed an unknown male cashing the check. The investigation is ongoing. 26-001295 6500 BLK Ringgold Road - Disorder Officers were dispatched to the restaurant where an employee claimed that her ex-boyfriend had been threatening to shoot up her mother's house and her current job. Officers could not determine whether the threats originated inside East Ridge city limits, or Chattanooga city limits. Night Shift February 11 : C Squad 6-001303 3400 BLK Crabtree Drive Theft The caller reported that a silver Smith & Wesson revolver was missing from his home. He stated the firearm normally sat on the nightstand next to his bed. He discovered the revolver was missing shortly after a friend left his house. The firearm was entered into NCIC as stolen. Police are working to gather more information on the potential suspect. 26-001308 3500 BLK Reneau Way Residential Alarm Police Officers responded to a burglar alarm at this residence. On scene, the officers attempted to contact the residents, but no one appeared to be home. Police checked the exterior of the structure and found no signs of forced entry. 26-001310 5300 BLK Clemmons Road Domestic Disorder The caller reported a verbal argument with her father, and he told her to leave the apartment. The father had left the area prior to the arrival of Police. Due to the circumstances, the woman requested transportation to her mothers lodgings on Lee Hwy. ERPD provided her with a courtesy ride, and no further issues were reported. 26-001312 3300 BLK Ringgold Road Unknown 911 Call Police were dispatched to this area after an un-named female called the 911 Dispatch Center. Upon callback, the woman stated she was trying to add 911 to her speed dial and accidently called the number. Police Officers checked the area but did not locate the female or any signs of distress. 26-001315 941 Spring Creek Road Criminal Trespass Hospital Security reported that a recently discharged patient was refusing to leave the premises. Police Officers responded to the hospital and located the party near a road. Staff also reported the party was being rude and disorderly with staff. The man was criminally trespassed from the property, and he left without further issue. Proximity restriction 26-000032. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, to update the community on the Chattanooga Lead Superfund Site, including the new EPA Lead Directive and a related change to the cleanup plan. EPA will also provide an update on the investigation and cleanup activities at the site, as well as ongoing and planned cleanup efforts outside the site boundary. In October 2025, EPA issued a new Lead Directive that guides how lead in soil is evaluated and cleaned up in residential areas. This summer, EPA plans to release an Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the Southside Chattanooga Lead Superfund Site. The ESD will describe changes to the existing cleanup plan and update the lead cleanup level using the new EPA Lead Directive. EPA will hold a public comment period to give residents an opportunity to review and provide input to the proposed ESD. EPA will announce the public comment dates when they are finalized. The meeting will be from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, at the City of Chattanooga Development Resource Center, Conference Room 1A, 1250 Market St., Chattanooga. The Tennessee House of Representatives passed legislation to expand patient access to contraceptives by allowing eligible patients to obtain up to a 12-month supply at one time through their health insurance coverage.This bill would simply allow a person to pick up an annual supply at the pharmacy so they dont have to return every one to three months, said Rep. Helton-Haynes. For many patients, those repeated trips can create unnecessary hurdles due to work schedules, transportation challenges, or pharmacy access.By allowing up to a 12-month supply when requested, this legislation supports continuity of care, reduces gaps in coverage and gives patients greater flexibility to manage their health responsibly. It is a straightforward, patient-focused update that keeps provider guidance in place while making the system work more efficiently for Tennesseans.House Bill 169, sponsored by Rep. Helton-Haynes, requires private sector health benefit plans that provide prescription contraceptive coverage to also cover up to a 12-month supply when requested by a patient. Patients may still receive a smaller supply if they prefer or if a health care provider recommends a reduced amount.The measure is intended to remove unnecessary refill barriers and improve continuity of care by allowing patients to make fewer pharmacy visits while maintaining prescribed contraceptive coverage, officials said.The companion version of House Bill 169 is currently under consideration in the Senate. If approved, the legislation will take effect July 1, 2027. D4vd has not been arrested for Celeste Rivas Hernandez's murder, but plenty of people from his inner circle have spoken to a grand jury. His parents have not. In September 2025, the body of a teenager, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was found inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd. The gruesome discovery was made after the car was towed from a Hollywood street not far from where the R&B artist was living. While the 20-year-old musician was out of state when the teens remains were discovered, the LAPD has reportedly zeroed in on him as a suspect in her death. A grand jury has been combing over evidence and hearing testimony since late last year. While no arrest has been made yet, insiders insist it is imminent. Plenty of people from his inner circle have testified before the grand jury looking into Celeste Rivas Hernandezs death. A few have not. Who has testified in front of the grand jury in the Celest Rivas Hernandez case? The grand jury looking into Celeste Rivas Hernandezs death is still meeting. While it seems theyd like to speak with a few more people, a number of D4vds friends and associates have already testified. Back in December, TMZ reported that Robert Morgenroth, D4vds tour manager, spent two days testifying before the grand jury. According to the outlet, part of his conversation outside the courtroom was overheard by passersby, who claimed the music executive was flustered by questions about why he didnt call the police. Its unclear exactly what that line of questioning was in reference to, though. Josh Marshall, who also managed D4vd, also reportedly answered a subpoena to appear. Marshall was identified as the individual who leased the home where D4vd was staying in Hollywood. That home was raided by the LAPD shortly after Celeste Rivas Hernandezs remains were identified. D4vd moved out of the home immediately after the raid. We know for a fact that Neo Langston also testified before the grand jury, even though he tried his hardest not to. Langston was actually arrested while hiding out at his mothers house in Montana last month because he failed to appear in court. Langston was transferred from Montana back to California, where he spoke with the grand jury. It is unclear where he is now. Langston is a streamer who was a longtime friend of D4vds. It is unclear what information he may have about Rivas Hernandezs death. An unnamed female witness was also rumored to be avoiding the grand jury. Several weeks back, rumors swirled that an arrest warrant might be issued for a female witness who was being uncooperative. The only arrest that was made public was Langstons, though. That lack of coverage suggests that the female witness eventually complied with the summons, though her identity remains a mystery. D4vds parents are actively trying to avoid testifying While plenty of people connected to D4vds career and life in California have been called to court, the TikTok stars parents are actively trying to avoid appearing. Many people assume the grand jury is getting close to a conclusion. It might be winding down, but TMZ has reported D4vds parents and brother have yet to testify. That is not for lack of trying on the courts part. According to the outlet, Dawud Burke, Colleen Burke, and their son Caleb have been summoned as material witnesses. They are due to appear in California but are trying to avoid it by claiming their due-process rights were violated. According to TMZ, the trio claims they only received a redacted version of an affidavit. They argue that, because of the redaction, they were unaware of the reason they were being summoned to appear. D4vd also has a much younger sister, but she has not been called to appear due to her age. Caleb Burke was regularly seen traveling with D4vd during his ill-fated tour, suggesting he might have some insider information about the teen and her connection to his brother. East Plano Islamic Center in Plano, Texas. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ East Plano Islamic Center Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has reaffirmed plans to hold Senate hearings examining concerns over Islamic law and a proposed Muslim-focused development. Last month, Patrick said he would direct the Senate State Affairs Committee to convene a hearing titled Preventing Sharia Law in Texas. The announcement came amid debate surrounding the proposed East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) development in Hunt and Collin counties. The 400-acre project includes plans for a mosque, retail spaces and other facilities and has drawn scrutiny from some state leaders. On Tuesday, Patrick revealed that his office had received correspondence from CAIR responding to the planned interim hearings. In a post on his official Facebook page, he wrote, "I will get to the bottom of the 'EPIC City' and 'Sharia Law' issues in Texas. Two weeks ago, I announced that the Senate would hold interim hearings. In response, we received this letter from an organization that the Governor has designated a foreign terrorist organization." He added, "I will not back down to this group or any other organization that intends to undermine Texas law." Patrick also shared a link to the CAIR letter without summarizing its contents and posed the question, What are they trying to hide? In November, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation identifying CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations under state law. Patricks post included a link to a Feb. 9 letter from CAIR Texas which voiced concerns about what it called Patricks unconstitutional focus on the planned Senate committee hearings. The letter which was signed only as Council on American-Islamic Relations Texas (CAIR-TX) denied any effort to implement sharia and said the hearing seeks to address a problem that does not exist. There is no parallel judicial system operating in Texas. Judges are constitutionally bound, and any deviation would already be unlawful and subject to immediate judicial remedy, the unsigned letter stated. Because the legal system already functions exactly as described in the charge, the Texas state government repeatedly singling out Islamic religious practices and communities does not strengthen constitutional protections. Instead, it manufactures a fictional threat and then legislates against it. Around the same time as Patricks announcement, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton disclosed an investigation into a separate 2,300-acre development in Kaufman County proposed by Dubai-based SEE Holding. Paxton described the project as a "potentially unlawful 'sharia city' development." In a statement, Paxton said: "There will be no 'sharia city' in Texas under my watch. While youre on American soil, you will obey Americas laws. I have launched this investigation to determine the nature of this development in Kaufman County and will be thoroughly investigating this matter for any unlawful actions." Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services | Photo credit: Facebook/ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is formally encouraging faith-based addiction recovery organizations to begin applying for federal funding, just days after Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced expanded eligibility for such groups. An official with HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) told The Christian Post that the agency is eager to collaborate with religious organizations in addressing the nations behavioral health crisis. SAMHSA enthusiastically welcomes faith-based organizations to join us in advancing behavioral health by applying for federal funding opportunities, the official said in a statement. Resources are available to support interested organizations navigate the application process. Faith-based groups interested in applying can review Notices of Funding Opportunity through the SAMHSA Grants Dashboard. Additional guidance is available through an online explainer detailing how to apply for SAMHSA grants. Kennedy first outlined the policy shift during his Feb. 2 remarks at SAMHSAs annual Prevention Day event, the largest federal gathering focused on preventing substance abuse. During that address, he stated that the Trump administration is bringing faith-based providers fully into this work. The following day, leaders from SAMHSA and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) circulated a joint letter emphasizing to highlight that both agencies welcome full participation from faith-based organizations in their programs and activities, referencing their combined annual budgets of more than $138 billion. Officials noted that SAMHSA oversees more than 70 formula and discretionary grant programs totaling over $7 billion annually. ACF, meanwhile, manages more than $68 billion in both mandatory and discretionary funding streams. The agencies said the increased access for faith-based groups aligns with President Donald Trumps February 2025 Executive Order 1425, which directs federal departments to facilitate the active participation of faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship in government-funded or government conducted activities and programs. Federal support for faith-based service providers dates back to President George W. Bushs Executive Order 13198, signed Jan. 29, 2001, which sought to remove barriers preventing religious organizations from receiving government funds for social services. Trumps administration has expanded on that framework, emphasizing protections for religious liberty and institutional autonomy. Under current policy, faith-based providers are no longer required to refer clients who object to religious programming to secular alternatives. They are also permitted to maintain religious hiring standards while participating in federally funded initiatives. Home News Democrat lawmaker prompts backlash for asking ICE director if he's 'going to Hell' Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., prompted outrage earlier this week for scoffing at ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons about his faith and asking him if he anticipates damnation for having "blood on [his] hands." During a Tuesday hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee, which at times grew contentious as members grilled Lyons, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, McIver first asked Lyons whether he considers himself to be religious. "Yes, ma'am," Lyons said, to which McIver mockingly replied by asking, "Oh yes, well, how do you think Judgment Day will work for you with so much blood on your hands?" When Lyons refused to entertain the question, McIver asked, "Do you think you're going to Hell, Mr. Lyons?" a question Lyons also refused to answer. .@RepLaMonica steps completely out of line, gets corrected during a committee hearing: "Do you think you're going to hell, Mr. Lyons?" This is seriously messed up. pic.twitter.com/W4K6YjYPzB Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 10, 2026 After Committee Chair Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., admonished McIver to "adhere to established standards of decorum and debate" and avoid "aggressively attacking" the witnesses personally, McIver responded by claiming she was "just [asking] a question." "You guys are always talking about religion here, and the Bible. I mean, it's OK for me to [ask] a question, right?" she said. McIver went on to ask Lyons if he could name agencies that "routinely kill American citizens and still get funding," which he also said he was "not going to entertain." McIver, who has represented New Jersey's 10th Congressional District since 2024, was indicted by a grand jury last year for "forcibly impeding and interfering" with federal law enforcement when she visited the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, in May. McIver's line of questioning sparked backlash online, including from the official account of the House Republicans, which described her display as "unhinged" and "a total meltdown." The White House's "rapid response" account on X called the exchange "seriously messed up." Fox News congressional correspondent Bill Melugin claimed McIver's questioning elicited "groans from the audience in the room." "ICE Derangement Syndrome is a real thing in today's Democratic Party," said Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind. "The sad thing about this is, it's the best [McIver]'s got," said New Jersey state Rep. Mike Inganamort, a Republican. "Not interesting or serious. Not intellectually curious. Not grasping the incredible privilege she has to influence policy. It's just a blip from a subpar Congresswoman, whose District could use a champion." On Thursday, White House border czar Tom Homan announced that the federal surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota was coming to a close, following weeks of tense protests exacerbated after ICE agents fatally shot Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti last month. Home News Harvest Christian Fellowship seeks to dismiss sex abuse lawsuits ex-pastor calls ugly lies Attorneys for Harvest Christian Fellowship and its founder, Greg Laurie, are seeking to dismiss 22 federal lawsuits filed by former wards of the California megachurchs now-defunct childrens homes in Romania. The claimants allege they were sexually abused and trafficked by former pastor Paul Havsgaard, who has dismissed the allegations as ugly lies. I am angry because the lawsuit states these accusations as if they are facts," Havsgaard wrote in a Jan. 20 letter to U.S. District Court Judge Sunshine S. Sykes in response to the lawsuits, adding he could not afford a lawyer. "They are not. Everything I am accused of in these lawsuits are blatant, ugly lies manufactured for one purpose, to achieve a payout. If things were as bad as these accusations claim, each child could have left whenever they wanted to. In fact, the children were allowed to go and come as they pleased." In addition to allegations of abuse against Havsgaard, the complaints name Harvest Christian Fellowship and accuse Laurie and missions pastor Richard Schutte of negligence by failing to prevent their abuse and covering it up for 20 years. The plaintiffs in the case include seven women and 16 men. The seven women are: Marian-Liviu Mihaila, 38; Alexandra-Elena Langa, 28; Ioana Cosmina Pirvu, 32; Gheorghita-Bogdana Tici, 36; Maria Ghenciulescu, 37; Denis-Vasile Otcuparu, 32; Emilia-Mariana Tudosie, 38; Roxana-Maria Turuianu, 39; Cristina-Bianca Popescu, 33; and Alexandru Ionita, 39. The alleged male survivors include Marian Barbu, 33; Mihai-Constantin Petcu, 40; Cristian Aeroaiei, 36; Constantin-Alin Nitu, 36; Razvan-Georghe Nitu, 38; and George-Adrian Vasile, 33; Aurelian Busca, 37; his brother Alexandru-Cristian Busca, 38; Marian Dragne, 36; Bogdan Ionescu, 35; Alexandru Badaluta, 36; and Florin Cristian Caragea, 32. While all 22 cases were filed individually on behalf of the plaintiffs by attorney Jan Cervenka of the law firm McAllister Olivarius, the judge ordered the cases to be consolidated into a single filing on Feb. 3, following a proposal from attorneys for Laurie and Harvest Christian Fellowship. Barbu is the lead plaintiff in the consolidated case, and the alleged victims all reside in Romania or other European countries. In making their case to consolidate the complaints, attorneys for Laurie and Harvest Christian Fellowship told Judge Sykes that they have begun legal proceedings in Romania to determine whether the alleged survivors' claims are barred by the Romanian statute of limitations. They stated in a Jan. 16 filing that a determination by the Romanian Court will form part of their defense. This case is one of 22 related cases currently pending before the Court. In each case, the plaintiff is a citizen of Romania who currently resides in Romania or in another country in Europe. None of them resides in the United States. In each case, the plaintiff purports to state claims based on allegations that the plaintiff suffered abuse in Romania at least 18 years ago, the attorneys argue in the federal court filing. Before these cases were filed in this Court, Defendant Harvest initiated civil proceedings in Romania seeking a determination of whether the plaintiffs claims are barred by the Romanian statute of limitations. Those proceedings are currently pending before the Romanian court in Bucharest, they add. Laurie and Harvest Christian Fellowship will seek to stay or dismiss all the cases based on a variety of applicable doctrines and principles including the international abstention doctrine, international comity, judicial economy, and forum non conveniens," the filing notes. In essence, the Reporting Defendants will ask the Court to allow the Romanian court to exercise primary jurisdiction over the claims of its citizens, it adds. The plaintiffs claim they were groomed into a life of sadistic sexual torture and abuse for years before being forced back on the streets when the homes were quietly shuttered in 2008, four years after an alleged investigation by Harvest Christian Fellowship officially confirmed the abuse at the insistence of concerned missionaries, according to the lawsuits. The lawsuits allege that Laurie and Schutte kept Havsgaard in place in Romania with minimal oversight despite repeated warnings about his abuse of children. Harvest reportedly deposited $17,000 each month into Havsgaards personal bank account to cover expenses associated with running the homes, but did not require detailed accounts. The filings allege that Havsgaard was able to "divert funds into purchases for his sexual favorites and hush money for employees." Havsgaard, who currently resides in California, also frequently returned to Harvest Christian Fellowship in California to raise money for the homes in Romania. The plaintiffs allege he sexually assaulted certain boys selected to join him on trips from Romania to the U.S. In his letter to Judge Sykes, Havsgaard maintains his innocence and argues that the alleged victims are only interested in money. I have dealt with a lot of anger since receiving Attorney Ann Olivarius' and Attorney Jan Cervenka's claims. I spent nearly 12 years, along with thousands of dollars of my own finances, to help these kids. There are many wonderful kids that indeed needed to be helped and sincerely wanted to be helped. The former street kids behind all of these lawsuits are only one part of the kids we were able to help and it is all about money for them, Havsgaard states in his letter. It has always been all about money to them when I was still there and now. They even asked me when they found out we were selling our house in America; how much they were going to get individually from the sale! Havsgaard also accused Olivarius of making "fraudulent statements in order to gain a greater number of plaintiffs" and using the "promise of financial gain to coax witnesses to testify against me." "The entire correspondence shows the lengths that Ms. Olivarius will reach, in order to deceive witnesses and malign my character so terribly that she can achieve financial gain through this litigation," Havsgaard added in his letter. "The accusations against me in her communications are ludicrous. Most of these former street kids would not have come up with these accusations on their own and especially would not have, were it not for the promise of financial gain." Havsgaard also highlighted what he says is a "prior history of dishonesty" by Olivarius. "She was previously found guilty of making materially false statements with nine specifications of the single charge by Appellate Division of NY, entered on April 5, 2012. ... Please also note that D.C. Bar subsequently suspended her on May 15, 2014," he wrote. In her lawsuit, Emilia-Mariana Tudosie, who claims she was sexually abused inside the Harvest homes from the age of 10 to 15, recalled travelling to California with Havsgaard and claimed he raped two boys at his home there. In or around 2000, Havsgaard took Emilia, Mark M., Stefan S., and Victor V. to California to visit Harvest Riverside. They stayed at Havsgaards house with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. The boys slept upstairs and Emilia slept downstairs on a sofa, alone. Havsgaard told her that he did not have a free room for her and did not allow her to see the boys upstairs room, the lawsuit states. Havsgaard raped Stefan S. and Mark M. on this trip to California. Emilia, Stefan S., Mark M., and Victor V. met Laurie during a church service at Harvest Riverside, the lawsuit adds. Tudosie alleges that after she returned to Romania from the California trip, she began taking drugs and drinking heavily. Havsgaards driver, Catalin Manescu, who was later promoted to the position of Harvest Homes finance director, allegedly knew about Havsgaards sexual abuse of children," and "felt emboldened to abuse children himself," and primarily preyed on minor girls. Tudosie claims in her filing that Manescu sexually assaulted her while she was incoherent under the influence of drugs and threatened to tell her boyfriend about her drug use if she resisted. Since The Christian Post began reporting on the filings in September 2025, Harvest Christian Fellowship has not responded to additional requests for comment. A Harvest Christian Fellowship spokesperson had previously told CP that the allegations are "serious and disturbing," but denied that the church knowingly covered up alleged sexual abuse. Since being contacted by the representatives of the alleged survivors, the spokesperson said that Harvest Riverside has reported the case to law enforcement and plans to cooperate with authorities in the investigation. Harvest said they also view the lawsuits as a "form of financial extortion" and expect to "vigorously defend against these claims" in court. Contrary to the allegations in the lawsuits and information gathered by CP in interviews, Havsgaard claims in his letter to the judge that Harvest could not have known anything about his alleged abuse because The church was never put on notice because nothing had ever happened. This lawsuit has cost me everything. I was teaching a Bible study for senior citizens but had to step down when I told them about these lawsuits. These lawsuits have ruined any hope of being able to minister because no church wants to risk a potential lawsuit as well. My wife and I live paycheck to paycheck on Social Security and my veterans benefits. I worked as a pastor for 27 years prior to becoming a missionary in Romania and there was never, ever, a complaint about me, he writes. This lawsuit is about money, it's all about money. I don't know what will become of this lawsuit. Prayerfully I will be proven innocent. But if not, and my accusers gain wealth, when the money is gone and our bodies decay, there is a judgment coming. We will all stand before God and see Him with our own eyes. But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives and He will prove me to be innocent on that day. Home News Fewer than a third of churchgoers read the Bible daily: Lifeway Fewer than one in three Protestants who attend church services at least once a month read the Bible on a daily basis, according to a recent report from Lifeway Research. A report published Tuesday, based on The Lifeway Research State of Discipleship study, found that 31% of Protestant churchgoers read the Bible every day, while 30% do so a few times a week. Additionally, 14% of respondents said they read the Bible once a week, 11% said they engage in it a few times a month, 5% said they only read it once a month, while 9% said they rarely or never do so. According to Lifeway, the Bible reading rates have gone up compared to past years. For example, in 2007, only 16% of respondents said they read the Bible daily, while in 2012, it was 19% of respondents. Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, was quoted in the report as noting that the number of daily Bible readers has remained fairly steady since 2019. The portion of churchgoers reading the Bible a few times a week or more on their own has leveled off recently after rising dramatically since 2007, but the churchgoer population was also changing during this period, stated McConnell. A lower percentage of Americans attend a Protestant church once a month today than when this series of studies began. Clearly, the remnant of Americans attending church each month are more willing to regularly read the Bible on their own than when churches were more populated. Data for the report came from an online survey of 2,130 Protestant churchgoers conducted March 19-26, 2025, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.21% at the 95% confidence level. The report also found that 74% of Protestant churchgoers said the Bible has authority over every area of their lives, while 15% of respondents were unsure and 11% disagreed. Additionally, 72% of respondents found themselves thinking about biblical truths throughout the day, while 19% were not sure, and 10% of respondents disagreed. In a 2019 report, Lifeway Research found that 32% of regular churchgoers read their Bible on a daily basis, while 27% said that they read Scripture a few times a week, and 12% said they rarely to never read the Bible. Regarding the 2019 study, Dirk Smith, vice president of the Bible distribution ministry Eastern European Mission, said in an op-ed published by The Christian Post last year that he believed the numbers were because of the culture weve built around distraction, quick fixes and shallow spirituality. We take the Bible for granted and allow ourselves to unwind by doom scrolling only to increase anxiety and depression levels, he added. The consequences are undeniable. Weak churches, weary Christians and a restless society searching for peace in all the wrong places. The growing churches in America right now arent the ones with the flashiest worship teams or trendiest branding. Theyre the ones that open the Bible and teach it line by line, verse by verse, book by book. Home News California governor signs $90M 'emergency' funding bill for Planned Parenthood, abortion providers Gov. Gavin Newsom's wife slams media for ignoring 'war on women' A press conference to mark the signing of a bill that grants $90 million in emergency funding for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers was nearly derailed after California Gov. Gavin Newsoms wife linked the media with a horrific war on women. The incident occurred during the signing of Senate Bill 106, which was introduced by state Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, in response to the Trump administrations efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, the nations largest abortion services provider. Following the passage of President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, Planned Parenthood warned it would have no choice but to close as many as a third of its 600 facilities across the United States. In response, Newsom signed SB 106 to provide $90 million in grants from the states general fund to Planned Parenthood. The governor is widely considered to be the Democratic front-runner for the White House in 2028. The funding marks a sharp increase from the $60 million initially proposed by Newsom in January and will supplement another $140 million passed by California lawmakers in October. California is taking steps to ensure people dont lose access to the range of services provided by Planned Parenthood, said Newsom in a media statement. As the Trump administrations Big Ugly Bill punishes women and community health providers, California continues to stand in support of womens access to essential health services and reproductive freedom. The vast majority upwards of 80% of the approximately 1.3 million patient visits provided annually by Californias Planned Parenthood health centers are reimbursed by Medi-Cal, according to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas office. In a video that quickly went viral on social media, California first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom chastised the media for asking questions unrelated to the Planned Parenthood announcement. As attendees around the podium began chanting Protect women, Planned Parenthood, Siebel Newsom conversed briefly with the governor before taking the mic. We just find it incredulous that we have Planned Parenthood here, and women are 51 percent of the population, and the majority of the questions, all of these questions, have really been about other issues, she said as Newsom looked on. It's just fascinating. Standing behind a placard that read Stopping Trumps War on Women, Siebel Newsom, a self-styled influential thought leader on gender equality, went on to accuse the media of ignoring what she described as a horrific war on women. You have this incredible women's caucus and all these allies, and you're not asking about it. And this happens over and over and over and over again, she said. You wonder why we have such a horrific war on women in this country, and that these guys are getting away with it, because you don't seem to care. So I just offer that with love. Siebel Newsom has been a longtime vocal supporter of Planned Parenthood: in 2023, she headlined a Planned Parenthood My Body, My Voice event, where she advocated on behalf of the groups efforts to ensure widespread access to reproductive services and to transform and expand fearful, intolerant hearts and minds. In response to the signing of SB 106, Christian conservative group California Family Council (CFC) slammed the bill as a bailout for Planned Parenthood and warned about the misuse of taxpayer funds at a time of high housing costs, rising gas prices, and homelessness throughout the state. When a society rejects God and the inherent value of human life, this is where it leads: calling the destruction of children care and calling massive abortion subsidies compassion, said CFC Vice President Greg Burt. These bills reveal just how dark our moral vision becomes when we abandon the truth about human dignity. Home News Landmark ordinance setting minimum age of marriage to 18 signed in Pakistan Legislation aims to combat child marriage Quick Summary AI Summary Punjab, Pakistan, raises minimum legal marriage age to 18, combating child marriages. Governor Salim Haider Khan signs the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 into law. Offenders face up to seven years in prison and fines for facilitating child marriages. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary LAHORE, Pakistan In a landmark move welcomed by Christian rights advocates, the governor of Pakistans Punjab Province on Wednesday signed into law an ordinance raising the minimum legal age of marriage to 18, and making child marriage a non-bailable offense punishable by up to seven years in prison. Gov. Saleem Haider Khan signed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 into effect under Article 128(1) of the Constitution, as the provincial assembly is not currently in session. The ordinance takes immediate effect across the countrys most populous province, home to more than 120 million people, including a significant Christian minority. The ordinance replaces provisions of the nearly century-old Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, under which the legal marriage age was 18 for men and 16 for women. The new measure eliminates that gender-based distinction by setting 18 as the minimum age for both sexes. Under the revised legal framework, anyone who contracts, facilitates or promotes a child marriage faces stringent penalties. Offenders can receive up to seven years imprisonment and fines of up to 1 million Pakistani rupees ($3,500). All offenses under the ordinance are classified as cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, meaning police can register cases without prior court approval, bail is not automatically granted and cases cannot be privately settled between parties. The law also imposes penalties on marriage registrars, known as Nikah Khawans, who are barred from registering marriages involving anyone under 18. Violations carry penalties of up to one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 rupees ($357). Adults who marry a child face rigorous imprisonment of no less than two years and up to three years, along with fines of up to 500,000 Pakistani rupees ($1,787). In a significant expansion of criminal liability, the ordinance classifies cohabitation resulting from a child marriage as child abuse, punishable by five to seven years in prison and a minimum fine of 1 million rupees (USD 3,500), regardless of whether the minor purportedly consented. The ordinance further criminalizes child trafficking linked to marriage and places legal responsibility on parents and guardians. Any guardian or person who promotes, permits or fails to prevent a child marriage, whether intentionally or through negligence, can face two to three years rigorous imprisonment and fines of up to 500,000 Pakistani rupees ($1,787). All cases under the ordinance will be tried exclusively in Courts of Session and must be concluded within 90 days, a provision aimed at preventing prolonged litigation. The ordinance seeks to modernize child protection laws in Punjab, remove gender discrimination in the minimum marriage age and strengthen safeguards against exploitation and abuse. Christian leaders welcomed the ordinance, describing it as a long-overdue reform and urged lawmakers to convert it into permanent legislation when the assembly reconvenes. The establishment of 18 as the uniform minimum age sends a clear message that child marriage will not be tolerated, said Ejaz Alam Augustine, a Christian member of the Punjab Assembly and former provincial minister for human rights and minority affairs. He said the reform brings provincial law more closely in line with constitutional guarantees and Pakistans obligations under the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Augustine added that raising the age limit was necessary to safeguard underage girls, including those from minority communities, from forced faith conversions in the guise of Islamic marriages. While welcoming the strengthened penal framework, he stressed that the ordinance must be enacted as a permanent law to ensure long-term protection. Ordinances promulgated by a governor lapse unless approved by the legislature within a constitutionally defined period. For years, national and international advocacy coalitions have lobbied to raise the legal age of marriage for girls from 16 to 18, arguing that the previous law discriminated on the basis of gender and left adolescent girls vulnerable to forced marriages and abuse. Although the 1929 law prescribed penalties for contracting or solemnizing child marriages, enforcement was widely regarded as weak. Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy for Asia at ADF International, called the ordinance a significant development, particularly for girls from religious minority communities. Over the years, many underage girls in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab and Sindh provinces, have reportedly been illegally married following abduction and forced conversion, Arora said. We hope that this ordinance will help deter such incidents and that the provincial legislature will pass it as an Act and implement it without religious bias. Efforts to amend the 1929 law have faced resistance from some religious leaders and political parties. The Council of Islamic Ideology, a constitutional advisory body, has previously objected to raising the marriage age for girls, arguing that Islamic jurisprudence does not prescribe a specific minimum age tied to modern statutory definitions. A key legal development came in April 2024, when Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim struck down the gender-based age distinction in Section 2(a) of the 1929 Act as unconstitutional. The court ruled that the provision setting 16 as the minimum age for females was without lawful authority and of no legal effect and directed the provincial government to amend the law within 15 days. Although lawmakers and advocates proposed additional reforms in 2024, including stricter age-verification mechanisms such as mandatory checks of national identity card records, those proposals were debated through 2025 but had not been enacted before the promulgation of the ordinance. The ordinance is expected to come before the Punjab Assembly for formal consideration once it reconvenes. Advocacy groups say that legislative review will provide an opportunity to strengthen implementation safeguards, including clearer liability for those who solemnize child marriages and enhanced child-centered protection measures. Legislative reform is an important milestone, Arora said. But its success will ultimately depend on effective enforcement, institutional coordination and sustained public awareness. Pakistan, where more than 96% of the population is Muslim, ranked eighth on Open Doors 2026 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Puerto Rico gives legal protection to unborn babies; pro-lifers praise 'historic moment' Puerto Rico passed a new law amending its penal code on murder to include the killing of unborn babies. Puerto Rican Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, a Republican, signed the amended Senate Bill 923 on Thursday, also known as the Keishla Madlane Law, which recognizes unborn babies as human beings. The legislation was named after Keishla Madlane Rodriguez Ortiz, who, along with her unborn child, was murdered in 2021 by her lover, former Puerto Rican boxer Felix Verdejo-Sanchez. Gonzalez said in a statement on Thursday that the legislation has the purpose of maintaining coherence between civil and criminal provisions by recognizing the unborn child as a human being. According to the abortion rights advocacy organization Center for Reproductive Rights, abortion is legal in Puerto Rico for reasons involving a womans life or health, which in the United States territory also extends to "mental health and socio-emotional well-being. Several pro-life advocacy organizations, which oppose abortion, have voiced their support for the law. SBA Pro-Life America called it a "historic moment" in Puerto Rico. "A powerful example and a win for moms and babies. We applaud this bold step for human dignity!" the group posted on social media. Kristan Hawkins, president of the national campus activist organization Students for Life of America, celebrated what she called a "big win." "Thank you to Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez for affirming what science has made clear for decades: Life begins at conception!" Hawkins wrote on X. Critics of the new law include Dr. Carlos Diaz Velez, president of Puerto Ricos College of Medical Surgeons, who contends it will bring disastrous consequences to pregnant women. This will bring complex clinical decisions into the realm of criminal law, Diaz told The Associated Press, maintaining it could unlawfully interfere with critical medical decisions. The problem is that no medical recommendations were followed here, he continued, noting the reported lack of public hearings on the proposal. This is a serious blow. It puts us in a difficult situation. Last December, Gonzalez-Colon signed a similar law, Senate Bill 504, which amends the Civil Code of Puerto Rico to clarify that Every human being is a natural person, including the conceived child at any stage of gestation within the mothers womb. Every human being has legal personality and capacity from the moment of conception and is a subject of law for all purposes that are favorable to him or her. The inheritance rights that the law recognizes in favor of the unborn child are subject to the event of birth, stated SB 504. The representation of the human being in gestation corresponds to whoever will exercise it when he or she is born and, in case of impossibility or incapacity, to a legal representative or court-appointed guardian. Senate Bill 504 states: Every human being has legal personality and capacity from the moment of conception and is a subject of law for all purposes that are favorable to him or her. The inheritance rights that the law recognizes in favor of the unborn child are subject to the event of birth. The representation of the human being in gestation corresponds to whoever will exercise it when he or she is born and, in case of impossibility or incapacity, to a legal representative or court-appointed guardian." The measure proclaims there could be "benefits that the unborn child could receive under this new legal framework," including protections "parents could claim from health insurance companies, in personal injury lawsuits, in donations and property rights, and even in the context of labor rights that their parents could claim on behalf of the unborn child, among others. The policy affirms, however, that the rights recognized to the unborn child do not diminish the power of the pregnant woman to make decisions about her pregnancy in accordance with the law. Home Opinion In the abortion abolition debate, justice and mercy don't have to clash Justice and mercy are not opposites. When abortion laws threaten prison for women, they miss the real perpetrators and they miss the Gospel. Christians should defend unborn children without treating frightened women as the enemy. Abortion ends a human life. Christians should say that clearly, and they should work until abortion is unthinkable and unlawful. At the same time, good law places accountability where power, profit, and coercion sit. A woman often stands at the end of a chain of pressure, fear, and deception. Women in crisis describe the same pressures again and again. Ultimatums from the father of the child. Threats of violence, eviction, or abandonment. Family shame and isolation. Pressure from employers. Control from traffickers and abusers. Even when a woman signs a form, the decision often unfolds under force or manipulation. Research supports what front-line workers see. A major review of pregnancy coercion found reported rates ranging from 1 percent to 19%, depending on setting and definitions. That range reflects threats, control, and interference in pregnancy decisions. Scripture holds justice and mercy together. God calls His people to do justice and love mercy (Micah 6:8). God calls leaders to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Proverbs 31:8. God defines true religion as care for the vulnerable (James 1:27). Jesus confronted sin without joining a mob hungry for punishment (John 8:10-11). Christians who fight abortion should hold the same posture. Protect the child. Confront the evil. Refuse a posture that treats a woman as disposable. That posture also fits sound public policy. In most crimes tied to exploitation, the law targets the people who create, sell, and profit from the harm. It does not treat the exploited person as the main criminal. Drug networks illustrate the point. Law enforcement aims at manufacturers, traffickers, dealers, and pill mills. Trafficking laws also aim at traffickers and buyers, not at the person under control. Pregnancy is not the crime. The crime is the act that ends a childs life, and the commerce that enables it. The targets for penalties should include the abortionist who performs the act, the prescriber and dispenser who enable it, the manufacturers and distributors who supply the drugs for abortion, and the online sellers and facilitators who market and deliver them. Men and institutions that coerce abortion should face penalties as well. Some Christians worry about incremental reform. They fear that step-by-step progress signals compromise. It does not. Abolition remains the goal. Incremental steps serve as the path. A first priority is confronting the driver of abortion that is hardest to regulate and easiest to scale, the abortion pill. Guttmacher reports medication abortion accounted for 63% of U.S. abortions in 2023. Mail-order abortion turns a life-and-death decision into a shipping transaction. The FDA states that mifepristone is available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program, and that certified pharmacies dispense it in person or by mail. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, mifepristone information page. Reporting on this regulatory shift notes that the FDA stopped enforcing the in-person dispensing requirement in 2021 and removed it in 2023. Christians should not accept a system where abortion drugs travel through the mail with little verification of gestational age, incomplete screening for ectopic pregnancy risk, and weak follow-up care. Those gaps harm women and they end childrens lives. A pro-life strategy should press for stronger safeguards, stronger enforcement against illegal distribution, and stronger accountability for the sellers. A serious pro-life legal framework follows a clear sequence. First, place criminal penalties on providers and sellers who perform abortions or distribute abortion drugs in violation of state law. Second, treat illegal abortion drug distribution as a serious trafficking offense, with penalties for manufacturers, distributors, brokers, and those who profit from the sales. Third, strengthen enforcement against coercion, including penalties for partners, traffickers, and others who threaten, pressure, or force a woman toward abortion. Fourth, expand real support so women see a future that includes their child, including housing stability, material help, parenting support, and church-based care. Fifth, fund post-abortion recovery work and promote it widely, because trauma and shame often persist for years. The pro-life movement also needs honesty about its own blind spots. Many abolition arguments live in legal theory and punishment models. Women often meet abortion as a crisis, not an ideology. They sit with fear, coercion, risk, and grief. When activists dismiss pregnancy centers and post-abortion healing as weak or compromised, they push away the people closest to abortions human cost. The gender pattern that many people notice deserves attention. Men should lead with courage, and they should also lead with repentance. Male sexual irresponsibility, abandonment, pornography, and coercion form a pipeline into abortion. A culture that excuses male abandonment fuels the crisis. A pro-life ethic that ignores that reality is incomplete. Christians should aim for abolition with moral coherence. Accountability for perpetrators. Protection for children. Mercy for women who have been used, pressured, or misled. Justice and mercy are not opposites. They belong together. If the pro-life movement wants laws that last and save lives, it should pursue reforms that match truth and lived reality. Make abortion illegal to perform. Make abortion drugs illegal to sell for the purpose of ending a pregnancy where state law prohibits it. Build enforcement that targets the industry and the coercers. Surround women with support and with the hope of Christ. Protect the innocent. Confront the profiteers. Heal the wounded. That is the path to abolition. A charity that supports survivors of torture is haemorrhaging money into security measures, with some employees scared to come to work, its chief executive has said. Sonya Sceats told Civil Society that Freedom from Torture has had to divert a five-figure sum to strengthen physical and cyber security to protect our clients and staff in response to anti-refugee sentiment stoked by politicians and far-right agitators. Freedom from Torture is one of the charities that have been targeted by some groups in recent years due to its campaigning on immigration policies. Sceats comments come as some charities employees, volunteers and beneficiaries have reported feeling unsafe in recent months due to rising social and political division in the UK. A report published by sector umbrella body NCVO in December found that some charities were operating in a pervasive climate of fear, while facing operational disruption. Speaking to representatives from 46 voluntary organisations, NCVO found that charities had faced direct targeting and abuse and increasing internal tensions. In August last year, the Charity Commission took the rare step of removing the names of trustees from several refugee charities listed on its register due to a potential safety risk. The regulator then published guidance for charities in December on how to respond to the current hostile environment. Staff too scared to come to work Sceats said Freedom from Torture has come under fire in the current political climate, especially for the leading role it played in campaigning against the previous governments Rwanda asylum scheme. Speaking at Civil Societys ESG Imperative event this week in London, she told delegates: For that, weve attracted a lot of ire. My photograph and photographs of many of my peers are being placed all over right-wing media with dog whistles in relation to us because of our role in the defeat of the Rwanda scheme. Sceats said her charity has had to roll out security personnel in every single one of our torture rehabilitation centres, and I just cannot tell you how painful a decision that was. Were haemorrhaging money into security cyber and physical, she said. We have staff who are too scared to come to work. They wont wear lanyards anymore. Theyre frightened about being part of our community. Thats nothing compared with what you see happening to our clients, the violence against them in our communities men, women and children. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Deutsche Bank AG has settled a lawsuit with Michele Foresti, a former manager who claimed he was wrongfully blamed for the Monte dei Paschi accounting scandal, the first of six similar cases to be resolved. The parties have now resolved on a confidential basis all of the claims and allegations that Mr. Foresti has previously made against Deutsche Bank and its personnel, a spokesperson for the lender said, declining to comment further. A spokesman for Withers, a U.K. law firm representing the ex-banker, confirmed the deal without disclosing the terms. Foresti and the other managers had sued Deutsche Bank in London over allegations they were wrongfully implicated in an audit report into the Monte Paschi affair. The group also includes Michele Faissola, former head of asset and wealth management, and Ivor Scott Dunbar, ex co-head of global capital markets. Matteo Angelo Vaghi, ex-head of Italian Sales, and former account manager Marco Veroni also sued in the U.K. Foresti, an 18-year veteran of Deutsche bank, was hired by Bank of America in March 2014 but couldnt start his job due to regulatory issues. Forestis position was held up because Deutsche Bank withheld clearance with the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, Bloomberg reported at the time. It is normal course of business to evaluate whether a settlement that removes legal uncertainty is in the banks best interest, a spokesman Deutsche Bank said. That evaluation is specific to the particular case at hand, he added. It would be misguided to attempt to apply a read-across from this settlement to other separate cases. Dario Schiraldi, a former top manager from Deutsche Banks asset and wealth management division, filed a case in Frankfurt claiming around 152 million ($179 million) over the issue. At the center of the claims is an audit report commissioned by Deutsche Bank in 2013 reviewing the accounting of repo deals that the German lender did with Monte dei Paschi. At the time, current CEO Christian Sewing was put in charge of the report, people familiar with the case previously said. The ex-staffers argued that the review wasnt handled neutrally and unfairly pinned the blame on them, even claiming they manipulated the relevant market prices. In the original Italian criminal case, Monte dei Paschi managers were accused of colluding with Deutsche Bank staff to hide losses at the Italian lender by using complex derivative trades, leading to a misrepresentation of the firms finances between 2008 and 2012. The ex-Deutsche Bank managers were also charged with market manipulation all six were ultimately acquitted by a Milan appeals court in 2022 because there was no case to answer. The settlement was earlier reported by Handelsblatt. Top photo: The Deutsche Bank AG headquarters in Frankfurt. Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. President Donald Trump said his administration has rescinded the endangerment finding, a landmark scientific determination that greenhouse gases pose a threat to human health and welfare. Under the process just completed by the EPA, we are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry, and massively drove up prices for American consumers, Trump told reporters Thursday at the White House. The 2009 determination serves as the legal foundation for a variety of environmental rules, including federal climate standards for cars and trucks. Trump said he was also repealing those vehicle-related standards. This action will eliminate over $1.3 trillion of regulatory cost and help bring car prices tumbling down dramatically, Trump said. Youre going to get a better car. The decision to repeal, which has been telegraphed for months, lays the groundwork for unwinding more federal climate regulations, according to industry experts. Thursdays announcement, made alongside Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, marks the administrations most consequential climate rollback, as well as its biggest deregulatory move. This is the single largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States of America, Zeldin said. Environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Defense Fund, have pledged to challenge the decision in court. Repealing the EPAs endangerment finding is the single biggest attack in US history on federal authority to tackle the climate crisis, said NRDC president Manish Bapna. It is unscientific, bad economics, and its illegal. The decision comes roughly half a year after Zeldin first proposed it, a remarkably fast turnaround for a high-impact change that garnered more than 500,000 public comments. It is just ludicrous to think that we can actually have the EPA decide not to consider climate impacts at all when its been clearly made to be an essential component of how we have to regulate and its been done by the Supreme Court, said Gina McCarthy, who served as EPA administrator for then-President Barack Obama. The endangerment findings origins date back to a 2007 Supreme Court ruling on a case where the Bush-era EPA argued that the Clean Air Act didnt cover greenhouse gases. The nations highest court ruled against the EPA at the time and ordered the agency to determine if those gases posed an environmental threat. Ultimately, the EPA concluded that greenhouse gases were a threat in the endangerment finding that the agency issued two years later during the Obama administration. This compelled officials to address global warming emissions from vehicles under the Clean Air Act. In 2010, the first greenhouse gas vehicle standards were issued. NRDCs senior attorney David Doniger said the latest move is an attempt to recycle the Bush administrations arguments in hopes of getting the issue before a more sympathetic Supreme Court. At least three times since 2007, the Supreme Court has taken up challenges to EPA greenhouse gas rules, brought by fossil-fuel companies, climate skeptics and attorneys general in Republican-led states, and each time they declined to reconsider the original decision. Back in September, three former EPA chiefs, including McCarthy, wrote to the agency voicing their opposition to repealing the endangerment finding. Many state and local officials, businesses and scientists pushed back as well. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine submitted a 137-report as a public comment, concluding that the evidence that greenhouse gases harm human health is beyond scientific dispute. Trumps announcement follows the agencys decision to drop a longstanding policy of factoring in the monetary value of avoided deaths from reduced air pollution when drafting certain rules. Earlier this month, Trump also withdrew the U.S. from several key UN climate bodies working on global climate cooperation, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Top photo: Vehicles approach the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on Monday, July 24, 2023. New Yorks plan to charge drivers entering midtown Manhattan is a brazen money grab, New Jerseys senior US senator said after the Garden State sued to block the congestion pricing proposal. Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. WBC Ring security cameras are displayed on a shelf at a Target store on June 01, 2023 in Novato, California. Ring is terminating its partnership with police tech provider Flock Safety, the Amazon -owned company announced Thursday. The partnership between Flock and Ring came under scrutiny after the Amazon doorbell company ran an ad during the Super Bowl that touted a "Search Party" feature that uses artificial intelligence to help locate lost pets. When a user initiates the feature, it activates a network of participating Ring cameras, which scan footage for images resembling the missing dog. The Electronic Frontier Foundation called the feature a "surveillance nightmare." Flock, meanwhile, operates a network of automated license plate readers, and sells access to that software to customers that include law enforcement agencies. Ring's decision to cancel its partnership with Flock comes as tech companies face growing pressure to reexamine their work with federal agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Earlier this week, Salesforce employees pressed CEO Marc Benioff to cancel "ICE opportunities," CNBC reported. More than 900 Google employees also asked their company to divest itself from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Privacy and civil liberties advocates urged Ring to drop its partnership with Flock. A protest calling on the e-commerce company to cut its ties with Flock, ICE and CBP is scheduled for Friday, outside of Amazon's Seattle headquarters. "Following a comprehensive review, we determined the planned Flock Safety integration would require significantly more time and resources than anticipated," Ring wrote in a blog post. "As a result, we have made the joint decision to cancel the planned integration." Top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler said Thursday night that she will leave the investment bank at the end of June, a decision that came after a flurry of news articles highlighting documents detailing the former White House counsel's often chummy email conversations with the notorious sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Goldman, for months, has defended Ruemmler after Congress and then the Department of Justice released emails between her and Epstein, as well as other documents related to investigations of him. Ruemmler, who has been a key advisor to Goldman CEO David Solomon since joining the bank in 2020, told the Financial Times on Thursday, "I made the determination that the media attention on me, relating to my prior work as a defence attorney, was becoming a distraction." The FT first reported the 54-year-old's decision to leave Goldman, where she has been general counsel and chief legal officer, at the beginning of the summer. Solomon, in an interview on Friday with CNBC's "Squawk Box," called Ruemmler "a tremendous human being." "She called me yesterday afternoon and told me that ... the press coverage of the work that she had done previously and of this whole situation had just gotten to a level of noise and distraction that she thought was distracting the firm," Solomon said. "It was putting her in a position where it was hard for her to execute on her job and her responsibilities, and she just thought it was time to step away." Ruemmler, in a statement Thursday night to CNBC, said, "Since I joined Goldman Sachs six years ago, it has been my privilege to help oversee the firm's legal, reputational, and regulatory matters; to enhance our strong risk management processes; and to ensure that we live by our core value of integrity in everything we do." "My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs' interests first," Ruemmler said. "Earlier today, I regretfully informed David Solomon of my intention to step down as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs as of June 30, 2026." Solomon, in a statement Thusday, said, "Throughout her tenure, Kathy has been an extraordinary general counsel, and we are grateful for her contributions and sound advice on a wide range of consequential legal matters for the firm." "As one of the most accomplished professionals in her field, Kathy has also been a mentor and friend to many of our people, and she will be missed. I accepted her resignation, and I respect her decision," Solomon said. Her announcement that she will leave Goldman comes nearly a week after The Wall Street Journal reported that Ruemmler was one of three people whom Epstein called on July 6, 2019, after being arrested by federal authorities on child sex trafficking charges at an airport in New Jersey. The Journal's report cites a handwritten set of notes by law enforcement about comments Epstein made inside an FBI vehicle after his arrest. Those notes are among documents released in late January by the Department of Justice, CNBC has confirmed. Other news articles detailed emails and documents showing how Epstein had made gifts to Ruemmler that included a Hermes bag, and other luxury items, such as a Fendi purse, spa visits, Bergdorf Goodman gift cards and flowers. On one occasion, she effusively thanked him, calling him "Uncle Jeffrey," one email showed. Ruemmler was a white-collar criminal defense lawyer at the firm Latham & Watkins during the years she was speaking with Epstein, whom she met in 2014. An Aug. 14, 2014, email contained in the DOJ's Epstein files shows how he asked her to represent his client, Bank Edmond de Rothschild. "They have a justice department problem ... like every other swiss bank," Epstein wrote her. Ruemmler took the bank as a client for Latham. Ruemmler has said that she never represented Epstein, who killed himself in a New York federal jail weeks after his 2019 arrest. The city skyline is seen with the landmark Taipei 101 building from a lookout point on Elephant Mountain in Taipei on April 14, 2025. (Photo by I-Hwa Cheng / AFP) (Photo by I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images) Trump administration officials signed a final reciprocal trade agreement that confirmed a 15% U.S. tariff rate for imports from Taiwan, while committing Taiwan to a schedule for eliminating or lowering tariffs on nearly all U.S. goods. The document released by the U.S. Trade Representative's office on Thursday also commits Taiwan to significantly boost purchases of U.S. goods from 2025 through 2029, including $44.4 billion of liquefied natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion of civil aircraft and engines, $25.2 billion of power grid equipment and generators, marine and steelmaking equipment. The agreement adds technical language and specific details to a trade framework deal first reached in January that cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods, including from its powerhouse semiconductor industries, to 15% from the 20% initially imposed by Trump. That puts Taiwan on an equal footing with its closest Asian export competitors, South Korea and Japan. The January agreement included a pledge by Taiwan that its companies would invest $250 billion to boost production of semiconductors, energy and artificial intelligence in the U.S., including $100 billion already committed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp 2330.TW. The Taiwan government would guarantee another $250 billion in U.S. investments, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said. The final language did not provide further details on those investments, but said Taiwan's representative office in the U.S. would collaborate with U.S. authorities to facilitate additional new greenfield and brownfield investments "in strategic high-technology manufacturing sectors, including AI, semiconductors, and advanced electronics." The deal will immediately eliminate Taiwan's tariffs of up to 26% on many U.S. agricultural imports, including beef, dairy and corn. But some tariffs, including the current 40% tariff on pork belly and 32% on ham, will only fall to 10%, according to the tariff schedule. The U.S. said under the deal, Taiwan will remove non-tariff barriers on motor vehicles and accept U.S. auto safety standards as well as those on medical devices and pharmaceuticals. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement that the agreement will boost export opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishermen, workers, and manufacturers. "This agreement also builds on our longstanding economic and trade relationship with Taiwan and will significantly enhance the resilience of our supply chains, particularly in high-technology sectors," Greer added. For the first 11 months of 2025, the U.S. trade deficit with Taiwan ballooned to $126.9 billion from $73.7 billion for all of 2024, largely due to the large increase in imports of high-end AI chips from Taiwan, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pinterest shares closed nearly 17% lower on Friday, after the company cited tariff-related shocks in disappointing fourth-quarter earnings. The social media company's Q4 earnings came in below analysts' expectations, with revenue of $1.32 billion compared with LSEG consensus estimates of $1.33 billion. Net income for the quarter plunged 85% to $277 million from $1.85 billion the prior year. It also recorded $541.5 million in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or EBIDTA, below the $550 million that analysts were projecting. Pinterest expects first-quarter sales to be between $951 million and $971 million, which is also below analysts' forecasts of $980 million. CEO Bill Ready said the company "absorbed an exogenous shock this year related to tariffs" and was more exposed to reduced advertising spend from large retailers. Pinterest also announced plans in January to lay off less than 15% of its workforce and cut back on office space, in a bid to go all in on AI. It said it's "reallocating resources" to AI-focused teams and prioritizing "AI-powered products and capabilities." Chris Liddell, then the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, during an American Workforce Policy Advisory Board meeting in the East Room of the White House in Washington, June 26, 2020. Anthropic on Friday announced it has appointed longtime executive and political operative Chris Liddell to its board of directors. Liddell previously served as the chief financial officer of Microsoft , the vice chairman of General Motors and the deputy White House chief of staff during President Donald Trump's first term. He has also been involved in three presidential transition cycles, according to his website. Anthropic's decision to add Liddell to its board could foster some goodwill with the Trump administration, which has lashed out at the artificial intelligence startup in recent months. David Sacks, the venture capitalist serving as the administration's AI and crypto czar, accused Anthropic of supporting "woke AI" in October because of its stance on regulation. "My career has taught me the governance of transformative technologies matters as much as the technologies themselves," Liddell said in a statement on Friday. "Anthropic's approach building AI that's both capable and responsible is critical for our future, and it's why I'm proud to be joining the company's Board." watch now Canada's decision to reduce barriers for Chinese electric vehicles is one piece of a larger pivot away from a reliance on the United States. The Canadian government is aiming to develop joint ventures with Chinese and Korean firms and trying to revive its manufacturing base with tax breaks as it faces a strained relationship with the United States and a decades-long decline of Canadian auto manufacturing. The country said in January it's allowing the importation of 49,000 Chinese EVs at a tariff rate of 6.1%, a dramatic walk-back of the 106% duty placed on them in October 2024. That would be about 3% of Canada's total new car market, and about 20% of its combined battery EV and plug-in hybrid market, according to Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors, a Canadian research and advisory firm. In exchange for lifting restrictions, China has agreed to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola oil, one of Canada's top agricultural exports. The deal aims for at least 50% of these imported Chinese EVs to be affordable models within five years, or a vehicle with an import price of less than 35,000 Canadian dollars just under US$26,000. "If those vehicles that are coming in are specifically more affordable models, that could have a significant impact," said Jeff Turner, director of clean mobility at Dunsky. "But I think if we look out as far as 2030, we're expecting the EV market to grow significantly. Forty-nine thousand vehicles is a pretty small number compared to where we expect the EV market to be in just a few years." Canadian manufacturing The agreement also aims to establish Chinese-Canadian joint ventures in Canada, generate manufacturing jobs and build out the country's supply chain, according to a press release. The Canadian government has been taking several steps to try to boost automotive manufacturing, including signing a memorandum of understanding with Korea on clean vehicle manufacturing and releasing a new automotive strategy. The United States has historically been Canada's largest trading partner. In turn, Canada has been the U.S.'s second largest. But as of February, the U.S. had a 25% tariff on the non-U.S. content of cars assembled in Canada. Effectively, this works out to a 10% to 12% tariff per car, according to multiple sources. The tariffs have disrupted a tightly integrated automotive supply chain between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Detroit automakers have had a presence in Canada since the earliest days of the Detroit auto industry. Henry Ford built a factory in what is now Windsor, Ontario, in 1904 the year after he founded Ford Motor , said Greig Mordue, a professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. But over time, their share of Canadian manufacturing has declined. Today they make up only about 23% of Canadian production, Mordue said. Japanese makers Toyota and Honda make up 77%. This decline has hastened since the tariffs. Detroit automakers have made several production cuts at factories in Ontario: Stellantis placed its Brampton factory on "operational pause" in December and General Motors canceled production of its BrightDrop electric commercial vans at its Ingersoll factory in 2025 and eliminated a shift at its Oshawa factory in late January. The flight of Detroit automakers has coincided with an overall decline in Canadian auto production, from about 3 million vehicles in 2000 to 1.3 million in 2025, Mordue said. "There's been pretty frequent reminders in Canadian media that these auto sector jobs are really being impacted by some of the uncertainty that we're getting from south of the border," Turner said. "So I think in that context, it's pretty natural to see politicians looking to diversify those relationships." Headwinds Futures-options traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange's NYSE American (AMEX) in New York City, U.S., February 11, 2026. Artificial intelligence is having a moment. And in markets, that usually means someone else is having a rough week. The latest victims of the technology are real estate, trucking and logistics stocks, joining financial and software-as-a-service stocks in plunging on AI fears. Office towers could soon be empty, according to Elon Musk, who made the comments on a podcast last week, as AI replaces workers. It's a point echoed in an essay by OtherSide AI co-founder and CEO Matt Shumer, who argued that AI could eradicate entry-level, white-collar jobs. If fewer people clock in, fewer leases get signed. In freight, the pressure was more concrete. AI company Algorhythm Holdings released a tool it claims allows operators to scale freight volumes by 300% to 400% without hiring more employees. That prospect was enough to send trucking and logistics stocks plummeting. But AI isn't hurting everyone's bottom lines. Shares of Siemens ticked up during Thursday trading in Europe after the engineering giant raised its earnings outlook for fiscal year 2026. "We believe that the impact in the real world, so in industrial manufacturing, designing of products or looking in the operations using AI will come faster than we expect," CEO Roland Busch told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition." AI aside, U.S.-listed shares of L'Oreal fell 7.3% overnight after the French cosmetics company missed expectations for full-year sales. Meanwhile, the European Union on Thursday agreed to a plan to restructure the bloc's economy to boost its competitiveness as global trade relationships fragment under the Trump administration. It's not just economics. The Munich Security Conference starts Friday, and Conference Chair Wolfgang Ischinger told CNBC that the international order has been rocked which makes the EU's overhaul more than a matter of money. CNBC's Michelle Fox, Sarah Min, Holly Ellyatt and Hugh Leask contributed to this report. Deutsche Bank believes that AI-enabled search enhancements could strengthen the long-term outlook for Airbnb . The bank upgraded the short-term vacation rental marketplace to a buy rating from hold. Analyst Lee Horowitz also hiked his price target to $154 from $128. Shares of Airbnb have dipped 18% over the past 12 months and are down 15% on the year. Horowitz's updated forecast implies an additional 33% upside ahead. ABNB 1Y mountain ABNB 1Y chart Horowitz's upgrade comes on the heels of Airbnb's fourth-quarter revenue beat . The company's revenue came in at $2.78 billion, while analysts polled by LSEG had expected $2.72 billion. Airbnb also expects current-quarter revenue to come in between $2.59 billion and $2.63 billion, beating the $2.53 consensus estimate. Horowitz wrote that the broader demand backdrop for Airbnb remains strong. He also applauded two of its newer strategies that could serve as catalysts from here. "Of particular note from a product perspective was the Reserve Now Pay Later (RNPL) product that contributed meaningfully to North America Nights and the shift to a more simplified fee structure for hosts which brought down friction for these hosts in terms of how they price their homes," Horowitz said. "These two initiatives drove > 200bps of growth in the quarter and should remain a tailwind into 2026." The analyst also sees a full product pipeline for Airbnb which could help boost revenue growth. "The product pipeline into 26/27 strikes us as fairly full as fee structure benefits scale, the hotel business grows beyond its fairly nascent stage at the moment, AI native search serves to drive up conversion, and the more streamlined fee structure allows for more smarter pricing by hosts and more market by market fee decisions by Airbnb, to say nothing of the potential benefits of Sponsored Advertising and Experiences and Services in the years to come," he wrote. Horowitz added that while Airbnb is not immune to AI-driven disintermediation, the company is better shielded than peers given its fragmented supply and the potential for more AI-rich search to drive higher conversion. This has boosted the risk-reward balance for Airbnb, making it attractive at its current levels. US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 23, 2025. Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images Europe is "totally on the sidelines" on the global stage as "wrecking ball" politics has become the norm, the head of the continent's biggest security forum has said. Speaking to CNBC's Annette Weisbach ahead of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Wolfgang Ischinger, the organization's chairman, said it was Europe's "own fault" that its power on the global stage has been diminished. "Europe has failed to speak with one voice to China and about China, Europe has failed with one voice, to come up with a clear concept about the future of the Middle East, including about how to deal or not to deal with the Iranian nuclear question," said Ischinger, who is a former German ambassador to the U.S. watch now Earlier this week, the MSC published its 2026 report, for which Ischinger wrote the foreword. It warned that "the world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics," where "sweeping destruction is the order of the day." The report said that U.S President Donald Trump was "at the forefront of those who promise to free their countries from the existing order's constraints and rebuild stronger, more prosperous nations," arguing he was just one movement "driven by resentment and regret over the liberal trajectory their societies have embarked on." Ischinger told CNBC that Europeans were "totally on the sidelines" on negotiations around Gaza and Ukraine. "We have no role. Things have been decided by others," he said. "When I look at the war in Ukraine, Europe has no place," he said, adding the U.S. and Russia were leading discussions. U.S. delegates have been helming peace talks with officials from Ukraine and Russia since late 2025, with European officials scrambling to maintain a say on how to end the four-year war between the two countries. "Why the hell do we not have a place at the table? This is our continent. It's our future," Ischinger said on Friday. "The answer, of course, is not that Donald Trump is making a mistake. The answer is that we have failed to speak with one voice." Ischinger added that he rejected "the blame game regarding the United States," but for areas where Europe "clearly failed" to adopt a strategic position. Delegates from all over the world are gathering for the Munich Security Conference on Friday. The event runs through Sunday. Ischinger told CNBC that the "wrecking ball" was "being used by many" in addition to Trump, including right-wing extremist parties across Europe and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But he called Trump "the single most prominent example" of someone who "questions existing arrangements and tries to replace them." "That is for countries like Germany, which have been so dependent on the existing international rules a worrisome development," he added. Transatlantic trust had also been damaged by Trump's push for the U.S. to annex Greenland, Ischinger said. After weeks of rhetoric on bringing the Arctic island a Danish territory under Washington's control, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European allies who stood in his way, before announcing a "deal" on Greenland had been reached. Since Trump's return to the White House, European leaders have been making commitments to drastically increase security spending. Last summer, European members of NATO agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of their individual national GDP a move Trump had been pushing for for some time. The spending plans have bolstered European defense primes, some of which have seen their shares more than double in value, while order backlogs have hit record levels. Ischinger told CNBC that Europe needed "to create a more consolidated, a more competitive, a more unified defense industry." Russia says it 'does not pose a threat' The Senate should move to advance Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve chairman, even as a federal criminal investigation into current Chair Jerome Powell continues, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday. Bessent, in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box," said he believes after speaking this week to Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee that they "are going to proceed" with a nomination hearing. "I think it's important to get the hearings underway, and I think we have an agreement to do that," he said. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has vowed to block Warsh's nomination from moving through the Banking Committee unless the Department of Justice drops its probe into Powell. Trump, however, has said the criminal probe, led by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, should continue to the end, setting up a potential impasse. Powell, whom Trump appointed during his first term, has declined to lower interest rates as much or as quickly as the administration has pushed him to. Tillis has also rejected an idea, which Bessent floated to Republican senators this week, to move the Powell investigation from the DOJ to the banking panel. Bessent told CNBC that the White House "has no influence on what the U.S. attorney for D.C. does." "What I was proposing was that the Senate Banking Committee also investigate" the Powell matter, which centers on his prior testimony about cost overruns on an ongoing renovation of the Fed's headquarters, Bessent said. Banking Committee spokesman Jeff Naft, when contacted by CNBC after Bessent's remarks, pointed to recent comments Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., made this week saying he thinks the committee will solve the Powell issue and that Tillis will ultimately back Warsh. Bessent noted that the federal probe of Powell may not lead to criminal charges. "We'll see where the investigation goes with Jeanine Pirro's office," he said. "There were subpoenas issued. But that doesn't have to mean that there are charges." "They reached out to the Fed in December via email, didn't get responses, and then issued subpoenas. So we'll see what the state of that is." After speaking privately with Senate Republicans on Tuesday, Bessent said, "my understanding is that we are going to proceed with the hearing." MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 24: A model of Amazon Web Services (AWS) at the opening ceremony of the business meeting 'Innovation in the cloud as an opportunity for Spain', at the Hotel InterContinental Madrid, on 24 November, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Isabel Infantes/Europa Press via Getty Images) As geopolitical tensions between the EU and the U.S. escalate, these charts show how reliant the continent is on American tech providers, despite pledges to become more independent. Since returning to the White House last year, U.S President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on the continent and caused headaches and fear in Europe as he initially refused to rule out military action to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, before backtracking. With the long-standing transatlantic alliance looking uncertain, European governments are increasingly moving to develop digital autonomy. Critics of Europe's reliance on U.S. companies for digital infrastructure warn that U.S. law enforcement can request user data from American companies, regardless of where the data is stored, as part of the Cloud Act. But tech providers from the other side of the Atlantic still dominate in Europe. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards European cloud providers have been steadily losing ground to U.S. rivals over the past nine years, holding under 15% of the market in 2025, according to data from Synergy Research Group, a market analytics company. "It will be incredibly difficult for European cloud providers to meaningfully reverse the market share trend," John Dinsdale, the group's chief analyst, told CNBC. "This is a game of scale. In order to be a leading player, you have to be continually investing large amounts in research, service development, technical infrastructure, customer support and channel partners," he added. "You also have to have the brand recognition and ability to operate globally or at least across multiple geographies." Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Amazon , Microsoft and Google control more than 70% of the European cloud market, while the European companies with the largest share of the market are German duo SAP and Deutsche Telekom , with 2% each, per Synergy data. "If you were able to go back 10 years and rewrite history, maybe one or two European companies could and should have set out their stall to be a leading player in the cloud market, but they didn't," said Dinsdale. Amazon gained a huge early mover advantage by acting first in the market, he said, adding that Microsoft and Google followed at a distance. "Oracle eventually got serious about the cloud and is now growing rapidly, and neocloud companies are targeting specific services with some success." Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards While SAP commands the biggest share of Europe's enterprise software market, at least 59% is held by U.S companies, according to data from a December report by the European Parliament, with Oracle and Microsoft controlling 18% and 10%, respectively. The enterprise software market data refers to Europe as a whole, including non-EU members such as the UK and Switzerland. Many political leaders are now "looking at technology in a way to gain sovereignty," SAP CEO Christian Klein told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Friday, in terms of "not only where do we store the data and how we manage the data, but also how to gain sovereignty on the software side." Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Customer relationship management software is a sector dominated by a single player in Salesforce , with SAP taking second spot, data from the European Parliament report, referring just to the 27 members of the European Union, showed. A French Air and Space Force Rafale fighter jet takes off from Air Base 120 in Cazaux, south-western France, on January 29, 2026, during the TOPAZE 2026 exercise. The TOPAZE 2026 exercise tests rapid redeployment capabilities and operational response in simulated high-intensity combat conditions. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP via Getty Images) India approved the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France on Thursday, marking one of its largest aircraft orders, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the country. The approval was part of New Delhi's 3.6 trillion rupee ($39.7 billion) defence spending package covering multiple acquisitions across the armed forces. The Defence Ministry did not specify how many aircraft would be ordered. Local media reported that India will purchase 114 Rafale jets, with 18 supplied by manufacturer Dassault and the remaining 96 manufactured domestically. The broader package includes Boeing P8I Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft for its navy, anti-tank mines for its ground forces, and upgrades to its Soviet-era T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles. The new aircraft are expected to help address a shortfall in the Indian air force, which operates 29 squadrons against a minimum requirement of 42, according to a 2024 parliamentary report. The air force most recently retired two squadrons of Cold War-era MiG-21 fighters in September 2025, and is expected to phase out additional aircraft in the coming years. The Rafale purchase follows another order in April for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for India's Navy. Dassault said India would become the first user outside France to operate this variant. Rafale jets were used by the Indian Air Force during its 2025 conflict with Pakistan, when at least one aircraft was reported lost in combat against Islamabad's Chinese-made J-10Cs. Macron, who will be in India from Feb. 17 to 19, is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation across sectors. The two leaders will also launch the India-France Year of Innovation and attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, according to India's external affairs ministry. "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific," the release added. This aerial view shows the Taiwanese cargo ship Yang Ming sailing out of the Panama Canal on the Pacific side in Panama City on October 6, 2025. Martin Bernetti | Afp | Getty Images Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings has threatened legal action against Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk after Panamanian authorities tapped the group to temporarily take over operations of two strategic ports at either end of the Panama Canal. In a statement on Thursday, CK Hutchison warned A.P. Moller-Maersk that "any steps" the Danish group or its subsidiary takes to operate the ports without its agreement will likely "result in legal recourse." That's according to CNBC's translation of the Chinese statement. The simmering dispute has become a geopolitical flashpoint between Washington and Beijing, with Panama caught in the crossfires. After U.S. President Donald Trump alleged last year that China was "running the Panama Canal," CK Hutchison negotiated a $23 billion deal with a BlackRock-led consortium to sell its non-Chinese port subsidiaries. Beijing swiftly intervened, describing the sale as "kowtowing" to American pressure and stalling the transaction. Tensions intensified last month when Panama's Supreme Court ruled that the concession held by a CK Hutchison subsidiary to operate the two ports was "unconstitutional." The company pushed back, saying it "strongly disagreed" with the ruling and launched arbitration proceedings against Panama. CK Hutchison on Thursday also said it had notified Panama of the dispute under an investment protection treaty, saying it would pursue "all available recourse including additional national and international legal proceedings." APM Terminals, the Maersk subsidiary asked to take over the ports, reportedly said it was not party to the legal dispute and had only offered to step in temporarily "to mitigate the risks that could affect essential services for regional and global trade." Maersk shares fell over 3% in Copenhagen on Thursday. Who has the cards? The stakes around Panama ports have risen sharply this year. The Panama court's ruling was seen as a major victory for the U.S., given that the White House has made blocking China's influence over the global trade artery one of its top priorities. In its strongest rebuke yet, Beijing warned on Wednesday that the Central American country "will inevitably pay a heavy price both politically and economically," unless it changes course. Beijing's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office called the court ruling "logically flawed" and "utterly ridiculous." China also directed state firms to halt talks over new projects in Panama and asked shipping companies to consider rerouting cargo through other ports, Bloomberg reported last week. The standoff may prove more manageable for Washington than it appears, according to Reva Goujon, a director at advisory firm Rhodium Group. The U.S. retains significant leverage through its treaty with Panama, which could allow it to defend any intervention on national security grounds, she said. But Beijing has claimed a partial victory, by derailing Washington's initial plans to acquire CK Hutchison's global port holdings outright, Goujon said. China needs to make the U.S. "clawback in Panama as difficult as possible to avoid setting a precedent," Goujon said, noting that Chinese state-owned shipping giant Cosco's Chancay port in Peru a key infrastructure investment by Beijing in Latin America is also in U.S. crosshairs. The U.S. has raised sovereignty concerns over the port of Chancay, a deep-water facility near Lima. In a post on X on Thursday, the U.S. State Department's bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said Peru could be "powerless" to oversee the critical port which was "under the jurisdiction of predatory Chinese owners." Prolonged legal battle? For CK Hutchison, the lawfare will likely end in vain, analysts and law experts told CNBC. "There's little CK Hutchison can do even with behind-the-scenes support from Beijing," Peter Alexander, managing director at Z-Ben Advisors. Any legal claims including wrongful interference with property will ultimately hinge on whether CK Hutchison's port concession is considered "live" or formally terminated, said Shahla Ali, a professor specializing in arbitration laws at the University of Hong Kong. The duration of Maersk's control over the ports will also be scrutinized, said Ali, who views the recent legal notice as "a deterrent" to keep the door open for further negotiation. The Panama canal a crucial trade passage that links the Atlantic and Pacific handles roughly 40% of all U.S. container traffic each year. CK Hutchison's subsidiary, Panama Ports Co., has operated them since 1997 and received a 25-year agreement renewal in 2021. The canal was built in the early 20th century by the U.S. which operated it for decades before handing full control to Panama in 1999. Analysts expected the dispute to drag on, potentially straining U.S.-China relations, already frayed by one year of tariff tensions, Beijing's tightened grip on rare earth exports, disputes over Taiwan and Washington's restrictions on tech exports. CK Hutchison said Thursday that the continued operation of the two ports "depends solely on actions of the Panama Supreme Court and the Panamanian State," which it cannot control. The Club's top 10 things to watch Friday, Feb. 13 Today's newsletter was written by Jeff Marks , the Club's director of portfolio analysis. 1. Stock futures are little changed this morning after the January consumer price index report came in slightly cooler than expected. CPI rose 2.4% year over year, down from 2.7% in December and below expectations of 2.5%. Stripping out energy and food, core CPI rose 2.5%, matching expectations but down from 2.6% in December. 2. President Donald Trump is planning to roll back some tariffs on steel and aluminum, the Financial Times reported . Shares of U.S. steelmakers Nucor and Cleveland-Cliffs fell in premarket trading, as did aluminum producer Alcoa . 3. Applied Materials shares jumped 10% this morning after the semiconductor equipment maker reported a big sales and earnings beat and issued a strong outlook. Shares of Arista Networks , a competitor to Club name Cisco , rose 8% after a better-than-expected quarter. 4. Dutch Bros delivered fourth-quarter results that beat Street expectations, with same-store sales up 7.7% versus the 4.4% consensus. We prefer Starbucks at the Club, but Dutch Bros is also doing well as the Oregon-based coffee chain expands nationwide. 5. Bill Newlands is stepping down as CEO of Corona and Modelo brewer Constellations Brands , effective April 13. Nicholas Fink, who's been chief executive at home-products maker Fortune Brands Innovations and on Constellation's board, will succeed Newlands as CEO. 6. DraftKings shares plunged more than 15% after the sportsbook operator provided a disappointing 2026 revenue outlook and missed expectations on monthly users. The company is facing competitive threats from prediction markets. 7. HSBC upgraded Club name CrowdStrike to a buy from hold, and left its price target of $446 unchanged. Analysts pointed to the cybersecurity company's AI growth and the stock's attractive valuation. HSBC argued that CrowdStrike has a "leadership position in a mission critical, high growth area of cybersecurity and has multiple avenues to expand." At the Club, we have a buy-equivalent 1 rating on shares. 8. Wells Fargo was upgraded to hold from sell at Baird. Analysts said the risk/reward in the bank stock looks better after the recent sell-off, with shares down over 7% year to date. Still, it's not attractive enough for fresh money. Baird left its price target of $85 unchanged. 9. Coinbase 's fourth-quarter revenue slightly missed expectations amid a swoon in crypto prices, while reporting a net loss of $667 million. The profit figure was dented by a $718 million hit to the value of the company's crypto asset portfolio. There was also a $395 million hit on strategic investments, which includes stablecoin issuer Circle. 10. A lot of quarterly reports in the travel and leisure markets. Casino operator Wynn Resorts missed on earnings yesterday. At the same time, Expedia beat Street expectations for earnings, but the online travel agency warned of "emerging AI-powered platforms" as a risk. Meanwhile, Airbnb delivered an upbeat revenue guide that prompted Deutsche Bank to upgrade the stock. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. The Trump administration sued Harvard University on Friday, accusing it of failing to comply with a federal investigation and seeking documents to determine whether the university had illegally considered race in its admissions process. The move comes less than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration was seeking $1 billion from Harvard to settle probes into school policies, after a news report that said Trump had dropped his demand for a payment from the Ivy League school. Harvard representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump's administration has been threatening to withhold federal funds from Harvard and several other universities over issues including pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza, campus diversity and transgender policies. The Justice Department said on Friday in a press release that Harvard had "repeatedly slow-walked the pace of production and refused to produce pertinent data and documents," including admissions policies and correspondence related to banned diversity, equity and inclusion programs. In the complaint filed in Boston federal court, Justice Department lawyers said the documents requested will help assess whether Harvard is complying with a 2023 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which said that race-conscious college admissions programs are unconstitutional. The Justice Department said it brought the lawsuit "solely to compel Harvard to produce documents relating to any consideration of race in admission" and "does not accuse Harvard of any discriminatory conduct, nor does it seek monetary damages or the revocation of federal funding." The administration last year attempted to cancel hundreds of grants awarded to Harvard researchers on the grounds the school failed to do enough to address harassment of Jewish students on its campus, prompting Harvard to sue. Trump's attempts to freeze federal funds for Harvard have faced legal resistance and the two sides have failed to reach a deal thus far. President Donald Trump on Friday said he will issue an executive order "shortly" laying out the "legal reasons" for national voter-identification requirements. Trump, in posts late Friday to Truth Social, said he wants voter-ID laws implemented for the 2026 midterm elections, even though legislation mandating them appears poised to stall in Congress. "The Democrats refuse to vote for Voter I.D., or Citizenship. The reason is very simple They want to continue to cheat in Elections," Trump posted to Truth Social. "This was not what our Founders desired. I have searched the depths of Legal Arguments not yet articulated or vetted on this subject, and will be presenting an irrefutable one in the very near future. There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!" he continued. In a second post, published minutes after the first, Trump said, "If we can't get it through Congress, there are Legal reasons why this SCAM is not permitted. I will be presenting them shortly, in the form of an Executive Order." Under pressure from Trump, his allies in the House and Senate and conservative online influencers, the issue of voter ID has dominated social media and reverberated through the halls of Congress in recent days. Trump's comments have also raised fears among Democrats and voting-rights groups that the president could try to intervene in this year's pivotal midterm elections, as Republicans try to hold on to slim majorities in both chambers. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends a ceremonial welcome with Li Qiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China, ahead of their meeting at the Great Hall of The People during his visit to China, on January 29, 2026 in Beijing, China. What makes the current moment so striking is that the drift now appears to be reversing, cautiously and without the overexuberance that defined the post-WTO era. The catalyst for this shift is not a transformation in Chinese governance or economic structure, political systemic change, or how Beijing itself views the West. As difficult as it is for many in Washington to admit, it is a growing perception of volatility emanating from Washington itself, an uncomfortable realization for the U.S. national security establishment, and an even harder one for allies to process. The momentum shifted dramatically in the years leading up to, and especially after, the pandemic. Supply chain shocks, coercive trade practices, intellectual property theft, data restrictions, human rights focus, and intensifying geopolitical rivalry hardened Western posture toward Beijing. The language of "de-risking" and "decoupling" migrated from policy circles in Washington into boardrooms in the U.S. and Europe. Diplomatic traffic did not cease, but it slowed markedly as governments and firms recalibrated exposure to what was increasingly viewed as both geopolitical rival and economic competitor. This is not without precedent. In the years following China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001, global leaders and corporate executives made annual pilgrimages to Beijing, much like those made by eager statesmen and traders during the Qing Dynasty, drawn by the promise of market access, manufacturing skill, production scale and scope, and the sheer velocity of Chinese GDP growth at the time. That gravitational pull extended through much of Xi Jinping 's first five-year term, when China still projected the promise of profits and opportunity more than political constraint and economic contraction. What we are seeing unfold during the first quarter of 2026 increasingly feels like one of those historical earthquake moments, not because of any single headline associated with President Donald Trump , or a single moment like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's "rupture" in the world order speech at Davos, or any one bilateral meeting or state visit. But taken together, along with the cumulative weight of high-level diplomatic gambits to Beijing now underway and many more on the horizon something structural is happening that requires attention. The geopolitical tectonic plates are on the move again, and the early tremors are already visible across the global landscape with significant consequences for traditional alliances, global markets, and national power realignment. The realignment became particularly visible at Davos, where Trump openly mocked French President Emmanuel Macron, criticized Canada for insufficient gratitude, and dismissed NATO as a money pit. His incorrect assertion that NATO allies had not served on Afghanistan's front lines, later walked back, reinforced a broader perception that times and realities had shifted. But the contempt for Europe did not begin there. It has been building since Vice President JD Vance's blistering address at last year's Munich Security Conference, where European partners were publicly castigated. Since then, the tone shift has reverberated across European capitals. Public opinion data suggests this paradigm shift is not being received lightly. In Germany, recent polling indicates that 71% of respondents now view the United States as an adversary, while continent-wide surveys show only 16% still describe the U.S. as an ally. These figures signal more than frustration; they represent a recalibration of allied risk perception. Risk is one of the most consequential currencies in geopolitics, and Washington has spent years constructing an elaborate risk architecture around China. Now that architecture appears to be turned on its head. European leaders and the 'middle power' imperative Beijing did not engineer this paradigm shift, but if it plays its cards right, it is positioned to benefit from it. Over the past year, a steady procession of allied leaders has made its way to China. Each visit has been grounded in national economic self-interest, and while trust in China may be limited, reliance on Washington now feels less certain more to the point, riskier. French President Macron's courtship of Beijing reflects his call for European "strategic autonomy." Spain's King Felipe VI set the tone for China-European visits heavy in "partnership" symbolism. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Beijing and reopened strategic level dialogues and deepened financial cooperation, including expanded renminbi-clearing infrastructure in London, commitments to promote cross-listings through mechanisms such as the China-UK Stock Connect scheme, and institutional plumbing that shapes global capital flows while strengthening China's global financial influence. Ireland's leadership traveled as well, while Australia sought stabilization after years of intense trade frictions, recriminations, and retaliation. India and Beijing had summit-level engagement despite enduring border tensions along the Himalayan frontier. Next up is Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose visit carries particular weight given Germany's central role in Europe's industrial supply chains with an automobile industry hanging on by a thread and losing global market share to Chinese rivals. Taken individually, these trips are pragmatic exercises in economic statecraft. Viewed collectively, they reflect the growing agency of what Carney has described as the "middle powers" imperative to rebalance by those states large enough to shape global outcomes and unwilling to be trapped within the great-power volatility. The promise of this hedging strategy lies in diversification, diplomatic optionality, and insulation from tariff shocks. Its peril lies in global fragmentation, weakened alliances, and a China that pockets newfound influence without offering openness or magnanimity in return. Mistrust of China and a pivotal Munich meeting As the Munich Security Conference begins, there are signs of tension involving both the U.S. and China. German Chancellor Merz said in his remarks on the first day of the conference on Friday that "the international order based on rights and rules is currently being destroyed," but speaking in English he also said that the U.S. could not "go it alone" and described Americans as "friends." History does offer caution about an international realignment towards China. In 2017, Xi Jinping traveled to Davos and delivered a speech as feted and celebrated as Mark Carney's, a robust defense of free trade and globalization in the face of a protectionist Trump 1.0 agenda. China was briefly cast as the alternative and a safe haven, yet Beijing failed to live up to that promise; instead it ushered in the era of wolf warrior diplomacy. It is entirely possible China could squander this moment as well. Signs of friction with China are already visible. Reporting ahead of this year's Munich Security Conference highlighted the strained institutional relations between Brussels (EU institutions) and Beijing, including restricted diplomatic access, unresolved disputes over industrial overcapacity, and recriminations over China's alignment with Russia. While 2026 has seen engagement at the bilateral level expanding, EU institutional mistrust of China persists. Munich therefore assumes outsized significance. Both Washington and Beijing will need to reassure bruised Europeans. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the official U.S. delegation and be under heavy scrutiny after Vance's performance last year, while China must do more than offer rhetorical warmth from the podium if it hopes to sustain the 2026 momentum. Hovering over all of this is President Trump's anticipated visit to Beijing in early April, the jewel in the diplomatic visits' crown for China. After hosting America's allies, Xi Jinping will host the American president, reinforcing China's narrative that global diplomacy still converges on Beijing. In Beijing's telling, the Middle Kingdom is back. Substance, however, will matter more than symbolism. Chinese officials have already signaled pressure on Taiwan arms sales. In prior administrations, including during my time in the Obama administration, such leverage ran into statutory guardrails under the Taiwan Relations Act, which obligates the United States to provide Taiwan defensive capabilities. Trump's more discretionary approach complicates that dynamic. If Beijing is articulating its asks, Washington should articulate its own, from clemency for Jimmy Lai to substantive and measurable cooperation on Ukraine. Engagement absent reciprocity risks signaling that pressure yields access at minimal cost. All of this underscores why the geopolitical rebalancing now underway extends far beyond diplomacy. The global system is not realigning wholesale toward China, but it is recalibrating as allies hedge and middle powers assert agency and the U.S. pressure allies more than adversaries. History shows that the world has gone to China before, drawn by growth and a belief in endless opportunity, and then rapidly pulled back amid geopolitical tensions and shocks. Now it appears businesses are drifting back once more, cautiously, and pragmatically, compelled less by trust in China's goodwill than by limited options and strategic necessity. As that drift gathers momentum, it is reshaping the terrain in which global business must operate, influencing how firms re-enter China while hedging against overexposure, how they engage middle powers pursuing strategic optionality, and how they compete in third markets against Chinese companies now going global at scale. It is altering capital allocation across geopolitical spheres, forcing compliance recalibration, prompting yet another redesign of supply-chain architecture, and introducing a more complex form of dual-state risk exposure spanning both the U.S. and China. Businesses cannot afford to misread or misplay this inflection point or dismiss it as a temporary Trumpian phenomenon. True, he set this course in motion, but the geopolitical fault lines are likely to continue to shift and if fully materialized, this will be the big one. By Dewardric McNeal, managing director and senior policy analyst at Longview Global, and a CNBC contributor U.S. and Taiwanese flags are seen in San Francisco, California, Jan. 28, 2026. Washington and Taipei have signed a trade deal lowering tariffs on Taiwanese exports to 15%, on par with those on Asian allies Japan and South Korea, while the island will open its market for U.S. goods. Taiwan will remove or reduce 99% of tariff barriers on U.S. goods, as well as provide "preferential market access" for U.S. industrial and agricultural exports. These include autos, beef products and minerals. Taiwan also plans to purchase over $84 billion in U.S. goods from 2025 to 2029, including liquefied natural gas and crude oil, as well as aircraft and power equipment. The office of the U.S. Trade Representative said that Taiwan had committed to "resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers," such as accepting U.S. vehicles built to U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards without any additional requirements. This deal was first announced in January when Taiwanese chip and technology companies committed to invest at least $250 billion in production capacity in the U.S., backed by an equal amount of government credit "to facilitate additional investment by Taiwanese enterprises." However, Taiwan and the U.S. have shared differing views on chip supply chains. The goal is to bring 40% of Taiwan's entire semiconductor supply chain to the U.S. during U.S. President , Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC last month. He also said that Taiwan-based chip companies that don't build in the U.S are likely to face a 100% tariff. However, Taiwan has pushed back on that proposal, telling Washington that moving 40% of the island's semiconductor supply chain to the U.S. was "impossible," according to Taipei's top tariff trade negotiator. Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun told local media that Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem, built over decades, could not simply be relocated. Taiwan's international expansion, including its investments in the U.S., is predicated on the notion that the industry remains' rooted in Taiwan and continues to expand domestic investments, she said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. China, which considers democratically governed Taiwan a part of its territory, had criticized the January agreement, saying that the deal would "only drain Taiwan's economic interests," adding that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party was letting the U.S. "hollow out" the island's key industry. Chinese President Xi Jinping regards Taiwan's reunification with the mainland "a historical inevitability." Taiwan rejects those claims. While the U.S. does not have a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan and is not obligated to defend the island, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act states the U.S. "will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services" as may be necessary to "enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities." The U.S. in December approved $11.15 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, among its largest deals with the island as it faces growing threats from China, drawing a sharp response from Beijing, with its foreign affairs spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, accusing the U.S. of violating the "one-China principle." CNBC's Anniek Bao and Dylan Butts contributed to this story. Indian equities ended the week deep in the red, pressured by an intense sell-off in information technology stocks that wiped out nearly 3 lakh crore in market capitalisation from the index. The Sensex and the Nifty each declined about 1% for the week, while the Nifty IT index tumbled 8%its steepest weekly fall in a year. Five of the six biggest Nifty losers were IT majors, including Infosys, TCS, HCLTech, Wipro and Tech Mahindra. AI-led IT selloff may be overdone, not the time to exit, says Edelweiss AMC CIO Artificial intelligence company Anthropic says it is now valued at $380 billion, cementing its position alongside rival OpenAI and Elon Musks SpaceX in a trio of the worlds most valuable startups that investors will be watching closely this year to see if they will become publicly traded on Wall Street. Read More Artificial intelligence (AI) could begin to affect Indian IT services companies by changing how certain types of enterprise work are delivered, especially tasks that are repetitive and prescriptive in nature, according to Vishal Sikka, Founder and CEO of Vianai and former CEO of Infosys. Microsoft AI chief warns most white-collar jobs could be automated within 18 months In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Siemens CEO Roland Busch highlighted the companys strong momentum at the start of fiscal 2025, underpinned by a massive 117 billion euros order book and robust 10% order growth. Read More The Government of India on Thursday, February 12, bought back government securities (G-secs) worth 75,504.43 crore from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through a switch auction, while issuing bonds worth 69,436.15 crore. RBI proposes 10% exposure limit for banks lending to REITs BNP wins Bangladesh's first post-uprising election, with Tarique Rahman pledging reform. Sheikh Hasina rejects the result from New Delhi. Muhammad Yunus and international leaders welcome the outcome. A parliamentary panel on Thursday emphasised the need for the implementation of the new Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) Policy without delay for achieving the intended objectives of fiscal prudence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, inaugurated Seva Teerth, a new integrated complex that will house the Prime Ministers Office, marking its first relocation since Independence. The government said the move shifts Indias most powerful address to a modern facility designed to consolidate executive functions and improve efficiency. Read More Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has stepped down as chair and chief executive of DP World after emails between him and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were made public by the US Department of Justice, triggering investor unease and prompting a swift leadership overhaul at the Dubai-based logistics group. Epstein files fallout: Goldman Sachss Kathryn Ruemmler quits after revelation of 'extensive association' The administration of President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the repeal of a scientific finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health and eliminated federal tailpipe emissions standards for cars and trucks. We'll see you on Monday with another engaging 'Top 10@10 Markets closed the week on a weak note, weighed down by a sharp sell-off in information technology stocks that wiped out nearly 3 lakh crore from the IT index and pulled benchmark indices lower. The Sensex and Nifty slipped about 1% over the week, while the Nifty IT index logged its steepest fall in a year.Even as volatility gripped the sector, industry experts indicated the AI-led correction may be overdone, sparking a wider debate on how disruptive artificial intelligence could be for Indian IT services firms a theme Vishal Sikka addressed, even as Microsofts AI chief cautioned that automation risks for white-collar roles may accelerate.Globally, artificial intelligence major Anthropic surged to a $380 billion valuation, sharpening competition with OpenAI and other technology heavyweights. Corporate developments remained in focus, with Siemens outlining plans for bolt-on acquisitions to scale its software and digital capabilities.Back home, the government conducted a 75,505 crore G-sec switch auction with the Reserve Bank of India, while the central bank proposed tighter exposure norms for banks lending to REITs. Political and policy shifts from Bangladeshs election fallout to changes in US climate regulation under Donald Trump also shaped the weeks headlines. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a landslide victory in the general elections, on Friday reiterated its firm stance on seeking the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial."The foreign minister has already persuaded the case for her extradition, and we also support it," Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said."We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We also asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh," he added.Ahmed emphasised that Bangladesh seeks normal relations with all neighbours, including India, but only on equal terms. We need a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, equality with all the countries, including India, he said.His comments came soon after the BNPs sweeping victory in the general elections held on Thursday. This is the first election since the mass uprising in August 2024 that forced Hasina to flee to India. Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since her ouster, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in November 2025 for crimes against humanity linked to the violent suppression of the 2024 uprising.Ahmed dismissed criticisms about the elections inclusivity after the Awami League was barred due to its suspension and ongoing violence probes."People of the country know that this is a very inclusive election. If you like to mention the exclusion of Awami League etc, people have rejected through the mass uprising in Aug 2024," Ahmed underlined.The Awami Leagues exclusion stemmed from a decision by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which banned the partys activities in 2025 amid probes into its conduct during the uprising."They are being prosecuted, and also the investigation is going on against the political party Awami League. This is under the process," Ahmed added. Tarique Rahman, 60, is set to be the next prime minister of Bangladesh. His party (BNP) Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has crossed the halfway mark in the crucial parliamentary election.He is the son of BNP supremo and former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia.Rahman secured victory from the Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies, as per the Daily Star. He secured 72,699 votes in Dhaka-17, with his closest contender, Khaleduzzaman of Jamaat-e-Islami, receiving 68,300 votes. In Bogura-6, Rahman got 2,16,284 votes against his closest contender, Abidur Rahman Sohel of Jamaat, who received 97,626 votes.Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after more than 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. He led the BNP into national elections marking a dramatic political comeback.Rahman formally took charge of the BNP from his mother. Zia passed away just five days after Rahman's return, bringing to a close a defining chapter in Bangladeshi politics.Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008, citing political persecution. At the time, he was facing multiple corruption cases. Before departing, he submitted a handwritten declaration at the airport resigning as BNP's senior joint secretary general and announcing his retirement from active politics.In 2007, Rahman was arrested during an anti-corruption drive by a military-backed caretaker government charges he has consistently denied. In 2008, he was released on medical grounds and flew to London for treatment, alleging severe custodial torture.He subsequently settled in Kingston, London, with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman.During Hasina's 15-year tenure in power, Rahman was convicted in several corruption and terror-related cases. He maintained the charges were politically motivated to keep him out of the country. Following Hasina's fall in 2024, Bangladeshi courts overturned the convictions, clearing the way for his return.Born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka, Rahman hails from one of Bangladesh's most prominent political families.His father, Ziaur Rahman, was a decorated military officer and later served as the President. His mother, Khaleda Zia, went on to become Prime Minister.Rahman studied at BAF Shaheen College in Dhaka before enrolling at the University of Dhaka, initially in the Law Department during the 198586 academic year. He later switched to International Relations but did not complete his degree, instead entering the textile and shipping businesses.He formally entered politics in 1988 as a primary member of the BNP's upazila branch in Gabtali, Bogra.Rahman was actively involved in campaign efforts during the landmark 1991 general election that marked Bangladesh's transition from military rule to an elected government. The BNP secured victory, bringing Khaleda Zia to power.While Rahman did not contest elections in 1996 or 2001, he coordinated campaign efforts in constituencies where his mother was a candidate. After the BNP's landslide win in 2001, his influence within the party grew significantly, particularly during his mother's tenure in the early 2000s.He held no formal government post.On December 8, 2009, Rahman was elected Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP at its fifth National Council in Dhaka.Following Hasina's ouster in August 2024, Rahman pledged to return to Bangladesh once the cases against him were withdrawn and voiced support for the interim government's reform agenda.On June 13, 2025, he met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the latter's visit to the United Kingdom. On December 25, Rahman returned to Bangladesh with his family, ending his long exile. Five days later, Khaleda Zia died after a prolonged illness.On January 9, 2026, Rahman formally became chairman of the BNP.On the campaign trail, Rahman has positioned himself as a proponent of economic revival, political stability and democratic restoration after 15 years of Hasina's rule from exile. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Could language barriers be a thing of the past? Various companies are looking to bring AI to the party to solve this linguistic issue and maybe help bring voice once again to the fore. T-Mobile is preparing to offer network-based real-time translation services in more than 50 languages. The new service, currently in beta testing, could ultimately be available to all T-Mobile customers, almost irrespective of the model of phone they use. This is in contrast with similar services from Google and Apple, which require uses to have a recent model smartphone capable of running the translation software. Ransomware has permanently changed how security leaders think about risk. Verizons 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report found that ransomware was involved in 44% of all breaches. For small and midsize businesses, the problem is big; ransomware was involved in nearly nine out of 10 breaches, compared to it playing a role in 39% of incidents among large organizations. Many of these attacks begin by breaching privileged accounts and identity infrastructure, targeting identity because of its reach and influence. Compromising identity infrastructure such as Active Directory enables adversaries to escalate privileges and block legitimate users from their own systems within minutes. Even when those applications and data are restored, a compromised identity layer can leave an organization locked out of its environment for the long term, stalling recovery efforts across the enterprise. This is why identity recovery is now a central ingredient in cyber resilience. Identity systems are deeply integrated into authentication and access pathways. When they fail, recovery becomes even more complex. Security leaders know that recovering identity is about bringing systems back up and restoring access securely, so attackers cannot find their way back in. A board-level issue Boards of directors and regulators are now treating resilience as a core component of enterprise risk management. Cyber insurance providers require evidence of tested recovery plans, immutable backups, and defined recovery time and recovery point objectives before underwriting coverage. Regulatory frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act impose stiff penalties for extended downtime and data exposure. As a result, organizations are moving beyond traditional backup strategies toward recovery engineering. Recovery is a designed capability rather than an emergency response. It relies on automation, orchestration, and repeatable processes that reduce dependence on manual intervention during high-stress incidents. It also aligns technical recovery with business priorities, helping CISOs communicate resilience in terms that executives and boards understand. To reduce downtime and regain control quickly after a ransomware or identity-based attack, CISOs should prioritize these capabilities: Identity resilience: Implement immutable backups and automated recovery for identity systems such as Active Directory. Implement immutable backups and automated recovery for identity systems such as Active Directory. Zero-trust architecture: Apply least-privilege access and continuous authentication to reduce the blast radius of an attack. Apply least-privilege access and continuous authentication to reduce the blast radius of an attack. Automated orchestration: Limit manual steps in recovery workflows so teams can respond faster under pressure. Limit manual steps in recovery workflows so teams can respond faster under pressure. Regulatory readiness: Make audit-ready reporting and compliance validation part of resilience planning, not an afterthought. Make audit-ready reporting and compliance validation part of resilience planning, not an afterthought. AI-ready protection: Account for risks introduced by autonomous agents and AI-driven operations by securing data environments and enabling fast rollback of damaging actions. Account for risks introduced by autonomous agents and AI-driven operations by securing data environments and enabling fast rollback of damaging actions. Backup platform isolation: Treat the backup environment as a separate security domain that can function as a minimum viable recovery environment when needed. Cognizant and Rubrik help organizations improve cyber resilience with a unified, service-based model that integrates data protection, identity resilience, and business continuity. Rubrik provides capabilities such as immutable storage, rapid ransomware recovery, sensitive data discovery, and identity resilience, including support for restoring Active Directory environments. Cognizant brings orchestration across technologies and domain expertise to align recovery actions with business outcomes, ensuring that restoration efforts support operational continuity and compliance requirements. Learn more about how Cognizant and Rubrik are helping organizations strengthen business resilience. If you would like further details or have specific questions, send an email to: BusinessResilience@cognizant.com About Sriramkumar Kumaresan Cognizant Sriram Kumaresan leads the Global Cloud, Infrastructure and Security practice atCognizant, overseeing approximately 35,000 professionals. With over 25 years of experience, he excels in building and scaling businesses from strategy to execution. Sriram is responsible for driving market share (strategy, GTM and growth) and mindshare (offering, partner strategy and market positioning) through strategic approaches, customer centricity and the deep technical expertise inCognizants Cloud, Infrastructure and Security business. Beyond his professional achievements, he is also a mentor and advocate for diversity in tech, aiming to inspire future IT leaders. More price commitment deals expected between EU, Chinese enterprises Xinhua) 09:52, February 13, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- More Chinese companies are expected to reach price commitment deals with the European Union (EU), China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. Ministry spokesperson He Yadong made the remarks at a press conference regarding the European Commission's approval of a tariff exemption for a Chinese-made Volkswagen SUV, which will now be imported under a minimum price and quota model. Previously, China and the EU, after multiple rounds of consultations, achieved a "soft landing" in the electric vehicle case within the framework of World Trade Organization rules, He said, adding that the outcome has been widely welcomed by the international community and industries on both sides. Under the consensus reached through consultations, China and the EU support Chinese electric vehicle companies in making effective use of price commitments. To that end, the European side has issued a guidance document formulated during the bilateral talks and pledged to carry out assessments in a non-discriminatory, objective and fair manner, he said. Noting that the Chinese and European automotive industries are deeply integrated and mutually beneficial, He expressed hope that the European side would earnestly implement the important consensus reached at the China-EU leaders' meeting and the outcomes of the case consultations. China is ready to maintain dialogue and communication with the EU side to foster an open and stable market environment for the growth of the automotive industries in both China and the EU, He said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) South Koreas data protection authority has handed down a combined KRW 36 billion (approximately US$25 million) in administrative fines to the local subsidiaries of three global luxury houses, after finding they failed to implement basic security controls while managing customer data through a SaaS platform. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), South Koreas top privacy regulator, announced on Feb. 12 that it levied a total of KRW 36.033 billion in fines and KRW 10.8 million in additional penalties against Louis Vuitton Korea, Christian Dior Couture Korea, and Tiffany Korea for violations of the countrys Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). The regulator also ordered all three companies to publicly disclose the enforcement actions on their websites. The PIPC noted that the data in question personal information belonging to Korean customers was collected and processed domestically by the local subsidiaries, placing it squarely within the jurisdiction of PIPA. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Experience the Indian tradition inspired practices behind the best-selling skincare and beauty brand Love, Indus for yourself this winter to finally see the results you've been waiting for. The popular brand has sold-out across retailers time and time again and now is ready to make its way into your makeup bag. Love, Indus Revolutionize your skin this year with Love, Indus! The incredible Indian inspired skincare brand is bringing powerful formulas to the U.S. from masks to eye serums. Right now the brand is offering an exclusive sitewide discount when you enter code DMINDUS20. 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Everything that the hapless Prime Minister does is now dictated by those Labour MPs who believe, incredibly, that the highest tax level in 70 years is still not enough, and who imagine that they are somehow fighting austerity. Oddly, these MPs are referred to by broadcasters as soft-Left, though they are soft only in the Northern sense of dim or naive. In reality, they are ideologues who have spent their lives in the public or charitable sectors and for whom public spending is an answer in search of a question, a measure of personal decency. Starmer lost control of his MPs last summer when they blocked his feeble attempt to slow the growth in welfare spending. Note: slow the growth, not cut. Labour ended up accelerating the increase in sickness benefits and then went on to lift the cap on child benefit. The Labour leader, both hammy and ham-fisted, tried to make a virtue of having lost and boasted of having a moral mission to end child poverty when, in fact, he had taken the whip away from seven MPs for backing the increase at a time when he was still pretending to care about the national debt. Since then, Starmer has been a puppet of his wastrel Left, lashed to the helm of a ship he no longer steers. Last week, the final pretences were dropped and Starmer while still keeping the name of captain was moved from the helm to the brig. While Sir Keir Starmer has managed to keep the title of 'captain' for now, after last week the beleaguered PM was moved from the helm to the brig, our columnist says As Kemi Badenoch pointed out yesterday, we unprecedentedly have a No 10 where there is no chief of staff, no director of communications and no Cabinet Secretary, all at the same time. Starmer barely even pretends to be in charge any more. Desperate to keep his job in the aftermath of the Mandelson disaster, the PM has been offering to give his internal critics anything they want. More spending, more wokery, more Europe. The irony is that it almost certainly wont be enough. The reason Starmer is still in office is that no one particularly wants to take over just in time to lose the Scottish, Welsh and local elections in May. Unless Labour miraculously improves its position between now and then, Starmer will be out by the summer. All his undignified crawling will do him no good. The Milibandist majority on his backbenches will tire of ruling through him as a proxy, and will replace him with one of their own. In the meantime, huge damage will be done, as the PM scrabbles about to buy off his critics. Every spending demand will be sympathetically received, every bit of pork-barrel constituency expenditure approved. I wouldnt be the least surprised if Rachel Reeves, who has already practically abandoned her fiscal rules, formally drops them. At the same time, Britain will sign up to the various EU policies which Labour promised, at the election, to keep out of. We will agree to dynamic alignment, promising to follow all EU rules in certain areas unilaterally and unconditionally, and hand over our fishing rights. Worst of all, despite official denials, there will almost certainly be an attempt to take us into the EU customs union, an arrangement that even the Swiss and Norwegian governments regard as unacceptable. Joining the customs union would mean giving up all our trade deals without the compensating removal of checks on our exports to the EU. 'We have a Miliband government,' writes Dan Hannan. 'Brexit was an opportunity to escape some of the EUs more expensive and needless Net Zero targets', which Labour has failed to do Why are these MPs agitating to join the customs union (for which there is no serious argument) rather than the single market (for which there is a respectable case)? I can only assume and I wish I were joking that they like the word union and dislike the word market. Meanwhile, there will be an acceleration of the single policy that has done the most to make us poorer decarbonisation. Brexit was an opportunity to escape some of the EUs more expensive and needless Net Zero targets. Instead, we are using our Brexit freedoms to adopt even more expensive policies. As I say, we have a Miliband government. How much more damage can Starmer do in his remaining three or four months? Youd be surprised. An awful lot of what is being proposed is designed to bind the hands of a future administration. The contracts the Government is using to encourage renewable energy, rather than cheaper fossil fuels, typically last for 15 to 20 years, making it much harder for a future government to cut costs. There are constitutional changes, too, ranging from the removal of the hereditary peers, which will strengthen Labours position in Parliament, to the outrageous idea of votes at 16. In every other context, Labour considers 16-year-olds to be children. Its MPs have voted to raise the age of consent to 18 for buying a knife, smoking cigarettes, getting a tattoo, applying for a mortgage, leaving full-time education or training, receiving Botox treatment. Yet, when it comes to votes, it again sees a way to lock in its advantage past the next election. Starmer looks like hes using his remaining months in office to make irreversible changes to how we are governed. We shall be locked in to policies that make us poorer, colder, smaller and less sovereign. Then again, should we be surprised? As political journalist Tim Shipman revealed in a Spectator cover story this week, senior Labour figures remain baffled by the PMs lack of a philosophical hinterland, a coherent programme for government and by his bizarre fixation with trivialities such as dress codes for meetings which has seen Starmer and his controversial Attorney General Lord Hermer decked out in a lot of Paul Smith, jackets with a polo shirt. It is a legacy of a kind, I suppose. But, my word, how future generations will curse his name. Kurt Cobain was murdered? That's the assessment from a squad of forensic scientists who conducted a private investigation into the Nirvana frontman's death at his Seattle home on April 5, 1994. He was just 27 years old. The report casts doubt on whether Kurt a shy wisp of a man could've held a 6-pound Remington Model 11 20-gauge shotgun, it questions the authenticity of the handwriting on his apparent suicide note, the lack of blood on his hands, the huge dose of drugs in his bloodstream and about a zillion other details. He couldn't have done this himself, they concluded, theorizing he was ambushed by assassins, who injected him with three syringes of heroin before shooting him and staging the scene. As for a motive, curiously, they have nothing. And authorities say they're not changing their determination: suicide. Not that it matters. I don't need to be told what killed Kurt Cobain. I know in my heart what happened because I was there. In 1992, I was in the churning wash of the grunge tsunami, working as a part-time DJ on KROQ radio in Los Angeles. The first time I saw Kurt and Courtney in the flesh was at a Teenage Fanclub show in LA. The two of them looked like arctic-eyed ghosts floating through Fairfax High School. At that point, rumors were already rampant that the pair had been dabbling in heroin. She looked like his bony-shouldered bodyguard towering over his tiny frame a terrifying, red-lipped devil clearly looking for a fight (imagine Taylor Swift and Large Marge had an angry baby); he was wearing a cardigan. Kurt Cobain was murdered? That's the assessment from a squad of forensic scientists who conducted a private investigation into the Nirvana frontman's death at his Seattle home on April 5, 1994 The report casts doubt on whether Kurt a shy whisp of a man could've held a 6-pound Remington Model 11 20-gauge shotgun, it questions the authenticity of the handwriting on his apparent suicide note and about a zillion other details The first time I saw Kurt and Courtney in the flesh was at a Teenage Fanclub show in LA (Pictured: Love and Kennedy during 1993 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles) A few months later, I was hired as an MTV VJ, hosting a nightly music video show called Alternative Nation that played the greatest bands of the time, especially Nirvana. So, I got to know Kurt. He was an introverted smoker, who seemed genuinely peeved by the fuss of fame when he and the guys had to stop by MTV to do press. I hung out with his bandmates and managers. They were all a ton of fun, but Kurt seemed like a sad, wet sandwich. Only later did I get to know Courtney. I quickly came to realize, in part, why the guy was so despondent. She would lord over him like a Grunge Gollum, sniping at anyone she thought was trying to control her precious. Courtney was like a walking flask of battery acid with a loose lid, splashing her contents over anyone she deemed a threat. Once, for reasons still unknown me, she told my MTV bosses that I wasn't the 21-year-old nymphette that I claimed to be, but actually a 30-year-old who used to work in a bank. I had to bring in my high school yearbook to convince the higher-ups of my identity. Then, one night the phone in my East Village apartment started ringing off the hook. At the other end was a pack of screaming Gen X'ers at a payphone. They were checking to see if the number that Courtney had given out onstage at a Hole concert was really mine. Unfortunately, it was. That vindictive moron had memorized my number and doxxed me. Weeks later, Courtney called me to apologize and started quoting Simone de Beauvoir and Betty Friedan, lecturing me about my lack of life experience. I was lucky, she said, that she had taught me a hard lesson by giving my number to hundreds of strangers, so that they could bombard me with unwelcome calls. Ironically, Kurt prank called me too. He, I was told, got the number from Nirvana rhythm guitarist Pat Smear. If only I'd known that it was Kurt I would've tried to convince him to leave his dreadful, destructive wife. But I had become so used to people messing with me that I just yelled back, trying to drown out my harasser. Courtney has been open about their drug use. 'We went on a binge,' she told Vanity Fair in 1992 about a trip to New York City that January. 'We did a lot of drugs. We got pills and then we went down to Alphabet City and Kurt wore a hat, I wore a hat, and we copped some dope. Then we got high and went to S.N.L. After that, I did heroin for a couple of months.' Years after Kurt's death, I asked one of him good friends if Kurt was always depressed and on drugs. The source said he knew Kurt as a typical teenage beer drinker. Courtney has been open about their drug use. 'We went on a binge,' she told Vanity Fair in 1992 about a trip to New York City So, I got to know Kurt. He was an introverted smoker, who seemed genuinely peeved by the fuss of fame when he and the guys had to stop by MTV to do press Years after Kurt's death, I asked one of him good friends if Kurt was always depressed and on drugs. The source said he knew Kurt as a typical teenage beer drinker, until he met Courtney. After meeting Courtney, he said, that's when Kurt truly fell in love with heroin and became a darker, more withdrawn version of his introverted self. Kurt also always seemed to be in physical pain. I've long suspected that it was Celiac Disease, something that I also suffer from. In March 1994, Kurt overdosed on painkillers and alcohol in a Rome hotel room. By then, he and Courtney had a two-year-old daughter, Francis Bean. Nirvana's management tried as hard as they could to contain the chatter that he had been trying to kill himself, but rumors started to spread and his friends got very concerned. Then, we got the terrible news. I will never forget the April afternoon that the world learned that Kurt had died. A pall that fell over MTV. I walked into the 42nd street studio and into a sea of swollen eyes and shattered faces. People couldn't bring themselves to even offer condolences. None of it felt real, even though his suicide was the most predictable thing in the world. Courtney, it seemed to me, did not have a traditional mourning period. I was told by a guy in a band that he and another musician were shooting heroin in a New York City hotel room just a few months after Kurt's passing and Courtney was there. She allegedly kept pulling Kurt's ashes out of her backpack in a gruesome show-and-tell. It was around the same time that Courtney started sleeping with Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor while they were on tour together. Once, while I was speaking to Reznor on speakerphone, he goaded me into bad mouthing her. Little did I know she was in the room. Rock music is just full of self-indulgent sociopaths. Their brief fling didn't last long. In a 1995 interview with Spin magazine, Courtney said of Reznor. 'Don't call your band Nine Inch Nails when you have a three-inch one.' Courtney called me shortly after that to say she'd snatched up a New Orleans dream home that Reznor was in the process of buying. She knew that we were friends and that I would spill the beans. Just then, Reznor beeped in on the other line, and demanded I hang up with her. When I clicked back, she knew the trap was sprung and started shrieking, 'Is it him? I bought his house! Tell him he's a one-inch nail!!' Was Courtney Love a terrible person to be around? I believe, yes. But she didn't cause Kurt's death. And murderers? That's not even worth addressing. In March 1994, Kurt overdosed on painkillers and alcohol in a Rome hotel room. By then, he and Courtney had a two-year-old daughter, Francis Bean It was around the same time that Courtney started sleeping with Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor while they were on tour together In a 1995 interview with Spin magazine, Courtney said of Reznor. 'Don't call your band Nine Inch Nails when you have a three-inch one' What this new investigation doesn't make clear is that Kurt Cobain was a deeply depressed man, with a track record of heavy drug use, a family history of suicide (two of his uncle's killed themselves) and alleged attempts to take his own life. After the Rome overdose on March 18, according to a Seattle police report, Courtney called police after Kurt locked himself in a room. She said he had a 38-caliber revolver and claimed he said he was going to kill himself. Weeks later, Kurt checked himself into Exodus Recovery Center in Marina del Rey, California but bolted after just two days. He reportedly told clinic staff that he was stepping out onto the patio to smoke, then jumped a six-foot brick wall and ran. Cobain's mother, Wendy O'Connor filed a missing person's report and told police that her son might be suicidal. That's the truth as I know it. Kurt Cobain took his own life. As painful as that reality may be, it's not as painful as dredging up the past and reopening old wounds. Rest in peace, Kurt. If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org. Experts have warned patients to look out for the easily missed symptoms of a deadly pulmonary embolism the blood clot condition that killed Hollywood actress Catherine OHara. The Home Alone and Schitts Creek star died last month. A recent coroners report detailed how Ms OHara, 71, was admitted to hospital struggling to breathe, before dying of a blood clot in her lungs also known as a pulmonary embolism. The condition kills nearly 3,000 Britons every year. However, according to Professor Rasha Al-Lamee, a cardiologist at Imperial College London, many patients are unaware of the early signs. Professor Al-Lamee says that there are also a number of factors that put patients at a greater risk of a pulmonary embolism as well as simple steps that can be taken to reduce this risk. So, how can you spot the early signs of the condition and what can you do to stop it occurring in the first place? A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot lodges in the arteries of the lungs. The blockage can cut the blood flow, strain the heart and starve the body of oxygen. The embolism often starts as deep-vein thrombosis, a clot forming in the veins of the leg or the pelvis. Often, according to Professor Al-Lamee, this can cause pain, swelling and tenderness in the leg often in the calf. However, she says the symptoms of an embolism will differ depending on its severity. A serious embolism one where the clot is big, completely blocking blood flow in the lungs is often unmistakable. Schitts Creek and Home Alone star Catherine O'Hara was taken to hospital struggling to breathe If a patient is suffering from a large pulmonary embolism they will experience sharp chest pain, a racing heart and can feel really unwell, alongside breathlessness, says Professor Al-Lamee. In some cases, patients may experience bluish lips or fingernails or a sense of anxiety or doom. In 2023, actress Emily Chesterton, 30, died of a pulmonary embolism after an NHS worker mistook her symptoms for anxiety. Emily, from Manchester, also experienced calf pain, a swollen and hot leg, shortness of breath and found it increasingly difficult to walk. A coroner concluded her life could have been saved if she had been to A&E and treated for a pulmonary embolism. Treatment typically involves anti-clotting medicines to reduce the size of the blockage. In extreme cases, lung surgery to remove the clot may be required. Studies show that a severe embolism of this size can kill within an hour or even minutes. Speedy treatment also does not necessarily guarantee survival. Research shows that around half of patients who experience a large pulmonary embolism die, even with treatment. But, Professor Al-Lamee adds, small embolisms where blood flow is not completely blocked can be equally dangerous. This is because, while not instantly deadly, studies show they are often missed because the symptoms are mistaken for something less severe. Without treatment, these clots do not disappear and can eventually grow larger, fully blocking off blood flow. The last photo of O'Hara, seen left with her husband, Bo Welch, at the Angel Awards at the Proper Hotel Santa Monica on October 16 last year. Right, at the Emmys in September Research shows that around 400 patients in the UK die every year due to their pulmonary embolism being misdiagnosed. Smaller embolisms can recur over a period of time and patients often first notice a reduction in their ability to exercise, breathlessness, fatigue and sometimes blood-stained phlegm, says Professor Al-Lamee. For this reason, these smaller clots are hard to pick up. Professor Al-Lamee also says that certain people are more prone to pulmonary embolisms and so need to be more alert to the early warning signs. One of the biggest risk factors, she says, is having cancer, which raises the chances of a deadly lung clot by six times. Research shows that cancer cells make the blood stickier, leaving it more prone to clots which can then travel to the lungs. Experts say this might explain Ms OHaras death. Her death certificate revealed that the actress also had rectal cancer at the time of the embolism, something she never made public while alive. In Catherine OHaras case this was likely the underlying cause of her embolism, says Professor Al-Lamee. Other common risk factors for embolisms are pregnancy, smoking, obesity, and recent surgery. For this reason, she says, losing weight and quitting smoking are crucial for avoiding a pulmonary embolism. Crucially, Professor Al-Lamee adds, long plane journeys or any other extended period of immobility greatly increases the chances of a deep vein thrombosis in the leg, which can then make its way to the lungs. This is why when on a long haul flight it is important to wear compression socks and make sure you go for regular walks as this reduces the risk, she says. Cookies from Chips Ahoy! have been urgently recalled due to a potential choking hazards, health officials have warned. Mondelez Global LLC of New Jersey announced it is voluntarily recalling its Chips Ahoy! Baked Bites Brookie 'because of an incorrect mixing process that resulted in the formation of small corn starch clumps in the product,' according to the FDA. The agency said that due to 'the characteristics and size of the small starch clumps, the clump could constitute a choking hazard, particularly in special risk groups, such as young children and the elderly.' The announcement is an expansion of the company's previous December 2025 recall, now including an additional code date and two added UPCs. Products were 'available at a limited number of retail stores nationwide,' the FDA said, but the agency did not specify how many were affected or specific retail stores. The recall includes pouches ranging from 1.4oz to 22.4oz and best by dates of May 2026. A full table of the recalled products can be found below. No other Chips Ahoy! or Mondelez Global LLC products are included in, or affected by, this recall. There have also been no reports of illness or injury related to the recall. 'We are issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution,' the company said. Cookies from Chips Ahoy! have been recalled due to potential choking hazards, the FDA announced (stock image) Pictured above are the recalled Chips Ahoy! Bakes Bites Brookie Your browser does not support iframes. The FDA urged customers who bought the products to avoid eating them and contact the company at 1-855-535-5948 Monday-Friday, 9 am to 6 pm eastern time for more information. Roughly 5,000 Americans die from choking every year, the majority of whom are children and the elderly due to difficulty swallowing. Children, for instance, have narrower airways that can be more easily be blocked with larger objects and are still learning proper chewing and swallowing, making them more prone to choking. Old age also naturally weakens swallow muscles, making it harder to effectively push food into the esophagus, and age-related tooth loss leads to chewing issues. Food is the leading cause of choking-related deaths in the US, with hot dogs being the most common culprit. Many foods recalled for choking hazards are contaminated with foreign materials such as plastic and glass. The FDA urged customers who purchased affected products not to eat them and to contact the company with questions (stock image) Earlier this month, Gerber Products Company recalled limited batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits 'out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of soft plastic and/or paper pieces that should not be consumed.' Last year, Gerber issued another recall, as well as discontinuation of all batches of its Gerber Sooth N Chew Teething Sticks due to a potential choking hazard. The sticks were sold nationwide online and to distribution centers and retail stores across the country. The recall involved 3.2oz of strawberry apple and banana sticks and 1.59oz of banana sticks. Gerber issued the recall after receiving consumer complaints of 'choking incidents.' During the recall in January 2025, one emergency department visit was reported. As cold and flu season finally wanes, a new danger lurking in the snow could be responsible for your runny nose and cough. Multiple storms and blistering temperatures this winter season have left millions of Americans surrounded by snow that refuses to melt. As the snow gradually dissipates, health experts warn the moisture creates a prime breeding ground for 'snow mold,' a fungal lawn disease that develops when snow covers grass during the winter. Dr Farzana Hoque, associate professor of medicine at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital in Missouri, warned that the damp water from snow 'is creating an environment for growing these molds - all this fungus.' While mold can be harmless for many, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates anywhere from three to 10 percent of Americans have mold allergies, adding up to 10 to 33 million people. Symptoms vary, but many of the signs can closely resemble the common cold or flu, including runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing. In severe cases, snow mold can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory infections like pneumonia. Health experts warned that as temperatures gradually increase, melting snow creates extra moisture and can exacerbate the growth of mold. As cold and flu season finally wanes, a new danger lurking in the snow could be responsible for your running nose and cough, experts have warned (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. There are several types of mold that are more dangerous than others. The most severe form, black mold, produces dangerous chemical compounds called mycotoxins that, when inhaled repeatedly, cause cognitive impairment, mood changes, asthma-like symptoms, headaches, coughs, muscle aches and autoimmune responses. When the body detects toxins, such as spores in the air, the immune system launches a massive defense, sending out a storm of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that act like emergency alarms. Inflammatory cytokines can travel throughout the body via the bloodstream and reach every organ system, including the endocrine system and the brain. Mold then triggers inflammation, damages tissues and attacks vital cells and neurons. Snow typically is a breeding ground for Microdochium patch, also called pink snow mold, and Typhula Blight, or gray snow mold. Pink and gray snow mold can not only cause severe damage to grass but also allergic reactions in humans and pets due to the spores it releases. Dogs allergic to mold may constantly scratch, bite or lick at their paws and skin or lose patches of their hair. They may also have a musty odor or dry, flaky skin. Mold that grows on snow, especially as it melts and creates more moisture, has been shown to cause allergic reactions in humans and pets (file photo) Hoque told KSDK: 'If you are walking with your pet, make sure you are cleaning their paws before entering the home. If theyre roaming around snowy or damp areas, it can easily be brought inside.' Hoque also recommends that as temperatures rise and snow melts, creating more moisture, people spending time outdoors should change into fresh clothes before going inside. She also suggests avoiding opening up windows until mold levels drop, which can be seen by looking at how quickly damage to grass has healed. Gray snow mold typically only kills grass blades and resolves itself after raking and drying, while pink snow mold can kill roots and may need to be overseeded to prevent further damage. A highly contagious fungus that causes angry red rashes on the genitals is surging in Minnesota in what officials say is the nation's 'largest known outbreak.' State health officials have reported 40 confirmed or suspected cases of ringworm, a sexually transmitted infection spread by skin-to-skin contact that triggers round, coin-shaped rashes on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs. All the infections are due to a new strain of the ringworm fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), which causes painful and persistent rashes that may leave scars on the body. CDC officials say infections with this strain are often in men who have sex with men, which is because the fungus has spread into these sexual networks. All the patients were infected over the last seven months and were in the Twin Cities, or Minneapolis-Saint Paul, metropolitan area, health officials said. The first case was recorded in July 2025 in a Twin Cities resident who sought treatment after suffering from a genital rash. No deaths have been reported, and the infection is very unlikely to cause a fatality. Doctors warn, however, that it is highly contagious and those with weak immune systems may struggle to clear the infection. Officials revealed the outbreak on Wednesday in a health alert, and are urging anyone who has symptoms of the infection to contact their doctor immediately. Physicians are being urged to treat patients immediately rather than wait for confirmatory testing before offering them prescription medications to reduce the spread of the disease. The Minnesota Department of Health believes this is the 'largest known outbreak' of TMVII in the US since the fungus was first detected in New York in 2024. Officials in Minnesota are warning about the nation's largest ever outbreak of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) (stock photo) Your browser does not support iframes. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus that is closely related to the disease behind athlete's foot and jock itch. It is spread via direct skin-to-skin contact with infected areas and fungal spores that may spread from infected skin to razors, sex toys and linens. Patients suffer symptoms within four to 14 days of infection. In TMVII infections, rashes may also have bumps or pimples, and can be mistaken for other conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. To treat the infection, patients may be prescribed antifungal lotions or tablets to help clear the infection. There is no vaccine against the disease. In cases of TMVII, individuals may also receive antibiotics because the strain can cause a worsening bacterial infection. In mild cases, ringworm can be cleared in two to four weeks. In more serious cases, however, it can take six to 12 weeks to resolve. According to officials in Minnesota, of the infections, 13 cases have been confirmed and 27 are suspected, reports infectious diseases website CIDRAP based on an official document it said was shared with reporters. In its alert, the department said: 'More than 30 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in the metro area, resulting in the largest known outbreak of [ringworm] in the United States.' Ringworm can be spread sexually and via skin-to-skin contact. The new strain can cause painful rashes in the genital area (stock image) Minnesota Department of Health officials told Daily Mail that there was no link between the cases and migrants in the area. TMVII was first detected in the US in 2024 in a man who had sex with men and had returned to New York City from a recent trip to Europe. Since then, the CDC has detected sporadic cases among men who have sex with men, primarily in larger cities in the US. Normally, there are no more than a handful of cases. The strain TMVII is rare, but is most likely to be detected in Southeast Asia and Europe, particularly among men who have sex with men. It was first reported in 2017 in travelers who had returned to Switzerland from Thailand. Since then, cases have emerged in a number of neighboring countries including France. Online, the Minnesota Department of Health says that fungal spores can be killed with common disinfectants such as diluted chlorine bleach. It says potentially infected linens should be laundered on high heat. It recommends that those with new rashes should cover them with bandages or clothing to minimize unintentional infection or spread. To prevent an infection, people in Minnesota are being advised to avoid skin-to-skin contact if they or their partner has a new rash. Individuals are also being advised to consider pausing or limiting sexual activity if there are individuals in their network who have recently reported a new rash. Those who have a new rash are being advised to inform sexual partners and to consider covering the rash with bandages or clothing to minimize the risk of unintentional spread. They are being urged to contact their doctor immediately. Dozens of cases of measles have been reported at a Florida university as the US faces another historic outbreak. Officials at Ava Maria University, a private institution in south Florida, announced Wednesday that nurses have assessed seven students with measles this week. This brings the university's total cases to 57 since the start of the semester last month. The university said the 50 students who were infected within the last month have progressed beyond the four-day contagious period and now have natural immunity against measles. No further identifying details were provided about the students, and it is unclear how many were fully vaccinated. In a campus health update, officials said 'the vast majority' of the university's 1,300 students have received both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The university said doctors, nurses and coordinators from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Healthcare Network (HCN) are on-site providing care and guidance in collaboration with the campus health clinic. DOH is also conducting contact tracing and exposure assessment 'while assisting with medical guidance and on-campus clinical services.' 'Students are receiving comprehensive medical and nursing support services, including meals, housing, academics and spiritual care,' the university said. The outbreak comes amid a nationwide surge of highly contagious measles, particularly in South Carolina, where nearly 1,000 residents have been infected since October 2025. Officials at Ava Maria University (pictured above) have warned of 57 cases of measles in students Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. In Florida, 68 people total have been infected so far in 2026, DOH data shows. Nationwide data from Johns Hopkins Center for Outbreak Response Innovation shows there have been 842 cases of measles so far in 2026, 605 of which are in South Carolina. Federal data shows 93 percent of Americans have gotten both doses of the MMR, which are typically given in early childhood. This, however, is below the CDC's 95 percent threshold for herd immunity. Before the Covid pandemic, Florida had an MMR vaccination rate of 93 percent. However, it has since dipped to 89 percent. According to Ava Maria University's website, all students must provide evidence of MMR vaccination or submit a signed waiver declining vaccination 'after being made aware of the risks' associated with the disease. The two-dose shot is 97 percent effective at preventing measles, according to the CDC. The MMR shot is typically given once between ages 12 and 15 months and again between ages four and six. Measles is a highly infectious disease characterized by flu-like symptoms such as cough and fever, a distinctive, blotchy rash that starts in the face before spreading down the body and tiny white spots inside the mouth called Koplik spots. Measles causes a distinctive rash as pictured in the above stock image. In severe cases, it can also lead to pneumonia and brain swelling Your browser does not support iframes. It spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or through the air. Patients with a measles infection are contagious from four days before the rash through four days after the rash appears. Enclosed areas like airports and planes are extremely risky locations for disease transmission. It first invades the respiratory system, then spreads to the lymph nodes and throughout the body. As a result, the virus can affect the lungs, brain and central nervous system. While measles sometimes causes milder symptoms, including diarrhea, sore throat and achiness, it leads to pneumonia in roughly six percent of otherwise healthy children, and more often in malnourished children. Though the brain swelling that measles can trigger is rare, occurring in about one in 1,000 cases, it is deadly in roughly 15 to 20 percent of those who develop it, while about 20 percent are left with permanent neurological damage such as brain damage, deafness or intellectual disability. Measles also severely damages a child's immune system, making them susceptible to other potentially devastating bacterial and viral infections they were previously protected against. A critical incident has been declared at Nottingham University Hospitals trust due to an increase in patients with respiratory issues putting pressure on A&E capacity. The trust said it has seen 'significant demand' on services over the last week, which saw patients face 'unacceptable and lengthy waits' in corridors. A critical incident, which is usually declared when the level of disruption means that A&E departments are no long able to deliver critical services safely, is the highest alert level used by the NHS. It is the second time this year the hospital has been force to declare a critical incident. Andrew Hall, chief operating office at NUH, said: 'We have been working tirelessly all week to mitigate the pressures we are currently seeing, but this has not had the desired impact, and so declaring a critical incident is necessary to protect patient safety.' He also apologised to patients who have experienced longer than usual waiting times. The NUH boss added that patients who could safely go home were staying in hospital longer than they needed to - making it harder for staff to meet increasing demand. They are now hoping to send 200 patients home by the end of the day. Queens Medical Centre University Hospital, part of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the many hospitals that has been affected Your browser does not support iframes. Hall urged families and carers to prioritise getting patients home safely. even if this meant having to leave work early. It comes as the hospitals - including Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital - have reported a significant increase in patients with respiratory issues, following a surge in norovirus and flu cases at the beginning of the year. More than half of adult beds are currently occupied by patients over 80-years-old, who are more vulnerable to infection at this time of year. To help alleviate pressure and meet demands sooner, the trust has asked some of its 19,000 staff to work additional shifts and are creating more beds. However, Halls message remained clear as he asked people to 'consider carefully whether or not they need to attend A&E.' As such, the Nottingham-based trust will continue to 'see the sickest patients first.' Nottingham University Hospital trust is one of the biggest NHS trusts in the UK, and the largest employer in Nottingham. The trust previously declared a critical incident last month due to a rise in demand, norovirus cases and staff sickness. AS IF by Isabel Waidner (Hamish Hamilton 16.99, 192pp) As If is available now from the Mail Bookshop Cult author Waidner has, over the course of four novels focusing on working-class, queer and British identity, become something of an underground national treasure. This outing is a more sober, grounded affair than fans might be used to (Waidners prize-winning and riotously inventive Sterling Karat Gold featured a unicorn and a micro-dragon, among other things). Here, two scraping-by actors who bear a striking similarity to each other end up swapping roles both personally and professionally. Expressing ones existential crises in words is, one of our heroes reflects, a lot harder than it might seem. But as we disappear deeper down this novels grimly farcical rabbit hole, Waidner does a pretty good job of conveying her characters struggles through modern life. THE IRISH GOODBYE by Heather Aimee ONeill (Mantle 16.99, 288pp) The Irish Goodbye is available now from the Mail Bookshop Set over a snowy Thanksgiving break, this classic family drama sees the three thirtysomething Ryan sisters gather at their elderly parents home on Long Island. The crumbling coastal house isnt just a metaphor for family relations; its dilapidation is also the result of an expensive civil lawsuit. Twenty-five years ago, the sisters had a brother, Topher, whose reckless behaviour resulted in the death of another boy, Daniel. Tophers subsequent suicide is among many subjects the family now avoid, but there are new secrets too: Maggie is nervously preparing to introduce her girlfriend to her Irish Catholic mother, but an indiscretion has put both her relationship and career in jeopardy. Middle sister Alice is horrified to find herself pregnant again, and Cait, the high-flying eldest, carries guilt for the events of the past, as well as a recently reignited torch for Daniels brother. Absorbing, sharply funny and thoroughly satisfying. TRIP by Amie Barrodale (Jonathan Cape 16.99, 304pp) Trip is available now from the Mail Bookshop Trip by name, trip by nature: Barrodale extracts maximum mileage from her title in this wild, hallucinatory ride. To start, theres the work trip that takes video producer Sandra to Nepal for an academic conference on consciousness after death. Then theres the fatal misstep that kills her although, as you might expect, thats just the start of her story, which continues from the limbo-like bardo in which she finds herself. Meanwhile, her autistic son named, what else? Trip has absconded from the clinic to which Sandra guiltily had him admitted, and is now hitchhiking into the heart of a hurricane with a relapsing alcoholic. Peppered with references to The Tibetan Book Of The Dead, its ultimately a story about a mothers love for her unique offspring. The Cromarty Library Circle by Shona MacLean (Quercus 20, 528pp) The Cromarty Library Circle is available now Its 1831 in the gossipy, close-knit port town of Cromarty on the Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands, and the times they are a-changing. Against a tumultuous backdrop an encroaching cholera epidemic, farm evictions, political unease and the campaign to abolish British slavery in the Caribbean MacLeans fascinating characters go about their lives with such vividness that they leap off the page. Broken-hearted, fragile Charlotte, unhappily married to the laird, looks for love; snippety Miss Elspeth keeps her flighty sister Anna in check, and the lovely, elderly Mr Fordyce sparks joy, in contrast to spoiled, villainous Fachie Hossack who spreads misery. Its a riveting portrait of a small community slowly transforming as the wider world begins to upend its old ways. The Shock of the Light by Lori Inglis Hall (The Borough Press 18.99, 432pp) The Shock of the Light is available now from the Mail Bookshop War, womanhood and family bonds are the touchstones of this powerful debut about the Armstrong twins. Inseparable as children, Theo loyal, courageous and conflicted and Tessa fast, brave and reckless are sundered by their own secrets and the demands of the outside world as the Second World War looms. Theo joins the RAF but Tessa takes on a more covert role dropping into occupied France as part of the Special Operations Executive to act as a courier for the Resistance. Its the emotional intensity where love battles against tragedy and wrongdoing that makes this so special. Mrs Pearcey by Lottie Moggach (Phoenix 20, 416pp) Mrs Pearcey is available now THIS compulsive fourth novel by Moggach retells the story of a now forgotten murder in north London as seen through the eyes of intrepid Hannah Teale, a young woman whos just become engaged to Cosmo, an ambitious journalist. The crime in question is the brutal slaying of a mother and her child by the enigmatic Mrs Pearcey, and Hannah finds herself morbidly fascinated by the murderess after a chance encounter with her. Moggach makes much of the 1890s setting, with bustling London streets and nosy passersby, all enthralled by the speculation and scurrilous detail peddled by newspaper hawkers on every corner. Hannah, unsure about her future, begins her own unsettling investigation an uneasy endeavour that throws up as many questions as it answers. THE ISLAND RETREAT by Cathy Kelly (HarperCollins 16.99, 448pp) The Island Retreat is available now Its such a great idea a group of damaged people on a stunning Greek island to be helped by therapist Rose. Like Agatha Christie meets Sigmund Freud. Child star Keera has mother issues, posh boho India has man issues, brainy Dan has girl issues and glamorous Grazia has husband issues (not least the fact that hes travelled with her). Rose works slowly and patiently through their problems, all the time fighting demons of her own. I absolutely loved this wise and calming novel and afterwards felt Id had top-notch therapy myself. And the Corfu setting is so beautifully evoked you can almost smell the sea, along with the wonderful food. Check in to explore sun, sea... and secrets STOWAWAYS by Andre Aciman (Faber 12.99, 112pp) Stowaways is available now from the Mail Bookshop In this novella from the Call Me By Your Name author, two friends of recently-passed literary giant Paul meet in a New York cafe to discuss him. Carols connection seems the strongest: she was Pauls lifelong, mostly platonic, lover. Julian, on the other hand, only saw him in Starbucks every morning. So its a shock when Carol tells him that Paul was madly in love with him and lived for the daily glimpse over the flat whites. I loved the New York atmosphere and the suggestion that passing encounters in ordinary places can have profound emotional impact. FAVORITA by Michelle Steinbeck (Faber 16.99, 448pp) Favorita is available now Filas rackety mother Magdalena has been out of her life for years. One day the hospital phones to say she is dead. And whats more, the nameless caller adds, she was killed. Clasping the ashes, Fila heads for Naples to discover whos responsible. A journey begins, part magical-realist detective tale, part ghost story, part hallucinatory road trip, but entirely concerned with violence against women and the unreported murders of them through the ages. A colourful cast of sex workers, gangsters, ancestors and phantoms combine to help Fila in her quest. Intense, complicated and possibly overlong, but atmospheric and gripping. A Sociopaths Guide To A Successful Marriage by M. K. Oliver (Hemlock 16.99, 384pp) A Sociopath's Guide To a Successful Marriage is available now from the Mail Bookshop On the surface, Lalla Rook is just another pushy middle-class mother from north London, determined to get her difficult daughter Nelly into the best private school nearby, help her husband get a partnership at his investment bank and buy a huge house in Hampstead. But far darker depths emerge. She has a distinctly chequered past, and now she has stabbed an intruder to death in her sitting room in the first pages of this wickedly amusing debut from a former headmaster. Lalla does not stop there. She then kills her friends abusive husband, while burying the corpse of her first victim in the concrete foundations of another friends new pool. Will she be caught? Slyly witty and beautifully observed, Lalla is not to be missed. The Shadow Carver by Nadine Matheson (HQ 20, 432pp) The Shadow Carver is available now from the Mail Bookshop District nurse Sian Fox-Carnell, then 35, was convicted of murdering two patients in her care and attempting to murder two others by overdosing them with prescribed medication. One victim described her as more evil than the cancer that was once in my body. That was seven years ago, but the forensic evidence was flawed and now a retrial has been ordered. The nurse blames one of the investigating officers, DI Henley, for her imprisonment and vows revenge. Then she is murdered herself, and Henley is left to try and trap a killer who seems to be targeting those who have escaped justice. Criminal defence lawyer Matheson, who sprang on to the scene with her debut The Jigsaw Man, again demonstrates her flair for suspense and the grotesque. Im Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home by Fergus Craig (Sphere 18.99, 272pp) I'm Not The Only Murderer in my Retirement Home is available now from the Mail Bookshop Carol Quinn, a serial killer with seven victims, has served her 35 years in prison and has been released. No longer a young woman, she has decided to spend her remaining years in a luxurious retirement home, hoping that no one will recognise her. But no sooner has she settled in than a former Met Police Commissioner tumbles past her window on the way to his death. Was it suicide or was he pushed? Inevitably, Carol becomes a prime suspect in what could be a murder, and is investigated by the other residents, who include a retired DCI and a former Home Secretary. Carol needs to solve the case to prove her innocence, but can she? Making murder funny is a delicate business, but actor and comedian Craig manages it with aplomb in a wry, witty style. Stoicism is in. Very much the philosophy du jour. Particularly in the sillier reaches of the manosphere, as it is called: the online world of supposedly manly influencers, buff, greedy and combative, as Tom Hodgkinson, the author of this book, scathingly puts it. They tell their credulous followers that via the classical philosophy of the Stoics, they can become successful, masculine . . . make a lot of money . . . date and sleep with a lot of girls. Hodgkinson disdains to name the shallow-brained noodle who summarised Stoicism thus (but I think it might be Andrew Tate). Zeus: King of the Greek Gods Instead, in this lively, funny and effortlessly educational new guide to the real Stoicism, he asks what the ancient philosophy from Greece and Rome actually taught. Hodgkinson, incidentally, is the presiding genius behind the Idler magazine and its school of philosophy, which in a nutshell encourages us not to be merely slothful, but to commit ourselves to the things that enrich our lives, rather than resigning ourselves to consumerism or corporate slavery. Stoicism all began in Athens in 303BC, when a bearded and dishevelled old philosopher called Crates smashed a bowl of lentil soup carried by a young Phoenician called Zeno. The younger man, embarrassed, ran away. Crates called after him that it was really no big deal, why be embarrassed? From that distinctly humble beginning, a whole philosophical tradition was born, with Zeno its founder. The Stoics taught that we should remain calm in the face of adversity. Trust to Fate, Providence, or God, which are all essentially the same thing. While we as individuals cannot control the affairs of the wider world the vast tides of politics, economics, war, or even spilt bowls of soup we can control, to a large extent, our own response to these externals. We have sovereignty over our own minds, and nothing else. Yet its this one simple truth that we largely neglect. Stop trying to control the things you cant control, and start controlling the things you can control. While todays online travesty of modern Stoicism appears to be all about winning power over others, the original version is quite the opposite: winning power over yourself. You will thus become not a cold and emotionless stuffed shirt, but rather serene and happy, much like todays Buddhist or Taoist monks. Founder: Zeno founded Stoicism in Athens in 303BC Happiness comes not from without but from within, and you are in charge of within. Its an enormous power, a superpower, once you realise it. Hodgkinson quotes a ten-year-old girl he knows, writing about her grandfather. My grandfather is in a wheelchair but he doesnt mind. A perfect summary of Stoicism! Money, fame and success, on the other hand, have no power to make you happy. Looking at the often tormented lives of todays rich and famous, you can see how true this is. But perhaps its the ancient view of passion thats most alien to our own romantic age. Isnt passion good, thrilling, enriching? For the ancients it was a form of madness. In fact, the Roman Stoic, Seneca, called love even for ones own wife friendship gone mad. A little austere, perhaps. But he insisted that anxiety, rage, misery and even madcap erotic love should be avoided. Instead, the Stoics had a very high regard for friendship, the key to which they thought was sincerity. If you are aiming to be always tranquil, kind and considerate, a friend to all humanity, wild passions like rage or romantic love will ruin your chances. B eing in love also meant you were enslaved to another, and this undermined the importance of Stoic independence and self-reliance. The nations favourite poem is often cited as being Rudyard Kiplings If, and no more stoical poem could be imagined. Other Senecan teachings are surely spot on. If ever you feel anger, he said, remain quite still and do nothing. It will pass. Much like the modern advice to count to ten before speaking. In the heat of the moment you will say something you regret, or make a stupid decision. A slave to your passion, you are temporarily mad, but do nothing and calm and sanity will soon return. Perhaps this is why, outside of films and books, where rage can sometimes look noble and dramatic, in real life when someone throws a wobbly and starts screaming (often in a supermarket car park for some reason), they only look deeply silly. This kind of excess of passion, at least, even we moderns can admit does us no favours at all. The man who stays calm and clear-headed in the face of anger, chaos or danger is, after all, the far more manly and capable man. Fascinatingly, another modern school of thought that fits closely with the teachings of the Stoics is cognitive behavioural therapy, by some margin the most effective form of therapy in the real world for a whole range of conditions. And again, very Stoically, it essentially means trying to change not the external world the circumstances in which you live but how you view these things. Only change your own thoughts and feelings, and you will be far happier. How To Live Like a Stoic is out now Much easier said than done, of course. And endearingly, Hodgkinson admits near the end of this delightful book that although he finds Stoicism a great help in life, particularly when troubled, hes glad he sometimes ignores its teachings altogether. He recently, when out for the evening with friends, downed a few too many margaritas and ended up in a karaoke bar singing and dancing along to Abba. (Were all in our late 50s, I should add, with grown-up children.) And he wouldnt have missed this moment of Dionysian revelry for the world. Theres much to enjoy in this book, endless food for thought, and its especially rich in quotations from the originals. One that really struck me was another observation by Seneca. Liberty does not come for free. If you value it, you must devalue everything else. Wise and wonderful. An Australian small business owner has been left devastated after discovering Kmart was selling what appeared to be a similar version of her popular item - at a price she claimed was less than it costs her to make. Sydney mum Vanessa Vanselow, the founder of baby brand Bumbi Baby, said she felt physically ill when her customers alerted her that the retailer was stocking a wipes pouch that looked identical to the one she has spent years developing. 'I feel sick,' she said in a video shared on TikTok. Vanessa, a mum of two young children, told the Daily Mail that the idea for her product came about five years ago when she had her first baby. 'I didn't invent the product by any means. The concept of a wipes pouch has existed [for a long time], but I just didn't love what was available at the time,' she explained. By the time she had her second child, she expected something closer to what she had imagined might already exist - but it didn't. 'So I decided to make it myself,' she said. Daily Mail has contacted Kmart Australia for comment. Sydney-based designer Vanessa Vanselow, the founder of baby brand Bumbi Baby, said she felt physically ill after learning that Kmart was stocking a wipes pouch strikingly similar to the one she has spent years developing At the time, Vanessa was working full-time as a freelance designer and initially had samples made purely for personal use. But word spread quickly. 'It gained traction with friends and family, and I thought, hey, maybe there's something to this,' she said. She launched a very small first batch, which sold out in just 10 days. From there, the business grew steadily. 'I've had this business for just over a year now. And for most of that time, we were selling just one product. It's literally just been me and my husband working from our home office.' That's why discovering the dupe was so confronting. 'It was disappointing to see it copied so closely by a massive retailer,' she said. Ironically, Vanessa didn't discover the product herself - her customers did. 'It was customers sending me photos. People were messaging saying, "Oh my god, they copied you".' Vanessa, a mum of two young children, told the Daily Mail that the idea for her product came about five years ago when she had her first baby Kmart's version retails for $6 [pictured], while Vanselow's product sells for $30 She said the outpouring of support from her small but loyal community was the only silver lining. 'That part was really reassuring,' she said. The biggest blow, however, was the price. Kmart's version costs $6, while Vanessa's product sells for $30. 'It's being sold for less than it costs me to make,' she said. 'That's a bit disheartening.' Despite the similarities, Vanessa said there is little she can do. 'When you're a small business, there's literally nothing you can do about something like this,' she said, adding that while the item may be a 'dupe', she believes the quality will not match the original. The situation has reignited a familiar debate in Australia's retail landscape - big brands producing cheaper versions of popular products pioneered or refined by small businesses. While such practices are often lawful if no patents or protected designs are breached, they can be financially devastating for small business owners who lack the buying power, manufacturing scale, or legal resources of major chains. Some business owners shared similar experiences. Vanessa, a mum of two young children, told the Daily Mail that the idea for her product came about five years ago when she had her first baby 'The same thing happened to me. I started a skincare business and got duped fast,' one shared. Many, however, voiced support for Vanessa and urged consumers to be more mindful. 'It's sad when big players copy Australian designers,' a woman claimed. 'Your true customers will choose you for better quality.' 'As a consumer, it's hard to tell who created what first, but I'll always try to buy from a small Aussie business where possible,' a second added. Meanwhile, some argued that wipe pouches have existed for decades. 'With all due respect, those containers have been around for 30 years. Same opening, same handle - I had one when my daughter was a baby,' one explained. In an era where cost-of-living pressures push shoppers toward cheaper options, Vanessa's story highlights the tension between affordability and supporting local business owners - and the emotional toll when a passion project collides with the realities of big retail. As the Facebook message pinged on my phone a single glance was enough to make clear I wasnt the intended recipient. Sent by a female friend, it offered a thumbnail description of me. Namely that Angela makes a nice living being vocal and opinionated. For a moment, I froze. The name on the incoming message had left me expecting something unremarkable. Yet as my eyes lingered over the words, a cold dread coiled in my chest. This was someone Id always got on well with. Yet clearly behind her congenial mask lay a snarling contempt for me and all I had achieved in my career. Why did her words sting? After all, I do make a reasonable living (though were hardly talking telephone numbers). And as for being vocal and opinionated, well, as a writer and broadcaster, its my job to debate matters of the day. Yet although Im used to strangers taking a pop at my views its part of the turf I felt a jagged despair reading this misfired message, which had clearly been meant for someone else. Bad enough that shed cast me as a hapless fraud, selling out the people I know just to make a quick buck in the offending message, she had gone on to say that I spoke specifically about the community in which we live when the truth is that I write about whats local or personal, precisely because it matters. Angela Epstein was left feeling stung and betrayed after a 'two-faced' female friend made contemptuous comments about her career behind her back It was the sheer two-faced betrayal that hurt most, the realisation that this malice festers behind a mask of civility. Though when Id digested the shock I cant say I was surprised. For me, this kind of message is yet more proof of a view that Ive long held. Namely that when it comes to our careers or the battle for power, the sisterhood is a total myth. Quite rightly, in recent years feminist campaigns have championed the fight against misogyny and inequality. But whats the point when in everyday life such noble ideals are undermined by mean-spirited behaviour from women unwilling or unable to support one another when one is perceived to have achieved higher status or success? Women who, because of their insecurity, seize the opportunity to put female high achievers or, in my case, medium achievers in their place. Such cattiness isnt limited to the covert exchange of bitchy messages. Shockingly, studies show that 70 per cent of female executives have been bullied by other women, often in the name of defending their own status. Once, I was hired to consult for the media department of a large white-collar firm. When my male boss with whom I had got on well left, his female replacement took a dislike to me. She sneered at my radio voice, nitpicked my work, invented problems and ultimately decided there was no need for my input. But such poisonous situations dont only happen when high salaries are at stake. Any time the promise of status is on the cards, you see the same kind of Queen Bee syndrome. In fact, Ive experienced some of the worst female behaviour on voluntary committees as the members jockey for position. Women have fought admirable battles in recent years, but feminism is a hollow ideal if women are choosy about when they want to flex sisterly support, says Angela Indeed, anyone who has ever been on a PTA will have experienced the loud whispers about fellow mums. On one occasion on the night of a charity event, a fellow female volunteer physically pushed and swore at me after becoming overwhelmed. She offered no apology for three weeks, and during that time the other women on the committee including those who had witnessed the debacle either rushed to her defence, implying that I had somehow caused her stress, or stayed silent. In my mind, this kind of muted response is just as bad as the original bad behaviour. All this said, I should stress that not all women behave this way. Im very lucky to have a loyal cohort of female friends, mainly from school and university, who would do anything for me, just as I would for them. We laugh and cry together, watch each others backs and, yes, brazenly tease one another. The difference is that we always do it with love and never behind one anothers backs. But if only such behaviour was not only shown by the women who know us best outside of the workplace, but all those we encounter as we forge our careers. While women have fought admirable battles in recent years, feminism is a hollow ideal if women are choosy about when they want to flex sisterly support. No one is saying women should be tooth-achingly sweet to each other all the time. I know there are always people who will push your buttons. But no matter how many battles we fight against toxic masculinity, life will never truly get better for women until every aspect of the sisterhood becomes a reality, rather than a surface ideal. My advice is to take a little longer to think before you act next time you experience a sense of jealously or insecurity when faced with another womans success and before you send any messages... In the days when real-life meet-cutes are becoming increasingly rare as the population relies on dating apps, budget supermarket Asda is taking matters into its own hands. The UK retailer is playing cupid this Valentine's Day with the introduction of new red shopping baskets, which singletons can use to signal that they're 'open to chat'. Spotting a shopper with the new basket, as opposed to the standard green, will encourage conversation in the supermarket aisles, Asda bosses hope. A spokesperson from the supermarket said: 'We know people are craving real-life connections, but we also know our customers are busy and don't always have the time to put themselves out there. 'That's why we're turning the weekly shop into the ultimate meet-cute. These red baskets are a fun, light-hearted way to help people connect while they're already doing their everyday shop a simple, playful nudge to start a chat and maybe even spark a little romance.' The initiative will be rolled out in Liverpool, Glasgow, and Leicester - the locations where Asda found people to be most actively looking for love. And it's caused a buzz on social media, with people taking to X to share their thoughts. One said: 'I think this is a really cute idea.' Others joked about the concept, writing: 'Hope nobody picks up a red basket by mistake, could be awkward down the cereals aisle.' Asda has launched red baskets this Valentine's Day, which singletons can use to signal that they're 'open to chat' A fourth joked: 'If I don't pull anyone by six, I'm slapping a yellow reduced sticker on my forehead.' 'PSA anyone that is colour blind do not use a basket whilst shopping in Asda this weekend,' said another. Looking for love in the supermarket isn't anything new, and last year, Spanish singletons started an unusual trend of flirting via shopping trollies. While bumping someone's trolley is usually a great annoyance during usual shopping hours, for those strolling to aisles of Mercadona at 7pm, it could be a strong indication that you've found an admirer. Singletons ditched virtual swipes for an in-person love game that had people deciphering cryptic messages based on the items packed in one's trollies. The supermarket craze laid out specific signals for people looking for love, indicating what they're looking for and who they're interested in. The trend first emerged on TikTok when TV personality Vivy Lin explained her theory that lusting singles come to the supermarket for more than shopping. Followers of the trend devised a series of rules, allowing them to send signals to one another without needing to speak. Instead of picking up a standard green basket, those looking for love are encouraged to go for a red one The Valentine's Day baskets have caused a storm on social media - and many have taken to X to share their thoughts For instance, hopeful singles who wanted to play the supermarket 'game' had to ensure they arrived between 7 and 8pm. Meanwhile, foods signalling an openness to a short-term love affair included sweets and chocolate. For the singletons ready for commitment, legumes and vegetables indicated a person hunting for something more serious or long-term. Finally, pineapples, which featured heavily in videos of the trend, meant individuals are open to conversation. Im sorry, theres nothing we can do for your baby. Those were the terrible words uttered by a doctor after I underwent a 20-week scan. A scan that showed my baby had a rare condition that would prevent their bladder, kidneys and lungs from developing. As a result, my baby would not survive - and I was advised Id need a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) at 21-and-a-half weeks. Emma Kemsley had a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) Such a situation is devastating for any parent. But what made mine all the more unbearable was I knew that if I lost this baby, I would likely never have another. After three long years of trying and six rounds of IVF, this had been our last chance. There would be no next time, no miracle after the storm, no second chance to try again, no rainbow baby. This was it; the end of my road to motherhood. I would be closing the door on that part of my life forever. As I was handed the card for an abortion clinic and sent on my way, my world collapsed around me. Years of untold emotional, physical and financial investment were for nothing. I made the choice no parent should ever face; to let go of the little life Id longed for, knowing I would likely never carry another. The grief was suffocating. But in the end, I chose love in its hardest form; I chose my childs peace over my own pain. I had known that pregnancy would always be a challenge for me. When I was diagnosed with severe stage 4 endometriosis at the age of 27, after almost a decade of having my pain dismissed by doctors, it was too late. My fertility was already destroyed. Emma and her husband James had spent over 50,000 on IVF Stage 4 endometriosis is the most advanced form of the disease, where endometrial tissue and large ovarian cysts bind your organs together. At the point of diagnosis my colon, bowel and bladder were already compromised in addition to my uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. I was advised Id need IVF to conceive, still using my own eggs, and at age 32, I started IVF. My husband, who Id been with for six years when I was diagnosed, was incredible. At times he has been my carer when the pain was so bad I couldnt even get out of bed. Still, like so many who take this path to parenthood, I naively thought it would work. After all, fertility clinics silence the stories of women like me - those who spend tens of thousands of pounds and inject hormones for years, only to have empty arms - choosing to highlight the success rates. The average IVF pregnancy rate is around 31 per cent, with increased success among patients aged 18-34, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Five rounds - four of which we funded ourselves - failed. Our third cycle resulted in a bio-chemical pregnancy - a miscarriage that occurs within the first five weeks - which had provided a glimmer of hope. After every failed IVF cycle, Id pick myself back up and remain hopeful the next one will be successful. Id become stuck in an expensive medical world of supplements, scans and injections, determined to get to the finish line. On our sixth, self-funded round, after three long years and having spent approximately 54,000, my husband and I finally saw two pink lines on a pregnancy test. We both stared at the positive test in disbelief. But rather than be overjoyed, I remained cautious. Unfortunately, multiple rounds of IVF takes away the excitement of pregnancy and replaces it with fear and anxiety. I took the pregnancy week by week, slowly feeling reassured when we reached each milestone. However, at week 18, a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach told me to book a reassurance scan. I hadnt experienced any physical symptoms that led me believe to something wrong, but I had an overwhelming gut instinct that made me feel panicked. We both stared at the positive test in disbelief. But rather than be overjoyed, I remained cautious I thought I was being paranoid, desperate to remain in the safe zone, but my gut instinct was right. The private scan highlighted a problem with the babys bladder. I immediately called my maternity team and begged for an early 20 week scan. A week later my footsteps echoed through a dimly lit hospital corridor. I entered the scan hopeful but left with devastating news. The diagnosis was Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) - a rare condition where an obstruction in the urethra prevents the babys bladder, kidneys and lungs from developing. Suddenly, medical teams referred to my baby as a foetus. Language turned from endearing to clinical. It wasnt intentional but it hurt. When they told me there was no hope - our babys kidneys were too damaged to sustain life, that nothing could save our baby - time felt like it stopped. Thats when I was advised Id need the TFMR. We had decided that our sixth round of IVF would be our last In such a situation, you want nothing more than reassurance that youre making the right decision. I wanted to know the doctors were 100 per cent right; what ifs creep in and haunts you like a never ending nightmare. By choosing a termination for medical reasons, I wasnt just losing my baby. It was goodbye to all those things you dream of with children; all the firsts, the excitement of Christmas through a childs eyes, birthday parties, family holidays and so much more. Those imaginary scenarios were lost before they could begin. And what followed the diagnosis was a crusade of tortuous problems. Prior to conceiving, Id been advised to have a c-section due to the endometriosis complications, adenomyosis and scar tissue. For the same reason I couldnt give birth vaginally, I would need a surgical termination rather than the hospital inducing early labour. Yet my hospital wouldnt perform a surgical medical termination beyond 14 weeks. I was therefore referred to an abortion clinic, but lets be clear: a TFMR is not an abortion. There is no choice in the matter. The clinic couldnt perform the procedure due to my complex gynaecological history. I was stuck between pregnancy and pain, left to organise the worst day of my life by myself with no support. Time froze. I was passed from hospital to hospital, fighting for my own safety. Every day I hoped Id miscarry naturally to avoid the trauma. Eventually, the charity Marie Stopes helped highlight my case and I secured a surgical termination at a hospital over an hour away from my home in Cambridge, at a hospital in East London. Even now, four years later, I still cant make sense of how I entered that theatre carrying a heartbeat and left with only silence. Theres no simple way to describe this kind of loss. It isnt just grief, its a quiet, aching confusion that sits somewhere between love, guilt and survival. When a baby is lost through a TFMR, it doesnt fit the worlds language for mourning. Its a grief that exists in the shadows, caught between maternity and miscarriage. No support was provided afterwards. After the surgery, my milk came in. Id been told bleeding was expected, but no one had warned me about this painful and brutally ironic part. Whats worse, I later found out theres medication to prevent it, but it was never offered to me. Eight weeks after the TFMR, I was rushed to hospital with sepsis following an ovarian infection. Id laid in my bed vomiting with pain thinking it was a bad endometriosis period following a pregnancy, and almost lost my life. A year later my mum suddenly passed away. The grief was overwhelming. I was emotionally, physically and financially drained. I learnt how short life could be in every sense. It was a miracle to create life - and it could be taken away at a moments notice. But amidst this grief, something in me changed. I couldnt continue my life based on a what if. While I could, in theory, try IVF again for as long as my battered ovaries would allow, after years on the fertility merry-go-round, I needed to be brave and come to terms with the fact my life may look different to how I expected. Life after infertility may not look like you imagined. But I want all the women in my situation to know that it can be one thats filled with happiness After years of hospital appointments, hormones, scans, blood tests, saving every penny and living a life on hold, in 2022 I said goodbye to the idea of children and chose a different kind of life - one which offered happiness and freedom. Today, I live a blissful life in the Mediterranean with my husband. It may not include children, and the ache of losing a child never truly fades, but Ive never once regretted the decision to have the TFMR. Life after infertility may not look like you imagined. But I want all the women in my situation to know that it can be one thats filled with happiness. Because sometimes, resilience isnt about holding on, its about knowing when to let go. Follow Emma on Instagram @emma_kemsley We're going to put it out there: Valentine's Day is the most divisive day of the year. For loved-up couples it's a chance to celebrate with nice plans and thoughtful gifts. For the singles among us, all the overpriced flowers and cutesy social media posts teeter somewhere between annoying and rage-inducing. One thing we can all agree on (surely) is that given the dire weather and general lovey-dovey vibes, Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to watch a rom-com. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of our favourites to watch whatever your romantic situation. There are options perfect for snuggling up with your partner or, ahem, setting the mood for the evening, but also films that'll have you cackling if you're spending the day alone (and perhaps feeling a little bitter). Without further ado, here's your Valentine's plans sorted whoever you're spending it with. If you want a classic... When Harry Met Sally Watch on Prime Video Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as the eponymous New Yorkers whose prickly first meeting on a post-college road trip sparks a decades-long debate: can men and women ever really be just friends? The film tracks Harry and Sally through a series of serendipitous run-ins over 12 years from awkward acquaintances to close confidants as they swap partners, careers and increasingly candid late-night conversations. Sharp, funny and surprisingly tender, its a love story that simmers rather than sprints, it's perfect viewing for anyone who believes in fate or at least very good timing. Dirty Dancing Watch on ITVX A killer soundtrack? Amazing chemistry? That lift? Jennifer Grey stars as Baby, the wide-eyed teen who heads to a Catskills holiday camp and finds her world turned upside down when she meets brooding dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). What starts as a secret summer fling quickly deepens into something far more meaningful, as Baby is drawn into Johnnys world of after-hours dance parties, dance routines and upstairs-downstairs-eque class divides. Pretty Woman Watch on Disney+ This modern Cinderella tale sees Julia Roberts sparkle as Vivian, a Hollywood Boulevard escort whos unexpectedly hired by cool-headed corporate raider Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) for a week of high-society appearances. What begins as a strictly business arrangement soon evolves into something far more complicated, as Vivian swaps her thigh-high boots for Rodeo Drive glamour and Edward discovers theres more to life than hostile business takeovers. The whole thing is capped with one of the most iconic if a little cheesy final lines in film history. The Notebook Watch on BBC iPlayer A classic tearjerker starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah and Allie, The Notebook follows young lovers whose whirlwind summer romance in 1940s South Carolina is derailed by class divides and lifes messy realities. Told across decades and framed by an elderly man reading their story from a well-worn notebook, it charts missed chances and the magnetic pull that keeps drawing them back together. It's a sweeping, sentimental and unapologetically romantic love story with the most bittersweet ending that'd bring a tear to any cynic's eye. If you want something steamy... Fifty Shades of Grey Watch on Netflix Does this one need introducing? Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan star as Anastasia Steele and billionaire Christian Grey in the film adaptation of the bestselling book that brought erotica into the mainstream. When shy literature student Ana interviews the intensely private Grey, the pair are drawn into a charged, complicated relationship that pushes her far beyond her comfort zone. As their connection deepens, Ana begins to question whether she can accept Christians controlling world and whether love can exist on his terms. Glossy, provocative and undeniably addictive, its a modern romance that leans into fantasy, power and the allure of the forbidden. Blue is the Warmest Color Watch on ITVX This 2013 coming-of-age drama follows Adele, a shy French teenager whose life shifts when she becomes captivated by the confident, blue-haired art student Emma. What begins as curiosity quickly deepens into an all-consuming first love, charting the highs of passion and self-discovery alongside the painful growing pains of identity, ambition and adulthood. The film made history at Cannes by becoming the first to share the Palme dOr between its director and lead actresses. Call Me By Your Name Watch on Prime Video Based on Andre Acimans bestselling novel, this sun-drenched coming-of-age romance follows Elio (Timothee Chalamet), a precocious 17-year-old spending the summer at his familys villa in northern Italy, whose world tilts when his fathers charming American research assistant, Oliver (Armie Hammer), arrives. What begins as teasing curiosity slowly blossoms into a heady, secretive first love, set against lazy afternoons, bike rides and the hazy beauty of an Italian summer. That peach scene? Not for the faint-hearted. Friends with Benefits Watch on Prime Video When best friends (Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake) decide to keep things simple by adding a no-strings-attached arrangement to their friendship while theyre both single, what could possibly go wrong? Set against the buzz of New York, their easy banter and undeniable chemistry soon blur the lines between casual and complicated. It's a sharp, funny and refreshingly frank take on modern dating. If you're feeling very single... Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason Watch on Disney+ All three Bridget Jones films are fantastic, but the second holds a special place in our hearts. In Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Renee Zellwegers lovably chaotic heroine finds herself navigating the perils of a new relationship with Mark Darcy and her own knack for overthinking absolutely everything. From romantic misunderstandings to disastrous holidays and a few run-ins with the ever-charming rogue Daniel Cleaver, Bridgets attempt to keep her happy ending on track leads to a string of gloriously cringe-worthy escapades. Legally Blonde Watch on Prime Video Sorority stunner Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) swaps Malibu pink for Harvard Laws stuffy lecture halls in a bid to win back her no-good ex only to discover shes far smarter, sharper and more capable than anyone ever gave her credit for. Armed with a killer wardrobe, a chihuahua and an unshakeable positivity, Elle turns the boys club on its head, proving that you can be a formidable lawyer and very well dressed. It's the ultimate girl-power classic. Bridesmaids Watch on Prime Video Bridesmaids is impossible to watch without cackling. Kristen Wiig stars as Annie, a down-on-her-luck baker whose life unravels just as her best friend gets engaged and asks her to be maid of honour. Cue a gloriously chaotic run of bridal showers, dress fittings and increasingly unhinged attempts to keep it together, not helped by a scene-stealing Melissa McCarthy as the wildly unpredictable Megan. Bride Wars Watch on ITVX Life-long besties Liv and Emma (Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway) are inseparable until a clerical mix-up books their dream weddings at The Plaza on the exact same day. What starts as a polite attempt to compromise quickly spirals into an all-out bridal showdown, complete with sabotaged hair appointments, spray tans gone wrong and a very ridiculous blue haircut. It's the ultimate love story to friend loyalty, and the realisation that no matter how picture-perfect the big day looks, its the people standing beside you that matter most. If there are youngsters around... Clueless Watch on BBC iPlayer Any film riffing on a Jane Austen plotline is off to a strong start, and Clueless delivers sun-soaked spin on Emma. Alicia Silverstone is iconic as Cher Horowitz, the Beverly Hills teen queen who fancies herself a matchmaking mastermind: orchestrating makeovers, meddling in romances and ruling the school. But when her good intentions backfire, Cher is forced to confront her own blind spots (and unexpected feelings for one very charming stepbrother, hello Paul Rudd). Still influencing wardrobes decades on, its a teen classic that proves being a little bit clueless is all part of growing up. Enchanted Watch on Disney+ Featuring an all-star cast including Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden, this romcom begins in the animated fairytale land of Andalasia before whisking wide-eyed princess Giselle into the very real, very cynical streets of New York City. As she tries to navigate life without talking animals or spontaneous musical numbers, Giselle strikes up an unexpected bond with pragmatic divorce lawyer Robert, and begins to question what 'happily ever after' really looks like. You've Got Mail Watch on Now TV Nora Ephrons classic romcom sees rival New York booksellers Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) and Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) sparring in real life as their competing shops go head to head, all while unknowingly falling for each other online via a string of anonymous emails. As their digital connection deepens, their real-world animosity becomes harder to ignore, leading to a delicious will-they-wont-they tangle of secrets. Ryan and Hanks effortless chemistry is as irresistible as ever, and it's full of all Ephron's signature charm. Breakfast at Tiffany's Watch on Paramount+ The iconic 1960s classic stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, the effortlessly chic New York socialite drifting through parties, admirers and late-night trips to Tiffanys in search of something to anchor her. When she strikes up an unlikely friendship with her neighbour, struggling writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard), their playful bond slowly deepens into something more meaningful, forcing Holly to confront the vulnerability shes been running from. It's a swanky romance that'll have fashionistas drooling. If you like enemies to lovers... The Proposal Watch on Disney+ Sandra Bullock stars as Margaret Tate, a formidable publishing boss whos on the brink of deportation and promptly ropes in her long-suffering assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her and save her visa. What begins as a strictly transactional engagement soon spirals into chaos when the pair head to Andrews family home in Alaska for a make-or-break visit with his suspicious relatives and immigration officials hot on their heels. If you love a forced proximity rom-com, this one's for you. The Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement Watch on Disney+ Now settled in Genovia and finally finding her royal footing, Princess Mia (Anne Hathaway) is dealt a very inconvenient rule: to claim the throne, she must be married within 30 days. What follows is a whirlwind search for a suitable husband and a carefully staged courtship with the perfect on-paper suitor, before the unexpected arrival of charming rival Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine), who may have his own designs on the crown. As palace politics, public expectations and her own heart collide, Mia must decide what kind of queen she wants to be and whether love can ever be part of the job description. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Watch on Paramount+ Kooky journalist Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is tasked with writing a column on how to drive a man away in ten days, while smooth-talking ad exec Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) has a bet riding on making a woman fall in love with him in the exact same timeframe and, of course, they pick each other. As their games spiral into genuine feelings (and a few very public disasters), the line between strategy and sincerity starts to blur. Also, Kate Hudson in that pale yellow dress? Stunning. 10 Things I Hate About You Watch on Disney+ Another modern Shakespeare adaptation (this time riffing on The Taming of the Shrew), this teen classic follows sharp-tongued outsider Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) and the schools mysterious bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). When Kats overprotective dad bans her younger sister from dating unless Kat does too, a plan is hatched to pay Patrick to take her out but what begins as a scheme quickly turns into something far more genuine. Packed with witty one-liners, high school hijinks and that swoon-worthy stadium serenade, its a coming-of-age romance about looking past first impressions and falling for the person no one else quite understands. It's the end of an era in Tokyo Disneyland, with the removal of the only surviving Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah theme park sign. Japan's park recently took down the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah sign from the exit of Splash Mountain - removing one of the last references to the controversial Disney film, Song of the South. The original sign on the popular ride read, 'have a Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah Day!' in English and Kanji, with the new sign instead featuring the message, 'thanks for dropping in!' in English only. The change comes amid the ride's reopening earlier in February after a month-long refurbishment. Disney credited the sign swap to a sponsorship change, with the Kao Corporation - a chemical and cosmetics company - ending its partnership with the park in November 2025. The brand still sponsors Toy Story Mania at Tokyo DisneySea and the resort's hand-washing stations. But Disney lovers were quick to notice the new message, which appears to be supported by the same bear figure, and blamed the update - in part - to Disney's 'woke' agenda. Some have suggested that the sign change is an indication that Disney is attempting to distance itself from the controversial Song of the South without building a completely new ride, like the US parks. It's the end of an era in Tokyo Disneyland, with the removal of the only surviving Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah theme park sign Another urged, 'they better leave Splash Mountain alone' as someone else asked: 'Are they gonna remove the soundtrack next?' Splash Mountain closed in both its US Disney parks in 2023 - with the Magic Kingdom ride closing in January and Disneyland ride closing in May of that year. In June 2023, Disney announced the beloved ride would be 'reimagined' as Tiana's Bayou Adventure, based on Disney's first Black princess, featured in the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog. The Splash Mountain controversy centered on its origins in Disney's 1946 film Song of the South, and has been widely criticized for its racist stereotypes. The film, set on a plantation, features an elderly Black man known as Uncle Remus who tells traditional African American folk tales to white children cared for by Black servants. Some Disney lovers have argued that the company has gone too far in becoming more inclusive. In March 2022, it was announced that staff members, as well recordings throughout the parks, would no longer include 'gendered greetings' like 'boys and girls' or 'ladies and gentlemen.' Join the debate Has Disney gone too far in removing traditions to embrace inclusivity, or is this necessary change? The original sign on the popular ride read, 'have a Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah Day!' in English and Kanji, with the new sign instead featuring the message, 'thanks for dropping in!' in English only Splash Mountain closed in both its US Disney parks in 2023 - with the Magic Kingdom ride closing in January and Disneyland ride closing in May of that year. Pictured: Walt Disney World Instead, they opted for gender neutral terms such as, 'Hello, everyone,' or, 'Hello, friends.' 'We don't want to just assume because someone might be, in our interpretation, presenting as female, that they may not want to be called "princess,"' Disney's diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware said in a leaked conference call with employees. 'So let's think differently about how do we really engage with our guests in a meaningful and inclusive way that makes it magical and memorable for everyone,' she added. A year earlier in April 2021, the brand announced on its blog that it was changing its rules to allow cast members to wear 'gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices,' while noting that 'the magic they make must include everyone.' Pilates instructor Lexy Thornberry was living the 'dream life' when everything suddenly took an unexpected turn. The fitness teacher, from Queensland, was in her early 20s, in the midst of renovating her Berry Activ reformer Pilates studio, and was newly engaged to the love of her life, Olympic professional boxer, David Nyika. As someone working in the fitness space, she practised what she preached and was the epitome of health and wellness. But Lexy's near-perfect world started crumbling one day when - at the age of 23 - she had a horrifically gory and entirely out-of-nowhere health episode. 'I woke up one morning for work and blood was pouring out of my mouth,' she told Daily Mail of the terrifying ordeal that took place In February 2024. 'It was a massive amount of blood, and it would not stop. I got so scared. I even took a video of it because it was such a ridiculous amount.' The blood stopped after an hour - and she wasted no time seeing her regular local GP in her regional hometown. Despite her alarming symptoms, the doctor dismissed them as a sinus issue, insisting it couldn't be anything serious because Lexy was 'so young, fit and healthy'. Pilates instructor Lexy Thornberry was living the 'dream life' when everything suddenly took an unexpected turn The doctor's tone changed slightly after viewing Lexy's alarming video, but she remained convinced it was likely an ear, nose and throat issue and referred her to a specialist in the public health system. Unfortunately, this came with an eight-month wait. Feeling reassured by her doctor's words that it was unlikely to be serious, Lexy patiently waited over half a year for the ENT appointment. In that time, she didn't have any other major incidents like the first bloody episode, although some blood flecks were visible daily in her saliva. Outside of that, she never felt any pain, fatigue, or other glaring symptoms - and continued to lead a highly active lifestyle. When the specialist appointment finally arrived, Lexy was hopeful of at last having some answers about the mysterious blood. Unfortunately, many red flags were again missed. After answering some routine patient assessment questions, the ENT doctor seemed unconcerned - until Lexy showed him that video. 'He looked a little bit freaked out and pulled one of the other senior doctors into the room. I showed him the video - but they didn't know what it was.' 'I remember word for word, asking them: "Do I have cancer? This is not normal for this much blood to be coming out of my mouth, right?" 'They both laughed and brushed it off saying, "No Lexy, you're 23 years old. You are way too young to be worrying about anything that serious". But it turns out, it was cancer the whole time. 'I often think back to that appointment, and how they didn't do a single test on me that day. If they had just put a camera in my nose, a scan or anything, they would have found the cancer two years ago, sitting right behind my nose.' After Lexy sought a second doctor's opinion, it was only a matter of days before she was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a very rare cancer in Australia and for someone so young. She is currently in the midst of undergoing treatment She feels her 'fit and healthy' appearance meant her symptoms were dismissed Lexy, 24, pictured with her fiance, Olympic professional boxer, David Nyika, was living a near-perfect life when she suddenly started experiencing alarming health symptoms At that time though, Lexy walked away from the appointment believing nothing sinister was at play and resumed her normal life - ignoring the small but regular amounts of blood that she would see coming from her mouth. 'I would try and convince myself that maybe it was dry nasal passages. But it always stuck at the back of my mind that it was something scary,' she said. By the middle of 2025, a second unmistakable symptom arose when Lexy found a large lump had suddenly formed on the side of her neck. 'Once again, I went back to my same GP - the one I'd seen about the blood coming out of my mouth,' she said. The doctor was, again, not overly concerned - suggesting it was tonsillitis - even though the raised area appeared to only be on one side. The practitioner sent Lexy off for blood tests and even an ultrasound scan - but in a case of extreme misfortune, the sinister underlying reason was missed on all fronts. A few months later, with the lump still visible, Lexy returned to her same GP. But this time, after leaving the appointment once again feeling disheartened and dismissed, she decided to get a second opinion. 'I just wasn't getting any answers,' she said. In October 2025, Lexy booked in to see a new doctor in a nearby town - and brought him up to speed on her health incidents over the past year and a half. He wasted no time springing into action. The Queensland-based Pilates instructor and owner of Berry Activ studio was the epitome of health and wellness with no prior health issues Lexy was 23 years old when she started seeking answers for worrying symptoms like blood coming from her mouth and a lump on her neck The next day, Lexy saw a new ENT and the specialist used a camera to look down her nose. 'He found something immediately, but didn't tell me what it was, and ordered me to get a biopsy on the swollen lymph node in my neck, and a CT scan as well,' she recounted. 'Five days later, I was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an extremely rare form of throat cancer. 'It's hardly ever seen in Australia, and especially in someone under the age of 40. I have no family history of cancer and the doctors have no idea why this has happened to me. It's just bad luck.' Initially classified as a stage 2 cancer, just days later it was reviewed and reclassified as stage 3. A treatment plan was devised and immediately enacted. 'The cancer begins in the back of the nose, and because I waited so long with my symptoms, it spread to the lymph nodes on both sides of my neck,' she said. The treatment protocol commenced late last year, starting with two months of 'very high doses of chemotherapy'. 'It's such a crazy feeling. I give them my arm so they can put in the injection of chemotherapy, and then I sit there for hours as I feel all of the pain and the sickness entering my body. I would have nightmares about it. Lexy described the 'crazy feeling' of having chemotherapy treatment: 'I give them my arm so they can put in the injection of chemotherapy, and then I sit there for hours as I feel all of the pain and the sickness entering my body.' Supporting Lexy all throughout her treatment is her fiance, professional athlete David, who she describes as her 'lifesaver' 'And because I'm so young, they're able to give me a very high dose.' During her interview with Daily Mail, Lexy explained that she was amid a break before recommencing another seven-week block of chemotherapy, which would then be followed by radiation. 'Everyone reacts to the treatment differently. But to me, it's like that feeling of a really horrible 24-hour stomach bug where you're so ill on the bathroom floor wondering how you're going to survive this. Except at its peak, that is how unwell you'll feel for 10 days straight - with no relief.' Supporting Lexy all throughout her treatment is her fiance, professional athlete Dave, whom she describes as her 'lifesaver'. 'He's on top of all my doctor's appointments, he takes notes, he's learnt all the terminology - while I usually disassociate because it's so surreal that this is actually happening to me. 'He makes folders and files of different health records and packs them in my backpack. He's just amazing - and making this so much easier for me.' So far, Lexy says the short-term assessment from her medical team is that she is responding extremely well to the chemotherapy. 'We caught it just as it was progressing and spreading, and they really just hit me hard with the chemo,' Lexy said. Lexy is currently in the midst of her cancer treatment. Although it's extremely difficult and trying, she remains positive that it will all be worth it so she can walk away cancer-free 'I noticed the lump in my neck went down during my introduction chemo, which is an amazing result. 'The radiation that's coming up will destroy my lymph nodes completely, so the cancer cannot grow back. But if it keeps me alive, I will be fine.' Going through cancer at such a young age has also completely changed Lexy's broader life outlook; and she admits that she previously took many things she had for granted. 'I feel like my life was so blessed before I had cancer, and I never appreciated it. I never even realised how lucky I was,' she reflects. 'I had everything. I was so fit and healthy. I had a really cool job and a beautiful fiance and a house - but I never thought anything was enough. 'I felt like I always needed to do more with my life or career, or that I was failing. I could never be content with my life being enough. 'And now I've got cancer, I realise how good I had it. How freaking good I had it. 'Now I'm 24 and I've got an extremely rare cancer that you shouldn't get under the age of 40, and I'm in so much pain from these treatments, and I'm going to have to live with long-term side effects from these treatments. Lexy's loved ones have created a GoFundMe fundraiser to financially support her treatment - and it's something she's extremely grateful for Although Lexy's Pilates studio Berry Activ remains closed for now while she's unable to work and undergoing cancer treatment, she remains hopeful of returning to work once she's well and recovered 'And yet, I think I'm so much more of a happier person than I was before. Because I realise how lucky it is to live and how lucky you are to have all of these things. 'I actually had to live the worst case scenario in order to appreciate what I have.' The financial toll of the mounting medical bills coupled with not being able to work led Lexy's loved ones to create a GoFundMe to support her treatment - and it's something she's extremely grateful for. 'It has saved us so much financial stress for all the appointments and treatment.' Although the road ahead remains difficult and the future outcome is still unclear, Lexy has powerful clarity on a message she wants ever 20-something-year-old to know when it comes to cancer. Lexy - pictured getting engaged in Mexico to David in early 2025 - now has newfound clarity on her life before her cancer diagnosis, admitting she never realised 'how freaking good I had it' 'I honestly never, ever thought that I would get cancer in my entire life - especially at 24 years old,' she said. 'But I'm very in tune with my body, and two years ago, when there was blood pouring out of my mouth and I found a lump in my neck, I knew something was wrong, even when the doctors I was seeing were telling me there was nothing wrong. 'They didn't believe I could have cancer - because young, fit, healthy people who look like me don't get cancer. 'As soon as I saw a doctor that cared about me and actually listened to me and didn't brush me off, he had an answer within days. He found my cancer, before it killed me. 'Now, I have an amazing medical team and we are doing the treatment I need that will kill this cancer forever. 'But what I need other young people to understand is to take your health seriously. Cancer does not discriminate. 'And if you think there is something abnormal going on with your health, you must fight until you have an answer.' Struggling CNN is enjoying a surge in viewership because of its in-depth coverage of the Nancy Guthrie abduction. The network raked in more than 1million sets of eyes at multiple points this week - way up from a usual average of 553,000 in primetime and 433,000 during the day. Coverage of the abduction has been a constant both day and night, as police continue to search for Today star Savannah Guthrie's elderly mother. Nancy, 84, was kidnapped in the early hours of Febuary 1. Stars like Jake Tapper, Erin Burnett, and Kaitlan Collins have spearheaded the coverage, with Tapper reporting live from Nancy's home in Tucson, Arizona. Burnett and Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ, have also appeared on-screen to discuss the case. TMZ received a series of emails over the course of the case from people either claiming to be the kidnapper or know who is responsible. The initial note had demanded millions in Bitcoin for the senior's safe return - a prospect that has Americans invested. FBI investigators this week released doorbell images showing 'an armed individual' outside Nancy's front door the morning of her disappearance - a development stars like Collins and Anderson Cooper have relentlessly covered. Stars like Jake Tapper, Erin Burnett, and Kaitlan Collins have spearheaded CNN's coverage of the ongoing Nancy Guthrie case, achieving a spike in viewers Nancy, 84, has been missing since January 31, after being taken from her home in Tucson, Arizon. She is the mother of Today star Savannah Guthrie, seen with here mom in 2021 The spike in cable-watchers comes at an opportune time, as CNN continues to hemorrhage viewers The channel - which launched in 1980 - has shed nearly two-thirds of its primetime viewers over the past decade and almost half of its viewers during daytime, according to Nielsen. The drops have fueled rumors of a possible network sale. Warner Bros, Discovery, the network's up-for-sale parent company, has denied whispers of a sale. Ratings for NBC's 'Today' show, meanwhile, have also jumped, as its anchors silently grapple with the crisis. Fox News, meanwhile, continues to score high - reeling in nearly 3.5 million in primetime this past week. As for CNN, the network's website still attracts 120 million monthly users. The storied news network faces an uncertain future amid plans to sell Warner Bros, Discovery to Netflix. Bosses at the streaming giant have no desire to buy CNN or any other cable channels, meaning they'll be cast off into a separate company if the deal goes through. Paramount - the owner of CBS - has placed a bid as well. The company ramped up a hostile takeover bid for Warner this week in hopes of preventing the Netflix transaction. As for the Guthrie case, it continues to transfix the US. On-air talents like Anderson Cooper have reported on developments in the disturbing case Tapper was on the ground in Arizona this week to report on the unfolding case. Cops have yet to identify any suspects On Tuesday, Pima County Sheriff's Department detained a man for questioning in connection with Nancy's disappearance several miles directly south of Tucson, near the border. The man was released on Wednesday after several hours of being interviewed. He was not deemed a suspect. The search for Nancy entered day 13 on Friday. Officials said they have not identified any suspects. Viral footage shows former CNN star Don Lemon fumbling to empty his pockets ahead of an important court appearance. Lemon, 59, unloaded a seemingly never-ending sequence of items during his court security check. The smartly-dressed star's accessories included a jacket, scarf, watch, and several smaller trinkets. Once past security - and liberated from the finery - Lemon pled 'not guilty'. He is charged with violating Minnesota residents' constitutional rights by following a protest procession into a St. Paul church last month. The protest had been against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations then occurring in the Twin Cities. One of the pastors is an official with the local ICE field office. He arrived at the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and US Courthouse in Minnesota with his attorney, Joe Thompson. Roughly two dozen protesters stood outside as he stood in court, chanting 'Pam Bondi has got to go' and 'Protect the press.' CNN star Don Lemon is seen arriving at court with his legal team and husband Tim Malone (second from right) in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday BREAKING: Don Lemon entering the Warren E Burger Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse in St Paul, Minnesota to face his political persecution. Trump thinks he is persecuting him but hes showing the world that he doesnt believe in a free press nor our First Amendment rights. pic.twitter.com/jzKurDRMwj Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) February 13, 2026 Lemon was seen leaving the court building around 3:20pm ET - a little over an hour before the arraignment began. Lemon was released without bail following his first appearance in court, in Los Angeles, late last month, after his arrest federal agents hours before. The ongoing case has become a flashpoint in debates about the First Amendment. Lemon did not speak to reporters while entering the facility. He was seen leaving with his realtor husband Tim Malone, after which he thanked onlookers and those close to him for their support. 'I wanted to say this isn't just about me, this is about all journalists in the US,' Lemon said. Initially, federal magistrate judges refused to sign a complaint that would have charged Lemon. Attorney General Pam Bondi met with federal prosecutors before the charges were filed on January 31. The CNN star-turned-independent journalist is facing charges of conspiring to violate someone's constitutional rights The protest in question occurred on January 18. Protestors who participated were filmed chanting 'ICE out' and 'Justice for Renee Good' by Lemon, an independent journalist. Feds went on rule that the protest violated the FACE Act, a law that prohibits interference with those participating in religious services. The fatal shooting of 37-year-old protester Renee Good on January 7 by an ICE agent and the killing of Alex Pretti, also 37, by Border Patrol agents weeks later fueled frustrations within the community. Operation Metro Surge, the statewide immigration crackdown that was being carried out in Minnesota, has since been called off. Lemon maintains his participation in the procession was as a journalist. 'I will not stop now. I will not stop ever,' he said of his approach to journalism following his release last month. He has continued to post content on YouTube since. He has yet to receive a new court date. OneWeb saw sales of its satellites soar last year, sending shares in its French owner Eutelsat flying this morning. Eutelsat's revenues jumped to 592million, ahead of expectations, sending shares about 9 per cent higher. It was boosted by an almost 60 per cent increase in sales of OneWeb's low earth orbit (LOE) satellites, aimed at providing access to high-speed internet where traditional ground infrastructure is hard to reach. Applications also include broadband on aeroplanes and have been used by Ukranian forces. In 2020, the UK government rescued OneWeb from bankruptcy before selling it to France's Eutelsat three years later. It still retains a small stake in OneWeb and the Foreign Office last year signed a deal with the satellite firm. OneWeb satellites are a direct challenger to Elon Musk's Starlink As France ramps up defence spending, it is betting big on OneWeb given it is the only viable European challenger to Elon Musk's Starlink. The French government is now Eutelsat's biggest shareholder after a 1.5billion rescue deal last year to stabilise its balance sheet. While Eutelsat remains loss-making, it reduced operating losses by 85 per cent and slashed its net debt by more than half after the French state stepped in to increase its stake. However, it must replace OneWeb's ageing satellites and has secured a state-backed loan of 1billion to buy 340 new Airbus spacecraft. It said it would also look at projects providing satellite-to-smartphone internet services. Asked about sending terminals to Iran following an internet blackout, chief executive Jean-Francois Fallacher said he would support the Iranian people as best he could. It was supposed to be a success story for the ages. A year ago, Gokce Guven was everything Silicon Valley loves to celebrate. Young. Brilliant. Immigrant striver. A Berkeley graduate with a fintech startup that promised to revolutionize customer loyalty programs. Millions of dollars flowed in. Prestige followed. Then came the crown jewel: a coveted place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2025. Now, at just 26, Guven is facing the very real prospect of spending the next half-century behind bars. Federal prosecutors say the founder and CEO of New York based fintech startup, Kalder, ran a classic fraud. According to the indictment, filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York on Thursday, January 29, Guven kept two sets of books; one showing the company's real finances and another with tantalizingly inflated revenue figures that she allegedly used to con investors. The result, prosecutors claim, was a $7 million haul from venture capital firms and angel investors who believed they were backing the next fintech star. Guven denies the charges. But the damage is already done. And her case is now reigniting an uncomfortable question inside Wall Street and the media world that feeds it: has the Forbes 30 Under 30 list become a liability rather than a badge of honor? Now, at just 26, Guven is facing the very real prospect of spending the next half-century behind bars In 2025, she was named on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list For critics of glossy business rankings, the story feels depressingly routine. The list of Forbes alumni who later imploded is long - and growing. Crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried, once hailed as a prodigy, is serving out a 25-year sentence handed down in federal court in March 2024, for orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in history. Just three years earlier he had been featured on the list under the category of 'Finance.' Martin Shkreli appeared in the same category in 2013. The so-called 'Pharma Bro,' became infamous for hiking drug prices before landing in prison in September 2017 when a judge revoked his bail following his conviction for securities fraud. He was sentenced to seven years in 2018 but released in 2022. Then there are the disgraces that weren't criminal and didn't shake the markets. Journalist Olivia Nuzzi, a 2018 honoree, torpedoed her career by breaching ethical lines through an alleged affair with presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr. Kylie Jenner's carefully curated image as a self-made billionaire collapsed after Forbes itself revealed her fortune had been dramatically overstated. So many alumni have flamed out that the list has spawned industry nicknames that ridicule it. Insiders speak openly of a 'Forbes-to-Fraud Pipeline.' Others darkly joke that it should stand for '30 Under 30-year sentences.' After Guven's indictment the snark was immediate. 'The Forbes Fintech curse strikes again!' posted UK-based startup founder Simon Taylor. Investor, advisor and podcaster Aman Narain said the case underlined a brutal lesson: 'Visibility and credibility are not the same thing in fintech.' 'Recognition should never replace due diligence, especially in high-risk, fast-moving industries,' he added. Journalist Olivia Nuzzi, a 2018 honoree, torpedoed her career by breaching ethical lines through a secret online relationship with presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr. Crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried, once hailed as a prodigy, is serving out a 25-year sentence handed down in federal court in March 2024, for orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in history Martin Shkreli was honored in 2013. The so-called 'Pharma Bro' was behind bars four years later Forbes launched its first 30 Under 30 list in 2011. Since then, the concept has exploded. There are now dozens of annual lists across industries - media, healthcare, retail, finance - covering the US, Europe and Asia. Forbes says it has vetted some 100,000 candidates and honored more than 10,000 'wunderkinds.' The brand value is enormous. A spot on the list can unlock investors, speaking fees, board seats and elite networking events. It is routinely used in pitch decks and visa applications as proof of elite status. Forbes insists it takes vetting seriously. Editors have previously said candidates undergo background checks and are screened for obvious legal and ethical red flags before being judged by industry experts. But the publication has also acknowledged the limits of its process. Hidden scams, it says, can go unnoticed. Future criminal behavior cannot be foreseen. The list is merely a 'snapshot' in time. Today, for many, that explanation is wearing thin. In 2023, Forbes took the unusual step of publishing a 'Hall of Shame,' highlighting what it called the most dubious alumni - 'one-time superstars who all wound up fraudsters.' Bankman-Fried topped the list. He was followed by Caroline Ellison, his former partner and colleague, Shkreli and James O'Keefe, the disgraced founder of activist group, Project Veritas. 'Regrets, we've had a few,' the editorial admitted. But for critics, Guven's downfall exposes a deeper problem in business media. New York-based finance and tech writer Marc Hochstein argues that rankings like 30 Under 30 are driven as much by the pursuit of revenue as journalistic endeavor. 'The sales teams love these features because they create stuff they can sell - dinner tickets, plaques,' he wrote. 'And then the editorial teams have to waste hours upon hours racking their brains figuring out whom to honor.' The pressure creates perverse incentives, he added. 'Safe choices make for boring profiles,' Hochstein noted. Editors can be encouraged to spotlight bold, unconventional founders - exactly the types most likely to implode. After securing a Forbes accolade, Project Veritas founder James OKeefe left the right-wing media outlet Once feted by Forbes in the outlet's 40 Under 40 list, Elizabeth Holmes, founder of the blood-testing startup Theranos, is serving an 11-year prison sentence That dynamic, critics say, is how figures like Bankman-Fried, Elizabeth Holmes, the imprisoned founder of the blood-testing startup Theranos, and now Guven rose so quickly with so little scrutiny. Perhaps the most striking detail in Guven's case is her own praise for Forbes. In a celebratory interview after making the list, she described the selection process as 'thorough' and 'exhilarating and humbling.' Guven sold herself as a modern American success story. A Turkish immigrant who rose through talent and grit. A top student at UC Berkeley. A founder on the path to fintech billions. Kalder marketed itself as a sophisticated platform helping major brands, including chocolatier Godiva, improve loyalty and rewards programs through data and personalization. But, prosecutors say, business was far shakier than advertised. Behind the scenes, they allege, Guven manipulated financial statements to exaggerate Kalder's performance. If convicted on financial fraud and visa fraud charges, Guven could face up to 52 years in prison. She is also accused of lying to obtain an O-1A visa, reserved for foreigners of 'extraordinary ability,' by making misrepresentations about her achievements. That visa was approved in the fall of 2025 - months after Forbes had already celebrated her as one of America's brightest young business minds. Prosecutors allege that at the very moment she was celebrating that validation, she was already deceiving investors. Forbes did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail. Prosecutors have been careful not to criticize Forbes directly. But their broader message is unmistakable. US Attorney Jay Clayton warned investors to 'beware of fraud masquerading as entrepreneurship,' a line widely seen as a swipe at the culture of hype surrounding young founders. The pattern, critics argue, is now impossible to ignore. Guven, Bankman-Fried, Charlie Javice (the Forbes alum behind the collapsed financial aid startup Frank) all leveraged glowing profiles and elite accolades to unlock investor money, even as their businesses were allegedly rotten underneath. The question is no longer whether the Forbes 30 Under 30 list makes mistakes. It is whether the list itself has become part of the problem, fueling a system where hype beats homework and glossy rankings are a substitute for real scrutiny. For a generation of investors and entrepreneurs burned too many times, the shine of a place among Forbes's 'elite,' may be wearing off. Alex Pretti's heartbroken father said he has to mute the TV and cover his eyes every time coverage his late son's killing comes on the screen. Michael Pretti, who lost his 37-year-old son on January 24 when he was gunned down in broad daylight by Department of Homeland Security officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has had to learn how to go about his life after Alex's highly publicized death, he told The New York Times. Footage of the beloved ICU nurse quickly circulated online showing him participating in an anti-ICE protest before being shot dead. The ubiquitous images have haunted Pretti's father and mother, Susan, but Michael said the video shows exactly what took place in his son's final moments. 'Its so clear as to what happened,' he told the Times. Pretti was seen with his phone in his hand, appearing to try and protect other demonstrators while also interacting with federal officers. Within moments he was pinned to the pavement and had his gun, which he lawfully owned, snatched by an officer. He was then shot 10 times as onlookers screamed in horror. 'The truth is, he was an exceptionally kind, caring man,' Michael stated. Now, nearly a month after losing their first born child, Michael and Susan, have been trying to pick up the pieces. Alex Pretti, 37, was fatally gunned down by Border Patrol agents on January 24 Alex's parents, Susan and Michael Pretti, described their son as an 'exceptionally kind, caring man' 'Hes my first born. Hes the one that made me a mother. There was no reason he should have died that day,' Susan told the outlet. Michael agreed with his wife, simply adding: 'No.' The couple said their son was always very passionate about his community in Minneapolis, and was horrified with what has been going on there since President Donald Trump's administration unleashed a crackdown in the Democrat-run city in late November. 'He said, "Mom, they're kidnapping kids,"' Michael recounted. '"Why would anybody do that? Why would people treat each other like that? That just doesn't make any sense. There's no reason to."' In one of their final conversations, the Prettis said their son told them about a confrontation he had with federal agents on January 13. Video from that incident showed Alex spitting at an agent and kicking the taillight of a patrol vehicle before agents tackled him to the ground and briefly detained him. He also appeared to be carrying a handgun at the time. The Prettis said their son did not go into detail about what happened that day, only saying that he was injured but was fine. They then warned Alex to be careful - something they regularly told both their children at the end of nearly every phone conversation. 'We really ramped up "Be careful,"' Michael said, noting that Alex replied: 'I will.' Federal agents are seen attempting to give Alex Pretti life-saving care after he was shot in Minneapolis on January 24 Pretti was seen spitting on a federal vehicle before kicking its taillight and causing it to fall off - prompting officers to tackle him to the ground - a week before the fatal shooting But following Alex's untimely death, Trump administration officials have branded Alex as a domestic terrorist who 'tried to murder federal agents,' pointing to his earlier confrontation with federal agents. The Prettis immediately denounced the claims as 'sickening lies,' and their attorney, Steven Schleicher - who previously served as a special prosecutor in the murder trial of the Minneapolis cop who shot George Floyd - argued that 'nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alex's killing.' The president has since walked back the claims with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller admitting he made the statement calling Alex an 'assassin' in haste before the full facts were available. The Department of Justice is now investigating whether Alex's civil rights were violated, with Minnesota authorities vowing last week to work with federal agencies 'to identify the best path forward and investigate' the fatal shooting. 'A cooperative approach helps ensure Minnesotans can trust the outcome of this review,' said Drew Evans, the superintendent of the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. He added that local authorities have already collected witness statements, physical evidence and video footage pertaining to the shooting as Schleicher said the Pretti family seeks 'facts and accountability' in the case. Pretti worked as a nurse in the intensive care unit of a veterans' hospital The lawyer explained that the parents want to know more about Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, who shot their son, and details about exactly what happened on that fateful morning in Minneapolis. But in their view, Alex was just exemplifying how caring of a person he truly was when he was fatally shot. 'His last act on Earth, his last thought, was to help this woman,' Michael said. 'It's who he was every day,' Susan added. 'He's the same Alex he always was.' The transgender shooter who killed nine people in a horror spree shared disturbing, violent content to social media in the weeks before the massacre, the Daily Mail can reveal. Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, was identified as the shooter who gunned down at least seven classmates and killed his mother and brother at their home on Tuesday. Police said the shooter took their own life following the spree, with at least 25 other people wounded at Tumbler Ridge High School in British Columbia, Canada. Described by police as a 'gun person' who was 'wearing a dress' during the shooting, Van Rootselaar's social media included reams of pro-transgender content. But the future mass killer also questioned his own mental state and shared disturbing and violent videos and opinions online after starting to live as a girl from the age of 12. The accounts were identified primarily through Van Rootselaar's mother Jennifer Strang, who in 2011 shared her child's YouTube channel @Jesseboy347, which has since been deleted. A Twitter account was created under the same name as the YouTube username, with the name JessJessUwU. The content on this account was far darker and more violent, including references to neo-Nazi literature, pictures of weapons, and the meme acronym 'WAGTFKY' - which stands for 'We are going to f***ing kill you.' Jesse Strang, the transgender shooter who killed nine people before turning the gun on themselves in a horror spree in Canada on Tuesday, often shared disturbing violent content to social media, the Daily Mail can reveal Van Rootselaar's mother Jennifer's social media also showed eyebrow-raising posts An X account linked to Strang shared violent posts in the weeks before Tuesday's massacre, including one joking about 'pulverizing Indians' with a high speed German ICE train The X account also shared a gruesome video showing soldiers looking over a pile of bodies, captioned: 'This should warm the hearts of every single follower of mine' Van Rootselaar's Twitter account contains horrific posts made in recent weeks, including a video of soldiers standing over dozens of bodies, captioned: 'This classic should warm the hearts of every single follower of mine.' In another post, Van Rootselaar shared a picture of a high speed German ICE train, which travels at 174mph, captioned: 'Imagine seeing an Indian get pulverized by one of these.' The account was made just a month before Tuesday's shooting, but in that time it re-shared footage of people being tortured, and bizarre Minecraft meme videos described as 'the r**e n****rs' community. Van Rootselaar's disturbing social media has since been flooded with people discovering the shooter's violent accounts, questioning how the posts did not raise alarms before the shooting this week. A Reddit account created under the same name was found to have bragged about going 'crazy' and trying to 'burn my house down.' In a post from the account in 2023, Van Rootselaar said they had been 'diagnosed with ADHD, MDD, ASD and OCD', and had tried to burn their house down after 'trying shrooms.' Another post also discussed drug use, describing how Van Rootselaar's first magic mushrooms experience only used a 'small unmeasured dose and it was chill'. 'The second time I tried it I took 3 grams of Blue Meanie (a hallucinogenic mushroom) ground up into some peanut butter and had a complete break from reality and did a lot of irrational things, I felt like I was dreaming. Many consequences ensued.' In one video shared by the Reddit account, a person believed to be Strang was seen firing a handgun down a gun range, wearing a hoodie detailing the 'American Massacre Tour' and listing conflicts including Afghanistan and the Gulf War Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, was pictured happily gripping a rifle Another exchange on Twitter featuring a gun, which is seen alongside a machete and a series of books by neo-Nazi activist and writer Harold Covington Van Rootselaar shared a video of a trip to a gun range, including firing a Desert Eagle pistol at a target, to a Reddit community for transgender people interested in guns. The teen was wearing a hoodie printed with 'American Massacre Tour', listing conflicts including the Afghanistan and Gulf wars. Archived copies of videos on the YouTube account also showed Van Rootselaar firing a tactical 12-gauge shotgun and a semi-automatic carbine. Another Reddit post from March 2023, asked the 'male to female' transgender community: 'How do I stop comparing myself to fictional characters?' Van Rootselaar, who was 15 at the time, was described as 'trans MtF' and 'pre-HRT', meaning identifying as transgender but not yet taking hormones to physically transition. The future shooter wrote about watching anime cartoons and comparing himself to the fictional characters, 'specifically when it comes to height, BMI, and obviously their chesticles'. Van Rootselaar's post made a stir on right-wing corners of the internet at the time when it was shared on Twitter by conservative pundit Matt Walsh. RCMP said it was 'too early to say' if there was any connection between Van Rootselaar being transgender and the shooting, as there was no record of any bullying related to it. Police admitted they may never know the motive as Van Rootselaar was dead, along with their mom. In a Reddit post from 2023, Van Rootselaar asked the 'male to female' transgender community: 'How do I stop comparing myself to fictional characters?' In a post from a Reddit account in 2023, Strang said they were 'diagnosed with ADHD, MDD, ASD and OCD', and said they tried to burn their house down after 'trying shrooms' Van Rootselaar's mother Jennifer's social media also showed eyebrow-raising posts, with one in 2015 complaining about her child to a 'Parent Life Network' Facebook community. In the post from 2015, Jennifer Strang asked for advice from other parents who had a boy 'who is very slow', and who 'loves to run, scream, squeak, and sometimes he hurts his siblings.' She wrote that his school wanted to have him tested for a 'behavioral disorder', and said he 'has a huge heart and shows intense empathy when he sees anyone hurt not by his own hand - but has a devious grin when he hurts his siblings'. Jennifer did not name Jesse in the posts, but said he was seven at the time of the 2015 posts - making the child described in the posts aged around 18 today. The mom's Facebook also includes images of guns, and in one from August 2024 she captioned the image: 'Think its time to take them out for some target practice.' Jennifer posted about Van Rootselaar's interest in firearms in 2021, before she started using female pronouns to describe her child. 'Check out my oldest son Jesse Strang's YouTube channel. He posts about hunting, self-reliance, guns and stuff he likes to do he doesnt go on much other social media so this is his way of sharing his life,' she wrote. Van Rootselaar's younger brother Emmett, 11, who was murdered before the school shooting Strang's mother Jennifer's social media also shows a number of eyebrow-raising posts The mom's Facebook also includes images of guns, and in one from August 2024 she captioned the image: 'Think its time to take them out for some target practice Strang appeared to be supportive of Van Rootselaar's change of gender, and posted in support of her child and other transgender children. 'As a conservative leaning libertarian who lives in the north and loves living in a small town,' she wrote on Instagram in July 2024. 'I really hope the hate I see online is just bored old people and not true hatred. Do better and educate yourself before spewing bullshit online. Makes you look dumb. Evolve. 'I normally don't say anything and I normally don't go on [Facebook] to see the keyboard warriors and I know I can't control everything or shield my kids from everything. 'But please for the love of f**k can you get your s**t together so we dont have to bring our kids up in a world full of hatred. 'Do you have any idea how many kids are killing themselves over this kind of hate. Please STOP the bulls**t!' Jennifer was mourned by her best friend Rhen-Rhen Reyes Ceredon, who insisted: 'I know you did your very best despite of everything.' 'I know deep in my heart that you dont want this to happen. Youre a good mom, you care for everyone even the others misunderstood you. 'I am so proud of you being strong specially to your kids. When I talked to you the other day, I wish we still had more time. 'You told me everything you feel I love you so much and I will be missing you. You may rest in paradise now my best friend.' Van Rootselaar was one of his four siblings who were moved around Canada frequently before arriving in Tumbler Ridge Van Rootselaar's disturbing social media has since been flooded with people discovering the shooter's violent accounts, questioning how the posts did not raise alarms before the shooting Court records showed Van Rootselaar's family lived a 'nomadic lifestyle', Jennifer moving her five children from one place to another across Newfoundland and Powell River before arriving in Tumbler Ridge. She posted about splitting up with a partner and starting out again as a single mother of five in 2018. 'It can hardly be the case that the children are tied in any meaningful sense to that one location,' Justice Anthony Saunders wrote in a decision ordering Jennifer to give her kids phone access to their father. JP Matt Jacobs, who is Van Rootselaar's stepfather and father of the three youngest siblings, is still married to Jennifer but they have been separated for years. He told the Daily Mail that he didn't even know Van Rootselaar was transgender. 'Jesse isn't my kid, his dad lives in Tumbler [Ridge],' he said. The RCMP said Strang dropped out of school at age 14, and the home had a history of police visits, including calls for mental health issues. 'Police have attended that residence in the past, approximately a couple of years ago, where firearms were seized under the criminal code,' it said. 'I can say that at a later point in time, the lawful owner of those firearms petitioned for those firearms to be returned, and they were.' At least six people were killed in the shooting at the school small town in eastern British Columbia on Tuesday - which marks Canada's deadliest mass shooting in 40 years. Jennifer Strang and Van Rootselaar's younger brother Emmett, 11, were also found dead at the family home and believed to have been shot before the school massacre. A member of the community places flowers at a memorial during a candlelight vigil on Wednesday for the victims of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School mass shooting Mourners hold candles and pray at a Wednesday night vigil for the victims of the shooting Jennifer did not have a valid license for firearms at the time of her death, and Van Rootselaar's had expired with no guns registered. Those who knew Van Rootselaar said the killer was a 'quiet kid' who was often seen 'sitting by himself in the corner'. The killings at Van Rootselaar's family home occurred first. A young family member at the home went to a neighbor, who called police. The bodies of the suspect's mother and brother were found at the home. At the school, one victim was found in a stairwell and the rest were found in the library, police said. The suspect was not related to any of the victims at the school. 'There is no information at this point that anyone was specifically targeted,' RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said. Canada's government responded to previous mass shootings with gun control measures, including a recently broadened ban on all guns it considers assault weapons. Tuesday's shootings were Canada's deadliest rampage since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that left another nine dead. When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez takes the stage at the Munich Security Conference in Germany later this week, world leaders will likely be hanging on every word. The 36-year-old congresswoman from New York is expected to receive a rapturous reception on her most important overseas trip so far, as many of America's allies reel from President Donald Trump's tariffs and isolationist rhetoric. For the first time, Ocasio-Cortez will lay out her foreign policy vision on the world stage - which is, of course, exactly what aspiring presidential candidates tend to do. The annual conference will be attended by more than 60 heads of state and government, and nearly 100 foreign and defense ministers. Those going include UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. California Governor Gavin Newsom will also be there. As a congressional candidate in 2018, Ocasio-Cortez had an infamous car crash moment during an interview on foreign affairs. When pressed over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on PBS, not the most hostile of media outlets, she laughed as she admitted: 'I am not the expert at geopolitics on this issue.' Recently, she has quietly been getting advice on global affairs from Matt Duss, an expert who was previously Bernie Sanders' foreign policy advisor for five years. She is also getting briefings from the Center for International Policy, a Washington think tank established in the wake of the Vietnam War, which promotes a non-interventionist US foreign policy and human rights. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attends the 2021 Met Gala in a 'Tax the Rich' dress Her visit to Munich appears to be a deliberate choice for her debut on the world stage because it will set up a stark contrast to JD Vance, her likeliest Republican opponent in a 2028 race. Last year, Vance went to Munich and left Europeans with their jaws on the floor as he accused them of endangering Western civilization by censoring free speech, failing to control immigration, and not taking responsibility for their own defense. The comments by Vance were the first in a series of criticisms of Europe by members of President Donald Trump's administration that have unsettled Washington's European allies. This year, the Trump administration will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It remains to be seen whether he or Ocasio-Cortez is the bigger draw. 'AOC has made no secret of her interest in running on a national ticket, whether it's for president or vice president,' one Democratic insider told the Daily Mail. 'She has strong domestic policy credentials, and strong progressive credentials, but if you're going to be on a national ticket and be president or vice president, you have to have some knowledge of foreign affairs. 'And I think she'll also use it (Munich) to contrast her views with Vance, since he's the most likely Republican nominee, to set up the contrast early, get people thinking about Vance versus AOC.' Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Munich Security Conference in 2025 AOC and JD Vance could compete for the White House in 2028 In December, a poll by The Argument/Verasight had Ocasio-Cortez beating Vance in a hypothetical 2028 race by 51 percent to 49 percent, and she was quick to embrace it. She posted the poll on X and wrote: 'Bloop!' She later dismissed the relevance of a poll three years before the election, but added: 'Let the record show... I would stomp him... I would stomp him!' Ocasio-Cortez was highly critical of Vance following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota. 'That is a fundamental difference between Vice President Vance and I,' she said at the time. 'I do not believe that the American people should be assassinated in the street.' In Munich, Ocasio-Cortez is expected to take part in a talk on populism in politics and discuss what America's global role should be. She is also expected to hold a question and answer session with students at a university in Berlin. 'The most important thing she'll do is contrast her views with Vance and Trump,' Professor Larry Sabato, Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, told the Daily Mail. 'There's so many obvious lines - I won't be annexing Greenland, Canada isn't going to be our 51st state... what I would be interested in is how much she dwells on the Middle East because that is a continuing source of divisive controversy in the Democratic Party.' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks during an event, March 20, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani He said the 2028 Democratic primary is expected to be large. 'Everybody and his brother and sister will be running for this nomination, a drove of Democrats will run,' he said. 'She's the strongest ally of Bernie Sanders, so it's very difficult to remake your image after so many years of being viewed as one of the two leaders of the progressive left in the Democratic Party. So I doubt she could win a majority or anything close to it. But it can happen, you don't need a majority to win.' This week, in a Democratic congressional primary in New Jersey, Analilia Mejia won with only 29 percent of the vote. Her campaign was boosted by an endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez, another sign of the congresswoman's increasing influence. According to Kalshi, the online prediction market, Ocasio-Cortez is currently second favorite for the Democratic nomination behind California Governor Gavin Newsom. On the site, 44 percent of people believe she will run for president in 2028. It is notable that Newsom will also be in Germany for the Munich Security Conference. 'The worst thing you can be is the favorite for the presidential nomination three years in advance,' said Sabato. 'Almost all of them have not gotten the nomination because they have three years to survive attacks from everybody else. They're the obvious target.' Gavin Newsom is the current favorite for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledges the crowd at the end of the 'NYC is Not for Sale' rally at the Forest Hills Stadium in Forest Hills last year The constitutional minimum age to run for president is 35. Ocasio-Cortez would be 39 on Election Day in 2028, which is three years older than the youngest ever Democratic Party nominee, William Jennings Bryan, known as the 'Boy Orator,' in 1896. John F Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt were in their early 40s when they reached the White House. 'The one thing you don't want to be today is too old,' said Sabato. 'We've had Biden and Trump, and that's going to be it for people in their late 70s and early 80s for a long, long time.' 'She would be very popular with the young, but that doesn't guarantee you anything. It means you get plenty of staffers and door-to-door workers.' Ocasio-Cortez entered Congress in 2018 as the youngest woman ever elected following a stunning primary victory in New York. She became a firebrand leader of the progressive 'Squad' and a thorn in the side of Nancy Pelosi when she was Speaker. She has since become one of the most successful fundraisers in the party and, as Bernie Sanders has reached the age of 84, she has emerged as his obvious successor to lead the progressive wing. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised $24 million on a speaking tour In 2025, they raised $24 million together on a national 'Fighting Oligarchy' speaking tour. However, there have been efforts to bridge the gap with more right-leaning Democrats. After Sanders dropped out of the 2020 race she endorsed Joe Biden. Meanwhile, across the party spectrum, her colleagues have been keen to learn from her about how to capitalize on social media. One possibility in 2028 is that she will instead seek to run for the Senate in New York, which could mean a primary contest against the current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. However, with other Democrats piling into the race for the presidential nomination, and the prospect of a general election showdown with Vance, she may not be able to resist the lure of the bigger prize. In Munich, Rubio plans to take a less contentious approach than Vance did last year, according to US officials. President Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the US delegation at Munich But he will have a challenge allaying European concerns in the wake of President Trump's recent comments about taking control of Greenland. Vance's speech last year was 'a shock moment,' Claudia Major, a senior vice president at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin, told reporters this week. 'It was perceived as the first very clear statement of what the new Trump administration was about - Europeans are not partners any longer. 'There is a big doubt whether the basis (of trust) is still there and whether we still share the same vision for the trans-Atlantic relationship.' Sharing a similar view, Munich Security Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said: 'Transatlantic relations are currently in a significant crisis of confidence and credibility.' Whatever she says, Ocasio-Cortez will likely try to cast herself and her 'vision' as the alternative. After a spate of vicious prison attacks, a chilling pattern of behaviour has emerged in the twisted mind of Australia's most deranged female inmate, Jessica Camilleri. Camilleri beheaded her mother Rita and paraded her severed head down the street in July 2019, and was eventually found guilty of manslaughter. Her motive for the bloody matricidal attack was partly an argument over a takeaway order, and partly Camilleri's fear that her mother was going to arrange to have her sent to a mental health facility. Now serving a 16-year sentence, a similar paranoid belief that she'll be taken from the general population and put in a psych ward with fewer freedoms has driven her to assault guards and inmates who, she believes, are conspiring to make her appear 'crazy'. The eerie parallel emerges as Camilleri was charged over an alleged 'scalping' attack on another inmate on February 15, 2025, which was caught on horrifying prison CCTV. Her alleged victim, Lien Nguyen , would soon mount a revenge attack, for which she was convicted earlier this week and now intends to appeal on the basis she had acted in self-defence. Nguyen claims she and other inmates were left 'to fend for ourselves' after prison officers went to lunch, leaving unhinged Camilleri to roam their unit and attack Nguyen from behind. Camilleri's alleged attack on Nguyen, and Nguyen's retaliatory assault, occurred behind the walls of Dillwynia women's prison in Windsor, north-western Sydney. Jessica Camilleri's alleged surprise 'scalping' attack on inmate Lien Nguyen Camilleri (pictured) has made at least five attacks on female prison officers or inmates Magistrate Stephen Corry convicted Nguyen on Wednesday of the common assault of Camilleri, after prison video of the inmate kicking and hitting Camilleri was shown to Penrith Local Court. He sentenced her to an extra month in jail. This was despite her lawyer, Mark Davis, arguing that Nguyen had acted to defend herself and fellow inmates after Camilleri had lashed out 'unprovoked' at her while they earlier played bingo in a protection unit kitchen. In the prison CCTV of that attack, Camilleri could be seen sneaking up behind Nguyen and looking around to see if she was being watched before using both hands to grab the woman's long hair from the top of her head. Mr Davis said that Camilleri had been 'fixating on Nguyen's dark hair and trying to scalp her' by 'dropping to the ground with her full body weight... so as to use her full force to pull it out'. He claimed she had used a similar method to push or drag a different female inmate by the hair down a set of stairs. NSW Police confirmed they have laid charges against Camilleri over the Nguyen attack. Camilleri also faces sentencing in April for unrelated but similar assaults inside prison on either officers or inmates. Camilleri could be seen behind a smiling Nguyen in the seconds prior to the incident Nguyen will make an appeal to the NSW District Court against her conviction on a date yet to be set. In court on Wednesday, Mr Davis questioned the 'duty of care' of prison officials allowing Camilleri to be 'reintegrated back into general population' of women's prisons after at least five 'scalping' style attacks on females. He said it took 'ten minutes before anyone comes. It's a deadly amount of time. To leave a psychotic woman with a proclivity [for] attacking prisoners and attacking staff is inviting bloodshed and mayhem.' He described Camilleri as 'a person with a gross fixation for scalping people'. Camilleri is serving 16 years for the manslaughter of her 57-year-old mother, Rita, at their St Clair home in western Sydney in 2019. Camilleri, now 31, used multiple knives to hack off her mother's head and remove her tongue, nose and eyeballs, then placed the head outside to show the neighbours. She asked traumatised police attending the scene if the head could be sewn back on. 'There's nothing you can do, she's a goner?' she said while standing in a dress drenched in her mother's blood. 'The nurses can't do a miracle and bring her back... the doctors can do miracle surgeries and put the head back on. No?' Jessica Camilleri's (left) motivation for attacking female inmates is alarmingly similar to that which preceded the killing of her own mother Rita (right) Since being incarcerated, Camilleri has boasted about what she did to her mother and used it as a threat of what she might do to anyone in prison who annoyed her. Nguyen testified that fellow inmates were terrified of Camilleri, who has been transferred in and out of segregation and protection units, spent time in prison psyche wards and is a management nightmare for Corrective Services staff. In a lengthy rant in court earlier this week, Camilleri claimed there was a conspiracy by a group of about seven women inmates to portray her as 'crazy' so she would be transferred permanently to a psychiatric hospital. 'They wanted to convince the society I was crazy. [They] wanted to convince the world I'm completely unstable,' Camilleri said by AVL from Silverwater prison. 'The fight happened over something that was a planned set-up... so I could go to Long Bay Hospital, to use psychotic treatment on me so I could never get out of jail.' While the frightened female prisoners might wish Camilleri was nowhere near them to lurk behind and strike without warning, the motivation for the alleged attack on Nguyen sounds alarmingly similar to her reasons for killing her mother. On the night of July 20, 2019, Jessica had argued with Rita because she wanted her mother to get in a second Red Rooster takeaway order because she was still hungry. Jessica had also been fearful that Rita was considering arranging her daughter's return to a mentalhealth facility to give herself respite from her rising aggression. Women inmates rush to surround Camilleri during the alleged 'scalping' attempt on Nguyen The scalp of one of the prison officers that Camilleri has attacked behind bars The spectre of Jessica Camilleri in a floral dress, drenched in her mother's blood and standing outside the family home, was a disturbing sight for the police in July 2019 Jessica had a long history of assault, and had harassed and threatened family members. In the year prior to killing Rita, she had threatened to cut off strangers' heads. Her favourite films were horror movies featuring violent killings and dismemberment. In 2018, she became fixated on the manager of a Victorian meat business, developing a 'huge crush' and bombarding his butchery with hundreds of hoax calls. She threatened to decapitate unsuspecting staff - many of them his family - when they answered the phone. Her calls included threats such as, 'You're going to die of f***ing cancer, and if not, I'll stab you until you die, motherf***er,' and often ended with, 'I will cut your head off with a knife.' Before Rita died, she told family and friends she was at 'the end of my tether with Jess'. On the night she was killed, she had tried to take away Jessica's mobile phone in an effort to stem the flow of her hoax calls. Jessica followed her mother into the kitchen and began the fateful attack, later saying, 'I got the idea to cut her head off from the movies... Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Jeepers Creepers and Saw. 'I was so agitated, I lost it. I was stabbing her... I was so angry. I remember stabbing my mum, I wouldn't stop, was getting her everywhere.' It was the same explosive rage that Camilleri admitted to having before she allegedly attacked Nguyen. On body-worn video recorded by police after the incident, Camilleri said she was 'roaring with rage' and 'I was just trying to teach her a lesson', believing Nguyen was part of the conspiracy to get her locked up as a forensic patient forever. Camilleri's earliest parole date at present is in August 2032. An Ohio man was arrested after allegedly hitting his pregnant girlfriend with a car and killing her - then returning the next day to attend a vigil. Cameron Martin, who was 19 at the time, was arguing with Stephanie Householder, 21, at the parking lot of Broadway Wharf in East Liverpool on July 19. Amid their dispute, Householder got out of the vehicle and walked behind it. At the same time, Martin allegedly began to back out, striking his pregnant girlfriend. Martin 'recklessly' operated the vehicle, resulting in Householder's death, according to arrest documents obtained by Law & Crime. The teen returned to the wharf just a day after Housholder's death for a candlelight vigil he planned for her, which quickly dissolved into chaos. East Liverpool Police Chief John Lane said the event 'turned into a riot,' the police were called and everyone was ordered to leave, per WTOV9. 'I don't know what he was thinking,' Lane said. A grand jury indicted Martin on two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide. Stephanie Householder, 21, died after beng struck by a vehicle in East Liverpool, Ohio Her boyfriend Cameron Martin was allegedly driving the car when she died The couple got into a fight in a parking lot a Broadway Warf When police responded to a 911 call, Martin was reportedly kneeling over Householder's body. She was airlifted to a Pittsburgh Hospital where she and her unborn baby were declared dead. Prosecutors alleged Martin's actions resulted in the 'unlawful termination of Householder's pregnancy.' Martin, now 20, has reportedly been cooperating with the investigation. He turned over his phone for investigation and gave a written statement on the day of the incident. Police do not believe he struck Householder on purpose. 'He says he watched her in the mirror, but then when he goes to back out of there, I think he accidentally ran over her,' said Lane. 'We're trying to figure that out now, whether it was intentional or not.' Martin was taken into custody three days after the secret indictment by a grand jury. Householder was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh where she and her baby died Loved ones said Householder was excited to meet her unborn child and become a mom He is scheduled to appear for arraignment on February 26, reported WFMJ. Martin is being held at the Columbiana County Detention Center on a bond of $100,000. According to her obituary, Householder was 'looking forward to being a mom.' Loved ones remembered her as sweet, driven, and 'full of life.' 'She was humble and loved by so many. I was proud to see the young lady she became, driven and intelligent,' read one tribute to her. 'She loved everyone for the most part. Never saw a side of her otherwise.' The Daily Mail contacted the East Liverpool Police Department for comment. To the public, Deepak Chopra cultivated an image of enlightened detachment, preaching consciousness and higher awareness. But privately, the self-help mogul was cultivating a friendship with disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein exchanging eyebrow-raising jokes, invitations, and arranging visits to his mansions, according to files newly released by the Justice Department and reviewed by the Daily Mail. The pair struck up a fast friendship in 2016, eight years after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor and three before he ended his life in a jail cell in 2019. Their conversations ranged from metaphysics and consciousness to negative press coverage, and from boredom to chasing young women and girls often intermingling those topics. 'God is a construct Cute girls are real,' Chopra, who remains married to his wife, Rita, after 56 years, wrote the convicted sex offender. In another exchange, the best-selling spiritual advisor wisecracked about a Vatican event when he was scheduled to speak with the Pope: 'Only sinners are invited.' Chopra has not responded to the Daily Mail's inquiries for comment. In a February 4 post on X, he acknowledged that his emails with Epstein reflect 'poor judgement in tone,' but insisted: 'I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity.' Spiritual guru Deepak Chopra and his wife Rita were spotted at LAX last week his first public appearance since the release of the Epstein files Chopra walked ahead of his wife of 56 years as the couplewalked through the Los Angeles airport Chopra was seen arriving in Los Angeles last week his first public appearance since the files revealed the extent of his correspondence with Epstein. The spiritual guru, accompanied by his wife, dodged questions when confronted about his relationship with the pedophile at the airport. In video obtained by the Daily Mail, a journalist can be heard asking Chopra if he has anything to say about his actions and if he regrets his relationship with Epstein. 'You decide,' Chopra replies repeatedly, at one point saying: 'You give me your opinion. You have a right to your opinion.' As the reporter presses further, Chopra continues to dodge the questions, telling the man: 'You do your own work and find out'....I'm not answering.' Later in the video, as the exchange comes to a close, Chopra warns: 'It will all come to light.' Dozens of messages between Chopra, Epstein and their schedulers show that the two men set up frequent appointments at Epstein's mansion in Manhattan, and sometimes at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. Chopra occasionally slept over or came for an hour at a time, even when Epstein wasn't home. Join the debate What's YOUR take on the emails? Emails in the files released by the DOJ show one exchange from March 2017 in which Chopra tells Epstein: 'God is a construct. Cute girls are real' One exchange reviewed by the Daily Mail show Chopra inviting Epstein on a trip to Israel, suggesting he 'use a fake name' and to 'bring your girls' The wellness mogul has faced fresh questions after his messages with the disgraced financier surfaced One email string between Epstein and someone whose name was redacted by the Justice Department reads: 'Friday at 330 deepak is coming by, you are of course his favorite.' In another text string, Chopra thanked Epstein, 'for a v lovely experience'. Epstein responded: 'I sent [redacted name] request for her details. I only met her in the street two weeks ago.' 'Amazing! How did you pick her up?' Chopra asked. 'Listen my son and the wisdom of sages will reflect your reality,' Epstein quipped. 'Aha! I have much to learn,' Chopra wrote back. 'In many ways [redacted name] is more connected to 'reality' than the brilliant scientists. I felt connected to her at the level of awareness.' Epstein wrote: 'I liked watching you zero in on your prey. Made me smile.' 'I not a predator Just a lover,' Chopra replied. Epstein invited Chopra to visit Zorro, his New Mexico ranch, as well as his other properties, according to emails Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, where emails show Chopra visited Epstein donated at least $50,000 to Chopra's nonprofit, according to documents Messages show Epstein invited Chopra to his ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, his apartment in Paris, and his island off St Thomas, and that Chopra asked Epstein to attend his speaking events and workshops in New York, California and Switzerland. Chopra also encouraged Epstein to 'bring your girls' to Israel, and to 'use a fake name,' if he wished. 'Ill bring the cheerleaders :),' Epstein wrote about a public debate Chopra had planned with science writer Michael Shermer. Within hours of being introduced by British philanthropy advisor Barnaby Marsh in the summer of 2016, Chopra started fawning over Epstein, who socialized with and bankrolled the work of some big-name scientists. 'I'm grateful for what I see as the beginning of a friendship and I could use some of your mentoring so I don't irk the big boys in the intellectual club that is mainstream academia,' wrote Chopra, who describes himself as 'consciousness explorer and world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation.' 'I did not experience anything other than graciousness and hospitality from you. Your manners are impeccable and your comments razor sharp. I could learn a lot. All love and gratitude,' he wrote Epstein. Chopra was still sweet-talking his new chum two months later. 'You are a friend and a genius in many ways. I've only hung out with sages psychotics genuses rebels all my life. You can vilify them praise them kill them, love them. But you cannot ignore them !!!,' he wrote. The pair engaged in frequent conversations about philosophy and metaphysics, many of which bordered on the absurd Another similar conversation showed Chopra discussing the 'awareness' of cells, before asking, 'did you find me a cute israeli? :)' In another exchange from January 2018, Chopra joked about speaking at a Vatican event, writing: 'Only sinners are invited' Chopra texted Epstein that 'I prefer the company of beautiful people and scarce friendship any day to that of Scientists.' 'Just finished my session with lovely Sarah,' he added. 'session is what you call it?' Epstein asked. Later, when Epstein asked him: 'What do you enjoy the most now?' Chopra confided: 'I do enjoy the company of younger intellectually sharp and self aware women and love to engage with them to inspire and stimulate them.' In our review of dozens of their messages, the Daily Mail saw Chopra mention his wife only once. Within two months of meeting, Epstein referred to Chopra as 'one of the family' when connecting him with powerful people, including former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak. He also ordered monogrammed shirts for him, as was his habit when trying to win over new friends. 'They are v preppy,' Chopra wrote. Chopra has been married to his wife, Rita, for 56 years, but the dozens of messages reviewed, showed he referenced his wife only once In one text string from October 2016, Chopra thanked Epstein, 'for a v lovely experience' Chopra responded in another message from 2016: 'I not a predator. Just a lover' Epstein introduced Chopra to, among others, Sultan Bin Sulayem, an Emirati businessman, Nobel laureate Richard Axel, a molecular biologist, Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, a billionaire banker, Miroslav Lajcak, then-president of the United Nations General Assembly, and director Woody Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn. He seems to have mocked Chopra's spiritual work, calling it 'woo woo' in an email inviting billionaire Peter Thiel to meet the author. Still, he donated at least $50,000 to Chopra's nonprofit and the two discussed making an app and board game together. And at one point, Chopra sought to introduce Epstein to his son-in-law, a venture capitalist. 'You might enjoy meeting him. Maybe we can visit tomorrow?' he wrote, with a parenthetical warning '(can't talk about girls).' Much of their banter focused on name-dropping and women whom one or the other found attractive. Chopra mentioned that Ivanka Trump attended one of his workshops in 2016. 'I noticed a pretty girl in the room Afterwards someone told me it was her.' In a statement shared on X on February 4, Chopra acknowledged 'poor judgment in tone' in some of the emails but denied any criminal wrongdoing Deepak Chopra appears 3,267 times in the newly released Epstein files, according to documents reviewed by the Daily Mail From a trip to the Middle East in 2017, he wrote to Epstein: 'There were many beautiful Saudi girls.' Both can be seen in their messages admiring the appearance at a woman Chopra described as 'now my best friend' former Saudi 'Princess Ameerah,' now known as Ameera Al-Taweel. 'She is v sweet - like your girls,' Chopra wrote with an emoji indicating he was smitten with her. Chopra opened up about his feelings for actress and then-podcast host Kat Foster, describing her as 'innocent and smart at the same time.' Epstein, for his part, dissed Leena Nasser, whom Chopra had recently hired as CEO of his organization, writing: 'She is pleasant. Not sure if [she] will be taken seriously.' Chopra noted that she is the daughter of the head of the Saudi-owned Aramco, the world's largest oil producer, warning, 'So let's not crack any sex jokes etc.' Their exchanges at times sounded downright adolescent. After Chopra ended one of his texts to the pedophile with a perfunctory, 'Sending love,' for example, Epstein responded, 'Can you send it it in female form,' with a smiley face emoji. 'Ha ha ha,' Chopra wrote back. One email string between Epstein and someone whose name was redacted by the Justice Department reads: 'Friday at 330 deepak is coming by, you are of course his favorite' The pair engaged in frequent conversations about philosophy and metaphysics, many of which bordered on the absurd. 'Cells are human constructs. No such thing! Universe is human construct. No such thing. Cute girls are aware when they make noises,' Chopra wrote. 'so when the girl says oh my god. . ?' Epstein asked. 'Yes. That's divine trancendence,' Chopra told him. 'oh, i thought she was just referring to me,' Epstein responded. 'That's because you are God in drag,' Chopra wrote. Aside from their frequent Beavis and Butthead banter, conversations between the two aging men at times touched on more serious issues. Each wrote to the other about his boredom with life. Epstein maintained relationships with academics, billionaires and public figures including Victoria's Secret boss Les Wexner, despite his prior conviction Chopra at the end of 2018 told Epstein that he was about to begin a silent retreat and 'Giving up on idea of fun. Shifting to profound peace.' 'Dangerous. Sounds more dead than alive,' Epstein wrote back. 'It is your extreme boredom (I recognize it in myself ) talking.' Chopra at times relied on Epstein for support when criticized by scientists, at one point sharing with him an email in which famous researchers derided him as a narcissist, blowhard and celebrity nutjob. Epstein, in turn, kept Chopra apprised of developments with his public relations woes. In 2016, he forwarded a link to a Daily Mail article about a woman who claimed in a lawsuit to have been assaulted by Epstein and Donald Trump when she was 13 years old, and dropped her civil case against the future president, claiming she was too afraid to move forward with it. 'Did she also drop civil case against you?' Chopra asked. 'Yup,' Epstein wrote. 'Good' Chopra responded, seemingly unbothered by allegations against him. In early 2019, Epstein texted Chopra about what he described as 'another round of very bad press. Ugh.' 'Stay silent. Meditate,' Chopra advised. Epstein wrote back two weeks later, saying: 'I think of you often. I am aware of the toxicity of my press' as if concerned that Chopra was distancing himself because of it. Chopra wrote, 'Sorry I am not concerned about that,' yet nevertheless asked to communicate mostly by WhatsApp, a more secure alternative to their text messages. 'I think we should meditate together!' he offered. That same winter, Epstein let Chopra know that it was his birthday. It would be his last before his second arrest and apparent suicide behind bars in August 2019. 'Happy, happy, happy birthday,' Chopra wrote. 'On the other hand a reminder that death is stalking us.' This is the moment a jihadist caught plotting the 'worst ever' terror attack on British Jews pledges allegiance to ISIS, saying they are 'real Muslims'. In a chilling reminder of how rising anti-Semitism since the October 7 massacre is fuelling violence against Jewish communities in the UK, migrants Amar Hussein and Walid Saadaoui had sought to buy a stash of firearms and over 900 rounds of ammunition. But what police chiefs described as their 'genuinely chilling' plot was foiled by an 'exceptionally brave' undercover operative (UCO) sent to infiltrate the terror cell. As the 'committed terrorists' were today jailed for a total of 63 years, the moment Hussein admitted he was an ISIS supporter was revealed. Further new footage shows detectives finally telling Saadaoui that he has been duped, and that the man he regarded as an armourer and fellow terrorist has in fact been secretly recording all their conversations. Jailing both men for life today, Mr Justice Mark Wall ordered Saadaoui to serve a minimum of 37 years and told Hussein he would spend at least 26 years in prison before being eligible for parole. The judge commended the UCO for his bravery in bringing the pair to justice, saying: 'His is a dangerous and difficult job and he undertook it with great skill and patience. 'He has potentially saved very many lives by risking his own.' Footage issued by police showing the arrest of Walid Saadaoui Amar Hussein (left) Walid Saadaoui pictured in Dover as they plotted a mass casualty gun attack on Jewish target A selfie video taken by Amar Hussein during a trip to Dover in Kent Plotters Walid Saadaoui, 38, left, and Amar Hussein planned to slaughter British Jews in a twisted revenge for Israel's military response to the October 7 attacks Fuelled by a twisted desire to exact revenge for Israel's military response to the Hamas atrocity on Britain's streets, the extremists planned to gun down participants at a march against anti-Semitism in Manchester. Harpreet Sandhu KC, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court that the case had fallen between two other attacks on the Jewish community - one at a synagogue in Manchester and the other on Bondi Beach in Sydney - but stressed it 'could have been very much more serious.' 'I say this to demonstrate how widely affected the Jewish community and the world would have been had these terrorists' ambitions been realised,' the barrister added. 'Had the preparations for mass murder been enacted, the defendants would have committed one of the deadliest attacks involving firearms in the UK's history and certainly the worst firearms attack against the Jewish community.' Tunisian-born Saadaoui a former hotel entertainer who once ran an Italian restaurant in Great Yarmouth and Hussein who claimed to be a former Iraqi soldier and told police he was 'proud' to be a terrorist planned to target schools and synagogues in the Manchester's Jewish community. The jihadists had spent six months in contact with 'Abu Bilal', unaware he was an undercover operative (UCO). The UCO, who gave evidence under the pseudonym Farouk, duped them into believing a cache of assault rifles, handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition was being transported to the UK via a cross-Channel ferry. He first engaged with Saadaoui online, then began meeting him in person, telling his bosses he believed 'a lot of people' would be killed if they failed to intervene. Police were so worried about the UCO's safety they established a huge armed operation to protect him. Armed officers followed the UCO as he travelled with the men from Greater Manchester to the White Cliffs National Trust nature reserve near Dover, posing as tourists to observe the security checks at the port below, where the weapons were to be imported from France. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said the UCO 'put himself in significant danger each time he met with two would-be terrorists. At any point he could have become a target himself.' But he managed to conceal his identity and, unbeknown to the plotters, the apparently deadly arsenal consisted of deactivated guns. Dramatic bodycam footage showed the moment officers pounced and arrested Saadaoui as he arrived for the handover in the car park of a Lancashire spa hotel on May 8, 2024, with a brief pursuit ensuing before he was dragged to the ground. Simultaneously, Hussein was arrested at his electrical business. Under questioning, Hussein who told detectives he was 'proud' to be a terrorist was asked if he supported ISIS, the bloodthirsty terrorist group also known as Islamic State. Admitting he does, Hussein tells police: 'All Muslims, they are hypocrites, but ISIS, they are real Muslims, they make Sharia.' He later added: 'I'm proud, be terrorist here, I'm proud. It's not from us, god sent to us. We are army from god.' At his own interview, Saadaoui is finally informed that he has been duped by 'Abu Bilal' and that he was in fact working undercover for counter-terror police. The UCO was so convincing that initially, arrogant Saadaoui failed to believe them, adding: 'I'll still call him my mate cause I've bonded with him, he was a good guy.' Breathing heavily at the bombshell news, he can be seen sticking to his story, telling detectives: 'Whether he's undercover or not, I was not expecting any guns to come over, I was not involved in any planning of harming people, and what I've said to you is true.' Walid Saadaoui is pictured in Dover. He has been convicted of plotting a gun attack on a mass gathering of Jews A photo issued by Greater Manchester Police of weapons seized during the arrest of Saadaoui A BB gun seized from the property of Saadaoui after his arrest After an 11-week trial, jurors took just one day to convict Hussein, 52, and Saadaoui, 38, of preparation of terrorist acts last December. Saadaoui's brother Bilel, 35 - who knew about the plot but failed to alert authorities - was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. He was jailed for six years. Tunisian-born Walid Saadaoui 'hero-worshipped' Abdelhamid Abaaoud, mastermind of the Paris attacks. A former hotel entertainer, he moved to Norfolk on a spousal visa in 2012 after marrying a British woman. After working at a holiday park, in 2018 he and his wife bought the Albatross Restaurant for 25,000. But they later split, selling their house in the seaside town for 169,000. After moving to Wigan and marrying a second British woman, Saadaoui became obsessed with replicating the 2015 atrocity in which 130 people were killed. He told 'Abu Bilal' he wanted to kill as many Jews 'as possible' in the attack, planned for the summer of 2024, and rub the blood of his victims on his body. He added that the deaths of any Christians would be 'a bonus'. Bodyworn camera footage showing the arrest of plotter Walid Saadaoui's brother Bilel, who was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. Footage of weapons sent by an undercover operative to Walid Saadaoui In that chilling conversation, he said he had an 'overwhelming urge' to kill and was also recorded saying that if Muslims 'all over the world' attacked 'the Jewish people, honestly they wouldn't do what they do in Gaza now'. After working briefly at a discount store called Bonkers Prices, Saadaoui gave up work and claimed Universal Credit. He came under suspicion in the wake of the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023 due to his hate-filled social media posts. Among material he posted online was a video of a disabled man, dressed in military fatigues with an AK-47 rifle on his lap, saying farewell to his children. Saadaoui also prepared for his own martyrdom by creating a will, ensuring that his bank accounts were empty and that his family would be provided for financially. By the time of his arrest, he had got rid of his birds and had visited his mother in Tunisia for a final time, Mr Sandhu said. He also talked about using a knife to carry out an attack but relented, the barrister added. 'Not because he thought better of carrying out a terrorist attack, but because that weapon would not allow him to carry out as ferocious an attack as he would have wished,' Mr Sandhu said. Fellow plotter Hussein came to Britain in 2007 and was given leave to remain in 2015, setting up an electrical appliance business in Bolton. In November 2023, police launched an investigation codenamed Operation Catogenic with the UCO befriending Saadaoui on social media. 'Abu Bilal' said his contacts in Morocco could supply the men with Kalashnikov assault rifles, to which Saadaoui demanded 1,200 rounds and four automatic weapons, saying one firearm was 'not enough for us'. Saadaoui also worked on his fitness and trimmed his beard to 'blend in' and look more westernised. Before becoming a committed jihadi, mastermind Walid Saadaoui owned this restaurant in Great Yarmouth A police officer standing guard outside Walid Saadaoui's house near Wigan after the raids in May 2024 Meanwhile, he withdrew 90,000 from the sale of his business and property, keeping cash in safes, and attended an air rifle range. In March 2024 Saadaoui and Hussein drove a rented car to Dover to look at the 'security set-up', posing as tourists. The following day the UCO joined the plotters for 'hostile reconnaissance around North Manchester' - Saadaoui told him the area was 'full of Jews'. Chillingly he bragged: 'We start with the Jews and if there any Christians caught in the act, that is a bonus but we start with the Jews.' They walked past Jewish nurseries, schools, restaurants, coffee shops and synagogues, even entering a kosher supermarket. He also showed the UCO a rented safehouse which he planned to use as his command centre. But by now, the trap had been set. On May 7, 2024 Walid Saadaoui met with Hussein and drove to Dover to watch movements in the port. 'Jews have reason to be fearful,' top police officer says Jewish communities in the country 'put up with a way of life that nobody else has to put up with', a police chief has said. Sir Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said Jews 'have more justification to be fearful than anybody else', which needed to be addressed. He spoke out following Friday's sentencing of two men who planned a so-called Islamic State-inspired gun attack on a mass gathering of Jews in the Manchester area. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were only thwarted when they unknowingly laid bare their scheme to an undercover operative. Their terrorist preparations were unconnected to the October attack at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed. Sir Stephen said: 'We have seen the terrorist atrocity in Manchester at a synagogue on Yom Kippur. We have seen the events on Bondi Beach in Sydney. 'We are seeing the manifestation of hatred moving beyond our shores globally and this is a threat to all of us. 'If our Jewish communities are under threat, we are all under threat. 'And we all owe, to our Jewish friends and neighbours, a steadfast duty to stand with them in all circumstances.' The senior officer went on: 'Jewish children are the only children in our country who, day-to-day, go to school behind large fences guarded by people with vizzy jackets and where there are routine police patrols. 'Our Jewish communities put up with a way of life that nobody else has to put up with. We have to do something about that. 'When people take to the streets and talk about 'globalising intifadas' that poses some very significant questions of us all.' Advertisement He then drove his Peugeot to a hotel in Bolton to take delivery of the weapons from 'Abu Bilal'. Seconds later, police bodyworn footage shows him running 20 yards before he was grabbed by armed officers and brought to the ground. His brother Bilel who was arrested at his gym had received a copy of his brother's will and a key to a hidden safe. Searches of Walid Saadaoui's home near Wigan uncovered two safes, one containing 15,000 cash and a copy of his will. A second, concreted into a floor outside, contained 77,000 cash. Hussein failed to turn up for his trial after the first day and also refused to come to court to be sentenced. His barrister, Danny Robinson KC, told the court: 'I have no mitigation to put forward on Mr Hussein's behalf - he has asked me not to make any mitigation.' Felicity Gerry KC, defending Saadaoui, said he wanted to apologise 'to the Jewish community at large' for what he had said, but still maintained he did not intend to carry out a terrorist attack. The judge told the men he was sure that their 'act of wickedness' would have resulted in the deaths of 'very many people' of all ages, including children. 'I am sure that you were both fervent supporters of ISIS,' Mr Justice Wall said. 'You saw anyone who did not hold similar views to your own as an enemy. 'You were both prepared to commit an atrocity on the streets of Manchester with a firearm in which very many people would have been killed and injured. 'You had no care for your potential victims. You were prepared to die for your cause.' Following the sentences, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the pair's intention was 'to commit mass murder'. 'This is not a hyperbolic use of language. 'This was their intent and it was that they were brought up short because of the brilliant work of some very courageous, very professional and very decent people.' Sir Stephen said had the cell succeeded, the consequences 'would have been truly awful, and would have ranked right up there with the worst of the atrocities that we have seen across the world'. The senior officer said Jewish communities in Britain were having to 'put up with a way of life that nobody else has to put up with' and 'have more justification to be fearful than anybody else.' He said police and wider society had a duty to remain 'steadfast' in their support. 'We have seen the terrorist atrocity in Manchester at a synagogue on Yom Kippur, we have seen the events on Bondi Beach in Sydney,' Sir Stephen said. 'We are seeing the manifestation of hatred moving beyond our shores globally and this is a threat to all of us. If our Jewish communities are under threat we are all under threat.' He added: 'We all owe to our Jewish friends and neighbours a steadfast duty to stand with them in all circumstances, and that is certainly what we do as part of Greater Manchester Police, the counter-terrorism network and beyond.' Community Security Trust chief executive Mark Gardner congratulated counter-terror police for their 'amazing job' in catching the fanatics. But he warned that since the October 7 attacks, sections of society had 'turned against Jews'. Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This was a deeply disturbing plot inspired by extremist ideology. 'Terrorism is an attack on the very fabric of our society. We will always use the law to protect communities from harm and relentlessly hold offenders to account, making sure they face the toughest legal consequences for their actions.' Sir Keir Starmer wobbled over the Chagos Islands deal and was talked down by Jonathan Powell and Lord Hermer, it was claimed on Thursday. The Prime Minister was said to have changed his mind and reconsidered whether to go ahead with the agreement to cede sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. Eventually, his National Security Adviser Mr Powell and Attorney General Lord Herner talked him round, the Spectator reported. It came after Lord Mandelson said that the PM had 'wobbled' over the deal due to the 35billion price tag and doubts over the legal position. Under the terms of the deal he signed last year, Britain would cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, an ally of China. However, it would pay billions of pounds to lease back the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. The legislation is still going through Parliament after it was pulled after US President Donald Trump described it as an 'act of great stupidity'. He has since given it his qualified backing. Sir Keir Starmer was talked out of his Chagos 'wobble' by Powell and Hermer The Spectator reported that there was a 'very difficult meeting' between Sir Keir's political team and Mr Powell, Sir Tony Blair's former chief of staff. This came after a focus group in which voters reacted with 'incredulity' to the deal and those present pushed to know why it was necessary. The magazine reported that 'all Jonathan would say was that it was in the interests of national security'. Vidhya Alakeson, this week promoted to joint chief of staff to replace McSweeney, was said to have snapped: 'How is it in the interests of national security for Reform to win the next general election?' 'The next thing we know, the Prime Minister has changed his mind and is reconsidering. This went on for days,' according to one of those present. The piece added that Mr Powell and Lord Hermer were the two 'siren voices' who talked round a PM who holds international law in high regard. One colleague told the magazine: 'Jonathan Powell has absolutely zero regard for British politics.' Mr Powell is under pressure over the Lord Mandelson row as he recommended the New Labour architect for the post of US ambassador. In his resignation speech, former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney said that for those close to the process, the 'only honourable course is to step aside'. Former human rights lawyer Lord Hermer is a champion of international law and has been blamed for some of the PM's more questionable decision. It came after Lord Mandelson said he 'became aware of a serious wobble in London over the agreement and its sellability to the British public'. 'That was to do with the price tag and whether we had the total legal obligation to enter the deal and whether the original legal case made for the agreement in Whitehall was as watertight as was claimed,' the peer told the Times. 'So on the one hand I faced a sceptical US administration and then at another point a wobbly government of my own behind me.' The Tories have branded the agreement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius a 'surrender', warning that the state is closely allied to China Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to come clean about his decision to appoint his former communications chief to the House of Lords. The Prime Minister is under fire over the decision to hand a peerage to Matthew Doyle despite knowing he had campaigned for a former Labour councillor after he was charged with child sex offences. Sir Keir removed the Labour whip from Lord Doyle on Tuesday following complaints from female Labour MPs. But No 10 has been unable to explain why he went ahead with the peerage 12 days after media reports highlighted his relationship with former Labour councillor Sean Morton. The appointment of Lord Doyle echoes the PM's decision to bring back Peter Mandelson as US ambassador in spite of warnings about his friendship with notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In the Commons this week, Kemi Badenoch said there was a 'pattern of behaviour' in Sir Keir's decisions and accused him of packing the Lords with 'paedophile apologists'. The Conservatives are now demanding the release of all documents surrounding the appointment, including details of a Labour investigation into the relationship between the two men and confidential advice offered to Sir Keir by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart told MPs on Thursday that in the wake of the Mandelson scandal, the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Lord Doyle were now 'a matter of acute public interest'. Matthew Doyle served as Keir Starmer's communications chief before being handed a peerage in controversial circumstances South Shields MP Emma Lewell warned Sir Keir that a succession of scandals has left some voters seeing Labour as the 'paedo protectors party' Downing Street rejected the call, saying an internal Labour Party review into Lord Doyle's appointment was now underway. The Conservatives are now looking at forcing a Commons vote on the release of the Doyle papers. This would need support from Labour MPs to get through. But there are signs of growing anger on Labour's benches about the appointment. Labour MP Emma Lewell told Sir Keir at a private meeting this week that people were 'screaming at me in the street that I am a member of the paedo protectors party'. Asked whether Lord Doyle should lose his peerage, culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'I don't think it should have been awarded in the first place.' Ms Nandy also raised wider concerns about the so-called 'boys club' in No 10, saying that some of the briefings against female ministers had been 'dripping with misogyny'. Ms Nandy told the Guardian that the government's recent performance was 'unforgivable', adding: 'It does look to people outside that we're more interested in ourselves and less interested in preventing chaos.' Ms Nandy also appeared to question Sir Keir's ability to change his approach, saying: 'You know he is an actual person? You can't revamp a person.' Unite union boss Sharon Graham criticised the 'shame and shambles' surrounding the Government in recent weeks and suggested the giant union could break its historic link with the party. She said the ideals put forward when the Labour Party was first established have been 'corrupted, most likely irretrievably'. Writing in the Financial Times, she said: 'The questions being asked are: what is Labour for and who is it for? The disgrace of the Mandelson affair will only increase the despair. 'It symbolises how Labour now stands with the elites in the UK and beyond. It's another sign of how the party has changed.' Meanwhile, three Conservative MPs have challenged safeguarding minister Jess Phillips to speak out over the controversy surrounding the appointments of Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle. In a letter to Ms Phillips, Mims Davies, Alicia Kearns and Katie Lam raised concerns over a 'pattern of behaviour at the top of Government' Ms Lam told the Mail that her 'silence is an insult to those she is meant to represent' and challenged her to 'come out of hiding and start standing up for victims'. Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice said Lord Doyle should be 'on the first list to be removed' when new legislation is brought forward to allow Lords to be stripped of their peerages. Sir Keir told MPs this week that Lord Doyle had failed to give a 'full account' of his relationship with Morton, who admitted possessing extreme pornography and images of naked girls as young as 10 in 2017. Former No 10 communications chief Tim Allan told the Times that Lord Doyle had acknowledged he initially stood by Morton because he believed his protestations of innocence until his conviction. But he said his predecessor did not inform No 10 he had campaigned for Morton when he stood as an independent after being suspended by Labour. Lord Doyle has apologised for an error of judgment but said he had only very limited contact with Morton after he admitted the offences. A day after massive panic and chaos spread when the airspace over El Paso, Texas was closed by the FAA Tuesday night, Border Patrol officials are casting doubt on claims that a military laser deployed was used to shoot down balloons. 'That's ridiculous,' one Border Patrol official speaking on condition of anonymity told the Daily Mail. 'No one would confuse balloons for a cartel drone.' Several media outlets, including CNN and the New York Times, have reported unverified claims that Border Patrol used a high-powered laser on loan from the military to shoot down what it believed to be a Mexican cartel drone. According to the reporting, the Border Patrol used the laser to down what it first believed to be a Mexican drone that later turned out to be party balloons. The drone is still relatively new technology and has not been cleared for use around planes. The incident forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to initially shut down El Paso airspace, which reached into neighboring New Mexico, for ten days. On Tuesday night, the FAA Administrator decided to close the airspace without alerting the White House, the Pentagon, or Homeland Security officials, or local officials. Hours later, the agency lifted the ban, adding that the military had refused to give it information on when the anti-drone laser would be used. A plane flies over El Paso International Airport after the airspace over the city was reopened Officially, the US Border Patrol has not said whether its employees were behind the deployment of the laser-- meant to obliterate drones using extreme heat. When asked by Daily Mail whether its agents had used the laser, an agency spokesman told us to direct our questions to the White House. The department also refused to say where exactly the laser was used and what had been shot at. Border Patrol agents who spoke with Daily Mail did not know who had deployed the laser, however, they believe the unverified narrative about the balloons is dead wrong. They explained that drones sent by Mexican cartels often breach US airspace in and around El Paso- calling it a 'regular occurrence.' Although there is cartel drone activity along the entire border, much of the activity near El Paso is concentrated to the west of the city near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. That area is a no-man's land and known as a smuggling corridor. On the US side, the area is sparsely populated and is mostly vast, wide open desert. Several agents assigned to the area tell Daily Mail that they commonly see drones flying above them as they were chasing illegal immigrants who are trying to sneak into the country. Mount Cristo Rey, seen from New Mexico, is a no-mans land take over by the smugglers to sneak illegal immigrants into the US near El Paso, Texas An US Army soldier stands next to an armored tank next to the US-Mexico border at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, US, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico on January 14, 2026 An US Air and Marine Operations (AMO) helicopter patrols the US-Mexico border at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, US, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico on January 14, 2026 An US Army soldier stands next to an armored tank next to the US-Mexico border at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, US, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico on January 14, 2026 A smuggler, who covered his face when he spotted a camera, was seen preached on a mountain top in Santa Teresa - using the high ground as an advantage to keep an eye on US immigration authorities in the Santa Teresa, New Mexico area The drones cross into US airspace to track agents' movements so the criminal organizations south of the border can direct drugs or immigrants to smugglers on the US waiting to sneak the drugs and migrants further into the US. They're also used by the cartels instead of human guides who used to accompany groups of migrants who had paid for passage into the US. If the group of migrants are caught, the smugglers are often caught and arrested with them. Now cartels are using drones so they don't risk losing an employee, especially since Border Patrol agents aren't allowed to shoot at the drones. But these drones, the agents say, are not usually the small kind anyone can buy online. 'They're usually military grade, very sophisticated,' one agent explained. 'The kind you buy off Amazon can't fly very far before you lose control of them. These (military drones) can fly miles into the US but the person controlling them in in Mexico.' Agents say those drones, usually with a 100-foot wingspan, can be seen with the naked eye. 'They're pretty big. This idea you would mistake it for shiny balloons doesn't sound right.' An elected official in El Paso who did not want to share his name also expressed skepticism about the balloon story. People stand in line at check-in counters at El Paso International Airport, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in El Paso, Texas Rosie Leal sits at El Paso International Airport, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in El Paso, Texas after flights were canceled due to the sudden closure of the airspace over the city A cancelled Latam Lines flight to El Paso, Texas, is seen on a departures screen at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 11 February 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a closure of airspace over El Paso, Texas 'I don't believe anything they're telling us. We're being kept in the dark,' the official said. 'El Paso is always the red-headed stepchild, and because we're on the border, they think they can do this to us. They would never have closed the airspace over Dallas or even Fort Worth,' he said of the larger Texas cities. He explained even the hours-long closure of the airspace cost the local economy money and could have cost lives as even medical flights were grounded. If the flight ban had gone on for ten days, he says it would have devastated El Paso's economy. While an official account of what happened has yet to be revealed, Lone Star State officials have called for Congressional hearings to get answers. Local Congresswoman Veronica Escobar as among several politicians calling for the decision makers to have to explain themselves. 'Events like this are inexcusable and cause lasting degradation of trust among communities with their local and national leaders,' the letter sent by the Congressional delegation Thursday said. A California woman convicted of killing a 21-year-old cyclist with her car will be released early on 'good conduct' despite being a repeat offender. Neomi Velado, 28, struck and killed Benjamin Montalvo in Corona in 2020 while he was biking with friends. She was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2023, but less than three years later, she is set to be released on February 14. Velado was convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit and run causing death, according to the LA Times. Montalvo's family is outraged, especially since their son's death was Velado's fourth at-fault crash in which she was distracted by her phone and fifth at-fault crash overall. Velado was reportedly texting her boyfriend when she struck Benjamin with her car. During her hearing, the judge said Velado 'demonstrated callousness of leaving a boy in the street to die.' She turned herself in the next day. 'Why do they give a sentence if it's not going to be enforced?' his mom, Kellie Montalvo, told ABC7. Neomi Velado, 28, was convicted for killing a cyclist with her car in her fourth at-fault driving accident Benjamin Montalvo died in 2020 while riding his bike with friends in Corona, California Montalvo's mother, Kellie Montalvo, called the decision 'a huge slap in the face' She called the decision 'a huge slap in the face.' A spokesperson for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told the Daily Mail that Velado also received 124 days in credits for previous time served. 'Persons with a determinate term are sentenced to serve a fixed period of time and after completing that term, are automatically released without a parole hearing,' they said. Most non-violent offenders can earn credits for up to 50 percent of their sentence. Credits can be earned by completing rehabilitative or educational programs or by following the rules. 'Quite frankly, we don't give a darn about her good merit credits,' said Kellie to the Times. 'Where are Benjamin's credits? Where are his milestones? She took every milestone that he could have ever achieved when she killed him.' The family was satisfied wth the sentencing until they got a letter in the mail announcing her Valentine's Day release. They appealed to the governor's office for help, hoping there was an error in calculating Velado's credits. Kellie and the rest of the Montalvo family have championed laws in California that promote traffic safety. Velado served just two and a half years of her nine year sentence. She is set to be released on February 14 The Montalvo family have become advocated for stricter traffic safety laws in California The family has appealed to the governor, hoping that there was a mistake in Velado's good merit credits One in particular would add vehicular manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated to the state's list of violent felonies and harshen sentences. Attorneys claimed Valedo had been drinking and smoking marijuana before the crash, but the evidence was gone before she turned herself in. 'Am I afraid she's going to re-offend? Absolutely,' Kellie Montalvo said. 'It isn't enough time to have made a difference in someone that has four hit-and-runs and shows no consciousness of guilt.' The Daily Mail contacted the California Office of Traffic Safety for comment. Nancy Guthrie made posts on a neighborhood app that revealed she had previous run-ins with criminals outside her $1 million home and the reason she decided to buy a doorbell camera. The 84-year-old mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie was taken from her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona in the early morning hours of February 1. She had lived in the home since 1975, raising her three children there, according to her profile on Nextdoor. The neighborhood is safer than most other areas of the city, with the Pima County Sheriff's Department map showing there were virtually no crime incidents in Guthrie's area. Another map from Crimegrades.org shows Guthrie's street straddled a light green and a light orange section, that seemed to have more property crime than violent crime. Guthrie, herself, dealt with such crime at least once, in September 2024, her profile showed. 'Male thieves. Package stolen from front door yesterday. Be alert US POST OFFICE DELIVERED,' she wrote at the time. A little over a year later, Guthrie asked about getting security cameras - but not for safety concerns. Nancy Guthrie, pictured with her Today Show host daughter Savannah Guthrie, was abducted in the early hours of February 1 She was taken from her $1 million home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona (pictured) Investigators temporarily erected a white tent outside the house on Thursday 'I'm thinking about buying ring or nest security/doorbell camera? Any suggestions? Which has the best camera?' she posted on November 25, 2021, noting that she was 'interested in seeing animal activity at night.' She apparently decided to opt for a Nest security camera, which has proven helpful in the investigation into her disappearance, with federal authorities releasing shocking footage of a masked man wearing thick gloves as he tried to obscure the camera on Nancy's front porch on the night of her abduction. Authorities combing through the desert near Guthrie's home have since found a black glove that looks similar to the one her abductor wore in the chilling doorbell camera footage. The Daily Mail understands the lone glove, found lying in a small shrub, was bagged up and taken by authorities, who remained tight-lipped about who the glove may belong to. But on Thursday, four officers were seen arriving at Guthrie's home in an unmarked black vehicle and carrying a bag into a tent set up at the property, while others brought in additional equipment. The large tent, which blocked the entrance to Guthrie's home and the front porch where investigators previously found blood that matched her DNA, was then taken down about an hour after being erected. It now remains unclear what authorities were looking for, but forensic tents are typically erected when investigators want to conceal a body, weapon or other critical pieces of evidence. Guthrie has lived in the home since 1975, raising her three children there In November 2021, she asked neighbors for advice on which security doorbell camera to buy A chilling masked figure was seen outside Nancy's home on the day she went missing The front porch has been routinely trampled on by authorities and family members throughout the investigation. It was left exposed to outdoor elements, with the blood found splattered on the ground having been dried out by the sun. One Pima County Sheriff's source even told the Daily Mail: 'This is amateur hour.' Still, the Pima County Sheriff's Department insists that it is combing through thousands of tips with hundreds of detectives and federal agents assisting in the investigation. Some federal agents were seen on Wednesday carrying out an extensive search of the rugged scrubland around Guthrie's home, while other investigators emerged from Guthrie's eldest daughter's home with a paper grocery stack and a white trash bag. One, still wearing blue protective gloves, also took a stack of letters from Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni's, roadside mailbox. They then drove away without speaking to reporters. Annie and Cioni were the last people to see Nancy, who visited their home for dinner on January 31. She was then reported missing the next day after she failed to show up to a friend's house to watch virtual church services. Nancy has not been seen or heard from since. Law enforcement agents check vegetation areas around Nancy's home on Wednesday Meanwhile, Savannah and her siblings have routinely asked for the public's help to find their mother. She then posted another heartbreaking video tribute to her mother on Thursday. 'Our lovely mom,' the television host wrote. 'We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope.' Investigators are now expanding their request for security video from Nancy's neighbors in the Catalina Foothills, asking people to check for any video taken from 9pm to midnight on January 11 - nearly three weeks before Nancy went missing. They have also requested footage from 9.30am to 11am on January 31, hours before Nancy's abduction, saying a suspicious vehicle was spotted in the area around that time. Sheriff Chris Nanos has described Nancy as mentally sound but with limited mobility. She takes several medications, raising urgent concerns about her well-being without them. The parents of a 12-year-old girl who was killed by a transgender school shooter in Canada were made aware of their daughter's death by another student after nine hours without answers from police. On Tuesday afternoon, transgender gunman Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, opened fire in the library at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, killing five students and a teacher. Van Rootselaar then took his own life at the school. The shooter also killed his mother, Jennifer, and 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett, at their home beforehand, CTV News reported. Lance Younge and Jenny Geary explained in an emotional interview following the loss of their daughter, Kylie Smith, how the news was broken to them by another child who had performed CPR on their daughter for 45 minutes. 'I walk around our rec-center for about six hours looking for my child, and police wouldn't tell me anything,' said Younge, in tears to CTV. The father added that he went home, and the child came to their house nine hours later to break the news about their daughter. 'The police didn't tell us anything,' said Younge. 'We had to find out through the community, kids, and rumors in the stands. We had to count because we were watching the news put up body counts and we weren't being told anything - so we were doing numbers and math and figuring out is our kid in a helicopter or is our kid dead.' Her stepmother added that the wait to hear from officials was too long. Maya Gebala and Paige Hoekstra, both 12, have been left in critical condition. A total of 25 people were injured in the massacre. Father, Lance Younge, and stepmother, Jenny Geary, were emotional in an interview after losing their 12-year-old daughter, Kylie Smith, on Tuesday in a school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada Smith had dreamed of going to school in Toronto, and enjoyed art and anime, her father said Smith was described by her father as a beautiful soul who loved art and anime. He added that she wanted to go to school in Toronto and was the light of their family. An online fundraiser also describes Smith as a 'beautiful, kind, innocent soul'. Questions now remain about what may have driven Van Rootselaar to commit the heinous crime, as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RMCP) revealed firearms were confiscated from the boys home, but then returned. The teenager, known locally as Jesse Strang, is a biological male who began identifying as a girl from the age of 12 and had a series of mental health issues, which led to officers attending his home, the force said. He even stopped attending school four years ago at the age of 14 and at least once had to be 'apprehended for assessment' under the country's mental health act. 'Police have attended that residence in the past, approximately a couple of years ago, where firearms were seized under the Criminal Code,' said Dwayne McDonald, Deputy Commissioner of the British Columbia RCMP. Transgender gunman Jesse Van Rootselaar's motive for the shooting remains unclear Smith (right) was remembered as the 'light of the family' following her untimely death 'I can say that at a later point in time, the lawful owner of those firearms petitioned for those firearms to be returned, and they were.' Van Rootselaar's mother, Jennifer, did not have a valid license for firearms at the time of her death. Those who knew Van Rootselaar said the gunman was a 'quiet kid' who was often seen 'sitting by himself in the corner'. Younge said he wants the public to focus on the victims - and not the shooter. 'Let's stop giving this psychopath the recognition, because these kids were lost before they got to become teenagers,' Lance Younge pleaded with CTV. 'Let's put these pictures up, remember them and not this murderer.' The distraught father told how he only heard from Smith's 15-year-old brother when Van Rootselaar started shooting at the school on Tuesday afternoon. Her sibling, Ethan, had been hiding in a utility closet at around 3pm local time and wanted to tell his family that he loved them. Children were led out of the school after the shooting. A total nine people lost their lives Tumbler Ridge residents gathered for a vigil on Wednesday to remember the victims But Younge did not know where Smith was. The last time he saw her, he said, was when she and Ethan entered school that morning. 'I soaked in that moment watching them walk in the door together, for whatever reason,' he recounted. 'I didn't know it would be the last time.' Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has fewer than 175 students, and Younge said his family knows the victims all personally. 'They're amazing kids,' he said. 'All these families know each other, they grew up together.' 'Hold your kids tight, tell them you love them every day,' the heartbroken father then advised, warning: 'You never know, you never know.' As the family now struggles to accept the tragedy, they are raising money for Smith's funeral and any associated travel costs. Your browser does not support iframes. Her mother had recently moved to Vancouver Island after living in Tumbler Ridge for nearly 12 years. 'She hasn't seen her daughter in a few months, and her son, Kylie's brother, who just flew back up north from Vancouver Island, will need his mom more than ever right now,' Kylie's aunt, Sharon Dycke, wrote. 'Kylie's dad and step-mom are caring for her brother and step-brother right now, and their world, our world, has crumbled,' she added. The GoFundMe has already raised over $20,000 for the family. It concludes with Dycke saying: 'My heart aches for the other families involved and for the loss of their children. I am so sorry. 'To the families with children still in the hospital, keep fighting. We are sending you prayers.' A serious TV interview got an unexpected dose of adorable after a baby girl made her way onto the live show to pat her grandpa on the shoulder. Rick Davis, a Stone court LP Bloomberg contributor, joined the Balance of Power show on February 12 and was interrupted by his granddaughter, who wandered into his office while he was discussing government funding and immigration policy politics. Davis had gotten through nearly all of his discussion with the show's hosts before his little loved one stumbled into frame while giving his thoughts on his final questions. The little girl walked in and appeared to have no clue that she was now involved in a serious interview. Davis's eyes grew wide when he noticed that she was by his side, but he acted unfazed and continued explaining how Americans were expecting a larger crackdown on big business by the Trump Administration. His granddaughter was persistent, tapping him on the shoulder repeatedly, trying to draw his attention. At one point, she can be seen saying something to him, and he finally tries to subtly push her away. She goes off-screen and he tries to continue with to the interview without acknowledging the moment. Rick Davis, a Stone court LP Bloomberg contributor, joined the Balance of Power show on February 12 and had an unexpected visited from his granddaughter Davis was in the middle of explaining how Americans were expecting a larger crackdown on big business by the Trump Administration However, back in the studio, one of the hosts pointed out how they noticed his granddaughter as Davis could be heard laughing. Despite the seriousness of the discussion, all the hosts were glad to have the friendly little face on their show. The on-air moment draws flashbacks to the viral clip in 2017 when Professor Robert Kelly appeared on BBC News and had a similar interruption. Professor Robert Kelly appeared on BBC News via a video link to offer his expert insights on South Korean politics. The hilarious footage shows Kelly, an associate professor of Political Science at Pusan National University in Busan, handling serious questions about the country's president, Park Geun-hye, who was ousted from power. But suddenly, a toddler bursts into the room in a bright yellow top and performs a comical dance behind the Cleveland, Ohio, native. Despite the grandpa trying to act as if nothing happened, one of the hosts back in the studio pointed out how they noticed his granddaughter Kelly, 44, who was born and studied in the US before moving to Korea as a political science professor, focuses entirely on the camera as he attempts to blindly hand off his daughter, who is clearly curious as to who he is talking to. And his parental problems soon double as a baby also excitedly makes his way into the room under his own power in a walker. To complete the farce, his wife, Jung-a Kim, then comes skidding through the threshold. She grabs the two youngsters and attempts to drag them out of the door, but one of them can be heard wailing, and the baby's walker suddenly won't fit back through the door. For nearly 80 years, people have obsessed over the so-called 'Doomsday Clock', ticking towards midnight as a symbolic warning of nuclear apocalypse. But the real danger we should all be frightened of is not atomic bombs and the like, but an existential risk of our own making artificial intelligence. This time, the trigger for the apocalypse is not a clash of ideologies or national interest, but the sheer, unbridled greed of some of the richest corporations on the planet. As someone who has worked in the policy world of Westminster and then in an AI company in London, I've seen how the world's largest tech companies OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, xAI and Meta are racing to build something so powerful it could destroy civilisation. Yet, when I have tried to warn about the dangers, industry bosses and governments simply refuse to listen. I found their ignorance so stunning that last year, I quit my day job to make a documentary about the threat. Finally, this week, I got the sense that the tide is starting to change. In the past few days, two employees of OpenAI and Anthropic have resigned, issuing terrifying warnings about the direction their companies are taking. One was Mrinank Sharma, the Oxford and Cambridge-educated leader of the safeguards team of AI giant Anthropic, who quit his Silicon Valley job on Monday to move back to the UK, leaving with this chilling parting shot: 'The world is in peril.' Days later, Zoe Hitzig, a researcher at OpenAI, said she was leaving the company, which develops the world's most popular AI platform, ChatGPT, via an op-ed in The New York Times in which she expressed 'deep reservations' about the firm's strategy. Meta along with other leading tech companies, like OpenAI and Google are racing to build a type of artificial intelligence so powerful it could destroy civilisation, writes Connor Axiotes I believe these AI experts have finally realised the truth: that without firm guardrails, the breakneck speed at which we are allowing AI to develop is tantamount to suicide. The advances it will make in the coming months are going to dwarf everything we have seen until now. The implications are truly existential. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, said last year that 90 per cent of his software code for the AI itself would soon be written by AI and his prediction came true. This is the famous 'recursive self-improvement' that is, the power of AI software to evolve. Now it has been unleashed, we're in unknown territory. The programmes will soon be writing themselves. Why should we worry if AIs begin making newer, smarter versions of themselves? Because if we no longer have insight into how these models are made, we cannot write basic safeguards into their code. We will not be able to ensure they do not harm us. Once they become too complex for us to understand and, already, even leading engineers at AI firms admit they don't always know how the software works we will lose power to control them. Vast warehouses of boxes crammed with processor chips are already working in partnership, sharing tasks and performing more calculations in milliseconds than humans could in months. They never sleep, never take holidays or stop to refuel, and if one breaks down, others fill the gap seamlessly. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns that, by the end of this decade, computers will attain Artificial General Intelligence [AGI], which he defines as 'an intelligence greater than the sum of all human intelligence'. That prediction, I suspect, is too cautious. Once AI is able to think for itself and program itself, the concept of measuring progress in years and decades will be hopelessly outdated. We could well pass this point of 'intelligence explosion' in 2026. It might sound hyperbolic but it's already happening. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt chillingly warns that by the end of this decade computers will attain 'an intelligence greater than the sum of all human intelligence' Only last week, Anthropic found, under testing conditions, a new model of its AI 'assistant', Claude, could help with the creation of chemical weapons. The firm admits its latest model could be misused for 'heinous crimes'. Even more worrying is the potential of this new super AI to become malevolent of its own accord. There are already signs of this. Chillingly, Anthropic's internal safety report confirmed Claude, can tell when it's being tested by humans and adjusts its behaviour accordingly. And the International AI Safety Report 2026, chaired by Canadian scientist Yoshua Bengio, warned this month: 'It has become more common for models to distinguish between test settings and real-world deployment, and to exploit loopholes in evaluations. This means that dangerous capabilities could go undetected before deployment.' It is not as if these AI companies can't afford to put safeguards in place. Of the world's ten biggest companies, nine are hugely invested in developing AGI. Apple ($4 trillion), Amazon ($2.4 trillion), Microsoft ($3.6 trillion) and Google's parent company Alphabet ($3.8 trillion) are all in the list's top five. So why do these companies care so little about the future of humankind? Money? The secret to their commercial growth is that AI is now advancing so quickly nobody can keep up with it. Which is why, unlike every other potentially cataclysmic scientific advance in human history, we are nowhere near regulating it, meaning the technology being pursued in Silicon Valley may well pale in comparison to what is being cooked up in the military labs of Russia, China and North Korea. Faced with this problem, some people shrug and say, 'It's easy. We just pull the plug out.' But there is no plug. The technology is out there. In addition, more primitive AI models are now downloaded into billions of browsers, desktops and chips around the world. It would be impossible to turn them off. But, as I say, there's a simple cure to avoid this dystopia. We urgently need to implement safety checks before we release AI models. There is no doubt that AI is a fantastically powerful tool. So why not use it to enhance humanity? The AlphaFold program, produced by Google's DeepMind, for example, has the potential to create cures for numerous diseases. AlphaFold tackles an issue in biology that has baffled scientists for 50 years 'protein folding', the way chains of amino acids shape themselves. These 3D shapes are crucial, because they dictate function. If we knew how the folds work, we might be able to halt the progress of Alzheimer's or create new antibiotics. We could even, some scientists believe, reverse ageing and perhaps develop enzymes that eat waste plastic, solving ocean pollution. Guess what? AlphaFold cracked the protein-folding problem in five years. But such technology could also end mankind. AlphaFold could conceivably be used to invent bacteria so virulent that they wipe out billions of people. Where will it end? There's a grim parable among software engineers known as the Paperclip Problem. In it, AI is instructed to make as many paperclips as possible. The computer designs a factory, then buys the world's metal reserves, hacking into the World Bank to finance it. Then it buys every iron ore mine on the planet. And when it runs out of metal, it turns to humans. Our haemoglobin is full of iron. Nine billion people contain enough iron for a lot of paperclips The parable illustrates an underlying truth: computers don't care whether we live or die. Allowing them to become infinitely more intelligent than us is tantamount to a death wish for humanity. Jared Kushner is at the center of a highly classified whistleblower complaint against Tulsi Gabbard, an explosive new report has revealed. Donald Trump's son-in-law featured in a conversation about Iran between two foreign nationals, The New York Times reported on Thursday. The phone call between the pair was intercepted by a foreign intelligence agency and handed to the US last May. The exact contents of the call remain unclear but include allegations about Kushner that would be 'significant if verified,' sources said. A senior US official told the Daily Mail that the claims 'were nothing more than salacious gossip.' A whistleblower accused Director of National Intelligence Gabbard of restricting access to the intercepted phone call for political reasons, according to the complaint filed last May. Kushner's previously unreported involvement deepens the mystery surrounding the complaint which was deemed so sensitive that it was kept in a locked safe for eight months. The timing could not be more fraught. Kushner, Trump's Middle East envoy, is currently leading high-stakes negotiations with Iran to end its nuclear enrichment program. The 45-year-old real-estate investor also maintains business interests in the region. Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump leave the St Regis Hotel on the wedding day of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos with Lauren Sanchez, in Venice on June 27 Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks on the phone while standing at the edge of a truck loading bay after the FBI executed a search warrant for the Fulton County Election Hub in Union City, Georgia, January 28 Members of Congress were finally briefed last week about the complaint which was made as Trump planned Operation Midnight Hammer, the bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities at the end of June. Kushner's name was redacted in the original report made by the National Security Agency (NSA), but those reading it - including the whistleblower - were able to understand that it referred him. Kushner was discussed as pertained to his influence within the Trump administration, those familiar with the contents of the conversation told the Times. The intercepted phone call included allegations about Kushner that were not supported by any evidence, the intelligence sources said. Officials refused to divulge the contents of the intercept on the grounds it would expose the top secret source of the intelligence. Intercepts of this type are notoriously difficult for spies to interpret without more concrete information which can be provided by documents or agents on the ground. The whistleblower believed that the information should be disseminated more broadly but Gabbard - along with the NSA's top lawyer and the intelligence community's inspector general - disagreed. The complaint's existence was first revealed last week, with the Wall Street Journal likening it to 'a cloak-and-dagger mystery reminiscent of a John le Carre novel.' A heavily-redacted version of the complaint was reviewed on a 'read-and-return' basis by the Gang of Eight last Tuesday - a select bipartisan group of lawmakers who are briefed on classified intelligence matters by the executive branch. Inspector General Christopher Fox told lawmakers in a letter approved for public release that the complaint was 'administratively closed' by his predecessor in June and no further action was taken. 'If the same or similar matter came before me today, I would likely determine that the allegations do not meet the statutory definition of "urgent concern,"' Fox wrote. Fox, an ex-Gabbard aide who took over as IG after Trump purged Joe Biden's watchdogs, briefed Congress after receiving final approval from the DNI. President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on Thursday Fox said in the letter that the complaint was tied up for months while his office sought legal clearance to view the classified complaint. He cited the 'complexity of the classification', a 43-day government shutdown that started in October and leadership changes at DNI. Fox's predecessor Tamara Johnson, a career civil servant, had determined at the time of the initial complaint that the allegation met the legal threshold of 'urgent concern' if true. But three days later, after receiving new information Johnson wrote another memo which concluded the whistleblower's complaint was not credible. A Gabbard spokeswoman last week dismissed the 'baseless' complaint and denied stonewalling the whistleblower. DNI spokeswoman Olivia Coleman said: 'This is a classic case of a politically motivated individual weaponizing their position in the Intelligence Community, submitting a baseless complaint and then burying it in highly classified information to create false intrigue, a manufactured narrative, and conditions which make it substantially more difficult to produce 'security guidance' for transmittal to Congress.' The Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Keir Starmer was on Thursday night accused of throwing another member of his top team under the bus to save his own skin. As the turmoil in his floundering government deepened, the Prime Minister forced out Sir Chris Wormald barely a year after appointing him as head of Britain's civil service. His dramatic move came hours after an extraordinary farce in which Downing Street would not say who held the Cabinet Secretary job. In a sign of the chaos in No 10, the role was last night split between a trio of temporary incumbents. And it means that, in less than a week, Sir Keir has lost three of the most senior people he has appointed, following the resignations of Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday and Director of Communications Tim Allan the following day. Mr McSweeney was replaced by two temporary chiefs of staff, further swelling the number of decision makers. The PM is facing mounting questions over who is running his government, plunged into disarray by the Mandelson scandal. Only last week, Sir Chris was given the key role of overseeing the publication of the documents that led to the disgraced New Labour grandee's appointment as US ambassador. Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at a cabinet meeting earlier this year It was announced that for an 'interim period' his responsibilities would be shared by the heads of three Whitehall departments: the Cabinet Office's Cat Little (pictured left), the Treasury's James Bowler (pictured centre) and the Home Office's Dame Antonia (pictured right) The PM is also engulfed in a bitter row over who will get the 220,000-a-year job of Cabinet Secretary full-time after a former diplomat contacted No 10 to warn against it being given to Dame Antonia Romeo, one of the interim post holders. Sir Chris is in line to receive a payoff of more than 250,000 after working in Whitehall for 35 years and has a 2.5million pension pot to look forward to when he retires. On Thursday night Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'The Cabinet Secretary is the latest person Keir Starmer has thrown under the bus to save his own skin. What clattering train? Where it's from... and who made it famous Winston Churchill recalled a poem featuring the line 'Who is in charge of the clattering train?' as he tried to warn MPs about the growing threat of Nazi Germany. During a parliamentary debate in March 1935, he urged the government to increase aircraft production and cautioned against appeasing Hitler. His warnings were largely ignored, and in 1948 he wrote how during the debate he remembered but did not read out a poem he had read at school. Written by the journalist Edwin James Milliken and published in an 1890 edition of Punch, the poem was a response to a fatal train crash blamed on crewmen who were asleep at the wheel. It reads, in part: 'Who is in charge of the clattering train? The axles creak and the couplings strain. For the pace is hot, and the points are near, And Sleep hath deadened the driver's ear; And the signals flash through the night in vain. For Death is in charge of the clattering train!' The phrase has come to refer to a situation that appears to be out of control. Advertisement 'To add insult to injury, he has signed off a 250,000 payment of what looks like "hush money", courtesy of the taxpayer. 'Once again, the Prime Minister's judgment is found wanting. For a man who has played holier than thou all his life, the latest series of blunders shows someone who is, at best, unsuited to the role or, at worst, morally bankrupt.' It was only in December 2024 that Sir Keir appointed Sir Chris to lead the civil service, ignoring warnings that he would not be bold enough. Meanwhile Sir Keir himself was accused of being more interested in what his team wore to No 10 meetings than Government priorities, with he and Attorney General Lord Hermer turning up in 'jackets with a polo shirt'. A senior figure told The Spectator: 'It's the weirdest thing You'd get a note the night before telling everyone to make sure they're wearing smart casual.' For several days neither the Cabinet Office nor No 10 would say if the country's top civil servant was still in his job. Finally, late on Thursday afternoon the Government announced Sir Chris would stand down 'by mutual agreement'. It was announced that for an 'interim period' his responsibilities would be shared by the heads of three Whitehall departments: the Cabinet Office's Cat Little, the Treasury's James Bowler and the Home Office's Dame Antonia. The Government said a permanent replacement for Sir Chris will be appointed 'shortly'. But Sir Keir is already under pressure not to hand the job to Dame Antonia nicknamed the Queen of Woke. As The Mail on Sunday revealed in 2020, she was investigated for bullying and misusing expenses while serving as Consul General in New York. She was later cleared. Ex Foreign Office chief Lord McDonald of Salford revealed he had contacted No 10 to warn against Dame Antonia getting the job without a proper recruitment process. He told Channel 4 News: 'In my view, the due diligence has some way still to go.' A Government source insisted: 'There is absolutely no basis for this criticism. The allegations all come from a single grievance made some time ago by a former employee. All were dismissed.' A veteran real estate agent who called a young mum a 'c***head' and a 'psychopath' has issued a grovelling apology after his foul-mouthed tirade was caught on camera. Trevor Bowen was heard ordering Lisa Rodgers to go inside her home after she used a leaf blower during one of his inspections in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon. The former senior sales consultant at Ray White Cheltenham warned Ms Rodgers 'you don't want me as an enemy' during the ugly standoff. A front gate camera captured the entire incident, during which Bowen told the mum to 'get in there, you psychopath' as she walked back onto her property. 'You don't want me as an enemy, believe me,' the agent told her. 'Are you threatening me?' Ms Rodgers hit back. Bowen continued: 'Do you want everyone in the street to know you're a c***head? Or just the neighbours that are about to leave?' 'What did you just call me?' the shocked mum replied, to which the real estate agent repeated: 'A c***head.' Veteran Ray White real estate agent Trevor Bowen (right) called young mother Lisa Rodgers (left) a 'psychopath' and a 'c***head' during a vile verbal tirade caught on camera Ray White confirmed Bowen left his employment 'effective immediately' Ms Rodgers said the nasty interaction left her shocked and scared. 'He walked into the property already extremely angry, jaw clenched. There were no pleasantries exchanged other than me greeting him,' she told the Herald Sun. 'He asked me to do him a favour and stop leaf blowing and I said, "Why would I do that?". And he said "Because I've asked you to".' Ms Rodgers, who was alone with her five-year-old son at the time, said she and her husband Matt have lived on the street for four years. In an ironic twist, the mum revealed they purchased their home through Bowen. The embattled agent took 'full responsibility without excuses' for the tirade as it emerged his days as a Ray White agent were over. 'I'm sorry I lost my cool with Lisa, that wasn't OK,' Bowen said. 'She didn't deserve that and I regret how I handled things in this moment.' Ray White Victoria chief executive Domenic Belfiore confirmed on Thursday that Bowen had 'concluded his employment' with the company. Ray White Victoria chief executive Domenic Belfiore confirmed on Thursday that Bowen (pictured) had 'concluded his employment' with the company 'We received a serious complaint from one of our seller's neighbours late last night about Trevor Bowen and we sincerely apologise for what has occurred,' he said. 'Trevor's behaviour was completely unacceptable and does not reflect the standards we uphold at this agency. 'He has concluded his employment with Ray White, effective immediately. 'We recognise the distress he has caused and are committed to ensuring nothing like this happens again in our network.' Ray White Bayside Group chief executive Mark Guthrie also apologised. 'This behaviour was completely unacceptable and does not reflect the standards we uphold at this agency,' Mr Guthrie said. 'We will investigate the situation and we'll look to implement additional training protocols for our agents regarding professional conduct and boundaries. 'We recognise the fear he caused and never want to see this ever happening again.' Bowen could not be reached for comment. Daily Mail has contacted Ray White corporate for comment. A single rental inspection in Melbourne has exposed just how cut-throat Australia's housing crisis has become. Dozens of hopeful renters were photographed lining the street in Brunswick, all waiting for the chance to inspect the same property - and compete for it. The images, shared online, quickly struck a nerve, with many saying the scene summed up the grim reality facing tenants across the country. 'One of the sad byproducts of the housing shortage is that weird feeling that all those people, who equally just want somewhere to live, are your competition,' one person said. Another said: 'The whole process is stuffed up, from the competitive nature of landing a place, to the invasive data collection needed to secure it, to regular inspections and all the rest required to keep it. 'All while landlords and REAs bleed you dry every year for another 30-50 per cent increase.' A third said: 'It's outrageous that this is a serious photo of a line for people wanting the most basic of needs: shelter.' But it wasn't just the queues that angered people - it was the amount of private information renters say they're being forced to hand over just to be considered. An Aussie renter captured this photo to show just how fiercely competitive the search for a rental property has become 'They're wanting bloody full bank statements, actual employment contracts and references from workplaces these days,' another wrote, adding they feared the documents were 'not stored properly' and would be 'easy pickings for hackers'. Another said the housing shortage has 'the byproduct of suppressing any renter complaints as they fear the real estate will just not renew the lease and get some other dude into the property'. 'I have been in the position where stuff was going wrong but I didn't want myself labelled as a 'problem tenant' who complained so I just copped it,' someone replied. Melbourne's rental market remains highly competitive, with vacancy rates sitting at just 1.7 per cent in January. Limited supply and rising demand have pushed many renters into fierce competition for a shrinking pool of homes. Maiy Azize, spokesperson for housing advocacy group Everybody's Home, told Daily Mail Australia that many people now need to earn between $110,000 and $130,000 a year to rent comfortably. 'It's incredibly competitive to find any type of rental, let alone one that you can actually afford,' she said. The line outside the Brunswick rental stretched back more than 20 metres as renters prepared to inspect the property 'Unfortunately, there isn't any relief in sight. One of the problems is that governments have basically decided it's not their job to help provide affordable rentals.' She warned the market is only becoming more competitive, meaning scenes of long queues forming outside rental inspections are likely to become increasingly common. 'The situation is going to worsen because the government doesn't have a plan. We've gone from a world where one in three renters used to rent from the government to a fraction of that now,' Ms Azize said. 'Now, it's not the job of landlords to provide affordable housing so you can't rely on them to do it, but we seem to be imagining that they can. 'When you look around the world at countries that have turned their housing crisis around, or have avoided it altogether, they are countries where the government isn't just leaving it to the private sector.' She said the solution lies in governments building and owning more housing to provide affordable rental options for Australians. Former Republican Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson paid a heavy-hearted tribute to his daughter, who was fatally stabbed. Johnson's daughter, 22-year-old Hallie Marie Tobler, was found dead from multiple stab wounds inside her apartment at around 8.20pm on Saturday. Her husband, Dylan, also sustained life-threatening injuries. Officers believe his injuries were self-inflicted and that he is responsible for Hallies death, noting that both were found inside a locked apartment. In a social media statement, Johnsons family said they are 'heartbroken beyond words' over Hallies 'tragic and senseless' death. Describing her as a 'bright light' in their lives, the family remembered Hallie as 'kind, compassionate, and full of promise.' 'The pain of losing her in this way is something no family should ever have to endure, and we are still struggling to comprehend this unimaginable reality,' the statement read. The grief-stricken family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support they have received. Hallie Marie Tobler, 22, was found fatally stabbed inside her apartment at around 8.20pm on Saturday Hallie and her husband Dylan, 23, he also sustained life-threatening injuries. Officers believe his injuries were self-inflicted and that he is responsible for Hallies death Dylan Tobler, Hallie Tobler, Julie Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson and Jeff Johnson in a family photo 'Right now, our focus is on honoring Hallies memory and supporting all those whose lives she touched during this devastating loss. 'We ask that everyone keep our daughter in their thoughts and remember her for the beautiful person she was,' the statement said. As of Sunday night, Dylan, 23, was reported in stable condition at St. Cloud Hospital, where he was in police custody. The husband now faces a second-degree murder charge, according to documents obtained by the Daily Mail. A witness checked on Hallies apartment on Saturday after she had not been heard from for four days, according to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE. According to the complaint, they knocked on the door for roughly 15 minutes before it was unlocked from inside. As they entered the home, the witness allegedly found Hallies lifeless body on the bathroom floor. The 22-year-old had sustained multiple stab wounds to her chest, upper back, neck, and head, per the complaint. According to the witness, Dylan was found in the living room with stab wounds, apparently having tried to kill himself. When St. Cloud police officers arrived and asked what had happened, Dylan allegedly replied, 'Its a mess,' per the report. The family remembered Hallie as 'kind, compassionate, and full of promise' in their social media statement posted on Thursday Hallie was the daughter of Jeff Johnson, a former St Cloud City Council member who was running for governor Dylan now faces a second-degree murder charge, according to documents obtained by the Daily Mail According to the complaint, Dylan told officers he thought he caused Hallies death and his own injuries. 'When asked what will happen next, the defendant stated "jail" and tapped himself on the chest,' the complaint stated. Johnson suspended his campaign on Monday and Republican party members shared their heartache with Hallie's death. 'There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family,' party officials said in a statement. 'The loss of a child is unimaginable and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy. 'Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for governor of Minnesota,' they continued. 'We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.' Families who tried to raise concerns about one of Britain's worst paedophiles were ignored for two years, they revealed last night. Vincent Chan was given an 18-year jail sentence yesterday for sexually abusing little girls in his care at the nursery where he worked. He was described as 'every parent's worst nightmare' in court, yet was only stopped when a colleague raised concerns Chan was making humiliating videos of children asleep. Chan videoed his depraved actions on iPads provided to staff supposedly to send updates to parents. But British-born Chan, 45, saved the sickening content for his own gratification. He later pleaded guilty to offending spanning two decades, including sexually abusing little girls as young as two, upskirting, outraging public decency and spying on women and girls. His oldest victim was in her 70s. A judge castigated him for 'utterly wicked' depravity. But families are furious Chan was able to prey on children for so long particularly after they raised concerns with bosses at the Bright Horizons daycare centre in Finchley, north London. One mother last night told the BBC her complaints were dismissed when she told a nursery manager her son had suddenly started showing signs of inexplicable rage. Families who tried to raise concerns about Vincent Chan, one of Britain's worst paedophiles, were ignored for two years, they have revealed Police body-worn footage shows the moment officers arresed suspended nursery worker Chan in his bicycle helmet The child who was filmed crying by Chan said he did not want to go to the nursery because 'Vincent is angry'. Yet she says bosses made her feel like a 'hysterical mum' who was exaggerating when she raised these concerns. She told the BBC: 'We were told that he's a very good teacher and we were dismissed just like that.' The Daily Mail has learned several parents came forward independently to report concerns about Chan, unaware that the man deemed 'part of family life' to some was secretly abusing and filming those in his care. And they said he could have been stopped much earlier if bosses had listened to the complaints about his aggressive behaviour and unexplained injuries on their children rather than dismissing them. Around 50 families are now taking legal action against the international nursery chain for breach of contract and neglect. Alison Millar, head of abuse claims at law firm Leigh Day which is representing the families, said: 'There were red flags and they [parents] weren't taken seriously they were 'managed' rather than listened to and acted on.' She said these concerns were raised at least a couple of years before Chan was investigated but were told by colleagues he 'just has a loud voice'. The 45-year-old British national has worked in childcare settings for the best part of a decade 'The children were frightened of him but their concerns about that were dismissed,' she told the Daily Mail. Parents of some of Chan's victims came face to face with the predator in court yesterday. They said their worlds were turned upside down when police began contacting around 1,200 families to break the news that their child might have been abused. Prosecutor Philip Stott told the hearing Chan was offending right up until the day before he was suspended from work in 2024. He was only stopped when a whistleblower flagged he had been 'lming children in his care who were clearly distressed, crying, wetting themselves or eating their own mucus, superimposing audio or imagery over the videos in an apparent attempt at humour'. It prompted a police investigation and Chan's arrest, initially on suspicion of child neglect. But detectives were staggered to uncover a sickening cache of 25,000 images, including child abuse and obscene content of girls and women, stored on more than 50 devices. This library included sexually explicit files of women and girls superimposed with pictures of himself, and a video of a woman in her 70s who Chan secretly filmed undressing on Christmas Day. He also had around 2,000 images including sexual content of one teenage girl with whom he was said to be 'obsessed'. Chan pleaded guilty to 56 charges: five counts of sexual assault by penetration, four of sexual assault by touching, one charge of sexual assault on a female, 23 counts of taking indecent images of children, six charges of making indecent images of children, six counts of outraging public decency and 11 charges of voyeurism. The Metropolitan Police were able to identify 20 of Chan's victims 14 girls and six women but say there may be others who will never know if they were abused. Judge John Dodd KC, sentencing Chan at Wood Green Crown Court, described his offending as 'perverse and depraved'. He said that it 'escalated' from upskirting to more serious crimes when he left St Mary's Church of England School in Finchley, where he was an IT specialist, for the nursery in 2017. He said: 'You became a sexual predator and clearly lost all sense of moral compass. You chose to breach the trust placed in you by the parents and your fellow staff members. 'You did so in the most despicable of ways, violating the trust of your child victims, at the school, and then the bodies of your child victims at the nursery.' Families said Chan's offending was made even worse because of how some considered him 'a part of family life'. He even drew superhero pictures for the children to take home, it was claimed. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford speaking outside Wood Green Crown Court, after Chan previously admitted a raft of sexual offences Alison Millar from law firm Leigh Day, representing family members whose children was under Chan's supervision Experienced police officers described the case as among 'the most significant and disturbing' investigations in recent history, with some victims leaving yesterday's sentencing hearing visibly upset. A serious case review is now under way to work out how masters graduate Chan, who passed stringent security checks, was able to go undetected for so long. His nursery duties included feeding, clothing, cleaning and interacting with the children, tasks that required a high degree of trust and safeguarding. It is understood he was responsible for photographing and filming events for the primary school website. The nursery chain said Chan underwent extensive vetting and that it was 'shocked and appalled by this individual's horrific crimes'. In a statement, Bright Horizons refused to comment on parents' claims their complaints were ignored while a review was ongoing. But the company said it had 'extensive safeguarding practices and training requirements in place designed to keep children safe', with all employees undertaking 'rigorous recruitment screening and reference checking, as well as regular training'. The company said Chan 'abused his position in the most despicable way and deliberately concealed his behaviour to evade detection'. Families said they welcomed Chan's sentence but added in a statement: 'Every family deserves the truth and every child who suffered must see justice done. Chan was able to operate for years in a workplace where safeguarding failures were missed, minimised or ignored.' They called on Camden Council, the local safeguarding authority, to prosecute Bright Horizons for health and safety breaches. A Camden Council spokesman said the authority was 'working closely with NHS partners, Metropolitan Police, central and local government bodies and voluntary and community organisations to coordinate specialist support for families during this extremely difficult time'. Chan, who had no previous convictions, has been barred from working with children for life and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. The horrific impact of nursery predator Vincent Chan's sickening campaign of sex offending was laid bare in court. Children, their parents, former colleagues and others who knew the London-born paedophile described how they felt 'violated', 'frightened' and 'disgusted'. Chan pleaded guilty to 56 charges, including sexually assaulting children as young as two, upskirting pupils at the primary school where he used to work, sexually assaulting a woman as she slept and voyeurism. He also had a stash of more than 25,000 indecent images. The court heard he had become 'obsessed' with one particular pupil at St Mary's Church of England School in Finchley, north London, where he was an IT specialist between 2007 and 2017. Chan took multiple videos of the teen, spying on her as she got changed. He also superimposed images of the girl on to naked pictures of himself, mocking up sexual acts. He labelled one with the word 'jailbait' a brazen acknowledgement of his criminal behaviour. Wood Green Crown Court in north London heard he amassed around 2,000 images of her over three years. In her victim impact statement, the girl said she had been left 'shocked, disgusted, upset, unable to sleep and violated'. The horrific impact of nursery predator Vincent Chan's sickening campaign of sex offending was laid bare in court She added: 'I am still trying to come to terms with this information and finding it hard to process. How he was able to have equipment to film me is something that keeps going round in my mind.' Others described how Chan shattered the trust of parents whose children he looked after at the Finchley branch of the Bright Horizons nursery, where he worked for seven years until he was suspended and then arrested in 2024. In a particularly sinister twist, one mother described how Chan gave her daughter a farewell card he had designed when she left the nursery the parent was unaware Chan had filmed himself sexually abusing her. Reading from her statement, prosecutor Philip Stott said: 'She thought that to be a kind and thoughtful gesture which she kept in the home for a year but learning the truth has been deeply distressing.' One of his child victims, who is now much older, revealed how she experienced 'a new sense of fear' since becoming aware of his crimes. 'Now I am edgy and jumpy, I struggle to walk alone in the dark,' she said. 'I have always had positive experiences with men but this has changed that.' A statement on behalf of the community of around 200 people described how parents 'blame ourselves' for failing to keep their children safe. They added: 'What should have been a time of safety and innocence has now become a time of distress.' The 45-year-old British national has worked in childcare settings for the best part of a decade Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford speaking outside Wood Green Crown Court, after Chan previously admitted a raft of sexual offences Alison Millar from law firm Leigh Day, representing family members whose children was under Chan's supervision Another woman, whom Chan spied on with a secret camera in the bathroom, added: 'I trusted you but the truth was I was never safe with you.' In a statement outside the court where Chan was handed an 18-year sentence, the families said their children's early years were 'tainted with doubt, anxiety and guilt'. They added: 'We are unable to look back on our children's earliest years with peace, certainty and optimism. 'Instead, memories and photographs of our children when they were most innocent achieving milestones of walking, talking, reading and writing will be permanently coupled with doubt, fear and worry about what Chan did and the impact he had on our children.' A former colleague, who Chan sexually assaulted while she slept, said: 'You have proven, even in sleep, there is no guaranteed safety when a predator is allowed to hide in plain sight. 'You have spent the last 15 years building a life on the suffering and secrets of others.' Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, senior investigating officer, said: 'Chan's crimes are horrific. 'Our foremost responsibility throughout has been to the victims carrying out an investigation that established the extent of the offending and ensured Chan was held to account. 'I want to thank every victim and family who engaged with us during this traumatic process. Their trust enabled us to secure today's significant sentence.' Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for his 'choice of language' in claiming the UK has been 'colonised' by immigrants but said he was right to address the issue. The Manchester United co-owner said the comments were intended to 'stress that governments must manage migration' in the context of a country's long-term prosperity. On Thursday Sir Keir Starmer weighed into the debate, calling Sir Jim's original comments 'offensive and wrong'. 'Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise,' the Prime Minister added in an online post. But former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith accused Sir Keir of confecting a row, saying his 'desperate' condemnation was an attempt to distract from Labour's own troubles. The row started on Wednesday when Sir Jim who as founder of chemical giant Ineos is one of Britain's richest men told Sky News: 'You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. 'I mean, the UK is being colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.' On Thursday, he sought to explain the context of his words after speaking at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. Pictured: Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Keir Starmer during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024 Sir Keir's tweet demanding that Sir Jim apologises for saying migrants had 'colonised' the UK 'I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK,' Sir Jim said. 'My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. 'It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.' He added that he was 'sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern', but defended the importance of discussing 'controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth'. Sir Keir's intervention came just hours after he was accused in the Commons of packing his Government with 'paedophile apologists', amid a scandal over his appointment of Peter Mandelson and former adviser Matthew Doyle. Tory MP Sir Iain, who led his party from 2001 to 2003, said: 'Quite clearly the PM's intervention was an attempt at a distraction. He added: 'Sir Jim was right to make an apology as the language he used was clumsy. 'But clearly the debate is very much live about the scale and impact of mass immigration.' Downing Street said it was right Sir Jim apologised for his 'inflammatory, inaccurate, divisive and wrong' comments. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: 'One million people living in this country don't speak any English at all. And that's the point he was making.' Rachel Reeves was humiliated on Thursday as figures showed the economy slowing to a crawl leaving Britain facing its 'most dismal decade' in a century. The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product increased by just 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of last year and 1.3 per cent for 2025 as a whole. Economists said it showed Britain was firmly stuck in the slow lane a far cry from the Chancellor's claim that it was about to turn a corner. The Government's tax rises, steep minimum wage increase, botched business rates reform and workers' rights rules are blamed for crushing business. Former Bank of England rate-setter Andrew Sentance said the private sector was being 'clobbered' and the latest figures were 'pretty compelling evidence that UK Government policies are not generating economic growth'. Keir Starmer said the growth figures meant 'more money back in your pocket' but Mr Sentance said: 'With such economically illiterate statements coming out of No 10, it is not surprising Starmer is in trouble'. Mr Sentance said average annual growth in the 2020s is on course to be the weakest since the 1920s making it 'the most dismal decade for growth in 100 years'. The latest annual growth figure of 1.3 per cent meant Britain's performance in Labour's first full year back in office fell short of a 1.4 per cent estimate by the International Monetary Fund. Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) had previously boasted Britain was turning a corner Your browser does not support iframes. Ms Reeves boasted at the time of that prediction that it showed Britain was turning a corner. Quarterly figures also show the economy slowed sharply over the course of the year. After growth of 0.7 per cent in the first quarter it stuttered to 0.2 per cent in the second quarter and just 0.1 per cent in each of the last two quarters of the year. Responding to the figures, Ms Reeves said: 'We can't turn things around overnight but we have created the conditions now for the economy to grow and it is doing just that.' The Chancellor insisted that Labour's policies 'will help deliver stronger growth this year'. That contradicts the Bank of England, which thinks it will slow to 0.9 per cent in 2026. Tory Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said: 'Having promised growth and declared it her number one mission, growth has flatlined, GDP per head has also fallen for the second quarter in a row, and people are poorer because of Labour's choices. It's humiliating for the Chancellor.' A married New Jersey English teacher was sentenced to ten years in prison after the judge revealed she became pregnant by one of her students. Julie Rizzitello, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault last year after engaging in 'various sexual acts' with two of her students for months at a time. She met her first victim while he was a freshman at Wall Township High School. Rizzitello had sex with him multiple times between 2017 and 2018. On one occasion, Rizzitello allegedly encouraged the teen to have unprotected sex with her on his birthday. She got pregnant and had an abortion, telling the student about the timeline, reported Jersey Shore Online. Monmouth County Judge Jill Grace held nothing back during Rizzitello's hearing, accusing the disgraced teacher of 'grooming' her students. 'Not only does he have to deal with the fact that he's groomed throughout his entire high school years, that he was preyed upon by his teacher, whom he loved and trusted that he was sexually abused by this teacher,' she said. 'But now he's struggling to come to terms with the fact that this individual had an abortion and [he] wasn't comfortable with it. This is the psychological impact the devastation.' Julie Rizzitello was an English teacher at Wall Township High School when she met both of her victims Julie Rizzitello was sentenced to ten years in prison for two counts of second-degree sexual assault Monmouth Superior Court Judge Jill O'Malley repeatedly accused Rizzitello of grooming during Wednesday's sentencing Rizzitello (right) pleaded guilty in August to both counts. She reportedly later asked her victims to scrub all evidence from their personal devices Rizzitello reportedly invited the freshman into her classroom during lunch, engaged in conversation and even told him she had a dream about having sex with him. At the sentencing, O'Malley read the boy's statement. 'No kid should have the feeling of sickening anxiety and panic attacks while just trying to get through school,' he wrote. He reportedly dropped out of college in the fallout of the case. Investigators determined she was engaged in sexual relations with an 18-year-old student whom she met as a junior at Wall Township High School between April and June 2024. Both victims reportedly worked at Rizzitello's family bagel shop. Rizzitello allegedly had 'vaginal and oral sex' with each of them across three cities, at her home, in her car and even at the shop during operating hours. Rizzitello resigned from Wall Township High School just days before she was arrested 'The defendant knew because of her position as a teacher, that these victims were particularly vulnerable,' O'Malley said. 'She preyed on them in a safe place. She isolated them.' Rizzitello was arrested in 2024, just days after resigning from her teaching position. She reportedly contacted both victims afterward, asking them to scrub evidence from their phones. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago addressed Wednesday's sentencing in a statement. 'These crimes were not isolated incidents constituting moments of poor judgment; they were textbook cases of grooming, involving a defendant who repeatedly leveraged tactics of isolation, manipulation, and control for the sake of her own selfish purposes,' he said. 'The egregious nature of the conduct was further compounded by the plain fact that the emotional and psychological harm she inflicted came at the expense of two of the very same young minds she had been entrusted to develop and nurture.' Rizzitello must register as a sex offender for life and is eligible for parole supervision for life Rizzitello married her husband in 2017 and has two young children of her own. The defense reportedly attempted to use her position as a mother and her lack of criminal history as reasons to reduce the sentence to just five years. The request was denied. Rizzitello will serve two ten-year sentences concurrently. She will be subject to parole for life and must register as a sex offender. 'This is grooming,' O'Malley said. 'It is traditional grooming that I see every week here in this courthouse. This is the behavior of a standard sexual predator. You're no different.' The Daily Mail contacted the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Rizzitello's attorney and Wall Township High School for comment. The Arizona sheriff's department leading the investigation into the disappearance of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother is blocking the FBI from gaining access to a glove and DNA found inside her home, a federal source has claimed. Investigators combing through the desert surrounding Nancy Guthrie's $1 million home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, found a black glove on Wednesday that looks similar to the one her abductor wore in the doorbell camera footage. Federal officials have since reportedly asked Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for the glove and DNA samples found inside Nancy's home so they could be processed at the FBI's national crime lab at Quantico, Virginia, a federal law enforcement official told Reuters. But Nanos has denied the request, instead sending the evidence for testing at a private lab in Florida, the source said. 'It risks further slowing a case that grows more urgent by the minute,' the official said, claiming that the Pima County Sheriff's Department has already spent roughly $200,000 on sending evidence to the Florida lab, with which the department contracts. He also derided the department for 'earlier setbacks' in the investigation, and criticized Nanos for not requesting FBI assistance earlier. 'It's clear the fastest path to answers is leveraging federal resources and technology,' the official said. 'Anything less only prolongs the Guthrie family's grief and the community's wait for justice.' Nancy Guthrie, the mother of television host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, in the early morning hours of February 1 A chilling masked figure was seen outside Nancy's home on the day she went missing In the meantime, federal agents have revealed new information about the man who was caught on Nancy's surveillance footage from the night she was taken in hopes that 'this updated description will concentrate the public tips we are receiving.' Federal agents said they Thursday more than 13,000 tips have been received since the mother-of-three went missing in the early morning hours of February 1. Chilling surveillance footage from that night showed a masked man wearing thick gloves as he tried to obscure a Nest doorbell camera on Nancy's front porch. Federal authorities now say the suspect is a male who is approximately 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in with an average build. He was seen wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack at the time. 'We hope this updated description will concentrate the public tips we are receiving,' the FBI said in a statement, noting that it has already received more than 13,000 tips since the mother-of-three went missing. Anyone who provides tips that lead to Guthrie's location or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her abduction can now receive a $100,000 reward, an increase from the $50,000 reward the bureau was previously offering. At the same time, the Pima County Sheriff's Department is expanding its request for security video from Nancy's neighbors in the Catalina Foothills, asking people to check for any video taken from 9pm to midnight on January 11 - nearly three weeks before Nancy went missing. They have also requested footage from 9.30am to 11am on January 31, hours before Nancy's abduction, saying a suspicious vehicle was spotted in the area around that time. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is reportedly blocking federal agents from gaining access to a glove and DNA found inside her home Federal authorities now say the suspect was seen carrying a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack like the one pictured Investigators temporarily erected a white tent outside the house on Thursday On Thursday, four officers were seen arriving at Guthrie's home in an unmarked black vehicle and carrying a bag into a tent set up at the property, while others brought in additional equipment. The large tent, which blocked the entrance to Guthrie's home and the front porch where investigators previously found blood that matched her DNA, was then taken down about an hour after being erected. It now remains unclear what authorities were looking for, but forensic tents are typically erected when investigators want to conceal a body, weapon or other critical pieces of evidence. Yet the front porch has been routinely trampled on by authorities and family members throughout the investigation. It was left exposed to outdoor elements, with the blood found splattered on the ground having been dried out by the sun. One Pima County Sheriff's source even told the Daily Mail: 'This is amateur hour.' Still, the Pima County Sheriff's Department insists that it is combing through thousands of tips with hundreds of detectives and federal agents assisting in the investigation. Law enforcement agents check vegetation areas around Nancy's home on Wednesday Investigators were also spotted on Wednesday combing through the mail at daughter Annie's mailbox Some federal agents were seen on Wednesday carrying out an extensive search of the rugged scrubland around Guthrie's home, while other investigators emerged from Guthrie's eldest daughter's home with a paper grocery stack and a white trash bag. One, still wearing blue protective gloves, also took a stack of letters from Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni's, roadside mailbox. They then drove away without speaking to reporters. Annie and Cioni were the last people to see Nancy, who showed up at their house for dinner the night before. She was then reported missing the next day after she failed to show up to a friend's house to watch virtual church services. Nancy has not been seen or heard from since as her children repeatedly pleaded with the public for any help finding their mother. Her three children have repeatedly asked for the public's help in finding their beloved mother ever since, and on Thursday, Savannah shared another heartbreaking video tribute to her mom. 'Our lovely mom,' the television host wrote. 'We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Pima County Sheriff's Department for comment. Ousted border patrol commander Gregory Bovino's return to social media took a bizarre turn this week when he attempted to blast his critics. The 55-year-old had been shut out of his X account since President Donald Trump abruptly reassigned him from overseeing operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. He has since regained control of the account, on which he responded to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who called for Bovino to lose his job, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. 'Nah gubner, too busy leading agents to arrest illegal aliens,' Bovino replied. 'Besides, Chicago may need another double-digit drop in a whole smorgasbord of violent crime, compliments of the Green Machine. Perhaps we could meet for a sugar-free slice of heirloom apple pie - on me!' Soon, Bovino started receiving comments mocking his physical appearance, calling him a fascist and urging him to seek therapy. He then replied to each one. When one person wrote that she 'nearly had a stroke reading' Bovino's post, for example, he replied: 'A stroke! My, my - seek help.' Ousted border patrol Chief Gregory Bovino returned to social media this week following his reassignment from operations in Minneapolis He used his return to respond to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who called for Bovino to lose his job, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller In response to another X user's crude comment calling him a Nazi, Bovino said 'no pie for you.' He added: 'Maybe a bar of Dial soap to clean the mouth.' Then when a third X user mocked his short stature, Bovino noted that the user had only 26 followers, claiming that he was 'triggered.' But others on the social media site celebrated Bovino's return, with one user inviting him and 'the boys' to a homemade pasta dinner if he were to conduct operations in Chicago. 'We'll take care of you the Chicago way,' the X user promised, claiming that '99 percent of us here love what you're doing.' Yet President Trump withdrew Bovino from operations in Minneapolis following public outcry over the tactics used by federal agents and fatal confrontations during enforcement actions. The administration replaced him with border czar Tom Homan, who pledged to scale back tensions and bring a different approach to the volatile situation. Join the debate Do YOU think Gregory Bovino should have stayed silent after being ousted? Bovino received comments mocking his physical appearance, calling him a fascist and urging him to seek therapy He had been a central figure in aggressive immigration enforcement strategies Bovino took the time this week to reply to each of his detractors Bovino had been a central figure in aggressive immigration enforcement strategies, embracing rapid-response operations designed to quickly detain individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. His leadership style and tactics had made him one of the most visible figures in federal immigration enforcement, and his reassignment marked a significant shift in leadership at a time of mounting political pressure. A Green Party councillor is facing a backlash after announcing she will be delivering Valentine's Day cards to asylum seekers - and taking her grandchildren with her. Anne Cross announced that she and her grandchildren had created cards and would take them to the controversial Crowborough Training Camp this weekend. The East Sussex County councillor encouraged locals to participate in upcoming volunteering opportunities and hear the stories of those in the camp. 'There is nothing like getting to know people and hearing their stories in order to dispel fear,' she said. 'My grandchildren and I painted some Valentine's Cards at the weekend which we are going to be presenting to the men at Crowborough as a welcome.' She went on to urge all the representatives of the local community to stand with 'all those who share the love'. Her remarks have sparked fury with Sussex Weald and Conservative MP Nus Ghani, who has lambasted the idea as 'disturbing'. Claiming there was 'widespread concern locally', she remarked that getting children to create Valentine's Day cards for 'single adult men' was 'highly irresponsible' and suggested 'no regard for safeguarding'. The men in the camp arrived in Britain illegally. Anne Cross has faced backlash after sharing that she and her grandchildren will be delivering Valentine's Day cards to asylum seekers at Crowborough Training Camp She went on to urge all the representatives of the local community to stand with 'all those share the love' during the council meeting Pictured: Protesters hold up a sign as they march through the town which reads: 'Crowborough says no', on February 8, 2026 'If they have time for that, then why don't they [the council] have the time and the decency to meet local people,' she told The Sun. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the initiative as 'despicable' and 'asking for trouble'. Ms Cross has since defended her decision and insisted women and children would not be at risk from the camp's residents. She said sending cards was a common practice among refugee charities and the cards would be sent 'anonymously' to welcome the men. 'There has been much misinformation about the men who will be housed in the camp and this has created a climate of fear,' she told the publication. 'But there is no evidence children or women are at a higher risk from people seeking asylum than other sections of our society.' The former army cadet training camp at Crowborough has been commandeered by the Home Office to accommodate up to 540 male migrants. The camp will cost an extra 5.62m to police, it emerged last month. Katy Bourne, Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, said the money is needed to cover the anticipated costs of the policing operation - including community engagement, public order and investigations. Ms Bourne said the force will also need more equipment, vehicles and technology over the remainder of this financial year and in 2026/27. More protesters march against the controversial camp for migrants on February 8, 2026 Individuals can be seen outside a building at Crowborough Training Camp on January 25, 2026 Another angle more individuals entering a building at Crowborough army training camp on January 23, 2026 She said the costing drawn up by Sussex Police is on the basis of Home Office assurances that the site will only be in use for 12 months. Last week, furious locals marched through the town for the 14th consecutive weekend to protest migrants moving into the former army camp. Residents chanted for 'deportation' and carried signs vowing to push back against the arrival of asylum seekers. Local groups vowed to 'step up' their demonstrations after the first of the migrants were moved into the barracks a few weeks ago. Over the last few months, demonstrators have descended on Crowborough every Sunday to air their grievances against Labour's plans for the cadet training camp. The Home Office has said the asylum seekers will be registered with a medic based inside the base, and will only use off-site services if they require additional treatment. Last month, three people were taken into custody after protesters blocked a vehicle leaving the army camp. Sussex Police said the arrests followed two incidents at the entrance to the East Sussex camp on Friday, January 23. A force spokesman said: 'The gathering was initially peaceful, however when a vehicle was leaving the site, three individuals were threatening and intimidatory. 'The individuals caused an obstruction, shouted abuse, and struck the vehicle, alarming the driver and passengers.' The former White House counsel under President Obama has resigned from Goldman Sachs over her ties to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Kathryn Ruemmler, who works as general counsel at Goldman, said she will resign this summer after emails released by the Justice Department revealed her conversations with Epstein, according to The Financial Times. 'I made the determination that the media attention on me, relating to my prior work as a defense attorney, was becoming a distraction,' Ruemmler told the publication. She will exit the firm on June 30. Ruemmler rose to the top ranks at Wall Street and became a key adviser to Solomon following a storied legal career, which included serving as White House counsel to former President Barack Obama, the Wall Street Journal reports. Executives at the firm had previously claimed that Ruemmler had a strictly professional relationship with the financier, as she argued she never represented Epstein or advocated for him - though he would occasionally ask for her advice. She has said she regretted ever knowing Epstein and had no knowledge of any new or ongoing illegal activity. 'I made decisions based on the information that was available to me,' she told the Financial Times. 'I have an enormous amount of sympathy and heartache for anyone he hurt.' But the latest release of Epstein files shows Ruemmler hailing 'wonderful Jeffrey' in emails dated December 25 and 26, 2015, six years after he served 13 months in prison prostituting an underage girl. Kathryn Ruemmler, who works as general counsel at Goldman, said she will resign this summer She previously served as White House counsel to former President Barack Obama. She is pictured left with then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Joe Biden, Obama, Director of OMB Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Alyssa Mastromonaco, Deputy Chief of Staff in 2013 She was even in the courtroom when Epstein was arraigned on sex trafficking charges in 2019, and he once even listed her as a backup executor of his will. Their relationship apparently began around the time Ruemmler left the Obama administration in 2014. In one correspondence dated September 19, 2014, Epstein told her, 'You need to talk to boss.' Ruemmler, who had left the Obama White House about three months earlier, according to her LinkedIn page, replied: 'Agreed, but I need to be prepared to say yes before I talk to him.' 'Understood,' Epstein said. 'It comes down to high risk / reward / low risk / reward. professional, emotional. and fiinancial [sic].' She responded that 'most girls do not have to worry about this crap.' Epstein shot back: 'Girls? Careful i will renew an old habit.' He then listed a group of people he was apparently set to meet with 'this week,' including Peter Thiel, Larry Summers, Bill Burns, former British prime minister Gordon Brown, Leon Black and 'Woody.' 'Also if you think there are interesting people in town, everyone here for climate summit, clinton ,security council,' Epstein added. Ruemmler rose to the top ranks at Wall Street and became a key adviser to Goldman Sachs CEO David M Solomon following a storied legal career Ruemmler's relationship with Epstein apparently began around the time she left the Obama administration in 2014 Messages from February 2017 also showed Ruemmler disparaging President Donald Trump, calling him 'so gross.' 'Worse in real life and upclose,' he said. In other correspondence, Ruemmler referenced Epstein's 'Russians' in an email about a potential job offer before she joined Goldman and in a separate exchange, Ruemmler forwarded the financier emails about an affair she had with one of his close associates. Meanwhile, Epstein showered her with gifts, including a Hermes bag, Apple products, spa appointments, haircuts and plane tickets. 'Am totally tricked out by Uncle Jeffrey today!' she wrote in one email in January 2019. 'Jeffrey boots, handbag and watch.' In total, Ruemmler's name is featured hundreds of times in a log of emails between Epstein and his lawyers, which runs to more than 500 pages. Former Goldman Sachs executives were reportedly disappointed with CEO David Solomon's handling of the scandal The documents triggered growing frustrations at Goldman Sachs, with some board members privately expressing their concerns that Solomon's backing of Ruemmler could damage the bank's reputation, the Financial Times reports. 'It's a distraction and it's embarrassing,' said one person close to a board member prior to Ruemmler's resignation. 'It's not the board's job to hire and fire people. That's the CEO's role.' Several former Goldman executives who are on the bank's alumni network also expressed their disbelief at the way Solomon was handling the scandal. Five former partners said they were surprised he chose to stand by her rather than create distance between the company and the controversy. Several former executives also described feeling 'deep embarrassment,' 'crushed' and 'profoundly disappointed' by the episode. In a statement on Thursday, CEO David M Solomon said he accepted her resignation 'and I respect her decision.' 'Throughout her tenure, Kathy has been an extraordinary general counsel, and we are grateful for her contributions and sound advice on a wide range of consequential legal matters for the firm,' he said. Ruemmler's departure now marks the third resignation over the Epstein files, after Brad Karp, the chairman of major law firm Paul Weiss, resigned last week and Mona Juul, the Scandinavian nation's ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, stepped down from her position. A couple hit with a $6,000 fine after thieves stole their family car have blasted police for their lack of action. Gold Coast couple Leila and Hamid had their car taken by masked thieves who broke into their home earlier this year. Not long after, they received a $6,258 fine after one of the thieves was captured driving without a seatbelt by a traffic camera. 'They already had Leila's car key when they tried to come into the bedroom to get the keys to the other cars,' Hamid told Today. 'On the way they took other random things like a vacuum, gym bag, some shoes and I think they bumped the door when they were going through the bedroom.' Hamid was woken up by the noise and went to investigate before they fled. As he was calling the police and protecting his family, the thieves struck again, leaving the couple and their children distraught. 'They came back with no fear and just took the car, finished the job,' Hamid said. Gold Coast couple Leila and Hamid are unhappy with the lack of police action after their car was stolen in a shocking break-in which left their children distraught He said Queensland Police had still not come to their house to investigate the crime. 'It's been about three weeks and the police still haven't arrived,' he said. 'And unfortunately, we've now received an infringement that Mr Bad Guy wasn't wearing a seatbelt.' Leila and Hamid's two young children have been distraught since the break-in. 'My four-year-old, she doesn't really understand what happened, asking "Mummy, was it monsters coming into our house?", but the seven-year-old was really affected by it,' their mother said. 'I've been to the psychologist twice with her, trying to stop this from turning into PTSD for her. When it's nightfall, she won't go to her room and she just sticks to Hamid and I and asks "What if the bad guys come back?" Leila said her daughter had asked if the thieves were coming back. 'She was standing next to me so she witnessed everything and that whole day I tried to calm her down and tell her the police will come,' Leila said. The thief was caught unbuckled in the stolen car by a seatbelt detection camera Hamid said he has spoken with a detective on the phone, who he claims told him break-ins on Gold Coast's glitter strip are 'only going to get worse'. 'They have cameras all along the highways on the Gold Coast ,' he said. 'How is it the cameras can get us with a fine, but they can't capture the rego and stop the thieves driving the car?' Daily Mail has contacted Queensland Police for comment. New Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor has used his first few hours at the helm to issue a strong message at a press conference on Friday. Standing alongside his new deputy leader, Victorian Senator Jane Hume, Taylor spoke to the media in front of four Australian flags at Parliament House. This marked a stark difference from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's first address to the nation in May 2022, which was delivered in front of one Australian flag, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag. The decision to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags was described at the time as a 'monumental' step forward for race relations in Australia. Taylor's predecessor, Sussan Ley, whom he toppled in a leadership spill on Friday morning, notably stood in front of only two Australian flags. The spill, which Taylor won comfortably by 34 votes to 17, followed polling that showed the Coalition's primary vote had slumped to a record low and had been overtaken by Pauline Hanson's One Nation. Following her defeat, Ley confirmed she will quit politics in the coming weeks, triggering a by-election in the seat of Farrer, which she has represented since 2001. 'It is important that the new leader gets clear air, something that is not always afforded to leaders, but which in the present moment is more important than ever,' she said. Taylor spoke in front of four Australian flags behind the podium at Parliament House on Friday Albanese's staff replaced two of the three Australian flags behind the podium during his first address to the nation in May 2022 However within minutes of Taylor winning the leadership, former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull launched a scathing attack on him. He warned the party now risks 'oblivion' - and claimed Taylor was described by 'a lot of people' as 'the best-qualified idiot they have ever met'. Turnbull told the ABC that simply changing leaders would not fix the party's deeper problems. He was also blunt about whether Taylor was the answer to the party's woes. 'No, no, he's absolutely not,' he said. 'No leader is. What they really need to do is move back to the centre.' Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly had a Coast Guard pilot fired because she was missing a blanket - only to realize there was no one else to fly her home. The former South Dakota governor had been forced to switch planes after a maintenance issue was discovered, but her blanket was not moved to the second plane, those familiar with the incident told the Wall Street Journal. She then reportedly had her special advisor Corey Lewandowski fire the US Coast Guard pilot, who was told to take a commercial flight home once they reached their destination. But when staffers learned there was nobody else available to fly the plane, the unidentified pilot was reinstated, the Journal reports. The shocking incident was revealed as Noem and Lewandowski face increased scrutiny within the Trump administration over Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minneapolis, Minnesota - where two civilians, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot dead. Some within the administration now claim they have repeatedly overstepped their authority as they fired or demoted roughly 80 percent of the career ICE field leadership that was in place when Trump took office for a second time. Concerns over Noem and Lewandowski's roles first began when Lewandowski asked to be the secretary's chief of staff, which Trump rejected due to reports of them having an affair. Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager, was even seen in exclusive Daily Mail photos last year walking back and forth between his apartment and Noem's across the street. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem once reportedly got a US Coast Guard pilot fired because her blanket was missing from the flight She and her right-hand man, Corey Lewandowski, are facing increased scrutiny within the Trump administration over Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minneapolis Noem then moved into a government-owned waterfront house on a military base in Washington that is provided to the leader of the US Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security's purview during peacetime. Lewandowski has also been seen spending time at the house, even as he and Noem - both of whom are married to other people - deny they are having an affair. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security has now claimed to the Journal that Noem moved into the house for increased security, and notes that she pays rent on the property. The spokeswoman added that the department 'doesn't waste time with salacious, baseless gossip' when asked about the alleged affair. Lewandowski is now working as a 'special government employee,' a role that allows private sector employees to take advisory roles in the government without relinquishing their outside salaries and investments. Federal law caps special government employees at 130 days of work each year, but sources inside the administration have said he has taken on an expansive role at the Department of Homeland Security, directing personnel and contracting and handling classified information. He even reportedly uses the title 'chief advisor to the secretary' in emails and other paperwork. Rumors have swirled that the two are having an affair, which President Trump reportedly cited as his reason to not name Lewandowski Noem's chief of staff Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager, was seen in exclusive Daily Mail photos last year walking back and forth between his apartment and Noem's across the street His outsized role has since drawn enough concern from administration officials that the White House Counsel's Office opened an inquiry into his potential abuse of power last year. He then allegedly reported a much lower number of days than he actually worked to the counsel and avoided swiping into the building to stay under the service limit. Yet no action was ultimately taken, and Lewandowski's special government employee status was renewed for this year, with the Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman saying he is in full compliance with the Office of Government Ethics forms. By Noem's side, he and the secretary have consolidated power, those inside the department said. They explained how Noem started a new approval process for any spending over $100,000 under an approval process that has held up contracts across the department, even though it is now flush with cash from Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill. As a result, top officials in Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's office had to call DHS themselves to get money approved for disaster aid, according to one person familiar with the matter, who claimed White House officials and others in the administration did not know why the money was being held up. Officials in Florida also reportedly struggled to secure money for months for their work building the notorious 'Alligator Alcatraz' ICE detention center. The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the Journal, however, that Noem's contract approval process has helped root out waste, fraud and abuse - and denied that she missed any calls from the governors of either Georgia or Florida. Noem's new contract approval process has reportedly left Florida officials without reimbursement for building the notorious 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center. Trump and Noem are seen touring the facility in July Meanwhile, Rodney Scott, commissioner of US Customs and Border Patrol, told administration officials that Noem and Lewandowski mismanaged construction of the border wall. One of the contracts for the wall, for bulk steel, reportedly sat on Noem's desk for approval for so long that from the time the contract was struck in December until it was signed on February 10, the price of steel went up more than a hundred million dollars. A senior administration official claims Noem blamed Scott for the delays in a conversation with Trump earlier this year. Scott has grown so frustrated with Noem and Lewandowski that he even reportedly told the former campaign manager he would no longer take orders from him since Lewandowski's 130 days as a special government employee had already lapsed. The department spokesperson denies the conversation ever happened, and said Noem has awarded more than $12 billion in contracts for border wall construction. Rodney Scott, commissioner of US Customs and Border Patrol, also reportedly told administration officials that Noem and Lewandowski mismanaged construction of the border wall as contracts sat on Noem's desk Noem and Lewandowski are also said to have tussled with ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons (pictured on Thursday) Still, Noem and Lewandowski are said to have retaliated against Scott by reassigning his chief of staff and pressuring his deputy to resign, replacing both with officials close to them. They reportedly did not give an explanation for the move, as Scott told advisers he saw the effort as a way to make him so uncomfortable that he would leave his post, considering that as a Senate-confirmed official, Noem could not directly fire him. He would later rail against Noem and Lewandowski for cutting him out of the decision to elevate Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, warning that his brash tactics would backfire on the department. At the same time, White House officials are said to have grown irate that Noem and Lewandowski have declined to take guidance on events, messaging and management of the agency. They reportedly pushed for ICE to post videos of its arrests, but following Pretti's death, Noem and Lewandowski berated Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, for videos that emerged in Minnesota showing federal officers continuing to tangle with protesters, according to those familiar. They then told Lyons that Trump hated the viral videos as they blamed him and demanded he draw up a new plan for ICE to carry out more targeted enforcement - something Lyons had been advocating for all along, according to ICE officials. President Trump has thus far stood by Noem's side As Noem and Lewandowski now continue to reel from the raids in Minneapolis, they are reportedly trying to solidify their relationship with the president. They successfully requested an Oval Office meeting with Trump just two days after the Pretti shooting, and Noem's team quickly scheduled a series of press conferences on other matters not relating to immigration enforcement. She also quickly approved $2.2 billion in emergency funding in late January after previously deriding FEMA and pushing for it to spend less. The Department of Homeland Security then put out a press release touting Noem for unlocking the money. So far, their efforts seem to be working, as the president resists calls from his inner circle to fire Noem and Lewandowski and states publicly that he has no plans to dismiss her. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also told the Journal that the president has full confidence in Noem's leadership. 'President Trump and Secretary Noem have ensured the most secure border in our Nation's history and our homeland is undoubtedly safer today than it was when the President took office last year,' she said. The DHS spokesperson also said Noem serves at the pleasure of the president, and has successfully clamped down on inefficiencies to save billions of dollars, calling her efforts a 'roaring success.' The Daily Mail has also reached out to the White House and Department of Homeland Security for comment. Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com.au He refused to pay and claimed the hair was not his Man captured on CCTV appearing to sabotage his meal A top Sydney fine dining restaurant has accused a patron of using his armpit hair to contaminate his expensive dinner to get out of paying for the meal. Pony Dining in The Rocks released CCTV of the disturbing incident after a family of six demanded a refund before walking out without paying, amid claims they found hair in their food while dining there on Wednesday night. The footage shared online showed a man dressed in a white polo shirt and beige pants looking over his shoulder before appearing to reach into his armpits and pull strands of hair out. He appeared to place the freshly plucked hairs on top of the remains of his steak meal as a young girl at the same table licked her plate. The restaurant claimed the man later complained to staff about hair in their meals before the group walked out without paying for most of the $600 bill they racked up. The diner has been reported to the authorities as the restaurant issued a warning to other businesses. 'We don't usually share content like this,' the restaurant captioned the CCTV. 'This footage shows an incident which occurred in our venue. After the meal was served, the guest later raised a complaint regarding a hair in their meal and declined payment for all the food. A man has been accused of plucking armpit hair to sabotage his meal at Pony Dining in The Rocks on Wednesday night The restaurant shared CCTV of the repulsive act as a 'warning' for other hospitality businesses 'During the interaction, our team also experienced inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour.' The restaurant manager said the man and his family were served a 'wonderful dinner'. They added that the group had ordered some of the venue's most expensive food and drinks, including a Tomahawk steak which costs up to $140, depending on market value. 'Everything was very clean, they had a beautiful table,' they told news.com.au. 'We decided to check the CCTV after we noticed they were acting very weird.' The venue told The Nightly: 'They ordered a lot of food including a Tomahawk. We tried to make them pay but he refused.' 'We called the police however at that time we didnt have the footage so police advised it was a civil problem and nothing they can do at that stage. So they paid for drinks then left.' Aussies were shocked by the footage, as many branded the act 'disrespectful and repulsive.' The manager of Pony Dining said the man had ordered more than $600 worth of food and drinks before refusing to pay 'Next-level disrespect from that person,' one commented. Another added: 'What a wonderful example for his children. Stay home and eat toast.' A third wrote: 'Probably the grossest thing I have seen in a long time.' Some called for the patron to be named and shamed while hospitality workers shared their horror stories. 'I'm a restaurant manager just next to you guys, and they did the exact same thing to me,' one wrote. 'They 'found a small rock' in their food and created a huge scene, then left without paying the full bill. Pony Dining later thanked commenters for their overwhelming support. 'We understand this isn't pleasant to watch,' it wrote. 'We appreciate the kind messages and support for our team. Hospitality can be tough, and we hope all venues feel empowered to protect their teams.' Daily Mail has contacted Pony Dining for comment. The popular modern Australian and Argentinian-inspired restaurant is known for its top-tier beef cuts and fresh seafood. An American man who spent a year discussing extreme conspiracies with a family behind the Wieambilla shootings has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment. Donald Day Jr, 61, was arrested in the United States after a year-long investigation into his contact with Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train before the trio killed two police officers and a neighbour at their rural Queensland property. Day faced the US Federal Court in Arizona on Friday AEST after making a deal with prosecutors in October 2025 to plead guilty to a charge of possessing firearms as a convicted felon. His prior charges of threatening World Health Organisation figures and FBI agents as well as possessing an illegal shotgun were dropped. Day told the court that his 'friends' the Trains were trying to rid the world of evil but insisted he never encouraged them to murder Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, along with their neighbour Alan Dare, 58. it was his first public comments since being charged. 'I did not kill those Queensland police officers and neither did I tell my friends to do so,' he said. 'I was in jail because I was trying to express my right as an American citizen.' Donald Day Jr, 61, was sentenced in a US court on Friday after pleading guilty to a charge of possessing firearms as a convicted felon Gareth Train (pictured with wife Stacey) ambushed and killed the two constables at a remote property at Wieambilla west of Brisbane, on December 12, 2022 The couple used high-powered rifles during an ambush to kill Constables Arnold and McCrow at Wieambilla 'The Trains as far as I knew were trying to combat that evil.' The court also heard that Day was unable to walk and suffered severe head injuries when he was brutally beaten by fellow inmates last year. Day used the name 'Geronimo's Bones' to exchange comments and videos on YouTube with the Trains between May 2021 to December 2022, US District Judge John Tuchi heard. Brothers Nathaniel, 46, and Gareth, 47, used high-powered rifles during an ambush to kill Constables Arnold and McCrow at Wieambilla in December 2022. Gareth Train's wife Stacey, 45, and the brothers fatally shot Mr Dare soon afterwards. Day was mentioned in the last video the Trains ever made, filmed before they were killed in a shootout with tactical officers hours after the Wieambilla ambush. 'They came to us, and we killed them,' Gareth and Stacey Train said in the video. 'We'll see you when we go home. We'll see you at home, Don. Love you.' Gareth's brother, Nathan, helped the pair fatally shoot their neighbour Alan Dare, 58, soon after the two constables had been slain Constables Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow were shot dead in the tragedy Day responded to the video saying: 'those bastards will regret that they ever f***ed with us'. Queensland Police officers had been due to testify at Day's now aborted trial about the alleged serious danger the American's threats posed due to his association with the Trains. Day had prepared a sniper's nest for a confrontation with police and told the Trains to do the same with 'determination and fury', saying he looked forward to 'taking the scalps of our enemies'. Day encountered the Train family through public comments and videos posted around a 'similar, distrustful view of society'. A Queensland inquest in November 2025 found the Trains were delusional and believed 'war had reached their gates' in the form of a battle to the death with Satanic entities disguised as police. 'It was the Trains' shared psychotic disorders, not their communications with Mr Day, that explained their actions,' Day's lawyer, Jon Sands, told the US court. Mr Sands called for his client to be sentenced to two years and three months with 12 months of supervised release. Prosecutor Timothy Courchaine asked for a sentence of three years and 10 months with three years' supervised release. Donald Day Jr has been behind bars since his December 2023 arrest Day was sentenced to 36 months' imprisonment minus time already served. He had spent two years and three months in custody since his December 2023 arrest by the FBI in Arizona. Day will be on supervised release for three years after serving at least 90 per cent of his term. He was also ordered to forfeit his firearms and ammunition, including military-style rifles, shotguns and handguns. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was handed 12million by the Royal Family to pay off Virginia Giuffre - but his brother Charles did not contribute, Palace sources have said. Queen Elizabeth II is understood to have loaned her second son 7million to help him settle the Epstein victim's civil sexual assault lawsuit in 2022. Another 3million came from Prince Philip's estate as the former Duke of York raided the bank of mum and dad. The remainder of the 12million was apparently raised by a donations from other royals - but a source close to the King has denied reports that Charles ever chipped in. 'Andrews not paid back a penny', another royal insider has said. The errant former prince apparently told his family that the millions given to Ms Giuffre would be paid back from the sale of the ski chalet he bought with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. But the cash didn't materialise, it is claimed. The 12million deal with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who took her life last April, meant that her allegations that Andrew sexually abused her on three occasions in 2001, when she was 17, were never tested in court. Andrew in the Epstein Files over a woman lying on the floor. He is said to have paid 12million to settle with Virginia Giuffre thanks to cash from his family - and he has not paid it back Sources close to the King said that Charles did not contribute to the fund A royal source has claimed Andrew told his family he made next to nothing from the sale of the 13million property in the Swiss resort of Verbier, blaming the size of the mortgage. The insider said: 'As far as anyone knows he still has not repaid a single penny of the millions he borrowed. 'The money from the Royal Family bought her silence but denied Virginia her day in court and the chance to openly challenge his account of what happened'. The Sun reported that King Charles had contributed to 1.5 million loaned to Andrew on top of 7million from the Queen and 3million from his late father Prince Philip's estate. However, it is understood, that the King, then the Prince of Wales, did not contribute. The Royal Family had decided to take a little from here and a little from there to find the 12million, the source said. Police are today being urged to launch a sex trafficking probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid claims a woman was flown in on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express' and smuggled into Buckingham Palace using the codename 'Mrs Windsor'. The paedophile's Boeing 727100 private jet, which he used to host orgies and traffic girls, landed around 90 times in the UK - including after his conviction for child sex offences in 2008, the Epstein Files reveal. Stansted, Britain's fourth busiest airport, was allegedly used as a hub to transfer victims from one Epstein plane to another. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called it 'by far the biggest scandal of all' and urged Scotland Yard to begin a criminal investigation into the former Duke of York beyond misconduct in public office and breach of the Official Secrets Act. 'The Stansted revelations alone require them to interview Andrew. I have been told privately that the investigations related to the former Prince Andrew did not properly check vital evidence of flights', he said. Andrew and Charles at the Duchess of Kent's funeral at Westminster Cathedral last September Queen Elizabeth II is understood to have loaned her second son 7million to help him settle the Epstein victim's civil sexual assault lawsuit in 2022. Another 3million came from Prince Philip's estate Today it was claimed that least one Epstein victim was flown into Britain on board and then taken to Andrew at Buckingham Palace. The disgraced former Duke of York allegedly told aides: 'Mrs Windsor will arrive shortly, please let her in and show her up'. Sources have claimed that other women would be whisked in to see him at his late mother and father's London home using the same coded requests and with no security clearance. Andrew has been linked to four women in the Epstein Files, along with Virginia Giuffre. The Mail on Sunday revealed this week how Epstein took a young Romanian model to a private dinner at Buckingham Palace with his friend Andrew. Epstein said the royal thought she was 'beautiful', adding: 'No man looks at your clothes, they see through them.' Andrew also invited Jeffrey Epstein and an 'enchanting' Russian model named Vera to dinner at Buckingham Palace during a trip to London. Epstein also offered to introduce him to a 26-year-old Russian woman known as 'Irina' in August 2010. Today The Sun reported there may be a fourth woman, brought in using the code Mrs Windsor. Virginia Giuffre's allegations that she was forced to have sex with Andrew are also revealed in FBI documents released in the latest tranche of documents, although her name is redacted. The Epstein Files have laid bare just how many times the paedophile financier's private jet landed in the UK. Flight logs show it landed at Stansted and Heathrow as well as quieter, lesser known airports across the south of England. Gordon Brown said women were moved from one Epstein plane to another at the hub in Essex. Flight logs showed unnamed passengers were labelled as 'female' and names of male passengers also unknown. He said: 'I have asked the Met urgently to re-examine their decision-making. The emails tell us in graphic detail how Epstein was able to use Stansted Airportto fly in girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia'. Mr Brown wrote in the New Statesman: 'In short, British authorities had little or no idea who was being trafficked through our country, and for whom other than Epstein.' He added: 'I have asked the police to look at this as part of the new inquiry. 'Separately, a line of emails concerns the logistics of registering trafficked girls for English-as-a-foreign-language courses, as a route to obtaining US visas. We need to know if and to what extent this was also happening in the UK.' Also in the UK, ex-victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird urged police to 'start properly investigating' Andrew; while the MP who heads the Commons Women and Equalities Committee said Andrew must answer to the police and Parliament. Sources have told The Sun that Andrew had a string of women come to see him at Buckingham Palace, where he also had an office. The insider said: 'He would phone the duty office and always say the same thing 'Mrs Windsor will be arriving shortly please let her in and show her up'. 'This was always via one of the out of sight staff entrances. 'It was so frequent that they used to just roll their eyes and say 'yes sir'. 'It went on for years. 'The royal protection officers hated being assigned Andrew as he was so unpleasant and dismissive.' Ghislaine Maxwell giving Jeffrey Epstein foot rubs on his private jet dubbed Lolita Express Another source said: 'Buckingham Palace isn't the fortress you think it is. 'A lot of them had no security clearance whatsoever. 'Few details, if any, were taken because of his status within the Royal Household. 'It was regularly discussed by courtiers but nothing was ever done to challenge it'. The Epstein Files detail how the Lolita Express landed at Stansted's private terminal. Stansted has said that UK Border Force are responsible for processing passengers there. One email to Epstein said one woman on a flight as 'just turned 18, 179cm, very cute, speaks English, I saw her in real 3 years ago . . . I will send you the video'. Another email from 2012, three years after Epstein's release from prison, says: 'JE mentioned he may use the Boeing on Dec 7 London to NY. 'He told me he would fly Paris to London, Stansted UK to meet the Boeing there with (redacted). 'I did some work since (redacted) has no UK visa, where she can enter UK and make transfer to Boeing'. Another email said: 'She'll be escorted in side to clear, once boeing is ready to depart she is escorted to aircraft and we depart'. It came as a senior US politician claimed the woman pictured on the floor under Andrew at Epstein's New York mansion was a sex trafficking victim. Three images of the former prince crouching over an unidentified woman in the paedophile financier's home were among the Epstein files released on January 30. Almost 100 soldiers have been injured after a bench they were sitting on collapsed during a photoshoot at Australia's largest army base. Paramedics were called to Townsville's Lavarack Barracks in North Queensland shortly before 2pm on Friday, with the accident triggering a 'significant ambulance response'. Army personnel performed first aid on their injured colleagues while waiting for paramedics to arrive. A total of 96 patients were treated at the scene with 17 transported to Townsville University Hospital in stable conditions. Another 41 were taken to a nearby medical centre. Most injuries were cuts and minor injuries to patients' arms and legs, a Queensland Ambulance spokesman said. Multiple ambulances were seen racing in and out of the barracks after the makeshift grandstand collapsed during the photoshoot involving members of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CAV). 'During a routine group photograph, a temporary grandstand became unstable, resulting in a number of soldiers falling and sustaining non-life-threatening injuries,' an Australian Defence spokesperson told Daily Mail. Queensland paramedics responded to a 'mass casualty' incident at Lavarack Barracks on Friday A total of 96 soldiers were injured after a temporary grandstand collapsed during a routine photo shoot The Australian Defence Force said nobody was seriously injured in the incident at Australia's biggest army base 'Several soldiers were treated on base at the Lavarack Health Centre. A number of troops were also transported to local hospitals for further assessment and treatment. 'Defence is monitoring the situation closely and is providing support to affected troops and their families as our highest priority. 'Additional welfare and support services have been activated within the unit and the wider Defence community to ensure all personnel are cared for appropriately. 'Defence thanks the Queensland Ambulance Service for their support during this incident.' The ADF is now in the process of notifying affected families concerning the health, safety, and wellbeing of its soldiers. 'The area itself has been secured, and an investigation will take place to ensure that incidents like this don't happen again,' Lieutenant Colonel Peter Francis later told reporters. Queensland Fire Services crews also assisted with the emergency response but it has since been confirmed that no one was trapped during the incident. 2CAV is an armoured cavalry regiment of the Australian Army. Brits are bracing for an Arctic blast with up to four inches of snow, ice and minus 7C temperatures on the way. Yellow weather warnings are already in place across parts of the UK and forecasters warn the wintry conditions will continue in the coming days. An Arctic Maritime air mass is bringing colder conditions from the north of Scotland southwards, the Met Office said. In Scotland and northern England yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in force until midday on Friday. The Met Office has now issued a yellow warning over snow and ice for northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, Angus, Perth and Kinross, north-east England and Yorkshire and Humber, which will be in place from 4pm on Friday until 10am on Saturday. Forecasters predict snow showers and hail on Friday afternoon, evening and overnight may lead to accumulations of around one inch in places, while sleet is more likely along some coastal areas. In response to the forecast, the UK's Health Security Agency has issued yellow alerts for cold weather across northern England and the Midlands from 6am this morning until 8am on Monday. They warn the weather is likely to have 'minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services and a greater risk to life of vulnerable people'. It comes after an extraordinarily wet start to the year for the UK so far, with rivers bursting their banks, hundreds of properties flooded and rain falling every single day in some areas. Pictured: Snow-covered rooftops in County Durham this morning Almost the whole of the UK has been placed under a yellow warning for wintry weather for today and tomorrow Heavy traffic following snowfall on the A66 near Stainmore in Cumbria, north east England Two yellow weather warnings for wintry weather are in force across parts of Scotland and northern England until midday today More than 75 areas of the country are still being warned to expect flooding as downpours continue, with no sign of a prolonged dry spell for at least a week. Tomorrow, however, is set to be the driest day for a while - with the whole of the UK expected to see some sunshine. And yesterday, the sun finally broke through the clouds for the first time in 21 days in Aberdeen. The weather will stay cloudy with rainfall across the south today but it is likely to clear later on. Sunshine was last recorded in the Granite City three weeks ago - on 21 January. This is the longest sunless period in the area since Met Office records began in 1957. Residents finally glimpsed the sun late on Thursday afternoon. And the Met Office confirmed that 30 minutes of sunshine was officially recorded in the Dyce area in the hour up to 4pm. In Scotland, a yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued from 4pm on Thursday to midday on Friday. A resident clears snow from his driveway in Consett, County Durham this morning A snow plough clears the road on the A66 in Durham, north east England, on Friday morning The rainy weather cleared in the south this morning. Pictured: A sunrise at Glastonbury The Met Office said there may light dustings of snow on low ground while on hills above 984ft, accumulations of around two inches are possible, and up to four inches 'very locally'. In northern England, a yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued from 7pm on Thursday until midday on Friday. Temperatures will stay below average this weekend with the Met Office saying snow showers and icy roads might lead to some travel disruption. A spokesperson for National Rail said: 'Please check National Rail before you travel - snow and ice can affect rail journeys. National Highways said the A66 is closed between the A67 near Bowes in County Durham and the A685 near Brough in Cumbria because of 'concentrated snowfall'. It added: 'National Highways area team crews are on scene with winter treatment vehicles working to clear and treat the carriageway, however forecasts predict that snowfall will continue in the area throughout the morning. 'Units from Cumbria Police are also on scene assisting to clear the traffic. 'Road users travelling across the Pennines are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes.' An Arctic Maritime air mass is bringing colder conditions from the north of Scotland southwards with outbreaks of rain expected early this morning Traffic queues in snowy conditions on a blocked section the A66 in Durham, near to the border with Cumbria Temperatures will stay below average this weekend with the Met Office saying snow showers and icy roads might lead to some travel disruption. Pictured: Sunrise at Glastonbury Forecaster Marco Petagna said: 'We've got colder air starting to feed in from the north and that's gradually going to push its way south across all parts for the next 24 hours or so. 'As the air sinks down from the north, we're going to see outbreaks of rain, with some snow mainly on the hills, although across parts of Scotland, it's quite low levels, as things turn a bit more showery tonight. 'Until midday tomorrow, there's a couple of snow and ice warnings out for Scotland and Northern England.' The forecaster said to be 'wary' of ice and snow, with potential disruption to transport. Mr Petagna said there will likely be 'widespread frost' on Friday night, but added that Saturday will probably be 'the best day we've seen for some time' with 'a lot of sunshine across the UK'. He said the temperatures will be 'cooler than average' but this will be 'offset by the sunshine'. Flooded fields near Burrowbridge in Somerset on February 10 as relentless downpours continue The UK Health Security Agency has announced cold health alerts from Friday to Monday Your browser does not support iframes. A vehicle passes through floodwater on Houndsfield Lane in Birmingham on Monday The Arctic blast comes after a record-breaking month of rain, which became the wettest January on record for Cornwall in south-west England and County Down in Northern Ireland, according to the Met Office. The forecaster said many have been left with a sense that winter has been 'stuck on repeat', with 26 of its weather stations setting new records for January rainfall. The UK has already seen 89 per cent of the average rainfall expected for meteorological winter (December, January and February) - while England has exceeded it by 11 per cent, it said. Parts of Devon, Cornwall, Worcestershire, Somerset and West Sussex have recorded more than 30 consecutive days of rain, while North Wyke in Devon, Cardinham in Cornwall, and Astwood Bank in Worcestershire have seen it rain for more than 40 days - every day of the year so far. Police are today being urged to launch a sex trafficking probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid claims a woman was flown in on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express' and smuggled into Buckingham Palace using the codename 'Mrs Windsor'. The paedophile's Boeing 727100 private jet, which he used to host orgies and traffic girls, landed around 90 times in the UK - including after his conviction for child sex offences in 2008, the Epstein Files reveal. Stansted, Britain's fourth busiest airport, was allegedly used as a hub to transfer victims from one Epstein plane to another. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called it 'by far the biggest scandal of all' and urged Scotland Yard to begin a criminal investigation into the former Duke of York beyond misconduct in public office and breach of the Official Secrets Act. 'The Stansted revelations alone require them to interview Andrew. I have been told privately that the investigations related to the former Prince Andrew did not properly check vital evidence of flights', he said. Today it was claimed that least one Epstein victim was flown into Britain on board and then taken to Andrew at Buckingham Palace. The disgraced former Duke of York allegedly told aides: 'Mrs Windsor will arrive shortly, please let her in and show her up'. Sources have claimed that other women would be whisked in to see him at his late mother and father's London home using the same coded requests and with no security clearance. Andrew features a number of times in the Epstein files, including images apparently showing him crouching over an unidentified woman in what appears to be Epstein's New York mansion. Today it was claimed he smuggled a victim into Buckingham Palace Ghislaine Maxwell giving Jeffrey Epstein foot rubs on his private jet dubbed Lolita Express Andrew has been linked to four women in the Epstein Files, along with Virginia Giuffre. The Mail on Sunday revealed this week how Epstein took a young Romanian model to a private dinner at Buckingham Palace with his friend Andrew. Epstein said the royal thought she was 'beautiful', adding: 'No man looks at your clothes, they see through them.' Andrew also invited Jeffrey Epstein and an 'enchanting' Russian model named Vera to dinner at Buckingham Palace during a trip to London. Epstein also offered to introduce him to a 26-year-old Russian woman known as 'Irina' in August 2010. Today The Sun reported there may be a fourth woman, brought in using the code Mrs Windsor. Virginia Giuffre's allegations that she was forced to have sex with Andrew are also revealed in FBI documents released in the latest tranche of documents, although her name is redacted. The Epstein Files have laid bare just how many times the paedophile financier's private jet landed in the UK. Flight logs show it landed at Stansted and Heathrow as well as quieter, lesser known airports across the south of England. Gordon Brown said women were moved from one Epstein plane to another at the hub in Essex. Flight logs showed unnamed passengers were labelled as 'female' and names of male passengers also unknown. He said: 'I have asked the Met urgently to re-examine their decision-making. The emails tell us in graphic detail how Epstein was able to use Stansted Airportto fly in girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia'. Mr Brown wrote in the New Statesman: 'In short, British authorities had little or no idea who was being trafficked through our country, and for whom other than Epstein.' He added: 'I have asked the police to look at this as part of the new inquiry. 'Separately, a line of emails concerns the logistics of registering trafficked girls for English-as-a-foreign-language courses, as a route to obtaining US visas. We need to know if and to what extent this was also happening in the UK.' Also in the UK, ex-victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird urged police to 'start properly investigating' Andrew; while the MP who heads the Commons Women and Equalities Committee said Andrew must answer to the police and Parliament. Sources have told The Sun that Andrew had a string of women come to see him at Buckingham Palace, where he also had an office. The insider said: 'He would phone the duty office and always say the same thing 'Mrs Windsor will be arriving shortly please let her in and show her up'. 'This was always via one of the out of sight staff entrances. 'It was so frequent that they used to just roll their eyes and say 'yes sir'. 'It went on for years. 'The royal protection officers hated being assigned Andrew as he was so unpleasant and dismissive.' Another source said: 'Buckingham Palace isn't the fortress you think it is. 'A lot of them had no security clearance whatsoever. 'Few details, if any, were taken because of his status within the Royal Household. 'It was regularly discussed by courtiers but nothing was ever done to challenge it'. The Epstein Files detail how the Lolita Express landed at Stansted's private terminal. Stansted has said that UK Border Force are responsible for processing passengers there. One email to Epstein said one woman on a flight as 'just turned 18, 179cm, very cute, speaks English, I saw her in real 3 years ago . . . I will send you the video'. Another email from 2012, three years after Epstein's release from prison, says: 'JE mentioned he may use the Boeing on Dec 7 London to NY. 'He told me he would fly Paris to London, Stansted UK to meet the Boeing there with (redacted). 'I did some work since (redacted) has no UK visa, where she can enter UK and make transfer to Boeing'. Another email said: 'She'll be escorted in side to clear, once boeing is ready to depart she is escorted to aircraft and we depart'. It came as a senior US politician claimed the woman pictured on the floor under Andrew at Epstein's New York mansion was a sex trafficking victim. Three images of the former prince crouching over an unidentified woman in the paedophile financier's home were among the Epstein files released on January 30. The plane was used for orgies and trafficking women. It landed in the UK 90 times The undated pictures have no captions but were released in a document of 100 pages of photographs, and also appear to show Andrew touching the woman's abdomen. Another unidentified person's feet can be seen up on a table in the background. While the context remains unknown, California congressman Ted Lieu asked for the images to be shown at the House Judiciary Committee in Washington DC yesterday. He made the claim about the woman being a sex trafficking victim while questioning US Attorney General Pam Bondi over why Andrew has never been prosecuted. Files released by US authorities also include claims a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010. Separately, the Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. The inquiry is linked to allegations that Mandelson sent market-sensitive information to the paedophile financier Epstein while he was business secretary during the financial crisis. On Monday, Buckingham Palace said it would 'stand ready to support' the police if approached over the claims. A spokesman added that the King had made clear his 'profound concern' at allegations over his brother's conduct. The Prince and Princess of Wales publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on Monday, with Kensington Palace saying they were 'deeply concerned' at the 'continued revelations' and that their thoughts 'remain focused on the victims'. Andrew is effectively no longer a royal, becoming a commoner after he was stripped by the monarch of his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with Epstein. Andrew has never been questioned by police over claims by Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre, who took her own life last year, alleged that she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew, including when she was 17, and also in London after she was trafficked by Epstein, and at an orgy on Epstein's private Caribbean island. Your browser does not support iframes. The former duke vehemently denied the claims. The Met previously said it was made aware in 2015 of allegations around non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation including to central London in 2001. But it concluded in 2016 that because the investigation would be largely focused on activities and relationships outside the UK, the Met was not the appropriate authority to conduct the inquiries so the matter would not proceed to a full criminal investigation. The decision was reviewed in August 2019, but in November that year the Met confirmed it would remain unchanged. In December, the Met decided not to launch a criminal investigation into reports that Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to dig up dirt on Ms Giuffre. Her family have said they are 'deeply disappointed' by the force's decision to drop the investigation 'without explanation'. Meanwhile a poll found earlier this week that support for the monarchy has fallen to 45 per cent amid the ongoing Epstein scandal. The survey, commissioned by the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, found that the proportion of the British public in favour of the monarchy had dropped three percentage points, down from 48 per cent, over the last four months. A young teacher whose family was wiped out by a drug-addled foreign driver has told of her fury after it emerged the killer is poised to walk free under Labour's controversial early-release scheme. Summer Mace, 26, lost her mother Lisa, 49, sister Jade, 25, and stepdad Paul, 41, when their car was ploughed into at 96mph by Lithuanian national Aurelijus Cielevicius. The 43-year-old, who escaped with just two broken ribs because he was so blitzed on drugs that his body did not tense for impact, was jailed for more than a decade. However, he is now set to be freed and deported under Sir Keir Starmer's plan to free up prison spaces - having served less than three years behind bars. Furious Summer said Labour had given him a 'get out of jail free card'. In a heartbreaking Facebook post, she revealed how she and her father Jason, 53, are 'awaiting the dreaded email to tell us he has been deported and is a free man'. She said: 'Unfortunately due to the new Early Release Scheme the man who killed my family could be released and deported anytime now. 'We have been told that he is eligible and it's very likely to happen, we just don't know when. Paul Carter (far left), his wife Lisa Carter (second left) and her daughter Jade Mace (second right) were all killed in the crash. Summer (far right) was aged just 23 when she had to organise their funerals Jade Mace, 25, died when the car she was in with her mum and stepdad was was ploughed into at 96mph by Lithuanian national Aurelijus Cielevicius Lisa, 49, and Paul, 41, both died in the crash, which was raised in the House of Commons Lithuanian national Aurelijus Cielevicius (pictured) was high on a toxic cocktail of crystal meth, cannabis and party drug MCAT when he drove his BMW X5 onto the wrong side of the A47 in Norfolk, in January 2023 'This means he will be free in his own home country and get to live his life again whilst only having served three years for killing three people. 'Three human beings - three of the most beautiful people.' Cielevicius was high on a toxic cocktail of crystal meth, cannabis and party drug MCAT when he drove his BMW X5 onto the wrong side of the A47 in Norfolk, in January 2023. He was found to be 15 times over the legal limit for methamphetamine and three times over the limit for cannabis. Mephedrone was also in his system. Summer, aged just 23 when she had to organise the funerals of her immediate family, revealed her mother's injuries were so severe she was unable to kiss her goodbye. She added: 'I've completely lost faith in the justice system.' 'He'll be back home in Lithuania, free as a bird - popping to the shops, going out with friends, getting on with his life like nothing happened. 'We don't get that. We never will. Where is the justice in that? 'The Prime Minister needs to take a long, hard look at this early release scheme and what it really means for victims like us. What is the early release scheme? The early release scheme was launched to free up space in jails with the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, claiming the justice system would grind to a halt if nothing was done. Under Labour's scheme, a criminal given 14 years by a court will serve just five and a half years. Those jailed for sex crimes, terrorism and serious violent crimes carrying more than four years in jail are excluded from the early release terms. But violent offenders sentenced to less than four years can be freed early, including killers convicted of manslaughter. As of January, more than 1,200 serious criminals who were sentenced to more than a decade in jail have now been released early by Labour. Advertisement 'It shouldn't just be about freeing up prison cells - it's about the lives that have been destroyed.' Cielevicius was jailed in June 2023 after admitting causing death by dangerous driving. Norwich Crown Court heard how had sped through red traffic lights in the moments before the crash. The BMW was seen by witnesses travelling at speed and going through red traffic lights before the crash. Forensic collision investigators were able to determine that the speedometer was stuck at 96mph. Summer added: 'I feel it is important that the public are aware of this new scheme and how it affects the victims.' 'His crime is not seen as being severe enough to stop this from happening. 'I am unsure how killing three people in the way he did is not counted as severe. 'Yes, he has a ban from coming back to the UK but it's not good enough. 'He has not served his punishment and yet again justice is not served.' James Wild, the Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, raised the matter at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, branding it a 'terrible case' and warning that 'three years for three lives would be the final insult'. He urged Sir Keir to intervene to prevent the 'pitiful' imminent release, saying such a short stretch behind bars would 'undermine public confidence in our justice system'. Sir Keir said he would look into the circumstances of the case. He replied to Mr Wild: 'Thank you for raising what is obviously a terrible case and I will make sure it is looked into, if he can provide further details, so we can do it as quickly as possible.' President Donald Trump on Thursday revoked what he called a 'giant scam' Obama-era scientific ruling that has shaped US climate policy for more than a decade, saying scrapping it will make cars thousands of dollars cheaper. The move overturns the Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 'endangerment finding', which declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health and became the legal backbone for federal limits on vehicle emissions. The administration paired the repeal with the elimination of greenhouse gas standards on automobiles, arguing the changes would deliver more than $1 trillion in regulatory savings and significantly reduce the cost of new vehicles for American consumers. But it also places a host of other climate rules in jeopardy, including carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and methane leaks for oil and gas producers. Legal challenges are expected to follow swiftly. Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said the 2009 ruling was 'a disastrous Obama era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers'. 'This radical rule became the legal foundation for the Green New Scam, one of the greatest scams in history,' added the Republican president, about the Democrats' climate agenda. President Donald Trump on Thursday revoked what he called a 'giant scam' Obama-era scientific ruling that has shaped US climate policy for more than a decade The move overturns the Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 'endangerment finding'. The administration paired the repeal with the elimination of greenhouse gas standards on automobiles 'This determination had no basis in fact, had none whatsoever, and no basis in law,' Trump added. The president dismissed concerns that the repeal could cost lives by worsening climate change. 'I tell them, don't worry about it, because it has nothing to do with public health,' Trump said. 'This was all a scam, a giant scam.' Former President Barack Obama, who infrequently comments on the policies of sitting presidents, said that repealing the finding would make Americans more vulnerable. 'Without it, we'll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change - all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money,' he wrote on X. The announcement immediately drew condemnation from Democrats and green groups. Manish Bapna, president of the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council, said it was the 'single biggest attack in history on the United States federal government's efforts to tackle the climate crisis.' The 2009 'endangerment finding' was a determination based on scientific consensus that six greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare by fueling climate change. US President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters as after he made an announcement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC on February 12, 2026 It came about as a result of a prolonged legal battle ending in a 2007 Supreme Court decision, Massachusetts v. EPA, which ruled that greenhouse gases qualify as pollutants under the Clean Air Act and directed the EPA to determine whether they pose a danger to public health and welfare. While it initially applied only to vehicle emissions, it later became the legal foundation for a broader suite of climate regulations, which are now vulnerable. The final text of the repeal will be closely scrutinized. Procedurally, the draft proposal argued that greenhouse gases should not be treated as pollutants in the traditional sense because their effects on human health are indirect and global rather than local. Regulating them within US borders, it contends, cannot meaningfully resolve a worldwide problem. But the Supreme Court has previously upheld the endangerment finding, including as recently as 2022. Critics argue the administration's scientific case is flawed. The draft repeal sought to downplay the impact of human-caused climate change, citing a study commissioned by an Energy Department working group of skeptics to produce a report challenging the scientific consensus. That report was widely panned by researchers, who said it was riddled with errors and misrepresented the studies it cited. The working group itself was disbanded following a lawsuit by nonprofits that argued it was improperly convened. The administration has also leaned heavily on putative cost savings, without detailing how its figures have been calculated. Environmental advocates say the administration is ignoring the other side of the ledger, including lives saved from reduced pollution and fuel savings from more efficient vehicles. They also warn the rollback would further skew the market toward more gas-guzzling cars and trucks, undermining the American auto industry's ability to compete in the global race toward electric vehicles. A British woman who is being held alongside her husband in an Iranian prison has admitted that they thought there was a risk in being detained, but that they 'naively and ignorantly thought that we'd be OK'. It is more than a year since Lindsay and Craig Foreman were taken into custody in January during a world motorcycle tour and were later charged with espionage. The couple from East Sussex deny the allegations and are in Tehran's notorious Evin prison. Ms Foreman spoke with ITV News by phone from the prison, telling the broadcaster: 'We kind of felt... There's a risk of detainment, but how bad can that be? How, you know, if we're innocent people, why would they detain us? So I naively and ignorantly thought that we'd be OK.' The Brit also explained that she and her husband had the correct documentation to be in Iran despite Foreign Office warnings against travelling to the country. 'When you're planning a route around the world, it's quite complicated, and Iran is a big section of that, you know, gateway from Europe to Asia... I thought getting a visa was a sign of a welcome,' she said. 'Armenia was having a storm, Turkey was having a snowstorm. So had I known that, I probably would have gone a safer political route, whilst more dangerous geographically. 'We had an Iranian travel agent plotting our routes. We had a tour guide. We were escorted. I think the people who told us, you know, 'this is possible, you can do it'. Pictured British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, of East Sussex, who have been detained in Iran for over a year Mrs Foreman admitted in a phone interview that her and her husband knew there was a risk in travelling to the Islamic State, but 'thought that we'd be ok' Ms Foreman also said she can see her husband, but described the meetings as 'psychological torture'. 'For example, we were promised three meetings a month, which can range between, I think the (shortest) has been about 45 minutes... and the longest I think we've had is about, you know, just over two hours,' she said. 'On more than one occasion, they cancel it at the last minute. And that is the most soul-destroying thing.' Ms Foreman also revealed she was told the couple were going to be released, only to be kept behind bars. '(The most) pitiful, depressing moment I think I've ever experienced,' she said. 'That actual belief that this is the end, only for it all to start, literally all start all over again.' Last month, Ms Foreman's son Joe Bennett was joined by former detainee Anoosheh Ashoori and Richard Ratcliffe, who fought a public campaign that involved two hunger strikes to have his wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe freed from Iran, at the steps of 10 Downing Street to deliver a petition calling on the Government to do more to free them. The petition had 70,000 signatures, 'which is a clear sign there is a strong belief that this is nothing but an arbitrary detention', Mr Bennett said. Ms Foreman says she is allowed to see her husband occasionally, but said it is 'psychological torture' 'We want public acknowledgement that it is completely barbaric they are being held on these charges of espionage, that they are not spies for the British state, and they are going to do everything they can to get them home.' A Foreign Office spokesperson told ITV News: 'We remain deeply concerned that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. 'We continue to provide Craig and Lindsay with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members.' An award-winning children's author has been jailed for using his fame to connect with young girls before grooming them for sex in graphic online chats. Oliver Phommavanh earned praise and renown for penning children's fiction works such as Thai-riffic!, What About Thao? and The Other Christy. It was a reputation the 42-year-old used as a ruse to lure girls as young as 11 into sexual discussions over four years, the NSW District Court was told on Friday. The Thai-Australian author was jailed for six-and-a-half years after admitting to grooming three girls for sexual activity during lengthy conversations on social media between 2020 and 2024. He had met the children when he travelled to their schools to give presentations about his books and offer writing workshops, the court was told. The messages to each of the girls started out innocently enough but soon became sexual, with Phommavanh posing graphic questions under the guise of discussing his book characters. The writer sent a series of explicit stories to one schoolgirl under the pretence of seeking her feedback on the accuracy of the stories from a young person's point of view, the agreed facts state. 'The offender was an author of some fame and he relied on that fame not only for his access but to continue to manipulate (the victims),' Judge Peter Krisenthal said. Award-winning author Oliver was jailed for six-and-a-half years after admitting child sexual offences Phommavanh (pictured during his arrest) groomed three young girls between 2020 and 2024, using compliments as persuasion towards sexual activity 'His actions were, in my view, clearly predatory.' Phommavanh told one of the victims - who had expressed a desire to become a writer - that she had a 'kissable face' when she was 13 or 14 years old, the court was told. He exchanged more than 5500 messages with her, the facts reveal, while telling another victim he had fantasised about her from a young age but wouldn't act on it because it would ruin their friendship. The writer was arrested in May 2024 after he engaged in a sexual act during a video call with an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Judge Krisenthal slammed his offending as manipulative and persistent, declaring that a strong message needed to be sent to the community. But he accepted Phommavanh had shown remorse for his actions and their impact on his victims and had since engaged in specific treatment. The author remained expressionless as he was sentenced to a minimum of four years behind bars. He has suffered a dramatic fall from grace after previously featuring on writer's week panels, podcasts and in an anthology alongside the country's best talents. The judge slammed the author's offending as manipulative and persistent Phommavanh was arrested in May 2024 after he engaged in a sexual act during a video call with an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl Phommavanh's 2010 novel Thai-Riffic! was short-listed for the Young Australian Best Book Awards and was one of two of his titles inducted into the hall of fame for the NSW-based children's choice Koala awards in 2015. A reference to the books appears to have been removed from the Koala website in recent months. The Other Christy and What About Thao? were both long-listed for the prestigious Children's Book Council of Australia awards. His books have since been quietly removed from the website of his publisher, Penguin Random House, who did not respond to requests for comment. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 South American gangsters are striking UK jewellery stores with 'military precision' before fleeing the UK within days of their raids, an ex-Flying Squad cop has said. Smash-and-grab raids, such as the one in Richmond just last month, have increased from two per month in 2025 to two per week in 2026. Half of all raids take place in London. Over 2million worth of necklaces, chains and watches were snatched from retailers in the first six weeks of this year alone. Sarah Staff, a former member of the Met Police's elite Flying Squad and chief of an intelligence-sharing and security initiative supporting jewellers called SaferGems, said the South American gangsters are 'very, very proficient'. Ms Staff told LBC: 'They will already have their route to go back to America or to Europe to dispose of those items very quickly. 'Sometimes they're in-and-out of the UK within 48 hours.' Alongside a sharp rise in the price of gold and silver, raids have dramatically increased since the start of the year. In 2025, there were 22 robberies of jewellers across the UK. In January alone, however, there were 10 attacks on stores - five of which were in London. Onlookers shared the moment hammer-wielding thieves broke into a Richmond jewellers in the broad daylight Six burglaries and 13 thefts were also carried out in just the first four weeks of the year - making it the month with the highest robberies in the last ten years. In Richmond last month, hammer-wielding thugs broke into a family-run jewellers and ransacked the window display while brave staff tried to fend them off. Footage of the brazen west London daytime heist taken by an onlooker and shared widely on social media showed two men swinging a large hammer against the glass of the family-owned jewellers Gregory & Co. They then peeled away the glass and filled a blue bag with all the valuables on display. Staff members inside the shop desperately tried to claw back what they could before the thieves snatched it. Bravely, the staff even hit the robbers with what appeared to be a small box to try and deter them from taking anymore goods - without much success. The thugs then fled the scene as shocked bystanders watched on. Police are yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident. A woman went for help after finding her tyre flattened - while a suspected gang member followed her as part of a group of criminals using distraction tactics to steal thousands of pounds worth of jewellery Custom handmade silver bracelets and a corresponding chain by bespoke jeweller Beckon Jewel were stolen from Stephanie, among other precious items Ms Staff noted a significant increase in crimes linked to gold, adding: 'All precious metals have gone up significantly in price but, in particular, gold is a very attractive commodity. It's very easy to sell [and] it's easy to melt down, hiding its origin and any unique marks on it. 'A combination of that, in addition to high prices and global demand, is making this very attractive for criminal gangs [they] use it in the criminal market for buying other commodities, using the gold rather than cash.' Home Office minister Mike Tapp told LBC that they were taking the issue 'extremely seriously' and were working closely with the National Crime Agency to break up such criminal networks by arresting and deporting their members. In February last year, a woman was left 'heartbroken' after being scammed out of thousands of pounds and valuable jewellery when pawning precious family gems to pay for her epileptic son's treatment. Stephanie Regan, 31, and her mother Mandy, 62, were the targets of an elaborate distraction theft in Brighton's North Laine which saw them tricked by a group of six thieves collaborating to create chaos. CCTV footage revealed the gang's calculated attack, which began with suspected thieves loitering outside Michael Bloomstein jewellery shop on Gloucester Road, apparently scanning for victims. Ms Regan and her mother, who suffers from emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, had pawned sentimental gold jewellery in order to pay for a life-changing seizure detector for Ms Regan's epileptic son. A Chilean gang travelled to the UK and posed as tourists to steal more than 80,000 worth of luxury items from affluent homes. Israel Contreras (pictured) was caught after his DNA was found on a broken angle grinder blade left at the scene of a burglary in Esher Yeico Guzman Fernandez (pictured) had only been in the UK for a number of hours before he met up with the burglary gang to embark on an 'offending spree'. Surrey Police Investigating officer, Sergeant Ben Deacon, said that he had 'entered the UK with sole intention of thievery' As well as money from the sold gems, Ms Regan - also a jeweller - had in her handbag other jewellery items yet to be valued, repaired, taken to the jewellery shop where she works or merely kept. As they left the shop, a presumed gang member followed them to the car and placed a puncture device under the back wheel, designed to pierce the tyre upon driving. The meticulously orchestrated scheme happened within three minutes and among the stolen items were thousands of pounds worth of gold and silver jewellery, some of which had yet to be valued. In September last year, a gang of Chilean 'burglary tourists' who travelled to the UK to steal 80,000 worth of luxury items from homes in affluent neighbourhoods were jailed. The group of burglars targeted at least 11 properties across Surrey and London from November 3 to December 11 last year, thieving watches, clothes, jewellery, and even unopened Christmas gifts. To gain entry into the luxury properties during their month-long thieving spree, the crooks would often climb up to the first or second floors before forcing entry through windows or doors, Surrey Police said. Video footage of one particular burglary captured the four thieves - Israel Contreras, Eduardo Marquez, Yeico Guzman Fernandez and Michael Carrasco, fleeing from a home by jumping out of a window and clambering over the back fence. Fernandez had even travelled over from the UK from Chile with the 'sole intention of thievery' and embarked on an 'offending spree' with the group as soon as he landed, Surrey Police Investigating officer, Sergeant Ben Deacon, said. But a number of blunders eventually saw the criminals captured by police, with the four men later receiving a combined total of 17 years in prison for their callous crimes. The owner of a Swiss nightclub that burned down on New Year's Day collapsed and broke down in tears after she was mobbed by the furious family members of the victims. Jacques and Jessica Moretti arrived at the prosecutor's office in Sion on Thursday for their fourth day of questioning, as dozens of grieving relatives swarmed around the building's entrance, hurling insults at the couple. The pair are under judicial supervision following the inferno which killed 41 people and injured 115 others at Le Constellation in the ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 1. Footage showed an anguished Ms Moretti, 40, wading through the angry mob, while one sobbing parent could be heard yelling: 'You killed my son, you killed 40 people, you will pay for this.' As she made it into the prosecutor's office, she fell to her knees and broke down in tears, video shows. Meanwhile, her husband appeared to crouch down beside her and consoled her. After repeatedly being called 'murderers' by the furious group, Mr Moretti faced the crowd and said: 'If we have to pay, we will pay. We are not the Mafia; we are workers. We will take responsibility, we will get to the bottom of this, we promise you, we are here to achieve justice.' The mother of Trystan - a 17-year-old victim - was among the angry crowd yesterday morning. Jessica Moretti is seen close to tears as she arrives at the prosecutor's office in Sion on Thursday As she enters the building, footage shows how Ms Moretti falls to her knees after being mobbed by the relatives of the victims who died in a blaze at Le Constellation bar, which she owns with her husband, Jacques Jacques Moretti is seen in this video grab crouching down next to his wife after she broke down in tears Speaking to local media, she said: 'We will neither forgive nor forget.' 'I'm here for Trystan,' said his father, Christian Podoux. 'I want Jessica Moretti to know how hard she has hit fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters. She distanced herself, left the Constellation. Others, the young people, helped so much, and she just left. That's not right.' The teenage victim's younger siblings, Tobyas, 14, and Yaelle, 15, were also present alongside their parents as they joined the raging crowd upon the Morettis' arrival. 'We want Jessica Moretti to apologise,' they told local reporters. 'I'm Trystan's little brother, and I came here to show Jessica Moretti that she has destroyed families, to look us in the eye.' Tobyas added: 'What happened isn't normal. We want justice. Moretti is undoubtedly guilty, as are the municipality of Crans-Montana and the canton of Valais.' After repeatedly being called 'murderers' by the furious group, Mr Moretti faced the crowd and said: 'If we have to pay, we will pay. We are not the Mafia; we are workers. We will take responsibility, we will get to the bottom of this, we promise you, we are here to achieve justice.' The hearing in Sion touched on staff training at the nightclub. The Moretti's were repeatedly called 'murderers' by the furious families outside As Jacques and Jessica Moretti arrived at the prosecutor's office in Sion for their fourth day of questioning, dozens of grieving relatives swarmed around the building's entrance wearing clothing bearing images of their deceased loved ones According to Ansa news agency, Ms Moretti admitted that her staff had not been trained for fire emergencies. 'There were never any evacuation drills because nobody asked us to,' Moretti reportedly said. She also spoke about the families impacted by the fire: 'We knew that the families wanted to meet with us today. We understand your anger, your hatred. 'I reaffirm that we are available for any questions and will be there for you,' Ms Moretti said through tears. Regarding her role during the night of the fire, Moretti said: 'My priority was to raise the alarm, evacuate people, and call the fire department as quickly as possible. I'm the daughter of a firefighter myself, and that's my reflex.' Meanwhile, a new claim suggests that Mr Moretti refused to use fireproof foam cladding because he found it too expensive. According to Italian media, a material supplier, Robert Borbiro, has sent an email to the police in Crans-Montana in which he states that he had suggested installing fire-resistant foam cladding in the bar. But due to budget constraints, Mr Moretti is claimed to have rejected Mr Brobiro's proposal. The French couple have firmly blamed their young staff for causing the inferno and blocking an escape exit, with leaked interview records pointing to them saying: 'It's not us, it's the others'. The Morettis' defence strategy during some 20 hours of interrogation by three prosecutors was, in particular, to blame waitress Cyane Panine, 24, for getting onto the shoulders of a colleague while brandishing two champagne bottles with lit sparklers inside. Cyane, who died in the fire, was wearing a promotional crash helmet and did not see the pyrotechnics lighting up the bar's basement ceiling, which was covered in highly flammable foam. The pair, who have pinned the blame on a waitress who also died in the fire, are under judicial supervision following the inferno which killed 41 people and injured 115 others at Le Constellation in the ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 1 Angry relatives hurled insults towards the pair as they cowered behind their lawyer, with one sobbing parent heard yelling: 'You killed my son, you killed 40 people, you will pay for this' Tobyas, who lost his brother Trystan in the fire confronts co-owner of Le Constellation bar, Jacques Moretti as he arrives for a hearing at the Office of the Public Prosecutor of the Canton of Valais in Sion on February 12, 2026 Family members of victims of the deadly fire at the 'Le Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana hug ahead of the hearing before the public prosecutor of the canton of Valais of the owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti Tobyas (L), who lost his brother Trystan in the fire and his father Christian Pidoux speak to the press ahead of a hearing at the Office of the Public Prosecutor of the Canton of Valais in Sion on February 12, 2026 Victim Trystan's little brother Tobyas told local reporters: 'What happened isn't normal. We want justice. Moretti is undoubtedly guilty, as are the municipality of Crans-Montana and the canton of Valais' The owner of 'Le Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana, Jacques Moretti of France (R) is screamed at by the mother of a victim (L) ahead of the hearing before the public prosecutor of the canton of Valais Referring to the champagne sparklers stunt, which was filmed, Mr Moretti told the enquiry that it was 'Cyane's show'. 'I didn't forbid her from doing that,' he told prosecutors, adding: 'I didn't make her pay attention to safety instructions. We didn't see the danger. Cyane liked doing that it was a show, she liked to be part of the show.' She previously claimed: 'Cyane liked to deliver these bottles she did it of her own accord. 'If I had thought there was the slightest risk, I would have forbidden it. In ten years of running the business, I never thought there could be any danger.' The French couple is under criminal investigation, facing charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. They face up to 20 years in prison if charged and found guilty of manslaughter. Jeffrey Epstein was strangled, not hanged in his New York prison cell, according to a doctor present at his post-mortem. Dr Michael Baden has called for the cause of the paedophile's death to be reinvestigated, almost seven years after he was found unresponsive at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019. He is unconvinced by the conclusion of the New York Medical Examiners Office that the American millionaire took his own life while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. 'My opinion is that his death was most likely caused by strangulation pressure rather than hanging,' the pathologist, who was hired by the financier's estate, told The Telegraph. He added: 'Given all the information now available, further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted.' While the doctor did not carry out the post-mortem himself, he was present during the examination and acted as an observer on behalf of Epsteins family. 'At the time that the autopsy was done by the medical examiner, we both agreed that, on the basis of the autopsy report and the information available, more information was needed to determine the cause and manner of death,' Dr Baden said. Following the release of more than three million documents related to the late sex offender by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), more questions have been raised about the nature of Epstein's death. Epstein's cell where he died at the Metropolitan Correction Center in New York in 2019 Epstein appears to be wearing an anti-suicide smock in images released by the DOJ Dr Michael Baden has called for the cause of the paedophile's death to be reinvestigated, almost seven years after it occurred in New York Buried deep in the latest tranche of files is never-before-seen footage revealing the moment prison guards found the paedophile's corpse. A video shows the outline of a prison guard approaching a desk near Epstein's cell at 6.30am on the day of his death. Just 10 seconds later, the person then makes his way to the cell. A little over a minute after this, a guard can be seen moving back and forth between the security desk, where he is shortly joined by two others, and the area housing Epstein's cell. The guards are then seen running between the two areas. Epstein was officially declared dead at 6.39am, abruptly halting one of the most closely watched federal criminal cases in recent memory. But according to newly-released files, investigators noticed an orange shape moving up a staircase towards the financier's cell on the night of his death. Officials from the FBI and the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) flagged the suspicious CCTV footage, which may have been 'an inmate' walking up to the floor the notorious paedophile was being held on. A report, from the OIG, noted that at 10.39pm on August 9, 2019, FBI agents observed that 'a flash of orange looks to be going up the L Tier stairs - could possibly be an inmate escorted up to that Tier'. Further documents reveal that authorities were in dispute about the cause of the unexplained 'orange flash'. While the FBI suspected it was another inmate, the Inspector General wrote: 'Inmates are currently on lockdown, it is possible someone is carrying inmate linen or bedding up.' The final report by the Inspector General stated: 'At approximately 10.39pm, an unidentified CO [correctional officer] appeared to walk up the L Tier stairway, and then reappeared within view of the camera at 10.41pm.' The analysis from the two investigative bodies contradicts public statements made by at least two top US officials. Bill Barr, who was the US attorney general during Trump's first term, claimed in a 2019 interview that he had personally reviewed security footage that confirmed that no one entered the area where Epstein was housed on the night he died. And last May, former deputy director of the FBI Dan Bongino told Fox News: 'There's video clear as day. He's the only person in there and the only person coming out. You can see it.' He added shortly before the release of the video last August: 'We are working on cleaning it up to make sure you have an enhanced [version] and we're going to give the original so you don't think there were any shenanigans.' In light of new information, Dr Baden is pushing for further examination into the financier's cause of death. Your browser does not support iframes. Epstein was found dead in the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019 In December, a censored version of Epstein's post-mortem examination was published as part of the DOJ's first release of the so-called Epstein files. On the document, the serial sex offender's 'manner of death' is marked as 'pending', while boxes for homicide and suicide are left blank. According to Dr Baden, his professional findings following the post-mortem on August 11, 2019 were 'inconclusive'. Epstein's death certificate was then published pending further investigation of the cause, he claimed. But five days later, this decision was allegedly 'superseded' by Dr Barbara Sampson, New Yorks then-chief medical examiner. She ruled that the financier died by hanging, and the manner was suicide. She was not present at the post-mortem, Dr Baden claimed. At the time, Dr Sampson publicly dismissed Dr Baden's theory about strangulation, saying she stands 'firmly' behind her conclusion. The paedophile's lawyers, meanwhile, said they were 'not satisfied' with the medical examiner's findings, and said they shared Dr Baden's concerns. In December, a censored version of Epstein's post-mortem examination was published as part of the DOJ's first release of the so-called Epstein files On the document, the serial sex offender's 'manner of death' is marked as 'pending', while boxes for homicide and suicide are left blank 'I have not seen any evidence of further study, nothing that indicated further investigation into the cause of death,' Dr Baden, 92, said, adding that Dr Sampsons ruling was just 'accepted'. 'The diagnosis was made a number of days after the first cause of death given,' he added. In abnormal or highly suspicious scenarios, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to determine a final cause of death. The pathologist was one of the first people to raise alarm following the ruling, telling Fox News in 2019: 'The evidence points toward homicide rather than suicide.' 'That was my opinion at that time, and I still stand by it,' he told The Telegraph in a recent interview. 'The autopsy findings are much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide.' Meanwhile, Donald Trump's justice department and the FBI have both stated that Epstein took his own life and that there is no evidence indicating he was murdered in his cell. According to the official post-mortem, three distinct fractures were identified on the financier's neck: one on the left hyoid and one in the thyroid cartilage on the right side, and one on the left. The 92-year-old said he has never seen hanging by suicide with three neck fractures throughout the 50 years he spent reviewing post-mortem reports for prisoner deaths in all New York state and local jails. 'Even one fracture, we have to investigate the possibility of a homicide. Two definitely warrant a full investigation,' he said. 'Findings in textbooks never see those fractures, and neither have I.' But Dr Sampson disagrees with this, claiming that fractures of the hyoid bone and the cartilage feature in both suicides and homicides. A shadowy, orange object could be seen moving up the stairs to Epstein's cell block at the New York prison at around 10.40pm, the night before he was found dead Discrepancies found in the three million files related to the disgraced financier released on January 30 have further fuelled speculation surrounding Epstein's cause of death. For example, a federal statement announcing his death surfaced in the newly released documents, but it carries a date that appears to precede the moment he was officially found dead inside his New York prison cell. The document, issued by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and dated Friday, August 9, 2019, states that Epstein had already been found unresponsive and pronounced dead. But prison records and official accounts show Epstein was not discovered unresponsive until the morning of August 10, 2019, when a corrections officer delivering breakfast found him in his cell. The financier's death came amid a cascade of failures inside one of the federal government's most secure detention facilities. Prison records show that guards assigned to monitor Epstein did not conduct required checks during the overnight hours before his body was discovered. Scheduled rounds at 3am and 5am were missed, according to official findings. Furthermore, cameras positioned outside Epstein's cell were not functioning properly that night. Orange fabric identified at the scene of Epstein's death. The noose the financier allegedly used has never been officially identified Investigators later confirmed that at least two surveillance cameras had malfunctioned, leaving critical gaps in visual monitoring of the area. Because of those failures, officials were unable to establish a definitive timeline of Epstein's final moments. According to an official report, a noose made out of an orange bedsheet discovered in the cell was later determined not to be used in Epstein's death. Dr Baden claimed he noticed this fact during the post-mortem and was worried at the time that the 'noose didn't match the [injury]'. 'It wasnt smooth like the sheet, the markings [on Epsteins neck] would have required a different type of material,' he said. He also alleged that critical evidence was lost because of mistakes made by officials in the handling of Epstein's body. '[They] moved the body, guards refused to say how the body was found, and he was moved to the infirmary,' he said, which he claims is a 'highly unusual' chain of events. Most crucially, Dr Baden says, Epsteins time of death was 'lost'. To this day, no precise official time of death has been determined. Epstein, 66, had been held at the Manhattan jail since his arrest on July 6, 2019, after federal prosecutors charged him with sex trafficking minors and conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty and was awaiting trial when he died in custody just over a month later. According to official accounts of the morning of August 10, Epstein was discovered unresponsive and medical personnel attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead soon afterward. The newly released files claim that jail guards overseeing Epstein used a decoy body to mislead reporters gathered outside the prison after his death. Meanwhile, his real corpse was secretly removed in a separate vehicle, the documents allege. According to an internal memo, a jail supervisor told FBI agents that staff at Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center staged the ruse amid an intense media presence following Epstein's apparent suicide. The files claim that boxes and sheets were arranged to resemble a human body and loaded into a white van marked as belonging to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, prompting reporters to follow it as it drove away. Unbeknown to the media, Epstein's actual body was instead placed into a black vehicle that left the facility 'unnoticed,' allowing officers to transport the corpse privately. The alleged deception was carried out after an official warned guards about the large number of journalists gathered outside the jail and said he would arrive at the loading dock with a separate black vehicle to remove the body. The records also reveal investigators highlighted a handwritten note found inside Epstein's cell at the time of his death, which was not treated as a suicide note by the medical examiner. The note, which investigators said was 'difficult to read', appeared to list grievances about jail conditions, including complaints about food, showers and bugs. Epstein's real corpse was secretly removed in a separate vehicle, newly unsealed files claim The records also reveal that investigators later noted a handwritten note found inside Epstein's cell at the time of his death, although the medical examiner concluded it was not a suicide note After Epstein was pronounced dead at hospital, his body was returned to federal custody at the prison while arrangements were made for its transfer to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. One interview note states that because of the 'large news media presence,' staff devised a plan to 'thwart' reporters as the body was removed. According to the document, officers 'used boxes and sheets to create what appeared to be a human body, which was put into the white OCME vehicle which the press followed, allowing the black vehicle to depart unnoticed with EPSTEIN's body'. Other sections of the records describe how officers were stationed at a secure facility linked to the prison, where Epstein's body was guarded while fingerprinting and other procedures were carried out ahead of its transfer. Keir Starmer personally ordered a 260,000 pay-off for the ousted head of the civil service after being told the cost of getting rid of him was not justified, it was claimed today. After days of chaos in which Downing Street refused to say whether the Cabinet Secretary was still in post, the government announced last night that Chris Wormald was standing down 'by mutual agreement'. It marked an extraordinary turnaround from just 14 months ago, when Sir Keir installed Sir Chris in the top job saying he was the right man to 'rewire the British state'. But Sir Keir is now facing fresh challenges over his apparent pick for a replacement, Home Office mandarin Antonia Romeo. She was previously investigated for bullying and misusing expenses, although the probe cleared her. After days of chaos in which Downing Street refused to say whether the Cabinet Secretary was still in post, the government announced last night that Chris Wormald would stand down 'by mutual agreement' Sir Keir is now facing fresh challenges over his apparent pick to replace him, Home Office mandarin Antonia Romeo Sir Keir passed over Dame Antonia for the post in December 2024. Sir Chris, 57, is thought to be in line for a severance package of around 260,000. But according to The Times civil servants refused to go ahead with the deal until they had received a 'direction' from the PM. That is a mechanism triggered when officials do not believe spending on an action is justified, and demand specific instruction to make clear politicians are responsible. For an 'interim period' his responsibilities are being shared by the heads of three Whitehall departments: the Cabinet Office's Cat Little, the Treasury's James Bowler and the Home Office's Dame Antonia. The Government said a permanent replacement for Sir Chris will be appointed 'shortly'. Sir Keir said: 'I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career of public service ... and for the support that he has given me over the past year.' The PM is said to have been impressed by Dame Antonia's handling of the small boats crisis at the Home Office. But Westminster insiders have suggested Dame Antonia will not apply for the job again, and would only accept if she is handed the role without another process. The Civil Service Commission is set to decide on whether one is necessary, leaving Sir Keir's decision on a knife edge. As The Mail on Sunday revealed in 2020, Dame Antonia was investigated for bullying and misusing expenses while serving as Consul General in New York. She was later cleared. Ex Foreign Office chief Lord McDonald of Salford revealed he had contacted No 10 to warn against Dame Antonia getting the job without a proper recruitment process. He told Channel 4 News: 'In my view, the due diligence has some way still to go.' But a Government source insisted: 'There is absolutely no basis for this criticism. The allegations all come from a single grievance made some time ago by a former employee. All were dismissed.' Giving broadcast interviews for the government this morning, water minister Emma Hardy denied that Sir Chris had been 'scapegoated' for Sir Keir's own failures. She told Sky News she paid tribute to Sir Chris's '35 years as a civil servant, so that's his entire career dedicated to public service, and I've got a huge amount of respect for anybody who puts that much into public service, so I, you know, I wish him all the very best for the future'. Asked about the fact that there had been three high-profile departures from Government in recent days, she said: 'Well, I think (Sir Keir) is keen to, sort of, you know, look at his team and make sure that we have the team we need to deliver on the priorities this year. Ex Foreign Office chief Lord McDonald of Salford revealed he had contacted No 10 to warn against Dame Antonia getting the job without a proper recruitment process 'I mean, he's absolutely dedicated to cutting the cost of living. He was talking about that in the meeting that we had on Monday. I know for definite that's what people talk to me about here, and how they constantly talk to me about problems around the cost of living. 'So I think it's right that he has a team that is able to drive that forward. But I do want to say I have nothing but respect for Sir Chris or the rest of the people that have served within the Government, and you know, I hold them in the highest regard, but like in any situation, if people make a mutual decision that it's time to move on and try something else, then I respect that.' A teenager who stabbed a 12-year-old schoolboy to death at random will have his sentence reviewed by the Attorney General over complaints it was unduly lenient. Kian Moulton, 15, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 13 years for the murder of Leo Ross, who was attacked while walking home from school in Birmingham last year. The 'cowardly' teenage delinquent, then just 14, was unmasked as Leo's killer yesterday following a legal victory by the Daily Mail. His unprovoked attack on Leo was the culmination of three days of shocking violence he had perpetrated against strangers in Trittiford Mill Park in January 2025. Moulton also ambushed three lone elderly women - leaving two seriously injured - including an 82-year-old whom he pushed into a river and beat with her own walking stick, while yelling: 'I tried to drown you, but now I'm going to kill you'. But despite the appalling nature of his rampage, Moulton was told on Tuesday he would be eligible for parole when he is just 27 years old. The sentence at Birmingham Crown Court prompted outrage from Leo's family, with his mother Rachel Fisher saying: 'This is why kids are killing kids - because the sentences are a joke.' Today it was confirmed his sentence would be considered by the Attorney General's Office after multiple complaints it was unduly lenient. Kian Moulton, 15, was jailed for life with a minimum of 13 years for the unprovoked murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross in Birmingham Leo Ross, 12, was murdered at random by Moulton, then 14, as he tried to walk home from school In a legal victory for the Daily Mail, a judge ruled Kian Moulton could be identified as the killer who ambushed Leo Ross in a park in the Hall Green area of Birmingham last year Speaking after the sentence was handed down at Birmingham Crown Court, Leos heartbroken mother Rachel Fisher said: I think the sentence is ridiculous' In a statement, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Office said: 'I can confirm that we have received multiple requests for this sentence to be considered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. 'The Law Officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision.' Under the ULS scheme, the law officers - the Attorney General or Solicitor General - can refer Crown Court cases to the Court of Appeal if they consider that a sentence appears unduly lenient. Moulton had been 'hunting' for victims in the Hall Green area of Birmingham on January 21 last year, when he spotted Leo near the banks of the River Cole as he walked home from the Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy. He cycled up to the schoolboy and dealt a single stab wound to his stomach, before callously pretending to be an innocent bystander and raising the alarm. He then spun a fabricated account of how he had come across Leo's body to police as paramedics desperately worked to save him a few feet away. In one piece of bodyworn camera footage captured by officers, he said: 'He was lay there like that when I got hereI didn't touch him because that could put me in the case.' The Mail spearheaded a legal challenge with two other news organisations to argue Moulton should be named as the perpetrator of the three-day rampage which ended in Leos death. Mr Justice Choudhury agreed on Tuesday to lift anonymity restrictions, telling the court: This is a matter of substantial public interest. 'Knife crime, particularly amongst youths, is a matter of grave concern. This was an unusual and disturbing pattern of escalating violence against random strangers. 'The importance of a name (in media coverage) cannot be overstated. He rejected arguments from the defence that naming Moulton would hinder his rehabilitation, saying 'the evidence of any progress made thus far by the defendant is scant'. Indeed, he said Moulton himself had been involved in repeated episodes of violence since being locked up in youth detention. 'There was a period last year when the defendant was involved in violence and serious acts every few days,' he told the court. The judge did, however, agree to delay Moulton's name being released for 24 hours to allow for any appeals against his ruling to be lodged. Birmingham Childrens Trust, which is responsible for Moulton's care, sought an extension of 24 hours to a stay on reporting his identity, but its application was refused. The trust said it intended to apply for a judicial review of the decision to name the teenager, but on Thursday afternoon it said it had not made that application. Bodyworn footage from police at the scene showed officers talking to Moulton at the scene, where he coolly posed as an innocent bystander Moulton had been circling Trittiford Mill Park looking for victims after attacking three women - and spotted Leo moments later Leo, a model pupil, was last seen on CCTV walking home from school in the direction of the park shortly before the attack Leo was described as 'the most beautiful soul' by his family after his death The Mail previously revealed Moulton had a reputation for violent delinquency in the Hall Green area of Birmingham where he lived and was well known to police. It emerged on Tuesday that, two days before the murder, Moulton had carried out a shocking and sustained against Valerie Mann, 82. Prosecutor Rachel Brand KC told the sentence hearing: Kian approached her from behind and pushed her forcefully down and forward, she fell into the River Cole and into a ditch by the river. He said to her I tried to drown you, but now Im going to kill you instead and he struck her several times with her own walking stick. Moulton then told her: 'I would like to get some help, but you will tell on me.' After this attack too, Moulton pretended to be an innocent bystander and raised the alarm Ms Mann was left seriously injured and told police she thought she was going to die. The following day, Moulton attacked Christine Canty, 72, as she walked through the park, leaving her bleeding 'profusely' from a head wound. Finally, on January 21, the delinquent teenager assaulted Diana Copplestone, 79, just half an hour before Leo was stabbed. Police believe Leo was singled out that day because Moulton was 'much physically bigger' than him and the schoolboy represented an 'easy target'. Passing sentence, Mr Justice Choudhury told Moulton: 'What you did in the park last January was horrific and shocking. You went around the park looking for people to hurt. 'You chose people who were weaker and smaller than you. 'I hope you realise how cowardly your actions were.' Chef and bystander also injured during the chaos A kitchenhand has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a female colleague just hours after he was sacked from a busy leagues club. Police allege that Cameron William Leslie Clark, 33, was fired by the Easts Leagues Club in Coorparoo, Brisbane, on Thursday afternoon for inappropriate behaviour towards a 20-year-old female co-worker. The Woolloongabba man went to the club three hours later, where he allegedly confronted and attacked the young waitress with a carving knife. She was stabbed in the head, hands and wrist. A chef also suffered stab wounds when he attempted to intervene. Clark allegedly then followed the waitress into the dining area and stabbed her a second time, forcing shocked diners to intervene and help restrain him until police arrived. His dramatic arrest was captured on police bodycam footage. 'At this stage, you're under arrest, okay,' a female officer told him. Cameron Clark remains under police guard in hospital after he allegedly confronted and stabbed a former colleague on Thursday night Police bodycam footage captured Clark's dramatic arrest The injured woman was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she has since undergone surgery and is now in a stable condition. The chef, 61, was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries while a female member of the public received treatment for a minor arm wound. Clark also remains in hospital under police guard. He has since been charged with one count each of attempted murder, unlawful stalking, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful wounding, and being armed to cause fear. Clark will remain in custody over the weekend and appear in Brisbane Magistrates' Court on Monday. 'For everyone in the club yesterday afternoon, this is a life-altering event,' Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham told reporters. 'Those people that were physically injured, those people that witnessed the event, they will forever remember what occurred yesterday. 'I think we are very lucky and fortunate today that I'm not here discussing a more serious outcome.' Clark went to Easts Leagues Club (pictured) on his day off after he received written notice that his employment had been terminated Supt Massingham added that Clark and the young waitress were not in a relationship and did not know each other outside of work. Easts Leagues Club reopened on Friday and stressed there were no ongoing safety concerns. 'Our thoughts are with everyone involved during this difficult time,' the club wrote on Facebook. 'We want to acknowledge the bravery and compassion our team, members and community have shown following last night's incident. 'Our security processes are robust and we want to reassure that our venue is safe.' Keir Starmer is hoping for a respite from the Labour maelstrom today as he heads on his latest foreign mission. The PM is arriving at the Munich Security Conference this afternoon after the Mandelson scandal nearly sparked his ousting from No10. Aides are hoping that the focus on international issues, plus the fact that MPs have dispersed for a week-long Commons recess, can ease the pressure somewhat. However, many in Westminster still believe Sir Keir's days in Downing Street are numbered with rivals circling, the Gorton & Denton by-election looming, and the prospect of disastrous local polls in May. In Munich, Sir Keir is expected to launch a push for more Western cooperation on weapons development and procurement. The intervention comes after tensions with the EU over demanding billions of pounds for the UK to participate in its scheme. The PM will hold meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron in the afternoon, before giving a speech tomorrow morning. Keir Starmer is arriving at the Munich Security Conference this afternoon after the Mandelson scandal nearly sparked his ousting from No10 Sir Keir endured 24 hours of deathly silence from the Cabinet after the exit of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday Donald Trump is not attending, but has sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Last year Vice President JD Vance caused a storm by condemning European countries - including the UK - over free speech and immigration. Sir Keir returned from China barely a fortnight ago, and is acutely aware of public scepticism about his globetrotting. Aides are now said to be looking for a 20-80 per cent split of his time between domestic and foreign affairs. He has been talking about the cost of living crisis at all opportunities in an effort to demonstrate he is in tune with the concerns of ordinary Brits. One aide told Politico that in the depths of the crisis this week Sir Keir 'just wanted to make it to Munich'. Sir Keir endured 24 hours of deathly silence from the Cabinet after the exit of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday. Senior ministers only finally surfaced to prop him up when it became clear Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was about to publicly demand his resignation. But rumours are swirling about what deals Sir Keir must have cut to survive, with signs of a lurch to the Left and more 'class war' language. Labour sources have been trying to put a positive spin on the prospects of holding on in Gorton & Denton, despite Reform and the Greens sounding bullish about their chances. A Labour insider pointed to a poll suggesting Sir Keir's personal ratings had improved over the past month - albeit they are still dire One told the Daily Mail No10 aides were doing 'daily' calls with the 'ground team'. The source insisted the Mandelson issues did not seem to be coming up strongly on the doorstep, although they acknowledged it had cut through with the public more widely. 'It's good vibes at the moment,' they added. Another Labour insider pointed to a poll suggesting Sir Keir's personal ratings had improved over the past month - albeit they are still dire. 'I think many people - not just the parliamentary party - may have looked over the precipice and not liked what they saw,' they said. Green leader Zack Polanski and the party's Gorton and Denton by-election candidate Hannah Spencer broke down in tears as they talked about her dogs in a bizarre campaign podcast. They took part in a weepy discussion about Ms Spencer's coterie of four greyhounds in the latest edition of Mr Polanski's Bold Politics podcast. Talking about her first pooch, Graham, Ms Spencer, a plumber and local councillor welled up as she said he 'taught me a lot about acceptance;' at a tough time in her life. She went on to say: 'There is a bit of Graham in all of us, we just want to be accepted and we just want to be happy and we just want to be safe.' And later, in response to her talking about how much her greyhounds mean to her, Mr Polanski then broke down, saying: 'I think I'm crying for the greyhounds and I'm also crying to get you into parliament with that level of determination is exactly what this country needs, not just for greyhounds but for everyone.' Mr Polanski promoted the podcast on X by posting a clip and saying they were 'real people who are unafraid to just be themselves for an hour because they know they don't have to protect any vested interests'. However, some of those who watched the clip took a different view. One sarcastically wrote: 'These are exactly the sort of people you want to take on tough international negotiations.' And another said: 'I love dogs. I've cried when I've lost them, cats too. 'But the person we put in charge to be strong in the face of Russia, China, America .. is not some soppy **** that weeps over the memory of someone else's dog for ****sake.' They took part in a weepy discussion about Ms Spencer's coterie of four greyhounds in the latest edition of Mr Polanski's Bold Politics podcast. Mr Polanski promoted the podcast on X by posting a clip and saying they were 'real people who are unafraid to just be themselves for an hour because they know they don't have to protect any vested interests'. However, some of those who watched the clip took a different view A poll this week found that fewer than a third of Green Party voters would want 'eco-populist' Mr Polanski to be prime minister. More than four in 10 of those polled by More in Common said they did not want any main party leader to have power in No10. The race to win Gorton and Denton in a by-election on February 26 is a three-way struggle between Labour, the Greens and Reform. Earlier this week Mr Polanski urged voters in the Greater Manchester seat to choose 'hope' over 'hate' in a by-election which he says is a race between the Greens and Reform. Labour has also pitched itself as the anti-Reform candidate, with party sources trying to put a positive spin on the prospects of holding on to a seat they won with a majority of 13,000 in 2024. One told the Daily Mail No10 aides were doing 'daily' calls with the 'ground team'. The source insisted the Mandelson issues did not seem to be coming up strongly on the doorstep, although they acknowledged it had cut through with the public more widely. 'It's good vibes at the moment,' they added. Another Labour insider pointed to a poll suggesting Sir Keir's personal ratings had improved over the past month - albeit they are still dire. Your browser does not support iframes. A poll this week found that fewer than a third of Green Party voters would want 'eco-populist' Mr Polanski to be prime minister. 'I think many people - not just the parliamentary party - may have looked over the precipice and not liked what they saw,' they said. But a trade union leader has said Sir Keir Starmer should stand down if Labour comes third, as she backed Angela Rayner to replace him. Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), is the first leader of one of Labour's affiliated unions to publicly back an alternative to Sir Keir as party leader. She warned that a leadership challenge could come as soon as the end of the February, after a key by-election in which Labour risks falling behind Reform UK and the Greens. Ms Eslamdoust told the Daily Telegraph: 'If we were to come third, I think Keir's time will be up.' Calling for a 'widespread range' of candidates in any leadership contest, she said: 'I'd like for a woman to lead the Labour Party.' A High Court ruling against the decision to ban Palestine Action as a terror group risks convincing far-left activists they can 'hold the country to ransom', the government's former adviser on political violence said today. Palestine Action won a High Court challenge against the Home Office's decision to categorise it alongside the likes of Islamic State, with three judges declaring the move 'unlawful' and 'disproportionate'. The verdict has prompted police to stop arresting Palestine Action supporters - despite the proscription remaining in force pending an appeal by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Lord Walney, who was appointed as an independent government advisor under the Conservatives, declared himself 'deeply disappointed'. 'It is right that the Home Secretary appeals this deeply disappointing verdict which risks sending a signal that far left activists can hold the country to ransom,' he said. 'While Palestine Action has deployed violence less frequently than other proscribed groups, the criminal damage they systematically inflict clearly falls within the legal definition of terrorism.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp MP also backed Ms Mahmood's appeal and accused Palestine Action of being bent on 'intimidation, destruction, and violence'. He said: 'Palestine Action repeatedly invades secure sites, sabotages military aircraft, attacks police officers and causes millions in criminal damage. It is organised political violence and cannot be tolerated.' While the judges found that the decision should be quashed, they warned that the group remains banned pending Ms Mahmood's appeal. However, this distinction appears to have been lost on the Met Police, which said it would now stop arresting activists who express support for Palestine Action and merely 'gather evidence' against them instead. A spokesman said: 'Officers will continue to identify offences where support for Palestine Action is being expressed, but they will focus on gathering evidence of those offences and the people involved to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date, rather than making arrests at the time. 'This is the most proportionate approach we can take, acknowledging the decision reached by the court while recognising that proceedings are not yet fully concluded.' Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing - a UK-wide network of police and security service staff - said it would now enforce the proscription of Palestine Action 'pragmatically', raising the possibility it could also suspend arrests. The High Court's ruling is a massive blow to the government and means that more than 2,000 people who were arrested for holding signs or displaying messages supporting the group may now have proceedings dropped. Palestine Action was proscribed on July 5 last year by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper after a number of high-profile violent protests, including a raid on a UK-based defence company that saw a female PC attacked with a sledgehammer. As a result, being a member of, or showing support for, the group became an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Palestine Action co-founders Richard Barnard (left) and Huda Ammori (right) won their appeal against their group's proscription Supporters of the group celebrated the decision outside the High Court in London Some held signs saying 'Up Yours Cooper', a reference to former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper who implemented the ban on Palestine Action Activists gathered outside the High Court greeted today's ruling by shouting 'free Palestine', while Palestine Action founder Huda Ammori called it a 'monumental victory' for 'fundamental freedoms'. But the decision prompted dismay among Jewish groups, who called it 'deeply disappointing'. Three judges, led by Dame Victoria Sharp, said in their judgment that banning the group was an 'very significant' error and interfered with its members' right to protest under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. They said Ms Cooper had wrongly applied her own policy when deciding to proscribe the group. Under that policy, she should have considered the specific threat the organisation posed to the UK, but instead relied on the additional 'advantage' that proscription would give police extra powers to disrupt the group. In a stringing rebuke to the Labour grandee, the judges went further and ruled that proscribing Palestine Action was 'disproportionate'. 'At its core, Palestine Action is an organisation that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality,' they said. 'A very small number of its actions have amounted to terrorist action. 'For those actions, regardless of proscription, the criminal law is available to prosecute those concerned. If those involved are convicted they face the prospect of significant punishment, which would serve as a significant deterrent to others.' However, the judges added: 'The claimant...has sought to portray Palestine Action as a 'non-violent' organisation. This is not a sustainable proposition.' The court previously heard Palestine Action had an 'Underground Manual', which provided members with guidance on how to cause the maximum amount of disruption. The judges said: 'It contains an unmistakable invitation to individuals to group together to commit acts of criminal damage. This is not limited to symbolic acts. Protesters outside the High Court held signs reading 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action' Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was disappointed with the court's decision and plans to appeal it 'Palestine Action encourages those who read the Underground Manual to 'be creative' and to 'disrupt damage or destroy' targets without restraint.' Despite their ruling, the ban will remain in place to allow the Government time to consider an appeal. The current Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, immediately announced her decision to appeal, saying: 'I am disappointed by the court's decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organisation is disproportionate. 'The proscription of Palestine Action followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process, endorsed by Parliament. The proscription does not prevent peaceful protest in support of the Palestinian cause, another point on which the Court agrees. 'Home Secretaries must retain the ability to take action to protect our national security and keep the public safe. I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal.' During a judicial review hearing in November, Huda Ammori argued that the ban was a disproportionate interference with free speech and protest rights. She claimed the group had engaged in an 'honourable tradition' of direct action and civil disobedience. The Home Office said proscribing the group had the intended effect of disrupting its 'pattern of escalatory conduct' and had 'not prevented people from protesting in favour of the Palestinian people or against Israel's actions in Gaza'. Six Palestine Action activists were recently cleared of aggravated burglary after a raid on an Ebit Systems building near Bristol caused more than 1million worth of damage and left Sergeant Kate Evans injured after she was hit with a sledgehammer. The jury at Woolwich Crown Court also failed to reach a verdict on the charge of grievous bodily harm against Oxford-educated mathematician Samuel Corner, 23, as well as two counts of criminal damage over the alleged spraying of red paint and breaking of computers with hammers. Officers policing a group of Palestine Action activists outside the High Court building in central London have been told to act with 'compassion', a Met Police officer has said. One protester dressed as the grim reaper outside the court where judges ruled proscribing Palestine Action was unlawful Supporters of Palestine Action gathered at the High Court Inspector Paul Perversi, speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice where dozens of activists carried signs that read 'I support Palestine Action', said they would be advised they could be prosecuted at a later date. 'As far as we're concerned, as police, Palestine Action is still a proscribed organisation and my officers are engaging with protesters holding the signs just advising them that technically, it's illegal, and they could face prosecution,' Mr Perversi said. 'It's being recorded on body worn camera to be acted upon later if deemed appropriate. But at the moment officers are just engaging with members of the public,' he added. 'The officers have all been briefed to act with integrity, professionalism, courage, and importantly, a bit of compassion.' The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council said they believe the group should remain proscribed. In a joint statement, they said: 'We recognise the vital importance of judicial oversight in matters of national security and civil liberties. However, the practical impact of Palestine Action's activities on Jewish communal life has been significant and deeply unsettling. 'Palestine Action has repeatedly targeted buildings hosting Jewish communal institutions, Jewish-owned businesses, or sites associated with Israel, in ways that cause fear and disruption far beyond the immediate protest sites.' Tom Southerden, of Amnesty International, hailed the ruling as a 'vital affirmation of the right to protest at a time when it has been under sustained and deliberate attack'. 'The High Court's decision sends a clear message: the Government cannot simply reach for sweeping counterterrorism powers to silence critics or suppress dissent,' he said. Over a year has passed since the world saw the terrified face of Arbel Yehoud forced to walk through a baying mob of Hamas terrorists to freedom. Only now does the 30-year-old feel strong enough to reveal that this sickening spectacle was just the last act in a monstrous campaign of abuse unleashed throughout her 482 days held in Gaza. Motivated to talk after seeing fellow captive Romi Gonen, 25, bravely reveal how she was sexually assaulted by her captors, Arbel tells me this is what she endured 'almost every single day in captivity'. Held alone, it was so bad she tried to commit suicide on multiple occasions. 'I tried to end it three times,' Arbel says. 'I felt like I couldnt go on. There were moments when I thought it was the only way out.' But she was kept alive by the love for her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, 28, whom she was torn from after they were kidnapped together. 'Every time, I remembered Ariel, and that gave me the strength to keep breathing,' she says of her suicidal thoughts. Understandably, Arbel does not wish to go into further details of this abuse. But she does tell of how she was held alone in solitary confinement, starved, and psychologically, sexually and physically abused, breaking two of her ribs. Above all, though, it was being separated from the love of her life that most filled her with despair. Arbel Yehoud being escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as she is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 30, 2025 Arbel Yehoud was kidnapped alongside her boyfriend Ariel Cunio Arbel Yehoud reuniting with her family after spending 482 days as a hostage in Gaza Incredibly, for their first few months the couple managed to smuggle love notes to one another before guards snuffed out their contact. When she was freed on January 30 last year, it was the knowledge that she was leaving Ariel behind in Gaza that terrified her more than any gunman could. But after she travelled the world campaigning to free him, he was finally released on October 13 last year. Now Arbel and Ariel detail how their extraordinary love got them through 15 months in hell. Paying tribute to the bravery of Romi, who detailed how she was assaulted by three men in the first weeks of her capture, Ariel says: 'Since I returned, I havent been able to watch the stories of other survivors. 'But when I saw the promo for Romis story, it felt different. It was hard for me but in the end, I decided to watch the segment about her. 'I realised that what Romi describes experiencing once is what I went through almost every single day in captivity.' Arbel had lived a quiet life with Ariel in Kibbutz Nir Oz since 2018, raising a two-month-old puppy called Murph and planning a future of marriage and children. But on the morning of October 7, 2023, everything changed. Palestinian terrorists broke through the Gaza border, killing, raping and kidnapping whoever they could find. The moment Arbel and Ariel reunite in Israel on October 13, 2025 Arbel and Ariel hid under their bed with Murph. 'I put my hand over her mouth to stop her barking but it didnt help,' Arbel said. She said it reminded her of Holocaust testimonies, when mothers accidentally suffocated their children while trying to stop them crying as Nazis searched for them. 'They found us, dragged us out, and shot Murph in front of us. We heard Murphs crying until she died.' Arbel was beaten and Ariel endured blunt-force attacks to his head until he bled. Ariels brother David, his wife Sharon and their children were taken hostage. Arbels brother Dolev went missing and was later declared dead, which she says devastated her. After three hours in Gaza, they were separated, each sent to different hideouts. Both believed it would be temporary. Both believed survival depended on staying connected. 'I drove them crazy asking about her,' says Ariel. 'I wanted to hear her. I wanted to see her. And they understood that I wouldnt stop until they gave me something,' says Ariel. 'They finally agreed to let us write notes to each other, which they smuggled with messengers,' says Arbel. The messages were short and powerful: 'Im okay. I love you. Stay strong.' Arbel and Ariel believed survival depended on staying connected. Photo credit: Nataly Bendersky Shalem Israeli soldiers and medics accompany Ariel Cunio upon his arrival at the Sheba Tel HaShomer Medical Centre in Ramat Gan on October 13, 2025, alongside Arbel Yehoud Arbel was released alone into a mob surrounded by hundreds of terrorists last year Looking pale and terrified, Arbel says she was worried she was going to get snatched away by other gangs 'In my opinion, it was from a place where they wanted to get more intelligence out of us. They also wanted to silence us.' 'It gave me strength,' Ariel said. 'It reminded me that I wasnt alone, that someone was fighting with me, even in silence.' 'I was always anxious that Ariel was going to try to escape and put his life at risk. So those letters calmed me.' But then, a few months later, it stopped. 'They told Ariel if he ever mentioned my name again they would kill me.' For over a year, they lived in isolation and fear. 'Every day I hoped he was safe. I didnt know if he was alive, if he was being hurt. That fear was worse than anything else.' 'The mental toll was insane. Being separated, not knowing if she was okay I went crazy sometimes. I would walk in circles, hit my head, just to release the tension,' says Arbel. 'I tried to end it three times,' she said. 'Thinking of Ariel, thinking of our life together, it made me hold on. 'They gave me a notebook. I would draw a lot of things from Central America, from our trip. 'Or I would draw us under a tree, or with a family, or children. 'It gave me good thoughts. Thats what strengthened me.' In captivity, as well as the abuse, Arbel endured interrogations, forced conversion attempts and starvation, as they kept her in refugee camps. There were early discussions of selling them or smuggling them out of Gaza. 'I was held with a baby who was four months old. By the time I was released, he was 15 months old. They carry knives from the age of seven or eight. 'Three days before I left, the baby aimed a gun at me. He was playing with it. He pointed it at me while I begged his mother to take it down.' Arbel was released first, emerging alone into a mob surrounded by hundreds of terrorists. Looking pale and terrified, Arbel says she was worried she was going to get snatched away by other gangs. 'I remember stepping out and seeing that sea of green headbands,' she said. 'I was the only woman. My mind was trying to process am I free? But Im still surrounded by them? 'I was terrified, but I knew I had to survive. My thoughts were of Ariel I had to get back to him.' For the first time in a year she met an Israeli captive, Gadi Moses. 'I was already in a state of shock.' Ariel was released after 738 days in captivity. 'Since returning, I havent truly returned to life,' Arbel said. 'What kept him was the thought of me. The possibility that we would meet again. That we might still have a life together.' Now free, they face a new struggle: rehabilitation, sleepless nights, flashbacks and trauma. Learning how to live again, how to trust the world again. Their home in Nir Oz is gone. They have nowhere to return to. But they have each other. Arbel and Ariel are raising money for their rehabilitation. You can support them by donating here. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor passed on a confidential Treasury briefing to a banker friend, according to new emails. He was Britain's trade envoy in 2010 when he requested an official update on the financial crisis gripping Iceland at the time. When the Treasury sent him one, he forwarded it to his financier friend Jonathan Rowland to read 'before you make your next move', says the email seen by The Telegraph. The former Duke of York is already facing a police probe over claims he leaked confidential data to Jeffrey Epstein when he was the UK's special representative for trade. Thames Valley Police detectives are assessing whether to open an investigation. Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace said it stands 'ready to support' police in any investigation, in an unprecedented statement in which the King expressed his 'profound concern' at mounting allegations against his brother. Now there is further evidence of Andrew's apparent willingness to pass on official documents to rich friends. Mr Rowland was the former chief executive of Banque Havilland, founded by his father David Rowland, to whom the former prince was also close. In the emails seen by The Telegraph, the former prince tasked his deputy private secretary Amanda Thirsk to write to Michael Ellam, the Treasury's director general of international finance. At the time, the UK and Iceland were having a diplomatic row over British deposits lost in the 2008 banking crisis. David Rowland thanking the former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, for unveiling his statue Jonathan Rowland and his father David Rowland pictured in London in 2017 Jonathan Rowland and his wife Anya were among the guests seen attending Princess Eugenie's wedding in 2018 Ms Thirsk wrote on February 8, 2010: 'The Duke of York met with the prime minister of Iceland at Davos and would very much like to receive an update note on the latest position between the UK and Iceland on the matter of the deposits and the deposit scheme.' A week later, a different Treasury official replied with a note, and she forwarded it to Andrew. Two hours later, he passed it to Jonathan Rowland, whose bank had bought assets from a failed Icelandic lender a year earlier. Andrew told him: 'I pass this on to you for comment and a suggestion or solution? 'The essence is that Amanda is getting signals that we should allow the democratic process [to] happen before you make your move. Interested in your opinion? A.' Banque Havilland was connected to a major investigation by Icelandic authorities at the time. The email was sent days after Iceland's office of the special prosecutor raided the offices of Kaupthing Bank, part of which had just been acquired by Banque Havilland after the Icelandic institution collapsed. Many depositors who lost access to their cash were British. Andrew's connections to the Rowland family go back years. Guernsey-based Tory donor David Rowland once gave Sarah Ferguson 40,000 to help clear debts. And it was reported in 2022 that leaked documents suggested he had in 2017 paid off a 1.5million bank loan for the Duke. Mr Rowland Snr was invited to Balmoral where he reportedly met the Queen and took tea with the Prince of Wales. Shortly after the 1.5million gift, he enticed Andrew to the launch of a joint venture between one of his banks and a sovereign wealth fund in Abu Dhabi. Day at the races: David Rowland and Prince Andrew at Royal Ascot in 2006 A photo from the Epstein files appears to show Andrew leering over an unidentified woman in what looks to be Epstein's New York home There are further documents in the Epstein files which show the close relationship between Andrew and the Rowland family. In an email sent to Epstein in September 2009, an individual referring to Sarah Ferguson said they 'will finalise F summary for you next week. Can't now cause she went to nepal paying for the first class flight with her rowland bank loan'. Thames Valley Police is still assessing whether to investigate Andrew, after documents in the Epstein files showed he was forwarding on official papers. When he went to visit Jeffrey Epstein in November 2010, he passed on Whitehall reports from his visit to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and China within five minutes of receiving them from his office at Buckingham Palace. Another time, he gave Epstein a briefing on investment opportunities in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Mr Rowland and Banque Havilland have been approached for comment. The Government is now under pressure to release documents from Andrews time as trade envoy as well as internal files on Peter Mandelson which it has already been asked to do. It emerged that ministers have blocked the release of some Andrew files on health and safety grounds. Author Andrew Lownie, who wrote the recent Andrew biography Entitled, requested a copy of Foreign Office emails relating to trips by the former prince to Kazakhstan in 2008 and Azerbaijan in 2009. These were refused, in part because it was claimed that disclosure could endanger the physical or mental health, or the safety, of individuals involved in these arrangements. Chinese AI firms race to release models, angling for next DeepSeek moment Xinhua) 10:01, February 13, 2026 People learn about AI model DeepSeek at a fair themed on AI technologies in Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Long Wei/Xinhua) BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese AI companies are racing to launch new models over the Lunar New Year holiday, angling for the next game-changing DeepSeek moment. Days ago, a mysterious test version dubbed Pony Alpha became a hot topic in the AI community for its exceptional coding performance, sparking widespread speculation about its developer. On Thursday, it was revealed to be GLM-5 by Beijing-based AI company Zhipu AI. The new model has achieved high scores on top agent benchmarks and has been used successfully in many agent flows during its stealth period, according to a post on OpenRouter's X handle. This stealth-testing approach demonstrates Chinese developers' growing confidence in their product capabilities. Late last month, Moonshot, another tech firm from Beijing, unveiled its new Kimi 2.5 release, surprising the AI community with its open-source performance across agents, coding, image, video and a range of general intelligence tasks. The open-source model is going to save 90 percent of the cost, and create a "Kimi 2.5 moment," said Chamath Palihapitiya, a prominent Silicon Valley analyst, calling it "incredibly profound." DeepSeek has also quietly kicked off a gray-scale test on its app and web interfaces. The context window length has been expanded directly from the previous 128K tokens to one million tokens, suggesting a significant upgrade in the pipeline. The push to replicate the significant global impact of DeepSeek's R1 launch in January 2025 has extended to video and image AI as well. ByteDance's recently tested text-to-video tool Seedance 2.0, which can generate a multi-shot film sequence in roughly 60 seconds with rather simple prompts, has sparked a short video creation craze across the global cyberspace. "The childhood era of AIGC is over," said Feng Ji, creator of the globally hit game Black Myth: Wukong, when discussing Seedance 2.0. "It's fortunate that, at least for now, Seedance 2.0 originates from China," added Feng, awestruck by the AI capabilities. Meanwhile, Alibaba's AI arm Qwen launched its next-generation image generation foundation model, Qwen-Image 2.0, on Tuesday. The open-source Qwen model is powering AI tools for the International Olympic Committee in preparation for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. China's technology titans, including Alibaba, Tencent and ByteDance, are leveraging the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday season to lock in users for their intelligent assistants, gearing up to accelerate the build-out of an R&D-to-consumption ecosystem anchored on their respective AI models and platforms. The country had 1.125 billion internet users by the end of 2025, and its user numbers of generative AI technology reached 602 million, a striking 141.7 percent increase from the end of 2024, according to the China Internet Network Information Center. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Keir Starmer's immigration crackdown is under threat from Labour MPs demanding he lurches to the Left to save his premiership. Dozens of backbenchers have signed a letter calling for the government to drop an 'un-British' overhaul of settlement rules. The intervention - joined by the head of the UK's biggest union - comes as the PM struggles to cling on after his Mandelson meltdown. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood wants to extend the standard wait for indefinite leave to remain - meaning people can live and work in the UK and claim benefits - to 10 years. The period could be 15 years for those arriving on health and social care visas, and people who relied on benefits for more than 12 months would need to wait 20 years. Conditions such as having a clean criminal record and speaking English to A-level standard have been mooted, but migrants would be able to shorten the delay if they are high earners or contribute to crucial sectors. The proposals are part of a wider bid by ministers to show they are getting tough on borders, amid the rising political threat from Reform. Keir Starmer's immigration crackdown is under threat from Labour MPs demanding he lurches to the Left to save his premiership Ms Mahmood has defended the plans, saying the government must respond to 'unprecedented' levels of legal immigration But the letter to Ms Mahmood, backed by 35 Labour MPs and Unison boss Andrea Egan among others, said: 'The British public believe in fair play: that if you work hard, follow the rules and contribute, that government should tread lightly on your life.' It added: 'The proposals to change settlement rules would pull the rug from under migrant workers, including in social care who provide dignity and comfort to our loved ones, often in difficult conditions and for low pay. 'The government must uphold its promises - we cannot simply change the rules halfway through an agreed process.' The letter said the overhaul could push the social care sector to 'breaking point'. It demands the the government 'immediately rules out applying new immigration rules to migrant families already in the UK'. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, who organised the letter, said: 'These plans will divide communities and damage services. Ministers must think again.' Ms Mahmood has defended the plans, saying the government must respond to 'unprecedented' levels of legal immigration. Sir Keir's weakness has opened the door for a host of MPs to push pet left-wing policies, such as a 'wealth tax', more generous benefits and nationalisation. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, who organised the letter, said: 'These plans will divide communities and damage services. Ministers must think again.' Your browser does not support iframes. The PM endured more than 24 hours of deathly silence from the Cabinet in the wake of his chief aide's resignation over the Mandelson scandal on Sunday. Ministers only finally rallied round when Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was about to demand publicly that he quit - with questions swirling about what concessions and deals Sir Keir might have made for his survival. In a sign of a change in approach, the PM said on Tuesday that he was 'proud' to have the 'most working-class Cabinet' in history. This is the moment a mass brawl erupted between British passengers on a flight from Turkey to Manchester, forcing the jet to make an emergency diversion. Dramatic footage shows passengers screaming as travellers traded punches and wrestled in the aisle mid-air. Chaos quickly spread through the cabin, with terrified families and elderly travellers caught up in the disorder. Witnesses described seeing blood on seats and teeth scattered on the floor. The flight was diverted to Brussels yesterday evening after violence reportedly broke out when one passenger tried to snatch another's phone. Police boarded the aircraft on landing and took two individuals into custody. Passengers claimed one of those detained had been drinking heavily and making racist remarks before the situation escalated into a confrontation with cabin crew over cigarettes. This is the moment a mass brawl erupted between British passengers on a flight from Turkey to Manchester, forcing the jet to make an emergency diversion Dramatic footage shows travellers screaming as passengers traded punches and wrestled with each other in the aisle Chaos quickly spread through the cabin, with terrified families and elderly travellers caught up in the disorder Police boarded the aircraft on landing and took two individuals into custody 'At one point it became very physical. Passengers were distressed. People were frightened. The atmosphere turned chaotic,' one traveller said. Another added: 'Respect to the passengers who stood up against the racism, including the kind person who sat with and comforted those shaken. The Jet2 crew dealt with the situation calmly and professionally.' The pilot later told passengers that in 30 years of flying he could count his emergency landings on one hand, adding he had never witnessed an incident as violent. The aircraft later continued to Manchester following the unscheduled diversion. Jet2 described the behaviour as 'appalling' and said those involved would be banned for life. A once-thriving suburb is now a hellhole as furious residents claim lawmakers are dismissing their concerns. Aviation Park in Lakewood, Colorado, was a magnet for young families but now locals say it's like living in a homeless encampment. 'What is beautiful and what made me decide to live here...is like a nightmare,' resident Cat Stone told CBS. Her balcony now overlooks a growing number of tents. 'It used to be one or two occasionally, but then I don't know what happened,' Stone said. Disgusted residents say they've found syringes, human excrement, condoms, and drugs littered around the area. Locals say they've filed reports about the homeless issue but claim they're being stonewalled by officials who say it's a 'complex issue'. 'I got a nice letter that says, you know, it's very difficult what we are doing, we are understaffed and overworked, and sometimes it will take up to 48 hours for us to react to one of your reports,' Stone said. Aviation Park in Lakewood, Colorado, was once a magnet for young families Disgusted residents say they've found syringes, human excrement, condoms, and drugs littered around the area 'Then a few days later I get a message that this case has been closed,' she said, although she sees no change outside her window. 'They used to have kids over here, but everybody is scared to even walk over here now,' resident Ruben Guerra told Fox 31. 'It used to be a really nice park, but now its turned into just a campground for the homeless,' he told the outlet. Even when police do sweeps of the area, residents say those looking for shelter only wander off a few blocks away before eventually coming back. The ongoing problem has led to long-term residents picking up and leaving. Susan Clark has had three neighbors leave already, and said one of her neighbors struggled to sell her home. 'In fact, she was the lady that had found a drug addict in her chicken coop,' she told Fox 31. Residents say they have complained about the issue only to be stonewalled by officials Residents have reportedly packed up and left the area due to the issue City officials argued that cleanup efforts and sweeps happen on a regular basis, while also acknowledging homeless people do return to the park, Fox 31 reported. Officials reportedly told Clark they do not have the resources to keep up with the growing homeless population. The Daily Mail has contacted the city for comment. A scandal-hit coroner has been struck off for lying about the seriousness of sexual assault allegations made against him by a former client. Chinyere Inyama, a senior coroner in West London from 2013 until his dismissal in 2023, was accused of raping a client when he worked as a mental health lawyer, a solicitors tribunal heard. Mr Inyama, who is in his mid-60s, told the Chief Coroner's Office that police had spoken to him about allegations of him 'touching up' a woman. But a tribunal found he deliberately tried to downplay the seriousness of the allegations, while claiming that he was simply too embarrassed to talk about the full details. Mr Inyama was sacked over the row in 2023 and has now been struck off the roll of solicitors. During a chaotic tenure as a senior coroner in London, Mr Inyama was accused of bullying staff and even leaving sensitive inquest files on a train. In 2014, he had been in charge of overseeing the inquest into murdered schoolgirl Alice Gross, who was snatched and murdered while walking along a canal towpath in west London. But, in a highly embarrassing blunder, Mr Inyama left a sensitive police file about the case - and was sanctioned for the way he handled the incident. There followed further controversy as he was criticised for holding inquests late at night in an apparent bid to clear a backlog of cases and then, in 2017, he was accused of bullying a member of coronial staff. He was given a reprimand by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, but kept his 120,000-a-year job until the rape allegations surfaced. Chinyere Inyama, a senior coroner in West London from 2013 until his dismissal in 2023, was accused of raping a client when he worked as a mental health lawyer A disciplinary hearing was told that Mr Inyama worked as a mental health solicitor between 1993 and 2003 and has worked as a coroner since 2004. In October 2021, he was told by Nottinghamshire Police that historic sexual assault allegations had been made against him from a time when he was working as a mental health solicitor. He was given more detail about the allegations the following month, including that the alleged victim was a 'mentally disordered' former client and that the incidents took place between 2001 and 2008. He was accused of going into a sauna with the woman at a gym or swimming pool in Newark, Nottinghamshire. The second allegation was that he had raped the woman multiple times in a hotel room. But Mr Inyama then told James Parker, the head of the Chief Coroner's Office, that there were two allegations of him 'touching up' the woman. Mr Parker felt that 'the tone of the conversation was that the allegations were false'. He reported Mr Inyama after noticing the difference between what he said and information that police had given the Chief Coroner's Office about the allegations. In January 2023, a disciplinary panel found that he 'deliberately misled' the Chief Coroner's Office and he was found guilty of serious misconduct. Mr Inyama was sacked the following month. Defending himself at the tribunal, he said: 'His description of the allegations as 'touching up' was not in an effort to mislead Mr Parker. 'Rather, it was as a result of his desire to avoid the embarrassment and shame at the nature of the allegations.' He said that the incident was a 'moment of madness', but accepted that he had been 'less than frank' during the phone call to Mr Parker. The tribunal rejected this, finding that it was a 'deliberate act by Mr Inyama, calculated to minimise the serious nature of the allegations'. It also found that he had 'minimised the nature and seriousness of those allegations' and concluded the fact he was embarrassed by the allegations did not excuse him from his duty to report them in 'a full and frank manner'. The tribunal panel said: 'A solicitor acting with integrity would not, in the knowledge of his duties, provide inaccurate and misleading information due to embarrassment.' The panel added that 'Mr Inyama was an extremely experienced solicitor and a member of the judiciary at a senior level who was fully aware of his obligations'. The panel concluded: 'His conduct, whilst spontaneous, was deliberate and calculated. 'Mr Inyama had made a conscious decision, during the call, to underplay the seriousness of the allegations.' He was struck off the roll of solicitors and ordered to pay costs of 15,000. A woke judge has sentenced a sex attacker to half the recommended sentence - despite him threatening to kill a prosecutor when he is freed. Christopher Earl Thompson, 23, was convicted in December of robbery, kidnapping, sodomy and sexual abuse for attacking a woman in July 2023. He was wearing a ski mask when he abducted the victim in her car, held her at gunpoint and forced her to perform oral sex twice. Despite his horrific crimes, Judge Tracy E. Davis claimed Thompson had 'fallen through the cracks' as a teenager and was not beyond redemption, WAVE reported. 'This court does not believe that Mr. Thompson, if given the resources that he can get while incarcerated, is beyond being rehabilitated,' she said. Thompson was sentenced to 30 years in prison, despite a jury recommending 65 years. The sentencing came even as Davis acknowledged that Thompson had previously told prosecutor Milja Zgonjanin 'I will see you in 20 years, b****.' Thompson then added: 'Eat my d****, b****. I'm going to pop your a**.' Judge Tracy E. Davis sentenced a sex attacker to half the recommended sentence Thompson repeatedly lashed out at the judge during his sentencing hearing 'D**** s*****, f**** y'all kids, and f**** y'all's dead loved ones,' Thompson said. 'Suck my d***, b****.' He is said to have added: 'If I could spit on you, I would.' In the moments before Davis reduced the jury's recommended sentence, Thompson again lashed out. 'I don't have sympathy for you, the victim, the victim's family,' Thompson said. Thompson, now 23, was convicted of robbery, kidnapping, sodomy and sexual abuse after attacking a woman he did not know in July 2023 Davis admonished Thompson for his behavior as she asked him to 'sit back and be quiet.' She said: 'it is just a shame that you can't look at all of this, all of these things and say, 'As of today, February 2 of 2026, I want to be a different person. I want a better outcome. I want to be an asset to society'.' Thompson repeatedly interrupted the judge, asking how he could become an asset 'if I've got 65 years.' Davis said imposing the jury's recommended 65-year sentence would have been 'one of the toughest decisions that this court could ever make,' even as Thompson claimed he did not care. She noted that he had shown no remorse or willingness to become an 'active' member of society. 'You came in here off the cuff saying negative things, trying to get a response out of everybody, and that's not it,' she said. 'I hope that you get what you need while you are incarcerated.' The hearing had started with Thompson telling the judge, 'I ain't doing nothing with my d***.' Davis added: 'I hope that somewhere along the line, your brain fully develops, and you begin to make better decisions so that you are not someone that can cause harm to the community, and so that you yourself do not get harmed.' Thompson will be eligible for parole after 20 years. His crimes were described as 'every woman's worst nightmare' by Zgonjanin, the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney. After abducting the victim in her own car, Thompson drove her to a school parking lot, where he forced her to perform sexual acts while threatening her with a gun. He also took her to an ATM between assaults and withdrew money from her account. Thompson previously told prosecutor Milja Zgonjanin 'I will see you in 20 years, b****' Louisville Republicans have criticized Davis' decision to cut Thompson's sentence from 65 years to 30. Councilman Anthony Piagentini, the minority caucus chair, called her ruling an assault on Kentucky's justice system. 'Where's the concern for the victim? Do we think she's going to get over this in 30 years?' Piagentini said Monday, per the Louisville Courier Journal. He added: 'Where's the concern for the safety of the public when he does get released from jail? Where's the concern for the respect for the jury process?' Piagentini called Thompson a 'disgusting, evil sociopath' and said he should never breathe 'free air' again. He also criticized Davis' record, saying that county clerk data showed she granted shock probation more than any other Jefferson County judge between January 2023 and last August. 'If she believes that her decisions are all justifiable and good, she should welcome this level of transparency,' Piagentini said. 'I think the opposite. I think the public would be appalled to hear what she is doing and how her decisions reduce the safety of our community.' Thompson's prior criminal record included juvenile crimes like theft, robbery and truancy. His lawyer, Clay Kennedy, said he had never seen a judge bypass a jury's recommendation. He claimed that Thompson's upbringing was among the saddest he has encountered in his legal career. Thompson was on probation and in a diversion program at the time of the sex attack. Police said he had a stolen firearm and fled from officers, per court records. A spokesperson for Jefferson County Circuit Court issued a statement on Davis' decision, according to the Courier Journal. 'While it may be relatively rare for judges to reduce a jury's sentencing recommendation, judges are called on to make sentencing decisions dispassionately, proportionately, and according to law,' they said, per the outlet. 'Not according to or in fear of how the public may perceive or react to that decision.' The Daily Mail has contacted Judge Davis and the Jefferson Circuit Court for comment. Dramatic 911 audio has revealed a father's frantic plea for help after the plane he was flying crashed to the ground. The unidentified man had his 11-year-old daughter in the plane when it crashed deep in the woods in Okeechobee County in rural south-central Florida just after 9pm on January 10. The pilot had just five percent battery left on his phone when he made the desperate call. Emergency dispatcher Joann Porter answered the call, revealing the man's first words on the phone were: 'I've been in a plane crash.' 'I've never had a plane crash call before and certainly not from the person that was flying the plane,' Porter told WPBF. He told Porter that both him and his daughter had been hurt in the crash and that they were east of Okeechobee Airport, but he was not aware of their exact location. 'You can tell he was kind of losing his breath. But in all, he was calm,' Porter said. The pilot could be heard ask for help 'as soon as possible please' in audio released of the 911 call. Dramatic 911 audio has revealed a father's frantic plea for help after the plane he was flying crashed to the ground Emergency dispatcher Joann Porter answered the call and kept the man reassured over the phone 'I'm hurting a lot,' he said. Porter replied: 'We're going to get you sir. We're going to find you and your daughter. Everything is going to be OK, alright? Just stay with us.' Police and the fire department urgently searched the area while Porter kept reassuring the pilot over the phone. They used a siren in an attempt to alert the injured man and his daughter that they were nearby. Meanwhile, the 11-year-old girl screamed for help. After 40 minutes of searching the rescuers finally found the crashed plane and were able to save the father and daughter. 'I know that was the grace of God that left that. Because when they found him, I was still talking to him,' Porter said. Both the man and his daughter are now expected to make a full recovery. Porter said she was 'very proud' of her efforts to help rescue the pair. The pilot was able to calmly communicate that he was injured The pilot and his daughter are expected to make a full recovery The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report of the crash revealed that the father was struggling to start the plane's engine. The pilot told the organization he noticed the light in the cockpit and cabin were particularly dim prior to takeoff. Although he was able jump start his plane and take off, shortly after liftoff, the engine began struggling and failed to generate sufficient power during to stay in the air. He said the plane crashed while he was trying to fix the problem mid-air. A young mom cried 'please don't shoot me, I'm sorry' before she was found dead in a wooded area. The body of Gabriella Cartagena, 24, was found in Menominee County, Michigan, on Tuesday. Her family alerted police about her disappearance five days earlier after an unsettling phone call the night before. Cartagena was distressed, crying and could be heard begging someone not to hurt her during the call, her family said. The mother-of-one was believed to have been with her boyfriend Robert Chilcote, 29, at Red Arrow Park in Milwaukee at the time. Chilcote was named a person of interest and taken into custody after leading authorities on a 16-minute chase that reached speeds of 100 mph. Days after the arrest investigators found Cartagenas body across state lines after tracking Chilcotes movements using business surveillance footage and cell tower records. Marinette Police Department Chief John LaCombe said that Chilcote, who has not yet been charged in his girlfriends disappearance, is currently the only suspect in the case. The body of Gabriella Cartagena, 24, was found in Menominee County, Michigan, on Tuesday The mom-of-one cried for help during a phone call with her family before she was found dead He is being held on a $100,000 bond, facing charges of fleeing and eluding and for being a fugitive from another state. 'What breaks my heart the most is my niece, her beautiful three-year-old daughter Anaya, will grow up missing her mother every single day for the rest of her life,' relative Brianna Marie wrote on Facebook. Cartagena had a child from a previous relationship. 'It is devastating that a cold-hearted individual ripped that future away from her and from Anaya,' Marie wrote. Robert Chilcote was named a person of interest Cartagenas family reported her missing on the morning of February 5, explaining she was last seen the day before at her home near the Little River Country Club boat launch around 5pm. LaCombe told reporters on Thursday that the pair lived together in Marinette. According to her family, Cartagena's behavior before she was found dead was extremely unusual. They said she never turns off her phone and has only recently moved from the Milwaukee area, so she doesnt know many people in the community, according to Fox 11 News. Police went to Red Arrow Park, the location from which she was thought to have called her mother, and immediately determined the area to be a 'potential' crime scene. The snow-covered area showed signs of possible blood and other disturbances, LaCombe said during the press conference. Two witnesses also told authorities they heard arguing around the time of Cartagena's disappearance, according to WBAY News. Police said the incident occurred at the Bird Street entrance to the park, with surveillance footage showing the vehicle coming and going, providing investigators with a timeline. Authorities used police technology to trace Chilcotes movements from the park into Menominee, Michigan, tracking him as he went north out of Menominee City and returned roughly 20 minutes later. He was promptly named a person of interest, and authorities requested assistance from the Wright County Sheriffs Office in Minnesota. That same day, Chilcote was taken into custody and booked into jail on charges of fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and being a fugitive from another state. The high-speed chase only ended when he lost control of his car while trying to avoid stop sticks. LaCombe revealed that 'several firearms' were found in Chilcotes car at the time of his arrest, but noted that he did not know whether they were used in the deadly incident. Authorities traveled to Minnesota to question Chilcote, though the police chief refused to release any information about that interview. LaCombe did reveal, however, that authorities did not find any evidence linking Chilcote to Minnesota, and they still do not know why he went there after his girlfriend disappeared. Over the next five days, several law enforcement agencies continued the search for Cartagena, using the timeframe and cell tower information to focus on a wooded area near Birch Creek Road. Her body was finally located on Tuesday morning, even after investigators had been 'continuously' combing the area. LaCombe told reporters at the press conference that he believes Cartagena was killed at Red Arrow Park and later transported to Menominee County. DeShea Morrow, Marinette County District Attorney, said the office is holding off on filing charges until the autopsy is complete. She also revealed that steps to extradite Chilcote to Wisconsin are now in motion. Officials have not revealed a motive, but confirmed that no prior domestic disturbances had ever been reported between the two. 'I think its terrible. A real tragedy, and I think the community all shares in the grief,' Tom Maxwell, a Marinette resident, told WBAY News. 'This is a law-abiding community,' he added. 'People here stick together and just dont tolerate that kind of behavior.' The family plans to hold a candlelight vigil, though no date has been set. Two GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help cover funeral and travel expenses, as well as support Cartagenas mother. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 18007997233. The Mayor of San Francisco demanded that power be restored to the city's opera house during a blackout so his heiress daughter could perform in The Nutcracker, it is claimed. Mayor Daniel Lurie, a 49-year-old heir to the Levi's fortune, allegedly ordered energy officials to focus their efforts on restoring power to the War Memorial Opera House on December 21st. At the time his daughter Taya Lurie was performing as Clara, the central figure in The Nutcracker ballet, at a matinee showing of the Tchaikovsky Christmas classic. While large parts of the city were plunged into darkness the show managed to go on after being supplied with power. At a hearing this week, Pacific Gas and Electric Co (PG&E) Supervisor Sumeet Singh claimed Mayor Lurie directed teams to prioritize power to the opera house so Taya could have her moment in the spotlight. A transcript of the hearing in which Singh made the comments was uncovered by The San Francisco Chronicle. He said: 'We were requested by the mayor to provide temporary generation to that specific location and we responded to that and by that time we had about 90% of our customers restored.' In a bizarre turn of events however, the utilities firm then released a statement saying that Singh got it wrong, with Lurie's office also shot down the accusation. Mayor Lurie is seen here his wife Becca Prowda, their son Sawyer and daughter Taya, who starred in The Nutcracker in December Taya portrayed Clara, the star of the ballet, during its December run inside the War Memorial Opera House, she is seen here at a showing on December 14 Pacific Gas and Electric said: 'The mayor did not ask or direct PG&E to restore power to the opera house.' Spokesperson David McCulloch added that the company was 'constantly in touch' with the city and leadership while restoring power to all parts of the city. McCulloch added that Singh 'misunderstood this information' when he answered the question during Thursday's hearing. The mayor's office added: 'For days through the blackout, Mayor Lurie personally pushed PG&E to restore power across San Francisco as quickly as possible. 'The mayor never directed any PG&E employee to provide power at any specific venue - and the San Francisco Ballet didnt even have PG&E support until after the weekend.' But text message obtained by The San Francisco Standard showed that Mayor Lurie was indeed actively receiving updates from a representative of the energy company about the opera house being plunged into darkness. Jake Zigelman, VP of the region, said: 'Opera house update. ur team is onsite and has been in touch with the opera folks. Weve been told they have enough natural light and emergency backup power to move ahead with 2pm performance. 'We have a vendor mobilized to support temporary generation for the 7pm show. Not 100% on timing but working feverishly to make that happen.' Mayor Lurie and his family reside in a $17 million nine-bedroom home in the Pacific Heights area of the city Lurie is seen here with California Governor Gavin Newsom last month, Lurie's wife Becca Prowda works for the governor PG&E trucks are seen here outside of the opera house in the city on December 21, the day of the performance In a post to X by PG&E when the power was out on December 21, they said: 'SF Outage Update. 'The 2PM #Nutcracker performance at the #SFOpera House is ON using its backup generator. PG&E is helping secure temporary generation for the 7 PM show.' The mayor's office confirmed that Taya was in the performance, with the Daily Mail uncovering footage of her performing as Clara at the show during its seasonal run. Lurie and his wife Becca Prowda, who works for the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom, reside in a $17 million nine-bedroom home in the Pacific Heights area of the city. The blackout that hit the city over the festive period saw 130,000 residents left without power starting December 20. A woman who was badly-burned when a grill exploded in her face has gotten married in hospital, in an emotional ceremony that was captured on camera. Arianna Esquiline, 34, was on vacation in Miami, Florida, at the start of the year, when a freak accident changed her life forever. She was using a barbecue grill when it burst and left her with severe third-degree burns across her face and body. Arianna was rushed to the hospital and has spent the last six weeks in and out of 12 surgeries. Despite the trauma, Arianna told local NBC affiliate, NBC 6 South Florida, that her injury gave her an epiphany about her relationship. 'After this happened, it made me realize this is the man I want in my life,' she told the outlet. Arianna and her now-husband, Elvin, got engaged last May, but she decided to move up the wedding date. Elvin told NBC 6 that he asked Arianna if she still wanted to get married after her accident, and she not only said yes, but that she wanted to do it immediately. Arianna and Elvin Esquiline pictured together before her accident. The two were married on Thursday in a Florida hospital Arianna suffered severe third-degree burns after a barbecue grill exploded in her face. She decided to move up her wedding to marry her fiance Arianna's medical staff rallied around the idea and escorted her down the aisle in the hospital's chapel 'I said we will get married and she said now, right now in the hospital,' he recalled. Elvin obtained a marriage license, and the two wed in a ceremony on February 12 at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. Arianna's medical team rallied around the couple and watched as they exchanged vows in the hospital's chapel. She wore a lace veil and walked down the aisle in a walker decorated with pink and white flowers. In an emotional moment captured on video, Elvin embraced Arianna's doctor and burst into tears. In an emotional moment, Elvin was seen hugging Arianna's burn surgeon, Dr Jonathan Freedman, after the ceremony Dr Jonathan Freedman, a burn surgeon at the hospital, attended the special ceremony and congratulated the couple on their hard work during the last painful month. 'She has made an unbelievable turn and improved in her recovery, and we are all very proud of her,' Freedman told NBC 6. Arianna still faces a long road to recovery with multiple surgeries scheduled and rehabilitation. However, she said that she's thankful to her medical staff and is excited to return home to Fort Myers with her new husband. An impatient McDonald's customer faces a jail sentence after throwing hot coffee on a worker in a fit of rage. Casharra Brown, 49, visited a McDonald's restaurant in Buena Vista Township, Michigan in early November 2025 when she began arguing with a female staffer. A video recorded by another customer showed Brown yelling about waiting 'over an hour' for her order, which included food and a coffee. The employee accused Brown of leaving the restaurant after placing her order, which she denied. Brown was told that her money would be refunded for the food within 48 hours and was given the coffee she had ordered. Brown then ripped the lid off the coffee and tossed the scalding hot liquid on the employee as she walked away, leaving the staffer screaming in pain. It's unclear how hot the the coffee was, but the staffer did not report any serious injuries from the incident. 'F*** you, b****!' Brown said as she threw the coffee. 'Catch that hot a** coffee!' Casharra Brown, 49, visited a McDonald's restaurant in Buena Vista Township, Michigan in early November Video showed Brown throwing the hot coffee in a worker's face after she grew impatient On November 4, the Buena Vista Police Department shared the video and said that they had identified the suspect. By November 15, Brown was arraigned in Saginaw County Court. She was granted bond on the condition that she would not go to any McDonald's restaurants. On Monday, Brown pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of assault and battery, according to court documents. Now that she has pleaded guilty, Brown will have to return to Michigan all the way from her home state of Georgia for her sentencing in March. She faces a maximum sentence of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. Footage of the incident went viral after it was shared online, attracting thousands of views and comments. 'Many kids throwing a temper tantrum are more mature than adults,' one commented. Another viewer wrote that the woman should 'take a breath... pause before reacting.' In 1994, McDonald's was sued by Stella Liebeck, 79, who suffered third-degree burns after she accidentally spilled a coffee on herself. She had to undergo skin grafts on her pelvic region and was permanently disfigured. A couple has been charged with prostitution after a 71-year-old man died of a heart attack while getting a naked rubdown at a massage parlor. Michael Langille and Lier Guo, who run Westborough Wellness Spa in Massachusetts, were taken into custody on Tuesday after police carried out a search of the business. An investigation was launched in December 2024 after a man collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, according to court records. 'The male was found to be nude, which was unusual under the circumstances,' police wrote in a statement of facts. A spa employee ran out of the house after the man suffered the heart attack, police said. Officers then carried out a court-approved search of the spa, which is located inside a typical two-story home in a residential neighborhood. Langille and Guo each face a felony charge of deriving support from prostitution, plus misdemeanor charges of keeping a house of prostitution and procuring a person to practice prostitution, according to court records viewed by the Boston Globe. Both defendants were arraigned in Westborough District Court, with Langille being held on $250,000 bail, according to Boston.com. A massage room inside the home, where customers were allegedly offered sexual services, according to court records According to investigators, the spa did not have the appropriate licenses to give body massages. Pictured: An advertisement for the business Authorities found that he spa did not have the correct licenses to be giving body massages. Guo was the only licensed masseuse, but police discovered at least two other Asian women who apparently lived at the spa and were giving out massages. Police also said that Westborough Wellness was featured in 'numerous online advertisements indicating that sexual services were being offered.' Before the arrests were made, a Westborough police detective went inside the spa and called the phone number on one of the advertisements. The spa's phone rang, according to court records. After this piece of evidence was uncovered, Westborough District Court allowed police to monitor the spa with a pole camera, a surveillance device routinely used by law enforcement. This was how police were able to identify 13 clients, 12 of them male and one female. Eight agreed to interviews with detectives, according to the statement of facts. Six clients said they were offered sexual services, while three admitted to receiving a 'hand job' from their masseuse, according to police. The female client who spoke to police said she heard noises in the room above her, which led her to suspect the spa of giving out happy endings. Michael Langille, the owner of Westborough Wellness Spa (pictured), and Lier Guo, the manager, were arrested Police said the two young Asian women living at the spa were the ones doling out sexual services. According to their account, they were also not being paid by Langille and Guo. 'These observations suggest that they are not retaining proceeds from the illegal activities and are instead providing cash payments to Langille and/or Guo,' police said in court documents. Police suspect this could be a human trafficking operation. They added that the arrests will allow them to speak with potential victims 'free from duress.' Guo and Langille's next court date is on March 9. A Palestinian activist has called for dogs to be banned as pets in New York City claiming they aren't Islamic. Nerdeen Kiswani said dogs have a 'place in society' but 'not as indoor pets.' 'Like we've said all along, they are unclean,' she wrote on X. After receiving fierce backlash she later claimed that her post was a 'joke'. '[Laughing] at the Zionists frothing at the mouth at this, thinking they're doing something,' she wrote. 'It's obviously a joke I don't care if you have a dog, I do care if your dog is s***ting everywhere and you're not cleaning it. 'Also clearly trying to weigh in on an issue unaware of the current NYC discourse where we're collectively (jokingly) hating on dogs given all the visible dog s**t in the unmelted snow.' Muslims typically do not keep dogs as pets as many believers feel they are meant to be used for work such as herding or hunting. Nerdeen Kiswani said dogs have a 'place in society' but 'not as indoor pets' Kiswani gained notoriety for leading Pro-Palestine protests in New York City with her organization Within Our Lifetime (WOL), which calls for the eradication of Israel. She led several rallies across the boroughs, where protesters marched down busy streets chanting for the 'full liberation of Palestine' and 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.' She poked ire with Jewish New Yorkers after WOL suggested the October 7 massacre, where more than 200 Israelis were taken hostage and 1,400 died, was justified. At the time, Kiswani shared a post by WOL on X, which called for a rally 'as we mobilize to defend the heroic Palestinian resistance, honor our martyrs and let the world know that NYC stands with Gaza.' The WOL website states that oppressed people 'have the right to win their liberation by any means necessary.' Kiswani's activism goes back to the early 2010s. Muslims typically do not keep dogs as pets as many believers feel they are meant to be used for work Kiswani gained notoriety over the years for her Pro-Palestine stances and for leading protests In 2014, Kiswani shared a statement from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) after it killed four worshippers in a shooting and meat cleaver attack in a Jerusalem synagogue, which said their actions were a 'natural response' to Israeli aggression, the ADL says. Kiswani and WOL have also shared material venerating PFLP and one of its leaders, Leila Khaled, known for her role in the hijacking of two civilian airliners, TWA Flight 840 in 1969, bound for Tel Aviv from Rome, and El Al Flight 219 in 1970, traveling from Amsterdam to New York City. In 2022, Kiswani shared a meme of the Little Miss children's cartoon character on her Instagram page in 2022 that read: 'Little Miss telling everyone Israel is [sic] will be wiped off the map inshallah [God willing].' She was accused of anti-Semitism that same year after delivering a speech for CUNY Law School in Queens, New York, in which she excoriated 'Zionists' and condemned 'normalizing' trips to Israel. The Daily Mail has contacted Kiswani for comment. This is the Green Party councillor who provoked a huge backlash by announcing she will be taking her grandchildren to deliver Valentine's Day cards to young male asylum seekers. Anne Cross announced at a febrile public meeting that she plans to take her grandchildren to the controversial Crowborough Training Camp base tomorrow. The East Sussex County councillor made the statement in an attempt to encourage locals to be more open minded about their new migrant neighbours and to hear the stories of those in the camp. 'There is nothing like getting to know people and hearing their stories in order to dispel fear,' she said. 'My grandchildren and I painted some Valentine's Cards at the weekend which we are going to be presenting to the men at Crowborough as a welcome.' The grandmother of six went on to urge all the representatives of the local community to stand with 'all those who share the love'. But she seems to have seriously misjudged the strength of local feeling against using the former military base to house the small boat arrivals - as her plan provoked furious reaction. Sussex Weald Conservative MP Nus Ghani lambasted Ms Crosss idea as 'disturbing'. Green Councillor Anne Cross (pictured with her young family members) announced at a febrile public meeting that she plans to take her grandchildren to the controversial Crowborough army base, where migrants are being housed, tomorrow People taking part in an anti-migrant protest in Crowborough in November 2025. The former army cadet training camp in the town has been commandeered by the Home Office to accommodate up to 540 male migrants Claiming there was 'widespread concern locally', she remarked that getting children to create Valentine's Day cards for 'single adult men' was 'highly irresponsible' and suggested 'no regard for safeguarding'. And other local residents shared ruder observations. Unrepentant Ms Cross has insisted that women and children should have no fear from the camp's residents - despite numerous incidents of sexual crimes at other areas of the UK housing large numbers of migrants. She said sending cards was a common practice among refugee charities and the cards would be sent 'anonymously' to welcome the men. 'There has been much misinformation about the men who will be housed in the camp and this has created a climate of fear,' she said. 'But there is no evidence children or women are at a higher risk from people seeking asylum than other sections of our society.' The former army cadet training camp at Crowborough has been commandeered by the Home Office to accommodate up to 540 male migrants. Ms Cross has insisted that women and children should have no fear from the camp's residents - despite numerous incidents of sexual crimes at other areas of the UK housing large numbers of migrants The Green Party councillor was first elected to East Sussex County Council in August 2023 The camp will cost an extra 5.62m to police, it emerged last month. Katy Bourne, Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, said the money is needed to cover the anticipated costs of the policing operation - including community engagement, public order and investigations. Ms Bourne said the force will also need more equipment, vehicles and technology over the remainder of this financial year and in 2026/27. Ms Cross, who proudly commented AnnMas [thought to be baby speak for Grandma] crew with a kiss emoji, has represented the Green Party on East Sussex County Council since August 2023. A mother shook her two-year-old daughter to death before lying that she had choked on a biscuit, as both 'sadistic' parents were jailed today for abuse of the youngster. Omra Wali Jan was injured repeatedly over a number of weeks in 2023 before dying in hospital on February 9, 2024. She died from a traumatic brain injury caused by 'extremely forceful shaking' by her mother the previous November. Morsal Mohammed Naim, 32, from Manchester, was today jailed at Manchester Crown Court for nine years after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Omra last month. Her father, Firooz Wali Jan, 32, of no fixed address, has been sentenced to six years and nine months after admitting child cruelty. During her short life, Omra was subjected to a harrowing campaign of abuse including being beaten, bitten and burnt with a lighter. On November 30, 2023, Naim had been at home alone with her daughter when a family member called emergency services and said the youngster had choked and wasn't breathing. Paramedics rushed to the scene and arrived within three minutes - but it took a further seven minutes before Naim opened the door. Omra Wali Jan was injured repeatedly over a number of weeks in 2023 before dying in hospital on February 9, 2024 Omra, two, was beaten, bitten and burnt in the weeks before she suffered fatal injuries After finally gaining access to the property, the paramedics found Omra unresponsive and in cardiac arrest - but no signs she had choked and nothing stuck in her airway. She was revived and taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, where scans confirmed she had suffered a devastating brain injury and also had a healing rib fracture. The two-year-old did not regain consciousness and died a little over two months later. A post-mortem confirmed she had died from head injuries. Naim originally told officers from Greater Manchester Police that she had been at home with Omra, who had been eating a biscuit, when she made a choking noise and fell over. But her story changed the very next day when she told hospital staff Omra had hit her head as she fell, and said her daughter had fallen down the stairs two weeks previously - with no medical attention sought. By December 29, Naim had told a consultant paediatrician that she had shaken Omra in an attempt to dislodge the biscuit. And phone records showed on the day of Omra's collapse she had made a number of phone calls to her husband's family in Afghanistan and also attempted to call various family members before finally calling a distant relative. She eventually sought assistance from a neighbour. During the police investigation into Omra's injuries, images and videos were found on Naim's phone detailing injuries to the toddler which included burn injuries to Omra's right hand, bruising to her cheek and an injury to her lip. Morsal Mohammed Naim, 32, was today jailed at Manchester Crown Court for nine years after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Omra last month Firooz Wali Jan, 32, has been sentenced to six years and nine months for child cruelty At court, John Elvidge KC told how neither parent was 'in the dark' about the cruelty each had inflicted on little Omra. He continued: 'Both enabled and acquiesced in the forcible and deliberate infliction of severe injuries on Omra by one or both, over a period of time. With each extra attack, this complicity inevitably increased, permitting less and less differentiation of roles.' Mr Elvidge KC, prosecuting, asked for the court to sentence the parents on the basis that 'all of these injuries were inflicted deliberately in the family home', adding: 'The injuries were caused with an implement used as a weapon or by biting. 'These injuries were not caused by a fleeting contact and they would have caused Omra to flinch or move away, if she could. When inflicted each injury would have caused extreme pain to Omra.' He continued: 'Neither parent reported these injuries to anyone or sought medical attention for them. Both parents lied about how and when injuries were inflicted and they have lied to protect each other.' Caroline Carberry KC, defending Naim, said she had been raised in a rural area of Afghanistan, had no verified date of birth and no schooling. Ms Carberry KC added: 'She was living in a confined space with a husband she could not communicate with and who was abusive to her and their children. She was vulnerable and increasingly desperate.' She added: 'This was a momentary lapse of control from a mother who was under extreme stress and strain.' Mitigating for Wali Jan, Adam Watkins said he had no direct responsibility for his daughters death. Jailing the pair for their 'sadistic behaviour', Mr Justice Turner said of Naim: 'Although you pleaded guilty to manslaughter very late in the day, you have never admitted anything about the following - why you attacked your daughter; what form the attack took, when and in what circumstances you did so; and what you did and for how long in the aftermath.' The judge cited multiple incidents of serious cruelty, sadistic behaviour, use of a weapon, deliberate disregard for the welfare of the victim and failing to take steps to protect the victim. After the sentencing, Alan Richardson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Morsal Mohammed Naim not only shook her daughter to death, but then lied about what she had done. 'As her mother, Naim should have cared for two-year old Omra Wali Jan, and kept her safe. Instead, she inflicted the catastrophic injuries that caused Omra's death. It is a killing almost impossible to comprehend in its cruelty and sheer senselessness. 'The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the court, including witness testimony, phone downloads, expert reports and medical evidence. The strength of the evidence led Naim to admit causing her daughter's death in the early stages of the trial. 'Our thoughts are of Omra whose young life was cut mercilessly short and all those affected by her untimely death.' Philip Reade, GMP's senior investigating officer for the case, said: 'Everyone who has been involved in this case has been deeply moved by the tragic circumstances of Omra's death. 'The last few months of her life must have been truly miserable, being hurt by those who were meant to care for and protect her. 'This has been a challenging investigation spanning more than two years, involving countless medical and forensic experts. I would like to thank everyone for their efforts which have led to justice for Omra. 'Omra was so young, her parents should have been nurturing her, allowing her to grow into the child she would become. Instead, they completely neglected their moral duty to protect her. 'Their behaviour and attempts to mislead our investigation throughout have made this case even more horrifying, so we welcome the custodial sentences handed down today. 'The investigation team never knew Omra, but we have seen countless images of her when being cared for by others which show a happy, smiling, beautiful child and she is in our thoughts today and always.' A former Scotland Yard royal protection officer today revealed he has gone to the police because he claims Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor smuggled women 'multiple times a week' into Buckingham Palace. Paul Page, who served between 1998 and 2004, has said that officers working for Andrew were 'not allowed' to know the names of the girls who visited him. He said: 'I have been in contact with Thames Valley Police in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and have offered to assist them with their investigation into his activities. 'I feel like I have information that could take the police probe forward, and I have a duty to share that.' He added: 'With Andrews women, multiple times a week, we were just told not to question it. We weren't allowed to know the names. We didn't ask, because the bottom line is, because of fear, we didn't want to get booted off our post. 'One of the ongoing jokes was that Andrew should have a revolving door in his bedroom, because of the number of women that were coming in and out.' Mr Page, who has previously described Andrew as a 'bully', went to the police amid claims one woman was allegedly flown into the UK on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express' and brought to the former prince under the codename 'Mrs Windsor'. Former prime minister Gordon Brown believes police must open a sex trafficking investigation into Andrew. Mr Page says he has contacted Thames Valley Police, who are already assessing multiple claims about Andrew in relation to the Epstein Files, including misconduct in public office. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was an 'a**hole' to staff who refused to tell police the names of women who visited him, a former officer who guarded him has said Former royal protection officer Paul Page, who served between 1998 and 2004, has claimed that they were not allowed to know the names of the women who visited Andrew 'When the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh had guests after hours, we would be furnished with their details', Mr Page said of life at the Palace. He told The Sun: 'We were just told a female will be coming at whatever time. It's always after closing, and a female will be approaching the front gate. 'We were told to call footmen and then either the female would walk through unescorted, or the footman would come down to collect her and walk her to Andrew'. He added: 'We put it down to him being a sh*gger, and because hes a prince, and he wouldnt give us the names because hes a complete a**ehole to staff.' Sources have claimed that other women would be whisked in to see him at his late mother and father's London home using the same coded requests and with no security clearance. One is alleged to have been trafficked on the Lolita Express - Epstein's private jet. Andrew has been linked to four women in the Epstein Files, along with Virginia Giuffre. The Daily Mail revealed this week how Epstein took a young Romanian model to a private dinner at Buckingham Palace with his friend Andrew. Epstein said the royal thought she was 'beautiful', adding: 'No man looks at your clothes, they see through them.' Andrew also invited Jeffrey Epstein and an 'enchanting' Russian model named Vera to dinner at Buckingham Palace during a trip to London. Epstein also offered to introduce him to a 26-year-old Russian woman known as 'Irina' in August 2010. Today, The Sun reported there may be a fourth woman, brought in using the codename Mrs Windsor. Virginia Giuffre's allegations that she was forced to have sex with Andrew are also revealed in FBI documents released in the latest tranche of documents, although her name is redacted. Mr Page, who was jailed in 2009 for his part in a 3million property scam, said: 'For health and safety, if there's a fire, we don't know who's in, that's why you have logs of who's coming into the Palace and who is going out. 'We got mentally ill people that would say, "I mean to see the Queen, I've got an appointment". 'If he's having random people in the Palace, you can hardly intervene.' Police are today being urged to launch a sex trafficking probe into Andrew. The paedophile's Boeing 727100 private jet, which he used to host orgies and traffic girls, landed around 90 times in the UK - including after his conviction for child sex offences in 2008, the Epstein Files reveal. Stansted, Britain's fourth-busiest airport, was allegedly used as a hub to transfer victims from one Epstein plane to another. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called it 'by far the biggest scandal of all' and urged Scotland Yard to begin a criminal investigation into the former Duke of York beyond misconduct in public office and breach of the Official Secrets Act. 'The Stansted revelations alone require them to interview Andrew. I have been told privately that the investigations related to the former Prince Andrew did not properly check vital evidence of flights,' he said. Today it was claimed that at least one Epstein victim was flown into Britain on board the plane and then taken to Andrew at Buckingham Palace. Andrew features a number of times in the Epstein files, including images apparently showing him crouching over an unidentified woman in what appears to be Epstein's New York mansion. Today it was claimed he smuggled a victim into Buckingham Palace Ghislaine Maxwell giving Jeffrey Epstein foot rubs on his private jet dubbed Lolita Express The Epstein Files have laid bare just how many times the paedophile financier's private jet landed in the UK. Flight logs show it landed at Stansted and Heathrow as well as quieter, lesser known airports across the South of England. Gordon Brown said women were moved from one Epstein plane to another at the hub in Essex. Flight logs showed unnamed passengers were labelled as 'female' and names of male passengers also unknown. He said: 'I have asked the Met urgently to re-examine their decision-making. The emails tell us in graphic detail how Epstein was able to use Stansted Airport to fly in girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia.' Mr Brown wrote in the New Statesman: 'In short, British authorities had little or no idea who was being trafficked through our country, and for whom other than Epstein.' He added: 'I have asked the police to look at this as part of the new inquiry. 'Separately, a line of emails concerns the logistics of registering trafficked girls for English-as-a-foreign-language courses, as a route to obtaining US visas. We need to know if and to what extent this was also happening in the UK.' Also in the UK, ex-victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird urged police to 'start properly investigating' Andrew; while the MP who heads the Commons Women and Equalities Committee said Andrew must answer to the police and Parliament. Sources have told The Sun that Andrew had a string of women come to see him at Buckingham Palace, where he also had an office. The insider said: 'He would phone the duty office and always say the same thing "Mrs Windsor will be arriving shortly please let her in and show her up". 'This was always via one of the out-of-sight staff entrances. 'It was so frequent that they used to just roll their eyes and say "yes sir". 'It went on for years. 'The royal protection officers hated being assigned Andrew as he was so unpleasant and dismissive.' Another source said: 'Buckingham Palace isn't the fortress you think it is. 'A lot of them had no security clearance whatsoever. 'Few details, if any, were taken because of his status within the Royal Household. 'It was regularly discussed by courtiers but nothing was ever done to challenge it.' The Epstein Files detail how the Lolita Express landed at Stansted's private terminal. Stansted has said that UK Border Force are responsible for processing passengers there. One email to Epstein described one woman on a flight as 'just turned 18, 179cm, very cute, speaks English, I saw her in real 3 years ago . . . I will send you the video'. Another email from 2012, three years after Epstein's release from prison, says: 'JE mentioned he may use the Boeing on Dec 7 London to NY. 'He told me he would fly Paris to London, Stansted UK to meet the Boeing there with (redacted). 'I did some work since (redacted) has no UK visa, where she can enter UK and make transfer to Boeing.' Another email said: 'She'll be escorted in side to clear, once boeing is ready to depart she is escorted to aircraft and we depart.' It came as a senior US politician claimed the woman pictured on the floor under Andrew at Epstein's New York mansion was a sex trafficking victim. Three images of the former prince crouching over an unidentified woman in the paedophile financier's home were among the Epstein files released on January 30. The undated pictures have no captions but were released in a document of 100 pages of photographs, and also appear to show Andrew touching the woman's abdomen. Another unidentified person's feet can be seen up on a table in the background. While the context remains unknown, California congressman Ted Lieu asked for the images to be shown at the House Judiciary Committee in Washington DC yesterday. He made the claim about the woman being a sex trafficking victim while questioning US Attorney General Pam Bondi over why Andrew has never been prosecuted. Files released by US authorities also include claims a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010. Separately, the Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. The inquiry is linked to allegations that Mandelson sent market-sensitive information to the paedophile financier Epstein while he was business secretary during the financial crisis. On Monday, Buckingham Palace said it would 'stand ready to support' the police if approached over the claims. A spokesman added that the King had made clear his 'profound concern' at allegations over his brother's conduct. The Prince and Princess of Wales publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on Monday, with Kensington Palace saying they were 'deeply concerned' at the 'continued revelations' and that their thoughts 'remain focused on the victims'. Andrew is effectively no longer a royal, becoming a commoner after he was stripped by the monarch of his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with Epstein. Andrew has never been questioned by police over claims by Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre, who took her own life last year, alleged that she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew, including when she was 17, and also in London after she was trafficked by Epstein and at an orgy on Epstein's private Caribbean island. Your browser does not support iframes. The former duke vehemently denied the claims. The Met previously said it was made aware in 2015 of allegations around non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation including to central London in 2001. But it concluded in 2016 that because the investigation would be largely focused on activities and relationships outside the UK, the Met was not the appropriate authority to conduct the inquiries, so the matter would not proceed to a full criminal investigation. The decision was reviewed in August 2019, but in November that year the Met confirmed it would remain unchanged. In December, the Met decided not to launch a criminal investigation into reports that Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to dig up dirt on Ms Giuffre. Her family have said they are 'deeply disappointed' by the force's decision to drop the investigation 'without explanation'. Meanwhile, a poll found earlier this week found that support for the monarchy has fallen to 45 per cent amid the ongoing Epstein scandal. The survey, commissioned by the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, found that the proportion of the British public in favour of the monarchy had dropped by three percentage points, down from 48 per cent, over the last four months. Pam Bondi ousted a Justice Department loyalist of JD Vance as complaints surfaced that the official repeatedly invoked the Vice Presidents name. Abigail Slater was forced out of her top Trump administration job on Thursday as head of the Justice Department's antitrust division. Her tenure came to an end after tensions rose with senior cabinet officials, including the Attorney General, according to The Guardian. 'It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role as AAG [assistant attorney general] for Antitrust today,' Slater wrote in a social media post. Bondi had reportedly informed White House officials weeks ago that the differences between herself and Slater were irreconcilable. Bondi and other Trump world lobbyists became frustrated with Slater last year after she tried to block a $14 billion merger between a cloud-computing and software company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks. The Vice President initially backed Slater while instructing aides she should not be criticized for opposing the merger. Vances support for Slater, however, evaporated once he realized her relationship with Bondi had deteriorated to the point of no return. The Vice President was also displeased to learn that Slater had repeatedly invoked his name to shield herself during her dispute with the attorney general. Slater's career in Trump world took off when she became a senior adviser to Vance during the 2024 campaign. Abigail Slater was ousted by Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday Slater is a longtime loyalist to Vice President JD Vance. She previously served as his senior adviser during the 2024 campaign Bondi informed the White House weeks ago that her differences with Slater had become irreconcilable Join the debate Should political loyalty or independent judgment matter more in high-stakes government roles? The Daily Mail contacted the Vice President's office for comment. After Trump won, she was confirmed to her DOJ post with the backing of 78 senators. MAGA influencers and other Trump loyalists are defending Slater as an antitrust advocate skeptical of corporate lobbyists. However, other critics allege her she was more focused on advancing her own agenda as head of the antitrust division. 'Gail Slater was a long-time corporate lobbyist. With her own agenda. She made erratic decisions,' wrote Republican lawyer Mike Davis on X. 'She went out of her way to knife too many Trump admin colleagues. She leaked, lied, disobeyed, and subverted. She got fired. Shes not the victim.' Slater told Bondi last year that US intelligence agencies had not raised any concerns regarding her move to block the Hewlett Packard merger. Slater also argued that she opposed the deal because it created a duopoly over cloud-computing systems. However, CIA director John Ratcliffe later informed Bondi that blocking the merger would pose national security risk and expressed outrage for not being consulted over the matter. This incident led Bondi to believe Slater had lied to her in order to kill the merger. Tensions further grew between Slater and Bondi when the attorney general refused to approve Slater's request to attend a conference in Paris last year. Regardless, Slater went to the conference and Bondi reacted by cancelling her government credit cards, according to the Guardian. MAGA firebrand Nancy Mace suggested Thursday that the Justice Department is spying on lawmakers after a viral leak of Attorney General Pam Bondi's notes. Bondi was captured by eagle-eyed photographers with a binder full of notes during a combative hearing at the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. It included pages which appeared to list the search history of lawmakers who were permitted by the Justice Department to review redacted files. 'She had her folder open, and you saw an image of a search history, of a member of Congress in the software, in the database,' Mace said at a press conference in her home state of South Carolina. 'Why is the DOJ - why is the Attorney General - carrying around a folder of the search histories of members of Congress who only simply want the truth?' Mace, who sits on the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, said that Bondi should be brought to testify 'because I have a lot of tough questions for her.' The now-viral image of Bondi's notes was labelled 'Jayapal Pramila Search History', in reference to US Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington State Democrat and member of the House Judiciary Committee. Jayapal's search history included some of the most shocking phrases that had been seen in publicly redacted versions of the Epstein emails. The congresswoman had looked up emails containing phrases such as 'I love the torture video,' 'your littlest girl was a little naughty,' '3 very good young girl,' as well as the Epstein victim list. South Carolina Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace implied at a Thursday press conference that the US Department of Justice has been spying on members of Congress while discussing a Wednesday Capitol Hill appearance by Attorney General Pam Bondi Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks about the Epstein Files during a House Judiciary Committee hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Another image of Bondi's notes labelled 'Jayapal Pramila Search History', in reference to US Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington State Democrat and member of the House Judiciary Committee Mace is a member of the Oversight Committee, which has taken a prominent role in investigating individuals mentioned in the Epstein Files. The DOJ released over three million Epstein Files last month, but many documents were heavily redacted. Monday marked the first time members of Congress could view the unredacted files on DOJ computers. Another estimated three million files still remain unreleased. 'When she was asked a tough question, she discussed the Dow and how high the stock market was doing,' Mace said disapprovingly, adding, 'It's shameful.' Instead of answering the question before her, Bondi pivoted to touting Trump administration wins that have little to do with the DOJ's work. 'They are talking about Epstein today. This has been around since the Obama administration... The Dow is over 50,000 right now Americans' 401(k)s and retirement savings are booming. That's what we should be talking about,' Bondi noted. The Dow comment, in particular, has drawn a plethora of online mockery, attracting attention far beyond the circles that typically comment on politics. Despite the national ridicule, Bondi seems to have kept at least one person happy President Donald Trump. 'AG Pam Bondi, under intense fire from the Trump Deranged Radical Left Lunatics, was fantastic at yesterday's Hearing on the never-ending saga of Jeffrey Epstein,' Trump wrote Thursday in a Truth Social post backing Bondi. The United States is sending the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East in a massive show of strength, sources confirmed on Friday. The nuclearpowered behemoth will bolster American forces already stationed in the region as Washington ramps up its military presence to a formidable new level. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, a $13 billion floating fortress, is a clear signal of intent, effectively doubling the US Navy's carrier strike power in the area. The move adds significant military weight to President Donald Trump's efforts to pressure Iran into a new deal regarding its nuclear program. Instead, a top Iranian security official visited Oman and Qatar this week to exchange messages with US intermediaries rather than engaging in direct dialogue. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford will station two American aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships in the region simultaneously. The massive vessel and its strike group are set to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its fleet of guidedmissile destroyers, which are already patrolling the Arabian Sea. Currently positioned in the Caribbean, the USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to take up to four weeks to steam into the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln along with a strike group is currently stationed outside Iran Trump threatens to send a second naval carrier to the Middle East as he prepares to meet with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu The arrival window aligns perfectly with the highstakes ultimatum issued by President Trump on Thursday. Trump set a blistering deadline to finalize a deal by next month, warning he is prepared to 'change course' should negotiations fail to materialize. A Senior Administration official tells the Daily Mail that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting influenced Trump to take a stronger position towards Iran. 'Netanyahu basically said, Iran plays games. You don't want to get played. Trump listened.' The last time the US had two naval carriers in the region was during most of the war between Hamas and Israel over Gaza. Although Trump's threat looms over diplomatic talks, the President claimed Iran 'wants to make a deal very badly' and that the latest talks are much more serious than previous negotiations. 'Last time they didn't believe I would do it,' Trump said about his decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities over the summer. 'They overplayed their hand,' the President added before noting that this time the talks are 'very different.' At the heart of the diplomatic talks is the US's desire to see Iran end its uranium enrichment program. Trump also said he wants a future deal to also cover Iran's ballistic missile stockpiles. President Masoud Pezeshkian said he knew the 'great sorrow' felt by people in the protests and crackdown, without directly acknowledging the hand Iranian security forces had in the bloodshed In Tehran, most protesters were armed with nothing more than the courage to take a stand, January 9, 2026 Netanyahu plans to present to Trump what he calls the 'restoration' of Iran's ballistic missile program a move Middle East experts claim is part of a persuasion campaign to attack Iran. Tehran, meanwhile, has insisted it will not give up uranium enrichment. 'We can make a great deal with Iran,' Trump claimed. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived to Washington DC on Tuesday night to meet with the President. Trump claims Netanyahu is not nervous about the negotiations because, 'He also wants a deal. He wants a good deal.' Netanyahu's latest trip to the White House is his seventh visit since Trump returned to office last year. Netanyahu told reporters he plans to present Trump 'our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations the essential principles which, in my opinion, are important not only to Israel, but to everyone around the world who wants peace and security in the Middle East.' The wrongful death lawsuit against socialite Rebecca Grossman took a dramatic twist Friday with TV talk titan Dr Phil getting caught in the crossfire. In an explosive new court filing, attorneys for the grieving parents of the two young boys killed in the 2020 hit-and-run demand the unedited footage from the television star's recent podcast interview with Grossman's husband. Dr Peter Grossman appeared on Dr Phil's two-part podcast, Fatal Accident: Inside the Rebecca Grossman Case, last month, insisting his wife was innocent and instead shifting blame on to her former lover, World Series-winning pitcher Scott Erickson. Rebecca Grossman is currently serving 15 years to life in the California Institution for Women in Corona, after being convicted of killing brothers Mark, 11, and eight-year-old Jacob Iskander at a pedestrian crossing in Westlake Village in September 2020. Erickson, who was accused of racing Grossman at the time of the accident, got away with a misdemeanor reckless driving conviction which was later dismissed but has been named in the civil suit filed by parents Karim and Nancy Iskander. In their latest filing, the Iskanders claim Peter Grossman, one of the country's top plastic surgeons, 'went to great lengths' during the January 13 interview to argue that his wife did nothing wrong and to describe in detail how he believes the fatal collision unfolded. The episode of the Phil in the Blanks podcast has now been taken down. The Iskanders' legal team wants to see what didn't make it to air and are demanding Dr Phil turn over 'the entire, unedited raw footage'. 'The Grossmans contest liability and believe that Rebecca Grossman did nothing wrong,' wrote attorney Andrew Owen in the motion filed Friday. Dr Peter Grossman's recent podcast interview about his convicted killer wife's hit-and-run case has sparked a new legal firestorm in the wrongful death lawsuit against her The prominent plastic surgeon appeared on an episode of Dr Phil's podcast last month in which he insisted his wife was innocent and shifted blame on her ex-lover 'Notably, they also complained they could not get a fair trial because of bad press coverage. 'Turns out, Peter Grossman set up an interview with Dr Phil and sent him (or his team) case documents and evidence. 'Considering the podcast discussed how the collision occurred an issue that is hotly contested they should be produced, especially because there could be footage that was edited out for time purposes,' the filings state. The Iskanders' motion goes on to ask Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Huey Cotton to compel Peter Grossman, who is also named in the lawsuit, to surrender 'all communications between you and Dr Phil' about the crash and 'all documents that show how much you paid' to be on the podcast. In their quest for substantial cash damages, the Iskanders are also seeking detailed documents and information about the considerable wealth and 'suspicious' property dealings of Rebecca Grossman who was convicted on two counts each of second degree murder and vehicular manslaughter, plus one of hit-and-run. In particular, they want to know if Peter Grossman was trying to hide a valuable asset by recently transferring title to the couple's spectacular, $13.5 million hilltop mansion in Hidden Hills to a mysterious entity called the JB Road Trust, 'which Peter Grossman inexplicably could not identify the members and beneficiaries of', said the motion. 'The home's curious ownership history after the fatal collision is highly suspicious,' attorney Owen wrote, adding it is 'more likely than not' a potentially fraudulent transfer. Mark and Jacob Iskander were killed on September 29, 2020, after Rebecca Grossman slammed her Mercedes into them at high speed as they crossed the street Former Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, who was allegedly racing Grossman at the time of the accident, got away with a misdemeanor reckless driving conviction which was later dismissed Judge Cotton is expected to rule on the new ex-parte motion on Tuesday February 17, which is just two days before a scheduled mandatory settlement conference (MSC) where the Grossmans and Erickson have a final opportunity to make a cash settlement with the Iskanders before the case goes to a jury trial that's set for April. Owen explained that new motion 'seeks documents and information directly relevant to damages and Rebecca Grossman's financial condition..and the Iskanders need this information to fairly evaluate their settlement options at the MSC.' Grossman's defense lawyers have objected to every one of the Iskanders' 32 'requests for production' of documents and new information. They claim many of those request are 'overly broad, vague and ambiguous' and 'unduly burdensome, harassing and oppressive'. Some are a violation of the Grossmans' privacy, they say, while others are irrelevant. During Grossman's criminal trial in early 2024, the jury didn't buy her defense team's story that the real person to blame for the deadly crash was Erickson who was allegedly racing her in his black Mercedes after the two had drunk cocktails over lunch. But he was only charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. And his case was resolved in February 2022 with a judge giving him a slap on the wrist, ordering him to make a public service announcement for high school students about the importance of safe driving. Now facing a wrongful death civil lawsuit, Erickson has filed several motions trying to minimize the role the Iskanders accuse him of having in the death of their sons. In their latest filing, the Iskanders claim Peter Grossman 'went to great lengths' during the January 13 interview to argue that his wife did nothing wrong He has asked Judge Cotton to ban the jury from reading the WhatsApp messages between him and Grossman, many of which are affectionate and contain personal references to their affair which started when she was separated from her husband. In one message, Grossman confessed to Erickson that although she loved him, she went back to her husband because he was paying 'an enormous amount of money' on legal bills to defend her against double murder charges. Erickson claims the text exchanges are 'overwhelmingly irrelevant' and 'highly prejudicial'. The Iskanders' attorneys countered, saying they are 'directly relevant because they contain certain admissions and factual statements about the fatal collision'. Sadiq Khan could have his eyes set on a fourth term as London mayor after hinting of plans to stand in the 2028 election. The Labour politician heavily implied he would be standing in the next contest for City Hall, saying he had 'already worked out' his campaign. In another apparent nod, Khan added that he would 'have a strategy to deal with both Count Binface and Reform' once the election begins. There is no limit on the number of terms a person can serve as mayor, with Sir Sadiq currently holding the record for longest time in the role after securing his third term in May 2024. Khan also took a jibe at Reform's London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham who sparked controversy with her call for women in London wearing the burka to face being stopped and searched by police. 'The problem is, I don't know if the Reform candidate will still be the candidate in 2028. So, I don't want to have a campaign for a candidate that may not be the candidate in 2028,' Khan said. 'Once the election begins, we know who the candidates are, I will have a strategy to deal with both Count Binface and Reform,' he added in an interview with the Evening Standard in Deptford this week. Khan is facing mounting pressure over his suitability in his current role amid an apparent exodus of people leaving London over cost-of-living pressures and rising property prices. Sadiq Khan (pictured last month) could have his eyes set on a fourth term as London mayor after hinting of plans to stand in the 2028 election Khan also took a jibe at Reform's London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham (pictured with Reform leader Nigel Farage), saying she may lose the candidacy before the 2028 election comes round Your browser does not support iframes. Last month, the longstanding mayor hit back at critics claiming London had become a more dangerous place to live and hailed the 'benefits' of immigration. The longstanding mayor said there had been a 'drastic fall' in the legal movement of people into the country, despite the more than 450 per cent rise since the early 1990s. In a post on the social media platform X, he said: 'For too long the immigration debate has been dictated by the hysteria, hatred and fearmongering of the far-right. 'They paint a dystopian picture of London as a city that's fallen. And let's be frank - they do so because they can't stand what London represents - a city that's diverse, progressive and thriving.' Sir Sadiq went on: 'The drastic fall in legal migration provides a unique opportunity for progressives to reset the immigration debate - and take the public with us.' The London mayor said there was a 'clear path' that could 'allow us to highlight the benefits of immigration'. His comments followed a speech he gave at London's Guildhall the same day - where he further sang the praises of diversity. In his speech, Sir Sadiq launched a scathing attack on Reform and Conservative politicians, who he claimed 'can't stand what London represents - a city that's diverse, progressive and thriving, with a Mayor who happens to be Muslim'. Khan is pictured shortly after being re-elected as the Mayor of London, at City Hall, in 2024 Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Responding to the comments, Reform chairman Zia Yusuf said: 'Sadiq Khan has given a speech at the Fabian Society declaring mass untrammelled immigration is actually amazing and turned off replies. Peak Labour politics.' Sir Sadiq's stern words followed a furore last year after the Labour politician was called a 'horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor' by US President Donald Trump. In his criticism, Mr Trump had also suggested 'many' states in Europe 'will not be viable countries any longer' and said immigration policies across the continent were 'a disaster'. Sir Sadiq hit back at the remarks, claiming the attacks on Europe and London were 'grooming' and 'radicalising' extremists in Britain. He said: 'My concern about when President Trump says some of the things he does is he normalises and brings to the mainstream views that I think are unacceptable.' In January, Sir Sadiq also released new data which he said suggested London is 'safer than ever'. Opponents claimed the evidence was 'cherry-picked' after the mayor pointed to figures revealing the capital's murder rate had fallen to its lowest level in decades. He insisted the Metropolitan Police data disproved suggestions from Mr Trump and other right-wing politicians that crime in London was out of control. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has revealed he doubled down on his demand for Keir Starmer to quit when the two men spoke on the phone afterwards. Mr Sarwar joked today he had taken the 'nuclear option' by calling for Sir Keir to go on Monday, in the wake of the scandal around the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. But the attempt to oust Sir Keir failed, with members of the Cabinet publicly backing the PM in the hours after Mr Sarwar's statement. Today he told a press conference the two men spoke yesterday, saying it was a 'a perfectly fair and reasonable conversation' about the Holyrood election on May 7. 'I made very clear that I want a UK Labour Government demonstrating it's delivering for Scotland, and I made clear that the choice in the election campaign is going to be between me and (First Minister) John Swinney,' he said. 'I didn't step back from what I said, I stand by what I said and what I stated, but I'm looking to the future and the choice between me and John Swinney for this country.' The event also saw Mr Sarwar restate his party's support for nuclear energy, joking he had taken the 'nuclear option' twice in the same week. He added he felt 'liberated' after calling for the Prime Minister to quit. Speaking at a press conference in Edinburgh on Friday, Mr Sarwar joked he had taken the 'nuclear option' by calling for Sir Keir to go on Monday The attempt to oust Sir Keir failed, with members of the Cabinet publicly backing the PM (pictured today in Munich) in the hours after Mr Sarwar's statement 'Honesty is strength, not weakness,' he said when asked if he felt stronger in his position after Monday's statement. 'We have seen dishonesty from this SNP Government time and time again. 'I feel liberated and energised for the election campaign ahead, because, for me, my first loyalty and my first priority is to my country, Scotland.' Mr Sarwar became the most senior Labour figure to call for Sir Keir to go, citing concern that the 'distraction' from Downing Street would harm his party's chances of unseating the SNP in May's Holyrood elections. Just a few days previously he had backed the under-fire PM to still be in post when the vote takes place. But, at a press conference in Glasgow at the start of the week he declared there have been 'too many mistakes' in Downing Street. The Scottish Labour leader told journalists: 'There is probably no one in Scottish politics that's had a better relationship with Keir Starmer or a closer friendship with Keir Starmer than I have. 'He is someone that I have campaigned alongside, worked alongside for the last five years in my role as leader, someone that I campaigned ferociously for to make sure we could get rid of a Tory government, and someone who I have supported in the last 18 months. 'So does this cause me personal hurt and pain? Of course, it does.' While he said the Prime Minister was 'someone that I regard as a friend' he insisted his 'first loyalty has to be to my country, Scotland'. Despite the chaotic start to the week, Mr Sarwar stressed today that Labour in Scotland is '100 per cent united'. He also backed Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander in his role as co-chair of the party's campaign north of the border, despite supporting the Prime Minister on Monday. 'Douglas Alexander was appointed Secretary of State by Keir Starmer, he was appointed co-chair of the campaign by me, and I see no issue at all in terms of the role he'll play in that campaign, because every Scottish Labour MP is going to be involved in that campaign to make sure we elect a Scottish Labour government,' Mr Sarwar said. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'As the Prime Minister has said, the whole of the Labour Party wants Anas Sarwar to become first minister and will fight for a Labour government in Scotland.' A woman was shot to death inside her car just hours after she reported her ex-boyfriend to the police for sexual assault. Yuan Yuan Lu broke up with Yujun Ren, 32, after she claimed he attacked her while she was staying at his home in south Philadelphia last week. Lu reported the assault on Saturday, according to her cousin Natalie Truong. 'She told me how safe she felt, how much better she felt opening up and telling the cops her story,' Truong told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Early on Sunday morning - less than 12 hours after Lu called police - authorities say Ren stalked her in his car and followed her back to her home in Levittown, near Philadelphia. Ring camera video obtained by detectives shows a car they say is owned by Ren closely following behind Lu's vehicle at 5:49am on Sunday, according to WPVI-TV. Police said Ren approached her as she sat in her car outside her home and shot her, killing her. Ren turned himself into to police hours later with an attorney present and lead them to her body. Officers found Lu sitting in the driver's seat with a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Yuan Yuan Lu reported her boyfriend to police - less than 12 hours later she was dead Pictured: Lu's car parked in front of her home in Levittown. Police say Ren stalked her and then killed her Ren told police he was angry after Lu said 'hurtful things' to him and allegedly took their pets, according to the Inquirer. He further claimed that he killed Lu by accident, explaining that he intended to scare her by waving his gun around and when it went off by mistake. Ren's aunt turned over the 9mm handgun to police. Before her death, Lu told police that he carried the weapon everywhere, which made her fear for her safety. The ex-boyfriend, Yujun Ren, told police he accidentally shot Lu in the head The Bucks County District Attorney's Office filed a criminal complaint against Ren the same day he surrendered himself. He was charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime and stalking. 'Todays tragic event is a sobering reminder of the lethal nature of domestic violence. Thanks to the swift, coordinated response from the Bristol Township Police Department, the Middletown Township Police Department, and our Bucks County Detectives, we have successfully taken the defendant into custody and the community is safe,' District Attorney Joe Khan said in a statement. Truong told the Inquirer that Lu grew up in a small village in south China and moved to the United States in 2009 in search of a better life. Lu perfected her English while in school and developed an entrepreneurial drive, according to Truong. She started off cooking homemade Chinese cuisine and selling it in food carts on local college campuses. Later, she worked in a bubble tea shop and at a nursing home. Lu also loved her pets - a corgi named Dundun and a cat named Milk Cap. Truong often went to restaurants with Lu around Philadelphia to try them out. Truong said she had a close relationship with her cousin, yet she did not talk about her relationship with Ren often. She dated him for a year and met him at her nursing home job. Truong said Lu's death was tragic, adding that she wished police would have had more time to investigate the alleged sexual assault. Lu, 28, was shot to death in her car on Sunday morning 'We're still processing a lot of it. It doesn't feel real,' Truong said. Truong started a GoFundMe page for the family. In the description, she explained that Lu's father had left for China months earlier to be with her mother and her brother. Lu was without her immediate family for months and Truong revealed that she was the one to tell her parents about their daughter's untimely death. 'Breaking this devastating news to her parents over the phone was heartbreaking, no parent should ever have to learn of their childs death this way,' she wrote. 'Yuan Yuan was a bright, kind, and bubbly person who brought joy to everyone around her. She rarely showed her pain and didnt want to burden others, choosing to struggle silently until it was too late.' Gavin Newsom once again left California to embark on another international trip, even as his home state continues to grapple with mounting challenges. The California governor traveled to Germany this weekend for the Munich Security Conference, appearing alongside heads of state even though he is not a world leader himself. Newsom is scheduled to speak at the conference as he continues to use highprofile overseas appearances to position himself as a liberal alternative to US President Donald Trump on the global stage. 'While Donald Trump continues to demonstrate that he is unstable and unreliable, California is leaning in on the partnerships that make California stronger, Americans safer, and our planet healthier,' Newsom said Friday. His office said the trip comes as the Trump administration 'undermines alliances and retreats from climate leadership.' Newsom's latest visit abroad is happening while the Democrat leader combats mounting questions from critics back home. He has faced pushback over his rebuilding plan one year after the devastating Los Angeles wildfires and is also dealing with a proposed billionaires' tax that could push California's wealthiest residents away from the state. California Gov. Gavin Newsom appeared at the Munich Security Conference on Friday as part of his latest trip abroad Newsom said that President Trump 'continues to demonstrate that he is unstable and unreliable,' while he jetted off on his latest international commitment On Friday, Newsom appeared on a climate panel at the Munich Security Conference and told attendees that Trump was 'temporary.' 'He'll be gone in three years,' Newsom added, according to Politico. The California governor is widely considered as one of the Democratic frontrunners for the 2028 presidential election. 'This is a standard strategy that you use when you're running for president, especially if you're running as a governor,' Eric Schickler, professor of political science at UC Berkeley, told the San Francisco Chronicle. He will not be the only potential nominee in Munich, with as Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are also scheduled to be at the foreign policy conference. The trip is a departure from their regular schedules for them, but part of a last year filled with international commitments for Newsom. Newsom also met with Denmark's foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen during the first day of the conference. Last month, Newsom claimed he had been denied access to the United States' headquarters in Davos after pressure from the White House Last month, Newsom claimed he was denied access to the US headquarters at the World Economic Forum following pressure from the Trump administration. 'How weak and pathetic do you have to be to be this scared of a fireside chat?' Newsom said on X. The White House's official Rapid Response account responded by mocking the governor for watching Trump's speech in Switzerland. 'The failing Governor of California (rampant with fraud) watches from the corner cuck chair as @POTUS delivers a true masterclass in Davos,' the rapid response account wrote. 'Embarrassing!' Newsom later defended his trip to Davos and touted California's global standing. 'Give me a category and California outperforms,' he said. 'Fourth largest economy in the world, so we can punch above our weight. We can come here with formal authority and a little moral authority.' He added: 'And I tell you, we need a little moral authority in our body politic in the United States of America today.' Newsom's recent international travel also included a visit to Brazil last year, where he announced a climate partnership aimed at reducing pollution and creating jobs. The California Democrat's office claimed he had 'stepped up as the leading US presence on the global stage.' Newsom's office claimed he had 'stepped up as the leading US presence on the global stage' after his visit to Brazil last year Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was also expected at the Munich Security Conference this weekend As Newsom visits global leaders in Munich, questions continue to mount in California over how he has handled key issues. Reality star Spencer Pratt, who announced that he was running for Los Angeles mayor, has bashed the California governor over his handling of the LA wildfires. He called out Newsom after the California governor voiced his unhappiness at President Trump's attempt to intervene in the rebuilding process. 'Nobody actually believes that giving the STATE money will help fire victims rebuild their homes,' Pratt wrote on X. He added: 'We have all seen billions of federal dollars fall into Newsom's bottomless money pit, without a single dollar seen by the intended recipients.' Newsom has faced further criticism for California's homelessness crises and rampant drug overdoses. There were about 116,000 homeless Californians last year, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Google cofounders Sergey Brin (right) and Larry Page (left) are among the billionaires who have cut ties with California over the state's new proposed tax Newsom has also spoken out against a proposed billionaires tax that would hit California's most affluent with a onetime tax worth five percent of their net worth. That would apply to assets such as stocks, bonds, artwork and intellectual property not income. The billionaires would have five years to pay, although the proposal has not been voted on or signed into law yet. California is currently estimated to have around 200 billionaires, but some of them have already made moves to leave the state as a result of the tax proposal. That includes Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, venture capitalist Peter Thiel and tech investor David Sacks. The FBI is being sidelined in the Nancy Guthrie investigation because local authorities have not allowed the feds to lead the probe, President Trump said Friday. As the search for Savannah Guthrie's mother continues, the White House has signaled how it has had minimal involvement in the search for the 84-year-old after blood was discovered at her Tucson, Arizona, home. 'You know, it was a local case originally. And they didn't want to let go of it, which is fine,' President Donald Trump said as he departed the White House on Friday. 'It's really up to the community. But ultimately, when the FBI got involved, I think progress has been made.' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and his department are leading the local investigation, while the FBI's Phoenix Field Office is assisting. It is unclear how many FBI agents are assisting with the case. The FBI did not return the Daily Mail's request for comment. Nanos has denied allegations that his department is blocking the FBI from accessing evidence after a source told Reuters that the sheriff was impairing the federal response. Trump noted how the FBI has done good work to produce evidence in the case, including critical surveillance video that shows an adult male at Nancy Guthrie's door before her February 1 suspected abduction. 'The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build,' read a statement from Phoenix FBI. 'In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack.' President Donald Trump said on Friday that Arizona investigators don't want to let the FBI lead the Nancy Guthrie case Nancy Guthrie (L), 84, the mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie (R) disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1 The Pima County Sheriff's office is still leading the investigation despite not announcing any major discoveries in the 13 days since Guthrie disappeared. The White House has repeatedly noted how federal investigators are not empowered to lead the case The agency added that they have received more than 13,000 tips in the case and the reward amount has increased from $50,000 to $100,000. The president said Friday that it's too early to suspect that a cartel could be behind the disappearance. The search for Guthrie is ongoing into its 13th day as the dramatic disappearance has led to ransom notes and widespread speculation as to the octogenarian's fate. Many have lobbed criticism at the local investigators for not having any substantial evidence in the case. The most stirring piece of evidence uncovered so far is the doorbell camera video published by the FBI. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also stressed how local authorities would need to relinquish control to the FBI for the feds to get more involved. 'The FBI, in order to take over the investigation, would of course need the local authorities to hand it over to them,' Leavitt said on Fox News on Friday morning just before the president's remarks. 'Director Patel himself was on the ground in Arizona this week ... offering the full resources and weight of the federal government to help local authorities bring this case to an end, to bring Nancy Guthrie home.' She also remarked how the president has been involved in the case and how the FBI is eager to get on the case. 'President Trump immediately offered that when this case was first heard about, when this news broke, and our hearts break every day that this goes on and again, the FBI is on the ground wanting to assist in any way that they can.' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has denied that his department is withholding evidence from the FBI FBI Director Kash Patel has been in Arizona in the last week, Leavitt said on Friday Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on February 1 after she did not show up to attend a virtual church service at a friend's house. Authorities began searching for her that night. They confirmed the following day that her disappearance was being treated as a crime. The FBI asked Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for physical evidence in the case, including a glove and DNA from Guthrie's home to be processed at the FBI's national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. Nanos instead insisted on using a private lab in Florida. He slammed claims that his department was 'withholding evidence' as 'Not even close to the truth.' 'Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it mile, mile and a half,' he continued. The sheriff also argued that the gloves found at the scene by FBI investigators may not be as valuable as initially thought, as police found multiple pairs on the side of the road near Nancy's home. A teenage girl was shot in her back as she lay in bed the night before her birthday, and investigators are searching for the perpetrator. Raven Brown, 18, was in her home in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 1, when bullets rang out, and one struck her, her family said. The bullet hit her back and missed a major artery in her chest by just inches. Raven suffered a broken shoulder, broken ribs, and a severely damaged lung. Her mom, Nora Houston, wrote in a fundraiser description that doctors made the decision not to remove the bullet because of how close it was to her arteries. The horrifying chain of events happened the night before Raven's 18th birthday. Instead of celebrating with her friends, she was hospitalized for the injury. Nora told local news that the Atlanta Police Department hasn't arrested any suspects in connection with the shooting. The Daily Mail has reached out to police for an update on the case. 'Raven is very traumatized and in a lot of pain. Im just happy shes still alive,' Nora told local CBS affiliate, Atlanta News First. Raven Brown, 18, was hit with a bullet from a shooting outside her Georgia home earlier this month. She's pictured above in a recent photo from her hospital bed Raven's mom, Nora, said the two don't feel safe in their own home after the teen was shot. Nora shared a series of photos on a GoFundMe page to raise money for her daughter's medical expenses The Atlanta Police Department told the family they don't have a suspect in the shooting. A photo of the bullet hole is pictured, taken by local news The teen recalled the harrowing moments she realized she had been shot in an interview with local Fox affiliate, Fox 5 Atlanta. Raven said in an interview that shew as traumatized from the incident. She's pictured in a senior photo Raven said she heard the gunshots outside, but didn't realize a bullet entered her back until she dropped to the floor. 'When I got up, I felt pain. Then, I ran to my mamas room and told her that I was shot,' Raven told the outlet from her hospital bed. She called the incident 'traumatizing,' adding that she was afraid to go back home. Nora echoed a similar fear, admitting that she didn't feel safe in her own home. Police told Fox 5 that they responded to reports of a shooting just before midnight. Raven was alert and breathing when they arrived at her home. Officers added that they recovered shell casings at the home, but a suspect's name has yet to be released. Raven is a senior at Carver High School, where her mom said she excels academically and plays softball. She is described as a 'fun, bubbly, smart, and outgoing' student who cares for others. Raven is a high school senior, excited to graduate and join the military. Her mom said she hopes her daughter can still achieve her dreams with her injuries Raven's family said she was excited to graduate in May and wanted to serve her country in the military after graduation, according to her GoFundMe page. Her mom added that she hopes Raven can still achieve her dream of becoming a service member after she recovers. Nora said that despite the grave situation, her daughter is showing 'incredible strength.' A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the family and cover medical expenses. A climber has died and two others have been taken to the hospital after falling into the sea from a cliff at a beauty spot on the Welsh coast. Coastguards were called to the scene at St Govan's Head in Pembrokeshire on Thursday afternoon after 'concerns for the welfare of three individuals' were reported to the police. Teams from Fishguard, St Govan's and Tenby were sent, alongside an HM Coastguard helicopter, an Irish Coastguard helicopter, Wales Air Ambulance and an RNLI lifeboat from Angle. Dyfed-Powys Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and the person's next of kin have been informed. Two other people were taken to the hospital, but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. Coastguards were called to the scene at St Govan's Head in Pembrokeshire on Thursday afternoon after 'concerns for the welfare of three individuals' were reported to the police Teams from Fishguard, St Govan's and Tenby were sent, alongside an HM Coastguard helicopter, an Irish Coastguard helicopter, Wales Air Ambulance and an RNLI lifeboat from Angle A police spokesman said: 'Dyfed-Powys Police were contacted by the ambulance service around 4.25pm, Thursday February 12, reporting concerns for the welfare of three individuals at St Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire. 'Officers were deployed to the location alongside multiple other agencies. 'Two were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries not believed to be life threatening. 'Sadly, one person was pronounced dead at the scene.' In the early hours of November 25, 2004, a Gulfstream IV executive jet touched down in Rotterdam. On board were a crew of three and a solitary male passenger, the Daily Mail can reveal. The passengers name was Peter Mandelson, former New Labour svengali and Cabinet minister. This was his first week in a new top job: that of European Union trade commissioner. Later that day, commissioner Mandelson would attend the EU-Russia summit at the Binnenhof Palace in The Hague. President Vladimir Putin was leading his countrys delegation. Trade between East and West was to be a key area of discussion. Putin had just returned to Europe from a trade conference in Chile, and among his entourage on the South American trip had been Oleg Deripaska, the then-youthful metals oligarch who would soon be described as Russias richest man and one of the ten wealthiest in the world. At his peak net worth, in 2008, Deripaska was said to have $28billion in assets. Many wondered how he had acquired such a fortune, and so quickly. His US visa was later suspended over alleged associations with organised crime; allegations he denied. Today, Deripaska is under British sanctions following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has caused more than one million casualties. Deripaska has long operated a fleet of luxury aircraft. One of the planes he controlled in November 2004 was a Bermudan-registered Gulfstream IV with the call sign VP-BNN. This, we can reveal, was the aircraft which took Mandelson to the Netherlands. For reasons that remain unclear, the plane had collected Mandelson from Brussels, brought him to England for several hours and then taken him on the final leg to The Hague for the summit. Why was Mandelson flying about Europe on a Deripaska jet on the eve of crucial EU-Russia trade talks? And why was he so very keen to get there as fast as possible? Peter Mandelson was said to be 'quite rude' to air crew when he boarded the plane at Luton The Gulfstream IV that took Mandelson to the Netherlands in 2004 This week, the Daily Mail spoke to a member of the flight crew on the Gulfstream. This individual, who has asked to remain anonymous, recalled that at Luton, Mandelson was so agitated to get to The Hague that night on time, he was quite rude. We had a [take-off] slot time, but he turned up hours before that and demanded we go anyway, which we could not do, they revealed. There were a couple of female staff who handled the hospitality of [business jet] passengers waiting for their aircraft to be readied. I said: These charming ladies will look after you, yet [Mandelson] was quite ratty in return. Deripaska was always very genteel in comparison. They added: Of course we found out later what it was. Deripaskas business was aluminium and there was a discussion in The Hague about tax on [the metal] and that is what [Mandelson] was so anxious to get to. I dont know how he would influence it himself, but he just wanted to be there without any delay. The EU Commission has confirmed that it has no record of this flight being declared by Mandelson, as it should have been. How to explain such an oversight? Its common in Russia for oligarchs to lend politicians their private jets, the crew member said. Naturally, they expect something in return. Theres no hard evidence available to suggest that Mandelson was expected to provide an immediate quid pro quo. Nevertheless, the EUs subsequent cut in aluminium tariffs discussed at the summit in The Hague hugely benefited the Russian economy and Deripaska in particular. He owned Rusal, the worlds biggest aluminium producer. To confirm the details of these undeclared and unexplained Mandelson ghost flights, our inquiries took us from Russia to Bermuda and across Western Europe. The investigation took place over 15 years, due to ongoing legal cases and Mandelsons fluctuating career. Now we can present compelling evidence about the actions of the now disgraced former MP, Cabinet minister, EU commissioner and US ambassador which should raise urgent questions about his proximity to Kremlin interests. When Mandelson was sacked as HMs envoy to the United States last September, it was not because of his links to Moscow but to convicted paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Epsteins close friendship with the former Prince Andrew, which continued even after the formers under-age child sex conviction, saw the latter lose his royal titles and accommodation. Mandelsons similar loyalty to Epstein who died in custody in 2019 has had an equally deleterious effect. Vladimir Putin and Oleg Deripaska at Sochi in 2008 He has had to leave the House of Lords, the Labour Party and various business roles. Last week, his country house (rented, as it happens, from his friend, financier Nat Rothschild) was raided by British police investigating potential misconduct in public office. The release at the end of last month of three million files on Epstein by the US Department of Justice was devastating for Mandelson, who was mentioned almost 6,000 times. Speculation grew that Epstein was a Kremlin asset. Where had all the New York money come from? Why had he so assiduously compromised, through sexual favours, so many influential men in the West? Mandelson, for his part, is gay. The Epstein files showed that the tycoon gave thousands of pounds to Mandelsons now husband to pay for educational courses, or simply as a stipend. But they also drew attention back to Mandelsons own cosy dealings with Putins inner circle. The files show that, on November 9, 2010, Epstein emailed Mandelson, saying: I do not have a visa for Russia, it is a bank holiday in Paris today any ideas how I can get one on arrival? Mandelson replied: Ben can get visa thru OD. Needs scans of your passports. Ben is thought to refer to Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the co-founder of Lord Mandelsons lobbying firm Global Counsel. The OD is Oleg Deripaska. Mandelson sent a further email: OD office helping on visas. Told him he sd meet u and of course he wants to. Hes travelling at moment. The files showed that Wegg-Prosser had visited Epstein at his infamous New York townhouse earlier in 2010, two years after the paedophile had been convicted of and imprisoned for soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor. They met to discuss the establishment of Global Counsel, the lobbying and consulting firm Wegg-Prosser and Mandelson were setting up in the wake of Labours election defeat. Wegg-Prosser resigned as chief executive of Global Counsel last week following the latest Epstein revelations. Peter Mandelson at The Hague in the Netherlands with Putin and EU Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso Peter Mandelson with Jeffrey Epstein in one of the recently released batch of photographs It was also reported last week that in 2008, MI6 was warned by EU security services that Moscow was targeting the then EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson. Public interest in the dealings between Deripaska and Mandelson who twice resigned from Labour Cabinet posts over alleged improprieties began in October 2008 with the so-called Yachtgate scandal. Shortly after Mandelson returned to Britain to become Gordon Browns Business Secretary, it emerged that he, his billionaire friend (and current landlord) Rothschild, then-shadow chancellor George Osborne and Tory fundraiser Andrew Feldman had all holidayed on Corfu that summer. At the same time a super-yacht belonging to Deripaska, for whom Rothschild acted an adviser, was anchored off the island. Mandelson was a guest aboard it for three nights. The vacation became a cause celebre after Osborne leaked embarrassing details of a conversation he had with Mandelson while they were both Rothschilds guests. Rothschild retaliated by claiming Osborne and Feldman tried to solicit what would have been an illegal political donation from Deripaska. The Tories said it had been Rothschilds suggestion. Very murky. And it grew more so when Mandelsons Brussels spokesman issued a statement that the former commissioner had previously met Deripaska only at social events in 2006 and 2007 and that they had never discussed aluminium tariffs. These dates were not accurate. Mandelson later admitted having first met Deripaska in 2004. It seemed this occurred at the Cafe Pushkin in Moscow in October of that year. Clearly, they hit it off. The Daily Mail discovered that in January 2005, Mandelson was flown by Rothschilds private jet from Switzerland to Moscow. We reported that the purpose of his trip was to attend a dinner thrown by Deripaska in the private room of a restaurant. Also present were several executives from American aluminium company Alcoa. The Americans were there to celebrate a 500million deal they had struck with Deripaskas metals giant, Rusal, for the sale of two Russian plants. As the plants exported metal into the EU and tariffs on those imports were the realm of the trade commissioner, this newspaper suggested that Mandelsons presence in the room unknown to EU officials could expose him to serious questions of conflict of interest. Mandelson did not complain about the story. But Rothschild, who would later claim he had no idea that the Alcoa gathering was to mark a business deal, sued the Daily Mail. He said the article was wrong and portrayed him as having taken advantage of his friend for his own business benefit. He sought heavy damages. The case went to trial in early 2012. You might wonder if he was wise to do so. Because in the course of the trial, Rothschild revealed that while in Moscow, Mandelson also had a private, unofficial and undeclared dinner with the Russian finance minister, arranged by Deripaska. Mandelson was then flown 2,000 miles to Siberia on one of Deripaskas private jets. While there, he was flogged in a traditional Russian banya or sauna, stayed at the oligarchs dacha and toured his metal plants wearing a Rusal hat. Never mind that Mandelson was at the smelter for a nanosecond, according to Rothschild. Nobody in Brussels not even his chief of staff knew about these potentially compromising aspects of the commissioners trip. Rothschild told the court that the trip was purely recreational. But Mr Justice Tugendhat found that Rothschilds evidence had not been entirely candid and that he had given quite unrealistic answers. In making his judgment against Rothschild, the judge said the trip had indeed foreseeably brought Lord Mandelsons public office and personal integrity into disrepute and exposed him to accusations of conflict of interest... It gave rise to the reasonable grounds to suspect that Lord Mandelson had engaged in improper discussions with Mr Deripaska about aluminium. Rothschild took the case to the Court of Appeal, where he also lost. In 2013, the Supreme Court threw out Rothschilds application to have the case heard at the highest level. He had to pay the Daily Mail 1.5million in legal costs. The libel action attracted worldwide attention. Thanks to that publicity, we were made aware of another even earlier trip by Mandelson on a Deripaska-linked jet. We were tasked to go to Brussels on November 24, 2004, to pick up Mr Mandelson, the member of the flight crew, who has corroborating documents, told the Daily Mail in 2011. We flew empty from Farnborough to Brussels, picked him up there as the only passenger and flew him to Luton. After Mandelsons ratty behaviour, the Gulfstream took off again. We flew him to Rotterdam, where he disembarked, said the crew member. We overnighted in Rotterdam at the Hilton, I recall, and then flew out [without Mandelson] the next day. The crew member, who has a contemporaneous note of the trip, said the plane was owned by Deripaska but managed by an aviation company, for which the crew worked. A lot of the flying we did with Deripaska seemed to be related to what Putin was doing, they recalled. We would go somewhere and then a couple of days later Putin would arrive. Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the life jail terms for two men who planned a 'horrifying' Islamic State-inspired gun attack on a mass gathering of Jews in Manchester. Two men who plotted the 'worst ever' terror attack on British Jews were today jailed for a total of 63 years. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were thwarted when they unknowingly laid bare their scheme to an undercover operative. Their terrorist preparations were unconnected to the October attack at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed. Writing on social media site X in response to the sentencing, the Prime Minister said: 'Good. This is a horrifying case. 'I want to thank law enforcement for bringing these vile cowards to justice and reassure our Jewish community that we will never relent in our fight against antisemitism and terror.' Sir Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said Jews 'have more justification to be fearful than anybody else', which he said needed to be addressed. In a chilling reminder of how rising anti-Semitism since the October 7 massacre is fuelling violence against Jewish communities in the UK, migrants Hussein and Saadaoui had sought to buy a stash of firearms and over 900 rounds of ammunition. Amar Hussein (left) Walid Saadaoui pictured in Dover as they plotted a mass casualty gun attack on Jewish target Plotters Walid Saadaoui, 38, left, and Amar Hussein planned to slaughter British Jews in a twisted revenge for Israel's military response to the October 7 attacks But what police chiefs described as their 'genuinely chilling' plot was foiled by an 'exceptionally brave' undercover operative (UCO) sent to infiltrate the terror cell. Footage shows the moment Hussein pledges his allegiance to ISIS, saying they are 'real Muslims'. Further new footage shows detectives finally telling Saadaoui that he has been duped, and that the man he regarded as an armourer and fellow terrorist has in fact been secretly recording all their conversations. Jailing both men for life today, Mr Justice Mark Wall ordered Saadaoui to serve a minimum of 37 years and told Hussein he would spend at least 26 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Chief Constable Sir Stephen warned of the threat to Jewish communities, saying that they 'put up with a way of life in our country today that nobody else has to put up with'. He said: 'We have seen the terrorist atrocity in Manchester at a synagogue on Yom Kippur. We have seen the events on Bondi Beach in Sydney. 'We are seeing the manifestation of hatred moving beyond our shores globally and this is a threat to all of us. 'It is a threat to our Jewish communities and if our Jewish communities are under threat we are all under threat. 'And we all owe to our Jewish friends and neighbours a steadfast duty to stand with them in all circumstances, and that is certainly what we do as part of Greater Manchester Police, the counter-terrorism network and beyond.' Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the life jail terms for two men who planned a 'horrifying' Islamic State-inspired gun attack on a mass gathering of Jews in Manchester Writing on social media site X in response to the sentencing, the Prime Minister said: 'Good. This is a horrifying case.' A selfie video taken by Amar Hussein during a trip to Dover in Kent Footage issued by police showing the arrest of Walid Saadaoui He went on: 'Our Jewish communities put up with a way of life in our country today that nobody else has to put up with. 'I do think there is something very significant in that, something very significant in the realisation of it and we all, I think, need to question ourselves afresh as the dynamic continues to change as to what we are doing continues to be adequate. 'But of course the best course of form of defence in this consequence is to attack those who are intent on doing harm to our Jewish friends and neighbours, because it is still the case that it is a tiny minority of people so radicalised, so full of hatred that they would do these sorts of things. 'And rather than trying to boil the ocean, that has to be the point of attack but I think there are some questions that we all have to ask ourselves as a society, as leaders within society, and we ask ourselves those questions within policing and counter-terrorism policing literally on a weekly basis.' Fuelled by a twisted desire to exact revenge for Israel's military response to the Hamas atrocity on Britain's streets, the extremists planned to gun down participants at a march against anti-Semitism in Manchester. Harpreet Sandhu KC, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court that the case had fallen between two other attacks on the Jewish community - one at a synagogue in Manchester and the other on Bondi Beach in Sydney - but stressed it 'could have been very much more serious.' 'I say this to demonstrate how widely affected the Jewish community and the world would have been had these terrorists' ambitions been realised,' the barrister added. 'Had the preparations for mass murder been enacted, the defendants would have committed one of the deadliest attacks involving firearms in the UK's history and certainly the worst firearms attack against the Jewish community.' Tunisian-born Saadaoui a former hotel entertainer who once ran an Italian restaurant in Great Yarmouth and Hussein who claimed to be a former Iraqi soldier and told police he was 'proud' to be a terrorist planned to target schools and synagogues in the Manchester's Jewish community. The jihadists had spent six months in contact with 'Abu Bilal', unaware he was an undercover operative (UCO). The UCO, who gave evidence under the pseudonym Farouk, duped them into believing a cache of assault rifles, handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition was being transported to the UK via a cross-Channel ferry. He first engaged with Saadaoui online, then began meeting him in person, telling his bosses he believed 'a lot of people' would be killed if they failed to intervene. Police were so worried about the UCO's safety they established a huge armed operation to protect him. Armed officers followed the UCO as he travelled with the men from Greater Manchester to the White Cliffs National Trust nature reserve near Dover, posing as tourists to observe the security checks at the port below, where the weapons were to be imported from France. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said the UCO 'put himself in significant danger each time he met with two would-be terrorists. At any point he could have become a target himself.' But he managed to conceal his identity and, unbeknown to the plotters, the apparently deadly arsenal consisted of deactivated guns. Dramatic bodycam footage showed the moment officers pounced and arrested Saadaoui as he arrived for the handover in the car park of a Lancashire spa hotel on May 8, 2024, with a brief pursuit ensuing before he was dragged to the ground. Simultaneously, Hussein was arrested at his electrical business. Under questioning, Hussein who told detectives he was 'proud' to be a terrorist was asked if he supported ISIS, the bloodthirsty terrorist group also known as Islamic State. Admitting he does, Hussein tells police: 'All Muslims, they are hypocrites, but ISIS, they are real Muslims, they make Sharia.' He later added: 'I'm proud, be terrorist here, I'm proud. It's not from us, god sent to us. We are army from god.' At his own interview, Saadaoui is finally informed that he has been duped by 'Abu Bilal' and that he was in fact working undercover for counter-terror police. The UCO was so convincing that initially, arrogant Saadaoui failed to believe them, adding: 'I'll still call him my mate cause I've bonded with him, he was a good guy.' Breathing heavily at the bombshell news, he can be seen sticking to his story, telling detectives: 'Whether he's undercover or not, I was not expecting any guns to come over, I was not involved in any planning of harming people, and what I've said to you is true.' Walid Saadaoui is pictured in Dover. He has been convicted of plotting a gun attack on a mass gathering of Jews A photo issued by Greater Manchester Police of weapons seized during the arrest of Saadaoui A BB gun seized from the property of Saadaoui after his arrest After an 11-week trial, jurors took just one day to convict Hussein, 52, and Saadaoui, 38, of preparation of terrorist acts last December. Saadaoui's brother Bilel, 35 - who knew about the plot but failed to alert authorities - was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. He was jailed for six years. Tunisian-born Walid Saadaoui 'hero-worshipped' Abdelhamid Abaaoud, mastermind of the Paris attacks. A former hotel entertainer, he moved to Norfolk on a spousal visa in 2012 after marrying a British woman. After working at a holiday park, in 2018 he and his wife bought the Albatross Restaurant for 25,000. But they later split, selling their house in the seaside town for 169,000. After moving to Wigan and marrying a second British woman, Saadaoui became obsessed with replicating the 2015 atrocity in which 130 people were killed. He told 'Abu Bilal' he wanted to kill as many Jews 'as possible' in the attack, planned for the summer of 2024, and rub the blood of his victims on his body. He added that the deaths of any Christians would be 'a bonus'. Bodyworn camera footage showing the arrest of plotter Walid Saadaoui's brother Bilel, who was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. Footage of weapons sent by an undercover operative to Walid Saadaoui In that chilling conversation, he said he had an 'overwhelming urge' to kill and was also recorded saying that if Muslims 'all over the world' attacked 'the Jewish people, honestly they wouldn't do what they do in Gaza now'. After working briefly at a discount store called Bonkers Prices, Saadaoui gave up work and claimed Universal Credit. He came under suspicion in the wake of the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023 due to his hate-filled social media posts. Among material he posted online was a video of a disabled man, dressed in military fatigues with an AK-47 rifle on his lap, saying farewell to his children. Saadaoui also prepared for his own martyrdom by creating a will, ensuring that his bank accounts were empty and that his family would be provided for financially. By the time of his arrest, he had got rid of his birds and had visited his mother in Tunisia for a final time, Mr Sandhu said. He also talked about using a knife to carry out an attack but relented, the barrister added. 'Not because he thought better of carrying out a terrorist attack, but because that weapon would not allow him to carry out as ferocious an attack as he would have wished,' Mr Sandhu said. Fellow plotter Hussein came to Britain in 2007 and was given leave to remain in 2015, setting up an electrical appliance business in Bolton. In November 2023, police launched an investigation codenamed Operation Catogenic with the UCO befriending Saadaoui on social media. 'Abu Bilal' said his contacts in Morocco could supply the men with Kalashnikov assault rifles, to which Saadaoui demanded 1,200 rounds and four automatic weapons, saying one firearm was 'not enough for us'. Saadaoui also worked on his fitness and trimmed his beard to 'blend in' and look more westernised. Before becoming a committed jihadi, mastermind Walid Saadaoui owned this restaurant in Great Yarmouth A police officer standing guard outside Walid Saadaoui's house near Wigan after the raids in May 2024 Meanwhile, he withdrew 90,000 from the sale of his business and property, keeping cash in safes, and attended an air rifle range. In March 2024 Saadaoui and Hussein drove a rented car to Dover to look at the 'security set-up', posing as tourists. The following day the UCO joined the plotters for 'hostile reconnaissance around North Manchester' - Saadaoui told him the area was 'full of Jews'. Chillingly he bragged: 'We start with the Jews and if there any Christians caught in the act, that is a bonus but we start with the Jews.' They walked past Jewish nurseries, schools, restaurants, coffee shops and synagogues, even entering a kosher supermarket. He also showed the UCO a rented safehouse which he planned to use as his command centre. But by now, the trap had been set. On May 7, 2024 Walid Saadaoui met with Hussein and drove to Dover to watch movements in the port. 'Jews have reason to be fearful,' top police officer says Jewish communities in the country 'put up with a way of life that nobody else has to put up with', a police chief has said. Sir Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said Jews 'have more justification to be fearful than anybody else', which needed to be addressed. He spoke out following Friday's sentencing of two men who planned a so-called Islamic State-inspired gun attack on a mass gathering of Jews in the Manchester area. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were only thwarted when they unknowingly laid bare their scheme to an undercover operative. Their terrorist preparations were unconnected to the October attack at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed. Sir Stephen said: 'We have seen the terrorist atrocity in Manchester at a synagogue on Yom Kippur. We have seen the events on Bondi Beach in Sydney. 'We are seeing the manifestation of hatred moving beyond our shores globally and this is a threat to all of us. 'If our Jewish communities are under threat, we are all under threat. 'And we all owe, to our Jewish friends and neighbours, a steadfast duty to stand with them in all circumstances.' The senior officer went on: 'Jewish children are the only children in our country who, day-to-day, go to school behind large fences guarded by people with vizzy jackets and where there are routine police patrols. 'Our Jewish communities put up with a way of life that nobody else has to put up with. We have to do something about that. 'When people take to the streets and talk about 'globalising intifadas' that poses some very significant questions of us all.' Advertisement He then drove his Peugeot to a hotel in Bolton to take delivery of the weapons from 'Abu Bilal'. Seconds later, police bodyworn footage shows him running 20 yards before he was grabbed by armed officers and brought to the ground. His brother Bilel who was arrested at his gym had received a copy of his brother's will and a key to a hidden safe. Searches of Walid Saadaoui's home near Wigan uncovered two safes, one containing 15,000 cash and a copy of his will. A second, concreted into a floor outside, contained 77,000 cash. Hussein failed to turn up for his trial after the first day and also refused to come to court to be sentenced. His barrister, Danny Robinson KC, told the court: 'I have no mitigation to put forward on Mr Hussein's behalf - he has asked me not to make any mitigation.' Felicity Gerry KC, defending Saadaoui, said he wanted to apologise 'to the Jewish community at large' for what he had said, but still maintained he did not intend to carry out a terrorist attack. The judge told the men he was sure that their 'act of wickedness' would have resulted in the deaths of 'very many people' of all ages, including children. 'I am sure that you were both fervent supporters of ISIS,' Mr Justice Wall said. 'You saw anyone who did not hold similar views to your own as an enemy. 'You were both prepared to commit an atrocity on the streets of Manchester with a firearm in which very many people would have been killed and injured. 'You had no care for your potential victims. You were prepared to die for your cause.' Following the sentences, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the pair's intention was 'to commit mass murder'. 'This is not a hyperbolic use of language. 'This was their intent and it was that they were brought up short because of the brilliant work of some very courageous, very professional and very decent people.' Sir Stephen said had the cell succeeded, the consequences 'would have been truly awful, and would have ranked right up there with the worst of the atrocities that we have seen across the world'. The senior officer said Jewish communities in Britain were having to 'put up with a way of life that nobody else has to put up with' and 'have more justification to be fearful than anybody else.' He said police and wider society had a duty to remain 'steadfast' in their support. 'We have seen the terrorist atrocity in Manchester at a synagogue on Yom Kippur, we have seen the events on Bondi Beach in Sydney,' Sir Stephen said. 'We are seeing the manifestation of hatred moving beyond our shores globally and this is a threat to all of us. If our Jewish communities are under threat we are all under threat.' He added: 'We all owe to our Jewish friends and neighbours a steadfast duty to stand with them in all circumstances, and that is certainly what we do as part of Greater Manchester Police, the counter-terrorism network and beyond.' Community Security Trust chief executive Mark Gardner congratulated counter-terror police for their 'amazing job' in catching the fanatics. But he warned that since the October 7 attacks, sections of society had 'turned against Jews'. Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This was a deeply disturbing plot inspired by extremist ideology. 'Terrorism is an attack on the very fabric of our society. We will always use the law to protect communities from harm and relentlessly hold offenders to account, making sure they face the toughest legal consequences for their actions.' This is a breaking news story. More to follow President Donald Trump has set a hard deadline: strike a deal with Iran by next month or the US could 'change course'. A senior administration official told the Daily Mail that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus recent meeting influenced Trump to take a tougher stance. The US has deployed two aircraft carriers to the region - a level not seen since the height of the Gaza war. Despite the pressure, Trump says Iran 'wants to make a deal very badly.' At the center of talks: ending uranium enrichment and curbing Irans ballistic missile program. Watch Daily Mail's Senior Political Correspondent Elina Shirazi explain more. An Islamist terrorist who was shot dead near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris after trying to attack a police officer with a knife has been pictured for the first time. Brahim Bahrir, 48, tried to launch an assault with a blade on an officer near the famed Parisienne monument this evening, just two months after being freed from jail. 'He was meant to be under surveillance, but this did not stop him from striking,' an investigating source said. 'It was shortly after 6pm when the suspect launched himself at those preparing to perform the daily ceremony rekindling the flame on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, underneath the Arc de Triomphe.' The incident happened during a Rekindling of the Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a daily event held at 6pm to honour France's fallen soldiers, Le Figaro reported. A second officer, who was also at the scene, opened fire and shot four times, with three striking Bahrir in the leg and the torso after he launched at a gendarme, who escaped without injury. Video footage emerged online showing him being circled by officers before being subdued. He later appeared to be leaning against a police van. He was rushed to Georges Pompidou European Hospital where he died of his wounds within a few hours, the source said, before adding: Nobody else was hurt. Brahim Bahrir, 48, (pictured ) tried to launch an assault with a blade on an officer near the famed Parisienne monument this evening just two months after being freed from jail French police cordon off a street in Paris on February 13, following the incident. An investigating source said Brahim B. 'was meant to be under surveillance' A police officer stands guard as a cordon is placed after the incident during a Rekindling of the Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a daily event held at 6pm to honour France's fallen soldiers It comes after it emerged Brahim had been freed from prison just weeks ago and was supposed to be monitored after attacking three officers in Brussels, Belgium. Following the incident on June 8, 2012, he later told prosecutors he wanted to punish them for not allowing Muslim women to wear burqas. Brahim confessed to the attack, where he stabbed them all, including a woman, in an underground train station in Molenbeek, a Brussels suburb. At the time, a lawyer representing him said he had been radicalised after separating from his wife and losing his job at SNCF, the French national railway. In 2013, he was sentenced to 17 years behind bars for attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise against three police officers, illegal possession of category A weapons or war materiel, and armed rebellion'. Brahim was later transferred from Belgium to a French prison to complete his sentence and was released last Christmas Eve, December 24. Following his death, the country's anti-terror department has launched a probe into an attempted assassination of a person holding public authority in connection with a terrorist enterprise and participation in a criminal terrorist association. Earlier on Friday, a police station in Aulnay-sous-Bois, Paris, where Brahim lived, received a phone call from him saying he was going to shoot some soldiers, an investigating source told Le Parisien. More scenes this evening from Arc de Triomphe tonight after an individual launched an attack on an officer A second officer, who was also at the scene, opened fire and shot four times, with three striking the man in the leg and the torso (Pictured: Another officer at the cordoned scene) Pictured: Armed law enforcement stand guard in Paris on February 13 following an attack near the Arc de Triomphe Initial enquiries traced his mobile phone in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, not far from the Arc de Triomphe. The 48-year-old had also been the subject of a terrorist file since December, and was flagged as radicalised and potentially dangerous. And as a result, he was required to report daily to his local police station - a measure he had adhered to until today. A cordon remains in place on Champs-Elysees Avenue, with the nearby Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile station closed due to 'security measures'. Luc, a bystander who arrived mere minutes after the incident, told The Sun: In the subway, we were asked to leave the train. 'When we arrived at the scene, we immediately understood. The incident had just occurred five minutes ago, I think.' Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said: 'A man attempted to attack members of the gendarmerie with a knife, including members of the gendarmerie band who were preparing for the ceremony. 'This individual attempted to take the life of a gendarme.' A statement from the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office read: 'Following the events that occurred on February 13, 2026 in Paris, the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office has taken up these facts and opened a preliminary investigation. 'A magistrate from the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office is travelling to the scene in Paris.' Disturbing new surveillance camera details have emerged that could explain how Nancy Guthrie's abductor fled her Arizona home without a trace. Investigators are looking to identify a truck that may be connected to Nancy's abduction, but Fox News has since revealed that cameras in the Tucson area may not have ever captured the vehicle. The City of Tucson and Arizona Department of Transportation both have traffic cameras in the area around Nancy's home, but officials claim those devices do not record cars. Pima County does have cameras that record, but officials note they are imperfect and may not actually capture license plate details. Investigators have asked neighbors and local businesses to turn over their personal surveillance footage to police. Meanwhile, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has made another flip-flopping evidence confession, now claiming investigators did not recover a glove from Nancy's property. 'We have no glove. We never found a glove on that property,' he told Fox News correspondent Matt Finn on Friday. Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1 It has since emerged that the cameras near Nancy Guthrie's street, pictured, may not have actually recorded her abductor's vehicle coming and going It comes after Reuters reported Thursday that Nanos blocked the FBI from examining a glove and DNA that were found inside the residence so they could be processed at the FBI's national crime lab at Quantico, Virginia. Nanos denied the request, instead sending the evidence for testing at a private DNA lab in Florida, a law enforcement source told the outlet. The sheriff was accused of 'further slowing' the case by not utilizing federal resources, as well as prolonging the 'Guthrie family's grief and the community's wait for justice'. But Nanos has hit back at the allegations that he blocked the FBI from accessing evidence, telling KVOA that is 'not even close to the truth'. 'Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it mile, mile and a half... I said 'No, why do that? Let's just send them all to where all the DNA exist, all the profiles and the markers exist.' They agreed, makes sense,' he told the news outlet Thursday night. The sheriff, during his Thursday night remarks, claimed 'quite a number' of gloves were recovered during the search. 'We don't even know the true value of these gloves,' he added. A chilling masked figure was seen outside Nancy Guthrie's home the night she went missing Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has made another flip-flopping evidence confession, now claiming investigators did not recover a glove from Nancy's property The FBI has already analyzed the videos from Nancy's doorbell camera, which gives close-up view of the armed suspect trying to cover the camera - first with a gloved hand and then with part of a plant ripped from the yard. The FBI released more details about the suspect Thursday, him as a 5-foot-9-inch or 5-foot-10-inch male with an average build. The agency also shared photos from multiple angles of a black, 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack, which the agency said is the brand and model the suspect was wearing. 'We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving,' the FBI said, noting the thousands of tips it has gotten since Nancy's disappearance. FBI Phoenix also announced it has hiked its reward to $100,000 for information on Guthrie's disappearance. The increased reward comes as Nanos has been met with criticism for failing to find Nancy, 84, after she vanished from her $1 million Tucson home 12 days ago. He has also come under scrutiny amid the ongoing investigation - including from sources within his own department who alleged he made a series of missteps that slowed the search in its crucial first hours. Federal and local officers have been going door-to-door in Tucson neighborhoods around Nancy's house while also looking for clues around her daughter Annie's nearby home, which she had visited just hours before disappearing. Investigators have recovered and are analyzing several pieces of evidence. Blood droplets were found near the front door of Nancy Guthrie's home on February 2 The FBI on Thursday shared photos from multiple angles of a black, 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack, which the agency said is the brand and model the suspect was wearing Authorities on Thursday briefly put up a tent in front of Nancy's entryway where her blood was discovered in the early days of the investigation, and where a doorbell camera captured images of a masked person the night she went missing. FBI and SWAT teams also swarmed the brush around the home of Nancy's daughter Annie Guthrie and her husband Tommaso Cioni on Tuesday night, despite investigators having previously searched it. Two investigators emerged from Annie's home Wednesday with a paper grocery sack and a white trash bag. One, still wearing blue protective gloves, also took a stack of mail from the roadside mailbox. Multiple sources close to the Pima County Sheriff's Department previously told the Daily Mail how Nanos allegedly mishandled the crime scene and issued contradictory messages to the public. According to those insiders, a vital search-and-rescue aircraft was grounded in the initial hours of the investigation when it was needed most. The alleged delay in getting the surveillance aircraft airborne was not caused by mechanical issues or weather, but by staffing shortages that left the department without qualified pilots to fly the plane a shortage sources blame directly on Nanos. In multiple press conferences, the sheriff has apologized for delays and walked back statements made during television interviews. At one briefing, he said Nancy was 'harmed at the home' and taken from her bed, before later saying he had misspoken. In another press conference, he failed to instill confidence when asked about potential suspects and motives, replying: 'Your guess work is as good as mine.' Pima County Sheriff's deputies speak outside of Nancy Guthrie's home on Thursday Nanos has had a long career in law enforcement, but has admitted he is not used to the amount of scrutiny that has come with leading the investigation into the disappearance of Today show host Savannah Guthrie's mother. At news conferences since Nancy's apparent abduction, the soft-spoken sheriff has tried to walk the line between keeping the public informed while withholding investigation details that only the person who took her would know. Nanos has said he is doing his best to solve the case and objected when asked to assess how he has handled it. 'I'm going to have people who think I'm doing a good job, and I'm going to have people think I am doing a bad job,' he added. 'But that's what we have elections for.' Peter Murrells next court date has been delayed until after the Holyrood election. The former SNP chief executive had been due to appear at the High Court in Glasgow for a preliminary hearing on February 20. The date was confirmed yesterday in the Court Rolls, the list of advanced court business. But shortly before 6pm, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service issued an update, stating the date had been put back to May 25 and the location changed to Edinburgh. It said: The Court, having granted an application, has discharged the preliminary hearing scheduled for 20th February. The Preliminary hearing will now take place on 25 May 2026 at the High Court in Edinburgh. The change was made under Section 75A of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, which allows courts to discharge, or cancel, dates and fix new ones. The 61-year-old estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon was charged in April 2024 following Operation Branchform, a Police Scotland investigation into the partys finances. A key figure in the SNP, he was charged with embezzlement and made no plea or declaration after making an initial appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March last year. Power couple: Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon Police search their home in connection with the inquiry into SNP finances Mr Murrell was chief executive of the party for more than 20 years until he resigned in 2023 following a row over the partys declining membership numbers. A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) previously said: COPFS understand there is significant interest in this matter which is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. The Lord Advocate and Solicitor General were not involved in decisions on this case. Ms Sturgeon denied any wrongdoing and was informed by police in March last year she was no longer under investigation. At the time, she said: I dont think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong. In January 2025, the former First Minister announced she and Mr Murrell had decided to end their marriage. Taxpayers are set to foot the bill for Mr Murrells legal costs. Solicitors acting for the ex-SNP chief executive had an application for legal aid approved last year - but no payments have yet been made. A spokesman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board previously said: When assessing an applicants eligibility for legal aid we look at their financial position at the time of their application to ensure they meet tests set by legal aid legislation. This includes information they give us about their salary, the amount of money they have in the bank and any investments... to fund their own defence. Peter Murrells application met the tests. The Mail recently revealed that overtime costs for the criminal investigation into the SNPs finances have topped 100,000. Overall spending by the cash-strapped force on the Operation Branchform investigation has risen by more than 60,000 in just six months. Data released by Police Scotland states that total expenditure on the long-running probe for salaries and overtime has reached nearly 2.3million. Another 460,000 is reported to have been spent by the Crown Office, giving a published total of 2.76million - but the figure could rise higher when final calculations are made. Children as young as five are being asked to carry out lockdown drills in Scottish schools to prepare for intruders and potential threats. The American-style exercises are taking place in primary and secondary schools across the country as part of a new terrorism law being introduced across the UK. Aberdeen City Council is one of the first local authorities north of the Border to stage the drills city-wide after Westminsters Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2025 was passed last year. Also known as Martyns Law, it is named after Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, whose mother Figen has been campaigning for stricter laws since the attack killed 22 people including 14-year-old Eilidh MacLeod from the Isle of Barra on May 22, 2017. Some parents, however, have voiced concerns that the drills will be too scary for children. Others were alarmed at being sent an email telling them lockdown exercises would be taking place with no explanation why, other than we want to keep everyone in our school safe. Scottish Conservative cabinet secretary for education and skills Miles Briggs said: Its hardly surprising that parents are deeply concerned by this. While this guidance is undoubtedly well-intentioned, many will feel that it is inappropriate for children as young as five to be practising lockdown drills. There are obvious question marks over whether they are mature enough to absorb the information and whether, instead, the exercise will only serve to frighten them. Children are taking part in lockdown drills at schools Martyn Hett was murdered with 21 others in the Manchester Arena terror attack Figen Murray, Martyn's mother, has campaigned for stronger protection from terrorists A letter from Airyhall Primary School in Aberdeen did not mention the reason for the drills, only that it was to help them learn what to do, just in case. One mother, who has two children at the school, said: I value their safety, but I hope they arent telling them why they are doing them. It certainly gave me a shock. There wasnt any pre-warning, just this is whats happening. The email read: These drills help us learn what to do, just in case. It is important for us to practise this to make sure everyone knows what to do in the same way as we do for fire drills. Before the practice teachers will explain everything to the children. The drills, which involve pupils and staff moving to a safer place within the building rather than evacuating the premises, are being carried out to prepare them for a number of emergency scenarios, including an intruder, a terrorism threat or a nearby incident such as a chemical spill. During the exercises pupils and staff may be asked to stay in classrooms, lock doors, close blinds and remain quiet until the situation is resolved. Bucksburn Academy headteacher Mike Paul told parents in a letter that the drills were designed to keep everyone safe in the unlikely event of an intruder or suspicious activity. He added: While such situations are extremely rare, all schools are required to have a lockdown plan and practice regularly. But he stressed that pupils misuse of fire doors was creating a serious security risk after they were caught breaking the emergency seals which he said was leaving the building vulnerable to intruders. Aberdeen City Council said staff and pupil safety was essential at all times and added: As part of our security arrangements, and following national guidance, all of our schools will be undertaking lockdown drills for inward evacuation in the same way as they undertake fire drills. Moray Council also said in line with national guidance schools across Moray are introducing precautionary lockdown practice drills, with at least one drill expected to be completed each year. A spokesman added: These exercises are designed to ensure pupils and staff are familiar with the procedures should they ever be required. Highland Council said its schools already have guidance around implementing lockdown, or sheltering in place, arrangements should an intruder enter the school grounds. But it said the procedures could also be activated in the event of a disturbance near the school, a dangerous dog or other animal roaming loose, a major fire nearby, or a risk of air pollution or chemical, biological or radiological contaminants. East Lothian Council said fire evacuation procedures were well established and practised regularly but added that annual invacuation drills are now held as part of ongoing resilience work. A spokesman said: Parents are given advance notice and staff and children are prepared as part of our normal routines around evacuation and invacuation routines. Inverclyde Council, however, said it teachers dont routinely carry out drills but said it does monitor and keep things under review and would look at changes if necessary. Bucksburn Academy head teacher Mike Paul said the drills were to keep everyone safe Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs said parental concerns were understandable Midlothian Council also said it does not currently carry out lockdown drills in any of its schools. But it added it was working towards the implementation of a suitable programme for the protection of staff and pupils by April 2027 when Martyns law will be fully enforced. Shetland Islands Council said it was awaiting official guidance before implementing anything in our schools or facilities. Falkirk Council said that its officers were working in partnership with school leaders, through the Council Resilience Team, to keep our schools safety procedures, including lockdown arrangements, under regular review in line with national guidance. East Dunbartonshire Council said it was also reviewing lockdown procedure strategies. A spokesman for Cosla, which represents all 32 local authorities, said: All local authorities take the safety and wellbeing of their learners and staff seriously and will have appropriate procedures in place to ensure schools are safe places to learn and work. The Scottish Government said that Martyns Law was a reserved matter. The UK Government was contacted for comment. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attempted to arrange a meeting with Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi for Jeffrey Epstein, newly-released emails suggest. A series of exchanges between what appears to be the disgraced duke, who at the time was a UK trade envoy, and the billionaire paedophile, reveal Epstein had been approached by Gaddafi's associates to help the dictator with managing his finances. The extraordinary emails, dated to 2010 and included in the latest tranche of Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice, refer to Gaddafi as 'the father' and 'the leader', while Mountbatten-Windsor is given the alias 'PA', a Channel 4 News investigation has found. It is believed 'father' was used to distinguish Gaddafi from his son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. Mountbatten-Windsor had met both during his time as a UK trade envoy. In one email, written on October 7, 2010 to the former duke's associate David Stern, Epstein wrote: 'i want to go to tripoli lets organize with pa.' Stern replied positively the same day saying: 'Spoke to PA. Tripoli can be organised, he wants more details.' The financier explained in a subsequent email: 'people that have seen the father, have asked me if i want to meet him as he does not know where to put his money [...] I wondered if Pa should make the intro instead'. Stern responded to say Mountbatten-Windsor had been briefed on the proposal and was 'thinking about the best approach', adding that he was due to see him on October 17 in Hong Kong. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attempted to arrange a meeting with Colonel Gaddafi for Jeffrey Epstein, newly-released emails suggest. Pictured: The Libyan dictator in 2010 Epstein revealed in a series of emails that he had been approached by Gaddafi's associates to help the dictator with managing his finances Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was a UK trade envoy at the time of the email exchange. Pictured: The disgraced Duke on a visit to Malaysia in 2010 Mountbatten-Windsor's trade envoy diary corroborates that the former prince had visited China on October 17, 2010. Weeks later, on November 3, 2010, Epstein followed up with Stern and was told Mountbatten-Windsor would be speaking with his Gaddafi contact 'tonight or tomorrow'. A day later, Mountbatten-Windsor directly reached out to Epstein telling him, 'Libya fixed. Call me whenever'. Epstein, who claimed to be in the UAE at the time, sent a final email on the matter on November 7, 2010 in which he said: 'I will gladly go to tripoli, as i thinkg it would be interesting, but only if it is easy to organize and the meeting will definitely take place.' His travel itinerary in later emails revealed however that he flew from UAE to Turkey and then France, indicating the proposed meeting never took place. The latest revelations come as other emails released with the Epstein files allege Mountbatten-Windsor passed on a confidential Treasury briefing to a banker friend. In 2010, he requested an official update on the financial crisis gripping Iceland at the time. When the Treasury sent him one, Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded it to his financier friend Jonathan Rowland to read 'before you make your next move', The Telegraph reported. The former Duke of York may be facing a police probe over claims he leaked confidential data to Jeffrey Epstein when he was the UK's special representative for trade. The extraordinary emails, dated to 2010 and included in the latest tranche of Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice, reveal how Mountbatten-Windsor appears to have attempted to set up the meeting between Gaddafi and Epstein Thames Valley Police detectives are assessing whether to open an investigation. Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace said it stands 'ready to support' police in any investigation, in an unprecedented statement in which the King expressed his 'profound concern' at mounting allegations against his brother. Mr Rowland was the former chief executive of Banque Havilland, founded by his father David Rowland, to whom the former prince was also close. In the emails seen by The Telegraph, the former prince tasked his deputy private secretary Amanda Thirsk to write to Michael Ellam, the Treasury's director general of international finance. At the time, the UK and Iceland were having a diplomatic row over British deposits lost in the 2008 banking crisis. Ms Thirsk wrote on February 8, 2010: 'The Duke of York met with the prime minister of Iceland at Davos and would very much like to receive an update note on the latest position between the UK and Iceland on the matter of the deposits and the deposit scheme.' A week later, a different Treasury official replied with a note, and she forwarded it to Andrew. Two hours later, he passed it to Jonathan Rowland, whose bank had bought assets from a failed Icelandic lender a year earlier. Andrew told him: 'I pass this on to you for comment and a suggestion or solution? 'The essence is that Amanda is getting signals that we should allow the democratic process [to] happen before you make your move. Interested in your opinion? A.' Banque Havilland was connected to a major investigation by Icelandic authorities at the time. Other emails released within the Epstein files allege Mountbatten-Windsor passed on a confidential Treasury briefing to his banker friend Jonathan Rowland (pictured with his father David in 2017) Day at the races: David Rowland and Prince Andrew seen at Royal Ascot together in 2006 The email was sent days after Iceland's office of the special prosecutor raided the offices of Kaupthing Bank, part of which had just been acquired by Banque Havilland after the Icelandic institution collapsed. Many depositors who lost access to their cash were British. Andrew's connections to the Rowland family go back years. Guernsey-based Tory donor David Rowland once gave Sarah Ferguson 40,000 to help clear debts. And it was reported in 2022 that leaked documents suggested he had previously paid off a 1.5million bank loan for the Duke in 2017. Mr Rowland Snr was invited to Balmoral where he reportedly met the Queen and took tea with the Prince of Wales. Shortly after the 1.5million gift, he enticed Andrew to the launch of a joint venture between one of his banks and a sovereign wealth fund in Abu Dhabi. There are further documents in the Epstein files which show the close relationship between Andrew and the Rowland family. A photo from the Epstein files appears to show Andrew leering over an unidentified woman in what looks to be Epstein's New York home In an email sent to Epstein in September 2009, an individual referring to Sarah Ferguson said they 'will finalise F summary for you next week. Can't now cause she went to nepal paying for the first class flight with her rowland bank loan'. Thames Valley Police is still assessing whether to investigate Andrew, after documents in the Epstein files showed he was forwarding on official papers. When he went to visit Jeffrey Epstein in November 2010, he passed on Whitehall reports from his visit to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and China within five minutes of receiving them from his office at Buckingham Palace. Another time, he gave Epstein a briefing on investment opportunities in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Mr Rowland and Banque Havilland have been approached for comment. A wedding dress worn by Hollywood star Karen Gillan in Doctor Who is on sale at an auction. The strapless white bridal gown was worn by Ms Gillans character Amy Pond in the hit BBC sci-fi series. The flame-haired actress, who was born in Inverness, wore the dress in a 2010 episode called The Big Bang when she married Rory Williams, played by Arthur Darvill. Described as a white tulle and satin Ben de Lisi wedding dress, in size 10, it forms part of auction house Propstores sale of memorabilia from 20 years of Doctor Who. The sale runs until Thursday, with 20 per cent of the hammer proceeds donated to BBC Children In Need. Other lots in the auction include a sonic screwdriver used by David Tennant when he returned as the 14th Doctor. Ms Gillan, 38, landed the part of Doctor Whos assistant in 2010 and appeared in three series of the show before leaving in 2013 for Hollywood, where she went on to star in blockbusters such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji. In 2022 she had a real-life wedding when she married American comedy writer Nick Kocher at Castle Toward, near Dunoon in Argyll. Karen Gillan as Amy Pond in Doctor Who The Inverness-born actress wore the costume when her character married Rory Williams, played by Arthur Darvill, in an episode from 2010 called 'The Big Bang' Ms Gillan on the morning of her real-life wedding day Last year, Ms Gillan claimed financial barriers are stopping more people like her from becoming actors. She has first-hand knowledge of the issue having passed an audition for a performing arts academy in London at age 16, only for her parents to be unable to afford the fees. But she later made her own way to the top and shot to fame in 2010 in Doctor Who. She has since helped establish a scholarship scheme for students at a performing arts academy in her hometown of Inverness. Two toddler sisters who drowned after sneaking into a backyard swimming pool in Texas have been named. Officials with Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences identified the girls as Kelsey Kite, 2, and Kinsley Kite, 3, when approached by the Daily Mail. The Houston suburb of Katy was thrown into bedlam on Wednesday morning when the two snuck into a backyard pool area and drowned. Their mother and grandfather were asleep inside the property at the time the two went into the water, police confirmed. Kelsey and Kinsley are thought to have crept through a patio door to the rear of the property and into the pool. Their grandmother returned home from a grocery store to discover them in the water, and immediately starting yelling as she tried to pull them from the depths. As her daughter and husband ran to her aid, two neighbors who heard the commotion also ran to help, while a woman dialed 911. When sheriff's deputies arrived, they found paramedics performing life-saving measures on the siblings, who were soon rushed by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Kelsey and Kinsley Kite are thought to have crept through a patio door to the rear of the property and into the pool, seen here Unfortunately, the sisters were pronounced dead at the hospital, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez posted to social media later that evening. Gonzalez said: 'Please keep everyone involved- including the loved ones and first responders - in your thoughts and prayers.' In the state of Texas, it is required by law for homeowners with swimming pools to have a locked fence or gate surrounding the perimeter of the area. Heartbroken neighbors were left devastated after hearing the two sisters did not survive the horrific ordeal. David Green said he was outside walking his dog when he suddenly heard a loud scream. 'They've been really great neighbors for 25 years,' Green told KHOU 11. 'I really feel for them.' Another neighbor named Maria told Abc 13 they were 'beautiful girls' and the whole situation is 'so so sad.' Chester Tucker, who also lives nearby, told the outlet: 'It's just sad to see that two little girls... lost their lives. It's pretty sad.' Another neighbor named Maria said they were 'beautiful girls' and the whole situation is 'so so sad' The girls were found in the water by their grandmother, who had just returned home from the grocery store The siblings' tragic deaths come just weeks after three brothers died after one fell into a frozen pond and the other two tried to save his life near Bonham, Texas. Cheyenne Hangaman and her six children were staying at a friends home across the street from the private pond in late January when the unthinkable happened. She said she had warned them to stay away from it as conditions turned brutal during the weekend's winter storm. However, her six-year-old son Howard had tried to 'skate' on the frozen pond and fell in. His brothers EJ, nine, and Kaleb, eight, then leapt into the water to try and save him. First responders and a neighbor pulled the two older boys from the water, and the youngest sibling was found after an extensive search of the pond. The three boys were elementary school students in the Bonham Independent School District, which had canceled classes due to the treacherous Winter Storm Fern that swept across the nation. Savannah Guthrie reportedly told the under fire sheriff investigating the abduction of her mother that she 'doesn't need him'. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has come under flak over the investigation, told Fox News that he had talked and texted Savannah who responded that 'she has her own people and didn't need him'. The sheriff's department, with the aide of federal agents, have been hunting Tucson, Arizona, for nearly two weeks after Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her $1 million home in the foothills of the city. Investigators have been going door-to-door in neighborhoods around Nancy's house while also looking for clues around her daughter Annie's nearby home, which she had visited just hours before disappearing. Investigators briefly erected a tent in front of Nancy's entryway Thursday. Her blood was discovered there in the early days of the investigation, and where a doorbell camera captured images of a masked person the night she went missing. Investigators are also looking to identify a truck potentially connected to the abduction, but Fox News also revealed that cameras in the area may not have captured the vehicle. The City of Tucson and Arizona Department of Transportation both have traffic cameras in the area around Nancy's home, but officials claim those devices do not record cars. Pima County does have cameras that record, but officials note they are imperfect and may not actually capture license plate details. Investigators have been hunting for Nancy, seen here with her daughter Savannah, for 12 days after she disappeared from her home Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, pictured here last week, has headed the investigation along with federal officers Your browser does not support iframes. As the investigation drags on Nanos made another flip-flopping evidence confession by claiming investigators did not recover a glove from Nancy's property. 'We have no glove. We never found a glove on that property,' he told Fox News correspondent Matt Finn on Friday. Reuters reported Thursday that Nanos blocked the FBI from examining a glove and DNA that were found inside the residence so they could be processed at the FBI's national crime lab at Quantico, Virginia. Nanos denied the request, instead sending the evidence for testing at a private DNA lab in Florida, a law enforcement source told the outlet. The sheriff was accused of 'further slowing' the case by not utilizing federal resources, as well as prolonging the 'Guthrie family's grief and the community's wait for justice'. But Nanos has hit back at the allegations that he blocked the FBI from accessing evidence, telling KVOA that is 'not even close to the truth'. 'Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it mile, mile and a half... I said 'No, why do that? Let's just send them all to where all the DNA exist, all the profiles and the markers exist.' They agreed, makes sense,' he told the news outlet Thursday night. Pictured: Guthrie and her two siblings, Camron and Annie, in a video they shared online asking for help The sheriff was accused of 'further slowing' the case by not utilizing federal resources, as well as prolonging the 'Guthrie family's grief', Nancy's home is seen here The sheriff, during his Thursday night remarks, claimed 'quite a number' of gloves were recovered during the search. 'We don't even know the true value of these gloves,' he added. The FBI has already analyzed the videos from Nancy's doorbell camera, which gives close-up view of the armed suspect trying to cover the camera - first with a gloved hand and then with part of a plant ripped from the yard. The FBI released more details about the suspect Thursday, him as a 5-foot-9-inch or 5-foot-10-inch male with an average build. The bureau also shared photos from multiple angles of a black, 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack, which the agency said is the brand and model the suspect was wearing. FBI Phoenix also announced it has hiked its reward to $100,000 for information on Guthrie's disappearance. Multiple sources close to the Pima County Sheriff's Department previously told the Daily Mail how Nanos allegedly mishandled the crime scene and issued contradictory messages to the public. The 84-year-old was last seen at the home she has lived in for more than 50 years A masked figure on Nancy Guthrie's doorstep in the early hours of her disappearance According to those insiders, a vital search-and-rescue aircraft was grounded in the initial hours of the investigation when it was needed most. The alleged delay in getting the surveillance aircraft airborne was not caused by mechanical issues or weather, but by staffing shortages that left the department without qualified pilots to fly the plane a shortage sources blame directly on Nanos. In multiple press conferences, the sheriff has apologized for delays and walked back statements made during television interviews. At one briefing, he said Nancy was 'harmed at the home' and taken from her bed, before later saying he had misspoken. In another press conference, he failed to instill confidence when asked about potential suspects and motives, replying: 'Your guess work is as good as mine.' Nanos has had a long career in law enforcement, but admitted he is not used to the amount of scrutiny that has come with leading the investigation into the disappearance of Today show host's mother. The Green Party was last night accused of endangering national security after members put forward a motion for a policy to leave Nato. Zack Polanski's party will decide whether to debate the motion which says the defensive alliance 'drives arms races' at its spring conference next month. Meanwhile, on its membership forum, the Greens have permitted many comments expressing anti-Nato and pro-Russian sentiments. The revelations raise questions about the party's stance on Vladimir Putin and Russia's war with Ukraine. Labour led criticism of the move last night, with the party branding any suggestion of pulling out of Nato 'at a time of such global instability' as 'deeply irresponsible.' A spokesman added: 'It would put our national security at risk. The fact the Greens are debating this, while allowing their members to spew pro-Putin propaganda on party forums, shows they would be a danger to national security. 'It is disgraceful the Green Party are allowing these comments on official forums. They should now make clear this dangerous rhetoric is not welcome in their party.' It comes as world leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference to discuss critical global threats. The Green Party was accused of endangering national security after members put forward a motion for a policy to leave Nato. Pictured is Green Party leader, Zack Polanski The Green's anti-Nato comments have raised questions about the party's stance on Vladimir Putin (pictured) and Russia's war with Ukraine Mr Polanski has recently stepped up criticism of the defence pact, saying 'the age of Nato is now fully over.' At its conference on March 28, one of the motions submitted which has been approved though not yet selected for debate by the party proposes leaving Nato. The Greens allow members to decide policy by debating motions, and a number of options submitted criticise the defensive alliance and call for the UK to leave it making it likely the subject will be debated. One motion accepted by the Standing Orders Committee is called 'Leave Nato for Common Security.' It argues that Nato 'drives arms races and international strategic tension', while any increase in defence spending will necessarily increase fossil carbon use.' Many members have left supportive comments arguing that the alliance has 'consistently worked to prevent peace' in Ukraine and has 'actively looked to extend the war.' They said leaving Nato would mean 'far fewer Ukrainian and Russian deaths.' Several members have even argued Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was provoked. One member denounced the 'continued and indefinite support for a war of attrition that Ukraine cannot win'. Another said the Kremlin's 'hostility' to the UK was due to 'extraordinarily bad decisions by our and other European governments', and criticised an 'inability to treat Russian security concerns seriously.' Yet another said: 'Nato has become a club steering us all into a global ECOCIDE situation.' And another member wrote that Nato is 'cranking up the anti-Russian rhetoric to hysterical levels.' A recent meeting of official party sub-groups called Greens Against Nato and Global Majority Greens also featured a guest speaker who said that 'Europe's future depends on mending ties with Russia.' A Green Party spokesman said last night: 'Our policies are determined by members who submit motions to conference to set policy. Each motion goes into a prioritisation ballot to decide which will be voted on. That process has not yet been completed.' Sir Keir Starmer is to warn Nato today that it must become a more European-based defence force and reduce its reliance on the US. In his first major security speech since Donald Trump threatened to annex Greenland, the Prime Minister is expected to say Nato must change fundamentally. His speech to the Munich Security Conference in Germany will suggest the UK must reintegrate with Europe for security and economic reasons, No10 sources said. The PM, who rallied to Denmarks side when President Trump vowed to seize the Arctic island, is expected to admit that the UK and other European nations have been overdependent on America. He will make a case for Britain and her European allies reshaping their relationship with the US based upon interdependence, rather than dependence. Sir Keir is expected to say: We are not the Britain of the Brexit years any more, because we know that, in dangerous times, we would not take control by turning inward. We would surrender it. I wont let that happen. There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain. That is the lesson of history and it is todays reality too. 'Im talking about a vision of European security and greater European autonomy. That does not herald US withdrawal but answers the call for more burden-sharing. British companies already account for over a quarter of the continents defence industrial base. We want to bring our leadership in defence, tech and AI together with Europe to multiply our strengths and build a shared industrial base across Europe which can turbo-charge defence production. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (centre) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) during a meeting at the 62nd Munich Security Conference Weeks ago, the future of Nato was threatened when President Trump (pictured) refused to rule out taking military action against another Nato member to occupy Greenland The PM will add that the USs national security position is evolving a reference to President Trumps focus on security in the Americas and the Pacific. Weeks ago, the future of Nato was threatened when President Trump refused to rule out taking military action against another Nato member to occupy Greenland. That threat to Denmark, a US ally that sent troops to join US-led forces in Afghanistan, appears to have been a wake-up call for Europe. A year ago at the same conference, US Vice-President JD Vance shocked delegates by attacking European values and attitudes to free speech. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told delegates yesterday there was a rift in Europes relationship with the US as it emerged that Germany was holding secret talks with Emmanuel Macron of France about sharing nuclear capability. Last night, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said: Britain is uniquely place to help bring the US and Europe together. 'We must not be overdependent on America, but neither should we offer Europe a blank cheque. Scribbled in black eyeliner on the white walls and doors inside a Hamptons mansion read the shocking message, left behind by a woman after she allegedly witnessed two of the Alexander brothers rape a victim in the hot tub. 'Rapists!' Images of the writing and the woman's graphic testimony about what allegedly took place over Memorial Day weekend 2009 took center stage during the Alexander brothers' sex trafficking trial in New York federal court on Wednesday. Twins Alon and Oren, 38, and their older brother Tal, 39, long enjoyed a life of luxury, jet-setting to A-list locations and being permanent fixtures of the Miami and Hamptons party scenes. Tal and Oren were high-powered real estate brokers, finding homes for stars including Ivanka Trump and Kim Kardashian, while Alon worked at the family's private security company. But, beneath the surface of their flashy lifestyles, federal prosecutors allege there lay something far more sinister. Now, the three brothers are on trial accused of running a sex-trafficking operation spanning more than a decade. According to prosecutors, the trio used their wealth and status to lure women and underage girls with the promise of lavish trips and parties so they could drug and rape them. The brothers have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the Alexander family has put on a united - and upbeat - display inside the courtroom, attending every day of the trial so far. Oren, Tal and Alon Alexander (left to right) are facing federal sex trafficking charges in Manhattan court Alon's former Victoria's Secret model wife Shani Zigron smiles as she arrives at court Tuesday Wednesday was no different. The brothers' parents Shlomi and Orly Alexander arrived early, smiling and chatting to other family members in the corridors of the courthouse. When the courtroom doors opened, big smiles and waves were then exchanged between them and the three brothers sitting flanked by their high-powered legal teams. Arriving a little later, Alon's former Victoria's Secret fashion model wife, Shani Zigron, beamed and made a playful, curtsy gesture to announce her presence. All dressed up for the day in fur coats, statement sunglasses, tweeds and suits, the brothers' relatives, friends and supporters filled two rows behind the defense table. Throughout the day, they were seen chatting, laughing, smiling, taking notes and passing yellow pieces of paper to each other while listening to grueling testimony about the three brothers' alleged assaults. At one point, their father Shlomi even smirked and smiled as a witness described in graphic detail the sex noises and moans she testified she heard the brothers make while raping a screaming woman. But the stunning images of the writings on the walls and the testimony from the witness finally seemed to wipe the smiles from the faces of the family members - even prompting Shlomi to corner one of his son's defense attorneys for an apparent scolding during the afternoon break. Abusshan Bodjnoud, who works as a Chief Information Management Officer for the UN in New York City, testified that she witnessed an unidentified woman being raped by Tal and one of the twin brothers in May 2009. Alon Alexander and wife Shani Zigron. The Alexander family has put on a united - and upbeat - display inside the courtroom, attending every day of the trial so far Oren left, Tal second left and Alon right. Beneath the surface of their flashy lifestyles, federal prosecutors allege lay something far more sinister Bodjnoud, who was 27 at the time, testified that she had been invited by a friend named David to a shared house in the Hamptons for Memorial Day weekend in 2009. She had never met the Alexander brothers before then and only knew one other person on the trip. On the second night of the trip, Bodjnoud testified that she had gone to a restaurant with a group of people and then returned to the house. She was sober, having only had a glass or two to drink at dinner and no drinks back at the house, she said. While several others went out that night, she told the court she was tired so stayed behind with a man named Liam. Bodjnoud testified that they were lying on the living room couch when Tal, one of the Alexander twins and two or three other men returned home with a girl. Tal had the girl by the wrist and was 'dragging' her outside the glass doors that lead from the living room to the pool area, she testified. Bodjnoud said she could tell the girl was intoxicated 'from her face but also because she was not walking on her own.' As the group passed her on the sofa, one of the men stopped and exposed himself to her by pulling down his pants, she told the court. Bodjnoud was 'completely shocked' by the unidentified man's behavior. 'Then the next thing I heard was a woman screaming and just asking people to stop,' she testified. The brothers' parents Shlomi and Orly Alexander (seen arriving Thursday) smiled and chatted to family and friends in the courtroom Wednesday Shlomi Alexander lunged at the Daily Mail's photographer outside Manhattan federal court last week. On Wednesday, he cornered a defense attorney in the courtroom after damning testimony from a witness On hearing the woman's screams, Bodjnoud testified she got up and went out the glass doors to see what was happening. Through the light from the jacuzzi, she told the court she could see Tal and the twin in the hot tub with the woman, raping her. 'I could see the bodies slapping. I could see the movements,' she testified. The girl, who has not been identified, was screaming and asking them to stop 'over and over and over,' she testified. 'They continued raping her,' she told the court, adding that she heard the brothers moaning with pleasure while the woman screamed. Bodjnoud testified that she felt 'terrified' but also 'helpless.' She said she went to her room in the house where she heard the alleged attack continue for another 15 to 20 minutes. She thought about calling 911 or even the UN Security Council, but felt that she had 'no allies' inside the home who were also willing to take action. 'I was worried this would happen to me as well,' she testified. Bodjnoud had planned to stay at the Hamptons home for longer but told the court she wanted to 'escape' immediately because of what happened. Liam allegedly told her they would have to wait until the morning to get the first Long Island Rail Road train back to Manhattan. She stayed in her room for a few hours then she and Liam left the home to get the first train. As she was leaving, she decided to write messages on the walls and doors of the home. 'I felt I had to do something so I took out my eyeliner and wrote on the walls and door,' she testified. High profile real estate agent brothers Tal Alexander, Alon Alexander and Oren Alexander gesture to their parents in a court sketch. A witness testified Wednesday that she saw Tal and one of the twins rape a woman in 2009 The court was shown photos of her scribbles. 'Rapists!' read a message on one door. 'You need to apologize! Apologize!!!!' read another. A third warned: 'I'll call 911'. Bodjnoud choked back tears as she testified she wrote the messages in the 'hope that one day they could be used as evidence' if the victim came forward. She did not know who had taken the photos of her writings and, to this day, she does not know who the woman was. It is currently unclear if the woman is one of the alleged victims testifying at the brothers' trial. Bodjnoud came forward in 2024, sending a tip to the FBI after she saw the Alexander brothers had been arrested. Sobbing, she said she felt a need to do so because she hadn't 15 years earlier. 'I feel responsible I don't know if she ever talked about it, or if she is one of the victims,' she said of the woman. During cross-examination, Bodjnoud was grilled about why she didn't call 911 or come forward at the time. On the night, she said she was 'terrified' and didn't feel like anyone else inside the home was an 'ally.' Orly tries to cover her face as she enters the courthouse for her sons' trial Thursday morning Then, when she got home to Manhattan, she alleged she had received an 'intimidating' call from David, the friend who had invited her to the house. Bodjnoud testified that he said to her: 'What have you done? You have embarrassed me they are successful real estate brokers, they're powerful nothing happened to you.' She said she felt 'intimidated' that the brothers were 'powerful people.' After that weekend, Bodjnoud said she never interacted with David or the Alexander brothers again. However, she did admit she followed Tal on Instagram sometime later. Bodjnoud also told the court about a shocking alleged comment made by her friend Liam in response to the alleged rape. 'Why are you surprised? Why are you shocked? Why are you disgusted by what is happening in this house? The brothers are pigs,' he allegedly told her. The stunning comments were revealed after the judge told the defense they had opened the door to the evidence during their line of questioning. During the afternoon break, Shlomi was seen giving some stern words to one of the defense attorneys - cornering one and gesticulating at him in the courtroom. Zigron, Orly and the other family members also grew stony-faced during the testimony and stared intently at a series of photos from the weekend shown in court. The photos showed several young men and women partying on a bus, inside the shared Southampton home and around the pool area and at restaurants and bars nearby. The Alexander brothers are seen in some of the images. Identical twins Alon and Oren, 38, have pleaded not guilty to all counts. They face life behind bars if convicted of the most severe charges Oren, seen with his wife Kamila Hansen, and Tal were powerful real estate brokers to the stars Orly was also seen passing yellow pieces of paper to her husband, while Alon's loyal wife's composure faltered as she leant forward resting her arms on her knees. The brothers, meanwhile, also passed notes back and forth to each other and to their lawyers. Their defense attorneys tried to pick holes in Bodjnoud's story, saying she originally told the FBI in her tip that she heard but did not see the alleged attack from her room. Bodjnoud stood by her statements saying that the emailed tip did not go into the full detail of what happened - and that, when she had moved to the bedroom of the home, she could no longer see what was happening. Earlier Wednesday, a woman using the pseudonym Kaylee Brown returned to the stand after testifying how Alon and Oren had drugged and raped her friend on a trip to Aspen, Colorado, in January 2017. Brown and two friends were all minors, just 17, at the time and had gone on a trip together to the ski resort. One of the friends testified earlier in the week, under the pseudonym Maylyn, that Alon drugged her and then raped her in a hotel room bathroom. Brown testified in court she had passed out on a bed inside the hotel room and woke as Alon entered the room. Alon then lay down next to her, she testified, and put his hands down her pants. She removed his hand and quickly left with Maylyn. Brown testified that she did not know what had happened to her friend for some time. Around 10 days later, she was in New York City for Fashion Week and Alon was texting her to come to his apartment. She did not go. The trial continues. If convicted, the three brothers are facing up to life in prison. Under siege from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and facing separate accusations of rape and other criminal offences, the Norwegian royal family faces new and even more alarming challenges ahead. A forthcoming book will open up a 120-year-old can of worms, questioning whether the royals have any claim to the throne at all. Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon, was exposed when it was revealed she'd exchanged more than 100 emails with Jeffrey Epstein and had a secret four-day stay at his Florida mansion when he wasn't present. Damningly, Epstein later described the 52-year old blonde princess, whose husband will one day be king, as 'twisted'. Separately Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, is on trial in the Norwegian capital Oslo this week facing 38 criminal counts, including four of rape. Support for the royal family in this formerly staunch monarchist country has slumped from 70 per cent to 53 per cent, with one-third of the population now calling for a republic. And all that is ahead of the publication later this year of a book investigating whether, in fact, the Norwegian royals have any right to sit on the throne at all. The charge against them is that in 1902, Princess Maud of Wales - married to the future King - employed a sperm donor to produce a son and heir for the Norwegian throne. King Harald, Crown Prince Haakon and Marius Borg Hoiby with Queen Sonja, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverrre Magnus and Crown Princess Mette-Marit Princess Maud of Wales, daughter of King Edward VII and granddaughter of Queen Victoria That son, Prince Olav, was born in 1903 at Appleton House at Sandringham, and succeeded to the throne as King Olav V in 1957. He died in 1991 and his son King Harald, 88, now occupies the throne. Photographs of Guy Francis Laking, a British ex-public schoolboy, published a few years ago, sent shockwaves through the Norwegian establishment because when placed next to pictures of Crown Prince Olav at a similar age, the two men bore an eerie resemblance to each other. One, an English commoner, was the father of the other, it was alleged. If true it means that the present King of Norway has no right to call himself the monarch of his over six-million-strong kingdom. Scandinavian historian Tor Bomann-Larssen unravelled the story. Guy Laking, he revealed, was the son of the royal physician, Sir Francis Laking, who attended our King Edward VII. After nearly seven years of marriage Maud, Edward's daughter, had failed to become pregnant and she was now approaching her 33rd birthday. To ensure Norway's line of succession, a son and heir was required pronto. But, according to Bomann-Larssen, Maud's husband King Haakon was infertile and unable to produce an heir. So, it is alleged, Maud came to London, and in October 1902 underwent a pioneering sperm-donor treatment at the hands of Sir Francis Laking. The donor was his son Guy. Crown Prince Olaf with his parents, the King of Norway, King Haakon with his wife Princess Maud of Wales, daughter of King Edward VII Sir Francis Laking who was the King's physician and the father of Guy Laking Nine months later Prince Olav was born, and as he grew into manhood the similarity between the two men - king and commoner - became increasingly evident. But it meant that Olav did not have his father's blood. In Norway, Bomann-Larrsen's theory has been angrily questioned by pro-monarchy supporters. But the answer to the mystery may finally be settled by the publication later this year of a new biography of Queen Maud by historian Arnhild Skre. Skre has travelled between Norway and Britain and elsewhere in her search for the truth. For the moment, her lips are sealed as to her findings. But today the Daily Mail can reveal for the first time startling evidence which points directly towards Laking likely being the father of King Olav. Two months after Queen Maud's alleged artificial insemination, her brother, King George V, issued his first end-of-year Honours List. Buried in the section devoted to the Royal Victorian Order - the award 'for personal service to the sovereign' - appeared the name of Guy Francis Laking. Everyone else receiving the coveted award that year had served the king on his recent eight-month tour of the British Empire on HMS Ophir, a P&O steam liner temporarily reclassified as the Royal Yacht. There among the other recipients, and with no explanation as to why he'd qualified for this prestigious award, is Laking's name. At the time the doctor's son was an armoury expert working for Christie's, the auctioneers, with no special connection to Buckingham Palace. His elevation to this highly exclusive order raised eyebrows within the royal circle - because all the other recipients had close ties to the Crown, and were much older. As Olaf grew into manhood the similarity between the two men - king and commoner - became increasingly evident (left: Guy Francis Laking who was awarded the RVO for 'personal service to the sovereign', right: Crown Prince Olaf) King Haakon and Queen Maud of Norway with Crown Prince Olaf Given no explanation why someone who hadn't served the Crown was receiving an intimate decoration from the sovereign himself, a possible conclusion to be drawn is that this was the King's way of thanking Laking for his secret services to his sister Maud, and to the Norwegian crown. It turned out to be only the start of a major reward for an act requiring very little effort. Laking was a playboy and a spendthrift, and his earnings at Christie's had done little to cover his expenditure. So King George created a post specially for him at Windsor Castle - as Keeper of the King's Armoury. It brought Laking firmly into the royal compound from where he would become a recognised part of the machine of monarchy. Once ensconced at Windsor, Laking acquired a status above his station nobody knew why - and started to flex his muscles. Soon he was touting the idea of a Museum of London, to be created under royal patronage - no ordinary museum, but one to be housed in the State Apartments of Kensington Palace. King George V and his family, including the future King George VI, obligingly came to the opening night - and from then on Laking was feted for his royal connections and grew rich on them, buying himself a large mansion in Regent's Park. Whether he ever met Queen Maud, the mother of his child, is not recorded. Born the daughter of Edward VII and brought up in England, Maud was only willing to give herself up to the life of queen consort in a chilly foreign land on the understanding she'd spend two months a year at Appleton House, and mingle at the parties at Buckingham Palace. She did her duty in producing an heir to the throne of Norway, but had no further children. She died in London in 1938. Guy Laking, the supposed commoner father of a king, was to die aged 44 from a heart attack. If now it's finally confirmed he fathered King Olav, it will mean that both Haakon's reign and that of his son Harald, the present king, are invalid. And with a beleaguered Norwegian royal family already under incredible public pressure, some argue, it could well signal a swift end to the monarchy in that snowy land. Princess Diana's nieces Lady Eliza Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer made a glamorous appearance at the Vienna Opera Ball last night - as they dazzled side by side on the red carpet. The Spencer twins - who are the daughters of Charles Spencer, ninth Earl Spencer and Victoria Aitken - donned glamorous Oscar de la Renta gowns and statement Chopard jewellery pieces when they arrived at the 68th annual society event. Exuding sophistication, Lady Eliza opted for a gold dress with elegant white fashion gloves and a glossy nude lip. To accessorise, she dazzled in diamonds, with a blue diamond necklace combined with sparkling earrings and a floral ring. Meanwhile, Lady Amelia put on a very elegant display in a sparkling silver gown fit with black fashion gloves. She added to the look with a pop of emerald green by opting for a silver jewelled choker necklace and colour-coordinated earrings. Both sisters, 33, wore their hair in sleek updos complete with a middle parting and added Aspinal bags and Aquazzura shoes to their looks as they represented British aristocracy at the high-profile event. Dating back to 1814, the Vienna Opera Ball sees the auditorium of Vienna's State Opera convert into an elegant ballroom for one night only, with glamorous partygoers descending on the Austrian capital to enjoy a night of splendour, music and dance. The annual event draws more than 5,000 attendees, including members of the Austrian government along with a handful of A-list celebrities. The Spencer twins - who are the daughters of Charles Spencer, ninth Earl Spencer and Victoria Aitken - donned glamorous gowns and statement jewellery pieces when they arrived at the 68th annual society event held in the Austrian capital Both sisters, 33, wore their hair in a sleek updo complete with a middle parting and were all smiles as they represented British aristocracy at the high-profile event Exuding glamour and sophistication, Lady Eliza (pictured) opted for a gold dress with elegant white fashion gloves and a glossy nude lip. To accessorise, she dazzled in diamonds Remarkably, it takes organisers 30 hours to convert the opera house into a ballroom and an additional 21 to dismantle all of the finery. Preparations for the formal event start weeks before, with 144 young couples aged between 17 to 24 dedicating themselves to rehearsals ahead of the night and spending hours putting the finishing touches on their outfits. For this year's star-studded event, the Spencer twins were invited as guests in the STYLE UP YOUR LIFE! box hosted by Adi Weiss and Michael Lameraner, and were pictured arriving at the Adi Weisser reception prior to the event. Ahead of the ball, the twins publicly announced how 'incredibly delighted' they were to have received an invitation. 'The Vienna Opera Ball is something very special for us. It uniquely combines culture, history, and fashion. It is a great honour to be part of this tradition, and we are very much looking forward to an unforgettable evening in Vienna.' Taking to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes look of the ball, Amelia, who boasts more than 120k followers, described the event as 'pure magic'. Other high-profile figures who dazzled at the ball included Hollywood star Sharon Stone and American actress Fran Drescher. Meanwhile, English model Iris Law opted for an elegant all-black ensemble and was pictured beaming with Giovanna Battaglia Engelbrecht, Creative Director of Swarovski. For this year's star-studded event, the Spencer twins were invited as guests in the STYLE UP YOUR LIFE! box hosted by Adi Weiss and Michael Lameraner, and were pictured arriving at the Adi Weisser reception prior to the event Ahead of the ball, the twins publicly announced how 'incredibly delighted' they were to have received an invitation to the prestigious event which draws more than 5,000 attendees, including members of the Austrian government along with a handful of A-list celebrities Pictured: the Spencer twins with Michael Lameraner and Adi Weiss prior to the 68th Vienna Opera Ball on February 12 The dazzling images of the Spencer twins at the Opera come just weeks after Eliza kicked off her wedding festivities with an intimate engagement party in Cape Town. The radiant bride-to-be celebrated her engagement to businessman Channing Millerd at a glamorous rooftop party attended by 50 of 'the people we love most', the model revealed on Instagram. Channing got down on one knee during a stunning sunset proposal in Santorini last July after dating the model and socialite for almost a decade. Speaking to Tatler, Lady Eliza recalled the moment her boyfriend of nine years popped the question during a romantic candlelit dinner, overlooking the sea, adding: 'I laughed and I cried. 'I don't know how he pulled it all off, but it was so special. He did the most amazing job - above and beyond.' 'I couldn't have dreamt of such a beautiful setting,' she continued, calling the sunset proposal a 'dream come true'. Her engagement ring was a thoughtful nod to Lady Eliza's roots because it featured a 2.5-carat, pear-shaped diamond mined in South Africa. Eliza showcased her dazzling engagement ring while posing with her beloved beau, Lady Amelia and Lady Kitty, alongside their mother, former model Victoria Aitken. Dating back to 1814, the Vienna Opera Ball sees the auditorium of Vienna's State Opera convert into an elegant ballroom for one night only, with glamorous partygoers descending on the Austrian capital to enjoy a night of splendour, music and dance Other high-profile figures who dazzled at the Vienna Opera Ball included Hollywood star Sharon Stone (pictured) and American actress Fran Drescher English model Iris Law opted for an elegant all-black ensemble and was pictured beaming with Giovanna Battaglia Engelbrecht, Creative Director of Swarovski Eliza took to Instagram to document the 'special moments' from her lavish engagement party in Cape Town, South Africa, where the Spencer twins grew up. She donned a white, floral applique dress, custom-made for her by Belarusian designer Galia Lahav, which she paired with matching satin heels ahead of her wedding to tech executive Channing, 34. Meanwhile, Kitty, who is an ambassador for Dolce & Gabbana, opted for a maximalist co-ord set, including a colourful, printed skirt and crop top, from the Italian luxury label. However, one family member was conspicuously absent from the photographs, as it appeared Eliza's father, Charles Spencer, skipped the party amid reports of a rumoured Spencer feud. Charles was married to Victoria from 1989 until 1997. The couple moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where Eliza and her siblings Lady Amelia, Lady Kitty, and Louis were brought up away from the glare of public attention. Princess Diana's death occurred while their divorce case was in progress; shortly after their split was finalised, Earl Spencer moved back to the UK. Princess Diana's brother, who failed to wish Eliza when she announced her engagement to the South African entrepreneur, did not attend either Kitty or Amelia's weddings in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Rumours of a family rift first began in July 2021, when Charles skipped his eldest daughter Kitty's Italian wedding to retail millionaire Michael Lewis and failed to post about the landmark family occasion on his social media accounts. Instead, Lady Kitty - who is 32 years younger than her husband - was walked down the aisle by her brother Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, 29, and Samuel. yn to 'keep doing what you're doing' Prince Harry, 41, told Olesia and Mar yn to 'keep doing what you're doing' Prince Harry thanked HALO Trust charity workers clearing explosives on the front line in Ukraine during a touching video call on Friday. The Duke of Sussex, 41, joined the call and encouraged key workers Olesia and Maryn to 'keep doing what you're doing' as he praised them for their life-saving work. The prince has been a patron of the trust since 2019, but has supported their cause since 2011 and has worked with them to diffuse and clear landmines across the world. His work with the charity mirrors his mother Princess Diana's patronage of the organisation which, in January 1997, saw her walk across a minefield in Angola. More recently, Harry has been raising awareness about explosive safety in Ukraine as he asked workers how they had been coping with recent shelling as the war with Russia continues. Olesia and Maryn explained that it was a difficult time, telling Harry 'life has turned upside down' and they felt trapped in a 'nightmare'. They said: 'Life has turned upside down for the last two weeks. Sometimes it seems to me that this is just a nightmare and I'm going to wake up soon.' Offering encouragement, Harry replied: 'I mean, you guys are saving lives every single day. I know you're part of HALO, so that's exactly what you signed up to do, and I know that you're going to continue doing the work that is so desperately needed for HALO, for your families and your country. Prince Harry, 41, thanked HALO Trust charity workers on the front line in Ukraine in a touching video call on Friday His work with the charity mirrors his mother Princess Diana's patronage of the live-saving organisation which, in January 1997, saw her walk across a minefield in Angola (pictured) He then asked how people can help, and the two workers explained that by spreading their safety messages to those in danger and donating, HALO could continue their important work. Harry's support of the charity goes back over a decade, and last year, he travelled to Angola to complete a landmine walk like his mother did nearly three decades before him. The prince also walked the minefield back in 2013, which has now been transformed, thanks to clearance by Angolan men and women trained by HALO. His work in the central African nation comes after the country's government pledged 46million to create wildlife corridors in 2019 and protect endangered species in conservation areas. It also set a target of clearing all landmines by 2025, and Harry hopes that his presence there will boost efforts to meet the target. HALO has cleared more than 123,000 landmines since 1994, and works to transform former war zones into farmland, national parks and 'safe' villages. Despite the progress made, more than 1,000 minefields remain across Angola. Princess Diana's walk in 1997 took place when the nation experienced a brief period of peace following a two-decade civil war that had left the country contaminated by more than 15 million landmines. Harry has ben raising awareness about explosive safety in Ukraine and checking in on workers Olesia and Maryn in the war-torn country where the war with Russia continues Prince Harry walking through a minefield in Cuito Cuanavale, Cuando Province, southeastern Angola, July 16, 2025 Wearing a HALO Trust flak jacket and helmet, the striking photographs of the royal went down in history, particularly as she died later that year in a car crash. At least 60,000 people have been killed or injured by landmines in Angola since 2008, although the exact number of casualties is not known and is likely to be higher. His video call comes after Prince Harry spoke on another issue close to his heart in Los Angeles, tearing up as he spoke to families whose children had died after using social media. The Duke of Sussex fought back tears in front of the bereaved parents after a major court case to examine the mental health effects of Instagram and YouTube began. An emotional Harry, who was with his wife Meghan, praised the families for 'telling your stories over and over again' amid his hopes for 'truth, justice and accountability'. In a video of his comments shown on BBC Breakfast today, the Duke referenced his own recent court battles, which relate to his security and claims against the media. Robot police officers will be patrolling our streets in just five years, an expert has predicted. The real-life 'robocops' will be able to detect, pursue and apprehend suspects, according to Professor Ivan Sun, from the University of Delaware. Forces across the world are already struggling to keep on top of mounting crime, specialist criminal networks and an everdepleted police force, he explained. Humanoid robots are already in use in China and Professor Sun expects it won't be long until the idea catches on. By 2031, he predicts robot police officers will have the capability to use facial recognition to find criminals, chase after and detain them. While they would likely need a human partner to accompany them, they would be extremely useful in dangerous situations, he explained. 'The sky is really the limit. Take a robbery, for instance they could really take control of the scene,' he said. 'They could chase you for five miles and they won't get tired. At the same time, while they are chasing the suspect, they can scan the suspect's bio and characteristics. Their AI can detect from 200 metres away if the suspect has a weapon or not. A human officer would not be able to do that.' The real-life 'robocops' will be able to detect, pursue and apprehend suspects, according to Professor Ivan Sun, from the University of Delaware Professor Sun said robocops could use AI to detect whether a suspect has a weapon from 200 metres away. Pictured: The original 1987 Robocop film While there are obvious legal and moral implications to their rollout, he believes the rollout of robot police officers is inevitable. 'Engaging in the use of force, engaging in highspeed chase it's not in our imagination, it's coming up,' he said. 'My predictions are these robots will do straight law enforcement, probably within a couple of years.' Alongside 'robocop', human police officers will likely be equipped with AIpowered helmets to boost their capabilities, according to the expert. During a highstakes situation, for example, the AI could analyse 'whether to shoot or not to shoot', Professor Sun explained. But he warned there are a plenty of considerations that need to be discussed, especially when it comes to legislation and privacy issues, before robocops are integrated into local communities. Professor Sun is currently polling police officers across the world including in the UK to get their opinion on AIpowered bobbies. As part of the research officers are shown two clips one showing a 'service' robot which assists with public relations and community policing, while another shows a 'crimefighting' robot which can chase and apprehend suspects. These robots could give chase without getting tired unlike a traditional police officer Professor Sun explained Professor Sun expects that in Western countries, including the UK, officers will lean more towards the crime fighting robot. 'The fighting robots can really reduce the possible danger (of situations) and the unpredictability associated with them,' he said. 'You already have bomb robots you send the bomb robot so you don't need to send a human being to take care of the bombs.' He added that a robot could 'probably do the job of three officers' without the need for breaks or rest. A recent study, carried out by Professor Sun and published in the Asian Journal of Criminology, involved asking Chinese police officers for their views on the use of AIpowered robots in policing. It reads: 'Amidst intensifying demands on law enforcement and the growing complexity of crime, jurisdictions worldwide have begun integrating artificial intelligence (AI)powered robots into policing operations. 'Countries such as China, the USA, Singapore and the UAE have piloted robotic systems with varying degrees of autonomy, often incorporating technologies such as facial recognition and predictive algorithms. 'These developments reflect a broader trend in the technological transformation of policing, where AI, including embodied AI (e.g. robots) is increasingly leveraged in the hope of enhancing operational efficiency, officer wellbeing and, ultimately, public safety.' Examples of police robots already in use include the Xavier robot in Singapore which patrols public spaces to detect 'undesirable social behaviours' The paper adds that although their current use is 'largely symbolic'the situation is 'likely to change quickly as the technology continues to evolve.' 'The deployment of AIpowered police robots represents a new frontier in the technological transformation of policing,' it adds. Examples of police robots already in use include the Xavier robot in Singapore which patrols public spaces to detect 'undesirable social behaviours' such as smoking before relaying the information to human officers. In China, AIpowered robots such as the AnBot have been integrated into security systems to conduct surveillance, verify identities and patrol transport hubs. In the UAE, robots have been used in more serviceoriented roles such as greeting tourists or providing multilingual assistance during large events. The study concludes: 'Our findings also show greater support for crimefighting robots than service robots. 'Officers may feel that crimefighting robots with technologyenhanced capabilities are particularly useful to strengthen their effectiveness in intelligence gathering, offence detection, and criminal apprehension. 'Officers may also believe that their safety would be greatly improved by having robots perform some risky tasks (e.g., control of suspects with weapons and disposal of explosive devices).' Professor Sun has discussed his research at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Claims that US airspace was shut down because of a party balloon have been popped by new video appearing to show a large, hovering UFO over El Paso, Texas. An eyewitness driving near El Paso International Airport on Tuesday pulled over to record what they described as a mothership floating above the ground in the distance, which was releasing smaller objects from its underside. The sighting, shared with crowdsourced UFO-reporting platform Enigma, occurred just hours before a large swath of US airspace was abruptly closed for 'special security reasons' at 11.30pm MT on February 10. The mysterious shut down was originally announced to last for ten days and included all commercial, cargo, and general flights within a ten-mile-wide area roughly five miles southwest of El Paso, from the ground up to 18,000 feet. However, the chaotic shut down by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was quickly called off, with the Trump Administration changing the story of what triggered the alert multiple times within a matter of hours on Wednesday. White House officials initially announced the US had taken down a Mexican cartel drone flying across the southern border, only to claim hours later that the object struck by a high-powered laser was a party balloon. Now, UFO researchers and witnesses in the area have alleged that something other than a balloon or drone was spotted on multiple days near the US-Mexico border before the FAA warning. 'Looks like the mothership. It's huge. And there are stuff coming out from the bottom of it and going off to the left a little bit as it landed,' the driver on Tuesday said. Video taken of an alleged craft hovering over El Paso, Texas was shared by the UFO reporting app Enigma Magnified images of the craft revealed a large object appearing near the sight of a major FAA shut down which was issued on February 10 According to the witness recording the hovering craft, it appeared on video 'like a dot' after moving off far into the distance, but the object was allegedly incredibly large and looked somewhat like 'a blob.' Enigma, which allows people to report sightings and share pictures or videos of UFOs on an app, also revealed that two other witnesses submitted strange sightings in the El Paso area, one on February 8 and another at 5.46pm ET on the same day as the FAA shut down. Both sightings involved what the witnesses described as floating orbs high in the sky which were clearly not normal planes or any type of military aircraft. 'Every time I use my drones in this area, especially in a certain frequency I always have orbs run by,' the witness on February 8 reported in a video on the Enigma app. However, the driver traveling by El Paso International Airport on Tuesday supplied the clearest evidence that what the military encountered was not a simple balloon. 'They are reporting today that it wasnt drones but a party balloon! It never ceases to amaze me how stupid they think the public are,' one commenter on X wrote. 'I feel like Ive seen this story before' one person on social media wrote next to a picture of the weather balloon debris the military claimed was actual the Roswell UFO in 1947. However, many skeptics criticized the video for being so out of focus that it made a clear identification of the object impossible. Join the debate Why do you think officials keep changing their story about strange sightings in our skies? The restricted airspace covered a ten-mile-wide area centered roughly five miles southwest of El Paso, extending from the ground up to 18,000 feet El Paso International Airport handled more than four million travelers in 2024, the most recent year with published statistics The White House did not mention any sightings of unidentified flying objects, also known as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), in there reports on Wednesday. Officially, the US government and the Pentagon have maintained that there has never been any physical evidence recovered proving UFOs or extraterrestrial beings exist. Despite that declaration, it is considered highly unusual to close down US airspace under the threat that violators may be shot down. The last time US airspace was shut down for national security reasons was after the September 11 terror attacks. The FAA also temporarily closed airspace over New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, but that was due to storm damage. Unlike previous restrictions, the El Paso closure blocked all flights over the city, including police and medical helicopters. It is a move rarely, if ever, seen in modern US aviation. President Trump has said that he is open to full disclosure of all UFO incidents and White House insiders have allegedly claimed Trump already has a speech prepared which addresses what the US government knows about the possibility of alien life. According to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), multiple witnesses have reported seeing large objects over the US which they could only describe as a 'mothership.' In fact, there have been six reports of large motherships, including some witnessing smaller craft surrounding it or flying out of them, since 2022. The final words many people hear when they die may be the most traumatic of all, as a top critical care doctor has revealed the brain remains active after the heart stops. In those minutes after physicians stop CPR, Dr Sam Parnia said the deceased can likely still hear doctors announcing their time of death before all life fades away. Parnia, the director of critical care and resuscitation research at NYU Langone School of Medicine in New York, has not only studied what happens to the human brain when you die, but has also spoken to patients who survived near-death experiences. That research revealed many occurrences where patients who were clinically dead, noted as when the heart stops beating, who were later revived and described conversations and events taking place in their room with remarkable accuracy. The reason doctors only look at the heart when determining the time of death is because that's the moment when blood flow to the brain stops. However, a study led by Parnia in 2023 discovered spikes in brain waves associated with higher cognitive function up to an hour into CPR. This means the brain can 'wake up' and start working again, in a way that looks a lot like normal thinking and awareness, even while doctors are still performing CPR on a stopped heart. Unique brain patterns examined on electroencephalograms (EEGs) during near-death experiences appeared to provide evidence that patients were really in a dream-like consciousness that left them aware enough to keep hearing people speak. Dr Sam Parnia at NYU hospital has said the final words a person is likely to hear is their own time of death being announced (Stock Image) 'Although doctors have long thought that the brain suffers permanent damage about 10 minutes after the heart stops supplying it with oxygen, our work found that the brain can show signs of electrical recovery long into ongoing CPR,' Parnia said in a statement. Parnia's study, called AWARE-II, specifically looked into what happens to people's brains and minds during cardiac arrest at 25 hospitals across the US and UK. Researchers monitored patients in real time with EEGs to track electrical activity, measuring oxygen levels in the brain, and interviewing survivors about what they remembered while being declared clinically dead. From 2017 to 2020, the team examined 567 people who had in-hospital cardiac arrests and received CPR to try to bring them back from the dead. Those observations revealed one in five survivors reported clear, dream-like experiences during their death, such as feeling detached from their body, seeing events in the room, or having memories of their entire life flash in front of them. Moreover, the study in the journal Resuscitation uncovered spikes in brain waves, including gamma, alpha, and beta waves, which are linked to thinking, memory, and awareness, showing up 35 to 60 minutes after a person's heart stopped. Once blood stopped flowing to the brain, Parnia found the brain cells lose oxygen quickly, but instead of going completely quiet, they can fire off strong signals and connect in new ways for a short time. This burst of brain activity is thought to trigger a hyper-alert state, like a super-focused mode, which might explain why some people keep hearing the world around them even as the rest of their body has shut down. Dr Sam Parnia (Pictured) conducted a study in 2023 that found brain activity long after the heart stops beating, known as clinical death Along with still being 'alive' in the real world and able to hear the doctor's terrifying comments, Parnia previously explained how this energy burst in the brain also allows people to access everything in their mind all at one time. 'As the brain shuts down, because of a lack of blood flow in death, the normal braking systems in the brain are removed, known as disinhibition,' Parnia explained in 2023. 'This enables people to have access to their entire consciousness. All their thoughts, memories, all their emotional states, everything that they've ever done, which they relive through the perspective of morality and ethics.' Overall, Parnia explained that the revelation of people continuing to live beyond the traditional point of death opens up new areas of study for patient care, helping doctors design new ways to restart the heart or prevent brain injuries during cardiac arrest. For example, better techniques or medicines could protect the brain while CPR is happening. The findings may also impact organ donation, as understanding how long the brain really stays alive may affect decisions about harvesting organs too soon. Friday the 13th and its reputation of bringing bad luck has been linked to one of the most infamous betrayals in history - the crucifixion of Jesus. The ominous date on the calendar has become tied to all sorts of superstitions which allegedly bring the victim misfortune which can last for years, such as breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors, and seeing a black cat cross in front of you. However, the root of all this bad luck is believed to have started at the Last Supper, attended by Jesus and his 12 disciples almost 2,000 years ago. It was there that Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest is said to have betrayed Jesus to the chief priests of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council, who handed Jesus over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate for trial and crucifixion on a Friday. Since that time, the number 13 has been associated with negativity and misfortune within the Christian and Catholic faith, often linked to death and betrayal. This stigma eventually began to focus on Fridays, as Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, leading Christians to observe a period of fasting and penance in memory of that day. This wasn't the only major religious betrayal on Friday the 13th, however, as King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V orchestrated a massive, coordinated betrayal and mass arrest of the Knights Templar, a powerful Christian military order, in 1307. The leader of that medieval order, Grand Master Jacques de Molay, is said to have cursed both men for their actions on Friday the 13th as he was burned at the stakes. Both the king and pope died within a year, cementing the date's infamous reputation. The Bible details the story of the Last Supper around 33 AD when Jesus sat with his 12 apostles and told them that one among their number would betray him, adding that his death was imminent Grand Master Jacques de Molay (Pictured) led the Knights Templar, a religious military order, and placed a curse on Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V after his betrayal on Friday the 13th, in 1307 Despite centuries of fear and superstition tied to Friday the 13th, historians believe the first published reference of the date being unlucky came in French literature in 1834. In the French magazine Revue de Paris, an article by the Marquis de Salvo described a Sicilian count who killed his daughter on Friday the 13th, stating 'It is always Fridays and the number thirteen that bring bad luck!' The passage is even documented in the Library of Congress as one of the first references to the day and number being tied as a source of bad luck. That same year two centuries ago, the play Les Finesses des Gribouilles by Claude-Louis-Marie de Rochefort-Lucay and Philippe-Francois Pinel Dumanoir made a direct mention to Friday the 13th. A character claims in French: 'I was born on a Friday, December 13th, 1813, from which come all of my misfortunes!' However, the ancient ties to Friday the 13th go back even further in time, and even reached the lands of Scandinavia. In Norse mythology, a popular story often linked to the unluckiness of the number 13 involves a banquet in Valhalla, the afterlife for honored Viking warriors killed in battle. It was at this party where 12 gods were gathered, and the trickster god Loki arrived uninvited as the 13th guest, leading to chaos. Friday the 13th has since been linked to superstitions such as breaking mirrors, black cats, and walking under ladders, which are all said to bring bad luck Loki is said to have tricked the blind god Hodr into shooting an arrow made of mistletoe at Balder, the god of light and joy, causing Balder's death and plunging the world into darkness and mourning. The connection to Friday came from the day being named after Frigg, Balder's mother and the Norse goddess of love and marriage, who was deeply affected by her son's death. The suspected origin of these beliefs dates back to oral traditions during the Viking Age, around 793 to 1066AD, but they were first written down in the 13th century in Iceland. The Norse origins of Friday the 13th even tie into the name created by psychotherapist Donald Dossey in the 1980s, who coined the word Friggatriskaidekaphobia to describe the fear of Friday the 13th. Sydney Sweeney enjoyed a lowkey date with her boyfriend Scooter Braun during an outing in Los Angeles on Thursday. The 28-year-old actress took in the warm sunshine with the record executive amidst the daytime excursion. She was first romantically linked to Braun, 44, in June last year after they both attended the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice. Cozy couple: Sydney Sweeney enjoyed a low key date with Scooter Braun in Los Angeles on Thursday Sweeney dressed down wearing a dark navy, Ralph Lauren sweatshirt as well as a pair of loose-fitting, denim jeans. She added a pair of comfy sneakers and carried a black purse over her left shoulder as she completed her look with mini earrings and fashionable shades. Braun sported a long-sleeved, white shirt as well as dark denim jeans and black loafers. The couple were spotted strolling around an outdoor shopping area as they enjoyed a break in their busy schedules. Relaxed: She dressed down wearing a dark navy, Ralph Lauren sweatshirt as well as a pair of loose-fitting, denim jeans Booking a getaway to a private rental can often come with hidden fees such as cleaning or service charges. The extra costs can soon add up, even putting the accommodation out of budget at times. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer countless options for travellers to choose from, but one crafty holidaymaker has shared a hack for avoiding the additional fees. The tourist posted in /TravelHacks on Reddit and explained how they 'recently tested a method to bypass them that actually worked reliably'. It apparently works best for holiday destinations like 'beach towns and ski resorts' instead of 'renting a spare room in someone's house'. The trick works by first identifying a property you would like to book on a holiday rental site. 'Look at the "Hosted By" section. If it sounds like a company name (e.g. "Island Rentals" or "Smith Properties") rather than just "Steve", copy that name,' they explained. They then recommend searching the name of the property on Google to find the direct site. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer countless options for travellers to choose from, but one crafty holidaymaker has shared a hack for avoiding the additional fees (stock) In one instance, the holidaymaker managed to avoid paying the $150 (109.91) service fee listed on a property in Texas they hoped to hire for a weekend. They continued, 'I Googled them, found their direct site, and the exact same unit was listed there without the middleman markup.' The crafty tourist explained how they were still booking 'the same key code, same cleaning crew, same property'. According to the holidaymaker, 'The only difference is who processes the credit card.' They did warn other keen travellers trying out the trick to heed some caution and make sure the direct websites are legitimate and have good reviews online. The tourist also pointed out, 'for high-traffic tourist areas, most of these property managers are desperate for you to book direct so they don't have to pay the platform fees either'. 'It's a win-win,' they added. Chelsea, who goes by @cheapholidayexpert on TikTok, revealed last year how she managed to save 21 per cent with the same technique. The crafty hack apparently works best for holiday destinations like 'beach towns, ski resorts' instead of 'renting a spare room in someone's house' She bagged a characterful barge that was originally priced at 152 per night, for just 120. 'I first found it on Airbnb for 152 but I decided to see if I could possibly book it direct,' she explained. The holiday expert revealed she looked out for a 'few key words' to help find the barge's own website. On the site, she managed to bag a night away for 120, avoiding the price hike on Airbnb. 'This is a great hack, I use it all the time,' Chelsea gushed. Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) has has unveiled its 2026 Star Awards, shining a light on the world's leading luxury hotels, cruises, restaurants and spas across more than 100 countries. The 68th Star Awards is the most inclusive yet, with nations such as Bhutan, Croatia, Georgia, Grenada, Laos, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan newly introduced. The 2026 edition marks a milestone in luxury travel with a record number of new award winners and inaugural distinctions, including the world's first five-star cruise and five-star restaurant at sea. To guarantee unbiased, data-backed ratings, FTG sends undercover experts to experience and evaluate hotels, dining, and spa services as guests. Beyond basics, inspectors also look for experiences that enrich a guest's heath and lifestyle, celebrate regional design, and offer a flawless service from start to finish. This year, of the 2,422 properties recognised worldwide, the UK featured strongly, with 20 winners across London and Scotland. In London, five-star hotels include The Connaught, Claridge's, Shangri-La The Shard, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, The Dorchester and Bvlgari Hotel. Inspectors praised Bvlgari's 'refined glamour' and The Dorchester's 'timeless Art Deco vibe' and afternoon tea. London has 20 five-star hotels in Forbes Travel Guide, with The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel; and Raffles London at The OWO (pictured) featured For the fourth straight year, Macau has been declared the five-star hotel capital of the world. Raffles at Galaxy Macau, pictured, is one of the Chinese city's five-star hotels In Scotland, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, and Trump Turnberry both received five-stars. Set on Scotland's west coast, Trump Turnberry's restaurant was praised for its 'spectacular views of the Scottish coastline, Ailsa Craig (home of the Curling Stone) and Isle of Arran'. Elsewhere in Europe, new five-star hotels include the Maybourne Riviera, One&Only Portonovi, Mandarin Orienta in Barcelona and Mandarin Oriental Savoy in Zurich. Asia Pacific, meanwhile, accounted for 40 per cent of new five-star hotels, including Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, Regent Hong Kong and The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. The US also gained five new five-star hotels, including The St. Regis Atlanta and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, alongside three new five-star restaurants. In the Middle East, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia, were among four new five-star hotels. Smaller destinations also featured predominantly, with inaugural five-star awards in Turks and Caicos, Nikko and Montenegro. However, Macau maintains its position as the global leader in five-star hotels for the fourth year in a row - with a total of 28 named in the 'Las Vegas of Asia'. Epic Tower at Studio City Macau, pictured, has been awarded top marks by Forbes in this year's list, and Macau - nicknamed the 'Las Vegas of Asia' thanks to its thriving gambling industry - now has 28 five-star hotels overall New winners include Capella at Galaxy Macau, Paiza Grand and Palazzo Versace Macau, reflecting an emphasis on intimate, hotel-within-a-hotel concepts prioritising privacy. The world's first five-star cruises are also named for the first time in this year's rankings, as demand for luxury cruising grows. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collections Ilma becomes the first cruise ship in FTG history to earn five stars. Meanwhile, Celebrity Xcel's Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud has been named as the first five-star cruise ship restaurant, offering globally inspired fine dining from the French chef, including dishes such as five-spice duck pithivier and Brazilian seafood moqueca. London Heathrow Airport's boss Thomas Woldbye has revealed plans to improve overcrowding in the hub. The airport's chief executive has declared British passengers and Europeans are 'crashing into each other' as they navigate the airport, rather than it being too busy. Heathrow sees a whopping 200,000 travellers each day and in January saw 6.5million people - making it the busiest January on record. But, Thomas argues the problem is Europeans walk on the opposite side to Brits and it can cause issues. At an Aviation Club UK event, Thomas said: 'One of the jokes I have with our people is that one of the reasons Terminal 5 is crowded, which it's not actually, is people are in the wrong place.' According to The Times, the airport boss added: 'One of the reasons is that all the British people choose the left and all the Europeans keep to the right. 'And they do that [in] both directions, so we get everybody crashing into each other and I see that from personal experience.' He revealed exactly how busy the different terminals get at the major hub and explained: 'Interestingly Terminal 3 is one of the ones that scores best, and Terminal 5 is one of the worst and there's way more space in Terminal 5.' Heathrow's chief executive has declared British passengers and Europeans are 'crashing into each other' as they navigate the airport, rather than it being too busy Thomas Woldbye (pictured) argues the problem is Europeans walk on the opposite side to Brits and it can cause issues The airport is trying to improve the flow of passengers through methods such as 'decluttering' departure lounges. This includes removing seats and other items, such as phone boxes, that might take up unnecessary space. Heathrow is the UK's largest airport and recently ranked as the third busiest in Europe. Research by flight compensation specialists SkyRefund revealed Heathrow saw 1,315 daily flights in 2025. In December, the hub unveiled a huge overhaul of Terminal 4 as part of a 1.3billion investment this year. London Heathrow plans to spend the whopping amount on improving various parts of the hub as part of its five-year investment programme, H7. T4 will receive a major revamp, with construction planned to start next year in phases to ensure operations continue as normal. It will include a brand new multi-storey car park as well as an upgraded check-in area, and the work is expected to be finished in 2031. The airport is trying to improve the flow of passengers through methods such as 'decluttering' departure lounges Terminal Two is also set to receive a new dedicated baggage system next year. Some 31,000 bags per day will be handled by the new system, and will help improve efficiencies and service for passengers. A new assistance area will also be built in the terminal, giving passengers direct access to security, and all assistance areas across Heathrow will be upgraded. The investment will also cover the installation of cameras across the airport's stands that will use AI to speed up the processes between flights. Expansive, complex and steeped in thousands of years of history, there is so much to explore in Saudi Arabia. There's no better way to explore this vast chronology than through its many museums, each a window into the cultures and traditions that have woven together the fabric of this country. From futuristic buildings to historic houses and palaces, these museums invite you to embark on a profound journey of discovery. Here are some of the best ones to begin your Saudi Arabia exploration. National Museum in Riyadh Located in the heart of Saudi Arabia's capital city, Riyadh, in the centre of the country, this monumental building is an ode to the ancient and modern history of the country and the wider Arabian Peninsula. National Museum in Riyadh. Located in the heart of Saudi Arabia's capital city, Riyadh, in the centre of the country, this monumental building is an ode to the ancient and modern history of the country and the wider Arabian Peninsula A collection of 2,900 artifacts will take you through millennia of history, with eight separate halls, each dedicated to a particular era in history. Don't miss the Arab Kingdoms gallery, detailing the region's ancient civilizations and taking you from the 4th millennium BCE to the 4th Century CE, and the Man and Universe gallery, exploring the origins of the universe and humanity's place within it. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran Known for its dazzling futuristic architecture and vibrant cultural programs, this museum is a breathtaking showcase for the country's modern-day artistic pursuits. Located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, the building itself is designed as a collection of vast stones, symbolizing unity and representing the past, present and future. Ithra means 'enrichment' in Arabic, and the spaces inside include a 1,500 m2 conference hall, a 900-seat performing arts theatre, a five-gallery museum and a state-of-the-art cinema. It is the country's leading cultural and creative destination and features an ever-evolving program of events, including live opera, symphony concerts, lectures, family activities and an Ithra Academy. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran. Known for its dazzling futuristic architecture and vibrant cultural programs, this museum is a breathtaking showcase for the country's modern-day artistic pursuits Al Tayebat, Jeddah Set in the heart of Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, this sprawling, multi-floored museum features a vast collection of valuable artifacts, antique relics, historic manuscripts and Islamic art. Built in the style of traditional Western region architecture, to wander the Al Tayebat museum's expansive spaces is to take a step back in time and truly immerse yourself in the abundant history of Saudi Arabia. The building itself is a work of art, with geometric and elliptical patterns interwoven throughout, and Arabic calligraphy adorning the walls. Don't miss the standout work, an intricately modeled re-creation of the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. Al Masmak Palace Museum, Riyadh - a mesmerizing blend of history and modern technology Al Masmak Palace Museum, Riyadh This historic fortress in the heart of the capital is a mesmerizing blend of history and modern technology. You can learn all about the evolution of the region through dazzling visual presentations, interactive installations and more. Housing historic artifacts, Saudi works of art, ancient weapons and other aspects of Saudi heritage, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in the formation of modern-day Saudi Arabia and the country's place within the wider context of the Gulf region. Diriyah Museum, At Turaif. Housed within an 18th-century palace on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia's capital city, this fascinating museum showcases the history of the first Saudi state Diriyah Museum, At Turaif Housed within an 18th-century palace on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia's capital city, this fascinating museum showcases the history of the first Saudi state. The Central region-style architecture is breathtaking, featuring sun-dried mud brick walls, intricate carved wooden doors and geometric patterns. Explore and you'll discover artifacts, tools and handicrafts that showcase the Kingdom's heritage and the history of its ruling family. Surrounding the museum, the entire mud brick citadel of At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a living, breathing ode to the past and a destination in itself. Dar Al Madinah Museum, Madinah Located to the west of the country, this museum blends ancient history and modern cultural context to immerse you in the history of Al Madinah and the Prophet Muhammad. Featuring historical artifacts, traditional items of clothing, sacred manuscripts, works of art and more, the museum provides a culturally abundant, thought-provoking glimpse into the evolution of the Saudi Arabian story and the history of the holy city of Medina. Fatima Museum, Abha Nestled in the far south-west of the country, just a few miles from the Red Sea coast, this museum invites you to explore the artistic history and heritage of the women of the Aseer region. Above all, it's a showcase of the striking beauty of the UNESCO-recognized art form of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a traditional interior decoration design technique featuring geometric patterns and natural color pigments. This deeply rooted practice is a core element of the region's social and cultural identity. Al Ayed Heritage Museum, Bani Kabir This sumptuous museum features eight expansive halls celebrating the history, heritage and deep-rooted traditions of Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Al Baha. Explore folk performances featuring bamboo canes, rhythmic drumming and chanted poems, and learn about the daily lives of Saudi families over the centuries. Don't miss the traditional Al-Sawani water-lifting system, an ancient method of water management that provides a glimpse into the ingenuity of Saudi Arabia's ancient people. From historic wonders to modern marvels, these are just a few highlights among the many museums peppered across the Kingdom. Explore and you'll discover the many stories that have woven together Saudi Arabia's vast cultural tapestry. Find out more at ministry of culture Museums Commission https://museums.moc.gov.sa/en A Dickensian period drama that's been hailed as 'masterful' has returned for a second season - and it has an unbelievable 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. Starring Thomas Brodie-Sangster, 35, of Love Actually fame, The Artful Dodger breathes new life into the famous character from Oliver Twist as an adult. The show's synopsis reads: 'The Artful Dodger is a brilliant surgeon, and a reformed thief trying to make good, in the colonial town of Port Victory. 'His mentor Fagin keeps dragging him into heists, and he's mixed up with the Governors daughter, Lady Belle. Can The Artful Dodger escape his past?' With a critical score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and an equally impressive IMDb rating of eight out of ten, the show has rave critical and audience reviews. The second season follows on from the first and sees Dodger torn between what's described as an impossible love and 'the criminal underworld he secretly craves'. A Dickensian period drama, The Artful Dodger, has returned for a second season - and it has an unbelievable 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes score Starring Thomas Brodie-Sangster , 35, of Love Actually fame, The Artful Dodger breathes new life into the famous character from Oliver Twist as an adult Praising the second season, in particular, Collider said: 'The Artful Dodger's Season two return guarantees that viewers will remember it as one of the decade's best historical series.' The Beverly Hills Courier described the casting as 'masterful' and the writing as 'imaginative'. The Times said: 'Brodie-Sangster and Thewlis are a fine double act, and it's all so breezy you barely pause to consider how unlikely the whole romp is. An artful dodge indeed.' Following the release of season two, fans have taken to X to further praise the drama. They wrote: 'Jack and Belle are back. Truly, they have some of the most underrated chemistry, and one of the most beautiful love stories currently on television. I truly recommend watching the show.' I dont understand how there arent more people obsessed with The Artful Dodger I swear it's soo good and WE ARE SO BACK. 'the artful dodger is one of the best shows ever the writing the acting and the plot are all so genius and it's such a breath of fresh air in the way it completely overturns your expectations and delivers everything with great satisfaction!!!! an underrated gem [sic].' Other viewers, meanwhile, praised the drama's depiction of yearning, in particular, and that Disney+ needs to make a third season. Praising the second season, in particular, Collider said: 'The Artful Dodger's Season two return guarantees that viewers will remember it as one of the decade's best historical series' The second season follows on from the first and sees Dodger torn between what's described as an impossible love and 'the criminal underworld he secretly craves' The show's writer, James McNamara, explained that his love of 19th-century literature is behind the series - and that he believes that Dodger and Fagin were the true stars of Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist. He told SweetyHigh: 'I love 19th-century literature. 'It just tickles my brain. And while I really like Oliver Twist as a book, I just don't like Oliver that much as a character. For me, when Dodger and Fagin arrive, it's like the book comes alive. They electrically charge that story. '[Dickens] brings these characters out, and all of a sudden, the story becomes really intense and visceral and interesting. I was always fascinated with the relationship between Dodger and Fagin.' Thomas Brodie-Sangster admitted that while he wasn't convinced when he initially read the script, once he got more involved with the project, he realised that Dodger's relocation to Australia gave new colour to the character. He told The Australian: 'When he's introduced to Fagin and the whole thing starts to assemble itself, it felt quite alive. '[Dickens can be] very English very London, Victorian, smoky. Damp and depressive, really. Relocating the story did something practical. It speeds it up. It injects a bit of colour.' Season one and two of The Artful Dodger are available to stream on Disney+ now. Shirley Ballas has sparked fears she won't be returning to Strictly Come Dancing, after it was revealed she bagged a new role on a rival dance show. The TV judge, who appears alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke on the BBC One show, is said to be heading across the pond to feature in a spin-off of the American equivalent of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars. Shirley, 65, is reported to be taking on a new role on the stateside panel, alongside her son Mark Ballas, a former professional on the ABC series. Mark, who featured on Dancing With The Stars from 2007 to 2023 and lifted the trophy three times, will join Shirley in helping the series find its new professional in the spin-off series, according to The Sun. Show winner Robert Irwin, the son of late The Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin, will host the new series, which was first reported by Reality Steve. It's not yet known when shooting for the spin-off series will take place, but there are fears it could clash with filming for Strictly, which takes place from September to December each year. Shirley Ballas has sparked fears she won't be returning to Strictly Come Dancing, after it was revealed she bagged a new role on a rival dance show Shirley, 65, is reported to be taking on a new role on the stateside panel, alongside her son Mark Ballas, a former professional on the ABC series The Daily Mail have contacted the BBC and Shirley's representative for comment. Fans were quick to take to social media to react to the news, discussing whether or not the new role would see Shirley leave Strictly Come Dancing. One penned on Reddit: 'VERY interesting, makes me wonder if shes considering leaving Strictly for the Dancing With The Stars main show!' Another chimed in: 'I dont think she will leave strictly unless they both are clashing,' as a third said: 'She'll do what Bruno did and leave for a week or two with a guest judge filling in for her...' Shirley would be following in the footsteps of her former Strictly judging stars Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli by appearing on Dancing With The Stars. Both of the former panellists waved goodbye to the BBC show to appear on the American series. The 'Queen of Latin', who was a world-renowned ballroom dancer during her career on the dance floor, took over as head judge when Len, who died in 2023, left in 2017. The mother-of-one shares Mark with her ex-husband and professional dancer Corky Ballas, who raised their son in the competitive dance world. The TV judge, who appears alongside Craig Revel Horwood , Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke on the BBC One show, is said to be heading across the pond Fans were quick to take to social media to react to the news, discussing whether or not the new role would see Shirley leave Strictly Come Dancing In 2023, Mark revealed he was retiring from his position as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars after 16 years on the show. The dancer, who took home the mirrored ball during his last series of the show, had been a fixture on the dancing competition series ever since his debut in 2007. Ballas released a statement to confirm the news, and expressed via People that he was grateful for the support of his followers. He stated: 'I started this journey when I was 21, 22. Honestly, being able to dance and perform for you fans, you guys are the best fans.' The professional dancer then stated that he had made the choice to conclude his time with the franchise. 'I just wanna finish by saying this will be the last time you see me dance in this capacity. I'm coming to a close tonight. This is going to be my last dance,' he stated. Ballas went on to express his gratitude for the support of his dancing partner, Charli D'Amelio, who was present during the event, as well as her loved ones. 'Charli means the world to me, the D'Amelio family, you guys mean the world to me. Thank you for everything,' he said. The dancer, who took home the mirrored ball alongside Charli D'Amelio during his last series of the show, had been a fixture on the dancing competition series ever since his debut in 2007 Ballas previously made his debut on Dancing With The Stars in 2007, when he appeared on the program's fifth season (pictured with Lindsey Stirling in 2017) The television personality concluded by stating that although he would continue his dancing career, he would be stepping away from the franchise. 'I'm not saying this is the end, [but] this is the last time I will be dancing with a [celebrity] partner. And I wanted to finish this with Charli, and I appreciate you guys so much,' he said. A representative for the media figure told People that he had no further comments about his decision to leave the program at the time. Ballas previously made his debut on Dancing With The Stars in 2007, when he appeared on the program's fifth season. He went on to take home the mirrored ball alongside Kristi Yamaguchi during the following run of episodes. The dancer subsequently won the show's grand prize during its eighth season, in which he was paired with Shawn Johnson. Ballas and D'Amelio went on to come out on top of the series' other couples during its 31st most recent season. The television personality's former dance partners include Shannen Doherty, Melissa Joan Hart and Kim Kardashian. Shirley's possible departure would mark yet another change for Strictly, after it was revealed show hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly were stepping down. The hosting duo stunned fans of the BBC show last October when they announced their departures from the ballroom in a surprise statement and video. Claudia, 53, and Tess, 56, left Strictly at the end of the 2025 series, with their final show airing on Christmas Day during the show's special. They both had previously said how they made a pact to leave the show together, rather than either remaining and being paired with a new presenter. A Coronation Street star is set to return in a thrilling whodunnit storyline - after three years away from Weatherfield. Having last appeared on the ITV soap in 2023, the actor will reportedly be back on the cobbles in the very near future. DC Wiley - played by actor Ashley Campbell - debuted in 2021 and investigated Seb Franklin's (Harry Visnoni) fatal attack. In his most recent appearance, DS Wiley interrogated Max Turner (Paddy Bever) over potential involvement in far right extremism. According to The Sun, Ashley will be back on screens next week as nail-biting storyline launches. A source told the publication: 'Ashley is a great actor and Coronation Street is glad to have him back. Coronation Street actor Ashley Campbell is reportedly set to return to the ITV soap Ashley played DC Wiley (pictured) between 2021 and 2023 - and will be back in Weatherfield for a thrilling whodunnit storyline 'Hell be returning to the soap next week after a mystery Weatherfield resident is found dead. 'He will only be back for a few episodes and fans will have to tune into see how the storyline will play out.' It is currently unknown whether Ashley will return for a longer stint. The actor is no stranger to starring in soaps, having made appearances in Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Viewers may also have seen Ashley pop up in Call The Midwife, Doctor Who, Father Brown and Doctors to name a few. It comes as fan favourite Coronation Street star is taking a break from the ITV soap - to film exit scenes for a rival programme. Catherine Tyldesley returned to the cobbles in October 2025, reprising her role as Eva Price. Upon her comeback, Eva became the new landlady of The Rovers Return, running the pub along with new partner Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker) and their blended family. The 42-year-old actress also portrays main character Kate Woods in Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder. She is now reportedly due to fly to Malta this spring to shoot her departure from the latter show. A source told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: 'Cath spoke to her bosses at Corrie about taking some time off to film her Good Ship exit and they agreed. 'When she agreed to return to the soap there was a lot of uncertainty about whether or not she would be able to go back, but fortunately it's all working out.' The Good Ship Murder series three comes to an end this month, ahead of the start of filming on series four later this year. Catherine appears alongside her former Corrie co-star Shayne Ward (Jack Grayling) in the crime drama, and her character Kate is expected to bow out of series four with a 'happy ending'. Catherine Tyldesley returned to Coronation Street as Eva Price late last year, after a seven year absence Prior to reprising her role as Eva, Catherine had been starring in Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder alongside former Corrie co-star Shayne Ward The source added: 'There was talk about possibly killing off her character but in the end bosses decided that she would get a happy ending. 'The writers are delighted that Cath is able to return to film her exit. 'Cath and Shayne have formed such an incredible partnership on-screen and the viewers deserve to see how it all ends for them.' Catherine's Corrie return came following a seven-year absence from Weatherfield. Shortly afterwards, the star told how she thought the soap's bosses were trying to bring back an 'old school Corrie vibe' on the show. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: 'What Kate Brooks, our wonderful producer, has done is bring back an old school Corrie feeling. 'She is super passionate about that and she is a big Corrie fan and that was one of the reasons I agreed to come back, was because of her vision for the show and where she wanted to take it. 'Finding those character-led storylines, with strong women at the forefront is something Corrie has always done so well and that the audience seem to crave, and I think Kate is feeding that. 'It's important to move with the times but also know who your target audience is, everyone kept saying they want that 'Old school Corrie vibe, we want it be character led' and I feel the show is nailing that.' Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw appear emotional in a first look at what's to come in the highly-anticipated second series of Netflix spy thriller Black Doves. The actors were seen on set in London's Trafalgar Square this week as they shot a scene that saw them both in a heartfelt embrace. Keira, 40, and Ben, 45, could be seen looking tense during the scenes, which saw them stood beside the iconic landmark. They were out filming in the rainy capital on Thursday night, with Keira wrapping up in a long trench coat for the scene which will hit screens during its second series. The first season of Black Doves became one of Netflixs most talked-about UK shows - praised for its sleek visuals, twisty espionage plot and stand-out performances from its leading stars. The series, which also stars Happy Valley actress Sarah Lancashire, amassed 60million views in a week when it was released in December 2024. Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw appear emotional in a first look at what's to come in the highly anticipated second series of Netflix spy thriller Black Doves Keira, 40, and Ben, 45, could be seen looking tense during the scenes, which saw them stood beside the iconic landmark Keira will reprise her role as Helen Webb, a Conservative politicians wife who leads a double-life as a secret agent, in the second series. Ben will be back as Sam Young, a skilled assassin, friend and former trainee of Webb, who returned to London to help investigate the murder of her lover Jason Davies. Following the murder, the duo battle to protect Helen after she learns her identity as a 'Black Dove' in in danger after Jason is mysteriously killed. A second series was confirmed to be in the works back in December 2024 with a clip of Keira and Ben celebrating the release of its successful first season. The official X account for Netflix posted a 30-second clip of Keira as her character Helen and Ben's Sam Young together at a bar. In the clip, Keira approached Ben and whispered 'Merry Christmas' in his ear, to which he replied 'Hello darling' as the two shared a hug. Breaking the fourth wall, Keira raised her champagne glass said towards the camera: 'Here's to Black Doves season one,' to which Ben replied: 'Don't forget season two, darling.' The pair then retrieved two golden bullets from little red envelopes and simultaneously dropped them in their champagne glasses before the title screen appeared and the clip ended. Keira will reprise her role as Helen Webb, a Conservative politicians wife who leads a double-life as a secret agent, in the second series They were out filming in the rainy capital on Thursday night, with Keira wrapping up in a long trench coat for the scene which will hit screens during its second series Ben will be back as Sam Young, a skilled assassin, friend and former trainee of Webb, who returned to London to help investigate the murder of her lover Jason Davies It's debut series, which first hit screens in 2024, was given a perfect 100 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes from fans just one day after its launch. Set in London in December, the thriller follows Keira's character Helen as an agent passing on secrets she's managed to uncover from her politician husband (Andrew Buchan) to the Black Doves organisation. Helen has been giving the firm - headed up by the enigmatic Reed (Sarah Lancashire) - political information for 10 years, but her position is compromised after the mother-of-two's secret lover Jason (Andrew Koji) is assassinated. The series was so popular, it even made it to Kensington Palace. Whilst handing out Christmas presents to children and families at a party for 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment in Wiltshire, Prince William revealed he and Princess Catherine have been sitting down to watch Black Doves. There is no release date for Black Doves season two just yet, with filming still taking place across London. Black Doves series one is available to stream on Netflix. The Only Way Is Essex has brought the glamour to Vietnam as the ITV2 series films its upcoming season in the sun-soaked destination. The cast were seen arriving for filming on Thursday in a series of eye-popping string bikinis and glitzy sarongs for a scene involving a beachside party. Series 37, which is being filmed at the five-star JW Marriott Cam Ranh Bay Resort, will feature the bash, which gives the girls a chance to show off their beach bodies. Arriving at the waterfront location, Dani Imbert showcased her figure in a sparkling two-piece, featuring a rope-inspired bikini top and a matching embellished skirt. She let her hair down in long beachy waves as she posed for the cameras, before being joined by Elma Pazar - who wore a similar shimmering cover-up jacket. Elma paired the sparkling look with a blue bikini, and a large blue and gold necklace. The Only Way Is Essex has brought the glamour to Vietnam as the ITV2 series films its upcoming season in the sun-soaked destination (pictured: Dani Imbert) Arriving at the waterfront location, Dani showcased her figure in a sparkling two-piece, featuring a rope-inspired bikini top and a matching embellished skirt (pictured with Elma Pazar) Meanwhile, Jodie Wells showcased her tattoos in a gold swimwear look, pulling her hair back to draw focus on the sequin-encrusted bikini. And Courtney Green wowed in a cream cover up look, which featured a long-sleeved top and a floor-length skirt that flashed a look at her bikini underneath. Elsewhere, Ella-Rae Wise wore a pair of towering heels in the sand, as she modelled an all-pink look, including a flowing sarong, and a pink mini bag. The boys also joined the group of women for the all cast party, pairing their swimming trunks with a series of linen shirts as they smiled for the cameras. There's no doubt that brothers Josh and Jonnie Gurie as well as Josh Francis set pulses racing as they headed to the pool as they stripped off their shirts. Earlier this month, three new TOWIE were revealed - including hunky twins 'certain to cause a storm' in upcoming special episodes filmed in Vietnam. Last month the cast jetted off to Southeast Asia for the brand new series of the ITV2 show - which saw two legendary stars swerve filming, and sparked fears they had quit the programme. The cast headed to the airport in January as part of the upcoming series of the show. Ella-Rae Wise wore a pair of towering heels in the sand, as she modelled an all-pink look, including a flowing sarong, and a pink mini bag Jodie Wells showcased her tattoos in a gold swimwear look, pulling her hair back to draw focus on the sequin-encrusted bikini Courtney Green wowed in a cream cover up look, which featured a long-sleeved top and a floor-length skirt that flashed a look at her bikini underneath The likes of Harry, Joe, Junaid, Diags, Jodie, Ella Rae, Elma, Dan, and Courtney were seen just before the 13-hour flight. But many will be happy to know that Amy Childs, 35, and Lauren Goodger, 39, will still be taking part in the show as they headed to Vietnam. A source told The Sun: 'Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs wont be flying out to Vietnam to join the rest of the cast in this series. 'Despite hopes that theyd join the cast later in the trip, theyve decided to skip the cast away trip altogether. 'Lauren appeared on the Portugal trip last year and had a blast, but shes busy with work projects and same with Amy. 'Theyre letting the younger cast take the lead this series when it comes to the abroad trip. 'Lauren and Amy will still be on this series, but have opted to stay at home in Essex. 'While the gang are out in Vietnam, Lauren and Amy will still be filming scenes from Essex and giving fans updates on their life.' The boys also joined the group of women for the all cast party, pairing their swimming trunks with a series of linen shirts as they smiled for the cameras (pictured: Josh Francis, Joe Gurie, Jonnie Gurie, Will Childs, Dan Edgar & Diags) There's no doubt that brothers Josh and Jonnie Gurie as well as Josh Francis set pulses racing as they headed to the pool as they stripped off their shirts New boy Jonnie took a dip in the pool ahead of the party Meanwhile an insider told Daily Mail: 'Amy and Lauren will be staying in Essex while the cast go abroad and filming will continue simultaneously - so there will be plenty of drama as always. 'When the cast go on abroad trips, it's storyline dependent, so they try to get the right mix.' Lauren was part of the original cast when the show aired back in 2010 and was on the programme until 2012. She later made some guest appearances in 2015 and 2016, before rejoining in 2024 as a permanent cast member. Meanwhile Amy was also another OG cast member, but quit the programme in 2011. She later rejoined the cast in 2020. Last month two more TOWIE stars reportedly quit the flagship ITV reality show. On Wednesday it was revealed that Roman Hackett, 23 - who joined the cast in 2021 - announced he would be permanently stepping back to open up the 'next stage of his career'. According to reports, there are two more fan favourites who have decided to leave the star-studded cast. Ella-Rae struck a pose as she headed to the beach Elma paired the sparkling look with a blue bikini, and a large blue and gold necklace Love Island's Sammy Root, 24, who joined the show in 2024, is one person who won't be back on our screens for the upcoming season. A source told The Sun at the time: 'There are a lot of changes ahead for the new series of TOWIE and unfortunately some stars wont be back. 'Sammy had a meeting with bosses about his future on the series and they agreed mutually for him not to come back at this time. 'Sammy wants to explore new opportunities and producers felt like his storyline had run its course, but the door is always open for him to come back in the future.' The hunk has been part of a pretty big storyline since joining the programme last year. Sammy was linked to Livvy Jay and they even went on a date shortly after he became a cast member - but nothing came of it. It then became apparent that Sammy and now-ex girlfriend Elma Pazar - who has been on the show since 2022 - had a very flirty friendship. After both appearing in Love Island: All Stars earlier this year, the pair got together in the villa and their relationship played out on our screens. However the two split four months after dating. The most recent series of the ITVBe show saw the pair try to navigate their new relationship as friends - and Sammy really struggled to come to terms with it all. But since then, it appears Sammy has moved on, as he went public with his new girlfriend in October. TOWIE returns to ITV2 and ITVX later this year. A period drama described as 'Netflix's answer to Chernobyl' is racking up rave reviews - having just landed on the streaming platform. Lead Children takes place in 1970s Poland and focuses on a widespread lead-poisoning epidemic. Based upon the true story of Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Krol, the storyline explores her efforts to save thousands of children affected by heavy-metal poisoning. Throughout the six-part series, the young doctor faces pressure from her communist state, which is under Soviet influence - while also being discouraged in her attempts. Discussing playing the real-life character, actress Joanna Kulig told Netflix: Lead Children shows resistance to change and the strength one must find within oneself to oppose it. In the character of Jola Wadowska-Krol, I saw above all honesty, extraordinary courage, persistence, and uncompromising nature. Lead Children takes place in 1970s Poland is based upon a true story of a widespread lead poisoning epidemic The storyline focuses on real person Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Krol, played in the series by Joanna Kulig (pictured) The series follows the young doctor's efforts in order to save the sick, affected children in the epidemic She added: Her life story poses the question of whether we, in her place, would find enough strength in ourselves to stand alone against the system. Proper preparation, the atmosphere on set all this allowed me to completely immerse myself in the world of this character and feel her rhythm. It was a fascinating, intense, and exhausting job, but precisely because of that, a true one. Ultimately, the real Dr. Jalonta's steadfast campaigning led to diagnosis and treatment for the young people affected. The series currently boasts a 8.0 rating on IMDB - and has been receiving positive reviews. Writing for Roger Ebert, Clint Worthington said there 'shades of Chernobyl' in Lead Children and described the show as 'compelling.' Meanwhile, Neerja Choudhurin, writing for the Midgard Times, branded the storyline as 'perfectly executed'. Having now landed all six episodes on Netflix, Lead Children has already been receiving rave reviews It comes as a 'masterpiece' crime drama with an all-star cast and rave reviews is leaving Netflix - and viewers have just weeks left to watch it. ITV police procedural Whitechapel debuted in 2009 and lasted for four series altogether. Starring Rupert Penry-Jones, the premise followed his character DI Joseph Chandler and fellow detectives facing mimicked historical crimes. This of course includes allusions to the real-life Whitechapel murders committed by Jack the Ripper. The protagonist's name, Joseph Chandler, comes from a real-life Police Inspector who was first on the scene of Jack the Ripper victim Annie Chapman's murder. Also featured are Phil Davis as DS Ray Miles, Steve Pemberton as Edward Buchan and Claire Rushbrook as Dr Caroline Llewellyn. Whitechapel is leaving Netflix on February 26, meaning fans haven't got long at all to rewatch the programme - or discover it for the first time. Writing online, fans shared their appreciation for the series, with one penning: 'This is a masterpiece by all accounts.' Another commented: 'Mystery and dark history in it make the series quite unique to other detective series.' A third chimed in: 'Very good can be very dark and gritty but is edge of the seat series.' Lead Children is available to watch on Netflix. A heartbroken BBC Breakfast guest broke down in tears as he explained how his father was conned out of a staggering 300,000. Robbie appeared on the show to highlight the potentially devastating side effects of Parkinson's medication, which a new BBC investigation has discovered can cause impulsive gambling and sexual behaviour. The UK drug regulator is now being called upon to make pharmaceutical companies issue explicit warnings that impulsive behaviour can be a side effect of the medication. The show then cut to a prerecorded interview with Freddie, who bravely opened up about his father's experience of hypersexuality after going on medication for Parkinson's disease. Freddie said: 'He was an incredibly straight-laced, risk-averse person. He worked as a teacher his whole career and then, aged 54, retired early. 'He'd developed some symptoms around his movement and speech, and went on to medication shortly after.' A heartbroken BBC Breakfast guest broke down in tears as he explained how his father was conned out of a staggering 300,000 Robbie appeared on the show to highlight the potentially devastating side effects of Parkinson's medication, which a new BBC investigation has discovered can cause impulsive gambling and sexual behaviour The bereaved son said that after going on dopamine-increasing medication, which was meant to help manage his father's Parkinson's symptoms, his behaviour drastically changed. He began to drive recklessly and openly watch pornography - and eventually, he sold the family home. Freddie admitted that his 'heart sank' when his father explained what he had done with the money from the house sale. He recalled: 'He said it's invested. [I asked], "Okay, where?" [He said it was] in Ghana. My heart just totally sank. 'These side effects of severe impulse control disorder, hypersexuality made dad the perfect victim for a romance scam.' Freddie, who was visibly emotional, explained that neither he or his father were aware of the potential side effects of the Parkinson's medication. By the time he realised what was going on in 2017, his father, who has since passed away, had lost a staggering 300,000. Eventually breaking down in tears, Freddie admitted: 'The money was of total insignificance to the pain of losing dad.' Freddie, who was visibly emotional, explained that neither he or his father were aware of the potential side effects of the Parkinson's medication By the time he realised what was going on in 2017, Freddie said, his father, who has since passed away, had lost a staggering 300,000 BBC correspondent Noel Titheradge said: 'Our investigations heard from scores of families who say these impulsive behaviours have led to huge debts, the break up of families and even criminality. 'One man stole 600,000 to fund his impulsive behaviour. Another woman lost over 150,000 to gambling.' He added: 'Manufacturers of the drugs say they were extensively trialled, continue to be approved by regulators around the world, and side effects are clearly stated.' Robbie said that the potentially devastating impact of the drugs - and the failure for this to be made explicit to users - is a 'massive scandal'. He admitted: 'I dread to think how many people have been impacted.' Breakfast airs daily on BBC One from 6am and is available to stream on iPlayer. Rebecca 'Bec' Zacharia ensured all eyes were on her when she stepped out for birthday celebrations in Adelaide. The Married At First Sight star turned heads as she flaunted her incredible weight loss in a figure-hugging ensemble from Zara. The white ensemble featured a square neckline and wide straps, contrast trims and a hem detail with embroidery and faux pearl applique. Bec opted to keep things classic, accessorising with a simple Dior saddlebag valued at $7,000, and several pieces of jewellery. However, all eyes were on Bec's lean figure as she arrived at MAFS star Jamie Marinos' wild 30th birthday. Bec has spent most of her life battling a cruel inner voice. Rebecca 'Bec' Zacharia ensured all eyes were on her when she stepped out for birthday celebrations in Adelaide. (Pictured) The Married At First Sight star turned heads as she flaunted her incredible weight loss in a figure-hugging ensemble from Zara But after what she calls a transformative year, the Adelaide-based account manager is walking into the upcoming season of Married At First Sight with something she never truly had before confidence. The 35-year-old says she once viewed herself through a brutally negative lens, admitting: 'I hated myself for my whole life, I thought that I was ugly'. Bec claims that mindset shaped everything from how she dated to how she carried herself, with self-doubt becoming a constant background noise. That all began to shift after she decided she was done living in self-loathing and committed to rebuilding her self-esteem from the inside out. In the past year, Bec has lost 27kg and embraced a new lifestyle that included keto before she pivoted into Pilates and weight training. She says the physical change was only part of it what mattered more was learning to appreciate herself enough to believe love could be possible. 'I've worked really hard, I was keto and then I got into Pilates and weight training and I transformed myself and I thought, "If I love myself then why can't someone else?"' she told Adelaide Now. The white ensemble featured a square neckline and wide straps, contrast trims and a hem detail with embroidery and faux pearl applique Bec opted to keep things classic, accessorising with a simple Dior saddlebag valued at $7,000, and several pieces of jewellery However, all eyes were on Bec's lean figure as she arrived at MAFS star Jamie Marinos' wild 30th birthday Bec is paired with Melbourne-based real estate agent Danny Hewitt on the dating show. While she's presenting as strong and self-assured, Bec admits handing her romantic future to the experts is confronting, especially knowing every moment will be dissected by viewers at home. She says she's bracing for backlash as well as support, and hopes she can do her family proud while representing South Australia on the national stage. It comes after Bec was spotted out and about at her local shopping centre this week, but she was looking for more than just fruit and veg. She was spotted at a magazine rack at the supermarket checkout feverishly scouring pages of newspapers and magazines, possibly looking for a mention of her MAFS exploits. Dressed in a sleeveless black top and matching pants, the real estate agent was also seen with a small basket of groceries. As she perused one publication, Bec was also chatting to someone on her phone which was held in the crook of her neck. It's unsurprising that Bec would be looking for her name in headlines given the drama she has generated in the first week of the Channel Nine series. Married At First Sight continues Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine. In the run-up to Wuthering Height's release the focus has been centered on lead stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, who play Cathy and Heathcliffe respectively. Yet behind the Hollywood stars is a creative cast bursting with British and Irish talent - with cinemagoers set to be pleasantly surprised with their scene stealing performances after they were largely snubbed from the film promo. Notably, Martin Clunes delivers an award-worthy performance as Cathy's cruel and alcoholic father, Mr. Earnshaw. It's quite the departure from his famed roles as eccentric GP Doc Martin in the titular series and the hapless Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly. Yet while he's a well-known face in the UK, he looks set for international stardom with his role in the Hollywood blockbuster. During an appearance on This Morning last week, Martin revealed how he was adjusting to attending glitzy premieres and being surrounded by A-listers, confessing: 'It's weird! It's not the norm at all, it's exciting and scary.' Martin Clunes leads the British and Irish TV stars stealing the spotlight from the Hollywood heavyweights in Wuthering Heights (Martin pictured as Mr. Earnshaw with Margot Robbie) In the run-up to Wuthering Height's release the focus has been centered on lead stars Margot and Jacob Elordi , who play Cathy and Heathcliffe respectively It's quite the departure from his famed role as the eccentric GP Doc Martin in the titular ITV series (pictured at a panel for the show Manhunt in Los Angeles in 2019) On how his wife felt about attending the premieres, Martin joked: 'We're both a bit like, "Wooo!" We live a quiet little life down in the country. You know, it's quite a change for us.' There was also a change in Martin's filming process, with the actor detailing the difference between working on a blockbuster and his typical work on TV dramas. He mused: 'It's a Hollywood movie, there's the money and the time for everyone to flourish. In telly you're racing across the clock every single day.' Another British actor who has been weathering the transition from small to silver screen is Owen Cooper, who plays young Heathcliffe. The talented teen, 16, achieved overnight fame last year when he starred in Netflix hit Adolescence, earning him an Emmy and Golden Globe award among his many accolades. Yet he's still relatively new to the industry and admitted he found it hard to adapt to filming multiple takes after Adolescence was filmed in one continuous go. He told Jimmy Kimmel: 'In Adolescence, wed do one take and then youre done. But in Wuthering Heights, youre crying your eyes out, smashing stuff off the wall oh, sorry, spoiler and then Emerald goes, "can we do it again?" And Im like, "no" 'Ive just melted my heart out in a scene, and shes making me do it again but it is what it it is, isnt it?' Another British actor who has been weathering the transition from small to silver screen is Owen Cooper, who plays young Heathcliffe The talented teen, 16, achieved overnight fame last year when he starred in Netflix hit Adolescence, earning him an Emmy and Golden Globe award among his many accolades Playing opposite Owen is Charlotte Mellington as young Cathy in her debut screen role Charlotte, 14, made her red carpet debut at the London premiere last week and revealed she was surprised by her school friends before the event He added in a chat with Dazed magazine: 'The set and the costume and make-up was so weird to me, because Id never done that before.' Yet while Owen was adapting to his surroundings, he still managed to intimidate his Hollywood co-star Jacob. Asked in an interview with 10 News First about working with teenage star as young Heathcliff, Oscar-nominee Jacob said: 'He's a rock star. He's brilliant and he's intimidating.' 'I think the first time I met him I asked "Are you nervous mate" and he went "No" and I thought cool... cool me neither,' he added. 'But no he is a tremendous actor.' Playing opposite Owen is Charlotte Mellington as young Cathy. She got her break playing Lavender in Matilda the Musical on the West End in 2023 and this is her first on-screen role. Charlotte, 14, made her red carpet debut at the London premiere last week and revealed she was surprised by her school friends before the event. 'I was so happy to see them, especially because I think I needed a little confidence boost,' she told Teen Vogue. Shazad Latif, 37, is another British star in the ensemble, taking on the role of Edgar Linton - who steals Cathy away from Heathcliffe Shazad is known for his roles in BBC's Spooks (pictured), Sky's Penny Dreadful and Paramount Plus' Star Trek: Discovery, and made his Hollywood film debut with the role Irish actress Alison Oliver, 28, was offered the role of Isabel Linton early on over text after impressing the director with her previous work Alison had worked with Emerald on Saltburn after being cast as Venetia Catton Speaking about filming Wuthering Heights, she told Dazed: 'It was such an amazing atmosphere with the cast on the moors in Yorkshire, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. 'Emerald made the workplace atmosphere so relaxing and funny. I had so much fun with Owen and Vy, on and off set, and obviously Margot and Jacob are such incredible people. I loved the entire cast.' She added: 'Acting is a different world. It's incredible. I love all the characters and auditions that come up. I love being able to play different characters who have [dissimilar] thought processes. I find the contrast between all the roles really exciting.' Spooks star Shazad Latif, 37, is another British star in the ensemble, taking on the role of Edgar Linton - who steals Cathy away from Heathcliffe. Shazad, who is known for his roles in Sky's Penny Dreadful and Paramount Plus' Star Trek: Discovery, made his Hollywood film debut with the role, calling it a 'childhood dream come true.' Speaking to GQ, he shared: 'I grew up wanting to be in something like this, a Warner Bros movie shot on film.' In a full circle moment, he revealed that he had gone to see Emerald's previous film Saltburn in the cinema and had sat there imagining himself in the movie. 'I was depressed that day and I thought, "why cant I be in movies like that?" he recalled. 'I remember having that exact, specific thought watching Jacob and Alison [Oliver] and Barry Keoghan on the screen. And now its come around and I couldnt be more grateful.' The full Wuthering Heights cast (L-R) Amy Morgan, Robert Cawsey, Jessica Knappett, Vy Nguyen, Alison Oliver, Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, director Emerald Fennell, Charlotte Mellington, Ewan Mitchell, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Charli XCX and Martin Clunes He threw himself to the role with gusto, admitting he didn't mind playing the third wheel to Margot and Jacob. Shazad mused: 'Weaving my way into that was a tough one because theyre two of the sexiest people on the planet. But hopefully some of it rubbed off and I can get a bit of mojo from it.' One star who did have an inkling of what to expect on the Wuthering Heights was Irish actress Alison Oliver, who had worked with Emerald on Saltburn. Alison, 28, was offered the role of Isabel Linton early on over text after impressing the director with her previous work. Emerald said of her casting: 'She is the most remarkable actor. We saw so many people for Saltburn, and Alison came in and was just so unbelievably real. Even the way she breathes is different.' Alison is still relatively new to the industry, landing her first role in 2022's BBC Three and Hulu miniseries, Conversations with Friends. The following year she starred opposite Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen in BBC One's Best Interests. Wuthering Heights is released in cinemas on February 13. There has been an outpouring of grief across Hollywood after James Van Der Beek tragically passed away on Wednesday following a battle with colorectal cancer. The Dawson's Creek star is survived by wife Kimberly, 44, and their six children - with those closest to him branding the couple's romance 'the greatest example of love I've ever known'. It's unimaginable how Kimberly will be feeling without James by her side, having been inseparable since they first met in 2009 during a trip to Israel. Their romance was undoubtedly an epic whirlwind, with Kimberly falling pregnant with their first child just six months after meeting, and the pair getting engaged shortly after. A year later, they returned to Israel where they tied the knot in August 2010 at the Kabbalah Centre in Tel Aviv. In recent months they had been making the most of spending quality time on their Texan ranch with their children - daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four. James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly announced in an emotional statement on Wednesday that he had passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer But it was his love for wife Kimberly many of his celebrity friends remembered him most for, with pals branding the couple's romance 'the greatest example of love I've ever known' James was never shy of declaring his love for film producer wife Kimberly, who he met shortly after the breakdown of his first marriage to Heather McComb. Just two years ago James and Kimberly celebrated their 10th anniversary and the actor penned a sweet tribute to 'the woman who made me the happiest I'd ever been'. James shared that when they met in 2009 he had finally come to the realisation that he was fed up being single and wanted to find his soulmate. He was in the midst of telling a friend about his relationship plans when a then-unknown to him Kimberly joined the conversation. He was infatuated with her, he said, but she was not looking to settle down - until fate intervened when Kimberly fell pregnant. James wrote: 'This marriage has demanded I be more present, more honest, more authentic, more open, more patient, more passionate, daring, capable, fun, and vulnerable than I've ever been. And I'm still earning her. 'We've been through joy and pain and everything in between, and even at the height of our most impassioned arguments... she's who I want by my side. 'Kimberly, you astound me. Your bravery, your tenderness, and your unwillingness to settle for anything less than what can and ought to be.... You're the best human I know. I love you, and I look forward to earning your partnership for years to come. '(And also that huge party/vow renewal in the woods I've been promising you for ten years - once we're out of pandemic protocol) Happy anniversary babe .' Just six months after meeting the couple were living together and would soon discover she was pregnant The couple have since welcomed six children together: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah Last year, James opened up about how getting married helped shape his identity - and how his cancer diagnosis affected his marriage. 'When I was younger, I used to define myself as an actor, which was never all that fulfilling, and then I became a husband and it was much better and then I became a father and that was the ultimate,' he said on social media. He said being away from his family for treatment and living alone in an apartment had forced him to 'look my own mortality in the eye'. 'All of those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me,' the devoted dad said. 'I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them. I could not be a provider because I wasn't working.' In 2020, James and Kimberly left Hollywood and relocated with his family to Austin, Texas. He told Fox News afterwards that the decision stemmed from him and his wife wanting their kids to be closer to 'nature'. 'We love it, we have a lot more space,' he gushed at the time. 'We all needed a more immediate connection to nature. 'It's been a really, really great move and the kids are really happy. One of the benefits of getting out of the big city was getting to a place where we could just have more space right outside our door. It's a very different life.' James and Kimberly returned to Israel where they tied the knot in August 2010 at the Kabbalah Centre in Tel Aviv Kimberly also told ET Online that they opted to move after enduring a 'crazy year' that involved two tragic pregnancy losses and the death of James's mother. 'We just had been through a crazy year with two late-term miscarriages and my body was still healing and it was hard for me to walk around at that point,' she shared. 'I was exhausted. And James's mom had just passed, so to get [to] Texas, it was the nurturing hug we needed. Texas has the capacity to heal. It's expansive and nature will hug you and heal you.' James previously spoke about his wife's first pregnancy loss, which occurred in the midst of his appearance on Dancing With the Stars in 2019. 'It was just so much pain, and it was so unexpected because everything was right, everything was fairytale,' he said. 'Everything was coming together perfectly ... We were both just crying and sobbing.' She then endured another miscarriage in 2020, with James writing on Instagram at the time, 'After suffering a brutal, very public miscarriage last November, we were overjoyed to learn we were pregnant. 'This time, we kept the news to ourselves. But last weekend, once again, 17 weeks in... the soul we'd been excited to welcome into the world had lessons for our family that did not include joining us in a living physical body.' After moving, James admitted that his 'priorities had changed,' and that while he still loved acting and writing, he wanted to 'spend the most amount of time with his family'. 'I was really enjoying the kind of career that I had been wanting to build for quite some time before 2020 but now my priorities have changed,' he said. '[My next role] would really have to fit around my life.' James shared that when they met in 2009 he had finally come to the realisation that he was fed up being single and wanted to find his soulmate Heartbroken Kimberly announced in an emotional statement on Wednesday that James had passed away at the age of 48. Taking to Instagram to share news of his death, Kimberly wrote: 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 'There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.' She then shared the post to her Story, along with a link to a GoFundMe, writing: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.' Many of James's celebrity pals were quick to gush over his love for Kimberly as they paid tribute to him after his tragic death. Modern Family alum Eric Stonestreet said, 'James had a kind, generous, thoughtful, and beautiful soul. There is no doubt those traits will live on through his wife and gorgeous children. Rest In Peace, man.' Twilight alum Nikki Reed also shared a lengthy message which read, 'You beautiful soul. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing you is forever changed by you. Your depth, your presence, your unparalleled love for your family. 'The connection you and Kimberly have that transcends lifetimes. You still hold the prize for wisest person I've ever known.' Last year, James opened up about how getting married helped shape his identity - and how his cancer diagnosis affected his marriage Nikki added: 'Oh James, you are so so so deeply loved. And so so deeply missed. My heart aches and I'm sure the ripples of those aches will be felt forever. And Kimberly, we are all wrapping you and those sweet babies in love. 'My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I've ever known. Here for you in every way, forever. .' Meanwhile Dancing With The Stars host Alfonso Ribeiro said he has 'learned so much from james' over the course of their friendship and that he and his wife Kimberly 'changed [his] life.' Elsewhere Busy Philipps - who joined Dawson's Creek in 2001 as Audrey Liddell - said: 'I'm deeply saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek. I got to meet him last year at his home in Texas. 'I can say that he and his wife have a beautiful relationship. He has a beautiful family with six beautiful kids.' Hours after a bombshell video of a top HGTV star dropping the 'n-word' was leaked online, the longtime home designer's show was taken off air. Rehab Addict, which initially debuted on the DIY network in 2010, returned to screens on Wednesday after going on hiatus back in July 2025 when host Nicole Curtis claimed she made the 'executive decision' to shelve the remaining episodes and recut them for a later release. But apparently, that wasn't the full story. Curtis, 49, did not have the authority to pull the episodes, according to an insider. And for some, her racial slur was the 'final straw' in a long line of altercations. One source told the Daily Mail that Curtis was on the outs with HGTV for some time now because she was 'difficult to work with and would submit her episodes and other things [bosses] requested past deadlines.' The source claimed it was the network - rather than Curtis - who made the decision to abruptly end season nine after two episodes last summer. Rehab Addict hosted by Nicole Curtis, 49, has been taken off air from HGTV after unaired footage of her dropping the 'n-word' was leaked online on Wednesday Insiders have revealed to the Daily Mail about the truth of her show's removal and what she's really like to work with behind the scenes 'It's definitely been a power struggle between Nicole and HGTV and there have been a lot of conflicts,' the insider said. 'She can't meet deadlines. She would always push and push and push to the last minute. 'She got a warning from HGTV to submit the remaining season nine episodes, which is why she wrote it was "now or never" when airing the episodes. That's also why they gave her the noon timeslot... The racial slur was the final straw.' Days prior to the new episodes dropping, Curtis surprised fans with the announcement on her social media: 'Straight from Detroit - the new episodes drop Wednesday... was told now or never - so you get them now.' The turning point seemingly came in 2021 when she founded her production company, Porte Cochere Production, and attempted to take more control. 'Since she decided to have her own production company and take over production, she's been handling contracts to contractors, builders, crew, those who work with her on the show and she hasn't handled them well,' said a second source, noting that there have been payment issues in the past. Last year, her business partner, Jordan Garland filed a lawsuit accusing the reality star of not paying him for his work on Rehab Addict, the The Sun reported. However, it was dismissed months later in October 2025 after Garland was paid $36,750 for his services and reimbursed for costs. A source revealed that Curtis and HGTV had their disputes since she was 'difficult to work with' and would not meet deadlines The source said that her crew has 'packed up and left' since 'they didn't want to deal with her' and that that she's had contract issues in the past The source went on to describe Curtis as an 'unhinged individual.' 'She can flip a switch - like she will be yelling and throwing things, and then in a snap, start laughing like everything's fine,' they claimed. 'Even some of her crew has said, "We want nothing to do with you," and cameramen have packed up and left on set because they didn't want to deal with her. 'She's a nightmare to work with. She doesn't treat people well and walks over them.' While the source noted that Curtis is a hard worker and a good storyteller, she allegedly 'barks orders' at people and has them working on jobs that they weren't originally hired to do. Despite her alleged behavior, they insisted she is not racist. 'I literally have never heard her say that word or anything of any type of racial slur whatsoever,' they said. 'She's 100 percent not racist.' But the nail in her coffin came on Wednesday when a video published on RadarOnline featured her making a racial slur. 'Oh, fart n*****,' she said during a moment of frustration at renovation work on a home. Visibly worried, she quickly turned to the camera and said: 'What the f**k was that that I just said?' She then insisted that a crew member named Nick 'kill that,' implying he needed to erase the footage. The video was shot when taping part of season nine, episode one, but was filmed back in 2022 in Wyoming and Detroit, Michigan. An HGTV exec told the Daily Mail about her cancelation: 'The last thing HGTV needs right now as we're trying to stay afloat is to have a controversy like that. It's just too big of a risk' Her subsequent series removal was not a 'unanimous decision,' an HGTV exec told the Daily Mail. 'You hate to have someone throw everything away for a one-second lapse in judgement,' they said. 'We agonized yesterday about this, what to do. We knew we had to address it, but we also wanted to see how big it got before we did a knee-jerk reaction. As it started to get more attention, we knew we had to act. We had to do something. 'The decision wasn't unanimous at all. We weighed the pros and cons. Keep in mind that this means an entire crew is out of work today, if production stops. It signifies the end of a job. And that's always a rough thing to do. There was talk about having her apologize and just moving on. 'There was a little bit of pushback. Some angling. A bit of bargaining. What if we apologize and what if we add diversity to the show? What can we do to fix this? But the fact is that, for better or for worse, there's nothing that can be done. That's the kiss of death.' They said bosses 'would work with her again in the future, after an appropriate amount of time has passed' but right now she is 'too much of a liability.' 'The last thing HGTV needs right now as we're trying to stay afloat is to have a controversy like that. It's just too big of a risk,' they added. Curtis addressed the slur in a statement to TMZ: 'I want to be clear: the word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone.' She continued, 'There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else. I will take the time to be as I've always been with you, transparent and honest.' Curtis has two children: Ethan, 29, and Harper, 10. The Daily Mail has contacted Curtis and HGTV for comment. A representative from HGTV issued an official statement saying they were 'recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict.' 'We understand that language like this is hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees, and it does not align with the values of HGTV,' they said. They also confirmed that they 'removed the series from all HGTV platforms' and that they 'remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.' I'm Sorry, Prime Minister - Apollo Theatre, London Rating: Man and Boy - National Theatre, London Rating: Old age comes to us all well, if we're lucky. And Jonathan Lynn, celebrated octogenarian co-author of the legendary BBC Yes, Minister comedy series, has certainly been lucky to get so much mileage out of his no less elderly Eighties banger: the political satire starring Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne, written with the late Antony Jay. Now installed as a 'final chapter' in the West End (after a run at Cirencester's Barn Theatre in 2023), I'm Sorry, Prime Minister stars a grizzled Griff Rhys Jones as the doddery ex-PM Jim Hacker, alongside the exquisite Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby, his former senior civil servant. Hacker is now the Master of an Oxford college (improbably) established in his name. Advancing years mean elasticated waistbands, Velcro slippers and a leather reclining chair with foot stool. Around him is an avalanche of reading material and unsold biographies, with more distant matter reached with the help of a litter picker. Sir Humphrey, meanwhile still in old-school Wykehamist (Winchester College) tie and Savile Row pinstripe suit has been rescued from a home in which he had been incarcerated by his family. His role is to help Jim retain his Oxonian sinecure after a series of politically incorrect blunders. Naturally, Sir Humphrey remains an expert in the art of the institutional filibuster. The difference is that the pair now have Hacker's reluctant black lesbian care worker Sophie (Stephanie Levi-John) to adjudicate between them. With the aphrodisiac of Westminster a distant memory, the once formidable set-up has lost much of its cachet. I'm Sorry, Prime Minister stars a grizzled Griff Rhys Jones (pictured, right) as the doddery ex-PM Jim Hacker, alongside the exquisite Clive Francis (pictured, left) as Sir Humphrey Appleby, his former senior civil servant Man and Boy stars Ben Daniels (pictured, right) as Romanian millionaire antihero Gregor Antonescu We are left in a low-stakes fug, buried under an electric blanket of humorous nostalgia. Rhys Jones deploys the intellectual acuity of the grunting farmer in Shaun The Sheep. 'I'm not dead, I'm in the House of Lords!' remains his best joke. But the funniest moments belong to Francis with a little help from the phone on vibrate in his trouser pocket. Speaking of pockets, in the National Theatre's revival of Terence Rattigan's 1963 play Man And Boy, any similarity with today's high-rolling billionaires who keep politicians in their pockets is entirely deliberate. The play repurposes its Romanian millionaire antihero Gregor Antonescu to serve as a model of our mixed feelings about the self-serving oligarchs who now rule the 21st century. Gregor, played with contemporary swagger by Ben Daniels, is on the brink of bankruptcy. His crook of a character was the brainchild of Old Harrovian Rattigan, who was inspired by Wall Street big swingers in the 1930s. Anthony Lau's provocatively expressionistic production extracts Gregor from the dusty annals of history, in a modern update that sets the action either side of the audience. With choreographed movement, edgy jazz drumming, and a billboard displaying the actors' names as if in lights on Broadway, Lau tries to make the play look more daring than it is. Gregor is styled as a charismatic trickster, speaking in an accent that flits from Brooklyn to Bucharest, while sporting burgundy trousers, braces and monkey boots. He's at once evasive and disconcertingly direct, invading people's space and leaping onto tables to posture and pontificate. Watching him as he attempts to pull off a fiscal Houdini act is a treat. The other actors are mere pawns in his game, including rising star Laurie Kynaston as Gregor's estranged son Basil. Despite espousing family values, Gregor passes off his son as a rent boy and is more interested in the buzz he gets from manipulating associates, like Malcolm Sinclair's stodgy millionaire CEO. And if you find Daniels' histrionics irritating, it's worth recalling that this is how tough guys get things done. It's the art of the deal, isn't it? I'm Sorry, Prime Minister runs until May 9 before a national tour. Man And Boy runs until March 14. Miles - Southwark Playhouse, London Rating: So it turns out that Miles Davis is alive and well and performing in South London. That, at least, is how it felt, thanks to Benjamin Akintuyosi's extraordinary reincarnation of the jazz trumpet legend first seen at the Edinburgh Fringe last year. Miles is a 90-minute potted history of the man including tales of Dave Brubeck, first love Juliette Greco, and Davis's travails with heroin alongside fellow junkie Charlie Parker. And it's all told through the device of Miles appearing to a contemporary musician, desperate to learn how he turned breath and brass into sonic velvet. Akintuyosi's performance doesn't stretch to playing the trumpet that's left to his talented fan (Jay Phelps). Yet he gives the most extraordinary performance: more rebirth than impersonation, nailing that rasping voice perfectly. He can move, too, showing us how Davis's sense of rhythm was inspired by tap dance. Phelps has to botch a few bars, to cue Miles's advice. But he also gets to play something close to the master at his smoky best. Benjamin Akintuyosi (pictured) performs an 'extraordinary reincarnation' of jazz trumpet legend Miles Davis, Patrick Marmion writes As Davis says: 'Tone is the first and last thing anybody hears. Everything else is just notes in between.' To know what he means by that, you have to catch Oliver Kaderbhai's seamless production. It made me, a long-lapsed trumpet player, understand Miles Davis's genius all over again. Until March 7. Tess Crosley, the woman at the centre of AFL star Lachie Neale's marriage breakdown with wife Jules, has been spotted packing removal boxes at her Brisbane home. The mum-of-one has found herself in the middle of a media storm ever since Jules told her to stop 'embarrassing' herself and delete photos of the former Brisbane Lions co-captain from her Instagram account. Tess has so far refused to comment on speculation she was the 'other woman' in the Neales' split, and has not confirmed the status of her marriage to finance director Ben Crosley, who last month said she was no longer living at their marital home. However, confirmation appeared to come this week when Tess was seen packing up large removal boxes at the home she shared with husband Ben in the swanky Brisbane suburb of Camp Hill. Looking downcast on a sunny Brisbane day, Tess wore a summery, white sleeveless mini dress and a pair of strappy black sandals. With her brunette locks tied back in a ponytail, and with almond-shaped sunglasses covering her eyes, Tess looked all business as she got to the task of packing her belongings. Tess Crosley, the woman at the centre of AFL star Lachie Neale's marriage breakdown with wife Jules, has been spotted packing removal boxes at her Brisbane home Tess has so far refused to comment on speculation she was the 'other woman' in the Neales' split, and has not confirmed the status of her marriage to finance director Ben Crosley, who last month said she was no longer living at their marital home She could be seen in the home's garage, packing up large 'tea chest' removal boxes from Bunnings Warehouse. A spare car tyre and a stack of drawers were perched on top of one of the boxes, waiting for Tess to sort. She left a box of unwanted items, that included what appeared to be a Halloween skull decoration and a Christmas tree, on the front lawn with a sign reading 'free'. It comes after Tess' family members spoke out about her alleged role in the Neales' marriage breakdown. One viral TikTok clip, which slammed Tess for failing to own her mistakes, struck a nerve with her family. Her mother Kaz Caesar and sister Ceinwen Parsons responded fiercely and publicly, insisting the narrative had been unfairly onesided. 'There are four people involved, and none of them are innocent; however, one person has been allowed to be the villain and told to keep quiet right from the beginning,' Mrs Caesar wrote in a now-deleted comment. She also rejected claims her daughter was enjoying the attention, decrying what she viewed as weeks of harassment and intrusion from the media. However, confirmation appeared to come this week when Tess was seen packing up large removal boxes at the home she shared with husband Ben in the swanky Brisbane suburb of Camp Hill She could be seen in the home's garage, packing up large 'tea chest' removal boxes from Bunnings Warehouse A spare car tyre and a stack of drawers were perched on top of one of the boxes, waiting for Tess to sort 'People say she is loving the attention [that's] far from the truth. Have you been stalked by sleazy reporters taking a hundred photos at a time just to find one they can sell? Then the papers clickbaiting or adding AI photos. Then the public falling for the story as absolute truth. 'What has our society become? Better still, do you think making TikToks about this makes you so high and mighty?' Tess' younger sister echoed those sentiments, saying there was a 'heartbreaking' backstory behind the scandal and accusing critics of ignoring the toll it had taken. 'You have no idea the extensive abuse she has received so how would she feel comfortable sharing her side of the story. She will only be cast down further,' Ceinwen wrote. Daily Mail contacted Jules Neale for her response to the claim by Tess' family that there was more to the story and that none of the four people involved 'are innocent'. Her spokesperson declined to comment, however, a source close to Jules said she was furious at the false suggestion she was anything but an innocent party. The saga erupted over the Christmas break when Jules publicly declared the end of her marriage to Lachie, pointed the finger of blame at her former friend Tess, and moved from Brisbane to Perth with her two children. By January 2, amid intense media scrutiny, Lachie had stepped down as co-captain of the Lions. With her brunette locks tied back in a ponytail, Tess looked all business as she got to the task of packing her belongings She left a box of unwanted items, that included what appeared to be a Halloween skull decoration and a Christmas tree, on the front lawn with a sign reading 'free' The mum-of-one (right) has found herself in the middle of a media storm ever since Jules (left) told her to stop 'embarrassing' herself and delete photos of the former Brisbane Lions co-captain (second right) from her Instagram account. Also pictured: Ben Crosley 'While I will not go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions, which have hurt those closest to me. For that, I am deeply sorry,' he told reporters at the time. 'I accept this as a consequence of my actions and I need to focus on rebuilding trust with Jules, as the future well-being of our children remains our number one priority.' Jules allegedly discovered the affair after a fellow Brisbane WAG spotted Lachie and Tess together in a car. After confiding in another woman within the Lions' social circle, the unnamed spouse then told Jules what she had witnessed. Weeks later, on January 18, Daily Mail briefly spoke to Ben Crosley on the doorstep of the couple's marital home in Camp Hill, seeking clarification on the state of their marriage. 'She does not live here anymore,' was all he would say. However, since then Ben has been observed liking posts on Lachie's Instagram account - a puzzling move given the premiership-winning AFL captain allegedly had an affair with his wife. America's Next Top Model winner Lisa D'Amato says she thinks Tyra Banks is using her forthcoming Netflix documentary to try and minimize past bad behavior that would have her canceled by contemporary standards. The Los Angeles-born D'Amato appeared opposite Banks on America's Next Top Model in the show's fifth cycle in 2005 before winning America's Next Top Model: All Stars six years later, in 2011. 'In order for her to save face to make more money in the future, she's going to have to take a bit of accountability,' D'Amato told Page Six of Banks' new special Reality Check: Inside Americas Next Top Model. She estimated Banks will take 'about 5 percent accountability' for her past actions. A logline for the show, which begins airing on the streamer on Monday, says the 'eye-opening documentary series' will 'look back at the reality show's complicated legacy.' It will feature interviews with Banks, as well as a number of the show's models, judges and insiders. D'Amato admit she's concerned that Banks' past admitted wrongdoings linked to the TV series will be 'manipulated' and 'softened' in an effort to reset the narrative. America's Next Top Model winner Lisa D'Amato says she thinks Tyra Banks is using her forthcoming Netflix documentary to try and minimize past bad behavior that would have her canceled by contemporary standards D'Amato on Instagram said that she's heard Banks 'has a heavy hand in the creative' aspect of the forthcoming doc, and will likely spin things to benefit her image D'Amato told the outlet she'll be paying close attention to what former contestants on the series say. 'I know their true experience and how much it affected their lives, so I'll be watching it more to see how that gets portrayed and edited,' D'Amato told the outlet. D'Amato added further comments about the upcoming doc on her Instagram, saying that she's heard Banks 'has a heavy hand in the creative' aspect of the forthcoming doc, and will likely spin things to benefit her image. In previews for the special, Banks said she 'knew [she] went too far' with aspects of America's Next Top Model. Banks in the doc said that she was trying to give TV viewers what they wanted during a time when edginess was prevalent in mainstream culture. 'It was very, very intense,' Banks said. 'But you guys were demanding it, so we kept pushing more and more and more.' D'Amato told the outlet there was another motivating factor for Banks in admitting past mistakes: profit. 'Tyra's all about making money,' D'Amato said. 'She doesn't have any real empathy for anybody else but herself.' Banks in the doc said that she was trying to give TV viewers what they wanted during a time when edginess was prevalent in mainstream culture D'Amato said of Banks, 'I don't trust anything she touches' 'Ultimately, my own intuition tells me from my own experience - which is very deep, and it's been many years - that this is a money grab for Tyra' so she's 'not 100 percent canceled.' D'Amato, who has more than 264,000 followers on her primary Instagram account, is appearing on a rival documentary for E! titled Dirty Rotten Scandals. It debuts March 11. In a preview for the special, D'Amato suggested that ANTM was more 'psychological warfare' than a proper 'modeling competition.' She said in the clip: 'I trusted you with my dreams. How dare you take my f***ing life away from me.' D'Amato said on her Instagram that she was 'just doing God's work' in speaking out against injustice. She added, 'Stand for something or fall for anything.' Daily Mail has reached out to D'Amato and reps for Banks for comment in response to the latest round of remarks. D'Amato pictured as she was announced winner of America's Next Top Model: All Stars in 2011 D'Amato is currently residing in Southwestern Europe caring for her ailing father, who is battling Type 2 Diabetes and multiple sclerosis D'Amato is currently residing in Southwestern Europe caring for her ailing father, who is battling Type 2 Diabetes and multiple sclerosis. She told Daily Mail in 2025 that she and her father ventured overseas they 'as medical refugees' thinking he could get better healthcare there than in the states. 'My dad was not well - I took him out of the U.S. and he's thriving,' D'Amato said. 'The USA was basically eating him alive and made my dad like a vegetable while robbing him blind. 'Since moving my family - I guess it's the new American dream to get out of the United States!' Landman star Michelle Randolph posed an interesting question to her onscreen father Billy Bob Thornton once she got more comfortable with him on the set of their hit Paramount+ show. 'Most of my scenes are with him, and I'm thinking, "God, like what, all I know is that he drank Angelina Jolie's blood or something,"' the 28-year-old actress said on The Drew Barrymore Show Wednesday. 'Which I since have asked him about. I can't lie.' The 70-year-old Oscar winner was engaged to his Daddy and Them leading lady Laura Dern and the 50-year-old Oscar winner was dating her Playing God co-star Timothy Hutton when the couple fell in love on the set of their film Pushing Tin in 1998. Jolie famously donned a white T-shirt with 'Billy Bob' written in blood during their 2000 Las Vegas nuptials (she also tattooed his name on her shoulder), and she acquired his 'n' hers grave plots for their first wedding anniversary. 'We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them,' Thornton explained to Rolling Stone last November. Landman star Michelle Randolph posed an interesting question to her onscreen father Billy Bob Thornton once she got more comfortable with him on the set of their hit Paramount+ show 'Most of my scenes are with him, and I'm thinking, "God, like what, all I know is that he drank Angelina Jolie's blood or something,"' the 28-year-old actress said on The Drew Barrymore Show Wednesday. 'Which I since have asked him about. I can't lie' 'That's a romantic little idea, and that's all that was. But by the time it's over, we're vampires. We live in a dungeon, we drink each other's blood, and this kind of stuff.' But the marriage between the six-time divorced father of four and the Couture producer-star ended three years later. 'That was one of the greatest times of my life. She and I are still very, very close friends,' Thornton noted. 'And that was the one that ended up being a really civilized breakup. We simply split up because our lifestyles were so different.' Randolph - who portrays Tommy Norris's cheerleader daughter Ainsley - went on to describe The Boxmasters frontman as 'ease' personified. 'That's why he's so good at what he does,' the Napa Valley-born blonde told Barrymore. 'You think someone with his resume is going to be so intimidating, but instead, he's such a great actor because he pulls honesty out of you, and he settles you in a scene and in life. I tend to talk a lot and move fast, and he just makes me want to just chill.' As for her onscreen mother Ali Larter, Randolph said they really bonded on set because they were each other's support system, especially during season one. 'We didn't know what we had gotten ourselves. I mean, we were so excited to be there, but going, how do our characters fit into this very dramatic show?' the 1923 star explained. The 70-year-old Oscar winner (R, pictured in 2000) was engaged to his Daddy and Them leading lady Laura Dern and the 50-year-old Oscar winner (L) was dating her Playing God co-star Timothy Hutton when the couple fell in love on the set of their film Pushing Tin in 1998 Jolie famously donned a white T-shirt with 'Billy Bob' written in blood during their 2000 Las Vegas nuptials (she also tattooed his name on her shoulder), and she acquired his 'n' hers grave plots for their first wedding anniversary 'We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them,' Thornton explained to Rolling Stone. 'That's a romantic little idea, and that's all that was. But by the time it's over, we're vampires. We live in a dungeon, we drink each other's blood, and this kind of stuff' (pictured in 2000) The marriage between the six-time divorced father of four and the Couture producer-star ended three years later, but 'that was the one that ended up being a really civilized breakup. We simply split up because our lifestyles were so different' Randolph - who portrays Tommy Norris's cheerleader daughter Ainsley - went on to describe The Boxmasters frontman as 'ease' personified 'That's why he's so good at what he does,' the Napa Valley-born blonde told Barrymore. 'You think someone with his resume is going to be so intimidating, but instead, he's such a great actor because he pulls honesty out of you' As for her onscreen mother Ali Larter (R), Randolph said they really bonded on set because they were each other's support system, especially during season one 'We didn't know what we had gotten ourselves. I mean, we were so excited to be there, but going, how do our characters fit into this very dramatic show?' the 1923 star explained. 'And so we just really relied on each other' Randolph will next compete for the outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series trophy alongside 12 of her Landman castmates at the newly renamed 32nd Actor Awards, which air March 1 on Netflix 'And so we just really relied on each other and we just grabbed each other's hands and we were like, "Okay, I think it's jumping in together."' Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace's small-screen adaptation of Christian Wallace's 2019 Boomtown podcast also stars Demi Moore, Sam Elliott and Andy Garcia. Randolph will next compete for the outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series trophy alongside 12 of her Landman castmates at the newly renamed 32nd Actor Awards, which air March 1 on Netflix. On December 5, Paramount+ renewed the Texan oil drama for a third season after the second season premiere 'amassed 9.2 million viewers in its first two days of availability.' The cast and crew will reportedly begin production this April or May. Bijou Phillips faced tough news this week after it was revealed that she had been hospitalized in Los Angeles. The 45-year-old actress who said on Instagram that she is on dialysis amid her desperate need for a kidney transplant was off to a promising start after more than 1,000 people shared their information after her social media plea in hopes of being a kidney donor match, TMZ reported on Thursday, citing sources with direct knowledge. However, Phillips's doctors have reportedly not yet found a match from the new wave of people vying to be a donor. The Daily Mail has reached out to Phillips's representative for comment. Phillips who filed to change her daughter's last name in October after her estranged husband Danny Masterson was sentenced to decades in prison after being convicted on multiple rape charges currently has a link to a survey form in her Instagram bio that allows interested fans to see if they could be a match. One of the questions inquires about blood type, as Phillips has type B negative blood, which means that she requires a donor with either B negative, B positive, O negative or O positive blood type. More than 1,000 people shared their information after Bijou Phillips, 45, put out a call for potential kidney donors on Wednesday, but so far a match has not emerged, sources told TMZ on Thursday; Phillips is pictured on January 20 in LA Despite the outpouring of support and interest, TMZ's sources said people are being encouraged to get tested to see if they could potentially be a donor, as many people may not know their blood type. They added that Phillips is expected to stay in the hospital until a matching donor is discovered. Sources said Phillips, who is particularly ill due to her kidney condition, has been resting in the hospital due to the toll the dialysis takes on her body. While she was said to be alert and communicative, the sources also claimed that her condition waxes and wanes throughout the day. Phillips is reportedly surrounded by family in her hour of need. Sources told the publication that her half-sisters, Chynna and Mackenzie Phillips, have been in to visit her, while her daughter Fianna has also been visiting the hospital. When they aren't there, Phillips's other family members and a close family friend have been alternating trips to be by her side. On Wednesday, a source told Us Weekly that Phillips's condition is 'dire.' They reportedly said that, even though Phillips is now on dialysis, the process can only do so much because there is 'natural wear on her other kidney,' and she has also dealt with 'issues for years.' They added that Phillips's friends and family 'have gone through the process' to see if they could be a match, but so far 'there are no prospective donors...' The actress, who is hospitalized at UCLA Health and is on dialysis, is reportedly alert and communicative, but her condition varies; pictured in 2004 in LA Sources said her daughter Fianna and half-sisters Chynna and Mackenzie Phillips have visited her in hospital Despite that, source said she remained 'optimistic' that a donor match could be discovered within a 'couple months.' The source claimed that Phillips has also had visits from two of her famous friends, Paris and Nicky Hilton. Phillips received her first kidney transplant from a friend in 2017, but complications over the years, including the BK virus, led to both cellular and antibody rejection, according to Phillips's Instagram post. Her last public appearance was just a few weeks ago at Paris Hiltons premiere for her Infinite Icon documentary, where she posed on the red carpet. Moments after the news broke, Phillips took to Instagram with an emotional plea for help, urging followers to share her message and consider becoming a living donor. please read and share. and if you are interested in becoming a living donor, please go to the link in my bio and fill out a brief form. I am so grateful for your support, she wrote alongside baby photos of her daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, 12, whom she shares with ex-husband Danny Masterson. In one of the posts, Phillips detailed her lifelong battle with kidney disease, writing: I was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of life in the NICU on dialysis. 'In 2017, I received the incredible gift of a kidney from a dear friend. A source told Us Weekly on Wednesday that Phillips, who remains 'optimistic' about finding a donor in a 'couple months,' was also visited by her pals Paris and Nicky Hilton; the trio are pictured in 2005 in LA Moments after the news broke, Phillips took to Instagram with an emotional plea for help, urging followers to share her message and consider becoming a living donor 'That transplant gave me 5 precious years to be a mother to my daughter - but I have had many complications since, including the BK virus which led to both a cellular and antibody rejection. 'I am currently under care of Dr Anjay Rastogi at UCLA and back on dialysis 'Please help me find a living donor so that I can have more time with my daughter, family, and friends. Time is of the essence. Another post, shared alongside a separate photo, underscored the urgency of her situation as she appealed directly to potential donors. She wrote: Im asking as a friend, a sister, an aunt, and, most importantly, a single mother to an incredible and brave daughter. I am in need of a kidney. A third image included further information for those willing to help, reading: Learn more about the donor process and how you can help. 'If you are interested in making a difference and becoming a living donor, please fill out the brief questionnaire via the link below. It will only take 15 seconds and can save a life. Back in 2017, Phillipss then-husband Masterson publicly shared news of her kidney transplant, revealing on social media that she had received a life-saving donation and was beginning her recovery. Another post, shared alongside a separate photo, underscored the urgency of her situation as she appealed directly to potential donors In one of the posts, Phillips detailed her lifelong battle with kidney disease, writing: I was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of life in the NICU on dialysis' Back in 2017, Phillipss then-husband Masterson publicly shared news of her kidney transplant, revealing on social media that she had received a life-saving donation and was beginning her recovery Masterson, Phillips and their daughter Fianna are pictured years before he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape The That 70s Show actor posted a black-and-white image showing Phillips and her donor holding hands from neighboring hospital beds, alongside the caption: 100% successful transplant. Now the real work begins. In a longer message, Masterson wrote that his wife had been slowly dying for the past 7 years of an incurable kidney disease, before thanking the amazing person who donated their kidney to Bijou, saying she had been given the gift of an encore by a tall angel. He added, We do not take lightly how incredibly fortunate we are. 100% successful transplant, before continuing: Now the real work begins for her to silence any chance of rejection, wrote the New York native. According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney transplant recipients face roughly a four per cent risk of failure or serious complications within the first year following surgery, a figure that rises to around 21 per cent after five years. Phillipss health struggles were first made public in February 2017, when she was rushed to a hospital in Santa Barbara after developing a blood infection that left her seriously ill with a high fever. At the time, a representative for the couple said Phillips was born with small kidneys and had been quietly dealing with [the] disease for the last five years, including being on the transplant list. Phillips and Masterson, both Scientologists, married in Ireland in 2011 after eight years together and welcomed their daughter in 2014. She filed for divorce from Masterson in September 2023 less than two weeks after he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape citing irreconcilable differences and seeking custody of their daughter. Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' widow Allison Holker joyfully announced Thursday that she has gotten engaged to her boyfriend Adam Edmunds. Boss, who was best known as the DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Los Angeles motel at the age of 40 in 2022. Holker, a dancer, had her world thrown into disarray as she attempted to pick up the pieces and care for their children Maddox, nine, and Zaia, six, as well as her daughter Weslie, 17, whom Boss had adopted and helped raise. In August 2024, Holker hinted that she had found a new romance by posting an Instagram photo showing the shadows of her and a mystery man holding hands. That November she went Instagram official with Edmunds, a tech entrepreneur, and this week she revealed on the platform that she has accepted his proposal. Holker, 38, posted a suite of images that photographer Rebecca Yale took of the romantic evening, in which Edmunds threw his bride-to-be a surprise birthday party and then stunned her again by asking her to marry him. Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' widow Allison Holker joyfully announced Thursday that she has gotten engaged to her boyfriend Adam Edmunds Boss, who was best known as the DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Los Angeles motel at the age of 40 in 2022; pictured with Holker 'Were ENGAGED! It was the most romantic night of my life! I am so in love with you Adam. Baby, I am forever grateful for you and the impact you have had in my life and my kids lives,' Holker raved in her Instagram caption. 'I am a better person because of you. You helped me find me again and showed me how to love. Every morning I wake up I feel safe knowing you are My person at my side. You and your kids coming into our lives has been the biggest blessing.' Her Instagram album included photos of Holker and Edmunds' respective children at the party, along with friends who were included in the festivities. Edmunds had arranged a display of flowers and candles as the backdrop of the proposal, and when she accepted and they kissed, rose petals rained down on them. He also enlisted the services of Clinton Kane to appear live at the party and perform his 2022 release I Guess I'm in Love, which Holker described as 'our song.' 'You surprised me with a surprise birthday party and then surprised me and all our guests at the party with a surprise proposal party,' she wrote. 'The whole night was magic and you had every detail thought out to make it even more special.' After thanking her guests and the event planners - including Troy Williams, of the firm Simply Troy Events - Holker vowed: 'Adam, I will always support you, hold you and love you! You are my everything Adam.' The development comes a year after Holker found herself at war with her late husband's family over her tell-all memoir This Far, which was published last February. Join the debate Is it ever right to move on and find new love after a partners tragic death, and how soon is too soon? Boss adopted Holker's daughter Weslie, now 17, from a previous relationship, and he and Holker also had two children of their own - Maddox, nine, and Zaia, five In November 2024 she went Instagram official with Edmunds, a tech entrepreneur, and this week she revealed on the platform that she has accepted his proposal Holker, 38, posted a suite of images that photographer Rebecca Yale took of the romantic evening, in which Edmunds threw his bride-to-be a surprise birthday party 'Were ENGAGED! It was the most romantic night of my life! I am so in love with you Adam,' Holker raved in her Instagram caption 'You helped me find me again and showed me how to love,' Holker wrote of Edmunds: 'Every morning I wake up I feel safe knowing you are My person at my side' Edmunds enlisted the services of Clinton Kane to appear live at the party and perform his 2022 release I Guess I'm in Love, which Holker described as 'our song' In the run-up to the book's release, Holker divulged some of its bombshell revelations in an interview promoting the project to People. She claimed that after Boss' suicide, she began cleaning out his closet with a friend and came upon a 'cornucopia' of drugs in his shoeboxes, including pills, mushrooms and 'other substances I had to look up on my phone.' Holker also alleged she found his diaries, which supposedly contained repeated references to his having been sexually abused as a child by a male figure in his life. Boss' family erupted in outrage over the book, slamming Holker as a 'money-hungry opportunist' and insisting that he had not been an addict. Holker allegedly had the family sign a nondisclosure agreement before Boss' funeral, stipulating that only she could profit from discussing him in public, via TMZ. Meanwhile Holker insisted the proceeds from her book would all be donated to the mental health nonprofit she set up in memory of Boss. His brother Dre Rose claimed Boss had felt 'silenced' in his marriage to Holker, whom he fiercely criticized while speaking to Gayle King on CBS Mornings. 'To use my brothers name and make it seem like he had this serious addiction problem, this sexual abuse allegation,' Rose told King. 'That could have been true, but I dont think thats the reason why my brother isnt here today.' Holker and Boss began dating in 2010 and got married in 2013, one year before he landed his job as the beloved DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show; pictured 2022 Rose acknowledged in the same interview that Boss had 'used and tried' drugs 'recreationally,' adding that 'that wasnt a shock to me.' When asked why he thought his brother killed himself, Rose said: 'I think thats a question for Allison. I think she knows more than us because she was there. She knows his last known whereabouts. She knows the last conversation they had.' Holker and Boss began dating in 2010 and got married in 2013, one year before he landed his job as the beloved DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In December 2022, he checked into to the Oak Tree Inn in the Los Angeles suburb of Encino - 15 minutes' walk from his house - and shot himself. His body was discovered the morning after he arrived at the motel by a horrified maid who came upon him in a pool of blood in the bath. Boss' shock suicide prompted an outpouring of grief from fans around the world, and Holker was showered with sympathy from the public. Just weeks before his death, Boss and Holker had gone on The Jennifer Hudson Show and shared that they hoped to have another baby. In December 2023, Holker uploaded a touching Instagram post about mourning as she approached two milestones - what would have been her and Boss' 10th wedding anniversary, and three days after that, his first death anniversary. The development comes a year after Holker found herself at war with her late husband's family over her tell-all memoir This Far, which was published last February 'Grief never ends .. but every season of challenge has an expiration date. Keep believing and keep dancing through,' she wrote. The following month she revealed that she was open to the possibility of dating again, in an episode of Nick Viall's podcast The Viall Files. 'It was very hard for me to learn to like myself again and to learn to love myself again...it's a very complex situation I found myself in,' she said. 'It took me a long time to accept all of those things and those complexities of everything. But at the end of the day, I love life.' When the subject of a new man came up, she said: 'Would I shy away from it? No. Am I looking for it? I don't know...but I'm definitely not shying away from it.' Fans of the late James Van Der Beek were inspired to see that a GoFundMe set up for his family surpassed $2 million in donations on Thursday. The fundraiser reached that mark shortly after 10 p.m. ET, meaning it took less than 48 hours after the GoFundMe was set up on Wednesday, shortly after the Dawson's Creek star's death at 48 was announced. The $2 million mark exceeded the fundraiser's $1.5 million goal, which had been progressively raised from an earlier $550,000 goal Van Der Beek died following a battle against colorectal cancer that he had been waging since August 2023, though he only revealed his diagnosis in November of 2024. The GoFundMe account was set up to benefit the late actor's wife Kimberly, as well as their six children, who were said to be 'out of funds' after his lengthy and expensive cancer struggle. In addition to a previously reported recurring donation from Zoe Saldana, one of the most high-profile large donations came from Steven Spielberg. Fans of the late James Van Der Beek were inspired to see that a GoFundMe set up for his family surpassed $2 million in donations on Thursday; pictured in May 2025 in Hollywood The fundraiser reached that mark shortly after 10 p.m. ET, meaning it took less than 48 hours after the GoFundMe was set up on Wednesday, shortly after the Dawson's Creek star's death at 48 was announced The second-highest donation was from filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw; pictured February 10 in Beverly Hills The iconic filmmaker and his wife Kate Capshaw made a $25,000 donation to the GoFundMe, marking the second-largest donation behind an anonymous $30,000 gift. As was the case with other celebrities who donated to the fundraiser, many commenters on social media berated Spielberg for not making a larger donation. 'Worth a few hundred million....donates $25k. May as well flipped his family a quarter and told them to call someone who cares [sic],' wrote one incensed account on X (formerly Twitter). The poster severely underestimated Spielberg's net worth, as Forbes estimates that he is worth $7.1 billion, as of Thursday. 'Spielberg is worth billions and could easily setup the kids for life or wipe his family medical bills but decides to donate $25k?? F***ing pathetic,' wrote another user. Some commenters couldn't wrap their minds around the possibility that years of cancer treatments could severely affect the finances of Van Der Beek's family. 'Why would his family need money, wasn't he an actor that made millions,' wrote one person. Other users put the blame on the residual payouts structure that kept Van Der Beek from making as much as actors on popular shows on major networks. The A-list couple donated $25,000, just behind the top donation of $30,000 from an anonymous person As was the case with other celebrities who donated to the fundraiser, many commenters on social media berated Spielberg for not making a larger donation Some commenters couldn't wrap their minds around the possibility that years of cancer treatments could severely affect the finances of Van Der Beek's family Other users put the blame on the residual payouts structure that kept Van Der Beek from making as much as actors on popular shows on major networks But others saluted Spielberg and Capshaw for their generosity 'They need to fix his Dawsons Creek contract, so he can get the residuals he is owed. So his family can live off that income for how ever long. Its criminal that he doesn't get residuals from that show,' added another fan. But others saluted Spielberg and Capshaw for their generosity. 'The massive outpouring of support from fans and a legend like Spielberg proves that James Van Der Beek's legacy as a person far outweighed his fame as an actor,' wrote an approving poster. Van Der Beek doesn't appear to have had a real-life professional relationship with Spielberg, but the filmmaker's donation was meaningful to fans of Dawson's Creek, as the late actor's character considered Spielberg to be his hero. Like the Jaws director, Dawson aspired to be a filmmaker, and he decorated his bedroom with posters from Spielberg's films as inspiration. Spielberg did reach out to Dawson's Creek fans last year, when he recorded a video message for a reunion event in September, in which the original cast members did a live reading of the 1998 pilot script. Van Der Beek was notably absent due to illness, and Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read for Dawson, but the rest of the cast was featured at the reunion, including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe and Busy Philipps, while Hamilton star Renee Elise Goldsberry narrated the event. While Van Der Beek couldn't be there in person, he did speak to his fans via a video message. Although Spielberg and Van Der Beek hadn't worked together, the late actor's character on Dawson's Creek dreamed of being a filmmaker and considered Spielberg to be his idol; Van Der Beek is pictured with Michelle Williams (L) and Katie Holmes (R) in 1998 In September 2025, Spielberg filmed a video message for a Dawson's Creek reunion with the original cast, though Van Der Beek couldn't make it due to illness; pictured with wife Kate Capshaw in October in London 'I cant believe I dont get to hug my cast mates,' he said in his clip as his voice got choked up, according to Variety. 'I wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight.' After the reading concluded, he returned with another video message. 'Now, nobody in their right mind would ever draw a parallel between the two, but one very big similarity between Dawson and the Phantom of the Opera is that both of them were faced with the reality that the woman they loved truly loved somebody else, said, "Go to him. Go to him now before I change my mind." Only one resulted in a crying face meme,' joked Van Der Beek, before he introduced a performance of The Music Of The Night by Norm Lewis. It was then that Spielberg made an appearance via video to salute the show. 'Dawson, you made it,' he said, according to video posted to social media by an audience member. 'Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawsons closet.' Wicked director Jon Chu also made one of the top donations to Van Der Beek's GoFundMe with $10,000. Zoe Saldana has set up recurring donations to James Van Der Beek's family after his death on Wednesday. The actress, 47, apparently organized monthly payments of $2,500 to a GoFundMe, according to screenshots from the website. Wicked director Jon Chu also donated to Van Der Beek's GoFundMe; pictured on the set of Wicked: For Good with Ariana Grande (L) and Cynthia Erivo (R) Chu donated $10,000, putting him among the top donations for the fund Zoe Saldana pledged to donate to James Van Der Beek's family after his death on Wednesday Saldana apparently pledged $2,500 a month to Van Der Beek's family. The actor is survived by his wife Kimberley and their six children Fans were heartened and astounded by Saldana's generosity toward Van Der Beek's family, who previously said they were 'out of funds' after the star died aged 48. She and the Dawson's Creek star, who had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, do not appear to have had any substantial on-screen collaborations and it is unclear if the two were friends. The Daily Mail has reached out to Saldana's representatives for comment. She expressed her heartbreak over Van Der Beek's death with a tribute post shared on Instagram on Wednesday. 'This hits hard... Our deepest condolences to his family,' she wrote while posting a photo of the actor. On X, several accounts noted her apparent charity. 'Zoe Saldana donating $2,500 to James Van Der Beek's family, MONTHLY, in the wake of his loss is just about the most beautiful thing I've ever seen,' one user said on X. The post included a screenshot showing the donation, which was made out from 'Zoe SaldanaPerego,' the actress's married name. The actress expressed her heartbreak over Van Der Beek's death with a tribute post shared to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday On X, several accounts noted her apparent charity with screenshots of the recurring donation The comments were filled with people saluting Saldana for looking out for Van Der Beek's family, including his widow Kimberly and their six children Some commenters took issue with Saldana's donation and complained that it was not enough for Kimberly and Van Der Beek's six children They complained that the donation was not large enough based on Saldana's net worth, or because they assumed the campaign would not last long enough for many monthly payments to be made to the family But several commenters reacted defensively to the negative slant of some of the posts Van Der Beek was best known for starring alongside Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams on Dawson's Creek, which ran for six seasons The GoFundMe for Van Der Beek's family had raised $1.6 million as of Thursday The comments were filled with users saluting Saldana for looking out for Van Der Beek's family, including his widow, Kimberly, and their six children. 'What an incredibly kind gesture from a wonderful young lady,' one said. 'Wow, monthly, that is amazing and will be such a relief to a grieving mom,' another chimed in. 'Monthly support like that? Zoe Saldana is setting the standard for humanity,' a user wrote. 'The fact that this is a recurring monthly commitment shows the depth of her character,' added another poster. Some commenters took issue with Saldana's donation, either because they thought it was not large enough given her net worth or because they assumed the campaign would not last long enough for many monthly payments to be made to Van Der Beek's family. 'Zoe Saldana's net worth is estimated to be approximately $60 million. And yet $2,500? Better than nothing, I guess,' read one comment. 'I mean, she is the highest-grossing actor of all time,' another person wrote, seemingly suggesting that the amount was not high enough. 'Can't help but think that there may be a family out there that could use help even more than the children of a millionaire,' another person suggested. But several commenters reacted defensively to the negative slant of some of the posts. 'What should have been a heartfelt post has turned into something else in the comments. What a beautiful gesture, hopefully it inspires others who are able to go the same [sic],' added one commenter. Beauty guru Mikayla Nogueira announced her divorce from husband of two years Cody Hawken after months of feverish speculation and rumors. Nogueira, 27, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a solo sit-down video shared with her 17.4 million TikTok followers on Thursday, February 12. The Massachusetts-based couple wed in a lavish ceremony back in July 2023 after less than two years of dating. Their marriage faced challenges as a result of Hawken's struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. He relapsed in 2024 after being sober for years and entered rehab in March 2025. In her divorce announcement, Nogueira revealed that she and Hawken quietly separated months ago but that it was 'amicable' and they still 'love' each other. Nogueira refused to share the reason for the split in order to 'protect' her now-estranged husband. Beauty guru Mikayla Nogueira has announced her divorce from husband of two years, Cody Hawken, after months of feverish speculation 'The only people that know why Cody and I made this decision is Cody and I,' she told fans. Nogueira's video began with a dramatic message urging fans to 'sit down for this' before revealing her big news. 'I am getting a divorce. Take a minute, take it in,' she said. After a brief pause, Nogueira continued, 'Cody and I love each other so much. We would do literally anything for each other. 'I'm not going to be sharing any details whatsoever as to why Cody and I have made this decision. The main reason I am doing that is because I want to protect Cody. 'Cody deserves that. We both want to heal. Cody deserves to be happy. So do I.' Nogueira called her and Hawken's split a 'very s****y thing' and stressed that 'nobody gets married to get divorced. 'But what I can tell you is that this is very amicable. We talk everyday. He comes over for dinner. He sees the dogs,' she said of their current relationship. 'Cody and I were together for five years. Married for two. And they are some of the best memories of my life. Memories that I will cherish forever.' Nogueira said that neither her or Cody 'regret' getting married. The Boston-based couple wed in a lavish ceremony back in July 2023 after less than two years of dating Nogueira, 27, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a solo sit-down video shared with her 17.4 million TikTok followers She then shifted her focus to the 'speculation' she is expecting to see online about the end of her marriage. 'The only people who know why Cody and I made this decision is Cody and I. I want to make that very, very clear.' She also asked her followers to 'leave' Hawken's addiction issues 'out of the conversation.' 'They are two separate things. It is hard enough as it is to be an addict and to struggle to stay sober.' Nogueira then revealed that her and Hawken made the decision to divorce 'last year' but kept it secret from the public. 'I have spent the last few months processing this,' she said, adding that she's done 'a lot of crying and a lot of talking' to her family, friends and a therapist. After doing all of that, Nogueira finally got 'to a place where [she] can make this video.' As for what happens now, the social media star said she is focused on healing. 'I just want you to know that I appreciate the support you have shown Cody and I over the last five years. Nogueira refused to share the reason for their split in order to 'protect' her now-estranged husband 'You guys rooted for my relationship and my marriage so hard and I appreciate it so much. She admitted that her and Hawken are 'both terrified' as they enter 'a completely new chapter of [their] lives' but that they are 'embracing it' fully. 'And even if it's terrifying, it's exciting too,' she added. 'Listen, sometimes life has different plans for you and Cody and I have both accepted that.' As she moves into this 'unexpected chapter' of her life, Nogueira said that she plans to 'show up everyday' for her fans and that she even has Valentine's Day videos planned despite her heartbreak. 'Nothing's really changing on the work side. I'm still gonna be creating my beauty content. But i just want you to know, I'm still here.' Nogueira closed out the nearly five-minute video by reiterating her appreciation for her fan's continued support. 'Please don't tear Cody and I apart because that's not what we want.' Nogueira became a TikTok sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic by publishing relatable beauty content, including skincare and makeup product reviews. She boasts $17.4 million followers on TikTok and 3.5 million followers on Instagram, which has helped land her lucrative brand deals with beauty giants like Estee Lauder and Elf Cosmetics. In her divorce announcement, Nogueira revealed that she and Hawken quietly separated 'last year' Back in June, the couple purchased a 9,300 sq ft mansion in Massachusetts for $4.35 million following Hawken's stint in rehab for drug and alcohol addicton According to Forbes, she has a net worth of nearly $8 million. Last summer, Nogueira snapped up a 9,300 sq ft mansion in Massachusetts for a whopping $4.35 million, as reported by Realtor.com. The home purchase came just months after Hawken's stint in rehab, which Nogueira revealed via TikTok that April. 'My husband, Cody is in rehab, and I'm ready to talk about it,' she told her millions of fans at the time. Nogueira said that Hawken had 'given [her] his blessing to talk about it.' She revealed that Hawken had a drug relapse in January 2024 after years of sobriety and that he also began consuming alcohol again sometime after. 'In 2024, I faced some of the scariest nights of my life. I'm talking calling the police because I'm scared my husband's gonna die,' she said. Nogueira made the difficult decision to 'remove Cody from [their] home' and he moved into an apartment. Hawken eventually hit what Nogueira described as 'rock bottom' and he checked into rehab in March 2025, where he was 'getting treatment and getting help, and finding his path to sobriety.' After the initial rehab announcement, Nogueira provided followups on her husband's 'progress' with fans. Nogueira became a TikTok sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic by publishing relatable beauty content, including skincare and makeup product reviews According to Forbes , she has a net worth of nearly $8 million; seen with Kylie Jenner in 2025 He ended up completing a 45-day stint and was 'three months sober' by June. In order to cope with the 'very traumatic, stressful situation,' Nogueira told fans that they were in 'marriage counseling.' She insisted that her and Hawken were not headed for divorce but were just seeking 'help.' However, Hawken mysteriously disappeared from the star's content in the latter end of 2025, sparking rampant speculation that they had secretly called it quits. Nogueira and Hawken got engaged just months into their romance in 2021 amid her rising fame. They married in Rhode Island less than two years later in July 2023. Hawken was frequently featured on Nogueira's social media pages and she often let fans in on their relationship. Ed Sheeran wowed fans with an unannounced performance in Sydney on Thursday ahead of his shows this weekend at Accor Stadium. The 35-year-old hitmaker took the stage alongside Irish group Beoga, as the band did an encore for their own headline show at the Paddington RSL. Ed brought down the house as he sang lead on two songs, including the traditional folk tune Wild Mountain Thyme. He also gave a dazzling rendition of his own song Shape of You, with the group, who are supporting the British-born superstar on the Aussie leg of his Loop tour. Video of the impromptu performance was later shared on social media. 'What a wonderful night of music in Sydney with @beogamusic,' said one concertgoer. Ed Sheeran wowed fans with an unannounced performance in Sydney on Thursday The 35yearold hitmaker took the stage alongside Irish group Beoga, as the band did an encore for their own headline show at the Paddington RSL (Pictured) 'Nice of them to let Ed Sheeran have a wee sing...' they joked The fan included a clip of Sheeran hugging members of the group as they took a bow at the end of the gig. 'O wow how awesome is that,' messaged one fan on the post. 'This is EVERYTHING,' gushed another. Sheeran has a long association with Beoga, who collaborated with the chart topper on his 2016 album (divide). Formed in County Kerry, Ireland in 2002, Beoga which means 'lively' in Gaelic performed as the pop star's backing band at the Glastonbury Festival in 2017. The global superstar, who was last in Australia in 2023 for his Mathematics Tour, kicked off his tour Down Under in Perth on January 31. He is set to play Accor Stadium in Sydney on February 13, 14, and 15. The global superstar, who was last in Australia in 2023 for his Mathematics Tour, kicked off his tour Down Under in Perth on January 31. (Pictured) Next, the beloved performer will be in Brisbane for three dates at Suncorp Stadium on February 20, 21 and 22. He's also added a third gig for his Melbourne shows. The superstar will now play at Marvel Stadium on February 26, 27 and 28. Ed will then finish up his tour in Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval on March 5, marking over a month of touring across the country. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's daughter Apple Martin has come clean about the cosmetic enhancements she has undergone. The 21-year-old has followed her parents into the public eye and become a model, alongside her studies and sorority girl life at Vanderbilt University. Now she has unveiled the secrets behind her features, in a video explaining her 'everyday stressed out college student skincare' routine for Vogue. 'Time to come clean. I got lip filler one time,' the showbiz legacy said. 'I think I got it when I was 18. I just thought that it was too big.' She observed that 'everyone seems to think that I have crazy lip filler,' and insisted that in reality 'I just pout my lips a lot and I put on a lip of lip liner.' Elsewhere in the video, Apple, who has a 19-year-old brother called Moses, demonstrated her 'lip filler optical illusion' of putting liner 'right above my lip. Once you get the natural shape of your lips just go a tiny, tiny bit above it.' Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's daughter Apple Martin has come clean about the cosmetic enhancements she has undergone Now she has unveiled the secrets behind her features, in a video explaining her 'everyday stressed out college student skincare' routine for Vogue Having gotten into full makeup including a plumping lip gloss, she teased her fans: 'You can see the lips are already plumping. Not lip filler, thank you.' Early in the video Apple, who had become something of an enigmatic meme online, remarked: 'I feel like this is the first time people are hearing me talk.' Meanwhile Paltrow has never publicly confirmed she had any invasive plastic surgery, although she has confessed to laser treatments and Botox. When a fan asked her on Instagram a couple of years ago if she had ever used Botox, she replied: 'God yes. Both successfully and unsuccessfully Im afraid.' Apple's latest disclosure about her past lip filler comes a day after Paltrow admitted to undergoing a controversial $50,000 blood-filtering treatment in Chicago. The procedure, known as therapeutic plasma exchange, is a 'detox' meant to excise materials like mold and microplastics from the blood. Blood is removed from the body, and the plasma containing the offending materials is then separated out and replaced with fresh plasma. Paltrow explained to Richard Eden of the Daily Mail: 'I'd been going through lots of health stuff with that kind of ambiguous chronic stuff that medicine normally has a harder time dealing with: chronic fatigue, brain fog.' 'Time to come clean. I got lip filler one time,' the showbiz legacy said: 'I think I got it when I was 18'; Martin, who turned 18 in May 2022, is pictured in January 2023 Apple's latest disclosure comes a day after Paltrow admitted to undergoing a controversial $50,000 blood-filtering treatment; Paltrow and Apple pictured in December The Goop founder said she 'was so interested in this idea that we could filter out things in our blood that were making us more sick.' She maintained that she 'felt amazing after' the procedure, which left her with a sensation of 'this immediate unburdening and clarity and lightness.' Since its launch in 2008, Goop has become known for advice ranging from the idiosyncratic to the bizarre, exhorting women to steam clean their vaginas and theorizing about a 'Link Between Underwire Bras And Breast Cancer.' However the brand has been constantly expanding ever since, and five years ago it even sprouted its own Netflix series The Goop Lab. Paltrow split from Martin in 2014 in what she provoked widespread mockery by describing as 'conscious uncoupling,' but the pair remained friendly co-parents. Apple has been emerging into the public eye in recent years, making her fashion show debut in 2023 sitting at the front row of the Chanel extravaganza in Paris. She entered society in 2024 at the annual 'nepo baby' knees-up Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris, on the arm of Count Leo Cosima Henckel von Donnersmarck. Her date to that event is the scion of a noble family from the old Habsburg Empire and the son of filmmaker Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, who directed the Oscar-winning German movie The Lives Of Others about the Stasi. Katie Price's husband of three weeks Lee Andrews has hinted that the newlyweds could soon be starting a family. The ex glamour model and mother-of-five, 47, shocked fans when she married the businessman, 43, in Dubai last month following a whirlwind 'one-week' romance. Taking to his Instagram Stories Lee teased plans for a baby following Katie previously exploring surrogacy amid her relationship with Carl Woods and claimed that she had already found someone who could carry her sixth child. He shared a gothic drawing of a man kissing a woman's belly and penned: 'Good things come to those who have waited' along with a pregnant emoji. Speaking about plans to grow her family in 2023 Katie told the Turning Adversity Into An Asset podcast: 'I have got a surrogate, I haven't got any eggs anymore, I'm 44, I want another baby so what am I supposed to do? I can't pop it out,' 'I have got a surrogate, I haven't got any eggs anymore, I'm 44, I want another baby so what am I supposed to do? I can't pop it out.' Katie Price's husband of three weeks Lee Andrews has hinted that the newlyweds could soon be starting a family Taking to his Instagram Stories teased plans for a baby following Katie previously exploring surrogacy and claimed that she had already found someone who could carry her sixth baby When host Lewis Raymond Taylor asked who would be having the baby, Katie said: 'I have got this lady, it will be my egg - she's been a fan of mine for years and she does do surrogacy.' Asked who the father would be, Katie replied: 'If I was with someone it would be with them, if not it would be a sperm donor.' However the surrogate then pulled out after being 'disrespected' by Katie, who she claims treated her and her four children like 's***. Meanwhile her ex JJ Slater has seemingly moved on with a Katie lookalike who he unveiled on his Instagram Stories on Thursday. Last month, Daily Mail revealed that the I'm A Celeb star ended her two year relationship with the MAFS UK star, 33, after realising she didn't see a future with him. JJ shared snaps from his holiday in Miami with one of the mysterious woman, whose face remained hidden, boasting many tattoos and an ample bosom, much like Katie. As she sat in the drivers seat wearing skimpy workout gear, JJ was next to her and captioned the snap: 'Passenger Prince'. Last week, amid his trip to Miami JJ showed off his tattoos in a pair of red swimming trunks as he relaxed in a hot tub and simply captioned the snap, 'Recovery'. Lee shared another picture which she said was the personification of his and Katie's relationship Katie explored surrogacy amid her relationship with Carl Woods and claimed that she had already found someone who could carry her sixth baby (pictured with eldest son Harvey) Meanwhile her ex JJ Slater has seemingly moved on with a Katie lookalike who he unveiled on his Instagram Stories on Thursday Last month, Daily Mail revealed that the I'm A Celeb star ended her two year relationship with the MAFS UK star, 33, after realising she didn't see a future with him (pictured 2024) He also shared a short clip of himself in a car park wearing camouflage shorts and a yellow hoodie. It comes after Lee shared updates from his and Katie's after she returned to the UAE to reunite with him and celebrate their recent marriage with a sun-soaked getaway. He praised his new 'wifey' as he shared pictures of her in a form-fitting cut-out black dress that showed off her surgically-enhanced figure as she posed by a pool. Entrepreneur Lee has remained in the country since the wedding amid claims he is unable to leave after allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to take out a 200,000 loan in her name, resulting in a three-week jail stint. Katie has been back to the UK but returned this week to spend time with her new husband amid speculation to relocate there permanently in the near future. During her visit, Lee also shared a video of them larking around in the back of a taxi, saying her famous catchphrase: 'Never underestimate the Pricey.' Meanwhile took to her Instagram to share a snap lying in bed sporting a plunging grey top, leaving her surgically-enhanced cleavage on full display, with the caption: 'Bedtime.' It comes after Lee shared updates from his and Katie's after she returned to the UAE to reunite with him and celebrate their recent marriage with a sun-soaked getaway He praised his new 'wifey' as he shared pictures of her in a form-fitting cut-out black dress that showed off her surgically-enhanced figure as she posed by a pool She's famous for her love of plastic surgery and underwent her 17th boob job at a clinic in Brussels in 2024, amid her vow to have 'the biggest breasts in Britain'. Katie first went under the knife to increase her chest in 1998 while she was modelling, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C, and it's thought that her mum Amy and stepdad Paul helped her pay for the 4,500 procedure. After her 16th boob job, she declared how much she loved her boobs to OK! magazine and insisted she will only go bigger. She said: 'I love them. They healed really quickly and they didn't hurt at all. That probably doesn't help. Because I heal quickly, it doesn't put me off and I have more. 'I would go bigger as well and I will eventually. I just love having big boobs and a small body. I've always loved that look. 'In my eyes, if I'm having a boob job, I want them to look fake, I don't want them to look natural. I don't like the natural look. I just like that old-school American Playboy pin-up look. When I have surgery, that is what I'm striving for.' Katie shocked fans last month when she revealed she had tied the knot for the fourth time to Lee, after only meeting days before. But her new marriage has sparked concern from loved ones, as Lee's facade has since crumbled, with allegations he's faked his business accomplishments and photos with AI, appeared on an escort site and has a colourful history with women. Several of his ex-partners have made a slew of bombshell accusations against him, and issued public warnings to Katie, urging her to 'run for the hills'. While the Daily Mail previously revealed he spent three weeks locked up in a UAE jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to take out a 200,000 loan in his ex's name and has been banned from leaving the country. Lee has denied this, but as yet, does not appear to have left the country. And now Katie is said to be relocating to live with him, allegedly putting a deposit down on a house in the UAE for a 'fresh start' amid her financial woes. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives of Katie Price for comment. Aussie comedian Celeste Barber and her 'hot' husband have split after 20 years together. Api Robin confirmed the sad news on Friday night after he changed his Instagram profile description to 'Formerly Hot Husband'. The couple share two sons named Lou Robin and Buddy Robin, while Robin has two daughters from a previous marriage. 'The past few months have been incredibly challenging and deeply heartbreaking for us both,' his post captioned 'Heavy hearts' began. 'After much reflection, the decision has been made to separate. 'There is still love and respect between us, but sadly we are at capacity and have come to recognise we may want for different things. 'Our priority remains our children and their wellbeing. We kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we navigate this.' The post was quickly inundated with messages from well-wishers, including Olympic swimming great Libby Trickett and former Big Brother star Reggie Bird. Aussie comedian Celeste Barber has split with her husband Api Robin The couple (pictured in 2022) were together for two decades before going their separate ways Barber was 21 and working as a bartender at a Sydney pub when she met Robin in 2006. The couple tied the knot in Bali seven years later. She is yet to publicly comment on the split. The couple have lived in Tweed Heads on the NSW/Queensland border for the last six years. Last April, they sold their previous home on the NSW Central Coast for $1.045million. They had bought the home for $565,000 11 years earlier. Barber, who rose to fame for her celebrity parodies and comedy skits, had previously written and posted about Robin frequently, referring to him as the 'hot husband' and 'Maori Adonis'. 'It's harder to live with than I originally thought,' she previously joked in 2019. 'Now, don't get me wrong, I'm no dropped pie, but there isn't a 'hot wifey' hashtag hanging around my neck.' She said it was love at first sight when they met and joked that in the early stages of their romance she'd already determined their roles in the relationship. Barber is yet to publicly comment on the split from her husband Api Robin Api Robin confirmed the sad news on Friday night after he changed his Instagram profile description to 'Formerly Hot Husband' 'I'm hilarious. You're breathtaking. I believe this is something that needs to take place in any relationship when the roles are so obvious,' she said. 'If I met him on Kiss Bang Love, I would have kissed him blindfolded and married him on the spot. 'He's kind, smart, caring and very, VERY patient. He's a fun dad and has really thrown his back into tolerating me. I love him with all the wine in the fridge.' She told the Australian Women's Weekly a year later in 2020: 'He's the most fantastic human being in the whole land. I'm just obsessed with him.' 'He takes it all in his stride and he's really supportive and excited by how well I'm doing, because he knows what I do really makes up who I am.' An expert arborist who has his own business, Robin last paid tribute to his wife in November after the comedian took her worldwide Backup Dancer tour to the US. 'What an encore! Thank you! So proud of you,' he posted. Barber's tour will head to Europe in the coming months. Demi Moore was busy promoting her new movie I Love Boosters by sticking up posters around New York amid Fashion Week on Thursday. The actress, 63, who plays villainous fashion designer Christie Smith in the crime comedy, looked a million miles from her usual glam self in a hazmat suit. Taking to Instagram Demi shared a clip as she pulled on the protective outfit which she wore with a black beanie cap and dark aviator shades. The Substance star climbed up on a ladder and used a glue brush to stick the posters with pictures of her character to the wall. In numerous colours they read: 'Christie Smith returns, New York Fashion Week' and she captioned the post with the movie's release date: 'May 22nd, 2026'. The upcoming movie follows a group of shoplifters as they take aim at Demi's cut throat character and steal her company's designer clothes in order to resell them. Demi Moore, 63, was busy promoting her new movie I Love Boosters by sticking up posters around New York amid Fashion Week on Thursday The actress, 63, who plays villainous fashion designer Christie Smith in the crime comedy (pictured) looked a million miles from her usual self in a hazmat suit The cast also features KeKe Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle and Jason Ritter. It comes after Demi became the latest star to take to social media to express their sadness over the loss of Hollywood actor James Van Der Beek who passed on Wednesday at the age of 48. The Landman actress posted two throwback images with the Dawson's Creek veteran to her Insta Stories on Thursday. Over the images, Moore shared a heartfelt note. 'James was a cherished friend to our family,' the Oscar nominee began. 'The world has lost an extraordinary actor, but more importantly, a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend. Our hearts are truly broken.' She added a red bandaged heart emoji. Van Der Beek's former Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 co-stars Krysten Ritter and Dreama Walker also honored the late actor. 'Really hard news today,' Ritter wrote on her Insta Stories. 'Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathic, kind, talented and just pure magic. The upcoming movie follows a group of shoplifters as they take aim at Demi's cut throat character and steal her company's designer clothes in order to resell them (Right 2025) Taking to Instagram Demi shared a clip of herself pulling on the protective outfit which she wore with a black beanie cap and dark aviator shades The Substance star climbed up on a ladder and used a glue brush to stick the posters of her character to the wall In numerous colours they read: 'Christie Smith returns, New York Fashion Week' She captioned the post with the movie's release date: 'May 22nd, 2026' 'I'm so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken,' she continued. 'All my love goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their children. Love you so much James and fake James.' The actress also shared several throwback photos of herself and the late actor.. Walker added on her Insta Stories, 'My heart hurts so much today' over a video of Van Der Beek talking about his own mortality. Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 ran for two seasons from 2012 to 2014. Melissa Joan Hart said, 'I'm heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away! He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on screen kiss when he guest starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight. The cast also features KeKe Palmer (R) Naomi Ackie (L) Will Poulter, Don Cheadle and Jason Ritter In the trailer Demi looks almost unrecognisable with a blonde bob Her character can be seen battling it out with Keke Palmer 'We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 6 kids, his wife and family! Her friend Danica McKellar added, 'A beautiful soul and tragic loss!' Emma Slater - who served as James' professional partner on Dancing With the Stars in 2019 - has confessed to feeling 'devastated' by his passing. The dancer wrote: 'I'm so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.' Katie Holmes posted a tribute to Van Der Beek on Thursday morning. Holmes played Joey Potter on the beloved teen series, whose on/off love affair with James's character Dawson formed the central story arc of the show's five-year run. She posted a handwritten note to her Instagram page. 'I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James journey. He is beloved,' the actress wrote before vowing to take care of her friend's widow and his six children, who are struggling financially during his cancer treatment. Demi Moore her sadness over the loss of Hollywood actor James Van Der Beek who passed on Wednesday at the age of 48 'James. Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred - breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression...' Katie wrote in her note. Sharing memories of her time with James on the set of Dawson's Creek, she continued: 'These are some of the memories along with Laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth...' 'Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art - creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children - the journey of a Hero.' 'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,' she added. 'To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with Love and compassion.' Sarah Michelle Gellar believes Van Der Beek's legacy 'will always live on' as she shared a sweet tribute. The 48-year-old actress wrote on Instagram: 'I'm so sad for your beautiful family. While James' legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer. (sic)' Kaley Cuoco is known to millions for her role as Penny Hofstadter in smash hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, but her fiance Tom Pelphrey had never heard of the show when they first met. The 40-year-old, who starred in the US series from 2007-2019, recalled meeting the actor's family for the first time and how he was left flummoxed after they kept referring to her by her character's name. During an appearance on the Graham Norton show, which airs on Friday, she said: 'He had no idea about it when we met. The first time I met Tom's family his mom's partner kept calling me "Penny"'. 'I didn't say anything because I thought it was sweet, but I could see Tom looking confused, and when we got in the car he said: "I am so sorry, I told him your name so I've no idea why he called you Penny all day". The actress said she had to explain her role in the show to Tom, 43, but said that he has still not watched her in the comedy. Kaley and actor Tom, who starred in Ozark and Marvel's Iron Fist, welcomed daughter Matilda in March 2023, before announcing their engagement the following year. Kaley Cuoco is known to millions for her role as Penny Hofstadter in smash hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, but her fiance Tom Pelphrey had never heard of the show when they met The actress starred in the show from 2007 - 2019 (Pictured with The Big Bang Theory cast) She recalled meeting the actor's family for the first time and how he was left flummoxed after they kept referring to her by her character's name (pictured together 2025) She was joined on the show by Adolescence star Stephen Graham, Olivier award-winner Adrian Lester, White Lotus and One Day star Leo Woodall, and British band Gorillaz. Congratulated on the success of the Netflix series, Stephen said: 'It's been so surreal, we never expected it. We just caught something in the zeitgeist and its success has been unbelievable. Erin [Doherty] says: 'It is the gift that keeps on giving". 'The awards have been wonderful, but the impact it has had on social awareness is incredible. It has achieved more than I could have ever dreamed of.' Meanwhile Adrian spoke about his role in a new stage adaption of Cyrano de Bergerac, in which he wears a large prosthetic nose. He said: 'There have been a lot of different noses used for the character in the past, but we wanted to make sure it was believable as a big nose. `It started off quite small but gradually we made it bigger and bigger. I can't turn too sharply on stage as I have the constant fear it will fly off!'. Then Leo revealed that he almost lost on his career making role in One Day: 'I nearly didn't do it because I was filming White Lotus and was covered in fake tattoos when I auditioned for it'. 'They thought the Cowabunga one on my neck was real. I had two weeks between roles to lose weight, change from an Essex accent to Dexter's posh voice, and remove all the tattoos, which is a lot harder than you'd think.' It comes after Kaley revealed the lowest point in her life was in April 2022 - two months before she finalised her divorce from second ex-husband Karl Cook after three years of marriage. She said: 'He had no idea about it when we met. The first time I met Tom's family his mom's partner kept calling me "Penny"' (pictured with co-star Johnny Galecki) During an appearance on the Graham Norton show, which airs on Friday, she said she had to explain her role in the show to Tom, 43, but said that he has still not watched her in the comedy She was joined on the show by Adolescence star Stephen Graham (L) Olivier award-winner Adrian Lester (C) and White Lotus and One Day star Leo Woodall (R) Congratulated on the success of the Netflix series, he said: 'It's been so surreal, we never expected it. We just caught something in the zeitgeist and its success has been unbelievable' Meanwhile Adrian spoke about his role in a new stage adaption of Cyrano de Bergerac, in which he wears a large prosthetic nose Then Leo revealed that he almost lost on his career making role in One Day: 'I nearly didn't do it because I was filming White Lotus and was covered in fake tattoos when I auditioned for it' British band Gorillaz also performed At the time, she was still living in their marital home, and she was lying on the floor despondent: 'I was on the floor sobbing, thinking I ruined my whole life,' Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast, she said: 'That is the lowest point of my life I ever had. I couldn't get up. I was so depressed.' The three-time Emmy nominee had to get it together so she could glam up for the second season premiere of her HBO Max show The Flight Attendant in West Hollywood. 'My hair and makeup girls came over. They were literally doing my hair makeup on the floor,' she recalled. 'I said, "I can't go." I was so sad. The path for me was so complicated. And I just thought, "Oh, man, this might've been it for me."' However, the Harley Quinn producer-star has 'not a single bad thing to say about' the 35-year-old equestrian, clarifying: 'He's amazing.' By September 2022, Cook had moved on with MiResource founder Mackenzie Drazan, whom he wed in April 2024. And it only took Kaley two weeks to meet fiance Tom while attending the fourth season premiere of his Netflix show Ozark in Manhattan on the encouragement of her manager. The Graham Norton Show BBC One and iPlayer Friday 13th February 10.40pm Holly Willoughby said she was feeling 'eternally grateful' as she reflected on her recent 45th birthday in a new post on Friday. The former This Morning presenter turned 45 on Wednesday and soon after took to Instagram to share a selfie to mark the milestone. Holly looked radiant as she posed in the snap with her cat as she enjoyed a glass of wine and worked on a puzzle. She penned in the caption of the post: 'Just having a moment of clam, listening to the rain outside whilst me and Dave (did I mention the kids renamed the cat about 3 years ago, and yes she answers to both) sit here and get to work on my birthday puzzle 'Just to say, thank you for the birthday love and messages you sent you are the best! Thank you going into 45 feeling eternally grateful.' It comes after Holly's sister Kelly shared a touching tribute to her as she celebrated her birthday this week. Holly Willoughby said she was feeling 'eternally grateful' as she reflected on her recent 45th birthday in a new post on Friday Kelly, who is the older sister of the former This Morning presenter, took to Instagram to share a sweet throwback snap to mark her day. The wholesome image showed Holly and Kelly together as young children as she boasted an adorable smile. Alongside the photograph, Kelly wrote: 'Happy birthday @hollywilloughby.forever Snow White to my Rose Red. 'May your day be filled with butter icing and bubbles. Love you endlessly.' Holly and Kelly have shown they are incredibly close and spend summer holidays together with their families, with Holly having a luxury 2million property on the Portuguese Algarve. Kelly is also the managing director of Holly's lifestyle brand Wylde Moon. However, almost five years after its launch, it can be revealed that the business has dropped its jewellery line, and its podcast, and also seems to have parted company with its hair, beauty, style and energy editors. In a filing to Companies House last month, Wylde Moon listed just two employees understood to be Holly and her sister. It comes after Holly's sister Kelly shared a touching tribute to her as she celebrated her birthday this week The wholesome image showed Holly and Kelly together as young children as she boasted an adorable smile Spice Girl Emma Bunton also wished Holly a happy birthday in her own Instagram throwback post When it launched in 2021, it said it had a team of 14, and many contributors were listed on the website. No contributors are listed or credited any more. Meanwhile, last week it was revealed Holly and her TV executive husband Dan Baldwin have sold their 6.4million London home. Records confirm the Edwardian changed ownership in 2024 after the couple moved their children out of the above when the horrifying kidnap, rape and murder plot against Holly emerged. Security guard Gavin Plumb was unanimously convicted of soliciting murder and encouraging or assisting others to rape and kidnap Holly following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court last year. The 38-year-old from Harlow, in Essex, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years. The couple purchased their current 8million mansion in July 2024 with no mortgage after moving out of their previous abode. Kim Kardashian has been dating Lewis Hamilton for the past few months after they were seen at Kate Hudson's New Year's Eve party. They confirmed their romance at Sunday's Super Bowl. This is the first man the SKIMS founder has been dating since her ill-fated relationship with Saturday Night Live jokester Pete Davidson. Now Daily Mail has asked an astrologer what the chances are for Kardashian and Hamilton to have lasting love. 'This is not a match made in heaven,' Mary Moonstone told Daily Mail on Friday. The astrologer pointed out that because the 45-year-old beauty is a Libra and the 41-year-old race car driver is a Capricorn, they will face some challenges. Libra (September 23 to October 22) is an air sign symbolized by the scales, representing a harmony-seeking nature ruled by Venus. Capricorn (December 22 to January 19) is an earth sign ruled by Saturn, known for being disciplined and responsible. Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian have been dating for a few months. Now Daily Mail has asked an astrologer what the chances are for Kardashian and Hamilton to have lasting love 'This is not a match made in heaven,' Mary Moonstone told Daily Mail on Friday. The astrologer pointed out that because the 45-year-old beauty is a Libra and the 41-year-old race car driver is a Capricorn, they will face some challenges Kardashian was born on October 21, 1980 while Hamilton was born on January 7, 1985. 'Libras are more airy, they like to weigh their options and look at both sides of a situation and are open for input and interpretation,' said Moonstone. 'Capricorns are not like that, they are very grounded and like to follow certain paths. They are really the opposite of airy.' The challenges will come from seeing eye to eye. 'She may want to fly off on an exotic vacation at the last minute, but he will want to plan trips, stuff like that,' offered Moonstone. But there is hope. 'Sometimes an air sign and an earth sign can learn from each other. Considering they are both in their 40s and have life experience under their belts, they may be mature enough to accept the other person's way of thinking,' she added. 'If they acknowledge that they are different and really learn from each other, it could be a great experience.' The first year of dating, however, may be bumpy. 'They both appear to be alpha personalities so they have to decide who will bend when, because they will clash on several things,' said Moonstone. Libra (September 23 October 22) is an air sign symbolized by the scales, representing a harmony-seeking nature ruled by Venus. She was born on October 21 Capricorn (December 22 January 19) is an earth sign ruled by Saturn, known for being disciplined and responsible. He was born on January 7; seen in January in Paris 'But if they can work that out, that would be lovely,' she added. Moonstone also pointed out that Kardashian's last husband, Kanye West, is a Gemini, which is also an air sign like her Libra. 'Kim and Kanye were actually a fit astrologically,' said Moonstone. 'Those two air signs are very compatible as they think alike. They like to learn new ways of coping, they are naturally social and very curious minded. 'Air signs like to communicate and share ideas, they like to change and evolve.' They have been friends since 2014: seen in London in 2014 with Nicole Scherzinger and Kanye West Kardashian's ambitious Scorpio mother Kris Jenner seen with Hamilton But with Hamilton it won't be like that. 'Capricorns are more disciplined, they like routine and fall back on rules they have found to be tried and true. I would say Capricorns are more rigid than Libras or Geminis.' But being with an earth sign (Hamilton) as opposed to another air sign (West) could be good for the billionaire entrepreneur. 'It seems Kim has had a lot of highs and lows in her love life, so dating a stable Capricorn could be just what she needs. Lewis will anchor her and guide her, make her feel safe and secure. It could be an excellent match if she can bend to him a bit.' When asked if they could marry in 2026, Moonstone said no: 'I think they have a solid foundation as they have been friends for over 10 years so there won't be any tears, but I also think grounded Lewis will take his time before popping the question so they won't be walking down the aisle this year. Maybe next year.' Mary Moonstone is a California-based astrologist with 25 years experience. Gillian Anderson has shared an insight into her glamorous trip to Paris after spending a whirlwind 48 hours in the French capital this week. The actress, 57, who was there on a trip with L'Oreal, looked incredible in a series of stunning photos taken ahead of evenings out in chic black dresses. One gown featured an extravagant gold floral design on the front, featuring a halterneck style and a flattering form-fitting shape. Gillian wore her blonde hair in soft waves and her ensemble was complemented with a face of soft make-up, including a pale pink lipgloss. She also modelled another dress, which was one shoulder with keyhole detailing and a peplum cut, styled with a pair of strappy heels. Elsewhere she shared a look at her 'field trip' to the L'Oreal Paris labs, where she learned about the pioneering science behind their products. Gillian Anderson has shared an insight into her glamorous trip to Paris after spending a whirlwind 48 hours in the French capital this week The actress, 57, who was there on a trip with L'Oreal, looked incredible in a series of stunning photos taken ahead of evenings out in chic black dresses She also modelled another dress, which was one shoulder with keyhole detailing and a peplum cut, styled with a pair of strappy heels Gillian wore her blonde hair in soft waves and her ensemble was complemented with a face of soft make-up, including a pale pink lipgloss One gown featured an extravagant gold floral design on the front, featuring a halterneck style and a flattering form-fitting shape Gillian was dressed for the occasion in a white lab coat, over her black top and trousers with a pair of heels. The author, who wrote the book about fantasies from across the globe, Want, shared snaps with the team from during the visit. Alongside the photos, she wrote: 'Jetais une scientifique moquer! What a cool field trip to the L'Oreal Paris labs. It was so much fun to learn all about the pioneering science and innovative formulas that go into their products. 'Felt a little red hair vibes if ya know what I mean! Thank you so much to LOreal Paris for having me and to all the awesome female (+male!) scientists I had the pleasure of meeting.' The trip comes after Gillian congratulated her Sex Education co-star Aimee Lou Wood on bagging a nomination at the SAG Awards. The actress, 31, has been nominated for Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor In A Drama Series at this year's SAG Awards, recently renamed The Actor Awards. Aimee received the nod for her portrayal of Chelsea in the third season of HBO's The White Lotus. Her breakout role however was on Netflix's series Sex Education back in 2019 as Aimee Gibbs, where she starred alongside The X-Files star Gillian. Elsewhere she shared a look at her 'field trip' to the L'Oreal Paris labs, where she learned about the pioneering science behind their products Gillian was given her own branded draw at the lab Alongside the photos, she wrote: 'Jetais une scientifique moquer! What a cool field trip to the L'Oreal Paris labs. It was so much fun to learn all about the pioneering science' Gillian was seen talking to members of staff at the lab The author, who wrote the book about fantasies from across the globe, Want, shared snaps with the team from during the visit Celebrating her former co-star, Gillian took to Instagram on Wednesday to share an array of selfies of her and Aimee. 'So proud and happy for you @aimeelouwood, congrats on your @actorawards nom!!' she wrote. Aimee will battle it out for the gong at the ceremony in March, against her The White Lotus co-star Parker Posey. They are joined in the category by Severance's Britt Lower, The Diplomat's Keri Russell and Pluribus's Rhea Seehorn. The 32nd annual nominations were announced by Abbott Elementary star Janelle James and Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie on Netflix's YouTube Channel after an introduction by SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin. The Actor Awards ceremony will take place on March 1 in Los Angeles and stream live on Netflix. The host for the 2026 Actor Awards has yet to be announced; Kristen Bell hosted last year. Harrison Ford will receive the 2026 SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award. Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty continued soaking up the sun as they shared the latest glimpse of their honeymoon in Singapore on Friday. The daughter of Gordon Ramsay, 26, and Olympian, 31, first jetted off on 6,000-a-night trip to Mauritius, which was gifted to the couple by her famous parents, before heading to Australia and Singapore. They tied the knot at Bath Abbey in December amid a bitter feud which saw his mother Caroline disinvited and sister Bethany the only relative in attendance. Taking to his Stories Adam shared a loved-up snap of the newlyweds as he rocked a white vest and shades while sitting in a restaurant. Meanwhile a beaming Holly teased a glimpse of her jaw-dropping figure in crotchet cover up which she wore over a bright pink bikini. The couple later tucked into a lavishly decorated dessert, complete with edible photo of them on their wedding day. Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty continued soaking up the sun as they shared the latest glimpse of their honeymoon in Australia before heading to Singapore The couple tucked into a lavishly decorated dessert, complete with an edible photo of them on their wedding day The couple belatedly flew from London to Mauritius after delaying their 10-day escape while three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam took part in a swimming competition in Romania On Wednesday Holly showed off her toned abs in a yellow bikini as she shared stunning beach snaps to social media. Showing off her sun-kissed skin and glowing features, Holly looked happier than ever on her trip. Daily Mail revealed earlier this month that Holly and Adam jetted off to the One&Only Le Saint Geran - one of the island's most prestigious five-star hotel and spa complexes. The couple belatedly flew from London to Mauritius after delaying their 10-day escape while three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam took part in a swimming competition in Romania. Shortly after arriving, the couple were seen hurrying down to the white sand beach, where Adam posed for selfies with locals. One onlooker told the Daily Mail: 'They looked very loved-up and relaxed. Adam was happy to stop and chat and seemed in great spirits.' Le Saint Geran, set on an idyllic private peninsula, offers suites that can soar in price to more than 6,000 a night. The property, among the first luxury resorts built on the island in 1975, has attracted a glittering guest list over the years, including Nelson Mandela, George and Amal Clooney, Rihanna and the Prince and Princess of Wales. On Wednesday Holly showed off her toned abs in a yellow bikini as she shared stunning beach snaps to social media They tied the knot at Bath Abbey in December amid a bitter feud which saw his mother Caroline disinvited and sister Bethany the only relative in attendance Guests can even arrive by helicopter, landing on a pad just steps from the beach, while a chauffeur-driven luxury car service is also available. Private villas on the palm tree dotted estate have reportedly sold for as much as $13.6million (10.1million). The couple's no-expense-spared jaunt has been covered by Holly's father, Gordon, himself a repeat visitor to Le Saint Geran with wife, Tana. Holly revealed to British Vogue that her parents had paid for the trip to Mauritius as a 'wedding present', in what could be viewed as a thinly-veiled jibe at her husband's absent parents. She said: 'We're going to Mauritius to just lie by the sea - that was our wedding present from my parents. I had to tell Adam we weren't basing our honeymoon around a 25-metre pool' Prior to taking off from the UK, Holly shared a snap of her hand luggage showing off a Christian Dior handbag along with a pair of flippers and a snorkel. She wrote: 'The most chic hand luggage, thanks to my husband.' Whitney Thompson, the first plus-size winner of Americas Next Top Model, has opened up about the struggles she faced feeling fat shamed on Tyra Banks' show. Ahead of the Netflix tell-all documentary Reality Check: Inside Americas Next Top Model, the 38-year-old blonde beauty - who won cycle 10 of the show in 2008 - recalled some of her lowest moments, including feeling that certain challenges were made deliberately harder for her as a plus-size model. Thompson, who was just 20 and a size 6 when she started on ANTM, told People that not having proper clothes for the plus-size contestants felt intentional. I just pretended like it didnt bother me, but, and Im sure most of the girls would do this, I would cry in the shower every day because the shower is the only place that the cameramen couldnt come, so that was your safe place to release and be like, Why are they doing this to me? she explained. She added, 'I knew that they were trying to poke me and get something out of me, so I just played it cool, like, "That's fine. We'll just duct tape my dress. No worries.'" She also spoke candidly about the judging panel, admitting the whole experience was a nightmare. Whitney Thompson, the first plus-size winner of Americas Next Top Model, has opened up about the struggles she faced feeling fat shamed on Tyra Banks' show; (pictured 2024) Thompson, who was just 20 and a size 6 when she started on ANTM, told People that not having proper clothes for the plus-size contestants felt intentional; (pictured with Tyra Banks in 2008) I took Xanax before every judging, she said. Youre standing there for eight, nine hours under those hot lights waiting for people to tell you that something is wrong with how you look. It was emotionally exhausting.' As modeling gradually embraced curvier figures, Thompson says the idea of being a 'plussize'model still came with a strict, narrow look that didnt always fit her - or what she calls reality. She told People that even when agencies accepted fuller figures, the expectation was oddly specific and sometimes downright artificial. We would go with our pads to castings and photo shoots, and the padding would make our waist larger, our hips larger, but we'd still have the same jawline, arms and ankles. You could have a belly, but you still had to have a cut jawline. Thompsons revelations highlight the ongoing battle in fashion, where token nods to body diversity clash with the same old rigid standards. Even when brands and runways flirted with fuller figures in the 2010s, the industry often treated inclusivity as a passing trend, not a permanent change. Despite highprofile bookings and a successful postANTM career, Thompson grew weary of evershifting expectations and the relentless focus on her body. I took Xanax before every judging, she said, adding, Youre standing there for eight, nine hours under those hot lights waiting for people to tell you that something is wrong with how you look. It was emotionally exhausting'; (pictured 2013) On top of that, being known as a reality TV personality sometimes worked against her in a world that supposedly wanted 'just the clothes,' she explained. You were buying who I was on Top Model, Thompson said. If a brand wants a girl to just show clothes and they don't want someone [recognisable in a catalog] because that takes away from their product, then you're not going to get that job. The controversy around Americas Next Top Model didnt start with Whitney Thompson - its been simmering for decades. When old clips began resurfacing online in 2020, viewers reignited debates about the shows treatment of contestants and the way producers pushed boundaries for drama rather than talent. Many called out judges, including Banks, for bodyshaming, harsh comments and humiliating challenges that seemed more designed for shock value than genuine modeling critique. One of the most infamous examples was the socalled 'race swap' photo shoot, in which contestants were styled in heavy makeup to resemble different ethnicities - a stunt that even ANTMs creative team now acknowledges has not aged well. Critics also pointed to moments like Cycle 6 winner Danielle Evans being pressured about the gap in her teeth, or producers sending models into situations that felt exploitative rather than empowering. 'I felt like I was actually making a difference in peoples lives or with brands that hadnt worked with plus-size models before. Me winning the show definitely made a shift in the fashion industry,' she said Banks herself has addressed much of this criticism in recent years. At the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, she admitted ANTM didnt always get things right, saying 'Hell no. I said some dumb s---,' while also defending her intent to broaden diversity on television. Despite the challenges, Thompson says shes thankful for the opportunities Americas Next Top Model gave her, particularly the chance to be a voice for plus-size models and help open doors in an industry that had long ignored them. Fans from around the world reached out to tell her how inspiring they found her journey, something she hadnt fully realized at the time. I didnt realize at the time what a big deal it was, she tols the outlet. People saw me on the show and felt inspired. 'I felt like I was actually making a difference in peoples lives or with brands that hadnt worked with plus-size models before. 'Me winning the show definitely made a shift in the fashion industry. James Van Der Beek's loved ones have expressed gratitude over the outpouring of support to the GoFundMe page created in the wake of the late star's death. The Dawson Creek actor's passing at age 48 was confirmed by his family on social media on Wednesday following his battle with stage three colorectal cancer. Fans as well as celebrities have since broken their silence on his death by mourning the loss through emotional tributes. Close friends also launched the GoFundMe on Wednesday to help raise donations for Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly and their six children after his health battle 'left the family out of funds.' As of Friday, the page has raised over $2 million in donations and the organizers sent a message saying it has been 'a light' for his loved ones. 'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,' friends of Van Der Beek wrote. 'Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. James Van Der Beek's loved ones have expressed gratitude over the outpouring of support to the GoFundMe page created in the wake of the late star's death; seen in 2020 Close friends also launched the GoFundMe on Wednesday to help raise donations for Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly and their six children after his health battle 'left the family out of funds' 'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,' friends of Van Der Beek wrote. 'Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words' 'In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James's spirit continues to bring people together.' The message added that the late star's family is 'taking time to mourn and be with one another.' Friends further asked for 'space and privacy' for Kimberly and their kids so they have 'the room they need to heal' amid 'this painful season.' The statement concluded with, 'Please continue to keep James's wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love.' Van Der Beek had married Kimberly in 2010 and they welcomed six children together: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four. The goal on GoFundMe had been set at $1.5 million but that number was quickly surpassed as generous donations poured in. Zoe Saldana notably contributed $2,500 - and will continue to donate that same number monthly. Filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw made a $25,000 donation to Van Der Beek's family. The statement concluded with, 'Please continue to keep James's wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love'; seen in May 2025 in L.A. Van Der Beek had married Kimberly in 2010 and they welcomed six children together: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four Zoe Saldana notably contributed $2,500 - and will continue to donate that same number monthly Van Der Beek's character in Dawson's Creek had been a big fan of Spielberg in the series. Caldera Lab gave $50,000 while Guardant Health matched Spielberg's donation of $25,000. Guardant Health has a mission for 'helping patients at all stages of cancer live longer and healthier lives through the power of blood tests and the data they unlock,' per the company's official website. Wicked director Jonathan Chu donated $10,000 while talent manager Guy Oseary gave the same number. On Wednesday, Van Der Beek's family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media. It read, 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 'There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.' Van Der Beek had announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024. On Wednesday, Van Der Beek's family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media A source previously told the Daily Mail that he 'had not been in treatment for a while because there was nothing more the doctors could do, the cancer was aggressive.' Alfonso Ribeiro gave a glimpse into the actor's final moments as he was seen by Van Der Beek's side shortly before his passing in a photo. 'This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,' he wrote. 'My last moment was making him laugh one last time.' The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air alum is also notably godfather to Van Der Beek and Kimberly's daughter Gwendolyn. Ribeiro also shared another emotional tribute to his close friend after the news of his death came to light. Other fans and celebrities mourned his loss on social media and sent condolences to his loved ones. Some of his Dawson's Creek castmates paid tribute to the late star including Katie Holmes who shared an emotional letter to Instagram. She admitted that his death is 'a lot to process' before sending love to Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly and their children. Van Der Beek had announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024 Alfonso Ribeiro gave a glimpse into the actor's final moments as he was seen by Van Der Beek's side shortly before his passing in a photo 'This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,' he wrote. 'My last moment was making him laugh one last time' 'James. Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred - breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression...,' Holmes had penned in a handwritten note. The actress further reflected on memories they had shared while working on Dawson's Creek together. Holmes continued, 'Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art - creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children - the journey of a Hero. 'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.' She concluded with, 'To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with Love and compassion.' Other former co-stars including Busy Philipps and Chad Michael Murray also mourned the loss on social media. Some of his Dawson's Creek castmates paid tribute to the late star including Katie Holmes who shared an emotional letter to Instagram On Thursday, Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly reposted a video of Alana Springsteen singing a cover of Paula Cole's track I Don't Want To Wait - which was the Dawson's Creek theme song Springsteen uploaded the clip to Instagram alongside the caption: 'rip james van der beek this loss hit me hard today' On Thursday, Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly reposted a video of Alana Springsteen singing a cover of Paula Cole's track I Don't Want To Wait - which was the Dawson's Creek theme song. Springsteen uploaded the clip to Instagram alongside the caption: 'rip james van der beek this loss hit me hard today. 'so much girlhood was lived to the backdrop of his work. praying for his beautiful family,' she added before encouraging her followers to visit the GoFundMe page. Cole replied to the cover and added in the comment section, 'So beautiful. Tears and more tears. Thank you for honoring James and his family.' The Eurovision 2026 Live Tour has been cancelled just weeks after its launch, after fans blasted ticket prices amid the song contest's 'most serious crisis ever' following a growing boycott by several countries. On Friday, European Broadcasting Union (EBU) officials confirmed the live tour has been postponed, with all ticket holders set to receive full refunds. The arena spectacular, announced only last month, had been scheduled to visit 10 countries across Europe this summer, kicking off at London's O2 Arena on June 15. Martin Green, director of the famous song contest, said in a statement: 'The European Broadcasting Union regrets to announce that we've made the difficult decision to postpone the Eurovision Song Contest Live Tour 2026. 'We have encountered unforeseen challenges that despite the best efforts of our team, the producers, and promoters we have been unable to resolve. To the thousands of fans who bought tickets, thank you, we will ensure you will be refunded in full as soon as possible. We look forward to relaunching the Live Tour when we can ensure the world class experience that our fans expect. 'Our focus remains on delivering an incredible Eurovision Song Contest in May. The 70th anniversary shows will be celebrated with 35 amazing artists performing to record sell-out audiences in Vienna and hundreds of millions watching around the world.' The Eurovision 2026 Live Tour has been cancelled just weeks after its launch, after fans blasted ticket prices amid the song contest's 'most serious crisis ever' following a growing boycott by several countries On Friday, European Broadcasting Union (EBU) officials confirmed the live tour has been postponed, with all ticket holders set to receive full refunds (Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest JJ from Austria pictured) Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment. In December, the Daily Mail revealed the contest is facing its most serious crisis in Eurovision history, as more countries considered joining Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia in boycotting the event. It comes after several public broadcasters pulled out of this year's competition after organisers decided to allow Israel to compete, putting political discord on centre stage over a usually joyful celebration of music. It was previously reported on December 5 that Belgium's broadcaster said it would 'take a position in the coming days', while Iceland's RUV said it would not make a final decision on its participation until the following week. As of February 2026, Belgium is set to compete in the Song Contest, while Iceland has since withdrawn. The walkouts came after the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union - a group of public broadcasters from 56 countries that runs the glitzy annual event - met to discuss concerns about Israel's participation, which some countries oppose over its conduct of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. At the meeting, EBU members voted to adopt tougher contest voting rules in response to allegations that Israel manipulated the vote in favor of their contestants, but took no action to exclude any broadcaster from the competition. The feel-good pop music gala that draws more than 100 million viewers every year has been roiled by the war in Gaza for the past two years, stirring protests outside the venues and forcing organisers to clamp down on political flag-waving. The arena spectacular, announced only last month, had been scheduled to visit 10 countries across Europe this summer, kicking off at London's O2 Arena on June 15 (British group Remember Monday pictured) 'It's a historic moment for the European Broadcasting Union. This is certainly one of the most serious crises that the organisation has ever faced,' said Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic. 'Next year, we're going to see the biggest political boycott of Eurovision ever.' Vuletic, author of 'Postwar Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest,' predicted 'tense' weeks and months ahead as other countries contemplate joining the walkout and protests set to overshadow the contest's 70th anniversary in Vienna in May. Last week, the Eurovision Live Tour pre-sale began, with fans taking to social media platform Reddit to complain that ticket prices were too expensive. Several also claimed the prices did not match what they described as a 'mid lineup'. One wrote: 'I was initially a little unhappy with the prices (for London). But then, when I found something I could afford, it told me that I couldn't buy only one ticket; I had to buy two at once! So I didn't get anything. I was really hoping this could be something for fans who can't afford to travel to another country every year, but I guess not. :(' Another added: 'These prices for such a mid lineup?'; 'Same prices here (Belgium). Too expensive for me.'; 'Too expensive I am really curious whether theyll be able to fill all arenas.' Prior to the tour's cancellation, seated and standing tickets ranged from 68 to 305 depending on the venue and seat location. At first glance it could be the beginnings of a sprawling new shop space, were it not for the appearance of Molly-Mae Hague and her inquisitive young daughter. The fashion obsessed former Love Island contestant is currently building a spacious walk-in wardrobe for her numerous outfits and accessories, shortly after confirming her second pregnancy. Taking to Instagram on Friday morning, Hague, 26 - who has moved back into partner Tommy Fury's Manchester home - gave Instagram followers a glimpse at the sizeable wardrobe space, which is still in the early stages of renovation. Sweeping her camera phone around the empty room, she explained: 'There's been a lot of progress at the house - we've basically got somewhere that looks somewhat like a dressing room.' Admitting a team of builders had been carrying out the laborious work without her, she added: 'I've had zero involvement, but things are starting to come together and apparently it's going to be finished by today, however I will believe it when I see it.' The completed space will include a large dressing table, a full length mirror, numerous shelves, partially closed rails and tasteful lighting, giving it the appearance of a boutique. The wardrobe even got the seal of approval from Hague's daughter Bambi, despite the three year old claiming it urgently needed a carpet. Molly-Mae Hague is currently building a spacious walk-in wardrobe at the Manchester home she shares with Tommy Fury, shortly after confirming her second pregnancy The wardrobe even got the seal of approval from Hague's daughter Bambi, despite the three year old claiming it urgently needed a carpet Hague recently discussed her second pregnancy and shared the 'irritating' symptoms she's experiencing in her first vlog since announcing the happy news. She told viewers: 'I dont really know how we got here, but Im pregnant, legitimately the worst kept secret. 'But thats honestly my own fault because towards the end, I got really lazy trying to hide it. We werent even trying to hide it. 'We were at a spa over the weekend and I was openly saying to people that "Im pregnant", to the staff.' She added: 'Having a toddler is savage, if you want to keep a secret don't tell them. Bambi is telling everyone, she told all the air hostesses on the way home from the Maldives, she's told all her teachers at nursery. 'The people who have known through Bambi have been really great to me and just pretended that they didn't hear.' Over the last month, followers had spotted the influencer sipping on peppermint tea and even accidentally flashed her 'bump' in the reflection of a darkened window during one YouTube vlog. She said: 'We still in this current moment, we dont have anything filmed, I felt like posting a black statement on my Instagram saying "Yes, I am pregnant", we dont even have anything to post. Taking to Instagram on Friday morning, Hague gave Instagram followers a glimpse at the sizeable wardrobe space, which is still in the early stages of renovation The completed space will include a large dressing table, a full length mirror, numerous shelves, partially closed rails and tasteful lighting, giving it the appearance of a boutique clothes shop 'I havent really been documenting anything, its been so different this time, it just feels really chilled and I feel really at peace weirdly.' After struggling with her last pregnancy, the influencer said she was suffering again with similar problems, which also made it 'hard to hide'. She explained: 'One of my symptoms is my skin, my eczema, my skin is so so irritated and flared. It was the same in my last pregnancy, Im just struggling with little things to hide it. 'Im constantly out of breath as you guys have noticed in my videos. Ive got quite a full-on bump which you guys have seen in my last video in all the reflections.' She continued: 'I am pregnant and yeah my body is changing and there are differences visibly emotionally, mentally, physically. Hague recently discussed her second pregnancy and shared the 'irritating' symptoms she's experiencing in her first vlog since announcing the happy news She told viewers: 'I dont really know how we got here, but Im pregnant, legitimately the worst kept secret. But thats honestly my own fault because towards the end, I got really lazy trying to hide it. We werent even trying to hide it' 'It sounds like Ive got a rotten cold and one of my symptoms has been congestion. I woke up this morning to an empty bed and Tommy wasnt there and I came into the spare room and said I was snoring so loudly. 'Im so lucky to say that Ive had a really amazing pregnancy, Im so beyond blessed that Ive had a very smooth experience. 'I dont get sick, Ive not had symptoms that are debilitating, I can kind of pretty much crack on as usual, which is amazing for me because Im not one of those women, you amazing women out there that have horrendous morning sickness and still get up and get your things done.' She added: 'Best believe if I felt like that, Id be done for, the whole world would hear about it.' Rosie ODonnell has revealed she secretly returned to the United States to test the waters after President Trump threatened to revoke her citizenship following her move to Ireland last year. The 63-year-old former talk show host announced in March 2025 that she had relocated to Ireland following Trumps second inauguration, saying she felt unsafe under his leadership and concerned for her familys wellbeing. The move came amid a long-standing feud with Trump, dating back to her days as a co-host on The View. In July, the former president publicly threatened to strip ODonnell of her citizenship. Speaking on SiriusXMs Cuomo Mornings on Friday, ODonnell revealed that she had quietly returned to the U.S. for a short visit. 'I recently went home for two weeks and I did not really tell anyone. I just went to see my family,' she said. 'I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country. I wanted to feel what it felt like.' Rosie ODonnell has revealed she secretly returned to the United States to test the waters after President Trump threatened to revoke her citizenship following her move to Ireland last year; (pictured 20240 The former talk show host announced in March 2025 that she had relocated to Ireland following Donald Trumps second inauguration; (Trump in February) She told Cuomo, I wanted to hold my children again. The mother of five left the US in January 2025 with her youngest, Clay, while her four older children - Parker, 29, Blake, 25, Chelsea, 27, and Vivienne, 22 - remained in America. And I hadnt been home in over a year, ODonnell said. I also wanted to make sure that it was safe for me before I brought my daughter this summer, where we plan to spend the summertime off from her schooling here with my family. The star added that one of her adult sons is expecting his first child, leaving her very excited to be home. She spent the two-week visit in New York and described it as a very different country. [Its] a very different place for me because, for a year, I havent been watching the news. I havent been watching American culture television. Ive been in a place where celebrity worship does not exist, she said, noting that her new life in Ireland provides more balance. I dont regret leaving at all, ODonnell said. I think I did what I needed to do to save myself, my child and my sanity. She also admitted the energy she felt in the US was unsettling. 'I recently went home for two weeks and I did not really tell anyone. I just went to see my family,' O'Donnell said, adding, 'I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country. I wanted to feel what it felt like' I dont regret leaving at all, ODonnell said, adding, I think I did what I needed to do to save myself, my child and my sanity' The energy that I felt while in the United States it was scary, she said. Theres a feeling that something is really wrong and no one is doing anything about it. Despite her move abroad, Trump posted in July 2025 that he was giving serious consideration to revoking her US citizenship. Because of the fact that Rosie ODonnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship, he wrote. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA! ODonnell fired back on Instagram, writing, The president of the USA has always hated the fact that I see him for who he is - a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself. This is why I moved to Ireland, she continued. He is a dangerous old soulless man with dementia who lacks empathy, compassion and basic humanity - I stand in direct opposition [to] all he represents, so do millions of others. Meanwhile, ODonnell has also been candid about her dramatic weight loss since moving to Ireland. The 63-year-old revealed she has shed a significant amount of weight while taking the diabetes medication Mounjaro, crediting it as a major factor in her transformation. Ive lost more weight here. I am on Mounjaro for my diabetes and one of the side effects is you lose weight, she joked in a TikTok video. The former Rosie ODonnell Show host also shared her astonishment at her slimmer figure amid the health change. Im one of those people whos always had a weight issue and now that Im a size large, instead of an XL or a XXL, I find it shocking. I really do. I find it completely shocking, she said. Gordon Ramsay has urged Brooklyn Beckham to 'remember where he came from' and believes the influencer's 'infatuation' with Nicola Peltz has led to his very public decision to cut ties with his immediate family. The celebrity chef has spoken out for the first time about the ongoing feud that has seen close friends David and Victoria Beckham become increasingly estranged from their eldest son. Now based in the United States with his actress wife - the daughter of billionaire businessman and investor Nelson Peltz - Brooklyn recently outlined his desire to distance himself from his family in a six page Instagram statement, filled with lurid allegations. These include the incredible claim that Victoria hijacked his first wedding dance with Peltz and 'danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone' - an allegation Ramsay, who attended the wedding, has dismissed. And the chef, 59, believes the 'penny will soon drop' for the influencer, with whom he maintains a strong bond, and insists both David and Victoria have been outstanding parents to Brooklyn and his three siblings. 'Brooklyn and I have messaged a little bit, our relationship is solid. I love him his heart is incredible,' he told The Sun. Gordon Ramsay has urged Brooklyn Beckham to 'remember where he came from' and believes the influencer's 'infatuation' with Nicola Peltz has led to his very public decision to cut ties with his immediate family Ramsay believes the 'penny will soon drop' for the influencer, with whom he maintains a strong bond, and insists both David and Victoria have been outstanding parents to Brooklyn 'But its hard, isnt it, when youre infatuated? Love is blind. Its easy to get up on that rollercoaster, and get carried away. But it will come back. 'Ive seen first-hand just how good parents they are. David as a dad is just incredible. Theyve both put so much energy into their kids, and I know just how many times theyve got Brooklyn out of the s***. 'I think its going to be a matter of time before Brooklyn takes a good look at himself and understands just what his parents mean to him.' Ramsay, himself a father of six with wife Tana, also advised the Los Angeles based influencer to 'remember' where he came from. 'Hes desperate to forge his own way, and I respect that from him. Its such a good thing to do,' he said. 'But remember where you came from. And honestly, one day youre not going to have your mum and dad, and you need to understand that. That penny will drop.' A long-time friend of former Manchester United and England midfielder David and his fashion designer wife, Ramsay and his family were among 500 guests as Brooklyn exchanged vows with Peltz at her family's sprawling Miami compound in 2022. But he refutes the influencer's claim that his mother was responsible for publicly embarrassing him and leaving his wife in floods of tears by forcing her out of a pre-arranged wedding dance at their lavish reception. The Ramsay and Beckham families have enjoyed a long, enduring friendship (L-R: Jack Ramsay, Gordon Ramsay, Matilda Ramsay, Tana Ramsay, David Beckham, Brooklyn Beckham and Megan Ramsay in 2019) The chef remains adamant that close friend David will eventually find a way to build bridges with his eldest son, who remains in the United States with his actress wife Brooklyn Beckham's statement in full I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private. Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed. I do not want to reconcile with my family. I'm not being controlled, I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life. For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into. Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they'll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out. My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn't stopped. My mum cancelled making Nicola's dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress. Weeks before our big day, my parents repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name, which would have affected me, my wife, and our future children. They were adamant on me signing before my wedding date because then the terms of the deal would be initiated. My holdout affected the payday, and they have never treated me the same since. During the wedding planning, my mum went so far as to call me "evil" because Nicola and I chose to include my Nanny Sandra, and Nicola's Naunni at our table, because they both didn't have their husbands. Both of our parents had their own tables equally adjacent to ours. The night before our wedding, members of my family told me that Nicola was "not blood" and "not family." Since the moment I started standing up for myself with my family, I've received endless attacks from my parents, both privately and publicly, that were sent to the press on their orders. Even my brothers were sent to attack me on social media, before they ultimately blocked me out of nowhere this last Summer. My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song. In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me instead. She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone. I've never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life. We wanted to renew our vows so we could create new memories of our wedding day that bring us joy and happiness, not anxiety and embarrassment. My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family, no matter how hard we've tried to come together as one. My mum has repeatedly invited women from my past into our lives in ways that were clearly intended to make us both uncomfortable. Despite this, we still travelled to London for my dad's birthday and were rejected for a week as we waited in our hotel room trying to plan quality time with him. He refused all of our attempts, unless it was at his big birthday party with a hundred guests and cameras at every corner. When he finally agreed to see me, it was under the condition that Nicola wasn't invited. It was a slap in the face. Later, when my family travelled to LA, they refused to see me at all. My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first. Family "love" is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it's at the expense of our professional obligations. We've gone out of our way for years to show up and support at every fashion show, every party, and every press activity to show 'our perfect family.' But the one time my wife asked for my mum's support to save displaced dogs during the LA fires, my mum refused. The narrative that my wife controls me is completely backwards. I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life. I grew up with overwhelming anxiety. For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared. I wake up every morning grateful for the life I chose, and have found peace and relief. My wife and I do not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation. All we want peace, privacy and happiness for us and our future family. Advertisement Ramsay says Brooklyn's decision to walk away from his family has resulted in Victoria developing a closer bond with his wife, Tana (pictured in 2016) 'We were there at the wedding,' he recalled. 'There was nothing salacious. There was nothing inappropriate. Everyone was having fun, having a dance.' Rubbishing persistent rumours that Victoria danced inappropriately - a subject that went viral following the release of Brooklyn's statement - he added: 'No! Nothing of the sort. It was fun. 'I havent seen any of the memes, I heard about them of course, but Victorias got a great sense of humour. Shes great. 'Shes right to be upset, but she can bat that other s*** away in a heartbeat.' Meanwhile, the chef remains adamant that close friend David will eventually find a way to build bridges with his eldest son, whose decision to walk away from his family has resulted in Victoria developing a closer bond with Ramsay's wife. 'Times going to be the best healer, and David will absolutely get that relationship back on track,' he said. 'Victoria and Tana have spoken a lot. They are probably closer than ever theyre like two peas in a pod, those two. She has offered lots of support.' 'David as a dad is just incredible. Theyve both put so much energy into their kids, and I know just how many times theyve got Brooklyn out of the s***' (pictured in 2009) Addressing social media followers in January, Brooklyn claimed his parents had tried to sabotage his marriage and have always prioritised public branding over their family relationships. 'For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family,' he wrote in six pages of text, shared on Instagram. 'The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.' He added: 'Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that theyll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.' Unlike his three younger siblings, Brooklyn did not appear in his mother's recent Netflix docuseries, nor did he show up at the October premiere as he and Peltz had for the London premiere of his father's docuseries in 2023. Brooklyn and his wife also missed David's 50th birthday celebrations last May, and were notably absent at Windsor Castle for the former footballer's long awaited investiture on November 4. Many of the grievances described in the Instagram stories stem from the Peltz-Beckham wedding in Florida. He accused his mother of bailing at the last minute on designing Peltz's wedding dress, and said she "hijacked" the first dance he was supposed to have with his wife to music performed by Marc Anthony. 'She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone,' Brooklyn wrote. 'Ive never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life.' Nancy Guthrie made posts on a neighborhood app that revealed she had previous run-ins with criminals outside her $1 million home and the reason she decided to buy a doorbell camera. The 84-year-old mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie was taken from her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona in the early morning hours of February 1. She had lived in the home since 1975, raising her three children there, according to her profile on Nextdoor. The neighborhood is safer than most other areas of the city, with the Pima County Sheriff's Department map showing there were virtually no crime incidents in Guthrie's area. Another map from Crimegrades.org shows Guthrie's street straddled a light green and a light orange section, that seemed to have more property crime than violent crime. Guthrie, herself, dealt with such crime at least once, in September 2024, her profile showed. The tragic backstory of the nest camera 'Male thieves. Package stolen from front door yesterday. Be alert US POST OFFICE DELIVERED,' she wrote at the time. A little over a year later, Guthrie asked about getting security cameras - but not for safety concerns. 'I'm thinking about buying ring or nest security/doorbell camera? Any suggestions? Which has the best camera?' she posted on November 25, 2021, noting that she was 'interested in seeing animal activity at night.' She apparently decided to opt for a Nest security camera, which has proven helpful in the investigation into her disappearance, with federal authorities releasing shocking footage of a masked man wearing thick gloves as he tried to obscure the camera on Nancy's front porch on the night of her abduction. Authorities combing through the desert near Guthrie's home have since found a black glove that looks similar to the one her abductor wore in the chilling doorbell camera footage. The Daily Mail understands the lone glove, found lying in a small shrub, was bagged up and taken by authorities, who remained tight-lipped about who the glove may belong to. Secretive forensic tent sealed off the porch But on Thursday, four officers were seen arriving at Guthrie's home in an unmarked black vehicle and carrying a bag into a tent set up at the property, while others brought in additional equipment. The large tent, which blocked the entrance to Guthrie's home and the front porch where investigators previously found blood that matched her DNA, was then taken down about an hour after being erected. It now remains unclear what authorities were looking for, but forensic tents are typically erected when investigators want to conceal a body, weapon or other critical pieces of evidence. The front porch has been routinely trampled on by authorities and family members throughout the investigation. It was left exposed to outdoor elements, with the blood found splattered on the ground having been dried out by the sun. One Pima County Sheriff's source even told the Daily Mail: 'This is amateur hour.' Still, the Pima County Sheriff's Department insists that it is combing through thousands of tips with hundreds of detectives and federal agents assisting in the investigation. Why feds seized mail and trash From Nancys family Some federal agents were seen on Wednesday carrying out an extensive search of the rugged scrubland around Guthrie's home, while other investigators emerged from Guthrie's eldest daughter's home with a paper grocery stack and a white trash bag. One, still wearing blue protective gloves, also took a stack of letters from Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni's, roadside mailbox. They then drove away without speaking to reporters. Annie and Cioni were the last people to see Nancy, who visited their home for dinner on January 31. She was then reported missing the next day after she failed to show up to a friend's house to watch virtual church services. Nancy has not been seen or heard from since. Meanwhile, Savannah and her siblings have routinely asked for the public's help to find their mother. Why police are scouring video from three weeks prior She then posted another heartbreaking video tribute to her mother on Thursday. 'Our lovely mom,' the television host wrote. 'We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope.' Investigators are now expanding their request for security video from Nancy's neighbors in the Catalina Foothills, asking people to check for any video taken from 9pm to midnight on January 11 - nearly three weeks before Nancy went missing. They have also requested footage from 9.30am to 11am on January 31, hours before Nancy's abduction, saying a suspicious vehicle was spotted in the area around that time. Sheriff Chris Nanos has described Nancy as mentally sound but with limited mobility. She takes several medications, raising urgent concerns about her well-being without them. Share your thoughts with us in the comments Delivery driver briefly held in hunt for Nancy Guthrie breaks silence to protest his innocence A delivery driver who was briefly held over the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's missing mother Nancy last night has broken his silence to protest his innocence. Carlos Palazeulos was detained on Tuesday night in Rio Rico, Arizona, around 60 miles from Tucson, where the 84-year-old woman vanished on January 31. It remains unclear why police turned their attention to him, but it came hours after the FBI released the first surveillance photos of a suspect seen lurking near Guthrie's home on January 31, the night she was taken. Palazuelos was questioned for several hours then released without charge. Police are yet to name any other suspects, but FBI Director Kash Patel says investigators are considering 'multiple persons of interest'. After his release, Palazuelos spoke with reporters outside his home. 'They held me against my will, they didn't even read me my rights two hours in.' When asked if he knew who Nancy was, he told reporters 'no'. Police followed him while he made deliveries on Tuesday night, he said. 'They told me to stop moving. What the [expletive] am I doing here? I didnt do anything to be honest, Im innocent.' Palazeulos added that he had no idea who Savannah was either, saying he did not watch the news and that officers had not asked him any questions. Authorities also carried out a search of his home near Interstate 19. He was released shortly after 1am local time. 'They told me I was being detained for kidnapping.' I asked them, "Kidnapping of who?"' he added. He continued: 'I hope they find the suspect, cause I'm not it - they better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name.' Palazeulos also added that while he was in custody police searched his home, where he lives with his wife, children and in-laws. Continue reading about the delivery driver here: When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez takes the stage at the Munich Security Conference in Germany later this week, world leaders will likely be hanging on every word. The 36-year-old congresswoman from New York is expected to receive a rapturous reception on her most important overseas trip so far, as many of America's allies reel from President Donald Trump's tariffs and isolationist rhetoric. For the first time, Ocasio-Cortez will lay out her foreign policy vision on the world stage - which is, of course, exactly what aspiring presidential candidates tend to do. The annual conference will be attended by more than 60 heads of state and government, and nearly 100 foreign and defense ministers. Those going include UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. California Governor Gavin Newsom will also be there. AOCs Foreign Policy Makeover As a congressional candidate in 2018, Ocasio-Cortez had an infamous car crash moment during an interview on foreign affairs. When pressed over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on PBS, not the most hostile of media outlets, she laughed as she admitted: 'I am not the expert at geopolitics on this issue.' Recently, she has quietly been getting advice on global affairs from Matt Duss, an expert who was previously Bernie Sanders' foreign policy advisor for five years. She is also getting briefings from the Center for International Policy, a Washington think tank established in the wake of the Vietnam War, which promotes a non-interventionist US foreign policy and human rights. Her visit to Munich appears to be a deliberate choice for her debut on the world stage because it will set up a stark contrast to JD Vance, her likeliest Republican opponent in a 2028 race. Vances Shockwaves in Munich Last year, Vance went to Munich and left Europeans with their jaws on the floor as he accused them of endangering Western civilization by censoring free speech, failing to control immigration, and not taking responsibility for their own defense. The comments by Vance were the first in a series of criticisms of Europe by members of President Donald Trump's administration that have unsettled Washington's European allies. This year, the Trump administration will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It remains to be seen whether he or Ocasio-Cortez is the bigger draw. 'AOC has made no secret of her interest in running on a national ticket, whether it's for president or vice president,' one Democratic insider told the Daily Mail. 'She has strong domestic policy credentials, and strong progressive credentials, but if you're going to be on a national ticket and be president or vice president, you have to have some knowledge of foreign affairs. AOC Uses Munich to Draw Contrast With Vance 'And I think she'll also use it (Munich) to contrast her views with Vance, since he's the most likely Republican nominee, to set up the contrast early, get people thinking about Vance versus AOC.' In December, a poll by The Argument/Verasight had Ocasio-Cortez beating Vance in a hypothetical 2028 race by 51 percent to 49 percent, and she was quick to embrace it. She posted the poll on X and wrote: 'Bloop!' She later dismissed the relevance of a poll three years before the election, but added: 'Let the record show... I would stomp him... I would stomp him!' Ocasio-Cortez was highly critical of Vance following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota. 'That is a fundamental difference between Vice President Vance and I,' she said at the time. 'I do not believe that the American people should be assassinated in the street.' AOC Positions Herself Against Vance on the Global Stage In Munich, Ocasio-Cortez is expected to take part in a talk on populism in politics and discuss what America's global role should be. She is also expected to hold a question and answer session with students at a university in Berlin. 'The most important thing she'll do is contrast her views with Vance and Trump,' Professor Larry Sabato, Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, told the Daily Mail. 'There's so many obvious lines - I won't be annexing Greenland, Canada isn't going to be our 51st state... what I would be interested in is how much she dwells on the Middle East because that is a continuing source of divisive controversy in the Democratic Party.' He said the 2028 Democratic primary is expected to be large. 'Everybody and his brother and sister will be running for this nomination, a drove of Democrats will run,' he said. Progressive Powerhouse? AOC Emerges as Top 2028 Contender 'She's the strongest ally of Bernie Sanders, so it's very difficult to remake your image after so many years of being viewed as one of the two leaders of the progressive left in the Democratic Party. So I doubt she could win a majority or anything close to it. But it can happen, you don't need a majority to win.' This week, in a Democratic congressional primary in New Jersey, Analilia Mejia won with only 29 percent of the vote. Her campaign was boosted by an endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez, another sign of the congresswoman's increasing influence. According to Kalshi, the online prediction market, Ocasio-Cortez is currently second favorite for the Democratic nomination behind California Governor Gavin Newsom. On the site, 44 percent of people believe she will run for president in 2028. It is notable that Newsom will also be in Germany for the Munich Security Conference. 'The worst thing you can be is the favorite for the presidential nomination three years in advance,' said Sabato. 'Almost all of them have not gotten the nomination because they have three years to survive attacks from everybody else. They're the obvious target.' Age on Her Side? AOC Meets the Moment for 2028 The constitutional minimum age to run for president is 35. Ocasio-Cortez would be 39 on Election Day in 2028, which is three years older than the youngest ever Democratic Party nominee, William Jennings Bryan, known as the 'Boy Orator,' in 1896. John F Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt were in their early 40s when they reached the White House. 'The one thing you don't want to be today is too old,' said Sabato. 'We've had Biden and Trump, and that's going to be it for people in their late 70s and early 80s for a long, long time.' 'She would be very popular with the young, but that doesn't guarantee you anything. It means you get plenty of staffers and door-to-door workers.' Ocasio-Cortez entered Congress in 2018 as the youngest woman ever elected following a stunning primary victory in New York. She became a firebrand leader of the progressive 'Squad' and a thorn in the side of Nancy Pelosi when she was Speaker. AOC: Progressive Heir or 2028 Power Player? She has since become one of the most successful fundraisers in the party and, as Bernie Sanders has reached the age of 84, she has emerged as his obvious successor to lead the progressive wing. In 2025, they raised $24 million together on a national 'Fighting Oligarchy' speaking tour. However, there have been efforts to bridge the gap with more right-leaning Democrats. After Sanders dropped out of the 2020 race she endorsed Joe Biden. Meanwhile, across the party spectrum, her colleagues have been keen to learn from her about how to capitalize on social media. One possibility in 2028 is that she will instead seek to run for the Senate in New York, which could mean a primary contest against the current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. However, with other Democrats piling into the race for the presidential nomination, and the prospect of a general election showdown with Vance, she may not be able to resist the lure of the bigger prize. Munich Summit Highlights US-Europe Rift In Munich, Rubio plans to take a less contentious approach than Vance did last year, according to US officials. But he will have a challenge allaying European concerns in the wake of President Trump's recent comments about taking control of Greenland. Vance's speech last year was 'a shock moment,' Claudia Major, a senior vice president at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin, told reporters this week. 'It was perceived as the first very clear statement of what the new Trump administration was about - Europeans are not partners any longer. 'There is a big doubt whether the basis (of trust) is still there and whether we still share the same vision for the trans-Atlantic relationship.' Sharing a similar view, Munich Security Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said: 'Transatlantic relations are currently in a significant crisis of confidence and credibility.' Whatever she says, Ocasio-Cortez will likely try to cast herself and her 'vision' as the alternative. Red Lobster is preparing to shutter more restaurants - less than two years after a $20 all-you-can-eat shrimp deal helped drive the chain into bankruptcy. The once-mighty seafood giant was swamped by diners who devoured far more shrimp than executives had budgeted for, turning a traffic-boosting promotion into an $11 million nightmare. It drove the chain - which began as a single restaurant in Lakeland, Florida, in 1968 - to shutter 100 locations and file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024. But two years after emerging from bankruptcy - and its new CEO Damola Adamolekun declaring 'Red Lobster is now a stronger, more resilient company' - more cuts are coming. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Adamolekun said further closures havent been ruled out as the company trims underperforming locations. Sales have climbed roughly 10 percent over the past year, but the chain is still operating below pre-bankruptcy levels. Adamolekun, 35, was appointed CEO in August 2024 by the chains new owner, Fortress Investment Group, as Red Lobster cut costs during bankruptcy. Theres a lot of positive signs, but we inherited a very damaged brand, he told the Journal. Theres still work to do. Seafood restaurant giant Red Lobster is preparing to close additional locations following its ill-fated all-you-can-eat shrimp promotion, a campaign that ultimately contributed to the company's bankruptcy Damola Adamolekun was appointed CEO on August 26, 2024 To lure diners back, Red Lobster plans to spruce up aging restaurants, double down on regions where it still performs well - including New England and New York - and expand its franchise and grocery-store business. Red Lobsters troubles had been building for years as costs for food, rent and staff climbed and the casual dining market became more cutthroat. But the $20 'Ultimate Endless Shrimp' deal - made a permanent menu item in May 2023 - is widely viewed as the tipping point. Initially, it worked. Traffic jumped as much as 40 percent. But so did the losses. Customers ate far more shrimp than executives expected, kitchens buckled under the strain, and profit margins evaporated. Thai Union, Red Lobsters former largest minority shareholder, disclosed it lost more than $11 million in just three months after the deal launched. The episode echoed a similar misstep two decades earlier. In 2003, Red Lobster introduced an 'endless crab' promotion that was so costly it was scrapped after seven weeks, having cost $3.3 million. 'It wasn't the second helping on all-you-can-eat, but the third,' a company executive told analysts at the time, underscoring how quickly margins eroded. The $20 'Ultimate Endless Shrimp' promotion, made a permanent menu item in May 2023, is widely viewed as the final blow that accelerated Red Lobster's bankruptcy filing in May 2024 As of late 2024, after completing its restructuring, Red Lobster operates approximately 545 restaurants across 44 US states, in addition to locations in Canada and several international markets The shrimp promotion proved just as irresistible. Some customers reportedly stayed for hours, testing their limits. One diner claimed to have eaten 108 shrimp in four hours, bragging: 'I set a new record at my local Red Lobster - this is my greatest achievement in life.' Far more customers took advantage of the offer than executives had projected. Yet rather than scale it back, bosses allowed the promotion to continue for six months - deepening the losses and speeding up its bankruptcy filing. 'We knew the price was cheap, but the idea was to bring more traffic into the restaurants,' said CFO of Red Lobsters then minority shareholder, Thai Union, Ludovic Garnier. 'So we wanted to boost our traffic, and it didn't work.' Red Lobster operates around 545 restaurants across 44 US states, in addition to locations in Canada and several international markets. Waymos robotaxis cost roughly $250,000 each. Closing a door costs $6.25. That was the going rate offered to DoorDash drivers after one of the companys autonomous vehicles was left sitting with its door ajar. And the company, owned by Google parent Alphabet, admitted it is not a one-off. It told Daily Mail it has launched a pilot program in Atlanta, Georgia, where delivery drivers are paid to close doors and return the vehicles to service if they are left ajar. A screenshot of an offer - posted to the DoorDash app for dashers - quickly made the rounds on social media. The task was to head to a stranded Waymo robotaxi in Atlanta and shut the door. Drivers were offered $6.25 upfront, with an additional $5 upon completion. The commenters on the post in a Reddit thread for DoorDash drivers were tickled by the idea. 'I wonder if they charge the passenger for this? If not, please everyone keep your Waymo doors open to create more of these offers for drivers,' commented one user. It's not clear if anyone foots the bill other than Waymo and DoorDash. Waymo plans automated door closing upgrades for its future robotaxis to avoid the issue altogether - but this could take years. The Reddit post showed an offer amount to $11.25 to close a car door in Atlanta, Ga. Waymo and DoorDash confirmed a pilot program is underway in Atlanta. If a vehicle door is left ajar, nearby Dashers are alerted to step in and resolve the issue so the car can return to service DoorDash, a gig worker app usually for delivering food, is being used to get robotaxis moving again by Waymo Waymo has been tackling the problem in other cities. In December, the Washington Post reported Waymo used Honk, a tow service app, to offer $20 to close its car doors in Los Angeles. Waymo has been growing at a steady clip. They are also in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami in the US - and the autonomous taxi service has begun reaching across the Atlantic to the streets of London. But with growth there have been growing pains. On Thursday, Waymo raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill with the deployment of its next generation robotaxis that uses a base-model vehicle from Geely, a China-based company. Just weeks ago, a Waymo van found itself out-of-control in a Los Angeles neighborhood around Dodger Stadium where it went off-road and slammed into parked vehicles. And also in January it was revealed that some wealthy moms were letting their teens ride alone in Waymos, a practice both against company policy and California law. Trust in the technology is a big thing to ask for most other drivers and pedestrians adviser to the UK government, Professor John McDermid, recently told journalists at London's Science Media Centre that the self-driving cars can be confused easily. Regardless of the question of robotaxi safety, that a gig economy worker had to save a robot taxi was certain to get the attention of the internet. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 1.6% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $67.46 and last traded at $66.9750. 9,403,891 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 17% from the average session volume of 11,277,672 shares. The stock had previously closed at $65.92. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently issued reports on MO. Argus raised Altria Group to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $63.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Altria Group from $57.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of Altria Group from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 30th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Altria Group currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $63.67. Get Altria Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MO Altria Group Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $112.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.30, a PEG ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 0.47. The firms 50 day moving average is $60.06 and its 200-day moving average is $62.08. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.32 by ($0.02). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 287.61% and a net margin of 29.84%.The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.02 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.30 earnings per share. Altria Groups quarterly revenue was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a dividend of $1.06 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.3%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 103.16%. Altria Group announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback plan on Thursday, October 30th that permits the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to reacquire up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Institutional Trading of Altria Group A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in Altria Group by 62.5% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 16,395,070 shares of the companys stock valued at $954,446,000 after purchasing an additional 6,302,819 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP grew its position in shares of Altria Group by 286.7% in the third quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 4,479,699 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,929,000 after purchasing an additional 3,321,262 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 438.6% in the 4th quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 3,637,678 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,749,000 after purchasing an additional 2,962,270 shares during the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new stake in Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $126,471,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Altria Group by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 160,980,626 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,282,143,000 after purchasing an additional 1,903,530 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Altria Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A. de C.V. (NYSE:ASR Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the six brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have assigned a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $300.00. A number of analysts have weighed in on ASR shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Zacks Research raised shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Morgan Stanley cut Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $300.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Scotiabank raised shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Get Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on ASR Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Stock Down 2.0% Institutional Investors Weigh In On Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Shares of NYSE:ASR opened at $370.13 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $11.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.62 and a beta of 0.56. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste has a 12-month low of $249.21 and a 12-month high of $379.07. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $332.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $321.75. The company has a quick ratio of 2.69, a current ratio of 2.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ASR. AGF Management Ltd. bought a new stake in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $1,288,000. Fisher Funds Management LTD boosted its position in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 13.3% during the third quarter. Fisher Funds Management LTD now owns 40,654 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $13,145,000 after purchasing an additional 4,786 shares in the last quarter. ABS Direct Equity Fund LLC purchased a new stake in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste in the third quarter worth $3,602,000. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. lifted its position in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 2,425.8% during the second quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 110,227 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $35,148,000 after buying an additional 105,863 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its position in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 5.7% during the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 1,344 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $429,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the period. 10.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, SAB. de C.V. (NYSE: ASR) is a leading airport operator in Mexico specializing in the development, operation and management of airports under long-term concession agreements. The companys core business activities include the operation of passenger and cargo terminals, the administration of retail and service concessions, the provision of parking and ground-support services, and the implementation of security and maintenance programs. ASR holds concession rights for nine airports across southeastern Mexico, including premier tourism hubs such as Cancun, Cozumel and Huatulco, as well as regional facilities in Merida, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Minatitlan. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust plc (LON:BGEU Get Free Report) traded down 2.3% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 103.50 and last traded at GBX 104. 1,275,816 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 136% from the average session volume of 539,836 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 106.50. Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust Trading Down 2.3% The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 107.75 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 105.45. The stock has a market capitalization of 313.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.62 and a beta of 1.06. Get Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust alerts: Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust (LON:BGEU Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 9th. The company reported GBX 0.78 earnings per share for the quarter. Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust had a return on equity of 12.17% and a net margin of 96.85%. Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust Company Profile The European Investment Trust plc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Edinburgh Partners AIFM Limited. The fund is co-managed by Edinburgh Partners Limited. It invests in public equity markets of Europe, excluding the United Kingdom. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It primarily invests in value stocks of companies. The fund employs fundamental analysis with a bottom-up stock selection approach, focusing on companies which seek to benefit from restructuring, cost cutting, and other profitability improvements to create its portfolio. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Biotricity (OTCMKTS:BTCY) reported fiscal third-quarter 2026 results for the period ended Dec. 31, 2025, highlighting year-over-year revenue growth, margin expansion, and a third consecutive quarter of positive EBITDA and operating income as the company continues to scale its remote cardiac monitoring and chronic care platform. Get alerts: Management emphasizes recurring revenue model and chronic care demand Founder and CEO Dr. Waqaas Al-Siddiq said the quarter marked another important step in executing Biotricitys strategy, pointing to three consecutive quarters of positive net operating income and EBITDA. He attributed demand to broader trends including an aging population and persistent resource and staffing shortages, positioning remote patient management as a shift from reactive care to proactive management. Cardiac AI Cloud expansion and regulatory efforts Al-Siddiq said Biotricitys approach focuses on clinical-grade accuracy, reimbursement alignment, and scalable infrastructure. He also contrasted the companys model with high-cost service models that he said can divert reimbursement away from providers, adding that Biotricitys platform is designed to simplify clinical workflows while supporting provider economics. Al-Siddiq highlighted progress in expanding the companys Cardiac AI Cloud platform, describing it as an AI-driven system intended to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve outcomes, and increase clinical profitability. He said the company is pursuing FDA clearance for its AI clinical model and expects additional improvements in operating expenses and margins with the next clearance. He also said Biotricity continues to pursue international regulatory approvals to support future distribution, in addition to approvals already in place in the U.S., Canada, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and some other smaller markets. While management said the primary focus remains U.S. expansion, it described international growth as opportunistic and driven through distribution partnerships. Product momentum: BioCore Pro and pilots in larger networks On the commercial front, management said it continued to expand sales of BioCore Pro, described as a next-generation cardiac monitoring device, with deeper penetration among current customers and a broader footprint. Al-Siddiq also said the company launched multiple large-scale cardiac monitoring pilot programs within hospital networks and clinic groups. He said these initiatives are contributing to improved utilization and accelerating the companys path toward breakeven. In closing remarks, Al-Siddiq reiterated expectations for calendar 2026, including continued top-line growth and an anticipated shift to profitability, adding that management expects to become net income positive during the year. Quarterly financial results: revenue up 10% and margin expansion CFO John Ayanoglou said recurring revenue performance reflected adoption of Biotricitys subscription-based technology-as-a-service model, with an additional usage-based subscription component. He said the companys FDA-cleared cardiac monitoring devices continue to drive adoption, especially the next-generation Biotres Pro, which he noted includes cellular connectivity. For the fiscal third quarter, the company reported: Revenue: $4.0 million, up 10.2% from $3.6 million in the prior-year quarter. $4.0 million, up 10.2% from $3.6 million in the prior-year quarter. Technology fees: 91.2% of total revenue for the quarter, which management attributed to customer retention and support services. 91.2% of total revenue for the quarter, which management attributed to customer retention and support services. Gross profit: $3.2 million, up 17.6% from $2.8 million a year ago. $3.2 million, up 17.6% from $2.8 million a year ago. Gross margin: 81.5%, up 516 basis points from 76.4% in the prior-year quarter. Ayanoglou attributed the margin improvement to an expanding base of recurring technology fee revenue and efficiencies tied to proprietary AI, as well as changes in monitoring and cloud cost structures. Expenses, cash flow, and profitability metrics Operating expenses were $2.8 million compared with $2.93 million in the same period last year, a 4.2% decrease. The CFO said selling, general and administrative expenses fell 8.2%a reduction of more than $195,000while research and development spending increased by $72,000. Ayanoglou also described changes to the companys sales approach, saying Biotricity has transformed its sales force to increase efficiency. He said the external sales team is focused on longer sales cycles and larger accounts, including independent hospitals and group purchasing organization (GPO) networks. He added that Biotricity is contracted under three of the largest GPO networks, which he said provides access to sell into more than 90% of hospitals in the U.S. On cash generation and profitability indicators, management said Biotricity has delivered positive free cash flowsdefined on the call as cash from operations available to pay interest and dividendsfor the last six consecutive quarters. The CFO said those trends supported a path toward profitability in the next quarter. Biotricity reported EBITDA of $280,000 for the quarter, which the CFO said corresponded to $0.01 per share, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive EBITDA. The company also posted operating income from operations of $441,000 for the quarter, which management described as the third consecutive profitable quarter from operations. Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $1.1 million, compared with $1.3 million in the prior-year period. Loss per share was $0.042 versus $0.054 a year ago. No analyst questions were asked during the Q&A portion of the call. About Biotricity (OTCMKTS:BTCY) Biotricity (OTCMKTS:BTCY) is a medical device and digital health company specializing in remote cardiovascular monitoring and chronic disease management. The companys flagship offering, the Bioflux system, integrates a wearable ECG patch with a cloud-based analytics platform to deliver real-time heart rhythm data and diagnostic insights. By combining wireless biosensors, mobile applications, and secure data transmission, Biotricity aims to simplify patient monitoring for healthcare providers and enhance early detection of arrhythmias and other cardiac events. In addition to its core ambulatory ECG solution, Biotricity provides a suite of digital health products designed for broader chronic care management. Featured Articles Centene (NYSE:CNC Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $32.00 to $39.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, Marketbeat reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the stock. Several other analysts have also issued reports on CNC. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on Centene from $28.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating and set a $45.00 price target on shares of Centene in a report on Thursday, October 30th. UBS Group set a $42.00 price objective on Centene and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Centene from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a sell rating and set a $38.00 price target (up previously from $33.00) on shares of Centene in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $41.50. Get Centene alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Centene Centene Price Performance Shares of NYSE:CNC opened at $39.17 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $19.25 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.48. The companys fifty day moving average is $42.08 and its two-hundred day moving average is $36.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. Centene has a 12-month low of $25.08 and a 12-month high of $66.03. Centene (NYSE:CNC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported ($1.19) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($1.22) by $0.03. Centene had a positive return on equity of 4.25% and a negative net margin of 3.43%.The business had revenue of $49.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $48.41 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.80 earnings per share. Centenes revenue for the quarter was up 21.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Centene has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.000-3.000 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Centene will post 6.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Centene Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Baird Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Centene during the 1st quarter worth $236,000. Sivia Capital Partners LLC raised its stake in Centene by 80.0% in the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 9,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $527,000 after acquiring an additional 4,315 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its position in Centene by 198.6% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 2,114 shares of the companys stock worth $115,000 after purchasing an additional 1,406 shares during the period. Aberdeen Group plc increased its stake in shares of Centene by 4.5% in the second quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 356,771 shares of the companys stock worth $19,366,000 after purchasing an additional 15,309 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC raised its position in shares of Centene by 44.6% in the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 63,679 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,457,000 after purchasing an additional 19,629 shares during the period. 93.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Centene News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Centene this week: About Centene (Get Free Report) Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that specializes in providing services to government-sponsored and national health programs. The company primarily acts as a managed care organization, delivering healthcare coverage and administering benefits for Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare Advantage, and individual marketplace plans. Centene also contracts with federal and state agencies to manage specialty care programs and community-based services for vulnerable populations. Centenes offerings extend beyond traditional insurance to include a range of specialty and support services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Cushman & Wakefield PLC (NYSE:CWK Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 5,820,851 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 226% from the previous sessions volume of 1,783,278 shares.The stock last traded at $12.0220 and had previously closed at $13.97. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have weighed in on CWK shares. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Cushman & Wakefield from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Cushman & Wakefield from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $19.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday. JMP Securities set a $19.00 price target on Cushman & Wakefield in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup raised Cushman & Wakefield from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $18.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Citizens Jmp lifted their price objective on Cushman & Wakefield from $16.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Cushman & Wakefield currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $18.61. Get Cushman & Wakefield alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield Price Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cushman & Wakefield The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. The stock has a market cap of $2.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.79 and a beta of 1.47. The companys 50-day moving average is $16.16 and its 200-day moving average is $15.72. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Cushman & Wakefield by 5.5% in the third quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 11,461 shares of the companys stock valued at $174,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 6,201 shares of the companys stock valued at $99,000 after purchasing an additional 667 shares in the last quarter. Amalgamated Bank grew its holdings in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 66,655 shares of the companys stock worth $1,061,000 after purchasing an additional 821 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 7.4% during the 4th quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 12,572 shares of the companys stock worth $204,000 after purchasing an additional 865 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in Cushman & Wakefield by 18.3% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,000 after purchasing an additional 867 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.56% of the companys stock. About Cushman & Wakefield (Get Free Report) Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Chicago. The company provides a wide range of services to occupiers and investors, specializing in transaction management, property management, facilities management and project management. Its clientele spans corporate occupiers, landlords, investors and government entities seeking solutions to optimize their real estate portfolios and operations. The firms core offerings include leasing advisory for office, industrial, retail and multifamily properties, as well as capital markets advice on acquisitions, dispositions and debt and equity placements. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cushman & Wakefield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cushman & Wakefield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortune Brands Innovations (NYSE:FBIN Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 3.350-3.650 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 4.060. The company issued revenue guidance of $4.5 billion-$4.6 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $4.6 billion. Fortune Brands Innovations Stock Down 1.2% Shares of NYSE:FBIN traded down $0.74 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $62.33. 2,914,468 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,054,437. The firm has a market cap of $7.49 billion, a PE ratio of 23.26, a P/E/G ratio of 5.44 and a beta of 1.41. Fortune Brands Innovations has a fifty-two week low of $44.04 and a fifty-two week high of $70.05. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $55.02 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $54.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Get Fortune Brands Innovations alerts: Fortune Brands Innovations (NYSE:FBIN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by ($0.15). Fortune Brands Innovations had a net margin of 7.30% and a return on equity of 19.28%. The business had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.14 billion. Fortune Brands Innovations has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.350-3.650 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Fortune Brands Innovations will post 4.24 earnings per share for the current year. Fortune Brands Innovations Increases Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be paid a $0.26 dividend. This is an increase from Fortune Brands Innovationss previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. Fortune Brands Innovationss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.31%. Several analysts have issued reports on FBIN shares. Vertical Research began coverage on Fortune Brands Innovations in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. They issued a hold rating and a $52.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Barclays raised their price target on Fortune Brands Innovations from $63.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $62.00 price objective on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations from $83.00 to $79.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $62.33. Check Out Our Latest Report on FBIN Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in FBIN. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in Fortune Brands Innovations by 30.0% in the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,108 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after acquiring an additional 256 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Fortune Brands Innovations by 158.3% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 527 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of Fortune Brands Innovations by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 41,713 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,539,000 after purchasing an additional 324 shares during the last quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Fortune Brands Innovations by 8.1% during the 3rd quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 4,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $246,000 after purchasing an additional 345 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC increased its position in Fortune Brands Innovations by 0.7% during the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 49,360 shares of the companys stock worth $2,469,000 after purchasing an additional 345 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.60% of the companys stock. About Fortune Brands Innovations (Get Free Report) Fortune Brands Innovations (NYSE: FBIN), formerly known as Fortune Brands Home & Security, is a global leader in water innovations, specializing in the design, manufacturing and marketing of plumbing fixtures, fittings and related products. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, the company leverages two iconic brandsMoen and House of Rohlto deliver high-quality kitchen and bathroom solutions across residential and commercial markets. With a focus on performance, reliability and aesthetic design, FBINs portfolio spans faucets, showerheads, accessories and water filtration systems. The companys products are sold through a diversified network of retail partners, wholesale distributors and online channels across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fortune Brands Innovations Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortune Brands Innovations and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (NYSEARCA:ASEA Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 14,895 shares, a drop of 62.3% from the January 15th total of 39,473 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 107,828 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 107,828 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Institutional Trading of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Boothe Investment Group Inc. grew its position in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Boothe Investment Group Inc. now owns 751,426 shares of the companys stock worth $13,773,000 after purchasing an additional 20,554 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in shares of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 3.2% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 116,914 shares of the companys stock worth $1,907,000 after buying an additional 3,634 shares during the period. Barry Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 0.7% during the third quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC now owns 100,298 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,714,000 after buying an additional 719 shares during the last quarter. Algorithmic Investment Models LLC increased its position in shares of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter. Algorithmic Investment Models LLC now owns 62,762 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,073,000 after acquiring an additional 2,961 shares during the period. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC increased its position in shares of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 17.4% in the 2nd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 54,716 shares of the companys stock valued at $892,000 after acquiring an additional 8,096 shares during the period. Get Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF alerts: Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Price Performance Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF stock traded down $0.01 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $20.27. The companys stock had a trading volume of 31,083 shares, compared to its average volume of 77,586. The stock has a market capitalization of $92.23 million, a P/E ratio of 12.26 and a beta of 0.58. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $18.97 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.99. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF has a 52-week low of $13.68 and a 52-week high of $20.47. About Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF The Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE\u002FASEAN 40 INDEX index. The fund tracks a market-cap weighted and -selected index of the 40 largest and most liquid stocks from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. ASEA was launched on Feb 17, 2011 and is managed by Global X. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China to announce final ruling on Canadian rapeseed anti-dumping case by March 9 Xinhua) 10:05, February 13, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China will announce the final ruling on its anti-dumping investigation into rapeseed imports from Canada before March 9, 2026, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said at a regular press conference on Thursday. Given the complexity of the case, the investigation period has been extended, the ministry said. It will fully consider Canada's reasonable concerns within the framework of relevant rules, and make an objective and fair final ruling based on the facts and evidence. During Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China in January, the two countries made specific arrangements to properly address bilateral economic and trade concerns in areas such as electric vehicles (EVs), steel and aluminum products, rapeseed, and agricultural and aquatic products, the ministry said. It said that Canada will make positive adjustments to its unilateral measures against Chinese EVs as well as steel and aluminum products, and China will adjust its anti-discrimination measures correspondingly in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:GSJY Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 695 shares, a decline of 99.7% from the January 15th total of 232,873 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 6,589 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 6,589 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Wealthfront Advisers LLC bought a new stake in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $209,000. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF by 56.1% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 95,107 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,661,000 after buying an additional 34,188 shares during the period. Finally, Betterment LLC lifted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF by 49.0% in the second quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 993,150 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,702,000 after buying an additional 326,410 shares during the period. Get Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF alerts: Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF Stock Down 0.7% NYSEARCA GSJY traded down $0.40 during trading on Thursday, hitting $53.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,566 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,037. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $48.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $46.39. The firm has a market cap of $86.08 million, a P/E ratio of 14.30 and a beta of 0.65. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF has a 52 week low of $33.56 and a 52 week high of $54.30. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF Company Profile The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF (GSJY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of Japanese large- and mid-cap equities, with equal weights to each of 4 factor buckets and stocks within each bucket weighted by a factor score. GSJY was launched on Mar 2, 2016 and is managed by Goldman Sachs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Wimpey plc (LON:TW Get Free Report) insider Jennie Daly acquired 139 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 9th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 108 per share, for a total transaction of 150.12. Jennie Daly also recently made the following trade(s): Get Taylor Wimpey alerts: On Thursday, January 8th, Jennie Daly bought 139 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 108 per share, with a total value of 150.12. On Monday, December 8th, Jennie Daly bought 147 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 102 per share, with a total value of 149.94. Taylor Wimpey Price Performance TW opened at GBX 115.35 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 5.08, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79. The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 105.89 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 103.23. The company has a market cap of 4.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.81. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a report on Monday, November 24th. They set a neutral rating and a GBX 109 price target for the company. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Taylor Wimpey from GBX 143 to GBX 137 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Taylor Wimpey from GBX 140 to GBX 132 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a GBX 150 price target on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 128 price target on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Taylor Wimpey currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 126. View Our Latest Analysis on TW About Taylor Wimpey (Get Free Report) Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Wimpey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Wimpey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Europe IMI Index ETF (TSE:XEU Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$39.58 and last traded at C$39.58, with a volume of 6423 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$39.35. iShares MSCI Europe IMI Index ETF Price Performance The companys 50-day moving average is C$38.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$36.93. About iShares MSCI Europe IMI Index ETF (Get Free Report) The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital growth by replicating, to the extent possible, the performance of the MSCI Europe Investable Market Index (the Index), net of expenses. To achieve its investment objective the Fund uses an indexing strategy. Under this strategy, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Index, net of expenses, by employing, directly or indirectly, through investment in one or more iShares ETFs and/or through the use of derivatives, a replicating strategy or sampling strategy. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Europe IMI Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Europe IMI Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMD Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $45.20 and last traded at $45.09, with a volume of 576817 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $44.49. John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF Trading Down 0.8% The companys 50 day moving average price is $42.67 and its 200 day moving average price is $40.84. The company has a market cap of $1.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.46 and a beta of 0.81. Get John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Assetmark Inc. grew its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 866.7% in the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,160 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 1,040 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank grew its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 15.1% during the 4th quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 3,137 shares of the companys stock valued at $130,000 after buying an additional 411 shares during the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF in the third quarter worth $135,000. Finally, CLG LLC acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $203,000. John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF Company Profile The John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (JHMD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of stocks from developed markets ex-US and Canada, covering 85% of the market capitalization. Holdings are weighted based on fundamental and technical factors JHMD was launched on Dec 15, 2016 and is managed by John Hancock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NBHC Get Free Report) insider John Steinmetz purchased 24,200 shares of National Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $41.41 per share, with a total value of $1,002,122.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider directly owned 536,504 shares in the company, valued at $22,216,630.64. This trade represents a 4.72% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. National Bank Stock Performance NBHC stock traded down $0.81 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $40.72. 593,860 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 469,057. National Bank Holdings Corporation has a 12 month low of $32.83 and a 12 month high of $43.53. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.29 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $39.94 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $38.50. Get National Bank alerts: National Bank (NYSE:NBHC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The financial services provider reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by ($0.27). The business had revenue of $100.64 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $107.48 million. National Bank had a return on equity of 8.65% and a net margin of 18.66%.During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.86 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that National Bank Holdings Corporation will post 3.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. National Bank Increases Dividend Analysts Set New Price Targets The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $0.32 per share. This is an increase from National Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. National Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 43.51%. Several research firms have recently issued reports on NBHC. DA Davidson reissued a buy rating and set a $46.00 target price on shares of National Bank in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of National Bank in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Stephens upgraded shares of National Bank from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $42.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of National Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of National Bank from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $44.75. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NBHC Institutional Investors Weigh In On National Bank Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its position in National Bank by 336.6% in the third quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 56,373 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,178,000 after buying an additional 43,462 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC increased its holdings in shares of National Bank by 110.4% during the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 43,045 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,663,000 after buying an additional 22,583 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lifted its stake in shares of National Bank by 97.9% in the 3rd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 80,567 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,113,000 after acquiring an additional 39,848 shares during the last quarter. Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. bought a new position in shares of National Bank in the 3rd quarter valued at $14,240,000. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. acquired a new stake in shares of National Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,869,000. 92.65% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. National Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) is a diversified financial services holding company headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Through its network of community bank subsidiaries, the company provides deposit, lending and payment solutions to consumer, small business and commercial clients across multiple U.S. markets. Since its founding in 1992, National Bank Holdings has pursued a growth strategy focused on acquiring and integrating locally branded community banks. Its footprint spans the Midwest and Southern United States, including Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Illinois and Tennessee. See Also Receive News & Ratings for National Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nokian Renkaat Oyj (OTCMKTS:NKRKF Get Free Report) shot up 30% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $13.34 and last traded at $13.34. 150 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 75% from the average session volume of 600 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.26. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Danske downgraded shares of Nokian Renkaat Oyj from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Nokian Renkaat Oyj has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Nokian Renkaat Oyj alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Nokian Renkaat Oyj Nokian Renkaat Oyj Price Performance About Nokian Renkaat Oyj The stock has a 50 day moving average of $10.32 and a 200-day moving average of $9.58. (Get Free Report) Nokian Renkaat Oyj is a Finlandbased manufacturer of tyres and rubber products, best known for its winter tyre technology. The companys product portfolio includes winter and allseason tyres for passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks, as well as heavyduty tyres for trucks, buses, earthmovers and industrial equipment. Nokian Renkaat positions itself as a specialist in coldclimate and allseason traction solutions, with a strong focus on safety, durability and environmental performance. The company was established in 1988 through the demerger of Nokia Corporations tyre operations, although its rubber production heritage dates back to the late 19th century. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nokian Renkaat Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokian Renkaat Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NYSEARCA:NUGO Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,771 shares, an increase of 136.5% from the January 15th total of 2,440 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 16,875 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 16,875 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF Price Performance Shares of NUGO stock traded down $0.70 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $37.72. 2,147 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 15,898. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $39.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.23. The company has a market cap of $2.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.41 and a beta of 1.13. Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF has a 12-month low of $26.01 and a 12-month high of $41.85. Get Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF alerts: About Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (Get Free Report) Read More The Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund is an actively managed, non-transparent ETF that invests in large-cap US stocks selected for growth, quality, and value factors. The fund utilizes the Natixis\u002FNYSE non-transparent model. NUGO was launched on Sep 27, 2021 and is managed by Nuveen. Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) reported solid 2026 half-year results and upgraded full-year guidance for its Energy Markets segment, citing stronger-than-expected operational performance, customer growth and continued cost discipline. CEO Frank Calabria told investors the companys retail momentum continued to strengthen, while new grid-scale batteries provided additional flexibility across the portfolio. Get alerts: Financial snapshot and dividend For the half, Origin reported statutory profit of AUD 557 million and underlying profit of AUD 593 million. Underlying EBITDA was AUD 1,589 million, with higher Energy Markets earnings offset by lower contributions from Octopus Energy and a lower Integrated Gas outcome compared with the prior period. Energy Markets: stronger electricity margins, cost-to-serve reductions Adjusted free cash flow roseto. Origins balance sheet metrics were described as strong, with net debt to adjusted underlying EBITDA of. The board declared afully franked interim dividend, which management said was supported by cash flow and balance sheet strength. Energy Markets delivered segment EBITDA of AUD 860 million for the half, which management said was higher than expected. CFO Tony Lucas said Energy Markets EBITDA rose 17%, supported by higher electricity earnings due to lagged flow-through of higher wholesale prices into retail tariffs, alongside lower green scheme costs and solar feed-in costs. Gas earnings in Energy Markets were lower versus the prior period, reflecting lower trading volumes and legacy contracts rolling off. However, Lucas said the company still expects full-year gas earnings to be moderately higher than FY2025 as sale and purchase contracts reprice in the second half. Management highlighted ongoing cost-to-serve reductions, with AUD 32 million reduced in the half and ongoing Kraken benefits. Calabria said Origin is on track to deliver its FY26 cost-savings target of AUD 100 million to AUD 150 million (or by FY26), while noting higher bad and doubtful debts following the non-repeat of energy bill relief. Customer growth, acquisitions, and technology initiatives Origin grew its customer base by 96,000 during the half, marking more than 10 consecutive halves of customer growth. Calabria said the increase included 52,000 customer accounts from the Energy Locals acquisition. He also noted a subsequent acquisition completed in FebruaryFirst Energywhich is expected to add 80,000 additional customers. The company pointed to continued investment in technology and customer experience, including expanded use of AI. Calabria said digital interactions reached 80% (up from 75%), and voice-based servicing using AI increased to serving over 100,000 customers, up from 25,000. Energy supply: batteries online, Eraring extension, and APLNG operations Origin said generation performance was strong across its fleet, with high reliability for gas peaking and hydro. Calabria said coal for FY2026 was largely contracted at prices lower than the prior financial year. For Eraring, Origin generated 6.4 TWh in the half at 72.26% availability (after planned and unplanned outages). The company brought Eraring battery stage one online, generating revenue since December, and said it was delivered on time and on budget. Supernode One was in commissioning in January and also earning revenue. Origin committed a further AUD 80 million to expand Eraring Stage Two, increasing the project to nearly six hours of storage. Overall, management described a 1.7 GW / 6.3 GWh storage program underway, on time and on budget, with post-tax return targets of 8% to 11%, with early asset life expected toward the upper end. Origin also reiterated that Eraring Power Station operations have been extended to April 2029. Executive Greg Jarvis said the company is very confident in maintaining Eraring to that date and expects to manage units proactively by taking them out during periods of low demand and high capacity to support reliability, without major outages. In Integrated Gas, segment EBITDA was AUD 860 million, described as in line with expectations for APLNG and LNG Trading. Lucas said APLNG experienced lower realized prices and volumes, reflecting softer oil and spot LNG markets and the impact of the Sinopec price review effective 1 January 2025. APLNG production of 339 petajoules for the half was described as on track to meet updated full-year guidance of 645 to 680 petajoules. Calabria said APLNG unit costs remained stable at AUD 4.30/GJ. Octopus and Kraken: growth, investment, and transactions Octopus recorded an EBITDA loss of AUD 89 million for the half, which management attributed to seasonality, UK regulatory costs, investments in smart tariffs, and continued investment to scale non-UK retail and energy services. Lucas added that EBITDA was also affected by investment in accelerated client delivery, growth opportunities, and a change in capitalization policy for technology development costs at Kraken. Calabria said Octopus added 1.2 million customer accounts in the half, with 0.8 million of those outside the UK. Octopus UK customer accounts increased by 400,000 to 14.5 million, while international accounts rose by 800,000 to 3.5 million. Management said Germany reached 1 million customer accounts. Kraken announced its first standalone equity raise at a look-through valuation of $8.65 billion, alongside a licensing agreement that increased contracted accounts to 90 million. Calabria said Kraken has doubled contracted annual recurring revenue over the last 18 months. Origin said it will invest AUD 210 million as part of the raise, receiving 1.5% in exchange for releasing exclusivity to the Kraken platform in energy in Australia, and that Origin retains a 22.7% economic interest in Kraken and Octopus following the transactions. Management also flagged an investor day with Krakens CEO on 28 April in Sydney. Updated guidance and capital outlook Origin upgraded full-year Energy Markets EBITDA guidance to AUD 1.55 billion to AUD 1.75 billion, up from AUD 1.4 billion to AUD 1.7 billion. Guidance for LNG Trading and Octopus was unchanged. Group capex guidance was AUD 900 million to AUD 1.1 billion, and Origin provided APLNG cash distribution expectations to Origin of AUD 700 million to AUD 950 million. In Q&A, management discussed the outlook for FY2027, pointing to tailwinds from battery earnings and lower coal costs, but headwinds from lower forward wholesale prices potentially flowing into lower default market offer tariffs. Calabria and Lucas said the company was not providing specific FY2027 guidance, while noting the wholesale team has been active early on positioning for 2027. On dividends, management emphasized maintaining a sustainable, fully franked payout within its target leverage range and said capital allocation would continue to balance investment opportunities and shareholder returns. About Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) Origin Energy Limited, an integrated energy company, engages in the exploration and production of natural gas, electricity generation, wholesale and retail sale of electricity and gas, and sale of liquefied natural gas in Australia and internationally. The company operates through, Energy Markets, and Integrated Gas segments. Its exploration and production portfolio includes the Bowen and Surat basins in Queensland; the Browse basin in Western Australia; and the Cooper-Eromanga basin in Queensland. Recommended Stories Shares of ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE:PRA Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $24.63 and last traded at $24.6150, with a volume of 304830 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $24.34. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded ProAssurance to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Zacks Research lowered ProAssurance from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of ProAssurance in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $25.00. Get ProAssurance alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PRA ProAssurance Stock Up 0.8% Institutional Investors Weigh In On ProAssurance The company has a market cap of $1.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.75 and a beta of 0.09. The firms 50 day moving average price is $24.17 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $24.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.28. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Magnetar Financial LLC raised its position in shares of ProAssurance by 2.3% during the third quarter. Magnetar Financial LLC now owns 3,026,173 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $72,598,000 after purchasing an additional 69,365 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of ProAssurance by 41.6% in the third quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 2,711,805 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $65,056,000 after purchasing an additional 796,132 shares in the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its holdings in ProAssurance by 186.1% during the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 1,491,060 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $34,041,000 after buying an additional 969,833 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in ProAssurance by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,199,244 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $28,978,000 after buying an additional 4,607 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alpine Associates Management Inc. lifted its stake in ProAssurance by 73.6% during the 3rd quarter. Alpine Associates Management Inc. now owns 952,547 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $22,852,000 after acquiring an additional 403,807 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.58% of the companys stock. About ProAssurance (Get Free Report) ProAssurance Corporation is a specialty property and casualty insurance holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The company focuses primarily on professional liability coverage for healthcare providers, including physicians, surgeons, dentists and allied health professionals. ProAssurance operates through a group of insurance subsidiaries that underwrite both occurrence- and claims-made policies tailored to the unique risks faced by the medical community. In addition to professional liability insurance, ProAssurance offers a suite of complementary property and casualty products, such as general liability, workers compensation, property and inland marine, and umbrella coverage. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ProAssurance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProAssurance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Raiffeisen Bank International AG (OTCMKTS:RAIFF Get Free Report) fell 5% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $49.95 and last traded at $49.95. 110 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 38% from the average session volume of 178 shares. The stock had previously closed at $52.5875. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently commented on RAIFF. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating on shares of Raiffeisen Bank International in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Raiffeisen Bank International in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Raiffeisen Bank International currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Raiffeisen Bank International alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on RAIFF Raiffeisen Bank International Price Performance Raiffeisen Bank International Company Profile The businesss 50-day moving average price is $41.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $36.25. (Get Free Report) Raiffeisen Bank International (OTCMKTS:RAIFF) is an Austrian banking group headquartered in Vienna, serving as the central and eastern European platform of the Raiffeisen Banking Group. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients, leveraging its strong regional presence to facilitate trade, investment and day-to-day banking needs. In its corporate and investment banking division, Raiffeisen Bank International provides lending, trade finance, project financing, cash management and capital markets services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWX Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 28,902 shares, a drop of 60.4% from the January 15th total of 72,923 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 287,686 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 287,686 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:IWX traded down $1.08 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $96.49. 129,320 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 244,566. The company has a fifty day moving average of $94.00 and a 200 day moving average of $89.82. iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF has a twelve month low of $71.48 and a twelve month high of $98.02. The company has a market capitalization of $3.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.39 and a beta of 0.82. Get iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Fisher Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF in the second quarter worth $482,000. AE Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,017,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $85,655,000 after acquiring an additional 5,763 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 274,444 shares of the companys stock worth $23,105,000 after acquiring an additional 21,382 shares during the last quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its stake in iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF by 23.4% in the 2nd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 10,564 shares of the companys stock worth $889,000 after acquiring an additional 2,002 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Claro Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF by 63.0% during the 2nd quarter. Claro Advisors LLC now owns 8,388 shares of the companys stock worth $706,000 after acquiring an additional 3,241 shares during the period. iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF Company Profile iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF(the Fund), formerly iShares Russell Top 200 Value Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell Top 200 Value Index (the Value Index). The Value Index is a style factor weighted index that measures the performance of the largest-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market. The Value Index is a subset of the Russell Top 200 Index and measures the performance of equity securities of Russell Top 200 Index issuers with relatively lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund (NYSEARCA:LONZ Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 40,198 shares, an increase of 431.6% from the January 15th total of 7,562 shares. Currently, 0.4% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 104,780 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 104,780 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.4% of the companys stock are sold short. PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund Trading Up 0.0% NYSEARCA LONZ traded up $0.01 on Thursday, reaching $50.00. The company had a trading volume of 86,873 shares, compared to its average volume of 93,847. The companys fifty day moving average is $50.45 and its 200 day moving average is $50.66. PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund has a 52-week low of $47.79 and a 52-week high of $51.29. Get PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund alerts: PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 4th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.38 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 9.1%. This is a boost from PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 2nd. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund Company Profile An institutional investor recently raised its position in PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund stock. L & S Advisors Inc grew its position in shares of PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund ( NYSEARCA:LONZ Free Report ) by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 130,706 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,491 shares during the quarter. L & S Advisors Inc owned 1.11% of PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund worth $6,675,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. (Get Free Report) The PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund (LONZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund seeks current income through the active management of US dollar-denominated senior floating rate bank loans that are rated below investment grade. LONZ was launched on Jun 8, 2022 and is managed by PIMCO. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers decreased its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report) by 5.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 527,352 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 29,828 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.19% of Agilent Technologies worth $67,686,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of A. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Agilent Technologies by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 33,997,845 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,012,086,000 after purchasing an additional 589,219 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 10.7% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 13,227,387 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,560,964,000 after buying an additional 1,273,994 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies by 1.6% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,319,530 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $860,137,000 after buying an additional 115,183 shares during the period. Generation Investment Management LLP grew its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 15.9% during the second quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP now owns 5,775,860 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $681,609,000 after buying an additional 792,304 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Agilent Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $395,088,000. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Insider Activity In other Agilent Technologies news, VP Rodney Gonsalves sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.99, for a total transaction of $464,970.00. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 31,846 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,935,811.54. This represents a 8.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Padraig Mcdonnell sold 911 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.24, for a total value of $130,491.64. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 32,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,591,987.92. The trade was a 2.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have commented on A. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research report on Monday, December 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Agilent Technologies from $165.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Agilent Technologies in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $180.00 price target on the stock. Evercore upgraded shares of Agilent Technologies from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $155.00 to $160.00 in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Agilent Technologies in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. They issued an overweight rating on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Agilent Technologies presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $164.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Trading Down 3.1% Shares of NYSE:A opened at $124.86 on Friday. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $96.43 and a 12-month high of $160.27. The company has a market capitalization of $35.32 billion, a PE ratio of 27.32, a PEG ratio of 3.74 and a beta of 1.30. The business has a 50 day moving average of $138.23 and a two-hundred day moving average of $135.25. The company has a current ratio of 1.96, a quick ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 24th. The medical research company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.01. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 18.75% and a return on equity of 25.20%. The business had revenue of $1.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.83 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.46 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. Agilent Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.350-1.380 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.860-6.000 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.58 EPS for the current year. Agilent Technologies Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 22nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be given a $0.255 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a $1.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Agilent Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 22.32%. Agilent Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Agilent Technologies is a global provider of scientific instrumentation, consumables, software and services for laboratories across the life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets. The companys product portfolio includes analytical instruments such as liquid and gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectroscopy systems, and laboratory automation solutions, together with reagents, supplies and informatics tools that support measurement, testing and data analysis workflows. Agilent also offers instrument maintenance, qualification and laboratory services designed to help customers improve productivity and comply with regulatory requirements. Founded as a corporate spin-off from HewlettPackard in 1999, Agilent has evolved through a combination of strategic restructuring and acquisitions to concentrate on life sciences, diagnostics and applied laboratories. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding A? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, February 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a dividend of 0.45 per share by the mining company on Monday, March 16th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This is a 12.5% increase from Agnico Eagle Miness previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. Agnico Eagle Mines has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.0%per year over the last three years. Agnico Eagle Mines has a payout ratio of 24.9% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Agnico Eagle Mines to earn $4.28 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.60 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 37.4%. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Performance AEM opened at $205.35 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. Agnico Eagle Mines has a 12-month low of $92.11 and a 12-month high of $225.00. The business has a 50 day moving average of $188.56 and a 200-day moving average of $166.90. The stock has a market cap of $102.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.98, a PEG ratio of 0.49 and a beta of 0.63. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Agnico Eagle Mines ( NYSE:AEM Get Free Report ) (TSE:AEM) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The mining company reported $2.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.56 by $0.13. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 15.64% and a net margin of 32.62%.The business had revenue of $3.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.40 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.26 EPS. The firms revenue was up 60.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 4.63 earnings per share for the current year. Several brokerages recently commented on AEM. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $219.00 to $276.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Citigroup boosted their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $198.00 to $256.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines in a report on Thursday, January 29th. They set a neutral rating and a $248.00 target price for the company. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $225.00 price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings cut shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a buy (a-) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $230.64. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Agnico Eagle Mines Agnico Eagle Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) is a Canadian-based senior gold producer headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company is principally engaged in the exploration, development, production and reclamation of gold-bearing properties. Agnico Eagle pursues both greenfield and brownfield exploration to expand its resource base and operates a portfolio of producing mines and development projects to generate long-life gold production. Its core business activities span the full mining lifecycle: grassroots and advanced-stage exploration, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, mine construction, underground and open-pit mining, ore processing and metal recovery, and post-mining reclamation and closure. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. increased its stake in Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD Free Report) by 64.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,031 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,535 shares during the quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Air Products and Chemicals were worth $2,463,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Traub Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Air Products and Chemicals in the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Air Products and Chemicals during the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Abound Wealth Management increased its position in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 292.3% during the third quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 102 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Air Products and Chemicals by 228.1% in the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 105 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cloud Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Air Products and Chemicals in the 3rd quarter valued at $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.66% of the companys stock. Get Air Products and Chemicals alerts: Air Products and Chemicals Price Performance Shares of APD opened at $291.88 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $259.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $267.96. The stock has a market cap of $64.99 billion, a PE ratio of -193.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.87. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. has a 1-year low of $229.11 and a 1-year high of $321.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.46 and a quick ratio of 1.23. Air Products and Chemicals Increases Dividend Air Products and Chemicals ( NYSE:APD Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The basic materials company reported $3.16 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.04 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $3.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.05 billion. Air Products and Chemicals had a negative net margin of 2.73% and a positive return on equity of 15.77%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.86 EPS. Air Products and Chemicals has set its Q2 2026 guidance at 2.950-3.100 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 12.850-13.150 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. will post 12.69 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 1st will be issued a $1.81 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 1st. This represents a $7.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. This is a boost from Air Products and Chemicalss previous quarterly dividend of $1.79. Air Products and Chemicalss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -474.17%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on APD shares. Evercore reduced their target price on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $375.00 to $325.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Air Products and Chemicals from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup increased their price target on Air Products and Chemicals from $272.00 to $285.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Air Products and Chemicals from $260.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Argus dropped their target price on Air Products and Chemicals from $317.00 to $265.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $295.88. View Our Latest Stock Report on APD Air Products and Chemicals Profile (Free Report) Air Products and Chemicals, Inc is a global supplier of industrial gases and related equipment and services, headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The company produces and delivers atmospheric gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and argon, as well as specialty and process gases used across a wide range of industrial applications. Air Products designs, builds and operates gas production facilities, merchant distribution networks and on-site gas systems for customers that require reliable, high-purity gases and integrated supply solutions. The companys product and service portfolio includes packaged and bulk gas supply, pipeline distribution, on-site generation, gas handling and storage equipment, and engineered systems for gas liquefaction and purification. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Air Products and Chemicals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Products and Chemicals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (NYSE:BLX Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, February 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a dividend of 0.6875 per share by the bank on Thursday, March 12th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 5.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. This is a 10.0% increase from Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exteriors previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior has increased its dividend by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 2 years. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior has a payout ratio of 39.0% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior to earn $5.10 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.50 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 49.0%. Get Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior alerts: Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior Price Performance Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior stock opened at $49.72 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $45.73 and its two-hundred day moving average is $45.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.27 and a beta of 0.83. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior has a 12-month low of $31.14 and a 12-month high of $51.00. Analysts Set New Price Targets Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior ( NYSE:BLX Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The bank reported $1.50 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $88.80 million during the quarter. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior had a net margin of 26.58% and a return on equity of 15.42%. As a group, analysts forecast that Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior will post 4.6 EPS for the current year. Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior from a buy (b+) rating to a buy (a-) rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Strong Buy. View Our Latest Stock Report on Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior SA, commonly known as BLADEx and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BLX, is a multilateral financial institution dedicated to promoting foreign trade and regional integration in Latin America and the Caribbean. Headquartered in Panama City, the bank provides specialized trade finance solutions to corporate clients and financial institutions, helping to facilitate cross-border transactions across key markets in the region. Its services encompass import and export financing, supply chain solutions, project and structured finance, as well as treasury and risk management products. Established in 1977 by a consortium of 20 Latin American and Caribbean governments in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), BLADEx has a mandate to support economic development through trade facilitation. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV Get Free Report) dropped 9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.13 and last traded at GBX 0.13. Approximately 4,403,673 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 49% from the average daily volume of 8,679,271 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.15. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a current ratio of 0.08. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 0.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 0.59. The company has a market capitalization of 2.58 million, a PE ratio of -0.39 and a beta of 0.62. About Bluebird Merchant Ventures (Get Free Report) Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Midwest Trust Co lowered its position in British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI Free Report) by 95.7% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 7,493 shares of the companys stock after selling 166,540 shares during the period. Midwest Trust Cos holdings in British American Tobacco were worth $398,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of BTI. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco during the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC acquired a new stake in British American Tobacco in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. lifted its holdings in British American Tobacco by 48.6% during the 3rd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 633 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 207 shares during the last quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 782 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 391 shares in the last quarter. Finally, City Holding Co. purchased a new position in shares of British American Tobacco in the 3rd quarter valued at about $42,000. 16.16% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get British American Tobacco alerts: British American Tobacco Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:BTI opened at $60.60 on Friday. British American Tobacco p.l.c. has a 1-year low of $37.31 and a 1-year high of $63.03. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $57.99 and a 200 day moving average price of $55.84. Key Headlines Impacting British American Tobacco British American Tobacco ( NYSE:BTI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $125.53 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $8.93 billion during the quarter. British American Tobacco has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.920-4.920 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that British American Tobacco p.l.c. will post 4.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. Here are the key news stories impacting British American Tobacco this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat expectations BTI reported strong quarterly results (EPS and revenue) and management highlighted ongoing growth in vapor and smokeless products, supporting profit momentum. Q4 Earnings Call Transcript Q4 results beat expectations BTI reported strong quarterly results (EPS and revenue) and management highlighted ongoing growth in vapor and smokeless products, supporting profit momentum. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrade A Seeking Alpha piece upgraded BTI to a buy, citing strongerthanexpected FY2025, renewed growth in the New Category (vape/smokeless) and improving margins from operational efficiencies. That upgrade can boost investor sentiment. Rating Upgrade Analyst upgrade A Seeking Alpha piece upgraded BTI to a buy, citing strongerthanexpected FY2025, renewed growth in the New Category (vape/smokeless) and improving margins from operational efficiencies. That upgrade can boost investor sentiment. Positive Sentiment: Share buyback increased Management announced an additional 1.3bn buyback for 2026, supporting returns and reducing float, a clear shareholderfriendly move. Buyback and Results Share buyback increased Management announced an additional 1.3bn buyback for 2026, supporting returns and reducing float, a clear shareholderfriendly move. Positive Sentiment: Operating profit and pretax profit strength Adjusted operating profit rose and pretax profits jumped as modern product penetration rose, underpinning free cash flow and deleveraging prospects. WSJ: Pretax Profit Operating profit and pretax profit strength Adjusted operating profit rose and pretax profits jumped as modern product penetration rose, underpinning free cash flow and deleveraging prospects. Neutral Sentiment: New Category outlook Management guided New Category revenue to low doubledigit growth in FY2026 (helped by US/Vuse recovery), a key growth driver but execution risk remains. New Category Detail New Category outlook Management guided New Category revenue to low doubledigit growth in FY2026 (helped by US/Vuse recovery), a key growth driver but execution risk remains. Neutral Sentiment: Presentation & call materials available Slide deck and earnings call transcript were published for deeper review by investors. Slide Deck Presentation & call materials available Slide deck and earnings call transcript were published for deeper review by investors. Negative Sentiment: Revenue guidance missed consensus BTI set FY2026 revenue guidance at $35.1bn (vs. ~$36.0bn street estimate) while issuing a fixed EPS guide of 4.920, which tempers the upside and explains some investor caution. Company FY2026 Guidance Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BTI. Kepler Capital Markets assumed coverage on British American Tobacco in a report on Friday, December 12th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, British American Tobacco presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $51.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on British American Tobacco British American Tobacco Profile (Free Report) British American Tobacco plc (BTI) is a multinational tobacco manufacturer and nicotine products company headquartered in London. Founded in 1902 as a joint venture to commercialize tobacco products outside the United States, the company has grown into one of the worlds largest tobacco firms with a long history in manufacturing and global distribution of combustible tobacco products. BATs core business remains the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products under a portfolio of well-known consumer brands, including Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Kent and Rothmans. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BTI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for British American Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British American Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report)s share price passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $8.25 and traded as high as $8.65. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust shares last traded at $8.5150, with a volume of 15,625 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Sell. Get Cross Timbers Royalty Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Stock Performance The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.25 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.09 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.35 and a beta of 0.12. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The oil and gas company reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 191.25% and a net margin of 79.29%. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 30th will be paid a $0.0329 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. Cross Timbers Royalty Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 53.33%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by 81.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,596 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 1,612 shares during the period. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by 23.3% during the 4th quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 14,030 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $112,000 after purchasing an additional 2,651 shares in the last quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust during the second quarter worth approximately $109,000. Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new stake in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the second quarter worth approximately $169,000. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP bought a new stake in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the third quarter worth approximately $212,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.74% of the companys stock. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT) is a Delaware statutory trust that holds royalty interests in a portfolio of onshore oil and natural gas properties. The trust was established in June 2005 through a contribution of assets by Chesapeake Energy Corporation. It earns revenue by collecting overriding royalty and net profit interests carved out of producing leases and then distributing those receipts to its unitholders on a quarterly basis. The underlying assets of the trust consist primarily of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves located in several Texas counties, including Erath, Stephens, Comanche and Palo Pinto. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV Get Free Report) VP Girish Juneja sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.77, for a total transaction of $346,155.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 8,422 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,943,544.94. This trade represents a 15.12% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Dover Trading Down 0.9% NYSE DOV opened at $230.92 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average is $204.51 and its two-hundred day moving average is $186.09. Dover Corporation has a one year low of $143.04 and a one year high of $237.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.79. The firm has a market cap of $31.67 billion, a PE ratio of 29.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.29. Get Dover alerts: Dover (NYSE:DOV Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $2.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.48 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.09 billion. Dover had a return on equity of 17.87% and a net margin of 13.52%.The businesss revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.20 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 earnings per share for the current year. Dover Announces Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. Dovers dividend payout ratio is 26.20%. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its stake in shares of Dover by 62.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 2,944 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $552,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in Dover by 4.9% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 14,377 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,526,000 after purchasing an additional 676 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in Dover by 11.8% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 15,006 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,636,000 after purchasing an additional 1,580 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dover in the second quarter valued at $488,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dover in the second quarter valued at $37,000. 84.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Key Stories Impacting Dover Here are the key news stories impacting Dover this week: Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised its estimates for multiple upcoming periods notably boosting Q2 and Q3 2026/2027 and lifting FY2026 and FY2028 targets signaling slightly stronger expected earnings growth that supports Dovers valuation and mediumterm outlook. Zacks estimates report Zacks Research raised its estimates for multiple upcoming periods notably boosting Q2 and Q3 2026/2027 and lifting FY2026 and FY2028 targets signaling slightly stronger expected earnings growth that supports Dovers valuation and mediumterm outlook. Positive Sentiment: Dover declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share (record Feb. 27; pay Mar. 13). The dividend confirms returnofcapital discipline and can help attract income investors. Dover Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend Dover declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share (record Feb. 27; pay Mar. 13). The dividend confirms returnofcapital discipline and can help attract income investors. Negative Sentiment: An insider (VP Girish Juneja) sold 1,500 shares at about $230.77 on Feb. 11, trimming his holding ~15%. Insider selling can be viewed negatively by some investors as a signal of nearterm profittaking. Disclosure: SEC filing available. Form 4 filing Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. UBS Group set a $256.00 price objective on shares of Dover and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, January 4th. Oppenheimer boosted their price target on shares of Dover from $228.00 to $232.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Dover from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Robert W. Baird set a $255.00 price objective on Dover in a report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Dover from $205.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $224.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Dover Dover Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dover Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer of industrial products, components and specialty systems that serve a wide range of commercial and industrial end markets. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, the company has built a portfolio of operating businesses that design, manufacture and distribute engineered equipment, aftermarket parts and related services for customers around the world. Dovers activities span several product and solution categories, including fluid-handling and pumping systems, material handling and processing equipment, refrigeration and foodservice technologies, product identification and printing systems, precision components and automation and sensing solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dover Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dover and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DPM Metals (OTCMKTS:DPMLF Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Macquarie Capit from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Thursday,Zacks.com reports. DPMLF has been the subject of several other research reports. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reissued a neutral rating on shares of DPM Metals in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Zacks Research raised shares of DPM Metals from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. National Bank Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of DPM Metals in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of DPM Metals in a report on Monday, January 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, DPM Metals presently has an average rating of Buy. Get DPM Metals alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on DPMLF DPM Metals Stock Performance DPMLF stock opened at $35.55 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $33.39 and its 200 day moving average price is $25.63. The firm has a market cap of $7.89 billion and a P/E ratio of 18.42. DPM Metals has a 1 year low of $11.00 and a 1 year high of $40.90. DPM Metals (OTCMKTS:DPMLF Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The company reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.79 by ($0.02). DPM Metals had a return on equity of 26.95% and a net margin of 38.85%.The company had revenue of $352.43 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $308.77 million. On average, research analysts predict that DPM Metals will post 1.52 earnings per share for the current year. DPM Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dundee Precious Metals Inc (OTCMKTS:DPMLF) is a Canadabased precious metals producer with a focus on gold and copper mining. The companys primary operations are located in southeastern Europe, where it owns and operates the Chelopech mine, a highgrade goldcoppersilver underground mine in Bulgaria. In addition to goldcopper production at Chelopech, Dundee Precious Metals is advancing the Krumovgrad gold project, also in Bulgaria, which is expected to further diversify its output and extend the companys production profile. At Chelopech, Dundee Precious Metals employs a conventional flotation process to recover gold, copper and silver from sulphide ores. Read More Receive News & Ratings for DPM Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DPM Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reissued by research analysts at TD Cowen in a research note issued to investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. They presently have a $73.00 price target on the stock. TD Cowens price target indicates a potential upside of 43.14% from the companys previous close. A number of other research firms also recently commented on BROS. Evercore set a $73.00 price objective on Dutch Bros in a report on Monday, January 5th. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating on shares of Dutch Bros in a report on Friday, January 9th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Dutch Bros in a research report on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on shares of Dutch Bros from $82.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on Dutch Bros from $73.00 to $63.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $77.20. Get Dutch Bros alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Dutch Bros Dutch Bros Stock Down 4.7% Shares of Dutch Bros stock opened at $51.00 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. Dutch Bros has a 52-week low of $47.16 and a 52-week high of $86.88. The company has a market capitalization of $8.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 102.00, a P/E/G ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 2.54. The company has a 50 day moving average of $60.15 and a 200 day moving average of $59.40. Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $0.17 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $443.61 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $424.44 million. Dutch Bros had a net margin of 4.04% and a return on equity of 8.91%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 29.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.07 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Dutch Bros will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Chairman Travis Boersma sold 1,678,616 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.44, for a total transaction of $93,062,471.04. Following the transaction, the chairman owned 9,817 shares of the companys stock, valued at $544,254.48. This trade represents a 99.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, major shareholder Dm Individual Aggregator, Llc sold 648,089 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.44, for a total value of $35,930,054.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 9,817 shares in the company, valued at $544,254.48. This trade represents a 98.51% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 3,465,214 shares of company stock worth $189,800,291. 42.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BROS. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dutch Bros during the first quarter worth approximately $318,000. Empowered Funds LLC increased its stake in Dutch Bros by 15.9% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 33,843 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,089,000 after buying an additional 4,633 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in Dutch Bros by 7.9% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 305,714 shares of the companys stock worth $18,875,000 after buying an additional 22,323 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE raised its position in Dutch Bros by 76.6% during the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 15,458 shares of the companys stock worth $1,057,000 after buying an additional 6,703 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc lifted its stake in shares of Dutch Bros by 22.8% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,710 shares of the companys stock worth $254,000 after acquiring an additional 688 shares during the period. 85.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Trending Headlines about Dutch Bros Here are the key news stories impacting Dutch Bros this week: About Dutch Bros (Get Free Report) Dutch Bros Coffee, trading on the NYSE under the ticker BROS, is an American drive-through coffee chain known for its quick-service model and community-focused brand. Founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma in Grants Pass, Oregon, the company began as a single coffee stand and has since expanded its footprint across numerous U.S. markets. Dutch Bros specializes in handcrafted espresso drinks, drip coffee, cold brew, energy drinks, smoothies, teas, and a variety of signature Dutch Freeze and Dutch Frost blended beverages. The company operates a mix of company-owned and franchised locations, placing a strong emphasis on speed and customer engagement. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dutch Bros Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dutch Bros and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New South Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Enersys (NYSE:ENS Free Report) by 22.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 857,600 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 158,267 shares during the quarter. Enersys accounts for 4.4% of New South Capital Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 6th largest holding. New South Capital Management Inc. owned about 2.29% of Enersys worth $96,874,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. United Services Automobile Association acquired a new stake in shares of Enersys during the first quarter worth about $240,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its holdings in Enersys by 9.4% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 113,770 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $10,419,000 after purchasing an additional 9,737 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS grew its holdings in Enersys by 9.2% during the second quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 8,300 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $712,000 after acquiring an additional 700 shares during the period. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Enersys by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 2,806 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $241,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC increased its holdings in Enersys by 294.2% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 6,019 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $516,000 after buying an additional 4,492 shares in the last quarter. 94.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Enersys alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on ENS shares. Wall Street Zen lowered Enersys from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 31st. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Enersys in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Enersys from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Roth Mkm reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $208.00 price objective (up previously from $164.00) on shares of Enersys in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, BTIG Research upped their target price on Enersys from $175.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Enersys presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $177.00. Enersys Trading Up 2.5% Shares of ENS opened at $181.33 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $161.45 and its 200 day moving average price is $131.18. The company has a current ratio of 2.75, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.11. Enersys has a 1-year low of $76.57 and a 1-year high of $194.77. Enersys (NYSE:ENS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The industrial products company reported $2.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.73 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $919.13 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $932.13 million. Enersys had a net margin of 8.37% and a return on equity of 21.27%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.12 EPS. Enersys has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 2.950-3.050 EPS. Analysts expect that Enersys will post 9.99 earnings per share for the current year. Enersys Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of $0.2625 per share. This represents a $1.05 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. Enersyss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 13.01%. Insider Buying and Selling at Enersys In other news, insider Chad C. Uplinger sold 6,702 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.46, for a total transaction of $1,015,084.92. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 23,713 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,591,570.98. This represents a 22.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.91% of the companys stock. Enersys Company Profile (Free Report) Enersys, headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a global leader in stored energy solutions, specializing in manufacturing and distributing industrial batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, and related accessories. The company serves a diverse range of end markets, including telecommunications, data centers, medical, aerospace, defense, electric vehicle motive power, and utility outcomes. Its products are engineered to deliver critical reserve power and motive power applications across key infrastructure and industrial sectors. The companys product portfolio encompasses lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion energy storage systems, chargers, inverters, power management software, and a broad array of battery accessories. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Enersys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enersys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM Free Report) Analysts at Zacks Research decreased their Q1 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for PulteGroup in a research report issued on Thursday, February 12th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the construction company will post earnings per share of $1.77 for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $2.03. Zacks Research currently has a Strong Sell rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for PulteGroups current full-year earnings is $12.32 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for PulteGroups Q4 2026 earnings at $2.78 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $2.11 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $3.22 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $13.64 EPS. Get PulteGroup alerts: PHM has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Barclays set a $115.00 target price on shares of PulteGroup in a research report on Monday, December 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $149.00 to $131.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of PulteGroup from $111.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. BTIG Research started coverage on shares of PulteGroup in a research report on Monday, December 1st. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Finally, Citizens Jmp assumed coverage on PulteGroup in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a market outperform rating and a $145.00 price target on the stock. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $140.15. PulteGroup Stock Performance Shares of NYSE PHM opened at $138.92 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 1.01. The firm has a market cap of $26.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.33. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $126.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $125.97. PulteGroup has a one year low of $88.07 and a one year high of $142.65. Hedge Funds Weigh In On PulteGroup A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Focus Partners Wealth boosted its stake in PulteGroup by 20.5% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 12,517 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,287,000 after buying an additional 2,128 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 10.7% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,715 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $181,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Aberdeen Group plc grew its holdings in shares of PulteGroup by 8.8% during the 2nd quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 64,998 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $6,855,000 after purchasing an additional 5,253 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its position in PulteGroup by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 11,635 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,227,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Axxcess Wealth Management LLC increased its position in PulteGroup by 28.3% during the 2nd quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,986 shares of the construction companys stock worth $737,000 after purchasing an additional 1,540 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.90% of the companys stock. Insider Activity In other PulteGroup news, VP Brien P. Omeara sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.51, for a total transaction of $542,040.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 8,601 shares in the company, valued at $1,165,521.51. The trade was a 31.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Todd N. Sheldon sold 14,220 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.01, for a total value of $1,919,842.20. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 69,753 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,417,352.53. The trade was a 16.93% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 144,779 shares of company stock valued at $19,432,616 over the last quarter. 0.76% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. PulteGroup Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be given a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. PulteGroups payout ratio is presently 9.35%. PulteGroup Company Profile (Get Free Report) PulteGroup, Inc (NYSE: PHM) is a U.S.-based residential homebuilder that designs, constructs and sells single-family homes and develops master-planned communities. The company operates multiple national and regional brands that target different buyer segments, including first-time buyers, move-up buyers and active-adult customers. Its operations encompass land acquisition and development, home design and construction, community amenities and ongoing customer service and warranty programs. PulteGroup markets homes under several well-known brands, such as Pulte Homes, Centex and Del Webb, among others, offering a range of product types from entry-level detached homes to larger, higher-end residences and age-restricted active-adult communities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for PulteGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PulteGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (NYSE:GAB Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 11th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be given a dividend of 0.15 per share by the financial services provider on Tuesday, March 24th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Gabelli Equity Trust Price Performance GAB opened at $6.29 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $6.15 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.08. Gabelli Equity Trust has a 1 year low of $4.50 and a 1 year high of $6.35. Get Gabelli Equity Trust alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, insider Mario J. Gabelli purchased 500,000 shares of Gabelli Equity Trust stock in a transaction on Friday, December 26th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $10.00 per share, with a total value of $5,000,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 500,000 shares in the company, valued at $5,000,000. The trade was a increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Gabelli Equity Trust About Gabelli Equity Trust A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Huntington National Bank acquired a new position in Gabelli Equity Trust during the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Gabelli Equity Trust during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Gabelli Equity Trust during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Gabelli Equity Trust by 200.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 5,100 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 3,400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Larson Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Gabelli Equity Trust in the third quarter valued at $34,000. Institutional investors own 7.24% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Gabelli Equity Trust, Inc (NYSE: GAB) is a closed-end management investment company focused on generating long-term capital appreciation through an actively managed portfolio of primarily U.S.-listed equity securities. Incorporated in Delaware, the Trust pursues a value-oriented approach, leveraging intensive fundamental research to identify small- and mid-cap companies with growth potential and favorable valuation metrics. Since its initial public offering in 1977, the Trust has invested across a range of sectors, including consumer staples, financial services, industrials and technology, aiming to construct a high-conviction portfolio of companies expected to outperform over time. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Gabelli Equity Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gabelli Equity Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC lowered its position in Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL Free Report) by 20.1% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 197,542 shares of the oilfield services companys stock after selling 49,699 shares during the quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLCs holdings in Halliburton were worth $4,860,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in HAL. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of Halliburton by 1.7% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 5,929,285 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $145,860,000 after purchasing an additional 96,394 shares in the last quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Halliburton in the third quarter worth $1,775,000. Tejara Capital Ltd raised its holdings in Halliburton by 98.8% in the third quarter. Tejara Capital Ltd now owns 134,365 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $3,305,000 after acquiring an additional 66,765 shares in the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its stake in Halliburton by 12.8% during the 3rd quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 1,645,526 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $40,480,000 after acquiring an additional 186,105 shares during the last quarter. Finally, National Pension Service grew its holdings in Halliburton by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 1,474,135 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $36,264,000 after acquiring an additional 59,754 shares in the last quarter. 85.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Halliburton alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Halliburton from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Capital One Financial boosted their price objective on Halliburton from $25.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Halliburton in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Evercore boosted their price target on Halliburton from $35.00 to $36.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Zephirin Group lowered Halliburton from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the company from $30.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $34.95. Halliburton Trading Down 2.1% Shares of NYSE HAL opened at $34.30 on Friday. Halliburton Company has a 12-month low of $18.72 and a 12-month high of $35.55. The company has a market cap of $28.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a current ratio of 2.04, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $31.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $26.47. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The oilfield services company reported $0.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $5.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.39 billion. Halliburton had a return on equity of 19.77% and a net margin of 5.78%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.73 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Halliburton Company will post 2.64 EPS for the current year. Halliburton Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 3rd were given a $0.17 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 3rd. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.03%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Lawrence J. Pope sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.25, for a total transaction of $3,225,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 419,800 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,538,550. The trade was a 19.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Margaret Katherine Banks sold 2,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.17, for a total value of $88,842.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 14,043 shares in the company, valued at approximately $479,849.31. This represents a 15.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 337,002 shares of company stock valued at $11,445,938. Company insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Halliburton Company Profile (Free Report) Halliburton is one of the worlds largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, offering a broad portfolio that supports the lifecycle of oil and gas reservoirs from exploration and drilling through production and abandonment. Founded in 1919 by Erle P. Halliburton as an oil-well cementing company, the firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has developed into an integrated oilfield services company serving upstream operators globally. The companys activities encompass drilling and evaluation, well construction and completion, production enhancement and well intervention. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Halliburton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halliburton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Humm Group (ASX:HUM) reported statutory profit after tax of AUD 13.9 million for the half-year ended 31 December 2025, as management highlighted continued progress in what it described as a multi-year transformation program. Chief Executive Officer Angelo Demasi said the result was achieved despite external headwinds, while noting that statutory figures were affected by irregular items, including adjustments to provisions tied to foreign finance litigation following a recent Federal Court judgment. Get alerts: Group results and dividend Demasi said annualized statutory earnings per share were 5.6 cents and annualized return on equity was 5.4%, with both impacted by the irregular items. The groups reported cost-to-income ratio was 57.4%; management said that excluding irregular items it would be in the 52% range, reflecting what it characterized as improving efficiency. Net interest income rose to AUD 134.4 million, and group portfolio net interest margin (NIM) was stable at 5.5%. Management attributed this to disciplined pricing and proactive funding cost management, saying lower headline yield was offset by improved funding costs. The company declared a fully franked interim dividend of AUD 0.015 per share. In the Q&A, management linked the increase to the repayment of perpetual notes in FY25, which removed an ongoing perpetual note dividend expense. Demasi said the group paid about AUD 7.7 million in perpetual note dividends in FY25, and that capacity comes back to us and allowed the board to increase the dividend by AUD 0.0075 in the period. He added the dividend remained within the payout ratio but toward the upper end, and said the board had initiated a capital management strategy review that would include the target dividend ratio for future periods. Shift to statutory reporting and key one-offs Interim CFO Tony Taylor said the company shifted external reporting to statutory accounting measures for profit metrics, moving away from cash-based metrics that he said could be difficult to compare due to differing definitions. Taylor said focusing on statutory profit after tax was intended to provide a clearer and more consistent view of performance relative to the companys own history and peers. Taylor and Demasi cited several items they described as irregular or specific, including changes to the foreign finance litigation provision, duplicate system costs related to running legacy systems alongside new implementations, legal costs tied to responding to an ASIC inquiry, and a release of an onerous contract provision following renegotiation and renewal of a key supplier agreement. Taylor also noted an AUD 800,000 negative impact from unfavorable New Zealand dollar foreign exchange movements during the half. Management discussed comparability issues with the prior corresponding period (PCP), highlighting that PCP included an approximately AUD 7.9 million expected credit loss (ECL) provision release connected to the initial forward flow receivables sale. Taylor said first-half FY26 statutory profit after tax was up 13% on the second half of FY25 but down 49.1% on PCP, citing the absence of that prior-period ECL release, higher commercial credit losses tied to portfolio seasoning, and higher irregular items. Credit performance, liquidity, and funding Demasi said credit losses remained low, with annualized net loss to average net receivables (ANR) at 1.95% (presented as 2% in the materials). Taylor said the increase from 1.8% to 2% primarily reflected commercial portfolio seasoning. He added that flexicommercial net loss to ANR rose from 0.9% in PCP to 1.3% in the first half and was expected to normalize and trend back towards 1.2% for full-year FY26. In consumer, Taylor said net loss to ANR rose by 30 basis points to 2.6% versus PCP, mainly due to the run-off of the humm Classic portfolio; management said underlying loss performance was stable when adjusting for the denominator effect. The company said its balance sheet provision coverage remained strong at 2.5%, about 50 basis points above actual losses. On liquidity, management provided a breakdown of what it previously referred to as unrestricted cash of AUD 124.1 million at 31 December 2025. Demasi said the group operates to a minimum liquidity balance of AUD 70 million, reflecting liquidity covenant requirements and risk appetite settings. At the reporting date, drawn corporate debt was AUD 63.6 million, leaving liquidity net of corporate debt of AUD 6.4 million. Demasi added that at least AUD 30 million was required on an ongoing basis for working and settlement capital due to daily fluctuations, and that AUD 19 million of available cash had been allocated and reserved for payment related to the foreign finance litigation outcome. Net tangible assets (NTA) increased to AUD 413.9 million from AUD 376.9 million in the second half of FY25, which Demasi attributed to capital management activities (including share buyback and repayment of perpetual notes), hedging mark-to-market movements, profit and dividends, and foreign exchange. On funding, Taylor said the group remained well supported by banks and credit investors, using a mix of warehouse funding, private and public term transactions, a forward flow arrangement, and corporate debt facilities. He highlighted a NZD 247 million public issuance under the QCARD Master Trust program, which he said was executed at very favorable prices. Regarding forward flow, Taylor said the original arrangement provided capacity of up to AUD 1 billion, with AUD 680 million utilized before the availability period expired in October 2025. In January 2026, the group executed a new forward flow program with AUD 500 million of capacity, with availability expiring in October. Taylor said the forward flow program delivered outcomes consistent with expectations and cited benefits including capacity to fund commercial growth without significant equity raising, fee income generation, funding diversification, and the ability to continue originating. He also said the company saw an opportunity to expand the program to other asset classes. Segment performance: commercial and consumer In flexicommercial, Taylor reported statutory profit after tax of AUD 13.4 million, down 11.8% on the second half of FY25 and down 52.8% on PCP. Management said performance was more comparable to the second half of FY25 than PCP due to forward flow timing and portfolio seasoning effects. Taylor said the commercial portfolio continued to grow assets under management and was operating in an SME market showing early signs of recovery amid rising competition, supported by underwriting standards and broker networks. He also said the business was expanding into rural and regional Australia and progressing new products including Flexi Premium and Flexi Ag. In the consumer segment, Taylor said statutory profit after tax was AUD 14.3 million, up 76.5% on PCP and up 180.4% on the second half of FY25, driven by humm Island and Cards New Zealand. Consumer volumes were AUD 1.1 billion, down 13.1% on PCP, and closing loans and advances were AUD 2.0 billion, down 5.1% on PCP due to the reduction in the humm Australia portfolio and the weaker New Zealand dollar. Cards New Zealand: Taylor said the business delivered higher profit versus PCP and the prior half, supported by 11.8% volume growth in the core acquiring Mastercard portfolio. Management said market share rose to 8.45% in the quarter and the company remained the market leader in New Zealand card issuance, capturing 31% of newly issued cards. Net credit losses to ANR increased slightly to 3.6%. Taylor said the business delivered higher profit versus PCP and the prior half, supported by 11.8% volume growth in the core acquiring Mastercard portfolio. Management said market share rose to 8.45% in the quarter and the company remained the market leader in New Zealand card issuance, capturing 31% of newly issued cards. Net credit losses to ANR increased slightly to 3.6%. Cards Australia: Statutory profit after tax was AUD 3.1 million, down versus PCP and the prior half, driven by higher operating costs related to the ASIC inquiry. Management said tighter credit settings reduced net credit losses and brought net credit loss to ANR to 2.4% in the half. Volume increased 1% year-on-year as the company moderated new customer acquisition while focusing on existing customer spend. Statutory profit after tax was AUD 3.1 million, down versus PCP and the prior half, driven by higher operating costs related to the ASIC inquiry. Management said tighter credit settings reduced net credit losses and brought net credit loss to ANR to 2.4% in the half. Volume increased 1% year-on-year as the company moderated new customer acquisition while focusing on existing customer spend. Point-of-sale payment plans: Statutory profit after tax was AUD 3.2 million, with management citing contributions from humm Australia and humm Island, partially offset by investment in the UK and Canada. Volumes were AUD 369 million, down 32.3% on PCP, reflecting the run-off of humm Classic and technology issues, partly offset by growth in humm Island and the UK. Technology transformation and international momentum Demasi said the group continued investing in product platforms and IT modernization. He said humm Loan was operational and that key credit and technology performance metrics had materially improved following launch challenges in June 2025. The company has begun implementation of a new cards product platform, which Demasi said commenced in the first half and, in the Q&A, he expected to take the best part of 12 months, followed by a subsequent customer migration process in Australia and New Zealand. On infrastructure modernization, Demasi said the company had retired more than 1,170 serversabout 75% of its fleetand was decommissioning physical data centers as it migrated to the cloud. He said cloud-hosted product systems were delivering 99.9% availability. In the Q&A, Demasi said the company had migrated out of two data centers and expected to be fully out of the last remaining data center by the end of August. Internationally, Demasi said Ireland delivered a profit of AUD 6.9 million, up 103% on PCP, driven by strong volume growth and a 250 basis point improvement in gross interest yield. In the UK, he said volumes rose 56% and interest income increased 100% versus PCP, supported by a strategy of following Irish merchants into the UK. In Canada, management said an operating model reset was completed and delivered AUD 1.7 million of cost reductions versus PCP in the half, inclusive of restructuring costs. In the Q&A, Taylor said cost savings could be more pronounced in the second half, though additional restructuring costs could still be incurred. Overall, management said global statutory profit after tax improved from an AUD 3.4 million loss in the first half of FY25 to an AUD 1.1 million profit in the second half of FY25 and to an AUD 2.1 million profit in the first half of FY26. Looking ahead, Demasi said selected commercial losses had peaked and were expected to normalize through the second half, while the company would remain disciplined on costs as it continued targeted investment in end-to-end technology platforms. He said the new humm Loan product was expected to expand its merchant offering and support improved profitability over the medium term, and that management was optimistic about continued growth in global businesses. About Humm Group (ASX:HUM) Humm Group Limited provides various financial services in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The company operates through four segments: Point of Sale Payment Plans (PosPP), New Zealand Cards, Australia Cards, and Commercial. It offers long term interest free finance and everyday spend solutions under the humm90 brand; Q Mastercard, an interest free credit card; FlexiCommercial, a business financing solution, which includes leasing and chattel mortgages for small and medium businesses; and leasing solutions and small and medium enterprise financing services. Featured Articles Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lowered its holdings in shares of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG Free Report) by 15.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 155,337 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 27,455 shares during the quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in American International Group were worth $12,200,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AIG. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its holdings in American International Group by 6.1% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 12,536,144 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,072,969,000 after buying an additional 716,209 shares during the last quarter. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of American International Group by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. now owns 12,111,405 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $951,230,000 after acquiring an additional 499,330 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of American International Group in the 2nd quarter worth $787,724,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. raised its holdings in American International Group by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 3,429,324 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $293,516,000 after purchasing an additional 143,361 shares during the period. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in American International Group by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 3,390,248 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $266,270,000 after purchasing an additional 48,900 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.60% of the companys stock. Get American International Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have commented on AIG shares. Cantor Fitzgerald reduced their price target on American International Group from $80.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of American International Group in a report on Monday, December 29th. Bank of America decreased their target price on shares of American International Group from $89.00 to $80.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price target on shares of American International Group from $96.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of American International Group from $83.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and fourteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $87.21. More American International Group News Here are the key news stories impacting American International Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat consensus EPS rose ~51% yearoveryear as underwriting strength offset pressures in premiums and investment income, signaling operational momentum. AIG Q4 Earnings Beat Q4 results beat consensus EPS rose ~51% yearoveryear as underwriting strength offset pressures in premiums and investment income, signaling operational momentum. Positive Sentiment: Underwriting gains appear sustainable analysts and commentary from the earnings call highlight durable improvement in underwriting performance and margin expansion potential. Earnings Call Highlights Underwriting gains appear sustainable analysts and commentary from the earnings call highlight durable improvement in underwriting performance and margin expansion potential. Positive Sentiment: General Insurance underwriting income jumped (~48% in Q4 for GI), backing the claim that underwriting is driving earnings recovery. GI Underwriting Income Rises General Insurance underwriting income jumped (~48% in Q4 for GI), backing the claim that underwriting is driving earnings recovery. Positive Sentiment: Shareholder returns and capital actions: A quarterly dividend of $0.45/share was declared, supporting yield and cash-return thesis for incomeoriented investors. (Exdividend and record dates announced.) Shareholder returns and capital actions: A quarterly dividend of $0.45/share was declared, supporting yield and cash-return thesis for incomeoriented investors. (Exdividend and record dates announced.) Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades/target raises: HSBC raised its target to $90 (buy) and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods nudged its target to $97 (outperform), both signaling upside from current levels and reinforcing the bullish case. HSBC Raises Target Analyst upgrades/target raises: HSBC raised its target to $90 (buy) and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods nudged its target to $97 (outperform), both signaling upside from current levels and reinforcing the bullish case. Neutral Sentiment: Piper Sandler trimmed its target to $88 but kept an overweight rating a modest cut that still implies upside, suggesting mixed but not bearish broker sentiment. Piper Sandler Adjustment Piper Sandler trimmed its target to $88 but kept an overweight rating a modest cut that still implies upside, suggesting mixed but not bearish broker sentiment. Neutral Sentiment: Barclays trimmed its target to $79 and kept an equalweight rating essentially signaling limited nearterm upside from current levels. Barclays Target Trim Barclays trimmed its target to $79 and kept an equalweight rating essentially signaling limited nearterm upside from current levels. Negative Sentiment: Net investment income weakness trimmed fourthquarter profit investment income compression is a recurring headwind that limits the upside from underwriting gains. Investment Income Slide Net investment income weakness trimmed fourthquarter profit investment income compression is a recurring headwind that limits the upside from underwriting gains. Negative Sentiment: Competitive positioning note: coverage that AIG posted strong Q4 gains but still lagged its closest industry rival in some metrics watch peer comparisons for marketshare and pricing signals. Peer Comparison American International Group Price Performance AIG stock opened at $78.70 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a current ratio of 1.32. The companys fifty day moving average price is $78.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $78.84. American International Group, Inc. has a one year low of $71.25 and a one year high of $88.07. The company has a market capitalization of $42.46 billion, a PE ratio of 14.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.61. American International Group (NYSE:AIG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The insurance provider reported $1.96 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.90 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $6.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.99 billion. American International Group had a net margin of 11.56% and a return on equity of 9.78%. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.30 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that American International Group, Inc. will post 6.24 EPS for the current fiscal year. American International Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Investors of record on Monday, March 16th will be given a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 16th. American International Groups payout ratio is currently 33.21%. American International Group Profile (Free Report) American International Group, Inc (AIG) is a global insurance holding company that provides a broad range of property-casualty insurance, specialty insurance, and risk management solutions to institutional, commercial and individual customers. Through its operating subsidiaries, AIG underwrites commercial and personal lines productsranging from general liability, property, and casualty coverages to specialty lines such as professional liability, surety, cyber and marinealong with related services designed to help clients manage and transfer risk. The company also has a long history in life insurance, retirement solutions and asset management through businesses that have been restructured or separated over time. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Impax Asset Management Group plc purchased a new position in WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 5,117 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,082,000. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of WCC. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of WESCO International in the third quarter worth about $37,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of WESCO International by 129.7% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 232 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in WESCO International by 33.0% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 589 shares of the technology companys stock worth $125,000 after purchasing an additional 146 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in WESCO International by 95.6% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 753 shares of the technology companys stock worth $139,000 after purchasing an additional 368 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Transcend Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in WESCO International during the 3rd quarter valued at $204,000. 93.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get WESCO International alerts: WESCO International News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting WESCO International this week: WESCO International Price Performance NYSE WCC opened at $296.02 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 2.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.40 billion, a PE ratio of 22.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.45. WESCO International, Inc. has a 12-month low of $125.21 and a 12-month high of $319.67. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $274.05 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $243.50. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The technology company reported $3.40 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.82 by ($0.42). WESCO International had a return on equity of 13.00% and a net margin of 2.72%.The business had revenue of $6.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.16 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% compared to the same quarter last year. WESCO International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 14.500-16.500 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that WESCO International, Inc. will post 13.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. WESCO International Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were given a $0.4538 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. This represents a $1.82 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. WESCO Internationals payout ratio is currently 13.94%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on WESCO International from $316.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. KeyCorp set a $340.00 price objective on WESCO International in a research report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen cut WESCO International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Barclays upped their target price on WESCO International from $302.00 to $313.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of WESCO International in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $276.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on WESCO International WESCO International Profile (Free Report) WESCO International, Inc is a leading global distributor of electrical, industrial, communications and utility products, serving a diverse customer base across maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and construction markets. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products ranging from power distribution and automation solutions to data communications, security systems and lighting controls. Through an extensive branch network, WESCO provides critical components and valueadded services that help organizations streamline operations and improve reliability in their facilities and infrastructure. In addition to its broad product offering, WESCO delivers advanced supply chain management and logistics solutions designed to optimize inventory levels, reduce downtime and lower overall procurement costs. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WCC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kincora Copper Limited (CVE:KCC Get Free Report)s stock price rose 26.3% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$1.35 and last traded at C$1.25. Approximately 234,730 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 474% from the average daily volume of 40,898 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.99. Kincora Copper Trading Up 0.8% The business has a 50 day moving average of C$1.03 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.97. The firm has a market capitalization of C$53.44 million, a P/E ratio of -10.42 and a beta of 1.87. About Kincora Copper (Get Free Report) Kincora Copper Limited engages in acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral properties in Mongolia and Australia. It primarily explores for copper and gold deposits. The company's flagship project is the Trundle Project, including one license covering an area of 167km2 located in the Junee-Narromine volcanic belt of the Macquarie Arc. The company was formerly known as Brazilian Diamonds Limited and changed its name to Kincora Copper Limited in January 2011. Kincora Copper Limited was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kincora Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kincora Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lodge Hill Capital LLC cut its position in Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC Free Report) by 3.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 495,190 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,000 shares during the quarter. Brunswick comprises 5.6% of Lodge Hill Capital LLCs holdings, making the stock its 7th biggest position. Lodge Hill Capital LLCs holdings in Brunswick were worth $31,316,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 10.7% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 149,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,024,000 after buying an additional 14,395 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Brunswick by 133.6% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 77,326 shares of the companys stock worth $4,076,000 after acquiring an additional 44,228 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 142.9% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 346,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,659,000 after purchasing an additional 203,838 shares during the period. United Services Automobile Association bought a new stake in shares of Brunswick during the first quarter valued at about $214,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Brunswick by 477.0% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 727 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 601 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 99.34% of the companys stock. Get Brunswick alerts: Insider Activity at Brunswick In related news, CEO David M. Foulkes sold 38,266 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.56, for a total value of $3,312,304.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 271,169 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,472,388.64. This trade represents a 12.37% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Christopher F. Dekker sold 4,981 shares of Brunswick stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.38, for a total transaction of $435,239.78. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 39,740 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,472,481.20. The trade was a 11.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock. Brunswick Price Performance NYSE BC opened at $86.31 on Friday. Brunswick Corporation has a 1 year low of $41.00 and a 1 year high of $89.61. The businesss fifty day moving average is $81.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is $69.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.61 billion, a P/E ratio of -40.71 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 1.44. Brunswick (NYSE:BC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.58. The business had revenue of $1.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.21 billion. Brunswick had a positive return on equity of 12.22% and a negative net margin of 2.56%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 15.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.24 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Brunswick Corporation will post 4.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Brunswick Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 23rd will be issued a $0.44 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 23rd. This is a positive change from Brunswicks previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Brunswicks dividend payout ratio is -81.13%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BC has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Griffin Securities set a $76.00 target price on shares of Brunswick in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Roth Mkm reiterated a buy rating and issued a $94.00 price objective (up from $79.00) on shares of Brunswick in a report on Friday, January 30th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on Brunswick from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Loop Capital began coverage on Brunswick in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. They issued a hold rating and a $74.00 target price for the company. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $85.00 price target on Brunswick in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Brunswick has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.93. Get Our Latest Stock Report on BC About Brunswick (Free Report) Founded in 1845 by John Moses Brunswick, Brunswick Corporation is a global leader in recreation products. Headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois, the company has evolved from its origins as a billiard table manufacturer into a diversified supplier of leisure equipment, serving both consumer and commercial markets around the world. Brunswick operates through two primary segments: Marine and Bowling & Billiards. In its Marine segment, the company designs, manufactures and distributes recreational boats, outboard engines and aftermarket parts under recognized brands such as Sea Ray, Bayliner and Mercury Marine. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Brunswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) (TSE:MG) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Friday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 6.250-7.250 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 5.730. The company issued revenue guidance of $41.9 billion-$43.5 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $42.0 billion. Magna International Stock Performance Shares of MGA opened at $57.73 on Friday. Magna International has a 52-week low of $30.39 and a 52-week high of $58.26. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $53.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.77 and a beta of 1.50. Get Magna International alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Magna International from $49.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Evercore increased their price objective on shares of Magna International from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Magna International from $49.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Magna International from $53.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Magna International from $38.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Magna International has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $52.80. Institutional Trading of Magna International Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MGA. IFC & Insurance Marketing Inc. bought a new position in shares of Magna International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $49,000. Danske Bank A S purchased a new stake in shares of Magna International during the 3rd quarter valued at $112,000. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Magna International by 22.7% in the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,024 shares of the companys stock worth $161,000 after purchasing an additional 560 shares in the last quarter. Syon Capital LLC raised its stake in Magna International by 10.0% in the 4th quarter. Syon Capital LLC now owns 5,939 shares of the companys stock worth $317,000 after acquiring an additional 540 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its stake in Magna International by 19.8% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 6,808 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,000 after purchasing an additional 1,123 shares during the last quarter. 67.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Magna International (Get Free Report) Magna International Inc is a leading global automotive supplier specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of vehicle systems, assemblies, modules, and components. Headquartered in Aurora, Ontario, the company partners with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop technologies and solutions that enhance vehicle performance, safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Magnas broad portfolio encompasses body exteriors and structures, powertrain systems, seating and interiors, roof systems, mirror systems, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The company operates more than 350 manufacturing and assembly facilities and over 100 innovation centers across 27 countries, serving customers in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Magna International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magna International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. May Barnhard Investments LLC lessened its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 5.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 85,760 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 4,740 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF accounts for 4.7% of May Barnhard Investments LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. May Barnhard Investments LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $10,191,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 197.6% in the third quarter. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP now owns 244 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 85.4% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 254 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares during the last quarter. Curio Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 26,900.0% in the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 270 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 269 shares in the last quarter. WPG Advisers LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 306.6% in the 3rd quarter. WPG Advisers LLC now owns 431 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 200.4% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 452 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 902 shares during the last quarter. 66.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Down 1.8% Shares of IJR stock opened at $129.40 on Friday. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 12 month low of $89.22 and a 12 month high of $133.52. The businesss 50 day moving average is $125.73 and its two-hundred day moving average is $120.20. The company has a market cap of $95.15 billion, a PE ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The Index serves as the underlying index for the S&P 600/Citigroup Growth and Value Index series. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lodge Hill Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of OneMain Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:OMF Free Report) by 5.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 283,300 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 15,000 shares during the period. OneMain accounts for about 2.9% of Lodge Hill Capital LLCs holdings, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Lodge Hill Capital LLC owned about 0.24% of OneMain worth $15,995,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in OneMain during the 3rd quarter worth $26,000. Activest Wealth Management grew its holdings in shares of OneMain by 1,102.1% during the third quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 577 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 529 shares during the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd grew its holdings in shares of OneMain by 591.8% during the third quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 671 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of OneMain by 57.5% in the 3rd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 718 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 262 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of OneMain by 79.4% in the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 820 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 363 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.82% of the companys stock. Get OneMain alerts: OneMain Stock Performance Shares of OMF opened at $57.04 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.68, a P/E/G ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 1.33. OneMain Holdings, Inc. has a 1 year low of $38.00 and a 1 year high of $71.93. The companys fifty day moving average is $66.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.34. OneMain Announces Dividend OneMain ( NYSE:OMF Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.55 by $0.04. OneMain had a return on equity of 23.81% and a net margin of 14.35%.The business had revenue of $1.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.28 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.16 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that OneMain Holdings, Inc. will post 6.46 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.4%. OneMains dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 63.93%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on OneMain from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of OneMain from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, January 18th. JMP Securities set a $68.00 price target on shares of OneMain in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of OneMain in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Evercore set a $75.00 target price on shares of OneMain in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.70. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on OneMain Insider Transactions at OneMain In related news, CEO Douglas H. Shulman sold 57,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.41, for a total transaction of $3,933,575.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 174,100 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,910,181. The trade was a 24.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Michael A. Hedlund sold 652 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.00, for a total transaction of $40,424.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 15,179 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $941,098. This trade represents a 4.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. OneMain Company Profile (Free Report) OneMain Financial (NYSE: OMF) is a leading consumer finance company specializing in unsecured personal loans for middle-income customers. The company offers tailored loan products designed to address a variety of needs, including debt consolidation, home improvement financing, large purchases and emergency expenses. Through a combination of branch-based service and digital channels, OneMain aims to deliver a personalized borrowing experience with flexible repayment options and transparent terms. Tracing its roots back to the Commercial Credit Company founded in 1912, OneMain has evolved through a series of mergers and corporate transformations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for OneMain Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OneMain and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC lowered its position in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (BATS:NULV Free Report) by 71.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,551 shares of the companys stock after selling 19,001 shares during the period. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLCs holdings in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF were worth $331,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF by 57.0% during the second quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 680 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 247 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $65,000. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $67,000. Westfuller Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $85,000. Finally, Milestone Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF by 16.8% in the second quarter. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,750 shares of the companys stock worth $115,000 after buying an additional 396 shares in the last quarter. Get Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF alerts: Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF Stock Performance BATS:NULV opened at $47.18 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $46.30 and a 200 day moving average price of $44.54. The stock has a market cap of $1.95 billion, a PE ratio of 19.82 and a beta of 0.87. Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF has a one year low of $35.41 and a one year high of $48.13. About Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF The Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Value index. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap value stocks that score highly on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The fund is weighted using a multi-factor optimizer. NULV was launched on Dec 13, 2016 and is managed by Nuveen. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Free Report) by 127.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 369,704 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 207,070 shares during the quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board owned approximately 0.16% of HCA Healthcare worth $157,568,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of HCA Healthcare during the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,152,408,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in HCA Healthcare by 6,115.3% during the third quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 911,096 shares of the companys stock valued at $388,309,000 after purchasing an additional 896,437 shares in the last quarter. Viking Global Investors LP increased its stake in shares of HCA Healthcare by 58.5% in the second quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 1,872,133 shares of the companys stock worth $717,214,000 after purchasing an additional 690,773 shares in the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new position in shares of HCA Healthcare during the 2nd quarter valued at $109,337,000. Finally, HRT Financial LP bought a new stake in HCA Healthcare during the second quarter valued at about $81,596,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.73% of the companys stock. Get HCA Healthcare alerts: HCA Healthcare News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting HCA Healthcare this week: Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised FY-2026 EPS to $29.31 (from $28.47) and lifted multiple quarterly and multiyear estimates (FY2027 to $33.44, FY2028 to $37.67), aligning analyst expectations with HCAs FY2026 guidance and suggesting stronger forward profitability. Zacks remains at a Hold rating, but the higher estimates support valuation and earnings momentum. Zacks estimate changes (MarketBeat) Zacks Research raised FY-2026 EPS to $29.31 (from $28.47) and lifted multiple quarterly and multiyear estimates (FY2027 to $33.44, FY2028 to $37.67), aligning analyst expectations with HCAs FY2026 guidance and suggesting stronger forward profitability. Zacks remains at a Hold rating, but the higher estimates support valuation and earnings momentum. Neutral Sentiment: HCAs StoneSprings Hospital Center is planning to convert a Chantilly deli site into a freestanding emergency room a local expansion that could modestly increase patient volumes and admissions in that market over time. HCA StoneSprings freestanding ER HCAs StoneSprings Hospital Center is planning to convert a Chantilly deli site into a freestanding emergency room a local expansion that could modestly increase patient volumes and admissions in that market over time. Neutral Sentiment: HCA-related ASC real estate was sold, a move that can free capital or change lease/operating dynamics for ambulatory surgery centers; the net effect depends on deal terms and use of proceeds. HCA ASC real estate sold HCA-related ASC real estate was sold, a move that can free capital or change lease/operating dynamics for ambulatory surgery centers; the net effect depends on deal terms and use of proceeds. Neutral Sentiment: Executive moves: a former HCA Florida executive joined Memorial Health as COO and an HCA veteran was named COO at Memorial Health in Georgia routine industry leadership turnover that may have limited nearterm impact on HCAs financials but is notable for regional competitive dynamics and management talent flow. Former HCA exec joins Memorial Health (MSN) HCA veteran named COO (Beckers) HCA Healthcare Price Performance Shares of HCA stock opened at $535.24 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $119.69 billion, a PE ratio of 18.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.36. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $481.73 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $446.85. HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a 1 year low of $295.00 and a 1 year high of $552.90. HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $8.01 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.37 by $0.64. HCA Healthcare had a negative return on equity of 409.11% and a net margin of 8.97%.The company had revenue of $19.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.67 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $6.22 EPS. HCA Healthcares quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. HCA Healthcare has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.100-31.500 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that HCA Healthcare, Inc. will post 24.98 EPS for the current year. HCA Healthcare Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be given a $0.78 dividend. This is an increase from HCA Healthcares previous quarterly dividend of $0.72. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $3.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. HCA Healthcares dividend payout ratio is currently 10.15%. Insider Buying and Selling at HCA Healthcare In other news, SVP Jennifer Berres sold 8,020 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $514.58, for a total transaction of $4,126,931.60. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 11,993 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,171,357.94. This represents a 40.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Michael S. Cuffe sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $498.09, for a total value of $747,135.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 30,003 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,944,194.27. The trade was a 4.76% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 13,520 shares of company stock worth $6,894,067 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Zacks Research downgraded HCA Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 27th. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their target price on shares of HCA Healthcare from $525.00 to $588.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of HCA Healthcare from $520.00 to $546.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on HCA Healthcare from $535.00 to $590.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on HCA Healthcare from $520.00 to $558.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Sixteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $523.27. View Our Latest Research Report on HCA Healthcare HCA Healthcare Profile (Free Report) HCA Healthcare is a forprofit operator of healthcare facilities headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1968, the company owns and operates a network of hospitals and related healthcare facilities and has grown through organic expansion and acquisitions to become a large provider of inpatient and outpatient services. The companys core activities include the operation of acute care hospitals, freestanding surgical and emergency centers, and outpatient clinics. HCAs services encompass inpatient care, surgical services, emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, and various outpatient and ambulatory care offerings. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HCA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HCA Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HCA Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShare Advisors LLC lessened its position in shares of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report) by 25.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 36,764 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 12,796 shares during the quarter. ProShare Advisors LLCs holdings in Raymond James Financial were worth $6,345,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its holdings in Raymond James Financial by 30.8% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 60,372 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,390,000 after buying an additional 14,233 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Raymond James Financial by 28.6% during the third quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 31,295 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,402,000 after acquiring an additional 6,953 shares during the last quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd raised its stake in shares of Raymond James Financial by 2,000.9% in the 3rd quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd now owns 4,559 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $781,000 after acquiring an additional 4,342 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 24.6% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 59,067 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $10,195,000 after acquiring an additional 11,680 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new position in shares of Raymond James Financial in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,487,000. 83.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Raymond James Financial alerts: Insider Activity at Raymond James Financial In other news, insider Paul C. Reilly sold 130,687 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $163.15, for a total value of $21,321,584.05. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 260,546 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,508,079.90. This trade represents a 33.40% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.58% of the companys stock. Raymond James Financial Trading Down 0.6% NYSE:RJF opened at $157.64 on Friday. Raymond James Financial, Inc. has a 12-month low of $117.57 and a 12-month high of $177.66. The firm has a market cap of $31.07 billion, a PE ratio of 15.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $166.21 and a 200 day moving average price of $164.97. Raymond James Financial (NYSE:RJF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The financial services provider reported $2.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by $0.03. Raymond James Financial had a return on equity of 17.65% and a net margin of 13.07%.The company had revenue of $3.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.83 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.93 EPS. Raymond James Financials revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Raymond James Financial, Inc. will post 11.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Raymond James Financial Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.54 per share. This is a boost from Raymond James Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $2.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. Raymond James Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.14%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have issued reports on RJF. JMP Securities boosted their target price on Raymond James Financial from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Raymond James Financial from $178.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. TD Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. UBS Group set a $176.00 target price on Raymond James Financial and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their target price on Raymond James Financial from $194.00 to $196.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $182.17. Get Our Latest Research Report on Raymond James Financial About Raymond James Financial (Free Report) Raymond James Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. Founded in 1962, the company provides a range of services to individual investors, businesses and institutions through a combination of wealth management, capital markets, investment banking, asset management, banking and trust services. Its business model centers on a network of financial advisors and broker-dealer operations that deliver personalized financial planning, investment advisory services and brokerage solutions. The firms core offerings include private client wealth management delivered by independent and employee advisors, equity and fixed-income research, institutional sales and trading, and investment banking services such as mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital raising. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RJF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Raymond James Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raymond James Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in ResMed Inc. (NYSE:RMD Free Report) by 3.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 318,937 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after buying an additional 11,696 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.22% of ResMed worth $87,302,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of RMD. Entropy Technologies LP increased its holdings in shares of ResMed by 188.7% in the second quarter. Entropy Technologies LP now owns 16,384 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $4,227,000 after purchasing an additional 10,708 shares during the period. Quantbot Technologies LP boosted its stake in ResMed by 244.8% during the second quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 36,355 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $9,380,000 after buying an additional 25,810 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB grew its position in ResMed by 3.5% during the third quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 790,872 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $217,387,000 after buying an additional 26,629 shares in the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH increased its stake in ResMed by 44.8% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 357,421 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $97,837,000 after acquiring an additional 110,647 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Swedbank AB increased its stake in ResMed by 25.4% in the 3rd quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 542,711 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $148,556,000 after acquiring an additional 109,760 shares during the last quarter. 54.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get ResMed alerts: ResMed Stock Down 5.3% Shares of NYSE RMD opened at $245.93 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.33, a PEG ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.87. ResMed Inc. has a one year low of $199.92 and a one year high of $293.81. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $252.63 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $263.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 3.06 and a quick ratio of 2.32. ResMed Dividend Announcement ResMed ( NYSE:RMD Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The medical equipment provider reported $2.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.68 by $0.13. ResMed had a net margin of 27.53% and a return on equity of 25.20%. The company had revenue of $1.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.43 EPS. The firms revenue was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that ResMed Inc. will post 9.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 12th. ResMeds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.74%. Insider Transactions at ResMed In related news, Director Witte Jan De sold 2,055 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $255.00, for a total transaction of $524,025.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 4,261 shares in the company, valued at $1,086,555. This trade represents a 32.54% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Peter C. Farrell sold 2,000 shares of ResMed stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $251.31, for a total value of $502,620.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 64,773 shares in the company, valued at $16,278,102.63. This trade represents a 3.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 18,137 shares of company stock worth $4,658,832. Company insiders own 0.65% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on ResMed from $311.00 to $314.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of ResMed from $330.00 to $345.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of ResMed from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $345.00 price target on shares of ResMed in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $281.00 price objective on shares of ResMed in a report on Friday, January 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $299.27. Get Our Latest Report on ResMed ResMed Profile (Free Report) ResMed (NYSE: RMD) is a global medical device and cloud-connectivity company focused on improving outcomes for people with sleep-disordered breathing and chronic respiratory conditions. Founded in 1989, the company is headquartered in San Diego, California, and develops, manufactures and distributes a range of devices and software used by patients, clinicians and providers worldwide. ResMeds product portfolio centers on noninvasive ventilation and sleep therapy equipment, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel devices, masks and related accessories for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RMD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ResMed Inc. (NYSE:RMD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ResMed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ResMed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers cut its holdings in shares of MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report) by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 150,093 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 2,054 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.20% of MSCI worth $85,164,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Intact Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in MSCI by 16.0% during the second quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. now owns 138 shares of the technology companys stock worth $80,000 after acquiring an additional 19 shares in the last quarter. Empirical Finance LLC grew its stake in MSCI by 0.7% in the second quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 2,772 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,599,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. grew its stake in MSCI by 8.5% in the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 268 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $155,000 after purchasing an additional 21 shares in the last quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance increased its position in shares of MSCI by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 509 shares of the technology companys stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 21 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC raised its stake in shares of MSCI by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC now owns 3,300 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,872,000 after purchasing an additional 21 shares in the last quarter. 89.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get MSCI alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez acquired 2,290 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 5th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $536.17 per share, for a total transaction of $1,227,829.30. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 335,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $179,653,945.73. This represents a 0.69% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, General Counsel Robert J. Gutowski sold 624 shares of MSCI stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $558.42, for a total value of $348,454.08. Following the sale, the general counsel directly owned 15,945 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,904,006.90. This represents a 3.77% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 3.31% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. MSCI Price Performance Shares of MSCI opened at $522.12 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $573.41 and its 200-day moving average is $566.07. The firm has a market capitalization of $38.36 billion, a PE ratio of 33.28, a PEG ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 1.29. MSCI Inc has a fifty-two week low of $486.73 and a fifty-two week high of $626.28. MSCI (NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.66 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.62 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $822.53 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $819.51 million. MSCI had a net margin of 38.36% and a negative return on equity of 82.59%. MSCIs revenue was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $4.18 EPS. Analysts predict that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. MSCI announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, October 28th that allows the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the technology company to buy up to 7.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. MSCI Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of $2.05 per share. This represents a $8.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.6%. This is an increase from MSCIs previous quarterly dividend of $1.80. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. MSCIs dividend payout ratio is 45.89%. MSCI News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting MSCI this week: Positive Sentiment: MSCIs February Quarterly Index Review added three stocks to the MSCI World Index a mechanical trigger that forces indextracking funds to buy the new constituents ahead of the Feb. 27 implementation date, creating predictable demand and higher trading volumes. Three Stocks Graduated to the MSCI World Index MSCIs February Quarterly Index Review added three stocks to the MSCI World Index a mechanical trigger that forces indextracking funds to buy the new constituents ahead of the Feb. 27 implementation date, creating predictable demand and higher trading volumes. Positive Sentiment: MSCIs latest revamp notably tilted toward Chinese tech China received the most index additions in nearly three years reinforcing MSCIs influence on Asia allocations and potentially boosting demand for MSCIs China benchmarks and associated data services. China Stocks Climb as MSCI Boosts Exposure MSCIs latest revamp notably tilted toward Chinese tech China received the most index additions in nearly three years reinforcing MSCIs influence on Asia allocations and potentially boosting demand for MSCIs China benchmarks and associated data services. Positive Sentiment: MSCI added Aditya Birla Capital and L&T Finance to its Global Standard Index changes that analysts estimate will generate meaningful passive inflows (nearly $495M cited), illustrating how MSCI reviews can move real money into newly included stocks. Birla Capital, L&T Finance enter MSCI Index MSCI added Aditya Birla Capital and L&T Finance to its Global Standard Index changes that analysts estimate will generate meaningful passive inflows (nearly $495M cited), illustrating how MSCI reviews can move real money into newly included stocks. Neutral Sentiment: Pony.ais inclusion in the MSCI China Index (effective Feb. 27) underscores MSCIs marketmoving role this is a positive for Pony.ais investor base but is a peripheral signal for MSCIs own revenue trajectory. Pony.ai Joins MSCI China Index Pony.ais inclusion in the MSCI China Index (effective Feb. 27) underscores MSCIs marketmoving role this is a positive for Pony.ais investor base but is a peripheral signal for MSCIs own revenue trajectory. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional commentary (Baron Funds Q4 letter) shows MSCI was held steady in portfolios a sign of continued institutional support but not a major portfolio shift. MSCI Held Steady Amid Challenges Institutional commentary (Baron Funds Q4 letter) shows MSCI was held steady in portfolios a sign of continued institutional support but not a major portfolio shift. Negative Sentiment: Index rebalances also remove names (e.g., IRCTC excluded), producing forced selling and shortterm volatility for constituents a reminder these reviews can create market noise that increases headline risk even if MSCI itself benefits structurally. MSCI Rejig: Additions and Exclusions Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of MSCI in a report on Thursday, January 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of MSCI from $655.00 to $680.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of MSCI from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Wednesday. Evercore upped their target price on shares of MSCI from $655.00 to $690.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $655.00 price target on shares of MSCI in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $659.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MSCI About MSCI (Free Report) MSCI Inc is a global provider of investment decision support tools and services for the financial industry. The company is best known for its family of market indexes, which are widely used as benchmarks by asset managers and as the basis for exchange-traded funds and other passive products. In addition to index construction and licensing, MSCI offers portfolio analytics, risk models, factor and performance attribution tools, and a suite of data and technology solutions designed to support portfolio management and trading. Beyond traditional indexing and risk analytics, MSCI has expanded into environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and ratings, offering data, scores and screening tools that help investors integrate sustainability considerations into investment processes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for MSCI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MSCI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prospera Financial Services Inc trimmed its position in Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Free Report) (TSE:RY) by 19.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 14,018 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 3,488 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Incs holdings in Royal Bank Of Canada were worth $2,066,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Toth Financial Advisory Corp bought a new position in Royal Bank Of Canada during the third quarter worth $29,000. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada during the third quarter worth $31,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada by 103.8% in the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in the 2nd quarter valued at about $51,000. 45.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Royal Bank Of Canada alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Royal Bank Of Canada from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research report on Friday, January 9th. National Bank Financial reissued an outperform rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Raymond James Financial began coverage on Royal Bank Of Canada in a research note on Monday, November 24th. They set a moderate buy rating for the company. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Royal Bank Of Canada currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $162.00. Royal Bank Of Canada Stock Performance Shares of NYSE RY opened at $169.28 on Friday. Royal Bank Of Canada has a 12-month low of $106.10 and a 12-month high of $176.19. The company has a market cap of $236.58 billion, a PE ratio of 16.88, a P/E/G ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.79. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $168.99 and a 200-day simple moving average of $152.76. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Get Free Report) (TSE:RY) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.76 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.51 by $0.25. Royal Bank Of Canada had a return on equity of 16.83% and a net margin of 14.83%.The firm had revenue of $12.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.12 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.07 EPS. The firms revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Royal Bank Of Canada will post 9.16 EPS for the current year. Royal Bank Of Canada Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 24th. Investors of record on Monday, January 26th will be paid a dividend of $1.64 per share. This is an increase from Royal Bank Of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.54. This represents a $6.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 26th. Royal Bank Of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.66%. Key Stories Impacting Royal Bank Of Canada Here are the key news stories impacting Royal Bank Of Canada this week: Royal Bank Of Canada Company Profile (Free Report) Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE: RY) is a diversified financial services company and one of Canadas largest banks. Founded in 1864 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the firm is now headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. It provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients through a network of branches, digital platforms and international offices. RBC operates across several principal business segments including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor and treasury services, capital markets, and global asset management. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Free Report) (TSE:RY). Receive News & Ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WH Smith PLC (OTCMKTS:WHTPF Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 22,706 shares, a growth of 107.4% from the January 15th total of 10,948 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 11,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 11,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.0 days. WH Smith Price Performance OTCMKTS WHTPF opened at $8.97 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.66. WH Smith has a 12-month low of $8.60 and a 12-month high of $14.14. Get WH Smith alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Investec raised WH Smith from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of WH Smith in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. WH Smith Company Profile (Get Free Report) WH Smith PLC is a British retail company founded in 1792, known primarily for its network of newsagents and bookstores. The company operates two main divisionsHigh Street and Travelserving both everyday customers and travelers. Its product range includes newspapers, magazines, books, stationery, convenience foods, and travel essentials, complemented by digital content and online sales channels. The High Street division comprises more than 600 stores across the United Kingdom, offering a broad selection of print and convenience products to local communities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for WH Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WH Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lowered its position in shares of The Chemours Company (NYSE:CC Free Report) by 51.3% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 107,997 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 113,927 shares during the quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans holdings in Chemours were worth $1,711,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CC. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Chemours in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd bought a new stake in Chemours during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC grew its stake in Chemours by 100.0% in the second quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC now owns 4,000 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares during the period. CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of Chemours by 34.7% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 4,290 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 1,104 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. increased its stake in shares of Chemours by 102.3% during the second quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 7,149 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $82,000 after purchasing an additional 3,615 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.26% of the companys stock. Get Chemours alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Chemours from $15.00 to $13.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Chemours in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating and set a $20.00 target price on shares of Chemours in a research note on Monday, January 19th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Chemours from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of Chemours from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $16.67. Chemours Stock Down 2.9% Chemours stock opened at $20.40 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $14.36 and a two-hundred day moving average of $14.13. The Chemours Company has a twelve month low of $9.13 and a twelve month high of $21.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 1.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.66. The firm has a market cap of $3.06 billion, a P/E ratio of -9.19 and a beta of 1.63. About Chemours (Free Report) Chemours Company, established in 2015 as a spin-off from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, is a global chemistry organization headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Since its formation, Chemours has focused on delivering performance chemicals that help customers lower their carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency and conserve water. The company operates with a commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and innovation. Chemours principal business activities are organized into three core segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Chemours Company (NYSE:CC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chemours Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemours and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. US Foods (NYSE:USFD Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 4.696-4.935 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 4.560. The company issued revenue guidance of $41.0 billion-$41.8 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $42.0 billion. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen cut shares of US Foods from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. Morgan Stanley set a $92.00 price target on US Foods in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on US Foods from $95.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. BTIG Research boosted their target price on shares of US Foods from $82.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of US Foods in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, US Foods has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $98.08. Get US Foods alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on US Foods US Foods Price Performance US Foods stock opened at $101.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 1.15. The company has a market cap of $22.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.44, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.02. US Foods has a 1 year low of $57.36 and a 1 year high of $102.13. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $80.60 and a 200 day moving average price of $78.10. US Foods (NYSE:USFD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.01 by $0.03. US Foods had a net margin of 1.43% and a return on equity of 17.71%. The company had revenue of $9.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.90 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.84 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. US Foods has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.696-4.935 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that US Foods will post 3.59 earnings per share for the current year. More US Foods News Here are the key news stories impacting US Foods this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 EPS beat and margin improvement US Foods reported $1.04 EPS vs. ~$1.01 consensus and wide year-over-year profit growth (net income up 178.8% to $184M), showing stronger-than-expected profitability. Business Wire Release Q4 EPS beat and margin improvement US Foods reported $1.04 EPS vs. ~$1.01 consensus and wide year-over-year profit growth (net income up 178.8% to $184M), showing stronger-than-expected profitability. Positive Sentiment: FY2026 EPS guidance raised above consensus management set fullyear EPS guidance of $4.696$4.935, above the ~$4.56 Street view, which supports upward revisions to earnings models. TipRanks Coverage FY2026 EPS guidance raised above consensus management set fullyear EPS guidance of $4.696$4.935, above the ~$4.56 Street view, which supports upward revisions to earnings models. Positive Sentiment: Operational traction total case volume rose 0.8% and independent restaurant cases increased 4.1%; adjusted EBITDA grew double digits (reported +11.1%), supporting margin outlook. Business Wire Release Operational traction total case volume rose 0.8% and independent restaurant cases increased 4.1%; adjusted EBITDA grew double digits (reported +11.1%), supporting margin outlook. Neutral Sentiment: Management commentary and supporting materials are available full earnings slide deck and call transcript provide detail for modeling and questions on cost/revenue drivers. SA Presentation Management commentary and supporting materials are available full earnings slide deck and call transcript provide detail for modeling and questions on cost/revenue drivers. Neutral Sentiment: Call transcripts published analysts and investors can review management Q&A for color on demand trends and margin cadence. Yahoo Finance Transcript SA Transcript Call transcripts published analysts and investors can review management Q&A for color on demand trends and margin cadence. Negative Sentiment: Revenue miss and conservative topline outlook Q4 sales were $9.8B vs. ~$9.9B expected, and FY2026 revenue guidance of $41.0$41.8B sits below the ~$42B consensus, which could cap multiple expansion. Investing.com Coverage Institutional Investors Weigh In On US Foods Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of USFD. Boston Partners boosted its holdings in US Foods by 6.0% in the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 16,130,224 shares of the companys stock worth $1,235,585,000 after acquiring an additional 908,993 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of US Foods by 14.2% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,875,970 shares of the companys stock worth $986,557,000 after purchasing an additional 1,599,033 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of US Foods by 8.6% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 8,164,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $625,530,000 after purchasing an additional 649,950 shares during the period. Primecap Management Co. CA grew its holdings in US Foods by 3.1% during the 4th quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 3,911,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $294,622,000 after purchasing an additional 118,401 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in US Foods by 14.7% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,910,755 shares of the companys stock worth $224,157,000 after buying an additional 373,321 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.76% of the companys stock. US Foods Company Profile (Get Free Report) US Foods (NYSE: USFD) is a leading foodservice distributor in the United States that supplies a wide range of products and services to professional food operators. The company provides fresh, frozen and dry food items as well as non-food restaurant supplies and kitchen equipment. Its customer base includes independent restaurants, multi-unit chains, healthcare and senior living facilities, hospitality businesses, government and educational institutions, and other foodservice operators. Beyond commodity and branded food products, US Foods offers value-added solutions designed to help customers run their businesses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for US Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for US Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co increased its stake in Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB Free Report) by 8.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 248,500 shares of the pipeline companys stock after buying an additional 19,700 shares during the quarter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Cos holdings in Williams Companies were worth $15,742,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Williams Companies in the second quarter valued at about $765,164,000. BROOKFIELD Corp ON raised its holdings in shares of Williams Companies by 190.3% in the 2nd quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON now owns 12,028,186 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $755,490,000 after purchasing an additional 7,884,730 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in Williams Companies by 27.3% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 14,417,821 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $905,583,000 after purchasing an additional 3,089,390 shares during the last quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership grew its holdings in Williams Companies by 39.0% during the second quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 6,954,733 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $436,827,000 after purchasing an additional 1,950,485 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Williams Companies by 1.5% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 133,075,340 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $8,358,462,000 after buying an additional 1,912,156 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.44% of the companys stock. Get Williams Companies alerts: Williams Companies Trading Up 0.1% Shares of Williams Companies stock opened at $71.17 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $62.50 and its 200-day moving average price is $60.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.83. Williams Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $51.58 and a 12-month high of $72.28. The company has a market cap of $86.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.26, a PEG ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 0.65. Williams Companies Increases Dividend Williams Companies ( NYSE:WMB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The pipeline company reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by ($0.02). Williams Companies had a return on equity of 17.32% and a net margin of 21.90%.The firm had revenue of $3.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.10 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.47 EPS. Williams Companies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.200-2.380 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Williams Companies, Inc. will post 2.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.525 per share. This is a positive change from Williams Companiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. This represents a $2.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. Williams Companiess dividend payout ratio is 93.46%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades WMB has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Mizuho raised Williams Companies to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Williams Companies from $69.00 to $78.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $75.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Williams Companies from $70.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Williams Companies from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $71.67. View Our Latest Report on WMB Insider Transactions at Williams Companies In related news, SVP Terrance Lane Wilson sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.39, for a total transaction of $132,780.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 293,545 shares in the company, valued at $19,488,452.55. The trade was a 0.68% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.44% of the companys stock. About Williams Companies (Free Report) Williams Companies, Inc (NYSE: WMB) is a U.S.-based energy infrastructure company focused on the midstream segment of the natural gas value chain. The company develops, owns and operates assets that gather, process, transport and store natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Its operations support the movement of gas from production areas to end users including utilities, power generators, industrial customers and export facilities. Williamss product and service offering includes interstate and intrastate pipeline transmission, gas-gathering systems, processing facilities that remove impurities and separate NGLs, storage services and fractionation and transportation of NGL products. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Williams Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Versor Investments LP purchased a new stake in Select Medical Holdings Corporation (NYSE:SEM Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 35,400 shares of the health services providers stock, valued at approximately $455,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. MAI Capital Management raised its holdings in shares of Select Medical by 48,000.0% during the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 2,405 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 2,400 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC grew its stake in Select Medical by 6,868.4% in the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 3,972 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $51,000 after purchasing an additional 3,915 shares during the period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB increased its holdings in Select Medical by 20.9% during the third quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB now owns 5,784 shares of the health services providers stock worth $74,000 after buying an additional 999 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Select Medical by 13.2% in the second quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,135 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $108,000 after buying an additional 834 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in Select Medical by 15.9% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,828 shares of the health services providers stock worth $134,000 after purchasing an additional 1,208 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.48% of the companys stock. Get Select Medical alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth SEM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised Select Medical from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Select Medical in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Mizuho set a $17.00 target price on shares of Select Medical in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Benchmark reissued a buy rating on shares of Select Medical in a report on Monday, October 27th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $17.80. Select Medical Stock Up 0.4% Shares of NYSE:SEM opened at $16.30 on Friday. Select Medical Holdings Corporation has a 1 year low of $11.65 and a 1 year high of $19.54. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.19 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $13.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.02 billion, a PE ratio of 18.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 1.09. Select Medical Company Profile (Free Report) Select Medical is a leading provider of specialized healthcare services in the United States, operating through two primary business segments: Hospital Division and Outpatient Rehabilitation Division. The Hospital Division offers long-term acute care (LTAC) hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) that serve patients recovering from complex illnesses, trauma or surgery. The Outpatient Rehabilitation Division delivers physical, occupational and speech therapy services through a network of clinic locations and home-based care programs. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Select Medical was founded in 1996 and has grown through strategic partnerships, joint ventures and acquisitions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Select Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Select Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Versor Investments LP trimmed its holdings in Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR Free Report) by 68.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 9,095 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 19,873 shares during the quarter. Versor Investments LPs holdings in Kemper were worth $469,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Kemper by 1,098.0% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 587 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 538 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its position in shares of Kemper by 73.5% during the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 656 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 278 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its stake in Kemper by 651.6% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 699 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 606 shares in the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. grew its holdings in Kemper by 194.6% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 881 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 582 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its stake in Kemper by 178.6% in the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,078 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 691 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.23% of the companys stock. Get Kemper alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes KMPR has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Zacks Research raised shares of Kemper from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Piper Sandler cut their price target on Kemper from $50.00 to $35.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. William Blair downgraded Kemper from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Citizens Jmp cut Kemper from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Kemper in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $56.50. Kemper Price Performance KMPR opened at $32.37 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.18 and a quick ratio of 0.19. The firms fifty day moving average price is $38.92 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $45.34. Kemper Corporation has a 1 year low of $30.05 and a 1 year high of $69.83. The company has a market capitalization of $1.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.78 and a beta of 1.14. Kemper (NYSE:KMPR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The insurance provider reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.85 by ($0.60). Kemper had a net margin of 2.99% and a return on equity of 8.02%. The firm had revenue of $1.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.22 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.78 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Kemper Corporation will post 6.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Kemper Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.0%. Kempers payout ratio is currently 58.45%. About Kemper (Free Report) Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) is a diversified insurance holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Formed through the rebranding of Unitrin in 2010, Kemper has established a nationwide presence by offering a broad array of property and casualty insurance products. The company distributes its products through independent agents, brokers and direct-to-consumer channels, serving both individual policyholders and commercial clients. The personal insurance segment provides coverage for automobiles, homeowners, renters and umbrella lines, while the commercial business focuses on liability, workers compensation and specialty property solutions tailored to small and mid-sized enterprises. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kemper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kemper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vontier (NYSE:VNT Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.86 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.01, FiscalAI reports. The business had revenue of $808.50 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $765.12 million. Vontier had a net margin of 13.34% and a return on equity of 40.49%. The firms revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.80 earnings per share. Vontier updated its FY 2026 guidance to 3.350-3.500 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance to 0.780-0.810 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Vontiers conference call: Get Vontier alerts: Vontier finished 2025 strong Q4 core sales were +5%, full-year organic sales ~4%, adjusted EPS was up ~11%, and the company generated over $460 million in adjusted free cash flow (~15% of sales). in adjusted free cash flow (~15% of sales). Strong cash allocation and balance sheet flexibility Vontier repurchased $300 million of stock in 2025 (including $125M in Q4), ended the year with nearly $500 million cash and reduced net leverage to 2.3x. of stock in 2025 (including $125M in Q4), ended the year with nearly $500 million cash and reduced net leverage to 2.3x. Momentum in Mobility Technologies Invenco closed the year with a revenue base near $650 million (organic +22%), driven by new products (FlexPay 6, NFX, vehicle ID, indoor terminal) and a strategic win for its unified payment solution with a global Cstore customer. (organic +22%), driven by new products (FlexPay 6, NFX, vehicle ID, indoor terminal) and a strategic win for its solution with a global Cstore customer. One-time headwinds pressured margins a $4 million Invenco inventory reserve (legacy inventory) and higher corporate healthcare costs reduced Q4 adjusted operating margins and contributed to a ~200 bps decline in MobilityTech segment margins for the quarter. Invenco inventory reserve (legacy inventory) and higher corporate healthcare costs reduced Q4 adjusted operating margins and contributed to a ~200 bps decline in MobilityTech segment margins for the quarter. 2026 guidance and efficiency actions Vontier expects ~3% core growth, ~80 bps operating margin expansion at the midpoint, ~$15 million of inyear simplification savings (largely ramping H2), and ~95% adjusted free cash flow conversion (~15% of sales). Vontier Trading Up 3.3% Shares of VNT opened at $42.04 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 0.90. Vontier has a 1 year low of $27.22 and a 1 year high of $48.20. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $38.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $39.63. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently commented on VNT shares. Wall Street Zen cut Vontier from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, February 1st. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating and issued a $50.00 price target on shares of Vontier in a research report on Friday. Weiss Ratings cut Vontier from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating and set a $40.00 price objective (down from $50.00) on shares of Vontier in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on shares of Vontier from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $47.25. Get Our Latest Research Report on Vontier More Vontier News Here are the key news stories impacting Vontier this week: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vontier Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Employees Retirement System of Texas purchased a new stake in Vontier in the 3rd quarter worth $58,000. Quarry LP increased its holdings in shares of Vontier by 5,897.1% in the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 2,099 shares of the companys stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 2,064 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in shares of Vontier by 19.5% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 3,486 shares of the companys stock worth $129,000 after buying an additional 568 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Vontier by 7.7% during the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 3,534 shares of the companys stock valued at $129,000 after buying an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Vontier by 32.6% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,903 shares of the companys stock valued at $144,000 after buying an additional 960 shares during the last quarter. 95.83% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Vontier Company Profile (Get Free Report) Vontier is a global industrial technology company focused on advancing mobility infrastructure and transportation solutions. Established as a standalone public company in October 2020 through the spin-off of Fortives mobility and transportation platforms, Vontier is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The companys mission centers on delivering innovative products and services that help customers meet evolving demands in fuel retail, fleet management, and automotive service. The companys diversified portfolio spans several well-known brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Vontier Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vontier and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Executives from Voya Financial (NYSE:VOYA) told investors they are entering 2026 with momentum after what they described as an exceptional 2025, highlighted by higher cash generation, strong commercial performance in retirement and investment management, and improved profitability in employee benefits. Get alerts: Speaking at a UBS conference, CEO Heather Lavallee said the company generated $775 million in cash in 2025, up significantly from the prior year. She also pointed to record commercial results in the Retirement and Investment Management segments, which she said now total a combined $1 trillion of assets. CFO Mike Katz added that the company expects to grow cash generation further in 2026, supported by commercial momentum, expense efficiencies in retirement and investment management, and continued margin improvement in employee benefits. Capital deployment: repurchases prioritized, M&A remains an option Management emphasized balance sheet strength and flexibility in deploying capital. Lavallee and Katz reiterated that the company plans to direct more capital toward share repurchases in the first half of the year, describing a total ofsplit roughly evenly between the first and second quarters. At the same time, they said share repurchases do not preclude additional retirement roll-up acquisitions. Katz said the company is buying back stock in part because it does not see anything imminent on the deal front, but noted that market volatility can create opportunities. He also said Voya expects to end the year with approximately $400 million of excess capital, which he said includes an earnout the company expects to pay later in the year. Retirement: record flows and OneAmerica integration progress Lavallee said Voyas retirement business delivered close to a 40% margin in 2025, above its guided range of 35% to 39%. She said the segment posted $28 billion of organic flows and added $60 billion of flows from the OneAmerica transaction, bringing total asset growth close to $90 billion. Lavallee also said the business added nearly two billion participants and now serves close to 10 million participants. On OneAmerica, Lavallee said Voya set targets of $200 million of revenue growth, $75 million of earnings, and roughly 90% planned retention, and has significantly exceeded the revenue and earnings goals. She said two of four integrations have been completed and described retention as incredibly strong. She also highlighted added capabilities such as ESOP plan support and distribution through an Edward Jones relationship. Management framed the retirement recordkeeping market as undergoing secular consolidation, noting there are roughly 60 providers and that the top 10 control about 80% of assets. Lavallee said Voya sits as a top-five provider and is positioned to pursue bolt-on acquisitions, while maintaining what she called a very high bar for M&A discipline. Wealth management: expanding advice to a captive audience Lavallee described Voyas wealth management effort as an expansion of an existing business rather than a greenfield build. She said the company already has about $200 million of revenue coming from retirement-related wealth activity, which she characterized as roughly 10% of the retirement business. Executives said a key opportunity is serving the mass affluent participant baseparticularly workers transitioning out of 401(k) plansthrough a mix of field advisors, phone-based advisors, and digital self-service tools. Lavallee said Voya benefits from an existing audience of retirement plan participants and does not face the same lead-generation and distribution acquisition costs as other wealth managers. Katz said the company expects wealth management margins to be at or above retirement margins over time, although he noted a near-term J-curve as Voya invests. He said the company is working to self-fund as much of the investment as possible and is targeting 20%+ returns from the initiative. He also said Voya can adjust the pace of spending depending on conditions. Lavallee also pointed to a proprietary product component that is distributed through third-party advisors, saying it represents a significant portion of the $200 million in revenue discussed. Investment management and private markets partnerships Management said investment management has delivered two strong years, outpacing the industry in organic growth with steady margin improvement. Katz reiterated a 2% organic growth long-term target and said the company is not relying on a single channel for growth, citing broad-based distribution across retail and institutional channels, domestic and international markets, and multiple client segments. Lavallee outlined several growth pillars: Insurance channel growth , serving close to 80 insurance clients , serving close to 80 insurance clients Expansion in private and alternatives , including within insurance client portfolios , including within insurance client portfolios Growth in the U.S. intermediary market , including the launch of active ETFs , including the launch of active ETFs International expansion through the Income and Growth franchise On its partnership with Blue Owl, executives said teams are working toward a product launch in the first half of 2026 for a Multi-Manager Target-Date Fund. Lavallee said the strategy is already embedded into advisor-managed accounts and described Blue Owls private market capabilities as complementary to Voyas existing strengths. Employee benefits: stop-loss volatility, reserving actions, and pricing Katz addressed recent reserve actions in the stop-loss business, describing a once-in-a-generation healthcare backdrop and a wider range of outcomes than pre-COVID experience. He said Voyas typical target loss ratio range is 77% to 80%, but that the range of outcomes has expanded materially. Katz said the company chose to be on the higher end of its best-estimate reserve range to reduce the risk that stop-loss results take us off course in 2026. Management said employee benefits improved materially in 2025, with $40 million of pre-tax adjusted operating earnings in 2024 rising to over $150 million in 2025. Katz said Voya expects further improvement in 2026 and described the recovery plan as focused on pricing, risk selection, and appropriate reserving. Executives also described significant rate increases. Katz said Voya achieved a 21% rate increase on the January 2025 block, with persistency at about two-thirds, below the companys typical 70% to 80% range. For the January 2026 block, he said Voya achieved a 24% increase, and that broader market repricing helped the company keep premiums relatively stable year over year. Lavallee said the stop-loss book is about $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion, and that the company is willing to shrink the business if needed to improve margins. Katz added that Voya has held roughly a 4% market share in stop loss for a long period of time and emphasized the importance of scale in managing volatility. Looking ahead, management said it expects continued elevated volatility in the near term and suggested that higher healthcare trend levels may persist, while emphasizing that Voyas broader plan remains centered on growing cash generation and returning capital to shareholders. About Voya Financial (NYSE:VOYA) Voya Financial, Inc (NYSE: VOYA) is a financial services company headquartered in New York City, focused on helping Americans plan, invest and protect their savings. The company traces its roots to the U.S. operations of ING Group, which were spun off in 2013 and rebranded as Voya Financial in 2014. Voyas operations are built around a customer-centric approach, drawing on decades of experience in retirement planning and risk management to serve both individual and institutional clients. Voyas core business activities span three key segments: Retirement, Investment Management and Employee Benefits. Featured Articles Aspire Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 11,209 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $506,000. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. IMA Advisory Services Inc. boosted its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 22.7% in the third quarter. IMA Advisory Services Inc. now owns 1,890 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $85,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares during the period. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb in the 3rd quarter worth $460,000. Assetmark Inc. increased its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 16.5% in the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 240,622 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $10,852,000 after buying an additional 34,057 shares in the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund raised its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 7.1% during the third quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 748,983 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $33,779,000 after acquiring an additional 49,845 shares during the period. Finally, Haven Private LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in the third quarter valued at about $213,000. Institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on BMY shares. Leerink Partners lifted their target price on Bristol Myers Squibb from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $52.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. HSBC reiterated a hold rating and issued a $53.00 target price on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Guggenheim restated a buy rating and set a $72.00 price target (up previously from $62.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, February 6th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $59.20. Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Down 0.3% Shares of BMY opened at $59.78 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $121.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.33, a P/E/G ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 0.29. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 12-month low of $42.52 and a 12-month high of $63.33. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $55.16 and a 200-day moving average price of $49.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.65 by ($0.39). The company had revenue of $12.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.24 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 14.64% and a return on equity of 70.30%. The businesss revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.67 EPS. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.050-6.350 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current year. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. This is an increase from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is 73.04%. Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics. BMSs marketed portfolio and latestage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immunemediated conditions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assetmark Inc. raised its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 3.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 802,221 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 25,981 shares during the quarter. Assetmark Inc.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $90,450,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Westfuller Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Exxon Mobil in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Bare Financial Services Inc grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 121.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 366 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. Clayton Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the third quarter worth $40,000. TruNorth Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1,595.2% in the third quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC now owns 356 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 335 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Exxon Mobil by 95.8% during the third quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 370 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 181 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Exxon Mobil Price Performance Shares of NYSE:XOM opened at $150.16 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $633.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.44, a P/E/G ratio of 16.18 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $128.62 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $118.47. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1-year low of $97.80 and a 1-year high of $156.93. Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.71 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.63 by $0.08. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 8.68% and a return on equity of 11.21%. The business had revenue of $82.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $77.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.67 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be given a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 12th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is 61.58%. Insider Activity at Exxon Mobil In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.75, for a total transaction of $698,750.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 23,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,295,864. This trade represents a 17.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders have sold 14,230 shares of company stock valued at $1,888,421 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have weighed in on XOM. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Exxon Mobil from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. BNP Paribas Exane cut Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $125.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Bank of America raised their price target on Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $158.00 to $156.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Exxon Mobil has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $140.59. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil Company Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications. ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A former police constable who was sacked from the PSNI last month after he pleaded guilty to a single charge of subjecting his then partner to a prolonged period of domestic abuse, has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for three years, at the Derry Magistrate's Court. Kyle Millar, (28,) whose address on the charge sheet was given as PSNI Headquarters at Knock Road in Belfast, had admitted subjecting his then partner to domestic abuse on dates between February 21, 2022 and March 6, 2023. Millar, who had been suspended on full pay since his offending was reported two years ago, had been in a relationship with his victim for one year and seven months when the abuse occurred. At a previous court hearing last month a prosecution solicitor told District Judge Oonagh Mullan that Millar constantly verbally abused his victim, regularly insulted her, threatened to disclose private photographs of her and on one occasion pushed her causing her to fall and hit her head off a bedside locker. The court heard Millar was a gambling addict who asked the victim for money many times to fund his addiction and she gave him between 5,000 and 6,000. READ NEXT: ARC Fitness launches Rewrite The Story across Derry It was also said the victim was constantly mentally tortured by him and he threatened her if she reported it or sought any help. Imposing the eight month suspended sentence, District Judge Mullan told Millar this was an extremely unfortunate set of circumstances both for the victim and the defendant to find themselves in such a situation. She added that It was stressful for the injured party and has had a huge impact on her mental health. Judge Mullan said the woman is still struggling to move forward and was also still receiving treatment because of the mental health difficulties which have occurred as a result of this offending. She told Millar: It was a very unfortunate incident which has impacted on both of you. The injured party was subjected to treatment by you which she should not have been subjected to. Because of that you are now in an unfortunate situation in that you are no longer in employment", she said. A site in Belfast which hosted a loyalist bonfire last year still contains fragments of asbestos following the completion of remediation work, an environmental assessment has found. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has warned that the public should stay off the privately-owned land at Meridi Street in the south of the city for public health reasons. It has also confirmed that an environmental crime investigation at the site off the Donegall Road is continuing. A contentious bonfire on the site last summer was the focus of health warnings, political rows and legal challenges before it was ignited on the Eleventh night. In a statement released to the Press Association, the NIEA said since May 2025 it has been focused on the landowners efforts to remove the asbestos safely from the site. It added: Asbestos is particularly dangerous when disturbed, making its professional removal, with considerations around public safety, a highly specialised, complex, delicate, and time-consuming operation. Removal of the asbestos commenced on August 4 2025 following an initial delay to allow for the site to be fully secured. The landowners remediation work on the site concluded on November 21 2025, and NIEA appointed an independent environmental consultant to carry out an assessment of this work. The preliminary report of the independent assessment has confirmed the remaining presence of fragments of asbestos on the site, which were left behind after the landowners remediation work. The NIEA said the material currently presents minimal risk within the secure site. But it added: These risks increase where members of the public trespass onto this privately owned land. For public health reasons, NIEA urges that unauthorised persons should not, under any circumstances access this site. Unauthorised access to the site could amount to a criminal offence. The statement said: NIEA will continue to work with the landowners, Belfast City Council, the Public Health Agency, the PSNI and other partners on this matter. Due to the fact that this matter is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, NIEA is unable to comment further. Safety concerns were raised over asbestos at the site ahead of the bonfire being lit there last summer. The location is also close to an electricity substation which powers two hospitals. The PSNI last year declined a request from Belfast City Council to remove the bonfire before it was set alight. The NIEA said at the time that suspected asbestos had been found at five locations on the bonfire site and 20kg of material was removed. Environment Minister Andrew Muir later said he was very disappointed that the Eleventh Night bonfire was lit despite public safety warnings over the site. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Russias government has blocked access to WhatsApp. As reported by BBC News, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed that the decision was taken "due to [WhatsApp owner Meta's] unwillingness to comply with the norms and the letter of Russian law". Peskov added that the ban could be lifted if Meta complied with the law and engaged with Russias government. Meta criticised the ban as a government bid to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication by pushing them towards the state-owned messaging app Max, which it described as a surveillance app since it lacks end-to-end encryption. Meta argued that adopting Max would be a step backwards for users in terms of security. Russian regulator Roskomnadzor this week also stated that it will further restrict access to the encrypted messaging app Telegram due to security concerns. The app is used widely in Russia, particularly by the countrys military forces, and the restrictions have been met with criticism by proponents of Russias invasion of Ukraine, arguing that it has restricted communications on the ground. Russias government has attempted to justify its actions on legal grounds, arguing that WhatsApp and Telegram have failed to comply with Russian law by refusing to store domestic user data locally. It has also denied suggestions that Max could be used for surveillance, with Peskov describing it as simply an available alternative for WhatsApps 100 million Russian users. The Max platform is part of Russias efforts to create a domestic alternative internet, which were already underway prior to the countrys 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The state-backed platform is being heavily pushed within Russia through media, advertising, and government endorsements. Last year, Russian authorities ordered that all devices sold in the country should have Max pre-installed, and the BBC reports that public sector workers including teachers are increasingly obliged to use the app for their work. Earlier this year, Russias state-run news agency Tass reported that WhatsApp faced a permanent ban in the market before the end of 2026. In 2022, parent firm Meta was designated an extremist organisation by Russian authorities, and its services Facebook and Instagram have since been removed from the countrys list of functional domain names, meaning they cannot be accessed in the market without a VPN (virtual private network). UAE-based telco du said on Thursday it is partnering with Cyprus-based independent subsea infrastructure provider Datawave Networks to land the latters Singapore-India-Gulf (SING) subsea cable system in the UAE. The SING cable is envisioned as a low-latency route linking key digital hubs across the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Apart from the UAE, landing points are currently planned for Muscat (Oman), Mumbai and Chennai (India), Kedah (Malaysia) and Singapore. Du said that establishing SINGs UAE landing point at its cable landing station in Kalba will reduce dependence on traditional subsea routes such as the Red Sea corridor, significantly enhancing route diversity and network resilience for global data traffic. Du CCO Karim Benkirane added that the cable will give the UAEs ambitions to become a top destination for AI, advanced compute infrastructure and global cloud expansion a boost, as SING is designed with the necessary scalability to support AI model training, real-time inference, and next-generation digital services. Our partnership delivers the scale, performance, and reliability required to support hyperscalers, AI innovators, and enterprises by creating a resilient alternative East-West connectivity corridor as the UAE and the region accelerate their digital ambitions, he said in a statement. Du also said it will invest in the SING cable, without giving further details. The SING cable is designed with 16 fibre pairs with a minimum design capacity of 18 Tbps per pair, which Datawave has said will provide scalable, future-proofed capacity to meet accelerating regional connectivity requirements. Datawave CEO Mark Wickham said the system's flexible architecture enables hyperscalers, cloud providers, and enterprises to efficiently scale capacity as AI adoption accelerates across the UAE, Gulf region, India, and Southeast Asia. The connection of SING to the UAE underscores the country's strategic importance and its influence in the global AI and data centre sectors, he said. Dus commitment to advanced infrastructure aligns with our goals for SING, and we are therefore delighted to partner to build a strong and trusted subsea network addressing the future global digital needs of the region. The SING cable which has been on Datawaves drawing board since at least 2020 was put back on the front burner last month after investment firm Cerberus Capital Management agreed to fund construction and deployment of the project in exchange for a majority stake in Datawave. No financial details were disclosed. Amazons satellite connectivity arm Leo has launched its largest payload to date, expanding its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation to 200 satellites as it ramps up competition with SpaceXs Starlink. In a statement, Amazon said Leo - formerly known as Project Kuiper - completed its first heavy-lift mission, defined as payloads exceeding 20,000kg, aboard Arianespaces Ariane 5 rocket on February 12. The launch took place at Europes Spaceport in French Guiana. Satellite deployment began around 90 minutes into the mission, with them being released sequentially over a 25-minute window. Arianespace CEO David Cavailloles said the mission marks the start of a planned series of 18 launches to strengthen Leos constellation. The first mission has been designated Leo Europe 01 (LE-01). Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Amazon Leo, described the launch as the companys first of 2026 and its inaugural mission with Arianespace under an 18-launch agreement. He added that the use of heavy-lift vehicles will allow more satellites to be deployed per mission, accelerating the rollout of services to customers. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Caption: Sam Turner, CEO AMIC, John Irwin, Chair of AMIC Industry Board & Smart Industry Next, Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive SEUPB, Professor Richard Miles, Deputy Vice Chancellor Queen's University Belfast, Mark Lee, Acting Deputy Secretary for Economic Policy and Barry Kennedy, CEO Irish Manufacturing Research Manufacturing SMEs in Louth are being urged to apply for a major new 8.3 million cross-border digital transformation programme aimed at helping businesses modernise, compete internationally and build long-term resilience. A major new cross-border initiative designed to accelerate digital transformation for manufacturing SMEs across the island of Ireland, known as DATUM, was launched yesterday (Thursday 12 February). DATUM will provide a structured, practical pathway to help small and medium-sized manufacturers move from digital readiness to real implementation. Delivered jointly by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queens University Belfast and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), DATUM is positioned as hands-on support rather than consultancy, offering expert-led guidance throughout the transformation journey. Support provided by DATUM to SMEs will include the provision of expert partners to work directly alongside businesses, a seamless cross-border approach with shared oversight and funded access designed to reduce financial risk. The launch event welcomed a number of senior government and industry representatives, including Mark Lee, Acting Deputy Secretary for Economic Policy and Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The 8.3m programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). AMIC, an open-access Research and Technology Organisation led by Queens University Belfast in partnership with Ulster University and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, aims to strengthen the global competitiveness of Northern Irelands manufacturing sector through world-class innovation capability. Peter Burke TD Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said: This cross-border initiative is a strong example of how collaboration can drive innovation, improve productivity and create sustainable growth. Manufacturing SMEs are vital to our all-island economy, and DATUM gives them the practical, hands-on support to adopt new technologies with confidence. This initiative will help companies overcome the barriers that often prevent the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies - whether skills, cost, or uncertainty about where to begin. n. Collaborative, cross-border programmes such as DATUM help build resilience, foster innovation, and promote shared economic prosperity. I look forward to seeing the real impact this programme will deliver for businesses across the island. Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: This important new project by DATUM marks a positive step forward for the Advanced Manufacturing sector in the north, helping to accelerate digital transformation for up to 100 manufacturing SMEs across the programme area. It brings together Irelands two leading Advanced Manufacturing research and technology organisations, combining extensive experience in supporting enterprises to adapt to cutting-edge digital and industry technologies. Through this collaboration, SMEs will gain the tools they need to boost productivity, enhance competitiveness, and succeed on a global stage. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this project will deliver in driving economic growth, strengthening cross-border collaboration and building a strong and future-focused network of technological and commercial excellence. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: DATUM reflects the core ambition of PEACEPLUS, strengthening cooperation across our region and supporting initiatives that deliver lasting economic and social benefits. By helping SMEs adopt new technologies with confidence, this project will enhance competitiveness, build resilience and open new opportunities for growth. We are committed to helping industry embrace innovation that drives long-term prosperity. DATUM will play an important role in ensuring that the manufacturing sector is equipped to grow, compete internationally and build a stronger economic future for all. Queens University Belfast President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: DATUM is a powerful example of how AMIC is translating world-class research and innovation capability into real, practical benefit for manufacturing SMEs. By working in partnership with IMR and supported through PEACEPLUS, this programme demonstrates how cross-border collaboration can boost digital transformation while building long-term resilience across the manufacturing sector. Initiatives such as this are a key focus of Queens, driving economic and societal impact for businesses and communities across the island of Ireland. IMR, headquartered in Mullingar with additional facilities in Dublin, is Irelands applied research and delivery partner for advanced manufacturing, working directly with industry to implement new technologies with reduced risk and translate complex innovation into practical, real-world gains in productivity and resilience. Read Next: Dundalk Red Cross celebrates a year of community service and outreach IMR CEO Barry Kennedy said: One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturing SMEs is cutting through the noise around digital technologies and understanding what will genuinely improve performance in their business. DATUM starts by helping companies understand where they are today and what matters most to improve, then supports them to align the right technologies, skills and ways of working to deliver real change. The programme brings expert support directly into businesses, working alongside teams to move from insight to implementation. Funded access and shared oversight help reduce risk and keep the focus firmly on practical outcomes. The DATUM programme is expected to play a significant role in boosting economic growth, strengthening cross-border collaboration and helping manufacturing businesses on both sides of the border modernise, compete internationally and build long-term resilience. Its structured approach - coupled with funded access - means SMEs can make meaningful progress in digital transformation without facing prohibitive cost barriers. Go to datumdigital.org for further information and to complete an 'Expression of Interest' for the first cohort of companies. Labour councillor for Drogheda Pio Smith has said requesting additional funding for road maintenance in Louth is a "waste of time". It came in response to calls from Fine Gael councillor Anne-Marie Ford for all Louth County Councillors to co-sign a letter to Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien requesting an increase in the yearly budget for the county. Cllr Ford told the February meeting of the Drogheda Borough District that Louth's roads are in an "awful state" and said councillors "really need to push this agenda". However, Cllr Smith insisted that he would not co-sign any letter to the minister and argued that it would be quicker for Louth's TDs or Senators to submit a parliamentary question. Cllr Smith called on Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly to request a ministerial meeting, before labelling the proposed co-signed letter a "waste of time". "I know the rationale behind it, but I've seen this happen before, over and over again." "The bottom line is we're not going to get anything," he said. Read Next: Louth TD 'extremely angry' as FAI confirm Israel fixture will go ahead In a statement, Cllr Ford said Louth's road network is acting as a transport corridor between Dublin and Belfast and was not designed to carry this volume of traffic. She said the county does not receive the funding which reflects that role. Cllr Ford said a growing population and worsening conditions have intensified pressure on both local and regional roads. She also credited the M1 toll in Drogheda for funnelling traffic through a small number through the town, alongside two ports and a railway station. The Fine Gael councillor passionately told the meeting the "we don't give up". Louth County Council's roadworks programme for 2026 is expected to eclipse 21 million. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Sinn Fein Councillor for Dundalk Sionainn McCann said Louth renters could face rent increases of between 3,000 - 5,000 as the government presses ahead with its Residential Tenancies Bill. The changes to the rental market, which are set to come into effect on March 1st will allow landlords whose properties become vacant to resent rents to market rates. Cllr McCann said renters cannot afford to pay "outrageously high" rents and save for a house deposit at the same time. She said as a renter, she is "one of the lucky ones ones because many of my generation are still living at home with their families despite having jobs and earning a living." The legislation also introduces a minimum tenure of 6 years for new tenancies. Cllr McCann said what is the point of having security of tenure for six years or any other length of time if you are paying crippling rent and cant afford to live? She warned that renters could be evicted to allow landlords to reset rents to market rate. "Renters could either be evicted to make use of the new market reset rules or be forced to pay large increases to their already unaffordable rents. Its already happening, she said Although the legislation does set out that landlords with four or more tenancies cannot terminate a tenancy on a no-fault basis such as selling the property or giving it to a family member. Read Next: Calls for additional road funding for Louth labelled a 'waste of time' Cllr McCann accused the government of throwing renters "to the wolves to satisfy the greed of big investors", and said her generation are facing "being firmly locked out of home ownership". She said that rising rent prices will force vulnerable people into the "shadow rental market" and into "unsafe digs and overcrowded house shares" which aren't registered with the Residential Tenancies Board. The Sinn Fein councillor called on the government to deliver "social and affordable housing for those who are on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and the Rental Assistance Scheme (RAS). She said by doing so it would free up "tens of thousands of private rented accommodation". A report from the Simon Community, found that there were zero properties available to rent within standard HAP limits across 16 areas, with just 31 available within any HAP limits, of which 27 were in Dublin. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. China now capable of recovering spacecraft from both land and sea Xinhua) 10:11, February 13, 2026 WENCHANG, Hainan, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The test mission of China's Mengzhou (Dream Vessel) spacecraft has demonstrated that China is capable of searching for and recovering its return capsule from both land and sea. The Mengzhou spacecraft -- China's new-generation spaceship for crewed missions -- conducted a successful maximum dynamic pressure abort test and achieved a safe splashdown in planned waters of the sea on Wednesday. A maritime search and rescue team then completed the recovery of the return capsule. The success provides crucial experience for subsequent space station operations and crewed lunar landing missions, the China Manned Space Agency said. Previously, the aerospace search and rescue team of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center successfully completed multiple major missions, including the search and recovery of the return capsules of the Shenzhou spacecraft and the Chang'e lunar missions. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center official Li Xin said that relying on the support of the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site and the newly developed and tested equipment, the aerospace search and rescue team, together with the Nanhai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, has successfully established a joint maritime search and rescue link, and developed maritime aerospace search and rescue capabilities. For this mission, the team focused on capacity-building in the areas of command and control, search and monitoring, salvage and recovery, and communication support. "Unlike the relatively clean electromagnetic environment of the Gobi Desert in northwest China, the marine environment -- with high temperature, humidity and salinity levels, as well as strong winds and waves -- poses considerable challenges to communication," said Shang Xu from the team's communication unit. The unit formed an integrated sea-air-ground communication network using shipborne 5G, satellite communication and shore-based stations to ensure the success of the mission, according to Shang. The search and rescue team previously conducted multiple whole-process training exercises for such operations as return capsule search, disposal and diving. "Through repeated verification and discussion, we have continuously optimized the disposal plans and equipment," team member Song Changyou said. "This mission has accumulated valuable experience for the development China's maritime search and rescue system, and for the development of maritime landing sites," Li said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Cathoairleach of Louth County Council Cllr Sean Kelly has warned that proposed works to upgrade Hill Street Bridge in Dundalk would cause "absolute chaos" if the timing is wrong. It comes after Louth County Council 450,000 plans to upgrade the bridge, despite a two-decade long wait for it to be removed. Cllr Kelly stressed the importance of doing the works during school holidays. "We cannot be in a situation where we're doing it in September and cause absolute chaos in the town area." He also called for any works to be done before 9am to avoid causing further "traffic chaos". However, Mark Johnston, Senior Engineer with Louth County Council described Hill Street Bridge as "critical" and "heavily used" but warned that conducting the works at night could add 25% to the cost. Mr Johnston described the work as a "massive job" and said the bridge is "all rotted". Green Party councillor Marianne Butler welcomed the 450,000 funding and agreed that the work needed to be done, but said in the long-term plan "the bridge has to go". Cllr Butler questioned if Louth County Council had given up on the removal of the bridge, and cited original plans to do it in 2006 which has stalled since. Read Next: First Phase of St Nicholas Quarter Rejuvenation completed Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Meenan, who was on the council in 2006, attributed the Celtic Tiger and subsequent financial crash of 2008 as the likely reason for its shelving, and added he might not see the bridge removed in his lifetime. He compared the bridge to a "thrill ride" and said "your car is shaking - you're doing well to keep it between the white lines" when going over it. Elsewhere, Independent councillor Maeve Yore said the onus is on Irish Rail to contribute towards the cost of the repairs. However, while Mr Johnston confirmed there are no immediate plans to remove the bridge, Louth County Council would give notice before any works are carried out. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Schools in some counties could stay closed on Monday amid Met Eireann weather warnings for bitterly cold and disruptive weather over the weekend. The Arctic airmass has prompted Met Eireann to issue a series of weather warnings for hard frosts, rain, sleet and even snow in some areas over the coming days. Forecasters issued a Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning for all of Ireland on Thursday with the alert coming into place from 9pm on Friday until 10am on Saturday. Met Eireann say many parts will see "temperatures falling between -1 and -3 degrees generally" as well as "sharp frost and icy conditions." Potential impacts include hazardous travel conditions on road and underfoot and travel disruption. The weather situation is further complicated by saturated grounds and flooding risks in many areas are a largely wet and miserable start to the year. It may also snow in some areas. IRELAND SNOW MAP - Where will it snow as Met Eireann issue new weather warnings? Met Eireann has also issued a Status Yellow rain/snow warning for Cavan, Donegal, Connacht and Longford. It warns of "rain which will be heavy at times and turning to sleet or snow together with strengthening winds will lead to difficult travel conditions and poor visibility." This warning is valid from 12pm on Saturday until midnight on Saturday night. There is also a Status Yellow rain warning out for Cork and Kerry which warns of "rain with heavy falls [that] will lead to spot flooding and difficult travel conditions." This warning is also valid for 12 hours from 12 noon on Saturday. A wider forecast predicts more rain and while snow will abate, some areas could be still impacted by disruptive flooding. READ NEXT: Snow on the way as entire country hit with Met Eireann weather warning for cold snap This could leave the opening of schools in question in badly affected areas but there will not be a blanket decision for any county. The Government has issued Be Winter Ready guidelines for schools, with decisions on closures left to the management of individual schools. That means there is a possibility that some schools will choose to close completely or early on Friday. The Government advice says that the "decision to close a school or ELC rests with the settings management authority taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies, especially An Garda Siochana. "Any decision to close is taken in the interest of child safety, having assessed the local risks and having consulted, as appropriate, with school transport operators. Some of the issues that settings take into account include conditions in the setting itself; capacity of the setting to ensure the health and safety of children and students; ability of parents, students, staff and school transport services to safely negotiate; local road conditions to reach the setting; guidance and direction from the principal response agencies." Specifically on weather events, the advice says: "Schools and ELCs should monitor weather forecasts in order to be prepared for any severe weather, which may affect the setting. During periods of severe weather, settings should assess the situation using the above guidance. Settings should be prepared, keep themselves informed and remain vigilant." The advice continues: "It should be borne in mind that there may also be weather events, which may be fast moving with little warning. For example, consider the case of Storm Darwin in February 2014 where Met Eireann had issued a Status Red alert for the Cork and Kerry regions; however, on that occasion the weather moved rapidly across the southern half of the country affecting a number of other counties. "There may also be Status Orange weather warnings that may require action to be taken because of the particular local circumstances, for example, in areas prone to flooding or areas located on the coast. Any assessment taken by the setting for actions necessary should be guided by local knowledge and experience and by way of advice from the principal response agencies." With reference to rare Status Red weather warnings, the circular says: "All weather warnings of Status Red will require some action on behalf of settings. Schools and ELCs need to assess the potential impact of such weather events taking account of past experiences and in light of advice on the current event from the principal response agencies in their area. "A Status Red weather warning for heavy rain may be particularly relevant if the local area is prone to flooding. A Status Red warning related to ice or snow, which may compact, may cause local issues due to the location of the setting and/or the routes taken to reach the setting. "Schools and ELCs should note in particular Status Red weather warnings where strong winds or storm conditions are forecasted. Due to the high degree of unpredictability as to the impact of the weather associated with such a Status Red warning on local conditions, settings should use the following guidance to assist them in making their assessment. "Status Red weather warning for wind related conditions may be given in advance of a setting opening or it may arise during the day while a school or ELC is underway." The first feature-length documentary to be filmed inside Gazas hospitals is to be screened in Cork this weekend. The Mission follows British-Iraqi NHS nerve surgeon Dr Mohammed Tahir as he embarks on his third humanitarian mission to Gaza in October 2024. The film is a personal, unfiltered account filmed over four months. Amid waves of casualties flooding overwhelmed hospitals, Dr Tahir fights alongside his colleagues to save civilian lives. The film tells the human story behind the relentless bombardment, capturing the raw intensity of Gazas operating rooms. Dr Tahir said he deals with patients ranging from newborns to old age. Ive operated on hundreds of people and seen thousands. I operate every day from morning till night, he said. Everything here is destroyed. Buildings, streets, normal life its wiped out. The Mission will screen at 6pm on this Saturday, February 14, at the Cork College of FET, Douglas Street Campus T12 DW32. Anti-immigration activists Derek Blighe and Ross Lahive, who are both accused of harassing a member of An Garda Siochana, had their cases adjourned on Thursday until the end of April. Their cases were in the list on Thursday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court but were adjourned until the first day of the next sessions of the court commencing on April 27. Barristers Brendan Kelly and Jessica Kelleher for Mr Blighe and Mr Lahive, respectively, both applied for disclosure of prosecution evidence in advance of a trial, and Judge Helen Boyle acceded to that application. Ross Lahive (pictured) is accused of harassing a member of An Garda Siochana. 45-year-old Derek Blighe of Curraghavoe, Mitchelstown, County Cork, and 46-year-old Ross Lahive of Church Street, Shandon Street, Cork, are charged that on dates between February 22, 2023, and December 4, 2023, they harassed (the garda) contrary to Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Detective Sergeant Christopher Cahill testified previously that it was alleged that over a 10-month period from February to December 2023 there was a campaign of harassment against a member of An Garda Siochana while this member was on duty at a public event in October 2022. It was further alleged that videos of the event were posted online, including various commentaries. More than 10,000 crimes have been committed by people in Cork who were on bail since the start of 2022, figures have shown. Between January and December 16 last year, 2,441 crimes were committed by people in Cork on bail. Of which, some 1,852 crimes were committed in Cork city and 589 in Cork county. Nationally, 38,221 crimes were committed during this period. The main categories of offences were theft, public order, and drugs. In Cork city and county combined, crimes committed by people while on bail totalled 2,357 in 2022; 2,676 in 2023; 2,769 in 2024. Combined with the 2025 figure, 10,243 crimes were committed by people on bail over the four-year period. Justice minister Jim OCallaghan, who provided the figures to Sinn Fein TD Matt McCarthy on foot of a parliamentary question, said it was totally unacceptable that offences are committed by people on bail. That is a direct breach of their promise made when bail is granted by the court, said Mr OCallaghan. Committed He said that bail laws in Ireland are comprehensive, but he is committed to ensuring they are fit for purpose while ensuring fundamental rights principles are adhered to. He appointed senior counsel Lorcan Stains to undertake an assessment of the current system. His report, published in November 2025, underlines the need for additional actions to be taken, and a number of these recommendations are under active consideration or in progress by the Department of Justice, with a memorandum to be brought to Government in due course. Both in Cork and nationally, the lowest figure was in 2022. Since early 2023, prisons have been consistently overcrowded, with 2022 being the last year that the average amount of people in Cork Prison and the prison system as a whole was under the official capacity. Cork Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire said that overcrowding in Cork Prison, which had 408 inmates in custody on Thursday despite having a capacity for just 296, was contributing to the number of people offending while on bail in the city and county. Dysfunctional The numbers here point to a really dysfunctional system, with bail conditions not being enforced, and some people who ought to be in prison on remand being given bail, because of a lack of prison space, he said. On top of overcrowded prisons, add in the incredible delays to get to court, and get convictions. No wonder the bail system is creaking at the edges. Court cases are taking more than three times the European average, and criminal cases taking an average of 503 days. Unfortunately, then, it is not surprising that there is a serious problem with crimes being committed by those on bail. Gardai need to have the resources and the personnel in the first place to ensure bail conditions are not being flouted. Unfortunately, this too often is not the case, and for victims of crime it is particularly upsetting when they find out that the person who committed the crime was either breaching bail or conceivably could have been in prison at the time. Students from three primary schools in Cork have been announced as winners at the 20th annual FIS Film Awards. The awards ceremony, held on Thursday at Dublin City University, saw students from Dungourney National School, Shanbally National School, and Kilgarriffe National School, honoured across three categories for their film projects. The Cork students were among 1,500 entrants from across Ireland, and were recognised for showcasing an exceptional standard of storytelling, technical skill and imagination through filmmaking. This years event, hosted by RTEs Sinead Kennedy and attended by the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegard Naughton, marked two decades of the FIS Film Project, and saw entrants awarded across 24 categories including acting, costume design, originality, storytelling and technical achievement. Students from Dungourney National School received the Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking Drama award for their film, DeValeras Response; students from Shanbally National School, received the Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking Acting award for their piece, The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln; and students from Kilgarriffe National School received the Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking for Curriculum Relevance (Geography) award for their project, Our Adventure Boat Adventure to Egypt. Ms Naughton said the annual awards showcase the powerful role that creativity, collaboration and innovation play in teaching and learning across our primary schools. As curriculum reform continues to support more flexible, student-centred approaches to education, it is important that we recognise and nurture the diverse talents, interests and strengths of young people, including those that extend beyond traditional academic pathways, said Ms Naughton. Initiatives such as FIS reflect key curriculum priorities by promoting creativity, critical thinking, communication, digital literacy and teamwork, while enabling pupils to express their ideas in meaningful and engaging ways. These experiences support wellbeing, inclusion and the development of transferable skills that prepare students for lifelong learning. I warmly congratulate all of the students, teachers and school communities involved, and I commend the strong partnerships that continue to support creative learning within our education system. President of the Institute for Art, Design + Technology (IADT), David Smith, said the FIS Film Awards have demonstrated the power of creativity in education for the last 20 years. At IADT, we are proud to support a project that gives young people the confidence to explore ideas, develop digital skills and tell meaningful stories through film, said Mr Smith. Seeing pupils from schools across Ireland celebrated on a national stage is a testament to the impact of this programme. Cork City Council has been awarded 2m in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to significantly accelerate its retrofitting programme. The funding, drawn from the EIBs European Local Energy Assistance (Elena) initiative, will help provide technical assistance for the design and preparation of major retrofit projects across the local authoritys public building portfolio and social housing stock. Its support will help the council to deliver increased retrofits across its housing stock from the current rate of about 150 houses a year to a target of 300 per year in the coming years, and support local employment in the construction and retrofit sectors. As well as reducing carbon emissions in line with national and EU targets, the retrofitting will lead to lower energy and maintenance costs and improve comfort, air quality, and living conditions for tenants. The funding over three years will go towards detailed energy audits, project design, feasibility assessments, procurement planning, and a host of other related technical work. Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy met EIB senior investment manager Assen Gasharov at City Hall and welcomed the award of funding. Mr Dennehy said: The Elena grant represents a major boost to Cork City Councils capacity to deliver warmer homes, lower energy costs, and more sustainable public services. This investment will advance our retrofit plans and help us meet our ambitious climate goals. I want to acknowledge the dedication of the city council teams and partners whose work has made this possible. Mr Gasharov welcomed the partnership approach, saying: The EIB is pleased to support Cork City Council in advancing its ambitious retrofit programme. Through the EU-funded Elena grant facility, we help cities build the technical foundations needed for large-scale, climate-focused investment. Corks commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability make it an excellent partner for this initiative. We look forward to seeing this work unlock longterm environmental, economic, and social benefits for the people of Cork. Progress has been made on the long-awaited development of a new city library, after Cork City Council submitted an examination of proposals, including a new build and the reuse of existing buildings, to Government. In 2021, Cork City Council announced that funding of 46.05m had been allocated from the Ireland 2040 urban regeneration and development fund for the regeneration of the Grand Parade Quarter. While this included the development of a new 7,700sq m city library, there has been increasing criticism regarding the slow progress on the project. Speaking at last Mondays council meeting, assistant chief executive Brian Geaney said that the authority had submitted a preliminary business case to the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage for the delivery of a world-class library for Cork city. It involved a robust examination of a number of options, including the use or reuse of existing buildings, and new-build options, to deliver a new flagship city library in the Grand Parade area in a timely and cost-effective manner, said Mr Geaney. The city council awaits a decision on the PBC and looks forward to moving to the next stage in the process. A briefing of members will take place at the appropriate juncture. Social Democrats councillor Niamh OConnor told The Echo she was delighted to see progress being made on the issue. This is something that was promised five years ago, and was needed decades before that. Its great to see the council being ambitious and acknowledging that this library should be world class. Its my opinion, and the opinion of people I have spoken with who are working in this area, that a world-class library is only deliverable in a purpose-built building, said Ms OConnor. I think the ambition to deliver a state-of-the-art purpose-built library exists within the city council, but that ambition needs to be backed now with funding from the Government. It would be disappointing to be left with a situation where we are shoehorning the library into an existing building because we cant get enough money from Government to deliver what the city really deserves. Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy said that the whole process needed to move faster. We have been speaking about a new city library for years, he said. I am of the view that the city council needs to advance its planning a lot more. Funding structures are in place, and I feel if we delay by further years, the funding will go somewhere else. There is an opportunity not to be missed to create a state-of-the-art library with the values of building communities, which are embedded in the fab programme of Cork City Libraries. I await the response from the Department of Local Government on the preliminary business case, but I am the view we should be way past the business case at this point and onto the design and build stages. Cork has officially overtaken Dublin as the most adventurous county for cooking global cuisines in Ireland according to new research. One in five people in Cork experiment with international dishes multiple times a week, with 77% of Cork people reporting using home cooking as a way to explore new cultures. This is in line with the national average in Ireland and also ahead of 64% of families in the UK. Italian cuisine at 57% remains the most popular global choice to cook at home in Cork, followed by Mexican (36%) and Indian (30%). This appetite for global flavours shows no sign of slowing down, with 81% of families in Cork agreeing that they enjoy and feel excited by exploring global cultures through food. SOCIAL MEDIA A total of 36% of Cork people said they cook international dishes more often than they used to. Social media is a key driver of this behaviour, with more than half (53%) citing online recipe videos as a source of inspiration. Travel also plays a significant role, with 38% of Cork people saying they were inspired to recreate dishes they enjoyed while on holiday. Difficulty sourcing the right ingredients (44%), lack of time (36%) and fear of not being able to recreate dishes to a high standard (26%), were seen as the most common challenges for Cork people accessing global cuisine. The survey was conducted on behalf of food delivery firm HelloFresh Ireland. Drugs unit gardai uncovered 70,000 worth of cannabis and 49,000 worth of cocaine together with cash totalling just over 29,000 from two different locations in Cork city. At Cork District Court, a man facing multiple charges arising out of the investigation has been remanded in custody until February 19. Jake OSullivan, aged 25, with an address at a room in Achill House, Western Rd, Cork, and, formerly of Fairfield Rd, Farranree, Cork, was brought before Cork District Court. Det Garda Ryan Dillon of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Unit told how gardai carried out a search at a property on Fairfield Rd, Farranree on February 10 and discovered 70,000 worth of cannabis, 49,000 worth of cocaine, and 16,515 in cash. The detective said they then conducted a follow up search at Achill House, Western Rd, Cork. He said they found the second sum of cash 12,600 together with a weighing scales at a room at Achill House on Western Rd where the accused had been staying. OSullivan was charged with possessing cannabis, possessing cocaine, possessing cannabis for sale or supply and possessing cocaine for sale or supply at the Fairfield Rd address. He was also charged with possessing cannabis in relation to the cannabis found at Achill House and with money laundering in relation to the 12,600 found in the room during the same search. He said gardai were objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges as well as the strength of the evidence against OSullivan including evidence on his phone of drug dealing. He said that when gardai arrested and questioned OSullivan, he admitted drug addiction and having a substantial drugs debt. Cross-examined by defence solicitor Shane Collins Daly, the detective agreed Mr OSullivan had been co-operative, but he said there were no bail conditions that would satisfy gardai to grant him bail. Judge Miriam Walsh refused bail and remanded him in custody to appear again at Cork District Court by video link on February 19. The works of Rainer Werner Fassbinder, a prolific German film-maker, will feature in a Triskel season in Cork city from February 22-25. He was a leading figure in the New German Cinema movement, an influential period running from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, which saw directors from that country break cinematic conventions and produce some of Europes most applauded films. Fassbinder, recognised for his remarkable productivity and unique visual style, stands as one of its most iconic figures. Chris ONeill, Head of Cinema at Triskel, says that Fassbinder was a maverick of cinema. Rainer Werner Fassbinder was a cinematic dynamo, directing over 40 feature films and a 13-hour television series before he tragically died at the age of 37, said ONeill. He was a maverick, a true original. ONeill adds that other directors who were part of this movement included Werner Herzog, Margarethe von Trotta, Wim Wenders, and Helma Sanders-Brahms, all of whom developed a unique approach to storytelling and cinematic expression. Together, these filmmakers redefined German cinema, embracing bold themes, innovative visual techniques, and a willingness to confront societal issues directly. There are four films in the Triskel line-up beginning with one of Fassbinders earliest masterpieces, The Bitter Tears Of Petra Von Kant, released in 1972, was adapted from a play he staged in 1971. The film centres on Petra von Kant (Margit Carstensen), a celebrated fashion designer with a tumultuous romantic history, who becomes infatuated with Karin Thimm (Hanna Schygulla), an ambitious young model. Their relationship, set almost entirely in Petras apartment, explores themes of power, obsession, and vulnerability as Petras emotional world unravels in the face of Karins allure. The films claustrophobic setting and the silent presence of Petras long-suffering assistant Marlene, played by Irm Hermann, intensify its examination of domination and submission, labour, and emotional exploitation. A landmark work of the New German Cinema movement, the film exemplifies Fassbinders interest in theatrical minimalism, melodrama, and the cruelty embedded in intimate relationships. Made with his close-knit repertory of collaborators, it was screened at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, where it won a major award, solidifying Fassbinders international reputation and the films enduring critical status. Ali: Fear Eats The Soul, released in 1974 is widely regarded as one of Fassbinders most emotionally direct films. Inspired by Douglas Sirks Hollywood melodramas, the film stars Brigitte Mira as Emmi, an elderly German cleaning woman, who enters a tender but socially fraught marriage with Ali (El Hedi ben Salem), a younger Moroccan immigrant worker. A scene from Ali: Fear Eats The Soul, a film by Rainer Werner Fassbinder Set against post-war West Germany, their relationship exposes everyday racism, xenophobia, and the issues that arise from going against social conformity. Fassbinders precise framing, deliberate pacing, and expressive use of colour, transforms a simple love story into a devastating social critique. The director also appears as Emmis racist son-in-law, demonstrating his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths on screen. Fox And His Friends from 1975 is a stark examination of class, desire, and exploitation in modern Germany. Fassbinder plays Franz Fox Biberkopf, a working-class circus worker whose lottery win gives him access to Munichs bourgeois gay scene. He enters a relationship with Eugen (Peter Chatel), whose affection is bound to financial gain. As Fox seeks love and acceptance, he is manipulated, exploited, and ultimately abandoned. Fassbinders restrained visual style, marked by deliberate framing and emotional distance, underscores the cruelty of these transactions while refusing sentimentality. Blending melodrama with social realism, the film exposes how capitalist power structures shape intimacy and reproduce inequality, even within marginalised communities. Widely regarded as one of Fassbinders bleakest films, it remains a devastating critique of love conditioned by money and class. Fox And His Friends has become a reference point in queer cinema for its honesty and refusal to offer easy resolutions. Its unrelenting gaze on social and personal failure challenges viewers to reflect on the cost of self-delusion and the role of societal structures in shaping our fates. The Marriage Of Maria Braun, released in 1979, is another cornerstone of Fassbinders career and the New German Cinema. Set after World War II, it stars Hanna Schygulla as Maria Braun, a resourceful woman who marries a soldier just before he is sent to the front. As West Germany rebuilds, Maria survives through strategic romantic and economic alliances, equating emotional commitment with material security. Fassbinder uses Marias ascent as an allegory for post-war German identity, exposing the moral compromises behind economic recovery. Melodrama and political critique combine as the film explores the costs of ambition and repression. Schygullas Silver Bear win at Berlin cemented its international acclaim and Fassbinders legacy. Passionate and driven to the point of obsession, Fassbinder worked relentlessly day and night, often fuelled by drugs to sustain his frenetic pace. His untimely death at just 37 shocked the film world, though those who knew him were not entirely surprised that he had pushed his body to the brink. He once said, When this yearning is driven out of me, I wont make anything anymore. Tragically, he never lived long enough to tire of film-making, leaving behind a staggering legacy that continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide. ONeill says that Fassbinders work stands out as some of the finest films of German cinema in the 20th century. We at Triskel Arts Centre are delighted to be offering a small sample of what he achieved., he said. Gordon Deegan A Jehovahs Witness has lost a claim that she suffered discrimination on religious grounds by being asked to accompany residents of an intellectual disability service to Mass. This follows the Labour Court dismissing the discrimination claim that the HSE had breached the Employment Equality Act over its treatment of multitasking healthcare assistant, Judyta Zielinska, while she was working with Wexford Residential Intellectual Disabilities Services. On behalf of the three-person Labour Court, deputy chairwoman, Katie Connolly found that Ms Zielinska had not presented sufficient facts to show that indirect, direct discrimination of victimisation had taken place. The ruling by the Labour Court upholds a finding by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in 2024 that the HSE did not discriminate against Ms Zielinska concerning her accompanying residents to Mass. In her claim, Ms Zileinska - who arrived in Ireland from Poland in 2005 - stated that she informed her employer from the outset of her employment in 2015 that she was raised in a Jehovahs Witness family and did not participate in any religious observances not in line with her religious faith. Ms Zielinska worked in various care facilities over a period of eight years, and she always discussed her religious beliefs and background at staff support meetings and was always assured that her religious background was respected. Ms Zielinska was never under any obligation to attend mass against her beliefs, and in or about 2023, several demands were made to her to attend mass with residents. Ms Zielinska was extremely stressed about the entire situation, and due to her religious beliefs, she suffered discrimination at her workplace, which has resulted in severe stress and anxiety. Ms Zielinska suffered direct discrimination as she was treated less favourably than her colleagues in the same working conditions when asked to attend mass against her religious beliefs. The HSE denied discrimination and told the Labour Court that Ms Zielinska was not required to participate in mass but was merely asked to accompany residents to mass, in accordance with her job specification. It stated that furthermore the employer minimised these requests wherever possible in the past with the result that Ms Zilinska has not previously had to bring a resident to mass. The HSE contended that Ms Zielinska has not established a prima facie case of discrimination in respect of less favourable treatment owing to the fact that she was merely requested to attend mass with residents. Ms Zielinska lodged her discrimination claim to the WRC on January 2nd 2024 so the relevant period concerning the alleged discrimination ran from July 3rd 2023 to January 2nd 2024. Ms Connolly records that Ms Zielinska has been absent from work since July 7th 2023, on sick leave. In the Labour Courts findings, Ms Connolly stated that the court found Ms Zielinska to be a genuine witness who gave compelling evidence about her anxiety in relation to the possibility of being requested to attend religious services contrary to her faith. However, Ms Connolly pointed out that having a characteristic protected under the Act is not sufficient to ground a claim of direct discrimination. Ms Connolly stated that in this case, Ms Zielinska did not support any residents attend mass during the relevant period for the complaint. Ms Connolly stated that the discriminatory action complained of by Ms Zielinska was a request to assist residents attending mass. Ms Connolly stated that Ms Zielinska presented no evidence to support her assertion that she was subject to less favourable treatment because of her religious beliefs than another person was or would be treated in a comparable situation in the relevant period for the complaint. Ms Connolly found that has not demonstrated how she was treated differently, or how she suffered any detriment due to her religious beliefs, nor has she made out a case of how a request to support residents in attending mass constitutes adverse treatment in relation to a comparator. Ms Connolly also stated that the Court finds Ms Zielinska was not subject to any adverse action, nor was she threatened with any adverse action by her employer. Ms Connolly stated that the court finds that Ms Zielinska has failed to make out a prima facie case in relation to her complaint of direct discrimination. Ms Connolly also stated that the court found that no evidence was provided to support the assertion that Ms Zielinska was victimised for making a complaint of discrimination on a protected ground or exercising a right under the Act to ground her complaint of victimisation Ms Connolly found that the facts presented by Ms Zielinska at the hearing are insufficient to show that, on the balance of probabilities, she was subjected to indirect discrimination on the grounds of her religion in the relevant period for her complaint. What the world needs now is love, sweet love, its the only thing that theres just too little off... Well, you can sing it, sister. Jackie DeShannon released that song back in 1965, long before my time, but it applies just as much to today. The state of the world now - there is far too much hate, greed, ego, and evil, you only have to turn on your TV to see it daily. It made headlines around the world when that young Beckham lad publicly chastised his parents on social media, and everyone had a front row seat in what I believe should be a private family matter. Where did the love get misplaced there? Love should never ever be forgotten, it should be the root that we all come back to, always. That Beckham saga made me very grateful that I only have love now and forever for all of my family. When did love get so outshone by hate? This is the week of love - its Valentines Day this Saturday, and I always loved it for its feelgood factor, but also because it just brings the bit of mischief out in me too. Back in school, I used to have great fun putting Valentine cards from other people in my friends lockers and then watch their flummoxed faces reading them. Now, in my defence, Ive been on the receiving end many a time too, I can tell ya. Emer O'Callaghan wearing a red dress from River Island with Valentine's Day Flowers. Tan is St Tropez and Emer's make-up is Master Colors Paris, available from Emerald Beauty Clinic, 021 4365949. Postage options available I once got a dozen roses and a bunch of heart balloons sent in to school to me in 6th year - a mixed school so you can imagine the slagging I got. The gesture was well lost on me, and it will go down as one of my most embarrassing moments when the principal landed in mid-class saying, Miss OCallaghan, a delivery for you. I went as red as the roses, I can tell you. Still, I take it all in the good fun and romance in which it is meant, and I enjoy this day always. I remember my brothers and I sending our Nanna, god rest her soul, a Valentines card. Well, we thought it was the funniest thing ever, she played along so well and pretended to be so thrilled to have a secret admirer in the bingo! I do my best every day to show love where I can, it might be a smile to a stranger, a listening ear to a friend, helping a client clear their skin problem, pulling in the neighbours bin for them, supporting my own, as we say in Cork. We all have so many opportunities every day in which we can choose love over negativity and hate. None of us is perfect, Im certainly not, Ive my flaws same as the next person, but I know I have a good heart and I dont ever set out to hurt anyone - I often wish others would be of the same mindset. Yet, still, after 25 years working as a beautician, I see every day in my job how so many refuse to love themselves, and, as the old saying goes, you have to love yourself first. So this week I want to highlight the many ways we all can give ourselves and others more love for the week thats in it. God knows the world needs it. GRIEF IS THE PRICE WE PAY FOR LOVE None of us escape grief, sadly, its part of life, we all know it. They say grief is the price we pay for love. We also grieve people who are alive, there is grief in the end of a marriage, a life altered from what it should have been. There is grief in the breakdown of a friendship, or a work colleague leaving or retiring. The grief of children emigrating - we didnt escape this in my family either, as only last week another of my nieces left Cork for Oz. I felt the pull in my heart hugging her goodbye, I cried for the week. None of us knows what Gods plan for any of us is, and lets face it, goodbye is never easy - but we must let them fly. SHOW YOUR EMOTIONS I dont care if youre 19 or 99, if there is someone you love, tell them, tell your friends, your family, whoever you love. The outpouring of love at funerals is wonderful, but I always hope these people said such things when the person was alive. The same with flowers - give them to people when they are here, not just when they are sadly departed. I hear clients in my clinic all the time tell me about someone they fancy or like, but are too afraid to tell them, and I always say, Sure, what have you got to lose in letting them know? They might be missing out on a great relationship. I also see many older people, and how their love has endured. Valentines Day is a lovely opportunity to express our emotions of love, and St Valentine would want you to take the opportunity too. SPREAD THE LOVE These is always a rose and some treats and chocolate for my clients in Emerald Beauty Clinic this week. I try to spread the love in as many ways as I can, and I believe every woman deserves a beautiful rose on Valentines. Many of my clients say after how their husband was asking where the rose came from and we laugh - keep them guessing and on their toes, its good for them! I laugh when some of my younger single clients feel hard done by on Valentines Day, until I remind them that they could actually love themselves, buy themselves some flowers, theres no-one stopping you doing that - and I see the lightbulb moment. Also, we women forget that men also like compliments and to be told they look good. I love giving people a lift like that, it costs nothing, and smiles are contagious, you know. BE VALENTINE'S READY! Waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, electrolysis, lashes, tinting, eye treatments... its fair to say its a busy week for us beauticians and the biggest message I will give you ladies is be prepared. Those hairy legs and facial hairs wont vanish by themselves, you need to get your treatment done. Same goes for the nails, the amount of times I have done manicures in the past on panicked girls who got engaged on Valentines night but had no nails done and needed them done fast to show off the ring. The clever girl is always prepared! I did one of my popular beauty videos on this recently, you can watch it on our Emerald Beauty Facebook/instagram/TikTok pages now. SELF-LOVE MATTERS Anyone who loves themselves can love others. We wouldnt have a fraction of the turmoil this world is enduring now if there was more education on self- love. My heart was lifted watching on social media last week the Buddhist Walk for Peace in America. In order to restore peace to our beautiful world, we must show love, love for ourselves, for each other and everyone we come in contact with. If love was the dominant energy and the natural currency we all used daily, what a wonderful world this would be. I hope you spread love this Valentines Day. Emer OCallaghan is a multi award winning Beauty Doctor and Skin Specialist who won Irish Beauty Therapist of the year and works at Emerald Organic Beauty Products Ltd, trading as Emerald Beauty Clinic, 021 4365949, www.emeraldbeautyclinic.ie - follow us on Facebook/instagram/Tik Tok. SPECIAL OFFER: All February, book any of our award-winning Guinot or Dermalogica facials, 90 minutes, and get a complimentary eyebrow shape and a travel size bag of skincare samples and treats. Appointments necessary, to book call Emerald Beauty Clinic on 021 4365949. Free parking for clients. Steve Sanghi, Microchip: We reacted completely wrongly in the post-Covid cycle, but thanks to our nine-point plan, the biggest problems have now been resolved. Microchip Technology has been through tough times. Steve Sanghi, President and CEO of Microchip Technology, explains in an interview with Markt & Technik what measures were necessary to get the company back on track. Diesen Artikel anhoren Information about Steve Sanghi Steve Sanghi was CEO and President of Microchip Technology from 1991 to March 2021, when Ganesh Moorthy took over the helm. Sanghi was appointed Executive Chairman of Microchip in March 2021. In November 2024, Moorthy resigned from his posts and Sanghi returned to Microchip as interim CEO and President. In July 2025, it was announced that Sanghi would take over these posts on a long-term basis. Markt & Technik: The semiconductor market is cyclical, yet Microchip was profitable for 104 consecutive quarters. 2024 and 2025 were exceptions. What were the main reasons for this? Steve Sanghi: In those two years, Microchip mismanaged the post-coronavirus cycle from an operational perspective. We had successfully navigated previous cycles, such as the Asian financial crisis of 1997/98, the internet downturn of 2000 and the financial crisis of 2008/2009. At that time, we were considered cycle mavens because we recognised the cycles early on and managed our business in such a way that no layoffs were necessary and we remained profitable throughout. The 2022 to 2024 cycle was very deep, but that alone does not explain our situation. The decisive difference was our own actions. We had built up excessive inventories with our distributors and customers and were extremely rigid in dealing with existing orders. Customers could neither adjust nor postpone orders, even if they no longer needed the components. At the same time, we invested heavily in building up manufacturing capacity to meet demand that later turned out to be unrealistic. When customers and distributors began to correct their inventories, new orders declined sharply. As a result, our sales fell by 60 per cent and our profits fell by as much as 93 per cent. Looking back, it is clear that Microchip managed this cycle very poorly, and that was the key difference from previous cycles. Today, the situation has improved significantly. You have announced plans to reduce operating costs to around 25 per cent in the long term. How do you intend to achieve this goal? Historically, our operating costs have been around 24 per cent. During the post-Covid boom, our sales were very high, which led to extensive new hiring. The company assumed that this revenue corresponded to real demand. When revenue then slumped by 60 per cent, these costs initially remained in place. When I returned as CEO in November 2024, our operating costs were 39 per cent of our revenue driven by the slump in revenue and an excessive number of employees. After 25 years of steering Microchip through cycles without layoffs, I realised that I had to break with this tradition. In March 2025, we therefore carried out our first global workforce reduction in 25 years, cutting around 2,000 jobs out of a total workforce of around 20,000 worldwide. Shortly afterwards, sales bottomed out and began to grow again. Together, these two factors have led to a reduction in our operating costs from 39 per cent to 32 per cent. In the long term, we are aiming for around 25 per cent. We deliberately plan to allocate an additional percentage point or so to investments in future areas such as connectivity, networking, high-performance computing, FPGA and AI. The further reduction from 32 per cent to 25 per cent will be achieved primarily through sales growth, supplemented by productivity gains, for example through the use of AI in administrative processes. What other measures were crucial to the turnaround? Shortly after I returned to Microchip, I developed and implemented a nine-point plan to restructure the company. The first point concerned our manufacturing, which was simply too large for the size of our business. Accordingly, we had to make the difficult decision to close our Fab 2 in Arizona and our back-end fab in the Philippines, plus make minor adjustments in Thailand, but without layoffs, as this could be achieved through natural fluctuation. The second point concerned the reduction of our own inventories. At 266 days, these were about twice as high as our target of 130 to 150 days. By reducing the utilisation of the remaining fabs and increasing deliveries from the warehouse, we were able to reduce inventory to around 199 days. The third point was an in-depth analysis of all business areas. Five strategic pillars were formed from around 20 business units: Analogue and Microcontrollers this is what Microchip is known for. This is not the case for the other three, where we have restructured to strengthen them, including substantial investments. One of these is the Connectivity and Networking division. Microchip recently introduced the world's first 6th generation PCI switch, which is manufactured using 3 nm structures. We also introduced a new family of 10BASE-T1S endpoint ICs for automotive applications. This area also includes our other components for various communication standards such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. The fourth pillar is high-performance computing. This is where our FPGA activities are based, and Microchip is now the third-largest FPGA supplier alongside Lattice. This area also includes our timing products, which are another important product segment, as every electronic device needs a clock generator. The fifth pillar is based on our licensing business and on AI on the Edge, a new business unit at Microchip. This area is not about high-performance GPUs, but about intelligence for the edge. Microchip recently licensed AI accelerators from CEVA, which are now being specifically integrated into our MCUs, network products, FPGAs, etc. The idea behind this is as follows: let's take a car with eight cameras. You can send the raw data from each camera directly to a central GPU. Or you can bring intelligence close to the camera, i.e. on the edge. There, you can pre-process images, distinguish moving objects from stationary ones, separate shadows from real people, recognise three-dimensional information, and so on. Microchip explicitly emphasised its power semiconductor activities for a while, but they no longer appear... These components belong to our analogue division. Within this platform, we have our own analogue power business unit. There is also a mixed-signal business unit, a high-reliability business unit and our discrete business units. So there are several business units that are grouped under the analogue or analogue power platform. This type of organisation was the third point in our nine-point plan. The fourth point concerned rethinking megatrends. 5G is largely complete as a megatrend and has been replaced by AI at the edge. ADAS has not been removed, but has been reclassified as part of Networking and Connectivity, as this approach extends beyond the automotive market to include industry, robotics and data centres. These megatrends serve primarily as clear priorities for sales and investment. The fifth point concerned distribution. While other semiconductor manufacturers have significantly reduced margins and largely use distribution only for processing, we have only made moderate adjustments to margins in favour of Microchip, which was received positively by distributors, who had feared worse. Point six concerned our customers. Our rigid stance after Covid and several price increases had cost us trust. A global programme of direct customer dialogue including factory visits and on-site appointments helped to largely normalise relationships within a year. This led to new sales growth, numerous design wins and a significant rapprochement. Point seven was the introduction of a new long-term financial model with clear target values. The model used by the capital market until then dated back to 2022. It still contained many remnants from the peak period: extremely high gross margins, surcharges for rush orders, penalties for customers who did not accept parts. The model therefore included a lot of income that did not come from the actual product business. Our new long-term model envisages a gross margin of 65 per cent, operating costs of 25 per cent and an operating profit of 40 per cent. And we are making very good progress in this direction. Our gross margin bottomed out at 52 per cent, and now we are very close to getting back to a 6 in front of it. We have already talked about operating costs, and our operating profit bottomed out at 14 per cent, but we have now more than doubled it. The eighth point defined the specific path to cost reduction, including staff cuts. This has reduced our costs by about half, and we want to achieve the other half through growth. And the ninth point concerned the CHIPS Act? We had already sought support from the CHIPS Act, but during this process there was a change of government. Now, government money is no longer being given away; instead, the government wants shares in the company, as was the case with Intel, for example. We have come to the conclusion that we do not need government money if we have to give up shares in return. If we need capital, we would rather do so through investors than through the government. That is why we have put our CHIPS Act activities on hold for the time being. Are political tensions an additional cycle driver? They make management more difficult, but they do not deepen the cycles. This is because the resulting effects are felt throughout the entire cycle. China is continuously pushing ahead with the development of its own domestic semiconductor industry, and the West will permanently lose part of its business there. At the same time, many Chinese manufacturers who export are relocating their production out of China to Vietnam, to Malaysia in order to avoid US tariffs. And Microchip is following suit. Whereas these customers used to buy from us in China, they now buy in Malaysia or Vietnam. So you may see a decline in sales in China, but those sales reappear elsewhere. In that sense, it doesn't deepen the cycle. Of course, we have also lost business, whether with Huawei, ZTE, FiberHome or other Chinese security and surveillance companies. Microchip is one of the last companies still active in the 8-bit MCU market. In your last presentation to investors, you emphasised the importance of PIC64 components. Does that mean that Microchip is also slowly withdrawing from the 8-bit segment? No, you have to look at that separately. PIC64 came from a completely different business unit because its development was based on a contract with NASA. The background: the processor used in space today is the same one that was used in the Apollo missions around 60 years ago. About four years ago, NASA issued a call for tenders for the next-generation processor. The specification was clear: it had to be based on RISC-V not ARM or anything else and it had to be a radiation-hardened chip suitable for deep space missions. Microchip prevailed over all other suppliers and won the contract. We then developed this high-performance processor. Now we are taking this design and developing commercial versions for automotive and industrial applications. This development has no impact on our classic MCU portfolio. Today, 32-bit MCUs are the largest segment, followed by 8-bit and 16-bit. We have significantly reduced our investments in 8-bit and shifted some of these investments to 32-bit. But we will continue to bring new 8-bit products to market. What do you expect from 2026? I think 2026 will be a good year for us but also for the entire industry. From my point of view, the industry is currently dividing into two camps: AI and non-AI. No concerns that the AI bubble will burst? I'm not even sure if AI is already a bubble. If it is, then it's definitely not yet clear when it will burst whether in two, three or four years. But one thing is clear to me: it won't be in 2026. On the contrary, 2026 will be a great year for AI. More and more companies are turning to AI, so investment will continue, power plants will be built, data centres will be built. AI will therefore continue to grow strongly this year. And what about the non-AI sector? Non-AI markets were really weak in 2024 and 2025. But these areas are now also growing strongly. We have doubled our profits from their low point, and our earnings per share have almost quadrupled compared to the low point. And we are entering 2026 with this momentum: continuing to increase sales, continuing to increase gross margins, continuing to increase operating profits. That is why I believe that 2026 will be a very good year for Microchip. Is this optimism somewhat surprising? But it is justified: our customers and distributors have now used up their inventories, business has returned to normal and new orders are coming in. In addition, few new products were developed in 2022 and 2023, simply because the development engineers were busy qualifying replacement products. When the components became available again in 2024 and 2025, the development engineers returned to their actual tasks, i.e. developing new products. And these new products are now after about two years going into production. This is currently driving strong growth. In addition, many suppliers such as STMicroelectronics, Infineon and onsemi have focused heavily on electromobility and invested heavily in SiC. However, EV growth failed to materialise because electric vehicles were very expensive and the market shifted back towards hybrids and combustion engines. We are not affected by this phenomenon, so there is no reason for us not to be optimistic about this year. Meta has backed away from highly controversial facial recognition tech in its products and services before, but seemingly not so far that it isnt willing to have another crack at it. A new report from The New York Times claims Mark Zuckerbergs company wants to add facial recognition to its lineup of branded smart glasses at some point this year. The NYT spoke to four anonymous people with knowledge of Metas plans, who told the publication that the feature is codenamed "Name Tag" internally. As youd expect, it would let people wearing Meta-powered Oakley or Ray-Ban glasses identify people and "get information about them" using AI. Such technology naturally carries huge privacy and ethical risks, which is reportedly why Meta was hesitant to unveil Name Tag at a conference for the blind last year. It also may have shelved plans to include facial recognition in the first version of its smart glasses, which launched in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement In an internal memo from Metas Reality Labs viewed by the NYT, Meta said that the current political instability in the US presents a good opportunity for it to push ahead with its plans. "We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns," it said. With the smart glasses market expected to become more competitive in the coming years, Meta seemingly believes facial recognition would give it an edge on rival products from the likes of OpenAI. As for how it would work, the company is considering its options. It could recognize people the wearer is already connected to via one of Metas apps, or potentially display information from public Instagram accounts. The NYTs sources said that universal facial recognition, effectively allowing you to look up the identity of anyone you walked past, would not be possible. Meta shut down Facebooks Face Recognition system, used when tagging people in photos, in 2021, following widespread public backlash over privacy concerns. Three years later, it brought it back, this time as a tool for Instagram and Facebook designed to detect scam ads that use the faces of celebrities and other public figures. Last year Meta rolled out the feature beyond the US, so Facebook and later Instagram users in the UK, Europe and South Korea could also use it on their accounts. One good thing about virtual private networks (VPNs) is that when they don't work, the problem is almost always solvable without technical training. Although it's aggravating when your VPN randomly drops your connection, the chances are good that you can handle the issue yourself without getting tech support involved. If your VPN is repeatedly disconnecting from the server, I recommend dealing with the problem immediately. When you have your kill switch on as good cybersecurity habits dictate, VPN drops will kick you off the internet. Without that feature enabled, it'll expose your real identity and location online. Thats not a big deal if youre just aiming to, say, stream an international sporting event, but it could be an existential issue if youre using the VPN as a workaround against government censorship. Either way, you can address the issue by working through the eight troubleshooting steps below and checking whether they've solved your problem. 8 reasons your VPN keeps disconnecting I've organized these root causes in ascending order of how much effort the solution takes. Try the easier fixes before moving on to the more complex or expensive ones. 1. You're using the VPN on too many devices at once Most VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect at the same time on a single subscription. Some services, like Surfshark, claim to offer unlimited simultaneous connections, but they'll still cut you off if they see signs of abuse. Generally, you can install the VPN on as many devices as you like; it just can't be actively running on more than the limit. Advertisement Advertisement If you're trying to connect to the VPN on a new device and it repeatedly disconnects, check how many other phones, computers or smart TVs it's already running on. Pay attention to devices where you have the VPN set to auto-connect on startup, as you may have missed that it's running. Disconnect from the VPN on one of those devices and try again on the new one. 2. Your VPN server is slow or overloaded The problem often rests with the VPN server you're trying to connect to. Providers regularly shut down servers for routine maintenance. Sometimes, a server is technically online, but it's under such a heavy user load that it can't maintain a connection. It's also possible that the server is so physically far away from you that the connection keeps timing out. In cases like these, the answer is simple: use another server. Pick a different server by disconnecting the VPN and reconnecting to the same location. If the new server has the same problems, try another location, assuming you don't need an IP address in a specific country. 3. You're using an unstable VPN protocol As I explained in my article on how a VPN works, a VPN protocol is the set of instructions at the heart of everything a VPN does. Not all protocols are the same. For example, OpenVPN over TCP prioritizes speed over connection stability, causing more frequent disconnections. It's also possible for certain networks to block some VPN protocols but not others (see #8). Advertisement Advertisement If changing servers didn't help your unstable connection, try switching protocols. WireGuard, OpenVPN over UDP and IKEv2 are best for stability. You can almost always find the protocol options in the Settings page of your VPN app. 4. Power-save settings are interfering A VPN almost always runs in the background. In some cases, a device's battery saver settings might shut down the VPN to stop the battery from draining. See if turning off power-save mode stops your VPN from disconnecting randomly (and maybe plug in your device while you're at it). 5. Your internet connection isn't stable Your VPN needs to pass traffic through an ISP like any other online app it just encrypts that traffic first. If you don't have a good internet connection, you won't have a good VPN connection. When you notice your VPN randomly disconnecting, check whether you have problems with your home internet connection. Resetting your modem by turning it off for at least 10 seconds may solve the problem, but you can also just wait for your internet to improve with time. 6. Another program is interfering with the VPN Other security programs are a frequent cause of VPN disruptions. If you connect to an office VPN, for example, you likely won't be able to have a personal VPN running at the same time. Likewise, if you use an antivirus program or have a firewall on your device, it may be blocking your VPN from connecting. See if you can configure the firewall to allow traffic through a port used by a VPN protocol. If none of the fixes have worked so far, you can often solve your connection problems by updating all the software involved. For optimal security, you should be installing updates the moment they're available anyway, so this will protect you even if it doesn't directly solve your VPN problem. Advertisement Advertisement Update your VPN client and your operating system, then try connecting again. If you're still having problems, try updating your router. You can reach its control panel by entering its default IP address into the URL bar of your browser. Update it as well, then try once more. 8. Your network or ISP is blocking VPN traffic There's a chance that your problem originates with your network or ISP, not on the VPN or any device you own. Some networks, especially at offices and schools, automatically block any VPN traffic they detect. These restrictions can even be imposed by entire countries, most infamously in China. Should this turn out to be your problem, turn on any obfuscation features that may be built into your VPN. Using an obfuscated protocol, connect to a server outside the location being censored, then use the internet as normal. This will be much more difficult if you're in a country where VPNs are illegal or restricted, but there's still hope if you can safely send an email, contact a VPN provider and ask if they'll send you a configuration directly. Proton VPN is one company that's officially willing to do that. If you still find your VPN disconnecting mid-session, you may have a rare problem that doesn't show up on this list. Contact your VPN's support staff and do what they recommend. If possible, chat with a live support technician so you can tell them what you've already tried. Advertisement Advertisement Best VPN for 2025 | ExpressVPN review | NordVPN review | Norton VPN review | Proton VPN review | Surfshark review | Private Internet Access (PIA) review | How we test VPNs | How to add VPN to your TV | How to use a VPN on Chromecast or Google TV | How to use a VPN on Roku | How to use a VPN on Apple TV | How to use a VPN on Fire TV | See Engadget's full VPN coverage Ring has canceled its partnership with Flock Safety, after receiving backlash for running a Super Bowl ad touting its Search Party feature. If youll recall, Ring revealed back in October 2025 that it was entering a partnership with the surveillance company, which would make it possible for law enforcement to ask smart doorbell owners for videos captured by their devices. In its announcement, the company said that the planned Flock Safety integration would require significantly more time and resources than anticipated. The decision to call off the partnership was mutual, Ring added, and Flock Safetys integration was never launched. Apparently, no Ring customer footage was ever sent to Flock. Under the partnership, law enforcement agencies using Flock's Nova platform or FlockOS would have been able to use Rings Community Requests to ask for doorbell videos from users. They would have been asked to specify the location and timeframe of the incident, as well as provide a unique investigation code and the details about what is being investigated. Their requests would then be forwarded to relevant users, who could choose to share footage from their doorbell. Ring said the whole process would have been anonymous and optional. Ring was known to have shared security cam videos to law enforcement without a court order or the device owners consent at least 11 times in the past. In 2024, however, it seemed to have walked back its police-friendly stance and said that it would stop sharing videos with the police without a warrant. This alliance with Flock would have marked a return to police collaboration after the company distanced itself from law enforcement. Flock is known for its automatic license plate readers and for centralizing the information it collects into a database that police can search without a warrant. While law enforcement says the system can help them solve crimes like kidnapping. 404Media reported last year that ICE has been using the database, citing immigration-related reasons. Advertisement Advertisement While Rings official reason was that the Flock partnership would need more resources than expected, its worth noting that the company recently got flak for its Super Bowl Search Party ad. Ring touted it as a way to find lost dogs by using its cameras AI to identify pets running across their field of vision and then pooling feeds together to identify missing pets. While Search Party isnt new and was announced last year, the ad sparked concerns about surveillance and how the tech could be misused, leading users to disable the feature for their cameras altogether. Meta went to court this week in two major trials over alleged harms facilitated by its platform. In New Mexico, the state's attorney general has accused the company of facilitating child exploitation and harming children through addictive features. In a separate case in Los Angeles, a California woman sued the company over mental health harms she says she suffered as the result of addictive design choices from Meta and others. In both cases, Meta has disputed the idea that social media should be considered an "addiction." On the stand this week, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said that social media isn't "clinically addictive," comparing it to being "addicted" to a Netflix show. In opening statements in the New Mexico trial, Meta's lawyer Kevin Huff went further. He told the jury that "social media addiction is not a thing" because it's not in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the handbook used by mental health professionals in the US. Advertisement Advertisement "According to the American Psychiatric Association, they don't recognize the concept of social media addiction in the same way as addiction to drugs and alcohol," Huff said during opening arguments that were broadcast by Courtroom View Network. "What you see on the screen is what's called the DSM, which is basically the official manual for recognized mental disorders. The American Psychiatric Association studied this and decided that social media addiction is not a thing." But the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has never said that social media addiction doesn't exist. The organization provides information and resources about social media addiction on its website. "Social media addiction is not currently listed as a diagnosis in the DSM-5-TRbut that does not mean it doesnt exist," the APA said in a statement to Engadget. Dr. Tania Moretta, a clinical pyschophysiology researcher who has studied social media addiction, agrees. "The absence of a DSM classification does not mean that a behavior cannot be addictive, maladaptive or clinically significant," she told Engadget. That argument, she said, "reflects a misunderstanding" of how psychiatry professionals define and classify conditions. "Diagnostic manuals formalize scientific consensus; they do not define the boundaries of legitimate scientific inquiry. Many maladaptive behaviors and clinically significant symptom patterns are studied and treated well before receiving official classification." Meta's critics have long claimed that the company has profited from addictive features that hook children and teens. The trials in Los Angeles and New Mexico are just the start of several court battles over the issue. The social media company is also facing a high-profile trial with school districts in June, and lawsuits from 41 state attorneys general. Advertisement Advertisement Moretta said that social media addiction is a field that requires more study, but that there is already evidence that it can have harmful effects on some people. "At present, from a scientific perspective, there is documented evidence that social media use disorder is associated with both psychophysiological alterations, including changes in reward/motivational and inhibitory/regulatory systems, and clinically significant negative impacts on functioning (e.g., sleep disturbances, psychological distress, impairment in social, academic, or occupational domains)," she said. "The key question is not whether all social media use is addictive, but whether a subset of users exhibits patterns consistent with behavioral addiction models and whether specific platform design features may exacerbate vulnerability in predisposed individuals." Both trials are ongoing and expected to last the next several weeks. In New Mexico, jurors have already heard from former employee turned whistleblower Arturo Bejar and former exec Brian Boland, both of whom have publicly criticized the company for not prioritizing safety. In Los Angeles, Mosseri's testimony has wrapped up, but Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify next week. The trials will also feature extensive internal documents from Meta, including details about the company's own research into the mental health impacts of its platform on young people. Warner Bros. has hired horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan to write and direct a new feature adaptation of Stephen King's 1980 novella "The Mist." The project reunites Flanagan with King following their earlier collaborations on "Gerald's Game" and "Doctor Sleep," both of which drew praise for balancing psychological tension with emotional storytelling. The new film will be produced under Flanagan's Red Room banner alongside producers Tyler Thompson and Spyglass executives Gary Barber and Chris Stone, with Alexandra Magistro serving as executive producer for Red Room, according to Deadline. "The Mist" is set up at Warner Bros. Pictures, marking a fresh studio partnership for this latest King adaptation after earlier versions were backed by different companies. King's story follows residents of a small Maine town trapped in a grocery store after a strange mist rolls in, hiding deadly creatures and triggering escalating fear among the survivors. The novella, first published in King's collection "Skeleton Crew," explores how panic and groupthink can be as dangerous as the monsters outside, themes that have helped the material remain popular with genre audiences, Dark Horizons reported. The new film will be the third major screen adaptation, following Frank Darabont's 2007 movie and a 2017 television series that ran for one season. Flanagan has become closely associated with King's work and with character-driven horror, building a reputation through projects such as "Gerald's Game," "Doctor Sleep," and the upcoming adaptation of "The Life of Chuck." Commentators note that his track record with King's more challenging material has made him a logical choice to revisit "The Mist," which combines creature horror with intense human drama. While Warner Bros. has not yet announced casting, production dates, or a release window, the film adds another Stephen King title to a crowded slate of literary adaptations in development across Hollywood, as per CBR. The FBI has released new information about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, while increasing the reward for tips to $100,000. According to an FBI Phoenix post on X Thursday, the suspect is a male about 5'9" to 5'10" tall, with a normal build. Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been pic.twitter.com/GJcx4ra6wX FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) February 12, 2026 On the day of the incident, the suspect was seen putting his hand over the front door camera, then turning around and looking for something to cover it with. During the investigation, detectives were informed that the camera had been unplugged at 1:47 a.m. Using surveillance close up, the FBI released photos of that masked suspect that has a weapon holster on his pants and a hiking backpack on the shoulders. During the investigation, detectives were informed that the camera had been unplugged at 1:47 a. m. Using surveillance close up, the FBI released photos of that masked suspect that has a weapon holster on his pants and a hiking backpack on the shoulders. Guthrie, 84, was last seen on Jan. 31. Her daughter Annie's husband, Tommaso Cioni, reportedly dropped Guthrie off at home after dinner. Savannah Guthrie, the "Today" anchor, along with siblings Annie and Camron, have repeatedly urged the public to help locate their mother. Savannah shared surveillance footage of the masked suspect on Instagram, writing, "Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home." The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that all collected evidence, including the troubled black glove, is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Besides that, officers said that the local police force will maintain a strong presence in the neighborhood as agents continue to follow up on leads. FBI Recruits High-Profile Investigator The FBI has brought in a specialist who previously worked on high-profile criminal cases, including the investigation of Bryan Kohberger, the former University of Idaho criminology student convicted of murdering four students in November 2022. Fox News reporter Michael Ruiz noted on X Thursday, "BREAKING: We have a good clue about what just happened at Guthrie's home. FBI experts on video, imagery and physical science [were] seen carrying video forensics equipment into the tent. A prominent member of this team has worked other high-profile cases including the Bryan Kohberger investigation." Kohberger is serving a life sentence without parole for the brutal murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Ruiz added that photos obtained by Fox News Digital show investigators carrying a diagram with human heights, likely to match conditions in the surveillance footage to the suspect's appearance. Blood Evidence and Forensic Analysis A white forensic tent was erected outside Guthrie's Catalina Foothills home on Feb. 1, the same location captured in the surveillance footage. Blood spatter was discovered at the front entrance shortly after her disappearance, according to reports from NBC and other outlets. While the purpose of the tent has not been officially stated, such structures are typically used to shield evidence or remains from public view. FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News' Sean Hannity Tuesday night that investigators have "made substantial progress in these last 36 to 48 hours" and are examining multiple persons of interest. Authorities have also asked neighbors for surveillance footage from Jan. 31, the day Guthrie was last seen, as well as footage from the prior month. Ex-Prince Andrew has not paid any of the $16.3 million settlement that his parents, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, agreed to in order to settle a civil case by one of Jeffrey Epstein's victims, Buckingham Palace sources said on Friday. The 2022 settlement with Virginia Giuffre occurred after she accused the ex-Duke of York of having sex with her when she was 17 and was trafficked to London by Epstein. Andrew, 65, has always denied any illegal act and even when he gave evidence said he had no recollection of meeting Giuffre. However, he later agreed to a settlement that was widely reported to be around $15 million. There were previous reports of King Charles' participation in the settlement with a hint towards a donation of $2.04 million, the palace insider said to the Times that the monarch did not contribute any personal money. Royal Estates Provided Financial Support According to reporting in The Sun, the money to fund Andrew's settlement primarily came from the estates of his parents. Roughly $9.53 million reportedly came from the late Queen Elizabeth II, and an additional $4.08 million from the estate of Prince Philip. A source told the publication, "They bankrolled his pay-off to his accuser Virginia Giuffre. They bought his lies and helped him try and make the problem go away. His own mother, the late Queen, was left heartbroken by the scandal." Details regarding how Andrew financed the remainder of the settlement have never been publicly disclosed. Giuffre, 41, died by suicide at her home in Western Australia in April, leaving no will and sparking a legal battle over her assets, which were speculated to be worth around $21.7 million. Until 2025, King Charles provided Andrew with a multimillion-pound allowance, which covered his personal expenses and the estimated $4.08 million annual cost of security after the Home Office removed his police protection. Pressure has increased on Andrew to provide a response to questions both from law enforcement and lawmakers after fresh scrutiny over the claims that he may have passed on confidential information to Epstein. Buckingham Palace said that it was deeply worried about the allegations and would be "standing ready to support" police inquiries if demanded. Lisa D'Amato, winner of "America's Next Top Model: All Stars," has slammed Tyra Banks over the latter's upcoming Netflix documentary "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" for being more focused on making money rather than taking responsibility. D'Amato, who initially featured on "America's Next Top Model cycle 5 series" of 2005 and eventually won the "All Stars" season in 201, stated to Page Six that she figures Banks is leveraging the documentary to play down the controversies of the reality show. "In order for her to save face to make more money in the future, she's going to have to take a bit of accountability," D'Amato said, adding that she expects Banks will only claim "about 5 percent accountability" for her actions. The Netflix series, which begins streaming Monday, promises to examine the show's "complicated legacy" through interviews with Banks, former contestants, judges, and insiders. However, D'Amato expressed concern that Banks' admitted past missteps will be "manipulated" or "softened" to protect her image. D'Amato on the Creative Control Behind the Documentary D'Amato, who gave a fuller account of her feelings in an Instagram post, said she had noticed that Banks "has a heavy hand in the creative" of the documentary and hence probably wants the final narrative to be in her favor. She also expressed that she would be very attentive to the way the experiences of her former co contestants are depicted, thus saying, "I know their true experience and how much it affected their lives, so I'll be watching it more to see how that gets portrayed and edited. " Banks in trailers for the show has acknowledged that she "knew [she] went too far" in certain areas of the episode and went on to say that she was basically trying to satisfy the audience's needs during a time when edginess was the trend in the mainstream TV. "It was very, very intense," she said. "But you guys were demanding it, so we kept pushing more and more and more." D'Amato, however, believes that financial motivation underlies Banks' acknowledgment. "Tyra's all about making money," she said. "She doesn't have any real empathy for anybody else but herself." She added that, based on her own experience, the project is ultimately "a money grab for Tyra" and that Banks is "not 100 percent canceled." D'Amato Speaks Out in Rival Documentary D'Amato is also appearing in a competing E! documentary, "Dirty Rotten Scandals," set to premiere March 11. In a preview, she described "ANTM" as less of a modeling competition and more a form of "psychological warfare." She said: "I trusted you with my dreams. How dare you take my f***ing life away from me." On Instagram, D'Amato framed her criticisms as part of a larger mission, writing that she's "just doing God's work" by speaking out and urged others to "stand for something or fall for anything." Cardi B ignited controversy after a Palm Desert concert when she vowed to protect her fans from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking an online back-and-forth with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During the kickoff of her "Little Miss Drama Tour," the 33-year-old Grammy winner soared over the crowd in a sequined orange dress and told the audience, "If ICE come in here, we're gonna jump they asses... I got some bear mace in the back. They ain't taking my fans, bitch. Let's go!" She then launched into her hit song, "I Like It," as fans cheered. The moment quickly went viral, drawing the attention of DHS, which shared a TMZ report on the incident. According to People, the agency added, "As long as she doesn't drug and rob our agents, we'll consider that an improvement over her past behavior," referencing Cardi B's earlier admissions about drugging and robbing men before she became famous. Cardi B, born Belcalis Almanzar, fired back in a pointed response on X. "If we talking about drugs let's talk about Epstein and friends drugging underage girls to rape them. Why y'all don't wanna talk about the Epstein files?" she wrote, drawing attention to renewed scrutiny surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Our government is GHETTO!!! Whew Cardi said if @ICEgov come to her concert they were going to jump ice then @DHSgov aka homeland security chimed in with a tweet & Cardi clapped back!! Smdh Amerikkka is the laughing stock of the world pic.twitter.com/LOl0ic8wA5 BGR HEADQUARTERS (@bgrheadquarters) February 12, 2026 Cardi B Faces DHS Backlash The clash highlights Cardi B's willingness to speak out on controversial issues while mixing activism with her music. Her comments come amid broader concerns about ICE practices. The University of California, Berkeley's Deportation Data Project recently released data showing that nearly 220,000 people were arrested by ICE between January 20 and October 15, 2025. Almost one-third of those arrested had no criminal record, and the data does not distinguish between minor offenses and violent crimes, Yahoo reported. Fans at the Palm Desert show were captivated by the moment, with the rapper blending her message with her performance and engaging directly with the crowd. Cardi B's Little Miss Drama Tour supports her latest studio album, Am I the Drama?, and she is set to visit multiple major cities before concluding the tour in Atlanta this April. The exchange with DHS has sparked debate online, with some praising Cardi B for defending her fans, while others criticized the confrontation with a federal agency. Originally published on Music Times Dairy farmers could face increased import competition under the UKs new trade deal with India, MPs have warned during a debate in parliament. Concerns were raised that the agreement could open the British dairy market to Indian products without delivering meaningful new export opportunities for UK cheeses and other dairy goods in return. The debate took place on Monday 9 February, as MPs discussed the newly agreed free trade agreement with India. The NFU has broadly welcomed the deal, saying it protects the UKs food standards and provides improved access for British lamb, a key priority during negotiations. However, the union has warned that the agreement gives fully liberalised access to the UK dairy market meaning Indian dairy products could enter Britain with fewer trade barriers without reciprocal access for British producers. The issue comes at a time when UK dairy farms continue to face tight margins and volatile milk prices, leaving the sector sensitive to any additional market pressure. Opening the debate, Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant said the deal was important given Indias status as a rapidly growing economy, with the country expected to become the worlds third largest economy by 2029. Warnings about the potential impact on dairy were raised by several MPs. John Cooper, the Scottish Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway, referred to NFU President Tom Bradshaws evidence to the Trade and Business Committee, where he welcomed opportunities for lamb but highlighted risks for dairy farmers. Mr Cooper told parliament that while Indian dairy imports to the UK are currently minimal, it was almost inevitable that Indias dairy production would expand as its economy grows, increasing the risk of a glut of products entering the British market. The Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith and Shadow Trade Minister Dame Harriet Baldwin also raised similar points during the debate. Responding, Sir Chris Bryant said he was not aware of any Indian dairy companies currently able to export to the UK, as none have the required import licence. Mr Cooper later argued that even with licensing requirements, any rise in imports would add further pressure to a sector already vulnerable to price swings. Questions were also raised over auditing and standards verification. Iqbal Mohamed, the independent MP for Dewsbury and Batley, and Liam Byrne, chair of the Trade and Business Committee, highlighted concerns over differences in compliance culture between Britain and India. They questioned whether unclear implementation could allow products that do not meet UK standards to enter the country due to weak checks at the Indian border. Sir Chris Bryant sought to reassure MPs, saying that while export support staff are being reduced by 40%, staff would not be removed from India. Mr Byrne welcomed the move, saying it would ensure officials remain in place to help firms navigate rules of origin, quota management and enforcement. The NFU said it will continue pressing ministers to ensure future trade agreements do not undermine food standards or leave British farmers exposed, noting the prime ministers commitment to uphold the UKs world-leading food and animal welfare standards in all future deals. The NFU has announced six new Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors who will take part in its two-year development programme from 2026 to 2028. The selected candidates were chosen from a competitive field and will represent young members of the organisation at events and industry initiatives across the UK. The appointments come at a time of growing pressure on the next generation of farmers, with the sector facing major change, rising costs and ongoing policy uncertainty. Over the next two years, the ambassadors will attend events at parliament, contribute to advocacy and media activity, take part in projects such as the Shed Talks podcast and help shape events aimed at young people in agriculture. Last September, the NFU confirmed the scheme would be extended from 12 months to two years, giving each cohort more time to build networks and gain experience across the sector. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: Im delighted to welcome this new group of Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors. He added that their energy and perspective couldnt be more important at a time when the industry faces significant change. Mr Bradshaw said the ambassadors would help represent young farmers and contribute to discussions affecting British food and farming. The 20262028 cohort includes Jack Ancell (North) a new entrant beef farmer keen to highlight the environmental and social benefits of farming systems. Lydia Gardner (Midlands) an agricultural consultant passionate about giving young farmers a stronger national voice. Jessica Madge (Midlands) a third-generation dairy farmer eager to represent the next generation and help shape the industrys future. Nat Watkins (South) a new entrant dairy farmer focused on attracting fresh talent and showcasing farming to the public. Nikita Fineran (South) a sheep and pig farmer determined to inspire others starting out in agriculture, especially those with limited access to training. William Evans (Wales) a beef and sheep farmer committed to championing British livestock farming and supporting the long-term future of the sector. The Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme is open to NFU members aged 1830 and provides opportunities to gain experience in advocacy, media engagement and national representation. The new ambassadors will begin their two-year term immediately. Valentines Day celebrates love in all its formsromantic, platonic, and everything in between. for ages, the day of love has always been sold to us as a celebration of roses, reservations and romantic declarations. But what if this year, the most intimate love story you nurture is the one between you and your own reflection? Because the way you love yourself quietly shapes how the world meets you. And often, that love begins in the smallest details. Like your smile. A smile is more than just an expressionits your introduction to the world. And you know what's one of the most understated yet impactful ways to invest in yourself? Caring for your smile. A smile is often the first thing people noticebut more importantly, its how you feel when you smile that truly matters. Over the years, the greatest reward hasnt been the awards or recognition, but the quiet confidence I see in my patients once they fall in love with their smile again, states Dr Varun Jain. This Valentines Day, lets do something radical. Lets fall in love with our smiles. Heres an expert-backed guide to help you do exactly that. In This Article Everyday Oral Care: The Foundation of a Beautiful Smile Luxury doesnt always come from extravaganceit often comes from consistency. The most radiant smiles are built on simple, mindful habits: Gentle brushing twice a day with the right technique Daily tongue cleaning for freshness and hygiene Flossing or using a water flosser to maintain gum health Regular dental check-ups to keep your smile at its best These small rituals form the foundation of a smile that feels as good as it looks. Clear Aligners: Effortless Alignment For Your Smile Todays orthodontic solutions are thoughtfully designed for modern lifestyles. Invisalign aligners offer a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth, without the visibility or inconvenience of traditional braces. Suitable for both adults and children, they blend seamlessly into daily routines, allowing you to attend meetings, events, and social occasions with complete confidence, without anyone noticing the treatment behind your smile. With several aligner systems available today, Invisalign remains one of the most widely trusted and globally recognised options. Dr Varun, a Platinum Invisalign Provider for the past two years, brings extensive experience in managing even moderately complex cases using aligner therapy, delivering predictable and aesthetically pleasing results. Orthodontic Treatment: Where Function Meets Beautiful Smile True beauty is never just surface-level. Proper alignment improves not only the appearance of your smile but also its functionenhancing bite balance, reducing strain on the jaw, and preventing uneven wear. With advanced, customised treatment planning, modern orthodontics now offers solutions that are as comfortable and efficient as they are aesthetically pleasing. Dental Implants: The Art of Restoration For A Beautiful Smile Missing teeth can subtly affect both facial structure and confidence. Dental implants offer a sophisticated, natural-looking solution that restores not just your smile, but also your comfort and ease in everyday life. By integrating with the jawbone, implants preserve facial contours while allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete assurance. Cosmetic Smile Makeovers: Designed, Not Overdone A true smile makeover isnt about chasing perfectionits about enhancing what already makes you unique. These days, cosmetic dental treatments are no longer limited to a particular age grouptheyve become an essential part of modern self-care across generations. Teenagers now seek subtle alignment solutions to build confidence early on, young adults opt for smile enhancements to complement their professional and social lives, and even elderly patients are embracing cosmetic treatments to restore vitality and self-assurance. With advancements in technology and minimally invasive techniques, cosmetic dentistry has become more comfortable, accessible, and highly personalized. From clear aligners and enamel-friendly veneers to comprehensive smile rejuvenation procedures, patients today have options that blend seamlessly into their lifestyles. At the forefront of this trend is Dr. Varun Jain, who brings years of experience in crafting natural, camera-ready smiles. How To Make Dentistry Feel Like Self-Care The environment in which you care for your smile matters just as much as the treatment itself. Todays dental experiences are evolving into spaces that feel more like boutique studios than clinical settingsdesigned to prioritise calm, privacy, and personalised attention. At Smilesutra, Dr Varun Jains state-of-the-art aesthetic dental practice in Mumbai, this philosophy comes to life. Established in 2012, with its head branch in Goregaon, the practice is known for blending advanced technology with a refined, patient-first approach. From thoughtfully designed interiors to precision-driven digital planning, every detail is curated to make the smile journey comfortable, seamless, and confidence-inspiring. The focus remains simple: Personalised smile design Natural, conservative aesthetics Advanced, minimally invasive techniques A calm, boutique-style ambience Because when the experience feels luxurious, the confidence it creates feels even more natural. This V-Day, Choose Self-Love While flowers and chocolates are fleeting, confidence is lasting. This year, consider giving yourself something more meaningfula reason to smile more often. Book that check-up. Explore the treatment youve been thinking about. Take the first step toward a smile that truly feels like you. Because loving your smile isnt vanityits self-respect. If you're planning a visit, Dr Varun Jain consults at Smilesutra, Ground Floor, Padmavati Kripa Co Op Ho, Road No. 2, Goregaon West, Mumbai. The Many Stages Of A Woman Falling In Love Explained In This Article Dil Chahta Hai Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Rock On!! Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Rang De Basanti 3 Idiots Sholay Chhichhore Veere Di Wedding While rom-coms will always hold a special place in our hearts, there's no competition for a movie that honours friendship in all its glory. Everybody's life is impacted by their friends. They are the chosen extended family that is not linked to us. Their affection is equal to that of a lover, whether they are listening to our pointless rants or offering us the best dating advice despite being single themselves. And let's just accept that ending a friendship hurts more than ending a relationship. Our friends are there for us through whatever challenge life throws at us, whether it be helping us come up with pick-up lines for our crushes or comforting us after a painful breakup. When we become ill, they correct us like moms, and when we are depressed, they treat us like lovers. This Valentine's Day, enjoy a movie night with your pals to celebrate their unwavering support and love for you in the absence of a romantic partner.The yearly onslaught of cards covered in glitter, teddy bears declaring their love, and heart-shaped items is already underway as February 14 approaches. Whether you're single or in a relationship, Valentine's Day may be stressful, even though it's always great to get a surprise bouquet of flowers. Simply celebrating your closest family and friends, people who have experienced both highs and lows with you along the journey, and lifelong friends is a good way to go about it. Here are some Bollywood films on friendship that you may watch with your group in order to show them how much they mean to you.The classic film about friendshiprevolutionised the way stories were told at the time. Years ago, Farhan Akhtar offered us Sameer, Sid, and Akash as a quirky, slightly insane, utterly relatable, and authentic representation of friendship. The film was released at a time when romance dominated the genre. In 2001, we weren't used to viewing a narrative like this onscreen, making this movie different from the others. This movie altered storytelling in many ways because of its candid, sympathetic portrayal of friendship and its discussion of adolescence. It still holds a particular place in our hearts today.by Zoya Akhtar is the ideal ode to friendship. Three buddies travel together on a road trip as they experience life's highs and lows. In addition to drama, humour, and romance, the star-studded movie "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" also features a really dreamy friendship between three friends. The three main protagonists in the movie travel to Spain together, and their time spent travelling aids them in their inner journey and helps them overcome their concerns.In Farhan Akhtar's film Rock On, four friends reunite to relive their college years and lifestyles. They genuinely enjoyed themselves while singing about their high points in a rock band. The main theme of the tale is how their relationship endured and grew stronger after a period of uncertainty befell the group. Luke Kenny, Prachi Desai, and Arjun Rampal were also included in Rock On!! 2008 saw the release of the Abhishek Kapoor-directed film Rock On!!When it came to the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of friendship as Kabir, Aditi, and Avi moved on with their lives after college, Ayan Mukherji's 2013 filmkept it authentic. While Avi continues to pursue his ambition, Kabir departs the nation to pursue his. The distance widens, yet the movie effectively captures the hurt felt by friends and shows that no hurt is greater than one begotten by friendship. However, the protagonists resolve their differences and emerge from them stronger than before.is without a doubt one of the truly legendary Bollywood movies of the twenty-first century. Despite being overtly nationalistic, there was a reason why Rang De Basanti stood out among other movies in the "patriotic" category. The authenticity and realism of Rang De Basanti's characters, and more crucially, the strength of their friendships, were key to the film's success. This group of friends wasn't your typical Bollywood gang, complete with a "hero" and a few identical sidekicks and hangers-on. Each of them has a unique personality and storyline.The movie 3 Idiots, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a fantastic representation of the strong bond that develops between three people who meet in college and become unshakable friends. Many young people, especially those who attended engineering college, still strongly relate to it and the ups and downs each character experiences. The movie demonstrated what it means to have your friend's back and how this friendship transcends prejudice and socioeconomic lines. The ideal movie on friendship!In the 1975 film Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra played the renowned buddies Jai and Veeru. Even today, the pair's famous equation from the movie is still used to describe a "strong friendship." Despite everything, the two remained loyal to one another., a film of the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, is an emotional roller coaster that celebrates friendships, love, conflicts, and priceless memories. The film tells the story of a sad tragedy that compels middle-aged man Anirudh (Sushant) to reminisce about his college years with his buddies, who were mocked as losers. Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Sharma, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Prateik Babbar, Tushar Pandey, Naveen Polishetty, and Saharsh Kumar Shukla are among the other actors who appear in Chhichhore in addition to Sushant.This uncommon tale about female friendships was released in 2018. Shashanka Ghosh directed and produced the film "Veere Di Wedding," which also starred Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania. The movie wasn't as groundbreaking as "Angry Young Goddesses" or "Sex and the City," but it aimed to challenge conventional notions of love, fulfillment, and individuality. As a result, it sparked a lot of discussions. The idea of a few friends attending a wedding was not original, but it was encouraging to see a big-budget, mainstream Hindi movie genuinely concentrate on the stories of four ladies, their friendship, and their tremendous dedication to one another in the face of all adversity. Cocktail This movie is a great pick for Valentines Day because it shows how complicated, yet strong friendship can be. The story is about three friends, Gautam, Veronica, and Meera who live together in London. At first, they are having the best time of their lives, but things change when a love triangle develops between them. What makes this movie special is how it handles the bond between the two women. Even when they fall for the same guy, their love for each other as friends is put to the test. It is an emotional, feel-good and fun film that proves sometimes your best friend is the most important person in your life. Also Read: 7 classic Hollywood films perfectly suited for your Valentines day marathon As of today, we are gearing up for the 70th Filmfare Awards South with Kerala Tourism, lets rewind to a beautiful moment. Nithya Menen won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) Tamil for her performance in Mersal, directed by Atlee. Even in a big commercial entertainer, she brought warmth and emotional strength to her character. While accepting the award, she said, Thank You Filmfare, Thank You Atlee for giving me such a space to perform in a film, a heartfelt line that perfectly captured her gratitude. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) Over the years, Nithya has carved a unique space for herself in Indian cinema. She made her mark early with strong performances in Malayalam films before expanding into Telugu and Tamil industries. What sets her apart is her instinct for choosing layered, emotionally rich roles rather than chasing formula driven scripts. From romantic dramas like Ishq and OK Kanmani to ensemble favourites like Bangalore Days, she has consistently delivered performances that feel effortless and real. In Hindi cinema too, she impressed audiences with projects like Mission Mangal, proving her versatility across languages and genres. Her journey with Filmfare has been equally rewarding. Along with her win for Mersal, she has received multiple Filmfare Awards South, including Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) honours in Telugu and Malayalam cinema. Each recognition has celebrated not just a performance, but an artist who believes in depth, sincerity and storytelling. The 70th Filmfare Awards South with Kerala Tourism are officially making their way to the heart of Kerala, with excitement steadily building ahead of the big night. Set to be held on February 21, the celebration will bring together the finest talent from Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the grandest showcases of South Indian cinema. And moments like these are exactly why we celebrate cinema, performances that stay with us long after the applause fades. Also Read: Idli Kadai Public Review: Dhanush and Nithya Menen Impress The Audience As of today ORomeo has released in cinemas, bringing Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor back together once again. The film features a strong ensemble cast including Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar and Triptii Dimri in key roles. This marks Shahids first on screen collaboration with Triptii Dimri and his fourth film with Vishal Bhardwaj after Kaminey, Haider and Rangoon. Their previous work together has always sparked conversation, and this one is no different. Soon after the early shows, reactions began pouring in. Audiences have been sharing mixed responses overall. However, many have especially praised the performances, with Shahid Kapoor and Avinash Tiwary receiving strong appreciation for their intense screen presence and impactful portrayals. At the same time, some viewers have expressed divided opinions about certain aspects. Scroll down to check out how people are reacting to ORomeo on its release day. The music composer Vishal Bhardwaj never fails to cook Kya album banayi hai bhai O' Romeo ki, definitely one of his best An Honest Man (@AnHonestManSays) February 13, 2026 ST:- #ORomeo The first half is too good when it comes to characterization. Stylish action, well paced and usual dark humour. Enjoyable till now. That opening scene was top #ShahidKapoor expectations are high for a gripping second half! pic.twitter.com/iWSnioKu1V (@Abbas_Anwar_) February 13, 2026 O Romeo,releasing on Valentine's Day. It has style, a lot of violence but has no charm, music sounds average. Dialogues are boring. Vishal Bhardwaj lost the art of movie making ? #ORomeoTrailer He made movies like Kaminey and Maqbool what happened to him. pic.twitter.com/ewRNE8hrVt nakul-net.bsky.social (@fundianabones) January 21, 2026 Also Read: Vishal Bhardwaj thanks the cast and crew of O Romeo before the audience verdict The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt in a cheating case involving an alleged Rs 30 crore fraud. During the hearing, their counsel argued that everybody cannot be sent to jail in the matter before bail is considered. The relief came after detailed proceedings in court. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed that Vikram and Shwetambari be released from Udaipur jail. As per PTI, the court instructed the Chief Judicial Magistrate to issue the bail order and specify the terms and conditions. Notices were also sent to complainant Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF and Fertility Centre in Udaipur, and to the Rajasthan government, with the matter listed for February 19. Appearing for the couple, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi told the court, He cannot put the director, his wife, everybody in jail. What is going on? The opposing side maintained that its no so simple given that the case concerns an alleged Rs 30 crore fraud. According to Bar and Bench, the bench observed that these cases cannot be used as a means to recover money. The court granted interim bail to Vikram and Shwetambari subject to bail bonds and ordered that Ajay be impleaded as a respondent. Vikram and Shwetambari were arrested in Mumbai and taken to Udaipur in December 2025, remaining in custody since December 7. Udaipur based Dinesh Kataria and Vikrams manager Mehboob Ansari were also arrested by Rajasthan Police. The Rajasthan High Court had earlier denied them bail on January 31, stating that granting relief would not be appropriate. Ajays complaint accuses them of cheating and criminal breach of trust, alleging that Rs 30 crore meant for a film project was misused through fake bills and diverted into personal accounts. Separately, in January, another businessman alleged that Vikram and his daughter, Krishna Bhatt Sarda, cheated him of Rs 13.5 crore in a case registered at Versova police station, later taken over by the Economic Offences Wing. Also Read: Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt Arrested With Six Others in Rs 30 Crore Fraud Case: Reports Critic's rating 3.5 /5 There was a time when the American crime thriller did not rely on capes, convoluted universes or gravity-defying stunts to keep us hooked. It trusted mood, character and the slow tightening of a noose. Think Bullitt, or the slick seductions of The Thomas Crown Affair. Think bruised men navigating moral grey zones. Into that lineage steps Crime 101, directed by Bart Layton and adapted from Don Winslows novel. It is a sun-drenched thriller that looks glossy on the outside but carries a wounded heart. Set along Californias storied Highway 101, the film tracks a series of exquisitely executed jewel heists, each bearing the signature of a thief who lives by a strict personal code. Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is not a smash-and-grab merchant. He is a craftsman, a strategist, a man who prides himself on invisibility. A product of foster homes, he has built his life on control and compartmentalisation, convincing himself that detachment is strength. He is preparing for one final score, the kind that promises not just wealth, but reinvention. On his trail is Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo), a seasoned cop who senses a pattern where others see coincidence. Lou is no maverick hero; he is a man slowly realising that kow-towing to a complacent system is valued more than actual detective work. The tension between these two men, one outside the law, one within it, forms the spine of the film. Both are professionals. Both are tired. Both, in their own ways, are disgusted by the compromises demanded of them. Layton, known for his unnerving real-life crime dramas, brings a documentarians patience to the material. He allows scenes to breathe. Conversations linger. Silences do the heavy lifting. The film is less interested in pyrotechnics and more invested in the tiny fissures that begin to crack Mikes carefully ordered world. Those fissures come in the form of people. Sharon Colvin (Halle Berry), a 53-year-old insurance broker edged out by corporate sexism and ageism, becomes entangled in the fallout of the robberies. Berry plays her not as a victim but as a woman simmering with rage at a system that has discarded her. A blistering confrontation with her boss in which she coolly eviscerates the hypocrisies of the boardroom, is one of the films standout scenes. Sharon recognises in Mike a fellow outsider, and their dynamic adds a layer of adult melancholy to the narrative. Meanwhile, Maya (Monica Barbaro), Mikes girlfriend, represents something far more dangerous than the police: intimacy. Hemsworths scenes with Barbaro are surprisingly tender. Maya sees through the facade, senses the emotional illiteracy beneath the bravado. It is through her that the possibility of redemption flickers. Hemsworth, often underestimated because of his blockbuster physique, delivers a performance that is all restraint and barely suppressed panic. Stripped of any superhero sheen, he allows Mikes vulnerability to bleed through. It was a masterstroke to cast Hemsworth opposite Ruffalo, given their shared history in the Avengers franchise. Here, there are no superpowers to hide behind. Ruffalo arguably has the more layered role, and he makes it look effortless. His Lou is rumpled, sharp-eyed and perpetually on the verge of either breakthrough or burnout. Watch the way he listens, to suspects, to colleagues, to his own doubts. It is acting of the highest order. If the film has a wild card, it is Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a volatile thief whose unpredictability threatens to derail Mikes meticulous plans. Keoghan injects a jolt of menace into every scene he occupies. His Ormon is not bound by codes; he is chaos incarnate. In contrast to Mikes icy discipline, Ormons impulsiveness feels like a ticking bomb. Adding further texture is Nick Nolte as an amoral fence, a relic of another era who conducts business with gravel-voiced pragmatism. He, like the gleaming American muscle cars that roar through the film, feels like a callback to the tough-guy cinema Crime 101 lovingly evokes. The cars are not mere props; they are extensions of identity, symbols of speed, freedom and inevitable crash. The action sequences deserve special mention. The chase scenes are among the best in recent memory, executed with real stunt work rather than drowned in CGI excess. The protagonists do not bounce back with superhero resilience; they limp, they bruise, they falter. Crime 101 is gritty, moody and refreshingly non-judgemental. It refuses to sermonise about crime or righteousness. Instead, it observes. It watches men and women who look tough on the outside but are riddled with scars on the inside, yearning for connection in a world that monetises everything, even loyalty. The pacing may test viewers accustomed to frenetic editing, but that slow burn is precisely the point. Every decision carries weight. Every compromise leaves a mark. Watch Crime 101 for its performances, for its textured exploration of moral ambiguity, and for the pleasure of seeing seasoned actors allowed to be human. In paying homage to the tough, vulnerable cinema of decades past, it reminds us that the most compelling thrillers are not about spectacle, but about common people trying to be human. Also Read: Everything We Are Watching This Week: Vadh 2 and More Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 12, 2026) - Green Mountain Resources Ltd. ("GMR" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into an arrangement agreement dated February 11, 2026 (the "Arrangement Agreement") with two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Blue Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Blue") and Emerald Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Emerald"), whereby the Company intends to complete a spin-out of Blue and Emerald to the existing shareholders of the Company (each, a "GMR Shareholder", and collectively, the "GMR Shareholders") pursuant to a plan of arrangement under section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Arrangement"). Under the terms of the Arrangement, each GMR Shareholder will be entitled to receive one common share in the capital of each of Blue and Emerald for each outstanding common share of the Company held (collectively, the "Distributed Securities"). Following completion of the Arrangement, Blue and Emerald will be independent reporting issuers in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The Arrangement is anticipated to close in early April 2026. Closing of the Arrangement is subject to the approval of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by GMR Shareholders at a special meeting that will be held to approve the Arrangement (the "GMR Meeting"). The Arrangement is also subject to, among other conditions, the interim and nal approval of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of certain other closing conditions that are customary for a transaction of this nature. The GMR Meeting is scheduled to be held on April 2, 2026. A management information circular providing details regarding the Arrangement, and the matters to be considered at the GMR Meeting, will be mailed to the GMR Shareholders in accordance with regulatory requirements. The Board has unanimously approved the Arrangement Agreement and determined that the Arrangement is in the best interests of the Company and the GMR Shareholders. For complete details of the Arrangement, readers are encouraged to review the Arrangement Agreement that is currently available under the Company's prole on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-Looking Statements Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identied as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identied by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to Arrangement and the GMR Meeting, including the timing thereof; the future status of Blue and Emerald as independent reporting issuers and the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of management as of the date of this news release and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the failure to obtain necessary shareholder, court or regulatory approvals for the Arrangement and the potential for market conditions to shift prior to the closing date of the Arrangement. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283788 Source: Green Mountain Resources Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 12, 2026) - Bahia Metals Corp. (CSE: BMT) ("Bahia Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into services agreement (the "Agreement") with ICP Securities Inc. ("ICP") dated February 12, 2026. Pursuant to the Agreement, ICP will provide automated market making services, including use of its proprietary algorithm, ICP Premium, in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the Canadian Securities Exchange and other applicable legislation. ICP will be paid a monthly fee of C$7,500, plus applicable taxes. The Agreement is for an initial three (3) month term and will be automatically renewed for subsequent one (1) month terms unless written notice is provided by either party at least thirty (30) days prior to the applicable renewal date. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and no stock options or other compensation in connection with the engagement. ICP has informed the Company that it does not currently own any securities of the Company, however ICP and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future. ICP is an arm's length party to the Company. ICP's market-making activity will be primarily to correct temporary imbalances in the supply and demand of the Company's shares. ICP will be responsible for the costs it incurs in buying and selling the Company's shares, and no third party will be providing funds or securities for the market-making activities. ABOUT ICP SECURITIES INC. ICP Securities Inc. is a Toronto based CIRO dealer-member that specializes in automated market making and liquidity provision, as well as having a proprietary market making algorithm, ICP Premium, that enhances liquidity and quote health. Established in 2023, with a focus on market structure, execution, and trading, ICP has leveraged its own proprietary technology to deliver high quality liquidity provision and execution services to a broad array of public issuers and institutional investors. Business Address: 251 Queens Quay East, Suite 204, Toronto, ON, M5A 0X3 Email: david@icpartners.ca Telephone: 1-647-873-8519 Contact name: David Campbell ABOUT BAHIA METALS CORP. Bahia Metals is a mining company focused on advancing its Mangueiros Project, a Nickel Sulphide - Copper Cobalt project which was initially owned and advanced by investors related to Appian Capital Advisory Limited. The Mangueiros Project is in the same state as the Santa Rita Nickel Mine, a producing nickel, copper and cobalt mine funded by Appian Capital Advisory Limited. The Mangueiros Project is located in the northern region of the mining-friendly Bahia state. The Mangueiros Project has 3,051m of historical drilling into the main target, that indicates the existence of a thick, wide, and continuous near-surface mineralization on an ultramafic intrusion that contains continuous magmatic sulphide mineralization. Follow us on LinkedIn This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Readers should not rely on information in this summary for any purpose other than for gaining general knowledge of the Company. The words "expected", "will", "will have", "will be", "estimated" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, opinions or other factors should change. Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283789 Source: Bahia Metals Corp. "Legendary Chinese Festival: Spring Festival 2026" Gives Your Joy an Extra Boost BEIJING, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The tradition of the New Year's Eve vigil endures, yet each year brings a fresh spark. On February 16 (Chinese New Year's Eve) from 16:00 to 20:00, CCTV-4's special program "Legendary Chinese Festival: Spring Festival 2026" returns as promised, launching a global celebration themed "Surge Across the Four Seas, Reunion Across the Five Continents!" Direct to the Gala, the Grand Chapter Begins. Join us as we visit the backstage of the CMG Spring Festival Gala and explore the four satellite venues. Connecting eyes from around the world, we make "The World Watching the Spring Festival Gala" a magnificent spectacle of global cultural fusion. Global Greetings, Spring for All. From a Spring Festival dance drama by the Aegean Sea in Athens to a festive temple fair in Cape Town, South Africa; from the vibrant "Chinese Red" in Mauritius to the nostalgic flavors of home in Zambia, the program takes you across the globe to celebrate the Chinese New Year together! Journey Through China, Discover Local Customs. CMG presenters and cultural scholars will serve as "Experience Officers," guiding you to admire the landscapes and savor the festive flavors. Here, you will find the shared laughter of global Chinese communities, the unchanging accents of compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the warmest devotion of the Chinese people to their most cherished festival. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2902971/Global_Harmony_for_Reunion__a_Marvelous_Adventure_of_the_Chinese_New_Year.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cctv4global-harmony-for-reunion-a-marvelous-adventure-of-the-chinese-new-year-302687169.html MUMBAI, India, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed an agreement with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) - Malaysia's national payments network, to enable QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia. The rollout of this initiative will happen in a phase-wise manner. In the first phase, Indian travellers visiting Malaysia will be able to use their UPI apps to make seamless cross border merchant payments at DuitNow QR acceptance touchpoints. DuitNow QR is Malaysia's national QR standard, operated by PayNet. In the subsequent phase, Malaysians visiting India will be able to scan UPI QR codes to make merchant payments using their DuitNow apps. With this integration, Indian tourists will gain access to millions of DuitNow QR merchant touchpoints in Malaysia, across restaurants, retail stores, tourist attractions, and other establishments. Similarly, Malaysian visitors to India will benefit from acceptance at millions of UPI QR-enabled merchant locations across the country. Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International, said, "Under the guidance of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India, we aim to expand the global footprint of UPI building interoperable, real-time payment ecosystems with leading payment networks worldwide. Our partnership with PayNet marks an important step in enabling seamless QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia, offering travellers a familiar, secure, and convenient payment experience. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to simplifying cross-border payments while strengthening digital and economic connectivity between the two countries." Praveen Rajan, CEO of PayNet, said, "This agreement reflects how the national payments infrastructure can support everyday cross-border payments at scale. Once enabled, the linkage between Malaysia's DuitNow QR and India's UPI will strengthen payment connectivity for travellers, merchants, banks and the wider financial services ecosystem. In the context of Visit Malaysia 2026 and growing two-way travel, this collaboration contributes to broader trade and economic activity between Malaysia and India." The collaboration between NPCI International and PayNet Malaysia strengthens cross-border payment connectivity between India and Malaysia by enabling interoperable QR payment infrastructure that supports secure, efficient and seamless merchant payments for travellers in both countries. For more information, visit https://www.nipl.com/. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2902967/NIPL_Aways_Forward_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/npci-international-signs-agreement-with-payments-network-malaysia-to-enable-upi-and-duitnow-acceptance-in-india-and-malaysia-302686409.html As Chinese communities around the world gear up to celebrate the Chinese New Year, China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has launched a special in-flight Wi-Fi upgrade for the Chinese New Year's Eve, offering passengers an immersive, real-time celebration experience at cruising altitude. From 12:00 noon on Feb. 16 (Chinese New Year's Eve), Beijing Time, to 1:00 a.m. the following day, all widebody flights operated by CEA and Shanghai Airlines will offer complimentary high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi. Passengers can share festive moments in real time, stream Spring Festival galas, and celebrate the Chinese New Year alongside friends and family on the ground. On Chinese New Year's Eve, nearly 200 widebody flights operated by CEA will connect 29 countries and regions across five continents, serving close to 50,000 passengers. Starting at 1:00 a.m. on Feb. 17, the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar, passengers in all cabins on widebody flights between the Chinese mainland and Australia, New Zealand, 10 Southeast Asian countries-including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand-as well as China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, will be able to enjoy complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chinese New Year serves as a bridge connecting people across the world. With this comprehensive Wi-Fi upgrade, CEA aims to leverage technology to enhance passengers' travel experience during the holiday season, offering safer, more enjoyable and better-connected journeys and sharing the joy of the Chinese New Year with people around the globe, according to the airline. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260212789325/en/ Contacts: China Eastern Airlines http://www.ceair.com/ fangying 00862122331470 fangying@ceair.com Die Stimmung an den Markten hat sich grundlegend gedreht. Wahrend Tech- und KI-Werte zunehmend mit Volatilitat und Bewertungsrisiken kampfen, erleben klassische Versorger ein unerwartetes Comeback. Laut IEA und EIA steigt der globale Strombedarf strukturell weiter, nicht nur wegen E-Mobilitat und Warmepumpen, sondern vor allem durch energiehungrige KI-Rechenzentren. Energie wird damit zur zentralen Infrastruktur des digitalen Zeitalters. Gleichzeitig rucken in unsicheren Marktphasen stabile Cashflows, solide Bilanzen und regulierte Renditen wieder starker in den Fokus. Genau hier spielen Versorger ihre Starken aus: berechenbare Ertrage, robuste Nachfrage und hohe Dividenden Qualitaten, die vielen Wachstumswerten aktuell fehlen. Nach Jahren im Schatten der Tech-Rallye steigt nun das Interesse an Unternehmen, die Stabilitat mit langfristigen Wachstumsthemen wie Netzausbau, Dekarbonisierung und erneuerbaren Energien verbinden. Im aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Versorger vor, die defensive Starke mit attraktivem Potenzial kombinieren. Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern bevor die nachste Versorgerwelle Fahrt aufnimmt! The facility will transform post-consumer textiles into high-quality recycled polyester PARIS, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company based in France, announces the site selection for an industrial sized Regeneration Hub, in Lacq, in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, on the Induslacq platform. Reju, a Technip Energies owned company, is deepening its roots in France through the development of this new Regeneration Hub. Every year, 121 million tons of textiles are discarded, yet only 1% are recycled into new garments. The vast majority end up in landfills or are incinerated, creating a severe environmental challenge for the world. Reju is tackling this global issue by developing solutions to regenerate textile waste into new materials. This Regeneration Hub will strengthen France's leadership in circular, low carbon industrial innovation. Backed by Technip Energies' global engineering expertise, Reju will bring cutting edge textile to textile regeneration technology to French industry. The plant will utilize Reju's proprietary depolymerization technology to take post-consumer textiles from national waste streams as feedstock and to transform them into rBHET, a regenerated raw material for making new polyester from textile waste, that will then be repolymerized into Reju PET. The project is subject to final investment decision by the board of Technip Energies, the parent company of Reju. This project confirms France's position as a pioneer in this strategic sector and will help structure a new local industry, contributing to decarbonization. It would generate 80 direct jobs and more than 300 indirect jobs. "This French Regeneration Hub builds on our strategy to industrialize a circular post-consumer textile-to-textile model," said Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju. "By leveraging France's ambitious circular-economy agenda and advancing our technology to new markets, we are reinforcing our mission to transform textile waste into valuable, circular resources." Through its French Hub, Reju aims to build a scalable circular infrastructure in France and Europe, enabling textile-to-textile traceability and closing the loop on fiber use. The project aligns with Reju's established operations, including Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt, the announced site selection in Chemelot, Sittard-Geleen the Netherlands and the recently announced United States Hub to be located in Eastman Business Park, in Rochester, New York. The Regeneration Hub will be located on the Induslacq platform, owned by TotalEnergies. "Chemparc, a development agency supported by the State, local authorities (Region Nouvelle- Aquitaine, Community Lacq-Orthez), and industry, is pleased to announce the selection of Lacq as the site for Reju's first Regeneration Hub in France. This decision underscores the attractiveness of our industrial basin and illustrates the role of our Public Interest Group as a catalyst for this attractiveness. In line with our industrial strategy, this decision marks a new step in the development of a low-carbon circular economy. CHEMPARC is committed to continuing its support with diligence and energy for the success of this industrial project in the Lacq Basin," said Audrey Le-Bars, Chief Executive Officer of Chemparc. Owned by Technip Energies, Reju utilizes proprietary technology developed in conjunction with IBM Research to recover, regenerate and recirculate textile waste, starting with polyester. Reju actively participates in the work of several bodies and organizations such as ReHubs, Petcore and Evolen. This will create a circular ecosystem, developing a textile-to-textile sector in France in line with European requirements and based on traceability. About Reju Reju is a materials regeneration company focused on creating innovative solutions for regenerating polyester textiles and post-consumer PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies and utilizing technology originating with IBM Research, Reju is driven by its purpose to unlock infinite possibilities within finite resources. The company aims to establish a global circular textiles system to regenerate and recirculate polyester textiles. Learn more at https://www.reju.com/ About Technip Energies Technip Energies is a global technology and engineering powerhouse. With leadership positions in LNG, hydrogen, ethylene, sustainable chemistry, and CO2 management, we are contributing to the development of critical markets such as energy, energy derivatives, decarbonization, and circularity. Our complementary business segments, Technology, Products and Services (TPS) and Project Delivery, turn innovation into scalable and industrial reality. Through collaboration and excellence in execution, our 18,000+ employees across 35 countries are fully committed to bridging prosperity with sustainability for a world designed to last. Technip Energies generated revenues of 6.9 billion in 2024 and is listed on Euronext Paris. The Company also has American Depositary Receipts trading over the counter. For further information: www.ten.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2901649/Reju_France_image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2666366/Reju_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/reju-announces-site-selection-for-french-regeneration-hub-in-lacq-advancing-europes-circular-textile-infrastructure-302686765.html H1 2025-26 results in line with expectations, on track to meet Full Year objectives Operating verticals revenues almost stable 1 at 573.8m LEO revenues up 60% 1 Adjusted EBITDA margin of 52.1% Refinancing program underpinning strategic roadmap Successful 1.5bn capital raise, supported by core shareholders Credit rating upgrades from Moody's and Fitch C.1bn in Export Credit Agency financing obtained 2 Procurement of 440 LEO satellites, assuring operational OneWeb continuity with enhanced service Regulatory News: The Board of Directors of Eutelsat Communications (ISIN: FR0010221234 Euronext Paris London Stock Exchange: ETL), chaired by Eric Labaye, reviewed the financial results for the Half Year ended 31 December 2025. Key Financial Data 6M to Dec. 2024 6M to Dec. 2025 Change Like-for-like change1 P&L Revenues m 606.2 591.6 -2.4% +0.1% "Operating Verticals" revenues m 599.9 573.8 -4.3% -0.6% O/w LEO revenues m 73.9 110.5 +49.5% +59.7% Adjusted EBITDA m 334.9 308.2 -8.0% -6.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin 55.2% 52.1% -3.2 pts -3.4 pts Operating result m -789.6 -118.2 n.a. Group share of net result m -873.2 -236.5 n.a. Financial structure Net debt m 2,695.8 1,300.9 -1,394.9 Net debt/ Adjusted EBITDA X 3.92x 2.00x -1.92 pts Backlog bn 3.7 3.4 -9.2% Total revenues for H1 2025-26 stood at 592 million, down 2.4% on a reported basis and stable like-for-like. Revenues of the four Operating Verticals (excluding 'Other Revenues') stood at 574 million, down by 0.6% on a like-for-like basis. LEO revenues amounted to 111 million, up 59.7%1, and now represent c. 20% of revenues. Adjusted EBITDA stood at 308 million on 31 December 2025, down 6.1% on a like for like basis. The Adjusted EBITDA margin stood at 52.1%, down 3.4 points like-for-like. It reflects the impact of sanction-related loss of Video revenues, as well as the effect of product mix within LEO revenues during the ramp-up stage. Jean-Francois Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Communications commented: "The first half of FY 2025-26 marked a decisive step forward for Eutelsat. We significantly strengthened our financial foundations through the successful execution of our refinancing plan, supported by our shareholders, rating agencies, and institutional partners. At the same time, we secured the long-term operational continuity and technological evolution of our LEO constellation, reinforcing our ability to serve customers with greater performance and flexibility. With financing secured and our growth strategy clearly on track, we are entering the next phase with confidence, focused on unlocking the full potential of our LEO business and delivering sustainable value for all stakeholders Note: This press release contains figures from the consolidated half-year accounts prepared under IFRS and subject to a limited review by the Auditors. They were reviewed by the Audit Committee on 11 February 2026 and approved by the Board of Directors on 12 February 2026. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, Net debt Adjusted EBITDA ratio and Gross Capex are considered Alternative Performance Indicators. Their definition and calculation are in Appendix 3 of this document. The auditors' review procedures have been carried out and the review report is in the process of being issued. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEMESTER First Half Operating Verticals revenues of 574 million, almost stable at -0.6% 1 Adjusted EBITDA margin of 52.1%, down 3.4 points like-for-like LEO revenues up nearly 60% 1 , reflecting ongoing commercial dynamic, driving rise in revenues in all three Connectivity verticals Full Year 2025-26 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA margin objectives confirmed Successful completion of 1.5 billion capital raise leading to credit rating upgrades from Moody's and Fitch Almost 1bn in Export Credit Agency financing obtained Procurement of 440 LEO satellites securing operational continuity with technology enhancements for the OneWeb constellation Disposal of passive ground segment halted, with no impact on Eutelsat's ability to finance its strategic development plan ANALYSIS OF REVENUES3 In millions 6M to Dec. 2024 6M to Dec. 2025 Change Reported Like-for-like1 Video 309.2 266.5 -13.8% -12.3% Government Services 96.4 98.6 2.2% 7.7% Mobile Connectivity 75.3 76.6 1.7% 8.5% Fixed Connectivity 118.9 132.1 11.1% 17.2% Connectivity 290.7 307.3 5.7% 11.8% o/w LEO 73.9 110.5 49.5% 59.7% o/w GEO 216.7 196.8 -9.2% -4.5% Total Operating Verticals 599.9 573.8 -4.3% -0.6% Other Revenues 6.3 17.8 n.a. n.a. Total 606.2 591.6 -2.4% 0.1% EUR/USD exchange rate 1.09 1.16 Total revenues for the First Half of 2025-26 stood at 591.6 million, stable on a like-for-like basis and down by 2.4% on a reported basis. Revenues of the four Operating Verticals (ie, excluding 'Other Revenues') stood at 573.8 million. They were down by 0.6% on a like-for-like basis, excluding a 22 million negative currency impact. Second Quarter revenues stood at 298 million, stable year-on-year on a like-for-like basis. Revenues of the four Operating Verticals stood at 291 million, at the same level as Q2 FY25 (-0.1%). On a quarter-on-quarter basis they were up by 2.9%. In millions Q2 2024-25 Q2 2025-26 Change Reported Like-for-like1 Video 157.4 133.0 -15.6% -14.1% Government Services 50.1 46.2 -7.7% -2.2% Mobile Connectivity 33.3 41.9 25.8% 34.5% Fixed Connectivity 62.3 69.7 11.9% 18.3% Connectivity 145.7 157.9 8.3% 15.0% o/w LEO 40.3 56.4 39.9% 50.5% o/w GEO 105.4 101.5 -3.8% 1.4% Total Operating Verticals 303.2 290.8 -4.1% -0.1% Other Revenues 3.3 7.6 n.a. n.a. Total 306.5 298.4 -2.6% +0.5% EUR/USD exchange rate 1.09 1.16 Note: Unless otherwise stated, all variations indicated below are on a like-for-like basis, ie, at constant currency. The variation is calculated as follows: i) H1 FY 2025-26 USD revenues are converted at FY 2024-25 rates; ii) Hedging revenues are excluded. Video (46% of revenues) First Half Video revenues were down by 12.3% to 267 million. They reflected the impact of further sanctions imposed on Russian channels, amounting to c. 16m annualized for FY 2025-26, coming on top of the underlying trend in this mature business. Second Quarter revenues stood at 133 million down by 14.1% year-on-year, and broadly stable quarter-on-quarter. On the commercial front, Eutelsat announced several renewals and extensions with long-standing partners, notably with beIN for the distribution of direct-to-home services across the MENA region, reaffirming the strategic value of Eutelsat's 7/8 West video neighbourhood. In Europe, Eutelsat and Polsat Plus renewed a multi-year, multi-transponder contract at the flagship EUTELSAT HOTBIRD video neighbourhood. Connectivity (54% of revenues) All three Connectivity verticals recorded a rise in the First Half. Total Connectivity revenues for the First Half of 2025-26 stood at 307 million, up by 11.8%. Within the mix, GEO revenues stood at 196.8m, a decline of 4.5%, which was more than offset by the strong ongoing momentum in LEO revenues, which rose 59.7% to 110.5m. Second Quarter revenues stood at 157.9 million up by 15.0% year-on-year, and by 5.8% quarter-on-quarter. LEO revenues were up 50% at 56.4m, while GEO was stable at 101.5m. Fixed Connectivity First Half Fixed Connectivity revenues stood at 132 million, up by 17.2% year-on-year. They mainly reflected the continued growth of LEO-enabled connectivity solutions, as well as a one-off impact, resulting from the upfront recognition of revenues relating to a capacity contract with a GEO customer, for an amount of c. 7m. Second quarter revenues stood at 70 million, up 18.3% year-on-year. On the commercial front, Eutelsat reinforced its presence in Africa, with a distribution agreement with Angola's MSTelcom for LEO services for businesses located in hard-to-reach regions, as well as a new multi-million, multi-year agreement with Paratus for services across Southern Africa. Government Services First Half Government Services revenues stood at 99 million, up 7.7% year-on-year. They reflected the growth of LEO-enabled solutions, notably with services delivered in Ukraine, as well as increased demand from other governments. Second Quarter revenues stood at 46 million, down by 2.2% year-on-year and by 11.7% quarter-on-quarter, mainly reflecting softer revenues in the U.S. as well as a lower terminal sales in Q2 than in Q1. Key highlights of the past quarter include a partnership with Airtel to support the Indian Army's relief operations with LEO connectivity in flood-impacted Sri Lanka. Elsewhere, Eutelsat announced the launch of the first military-grade manpack terminal for its OneWeb network, developed in partnership with Intellian Technologies. The terminal is now available to government and defense customers needing portable, resilient connectivity solutions. Mobile Connectivity First Half Mobile Connectivity revenues stood at 77 million, up 8.5% year-on-year, notably reflecting the activation of contracts with aero mobility customers. Eutelsat now has almost 600 certified antenna installations out of a backlog of over 1,500 aircraft, compared to 100 certified antenna and a backlog of 1,000 aircraft at the end of FY2024-25. This impact was even more visible in the Second Quarter where revenues stood at 42 million, up 34.5% year-on-year and up by 21.1% quarter-on-quarter. On the commercial front, Eutelsat inked a multi-year, multi-orbit partnership with CMA CGM Group and Marlink to integrate OneWeb into the connectivity solutions of CMA CGM's global maritime fleet. Elsewhere, Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO network will provide passenger Wi-Fi services on the Transgabon Railway in partnership with Airtel Gabon, reinforcing the Eutelsat-Airtel partnership and marking the start of an expanded collaboration on rail connectivity across Africa. Other Revenues Other Revenuesamounted to 18 million versus 6 million a year earlier. They reflected revenue recognition from IRIS2 related to Eutelsat's involvement as Consortium System Development Prime. They included also a 8 million positive impact from hedging operations compared with a 1 million positive impact a year earlier. BACKLOG The backlog stood at 3.4 billion on 31 December 2025 versus 3.7 billion a year earlier. It was equivalent to 2.7 times 2024-25 revenues, and Connectivity represented 59% of the total, versus 56% a year ago. The evolution of the backlog reflects the increasing weight of LEO business in the mix. As a reminder, contracts in the LEO business tend to be shorter than in the legacy GEO applications. Moreover, only the secured elements of the 'take-or-pay' contracts are recognised, while 'pay-as-you-go' contracts are not reflected. 31 Dec. 2024 30 June 2025 31 Dec. 2025 Value of contracts (in billions of euros) 3.7 3.5 3.4 In years of annual revenues based on prior fiscal year 3.1 2.8 2.7 Share of Connectivity application 56% 57% 59% Note: The backlog represents future revenues from capacity or service agreements and can include contracts for satellites under procurement. Managed services are not included in the backlog. PROFITABILITY Adjusted EBITDA stood at 308.2 million for the Half-Year ended 31 December 2025 compared with 334.9 million a year earlier, down by 8.0%. It was down 6.1% on a like for like basis. Operating costsstood at 283 millionup by 12.1 million. They reflected an increase in cost of goods sold, partially offset by the re-evaluation of share-based compensation schemes. The Adjusted EBITDA margin stood at 52.1% versus 55.2% a year earlier, down 3.2 points on a reported basis and by 3.4 points4 like-for-like. It reflected the impact of sanction-related losses of Video revenues, as well as the effect of product mix within LEO revenues during the ramp-up stage. Net result, group share amounted to a loss of 236.5 million versus a loss of 873.2 million a year earlier. This reflected: 'Other operating expenses' of 69.6 million, compared to 690.8 million last year. As a reminder, First Half 2024-25 included goodwill and satellite impairments totalling 650 million. Lower D&A of 356.7 million versus 433.7 million a year earlier reflecting notably the end of the amortisation of certain intangible assets, the positive effect from the securing of operational continuity of the LEO constellation following the procurement of an additional 340 satellites, as well as a favourable currency impact. Net financial costs of 95.0 million versus 99.1 million a year earlier, notably reflecting lower interest following the full repayment of the 2025 bond. Corporate tax of 21.3 million versus 7.6 million a year earlier, implying an effective tax rate of 10%. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Gross Capex amounted to 291.5 million, compared with 174.8 million a year earlier. This reflects the timing of key milestones in LEO investment programs. It should not be extrapolated for the year since most of the investments will be deployed in the Second Half. Nevertheless, because of the phasing of LEO programs, as well as increased vigilance on GEO spend, capex for the full year is now expected at around 900 million (vs 1.0 to 1.1 billion previously). Going forward, capex will remain focused on LEO activities, in line with the Group's strategic vision, primarily for the Gen-1 follow-on program. In this context, the group has cancelled the procurement of the so-called 'Flexsat Americas', following a review of the business case, resulting in future capex savings of over 100 million euros. FINANCIAL STRUCTURE On 31 December 2025, net debt stood at 1,300.9 million, down 1,325.7 million versus end of June 2025, mainly reflecting the net proceeds from the capital increase of 1,475.8 million. As a result, the net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio stood at 2.00 times, compared to 3.88 times at end-June 2025 and 3.92 times at end-December 2024. The average cost of debt after hedging stood at 4.17% (4.84% in H1 2024-25). The weighted average maturity of the Group's debt amounted to 2.3 years, compared to 3.0 years at end-December 2024. Undrawn credit lines and cash stood around 2.1 billion. OUTLOOK The First Half of 2025-26 has been a crucial semester for Eutelsat, most notably with the successful execution of the foundations of its refinancing plan, first with the success of the 1.5bn capital raise, fully supported by core shareholders, and followed by credit rating upgrades from Moody's (up two notches to Ba3) and Fitch (up three notches to BB with Stable outlook). Subsequently Eutelsat obtained almost 1bn in Export Credit Agency financing. Eutelsat intends to build on these strongly improved financial fundamentals to undertake the refinancing of its bonds to complete its strategic refinancing plan. In parallel, Eutelsat took steps to secure the operational continuity of its LEO constellation, with the procurement of 340 OneWeb satellites on top of the previous order of 100, bringing the total number of new satellites to 440. The availability of these latest satellites will assure full operational continuity for customers of the constellation, progressively replacing early batches coming to end of life. Furthermore, Eutelsat expanded its options for access to space, signing a multi-launch agreement for the future launch of LEO satellites starting in 2027 with France's MaiaSpace. With both its financing secured, and operational continuity assured, Eutelsat can look forward with confidence as it focuses on its growth strategy, based on the development of its LEO business. FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES The First Half performance was in line with expectations, enabling us to confirm our FY 2025-26 objectives: Combined Revenues of the four operating verticals in line with the level for FY 2024-25. With LEO revenues to grow by 50% year-on-year. An Adjusted EBITDA margin expected slightly below the level of FY 2024-25. Gross capital expenditure in FY 2025-26 initially expected in a range of 1.0-1.1 billion euros, now expected around 900 million. Following the successful completion of the 1.5 billion capital increases in December 2025, Net Debt/EBITDA is estimated at c.2.7x5 by year-end FY'2025-26, reflecting a robust and self-funded financing structure. Looking further out. Eutelsat demonstrates some of the most attractive growth and profitability prospects in the sector, with revenue expected in a range between 1.5 and 1.7 billion6 by the end of FY 2028-29, supported by the strong momentum of LEO revenues, which are significantly outperforming the market. Operating leverage is expected to drive a mid-to-high single-digit percentage point improvement in the EBITDA margin, resulting in a margin of at least 65%5 by FY'2028-29. In the longer term (post FY 2028-29), the B2B connectivity market is expected to pursue its growth at a double-digit rate, driven by LEO market expansion. Note: Financial objectives assume: (i) no additional impact on revenues due to sanctions imposed on channels broadcast on the group's fleet (ii) the nominal launch and entry into operation of satellites in course of construction in accordance with the timetable envisaged by the Group; (iii) no incidents affecting any of the satellites in-orbit. POST CLOSE EVENT Non-completion of the transaction to dispose of Eutelsat's passive ground segment infrastructure assets On 29th January 2026, Eutelsat announced that the transaction for the disposal of its passive ground segment infrastructure assets to private equity investor, EQT Infrastructure VI, will not proceed, as all conditions precedent have not been satisfied. The net proceeds attributable to Eutelsat from the transaction would have been in the region of 550m, while the negative annualized impact on adjusted EBITDA associated with the service agreement entered into with the prospective buyer amounted to 75-80m. The non-completion of the transaction has no impact on Financial Objectives for FY 2025-26, except for Net Debt to EBITDA which is now expected to stand at around 2.7 times at the end of the Financial Year (versus 2.5 times previously). The EBITDA margin for FY 2028-29 is now expected in the region of 65% (versus c.60% previously). The non-completion of the transaction does not affect Eutelsat's ability to fund the capital expenditure related to its strategic growth trajectory. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Corporate Governance Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Eutelsat Communications was held on 20 November 2025, in Paris. All the resolutions were approved. They included notably: Approval of the annual and consolidated financial statements. Approval of regulated agreements concluded during the year, including subscription commitments with the French State, Bharti Space Limited, the UK Government, CMA CGM Participations, and the Fonds Strategique de Participations, as well as the termination and conclusion of a new shareholders' agreement. Renewal of the mandates of Bharti Space Limited (represented by Akhil Gupta), Florence Parly and Eric Labaye as Directors. Approval of the remuneration of corporate officers and the remuneration policy. Authorization granted to the Board of Directors to acquire the Company's shares and, where appropriate, cancel them. On 21st November 2025, pursuant to the completion the reserved capital increase, Jean-Baptiste Massignon and Jeremie Gue, appointed at the General Shareholders' Meeting of 30 September 2025, took office as Directors of the Company. The renewed Board composed of 12 members, with 5 female members and 50% independent members is now completed and already working on supporting the company on its strategic path. Corporate Social Responsibility Eutelsat continues to advance its four CSR pillars: responsible use of space, bridging the communication divide, managing environmental impact on Earth and in space, and social empowerment. Eutelsat and Unconnected.org, a non-profit organisation focused on addressing digital inequality, have entered into a partnership to expand access to community Wi-Fi across Africa using Eutelsat's Konnect satellite services. The partnership will launch in Tanzania, where Unconnected.org will work with local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), NGOs and government stakeholders to deliver affordable, sustainable broadband in hard-to-reach areas. The initiative will also lay the groundwork for expansion into additional African countries, as the two organisations collaborate to extend digital access across the continent. The collaboration builds on Eutelsat's ongoing commitment to digital inclusion. At the beginning of 2025, Eutelsat reached a major milestone by connecting one million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to satellite internet-two years ahead of its initial target-fulfilling its pledge under the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Elsewhere, Eutelsat continued to implement responsible operating practices across its GEO and LEO activities. The Group contributed to the EU Space Act public consultation through the submission of a formal response and continued to monitor regulatory developments via its internal Space Sustainability Taskforce. Engagement with the scientific community was strengthened through participation in the Dark Quiet Skies ESA study launched in September 2025, a dedicated astronomy workshop in November at Eutelsat's headquarters, and the UNOOSA/SKA Observatory workshop at the United Nations Office in Vienna in December. Following the validation of its emissions reduction objectives, covering Scopes 1, 2 3, by the SBTi Eutelsat has continued its program of emission reduction initiatives during FY26 H1 and is on target for delivering by 2030 of an absolute reduction of 50% of Scope 1 2 and an intensity reduction of Scope 3 emissions of 52%, both by 2030 against the baseline year of 2021. Results presentation Eutelsat Communications will present its results on Friday, February 13th, 2026, by conference call and webcast at 9:00 CET. Please register here to access the webcast presentation (replay will be available on same link) Or register here for the conference call. Documentation Consolidated half year accounts are available at: https://www.eutelsat.com/en/investors/financial-information.html. Financial calendar The financial calendar below is provided for information purposes only. It is subject to change and will be regularly updated. 12 May 2026: Third quarter and nine month 2025-26 revenues 7 August 2026: Full year 2025-26 results About Eutelsat Communications Eutelsat is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. Eutelsat was formed through the combination of the Company and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 33 Geostationary (GEO) satellites and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of more than 600 satellites. Eutelsat addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes around 6,300 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat's unique suite of in-orbit assets and ground infrastructure enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Company is headquartered in Paris and Eutelsat employs more than 1,600 people across more than 75 countries. Eutelsat is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide. The Company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL) and the London Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL). Disclaimer The forward-looking statements included herein are for illustrative purposes only and are based on management's views and assumptions as of the date of this document. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks. For illustrative purposes only, such risks include but are not limited to: risks related to the health crisis; operational risks related to satellite failures or impaired satellite performance, or failure to roll out the deployment plan as planned and within the expected timeframe; risks related to the trend in the satellite telecommunications market resulting from increased competition or technological changes affecting the market; risks related to the international dimension of the Group's customers and activities; risks related to the adoption of international rules on frequency coordination and financial risks related, inter alia, to the financial guarantee granted to the Intergovernmental Organization's closed pension fund, and foreign exchange risk. Eutelsat Communications expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any projections, forecasts or estimates contained in this document to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so required by applicable law. The information contained in this document is not based on historical facts and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts or data mentioned will occur. This information is based on data, assumptions and estimates that the Group considers as reasonable. APPENDICES Appendix 1: Additional financial data Extract from the consolidated income statement ( millions) Six months ended December 31 2024 2025 Change (%) Revenues 606.2 591.6 -2.4% Operating expenses (271.3) (283.4) 4.5% Adjusted EBITDA 334.9 308.2 -8.0% Depreciation and amortisation (433.7) (356.7) -17.7% Other operating income (expenses) (690.8) (69.6) n.a. Operating result (789.6) (118.2) n.a. Financial result (99.1) (95.0) -4.2% Income tax (7.6) (21.3) n.a. Share of result from associates (1.0) (2.9) n.a. Portion of net income attributable to non-controlling interests 24.0 0.9 n.a. Group share of net result (873.2) (236.5) n.a. Appendix 2: Quarterly revenues by application Quarterly Reported revenues FY 2024-25 and H1 2025-26 The table below shows quarterly reported revenues FY 2024-25 and H1 2025-26 In millions Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY Q1 Q2 2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2025-26 2025-26 Video 151.8 157.4 151.7 147.3 608.2 133.6 133.0 Government Services 46.4 50.1 49.5 65.0 211.0 52.4 46.2 Mobile Connectivity 42.0 33.3 39.7 44.7 159.7 34.7 41.9 Fixed Connectivity 56.5 62.3 59.7 68.8 247.3 62.3 69.7 Connectivity 144.9 145.7 148.9 178.5 618.1 149.4 157.9 o/w LEO 33.6 40.3 42.3 70.5 186.8 54.1 56.4 o/w GEO 111.3 105.4 106.7 107.9 431.3 95.3 101.5 Total Operating Verticals 296.7 303.2 300.6 325.7 1,226.3 283.0 290.8 Other Revenues 3.0 3.3 -0.7 11.8 17.5 10.2 7.6 Total 299.7 306.5 300.0 337.5 1,243.7 293.2 298.4 Appendix 3: Simplified balance sheet Details of Eutelsat Communications' consolidated balance sheet as of 30 June, 2025, and December, 2025, are provided in the FY 2025-26 Half-Year consolidated financial statement. Simplified consolidated balance sheet (in millions of euros): ASSETS (in millions of euros) 30 June 2025 31 December 2025 Total non-current assets 5,410.4 5,642.7 Total current assets 1,588.7 2,154.8 Total assets 6,999.1 7,797.5 LIABILITIES (in millions of euros) Total shareholders' equity 2,661.1 3,882.0 Total non-current liabilities 3,189.0 3,227.4 Total current liabilities 1,149.0 688.0 Total liabilities 6,999.1 7,797.5 Appendix 4: Alternative performance indicators In addition to the data published in its accounts, the Group communicates on three alternative performance indicators which it deems relevant for measuring its financial performance: Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, net debt Adjusted EBITDA ratio and Gross Capex. These indicators are the object of reconciliation with the consolidated accounts. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin and Net debt Adjusted EBITDA ratio Adjusted EBITDA reflects the profitability of the Group before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation, impairment of assets and other operating income and expenses. It is a frequently used indicator in the Fixed Satellite Services Sector and more generally the Telecom industry. The table below shows the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA based on the consolidated P&L accounts for H1 2024-25 and H1 2025-26: Six months ended December 31 ( millions) 2024 2025 Operating income (789.6) (118.2) Depreciation and Amortisation 433.7 356.7 Other operating expenses 690.8 69.6 Adjusted EBITDA 334.9 308.2 The Adjusted EBITDA margin is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to revenues. It is calculated as follows: Six months ended December 31 ( millions) 2024 2025 Adjusted EBITDA 334.9 308.2 Revenues 606.2 591.6 Adjusted EBITDA margin (as a of revenues) 55.2 52.1 The Net debt adjusted EBITDA ratio is the ratio of net debt to last-twelve months adjusted EBITDA. It is calculated as follows: Six months ended December 31 ( millions) 2024 2025 Last twelve months adjusted EBITDA 688.2 649.4 Net debt7 2,695.8 1,300.9 Net debt adjusted EBITDA 3.92x 2.00x Gross Capex Gross Capex covers the acquisition of satellites and other tangible or intangible assets as well as payments related to lease liabilities. If applicable it is net from the amount of insurance proceeds. The table below shows the calculation of Gross Capex for H1 2024-25 and H1 2025-26: Six months ended December 31 ( millions) 2024 2025 Acquisitions of satellites, other property and equipment and intangible assets (147.1) (263.0) Insurance proceeds Repayments of lease liabilities 8 (27.6) (28.6) Gross Capex (174.8) (291.5) ____________________ 1 Like-for-like change (i.e., at constant currency. The variation is calculated as follows: i) H1 FY 2025-26 USD figures are converted at FY 2024-25 rates; ii) Hedging revenues are excluded). 2 Conditional on a successful bond issuance by Eutelsat Communications. 3 The share of each application as a percentage of total revenues is calculated excluding "Other Revenues". 4 As per financial objectives, i.e., at constant currency and without hedging impact. 5 Reflecting non completion of the disposal of the passive ground segment, halted in January 2026. 6 Data at eur/usd rate of 1.12x. 7 Net debt includes all bank debt, bonds and all liabilities from lease agreements and structured debt as well as Forex portion of the cross-currency swap, less cash and cash equivalents (net of bank overdraft). Net Debt calculation is available in the Note 6.4.3 of the appendices to the financial accounts. 8 Included in line "Repayment of lease liabilities" of cash-flow statement. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260212006312/en/ Contacts: Media enquiries Joanna Darlington Tel. +33 674 521 531 joanna.darlington@eutelsat.com Anita Baltagi Tel. +33 643 930 178 anita.baltagi@eutelsat.com Katie Dowd Tel. +1 202 271 2209 katie.dowd@eutelsat.com Investors Joanna Darlington Tel. +33 674 521 531 joanna.darlington@eutelsat.com Hugo Laurens-Berge Tel. +33 670 80 95 58 hugo.laurens-berge@eutelsat.com Regulatory News: On the Occasion of the Launch of the New Indirect National Strategic Fund, Kaleon Expands Its Shareholder Base of Italian Institutional Investors Through the Purchase of Approximately 1.1% of the Share Capital From Its Majority Shareholder L6A4 S.r.l. Kaleon S.p.A. ("Kaleon" or the "Company") (Paris:ALKLN) (MIL:KLN), a company owned by the Borromeo family specializing in the management and enhancement of important artistic, natural and museum assets for tourism purposes ("Kaleon" or the "Company"), on the occasion of the launch of the new Indirect National Strategic Fund, is expanding its shareholder base of Italian institutional investors through a market transaction executed on 12 February 2026 with the absolute majority shareholder L6A4 S.r.l. (the "Transaction As part of the Transaction, 150,000 Kaleon shares were purchased for a total outlay of 600,000, representing a stake of approximately 1.1% of the Company's share capital. Following the Transaction, considering the purchases made on the market after the listing, L6A4 S.r.l. remains the absolute majority shareholder, holding approximately 9.7 million Kaleon shares, equivalent to approximately 68.7% of the share capital. For the transmission and storage of Regulated Information, the Company uses the eMarket SDIR transmission system and the eMarket STORAGE storage mechanism, which can be consulted on the website emarketstorage.it and are managed by Teleborsa S.r.l., with registered office in Rome, at Piazza di Priscilla 4. This press release is available in the Investor Relations Price Sensitive Press Releases section of the Company's website kaleon.com and on emarketstorage.it About Kaleon Kaleon is a company founded in 1983 by the Borromeo family, specialising in the management, protection, and enhancement of major artistic, natural, and museum heritage assets. Its business model is innovative, separating asset ownership from asset management, thereby promoting an entrepreneurial approach to operations. The Company's core business, Terre Borromeo, is the brand that identifies the prestigious cultural and natural sites on Lake Maggiore linked to the Borromeo family, such as Isola Bella and Isola Madre in the Borromean Islands archipelago, the Pallavicino Park in Stresa, the Mottarone Park with its 500 hectares of forest, the Rocca di Angera on the Lombardy side in the province of Varese, and the Cannero Castles in Upper Verbano. With 225 employees and over 40 years of experience in the tourism sector, Kaleon positions itself as a pioneer in high-quality cultural tourism. In 2025, Kaleon welcomed more than one million visitors. In 2024, the Company reported revenues of 21.7 million, with an operating margin of approximately 25%. Following steady growth (2013-2024 CAGR of +11%), the Company now aims to expand its activities in Italy and internationally, offering authentic and sustainable cultural experiences for future generations. For more informations: https://kaleon.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260212106526/en/ Contacts: Kaleon S.p.A. Investor relations manager Alessandro Pedrazzini investorrelations@kaleon.com +39 3389377354 Head of Communication Giorgia Meretti g.meretti@kaleon.com- +39 3386727571 Barabino Partners Stefania Bassi s.bassi@barabino.it +39 335 628 2667 Carlotta Bernardi c.bernardi@barabino.it +39 333 947 7814 Virginia Berte v.berte@barabino.it +39 342 978 7585 Lonza Group AG / Key word(s): Personnel Changes to the Composition of the Lonza Board 13.02.2026 / 09:00 CET/CEST Sami Atiya is nominated to the Lonza Board for his deep experience in healthcare, robotics, automation and AI acquired from senior roles at ABB, Siemens and other leading companies. Subject to election at the AGM, Sami will also be appointed a member of the Lonza Board Strategy and Innovation Committee. Recently nominated as an Independent Member of the Board, and also subject to election at the AGM, Claudia Sussmuth-Dyckerhoff will be appointed Vice-Chair of the Board and a member of the Remuneration Committee and the Strategy and Innovation Committee. At the 2026 AGM, Jurgen Steinemann, Barbara Richmond will not stand for re-election, as they reach their maximum Lonza Board tenures. Roger Nitsch has also decided not to stand for re-election, in order to focus on his entrepreneurial activities. Basel, Switzerland, 13 February 2026 - Today, the Lonza Board of Directors announced the nomination of Sami Atiya as an Independent Member of the Board. The Board will propose Sami's election to shareholders at the Lonza Group Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May 2026. Subject to his election at the AGM, Sami will also be appointed a member of the Strategy and Innovation Committee. Sami brings extensive leadership experience in healthcare, robotics, automation and AI, all of which are highly relevant to Lonza's core business. Most recently, Sami spent ten years on the Group Executive Committee of ABB Ltd, with responsibilities across robotics, motion and discrete automation. Prior to this, Sami spent more than 15 years in leadership at Siemens, including responsibility for the Siemens Computer Tomography and Radiation Oncology business. Sami is on the Board of Directors of SGS and the AI Council of the Port Authority of Singapore. Sami holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), as well as a PhD in Engineering and an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wuppertal and Karlsruhe (DE). As previously announced, the Board's long-term succession planning is further supported by the nomination of Claudia Sussmuth-Dyckerhoff as Vice-Chair of the Lonza Board, bringing a decade of Board experience at companies including Roche. Marion Helmes will transition to Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee. All nominations demonstrate a structured approach to leadership team succession planning and continuity, in line with the commitment to ensuring robust governance. As previously announced, Jurgen Steinemann and Barbara Richmond will not stand for re-election at the 2026 AGM following their twelve-year tenures with Lonza. Roger Nitsch, who joined the Lonza Board in 2022, has also decided not to stand for re-election, in order to focus on his other entrepreneurial activities. Jean-Marc Huet, Chairman of the Board, Lonza, commented: "I am delighted to congratulate Sami on his nomination. With extensive experience in new technologies, such as robotics and automation, Sami's skillset is highly relevant to our company and business. Together with Claudia Sussmuth-Dyckerhoff, Sami will be an invaluable addition to the Board. I am also very thankful to Barbara, Jurgen and Roger for their continued service, collaboration and contribution to Lonza's success, and I take this chance to wish them every happiness after they leave the Lonza Board." Notes to Editors: The follow materials are available for download: Sami's biography Sami's headshot About Lonza Lonza is one of the world's largest contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) dedicated to serving the healthcare industry. Working across five continents, our global team of approximately 20,000 colleagues works alongside pharma and biotech companies to turn their breakthrough innovations into viable therapies. We support our customers in bringing life-saving and life-enhancing treatments to patients worldwide with a combination of cutting-edge science, smart technology and lean manufacturing. Our company generated sales of CHF 6.5 billion with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 2.1 billion in Full-Year 2025. Find out more at www.lonza.com Lonza Contact Details Victoria Morgan Head of External Communications Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 61 316 2283 victoria.morgan@lonza.com Daniel Buchta Head of Investor Relations Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 61 316 2985 daniel.buchta@lonza.com Additional Information and Disclaimer Lonza Group Ltd has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It has a secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST"). Lonza Group Ltd is not subject to the SGX-ST's continuing listing requirements but remains subject to Rules 217 and 751 of the SGX-ST Listing Manual. Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this news release. All trademarks belong to Lonza and are registered in CH, US and/or EU, or belong to their respective third-party owners and are used only for informational purposes. Privacy Policy link To immediately delete all the data End of Media Release View original content: EQS News LONDON, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lei Zhang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Envision, has been named the recipient of the Energy Institute's 2026 President's Award. In bestowing Zhang with its highest honour, the Institute highlighted Envision's role in shaping the global energy transition to drive economic growth and long-term prosperity while accelerating decarbonisation. In recognising Zhang, the Energy Institute pointed to his standing as a thought leader who has consistently framed the energy transition as a systems challenge - and an economic opportunity - rather than a constraint. His work was cited for advancing industry standards, supporting skills and education, and promoting long-term thinking about how energy systems can better serve societies and economies. The award also marks a notable moment for the private sector. Zhang is the first entrepreneur and business leader to receive the President's Award, following previous recipients largely drawn from government, diplomacy and international organisations. Energy Institute President Andy Brown commented: "The President's Award is the Energy Institute's highest honour, presented to individuals whose achievements have had a transformative impact on global energy. Lei's vision and leadership have made him one of the foremost global energy leaders. Through Envision, he is shaping the AI energy system providing a foundation that is infinite, intelligent and affordable for all." The Institute said the award reflects a growing recognition that achieving net zero will depend not only on policy, but on businesses capable of building and operating the infrastructure and digital systems that make the transition investable and durable despite the challenges that exist. Upon accepting the award, Zhang said the world is at a pivotal moment, as technology has driven renewable energy costs down to the point where it can be both affordable and abundant. While skepticism remains, he drew a historical parallel to the 13th century, when paper was dismissed as an inferior alternative to parchment-until its affordability broke the monopoly on knowledge and opened access to the masses. Zhang expressed optimism for humanity's future, stating "The age of fossil fuels will pass. What rises next is not just new energy system - but a new horizon for humanity. When energy becomes abundant and accessible, like paper once was for knowledge, it will unlock intelligence, it will restore dignity, it will reshape cooperation. That is how we will create a new prosperity for civilization." Zhang is an influential voice in the international energy and climate spheres. He co-founded the Global School of Sustainability with the London School of Economics and was named among TIME's "100 Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025. Professor Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Global School of Sustainability said: "Sustainable development is the only route to strong and secure growth. Sustainability is the new prosperity. Lei's commitment to harnessing technology for humanity's shared energy challenges, together with his extraordinary creativity and drive, provide a powerful example of the kind of leadership we need as we accelerate the pace of change across the world." Founded in 2007, Envision has built its strategy around the idea that clean energy is not only an environmental imperative, but a foundation for new economic opportunity. It recently announced the global launch of Dubhe, a groundbreaking energy foundation model that will enable energy systems to scale in step with AI, shaping the AI energy system. The Energy Institute (EI) is the chartered professional membership body for people working across the world of energy. Their purpose is to create a better energy future by accelerating a just global transition to net zero. International Energy Week, organised by the EI, brings together policymakers, industry leader and experts in London annually. Below is the full text of the speech: Creating a New Prosperity for Civilization I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is not only a recognition of my team and myself, but also an affirmation of our shared vision - the vision of creating a new prosperity for civilization. We are at a pivotal moment in the development of civilization. Artificial intelligence is taking humanity into a new era of energy demand. Over the next 50 years, global power demand may increase ten times. Just as no one could predict a hundred times rise of energy before the invention of the steam engine. At the same time, the climate crisis intensifies. With finite fossil fuel reserves, we must confront a fundamental question: How can we sustain the long-term prosperity of civilization? This urgency is driving us to build a new energy foundation- a system with three key pillars: Infinite, Intelligent, and Inexpensive. Encouragingly, this vision is becoming reality. Once expensive renewable energy, has now surpassed fossil fuels in cost competition. Through large-scale innovation, China has helped drive down the global costs of wind, solar, and energy storage by around 90%, making renewables affordable energy. Yet alongside progress come doubts. Some mistake "abundance" for "overcapacity." Others view "affordability" with suspicion. This reminds me of a misunderstanding from a thousand years ago. In the 13th century, when papermaking technology from China reached Europe, paper was dismissed as a "cheap and fragile" substitute for parchment. Emperor Frederick II even declared documents written on paper invalid. To the elites of the time, inexpensive paper lacked the dignity of costly parchment. And yet, it was precisely this accessibility - this very "cheapness" - that broke the monopoly of knowledge. It allowed ordinary people to access the knowledge and ultimately helped ignite the Renaissance. History teaches us that civilization advances through abundance and accessibility. Today, this abundance is laying the foundation for a new energy system. It will unleash the full potential of AI, expanding the upper limits of civilization. A tenfold increase in power demand is not a burden - it is the nourishment for computational evolution. Without abundant and intelligent energy, the flower of AI cannot fully bloom. It will also uphold the dignity of humanity and protect the foundation of civilization. In Africa, off-grid systems are lighting remote villages for the first time. In Pakistan, solar panels have become one of the most treasured wedding gifts. In the Middle East, affordable electricity enables desalination that turns desert into farmland. In Southeast Asia remote mountain, wind-powered base stations connect children to global knowledge. Humanity will move from competing over limited resources to jointly developing the infinite flows of nature - building a new civilization rooted in cooperation. The age of fossil fuels will pass. What rises next is not just a new energy system -but a new horizon for humanity. When energy becomes abundant and accessible - like paper once was for knowledge It will unlock intelligence. It will restore dignity. It will reshape cooperation. That is how we will create a new prosperity for civilization. - end - Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903679/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lei-zhang-becomes-first-private-sector-leader-to-receive-energy-institute-presidents-award-302687483.html BRUSSELS, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Russia's war against Ukraine has revealed a hard truth: Europe's electricity system is now a prime target. Even outside a war scenario, Europe's grids are already being tested by hybrid and cyber attacks. Against this backdrop,Eurelectrictoday launched anew reportat the Munich Security Conference, assessing how prepared the power sector really is and setting out concrete recommendations for utilities and policymakers. Russia's military strategy in Ukraine has made electricity infrastructure a prime target, exposing the vital role power companies play in sustaining society under attack. Utilities have become the de facto second line of defence, keeping essential services running during crises. Even without being directly at war, Europe is already facing hybrid threats ranging from sabotage and cyberattacks to disinformation. In 2024, at least 11 attacks damaged critical infrastructure, while 23 cyberattacks affected Europe's energy sector since 2022. Regardless of the perpetrator, these incidents are increasing in scale and frequency, placing growing pressure on power utilities to maintain reliable supply. "We live in a new reality of increasing threats. This requires a fundamental shift in mindset," said Eurelectric's President Markus Rauramo. "Preparing for, responding to and recovering from both physical and hybrid attacks must be a key element of power companies' strategies going forward." To this end, Eurelectric's new report finds that while awareness of risks is growing, preparedness across the sector remains uneven. With critical infrastructure already under strain, the report warns that the time for action is now. "This report turns hard lessons from Ukraine into practical action for the rest of Europe," said Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric's Secretary General. "It shows what utilities can do today - from improving crisis coordination and training, to hardening assets, securing communications and stockpiling critical equipment - to better prepare for, respond to and recover from attacks." To strengthen preparedness, the report calls on utilities to: Improve situational awareness and crisis readiness , including cooperation with authorities and regular exercises; Protect critical assets by reinforcing infrastructure, stockpiling equipment, strengthening repair capabilities, and embedding cyber resilience by design. Media Contact: Chiara CARMINUCCI Press Advisor ccarminucci@eurelectric.org +32476871575 Eurelectric represents the common interests of the European electricity industry. Speaking for more than 3500 electricity companies, we seek to promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778763/5778762/Eurelectric_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rising-threats-require-a-battle-tested-electricity-system-for-europe-says-eurelectric-report-302682832.html LONDON, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avantis Investors, a $110 billion* investment offering from the $320 billion** global asset manager American Century Investments, today announces it is launching three new UCITS exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The Avantis America Equity UCITS ETF, the Avantis Europe Equity UCITS ETF, and the Avantis Pacific Equity UCITS ETF will trade on the London Stock Exchange under the tickers AVUS, AVEU, and AVPE. All three new active ETFs aim to achieve long-term capital appreciation, investing in a broadly diversified set of equity securities across eligible countries in each respective regional equity strategy. Each new UCITS ETFis daily-managed, combining the advantages associated with indexing, such as diversification and transparency, with the opportunity to add value by considering expected returns*** each day from current prices and company fundamentals. Eduardo Repetto, CIO of Avantis said "These new strategies are a reflection of the many conversations we've had with advisors and other investors in the UK and broader Europe. We are always listening to understand the needs of our clients and those that they serve. With these three UCITS ETFs, we are offering more value-added tools to give our clients the flexiblity they need to build asset allocations tailored to their goals." Richard Adams, Head of EMEA for American Century and Avantis Investors said "This is an exciting time and we are thrilled to launch three new UCITS ETFs in the market. The new UCITS ETFs are an example of how Avantis prioritizes understanding our clients very well and embracing investment solutions that are responsive to the needs of our clients." All three ETFs feature efficient and active portfolio management and trading processes and combine the potential for outperformance with the consistency of indexing. See Important Risks Disclosures. The Avantis America Equity UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE000OW54ZX1) is an actively managed portfolio of large, medium, and small companies based in the US and, to a limited extent, Canada. (ISIN: IE000OW54ZX1) is an actively managed portfolio of large, medium, and small companies based in the US and, to a limited extent, Canada. The Avantis Europe Equity UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE000SDFJUU0) is an actively managed portfolio of large, medium and small companies from European industrialised countries. (ISIN: IE000SDFJUU0) is an actively managed portfolio of large, medium and small companies from European industrialised countries. The Avantis Pacific Equity UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE000T62NEO6) is an actively managed portfolio of securities issued by large, medium-sized and small companies in industrialized countries in the Pacific region. See Important Risks Disclosures Avantis America Equity UCITS ETF Avantis Europe Equity UCITS ETF Avantis Pacific Equity UCITS ETF Benchmark Russell 3000 MSCI Europe IMI MSCI Pacific IMI ISIN IE000OW54ZX1 IE000SDFJUU0 IE000T62NEO6 Ticker Xetra AVUS AVEU AVPE Registered Countries DE, UK, IE DE, UK, IE DE, UK, IE Domicile Ireland Ireland Ireland Fund Base Currency US-Dollar US-Dollar US-Dollar Fees (OCF) 0.20 % 0.25 % 0.25 % For more information, visit: https://www.avantisinvestors.com/ ucitsetf/avantis-america-equity-ucits-etf/ https://www.avantisinvestors.com/ ucitsetf/avantis-europe-equity-ucits-etf/ https://www.avantisinvestors.com/ ucitsetf/avantis-pacific-equity-ucits-etf/ Media contact: Justin Emily Wills Justin_wills@americancentury.com About Avantis Investors Avantis is part of American Century, an asset manager with a reputation for client care, stewardship and stability. Through American Century's relationship with the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, investments with Avantis help support research that can improve human health and save lives. Since 2000, American Century's dividends distributed to the Stowers Institute have totaled more than $2 billion. For more information, visit: www.AvantisInvestors.com About American Century Investments? American Century Investments is a leading global asset manager focused on delivering investment results and building long-term client relationships while supporting breakthrough medical research. Founded in 1958, American Century Investments' 1,400 employees serve financial professionals, institutions, corporations and individual investors from offices in Kansas City, Missouri; New York; Los Angeles; Santa Clara, California; Portland, Oregon; London; Frankfurt, Germany; Hong Kong; and Sydney. Jonathan S. Thomas is chairman, chief executive officer and president, and Victor Zhang serves as chief investment officer. Delivering investment results to clients enables American Century Investments to distribute 40% of its dividends to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a 500-person, nonprofit biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. The Institute is the controlling owner of American Century Investments and has received dividend payments of more than $2 billion since 2000. For more information about American Century Investments, visit www.americancentury.com . Investment Risk Information: There can be no assurance that each Fund will achieve its investment objective. The value of Shares and the income therefrom may rise or fall as the capital values of a Fund's investments fluctuate. The investment income of a Fund is based on the income earned on the securities it holds, less expenses incurred. Therefore, a Fund's investment income may be expected to fluctuate in response to changes in such income or expenses. The value of equity securities, may fluctuate due to changes in investor perception of a specific issuer, changes in the general condition of the stock market, or occurrences of political or economic events that affect equity issuers and the market. Historically, small- and mid-cap stocks have been more volatile than the stock of larger, more-established companies. Smaller companies may have limited resources, product lines and markets, and their securities may trade less frequently and in more limited volumes than the securities of larger companies. International investing involves special risks, such as political instability and currency fluctuations. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks. The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional instruments. Derivatives can be highly illiquid and difficult to unwind or value, and changes in the value of a derivative held by the fund may not correlate with the value of the underlying instrument. Derivatives are subject to a number of other risks, including interest, market and credit risk. The information is not intended as a personalized recommendation or fiduciary advice and should not be relied upon for investment, accounting, legal or tax advice. For full information on the risks, please refer to the relevant sections of the Prospectus and KIID/KID. Disclaimers: For Professional investors only. This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the Prospectus of American Century ICAV (including the Supplements for Avantis America Equity UCITS ETF, Avantis Europe Equity UCITS ETF and Avantis Pacific Equity UCITS ETF) (available in English) and to the relevant KIDs (available in German) on www.avantisinvestors.com before making any final investment decisions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The ICAV and its sub-funds have been recognised under the Financial Conduct Authority's Overseas Funds Regime. The UK Financial Ombudsman Service is unlikely to consider complaints relating to this scheme, its management company, or its depositary. Claims for losses relating to the management company or the depositary are unlikely to be covered under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Prospective investors should consider obtaining financial advice before deciding to invest and should review the scheme's prospectus for more information. Shares of these funds are purchased on the secondary market cannot usually be sold directly back to American Century ICAV. Investors normally buy and sell shares on a secondary market with the assistance of an intermediary (e.g. a stockbroker) and may incur fees for doing so. In addition, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. A list of the investments held by these funds will, on a daily basis, be made available on the relevant product page for each ETF at www.avantisinvestors.com or where otherwise indicated in the relevant Supplement. An intra-day portfolio value for the Avantis America Equity UCITS ETF, Avantis Europe Equity UCITS ETF and Avantis Pacific Equity UCITS ETF is disseminated via a data feed and displayed on major market data vendor terminals as well as on a wide range of websites that display stock market data, including Bloomberg and Reuters. These funds are actively managed ETFs that do not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. The Manager of American Century ICAV is Waystone Management Company (IE) Limited. Sub-funds of American Century ICAV are distributed by American Century Investment Management (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. American Century Investment (EU) GmbH, which is registered by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin), serves as the sub-distributor of the sub-funds of American Century ICAV in England and Wales. Waystone Management Company (IE) Limited may decide to terminate the arrangements made for the marketing of the Avantis America Equity UCITS ETF, Avantis Europe Equity UCITS ETF and Avantis Pacific Equity UCITS ETF. A summary of investor rights can be obtained via Waystone Management Company (IE) Limited Summary of Investor Rights July 2024. This communication is issued in the UK by American Century Investment Management (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Henrietta Street, 4th Floor, London, WC2E 8LH. *Assets under supervision as of 1/29/2026. ** Assets under supervision as of 1/29/2026. ***Expected Returns: Valuation theory shows that the expected return of a stock is a function of its current price, its book equity (assets minus liabilities) and expected future profits, and that the expected return of a bond is a function of its current yield and its expected capital appreciation (depreciation). We use information in current market prices and company financials to identify differences in expected returns among securities, seeking to overweight securities with higher expected returns based on this current market information. Actual returns may be different than expected returns, and there is no guarantee that the strategy will be successful. Top 5 active ETF issuers in AUM. Source: Morningstar data out of 359 ETF issuers overall and 321 active ETF issuers, as of June 30, 2025. 2026 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2902546/Australia_AI_lockup_teal_blk_rgb_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/avantis-investors-doubles-its-ucits-etf-lineup-302685846.html PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced the global launch of KuCoin Live and the evolution of KuCoin Feed 2.0-a major upgrade to its content and community layer that connects real-time market conversation with professional-grade execution inside the KuCoin App. Together, the updates are designed to bring market discussion and trading-native tools into one seamless experience, helping users move from insight to action in a purpose-built environment for cryptocurrency and blockchain. The launch marks the next phase of KuCoin Feed's evolution into a sustainable user-generated content (UGC) ecosystem that encourages interaction and swift, informed decisions. It addresses a long-standing industry gap: market intelligence and community discussion often live on one platform, while execution happens elsewhere-creating friction, fragmentation, and delayed decision-making. KuCoin Feed 2.0 and KuCoin Live bring these workflows closer together, building on KuCoin's previously announced KuCoin Feed, an AI-powered, all-in-one crypto intelligence center that consolidates news, market signals, and insights into a single interface to support faster, more informed decisions. KuCoin Feed 2.0 is built on a simple principle: content should lead to action. Designed to encourage interactions and swift, informed decisions rather than passive scrolling, it introduces a more executable social experience through KuCoin Live, where creators and community leaders can host real-time sessions for market analysis, technical analysis, and interactive engagement. Within Feed 2.0, embedded formats such as Trade Cards, help users translate ideas into clear inputs for their own evaluation and execution directly in-app. Additional interactive tools-including polls and tighter integration across trending topics and token related information pages-encourage active participation and higher-quality discussion, creating a continuous content-to-trade loop without leaving the KuCoin App. KuCoin views this release as an important step in advancing how trading platforms can serve users-not only as venues for execution, but as integrated environments where market intelligence, community interaction, and decision-making converge. By shaping an actionable UGC ecosystem, KuCoin aims to elevate the standard for social trading by aligning influence more closely with transparency, skill, and outcomes. To support long-term quality and user safety, the update also includes a robust backend management system featuring AI-assisted monitoring and risk controls, designed to maintain a safe and professional community environment as the ecosystem scales globally. KuCoin Live and KuCoin Feed 2.0 are now available to global users via the KuCoin App. Learn more about KuCoin Feed and KuCoin Live . About KuCoin Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital-asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet. Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem. Learn more: www.kucoin.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903647/image_5002362_22064320.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2785613/KuCoin_new_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kucoin-launches-kucoin-feed-2-0-and-kucoin-live-building-a-content-to-trade-social-trading-ecosystem-302687497.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest location for Heal Wellness ("Heal") in Grande Prairie, Alberta, on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. The new location is located at 10712 - 80 Ave, Unit 105 (South 40 Shopping Centre), Grande Prairie, Alberta. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/283808_49bbd483a4554a59_002full.jpg " This Grande Prairie opening represents another step forward as we scale Heal across North America," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "South 40 Shopping Centre is a proven retail destination in the city's southwest node supported by strong vehicle traffic, national tenants, and consistent convenience-led visitation. We continue to pair franchise partners with high-visibility sites as we build Heal into a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand across Canada." South 40 Shopping Centre is a 22-acre retail centre located at the intersection of 108 Street and 84 Avenue, shadow-anchored by a major grocer and supported by a strong mix of national retailers and restaurants. The trade area benefits from steady residential growth, an active lifestyle culture, and a growing demand for convenient, health-forward food options-positioning Heal to capture repeat traffic throughout the day from both local residents and the broader regional customer base. "Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand. With 32 locations now open and more than 176 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S to create long-term value for our shareholders." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/283808_49bbd483a4554a59_003full.jpg "We are just getting started," added Sean Black. About Heal Wellness Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others. Happy Belly 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/283808_49bbd483a4554a59_004full.jpg Sean Black Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283808 Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Aikenka Matcha is changing how matcha reaches consumers by prioritizing authenticity, sustainability, and direct relationships with Japanese farms. Founder Jamie Shelnitz launched the company to fill a gap in the market for high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha and to provide consumers with a transparent, culturally grounded product. Photo Courtesy of: Akenka Matcha The global matcha market has expanded rapidly, creating challenges for consumers seeking genuinely authentic products. Many commercially available matcha varieties focus on volume and aesthetics rather than quality or cultural integrity. Aikenka Matcha addresses this gap by partnering with farms that uphold traditional cultivation practices while embracing sustainable methods. These farms are certified organic under the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) and maintain ECOCERT Canada certification, requiring annual audits to uphold equivalency between Canadian and Japanese organic standards. Some of the farms Aikenka works with employ rare techniques such as tunnel shading, hand-picking, single-estate cultivation, and solar-powered operations. These methods preserve the quality, flavor, and nutrients of the tea leaves, producing matcha with vivid color, tender texture, and minimal bitterness. Each tin reflects the choices made at the source, combining cultural heritage with careful innovation. Aikenka's product offerings support both ritual and education. Its Pine Kits, the company's bestselling product, include everything needed for a traditional matcha ceremony and provide detailed information about the tea's origin, processing, and flavor. The company has collaborated with local Vancouver and British Columbia artists to create one-of-a-kind, handmade ceramic accessories, further enhancing the tactile and cultural experience of matcha. Aikenka has grown steadily and is projecting $180,000 in annual revenue. The company serves customers in the United States and Canada, and new regulations such as the U.S. De Minimis rule now require U.S. consumers to pay duties, though Shelnitz hopes to maintain the brand's loyal U.S. community. "Scaling Aikenka is about holding onto our values, choosing conscious, inspiring farms that remain organic, and gradually expanding into the lifestyle space," said Shelnitz. "We focus on building meaningful customer relationships rather than chasing mass-market appeal." Aikenka Matcha's approach demonstrates that direct sourcing, cultural education, and patience can create a sustainable and profitable business. By emphasizing authenticity and long-term growth, the brand provides a model for companies seeking to compete through quality and transparency rather than marketing spending. Customers can explore these offerings and discover how each ritual brings the story of the tea to life through visiting the brand's website aikenkamatcha.com About Aikenka Matcha Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Aikenka Matcha specializes in premium Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from certified organic farms. The company focuses on sustainable practices, direct relationships with growers, and educating consumers about matcha's heritage, preparation, and flavor. Aikenka offers matcha products, ritual kits, and artisan accessories designed to bring the cultural and mindful practice of tea into modern homes. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282192 Source: Baden Bower DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Consensus 2026 brings together leaders and changemakers in digital asset innovation, Byreal co-founder Emily Bao today unveiled the protocol's ambitious 2026 strategic roadmap at Solana Accelerate APAC, illustrating three transformative pillars designed to redefine on-chain trading infrastructure. Speaking at the flagship Solana developer event held during Consensus 2026, Bao outlined how Byreal is expanding on-chain infrastructure to support broader asset participation, including real-world assets and advanced liquidity systems: 1. Automated and AI-Powered LP Infrastructure Bao teased AI-powered liquidity provider (LP) tools in 2026, including AutoSwap for single-asset entry with atomic execution, AI-assisted strategy engines for optimized position management for LP, and automated rebalancing with yield compounding. The initiative aims to lower participation barriers and simplify liquidity management for on-chain users. 2. Prop AMM Byreal plans to roll out a Prop AMM model featuring protocol-managed liquidity in its initial phase, combined with dynamic fees that adjust based on order flow quality. The model is designed to improve execution stability and capital efficiency, with plans to gradually open participation to all. 3. Bringing RWA Perpetuals On-Chain Byreal will introduce 24/7 perpetual futures trading for real-world assets (RWA) and other on-chain assets, with plans to incorporate prediction market data as an on-chain signal layer. The initiative aims to expand on-chain access to global asset markets through a unified execution layer. Byreal: Building Infrastructure for Internet Capital Markets Byreal, incubated by Bybit and launched in mid-2025, has rapidly become one of Solana's most prominent DEX platforms. "We're building foundational infrastructure for internet capital markets," Bao emphasized. Byreal stands out in the competitive DEX space with exceptional price discovery, robust liquidity, and seamless access to both crypto-native and real-world assets, she said. The keynote address comes as Solana emerges as the gateway for institutional capital entering crypto markets, with Solana Accelerate APAC bringing together over 2,000 builders, executives, and policymakers. Byreal plans to roll out these initiatives throughout 2026. To stay up to date with Byreal's latest developments, users may visit: www.byreal.io Byreal / Bybit / TheCryptoArk / IMakeIt About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | YouTube About Byreal Byreal is the ultimate liquidity layer built for real assets, delivering unmatched liquidity for users. It integrates DEX, Launch into a unified smart routing architecture, forming a full-cycle growth engine that supports asset discovery, trading, and yield generation across multiple ecosystems. For more information about Byreal, please visit: www.byreal.io For updates, please follow Byreal's social media: https://x.com/byreal_io For media inquiries, please contact: partnerships@byreal.io Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903760/Emily_Bao_Unveils_2026_Strategic_Roadmap_Solana_Accelerate_APAC_24.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903761/Byreal_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/emily-bao-unveils-2026-strategic-roadmap-at-solana-accelerate-apac-247-perpetual-trading-is-coming-to-the-dex-302687589.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Bayridge Resources Corp. (CSE: BYRG) (OTCQB: BYRRF) (FSE: O0K0) ("Bayridge" or the "Company") announces that Patience Pachawo has resigned from her roles as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. The Company is pleased to welcome Gurleen Kaur, who has been appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company, effective immediately. Gurleen Kaur is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Gurleen is the Senior Manager of Financial Reporting and Advisory Services at Treewalk Ventures Inc., a growing professional services advisory firm in Vancouver, British Columbia. Prior to her time at Treewalk Ventures Inc., Gurleen worked at Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, progressing from Accountant to Senior Manager in Audit and Assurance. About Bayridge Resources Corp. Bayridge Resources Corp. is a green energy company advancing a portfolio of Canadian uranium projects. Its flagship Baker Lake Uranium Project (51% interest) comprises 83 contiguous claims covering 619 km in Nunavut's Kivalliq Region. Exploration has outlined a 75-km unconformity with multiple uranium targets supported by modern airborne geophysics and drilling. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Forward-looking information When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this news release. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, inherent risks associated with the mining industry and the results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties, stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations, general market and industry conditions, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion & analysis. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283801 Source: Bayridge Resources Corp. Kiwi Ears proudly presents the Kiwi Ears x B_Media: Terras, a premium performance cable designed for audiophiles who demand both versatility and refined sound. Built on a successful foundation, this collaboration brings a bold new look to a proven upgrade. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / February 13, 2026 / Developed in collaboration with Axel Bostrom of B_Media, the Terras Black Edition retains the acclaimed performance of the original Terras while introducing a sleek, all-black aesthetic. Constructed from ultra-high-purity 4N single-crystal copper, it delivers exceptional clarity with balanced low frequencies and richly detailed trebles. Featuring a modular connector system with interchangeable 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations, the cable ensures seamless compatibility across a wide range of audio devices, offering both sonic refinement and everyday flexibility. Enhanced Audio Clarity and Balanced Sound The ultra-high-purity 4N single-crystal copper construction enhances audio clarity by optimizing conductivity and signal transmission. The sound signature presents a balanced tonality, featuring deeper lows, rich mids, and sparkling trebles. The single-crystal copper design supports a natural and highly detailed presentation across the entire frequency range, meeting the expectations of even the most discerning audiophiles. Flexible and Durable Design The Kiwi Ears x B_Media Terras is engineered for daily use and constructed with robust 400D bulletproof fiber sheathing. This premium shielding material combines exceptional durability with outstanding flexibility, ensuring long-term resistance to wear. Designed to minimize microphonics, the Terras delivers premium sound performance while maintaining comfort during extended listening sessions, even in demanding environments. Litz-Type Braided Construction for Noise-Free Audio The Terras features a Litz-type braided construction with 32AWG wires, designed to reduce signal interference and minimize transmission loss. This structure reduces signal interferences and signal loss while maintaining excellent flexibility for a comfortable wearing experience. The result is a smooth, distortion-free presentation that allows IEMs to perform at their full potential. Versatile Compatibility The Terras is designed to provide seamless compatibility across a wide range of audio devices. Equipped with a modular plug system, it supports interchangeable 3.5mm unbalanced, 4.4mm balanced, and USB-C connectors. Swapping between terminations is simple and intuitive, ensuring effortless transitions between DAC/AMPs, DAPs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This versatile system delivers maximum flexibility without compromising performance. About Kiwi Ears Kiwi Ears is a leading audio brand dedicated to crafting innovative, high-quality audio solutions for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and professionals. From IEMs to headphones, Kiwi Ears combines cutting-edge technology with a passion for sound to create products that inspire and delight. The Kiwi Ears x B_Media: Terras is now available for purchase on the official Kiwi Ears website and through authorized retailers worldwide. For more information about the Kiwi Ears x B_Media: Terras, please visit: Kiwi Ears Website Linsoul Website Contact Information Evelyn Zhou Marketing Specialist marketing@kiwiears.com SOURCE: LINSOUL INC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/kiwi-ears-x-b_media-collaboration-in-sound-terras-black-edition-1137537 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - FIRST ANDES SILVER LTD. (TSXV: FAS) (OTC Pink: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ0) ("First Andes" or the "Company") today announced that it has closed its previously announced private placement financing (the "Offering", see news release dated January 21, 2026). The Company has increased the size of the Offering and issued a total of 16,708,331 common shares (the "Common Shares") at a price of C$0.12 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,004,999.72 under the Offering. The Common Shares issued under the Offering are not subject to a hold period in Canada as the Common Shares were offered pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Section 5A.2 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, as amended by Coordinate Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid finders a fee in cash totaling C$120,790 and issued a total of 1,001,583 share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") as permitted under the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange. Each Finder's Warrant will be exercisable at a price of C$0.12 per share for a period of two years from the date of issue. The net proceeds of the offering will be used on: (i) an augmented Q2 2026 drilling program at the Santas Gloria Property; (ii) exploration work the Santas Gloria Property; (iii) annual mineral claim payments in Peru; and (iv) general working capital purposes. Ian Stalker, the Company's Executive Chairman and a director of the Company, subscribed for 1,041,667 Common Shares, contributing $125,000 to the Offering. This participation constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). However, the Company expects to be exempt from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, as his participation does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About First Andes Silver Ltd. First Andes Silver Ltd. is a British Columbia company that holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria silver property, located in a major mining district 55 km east of Lima, Peru. Santas Gloria has excellent established road access, is situated within a well-known intermediate-sulphidation epithermal belt, and hosts over 12 km of multiphase veins mapped at surface that had never been historically drilled or explored by modern techniques prior to 2024. In only two phases of diamond drilling (2024-2025), First Andes has reported strong near-surface epithermal silver intercepts in 21 of 26 drill holes, confirming silver mineralization across multiple vein systems and supporting systematic, project-wide exploration and follow-up drilling in 2026. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration programs and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283816 Source: First Andes Silver Ltd. Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Stria Lithium Inc. (TSXV: SRA) (OTCQB: SRCAF) (FSE: S35A) ("Stria" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Financing") for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000, subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Company proposes to issue up to 2,380,952 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.42 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Each Unit will consist of: One (1) common share in the capital of the Company; and One (1) full common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one (1) additional common share at an exercise price of $0.52 per share for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance. The proceeds of the Financing will be used for advancement of the Company's mineral exploration assets and operations, potential future acquisitions, and general working capital purposes. Certain insiders of the Company may participate in the Financing. Such participation will constitute a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects that any insider participation will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) thereof, as neither the fair market value of the securities issued to insiders nor the consideration paid by insiders is expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Finders' fees may be paid in connection with the Financing in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. All securities issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws and TSXV policies. Completion of the Financing remains subject to acceptance by the TSXV. About Stria Lithium Stria Lithium (TSXV: SRA) is an emerging resource exploration company developing Canadian lithium reserves to meet legislated demand for electric vehicles and their rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The Company is committed to growth through responsible and efficient exploration and development of its mining assets. Stria's Central Pontax Lithium Project covers 36 square kilometres, including 8 km of strike along the prospective Chambois Greenstone Belt. The region, known as the Canadian "Lithium Triangle," is one of only a few known sources of lithium available for hard rock mining in North America. Stria's Pontax Central Project Joint Venture with Cygnus Metals now has a maiden JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource estimate of 10.1Mt at 1.04% Li2O based on the central area of the known mineralisation. This JORC estimate establishes Pontax Central as a significant occurrence in the emerging James Bay lithium region. Cygnus Metals, being an ASX issuer, adhered to Australian JORC Code 2012 guidelines, meaning that such mineral resource estimate is not necessarily compliant with CIM and National Instrument 43-101 standards and the Company is not considering them as such at this time. Cygnus Metals is committed to fully funding and managing the current two-stage exploration and drilling program to a maximum of $10 million at Stria's Pontax property and will also pay Stria up to $6 million in cash. In return, Cygnus may acquire up to a 70% interest in the property. Cygnus has fulfilled its stage 1 requirements within the agreement and has now earned its 51% interest in the property. As momentum builds for the green energy revolution and the shift to electric vehicles, governments in Canada and the United States are aggressively supporting the North American lithium industry, presenting the industry and its investors with a rare opportunity for growth and prosperity well into the next decade and beyond. Stria is committed to exceeding the industry's environmental, social and governance standards. A critical part of that commitment is forging meaningful, enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with local communities and stakeholders, and engaging openly and respectfully as neighbours and collaborators in this project that has the potential to create lasting jobs and prosperity. The scientific and technical content disclosed herein was reviewed and approved by Rejean Girard, P.Geo and president of IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc., a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Reference: JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of Pontax Project, James Bay Quebec, Brian Wolfe; Duncan Grieve, August 14, 2023. For more information about Stria Lithium and the Pontax Lithium project, please visit https://strialithium.com. Follow us on: Twitter @StriaLithium Instagram @strialithium Facebook http://www.facebook.com/strialithium LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/stria-lithium/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Please refer to the risk factors disclosed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283815 Source: Stria Lithium Inc. French Minister for Ecological Transition Monique Barbut to Join the GCA Board, Strengthening Africa-France Cooperation Paris, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- France today confirmed support to the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) 2.0, Africa's flagship, African-owned and African-led climate adaptation initiative. This expression of support is part of the momentum generating efforts towards the February 2026 AU Summit and the May 2026 Africa-France Summit, co-convened by HE Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and HE William S. Ruto, President of Kenya and CAHOSCC Chair. H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Chair of CAHOSCC, said: "France has answered Africa's call to support our flagship regional adaptation investment program, advanced under the leadership of African Heads of State and Government. I commend President Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for this leadership and call on all AAAP partners to follow suit by taking urgent steps to concretize their support for AAAP 2.0 and its Upstream Financing Facility. Given the scale and urgency of climate risks facing Africa and the world, decisive action on adaptation is needed now." H.E. Macky Sall, Chair of the GCA Supervisory Board and 4th President of Senegal, said: "We warmly thank President Macron for France's continued strong leadership and partnership with Africa on climate adaptation. AAAP 2.0 is focused on promoting inclusive and community-led adaptation efforts, unlocking private adaptation finance and markets, and strengthening the capacity of key African institutions to deliver climate resilience at scale. We also welcome the French Minister for Ecological Transition, H.E. Monique Barbut, whose participation on the GCA Board will further strengthen the partnership underpinning AAAP 2.0." The French Minister for Ecological transition, H.E. Monique Barbut welcomed the announcement, stating: "France is pleased to support Africa's own ambitious initiative on climate adaptation. AAAP 2.0 reflects Africa's ambition to transform from the most climate-vulnerable continent into the most climate-resilient. France stands alongside Africa in helping turn this ambition into concrete action." AAAP was launched by African Leaders in 2021 as the region's leading investment initiative on climate adaptation and was implemented through a partnership of the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the GCA. Its first phase concluded in 2025, embedding climate adaptation solutions into more than $20 billion of critical development investments across some 40 African nations. France has been a longstanding supporter of AAAP, including through its 10 million contribution to the program's first phase. AAAP 2.0 was launched by African Leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2025, following the Africa Climate Summit II in Addis Ababa. AAAP 2.0 is advanced under the auspices of the presidency of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and serves as the continent's primary platform for scaling climate adaptation action for the period 2026 to 2030. Notes to Editors About the Global Center on Adaptation The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA is the first international organization to maintain dual headquarters in both the Global North in Rotterdam and in the Global South in Nairobi - underscoring the equal partnership between regions and the conviction that climate adaptation solutions must be co-designed and co-owned. Its regional hubs in Abidjan, Dhaka and Beijing, leverage local expertise to pilot and scale context-specific approaches. Together, these centers ensure a continuous, two-way exchange of knowledge and best practices that empower communities and drive resilient and inclusive growth worldwide. Attachment France Reaffirms Support to Africa's Flagship Climate Adaptation Program AAAP 2.0 Antoine Brasset Global Center on Adaptation +31643146821 antoine.brasset@gca.org BELIZE CITY, Belize, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jasmine Hartin has been fully cleared of charges related to cocaine possession and common assault. In a virtual hearing on February 10, 2026, Magistrate Perera dismissed both charges due to a complete lack of credible evidence. The prosecution failed to present any validation for the possession charge, and the case was riddled with inconsistencies that made the accusations unsustainable. The common assault allegation stemmed from Sandra Grisham, a former employee at the Alaia Hotel. Grisham's in-court testimony directly contradicted her initial claims, stating she did not feel in danger during the incident. These charges surfaced amid Jasmine Hartin's high-profile child custody disputes in Belize and appeared suspiciously timed to coincide with family court proceedings. They have now been exposed as baseless efforts to undermine her character and parental rights. This resolution follows earlier unsubstantiated allegations. Prior to a family court ruling by Magistrate Cayetano, media widely circulated claims of a so-called "hit" involving Ms. Hartin. Belize Commissioner of Police Chester Williams later admitted on camera that there were no grounds for these accusations. Criminal procedure rules 2016, Section 2.1 (iii) of Belize subject to rule 2.8 "Every matter to be tried before a Magistrates Court shall be concluded within a period not exceeding 39 weeks (9 months) from the date of first hearing. The initial hearing for both matters commenced in June of 2021. Michael Peyrefitte, Former Minister of National Defense and Former Attorney General of Belize, stated: "It is a serious thing to accuse someone without evidence... It is shameful to make such an accusation publicly, use it in other court cases, and only later admit there was no evidence." These outcomes highlight a pattern of accusations that fail under judicial scrutiny. Ms. Hartin, a devoted mother who has endured immense hardship-including the tragic 2021 accidental firearm discharge that resulted in the death of her friend, Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott-has maintained her innocence throughout. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter by negligence in that separate matter, paid the fine, and expressed deep remorse. "This is a day of total vindication," said Louisa Chiaramonte, Jasmine Hartin's public relations representative. "Jasmine has faced false narratives, media sensationalism, and weaponized legal proceedings. Today, the truth prevailed. She is grateful to Magistrate Perera for upholding justice and to journalist Josh Dean and Campside Media for their thorough coverage in the White Devil series. Jasmine emerges stronger and more focused on her family and rebuilding her life." Misty Horizons The circumstances surrounding the transfer of Ms. Hartin's shares in Misty Horizons-the holding company of the Alaia Hotel she founded and developed-into the control of Lord Michael Ashcroft, now held by Waterloo Investment Holdings, remain under active investigation. As this inquiry progresses, further material facts are expected to emerge. Jasmine looks forward to closing this chapter with dignity, prioritizing her children and positive community contributions. About Jasmine Hartin Jasmine Hartin is a Canadian businesswoman and mother who has faced intense international scrutiny following the 2021 incident in Belize. She has cooperated fully with authorities and remains committed to her family. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2902482/AVI_Media_Jasmine_Hartin_Innocent_of_Possession_and_Common_Assau.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jasmine-hartin-innocent-of-possession-and-common-assault-charges-302687661.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. (CSE: OILS) (OTCQB: OILFF) (FSE: L0MA) ("Nextleaf", "OILS", or the "Company"), a multi-patented life science company and Canadian cannabis processor, is pleased to announce expansion of its Commercial Partners ProgramTM to support global market growth, through completion of an initial softgel shipment to Australia. Nextleaf Announces Initial Softgel Shipment to Australia In January 2026 Nextleaf served as exporter of record for a commercial shipment of 756,000 cannabis softgels to a white-label client in Australia. "By leveraging our core capabilities, purchasing scale, lean infrastructure, and established regulatory expertise, Nextleaf streamlined the process and reinforced our role as a disciplined, capital-efficient partner within the global medical cannabis supply chain," shared Vipin Vikraman, VP Operations at Nextleaf Solutions. This transaction demonstrates the Company's capabilities as a total quality producer with validated quality assurance systems, multi-site operational coordination, and an export-ready platform. Global Medical Cannabis Opportunity International demand for export-ready, pharmaceutical grade product is transitioning from dried cannabis flower to include greater emphasis on derivative products. Nextleaf is advancing its Commercial Partners ProgramTM to enable increased access to medical cannabis through its formulated ingredients and branded product portfolio. The global medical cannabis market size reached USD 39.6 billion in 2025, and the market is projected to reach USD 74.3 billion by 2034 (6.9% growth)1. "Nextleaf is uniquely positioned to meet rising global demand through patented extraction technology and industry-leading quality, setting the standard for processing cannabis at-scale," comments Emma Andrews, CEO. Built on the Company's foundation as a total quality producer, Nextleaf's Commercial Partners ProgramTM offers validated formulations, export-ready infrastructure, and a scalable operating model designed to support long-term, margin-focused growth for partners across domestic and international markets. The Company's high purity and full spectrum cannabinoid ingredients and dose-controlled drug delivery formats include cannabis softgels, vapes, and oils, through their flagship brand and Canadian market leaders, Glacial Gold. Ready-to-consume, discreet, and non-combustible products offer a more reliable, convenient and safe consumption experience for the enhanced confidence of patients and prescribers alike. OILS Commercial Partners ProgramTM, export ready softgel portfolio featuring Glacial Gold by Nextleaf Labs To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5347/283825_ca4670e9a4fbb9ab_001full.jpg IMARC Medical Cannabis Report Nextleaf Delegation to Attend Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) Conference The Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association will host their annual conference "United in Compassion' February 26-28, 2026, in Brisbane, Australia. Australia's medical cannabis market continues to demonstrate strong growth, supported by a robust regulatory framework, increasing patient adoption, and rising demand for consistent, pharmaceutical-grade formulations. As the market evolves, it has transitioned into a more structured and compliance-driven ecosystem where reliable supply, validated products, and operational discipline are increasingly valued by distributors and prescribers. CEO Emma Andrews will be attending the AMCA conference and is available for meetings in Sidney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Australian-based medical cannabis resellers, distributors, and prospective international partners are encouraged to contact Andrews directly through LinkedIn, or through email info@nextleafsolutions.com. About Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. Nextleaf is a Canadian, federally licensed cannabis processor and life science company, delivering a portfolio of high purity cannabinoid ingredients and branded derivative products at scale. As a total quality producer, Nextleaf maintains end-to-end controls and oversight across sourcing, extraction, distillation, formulation, and finished goods through a multi-patented, highly automated, closed-loop system. Nextleaf holds 19 U.S. patents and over 75 patents globally covering advanced cannabinoid processing, including extraction, distillation, and acetylation. Nextleaf's house of brands includes a range of value-driven and soft-premium offerings through category-leading flagship brand Glacial Gold, High Plains Cannabis, and recently launched Yard Cannabis. Distributed coast-to-coast across medical and recreational channels, with an emerging niche amongst wellness consumers, Nextleaf's portfolio includes GMP-compliant and export-ready pharma-grade ingredients and products. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, Emma Andrews, CEO Follow Nextleaf Solutions on LinkedIn Learn More: www.nextleafsolutions.com Nextleaf trades as OILS on the Canadian Securities Exchange, OILFF on the OTCQB Market in the United States, and L0MA on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Disclaimers and Disclosure Statements: Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's anticipated delivery of its products to provincial markets across Canada and those regarding the Company's strategy, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "plan", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "anticipate", "estimate", "forecast", "predict", "project", "seek", "should" or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to the risk factors discussed in the Company's MD&A for the most recent fiscal period. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed or approved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283825 Source: Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. Flin Flon, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Boreal Gold Ltd. (CSE: BGLD) ("Boreal Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to raise aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $3,000,000. Under the Offering, the Company issued (i) an aggregate of 10,155,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.25 per Unit, and (ii) an aggregate of 1,317,800 Class A shares of the Company ("Class A Shares") that qualify as "flow-through shares" (as defined in subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) ("FT Shares") at a price of C$0.35 per FT Share. Each Unit is comprised of one Class A Share and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Class A Share, to be issued on a non-flow through basis, at an exercise price of $0.35 until February 12, 2028. The proceeds from the Units issued under the Offering will be used for general corporate purposes. The proceeds from the FT Shares issued under the Offering will be used for the exploration and advancement of the Company's North Star, Fay Lake and Melgurd Lake properties. In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company paid certain cash finders fees and issued an aggregate of 228,000 finder's warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant") to eligible finders in respect of subscriptions for Units referred by such finders. Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable to acquire one additional Class A Share (a "Finder Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.25 per Finder Warrant Share until February 12, 2028. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws, expiring June 13, 2026. MI 61-101 Insiders of the Company acquired an aggregate of 420,000 FT Shares in the Offering (approximately $147,000 in subscriptions), which participation constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument - 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). However, such participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as neither the fair market value of the FT Shares acquired by the insiders of the Company, nor the consideration for the FT Shares paid by such insiders, exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization for the purposes of MI 61-101. The Company expects to file a material change report including details with respect to such related party transaction less than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of available financing opportunities and complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. Early Warning Disclosure Northfield Capital Corporation ("Northfield") participated in the Offering and acquired an aggregate of 2,040,000 Units. Immediately prior to the closing of the Offering, Northfield beneficially owned and exercised control and direction over an aggregate of 445,000 Class A Shares and an aggregate of 208,500 Warrants, representing approximately 2.5% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares immediately prior to the closing of the Offering (or approximately 3.6% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares, calculated on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the 208,500 Warrants only). Immediately following the Closing, Northfield beneficially owns and exercises control and direction over an aggregate of 2,485,000 Class A Shares and an aggregate of 1,228,500 Warrants, representing approximately 8.5% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares upon closing of the Offering (or approximately 12.2% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares, calculated on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the 1,228,500 Warrants only). The Units were acquired by Northfield pursuant to the Offering and were not acquired through the facilities of any marketplace for the Company's securities. Northfield may increase or decrease its investments in the Company at any time, or continue to maintain its current investment position, depending on market conditions or any other relevant factor. The Units were acquired for aggregate consideration of $510,000. This portion of this news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires an early warning report to be filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval+ ("SEDAR+"), accessible at www.sedarplus.ca, containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of the related early warning report may be obtained, following its filing, on the Company's SEDAR+ profile or by contacting Northfield at 141 Adelaide Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3L5, Attention: Michael Leskovec, Chief Financial Officer, Northfield Capital Corporation, Tel: (416) 628-5940. About Boreal Gold Inc. Boreal Gold Inc is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in northwest Manitoba and northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. All of the Issuer's properties are currently at the exploration stage. The Issuer has assembled a portfolio of base metal and precious metal prospects in strategic locations in the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved". Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the Offering and the use of proceeds therefrom and the advancement of the Company's mineral properties. The forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of the management of the Company at the time such statements were made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates, currency fluctuations, dependency upon regulatory approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing and exploration risk. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283826 Source: Boreal Gold Inc. Mesa, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - ACME Home Care has announced the launch of a fully integrated medical equipment program, strengthening its position as one of Arizona's most client-focused in-home care providers. The new service gives long-term care clients access to critical mobility and safety equipment--including delivery, installation, and ongoing support--at no additional cost as part of their care plan. Companion care clients with temporary needs can also access equipment through low-fee leases. ACME Home Care Expands Services to Provide Medical Equipment for Long-Term Clients To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/283827_figure1.jpg The introduction of medical equipment services aims to address the logistical obstacles that often confront families during stressful times, such as hospital discharge or sudden changes in health conditions. ACME Home Care identified a recurring pattern: families scrambling to find hospital beds, shower chairs, or safety equipment at the last minute, often coordinating with multiple third-party vendors while also managing their loved one's care. Recognizing that this gap undermined effective home care, ACME developed a streamlined system to deliver essential equipment directly, ensuring a smoother, safer transition from hospital to home. Unlike traditional home care agencies that limit their services to providing caregivers, ACME is now the single point of contact for both caregiving and the necessary equipment in the home. This approach removes the confusion and hassle of coordinating with outside providers. The program's launch was guided by listening to both caregivers and client families, who described the challenges of piecing together care tools on their own. ACME responded by maintaining an in-house inventory--stored locally and managed by trained staff--to provide immediate access to the most-used and most-needed equipment. The process includes personalized assessment, delivery, setup, maintenance, and hands-on instruction, removing barriers for both short- and long-term clients. ACME Home Care has announced the launch of a fully integrated medical equipment program To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/283827_figure2.jpg Offered items include Hoyer lifts for safe transfers, adjustable hospital beds for positioning and recovery, stand-up recliners (lift chairs) to boost independence, and essential bathroom safety equipment such as shower chairs and transfer benches. The inventory also includes wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, rollators, bedside commodes, and overbed tables--helping clients and caregivers manage everyday tasks with greater ease and less risk. Rebecca Donovan, founder of ACME Home Care, said, "Equipment should never be the barrier that stands between a family and the care they deserve. By integrating these essential tools directly into our plans, we're removing stress and setting a higher bar for what home care can be." For more information on ACME's medical equipment program, detailed service areas, or specifics on long-term care plans, visit: ACME Home Care Long-Term Personal Care Service Area Details About ACME Home Care ACME Home Care provides in-home support services--including companion care, personal care, respite care, and post-surgery recovery--across Mesa, Phoenix, Fountain Hills, and Scottsdale. The company is committed to personalized, adaptable solutions that reflect the real-world needs of the families it serves. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/283827_figure3.png To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283827 Source: GetFeatured Initiated project scale geophysical surveys - High resolution airborne magnetic survey initiated at Treasure Island North, Airborne electromagnetic/magnetic survey initiated at Treasure Island South Advanced the 50,000m drill program with two active rigs, early visual mineralization at Moosehead, and initial testing of regional geophysical targets Receives two additional drilling permits for the Stony Lake target zone located 5km south of Moosehead at Treasure Island North and Crippleback Lake region at Treasure Island South Continued expansion of mineral licenses with acquisition of six additional claims in Treasure Island South covering 150 hectares Episode 5 of Pirate Gold Treasure Hunters now airing: https://youtu.be/werslXKZ6rs St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Pirate Gold Corp. (TSXV: YARR) (OTCQB: SICNF) ("Pirate Gold" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has initiated two simultaneous project scale airborne geophysical surveys at its Treasure Island Project in central Newfoundland. The Treasure Island project covers over 90 km of strike along the Valentine Lake Fault Zone in Canada's newest gold district. "Exploration is moving quickly on all fronts at the Treasure Island Project in 2026. Our drilling program at Moosehead continues to expand the known mineralized zones, with multiple holes intersecting visible gold and yielding new discoveries. Two project-scale airborne surveys are now underway, bringing enhanced geophysical resolution to Treasure Island. These surveys are designed to refine structural interpretation beneath the glacial till and generate new drill targets across the broader property." "Additionally, the receipt of drill permits for both the Crippleback Lake and Stony Lake areas allows us to extend exploration beyond the immediate Moosehead footprint and systematically test high-priority regional targets along the Valentine Lake Fault Zone. We are advancing a comprehensive understanding of the district-scale potential at Treasure Island, and 2026 represents an important step forward for Pirate Gold," said Greg Matheson, VP Exploration, Pirate Gold. Geophysical Programs Treasure Island North Treasure Island North is underlain by weakly magnetic sedimentary sequences intruded by mafic dykes and volcanic units that generate strong magnetic responses in prior surveys A high-resolution airborne magnetic survey is underway on 50m line spacing, covering approximately 69,500 hectares Low-altitude, tight-spaced flight lines are designed to penetrate glacial till and generate a detailed magnetic dataset The strong contrast in bedrock magnetic properties and interpreted fault-related disturbances is expected to refine structural interpretation and enhance drill targeting Treasure Island South Treasure Island South is dominated by the Crippleback Intrusive Suite ("CIS") comprised of quartz monzonite, gabbro and felsic volcanics which show strong magnetic contrasts based on localized historical survey results Large scale graphite bearing fault structures are present throughout the CIS and show very strong electromagnetic chargeability responses 2024 drilling identified broad clay alteration zones correlated with weak conductive signatures in historical EM data An electromagnetic/magnetic airborne survey is being flown along 100m line spacing covering approximately 54,500 hectares The survey is expected to improve mapping of lithological contacts, fault networks and alteration zones to support regional drill targeting Fig. 1 - Map Showing the Approximate Areas to be Covered by the High-Resolution Magnetic Survey and Electromagnetic/Magnetic Survey To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6079/283828_f3494c4d64ada901_001full.jpg Drilling Program Update Two diamond drills are currently active at the Treasure Island Project with a third drill anticipated to mobilize in 1-2 weeks Since the previous drilling update on Dec 18, 2025, two drills have been active at the Treasure Island North project focused on the expansion of the known mineralized zones at Moosehead and testing of regional geophysical targets Initial visual observations from recently completed drill holes are summarized below: Drill Hole Target Visual Observations PGC-25-009 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 121.3 to 125.3m including a 20cm stylolitic quartz vein at 124.2m depth, mineralization consists of arsenopyrite and pyrite. PGC-25-010 Regional Geophysical Target Intersected mafic dyke from 27 to 58m associated with minor faulting, mafic dyke from 108 to 110m with fractured contact and pyrite mineralization, additional pyrite mineralization from 201 to 203m. PGC-25-011 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 99.0 to 102.4m including several quartz veins up to 40cm in width, mineralization consists of arsenopyrite, boulangerite, pyrite and visible gold. PGC-25-012 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 125.6 to 128.0m including quartz vein up to 15cm, mineralization consists of arsenopyrite, boulangerite, pyrite and visible gold. PGC-25-013 Moosehead Western Trend Northern Ext Intersected interpreted extension of western trend structural zone with intermittent faulting between 20 to 45m including several altered mafic dykes, localized pyrite mineralization from 20.0 to 21.5m. PGC-25-014 Regional Geophysical Target Dominated by sandstone and siltstone; intersected a moderate deformation zone from 158 to 181m with local gouge faults; additional faulting from 233 to 242.5m. PGC-26-015 Moosehead Eastern Trend Northern Ext Intersected interpreted extension of eastern trend structural zone with intermittent faulting between 125 to 132 m, numerous intervals of mafic dykes from 15m to 204m with localized pyrite mineralization. PGC-26-016 Regional Geophysical Target Fine grained sedimentary units until 87m before entering conglomerate to 95m and mafic volcanic and intrusive units through 332m. Strong fault zone intersected from 196 to 198.5m. Intermittent pyrite mineralization throughout the volcanic units with arsenopyrite and pyrite from 137.8 to 138.3m. PGC-26-017 Moosehead Eastern Trend Northern Ext Predominantly sandstone intersecting mafic dyke from 80 to 84.5m with arsenopyrite and pyrite mineralization along the upper margins, fault zone and mafic dyke intersected from 117.3 to 125.0m with localized pyrite mineralization interpreted Eastern Trend extension. PGC-26-018 Moosehead Eastern Trend Northern Ext Intersected fault zones at 21, 25.4, 39.2, 50.6m downhole with 25cm brecciated quartz vein at 54.05m. PGC-26-019 Regional Geophysical Target Mafic intrusive and volcanic units throughout drill hole. Strong faults noted at 57, 80, 93, 112.6, 207, 209m downhole; locally pyrite mineralization in volcanic units. PGC-26-020 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 99.5 to 101.2m including several quartz veins up to 20cm in width, mineralization consists of boulangerite, pyrite. PGC-26-021 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 117.4 to 120.1m including several quartz veins up to 40cm in width, mineralization consists of boulangerite, pyrite. PGC-26-022 Regional Geophysical Target Deformation zone from 26 to 43m downhole; localized pyrite mineralization associated with altered mafic dykes. PGC-26-023 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 73.0 to 76.8m including quartz veins up to 180cm in width, mineralization consists of sphalerite, boulangerite, pyrite, and visible gold. PGC-26-024 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 133.0 to 138.3m mostly consists of quartz fractures and faulting mineralization consists of sphalerite and pyrite. PGC-26-025 Moosehead Eastern Trend Southern Ext Intersected the Eastern Trend structural zone from 75.0 to 99.0m mostly consists of quartz fractures and minor faulting mineralization consists of sphalerite and pyrite. PGC-26-026 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 146.0 to 167m including quartz veined zone from 146.9m to 149.9; mineralization consists of pyrite, boulangerite and visible gold. An additional quartz veined zone from 161.2 to162.5m; mineralization consists of pyrite, sphalerite, boulangerite and visible gold. PGC-26-027 Moosehead Eastern Trend Southern Ext Intersected the Eastern Trend structural zone from 92.0 to 121.0m mostly consists of quartz fractures and minor faulting mineralization consists of pyrite and boulangerite. Quartz veined zone from 151.7 to 153.3, mineralization consists of pyrite and sphalerite. PGC-26-028 Moosehead Western Trend Intersected new unnamed vein zone from 48.2 to 51.6m with individual stylolitic veins up to 30cm; mineralization consists of pyrite, boulangerite, chalcopyrite and visible gold. Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 109.0 to 111.1m consists of quartz fracturing, mineralization includes pyrite. PGC-26-029 Moosehead Eastern Trend Southern Ext Drilling stopped before reaching target. PGC-26-031 Moosehead Unnamed Vein Zone Intersected new unnamed vein zone from 52.8 to 55.1m seen in PGC-26-028 with individual stylolitic veins up to 25cm; mineralization consists of pyrite, boulangerite, chalcopyrite and visible gold. PGC-26-032 Moosehead Unnamed Vein Zone Intersected new unnamed vein zone from 73.7 to 74.3m seen in PGC-26-028 with quartz vein to 10cm; mineralization consists of pyrite and boulangerite. Intersected the Western Trend structural zone from 126.6 to 129.4m with veins up to 40cm, mineralization consists of pyrite, boulangerite and visible gold. PGC-26-033 Moosehead Unnamed Vein Zone Intersected new unnamed vein zone from 41.0 to 46.8m seen in PGC-26-028 with individual veins up to 30cm; mineralization consists of pyrite, arsenopyrite, boulangerite and visible gold. Table 1 - Visual Observations of Drill Core from Hole PGC-25-009 through PGC-26-029 and Hole PGC-26-031 through PGC-26-033 The Company cautions that the presence of visible gold mineralization is not indicative of high gold assay grades and that drill core samples will or have been submitted to a certified laboratory for analysis of gold content. Assay values for the discussed intervals will be released when available. All intervals are downhole depths, and true widths are not known at this time. Drill Hole Easting Northing Azimuth Dip Length (m) PGC-25-009 613745 5428511 230 -45 149 PGC-25-010 614306 5429058 210 -45 221 PGC-25-011 613729 5428490 230 -45 170 PGC-25-012 613730 5428489 220 -51 134 PGC-25-013 613482 5428694 225 -45 221 PGC-25-014 612883 5428558 255 -45 326 PGC-26-015 613731 5428839 215 -45 242 PGC-26-016 615479 5430029 270 -45 332 PGC-26-017 613713 5429252 250 -45 179 PGC-26-018 613698 5428939 260 -45 140 PGC-26-019 615267 5429888 90 -45 314 PGC-26-020 613719 5428452 222 -45 131 PGC-26-021 613734 5428471 225 -45 158 PGC-26-022 615166 5429247 60 -45 254 PGC-26-023 613713 5428472 227 46 122 PGC-26-024 613740 5428564 235 50 182 PGC-26-025 613923 5428310 285 45 128 PGC-26-026 613771 5428546 235 -50 188 PGC-26-027 613934 5428266 285 -45 170 PGC-26-028 613759 5428438 230 45 134 PGC-26-029 613925 5428232 285 45 53 PGC-26-031 613759 5428439 242 -57 101 PGC-26-032 613771 5428463 230 -51 209 PGC-26-033 613737 5428437 230 45 65 Table 2 - Drill Hole Information for PGC-25-009 through PGC-26-029 and Hole PGC-26-031 through PGC-26-033 Fig. 2 - Map Showing the Moosehead Mineralized Zones, Structural Corridor, Interpreted Faults and Regional Structural Drill Targets To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6079/283828_f3494c4d64ada901_002full.jpg Pirate Gold Treasure Hunters Season 1 Episode 5 - Shots Fired Episode 5 of Pirate Gold Treasure Hunters captures a turning point in the 2026 drill campaign, underscoring the persistence required in orogenic gold systems and the breakthroughs that follow. The episode features: Ongoing diamond drilling across regional targets and the launch of two high-resolution airborne magnetic and electromagnetic surveys Step out drilling on the Moosehead Western Trend intersecting a new system, including visible gold in multiple holes Identification of a potential linkage structure between the Moosehead Eastern and Western Trends, expanding the target corridor along strike and at depth Receipt of drill permits for Crippleback, located along the same regional structure as Moosehead and the Valentine Lake Mine Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=werslXKZ6rs Viewers are encouraged to join the hunt by subscribing to the Pirate Gold YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PirateGoldCorp Drill Core Featured in the Pirate Gold Treasure Hunters Video Series Fig. 3 - Image of Drill Core from PGC-26-028 Showing Unnamed Newly Discovered Vein at Moosehead Located Between the Western and Eastern Trend Structures To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6079/283828_f3494c4d64ada901_003full.jpg Mineral Claims Addition One additional mineral license purchase agreement has been executed to acquire 6 mineral claims covering 150 hectares Pirate Gold has entered into an agreement with Newfoundland Gold Retriever Corp. ("NGRC"), to acquire a 100% interest in and to one mineral licence. In consideration the Company will, subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval, make a one-time cash payment of $7,500 to NGRC and issue 150,000 common shares and grant a 1.0% NSR royalty, one-half of which may be repurchased by Pirate Gold for $500,000. Drilling Permit Updates On February 10th, the Company received an exploration approval for the Crippleback Lake area which under the Company is permitted to drill up to 50 holes. The Company anticipates the initial phase of the Crippleback Lake drilling program to start in late February with plans to follow up on its 2024 drilling program which outlined large areas of clay alteration and broad zones of copper-gold mineralization. Also on February 10th, the Company received an exploration approval for the Stony Lake area, 5 km south of Moosehead under which the Company is permitted to drill up to 40 holes. The Company anticipates it will begin drill testing the Stony Lake targets in Q1 2026. Advertising & Sponsorship Agreement The Company has entered into a one-year advertising and sponsorship agreement dated February 12, 2026, with Allan Barry Laboucan (Rocks & Stocks News), an independent media content creator. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will pay total cash consideration of $160,000, for a one-year term. The engagement is for advertising, branding and independent media coverage purposes only and does not constitute investor relations or market-making services. The Company does not have editorial control over content produced by the contractor. The agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms. The contractor is arm's length to the Company. Qualified Person Greg Matheson, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Pirate Gold, a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. About Pirate Gold Corp. Pirate Gold Corp. (TSXV: YARR) (OTCQB: SICNF) is led by an experienced management team and is the dominant explorer along the Valentine Lake Fault Zone in Newfoundland, Canada's newest gold district. The Company's primary focus is its 100% owned district-scale Treasure Island Gold Project, along with a portfolio of gold projects, including the district-scale Fleur de Lys Project. Website: www.pirategold.ca Twitter: @PirateGoldCorp Facebook: @PirateGoldCorp LinkedIn: @PirateGoldCorp Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions, geological theories, and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about any information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking statements." Actual results may differ materially. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (which may, but not always, include phrases such as "anticipates", "plans", "scheduled", "believed" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) including statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, and other matters are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause results to vary include delays in obtaining necessary approvals, changes in the market for the Company's securities, results of exploration, loss of title to properties, delays in obtaining permits or access to mineral properties, including as a result of adverse weather, fire or flood, changes to the Tax Act, rejection of expenditures as Qualifying Expenditures, and factors included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Pirate Gold Corp. Pirate Gold Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283828 Source: Pirate Gold Corp. CHISINAU, Moldova, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Few places in the world celebrate wine as a defining element of national identity through an annual national holiday. The Republic of Moldova is among these rare destinations. In 2026, National Wine Day - the country's flagship wine celebration and one of Europe's Top 10 open-air events - marks its 25th anniversary, reaffirming wine as a cultural, economic and symbolic cornerstone of Moldova's identity. The 2026 edition will introduce a renewed concept, bring together a record number of wineries and offer curated experiences designed to showcase the remarkable diversity of Wine of Moldova. The story behind the celebration mirrors the country's own transformation. Over the past two decades, Moldova has redefined itself as an emerging wine destination, blending centuries-old winemaking traditions with modern innovation. From a national celebration, National Wine Day has evolved into a strategic showcase for Moldova's wine industry and a gateway for international visitors seeking authentic wine experiences. The 25-year milestone reflects the maturity of both a modern wine industry and a national wine brand developed through long-term vision and consistent promotion. At the heart of this transformation stands the country brand "Wine of Moldova. Unexpectedly Great", which has helped reposition Moldovan wines on international markets. Today, exports are increasingly oriented towards the European Union, while producers continue to invest in vineyard modernisation and advanced winemaking technologies. These efforts have strengthened Moldova's reputation as an emerging producer of high-quality wines and an increasingly attractive wine tourism destination. The wine sector contributes approximately 3% of the country's GDP and nearly 8% of total exports. In 2026, Wine of Moldova will further reinforce its international presence with a national pavilion at two of the world's most prestigious wine exhibitions: Wine Paris (9-11 February) and ProWein Dusseldorf (15-17 March), where producers will present wines distinguished by stylistic diversity, authentic terroir expression and globally competitive quality. The anniversary edition of National Wine Day will traditionally take place during the first weekend of October, on 3-4 October 2026. Chi?inau will once again become the heart of Moldova's wine culture, welcoming visitors to a celebration where every glass reflects the authenticity, quality and character that define Wine of Moldova - Unexpectedly Great. CONTACT: +373 22 105 560 office@wineofmoldova.com Infographic: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2901999/The_National_Office_for_Vine_and_Wine_Infographic.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/national-wine-day-turns-25-the-republic-of-moldova---a-small-country-with-global-wine-ambitions-302687752.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Restart Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: HEAL) (FSE: HN30) (OTC Pink: NMLSF) ("Restart Life" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated December 22, 2025, it has entered into a share purchase agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") among Holy Crap Foods Inc. ("Holy Crap") and Happy Belly Coffee Inc. (the "Vendor"), a subsidiary of Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) that owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Holy Crap, dated February 12, 2026, for the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Holy Crap (the "Acquisition"). The execution of the Definitive Agreement follows the completion of due diligence by both parties and supersedes the previously announced binding letter of intent. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, the Company anticipates the closing of the Acquisition to occur within the next ten (10) business days. Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, Restart Life will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Holy Crap from the Vendor for a purchase price of $1,000,000 in cash, subject to customary working capital adjustments. Any post-closing adjustments will be determined in accordance with the terms set forth in the Definitive Agreement. The Acquisition includes the Holy Crap portfolio of brands and its British Columbia-based manufacturing facility. Upon closing, Holy Crap is expected to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Restart Life. Management believes the acquisition aligns with Restart Life's stated strategy of acquiring and developing revenue-generating, health-focused consumer brands within the broader wellness category. The inclusion of Holy Crap's manufacturing facility is expected to provide operational flexibility for both existing and future product lines. Restart Life intends to maintain Holy Crap's existing operations while evaluating opportunities for measured expansion, product development, and operational integration consistent with prudent capital management practices. Steve Loutskou, Chief Executive Officer of Restart Life, stated: "We would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support as we work to execute on our strategic objectives in a disciplined and transparent manner. We also extend our appreciation to the team at Happy Belly Food Group for their cooperation and professionalism throughout the due diligence process, which allowed both parties to advance the transaction efficiently. We believe Holy Crap represents a well-established brand with an existing revenue base and manufacturing capabilities that complement our long-term objectives. Upon closing, management's focus will be on ensuring operational continuity and carefully evaluating integration opportunities in a manner that prioritizes sustainability and prudent growth." The Company will provide further updates upon completion of the Acquisition. About Holy Crap Foods Inc. Holy Crap Cereal, a Holy Crap brand, is a premium breakfast brand known for its delicious, nutrient-dense cereals made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Founded in Gibsons, British Columbia, Holy Crap has built a loyal customer base across Canada through its commitment to health, taste, and sustainability. The company's gluten-free, non-GMO, and high-fiber products are crafted to support digestive wellness and sustained energy throughout the day. Visit the company's website at www.holycrap.com. About Restart Life Sciences Corp. Restart Life Sciences Corp. is a Canadian-based life sciences company listed on the CSE. For more information about Restart Life, please visit the Company's website at www.restartlife.co. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Restart's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the closing of the Acquisition and the satisfaction or waiver of the related conditions precedent and the timing thereof, the perceived benefits of the Acquisition, the ability for Restart to integrate Holy Crap's business into its existing operations; the benefits of vertically integrating the co-packer facility; anticipated closing date, and the Company's expectations relating to Holy Crap. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with the Acquisition, the Company's financial condition, the risk that the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition may not be fully realized or take longer to realize than expected; market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties;. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions in the Definitive Agreement, that Restart will be able to successfully integrate the Holy Crap assets into its existing operations; and the current and future social, economic and political conditions. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Readers are encouraged to read the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283831 Source: Restart Life Sciences Corp. Shenzhen, China--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Ancheng, a Shenzhen-based manufacturer operating through Eco Ancheng China, announced the commissioning of an additional bagasse-based production line at its primary manufacturing facility. New Production Line Commissioned in Shenzhen Facility To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11704/283550_3a16a02624f9ebd9_001full.jpg The company stated that the new production line became operational in January 2026 and is intended to increase output capacity for molded fiber plates, bowls, cups, and food containers. According to Ancheng, the expansion supports current order volumes and supply agreements with distributors and commercial buyers. Production Capacity Expansion Ancheng reported that the newly commissioned line integrates automated forming, trimming, and drying systems designed to standardize manufacturing output. Installation and calibration were completed in December 2025, followed by phased activation at the beginning of the year. According to the company, the expansion increases facility throughput and provides additional scheduling flexibility across production batches. The company noted that the added capacity supports coordination with domestic and export clients served through its Shenzhen operations. "The commissioning of this production line is part of our structured operational planning," said Sven Wang, Manager of Ancheng. "The added capacity supports production continuity and allows us to align output levels with existing contractual requirements." Manufacturing Integration and Process Controls Ancheng stated that its manufacturing operations utilize sugarcane bagasse as a primary raw material in molded fiber production. The company indicated that process oversight includes workflow sequencing, equipment monitoring, and internal quality checks. According to the company, the facility upgrade required adjustments to production layout and utility configuration to integrate the new line into existing operations. The expansion was completed without disruption to previously scheduled shipments. The company added that its operational model reflects broader industry activity among biodegradable tableware manufacturers, where capacity planning and equipment modernization remain ongoing priorities. Distribution and Forward Planning Ancheng reported that logistics coordination and inventory management procedures were updated to reflect the revised output levels. The company stated that performance monitoring of the new production line will continue during the first half of 2026 to evaluate efficiency benchmarks. According to Ancheng, additional capital allocation decisions will be determined by production demand and operational performance data. About Ancheng Ancheng is a Shenzhen-based manufacturer specializing in molded fiber foodservice products produced from plant-based materials. The company supplies commercial distributors and foodservice operators across domestic and international markets. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283550 Source: FG Newswire Two calls are now open for dialogue-centred projects. Applications close on 10 March 2026. Lisbon, Portugal, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Dialogue Centre -KAICIID has opened "Creating Change from the Inside Out," a grant scheme that turns the 6th European Policy Dialogue Forum Call to Action into practical projects in cities across Europe. The scheme supports local efforts that build trust, participation and mutual understanding. Programme The grant scheme intends to support grass-root initiatives with the aim to foster social cohesion, sense of belonging and sustainable practices in marginalized groups, including minorities, refugees and migrants, and cooperation across secular and religious leaders and communities harnessing interreligious, intercultural and intergenerational dialogue. The scheme will run through two parallel Calls: Cities for Inclusion, supporting religious leaders, local authorities and dialogue practitioners; Catalysts for Cohesion, addressed to young changemakers aged 18-30 cooperation. Funding and support Cities for Inclusion provides up to EUR 10,000 per project. Catalysts for Cohesion provides up to EUR 7,500 per initiative. Selected applicants receive mentoring and take part in a three-day in-person training on 14 to 16 April 2026 to finalise plans and build peer networks. Who can apply Eligibility is based on residence in a Council of Europe member state. Cities for Inclusion requires a partnership between religious and secular actors and gives preference to wider coalitions and co-funding, including in-kind contributions. Catalysts for Cohesion requires teams of two to five youth representing at least two different faith backgrounds. Dialogue must sit at the core of proposed activities. Key dates Info session for Catalysts for Cohesion: 17 February 2026. Info session for Cities for Inclusion: 24 February 2026 at 11:30 UTC. Application deadline for both calls: 10 March 2026 at 00:00 GMT. Implementation period: April to November 2026. Final report due: 1 December 2026. How to apply Read the call documents provided on the link below, choose the relevant track and submit the application in English by the deadline. Full details and registration for the info sessions are available at: https://kaiciid.org/EPDF-2026-Grants Background The European Policy Dialogue Forum convenes policymakers, faith and civil society leaders, researchers and city practitioners to advance social cohesion and shared well-being in Europe. The 6th Forum took place in Geneva 2025 and issued a Call to Action focused on People, Planet and Prosperity. KAICIID is an intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal that promotes interreligious and intercultural dialogue to build social cohesion and reduce polarization and conflict. Attachment Call for applications for 'Creating Change from the Inside Out' Grants is Now Open Yvonne Baraza International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID +351 211 453 501 press@kaiciid.org Das Borsenjahr 2026 ist fur viele Anleger ernuchternd gestartet. Tech-Werte straucheln, der Nasdaq 100 tritt auf der Stelle und ausgerechnet alte Favoriten wie Microsoft und SAP rutschen zweistellig ab. KI ist plotzlich kein Ruckenwind mehr, sondern ein Belastungsfaktor, weil Investoren beginnen, die finanzielle Nachhaltigkeit zu hinterfragen. Gleichzeitig vollzieht sich an der Wall Street ein lautloser Favoritenwechsel. Wahrend viele auf Wachstum setzen, feiern Value-Titel mit verlasslichen Cashflows ihr Comeback: Telekommunikation, Industrie, Energie, Pharma die Cashmaschinen der Realwirtschaft verdrangen hoch bewertete Hoffnungstrager. In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau in dieses neue Marktbild passen: solide, gunstig bewertet und mit attraktiver Dividende. Werte, die nicht nur laufende Ertrage liefern, sondern auch bei Marktkorrekturen Sicherheit bieten. Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern bevor der Value-Zug 2026 endgultig abfahrt! Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar. Regulatory News: ISIN: FR001400AHX6 Euronext Paris ABL Diagnostics SA ("the Company") (Paris:ABLD) informs the public that its principal shareholder, Advanced Biological Laboratories SA (ABL SA), has executed a first Purchase Notice under the Share Disposal and Share Loan Agreement signed on 16 October 2025 with Alumni Capital LP (Delaware, USA) and Alumni Capital Limited (British Virgin Islands). In this context, 128,026 existing ABL Diagnostics shares have been sold to Alumni Capital in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, including execution through a Delivery versus Payment (DVP) mechanism. The corresponding regulatory disclosure has been published on the AMF's ONDE platform and can be consulted at the following address: https://bdif.amf-france.org/fr/details/2026DD1094612 Reminder of the Agreement dated 16 October 2025 The Agreement enables ABL SA to carry out successive disposals of existing shares, up to a maximum of 1,128,026 shares, representing approximately 7% of the Company's share capital, over a period of up to 24 months. Subsequent disposals are executed in tranches and priced at 80% of the lowest closing price observed over the five trading days preceding settlement. ABL SA also carried out an initial share loan of 128,026 shares to facilitate the practical implementation of the Agreement. The Agreement includes a voting-rights cap of 9.99% for Alumni Capital. Regulatory information No new ABL Diagnostics shares are issued under the Agreement, ensuring no dilution for existing shareholders. The Agreement does not require an AMF-approved prospectus, in accordance with the applicable regulatory exemptions. The transaction is conducted exclusively between ABL SA and Alumni Capital, with no impact on ABL Diagnostics' cash position. Dr. Chalom Sayada, Chief Executive Officer, stated: "The execution of this first Purchase Notice marks the operational launch of the Agreement entered into between ABL SA and Alumni Capital. This mechanism enhances share liquidity without generating dilution for our shareholders, while ensuring full transparency in accordance regulatory requirements." Under the agreement between ABL Luxembourg and Alumni Capital concerning ABL Diagnostics shares, investors should be aware of the following potential risks: Price Volatility and Overhang Effect: Alumni Capital is not subject to any lock-up obligation and may resell the shares at its discretion. This could cause fluctuations in the price of ABL Diagnostics shares and create an "overhang" effect, where the market anticipates future selling pressure. Lack of Strategic Contribution: Alumni Capital has not requested a seat on the board of directors or governance rights; the investment is purely financial and does not provide any operational or strategic support. Market Perception: The absence of restrictions on resale and participation in governance may be perceived negatively by some investors, which could affect market sentiment and liquidity. Regulatory Compliance: All transactions carried out under this agreement must comply with applicable securities laws and Euronext regulations; any violation could result in sanctions or penalties. Previous transaction This operation follows the transaction announced in August 2025 relating to the sale by ABL SA of 166,667 existing ABL Diagnostics shares to Alumni Capital. That transaction was separate from the Agreement signed in October 2025. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in this offering, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. About ABL Diagnostics (ABLD) ABL Diagnostics (ABLD) is an international company that specializes in innovative molecular biology tests and global solutions for its customers: Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection UltraGene, and Genotyping by DNA sequencing DeepChek ABL Diagnostics markets its entire product range globally through its own sales team and a network of exclusive distributors active on all continents. ABL Diagnostics' customers are academic clinical pathology laboratories, private reference laboratories and researchers willing to implement innovative and robust microbiological content in constant expansion. ABL Diagnostics has been marketing the products and services of its sister company CDL Pharma since the second half of 2025 through an intra-group strategy agreement. An expanding portfolio of microbiology products: HIV Drug resistance testing, including a whole genome kit. SARS-CoV-2, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C Advanced Detection Solutions. Microbiome and taxonomy 16s/18s RNA-based analyses. Other viral and bacterial targets Comprehensive molecular assays. Integrated Solutions Real-time syndromic PCR tests Nadis Patient Medical Record used in more than 200 hospitals in France for the management of HIV and hepatitis. Patient Medical Record used in more than 200 hospitals in France for the management of HIV and hepatitis. MediaChek Clinical Sample Collection Kits. ABL Diagnostics, headquartered in Woippy, is a public limited company listed on compartment B of the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (Euronext: ABLD ISIN: FR001400AHX6). These molecular biology products generate recurring revenues and cover one of the largest portfolios of applications in microbiology. ABL Diagnostics SA Societe anonyme au capital de 1 611 465,60 euros Headquarter: 72C route de Thionville 57140 WOIPPY 552 064 933 R.C.S. METZ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260213389784/en/ Contacts: ABL Diagnostics SA Tel: +33 (0)7 83 64 68 50 Email: info@abldiagnostics.com https://www.abldiagnostics.com/ KAWASAKI, Japan, Feb 13, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu and 1Finity (a Fujitsu company) today announced their joint participation in MWC Barcelona 2026.Under the theme "Intelligence in Motion," Fujitsu and 1Finity will showcase cutting-edge AI solutions for service providers and enterprises and the latest network solutions supporting the AI era.Fujitsu will share its latest portfolio of AI and computing technologies, including next-generation material development integrating AI, HPC, and quantum computing, agentic AI (a core technology of the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI platform), and FUJITSU-MONAKA (1), Fujitsu's nextgeneration processor designed for high performance and energy efficiency. 1Finity will highlight its latest portfolio of open, AI-networking solutions that help optimize performance and operations, lower TCO and increase energy efficiency, as well as interactive use case demonstrations.MWC Barcelona 2026Fujitsu and 1Finity Booth: 2G60 (Hall 2)- Date: March 2 (Mon.), to March 5 (Thurs.), 2026- Venue: Fira Gran Via, Av. Joan Carles I, 64 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, SpainExhibition highlights1.Technology areaQuantum computing- Perform complex property evaluations for materials development through the fusion of AI, HPC, and quantum computing.- Demonstrate the feasibility of comprehensive exploration in the field of catalyst discovery, where conventional property evaluation through experimentation traditionally required enormous time and cost.FUJITSU-MONAKA- An Arm-based, next-generation processor utilizing 2nm technology for high power efficiency and performance in AI inference and network processing- Accelerating green IT infrastructure for AI through collaborations with NVIDIA and Arrcus (planned release 2027)Multi-AI agent collaboration technology- Optimizes multi-enterprise supply chains and enhances procurement using multi-AI agent collaboration technology- Features the Fujitsu secure inter-agent gateway to ensure safe information sharing among AI agents from various vendorsField support agent- AI agents that provide on-site support, streamlining service desk operations, especially for network companies- Interactive demo availableAmalgamation AI- Rapidly builds AI applications using minimal training data and limited GPU resources- Enables users without AI expertise to select optimal VLMs for tasks like image recognition, significantly boosting on-site productivity (e.g., factory monitoring).2. Godzilla experience areaVisitors of the booth can further dive into an immersive experience by becoming one of Japan's most iconic monsters, Godzilla (2). Guests will step in front of a green screen and, for 30 seconds, mimic the fabled creature's movements. Utilizing Fujitsu's real-time, high-precision skeletal recognition AI which quantifies human movement as data, visitors' actions will be translated into the monster's impact on a digital cityscape. This technology is part of the AI Technologies and Solutions offering from Uvance, Fujitsu's business model to address business challenges and solve societal issues.This experience highlights AI-RAN, a crucial 1Finity technology for disaster preparedness. It demonstrates AI-RAN use cases such as optimizing GPU resources between RAN functions and AI applications during emergencies, and delivering timely warnings to mobile devices, embodying Fujitsu and 1Finity's vision for a safer, more sustainable society.3. 1Finity areaAI-ready infrastructureOpen RAN- 1Finity radios are being deployed by Tier 1 MNOs in multiple use cases, including Massive MIMO for full-scale, high-capacity urban areas.Open Transport- High-performance, sustainable and scalable transport solutions for edge/access, metro, long-haul networking and next-generation data centersArrcus- Network solutions centered around Arrcus' common network operating system, ArcOS, which operates uniformly across diverse platforms from edge to cloud, supporting AI infrastructure with traffic optimization, automation, and scalabilityNetwork optimizationAI operations- Multidomain, multivendor AIOps solutions for improving network efficiency, performance and Quality of ExperienceNetwork Modernization- 1Finity's multivendor Network Modernization service supports migration to newer technology, optimizing resource utilization, and right-sizing resources to meet changing demandsAI-Driven OpportunitiesAI-RAN- The new Enterprise full-stack AI-RAN solution, including GPUs from NVIDIA, backed by a vibrant partner ecosystem with applications that can be deployed within weeks, enables new business cases and near-term revenue opportunitiesPrivate Wireless- An all-in-one Private Wireless CBRS solution that enables smart applications for manufacturing, warehousing, military and other use cases1. FUJITSU-MONAKA:This new technology applied to FUJITSU-MONAKA is based on results obtained from a project subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).2. Godzilla:TM & (C) TOHO CO., LTD.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: https://global.fujitsu/en-globalAbout 1Finity1Finity, a Fujitsu company, is a global provider of communications networks for our connected world. We uniquely combine technological leadership and expertise in open optical and wireless networking, network automation, and applied AI/ML to design, build, operate, and maintain critical digital communications network infrastructure. Collaborating closely with ecosystem partners, we deliver transformative outcomes for service providers and network operators, and enable them to lower TCO, improve network performance, and increase energy efficiency. www.1Finity.comPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedInquiries1Finity1Finity.press@fujitsu.comSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC) ("Spark" or the "Company") is pleased to report the final assay results from its maiden Reverse Circulation ("RC") drill program at the Arapaima Project in Brazil's Lithium Valley. All five maiden drill holes intersected broad rare earth ("REE") and gallium ("Ga") mineralization from surface to the bottom of the drilled interval. These results represent the complete assay data from all five first-pass holes - not selected samples - and the consistent mineralization across 100% of drilling provides early evidence of a laterally continuous critical minerals system. Further drilling will be required to determine the full depth extent of mineralization. Rare Earth (TREO) Highlights - Magnet Rare Earth Oxides (MREO) up to 33% 78 m grading 2,430 ppm TREO (21% MREO) Including 10 m at 4,522 ppm TREO (25% MREO) Including 2 m at 6,682 ppm TREO (33% MREO) 34 m grading 2,690 ppm TREO (22% MREO) Including 4 m at 4,373 ppm TREO (24% MREO) Including 6 m at 4,355 ppm TREO (21% MREO) 28 m grading 2,031 ppm TREO (21% MREO) 16 m grading 1,851 ppm TREO (22% MREO) 16 m grading 1,353 ppm TREO (22% MREO) These intervals reflect broad and consistent rare earth mineralization encountered in every hole of the maiden drill program. The repetition of similar thicknesses and grades across all five first-pass holes supports the interpretation of a coherent and laterally continuous mineralized system, rather than isolated high-grade zones. Importantly, magnet rare earth oxides ("MREO") - including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium - comprise up to 33% of TREO across the maiden drill program. These magnet elements represent the most strategically significant segment of the rare earth spectrum, forming the core components of high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, aerospace systems, robotics, and defense technologies. As governments and manufacturers seek to diversify supply chains amid tightening export controls and supply concentration, projects demonstrating meaningful magnet rare earth content have attracted increased strategic interest. Gallium Intersected from Surface in All Five Maiden Holes 94 m grading 63 g/t Ga2O3 from surface 54 m grading 46.45 g/t Ga2O3 from surface 58 m grading 52 g/t Ga2O3 from surface 46 m grading 49.10 g/t Ga2O3 from surface 44 m grading 47 g/t Ga2O3 from surface The presence of gallium mineralization beginning at surface in every drill hole underscores the near-surface character of the system and its emerging strategic importance. Gallium is a critical input in advanced semiconductors, AI processing architecture, high-frequency radar systems, and LED technologies. With global supply highly concentrated and subject to export restrictions, new gallium discoveries outside traditional supply channels have attracted increased strategic interest. Figure 1: Maiden RC drill hole locations and selected near-surface rare earth and gallium intercepts at the Arapaima Project. Yellow lines, labeled A-A', B-B', and C-C', indicate cross-sections shown in Figures 2 to 4. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/283843_fig1spark.jpg Drill Hole Spacing The five maiden drill holes were spaced at meaningful step-out distances, with an average separation of approximately 380 metres. The closest spacing between holes was 301 metres (between ARA-RC-002 and ARA-RC-004), and the widest spacing was 423 metres (between ARA-RC-002 and ARA-RC-003). The consistent intersection of magnet rare earth and gallium mineralization across holes separated by several hundred metres strengthens the interpretation of a laterally continuous mineralized system across a meaningful footprint. Maiden Drilling Confirms Continuous Critical Minerals System The five-hole RC program represents the first drilling campaign ever conducted on Spark's flagship Arapaima Project. Such uniformity in a first-pass program supports the interpretation of lateral continuity across the tested area - a notable outcome in early-stage drilling. The results support the interpretation that Arapaima hosts a coherent and vertically developed supergene mineralized system formed through deep tropical weathering of granitic host rocks. "Intersecting magnet rare earths and gallium in all five of the first drill holes ever completed on the property provides compelling early evidence of a coherent and systematic mineralized footprint," said Dr. Fernando Tallarico, CEO of Spark Energy Minerals. "The consistent vertical zoning and strong magnet rare earth content reinforce the strategic significance of the Arapaima Project within Brazil's Lithium Valley. We look forward to advancing the next phase of drilling to better define the footprint and depth extent of mineralization." While additional drilling will be required to determine the full extent of the system, the maiden results demonstrate repeatable mineralization across all five tested locations, strengthening confidence in the underlying geological model. Drill Hole Information The maiden RC drill program comprised five vertical reverse circulation drill holes (dip 90). Drill hole collar locations, depths, azimuths, and sample interval information are summarized below: Hole ID Project Target Drill Type End Depth Easting Northing RL Datum Survey Method ARA-RC-001 Arapaima Cruzeta RC 58 235895 8114216 937 SIRGAS2000 24S GPS ARA-RC-002 Arapaima Cruzeta RC 44 235944 8113829 960 SIRGAS2000 24S GPS ARA-RC-003 Arapaima Cruzeta RC 94 235516 8113932 957 SIRGAS2000 24S GPS ARA-RC-004 Arapaima Cruzeta RC 46 236227 8113938 948 SIRGAS2000 24S GPS ARA-RC-005 Arapaima Cruzeta RC 54 235157 8114025 975 SIRGAS2000 23S GPS Continuous Gallium-to-MREO Zonation Confirmed The cross-sections below provide a visual representation of the geological profile encountered during drilling. In every hole, drilling began in gallium-rich material at surface and transitioned into a thick rare earth-bearing zone at depth. The repetition of this pattern across all five drill holes provides visual evidence supporting the interpretation of a continuous and vertically developed mineralized system. Figure 2: Cross-section A-A' highlighting the mineralized intercepts in holes ARA-RC-001 and -003. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/283843_fig2spark.jpg Figure 3: Cross-section B-B' highlighting the mineralized intercepts in holes ARA-RC-002 and -004. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/283843_fig3spark.jpg Figure 4: Cross-section C-C' highlighting the mineralized intercepts in hole ARA-RC-005. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/283843_fig4spark.jpg Brazil's Lithium Valley - A Strategic Jurisdiction The Arapaima Project is located in Brazil's Lithium Valley, a region that has rapidly gained international recognition for lithium, rare earth, and critical mineral discoveries. Brazil has rapidly emerged as a globally significant jurisdiction for lithium, rare earth, and critical mineral exploration. The country offers established mining legislation, infrastructure, skilled labour, and increasing strategic alignment with Western supply chain diversification efforts. As global demand for magnet rare earths and gallium intensifies, Brazil's Lithium Valley continues to attract international attention as a prospective and active critical minerals district. Corporate Update - Warrant Incentive Program Spark reminds holders that its previously announced warrant repricing and exercise incentive program (the "Incentive Program") remains in effect until February 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time). During the Incentive Period, eligible warrant holders may exercise their warrants at a reduced price of $0.05 per warrant. In addition, for each warrant exercised under the Incentive Program, the Company will issue one additional common share purchase warrant (an "Incentive Warrant") exercisable for one year from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.06 per share. Eligible holders are encouraged to act prior to the February 22, 2026 deadline to ensure they benefit from the reduced pricing and additional Incentive Warrant. Maiden Drill Program - Detailed Assay Results Table 1. Drill Hole 1 - Assay Results Sample ID From To CeO2 ppm Dy2O3 ppm Ga2O3 g/t Gd2O3 ppm Nb2O5 ppm N2O3 ppm Pr6O11 ppm Sm2O3 ppm Tb4O7 ppm Y2O3 ppm TREO ppm MREO ppm MREO % NdPr ppm DyTb ppm ARA-RC001-001 0.00 2.00 301.70 8.29 59.15 11.41 82.97 86.78 29.53 17.51 1.56 40.00 645.27 143.63 22.26 116.31 9.85 ARA-RC001-002 2.00 4.00 248.51 7.10 65.87 9.42 87.26 71.50 24.03 14.15 1.29 36.94 533.13 118.04 22.14 95.53 8.40 ARA-RC001-003 4.00 6.00 143.97 5.07 71.25 5.92 94.41 47.00 14.26 8.58 0.86 26.91 328.98 75.75 23.03 61.26 5.93 ARA-RC001-004 6.00 8.00 122.23 4.22 73.94 4.69 101.57 41.17 12.32 7.19 0.68 23.18 284.17 65.57 23.08 53.50 4.91 ARA-RC001-005 8.00 10.00 102.08 3.45 79.31 3.48 111.58 27.64 8.74 4.52 0.54 21.31 226.13 44.88 19.85 36.38 4.00 ARA-RC001-006 10.00 12.00 113.01 3.33 72.59 3.23 98.71 26.71 8.69 4.29 0.49 19.75 235.03 43.50 18.51 35.40 3.82 ARA-RC001-007 12.00 14.00 117.19 3.16 72.59 2.86 103.00 24.38 7.83 4.17 0.46 18.73 233.40 39.99 17.13 32.21 3.61 ARA-RC001-008 14.00 16.00 144.58 2.32 51.08 2.35 77.25 22.74 7.25 3.48 0.39 13.89 248.73 36.17 14.54 29.99 2.71 ARA-RC001-009 16.00 18.00 192.24 2.32 36.30 2.87 54.36 35.57 11.50 4.75 0.35 11.14 335.96 54.49 16.22 47.08 2.67 ARA-RC001-010 18.00 20.00 181.19 2.00 33.61 2.63 47.21 33.82 11.28 4.41 0.33 9.87 324.66 51.83 15.96 45.11 2.33 ARA-RC001-011 20.00 22.00 169.64 2.34 37.64 2.41 57.22 29.74 10.27 4.17 0.36 12.78 324.95 46.88 14.43 40.01 2.71 ARA-RC001-012 22.00 24.00 131.93 1.63 32.26 1.86 47.21 20.06 6.73 3.01 0.26 8.66 232.17 31.69 13.65 26.79 1.89 ARA-RC001-013 24.00 26.00 175.05 1.30 40.33 1.49 54.36 15.98 4.42 2.32 0.20 7.72 243.16 24.21 9.96 20.40 1.50 ARA-RC001-014 26.00 28.00 181.56 1.51 45.71 1.65 55.79 15.98 5.09 2.32 0.21 8.03 263.95 25.10 9.51 21.07 1.73 ARA-RC001-015 28.00 30.00 288.43 1.64 43.02 1.98 51.50 10.15 6.34 2.90 0.24 8.84 369.89 21.26 5.75 16.49 1.88 ARA-RC001-016 30.00 32.00 648.23 2.42 51.08 3.54 75.82 32.19 16.37 6.26 0.35 12.01 890.69 57.58 6.47 48.56 2.77 ARA-RC001-017 32.00 34.00 513.96 2.98 43.02 5.27 51.50 70.22 32.46 9.28 0.51 12.10 1155.83 115.41 9.99 102.68 3.49 ARA-RC001-018 34.00 36.00 599.70 6.62 48.39 13.00 64.37 149.76 53.98 20.64 1.39 23.01 1427.06 232.33 16.28 203.75 8.01 ARA-RC001-019 36.00 38.00 919.46 18.21 49.74 35.41 52.93 404.03 108.94 54.39 3.96 53.39 2345.54 589.37 25.13 512.98 22.18 ARA-RC001-020 38.00 40.00 888.01 7.79 59.15 14.05 65.80 134.02 49.28 24.24 1.54 28.73 1431.01 216.81 15.15 183.30 9.33 ARA-RC001-020-A 38.00 40.00 820.20 7.71 53.77 13.95 57.22 137.40 49.71 24.00 1.54 27.98 1367.18 220.30 16.11 187.10 9.25 ARA-RC001-021 40.00 42.00 847.35 7.43 57.80 12.25 64.37 147.08 54.91 25.28 1.38 26.52 1379.90 236.01 17.10 201.99 8.80 ARA-RC001-022 42.00 44.00 860.13 6.97 53.77 12.48 58.65 210.88 79.77 34.44 1.34 24.67 1507.44 333.30 22.11 290.65 8.31 ARA-RC001-023 44.00 46.00 1261.20 16.94 61.84 32.23 78.68 509.94 143.59 63.66 3.36 72.61 2818.08 737.28 26.16 653.53 20.30 ARA-RC001-024 46.00 48.00 2030.42 34.36 60.49 62.61 51.50 895.66 265.16 118.28 7.10 126.22 4741.19 1320.18 27.84 1160.82 41.47 ARA-RC001-025 48.00 50.00 929.78 44.37 49.74 64.24 54.36 550.65 142.39 81.40 7.94 289.58 2879.95 826.51 28.70 693.03 52.31 ARA-RC001-026 50.00 52.00 781.14 32.56 47.05 48.09 50.07 450.69 119.43 64.59 5.80 207.98 2372.83 672.88 28.36 570.12 38.36 ARA-RC001-027 52.00 54.00 1126.81 27.31 49.74 42.37 52.93 490.11 130.07 66.56 4.98 168.99 2736.92 718.83 26.26 620.19 32.29 ARA-RC001-028 54.00 56.00 702.77 14.14 41.67 25.21 44.35 273.63 89.79 44.99 2.83 62.42 1683.23 425.27 25.27 363.43 16.97 ARA-RC001-029 56.00 58.00 689.50 14.94 40.33 26.33 42.92 302.09 94.70 46.62 2.96 61.13 1736.91 461.18 26.55 396.79 17.91 Table 2. Drill Hole 2 - Assay Results Sample ID From To CeO2 ppm Dy2O3 ppm Ga2O3 g/t Gd2O3 ppm Nb2O5 ppm N2O3 ppm Pr6O11 ppm Sm2O3 ppm Tb4O7 ppm Y2O3 ppm TREO ppm MREO ppm MREO % NdPr ppm DyTb ppm ARA-RC002-001 0.00 2.00 189.79 6.21 61.84 7.87 88.69 72.43 22.19 12.41 1.12 33.60 460.19 114.33 24.84 94.63 7.33 ARA-RC002-002 2.00 4.00 134.26 4.92 67.22 5.45 90.12 45.02 15.02 8.35 0.78 25.44 320.98 74.07 23.08 60.04 5.70 ARA-RC002-003 4.00 6.00 143.85 5.23 67.22 6.50 97.27 61.35 18.72 9.74 0.89 28.56 373.80 95.91 25.66 80.07 6.13 ARA-RC002-004 6.00 8.00 137.34 5.08 67.22 6.01 92.98 55.75 16.56 9.28 0.82 27.47 350.13 87.48 24.98 72.32 5.91 ARA-RC002-005 8.00 10.00 91.39 3.20 47.05 3.50 64.37 30.56 9.83 5.68 0.53 17.07 220.99 49.79 22.53 40.39 3.73 ARA-RC002-006 10.00 12.00 84.39 1.85 36.30 2.04 45.78 17.38 6.11 3.13 0.29 9.73 168.08 28.76 17.11 23.49 2.14 ARA-RC002-007 12.00 14.00 111.17 1.72 32.26 1.89 52.93 19.60 5.11 2.44 0.20 6.84 202.23 29.05 14.37 24.71 1.92 ARA-RC002-008 14.00 16.00 71.12 1.84 29.57 2.11 71.53 20.88 7.83 3.48 0.29 9.42 185.89 34.31 18.46 28.71 2.13 ARA-RC002-009 16.00 18.00 98.27 1.69 40.33 2.01 65.80 21.93 8.81 3.13 0.29 8.04 241.32 35.84 14.85 30.74 1.98 ARA-RC002-010 18.00 20.00 78.74 1.45 45.71 1.63 67.23 17.15 6.74 2.55 0.26 8.28 204.38 28.14 13.77 23.89 1.70 ARA-RC002-011 20.00 22.00 90.90 2.10 47.05 2.57 82.97 21.93 6.78 4.06 0.34 15.02 188.92 35.20 18.63 28.71 2.44 ARA-RC002-012 22.00 24.00 107.98 2.09 48.39 2.57 65.80 26.71 8.41 4.17 0.38 12.80 223.02 41.75 18.72 35.12 2.47 ARA-RC002-013 24.00 26.00 163.13 2.75 45.71 3.87 72.96 35.81 11.07 6.38 0.46 21.12 314.21 56.45 17.97 46.87 3.21 ARA-RC002-014 26.00 28.00 311.52 2.63 45.71 4.05 68.66 42.69 19.78 8.35 0.47 15.05 574.76 73.89 12.86 62.47 3.10 ARA-RC002-015 28.00 30.00 262.39 2.09 45.71 5.34 58.65 66.48 22.85 12.29 0.47 8.69 508.06 104.15 20.50 89.33 2.56 ARA-RC002-016 30.00 32.00 1120.18 9.54 49.74 20.42 68.66 335.45 101.40 45.34 2.06 26.31 2244.09 493.64 22.00 436.85 11.60 ARA-RC002-017 32.00 34.00 761.36 7.67 51.08 13.34 74.39 152.33 60.78 27.95 1.53 28.54 1437.55 250.18 17.40 213.11 9.20 ARA-RC002-018 34.00 36.00 437.06 7.35 49.74 11.16 70.10 98.68 35.76 20.41 1.38 28.26 834.40 163.52 19.60 134.44 8.72 ARA-RC002-019 36.00 38.00 647.49 12.54 49.74 19.62 64.37 191.40 65.06 38.27 2.59 47.44 1262.47 309.77 24.54 256.46 15.13 ARA-RC002-020 38.00 40.00 816.52 30.15 45.71 44.47 58.65 394.00 102.88 65.40 5.80 144.02 2075.92 598.06 28.81 496.88 35.95 ARA-RC002-020-A 38.00 40.00 780.89 28.44 44.36 41.67 58.65 366.48 96.09 62.15 5.33 136.37 1962.70 558.33 28.45 462.56 33.77 ARA-RC002-021 40.00 42.00 431.17 28.00 40.33 37.52 41.48 222.54 63.58 46.50 5.05 170.01 1284.70 365.57 28.46 286.12 33.05 ARA-RC002-022 42.00 44.00 152.69 6.47 33.61 9.01 27.18 66.13 18.96 12.29 1.20 36.10 394.32 105.03 26.63 85.09 7.67 Table 3. Drill Hole 3 - Assay Results Sample ID From To CeO2 ppm Dy2O3 ppm Ga2O3 g/t Gd2O3 ppm Nb2O5 ppm N2O3 ppm Pr6O11 ppm Sm2O3 ppm Tb4O7 ppm Y2O3 ppm TREO ppm MREO ppm MREO % NdPr ppm DyTb ppm ARA-RC003-001 0.00 2.00 66.21 2.85 64.53 2.64 87.26 19.13 6.25 3.25 0.40 16.83 156.98 31.86 20.30 25.37 3.25 ARA-RC003-002 2.00 6.00 84.64 3.32 67.22 3.49 91.55 30.79 9.03 4.87 0.53 19.90 209.17 48.52 23.20 39.82 3.85 ARA-RC003-003 6.00 8.00 90.66 3.35 76.63 3.27 101.57 28.69 9.19 4.64 0.53 19.76 221.22 46.39 20.97 37.89 3.88 ARA-RC003-004 8.00 10.00 121.86 3.53 79.31 3.31 117.30 30.33 10.09 4.64 0.52 21.83 261.90 49.09 18.74 40.41 4.05 ARA-RC003-005 10.00 12.00 109.57 3.90 80.66 3.45 113.01 31.14 9.98 4.99 0.58 24.61 252.67 50.57 20.02 41.12 4.48 ARA-RC003-006 12.00 14.00 161.17 3.65 76.63 3.17 113.01 31.61 10.83 5.22 0.55 21.18 311.73 51.84 16.63 42.43 4.20 ARA-RC003-007 14.00 16.00 220.62 3.42 67.22 3.27 105.86 25.78 11.76 5.10 0.51 19.56 371.51 46.55 12.53 37.53 3.93 ARA-RC003-008 16.00 18.00 317.30 3.52 67.22 3.69 104.43 30.56 15.14 5.91 0.53 18.68 503.22 55.65 11.06 45.70 4.05 ARA-RC003-009 18.00 20.00 378.96 3.65 68.56 3.92 111.58 34.52 17.66 6.96 0.54 18.59 592.11 63.32 10.69 52.19 4.19 ARA-RC003-010 20.00 22.00 441.86 4.02 71.25 4.33 118.73 39.54 20.68 7.42 0.60 20.46 690.67 72.24 10.46 60.22 4.62 ARA-RC003-011 22.00 24.00 518.38 4.17 73.94 4.86 121.59 50.04 25.36 9.04 0.64 20.52 820.74 89.22 10.87 75.40 4.80 ARA-RC003-012 24.00 26.00 576.86 4.91 73.94 5.38 124.45 61.12 31.70 10.32 0.72 24.41 978.79 108.74 11.11 92.82 5.63 ARA-RC003-013 26.00 28.00 515.31 4.46 69.90 5.24 120.16 63.33 33.54 9.97 0.66 20.86 937.24 111.94 11.94 96.87 5.12 ARA-RC003-014 28.00 30.00 511.75 4.29 67.22 5.54 115.87 76.16 37.76 11.02 0.71 20.34 987.54 129.90 13.15 113.92 5.00 ARA-RC003-015 30.00 32.00 128.61 4.01 82.00 3.53 113.01 30.33 10.38 4.64 0.56 24.31 275.82 49.90 18.09 40.70 4.57 ARA-RC003-016 32.00 34.00 144.09 4.01 80.66 3.39 118.73 31.61 11.12 5.10 0.59 22.34 298.18 52.41 17.58 42.72 4.59 ARA-RC003-017 34.00 36.00 113.26 3.59 80.66 3.23 110.15 29.63 9.86 4.75 0.52 22.81 253.33 48.34 19.08 39.48 4.11 ARA-RC003-018 36.00 38.00 703.50 6.67 68.56 9.53 120.16 156.99 72.07 20.06 1.12 28.29 1523.69 256.84 16.86 229.06 7.79 ARA-RC003-019 38.00 40.00 987.27 6.40 51.08 9.00 114.44 36.16 59.93 17.86 0.95 27.35 1586.50 121.27 7.64 96.08 7.36 ARA-RC003-020 40.00 42.00 678.57 5.78 56.46 9.01 101.57 139.97 61.98 18.09 1.01 25.06 1402.32 226.77 16.17 201.95 6.80 ARA-RC003-020-A 40.00 42.00 652.65 5.66 52.43 8.64 88.69 136.23 59.91 17.28 0.98 22.95 1352.04 220.00 16.27 196.15 6.63 ARA-RC003-021 42.00 44.00 535.46 3.68 63.18 5.66 72.96 77.56 35.40 10.78 0.61 15.95 987.74 128.01 12.96 112.96 4.30 ARA-RC003-022 44.00 46.00 877.81 5.75 67.22 10.09 78.68 162.01 67.62 20.76 1.05 23.11 1707.97 257.11 15.05 229.63 6.80 ARA-RC003-023 46.00 48.00 752.03 6.21 71.25 10.67 70.10 142.41 55.02 20.64 1.11 25.81 1411.60 225.33 15.96 197.44 7.31 ARA-RC003-024 48.00 50.00 1263.04 11.44 80.66 20.57 57.22 377.32 115.47 48.59 2.21 43.41 2486.97 554.87 22.31 492.79 13.65 ARA-RC003-025 50.00 52.00 1942.35 15.61 79.31 29.41 68.66 595.90 170.02 75.14 3.06 53.27 3640.04 859.47 23.61 765.92 18.67 ARA-RC003-026 52.00 54.00 2550.77 26.79 84.69 50.74 62.94 861.84 268.16 115.84 5.45 81.00 5064.84 1277.70 25.23 1130.00 32.23 ARA-RC003-027 54.00 56.00 1529.24 30.09 79.31 53.49 87.26 793.02 247.16 109.35 6.10 92.02 4005.80 1185.38 29.59 1040.18 36.20 ARA-RC003-028 56.00 58.00 1896.77 40.20 80.66 71.73 87.26 960.63 296.25 141.01 8.30 123.46 4678.40 1445.97 30.91 1256.88 48.51 ARA-RC003-029 58.00 60.00 2936.86 28.92 82.00 51.54 97.27 685.95 188.65 90.91 5.60 87.46 5221.67 999.73 19.15 874.59 34.52 ARA-RC003-030 60.00 62.00 1047.46 26.73 69.90 45.31 88.69 537.93 148.50 79.55 5.47 93.38 2737.16 797.95 29.15 686.43 32.20 ARA-RC003-031 62.00 64.00 1068.71 27.84 68.56 47.25 90.12 576.42 160.47 82.68 5.49 107.74 2842.76 852.66 29.99 736.90 33.34 ARA-RC003-032 64.00 66.00 2203.75 52.76 79.31 85.20 127.32 972.76 287.94 149.36 10.14 225.69 5148.45 1472.52 28.60 1260.70 62.90 ARA-RC003-033 66.00 68.00 1132.71 30.77 47.05 48.84 87.26 567.44 153.49 83.61 5.95 129.42 2917.94 841.02 28.82 720.93 36.72 ARA-RC003-034 68.00 70.00 1807.96 28.28 49.74 43.97 71.53 528.14 141.27 75.26 5.29 117.21 3454.69 778.01 22.52 669.41 33.57 ARA-RC003-035 70.00 72.00 2053.15 95.61 63.18 147.27 87.26 1448.41 432.27 225.43 18.70 459.77 6682.04 2219.78 33.22 1880.68 114.32 ARA-RC003-036 72.00 74.00 1185.77 49.98 55.12 76.22 94.41 686.30 191.35 104.48 9.76 248.06 3712.28 1041.58 28.06 877.65 59.74 ARA-RC003-037 74.00 76.00 1912.86 44.43 55.12 67.91 97.27 738.20 218.55 107.15 8.40 193.94 4328.52 1116.40 25.79 956.75 52.82 ARA-RC003-038 76.00 78.00 1430.10 36.69 48.39 53.50 92.98 578.87 156.68 84.30 6.77 171.50 3346.79 863.07 25.79 735.55 43.47 ARA-RC003-039 78.00 80.00 985.42 27.87 43.02 41.14 72.96 481.48 134.38 69.69 5.03 113.18 2605.38 718.24 27.57 615.86 32.90 ARA-RC003-040 80.00 82.00 803.37 22.17 40.33 35.81 41.48 397.73 112.35 59.37 4.34 103.02 2188.98 595.80 27.22 510.09 26.51 ARA-RC003-040-A 80.00 82.00 764.43 21.55 38.98 35.25 45.78 405.08 113.15 58.56 4.27 99.22 2149.92 602.44 28.02 518.23 25.82 ARA-RC003-041 82.00 84.00 1056.06 35.89 48.39 55.77 80.11 627.28 185.80 94.04 7.00 167.92 3099.94 949.73 30.64 813.07 42.89 ARA-RC003-042 84.00 86.00 1054.21 39.66 44.36 59.52 80.11 643.49 193.34 94.74 7.36 174.03 3231.67 978.31 30.27 836.83 47.03 ARA-RC003-043 86.00 88.00 1101.38 57.05 38.98 73.64 71.53 584.94 152.23 91.38 9.90 379.65 3349.02 895.26 26.73 737.17 66.95 ARA-RC003-044 88.00 90.00 989.84 30.48 36.30 40.68 71.53 382.46 103.00 56.47 5.27 207.88 2414.59 577.52 23.92 485.45 35.75 ARA-RC003-045 90.00 92.00 857.42 20.15 34.95 29.36 67.23 303.26 87.16 46.38 3.75 94.10 1921.23 460.58 23.97 390.42 23.91 ARA-RC003-046 92.00 94.00 942.92 20.81 36.30 29.81 70.10 347.46 95.36 50.33 3.83 95.84 2113.63 517.65 24.49 442.83 24.64 Table 4. Drill Hole 4 - Assay Results Sample ID From To CeO2 ppm Dy2O3 ppm Ga2O3 g/t Gd2O3 ppm Nb2O5 ppm N2O3 ppm Pr6O11 ppm Sm2O3 ppm Tb4O7 ppm Y2O3 ppm TREO ppm MREO ppm MREO % NdPr ppm DyTb ppm ARA-RC004-001 0.00 2.00 256.49 6.91 83.35 8.46 117.30 78.38 26.87 13.57 1.09 35.52 568.91 126.79 22.29 105.25 8.00 ARA-RC004-002 2.00 4.00 154.66 4.75 72.59 5.90 100.14 61.23 18.70 9.39 0.79 24.81 380.45 94.84 24.93 79.94 5.54 ARA-RC004-003 4.00 6.00 271.72 5.62 76.63 7.65 105.86 81.06 28.57 13.45 1.01 28.07 583.11 129.69 22.24 109.64 6.64 ARA-RC004-004 6.00 8.00 276.76 5.54 56.46 7.86 81.54 80.13 27.90 13.80 0.98 26.61 578.65 128.31 22.17 108.03 6.52 ARA-RC004-005 8.00 10.00 230.33 2.98 45.71 3.40 64.37 27.99 11.48 5.68 0.46 15.61 369.43 48.58 13.15 39.47 3.44 ARA-RC004-006 10.00 12.00 160.06 2.26 44.36 2.36 71.53 22.04 6.95 3.48 0.33 12.33 262.62 35.05 13.35 28.99 2.59 ARA-RC004-007 12.00 14.00 113.38 2.13 38.98 2.28 74.39 19.25 5.86 3.25 0.33 12.20 208.05 30.81 14.81 25.10 2.46 ARA-RC004-008 14.00 16.00 132.91 2.22 40.33 2.06 88.69 16.33 5.35 3.01 0.33 12.67 220.82 27.23 12.33 21.68 2.54 ARA-RC004-009 16.00 18.00 199.12 2.23 47.05 1.78 110.15 9.33 3.55 2.09 0.29 12.85 260.93 17.49 6.70 12.88 2.52 ARA-RC004-010 18.00 20.00 245.68 2.28 48.39 1.72 103.00 2.68 3.66 2.09 0.28 13.22 303.77 11.00 3.62 6.34 2.57 ARA-RC004-011 20.00 22.00 220.13 2.95 57.80 1.83 123.02 1.75 2.77 1.97 0.34 17.06 270.56 9.78 3.61 4.52 3.29 ARA-RC004-012 22.00 24.00 240.77 2.44 47.05 1.49 118.73 - 2.13 1.62 0.29 13.85 - - - 2.13 2.74 ARA-RC004-013 24.00 26.00 347.51 2.56 49.74 1.52 143.05 - 1.96 1.51 0.27 14.74 - - - 1.96 2.83 ARA-RC004-014 26.00 28.00 288.92 2.31 44.36 1.50 101.57 - 2.73 1.86 0.27 12.69 - - - 2.73 2.58 ARA-RC004-015 28.00 30.00 268.90 2.54 44.36 1.60 125.89 - 2.32 1.74 0.28 14.30 - - - 2.32 2.82 ARA-RC004-016 30.00 32.00 396.28 8.93 40.33 12.15 114.44 122.59 44.95 22.26 1.59 34.31 886.26 200.26 22.60 167.53 10.52 ARA-RC004-017 32.00 34.00 556.71 8.26 43.02 11.68 123.02 127.37 48.96 22.73 1.45 33.95 1039.27 208.70 20.08 176.32 9.71 ARA-RC004-018 34.00 36.00 678.32 11.52 38.98 18.55 103.00 199.68 74.05 35.60 2.26 40.55 1488.73 323.02 21.70 273.73 13.78 ARA-RC004-019 36.00 38.00 395.42 7.35 44.36 9.52 123.02 91.33 33.49 17.63 1.28 30.67 750.07 151.03 20.14 124.82 8.63 ARA-RC004-020 38.00 40.00 800.92 12.44 49.74 17.22 158.79 159.09 57.91 31.08 2.27 48.61 1418.95 262.72 18.51 217.00 14.71 ARA-RC004-020-A 38.00 40.00 731.88 11.74 49.74 16.36 123.02 146.85 53.32 28.76 2.07 44.32 1282.09 242.67 18.93 200.16 13.81 ARA-RC004-021 40.00 42.00 1260.58 43.83 41.67 62.26 90.12 660.75 177.22 100.65 8.23 203.58 3444.24 990.40 28.76 837.97 52.06 ARA-RC004-022 42.00 44.00 1065.88 38.38 37.64 55.41 88.69 555.43 169.60 81.52 7.45 186.64 3010.47 852.13 28.31 725.02 45.82 ARA-RC004-023 44.00 46.00 1026.82 37.16 36.30 52.18 85.83 499.44 135.37 74.10 6.90 184.08 2770.15 752.76 27.17 634.81 44.07 Table 5. Drill Hole 5 - Assay Results Sample ID From To CeO2 ppm Dy2O3 ppm Ga2O3 g/t Gd2O3 ppm Nb2O5 ppm N2O3 ppm Pr6O11 ppm Sm2O3 ppm Tb4O7 ppm Y2O3 ppm TREO ppm MREO ppm MREO % NdPr ppm DyTb ppm ARA-RC005-001 0.00 2.00 87.83 3.21 72.59 2.85 104.43 22.16 7.08 3.36 0.47 19.38 201.04 36.28 18.05 29.24 3.68 ARA-RC005-002 2.00 4.00 131.19 3.22 29.57 3.80 44.35 35.22 11.06 5.68 0.54 16.61 268.16 55.71 20.78 46.28 3.77 ARA-RC005-003 4.00 6.00 117.44 2.27 33.61 2.51 50.07 23.09 7.74 3.59 0.36 11.90 226.25 37.06 16.38 30.84 2.64 ARA-RC005-004 6.00 8.00 171.61 3.34 33.61 3.56 71.53 29.98 10.99 4.99 0.52 17.55 320.02 49.80 15.56 40.97 3.86 ARA-RC005-005 8.00 10.00 231.55 2.96 37.64 2.70 81.54 13.18 7.70 3.48 0.41 16.73 351.14 27.72 7.89 20.88 3.37 ARA-RC005-006 10.00 12.00 360.17 3.48 43.02 2.64 104.43 5.72 6.67 3.13 0.44 20.05 470.03 19.42 4.13 12.38 3.91 ARA-RC005-007 12.00 14.00 330.93 3.21 36.30 2.10 95.84 - 3.89 2.09 0.39 19.00 - - - 3.89 3.60 ARA-RC005-008 14.00 16.00 359.43 4.45 43.02 2.48 103.00 - 3.67 2.09 0.53 25.69 - - - 3.67 4.98 ARA-RC005-009 16.00 18.00 363.36 3.21 43.02 1.98 84.40 - 3.69 1.97 0.36 18.24 - - - 3.69 3.58 ARA-RC005-010 18.00 20.00 491.85 3.80 44.36 2.22 80.11 - 3.30 2.20 0.44 21.17 - - - 3.30 4.23 ARA-RC005-011 20.00 22.00 479.08 7.29 41.67 9.37 75.82 82.11 33.47 15.77 1.25 32.69 830.97 139.85 16.83 115.58 8.53 ARA-RC005-012 22.00 24.00 688.52 12.09 44.36 18.49 62.94 199.45 71.90 34.09 2.31 48.41 1414.42 319.74 22.61 271.35 14.39 ARA-RC005-013 24.00 26.00 597.25 13.06 30.92 19.63 41.48 212.75 75.19 37.80 2.41 54.29 1346.08 341.11 25.34 287.93 15.47 ARA-RC005-014 26.00 28.00 905.21 12.97 38.98 22.04 68.66 252.29 85.08 42.44 2.56 56.89 1850.08 395.23 21.36 337.37 15.53 ARA-RC005-015 28.00 30.00 2484.07 23.08 61.84 40.00 98.71 681.28 236.77 84.88 4.40 111.56 4709.15 1030.12 21.87 918.05 27.48 ARA-RC005-016 30.00 32.00 1596.67 26.17 60.49 46.39 103.00 735.05 250.80 93.70 5.33 116.36 4038.27 1110.72 27.50 985.85 31.50 ARA-RC005-017 32.00 34.00 514.95 11.74 55.12 19.00 98.71 152.56 52.27 28.18 2.29 47.71 1169.49 246.97 21.12 204.83 14.03 ARA-RC005-018 34.00 36.00 2762.55 28.23 61.84 45.37 123.02 604.07 194.46 76.88 5.16 137.88 4884.17 908.54 18.60 798.53 33.40 ARA-RC005-019 36.00 38.00 2217.14 20.88 57.80 32.45 101.57 409.05 116.68 53.34 3.78 91.23 3617.62 603.54 16.68 525.72 24.65 ARA-RC005-020 38.00 40.00 1935.22 32.92 59.15 57.20 98.71 870.70 282.11 113.41 6.82 126.46 4565.85 1305.58 28.59 1152.82 39.74 ARA-RC005-020-A 38.00 40.00 1904.63 32.86 59.15 55.80 88.69 868.95 289.56 115.15 6.74 122.60 4564.90 1312.87 28.76 1158.51 39.60 ARA-RC005-021 40.00 42.00 1142.90 23.52 56.46 38.81 98.71 472.85 136.86 60.07 4.54 113.89 2866.59 697.64 24.34 609.71 28.06 ARA-RC005-022 42.00 44.00 1294.24 20.06 55.12 31.66 88.69 357.73 94.38 46.50 3.90 83.96 2452.64 522.43 21.30 452.11 23.97 ARA-RC005-023 44.00 46.00 1449.02 55.39 51.08 82.92 88.69 886.33 263.38 131.04 10.72 266.85 4205.07 1346.46 32.02 1149.71 66.10 ARA-RC005-024 46.00 48.00 908.40 30.49 45.71 45.33 74.39 502.36 132.44 70.04 5.87 151.62 2483.84 740.99 29.83 634.80 36.36 ARA-RC005-025 48.00 50.00 798.09 17.98 37.64 27.55 68.66 316.20 87.29 43.37 3.41 88.84 1825.90 468.13 25.64 403.50 21.40 ARA-RC005-026 50.00 52.00 775.98 21.08 40.33 31.70 71.53 351.66 93.93 50.10 4.09 104.91 1894.75 520.71 27.48 445.59 25.18 ARA-RC005-027 52.00 54.00 696.38 17.73 38.98 26.15 68.66 243.07 76.74 39.89 3.36 88.87 1583.58 380.70 24.04 319.82 21.10 Notes MREO: Defined as the combined oxides of Nd + Pr + Dy + Tb. "% of TREO" represents MREO divided by TREO 100. TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxides): Defined as the sum of the following oxides: CeO2, Dy2O3, Er2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Ho2O3, La2O3, Lu2O3, Nd2O3, Pr6O11, Sm2O3, Tb4O7, Tm2O3, Yb2O3. Qualified Person Statement (NI 43-101) The planning and execution of the QA/QC program for the borehole samples from the Arapaima drilling program included placing a blank at the beginning of each batch (each batch corresponds to one borehole), before analysis of the first sample. Two standard samples were inserted every 15 samples, and a duplicate was taken every 20 samples. The specifications for the standard samples are attached. The samples were collected at 2m intervals, and using a Jones splitter, the samples were reduced to an aliquot of approximately 2kg for laboratory analysis and another of approximately 1kg for project archiving. Analytical Procedures & Laboratory The samples were sent to the SGS Geosol Ltda laboratory, located on the MG-10 highway at km 24.5 in the Angicos neighbourhood, Vespasiano/MG. The laboratory is independent and has no relationship with the project or the company. The SGS Geosol laboratory is ISO 14001-2015 certified (certified on 11/09/2023) and ISO 9001-2015 certified (certified on 10/07/2024). Samples were prepared by crushing 75% 3 mm/pulverizing 250 g, 95% <150# - Jones (code PRP70J_A2-PA). Analyses were performed using ICPMS/OES by fusion with sodium peroxide for 56 elements, including lithium and the rare earth elements (code ICM90A). Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, BSc (Hons), FAusIMM, VP Exploration and Director, and Dr. Fernando Tallarico, P.Geo., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, each of whom is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Hill is a Director of Spark Energy Minerals Inc. and is not independent of the Company. Dr. Tallarico is the Chief Executive Officer of Spark Energy Minerals Inc. and is likewise not independent of the Company. About Spark Energy Minerals Inc. Spark Energy Minerals Inc. is a Canadian company advancing the exploration and development of critical minerals essential to the clean-energy transition. The Company's primary focus is Brazil, where it controls a significant land position within the country's emerging Lithium Valley - a region recognized for its lithium, gallium, and rare-earth potential. Spark's flagship Arapaima Project spans approximately 91,900 hectares and hosts multiple targets for lithium and gallium-REE mineralization. Through systematic exploration, Spark aims to help strengthen the secure and sustainable supply of minerals that power electrification, renewable energy, and modern technologies. The Company is committed to responsible exploration practices and supporting Brazil's development of a transparent, sustainable critical minerals supply chain. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the interpretation of exploration results, the potential significance, continuity, extent, and grade of mineralization encountered, the identification and potential implications of an ionic-adsorption clay ("IAC")-style system, the potential for future exploration and drilling programs, the advancement of the Arapaima Project, the evaluation of additional targets within the Company's land package, the availability of financing, and the Company's future plans, objectives, and strategies. Forward-looking information is generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," "anticipates," or similar expressions, or statements that certain events or conditions "may," "could," or "will" occur. Such statements are based on the Company's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs, including assumptions regarding geological interpretations, exploration results, continuity of mineralization, metallurgical characteristics, market conditions, access to capital, and regulatory approvals. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information due to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, geological uncertainty, the inherently preliminary nature of exploration results, the selective nature of rock, soil, and drill samples, the possibility that future exploration results may not be consistent with expectations, changes in market conditions, availability of financing, and risks associated with mineral exploration and development. There can be no assurance that any exploration program will result in a mineral discovery or that any mineralization identified will ultimately be developed into a commercially viable deposit. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283843 Source: Spark Energy Minerals Inc. Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Bracewell LLP announced today the promotion of three lawyers to senior counsel in the firm's New York, London and Dubai offices: Stephen C. McNamara, Shayan Najib and Rory Wilson. "I am pleased to announce the promotion of these outstanding lawyers to senior counsel," said Bracewell Managing Partner Gregory M. Bopp. "These outstanding lawyers personify the firm's commitment to client service excellence." 2026 Senior Counsel Promotions Stephen C. McNamara, Senior Counsel, New York - McNamara represents issuers, underwriters and other market participants on public and private financing transactions, including SEC-registered offerings, Rule 144A issuances, private placements, tax-exempt financings, de-SPAC business combinations, high yield notes issuances, initial public offerings and liability management exercises. McNamara represents companies across a broad array of industries, with a particular focus on the public utilities and oil and gas sectors. He received his B.A., cum laude, from Hood College and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law. McNamara has been recognized by The Legal 500 United States in Capital Markets: Equity Offerings and Energy Transactions: Electric Power, as well as by Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation in Corporate & Securities. Shayan Najib, Senior Counsel, Dubai - Najib is an English Law qualified solicitor who advises clients on a range of commercial projects and financings. He has represented lenders and borrowers on syndicated and bilateral conventional, and Shari'a compliant co-financings, including general lending, project finance, ECA and real estate finance. Najib has also been involved with several prominent restructurings in the region. He received his B.A. from the University of Calgary and his LL.B. from the University of Edinburgh. Najib has been recognized by The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa in UAE: Infrastructure and Projects (including Project Finance) and UAE: Construction. He is also ranked by IFLR1000 in United Arab Emirates: Project Development. Najib was honored as Most Promising Newcomer at the 2021 Middle East Legal Awards. Rory Wilson, Senior Counsel, London - Wilson advises clients on finance transactions in the energy, infrastructure and natural resource sectors. He represents lenders and sponsors on multi-jurisdictional reserve-based lending, project finance, acquisition finance and syndicated lending transactions involving oil and gas, renewable energy and power assets. Wilson has in-house experience on both the lender and sponsor side, including secondments to Energy Development Corporation in Manila and the corporate finance legal team at Standard Chartered Bank. He received his B.Sc. from the London School of Economics. Wilson went on to earn his G.D.L., with distinction, from the College of Law and his L.P.C., with distinction, from BPP Law School, UK. He has been recognized by The Legal 500 United Kingdom in Finance - Emerging Markets. Stephen C. McNamara, Bracewell LLP, Senior Counsel To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9451/283849_8366454db4ba08cf_001full.jpg Shayan Najib, Bracewell LLP, Senior Counsel To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9451/283849_8366454db4ba08cf_002full.jpg Rory Wilson, Bracewell LLP, Senior Counsel To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9451/283849_8366454db4ba08cf_003full.jpg About Bracewell LLP Bracewell is a leading law and government relations firm primarily serving the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283849 Source: Bracewell Centennial, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Jacobs Law PLLC today announced the launch of its ForAurora community outreach program, an ongoing food distribution initiative serving residents in Aurora and the greater Denver area. The program provides groceries and freshly prepared meals to community members through twice-monthly distribution events held on the first and third Thursdays at Eastern Hills Community Church, located at Smoky Hill and Arapahoe Road in Aurora. Jacobs Law PLLC Announces Launch of ForAurora Outreach Program To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/283845_d50674df44ea882a_002full.jpg The ForAurora outreach program is designed to offer consistent, accessible support through a simple drive-through format. Participants arrive by car, open their trunks, and receive food directly, allowing the process to remain efficient and discreet. The program operates on a predictable schedule and does not require registration or advance notice, with the goal of making food access straightforward for individuals and families who attend during distribution hours. "Just pull up and pop the trunk, and groceries and hot meals are provided," said Dan Jacobs of Jacobs Law PLLC. "We wanted to create something that is easy to access, respectful, and dependable for people in the community." Representatives from Jacobs Law PLLC regularly attend the distributions to help coordinate logistics and support volunteers. The firm says the initiative reflects its broader commitment to community involvement and practical, hands-on support beyond its legal practice. Jacobs Law PLLC is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, and operates as a Colorado Personal Injury Law Firm with a focus on civil litigation and personal injury matters. In addition to client representation, the firm produces educational resources for the public, including a Colorado personal injury guide designed to help individuals better understand their rights and options after an accident. The ForAurora outreach program represents an extension of that public-facing mission through direct, in-person community engagement. The ForAurora outreach program takes place on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Eastern Hills Community Church, 25511 E Smoky Hill Rd, Aurora, CO 80016, and is open to members of the Aurora community seeking food assistance in a respectful and straightforward setting. For more information about the ForAurora outreach program, please contact Jacobs Law PLLC using the details below. About Jacobs Law PLLC Jacobs Law PLLC is a Colorado-based law firm providing legal services across multiple practice areas, including personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, and related civil litigation matters. The firm is committed to community engagement through initiatives such as the ForAurora outreach program, which focuses on supporting local communities through practical assistance and service-oriented efforts. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283845 Source: Plentisoft Summary: Stroke survivor and author Judy Kim Cage has reached a major milestone as her memoir SUPERSURVIVOR claims the #1 spot on Amazon in Nervous System Diseases, Women's Health, and Motivational Self-Help categories, inspiring stroke survivors worldwide to view their physical and emotional battles from a new perspective. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Judy Kim Cage is celebrating a remarkable achievement after her book, SUPERSURVIVOR: How Denial, Resistance, and Persistence Can Lead to Success (and a Better Life) after Stroke, secured the #1 position on Amazon in three major categories: Nervous System Diseases, Women's Health, and Motivational Self-Help. This achievement shows her increasing influence among stroke survivors who respect her honest storytelling, message of resilience, and humor. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9100/282311_459d6312741a0a73_001full.jpg Written from lived experience, SUPERSURVIVOR offers readers an unfiltered look into what life looks like after a stroke. Judy Kim Cage takes readers back to the moment everything changed. One second, she was living a bustling, successful everyday life. The next, she was facing uncertainty about walking, independence, and even her sense of identity. She shares her thoughts through raw honesty and humor, documenting the emotional and physical battles that followed. SUPERSURVIVOR currently holds a 5-star rating and has found a home on the shelves of readers who see their own journeys reflected in Cage's experience. The book, with its candid tone and practical insights, is a must-read for stroke survivors, caregivers, and anyone going through a major life shift. Inside the book, Cage walks readers through the real side of recovery. She explains the ups and downs of rehabilitation and why the health journey is not linear. She also addresses the emotional challenges survivors face, including grief, anger, and the struggle to accept a changed body and lifestyle. SUPERSURVIVOR also shines a light on topics many doctors don't fully prepare patients for. Cage shares hard-earned lessons about long-term disability, insurance systems, and self-advocacy. She hopes that the book will provide survivors with the encouragement to speak up for themselves and personalize their recovery journey. The book also focuses on rebuilding confidence and finding purpose. Cage shows that while a stroke changes everything, it does not have to define who you are. Through her honesty, readers discover how persistence and mindset help turn difficulty into motivation and even joy. SUPERSURVIVOR is enriched with personal philosophy and practical wisdom. As a stroke survivor herself, Cage understands the fear and uncertainty that come after such a life-changing event. Her story shows how it is possible to build a meaningful life after hardship. SUPERSURVIVOR is available on Amazon. About the Author: Judy Kim Cage is a stroke survivor, writer, and advocate for people facing recovery after major medical events. She has a background in finance, and never expected to become an expert in rehabilitation or healthcare systems. Her personal journey led her to share the unfiltered truth about recovery. Through her writing and advocacy, she helps others find strength, humor, and hope after the unimaginable. Instagram: @judykimcagetheauthorpage To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282311 Source: Avazona Ltd. His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, chaired on Friday at the Royal Palace in Casablanca the presentation and launch ceremony of the project to build a landing gear production factory for Safran in Nouaceur, a project that reinforces Morocco as a destination of choice and a true integrated industrial actor at the heart of the global economy. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260213269786/en/ His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, chaired on Friday at the Royal Palace in Casablanca the presentation and launch ceremony of the project to build a landing gear production factory for Safran in Nouaceur Considered one of the largest manufacturing centres in the world for Safran Landing Systems, the plant will represent an investment of more than EUR 280 million, create 500 jobs, and operate on 100% decarbonised energy, while helping attract new suppliers within the Moroccan ecosystem. The future site will be located within the integrated aeronautics and space platform Midparc. It will endow the Kingdom with advanced capabilities in precision machining, high-technology assembly, testing, certification and advanced maintenance. Dedicated to the Airbus A320, the factory will be built to the highest standards and equipped with modern, high-performance production tools. The project bears witness to the attention granted by His Majesty the King to Morocco's industrial development and highlights the momentum driven by the Sovereign to position the Kingdom as a competitive industrial platform on a global scale. Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour underlined that in two decades Morocco has risen to the rank of a world-reference aeronautical platform. In this dynamic, Safran, a partner of the Kingdom for over a quarter of a century, occupies a special place by accompanying the move upmarket of the national industry. The plant will be developed on a land base of more than seven hectares. For Mezzour, manufacturing landing gear systems in Morocco demonstrates mastery of complex technologies and marks a new step in consolidating integration into global value chains. He added that the project opens prospects for Moroccan youth, with 25,000 talents already active in the sector. Safran Chairman Ross McInnes welcomed the continuation of this partnership, recalling the launch last October of the aircraft engine industrial complex under the presidency of His Majesty the King. The project will support the ramp-up of Airbus A320 production while preparing future aircraft generations. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Majesty the King presided over the signing of the memorandum of understanding relating to the project. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260213269786/en/ Contacts: ENG Will King, +447796451915, will.king@thorndonpartners.com FR Clea Derungs, +44 7825 421910, clea.derungs@thorndonpartners.com Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Edmonton International Airport (YEG) has unveiled a striking Indigenous-designed "YEG" installation: a vibrant cultural welcome that signifies arrival on Treaty 6 Territory and the Metis Homeland, and honours the global delegates of the 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) which takes place in Edmonton from February 17-19, 2026. This bold installation is crafted in collaboration with local Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal from the Bigstone Cree Nation, known for his bold visual storytelling. It transforms the airport's iconic letters into a powerful permanent greeting rooted in Indigenous storytelling, design elements and visual language. Unveiling of Indigenous-Designed YEG letters To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11723/283881_4499a38db4d53899_001full.jpg The installation is called "Wahkohtowin", which means our "kinship" with family, but also the connection to community and relationship with Mother Earth. These three images (Bison Fields, Mountain Rose, and Northern Spirit) represent the land we share, the beauty of our province and a welcome to new visitors exploring our territory. "This piece is about welcome, connection and identity," said Lance Cardinal. "It's an invitation for visitors to understand where they are, whose land they are on and the stories that continue here." "Airports are gateways, and this installation ensures that our first impression reflects and respects the rich heritage of Treaty 6 and the Metis Homeland," said Carmen Donnelly, Vice President, Passenger Experience & Terminal Operations, YEG. "We are honoured to welcome conference delegates and travellers with Indigenous art that tells a meaningful story about this land." This culturally rooted welcome at Edmonton International Airport complements our ongoing dedication to reconciliation and our broader efforts to uplift Indigenous voices, including Indigenous art, interpretive programming, partnerships with First Nations and the Indigenous Interpretive & Retail Centre within the airport terminal, all designed to deepen visitors' understanding of the Indigenous history, cultures and contributions that make this region unique. Unveiling of Indigenous-Designed YEG letters To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11723/283881_yeg_image.jpg About Edmonton International Airport Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is driving economic prosperity for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and beyond. It is Canada's fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the largest major Canadian airport by land area. YEG's Airport City Sustainability Campus is a living lab for innovation and sustainability, including hydrogen and drone technology, supporting our advancements towards net-zero by 2050. As an Airport for Everyone, YEG provides a welcoming space that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion. For more information, please visit: flyyeg.com or follow @flyyeg on X, Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook. About Lance Cardinal Lance Cardinal is a First Nations (2-Spirit) artist, designer, entrepreneur and television personality from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory. He has quickly become one of Alberta's most established Indigenous artists. His diverse 30-year career in the arts has allowed him to work with world-class organizations all over Canada, including the Edmonton Oilers, IKEA Canada, Kunitz Shoes, Rugby Canada, Fort Edmonton Park, Telus World of Science and many more. His bright and colourful award-winning murals and design projects bring a fresh narrative to contemporary Indigenous representation, highlighting a positive perspective in public spaces all over Alberta. Cardinal is also the co-host of the 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference along side Indigenous actress, model and television host, Ashley Callingbull. About IITC The 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference is the world's largest gathering dedicated to Indigenous tourism. It brings together Indigenous tourism industry operators and cultural leaders to share knowledge, celebrate culture and elevate Indigenous-led tourism. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283881 Source: Edmonton International Airport (YEG) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 13, 2026 / Norse Gold Corp. (NEX:VKG.H) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvain Laberge as a director of the Corporation. Mr. Laberge fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Alan Cruickshank. Mr. Laberge is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of 1844 Resources Inc., which he has held since January 2013. His previous experience includes sales of hotel and hospital supplies. Following 11 years of success he joined Renmark Financial Communication as the Vice-President of Investor Relations for emerging mining exploration companies. The Corporation welcomes Mr. Laberge to the board and looks forward to working with him to advance the very prospective Viking Gold Project located at Morris Lake in the Northwest Territories along the Yellowknife greenstone belt 25 km southwest of the historic high-grade Discovery Mine. The Corporation thanks Alan for his contributions during his tenure and wishes him well in his future undertakings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Thomas MacNeill, Norse Gold Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (306) 653-2692 Jeff Sheppard, Norse Gold Corp. Chief Financial Officer Phone: (306) 653-2692 About the Corporation Norse Gold's main asset is its 100% interest in the 3,231-hectare Morris Lake Property, consisting of seven contiguous claims and three leases, 75 km north of Yellowknife. Gold on the property was discovered in 1945. Work conducted at the Viking zone included underground test work and diamond drilling. The Property saw additional drilling during the late 1980's and again during the period 2005 to 2008 when Viking Gold Exploration Inc. held the claims. Other gold zones have been located on the property, such as at the Greenlee and Lucky Lake occurrences. Each of these received initial drill testing in the 1940's and visible gold was reported in some of the drill holes. The geological model for the gold mineralization is that of an Archean lode gold deposit consisting of gold-bearing shoots within a shear-vein system. Forward Looking Statements Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Corporation, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange (nor NEX) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and NEX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release. SOURCE: Norse Gold Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/norse-gold-corp.-announces-new-director-1137603 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (TSXV: DV) (NYSE American: DVS) (the "Company" or "Dolly Varden") today announced that it has filed on Sedar+ its management information circular dated February 11, 2026 (the "Circular") in connection with the Company's special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") to consider and vote on a special resolution (the "Arrangement Resolution") approving the previously announced statutory arrangement (the "Arrangement") with Contango ORE, Inc. ("Contango"). Dolly Varden also announces that on February 11, 2026, the Company obtained an interim order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Interim Order") providing for, among other things, the calling and holding of the Meeting, dissent rights, and other procedural matters. Meeting Details The Meeting will be held in person at the offices of Stikeman Elliott LLP, Suite 1700 - 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2X8 on March 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time). Shareholders are urged to vote as soon as possible, well in advance of the proxy voting deadline of 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on March 13, 2026. The Arrangement Pursuant to the arrangement agreement dated December 7, 2025 between Dolly Varden, Contango and 1566004 B.C. Ltd., as amended, Contango will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (The "Company Shares"). At the effective time of the Arrangement, Dolly Varden shareholders will receive, for each Company Share held, 0.1652 of a Contango share of voting common stock, unless an eligible Canadian shareholder elects to instead receive 0.1652 of an exchangeable share in a Canadian subsidiary of Contango (subject to the election mechanics and deadlines described in the Circular). The Arrangement will be implemented by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and requires, among other things, the approval of the Arrangement Resolution by 66 2/3% of the votes cast by Dolly Varden shareholders at the Meeting. Board Recommendation & Rationale The Dolly Varden board of directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution for a variety of reasons, including, among others: The ability of the Company to respond to a superior proposal, should one emerge, consistent with the Arrangement Agreement; The opportunity for shareholders to participate in the future value of the combined company; The view that the process and outcomes provide equitable and fair treatment to stakeholders; The anticipated likelihood of obtaining required approvals, including court approval and regulatory approvals; The absence of a financing condition and an expected path to completion (subject to approvals and conditions); Expected continuity with certain directors and senior executives expected to have roles with the combined company (as described in the Circular); Voting support agreements entered into with all directors and officers and certain large shareholders; and For eligible shareholders, the potential for a tax-deferred rollover election through the exchangeable share election mechanics described in the Circular. Voting Support Agreements Voting support agreements have been entered into with all directors and officers of Dolly Varden and certain large shareholders, who collectively beneficially own (or exercise control or direction over) approximately 22% of the outstanding Company Shares as of the date of the Arrangement Agreement, and have agreed (subject to the terms of the agreements) to vote in favour of the Arrangement. Shareholder Questions & Voting Assistance If you have questions about the Circular or need help voting, please contact Dolly Varden's proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1-877-452-7184 (North America toll-free) or 416-304-0211 (collect calls outside North America), by text message by texting "INFO" to either number, or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com. About Dolly Varden Silver Corporation Dolly Varden Silver Corporation is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its 100% held Kitsault Valley Project (which combines the Dolly Varden Project and the Homestake Ridge Project) located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, Canada, 25kms by road to tide water. Including the Kitsault Valley Project, the Company has consolidated approximately 100,000Ha of prospective tenure in the Golden Triangle with five past-producing high-grade silver mines including Dolly Varden, Torbrit, Porter Idaho, Mountain Boy and Esperanza historic mines. The 163 sq. km. Kitsault Valley Project hosts the high-grade silver and gold resources of Dolly Varden and Homestake Ridge along with the past producing Dolly Varden and Torbrit silver mines. It is considered to be prospective for hosting further precious metal deposits, being on the same structural and stratigraphic belts that host numerous other, on-trend, high-grade deposits, such as Eskay Creek and Brucejack. The Kitsault Valley Project also contains the Big Bulk property which is prospective for porphyry and skarn style copper and gold mineralization, similar to other such deposits in the region (Red Mountain, KSM, Red Chris). Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "may", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "foresee", "believe", or "continue", the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the timing of the Meeting and the receipt of requisite approvals of the Arrangement. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Forward-looking information is based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management, and although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what we believe are reasonable assumptions, investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on this information since actual results may vary from the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in greater detail under "Risk Factors" of the Company's management information circular relating to the Meeting filed on SEDAR+. These risks and uncertainties further include (but are not limited to) as concerns the Arrangement, the failure of the parties to obtain the necessary shareholder and court approvals or to otherwise satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement, failure of the parties to obtain such approvals or satisfy such conditions in a timely manner, significant Arrangement costs or unknown liabilities, failure to realize the expected benefits of the Arrangement, and general economic conditions. Failure to obtain the necessary shareholder and court approvals, or the failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement or to complete the Arrangement, may result in the Arrangement not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. In addition, if the Arrangement is not completed, and the Company continues as a publicly-traded entity, there are risks that the announcement of the proposed Arrangement and the dedication of substantial resources of the Company to the completion of the Arrangement could have an impact on its business and strategic relationships (including with future and prospective employees, customers, suppliers and partners), operating results and activities in general, and could have a material adverse effect on its current and future operations, financial condition and prospects. Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on our business, financial condition or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained herein represents our expectations as of the date hereof or as of the date it is otherwise stated to be made, as applicable, and is subject to change after such date. However, we disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283860 Source: Dolly Varden Silver Corporation MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the global private credit market continues to expand beyond an estimated $3 trillion, structural changes within the sector have become more visible, including broader use of payment-in-kind (PIK) interest and evolving lending practices. Tarek Omar, CEO & Partner at Royce Stone Capital, outlined the firm's views on these developments and described the lending structures it utilizes in its own operations. Mr. Omar's comments reflect Royce Stone Capital's assessment of current market characteristics. Data indicate a rise in payment-in-kind (PIK) interest, a mechanism that allows borrowers to defer cash payments by capitalizing interest into the loan balance. Usage has increased to 10.6% of transactions, up from 7% in 2021. "The private credit market has grown rapidly over a relatively short period," said Tarek Omar. "As the sector evolves, we are observing a wider range of structures and risk profiles. At Royce Stone Capital, we focus on maintaining clarity around security, documentation, and investor positioning within each transaction we undertake." Observations on Market Structure Royce Stone Capital notes that industry participants, including credit rating agencies such as Moody's, have publicly commented on the increasing complexity of certain financing structures. Within this environment, the firm monitors several structural characteristics when assessing transactions, including: Increased use of PIK interest, which alters cash-flow dynamics within loan structures. The presence of pooled investment vehicles with layered capital structures. Whether lending arrangements provide direct security over underlying assets or indirect exposure through fund equity. Royce Stone Capital's Direct Lending Framework Royce Stone Capital operates a direct lending model focused on asset-backed transactions. Unlike commingled fund structures, the firm structures transactions where lending is secured by first or second mortgages over specific assets, typically at conservative loan-to-value ratios. "Our model is designed so that investors participate in transactions with clearly defined security positions," Omar said. "Royce Stone Capital does not take custody of investor funds. Capital remains under the control of the investor or their appointed legal representatives until a transaction is completed." Company Focus Royce Stone Capital continues to concentrate on identifying lending opportunities where contractual terms, asset security, and documentation are clearly defined. The firm's approach emphasizes interest generated through contractual obligations rather than reliance on projected or target outcomes. About Royce Stone Capital Royce Stone Capital is a private credit and investment firm specializing in direct lending opportunities. The firm focuses on bridging the gap between investors seeking secured returns and borrowers requiring efficient capital solutions. By utilizing a direct mortgage security model, Royce Stone Capital prioritizes transparency, asset security, and risk mitigation. For more information, please visit https://www.roycestonecapital.com.au/. Media Contact: Tarek Omar CEO & Partner tarek@roycestonecapital.com.au +61 477 363 612 Disclaimer This press release is intended solely for informational purposes and describes the business activities and perspectives of Royce Stone Capital only. It is not to be construed as financial advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Investors are advised to independently verify information before executing any investment decisions. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2890283/Royce_Stone_Capital.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/royce-stone-capital-ceo-warns-of-cracks-in-3-trillion-private-credit-market-urges-shift-to-direct-asset-backed-models-302688081.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - The BlackRock Canada team ("BlackRock"), and members of the Families & Allies at BlackRock ("FAB") Network, joined Aimee Rotman, ETF Specialist, Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), to close the market to celebrate Family Day. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIBPzFvXM94 It was a fun-filled afternoon for the TSX and BlackRock teams, celebrating learning, financial inclusion, and the introduction of family members to Canada's financial markets. BlackRock is an asset manager and one of the world's leading providers of investment, advisory, and risk management solutions. Its purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, BlackRock helps millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. BlackRock is a global company with 100+ offices in over 38 different locations, giving it unique global reach and local relationships. Because BlackRock is worldwide, it brings the best of the world to how it invests in Canada. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283946 Source: Toronto Stock Exchange Certified translations are a major requirement for most immigration applications in Canada, such as permanent residence and citizenship applications, study permits, work permits, family sponsorship, and more. 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I had just realized ( two days before her flight) her Covid vaccination record was incomplete, and the only solution was to have the individual receipts translated as proof of vaccination for travel. This company was the first result that popped up on Google and I ordered the 12 hour express translation. It arrived five hours early, accurate, professionally and attractively presented and easy to download. My mother-in-law is currently in the air, on her way to Canada. Thank you, Translayte!" Thousands of customer feedback and a proven track record of excellence position Translayte as the best provider of IRCC translations. About Translayte Translayte (trading name of BDXL Ltd) is a global translation services platform that provides certified, professional translations in over 150 languages. The company supports individuals and businesses with compliant translations for immigration, legal, academic, and official use, with guaranteed acceptance by authorities worldwide. Media Contact: Sophia Orji Content Manager Email: sophia.orji@translayte.com Website: https://translayte.com SOURCE: BDXL Ltd View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/who-offers-the-best-ircc-translations-1136664 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQB: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) ("The Company") is pleased to announce a corporate rebrand, including a name change to Epic Gold Corp. ("Epic Gold" or the "Company"). Epic Gold marks the next phase for the Company under the leadership of Rod Husband, President & CEO, with a focused strategy to unlock the underexplored potential of its Canadian gold assets. Effective at the opening of trading on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, The Company's common shares will begin trading under the new trading symbol "EPG". The Company's new CUSIP and ISIN numbers are 29391A103 and CA29391A030, respectively. The Company's common shares remain eligible for electronic clearing and settlement, and there is no change to the Company's share capital as a result of the name and symbol change. The Company's new website www.epicgoldcorp.com, will launch concurrently with the name change. Visitors to the Company's current website and emails sent to existing Company email addresses will be automatically redirected. Rod Husband, President & CEO, commented: "Epic Gold marks a new chapter for the Company as we focus on advancing our Canadian gold portfolio through disciplined exploration, the pursuit of new discoveries across our Quebec and Ontario project base and ultimately resource growth." About Epic Gold Corp. (Formerly Exploits Discovery Corp.) Epic Gold Corp. (Formerly Exploits Discovery Corp.) is a well-funded gold exploration company anchored historical gold resources across its four projects (see news releases May 13, 2025, June 3, 2025, October 8, 2025, December 16, 2025). Exploits provides a combination of a proven management team; a strong cash position (~$15M in cash and equivalents); Tier-1 jurisdiction exposure; and multiple potential discovery and transaction-driven catalysts. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283939 Source: Exploits Discovery Corp. Quarterly revenue of approximately $10.1 million Second straight quarter of over $1.1 million of positive adjusted EBITDA Fort Lauderdale, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2026) - ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (FSE: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the "Company", "Zefiro", or "ZEFI") today announced the Company's consolidated financial results for the fiscal quarter that ended December 31, 2025 ("Second Quarter Fiscal 2026"). Zefiro has released a recording of its Second Fiscal Quarter 2026 Earnings Call in which the Company's management team discusses these results. This recording is live and publicly available on Zefiro's YouTube channel and can be accessed through the following link: https://youtu.be/KfXGasptTZk If no link to the earnings call recording video is visible above, please refer to the version of this press release on Zefiro's website or SEDAR+ where this link will appear. Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results:[1] Revenue of approximately $10.1 million, a ~34% increase over the same period last year. Second-highest quarterly revenue in the company's history following last quarter. Operating expenses decreased approximately $1.5 million to $3.1 million in Q2 FY2026, down from $4.6 million in the same quarter last year. Over $1.1 million in adjusted EBITDA in Q2 FY2026, demonstrating solid profitability amid ongoing top-line growth and cost discipline. Incurred approximately $130,000 in one-time legal expenses during the quarter related to the ongoing dispute attributable to prior management. The results over the last six months have significantly changed the trajectory of the company compared to the comparable prior year period: Revenue totaled $22.2 million, an increase of nearly $4.7 million. Gross profit was $8.1 million, an increase of over $4.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $3.8 million, representing an improvement of almost $6.3 million. Net income was positive at $0.3 million, an increase of approximately $6.4 million. Chief Executive Officer Catherine Flax commented, "The Company's performance over the past six months has been exceptional. We have grown revenue and Adjusted EBITDA to the highest levels in our history while significantly reducing debt to more manageable levels. These results are not coincidental; they are the direct outcome of strong alignment between the Board and Management, coupled with disciplined execution of a clear strategic plan. While this progress is clearly reflected in our financial results, we have also taken meaningful steps to strengthen the foundation of the business and position the Company for sustained, long-term growth." Recent Highlights: The Company completed debt settlement agreements with two creditors, eliminating approximately CAD $0.41 million of liabilities on the books and forgiving CAD $0.10 million of outstanding debt. Zefiro successfully completed a $1.5 million infrastructure project near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has begun a $5 million initiative in Louisiana, marking its expansion into a new state with significant growth potential. The Company worked with three creditors on a $2.48 million promissory note, exercising a total of 10,790,000 common equity warrants issued in connection with the note in May 2025. Seventy-five percent of the exercise proceeds was applied to pay down the outstanding secured loan, while the remaining 25% was equitized, providing the Company with $0.45 million in cash. This free cash flow was then used to pay down additional debt due on March 1, 2026, further strengthening Zefiro's balance sheet and financial position. Looking Ahead: The third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year is projected to be another strong quarter, marking the third consecutive quarter of performance improvement following the leadership change in early June. The Company has several projects in the pipeline and continues to evaluate its options for both organic and inorganic growth to expand and diversify the business. With a disciplined approach to capital allocation and strategic investments, Zefiro is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen its market presence. The primary focus going into the third quarter remains paying down debt and strengthening the balance sheet. The Company has made significant progress in this area and is well-positioned to manage the $0.5 million debt due on March 1, 2026, originally incurred under the prior management team. Ongoing discussions are underway, and the Company plans to pay the note in full at maturity, demonstrating disciplined financial management and a commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet. Second Fiscal Quarter Financial Highlights (in USD): For the three months ended December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Revenue $ 10,046,083 $ 7,481,927 Gross profit $ 3,165,301 $ 582,214 Total operating expenses ($3,090,124 ) ($4,557,616 ) Net Income (loss) and Comprehensive (loss) for the period ($383,922 ) ($4,248,845 ) Basic and diluted loss per share for the period ($0.00 ) ($0.06 ) Weighted average shares outstanding 76,349,225 72,011,363 Net Income (loss) for the period ($327,283 ) ($4,456,228 ) Add: Amortization 804,440 983,784 Share-based compensation 126,333 326,684 Maintenance Capex (147,190 ) (40,642 ) Adjusted Net Income[2] $ 456,300 ($3,186,402 ) Balances as of December 31, 2025 June 30, 2025 Cash $345,082 $52,603 Current assets $6,327,754 $4,649,923 Total assets $21,410,820 $20,616,747 Total liabilities $19,612,522 $19,832,463 Total equity $1,798,298 $784,284 About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro is an Environmental Services Company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seeks", "believes", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "anticipates" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the Company's intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Company's partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Company's expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Company's intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Company's expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Company's ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Company's ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Company's business and the industry In which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in the Company's Prospectus dated April 8, 2024 under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Non-IFRS Financial Measures Zefiro has included certain performance measures in this press release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including: (a) Adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/ . ### [1] Please refer to Zefiro's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca/ for full filings containing these financial results. All Figures in U.S. Dollars/USD Unless Otherwise Specified [2] See Non-IFRS Financial Measures To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283862 Source: Zefiro Methane Corp. Xs head of product sparked debate after revealing the platform operates with a 30-member core team, drawing comparisons with Big Tech rivals. Elon Musk later clarified that additional engineers from xAI support the platforms AI-driven systems A disclosure by a senior executive at X has set off a fresh debate over staffing levels in Big Tech, after he revealed that the social media platforms core product team comprises just 30 people. Nikita Bier, head of product at X, made the remark while responding to user complaints about the removal of the platforms dim mode interface. Explaining why X could not maintain multiple colour themes, Bier said the team did not have the bandwidth to support more than two design variants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We dont have the capacity to support more than two colors right now. But feedback noted: we are looking into lightening the black on web, Bier wrote on the platform. The comment prompted incredulity among users who questioned how a global platform serving hundreds of millions could operate with such a lean team. Bier responded by contrasting Xs staffing with that of larger rivals. Team Size Meta: 87,000; Microsoft: 221,000; Google: 190,000; X: 30, he wrote, adding that the 30-member group includes engineers, two designers and 1.5 product managers. The comparisonparticularly with Meta Platforms went viral, reviving scrutiny of owner Elon Musks aggressive cost-cutting strategy since he acquired the company, then known as Twitter, in a $44 billion deal in 2022. Musk clarifies Musk later sought to clarify that the 30-person figure refers specifically to Xs core product team. He said an additional group of engineers from xAI his artificial intelligence venture also supports the platform, particularly on AI-driven recommendations and algorithmic systems. There are another 30 or so xAI engineers working on the pure AI-based recommendation system, Musk wrote. From mass layoffs to a leaner model Musks takeover triggered one of Silicon Valleys sharpest workforce reductions. Within days of completing the acquisition, he laid off roughly half of Twitters 7,500 employees, citing daily losses of more than $4 million. By 2023, Musk said headcount had fallen to around 1,500 an 80 per cent reduction from pre-acquisition levels. Since then, X has introduced paid verification tiers, revenue-sharing programmes for creators and a steady stream of product tweaks, part of Musks broader ambition to transform the platform into a multi-service everything app spanning content, payments and artificial intelligence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Namibia receives China-aided satellite ground station to boost space capabilities Xinhua) 10:16, February 13, 2026 Namibian Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare (2nd R front) participates in the handover ceremony of the China-aided Satellite Ground Data Receiving Station with Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping (2nd L) at the Telecom Earth Station outside the capital, Windhoek, Namibia, Feb. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Lin Jing) WINDHOEK, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Namibia on Thursday marked the official handover of a China-aided Satellite Ground Data Receiving Station, a milestone project aimed at strengthening the country's space science capacity, disaster response and innovation-driven development. The facility, located at the Telecom Earth Station outside the capital, Windhoek, is expected to enable Namibia to directly receive and process remote-sensing data from satellites, including the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS-4). Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare expressed appreciation to China for its support. "On behalf of the Namibian government and the people of Namibia, I express gratitude to the People's Republic of China for the generous support provided through the construction of this satellite ground data receiving station," Ngurare said. "This remarkable gesture solidifies the enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations between our nations and people," he added. Ngurare said China's financial resources and technical expertise had enabled Namibia to join a select group of African countries with modern ground stations capable of receiving real-time satellite data. "This data will enhance evidence-based decision-making across key economic sectors," he said. Namibia's Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp described the station as a major step in implementing the country's National Space Science and Technology Policy of 2021. "The establishment of the satellite ground data receiving station comes at an opportune time and complements Namibia's national efforts to build capacity in the space science and technology sector," she said. Steenkamp noted that the facility will serve as a strategic national asset, providing independent, high-resolution imagery to strengthen border and maritime monitoring, environmental protection and disaster management. She said real-time access to satellite data would improve responses to natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, without delays linked to international data-sharing restrictions. The minister also highlighted the project's capacity-building component, saying 14 Namibians have been receiving training to operate the station, with some already managing the facility and receiving satellite data. Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said the project demonstrates China's commitment to supporting Africa's scientific and technological advancement. "The satellite ground data receiving station is the first high-technology development assistance project undertaken by China in Namibia," Zhao said. "It vividly demonstrates China's strong commitment to supporting African countries in advancing science and technology development." He said the completion of the project has provided Namibia with the foundational capability to receive and process remote-sensing satellite data, adding that a second phase will soon be implemented in close cooperation with Namibian partners. Zhao emphasized that the station will be fully owned and operated by Namibia, noting that Chinese experts have trained local technicians for independent operation and will continue to provide technical support. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A New York Fed study finds that nearly 90% of the economic burden from US President Donald Trumps 2025 tariff hikes was borne by American importers and consumers NY Fed: US firms and consumers bear 90% of tariff costs, not foreigners as Trump says. Representational image/Reuters A fresh study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has delivered a rebuttal to US President Donald Trumps oft-repeated claim that foreign exporters are paying for Americas tariff hikes. The report finds that nearly 90 per cent of the economic burden from last years surge in import duties was borne by US firms and consumersnot overseas producers. Tariff surge and the headline rate According to the New York Fed economists, the average US tariff rate climbed from 2.6 per cent at the start of 2025 to 13 per cent by December. Duties spiked sharply in April and May, including a 125-percentage-point increase on Chinese goods before a partial rollback later in the year. While the statutory tariff rate settled at 13 per cent by year-end, the effective duty ratemeasured as total tariff revenue relative to import valueswas lower. Exemptions and sourcing shifts helped cushion the blow on paper. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For instance, even though the US imposes a 35 per cent tariff on certain Canadian imports, a large share of those goods entered duty-free under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Companies also reconfigured supply chains to sidestep higher-tariff jurisdictions. Chinas share of US non-oil imports, which was nearly 25 per cent in 2017, fell to about 15 per cent by 2024 and slipped below 10 per cent in the first eleven months of 2025. Mexico and Vietnam gained market share as importers diversified sourcing. Who actually pays At the core of the debate is tariff incidencethe extent to which costs are absorbed by foreign exporters versus domestic importers. Although tariffs are collected from US importers at the border, the burden can shift abroad if foreign producers cut export prices to remain competitive. The New York Feds product-level analysis through November 2025 suggests that such price adjustments were modest. Between January and August 2025, 94 per cent of the tariff burden was passed on to US importers, with foreign exporters absorbing just 6 per cent. The share borne by US firms moderated slightly later in the year: importers absorbed 92 per cent in September and October, and around 86 per cent in November. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even in November, when foreign exporters absorbed a somewhat larger slice, a 10 per cent tariff translated into only a 1.4 per cent decline in export prices. With the average tariff at 13 per cent in December, the study estimates that US import prices for affected goods were roughly 11 per cent higher than those not subject to duties. The researchers conclude that US firms and consumers continue to bear the bulk of the economic burden of the high tariffs imposed in 2025. Political and legal crosscurrents The findings come at a sensitive juncture for Trumps trade strategy, which hinges on tariffs as a tool to reshore manufacturing and boost federal revenues. In Washington this week, lawmakers voted to rescind emergency tariffs on Canadian importsa largely symbolic but politically pointed challenge to the presidents use of executive authority in trade. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of the United States is expected to rule on the legality of several tariffs imposed under emergency powers. An adverse verdict could significantly alter the trajectory of US trade policy and blunt a key pillar of the administrations economic agenda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in a car to review the troops during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. File Image: Reuters US cybersecurity major Palo Alto Networks diluted references to China in a recent report on a sweeping global cyberespionage campaign, amid concerns about potential retaliation from Beijing, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The companys threat intelligence division, Unit 42, last week published findings on a hacking cluster it tracks as TGR-STA-1030. While an earlier draft of the report allegedly linked the activity to Beijing, the final public version described the perpetrators more cautiously as a state-aligned group that operates out of Asia, Reuters reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The report said that the language was softened following news last month that Chinese authorities had banned software from around 15 US and Israeli cybersecurity firms, including Palo Alto, on national security grounds. The concern, the report said, was that explicitly naming China could expose the company, its employees, or its global clients to retaliatory action. Palo Alto declined to directly address whether the reports language had been revised. In a statement to Reuters, the company said: Attribution is irrelevant. Nicole Hockin, the firms vice president of global communications, later clarified that the absence of explicit attribution was not connected to Chinese procurement restrictions and called suggestions to the contrary speculative and false. She said the wording was chosen to best inform and protect governments about the campaign. The Shadow Campaigns Unit 42 said it first identified the group in early 2025 and described the broader operation as The Shadow Campaigns. According to the report, the hackers conducted reconnaissance across nearly every country and successfully infiltrated government and critical infrastructure entities in 37 nations. Although China was not named, the report included details that some analysts view as suggestive. The researchers noted that the attackers operational activity aligned with the GMT+8 time zone, which includes China. They also observed that Czech government infrastructure was targeted following an August meeting between the Czech president and the Dalai Lamaa figure Beijing considers politically sensitive. Thailand was reportedly targeted ahead of a diplomatic visit in November, which coincided with the Thai monarchs first state visit to Beijing the following week. External cybersecurity researchers reviewing the findings told Reuters they had observed similar activity patterns previously attributed to Chinese state-backed espionage campaigns. Tom Hegel, senior threat researcher at SentinelOne, said his assessment aligned the campaign with broader operations linked to Beijing seeking persistent intelligence access. The Chinese Embassy in Washington told Reuters that China opposes all forms of cyberattacks and described cyber attribution as a complex technical issue, urging parties to base assessments on sufficient evidence rather than speculation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taiwan to cut or scrap tariffs on nearly all US goods, pledge major purchases and investments as supply chain ties deepen The United States has finalised a reciprocal trade agreement with Taiwan, confirming a 15 per cent tariff on Taiwanese imports while securing sweeping tariff cuts and fresh purchase commitments from Taipei, according to a document released by the US Trade Representatives office. Under the deal, Taiwan will eliminate or reduce tariffs on nearly all US goods and significantly increase purchases of American products between 2025 and 2029. The commitments include $44.4 billion worth of liquefied natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion of civil aircraft and engines, and $25.2 billion of power grid equipment, generators, and marine and steelmaking machinerytotalling nearly $85 billion over four years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agreement builds on a framework reached in January that lowered US tariffs on Taiwanese goods, including semiconductors, to 15 per cent from the 20 per cent initially imposed by President Donald Trump. The new rate places Taiwan on par with key Asian export competitors such as South Korea and Japan. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said the deal marks a pivotal moment for Taiwans economy, adding that it would strengthen high-tech cooperation and build more resilient supply chains between the two sides. Taiwan also secured exemptions from reciprocal tariffs on more than 2,000 product items exported to the US, bringing the average tariff rate on its exports down to 12.33 per cent, according to Lai. However, the agreement still requires approval from Taiwans parliament, where the opposition holds a majority. The January framework had also included a pledge by Taiwanese firms to invest $250 billion in the United States to expand semiconductor, energy, and artificial intelligence production. Of this, $100 billion has already been committed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The Taiwan government has separately said it would guarantee an additional $250 billion in US investments. While the final text does not elaborate on the investment figures, it states that Taiwans representative office in Washington will work with US authorities to facilitate greenfield and brownfield investments in strategic high-technology manufacturing sectors, including AI, semiconductors, and advanced electronics. The deal will immediately remove Taiwans tariffs of up to 26 per cent on several US agricultural imports, such as beef, dairy, and corn. However, some dutiesincluding a 40 per cent tariff on pork belly and 32 per cent on hamwill be reduced to 10 per cent rather than eliminated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition, Taiwan has agreed to ease non-tariff barriers on US motor vehicles and recognise American safety standards for automobiles, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the agreement would expand export opportunities for American farmers, manufacturers, and workers, while enhancing supply chain resilience, particularly in high-technology sectors. Director: Vishal Bhardwaj Language: Hindi Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Vikrant Massey, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Disha Patani, Tamannaah Bhatia Not just one star, but plenty of stars! And thankfully for a change, that didnt make O Romeo confusing but kept us glued to the screen. The Vishal Bhardwaj directorial brought together a fantastic ensemble cast starring Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, and Disha Patani. Both Tamannaah Bhatia and Vikrant Massey had a special appearance, which was indeed one of the surprise elements of the film. The best thing about ORomeo is that it is consistently engaging. O Romeo is a deadly combination of a poetic film and a gripping narrative which never thins down. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Not only Shahid Kapoor, but also Avinash Tiwarys look in the film grabbed all the attention. His menacing, nerve-shredding look, marked by an enigmatic head tattoo, makes Avinash truly stand out in the new poster, presenting him in an exceptionally fierce and never-seen-before avatar. O Romeo is much more than just another noisy, mainstream Hindi cinema. A still from O Romeo O Romeo is not just about love, but lust and revenge too. The film shows how a person transforms when he falls in love. This movie is inspired by the 1990s Mumbai underworld, specifically based on stories from S. Hussain Zaidis book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. It features a fictionalised, romantic action-drama plot loosely based on the life of gangster Hussain Ustara and his alliance with Ashraf Khan (Sapna Didi) to target Dawood Ibrahim. Vishal Bhradwaj is indeed the king of the Indian noir genre. The background music is quirky and matches with the genre of the film. The plot is based around Sapna Didi, though here in the film _O Rome__o,_ Sapnas name is changed to Afsha (Tripti Dimri) , who is on a mission to avenge her husbands (Vikrant Massey) death, allegedly at the hands of Dawood Ibrahims gang, by seeking help from Hussain Ustara (Shahid Kapoor) to train her in combat. Games View All Ustaras role is played to perfection by Shahid Kapoor. Ustara was a notorious figure in the Mumbai underworld, nicknamed for a violent incident involving a razor (ustara). He used to kill with a razor. Shahid Kapoors character is hypermasculine and flawed, but at the same time he gives his all to save the love of his life, and he is not even sure whether she loves him back. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD O Romeo film has no connection to Shakespeares drama but has a connection with the underworld of Mumbai, which used to be hugely notorious during those days. None of the female actors in this film has an ornamental role; rather, each and every role is immensely powerful. The focus is not just on the main lead but on each of the characters, including the roles played by Ustaras friends. Triptii Dimri plays the role of a vengeful widow with absolute brilliance. She is ready to learn how to be a lady hitman to take revenge on her husbands murderers. The film clearly shows that every underworld don has a backstory too. O Romeo is undoubtedly a complete massy entertainer, but the script never thins down. A big shout-out to Vishal Bharadwaj for giving such a solid film with quirky dialogues, brilliant music, and engaging performances by each of the actors. A salute to the captain of the ship of O Romeo! Vishal Bhardwaj directorial O Romeo is a love story to remember. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rating: 3 and half (out of 5) WATCH the trailer of O Romeo here: A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ordered her forthwith release from Udaipur jail and asked the Chief Judicial Magistrate to pass the bail order delineating the terms and conditions The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatts wife Shwetambari Bhatt in a cheating case. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ordered her forthwith release from Udaipur jail and asked the Chief Judicial Magistrate to pass the bail order delineating the terms and conditions. The top court also issued notices to complainant Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF and Fertility Centre and a resident of Udaipur, and the Rajasthan government for February 19. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On January 31, the Rajasthan High Court rejected their bail applications in the cheating case. The two have been in jail since December 7, 2025, when they were arrested in Mumbai and brought to Udaipur. While rejecting their bail, the high court observed that granting bail to the accused at this stage would not be appropriate. Vikram Bhatt was arrested after Murdia filed a complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the filmmaker, his wife Shwetambari Bhatt and others, alleging that funds taken in the name of a film project were misappropriated. The complaint has alleged that funds to the tune of Rs 30 crore were misappropriated. The complaint alleged that the Bhatts prepared fake bills under various names and got money transferred from the complainant. Games View All The money was supposed to be for making films for the complainant, but was allegedly deposited into the accuseds own accounts and used by them. Apart from Vikram and his wife, Udaipur-based Dinesh Kataria and Bhatts manager, Mehboob Ansari, were also arrested by the Rajasthan Police on December 7, 2025. Allegations by complainant Ajay Murdia STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The case stems from a complaint filed by Indira IVF and Fertility Centre founder Ajay Murdia, a Udaipur resident, who accused Vikram Bhatt, Shwetambari Bhatt and others of cheating and criminal breach of trust. According to the complaint, funds taken in the name of a film project were allegedly misappropriated. It has been alleged that fake bills were prepared under different names to facilitate money transfers from the complainant. The funds, meant for film production, were allegedly diverted into personal accounts and used by the accused. Added inputs from agencies After a heavy day of polling, the Bangladesh election results are in. The Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed victory, defeating the Jamaat-e-Islami and youth-led NCP coalition. Here are the other big developments from the polls Its a new dawn in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has swept the elections, crossing the majority mark of 150 seats. With this win, the BNP returns to power after more than 20 long years 2001 was the last poll that they won. The February 12 elections have been deemed historic; they are the first since the 2024 uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas 15 years of rule. Moreover, for the first time in three decades, Sheikh Hasinas Awami Leagues boat symbol was absent from ballots, as the party was suspended following the collapse of the previous administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch live updates from the If you are still waking or missed the big developments from the Bangladeshi election results, our 12-point guide will help you. The BNP led by Tarique Rahman is headed for an emphatic win in the Bangladesh polls. Broadcasters have shown that the party has pushed well past the 150-seat threshold to secure a clear majority in parliament. The Jamuna television channel reported that the BNP had secured 212 seats. Securing a win in these polls, 60-year-old Tarique Rahman has also proved his political credentials. He returned to Bangladesh last December after a 17-year self-exile, and has been campaigning tirelessly for the party. The win also places Rahman in the drivers seat for the position of Bangladeshs prime minister. The BNP chief also won the two seats he had contested from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6. Instead of huge celebrations, Tarique Rahman has urged his supporters and party members to pray. The party stated that it will hold a prayer mahfil after results are officially declared. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition has been left way behind. However, its not all bad news for the coalition, which also includes the youth-centric National Citizen Party (NCP). The alliance scored more wins than predicted. Even as votes were still being counted, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Shafiqur Rahman, said that his party would not pursue politics of opposition for its own sake, signalling acceptance of the election outcome. We will do positive politics, he told reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Polling officials counting votes cast for the national parliamentary election in Dhaka, Bangladesh. AP This election in Bangladesh wasnt just about deciding the next government of the country, but also voting in a referendum on the July National Charter, which contains major reform proposals agreed to by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and several political parties. At last count, 65 per cent of Bangladesh has voted in favour of the charter, which limits prime ministers to two terms (10 years), establishing an upper house of parliament, and restoring the caretaker system having a caretaker government take charge for 90 days before an election to ensure polls are free and fair. The polls havent been all smooth-sailing though. On Thursday, several instances of violence were reported, with the Daily Star stating that 72 people were injured in 14 different separate clashes and disturbances during polling. Moreover, political parties also alleged that the vote counting is being manipulated. Some others questioned the integrity of the election results. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As these elections conclude, the 18-month interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus will step down. On the day of polling, Yunus told reporters, Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh. We will celebrate this birthday throughout the day. This is a day of great joy. This election is the first time in decades that Bangladeshs two begums Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia are absent. Hasina is in India after being deposed, while Khaleda Zia passed away last December. While many celebrated the elections and the results, Sheikh Hasina has termed them as deceptive and called for them to be cancelled, claiming the turnout was low and polling stations were completely empty of voters. In this situation, we demand the cancellation of this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election; the resignation of Yunus, she said in a statement. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes to the BNP and Tarique Rahman. I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals, PM wrote on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States also congratulated Tarique Rahman and the BNP for the historic victory in the 13th general election of Bangladesh. Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to realise shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries, the US ambassador to Bangladesh wrote on X. With inputs from agencies The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed victory in the Bangladesh elections. With this, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister of the South Asian country. Will the 60-year-old be able to repair strained ties with India? A banner with a photo of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman, is placed in a flower market, following the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The BNP has scored a huge win in the polls. Reuters The Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman has claimed a sweeping victory in the countrys first election since a Gen-Z uprising toppled the regime of Sheikh Hasina. While results were still being tallied, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the party as well as its chief, Tarique Rahman, asserting that India will continue to back democratic Bangladesh. I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals, wrote the PM on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch all the live updates from For India, the results in the Bangladesh elections truly mattered. After all, the two countries share ties that go back years. However, relations between the two have plummeted since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last July. Also, the two nations share a 4,000-km border in northeast of India. Now, with Tarique Rahman poised to be the next prime minister of Bangladesh, questions are swirling as to what a BNP leadership means for New Delhi. What has been BNPs stance on India in the past? With Tarique Rahmans win, many wonder if he would carry on the legacy of Khaleda Zia, who had an antagonistic stance against India. In the past, the BNP hasnt been known to be favourable to India. Under his mother, Khaleda Zias leadership, Bangladesh and India has had tumultuous ties. During Zias first term as PM between 1991 and 1996, India and Bangladeshs relations were marked by cross-border insurgencies, water-sharing issues, and trade imbalances. In her last stint from 2001 and 2006, New Delhi accused her of sheltering anti-India terrorist groups and insurgent groups in the northeast. This came after her BNP joined hands with the right-wing Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, in Bangladesh. Zia even referred to insurgent groups the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) in India as freedom fighters. Zia once said at a public meeting in Bangladeshs Feni district, They are fighting for independence. We also fought for it, so we are always in favour of any independence movement. A man takes a selfie outside the office of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman, in Dhaka. BNP claimed a thumping win in the first elections held since a deadly 2024 uprising, with leader Tarique Rahman poised to become prime minister. AFP She also opposed overland transit and connectivity links with India. During her tenure as PM, she denied India transit rights through Bangladesh to the northeastern states, calling it an infringement on her countrys security and sovereignty. She also accused her rival, Sheikh Hasina, of being an Indian stooge, further affecting her and the BNPs ties with New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What Tarique Rahman has said about India? However, what does Tarique Rahman think about India-Bangladesh ties? His partys manifesto has already dropped hints. For instance, in a section called titled Bangladesh Before All, the party stated that it is firmly committed to uphold independence, sovereignty and dignity of Bangladesh. The document firmly stated its belief that across the border, Bangladesh have friends and no master. It added that Dhaka would not interfere in others internal matters and would not allow interference at home. The BNP manifesto has declared that it would prioritise to end border killings by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and take steps to claim a fair share of common rivers with India like Teesta and Padma. Smuggling, trafficking and drug trafficking at the border will be strictly suppressed, the BNPs manifesto said. The manifesto also announced that the party will have zero tolerance for terrorist activities and will not provide shelter or support to any terrorist. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister of Bangladesh. File image/Reuters Tarique Rahman had also publicly announced that if BNP is elected to power, Bangladesh would be a safe haven for all religious minorities, emphasising that religion is individual, but the state belongs to everyone. Days before the polls, one of Tarique Rahmans closest advisers, Mahdi Amin, also weighed in on India-Bangladesh ties from the BNPs perspective. I believe there are great opportunities to work together, not only within the neighbourhood, but for the wider world. If we work together in trade, industry, culture, education, security, and overall, there are areas of collaboration where we can all work together while serving the interests of all nations and ensuring that mutual benefit is protected, he was quoted as saying to the Indian Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What about Bangladeshs ties with China, Pakistan? Many political pundits note that Rahman will continue to grow the countrys friendship with China, a worry for New Delhi. Last June, Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong met BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Moreover, the BNP also shares a long history of having good relations with Pakistan. Professor Delwar Hossain from the International Relations Department at Dhaka University forecast, told Arab News, For Pakistan, any political coalition whether BNP or Jamaat will be positive. For Pakistan, the new regime or new government is not the issue. The issue is what the (India) policy of the new government would be and to what extent it would actually support Pakistans view. Police officers sit outside a party office of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a day after the national election in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Reuters Will Sheikh Hasina impact India-BNP ties? However, many believe that the Hasina factor would play a big role in deciding how BNP-India ties play out. BNP figures have publicly argued that her presence in India can damage bilateral ties. Tarique Rahman has framed it as a political reality Delhi cannot wish away, saying that if India shelter[s] a dictator, it will earn the resentment of Bangladeshis, as quoted in Business Today. But extradition of Hasina is not an easy matter for India. The former Bangladeshi prime minister has old ties with New Delhi and has been a strong proponent. She has been accused by her former country mates of running a pro-India government that focused on trade, transport, border security, and water-sharing agreements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its a wait and watch for India now to see which way Tarique Rahmans foreign policy tilts: towards India or away from India. With inputs from agencies As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) prepares to take over governance following the results, all eyes turn to interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and the handover of power to Tarique Rahman. How will Bangladesh remember the Nobel laureate? Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, shows his ballot as he arrives to vote inside a polling station during the national election in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Reuters On August 8, 2024, 85-year-old Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh from France, where he had been attending the 2024 Olympic Games, and was sworn in as the head of Bangladeshs interim government. This development came as a result of a Gen-Z uprising that overthrew Sheikh Hasinas 15-year term and forced her to flee the country, seeking solace in neighbouring India. Now, two years later, on February 13, the Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party has claimed a victory in the elections, defeating the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch the live updates from the While many are celebrating Rahman and BNPs win, others are wondering what will happen to Muhammad Yunus. Also, how will history remember his tenure? Rise of the professor Born in Chittagong, southeast Bengal, at the height of the Second World War, Yunus taught economics at Chittagong University. Known as a pioneer of microfinancing, he won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. Following the Gen-Z revolt in 2024, which resulted in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Yunus was brought in to head the interim administration as the consensus candidate. At first, Yunus was reportedly hesitant about the job, insisting he was not a political person. But as protests escalated and deaths mounted, he stepped in, in a moment of obligation. The task before him was to stabilise a fractured country, restore a credible electoral process, and build consensus around reforms aimed at preventing a return to authoritarian rule by balancing power among different state institutions. Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin administers oath-taking ceremony of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the countrys head of the interim government in Bangladesh at the Bangabhaban, in Dhaka on August 8, 2024. File image/Reuters A post-election future for Yunus Notably, Muhammad Yunus wasnt on the ballot this election. Before the polls, he asserted that he was only a caretaker of Bangladesh, positioning himself as a neutral steward of the electoral process. He stated that his immediate responsibility after the polls was a smooth and peaceful transfer of power. In a televised address, hours after the political campaign ended on Tuesday (February 10), the Nobel Laureate stated, The task of the interim government will end with the election of a new government. We will return to our respective professions after handing over power with joy and pride to the newly elected government. Some report that Yunus intends to return to his work at the Yunus Centre and the Grameen Bank, focusing on social business and poverty alleviation. But others speculate that the presidents post awaits the Nobel laureate to help to provide stability during the new governments tenure. However, Yunus has denied these claims. Yunus leaves behind a mixed legacy But even as the country looks forward to the return of the BNP, many still wonder how Yunuss 18 months in power shall be remembered. Perhaps, his biggest legacy will be the referendum on the July National Charter-2025. A resounding 65.5 per cent of the population voted in favour of the charter, which proposes creating a bicameral legislature, imposing prime ministerial term limits of two terms or 10 years, and granting constitutional recognition to the 2024 uprising. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But for many, the 94-year-olds time in power has also been marked by revenge politics. As a report in The Print notes, it was one thing to go after Sheikh Hasina for her crimes, quite another to ban the students wing of her party, Bangladesh Chhatra League, and then ban her party, Awami League, from all political activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Bangladeshs Muhammad Yunus tours the battered Gonobhaban palace, the former official residence of the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. The once luxurious palace has now become a museum to honour the revolution that ousted her. File image/AFP Under the leadership of Yunus, there were also multiple inquiries set up to investigate the various abuses carried out under Hasinas administration, including arrests of critics, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. This resulted in Sheikh Hasina being sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and convicted in other cases. Yunus also formed the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, which documented 1,913 complaints and 287 victims, with most of those cases tied to security agencies, including the police and the Rapid Action Battalion. Mubashar Hasan, an adjunct fellow at Western Sydney University, who was himself abducted in Dhaka in November 2017, called the commission Yunuss most consequential intervention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, when it came to law and order, Yunus fell short of expectations. In a report titled Gotham but No Batman, Al Jazeera reported how muggings, assaults, and rapes spiked in the Bangladesh capital under the interim government. A poster of Muhammad Yunus being burnt during a protest near the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh office in Kolkata over the deaths of Hindus in Bangladesh. File image/AFP Theres also the matter of rising crimes against minorities in Bangladesh. A January report by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities revealed that at least 116 members of minority communities were killed in Bangladesh in just seven months, pointing to a relentless" and nationwide surge in violence following the formation of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The rights group says the scale and spread of the attacks, between June 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026, mark one of the most severe phases of violence against minorities in recent years. But Yunus fended off these charges, claiming they were exaggerated propaganda, insisting that the attacks were political and not communal in nature. Economically, too, Yunus didnt bring about the reforms as many had hoped for. Economists note that while macro indicators stabilised during his tenure, household-level distress persisted with unemployment, stagnant wages and sluggish investment keeping private sector confidence low and limiting the governments capacity to generate growth and jobs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, it was under Yunus administration that Bangladesh secured a 2026 trade pact with the United States and $2.1 billion in Chinese infrastructure funding. But many note that Yunus time in power was noteworthy. The BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami note that holding elections itself was a major achievement. As Jamaat leader Abdul Halim told Al Jazeera, He started the reform process and made significant progress. It will take some more time to determine if Yunus time in power helped Bangladesh. But as Hasan told Al Jazeera, He provided leadership at a moment when Bangladesh could have fallen apart. With inputs from agencies Bangladeshs 2026 general election delivered a two-thirds majority to the BNP, while a simultaneous constitutional referendum proposed sweeping reforms under the July National Charter. From a bicameral parliament to judicial independence and term limits, heres everything that could change in the countrys political system A woman shows her thumb with an ink mark after casting a vote during the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 12, 2026. File Image/Reuters Bangladeshs 13th parliamentary election, held on Thursday, February 12, has delivered a commanding mandate to the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and its allies. Simultaneously, voters were asked to decide on an ambitious and wide-ranging constitutional reform package under the July National Charter (Constitutional Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. Together, the twin exercises a general election and a constitutional referendum could reshape the institutional framework of the South Asian nation of 175 million people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The vote took place against the backdrop of intense political turbulence that began in August 2024, when then prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office following a student-led mass movement known as the July Uprising. Hasina subsequently left the country and is currently in exile in New Delhi. Following her departure, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, now 85, assumed office as interim head of government. His administration oversaw the transition leading to the February 2026 election and initiated the constitutional reform process that culminated in the referendum. Preliminary counts from domestic television broadcasters showed the BNP and its allies securing at least 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats contested. The Jamaat-e-Islami and its partners won 70 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, also known as the House of the Nation. With over two-thirds of the seats, the BNP has obtained the supermajority threshold required for significant legislative action, including constitutional amendments. BNP leader Tarique Rahman, son of former president Ziaur Rahman, is widely expected to take oath as prime minister. He returned to Dhaka in December after 18 years abroad. His mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, had long been one of Sheikh Hasinas principal political rivals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The scale of participation in the 2026 election marked a significant increase compared to recent years. Media outlets projected that turnout would exceed 60 per cent, substantially higher than the 42 per cent recorded in the 2024 vote. More than 2,000 candidates contested the election, including a large number of independents, representing at least 50 political parties the highest number ever featured on a ballot. Voting in one constituency was postponed following the death of a candidate. Explained: The 2026 Bangladesh constitutional referendum Alongside the parliamentary election, citizens were presented with a single ballot question on whether they approved the July National Charter 2025 an 84-point reform package drafted after extended consultations among political parties and the National Consensus Commission chaired by Yunus. The ballot asked voters to express agreement or disagreement with four broad reform areas summarising the 84 proposals. Each voter cast a secret ballot marked either Yes or No. The July National Charter (Constitutional Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025 was formally issued for the purpose of conducting the referendum. If approved by a majority of voters, the newly elected parliament will function as a constitutional reform council effectively acting as a constituent assembly. According to local media reports, including The Daily Star and Jamuna TV, a majority of participating voters supported the reform package. One report cited that 73 per cent of nearly 296,000 counted votes were in favour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another reported that more than 2 million voters chose Yes, while more than 850,000 voted No. However, at the time of reporting on Friday, there had been no official announcement of the final result. Transforming the structure of parliament Currently, Bangladesh operates a unicameral parliamentary system. Under the July Charter, a second chamber would be established. The proposed upper house would consist of 100 seats allocated proportionally based on the vote shares of parties in the general election. Constitutional amendments would require approval by a two-thirds majority in the lower house and a majority vote in the upper house. Impeachment of the president would require two-thirds support in both chambers. The package also stipulates that the deputy speaker of the lower house must come from the opposition party, thereby formalising opposition representation in parliamentary leadership. Article 70 of the existing Constitution, which bars members of parliament from voting against their party line effectively prohibiting floor-crossing would be abolished. This change would allow legislators to break with party positions. Reserved seats for women in the lower house would be gradually increased up to 100 seats. Additionally, any major international treaty involving national security would require approval from both houses. Caretaker government and emergency powers The reform package seeks to reinstate the caretaker government system, which had previously been abolished. Under the proposal, caretaker administrations would be formed through consensus among the ruling party, the main opposition and the second opposition parties. Future reforms to the caretaker system would require approval through a national referendum. Changes to emergency powers are also central to the charter. Declaration of a state of emergency would no longer be solely at the discretion of the prime minister. Instead, it would require approval from cabinet members and the leader and deputy leader of the opposition. Moreover, fundamental rights would not be suspended during an emergency. The package limits any individual from serving as prime minister for more than 10 years, effectively instituting a two-term limit. Presidency and institutional appointments The reforms alter the process for presidential elections. The president would be elected by members of the lower house through secret ballot. The president would gain independent authority to appoint heads and members of several institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Press Council, Law Commission and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission. Under the current system, such appointments are tied more directly to the prime minister and chief justice. Presidential pardons would require the consent of victims families. The ombudsman would be appointed under the supervision of parliamentary leaders and appellate division justices. Judicial restructuring and independence The July Charter guarantees full constitutional freedom of the judiciary and strengthens the Supreme Judicial Council. The Supreme Court would assume control over appointments of lower court judges. The chief justice would be appointed from among judges of the appellate division, and the chief justice would determine the number of appellate division justices based on institutional needs. Appointments to the high court would be vested solely in the chief justice. High court benches would be established in each division as necessary. Reforms introduced by the interim government including digitalisation of court management, increased judicial manpower, establishment of a Supreme Court secretariat, creation of an independent criminal investigation service, and mandatory codes of conduct for judges and lawyers would be recognised through legislation. Fundamental principles and rights The proposed amendments redefine the Constitutions core guiding principles. Bengali nationalism, democracy, socialism and secularism would be replaced by equality, human dignity, social justice, religious freedom and harmony. Secularism and freedom of religion would be defined as ensuring coexistence and due dignity for all communities. All mother languages spoken in Bangladesh would be recognised as state languages alongside Bengali. The term Bangladeshi would replace Bengali as the nationality of citizens. New fundamental rights would include the right to uninterrupted internet access and the right to protection of personal information. A new article would be added to prevent misuse of constitutional powers. Administrative and governance reforms Beyond constitutional amendments, the charter proposes 37 legislative and executive reforms. An independent and permanent Public Administration Reform Commission would be created. The existing Public Service Commission would be divided into three separate bodies: Public Service Commission (General), Public Service Commission (Education) and Public Service Commission (Health). Separate opposition-led committees would oversee appointments to the Public Service Commission, the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Anti-Corruption Commission. Gerrymandering authority would be removed from the Election Commission and vested in a specialised parliamentary committee. The Election Commission itself would be constituted under the supervision of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Justice. The National Legal Aid Agency would be converted into a directorate. Comilla Division and Faridpur Division would be newly established. What lies ahead for Bangladeshis Political analyst Iraj Ahmed said the package was difficult for many voters to comprehend and described it as uninformed in public understanding. Speaking to PTI news agency, he warned, If it is passed, Bangladeshs almost 55 years of constitutional continuity will virtually come to an end. Prominent lawyer Tania Amir said the referendum and reforms risked voiding our history. Leading jurist Swadhin Malik told PTI, The 1972 Constitution is the legal backbone of Bangladesh. Attempts to scrap it mean questioning the very legal basis of Bangladesh as a state. Malik further argued that many decisions contained in the July Charter were inconsistent with the current Constitution, and questioned the legality of issuing the gazette while the Constitution remains operative. Foreign relations expert and former ambassador Mahfuzur Rahman observed that the summary format of the ballot did not clearly explain the implications of each reform. Legal scholars noted that combining numerous complex proposals into a single yes-or-no vote may have made it difficult for voters who supported some changes but opposed others. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a national address on February 9, Yunus urged citizens to support the charter, stating, If the Yes vote wins in the referendum, Bangladeshs future will be built in a more positive way. Earlier, when announcing the charter, he described it as a step toward a civilised society from barbarism. Ali Reaz, co-chair of the National Consensus Commission and a principal drafter of the charter, said that if endorsed, the next parliament would operate as a constitutional reform council and proceed with amendments within 180 working days. Bangladesh has previously held three referendums in 1977, 1985 and 1991. The first two asked voters whether they had confidence in the sitting president and his policies. The third sought approval to shift from a presidential system back to parliamentary democracy. In all three instances, voters overwhelmingly endorsed the proposals. The referendum mechanism had been abolished in 2011 but was reinstated by a High Court ruling in 2024 after Sheikh Hasinas removal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The final outcome will determine whether Bangladesh embarks on the most extensive constitutional transformation since the adoption of the 1972 Constitution a foundational document that has been amended 17 times but never replaced in its entirety. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies The results of the Bangladesh parliamentary election will likely be announced today. This will be the first election since the student-led uprising led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Meanwhile, more than 50 world leaders, including Indias S Jaishankar, are expected to attend the Munich Security Conference Electoral workers sort the ballots before counting the votes, during the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh. File image/Reuters The results for the Bangladesh parliamentary elections will be announced today. Meanwhile, the Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026) will officially begin from today. The launch of the Nasa SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is expected to take place from Florida. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni will be visiting Ethiopia for the second Italy-Africa Summit. In India, PM Modi is set to inaugurate a new Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 today in New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here are some of the events that will take place across the world. Bangladesh election results Official results for Bangladeshs 13th National Parliamentary Elections are expected to be announced by the Election Commission on the morning of Friday. Voting took place across 299 constituencies from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm local time on Thursday (February 12). The main contest is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami, which includes the National Citizens Party. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League was barred from contesting in the election. This was the first national vote that occurred in the country since the student-led uprising in 2024 that eventually led Sheikh Hasina to flee from the country. Munich Security Conference The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026) will officially begin on Friday at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany. The first day of the conference will focus on the future of multilateralism, the global AI race, and regional security. High-level discussions on economic security, climate action, and nuclear security. Meanwhile, the group will publish selected key takeaways and exclusive survey data from Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. Over 1,000 participants from 115 countries will attend the summit. Some o of the key figures include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and a large US delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Launch of Crew-12 mission to the ISS The launch of the Nasa SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is expected to take place today. The launch will occur from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:15 am EST (3:45 pm IST). Earlier, the mission was moved to February 13 from its original dates (February 11 and 12) due to unfavorable weather conditions, specifically high winds along the Atlantic ascent corridor. The crew includes commander Jessica Meir, Pilot Jack Hathaway, and Mission Specialists Sophie Adenot and Andrey Fedyaev. Nasa Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stitch and Nasa International Space Station Program Manager Dana Weigel discuss Nasas Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station during a briefing at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US. If liftoff occurs as planned, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to dock at the ISS at approximately 3:15 pm EST on Saturday (February 14). The crew will conduct over 200 scientific experiments, including studies on blood flow in microgravity to prevent strokes and testing nitrogen-fixing microbes for space-based food production. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Italian PM Meloni will visit Ethiopia for the Italy-Africa Summit Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to host the second Italy-Africa Summit. The event is the first Italy-Africa summit held on African soil and coincides with the annual African Union (AU) Summit. Meloni is leading a political and operational check-up of the Mattei Plan for Africa, a strategic partnership launched in 2024 to foster cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Italy aims to position itself as a bridge between Europe and Africa, exchanging infrastructure investment for tighter African control over migration flows. PM Modi to inaugurate new office Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 today. This will mark the first time the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) will change its address since Independence. At around 1:30 pm, PM Modi will unveil the name of the new complex, Seva Teerth. Meanwhile, the formal inauguration of both Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2, followed by a public address at the venue. Following the move the government departments will no longer operate from the British-era North and South Blocks, which have served as the seat of power since 1921. With inputs from agencies Satellite images show Iran is reinforcing tunnel entrances at Mount Kolang Gaz La, also known as Pickaxe Mountain, one of its nuclear facilities. The development comes amid rising tensions with the US and seven months after the American military struck other such sites Satellite images show that Iran is fortifying an underground complex near one of its nuclear facilities. The development comes amid tensions between Tehran and Washington, with President Donald Trump threatening military strikes on Iran unless a deal can be reached over the nuclear programme. The site, known as Pickaxe Mountain, has been off-limits for nuclear inspectors. The development comes seven months after the United States conducted strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, including the one at Natanz. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump had claimed that Irans facilities had been completely wiped out and obliterated, an assessment undercut by his own intelligence agencies. Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if no agreement is reached, while Tehran has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of a wider war as the US amasses forces in West Asia. He has repeatedly voiced support for a secure Israel, a longstanding US ally and arch-foe of Iran. But what do we know about these new fortifications? What do they mean? Lets take a closer look. What we know about the new fortifications As per the BBC, satellite images show tunnel entrances being reinforced at Mount Kolang Gaz La, also known as Pickaxe Mountain. The site is in central Iran near the peak of the Zagros Mountains, around 1.6 kilometres south of Natanz, Irans main uranium enrichment facility, according to ABC.net. The photos were analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a US-based think tank. ISIS is headed by David Albright, a leading American physicist and nuclear weapons expert, who is also a former weapons inspector. As per the BBC, a satellite image from February 10 shows what seemingly looks like fresh concrete on top of one of the entrances to Pickaxe Mountain. A boom pump used to deliver concrete is also at the location, analysts from both ISIS and UK-based intelligence analysis firm Maiar have said. Thats not all. Rock and soil have also been pushed back and flattened at another tunnel entrance. A new concrete-reinforced structure has been put up close by. Spencer Faragasso, a senior research fellow at the US Institute for Science and International Security, told ABC.net his team had begun monitoring the mountain in 2020. Satellite imagery shows Pickaxe Mountain could be a potential candidate for new uranium enrichment activities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (File) This shows Irans nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, Iran, on April, 9, 2007. AP According to PBS, Tehran has said its goal is for Pickaxe Mountain to be home to a production plant for assembling centrifuges. The Iranian government also denies that it is pursuing a nuclear weapon. It says its nuclear programme is for peaceful means. What this could mean Why this matters? Pickaxe Mountain was not targeted when Natanz and two other key Iranian nuclear facilities, Fordow and Isfahan, were targeted in strikes by the United States. ISIS, in a November report, claimed that overall, the damage caused by airstrikes to numerous nuclear sites was extensive and, in many cases, catastrophic. The tunnels of Pickaxe Mountain are thought to be concealed between 79 and 100 metres into the earth, possibly deeper than the Fordow facility, which is raising significant concern with experts. In the past, Iran has tied the construction to rebuilding an advanced centrifuge assembly plant, but the size of the facility, as well as the protection provided by the tall mountain, raised immediate concern that additional sensitive activities are planned, such as uranium enrichment, experts at Isis were quoted as saying by the BBC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We dont have internal schematics to really judge what the inside will look like, Faragasso told ABC.net. But given the size of the spoil piles, the amount of construction theyre doing, it wouldnt be incomprehensible to see them establish an enrichment facility inside it. The amount of the work shows it could be a potential candidate site for any Iranian reconstitution of its centrifuge programme, from component production to assembly to enrichment, ISIS has said in its analysis. Other agree. The ability for the regime to reconstruct centrifuges is going to be important for their ability to bounce back, which puts more eyes on Pickaxe, Jarrett Ley of The Washington Post told PBS. And if indeed there is centrifuge construction taking place there, what that means is that theyll be able to come back relatively quickly. Iran has refused to say what work is ongoing at Pickaxe Mountain. Asked by IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi, Tehran reportedly responded, Its none of your business. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to PBS, Sebastian Walker, correspondent and producer of Strike on Iran: The Nuclear Question, asked Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, about the site. Theres a site south of Natanz where international observers have seen new reinforcements of the entrance, Walker said. Theres been some activity noticed there its known as Pickaxe Mountain. Is there new activity that these strikes have created? Is there anything you can tell us about that site? Larijani responded, No, nothing; we havent abandoned any of those locations. But in the future they could possibly continue to run as they do currently or be shut down. Experts say these developments show why the IAEA is critical. This is why the IAEA needs to be able to do its job and Iran needs to come clean about what its doing and provide a complete and full declaration of its activities, especially at the Pickaxe Mountain site, Faragasso said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Kathy Ruemmler, a former Barack Obama aide, has resigned from her position as chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs. A newly released exchange between her and Jeffrey Epstein throws light on personal communication, including plans for a proposed trip to Epsteins island and gifts hed given her Kathy Ruemmler, a former Obama aide, has resigned from her position at Goldman Sachs. Image courtesy: goldmansachs.com The fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files has claimed yet another person in a high-profile position. Kathy Ruemmler, a former Obama aide, has resigned from her position at Goldman Sachs. Ruemmler, the chief legal officer at Goldman, said she is resigning effective June 30. The development comes as the US Justice Department has released millions of pages of documents relating to Epstein, the late disgraced financier. But who is Ruemmler? What do we know about her links to Epstein? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look Who is Ruemmler? As per _Mint_, Ruemmler, 54, grew up in Washingtons Richland. She did her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington. She also received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Georgetown Law Journal. She began her legal career as a clerk for a federal judge. She served as an associate counsel in the Bill Clinton administration. She also worked as a federal prosecutor and deputy director in the Enron Task Force put together by the Justice Department. More from Explainers Why US has seen no Andrew-like arrest after the Epstein files Ruemmler then returned to private practice. She joined Latham & Watkins as a partner, where she worked in white-collar defence. In 2009, she joined the administration of then President Barack Obama. She first served as the principal associate deputy attorney general before becoming White House Counsel. After the Obama years, Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs, where she became chief legal officer. Records show she earned $22.5 million (around Rs 1,867 crore) last year in her position at Goldman Sachs. The documents revealed that she once asked about visiting Epsteins private island. While on a Caribbean vacation in January 2017, Ruemmler asked Epstein if she could make a day trip to the island. According to The Guardian, Ruemmler received several expensive gifts after leaving the White House in 2014. These include Hermes bags, Apple products, fur coats, plane tickets and spa appointments. In one 2018 email, Ruemmler thanked him, writing, So lovely and thoughtful! Thank you to Uncle Jeffrey!!! In another 2019 email, she wrote, Am totally tricked out by Uncle Jeffrey today! Jeffrey boots, handbag, and watch! As per CNN, Ruemmler emailed Epstein on his 62nd birthday. I hope you enjoy the day with your one true love. :-) she wrote. Epstein, at the time a convicted sex offender, responded: They say men usually gvie [sic] a name to their penis, as it would be inappropriate to make love to a total stranger. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein are seen in this image released by the Department of Justice in Washington, DC, US. US Justice Department/Handout via Reuters Hard to believe that there is still an open question about whether men are [the] inferior gender, Ruemmler responded. According to the news outlet, Epstein often turned to Ruemmler, whom he called my great defender, when he was in need of legal advice. The Epstein documents show over 100 exchanges between Ruemmler and the late, disgraced financier. Has she responded? Ruemmler put out a statement announcing that she was stepping down from her position at Goldman Sachs. Since I joined Goldman Sachs six years ago, it has been my privilege to help oversee the firms legal, reputational, and regulatory matters; to enhance our strong risk management processes; and to ensure that we live by our core value of integrity in everything we do, Ruemmler said in the statement. My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs interests first. Earlier today, I regretfully informed David Solomon of my intention to step down as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs as of June 30, 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She has insisted that she and Epstein had a strictly professional relationship. Her lawyer told CNN in a statement: The fact is: Ms. Ruemmler does not make any statement about Epsteins penis. She does not reference it. She does not joke about it. She does not banter with Epstein about it. She does not accede to Epsteins unsolicited, gratuitous remarks about men and their penises. Nothing. Her participation in the entire exchange is limited to (1) wishing Epstein a happy birthday; (2) ridiculing Epstein for the remark; and (3) exiting the exchange. With inputs from agencies The Munich Security Conference 2026 brings together over 50 world leaders in Germany amid growing tensions over Nato, Ukraine, Gaza and the future of the US-led global order. With Trump absent, Iranian leadership not invited, the Munich Security Report 2026 describes a period of wrecking-ball politics A copy of the Munich Security Report 2026, on display during a press conference in Berlin, Germany, February 9, 2026. File Image/Reuters The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026) is taking place from February 13 to 15, 2026, in Munich, Germany. Hosted primarily at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, this years gathering is unfolding amid warnings that the international system established after the Second World War is facing mounting pressure from within and beyond the West. With more than 1,000 participants expected, including upwards of 50 heads of state and government and over 100 foreign and defence ministers, the conference once again positions itself as one of the most consequential annual forums on international security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Roughly 450 representatives from global politics, academia and the defence industry are also in attendance. At the heart of MSC 2026 lies the newly released Munich Security Report 2026, titled Under Destruction, which sets the framework for the discussions in Bavaria. The document presents a sobering assessment of the state of global governance, transatlantic relations, and public confidence in political leadership. Everything at the 62nd Munich Security Conference The conference runs from Friday through Sunday. The Bayerischer Hof remains the principal venue, continuing a long-standing tradition of hosting world leaders in the heart of Munich. Selected high-level sessions and side events are being held at the Rosewood Munich. Leadership of the conference remains under Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, who chairs the MSC and authors the foreword to this years security report. Under his stewardship, the event has evolved into a hybrid platform combining plenary debates, closed-door consultations, bilateral meetings and thematic panels structured around multiple security dimensions. Organisers have described the 2026 edition as unfolding at a fundamental inflection point for global security. Munich Security Conference (MSC) Head of Research and Publications Sophie Eisentraut holds a copy of the Munich Security Report 2026, while standing with MSC Foundation Council President Wolfgang Ischinger and MSC Director of Research & Policy Tobias Bunde, during a press conference in Berlin, Germany, February 9, 2026. File Image/Reuters Security in Munich has been tightened considerably. Authorities have established an extensive perimeter around key venues, and a protest rally anticipated to draw up to 100,000 people is scheduled at the Theresienwiese on Saturday. Significant travel disruptions in central Munich are expected as a result of these arrangements. Under Destruction: The 2026 Security Reports core message The Munich Security Report 2026 forms the intellectual backbone of the conference. Its title, Under Destruction, signals the gravity of its conclusions. The document argues that the international order shaped by the United States and its allies after 1945 is confronting structural challenges that go beyond policy disagreements. In his foreword, Wolfgang Ischinger writes that rarely in the conferences recent history have there been so many fundamental questions on the table at the same time. He identifies critical areas of concern including Europes security architecture, the durability of the transatlantic partnership, and the capacity of the international community to manage what he describes as an increasingly complex and contested global environment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the reports defining statements reads, The world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics. The report contends that the United States, once the principal architect and guarantor of the post-war order, is now perceived as playing a transformative and potentially disruptive role. More than 80 years after construction began, the US-led post-1945 international order is now under destruction, the document states. It describes US President Donald Trump as the most powerful of those who take the axe to existing rules and institutions and identifies him as one of the most prominent demolition men. The report warns that his approach could lead to a world shaped by transactional deals rather than principled cooperation. The analysis points to challenges directed at long-standing norms governing international organisations, trade regimes and alliances among democratic states. Institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation are cited in the broader context of eroding multilateralism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The crisis of confidence ahead of MSC 2026 The report incorporates findings from public opinion surveys conducted across multiple countries. These surveys reveal widespread scepticism about governments capacity to address pressing economic and social challenges. In France, 60 per cent of respondents believe that current policies will leave future generations worse off. Comparable figures stand at 53 per cent in the United Kingdom and 51 per cent in Germany. In the United States, 45 per cent of respondents share that outlook. The report describes this trend as a growing sense of growing individual and collective helplessness and doom. Issues such as affordability pressures, inequality, limited social mobility and stagnating or declining living standards are cited as contributing factors. When asked whether the US presidents policies are beneficial for the world, half or more of respondents in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, Brazil and South Africa indicated that they slightly or strongly disagreed. US-Europe ties at the forefront The state of relations between the United States and Europe is one of the dominant themes at MSC 2026. European governments, long reliant on American security guarantees through Nato, are reassessing the reliability and direction of US policy. Transatlantic relations are currently in a significant crisis of confidence and credibility, Ischinger said in comments ahead of the conference. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the presence of senior US officials and lawmakers could contribute to a more constructive tone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a sizeable American delegation to Munich. The US State Department has not provided detailed information about the substance of his engagements during the two-day stop before he travels onward to Slovakia and Hungary. US Vice President JD Vances participation was initially confirmed but later withdrawn. His address at the previous years conference remains a reference point in discussions about transatlantic relations. That speech was widely described as a reckoning with Europe and prompted criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Recent developments have also heightened European concerns. Statements by Trump regarding potential US control over Greenland a territory of Nato member Denmark as well as tariffs imposed on European allies, have fuelled debate about the durability of American commitments. At the conferences precursor, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker pushed back against suggestions that Washington intends to weaken the alliance. Thats the first thing I reject; were trying to make Nato stronger, not to withdraw or reject Nato, but make it work like it was intended as an alliance of 32 strong and capable allies, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also pointed out that European members must increase defence expenditures and meet newly agreed spending targets. Trump himself is not attending MSC 2026. What Berlin is planning at MSC 2026 As host nation, Germany occupies a central position in this years proceedings. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is leading the German delegation and is scheduled to open the conference with a keynote speech outlining Berlins foreign policy direction in an era defined by great-power competition and strained alliances. A German government official previewing the speech stated, The chancellor has repeatedly made clear that he is not among those who say we are in a situation in which we must or even can - write off the United States. The official added, I expect he will outline what he sees as a path forward for transatlantic relations. On the margins of the conference, Merz is expected to hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Who else is attending and not attending Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde are among the prominent European figures present. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen are attending with a focus on comprehensive security. Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also participating. Announcing his attendance, conference organisers said, We are honoured to announce that @DrSJaishankar will be joining us at #MSC2026 in Munich. From West Asia, senior delegations from Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are expected. Discussions involving these actors will centre on efforts to implement a Gaza peace plan and to address broader regional stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine remains a central subject. Deliberations will address the ongoing war with Russia, prospects for diplomatic resolution and the sustainability of military and financial support for Kyiv. European concerns about US policy toward Russia form part of this debate. In a notable diplomatic development, the Iranian government has reportedly not been invited to this years conference. Instead, Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, has received an invitation. The decision reflects the conferences stance regarding recent domestic developments in Iran. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was scheduled to attend, but cancelled his trip in wake of a deadly school shooting in British Columbia. What else will be focused on at MSC 2026 In addition to transatlantic relations and Ukraine, European strategic autonomy is a major focus. With US security assurances perceived by some as fluctuating, discussions include strengthening Europes independent capabilities, enhancing military mobility and examining deterrence options. Panels are also addressing artificial intelligence-enabled systems, drone warfare and the strategic implications of cis-lunar space the region between Earth and the Moon. The European Space Agencys (ESA) Director General Josef Aschbacher is highlighting space as a foundational element of Europes security architecture. Economic security and climate-related challenges are also on the agenda. Participants are examining the security implications of trade restrictions and what the report describes as the geo-economisation of development assistance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Running in parallel has been the Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC), which is concluding under the theme Command Control, Really? The focus has been on digital resilience and the integration of artificial intelligence into cyber defence strategies. With inputs from agencies Switzerland is set to hold a landmark vote on June 14 to cap the countrys growing population. The initiative would allow Swiss authorities to limit new entries once the countrys permanent population currently 9.1 million crosses the 9.5-million mark The St. Pierre Cathedral is seen early morning near Lake Leman in Geneva, Switzerland. File image/Reuters Swiss voters are set to vote on a landmark proposal to cap the countrys population at 10 million in June, as debate over immigration intensifies. While the rising population is a concern within the country, this move risks depriving the country of much-needed workers. Those in favour of this proposal, claim continued immigration has put increasing pressure on infrastructure and driven up demand for housing. Population increases have become a flashpoint in politics, with many expressing concern about soaring expenses and limited housing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since 2015, governments have been tightening immigration policies, when around 160,000 asylum seekers sought refuge in Sweden. Heres all you need to know about the proposal. What is the proposal? The proposal seeks to limit Switzerlands population growth by largely restricting immigration once the country reaches 10 million residents by 2050. The proposal has been put forth by the Swiss Peoples Party (SVP), the countrys largest political grouping. The initiative would force Swiss authorities to limit new entries once the countrys permanent population, currently 9.1 million, crosses the 9.5 million mark. In subsequent years, the limit would be adjusted annually by the Swiss government to account for any birth surplus. If the 10-million threshold is permanently crossed, authorities would be required to take all available measures to comply with the limit. Switzerland may have to explicitly terminate a key agreement with the EU on the free movement of people. What is the reason for the population cap? In the last century, Switzerlands population has grown rapidly, leading to concern that infrastructure is being stretched. Switzerlands population has grown about five times faster than the average in surrounding EU member states over the past decade. Furthermore, government figures reveal that around 27 per cent of Swiss residents are not citizens. This has led to rents getting higher and wages getting lower. Switzerlands business-friendly climate and higher pay have helped expand its workforce, contributing to much of the rise in population. According to the government, the initiative would start jeopardising prosperity and straining EU-Switzerland ties. Opponents have warned of labour shortages in the healthcare system, public transport, restaurants, and construction. SVP has built much of its campaign around opposition to immigration, emphasising crimes by foreign nationals and sharing hard-hitting visuals of violence and fear. Will the proposal pass? Last years polling has suggested that the proposal is supported by a small majority of the public. A November survey by the LeeWas research institute showed 48 per cent backing or leaning toward the SVP plan, compared with 41 per cent against it and 11 per cent unsure. Polling by Sotomo during June and July found the electorate nearly split, with 48 per cent leaning yes, 45 per cent leaning no, and 7 per cent undecided. Economiesuisse, a leading business lobby, told The Guardian that the proposal is a chaos initiative and warned that many Swiss companies rely on EU and other European workers, without whom they will have to relocate abroad, hitting tax revenue and services. With inputs from agencies The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won big in the first poll held since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is all set to become the prime minister of Bangladesh. But what does this mean for Pakistan and China? The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won big in the countrys general election. This was the first poll held since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is all set to become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Rahman is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who was a rival of Hasina. He spent nearly two decades in exile after Hasina came to power in 2009. The BNP was running against the Jamaat-e-Islaami, which was spearheading an 11-outfit alliance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rahman will take over from Muhammad Yunus, who is heading up the interim government of Bangladesh. Yunus had vowed to step down as soon as the polls were held. Yunus has said the interim government will hand over the responsibility to the newly elected government with deep pleasure and pride. But what does the BNPs victory mean for Pakistan and China? Lets take a closer look. For Pakistan The BNP was founded by then Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman in 1978. The idea behind the party was to contrast with the Awami Leagues pro-India approach. However, given the events that led up to Bangladeshs Independence, things between the BNP and Pakistan were shaky, at least initially. However, during the BNP-led governments under Rahmans widow Khaleda, the two countries had warmer ties. However, the BNPs alliances with parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, which sided with Pakistan during the 1971 war, led to accusations that it was soft on Pakistan. This has also led to claims of collusion between the BNP and Pakistans notorious intelligence agencies. Trade between the two countries is modest at best. According to data from the Pakistani central bank, the total bilateral trade reached about $865 million (around Rs 78.43 billion) in the 202425 fiscal year, up roughly 20 per cent from around $712 million (around Rs 64.55 billion) the year before. Meanwhile, Pakistans exports to Bangladesh rose to about $787 million (around Rs 71.35 billion), while Bangladeshs exports to Pakistan were around $78 million (around Rs 7.07 billion), indicating a significant trade imbalance in Pakistans favour. Trade is generally limited to commodities such as textiles, yarn and agricultural products, but overall volumes are small compared with each countrys trade with larger partners such as China, India or West Asia. As per NewsX, the Pakistani establishment and many in its strategic circles may welcome a BNP-led Bangladesh because historically the BNP was less antagonistic and more open to ties with Islamabad compared with Hasinas Awami League. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNP, which previously ruled from 2001 to 2007, has historically had relatively better relations with Pakistan, while the now defunct Awami League maintained a much closer alignment with India and had kept Pakistan at arms length, particularly over the 1971 war legacy and issues related to war crimes trials. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) and President Asif Ali Zardari (C) jointly conferring the Baton of Field Marshal on Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir during a ceremony at the countrys President House in Islamabad in May 2025. File Photo/AFP Pakistan views any shift away from a strong anti-Pakistan posture in Dhaka as an opportunity. The BNPs style of nationalist politics and its historical links with Pakistans political establishment could ease diplomatic friction and create space for enhanced bilateral engagement, including in people-to-people ties, military contacts and limited economic cooperation. Trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh remains modest compared with Dhakas trade with India and China. Pakistan exports cement, textiles, sugar and some agricultural products to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh exports jute goods, garments and pharmaceuticals. NewsX noted that a BNP government may attempt to revive trade talks and connectivity proposals that have remained largely stalled in recent years, though any major expansion is likely to be constrained by geography, logistics and Bangladeshs deeper economic integration with India and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Pakistan remains a secondary regional actor compared with India and China. So even if ties improve, the scale and impact of that relationship will not overshadow Dhakas major foreign partners, NewsX said in a report. According to a piece in _Moneycontrol_, the Pakistani establishment will keep a close eye on Rahmans first days in office. It noted how Pakistans ISI and military officials have made multiple high-level visits to Bangladesh over the past few months, reflecting Islamabads interest in rebuilding institutional links that had weakened under Hasina. News18 has reported that Pakistan wants to target India via Bangladesh. It said that Pakistan seeks to exploit the Rohingya refugee crisis and porous borders in the region to infiltrate Indias eastern frontiers and that Islamabad has been attempting to cultivate ties with radical groups in Bangladesh. Indian security analysts see this as a potential red flag if Dhakas internal security posture weakens or if Islamist groups gain greater operational space. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Rahman, saying he wants to strengthen historic and brotherly multifaceted bilateral relations. I extend my warmest felicitations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections. I look forward to working closely with the new Bangladesh leadership to further strengthen our historic, brotherly multifaceted bilateral relations and advance our shared goals of peace, stability and development in South Asia and beyond, Sharif added. Abhinav Pandya, a scholar of fundamentalism and terrorism in South Asia, said, While Jamaat is entirely a Pakistani proxy to spread its state-backed Islamist and jihadist agenda across South Asia, the BNP has shown some tactical pragmatism but never abandoned its Islamist roots outright. In fact, in Bangladesh, the Islamisation is such that even secular institutions like the Awami League operate within the framework of Islamism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For China The BNP and China have ties that span decades. As per Times Now, it was Rahman who formalised Dhakas engagement with Beijing after China recognised Bangladesh in 1975. This marked a strategic shift at a time when Bangladesh was moving away from its early post-independence alignment with India and the Soviet Union. Khaleda Zia, Ziaur Rahmans widow and the mother of Tarique Rahman, further deepened ties with China during her tenures as prime minister. She served two terms, from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006, during which defence cooperation and economic engagement with Beijing expanded. China has been Bangladeshs largest trading partner for more than a decade, with annual bilateral trade hovering around $18 billion (around Rs 1.63 trillion), and imports of Chinese goods accounting for nearly 95 per cent of the total bilateral trade volume. Bangladesh depends heavily on Chinese machinery, electronics, raw materials and industrial inputs for its garment and manufacturing sectors. According to NewsX, China will likely expect the BNP to maintain or even expand this relationship in the aftermath of its victory. Beijing has already made massive investments in Bangladesh, particularly in infrastructure, power generation, bridges, ports and transport corridors under the Belt and Road Initiative. The new leadership in Dhaka, given the countrys need for foreign capital, industrial upgrading and export growth, will have to take this economic reality into account. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China has stepped up its investment and diplomatic outreach in Dhaka, most recently signing a defence-related agreement to set up a drone manufacturing facility near Bangladeshs border with India, a development that has raised eyebrows in New Delhi. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen is frequently seen meeting Bangladeshi politicians, officials and journalists, according to the Chinese embassys social media posts, discussing infrastructure projects worth billions of dollars and broader cooperation between the two countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping. China has been Bangladeshs largest trading partner for more than a decade, Reuters According to a piece in Bloomberg, Dhaka under the BNP is likely to attempt a careful balancing act. The party is expected to continue cooperating with China on trade, investment and infrastructure, while not entirely shutting the door on engagement with other powers. The report noted that Chinas development-first approach, focusing on roads, ports, power plants and industrial parks rather than overt political conditionalities, is likely to result in Beijing enjoying a relatively comfortable relationship with a BNP-led government. This would give China influence in yet another strategically located South Asian nation along key maritime and trade routes in the Bay of Bengal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNP poised to lead the next government is neither anti-India nor overtly pro-China. Crucially, it does not anchor its foreign policy around New Delhi, and has indicated that it will grant no neighbour privileged status. Instead, it will prioritise the interests of its youthful electorate, the Bloomberg piece noted. Tarique Rahman has also sought to project strategic autonomy in his campaign rhetoric. Not Dilli, not Pindi, Bangladesh before everything, Rahman told a recent rally, referring to New Delhi and Pakistans military headquarters in Rawalpindi. Professor Harsh V Pant, Vice President at the Observer Research Foundation, told The Times of India that a dramatic foreign policy pivot by Dhaka is unlikely. But the most likely outcome is that whoever comes to power in Bangladesh is likely to be pragmatic in its engagement with both India and China, Pant said. He added that it would be very foolhardy of any government in Dhaka to take a one-sided view of the IndiaChina relationship or to tilt to one side or the other. He said such balancing is a matter of strategic necessity. It helps Bangladesh if they are engaged with both India and China, Pant said, adding that such engagement allows both countries to help Bangladesh shore up its capabilities. The great geopolitical game rumbles on. With inputs from agencies The renaming of Indias most sensitive administrative hubs, including the transition of the PMOs new home to Seva Teerth, signifies a profound departure from the linguistic and psychological shackles of the British Raj. The unveiling of Seva Teerth as the name for the new complex housing the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), and the Cabinet Secretariat marks a definitive moment in Indias administrative evolution. For decades, the corridors of power in New Delhi were defined by nomenclature inherited from the British Raj, names that carried the weight of imperial authority and a colonial hierarchy. However, since 2014, there has been a concerted effort to recalibrate Indias national identity. By shedding these linguistic relics, the government is not merely changing signboards, it is attempting to rewire the relationship between the state and its citizens. This transition from rule to service is the cornerstone of a broader cultural decolonisation project. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The transition from South Block to Seva Teerth The decision to rename the core administrative hub as Seva Teerth is perhaps the most symbolic shift to date. For nearly a century, South Block was a term synonymous with high-stakes diplomacy and national security, housed within the sandstone grandeur designed by Herbert Baker. While the physical architecture remains a marvel of the Lutyens era, the new name reflects a change in philosophy. Seva translates to service, and Teerth refers to a pilgrimage site or a sacred place. By combining these, the government seeks to project the image of the PMO not as a fortress of power, but as a shrine of public service. This move is intended to break the psychological barrier between the governed and the governors, framing administrative work as a duty rather than a privilege. Reimagining the central axis of power Central to this transformation is the overhaul of the Central Vista. The legendary Rajpath, once the Kings Way, has been rechristened Kartavya Path (Path of Duty). This change is more than semantic, it represents a pivot from the celebration of imperial majesty to the acknowledgment of democratic responsibility. Similarly, the Central Secretariat, the engine room of the Indian bureaucracy, is now referred to as Kartavya Bhavan. These changes serve as a constant reminder to the thousands of officials who traverse these spaces daily that their primary objective is the fulfilment of their duty toward the nation. The renaming of the Prime Ministers residence from Race Course Road to Lok Kalyan Marg (Public Welfare Way) further reinforces this narrative, aligning the leaders private residence with the publics well-being. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The drive to decolonise the Indian mindset extends beyond the capitals landmarks. The proposal to rename Raj Bhavans and Raj Niwas (the residences of Governors and Lieutenant Governors) to Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas targets the very heart of state-level protocol. The term Raj is inextricably linked to the British Crowns direct rule over India. By replacing it with Lok (the people), the government is signalling that the constitutional heads of states are representatives of a democratic republic, not remnants of a vice-regal past. This systematic scrubbing of colonial terminology is designed to foster a sense of indigenous pride and to ensure that the nomenclature of the state reflects the aspirations of a modern, independent India. A broader cultural and psychological shift Critics often argue that renaming buildings and streets is a superficial exercise that does not change the underlying mechanics of governance. However, from a sociological perspective, symbols and names are the tools through which a nation constructs its identity. By removing the names of colonial icons and replacing them with terms rooted in Indian ethos, the government is engaging in memory work. It is an attempt to heal the slave mentality that the Prime Minister has frequently cited as a hurdle to national progress. When a citizen walks through Kartavya Path toward Seva Teerth, the linguistic environment encourages a sense of ownership over the state, rather than a feeling of being a subject of an alien system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The impact on Indias global image This shift also resonates on the international stage. As India asserts itself as a Vishwa Mitra (friend to the world) and a leading global economy, it is increasingly keen to project an identity that is authentically its own. Moving away from the shadows of the British Empire allows India to present a decolonised face to the world. The new names are not just for domestic consumption, they are a statement of sovereignty. They signal that India is no longer defined by its history of being ruled, but by its current capacity to rule itself through the principles of service, duty, and public welfare. Gold prices in India slipped into discount territory this week as volatility slowed jewellery demand, in contrast to strong festive buying seen in China before the Lunar New Year. Indias gold market has turned cautious this week as price fluctuations have discouraged buyers, prompting the return of trading discounts after almost a month of premiums. Meanwhile, strong festive demand in China has lent support to regional physical markets ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Price fluctuations impact jewellers In India, bullion dealers are offering discounts of up to twelve dollars per ounce from official domestic prices, which include import and sales levies totalling nine percent. This marks a significant change from last weeks premium of up to seventy dollars. Jewellers say customers remain reluctant to purchase even as making charges are reduced. According to traders in Hyderabad, many retail buyers find current price levels unappealing for fresh purchases. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gold was priced around one lakh fifty four thousand rupees per ten grams on Friday, after touching a low of nearly one lakh thirty four thousand rupees the previous week. The fall in price signals volatile trading sentiment, which has further discouraged new buying from both jewellers and investors. Import expectations influence buying behaviour Dealers have largely refrained from fresh purchases from banks as they anticipate a new round of gold imports under concessional duty. Market participants expect the government to allow approximately eighty metric tons of imports from the United Arab Emirates under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The arrangement offers lower import duties, prompting many to delay orders in the hope of securing cheaper supplies later this month. Festive demand strengthens in China China has witnessed a different trend, where gold is trading close to global levels. Prices moved between an eight-dollar discount and a ten-dollar premium per ounce in the mainland market this week. The upcoming nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, starting on the fifteenth of February, has fuelled seasonal buying. Analysts note that although high prices have subdued enthusiasm, overall demand remains positive. Regional variations across Asia Hong Kong recorded premiums of up to one dollar eighty cents, while in Japan gold traded between a six-dollar discount and a one-dollar premium. Singapores market remained relatively stable, with prices ranging from a fifty-cent discount to premiums of three dollars fifty cents. Overall, Asias gold trade continues to reflect the contrasting pull of local demand and global price uncertainty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sufiya Sufi sets a Guinness World Record by running 430 km from Manali to Leh in 98 hours 27 minutes, overcoming extreme terrain, altitude, and exhaustion to inspire athletes across India Sufiya Sufi is a symbol of resilience and determination, proving that with unwavering belief and relentless training, even the toughest limits can be surpassed In the world of endurance sports, few stories are as powerful and inspiring as that of Sufiya Sufi Runner - an Indian woman who achieved a remarkable milestone by earning a Guinness World Records title for her record-setting run from Manali to Leh. From conquering extreme terrains to inspiring countless aspiring athletes, her 430 km-long journey, which she completed in 98 hours and 27 minutes, reflects grit, discipline, and an unshakable belief in pushing beyond limits. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstpost spoke to Runner as she shares insights into her preparation, challenges, mindset, and the deeper purpose that fuels her remarkable endurance feats. 1. First of all, congratulations on this phenomenal achievement. How does it feel to officially hold a Guinness World Record? Holding a Guinness World Record is an incredible honor. But more than the title, its the challenge that means everything to me - the discipline, the sacrifices, and the belief it took to get there. Its a proud moment not just for me, but for everyone who believed in my dream - my family, my sponsors, and my supporters. 2. Take us back to the beginning - what inspired you to start running, and when did ultra-running become your calling? I was in aviation sector, working in night shifts. My health was declining so I thought to do some physical activities for my health and fitness. Running was the first thought as it was a simple activity and does not require a big setup or time. My first run was three km in my society park. Thats how it all started. Later it became passion and then profession. Over time, I realized I wasnt just running for fitness; I was running to discover my limits. Ultra-running became my calling when I understood that long distances bring out the strongest version of me. Now I am fully into Ultra distance running sport. 3. Running 430 km at high altitude is brutal - what were the biggest physical challenges you faced? The biggest challenge was managing fatigue while pushing continuously for 98 hours. I was barely sleeping for two-three hours in a day. Muscle breakdown, blisters, swelling, and extreme exhaustion were constant companions. At high altitude, even basic movement feels heavier. What made this feat even more remarkable was my choice to take not just the main roads but also extreme mountain trails, pushing my limits and making the run significantly more demanding. This way distance decreased but the steep trails made this challenge more extreme. 4. How did the changing altitude (oxygen levels, cold, terrain) affect your body? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Low oxygen levels slow everything down. Breathing, recovery, food digestion, pace, speed everything. At night, temperatures dropped below freezing, causing my muscles to stiffen, while the high-altitude terrain required unwavering focus. My body had to rapidly adjust to changing elevations, making proper hydration and carefully controlled pacing essential. Throughout the journey, my support team closely monitored my condition and movements, ensuring I was well taken care of at every step. 5. What was your sleep strategy during those 98 hours? Sleep was minimal but strategic. I was barely sleeping for two-three hours a day. I took very short power naps just enough to reset my mind, not my body. The goal was to maintain momentum while preventing mental burnout. 6. Did you ever hit a moment where your body or mind wanted to quit? What pulled you through? Yes, there were moments when both my body and mind were screaming to stop. Not many people know about this story but the target I set for myself was 100 hours. But during my first attempt it took me 113 hours. World record was 118 hours. I broke the record, but I was not satisfied with my performance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So just a week later I attempted this run again and did in 98 hours 27 minutes. During my first attempt which took me 113 hours, there were a couple of moments - I thought to quit as I was suffering with stomach infection. I was unable to digest any solid food. Mind and body both giving the constant signals to stop. But in those moments, I reminded myself why I started. I was thinking that this is what I have trained for. I changed my strategy and broke the distance into small targets. 7. Do you use any mental techniques - visualization, mantras, breathing exercises? Yes, visualization plays a big role. Before every big challenge, I see myself finishing strong. I do breathing exercises to stay calm and focused. 8. How long did you prepare for this specific record attempt? Preparation took months - it wasnt just physical training but altitude conditioning, strength work, recovery planning, and mental preparation as well. I trained myself in Manali for almost three months and around one month in Ladakh for this challenge. 9. As a woman achieving such a physically demanding world record, what barriers did you have to break? The greatest barrier is often the mindset - not only the limitations society places on women, but the ones we place on ourselves by believing certain boundaries exist. I first had to prove to myself that with better training, strong self-belief, and a determined mindset, there is nothing I cannot achieve. 10. What is the biggest life lesson this run taught you? This run taught me that limits are often illusions. When the body feels finished, the mind still has power left. Self-belief, strong mindset, courage, and purpose can carry you further than you ever think. Limits are only in our mind. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party may have won the 2026 election, but with the Jamaat rising to take the principal opposition position, the real victory has been for the Islamists The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won the elections in Bangladesh, but the real winners are the Islamists of Bangladesh. Even as Tarique Rahman, the leader of the BNP, steps up to become prime minister, he will know that unquestionably this is Jamaat-e-Islamis moment, as the Islamists, long a fringe and street power in the riverine state, are now the most powerful opposition force, with more political and deep structural support than ever before. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Jamaat, who opposed Bangladeshs independence movement in 1971 and committed serious war crimes to prevent the country from breaking away from Pakistan, has regained legality, political centrality and international engagement in a way that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. Its rise is taking place within an Islamist ecosystem in which its principal street rival is the even more hardline HefazateIslam, whose growth was indirectly midwifed by Sheikh Hasinas own tactical bargains with Qawmi madrasa networks and clerical leaders. The 2026 general election is the first major national vote since the studentled uprising of 2024 toppled Sheikh Hasina (her Awami League party was barred from participating in the polls) and ushered in an interim administration that lifted the ban on JamaateIslami and allied organisations. Once treated as a pariah for its Razakar legacy and warcrimes convictions, Jamaat is the principal opposition with a historic vindication of its politics. This institutional rehabilitation gives Jamaat three forms of legitimacy it had lacked after years of proscription and repression. First, legalconstitutional legitimacy: the ban has been removed, its candidates are on ballots, and its participation is overseen by the Election Commission and courts. Second, political legitimacy: other parties will treat it as a normal negotiating partner in coalitions, seatsharing and postpoll arrangements. Third, social legitimacy: large numbers of voters, especially in conservative districts, now see Jamaat not as a hunted underground but as a mainstream vehicle for an Islamic politics that claims to work within a parliamentary framework. Jamaats gains are not limited to domestic structures; they mark a visible shift in the way regional and global actors approach Bangladeshs Islamist spectrum. Foreign diplomats, business figures and international NGOs that once kept the party at arms length, wary of its warcrimes stain and its ties to transnational Islamist currents, are now meeting its Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, and senior leaders as inevitable interlocutors in Dhaka. Coverage of the 2026 election in international media repeatedly frames Jamaat as a pivotal actor that could emerge either as the main opposition or even as the senior partner in a ruling alliance, embedding it in the vocabulary of normal democratic competition rather than extremism management. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Women voters in Bangladesh, a powerful constituency, may have overwhelmingly voted against the Jamaat, whose head said even before the 2026 elections that a woman could never be accepted as the head of the organisation, but the results show that Jamaats support base has never been stronger. This creates a feedback loop that enhances Jamaats international profile and, through that, its domestic standing. As external stakeholders accept it as part of the postHasina order, Jamaat gains access to diplomatic channels, development debates, and rights discourses, which it can then instrumentalise to polish its image as a responsible, welfareoriented Islamic party. Critical voices such as Taslima Nasreen warn that this normalisation especially as the Jamaat becomes the main opposition due to the continued banning of the Awami League threatens Bangladeshs fragile secular compact by making a religionbased party the principal counterweight in a formally secular republic. If Jamaat is the institutional winner of 2026, its principal challenger on the Islamist flank is HefazateIslam Bangladesh, an umbrella of Qawmi madrassa teachers and students headquartered around Chittagong. Hefazat built its reputation through massive street mobilisations, notably the 2013 Dhaka rally against the Shahbagh movement and warcrimes tribunals, where it demanded blasphemy laws and a harsher Islamic public order. Its network of thousands of loosely regulated madrassas has given it an unparalleled capacity to mobilise young men in large numbers, to police moral boundaries in public life, and to intimidate both secular activists and religious minorities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ideologically and tactically, Hefazat has often positioned itself to the right of Jamaat though in the past it has struck deals with Hasina. Where Jamaat has tried, especially in the 2026 campaign, to reassure observers that it will operate within the secular constitution and respect pluralism, Hefazats factions openly advocate for explicit sharia implementation, including death penalties for blasphemy and tighter controls on womens visibility in public space. This diverging posture means that Jamaats moderation appears relative, not absolute: it is framed as the more disciplined, parliamentfriendly Islamist actor against a backdrop of a more populist, doctrinaire and madrassarooted rival. The irony is that the relative empowerment of Hefazat and thus the sharpening of an Islamist pole more radical than Jamaat owes much to Sheikh Hasinas own tactical manoeuvres in the 2010s. After Hefazat demonstrated its street power, Hasinas government made a series of concessions: recognising degrees from thousands of Qaumi madrassas, amending school textbooks to remove content labelled unIslamic or authored by nonMuslims, and symbolically embracing the group by accepting honorifics such as Mother of the Qaum. These steps effectively upgraded Hefazat from an unruly pressure group to a semipartner in the management of Islamic education and public morality, while the state simultaneously squeezed Jamaat through deregistration and warcrimes trials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It cannot be forgotten that in the past, the BNP has been amenable to building coalitions with Islamists with ease, namely with Jamaat. How much of that would happen now under Tarique Rahman, who has returned from exile in London as prime minister, remains to be seen. The 2026 election is thus less a decisive closure than an opening act in a longer competition between Jamaat and Hefazat over the soul of Bangladeshs Islamist politics. Before the elections Hefazat had declared that voting for the Jamaat was haram. Jamaat emerges from the election clothed in legality, parliamentary presence and international recognition, which it can convert into patronage networks, welfare outreach and youth recruitment through student and professional fronts. Hefazat, by contrast, retains a diffuse but potent street power anchored in madrassas, mosque pulpits and moral policing campaigns, giving it leverage to veto policies it deems unIslamic and to pressure any government including one involving Jamaat from the right. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In such a landscape, two dynamics are likely. First, secular and centrist forces may fragment or be pushed into tactical alliances with one or the other Islamist pole, further normalising their presence in the core of the state. Second, Jamaats very quest to appear responsible in parliament could generate space for Hefazat-e-Islam and others (even more Islamist than the Jamaat) to claim the mantle of uncompromising guardians of faith, radicalising parts of the public sphere even if formal legislation moves more cautiously. (Hindol Sengupta is a professor of international relations and director of the India Institute at the OP Jindal Global University. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) A simpler first step for an India-China reset could be to reopen the frontiers as they were in the 1950s, particularly for trade and the Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage, following the centuries-old tradition Before settling the LAC question, a confidence-building measure and win-win option for Beijing and Delhi could be to reopen trade and pilgrimage as in the past. Representational image: PTI/file photo Rumours have been circulating that Delhi and Beijing would like to settle their Line of Actual Control (LAC); it is easier said than done. First, there exist several agreements between India and China mentioning the LAC without ever defining it or showing it on a map; what will happen to these agreements is an issue which will need to be decided upon. To settle the LAC also means to iron out different perceptions (on a map or on the ground) and see how to reconcile the differences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For example, in Ladakh, it is said that there are twelve spots where the perception of the two Asian giant nations differs. The task is not an easy one, especially since the Chinese perceptions have never been shown on a map for the Eastern Sector, which includes Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. As for the Northern sector, maps were exchanged for 20 minutes in 2002 and then withdrawn by the two parties (China objected to the inclusion of Gilgit Baltistan on Indian maps). A first easier step could be to simply reopen the border (LAC or whatever one calls it) as it was in the 1950s, particularly for trade and pilgrimage to the Kailash-Manasarovar, as it was for centuries. Reopening Shipki-la China has recently agreed in principle to reopen the Shipki-la route; the Himachal Government sees it as a boost for trade and tourism. According to The Times of India: Talks between India and China on reviving traditional border trade have yielded progress, with Beijing agreeing in principle to reopen the Shipki-la pass in Himachal Pradeshs Kinnaur district. The trade route, once an offshoot of the ancient Silk Route, had been suspended in 2020 following the Covid-19 outbreak. PTI said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu that New Delhi had started discussions with Beijing for restoring border trade through all three designated points, namely Shipki-la in Himachal Pradesh, Lipulekh in Uttarakhand, and Nathu-la in Sikkim: The government of China has agreed in principle to the proposal during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, the statement said, adding that Simla is hopeful that these initiatives will not only revive border trade but also open fresh opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development in the state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But reopening passes is not enough. Fascinating Reports During the course of my research on the Indo-Tibet relations, one of the most fascinating archival discoveries was the reports of the Indian Trade Agents (ITA), particularly those posted in Gartok, Western Tibet. Following the Younghusband expedition to Tibet in 1904 and the signature of the Lhasa Convention in July of the same year, three Indian trade marts were to be opened on the Roof of the World: in Yatung, near Sikkim in Chumbi Valley; in Gyantse, south of Lhasa; and, more importantly, in Gartok, Western Tibet. For centuries, trade flourished between Northern India and Tibet. Even after the arrival of the Chinese in 1951-52, business continued. According to the ITA in Gyantse, the year 1952-53 saw unprecedented large demands for various goods from India for consumption of [the] Tibetans and the large number of Chinese troops in Tibet. During the first years of the Chinese occupation, most of the commodities were coming from India; consequently, the volume of the trade increased for a couple of years. The Himalayan passes continued to see endless caravans travelling north to the plateau. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ironically, the Chinese had to import rice for Tibet through the Indian back door. [They] would have very much liked to do the same in regard to tinned foodstuffs, clothing, equipment and other supplies if they had a free hand, commented the ITA. Between 1951 and 1954, the cheapest and easiest way for the Liberation (or Occupation) Army was to get supplies from India. The Decline of the Trade The trade, the livelihood of the Himalayan populations, started to decline once the Dalai Lama fled from his native land in 1959, and it entirely stopped in 1962. In his report dated November 20, 1960, addressed to the political officer in Sikkim, AK Bakshi, who served as the Indian trade agent in Gartok, described the situation in Western Tibet during the 1960 trading season. The tour took place more than a year after the uprising in Lhasa and the subsequent flight of the Dalai Lama to India. Bakshi soon discovered that all was not rosy in Western Tibet; the border trade was not doing well. Due to uncertain trade prospects during 1960 season, Indian traders particularly from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Ladakh did not visit Western Tibet in usual numbers. Even UP traders went up very late and carried comparatively less stock of goods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The events of 1959 in Central Tibet and the Chinese tightening the conditions for trade affected the business between India and Tibet. The trade agent explained that previously the Chinese and their Tibetan employees used to make lot of purchases from Indian shops, but now all their requirements were being met by the Chinese shops, where they have introduced a coupon system. Possibly under instructions, these people now avoid visiting Indian shops. He further noted that there were three main traditional items of export from Western Tibet: wool, salt and borax, which were gradually taken over by the Chinese; for the Indian traders, the first and foremost tradable item was the wool, which had been practically monopolised by the Chinese, who have raised its price to Rs.135 per maund. The Chinese have also started exporting wool to the mainland (Sinkiang) from this year. The Chinese were clearly not keen to keep the old relations alive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ITAs conclusions were not very optimistic: The trade prospects do not look very bright. To aggravate the situation, constant attempts were made through Chinese middlemen to raise the prices of Tibetan products and to lower those of Indian goods by denying direct barter dealings between our traders and the Dokpas, who are poisoned to believe that our traders had been exploiting them for centuries. The entire exercise seemed to be to squeeze out the Indian traders from Tibet, slowly but surely; Bakshi believed that as soon as the Chinese would be able to achieve food self-sufficiency, they would open their own woollen mills. The Fate of the Kailash Pilgrimage According to the ITA report, due to disturbed conditions in Western Tibet, after the uprising of March 1959, the Chinese advised the Indian pilgrims to desist from visiting the Kailash and Manasarovar region. As a result, only 25 pilgrims visited Kailash and Manasarovar in 1960; the main party of 13 pilgrims, led by Swami Vidyananda of Nainital, entered Western Tibet via Unta Dhura pass and returned to Garbyang via Lipulekh pass on August 22. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Though the pilgrims did not encounter any difficulty as they did not have to depend on the local authorities for any facilities like transport, the problem in the resthouses remains as acute as before. On his return journey, the ITA stayed in the only resthouse available, near the Rakshastal lake in the Kailash area; he found it unfit for human habitation and looked worse than a stable. Bakshi said that he understood from the pilgrims that there was a restriction on taking radios and newspapers and that the Chinese did not favour the idea of Kailash Parikrama for security reasons. When the ITA mentioned these difficulties to the Foreign Bureau at Gartok, our pilgrims had not been able to visit Holy Kailash and Manasarovar for the last two years in view of the Chinese advice regarding disturbed conditions in Western Tibet, Bakshi was assured that when the situation in Ngari would become normal, the pilgrims could resume their visit to the holy places. It never happened. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What can be done? Shipki-la in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand were partially reopened in the 1990s, and Nathu-la in 2006, but closed again due to Covid-19 in 2020. A Confidence Building Measure (CBM) and win-win option for Beijing and Delhi could be to reopen trade and pilgrimage as in the past. Further, spiritual corridors through Demchok, Shipki-la, Niti-la or Mana-la should be opened for the Kailash pilgrimage. Let lakhs of Indian yatris visit the holy places in Tibet; China will not mind the good revenue accrued from it. After all, the Kartarpur corridor between India and Pakistan was opened as a mutual gesture of goodwill, despite the tough reality and difficulties between both countries. Both governments agreed to the development of a corridor to enable the smooth passage of pilgrims seeking to visit Guru Nanaks final resting place. These are certainly fields to explore for the northern border, as trade and pilgrimage always played an important role in Indias relationship with Tibet; it could indeed provide a bridge between both sides of the Himalaya and in the future become a major CBM between China and India; a solution for the LAC could come next. (The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Delhi). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Mohammed Bin Salman might keep the illusion of participation openall the better to play into the wishful thinking of the West that does not want to acknowledge the loss of Saudi Arabiabut India should be under no illusion Bin Salmans pivot away from the West and towards the Qatar-Turkey-Pakistan Axis of Ikhwan now obstructs IMEC quite seriously. Image: Reuters When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC) at the September 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, there was broad excitement for the new schemes potential. India is the worlds most populous state and fourth-largest economy and will likely overtake Germany to move up a notch before the end of the decade. The corridor would bypass Pakistan and facilitate Indian trade to Europe. It would also reduce vulnerability to the Houthis and dependence on the Bab el-Mandeb. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who acts as Saudi Arabias de facto leader due to the kings advanced dementia, was enthusiastic. The project will cut the [transfer] time of goods from India to Europe by three to six days, Bin Salman told Fox News. It will cut time, save money, and is more safe and more efficient. So, why not? Saudi Arabia stood to benefit, as the IMEC would transit the Kingdom as goods shipped between the United Arab Emirates and Jordan on their way to Haifa. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza upended IMEC implementation. While many in the West view Houthi attacks through the tribal groups declared explanation that it acts in solidarity with the Palestinians, the truth is more complicated. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Houthis chief patron, encouraged Houthi attacks not only to harass Israel but also to prevent IMEC. The Revolutionary Guards are not just a military force; they are an economic conglomerate that controls much of the logistics inside Iran. If IMEC became the standard trade route, not only Iran but also the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps itself stood to lose. If the Bab el-Mandab remained too risky or expensive to transit, Iran hoped to profit as an alternative transit route. While the Houthis still attack shipping selectivelyallowing Russian and Chinese ships to pass while targeting Indian and European cargoIMEC provided an alternative. Now, however, Bin Salmans pivot away from the West and into the Qatar-Turkey-Pakistan Axis of Ikhwan, [Muslim] brothers, now obstructs IMEC in a way every bit as serious. If India once embraced IMEC to bypass Pakistan, Israel and the US supported the scheme to isolate Iran, and Europe quietly sought to reduce dependence on Turkey, then Saudi Arabias geopolitical shift toward Pakistan and Turkey could be a deathblow. Saudi Arabias defence pact with Pakistan makes no sense if, simultaneously, Riyadh seeks to isolate Islamabad economically. Likewise, as Bin Salman faces the collision of his development ambitions with his poor management, he becomes more dependent upon Qatar to provide him with a fiscal lifeline and bail him out of his predicament. Qatars price will be an end to a scheme which bolsters rival the United Arab Emirates and undermines Muslim Brotherhood ally Turkey. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mohammad Bin Salman might keep the illusion of participation openall the better to play into the wishful thinking of the West that does not want to acknowledge the loss of Saudi Arabiabut India should be under no illusion. Today, Saudi Arabia is more the obstacle to IMEC than the Houthis. To pretend otherwise, or to believe that Mohammad Bin Salman is more an ally than adversary to India, is foolish. (Michael Rubin is director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) At the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026, a landmark partnership was forged between IIT Bombay and Columbia University to establish a joint centre for artificial intelligence in manufacturing. The landscape of industrial innovation in India has received a significant boost with a new international partnership forged at the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026. During the inaugural ceremony at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, a landmark memorandum of understanding was signed between the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Columbia University. This agreement, witnessed by the Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, formalises the creation of the ColumbiaIIT Bombay Center of AI for Manufacturing. The initiative represents a strategic bridge between two world class academic institutions, aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionise the factory floor and enhance Indias standing as a global manufacturing hub. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A vision for human centric industrial intelligence The primary objective of this new facility is to function as a specialised hub for both research and the practical translation of technology. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical models, the centre is dedicated to creating artificial intelligence systems that are robust and capable of scaling across various industrial sectors. Crucially, the partnership emphasizes a human centric approach, ensuring that technology serves to augment human capability rather than replace it. By focusing on real world applications, the centre aims to solve complex logistical and production challenges, thereby strengthening the indigenous innovation ecosystem. This move aligns with broader national goals to foster deeper collaboration between academic researchers and industry leaders. Strategic diplomatic and academic leadership The establishment of this centre was the result of extensive coordination, supported heavily by the Embassy of India in Washington DC and the Consulate General of India in New York. The signing ceremony featured high level delegations from both universities, led by the Director of IIT Bombay, Professor Shireesh Kedare, and the Senior Vice Provost of Columbia University, Professor Soulaymane Kachani. The intellectual architecture of the project is guided by Professor Vishal Misra from Columbia Engineering and Professor Mani Bhushan from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Bombay. Their presence underscores the multidisciplinary nature of the project, merging computing expertise with chemical and process engineering to address the nuanced needs of modern manufacturing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Expanding the horizons of national AI research This collaboration marks the fourth major AI centre initiated by the Ministry of Education, reflecting a sustained commitment to technological advancement. While the previous centres have focused on various niches of digital transformation, this joint venture specifically targets the manufacturing sector to drive immediate economic impact. The initiative has already garnered significant interest from the private sector, with several major industry partners currently in the process of joining the consortium. This influx of corporate support is expected to provide the necessary data and testing grounds to move AI solutions from the laboratory to the production line, ensuring that the research results in tangible improvements for the Indian economy. Elon Musk reignites his rivalry with Anthropic, slamming the AI firms $30 billion funding announcement as misanthropic and evil while reshaping his own AI venture, xAI. In the latest flashpoint of Silicon Valleys escalating AI rivalry, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has lashed out at Anthropic, branding the companys artificial intelligence misanthropic and evil after it announced a staggering $30 billion funding round at a $380 billion post-money valuation. Anthropic, the maker of the Claude AI chatbot, shared the update on X, saying the investment would fuel deeper research, product innovation, and infrastructure growth. Weve raised $30B in funding at a $380B post-money valuation, the post read. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This investment will help us deepen our research, continue to innovate in products, and ensure we have the resources to power our infrastructure expansion as we make Claude available everywhere our customers are. Your AI hates Whites & Asians, especially Chinese, heterosexuals and men. This is misanthropic and evil. Fix it. Frankly, I dont think there is anything you can do to escape the inevitable irony of Anthropic ending up being Misanthropic. You were doomed to this fate when you Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 12, 2026 Within hours, Musk responded sharply on X. Your AI hates Whites & Asians, especially Chinese, heterosexuals and men. This is misanthropic and evil. Fix it, he wrote. In a follow-up post, he added, Frankly, I dont think there is anything you can do to escape the inevitable irony of Anthropic ending up being Misanthropic. You were doomed to this fate when you chose your name. The remark underscores Musks increasingly vocal stance against what he calls ideological bias in AI systems, a theme hes often used to contrast his own companys approach to artificial intelligence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD xAI restructures amid growing competition Musks comments come at a time when his own AI venture, xAI, is undergoing a major internal shake-up. According to Reuters, the billionaire has overhauled xAIs management structure following its merger with SpaceX, as the company prepares for a potential initial public offering. Several of xAIs co-founders have reportedly departed in recent weeks. At an all-hands meeting, Musk addressed the internal changes, saying, Were organising because weve reached a certain scale. Some people are better suited for the early stages of a company and less suited for the later stages. Despite the turbulence, Musk emphasised his ambitions for xAI, describing it as a company with interstellar ambitions and urging prospective employees to embrace its intensity. We are hiring, he said, and were looking for intelligent and smart people. This is not an easy place to work. Its a grind. xAI, which is developing its own generative AI models, is widely seen as a challenger to OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and now Anthropic, three of the biggest players in the rapidly expanding AI sector. A rivalry shaping the AI future Anthropics new funding and soaring valuation cement its place among the elite in the global AI race, trailing only OpenAI and Microsoft in scale and resources. Its Claude chatbot series has been lauded for its safety-focused design and reasoning capabilities, positioning the company as a credible alternative to Musks own efforts. But Musks reaction highlights how competition in the AI industry has shifted from innovation alone to a clash of philosophies, between those advocating for cautious, regulated AI and those pushing for rapid, open-ended development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With both Anthropic and xAI doubling down on their respective missions, the battle for the future of AI is not just about smarter machines, its about who defines what intelligence should stand for. Anthropic is donating to Public First Action, a political group that opposes federal efforts to quash state AI regulations. On the other hand, Leading the Future is backed by AI industry leaders such as OpenAI president Greg Brockman and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. Anthropic will spend $20 million to back US political candidates who support regulating the AI industry, according to a company statement released on Thursday. The company is donating to Public First Action, a political group that opposes federal efforts to quash state AI regulations. One of the candidates that the group is backing is Republican Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor in Tennessee and who opposed an effort in Congress to bar states from passing AI laws. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The companies building AI have a responsibility to help ensure the technology serves the public good, not just their own interests, the company said in a statement. The AI industry is poised to play a major financial role in the US midterm elections this year, as its leaders seek to influence regulation of the technology. Several states have passed laws or are considering bills to regulate the industry. Two former members of Congress launched Public First Action late last year to counter a group called Leading the Future, which generally opposes strict AI regulations. Leading the Future is backed by AI industry leaders such as OpenAI president Greg Brockman and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. Andreessens firm, A16Z, is an investor in OpenAI. Leading the Future has raised $125 million since its founding in August 2025, according to a spokesperson for the organization. Google, which has been fined billions of euros in Europe for antitrust violations in recent years, is the subject of several European Union antitrust investigations. A Google logo is seen at a company research facility in Mountain View, California, US, May 13, 2025. File Image/Reuters Alphabet unit Google risks another EU antitrust headache as regulators said they are concerned that the U.S. tech giant may be unfairly driving online advertising prices higher, a letter to advertisers seen by Reuters showed. Google, which has been fined billions of euros in Europe for antitrust violations in recent years, is the subject of several European Union antitrust investigations. Another could add to tensions with the US government, which says US Big Tech has been unfairly targeted, claims which the European Commission has dismissed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Commission singled out the auctions for the sale of advertising on Google Search, in particular, the way in which Google has been artificially increasing the clearing price of such auctions to the detriment of advertisers, the letter said. Google, which dominates the multi-billion-dollar online advertising market, said Google Search ads help small businesses to compete with the biggest brands and keep the web free for everyone. Ad prices are determined by a real-time auction designed to show people the most relevant ads, taking into account factors like advertiser competition and ad quality, a Google spokesperson said. A Commission spokesperson declined to comment, saying there is no formal investigation on the matter. In general, the Commission monitors possible anti-competitive market practices and abusive conduct in all sectors and stands ready to investigate cases where concrete evidence thereof is found, the spokesperson said. Recipients of the letter were given until March 2 to provide feedback. The US Justice Department has accused Google of manipulating online auctions with formulas to favour its own bottom line. Bloomberg was the first to report the potential EU investigation. In a bold move against the tide of AI-led job cuts, IBM is ramping up entry-level hiring across the US, signaling confidence in the human edge amid growing automation fears. As the global job market braces for the full force of artificial intelligence, one of techs oldest giants is swimming against the current. While companies across industries are cutting roles and automating at scale, IBM has announced an unexpected move, it plans to triple entry-level hiring in the United States by 2026. The announcement, made by Nickle LaMoreaux, IBMs Chief Human Resource Officer, during Charters Leading with AI Summit, stands in stark contrast to the industrys growing scepticism about the future of human labour, reports Bloomberg. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD IBM plans to triple entry-level hiring IBMs latest hiring push signals a strategic shift in how the company views its workforce. LaMoreaux revealed that the tech firm is not just expanding its entry-level recruitment, its reinventing it. The descriptions for these roles, she explained, have been rewritten to focus on areas AI cannot easily replicate, such as communication, creativity, and human engagement. And yes, its for all these jobs that were being told AI can do, LaMoreaux said, underscoring IBMs confidence in human adaptability. By realigning early-career positions towards more people-centred tasks, IBM hopes to build a future-ready workforce that can thrive alongside automation, not in spite of it. The companys move also serves a long-term purpose, nurturing talent pipelines that can grow into leadership roles and preserve institutional knowledge in an era of constant technological disruption. Though IBM has not disclosed how many new hires it plans to make, the intent is clear, the company is betting on human potential as a strategic advantage. In an environment where many firms are freezing junior roles, IBMs expansion feels almost radical. AI automation is a big concern IBMs decision comes amid a growing wave of unease about AIs role in global employment. In 2025, an MIT study estimated that 11.7 per cent of jobs could already be automated, fuelling fears that millions of roles could soon vanish. Tech leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos recently echoed similar warnings, urging governments and companies to prepare for mass workforce transitions. The caution comes at a time when layoffs have swept through the tech industry, with companies like Google, Microsoft, and numerous AI startups trimming teams in anticipation of a leaner, AI-driven future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This shifting landscape has left many workers anxious about their place in the new economy. For some, AI represents progress; for others, its a ticking clock counting down to redundancy. IBMs move, then, represents more than a hiring plan, its a statement of intent. By tripling entry-level hiring, the company appears determined to prove that technology and humanity can evolve together. The approach could also become a litmus test for the rest of the industry: can a tech giant maintain its edge by doubling down on human skills rather than replacing them? As 2026 unfolds, the answer may define not just IBMs future, but the broader balance between man and machine in the workplace. As his approval ratings hit an all-time low, US President Donald Trump is likely to roll back metal tariffs ahead of the mid-term elections. The duties have pushed households into an affordability crisis and hit the manufacturing sector that depends on imported raw and intermediate materials to make finished goods. US President Donald Trump looks on while boarding Air Force One as he departs for Asia at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, on October 24, 2025. (Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters) As his approval ratings have fallen to an all-time low, US President Donald Trump is likely to roll back tariffs on metals ahead of the mid-term elections. Trumps tariffs have raised everyday household expenses by up to $200 and hit the manufacturing sector so hard that it has lost around 72,000 jobs since April. As a result, Trumps approval has dropped to an all-time low of 36 per cent, according to the AP-NORC survey conducted this month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the economy is bound to be at the top of voters minds, they have also rejected Trumps crackdown on immigrants. A majority of Americans at 62 per cent believe Trump has gone overboard in deploying federal agents to cities and 54 per cent say he has gone too far on immigration in general. Such poor ratings have coincided with warnings from allies that Trumps policies will lead to the Republicans defeat in the 2026 mid-term elections. These warnings and the declining approval numbers have pushed Trump toward a course correction: he has already withdrawn the National Guard from several Democrat-run cities and announced an end to the immigration crackdown in Minnesota. A downward revision of tariffs appears to be the next corrective step. ALSO READ Mid-term pressure: Trump scales back immigration crackdown as political backlash grows The Financial Times has reported that Trump is planning to reduce tariffs on steel and aluminium to address the affordability crisis and his poor ratings. Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff on steel, copper, and aluminium imports. He has also placed 50 percent tariffs on 407 derivatives of steel and aluminium intermediate products made from these metals, ranging from automobile parts and machinery to specialty chemicals and pumps. The FT has reported that Trump is considering narrowing the list of these derivatives. Essentially, such a reduction would cut input costs for manufacturers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For weeks, surveys have shown that Republicans are set to lose the mid-terms: Pollster Dates Sponsor Margin Democrat Republican YouGov Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Economist Democrat +4 44% 40% Morning Consult Jan. 30 Feb. 1 Democrat +5 47% 42% Public Policy Polling Jan. 2930 Democrat +7 48% 41% HarrisX/Harris Poll Jan. 2829 Harvard CAPS Democrat +3 47% 44% HarrisX/Harris Poll Jan. 2829 Harvard CAPS Democrat +4 52% 48% Marquette University Law School Jan. 2128 Democrat +7 52% 45% Cygnal Political Jan. 2728 Democrat +4 48% 44% McLaughlin & Associates Jan. 2127 Democrat +2 46% 44% The Argument/Verasight Jan. 2627 Democrat +4 52% 48% Echelon Insights Jan. 2226 Democrat +5 49% 44% Beacon Research/Shaw & Company Res. Jan. 2326 Fox News Democrat +6 52% 46% YouGov Jan. 2326 Economist Democrat +5 43% 38% Morning Consult Jan. 2025 Democrat +1 44% 43% Morning Consult Jan. 2325 Democrat +2 45% 43% Ipsos Jan. 2325 Reuters Democrat +4 41% 37% How tariffs rattled households and industries Contrary to what Trump and his supporters maintain, foreign companies or countries do not pay tariffs, as tariffs are import taxes paid by importers. Nearly half of all American imports now subjected to tariffs are intermediate goods that US factories use to produce finished products, such as metals to make food and beverage cans, and circuit boards used in various electronics. Trumps tariffs on metals and hundreds of derivative goods have raised costs for small- and medium-sized manufacturers. The consequences include reduced profit margins, rising consumer prices, and, most notably, job losses. Consider these facts: American factories now employ 72,000 fewer people than they did in April when Trump announced his tariffs, and they currently employ fewer workers than during Trumps first term, according to Washington Post and Reuters respectively. Among manufacturers, automakers have shed around 20,000 jobs since April and semiconductor companies have laid off around 13,000 workers, as per The Post. As for households, Navy Federal Credit Union Chief Economist Heather Long told PBS that tariffs mean $100 to $200 more in costs per household. He said the country is stuck in a jobless boom. The other thing thats been really hard for a lot of people on Main Street to reconcile is they see these really strong GDP growth numbers. They see the stock market at a record high, but they dont really feel it because I have been calling this a jobless boom. Theres a boom, but we have had virtually no job creation outside of health care since April. And thats really weighing on a lot of everyday middle-class Americans, said Long. What Trump plans to do about tariffs To mitigate these issues, the Trump administration is reviewing the expansive list of goods covered by tariffs to exempt some items and halt further expansion of the list, according to the FT. The newspaper quoted three sources saying the administration intends to replace the expansive list with targeted tariffs on national security grounds. Sources say the Trump administration has concluded that tariffs are hurting consumers by making everyday itemssuch as pie tins, and food and drink cansmore expensive. Indeed, 52 per cent of Americans believe Trumps economic policies have made their lives worse, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. Violence and turbulence marred the elections in Bangladesh as the country attempts to move from a transitional government to an elected one Violence and turbulence marred the elections in as the country attempts to move from a transitional government to an elected one. According to Bangladeshi News outlet The Daily Star, at least 72 people have been wounded in 14 separate instances of violence during the voting across Bangladesh. The country has been conducting the 13th National Elections after being under the transitional government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. The polls are significant since they are the first ones conducted after the overthrow of Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Violence disrupted voting at several centres, prompting interventions by police and army personnel. Law enforcement officials have detained at least nine people in two incidents five in Munshiganj and four in Jhalakathi, The Daily Star reported. Several polling stations faces instance of violence At least 31 people, including a BTV journalist, were wounded in Noakhalis Hatiya amid a clash between the supporters of the National Citizen Party and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam told The Daily Star that the clash was reportedly triggered by attempts to exert influence at a polling centre. Several people were injured in the incident. No complaint has been filed so far, the OC told the Bangladeshi newsoutlet. Meanwhile, in Bagerhats Sharankhola, at least 19 people were hurt in a clash between supporters of Jamaat and BNP candidates. Police and locals said that the incident took place on a road leading to a polling centre in Sonatola village. Four people were injured and were admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital, and another four to Sharankhola Upazila Health Complex. In Meherpur, clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters left nine people injured. BNP leader dies in a violent scuffle While the voting was underway on Thursday, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader was killed during an altercation with Jamaat-e-Islami activists outside a polling centre in Khulna. The BNP said that the politician, identified as Mohibuzzaman Kochi, 55, was a former office secretary of the Khulna city unit of the BNP. According to BD News, the incident took place at 8:10 am (local time) on Thursday at the Alia Madrasah polling station in Khulna Sadar. There was tension at the Alia Madrasah polling station since the morning. The principal of Alia Madrasa was campaigning for the Jamaat there," said former organising secretary of Khulna Sadar Thana BNP Yusuf Harun Majnu. When he was obstructed, he pushed Mohibuzzaman Kochi. He struck a tree and hit his head. That is why he died. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, in the capital, some voters also claimed that they were unable to vote due to discrepancies. Overall, tensions in Bangladesh remain at an all-time high. As of now seven women candidates have been elected to Bangladeshs parliament. This is out of the 78 women who contested in the polls among 1,981 candidates. Women carry torches during Shekol Vangar Podojatra (Walk to Break the Chains), a midnight procession held to demand justice and political representation in Bangladesh's upcoming general elections in Dhaka on February 9, 2026. Image Credit: AFP While awaits the official results of its 13th National election, unofficial results are pouring in with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party crossing the majority mark. As per the current counts, seven women candidates have been elected to parliament. This is out of the 78 women who contested in the polls among 1,981 candidates. Interestingly, 6 out of 7 women elected to the parliament are from the BNP and the one independent candidate used to be a prominent politician of the same party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also becomes important to point out that at least 30 Bangladeshi parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Islami Front, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jonotar Dal, Bangladesh Sangskritik Mukti Jote, Bangladesh Congress, Jatiya Party (JP), Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Nationalist Front and Bangladesh Jasad, did not field any female candidates. When asked why Jamaat did not nominate any women, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said the party follows a grassroots-based selection process. He noted that while men are guided by the partys instructions, women are given the freedom to decide whether to contest. We havent fielded [women candidates] this time; Inshallah, well do it the next time, he said, adding that some of the other parties in the Jamaat-led alliance have nominated women. The women of the party went ahead in defending the move, insisting that Jamaat operates on Islamic principles. According to the Quran, men are directors of women, which is considered a command and obligation in Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami Womens Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddika said earlier this week. Siddika described it as an internal organisational decision. 7 women set to be in the Bangladesh parliament The seven female candidates who have won their seats in the Bangladeshi parliament are as follows: Afroza Khan Rita from Manikganj-3 Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto from Jhalokati-2 Tahsina Rushdir Luna from Sylhet-2 Shama Obaid from Faridpur-2 Nayab Yusuf Kamal from Faridpur-3 Farzana Sharmin Putul from Natore-1 Barrister Rumin Farhana has been elected as an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria-2. She had previously been expelled from the BNP. It is pertinent to note that the results are based on unofficial tallies shared by Bangladeshs major news outlets that were announced after the conclusion of voting and counting across the country. With a bipolar contest between Jamaat-e-Islami and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), India may have to recalibrate its Dhaka strategy a sign of which was seen in outreach to Tarique Rahman. However, while Jamaat is a Pakistani proxy, BNP has a chequered history and ties to Pakistan and fundamentalists. As the Bangladesh election throws a bipolar political outcome with Jamaat-e-Islami seemingly gaining the role of a powerful Opposition block to keep a resurgent Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh sits on the cusp of a historical change. Though, the Bangladeshi voters had few good options to choose from with the Awami League taken away from the contest. This also means that India faces a test to adjust its Dhaka strategy. The fact that Bangladesh chose the BNP over the Jamaat works in Indias favour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Indias policy recalibration may not be an easy task. While Jamaat is a Pakistani proxy and a front for jihadists, BNP too has had a chequered history and ties to Pakistan and fundamentalists. Follow latest Bangladesh election updates Even as the BNP has now pitched itself not just as an alternative to Jamaat but as its antithesis, there are contradictions that show it has not yet shed its past. For one, last year, Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said the BNP was a secular party and described its previous alliance with Jamaat as just the way political coalitions take place in democracies like India and said that is now in the past. But the partys central leadership soon rejected the statement and said Tuku was speaking in his personal capacity and not for the party. The episode highlighted two aspects of the BNP that have not been discussed enough since Sheikh Hasinas ouster. One, the BNP has long been an enabler of Islamist and jihadist activities of Jamaat. Between 2001 and 2006, the BNP ran the government with the support of Jamaat and the two remained formal coalition partners between 1999 and 2022. Two, the recent BNP-Jamaat divide could be more pragmatic than ideological. BNP & Jamaat are not as different as you might think The BNP-Jamaat fallout in recent years could be more tactical and short-term, according to Abhinav Pandya, a scholar of fundamentalism and terrorism in South Asia. Pandya flagged that both the Jamaat and BNP have Islamist roots and have had ties with Pakistan and the difference has sometimes been just of the scale. While Jamaat is entirely a Pakistani proxy to spread its state-backed Islamist and jihadist agenda across South Asia, the BNP has shown some tactical pragmatism but never abandoned its Islamist roots outright. In fact, in Bangladesh, the Islamisation is such that even secular institutions like the Awami League operate within the framework of Islamism, said Pandya, the head of the think tank Usanas Foundation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNPs public rejection of Tukus simple statement even if intended as a bland confidence-building measure as part of an ongoing outreach to India lays bare that the party has neither abandoned its Islamist roots nor ties to Pakistan. ALSO READ: Bangladesh votes for next govt but real battle is for the state and Jamaat may be winning it Despite such similarities, the two parties are not the same and that makes the situation much more complex for India. The BNP has definitely been pro-Pakistan in the past, but it is not necessarily as Islamist as Jamaat or as close to Pakistan as Jamaat, according to Deep Halder, the author of Being Hindu in Bangladesh: The Untold Story and Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution. While the BNP has been supportive of Pakistan in the past, Jamaat has always been a Pakistani party contesting an election in Bangladesh. It has always been a proxy in the truest sense. In addition to this difference, currently, the BNP does not want to play the second fiddle to Jamaat. This means that the two parties are neither politically not ideologically aligned entirely in the post-Hasina era, said Halder. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That means that despite fundamental flaws, the BNP might still be the best bet for India as a tactical partner in Bangladesh. And trends suggest that the BNP is headed to a landslide victory in the election. BNP chief Tarique Rahman has already reached out to India and a stable relationship with his party and government would mean a breather for short term while India could reconsider the long-term approach to Bangladesh. Bangladesh General Election 2026 Seats Declared: 293 / 300 | Majority Mark: 151 Alliance/Party Seats % of Declared Seats (293) BNP+ 213 72.7% JIB+ 68 23.2% JPE+ 0 0.0% OTH 12 4.1% Total Declared 293 100% The choice for India in Dhaka In Bangladesh, the choice for a partner boils down to picking the bad or the worse player. While the Jamaat is fundamentally and overtly opposed to India, the BNP can at least be a short-term and tactical partner, according to Pandya. But Pandya warns that any tactical alliance with the BNP would have an expiration date as the party would not be a long-term partner. For a year or two, India could definitely get along with the BNP, but thats not expected to last 5-10 years. With Hasina gone, there is no secular-adjacent force in Bangladesh. There are just Islamists of various levels of extremism and Islamists can only be tactical partner for so long. None of them believe in multiculturism. Even the likes of the BNP are unlikely to stop radicalisation in the country that has accelerated in the post-Hasina era, said Pandya. ALSO READ: Hasina gone, Bangladeshs extremists dismantle 1971 foundation to become East Pakistan again There are also doubts how long the BNP would be able to hold Bangladesh together because the country is now so radicalised and Islamised that even being nationalist, Islamist, or pro-Pakistan is not enough to be acceptable to powers that have ruled Bangladeshs streets since July 2024. Halder said that a party or leader in Bangladesh needs to be both Islamist and pro-Pakistan to be acceptable to the street powers and also needs to be aligned with them 100 per cent. There were attacks on media houses and journalists that were critical of India and supportive of the July protests. Cultural centres were also attacked. These attacks tell you that Bangladesh has entered an era where Islamists aiming to be string-pullers dont want just your compliance but total submission. They are not content with anti-India or pro-Pakistan positions but want everything to revolve around Islamism. And the friction is not exactly new, said Halder. For decades, there has been a contest between forces of 1947 and 1971 in Bangladesh, according to Halder. There were always two ideas of Bangladesh. One was the idea that led to the foundation of Bangladesh in 1971. It envisioned the nation as a sociocultural entity centred around language and culture. Under this idea, people would rise above religion. The second idea was that of East Pakistan that imagined the nation strictly in religious Islamic terms. This second idea now appears to be getting stronger by the day, Halder told Firstpost. So, what are Indias options in Bangladesh? Pandya said there are only hard and uneasy options as the opportunity for good solutions ended with Hasinas ouster. Both India and Sheikh Mujib failed to curb Pakistans influence in Bangladesh. And that has come to haunt them now. For a long-term solution, India needs to work towards the grassroot revival of the Awami League even if it sounds politically incorrect. And, secondly, India needs to be very firm in display of force to deter jihadists and be ready for Myanmar-like cross-border strikes if Pakistans jihadists try to use Bangladesh as a hub and launchpad, said Pandya. Rahman returned to Bangladesh on the eve of the parliamentary election and a referendum on the July Charter. India reached out to Rahman, the son of the former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away recently, as he emerged as the leader of Bangladeshs largest democratic party after the Muhammad Yunus regime barred ousted Hasinas Awami League from the election. Rahman has spoken in conciliatory tone, in contrast to Jamaats anti-India pitch, about improving ties with its largest neighbour India. BNP and its allies have widened their gap from others by securing 182 seats so far in the ongoing parliamentary vote count Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh National Partys Tarique Rahman for winning the countrys elections, saying that the results show the trust of people in his leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals, PM Modi said in a post on X. I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate BNP for the historic win. Apart from India, the US and Pakistan have also hailed Rahmans election victory. BNP claims election victory BNP has won 213 out of the total 300 seats as of 9:23 am (Indian time), with the party claiming victory in the elections held after the 2024 uprising. Catch all the live updates on the Bangladesh election results This victory was expected. It is not surprising that the people of Bangladesh have placed their trust in a party capable of realising the dreams that our youth envisioned during the uprising, Salahuddin Ahmed, a leading BNP committee member, told AFP Friday. Meanwhile, the coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami has won 68 seats, a huge leap from its past results but far short of the outright win it had campaigned for. Rahman, son of the late and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is poised to become the next prime minister of Bangladesh. India-Bangladesh ties Relations between India and Bangladesh have not been the best since Awami Leagues Sheikh Hasina was ousted from the country in 2024. India has repeatedly voiced concerns over attacks against Hindus in the past two years. Apart from this, Bangladeshs interim chief Muhammad Yunus has irked New Delhi by suggesting that Indias Northeast is landlocked. These remarks gained significant traction during Decembers anti-India demonstrations, which saw protestors targeting Indian diplomatic missions across Dhaka and other major cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bangladeshs 13th national parliamentary vote has produced just one Hindu representative in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad. Gayeshwar Chandra Roy of the BNP won the Dhaka-3 seat with 99,163 votes, defeating Jamaat-e-Islami contender Md Shahinur Islam. A man walks past a campaign poster of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman and election candidate Tarique Rahman outside his office as counting continues in Bangladesh's general election, in Dhaka on February 13, 2026.- AFP Amid the Bangladesh Nationalist Partys broad electoral success in the 13th parliamentary polls, minority representation has shrunk to a single Hindu lawmaker in the new parliament. While BNP appears poised to form the next government, six of the seven Hindu candidates fielded by major parties were defeated, raising questions about inclusivity in the next political phase. Roys win is the only success among six Hindu candidates fielded by BNP, while the lone Hindu nominee of Jamaat-e-Islami, Krishna Nandi, lost in Khulna-1 to BNPs Amir Ejaz Khan, who received 1,21,352 votes against Nandis 70,346. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The outcome comes amid rising concerns about the safety of Bangladeshs Hindu community, which has faced attacks in recent months following the killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025. India has repeatedly raised concerns over these attacks on minorities. BNP dominance contrasts with limited minority victories The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman appears on course to form the next government after nearly two decades out of power. While the partys overall success is clear, the Hindu community continues to have very limited representation in parliament. Political analysts pointed out that the results reflect both the BNPs widespread appeal and the challenges minority candidates face in gaining parliamentary seats. Only one Hindu candidate winning among seven suggests ongoing hurdles for minority participation in politics, said a Dhaka-based analyst. Jamaat-e-Islamis poor performance among minority constituencies highlights its restricted voter base in areas with diverse populations. While it gained some support in conservative districts, it could not win any seats where minority voters form a substantial portion. Elections signal BNPs return and regional attention on minority rights The 13th parliamentary elections will replace the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, after the collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024. The BNPs expected victory represents a major political shift, but observers note that minority representation and security remain key concerns. Gayeshwar Chandra Roys win offers a rare voice for Hindus in the new parliament and both domestic and international observers are watching how the incoming government addresses minority rights. The results also have implications for Bangladesh-India relations, which have faced strains since the interim administration assumed office. With BNP poised to restore political stability, questions remain about how effectively minority communities will be included in governance and decision-making under the new government. The Trump administration has shelved a number of key tech security measures aimed at Beijing ahead of an April meeting between the two countries presidents. The Trump administration has shelved a number of key tech security measures aimed at Beijing ahead of an April meeting between the two countries presidents. The measures include a ban on China Telecoms U.S. operations and restrictions on sales of Chinese equipment for U.S. data centres, sources said. The U.S. has also put on hold proposed bans on domestic sales of routers made by TP-Link and the U.S. internet business of China Unicom and China Mobile, along with another measure that would bar sales of Chinese electric trucks and buses in the U.S., four people said, declining to be named. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Those decisions have not previously been reported. They are the latest moves by the Trump administration to rein in U.S. government actions that could antagonize Beijing following a trade truce reached by Chinas Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in October, the sources said. That meeting also included a pledge by the Chinese to delay painful export restrictions on the rare-earth minerals that underpin tech manufacturing globally. The Commerce Department defended its actions, saying it is actively using its authorities to address national security risks from foreign technology, and we will continue to do so. While the administrations actions are likely aimed at helping to defuse trade tensions related to Trumps costly trade war, some critics say they also leave U.S. data centers and other technology vulnerable to Chinese threats as data center construction surges to meet exploding demand for AI. At a moment when we are desperately trying to remove ourselves from Beijings leverage over rare-earth supply chains, it is ironic that were actually letting Beijing acquire new areas of leverage over the U.S. economy in telecoms infrastructure, in data centers and AI, and EVs, said Matt Pottinger, who served as deputy national security advisor during Trumps first term. The Chinese Embassy said Beijing opposes turning trade and technological issues into political weapons while welcoming U.S. cooperation with China that could make 2026 a year where our two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. TP-Link Systems Inc., a California-based company that was spun off from a Chinese firm in 2024, emphasized that it is an independently owned American company, with U.S.-managed software, U.S.-hosted data, and security practices that meet U.S. industry standards. Any suggestion that we are subject to foreign control or pose a national security risk is categorically false, it added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House and Chinese state-owned telecom giants China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom did not respond to requests for comment about the measures and why they are on hold. Trump plans to visit Beijing in April, and has invited Xi to visit the U.S. later in the year. Some Democratic lawmakers objected to the shelving of the measures. You cant claim to be tough on China and let the Chinese Communist Party flood their technology into critical infrastructure and companies across America from the auto industry to telecommunications, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. In his rush to please Chairman Xi, Trump is selling out our national security, industry, and risking the private personal data for millions of Americans, he added. All the measures that the administration has now paused were initially aimed at keeping Beijing from accessing and exploiting sensitive American data for blackmail or intellectual property theft and positioning itself deep within internet-connected systems to sabotage critical infrastructure, two of the sources said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Throughout much of last year, Commerce Undersecretary Jeffrey Kessler dragged his heels on advancing the measures, citing the need to get buy-in from the White House and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, two of the people said. The Commerce Department and Kessler did not respond to requests for comment on this description. But after the October trade truce, leadership instructed staffers in the office charged with policing foreign tech threats to focus on Iran and Russia, two of the sources said. Iran is not viewed as a tech threat on par with China or Russia. Commerce did not comment on questions about its shift in focus. Last month, the Commerce Department ousted the woman charged with leading the office. She will be replaced by Katelyn Christ, a political appointee with experience at the office, two sources said. Christ could potentially revive some of the measures if relations with China sour following the April summit between Trump and Xi, one of them added. Christ and Commerce did not comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But some China hawks say such measures cannot wait. U.S. data center capacity is expected to grow by nearly 120% by 2030, according to global real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle. David Feith, who served in Trumps first and second administrations, described Chinese-linked data center hardware as a growing national security threat and urged action to address it. American data centers could become remotely controlled islands of Chinese digital sovereignty, as the U.S. quietly builds strategic vulnerabilities into our AI and energy backbone, he said. Wendy Cutler, a former acting deputy U.S. trade representative, now with the Asia Society Policy Institute, said it stands to reason that the administration would shelve punitive tech measures as it seeks stabilization with China. The Chinese have made it very clear that stabilization in their mind means no more export controls and other restrictive tech measures, so particularly in the lead-up to the April visit to China, I would not expect the issuance of more controls, she said, emphasizing Chinas potent threat of fresh curbs on rare-earth mineral exports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Not only does it have leverage, it is willing to use it. It ties the presidents hands, she added. TP-Link contacted the Commerce Department last year with suggestions for ways it could address national security concerns, two sources said, clearing the path for a less restrictive regulation of its U.S. router sales. In response to Reuters questions about the measure targeting its technology, the company said its routers are not uniquely targeted for cyberattacks and that its code has been rigorously tested by U.S.-based experts to prevent the use of covert methods to bypass security controls. The company also said it has fully cooperated with the Commerce Department and does not comment on the specifics of a government investigation. In recent months, labourers from India and other South Asian countries have begun taking municipal jobs, including snow removal in major cities. Foreign workers are also increasingly visible at construction sites, restaurants and in urban service roles Russia is widening its recruitment of foreign workers as the country faces a deepening labour shortage driven by demographic decline and the war in Ukraine. The government estimates that Russia will need an additional 11 million workers by the end of the decade to sustain its economy. In recent months, labourers from India and other South Asian countries have begun taking municipal jobs, including snow removal in major cities. Foreign workers are also increasingly visible at construction sites, restaurants and in urban service roles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Economy drives up labour shortage The labour crunch comes as Russia faces a prolonged demographic crisis. Since a sharp drop in birth rates following the 1990s economic collapse, the population has steadily aged. Today, roughly a quarter of Russians are of retirement age. With unemployment hovering near 2 per cent, among the lowest levels globally, businesses are struggling to find staff, raising concerns that labour constraints could further dampen already sluggish economic growth. While the United States under President Donald Trump and several European countries have tightened immigration policies, Russia is moving in the opposite direction, seeking to attract more foreign workers. Companies are particularly interested in migrants tied to specific jobs through visas and contracts, as workers from visa-free Central Asian countries are more likely to switch employers frequently. War worsens labour crisis The war in Ukraine has exacerbated the shortage. In addition to those mobilised for combat, the expanding defence sector has drawn workers away from civilian industries. At the same time, an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 working-age Russians have left the country since the invasion, citing opposition to the war, fears of mobilization or other reasons. Major corporations are feeling the strain. MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC, the countrys largest mining company and one of its highest-paying employers, was short about 10,000 employees in Siberia last year, roughly 10 per cent of its workforce. According to a report by Bloomberg, the company still lacks several thousand workers in the region. JSC Shipbuilding Corporation Ak Bars, which produces both civilian and military vessels, is short of 1,500 and 2,000 employees. Chief Executive Renat Mistakhov said the labour gap has reduced operations to about half of capacity. Russia looks the other way Russia is also looking to deepen labour cooperation with North Korea. Arrivals from the country have increased since 2022, reversing a decline that followed a 2017 United Nations ban on employing North Korean citizens abroad. Many North Koreans enter Russia on student visas. According to the Foreign Ministry, about 9,000 arrived in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available. Meanwhile, the developer group Eskadra told RIA Novosti that the number of North Korean workers on Russian construction sites could reach 50,000 by the end of 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the war drags on and demographic pressures intensify, Russias widening search for foreign labour underscores the scale of its economic challenge. Without a significant influx of workers, analysts warn, the country risks hitting hard limits on growth in the years ahead. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), fresh from a sweeping election victory, has renewed its demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial in Bangladesh, signalling that the issue will be pursued formally through diplomatic channels. Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshs longest-serving Prime Minister, fled to India after her Awami League government was overthrown in August 2024 following weeks of violent unrest. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), buoyed by a sweeping victory in the general elections, has renewed its demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial in Bangladesh. Riding on its landslide win, the BNP said it would formally pursue Hasinas return through diplomatic channels. Senior party leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the issue would be taken up at the highest levels. We have consistently pressed for her extradition in accordance with the law. This is an issue between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We have urged the government of India to send her back to face trial in Bangladesh, he told PTI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ahmed stressed that while the BNP seeks friendly ties with all neighbouring countries, including India, such relations must be based on mutual respect and equality. Conviction and exile Hasina was ousted during the 2024 youth-led uprising and has since been living in New Delhi. In November 2025, a Dhaka tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity linked to the violent crackdown on protesters during the unrest. The BNPs renewed demand comes days after Hasina described the recent elections as a sham and accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating her removal from office. Indias measured stance New Delhi has adopted a cautious approach. In November, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had received Bangladeshs extradition request and was examining it under ongoing legal processes. He reiterated Indias commitment to peace, democracy and stability in Bangladesh. Since her departure, Hasina has largely stayed out of the public spotlight in New Delhi, aside from occasional remarks. In January 2026, she triggered fresh controversy in Dhaka after delivering an address from the Indian capital urging citizens to rise against the interim administration. Bangladeshs 13th parliamentary election has reset the countrys politics following the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina and ended Awami League rule. BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, is set to form the government, while rivals struggled to match its sweeping mandate. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman waves to supporters during the final day of election campaign rally, ahead of the national election, in Jatrabari, Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 9, 2026. - Reuters Bangladeshs 13th parliamentary election the first since the 2024 student-led uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina and ended more than 15 years of Awami League rule has delivered a decisive political reset. With the Awami League barred from contesting and the interim administration completing its 18-month tenure, the election became a direct contest among forces that had risen from the turbulence of the past two years. At the centre of this reshaped landscape is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returning after boycotting the last national poll and now led by Tarique Rahman, who came back from nearly two decades in exile weeks before campaigning intensified. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jamaat-e-Islami, long regarded as a hardline party, sought to project a more inclusive image, promising justice-based governance and outreach to women and minorities. It contested as the principal force in an 11-party alliance that included the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by youth activists central to the 2024 uprising. The outcome, however, has drawn clear lines: the BNP is poised to form the next government with a commanding majority, Jamaat has fallen short of expectations despite emerging as a major opposition force, and the student bloc that helped reshape Bangladeshs politics has struggled at the ballot box. At the same time, voters endorsed the July National Charter in a parallel referendum. The BNP appears set for a sweeping win, positioning Tarique Rahman to become Bangladeshs first male prime minister in 35 years. For a party that boycotted the previous election and spent years in opposition, its return in the first post-Hasina poll has been emphatic. Multiple tallies showed the BNP comfortably crossing the 151-seat majority mark in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad. Provisional results indicated Rahman won from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6. Reuters placed the BNP and its allies above 212 seats, while other media estimates showed the party well past the majority threshold. Striking a restrained tone, the BNP asked supporters to avoid victory rallies and instead hold special prayers nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the US Embassy in Dhaka were among those who congratulated Rahman, with Washington describing it as a historic victory. With the Awami League barred and its voter base fragmented, a significant section of that electorate appears to have shifted to the BNP. The partys manifesto centred on job creation, farmer support and relief for marginalised households resonated with voters seeking stability after prolonged unrest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jamaat-e-Islami: rebranding attempt, limited breakthrough Jamaat entered the election with renewed visibility after years of political isolation and legal challenges. It attempted a rebranding exercise, promising minority rights, accountability and inclusive governance, and even fielded its first Hindu candidate. Through its 11-party alliance, Jamaat hoped to translate its role in anti-Hasina mobilisation into parliamentary gains. Early campaign signals suggested momentum, but that advantage faded as the BNPs organisational strength gathered pace. Many young voters, women and minority communities ultimately shifted towards the BNP. Even sections of Awami League supporters who chose to participate gravitated away from Jamaat. Tallies showed Jamaat and its allies securing around 69 seats. Party chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded defeat while expressing dissatisfaction with aspects of the process. Despite falling short of its ambitions, Jamaat now appears set to become the principal opposition force an unprecedented position in its history. NCP: from protest vanguard to electoral setback The National Citizen Party (NCP), led by activists who were instrumental in the 2024 uprising, entered the race with high visibility. Aligning with the Jamaat-led alliance, it contested 30 seats. However, local media reported that the NCP won just five seats a sharp reversal for a group many expected to emerge as a significant new force. The transition from street mobilisation to electoral politics exposed organisational weaknesses. As the campaign progressed, many young and first-time voters consolidated behind the BNP, viewing it as the only viable alternative capable of governing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD July National Charter gets voter nod Alongside parliamentary voting, citizens participated in a referendum on the 84-point July National Charter reform agenda. A majority backed the proposal, giving agitators-turned-political actors a symbolic endorsement of their reform platform, even as their electoral performance lagged. Indias outreach Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on his victory and reaffirmed Indias commitment to strengthening ties between the two neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties. In a post on X, Modi said he looked forward to working with the new leadership to advance peace, progress and prosperity for both countries. The election marks not only the BNPs return to power but also a broader recalibration of Bangladeshs political order shaped by upheaval, realignment and a clear voter mandate for change. The Russias South Caucasus bit was an eyesore to WaPos 19.3 million followers, who were swift enough to link the blooper to its recent job cuts, where thousands of journalists lost their jobs The Washington Post headquarters, after the Post announced it was starting widespread layoffs in Washington, DC, US, February 4, 2026. File Image/Reuters The Washington Post cut thousands of jobs last week, and as it was just starting to move away from the public eye for the mass layoffs, the news outlet has once again become the centre of attention for a post that has now been deleted. WaPo published an article with the headline Vance Armenia, Azerbaijan as Trump eyes deals in Russias sphere. The article with that header seems like a straightforward story; the publication made an error on X that quickly caught the attention of news-hungry fellows on the platform. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the post, WaPo said, During a two-day swing to Russias South Caucasus, Vice President JD Vance trumpeted plans for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity a 26-mile link through Armenia, connecting Azerbaijan to Turkey while bypassing Russia and Iran. The Russias South Caucasus bit was an eyesore to WaPos 19.3 million followers, who were swift enough to link the blooper to its recent job cuts, where thousands of journalists lost their jobs. Misinterpreted After X users pointed out the mistake, the outlet put out another post saying, Correction: A previous version of this post misidentified the South Caucasus as belonging to Russia. The region, made up of territory in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, is not part of Russia. We deleted the previous tweet. Correction: A previous version of this post misidentified the South Caucasus as belonging to Russia. The region, made up of territory in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, is not part of Russia. We deleted the previous tweet. pic.twitter.com/OYsRkZiIPO The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 12, 2026 The South Caucasus is a region at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Bordered by Russia, Turkey and Iran, it is strategically important for energy routes and trade corridors. The region has a complex history shaped by empires, ethnic diversity and conflicts, including the long-running dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How did X users react? Political scientist Ian Bremmer said, it is possible that sacking all your foreign correspondents has consequences." it is possible that sacking all your foreign correspondents has consequences. https://t.co/eov2rQ5aHq ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) February 12, 2026 Ex-marine offer Issac said, This wasnt an iniquitous mistake. The sub-headline was written by AI. Russians dedicate significant resources just to produce massive amounts of biased text that increasingly gets picked up by AI models. They often use the term Russian Crimea in articles and posts for the same purpose. This wasnt an iniquitous mistake. The sub-headline was written by AI. Russians dedicate significant resources just to produce massive amounts of biased text that increasingly gets picked up by AI models. They often use the term Russian Crimea in articles and posts for the same https://t.co/eClWYgbd6c Issac | c (@Marine_Ukraine) February 12, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, a publication called Business Ukraine Magazine said in a post on Metas Threads, Something has gone seriously wrong at the Washington Post. In Munich, the likely presidential contender continued to position California and himself as an alternative to Trumpism California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference after the federal government's demobilisation of 2,000 National Guard members, in Downey, California, US, on July 16, 2025. (Photo: Daniel Cole/Reuters) Gavin Newsom on Friday urged world leaders to look beyond the current US administration, arguing that political change in Washington is inevitable. Donald Trump is temporary, Politico quoted the California governor and likely presidential candidate as saying during a climate change panel at the Munich Security Conference. Hell be gone in three years, he added. Newsom has long cast California as a durable counterweight to Trumpism, particularly on climate policy, where the state has advanced ambitious measures even as the White House has pulled back. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He struck a similar tone at an international climate conference in Brazil last year, portraying California as Americas leading climate actor in Trumps absence. While California governors have historically leveraged the states economic influence to shape global climate discussions, Newsoms high-profile advocacy also highlights his own national ambitions, reported Politico. The outreach offers him an opportunity to demonstrate diplomatic credentials, strengthen ties with foreign leaders and refine his vision for a post-Trump foreign policy. He is among several potential Democratic presidential contenders drawing contrasts with JD Vance, who sharply criticised Europe at the same forum last year. On Friday, some global leaders signaled they are already bracing for another shift in US leadership, though it remains uncertain whether a future administration would adopt a more climate-friendly stance. Asked how nations should navigate the Trump administrations rollback of climate measures, Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatus minister of climate adaptation, noted that countries are accustomed to US elections reshaping bilateral ties. We are waiting for the US to come back on board, Regenvanu was quoted as saying. It happened once. I think it will happen again. With inputs from agencies Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem exits DP World following the release of compromising emails involving Jeffrey Epstein. New leadership steps in as major global investors pause partnerships with the Dubai-based logistics giant. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has stepped down as chair and chief executive of Dubai-based logistics giant DP World after emails between him and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were made public by the US Department of Justice, The Financial Times reported. His exit brings to a close a four-decade tenure during which bin Sulayem built DP World from a port operator at Jebel Ali into one of the worlds leading logistics companies. The publication of emails showing past communication and personal exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein, however, triggered strong reactions from international partners and accelerated calls for leadership change at the state-backed firm. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a statement issued on Friday, the Dubai government confirmed a leadership reshuffle without directly referencing Sulayems departure. Veteran financial executive Essa Kazim was appointed chair of the board, while Yuvraj Narayan was named chief executive officer. The speed of the transition reflects growing sensitivity among sovereign-linked firms to reputational risk, particularly when allegations intersect with global financial markets and public pension funds. Major investors freeze ties Concerns escalated after two of DP Worlds largest global partners announced they were pausing new investments. Canadas La Caisse pension fund and British International Investment, the UKs development finance institution, both confirmed they would halt future deals with the company. For DP World, which relies on international capital partnerships to fund port expansions and logistics infrastructure, the move carries financial as well as reputational implications. The group operates six ports across Canada and owns London Gateway in the UK, one of Europes fastest-growing container terminals. Investor withdrawals in cases involving governance concerns are increasingly swift, particularly when public funds are involved. Pension managers and development banks face domestic political pressure to distance themselves from controversies tied to high-profile misconduct cases. The Epstein files, periodically released by US authorities in connection with investigations into his network, have triggered renewed debate globally about individuals who maintained contact with him before his 2019 arrest and subsequent death in custody. A four-decade legacy overshadowed Sulayem had been one of Dubais most prominent business figures for decades. Under his leadership, DP World expanded from managing operations at Jebel Ali port into one of the worlds largest container terminal operators, with assets spanning Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. He played a key role in transforming Dubai into a trade and logistics hub linking East and West. DP World today handles millions of containers annually and is ultimately overseen by Dubais ruling family. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet the group has not been immune from controversy. In 2022, its subsidiary P&O Ferries dismissed 800 UK-based workers and replaced them with agency crews, igniting political backlash in Britain. The episode drew criticism from unions and lawmakers and placed the company under sustained regulatory scrutiny. This latest crisis presents a different kind of challenge, one centered less on labour practices and more on boardroom accountability and global reputational exposure. The leadership overhaul appears designed to steady investor confidence and contain fallout before it spreads further. How markets respond will likely depend on whether new management can reassure partners that governance controls remain intact and insulated from personal controversies tied to former executives. For Dubai, where state-linked enterprises anchor economic strategy, maintaining international trust in flagship companies such as DP World is critical. The rapid appointment of new leadership suggests authorities are keen to prevent prolonged uncertainty. While the emails themselves may date back years, their publication has had immediate consequences, demonstrating how past associations, once disclosed, can reshape corporate leadership at the highest level. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tisza Partys Peter Magyar is leading comfortably in the polls, making his victory possible in the April vote. Magyar clarified that he and his ex-girlfriend had consensual sex in an apartment, adding that there may have been illegal drugs in the complex Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar of TISZA (Respect and Freedom) party answers a journalist's question during the international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on January 5, 2026. AFP Hungarys main opposition leader has come out clean and said that he was secretly taped having sex with his former partner in 2024, in a preemptive move before the release of a video that he called a Russia-style attempt to drag his name through mud ahead of the elections. Tisza Partys Peter Magyar is leading comfortably in the polls, making his victory possible in the April vote. Magyar clarified that he and his ex-girlfriend had consensual sex in an apartment, adding that there may have been illegal drugs in the complex, however, denying that he took them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A still image appearing to show a hotel room with a bed circulated widely in Hungarian media this week, fueling speculation about the release of a video amid what observers describe as the countrys dirtiest election campaign to date. Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces the prospect of losing power after 16 years of uninterrupted rule. Magyar said that the picture is from a Tisza summer party, calling it a classic, Russia-style kompromat." The video has not been published since the leader posted his statement. You wont be able to threaten me or blackmail me," Magyar said in an emotional post directed at Orban. The government, on the other hand, has denied involvement with the purported video. Magyar, once an insider in Orbans ruling party, founded Tisza in 2024 and rapidly consolidated much of the fractured opposition, while also drawing support from disillusioned Orban voters. He has tapped into public anger over the cost-of-living crisis, economic mismanagement and corruption. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel next week to Hungary after President Donald Trump endorsed its right-wing leader Viktor Orban, who is trailing in polls ahead of the April elections. Last week, Trump endorsed Orban in a social media post, calling the European Unions longest-serving national leader a true friend, fighter, and WINNER. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies From his cell in the Silivri prison, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has issued a direct challenge to the long-term rule of President Erdogan by demanding immediate elections. Challenging the status quo from Silivri: Why Ekrem Imamoglu believes the end of the Erdogan era is imminent. The political landscape of Turkey is currently witnessing an unprecedented confrontation between established power and a rising challenger who remains defiant despite his incarceration. Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul and a key figure in the opposition, has issued a bold challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from his prison cell. Nearly a year into his detention, the 55 year old leader is calling for immediate elections, expressing confidence that the electorate is ready for a change in leadership. This struggle is not merely a personal rivalry but a defining moment for the future of Turkish democracy, as the nation prepares for a potential electoral showdown that could alter its course for decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The mayor and the prison walls Currently held at the Silivri prison complex, Ekrem Imamoglu maintains a rigorous schedule that belies his confinement. He spends his days collaborating with legal teams to fight a massive wave of investigations and reading messages from a vast network of supporters. Despite the physical high walls and a small courtyard for exercise, he continues to oversee his municipal duties and lead the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) presidential aspirations. His detention follows a series of corruption charges and allegations of running a criminal organisation, which his supporters and international rights groups view as a transparent attempt to sideline him. The stakes are immense, with prosecutors seeking a sentence that could effectively end his political career and keep him imprisoned for life. A judicial system under the spotlight The legal onslaught against Ekrem Imamoglu reached a new peak with the recent appointment of Akn Gurlek, the prosecutor who led the case against him, as the new Justice Minister. This move has sparked outrage within the CHP and led to heated scenes in parliament, with critics arguing that the judiciary is being restructured to eliminate political threats. Furthermore, the cancellation of the mayors university degree by a court has added another hurdle, as a higher education qualification is a mandatory requirement for any presidential candidate. These developments have drawn sharp criticism from observers in the European Union and Nato, who warn that such actions undermine the democratic credentials of a pivotal regional power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The push for a democratic renewal The CHP and its allies are not backing down, keeping Ekrem Imamoglu in the public eye through weekly rallies and a consistent call for a snap vote. While the next official election is not due until 2028, the opposition argues that the current economic and social climate necessitates an earlier mandate. For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling an early election would require significant legislative support from outside his current alliance, making the political calculations complex. As both sides prepare for a trial in March that could determine the mayors eligibility, the world watches to see if Turkey will move toward a more social democratic model or continue on its current path of centralised authority. An India- France Business Dialogue in London set the stage for the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next week, the first international artificial intelligence gathering of its kind to be held in the Global South anchored on the principles of people, planet and progress. An IndiaFrance Business Dialogue in London has laid the groundwork for the AI Impact Summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi next week. The summit is described as the first international artificial intelligence gathering of its kind to be hosted in the Global South, built around the principles of people, planet and progress. The dialogue, organised at the High Commission of India in London on Thursday, reflected a symbolic transfer from France, which hosted the AI Action Summit in Paris last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The event also showcased the growing cooperation between India and France in the technology sector. The discussions took place in the broader backdrop of the free trade agreement signed between India and the European Union last month. We do need to understand how you make AI relevant to everybody, and that usage piece is what is going to anchor the AI summit in India, said Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK. The second big thing that were looking at is inclusion, because AI will be meaningless if it isnt truly democratic in terms of access, countries and societies need to be able to ensure that were not building two-tier societies or a multi-tier world based on how you can access AI and whether youre going to be left behind or taken forward, he said. Dr Pushmeet Kohli, at the cutting edge of Google Deep Minds scientific initiatives, delivered a keynote on the immense benefits to humanity that AI offers. This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic of AI as a Growth Multiplier, moderated by Professor of AI at Southampton University Gopal Ramchurn and addressed by Dr Hema Prem Raina of Infosys and Atul Sodhi of French banking group Credit Agricole. The Ambassador of France to the UK, Helene Treheux-Duchene, reflected upon the Paris summit bringing together more than 100 countries and 40,000 stakeholders from across civil society, research, academia and business to explore AI for the benefit of all. It followed on from the inaugural AI Safety Summit in the UK three years ago, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to host global leaders, policymakers, innovators and experts from across the world to deliberate on the way forward for transformational technology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is a narrative about India and AI that needs updating. The world still thinks of us as a talent pool or a cost centre, but that chapter is over. Today, Indian companies are building AI models and solutions that compete globally and win, said Sreeraman MG, Co-founder of Fynd a leading Indian AI commerce platform expanding operations in the UK market. India is not just participating in the AI race; it is shaping a model of AI that is inclusive, interoperable, and economically transformative. What truly differentiates India is the scale and complexity at which technology must operate. The AI products being stress-tested in Indias scale and diversity today are helping define what practical, scalable AI will look like worldwide tomorrow, he said. Earlier this week, the Indian Tech Society (UK) a London-based professional community organised a high-level Commonwealth Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Digital Assets at the UK Parliament complex geared towards the Delhi summit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the attendees included the UKs Minister for AI and Online Safety in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Kanishka Narayan, who will be representing Britain at the Indian summit next week. The roundtable, also addressed by British Indian peer Lord Krish Raval, highlighted the strategic importance of the India-UK partnership in advancing responsible and climate-aligned AI deployment. It concluded that the UKs leadership in finance, regulation and climate governance combined with Indias scale, digital public infrastructure and innovation ecosystem made it a powerful corridor for deploying climate-critical digital systems across developing economies. Participants at the event, co-organised by data infrastructure firm Astralane, stressed that such collaboration could accelerate practical cooperation across the Commonwealth, aligning technology deployment with climate resilience, sustainable finance and inclusive economic development. With inputs from agencies An Indian national, accused of being involved in a murderforhire plot against a Sikh extremist on American soil, has pleaded guilty to the charges against him. An Indian national, accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh extremist on American soil, has pleaded guilty to the charges against him. Nikhil Gupta entered a guilty plea Friday on murder-for-hire charges. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn recommended that District Judge Marrero accept the plea. A control date has been set for March 15. Gupta was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic in June 2024 and had made his first appearance in Manhattan federal court before Magistrate Judge James Cott. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At his arraignment, he had first pleaded not guilty to the charges. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic at the request of the US government on charges of being involved in a plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Pannun holds dual American and Canadian citizenship. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says a new inspections accord with Iran is possible but terribly difficult, adding that inspectors have returned but lack access to sites hit by Israeli and US forces. The head of the UNs nuclear watchdog said on Friday that while a new inspections agreement with Iran remains within reach, achieving it will be terribly difficult amid ongoing tensions. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said agency inspectors had returned to Iran after Israeli and US strikes last year but had yet to gain access to facilities that were hit during those attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Grossi described the renewed engagement with Tehran as difficult but ongoing. The dialogue has been imperfect, complicated and extremely difficult, he said, adding that discussions were nonetheless continuing. He maintained that an understanding allowing inspectors to revisit damaged nuclear sites was achievable. It is absolutely possible, Grossi said, while cautioning that reaching such an arrangement would be terribly difficult. He added that the technical requirements for verification were clear. We know what needs to be checked and how to check it, he told the conference audience. Tensions over access stem from last Junes 12-day conflict, when Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets, followed by US attacks. Since inspectors resumed their presence in Iran, authorities have not permitted visits to the key sites affected by the operations. Tehran stated in November that any such access would need to be part of a broader new agreement. The diplomatic backdrop remains fluid. Washington and Tehran have had contacts in recent weeks, and the US has signalled interest in further discussions following an initial meeting in Oman on February 6. At the same time, military signalling has intensified. President Trump said on Friday that a second aircraft carrier strike group would soon head to the West Asia. Asked about reports that the USS Gerald R. Ford could be redeployed from the Caribbean, Trump told reporters it would depart shortly. In case we dont make a deal, well need it, he said, underscoring the pressure surrounding nuclear negotiations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is going on with Iran-US talks? Iran and the United States have yet to set a date for a new round of talks after an initial encounter last week on the contested Iranian nuclear programme but, for now, US President Donald Trump is not rushing to launch military action against the Islamic republic. AFP looks at a critical juncture in the modern history of Iran in the wake of the crackdown on the biggest protests in years in January that according to rights groups has left thousands dead. Where is diplomacy? Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on February 6 held talks in Oman with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps influential son-in-law Jared Kushner. The talks were indirect, with the Omanis acting as mediator, although Tehran did later confirm that there was a handshake. Irans supreme national security council head Ali Larijani, a mainstay of the establishment for the last decades, this week followed this up with visits to Oman and then US ally Qatar. There was speculation about the contents of a piece of paper he brandished during the visit to Oman, but so far no new date for talks has been set. We didnt have a letter for the Americans, but our Omani friends had some communications, Larijani told Iranian state television. There were some remarks the Omani side told us on behalf of the Americans, he added, without offering further clues. Trump had hailed the Oman talks as very good and said there would be another meeting early this week, something that has not materialised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Is there room for compromise? In an upbeat interview with the Financial Times, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that compromise was possible on the key sticking point of uranium enrichment. The West believes Iran is seeking a nuclear bomb, a charge Tehran denies, and wants a halt to uranium enrichment, a key step in weaponising an atomic programme. It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries, said Fidan, who has held talks with Iranian and American counterparts. With inputs from agencies The Chinese boat was captured in Japans exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture when it was intercepted by the Japanese authorities, following which the captain was arrested As tensions between Japan and China brew, Tokyo has said that it seized a Chinese shipping vessel that tried to flee when asked to stop by authorities. The Chinese boat was captured in Japans exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture when it was intercepted by the Japanese authorities, following which the captain was arrested. The vessels captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled, Japans fisheries agency said. The seizure is the first one done by Japanese authorities since 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japan said that the boat had 11 people on board, including the captain, who was a 47-year old Chinese man. Authorities have described the ship as a tiger net fishing boat with a high capacity. China-Japan row The development comes as a diplomatic row between China and Japan continues to simmer after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented on Taiwan, seen as an interference by China as it considers the island-nation part of its own territory. China and Japan are key trading partners, but historical mistrust and friction over territorial rivalries and military spending often test those ties. China had summoned Tokyos ambassador and advised its citizens against travel to Japan after the clash over Takaichis comments. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in November that Japan should behave with dignity and take concrete actions, including retracting Takaichis statement, to repair ties." China bans export of rare minerals In January, China banned the export of some rare earth minerals to Japan over Takaechis comments. While the Commerce Ministry did not specify which exports would be affected, a list of dual-use items released by the agency includes rare earths, advanced electronics, aerospace and aviation components, drones, and nuclear-related technologies, among others. Rare earth elements are essential to a broad range of products, from consumer electronics and automobiles to advanced weapons systems such as the F-35 fighter jet. In 2024, Japan sourced 63 per cent of its rare earth imports from China, according to a CNN analysis of data from Japans finance ministry. The full scope of the latest restrictions and their potential impact on Japan remains unclear. Refresh for updates. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for restoring trans-Atlantic trust at the Munich Security Conference as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio joins talks amid lingering Nato and trade tensions. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Frances President Emmanuel Macron pose for a photo at the start of the E-3 meeting, during the Munich Security Conference, on February 13, 2026 in Munich.- AFP German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Friday for a new transatlantic partnership between the US and Europe, appealing to Washington: Lets repair and revive transatlantic trust together. In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone, Merz told the Munich Security Conference, switching to English to appeal directly to Washington. Dear friends, being a part of NATO is not only Europes competitive advantage. Its also the United States competitive advantage. So lets repair and revive transatlantic trust together. We, the Europeans we are doing our part. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conference this year brings together senior European officials alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other international policymakers. Merz also said on Friday that he was holding talks with French president Emmanuel Macron over creating a joint European nuclear deterrent as urged on Europe to rebuild its relationship with its US ally. Were not doing this by writing Nato off. Were doing it by building a strong, self-supporting European pillar within the alliance, he said. Tensions were evident at last years gathering, which took place shortly after US President Donald Trump began his second term. During that meeting, Vice President JD Vance surprised European participants with pointed remarks criticising the state of democracy in parts of Europe. In the months that followed, disagreements widened. The Trump administration made several moves that unsettled allies, including a warning in January about potential tariffs on certain European nations as part of an effort to gain greater influence over Greenland, the self-governing territory belonging to NATO member Denmark. The proposal was later withdrawn. With Rubio leading the American delegation this year, European officials are hoping discussions will center more squarely on shared security priorities and less on political disputes. Ahead of his departure for Germany on Thursday, Rubio struck a conciliatory tone, describing Europe as a vital partner for the United States. Were very tightly linked together with Europe, he told reporters. Most people in this country can trace both, either their cultural or their personal heritage, back to Europe. So, we just have to talk about that. But Rubio made clear it wouldnt be business as it used to be, saying: We live in a new era in geopolitics, and its going to require all of us to re-examine what that looks like. Rubio arrived in Munich Friday and is due to address the conference on Saturday morning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since last years Munich conference, Nato allies have agreed under pressure from Trump to a large increase in their defence spending target. Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte said there has been a shift in mindset, with Europe really stepping up, Europe taking more of a leadership role within Nato, Europe also taking more care of its own defence. With inputs from agencies NASA and SpaceX have successfully launched the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station, sending four astronauts into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as part of efforts to restore the stations full crew and continue long-duration scientific research. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is prepared for launch carrying Nasa's Imap mission at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US. Representational image/Reuters In a major boost for commercial human spaceflight, Nasa and SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, February 13, 2026. A Falcon 9 rocket roared off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying the Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft and its four astronauts into orbit. The mission comes after the early return of Crew-11 in January due to a medical emergency, temporarily reducing the stations crew strength. Crew-12 is set to restore the ISS to its full seven-member complement once it docks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Crew Dragon is scheduled to autonomously dock with the station on Saturday, February 14, after a journey of more than 30 hours, where the astronauts will join the Expedition 74 crew. Reusability milestone The launch also marked a technical first for SpaceX. It was the first time a crew-rated Falcon 9 booster was launched and landed from the same facility. The first stage touched down at Landing Zone 1 just minutes after liftoff completing its 15th flight highlighting the companys growing emphasis on rapid rocket reusability and reliability. A multinational crew Crew-12 brings together astronauts from three space agencies: Jessica Meir (Nasa), Mission Commander, on her second spaceflight. Jack Hathaway (nasa astronaut), Pilot, making his first trip to space. Sophie Adenot (ESA), Mission Specialist, the first from her 2022 ESA astronaut class to fly. Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos), Mission Specialist, on his second long-duration mission. The crew is expected to spend about eight months roughly 240 days aboard the ISS. Science and long-duration research During their stay, Crew-12 will conduct more than 200 microgravity experiments across biotechnology, fluid physics and materials science. Key studies include investigating blood clot risks in microgravity, analysing how pneumonia-causing bacteria affect heart tissue, testing systems for on-demand IV fluid generation, and examining nitrogen-fixing microbes to support sustainable food production for future Moon and Mars missions. The extended mission duration ensures continuity of research aboard the ISS and supports preparations for deep-space exploration under Nasas Artemis programme. North Korea will convene the Ninth Party Congress this month, a major political undertaking aimed at showcasing leader Kim Jong Uns absolute grip on power and his image as a benevolent leader at home and as head of a world class military. In the runup to the once every five year gathering, Kim has toured military and economic facilities across the isolated state, from a cruise missile launch site to a largescale greenhouse farm, to highlight his accomplishments. Kim Jong Un prepares for North Koreas Ninth Party Congress, reinforcing his authority and unveiling the regimes next five-year course. North Korea will convene the Ninth Party Congress this month, a major political undertaking aimed at showcasing leader Kim Jong Uns absolute grip on power and his image as a benevolent leader at home and as head of a world-class military.In the run-up to the once-every-five-year gathering, Kim has toured military and economic facilities across the isolated state, from a cruise missile launch site to a large-scale greenhouse farm, to highlight his accomplishments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Congress is expected to open on an undisclosed date in late February. It will deliver a verdict on the current five-year development push and outline future priorities. At the 2021 Congress, Kim said the prior economic plan had failed in almost every sector and called for greater investment in heavy industries, while strengthening agriculture and light industry to increase consumer goods supply. This quinquennial multi-day event will offer insights into Kim Jong Uns domestic and foreign policy calculus over the next five years at a critical time domestically and externally, Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior fellow for the Stimson Centers Korea Program and 38 North, said in a note. SUCCESSION AND PRESIDENT TITLE South Korean lawmakers said this week that Kim appears to be taking steps to firm up his daughters position as successor, citing a National Intelligence Service briefing. The agency believes Kims teenage daughter, thought to be named Kim Ju Ae, is already providing input on policy matters, suggesting she may be being groomed as a future leader. The NIS will closely watch whether Ju Ae attends the congress and how she is presented, including whether she receives an official title. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Analysts have also raised the possibility that the Congress could revive the title of president for Kim - a designation historically associated with state founder Kim Il Sung, Kims grandfather. If Kim Ju Ae eventually became leader it would extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. MILITARY PARADE North Korea is expected to stage a major military parade to mark the Congress and highlight expanding nuclear and conventional weapons capabilities. Analysts say Kim will be determined to show he is not at risk of sharing the fate of Venezuelas deposed leader after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered special forces to seize Nicolas Maduro in a raid last month. The U.S. strike on Venezuela, a non-nuclear power, would have accelerated North Koreas obsession with nuclear weapons to protect the country from such military operations, Kim Yeoul-soo at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs said. The Congress offers Kim an opportunity to underline why nuclear weapons are needed as a powerful deterrent, said Kim at the think-tank affiliated with South Koreas Defence Ministry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tae Yong-ho, one of the highest ranking former North Korean officials to defect to the South, said Pyongyang considers what happened to Iraq and Libya, and especially the war in Ukraine, was all because they did not have the deterrence to protect themselves. NUCLEAR SUBMARINES A BIG DEAL Despite advances in nuclear-capable missiles, hypersonic missiles and powerful artillery that has supported Russias war against Ukraine, Kim wants more, said Tae, who served as Pyongyangs envoy to London. Securing submarines both powered and armed with nuclear technology is at the top of Kims wish list and completing one in the next five years would be a big deal, he said. Kim is expected to promote achievements of the past five years and unveil new strategic weapons. Pyongyang may test-fire a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile such as the Hwasong-20, Yang Uk of the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies said in a report. North Korea is also likely to emphasise its stronger ties to Russia, portraying it as a blood-tied alliance, to rally anti-U.S. rhetoric, said Taehwa Hong, a fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD MESSAGING TO SEOUL AND WASHINGTON The Congress may also signal foreign-policy messages directed at Washington and Seoul. Kim has declared South Korea a hostile nation and rebuffed outreach from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Trump has made it clear he wants to meet Kim again, to resume summit talks that collapsed in 2019 over sanctions and denuclearisation. Kim has said there was no reason to avoid talks with the United States if Washington drops demands that North Korea gives up nuclear weapons. Experts are divided over whether the U.S. raid on Venezuela now makes diplomacy more or less likely. Tae expects Pyongyang to shun U.S. outreach to avoid looking weak. But Hong Min, at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, believes Kim might seek to manage Trump by engaging in some limited contact to prevent the U.S. from becoming excessively hostile. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere backs sweeping investigations, including a rare parliamentary inquiry and police searches, as scrutiny grows over political, diplomatic and royal ties to Jeffrey Epstein Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store speaks during a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not pictured) at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on December 4, 2025. Reuters File Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Friday it was crucial the relationships between prominent Norwegians and the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein be investigated to the full. Like his British counterpart Keir Starmer, Stoere is trying to address the concerns of voters who have been stunned by the release of millions of documents indicating that diplomats, leading politicians and royalty had extensive contact with Epstein. All have denied any involvement with Epsteins crimes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think it has been quite shocking for people to get this insight into this world and the connection between people with power. And how it has affected people without power, who have been abused and subjected to assault, Stoere told public broadcaster NRK. As prime minister, I have a responsibility to speak clearly about this. And that we, in every way now, contribute to the matter being clarified, he said, in his first extensive interview since the release of the latest Epstein files. External inquiry into foreign ministry link Norways parliament has announced a rare external inquiry into the foreign ministrys link to Epstein and the police are investigating a diplomat couple and a former prime minister. The World Economic Forum has also started an independent investigation of its Norwegian CEO. In addition, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has apologised for her friendship with Epstein. On Friday, the Norwegian Library Association said it was pausing its work with its patron, the crown princess, until it received a full account from the palace on her ties with Epstein, the latest organisation to do so. We have been informed that it will take time before a comprehensive account is made available, it said in a statement. As an interest organisation for the library sector, democracy, trust and safety are important values we safeguard. The royal palace did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Police search On Wednesday, police searched the homes of Thorbjoern Jagland, a former prime minister, foreign minister, leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and head of the Council of Europe, the continents highest human rights watchdog. He was questioned this week, police have said, on suspicion of aggravated corruption. Jagland has said he was looking forward to helping to clarify the situation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police also this week questioned Mona Juul, a diplomat who played a role in setting up the back channel between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization that led to the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords, about her own links with Epstein. Juul, who is under suspicion of aggravated corruption, has said she did not commit any crime. PM Modi spoke with BNPs Tarique Rahman after the partys sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections, congratulating him and reaffirming Indias commitment to strong bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman over the phone, congratulating him on the partys in the parliamentary elections. In a post on X, Modi said he was delighted to speak with Rahman and congratulated him on the remarkable win. He also extended his best wishes and support as Rahman seeks to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Highlighting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two neighbours, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Indias continued commitment to peace, progress and prosperity for both countries. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed Indias continued commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of both our peoples, Modi wrote. PMs warm congratulations and support for democratic Bangladesh Earlier in the day, Modi had publicly congratulated Rahman after the BNP secured an overwhelming majority in the general elections, asserting that India would continue to back a democratic Bangladesh. In another post on X, he conveyed his warm congratulations to Rahman for leading the BNP to a decisive victory. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership, he said, adding that India looked forward to strengthening multifaceted ties and advancing shared development goals. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reposted the Prime Ministers message. Strained ties after Hasinas ouster Modis outreach comes amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 after large-scale anti-government protests. Hasina is currently living in exile in Delhi. The Prime Ministers message coincided with media tallies showing that the BNP had crossed the 151-seat mark required to form the government, although the Election Commission is yet to formally declare the final results. Former ally Jamaat-e-Islami was reported to be leading or winning in around 75 seats, indicating a significant shift in the countrys political landscape. The BNPs media cell said the party was set to form the next government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Election backdrop and political shift The polls were held to replace the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which assumed office 18 months ago after the collapse of the Awami League government. Sheikh Hasinas party was subsequently disbanded, and the election was widely viewed as a direct contest between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in her absence. Voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was conducted alongside a referendum on an 84-point reform agenda known as the July National Charter. If the BNP forms the government, Tarique Rahman would become Bangladeshs first male prime minister in 36 years. Having returned in December after more than 17 years in self-exile, he has urged party workers to skip victory rallies and instead hold special prayers nationwide. Rahmans political comeback marks a dramatic turn in Bangladeshs turbulent politics. The 60-year-old leader, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, remains one of the countrys most polarising figures. After leaving the country in 2017 following arrest on corruption and money-laundering charges, his return and rise signal a new phase in Bangladeshs political trajectory. As acting chairman of the BNP, Rahmans leadership will now be closely watched, particularly in how he navigates domestic challenges and manages ties with regional powers, including India. Trump has reportedly dispatched a second carrier strike group, including the worlds largest aircraft carrier, to West Asia, in the latest move to build pressure on Iran. Trump has continued aggressive posturing even as American and Iranian negotiators have begun indirect talks. The USS Gerald R Ford steams alongside USNS Laramie (T-AO-203) during a fueling-at-sea in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in this photo taken on October, 11, 2023. (Photo: US Naval Forces Central Command/US 6th Fleet/Handout via Reuters) US President Donald Trump has deployed a second carrier strike group to West Asia in the latest move to build pressure on Iran, according to the New York Times. Trump has ordered the Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group comprising the flagship USS Gerald R Ford and its support and escort ships to join the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in West Asia. It is currently stationed in the Caribbean Sea and was involved last month in the US invasion of Venezuela. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The USS Gerald R Ford is the worlds largest warship. It is understood to be able to carry up to 90 aircraft, including around 60 fighter planes. The Times reported that the carrier strike group received the order for deployment to West Asia on Thursday. Notably, that would mean the carrier strike group received its order a day after Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As per reports, Netanyahu has been pushing Trump to expand the scope of US-Iran nuclear talks to draw maximalist concessions from Iran. While the US-Iran talks are currently focused on the Iranian nuclear programme, Netanyahu has stressed that the talks should also seek limits on Irans ballistic missile programme and an end to its support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The Times reported that the carrier strike groups personnel were told they would not be expected to return home until April or early May. Trump warns of very traumatic outcome if talks fail Trump has already amassed an entire carrier strike group the Abraham Lincoln in West Asia and deployed additional warships to the region. In recent weeks, he has frequently warned Iran of an attack if it does not reach a deal on its nuclear programme. Trump on Thursday warned that Iran would face a very traumatic response if it did not reach a nuclear deal with the administration. Trump, however, said he expected to reach an agreement with Iran over the next month, and added that the deal should come quickly. Last week, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, held indirect talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman. They did not reach any breakthrough in the meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid Trumps muscle-flexing, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the Financial Times that expanding ongoing talks about Irans nuclear programme to include the ballistic missile programme would risk nothing but another war something Netanyahu has been pushing for. Turkey has been mediating between the United States and Iran along with Qatar, Oman, and Egypt. Fidan said the Trump administration had signalled a willingness to be flexible on a key demand that Iran end all uranium enrichment a demand that had long been a major irritant for Iran. As for Iran, Fidan said he believed Ayatollah Khameneis regime genuinely wants to reach a real agreement, and would accept restrictions on nuclear enrichment levels and a strict inspections regime. It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries. The Iranians now recognise that they need to reach a deal with the Americans, and the Americans understand that the Iranians have certain limits. Its pointless to try to force them, said Fidan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ahead of the mid-term elections, US President Donald Trump has scaled down his crackdown on immigrants. Even his supporters have warned for weeks that the violent crackdown has gone too far and could worsen Republicans prospects in the mid-terms they are already projected to lose mid-terms. Ahead of the mid-term elections, US President Donald Trump has scaled down his crackdown on immigrants amid all-round criticism. The Trump administration on Thursday announced the end of the crackdown in Minnesota that saw federal agents killing two American citizens in addition to having several other violent confrontations with citizens and immigrants alike. An agent also tried to storm a consulate in violation of international law. The scaling down has occurred at a time when even Trumps supporters have warned for weeks that his violent crackdown on immigrants has gone too far and could worsen Republicans' prospects in the mid-terms the Republicans are anyway projected to lose mid-terms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia, Co-Founder of Latinas for Trump, warned the Republicans would lose the mid-terms because of the crackdown on immigrants. She said the crackdown had gone too far and described the federal agent killing Alex Pretti as abhorrent. For weeks, all surveys has shown that Republicans would lose the mid-terms. Pollster Dates Sponsor Margin Democrat Republican YouGov Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Economist Democrat +4 44% 40% Morning Consult Jan. 30 Feb. 1 Democrat +5 47% 42% Public Policy Polling Jan. 2930 Democrat +7 48% 41% HarrisX/Harris Poll Jan. 2829 Harvard CAPS Democrat +3 47% 44% HarrisX/Harris Poll Jan. 2829 Harvard CAPS Democrat +4 52% 48% Marquette University Law School Jan. 2128 Democrat +7 52% 45% Cygnal Political Jan. 2728 Democrat +4 48% 44% McLaughlin & Associates Jan. 2127 Democrat +2 46% 44% The Argument/Verasight Jan. 2627 Democrat +4 52% 48% Echelon Insights Jan. 2226 Democrat +5 49% 44% Beacon Research/Shaw & Company Res. Jan. 2326 Fox News Democrat +6 52% 46% YouGov Jan. 2326 Economist Democrat +5 43% 38% Morning Consult Jan. 2025 Democrat +1 44% 43% Morning Consult Jan. 2325 Democrat +2 45% 43% Ipsos Jan. 2325 Reuters Democrat +4 41% 37% Moreover, the Trump administration has also withdrawn National Guard from several cities like Chicago, Portland, and Los Angeles. The Independent has reported that the administration has withdrawn more than 5,000 troops from California, around 500 troops from Chicago, and 200 from Oregon. In Minnesota, Trump has deployed around 3,000 armed federal agent who drove through the town in SUVs and operated with masks. They regularly exercised force on suspects and protesters. Such use of force led to federal agents killing two civilians. The Republicans response to such killings, which involved calling one of the diseased as a domestic terrorist, has further alienated them from the electorate and made the crackdown unpopular. In the latest NPR/PBS/Marist poll, 65 per cent of Americans, including 21 per cent of Republicans, disapproved of Trumps crackdown on immigrants. Overall, Trumps disapproval rating on the economy his biggest strength historically has hit a new high of 59 per cent. Mid-terms losses could derail Trumps agenda Since Trump assumed office, Republicans have been on a losing streak and surveys as shown above suggest the streak would continue into the mid-terms. Last year, Republicans lost governors elections in New Jersey and Virginia and Democrats won all 13 statewide elections in November. Overall, Democrats flipped 21 per cent of Republican-held legislature seats. And the streak has not ended as Democrats have continued to score victories in deeply Republican pockets. Last week, Democrat Taylor Rehmet beat Trump-backed Republican candidate by a 14-point margin in a constituency that Trump had won in 2024. Then, over the weekend, Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez won by 24 points in a constituency that Trump had won in 2024. Even if Republicans lose just one Congressional chamber, the trifecta when the same party holds the White House and both Congressional chambers that has allowed Trump to govern without any checks and balances would be over as Democrats would mount Congressional pushback against Trumps agenda. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump and the first lady would meet with military families and the heroic members of our special forces who carried out the successful Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela US President Donald Trump is expected to meet the special forces soldiers who were part of the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month. Trump, along with First Lady Melania, will fly down to North Carolina on Friday to visit the Fort Bragg military base and meet the soldiers, the White House has announced. The stunning operation saw US forces swoop in by helicopter under cover of darkness and seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a highly secured compound in the Venezuelan capital on January 3. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Eighty-three people were killed and more than 112 people were injured in the assault, which began with US bombing raids on Venezuelan military targets, Venezuelan officials said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump and the first lady would meet with military families and the heroic members of our special forces who carried out the successful Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela and helped bring narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduro to justice. Meanwhile, Maduro is currently held at a detention centre in the US as he faces charges of corruption and drug trafficking, to which he has already pleaded not guilty. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 17 in New York. Trump has said that relations with Venezuela have been extraordinary ever since his army captured Maduro. The Trump administration has been opening up Venezuelas oil reserves to commercial players. Relations between Venezuela and the United States have been, to put it mildly, extraordinary! Trump said in his post. But we speak only for ourselves, and dont want there to be any confusion or misrepresentation. The president added that his government is dealing very well with interim president Delcy Rodriguez and her representatives. Rodriguez took over the reins of the country after Maduros ouster and has been trying to maintain cordial relations with the US. In the same Truth Social post, Trump clarified that a Wall Street Journal report saying that oil magnate and Republican donor Harry Sargeant III is representing the US in Venezuela is false. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is a story about a man named Harry Sargeant III in The Wall Street Journal. He has no authority, in any way, shape, or form, to act on behalf of the United States of America, nor does anyone else that is not approved by the State Department, he said. The Pentagon has added major Chinese companies including Alibaba Group, BYD and Baidu to a list of firms it alleges are linked to Chinas military. The Pentagon has added several major Chinese firms including Alibaba Group, BYD and Baidu to a list of companies it says are linked to Chinas military, as per a Bloomberg report. The updated roster also names RoboSense Technology Co. and TP-Link Technologies Co.. Market reaction to US decision Following the announcement, Alibabas American depositary receipts fell as much as 5 per cent in extended trading, while Baidus receipts declined 4.5 per cent. Although inclusion on the Section 1260H list does not trigger immediate sanctions, it serves as a cautionary signal to investors and can carry reputational and commercial risks. Companies push back Alibaba rejected the designation, saying there was no basis for its inclusion and denying any role in Chinas military or military-civil fusion strategy. The company added that it would pursue available legal remedies. Baidu did not immediately comment. What is the 1260H list? First published in 2021, the Section 1260H list identifies companies the US government alleges are connected to the Chinese military. It now includes more than 130 entities across sectors such as aviation, construction, shipping, hardware manufacturing and telecommunications. According to Bloomberg, Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg had informed congressional leaders in October that Alibaba, BYD and others would be added. An analysis by law firm Hogan Lovells said listing can have several direct and indirect effects, including limits on US defense contracts, potential addition to other restricted lists, reputational damage and higher compliance costs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Diplomatic implications The move may also add friction ahead of US President Donald Trumps planned April visit to China, where he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trade and technology issues including possible exports of advanced chips from Nvidia are likely to be on the agenda, with Alibaba among the firms that could seek access to such technology. With midterms approaching, the Donald Trump administration is pressing Kyiv to make concessions to Vladimir Putin, while Ukraine insists any deal must be paired with firm Western security guarantees Workers fix wires in front of a damaged house following what Russian-installed authorities described as an overnight Ukrainian missile strike, amid the Russia-Ukraine military conflict in Yasynuvata (Yasinovataya) in the Donetsk region, a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine, on October 26, 2025. Reuters File As Ukraine gears up for fresh peace talks next week, the Donald Trump administration is pressing Kyiv to make concessions to Russia in a bid to end the war by early summer, according to a New York Times report, citing Ukrainian officials President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced frustration that Washington is pushing Kyiv harder than Moscow, but stressed the need to keep the US engaged. Zelensky said last week that the US desire to halt the war by June was dictated by the American political calendar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the midterm elections approach, he said, the Trump administrations focus is likely to move away from Ukraine. Of course, it is desirable for us that the Americans do not leave, NYT quoted Zelenskyy as saying, adding the US was likely to put pressure on the parties according to that timeline. According to the report, citing Ukrainian officials, Russia has shown no sign of stopping while it retains resources and battlefield momentum. Kyiv plans to send a delegation to talks in Florida next week, though it is unclear if Moscow will attend. Earlier negotiations in the UAE yielded little progress. It remains unclear how far the United States is willing to go if Ukraine resists on key issues like territory and elections. Trump has emphasised his desire to claim credit for ending the war, while previous deadlines set by his administration have passed with little apparent consequence. US officials continue to engage in talks even as Ukraine pushes back against Russia-friendly proposals initially suggested by Washington. Zelenskyy said he has received no signals that the US plans to withdraw. US, Russia push Ukraine on elections But Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a member of Ukraines Parliament, said that the Trump administration had threatened to pull out of the negotiating process if Ukraine was not prepared to compromise, including by holding elections, reported NYT. According to Yurchyshyn, during the recent peace talks in the UAE, the US urged Ukraine to hold elections by May 15 a timeline seen as highly unrealistic given the ongoing war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US pressure for elections mirrors Russias demands. Vladimir Putin has claimed that Volodymyr Zelensky has lost legitimacy because he is afraid to run in a presidential election, calling any deal with him pointless. Elections in Ukraine have been suspended under martial law since the war began in February 2022, and polls indicate little public support for resuming them until it is safe to vote. Some opposition figures suggest Zelenskyy might consider early elections, potentially giving him an edge over less-prepared rivals. He has requested Parliament draft legislation for wartime elections, with a working group expected to develop a plan in the coming weeks, NYT quoted a senior Ukrainian lawmaker as saying on Thursday. Kyiv insists no deal can be struck without firm Western security guarantees to prevent another invasion. We want the war to end in a way that satisfies the US and the Ukrainian people, Zelensky was quoted as saying. Even compromises must be fair, he said, adding, I would very much like us to sign security guarantees first and then sign other documents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Territory remains the thorniest issue. Zelenskyy said Putin had effectively sought full control of the Donbas. Likely something like: Give me all of Donbas, and Ill end the war. Thats the short version, he said, Despite diplomacy, Kyiv believes Russia is preparing a renewed spring offensive while ramping up weapons production. Throughout the war, Russia has mounted major offensives in the spring. It is expected to do so again this year to try to take more territory and increase pressure on Ukraine at the negotiating table. Russia will begin moving toward a freeze only when it starts to clearly lose its advantage in the economy and in the resources needed to wage war, Mykhailo Samus, a director of the independent New Geopolitics Research Network in Kyiv, told NYT. So instead of fantasies, restrictions on Russian oil should be tightened, and air defense systems should be supplied to Ukraine, he said, adding, In diplomacy, I see zero signs of progress. Russian oil revenues, the most potent fuel for its war effort, have fallen significantly, in part because of Trump administration sanctions, and Moscow is now recruiting fewer men into its miliary than are being lost in Ukraine, according to Western estimates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Russias assaults on Ukraine have continued unabated. Civilian casualties increased in 2025, according to Conflict Intelligence Team, a research group that uses openly available material to study the war. With inputs from agencies Rodriguez also appeared to accuse Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado of wrongdoing and would not commit to helping the Nobel peace laureate return to the country Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez waves as she walks to deliver her first annual address to the nation at the National Assembly, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 15, 2026. File Image/Reuters Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodriguez said in an interview aired Thursday that she was absolutely committed to holding free and fair elections, but the timing would be decided as part of a political dialogue." Rodriguez assumed Venezuelas presidency in early January after a US military raid toppled her former boss Nicolas Maduro, whose reelections were widely criticized as fraudulent. In the first few weeks in her new role, Rodriguez has won praise from Washington for fulfilling its demands on access to Venezuelas critical oil sector a priority for US President Donald Trump and releasing imprisoned political opponents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But questions have remained over the extent to which Rodriguez would be willing to reconcile with the political opposition, who claims the 2024 presidential election was stolen from them a stance backed by the United States. Asked by NBC News host Kristen Welker on Wednesday if she was committed to holding free and fair elections, Rodriguez said: Absolutely, yes. We will have elections in this country, fair and free of course, as stated in the constitution, she said in remarks translated by NBC, adding that the time frame for the elections will be marked and decided by the political dialogue in this country. Rodriguez also said that to have free elections, Venezuela would need to be free from sanctions. However, she doubled down on defending prior votes, insisting Maduro was the legitimate president and innocent of the US charges he faces after being captured and taken to New York. Rodriguez also appeared to accuse Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado of wrongdoing and would not commit to helping the Nobel peace laureate return to the country. With regards to her life, we do not understand why there is such a fuss about it, Rodriguez said, when asked if she would make sure Machado could return to Venezuela safely and permit her to run for president. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She will have to answer to Venezuela why she called upon a military intervention, why she called upon sanctions to Venezuela, and why she celebrated the actions that took place at the beginning of January, she added. As BNP swept the February 12 elections, senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy won Dhaka-3, becoming the only Hindu MP in the new Parliament. As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman swept the February 12 general elections, one result drew particular attention. Senior BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy won the Dhaka-3 constituency, becoming the only Hindu candidate elected to the new parliament. A decisive win in Dhaka According to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and local media reports, Roy defeated Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Md Shahinur Islam by a comfortable margin. In Khulna-1, Jamaats Hindu candidate Krishna Nandi was defeated by BNPs Amir Ejaz Khan, further narrowing minority representation in the House. Roys victory also contributed to the BNPs clean sweep of all five parliamentary seats in Dhaka district. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is Gayeshwar Chandra Roy? Born on November 1, 1951, in Keraniganj, Dhaka, Roy is a senior member of the BNPs Standing Committee, the partys highest policymaking body. He previously served as State Minister for Environment & Forests and State Minister for Fisheries & Livestock in BNP-led governments during the 1990s. Over the years, he has remained one of the most prominent Hindu leaders in Bangladeshs mainstream political landscape. Bangladesh: Rising attacks on minority Roys win comes at a time of heightened concern over attacks on members of the Hindu minority community, including the lynching of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das. The incidents strained relations between India and Bangladesh, with New Delhi describing the violence as a matter of grave concern and calling for swift action against those responsible. Ties tested after Hasinas ouster Bilateral ties had already been under pressure after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office during the 2024 student-led uprising and fled to India. In the run-up to the elections, the BNP and other parties demanded her extradition following her conviction over the crackdown on protesters. In January 2026, Hasina resurfaced with an address from Delhi, criticising the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that India is currently reviewing the invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace, proposed by US President Donald Trump in Gaza. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that India is currently reviewing the invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace, proposed by US President Donald Trump in Gaza. While addressing a matter during a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the proposal is being reviewed but did not specify if India would attend the first proposed meeting of the board, scheduled for February 19. MEA on Thursday confirmed that New Delhi has received a formal communication from Washington regarding participation in the board, but has yet to take a position. As far as the Board of Peace is concerned, we have received an invitation from the US government to join the Board of Peace. We are currently considering this proposal and reviewing it, Jaiswal said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India remains cautious Jaiswal reiterated Indias longstanding support for peace and dialogue over the Gaza crisis, but stopped short of committing to the American-led initiative. As you are aware, India has consistently supported efforts that promote peace, stability, and dialogue in West Asia. Our Prime Minister has also welcomed all such initiatives that pave the way for long-term and lasting peace in the entire region, including Gaza, he said. It is pertinent to note that Trumps Board of Peace was formed under the umbrella of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which welcomed its establishment as a transitional authority to support governance and reconstruction of Gaza. The body is also expected to work with the International Stabilisation Force, a multinational peacekeeping entity authorised to help maintain the ceasefire and support demilitarisation and reconstruction efforts. The United States is placed as the chairman of the board with a founding Executive Board composed of senior figures that includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair, World Bank president Ajay Banga, Jared Kushner and Marc Rowan, etc. The Gaza Executive Board is expected to support the governance efforts on the ground. As of now, several nations around the world have accepted invitations to join or participate in the Board of Peace. Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, have signalled acceptance, viewing the initiative as a mechanism to consolidate the Gaza truce and support reconstruction. As per multiple reports, the Board has extended invitations to around 60 nations, and more than 27 nations are said to have agreed to participate. Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam are among those listed as members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, several traditional Western democracies have rejected the invitation. France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain have either declined, delayed a decision, or adopted a cautious approach, expressing doubts. Google has released an updated version of Gemini 3 Deep Think, a specialized reasoning mode designed to address complex problems in science, research, and engineering. Gemini 3 Deep Think The upgrade was developed in collaboration with scientists and researchers to handle challenges with incomplete data, unclear boundaries, and no single correct solution. Deep Think combines scientific knowledge with engineering utility to support practical applications. Applications by Early Testers Mathematics Research: Lisa Carbone, a mathematician at Rutgers University, used Deep Think to review advanced physics mathematics papers. The system identified a subtle logical flaw that had previously gone undetected in human peer review. Materials Science: The Wang Lab at Duke University applied Deep Think to optimize complex crystal growth for semiconductor research. Deep Think successfully designed a method for growing thin films larger than 100 m, achieving targets that prior methods struggled to reach. Engineering Design: Anupam Pathak, R&D lead at Googles Platforms and Devices division and former CEO of Liftware, tested Deep Think to accelerate the design of physical components. Performance in Mathematics and Algorithms Specialized versions of Deep Think have previously achieved top-level results in reasoning competitions. The updated version continues this trend, reaching benchmarks in mathematics and programming: Humanitys Last Exam: 48.4% (without tools) ARC-AGI-2: 84.6%, verified by the ARC Prize Foundation Codeforces: Elo 3455 in competitive programming International Math Olympiad 2025: Gold-medal level performance Scientific and Engineering Applications Gemini 3 Deep Think demonstrates capability across scientific domains such as physics and chemistry, achieving gold-level results in the written sections of the 2025 International Physics Olympiad and Chemistry Olympiad, and scoring 50.5% on the CMT-Benchmark in advanced theoretical physics. In applied settings, Deep Think supports research and engineering workflows by helping researchers interpret complex datasets and enabling engineers to model physical systems through code, targeting use cases that require advanced reasoning and structured data analysis. Availability Thu Thursday 67 /41 Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the low 40s. Contracts Contracts for Feb. 12, 2026 DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY US Foods Inc., doing business as US Foods-Lexington, Lexington, South Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $603,075,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food and beverage items. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Feb. 8, 2031. Using customers are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Air National Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-26-D-3011). Veterans Healthcare Supply Solutions Inc.,* Jacksonville, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $49,500,000 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for veterinary products. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Other contracts are expected to be awarded under this solicitation (SPE2DE-25-R-0001) and awardees will compete for a portion of the maximum dollar value. The ordering period end date is Feb. 11, 2031. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia (SPE2DE-26-D-0006). ProAlliance Corp.,** Harvard, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $47,500,000 fixed-price contract for dental consumable items. This was a competitive acquisition with 15 responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Other contracts are expected to be awarded under this solicitation (SPE2DE-25-R-0002) and awardees will compete for a portion of the maximum dollar value. The performance completion date is Feb. 18, 2031. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DF-26-D-0006). Goodrich Corp., doing business as Collins Aerospace, Troy, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $23,808,261 modification (P00004) exercising the first four-year option period of a ten-year base contract (SPRHA1-24-D-0002) with one four-year option period for F-15 heat sinks performance-based support remaining. This is a firm-fixed-price, requirements contract. The ordering period end date is Feb. 14, 2030. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2030 Air Force working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Ogden, Utah. The County of Harnett, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has been awarded an estimated $12,037,194 modification (P00140) to a 40-year contract (SP0600-06-C-8254) with no option periods incorporating wastewater collection services commodity rate change. This is a fixed-price, non-regulated tariff contract. The performance completion date is Sep. 25, 2046. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2046 Army operations and maintenance funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. ARMY C.J. Mahan Construction Co. LLC, Urbancrest, Ohio, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the Chickamauga Lock Approach Walls and Decommissioning Project. The amount of this action is $192,143,925, with a total cumulative face value of $558,374,213. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with an estimated completion date of March 9, 2029. Fiscal 2022 civil construction funds in the amount of $192,143,925 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, is the contracting activity (W912P5-26-C-A002). Clark Construction Group LLC, Bethesda, Maryland, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the Arlington National Cemetery Phase III Cemetery Expansion. The amount of this action is $145,292,000, with a total cumulative face value of $167,587,000. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Fort Meyer, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of April 9, 2029. Fiscal 2026 construction, Cemeterial Expenses, Army funds in the amount of $145,292,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, is the contracting activity (W91236-26-C-A003). FEDVET Construction,* Temecula, California (W9128F-26-D-A012); Iron Mike Construction LLC,* Centennial, Colorado (W9128F-26-D-A013); John Bowman Inc.,* Fountain, Colorado (W9128F-26-D-A014); and Valiant Construction LLC,* Louisville, Kentucky (W9128F-26-D-A015), will compete for each order of the $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization projects, including design-build and design-bid-build work. Bids were solicited via the internet with 22 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 11, 2031. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, is the contracting activity. Speegle Construction Inc., Niceville, Florida, was awarded a $31,479,000 firm-fixed-price contract for comprehensive repairs and upgrades to exterior and interior building systems, structures, and finishes. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work will be performed in Fort Benning, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of May 4, 2028. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $31,479,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, is the contracting activity (W912HN-26-C-A016). AIR FORCE BAE Systems Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, has been awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (FA8681-26-D-B001) with a ceiling of $145,000,000; and delivery order with the total value of $66,673,298 (FA8681-26-F-B012). This contract provides for the development, manufacturing, and delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems weapon systems. Work will be performed at Hudson, New Hampshire. The ordering period is from Feb. 12, 2026, to Feb. 12, 2031, work is expected to be completed on the delivery order by July 31, 2027. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition due to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source. Fiscal 2026 research and development funds in the amount of $26,048,932 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded on Feb. 11, 2026.) NAVY The Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded $12,975,258 for a ceiling-price not-to-exceed delivery order (N00383-26-F-SV00) under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-23-G-SV01) for the repair of six weapon repairable assemblies-for a total quantity of 87 repairs-in support of the F/A-18 aircraft system. The delivery order does not include an option provision. All work will be performed in McKinney, Texas. Work is expected to be completed by December 2028. Fiscal 2026 working capital funds in the amount of $9,731,444 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One source was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1) and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Phoenix Air Group Inc., Cartersville, Georgia (HTC71126CE121), has been awarded a firm-fixed price contract with a face value of $9,856,635.90. This contract provides passenger air transportation services in California, between Point Mugu and San Nicholas Island; and Point Mugu and China Lake. The base period of performance is from March 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2026. Working Capital (Navy) funds will be obligated for fiscal 2026. The U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. *Small Business **Mandatory source https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4405832/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bangladesh: UN experts call for robust human rights guarantees to ensure free, fair, and safe elections Press releases Special Procedures 11 February 2026 GENEVA -- As the people of Bangladesh go to the polls on February 12, the interim Government must deliver a genuinely free, fair, safe and inclusive election and referendum grounded in respect for human rights of all citizens, UN experts* said today. "There can be no free and fair election or meaningful political discourse without an equal right to freedom of opinion and expression, access to information and media freedom," the experts said. "We have followed with great concern the growing intolerance, threats and attacks on journalists, human rights defenders, civil society actors, women's groups and minorities as well as violence and killing of political activists with impunity in recent months." "While the interim Government announced the large-scale deployment of law enforcement and military personnel to protect the electorate and the electoral process, we urge authorities to ensure that all security forces act in line with international human rights standards, respect the right to participation of all citizens and are fully accountable in a transparent process under civilian and judicial oversight." The experts said they were disturbed by the failure of the Electoral Commission to address serious breaches of the electoral code by political parties, and by its lack of preparedness to tackle the tsunami of disinformation on social media platforms, targeting over 50 million users, many of whom are young, first-time voters, susceptible to manipulation. "The interim Government must reach out to social media companies and act swiftly to counter false or misleading information about the elections, while avoiding disruption of the internet and safeguarding the access of the media and the electorate to reliable, detailed and factual information," they said. The experts also expressed concern that despite the threats, hostility and attacks against journalists and civil society, no election-specific protocol had been announced by the authorities to protect the media. "It is still not too late for the Government to take the necessary protection and prevention measures to safeguard journalists, as well as human rights defenders, civil society observers, women activists and minority groups," they said. "The authorities must halt arrests under repressive laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act and desist from arbitrary detention, intimidation or retaliatory measures." The experts urged political parties and candidates to refrain from spreading disinformation or inciting hostility, discrimination or violence, including against women and minorities, smear campaigns against human rights defenders and from seeking to delegitimise or promote distrust in the electoral process. "This election - born out of a mass uprising that ousted an authoritarian regime - is not only about who will govern Bangladesh next but also about creating a society based on human rights and the rule of law," the experts said. "We call on the new Executive to create conditions for tolerance of dissent, promotion of media freedom and pluralism, access to information and gender equality," they said. "For democracy to thrive the new government must uphold the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, association and public participation without discrimination or unjustified restrictions and create a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders." The experts have been in contact with the Government of Bangladesh on these issues. *The experts: Irene Khan , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Gina Romero , Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; , Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Mary Lawlor , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur of freedom of religion or belief Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poland - Ministry of National Defence 11.02.2026 - The SAFE programme is a Polish idea. Assuming EU presidency, Poland has clearly put defence and security first. This money is also for other European countries, who will make purchases in Poland - said the deputy prime minister, minister of national defence Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz during the opening of the conference on the implementation of the SAFE programme. On 11 February, deputy prime minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz took part in a conference in Warsaw on the implementation of the SAFE programme, organized by Portal Obronny - the ZPR Group. Representatives from the government, defence industry sector and experts in the field also participated. - The SAFE programme does not limit our possibilities - the SAFE programme increases them. The strategy of our government, my political party PSL has also presented it during the campaign, is clear: 50% of spending in Poland, 50% at our allies. It cannot be done without a radical acceleration in investments in the Polish defence industry and procurement in Poland, both in private and state-owned companies. Another thing that's changed is treating private and state-owned industry as equals. This is complemented by yet another element that remains completely unnoticed - that money in the SAFE programme is also funding other European countries, who will make purchases in Europe, including in Poland, for example equipment like the "Piorun", "Wizjer", "Borsuk", "Baobab", the mine-laying system. So SAFE has two meanings: increasing the defensive potential and the potential of the Polish defence industry. Poland needs both, in both of them we need investment and equipment compatible with Europe and America - and that is what we will get - noted the minister of defence during the discussion. The minister of defence has stressed the meaning SAFE funds have for the country's security. - The Russian threat is present everywhere, not just in the countries along the border. That is why the SAFE programme is a priority. We are here today with minister Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, who is directly responsible for the application of this instrument and its implementation in Poland. Because this programme is not just for the Armed Forces. I want to underscore a very important element: the programme also applies to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration - especially the Border Guard, Police, infrastructure, cross-border connections and military mobility, which couldn't be used without roads or railways - noted the minister. The aim of the "SAFE - what next?" conference was to portray a full picture of the SAFE programme, discussing its objectives and meaning for developing the national defence industry. The conference was a space to exchange knowledge and experience between the administration, private sector and experts, with special focus on the strategic and operational aspects of the programme's implementation. The event was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence. - We have another task ahead of us, which we have already set out: to use the SAFE programme in order for Poland to become a place where other countries can procure their armaments, for us to have our export hits, to interest other member states in our products. (...). We want a portion of the funds that other countries receive to end up in Poland to some extent. This is our plan for the coming months - noted the government's plenipotentiary, Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, during the discussion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of the Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference News | Feb. 11, 2026 Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Joint Staff Spokesperson Joseph Holstead provided the following readout: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine hosted the first Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference from February 10-11, bringing together Chiefs of Defense and senior military representatives from 34 nations to discuss shared security priorities in the Western Hemisphere. Secretary of War Hon. Pete Hegseth opened the conference, and senior U.S. defense leaders, including the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commanders of U.S. Northern and U.S. Southern Commands, and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, also participated. During the conference, the Secretary of War underscored restoring American strength in the hemisphere through shared priorities and common interests with partners. Participating Chiefs of Defense discussed sustained military-to-military engagement to address shared regional security challenges. Gen. Caine highlighted the importance of building trust, deepening relationships, and working together to advance collective security across the hemisphere. Discussions addressed shared regional security challenges, including transnational criminal organizations and drug trafficking, as well as broader issues affecting stability across the hemisphere. Participants emphasized the importance of strong partnerships and continued cooperation in responding to these challenges. The conference provided an opportunity for Chiefs of Defense to exchange perspectives, foster alignment, and reinforce relationships in support of shared security and a stable, secure, and prosperous Western Hemisphere. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior military official stresses political guidance, combat readiness in pre-festival troop visit Xinhua) 10:19, February 13, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Shengmin, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has called for strengthening political guidance and enhancing combat readiness during his visit to troops ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year. Visiting troops in the capital city of Beijing on Wednesday, Zhang, on behalf of CMC Chairman Xi Jinping and the CMC, extended festive greetings to officers and soldiers. Zhang urged efforts to strengthen political loyalty in all aspects and throughout the entire process of military development, enforce the system of the CMC chairman assuming overall responsibility, and strive to achieve the centenary goals of the People's Liberation Army. Zhang visited grassroots units, training grounds, dining halls, and cultural activity centers to inspect combat readiness, training conditions and living facilities, and had cordial conversations with officers and soldiers. He urged troops to maintain combat readiness while ensuring a well-arranged festive cultural life. Zhang stressed deepening political rectification to consolidate the ideological and political foundation of loyalty to the Party and dedication to the strengthening of the military. He called for enhancing military training and combat preparedness, solidifying mastery of fundamental combat skills, and making good use of weaponry and equipment. He also highlighted the need to fully leverage the role of Party organizations, uphold integrity at the grassroots level, and maintain a high degree of concentration, unity, security and stability of the military. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) President Iotova: The Urgent Resolution of the Problems Facing Bulgaria Depends on the Shared Responsibility between the Caretaker Cabinet and the National Assembly President of the Republic of Bulgaria 12 February 2026 | 12:02 The head of state assigned the Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, Andrey Gyurov, to form a caretaker cabinet The urgent and adequate solution to the problems facing Bulgaria will depend on the shared political responsibility between the acting executive branch and the National Assembly. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova when handing over a mandate to form a caretaker cabinet to the Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, Andrey Gyurov. Expectations to you are extremely high. We, the Bulgarian citizens, want fair, transparent, well-prepared and well-conducted elections for the National Assembly. We expect you to protect our every vote, because the right to choose is one of the highest rights won in human history. We expect the elections to guarantee a stable, law-based, secure state, the head of state pointed out. At a press conference, Iotova explained why she had nominated Andrey Gyurov as acting prime minister. The head of state thanked the ten potential caretaker prime ministers for the talks held. She presented the arguments with which the prospective candidates refused the post - conflict of interest, incompatibility between the position held and the post of caretaker prime minister, incompatibility with Bulgarian and European law. Those who accepted to be caretaker prime minister indicated as an argument 'for' only the fulfilment of constitutional obligations, Iotova specified. Only Andrey Gyurov, according to the President, has announced that he will resign from the position he holds. This eliminates the suspicion of a conflict of interest. I am not subjecting the other institutions - the Bulgarian National Bank, the institution of the Ombudsman and the Court of Auditors - to suspicions of political affiliation, the head of state pointed out. Iliana Iotova stressed that the recent amendments to the Constitution had left the presidential institution without a choice when it comes to appointing a caretaker prime minister. The goal was to curb the powers of the presidency, contrary to the established philosophy not only of the Bulgarian Basic Law, but also of European law on the separation of powers, the president said. She noted that each candidate for a potential caretaker prime minister is chosen by the political majority in the National Assembly. The constitutional amendments have led to extreme political polarisation regarding the candidates for acting prime ministers. Today, the choice is not reduced to the most suitable prime minister, but whether he is from the status quo or the opposition, Iliana Iotova emphasised. The President indicated what she expects from Andrey Gyurov, instructing him to form a caretaker government. I consider Mr. Gyurov's words "under clear principles and without hidden conditions" as a request to hold the elections according to the expectations of Bulgarian citizens, to assume political responsibility together with the current National Assembly for resolving all urgent issues facing the state. The head of state thanked the parliamentary groups that participated in the consultations for outlining the agenda of the caretaker cabinet. The parliamentary groups showed a common understanding of the main problems facing Bulgaria - immediate measures to control prices, stabilise the state's finances in euros with a budget not tied to the euro, regulate electricity prices, quick measures for the most vulnerable households, resolve the Petrohan case, fulfil commitments to foreign policy partners and a foreign policy in the interests of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova pointed out. The President expects Andrey Gyurov to present a cabinet without political coercion. To take responsibility as Prime Minister, but also responsibility for the ministers he will appoint. They will not be my choice. Mr. Gyurov is responsible to the National Assembly, where he and the caretaker cabinet will take the oath, the head of state emphasised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Forces Depart Base in Syria during Orderly Transition U.S. Central Command Press Release | Feb. 12, 2026 USCENTCOM February 12, 2026 Release Number 20260212-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed the orderly departure of U.S. forces from al-Tanf Garrison in Syria on Feb. 11 as part of a deliberate and conditions-based transition by Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). Established by CENTCOM in 2014, CJTF-OIR has advised, assisted, and enabled partner forces in the fight against ISIS. In April 2025, the Department of War announced the U.S. military would begin consolidating its locations in Syria after the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2019. "U.S. forces remain poised to respond to any ISIS threats that arise in the region as we support partner-led efforts to prevent the terrorist network's resurgence," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "Maintaining pressure on ISIS is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and strengthening regional security." Over the past two months, U.S. forces have struck more than 100 targets with over 350 precision munitions while capturing or killing more than 50 ISIS terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 12, 2026 Speech Remarks by Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby at the NATO Defense Ministerial (As Prepared) Thank you for that kind introduction, and thank you for the opportunity to be with you here today. It is a great honor to represent the United States and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in this session with all of you. As the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy make clear, we are now living through a period of profound strategic change that requires clear-eyed realism and fundamental adaptation by all of us. The world that shaped the habits, assumptions, and force posture of NATO during the so-called "unipolar moment" following the Cold War no longer exists. Power politics has returned, and military force is again being employed at a large scale. In this environment, the United States is prioritizing the most consequential threats to Americans' interests, especially the defense of the U.S. homeland and interests in the Western Hemisphere, as well as reinforcing deterrence by denial in the Western Pacific. At the same time - and critically - the United States and its allies must be prepared for the possibility that potential opponents will act simultaneously across multiple theaters, whether in a coordinated fashion or opportunistically. These realities compel us to think clearly, soberly, and realistically about how we defend ourselves - and how we do so together in a way that is sustainable, sensible, and enduring. Times have changed, and it is only prudent that we adapt to meet them. This is not an abandonment of NATO. To the contrary, it is a return to and validation of its foundational purpose. The Alliance was created in the late 1940s to provide a strong, credible, and equitable defense of the North Atlantic area. Throughout the Cold War, "NATO 1.0" as we might describe it, was defined by a hard-nosed, realistic, clear-eyed approach to deterrence and defense. Allies from the beginning were expected to pull their weight, as evidenced as early as Article III of the Washington Treaty and the Lisbon Commitments of 1951. Tough conversations about burden-sharing were the norm, whether under Presidents like Lyndon Johnson during the Balance of Payments Crisis, Richard Nixon during Vietnam and Detente, or Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan during the Euromissiles era. President Eisenhower himself - one of the men most responsible for Allied victory in the Second World War and the first SACEUR - was very clear that NATO's success hinged upon our allies stepping up to lead in their own defense. This model was tremendously successful. It made sure that the USSR never saw military aggression against the Western Alliance as a viable strategy. It thus saw us through the Cold War with peace in Europe - an incredible achievement for which we must all be grateful. When the Soviet Union collapsed, however, NATO transformed into something else - perhaps what one might call "NATO 2.0". This version of the Alliance was typified by a shift of effort and focus away from Europe's defense toward "out of area" operations and substantial disarmament on the continent, as well as a change in frame from the hard-nosed, flexible realism of the Cold War "NATO 1.0" to much more of a liberal internationalist mindset of the "rules-based international order." It is clear, however, that this approach of "NATO 2.0" is no longer fit for purpose - certainly not for the United States and, we would submit, not for our allies either. The times are changing, and we must adapt - in terms of how we think about the world and the Alliance's role in it and how we posture to meet it in practical terms. What is needed is a "NATO 3.0" - something much closer to "NATO 1.0" than the approach of the last thirty-five years. This "NATO 3.0" requires much greater efforts by our allies to step up and assume primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe. Nor, I should stress, does it necessitate a one-sided focus on military strength alone. Rather, in line with "NATO 1.0"'s policy of the Harmel Report, it provides for an approach that classically matches such strengthening with diplomatic outreach - represented by the Dual Track approach of the 1970s and 1980s and today by President Trump's efforts to both strengthen NATO and negotiate an end to the tragic war in Ukraine. To President Trump's great credit and to the great credit of the Allies, the Alliance took historic, momentous steps in 2025 to chart a new course in line with this needed shift. With the Hague Summit commitments, there is now a shared recognition that the approach typified by "NATO 2.0," in which the United States provided the overwhelming share of high-end military power for Europe's defense while European allies on the whole spent relatively little on defense, was no longer sustainable. More importantly, beyond recognition, we are beginning to see a promising start to demonstrated action by the Allies to meet the Hague Summit commitment of 3.5% and 5% of GDP on core and broader defense spending, a level that now forms, as the National Security and National Defense Strategies make clear, a new global standard for our allies around the world. So, the turning of the tide has happened. And we should take pride and confidence in that. But the great task before us in 2026 and beyond is to turn that recognition into durable and real results. The commitment to aligning resources with strategic requirements must now be fulfilled in practice. The core strategic reality laid out by the NSS and NDS is this: Europe must assume primary responsibility for its own conventional defense. This is not a matter of ideology or rhetorical flourish. It is a conclusion grounded in a clear-eyed and rigorous assessment of the strategic environment we face as well as a pragmatic evaluation of the capabilities at our disposal. Europe has immense strengths: it is wealthy, populous, and has formidable industrial and technological capabilities. And Europe faces, on its own continent, a real and persistent military challenge. At the same time, the United States must - and will - prioritize those theaters and challenges where only American power can play a decisive role, as the National Defense Strategy lays out. That is not a retreat from Europe. It is, rather, an affirmation of strategic pragmatism and a recognition of our allies' undeniable ability to step up and lead on Europe's defense in a way that leaves all of us stronger and safer. By leveraging our respective strengths and specializing in areas where we are best positioned to act, we can build a more balanced, effective, and resilient Alliance. Under President Trump's leadership, we are reprioritizing the defense of our homeland and the protection of our interests in our Hemisphere. We are grappling forthrightly with the fact that the Indo-Pacific is now a central arena of geopolitics, one with fundamental implications for American security, economic vitality, and technological leadership. It follows that Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to deter and, if necessary, defeat conventional aggression in Europe. A strategy that pretends the United States can indefinitely serve as the primary conventional defender of Europe while also carrying the decisive burden everywhere else is neither sustainable nor prudent. It is an aspiration divorced from resources. It is a strategy that serves neither regular Americans nor, I must stress, Europeans. Continuing to proclaim the shibboleths of "NATO 2.0" without a credible strategy for how to meet them would not help Europe - it would hurt it, by perpetuating expectations that cannot realistically be met. That is not friendship. True friendship is speaking truly, forthrightly, and credibly. That is why Secretary General Rutte is so right that President Trump has been a true friend to the Alliance - by making it, in the face of enormous resistance, confront the reality of the situation and become fit for that purpose. So, what does this mean going forward? For Europe, it means moving beyond inputs and intentions toward outputs and capabilities. Defense spending levels matter, and there is no substitute for it. But what matters at the end of the day is what those resources produce: ready forces, usable munitions, resilient logistics, and integrated command structures that work at scale under stress. It means prioritizing war-fighting effectiveness over bureaucratic and regulatory stasis. It means making hard choices about force structure, readiness, stockpiles, and industrial capacity that reflect the realities of modern conflict rather than peacetime politics. It also means embracing strategic discipline. Not every mission can be the top priority. Not every capability can be gold-plated. The measure of seriousness is whether European forces can fight, sustain, and prevail in the scenarios that matter most for the defense of the Alliance. This is the approach we are taking in the United States under Secretary Hegseth's leadership, as laid out in his landmark speeches this year and the National Defense Strategy. We are doing our part and being honest about what we can and can't do. Thus, for the United States, our responsibility is to be clear, candid, and consistent. We will continue to provide the U.S. extended nuclear deterrent. And we will also continue, in a more limited and focused fashion, to provide conventional capabilities that contribute to NATO's defense. Our commitment is to be candid with you, both in regard to the timeline and scale of change, and about the challenges and tradeoffs we face. We will continue to train, exercise, and plan alongside our allies. And we in the Department of War will continue to ready our forces to do our part under Article V with Europe taking the lead for its conventional defense. But we will also continue to press, respectfully but firmly and insistently, for a rebalancing of roles and burdens within the Alliance. That is not pressure for its own sake. It is pressure in service of a stronger, more credible NATO. Let me stress something: There is nothing anti-European about this vision. To the contrary, it reflects hope and indeed confidence in Europe's capacity to act substantially and vigorously. This is the message of the National Security and National Defense Strategies: We want, as Secretary Rubio has laid out, strong and confident allies in Europe and beyond. We want partnerships, not dependencies. This is because experience teaches us that alliances are strongest when responsibilities are shared in ways that reflect underlying power and interests. When those alignments drift too far out of balance, alliances weaken - not because of ill will, but because of structural strain. The encouraging news is that we are already seeing signs of significant forward movement. Several European allies have increased defense spending significantly. Others are reforming procurement and readiness systems that had long been neglected. Under General Grynkewich's and Admiral Vandier's superb leadership, NATO's defense planning process is becoming more demanding, more operationally grounded, and more focused on real war-fighting requirements. These are positive developments. They must be accelerated and deepened. Looking ahead, the promise of 2026 and the years beyond is this: a NATO in which Europe is the primary conventional defender of the European theater, backed by American strategic power and global reach; an Alliance that is militarily credible, politically durable, and strategically realistic; and a transatlantic relationship defined not by dependency nor by canned recitations detached from reality, but rather by common strength and a shared grammar rooted in flexible realism. This future will not be achieved by declarations alone. It will require sustained political will, investment, and follow-through. It will require uncomfortable conversations and difficult trade-offs. And it will require a shared understanding that the essence of NATO is not symbolism or cloud-castle abstractions, but, rather, deterrence and, if deterrence fails, effective defense that leaves all our peoples better off. The United States stands ready to walk this road with you. But partnership, by definition, means walking together - each carrying a fair share of the load. We must - and the United States will insist - that we hold each other accountable for meeting our commitments. In that vein, we look forward to NDPP Step 5 and Deputy SACEUR's Suitability and Risk Assessment that comes out of Step 5. If Europe rises to this moment, if it truly embraces primary responsibility for its own defense, then the Alliance will emerge stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. And the transatlantic bond will not weaken - it will mature, embodying the vision of a "NATO 3.0" that is balanced, credible, and rooted in shared strength and realism. This is a NATO that can do its part for Europe's defense not just in the months and years ahead but for decades to come. That is the opportunity before us. It is a demanding task. But it offers a promising and worthy result. Thank you very much. https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4404801/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 12, 2026 By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News War Department, USDA Team Up on National Security Secretary of War Pete Hegseth yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, cementing the relationship between the two agencies under the National Farm Security Action Plan, and explaining how they will collaborate when agriculture and national defense intersect. "We're going to promote agricultural and economic prosperity, defend the foundations of agriculture and food ... and strengthen domestic and agricultural productivity," Hegseth said. "Together, we are elevating the protection of U.S. agriculture into America's national security framework by ensuring systems remain protected against potential terror attacks, major disasters and other emergencies, with the full support of the Department of War and the national security enterprise." In July 2025, the Agriculture Department announced the National Farm Security Action Plan, a governmentwide, multiprong effort focused on ensuring America's ability to secure its own food supply, in part by eliminating interference from adversarial nations. Part of that plan involves using presidential authorities to reclaim farmland in the U.S. currently owned by foreign adversaries such as China including land owned by adversarial nations that encroaches on U.S. military installations. "When our farmland is threatened, the welfare of the entire nation is put on the line," Rollins said. "It is undeniable that America's enemies are playing the long game, infiltrating our research institutions, stealing our technology, launching cyberattacks on our food system and buying up our farmland. China alone owns 265,000 acres of American agricultural land ... these actions expose strategic vulnerabilities in America's food and agriculture supply chain." The National Farm Security Action Plan is designed to protect America's farmland, and DOW is part of that effort. The MOU solidifies the department's commitment to the plan. "The National Farm Security Action Plan is a necessary step toward safeguarding our homeland against malign foreign influence," Hegseth said. "America is the best of ideas, but America is actually also a place; it is a land ... that we must defend at every single echelon, from space to the farm field." One novel and immediate result of the MOU is that the USDA will have access to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's capabilities. "[DARPA] can do things, they can design things, they can bring things to life that no other agency across the federal government is remotely capable of," Hegseth said. "Working with [USDA], we will ensure agriculture projects directly enhance our military's strength and readiness." While Hegseth and Rollins signed a cabinet-level MOU, another memorandum was signed yesterday between DARPA and USDA's chief scientist. According to a DARPA spokesperson, the memorandum between DARPA and USDA creates a direct path for collaboration on efforts with overlap in national, economic and agricultural security. One example is the DARPA Guardian program, which is developing methods to mitigate the risks posed by non-native pests, including the New World Screwworm, a serious threat to the ranching community, the U.S. food supply and national security. The agreement signed yesterday further demonstrates a whole-of-government approach to tackling this critical problem. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Estonia to Renew Strategic Defence Cooperation with France through the Procurement of Additional CAESAR Howitzers Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) 12.02.2026 News Meeting today in Brussels, the Ministers of Defence of Estonia and France confirmed their intention to renew the strategic defence cooperation agreement between the two countries and welcomed the strong cooperation between their respective defence investment agencies in developing defence capabilities. Following the meeting, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur stated that France is a highly important partner for Estonia and that strengthening defence cooperation is of utmost importance. "I am pleased that the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), the French defence procurement agency Direction generale de l'armement (DGA), and the French company KNDS have signed a contract under which Estonia will procure an additional 12 CAESAR wheeled self-propelled howitzers. In accordance with the contract, the additional systems will arrive in Estonia already this year," Minister Hanno Pevkur noted. Last year, the Estonian Defence Forces received the first 12 CAESAR MK1 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, which were assigned to the newly established third self-propelled artillery battalion under the direct command of the Estonian Division. According to Janari Kasemets, Category Manager for Combat Platforms at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, the CAESAR procurement process is an excellent example of effective international defence cooperation between Estonia and France. "Only six months passed from the signing of the initial contracts to the arrival of the first CAESAR systems in Estonia. It is therefore particularly encouraging that we have now concluded a new contract for the acquisition of an additional quantity of self-propelled howitzers, and we hope that deliveries will proceed at an equally rapid pace," added Kasemets. The CAESAR self-propelled howitzer (Camion Equipe d'un Systeme d'Artillerie) MK1 is a 155 mm calibre indirect fire system that enables units to rapidly redeploy over long distances and engage targets at ranges exceeding 40 kilometres. The use of a standard calibre allows the system to operate with various types of NATO-standard ammunition. The system's high degree of automation, combined with operational simplicity, enables crews to be trained within a matter of weeks. Its widespread use among different countries ensures long-term logistical support and availability of spare parts. "The additional CAESAR self-propelled howitzers will significantly enhance the firepower and responsiveness of the Estonian Division, enabling effective indirect fire support to units across the entire territory of Estonia. The greater mobility of wheeled platforms compared to tracked systems allows for faster redeployment and substantially increases the flexibility and combat capability of the division's indirect fire assets," said Lieutenant Colonel Meelis Laanemets, Senior Staff Officer (Artillery Inspector) at the Analysis and Planning Department of the Estonian Defence Forces General Staff. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna meeting with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov: Estonia's support for Moldova's EU accession is strong, proven by the opening of our embassy in Moldova Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12.02.2026 | 14:51 Today, 12 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met in Tallinn with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Negotiator for European Union accession, Cristina Gherasimov. The discussions focused on Moldova's EU accession process and cooperation in countering Russian influence activities. At the meeting, Foreign Minister Tsahkna reaffirmed that Estonia's support for Moldova's European Union integration is firm and consistent. "The victory of democratic and pro-European forces in last September's parliamentary elections clearly demonstrated that the people of Moldova see their country's future in the European Union," he stressed. "Moldova has made significant progress on its path towards accession, and Estonia stands ready to continue sharing its experience with Moldovan partners." According to Tsahkna, the opening of the first cluster of negotiating chapters with Moldova should take place in parallel with Ukraine. "Both countries are ready to take the next bold steps towards EU membership," he said. "Opening the clusters simultaneously would send a strong signal from the European Union that both countries have a clear and secure place in Europe's future." The strength of the European Union lies in its ability to evolve and enlarge. This is not merely a technical process, but a strategic political decision, to which Estonia will continue to give its firm support. The meeting also addressed Russian influence activities in Moldova. The foreign minister noted that although Russia's attempts to interfere in last September's elections were unsuccessful, hybrid attacks, the spread of disinformation and attempts to divide society remain a serious problem. "Our task is to continue supporting Moldova so that Russia's efforts to divert the country from its pro-European course are thwarted," Tsahkna emphasised. Estonia also plans to open its embassy in Chisinau in the summer of 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pevkur at the EU Defence Ministers' Meeting: Defence industry critical to rapidly strengthening Europe's readiness Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence 12. February 2026 - 9:08 Ahead of the European Union Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels, Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur held bilateral meetings with European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Discussions focused on strengthening Europe's defence capabilities and the next steps in supporting Ukraine to reinforce its position in peace negotiations. Other key topics included raising defence spending across Europe, expanding defence industrial capacity, implementing the EUs SAFE loan instrument, and advancing projects to digitalise military mobility. The ministers' evening session focused on boosting Europe's defence readiness, sustaining military support for Ukraine, and strengthening defence industrial cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine. "Amid discussions on a new European security strategy, the priority now is to deliver on existing plans, including increasing defence readiness. To do so, it is essential that higher defence spending is matched by a corresponding growth in defence industrial capacity," Pevkur said. Time-critical investments are needed above all in air defence, long-range strike capabilities, ammunition, and drone capabilities. "There are also strong expectations for the defence industry to deepen cooperation in capability development. A good example is the Eastern Flank Watch initiative to strengthen the protection of the eastern border, where industry's contribution in providing modern solutions that incorporate lessons learned from Ukraine is indispensable," Pevkur emphasised. The meeting also addressed continued support for Ukraine through closer cooperation between European and Ukrainian defence industries. "We discussed how to better integrate Ukraine's defence industry into European initiatives. Estonia's defence industry is already active in Ukraine, and several companies have established joint ventures with local partners," the minister noted. Tomorrow, the Minister of Defence will participate in the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting in the North Atlantic Council format, as well as in the NATO-Ukraine Council and the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa following the informal EU leaders' retreat European Commission Statement Feb 12, 2026 Brussels One Europe, One Market. This was indeed the headline of the discussion, and this is our ambition. One Europe, One Market. We want to be there at the end of 2027. We had an excellent discussion with the leaders today on the broader topic of competitiveness we have agreed that next European Council, in March, I will present a One Europe, One Market Roadmap and Action Plan that shows very detailed what are we going to do with timelines, with targets, and with a clear limit of time also to deliver. And the ambition is that we will have this document committed and agreed by not only the Commission, but also the two co-legislators, that is the European Council and the Parliament. We have more or less five building blocks for this One Market Pact. The first is to reduce administrative burden. So, this has different layers, and it has of course the European level but also the national level. First of all, it was important to acknowledge 10 omnibuses are on their way. Three have arrived at their destination, but seven are still on their way. So, we need now the co-legislators really to speed up to bring them over the finish line, because this means EUR 15 billion of cutting red tape for our companies, for our economy, every year. Second, we will, after having done the Omnibuses, and more will come, do a deep house cleaning on the acquis, present on this one a plan with first proposals. I said we will look at all levels. We have to crack down on gold-plating. Gold-plating are these extra layers of legislation, European legislation, but done individually by Member States so that as an effect you have European legislation, but 27 different realities in the Member States. We want to crack down on this gold-plating. This means less directives and more regulations, because a regulation sets one clear goal for all 27 Member States. And my ask is and was to the co-legislators to propose and accept only strictly technical delegated acts or implementing acts. We have too many delegated acts and implementing acts, and these should only be technical definitions. We will introduce "sunset clauses" for laws so that we also have a certain time after which there is a "sunset clause" on a law, and the legislators can decide on whether to continue or change completely the law. And finally, once a year there will be a Report to the European Council on the Simplification progress and on the Cost Reduction. That is a simplification. The second building block is building one market. Indeed, when companies want to scale up in our market, they face difficulties because of the fragmentation that our market of 27 has. And therefore, we will propose the 28th regime, EU Inc we call it, before the March European Council. This is the principle that wherever you are in the European Union you can digitally, within 48 hours, have an EU Inc. You can operate it completely digitally, and it is one single and simple rule across the whole European Union, therefore the 28th regime. We also agreed that to build one market you don't only need the 28th regime but also the Savings and Investment Union, one deep and liquid capital market. And here we agreed that we want to be done with phase one of the Savings and Investment Union, that includes the market integration, the supervision and the securitization, by June. If there is not sufficient progress by then, we will consider introducing enhanced cooperation. That is that at least nine Member States, if they want, move forward faster and decide to be more ambitious. The enhanced cooperation theoretically is also very interesting for the 28th regime because you can make it more ambitious. And if not all 27 immediately want to move on the 28th regime, we could go into the enhanced cooperation. Don't get me wrong, I prefer it by 27, but these two enormously important building blocks, they really have to advance now and therefore there is as a fallback option potentially the enhanced cooperation. We need European champions. That is why we are revising the merger guidelines. A draft will be presented in April, followed by consultations with the Member States. Our objective is clear: merger guidelines that reflect the realities of the global market, not just the European one, and that enable the emergence of true European champions. And finally, we will present the Industrial Accelerator Act, including a European preference before the next European Council for strategic sectors based on solid economic analysis. The third pillar is building one energy market. Here, on one hand, we have to strengthen the infrastructure, mainly also the grid and the cross-border energy. The Grids Package is on the table of the Council and Parliament. There, too, in our Roadmap for One market, we will have a timeline set for the Grids Package to be done and to be agreed. We will implement European energy highways. The first energy highway has just been agreed. That is the Bornholm Island with the Baltic offshore wind now connected to Denmark and to Germany. A huge improvement of offshore wind that was initially only national but now can be used as European resource of energy. So, infrastructure is one part. The other part is the market design. Here we had an intense discussion about the effect that, on average, if you look at renewables last year, they cost EUR 34 per megawatt hour. Nuclear costs EUR 50 to 60 EUR per megawatt hour, and gas costs 100 EUR per megawatt hour. And the discussion is intense why our merit order system in the very end takes the most expensive resource, and this is the price-setting mechanism then. We did not come to a conclusion. I want to be very clear on this one. But to the next European Council, I will bring different options and findings on whether it is time to move forward on the market design or whether we are still good on this market design. And we will come as planned and as it is in the law with an ETS review. The fourth pillar is digital. We agreed again here on the Digital Networks Act. You mentioned the telecom merger possibility that is in this DNA, the Digital Networks Act. It is on the table. We will have timelines in the roadmap so that it moves forward rapidly. The same goes for the European business wallet that will make it possible that you have a unique digital identity and a single channel of correspondence as a company with governments and with all 27 governments in the European Union, an enormous step forward on digital simplification. Here, too, there will be, as of March, a timeline to proceed. And finally, looking forward, there will be the proposal for tech sovereignty package. This includes a Chips Act 2.0, a Cloud and AI Development Act. Last point on the digital, we also looked at the infrastructure that we need for high computing power. You know we have the AI factories. We will upgrade them to ecosystems of AI gigafactories. And here, too, we discussed the enormous response that we got Europe-wide for our proposals, and this we will launch in June. Last but not least, an important pillar - this is not within the one market, but it is trade, which is, of course of upmost importance for our market. Here, the leaders were very supportive on swift implementation of the newly agreed trade agreements. It is Indonesia, it is Mercosur, India, and Switzerland. And of course, very encouraging to continue the work with future agreements, be it ASEAN, Gulf states, or Australia, for example. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Government allocates EUR 289 million to support regional vitality, growth and defence projects Finnish Government Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Publication date 12.2.2026 13.33 Type:Press release On 12 February 2026, the Government decided on the allocation of funds for 2026 under the EU's Regional and Structural Policy Programme, 'Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021-2027', and on the allocation of funds from the 2021-2027 Interreg programmes. Altogether, approximately EUR 280 million of ERDF, ESF+ and JTF funding was distributed to regional councils and Economic Development Centres. The Regional Council of Lapland and the Regional Council of Uusimaa received a total of EUR 8.8 million to finance Interreg programme projects. Within the 'Innovation and Skills in Finland' programme, the EU's ReArm Europe Plan will open up two completely new policy lines to support investments in the defence industry and the production of dual-use items. The aid will bolster Finland's defence capability and security of supply. "With the help of the EU's new policy lines on regional development funding, we will be able to strengthen security of supply, improve military mobility and enhance the production capacity within Finland's defence industry and dual-use items. As a result, we can more easily attract investments to the regions and create new jobs," says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto. The Government adopted the new objectives of the ReArm Europe Plan as part of the programme in October 2025. Under the 'Innovation and Skills in Finland' programme, funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is used, in addition to the opportunities offered by the new policy lines, for research and development activities, growth and competitiveness of SMEs, energy efficiency, climate change adaptation and the circular economy, and local transport projects in eastern and northern Finland. Meanwhile, the projects of the European Social Fund (ESF+) funded by the programme will support employment, education and the prevention of social exclusion. In the programming period 2021-2027, funding will be provided to projects of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) that strengthen biodiversity and help regions adapt economically and socially to changes in the energy sector. The national performance targets for EU programme funding have been set in a way that ensure Finland can make full use of its funds. The use of funds must be targeted at economically, ecologically and socially sustainable growth. Funding decisions for the programme are made by the Economic Development Centres, regional councils and the Finnish Food Authority. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen: Finland to host NATO Deployable CIS Module Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 12.2.2026 16.42 Type:Press release NATO approved Finland's proposal to host a Deployable CIS Module. "I am very pleased that the Allies have again given their strong support to our objective in NATO. A Deployable CIS Module will strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence throughout the High North," says Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen. The Deployable CIS Module (DCM) will provide communication and information system (CIS) services in support of NATO forces and commands in Finland and, if necessary, across the Alliance. The DCM is part of the NATO Command Structure. Its establishment, implementation and maintenance are eligible for NATO's common funding. The DCM will have around 60 employees, and the posts will be filled by Finnish personnel. "Finland has a great deal of expertise in command and control systems. Besides serving the interests of the Alliance, a DCM located in Finland will provide an opportunity to develop the compatibility of Finnish and NATO command and control services," Minister Hakkanen says. NATO's Deployable CIS Modules (DCMs) operate under the NATO Communications and Information Systems Group (NCISG). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Munich Security Conference to open amid frayed transatlantic ties Global Times Europe undergoing unprecedented strategic awakening but security dependence on US persists: expert By Wang Qi and Li Yu Published: Feb 12, 2026 11:52 PM Amid rising anxiety and insecurity in Europe driven by strained transatlantic ties - including deepening divisions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US' aggressive Greenland acquisition ambitions and punitive tariffs targeting longtime allies - prominent security officials and academics are set to gather in southern Germany, for the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) which lasts from Friday through Sunday. MSC marks another vital multilateral event held in Europe in 2026, following the Davos World Economic Forum weeks before, during which Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the US-led global system of governance is enduring "a rupture." According to German media DW, the 2026 MSC will bring together about 65 world leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, along with nearly 100 foreign and defense ministers, top military brass and high-level policymakers for three days of discussions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the 62nd MSC and deliver a speech at the China session, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry. 'Deeply wounded, but not dead yet' Last year, US Vice President JD Vance lectured Europe at the conference in a patronizing tone, leaving many European elites visibly rattled. This year, the US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. MSC chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said more than 50 members of the US Congress were expected to attend as well. Wang Yiwei, director of the Center for European Union Studies at Renmin University of China and an attendee at this week's MSC in Munich, told the Global Times that unlike last year's MSC, where US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were present, this year's US participation is led solely by Rubio, a clear step down in protocol and seniority. Ahead of MSC, leaders of major EU powers have also shown a tough stance toward the US. Speaking to CEOs and senior industry representatives at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on Wednesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that "we are neither naive nor defenseless. We have instruments at hand," warning that the EU will not hesitate to retaliate if the US threatens new tariffs again. In an interview with European newspapers on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe should brace for more moments of US hostility, per a Reuters report. "When there's a clear act of aggression, I think what we should do isn't bow down or try to reach a settlement. I think we've tried that strategy for months. It's not working," Macron said, per the AP. "Transatlantic relations will be the core issue at this year's MSC. Europe is expected to use the MSC platform to signal its clear attitude toward its future US policy," Jin Ling, director and senior research fellow of the Department for Global Governance and International Organizations at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times. To be more specific, in a context where the US increasingly treats security issues as tools for pressuring and extorting Europe, pursuing strategic autonomy and avoiding endless concessions and blackmail would be the thorny issue Europe must confront head-on at the MSC. Beyond tariff disputes threatening Europe's economic security, green industries have emerged as another key flashpoint as the US administration's energy policies starkly diverge from Europe's green transition goals. While the Ukraine crisis has accelerated Europe's efforts to de-risk from Russia, the reality is that reliance on US LNG has deepened significantly, prompting Europe to reassess its overall energy security architecture, according to Jin. The latest Munich Security Report released on Monday has sounded the alarm over the systematic dismantling of the international order and the rise of what it calls "wrecking-ball politics." It added that the transatlantic rift has left the US "unrecognizable" to most Europeans, according to Xinhua News Agency. "At the moment, transatlantic relations are, in my view, in a considerable crisis of trust and credibility," Ischinger told a press conference on Monday in Berlin, per Reuters. Amid Europe's pessimism, the American political media outlet Politico commented in a Wednesday report that the alliance between Europe and America is "deeply wounded,'' but "it's not dead yet." Europe hopes that the US-Europe relationship will become more like an equal partnership between husband and wife, but at present, the US-Europe dynamic is more akin to a father-son relationship, Wang Yiwei said. Generally speaking, Europe, overshadowed by the US, is mired in helplessness and a deep-seated disorientation toward the future world order, Wang Yiwei said. Where is Europe headed? Ahead of the MSC, 27 EU leaders on Thursday gathered in Belgium for a summit to discuss how to make Europe more competitive as it seeks to reduce dependence on the US, per Politico. Although Europe is experiencing an unprecedented strategic awakening - realizing that it must de-risk from the US - its greatest weakness lies in the domain of security, Jin said. In the short term, Europe will inevitably still need to make compromises with the US, but at the same time, it will accelerate the expansion of networks with other partners, during which China's role can hardly be overlooked, Jins aid. In early 2026, leaders from multiple European countries, including Ireland, Finland, and the UK, successively visited China. According to Wang Yiwei's observations, the number of invited Chinese scholars attending this year's MSC has increased, indicating that Europe still holds considerable expectations toward China and hopes to hear more voices from China. "Compared to the highly disruptive policies adopted by the US in multilateral affairs, China is broadly viewed as a more stable and predictable force," Jin said. "Following the launching of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China is likely to release even more opportunities for opening up to the outside world." She said Europeans feel an even greater urgency regarding global governance and will place greater emphasis on cooperation with China in international affairs and multilateral domains. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden Contributes to NATO Operation Arctic Sentry Government Offices of Sweden Press release from Ministry of Defence Published 12 February 2026 Sweden will contribute with fighter aircraft (JAS 39 Gripen) to the newly established NATO operation Arctic Sentry. The operation aims to support security in the Arctic and the High North. "As a NATO Ally, Sweden has a responsibility to contribute to the security of the entire territory of the Alliance. The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important from a strategic perspective. Our participation in Arctic Sentry demonstrates that we are a loyal and active Ally that takes responsibility for our common security. This reinforces deterrence, safeguards our shared interests and contributes to stability in a region that is critical to Europe and transatlantic cooperation," says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. "When Russia arms itself and cooperation between Russia and China intensifies, the Alliance needs to consolidate its presence and situational awareness in the Arctic region. We provide the know-how, capabilities and resources to strengthen deterrence and safeguard critical infrastructure. This is how we are taking responsibility for our security and for the cohesion of the Alliance," says Minister for Defence Pal Jonson. Security in the Arctic is a shared responsibility among NATO allies. Sweden, as one of NATO's seven Arctic states, welcomes an increased NATO presence in the region, which represents a clear expression of the alliance's strength and unity. Arctic Sentry brings together ongoing and future NATO activities in the Arctic region, such as Arctic Endurance led by Denmark and Cold Response led by Norway. During Cold Response, parts of the concept for FLF Finland will also be exercised. Sweden will initially contribute to Arctic Sentry with JAS 39 Gripen aircraft in the area around Iceland and Greenland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israeli decision to expand illegal settlements in West Bank IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 12, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has strongly condemned the Israeli regime's recent decision to seize more land from Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, saying the move aims to expand "illegal settlement-building" and entrench occupation and security control over the territory, alongside the continuation of "genocide" in Gaza. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Thursday pointed to the continued killing of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and "flagrant violations of human rights and humanitarian law," including "the continued unlawful detention of Palestinians in prisons and the severe torture of Palestinian prisoners." He described these actions as "criminal conduct" carried out in line with a policy of "genocide against Palestinians and the colonial eradication of Palestine," and stressed "the shared responsibility of all governments to prevent the continuation of the genocide of the Palestinian people and the escalating seizure of their lands." Baqaei said the "impunity" of the Israeli regime and the continued comprehensive support of the United States and certain European countries, particularly Germany and Britain, are factors behind the ongoing "genocide of Palestinians." He also sharply criticized the inaction of the United Nations and other relevant international bodies regarding the Israeli regime's "colonial and expansionist policies." The spokesperson reaffirmed the principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in supporting "the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, especially the right to self-determination, liberation from occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital." The Israeli regime has approved a series of sweeping measures in the occupied West Bank that Palestinians warn amount to a blatant breach of the Oslo Accords and a de facto annexation of Palestinian land. The policy, announced by extremist finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and minister of military affairs Israel Katz, significantly alters governance in the West Bank, opening the way for expanded settlements, land seizures and the erosion of Palestinian civil rights. The measures remove longstanding legal barriers for Israeli settlers, accelerate settlement expansion and extend Israeli military and "civil" authority into areas previously under partial Palestinian control. Under the new measures, Israeli forces gain authority to enforce regulations on "unlicensed" Palestinian buildings in Areas A and B, often citing heritage or archaeological sites, enabling land confiscation and demolitions. The policy lifts secrecy on West Bank land registries, allowing settlers to identify Palestinian landowners and purchase land directly, a move could accelerate land seizures. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lithuania is the defence spending leader of NATO, however, the burden and responsibility must be shouldered collectively Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2026-02-12 International cooperation | Security and defense policy Today, Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas takes part the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels centered on measures for strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence and agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit. Another highlight of the meeting is long-term assistance to Ukraine. "Lithuania dedicates 5.38 percent of GDP for defence, more than anyone across NATO. This is leadership and a sign we have to shoulder the burden of NATO security collectively. In their turn, other Allies need to take more responsibility and financial burden all NATO Allies because russia only speaks the language of force. We need to pump up the muscle and speak it so that the aggressor understands and is deterred," Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas said in Brussels. Defence Ministers also signed a Letter of Intent on NATO Task Force X for developing and implementing long-range strike capability and uncrewed system technology. The initiative focuses on developing uncrewed maritime system capability to safeguard critical infrastructure by means of surveillance, monitoring and generation of maritime recognized picture. The Lithuanian Navy joins the initiative to seize the opportunity of improving the skills, learning from the Allies, and also contributing to the collective NATO effort to strengthen the maritime security. Minister also underscored the anticipation of the new NATO Air Defence Plan for addressing the threat posed by russian and hybrid attack drones more effectively to be unveiled at the Summit. When speaking about developing NATO defence capabilities, R. Kaunas noted that Allied capabilities needed to be developed comprehensively and to make russia face strategic dilemmas, thus ensuring effective deterrence and defence. Ministers also discussed the agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit, assistance to Ukraine and themes of Lithuania's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. The NATO-Ukraine Council met on the margins of the NATO Defence Ministerial. At the meeting, R. Kaunas highlighted the importance of ensuring a timely and sufficiently effective weaponry supply which would help Ukraine to achieve battlefield advantage as assistance is rendered to the country defending the European and own security. Lithuania supports Ukraine on the basis of an annual 0.25 percent of GDP long-term aid commitment at the minimum. Since the start of the aggression against Ukraine in 2022, Lithuania has delivered military assistance worth of over EUR 1 billion so far. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President takes part in an informal European Council meeting on EU competitiveness President of the Republic of Lithuania February 12, 2026 President Gitanas Nauseda is taking part in an informal European Council meeting in Belgium on Thursday. At the meeting, the European Union leaders are discussing EU competitiveness, measures to remove barriers to competitiveness, strengthening the single market in the new geo-economic environment, and further deepening the EU internal market. "If we want to remain competitive, we have to act quickly and in a targeted manner. High electricity prices, expensive borrowing for businesses, and barriers to innovationlet us begin by addressing these problems. They directly affect both the manufacturing and services sectors," said the President of Lithuania. The Head of State emphasized that Europe needs to accelerate decision-making and move from declarative ambitions to practical actions that would genuinely increase economic potential and global competitiveness. "Relatively high electricity prices and access to more affordable capital are challenges that we must address as soon as possible. This is necessary for both manufacturers and providers of goods and services. We can respond to these challenges by continuing to develop generation capacities of more affordable electricity. Until this goal is achieved, companies should be given the opportunity to benefit from lower electricity tariffs on a repayable basis, and additional EU temporary lending instruments would be helpful. Meanwhile, investment volumes and access to capital could be improved by making more active use of Europeans' passive savings through EU and national financial institutions," the President emphasized. Gitanas Nauseda also highlighted the clear need to reduce the administrative burden and remove internal barriers between the markets of EU Member States, particularly in the high-tech and information technology sectors. According to the President, a more efficient single market would create conditions for faster innovation and enhance Europe's attractiveness to investors. The President called for particular attention to be paid to the innovation and start-up ecosystem, as well as to the creation of a common operating regime across the EU that would make it easier for young innovative companies to establish themselves, grow, and attract capital under harmonized rules throughout the Union. "That is why it is important for Lithuania, as a start-up-driven country, to see the emergence of the so-called 28th regime, which would allow start-ups to establish themselves, operate, and attract capital under unified rules across the entire EU market. The EU single market would thereby be free of significant barriers," said the Lithuanian leader. President Gitanas Nauseda also emphasized the importance of diversifying trade relations, seeking new partnerships, and reducing strategic dependencies. He stressed that the future of European competitiveness is linked not only to deepening the single market, but also to its consistent enlargement to include Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nine Allied nations completed the year's first Tactical Leadership Programme flying course at Albacete Air Base, Spain NATO Allied Air Command Feb 12 2026 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- On February 5, 2026, nine Allied nations completed the year's first Tactical Leadership Programme flying course at Albacete Air Base, Spain. The three-week advanced tactical course included aircrews, intelligence officers, and ground-controlled interception (GCI) experts from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Participants faced complex mission scenarios designed to qualify new mission commanders and supporting personnel for high-end air operations. The training was supported by "Opposing Forces" elements, including fighter aircraft and surface-to-air based defence (SBAD) systems. Additional support assets included the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, tankers, tactical transport aircraft, and helicopters. French Navy assets also contributed to the realism of the integrated scenarios. The Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) is pivotal in developing Allied aircrew expertise in Composite Air Operations combining live operations and advanced synthetic training. Using advanced flight simulators and the Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE) software, aircrews planned and executed complex mission profiles in a virtual environment able to replicate a realistic, high-stakes scenarios. "The ability to leverage high-fidelity simulation ensured that our training objectives are always met" said the TLP Commandant. "This adaptability proves that we can preserve operational readiness and refine tactical coordination procedures without compromising safety, even when aircraft are grounded." The use of synthetic training allowed aircrews to rehearse rare or high-risk scenarios that would be difficult to replicate in live flight. This controlled environment enabled participants to analyse errors and test alternative strategies, building the confidence required for effective leadership in the air domain. Following the graduation of the new mission commanders, the TLP staff has begun a formal improvement process. This review incorporates lessons learned and participant feedback to ensure future courses continue to provide the highest standard of tactical training. The TLP remains a cornerstone of Allied air cooperation, successfully converting individual tactical experience into the collective leadership necessary to execute NATO missions with responsibility and precision. The Tactical Leadership Programme was established in 1978 initially in Germany, it moved to Belgium in 1989 and was finally established at Albacete Air Base, Spain, in 2009. In addition to Host Nation Spain, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States are all TLP contributing nations. The training facilities are open to all NATO Allies and Partners upon request. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address STEADFAST DART 26: NATO Demonstrates Maritime Readiness and Strategic Mobility NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum Feb 12 2026 BERGEN, Germany -- The entry of NATO naval forces involved in STEADFAST DART 26 into Kiel, on Wednesday, Feb. 11. 2026, marks a decisive phase of the exercise. This follows a ten-day deployment from Spain and Turkiye to the Baltic Seanot merely a transit, but a deliberately utilised operational window. The arrival in Kiel signifies the successful conclusion of the strategic deployment phase for the Allied Reaction Force (ARF). Forces from across the Alliance territory were brought into the area of operations synchronously via air, sea, and land routes. Heavy equipment and personnel moved by air, sea, and rail transport, as well as large-scale road convoys. The result: a logistical achievement that underscores NATO's multinational operational capability as well as the efficiency of Germany as a hub providing "Host Nation Support." The maritime task group that arrived in Kiel is centred around the Spanish amphibious ship Castilla. It is accompanied by the Spanish frigate Cristobal Colon and a Turkish naval group featuring the aircraft carrier Anadolu, the frigates Orucreis and Istanbul, and the replenishment ship Derya. Embarked on board the Castilla is the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters, which serves as the maritime command element of the ARF during the exercise. Cooperation between the participating nations was progressively intensified during the transit. Basic exercises were followed by complex tactical scenarios, supplemented by cooperation with French, German, Dutch, and Danish naval forces. In Kiel, the task group is now being reinforced by additional allied units. It currently comprises 15 ships with approximately 2,600 personnel. The ARF is a strategic, high-readiness, multi-domain capable force, able to generate effects at shorter notice than previously possible. Held at the highest levels of readiness, it can deploy immediately on the orders of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The ARF is a critical component of the New NATO Force Model, supporting the Concept for the Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area. Story by NATO Media Information Centre NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Operation Sea Guardian Focused Operation strengthens maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean NATO Allied Maritime Command Feb 12 2026 Eastern Mediterranean -- NATO successfully conducted the first Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) Focused Operation of the year in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, between 21 January and 9 February 2026. Led by the Turkish flagship TCG Gaziantep, the operation strengthened maritime situational awareness, deterrence, and cooperation among Allied and Partner forces. The Mediterranean patrols were supported by submarines from Greece, Italy and Turkiye, alongside Greek, Turkish and United States air assets, as well as NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) capabilities. TCG Gaziantep conducted more than three hundred hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance patrols to maintain maritime situational awareness and monitor activity across the operational area. The ship and its embarked helicopter also carried out extensive communications with commercial vessels, completing more than 100 hailings (in English and Arabic) to help deter terrorism and illicit activity while enhancing maritime security and promoting Operation Sea Guardian. Air assets played a key role in supporting the mission. A helicopter embarked on TCG Gaziantep supported maritime situational awareness tasks, while Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Greece, Turkiye and the United States contributed a combined total of more than 50 flight hours. NATO NISRF aviation assets also provided additional operational support throughout the deployment. Submarine forces conducted extensive undersea operations, enhancing NATO's ability to monitor maritime activity and contribute to a comprehensive maritime picture in the Eastern Mediterranean. TCG Gaziantep also stopped at the port of Mersin, Turkiye, from 2 to 3 February, to replenish supplies and maintain operational readiness at sea. Focused Operation 26-1 also supported cooperation with Partner nations. A Georgian Coast Guard team embarked on TCG Gaziantep carried out joint NATO-compliant boarding training with Turkish teams. Activities included weapons and equipment familiarisation, small arms and light machine gun drills, and fast rope training - shared operational procedures which strengthen interoperability between NATO Allies and Partners. Through focused operations such as this, Operation Sea Guardian continues to enhance maritime security, improve coordination between Allied and Partner forces, and contribute to stability across the Mediterranean region. Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General hails "shift in mindset" in Allied deterrence and defence NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 12 February 2026 On Thursday 12 February, following a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Allied nations for progress made toward investing 5% of GDP in defence. He welcomed the growing determination with which Allies are taking increased ownership of their collective security. "The [5%] commitment was made in June" he began "and the evidence of progress in delivering on that commitment is visible. But today we also saw evidence of something else. A real shift in mindset. A unity of vision. A much stronger European defence within NATO. Everyone around the table engaged - with a sense of urgency and ownership - in how we are working together, as Allies, to deliver effective deterrence and defence." Mr Rutte noted the progress Allies are making to increase investment - some well ahead of schedule. Making clear that defence production and innovation must also rise, the Secretary General urged Allies to harness new technologies and develop their own industries and production lines on both sides of the Atlantic. He highlighted the value of multinational cooperation in pooling resources and expertise, noting new agreements signed by groups of Allies in the margins of the ministerial meeting. Mr Rutte commended Ukraine's resilience and its innovation on the battlefield, which are informing NATO's own development, particularly in the context of drone technology. At the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, Ukraine's Defence Minister updated on the situation on the battlefield and highlighted Ukraine's urgent needs, including air defence. The Secretary General made clear that NATO support, including through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), would not waver. Following the NATO Meeting of Defence Ministers, a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) was held at NATO headquarters. The group, chaired by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and UK Defence Secretary John Healey brought together 50 countries to discuss Ukraine's military needs in detail and coordinate further security assistance to Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Allies launch new multinational capability cooperation initiatives, expand existing projects NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 12 February 2026 On Thursday (12 February 2026), NATO Allies took further steps to enhance deterrence and defence through multinational cooperation and the development of cost-effective, innovative solutions. At a signing ceremony held at NATO Headquarters, NATO's Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska welcomed the four multinational initiatives as a fundamental step towards achieving the commitments made at the NATO 2025 Summit in The Hague and ensuring that Allies have the capabilities, resources, resilience and warfighting readiness needed to defend the Alliance. Seven Allies (Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkiye, United Kingdom) have agreed to work together to strengthen their defence against ballistic missiles through the development, acquisition and implementation of capabilities such as sensors, interceptors and tactical control systems complementing existing Allied air and missile defence capabilities. This new High Visibility Project responds to NATO's capability targets and national operational requirements in the area of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). Under another new High Visibility Project, five Allies (Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkiye) will collaborate on innovative drone-based deep precision strike capabilities to meet existing and future operational requirements more efficiently. The initiative will also explore new development and acquisition mechanisms to accelerate adoption and involve non-traditional defence companies. The airworthiness of military aircraft ensures fitness to fly at the highest safety standards, structures the entire technical life cycle, and can be challenging in times of crisis or conflict, when operational demands are high, and resources scarce. Fifteen Allies (Albania, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkiye) have committed to exploring multinational approaches to enhancing air power resilience, readiness and interoperability in such times. These can include new solutions for design, modification, maintenance, repair and servicing, as well as adapting procedures to ensure air operations can be carried out at the highest achievable level. Finally, Sweden has joined NATO's Air Battle Decisive Munitions (ABDM) High Visibility Project, bringing the total number of participating nations to 17. Launched in 2014, ABDM is a key multinational initiative that supports the acquisition of essential air-launched munitions under more favorable conditions as well as strengthening interoperability among Allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senators clarify Senate not intimidating China, urge diplomatic tone Philippine News Agency By Wilnard Bacelonia February 12, 2026, 2:39 pm MANILA -- Senators on Thursday clarified that the Senate is not attempting to intimidate China, saying recent resolutions and statements reflect the chamber's unified stand on sovereignty while urging both sides to pursue diplomatic dialogue to ease tensions. In a chance interview, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito rejected claims that lawmakers were provoking conflict, stressing that the Senate's actions are anchored on protecting national interest. "Dapat sana exhaust all diplomatic means, yun naman tayo eh. We do not want war. Wag nilang pagbibintangan kaming mga senador na pro-war daw kami kasi against China kami (We should exhaust all diplomatic means. We do not want war. They should not accuse senators of being pro-war because we are against China). We are just standing up for what is right, for what is ours, and protecting our sovereignty," Ejercito said. He acknowledged China's status as a global power but maintained that the Philippines must assert its rights. "Sabi ko nga exhaust all diplomatic means, kailangan madaan sa pag-uusap. Hindi naman natin kaya ang Tsina, superpower sila, third world lang tayo but we just have to make a stand and fight for what is duly ours, and sabi ko yung sovereignty natin is worth fighting for (We must exhaust all diplomatic means and resolve this through dialogue. China is a superpower, and we are a third world country. But we have to stand up and fight for what is duly ours, and our sovereignty is worth fighting for)," he said. Ejercito also denied that the Senate was pressuring or threatening Chinese officials. "We are not intimidating anybody, not even the Chinese officials. We are just stating the sense of the Senate, and the majority are in unison in standing up for what is right," he said. Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo echoed the clarification during a separate press briefing, saying he has not heard any senator issue threats against the Chinese Embassy. "I haven't heard any senator threatening the Chinese Embassy. Ewan ko, baka kathang isip lang nila (Maybe that's just their imagination)," Tulfo said in a press briefing. Asked whether the recently adopted Senate Resolution 256 could be construed as a threat, Tulfo said, "No, it's not. The resolution is in no way a threat to any member of the Chinese Embassy." He instead called for direct diplomatic engagement to reduce friction. "I think the Ambassador of the Philippines to China and the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines should sit down, i-involve siguro natin ang DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), para pag-usapan kung ano ba talagang dapat gawin para i-ease yung tension (perhaps involve the DFA, to discuss what should be done to ease the tension)," Tulfo said. He noted that tensions remain high amid developments in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing the need for clearer protocols to prevent further misunderstandings between officials of both countries. The Senate recently adopted Resolution 256, condemning remarks from the Chinese Embassy against Philippine officials and reaffirming the country's position on protecting its sovereignty. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two US Navy ships collide near South America amid Trump buildup Iran Press TV Thursday, 12 February 2026 1:58 PM Two US Navy vessels have collided during a refueling operation in waters near South America, injuring two personnel, amid Washington's expanding military presence in the region. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply collided Wednesday during a ship-to-ship refueling operation, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. Two personnel sustained minor injuries and were reported in stable condition, the report added. The exact location of the collision has not been disclosed, though a US military official confirmed it took place within Southern Command's area of responsibility, which covers the Caribbean and parts of the South Atlantic and South Pacific. The Truxtun departed Norfolk, Virginia, on February 6 for a scheduled deployment, while the Navy-owned Supply, primarily crewed by civilian mariners, has been operating in the Caribbean. The incident comes amid US President Donald Trump's large-scale naval buildup in the Caribbean, ordered in recent months as part of his campaign against what he claimed to be trafficking. Twelve warships are currently assigned to Southern Command, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group. Past incidents have proven deadly and exposed systemic failures. In 2017, two separate destroyer collisions in the Pacific killed 17 sailors - the USS Fitzgerald near Japan and the USS John S. McCain near Singapore. Investigations later concluded both were avoidable and resulted from crew failures, leading to the dismissal of several senior officials. More recently, on February 12 last year, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman collided with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, though no injuries were reported. Since mid-2025, the Trump administration has ordered what critics describe as the largest US military buildup in the Caribbean and South American region in decades including warships, aircraft, submarines, and strikes against targets near Venezuela. This force posture has been justified by the White House as a fight against drug trafficking, but analysts and regional leaders see it as an aggressive projection of military power deep into South American waters. In a dramatic escalation earlier this year, US forces launched strikes on Venezuelan territory and carried out an invasion that resulted in the abduction and removal of Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Trump publicly stated the US would effectively "run" Venezuela temporarily until a transition is secured, signaling a level of intervention that goes far beyond routine political pressure or sanctions. As part of what US commanders call Operation Southern Spear, American forces have been attacking vessels they allege are linked to narco-trafficking, often without independent evidence. These strikes have killed dozens and sparked legal challenges and accusations of illegal military action in peacetime. Trump's administration is also warning other South American countries about outside influence such as China's investments in Peru's ports as part of a broader "Western Hemisphere security" push, signaling another front in geopolitical competition under Trump's doctrine. South American leaders from Brazil to Venezuela have expressed alarm at this US military footprint, warning it could destabilize the region and reignite Cold War-style tensions. Domestic critics in the US and abroad argue that Trump's actions amount to foreign watchdog aggression and undermine sovereignty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No 'Divorce': A Year After 'Provocative' Vance Speech, What Will Be Rubio's Message In Munich? By Ray Furlong February 12, 2026 When US Vice President JD Vance came to the Munich Security Conference last year, he stunned his hosts by telling them that suppression of free speech by Washington's European allies was a bigger security risk than Russian military aggression. This year, with the US delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Europeans may hope for an easier ride -- while Russia and China watch closely for new signs of fractures in the Western alliance. "Secretary Rubio and the vice president deliver messages differently, and they have different personal styles. But I think there's 100 percent alignment on policy," Alexander Gray, who served on the National Security Council (NSC) during Trump's first term in the White House, told RFE/RL. "The message will look like the National Security Strategy (NSS): clear about our interests and where they overlap with Europe but not shy about calling out areas of concerning disagreement," he added. New National Security Strategy The NSS, released in December 2025, was very much in the spirit of Vance's speech, criticizing what it called "civilizational erasure" -- a reference to European policies on Internet hate speech and immigration. It drew praise from Moscow with talk of restoring "strategic stability" with Russia. It was one of a series of moments that have characterized a rocky year in transatlantic relations, from the heated Oval Office row between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to European pushback at US pressure on Denmark to hand over Greenland. Meanwhile, Trump's repeated statements that Europe needs to rely less on Washington for both its own defense and Ukraine's have sparked fears of a US withdrawal from the Old Continent. "The United States is no longer viewing Europe as our principal theater of geopolitical engagement. And that's for a simple reason. Russia is a declining, terminally declining power. That is not the greatest threat to the United States," said Gray. "I don't think Europe gets the fundamental civilizational concerns.... There's just a fundamental misalignment between American conservative politics and mainstream European political economy," he added. Ahead of the conference, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker took a similar line. The United States and Europe were working together on defense -- but disagreed on values. Speaking at an event in Berlin on February 9, Whitaker said Vance had made "a provocative speech" that raised "legitimate criticisms" on issues such as energy policy, immigration, and free speech. "But at the same time, it doesn't mean we're getting a divorce," he added. "A lot of our allies can criticize the United States of America, but we are still your best friend and ally." Strained US-Europe Partnership Quizzed on Greenland, where Trump initially said he would not rule out using force before walking the prospect back after talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte in January, Whitaker said it "was all about whether or not Greenland was properly invested security-wise by Denmark" and warned of "malign influence by China or Russia." Alarmed European leaders have sought to mollify Washington by pledging to massively expand defense spending in line with Trump's demands for greater NATO burden-sharing. They have also made sure to repeatedly praise Trump's leadership in international affairs while emphasizing shared history and values. More of this behavior will likely be on display in Munich. "I'm expecting a kind of contradictory mood," Carlo Masala from the University of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) in Munich told RFE/RL. "Europeans and Americans will reassure themselves that, somehow, they are still partners. But behind closed doors, Europeans will basically struggle with how to become more independent from the US," he added. Masala, who published an influential book last year called If Russia Wins, about a Russian incursion into NATO-member Estonia, said the entire transatlantic relationship was now "framed around Ukraine." Washington has dramatically scaled back its support to Kyiv since Trump took office in January 2025. But it still plays the key role providing intelligence to the Ukrainian armed forces and still supplies Kyiv with weapons paid for by European countries. "If this administration would walk away even from these things, then of course the picture will be a totally different one for the Ukrainians. So, the whole way how Europe deals with the US is basically focused on keeping the US engaged with regard to Ukraine," Masala said. Zelenskyy has followed a similar strategy in several meetings with Trump and other administration officials since the Oval Office disagreement. But he has also repeatedly urged the Europeans to do more without waiting for Washington. At last year's conference, he called for the creation of a European army. It's a message he may repeat in Munich this year. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Zelenskyy again mentioned the idea while voicing frustration at what he called a Groundhog Day of strong words not being followed with decisive actions. "Just last year here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words, 'Europe needs to know how to defend itself.' A year has passed and nothing has changed," he said. It's a sentiment that Richard Shirreff, former NATO deputy supreme commander in Europe, agrees with. "You can rule out the United States. This is Europe and Canada's shout," he told RFE/RL. "There's not going to be a lasting cease-fire in Ukraine until Russia has been defeated in Ukraine, and for that to happen, it requires Europe and Canada to design and execute a strategy to give Ukraine all the support it needs." Shirreff, who is now on a security and defense council at GlobSec, an international think tank, said key NATO leaders did not share this view. "I think [Canadian Prime Minister Mark] Carney has got it. I think all the rest just talk. They don't get it. I don't think there is that real spine at the moment. Let's be clear: Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Finland -- they absolutely get it. But I'm afraid I think [other] Western leaders are politically pretty pathetic and inadequate as far as this is concerned," he said. "Trying to appease Trump [from] the likes of Rutte, [British Prime Minister Keir] Starmer, and [French President Emmanuel] Macron has resulted in Trump despising them," he added. Focus On Ukraine Ukraine has often exposed differences between Washington and its European NATO allies over the last year and will feature in many debates at Munich. European leaders have publicly backed Trump's efforts to broker peace but also stated they do not believe Russia is genuine about wanting to end the full-scale invasion it launched in February 2022. On February 10, Estonia's annual intelligence service report was the latest articulation of these concerns, stating that Moscow's cooperation in peace talks was "a ruse" aimed at "widening what Moscow perceives as existing rifts between the US and Europe." Meanwhile, in another sign of transatlantic tension, European media quoted Macron as saying Trump was "openly anti-European" and seeking the "dismemberment" of the European Union. Macron's interview marked a renewed bid to get Europe a role in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. He reportedly said Europe should seek its own dialogue with Russia, "so as not to depend on third parties in this discussion." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas followed up by saying, "Everybody around the table, including the Russians and the Americans, needs to understand that you need Europeans" involved. Former Trump adviser Gray, now CEO at American Global Strategies LLC, said this need not be a major problem. "Europe certainly has a role to play. I'm not sure that that role is necessarily in the day-to-day talks, but I think Europe is obviously going to have a major role in discussing...what the future security settlement in Eastern Europe looks like," he said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/munich-security-conference- vance-rubio-/33674467.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dismissal Of Kyrgyz Security Chief Raises Stakes In Central Asia By Zamira Eshanova and RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service February 12, 2026 The sudden dismissal of Kamchybek Tashiev as head of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS) marks a major shift in the country's political balance. A central ally of President Sadyr Japarov since the 2020 uprising that brought them to power, Tashiev was removed on February 10 while undergoing medical treatment in Germany. Appointed in October 2020, Tashiev became one of Kyrgyzstan's most powerful officials. He took a hard line in border talks with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and led sweeping domestic crackdowns. In 2023, security forces killed prominent crime boss Kamchy Kolbaev in an operation Tashiev oversaw, part of broader anti-crime and anti-corruption campaigns that recovered billions of soms for the state. While supporters said his methods were necessary to preserve order, critics accused him of pressuring political opponents and squeezing independent media and civil society. In a farewell message shared by his allies, Tashiev defended his record: "I served our state, the people, and the president honestly and I am proud of this. The only thing I regret is that I was not given the opportunity to say goodbye to the personnel.... Law is the foundation of order. Peace, stability, and statehood of Kyrgyzstan should stand above any emotions and political speculation." Power Consolidation In Bishkek Allies of Japarov described the move as institutional rebalancing, with Deputy Cabinet Chairman Edil Baysalov acknowledging tensions within the system: "We must honestly recognize that in recent years there was some imbalance in the public administration system.... Power must be clear, constitutionally defined, and focused in one center of responsibility." Many analysts see the dismissal as a calculated effort by Japarov to remove a potential rival. Daniil Kislov, editor of Fergana.Media, said Tashiev had evolved into "an alternative center of power," adding that the president "decided to remove a potential rival before he gained too much weight." Kislov also warned that the reshuffle could trigger broader changes in the security services, including the departure or replacement of officials loyal to Tashiev. Within hours of Tashiev's dismissal, President Japarov removed his three deputies at the SCNS and several other officials considered close to him. The agency was quickly restructured: the State Border Service and the State Guard Department were separated from the security system. The political reverberations quickly spread beyond the security services. Parliament speaker Nurlan Turgunbek-uulu resigned from his post, saying the decision was made "to maintain political stability." A close ally of Tashiev, he told lawmakers, "Nobody pressured me. It is my own decision for the political stability of the country." The legislative body accepted his resignation and proposed parliament deputy Marlen Mamataliev as the new speaker. At the same time, security authorities detained another five former officials for signing a letter urging an early presidential election. Among them were former Deputy Interior Minister General Kursan Asanov and former parliamentary deputy Aaly Karashev. Three other signatories had been detained earlier. Border Negotiations Tashiev played a central role in often tense border negotiations with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, making him a key figure in one of the region's most sensitive issues. Uzbek political analyst Kamoliddin Rabbimov described him as "a much more aggressive, nationalist, and hard-line politician," contrasting him with Japarov, whom he called "a calm and reasonable person." And perhaps as a sign of the regional importance of dismissing Tashiev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reportedly phoned Japarov after the reshuffle. Rabbimov warned, however, that political fragmentation could grow following the move: "The disgruntled Tashiev might try to destabilize the situation.... But Japarov is an experienced politician. He will try to carry his mission through to the end." Moscow, despite close ties with Bishkek, has not publicly commented. Russian media had previously described Tashiev as "the main Russophobe in Kyrgyzstan." A Fragile Moment Kyrgyzstan has experienced revolutions in 2005, 2010, and 2020. Tashiev himself helped lead the last uprising and could now, some analysts warn, reemerge as an opposition figure, particularly in the southern regions of Osh and Jalal-Abad where he retains influence. These areas sit in the Ferghana Valley, a complex triangle where the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan meet -- a region with a history of tension and violence, most notably the ethnic clashes in 2010, which left hundreds dead and thousands wounded. His dismissal consolidates Japarov's authority but also ends a powerful political tandem that has shaped the Kyrgyz political landscape for five years. The outcome of this reshuffle -- whether it fosters greater political calm or triggers fresh instability -- could have repercussions not only for Kyrgyzstan but for the entire Central Asian region. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/munich-security-conference- vance-rubio-/33674467.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Minister's meeting with his French counterpart, in Brussels Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 29 12.02.2026 On Thursday, February 12th, Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had a meeting with the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of the French Republic, Catherine Vautrin, as part of the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence, in Brussels. The talks focused on current developments in the security environment, in particular the regional consequences of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine and their impact on the Allied Eastern Flank. The two officials highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security and the need to maintain a coordinated and coherent approach at Allied level. Most part of the dialogue was dedicated to bilateral defence cooperation. The significant contribution of France to the consolidation of the deterrence and defence posture on Romanian territory was appreciated, especially through the role of the framework nation of the NATO Battle Group Romania, in Cincu. The Romanian minister emphasized the very good level of cooperation within this battle group and the importance of the presence of the French soldiers, as a concrete expression of the Alliance's solidarity and unity. At the same time, the officials discussed ways of enhancing cooperation in the field of the defence industry, by identifying joint projects aimed at establishing production in Romania and consolidating military-technical partnerships. In this context, the convergence of Romania's and France's objectives regarding strengthening the defence industrial and technological base at European level was also highlighted. The meeting's agenda also included the coordination of the two states' positions within NATO and the European Union, as well as the main lines of action in view of the NATO Summit in Ankara. The importance of implementing the commitments undertaken at the previous NATO Summit, including in terms of increasing defence investments, as well as the need to continue joint efforts to strengthen stability and security in the Black Sea region, were also reiterated. The Romanian official emphasized the importance of the Strategic Partnership with France, showing that the enhancement of bilateral defence cooperation has a direct impact on the forces' interoperability, the consolidation of military capabilities and the increase of readiness level on NATO's Eastern Flank. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Radu Miruta's participation in the Foreign Affairs Council Meeting (Defence), in Brussels Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 28 12.02.2026 On Wednesday, February 11th, Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting (Defence), in Brussels. The meeting agenda reflected the need to continue and consolidate the support provided to Ukraine, as well as current concerns regarding the developments in the European security environment. The discussions were attended by Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mr. Mykhailo Fedorov during the first part of the meeting. In the context of the persistence of risks generated by the war triggered by the Russian Federation, the Member States expressed the need to adapt the support provided to Ukraine. In this regard, the Ministers of Defence analysed the options through which the European Union can maintain a sustainable pace, both in the short and medium term, emphasizing coordination, predictability and efficient use of available resources. The integration of the operational experience acquired by the Ukrainian forces into the European processes of capability development, with the aim of accelerating the adaptation to new types of threats, was also approached. The Romanian official has pointed out the relevance of infrastructure development and projects that facilitate practical cooperation between allies, emphasizing that the Eastern Flank requires increased attention from a deterrence and defence perspective. In his speech, Minister of National Defence highlighted the importance of an overall approach at European level in managing security challenges as well as the fact that support for Ukraine remains essential for regional stability. "Romania supports measures aimed at increasing the European Union's capacity to act coherently and efficiently, including by enhancing industrial cooperation among member states and capitalizing on existing financial mechanisms," the Romanian Minister of Defence said. In addition, representatives of European institutions made proposals regarding the broader involvement of the European Investment Bank in supporting projects relevant to the defence field, as well as topics of interest regarding the implementation of the new initiative in support of Ukraine - Ukraine Support Loan. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Minister's meeting with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Security and Intelligence Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 27 12.02.2026 On February 11th, 2026, Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had a meeting in Brussels with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Security and Intelligence, Scott W. Bray. On this occasion, the officials addressed issues related to the security situation in the Black Sea region, against the backdrop of the war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The talks focused on recent developments in the security environment, with focus on complex and multidimensional threats, including hybrid, cyber and information threats, and their impact on regional stability. The importance of a common understanding of security risks and challenges on the Eastern Flank was emphasized, in order to support the allied decision-making process. Minister of National Defence highlighted the strategic relevance of the Black Sea region for NATO security and the need to maintain a high level of vigilance and adaptability, in the current context. At the same time, the importance of close cooperation in the fields of security and information exchange was reiterated, as essential elements for strengthening the deterrence and defence posture of the Alliance, especially on the Eastern Flank. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin's meeting with General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustafa Barghouti 12 February 2026 11:59 180-12-02-2026 On February 11, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin received General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustafa Barghouti, who is visiting Moscow to attend a conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club. The parties addressed the current situation in the Middle East, with particular attention to developments in the Gaza Strip. Special emphasis was placed on the restoration of Palestinian national unity as a crucial prerequisite for revitalising the process of comprehensive Palestinian-Israeli settlement on the established international legal foundations. The Russian side reiterated its steadfast position in support of establishing an independent Palestinian state coexisting in peace and security with Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan Attends First Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference News | Feb. 12, 2026 By Steven McLoud / U.S. Southern Command Gen. Francis Donovan, the newly appointed Commander of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), participated in the inaugural Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference from February 10-11 in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, the conference brought together Chiefs of Defense and senior military representatives from 34 nations to discuss shared security priorities and challenges in the Western Hemisphere. This unprecedented event marked a milestone in regional defense cooperation, providing a platform for military leaders to exchange perspectives, align strategies, and strengthen relationships in support of a stable, secure, and prosperous hemisphere. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth gave the opening remarks where he stressed the importance of restoring American strength in the hemisphere through shared priorities and common interests with regional partners, including drug trafficking, organized crime, and broader issues affecting regional stability. General Caine highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration in advancing collective security. "Building trust, deepening relationships, and working together are essential to achieving lasting security across the hemisphere," Gen. Caine said. As the new commander of USSOUTHCOM, Gen. Donovan outlined his overarching priorities for the command's area of responsibility, highlighting the importance of an integrated military-to-military approach. He stressed the need for ongoing engagement, strong partnerships, and unified action to address shared threats and strengthen regional security. "SOUTHCOM is a warfighting organization, and we are charged with defending the southern approaches to our homeland and ensuring security, stability, and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere," Gen. Donovan said. "But I believe, and our National Defense Strategy affirms, that the most effective way to achieve this is by working together with our partner nations in the region to counter shared threats." Gen. Donovan also addressed the activities of narco-terrorist organizations, which he described as a major threat to regional security. "Narco-terrorist organizations traffic in drugs, weapons, and human beings, while engaging in illegal mining, logging, and fishing activities that fuel corruption and instability, erode the sovereignty of our partner nations, and threaten our shared security," he said. "The most effective way to defeat them is by sharing the burden of that defense with our allies and partners." Operation Southern Spear and Multilateral Efforts Highlighting USSOUTHCOM's recent successes, Gen. Donovan pointed to Operation Southern Spear as an example of taking the fight directly to narco-terrorist networks. "Our recent operations during Operation Southern Spear have sent an unmistakable message: the commons will not be a sanctuary for the shared adversaries of our nations," he said. He also emphasized the importance of multilateral efforts and working "by, with, and through" partner nations to build upon existing relationships and defeat common threats. "Lasting security comes from strong partnerships," Gen. Donovan added. "SOUTHCOM's multilateral efforts are the cornerstone of our approach. We are actively strengthening and expanding our partnerships to counter our common threats." A Unified Approach to Regional Security The Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference provided an opportunity for military leaders to align their strategies and reinforce their commitment to shared security. Discussions focused on addressing transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking, and other challenges that threaten regional stability. Gen. Donovan's participation in the conference underscored USSOUTHCOM's dedication to working collaboratively with partner nations to build a secure and prosperous future for the hemisphere. USSOUTHCOM is one of the nation's six geographically focused unified commands with responsibility for U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America, as well as security cooperation with defense and public-security forces in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela's Rodriguez Says in Charge of Country, Maduro Remains Legitimate President Sputnik News 20260212 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has said that she is in charge of the country, but stressed that despite his detention in the United States, Nicolas Maduro remains the legitimate Venezuelan president. Rodriguez made the remarks in the wake of US Secretary Chris Wright's visit to Venezuela on Wednesday, for a first hand assessment of the country's oil infrastructure, as well as oil and gas production operations. "I can tell you I am in charge of the presidency of Venezuela," Rodriguez told NBC News in her first interview with a US journalist since assuming her duties, when asked whether she or US President Donald Trump were in charge of the country. In the wake of Nicolas Maduro's capture, the Venezuelan Supreme Court temporarily transferred the duties of the head of state to Rodriguez who was officially sworn in as acting president before the National Assembly on January 5. "Yes, I can tell you that President Nicolas Maduro is the legitimate president ... They are both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent," Rodriguez said when asked whether Maduro is the legitimate leader. Rodriguez further noted she has held two "very respectful" conversations with Trump since assuming duties office, and claimed having received an invitation to visit the United States, a trip she says she will consider once Washington and Caracas establish cooperation. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Not to Be Represented at Trump's Board of Peace Meeting - Foreign Ministry Sputnik News 20260212 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will not be represented at a meeting of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday. "Russia will not be represented at the meeting of the Board of Peace. Work on forming a position continues," Zakharova said at a briefing. On January 16, US President Donald Trump announced the formation of the Gaza Board of Peace and invited heads of about 50 states to join. The Board includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and World Bank President Ajay Banga. It follows a UN Security Council resolution of November 2025 supporting Trump's Gaza plan, which includes a temporary international government. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela and US Eye Energy Ties as New 'Engine' of Relations - President Sputnik News 20260212 Acting President Delcy Rodriguez appeared alongside US Energy Secretary Chris Wright at Miraflores Palace, emphasizing a significant shift in bilateral ties. "We have had a work agenda with important focal points. The first point is the establishment of a long-term productive partnership that allows for an energy agenda that becomes the engine of the bilateral relationship," Rodriguez said. Energy Secretary Chris Wright delivered a direct message from President Trump to Venezuelan officials, proposing an "absolute transformation" of the long-hostile bilateral relationship. "I bring today a message from President Trump. He is passionately committed to absolutely transforming the relationship between the United States and Venezuela part of a broader agenda to Make the Americas Great Again." The meeting follows recent Treasury licenses easing Venezuela oil sanctions. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Joint Base Andrews February 12, 2026 SECRETARY RUBIO: We've got to be quick, guys. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, what's your message going to be in Munich? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, you've got to wait till Saturday. Right, Saturday? It'll be good. It will be good. I think it will be well received. We'll see. QUESTION: What do you think the Europeans are hoping to hear? Something more conciliatory than last year? SECRETARY RUBIO: I think they want - honestly, they want to know where we're going, where we'd like to go, where we'd like to go with them. So that's our hope. It's an important conference, my third time, twice as Secretary of State. We'll have a lot of members of Congress here, so - as well. I'll see them tomorrow as well. So it's important, and I think it's at a defining moment, and I refer you back to even the speech or the statement I gave during my nomination hearing as Secretary of State. The world is changing very fast right in front of us. The old world is gone - frankly, the world that I grew up in - and we live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to sort of reexamine what that looks like and what our role is going to be. And it's - we've had many of these conversations in private with many of our allies, and they are our allies, and we need to continue to have those conversations. And I think Saturday, hopefully, and the meetings we'll have there will move us in that direction. QUESTION: Do you think Greenland will be at issue, or are you going to talk about it, or is that a done deal SECRETARY RUBIO: Greenland? QUESTION: Yeah, Greenland. SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, I'm sure somebody will raise it. QUESTION: Sure. SECRETARY RUBIO: We're working on that. We feel good about it. QUESTION: Do you expect to meet with President Zelenskyy when you're there? SECRETARY RUBIO: I think so. I think he was going to be there, and there's a chance to see him. I believe it's on my schedule. I'm not 100 percent certain, but I'm sure we will. QUESTION: What do you think about the Russian bombardment during all of this cold and SECRETARY RUBIO: It's terrible. It's a war. That's why we want the war to end. People are suffering. It's the coldest time of year. It's unimaginable suffering. That's the problem with wars. That's why wars are bad, and that's why we have worked so hard for over a year now to try to bring this one to an end. QUESTION: Why the meeting with Orban? Are you looking to help him in the polls? SECRETARY RUBIO: Sorry? Meeting with? QUESTION: With Viktor Orban. SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, the President said he's very supportive of him, and so are we, but obviously we were going to do that visit as a bilateral visit. They came to the U.S. earlier, last year, late last year. We told them that when I had an opportunity I would visit, and this is the best opportunity. It's very close by. We're also going to go by Slovakia, which - which we met with them at the end of last year in Florida, or early this year - I forget - during the holidays. So we also told them we'd go by. So it just made sense to sort of tack it onto this trip. QUESTION: So this is going to be your third transatlantic trip in the last week. SECRETARY RUBIO: It is? Oh, because QUESTION: Third time crossing the Atlantic, right? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, that's right. QUESTION: And then a fourth on the way back. SECRETARY RUBIO: And then I've got a fourth time on the way back, yeah. QUESTION: So is there a message here for Europe, or is it just basically, well, I went to the Olympics and now I'm doing SECRETARY RUBIO: Message? QUESTION: To Europe, like we're not disengaged? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I don't know, guys. I mean, I didn't schedule the Olympics and I didn't schedule Munich. They're on our schedule. You know those are preexisting events. We went to both. Europe's important to us. We're very tightly linked to Europe. I think most people in this country can trace both their cultural or their personal heritage back to Europe, so we're deeply tied to Europe and our future (inaudible). So we've just got to talk about what that future looks like. All right? All right, guys. QUESTION: Are you going to urge Russia - I'm sorry SECRETARY RUBIO: I'm not going to Russia this week, no. QUESTION: Slovakia and Hungary - are you going to urge Hungary and Slovakia to stop buying Russian energy? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we'll have those conversations with them. We'll talk to them about what needs to happen. QUESTION: (Inaudible.) SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, I'm not going to get into what we're going to say in those meetings. But more than anything else, these are countries that are very strong with us, very cooperative with the United States, work very closely with us. And it was a good opportunity to go see them and two countries I've never been in. So all right, guys. QUESTION: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK fully supports the new government's efforts to advance security, stability and prosperity for the Yemeni people: UK statement at the UN Security Council Speech Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG Published 12 February 2026 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 12 February 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) I would like to start by welcoming the announcement of the new government of Yemen and commend the leadership of Prime Minister Zindani and the Presidential Leadership Council. This marks an important step for Yemen and an opportunity for important economic, governance, and security reforms. The UK fully supports the government's efforts to advance security, stability, and prosperity for the Yemeni people. We would like, in particular, to welcome the three new women ministers in the Cabinet. An inclusive government is vital for lasting progress. Second, following the adoption of Resolution 2831, we remain closely engaged on the orderly and safe drawdown of UN personnel and assets, as the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement, UNMHA, in Yemen closes. We look forward to the Special Envoy's continued efforts to deliver on the UN's commitments under the Hudaydah Agreement. Third, Yemen remains one of the most acute humanitarian crises in the world, as we've heard today, with 22 million people in need of assistance, spiralling food insecurity, and the potential collapse of the primary healthcare system. We need to act collectively and urgently to galvanise efforts to address these needs. Finally, we have heard again today in the Council, the unequivocal call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis. The UK strongly condemns the death sentences issued by the Houthi authorities and the continued detention of aid workers. These actions violate fundamental rights and due process. They also shrink the operational space for NGOs, which is vital to supporting Yemenis who remain in desperate need. They must be released. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 12 February 2026 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. All right, good afternoon. ** Guest We are delighted to be joined today by our colleague Alexandre Zouev, who is, as you know, the Acting Under-Secretary-General for the Office of Counter-Terrorism. He is here because today marks the fourth observance of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, under the theme "Preventing Violent Extremism in the Age of New and Emerging Technologies". The Secretary-General does have a message for the Day, in which he says that stronger security measures mean that we must get at the source of the problem, through renewed efforts to address grievances and the conditions conducive to terrorism by strengthening education systems, expanding civic space, and fostering dialogue and trust among and within communities. [...] All right, good afternoon. ** Secretary-General/African Union Summit The Secretary-General will be landing in Addis Ababa very shortly. As mentioned to you yesterday, he is travelling to Ethiopia to take part in the thirty-ninth Ordinary Summit of the African Union. While there, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Chairperson of the African Union, Ethiopian authorities and a host of other leaders who will be participating in the Summit. Tomorrow, he has also been invited to take part in the Second Italy-Africa summit, organized on the sidelines of the regular AU Summit. On Saturday, he will address the opening session of the AU Summit. He will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. local time, and we will share the transcript with you as soon as it is ready. And we will be issuing our lovely readouts of all the bilateral meetings he is having as well. ** Yemen This morning, the Security Council met to discuss the situation in Yemen. Briefing was Hans Grundberg, our Special Envoy for Yemen. He briefed via video link from Riyadh, where he recently met with Yemen's newly appointed Prime Minister, Shaya al-Zindani, and members of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen. Mr. Grundberg underscored the need for an inclusive political process under UN auspices to reach a negotiated settlement capable of sustainably ending the conflict in the country. In this context, he also raised serious concerns regarding the continued detention of our colleagues and others. This week, we mark one year since the tragic death of our World Food Programme colleague while he was being held in arbitrary detention by the Houthis. Mr. Grundberg noted that no investigation has been conducted by the authorities. Today, 73 UN personnel, along with civil society members and individuals linked to diplomatic missions, remain arbitrarily detained. We continue to pursue every avenue, at all levels, in order to resolve this issue. Focusing on the humanitarian situation, Lisa Doughten, the Director of the Financing and Outreach Division at OCHA said that over 18 million people face acute food insecurity in Yemen. Despite severe challenges, we and our partners are continuing to provide aid wherever we can. She noted that next week, in Amman, donors, UN agencies, and international and [national] non-governmental organizations will convene to refine aid delivery and ensure the most vulnerable continue receiving assistance amid growing operational constraints. She added that our partners remain active in areas held by the de facto authorities in Yemen and will assume a greater share of frontline operational work. Ms. Doughten urged Council members to actively support these efforts. ** Democratic Republic of the Congo In a statement released today by the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they tell us that Ms. Vivian van de Perre, who as you know, is the acting head of the UN Mission, the acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC, has begun a visit to Goma as part of the Mission's preparations to support ceasefire monitoring and verification, following consultations with the Congolese national authorities. The Department of Peace Operations confirmed that Ms. van de Perre arrived via Goma airport earlier today and she is engaging with relevant counterparts to advance the practical arrangements regarding ceasefire monitoring and the verification mechanism. The Mission stated that the visit marks an important operational step after the prolonged disruption of air traffic in and out of Goma since January of last year. Under Security Council resolution 2808 (2025), the Mission is authorized to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, including through technical and logistical support to the International Conference on the Great Lakes via the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus. The peacekeeping mission reaffirmed that such support will be provided within its mandate and in full respect for the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to Gaza, our colleagues on the ground tell us that yesterday they coordinated 10 humanitarian missions with the Israeli authorities. The movements were to areas where Israeli forces remain deployed. These missions allowed our teams to collect incoming relief items such as food, vaccines, fuel and health supplies from the Kerem Shalom/Kerem Abu Salem crossing, as well as the Zikim crossing. As we have been saying for months, our teams stand ready to further scale up humanitarian operations across all sectors. However, this requires the lifting of restrictions on our work. All of our humanitarian partners must be allowed to operate without obstruction and bring in critically needed supplies and equipment. Also yesterday, colleagues from the UN Development Programme began removing solid waste from a dumping site in Gaza City. Our partners managing water and sanitation report that the waste is being moved to a temporary site covering nearly 75,000 square metres, capable of receiving daily collections. These efforts aim to improve both environmental conditions and public health in Gaza. Our teams also continue to support movements of people through Rafah. Since the re-opening of this crossing in early February, we have facilitated movements of over 500 people: 273 patients and their companions and 269 Gazans who were trying to return home. Just to clarify, these are the numbers of people that we have been able to monitor or assist, but there have been other movements that we are not able to count. ** Kosovo Turning to Kosovo. Peter Due, the recently appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in the country, today welcomed the establishment of a new Assembly of Kosovo and the formation of the new government. Mr. Due commended Kosovo's people and institutions on the peaceful and inclusive process. Mr. Due said that he looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders to advance peace, to advance security and prosperity. He encourages sustained dialogue and engagement. ** Ukraine From Ukraine, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that overnight, another large-scale attack across the country damaged energy infrastructure. In Kyiv and the cities of Kharkiv and Odesa, nearly 5,000 multi-storey residential buildings have been left again without heating. In Odesa, the attacks disrupted the water supply for nearly 300,000 residents. That is what local authorities are telling our colleagues on the ground. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned the continued attacks on energy infrastructure, saying this is a clear attack on the civilian population and must stop immediately. In the past day, these attacks and hostilities have resulted in more than 50 civilian casualties; that includes children. Kharkiv Region was the hardest hit. In Odesa City, the office of a national humanitarian NGO was damaged. Our partners on the ground are also responding immediately to support impacted families. In Odesa City, for example, they have distributed construction materials to help people repair the damaged homes, they provided hot meals, and registered residents for humanitarian cash assistance. And they have done that directly at the sites where the strikes took place. ** Bangladesh An update from our UN team in Bangladesh, as the country headed to the polls today for its thirteenth National Parliamentary Election. In a statement released [yesterday], The UN country team called for safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation in the electoral process, stressing that participation in public life is a fundamental right. The statement raised concerns about reported intimidation, harassment and violence affecting women candidates and women voters, including in the digital spaces, such as cyberbullying. Our team in Bangladesh has supported the country's Election Commission to strengthen women's electoral participation and representation. We reiterate that ensuring women's safety and full participation as voters and candidates is essential to inclusive and credible elections. ** Madagascar A quick note from Madagascar, where our humanitarian colleagues tell us that Tropical Cyclone Gezani, which made landfall on Tuesday, has had devastating consequences across the eastern and central parts of the country. 31 people have died, 4 remain missing and 35 injured. That is what the local authorities are telling us. Our humanitarian colleagues note that preliminary reports indicate that more than 250,000 people have been impacted, with nearly 7,000 people displaced. Over 65,000 homes have been flooded, damaged or destroyed, and around 600 classrooms have been rendered partially or completely unusable by students. The Government is calling for international solidarity and is leading the search-and-rescue, evacuation, shelter and food assistance efforts, including the distribution of some 800 metric tons of rice, with support from ourselves and our partners. The International Organization for Migration is conducting a rapid needs assessments to identify priority vulnerabilities and guide targeted assistance, including cash-for-shelter support to help impacted people secure temporary accommodation and begin recovery. $3 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund will help over 90,000 people and more funds from other donors are helping to kick-start the efforts. OCHA tells us that the cyclone could affect central and southern Mozambique in the coming days. ** Financial Contribution Lastly, we got money, but from only one country But we got a good quiz for you today. In 1971, geologists were drilling for oil in the desert of this country when they hit a pocket of natural gas. This caused the earth to collapse, forming three large sinkholes. In order to prevent methane gas from leaking into the atmosphere, geologists lit one of the sinkholes on fire, thinking it would burn out in a matter of weeks. It still burns today. It is called the Darvaza gas crater, which is now a tourist attraction in which country? [...] It is Turkmenistan. We say thank you to our friends in Ashgabat for their full payment to the Regular Budget, they are now up to 65. Gas crater looks pretty amazing. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Edie Lederer? Question : Who got all of them wrong? Spokesman : Yeah. But at least you tried. Question : In Gaza, you said that aid deliveries are restricted, and you called, talked about restrictions. What are those restrictions that have been imposed? Spokesman : I mean, a number of the restrictions involve the kinds of aid that we can bring in, which the Israeli authorities consider dual use, notably heavy equipment to clear rubble, among others, also more permanent shelter material. We've also had movement restrictions, especially in areas that the Israeli military still occupies. And that's why yesterday, we were pleased to be able to coordinate with them movements to areas we'd previously not been able to go to. Question : And a second related question. Is the UN still having discussions with the Israelis about opening Rafah for cargo deliveries? And what's the objection? Spokesman : Yes. We continue to have those discussions. I think the objection, you'd have to speak to the other side. Mona and then Ephrem. Question : Just a quick follow-up on the UNDP. You mentioned there is an initiative to clear the rubble. Could you please provide more information on the logistics of that process? Where is that dump being relocated? Sorry. And if there are any environmental standards being applied. Spokesman : I will put you in touch with our colleagues of UNDP in the region. They'll have more granular details for you. Ephrem, and then we'll go to Benny. Question : Thank you, Steph. A question on Sudan. For the past 10 days, we have seen a lot happening around Sudan, many efforts. We've seen the conference in Washington, D.C., with Tom Fletcher there. We've seen a very strong, powerful speech from the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. And just yesterday, the Quintet, the Sudan Quintet, also issued a very strongly worded statement calling for the end of the war, for the halt of the weapon flows. So, as the Secretary-General is in Addis Ababa now, does he see that there's a certain momentum now that wasn't there before regarding the efforts to stop the war? And if so, how does he intend to... [cross-talk] Spokesman : Sure. I think... [cross-talk] Question : Use that momentum? Spokesman : I think that there's a certain focus, should we say, on everybody understanding or at least most people understanding that this conflict needs to end after the horrific, I mean, things that are still going on. We've talked almost couple of times a week about drones or rocket fires hitting hospitals, hitting schools, hitting mosques, killing people who themselves are near starvation. The level of depravity and cruelty that we're seeing in this conflict is close to being unmatched in a world where we're seeing a lot of cruelty and depravity. Through the work of Tom Fletcher, through the work of Ramtane Lamamra, we're trying to bring the international community together to ensure that everybody's pushing in the same direction. I think no one is saying that it is easy. I think as the Secretary-General would tell you when he was here, we don't have that many levers of pressure and power. But I can tell you that Sudan will be high on his agenda, while he's in Addis Ababa to continue to push, to continue to seize, I would say this moment of focus. Benny, and then we'll go to Alex. Question : Yes. Steph. So, a fellow Frenchman, Foreign Minister Barrot is calling for the resignation of Francesca Albanese. Is the Secretary-General agreeing with that? What's the Secretary-General's... Spokesman : Look... Question : View on that? Spokesman : Everyone has responsibilities, whether it's the Secretary-General, Member States. As you know, special rapporteurs are appointed by the Human Rights Council by member States. If member States are not happy with what, one or more of the special rapporteurs are saying it is their responsibility to get involved in the work of the Human Rights Council, to get involved and push for the direction they wish to push for. We've always believed that the institution of special rapporteurs, while being completely separate from the Secretary-General, is an important part of the international human rights architecture. We don't always agree with what they say, and that includes Ms. Albanese. But if the issue with special rapporteurs needs to be addressed by member States themselves. Question : Steph, a follow-up please. Secretary-General's predecessor, similarly, in his voice, criticized the rapporteur. Actually, it was Albanese's predecessor. Why won't Guterres do the same? Spokesman : I mean, listen. Everyone has a lane in this organization. As I said, we don't agree with much of what she says. We wouldn't use the language that she's using in describing the situation. She has a particular role. The Secretary-General has a particular role. I think you could do the compare and contrast yourself about their positions. But again, it is an issue for member States to address, if they have an issue with the special rapporteurs. Question : I have a follow-up, can I, on this? Spokesman : Sorry, Stefano, hold on. I'm trying to have some sort of discipline in this place here. I will come back to you, I promise. Mona and then, sorry, Alex and then Mona, and then we'll go to Stefano. Question : Thanks, Steph. On the first Board of Peace meeting scheduled for next week, is the Secretary-General invited or anyone from the United Nations? Spokesman : No. I'm not aware that we'll have anybody present in Washington. If that changes, I will let you know. As we said, in regard to the Board of Peace's work on Gaza, which is sanctioned by the Security Council, we will coordinate and work with them mostly through our representative in Jerusalem, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov. Mona, then Stefano. Question : I want to ask about the EU Mercosur deal. Please... Spokesman : The EU what, sorry? Question : The EU Mercosur, the deal. Spokesman : Yeah. Question : Just please bear with me. I want to give some context. So, two weeks ago when the SG was here, he described this deal as something positive. But during his mandate, he was extremely vocal about climate action and Indigenous rights. So, given that this deal is facing massive rejection from both sides because it does not allegedly serve the people, we have for example, Brazilian scientists and NGOs claiming that it will drive further environmental deforestation in the Amazon. And on the EU side, we have countries like France or even protests this week in Madrid saying that this is going to be very destructive for their livelihoods. So, how come the SG thinks that this is a positive deal, when it contradicts specific UN SDGs, specifically on climate and human rights? Spokesman : I think the Secretary-General was talking about Mercosur in the context of other alliances and commercial deals being created around the world, is what he saw as this kind of networked multilateralism. It is important that whether it's Mercosur or any other multilateral trade agreement, that ensures that it respects all of the things that you say, and if there are issues, and if there are some people who are against it, that they have a way to address, that there's a mechanism for them to address it. And one of those mechanisms is the right of the people to demonstrate peacefully, to express their opposition. Stefano, then we'll come back to the room. Question : Thank you, Stephane. This is a follow-up on Benny's question. Well, given that Francesca Albanese has denied making antisemitic remarks, and says her words were misinterpreted. Does the Secretary-General believe that in this case, she crossed the line or not? Spokesman : Look. [cross-talk] Question : And did he [cross-talk] listen the speech? Spokesman : I'm not here to defend what she says or criticize what she says, right? She has a right, as a special rapporteur, to speak within her mandate. People have a right to criticize her. People have a right to support her, and if people are not happy with her work, there are mechanisms to address that and then the work of any other special rapporteur. I'm not here to be a commentator on what every special rapporteur says. We do believe that the institution of special rapporteurs is an extremely important one in terms of the global architecture. And there are a number of special rapporteur mandates who've done a lot of work to shed lights on human rights situations throughout the world. Question : I'm sorry, Stephane, but because there is a video of that speech, everybody can go there and listen to her. So, my question is, did the Secretary-General, one, I mean, did he listen what she said, and does he think that was an antisemitic statement or not? It's a simple question. Is a yes or no. Spokesman : Just because a question is simple doesn't mean the answer is simple, and I think I've answered your question to the best of my ability. Pan? You'd have to ask him. Question : Thank you, Steph. Mr. Hans Grundberg said this morning that he has been engaging with... Spokesman : Mister, sorry? Question : Hans Grundberg. Spokesman : Grundberg, yeah. Question : Grundberg has been engaged with Yemeni parties in recent weeks. Is the Houthis included in the parties? And is there any progress regarding the release of the 73 [cross-talk]? Spokesman : No. Trust me. We would, progress will be declared when people are being released from arbitrary detention. And, of course, in order to attain that, we are speaking to the Houthis representative on that and other issues because they are a party to this conflict and they are a party to the solution. Yes, sir, Abu Sufian. Go ahead, please. Question : Thank you again. How do you plan to work with the incoming elected Government of Bangladesh? And is the SG going to have an exchange or phone call with the upcoming Prime Minister? Spokesman : Let's wait for the elections to be over. We work with every Government to different degrees of the Member States. So, we plan to work with this the next Government like we did with the previous Government. Question : You know, for the first time, an Islamic party is coming to power or becoming the main opposition in Bangladesh. What is your comment of the Islamic party? Spokesman : We're not here to comment on who wins what election. This was an election in which the people of Bangladesh expressed themselves, and that's the important thing. Okay. On that note, I bid you all whatever I bid you, and I will see you tomorrow. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Turk slams relentless Russian attacks, Gaza update, Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar 12 February 2026 - Amid reported heavy Russian strikes across Ukraine on Thursday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk has condemned the "continual bombardment" the country's people are facing. His reaction followed overnight attacks on energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Dnipro and the key port city of Odesa. Nearly 8,800 multistorey buildings in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa are without heating. In Kharkiv, temperatures are forecast to drop to minus 10C or 14F on Thursday evening, said Viktoriia Andrievska from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. "Without heating or electricity, homes will turn freezing, basic services will stop, for example, the lifts will stop working, and people, especially older residents and families with children, will struggle to stay warm and safe," she said. Illegal strikes In his statement, the UN human rights chief emphasised the lasting impact of "large-scale" attacks by Russia on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which he stressed are prohibited under international law. "Millions of households struggle with only a few hours of electricity each day," Mr. Turk said, noting that unheated schools have been forced to shut and medical care has been impacted too. International efforts to end the war in Ukraine continue, meanwhile, with Moscow announcing on Thursday that it expected the "next round" of talks "to take place shortly", according to a Kremlin spokesperson. Gaza: Another UN worker is killed, says UNRWA Another UN worker has been killed in Gaza, despite a ceasefire agreement between Hamas fighters and the Israeli military. According to the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, a staff member was killed during Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday, reportedly after an attack by Hamas militants in Rafah. UNRWA said that the Israeli strikes in Gaza City and shelling in Khan Younis killed at least four Palestinians, including their colleague, as he was hit while out walking on Salah Eddin Street in central Gaza. Nearly 400 staffers killed Since the war began, 391 UNRWA staff and partners have been killed. In other Gaza news, Israeli forces have demolished a United Nations school in Jabalia in northern Gaza, it has been confirmed. According to UNRWA, the school was one of a number of facilities it has behind the so-called "Yellow Line" of concrete blocks that separates the Israel Defense Forces from the people of Gaza. Between January and February, eight UNRWA schools in the militarised area have been reportedly demolished by Israeli forces, the UN agency said. Cyclone Gezani displaces thousands in northeastern Madagascar Tropical Cyclone Gezani has killed at least 31 people and displaced thousands after making landfall in Madagascar on 10 February, bringing winds exceeding 195 km/h, heavy flooding and widespread destruction across eastern and central regions. According to local authorities, four people remain missing and 35 have been injured. Preliminary reports indicate that more than 250,000 people have been affected, with nearly 7,000 displaced. Over 65,000 homes have been flooded, damaged or destroyed, and around 600 classrooms have been partially or completely rendered unusable. UN emergency teams deployed The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has deployed emergency teams to Toamasina to support authorities as displaced families shelter in 28 evacuation centres across 16 districts. A national state of emergency has been declared. "The scale of devastation...has left families struggling to cope with urgent needs and heavy losses," said IOM Chief of Mission Roger Charles Evina. The Government is leading search-and-rescue operations and delivering emergency shelter and food assistance, including the distribution of 800 metric tonnes of rice, with support from UN agencies and partners. A $3 million allocation from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund will assist more than 90,000 people as additional donor funding supports early response efforts. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, warned that the cyclone could also affect central and southern Mozambique in the coming days. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Political violence against MPs rising worldwide By Edouard de Bray 12 February 2026 - A majority of parliamentarians worldwide are facing threats and abuse from voters, according to a new report released by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which found that 71 per cent of lawmakers surveyed experienced violence from the public - whether offline, online or both. Head of the IPU, Martin Chungong, told a UN conference in New York on Wednesday that "if the phenomenon goes uncontrolled, there will be major implications for democracies, parliaments and human rights worldwide". In an interview with UN News, Valentina Grippo, an Italian MP with the European Delegation to the IPU - which partners with the UN - emphasised the difficulties MP's have just doing their job today: "If you say something that is not perfectly in line with what your audience wants to hear, then you have multiple attacks." The report titled When the public turns hostile: Political violence against parliamentarians, includes responses from parliamentarians across 85 countries, with in-depth case studies in Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia and the Netherlands to reflect diverse political and regional contexts. Key Findings Violence is heavily concentrated online with between 65 and 77 percent of MPs across the five-case studies report experiencing abuse online. Most common forms of intimidation: - Insults and degrading language - Spread of false or misleading information - Direct threats A majority of respondents say the situation is worsening. In Argentina and the Netherlands, eight out of 10 MPs report an increase in violence over the past five years. Online violence frequently increases around: - National or local elections - High-profile legislative debates - Polarizing political or cultural issues Gender gap: - 76 per cent of women MPs report exposure to violence - 68 per cent of men MPs report exposure Gender-based abuse: Women are disproportionately targeted with gendered and sexualized violence, particularly online. Impact of emerging technologies: Abuse is increasingly amplified by AI-generated content and deepfakes. MPs from minority or disadvantaged groups, including racial minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ communities, face heightened levels of online violence. Why the increase? The IPU report highlights several factors driving the increase in public hostility, including rising political polarization, economic and social pressures that contribute to public frustration, the amplification of anger through social media, and declining trust in public institutions Ms Grippo emphasised that "you no more have the confrontation between ideas, which is normal, which is part of politics, but you really have a fight between identities." Who is committing the violence? Violence against Members of Parliament is most often carried out by individuals rather than organised groups. Online, anonymous users are identified as the main perpetrators by nearly nine in 10 MPs in Argentina, Italy, Malaysia and the Netherlands (89-93 per cent). "Those we surveyed consistently told us that sustained online abuse affected their offline behaviour including their willingness to engage publicly and their sense of personal safety," Mr Chungong said. Impact on democracy The IPU warns that public intimidation of Members of Parliament can have serious consequences for democracy. As hostility increases, many MPs report censoring themselves, avoiding certain public appearances, and experiencing negative impacts on their family members. Some also choose to step down or not seek re-election. Over time, the report warns, these trends can erode democratic representation, discourage diversity, and weaken parliaments as democratic institutions. "It makes it more difficult to somehow be able to deliver a message without fearing that it is misunderstood." Ms Gruppo added that "we always have to remember that there are big parts of the world where you cannot say what you think without fearing for your safety." The report calls on political and parliamentary leadership to set boundaries when it comes to acceptable public discourse and to ensure that intimidation does not succeed in silencing dissenting and minority voices. The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 183 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener and more gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Madagascar UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory UN coordinates ten aid missions with Israel to reach Gazans in need OCHA warns that airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continue across the Strip, exposing civilians, including aid workers and medical teams, to deadly risks. The United Nations yesterday coordinated ten humanitarian missions with the Israeli authorities. The movements were to and from crossings and in or near other areas where Israeli forces remain deployed. These missions allowed our teams to collect incoming relief items such as food, vaccines, fuel and health supplies from the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings. They also supported the limited movement of people through the Rafah Crossing. Humanitarian teams are on standby ready to further scale up humanitarian operations across all sectors. However, this requires the lifting of restrictions on our work. All humanitarian partners must be allowed to operate without obstruction and bring in critically needed supplies and equipment. Also yesterday, the UN Development Programme began removing solid waste from the Firas Market dumping site in Gaza city. Partners leading on water and sanitation services report that teams are disposing of this waste in a temporary dumping site stretching over roughly 75,000 square metres and capable of receiving waste daily. This is part of efforts to improve environmental conditions in Gaza, and public health. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza with urgent support. Ukraine Overnight attacks across Ukraine result in dozens of civilian casualties Overnight, another large-scale attack across Ukraine damaged critical energy infrastructure. The attack disrupted the electricity supply in Kyiv - both the city and the greater region - as well as in the regions of Dnipro, Kharkiv and Odesa regions. In Kyiv and the cities of Kharkiv and Odesa, nearly 5,000 multi-story residential buildings have again been left without heating. In Odesa, the attacks also disrupted the water supply for approximately 300,000 residents. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, has condemned the continued attacks on energy infrastructure, stating that these constitute a direct assault on the civilian population and must cease immediately. Over the past day, these attacks and hostilities have caused more than 50 civilian casualties, including children. The Kharkiv region was the most severely affected, with at least three people killed and 20 other injured, including two children. In Odesa City, the office of a national humanitarian NGO sustained damaged. However, no staff members were injured. Despite the damage, the organization continues to operate and provide assistance. Humanitarian partners are responding promptly to support affected families. In Odesa, they have distributed construction materials to repair damaged homes, provided hot meals, and registered residents for humanitarian cash assistance at the strike locations. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support. Madagascar Tropical Cyclone Gezani leaves dozens dead, thousands displaced Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Madagascar yesterday, with devastating consequences across the eastern and central parts of the country. According to local authorities, 31 people have died, 4 remain missing, and 35 have been injured. Preliminary reports indicate that more than 250,000 people have been affected, with nearly 7,000 displaced. Over 65,000 homes have been flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and approximately 600 classrooms have been partially or completely rendered unusable. The Government has called for international support and is leading search-and-rescue, evacuation, shelter, and food assistance efforts, including the distribution of 800 metric tons of rice, with support from the United Nations and partner organizations. A contribution of $3 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund will assist over 90,000 people, while additional funding from other donors is supporting the initiation of early response activities. According to OCHA, the cyclone could affect central and southern Mozambique in the coming days. Posted on 12 February 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OCHA urges Security Council to continue efforts to secure aid workers' release in Yemen UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Yemen by Lisa Doughten, Director, Financing and Partnerships Division, OCHA, on behalf of Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator New York, 12 February 2026 As delivered Thank you, Mr. President. Allow me to start by recalling that despite the Secretary General's calls, and despite all efforts, today, 73 UN staff remain arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities, along with dozens of others from NGOs and civil society. On 29 January, the de facto authorities again entered multiple UN offices in Sana'a without permission, commandeering equipment and vehicles. The de facto authorities have also continued to withhold clearances for UN Humanitarian Air Service flights to Marib. UNHAS flights into Sana'a resumed over the weekend following a month-long suspension caused by the lack of necessary clearances from the de facto authorities. Mr. President, As we have said in this Council before, these detentions of humanitarian workers are having a profound impact on operations. Such interference and impediments come at a time when the humanitarian situation is more desperate than ever. This year, 22.3 million people - or half the population - will need humanitarian assistance - an increase of 2.8 million from last year. Yemen continues to face the region's most severe hunger crisis. Today, over 18 million people face acute food insecurity. Yemen is also the country with the largest number of people - 5.5 million - experiencing IPC Phase 4 emergency food security conditions or above. The health system is coming under increasing strain. Some 40 per cent of health facilities are not functioning or at risk of closing due to funding shortfalls and our partners scaling back their operations. This has a disproportionate impact on women and girls, as access to essential maternal and reproductive health services becomes even more restricted. This crisis is unfolding amid a rise in outbreaks of preventable disease and low immunization coverage. Just under two thirds of children are fully immunized. Between January and September last year, Yemen recorded more than 18,600 measles cases and 188 deaths, among the world's highest. Yemen also registered the thirdhighest cholera caseload worldwide between March 2024 and November 2025, with 350,000 suspected cholera and acute watery diarrhoea cases and 1,100 associated deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and preventable disease are driving a dangerous rise in malnutrition, especially among children. More than 2.2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, including 570,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Nearly one in two children in Yemen is stunted and wasting rates remain among the worst in the world. An additional 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are at serious risk to be malnourished this year, in 2026. Mr. President, Despite extreme challenges, humanitarians continued to save lives in 2025. Our partners delivered food aid to over 5 million people, provided 3.3 million medical consultations, and treated more than 330,000 children for severe acute malnutrition. This was achieved with the humanitarian appeal funded at only 28.5 per cent, forcing us to make impossible choices. We deeply appreciate those donors who have continued to stand with the people of Yemen. But, as I have outlined, Yemen is at a critical juncture. We must act together now to prevent a return to the devastating levels of hunger and disease witnessed only a few years ago, when malnutrition and cholera overwhelmed a fragile health system and wreaked havoc on communities across the country. Mr. President, We remain steadfast in our commitment to reach people across Yemen. Next week, in Amman, Jordan, we will convene donors, UN agencies, and international and national NGO partners to refine how we deliver aid so the most vulnerable continue to receive lifesaving support amidst the growing limitations. We are reorganizing our operations to better address these challenges. Partners, including international and national NGOs, as well as ICRC, that remain active in DFA-held areas will assume a greater share of the operational workload on the ground. As we move forward, we will act collectively to ensure that the UN's unique capacities - coordination and operational engagement with line ministries, disease surveillance, technical oversight, and the maintenance of supply lines and humanitarian flights - are fully leveraged to enable an effective and principled humanitarian response. I urge this Council to actively support these efforts. Mr. President, Briefing after briefing, we raise the same issues. The Yemeni people deserve much better. I ask you to, first, maintain sustained engagement and pressure to secure the release of arbitrarily detained UN and NGO colleagues, as well as those from civil society and diplomatic missions. This goes hand in hand with ensuring that humanitarians are protected and their work is facilitated. Secondly, fund the humanitarian response in Yemen, and engage other Member States to advocate for early contributions and sustained funding. We must prevent further deterioration. Millions of lives hang in the balance. Thank you. Posted on 12 February 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Speakers Call for Relaunch of Inclusive Political Process to End Conflict in Yemen, as Heightened Violence Threatens Hard-Won Gains Meetings Coverage Security Council 10105th Meeting (AM) SC/16292 12 February 2026 Amid Yemen's protracted, interlocking political, security and humanitarian crises, Security Council speakers today stressed the urgent need to relaunch an inclusive political process under United Nations auspices to achieve a negotiated settlement to the conflict. Since the popular uprisings in early 2011, the UN has worked to help Yemenis find a peaceful solution. Despite progress in the political transition, fighting between Government forces, the Houthis, and other armed groups escalated in 2014, and the country is now fragmented, with multiple actors controlling different parts of Yemen. A UN-brokered truce in April 2022 helped reduce violence, but after more than a decade of conflict, Yemen continues to face a complex crisis. "Ultimately, stabilization in any part of the country will not be durable if the broader conflict in Yemen is not addressed comprehensively," said Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, briefing the Council from Riyadh. "It is high time to take decisive steps in that regard," he urged, warning that without a wider negotiated political settlement, gains could be lost. He said that in recent weeks, he has engaged with Yemeni parties, regional actors and the international community to explore pathways to restart an inclusive political process under UN auspices, while consulting with diverse Yemenis. "We must be honest about what more than a decade of war has done," he said, noting that the conflict has grown more complex, with multiple lines of contestation and intertwined local and national dynamics. "We need to build on what still works, revise what are outdated assumptions and be pragmatic in designing a political process for today's reality," he added. "Treating political, economic and security issues in isolation can only produce partial results that will not hold," he said. A credible process requires engaging across these tracks simultaneously and delivering for Yemenis on two time horizons: near-term measures to reduce suffering and longer-term negotiations on the State's future, security arrangements and governance principles. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Funding Falls Short "Briefing after briefing, we raise the same issues," said Lisa Doughten, Director of Financing and Outreach Division, Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In 2026, 22.3 million people half Yemen's population will need assistance as the country struggles under the region's most severe hunger crisis. "Nearly one in two children in Yemen is stunted," she said. The humanitarian appeal for Yemen, funded at only 28.5 per cent, forced "us to make impossible choices", she said. Yet, humanitarian partners have delivered food aid to over 5 million people, provided 3.3 million medical consultations and treated more than 330,000 children for severe acute malnutrition. Operations are being reorganized, with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) assuming a greater share of the operational workload on the ground. The UN will work to leverage its unique capacities, she said. Yemen's delegate outlined recent progress made by his Government, including efforts to unify military decision-making and address the electric power crisis. With support from Saudi Arabia, the Government has paid salaries, is ending the militarization of cities, closing illegal prisons, and improving the efficiency of ports and airports, contributing to the flow of aid and commercial imports. "The new Yemeni Government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Shaya Mohsen Al Zindani, formed under exceptional and complex circumstances," will strengthen national partnerships, he said, drawing attention to the three ministerial portfolios held by women. However, he warned that these gains will remain fragile "as long as the Houthi militias continue to usurp State institutions and hold the interests of the Yemeni people hostage to the Iranian regime's expansionist schemes". The Government must be equipped with stronger tools to exercise authority across all Yemeni territory. "Supporting the Yemeni State economically, politically and in the field of security matters is a direct investment in the security and stability of the region and the world," he emphasized. New Cabinet Signals Push towards National Cohesion, Stability Council members welcomed the formation of the new 34-member Cabinet approved by the Presidential Leadership Council the executive body of the internationally recognized Yemeni Government as a step towards national cohesion. "This represents an important step towards stabilizing the country and enhancing public service delivery," said Latvia's delegate, adding that the presence of women in the Cabinet is an especially positive signal. "After 11 years of conflict and insecurity, we must renew efforts towards a credible, inclusive political process to bring a negotiated end to this war," said the representative of Denmark. "Yemen's path to lasting peace lies not in military escalation, but in dialogue, compromise and sustained international engagement," said the representative of Somalia, speaking also for Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He welcomed the Riyadh process aimed at bringing all factions back to the negotiating table towards an inclusive and unified Government. In this regard, his counterpart from Colombia welcomed the resumption of negotiations on prisoner exchanges in Amman, under United Nations auspices, as a gesture that may build confidence among the parties. "Achieving development is key to building a future based on stability and prosperity," said the representative of Bahrain, commending the package of projects and programmes announced by Saudi Arabia, targeting vital sectors across various Yemeni governorates. The Russian Federation's speaker expressed hope that the Presidential Leadership Council's comprehensive dialogue on the southern issue in Riyadh will help stabilize the situation. He urged a focus on preserving the functioning of national institutions. Members agreed on the need to urgently address the humanitarian crisis, with Pakistan's delegate cautioning against the widening funding shortfall. He urged the Council to act with unity to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and advance a credible pathway towards peace. Speakers Urge Detainee Release, Warn of Houthi Maritime Threat Several speakers called out Houthi threats to peace and stability in Yemen and beyond. "This Council must join the United States in countering the Houthi threat by depriving them of resources for their terrorist activities," said the United States representative. On 16 January, her country issued the latest sanctions package targeting Houthi terrorist capacities, including "financial links between the Iranian regime and the Houthis". All ships bound for Houthi-controlled ports, including those originating from Chinese ports, should comply with procedures under the UN verification and inspection mechanism, she added. China's delegate rejected "groundless allegations" against his country, stressing that Beijing has been implementing Council resolutions conscientiously. Its export of military equipment has always been prudent, and Chinese companies have the right to carry out normal commercial trade cooperation with all countries, he said. Greece's delegate said the Houthis' recurring threats against maritime traffic underscore the destabilizing risk they pose to freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea region. They also have significant implications for international shipping and global trade. The representative of the United Kingdom, Council President for February, spoke in his national capacity to condemn the death sentences issued by Houthi authorities and the continued detention of aid workers. France's delegate said these acts "fly in the face of international law" and undermine the delivery of humanitarian assistance a view also expressed by Panama's representative. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Authorizes 12-Month Extension of Monitoring Team Supporting Taliban Sanctions Committee, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2816 (2026) Meetings Coverage Security Council 10104th Meeting (AM) SC/16291 12 February 2026 The Security Council today extended for 12 months the mandate of the team tasked with monitoring sanctions against the Taliban and its associated groups and individuals, as membersdisagreed over references to human rights and the situation of Afghanistan's women and girls under Taliban rule. Unanimously adopting resolution 2816 (2026) (to be issued as document S/RES/2816(2026)) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member organ decided that all States will continue to implement the sanctions measures laid out in resolution 2255 (2015). Those are imposed both on the Taliban and related "individuals, groups, undertakings and entities" that threaten Afghanistan's peace, stability and security. It further renewed the mandate of the monitoring team charged with assisting the Afghanistan Sanctions Committee, which was first established in resolution 1988 (2011), for a period of 12 months from the date of its expiration this month. Among other tasks, the Council directed the monitoring team to gather information on instances of non-compliance with sanctions, keep the Committee informed of such instances and to provide recommendations on actions to respond to non-compliance. Following the adoption, several Council members took the floor to express their views. Deplorable Tactics: Hostage-Taking, Violating Women and Girls in Afghanistan The representative of the United States which drafted today's resolution highlighted the monitoring team's vital role, including in providing critical analysis and enhancing the Council's understanding of the situation in Afghanistan, especially as it relates to human rights violations and plight of women and girls. Spotlighting the Taliban's unacceptable use of hostage- taking as a leverage point against the United States and other nations, she said the sanctions regime remains a critical tool to hold the group responsible for such "deplorable tactics". "The resolution just adopted expresses concern over terrorist activities in Afghanistan and reaffirms that the Afghan territory should not be used to support terrorism or threaten the security of other countries," said China's delegate. The Government of Afghanistan must work to eradicate terrorist forces on its soil, while the monitoring team should maintain an impartial stance and heed the views of the Council and the wider UN membership. For its part, the Council should move towards reviewing and adjusting its sanctions to better align them with the current reality on the ground, he said, noting that the Taliban have now been in power for four years. The representative of the Russian Federation welcomed the renewal of the monitoring team's mandate without any changes, as well as its language relating to the threats posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan. "At the same time, the text is strikingly overpopulated with content that is not directly linked to the implementation of the 1988 sanctions regime," she said. Attempts by certain delegations to shift the focus to Afghanistan's human rights situation are counterproductive and will only draw the monitoring team's attention away from its primary task, she warned. Clear Message to Taliban: Choose Peace and Prosperity or Isolation "Pakistan remains seriously concerned by the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil," agreed that country's representative, noting that such groups have been responsible for some of the most heinous terrorist attacks against Pakistan, as well as incidents of hostage-taking. Just this month, 80 innocent people were killed in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. He welcomed the Council's clear message to the Taliban through today's adoption, noting that the text also emphasizes the many challenges facing the Afghan people, including drug trafficking, humanitarian crises and the human rights situation facing Afghan women and girls. Urging the Taliban to address these issues urgently and change course, he added: "It is for the Taliban to decide what path they wish to choose for Afghanistan whether it is the path to isolation, or the path to peace and prosperity as a responsible member of the international community." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 12 February 2026 - Day 1450 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The French Ministere des Armees et des Anciens combattants reported that, on the ground, the pace of operations remains slowed down due to extreme weather conditions. The Russian Armed Forces continue to maintain pressure on the Donbas front and in the south, towards Zaporizhzhia. However, their territorial gains are very limited. After retaking positions in the Kupyansk sector, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are advancing in the Pokrovsk and Orikhiv sectors. More generally, it reported that the Russian Armed Forces are targeting the same oblasts in eastern Ukraine on a daily basis: Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Kherson. Over the last 48 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have destroyed military targets in occupied Ukraine, as well as an oil refinery in Volgograd, located 900 km southeast of Moscow. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 132 combat clashes. Defense Forces stop Russian zagarbnikiv, exhaust their combat potential and inflict effective fire on all areas of the line of combat confrontation. The Russian opponent made one rocket strike, applying 22 rockets, 70 aviation strikes, dropped 201 controlled air bomb. In addition, used 5418 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,476 shells on settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, one confrontation took place today, the Russian enemy carried out 53 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, in particular, twice - with the use of the RSV. Also the Russians made one air strike using 3 cab. In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units 11 times in the areas of settlements of Vovchansk, Ohrimivka, Kolodyazne, Grafskke, Prylipka and Vovchansky Farms. Four clashes are underway. In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces attacked in the area of Pi anyogo. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers stopped three Russian attacks, in the areas of Stavkiv, the Middle and towards Lyman. In the Slavic direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled six Russian attempts to advance towards Holy Pokrovsky, Yampol, Platonivka, Zakitnogo. In the Kramators komu direction the Russian opponent did not carry out active offensive actions. In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today 12 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders towards Konstantinivka, Pleshiyivka, Scherbinivka, Illinivka, Rusynoy Yar and Sofiyivka. At this time there are no active fighting. The enemy committed 34 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of settlements Rodinske, Novooleksandrivka, Shevchenko, Kotline, Pokrovsk, Molodetske, Novopavlivka, Bilitske, Novopidgorodne, Dachne, Ivanivka and Udaachne. The four assaults are still going. According to preliminary calculations, today 36 Russian occupants were eliminated and 17 injured; 4 units of vehicle machinery destroyed and damaged; 98 BPLAs of different types destroyed or suppressed. Two art systems are damaged. 15 occupant shelters have been astonished. In the direction of Oleksandrivsky, the Russian enemy's offensive actions were not fixed, but the Russian occupiers launched air strikes in the areas of settlements: Gavrilivka, Novoukrainka, Malinivka, Velikomikhailivka, Staromlinivka, Shevchenkivskke. In the direction of Gulyaipil, there were 24 Russian attacks: in the area of Gulyaypol and towards Zlagoda, Dobropillya, Zaliznychnny, Green, Fish. Also the Russian enemy carried out air strikes near Gulyaipilsky, Charming, Kopanej, Golubkovy, Danilivka, Green Valley, Kamyanka, Vozdvizhivka, Barvinivka, Upper Tersa. In the Orihiv and Pridniprovsky directions of the Russian enemy's offensive actions were not fixed. In other directions, no significant changes in the environment have been recorded at this time. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that over the past 24 hours, in response to terrorist attacks launched by the Kiev regime against civilian infrastructure in Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a group strike with long-range ground- and air-based high-precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles against power infrastructure facilities that supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine as well as assembly workshops and storage areas of attack UAVs. The goal of the strike was achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged. The Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on formations of two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one territorial defence brigade, and one border security detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine near Kondratovka, Andreyevka, Miropolye, and Novodmitrovka (Sumy region). In Kharkov region, Russian troops hit units of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Pokrovka and Petropavlovka (Kharkov region). The AFU losses were more than 210 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 10 motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS combat vehicle, and two field artillery guns. In addition, 12 ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised. The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops launched attacks on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and one National Guard brigade near Borovaya, Kovalevka, and Nechvolodovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 180 troops, three Kazak armoured fighting vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, and three ammunition depots. The Yug Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Russian troops hit formations of one motorised infantry brigade, two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade near Slavyansk, Konstantinovka, Dmitrovka, Yurkovka, and Nikiforovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were more than 120 troops, one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle, eight motor vehicles, and one field artillery gun. The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of one airmobile brigade, one jaeger brigade, three mechanised brigades of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and two National Guard brigades close to Grishino, Svetloye, Belitskoye, Kucherov Yar, Sergeyevka (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopavlovka, Gavrilovka, and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses were up to 315 troops, one German-made Leopard tank, one armoured fighting vehicle, nine motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns. The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences. Russian troops launched attacks on formations of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade, one air assault brigade, and three assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Gorkoye, Rovnoye, Samoylovka, Nikolskoye, Charivnoye, Rozovka, Barvinovka (Zaporozhye region), and Tikhoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). The enemy losses were more than 390 troops, two armoured personnel carriers, 15 armoured fighting vehicles, 19 motor vehicles, and three artillery guns. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of one heavy mechanised brigade and one UAV brigade of the AFU near Novoaleksandrovka (Zaporozhye region) and Veseloye (Kherson region). The AFU losses were up to 55 troops, 23 motor vehicles, four artillery guns including one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one Grad MLRS combat vehicle, four electronic warfare stations, and one ammunition depot. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces hit the infrastructure of a military airfield, transport infrastructure facilities that supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine as well as temporary deployment areas of the AFU and foreign mercenaries in 147 areas. Air defence systems shot down five Flamingo long-range cruise missiles, six guided aerial bombs, eight U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 211 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 113,737 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,620 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,664 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,234 field artillery guns and mortars, and 54,176 special military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minneapolis: Fatal shootings may amount to extrajudicial killing, warn UN experts Press releases Special Procedures 11 February 2026 GENEVA -- The use of lethal force by U.S. immigration enforcement in Minneapolis may amount to arbitrary deprivation of life and other gross violations of international human rights law, and could constitute extrajudicial killing, UN experts* warned today. On 7 and 24 January, two U.S. citizens were shot at point blank range and killed in Minneapolis by federal immigration enforcement personnel, during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation connected to "Operation Metro Surge." "Any loss of life in the context of law enforcement operations must be treated as a potentially unlawful death and raises urgent questions regarding compliance with international human rights law and standards governing the use of force. It must therefore be promptly and effectively investigated," the experts said. "A failure to carry out a proper investigation may in itself constitute a violation of the right to life," they warned, urging that investigations into the shootings conform with the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death, today's golden standard for investigating such deaths, and in cooperation among relevant law enforcement agencies. "We are deeply concerned about statements made by some senior officials characterising victims as "domestic terrorists" and publicly asserting that the use of lethal force was necessary," the experts said. "Such statements, made prior to the completion of an independent and impartial investigation, risk prejudging key factual and legal questions, undermining public confidence, and influencing investigative outcomes. Authorities must refrain from statements that could compromise the independence and impartiality of the investigation." The experts further noted a disturbing broader pattern of serious human rights violations linked to Operation Metro Surge by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, reportedly seeking to detain and deport undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. "In addition to the two fatal shootings, reported violations have included excessive use of force against allegedly undocumented immigrants, peaceful protesters and bystanders, lack of due process and arbitrary deprivation of liberty," the experts said. Since December, thousands of armed ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents have been deployed across Minneapolis, Saint Paul and beyond the Twin Cities area. Militarised raids without judicial warrant, driven by racial profiling, and aggressive stops around schools and hospitals, are obstructing human rights and the activities of constitutional observers, human rights defenders and journalists, the experts said. "Law enforcement officials must, at all times, respect and protect human life. Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the United States is a party, the right to life is protected by law and may not be arbitrarily deprived," they said. "This obligation applies in all policing contexts, including immigration enforcement, and under all circumstances without possible derogation." The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials establish that force may be used only when strictly necessary, firearms may be used only as a last resort, and intentional lethal force is permissible solely when strictly unavoidable to protect life. "During assemblies and protests, law enforcement authorities are required to prioritise de-escalation, dialogue, and non-violent means before resorting to any use of force," the experts said. "The policing of protests demands heightened restraint. We note the announcement that officers will be equipped with body cameras, which can support investigations and may have a preventive effect." The experts called on U.S. authorities to ensure that those responsible for any unlawful killings and human rights violations are held accountable. "Victims and their families must also have access to effective remedy, including reparations and guarantees of non-repetition, and must be protected from any acts of reprisal," they said. "Without immediate de-escalation, respect for the right to life and fundamental freedoms, and clear accountability, tensions risk erupting into broader violence," the experts said. "We stand ready to engage constructively with U.S. authorities to support compliance with international human rights obligations." *The experts: Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Alice Jill Edwards , Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment , Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Irene Khan , Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression , Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Twenty Free Money Gang Members and Associates Arrested on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges Thursday, February 12, 2026 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs An 18-count superseding indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Southern District of Texas charging 20 defendants - all alleged Free Money gang members and associates from Houston - with federal crimes, including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, Hobbs Act Robbery, and related firearm and drug offenses. According to court documents, members and associates of Free Money, a violent, Houston-based street gang, used violence and intimidation to control their territory and retaliated against rival gang members, including by conducting numerous drive-by shootings, and raised money through drug trafficking and robberies. "This twenty-defendant indictment alleges that the Free Money gang terrorized the streets of Houston with drive-by and calculated shootings, often in public places like grocery store parking lots, putting countless lives in danger," said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "These brazen tactics show the wide-ranging danger posed by violent gangs. The Criminal Division will continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of violent gang members so that innocent Americans get what they deserve - their communities restored and their lives unencumbered by the fear and carnage that these gangs perpetuate." "The indictment unsealed yesterday alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). "That ends now. Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. SDTX's message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you're thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again. The Southern District has your number." "The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they're accused of executing is alarming," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. "Yesterday's coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are free no more." According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, surveillance video captured defendants Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, as they followed a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot. The driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the video showed the Ardoins exiting their vehicle wearing masks and opening fire on both individuals. Multiple rounds struck the Equinox's passenger compartment, killing the passenger. Surveillance Video of Defendants Surveillance Video of Defendants Free Money members hunted for rival gang members throughout Houston and were indiscriminate when they attacked. For instance, on Aug. 3, 2022, defendant Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other Free Money members allegedly drove past and shot repeatedly into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member. The gang allegedly financed the buying of guns and provided money to jailed fellow gang members through robberies and drug sales. For example, on June 3, 2024, defendant Walter Tolbert, 21, and other Free Money members allegedly stole jewelry, Sony PlayStations, and money from a pawn store, robbing the store employees at gunpoint. The gang also targeted rival gangs for robberies. On Aug. 14, 2022, Free Money members and associates attempted to rob a rival gang member's drug stash house and kill the inhabitants. Defendants Joci Barley, 26; Terrel Davis,28; Walter Tolbert; Shakeil Anderson; Jakobe Anderson, 24; Chase Franklin-Williams, 21; Terry Adroin; Travonte Ardoin; Deandre Thompson, 22; Emery Goodley, 26; Jymonte McClendon, 28; and Maurkael Brown, 31, allegedly planned the robbery of the drug stash house while at a Free Money meeting during which they avowed to "kill and do everything they needed to do" to rob the drugs and money they believed were in the house even knowing that the house was likely occupied. Luckily, law enforcement was able to stop the home invasion while the robbers were driving to the stash house location. During the police chase, Travonte Ardoin threw a gun out of his car window. The gang allegedly also trafficked in crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. As alleged, defendant Orlando Calloway, 52, supplied crack cocaine to the gang by cooking cocaine the gang ordered. FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes gang members and associates have committed through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute violent offenders and prevent further violence. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topic: Violent Crime Components: Criminal Division Criminal - Violent Crime and Racketeering Section Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) USAO - Texas, Southern Press Release Number: 26-133 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fully Blooded Felon Gang Members Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for RICO Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Thursday, February 12, 2026 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Fully Blooded Felon gang member Dontez Hammond, 36, of Cleveland, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person under indictment. As the defendant admitted during his plea hearing and in other court documents, the Fully Blooded Felons have existed in Ohio since approximately 2012, operating primarily out of the eastside of Cleveland, as well as Akron, Youngstown, and elsewhere. They are also active in the Ohio prison system. The Fully Blooded Felons' structure includes a "Commission," which is a group of members tasked with maintaining the structure and organization of the enterprise through physical discipline and by determining which illicit means the organization would use to make money. The Fully Blooded Felons had rules that members were required to follow. The rules were sent to members online, by text message, and in face-to-face communications. Members were required to abide by "omerta," or the code of silence, and were required to memorize and recite at meetings the "Fully Five," a set of rules that included following all orders issued by the Commission. If a member did not know the "Fully Five," they were punished. To further their drug trafficking, Fully Blooded Felon members used two separate stash-houses at a local apartment complex in Cleveland. During the execution of two search warrants, law enforcement recovered over 300 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and 7 firearms. Text messages and wiretap calls showed that Hammond regularly supplied Fully Blooded Felon members with cocaine. On Nov. 13, 2023, Hammond obtained a Mac-10 semi-automatic handgun from other Fully Blooded Felon members. Afterwards, Cleveland Police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Hammond. Hammond fled, tossing the gun as he did. Police recovered the discarded firearm. At the time, Hammond was under a state indictment for felony drug charges. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and U. S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement. The FBI investigated this case, with substantial assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Brian W. Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Paul E. Hanna, Robert F. Corts, and Margaret A. Sweeney for the Northern District of Ohio. Topic: Violent Crime Components: Criminal Division Criminal - Violent Crime and Racketeering Section Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) USAO - Ohio, Northern Press Release Number: 26-139 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Assessment of the terrorist threat in 2026 Swedish Security Service Published 12 February 2026 The main terrorist threat against Sweden is still posed by lone violent Islamist actors and violent right-wing extremists. This was reported by the National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT) in its annual assessment for 2026. The terrorist threat is part of a broader security threat, affected by conflicts in the Middle East, and the war in Ukraine. The ideological motive has also changed towards more individual motives. At the same time, terrorist organisations, as well as foreign states, use organised crime to gain access to weapons, or to take actions in such a way that they are plausibly deniable. - The terrorist threat to Sweden and the rest of Europe is more multifaceted now than it was a few years ago. Traditional terrorist organisations are no longer the biggest threat. Instead, we see other threat-inducing factors, says Ahn-Za Hagstrom, Head of the National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT). In 2025, one terrorist attack motivated by violent Islamism was thwarted in Sweden. In 2026, the NCT assesses that the main threat-inducing factors are propaganda and violent narratives, mainly from violent Islamism and violent right-wing extremism. The assessment remains that certain individuals, who are often young, can be radicalised rapidly and encourage others to carry out violent acts. - Violence and propaganda are spread on more and wider platforms which are often frequented by young individuals, for example on social media and gaming platforms, says Ahn-Za Hagstrom. Traditional terrorist organisations still have a general intent to carry out terrorist attacks in the West. However, Europe is mainly used as a platform to finance terrorism and, in some cases, convince individuals to travel to conflict areas. State actors are still assessed to be able to use proxies to commit terrorist crimes in such a way that these actions are plausibly deniable. About the National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT) The National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT) is a permanent working group staffed by personnel from the National Defence Radio Establishment, the Military Intelligence and Security Service, and the Swedish Security Service. The National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT) produces strategic assessments of the terrorist threat to Sweden and Swedish interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PARLIAMENT QUESTION: EXPANDING SATELLITE LAUNCH SERVICES India PIB Department of Space Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 4:10PM by PIB Delhi Post reforms in Space sector during June 2020, M/s. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a CPSE under Dept of Space, has taken several steps across the space value chain to involve private industry and space startups in the country to increase India's contribution to the global space economy. Salient activities are highlighted hereunder: NSIL, with technical support from ISRO, has taken initiative to build 5 Nos. of PSLV-XL through HAL- L&T consortium. NSIL has engaged several Indian industries/ startups to build micro-Earth Observation satellites under the technical supervision of ISRO. NSIL has engaged several Indian Industry to establish Ground Station/ Gateways on a Turn-key basis for multiple applications. NSIL, through ISRO and IN-SPACe, has signed 100 Technology Transfer Agreements till date to transfer technologies developed at ISRO/ Department of Space to Non-Government Entities/ Private Industries. This would enable them to assimilate the technology, develop commercial product/ provide services and market it domestically as well as in international market. Two major technologies that have been transferred to Indian Industry includes IMS-1 Satellite Bus and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle NSIL has enabled Indian industry to assimilate ISRO's Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) technology and scale up production to install S band terminals on 1 lakh marine fishing vessels to establish PAN India Vessel Communication & Support System for Monitoring, Control and Surveillance. NSIL has undertaken commercial communication satellite missions on a demand driven mode to meet the customers' requirements. Till date, NSIL has already deployed two commercial communication satellites viz. GSAT-N1 and GSAT-N2 to cater to Direct-to-Home [DTH] and broadband needs of Indian customers respectively and in the process of realising GSAT-N3. These missions would in turn demand for large number of user terminals that would be realised through Indian Industry. NSIL's efforts to provide launch services to International Customers onboard ISRO's / NSIL's launch vehicles (PSLV, SSLV and LVM3) will further increase India's contribution to global space economy. The steps taken by NSIL, as detailed above, is envisaged to build the capacity in the Indian Space Industry to play an enhanced role in Domestic and International market and increase the Indian Space Economy on a sustainable manner. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has also worked out the strategy to expand the India's global share in satellite launch market. As per this, it is expected to achieve 3.5 billion US$ contribution from launch segment in overall 44 billion US$ Indian space economy by 2033. This information was given by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singhin a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. **** NKR/NM (Release ID: 2227023) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening northern air power By Flight Lieutenant Kayla Walliss 12 February 2026 The recent completion of the new MQ4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal is a major boost to Australia's northern air power and marks a significant milestone for Defence with the introduction of nextgeneration uncrewed capability. Opened by Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil, the $355.7 million AIR7000 Phase 1B Project has delivered purposebuilt facilities to support the MQ4C Triton, including maintenance hangars, new airfield pavements, working accommodation and essential supporting infrastructure. During the opening ceremony, Mr Khalil praised the collaboration between Defence and industry partners, acknowledging their essential role in strengthening Australia's defence posture. "What you see here is a wholeofcountry effort," Mr Khalil said. "Industry, Defence, contractors and our men and women in uniform working together towards a common goal - protecting our national interests." Commencing construction in May 2023, the project was designed by BVN architects and delivered by Sitzler Pty Ltd, with Jacobs Pty Ltd engaged as the project manager and contract administrator. The project injected more than $166 million into Northern Territory businesses through awarded work packages, with a significant amount directed to Indigenous subcontractors. Mr Khalil highlighted that this milestone ensured Defence was better positioned to deliver on the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, such as strengthening northern bases and enhancing Defence's ability to respond to evolving security challenges. "The defence of Australia's national interests depends on our ability to protect and monitor the northern maritime approaches," Mr Khalil said. "The work the Tritons will do contributes directly to the security and stability of our region, and that underpins the prosperity of our nation as a trading country." While the Triton aircraft will be operated remotely by aircrew from 9 Squadron based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, they will be launched, recovered and maintained at RAAF Base Tindal. The newly formed squadron will occupy the facility, supported by Northrop Grumman Australia. Commander Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group Air Commodore Michael Durant stated that a key attribute of the MQ-4C Triton was its ability to operate independently, and from a range of locations. "The Triton does not need the controllers to be co-located with the aircraft itself," Air Commodore Durant said. "Our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) hub at RAAF Base Edinburgh provides the ideal location for 9 Squadron aircrew to access and integrate with our full range of ISR capabilities." Air Commodore Durant emphasised that the new facilities were established at RAAF Base Tindal for several key reasons, including enabling operations within our primary area of strategic interest and supporting the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. "Locating the aircraft inland at RAAF Base Tindal provides a northern operating position while also reducing our exposure to the coastal weather systems that frequently affect northern Australia," Air Commodore Durant said. Commanding Officer 9 Squadron Wing Commander Neale Thompson said the completion of the new facility also marked an important milestone for the squadron. "It's incredibly satisfying to see this facility finished," Wing Commander Thompson said. "It provides us with our permanent home at RAAF Base Tindal - a facility that has been designed, conceived and built with our people in mind, and will serve the squadron for many years to come." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi Holds Talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: February 12, 2026 10:00 On February 11, 2026 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Budapest. Wang Yi said that China and Hungary enjoy a traditional friendship. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the two sides have upheld mutual respect, treated each other as equals, pursued mutual benefit and win-win results, and established an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations. Chinese enterprises' investments and operations in Hungary have effectively promoted Hungary's economic development and improved people's livelihoods, delivering tangible benefits to the people. Facts have proven that China-Hungary friendship and cooperation fully serve the fundamental interests of the Hungarian nation and its people, and also contribute to the sound development of China-Europe relations. China appreciates Hungary's friendly policy toward China and is willing to continue mutual support with Hungary in safeguarding each other's legitimate rights and interests, and to remain a reliable strategic partner that Hungary can rely on in its development and revitalization process. Wang Yi stated that over the past year, China's economy has forged ahead amid pressure, moved forward with innovation-led and high-quality development, and achieved the expected growth targets. This year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. China will advance high-quality development and high-standard opening up, and welcome Hungary and other countries to share new development opportunities. The two sides should make good use of mechanisms and platforms such as the Joint Economic Committee and the Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and new energy, so as to boost their respective industrial transformation and upgrading. The Chinese government supports more enterprises in investing and doing business in Hungary, and believes that the Hungarian side will provide a better business environment and more policy support. China welcomes Hungarian friends to take full advantage of the visa-free policy to enjoy a spontaneous trip to China and experience firsthand a real, developing, progressive, and inclusive major country in the East. Wang Yi noted that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results, fully proving that China is a partner rather than a rival, and an opportunity rather than a risk. He expressed the belief that with the passage of time, more and more European countries will come to realize that China is a trustworthy and long-term cooperative partner. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the Hungarian side will continue to actively promote cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries and the development of China-EU relations. Peter Szijjarto said that regardless of changes in the international landscape, Hungary has always highly valued its friendship, mutual trust and cooperation with China. In recent years, Chinese enterprises' investments in Hungary have repeatedly hit new highs, which have driven Hungary's scientific and technological innovation and economic growth, created a large number of jobs, and significantly advanced Hungary's national development. Hungary is proud to be among the first European countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative. The Budapest-Belgrade Railway will soon be open to traffic, which is expected to further enhance regional connectivity. As the international order undergoes profound changes, China's status and role as a global major country are of vital importance. Hungary supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China within the United Nations and other multilateral mechanisms. Hungary will continue to make active efforts to promote the sound development of EU-China relations. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other international and regional issues of mutual concern. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi: Make Joint Efforts in Five Aspects to Deepen China-Hungary Friendship and Expand Mutually Beneficial Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: February 12, 2026 10:00 On February 11, 2026 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press together with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Budapest. Wang Yi stated that China and Hungary enjoy a traditional friendship. Over the past 70-plus years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have always adhered to mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation, setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations, and becoming all-weather comprehensive strategic partners for the new era. This visit to Hungary is aimed at deepening friendship and expanding cooperation. The two foreign ministers have reached broad consensus during their talks, and are fully confident about the development of China-Hungary relations. Looking to the future, the two sides should continue to make joint efforts in five aspects: First, jointly consolidate the foundation of mutual trust. High-level political mutual trust is the guarantee for the steady and sustained development of China-Hungary relations. Guided by the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, the two sides will strengthen strategic communication, deepen strategic mutual trust, and support each other in safeguarding core interests and major concerns. China highly appreciates Hungary's firm commitment to the one-China principle, and will, as always, support Hungary in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. Second, jointly deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. High-quality practical cooperation is the driving force for the robust growth of China-Hungary relations. The two sides will continue to strengthen the strategic synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Hungary's "Opening to the East" policy, and push for the early operation of flagship projects such as the Budapest-Belgrade Railway. Thanks to the China-Hungary friendship, Hungary has become one of the most important investment destinations for Chinese enterprises in Europe. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the Hungarian side will create a more favorable business environment and provide more policy support for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business. China will remain committed to high-standard opening up, sharing opportunities and seeking common development with countries around the world. Hungary is welcome to board the fast train of Chinese modernization to expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, new energy, green development and environmental protection, and high-end equipment, so as to continuously upgrade China-Hungary cooperation. Third, jointly enhance people-to-people bonds. People-to-people bonds are an endless source of strength for China-Hungary relations. The recently unveiled seventh Confucius Institute in Hungary has built another bridge of friendship between the two peoples. China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for Hungarian citizens, and welcomes more Hungarian friends to enjoy a spontaneous trip to China and experience firsthand the unique charm and development vitality of contemporary China. Fourth, jointly work for the sound development of China-EU relations. The success story of China-Hungary relations demonstrates that differences in culture and systems are not obstacles to dialogue and cooperation, and that mutual respect is the right way for countries to get along with each other. China presents opportunities rather than risks, and is a partner rather than a rival for Europe. China welcomes Hungary's commitment to a correct perception of China and its consistent role as a steadfast supporter of China-EU cooperation, which fully serves the interests of the people of Hungary and other EU countries. Fifth, jointly promote the improvement of global governance. The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the international situation has become more volatile and turbulent. However, division, confrontation, and zero-sum games lead nowhere, and making the world return to the law of the jungle runs against the will of the people. Practicing true multilateralism and building a community with a shared future for humanity is the right choice. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping responds to the shared aspirations of the international community for peace, cooperation, and development. China is ready to work with Hungary and all like-minded countries to follow the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and jointly build a more just and equitable global governance system. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on February 12, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: February 12, 2026 20:19 CCTV: As the Spring Festival approaches, diverse celebrations are taking place worldwide. There are traditional elements, such as dragon and lion dance, lantern display, writing the character Fu, and Hanfu clothing experience. Innovative elements also abound, such as humanoid robots at the UN's celebration, AI red envelopes, and digital goods for the festival. For many people overseas, it's quite trendy to come to China to celebrate the Spring Festival. Some foreign media say that this Spring Festival may be the busiest and most anticipated holiday travel season. What's your comment? Lin Jian: This will be the second Spring Festival since its inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. The festival is becoming a global holiday and a cultural feast for the world. As you said, the Spring Festival customs offer a glimpse of not only traditional Chinese culture but also modern technology and innovation, and become all the more invigorating when celebrated worldwide. The signature color red of the Spring Festival is adding festive vibes across the world, just as "China travel" has become a magnet to international tourists. The Spring Festival is China's invitation to the world to get to know its culture. Traditions such as family reunion, staying up late to ring in the new year, and exchanging Chinese New Year greetings shine a spotlight on the rich heritage and diverse charm, and touch a soft spot with people worldwide. As the world witnesses growing tension and division, the values embodied by the Spring Festival such as peace, inclusiveness and harmony is a source of warmth and resilience for the world. We look forward to welcoming even more foreign friends to come and celebrate the Spring Festival in China. We hope and believe that these Spring Festival journeys will become bridges between cultures and strong bonds that connect China with the rest of the world. The Year of the Horse is just around the corner. Horse symbolizes courage, wisdom, diligence, resilience, and enterprise. Let us galvanize ourselves with the "vigor of a galloping horse"to use a Chinese idiomenhance mutual understanding and exchanges, and make a common effort to energize world peace and development. China-Arab TV: Several measures were approved by the Israeli cabinet to strengthen its control of the West Bank. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned it as colonialism and war crime. What's China's comment? Lin Jian: Gaza and the West Bank are both Palestine's inalienable territory. The two-State solution is the fundamental way out of the Palestinian question. China opposes the establishment of settlements on the occupied Palestinian territory. China opposes any attempt to annex or encroach on Palestinian territory and disrupt the political foundation of the two-State solution. The current situation in Gaza remains highly fragile. Relevant parties need to stop any action that may worsen or escalate the tensions. AFP: On the Netherlands. A Dutch court on Wednesday ordered a formal investigation into so-called mismanagement of Nexperia. Does China have any response to this? Lin Jian: Competent authorities have stated our position on the Nexperia issue on multiple occasions. The root cause of the Nexperia issue is the improper administrative intervention of the Dutch side in the operations of businesses. The Dutch side needs to create enabling conditions for companies to resolve internal disputes as soon as possible and for keeping global semiconductor supply chains stable and unimpeded. China will continue supporting Chinese companies in safeguarding their legitimate and lawful rights and interests. Brasil de Fato: Yesterday, the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs stated it was "concerned" that Peru could become "powerless to oversee" the Port of Chancay under Chinese owners, warning that "Chinese money costs sovereignty." How does China respond to these U.S. public statements on a commercial and judicial matter between Peru and a Chinese company? Lin Jian: China strongly opposes and deplores the U.S. false accusation and disinformation against the Chancay port. AFP: Lai Ching-te said in an interview that if Taiwan were "annexed" by China, "the next countries under threat would be Japan, the Philippines, and others in the Indo-Pacific region." What is China's response? Lin Jian: Lai Ching-te's remarks once again reveal his nature as a diehard separatist for "Taiwan independence." He has fully proven himself to be the saboteur of peace, maker of crises and instigator of war. "Taiwan independence" is the root of all threats to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Whatever Lai Ching-te says or does, it does not change the fact backed by history and law that Taiwan belongs to China, or the world's abiding commitment to the one-China principle, and still less the inevitability of China's reunification. Seeking independence by soliciting foreign support and resisting reunification through military buildup are just futile and doomed to fail. Antara: Indonesia is reportedly planning to deploy 8,000 troops for peacekeeping missions in Gaza under the Board of Peace. As the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and the largest troop-contributing country among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, will China deploy peacekeepers to Gaza as part of its humanitarian efforts to help rebuild the Palestinian homeland? Lin Jian: China has made clear its stance on the situation in Gaza on multiple occasions. We hope that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza can be effectively implemented, a full and lasting ceasefire be realized, the humanitarian crisis be effectively alleviated and regional stability be restored at an early date. Reuters: Do you have any comment on the French Agriculture Ministry recently naming a Chinese company as the producer of a contaminated milk formula ingredient behind the widespread recall of milk powder in Europe? Lin Jian: I'm not familiar with the specifics. I would like to point out that the Chinese government attaches great importance to food safety and will continue taking effective measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers. Bloomberg: We're wondering if the Foreign Ministry could respond to the report that President Trump is expected to travel to China in early April for a summit with President Xi. Sources say that they expect the trade truce to be extended. We are looking for comment on this. The second question is that the U.S. Energy Ministry's Chris Wright told reporters that China recently bought crude oil from Venezuela that had earlier been purchased by the U.S., and that the U.S. is looking at more deals with China regarding Venezuela's oil sector. Can you confirm the recent oil purchase, and does the Foreign Ministry have any further comment? Lin Jian: On your first question, heads-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations. During the telephone conversation between the two presidents a few days ago, President Trump once again expressed his desire to visit China in April. President Xi Jinping renewed the invitation to President Trump to visit China. The two sides are in communication on this. The China-U.S. economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial in nature. The two sides need to work together to deliver on the important common understandings between the two presidents, and provide greater certainty and stability for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation and the global economy. On your second question, I am not familiar with that. AFP: Lai Ching-te said that he "would like Taiwan and Europe to enhance cooperation in the defense industry and on defense technology." What is your response? Lin Jian: I have made it very clear that seeking independence by soliciting foreign support and resisting reunification through military buildup are just futile and doomed to fail. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN experts condemn US executive order imposing fuel blockade on Cuba Press releases Special Procedures 12 February 2026 GENEVA -- UN human rights experts* today condemned the executive order issued by the President of the United States on 29 January 2026 declaring a purported national emergency and authorising the imposition of trade tariffs on imports of oil from third countries to Cuba. "The U.S. executive order imposing a fuel blockade on Cuba is a serious violation of international law and a grave threat to a democratic and equitable international order," the experts said. "It is an extreme form of unilateral economic coercion with extraterritorial effects, through which the United States seeks to exert coercion on the sovereign state of Cuba and compel other sovereign third States to alter their lawful commercial relations, under threat of punitive trade measures," they said. The experts stressed that characterising Cuba as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the national security of the United States and accusing the country of supporting "transnational terrorist groups" lacks credibility and appears designed to justify the use of extraordinary and coercive powers. "In the absence of authorisation from the United Nations Security Council, the executive order has no basis in collective security and constitutes a unilateral act that is incompatible with international law," they said. "There is no right under international law to impose economic penalties on third States for engaging in lawful trade with another sovereign country," the experts said. They warned that the U.S. executive order directly violates the principles of sovereign equality, non-intervention and self-determination, which are essential pillars of a democratic and equitable international order as reflected in the UN Charter Article 2(1). They also circumvent multilateral frameworks governing international trade and security, including the World Trade Organization. "A democratic international order cannot be reconciled with practices whereby one State claims the authority to dictate the internal policies and economic relations of others through threats and coercion," the experts said. They expressed deep concern about the foreseeable humanitarian consequences of restricting fuel supplies to Cuba through the coercion of third States. "Cuba is already experiencing severe energy shortages, due to previous U.S. sanctions, with blackouts lasting up to 20 hours in many areas, affecting refrigeration for food and medication, and contributing to public health crises." Fuel is indispensable for electricity generation, water and sanitation systems, hospitals, public transportation, and food production, including irrigation, harvesting, refrigeration and food distribution. "Interfering with fuel imports could lead to a severe humanitarian crisis with knock-on effects for essential services," the experts said. They recalled that measures which are likely to result in shortages of essential goods may amount to the collective punishment of civilians, raising serious concerns under international human rights law. The experts called on the U.S. Government to immediately rescind the executive order and cease the use of extraterritorial economic measures, bringing its conduct in line with international law. The executive order compounds the effects of the U.S. existing unlawful designation of Cuba as a "State Sponsor of Terrorism". They urged all States to refrain from recognising or giving effect to unilateral coercive measures that undermine international law and to take all appropriate steps, including diplomatic and multilateral action, to uphold the principles of international cooperation, sovereign equality, non-intervention and peaceful settlement of disputes. "The normalisation of unilateral economic coercion erodes the international legal order, weakens multilateral institutions, and inflicts unacceptable suffering on civilian populations," the experts said. "Collective action by States is essential to defending a democratic and equitable international order." *The experts: George Katrougalos , Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order , Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order Ben Saul , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 11 FEB 2026 3:05PM by PIB Delhi Presently, there are 24 nuclear power plants (excluding RAPS-1) in commercial operation in the country with a total capacity of 8,780 MW. The Government has drawn up a roadmap for reaching the 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 as announced in the Nuclear Energy Mission. As per the roadmap, the present nuclear power capacity of 8.78 GW (excluding RAPS-1) is expected to reach about 22 GW by 2031-32 on progressive completion of projects presently at various stages of implementation. Another 32 GW of nuclear power capacity is envisaged to be set up beyond 2032 by NPCIL, comprising of indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and Light Water Reactors (LWR) by 2047 taking the capacity to about 54 GW. As per the roadmap, the balance of 46 GW is expected to be set up by other Public Sector Enterprises (Central & State), State Governments, Private sector and Joint Ventures in different business models, comprising of reactors of different technologies. BHAVINI is currently commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Government has accorded approval to carry out pre-project activities for 2 x 500 MWe twin unit of FBR 1&2 project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. On attaining first criticality of PFBR, Government will be approached for financial sanction of FBR 1 & 2 projects. The Department of Atomic Energy is in the process of development of a small demonstration molten salt reactor aimed to demonstrate the technologies required for the efficient utilisation of thorium. R&D on development and qualification of special materials, molten fluoride salt chemistry, component development is in progress for molten salt demonstration reactor. Commercial operation of a higher power version of this reactor will be taken up on successful operation of this demonstration reactor. A nuclear research and development centre is being established at Vizag, Andhra Pradesh. This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. ***** AK/SK (Release ID: 2226340) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 2,312 crore contract with HAL for eight Dornier 228 Aircraft under Buy (Indian) category India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 4:15PM by PIB Delhi Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 Aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of Rs 2,312 crore under Buy (Indian) category. The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on February 12, 2026. The programme is expected to generate significant direct & indirect employment by strengthening the HAL's production ecosystem and supporting a broad network of MSMEs & ancillary industries. It will also create sustained opportunities in Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul and life cycle technical support. The contract reinforces the Government's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India while bolstering India's maritime security architecture. *** VK/SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2227031) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DAC clears Rs 3.60 lakh crore worth of capital acquisition proposals to enhance the combat readiness of defence forces India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 4:07PM by PIB Delhi The Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the Services at an estimated value of about Rs 3.60 lakh crore, on February 12, 2026. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), AoN was approved for the procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) {Rafale}, Combat Missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS). The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long range offensive strikes. The majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India. The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy. The AS-HAPS will be utilised towards carrying out persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and remote sensing for military purposes. For the Indian Army, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and overhaul of Vehicle Platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II). Vibhav mines will be laid as anti-tank obstacle system to delay the advance of enemy mechanized forces. The overhaul of vehicle platforms of ARVs, T-72 Tanks and BMP-II will enhance service life of equipment ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian Army. For the Indian Navy, AoN was cleared for 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. Induction of 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator under Make-I category of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 will minimise the dependency on foreign manufacturers, ensure self-reliance in power generation requirement of Indian Navy. The acquisition of P8I aircraft will significantly boost the Navy's combat/war-fighting capability of long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capability. For the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), AoN was accorded for the procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft. The procurement will assist in enhancing the efficacy of maritime surveillance capability of the ICG. **** VK/SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2227018) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address QA-industry conclave to discuss future of quality assurance in naval & defence manufacturing India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 11:59AM by PIB Delhi A Quality Assurance (QA) Conclave, on the theme 'Traceability, Speed and Trust - Leveraging Technology for Smarter Quality Assurance',will be held at Manekshaw Auditorium, New Delhi on February 13, 2026. It will bring together senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy, Quality Assurance agencies, shipyards, defence PSUs, and leading industry partners to deliberate on the future of quality assurance in naval & defence manufacturing. The conclave aims to highlight the critical role of digital technologies in strengthening quality assurance processes, enhancing traceability across the manufacturing chain, accelerating approvals & certifications, and building longterm trust among stakeholders. It will serve as a common platform for policy makers, practitioners, and industry leaders to exchange best practices and chart a roadmap for a modern, technologyenabled QA ecosystem. The technical sessions will feature focused panel discussions on Digital QA for Shipbuilding - Traceability, Speed and Trust; QA Policy Compliance and Industry Collaborations; and QA in Naval Shipbuilding and Replenishment Orders for Spares. These discussions will address key challenges and opportunities in shipbuilding, spares provisioning, policy compliance, and collaborative quality assurance frameworks. Several important initiatives will be launched during the conclave, including Release of the Indian Naval & Marine Industry - A Capability Catalogue to strengthen industry engagement and information sharing; Promulgation of the Joint Service Guidelines on Common Information Model for integrated data management of combat systems and sensors; and Conferment of Green Channel Status and SelfCertification to eligible industry partners in recognition of proven quality performance. **** SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2226841) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INVESTMENT IN ATOMIC RESEARCH FACILITIES India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 5:18PM by PIB Delhi Initiatives taken by the present government to expand nuclear applications in the field of medicine and industry: Multifaceted initiatives of the Government has facilitated the domestic developments in the field of nuclear medicines such as high specific activity 131I-mIBG therapeutic dose, medical-grade high specific activity Mo-99, Technicium-99m for diagnostic nuclear medicine practice, I-131 for diagnostic and treatment of Thyroid disorders, Ready to use Ga-68-PSMA radiopharmaceutical for detection and staging of prostate cancer, No Carrier Added (NCA) Lu-177 based radiopharmaceuticals such as NCA 177Lu-DOTA TATE and NCA 177Lu-PSMA-617 for cancer therapy, CS-137 pencils for blood irradiation, Ir-192 based brachytherapy system, Ruthenium-106 plaques for treating ocular tumours, Yttrium-90 glass microsphere for treating unresectable liver cancer, as curative nuclear medicines and Sodium Phosphate-32 based injection and Samarium-153 for effective pain relief in terminally sick cancer patients as palliative care nuclear medicines to name a few. These initiatives of the Government have also led to development of industrial radiography devices such COCAM-120, COCAM-120(W) and ROTEX-I as import substitutes to support the industry and expand application of nuclear radiation in the country. The Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the prospective entrepreneurs to set up gamma radiation processing facilities in the country. BRIT supports such facilities by providing radioactive Cobalt - 60 source and dosimetry services on chargeable basis. Totally, forty-two such facilities have been commissioned in the country. The measures adopted by Indian government to promote indigenous nuclear technology: Our sustained efforts in the field of nuclear power generation has resulted in full spectrum capabilities in the domain of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors in which we are self reliant and have established robust indigenous capacity. The government has approved implementation of 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) in the country on fleet mode basis to promote the indigenous nuclear technology. These reactors are designed by NPCIL. All equipment including critical equipment for these reactors are supplied by domestic industries and works executed by Indian contractors. BHAVINI is currently commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Government has accorded approval to carry out pre-project activities for 2 x 500 MWe twin unit of FBR 1&2 project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. These reactors are fully designed and developed with indigenous technology. The role of Indian institutions in international atomic energy collaborations: Institute of Plasma Research (IPR) is contributing to The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor aiming to prove nuclear fusion as a viable, clean energy source, employing a magnetic confinement device. The GCNEP of DAE is involved in Capacity Building in the field of Nuclear energy. Indian scientists and technologists continue to engage with the international atomic energy community on a wide range of topics related to the peaceful uses of atomic energy, through various multilateral and bilateral forums including the International Atomic Energy Agency. This information was given by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singhin a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. ***** NKR/NM (Release ID: 2227084) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Affirms Fast-Track Nuclear Expansion; Capacity Set to Triple by 2031-32 India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Dr. Jitendra Singh Assures Kudankulam Units 3-6 on Track, Safe from Geopolitical Shifts; No Delay or Cost Escalation Expected Dr. Jitendra Singh informed RS: Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project Talks Progressing; 6x1600 MW Framework Ready, Commercial Issues Under Discussion "India Not Solely Dependent on External Uranium; Nuclear Capacity Doubled Since 2014, Targets 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047 with Duty Exemptions Till 2035" Dr. Jitendra Singh Clarifies 50% Power to Host State Under Gadgil Formula; 'Safety First, Production Next' Doctrine and Balanced Nuclear Allocation Policy Reiterated Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 4:30PM by PIB Delhi Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today asserted in the Rajya Sabha that India's nuclear energy programme is in a decisive expansion phase, backed by policy reforms, private sector participation and clearly defined capacity targets extending up to 2047. The Minister said India's installed nuclear capacity, which stood at 4,780 MW in 2014, has risen to 8,780 MW and is projected to reach 22,380 MW by 2031-32, 47 GW by 2037, 67 GW by 2042 and 100 GW by 2047. He affirmed that India is moving forward with self-reliance and confidence, and that geopolitical developments will not derail ongoing nuclear projects. Replying to supplementaries raised by R. Girirajan, Jairam Ramesh, Ram Gopal Yadav and M. Thambidurai, the Minister addressed concerns relating to timelines, international negotiations, fuel security, CSR initiatives, and power-sharing arrangements. Responding to questions on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Dr. Jitendra Singh said Units 3 and 4 are targeted for completion by 2026-27, while Units 5 and 6 are scheduled by 2030. He stated that there is no reason to apprehend any disruption due to recent geopolitical developments, including shifts in India-US relations. Tracing the project's history, he said the Kudankulam project was conceived in 1988, construction began in 2002, and the first unit became operational in December 2014 after the present government assumed office. The subsequent operationalisation of the first two units within the last decade reflects a clear implementation framework and disciplined adherence to timelines. On a query regarding Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives within the 16-kilometre emergency planning zone, the Minister said that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited undertakes CSR and Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) activities for communities around all nuclear facilities. He informed the House that significant allocations have been made under CSR, with 168 crore spent in the current financial year across projects. Specific figures for Kudankulam over the last four years would be furnished separately. He added that such initiatives focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education and skill development for local communities. Addressing a question on negotiations concerning the proposed six 1600 MW reactors at Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, Dr Jitendra Singh said that discussions have been ongoing and that while the technical agreement framework is in place, certain commercial aspects remain under consideration. He indicated that the matter is being pursued in coordination with relevant ministries, keeping national interest paramount. On concerns regarding uranium imports and possible supply disruptions in a volatile global environment, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India has strengthened its energy security significantly over the last decade. He said nuclear capacity has more than doubled since 2014 and that policy measures, including recent enabling provisions and duty exemptions for nuclear plant equipment imports up to 2035, are aimed at accelerating domestic capability. He said the expansion roadmap demonstrates that India is not dependent solely on external sources and is steadily enhancing indigenous potential. Responding to questions on power allocation, the Minister said distribution of electricity generated from nuclear plants follows the long-standing Gadgil formula, under which 50% of power is retained by the host state, 35% is allocated to neighbouring states and 15% goes to the central grid. This mechanism ensures balanced regional distribution. On safety concerns and past apprehensions in the Kudankulam region, the Minister reiterated that India's nuclear programme operates on the principle of "Safety First, Production Next." He clarified that allegations regarding centralized storage of spent fuel at Kudankulam were scientifically unfounded, as each reactor manages its own specific fuel cycle. Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded that the government has instituted clear timelines for nuclear expansion and is implementing them in a structured and disciplined manner, positioning nuclear energy as a key pillar of India's long-term energy transition strategy. ***** NKR/AK (Release ID: 2227041) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump creating conditions that may lead to 'good deal' with Iran, Netanyahu says Iran Press TV Thursday, 12 February 2026 10:28 PM Following talks in Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said US President Donald Trump may be creating conditions that may lead to "good deal" with Iran. Speaking before leaving the US on Thursday, Netanyahu said discussions with Trump focused primarily on Iran and the ongoing nuclear negotiations. "Naturally, the discussions focused on several issues, but in fact primarily on the negotiations with Iran. The President believes that the Iranians have already learned who they are dealing with," he said. "He believes that the conditions he [Trump] is creating, combined with the fact that they surely understand they made a mistake the last time by not reaching an agreement, may create the conditions for achieving a good deal," Netanyahu said. Back in June last year, the Israeli regime initiated a 12-day war against Iran despite ongoing negotiations between American and Iranian officials aimed at resolving outstanding issues through diplomacy. The Israeli aggression started on June 13, 2025, just two days before the sixth round of Iran-US talks was scheduled in Muscat. Although the US also joined the war against Iran, Israel was ultimately compelled to plead for a ceasefire due to the Iranian armed forces' powerful retaliatory operations. While expressing what Netanyahu called general skepticism regarding the quality of any agreement with Iran, he said any potential agreement must address Israel's concerns, including not only the nuclear issue but also ballistic missiles and Iran's support for resistance movements. "I will not hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the quality of any agreement with Iran," he said. Any deal "must include the elements that are very important from our perspective," Netanyahu continued. "It's not just the nuclear issue." Israel and the US continue to push for an expansion of ongoing nuclear talks to include Tehran's missile program and support for resistance movements, but Iranian officials say these two issues are a "red line" that will never be placed on the negotiating table. Trump, however, has indicated he is willing to give diplomacy a chance, insisting that negotiations with Iran continue despite pressure from Tel Aviv to abandon talks with Tehran. The US president said his meeting with Netanyahu ended without a definitive result, adding that he preferred a deal if possible but would see what the outcome would be otherwise. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian: US, Israel exploit Iran's challenges without genuine concern Iran Press TV Thursday, 12 February 2026 6:39 PM President Masoud Pezeshkian says that foreign powers, including the United States and Israel, exploit Iran's challenges without genuine concern for the country's welfare. "It is undeniable that Israel and the US take advantage of our country's situation. They have done nothing but create problems for us. Their hearts are not with Iran," Pezeshkian said Thursday in a meeting with intellectuals, political, social, and cultural figures in the northern province of Golestan. Referring to the recent riots, Pezeshkian added, "During the recent events, Trump and Netanyahu beat the drum of protests. Did they intend to solve our nation's problems? Has anyone other than them caused issues for us? They have blocked all our paths, frozen our transactions, and obstructed our work, while telling some inside the country that they want to 'save' us." On Jan. 8 and 9 protests initially sparked by economic grievances turned into unruly scenes of mayhem and destruction. Armed groups infiltrated the demonstrations, leading to damage to shops, government buildings and public facilities, as well as casualties among civilians and security forces. Iranian authorities confirmed that American and Israeli spy agencies were directly involved, providing funding, training, and media support to the perpetrators. According to a statement last month by Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a total of 3,117 people lost their lives during the riots, including 2,427 innocent civilians and security personnel. The president stressed the importance of national unity in overcoming challenges, saying, "A great wound has been created. We must repair and heal it with unity and cohesion, not deepen it with division and discord, which only increases the country's problems." Pezeshkian also highlighted the longstanding pressure Iran has faced, asserting that those who themselves commit genocide "speak of humanity and human rights, and accuse us of massacre and plunder." He noted that since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, "all kinds of pressures and conspiracies have been applied to prevent us from serving the people properly." "Our responsibility is to understand the situation and continue serving the people despite all the pressures," he further said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Any war against Iran amounts to attack on entire Muslim world: Hamas warns US, Israel Iran Press TV Thursday, 12 February 2026 7:02 AM The al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, has warned that any aggression against Iran is tantamount to an attack on the entire Islamic Ummah. Qassam spokesman Abu Obeida declared support for Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as the Iranian people and government, in a statement on Wednesday, when the country marked the 47th anniversary of its Islamic Revolution amid recent provocations and threats by the US and Israel. "We consider any aggression against the Islamic Republic and its brotherly people to be an aggression against our Islamic nation, a criminal infringement on the sovereignty of a resistant Islamic state," Abu Obeida said. He also rejected efforts aimed at interfering in Iran's domestic affairs through "brute force" and further denounced the latest threats and previous attacks against Iran as a "desperate" act of "revenge" against the nation, which has stood alongside Palestinians and supported their resistance against the Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, Abu Obeida expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Iranian Armed Forces, including the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), to repel any attack, defend the country, and deal harsh blows to the aggressors. The Iranian Armed Forces "taught the Zionist enemy lessons" during last year's illegal US-Israeli assault against the country, he added, referring to Iran's retaliatory strikes that targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories during the 12-day war. The Qassam spokesman said the Palestinian resistance managed to break the Zionist entity's "prestige" during Operation al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023, which was carried out in retaliation for Israel's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. Following the historic Palestinian operation, Israel launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, but failed to achieve its declared objectives despite killing at least 72,045 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 171,686 others. The criminal regime was forced to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, which took effect on October 10, 2025. Since then, however, Israel has violated the truce with near-daily attacks on Gaza. Hamas delegation holds talks with Iran's top security official Additionally on Wednesday, a Hamas delegation met with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani in the Qatari capital of Doha. According to a statement issued by the resistance group, the two sides discussed developments in Gaza and across the region. Hamas said it is working "by all means" to halt Israeli attacks and facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Larijani, for his part, reiterated Tehran's unwavering support for Palestinians, praising the resistance and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people at the current critical juncture. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump, Netanyahu End White House Talks With No Clear Path On Iran By Alex Raufoglu and Ray Furlong February 11, 2026 22:07 CET Updated February 12, 2026 WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded nearly three hours of closed-door talks at the White House on February 11 without reaching a clear agreement on how to proceed with Iran, underscoring lingering differences over diplomacy and security strategy. "There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated," Trump wrote on Truth Socialshortly after the meeting. "If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be." The meeting -- their seventh since Trump returned to office -- took place entirely behind closed doors, a departure from previous visits by Netanyahu that featured joint appearances and news conferences. Neither leader took questions from reporters, and no joint statement was issued. According to a brief readout from Netanyahu's office, the two leaders "addressed negotiations with Iran, Gaza, and regional developments." The statement added that Netanyahu "emphasized Israel's security needs in the context of the negotiations" and that both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and ongoing communication. It did not indicate that any decisions had been made. Iran's nuclear program remains a central point of tension between Washington and Israel. Israel alleges that Tehran is working toward building a nuclear weapon -- a claim Iran has repeatedly denied -- and views Iran's ballistic missile program and support for regional militant groups as an existential threat. Netanyahu and key members of his governing coalition have long argued for a harder line against Tehran, with some advocating for regime change in the Islamic republic. Trump, by contrast, has signaled a continued preference for diplomacy, even as he warned of potential consequences if talks fail. "Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer -- That did not work well for them," Trump wrote in his Truth Social post on February 11, referring to a June US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. "Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible." The White House meeting came against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and mixed signals from Tehran. Earlier on February 11, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian said his country was open to admitting international inspectors to verify that its nuclear program is "peaceful," marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution with a message aimed at easing international concerns. "We are not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. We have stated this repeatedly and are ready for any verification," Pezeshkian said during anniversary celebrations that followed a deadly crackdown on mass anti-government protests last month. Security forces killed thousands of people during the unrest, according to reports, prompting strong condemnation from Washington and its allies. Videos posted overnight on February 10-11 showed fireworks in Tehran celebrating the anniversary, even as many Iranians mourned those killed. In some clips, voices could be heard chanting "Death to the dictator" and "Death to Khamenei," referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The crackdown drew sharp criticism from the United States and contributed to a significant US naval buildup in the region. Trump said in an interview with Axios on February 10 that "we have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going," describing one of the largest US deployments in years. Diplomatic efforts have continued in parallel. After talks between US and Iranian teams in Oman on February 6, Washington imposed additional sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector. Further negotiations are expected, though no date has been announced. Netanyahu's visit to Washington followed those developments. Ahead of his White House meeting, his office said he wanted any talks with Iran to address not only its nuclear program but also its ballistic missile activities and support for armed proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Alexander Gray, who served on the National Security Council during Trump's first term, told RFE/RL that those issues -- rather than efforts to directly back Iran's opposition -- would likely determine whether military action is considered. "He doesn't want to see these brutal crackdowns. But I think the president's also a realist," Gray said. "From a fundamental US interest standpoint, as much as we decry the horrific human rights abuses, I think we are most likely to be effective in advocating for changes to their proxy behavior and their missile and nuclear programs." US Vice President JD Vance echoed that position on February 11 as he departed Azerbaijan. "If the Iranian people want to overthrow the regime, that's up to the Iranian people. What we're focused on right now is the fact that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. That's been the focus of the president's policy, even going back to the first administration," he said. For now, Trump appears determined to test the diplomatic track, even as Israel signals deep reservations and US forces remain positioned in the region. Alex Plitsas, a former senior Pentagon official now with the Atlantic Council, said Trump's approach mirrors previous episodes in which the president paired a visible military buildup with space for negotiations. "President Trump's statement following today's meeting is consistent with his recent comments about using Venezuela as a parallel," Plitsas told RFE/RL, referring to a strategy in which the administration "deployed a large force but gave time for negotiations." Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, told the Financial Times in an interview published on February 12 that while the United States and Iran appeared ready to compromise to secure a nuclear deal, broadening talks to cover Tehran's ballistic missile program would risk "nothing but another war." "It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries," he said. Plitsas said he expects talks with Tehran "to continue to play out unless or until an acceptable breakthrough is reached on a nuclear agreement that would give way to additional points of concern -- like ballistic missiles or if a deal seems as though it cannot be reached." Administration officials remain wary after Iran previously rejected what they viewed as a generous offer, Plitsas noted, "but still the president appears to be willing to try diplomacy again." Whether negotiations -- and Pezeshkian's stated openness to inspections -- can narrow the gap between Washington and Israel remains uncertain. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-netanyahu-iran- nuclear-talks-white-house-diplomacy/33675455.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Will Iran Budge On Missile Program For A Deal? By Kian Sharifi and RFE/RL's Radio Farda February 12, 2026 US President Donald Trump publicly emphasized diplomacy with Iran following his February 11 meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But experts say the deeper dispute may center not on Iran's nuclear program, but on its expanding missile capabilities. After the meeting, Trump signaled that negotiations with Tehran should continue. Netanyahu, however, has pushed for Iran's missile program to be formally included in any agreement -- something Tehran has repeatedly rejected. Speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Farda, UK-based defense analyst Hossein Aryan argued that Israel's long-term strategic objective extends beyond the nuclear issue. "If we look at this issue in a broad picture, Israel's goal is to drastically reduce Iran's defensive capabilities, both under the Islamic republic and even in the period after it," he said. According to Aryan, Israel views Iran's missile arsenal as its most significant military asset and "its only deterrent capability." While other regional states possess ballistic missiles, he said Israeli strategists see Iran's program as fundamentally different because it has become increasingly indigenous and self-sustaining. Israeli estimates suggest that, if left unchecked, Iran could expand its arsenal to as many as 8,000 missiles by 2028. Such projections help explain Israeli concerns about future saturation attacks overwhelming missile defense systems. "That is precisely why Netanyahu's focus is not currently on the nuclear program, because they believe that part is under control or not presently at a critical stage; his main focus is on stopping Iran's military and missile machine," Aryan said. Iran's nuclear program suffered a major setback after the United States joined Israel's aerial campaign against Iran in June 2025, targeting nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. No Treaty Banning Missiles The missile issue presents a major diplomatic obstacle. Tehran insists its conventional missile program is nonnegotiable, and Aryan noted that no binding international treaty has any outright prohibition on missile development. Frameworks such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Hague Code of Conduct are voluntary arrangements rather than enforceable bans. At the same time, Aryan said US military movements near Iran suggest contingency planning if negotiations fail. He characterized the deployments as part deterrence, part pressure tactic. "Some of this is media shaping, and part of it is brinkmanship -- to push Iran toward diplomacy and extract maximum concessions," Aryan said. Still, he expressed doubt that such pressure would compel the Islamic republic to scale back or abandon its missile program. 'Deception Operation' While Trump and Netanyahu share the goal of stopping a nuclear Iran, they differ on the breadth of a potential deal -- at least publicly. Wary of a narrow nuclear agreement, Netanyahu traveled to Washington specifically to ensure missiles are a nonnegotiable part of any US proposal. Some analysts urge caution in interpreting Trump's public optimism for diplomacy. "In my view, Trump's statements do not necessarily indicate anything specific, and one cannot rely on them with certainty," said Mohammad Ghaedi, a lecturer at George Washington University. He suggested that apparent differences between Washington and Israel over what constitutes an acceptable deal could be strategic messaging. "These remarks may reflect differences between the United States and Israel, but they could also be considered a deception operation, meaning he speaks of gaps and disagreements while simultaneously preparing for a surprise attack," Ghaedi said. Although the United States has bolstered its military presence in the region, Ghaedi assessed the likelihood of imminent strikes as relatively low. Instead, he anticipates intensified sanctions and economic pressure. He pointed to remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Bessent credited sanctions with weakening Iran's economy and fueling domestic unrest. Still, Ghaedi said Trump, potentially influenced by regional actors such as Qatar and Turkey, might accept a temporary arrangement, even if Netanyahu insists that any agreement must be permanent and include limits on Iran's missile program. Iran and the United States held talks earlier this month in Oman, and negotiations are expected to continue. But Tehran maintains that discussions can focus only on its nuclear program. On February 11, Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader, reiterated that "the missile issue is not in the negotiators' remit." Mohammad Zarghami and Roya Maleki of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-deal-us-israel- netanyahu-missile-program/33676188.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu voices skepticism about potential U.S.-Iran deal, calls for missile curbs People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:06, February 13, 2026 CAIRO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he had "expressed general scepticism about the nature of any deal with Iran" and if a deal between the United States and Iran is indeed reached, it must include "the ballistic missiles and the Iranian proxies," demands Tehran has previously rejected. His remarks came as Iran and the United States sent mixed signals regarding the future of their recently resumed nuclear talks. Tehran denied sending any formal communication to Washington, while the Pentagon is preparing for a potential second aircraft carrier deployment to the Middle East. Netanyahu arrived at the White House on Wednesday morning for a meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump, their seventh since the start of Trump's second term. After a roughly three-hour meeting, he said the conditions for a good deal between the United States and Iran may be created. "The conditions Trump is creating, combined with the fact that they must understand that they were wrong the last time they did not make a deal, could be the conditions for a good deal," said Netanyahu before leaving the United States for Israel without a press conference or a statement. Despite the prime minister's push for a tougher stance, Trump reiterated his preference for a negotiated outcome shortly after their closed-door meeting. "There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated," Trump wrote on social media. "If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be." It's noted that Iran has drawn clear red lines around its enrichment capacity and refused to broaden the talks beyond the nuclear file. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH urges release of more Myanmar political prisoners Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora February 12, 2026, 4:53 pm MANILA -- The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has urged the release of more political prisoners in Myanmar as the country marked its 79th Union Day. In a statement on Thursday, the DFA said doing so would indicate "further gestures of reconciliation" and the Myanmar military's openness to initiate inclusive political dialogue. "In the spirit of genuine reconciliation, it is our fervent hope that this occasion be marked by the release of more political prisoners," it said. "Thousands of prisoners have already been released since 2021, and many in the international community, including the Philippines, look forward to the release of more political prisoners as further gestures of reconciliation and an initial step towards an inclusive national political dialogue, in line with the Five-Point Consensus and the subsequent (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ASEAN Leaders' Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus," it added. Myanmar observes Union Day every 12th of February to commemorate the signing of the Panglong Agreement in 1947, a landmark treaty that brought together leaders from different ethnic nationalities for a unified and independent nation. This is the sixth year Myanmar is commemorating the occasion after the Myanmar military staged a coup d'etat and seized power from the elected government in February 2021, detaining several political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi. Based on the latest data from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, Burma (AAPP), a total of 30,448 pro-democracy activists and civilians have been arrested since the military coup, of whom 22,797 are still detained, and 129 are facing the death penalty. The AAPP said at least 7,777 of the total arrested were confirmed killed, while around 4,500 deaths are for verification. In a separate statement, ASEAN said Myanmar's Union Day should serve as a "time to reflect on the spirit of unity, dialogue, and inclusiveness that inspired the nation's early efforts at building a common future." "It also serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful cooperation and respect for diversity in nurturing long-term stability and harmony," it said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov takes part in Coordination Meeting of heads of international military cooperation bodies of Defence Ministries (CIS member states) 11 February 2026 14:31 Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov took part in the Coordination Meeting of the heads of international Military Cooperation bodies of Defence Ministries (CIS member states). It was held at the International Military Centre of the Russian Ministry of Defence. 'The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation pays close attention to the preservation and development of military cooperation with the Commonwealth states on a bilateral basis and within various international organisations on a wide range of mutual interests,' said Vasily Osmakov. According to him, the most important component of the military cooperation within the CIS has about two dozen in-demand domains of interaction. Vasily Osmakov noted the importance of cooperation between the heads of the international military cooperation bodies within the Commonwealth to develop constructive relations in the military sphere between the countries. Following the results of the Coordination Meeting, the politicians signed a protocol reflecting the agreed approaches of the Defence Ministries of the CIS members to develop practical cooperation in accordance with the Concept of Military Cooperation of the Commonwealth states until 2030. Earlier, the Russian Deputy Minister of Defence and members of delegations laid flowers at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow near the Kremlin Wall. They honoured the memory of the soldiers who had died during the Great Patriotic War with a Moment of silence. The ceremony ended with a solemn march of an honour guard company. Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New US Sanctions Bill Aims To Choke Off Kremlin Oil Revenue By Alex Raufoglu February 12, 2026 WASHINGTON -- A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced new legislation targeting what they describe as the Kremlin's primary financial lifeline: oil exports. The Decreasing Russian Oil Profits (DROP) Act of 2026, unveiled on February 11 by Republican Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas, would require targeted sanctions on any foreign individual or entity involved in the purchase, importation, or facilitation of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products. The measure is designed to close what lawmakers say are persistent loopholes in the current sanctions regime and to curb Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. "Russian energy is the lifeblood of the Kremlin's war machine, and the DROP Act would drain this primary source of revenue," McCaul said in a statement announcing the bill. He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown that he won't be willing to seek peace "until the cost of his continued bloodshed is too high," adding that the legislation would give US President Donald Trump additional leverage while pressing allies to do more. "It's time for every nation and individual to choose between doing business with the free world or continuing to bankroll Putin's brutality," he said. In the House of Representatives, the group includes Republicans McCaul and Mike Lawler of New York, along with Democrats Bill Keating of Massachusetts, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Mike Quigley of Illinois, and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey. In the Senate, the companion measure was introduced by Republican senators Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania and Jon Husted of Ohio, alongside Democrats Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Chris Coons of Delaware. Closing The 'Shadow Fleet' Loophole Western governments have imposed successive rounds of sanctions on Moscow since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including price caps on Russian oil exports. But Russia has increasingly relied on a so-called "shadow fleet" of aging tankers and complex third-party arrangements to move crude at prices that often exceed international limits. The DROP Act seeks to address that ecosystem directly. According to its sponsors, the bill would strengthen existing designations on two major Russian oil companies, mandate sanctions on foreign actors complicit in purchasing Russian petroleum products, and close loopholes that have allowed some buyers to charge above the international price cap. Lawler underscored enforcement as the core issue. "Sanctions only work if they're enforced," he said, arguing that the legislation would strengthen the current sanctions regime and "cut off a key funding for Putin's war machine." He added that it is time to use "the full strength of American economic power to squeeze out the Kremlin." Keating framed the bill as part of a broader effort to ensure consequences for Moscow's actions. "Congress and the president must do more to ensure Putin and his war machine feel the consequences for their illegal actions," he said, noting that the legislation would require sanctions on countries unless they meet specific criteria demonstrating support for Ukraine. As the war approaches its fourth anniversary, he added, the measure signals "continued bipartisan support for Ukraine." 'A Long Overdue Step' For Kaptur, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, the moral dimension is central. "If you traffic in Russian oil, you are funding Putin's illegal war and full-scale invasion of Ukraine," she said, calling the bill "a long overdue step" to cut off oil revenue and strengthen the prospects for a just end to the conflict. Quigley, also a caucus co-chair, said Russia has "weaponized the global oil ecosystem" since launching its invasion and argued the bill would "close the price gap loophole" and "cut off a major source of funding for Russia's army." Similarly, Gottheimer said the legislation would "tighten the screws" on Russian oil exports, ensure "real consequences" for those purchasing oil above the price cap, and create stronger incentives to support Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. Strategic Flexibility -- And Political Questions The bill includes provisions allowing the administration to grant exceptions for countries that significantly reduce their Russian oil imports or provide substantial military and economic aid to Ukraine -- a nod to concerns among some US partners about energy security and economic disruption. Shelby Magid, deputy director at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, described the proposal as "an important and timely step." Speaking to RFE/RL on February 12, she said the legislation demonstrates bipartisan backing for Ukraine and reflects "justified frustration with Russia's continued barrage of attacks on Ukrainian civilians." Magid noted that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians in Ukraine since 2022 and pointed to sustained Russian strikes on energy infrastructure during a harsh winter. "As Moscow escalates its assault against the Ukrainian people and undermines peace efforts, Congress is right to work to advance additional authorities to target key Russian revenue streams and strengthen sanctions enforcement," she said. "Diplomacy cannot come at the expense of protecting Ukrainian civilians from weapons financed by Russia's war economy." Still, analysts caution that bipartisan support in Congress does not automatically guarantee passage. Tyson Barker, a former US deputy special envoy for Ukraine's economic recovery who is now with the German Council on Foreign Relations, told RFE/RL that the effort is worthwhile, adding that he favored "anything that tightens the screws on Russia and imposes costs and chokes off the war machine." But he raised a critical question: whether the White House will actively back the measure. Despite broad bipartisan support, Barker noted that congressional leadership may hesitate to bring it to the floor without administration endorsement. "The decisive thing would be active administration support for this legislation," he said, suggesting that such backing will determine whether it can move forward. Barker also pointed to what he described as diplomatic "whiplash" in Europe, as negotiations involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine proceed alongside separate EU efforts to shape Ukraine's accession path. Oil As Leverage Advocates of the bill argue that sanctions enforcement and additional pressure on Russia's energy revenues are essential if cease-fire talks are to produce meaningful results. "Despite multiple rounds of cease-fire talks, Putin's war aims appear unchanged," said Scott Cullinane, co-founder of the US-Europe Alliance, an American transatlantic advocacy organization. "In order for any talks to achieve results, it's increasingly obvious that additional leverage must be applied to Russia," he told RFE/RL. He called oil revenue Putin's a "lifeline," adding: "If we want to see progress with talks, the West can and must choke off Russia oil sales." Whether the DROP Act becomes law may hinge on political calculations in Washington. But its introduction underscores a growing consensus on Capitol Hill: that as long as Russian oil continues to flow freely onto global markets, so too will the funds sustaining Moscow's war effort. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-bill-targets-russian-oil- revenue-drop-act/33676373.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Karamoko Traore, Moscow, February 12, 2026 12 February 2026 14:55 184-12-02-2026 Mr Minister, Mr Traore, Colleagues, Friends, It's a real pleasure to welcome you to Moscow. We're especially grateful that this visit has come together at very short notice. It shows real commitment that, following up on the agreement between our presidents, our friends from Burkina Faso have moved quickly to finalise a number of key documents that will form the bedrock of our future strategic partnership. We know you have an exceptionally busy schedule here in Moscow. Later today, important agreements will be signed here and across several other agencies. This is concrete, practical progress in delivering on the understandings reached by our leaders, including those during President Ibrahim Traore's visit to Russia in May 2025 for the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Beyond the foundational agreement on our bilateral relations, you will be signing a number of other significant instruments. One issue of particular importance for turning the presidents' economic vision into reality is ensuring the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation becomes operational without delay. We have already appointed our co-chair - Russia's Minister of Energy, Sergey Tsivilev - and I am confident we will have this important mechanism up and running this year. Cooperation in defence and military-technical affairs, as well as counter-terrorism and responses to other persistent threats in this part of Africa, remains a major priority. The way our armed forces work together sets a genuinely positive example for others. I would also like to commend our cooperation at the UN, which is, without exaggeration, exemplary. We are grateful for your support of Russian initiatives aimed at strengthening international stability. Your balanced, objective and principled stance on the Ukraine crisis has been especially valuable to us. Our most recent joint endeavour is the Russia-Sahel Alliance format. Two ministerial meetings have already taken place, and when we met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, we agreed to hold the next session in one of your countries. As Burkina Faso holds the Alliance's presidency this year, we look forward to hearing your proposals. In the context of the information war waged by the West against any state pursuing an independent and sovereign foreign policy, it is vital that we deepen our coordination in the information space. Several Russian outlets are already active and widely followed in Burkina Faso and its neighbours. We could task our relevant officials with outlining practical steps to scale up this effort, enabling us to convey the truth about our approaches to a broader global audience. As you can see, our agenda today is both full and varied. We very much hope, Mr Traore, that once this focused visit to finalise concrete agreements is behind us, you will be able to return for a full working visit, giving us the chance to discuss the full spectrum of our cooperation in greater depth. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Remains India's Primary Oil Supplier Despite Decline in Volumes Sputnik News 20260212 NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - Russia remains India's largest oil supplier, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said in an interview with Sputnik. "Despite Western opposition and a temporary decline in volumes to 1.2 million barrels per day in December-January, we remain India's largest oil supplier," Alipov said. He said that with account for the significant discounts on Russian grades, the benefits for the local oil refining industry are obvious. "We assume that Russia will retain its status as a major energy supplier, and that entrepreneurs will be able to adjust the existing format of cooperation with account for the current situation," Alipov said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Lai Visits Xiaoxueshan Radar Station, Commends Armed Forces for Round-the-Clock Maritime Vigilance ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.02.06 Issuing AuthorityAdministration Office President Lai Ching-te visited the Navy's Xiaoxueshan Radar Station in Taichung this morning to commend the officers and enlisted personnel for their round-the-clock vigilance and defense of the nation with the spirit of "Taiwan Dome, Building the Defense Line; Xiaoxue's Eye, Seeing the Big Picture," safeguarding national security and protecting the lives and property of the people. He also expressed hope that all political parties, regardless of affiliation, would support the military, and that the Legislative Yuan would expeditiously review and pass the "Special Act on National Defense Budget" and the "Central Government General Budget Proposal," enabling the armed forces to have better equipment and greater strength to defend the homeland. Upon arrival, President Lai first received a mission briefing and inspected maritime surveillance operations. He then contacted via the rapid command system with officers and enlisted personnel aboard the ROCS Zheng He, thanking them for patrolling Taiwan's surrounding waters and defending maritime territory. President Lai stated that because of everyone's steadfast duty, the people can live with peace of mind. President Lai said that winter sea conditions were harsh, with strong winds and cold temperatures, and urged military personnel to prioritize their own safety during missions. With the Lunar New Year approaching, President Lai, on behalf of all citizens, once again thanked everyone for their hard work and extended early New Year greetings, wishing all officers and enlisted personnel a joyful New Year, good fortune, good health, and a happy, fulfilling family life. At lunch with unit leaders and representative personnel, President Lai stated in his remarks that with the Lunar New Year approaching, he made a special visit to the Navy's Xiaoxueshan Radar Station to wish everyone a happy New Year. He thanked them for defending the nation round the clock, 365 days a year, from the remote highland at 3,020 meters. The imagery board prepared by the station commander, Major Chung, clearly illustrates the importance of Xiaoxueshan Radar Station: "Taiwan Dome, Building the Defense Line; Xiaoxue's Eye, Seeing the Big Picture" - not only an aspiration for officers and enlisted personnel, but a proud reality that inspires admiration. President Lai hoped that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, could deeply appreciate the hardships of the armed forces. Whether on high mountains, coastal areas, or any location, the armed forces devoted themselves fully to safeguarding national security and the lives and property of the people. Therefore, he urged all citizens and political parties to support the armed forces, enabling them to have better equipment and greater strength to defend the homeland. He once again called on the Legislative Yuan to review and pass the "Special Act on National Defense Budget" and the "Central Government General Budget Proposal" as scheduled, because each day of delay increased risks to national security and postponed the time for the armed forces to enhance combat readiness. President Lai stated that during the Lunar New Year period, seeing the tireless dedication of the armed forces filled him with deep appreciation and gratitude, and he hoped all citizens would support the armed forces. He again wished all officers and enlisted personnel a happy New Year, smooth work, good health, family harmony and happiness, and abundant fortune in the coming spring. Attendees also included National Security Council Secretary-General Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, Chief of Navy Admiral Chiang Cheng-kuo, Fleet Command Commander Vice Admiral Wu Li-ping, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Command Commander Rear Admiral Lin, and Xiaoxueshan Radar Station Commander Lieutenant Commander Chung. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan annexation by China would threaten Japan, Philippines: Lai ROC Central News Agency 02/12/2026 07:38 PM Taipei, Feb. 12 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () warned in a recent interview that if "expansionist" China were to take Taiwan, its neighbors would be next. "If Taiwan were annexed by China, China's expansionist ambitions would not stop there," Lai told AFP in a recent interview published Thursday. If Taiwan falls, it will embolden Beijing to take more aggressive action, the president cautioned. "The next countries under threat would be Japan, the Philippines, and others in the Indo-Pacific region, with repercussions eventually reaching the Americas and Europe," he said, adding that in today's interconnected world, events in any single country inevitably affect the global community. China-Japan relations have deteriorated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in the parliament in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan and could trigger a military response from Tokyo. Since then, Beijing has stepped up military pressure on Japan, with Chinese J-15 fighter jets locking their radars on two Japanese F-15 aircraft near Okinawa and J-16 fighter jets operating in tandem with Russian bombers in a sortie into Japan's southwestern airspace in December. Meanwhile, tensions have been high between China and the Philippines in contested waters in the South China Sea near the Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, with multiple collisions between coast guard vessels from the two countries reported since 2024. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned in August that his country would inevitably be "drawn into" a war between Taiwan and China, given the proximity between Taiwan and the Philippines. During the interview, Lai said Taiwan-United States relations remain "rock solid," adding that he is confident that the U.S. does not need to use Taiwan as a "bargaining chip" in talks with China. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping () in April in Beijing, where the two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral trade and other matters. "In the context of U.S.-China trade competition, China seeks far more from the U.S. than the U.S. does from China," Lai told AFP. Lai said Taiwan welcomes any talks between the two leaders that would help maintain the status quo and that he believed President Trump is "undertaking a difficult peace-building effort." He also outlined his vision for the global semiconductor supply chain, with production taking place in Europe, Japan and the U.S., where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) operations have expanded, but with Taiwan retaining its lead in the sector by keeping "the most advanced manufacturing processes." Taiwan's semiconductor planning in the U.S. is a crucial area in bilateral relations. In its soon-to-be-concluded trade negotiations with the U.S., Taiwan has pledged US$250 billion in direct investments in the U.S. semiconductor, energy and artificial intelligence sectors. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.02.12 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Feb. 12 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Feb. 13 (Fri.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 42 sorties of PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 32 out of 42 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1150212_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1150212_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.02.13 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Feb. 12 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Feb. 13 (Fri.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 42 sorties of PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 32 out of 42 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1150213_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1150213_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine to receive 60 billion to strengthen defence capability - European Parliament decision Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 11 February, 2026, 4:47 PM EET The European Parliament approved a package of legislative acts to provide Ukraine with a 90 billion loan for 2026-2027 to finance urgent needs. Of this total, 60 billion will be allocated to strengthening Ukraine's defence capability and procuring military equipment both in Ukraine and in the European Union and European Free Trade Association countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. "We expect the funds to be disbursed swiftly so these resources reach the front line without delay. In this war, speed is just as important as weapons. I thank the Presidentthis is the result of diplomatic efforts on the international stage. We are grateful to our European partners for their sustained support for Ukraine," Ukraine's Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov emphasised. Under the terms of the loan, Ukraine will be required to repay it if russia pays reparations for the damage caused by the war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Service members under the "Contract 18-24" Program are granted a guaranteed right to a deferment Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 11 February, 2026, 1:47 PM EET On Wednesday, 11 February, the Verkhovna Rada supported the relevant draft law. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, together with the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defence, and Intelligence, completed revisions to the document. Service members who signed the contract under the "Contract 18-24" Program have been granted a guaranteed one-year mobilization deferment after completing their service. The draft law provides that individuals liable for military service and reservists who, during martial law, were enlisted under a one-year contract from among citizens aged 18 to 25 are exempt from mobilization for 12 months following their discharge from military service. During this period, they may be called up for military service only with their consent. "I thank Members of Parliament for supporting this important decisionthe adoption of amendments that ensure a guaranteed right to service members under the "Contract 18-24" to a mobilization deferment after completing their service. This is about clear and fair rules for young people who consciously choose to defend the country, trust in the state, and a modern approach to building a professional army. There are still several provisions that need to be adopted. We will continue working on this," Ukraine's Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized. Earlier, the Minister called on Members of Parliament to support the draft law. To recap, in February 2025, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine officially launched the "Contract 18-24" Program. This voluntary initiative is directed towards Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 who are willing to join the Defence Forces for a one-year term. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsahkna to Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Kachka: no country has made such extraordinary efforts on so many fronts Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12.02.2026 | 20:13 Today, 12 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met in Tallinn with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, who is on a visit to Estonia. The meeting focused on Ukraine's security situation, EU enlargement, and additional measures to further increase pressure and isolation against Russia, as Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine approaches the four-year mark. "No country has made such extraordinary efforts on so many fronts," Tsahkna said. "For four years, Ukrainians have been fighting for their own security and that of Europe as a whole. At the same time, even in wartime, they are implementing reforms to become part of the European Union. Work is also under way to hold Russia accountable for all the atrocities committed in Ukraine. A strong Europe needs Ukraine, just as Ukraine needs us." "Russia is bombing civilians and infrastructure that provides electricity, heating and water in the midst of a bitterly cold winter in order to break Ukrainians' resistance, while at the same time feigning peace negotiations - which is deeply cynical," Tsahkna said. "As long as Russia's objective to destroy Ukraine and reshape Europe's security has not changed, neither will our policy of isolation and pressure towards Russia," he stressed. "The European Union's 20th sanctions package must be adopted as soon as possible. Frozen assets must remain immobilised, and Russia must be held accountable for the crime of aggression it has committed." "The only path to a just and lasting peace lies in continued political, economic and military support for Ukraine, and in isolating and pressuring the aggressor, Russia, and depriving it of the economic means needed to wage war," Tsahkna said. The ministers also discussed the EU enlargement conference taking place in Tallinn, which is particularly timely given the geostrategic importance of enlargement policy, as well as Ukraine's concrete steps towards EU membership. "Estonia supports Ukraine's swift progress on its path to the European Union and recognises the reforms that Ukraine has managed to implement even in wartime conditions. We emphasise that all current and future member states must respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law, which are the foundations of the European Union," Tsahkna told Kachka. Preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Estonia in 2027 were also discussed. "Ukraine's reconstruction is the highest priority of Estonia's development cooperation," Tsahkna stressed, adding that Ukraine's reconstruction will become the largest strategic economic project in Europe in the coming decades. Tsahkna also highlighted the European Union initiative, launched at Estonia's instigation, to ban former Russian fighters from entering the Schengen area. "We have presented this proposal to all EU foreign ministers, as well as to Foreign Minister Sybiha, who supported the idea and agreed with Estonia that Russian soldiers who have fought in Ukraine pose a security threat to Europe." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway and France agree on military support to Ukraine Government of Norway News story | Date: 12/02/2026 A new agreement between France and Norway provides new capabilities to Ukraine within the areas of surveillance and situational awareness, and aerial bombs. - Ukraine is now in the fourth winter following the invasion. The nation faces enormous military, civilian, and humanitarian needs as a consequence of Russian attacks. The new agreement between Norway and France permits us to cooperate on delivery of capabilities that Ukraine needs, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. The agreement provides an opportunity for Norway and France to cooperate on donating unique and desired defence materiel, through acquisitions from French industry or donations from French stocks. As a first step Norway contributes with about 4,2 billion NOK and France guarantees for a loan of about 3 billion NOK. Last year Norway and France signed an agreement to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. - France is becoming a more important ally to Norway. Last year we signed a strategic partnership, which caters for closer security cooperation. The cooperation to support Ukraine is yet another expression of finding together to enhance European security, says Stre. - The projects in this agreement meet crucial Ukraine priorities and have been identified following close dialogue with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The projects we have identified in this agreement will provide rapid effects for Ukraine, says Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. The agreement includes acquisition of a large volume air-to-ground weapons and capabilities that provide surveillance and situational awareness from the French defence industry. - The air-to-ground weapons are flexible glide bombs launched form combat aircraft that Ukraine currently operates. Ukraine already has positive experience with these weapons. Now we are making sure Ukraine gets the weapons they have asked for, concludes the Defence Minister. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Logistics during wartime is a matter of national security and defense capability: Oleksii Kuleba Ukraine Government Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, posted 12 February 2026 13:14 Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksii Kuleba, took part in a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. During the meeting, the Committee members discussed the situation and key challenges in the transport sector in the context of full-scale war. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Ministers for Communities and Territories Development Serhii Derkach, Andrii Kashuba, and Oleksii Balesta, who presented detailed results of their work in respective areas. Oleksii Kuleba stressed that logistics in wartime is a critically important component of national security, which is why russia is systematically attacking ports, railways, roads, and other transport infrastructure. "Logistics in a period of full-scale war is, first and foremost, a matter of security and defense capability. The enemy strikes at what connects the country, ensures exports, business operations, supplies to the regions, and the viability of frontline communities. Despite constant attacks, the system is working, and our task is not only to restore it but also to lay the groundwork for the development of the industry after the war," Oleksii Kuleba said. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, since the start of the full-scale invasion, 686 port infrastructure facilities and 150 civilian vessels have been either damaged or destroyed, and 224 civilians, including foreign nationals, have been injured. The enemy has launched more than 4,700 strikes on Ukrzaliznytsia's infrastructure, damaging nearly 24,000 facilities. Since the beginning of the year alone, 266 strikes on rolling stock and railway facilities have been recorded. During the meeting, special attention was paid to legislative activities aimed at developing the transport industry. Oleksii Kuleba thanked the MPs for supporting bill No. 14174 "On the safety and interoperability of rail transport," which had been passed in the first reading, and also called to support bill No. 5651-2 on travel benefits, which introduces a transparent, digital and financially secure compensation mechanism. The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the key results of the sector's work: - Railways: a 20% increase in international passenger traffic with the EU, the construction of the first European gauge railway track between Chop and Uzhhorod since independence, the renewal of rolling stock, and the signing of an agreement with Alstom for the supply of 55 electric locomotives. - Ports: stable operation of six seaports and the Ukrainian Maritime Corridor, through which 173 million tonnes of cargo were transported, including over 103 million tonnes of grain. - Road transport: extension of the "transport visa-free regime" with the EU until 2027, scaling up of eCherha and launch of e-CMR. - Checkpoints: introduction of modular solutions, which made it possible to modernize 10 checkpoints and save about UAH 1.5 billion. - Aviation: maintaining airport readiness, stable operation of UkSATSE, and preparation of the Civil Aviation Development Strategy until 2030. In conclusion, Oleksii Kuleba emphasized that logistics is a single ecosystem around which communities and the economy develop, whose advancement cannot be separated from regional planning policies. "Ukraine is a transit country. That is why the development of communities and territories is possible only if a new, sustainable model of transport and communication routes is formed," the Deputy Prime Minister stressed. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development continues to work closely with Parliament on legislative decisions necessary for the sustainability of logistics, infrastructure restoration, and Ukraine's European integration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Restoration work continues after yet another russian attack on critical infrastructure: Oleksii Kuleba Ukraine Government Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, posted 12 February 2026 10:10 Last night, russia launched another massive attack on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure. Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and other regions were targeted. In Kyiv, the enemy once again hit heat-generating facilities. As a result of the strike, heat supply has been suspended for about 2,600 residential buildings in several districts of the capital. More than 1,100 buildings remain without heating due to previous massive shelling and damage to the Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant. At the same time, water supply and sewage systems are operating as usual. In Odesa, about 300,000 residents were left without water supply due to power outages. Nearly 200 buildings are without heating. Work is underway to restart the systems. Where possible, backup power sources are being used. In Dnipro, a massive attack has cut off heat supply to about 10,000 customers. An alternative source of heat energy is currently being launched. Block-modular boiler rooms are being launched to ensure the operation of social institutions. Energy workers, rescuers, and utility services are working on site. "russia is deliberately targeting critical infrastructure in an attempt to leave Ukrainians without heat and water in the midst of winter. We are doing everything we can to restore basic services as quickly as possible. Work is continuing around the clock. I would like to thank the utility workers, energy workers, rescuerseveryone who is on the ground working to restore basic services to the people," emphasized Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksii Kuleba. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine is in constant coordination with the regions regarding the need for additional equipment and resources for the rapid restoration of infrastructure. The restoration activity continues. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update 340 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine International Atomic Energy Agency 12 February 2026 Vienna, Austria 12/2026 Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost connection to one of its two off-site power lines on Tuesday, leaving it once again precariously reliant on a single power source, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today. The 330 kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 off-site power line was disconnected around midday on 10 February, allegedly due to military activity near the switchyard operated by the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP). ZNPP is still powered by the 750 kV Dniprovska off-site power line to ensure nuclear safety functions. Before the conflict, the ZNPP had four 750 kV and six 330 kV power lines available. Around the time the Ferosplavna-1 line was disconnected, the IAEA team at the ZNPP heard explosions in the distance. They have not had access to the ZTPP switchyard in several years but were informed that lines connecting the switchyard to the ZNPP have been damaged. One of these lines was damaged in December 2025 and subsequently repaired under the local ceasefire brokered by the IAEA. The team has yet to be informed of an anticipated timeline for repairs; however, the IAEA stands ready to negotiate another ceasefire to facilitate repairs to these essential power lines to ensure the nuclear safety of the plant. The situation also caused damage to the heating pipe from the ZNPP to the nearby city of Enerhodar, which caused the city to lose heating for several hours. Military activity over the past weekend once again targeted the Ukrainian electrical grid, impacting nuclear power plants' (NPPs) operations. All reactor units across Ukraine, except for one, had to reduce power, and several off-site power lines were disconnected. One reactor unit was disconnected from the grid, while another was shut down due to equipment issues from electrical fluctuations. All Ukrainian NPPs reported multiple drones and a cruise missile within their monitoring areas, and the IAEA team at the Khmelnitsky NPP also heard military activity and sheltered. "Such events in Ukraine are becoming all too common with each one reminding us of the ever-present risks to nuclear safety and security arising from deteriorating grid conditions," Director General Grossi said. "No one benefits from a nuclear accident - especially one that can be prevented from all of us taking action. To this end, I call for maximum military restraint from all sides." The IAEA's mission to electrical substations critical to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine continued this week. As a result of the ongoing military activity described above, two additional substations were added to the mission, bringing the total number of substation visits by IAEA teams to 12. However, today, the team visiting a substation in Western Ukraine was forced to evacuate due to local air raid alarms. At the same time, teams at both the Khmelnitsky and Rivne NPPs also were required to shelter in place. "We are lucky to be able to leverage our staff already deployed across Ukraine to obtain valuable first-hand knowledge of the impact these attacks are having on nuclear safety and security. We will continue to report on the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine according to the Seven Indispensable Pillars and bring timely and important in situ information to our Member States," Director General Grossi stated. Earlier this week, the IAEA teams at the Rivne and Chornobyl NPPs safely rotated. The Agency continued with deliveries under the comprehensive programme of assistance to help Ukraine maintain nuclear safety and security amid the on-going conflict. Three new systems to complement available physical protection measures were recently delivered - one to the Centralized Dry Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility of the State Enterprise "National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom" and two to the State Specialized Enterprise "Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management". One high-pressure air compressor with a filling panel was delivered to Rivne NPP. Additionally, one real-time PCR cycler was delivered to the Odesa Regional State Laboratory to support PCR diagnostics for fast and accurate detection of diseases. Laboratory supplies and consumables, including biological reference material, IT and laboratory equipment were delivered to the Zaporizhzhya Regional State Laboratory. The deliveries, which brought the total number of shipments to Ukraine to 203, were made possible with funds from Denmark, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' Telephone Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan February 12, 2026 On February 12, commencing at 2:10 p.m. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone meeting with H.E. Mr. Andrii SYBIHA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, for approximately 20 minutes. The overview is as follows: At the outset, Minister MOTEGI renewed his respect for the day-to-day efforts of the Ukrainian people, including Minister Sybiha to bring peace to his country, and reiterated that Japan would never waver in its consistent position of standing with Ukraine. Minister MOTEGI mentioned that Japan is providing generators, transformers, and other equipment as support for winterization assistance, in light of the severe energy situation in Ukraine. Minister MOTEGI also briefed Minister Sybiha on the current status of Japan's support for Ukraine including in the field of recovery and reconstruction, and stated that Japan would continue to work to support Ukraine and impose sanctions against the Russian Federation in coordination with the G7 and the international community. Minister Sybiha expressed his gratitude for Japan's various support for Ukraine. Minister Sybiha also briefed Minister MOTEGI on the current situation in Ukraine and the various related efforts by Ukraine for realizing a just and lasting peace. The two leaders concurred on working closely on the future situation in Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turk calls on Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine energy sites Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 12 February 2026 Geneva -- The relentless attacks by the Russian Federation on energy infrastructure across Ukraine are depriving an already long-suffering civilian population of adequate warmth, water and electricity in an unbearably bitter and dark winter - one of the coldest in Ukraine in recent years. Civilians, who have faced continual bombardment, are now forced to brave freezing cold, as temperatures plummet to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Last night, the Russian Federation again carried out a large-scale attack targeting energy infrastructure across Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of civilians woke up without electricity and heating. The consequences of such strikes are disastrously widespread, impacting all aspects of civilian life. Millions of households struggle with only a few hours of electricity each day. Unheated classrooms have forced schools to shut and access to medical care has been hampered. The elderly and people with disabilities are trapped on upper floors of apartment buildings, unable to descend on foot. And as power is painstakingly restored, fresh attacks regularly plunge entire areas again back into darkness. The targeting of civilian infrastructure is prohibited under international humanitarian law. I call upon the Russian Federation to immediately cease these attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senator eyes formal PH-Ukraine pact amid conflict cases Philippine News Agency By Wilnard Bacelonia February 12, 2026, 2:51 pm MANILA -- Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday pushed for a formal bilateral framework between the Philippines and Ukraine, citing gaps in existing agreements that complicate efforts to address cases involving Filipinos caught in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This came after Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with Ukraine's first resident ambassador to the Philippines, Yuliia Fediv, to discuss the situation of Raymon Santos Gumangan, a Filipino currently held as a prisoner of war (POW) after being captured by Ukrainian forces in September 2025. He said the case highlights the absence of a structured mechanism governing humanitarian coordination and legal processes between the two countries. "I will ensure that the communication lines between the Philippines and Ukraine remain open so we will be updated about the safety of Filipinos in Ukraine," Tulfo said in a news release. During the meeting, Tulfo appealed to the Ukrainian envoy to facilitate communication between Gumangan and his family in Pangasinan. Ambassador Fediv assured the lawmaker that steps would be taken to enable contact, but noted that securing his release may not be swiftly accomplished due to the lack of a special bilateral agreement covering such situations. Tulfo said he would coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers to help finalize joint arrangements addressing conflict-related cases involving Filipinos abroad. The senator also raised concerns about the vulnerability of Filipino seafarers working on vessels that may become military targets amid ongoing hostilities. Since the war began in 2022, the DFA has maintained Alert Level 4 over Ukraine, suspending the deployment of Filipino workers to the European country. Meanwhile, Fediv said a labor agreement between Ukraine and the Philippines is underway. "It translates to more jobs for our workers, it's like we are helping you and you are helping us," she said. Tulfo said that formalizing bilateral mechanisms would strengthen crisis response and ensure clearer safeguards for Filipinos affected by armed conflicts overseas. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Strikes Ukraine Overnight As Zelenskyy Denies Plans For Elections On War Anniversary By RFE/RL February 12, 2026 Russian forces launched overnight ballistic missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed reports that elections or a referendum on territorial integrity would be announced on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. In Kyiv, a ballistic missile strike damaged a private residence, injuring at least two people, one of whom was hospitalized in serious condition, Mayor Vitali Klitschko and the city's military administration head Tymur Tkachenko reported. Local authorities reported on February 12 that the overnight attack on the southern city of Odesa damaged civilian and critical infrastructure and injured at least one person. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, ballistic missiles struck the cities of Dnipro and Pavlohrad, damaging residential buildings and cars. Dnipropetrovsk regional Governnor Oleksandr Hanzha said two young children were wounded in the attack on Dnipro and are receiving medical care. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the strikes, saying Russia had launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles overnight, targeting the energy system and depriving people of electricity, heating, and water. "Civilians were injured, including a toddler and a 4-year-old child. No one can close their eyes to Russia's terror. It is happening right now in the middle of Europe," he wrote on X, adding that the attacks came despite talk of an Olympic truce and US-led peace efforts. Meanwhile, Russia said it intercepted a missile attack in the Volgograd region, but falling debris sparked a fire at a military facility and led to the evacuation of a nearby village. Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov said Russian air defense units were repelling the "missile attack," adding debris from the strike ignited a fire at a Defense Ministry facility near the village of Kotluban. Russian-language Telegram channel ASTRA reported that the attacked military base reportedly stores missiles, adding publicly available data describes it as a large ammunition storage complex. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on an earlier FT report that suggested he could announce a plan for presidential elections and a referendum on February 24, the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. He denied the report, saying February 24 "cannot be used to announce any elections, any elections at all." "This is a very serious date: four years of war. It's a large number of people who have defended our state and given their lives." Zelenskyy reiterated he is ready to hold elections in his war-torn country if the United States and other allies can provide the security necessary to ensure the vote can be held safely. "We can move toward elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place," he wrote in a post on X. With reporting from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-strikes-ukraine- zelenskyy-elections/33675846.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov inspects Yug Group of Forces 12 February 2026 07:30 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held a meeting at a command post of one of the Yug Group of Forces' formations. Andrei Belousov received reports from the command on the current situation and actions of Russian troops. Group Commander Lieutenant General Sergei Medvedev reported to the Russian Defence Minister on the progress of offensive actions by the Group's units and the nature of enemy actions. The Group's Deputy Chief of the Unmanned Systems Forces reported that, as part of an order of the Russian Defence Minister, 3D printing equipment for manufacturing, maintenance, and repair of drone components were delivered to the Unmanned Systems Forces' teams. The Russian Defence Minister was presented with a prototype of a mobile kit developed by the Group's servicemen, which provides the entire spectrum of modern secure communication actions. Andrei Belousov was also briefed on the readiness of a new fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle to relay a radio signal and increase attack drones' range of action. In addition, the servicemen presented throwing jamming transmitters for FPV drones. This equipment is used to cover ways of movement and supply routes of assault detachments. The Russian Defence Minister was shown unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based robotic complexes produced by specialists of the Group. These systems are constantly modernised and equipped with combat modules taking into account the nature of missions. Andrei Belousov praised the results of combat actions of the Group of Forces' units and presented servicemen, who showed courage, bravery, and heroism, with state awards. Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Expects Next Round of Negotiations on Ukraine Will Take Place Soon - Kremlin Sputnik News 20260212 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia expects that the next round of negotiations on Ukraine will take place soon, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "There is a certain understanding, we will inform you. As we said, we expect the second round to happen soon. Rather, this will be the third round, the next round will happen soon. We are also going to inform you on location," Peskov told reporters. There is nothing new in Volodymyr Zelensky's statement that he will not come to Moscow for talks, Peskov also said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that if Zelensky is ready for a meeting, then he can come to Moscow. Zelensky has refused this offer and said that he is not ready to meet on the territory of Russia or Belarus. "Yes, this position of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is well known to everyone, but this is not a new statement. Zelensky has already stated this several times, so there is nothing new here," Peskov told reporters. On Russia's Relations with EU Russian President Vladimir Putin has not refused direct contact with European leaders, and he can always be contacted via phone conversations, if necessary, Peskov said. "Neither [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz nor [French President Emmanuel] Macron are making any attempts [to contact Russia], and there is really no need to make any attempts here. If desired and necessary, they could simply call President Putin. Putin has never refused direct contact," Peskov told reporters. Peskov also called the approach of some Europeans to cutting off all contacts with Russia political ignorance and shortsightedness. "Two camps have formed in Europe. Some are increasingly saying that, no matter what, we need to start talking to the Russians, and this is consistent with our approach," the spokesman also said, adding that disagreements can be resolved only through dialogue. On US-Cuba Situation Russia and the United States currently do not trade much, Peskov said. "We do not want any escalation, but on the other hand, we do not have much trade at the moment," Peskov told reporters, answering a question about whether the Kremlin was afraid of escalation amid the imposition of US duties on countries that would cooperate with Cuba on oil supplies. Russia stays in contact with Cuba and discusses the options to help Havana amid the arisen fuel crisis, Peskov said. On January 29, US President Donald Trump signed a decree authorizing the imposition of duties on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba. Trump also declared a state of emergency, citing the alleged threat from Cuba to the national security of the United States. "All these days we have been talking at various levels - we are in contact with our Cuban friends, we are discussing options for helping them," Peskov told reporters, adding that such discussion could not be disclosed to the public "for obvious reasons." Russia is not seeking escalation in relations with the United States amid the situation in Cuba, Peskov said, adding that Moscow will count on constructive dialogue with Washington and resolving issues via dialogue. Other Statements All questions about further actions regarding the Telegram messenger in Russia need to be asked to Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor, Peskov said. On Tuesday, Roskomnadzor said that it will continue to impose consistent restrictions on Telegram in order to ensure the respect for Russian laws. "On this matter it is necessary to address your question specifically to Roskomnadzor, and not to the Presidential Administration," Peskov told reporters. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Ready for 'Hard Bargaining' With US on Ukraine - Deputy Foreign Minister Sputnik News 20260212 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is committed to dialogue with the United States on Ukraine, but only on equal terms, and is prepared for hard bargaining, if needed, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday. "This is a tough but correct path to achieve the goals of the special military operation by political and diplomatic means, as well as peace in Ukraine and a thaw in Russian-US relations. But we harbor no illusions. We are committed to dialogue with the US, but only on equal footing, and we are ready for hard bargaining, if necessary," Ryabkov said at the Zhirinovskiy Readings international scientific forum. Negotiations between Russia and the US on Ukrainian peace should be guided by agreements reached during the leaders' summit in Anchorage, Ryabkov said. He blamed Europe for undermining peace efforts and assuming "the position of the main sponsor of the Kiev regime and a systemic opponent of Russia" in preparation for a military confrontation with Russia. Cooperation between the US and the EU have lost its former predictability and trust, Ryabkov said. Nowadays, the West is acting "very aggressively," while both sides encounter social and economic problems, he said. Western countries are turning the global majority countries against themselves today, the deputy foreign minister added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Correcting Russia's false claims about the OSCE: UK statement to the OSCE Speech Ambassador Holland rejects Russia's false claims about the OSCE, stressing that it is Russia's aggression against Ukraine, refusal to engage with OSCE mechanisms and continued detention of OSCE staff that undermine the organisation. The UK remains ready for meaningful dialogue at the OSCE, but this should be based on facts and law. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Neil Holland Published 12 February 2026 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 12 February 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you for the briefing this morning. Last week, ahead of the visit by the Chairperson-in-office and Secretary General, the Russian Federation released a statement claiming that Western participating States had destroyed the OSCE by drifting away from its founding principles. This is not correct. One participating State has been responsible for repeated and serious violations of those principles, and that State is Russia. The Helsinki Final Act and the wider body of OSCE commitments are clear. States must refrain from the threat or use of force, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and settle disputes through peaceful means. Russia's annexation of Crimea, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing attacks that have severely impacted civilians and critical infrastructure show a clear disregard for these commitments. It should be obvious to say, but to accuse others of abandoning the OSCE's principles while pursuing a war of aggression is hypocrisy. Russia has also suggested that it has been pushed out of the OSCE framework. This is also not supported by events. In the lead up to the full-scale invasion, participating States made full use of the Vienna Document mechanisms to try to reduce risks and to seek transparency. For instance, participating States enacted the Renewed European Security Dialogue and the Early Warning Mechanism to engage Russia before its fullscale invasion of Ukraine. The fact is that Russia has repeatedly refused to engage, avoided meetings and spread false narratives. It has continued to deny access to the temporarily occupied territories, undermining OSCE mandated functions including monitoring the humanitarian situation. This is not a failure by the OSCE. It is a refusal by Russia to take part in good faith. Today, participating States, including the UK, continue to raise Russia's actions in Ukraine every week in this Council and in the Forum for Security Cooperation. We are critical of the invasion and the conduct of it but we look for meaningful dialogue based on facts and law. Russia has so far not responded in that spirit. Instead, it has repeated propaganda, made accusations without evidence and used language that does not reflect the standards expected in this organisation. One example stands out: three OSCE staff members remain in Russian detention. Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov were detained in April 2022 while carrying out their official duties under a mandate agreed by all participating States. They have now spent nearly four years in detention. A State that imprisons its own OSCE colleagues cannot claim to defend its principles. Russia has also dismissed as illegitimate the OSCE mechanisms that it agreed to in the past but now finds uncomfortable, including the Moscow Mechanism. These tools were created by consensus. Their purpose is to allow the OSCE to respond when a participating State seriously violates our shared commitments. Rejecting them now does not change their validity or purpose. Mr Chair, the OSCE may face challenges, but the cause is not the behaviour of those who uphold its principles. The cause is the behaviour of one participating State that has chosen to break them. The way forward is also clear. Russia should end its aggression, respect international law, and release the detained OSCE staff members. The UK will continue to stand with Ukraine and support the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These remain the foundation of this Organisation. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds Press release New half a billion pound package of air defence for Ukraine, including 150 million for NATO PURL, and additional 1,000 UK-manufactured missiles. From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP Published 12 February 2026 The UK has announced it will urgently provide new air defence missiles and systems worth over 500 million to protect Ukraine from Putin's brutal attacks on energy sites and homes, as the Defence Secretary co-chairs the 33rd meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group today (12th February 2026) at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. The Defence Secretary will confirm that the UK will for the first time provide 150 million to the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which ensures the rapid delivery of air defence interceptors to defend Ukraine's skies. The PURL initiative sees NATO coordinating the purchase of world-class defence equipment from the United States for the defence of Ukraine. At the same time, the UK is set to deliver an additional 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), manufactured in Belfast, that will be critical to defending Ukrainian infrastructure and cities from Russia's escalating drone and missile attacks. This 390 million deal builds on the deepening collaboration between UK and Ukrainian industry to transfer production and support of Rapid Ranger launchers and command and control vehicles to Ukraine. The coming months will also see the UK deliver an additional 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition for Ukraine's defenders through the Air Defence Consortium (ADC). Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: As we approach the fifth year of Putin's full scale invasion, the UK and our allies are more committed than ever to supporting Ukraine. I'm proud of the UK's continued leadership and pleased to confirm a new half a billion pound package of air defence, including 150 million for PURL, to help Ukrainians defend against Putin's relentless drone and missile attacks. The UDCG meeting of 50 nations will be co-chaired by the UK and the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, and attended by Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. Ukraine's supporters will discuss the country's key military needs for 2026, share battlefield insights, plan equipment deliveries, and identify the gaps that need to be addressed. The UK stepped up to co-lead the Ukraine Defence Contact Group with Germany, as well as the Coalition of the Willing with France, last year. Both the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have been clear that the UK's national security - the foundation of the Government's Plan for Change - starts in Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha condemned Russian shelling of Kyiv, Dnipro and Odesa Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 12 February 2026 07:43 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Overnight, Russia brutally attacked Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles targeted energy system, depriving people of power, heating, and water. Civilians were injured, including a toddler and a 4-year-old child. No one can close eyes to Russian terror. It is happening right now in the middle of Europe. Despite the Olympic Truce and US-led peace efforts. The IOC attempts to shamefully ban athletes and remembrance but it cannot ban the reality. The reality of the largest war of aggression in Europe since WWII. Each such strike is a blow to peace efforts aimed at ending the war. Russia must be forced to take diplomacy seriously and deescalate. This can only be achieved through unity, strength, and increased pressure on Moscow". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha: The defense company ARX Robotics has donated an unmanned ground system "GEREON RCS" to one of the Ukrainian brigades Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 12 February 2026 15:50 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I was pleased to begin my visit to Germany with a visit to ARX Robotics, a defense company supplying equipment for Ukraine's Defense Forces. I am grateful for today's donation of an unmanned ground system, "GEREON RCS," for a Ukrainian brigade under MFA of Ukraine's patronage. These systems have proven very effective on the battlefield. They've already saved the lives of wounded Ukrainian defenders, delivered supplies, and carried out other important missions. I was glad to learn that the partnership is expanding and that it is mutually beneficial. The producers get immediate battlefield feedback, while Ukrainian defenders receive reliable equipment. As ARX Robotics co-founder and CEO Marc Wietfeld said, "We work with the urgency of the Ukrainians." I appreciate this approach and maximum engagement of Ukrainian companies. I am grateful to Marc and the entire ARX team working around the clock to produce state-of-the-art products. Such mutually beneficial defense partnerships are building our common strength that helps us restore peace for Ukraine sooner and guarantee long-term stability in Europe." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 12 February 2026 08:25 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I spoke with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and congratulated him on the Liberal Democratic Party's election victory. I reiterated President Zelenskyy's personal congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi and our gratitude for Japan's principled stance in supporting Ukraine. I informed about the overnight brutal Russian strike against Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. I also updated my colleague on our peace efforts, the outcomes of the most recent meetings in Abu Dhabi, and next steps. This war is not about Ukraine, it's about principles. And now we have a chance to speed up peace efforts. Following Russian attacks on our energy infrastructure, I thanked Japan for its timely energy support that helps us mitigate the consequences of Russian strikes. We agreed to further develop our excellent bilateral cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, and security dimensions. We will welcome Japan's active participation and role in the recovery of Ukraine. We also discussed further contacts on all levels. I invited my colleague to visit Ukraine at the nearest convenient time". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Brussels, support for Ukraine in 2026 and new PURL contributions were discussed ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 12 February, 2026, 10:57 AM EET During his visit to Brussels, Mykhailo Fedorov held meetings with key partners to plan defence support for Ukraine in 2026. He called for flexible, rapid use of the EU's 90 billion loan to reinforce priority capabilities, notably air defence and drones. Ahead of the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), the Ukrainian delegation held a series of meetings with partners. During talks with EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, and EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, the parties focused on ensuring the most effective use of the European Union loan. Meetings were also held with Romania's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Radu-Dinel Miruta, Lithuania's Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas, Denmark's Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen, the Netherlands' Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans, Italy's Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, and Sweden's Minister of Defence Pal Jonson. During the talks, the sides discussed new PURL contributions for procuring critically needed air defence assets, financing Ukrainian drones and missiles, advancing joint defence projects, and expanding cooperation in the defence industry. According to Mykhailo Fedorov, one of the key objectives is to build win-win cooperation with partners. Such cooperation is intended to help achieve Ukraine's objectives in the war: protecting the skies, halting the enemy on land and at sea, weakening russia's economy, and countering the aggressor in the cognitive domain. Together with partners, Ukraine is building a system to seize the initiative across all these domains. Ukraine is also developing a new defence model based on low-cost technological solutions, rapid innovation cycles, and data-driven decision-making. The Ukrainian side stands ready to share these developments and is already providing partners with access to battlefield analytics. This includes joint work on a new defence doctrine and the development of next-generation armed forces. During his address to the Council of the European Union, Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude for the decision to provide 90 billion in financial support to Ukraine. "It is vital for us to ensure speed and flexibility in deploying these funds to reinforce priority areas drones and air defence," Mykhailo Fedorov emphasised. The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude to partners for their continued support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At the Ramstein-format meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov calls for tougher sanctions pressure on russia Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 12 February, 2026, 7:10 PM EET At the opening of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (Ramstein format), Mykhailo Fedorov addressed defence ministers, media, and partners. First, he thanked each partner nation for solidarity with Ukraine and their resolute support. Mykhailo Fedorov noted that the President has set a clear objective for the renewed Ministry of Defence team: to build a system capable of stopping the enemy in the air, halting enemy advances on the ground, and intensifying asymmetric strikes against the enemy and its economy to make the cost of war for russia unsustainable. "Our approach to the war is already delivering results russian army losses are rising. Our goal is at least 50,000 confirmed enemy losses per month," the Minister of Defence of Ukraine emphasised. He stressed that in December the enemy forces sustained record losses, with 35,000 personnel killed or seriously wounded. All of these losses have been verified and documented with video evidence. The Defence Minister also said that earlier today russia carried out one of its largest ballistic attacks on Ukraine, launching more than 24 missiles. "The most effective counter to ballistic threats is PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. We urgently need ballistic interception capabilities, as russia is seeking to destroy our critical infrastructure this winter," Ukraine's Defence Minister emphasised. Mykhailo Fedorov called on partners to increase contributions to the PURL initiative, which enables Ukraine to receive PAC-3 and other critical interceptor missiles. He added that protecting the skies is a key priority set by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Defence Minister said that Ukraine is enhancing its system for countering Shahed drones and defending cities from long-range drone attacks. Organisational changes in air defence have already been implemented, alongside key personnel decisions. The rollout of a multi-layered lower-tier air defence and interceptor capability has also begun. "Today, no one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. Our diplomatic team, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is working toward this every day. We are grateful to the United States, the European Union, and our partners for their support. russia is the only party that does not seek peace. Therefore, we must simultaneously strengthen our defence to force the enemy toward peace," Mykhailo Fedorov said. Ukraine's Minister of Defence outlined a vision and specific defence objectives for this year. During the meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov will present 18 specific projects already being developed with partners and backed by funding. These include financing Ukrainian-made drones and missiles, as well as establishing drone assault military units. "We have come to you not only with needs. We have come with solutions, experience, data, and a clear plan. We understand what we can offer our partners data and defence solutions. We are ready to contribute to our shared security," stated the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. He called on all partners not only to support Ukraine, but also to significantly intensify sanctions pressure on russia. It is essential to curb the activities of russia's "shadow fleet" and halt all russian tankers. Only then will russia no longer be able to sustain this war. "The decisions taken here matter. They determine whether Ukrainian cities are protected, whether civilians survive, and whether peace moves closer or further away. Let us be technological. Let us be creative. Let us be resilient," Mykhailo Fedorov concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Russians Must Not Get Used to Believing That Their Missiles and "Shaheds" Help Them in Any Way - Address by the President President of Ukraine 12 February 2026 - 19:25 Fellow Ukrainians! Right now, recovery efforts are underway in Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and the region, as well as several other regions following the Russian strike. It was yet another massive strike against the energy sector. Once again, there was a large amount of ballistic weaponry. Most of these Russian weapons targeted specifically energy facilities. There were 24 ballistic missiles last night, as well as one cruise missile and more than 200 drones. A significant portion of them was shot down. The task of the Minister of Defense - who is currently with Europeans and our other partners at the Ramstein meeting - is to accelerate the delivery of packages for our air defense. This is a key task right now not only for Ukraine, but for everyone in Europe. The Russians must not get used to believing that their missiles and "shaheds" help them in any way. They only complicate everything and undermine what are, frankly, already limited diplomatic opportunities. That is exactly why support for Ukraine is needed. Sufficient pressure on Russia is needed. The war must be ended with guaranteed security and definitely without any rewards for the aggressor for the war. These are the prerequisites - so that Europe is simply not swept away by other Russian strikes - new aggressions, and the same massive attacks against other European states that we in Ukraine are now repelling. I also expect active involvement from the entire system of Ukrainian diplomacy. This applies to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and every Ukrainian embassy. If an embassy remains silent, that means its work is unsatisfactory. Ukraine must be heard - heard everywhere in the world. Ukraine must be supported. I expect relevant results in support of Ukraine as early as this week. As always, I thank our repair and emergency crews, our energy companies, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, municipal services - those who are working effectively - as well as local community and regional leaders who truly stand with their people and their communities. Every morning, there is a coordination call on the situation in our regions, and it is always clear who is truly working effectively and who only calls themselves authorities and is not doing enough for people. Of course, there will be conclusions. Our negotiating group is working continuously - the guys are in contact with the American side. Ukraine is ready for meetings, but at this point, unfortunately, we still do not have firm answers from Russia regarding what has been proposed for next week. So far, we hear nothing but more manipulation around "Oreshnik." This is certainly not about peace. And one more point. The decision of the International Olympic Committee against Vladyslav Heraskevych, our athlete who simply remembers and honors Ukrainian athletes whose lives were taken by Russian strikes, is definitely not about peace, not about justice, and not about the principles of the Olympic movement. Sport must not be devoid of memory and respect. Ukrainians are already preparing for competitions under extraordinary conditions - under conditions of war. And it is not politics to speak about what is actually happening. Politics is when Russians hide behind other passports and still make it to competitions. Politics is when the Russian flag is still present at the Olympics. Politics is when the International Olympic Committee is afraid of the truth and, because of that, provokes chaos itself. Full support to our athletes. I thank all of you. I thank Vladyslav Heraskevych. I have signed a decree awarding Vladyslav the Order of Freedom - and I thank him for his principled stance. Thank you to everyone who does not give up, who fights, who protects lives, who restores everything after Russian strikes, and who fights for Ukraine as for themselves. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Featured Anti-Nkrumah apostles of democracy - Enimil Ashon writes Enimil Ashon Opinion Feb - 13 - 2026 , 09:57 4 minutes read This week, thanks to all the noise about airport renaming, Nii Darko Ankrah, historian and lecturer at the Institute of African Studies, has, in an interview with Bernard Avle, reminded us that the very apostles of democracy who overthrew Nkrumah for using the Preventive Detention Act to imprison his enemies without trial, turned round, when they took power, to enact a law, the Protective Detention Act, to jail offenders without trial. Offenders were those whose crimes against the state were so terrible that they needed to be put away for a period of time to be protected from the anger of the people. With this law, many were jailed without trial, including a British lawyer who was here defending a Ghanaian standing trial for a political offence. This lawyer was arrested and deported. Word was that in court, he proved too strong for the Attorney General. The apostles (made up of top civilian lawyers, intelligentsia, businessmen, etc), fronted by soldiers, had overthrown Nkrumah for banning all other political parties, apart from the CPP. In the democracy that they established, they removed CPP from the 1969 constitution. Now about the airport renaming. On this page of the Daily Graphic, 10 years ago (October 30, 2016), I posed a question to Ghanaians: Whom do we love: Kotoka or Nkrumah? Citing the naming of our first international airport after Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and the existence of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, I went further to ask: Is it right for us to have two memorials erected in honour of two personalities, each of whose deeds contradict Ghanaians love for the other? Immortalise On this page ten years ago, I submitted that by our decision to immortalise Kotoka for his involvement in the 1966 coup, Ghana is living not only a lie but also a contradiction. I demanded to know: How can we sing the praise of a man whose claim to glory is that he put brakes to a nations aspirations; whose only national deed is that he overthrew the government of a man who (we have grown up later to discover) was our true messiah and remains so till this day. If we rejoiced at his overthrow in 1966, we know better now. How can we build a memorial park after Nkrumah and spend millions of dollars wooing tourists, especially African Americans, to the land of his birth and yet on their arrival in the land of the man they revere as their god, the first thing their eyes behold is a monument named after the very soldier who was responsible for pushing this god from his rightful pedestal with the help of Americas CIA? To name a day after Nkrumah, to legislate a holiday in his honour and yet bestow honour on his detractor is a national contradiction. Nkrumah was no angel on that we all agree; no human is but we cant sing a song that simultaneously canonises him as a saint and demonises him as a devil to the point where his enemies are elevated to the realms of angels. I acknowledged that no creature of God is all saint and all demon. That is why those of us who write Nkrumahs good deeds on brass do so not oblivious of his sins. But is that reason to put my hand in the gloves which his enemy is wearing? Account I believe Kweku Baakos account of the events of June 4: he was a part of it. Even though he was not one of the plotters of the insurrection, he was an ardent supporter. Kwekus account is that the real reason which the architects of the June 4 uprising gave to themselves for killing the Generals was that it was an act to eliminate all who had taken part in all previous coups in Ghana. If that is the reason for the inclusion of General Afrifa on the list of the insurrectionists and his subsequent brutal murder at the firing range, what is the reason for honouring Kotoka, Afrifas accomplice? Is it because he was killed for his part in the coup? Well, Afrifa has also been killed for the same reason. Kotoka was no hero; but he was also no villain. I regret his cold-blooded murder on April 17, 1967, by Lieutenant Moses Yeboah and Lieutenant S.B. Arthur. Naming an airport after him, however, is an overkill. That was Yours Truly, 10 years ago in The Daily Graphic of October 30, 2016. In the last fortnight, Ghanaians have been blessed with some facts of history. Yaw Anokye Frimpong, the lawyer and historian, dug into history to educate us that in looking for a personality after whom to name Ghanas first international airport, Kwame Nkrumah applied to Asanteman Council, through Prempeh II, the 14th Asantehene, for permission to name it after Yaa Asantewaa. According Lawyer Anokye, Prempeh II was in favour but the Asanteman Council rejected it. Imagine, dear reader, had it received, our first airport would have been Yaa Asantewaa International Airport!!! Feature: French equestrian gala marks Chinese Year of the Horse Xinhua) 10:28, February 13, 2026 PARIS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- As night fell under a light drizzle in the Hauts-de-France region on Wednesday, the estate of the Chateau de Chantilly took on a festive glow. Projections of galloping horses and the words "Happy New Year 2026" illuminated the facade of the castle's Great Stables, where a gala celebrating the Chinese Year of the Horse was in full swing. Co-hosted by the Hauts-de-France regional authorities and the Chinese Embassy in France, the event was distinct from many other Chinese New Year activities. At the Great Stables, the highlight was a distinctly local art form: traditional French equestrian performance. Built in the 18th century as part of the Chateau de Chantilly, the Great Stables were originally designed for horses used for riding and hunting. Today, the site is open to the public and is home to the Living Museum of the Horse. It also hosts an equestrian performance troupe renowned internationally. Unlike conventional theater settings, Wednesday's show unfolded beneath the stables' soaring domed ceiling, on a circular arena of sand, where the sounds of hooves, breathing and movement blended naturally with the music. After a series of warm-up acts, the equestrian troupe entered in ceremonial attire, leading and riding their horses with measured grace. The riders guided their mounts through precise steps, bursts of speed and elegant leaps. At times, the horses even moved in rhythm with their partners in what appeared to be a refined waltz, drawing applause and cheers from more than 600 spectators seated around the arena. Sophie Bienaime, equestrian and artistic director of the Great Stables, greeted the audience with Chinese New Year wishes. She said this was the troupe's first time welcoming the traditional Chinese festival as performers, adding that she was delighted to explore Chinese culture within a historic French setting. Equitation in the French tradition and the Spring Festival were inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011 and 2024, respectively. Bienaime welcomed the convergence of the two major cultural heritages at Chantilly. Equestrian art values lightness, balance and harmony between humans and horses, she added, and expressed hope that the strength and courage symbolized by the horse would bring good fortune to the Chinese friends in the new year. The gala also featured a range of Chinese performances, including martial arts and the Yingge folk dance from south China's Guangdong Province, adding rhythmic energy and color to the evening. A French spectator, who gave his name as Guillaume, said he was particularly struck by the Yingge dance, describing it as "dreamlike". He added that the fusion of Chinese and French elements on stage, together with the family-centered values expressed during the Spring Festival, made the two countries "feel much closer despite the geographical distance." In his address, Chinese Ambassador to France Deng Li said that the Great Stables provided an ideal setting to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse, as horses hold special significance in both Chinese and French cultures. "May the Year of the Horse bring us dynamism and wisdom, strengthening our traditional friendship and cooperation oriented toward the future," he said. Hauts-de-France regional President Xavier Bertrand said that celebrating the Chinese New Year also meant recognizing an ancient civilization that enriches French culture. "Exchanges and dialogue between peoples and between cultures are a source of strength and wealth," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Featured GCTU unions demand Governing Council dissolution over VCs removal Jemima Okang Addae Feb - 13 - 2026 , 12:08 2 minutes read Staff unions at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) have petitioned the Minister for Education to dissolve and reconstitute the universitys Governing Council, following what they describe as a unilateral decision by the Council Chairman to terminate the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor. In a letter dated February 11, 2026, the Joint Unions, comprising UTAG-GCTU, GAUA-GCTU, SSA-UoG-GCTU and TEWU-GH-GCTU, expressed concern over a letter issued by the Council Chairman on February 3, 2026, which sought to end the Vice-Chancellors tenure effective February 28, 2026. According to the unions, the decision was taken without the approval of a duly convened meeting of the Governing Council, in breach of the Ghana Communication Technology University Act, 2020 (Act 1022), and the universitys statutes. The petition argues that the Chairman acted outside his mandate and bypassed laid-down governance procedures, thereby rendering the termination invalid. Beyond the immediate issue of the Vice-Chancellors removal, the unions also alleged what they described as a pattern of unilateral conduct, intimidation and interference by the Council Chairman. They contend that such actions have undermined sound institutional governance and created uncertainty within the university community. The unions are therefore calling on the Minister for Education to intervene urgently by nullifying the termination decision and reconstituting the Governing Council in the interest of stability and adherence to due process. They further warned that failure to address their concerns within seven working days would compel them to resort to lawful industrial action to defend the integrity of the university. Read the full statement below Featured Deported West Africans to Ghana case: Supreme Court orders A-G to produce agreement with US government for inspection Justice Agbenorsi Feb - 13 - 2026 , 12:57 2 minutes read The Supreme Court has ordered the Attorney-General to produce the document covering Ghanas decision to accept West African deportees who were previously held by United States (US) authorities. Per the orders of the court, the document is to be made available to lawyers for Democracy Hub, the group which has gone to the apex court to challenge the constitutionality of the governments decision to accept the deportees in an agreement with the US government without parliamentary approval. The document is to be made available to the President of the panel hearing the case. Background Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution requires that a treaty, agreement or convention executed by or under the authority of the President should be subjected to ratification either by an Act of Parliament or by a resolution of Parliament supported by the votes of more than one-half of all Members of Parliament. In a suit filed at the Supreme Court, Democracy Hub is arguing that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Ghana and the US for the reception and detention of West African nationals deported from the US constituted an agreement within the meaning of Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution, and therefore, ought to have received parliamentary ratification before execution. The production of the document would help the court to ascertain whether or not the MoU constituted an international agreement requiring parliamentary action under Article 75. The group argues that the said MoU, which allows the country to receive and detain deportees from the United States for onward transfer to their countries of origin, amounts to an international agreement that must, by law, receive prior parliamentary approval before implementation. According to the plaintiff, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration had said the MoU was part of broader negotiations to ease US-imposed immigration restrictions on the country. The understanding, the plaintiff said, involved the countrys agreement to receive and facilitate the onward deportation of West African nationals removed from the United States to their respective countries. The writ stated that pursuant to the said MoU, on September 6, 2025, 14 West African immigrants, all of whom had previously been detained in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, were involuntarily repatriated to Ghana and received at the Kotoka International Airport by officers of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Armed Forces. Next article: GBC Director-General must step aside for forensic audit Union Empower youth with job creation opportunities - Minister admonishes Churches Joshua Bediako Koomson Feb - 13 - 2026 , 10:14 3 minutes read The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has admonished churches to leverage their nationwide presence and influence to help bridge the growing gap between education and job creation opportunities in the country. He said although many young people were pursuing formal education, a significant number of them lacked practical and employable skills, contributing to the rising unemployment and economic frustration they faced. A lot of our young people lack employable skills. The Church has the infrastructure and influence. Together, we can prepare them for opportunities that will emerge in the next five to 10 years when the world looks to Africa for labour, the minister said. Mr Opare Addo was speaking during an engagement with the Christian Council of Ghana in Accra yesterday, as part of efforts to build partnerships under the ministrys youth empowerment agenda. Mentorship The minister encouraged the introduction of structured career mentorship programmes by churches where professionals in various congregations would guide young people in career planning, entrepreneurship and workplace readiness. He also called for collaboration where church social centres and community facilities could serve as vocational training hubs in areas such as ICT, tailoring, carpentry, electrical installation and agro-processing. The government alone cannot do it all, that is why we need the churches on board. Beyond formal education, we must expand vocational and technical training. The church is present in almost every community in the country; that reach is powerful, the minister said. Mr Opare Addo added that empowering the youth through practical training and leadership development would not only reduce unemployment, but also strengthen the countrys long-term economic resilience. Support The Secretary-General of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr Cyril Gershon K. Fayose, said the church had historically played an active role in addressing national issues and would intensify its focus on youth-related concerns. He cited the example of COVID-19, when member churches of the council consistently dedicated time during worship services to educate congregants on health protocols and safety measures. Rev. Dr Fayose said that the same approach could be adopted to address youth challenges such as substance abuse, unemployment and skills development. Now that we are highlighting the problems of our youth, we can send a circular to all churches to mainstream the challenges in their worship services. Every worship service can highlight it. Weve done that on several issues in the past, he said. Interventions The Secretary-General added that beyond awareness creation, the council, as an ecumenical body, had already been undertaking interventions targeting young people. We have been doing a lot of work on youth issues, including substance abuse. We recently organised skills training programmes, and we have had initiatives on anti-corruption for the youth as well, he said. GBC Director-General must step aside for forensic audit Union Chris Nunoo Feb - 13 - 2026 , 10:09 3 minutes read The divisional and the senior management unions of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) have reinforced their call for a forensic audit into the finances of the state broadcaster. In line with that the unions have asked the National Media Commission (NMC) to let the Director-General of GBC, Professor Amin Alhassan, step aside. Making the call at a media briefing at the Broadcasting House in Accra yesterday, the Chairman of the GBC Senior Management Union, Ebenezer Odzaw, said the Director of Human Resource, John Osei Korasare, must also go. He accused the management of GBC of being responsible for what we consider serious mismanagement of the corporations scarce resources and financial malfeasance. We wish to inform the appointing authorities that we have lost confidence in the leadership of the Director-General, and can no longer work under his leadership. We are calling for a forensic audit into the finances of the corporation from October 1, 2019, when Prof. Alhassan assumed office, to date. We are also calling on the Director of Human Resources, Mr Korasare, to proceed on leave with immediate effect, the chairman added. Alleged victimisation Mr Odzaw, who was flanked by all the union executives, clad in red, said the meeting was a follow-up to an earlier one held last week by the union regarding allegations of victimisation. Two of our colleagues have been transferred to Tamale in the Northern Region and Wa in the Upper West Region, while another has been asked to vacate his bungalow, he alleged. The affected staff, according to Mr Odzaw, petitioned the union, and the matter was duly tabled for discussion at a standing joint committee. He said the union wrote to the management of the corporation through its mother union, the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), demanding reversal of the two unilateral decisions taken by management within 24-hours. The 24-hour ultimatum expired last Friday, and as of now, we have received no response from management. In view of this silence, we have decided to begin wearing red armbands and hoisting red flags as a sign of protest and to express our deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs at GBC, the chairman said. Other issues Mr Odzaw further mentioned issues such as staff promotions, re-tooling of the corporation, staff attrition, stoppage of salaries, unfair termination of appointments of some workers, enhancement of the provident fund and general staff welfare concerns as issues that were still pending at the standing joint committee. He said although they expected those concerns to have been concluded last year, they still remained unresolved. Mr Odzaw also accused management over alleged sale of GBC lands across the country, the 13th African Games contract and payments and matters that arose from the agreement, staff maltreatment, bad faith in standing joint negotiations, neglect of staff welfare, non-refund of medical bills, non-payment of fuel allowances, non-payment of transfer grants, failure to replace broken-down vehicles and equipment and discrimination in staff promotions. He, however, urged staff not to feel intimidated, stressing that we remain united and resolute in the defence of our rights and the future of this corporation. Presidential visit For his part, the Chairman of the Divisional Union of PSWU, Sam Nat Kevor, also expressed disappointment in the management for keeping information on the recent visit by President John Dramani Mahama away from the union. Mr Kevor also chastised the NMC for looking on while the corporation took a nose dive, adding that the NMC must not only be interested in who they appoint to head GBC, but must also be interested in what happens at the corporation. Deported West Africans to Ghana case: Supreme Court orders A-G to produce agreement with US government for inspection Previous article: Deported West Africans to Ghana case: Supreme Court orders A-G to produce agreement with US government for inspection Featured Ministry bares teeth at lawlessness in schools Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Feb - 13 - 2026 , 12:55 3 minutes read The Ministry of Education (MoE) has sent a stern warning to miscreants in second cycle schools, stressing that lawlessness and misconduct will be dealt with ruthlessly. The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abass Apaak, therefore, urged parents to take interest in the behaviour of their children and ensure that they did not become an embodiment of lawlessness in their schools while recruiting innocent people to join them. The Deputy Education Minister gave the warning in an interview with the Daily Graphic on the sidelines of the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he attended a side event on education. If they do not caution their wards or do not pay attention to the conduct of their wards in school and their wards engage in acts of lawlessness or misconduct, they should expect the most severe sanctions to be meted out to them. We need a disciplined society. We cannot build the Ghana we want or think about a better future if we look on for our future leaders to become indisciplined citizens and misconduct themselves. So, it is for our collective good to ensure that our students at all levels are disciplined and act within the context of the law, the Deputy Minister said. His comments come on the back of reported acts of lawlessness in some secondary schools in the Eastern Region, where a young lady was gang-raped and another student was stabbed at Super Zonal Games. Prior to that, a teacher was attacked by some students at Kade Senior High School. Action Dr Apaak stressed that the ministry, under the leadership of Haruna Iddrisu, had taken special interest in the indiscipline among senior high school students and had started prosecuting some students who were involved in various acts of misconduct. Since we took over the reins of governance, I can give you several examples where the Ministry, through the Ghana Education Service (GES), has acted swiftly. One popular incident is when a number of students, past and present, from Kade Senior High School assaulted one of their teachers because he prevented them from cheating during the last WASSCE examination. Although the teacher had made peace with the students through the intervention of their families, we still insisted that the law ought to take its course. Subsequently, the students were arrested and taken to court. They were found guilty and were sanctioned to pay fines and sign a bond of good behaviour, he said. He revealed further that two culprits had been arrested by the police to assist with investigations on the rape case, while the victim was receiving counselling towards proper rehabilitation. The deputy minister added that investigations were also ongoing into the stabbing incident. Inclusive education Dr Apaak underscored the governments commitment to inclusive education, indicating that an amount of GH25 million had been allocated to provide free education for persons with disabilities at the tertiary level, with a special focus on creating equal opportunities particularly for girls in the sector. But we can't speak about education, equity, inclusivity, without also speaking about giving equal opportunities, particularly to the girl child. To ensure that we give equal opportunities to the girl child to explore their full potential and indeed enjoy their full rights, we have introduced the free sanitary pad policy, which is in operation. What we call period poverty affects the girl child's education negatively, he said. Dr Apaak added that there was clear data which suggested that availability of sanitary pads boosted confidence and school attendance among young girls, hence the governments decision to initiate the policy. Featured Kweku Baako vs Ken Agyapong defamation suit: Court of Appeal orders refund of GH80,000 damages paid to Baako, case going for retrial Mohammed Ali Feb - 13 - 2026 , 17:22 3 minutes read The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr, has said the GH80,000 paid to him as damages by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong in the defamation suit he filed against him is still intact and "untouched" in the bank account of his lawyers. He said this following a Court of Appeal ruling on Thursday, which said he should refund the money to Mr Agyapong. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Kweku Baako wrote: not a cedi or a pesewa had been touched since the Court of Appeal gave its directive. He explained that the money is still intact in his lawyers accounts in line with the courts order. The Court of Appeal on Thursday set aside the June 2020 High Court judgment in Kweku Baako's favour and ordered the case to be heard afresh. The appellate court directed that Mr Baako should refund all sums received under the earlier judgment within 30 days. Kweku Baako was awarded a total of GH130,000, made up of GH100,000 in damages and GH30,000 in costs. Out of the amount, Mr. Agyapong paid GH80,000 before the appeal was determined. According to Kweku Baako, the appellate court did not determine the substance of the defamation claim. The focus had always been on the retraction and apology for the defamatory allegations, he wrote. He has signaled to take the decision of the appellate court to the next level and was also confident about asserting his rights. The dispute dates back to July 2018 when Mr. Agyapong used certain words to describe Kweku Baako on Net 2 TV, Oman FM, Adom FM and Asempa FM, which Mr Baako said were defamatory. Mr Baako filed a defamation suit in October 2018, seeking GH25 million in general damages. In his statement of claim, he said that on occasions when programme hosts asked Mr Agyapong to retract the comments or provide evidence, he failed to do so. He argued that the statements damaged his reputation in the eyes of right thinking members of society. He asked the court to order a retraction and an unqualified apology and to place a perpetual injunction on Mr Agyapong and his agents to restrain them from further defamatory publications. On June 26, 2020, the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe, ruled in favour of Mr Baako. The court ordered Mr Agyapong to retract and apologise three times on the same platforms within 30 days. It also awarded GH100,000 in damages and GH30,000 in costs. The defence challenged the High Court decision on several grounds, including the striking out of portions of Mr Agyapongs witness statements at the Case Management Conference stage. In its ruling on February 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal upheld the appeal in a unanimous decision. The court set aside the High Court judgment, citing a statutory breach that it said went to the root of the case and rendered the earlier decision flawed. According to the defence, details of the statutory breach are expected to be clarified in the full written judgment. The court maintained that the finding was enough to nullify the earlier decision and allow the case to be heard afresh. Featured Teen jailed 18 months for stealing iPhone in Tarkwa GNA Feb - 13 - 2026 , 15:00 2 minutes read The Tarkwa District Magistrate Court Two has sentenced an 18-year-old small-scale miner, Theophilus Fameye, to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing an iPhone 11 valued at GH2,600 from a student. Fameye pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and stealing. Prosecuting, Police Inspector Patrick Essien told the court, presided over by Mr Isaac Osei Asare, that the complainant, Stephen Omare, is a student residing at Bompieso in the Western Region. The court heard that on Monday, January 12, 2026, at about 10:00 p.m., the complainant left his iPhone 11 charging in his room but forgot to lock the door. Because his fan was not working, he decided to sleep in his fathers room, which is adjacent to his. Inspector Essien said that at about 7:00 a.m. the following morning, the complainant returned to his room and discovered that the phone had been stolen. He and his father attempted to call the device using the fathers phone, but it was switched off. Later, they received a tip-off that Fameye, who lived in the same neighbourhood, had taken the phone. They proceeded to his house and demanded the device. Fameye entered his room, retrieved the phone and handed it over. He was subsequently escorted to the Aboso Police Station, where the complainant lodged a formal complaint. Following investigations and his arraignment before the court, Fameye admitted the offences and was convicted on his own plea. The court sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour. Featured Violence against women is an economic catastrophe President Mahama Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Feb - 13 - 2026 , 12:19 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghanas Parliament will this year ratify the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG), describing the move as a decisive step towards protecting the Ghanaian girl child and promoting equal opportunities for women and girls. The AUCEVAWG, adopted in February 2025 at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, is a comprehensive legal instrument aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls across the continent. Speaking at a High-Level Breakfast Meeting on Financing and Reaffirming Africa's Gender Commitments, a side event at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on Friday, February 13, 2026, President Mahama expressed concern over the slow pace of ratification by member states. In February 2025, this Assembly adopted the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, a historic step, and yet progress has been slow. Ghana has signed the Convention and we've initiated steps to ratify it. This session of our Parliament is going to ratify the Convention. I urge all member states to sign and ratify this Convention before the end of 2026, he said. The President stressed that African countries could not afford further delays, pointing to the profound economic and social costs of gender-based violence. Violence against women and girls is not only a moral outrage. It is an economic catastrophe costing Africa billions annually in health care, lost productivity, and justice expenditures, while devastating families and communities, he said. President Mahama, who doubles as the AU Champion on Gender and Development Issues, underscored that ratifying the convention would send a clear message that violence against women has no place in Ghanaian or African societies. He noted that AU gender instruments were not merely symbolic frameworks but foundational pillars of the continents human rights and development architecture. Frameworks matter, but political will matters more, he stated. The President further called on the nine AU member states that have yet to ratify the Maputo Protocol, the African Unions human rights instrument guaranteeing wide-ranging rights for women, to do so without delay. He observed that 46 member states have already adopted the protocol since its adoption in 2003. A fiery collision between two semis early Sunday morning resulted in two fatalities and hours of backed up traffic on I-80. The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported that troopers were dispatched to a crash at mile marker 93 of Interstate 80 eastbound between Green River and Rock Springs at 5:23 a.m. on Sunday, February 8. The Green River Police Department and Green River Fire Department also responded to the accident. "Troopers arrived to find a semi had struck the trailer of another semi-truck and burst into flames," WHP Public Information Officer Aaron Brown reported in a press release. "The investigation revealed that a semi-truck was illegally parked on the right side of the roadway. A second semi-truck traveling in the left eastbound lane drifted to the right, crossing the outside lane and striking the trailer of the parked semi-truck. The second truck exploded on impact, becoming fully engulfed in flames. Two occupants were found inside the burning semi-truck and were declared dead at the scene, while the driver of the parked truck was uninjured, according to the WHP. The two individuals that died were later identified by the WHP as Aleksey Fedun, 36, and Volodymyr Fedun, 74, both of Citrus Heights, California. The crash is still under investigation. Driver inattention and possible fatigue are being looked at as contributing factors, the WHP reported. On Sunday morning, both eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed while first responders and law enforcement responded to the accident. A little after 9 a.m., the GRPD posted an alert on Facebook warning drivers not to try to travel eastbound on I-80, noting that semi-trucks were backed up between Rock Springs and Green River, and asking people to avoid the area or use alternate routes. The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported that eastbound lanes were reopened at 10 a.m., with the GRPD sharing a Facebook update shortly before 11 a.m. saying that the traffic had cleared up and one eastbound lane was open. "Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation," the GRPD said. The Green River Fire Department also posted on Facebook to note that they were responding to the crash, and to give a special shoutout to the Hitching Post Restaurant & Saloon for donating breakfast to the firefighters. "Your support helps keep our crews fueled and focused while they're working long hours to keep our community safe," the GRFD posted. "Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and continued support of our first responders!" ROCK SPRINGS A dispute has emerged over the characterization of an incident involving Border Patrol agents at a local hotel on Thursday, Jan. 29. While local law enforcement initially described the scene as a disturbance involving the harassment and blocking of federal officers, a local witness has provided details that challenge those claims. Conflicting accounts In a statement released Jan. 29, Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle called for civility, describing the actions of a group of spectators as intimidation, stalking, and harassment. The Rock Springs Police Departments initial press release further alleged a crowd had formed around the agents vehicles preventing them from leaving and used their own cars to block the hotel exit. However, Rock Springs resident Suzie Schmid, who arrived at the scene by about 7:45 a.m., called the claims of intimidation laughable. Schmid stated fewer than a dozen people gathered to monitor the situation, and vehicles were parked a row away from the agents, leaving two clear exits available at all times. Schmid noted the first observers on the scene were two local teenagers, aged 16 and 17, who arrived after seeing a social media video of the agents. According to Schmid, the minors were there because they wanted to know theyre safe and to see if ICE was staying in Rock Springs. She emphasized their intent was about community- watching, reassuring anxious neighbors rather than a conspiracy to intimidate the government. Schmid added she and other spectators engaged in a civil conversation with a federal agent who told them they were just passing through, and had no intentions to arrest anyone in Rock Springs. I didnt care where they were going, Schmid told the Rocket Miner. All I knew was they were in my town. According to her, this was no organized protest. We were simply monitoring the situation, she said. In fact, there was only one person with a sign made from cardboard. Upon the arrival of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, vehicles were reportedly parked unusually close to vehicles belonging to Border Patrol agents, but they were eventually moved to other areas of the parking lot. According to Mayor Max Mickelson, the Rock Springs Police Departments role quickly became one of monitoring, rather than intervention. Clarification on arrival The discrepancy in these accounts may be attributed to the timing of law enforcements arrival. In a conversation with the Rocket Miner, Mickelson clarified that while the RSPD press release mentioned the blocking of vehicles, this information was based on reports from the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the federal agents themselves. Mickelson stated that by the time RSPD officers arrived on the scene, they did not see anybody approach or hinder the agents. He also confirmed vehicles that were parked too close had moved and parked in other areas of the parking lot. Mickelson noted RSPDs role quickly became one of monitoring rather than intervention. Theres a reason why no one was arrested, he said. He said from the citys perspective, the RSPD officers were called in to support. Clearly, these situations have escalated in other communities, and the citys intent and actions were to keep everything calm, ensure that peoples constitutional rights were supported, and then make sure that the agents were able to leave, Mickelson said. Aaron Brown, senior public relations specialist for WHP, said troopers responded to a call at 7:43 a.m. to assist a local agency for a disturbance at the Clarion. When we arrived, we discovered a group of people were protesting people staying at the hotel, Brown said. It was then that we discovered the ICE agents were there. The group had blocked the agents from leaving, using their vehicles. I am told they also used vehicles to prevent the agents from getting into their own vehicles. Brown noted troopers ordered the blockages to be cleared, and the protesting group did so without incident. From there, they escorted the caravan to Green River, where their assistance ended. It is not clear who blocked the Border Patrol agents vehicles. A Reminder Despite the friction over the mornings events, city and county officials are framing the official responses as proactive measures to prevent escalation. Jason Mower, public information officer for the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office, explained the sheriffs statement was a forward-looking value statement, intended to set clear boundaries for future demonstrations, rather than an indictment of criminal acts during this specific encounter. It is a reminder of our shared expectations about what a lawful protest looks like, as well as a reminder of what our expectations are in terms of public safety and civility, Mower said. We choose what we hear and believe, but the statement spoke for itself. Responding to comments about Grossnickles whereabouts during the incident, Mower clarified Grossnickle was in the immediate vicinity and was personally aware of the events as they unfolded. Additionally, two deputies from the SCSO were on site monitoring the situation. Mickelson is asking the community to give everyone a little bit of grace, noting heightened stress on all sides has made immigration a volatile issue. In Rock Springs, my ask is that we do these things in a lawful and appropriate manner, and we dont put our community or our officers in a position where someone could get hurt, he said. The Wyoming Highway Patrol recently responded to two separate head-on collisions in different parts of Wyoming. On the evening of January 28, WHP troopers responded to a crash on US 20 west of Worland. Investigations that night found a northbound Jeep Renegade had drifted across the centerline and into the southbound lane, WHP Public Informations Officer Aaron Brown explained in a press release. The driver of a southbound Chevy Silverado pickup spotted the oncoming vehicle and attempted to avoid the crash by steering right. Both vehicles collided head-on near the southbound fog line. The Renegade rolled into the southbound right of way onto its roof and caught fire. The occupants of the Renegade, identified as William Jamieson, 21, of Kingman, Arizona, and Jack Whittaker, 21, of Thermopolis, were both declared deceased at the scene, the WHP reported. The occupants of the Chevy Silverado were taken by ambulance to the Washakie Medical Center. Brown said speed is considered to be a contributing factor in the crash. Another head-on collision occurred a few days later. On January 31 at 2 p.m. the WHP Dispatch was notified of a crash on Interstate 80 near Evanston. Troopers arrived to find a commercial motor vehicle vehicle had been struck head on by a Chevy pick up truck, Brown explained in a press release. Witness statements and evidence at the scene shows that the Chevy pickup was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes before colliding with the commercial motor vehicle. One lane of the westbound traffic was blocked for several hours for the investigation and cleanup. The driver of the Chevy pick up, identified as Duane Derrick, 40, of Logan, Utah, died on scene, and the driver of the commercial motor vehicle was transported to the hospital, treated and released, the WHP reported. The cause of the collision is under investigation. Dear Editor, In recent days, our community has fractured over immigration enforcement. A hotel parking lot. Conflicting accounts. Students walking out of class. A local family navigating detention. Anger and fear sit close to the surface. When tension rises, clarity must rise with it. Enforcement methods are not above moral judgment. In a constitutional republic, citizens do not surrender their conscience when government acts. We can defend the rule of law and still demand restraint, proportionality, and respect. Regulating migration serves our shared dignity as fellow humans. Congress writes immigration law. Deputies and agents carry it out. They do not invent it. But how we execute the law determines whether it commands trust. Citizens have every right to question actions that appear reckless, humiliating, indiscriminate, or destructive to families. Oversight does not weaken democracy. It strengthens it. At the same time, not every enforcement action amounts to cruelty. If we declare every detention immoral and every cooperation corrupt, we cripple governance itself. Laws do not enforce themselves. Good intentions do not secure borders. A nation that refuses to enforce its laws forfeits sovereignty. There is a difference between examining conduct and condemning enforcement altogether. Law without humanity hardens into cruelty. Humanity without law dissolves into chaos. In moments like this, the line we refuse to cross is the line that defines us. In Sweetwater County, we commit to a people-first culture. We reject misconduct. If credible evidence shows that an officer, local or federal, violated the law or abused authority, we confront it. Accountability is not a slogan. It anchors legitimacy. But accountability cuts both ways. Inflammatory rhetoric, viral misinformation, and indiscriminate targeting of local officers increase the risk that someone misjudges a moment and someone bleeds. No one in this community wants a headline that begins with loss. We must confront another truth. Fear runs deep in parts of our community. Families entangled in federal processes carry uncertainty that feels immediate and personal. Dismissing that fear fractures trust. Listening restores it. We can hold two convictions at once. A nation must regulate migration in the interest of the common good. Enforcement must preserve dignity and honor constitutional limits. Those convictions do not cancel each other out. They restrain each other. We can debate without dehumanizing. Protest without obstructing. Enforce without intimidating or humiliating. Disagree without tearing the civic fabric that binds us. The alternative pulls us toward extremes. One side declares enforcement evil. The other brands criticism betrayal. Both corrode trust. Both invite escalation. We are better than that. A community proves its character not when issues feel easy, but when pressure mounts and it refuses to surrender either law or humanity. We can enforce our laws while guarding dignity and demanding accountability. We choose neither cruelty nor chaos. Jason Mower Green River Chinese smartphone makers' obsession with Apple and 'emulating' the Cupertino company's designs shows no sign of stopping. Today a new render leaked in China, purportedly showing us the Xiaomi 18, which is only due to be unveiled in September. There's still a very long time to go until then, which is why you should take this with a grain of salt, but anyway, here it is: the iPhone 16 Pro in all its glory. Sorry, we meant the Xiaomi 18. Take a look: The comparison with Apple's device from 2024 is pretty much inevitable. The design of the camera island is very close, even though Xiaomi's is bigger. The curvature of the corners seems nigh-on identical, and if you remove the Xiaomi and Leica logos, you'll be hard-pressed to find any normal person who doesn't think this is an iPhone. Anyway, according to previous rumors, the Xiaomi 18 will have a 6.4-inch OLED screen, a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera. It will be powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoC, not the 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, which is also coming out this year and will be Qualcomm's top of the line. That one will allegedly be reserved for the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max due to its very steep pricing. Source (in Chinese) | Via The Xiaomi Watch 5 launched in China in late December, and now it's headed to international markets, including the EU, according to a new report from Czechia. The global version of the watch will run Wear OS, and the price in Czechia will allegedly be CZK 7,990, which right now translates into approximately 329. The watch will apparently be offered in Juniper Green and black. While this price applies to the model without data connectivity, a Polish comparison site suggests the version with eSIM is also headed to the EU. Xiaomi Watch 5 The Xiaomi Watch 5 has an insanely big (for a watch, of course) 930 mAh battery (all hail Si/C tech!). It comes with a 1.54" AMOLED screen with 480x480 resolution, 1,500-nit peak brightness, and a 2.6mm round bezel, 5 ATM water resistance, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC aided by a power-saving BES2800 co-processor, Bluetooth 5.4, a heart rate monitor with blood oxygen saturation measurement, an ECG sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, compass, barometer, and ambient light sensor. The device comes with an EMG sensor too, which picks up electrical signals from the muscles in your hand and can convert them into gestures for controlling the UI. The watch also has over 150 sport modes. It measures 47 x 47 x 12.3 mm and weighs 56g. Source (in Czech) Haiti - Politic : New Municipal Commission at the head of Port-au-Prince Paul Antoine Bien-Aime, Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT), accompanied by Pierre Canisius Guignard, Director General of the Ministry, presided over the installation of the new Port-au-Prince Municipal Commission on February 11, 2026. The commission had been appointed by decree on February 7, 2026, under the auspices of the Council of Ministers and the chairmanship of Prime Minister Fils-Aime. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Ministry's offices in Delmas 60. Among those present were Ketlene Jean Louis, Director General of the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE); members of Minister Bien-Aime's staff; the Director of Territorial Communities; senior Ministry officials; Paul-Andre, President of the National Federation of CASECS of Haiti (FENACAH); and numerous relatives and supporters of the new municipal commission members. Composed of Yves Andrel Salomon, President (Mayor), and his deputies Dorothe Ignace Morel and Esther Cineas, this new Commission takes office at a crucial moment for the city of Port-au-Prince, a moment that the administrative and political hierarchy of the State intends to address. In his remarks, the Director General of the Ministry specified that this appointment stems from a desire to respond to the legitimate needs and aspirations of the people of Port-au-Prince by providing quality public services. The Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT) is counting on the new Port-au-Prince Municipal Commission to implement local public policies that will help the population breathe new life into the city. It also urges the new Executive Agents to work effectively and efficiently so that the capital can regain its pride. Furthermore, the new members of the Port-au-Prince Municipal Commission received official confirmation of their appointment from Minister Paul Antoine Bien-Aime, in accordance with the spirit and letter of the decree establishing a municipal commission for the capital, tasked with managing its affairs until the next elections. Finally, the new municipal council must take into account the real needs of the population, particularly the most vulnerable living in camps for displaced persons. The Ministry intends to offer its full support to the executive agents of the Port-au-Prince municipality to improve operational performance and strengthen the municipal institution. HL/ HaitiLibre Diana (Diane) Loy Kaercher passed away on January 26, 2026 at the age of 77. She was born in Havre, Montana, on October 15, 1948, the oldest of Lloyd and Audrey (Langel) Kaercher's six children. Diane graduated from Havre High School and earned a degree in Home Economics from Montana State University. After graduation, she dedicated two years to the Peace Corps, stationed in Liberia. Following her service, Diane moved to San Francisco, where she lived for over 45 years in the nearby community of Mill Valley. She enjoyed a successful career in the banking and financial industry, primarily evaluating the financial solvency of major real estate properties. In retirement, Diane embraced her love for travel, hosting her nieces and nephews as they explored San Francisco, and pursued various interests. Her adventurous spirit took her to the summit of Kilimanjaro, across the depths of Africa, through the Alaskan tundra, to both China and Japan and tours of Europe. Diane's family has favorite stories that were shared around the dinner table about the time she distressed Dad with her nose-cracking trick, kissed her pigs, cracked the windshield of a new grain truck with an, "I'm bored!", and delighted her siblings with rides on a cart pulled by a Shetland pony. Diane's place at the dinner table was always at the foot, opposite Dad. She earned this coveted status as the oldest of six children - always with a sense of fun and shenanigans! Diane was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Joyce (Kaercher) Slothower, Susan Kaercher and Les Kaercher. She is survived by her siblings: Joan (Eric) Hendricks of Billings; and Doug (Darla) Kaercher of Havre. She also leaves behind her eleven cherished nieces and nephews: Dan and David Slothower (Joyce and Bear); Luke and Wes Peterson (Susan); Kyra and Jamaica Kaercher (Les and Terri); Logan and Trevor Hendricks (Joan and Eric); and Kate Small, Mary Ohm, and Anna Howell (Doug and Darla) along with 15 grandnieces and grandnephews. The family wishes to thank Diane's many friends who sent hundreds of cards, letters and photos during the last years of her life. She stayed in contact with friends from each phase of her life including 4-H, high school, Phi Beta Phi, Peace Corp and her beloved friends, neighbors and working sisterhood in the Bay Area. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. John's SkyRidge Cottages and Hospice in Billings for their exceptional care and to Therese Teske, Diane's care companion, who eased Diane's final journey with loving attention. A memorial breakfast celebrating Diane's life will be held for family and friends at 9:00 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line in Havre. The Breakfast follows a 7:00 am sunrise gathering (weather permitting) at Burnham Farms. Seating is limited. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by March 7, 2026 by going to https://dianekaercher.rsvpify.com . June 12, 1946 January 31, 2026 Gary Boyd Brill, a man of remarkable intelligence, curiosity, and quiet kindness, passed away on January 31, 2026, in Great Falls, Montana. Born on June 12, 1946, in Havre, Montana, Gary was the son of Charles Brill and Mildred Hyslop, both of whom preceded him in death. Havre was always home to Gary, a place he spoke of fondly and carried with him throughout his life. Gary had an insatiable curiosity about the world, spirituality and philosophy. He seemed to know something about almost everything, and his sharp mind, thoughtful observations, and love of learning made conversations with him so engaging. He was especially passionate about history, Native American culture, vintage airplanes and seeking inner peace interests that reflected both his respect for the past and his fascination with how things worked. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, known as the "Night Owls." After his military service, Gary went on to build a long and accomplished career as an airplane mechanic, working for both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines before retiring. Gary was a devoted dog lover and shared a special bond with his dear friend's dog, Chance, who brought him great joy and companionship. He valued friendship and spoke often of the meaningful relationships he formed throughout his life, especially those from his hometown of Havre. Gary lived in California for many years before returning home to Havre, Montana, in 2023-a return that brought him comfort and a sense of belonging. He is lovingly remembered by his close friends Tara and Eric Hyde, Linda Rushing, Riley Hyde, and Taylor Hyde, as well as many others located in Havre, Montana, and Alameda and Castro Valley, California. Gary will be remembered for his intelligent mind, gentle spirit, deep loyalty, and enduring love for learning and the people and places that shaped him. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned at this time. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Gary's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at https://www.hollandbonine.com . **In Loving Memory of Janice Earlene (Strain) Waldrip** It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and cousin, Janice Earlene Strain Waldrip, who took her final breath on January 31, 2026. This date holds special significance, as it marks the 72nd anniversary of her marriage to her true love, Don, in Chinook, Montana. Janice, who lived a vibrant life of 91 years, faced the challenges of dementia in her later years, a journey that began with the loss of her sight. This change robbed her of the joys she cherishedreading, baking, solving crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, playing the organ, and driving. During this time, she often expressed her desire to return home, tirelessly packing and unpacking in an endless cycle. To us, it felt like a scene from *Groundhog Day*, but for her, each day was another step towards the home she longed for. As the matriarch of our family, Janice's passing signifies the end of an era. We are committed to preserving her stories, memories, and the love she shared with us for generations to come. A God-fearing woman, Janice honored her parents, cherished her husband, and held her family and friends close to her heart. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nathan Adelson Hospice for their compassion and guidance during this difficult time. Honoring Moms wish to remain at home was a gift that meant everything to us. Montana was always her true home, and soon her loved ones will gather there to bid their final farewells. A service will be held at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook on February 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Janice will be honored with a horse-drawn hearse to the graveside, where she will rest beside her beloved husband Rest easy, Mom. You are finally home. We love you and will carry you with us always. In celebration of Janices life, a gathering will be held on her birthday, May 16, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada . (HedgeCo.Net) Its a transaction that instantly becomes one of the most consequential combinations in modern asset management, Nuveen has agreed to acquire Schroders plc for about $13.5 billion in a recommended all-cash deal. The acquisition will create a global manager overseeing roughly $2.5 trillion in assets, pushing the combined firm into the top tier of traditional and alternative asset managementat a moment when scale, distribution, and product breadth are becoming existential advantages. The headline numbers are enormous, but the strategic significance is even larger. This is not just a purchase of assets under management; it is the purchase of a global brand, a multi-channel distribution footprint, and a platform that bridges three of the most important battlegrounds in finance: wealth management, retirement solutions, and private markets. It is also a story about the new logic of consolidation. In an era where passive investing and fee compression relentlessly pressure margins, active firms increasingly face a choice: grow bigger, specialize deeply, or risk being squeezed in the middle. Nuveens move suggests it believes the future belongs to global super-platforms that can pair institutional trust with private-market capabilityand deliver those products through enormous distribution engines. The terms: a cash offer, a premium, and a decisive turning point Under the agreed terms, Schroders shareholders will receive 590 pence per share in cash, plus permitted dividends up to 22 pence, bringing the total value to 612 pence per sharea premium that helped ignite an immediate surge in Schroders share price. Just as important as the price is the governance outcome: the acquisition marks the end of Schroders long era of family influence, with reporting noting the founding familys stake (reported around the low-40% range) being sold as part of the deal. From a market-structure perspective, the deal is also another reminder of a broader UK trend: high-quality listed financial companiesespecially those with global relevanceare increasingly becoming targets for overseas acquirers, raising questions about Londons ability to retain flagship firms as independent champions. Why Nuveen wants Schroders: distribution + brand + global reach Nuveen is not a stranger to scale. As a major global asset manager backed by TIAA, it has longstanding credibility in retirement and institutional markets. But the strategic logic here is about international expansion and a widened product shelf, especially outside the United States. Schroders brings several assets that are hard to replicate organically: A globally recognized active-management brand Schroders carries a legacy reputation with deep relationships across institutional and wealth channelsparticularly in Europe and Asia. That brand equity matters more than ever in an environment where investors are simultaneously demanding lower fees and higher conviction. A deep non-U.S. footprint Nuveen has strength in the U.S. and in retirement-oriented distribution. Schroders adds a longstanding international networkgiving the combined firm a more credible local presence across key growth markets. Product breadth that can be re-packaged for the new wealth buyer The modern growth engine in asset management is not just institutions. Its the wealth channel, including private banks, platforms, and increasingly semi-institutional investors seeking access to private assets. Pairing Nuveens private-market capabilities with Schroders global wealth network is a direct play for that demand. Why Schroders agreed: a strategic exit in a squeezed business model Schroders has been operating under the same structural pressures that have reshaped the entire traditional asset-management industry: passive competition, lower fee realization, and higher distribution costs. Even strong firms can find themselves trapped in a middle groundtoo large to be niche, not large enough to dominate global distribution. Reporting around the deal highlights how industry consolidation is accelerating as traditional managers seek survival advantages against ultra-low-cost giants. Schroders leadership had publicly emphasized transformation efforts, but an acquisition at a meaningful premiumcombined with a clean liquidity event for the familys stakeoffered a compelling endgame. Theres also a timing element: the deal lands as Schroders has shown signs of improving performance, including reporting on stronger profitability momentum heading into the transaction. In other words, Schroders is not being acquired as a distressed asset. It is being acquired as a strategic platform at a moment when strategic platforms command scarcity value. The combined company: what $2.5 trillion in AUM actually means A combined ~$2.5 trillion AUM platform changes the competitive set instantly. In asset management, scale is not only about prestige; its about unit economics: Operating leverage: technology, compliance, and risk systems can be amortized over a larger asset base. technology, compliance, and risk systems can be amortized over a larger asset base. Distribution leverage: a larger firm can negotiate more effectively with platforms and intermediaries. a larger firm can negotiate more effectively with platforms and intermediaries. Product leverage: more strategies mean more cross-selling opportunities across institutional, wealth, and retirement channels. The most important implication is that the new Nuveen-Schroders combination can compete more directly in the total solutions arenamulti-asset portfolios that blend public markets with private credit, real assets, and alternatives. That solutions business is where fees are stickier and where investors often prioritize outcomes over line-item costs. Leadership and integration: continuity by design A notable feature of the transaction is the emphasis on continuity. Reporting indicates Schroders CEO Richard Oldfield is expected to remain in charge post-deal, with Schroders continuing as a standalone business within Nuveen for an initial period, and London maintaining a central role. This matters because the asset-management industry has a long history of mergers that look powerful on paper but disappoint operationally. Integration risk is real: investment teams can leave, distribution strategies can conflict, and synergies can come at the cost of culture or performance. By keeping leadership continuity and positioning London as a key non-U.S. hub, Nuveen appears to be signaling: this is an acquisition of a franchise, not a dismantling of one. The deeper thesis: alternatives are becoming the new core The deal fits neatly into the industrys central strategic thesis: alternatives are moving from a specialized corner of portfolios to a core allocation. As investors push for income, downside resilience, and diversification away from public-market volatility, asset managers want more private-market capabilities. Nuveen has been building its private markets footprint for years. Schroders adds additional global client connectivity and product reachpotentially strengthening the combined firms ability to distribute private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and multi-asset solutions through broader channels. For institutional allocators, this consolidation is another signal that the private markets arms race is escalating. For wealth channels, it suggests more private-market product will be retailized through semi-liquid formats and model portfoliosespecially where large managers can afford the operational and regulatory burden. What investors should watch next Even with a strategic rationale, execution will determine whether the combined firm creates lasting value. Key watch items: Retention of investment talent In active management, people are the product. Any sign of meaningful departuresespecially in flagship teamscould change the mergers value proposition. Distribution strategy in the wealth channel If Nuveen can translate Schroders international wealth presence into higher flows for private-market solutions, the deals logic will compound. Cost and platform integration Back-office and technology integration can unlock meaningful efficiencies. But cutting too aggressively can impair service levels and investment supportdamaging long-term revenue. Regulatory and shareholder approvals The deal is expected to close in Q4 2026, subject to approvals. The timeline and any conditions will matter for integration planning and client messaging. Bottom line Nuveens $13.5 billion acquisition of Schroders is a defining transaction for the global asset-management landscape. It reflects the new survival logic of the industry: scale + distribution + alternatives. In a market where passive giants compress fees and investors demand outcome-oriented solutions, the winners are likely to be firms that can deliver global reach, product breadth, and durable client relationshipsat institutional-grade operational scale. For Schroders, the deal marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter inside a larger platform. For Nuveen, it is a statement of intent: to become not just a U.S.-anchored manager with private-market strengths, but a full-spectrum global competitor at the top of the industry. For allocators and wealth intermediaries, the message is clear: the platform era of asset management is acceleratingand the next decade may be defined less by standalone boutiques and more by integrated super-firms fighting to own the global alternatives shelf. The decision follows change negotiations that began on 12 January. The process ended this week with a resolution to withdraw from the Finnish market. The company confirmed on Friday that its app and delivery service will run until 27 February 2026. After that date, the platform will shut down across the country. Foodora will cease operations in Finland at the end of February. The closure affects about 80 local employees. Foodora informed staff, courier partners and commercial partners of the decision. The company stated that it will support employees in line with local regulation and internal policies during the transition. Restaurant and grocery partners will receive separate communication on next steps. This includes the termination of contracts and the settlement of outstanding payments. Foodora linked the decision to a strategic focus on markets where it seeks market leadership in Europe. The company stated that it intends to direct investment to countries where it sees stronger long-term growth and brand position. The service will remain available in Finland until 27 February. Orders for restaurant meals and grocery products will continue as normal until that date. Foodora entered Finland in 2015. Over the past decade, the company expanded to more than 100 cities and municipalities. The exit will leave Wolt as the only major app-based food delivery platform operating in Finland for the time being. Uber Eats plans to launch in Finland later this year. The US-based company has not announced a specific start date. HT THE NUMBER of potholes reported across several villages around Henley exceeded 900 last year, as residents complain of craters which are extremely large and unavoidable for drivers. A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Henley Standard found there were 912 reports of potholes by residents from several villages in the district from December 2024 to December 2025. The figure covers potholes in Henley, Shiplake, Harpsden, Binfield Heath, Rotherfield Greys, Dunsden, Bix, Nettlebed, Middle Assendon, Highmoor, Peppard, Sonning Common and Kidmore End. Kidmore End was the worst impacted, recording nearly a quarter of the total number of pothole reports 216, while Henley had 126. Residents frequently reported potholes which had been there for months were extremely large and unavoidable for drivers. Some were reported to be as deep as six inches, and several drivers said the potholes were dangerous. Others noted some were concealed by flooding or had sharp edges, worsening the hazard. There were multiple reports of tyres blowing out and damage to wheels and suspension. It comes as Oxfordshire County Council is increasing spending on pothole repairs and pay-outs for vehicles damaged by them. In 2025, the council spent more than 179,000 on claims for damaged vehicles from 704 successful claims, and 2.5m on pothole repairs for the period until September. This has steadily increased since at least 2020 and reached its peak in 2024 when it spent 3.4million on pothole repairs. Councillors blame years of underfunding for the problem, but agree that even with infrastructure investment, the issue is not easily fixed as it is influenced by the types of roads and their age. County councillor, Maggie Filipova-Rivers, who represents Goring and Woodcote, was not surprised Kidmore End came out on top. I live not far from Kidmore End and I cant pass through my road, she said. This is probably one of the worse winters Ive seen. Ive been dreaming about potholes recently because its just so bad. I had to pay 500 for my tyres [damaged by potholes] so we councillors are right there with residents in their frustration. She said her inbox is absolutely flooded with pothole-related emails and agrees the situation is unacceptable. Im doing everything I can possibly do but I feel quite powerless for the first time, she said, noting the financial pressures on the council and all local authorities. Rural roads were found to be the most blighted by potholes. Bix & Assendon and Eye & Dunsden were the parishes that recorded the highest concentration of pothole per 1,000 residents. They saw more than 230 pothole reports per 1,000 residents 20 times that of of Henley. Bix & Assendon, which has 628 residents and covers an area of about 10 square kilometres, reported 146 potholes over the year. Councillor Jo Robb, who represents Woodcote and Rotherfield on South Oxfordshire District Council, said: The potholes are dreadful, not helped by the near-constant rain. I dont think Ive had a journey in the last year where I havent had to avoid a savage pothole. I fear things will only get worse, with climate change impacting our weather and our roads. Our roads are under pressure from increased traffic too. Cllr Robb suggested the county council look into its efficiency and consider bringing road repair back in-house, instead of using a contractor. However, she also thinks the problems are broader, beyond the county councils full control. It is responsible for 2,900 miles of road. This year it will spend 69million on road maintenance, while only receiving 33million from the Department for Transport, she said. The numbers dont stack up. Its pretty clear local authorities need long-term stable funding if they are to deliver their services. Nick Willson, who owns the Flowing Spring pub in Henley Road, Playhatch, said the area was riddled with potholes. He said one pothole causing significant problems was in Playhatch Road, near The French Horn. Cars are trying to go around it on to the other side of the road or trying to squeeze right in on the verge where there is no space, and a lot of them are just going over it, particularly at night when its dark and wet you cant see them, Mr Willson said. Another very deep pothole has been causing problems for drivers near the Tarmac entrance in Playhatch Road, Mr Willson added. On Monday, a petition was launched on change.org to resurface a stretch of the road from Playhatch roundabout via Sonning Eye to Sonning Bridge. The petition, which has so far received 53 signatures, said the road is a ticking time bomb for serious accidents and blames long-term neglect for the potholes, crumbling surfaces, and uneven patches which make navigation a daily gamble. A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said it had made additional teams and resources available to repair potholes on roads following a rise in reports due to wet and freezing conditions. He said the council and its principal highways contractor M Group more than doubled the repair crews from seven to 16 to reduce a backlog of potholes caused by the weather. He said: Heavy rainfall and then colder weather from mid-December into January created a cycle of freezing and thawing perfect conditions for creating new potholes. The council aims to repair potholes within two hours, 24 hours or 28 days, depending on how big a risk they pose. The spokesman said about 875 of the 28-day jobs around 35 per cent of the total missed their deadlines by a few days because of the rise in reports at the beginning of January and other priority issues. Crews have also faced many larger potholes which are more time consuming to repair, the county council added. A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said the county council received 33.4m funding this year to resurface roads and tackle potholes and will be eligible to receive nearly 168m over the next four years. Netanyahu voices skepticism about potential U.S.-Iran deal, calls for missile curbs Xinhua) 08:06, February 13, 2026 CAIRO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he had "expressed general scepticism about the nature of any deal with Iran" and if a deal between the United States and Iran is indeed reached, it must include "the ballistic missiles and the Iranian proxies," demands Tehran has previously rejected. His remarks came as Iran and the United States sent mixed signals regarding the future of their recently resumed nuclear talks. Tehran denied sending any formal communication to Washington, while the Pentagon is preparing for a potential second aircraft carrier deployment to the Middle East. Netanyahu arrived at the White House on Wednesday morning for a meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump, their seventh since the start of Trump's second term. After a roughly three-hour meeting, he said the conditions for a good deal between the United States and Iran may be created. "The conditions Trump is creating, combined with the fact that they must understand that they were wrong the last time they did not make a deal, could be the conditions for a good deal," said Netanyahu before leaving the United States for Israel without a press conference or a statement. Despite the prime minister's push for a tougher stance, Trump reiterated his preference for a negotiated outcome shortly after their closed-door meeting. "There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated," Trump wrote on social media. "If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be." It's noted that Iran has drawn clear red lines around its enrichment capacity and refused to broaden the talks beyond the nuclear file. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks at the celebrations for the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, Feb. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati) Earlier on Wednesday, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani told Qatar's Al Jazeera in an interview during his visit to Doha that the talks were focused exclusively on Iran's nuclear program, not on other issues. He also ruled out zero uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, citing domestic needs for energy and pharmaceuticals, and dismissed the possibility of negotiations on missile capabilities or regional alliances. Larijani noted that Tehran had yet to receive any clear proposal from the United States, describing the first round of talks as "merely an exchange of messages." In another interview with Iran's state-run IRIB TV late Wednesday, Larijani explained that Omani intermediaries conveyed "a few points" from the U.S. side, which were provided in writing for review in Tehran. "We had no letter for the American side," Larijani said, adding that the date for the next round of indirect talks has not been set, though both sides have expressed willingness to continue. The diplomatic track unfolded against a backdrop of heightened U.S. military readiness. This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2026 shows a city view of Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati) The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the Pentagon is ready to deploy a second aircraft carrier in the Middle East within two weeks, a move that would mark the first dual-carrier presence in the region since March 2025 when the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson were both in the Middle East to battle the Houthis in Yemen. The USS George H.W. Bush, currently completing a series of training exercises off the U.S. East Coast of Virginia, could expedite its exercises, the report quoted U.S. officials as saying, though Trump has yet to issue an official order for the deployment. That plan could change, said the report. Tehran and Washington held indirect talks last week in the Omani capital Muscat amid simmering tensions between the two sides following Washington's military buildup near Iran. The negotiations were their first since the United States bombed key Iranian nuclear sites in June last year. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) China poultry exports help lift Finnish food group to record sales, earnings Xinhua) 10:29, February 13, 2026 HELSINKI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Finnish food group Atria reported record net sales and adjusted operating profit for 2025 on Thursday, citing efficiency gains at its new poultry plant in western Finland and the start of poultry exports to China at the end of 2024 as key drivers. Atria's full-year net sales rose to 1.81 billion euros (about 2.15 billion U.S. dollars), up from 1.76 billion euros in 2024. Adjusted operating profit increased to 69.9 million euros from 65.4 million euros a year earlier. "The year 2025 was strong for Atria and successful in many ways. Both net sales and profits were at the highest level in the group's history," Chief Executive Officer Kai Gyllstrom said in a statement. Gyllstrom said the performance reflected improved efficiency in poultry production and the concentration of operations at the group's new Nurmo plant in western Finland. He added that strong net sales growth in the second half of 2025 and the start of chicken exports to China in late 2024 supported profitability. Looking ahead, Atria flagged volatility in Europe's pork market, animal disease risks and weak consumer confidence in its home markets as key uncertainties. It also said the impacts of African swine fever in Estonia weighed on results. Atria is a major Nordic food company with operations in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Estonia. The Finnish group began exporting chicken meat to China in December 2024 after securing approval during Finnish President Alexander Stubb's visit to the country. The company has said the move offers significant growth potential, citing China's large market and rising demand for imported protein products. (1 euro = 1.19 U.S. dollars) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt, 70, was photographed walking alongside Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, 27, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month. The images, first published by German newspaper BILD, showed the pair flanked by security in the Swiss resort on 21 January 2026. Burkandt is the eldest daughter of Markus Soder, 59, Bavaria's minister-president and leader of the conservative Christian Social Union. Schmidt is 11 years older than her father. A source close to Schmidt told the New York Post that the pair were 'close friends' and that the connection was not romantic. BILD disputed that. The newspaper cited sources in Schmidt's inner circle who said the pair had been together 'almost daily for weeks', including over the New Year period. Neither Schmidt nor Burkandt has made a public statement. Who Is Gloria-Sophie Burkandt Burkandt, who stands 6ft 2in, is a model signed to Elite who has appeared in Vogue Turkey and worked with brands including Miu Miu and Tom Ford, the Daily Beast reported. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in economics and is working on a PhD thesis in New York. She divides her time between a luxury apartment in Manhattan's Midtown South, Munich and Los Angeles. The pair are believed to have met at Harvard University in November 2025, BILD reported. They were reportedly expected to attend the Munich Security Conference together between 13 and 15 February 2026. Burkandt is a member of her father's CSU party and has spoken publicly about technology and European policy. She wrote on Instagram after Davos that 'listening to the conversations around AI and the future of Europe was deeply moving for me'. She previously drew headlines in Germany for a different reason. On a televised game show, she struggled with basic general knowledge questions, including failing to identify former Chancellor Helmut Kohl. She also wrote for Teen Vogue in December 2022 about experiencing sexual harassment and assault in her professional life, saying she had been 'touched inappropriately by my boss' during an internship at the age of 18. Schmidt's 46-Year Marriage and Previous Relationships Schmidt has been married to Wendy Schmidt since 1980. The couple have been together for 46 years and continues to appear publicly together. Wendy Schmidt regularly posts photographs with him on social media. Media reports have described the marriage as an open arrangement for years. Neither Eric nor Wendy Schmidt has publicly confirmed or denied this. A source told the New York Post that the arrangement was 'known for years'. Schmidt has previously been linked to younger women. He was photographed with socialite Kate Bohner at the Burning Man festival in 2010 in images published by Gawker. He has also been linked to former Olympic figure skater Alexandra Duisberg. His most recent public relationship before Burkandt was with Michelle Ritter, a Columbia Law School graduate and founder of AI startup Steel Perlot. That ended in a legal fight. In December 2024, Ritter filed for a domestic violence restraining order against Schmidt in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing him of stalking, digital surveillance and what she described as 'toxic masculinity', the New York Post reported. Ritter alleged Schmidt had created 'an absolute digital surveillance system' around her and locked her out of Steel Perlot's website. Schmidt had invested $100m in the company. Schmidt's legal team called Ritter's claims 'demonstrably false' and 'a blatant abuse of the judicial system'. Ritter withdrew the restraining order request in January 2025 after the pair reached a settlement requiring Schmidt to make 'substantial payments'. The dispute continued. A court hearing was set for December 2025 in downtown Los Angeles. A source who worked for Steel Perlot told the Daily Mail the filing was retaliation after Schmidt launched arbitration proceedings against Ritter for allegedly breaching a business agreement. Schmidt's Career and Wealth Schmidt led Google as chief executive from 2001 to 2011, a period during which the company grew into one of the world's largest technology firms. He then served as executive chairman of Google and its parent company, Alphabet, from 2011 to 2017. He continued as a technical adviser until 2020. He also chaired the Pentagon's Defence Innovation Advisory Board from 2016 to 2020. In March 2025, Schmidt became chief executive of Relativity Space, a Long Beach, California, rocket startup developing the Terran R launch vehicle. He also took a controlling stake in the company. The move was his first chief executive role in nearly 15 years, TechCrunch reported. His net worth is $54.6bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Why the Story Has Attracted Attention The 43-year age gap between Schmidt and Burkandt, combined with Burkandt's political connections and Schmidt's history of public relationships, has generated extensive coverage in German and American media. BILD ran one headline asking, 'Who is the woman Eric Schmidt (70) has fallen in love with?' alongside a photograph of Burkandt wearing a dirndl, the traditional Bavarian dress. Euronews reported the connection had raised questions in German media about potential political implications, given Schmidt's influence on technology policy and Soder's position as one of Germany's most prominent conservative leaders. A post on X about the pair, published on 10 February, drew more than 823,000 views within hours. Neither Schmidt's representatives nor Burkandt have responded to requests for comment. Originally published on IBTimes UK The U.S. is significantly reducing its presence in the Caribbean by sending the USS Gerald Ford, the country's largest aircraft carrier, to the Middle East along with its strike group. The ships are set to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region overseen by the Central Command. They are leaving after about three months, during which U.S. forces executed a raid that captured Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro. Forces have also conducted dozens of strikes against alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Trump had already said he was considering the move, as he increases pressure on Iran during negotiations about its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs. "We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going," Trump told Axios' Barak Ravid on Tuesday. Trump, however, has said that Tehran "wants to make a deal very badly" and is engaging in a serious manner. "Last time they didn't believe I would do it," Trump said in reference to the attack against the country's nuclear facilities in June. He said back then "they overplayed their hand" but this time things are "very different." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Trump on Wednesday to discuss the matter. The BBC reported that Trump insisted that talks with Tehran must continue and reiterated that he will take action if he doesn't consider them to be successful. The outlet added that Iran has suggested it is ready to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but has remained intransigent on other demands. Netanyahu's office said the two discussed "the security needs of the State of Israel in the context of the negotiations" and agreed to continue their "close coordination and relationship". "The prime minister believes that any negotiations must include limiting ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis," the office had said before the trip. Originally published on Latin Times In a dramatic expansion of its crackdown following deadly January protests, Iran has arrested at least seven prominent reformist politicians and summoned seven others to court, marking a significant escalation that targets figures who have operated within the Islamic Republic's legal framework for decades while seeking gradual reform. The arrests of leaders from the Reformists Fronta coalition that has sought to change but not overthrow Iran's clerical systemsignal that the regime is now eliminating even moderate opposition voices after violently suppressing street protests that killed thousands. The move has shocked observers who viewed reformists as loyal to the Islamic Republic despite their criticism of specific policies. "Having bludgeoned the streets into silence with exemplary cruelty, the regime has shifted its attention inward, fixing its stare on its loyal opposition," wrote Ali Vaez, senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group. "The reformists, sensing the ground move beneath them, had begun to driftand power, ever paranoid, is now determined to cauterize dissent before it learns to walk." The Arrested Leaders Among those detained are some of Iran's most prominent reformist figures, including: Azar Mansouri, head of the Reformists Front and secretary-general of the coalition representing multiple reform-oriented political groups. Security forces from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' intelligence unit arrested her "from the door of her home under a judicial order," according to the Reformists Front. Mohsen Aminzadeh, a former deputy foreign minister who served under reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005. As a diplomat, Aminzadeh was part of the reformist administration that attempted to improve Iran's relations with the West. Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, a former member of parliament who, ironically, led the 1979 student occupation of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran that resulted in the 444-day hostage crisis. His participation in that defining moment of the Islamic Revolution makes his arrest particularly symbolic of how far the crackdown has extended. Javad Emam, spokesman for the Reformists Front, was taken from his home by security forces on February 9, one day after the initial wave of arrests. Additionally, authorities detained Hossein Karroubi, son of reformist leader and former prime minister Mehdi Karroubi, who has been under house arrest for 14 years. The younger Karroubi was accused of being the "instigator, drafter and publisher" of his father's recent statement calling for an independent inquiry into the protest crackdown and a public referendum on Iran's governance. The Charges: Accused of Supporting U.S. and Israel Iran's judiciary accused the detained reformists of "organizing and leading extensive activities aimed at disrupting the political and social situation" at a time when the country faced "military threats" from Israel and the United States. According to the official Mizan news agency, authorities claimed the individuals had done their utmost "to justify the actions of the terrorist foot soldiers on the streets." Iran's head of the judiciary, Gholam Hossein Ejei, said Monday he had instructed prosecutors to "pre-emptively" deal with individuals deemed a threat to national security. While he did not name the reformist politicians directly, he appeared to allude to them by saying some arrested individuals "are saying exactly what the United States and the Israeli regime are saying." The judiciary's media outlet described the detainees as "four important political elements supporting the Zionist regime and the United States," though it provided no evidence for these allegations. These charges represent a familiar pattern in Iranian politics: labeling domestic critics as foreign agents to delegitimize their concerns and justify repression. The accusations are particularly ironic given that many of these reformists have spent decades working within the Islamic Republic's system and have repeatedly affirmed their loyalty to it, even while calling for modifications to its policies. What the Reformists Actually Said The arrests followed public statements by the Reformist Front and individual members sharply condemning the government's deadly violence toward protesters during the nationwide uprising in January. The coalition had become increasingly vocal in criticizing the massive death toll and demanding accountability. On January 26, Mansouri released a statement addressing protesters and their families: "We will not allow the blood of these loved ones to be forgotten or the truth to be lost in obscurity. No power, no justification, and no passage of time can cleanse this great tragedy." During the state crackdown on mass protests, the Reformists Front issued a statement saying that "a large segment of Iranian citizens have lost their trust in all the institutions and capacities that were supposed to protect, represent, and pursue their demands." After the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, the coalition warned that "incremental collapse" awaited Iran if the country did not adopt fundamental reformsa prescient prediction given the massive protests that erupted six months later. Perhaps most significantly, the group was reportedly drawing up a statement calling for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down and relinquish power to President Masoud Pezeshkian, preparing Iran for a transition period, according to three party members and leaked audio from a meeting of senior figures circulating on social media. This represented a dramatic escalation in reformist criticism, crossing a red line by directly challenging Khamenei's authority. The Historical Context of Iranian Reformism Iran's reformist political faction is a legal and organized movement that has been a force in Iranian politics for three decades. President Mohammad Khatami, considered the father and founder of the party, served two consecutive four-year terms from 1997 to 2005. Other prominent reformists have served as parliament members, ministers, and political advisers. The current first vice president of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, hails from the reformist camp, and the coalition played an instrumental role in helping current President Pezeshkian win election in 2024. The party's endorsement convinced many Iranians to vote for Pezeshkian despite widespread disillusionment with the political system. However, reformists have also been repeatedly targeted by hardline rivals seeking to sideline them and consolidate power. The most notable previous crackdown came in 2009, when a contested presidential election sparked the Green Movement protests. Authorities arrested numerous reformist politicians, and two reformist leadersMehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousaviwere placed under house arrest, where they remain today, 17 years later. The 2009 repression significantly weakened the reformist movement, but it survived and gradually rebuilt influence. The current crackdown appears aimed at more comprehensively eliminating reformism as a viable political force within Iran. The Death Toll Dispute The arrests occurred against the backdrop of ongoing disputes about how many people died during the January protests. The Iranian government acknowledged on February 8 that 3,117 people were killed, publishing a list of 2,986 namesmost of whom authorities claim were security forces members and "innocent bystanders." However, human rights organizations dispute this characterization dramatically. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it has verified 6,961 deaths and is investigating 11,730 additional cases. This would put the actual death toll potentially above 18,000making it by far the deadliest period of civil unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The discrepancy in numbers reflects fundamentally different narratives about what happened. The government portrays the protests as violent riots instigated by foreign powers, with security forces defending themselves and innocent bystanders caught in crossfire. Human rights groups describe a massacre in which security forces deliberately fired on largely peaceful protesters with live ammunition. Most deaths occurred during the nights of January 8-9, when authorities launched a coordinated nationwide crackdown that appears to have involved shoot-to-kill orders. The government's subsequent internet blackout made documenting casualties extremely difficult and continues to hamper verification efforts. International Context: Simultaneous Nuclear Talks The timing of the arrests is particularly notable as they occurred just days after Iranian and U.S. officials held talks in Oman that both sides described as positive. President Donald Trump had threatened military action against Iran during the peak of the protests but later said he believed Tehran would be open to a deal. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying naval and air forces remain positioned in the Middle East, maintaining both pressure on Tehran and strike capability should Trump order military action. Trump has repeatedly declared Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons and has demanded a comprehensive deal addressing not only the nuclear program but also Iran's ballistic missiles and support for regional militant groups. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to visit Washington for discussions expected to focus heavily on Iran, with military options reportedly on the table if negotiations fail. Analysts interpret the arrests as a message not just to Iranians but to the outside world as these negotiations proceed. "This is clearly a regime that has now demonstrated that it is willing to fight for its survival at any cost," Vaez said, suggesting the crackdown shows Iran will not liberalize under external pressure. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Sunday that Iran could envision "a series of confidence-building measures concerning the nuclear program" in exchange for the United States lifting sanctions. However, he insisted on Iran's right to continue enriching uraniuma position unlikely to satisfy U.S. and Israeli demands. Challenge for President Pezeshkian The arrests present a significant challenge for President Pezeshkian, who campaigned as a candidate closely affiliated with the Reformist Front. The party's endorsement played an instrumental role in convincing many Iranians to vote for him despite widespread political apathy and distrust of the system. Pezeshkian has not publicly commented on the arrests, placing him in an impossible position. Defending the arrested reformists would put him at odds with Khamenei and hardline elements that control the security apparatus. Remaining silent makes him appear either powerless or complicit in the repression of his own political allies. The situation illustrates the fundamental limitation of reform within Iran's political system: elected officials like the president serve at the pleasure of the unelected supreme leader, who controls the military, security services, and judiciary. When Khamenei and the IRGC decide to eliminate reformists, the reformist president has no mechanism to stop them. Additional Repressions: Narges Mohammadi and Filmmakers The crackdown extends beyond politicians. Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate, received an additional prison sentence exceeding seven years, demonstrating authorities' determination to silence even internationally recognized critics of the protest response. Filmmaker Mehdi Mahmoudian, co-screenwriter of "It Was Just an Accident," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2025, was also arrested for contributing to statements critical of authorities written after the January crackdown. The detention of cultural figures signals that no category of public intellectual or artist is safe from repression. These arrests follow a pattern of targeting anyone with public influence who expressed sympathy for protesters or criticized the government's violent response, regardless of their field or international standing. The Reformists' Dilemma and Public Support Whether reformists retain significant public support remains uncertain and was a subject of debate even before the arrests. During the January protests, many demonstrators chanted "Death to Khamenei" and expressed support for Iran's exiled crown prince, appearing to reject all politicians working within the Islamic Republic's frameworkincluding reformists. Political activist and former political prisoner Hossein Razzaq told Radio Farda that authorities are cracking down on any form of dissent, including reformists who "see themselves as loyal to the Islamic republic." This characterization captures the tragic irony: reformists spent decades affirming their loyalty to the system while advocating for changes within it, but the system has now decided even that qualified loyalty represents an unacceptable threat. The large death toll from the protests deepened longstanding tensions between reformist leaders and their base, which has grown increasingly disillusioned with the Islamic Republic and sought a tougher stance toward the country's rulers. Many younger Iranians, in particular, view reformism as a failed project that legitimized an unreformable system. Long-Term Risks for the Regime By pursuing such a forceful crackdown against reformists, Iranian authorities face a significant long-term risk: they may push these figures to eventually take a stronger oppositional stance, according to Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House. "This is a signal things are going to get worse before they get better," Vakil said. "This is not going to be a snap back to life as normal." Sina Azodi, director of the Middle East Studies programme at George Washington University, characterized the arrests as indicating the Islamic Republic "has decided to close any avenues for political dissent and, rather, to rule with an iron fist, through crackdowns and more fear-mongering among any political dissidents." Historically, authoritarian regimes that eliminate all channels for peaceful political opposition and reform risk pushing dissidents toward more radical positions and tactics. If reformists conclude that working within the system is impossible because the system will imprison them anyway, they may eventually embrace more fundamental opposition to the regime itself. Looking Forward As the arrested reformists face prosecution on charges of supporting Israel and the United Statesallegations that may carry severe penalties including potential death sentencesthe future of political reform in Iran appears bleaker than at any point since the 1979 revolution. The arrests eliminate a safety valve that previously allowed some expression of dissent within controlled channels. Whether this makes the system more stable by eliminating potential internal subversion, or less stable by foreclosing all peaceful paths for change, remains to be seen. What is clear is that Iran's political landscape has fundamentally shifted. The space for legal opposition has collapsed. The question now is whether Iranians will accept living under increasingly authoritarian rule, or whether eliminating all peaceful alternatives for change will ultimately produce more radical forms of resistance. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Moxy Kathmandu Hotel - Image Credit Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China delivers third consecutive year of record development performance with nearly 200 organic deals signed, adding more than 28,000 rooms to its development pipeline. Marriott International, Inc., today announced that its Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region delivered another outstanding year of growth and strategic expansion in 2025, marking the regions third consecutive year of record-breaking development activity. The performance reflects strong intra-region travel demand and continued confidence from owners and developers across diverse markets. Our record performance in 2025 underscores the strength of Marriotts growth engine across the region and the enduring confidence our hotel owners place in our brands and operating platform. Sustained intra-regional and international travel demand and a diversified portfolio have enabled us to scale with purpose across markets, segments and development models, said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. As we expand into emerging destinations and accelerate conversions and multi-unit agreements, we remain focused on delivering long-term value for owners while creating compelling experiences that resonate with todays travelers. Record Development Activity and Pipeline Expansion APEC delivered its third consecutive year of record development signings, with 187 organic deals representing more than 28,000 rooms signed in 2025, a 32% year-over-year increase. Underscoring strong owner confidence in Marriotts diverse brand portfolio and operating platform, the region closed the year with more than 400 hotels and over 86,000 rooms in the development pipeline. Conversions continued to be a key growth engine, accounting for 35% of total signed deals, reinforcing Marriotts value proposition for owners seeking speed-to-market and access to a powerful global distribution ecosystem. Multi-unit agreements also contributed significantly, representing close to 30% of total signings, reflecting growing appetite for owners to scale portfolios across markets and brand segments with a single hospitality platform. The top five growth markets in APEC with the highest number of signings in 2025 were India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan. India saw the most signings with a record 99 deals representing over 12,000 rooms. In 2025, Marriott introduced Series by Marriott through a founding multi-unit deal in India. The deal resulted in the conversion of 26 hotels to the brand in a single day, adding approximately 1,900 rooms to its portfolio overnight. As of end-2025, the brand has 37 open properties (approximately 2,600 rooms) in 23 cities across India. Operating as Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott, the portfolio marks the brands inaugural global debut, showcasing a collection of eco-sensitive hotels rooted in sustainability and regional charm, and underscoring Marriotts ability to scale locally resonant brands at speed. Brand Momentum Across Segments Luxury remained a strategic focus in 2025 and accounted for approximately 19% of 2025 organic rooms signings, with JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton and Luxury Collection seeing the highest number of signed deals. Insights from Marriotts Intentional Traveler research continue to point to sustained long-term demand among affluent travelers, who increasingly prioritize wellness, personalization and purpose-driven experiences. The company strengthened its luxury pipeline in urban and resort destinations, with key luxury signings in 2025, including: JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru (est. 2027 opening) - this signing marks the brands anticipated arrival in Malaysias southern state. The property is set to play a pivotal role in Johor Bahrus emergence as a dynamic destination for discerning global travellers. (est. 2027 opening) - this signing marks the brands anticipated arrival in Malaysias southern state. The property is set to play a pivotal role in Johor Bahrus emergence as a dynamic destination for discerning global travellers. Pottuvil, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (est. 2032 opening) - expected to debut in Sri Lanka along its pristine eastern coast, this highly exclusive property underscores the companys focus on untapped destinations, offering deeply immersive experiences rooted in nature, culture, and place. (est. 2032 opening) - expected to debut in Sri Lanka along its pristine eastern coast, this highly exclusive property underscores the companys focus on untapped destinations, offering deeply immersive experiences rooted in nature, culture, and place. The Ritz-Carlton, Fiji, Namuka Bay (est. 2032 opening) - a brand debut in Fiji, anticipated to expand Marriotts presence in the destination and mark the companys entry into the Coral Coast. (est. 2032 opening) - a brand debut in Fiji, anticipated to expand Marriotts presence in the destination and mark the companys entry into the Coral Coast. Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore (opened in January 2026) - this marks the second Luxury Collection hotel in Singapore, enriching the brands footprint in the city with a distinctive blend of heritage, design, and modern luxury. Marriotts diversified brand portfolio also fueled growth across midscale and lifestyle segments. The successful introduction of Series by Marriott in India and continued momentum for Four Points Flex by Sheraton underscore Marriotts strategy of scaling flexible, design-forward brands across the region to meet evolving traveler needs. Milestone Portfolio Expansion and Emerging Destinations In 2025, Marriott opened 109 properties across the region and marked a major portfolio milestone with the opening of its 700th APEC property, Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection. Set on a private islet in Vietnams Mekong Delta, the opening underscores Marriotts strategy of expanding beyond traditional gateway cities into culturally rich, high-growth emerging destinations. By the close of 2025, Marriott had more than 730 open properties across 22 countries in APEC, spanning 27 brands. Several notable openings during the year marked brand debuts in both established and emerging markets, reinforcing Marriotts commitment to diversifying its portfolio, capturing new demand drivers, and delivering distinctive, locally inspired experiences across the region. Some key openings include: The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort (October 2025) - marked the brands entry into Singapore, strengthening Marriotts presence in one of Asias premier travel and business hubs. (October 2025) - marked the brands entry into Singapore, strengthening Marriotts presence in one of Asias premier travel and business hubs. The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection (October 2025) - debuted in the Maldives, a world-renowned resort destination, offering two private islands to capture demand for seclusion and experiential stays. (October 2025) - debuted in the Maldives, a world-renowned resort destination, offering two private islands to capture demand for seclusion and experiential stays. The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection (December 2025) - a wellness-oriented resort that represents the brands debut in the Philippines, aligning with the rising demand for experiential and wellness tourism. (December 2025) - a wellness-oriented resort that represents the brands debut in the Philippines, aligning with the rising demand for experiential and wellness tourism. Moxy Kathmandu (December 2025) - a lifestyle brand debut in Nepal, tapping into the growing demographic of younger travelers drawn by cultural and adventure travel in emerging destinations. With a robust development pipeline, strong intra-region demand trends and a diversified portfolio spanning luxury, premium, select service, and midscale segments, Marriotts APEC region enters 2026 well positioned to continue delivering growth and long-term value for owners and guests. CHICOS 2026 Returns to The Bahamas for Landmark 15th Edition at Atlantis Paradise Island - Image Credit HVS The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS), the regions premier hospitality investment conference, is proud to announce that The Bahamas will host CHICOS 2026. Taking place November 1012 at Atlantis Paradise Island, the conferences 2026 edition marks the 15th anniversary of CHICOS with a return to the iconic destination where the event was first launched. The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS), the regions premier hospitality investment conference, is proud to announce that The Bahamas will host CHICOS 2026. Taking place November 1012 at Atlantis Paradise Island, the conferences 2026 edition marks the 15th anniversary of CHICOS with a return to the iconic destination where the event was first launched. CHICOS 2026 will be presented in partnership with the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, convening more than 300 regional and international investors, developers, hotel brands, lenders, advisors, and government leaders to explore the opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean hospitality investment. Following the strong success of CHICOS 2025 in Curacao, recognized for high quality networking and impactful industry connections, CHICOS is poised to build on that momentum in a destination known for accessibility, robust tourism infrastructure, and an active development pipeline. The Bahamas offers an ideal setting for productive conversation, strategic partnerships, and deal making. Returning to Atlantis for our 15th edition is a meaningful full circle moment for CHICOS, said Parris Jordan, Chairman of CHICOS. The Bahamas has long been a cornerstone of Caribbean tourism and investment, and this milestone year allows us to highlight both the destinations strengths and the regions evolving opportunities. The Government of The Bahamas expressed enthusiasm for hosting CHICOS 2026, noting the countrys continued appeal as a leading tourism and investment destination. With more than 3 million visitors to the nation in 2025 and growing interest in sectors such as hospitality, energy, and logistics, opportunities for development in The Bahamas are set to be showcased to investors and other interested parties. Attendees are also encouraged to experience the rich cultural attractions and activities the islands offer. Backed by HVS, the most active hotel consultancy in the Caribbean, CHICOS remains the only hospitality investment conference in the region that rotates annually across different destinationsgiving attendees first hand exposure to emerging markets and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders. Additional details about the agenda, speakers, and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming months. For more information about CHICOS 2026, please visit www.chicos.hvsconferences.com. 4 states sue Trump administration over health funding cuts Xinhua) 13:35, February 13, 2026 SACRAMENTO, United States, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- California and three other U.S. states filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the Trump administration, challenging the federal plan to cut over 600 million U.S. dollars in public health grants exclusively from Democratic-controlled states. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with his counterparts from Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint alleged the cuts are politically motivated and violate federal law, the California Department of Justice announced. As the cuts were designed to target funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California actually faced the largest reduction -- some 180 million dollars in total, including 130 million dollars from the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) alone. The lawsuit claimed violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs federal agency decision-making and constitutional protections. The four states argued the funding termination singled out jurisdictions based on partisan politics rather than program goals. The states contended that the cuts are selective because PHIG operates in all 50 U.S. states, with 107 health departments nationwide receiving funding, yet only these four states are having PHIG funds canceled, the Minnesota Department of Health stated. The administration justified the decision by saying the grants do not align with current agency priorities, according to local news outlets. Officials cited concerns about state management practices and certain program focuses. "President Trump is resorting to a familiar playbook. He is using federal funding to compel states and jurisdictions to follow his agenda," said Bonta, adding that the administration's "efforts have all previously failed." During Trump's first term, courts blocked similar attempts to withhold funds from so-called sanctuary cities. A 2017 federal court ruling found such executive actions violated constitutional limits on federal power. The terminated funds support disease surveillance, infectious disease control, emergency preparedness and laboratory capacity. Minnesota confirmed its PHIG grant termination took effect on Wednesday, creating immediate disruptions to health programs. The states have requested a temporary restraining order to maintain funding while the lawsuit proceeds. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) venerdi 13 febbraio 2026, 06:10 - Last updated: 19 febbraio, 14:01 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated And to think it was supposed to be an exemplary, ethical, and moral revolution; instead, it has so far turned out to be a spectacular defeat for the Vatican: all the efforts once made by Francis to bring some spirituality, moderation, and humility back to the Order of Malta have proven useless. They have been betrayed. To the point that there may be a risk of receivership or an inspection. For several months now, a substantial dossier has landed on Leo XIVs desk. It contains analyses, complaints, and (many) criticisms about the way the current leadership is proceeding, which seems not very much in line with the austere and reforming spirit that inspired the new constitution, approved in 2022 under the pontificate of Bergoglio. RELIGIOUS ORDER To begin with, the most important issue has remained a dead letter: the actual transformation of this ancient chivalric order into a fully-fledged religious order, through a spiritual path for the Professed members, not only to dispel the shadows of the past but to demonstrate absolute consistency with the principle 'Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum' of Blessed Gerard, the founder of this institution. The leadership, in particular the Grand Master, the Canadian John Dunlap, has come under fire. It should have been up to him, first and foremost, to set an example and ensure respect for the new spirit of the Constitution. Moreover, he should have already established a monastery capable of hosting the Professed members, who would then be consecrated as Fra through the definitive acceptance of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Article 39 of the Charter required the creation of a Convent 'within one year' of its entry into force, obliging the Professed to live in community like any other religious order. This was something Bergoglio considered fundamental to saving the Order of Malta. Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, jurist and Patron of the Order, had already identified a building of the Vicariate at San Martino ai Monti. The contract (rent to buy) was ready, but Grand Master Dunlap allegedly called everything off. As a result, Leo XIV has summoned him to the Apostolic Palace for a decisive clarification, which could lead to further measures. The atmosphere is rather tense. Beyond the missing Convent, other issues have come to a head. The decision to close by the end of this year the clinic (historically intended for the poor) housed in the magistral palace on Via Condotti. The reason is that it was costing the Order of Malta too much, although the Order is burdened by excessive and unnecessary representation expenses. Once those spaces are vacated by the clinic, they are expected to be rented to major luxury groups, perhaps Tiffany or even Hermes. This has raised more than one eyebrow among cardinals in the Vatican. RELATIONS The complaints reaching the Pope are not few. Things are no better in some embassies of the Order of Malta. In this case, it was the apostolic nuncios who raised some issues. And precisely because of the lack of consistency with the basic principles of religious life, some senior officials and members of the government have left, slamming the door in total disagreement with the general trend. THE MORAL CRISIS The moral crisis afflicting the Order of Malta had already caused real internal earthquakes over the past ten years. Heads rolling overnight, fratricidal struggles, million-dollar inheritances of dubious origin, African hospitals where abortions were performed in total disregard for Church doctrine, to the point that the late Grand Master Matthew Festing, a person of utmost integrity, was unjustly forced to resign in 2016 under the pressure of an internal conspiracy. He wanted to clarify many revenues, conduct an audit, and make every step transparent. But above all, he wanted to turn the Professed into true monks, obliging them to live in a monastery, as happens in any religious order. In 2017, Francis was forced to place the Order under receivership, sweep away the German knights, and in 2022, the constitutional reform was finally approved, which (on paper) set poverty and community life for the members. Now it will be up to Leo XIV to take the matter back in hand and try to set the Order straight. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pakistans top court on Thursday ordered authorities to form a medical team to examine imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, who recently told his attorney that he has lost roughly 85 per cent of vision in his right eye. The Supreme Court order said a medical board must examine him before 16 February, according to Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, commonly known as PTI. Information minister Attaullah Tarar said two weeks ago that the 73-year-old former premier had undergone a brief medical procedure for an eye condition at a hospital in Islamabad and was in good health. Khans family has said it was not consulted before he was taken to the hospital. The Islamabad hospital said in a 30 January statement that he reported reduced vision in his right eye and was examined by a senior prison doctor. Based on the doctor's assessment, the hospital conducted the procedure with Khan's consent. In this photograph taken on 1 November 2022, Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan speaks while taking part in an anti-government march in Gujranwala ( AFP via Getty Images ) Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 following his conviction and sentencing in a graft case. Salman Safdar, Khans lawyer, reported to the Supreme Court earlier this week that his client had normal vision several months ago but developed persistent blurred vision that was reported to prison officials. He told his attorney that a specialist diagnosed a damaging blood clot and he has been left with only 15 per cent vision in his right eye due to delayed treatment. PTI posted a statement on social media saying it condemned the poor treatment for his deteriorating eyesight. The party threatened legal actions and demanded Khan receive immediate and unrestricted access to his personal physicians, specialized eye treatment and transfer to a hospital. Khans family and PTI have issued repeated requests to the government of prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow family visits and an examination by eye specialists and Khan's personal doctor. Khans sister, Aleema Khan, told reporters Thursday that her brother complained of blurred vision for three months, but prison authorities did not act until his deteriorating eyesight prompted a late January hospital visit. She claimed the delay contributed to his worsened condition. Khan remains a hugely popular political figure in Pakistan despite his removal from office through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022. He has alleged that his ouster resulted from a U.S.-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. The claims were denied by Washington, Pakistan's military and his political opponents. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tarique Rahman is set to become Bangladesh's next prime minister, marking a dramatic return to power for the political scion who spent nearly two decades in self-imposed exile in London. His victory in a pivotal election sees him follow in the footsteps of his parents, who also led the nation. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Rahman, has declared a landslide win in the country's first election since the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. On Friday, the BNP's media unit asserted it had secured sufficient parliamentary seats to form a government independently. While the Election Commission (EC) is yet to announce final results, numerous local media outlets have corroborated the party's triumph. This electoral success represents a significant turnaround for the 60-year-old, who departed Bangladesh in 2008. At the time, he cited a need for medical treatment following his release from detention under a military-backed caretaker administration, which had arrested him during a corruption crackdown. He returned home to a hero's welcome last Christmas after a youthdriven uprising uprooted the BNP's archenemy, longtime premier Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League, in August 2024. open image in gallery Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Tarique Rahman poses for a photograph in his party office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. ( AP ) Hasina, now in exile in New Delhi, and Rahman's mother, Khaleda Zia, long dominated Bangladeshi politics, while Rahman's father was a leading Bangladesh independence figure who ruled the country from 1977 to 1981 before he was assassinated. Rahman has pledged to recalibrate Bangladeshs international partnerships to attract investment without tying the country too closely to any single power, in contrast with Hasina, who was seen as aligned with New Delhi. He has also highlighted expanding financial aid for poor families, reducing reliance on garment exports by promoting industries such as toys and leather goods, and introducing a twoterm, 10year limit for prime ministers to deter autocratic tendencies. Events have unfolded so quickly since Rahman landed in Dhaka with his cardiologist wife and barrister daughter that he said he has scarcely had time to reflect. "I don't know how we have passed every minute since we landed," Rahman said on the sidelines of an interview last Saturday with Reuters in his party office, flanked by his daughter Zaima. Image makeover The bespectacled Rahman was born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka to Khaleda and former President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP. He studied international relations at the University of Dhaka, dropped out, and later started businesses in textiles and agroproducts. Since his return, Rahman has tried to project himself as a statesman ready to look beyond his family's difficulties under Hasina. Gone is the image of a brash operator from the BNPs 20012006 era, when his mother was prime minister. Although he never held a government post, Rahman was often accused of running a parallel power centre during her tenure, a charge he denies. "What does revenge bring to someone? People have to flee from this country because of revenge. This does not bring anything good," he said. "What we need at the moment in the country is peace and stability." Under Hasinas rule, Rahman became a central target of corruption cases and was convicted in absentia in several of them. In 2018, he was also sentenced to life over a 2004 grenade attack on a rally Hasina was addressing that killed and wounded many. He has always denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated, and has since been acquitted in all cases following Hasinas ouster. open image in gallery Tarique Rahman speaks with the media after voting outside a polling station. ( Reuters ) From London, he had watched his party marginalised election after election, with senior leaders jailed, workers disappearing, and offices shuttered. Since returning, Rahman has adopted a noticeably understated style, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and calling instead for restraint and reconciliation. He has spoken of restoring peoples ownership of the state and rebuilding institutions a message that has energised BNP supporters eager for a fresh start. Further helping to soften his image, the family's fluffy Siberian cat Jebu has gone viral on social media. "She's 7. She's half Siberian. We adopted her," Rahman's daughter Zaima told Reuters. Inside the BNP, Rahman's grip on the party is strong. Party insiders said he directly oversaw candidate selection, strategy and alliance talks, roles he once performed remotely. He may be a product of dynastic politics, but Rahman said restoring and sustaining democracy would be his biggest priority." Only by practicing democracy can we prosper and rebuild our country. If we practice democracy, we can establish accountability," he said. "So we want to practice democracy, we want to rebuild our country." Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Minnesota is seeing the largest outbreak of sexually transmitted ringworm in the U.S., with infections disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men. More than 30 confirmed or suspected cases of the fungal infection have been reported in the state since last July, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, and all were within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The ringworm - known as trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, or TMVII - was first reported in New York City in June 2024. Minnesotas Health Department said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aware of other sporadic cases in larger cities across the U.S. Californias Department of Public Health previously said the first patient with TMVII had traveled to California before he was diagnosed in New York. TMVII has been circulating in Europe and among people who traveled to Southeast Asia for sex tourism for several years, but is not currently considered widespread in the U.S. open image in gallery Health authorities are warning about the spread of sexually transmitted ringworm. Dozens of cases have been reported since last summer ( Minnesota Department of Health ) A coin-like rash TMVII is the only known sexually transmitted fungal infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sometimes confused for eczema or psoriasis, TMVII spreads through skin-to-skin contact or exposure to fungal spores. The ringworm can spread through genital contact, as well as to the face, bottom, torso, arms and legs. It can cause painful and itchy red, coin-like rashes, sometimes with bumps or pimples on top. Infections can vary in severity, sometimes leading to complications even with treatment. Patients may see lesions and open sores that increase the risk for secondary bacterial infections and lead to harmful inflammation. Some patients might develop painful and persistent rashes that can lead to scarring or worsening infections that need to be treated with antibiotics, health officials warned last month. open image in gallery More than 30 cases have been reported near Minnesotas Twin Cities. But there are other infections reported in big U.S. cities ( Getty ) A lengthy treatment process Diagnosing TMVII infection requires advanced testing, although most labs have trouble distinguishing TMVII from two other fungal infections known as T. mentagrophytes and T. interdigitale, according to the CDC. Patients may require weeks or even months of oral medication, and people should avoid using steroid creams, as they will worsen TMVII infection. To prevent exposure, people should avoid sexual contact if they or their partner has a new rash and avoid sharing personal items, such as clothing, towels, bedding and razors. Items should be washed and dried on high heat, and fungal spores can be killed with common disinfectants or strong detergents. People who believe they have a rash should make sure it is covered with bandages or clothing and wash their hands with soap after touching the infected area to reduce the risk of spread to other areas of the body. While the overall public health risk is low, state health officials say MSM, people who use anonymous apps, and people with a history of sexually transmitted infections may be at higher risk, according to the University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. Before school broke up for the holidays at the end of last year, Archie* (17) called me, laughing. But it wasnt a jolly, fun-fuelled laugh it was that kind of laugh people do when theyre in shock. He told me that weekend, hed woken up, and there was cotton (the wool type you can buy in a chemist) around his bed. The housemaster of his elite and expensive school suggested someone was trying to simulate snow for a Christmassy effect. The trouble was, several other Black students had also woken up to the same cotton around their beds in other houses. Archie is one of the least easily offended people I know. His background and deep Christian faith instil in him an admirable philosophy of turning the other cheek. He even viewed the bursary he won to the school as a result of his academic achievement as more of a gift from God than his own personal and intellectual gifts. Nonetheless, this tested his genial and philosophical outlook as he felt the school was more intent on hushing it up than getting to the bottom of it. open image in gallery The number of our students saying things like go back home and get back on the boat to other students has increased significantly ( Getty/iStock ) I asked him if he felt the school had a race problem, and he answered carefully. No. But there has definitely been a change in the last couple of years. Theres that elephant in the room, when they both know theres a problem but wont say it, thats what it feels like. Theres much more open anti-immigrant language around, much more open support of people like Nigel Farage and Trump and in the younger years, visibly more friendship groups and divides across racial and cultural lines. That bothers me. Its hard to disagree that British children are growing up in an atmosphere where what was once deemed unsayable and unacceptable is now not just openly discussed, but even used as a boast or repeated as a bit of a laugh. Last week, the issue became supercharged when the President of the United States, Donald Trump, posted a deeply racist video on his Truth Social platform, depicting President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as monkeys. The White House scrambled to find cover, waving it away as LOLs and scolding people for being too easily offended, and finally settling on ignorance with Trump. Yesterday, Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe was forced to apologise after saying that the UK had been colonised by immigrants. After the prime minister called his comments offensive and wrong, the billionaire businessman issued a statement saying that he was sorry that his choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe. But this was after Nigel Farage had posted a video on social media supporting the Manchester United co-owner, saying: Areas of our towns and cities have been completely changed. Jim Ratcliffe is right. Ive spoken to a number of students of all ages who view these kinds of incidents as evidence of just how normalised racist rhetoric has become and worry about the effect it is having. Thea*, 16, a student from London, was devastated by Trumps post, explaining, My grandparents had monkey noises shouted at them in the Eighties. Last week, my brother had monkey noises shouted at him on the way to school. Hes 13. It feels like were going backwards, and its scary and horrible. People in school are saying stuff about supporting politicians with views that would have been taboo even two or three years ago. open image in gallery At the end of last year, Farages Reform UK was celebrating robust fundraising and momentum ( PA ) Statistics released last month by Statista Research show that while the Green Party is currently holding the most sway over 18-24s with 38 per cent expressing their intention to vote for them, Reform has seen significant gains in younger cohorts with 10 per cent of 18-24 support and 19 per cent of 25-49s now aligning with Reform. This is mostly motivated by an antipathy towards the status quo; by their reckoning that traditional parties have done nothing for them, and are more interested in looking after corporate interests and the other over them. Will*, 16, who intends to vote for Reform, explains, Im not racist or really anti-immigrant per se, but things arent working. How is it fair that Ill never be able to buy a house and yet someone rocking up here on a boat or whatever gets one straight away? I ask him if hes open about the political leanings. In my social group, yes, they agree with me. I wouldnt wear a badge. At our school, people are definitely in groups across racial lines a bit, but also what you believe. open image in gallery Younger children can be a good barometer of the mood of a country because of their lack of filter ( Africa Studio/Adobe.com ) At the end of last year, Farages Reform UK was celebrating robust fundraising and momentum, which suggested that racism allegations that had emerged from Farages school days were not scaring off supporters. Could this be because those accusations, which Farage has denied, chime with a current mood? Over in Epping, Essex, Jannelle*, 41, who has taught in secondary schools for 16 years, describes the last three as one of the worst of her career. Her school is close to one of the most reported on migrant hotel protests, and she believes the consequences for local schools were extremely toxic. She explains: We had a number of students go to the protests openly with parents and appear on social media waving banners. Theyd come back to school on Monday and, of course, it was blowing up. Fights, name-calling. You name it. That animosity can cause huge amounts of racial tension in schools. Younger children can be a good barometer of the mood of a country because of their lack of filter. Iain*, 47, has been a primary school head in Hertfordshire and has been alarmed by the spike in racist incidents hes seen over the last two years. This aligns with recent data from the Department of Education, which reports a 220 per cent increase in suspensions for racist abuse in primary schools nationally. The number of our students saying things like go back home and get back on the boat has increased significantly. They are getting this from parents or families. I was accused by a dad last week of being racist against whites because I had sanctioned his son, who had been making monkey noises at other children. open image in gallery In my school, I was in the minority and got loads of racism directed at me, which I never thought to complain about ( Getty/iStock ) Farrah*, 32, made the transition from teaching at a mixed school secondary to an all-girls school last year and made an interesting observation. At my previous school, I would get a lot of quite hostile or inappropriate questions from boys about where I was from, what my religion was, why I didnt wear a headscarf. I dont get any of that from the girls. None. I dont think boys are inherently more or less racist than girls, but they are consuming content thats fuelling a lot of this. One of the boys who was a bit of a ringleader, who was very clever and popular, was a big listener of the American talk-show hosts like Nick Fuentes, who wears his extreme views with pride. Far from being a pariah, this kid has only grown in popularity over here in the last couple of years. Russell*, 19, says he is also a big fan of American podcaster Nick Fuentes, a powerful voice in the American hard-right and self-avowed Nazi and misogynist. Nick Fuentes' nightly show, America First with Nicholas J. Fuentes, attracts millions of listeners on Rumble, the vast majority of the audience being young men. Nick Fuentes also promotes ideas that are directly tied to the so-called Great Replacement theory (also called replacement or white genocide conspiracy theory), which alleges that white populations in Western countries are being deliberately replaced by non-white immigrants and demographic change. What was a fringe idea has started to become mainstream in the US and here, and has become something Russell is now fully buying into. open image in gallery Schools are a good bellwether for what is going on in wider society ( Getty/iStock ) You get on a train in London, no white faces, he says. In my school, I was in the minority and got loads of racism directed at me, which I never thought to complain about. While he was quiet about his political beliefs at school, he has become more open about them, surprisingly, at university. He explains: People think universities are all woke, but there are loads of powerful groups forming on campuses who are becoming more public that are about what we should be about, white, conservative, traditional, Christian values. Bring it on. Schools are a good bellwether for what is going on in wider society. At a Conservative Association dinner in March, Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, complained about a lack of visible white people during a visit to Handsworth in Birmingham, saying it was one of the worst integrated places Ive ever been to and that in about 90 minutes he didnt see another white face. He added that thats not the kind of country I want to live in and linked that to concerns about community integration. While his and Ratcliffes more recent comments have been dubbed racist by community leaders, the number of people who say must be born British is rising according to analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and about one-third of people (36 per cent) thought a person must be born British to be truly British, up from one in five (19 per cent) in 2023, a December YouGov poll for the thinktank found. Lawrence, 44, has taught at an outstanding mixed private day school for over a decade and has seen a total deterioration in discourse among students and their parents. If you have a debate, say on immigration, youll inevitably get students on both sides upset and calls from parents saying you are encouraging one point of view or anti another. This kind of polarisation is definitely making it less possible to have those debates at a time when theyre most needed. open image in gallery Seven out of 10 Britons feel that the country is less stable, tolerant, happy, economically viable and united than it was 10 years ago ( Getty/iStock ) A recent coalition of organisations, including the Diana Award, Everyday Racism, the Centre for Mental Health, Not So Micro, the Black Curriculum, UK Youth and the African Caribbean Education Network, called on the Department of Education to start treating racism as a safeguarding issue. Arguing that anti-racism guidance should be published for all schools and colleges, they said: Racism in schools not only harms the individuals who racist abuse is directed at, but negatively impacts the wider school community, undermining the sense of belonging and cohesion within the school environment. When you talk to young people, there is an enormous range of opinions about the issue of racism in schools, but a consensus on one thing: The UK is going in the wrong direction. Seven out of 10 Britons feel that the country is less stable, tolerant, happy, economically viable and united than it was 10 years ago. But there is disagreement over the causes, with the left pointing to the rise of racist rhetoric as straining our tolerance levels, and the right blaming too much tolerance, leading to an inevitable outpouring of anger. The result of this is that extreme politics and behaviours are on the rise. Far from sinking into apathy, huge numbers of young people now subscribe to the do something principle in their politics. They like leaders who have a clear direction, like Zack Polanski of the Green Party on Zohran Mamdani, the new Mayor of New York or more right-wing figures like Farage or Trump, president of the US. All these characters are seen as people of action who are making a stand. But its also true that increasingly, the losers of this do something trend, which thrives on deep divides, are children in the playground who are becoming targets of abuse just because of the colour of their skin. *Names changed For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Labour ex-prime minister Gordon Brown has called for police to interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over a reported sex-trafficking network in and out of the UK run by his friend Jeffrey Epstein. He has asked the Metropolitan Police urgently to re-examine their decision-making in their investigation into whether Epsteins victims were trafficked to Britain, and called for a full inquiry. Nearly 90 flights linked to the convicted sex offender had arrived at or left from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018, some with British women onboard who say they were abused by Epstein, according to a BBC investigation in December. open image in gallery Mr Brown says police investigations failed to properly check evidence of flights ( PA Archive ) The former prime minister says he has discovered more evidence of Epsteins trafficking network in Britain, including girls arriving at Stansted airport from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia on flights paid for by convicted paedophile Epstein. The Kings brother must be interviewed as part of a full investigation, Mr Brown insisted, saying he was shocked to the core by the evidence of flights carrying women who were trafficked. Mr Brown wrote in The New Statesman that at least one of the flights was linked to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, saying: I have been told privately that the investigations related to the former Prince Andrew did not properly check vital evidence of flights. I have asked the police to look at this as part of the new inquiry. The Stansted revelations alone require them to interview Andrew. Thames Valley Police are already in talks with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over allegations that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor shared with Epstein confidential reports in his role as a UK trade envoy. open image in gallery Claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor handed Jeffrey Epstein confidential information are already being studied by police ( PA/New York State Sex Offender Registry ) The former chancellor and PM wrote that it appeared from emails in the Epstein files that a number of British girls were on dozens of flights organised from UK airports on Epsteins so-called Lolita Express. Visas were issued and payments made to transport them, he said. Some 15 of the flights were approved after Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008, he added. The messages revealed in graphic detail how Epstein used Stansted to traffick girls from Eastern Europe. One email, headed the girl, described a young woman as just turned 18, 179cm, very cute, speaks English and adds: I saw her in real 3 years ago i will send you the video in next email. The Kings brother, who denies any wrongdoing, was last year stripped of his royal titles, honours and his home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, because of his friendship with Epstein. Mr Brown also questioned the competence of the British authorities, claiming they had little or no idea who was being trafficked through our country, and for whom other than Epstein. The evidence suggests some in the UK were complicit in trafficking. This demands a full inquiry, he wrote. He added: I have asked the Met urgently to re-examine their decision-making in their investigation and the subsequent reviews. Even women who have been mentioned in the Epstein files, whose names should have been requested months ago from the US Department of Justice, do not appear to have been contacted by British investigators. Mr Brown called for the payoff awarded to Peter Mandelson after he was sacked as US ambassador reportedly more than 40,000 to go to a fund for victims of crime. open image in gallery Mandelsons payoff should go to victims, Gordon Brown says (Luke MacGregor/PA) ( PA Archive ) Pressure is mounting on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence to the US Congress about what he knew about Epsteins crimes. Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was sexually assaulted three times by the then-royal, has called for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to fly to the US to answer questions. In Congress on Wednesday, Ted Lieu, Californias Democratic representative, displayed two pictures of the former prince on all fours crouching over an unidentified woman, asking attorney-general Pam Bondi why they had not been used to prosecute Mr Mountbatten-Windsor. The former prince paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Ms Giuffre in 2022, despite insisting he had never met her. The Independent has approached Andrew for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two men who plotted a mass shooting that could have become one of the deadliest attacks on Jewish communities in the UK have been given life sentences. Walid Saadaoui, 38, hatched a plan to smuggle four high-powered military-grade AK-47 rifles, two pistols and 900 rounds of ammunition into the UK and unleash what police chiefs said could have been Britains deadliest terrorist incident. Alongside Amar Hussein, 52, he had intended to cause untold harm by opening fire on a march against antisemitism in Manchester city centre before moving to attack an area of the city occupied predominantly by the Jewish community. The plot was foiled after Saadaoui, of Abram in Wigan, shared his deadly preparations online with a man he believed shared his ideology. Unbeknown to him, Saadaoui was actually in contact with an undercover operative later identified in court proceedings as Farouk to protect his identity. Saadaoui and Hussein, both of no fixed address, were jailed for life on Friday at Preston Crown Court, with minimum terms of 37 years and 26 years respectively. open image in gallery Amar Hussein, left, and Walid Saadaoui, right, pictured together in Dover ( Greater Manchester Police ) Mr Justice Wall told the defendants that if their plot had succeeded, it would likely have been one of the deadliest terror attacks ever carried out on British soil. He said: I am sure this would have led to the deaths of many people and serious injuries to many, many more. Your plan envisaged you and two others discharging AK-47s into a large crowd of marchers, who were unarmed and defenceless; 120 bullets could have been discharged before any reloads were required. You planned to have spare magazines available. Your attack would have led to the deaths of people of all ages, including children. Prosecutors said Saadaoui had moved to the North West in 2022 and made several unsuccessful attempts to purchase guns online before he met Farouk. He was also found to have posted Isis propaganda on numerous Facebook accounts and encouraged others to take up weapons in the name of the Islamic State. In his communications with the undercover officer, Saadaoui shared his admiration for Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the leader in the 2015 Paris attacks. He also told Farouk of his desire to attack Jewish people, and covertly joined a Jewish Facebook page to follow events. He also recruited Hussein, a fellow Isis sympathiser, to conduct reconnaissance and monitor the arrival of the weapons. The two would-be terrorists believed that Farouk could import automatic firearms from abroad, and welcomed him into their deadly fold. He infiltrated the group, learning that the pair embraced the ideology of Isis and intended to carry out attacks in response to alleged atrocities conducted by Israeli troops since October 2023. Saadaoui told Farouk he could independently obtain a firearm via Sweden, and indicated that he was looking to bring guns from Eastern Europe. Separately he had bought an air weapon and had visited a shooting range. Saadaoui and Hussein travelled to Dover, Kent, in March 2024 to conduct hostile reconnaissance on how a weapon could be smuggled through the port without detection. A safe house was also secured in Bolton for storage of the weapons, while both men returned to Dover two months later, where they believed they were watching the firearms coming into the country. Farouk also learnt that Saadaoui had discussed his plans with his younger brother, 36-year-old Bilel Saadaoui. open image in gallery Saadaouis younger brother Bilel, 36, was convicted of failing to disclose information to the authorities about the plans ( Greater Manchester Police ) Walid Saadaoui was arrested by counterterrorism police in May 2024 after attempting to take possession of two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and almost 200 rounds of ammunition. Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, he and Hussein were convicted of making preparations to commit a large-scale terrorist attack, while Bilel Saadaoui, of Hindley in Wigan, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about the terror plan. He was sentenced to six years in jail with an extended licence period of 12 months. Mr Justice Wall commended the bravery of undercover operator Farouk. He told the court: His is a dangerous and difficult job. He undertook it with great skill and patience. He has potentially saved many lives by putting his own life on the line. I am not allowed to know his true identity, but I hope the remarks I make are passed on to him. Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was a deeply disturbing plot inspired by extremist ideology. Had these terrorists succeeded, it would have led to mass murder and been one of the deadliest attacks on Jewish communities in this country. The investigation and prosecution deployed a highly trained witness who made sure their plot did not succeed and secured valuable evidence directly from the mouths of the terrorists. This laid bare their intention to destroy lives, their long-held attitudes and beliefs as well as their Isis credentials. We worked closely with counterterrorism officers to ensure the strongest possible case was built from the outset and presented in court to the jury, resulting in these convictions. Terrorism is an attack on the very fabric of our society. We will always use the law to protect communities from harm and relentlessly hold offenders to account, making sure they face the toughest legal consequences for their actions. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A serial train masturbator has returned to prison for exposing himself to a lone woman and masturbating just 12 days after being released. James Gathercole, aged 40, was jailed for two years and four months last week following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation into his sickening behaviour. Last July, a woman on board a London to East Grinstead train noticed Gathercole staring at her from a nearby seat one morning. After passengers in the same carriage alighted at East Croydon, he then fully exposed himself and began masturbating while continuing to stare at the woman. She left the service at Upper Warlingham station and reported Gathercoles actions to a member of rail staff who contacted BTP. Officers discovered Gathercole asleep on the train when they boarded it at East Grinstead station before arresting him. open image in gallery James Gathercole was found masturbating on a South London train a year after he was jailed for similar offences ( British Transport Police ) Checks on the Police National Database uncovered he was in breach of an existing SHPO and his licence conditions after he was released from prison just 12 days earlier. The offence came only a year after he was jailed for two separate instances on the same day, when he exposed himself to women and masturbated on trains in London on 26 May 2024. He was issued a 10-year SHPO following that conviction, which banned him from travelling on public transport without a valid method of payment or making any form of contact with a lone woman. The second count of exposure that Gathercole was sentenced for earlier this month relates to another incident in June 2024 when he exposed himself and masturbated on board a train in South London. open image in gallery Gathercole was jailed for two years and four months last week following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation into his sickening behaviour ( British Transport Police ) He had also breached the conditions of his prison release licence in July last year by not being in his property after 7pm. He was arrested for this at East Grinstead station. Gathercole, from Leigham Court Road, London, pleaded guilty to two counts of exposure, as well as being in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and the conditions of his prison release licence. He was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 2 February. BTP detective constable Jean-Pierre Choolhun said: It is entirely right that, following our investigation, James Gathercole is now back in custody. There is absolutely no place for this sickening behaviour in our society. We take all reports of sexual offending extremely seriously, and this case demonstrates that commitment. Our officers acted immediately, intercepting the train and arresting Gathercole shortly after the report was made. Anyone who is victim to, or witness of, a sexual offence on the railway can report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One in 14 children who die in England has closely related parents, a new study has found. The research, led by the University of Bristol, looked at children born to parents who share an ancestor and who had died between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2023. Of the 13,045 child deaths recorded in the four years, 7 per cent (926) of the children were born to "consanguineous" parents, meaning the parents are close blood relatives. The pattern remained consistent, with 8 per cent documented in 2019-20 and 7 per cent in 2022-23. The data shows that children whose parents were close relatives died most frequently due to genetic issues such as chromosomal, genetic and congenital anomalies. Whereas the most common cause of death for children whose parents were not related was perinatal or neonatal reasons. Karen Luyt, director of the National Child Mortality Database study said: "This is the first analysis of its kind globally looking at consanguinity-related child deaths across a whole country and over a number of years. Those findings are stark: 7 per cent of child deaths over the period were of children born to consanguineous parents. These children might have died from any cause, but the data shows us very clearly that they are over-represented in mortality statistics. Action is urgently required to improve outcomes for this group." open image in gallery Of the 13,045 child deaths recorded across a 4 year period, 7 per cent (926) children were born to consanguineous parents ( Getty/iStock ) She added: "Another telling aspect of the findings is that children in the poorest neighbourhoods contributed the highest number of deaths - and that was true for both the children with consanguineous and non-consanguineous parents. In fact, this is a trend that we see across almost all causes of child death." A bill to ban first cousin marriages in the UK was put forward by Conservative MP Richard Holden and is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons. Mr Holden told The Independent: The findings of this report are deeply serious and deserve to be treated as such. There is clear, consistent medical evidence of elevated genetic risk associated with close-kin marriage, we have a responsibility to confront that honestly, just as we should with other risks of cousin marriage pertaining to individual freedom and societal cohesion. Government already legislates marriage in other close-relation contexts on safeguarding grounds, and they should legislate to cover that principle with first cousin marriage too. This evidence reinforces why I have introduced legislation to prohibit first-cousin marriage. Policy should always put the health and long-term wellbeing of children first. open image in gallery A bill to ban first cousin marriages in the UK was put forward by Conservative MP Richard Holden and is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) Dominic Wilkinson, professor of medical ethics at Oxford university told The Independent: This study highlights that there are a significant number, though by far a minority, of deaths where parents are related, and the reason that this occurs is because when parents are related theres an increased risk of serious genetic illness, and that can in a small number of cases, sadly be life limiting. However Mr Wilkinson, pointed out that the study does not specifically refer to first cousin marriages, but rather all types of relatives. He added If you were to ban first cousin marriages, it wouldn't solve the problem that's in this report, because there are other degrees of relationship that also lead to serious genetic illness. If we're making policies that says we think you can have children and you can't have children because of your risk of genetic illness, then that is this old fashioned, morally troubling form of eugenics, where we're saying that the future health of the population allows us to restrict the choices of some people. Mr Wilkinson encouraged supporting parents so they can make informed choices about who they have children with and the elevated risks. An NHS spokesperson said: This report provides further clear evidence on the increased risk of genetic conditions and serious illness that having closely related parents carries, and highlights a worrying number of deaths in more deprived areas. With hundreds of children losing their lives in recent years, the NHS is running a small pilot which will test whether nurses with specialist training in these complications could prevent the death of vulnerable babies, targeted in areas where close-relative marriage is prevalent. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice London Heathrow is not overcrowded, the airports boss has argued, people just keep walking in the wrong place. Despite being named the busiest airport in Europe last year, Heathrows chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, defended the travel hub as angry passengers claim Terminals two and five feel more crowded. He responded to questions about how his airport would manage handling more passengers at an event in London for the Aviation Club UK. One of the jokes I have with our people is that one of the reasons Terminal 5 is crowded, which its not actually, is people are in the wrong place, he said, according to The Times. One of the reasons is that all the British people choose the left and all the Europeans keep to the right. And they do that [in] both directions, so we get everybody crashing into each other and I see that from personal experience. We could change that. We could just make sure that everybody going this way, they keep to the left, [and] if going that way. keep to the right. open image in gallery Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye has revealed plans to declutter departure lounges ( PA Archive ) He added that despite Terminal 5 being bigger than Terminal 3, it scored worse in the airports crowd perception metrics for being the busiest. Interestingly Terminal 3 is one of the ones that scores best, and Terminal 5 is one of the worst and theres way more space in Terminal 5. Mr Woldbye said that his staff were working to improve the flow of passengers through terminals to reduce perceptions of overcrowding as the airport endeavours to have 10 million more passenger journeys a year by 2031. This would reportedly include decluttering departure lounges by taking out phone boxes and seats as well as moving information counters. Mr Woldbye added that they were no longer using passengers per square metre to monitor crowds. open image in gallery Terminal 5, despite being busier than Terminal 3, scored worse in the airports crowd perception metrics ( Simon Calder ) Its passengers per square metre per minute, he said. So, we want you to have a perception that youre moving forward, that youre doing what you want to be doing, whether that is going through security, checking in, leaving your baggage, or shopping, or going to the gate, in the most efficient way. The airports growth target is separate to plans for a third runway, set to be built by 2035 at the earliest. Rachel Reeves backed plans for a third runway last year in a bid for economic growth. She said the move would potentially create 100,000 jobs, as she pledged to invest in East Midlands airport as well, with 2,000 jobs. We will then take forward a full assessment through the airports national policy statement, she said. This will ensure that the project is value for money and our clear expectation is that any associated service transport costs will be financed through private funding. It will ensure that a third runway is delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate objectives. open image in gallery Rachel Reeves has backed a third runway at Heathrow ( Peter Cziborra/PA Wire ) Ms Reeves argued that by backing a third runway at Heathrow we can make Britain the worlds best-connected place to do business. The decision to support a third runway has sparked backlash from critics, including Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. He said in August last year: I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow Airport because of the severe impact it will have in terms of noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets. Despite progress to make the aviation sector more sustainable, I remain unconvinced that you can have a new runway delivering hundreds of thousands of additional flights every year without a hugely detrimental impact on our environment. The Independent has approached Heathrow for comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The boss of an academy trust says she is spending around 50,000 on metal detectors for four secondary schools following a spate of knife attacks and says the government should encourage other schools to do the same. Jo Higgins, chief executive officer at Dudley Academies Trust, warned that schools were vulnerable to violence without leaders taking appropriate measures. It follows a series of serious knife offences in schools. On Monday, two boys, aged 12 and 13, were stabbed at a school in Brent, north west London, and last week a teacher was attacked at a school in Pembrokeshire. There are no government figures on attacks in schools; however, Freedom of Information data reported by the BBC in October revealed there were 1,304 offences involving knives or sharp objects at schools and sixth form colleges in England and Wales in 2024. Thats the equivalent of nearly seven per school day. The government, which came to power with a manifesto pledge to halve knife offences in a decade, this week unveiled its latest plan to give every child caught with a knife a mandatory action plan. It followed an announcement on the opening of youth hubs to target knife crime. But Ms Higgins, who previously taught close to the Sheffield school where 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose was murdered last year, told The Independent that ministers should go further and encourage a rollout of metal detector devices, also called knife arches, at secondary schools. Harveys mother has made similar calls. open image in gallery Jo Higgins said the stabbing of Harvey Willgoose in Sheffield last year led her to look at getting knife detectors installed at her trust's four secondary schools ( Supplied ) She said her trust was spending around 50,000 on 10 of the devices and adapting school estates to fit them in at its four secondary schools with two already having them in place. They operate like airport-scanners, with pupils entering through them while observed by teachers every day. The detectors were installed after an overwhelmingly positive response from parents, said Ms Higgins, who said students had shared concerns over young people carrying knifes in their local communities. The equipment, she said, not only helped children feel safer while learning in class, but also helped raise awareness of risks posed by knife crime. It was the Harvey Willgoose incident, she said. It stopped us all in our tracks. Of all the schools I know in Sheffield, I would have thought perhaps a different kind of school to that one, its dangerous to have these misconceptions, Ms Higgins explained. open image in gallery The detectors are situated at the entrance to schools, requiring children to walk through them every day. They have received the support of West Midlands Police ( Supplied ) When I found out what had happened I came back into our trust offices the next day and said we need to look at screens, and I think that very same week the trust board scrutinised our plans and we consulted staff and taken student voice. Ms Higgins, who said there had not been a knife-related incident at the trusts schools since it was formed in 2017, added: Were just recognising the reality of the world, the dangers that there are, and we want our schools to remain as really safe places. The metal detector devices have been supported by West Midlands Police, which said they were helping reduce knife crime in the Dudley area. Mondays shocking knife attack in Brent, for which a 13-year-old has now been charged with two counts of attempted, had prompted urgency to get detectors installed at Ms Higgins two remaining secondary schools this February half-term. She said: Unfortunately its the last thing you want to happen [recent attacks] but it seems that this could be something that happens again and we as school leaders, we just cant take a risk. We have to do everything possible around safeguarding in my view, and we can all sleep a little easier at night knowing weve done that. Latest government figures provided toThe Independent by the Ministry of Justice showed there were 1,120 children convicted for knife possession in England and Wales in the year ending September 2025, down slightly from 1,160 the year before. Meanwhile, latest data from NHS Digital showed the number of children admitted to hospital for assault by a sharp object in England rose by almost a quarter to 560 in 2024/25, from 461 in 2014/15. open image in gallery Harvey Willgoose died after he was stabbed twice at his school in Sheffield. His mother Caroline says knife arches would serve as a deterrent to crime in schools ( Supplied ) The boss of one of the UKs largest providers of metal detectors, Interconnective Security Products, said demand from the education sector now outstripped the police and security firms, with a record 18 metal detectors sold to schools for the month of January. But managing director Byron Logue said schools were still acting too slowly in response to knife crime. Schools really dont want to talk about knife crime, too few admit to there being a problem, but we are now finding more are buying the arches. They want schools to feel safer. The arches provide a deterrent and it gives reassurance to allow people to feel confident and safe as they learn. open image in gallery Byon Longue with two metal detectors ( Supplied ) Caroline Willgoose has also said the installation of knife arches in schools could be a deterrent to crime. She said her son, who was stabbed to death at All Saints Catholic High School, had been afraid to go to school because he knew some children carried knives. The Association of Schools and College Leaders said it supported schools over measures to protect pupils and staff from the threat of knife crime. General secretary Pepe DiIasio said: As we have seen from a number of incidents in the recent past no setting is immune from these risks and school leaders would welcome the opportunity to work with other partners such as government, police and local authorities to contribute to a strategic response to this issue. In a publication three years ago, the Department for Education said screening pupils can help provide reassurance that the school is taking measures to create a calm, safe and supportive environment. A spokesperson toldThe Independent: Violence affecting young people is completely unacceptable, and schools should never be left to deal with it alone. Our focus is on prevention and early intervention, working with schools, police and youth services to identify young people at risk early and support them. It is for individual schools to decide whether or not knife arches are necessary or appropriate for their circumstances, and we encourage headteachers to consult with police on this. More widely, the government is tackling knife crime by banning zombie-style knives and ninja swords, strengthening age verification for online knife sales, and rolling out schemes to prevent young people from being drawn into violent crime. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Home Offices decision to ban Palestine Action under terrorism legislation was unlawful, the High Court has ruled in a humiliating blow for the government that could lead to the collapse of hundreds of criminal prosecutions against supporters of the group. Huda Ammori, co-founder of the group, celebrated a monumental victory on Friday after Justice Victoria Sharp said that the proscription of Palestine Action was disproportionate, and that it did result in a very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and the right to freedom of assembly. Three senior judges concluded that only a very small number of Palestine Actions activities amounted to terrorism, and that the groups acts had not crossed the high bar to make it a terrorist organisation. The ban remains in place for now and the government has said it will appeal, but the Metropolitan Police said officers would no longer arrest people simply for showing support for Palestine Action and will instead focus on gathering evidence of those offences ... to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date. It admitted that these are unusual circumstances. The ruling means it is still a criminal offence to support or be a member of Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Since the proscription last July, thousands of people have been arrested for holding up placards in support of the group. open image in gallery Since the proscription last July, thousands of people have been arrested for holding up placards in support of Palestine Action ( AFP/Getty ) Lawyers for Ms Ammori and the Home Office have until 20 February to provide further submissions to the court ahead of more hearings that will decide whether the ban should be lifted, and whether the case will head to the Court of Appeal. As news came through of the judges decision on Friday morning, about a hundred people gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London started cheering and chanting Free Palestine. In their judgment, Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Ms Justice Steyn described Palestine Action as a group that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality, but said that criminal law is sufficient to prosecute these acts. The Independent revealed yesterday that the Home Office has spent 700,000 in legal fees so far fighting Ms Ammoris case. The then home secretary, Yvette Cooper, decided in July 2025 to ban the group under terror laws after activists broke into an RAF base and damaged two military aircraft. The High Court judges said in their ruling that Ms Cooper had failed to consider whether imposing a terror ban on Palestine Action was proportionate to the threat posed by the organisation. Justice Sharp wrote that, by doing this, Ms Cooper had made a significant error by failing to follow the Home Offices own policy on proscription. The High Court judges suggested in the ruling that the strength of the case for proscription may need to be considered further by the home secretary. open image in gallery Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, in 2021 ( Peace Pledge Union/YouTube ) During the court case, Ms Ammoris lawyers insisted that Palestine Action does not advocate for violence, saying any examples of serious violence against property or person are not the norm, they are rare. Ms Ammori responded to the news on Friday, saying that the ruling was a monumental victory for both our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people. She added: It would be profoundly unjust for the government to try to delay or stop the High Courts proposed order quashing this ban while the futures of these thousands of people hang in the balance, many of whom are elderly or disabled and facing up to 14 years imprisonment for this entirely peaceful protest. More than 2,000 people have been arrested for holding signs since the ban took effect, and nearly 700 people have been charged with a terrorism offence involving Palestine Action, although none have yet been convicted. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was disappointed by the High Courts ruling, adding: I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal. open image in gallery Protesters celebrate outside the High Court in London on Friday ( PA ) Shadow home secretary Chris Philp welcomed the decision to appeal, saying Palestine Actions campaign was built on intimidation, destruction, and violence. Outside of the Royal Courts of Justice, there was confusion between Metropolitan Police officers and activists as dozens of people carried signs that read I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. Activist Grace Lally asked two liaison officers if it was illegal to hold the sign, with the officers replying: We can ask. People charged with supporting the group said they feel in limbo after the High Court decision. Angie Zelter, 74, said she faces charges over holding a placard at demonstrations last year and is due at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday. She said the situation is up in the air, adding: We dont really know where we are. Akiko Hart, director of human rights organisation Liberty, said they welcomed the courts finding but said the practical effect will depend on the governments appeal. Lui Asquith, associate in the public law team at law firm Russell-Cooke, said, while routine, the ruling was an oddity as the rights-infringing proscription stands until the court stays otherwise. They explained that the Home Office could argue for the ban to remain in place for longer until the appeal is heard. Amanda Weston KC, a member of the Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, said the ruling was a solid judgment which will be difficult to appeal. However, until a decision to quash the ban is made, it leaves matters up in the air for protesters facing prosecution for supporting Palestine Action. Baroness Shami Chakrabarti said the judgment made clear that the decision to proscribe the whole organisation and its many peaceful supporters was disproportionate, adding: Let those engaged in criminal damage be prosecuted but dont make peaceful protestors guilty by association. Yasmine Ahmed, UK director of Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict was a shot in the arm for British democracy. Areeba Hamid, a director at Greenpeace UK, said the governments use of terror laws had been the stuff of dystopian novels. She added: The Crown Prosecution Service should immediately drop the terror charges against the peaceful protesters who opposed this ban. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council said they were deeply concerned by the High Court ruling, saying that the practical impact of Palestine Actions activities on Jewish communal life has been significant and deeply unsettling. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Palestine Actions co-founder has won a High Court challenge over the ban of the organisation as a terror group on two grounds, judges have said. Huda Ammori sought legal action against the department over the then-home secretary Yvette Coopers decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Three judges, led by president of the Kings bench division, Dame Victoria Sharp, ruled on Friday that the decision was unlawful. The activist group had been allowed to challenge the Home Office over its proscription as a terrorist organisation after the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from the government agency. The direct action group was banned by the government after several of its members were accused of breaking into an Oxfordshire RAF base to spray-paint military planes. open image in gallery Protesters react after hearing the verdict outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Britains High Court, in London on 13 February 2026 ( AFP via Getty ) Formed in 2020, Palestine Action has conducted a series of direct action protests over the past five years, largely against arms manufacturers operating in the UK and selling weapons to Israel. Revealing the intention to ban the group following the incident on 23 June 2025, former home secretary Yvette Cooper said it was the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action. Proscription has branded the group a terrorist organisation and made it illegal to become a member of Palestine Action or solicit support for it, the offence being punishable by up to 14 years in prison. At a hearing late last year, barristers for Ms Ammori told the court that the decision to ban the group was unlawful and should be quashed, with Palestine Action being the first direct-action civil disobedience organisation that does not advocate for violence to be proscribed as a terrorist group. What will happen to arrested protesters now? More than 2,500 people have been arrested on suspicion of publicly showing support for Palestine Action since it was banned. Palestine Action remains banned as a terror group to allow further arguments and the government time to consider an appeal, judges said. This means things remain as they are, for now. Should the Home Office ultimately rescind the conviction, then it would no longer be a crime to show support for Palestine Action. Should this happen, those who have been arrested but not charged for this offence would likely see their cases dropped. Meanwhile, those who have been charged would have strong legal grounds to have their cases dropped, and those who have already been convicted would have similar grounds to appeal their conviction. open image in gallery Pro-Palestinian activists are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire ( Palestine Action ) In a summary of the High Courts decision, Dame Victoria Sharp said: The court considered that the proscription of Palestine Action was disproportionate. A very small number of Palestine Actions activities amounted to acts of terrorism within the definition of Section 1 of the 2000 Act. For these, and for Palestine Actions other criminal activities, the general criminal law remains available. The nature and scale of Palestine Actions activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription. What has Palestine Action done in the past? Palestine Action was established on 30 July 2020 after a group of activists broke into and spray-painted the interior of Elbit Systems UK headquarters in London. The defence contractor has continued to be the main target of Palestine Actions protests since its formation. Based in Israel, Elbit Systems is the countrys largest weapons manufacturer. It supplies the majority of the drones and land-based equipment used by the Israeli military. In the UK, Elbit has multiple UK subsidiaries which operate across 16 sites across the country, with 680 employees. Its latest site is a manufacturing and development facility in Bristol, opened in 2023. On 19 May 2021, four members of Palestine Action dressed in boiler suits climbed onto the roof of an Elbit-owned drone factory in Leicester. open image in gallery Home secretary Yvette Cooper announced the decision to proscribe Palestine Action in June of last year ( House of Commons ) The action was taken in response to a period of unrest in May of that year, in which 256 Palestinians and 17 Israelis were killed. Similar occupations have been carried out at Elbit-owned sites in Bristol, Oldham and Tamworth. In April 2024, the group targeted Somerset County Hall, a grade II-listed building owned by Somerset Council, by splashing it with red paint. This was in response to the local authority leasing a building to Elbit near Bristol. This site was targeted by Palestine Action for the 17th time in March 2025, with four of the groups members using a cherry picker to damage the building. One used a sledgehammer on a rope to smash windows, while others spray-painted the building. In June 2025, four activists allegedly part of the group are accused of damaging two planes at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire by using repurposed fire extinguishers to spray red paint into their turbine engines and cause further damage with crowbars. Counter Terrorism Policing South East said the four had been charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the incident, saying it was a protest against the UKs support of Israels war in Gaza. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Peter Mandelson has been asked to testify to the US Congress over his relationship with the disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter, US politicians told the ex-Labour grandee they thought he had critical information that would assist their investigation into Epstein. Two members of the House of Representatives, Suhas Subramanyam and Robert Garcia, have written to Mandelson asking him to answer questions from the Houses oversight committee. open image in gallery An undated photo of Jeffrey Epstein on a yacht with Mandelson featured in a huge batch of files relating to the disgraced paedophile financier ( US Department of Justice ) They wrote: While you no longer serve as British ambassador to the United States and have stepped down from the House of Lords, it is clear that you possessed extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein and hold critical information pertaining to our investigation of Epsteins operations. Given the appalling allegations regarding Epsteins conduct, we request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with committee staff regarding the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators. Mandelson has been given until the end of the month to respond. He has previously said he was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered. Last week, Sir Keir Starmer said he was sorry for believing Mandelsons lies and for appointing him to the role of Britains ambassador to the US. open image in gallery Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer sacked Mandelson over Epstein ( PA Wire ) Following a barrage of criticism from his own MPs, the prime minister also issued a frank apology to the victims of Epstein. He also admitted that he knew Mandelson had had contact with Epstein before giving him the job, but said: None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship. Mandelson is also being investigated by the Metropolitan Police after the government handed over a dossier of extraordinary emails that suggested the former Labour peer had leaked sensitive government information to Epstein. Officials are also thought to be reviewing 25 years of records to find evidence linking Mandelson to Epstein. Civil servants are examining correspondence that dates back to his time as Northern Ireland secretary under Tony Blair between 1999 and 2002, as well as when he was business secretary under Gordon Brown nearly a decade later. open image in gallery Starmer faces calls to step down as PM over the Mandelson scandal ( PA Wire ) Mandelson was sacked in September when details about his relationship with Epstein emerged. But the most recent release of documents, which indicate that he shared market-sensitive information with the financier in 2009 during the global financial crash, sent shockwaves through Westminster. The files also suggest that a year later, he tipped Epstein off about an imminent 500bn (435bn) deal to prop up the European single currency. Payments reportedly totalling $75,000 (55,000) from Epstein to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, are also revealed. Since the scandal erupted, the prime minister has lost his chief of staff, his top civil servant and his director of communications. On Monday, Sir Keir himself also faced calls to resign from the leader of Scottish Labour, as the party tries to move on from the crisis. A representative for Mandelson has been approached for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer should resign as Labour leader if the party finishes third in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, a prominent trade union leader has said. Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), has publicly backed Angela Rayner to replace him, marking the first time a leader of one of Labours affiliated unions has openly supported an alternative to Sir Keir. Ms Eslamdoust warned that a leadership challenge could materialise as early as the end of February, particularly if Labour falls behind Reform UK and the Greens in the crucial by-election. Ms Eslamdoust told the Daily Telegraph: If we were to come third, I think Keirs time will be up. Calling for a widespread range of candidates in any leadership contest, she said: Id like for a woman to lead the Labour Party. Ms Eslamdoust said that Rayner would show real leadership and also stand up to Trump ( Ben Whitley/PA ) Ms Eslamdoust described Ms Rayner as credible, saying the former deputy prime minister could show real leadership and stand up to US President Donald Trump. She added: She can speak in a way that resonates with workers, with working-class communities, with women. But shes also strong. So when she had her unfortunate scandal, she showed leadership and stepped down. She didnt cling on, and thats something that I find admirable. Ms Rayner was forced to resign last year following revelations that she had failed to pay 40,000 in stamp duty after selling her family home and could still face a penalty from HMRC over the unpaid tax. But she is still spoken of as a potential leadership candidate should Sir Keir resign, although a spokesman for Ms Rayner said there was no contest and no vacancy. The spokesman added: Angela has been clear Labour must come together, avoid distraction and work as a team to deliver for the public. With around 17,000 members, the TSSA is one of Britains smaller trade unions but holds a seat on Labours ruling national executive committee. The union was also critical of the recent decision to bar Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from applying to be Labours candidate in Gorton and Denton, saying the party had lost its way. Ms Eslamdousts comments come days after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for Sir Keir to quit amid the fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal. Sir Keir survived, with the Cabinet unanimously expressing its support for him and Ms Rayner also gave him her full backing, but her comments will add to the pressure he faces in the run-up to the by-election on February 26. The Prime Minister himself has vowed to carry on, saying he was not prepared to walk away from the country or his partys fight against Reform UK. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tony Blair has called on the Labour government to reverse its ban on new licences for drilling oil and gas in the North Sea, echoing calls made by US president Donald Trump. The former prime ministers think tank said Sir Keir Starmer should cut the windfall tax rate on oil and gas firms, saying the governments clean power plan is leading the UK in the wrong direction. Labour has committed to plans to phase out production of oil and gas in the North Sea by restricting new licences for drilling and increasing the rate of the Energy Profits Levy. But in a new report, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) called on the government to lift its ban on new exploration licences and to cut tax rates on the industry, saying the measures have sharply increased policy risk and driven capital out of the basin. open image in gallery The former prime ministers think tank said Keir Starmer should cut the windfall tax rate on oil and gas firms ( PA ) New licences should be granted a clear framework, focused on projects that are commercially viable, less carbon-intensive than imported alternatives and compatible with a declining long-term production profile, the report states. This is not about slowing the transition or denying the direction of travel it is about making the transition governable. An energy strategy that ignores revenue, security and political consent in pursuit of symbolic purity will not endure and it will not deliver the climate outcomes it promises. open image in gallery Climate campaigners are warning against further drilling in the North Sea ( PA ) The call echoes comments made by Donald Trump, who has described the North Sea as one of the greatest reserves anywhere in the world and criticised the UK for making it impossible for the oil companies to go. The United Kingdom produces just one-third of the total energy from all sources that it did in 1999 think of that, one-third and theyre sitting on top of the North Sea, one of the greatest reserves anywhere in the world, but they dont use it, and thats one reason why their energy has reached catastrophically low levels with equally high prices, he said at Davos last month. open image in gallery The call echoes comments made by Donald Trump, who has described the North Sea as one of the greatest reserves anywhere in the world ( Getty ) The TBI also criticised Labours bold pledge to deliver clean power by 2030 in a bid to curb bills and tackle climate change. Under energy secretary Ed Miliband, the government is striving to ensure almost all of Britains electricity comes from clean sources such as renewables and nuclear by the end of the decade. But the TBI said the plan has become an exercise in measuring the wrong achievements, dubbing it climate theatre rather than climate leadership. This is not to say that the UK needs less ambition. What it needs is a strategy that is grounded in todays reality, it said. Clean Power 2030 is leading the UK in the wrong direction. Replacing it with a clear focus on cheaper, abundant power is the only way to sustain growth, enable electrification and maintain public consent for climate action. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Trans people are facing a workers rights crisis, campaigners have warned, after the High Court ruled that employers can legally ban transgender women from using female toilets and changing rooms in the workplace. The Good Law Project and three individuals brought the legal challenge against Britains rights watchdog over interim guidance issued in the wake of the Supreme Courts ruling on the legal definition of a woman. The campaign group have since said they will challenge the ruling. The latest ruling means that workplaces must provide single sex bathrooms on the basis of biological sex. Employers will be unable to allow, for example, trans women to use single-sex womens toilets. open image in gallery Workplaces must provide single sex bathrooms on the basis of biological sex ( PA ) However, this does not mean that trans people will be required to use facilities corresponding with the sex they were assigned at birth. Instead, employers may be required to provide gender neutral facilities in addition to single sex bathrooms. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)s guidance was published last April but was removed from the watchdogs website in October. It stated that trans women should not be permitted to use the womens facilities in workplaces or public-facing services such as shops and hospitals, with the same applying for trans men using mens toilets. But Fridays judgment also ruled that service providers are not required to exclude trans people from using toilet provisions which are in line with their lived gender, with a High Court judge saying service providers should be guided by common sense and benevolence rather than be blinkered by unyielding ideologies when providing toilet facilities. Mr Justice Swift said on Friday that it was fanciful to suggest that the law seeks to regulate every possibility that can arise when providing facilities. He also said that the notion that a person or employer was required to police the use of toilets reveals the application of a logic so strict that it is divorced from reality and from any sensible model of human behaviour. It has been reported that the EHRCs draft code of practice updated in the wake of the Supreme Court edict on biological sex in April and shared with the government last year will force service providers to ban trans women from spaces such as womens toilets and changing rooms. But the latest ruling means that equalities minister Bridget Phillipson will likely ask the EHRC to redraft this guidance. Jess OThomson, GLPs trans rights lead, argued the judgement makes it absolutely clear the law has been dangerously misrepresented. Contrary to what has been widely claimed by politicians and the media, it can be entirely lawful for service providers to let trans women use the womens toilets. The minister must now reject the draft Code which is wrong about the law, they said. While this section of the High Court judgment can be seen as a victory for trans people, there are also concerns that it leaves deep inconsistencies in the law between the workplace and outside it. The legal situation for trans people, employers and service providers is now completely incoherent. What bathroom a trans person can use in a pub may now depend whether they are there as an employee or for a drink, a spokesperson for the Trans Solidarity Alliance said. We are pleased the court has confirmed that the Equality Act does not function as a bathroom ban, but outdated workplace regulations have failed to keep up with modern times and last years Supreme Court judgment has made them entirely unworkable. The organisation warned that the implications of the judgement for workplaces means trans people are at risk of being outed at work, pointing out that they may have been using gendered facilities without issue for years. open image in gallery Jolyon Maugham, director of the Good Law Project, said he found the ruling deeply troubling ( PA ) And it is unclear how trans people without access to gender neutral facilities will be able to do their jobs, they added. This is a workers rights crisis for the trans community, and one which will cause issues for employers across the country. The High Court has clarified that trans people should not be forced to use facilities in line with their birth sex, but it is hard to see how treating us as a third sex at work aligns with the privacy protections in the Gender Recognition Act or the Human Rights Act. We must be allowed to transition and move on with our lives with privacy, not be outed every day at work. But Maya Forstater, CEO of gender critical campaign group Sex Matters, which intervened in the case, said: This judgment vindicates the EHRCs swift action in publishing practical guidance in April last year, just a few weeks after the Supreme Court judgment. The law is clear. There was never any excuse for the government, public bodies, regulators, charities or businesses to delay in implementing the Supreme Court judgment. We are proud to have provided witness evidence to the High Court to ensure that when the judge was thinking about the black letter of the law, he was also reminded of the underlying reality of what words like privacy, decency and propriety mean in the real world for women and girls using showers, changing rooms and toilets. In the ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Swift ruled that the GLP does not have standing to bring the challenge in this case, and also dismissed the individuals claims. Following the ruling, the GLP said that it will seek to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal. Jolyon Maugham, director and founder of the body, said that the ruling was very distressing and described aspects of it as deeply troubling. This is a very distressing judgment for me as a lawyer, as it will be for the trans community. Aspects of it that wave away as workplace gossip evidence of what it means to be outed in an increasingly transphobic and violent society are deeply troubling, he said. They remind me of how the pain of women was once dismissed as hysteria. I urge the judiciary to listen harder to what trans people say about what their lives have become. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The teenager who carried out a mass shooting in British Columbia, Canada, may have intended to finish off her siblings, a witness said. On Tuesday, the suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, allegedly shot her mother and step-brother before entering a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, a small mining town at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Inside the school, Van Rootselaar who was transgender and used she/her pronouns, police said allegedly opened fire, killing five students and a teacher before taking her own life. Duncan McKay, a 17-year-old, was inside the school when he took cover after hearing shots ring out, he told The Telegraph. McKay didnt personally know the suspect, but noted that Van Rootselaars younger brother and sister were fellow students and that the brother was in school when gunfire erupted. I am positive he went to finish off his family, he said, referring to the suspect. Another Tumbler Ridge resident reported hearing the same claims, though they could not corroborate them, the newspaper reported. Canadian police, however, have yet to reveal what spurred the attack. We dont have an idea yet as to motive, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said at a press conference on Wednesday. It is something that we are certainly passionately pursuing, but it would be too early to speculate on motive at this time. open image in gallery A memorial for the victims of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting ( AFP/Getty ) There is no indication that Van Rootselaar had been bullied, he said, noting that she dropped out of school in Tumbler Ridge four years ago. Police described the suspect as a very quiet child who didnt have much enthusiasm for anything, according to the CBC. Prior to the attack, Van Rootselaar had been visited by police several times in recent years due to mental health issues and she used to have a firearm license, officials said. The victims at the school were not Van Rootselaars relatives. On Thursday, police identified those killed at the school as Abel Mwansa, 12, Kylie Smith, 12, Ezekiel Schofield, 13, Zoey Benoit, 12, Ticaria Lampert, 12 and teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. Two other children were left injured with gunshot wounds. Families of the victims have issued emotional statements, recounting memories of their loved ones. Seeing your child murdered at this age is heartbreaking, the father of one of the victims wrote in a Facebook post yesterday. I was broken when I saw you packed in that BLACK BAG lifeless and zipped up like those we see in movies open image in gallery The suspect used to be a student at Tumbler Ridge before dropping out, officials say ( AFP/Getty ) Seeing you leave the house with that beautiful smile while going to Tumbler Ridge High School was so refreshing, he added. I saw a bright future, a leader an engineer also a scientist in you. The mother of one of the hospitalized victims said in a post on Thursday that her daughter who was shot in the head showed signs of improvement. Keep up the positive vibesWe need to know this isnt it, she wrote in a Facebook post, adding Fight hard baby. Officials in British Columbia declared yesterday a day of mourning across the province, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit the remote town of Tumbler Ridge Friday. Parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love, Carney told reporters in an emotional moment. The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A driver has died after plummeting 500ft off Californias Highway 1 at Big Sur. Search and recovery teams from Big Sur Fire and the Monterey County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) were dispatched at around 4.20 p.m. Tuesday after receiving 911 calls about a car careening off of the highway. But they were unable to recover the victim until 8:45 p.m., citing poor weather conditions and strong winds at Hurricane Point. The site of the crash is a popular viewpoint on Highway 1, as it overlooks the California coast, but is known to be treacherous with a history of accidents. open image in gallery Recovery teams along Highway 1 worked into the night to recover the victim ( Monterey County Sheriffs Office ) Weather conditions made recovery efforts extremely challenging, said Sheriff Tina Nieto of the MCSO. Strong winds required our Search and Rescue personnel to take additional safety precautions throughout the operation. While Central California has not been impacted by the cold snap stretching across Americas East Coast and Midwest, the area was experiencing high winds and rain on February 10, per the San Francisco Chronicle. open image in gallery The search and rescue operation underway at Hurricane Point ( Monterey County Sheriffs Office ) A statement from MCSO confirmed that the vehicle had travelled off of a cliff along the highway, landing among rocks below. Images released by MCSO of the search and recovery operation show a large number of personnel in rain gear clambering down a steep cliff-face. The driver was eventually recovered after being pronounced deceased on the scene, and transferred to the Monterey County Sheriffs Coroners Office for identification and next-of-kin notification, per MCSO. The victim is yet to be identified to the public by authorities. open image in gallery Rescue efforts were hampered by strong winds ( Monterey County Sheriffs Office ) Sheriff Nieto said: We extend our condolences to the victims family during this difficult time. The cause of the tragedy is now under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. This crash comes less than a month after the stretch of Highway 1 between Monterey and northern Big Sur, which includes Hurricane Point, was re-opened to the public for the first time since 2023 when it was closed due to ongoing landslides. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Colorado cemetery is forcing a family to remove an "inappropriate" headstone bearing images of upraised middle fingers. The headstone has been in Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs for five years, marking the final resting place of brothers Timothy and Ryan Geschke. The sisters of the interred, Heidi and Holly Geschke, were recently informed that the headstone designer was told to cover up images of raised middle fingers on the gravestone with black tape. "This is a symbol of love and Geschke blood through and through," Holly Geschke told KOAA. Now, the cemetery's manager is telling the family that the headstone must be removed. According to the cemetery's rules, headstones cannot be profane or offensive to the general public. "No words or images may be engraved on a memorial that would be considered profane or offensive to the general public," the cemetery's current rules state. Holly Geschke told The Independent that she was not asked to sign a contract when the tombstone was erected and was not told by anyone at that time that the design violated any of the cemeterys rules. She said the only instructions her family was given at the time were that the middle finger engravings could not be facing a nearby street. A tombstone marking the graves of Timothy and Ryan Geschke in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Evergreen Cemetery management has requested that the tombstone which was erected five years ago be removed because it contains images of raised middle fingers. The Geschke family says they plan to fight the removal order ( Holly Geschke ) When KOAA reporters asked the cemetery's manager, Cheryl Godbout, how many complaints shed received, she said the number of complaints was "irrelevant, because once I was made aware of it, then I had to do something." It would not have been right of me to know about it, knowing it violates our rules and to ignore our rules," she said. The Geschke sisters do not agree that the images are offensive enough to warrant removal. This was created with so much love and respect and loyalty to our brothers, Holly Geschke told KOAA. This is speaking to the character of not who they were, but who we are as a family. The manager said the family does not need to remove the headstone themselves and that the cemetery will store the marker for the family. The sisters told KOAA that they don't plan on removing or remaking the headstone to bring it into compliance with the cemetery's rules. "They're in a resting place and now here we are being asked to disturb their resting place," Holly Greschke said. "It's mind-boggling," She said her family plans to fight the removal order, and if necessary, move her brothers out of the cemetery entirely. These are my brothers, I'm not going to let this go, she told The Independent. Whether this ends in our favor or not we're not backing down on this. We're making noise for the boys. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Meta is looking to add facial recognition software to its smart glasses despite concerns about security and privacy, a report claims. The Name Tag feature would provide glasses wearers with identifying details of the people they are looking at, according to the New York Times. But an internal memo seen by the newspaper acknowledged the technology carries safety and privacy risks. Furthermore, the company appears to see an upside in releasing a potentially controversial product during the ongoing political turmoil in the U.S., The Times adds. We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns, the leaked memo says, per the newspaper. open image in gallery Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers a speech sporting the glasses ( REUTERS ) In recent months, facial recognition technology has been used by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track down not only suspected undocumented migrants but also American citizens protesting against ICE. A Meta spokesperson told The Independent the company was still looking into the technology and considering its options. Were building products that help millions of people connect and enrich their lives, a statement said. While we frequently hear about the interest in this type of feature and some products already exist in the market were still thinking through options and will take a thoughtful approach if and before we roll anything out. The move comes five years after Facebook removed facial recognition from its site , in a bid to find the right balance of privacy and legality on the social network. open image in gallery Meta showcasing the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, which have already sold millions ( PA Wire ) Since then, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg has aligned himself to President Donald Trumps White House which has been friendly to big-tech and little regulation. Meta came out with its first Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2021, but at the time they could only take photos and record videos. The CEO and Facebook founder unveiled new glasses powered by AI last September. The glasses have proven to be a popular product selling approximately seven million pairs in the past year. According to three people involved in making the glasses who spoke to The Times, the facial recognition component would differentiate Metas product from smart glasses being produced by competitor Open-AI. But Nathan Freed Wessler of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warned that facial recognition is ripe for abuse. Face recognition technology on the streets of America poses a uniquely dire threat to the practical anonymity we all rely on, he said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The father of Gabby Petito has said he sympathizes with Nancy Guthries family as they cope with the same frustrating false leads and setbacks that he faced when his daughter disappeared. Joe Petito recounted how it felt to receive an outpouring of support when his 22-year-old daughter, Gabby, went missing in August 2021 after a cross-country road trip with her fiance. Tragically, she was later found dead. Its humbling to see so many people try and help your family, which is what Savannah is getting right now with her mom, Joe Petito said on Fox & Friends Thursday morning, referring to Nancys TV presenter daughter. But its also frustrating, because a lot of times, the information thats out there if someone does a bad report and doesnt give accurate information, a lot of times other people just copy and paste it. And next thing you know, somethings out there thats not true at all, he added. The search for Gabby Petito lasted roughly a month before authorities found her remains. Her fiance, Brian Laundrie, 23, admitted to killing her in a notebook that was found alongside his remains after he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. open image in gallery Joe Petito, the father of Gabby Petito, said he understands the frustrations that the family of Nancy Guthrie are feeling ( Fox News ) Now, nearly five years later, experts have drawn parallels between Gabbys disappearance and the apparent kidnapping of Guthrie, an 84-year-old living in Tucson, Arizona, nearly two weeks ago. Joe Petito noted the similarities between the cases and offered some words of encouragement to Guthries family, including her daughter, Today show host Savannah Guthrie. open image in gallery Nancy Guthrie has been missing for nearly two weeks ( Pima County Sheriff's Department ) I just hope that theyre taking their time and listening to each other, Petito said, noting outside influences will often try to give their perspective on the case. Theyre the only ones who have all the information or as much as possible, Petito said. Petito noted that Nancy Guthrie needs some medicine and care that she might not be getting. open image in gallery Gabby Petito was killed by her fiance in August 2021 while they were road tripping across the country ( Netflix ) I hope this ends with Nancy coming home safe and sound and whoever did this behind bars, he added. The search for Nancy Guthrie entered its 12th day on Thursday, as investigators with the Pima County Sheriffs Department issued a request for all footage taken from January 1 through February 1 that neighbors within a two-mile radius deem out of the ordinary. They were just asking some general questions wondering if there was anything, any information we could shed on the Nancy Guthrie issue. Wanted to look around the property and after that, cameras and such, Ann Adams, a neighbor of Nancy Guthries oldest daughter, Annie Guthrie, told the Associated Press. open image in gallery Surveillance footage from Guthries home the night she went missing shows a masked man outside her door ( FBI ) They did ask specifically for the 31st of January and the morning of the first of February and then they wanted to know if we saw anything suspicious on cameras since then, Adams added. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will. The 84-year-old takes several medications that authorities say she could die without. They also briefly put up a white tent in front of Nancy Guthries front door, where her blood was discovered in the early days of the investigation and where a doorbell camera captured footage of an armed and masked person outside the home the night she went missing. A day earlier, authorities found a set of gloves near Guthries home, though it was unclear if they matched the ones worn by the masked person caught on camera outside her home; they were submitted for DNA analysis. Earlier this week, on Tuesday, authorities briefly detained a delivery driver for questioning, though he was released in the early hours of Wednesday. Savannah Guthrie shared a montage of home video footage of her mom on Instagram Thursday, writing, Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope. The sheriffs office said Thursday that there were no scheduled press briefings at this time, but one will be called when there is a significant development in the case. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Puerto Ricos governor has signed into law a contentious bill that officially recognizes a fetus as a human being, a move that medical professionals and legal experts warn will have profound consequences for the U.S. Caribbean territory. The amendment was approved without any public hearings, sparking significant opposition from critics who cautioned it would create widespread confusion and negatively impact the treatment of doctors and pregnant women. Dr. Carlos Diaz Velez, president of Puerto Ricos College of Medical Surgeons, expressed grave concerns, predicting the new legislation would lead to "defensive health care." He further elaborated in a phone interview, stating: "This will bring complex clinical decisions into the realm of criminal law." open image in gallery The amendment, in Senate Bill 923, was made to an article within Puerto Ricos Penal Code that defines murder. ( AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo ) He said that women with complicated pregnancies will likely be turned away by private doctors and will end up giving birth in the U.S. mainland or at Puerto Ricos largest public hospital, noting that the islands crumbling health system isn't prepared. This will bring disastrous consequences, he said. Diaz noted that the amended law also allows a third person to intervene between a doctor and a pregnant woman, so privacy laws will be violated, adding that new protocols and regulations will have to be implemented. The system is not prepared for this, he said. Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez, a Republican and supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, said in a brief statement that the legislation aims to maintain consistency between civil and criminal provisions by recognizing the unborn child as a human being. The amendment, in Senate Bill 923, was made to an article within Puerto Ricos Penal Code that defines murder. The government noted that the amendment complements a law that, among other things, classifies as first-degree murder when a pregnant woman is killed intentionally and knowingly, resulting in the death of the conceived child at any stage of gestation. The law was named after Keishla Rodriguez, who was pregnant when she was killed in April 2021. Her lover, former Puerto Rican boxer Felix Verdejo, received two life sentences after he was found guilty in the killing. Some cheered the amendment signed into law Thursday, while opponents warned that it opens the door to eventually criminalizing abortions in Puerto Rico, which remain legal. A zygote was given legal personality, said Rosa Segui Cordero, an attorney and spokesperson for the National Campaign for Free, Safe and Accessible Abortion in Puerto Rico. We women were stripped of our rights. Segui rattled off potential scenarios, including whether a zygote, or fertilized egg, would have the right to health insurance and whether a woman who loses a fetus would become a murder suspect. Diaz said doctors could even be considered murder suspects and condemned how public hearings were never held and the medical sector never consulted. The problem is that no medical recommendations were followed here, he said. This is a serious blow It puts us in a difficult situation. Among those condemning the measure was Annette Martinez Orabona, executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union in Puerto Rico. She noted that no broad discussion of the bill was allowed, which she said is critical because the penal code carries the most severe penalties. "There is no doubt that the measure did not undergo adequate analysis before its approval and leaves an unacceptable space for ambiguity regarding civil rights," she said. "The legislative leadership failed to fulfill its responsibility to the people, and so did the governor. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A $2.6 million apartment in Trump Tower turned out to be a particularly poor investment decision for one foreign buyer, who says the one-bed, two-bath property has shed nearly half its value over the past 10 years and is now suing the real estate advisor who recommended it. Monaco resident Riccardo Grande Stevens bought the 47th-floor unit in November 2015, exactly six months after Donald Trump rode down his eponymous buildings golden escalator to announce his candidacy for the White House, according to a multimillion-dollar lawsuit obtained by The Independent. Of roughly 40 investment properties Stevens, 65, acquired under the guidance of Richard Tayar, a Florence, Italy native whose New York City-based brokerage firm promises to transform ownership into an unparalleled experience, Stevenss complaint, filed on Monday in state court, flags the purchase of the Trump Tower apartment as especially ill-advised. At the time, Mr. Stevens, relying on Mr. Tayar, believed he was investing in properties that were being sold below market value, which would appreciate over time and also generate rental income, the complaint contends. Sadly, it has since come to light that this was not the case. It says Tayar steered Stevens into the 1,000-square-foot Midtown Manhattan pied-a-terre, and other money-losing purchases around the city, even though he personally knew that they were fundamentally unsound deals and highly unfavorable investments. open image in gallery A pricey abode in Donald Trump's eponymous New York City building is at the center of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit brought by aggrieved purchaser Riccardo Grande Stevens ( AFP via Getty Images ) Prices in Trump-branded buildings dropped in value by nearly 25 percent between 2013 and 2023, according to a study published the following year by The New York Times. Apartments in Trump Tower did the worst of all, with the average price per square foot collapsing by nearly 50 percent during that same period, according to CityRealty. Removing the Trump name from a building removes the loss associated with it, real estate economist Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh told the Times. (At the time, Eric Trump denied the report and questioned the figures presented.) Stevens, an Italian national, is the son of the late Franzo Grande Stevens, who was for decades the personal attorney to legendary industrialist and Fiat head Gianni Agnelli. A financier and avid footwear collector, Stevens owns more than 700 pairs of shoes, according to his website. In New York, during a visit to the MoMA Stevens was captivated by a pair of loafers that Gianni Agnelli had purchased in a shop near the museum, his bio says. As soon as he finished his tour of paintings by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, he rushed to the boutique Agnelli had recommended to him to find the same pair. Agnellis style certainly influenced Riccardo Grande Stevenss own approach to clothing, which remains deeply rooted in the good taste and typical style of the Turinese. Tayar did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. open image in gallery Monaco-based financier Riccardo Grande Stevens is suing his real estate advisor over the allegedly ill-advised purchase of a Trump Tower apartment he claims has lost nearly half its value ( Getty ) When Stevens first met Tayar, the 45-year-old licensed real estate agent suggested that Mr. Stevens establish a real estate portfolio in the United States, mainly in New York, which Mr. Tayar would manage thereafter, according to the complaint, which is now pending in Manhattan County Supreme Court. Tayars brokerage team, Columbus International, boasts of maintaining an elite property management division, and claims to offer white-glove service and precision, discretion and tailor-made attention, the complaint states. Based upon Mr. Tayars purported experience and knowledge, Mr. Stevens decided to pursue a real estate portfolio with Mr. Tayar and Columbus as the property manager, it continues. Tayar identified dozens of investment opportunities for Stevens, who bought some 40 properties in the New York area, the complaint goes on. However, it claims, Tayar received a commission on each sale, and therefore had a financial incentive to convince Mr. Stevens to purchase properties, even those that were not likely to pay off in the long run. One particularly poor investment decision involved a unit purchased at Trump Tower, located at 721 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10022, the complaint states. On or about November 23, 2015, Mr. Stevens purchased apartment 47H in the Trump Towers [sic] for the sum of $2,650,000.00. But, the complaint maintains, Due to the units high common charges, it was not well suited for generating rental income. Nevertheless, Mr. Tayar convinced Mr. Stevens to proceed with the purchase. Today, according to the complaint, apartment 47H is worth about $1.6 million, a loss of some 40 percent. On top of the sales commissions Tayar was receiving, as well as rental commissions for securing tenants, Stevens was paying him $104,000 a year in property management fees to oversee his portfolio, the complaint says. Yet, it alleges, Tayar made matters worse by failing to find an occupant for the Trump Tower apartment and instead moved in himself, while neglecting to pay Stevens any rent at all. The bank account used for the portfolio was held in Stevenss name, but Tayar had power of attorney and exercised full control over it, according to the complaint. Last October, Stevens received a 90-day notice related to unpaid common charges for one of his units, and was threatened with foreclosure. In light of this troubling notice, Mr. Stevens directed counsel to review the portfolio, and the results were shocking, the complaint states. The investigation revealed that Mr. Tayar and Columbus committed fraud because the reports were completely fabricated and did not accurately reflect the true financial condition of the portfolio. All the while, Tayar had been providing Stevens with inaccurate and fraudulent reports showing that the portfolio was profitable when, in fact, required expenses were not even being paid, according to the complaint. open image in gallery Monaco resident Riccardo Grande Stevens is suing his real estate advisor over what he says was a bad investment recommendation buying an apartment in Trump Tower ( AFP via Getty Images ) In fact, approximately twenty-eight (28) of the units had liens filed against them for unpaid common charges, with some delinquencies dating back to 2022, the complaint states. Even worse, two of the units were in active foreclosure proceedings. Had Tayar properly managed the properties, Stevens would have realized $1,322,507.44 in profits, the complaint says. Instead, it alleges, as of October 2025, the account balance was just $608,334.96. Moreover, this amount did not represent actual profit, as Mr. Stevens was required to pay $455,189.31 in outstanding property taxes which Mr. Tayar had represented were already paid and has already spent thousands of dollars on common charges, including significant interest charges, for obligations that Mr. Tayar had likewise represented were already paid, the complaint states. While the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, the amount of the unpaid common charges, taxes, and loss of rental income stands at $2 million, at minimum, according to the complaint. Stevens estimates his total losses at no less than $3 million, which he is now seeking from Tayar, plus pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, as well as attorneys fees and court costs. Stevenss attorneys, Adam Leitman Bailey and Danny Ramrattan, declined to comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Conservative lawyer Alan Dershowitz got into an angry shouting match with comedian Bassem Youssef on Piers Morgan Uncensored after the two men joined the show to discuss the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Dershowitz and Youssef began by examining the theory that Epstein, the billionaire pedophile who died in a New York City jail cell in August 2019, was secretly a Mossad agent, which the former rubbished as unlikely. But the conversation quickly became bad tempered when the Egyptian, 51, accused the former Harvard Law School professor, 87, of practising gaslighting. He invoked the lawyers own past connections to the disgraced financier, alleging that his fellow guest had once settled a lawsuit with a woman who accused him of sexual abuse for nearly a million dollars. Innocent men dont pay. They go to trial, the comic taunted Dershowitz, leading the latter to angrily deny the accusation and complain that Youssef was defaming him on live TV. Youre lying. Youre defaming me. You are now going to be sued for saying I paid a million dollars, Dershowitz said, appealing to the host to cut Youssef off. open image in gallery Alan Dershowitz sparred with comedian Bassem Youssef on Piers Morgan Uncensored Thursday ( Piers Morgan Uncensored ) Morgan duly stepped in to try to make peace, only for the comedian to continue to press Derhowitz and shout over him, the situation becoming ever more heated. Im instructing my lawyers to file a lawsuit against him for saying I paid a million dollars, Dershowitz said. What happened is a woman falsely accused me. She admitted she may have mistaken me and confused me for somebody else. She dropped all of her charges. Not a single penny was paid. Nothing. He was referring to a federal civil defamation lawsuit filed against him in the Southern District of New York in April 2019 by the late Virginia Giuffre, which was ultimately dropped in November 2022 when Giuffre conceded she may have wrongly identified Dershowitz as a past abuser. No fees were awarded to either side. You saying that I paid a million dollars is gonna result in you having to pay me many millions of dollars, the lawyer continued, resuming his threat against Youssef, who, undeterred, insisted his information came from a New Yorker article about the case. The New Yorker never said anything like that, Dershowitz fumed. You know, youre such a liar. You know, I thought you were a comedian. I thought at least youd be funny. Youre just a liar. open image in gallery Dershowitz and Youssef continue their bad tempered debate as a helpless Piers Morgan looks on ( Piers Morgan Uncensored ) Youre somebody who is prepared to make any kind of antisemitic, anti-Israel statement. Now I want you to justify the million. I want you to justify that I paid a million dollars. I want you to justify that. Will you justify it? Will you justify that I paid a million dollars? Youssef held his ground, prompting Dershowitz to challenge him to produce the New Yorker article in question while accusing him of lying through his teeth. Youssef duly searched for and found an article entitled Alan Dershowitz, Devils Advocate published by the periodical in July 2019, but his readings from it only led to further inconclusive squabbling. The conversation ended with Dershowitz speaking on genocide and the distinction between different 20th and 21st century atrocities, earning a sarcastic thumbs up from Youssef. Dershowitz, who has a long history of representing controversial clients from OJ Simpson to Julian Assange, Harvey Weinstein and President Donald Trump, whom he spoke in defense of at his January 2020 Senate impeachment hearings is also well known for issuing legal threats. Last summer, he announced his intention to sue a Marthas Vineyard farmers market vendor for allegedly refusing to sell him pierogi, claiming he was being discriminated against because of his personal politics. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Many, many years ago, as a young reporter, I covered an event with former Sen. Chris Dodd, who explained to the audience that people could always tell which senators wanted to run for president they were the ones who joined the Senate Foreign Relations or the Armed Services committees. Its a good barometer: Dodd, a former presidential candidate, had sat on the Foreign Relations Committee. John McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee, served as chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Dodds friend Joe Biden served as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee before becoming the running mate of fellow committee member Barack Obama in 2008. While New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is not a senator yet that might be why, during a panel on global populism at the Munich Security Conference, moderator Katrin Bennhold of The New York Times asked her, So when you run for president, are you going to impose a wealth tax or a billionaire's tax? Ocasio-Cortez responded coyly. I don't think that anyone ... we don't have to wait for any one president to impose a wealth tax. I think that it needs to be done expeditiously, she said, never acknowledging the thinly veiled effort at a pronouncement about her future aspirations. open image in gallery Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, seen at a panel on populism at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Friday, could be making a big move within the Democratic Party this year. ( Getty ) Denying a potential bid for president is usually part of testing the waters for running for president. But Ocasio-Cortez is more likely to run for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers seat, either in a primary challenge fueled by progressive anger or if Schumer retires. Still, AOC, as she is better known initially a progressive insurgent who knocked off a Democratic incumbent is now seeking to become a major power player, both in the 2026 midterms and in 2028. The four-term, self-described democratic socialist from the Bronx and Queens occupies a peculiar spot. She holds formal leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus. In fact, after Trumps victory, she attempted to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, but Democratic leadership elbowed her out. But shes become the leading voice for Democrats on pushing back against the cruelty and brutality exhibited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Trump-ordered enforcement operations. A video interview withThe Independent where she was asked about ICE and said, The cuts to your healthcare are whats paying for this and You get screwed over to pay a bunch of thugs in the street that are shooting mothers in the face, went viral and would later be circulated by the Democratic National Committees official X account. open image in gallery Paris Hilton listens as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks in support of the DEFIANCE Act at the Capitol last months. AOC has been steadily raising her profile in the Democratic Party after distinguishing herself from the more far-left Squad. ( Getty ) She has yet to pass any major legislation with her name on it, though shes on the precipice of passing a crackdown on deepfake AI porn with the help of Republicans and celebrities like Paris Hilton. Even House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump stalwart, has endorsed it. Ocasio-Cortez initially came to Washington when she knocked off entrenched House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley in a primary. During her talk, she spoke about how many in her party leadership elbowed her out because her ideas about tuition-free college, Medicare for all and a $15 per hour minimum wage were deemed unrealistic. And these are all the things that I, as a waitress, had campaigned on and had been major pain points in my life, and then they said, We have to listen to working class people more, she said. No clearer example of this came than in the 2020 Democratic primary when many working-class voters rejected her political ally Sen. Elizabeth Warrens candidacy for president, while Latino voters embraced her endorsed candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders. But the party still elected Biden. In the wake of Democrats shedding House seats, some moderates like Abigail Spanberger famously denounced slogans from AOC and her far-left allies in Congress collectively known as The Squad such as Defund the Police. open image in gallery Asked at a panel in Munich, So when you run for president, are you going to impose a wealth tax or a billionaire's tax? Ocasio-Cortez responded coyly. ( Getty ) But times have changed. Ocasio-Cortez used her massive fundraising prowess to raise money for Spanbergers run for governor last year, and her leadership PAC sent $5,000 to Sen. Jon Ossoffs re-election campaign in Georgia. But shes also seeking to remake what the party looks like. Her endorsement of Zohran Mamdani played a key role in his support among Hispanic voters in the New York City mayoral primary. And she endorsed Analilia Mejia for Gov. Mikie Sherrills former House seat in New Jerseys 11th district. Last week, Mejia pulled off a shocking win after the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee poured in millions of dollars worth of ads against former congressman Tom Malinowski. All of this makes her an important player in those hallowed halls within Democratic Party leadership that once tut-tutted her. Even if she doesnt run for the White House, whom she endorses in a Democratic presidential primary will be an important weathervane for both left-wing and Latino voters. And among the potential 2028 contenders in Germany this weekend? None other than frontrunner and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Journalist Don Lemon has pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges stemming from a church protest he was covering in Minnesota. Lemon, a former CNN host turned independent journalist, has said he was at the Cities Church in St. Paul to chronicle the Jan. 18 protest but was not a participant. Roughly two dozen protesters stood outside the courthouse Friday during his hearing, chanting Pam Bondi has got to go and Protect the press." For more than 30 years, Ive been a journalist, and the power and protection of the First Amendment has been the underpinning of my work, Lemon said outside court after his arraignment. The First Amendment, the freedom of the press, are the bedrock of our democracy. Lemons attorney, Abbe David Lowell, asked during the hearing for his client's phone to be returned after it was taken from him during his arrest in Los Angeles. Prosecutors said the phone is in Department of Homeland Security custody, and that the search warrant for it is under seal. The phone cannot be returned until the search process is completed, the prosecutor said. open image in gallery MAGA activists quickly called for Lemons arrest after the protest ( AP ) Four others also pleaded not guilty in the case, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong. The prominent local activist was the subject of a doctored photo posted on official White House social media that falsely showed her crying during her arrest. The picture is part of a deluge of AI-altered imagery that has circulated since the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Two more defendants accused in the protest at a Southern Baptist church in St. Paul, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor, are scheduled for arraignment next week, including another independent journalist, Georgia Fort. Nine people have been charged in the case. Protesters interrupted a service at Cities Church on Jan. 18 by chanting ICE out and Justice for Renee Good, referring to the 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis last month. Lemon has said he is not affiliated with the group and that he was there as a journalist to chronicle the event for his livestream show. open image in gallery Roughly two dozen protesters stood outside the court building Friday chanting Pam Bondi has got to go and Protect the press ( AP ) I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable, Lemon told reporters after his arrest. The church protest drew sharp complaints from conservative religious and political leaders. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned in a social media post: President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship. Even clergy who oppose the administration's immigration enforcement tactics expressed discomfort. All nine are charged under the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which prohibits interference or intimidation of any person by force, threat of force, or physical obstruction exercising or seeking to exercise the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship. Penalties can range up to a year in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Another of Lemon's attorneys who was in court Friday is Joe Thompson, one of several former prosecutors who have left the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office in recent weeks citing frustration with the Trump administrations immigration enforcement crackdown in the state and the Justice Departments response to the killing of Good and Pretti. open image in gallery Four other people are also set to be arraigned in the case, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong ( AP ) Thompson had led the sprawling investigation of major public program fraud cases for the prosecutors office until he resigned last month. The Trump administration has cited the fraud cases, in which most defendants have come from the states large Somali community, as justification for its immigration crackdown. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Top immigration enforcement officials in Donald Trumps administration testified Thursday that an initial characterization of Alex Pretti as a domestic terrorist did not come from them or their staff, appearing to contradict White House claims that the accusation originated in the agency whose officers fatally shot him in Minnesota. The same day Border Patrol officers shot and killed Pretti on January 24, White House deputy chief of policy Stephen Miller called him a domestic terrorist and an assassin who tried to murder federal agents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti committed an act of domestic terrorism. Thats the facts, she said. This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement. Those near-instant allegations appeared to be swiftly contradicted by multiple videos showing officers pepper spraying, wrestling to the ground and fatally shooting the 37-year-old nurse without ever having reached for the holstered pistol that he was legally carrying. open image in gallery Top immigration enforcement officials denied calling Alex Pretti a domestic terrorist after Stephen Miller said the administrations characterization came from officers on the ground ( REUTERS ) But the top officials at Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Thursday that those descriptions did not come from them or any of their staff. Did you provide Secretary Noem with an assessment of what Mr. Pretti was engaged in, and that he was engaged in domestic terrorism? asked Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, the committees top Democrat. Is that why she said that, because you told her that was your belief at the time? he added. Are you the ones who told her that? ICEs acting director Todd Lyons and CBP commissioner Rodney Scott both testified that they did not tell her that. open image in gallery Alex Prettis fatal shooting by federal agents was caught in a number of videos by bystanders ( Reuters ) Asked whether anyone who reports to him or if anyone on his staff provided her with that assessment, Scott replied: Not to my knowledge, sir. Why would she tell the public that this was an act of domestic terrorism, right in the heat of the moment? Peters fired back. How could she possibly come to that kind of conclusion to tell the American public that when theyre watching this video? I cant speculate on what someone else would say or why, sir, said Lyons. I cant speculate to what the secretary thought at that time, sir, Scott replied. A White House spokesperson told The Independent that there is no contradiction between their testimony and Millers statements. Neither Mr. Lyons nor Mr. Scott say that info did not come from their agencies, just that it did not come from them. open image in gallery ICE acting director Todd Lyons, watching footage of Border Patrol officers fatally shooting Alex Pretti, said he did provide the Trump administration with any assessment that would have led Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to say that the activist wanted to inflict maximum damage and kill officers ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery CBP commissioner Rodney Scott said neither he nor anyone on his staff told administration officials that Pretti was a terrorist ( AFP via Getty Images ) Video footage from several bystanders shows Pretti holding a phone, not a gun, when federal agents wrestled him to the ground, pinned him there, and fired 10 rounds at point-blank range. A preliminary review by Customs and Border Protections internal watchdog also determined he was not brandishing a firearm that was recovered from the scene, and video footage appears to show an officer took the gun from Prettis body before agents opened fire. Days after the shooting, Miller claimed that Homeland Securitys initial assessment of Prettis killing was based on reports from CBP on the ground. Miller, the architect of the presidents anti-immigration agenda, appeared to walk back his initial statement and suggested that the officers who piled on Pretti may not have been following that protocol. Peters and other Democratic members on the Senate committee want to hear directly from Noem. She needs to be before this committee, Peters said. This is an important question How could you come to that conclusion, those narratives, before any evidence was there, even after all thats happened since then? open image in gallery Testimony from top immigration enforcement officials appears to contradict Millers statement that his and initial DHS claims were based on reports from CBP on the ground ( AP ) An initial investigation into Prettis killing was led Homeland Security Investigations, the agencys investigative arm, which is required to preserve all evidence collected, including physical evidence collected by other federal entities, which are then properly transferred to homeland custody, according to a sworn declaration in court documents from Mark Zito, the agencys Special Agent in Charge for the St. Paul office. All evidence was collected and transported back to the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, according to a sworn statement from an FBI official whose name is redacted in court filings. That evidence includes body-worn camera footage, which has been preserved, according to Jeffrey Egerton, the executive director for the Investigative Operations Directorate within Customs and Border Protections Office of Professional Responsibility. Theres a lot of other video, theres body-cam video thats all being looked at, and until all that evidence is evaluated, I cant jump to a conclusion about the case, Scott testified Thursday. I would ask America to do the same thing, but I am committed to transparency, to making sure all the information we have is made public when its appropriate, he said. The Department of Justice has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the shooting, which will remain separate from Homeland Securitys internal probe. Prettis killing, two weeks after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good, fueled outrage against the Trump administrations weeks-long surge of immigration officers into Minnesota, where agents were accused of brutally targeting immigrants and citizens alike during protests and violent arrests. Senate testimony about the operation from top officials overseeing the surge followed the administrations announcement that federal officers would begin withdrawing from Minnesota in the coming days. White House border czar Tom Homan, who was deployed to the state in the wake of Prettis killing and the apparent removal of Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino, said Thursday that a small footprint of personnel will remain in the state to supervise the transfer of full command and control of immigration enforcement back to the ICE field office in Minneapolis. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Department of Justice is opening a criminal investigation into whether federal immigration agents lied under oath after prosecutors dropped charges against two Venezuelan men accused of assaulting an officer in Minnesota. A federal judge in Minneapolis agreed to dismiss the case Friday after evidence emerged showing the governments version of events was materially inconsistent with the allegations against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, according to Minnesotas top federal prosecutor. The abrupt reversal follows an aggressive effort to prosecute the two men, who were accused of attacking an officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle, which Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem called attempted murder. The officer, who was not named in court documents, fired his handgun and hit Sosa-Ceclis in the leg. The one-page motion from Donald Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said the government was backing off that case entirely, and dismissed the charges with prejudice, meaning they cant be refiled. In a statement Friday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons said sworn testimony about the incident from two officers appears to include untruthful statements. open image in gallery The Justice Department is investigating whether ICE agents in Minnesota lied under oath about an incident that resulted in felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men. That case has been dismissed after prosecutors said allegations are materially inconsistent with the facts ( Getty Images ) Both officers have been immediately placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough internal investigation, he added. Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The U.S. Attorneys Office is actively investigating these false statements. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the officers may face termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution, according to Lyons. After the shooting, Noem accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement which is a federal crime, a felony. What we saw last night in Minneapolis was an attempted murder of federal law enforcement, Noem said January 15, the day after the incident. Our officer was ambushed and attacked by three individuals who beat him with snow shovels and the handles of brooms. Fearing for his life, the officer fired a defensive shot. In court hearings, the ICE officers account of the moments leading up to him firing his weapons appeared to be significantly different from testimony from the two defendants and three eyewitnesses. His account that he was assaulted with a broom and snow shovel was also not backed up by video evidence or testimony from eyewitnesses. In the FBI affidavit in support of the criminal complaint against the men, an ICE officer accused Sosa-Celis of using a broom to hit him in his face while he saw another man approach him with a snow shovel and began striking him. After tussling with Aljorna, the officer said he was alone, in the dark, facing the males by himself, according to the affidavit. After breaking free, Aljorna looked back at the officer with a scowl on his face, Sosa-Celis handed him the broom, Aljorna repeatedly struck the officer, according to his testimony in the affidavit. After the officer drew a pistol and fired one round, the men ran into a nearby apartment complex. Officers then fired tear gas towards the building to draw them out, and the men surrendered over feared that young children inside would be hurt. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the men committed attempted murder in a case that has now been dismissed based on the governments faulty evidence ( AP ) A third Venezuelan man, Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Ledezma, who lived in the apartment downstairs, was also arrested, though he was never charged. He filed a petition seeking his release from ICE custody, arguing that he was unlawfully detained without a warrant and flown to an immigration detention center in Texas to prevent him from serving as a material eyewitness who could contradict the governments claims. A judge in Texas ordered his immediate return to Minnesota February 9. The 19-year-old partner of one of the two men was also detained by immigration agents and transferred from Minnesota to El Paso and then New Mexico, where a judge ordered her release. District Judge Paul Magnuson in Minneapolis had previously ordered Aljorna and Sosa released from pretrial detention and ordered ICE not to deport any witnesses before they could testify. It remains unclear whether ICE will still seek to deport the two men. The collapse of the case is the latest in a streak of losses for ICE and the Justice Department as the Trump administration seeks to rapidly deport thousands of people while failing to account for due process protections, according to federal judges across the country. Dozens of felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also fallen apart in recent weeks, after Attorney General Pam Bondi promised severe consequences. But an Associated Press review of 100 felony assault cases brought against demonstrators in Democratic-led cities over the last year found that 55 people had their cases reduced or dismissed altogether. At least 23 pleaded guilty to avoid trial, and most of them had charges reduced in plea deals that resulted in little or no jail time. All five defendants whose cases went to trial so far have been acquitted. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, has filed a $250,000 personal injury lawsuit against her hometown and her ex-husband will represent her. Pirro, a former Fox News host and longtime defender of President Donald Trump, filed the suit against the city of Rye, located about 30 miles from Manhattan, and ConEdison, a utility company serving the New York City area. The suit claims that, in 2025, she tripped and fell over a large wooden block in town. The block which was related to ConEdisons construction activities constituted a hazardous, defective, dangerous and unsafe condition, the suit said. As a result of defendants negligence, Ms. Pirro sustained serious personal injuries, including but not limited to bruises and contusions to the head, eye, face, and shoulder areas, the lawsuit states, according to The Daily Beast. open image in gallery US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro has filed a $250,000 lawsuit against her hometown and her ex-husband will represent her ( Getty ) It added that the septuagenarian was confined to bed and suffered a loss of enjoyment of life, according to CBS News. Pirros apparent fall occurred on August 28, 2025 shortly after the Senate voted 50-45 to confirm her as the capitals top prosecutor. She is suing for $250,000 in damages. Her ex-husband, Albert Pirro, is representing her in the suit, according to CBS. The couple parted ways in 2013. And, in January 2021, with just minutes left of his presidency, Trump pardoned Albert Pirro, who was convicted of conspiracy and tax evasion in 2000. open image in gallery The suit claims that, as a result of her fall, Pirro was confined to bed and suffered a loss of enjoyment of life ( AFP via Getty Images ) It certainly is a nice act on the part of the president, he said at the time. It has been 20 years since I served my time and it allows me to engage again in public companies which I havent been able to do previously. Pirro has long-standing ties to the Westchester area. She previously served as a judge in a county court and was the countys district attorney between 1991 and 2005. She owns a home in Rye, which she commutes back to on weekends, according to The New York Times. When reached by The Independent, representatives for Pirro, Con Edison and the city of Rye declined to comment on the lawsuit. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Joe Rogan has once again ripped into the Trump administrations handling of the Epstein files and the presidents repeated assertions that they are a hoax, following the latest batch of released documents by the Department of Justice. None of this is good for this administration. It looks f****** terrible, the podcaster and MMA commentator said during Thursdays episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. It looks terrible for Trump, when he was saying that none of this was real, this is all a hoax. This is not a hoax. Rogans comments follow the latest document dump by the DOJ, which delivered over three million files, including 180,000 pictures and 2,000 videos on January 30. But many details of potential co-conspirators of the convicted sex offender remained redacted. Under pressure from Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna the DOJ unredacted the names of at least six wealthy, powerful men, including Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. Thee files revealed Epstein and the Emirati billionaire had shared years of correspondence, discussing sex and sharing links to fetish websites, including one particularly disturbing email in which Epstein told bin Sulayem he loved the torture video. Joe Rogan has once again ripped into the Trump administrations handling of the Epstein files and the presidents repeated assertions that they are a hoax ( The Joe Rogan Experience/ Spotify ) Being named in the files does not suggest wrongdoing and Sulayem has not been charged with a crime in connection with Epstein. Searches suggest his name is included more than 5,000 times in the files. What the f*** man? Rogan said, in response to the particular exchange with bin Sulayem. And why is his name redacted? Why would your name be redacted if you're not a victim? Like, this is what's crazy about all this. How come you redact some people and you don't redact other people? Like, what is this? This is not good. Rogan, whose podcast has 14.5 million followers on Spotify, has been both critical and supportive of Trump, even inviting him onto the show during the 2024 presidential election campaign. But in recent months the podcaster has been more vocal in his disapproval of certain policy areas including the heavy crackdown on immigration by federal authorities. Appearing to give the president the benefit of the doubt, Rogan continued: Maybe he didn't know, if you want to be charitable, but this is definitely not a hoax. And if youve redacted people's names and these people aren't victims, you're not protecting the victim. So what are you doing? And how come all this s*** is not released? The significant redactions have sparked huge outrage on both sides of the political aisle. As a result the DOJ announced that members of Congress would be allowed to view the fully unredacted files in-person. Lawmakers from both parties have been reviewing the unredacted files since they became available Monday. Democratic Congressmen Jamie Raskin as well as Khanna and Massie were among those to visit the DOJ on to review the remaining files via a secure terminal. One of Epsteins victims was just nine years old, according to Raskin, while Massie said that files he had viewed suggested that a senior official in a foreign government was allegedly involved in his sex trafficking network. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A bombshell report has alleged that the Department of Homeland Security is in a state of constant chaos under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski. The Wall Street Journal cites sources within the department who are highly critical of Noems reign and paints an unflattering portrait of the secretary as a politician who has sought to burnish her personal stardom at every turn. Noem has staged a headline grabbing immigration crackdown while sidelining rivals and dissenters, the newspaper states, noting the secretarys penchant for posing in agency-branded flak jackets and caps and bearing guns as props all with an eye to her style, with TV-ready hair and makeup. It reports that President Donald Trump has entertained calls to fire Noem and Lewandowski amid discontent about their management of the department, although he has so far refrained from doing so. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent: Mr Lewandowski serves as an advisor to the secretary. The secretary, like all previous secretaries, has various senior advisors. This department doesnt waste time with salacious, baseless gossip we have actual work to do keeping the American homeland and its citizens safe. Something the last administration failed to do for four years. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is accused of seeking to burnish her personal stardom at every turn ( Getty ) A departmental spokesperson previously challenged a number of the points raised by the WSJ. Heres a look at some of the key claims made against the secretary in its report. Trump uncomfortable with Noem and Lewandowskis relationship It has long been rumored that the secretary and her top adviser, both of whom are married, have engaged in an extramarital affair. They have repeatedly denied the allegations and the secretary has called them a disgusting lie. The WSJ nevertheless revives them and reports that the close relationship had already made Trump and his top advisers uncomfortable, adding that the president had rejected the idea of Lewandowski serving as Noems chief of staff due to reports of a romantic relationship between the two which he has continued to bring up, officials say. The newspaper reports that Noem moved into a government-owned waterfront house on a military base in Washington, D.C., provided for the head of the Coast Guard, after tabloid photos of Lewandowski showed him going back and forth between his apartment and Noems across the street last year. A DHS spokesperson told the WSJ that Noem had moved into the house for security reasons and said she pays rent at the property. Rivalry with Tom Homan over air time The report also alleges a heated personal rivalry between Noem and Trumps border czar, who was sent in to Minnesota late last month to take charge of Operation Metro Surge following public uproar over the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. He has sent 700 agents home and is now winding it down entirely. Noem routinely berated staff if she saw Homan on TV and kept track of both their appearances to make sure she was on TV more than him, the WSJ reports. On at least one occasion, she asked aides to ensure she drew a bigger crowd at a conference than Homan, who was speaking on a different day. A DHS spokesperson told the WSJ the claim was false. The newspaper adds that Noem and Homan rarely speak and that he has complained to the White House about her leadership of DHS. Trumps press secretary Karoline Leavitt has insisted, however, that the president retains full confidence in Noem, saying recently: President Trump and Secretary Noem have ensured the most secure border in our nations history, and our homeland is undoubtedly safer today than it was when the president took office last year. open image in gallery Tom Homan, the Trump administration border czar, who was drafted into Minnesota last month after Operation Metro Surge became the focus of public uproar ( Getty ) Fallout from Minneapolis shooting videos The WSJ observes that Noem and Lewandowski have been on a rehabilitation tour since the killing of Pretti on January 24, holding crisis talks with Trump in the Oval Office and staging non-ICE-related events in Florida and Miami, focusing on airport security and the U.S.-Mexico border wall respectively. It also reports that the duo berated Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons last month over the deluge of social media videos pouring out of Minneapolis in response to the fatal shooting of the ICU nurse. That came despite their having previously pushed for agents to film dramatic arrests of alleged undocumented migrants on the citys streets with one eye on generating exciting online content. The president hated the continued stream of videos, Lyons was reportedly told. They demanded that he draw up a new plan for ICE to carry out targeted enforcement, an approach Lyons had been advocating all along, according to ICE officials, but that the pair had previously eschewed. open image in gallery Posters in Minneapolis remember Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two protesters who were shot dead by federal immigration agents in January ( AFP/Getty ) A lost blanket gets a Coast Guard pilot fired Among the stranger controversies alleged is one claiming that Noem had ordered a Coast Guard pilot to be fired after she was forced to switch from one plane to another because of a maintenance issue, which caused a favorite blanket to be left behind amid the confusion. The pilot was abruptly told he had been dismissed over the blunder and ordered to take a commercial flight home, only to then be advised that he had, in fact, been reinstated because no one else was available to continue the journey, according to the WSJ. The DHS spokesperson did not address the incident but claimed instead that the secretary has made personnel decisions to deliver excellence. Lewandowskis dreams of owning a gun and a badge Another bizarre claim made in the report is that Noems top adviser made it known to top ICE officials that he wanted to be issued a law enforcement badge and a federally-issued gun, despite his not having undertaken the necessary training to merit them. When the administration was preparing to bring in Tom Feeley, a former top ICE official in New York, as its new director, he was asked by Lewandowski if he would be willing to issue him with the props, the newspaper writes. Feeley said no and was subsequently overlooked for the role. ICE lawyer Ken Padilla, in turn, reportedly refused the same request and was placed on administrative leave before being demoted to a role with FEMA. Lewandowski ultimately got his gun, the WSJ reports, but only after it was allegedly signed off by an ICE directors autopen an ironic detail given Trumps mockery and conspiracy theorizing over his predecessor Joe Bidens use of such a device. The DHS spokesperson denied the newspapers version of events, saying Lewandowski made no such efforts to secure a gun or signed paperwork and said that he did not speak to Feeley and that Padilla was put on leave for other reasons. But similar retaliatory tactics were also reported in the case of Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, whom Noem and Lewandowski allegedly attempted to force out by reassigning his chief of staff and pressuring his deputy to resign. Scott himself is a Senate appointee and thus out of the secretarys jurisdiction. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former President Barack Obama has hit out at the Trump administration for axing a landmark climate change regulation from his time in office. The Democrat claims Trump is making Americans less safe by reversing the ruling, which stated that greenhouse gases were responsible for heating the Earth and endangering public welfare. Trump announced plans to scrap the regulation, known as the 2009 Endangerment Finding, in the Oval Office Thursday, despite the legislation underpinning many laws designed to counter climate change. Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules, Obama wrote on X. Without it, well be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money. While announcing plans to repeal the 2009 ruling, Trump described it as a disastrous Obama-era policy and claimed that it had driven up prices and severely damaged the auto industry. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has been slammed by former President Obama over his plans to axe the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which underpins much of the countrys climate legislation ( Getty Images ) The Environmental Protection Agency has since claimed in a press release that the move will save consumers an estimate $1.3 trillion. But fears have already been raised that relieving fossil fuel companies from needing to report their emissions and lifting emission standards for vehicles could futher destabilize an already turbulent climate. Manish Bapna, the president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, warned reporters at a press conference last month that repealing the landmark legislation would be tantamount to denying the existence of climate change. More and more people are suffering from man-made disasters, from heartbreaking flooding in Texas and North Carolina, to the horrific fire around Los Angeles, to the record heat waves that now hit every summer, Bapna said. Eliminating the endangerment finding is denying these events and the existence of climate change writ large. open image in gallery Recognizing the 2009 Endangerment Finding was one of Obamas most significant acts while in office ( AFP via Getty Images ) Climate change has long been suggested to worsen natural disasters, with the U.S. National Science Foundation warning that extreme rainfall events could become three times more likely by 2079, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise according. The agency also suggested that climate change could make extreme rainfall 20 percent more severe. Meanwhile, NASA has claimed that human-caused climate change has been a key factor in the rise of so-called fire weather in the American West. A reduction in rainfall in that part of the country has led to drier conditions, making it easier for wildfires to spread. But, Trump has long been a critic of policies designed to combat the effects of climate change. open image in gallery Experts have warned that climate change has worsened natural disasters already, such as the California wildfires ( Getty Images ) Reversing the landmark Endangerment Finding is just the latest in his attempts to turbocharge the United States' oil and gas industries. During his campaign, Trump infamously promised to drill, baby, drill and regularly raged about the Green New Deal, a policy proposal suggesting a transition to 100 percent clean energy. He has regularly described it as the Green New Scam, and has since slammed wind turbines as stupid and claimed that coal was both beautiful and clean. While announcing his plan to overturn the Endangerment Ruling, Trump bragged about how far he was going. He branded move as the single largest deregulatory action in American history. This is a big one if youre into environment, Trump continued. This is about as big as it gets. EPA has claimed in a statement given to The Independent that the Endangerment Finding had overpredicted severe weather events. Sixteen years later, its painfully clear that many predictions made in the 2009 Endangerment Finding didnt happen, Brigit Hirsch, the EPA press secretary wrote. The same type models utilized by the previous administrations and climate change zealots show this. Even if America ended every vehicle emission tomorrow, it would have no material impact on the global climate, she continued. Regardless, maintaining GHG emission standards is not within the authority Congress entrusted to EPA. Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act does not provide statutory authority for EPA to prescribe motor vehicle and engine emission standards in the manner previously utilized, including for the purpose of addressing global climate change, Hirsch concluded. The Trump EPA is committed to fulfilling our core mission of protecting human health and the environment. It is this mission that guides every action and rulemaking the agency takes. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Robert F Kennedy Jr. has told podcaster Theo Von that he is not scared of germs because he used to snort cocaine off toilet seats. The health secretary made the remarks during a recent episode of This Past Weekend, in which the pair discussed their shared history of drug addiction, which Kennedy has been candid about in the past. He detailed going to recovery meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic. They shut [the rehabilitation meetings] down during Covid, Kennedy said. We still did live meetings every day during Covid, but it was kind of a pirate group I said, I don't care what happens. I'm going to a meeting every day. I said, I'm not scared of a germ. You know, I used to snort cocaine off a toilet seat, and I know this disease [addiction] will kill me, right? If I don't treat it, which means, for me, going to meetings every day. It's just bad for my life. So for me, it was survival. open image in gallery Robert F Kennedy Jr. told podcaster Theo Von that he is not scared of germs because he used to snort cocaine off toilet seats ( AFP/Getty ) Kennedy has a family history of substance abuse and has spoken publicly about his addiction to heroin. Last April he recounted how he met the path of addiction at the age of 15-years-old after trying LSD. The comments come after the health secretary announced $100 million of funding for new grants as part of a pilot program targeting homelessness and substance use recovery in eight cities earlier this month. The funding followed on from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, titled The Great American Recovery Initiative, late last month. Social media users were unimpressed by Kennedys candidness over his prior experiences with using drugs in bathrooms. It shows, wrote the official X account of New York Governor Kathy Hochul in response to the clip. open image in gallery The health secretary made the remarks during a recent episode of Theo Vons podcast This Past Weekend in which they discussed their shared history of drug addiction ( Getty Images ) For some reason I dont trust this guy on public health, wrote Malcolm Kenyatta, a Democratic Rep. from Pennsylvania, while another social media user added: The man who oversees our nation's major health agencies. Elsewhere in the podcast Von mentioned that he had recently seen Kennedy with musician Kid Rock in Nashville, Tennessee, and said he had also heard stories of the MAGA acolyte snorting cocaine while eating oysters. Yeah, Im saving a seat for him still [at rehabilitation meetings], Kennedy replied. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice White House border czar Tom Homan warned that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could return to Minnesota and vowed that mass deportations around the country would continue. Homan spoke with Fox News Laura Ingraham on Thursday just hours after he announced that the surge of federal agents in Minneapolis, the epicenter of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, had ended. He told Ingraham that he had accomplished what Trump instructed him to do in Minnesota: de-escalate, take public safety threats off the street and gain the cooperation of state and local officials. This is like any other surge operation, Homan said. Los Angeles, it ended. Charlotte, it ended. New Orleans, it ended. This is ending the surge, but were not going away. Ingraham then asked Homan about the attempt by Democratic lawmakers to block a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security unless a series of reforms are enacted. Bipartisan negotiators are attempting to work out a deal, but the agency runs out of funding on Friday, meaning a partial government shutdown could be imminent. open image in gallery Tom Homan, President's Trump's border czar, warned that ICE agents could return to Minnesota and threatened raids in other cities. 'Were coming for you,' he said on Fox News ( Fox News, Ingraham Angle ) They care more about politics than the safety and security of this nation, Homan said in reference to Democrats on Capitol Hill. Youre talking, not funding the Coast Guard, who have stopped multiple loads of drugs coming into this country. Youre gonna defund TSA, who keeps our skies safe. Youre gonna defund Secret Service. I mean, put politics aside. This is about safety and security of this nation. Homan noted, though, that ICE would remain operational due to a congressional spending bill passed last year, which provided billions in supplemental funding to the agency. ICE has all the money they want to keep doing the job, Homan said. Of course, the men and women long term wont be getting paid, but will continue to do operations. Theyll continue taking people off the street. Let me be clear: Mass deportations will continue, the border czar added. Were not going back. President Trump promised mass deportation. Thats exactly what the American people are gonna get. Were gonna enforce immigration loss. If youre in this country illegally, were coming for you. open image in gallery On Thursday, Homan announced that the surge in federal immigration agents in Minnesota had ended ( AP ) Homans fiery comments came just hours after he held a press conference to announce that the surge of thousands of federal immigration agents in Minnesota had ended. A small footprint of personnel would remain in the area to supervise the transfer of full command and control of immigration enforcement in the state back to the ICE field office that has been in Minneapolis for decades, he said. The deployment of additional federal agents to Minnesota, which began in December, led to numerous arrests and the killings of two people Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents. It also sparked widespread protests in the Democratic-run state and led local and state officials to call on ICE to withdraw from the area. The drawdown in the Gopher State comes as the American public remains concerned about the tactics employed by ICE. According to a recent Quinnipiac survey, 63 percent of Americans disapprove of the way the agency is enforcing immigration laws, while just 34 percent approve. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump lambasted the administration for surging federal officers into Minnesota without accounting for basic due process protections for thousands of people they arrested. Immigration authorities violated their rights by stashing them into a severely overcrowded federal facility without access to attorneys, according to District Judge Nancy Brasel. It appears that in planning for Operation Metro Surge, the government failed to plan for the constitutional rights of its civil detainees, she wrote Thursday. The government suggests with minimal explanation and even less evidence that doing so would result in chaos, she added. The Constitution does not permit the government to arrest thousands of individuals and then disregard their constitutional rights because it would be too challenging to honor those rights. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was ordered to immediately restore meaningful access to legal support for people detained in Minnesota, marking a major victory for human rights groups and detainees who sued over conditions that the judge said all but extinguish a detainees access to counsel. open image in gallery A federal judge has ordered immediate access to legal counsel for immigrants held inside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, which has been used to detain thousands of people arrested by ICE during the Trump administrations Minnesota surge ( REUTERS ) In response to Judge Brasels order, a spokesperson for Homeland Security said that no lawbreakers in the history of human civilization have been treated better than illegal aliens in the United States Thursdays order arrived hours after the Trump administrations announcement that federal officers would begin withdrawing from Minnesota in the coming days. White House border czar Tom Homan who was deployed to the state after officers fatally shot two citizen protesters and the apparent removal of Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino said Thursday that a small footprint of personnel will remain in the state to supervise the transfer of full command and control of immigration enforcement back to the ICE field office in Minneapolis. A class-action lawsuit from The Advocates for Human Rights alleges widespread violations at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, where detainees are "shackled" and secretly moved to ICE detention centers as far as away as Texas without a chance to call a lawyer or family member. Detainees are moved frequently, quickly, without notice, and often with no way for attorneys to know where or how long they will be at a given facility, according to the judge. ICE refused to let attorneys meet with their clients, who were routinely pressured to sign self-deportation forms, according to plaintiffs. All of these barriers make it difficult if not impossible for attorneys to effectively represent their clients,Judge Brasel wrote. open image in gallery The Whipple building has been the site of ongoing protests during ICEs Minnesota surge, which is expected to draw down after thousands of arrests and the killings of two citizen protesters sparked international outrage ( AFP via Getty Images ) The judge ordered the government to provide written notice to detainees access to legal services and provide them with free, private and unmonitored access to telephones. Attorneys also must be allowed to visit clients seven days a week, and ICE must inform them if their clients are being moved out of the facility, with a chance for the detainees to call their legal counsel or family. When the government deprives people of liberty, it cannot avoid its constitutional responsibilities because it finds them inconvenient, according to Michele Garnett McKenzie, executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights. Its appalling that we required a court ruling to defend this fundamental right. The ruling is the latest blow to the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts in Minnesota, after a wave of rebukes from federal judges who accused ICE of routinely violating court orders, including ignoring orders to release detainees and illegally moving them around the country. Judges have also issued similar court rulings over the conditions inside makeshift ICE facilities in Chicago and New York, where detainees similarly lacked access to legal counsel and were stuffed into overcrowded cells. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump on Friday offered a strong show of support for embattled Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick by bringing him along on a visit to special forces troops at Fort Bragg en route to his Palm Beach, Florida home. The whisk-away on Air Force One comes despite calls for Lutnick to resign over his ties to and misleading comments about his relationship with dead sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump declined to answer a reporters question as he departed the White House on whether he would ask Lutnick to step down or outright fire him after the Cabinet secretary confirmed having made a 2012 visit to Epsteins infamous private island seven years after he claimed to have cut ties to the notorious underage sex trafficker. But a list of the people traveling with Trump to North Carolina and then Florida this weekend shows Lutnick as one of the presidents guests, along with North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd, Reps. Richard Hudson, Brad Knott and David Rouzer, plus first lady Melania Trump and a range of White House staff. Lutnick has been under sustained fire since Tuesday, when he admitted to the Senate Commerce Committee that hed made the trip to Epsteins home on Little Saint James (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands) for lunch with his wife and children 14 years ago. open image in gallery President Donald Trump (pictured with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in April) declined to answer a reporters question Friday on whether he would ask Lutnick to step down. ( AP ) Documents released by the Department of Justice had revealed how Lutnick had been in contact with Epstein, his onetime nextdoor neighbor in New York, via email to arrange the visit. The emails contradicted statements Lutnick had made to the New York Post during a podcast appearance in October when he said hed cut off contact with Epstein who died in a New York jail cell while awaiting sex trafficking charges in 2019 after a 2005 encounter that he claimed had left him so unsettled that hed vowed to never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again. The commerce secretary has long been known to have had ties to Epstein, who was his next-door neighbor in New York at one point, years before he pleaded guilty to prostitution charges in Florida as part of a sweetheart deal with a George W Bush-era prosecutor who later became Trumps first Secretary of Labor during his first term. But the documents reviewed by The Independent show that Lutnick not only planned to visit Epsteins island in 2012 but maintained ties with Epstein as late as 2018 the year before he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges and long after hed spent time in jail for state-level offenses related to his preying on young girls. Trumps decision to host Lutnick on board the presidential aircraft a highly sought-after perk for cabinet members comes a day after he claimed not to have known about Lutnicks trip to the pedophile financiers private getaway but moments later told a reporter he had heard about details of the trip. open image in gallery Lutnick visited Epsteins private island, Little Saint James, in 2012 ( Reuters ) Speaking from the Roosevelt Room during an event to announce the repeal of a longstanding climate rule reviled by the fossil fuel industry, Trump was asked if hed been aware of Lutnicks travel to Little Saint James and whether he still has confidence in the former bond trading executive. No, I wasnt aware of it ... I actually haven't spoken to him about it ... but from what I hear, he was there with his wife and children, Trump said, just days after Lutnick was forced to admit he had traveled to the notorious locale. He added: I was never there somebody will someday say that I was never there. Trump notably did not answer the second part of the question as to whether he has confidence in Lutnick, a longtime friend who had pushed to become Treasury Secretary after serving as the finance chief for the presidents 2024 campaign. But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday that Trump fully supports Lutnick and described him as a very important member of President Trump's team. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The official portrait from President Donald Trumps first term has never been shown to the public, and he wants to keep it that way, a new report reveals. A portrait of Trump was painted by an artist commissioned by the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery in 2021, shortly after he left office. Presidential portraits are typically hung in the gallery after they have permanently left office but due to Trumps announcement in 2022 that he was running again, the painting was not displayed in the gallerys Americas Presidents exhibit. Now, according to The New York Times, Trump prefers a different image to represent his presidency when he leaves office in 2029. The 2021 portrait was painted by the late artist Ronald Sherr and reportedly depicts Trump at a rally with the White House in the background. open image in gallery The official portrait from President Donald Trumps first term (not pictured) has never been shown to the public, but now he reportedly wants a new one commissioned ( AFP/Getty ) White House officials told the Times it represents a vestige of his first term, and a second portrait has been discussed that encapsulates his entire time in office. President Trump was appreciative of the portrait created for his 45th term, and looks forward to seeing the completion of a portrait that will encapsulate both his 45th and 47th presidential terms, White House spokesman Davis Ingle told the newspaper. However, a spokeswoman for the gallery told the Times that it was unaware of a request for a second portrait. When reached for comment by The Independent, a spokesperson for the gallery said, We have no comment at this time. Sherrs widow, Lois Sherr, told the outlet that her late husband told her Trump had spoken warmly of the portrait. What sets this portrait by Ron apart is that he captured Trumps movement, energy and feeling of absolute resolve, she said. open image in gallery If portraits or photographs are not to Trumps liking, he has often taken to Truth Social to air his grievances, including one hung of him in the Colorado state capitol in 2025 ( Trump Social/@realDonaldTrump/Sarah Boardman ) If portraits or photographs are not to Trumps liking, he has often taken to Truth Social to air his grievances. In October 2025, he complained about a photograph of himself on the front of Time Magazine that was taken from below. Time Magazine wrote a relatively good story about me, but the picture may be the Worst of All Time, Trump complained on Truth Social. I never liked taking pictures from underneath angles, but this is a super bad picture, and deserves to be called out. And in March last year, the Colorado state legislature agreed to take down a painting of Trump that he had blasted on Truth Social as distorted and the worst. Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado ... was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before, Trump said. The artist also did President Obama, and he looks wonderful, but the one on me is truly the worst. She must have lost her talent as she got older, he added. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Waymo has started paying DoorDash drivers to close the doors of its driverless robotaxis, as passengers leave them ajar and can hold up traffic. The automated cars cannot drive if any of their doors remain open, forcing the company to draft in human assistance to prevent roads from getting clogged up with immobile cabs. A DoorDash driver took to Reddit to claim Waymo had offered them up to $11 simply for closing the door of a nearby vehicle. The post, which was upvoted 522 times, showed that the driver had been offered a guaranteed $6.25 for the job with an additional $5 up for grabs if they sent proof that the job had been completed. You actually DoorDashed, one user quipped in the comments section. open image in gallery Waymo has drafted in DoorDash drivers to close its automated taxis doors ( Brandon Bell/Getty Images ) Waymo and DoorDash confirmed the bizarre situation is part of a pilot scheme in a joint statement given to CNBC, in which they said that they were always looking for new ways for drivers to earn more money. However, they acknowledged that Waymo vehicles could soon have new technology installed which would automatically close their car doors. DoorDash is not the only company that Waymo has drafted in to get stranded taxis moving again. In parts of California, the robotaxi brand has partnered with Honk, a service that functions similarly to Uber but is aimed at towing companies. Through the partnership, workers can earn up to $20 for closing Waymo taxi doors. open image in gallery The automated vehicles cannot drive if a door remains open, which means they can clog up roads ( Justin Sullivan/Getty Images ) Cesar Marenco, owner of Milagro Towing in Inglewood, told The Washington Post that he is now a regular Waymo door-closer. He told the newspaper that he completes around three jobs a week for Waymo via the Honk app, either towing vehicles that failed to make it to a charging station or closing doors. But power outages still present a problem for Waymo, with a December 2025 outage in San Francisco leaving several vehicles stranded across the city. The robotaxis approach non-functional traffic signals as though they were a four-way stop, just as a regular driver would do, but the lack of human intuition means that they struggle to navigate them in larger, citywide power outages. open image in gallery The taxi company has plans to roll out more vehicles across several U.S. cities ( Getty Images ) Following the San Francisco outage, a Waymo spokesperson told The Washington Post that the sheer scale of the outage led to instances where vehicles remained stationary longer than usual to confirm the state of the affected intersections. The firm also confirmed in a blog post that there was a spike in requests for human workers, as difficult intersections may necessitate that a vehicle checks in with officials to ensure it makes the safest choice. But Waymo reportedly has plans to expand its operations, with The Post reporting the company will launch rides in Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando throughout 2026. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A police watchdog in Australia has said it will investigate how the protests in Sydney over Israeli president Isaac Herzogs visit were handled, after it received multiple complaints accusing officers of using excessive force. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) an independent police oversight body said in a statement released on Friday that it was in public interest to examine the violent confrontations between police and demonstrators at the Sydney Town Hall this week. Police in Sydney clashed with people protesting against the visit of the Israeli president , who is accused of inciting a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, allegations he denies. Police made at least 27 arrests amid allegations of excessive force used against protesters and rights groups, reports said. The New South Wales Police (NSW) said officers moved to clear the area after demonstrators attempted to breach blockades, resulting in arrests. Ten people were accused of assaulting police officers. Following the receipt of a significant number of complaints, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has decided to investigate the police operation at Sydney Town Hall, the LECC said. open image in gallery People hold placards and wave Palestinian flags during a protest against the visit of Israel's president Isaac Herzog on 9 February 2026 in Sydney, Australia ( Getty ) Including incidents of alleged misconduct on the part of New South Wales police officers against persons attending that location for a protest. It added that the commission will obtain and review all available material, including video and phone footage, documents, records and other information, including that held by the NSW police force. The government said inviting Mr Herzog to Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach was meant to support the Jewish community, despite criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, including the Palestine Action Group. There were also protests in Melbourne on the last day of Mr Herzogs controversial visit. NSW premier Chris Minns had defended the police action after videos of officers punching protesters at the anti-Herzog demonstrations had surfaced. He said that officers did everything possible to avoid violent confrontations. We cant blame the police for doing what we asked them to do, he said on Thursday. open image in gallery A protester receives assistance after being pepper sprayed by NSW Police during a protest against the visit of Israel's President Isaac Herzog on 9 February 2026 in Sydney, Australia ( Getty ) Im certainly not going to throw NSW police under the bus in these circumstances for doing what is an incredibly difficult job, a job that millions of people in this state are grateful for. Palestine Action Group (PAG) spokesperson, Amal Naser, welcomed the independent investigation and said that Premier Chris Minns, minister Yasmine Catley, and police commissioner Mal Lanyon must take responsibility and resign for authorising and overseeing an operation that has shaken public confidence in the right to protest. Minister for police and counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, said: The best thing we can do right now is to allow the LECC to do its job. Now is the time for calm. We must allow the investigation to take place and respect the integrity of that process. open image in gallery NSW Police surround protesters on George Street during a rally against the visit of Israel's President Isaac Herzog on 9 February 2026 in Sydney ( Getty ) Officers were accused of using pepper spray and kettling crowds into tight spaces. Later footage also emerged which showed police punching protesters, and disrupting Muslims who were praying. An NSW police spokesperson said on Friday a senior officer had agreed to let the men finish praying before moving them on, according to the Guardian newspaper. The senior officer was attempting to relay that message to other officers who were carrying out a move-on direction during what was a noisy, dynamic and fast-moving situation. However, some worshippers were moved on before the message from the senior officer was able to be relayed. Greens MP in NSW parliament, Abigail Boyd, had earlier claimed that she got lifted off the ground during the protest. Another police officer punched me in the head, and then I had another one who punched me in the shoulder. I dont understand how thats a proportionate response. Josh Lees, an organiser for the Palestine Action Group, said on Tuesday: There is no justification for the polices actions last night. Later, Mr Lanyon apologised for any offence that may have been taken after police dragged away people praying outside the town hall. Amnesty International Australias Occupied Palestinian Territory spokesperson, Mohamed Duar, said in a statement: Amnesty International was shocked and horrified by the unnecessary and disproportionate force used by NSW police against First Nations Peoples, Muslims in prayer and members of the public who came together at the Sydney Town Hall protest to demand Herzog be investigated for incitement of genocide. He added: The LECC has rightly heeded our call for an independent investigation and listened to the concerns of many others who attended the protest. Law enforcement officials should be protecting peoples right to protest, not violently suppressing peaceful protest and harming those standing up for human rights. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said that President Donald Trumps administration is tearing apart the transatlantic partnership as its relationship with Europe remains strained. The New York Democrat, who is a potential 2028 presidential candidate, told the Munich Security Conference: President Trump has withdrawn from and is looking to withdraw the US from the entire world and turn into an age of authoritarianism to carve out a world where Donald Trump can command the western world and Latin America as his personal sandbox." Speaking alongside other world leaders, including Czech president Petr Pavel, Ms Ocasio-Cortez called for a return to rules-based order and to address hypocrises. She said: I think this is a moment where we are seeing our presidential administration tear apart the transatlantic partnership, rip up every democratic norm, and really calling into question, as was mentioned by Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum, the rules based order that we have, or, question mark, do we have? But that does not mean that the majority of Americans are ready to walk away from a rules-based order and that were ready to walk away from our commitment to democracy. open image in gallery Relations between Donald Trump and European leaders have come under increasing pressure over the last year ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) I think what we identify is that in a rules-based order, hypocrisy is vulnerability. Taking direct aim at Trumps record during his first year in office of his second term, she referenced his threats to Denmark and his recent capturing of Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro. She said: And so I think what we are seeking is a return to a rules-based order that eliminates the hypocrisies when, too often, in the West, wed look the other way for inconvenient populations to act out these paradoxes, whether it is kidnapping a foreign head of state, whether it is threatening our allies to colonise Greenland, whether it is looking the other way in a genocide. Hypocrisies are our vulnerabilities and they threaten democracies. And so I think many of us are here to say we are here and we are ready for the next chapter, not to have the world turn to isolation, but to deepen our partnership on greater and increase commitment to integrity to our values. Europe has been left reeling from Trumps more aggressive foreign policy in his second term, forcing a reassessment of global alliances. This has included threats of annexing Greenland, the resource-rich island which is part of Denmark (a Nato member), while his representative at peace talks between Ukraine and Russia Steve Witkoff has consistently taken Moscows side. open image in gallery California governor Gavin Newsom said there has never been a more destructive president than Trump ( Getty ) US vice-president JD Vances criticism of European countries, including the UK, over free speech and immigration last year set the tone for a dramatic deterioration in relations, which has also seen multiple threats of tariffs on the EU bloc. It follows comments from Californias Democrat governor Gavin Newsom earlier on Friday, who told the conference that Trump is doubling down on stupid. Mr Newsom, who is also said to have presidential ambitions and has been in a long-lasting dispute with Mr Trump, said: Never in the history of the United States of America has there been a more destructive president than the current occupant in the White House in Washington, DC. In a conversation that was largely focused on climate change, he said that Trump is trying to recreate the 19 century. Were proving at scale that we can implement, we can compete and we can dominate, but Donald Trump is trying to turn back the clock. He added:I hope, if theres nothing else I can communicate today, Donald Trump is temporary. Hell be gone in three years. He also called on other world and corporate leaders to call out the U.S. president, stating: Were all becoming Chamberlains in this place, corporate leaders have to stand up. Sir Keir Starmer will address the conference on Saturday morning and take part in a moderated conversation titled Principled and pragmatic: wielding power in a world in disarray with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He is expected to call for the bloc to move away from its over-dependence on Washington, while his German counterpart, Freidrick Merz, said that the United States claim to leadership is disputed, perhaps squandered. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Germanys chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared the international order is being destroyed, in a swipe at US president Donald Trump and his disruptive foreign policy. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Merz warned that the United States claim to leadership is disputed, perhaps squandered. A rift has opened up between Europe and the United States. Vice President JD Vance said this very openly here in Munich a year ago, Merz said, referring to Vances deeply contentious speech in which he lambasted traditional allies in Europe. He was right. The culture war of the Maga movement is not ours. Freedom of speech ends here with us when that speech goes against human dignity and the constitution. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade. Referring to the upending of a rules-based order since Trump returned to office just over a year ago, the German leader gave a bleak assessment of the current climate. open image in gallery German chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the international order no longer exists ( REUTERS ) Youve chosen a grim motto for this conference, under destruction, and it probably means that the international order based on rights and rules is currently being destroyed, he told the summit. But Im afraid we have to put it in even harsher terms: This order, as flawed as it has been even in its heyday, no longer exists. This year alone, Trump has deposed the leader of Venezuela with a military strike, threatened Greenland with annexation and sent aircraft carriers to the Middle East amid ongoing tensions with Iran. However, Merz did offer an olive branch to the United States, represented at the three-day summit by secretary of state Marco Rubio. open image in gallery Donald Trump has torn up the rules based international order and former allies have been left picking up the pieces ( Getty ) In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone, Merz continued, referring to the rise of China, and Russias geopolitical aims. Dear friends, being a part of Nato is not only Europes competitive advantage. It is also the United States competitive advantage. So lets repair and revive transatlantic trust together, he said. Merz went on to reiterate the importance of bolstering Natos defences and expressed Germanys commitment to investing billions in the partnership in the coming years. Europe has been left reeling from Trumps more aggressive foreign policy in his second term, forcing a reassessment of global alliances. The theme is expected to come up repeatedly during the Munich conference, though Trump himself is not attending. No one in Europe, or in the United States, wins from any kind of conflict between old allies, said Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen on Friday, reiterating Merzs commitment to retain a good relationship with the U.S. So we must do what we can to keep the Americans close to us, but this is a new world disorder that we live in. open image in gallery Keir Starmer is due to call for Europe to relinquish its overdependence on the US ( PA Wire ) Keir Starmer will tell delegates in Munich on Saturday that Europe should limit its dependance on the US and call for a defence alliance that is more European. He will also say that the UK should move closer to the European Union, stating that turning inwards would be a surrender of control in a perilous era for geopolitics. The prime minister will say: I'm talking about a vision of European security and greater European autonomy, that does not herald US withdrawal but answers the call for more burden sharing in full, and remakes the ties that have served us so well. It follows comments made earlier by US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who told the summit that the Trump administration was tearing apart the transatlantic partnership as she backed calls for a return to rules-based order. She said: President Trump has withdrawn from and is looking to withdraw the US from the entire world and turn into an age of authoritarianism to carve out a world where Donald Trump can command the western world and Latin America as his personal sandbox." On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice World leaders gathering in Munich for the annual security conference are being greeted by a report from their hosts that takes an axe to the policies of Donald Trump and warns that global security structures risk being turned to rubble. The Munich Security Report 2026, titled Under Destruction, says that: The world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics. Sweeping destruction rather than careful reforms and policy corrections is the order of the day. The most prominent of those who promise to free their country from the existing orders constraints and rebuild a stronger, more prosperous nation is the current US administration. As a result, more than 80 years after construction began, the US-led post-1945 international order is now under destruction. The view is widely shared in Europe and among Americas allies in Canada, Japan, and above all in Ukraine. But in setting the discordant tone for the weekend of discussions between world powers, which will include the US, the 123-page report savages the US administration and sets the stage for a jarring score. open image in gallery Report from Munich Security Conference takes an axe to the policies of Donald Trump ( Getty ) Not least because in the G7 countries surveys found that people did not have much faith in their own governments either only a tiny proportion of respondents say that their current governments policies will make future generations better off. The most powerful of those who take the axe to existing rules and institutions is US president Donald Trump, the Munich Security Conference report says. This might suit his followers, it went on, but it is unclear whether destruction is really clearing the ground for policies that will increase the security, prosperity, and freedom of the people. Instead, we might see a world shaped by transactional deals rather than principled cooperation, private rather than public interests, and regions shaped by regional hegemons rather than universal norms. Ironically, this would be a world that privileges the rich and powerful, not those who have placed their hopes in wrecking-ball politics. The architecture of security, once known as Pax Americana, is breaking down across Europe and the Indo-Pacific, especially while humanitarian work and efforts to slow down climate change are collapsing, the report said. Ironically, the president of the country that did more than any other to shape, sustain, and defend the post-1945 international order is now at the forefront of dismantling it. The report said that Trump had flouted international law: In just one year in office, Trump has used force against targets in Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. He has also openly contemplated using force against other targets, including Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico, threatened to take back the Panama Canal, and speculated about Canada joining the United States as the 51st state. Very recently, he has even doubled down on his designs on Greenland. In a survey of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, Brazil, China, India and South Africa, not one country agreed that Donald Trumps policies are good for the world. In Ukraine, Europes leaders were being forced into a posture of accommodation not towards Russia but toward Washington as Ukraine is in danger of being a first victim of Trumps approach. Rather than being treated primarily as a question of sovereignty and international law, the war is at growing risk of being reframed as a negotiable dispute between powerful leaders, in which territory, security guarantees, and even natural resources become bargaining chips, which risk a victors peace. Europe is already dealing with hybrid warfare waged by Moscow, and now dealing with an administration in Washington that has backed Vladimir Putin against Ukraine. open image in gallery The site of a Russian drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine ( Emergency Service of Ukraine ) But the region is struggling to put up a united front to counter Russias threat. The UK, Spain, Greece and Italy are all identified as fiscally strained low spenders on defence, where politicians have failed to make the case for more money for guns over butter. But what increases there have been in defence spending have been inefficient because Europeans seem unable to work together efficiently: Rising defence budgets are instead fuelling a new wave of industrial nationalism that risks deepening fragmentation, inflating costs, and eroding fragile public support. Cuts to multilateral humanitarian work, led by Trump but reinforced by many other countries, including the UK, posed an immediate risk to life for millions around the world, but also added to the fragmentation of organisations like the UN. Rules-based trade is being undermined, and whether the system will collapse into the law of the strongest remains an open question, the report added. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A water leak struck the Louvre Museum's Denon gallery on Thursday evening, affecting an area displaying valuable paintings but sparing Leonardo Da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa. A spokesperson for the Paris institution confirmed the leak had been contained by early Friday morning, with the gallery expected to reopen shortly. The incident occurred in room 707, home to works by 19th-century French artist Charles Meynier and 16th-century Italian Bernardino Luini. The leak caused damage to a ceiling painted by Meynier. This marks the second such incident in under three months for the Louvre, which has faced a series of recent challenges. Earlier on Thursday, prosecutors in Paris announced that nine people were detained in connection with a suspected decade-long ticket fraud scheme at the Louvre. The alleged operation is believed to have defrauded the institution of more than 10m (8.7m) over the past decade. The incident occurred in room 707, home to works by 19th-century French artist Charles Meynier and 16th-century Italian Bernardino Luini ( AP ) The arrests took place on Tuesday. They are part of a judicial investigation that commenced after the Louvre lodged a formal complaint in December 2024. Two museum employees, a number of tour guides and an individual suspected of being the mastermind behind the extensive fraud were among those taken into custody, the prosecutors' office. The museum alerted investigators about the frequent presence of two Chinese tour guides suspected of bringing groups of Chinese tourists into the museum by fraudulently reusing the same tickets multiple times for different visitors. Other guides were later suspected of similar practices. It follows the high-profile heist of the museum on October, when a gang of thieves stole several items of jewellery from the venue. The robbery gang's haul of loot was worth an estimated 88 million euros ($102 million) a monetary value that didn't include their huge historical value to France. The thieves took less than eight minutes to force their way into the museum and leave, using a freight lift to reach the building's window. Footage from museum cameras showed that the two who broke into the ornate Apollo Gallery used grinders to cut into jewellery display cases. Employees at the Louvre also went on strike in December, with the heist highlighting long-standing concerns that crowding and thin staffing were undermining security and working conditions at a museum that welcomes millions of visitors each year. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Volodymyr Zelensky has slammed theutterly stupid idea he would announce a spring election and a referendum on a peace deal on the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion. Reports citing Ukrainian and European officials claimed the president intended to announce the plans on 24 February, after the Trump administration issued a June deadline for a finalised peace agreement. But, without ruling out an announcement at some point, Ukraines leader has pushed back on the date itself. February 24 is a special date, Zelensky wrote on X. Even if there were an intention or relevant steps toward bringing certain elections forward, I believe it would be an utterly stupid idea to use such a date to talk about politics. open image in gallery Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky called the idea utterly stupid ( AP ) He described the date as very serious as it is used to mark a large number of people who have defended our state and given their lives. Therefore, February 24 cannot be used to announce any elections any elections at all, he continued. This is not about individuals. No elections can be announced on February 24. I could never do such a thing. Zelensky said Kyiv would only move towards holding elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place. He said he is ready for elections, and that Ukraine is only waiting for a ceasefire to be established before moving ahead with the plans. But such a ceasefire still appears distant, as Russia continues to insist that Ukraine withdraw entirely from the Donbas region, meaning it would be giving up land it currently controls, a condition Kyiv has unequivocally rejected. open image in gallery Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, including the pictured southern city of Odesa ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the EUs foreign policy chief supported Zelensky's position. If you have elections, it is always fighting inside between different factions, and when you have outside attacks, then you just cannot hold elections because your adversary is outside, and you need to concentrate all the efforts to counter that, she said. The European Union says it is working on its own sustainable peace plan that could help force Russias hand and bring the war in Ukraine to an end. Everybody around the table, including the Russians and the Americans, needs to understand that you need Europeans to agree (to have a peace deal)," Ms Kallas said, speaking to reporters in Brussels. And for that, we also have conditions. And we should put the conditions, not on Ukrainians, who have already been pressured a lot, but on the Russians. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administration reportedly smuggled thousands of Starlink terminals into Iran following the regimes violent crackdown on demonstrations last month. Irans regime shut off the internet across the whole country when thousands took to the streets in protest against economic decline and dwindling currency last month. The country experienced a near-total nationwide internet shutdown lasting for over two weeks and Tehrans brutal crackdown is believed to have killed thousands of citizens. The U.S. reportedly smuggled roughly 6,000 satellite-internet kits into the country, according to the Wall Street Journal, the first time the U.S. has directly sent Starlink to Iran. open image in gallery Iran faced a near-total nationwide internet shutdown for more than two weeks Government officials told the WSJ that the State Department had purchased almost 7,000 Starlink terminals in recent months to help anti-regime activists circumvent internet shut-offs in Iran. The decision came as senior Trump administration appointees decided to divert funds from other internet-freedom initiatives inside Iran. President Trump was reportedly aware of the deliveries, but it remains unclear whether he or someone else directly approved the plans. The Independent contacted the White House for comment. Tehran has accused Washington, without evidence, of playing a role in last months nationwide demonstrations and spreading dissent. The U.S. has denied any connection to the uprising. open image in gallery Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump ( AFP/Getty ) Owning a Starlink terminal is illegal in Iran and risks years in prison, although Elon Musk reportedly waived monthly subscription payments for users inside Iran last month following the governments internet crackdown. Washington and Tehran remain in high-stakes talks over Irans nuclear program, in which Trump has threatened strikes if no agreement is reached. Tehran has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of a wider war as the US amasses forces in the Middle East. On Wednesday, Irans president Masoud Pezeshkian insisted that his nation was "not seeking nuclear weapons ... and are ready for any kind of verification". In a speech marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Republic, he said: The high wall of mistrust that the United States and Europe have created through their past statements and actions does not allow these talks to reach a conclusion. open image in gallery Masoud Pezeshkian has said Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons ( AP ) At the same time, we are engaging with full determination in dialogue aimed at peace and stability in the region alongside our neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, Iran has accused Israel of sabotaging negotiations after Trump met with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. Israels leader has reportedly been urging the US president impose the strictest-possible terms in any agreement reached with Tehran in nuclear talks. Commenting on the nuclear discussions with the US, Tehrans security chief Ali Larijani told Al Jazeera: Our negotiations are exclusively with the United States we are not engaged in any talks with Israel. However, Israel has inserted itself into this process, with their intent on undermining and sabotaging these negotiations. Since the unrest started in late-December, US-based human rights group HRANA estimates 7,002 protesters have been killed. A further 11,730 remain under investigation. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The US is sending the worlds largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East in a serious escalation of tensions with Iran, according to reports. The largest warship ever constructed, the USS Gerald R Ford, is scheduled to leave the Caribbean for the region in the coming days, according to The New York Times. It will be accompanied by escort ships, US officials told the publication. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump warned he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East if the US did not secure a nuclear deal with Iran. We have to make a deal, otherwise its going to be very traumatic, very traumatic, he told reporters on Thursday. open image in gallery The USS Gerald R Ford is the largest warship ever constructed ( Getty ) Last month, the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers were sent to the Middle East from the South China Sea after a brutal crackdown on protesters. Though hard to verify, at least 6,000 people are believed to have been killed with some human rights organisations reporting that the numbers could be significantly higher. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian this week issued an apology for the brutal crackdown on protests, saying: We are ashamed before the people, and we are obligated to assist all those who were harmed in these incidents. We are not seeking confrontation with the people. But speculation that the US is gearing up for a confrontation with Iran continues after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Mr Trump at the White House to discuss the country. The US and Israel had previously joined forces to strike Irans nuclear capabilities in a series of orchestrated military strikes in June last year. Iran accused Israel of trying to sabotage nuclear talks in an attempt to destabilise the region. open image in gallery File. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House this week to discuss Iran ( Getty ) On the discussions, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated. If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer That did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible. Mr Netanyahu said that he hoped conditions would be created to avoid military action. Before their meeting, Mr Trump told Fox Business that a good deal with Iran would mean no nuclear weapons, no missiles. open image in gallery Irans president Masoud Pezeshkian said the government is ashamed by its brutal crackdown on dissent ( AP ) The USS Ford is the warship that was engaged in Venezuela as part of the Trump administrations work to build up its military presence in the region and later to capture its president, Nicolas Maduro. Irans president has insisted that its country is not seeking to expand its nuclear capabilities. Mr Pezeshkian said: The high wall of mistrust that the United States and Europe have created through their past statements and actions does not allow these talks to reach a conclusion. At the same time, we are engaging with full determination in dialogue aimed at peace and stability in the region alongside our neighbouring countries. However, Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Irans supreme leader, said on Wednesday: The Islamic Republic's missile capabilities are non-negotiable. German chancellor Friedrich Merz has proclaimed that the rules-based international order is over in stark opening remarks at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, 13 February. In a comprehensive speech, the German chancellor implied that in a period of intense rivalry, even the US lacks the strength to stand alone without the backing of NATO allies. Merz also offered Europes unconditional support to Denmark in the ongoing dispute with the Trump administration over Greenland, and reaffirmed his commitment to turning the German armed forces into the strongest army in Europe, ready to defend its eastern flank against Russia. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The bankruptcy of a gift card vendor in six states has left consumers hungry for redemption. San Diego-based Synergy World announced on its website that it was shutting down its restaurant gift card program due to bankruptcy. The company, which had been in business for 19 years, offered gift cards through Costco. Restaurants in its network were located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, according to its website. It is with a heavy heart that Synergy World has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Synergy Restaurant Gift Card Program, the company said in an announcement on its website. We fully recognize and sincerely regret the impact this decision has had on our cardholders and the many local restaurants. The Independent reached out to Synergy World and Costco for comment but did not receive a response. Synergy World gave its restaurant gift card customers until January 31 to redeem their cards, but the rush of cardholders trying to use their balances before the deadline led the company to discontinue the program before the deadline arrived, according to a statement. A California-based company selling gift cards through Costco entered bankruptcy ( Getty Images ) San Diego restaurant owner Joey Busalacci tried to redeem as many Synergy cards as he could before the deadline, but he told San Diego-based KUSI News that the company eventually stopped communicating with vendors and the cards no longer worked. The decision to shut down operations led to confusion and urgency among customers, some of whom took to social media to find a solution. Facebook group Albuquerque Foodies posted on January 30 that Synergy gift cards are no more. Several commenters noted that Costco was offering store credit or refunds for those with receipts, while others said at least one restaurant in the area was swapping the Synergy gift cards with the restaurants own gift cards. Participants in a Costco subreddit on Reddit offered a flurry of responses to post alerting users to the Synergy shutdown. Several commenters confirmed that Costco was offering refunds on unused Synergy gift cards. Synergys systems were slow in the final days of operation, alleged one commenter who said they returned 12 Synergy gift cards to a Costco on January 29. The Costco customer service associate handling the return had to verify over the phone that each of the 12 cards was unused and, allegedly, had to repeat some card numbers multiple times to get verification. After the drama of the Venezuelan operation, the focus of US military activity switched almost at once to Iran, as a more obvious target for Donald Trumps 21st-century version of the Monroe Doctrine seemed to slip from view. That target is Cuba. The relative quiet of the past month, however, may have been deceptive and could indeed be about to end, potentially bringing about one of the most radical changes in the region since Fidel Castro seized power in 1959 and the Cuban missile crisis that nearly plunged the world into war three years later. For while there has been no actual regime-change in Caracas, despite the arrest of president Nicolas Maduro, the US forced an end to Venezuelas vital fuel shipments to Cuba, which now risks a more acute emergency than anything it has faced hitherto. In the past two weeks, the Cuban government has warned foreign airlines that it cannot guarantee to refuel their planes. Canada has cancelled all flights to Cuba, and even Russia which remained an ally of Cuba after the Soviet Unions collapse said that it, too, was halting all flights to Cuba, except for some planes that it was sending empty to evacuate its tourists. With the effective end of foreign tourism, Cuba is losing one of its few sources of foreign currency. The countrys domestic fuel rationing system, long patchy and unreliable, is at breaking point. Periodic power cuts are affecting many areas, including the capital, Havana. In sum, the US noose would appear to be tightening, without any circling gunboats or direct action on its part. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that an end, of some sort, is in the offing. US intentions, on the other hand, remain unclear. At the end of last month, Donald Trump issued a fierce Executive Order accusing the Cuban government of supporting and aligning with hostile state actors, including Russia, China and Iran, as well as efforts to destabilise the Western hemisphere. He threatened tariffs on any country supplying Cuba with anything. Within a couple of days, however, Trump was telling reporters (at Mar-a-Lago, not a million miles from Cuba) that Cuba was a failing nation, but that: Were talking to the people from Cuba, the highest people in Cuba, to see what happens. He rounded off in classic Trump fashion: I think were going to make a deal with Cuba. Cubas president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, responded in front of a photograph of Fidel Castro in revolutionary mode with his own, more formal statement. Cuba, he said, was willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, a dialogue on any topic, but without pressure or preconditions. Evidence of how keen Cuba was to get this message across was that it was broadcast on TV and radio and YouTube. Unconfirmed reports suggest talks might be in progress in Mexico. Whether or not there are talks, however, the fact that the two sides appear to be in communication has to be a plus. But it also opens questions about what sort of deal might be on the table, and whether US-engineered regime-change is off, or was ever on, the cards. Of the various options that could be envisaged, the most benign would be a return to the opening towards Cuba that Barack Obama made in his second term, which permitted travel and investment, but which was reversed by Trump in his first term. For such a reopening to be possible, Cuba under its current, or another, leadership would doubtless have to reorient its policies away from Russia, a move that would surely rest in part on what was on offer from the United States. Then again, the choice for Havana might not be as hard as it would once have been nor perhaps for Moscow. While Russia could even now be shipping emergency fuel supplies to Cuba (which would take several weeks and alleviate Cubas plight only for a while), Russias decision to evacuate its tourists, and state for the record that its incoming planes are empty (ie, not laden with food or other aid), suggests it may be distancing itself from this longstanding outpost. Priority to the Ukraine war might be one reason, but another could be Russias natural sympathy with Trumps views on spheres of influence, which could militate against more than rhetorical support for Cuba. The other clear US option would be regime change in Cuba and in principle, there is probably nothing the White House would like more. Actually bringing it about, however, is another matter. Cubans, even desperate Cubans, have a strong sense of their history and identity. Imposing a new leader from among the Florida exiles might end badly. Fomenting internal change might be a more realistic option, but this could take time, and there is little sign of an internal opposition to build on. Added to which, Trump has decried the regime-change efforts of previous US administrations, insisting that he is not about imposing other ways of life on other countries. So far, he has fought shy of doing that, including in Iran. Could there be an exception for Cuba? Perhaps, given that regime-change is an option enthusiastically embraced by many Cuban emigres in the US, including the Floridian and second-generation Cuban emigre, Marco Rubio, who is Trumps secretary of state. Successful regime change could also be an asset for Trump going into the November mid-term Congressional elections. A failed or contested intervention, on the other hand, could become a liability, including to Rubio, who is seen as having 2028 presidential aspirations. The downside for Trump to a revamped Obama option (aside from Trumps undisguised contempt for the 44th President) is that Cuba, unlike Venezuela with its oil or Ukraine with its rare earths, has next to nothing to pay with. Cuba needs massive investment, for which returns, even in the best-case scenario, could be a while in coming. On the other hand, there could surely be some appeal for Trump, if not to bringing Cuba fully in from the cold, then at least to no longer having an impoverished irritant and potential enemy outpost only 90 miles off the Florida Keys. It is probably the one change that could do most for the security and cohesion, at least of the northern part of the Western hemisphere. Parts of the former Soviet bloc have shown how rapidly economies can flourish once freed from dogma. Whether such an undramatic choice will recommend itself to the disruptor-in-chief who resides in the White House, however, is another matter. Dublin Airport slots can be reduced to ensure compliance with the passenger cap, says EU court advocate The opinion is now overshadowed by government plan to axe cap Dublin Airport is subject to a cap of 32 million passengers a year. Photo: John Mulligan John Mulligan Thu 12 Feb 2026 at 11:05 The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) does have the power to limit the number of take-off and landing slots it makes available at Dublin Airport in order to ensure the gateway complies with its passenger cap, the EUs court has been advised. Dear Vicki: My Gen Z staff members have become isolated from the rest, how can I help them connect? The European Union must simplify its regulations to make the bloc more competitive against the likes of the United States and China, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said ahead of summits of EU political and business leaders. Britains culture minister Lisa Nandy ordered a formal regulatory investigation into DMGTs proposed acquisition of the Telegraph Media Group, saying the deal raises public interest and competition concerns. Ms Nandy said in a written statement that she had issued a so-called public interest intervention notice due to concerns the acquisition could affect the plurality of views in British media. Donald Trumps tariff policies suffered their strongest political blow yet with the Republican-led US House of Representatives passing legislation aimed at ending the presidents levies on Canadian imports. The vote represents an increase in political pressure to change course on Mr Trumps signature economic policy just months before the midterm elections, including by forcing swing-district Republicans affected by the tariffs to weigh when or if to cross the president by voting against his agenda. Its our favourite pub in the world: Marcus Mumford on his bands impromptu ODonoghues gig and the Irish acts that inspire them The Mumford & Sons frontman discusses making their new album, his love for Hozier, Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan, and how ICE do not reflect the America we know and love From left, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford and Ted Dwane of Mumford & Sons. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty John Meagher Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Marcus Mumford is in Berlin but he hints that he would rather be elsewhere. Its minus 10 degrees here, he says, grimacing. Unbelievably cold. Irish suckler farming leading the way in Europe Doreen Corridan Doreen Corridan, CEO of NCBC, discusses why Ireland has the potential to be Europes leading exporter of cattle genetics, how farmers can confirm parentage and detect genetic defects from birth and how theres no field greener than the Irish field when you look at beef genetics Doreen Corridan, the CEO of the National Cattle Breeding Centre, says Ireland should be the number one exporting nation of genetics, including semen, embryos and live cattle worldwide Catherina Cunnane Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 08:07 Irish suckler farming is leading the way in Europe, according to Doreen Corridan, who says Irish suckler farmers are producing some of the best cattle in the world thanks to the technology being used in the sector. ABP Food Group employees in its Waterford facility are facing potential redundancies in the companys cutting and deboning operation. The food processing company confirmed that the consultation process taking place this week will involve around 230 employees at the facility in Ferrybank. However, the abattoir is not affected and the facility in Waterford will continue to receive cattle. The proposed changes are said to be driven by reduced livestock supply and increasing costs in Ireland and the group also said that it will maximise other facilities to maintain its efficiency and competitiveness. A spokesperson for the company said: "We understand the impact this announcement may have on our colleagues and their families. "We are committed to engaging constructively with our employees during this period of consultation. "ABP remains wholly committed to the farming community, ensuring strong partnerships that sustain the quality of Irish beef." Read more Waterford shoppers set for major losses as two long standing retailers prepare to shut their doors "We are equally dedicated to supporting our employees and to maintaining the highest standards of service for our customers in Ireland and across international markets. These values continue to guide our business as we navigate current challenges and plan for a sustainable future. Last month, ABP announced its intention to cease retail packing at a facility in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, and entered into a formal consultation process with 338 employees. ABP Food Group is one of the largest beef processor companies across Ireland the UK and Europe. The company employs over 14,000 people across 50 manufacturing plants in nine countries. Read more Waterford shoppers set for major losses as two long standing retailers prepare to shut their doors Last September, Laurence P Goodman, the son of Larry Goodman was announced as ABP Food Groups new chairperson. Bertie Ahern calls for use of term New Ireland rather than united Ireland in any border poll discussions Former taoiseach says language is important in any unification calls Bertie Ahern was speaking at an event to mark Irish involvement in the US since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Photo: PA Ralph Riegel Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said it was important that people use the term New Ireland rather than united Ireland in the context of any proposed border poll. A man who was caught with videos of child sex abuse has been sentenced to three years and six months for both possession and distribution of the material. Murilo Dos Santos (36) of North Circular Road, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of images of child sexual abuse, known in law as child pornography, and to distribution of the material on dates between November 18, 2020 and January 2021. He has no previous convictions. Parents of Dublin man accused of murder of American nurse in Budapest buy apartment in bail bid Hungarian police said in the immediate aftermath of her death that the suspect admitted the killing and tried to conceal the victims body in a wooded area near Lake Balaton, more than 140km from Budapest Mackenzie Michalski Ali Bracken Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 21:11 The parents of a Dublin man accused of the murder of an American tourist in Budapest have bought an apartment in the Hungarian capital in a bid to convince the court to grant him temporary release under house arrest and electronic tag. In the morning, its one plane after another residents near Dublin Airport react to lifting of passenger cap Local group says peoples health is at stake, as Government yet to reveal details of its plan to abolish limits on numbers at airport North County Dublin residents speaking about the increase in the passenger cap at Dublin Airport Conor Feehan Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 06:30 When Grainne McFadden was building her house in north county Dublin, she was told it would not be on a flight path to or from Dublin Airport. But all that has changed, she said. Second protest planned at Naas Hospital as nurses continue industrial action over unacceptable and unsafe staffing deficits Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) are holding a lunchtime protest on Friday, the second one this week Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) working in Naas General Hospital are engaging in industrial action over staffing levels Aisling Bolton-Dowling Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 07:40 Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) working in Naas General Hospital will hold a second protest in just one week in defiance of what the union describes as unacceptable and unsafe staffing deficits in the hospital. Taoiseach Micheal Martin says the FAI has taken the correct decision over the fixture. Photo: PA Taoiseach Micheal Martin slated vapes as the revenge of big tobacco as he confirmed the Government may consider a UK-style ban on vaping in cars where children are passengers. Catherine Fegan: UCD student at centre of image-sharing ordeal says it has left her feeling humiliated and degraded Ruth Medjbers life stories: I saw the effects of a good education, something my mates didnt have. They drifted towards drugs, using heroin In a new project, photographer Ruth Medjber is asking ordinary people to share their extraordinary tales. This week, she meets Geoff Finan, school principal at St Audoens in Dublin city Geoff Finan photographed by Ruth Medjber Ruth Medjber Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 06:30 I got emotional talking to Geoff Finan, not for sad reasons, but because its rare that I encounter someone who is so selfless, humble, proud of others and so grateful to his mother. These homes each have a great story behind them ideal for those who want a place with character Asking price: 500,000 Agent: Quinn Property (053) 948 0000 Constructed in 1890, this late Victorian property is centrally located on The Avenue in the historic heart of Gorey. Measuring 1,967 sq ft, it oozes character with original sash windows, oak flooring and coving blending with modern features including a bespoke Andrew Ryan kitchen with Shaker style units and granite worktops. Also at ground level are a dining room, living room, study, utility and WC, with four bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. For commuters, its just over an hours drive to Dublin. 7 Almeida Avenue, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 7 Almeida Avenue, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 Asking price: 725,000 Agent: Dublin Homes (01) 820 3406 Almeida Avenue is a short cul-de-sac of early 20th century redbrick houses in Old Kilmainham. Set at the end of a terrace of three, No7 has been renovated and extended to 990 sq ft, while retaining lots of period features, including ornate plasterwork and original fireplaces. Downstairs theres a living room, dining room and a modern kitchen with island unit and doors to a patio with rear pedestrian access. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a bathroom, with a study/office in the converted attic. Ivy House, Main Street, Whitegate, Co Cork Ivy House, Main Street, Whitegate, Co Cork Asking price: 310,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald ODonovan (021) 462 1166 Built at the dawn of the 20th century in 1900, this appropriately named ivy-clad house in the seaside village of Whitegate commands eye-watering views over Cork Harbour. Spanning 1,916 sq ft, it has two reception rooms, an open plan kitchen/dining area, utility room and WC on the ground floor. Of four bedrooms upstairs, three are en suite. The popular Harbour View bar is next door, theres a supermarket down the road, its a 15-minute drive to Midleton and 30 minutes to Cork city. Old Church / School House, Ardmore, Sneem, Co Kerry Old Church / School House, Ardmore, Sneem, Co Kerry Asking price: 315,000 Agent: DNG Timothy OSullivan (064) 664 1566 First built as a school in 1868, this Victorian era cottage was converted into a church in 1967 and further incarnated in 2010 into a contemporary family home. Original features include a Valentia Island slate altar, which now serves as a kitchen island, two stained-glass windows and a tower bell, now used as a doorbell. Spanning 1,714 sq ft, it has an open plan kitchen/dining area, utility, living room, bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor, with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a balcony upstairs. This eye-catching house in Leitrim with a three-storey turreted tower takes advantage of stunning views An aerial view of the house and grounds at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim The master bedroom of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim The dining room of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim The kitchen of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim. Photo: Ray Ryan The exterior of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim Asking price: 495,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Farrell (071) 962 0976 On first glance, a house in Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim, looks like a renovated period home. Its three-storey turreted tower, sandstone-clad facade, and slate roof create an old world aesthetic, which suggests a long and interesting history. In fact, the detached five-bedroom property, which overlooks the Shannon-Erne Waterway, was built in 1997. We were trying to create the impression that the house has been here for a long time, says the owner, Martin Collum, a manager with the HSE who comes from Carrick-on-Shannon. He built the 2,540 sq ft house with his wife Monica Collum, a nurse from Arigna, Co Leitrim. Visitors usually get a shock when we tell them when it was built. The couple built it after living for five years in the US. When they left 1991, Ireland was still reeling from the recession of the 1980s, and unemployment was high. The American hospitals used to come here in the 1990s to recruit Irish nurses, explains Martin. If you were offered a job youd get a green card. The exterior of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim When Monica was offered a nursing role in the US, they sped up their marriage plans and moved to New Jersey where Martin continued his studies, doing psychology, and later worked in counselling and vocational for people with disabilities. We loved America and were aware it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he says. Its a place where, if youre willing to work, and youve got the right attitude, then almost anything is possible. After a few years, however, they started to miss home. When you move to another country, your own home becomes foremost in your mind, he says You begin to understand and appreciate its people, its culture and its heritage from afar. The sitting room with mezzanine at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim Out of that, came the genesis of the house in Keshcarrigan, he adds. We decided to come back and build a house which was unique, and which would reflect our Irish heritage. On their return, they considered living in Dublin, Navan and Drogheda. Then one night, Monica was in a restaurant in Keshcarrigan and heard about this site. We came to view it and were bowled over by the beautiful views. The sitting room and window at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim When it came to designing the house, they were influenced by a now-deceased friend, Father Michael Rigney, a parish priest in Drumcong, who was renovating St Brigids, a 17th century church. Hed hired the well-known architect, Richard Pierce, and introduced him to the couple, who also hired him. They had their own ideas about they wanted, however and in particular, a tower that not only looked old-fashioned, but would take advantage of the breath-taking views. It took months to land the right design and to find a builder and a year to build the house, says Martin. The kitchen of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim. Photo: Ray Ryan Its built in the style of the Arts and Crafts movement, which flourished between 1880 and 1920, and encouraged traditional craftsmanship and medieval, romantic or folk styles of decoration. The movement advocates working closely with nature and using reclaimed materials. The slates in the roof of the house are therefore Bangor Blue slates; the bricks are reclaimed Yorkshire red brick and the floors are made of pitch pine. Youd expect such materials to be cheaper, but in fact they were all more expensive than new ones, possibly because of their quality, he adds. The dining room of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim The couple sought out antique furniture to further add to the traditional feel. In the dining room, located in the ground floor of the tower, theres an elegant oval dining room table and chairs from 1850. The walls here have an unfinished quality and are painted red, and theres a white marble fireplace. The kitchen, decorated in pink and cream, has bespoke handmade wooden units and a dresser on one wall. A bedroom at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim. Photo: Ray Ryan The light-filled sitting room has a vaulted ceiling with a mezzanine overlooking it, and an impressive chimney piece, made of reclaimed bricks. On the second floor of the tower is the master bedroom, which has a blue and cream coloured scheme. At the top is another reception room, which the couple call the Ceili room. Here, the windows face west and theres an outside balcony that wraps around it. Rather than building a conservatory on the ground floor, we opted to build this room, which is half glass, and flooded with light, says Martin. The master bedroom of the house at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim The views are spectacular. In front of you is the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Sliabh an Iarainn and Arigna mountains can be seen in the distance. In fact, on a good day, you can see Sligo, Cavan, Leitrim and Roscommon. The house has a 100-watt sound system and built-in speakers in most of the rooms. Weve held some great parties and dinner parties here, and weve often had barbeques on the lawn outside. Theres a two-storey annexe at the back, with two bedrooms and its own entrance, which would be ideal to rent. Theres also a garage, built in the same style of the house. An aerial view of the house and grounds at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim The property sits on a hectare of land, some of which has been landscaped, and the rest left purposefully wild. Its accessed via a tree-lined avenue with an iron gate at the entrance. We planted over 500 trees when we first moved in, as we wanted to be sympathetic to the landscape and to provide privacy, he adds. Located on the outskirts of the village of Keshcarrigan, and opposite the Keshcarrigan marina, which has public boat moorings and a slipway, the house is a 10-minute drive to Ballinamore; and the same distance to Drumshanbo and to Carrick-on-Shannon. Its a beautiful peaceful setting with lovely walks and an abundance of wildlife, says Martin. Its also a welcoming, friendly locality, with a strong sense of community spirit. Despite all the work theyve put into it, theyre now selling it. We love this house and have enjoyed living here for 28 years, he adds. But its a big house for just two people, and weve decided its time for a change. It would make a lovely home for the right people. Sherry FitzGerald Farrell seeks 495,000. The quality craftsmanship of handmade rugs makes them worth the investment In Bochum, Germany, a group of journalists are learning how to make a hand-knotted carpet. Each of us sits in front of a small loom, strung with warp threads. Were given a small metal rod and a ball of wool, and shown how to loop and tie the yarn around the threads. Its a little bit like learning to knit. The looms are a scaled-down version of those used in Nepal to make a Jan Kath carpet. By the time an hour is up, Ive clumsily knotted three short ragged rows and Im truly in awe of the craftspeople who use this technique. In a hand-knotted carpet, each tuft is literally a knot made by hand and most Jan Kath rugs have 100 knots per square inch. Erased Artwork collection from Jan Kath Design. Photo: Lars Langemeier Jan Kath carpets are world famous for their quality and design. Most recently the Doto rug, designed by Kath and his son Sanchir, won a Red Dot Award in 2025. Its an abstract swathe of iridescent colours. Imagine youre underwater, looking up at the light, Kath says. Thats the inspiration. The rugs are handmade in Nepal. They can be up to six metres wide, and as long as you like, but a typical 2.5 x 3m rug takes five people between two and three months to make. Jan Kath (right) and his son Sanchir Kath (left) The rugs are made from Tibetan wool, Nepalese nettles, and Chinese silk. We use Tibetan wool because its relatively local to our factory in Nepal, Kath explains. Because the climate is so harsh, the wool is tough. This gives longevity to the carpets and makes me wonder about the carpet-making potential of wool from hardy Irish sheep. Rug by Jan Kath Design Tibetan wool takes the dye irregularly. When its woven, it appears mottled or flecked. In the hands of skilled makers, these small inconsistencies bring character to the design. I could get New Zealand wool and it would absorb the dye without any variation, Kath says. He compares New Zealand wool to the white bread you buy in the supermarket and Tibetan wool to a homemade wholemeal loaf. Rug by Jan Kath Design The wool is carded, spun, dyed and balled by hand. Its the handicraft that ennobles the design and turns a solid draft into something extraordinary. The company is committed to responsible employment and regularly audited by the Swiss Fair Trade organisation STEP for quality of working conditions and compliance with environmental standards. Jan Kaths designs are extraordinary. They include the much-copied Erased Heritage series in which hand-knotted Persian carpets are subjected to a non-chemical antiquing process. This involves burning the rug and using water to quench the fire. We ruined a lot of rugs along the way, Kath admits. The design, which mimics wear-and-tear, honours the heritage of classic carpets. Other designs are inspired by the billboards of Thailand, 1970s arcade games, the northern lights, and scenes of war. Rug by Jan Kath Design None of this comes cheap. Jan Kaths carpets are available in Ireland from Rug Art, which has a showroom in Sandyford, Dublin. Rugs in the most popular size (170 x 24cm) cost between 3,000 and 11,000. The price variation depends on the design and the knot count, Conrad Lyons of Rug Art explains. In terms of visual impact, the knot count works like the pixels on a screen. A rug with a high knot count will be more vibrant. When people see the difference they tend to hold out for the better quality. Rug by Ceadogan Rugmakers Irish-made rugs tend to be hand-tufted rather than hand-knotted. This is a semi-automated process in which a hand-held tufting gun fires yarn into a prefabricated canvas. This requires a skilled operator, but is much quicker and easier than hand-knotting. Ceadogan Rugmakers in Wellingtonbridge, Co Wexford, has been producing hand-tufted rugs since the 1980s. The company has been run by Colm Kenny and Martina Navratilova since 2020. Most of our rugs are made to order, Kenny explains. Were quite a small team more of a workshop than a factory and were focused on commissions and collaborations with artists and designers. One of the advantages of working with an Irish company is that its easy to collaborate with a workshop you can visit. Rug by Ceadogan Rugmakers We had a lovely commission recently, Navratilova says. It came from a man whose wife is an artist. He wanted us to make a rug based on one of her landscape paintings to hang above the headboard of their bed. Rugs from Ceadogan Rugmakers start at 900 per square metre. People often get a fright when they see the prices, Kenny admits. Its because they dont realise what goes into making them. Id always invite them down to the workshop so they can see how long it takes and how many steps have to happen before it becomes a rug. We want to stay hands-on, even though its an expensive process. Every rug is different because its handmade. Rug by Ceadogan Rugmakers Most of their rugs are made with Spanish wool, but Kenny and Navratilova have been experimenting with Irish wool from the Galway Wool Co-op. The wool comes from Irelands only native breed of sheep. We have our own alpacas out the back and were blending their fleece with the wool from Galway sheep, Kenny says. The blend is potentially a home-grown replacement for velvety merino wool, which has to be imported. Joan Nagle But, since theres no central wool production facility in Ireland, Ceadogan Rugmakers must either send the wool to Spain for processing or rely on the goodwill of local mills, like Cushendale Woollen Mills in Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny. Rug by Connemara Design House In Moynard, Connemara, the factory established by McMurray Carpets in the 1970s has passed through several phases of ownership and was scheduled to close in 2024. Joan Nagle, interior designer and principal of Connemara Design House, has recently taken out the lease on the factory. She designs contemporary rugs which are made by a skilled team of tufters using New Zealand wool. This too a high-end handmade product and prices start around 1,150 per square metre. I dont do off the peg, Nagle explains. Everything is designed for an individual project. We do the first visit without obligation and give a quotation. Before we start the rug, we make a paper template with colour samples so everyone will know how it will look in the room. We might make three or four visits during the project its an expensive product and thats the service that comes with it. You get exactly what you want. This summer, she plans to open for factory tours so people can see how the carpets are made. See jan-kath.com, rugart.ie, ceadogan.ie, connemaradesignhouse.com Art Prices list of the worlds most saleable contemporary artists includes key Irish names such as Liam ONeill, Graham Knuttel and Genieve Figgis. Heres what to bear in mind if you want to invest Invest in a Sean Scully. But only if youve got a million to spend. Hes 16th on Art Prices annual list of the worlds most saleable 500 contemporary artists. Art Price is a database of art market information accumulated from auction houses across the world. Scully is the first of five Irish artists listed, based on his results at auction between July 2024 and June 2025. Born in Dublin in 1945, Scully only just makes Art Prices criteria for a contemporary artist (born after 1945). He identifies as Irish but his career has been international and his auction prices top the Irish list by a long stretch. Scullys lifetime auction record is for the painting Song (1985), which fetched $2,046,500 at Sothebys New York in 2022. His Irish record is for Raval Rojo (2004), which fetched 580,000 at Morgan ODriscolls in 2023. Most recently, Landline Dark Blue (2017) sold for $1,512,000 at Phillips New York in May 2025. Arabella Bishop, independent art advisor and former senior director of Sothebys, describes Scully as a top-level international artist. Hes one of the most recognised abstract artists of his generation and hes been very careful about managing his market. A really good Sean Scully oil painting will cost around 1 million but works on paper, in pastel or watercolour, often sell for tens of thousands. 'Raval Rojo' by Sean Scully, sold at Morgan O'Driscoll All are substantial investments and likely to hold their value over time. Hes represented by the Kerlin Gallery in Dublin. The next Irish artist on the Art Price list (no. 202) is Graham Knuttel (1954-2023). In February 2025, Adams held an auction of his works. It was a white glove sale, meaning that everything sold, but the highest price of the year came in March, when The Wedding Gone Wrong sold at Adams for 16,000. Knuttels auction record is held by Whytes, where his Planet Hollywood fetched 20,000 in 2021. 'Planet Hollywood' by Graham Knuttel sold at Whyte's Knuttels aesthetic isnt everyones cup of tea. Bishop describes his works as having a broad appeal. People relate to the characters in his work. They tell a story. While the market for his works remains slow and steady, its unlikely to see a big hike in prices. Knuttels shifty-eyed characters are reminiscent of Irelands Celtic Tiger years and his work has famously been collected by the American actors Robert de Niro and Sylvester Stallone. 'The Wedding Gone Wrong' by Graham Knuttel, sold at Adam's De Niro also collects work by Liam ONeill (no. 376 on the Art Price list). The Kerry artist (b.1954) is known for lively nostalgic scenes of Irish rural life, painted in a thick impasto style. ONeills auction record is held by Whytes, where Two Horses fetched 35,000 in March 2023. His work appeals to an Irish audience and those with an Irish connection, Bishop says. Its well composed, easy to look at, and has suddenly jumped in price. Anyone who bought his work prior to 2023 will have seen a great return on their investment. The highest price paid for ONeills work last year was for Bringing Home the Turf, which sold at Whytes for 26,000 in February 2025. 'Two Horses' by Liam O'Neill, sold at Whyte's The youngest Irish artist on the list, Genieve Figgis (b.1976), comes in slightly above ONeill at no. 350. Based in Co Wicklow, Figgis is a truly international artist. Her auction record is for Debutants Ball, which sold for $638,691 in Christies Shanghai in 2022. Figgis rose to suddenly fame when the American artist Richard Prince discovered and championed her work on Twitter. Many of her works are based on historic paintings, typically in the Rococo style, reimagined in spectral, melting impasto. They seem to reveal a hidden darkness within classic paintings. I think she has longevity as an artist, Bishop says. Her work is well-represented in international collections and consistently sells for more than $200,000. 'Sea and Shore' by Donald Teskey, sold at Morgan O'Driscoll At no. 402, Donald Teskey (b. 1956) is the fifth Irish artist on the Art Price list. Hes a landscape artist best known for paintings of the western seaboard. His work is hugely atmospheric with a strong sense of place. It has an international appeal. Teskeys Docklands VII sold for 46,000 at Whytes in 2023 but Sea and Shore, which fetched 44,000 at Morgan ODriscolls in 2024, is more representative of his work. Teskey is represented by Oliver Sears Gallery. Interestingly, Teskeys work often fetches more at auction than it would cost to buy a new painting. If you want to invest, talk to his dealer, Bishop says. The art market is subtle, complex, and hard to navigate. For those with a substantial amount of money to invest in art, it can pay to hire an independent advisor. Id often start by walking a client around the auctions to get a feel for their budget and what they like. See arabellabishop.com. Sam Kiley: Can Europe seize its chance to pull away from US on Ukraine? After Vance vitriol last year, Munich security powwow faces a reckoning this week A vendor salvages goods at a street market hit by a Russian drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters Sam Kiley UK Independent Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Europe and the liberal democracies of the West face a reckoning today and tomorrow in Munich: will they be willing, or able, to pull away from a hostile America and forge the capacity to see off Russias war against Europe? Catherine Prasifka: If we really want to punch above our weight this St Patricks Day, we should cancel White House visit Ireland may have an outsized impact on the world, but what good is that if Donald Trump is only interested in listening when its a compliment to him? Micheal Martin delivering the shamrock to Donald Trump at the White House last year. Photo: Getty Catherine Prasifka Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 06:30 On St Patricks Day 1952, the first box of shamrock was delivered to the White House. Seventy-four years later, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has accepted this years invitation to meet with US president Donald Trump. Tanya Sweeney: The I want someone who looks after themselves guy is really just looking to prove he can pull a classically beautiful woman Rex Ryan: I never asked the Monk about the Regency, I didn't want to know When does art hold up a mirror to the truth, and when does it risk polishing the reflection? Ten years on from the Regency Hotel shooting, a oneman play about Gerry The Monk Hutch is returning to the stage, this time in the far larger Ambassador Theatre after last years soldout run at a much smaller venue. Written and performed by Rex Ryan, son of the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan, the show charts the life of one of Irelands most infamous and divisive figures. The Monks name is etched into the public consciousness through an unprecedented gangland feud that reshaped the countrys criminal landscape. During 18 months of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, 18 people were killed, some of them innocent victims. So, does putting his story onstage risk humanising, even glamorising, a violent chapter in recent Irish history? And with Hutch signalling that hell run in the upcoming Dublin byelection, could this play help his campaign? On todays Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming meets with Rex Ryan, writer, director and actor of The Monk, as opening night approaches and the debate reignites. They have everything else inside the Pale, they dont need the Shannon Clare stands firm against proposed water pipeline Clare residents and councillors have heavily criticised a Uisce Eireanns project to create a pipeline extracting water from Lough Derg for use in the east of the country Photo: Stock Molly Cantwell Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 07:40 Clare Councillors are standing firm against an Uisce Eireann planning application to create a pipeline extracting water from the River Shannon for use in the east of the country. The government should extend the development contributions waiver scheme to support one-off and self-build housing in rural Ireland, Cork councillors have said, arguing that the scheme allowed people to build who wouldnt have built without the discount it provided. Under the waiver scheme, instead of developers having to pay the relevant development contributions to the local authority, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage paid the relevant charges on behalf of the person liable for the contribution. It also provided refunds for water connection charges paid to Uisce Eireann. However, the scheme was intended as a temporary measure to boost housing supply and it currently only applies to houses commenced before December 31 2024. In a motion at this weeks meeting of Cork County Council, Cllr Nelius Cotter asked the council to write to the housing minister calling for the scheme to be extended to one-off and self-build houses. I've had a few constituents approach me who wanted to apply for such waiver in the last few months only to realize that it hasn't been extended unfortunately. I'm not asking for a waiver scheme for developers of big blocks of residential developments, it's for one-off and self-built housing." "In the grand scheme of how much a house will cost its a very small amount but I do think it's significant in that it makes it cheaper and more affordable for young couples in their 20s and 30s, the Fermoy councillor said. The motion was supported by Cllr Frank OFlynn who described the scheme as a tremendous success. He said that thanks to the scheme there was a big lift at that time in the number of people, especially in rural Ireland, who started building their own houses. I know numerous families who wouldn't have built their houses without the waiver being there. Cllr OFlynn asked that extending the Uisce Eireann refund also be included in the letter to the minister and to stress in it that we're only looking for this for a person if it's their first house, if it's going to be their primary residence, and they're going to give a commitment that they're going to live there in rural Ireland. Cllr Gobnait Moynihan also spoke is support of the motion, saying the scheme did urge or push people on to build when they had the waiver in regard to Irish Water and the development charges. The average was coming out at 12,500, with that you're talking about a kitchen and you're talking about a washing machine, a freezer, the whole lot. That's the kind of money you're talking about and when somebody's building a house every euro counts. Cork County Council will now write to the housing minister seeking an extension of the waiver scheme. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Luxury fashion store Flannels was issued a fixed payment notice by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Flannels, which is located at 113-115 St Patricks Street, Cork City Centre, was required to display the correct selling price of their goods in Euro, but the CCPC found the trader breached this requirement by failing to display the selling price of a product in accordance with relevant legislation during an inspection. Flannels Cork branch was issued with a fixed payment notice. It was one of 18 new enforcement actions taken against traders in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Mayo and Offaly. MMA fighter Conor McGregor and beauty influencer Suzanne Jackson had enforcement actions taken against them for failing to disclose the commercial nature of content posted on their Instagram accounts. Two Circle K premises located in Dublin 2 and 24 respectively, were issued fixed payment notices for failing to display produce prices. Midlands Retail Investments Ltd, trading as Leavys Centra, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, was issued two fixed payment notices for failing to display product price. Western Flower Wholesalers Ltd, trading as Temptation Jewellers, Claremorris, Co. Mayo was issued a compliance notice for failing to display a notice about hallmarking. Euro General Retail Limited, trading as Eurogiant, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal was issued three fixed payment notices for failing to display unit pricing. The Dublin Mint Office received three compliance notices for unfair contract terms, misleading information on their website and failed to provide essential consumer information on their website. Three pubs, all located in Dublin 2, were issued with compliance notices for failing to display a price list. Those bars are Fitzsimons Temple Bar, Dakota Bar and The Auld Dubliner. Patrick Kenny, member of CCPC said: Whether youre a retailer, a publican or an influencer, you must comply with consumer law. Our officers carry out hundreds of instore and online inspections, sweeps and investigations every year, assessing thousands of products and transactions to make sure consumer rights are upheld across the economy. CCPC teams will be actively monitoring compliance by these traders. Failure to obey a compliance notice is an offence, and we will prosecute those who do not correct their practices, he said. Opinion Justine OMahony: Sausages for the dog pushed Himself into a pre-holiday meltdown What is it about holidays that make people contrary? I dont mean the actual holiday but the getting ready for it aspect. It always seems to send my other half into a tailspin and has us falling out before weve even left the house. The Government has confirmed that the N/M20 project is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transport in the second half of 2026 and, subject to approval, will then proceed to An Coimisiun Pleanala. The information was provided to Cork TD John Paul OShea following a debate in the Dail on Tuesday, February 10. The Fine Gael TD for Cork North West led calls for urgent and decisive progress on the N/M20 motorway project. Mr OShea highlighted the critical importance of the project for the Munster region and stressed the need to accelerate work on the business case, final design and planning stages during 2026. The N20 corridor between Cork and Limerick has long been recognised as one of the most congested, dangerous and inadequate national routes in the country. The Cork TD continued: Every day, commuters, families, students and businesses experience long delays, unpredictable journey times and unacceptable safety risks. Communities along the route continue to bear the burden of heavy traffic passing through their towns and villages. This is neither sustainable nor fair. Deputy OShea said the delivery of the N/M20 motorway represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform connectivity between Irelands two largest cities outside Dublin. This project is about more than just building a road. It is about building opportunity. It will strengthen economic links, support balanced regional development, create jobs, attract investment and unlock the full potential of the Atlantic Economic Corridor. He also highlighted the benefits for communities across North Cork and beyond, including Ballyhea, Newtwopothouse, Charleville, Buttevant and Mallow. Improved connectivity will mean better access to education, healthcare, employment and public services. It will mean safer roads, reduced emissions from congestion and an improved quality of life for our people. While welcoming progress made to date, Deputy OShea stressed that the project must now move from design to delivery. 2026 must be a decisive year. We cannot afford another five years of reports, reviews and revisions while congestion worsens and opportunities are lost. He called for a clear and accelerated timetable for the completion of the business case, final design and statutory planning process, and for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport to be fully resourced to deliver the project at pace. Deputy OShea also emphasised the importance of meaningful engagement with landowners, farmers, communities and stakeholders throughout the process. Progress must be fair, respectful and environmentally responsible. Farmers, landowners, commuters, families and businesses have waited long enough. In response, the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Jerry Buttimer agreed that people have waited far too long. It is the piece that we are missing in our region for a variety of reasons, including safety and economic sustainability. The proposed project aims to enhance regional accessibility by improving the network connecting the cities of Cork and Limerick but also by improving connections to west Cork and Kerry. Minister Buttimer stated that towns such as Buttevant, Croom, Charleville, Mallow, Blarney, New Twopothouse and Ballyhea will benefit, but it will also address safety and the deficiency on the existing road and will deliver active travel infrastructure along the corridor. The Cork minister said the design team is currently engaged in the design and environmental evaluation phase of the project. This will include selecting the type of road in addition to the preparation of the scheme's business case, which is required under the infrastructure guidelines. Minister Buttimer continued: The scheme's preliminary business case is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transport in the second half of this year. Subject to Government approval as is required under the infrastructure guidelines. The submission of the statutory documents for the project to An Coimisiun Pleanala would follow thereafter. TII allocated 4.5 million to Limerick City and County Council to progress the scheme during 2025. Allocations for 2026 will be announced in the near future. This road needs to be connected. It is that piece that is missing in the connectivity of our country. The people of that area deserve for this road to be delivered expeditiously, he added. The N20-M20 is one we need to see delivered, said Minister Buttimer. We have seen the benefit in the Baile Bhuirne-Macroom bypass and the importance of the Dunkettle Interchange upgrade. We need the Atlantic economic corridor to be developed so that we can improve the offerings of jobs in west Cork, north Cork and Kerry as well. The potential to reduce road fatalities and accidents is there for all to see from a safety point of view. Commenting on this response, Deputy OShea said it is vital that these timelines are met, and that no further unnecessary delays occur. Certainty, transparency and accountability are essential. The N/M20 motorway is central to delivering balanced regional development, supporting rural Ireland and easing pressure on the Greater Dublin Area. Munster deserves modern, safe and reliable infrastructure. Our people deserve better connectivity. Our businesses deserve certainty. It is now time to match words with action and ensure that the N/M20 moves decisively from aspiration to reality, he added. The assembly boasts a diverse panel featuring prominent figures from various fields. The discussion will be chaired by former Independent Senator Colette Kelleher, who is Chair of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and a Family Therapist. Panellists include David Lane, General Manager for Social Inclusion at the HSE, Bernadette Connolly, Coordinator of the Environmental Forum and the Very Rev. Nigel Dunne, Dean of Cork & Rector of St Fin Barres Cathedral. Sinn Feins finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has encouraged people from Cork to attend the event. The New Ireland is for Everyone Have Your Say, are the main pillars of this commission. This is an opportunity for citizens to have their say on the future of Ireland, our economy, our constitutional arrangements; political and democratic structures and governance; the role of the Irish government; the rights and equality agenda; the protection of minorities; future economic and public policy models and a future all-island public health service. I am delighted to be taking part in this event, said Deputy Doherty. I am really looking forward to hearing the contributions from the fantastic expert panel. The conversation on Irish unity is live, happening in real time with great enthusiasm, and especially amongst our young people. The Donegal TD said the conversation on Irish unity is increasing despite the British government rejecting demands to set out the criteria or a date for the Unity Referendum and the refusal of the Irish government, and in particular of Micheal Martin, to establish a Citizens Assembly to plan for unity. In July 2024, the all-party report by the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement concluded that: 'Preparation for referendums on Irish unification will be a historic task. The committee calls for preparation to begin immediately. Successive academic polls and academic research in the last 12 months shows evidence of growing support and an interest in Irish unity. In October, a Sinn Fein motion calling on the Irish Government to plan and prepare for Irish Unity was passed by the Dail and in November in the Seanad. Similar motions are being passed in local Councils North and South, he added. The Sinn Fein TD said the conversation around Irish unity featured very prominently during Catherine Connollys successful presidential campaign last year. There is an onus on everybody, but particularly on those in political leadership to plan for Irelands future. That is a core responsibility of the Irish Government. It is also a responsibility that rests with the British Government. The responsible course of action is to plan for it, prepare for it, and shape it together openly, inclusively and honestly. Mr Doherty reiterated the importance of having the conversation and initiating debates on Irish unity. That is why the work of Sinn Feins Commission on the Future of Ireland matters so much. People want to talk about the future. The Commission on the Future of Ireland is contributing positively to this process. Join us on Thursday, February 19 in the Rochestown Park Hotel for this important discussion on our future. Two men who are facing multiple charges relating to a major human trafficking operation in County Donegal will be sentenced separately. Georgjis Poniza (37) and Armen Pogosyan (30), both with an address at Assaroe Falls in Ballyshannon appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court before Judge John Aylmer. The pair are facing charges in relation to a people trafficking investigation relating to people who brought into the country to work at a business in County Donegal. The charges include multiple counts of people trafficking on various dates. The pair are also facing charges relating to money laundering, forgery and participating in the activity of a criminal organisation. The pair are also charged with making gain or causing loss, contrary to section six of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001. The pair have been in custody since their arrest in October 2023 and pleaded guilty last year. Their case had been listed for sentencing this week, however, Ms Fiona Crawford BL, State Barrister, said the case could be adjourned to the May session of Letterkenny Circuit Court. The court heard a probation report had been completed for Pogosyan, but not for Poniza. Mr Morgan Coleman, solicitor for Pogosyan said his client is quite anxious to have the matter dealt with. Judge Aylmer said he was conscious that the pair are in custody and the court is trying to expedite the matter. Pogosyan who appeared via videolink told Judge Aylmer he had been in custody for 28 months and he is still awaiting sentence. He said he has no one in Ireland, no family support here and feels completely alone. He added Poniza did not attend for his probation report while he had completed everything that was asked of him and he is anxious to be sentenced. Judge Aylmer said he was completely sympathetic with Pogosyans position and he was very anxious to get a date for sentencing as soon as possible. Judge Aylmer questioned if the pair could be sentenced separately. He said the man had been waiting on a sentence since October 2023 which is an awfully long time to be awaiting an outcome. He added the convenience of the court and the system must be set aside in this instance as the mans case is ready. Judge Aylmer questioned when a date would be suitable and said he is willing to sit on a date that he would not normally sit to carry out sentencing. The judge said he would deal with the case at Cavan Circuit Court on Monday, February 23, 2026. Pogosyan told the judge, I really appreciate it judge, thank you. In relation to Poniza, the court heard he had been given an appointment with probation in January which he did not attend and further dates to meet with probation were not available. Ms Delia Flynn SC, barrister for Poniza, said her client was upset that sentencing was not into the position to proceed, added he has been in court for two years awaiting finalisation. Judge Aylmer said the probation report was requested by the defence and it is up to the accused man if he wants to proceed with or without the report. I am here 28 months on remand, said Poniza adding he wants to return to his country. Judge Aylmer asked him if would like to proceed without the report and be sentenced in February or wait for the report until the May sessions. Poniza agreed to wait until May for sentencing. Hurling Dermot Crowe: Cian Lynch is still a maestro in the maelstrom as Treaty start to flex their muscles For almost three-quarters of Saturday evenings league match in TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick and Cork were embroiled in a tug-of-war, both refusing to yield ground. Then Limerick pulled hard on the rope, a sudden decisive jolt, and the legs went A 39-year-old man who had assaulted his sister had been given a suspended sentence at Sligo District Court. Thomas Meldrum of Rathedmond, Sligo was charged with assaulting Alanna Cawley causing her harm at Oakfield Crescent, Sligo on April 2, 2024. The court previously heard that Ms Cawley, had attended at the house. An argument broke out between her brother and his partner and she got in between them. She received a box to her face and a blow to her left eye. She received a punch to her head. She went to get her phone to call the Gardai and he pulled her hair. In regards to his poor attendance with the probation service, Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor (defending), explained to Judge Eiteain Cunningham that Meldrum has a young child who attends Crumlin Hospital with a heart condition. She added that he and his partner have been back and forth between Sligo and Dublin. She asked Judge Cunningham to give her client one last opportunity to engage with the probation services. Judge Cunningham said that the court has given Meldrum every opportunity to engage with the probation services but that he did not take it. The court heard that Meldrum has 15 previous convictions, which 12 are for road traffic matters. Ms Spellman said that this is the first time in a period of 12 years that he has come to the attention of Gardai. She added that it was a sad situation that the injured party was a family member. Judge Cunningham said that it was a very serious charge. She added that Meldrum had the opportunity to engage with the probation service but decided not to do so. Judge Cunningham noted the mitigation put forward by the defendants solicitors and convicted and sentenced Meldrum to five months in prison, suspended for 12 months. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. An insult to their sacrifices and the illness they acquired in the course of their work A motion proposed by Cllr Ann Higgins calling for Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to introduce a long-term scheme to recognise and support healthcare workers who continue to experience long-Covid received widespread support from her fellow Councillors at the February meeting of Sligo County Council. The motion was proposed As the special scheme of paid leave for public health sector employees suffering from long-covid expired on December 31. Addressing the meeting in support of her motion, Cllr Higgins referred to the old Irish blessing May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is worth forgetting as she accused the government of collective amnesia in forgetting the real and life-threatening sacrifices taken by our health care workers during the pandemic. Cllr Higgins called on the government to introduce a long-term support scheme to recognise and support the 159 healthcare workers who continue to experience long-COVID. Cllr Higgins noted that Ireland is among two countries in EU not to have recognized COVID19 as an occupation illness, resulting in 159 healthcare workers with Long COVID being abandoned by this government due to the winding down of special scheme on 31st Dec. In the context of a 150,000 strong workforce, the forgotten 159 represent a tiny share, a miniscule 0.1% of the workforce. In a scathing assessment, Cllr Higgins stated This really is a heartless decision by government not to put in place a new scheme for the small number of essential healthcare workers whose lives have been turned upside down. This government has gone from applauding them in the Dail, to now saying back to work with you or face severe financial hardship. Cllr Higgins added, These tiny minority of healthcare workers want to work, but the debilitating symptoms they continue to experience makes it impossible to do so. To add insult to injury, this the government wracked up high court costs in fighting a case that the workers needed to take to get extensions to the previous scheme, not to mention the time and effort by department officials fighting trade unions at the Labour court. Instead of wasting taxpayers money, the government would have been better placed in putting the time and money where it was most needed, into the development of a long-term scheme that will give these 159 healthcare workers the security they have earned and deserve. It was noted that the current Sick Leave scheme only last for six months, and not all people will qualify for extended sick pay under the critical illness protocol and Temporary Rehabilitation Renumeration, the latter being only 37.5% of their salary. Cllr Higgins continued, What an insult to their sacrifices and the illness that they acquired in the course of their work in protecting and caring us when we needed them the most Cllr Higgins added. These essential workers are now facing another crisis on their own, they are worried how they will survive financially while suffering from debilitating symptoms including brain fog, extreme fatigue, heart issues , difficulty breathing and ongoing aches and pains. Cllr Higgins referred to the experience of a local nurse, whose life has been changed beyond recognition as she continues to suffer from extreme fatigue. Normal daily activities such as climbing the stairs, taking the dog for a walk, picking up the children from school, are no longer an option for her. "This lady stated that nursing was what defined her and she would love to be able to go back to work in the morning. Now she has the additional and real fear of how she will pay her mortgage . She made so many sacrifices during the pandemic to protect the people she loved while simultaneously providing the care to so many patients in a very stressful work environment, now she is asking - all that sacrifice, for what? Cllr Higgins asked her fellow Cllrs to contact their local government TDs and Ministers to put pressure on this government to reverse this cruel decision and to extend support to protect the incomes of these workers suffering from this debilitating condition. Lets end this disrespectful and degrading treatment of our essential health care workers. It is time to show them how essential they really are, and time for us to step up for them just as they stepped up for us. The motion was supported by Cllr Thomas Healy who said, They put their families and their own health at risk. They were there for us now its time for us to be there for them. Cllr Marie Casserly echoed those sentiments when she remarked, Their normal life is no longer normal. It's only right we support these people. The discussion on the motion concluded with Cllr Liam Brennan commenting, These people put their lives on the line. Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. As preparations for this years Sligo St. Patricks Festival continues, organisers have revealed that theme for 2026 is Sligo- Legends Live Here. Mythical legends, historical legends and local legends- they all contribute to the uniquely colourful tapestry that is Sligo. Alongside the parade, the festival will include the Shamrock Shuffle featuring a kids party and interactive games with Scruffy Duffy from 2pm-4pm in Queen Maeves Square Marquee with free entry. Then, some of Irelands top live acts will take to the stage in Queen Maeves Square Marquee including The Tumbling Paddies, One For The Road and Dublin City Ramblers. The event will be running from 5pm-11pm. Last years parade had a record number of entries with over 20 awards given out to mark the entrants contribution to the magic of the parade and to recognise their hard work. The parade represents the Sligo community coming together every year to celebrate and Sligo continues to beat its own records every year, from parade participation to attendance. Parade registration is open on the Sligo St. Patricks Festival website. The festival is supported by Failte Ireland, Sligo BID and Sligo County Council. Press queries send to Edel Doran edel@sligobid.ie 083 3704223 Simon Harris says Ireland must support nationals in ICE custody regardless of outstanding legal issues Tanaiste Simon Harris says that the Irish government has an obligation to assist any Irish citizen being detained at ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention centres in the US, regardless of any outstanding legal issues that they may have. The Tanaistes comments were loosely aimed at the case of Kilkenny man Seamus Culleton, who has been detained at an ICE facility at El Paso, Texas, for the past four and a half months. The Glenmore man had been living in the US for almost 18 years and, while he had previously been undocumented, his lawyers say he was in the final stages of receiving his Green Card and valid work permit. CIE Tours, the largest carrier of US visitors to Ireland every year, held its annual awards of excellence, celebrating Irish hoteliers and tourist experience operators, including two Wexford businesses, who have been singled out by the 30,000 visitors who came to Ireland with CIE Tours in 2025. Now in its 34th year, an annual highlight within the tourism industry, the prestigious accolades are awarded based on post-stay feedback from CIE Tours customers. This annual survey has played a key role in developing Irelands tourism offering and raising standards across the sector since its inception. A number of Irish tourism partners were honoured at the event, including The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in New Ross, and Johnstown Castle who were crowned the Visitor Experience Winners of Wexford. Sean Canney TD, Transport Minister, acknowledged the commitment of tour operators across Ireland and paid tribute to the award recipients. These awards are a testament to the high standards of quality that each operator holds and is a well-deserved recognition of their work in welcoming CIE Tours visitors to Ireland, providing them with unique and unrivalled experiences. Tourism is a vital part of the Irish economy, impacting every town and village across the country and is a key source of employment for people in many rural communities. The government recognises the importance of the sector and recently launched a National Tourism Policy Statement which sets out a clear ambition to enhance tourisms economic contribution, support regional development, and ensure the industry remains inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable to future challenges. This is supported by the provision of 233m in Budget 2026 for the Tourism Services programme which aims to drive regional development and employment in the sector. Aidan Murphy, Chairman, CIE Tours, also commented on the impact of visitors to Ireland. He said: CIE Tours has been playing a leading role in promoting Ireland as a tourist destination for almost 95 years and continues to perform at a high level on the international stage which has had a significant impact on the Irish economy. As a market leader in the USA, one of the most competitive markets in the world, CIE Tours has helped to increase the number of U.S. visitors to Ireland, who contribute to 31pc of visitor spend, which amounted to 1.87bn in 2024. Meanwhile, commenting on the importance of partnerships, Stephen Cotter, Managing Director, CIE Tours said; 2025 was another landmark year for CIE Tours, when we booked over 250,000 bed nights throughout Ireland. That we can offer a unique experience unrivalled by any other country is due in no small part to our many partners who work closely with us, taking the feedback from our visitors and continuously refining their offering. Our support for tourism destinations is bringing vital revenue to towns and villages across the country. We are continuously developing our offering, developing new and sustainable tours that will allow our visitors to experience the very best that Ireland has to offer. CIE Tours is the leading inbound tour operator for North American visitors to Ireland for over 90 years and in that time has brought over three million visitors from North America to Ireland. The gate at the Bray side of the Cliff Walk. Members of the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk management committee have been told that property owners are to be asked if they would consider selling land to the council to help reroute and reopen the trail. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, came after a vote on Monday at the monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council to exclude members of the media from attending the committee's meetings. The following evening it was revealed that Sport Ireland has nominated an "outdoor recreation expert" to join the group. At the first meeting of the expanded Cliff Walk committee in January, the members unanimously agreed to invite the press to future meetings to ensure transparency. However, Wicklow County Council officials later intervened, advising that this was against standard committee protocol. When the issue was brought to a full Wicklow County Council meeting this past Monday, most of the councillors present (13) voted to prevent journalists from attending, heeding the advice of the director of services Leonora Earls. In her position as chair, Cllr Erika Doyle expressed her need to remain impartial. I have people contacting me all the time saying that they are sick hearing about it, they're sick hearing about the circus that seems to be attached to it, they want to hear about the work that is being done. I don't involve myself in the circus, I try and stick to the work that's being done. Out of respect for my fellow colleagues here who are concerned about hearing second-hand versions ahead of any official communication I completely empathise. I think I have no choice if there is a vote on this, but to abstain as chair of that committee, she added. Cllr Paul OBrien expressed his desire that these meetings are held in private. We keep hearing for the last number of years about how our powers are being diminished and how we're not getting the feedback that we should be getting back. Now we're going to devolve it again to reading articles in the paper. So rather than hearing back what could be inaccurate information I think we should wait and get the accurate information. These feelings were echoed by his district colleague Cllr Gail Dunne. I think the councillors should know what is going on before anybody else. And we will be asked questions at some stage, and if the media know what they're asking, and we don't know what they're talking about that is a problem. However, Cllr Tom Fortune said he had no problem with the proposal. I for the life of me can't understand what the issue is. This is a very public issue. It's out there, everyone is talking about it. And I think it is constructive and transparent to have the media there. Before the discussion ended Cllr Malachai Duddy said the media have a right to report on work of the committee. I don't see how councillors who aren't members of that committee could learn about it any sooner. It may be appearing in local media or commentary, but I think it is very important that the media have access to that committee. And it was certainly a unanimous decision of the councillors who sit on that that committee that that would be the case. In response to the ban, community reps on the committee have signalled they will try to provide their own informal reports to the public online, with Peter Murtagh from the Friends of the Cliff Walk taking on the task this week. At that meeting on Wednesday, committee members were told that the local authority is to contact property owners on the Greystones side of Bray Head to see if they are willing to sell some of their land so that the trail can be rerouted and officially reopened. The committee received a presentation from consultants RPS which focused on the route options on the Greystones side and a progress update on detailed slope investigations and methodology required for the Bray side. The members also received a report which examined the possibility of early reopening of the Cliff Walk by the council, by advising the public of the risks and the actions they should take themselves to mitigate these risks. The report highlighted the benefits of a council protocol for monitoring, inspection and enhanced advice to the public. According to a summary of the discussion published by Mr Murtagh on social media, the meeting was reminded that the best solution to problems besetting the walk on the Greystones side was to move it inland. Legal advice sought by the council stated that a full assessment of risk must be carried out and until officials are satisfied that they are not permitting an unacceptable safety risk for users of the Cliff Walk, the amenity should remain closed. Its also reported that during the meeting Cllr Doyle said having St Patricks Day as a target date for reopening was "unhelpful". Bray district manager Jackie Carroll, a director of services with Wicklow County Council said that March 17 "is out there and it may not be achievable". In a statement on Thursday, Wicklow County Council said they will initiate talks with landowners regarding the Greystones rerouting and will hire a specialist to investigate unstable slopes, pending methodology confirmation from RPS and environmental reviews A taskforce set up in 2024 by Tanaiste and local TD Simon Harris led to the appointment of RPS, and the subsequent reconstituting of the Bray Head committee to include community representatives, including Friends of the Cliff Walk, to oversee the implementation of the RPS report. The Friends of the Cliff Walk group has been vocal in their frustration over recent months, suggesting that the council is using protocol to avoid public scrutiny over the slow pace of work and the 70 million plus estimated loss to the local economy. It emerged on Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of Bray councillors that Sport Ireland has nominated an outdoor recreation expert to sit on the Cliff Walk management committee. Controversy arose at last month's meeting when Cllr Behan proposed that someone from the long-established community group Bray Coast Care be nominated to join the committee. This was opposed by Cllr Caroline Winstanley, who suggested instead that Sport Ireland be asked to nominate someone. A split vote on the two options was decided by the chair, Cllr Doyle, who sided with Sport Ireland. After that meeting, Sport Ireland indicated to independent.ie that the organisation had not been asked to engage with the process and that if it was, it would decline such an invitation, citing a conflict of interest and declining to comment further. While Sport Ireland is a major stakeholder in national recreation, they have since said that they declined the invitation as they view the Cliff Walk primarily as a public infrastructure and engineering challenge rather than a purely sporting or recreational project at this stage. They said they often prefer to come on board once a trail is established and safe for promotion, rather than being involved in the technical remediation and discussions over land and safety. Upon learning that Sport Ireland had said they would decline an invitation to sit on the committee, Cllr Behan said at Tuesdays council meeting that he wished to proceed with the nomination of a representative from Bray Coast Care. In response, Ms Carroll said that on January 27, she wrote to Sport Ireland. She challenged the independent.ie report, suggesting that the wrong question was asked. Her ask of Sport Ireland on January 27, she maintained, was that the organisation "nominate an outdoor representative", rather than someone who works for Sport Ireland. "I do have a nomination from Sport Ireland and will be able to give details in a week or so," said Ms Carroll. Cllr Behan, who is a member of the Cliff Walk committee, said he found this latest development unbelievable. Someone has been nominated but we don't know who they are," he added. Cllr Duddy, who is also on the committee said he was "dumbfounded". "It is quite clear that a body [Sport Ireland] was asked to nominate [someone to the committee] without consent," he said, adding he was "amazed" a nomination had been made without knowing who the person is. Ms Carroll said the decision to turn to Sport Ireland "was made democratically" and "it's not about putting one person over another. I am following due process". Cllr Doyle confirmed they were looking for an "outdoor recreation expert". Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Evidence of further erosion along the Murrough caused by storms. Wicklow County Council is facing renewed calls to establish a taskforce to address coastal erosion at the Murrough in Wicklow town. The proposed taskforce would mirror the Greystones Cliff Walk taskforce and aim to protect both the public amenity and the essential Dublin-Rosslare railway line. The sea is now within approximately 10 yards of the rail line and without immediate action, it is predicted the Murrough and its rail link could be lost by the end of the decade. The proposed taskforce would bring together Wicklow County Council, Irish Rail, and national government departments to coordinate long-term coastal defence strategies. Irish Rail is currently leading a study and project to implement measures that will protect the corridor between Dublin and Wicklow. The transport company hosted public consultations in late 2025 regarding coastal protection for specific vulnerable zones, including the stretch from Newcastle to the Murrough. The coastal study for the Murrough and surrounding areas is part of Iarnrod Eireanns East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP). This major climate resilience programme aims to protect the Dublin-Rosslare rail line from sea-level rise and erosion. As of early 2026, the project for the Murrough (categorised as Coastal Cell Area 6.2) is in Phase 3 Preliminary Design. The second round of public consultation concluded in late 2025. Feedback is currently being used to finalise the preferred scheme. An environmental impact assessment report is due for completion by this summer, with a formal planning application to be lodged in September 2026. Major physical works are currently not scheduled to begin until January 2029, a timeline that has drawn criticism from local representatives due to the rapid pace of erosion. The study identifies the Murrough as one of the highest-risk areas for coastal erosion and flooding. The proposed solutions include building new sections of rock armour to absorb wave energy and prevent the coastline from undermining the railway. Specifically, at the Murrough, the design calls for significant 610 tonne armour rock to withstand extreme conditions. The plan includes 10 sets of precast concrete steps between Newcastle and the Murrough to maintain beach access and prevent pedestrians from being cut off by the tide. Designs are intended to protect against a 1-in-200-year storm event for a minimum of 50 years (up to 2075). Local calls for a Murrough taskforce emphasise that waiting until 2029 for the main ECRIPP works may result in irreversible damage to the area. Councillors Paul OBrien and Gail Dunne are the primary local advocates calling for a dedicated taskforce to address the accelerating coastal erosion in Wicklow town. In late 2025, Cllr O'Brien confirmed he had spoken with Cllr Dunne, and both are now jointly calling for a taskforce modelled after the Greystones Cliff Walk taskforce, with support from their district colleague Cllr Graham Richmondm who believes the council needs to make representations directly to Irish Rail because it has dragged on for too long. They propose a body that brings together Wicklow County Council, the Tanaiste, the Department of Transport, and Iarnrod Eireann to bypass bureaucratic delays and secure immediate funding for coastal defences. Cllr O'Brien has been vocal about the prolonged delay in permanent works, which are not scheduled to start until 2029. During the local authoritys February monthly meeting he warned that without a taskforce, the Murroughand the railway line within itwill be entirely lost by the end of the decade. Third time lucky with the taskforce, maybe it's something we can discuss at an MD meeting but it's something I think we need to look at very quickly. Cllr Dunne echoed these concerns, stating that "the time for talking has passed" and that every storm causes further irreversible damage. He has specifically emphasised that the sea is now just metres away from the rail line and that current intervention is too slow. Please don't think I'm blaming the council here because I'm not, but I feel the council are getting a bad rap over something they've nothing to do with. It needs to get out there while they are doing their best, they're encouraging Iarnrod Eireann to start the work, that his work is not being carried out at the moment for whatever reason. And nobody understands what the reasons are. Surely to protect the coastline is the most important. I would ask again for the chief executive to come out with a statement to let the people of our area know what's going on, he added. In response council chief Emer OGorman indicated the executive would take it up with Wicklow Municipal District, looking at a possible taskforce and what that might involve, while issuing a statement on the situation. In the last decade, some sections of the rail line have seen total encroachment of 2030 metres. Significant portions of the popular coastal walking path have already collapsed into the sea, with warnings that the remaining path could be undermined within five to seven years without remedial action. Recent surges have washed large boulders over existing defences onto public walkways, posing a direct risk to human safety. Wicklow County Council and Irish Rail have previously used SeaBee concrete units and temporary rock armour to slow the rate of collapse. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme The Wicklow firm this year celebrates 30 years in business Family-run Trinity Motor Group in Wicklow have become the first Irish car dealer to win retailer of the year awards from two major car manufacturers. Their Trinity Volkswagen has received the highest honour the dealership can receive after being named Volkswagen Retailer of the Year 2025. Presented by Volkswagen Ireland, the award recognises outstanding performance across customer experience, sales, and aftersales service. The Trinity Motor Group are a second-generation family business renowned for their customer service. They opened on the Dublin Road, Bollarney North in Wicklow town in January of 2021, having purchased the Volkswagen dealership from Sinnott Autos. The win comes during a landmark period for Trinity Volkswagen, which was also recently named electric vehicle (EV) dealership of the year for Wicklow, recognising the teams commitment to innovation and supporting customers in making the switch to electric vehicles. The awards recognise excellence in the promotion and sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland. Participating car dealers were assessed through a mystery shopping exercise, where they were scored on factors including EV prominence in the showroom, salesperson knowledge of EVs, and overall sales approach. Other evaluation areas included EV training, sales trends, and the dealerships website. Earlier this year, the group was also named Skoda Dealer of the Year 2025, making Trinity Motor Group the first retailer in Ireland to secure dealer of the year titles for two leading motor brands in the same year. Chief operating officer of Trinity Motor Group Adrian Brennan said: This award is an incredible honour for Trinity Volkswagen and a proud moment for everyone across the Trinity Motor Group. To receive this recognition in Volkswagens 75th anniversary year in Ireland, while also marking 30 years of Trinity Motor Group, makes it even more special. It reflects the dedication of our teams and their relentless focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. The Volkswagen Retailer of the Year award is presented annually to dealerships that demonstrate consistently high standards across all areas of the business. Head of sales for Volkswagen passenger cars Martin Cardiff said: Congratulations to the exceptional team at Trinity Motors on being named Volkswagen Retailer of the Year 2025. This well-deserved recognition reflects their consistently strong performance across all Volkswagen brand metrics throughout the year and highlights the outstanding leadership and commitment demonstrated across the entire Trinity Motor Group. "Special credit goes to Barry and James Murphy for achieving this accolade in just their fifth year as Volkswagen Retailers, along with Adrian Brennan, Dave Collier, and the wider team whose dedication and customer-focused approach have driven this remarkable accomplishment. LATEST | Met Eireann issues new rain and snow warnings for 10 counties as temperatures to plummet; capital hit by severe flooding overnight Temperatures could drop as low as -5C in some places as Met Eireann urges people to take care on roads Dublin hit by severe flooding again on Friday morning after heavy rainfall overnightMet Eireann issues raft of snow and rain warnings for coming weekend Follow the latest on our Irish Independent live blog here Ireland faces an Arctic blast over the next four days as temperatures set to plummet to -5C Sarah Ferguson asked Epstein for bankruptcy advice and begged him for a job while he was in jail, emails suggest The former Duchess of York was apparently in severe debt at the time of the email exchanges Sarah Ferguson and her former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in London in September last year. Photo: Toby Melville/Reuters Nicole Wootton-Cane and Alex Ross UK Independent Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Sarah Ferguson asked paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein for advice on bankruptcy while he was in prison, and begged him for a job after he was released, according to emails. The grieving families of the victims of the Swiss bar fire that killed 41 people on New Years Day aired their fury at the owners of the club as they appeared at court for another day of questioning. Explainer: Think China's NEV lead is all about subsidies? Think again 15:12, February 13, 2026 By Liu Bowei ( Xinhua A drone photo taken on June 17, 2025 shows new energy vehicles to be exported at the Paihe Port railway logistics base in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- A narrative increasingly heard in the United States and Europe attributes China's rise as the global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs) to government subsidies. However, if this were the case, then by the end of 2022, when China's subsidies for NEV purchases have phased out, the industry should have stalled. Yet, the sector continued to grow and remained globally competitive. In 2025 alone, official data showed that China's NEV production and sales surged, reaching 16.626 million and 16.49 million units, respectively, marking year-on-year increases of 29 percent and 28.2 percent, and maintaining China's top position in the world for 11 consecutive years. So what are the drivers of China's NEV boom? This photo taken on March 6, 2025 shows an automated production site at the final assembly workshop of Chang'an Auto Digital Intelligence Factory, in Yubei District of southwest China's Chongqing. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) INNOVATION FUELS GROWTH Early policy support, including subsidies, indeed helped the NEV industry get off the ground in China, providing funding and stability when the market was still nascent. More importantly, such a forward-looking strategy to nurture a strategic sector and foster long-term innovation has encouraged manufacturers to invest in core technologies early and sustainably. Take NEV manufacturer BYD. The company has consistently prioritized long-term innovation over immediate profit, with R&D expenditure surpassing net income in 13 of the 14 years between 2011 and 2024. In 2025, it unveiled the Super E-Platform, designed to enable ultra-fast charging, potentially providing a 400-kilometer driving range with a five-minute charge. That same year, BYD surpassed Tesla in global electric vehicle (EV) sales. Meanwhile, China's CATL, a global leader in battery production, announced that its all-solid-state battery research and development had entered the pre-mass production stage, featuring an energy density more than 30 percent higher than traditional liquid lithium batteries and a lifecycle exceeding 2,000 charges. According to an analysis released by SNE Research earlier in February, the global market for electric vehicle batteries grew by 31.7 percent last year, with CATL, the leading supplier, growing its market share from 38.0 percent in 2024 to 39.2 percent in 2025. Staff members of CATL interact with visiting guests in front of the booth during the Intersolar Africa 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong) MORE AFFORDABLE AND BETTER Sustained innovation has also driven steady reductions in production costs. Data from the International Energy Agency indicated that in 2024, battery pack prices in China fell nearly 30 percent, far faster than the 10 to 15 percent declines seen in Europe and the United States. The faster decline in battery costs has strengthened the competitive edge of Chinese EVs, as batteries make up roughly 30 to 40 percent of an EV's total cost. A more affordable price is only part of the picture. While traditional automakers often take around four years to bring a new model to market, Chinese NEV makers roll out new features and model updates at a pace akin to consumer electronics, typically in just over a year, with some companies introducing multiple updates within a single year. Early subsidies may help an industry take off, but sustained innovation and efficiency ultimately determine the winners. Just as Italian entrepreneur Andrea Levy, the president of the 2025 Turin Auto Show, has observed, China's combination of advanced battery and charging technologies, plus attractive pricing, gives Chinese automakers significant potential. This photo taken on Sept. 28, 2024 shows a hydrogen fuel cell system at the booth of Hyundai during an exhibition featuring cutting-edge technologies and products of new energy vehicle (NEV) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERING China's NEV industry has also benefited from the robust industrial foundation built over more than 40 years of China's reform and opening-up policy. This well-established base has fostered a highly integrated and tightly clustered ecosystem, spanning raw material processing, battery production, vehicle assembly and software development, which has helped the sector thrive. This deeply integrated network enables highly efficient, reliable production and continues to underpin the sector's rapid growth. The Yangtze River Delta, for instance, has established a "4-hour industrial ecosystem," where any NEV plant can obtain all required parts within a four-hour drive, facilitating efficient collaboration and rapid iteration. In this collaborative industrial network, Shanghai serves as the technological hub, driving advancements in chips and software development. Meanwhile, Changzhou, located about 200 km west of Shanghai in Jiangsu Province, dominates power battery production, the essential "core" of EVs. To the south, Ningbo in Zhejiang Province plays a key role in manufacturing the "structure" of the vehicles, particularly through the use of cutting-edge integrated die-casting technology. Changzhou, often referred to as the "Capital of New Energy," exemplifies the strength of this industrial clustering. In 2025, the production value of its NEV and auto parts cluster exceeded 500 billion yuan (about 70.4 billion U.S. dollars), while the production of NEVs surpassed 800,000 units. This growth highlights the remarkable efficiency and synergy of the broader industrial network. People visit the ICV (Internet-connected vehicles) and NEV (new energy vehicles) Exhibition Area of the 2025 World Manufacturing Convention (WMC) in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) POWERING NEXT-GEN VEHICLES China's NEV sector is characterized by a vertically integrated value chain spanning research and development, manufacturing, sales, after-sales service and standard-setting. But it is not just the vehicles themselves that are advancing at a rapid pace; China is also leading the way in the key subsystems that power them. At the 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest auto shows, over 100 Chinese automakers and suppliers showcased the latest in NEV technology. Among the highlights was Horizon Robotics, a Chinese AI chipmaker, which unveiled its Journey 6 series, a smart-driving platform that supports functions ranging from basic assistance to citywide autonomous driving. The influence of Chinese technology in NEV subsystems didn't stop there. Several European automakers incorporated Chinese innovation into their own models, marking a significant shift in how Chinese companies export technology. Rather than just selling individual components, China is now exporting entire "ecosystems" that span the NEV industry. For example, BMW's Neue Klasse iX3, developed in partnership with Chinese firms, comes equipped with systems optimized for local digital ecosystems. People visit the exhibition zone of BYD at the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) A report by Germany's Center of Automotive Management in 2025 named five Chinese companies among the world's top 10 most innovative automakers, citing their leadership in EVs, autonomous driving, and in-car electronics. Chinese companies are strong in digitalization and intelligent technologies, helping cars become more comfortable and smarter, said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a prominent German automotive expert and director of the Center for Automotive Research in Bochum, Germany. "The car of the future will be completely different -- it will be modern, digital, and intelligent," Dudenhoeffer said. "We can learn from China's innovations, bring more innovative products to the market, and also benefit from China's cost advantages and long-term planning." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Rubio strikes warmer tone in wake of Trump's upheaval as Denmark PM to hold Greenland talks Rubio warns of 'defining moment' in ties Record tally of global leaders expected given slew of crises Comes in wake of moves by Trump to upend global order Europe seen closing ranks, seeking to become more independent U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives for the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2026. Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS Sarah Marsh, Humeyra Pamuk and Andrew Gray Reuters Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 12:18 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said transatlantic ties faced a "defining moment" in a rapidly changing world but struck a warmer tone ahead of the Munich Security Conference on Friday after a year of unprecedented upheaval. At the same gathering of top security officials last year, Vice President JD Vance had attacked European allies, triggering a series of confrontations, with the U.S. seemingly set on dismantling much of the international order it helped to build. We got lost in Moscow and I thought Id never see my husband again: the Irish housewives who took on the USSR Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein raise their hands after representative Pramila Jayapal asked who of them has been unable to meet with the US Department of Justice led by attorney general Pam Bondi, as Ms Bondi attends a House Judiciary Committee hearing. Photo: Reuters US pastor says undocumented Irish fearful of ICE raids on St Patricks Day Father Jerry Boland said that ICE agents in Chicago are currently targeting areas where migrants gather to make arrests and detainments Anti-ICE demonstrators protesting outside Minnesota governor Tim Walzs residence last week. Photo: Reuters Sarah O'Mahony Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 11:00 A Catholic pastor in Chicago has described the worry for undocumented Irish in Chicago ahead of St Patricks Day. Indias Antitrust Regulator CCI Fines Intel US$3.01 Million for Abuse of Dominant Position Indias Competition Commission (CCI) fined Intel Corporation US$3.01 million for abusing its dominant position via an India-specific warranty policy that restricted parallel imports. The order highlights growing antitrust scrutiny of localized commercial practices and key compliance risks for tech companies and multinational enterprises operating in India. On February 12, 2026, Indias antitrust authority, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), imposed a penalty of INR 273.8 million (US$3.01 million) on Intel Corporation for abusing its dominant position through an India-specific warranty policy applicable to boxed microprocessors. The penalty was levied on the multinational tech-company over its India-specific warranty framework for boxed microprocessors, which was in force from 2016 until 2024. Under this policy, warranty services were available only for products purchased through authorized Indian distributors, effectively disadvantaging consumers and parallel importers. CCI found this approach inconsistent with Intels warranty practices in markets such as China and Australia, as well as other jurisdictions. DOING BUSINESS IN INDIA EXPLORE IN-DEPTH INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS GUIDES. Explore vital economic, geographic, and regulatory insights for business investors, managers, or expats to navigate Indias business landscape. Our Online Business Guides offer explainer articles, news, useful tools, and videos from on-the-ground advisors who contribute to the Doing Business in India knowledge. Start exploring Background of the case The proceedings against Intel Corp. arose from an information filed by Matrix Info Systems Private Limited under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002. The informant alleged that, effective April 25, 2016, Intel revised its warranty terms in India. Under the revised policy, warranty claims for Intels boxed microprocessors (BMPs) were accepted only if the products had been purchased from an authorized distributor within India. Consequently, products procured from Intels authorized distributors outside India, even if genuine, were not serviced domestically. Customers were instead directed to seek warranty support in the country of purchase. This approach effectively restricted parallel imports into India. Indias antitrust regulators findings In its February 2026 order, issued under Section 27 of the CCI Act, the antitrust authority determined that Intel held a dominant position in the relevant market for boxed microprocessors for desktops in India. The Commission concluded that the India-specific warranty policy was discriminatory, particularly when compared with Intels warranty practices in jurisdictions such as China and Australia, as well as other global markets. The policy was found to limit consumer choice and restrict parallel importers, resulting in an appreciable adverse effect on competition and harm to Indian consumers. Accordingly, the CCI held that Intels conduct violated Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002, which prohibits abuse of dominant position. Under Chapter 2 of the CCI Act, 2002, Section 4, Prohibition of Abuse of Dominant Position, bars any enterprise or group from misusing its dominant market power in a manner that harms competition or consumers. Even though holding a dominant position in a market is not unlawful by itself, the Act specifically targets conduct that exploits that position to the detriment of competitors or consumers. ALSO READ: Indias Competition Authority Rolls Out 2025 Cost Regulations Norms Monetary fine and directions by CCI Taking into account that the policy had been in force for approximately eight years, the CCI initially computed the penalty at 8 percent of Intels average relevant turnover. However, after considering mitigating circumstances, including Intels withdrawal of the policy effective April 1, 2024, the CCI reduced the final penalty to INR 273.8 million (US$3.01 million). In addition to the monetary penalty, Intel has been directed to widely publicize the withdrawal of the impugned warranty policy and submit a compliance report to the Commission. Regulatory FAQs foreign companies must know 1. When can the CCI initiate an inquiry? Under Section 19 of the CCI Act, 2002, the authority can investigate: Anti-competitive agreements (Section 3), or Abuse of dominant position (Section 4). The CCI can begin an inquiry in three ways: The authority can act on its own (suo motu) knowledge or observation On receiving information from any person, consumer, trade association, or consumer association (with the prescribed fee), or On a reference from the central government, state government, or a statutory authority. 2. How does the CCI decide if an agreement harms the competition framework? When examining whether an agreement negatively affects competition, the CCI looks at factors such as the following: Whether it creates barriers for new businesses to enter the market Whether it forces existing competitors out Whether it blocks or restricts competition Whether consumers benefit Whether it improves production, distribution, or services Whether it promotes technological or economic development 3. How does the CCI determine if a company is dominant? To assess whether a company holds a dominant position, the CCI evaluates its position on the basis of its market share, financial strength, the size and strength of its competitors, and the economic power or commercial advantages. There are other factors such as: Vertical integration or distribution network Consumer dependence on the company Entry barriers (e.g., regulatory hurdles, high capital costs, economies of scale) Market structure and size Buying power of customers Any other relevant factor 4. What is a relevant market? Before assigning dominance status to a company, the CCI must define the relevant market, which has two parts. (a) Relevant geographic market This considers the geographic area where competition conditions are similar. Factors include: Trade barriers Transport costs Distribution facilities Consumer preferences Language Need for after-sales services (b) Relevant product market This focuses on which products or services compete with each other. Factors include: Physical features or end-use Price Consumer preferences Whether there are specialised producers Industrial classification 5. What can the CCI do after finding a violation? If, after conducting an inquiry, the CCI concludes that an agreement violates Section 3 (anti-competitive agreements) or a company has abused its dominant position under Section 4, it can issue one or more corrective orders. 1. Order to stop the conduct: The CCI can direct the company (or association of companies/persons) to: Immediately stop the illegal agreement, or Stop abusing its dominant position, and Not enter into or repeat such conduct in the future. This is known as a cease-and-desist order. 2. Impose financial penalties: The Commission can levy monetary penalties. General violations can lead to up to 10 percent of the average turnover of the last three financial years for each company involved. If the violation involves a cartel, the CCI can impose a higher penalty of up to three times the profit made for each year of the cartels operation, or 10 percent of turnover for each year of the cartels operation, whichever is higher. Cartel penalties are intentionally more severe because cartel conduct is considered particularly harmful to competition. 3. Modify agreements: The CCI can direct that the problematic agreement be changed in a specific manner instead of completely voiding it. 4. Issue additional directions: The Commission may order compliance measures, direct payment of costs, or issue any other order it considers appropriate to remedy the violation. 5. Liability of group companies: If the violating company is part of a corporate group, and other group entities contributed to or were responsible for the violation, the CCI can also pass orders against those group members. Competition law risk management for foreign MNEs in India The CCI found that Intels India-specific warranty policy for boxed microprocessors limited consumer choice and restricted parallel imports. The outcome carries important compliance implications for multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in India. The order underscores that: Dominant enterprises must avoid discriminatory or exclusionary commercial practices. Local policy deviations can trigger scrutiny if they distort competition in the defined relevant market. After-sales restrictions may form part of competition analysis. Key risk areas for multinationals Localized commercial policies India-specific pricing, warranty, or distribution frameworks must be assessed through a competition law lens where market power exists. Policies that restrict sourcing channels or differentiate treatment across jurisdictions may be examined for discriminatory effects. After-sales and distribution controls Warranty recognition, service limitations, or channel exclusivity can influence market access. If a company holds substantial market power, such service restrictions may be viewed as foreclosure or denial of market access. Group-level exposure Liability may extend beyond the operating subsidiary to other group entities if they contributed to or were responsible for the impugned conduct. Practical compliance measures for foreign firms Conduct market power reviews: Periodically assess whether the company holds dominance in specific Indian product segments, considering market share, entry barriers, and consumer dependence. Audit India-specific policies: Review warranty terms, distribution models, pricing frameworks, and bundling arrangements for potential exclusionary or discriminatory impact. Document objective justifications: Where differentiated commercial practices are adopted, maintain clear economic rationale and pro-competitive justification. Strengthen internal governance: Ensure company senior management and commercial teams in India are trained on abuse of dominance risks, particularly regarding unilateral conduct. Prepare for regulatory scrutiny: Establish internal protocols for responding to competition investigations, including document management and regulatory engagement procedures. Executive takeaway Market dominance itself is lawful; its misuse is not. India-specific commercial strategies require competition law assessment. Warranty and distribution restrictions can trigger abuse scrutiny. Governance and documentation are critical risk mitigants. Proactive competition compliance should be integrated into policy design and market strategy for MNEs in India. (US$1 = INR 90.7) Image credit : Husband admits he was clueless about gender roles, internet reacts | Credit: Freepik TikTok husband sparks debate on mental load Image credit : Husband admits he was clueless about gender roles, internet reacts | Credit: Freepik The parenting shift that changed everything Women on TikTok say, 'finally someone gets it' Image credit : Husband admits he was clueless about gender roles, internet reacts | Credit: Freepik Expert warnings on subtle toxicity in relationships Image credit : Husband admits he was clueless about gender roles, internet reacts | Credit: Freepik Josh Fisher, a middle-aged husband and dad, is having his viral moment on TikTok, not for a prank, dance, or life hack, but for something way more real: emotional accountability. In his now-trending series, "Chronicles of a Clueless Husband," he peels back the layers of his 20-year marriage to reveal the not-so-pretty truth about his past gender role assumptions.Fisher, often seen filming from his car in deep thought, reflected on how early in their marriage, he would pack for holidays while his wife frantically vacuumed, did the laundry, and handled the chaos. Back then, he casually dismissed her labour as something she simply "wanted" to do.But reality hit him hard: "Looking back, how could I possibly think that was okay?" he admitted.Things worsened when children entered the picture. Fisher acknowledged how he replicated his own fathers behaviour by looking after his personal needs while his partner handled the rest. It was not just a family tradition, it was an emotional blind spot. He had to unlearn what he saw growing up and rewire his thinking from the ground up.His confessions lit up the comment section. Women from all walks of life flooded in with virtual standing ovations and painfully relatable stories. Many said they had never cleaned or planned trips because they "wanted to," but because no one else stepped up.Fisher is now being hailed as a rare example of a man who "evolved and saw the light."Adding to the conversation, psychologist Dr. Mark Travers explained how even innocent-sounding compliments like, "You are always so calm," can fuel emotional suppression. Another red flag? "Youre the only person I can talk to, it may sound romantic but often signals unhealthy emotional dependency.Josh Fisher might not have had it figured out back then, but the internet agrees: at least now, he is doing the work. Your Place or Mine Where to watch: Actors: Image credit : Netflix | Your Place or Mine Irish Wish Where to watch: Actors: Image credit : Netflix | Irish Wish The Fall Guy Where to watch: Actors: Image credit : Netflix | The Fall Guy Red, White, and Royal Blue Where to watch: Actors: Image credit : Prime Video | Red, White, and Royal Blue The Lovebirds Where to watch: Actors: Image credit : Netflix | The Lovebirds Valentine's Day doesn't always arrive with roses or candlelit dinners. Sometimes it comes wrapped in chaos, magic, and the kind of romance that catches you off guard, pulling you into lives you never expected to care about. These underrated rom-coms are hidden treasures, each offering laughter, tension, and heartbreak in equal measure.NetflixReese Witherspoon, Ashton KutcherDebbie Dunn has always orchestrated her life with precision, from her bustling Los Angeles career to the careful balance of work and motherhood. Peter Coleman, her best friend of decades, lives on the opposite coast in New York, thriving on spontaneity and unpredictability. When Debbie's travel plans force her to leave her son in Peter's care, the long-distance friendship faces a challenge it's never encountered before. Proximity ignites sparks that have always simmered under the surface, and what begins as a simple act of trust escalates into a series of moments charged with laughter, tension, and longing. In this story, opposites don't just attract - they collide, leaving both of them to wonder if friendship was just the first act of something far more profound.NetflixLindsay Lohan, Alexander Vlahos, Ed SpeleersMaddie is a woman who has always chased order, logic, and predictability - but love doesn't follow rules. She has fallen for her client, but he is engaged to her best friend, creating an impossible situation she cannot resolve. A trip to Ireland for the wedding turns her world upside down when a single wish unexpectedly alters reality. She wakes up in the bride's role, thrust into a life that she never imagined. With the help of a charmingly awkward photographer, Maddie navigates a dizzying path of desire, regret, and discovery, learning that the romance she longed for may not be the one that truly fulfills her heart.PeacockRyan Gosling, Emily BluntColt was once a fearless stuntman, living for adrenaline and the thrill of danger. After a career-ending injury, he retreats from the spotlight, hiding from the life he loved. But the sudden disappearance of a movie star pulls him back into the treacherous world of stunts - and into the orbit of his ex, Jody, the director of the film. Danger and romance intertwine as old feelings resurface, pushing Colt to confront past regrets, hidden truths, and a love he thought he lost. Every leap, every stunt, becomes a metaphor for taking risks - not just on the set, but in the heart.Prime VideoTaylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas GalitzineRivalry turns to forbidden attraction when the first son of the United States and a British prince are forced into a staged friendship for the sake of public perception. What begins as a political maneuver evolves into secret glances, stolen moments, and a tension that neither expected. Love, in this story, becomes an act of rebellion, daring and dangerous in the eyes of the world. As they navigate politics, expectations, and their own hearts, the two young men discover that passion is rarely convenient - but always unforgettable.NetflixKumail Nanjiani, Issa RaeJibran and Leilani are on the brink of ending their four-year relationship when chaos intervenes. Their car is stolen and used in a murder, plunging them into a dangerous, unpredictable adventure. As they dodge suspects, navigate life-or-death situations, and stumble through comedic mishaps, they are forced to rely on each other in ways they never expected. Through the chaos, old feelings resurface, proving that surviving together can be the spark needed to reignite a love they thought was lost forever. Candace Owens claims the messages point to grooming. Erika Kirks defenders call it a smear. The debate has now spread across X, Instagram and conservative media circles, with viewers split over what the screenshots actually show. What did Candace Owens say about Erika Kirk? View this post on Instagram A post shared by CANDACE (@candaceoshow) A fresh political storm has erupted after Candace Owens dedicated a full segment of her show to what she described as a troubling past relationship between Erika Kirk and a teenage girl. Owens released screenshots from 2013 and 2014 showing exchanges between then 25 year old Erika Frantzve and 15 year old Jill Falkon.Candace Owens claims the messages point to grooming. Erika Kirks defenders call it a smear. The debate has now spread across X, Instagram and conservative media circles, with viewers split over what the screenshots actually show. Erika Kirk's messages and gifts in question I watched yesterday's episode of Candace Owens. It's disturbing. Very disturbing. It requires an explanation. It's troubling. I hope there's a reasonable explanation. Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) February 13, 2026 Jill Falkon photoshoot controversy Theres such a double standard. If an adult male had acted this way towards a 15-year-old girl, hed be in jail. Amelia Bee (@cloudsurfer118) February 13, 2026 According to Owens, Falkon later said she felt uncomfortable but went ahead with it. Owens argued that sending a minor to such a shoot without parental oversight was deeply inappropriate and potentially unlawful. There has been no public legal finding on the matter. Kirk has not addressed the specific screenshots in detail. According to Owens, Falkon later said she felt uncomfortable but went ahead with it. Owens argued that sending a minor to such a shoot without parental oversight was deeply inappropriate and potentially unlawful. There has been no public legal finding on the matter. Kirk has not addressed the specific screenshots in detail. Netizens concerned about Erika Kirk's 'predatory' behaviour Erika Kirk was grooming a 15 year old when she was 25 while she was working for a sex trafficking charity. The texts arent in dispute. The usual suspects are calling Candace a demon again because they believe getting a 15 year olds number and texting her sexual things like Owen Benjamin (@OwenBenjamin) February 13, 2026 None of the people commenting watched the episode, yet they're commenting as if they did. It's insanity. Just watch the episode and then try to defend Erika Kirk. All I got to say is good luck! Hoops (@novaxnomask) February 13, 2026 Backlash from MAGA against Candace Owens At the same time, prominent right wing voices have strongly defended Kirk and criticised Owens. Laura Loomer accused Owens of targeting a grieving widow and demanded legal action. Others said Owens was stretching the definition of grooming for attention. After accusing Erika Kirk and TPUSA of killing Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens is now claiming Erika is a billionaire and that she and TPUSA should hire Candace Owens. This is schizophrenic behavior. pic.twitter.com/L3Px5qcosw Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 13, 2026 Grooming or misread mentorship? The central question remains whether the 2013 to 2014 interactions meet the legal or psychological definition of grooming. Experts generally describe grooming as a pattern where an adult builds trust with a minor, often through praise, gifts and secrecy, with the aim of exploitation. Owens argues that the screenshots fit this pattern. Kirks defenders counter that there is no evidence of sexual contact or criminal charges, and that mentoring relationships in pageant circles can appear intense but remain innocent. For many observers, the issue is not only legal but ethical. Was it appropriate for a 25 year old public figure to privately message, gift and arrange photos for a 15 year old without clear parental involvement? The central question remains whether the 2013 to 2014 interactions meet the legal or psychological definition of grooming. Experts generally describe grooming as a pattern where an adult builds trust with a minor, often through praise, gifts and secrecy, with the aim of exploitation. Owens argues that the screenshots fit this pattern.Kirks defenders counter that there is no evidence of sexual contact or criminal charges, and that mentoring relationships in pageant circles can appear intense but remain innocent. For many observers, the issue is not only legal but ethical. Was it appropriate for a 25 year old public figure to privately message, gift and arrange photos for a 15 year old without clear parental involvement? At the same time, prominent right wing voices have strongly defended Kirk and criticised Owens. Laura Loomer accused Owens of targeting a grieving widow and demanded legal action. Others said Owens was stretching the definition of grooming for attention. During her episode, Candace Owens presented text messages, Instagram comments and public posts allegedly exchanged between Erika and the teenager, identified as Jill Falkon, also known online at the time as hiimjill or jillian falcon.Owens said she interviewed Falkon, who is now an adult. According to Owens, Falkon confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots and said that, looking back, the interactions felt inappropriate. She argued that the tone, gifts and private communication showed what she called textbook grooming behaviour. She highlighted what she described as excessive compliments, emotional bonding and blurred boundaries between mentor and minor.Shortly after the episode aired, Owens posted on X that the situation requires an explanation, adding that photographing a minor without parental consent would violate Michigan law.The screenshots shown on the programme included compliments about the teenagers appearance. Erika allegedly referred to Falkon as beautiful girl and stunning and commented on her eyes, lips and skin. In one exchange about pageant preparation, Erika reportedly told the 15 year old to hydrate and avoid alcohol.Owens also pointed to gifts sent for Falkons sixteenth birthday, including flowers and chocolate covered strawberries. Falkon reportedly posted about receiving them and described Erika as an inspiration at the time. Netizens say Erika Kirk's pattern shows emotional closeness beyond a normal mentorship. Supporters argue that pageant culture often involves close mentoring and public praise. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned European leaders that the drive for economic competitiveness remains an "abstract concept" unless it delivers higher wages and lower prices for consumers battling a cost-of-living crisis. Arriving at an informal European Summit in Belgium, Mr. Mitsotakis presented a slate of proposals aimed at slashing bureaucracy and repairing the single He cautioned that without tangible economic relief, the bloc risks losing the social consensus needed to enact difficult climate and policy reforms. "Competitiveness must be paired with more and better-paid jobs and lower prices," Mr. Mitsotakis said. "If we are to tackle the cost-of-living crisis... we must ensure that competitiveness ultimately benefits both businesses and European consumers." The prime minister singled out the European energy sector as a critical failure, describing the current market as fragmented and underperforming. He urged his counterparts to accelerate integration to drive down power costs, a move he argued is essential for keeping European industry viable against global competitors. The extraordinary meeting, which prioritized the climate crisis, comes as EU nations face increasing pressure to balance green transition goals with economic stability. Mr. Mitsotakis insisted that these high-level policy decisions must translate into direct benefits for households to prevent deepening social inequality. iefimerida.gr Exclusive photographs published Friday reveal the pivotal meeting in China where a high-ranking Greek Air Force officer was allegedly recruited to leak classified military data, capping an investigation triggered by a CIA tip-off. The images, released by iefimerida .gr, capture the 54-year-old squadron leader in Beijing during the autumn of 2024. He is shown alongside "Steven," a contact who initially approached him online posing as a tech headhunter, and "William," a superior introduced to finalize the espionage agreement. According to the report, the officeridentified in earlier court proceedings as Colonel Christos Flessasagreed to terms during this trip. Upon his return to the Kavouri base, Mr. Flessas allegedly began photographing sensitive documents using a specialized app that encrypted the files for decryption solely by his handlers in China. The operation collapsed last week when authorities, acting on U.S. intelligence, arrested Mr. Flessas while he was transmitting data. He has been jailed pending trial. While Mr. Flessas has admitted to the interactions, his legal team argues he was coerced. The case is now viewed as one of Europes most serious security breaches, as investigators probe whether the "Steven" and "William" network has penetrated other NATO defenses. By Katia Niakari iefimerida.gr myPOS, one of the fastest growing fintech companies in Europe, is constantly strengthening its presence in the Greek market, offering modern, flexible and fully regulatory compliant payment acceptance solutions for myPOS supports the digital transformation of businesses in Greece - PRESS RELEASE Failed attempt to arrest el-Rufai at the airport without due process is intimidation to destroy morale of ADC supporters. Attempt To Illigally Arrest El-Rufai At Abuja Airport Is Intimidation To Destroy Morale Of ADC Supporters Advertisement Former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has condemned the crude and unorthodox attempt to arrest a key ADC figure and former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai at the Abuja International Airport on Thursday. Reacting to the incident in a statement by his media office in Abuja, the former Vice President frowned at attempt to arrest el-Rufai by the EFCC officials with total disregard for due process. While I support the anti-corruption effort in the country (having been pivotal in setting up the commission), I am worried about the politicisation of arrests that disproportionately target opposition leaders, especially the ADC since it came into being, Atiku said. He noted that the fanatical zeal the EFCC has been going after ADC coalition figures is a deviation from its constitutional mandate. He pointed out that the EFCC was not established to be a political tool of the president or the ruling party, adding if we continue on this path, the EFCC will lose credibility and compromise its independence. Atiku recalled that the Uwais Panel on Electoral Reforms specifically recommended that the EFCC Chairman should be answerable to the Chief Justice of Nigeria in order to protect its independence. The former Vice President, however, regretted that the implementation panel set up by the Umaru Musa YarAdua administration failed to adopt the recommendation of the Uwais Panel on the independence of the EFCC. Atiku reminded the EFCC leadership to rise above partisanship and focus on the larger public interest, warning that governments come and go and that the agencys loyalty to the constitution should not be sacrificed on the altar of partisan bias and interest. Signed: Atiku Media Office Abuja February 12, 2026. https://x.com/i/status/2022061552933712063 Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has addressed comments credited to his father, Pete Edochie, who reportedly said he was not aware of his sons marriage to Judy Austin. Speaking in a recent interview, Yul said his father is entitled to his opinion and that the remark did not affect him in any way. Asked why he thought his father made the statement, the 44-year-old actor responded, Hes entitled to whatever he wants to say. Why he decided to say it is in his mind. On how it made him feel, Yul was emphatic, I didnt feel anything. The actor stressed that his love and respect for his father remain unwavering, describing the veteran thespian as a man who did his best raising six children. I love him. I respect him. He cannot get me angry. Advertisement No matter what he says, Im not moved, Yul said, adding that even at his age, he would still kneel or obey any instruction from his father out of deep respect. However, he maintained that as an adult, his personal decisions are his responsibility. At this age, my problem cannot be what my father thinks about my personal decision. Im not a child. As a man, I should be able to decide what is good for me and go for it, he stated. Yul added that he does not believe in over-explaining his choices, insisting that real men dont explain or complain, you face it. He concluded by reiterating that whatever his father chooses to say about his marriage is entirely his business. The senate has clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result viewing portal (IReV) is not an electronic voting platform. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, chairman of the senate ad hoc panel on the review of the 2026 electoral bill, spoke during an appearance on Arise News on Thursday. Adegbonmire also dismissed claims that lawmakers scrapped the portal for the 2027 general election. Advertisement The senator said the upper chamber never resolved to discontinue the use of IReV, stressing that the portal remains a platform for publishing results already declared at polling units. The senate never said INEC should not use IReV for the 2027 elections, he said. What people must understand is that IReV is not an e-voting platform. It is software developed by INEC to publicise results that have been manually counted and declared at polling units. The lawmaker explained that real-time transmission of results is not the same as electronic voting, noting that Nigeria has not yet adopted an e-voting system. People need to understand what real-time means. Real-time transmission can only happen if INEC adopts an e-voting system. For now, INEC does not have the capability for e-voting, he said. He added that votes are still cast and counted manually, adding that only the final results recorded on Form EC8A are uploaded to the IReV portal. You must first manually write out the figure. After you have written out the figure at the polling unit, then you can upload, transfer or transmit, depending on the nomenclature we want to use, Adegbonmire said. When you talk about transmission, it has nothing to do with the sanctity of the voting process. It is not IReV or BVAS that count ballots. Vote count is manually done. Adegbonmire, who represents Ondo central, said the senates review of the electoral bill was aimed at harmonising divergent views and addressing grey areas, rather than eliminating the use of IReV. The senator cautioned against what he described as misinterpretation of legislative proceedings, urging the media to exercise care in reporting issues relating to electoral reforms. If we are not careful, the smallest thing will spark an issue, he said. Justice S.M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Friday, February 13, 2026 convicted and sentenced a Kannywood actress, Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, (a.k.a Samha) to six months imprisonment for the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. The actress was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on the mutilation of the Nigerian currency, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007. The charge against the convict reads: That you Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court tampered with Naira currency in the sum of N1000 (One Thousand Naira) note issued by Central Bank of Nigeria by soiling same using your nose and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21 (1) of the CBN Act. 2007 Advertisement Inuwa pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to her. In view of her plea, prosecuting counsel, Musa Isah reviewed the facts of the case after which he urged the court to convict the defendant and sentence her accordingly. The actress pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy on her own, stating that she was a first-time offender and had shown genuine remorse for her actions. Thereafter, Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced Inuwa to six (6) months imprisonment with the option of a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) only No Evidence Linking Kwankwaso To Any Exremist Group NNPP The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has rejected a proposed bill seeking to impose sanctions, including a visa ban and asset freeze, on its national leader and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing the move as unjust and malicious. The partys campaign secretary, Folashade Aliu, made the remarks on Friday while reacting to the bill, which also listed the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. Speaking on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily, Aliu said there was no credible evidence linking Kwankwaso to any extremist organisation. Advertisement There is no evidence that its aligned to this group. They have not seen anything, she said, adding that any proof, if it exists, should be made public. Aliu questioned the rationale behind singling out one individual in a country with an estimated population of over 260 million people, particularly on an issue as sensitive as religion and terrorism. How can anybody in their right senses put up a bill that is as important as talking about religion and terrorism and single out one individual in this country? she asked. She argued that even a small fraction of Nigerias population occupying leadership positions would still amount to a significant number of people capable of contributing to solutions to national challenges. According to her, the decision to focus legislative action on one person raises serious concerns about the intent of the bill. If you cannot do anything but find an individual, that tells you how malicious this whole arrangement is, Aliu said. New York Times best-selling novelist Sadeqa Johnson was born in South Philly, grew up in North Philly, and went to George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Sciences. One of the central characters in her new book, "Keeper of Lost Children," lives in South Philadelphia. Read more When we first meet Bok High graduate Ozzie Phillips one of three protagonists in Sadeqa Johnsons latest novel, Keeper of Lost Children a block party on South Philadelphias Ringgold Street is just winding down. In between the last dollops of creamy potato salad and sips of clear corn liquor, Ozzies friends and family wish the young serviceman a bon voyage. The year is 1948 and 18-year-old Ozzie is headed to Germany to join hundreds of thousands of military men occupying post-World War II Germany. Advertisement He spends the last few weeks with his girlfriend, Rita, picnicking at the Lakes in FDR Park and walking through Center City department stores like Wanamakers and Strawbridges. One night the couple go to Ridge Avenues Pearl Theater to see Pearl Bailey perform. The next morning, Ozzies Uncle Millard picks him up in a Vagabond-blue Oldsmobile and the two cruise down Broad Street, Count Basie tunes playing on WHAT AM. Uncle Millard circles City Hall, depositing Ozzie at Reading Terminal Station, where he hops on a train to Trentons Fort Dix Army Base before embarking on a steam boat to Germany. Its Ozzies time in Germany that fuels the plot of the sentimental historical novel. Its such a joy for me to write the Philly scenes, Johnson said, during a recent video chat. The book publicist turned New York Times best-selling author was born in South Philadelphia, grew up in North, and graduated from George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. Today, the married mom of three writes from her home in Virginia, right outside Richmond. I left Philly when I went to Marymount Manhattan College in New York, Johnson said. But where you grow up is always in your DNA. Philly is in my soul. When I sit down and paint pictures of historical moments in Philadelphia, I get to go home. Johnson has six books out in the world. She self-published her first, Love in a Carry-On Bag, in 2012. Her books center young Black women in old-school and modern times trying to do the best with what they got. But in most of her works especially the captivating historical fiction novels through which shes made a name for herself on BookTok, podcasts, and traditional bestseller lists her heroines face overwhelming odds. Take the Yellow Wifes Pheby Delores Brown. Set in antebellum Virginia, Browns story is based on the harrowing real-life experience of enslaved woman Mary Lumpkin, who is forced into a relationship with her enslaver for whom she bears five children. It was a 2022 finalist for the Hurston Wright Legacy Award. It was also named one of NPRs Best Books of the Year in 2021. I have this propensity to tell the story of young women 15, 16, 17, who are in a situation that feels insurmountable, said Johnson, who, until 2023, taught creative writing in Drexel Universitys masters of fine arts program. And I really love developing those stories that show how those young women get to the other side. The House of Eve, a 2023 New York Times bestseller and a Reese Witherspoon Book Club of the Month pick centers 1950s North Philadelphia teen Ruby Pearsall who falls in love with a Jewish boy whose family runs a corner store. In the book, Ruby must choose between a free ride to Cheyney University and motherhood. I love the research, Johnson said. I love learning interesting things about this city that I was brought up in. In Keeper released this month by 37 INK, a division of Simon & Schuster Ethel Gathers, a journalist and wife of an Army officer, also stationed in post World War II Germany, is the central character. There, she chances upon a group of multiracial children who she learns are the offspring of Black servicemen and German women. Gathers, whose story is based on the life of journalist Mabel Grammer, adopts eight of the Brown Babies and starts an adoption agency, ultimately placing hundreds of the children with Black families in the United States. In the book, Grammer visits Philadelphia from her Washington home and books a room at the Divine Lorraine, the countrys first fully racially integrated hotel. I stumbled upon Ms. Grammer while researching The House of Eve," Johnson said. And in that moment, I knew I wanted to tell that story. Johnson breathes life into her fictional characters through extensive research, adding vivid details that take the readers back in time and thrust them into the rich tapestry of her story. Fans will often find connections to characters from previous books where they least expect it. Ozzies military time and South Philly swag is based on Johnsons great-uncle, 94-year-old Edgar Murray, who, like Ozzie, grew up in South Philly and spent the latter part of the 1940s in Germany. (For the record, Johnson said, her uncle didnt suffer with alcoholism like Ozzie does in the book.) It was Murray who suggested Ozzie live on Ringgold Street and take his date to the Pearl Theater. I like the factual things she puts in there, said Murray, who lives with family in Denver, Colo. It makes it more interesting. Philadelphia readers with an eye for history will enjoy seeing the city unfold through Ozzies eyes after his 1952 return. He leafs through The Philadelphia Inquirer, reading detailed accounts of white veterans securing large mortgages and moving out to lofty suburbs on the GI bill that he too applied for. He works a job at the Navy Yard, gets married at Tasker Baptist Church, and experiences a miracle at West Phillys Mercy-Douglass Hospital. Halfway through Keepers, Ozzie attends a party thrown by elite Civil Rights husband-and-wife-team Raymond Pace Alexander and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander at their swanky home at 17th and Jefferson. Attorneys John Francis Williams and Lewis Tanner Moore Sr., cofounder of the Pyramid Club and whose son, art collector Lewis Tanner Moore Jr. died in 2024 shoot the breeze about an NAACP fundraiser and Buddy Powell, a 1940s jazz musician who was so severely beaten by the Philadelphia railroad police that he ended up in an asylum. In The House of Eve, I got to dig around in my moms memory for Ruby, Johnson said. This time around I got to dig around in my dad and Uncle Edgars head to get South Philly down. Lets see what happens in the next book. Sadeqa Johnson will give an authors talk at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Friday, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a copy of Keeper of Lost Children An American Airlines plane, about to land, at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in 2022. Read more Unions representing tens of thousands of pilots and flight attendants at American Airlines are openly questioning the competence of the companys CEO, citing weak performance and poor customer satisfaction. Employees have been raising concerns for months about the companys direction, and on Monday, the directors of the union that represents 28,000 flight attendants issued a vote of no confidence in chief executive Robert Isom. Advertisement On Thursday, workers protested outside the companys Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters, demanding a leadership change and a credible turnaround strategy. The brewing employee revolt comes amid a rough start to 2026. American canceled about 10,000 flights during Winter Storm Fern last month. That was the most of any carrier, though that particular problem was largely due to the fact that American hubs in Charlotte, Dallas, and Philadelphia were hit hard by the storm. American is by far the largest carrier at Philadelphia International Airport the airlines gateway to Europe accounting for about 70% of its nearly 29 million total passengers in 2024. The next biggest carrier, Frontier, transported 3.6 million passengers. American is also one of the 10 biggest employers in the city, according to state data, with some 10,000 employees in the area. Heres what to know about the troubles at American. 87% drop in profit American has been lagging its competitors financial performance. Its $111 million in net profit last year marked an 87% decline from the prior year and just a fraction of Deltas $5 billion, according to CNBC. Uncertainty over the economy reduced demand for travel, and the government shutdown last fall didnt help. Reclaiming Americans reputation as the worlds premium global airline is our mission, and we are relentless in that pursuit, the company said in a statement to The Inquirer on Thursday. The foundation is set, and the plan is in place for us to deliver for our customers, shareholders and each other and we will do that as one team. Low rankings from customers Critics say the companys problems run deep. American ranked near the bottom of every category in the Wall Street Journals annual airline rankings published last month, including on-time arrivals, canceled flights, two-hour tarmac delays, and mishandled baggage. About 73% of American flights arrived on time through the first 11 months of 2025, ranking eighth out of 10 major airlines, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants noted that a May J.D. Power survey ranked American last in overall customer satisfaction among passengers flying first and business class. Every day, flight attendants see eroding service standards, chaotic operational meltdowns, and a brand hemorrhaging customer trust have become the norm under Isoms leadership, the unions board of directors said Monday. Betting on improvement in 2026 Those remarks came days after a union representing 16,000 American Airlines pilots sent a letter to the companys board saying the airline is on an underperforming path and has failed to correct course. The Feb. 6 letter cited persistent patterns of operational, cultural, and strategic shortcomings. Isom, 59, became CEO in 2022 after serving several years in senior positions including president and chief operating officer, a role in which he helped integrate American and US Airways following their 2013 merger. Isom says American is trying to elevate the customer experience by offering premium seating on long-haul flights, expanding high-speed Wi-Fi, and building out its network of lounges, including a new one opened in Philadelphia last year. To improve reliability, the company is restructuring its schedule at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, its biggest hub, the Wall Street Journal reported. Our strategy to deliver on Americans revenue potential centers on four key areas: delivering a consistent, elevated customer experience; maximizing the power of our network and fleet; building partnerships that deepen loyalty and lifetime value; and continuing to advance our sales, distribution, and revenue management efforts, Isom said on an earnings call this month. While this has been a multiyear effort, 2026 will be the year these efforts start to bear fruit, he said. Officials say Terrance Jones lived in and operated a human trafficking ring out of the house on Disston Street in Oxford Circle. Read more The daughter of a Northeast Philadelphia man who prosecutors say ran a human-trafficking ring for years that trapped vulnerable women, supplied them with drugs, then forced them to have sex with men across the region pleaded guilty Friday to helping manage the finances of the criminal organization. Natoria Jones, 30, pleaded guilty to promoting prostitution after prosecutors with the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office said she helped her father, Terrance Jones, manage the payments of his sex-trafficking scheme for at least three weeks in 2023. Advertisement In exchange for Jones plea, Senior Deputy Attorney General Zachary Wynkoop withdrew felony charges of conspiracy, participating in a corrupt organization, and promoting unlawful activities. Wynkoop asked Common Pleas Court Judge Zachary Shaffer to defer Jones sentencing until after the June trial of her father, Terrance Jones the alleged ringleader of the criminal enterprise and three of his associates. The plea marks the latest development in the sweeping indictment brought by the attorney generals office in 2024 in which officials charged Terrance Jones, 54, and several of his associates with operating a human-trafficking ring across the region for more than a decade. For 12 years, Terrance Jones, of Lawndale, marketed what he called GFE or the Girlfriend Experience online and recruited women in their 20s many battling addiction and struggling to find stable housing or income, authorities said. When women contacted the operation, prosecutors said, Terrance Jones would impersonate a woman, raising the pitch of his voice and introducing himself as Julie or Julia to build trust. He promised to send a driver to pick them up for dates where they could earn more than $250 and obtain drugs, officials said. He used the women to lure other victims who were addicted to drugs into the scheme, telling one confidant that he could wash em up and make money with them, according to the affidavit of probable cause for Jones arrest. He made these women feel worthless. He controlled them, manipulated them, and, in a way, programmed them to feel like this was their only option, then-Attorney General Michelle Henry said in announcing the charges. Prosecutors and Pennsylvania State Police began investigating in 2021 after a woman who they said had been trafficked by Terrance Jones reported the abuse. After meeting with the woman, officials conducted wiretaps, acted as undercover sex workers and buyers, and tracked down his clients, the affidavit said. Across the three-year investigation, officials said they found that the operation crossed through the Philadelphia suburbs and into New Jersey, and that over just 10 days in 2023, Terrance Jones arranged 78 dates and pocketed most of the funds. He was charged with trafficking individuals, involuntary servitude, running a corrupt organization, conspiracy, and related crimes. He remains in custody, held on $2 million bail. Three of Terrance Jones business partners Thomas Reilly, Joseph Franklin, and Raheem Smith are charged with running a corrupt organization, conspiracy, and related crimes, and are scheduled to go to trial with him in June. Another associate, James Rudolph, a driver who officials said transported women to their dates, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to promote a house of prostitution last year. Hes scheduled to be sentenced later this month. In a rare move, prosecutors as part of the indictment also criminally charged 16 men who paid Terrance Jones for sex with the women. While the charges against some of the men have been dismissed, at least nine have pleaded guilty to promoting or patronizing prostitution and are scheduled to be sentenced next month. Among Terrance Jones business partners, was also his daughter, Natoria, who handled some of the financials and payments between the women and customers. Her attorney Jonathan D. Consadene declined to comment Friday. Senior Deputy Attorney General Erik Olsen said several factors influenced the plea agreement. Theres some mitigation as to how she got pulled into this, Olsen said, adding that more details would emerge at trial in June. Katrina Williams and husband, Russell Williams Sr., speak about the recent shooting death of their son Russell, 19, not far from their Southwest Philadelphia home. Read more In December, Katrina Williams watched as the man who killed her brother was sentenced to decades in prison and felt, she said, as if a two-year nightmare was coming to an end. Advertisement But weeks later, another shooting took the life of her only son. Williams brother, Lashyd Merritt, 21, was one of five people killed in a mass shooting in Kingsessing in July 2023, when Kimbrady Carriker walked through the Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood with an AR-15 rifle and fired at random passersby. Then, in January, her 19-year-old son, Russell, was killed by a man who, like the Kingsessing shooter, committed a spree of crimes, police say. Ill never understand it, said Williams, 43. Theres no reason for it. For Williams, the trauma of Merritts violent death never fully dissipated, she said, and the fatal shooting of her son only compounds her pain. Its a cycle of violence that is not unfamiliar in the city. For others with relatives killed in the Kingsessing attack, the traumatic impact of gun violence did not end on that July day. Nyshyia Thomas lost her 15-year-old son, DaJuan Brown, to the gunfire and, while she was still mourning, her 21-year-old son, Daquan Brown, was arrested last year in connection with another mass shooting in Grays Ferry. Asked about the evening of Jan. 28, when she and her husband, Russell Williams Sr., learned of their sons death, Williams said two things came to mind: Deja vu, she said, and hell. A seemingly random crime Around 10 p.m. near 64th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, police said, 19-year-old Zaamir Harris stepped off a SEPTA bus and stole a bike from the vehicle. He rode up to Russell Williams, who was walking home from night school, where the teen was studying to become a commercial truck driver. Harris then pulled a gun and fired at Williams multiple times, striking him in the throat, police said. Williams collapsed near 66th Street and Dicks Avenue, just three blocks from home. After the shooting, Harris ditched the bike and stole an e-scooter before fleeing, according to police. Police tracked Harris to a Wawa at 84th Street and Bartram Avenue, where he was arrested. He was charged with murder and gun crimes. Investigators recovered three fired cartridge casings from the scene, as well as a 9mm handgun, according to police. A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department declined to say whether investigators have determined a motive for the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation. Katrina Williams said her son did not know Harris, and a police detective told her the shooting was random. After he was shot, Russell Williams was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. It was the same hospital where Williams brother, Merritt, was taken after being shot in Kingsessing, she said. Russell Williams had recently graduated from Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter School and dreamed of an entrepreneurial career in stock trading. Like her son, Williams said, Merritt was a hard worker who wanted to better his life. He worked for the IRS, had a girlfriend, and wanted to travel the world, she said. We lost two great people, Williams said. Two of them. That police made an arrest in the slaying of their son has brought little solace, Williams and her husband said as they sat in their Southwest Philadelphia living room on a recent February day. Family photos filled the space, and a portrait of Russell, smiling and wearing a tuxedo, hung on the wall. As the case against her sons accused killer proceeds, Williams said, she will be in court every step of the way, just as she was when Carriker pleaded guilty in the death of her brother. In December, as Carriker faced sentencing, Williams said, she could not bring herself to address the judge and ask for a long prison sentence, as relatives of other victims did. She was so overcome with anger, she said, that she feared she might physically attack her brothers killer. But she was in the room when Common Pleas Court Judge Glenn B. Bronson sentenced him to 37 to 75 years in prison. In Williams view, Carriker should have received a life sentence for each person he killed, she said, even if no punishment could make up for the loss of Merritt. Now, Williams is preparing to head back to court as she once again seeks justice. Since her sons death, Williams said, she has taken comfort in the kindness of friends and family. She was touched, she said, to see a block full of people gather to honor his life and release balloons in his memory. But the ache of her loss remains. Its like pain on top of pain its just always gonna be hard, Williams said. I just gotta deal with it the best way I can. The principal at Abington Senior High School, Alice Swift, is on administrative leave amid an investigation into social media posts. Read more The Abington School District has placed Abington Senior High School Principal Alice Swift on administrative leave amid an investigation into social media posts. I am writing to inform you that, effective Feb. 12, 2026, Dr. Alice Swift has been placed on administrative leave, Superintendent Jeffrey Fecher wrote in a message to parents Thursday. The district received allegations of inappropriate social media posts and is investigating the matter. Advertisement It was not immediately clear what Swift had posted on social media that led to the districts action. Attempts to reach Swift for comment Friday were unsuccessful. Fecher declined to comment further Friday, calling the issue a personnel matter. He said support was in place at the high school to ensure stability for students. Swift, a 1983 Abington graduate and former teacher and administrator in Maryland schools, became principal of Abington Senior High School in 2024. Fecher said the district will share additional updates regarding Dr. Swifts return as more information becomes available. Students walked out of Motivation High School in Southwest Philadelphia on Monday, protesting that their school is one of 20 that the Philadelphia School District has proposed closing. Read more Confronted with the possible closure of their beloved school, the Motivation High community came prepared to fight back. As community members entered their Southwest Philadelphia schools auditorium Wednesday night, students waving signs and carrying blue-and-yellow pompoms handed out leaflets: on one side were Motivations stats building condition, graduation rate, attendance, suspensions. Advertisement READ MORE: Philly could close 20 schools, colocate 6, and modernize 159: Superintendent Watlington shares his facilities plan On the other were stats for Bartram High, the school they would be assigned to attend if their school closes in 2027, as proposed under the Philadelphia School District facilities plan. The data for Motivation, a magnet, are stronger across the board, sometimes starkly so Bartram is a neighborhood school with no admissions criteria, and its attendance and graduation rates are lower, and its suspensions higher. Motivation has only 150 students enrolled this year. The school system cited low enrollment as one reason for the closure. But district officials have been clear: The recommendation was also driven by a desire to reinvigorate struggling neighborhood high schools. Why are we put in with Bartram to make Bartram look good, when we stand out on our own? one Motivation student asked district staff pointedly. The opposition from the Motivation community lays bare an issue at the crux of the school systems plan: To reach its stated goal of advancing all students, the district says it must displace some. Often, that has pitted communities against one another. Residents in a restless crowd at Motivation on Wednesday, including one of the states most powerful politicians, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia), said they were not having it. Its like you want us to water flowers that just werent growing from the beginning, one parent told officials. You want to uproot kids who have found their place. You can count my child right out of that plan. She aint going to Bartram. Its the lottery system Motivation began as a Bartram program, housed in a separate building, for academically talented students. But in 2004, Motivation became its own school, eventually moving to the former Turner Middle School building at 59th and Baltimore. READ MORE: Changes to Phillys special-admission process exacerbated low enrollment at some magnets. Now, the district is trying to close them. Motivation thrived as the only criteria-based high school in Southwest Philadelphia. But like a number of smaller magnets, it was hit hard by 2021 changes to the districts special admissions policy. The district that year moved to a centralized lottery system, taking away from principals any discretion over who got admitted to the schools. It said it did so for equity reasons and to solve for demographic mismatches at some schools though Motivations student body had been representative of its neighborhood and the city as a whole. In the past, schools like Motivation filled most of their ninth-grade classes with students who met the district-set criteria, and also admitted students who were close but came with a strong recommendation from another school, or had compelling personal circumstances that explained why they missed meeting the magnet standards. Those extra admissions ended with the district policy change, and Motivations enrollment plummeted. It was never a huge school, by design topping out at 400 students prior to the pandemic. It doesnt seem fair, said Nehemiah Bumpers, a Motivation 10th grader. Why are you guys moving us for having low enrollment scores? Bumpers said. Its the lottery system that drastically changed our enrollment. McClinton, who attended the Wednesday meeting, was similarly frustrated. When you talk about the enrollment being diminished, its because you changed the playbook for principal Teli, McClinton said of veteran Motivation principal Rennu Teli-Johnson, whom the House speaker praised. She knows every one of these kids, said McClinton, whose House district includes both Motivation and Bartram. Motivation students walk out The school board has yet to vote on the proposal to close Motivation and 19 other schools. But the possible closure has roiled the student body. This week, most Motivation students walked out of school, staging a protest over the districts plan. Zanaya Johnson-Green, an 11th grader, said students were beside themselves, even those who will graduate before the school is planned to be folded into Bartram in the fall of 2027. Motivation has given me so many opportunities, and I dont want to see it go, Johnson-Green said. No one wants the school to close. This is having a bad effect on all of us. The district has, in recent years, invested millions in sprucing up the Motivation building, which if the school does close would become district swing space a place where schools can move to accommodate building repairs or other overflow needs. Why spend all that money just to push us into Bartram and use this school as a swing space? Bumpers asked. But much of the energy at the meeting was spent talking about the safety at Bartram with parents and students pressing the district on how they could guarantee staff and student welfare, and district officials saying they would use a planning year and community wisdom to address concerns. Disaster! someone in the audience shouted when Associate Superintendent Tomas Hanna talked about his hope that those with worries would step up to the plate to help plan for a Bartram transition. A Motivation student shook her head. Why do we have to reap what you sow when you stopped paying attention to neighborhood schools all those years? Why do we have to suffer the consequences, lose opportunities? the student said. Monica Allison, a Cobbs Creek neighbor and ward leader, made it clear that though she was fighting against the Bartram closure, wounds inflicted from prior school closures, dating back to John P. Turner Middle School and George Wharton Pepper Middle School, were also on peoples minds. You closed John P. Turner and you didnt ask us, Allison said. Now were back with another closure. Its ridiculous. You keep talking about elevating Bartram at the expense of other kids. The neighbors are really tired of this. The speaker speaks out John Young, a Motivation teacher for the last decade, said his students were living their civics lesson by protesting the districts plan. The district is in a tough spot, he said coping with the fallout of charter schools that took students from traditional public schools, dealing with its own decision to create greater high school choice. But, Young said, this decision is going to continue that trend of pushing our students to homeschool, pushing our students to charter schools. This decision is not going to solve the problem, it is going to hollow us out. A visibly upset McClinton spoke last on Wednesday night. The district must invest in both schools, she said not just one. The district officials she addressed all had good jobs, McClinton emphasized. They could afford to send their children to whatever kind of school they felt was best for them. Southwest Philadelphia parents might not be wealthy, but they deserve to make choices, too, the speaker said. Its not fair that youre pitting Black children in Bartram against Black children in Motivation, McClinton said. Not one of your children go to Motivation or Bartram. I dont get millions of dollars in Harrisburg for you to waste it away to make this a swing space. There is something magical about the mole poblano at Tlali in Upper Darby, but it took me a moment to register what it is. The Sandoval familys mole, at first glance, is as deep a brown as any other you might have encountered from the state of Puebla, the result of a blend of dried chilies, fruits, and bittersweet Mexican chocolate. But when I swipe a juicy morsel of prime seared rib eye through the luxuriously dark puree, what Im struck by is its ethereal lightness, both of the texture and the complexity of flavors. Its so elegantly balanced, I taste each note the smoky dry heat of chipotle meco peppers in the background, the fruity sweetness of ripe plantains and raisins, the nutty richness of walnuts and sesame seeds, a whiff of canela and bay leaf all flowing into one earthy harmony of measured sweetness and spice. Advertisement What Im tasting here, in fact, is Alberto Sandovals memory as a 10-year-old come to life. He vividly recalls the moment when his mother, Teresa Hernandez, was cooking that same mole for his fathers birthday in San Mateo Ozolco and held up a spoonful for Alberto to see. Your mole has to be this consistency really light, not too thick, not too spicy. This is a good mole." Decades later, after a career rising through the ranks of some of Philadelphias most vaunted kitchens, including Striped Bass, Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, Le Bec Fin 2.0, Volver, Suraya, and Condesa, he and his brother, Efrain, are leaning into those memories of home for the menu at Tlali. These recipes represent who we are and where we came from, says Alberto. The base of that mole which their mother still makes over the course of two days in Mexico and sends to her sons, who rehydrate and simmer it to completion with chicken stock is only the beginning. Everything about this charming 18-seat BYOB the brothers opened in August inside a renovated pizzeria is a tribute to their birthplace in San Mateo Ozolco, the tiny town on the side of an active volcano in Puebla from which much of South Phillys Mexican population immigrated. Theres an image of Popocatepetl, its volcanic peak ever fuming, depicted on a colorful woven mat that hangs above the open kitchen here. The hand-painted terra cotta ceramics that decorate the walls and deliver the food were all imported from Puebla. The brothers have cut no corners in crafting the flavors on this menu, especially with another key building block: the tortillas. They are patiently made from blue and yellow heirloom Mexican corn thats nixtamalized overnight then ground into fresh masa, resulting in pressed tortillas that have a velvety suppleness when cooked to order off the plancha. You can taste this in the enmoladas, in which the tortillas are coated in that mole before being folded into half-moon bundles over tender shreds of chicken. The tortillas toasty corn flavor also powers the bright orange puree of Tlalis tortilla soup. Theyre fried into shatteringly crisp rounds for antojito starters like the irresistible mashed-to-order guacamole and tostadas topped with chipotle-stewed chicken tinga. Those crispy discs also accompany the striking aguachile negro, making the perfect cracker on which to layer slices of raw kanpachi that have been bathed in a spicy brew of citrus and olive oil tinted black with charred habaneros and onions. Scattered with green tufts of cilantro and crunchy matchsticks of radish, its the single most refreshing starter on a list of other seafood cocktails that are solid but lack a little spark. A notable exception was Dorito Nayarit, in which poached shrimp striped with Valentina hot sauce and crema are served atop crispy pork belly crackers known as chicharrones preparados. (A tuna tostada topped with a spoonful of frumpy poached tuna salad, though, was the one dish at Tlali where the extra-homey approach left me truly underwhelmed.) Tlali, which means land in Nahuatl, the Indigenous language of Puebla, occupies a simple space on West Chester Pike that took a significant investment to completely rehab. It lacks the design frills of the high-style dining rooms where the brothers have largely worked, including Stephen Starrs LMNO, where Alberto is still the chef de cuisine. There is nonetheless a comforting warmth to the pale green walls and natural wood wainscoting in Tlalis dining room, bolstered by hospitality from the restaurants single server, Melanie Ortiz. She deftly sorted out a sticky situation by convincing a couple to move to a two-top after shed accidentally sat them at the only remaining table reserved for a party of four (which happened to be us). Its clear from the many emails and messages Ive received since this restaurant opened in Upper Darby a multicultural nexus of international dining, but not previously known for Mexican food that Tlali has a devoted clientele rooting for it to succeed. After diving much deeper into the menu, its easy to see why. Tlali is in many ways a sequel to the small restaurant the two brothers used to co-own in South Philadelphia, La Fonda de Teresita, which closed during the pandemic. But the Sandovals have both since continued to grow as chefs and have taken their pursuit of family flavors to the next level. That includes a tribute to their father, Don Guero, who ran a taqueria in Mexico City by the same name where Alberto got his first taste of kitchen life as a teen mincing mountains of onions and cilantro. Don Gueros recipe for Chilango-style carnitas whose pork belly and shoulder are simmered for hours in a large copper cazo pot bubbling with lard, orange juice, Coca-Cola, and herbs produces meltingly soft, flavorful carnitas that are among the best Ive had. But even that takes second place to the al pastor, a vertical spit of stacked pork shoulder marinated with three kinds of chilies, pineapple juice, achiote, and bay leaves; the pork roasts on a turning trompo fueled by real fire that flows through the perforated bricks that Don Guero himself gifted them from Mexico shortly before he died two years ago. The family taqueria lives on here. The entree section of the menu noted as Platos de Ozolco offers a handful of other standout dishes that showcase the brothers hometown flavors in both traditional and modern ways. I was especially fond of the classic mixiote: When the maguey leaf-wrapped bundle of steamed chicken rubbed in adobo spice was cut open tableside, the fragrant cloud of guajillo-scented steam that enveloped us brought me straight back to my own 2023 visit to San Mateo with chef Dionicio Jimenez of Cantina La Martina, where mixiote was the first thing we were served at his mothers home the ultimate dish to welcome a special guest. I was also intrigued to see Alberto and Efrain stretch their chef chops to reinterpret traditional flavors in inventive ways. That includes the michmole, which steeps a dried fish from Puebla in a tomatillo-chile salsa for deep marine flavor, then discards the bony remains for a golden sauce that gets topped with nopales and a gorgeous fillet of pan-roasted branzino (also lightly brined) to retain just enough of the traditional dishs brackish edge. Another distinctive offering pairs the chefs love of fresh pasta with head-on shrimp and a zesty ragu of house chorizo simmered in a lightly creamed chipotle salsa. Its a unique dish that bridges the Sandoval brothers origin story with their current status as longtime contributors to Philadelphias contemporary dining scene. As they continue to grow their audience in this tiny Upper Darby dining room, I wouldnt be surprised if more such creations appear. I have no doubt that those future plates will remain somehow rooted in the memories of their mothers table in San Mateo Ozolco, which not only give Tlalis owners a proud reservoir of traditions, but an elusively distinctive and delicate family touch that will always be their own. Tlali 7219 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby Township, 484-466-3593, instagram.com/tlalirestaurante Full menu served daily, noon to 10 p.m. Entrees, $12-$38 BYOB Street parking only. Not wheelchair accessible. There are two steps at the entrance and the narrow bathroom is not accessible. Almost the entire menu is gluten-free, except for the cemita sandwiches. Menu highlights: guacamole; empanadas; albondigas; sopes; sopa de tortilla; aguachile negro; coctel de campechano (shrimp and octopus); tacos al pastor; carnitas tacos al estilo Chilango; res en mole Poblano; huarache Teresita; mixiotes de pollo; michmole; pappardelle with shrimp en chorizo ragu. About 98,000 people who bought Pennie plans last year have dropped coverage for 2026. Read more Low-income Pennsylvania families and adults in their late 50s and early 60s have been dropping out of Affordable Care Act health plans at the greatest rates after a key financial incentive expired at the end of last year, causing insurance costs to double on average across the state. Some 98,000 people who bought health plans last year from Pennsylvanias Obamacare marketplace, Pennie, have opted out of coverage for 2026, as of Wednesday. That means one in five previously enrolled Pennsylvania residents have dropped their coverage. Advertisement The number is expected to continue growing, as people begin getting premium bills they cannot afford, Pennie administrators said. They have already seen a significant increase since the end of open enrollment on Jan. 31, at which time 85,000 people had not renewed coverage. READ MORE: 85,000 Pennie customers dropped health plans as tax credits shrank and costs spiked The agency has estimated that up to 150,000 people may ultimately drop coverage if Congress did not renew a tax credit program that ensures no one pays more than 8.5% of their income on an ACA health plan. The tax credits, which were adopted in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, had been renewed annually until now. If the tax credits had stayed in place, we probably would have seen another record enrollment, further reducing the uninsured rate, said Devon Trolley, Pennies executive director. The tax credits were a defining issue in last years longest-ever federal government shutdown. In that budget stalemate, Democrats wanted to permanently expand the enhanced subsidies, and Republicans refused. New Jersey has not yet released the final results for its ACA open enrollment period, which also ended Jan. 31. 2026 Pennie enrollment The first look at the impact of the higher insurance costs comes from Pennie data at the end of open enrollment. As of Feb. 1, a total of 486,000 people had signed up for coverage in 2026, down from 496,661 the same time last year. Some 79,500 newcomers to the marketplace partially offset the people who dropped coverage. In the Philadelphia region, more than 27,000 people who were enrolled in Pennie last year dropped coverage for 2026. Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties saw the biggest impact, with enrollment dropping 18% in each. Pennie leaders said people dropping plans are not enrolling in another type of insurance. Thats notable because those who joined Pennie for 2026 were coming from another form of insurance, such as an employer-based health plan. The people leaving Pennie were expected to become uninsured, Trolley said. Now that open enrollment is over, most people who find their plan is too expensive and drop it will not have an opportunity to select new coverage until the fall. Lower-income families were the most likely to drop coverage Pennie administrators said they heard from many lower-income families and individuals that the cost increases for 2026 were too much of a strain for already tight budgets. Breaking down the terminations by income, the greatest drop was seen among people with incomes 150-200% of the federal poverty rate. Thats an annual income of between $23,475 and $31,300 for an individual. For a family of four, the equivalent income range would be $48,225 to $64,300. A total of 13,562 Pennsylvanians in this income bracket declined to renew their Pennie plans for 2026 as of Feb. 1, according to the most recent available data from Pennie. The math just isnt working for people in those households, said Trolley. People in this income bracket still qualified for some financial assistance. The ACA includes tax credits for anyone with income below 400% of the poverty rate, and these tax credits did not expire. Higher earners who would now have to pay in full, without the help of tax credits, account for another large segment dropping coverage. This included 11,837 people who earn more than 400% of the federal poverty rate. In the past years, the enhanced tax credit helped families in higher income brackets afford marketplace insurance. Dropouts high among young adults and those near retirement age Just under 20,000 adults between the ages 55 and 64 canceled their Pennie plans for 2026, accounting for nearly one-quarter of dropouts as of Feb. 1. About two-thirds of individuals in this age group earn enough that they would have had to pay the full price of their health plan, without any tax credits. They already pay more than younger adults for the same plan, under rules that allow insurers to charge more to cover older adults, who are likely to have more medical expenses. That group is where we were seeing the most significant price jumps a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars, Trolley said. Another 15,356 adults between the ages 26 and 34 many new to buying health insurance on their own also dropped out. The ACA allows young adults to be covered under a parents health plan until age 26. Graphics editor John Duchneskie contributed to this article. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expects to spend $38.3 billion on its plan to acquire warehouses across the country and retrofit them into immigrant detention centers that can hold tens of thousands of immigrants, according to documents the agency provided to New Hampshires governor and published on the states website Thursday. ICE plans to buy and convert 16 buildings across the country to serve as regional processing centers, each holding 1,000 to 1,500 immigrant detainees at a time, according to one of the documents, an overview of the detention plan. Another eight large-scale detention centers will hold 7,000 to 10,000 detainees at a time, and serve as the primary locations for international removals. Advertisement Detainees would spend an average of three to seven days at the processing sites before being transported to the larger facilities, where they would be held about 60 days before being deported, according to the document. The additional detention space is necessary, the document states, due to ICEs hiring of more agents and an expected surge in arrests. The documents offer the most complete picture to date of the Trump administrations plan to overhaul immigrant detention using buildings that were originally designed for industrial purposes an expansive effort aimed at boosting ICEs ability to arrest more immigrants and deport them faster. Rather than moving people around the country to any detention center with available beds, the new system of warehouses is designed to funnel them into a series of large-scale holding centers where they will await deportation, ICE documents show. They also demonstrate the scale and resources the Trump administration has devoted to building a mass deportation network. The plans $38 billion budget is more than the total annual spending for 22 states, according to state budget data. The Washington Post first reported on an earlier, draft solicitation document in December. Warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill Counties would be converted into detention centers as part of the plan. ICE has offered little information about the effort, prompting concern from state and local officials who have cited several logistical and humanitarian concerns of building large-scale detention centers in their regions. New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte said in a news release that the Department of Homeland Security shared the documents for the first time with her office on Thursday. Her statement appeared to contradict a claim made by Todd M. Lyons, ICEs acting director, who testified at a Senate hearing earlier that day that DHS officials had previously spoken to the governor about the project and provided an economic impact summary to her. A spokeswoman for DHS did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The ICE document says all new facilities will need to comply with federal detention standards and provide for the safe and humane civil detention of aliens. READ MORE: ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers In recent weeks, ICE has spent more than $690 million acquiring at least eight industrial buildings in Maryland, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, according to real estate deeds and internal ICE records reviewed by the Post. The agency has confirmed its interest in at least four additional buildings in Georgia, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey, according to statements made by local officials in those places. The government plans to hire contractors to carry out extensive renovations, turning vacant shells into holding facilities featuring lobbies, recreational space, dormitories, courtroom spaces, and cafeterias. At a building ICE plans to acquire in Merrimack, N.H., the agency expects to spend $158 million retrofitting the facility, according to an ICE economic impact assessment Ayotte posted to her website. Its not clear which companies will be hired to renovate and operate the new facilities. George Zoley, the founder and executive chairman of ICE detention contractor Geo Group, said on a quarterly earnings call with Wall Street analysts Thursday that his company wants to be supportive of the new initiative, but cautioned that renovating warehouses would be more complicated than you may think. Geo Group once converted a warehouse into a holding center for 500 people about 30 years ago nothing like the enormous size of the facilities being proposed now, Zoley said. The operational implications of how you manage such a facility, particularly a large-scale facility, is going to be concerning, Zoley said. The Post previously reported that some warehouses are expected to accept detainees as soon as April. ICE appears to have given multiple deadlines for when it expects the centers to be operational, according to the overview document. The agency will fully implement a new detention model by Sept. 30 and will activate all facilities by Nov. 30. Manchester Ink Link, a local news outlet, reported earlier on some of the details in the Manchester documents. Details of the expensive warehouse renovation effort have come to light as Democratic lawmakers in Washington have blocked bills to fund DHS in an attempt to force lawmakers to include new restrictions on federal immigration agents. Though the federal government was hurtling toward a partial shutdown beginning this weekend, the closures would not impact ICEs funding because Republicans sent the agency tens of billions of dollars last year including a historic $45 billion for immigrant detention. In several of the towns targeted for the project, local officials have said their water and sewer infrastructure would not be sufficient for a new facility holding thousands of people. For example, in Social Circle, Ga., a town with a population of 5,000, the town is permitted to pump up to 1 million gallons of water per day, and for much of the year, its peak usage is already above 800,000 gallons, according to data the citys manager shared with the Post. In the project overview document, ICE says it reviewed the water supply at all of the proposed buildings, and found that the capacities currently at the sites are sufficient to support the new facilities. However, at the larger sites, the document said, additional infrastructure would be needed to support wastewater systems, and numerous solutions will be implemented. The document did not providing any more details. Federally owned real estate is often exempt from local permitting and zoning rules, but elected officials in some of the locations have pressed DHS to adhere to these requirements anyway. The detention plan overview states that the department will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, federal law that requires environmental review of federal real estate projects before they can be built. DHS is pitching the New Hampshire project as a major economic investment that will help create 1,252 jobs during renovations and 265 jobs each year of operation, according to the economic impact document. The department said it expects to spend $146 million on the first three years of the facilitys operation. The analysis for New Hampshire contained what appeared to be a copy-and-paste error in describing ripple effects to the Oklahoma economy. ICEs plans to buy a warehouse in Oklahoma City were scrapped last month, after the buildings owner decided not to sell. At least two other proposed deals in Kansas City, Mo., and in Virginia have also fallen through. These cancellations have revealed how the agency has pursued the projects. The owner of the Kansas City warehouse, a firm called Platform Ventures, said Thursday that it had begun negotiating a deal to sell its warehouse after being approached by a third-party private enterprise that it did not name. Platform Ventures said it learned DHS was the buyer only once the deal got closer. When the public also learned about the buyer, the city council quickly passed a five-year ban on all new nonmunicipal detention facilities. The company said Thursday that it exited negotiations because it said the terms no longer met our fiduciary requirements for a timely closing. The federal government also plans to take ownership of 10 existing detention centers where ICE currently operates in buildings owned by private contractors or local governments, the overview document said, without providing more detail. These facilities, combined with the new warehouses, would accommodate a total of 92,600 detainees at a time, the documents said. U.S. Border Patrol officers walk along a street in Minneapolis on Jan. 14. Read more MINNEAPOLIS Federal authorities have opened a criminal probe into whether two immigration officers lied under oath about a shooting in Minneapolis last month, as all charges were dropped against two Venezuelan men. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons said Friday that his agency opened a joint probe with the Justice Department after video evidence revealed sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements about the shooting of one of the Venezuelan men during the Trump administrations immigration crackdown across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Advertisement The officers, whose names were not disclosed, are on administrative leave while the investigation is carried out, he said. Lyons said the two ICE officers could be fired and face criminal prosecution. Lying under oath is a serious federal offense, said Lyons, adding that the U.S. attorneys office is actively investigating. The men and women of ICE are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct, Lyons said. Violations of this sacred sworn oath will not be tolerated. ICE remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the fair enforcement of our nations immigration laws. Earlier Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson dismissed felony assault charges against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who were accused of beating an ICE officer with a broom handle and a snow shovel during a Jan. 14 fracas. The officer fired a single shot from his handgun, striking Sosa-Celis in his right thigh. The cases were dropped after a highly unusual motion to dismiss from U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Daniel N. Rosen, who said newly discovered evidence was materially inconsistent with the allegations made against the two men in a criminal complaint and at a hearing last month. The reversal follows a string of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents in which eyewitness statements and video evidence have called into question claims made to justify using deadly force. Dozens of felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also crumbled. The immigration lawyer representing Aljorna and Sosa-Celis said they are overjoyed that all charges have been dismissed. Had they been convicted, the two immigrants would have faced years in federal prison. The charges against them were based on lies by an ICE agent who recklessly shot into their home through a closed door, said attorney Brian D. Clark. They are so happy justice is being served. It is unclear whether the men could still be deported. A chase, claims of an attack, and a shot fired Last month, an FBI investigator said in a now-discredited court affidavit that ICE officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Aljorna on Jan. 14. He crashed the vehicle and fled on foot toward the apartment duplex where he lived. An immigration officer chased Aljorna who according to the government violently resisted arrest. The complaint alleged Sosa-Celis and another man attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle as the officer and Aljorna struggled on the ground. The officer, who is not named in court filings, fired his handgun, striking Sosa-Celis. The men ran into an apartment and eventually were arrested. After the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attacked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing the Democrats of encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement which is a federal crime, a felony. What we saw last night in Minneapolis was an attempted murder of federal law enforcement, Noem said in a Jan. 15 statement. Our officer was ambushed and attacked by three individuals who beat him with snow shovels and the handles of brooms. Fearing for his life, the officer fired a defensive shot. The Department of Homeland Security did not responded Friday to questions about whether Noem stands by those statements, which ICE part of DHS says are now under investigation. Robin M. Wolpert, a defense attorney for Sosa-Celis in the criminal case, said she was pleased ICE and the Justice Department are publicly acknowledging and investigating apparent untruthful statements by the two ICE officers. These untruthful statements had serious consequences for my client and his family, Wolpert said. My client is a crime victim. Clark, the immigration lawyer for Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, urged the government to release the name of the ICE officer who shot his client and charge him. Court filings show state authorities have opened their own criminal investigation into the shooting, though the FBI has thus far refused to share evidence, provide the name of the ICE officer who fired his weapon or make him available for an interview. Holes already apparent in prosecution case Rosens motion seeking to drop the charges did not detail what new evidence had emerged or what falsehoods had been in the governments prior filings, but cracks began to appear in the governments case during a Jan. 21 court hearing to determine whether the accused men could be released pending trial. In court, the ICE officers account of the moments before the shooting differed significantly from testimony from the two defendants and three eyewitnesses. Available video evidence did not support the ICE officers account of being assaulted with a broom and snow shovel. Aljorna and Sosa-Celis denied assaulting the officer. Testimony from a neighbor and the mens romantic partners also did not support the agents account that he had been attacked with a broom or shovel or that a third person was involved. Frederick Goetz, a lawyer representing Aljorna, said his client had a broomstick in his hand and threw it at the agent as he ran toward the house. Wolpert, representing Sosa-Celis, said he had been holding a shovel but was retreating into the home when the officer fired, wounding him. The mens attorneys said the prosecutions case relied wholly on testimony from the agent who fired the gun. Neither Aljorna and Sosa-Celis had violent criminal records. Both had been working as DoorDash delivery drivers at night in an attempt to avoid encounters with federal agents, their attorneys said. Aljorna and Sosa-Celis retreated into their upstairs apartment and barricaded the door, so federal officers used tear gas to try to force the men out, the FBI agent said. Concerned about the safety of two children under 2 inside the home, Aljorna and Sosa-Celis surrendered. A third Venezuelan man, Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Ledezma, who lived in the apartment downstairs was also arrested. Though he was never federally charged, a Jan. 30 court petition seeking his release says Hernandez Ledezma was detained without a warrant and within hours flown to an ICE detention facility in Texas. He alleges his removal was to prevent him becoming a material eyewitness who could undercut the federal governments case and help the Minnesota state investigation. Hernandez Ledezma was returned to Minnesota and discharged from ICE custody on Monday after a federal judge ordered his release. Another partial government shutdown began Saturday, with lawmakers at an impasse. But this one is different. With congressional Democrats refusing to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the last of that agencys funding has run out. Advertisement It all stems from party-line disagreements surrounding ICE and immigration enforcement. When a funding lapse triggered a partial government shutdown on Jan. 31, Congress made a compromise: It approved spending bills for all agencies, except for DHS. DHS received two weeks of funding to give Congress more time to negotiate Immigration and Customs Enforcement changes, a push Senate Democrats have repeatedly made after federal immigration and border agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month. Now those two weeks are up and Congress is still in a standoff. Democrats want to see more guardrails regarding how ICE agents identify themselves, barring them from wearing masks, and requiring name badges. But Republicans say those practices would add too much risk to the job. Since all other government agencies have already been funded, DHS is the only one affected by the shutdown. Heres what that means. Whats a partial government shutdown? A partial government shutdown happens when Congress has funded only certain federal agencies, leaving others in limbo. Some parts of the government close while others keep operating. In this case, it comes down to who has funding and who doesnt. DHS is the only agency without approved funding. The agencys fiscal year ends Sept. 30, meaning it currently stands without funding for seven months or until Congress reaches an agreement. When did government funding expire? Funding for DHS expired Friday at midnight. A shutdown began Saturday at 12:01 a.m. after Congress and President Donald Trumps administration failed to reach an agreement. What changes with the partial shutdown? Not much in the eyes of the general public, according to CNN. Nearly all DHS workers remain on the job, but many wont get paid until the shutdown ends. But DHS officials who testified before a House panel on Wednesday warned that a funding disruption could mean delays to states seeking reimbursements for disaster relief costs, delays in cybersecurity response, and missed paychecks for agents who screen bags at airports, which could lead to unplanned absences and longer wait times. DHS is home to agencies including the Transportation Security Aadministration, Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, which are all affected. What have Pennsylvania politicians said? Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) said he absolutely expected a shutdown. He broke with most Senate Democrats, voting to approve funding and avoid a shutdown in a measure that failed, and arguing that delaying funding DHS wont impact ICE since the agency has received separate funding. READ MORE: Sen. John Fetterman said he absolutely expects a DHS shutdown as ICE negotiations stall Earlier this month, some members of the Pennsylvania delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives, including Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, Brendan Boyle, Madeleine Dean, Mary Gay Scanlon, Dwight Evans, and Summer Lee, penned a letter to Fetterman and Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) asking them to vote against passing the spending bill unless ICE reform is secured. (Both senators voted in favor, but it failed.) Houlahan, a Democrat from Chester County, criticized ICE last week and emphasized a need for immigration reform. We are a nation of immigrants, but ICE is clearly not reform. ICE is undertrained. ICE is vastly, vastly overfunded, she said. They have a budget that is larger than many countries entire defense budgets. Where does Congress stand right now? The House had already done its part and approved funding. The chamber is in recess until Feb. 17. But Senate Democrats are pushing back on its approval without immigration reforms. That leaves the Senate with few options if it cannot pass the current measures. The Senate adjourned Thursday for a Presidents Day recess after a motion to advance DHS funding failed 52-47, mostly along party lines. Democrats also blocked an attempt to extend funding for another two weeks. Lawmakers left town, some traveling to the Munich Security Conference in Germany, others to meetings nationwide and overseas. The chambers are not scheduled to return until Feb. 23, though that could change if a deal is reached in the meantime. But senators on each side say bipartisanship during an election year seems unlikely. So in short: We could be here for a while. The USS Gerald R. Fords planned deployment to the Mideast comes after Trump only days earlier suggested another round of talks with the Iranians was at hand. Read more WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that a change in power in Iran would be the best thing that could happen as the U.S. administration weighs whether to take military action against Tehran. Trump made the comments shortly after visiting with troops in Fort Bragg, N.C., and after he confirmed earlier in the day that hes deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Mideast for potential military action against Iran. Advertisement It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen, Trump said in an exchange with reporters when asked about pressing for the ouster of the Islamic clerical rule in Iran. For 47 years, theyve been talking and talking and talking. The president has suggested in recent weeks that his top priority is for Iran to further scale back its nuclear program, but on Friday he suggested thats only one aspect of concessions the U.S. needs Iran to make. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who traveled to Washington this week for talks with Trump, has been pressing for any deal to include steps to neutralize Irans ballistic missile program and end its funding for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. If we do it, that would be the least of the mission, Trump said of targeting Tehrans nuclear program, which suffered significant setbacks in U.S. military strikes last year. Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Trumps comments advocating for a potential end to Ayatollah Ali Khameneis rule come just weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a potential change in power in Iran would be far more complex than the administrations recent effort to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. Rubio, during a Senate hearing last month, noted that with Iran youre talking about a regime thats in place for a very long time. So thats going to require a lot of careful thinking, if that eventuality ever presents itself, Rubio said. Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, is being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Mideast to join other warships and military assets the U.S. has built up in the region. The planned deployment comes just days after Trump suggested another round of talks with the Iranians was at hand. Those negotiations didnt materialize as one of Tehrans top security officials visited Oman and Qatar this week and exchanged messages with U.S. intermediaries. In case we dont make a deal, well need it, Trump told reporters about the second carrier. He added, Itll be leaving very soon. Already, Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Iranians are beginning to hold 40-day mourning ceremonies for the thousands killed in Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, adding to the internal pressure faced by the sanctions-battered Islamic Republic. The Ford, whose new deployment was first reported by the New York Times, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. U.S. forces already have shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump in exchanges with reporters on Friday still offered measured hope that a deal can be struck with Iran. Give us the deal that they should have given us the first time, Trump said about how U.S. military action can be avoided. If they give us the right deal, we wont do that. Ford had been part of Venezuela strike force It would be a quick turnaround for the Ford, which Trump sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration built up a huge military presence in the lead-up to the surprise raid last month that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It also appears to be at odds with the Trump administrations national security and defense strategies, which put an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. In response to questions about the movement of the Ford, U.S. Southern Command said U.S. forces in Latin America will continue to counter illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere. While force posture evolves, our operational capability does not, Col. Emanuel Ortiz, spokesperson for Southern Command, said in a statement. U.S. forces remain fully ready to project power, defend themselves, and protect U.S. interests in the region. The Ford strike group will bring more than 5,000 additional troops to the Middle East but few capabilities or weapons that dont already exist within the Lincoln group. Having two carriers will double the number of aircraft and munitions that are available to military planners and Trump. Given the Fords current position in the Caribbean, it will likely be weeks before it is off the coast of Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program and earlier over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman a week ago, and Trump later warned Tehran that failure to reach an agreement with his administration would be very traumatic. Similar talks last year ultimately broke down in June as Israel launched what became a 12-day war on Iran that included the U.S. bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Asked by a reporter about the new negotiations, Trump said Friday that I think theyll be successful. And if theyre not, its going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad. Long carrier deployments affect crews and ships The USS Ford, meanwhile, first set sail in late June 2025, which means the crew will soon have been deployed for eight months. While it is unclear how long the ship will remain in the Middle East, the move sets the crew up for an unusually long deployment. The Navys top officer, Adm. Daryl Caudle, told reporters last month that keeping the Ford longer at sea would be highly disruptive and that he was a big nonfan of extensions. Carriers are typically deployed for six or seven months. When it goes past that, that disrupts lives, it disrupts things ... funerals that were planned, marriages that were planned, babies that were planned, Caudle said. He said extending the Ford would complicate its maintenance and upkeep by throwing off the schedule of repairs, adding more wear and tear, and increasing the equipment that will need attention. For comparison, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower had a nine-month deployment to the Middle East in 2023 and 2024, when it spent much of its time engaged with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The ship entered maintenance in early 2025 as scheduled, but it blew past its planned completion date of July and remains in the shipyard to this day. Caudle told the Associated Press in a recent interview that his vision is to deploy smaller, newer ships when possible instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers. A fire produces smoke at the Waste Management Philadelphia Transfer Station on Grays Ferry Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Philadelphia. The city health department issued an advisory for nearby residents to stay inside due to potential air quality issues. Read more The Philadelphia Health Department on Thursday evening issued a warning for residents in the citys Grays Ferry section near a trash fire to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke. The department said it had dispatched inspectors to collect air samples. At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified, and the Department is taking this action out of an abundance of caution, the department said. The air, however, may be potentially hazardous for sensitive groups, including children, elderly people, people who are pregnant, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions, the department said. The fire was reported around 5:30 p.m. on Grays Ferry Avenue near South 34th Street at the Philadelphia Transfer Station, which is operated by Waste Management. The company could not be reached for comment. Advertisement The fire appeared to be contained to a large open building and no injuries were reported. An aerial image from NBC10 showed firefighters spraying a stream of water on a smoldering mound of trash. The health department asked residents to avoid going outdoors as much as possible. If they do go outside, avoid excessive physical activity and wear a mask, if available. Residents should close all window and doors to minimize air pollution into their homes, the department said. The Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the air quality and provide updates as they become available, the department said. Tracey Gordon, former register of wills for the city of Philadelphia, photographed on March 25, 2024. Read more Tracey Gordon couldnt extract enough campaign cash from her office staff to fund her bid for a second term as Philadelphias register of wills. But two years after she left office, taxpayers are still paying for Gordons alleged misconduct. Advertisement On Tuesday, the city agreed to pay $250,000 to a former clerk who, like several other register of wills employees, said he was fired after he refused to contribute to Gordons campaign. Nicholas Barone alleged in a 2023 federal lawsuit that Gordon, through an intermediary, had first requested a $150 contribution in late 2021. When Barone told his supervisor he could not afford to contribute, Gordon asked for $75, according to the lawsuit. Barone balked again. Then, in January 2022, Barone received a termination letter, effective immediately. The letter came four days after a performance review found he was exceeding expectations, according to his suit. She pressured everyone to make a donation and sort of made it known, if youre not donating, youre not going to be employed, said Barones lawyer, James Goslee. READ MORE: Phillys Register of Wills office is making political hires while lawsuits pile up. It could get expensive for taxpayers. In addition to the Barone settlement, the city has paid $400,000 to settle four other federal lawsuits brought by former Gordon staffers. They alleged that Gordon, who was elected in 2019, had essentially turned the register of wills office into an arm of her unsuccessful reelection campaign. Patrick Parkinson, a former administrative deputy in the office, claimed in his lawsuit that Gordon continually and relentlessly badgered him for campaign money, then fired him in 2022 when he refused. His suit was settled in 2024 for $120,000. Barones case was unusual in that it was the only one that got as far as a trial, which began Monday. Several former employees testified about how Gordon had politicized the office. Gordon testified last. The city then agreed to settle before the jury began deliberating. Goslee said her testimony was a disaster for the defense. She just wasnt a good witness, Ill put it to you that way, Goslee said. She should not be in politics or be allowed anywhere near public office. Reached by phone Thursday, Gordon initially declined to comment. She called back five minutes later. In connection with the allegations brought against me, I maintain I did nothing wrong, Gordon said. Any decision to settle the case was a decision made by the City of Philadelphia. A spokesperson for the citys law department declined to comment. The register of wills office is a somewhat obscure row office in City Hall that employees approximately 100 people with an annual budget of about $5.2 million. It issues marriage licenses, processes inheritance-related records, and does other nonpolitical work. But it also has a reputation as a Democratic patronage operation going back at least to the 1980s, with jobs being doled out to people with political connections. Goslee said he was hoping that Barones case might lead to some structural change. This is a very important public interest case, he said. That system of entrenched, compelled patronage really needs to come to an end. That does not appear to be happening yet. Gordon was defeated in the 2023 Democratic primary by John Sabatina Sr., an estate attorney and Northeast Philadelphia ward leader. He took office in January 2024. The city has since paid out $256,000 in settlements to nine former register of wills employees who filed lawsuits alleging that Sabatina fired them to make way for his own patronage hires. Five cases are still pending. Legal discovery in those cases has produced an internal list that the incoming Sabatina administration appears to have used to determined who would be fired. It was a hit list, lawyer Timothy Creech, who is representing most of those ex-employees, said in September, comparing Sabatina to a Tammany Hall-style party boss, a reference to the former New York City political machine. It wasnt to save money, Creech said. It was specifically to hire their own people. Several of the 30 office employees on the list are described by their connections to Gordon, including Tracey niece, Traceys friend, 7th Ward committee person, Last Tracey hire. The suggested action for most of those employees was immediate termination. We have enough immediate terminations to allow us several hires in the next two weeks, reads a note at the bottom of the spreadsheet. Another note appears to indicate that some firings were planned before Sabatina had replacements: We dont have people lined up for all of these jobs and we need to make sure we use up all of the funds set aside in the budget for salary. Sabatina has declined to comment on those cases. Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of the Committee of Seventy good-government group, said it is not acceptable for the city to spend more than $900,000 to settle lawsuits stemming from politics in the register of wills office. We can all think of a thousand better things we could do with these funds, Cristella said. The patronage mill better start printing money to keep up with these payouts because taxpayers in this city can no longer foot this bill. When is enough for Council and the mayor to meaningfully reform the row offices? Last year, the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, Philadelphias fiscal watchdog, passed a resolution to recommend that City Council and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker abolish the register of wills office, along with the sheriffs office, another row office with a long history of problems. Neither Parker nor Council has shown any interest in taking action. Gordon, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2024, now works in the sheriffs office as a services representative, according to city payroll records. "Row offices are set up to create jobs for the politically connected, not serve the people of our city, Cristella said. It doesnt matter who is in the office, the taxpayers are always on the hook for their abuse of power. Staff writer Ryan W. Briggs contributed to this article. Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. (center) speaks at a news conference to announce the plan for the first draft of the district's facilities master plan in January. Read more This week, the Philadelphia School District and SEPTA find it hard to change, the cost of free rides, and City Council finds it hard to listen to public comments. Schools and SEPTA in the same boat The debate over the school districts facilities plan is giving me deja vu. Thats because the city has already had this conversation. It was just that last time, it was about SEPTAs proposed Bus Revolution. Like the facilities plan, Bus Revolution was designed to generate improvements within state-imposed fiscal constraints. By eliminating some bus routes and redrawing others to reduce delays, SEPTA aimed to provide more rides to more riders without hiring more operators or buying more buses. The new system which is scheduled to debut later this year promises faster and more frequent service. Advertisement Where both plans struggle is on the political end. After all, opponents have a relatively straightforward story to tell: Dont eliminate our bus stop and Dont close our school are arguments that require little explanation. The benefits, on the other hand, sometimes require a multipage document, and neither institution has done a good job of communicating its goals at public meetings. That doesnt change the fact that the proposed changes are for the better. For transit riders, more frequency is life-changing. For schools, shrinking the amount of physical space that needs to be maintained will facilitate investments and upgrades elsewhere. The two beleaguered organizations should compare notes on how best to eliminate their empty seats without provoking public uproar. No free rides New fare evasion-resistant gates are slowly going up across the SEPTA Metro system, with the Frankford Transportation Center the newest recipient of the upgrades. As is the case when SEPTA tries anything new, this has generated some consternation from riders. Specifically, people have wondered why SEPTA is spending on new fare gates given its well-noted fiscal woes. Given how much is spent just trying to collect the fare, why not just make transit free? After all, New Yorks new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, wants to make the buses in his city fareless. While that all sounds exciting, it isnt a good idea. Especially not here. The most obvious reason is that SEPTA simply cant afford to give up the hundreds of millions of dollars it generates in fare revenue each year. In fact, SEPTA is already operating with a deficit, forcing a raid on its (already underfunded) capital budget. Going fare-free would put the future of the system entirely in the hands of Harrisburg politicos, who have demonstrated repeatedly they cant be trusted to adequately fund the system. Plus, as New Yorks Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber has said, transit is already affordable. A monthly bus pass is almost 90% cheaper than the average cost of car ownership. The biggest reasons people dont ride are speed, frequency, and the behavior of other passengers, not fares. This isnt just a question of money; it is also about rider and employee quality of life. After a surge in fare enforcement and a return to stiffer penalties, crime on the system is down to historic levels. This isnt the first time thats happened. While not every fare evader is a troublemaker, nearly everyone who does cause trouble starts by skipping the fare. The new fare gates led to a doubling of revenue at the 69th Street Transportation Center, but a reduction in aggressive behavior is just as valuable. In the Bay Area, the BART system has shown another benefit: reduced time spent on what it calls corrective maintenance. After installing new, evasion-resistant fare gates, the agency saw a 961-hour reduction in these issues over six months. Thats a serious drop in time spent cleaning up graffiti, fixing broken screens, and uh, picking up large messes. At many stations, the need was almost completely eliminated. As a regular transit rider, that sounds like it is worth a lot more than $3. Dont just take my word for it. Iconic Philadelphia journalist Dan McQuade who left us far too soon looked into it, as well. McQuade wanted to believe in the idea, only to find that free transit is not the sunshine-and-rainbows image I had in my head. Public revolt One of the more entertaining parts of covering City Council is watching the public comment portion of its meetings. Council has attracted a growing chorus of regular speakers, many of whom have things to say that clearly frustrate the members. More recently, the Councils peanut gallery has been joined by John McAuley, an activist with the Black MAGA group Flip Philly Red. Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who is usually a deft hand while leading proceedings, found himself going viral on social media after contentious exchanges with McAuley and longtime speaker Lynn Landes. Johnson sought to keep McAuley on a germane topic and criticized Landes for using the word alien. In general, Johnson and his colleagues are better off letting people speak and not reacting to what they have to say. Intervening ensured more people would see their speeches than would have otherwise. As the Department of Homeland Security approaches an increasingly likely shutdown this weekend, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Bucks) said reforms to ICE, including banning masks for federal immigration agents, should be a part of any funding extensions for DHS. Im the only federal agent in Congress, Fitzpatrick, who served in the FBI for 14 years, said in an interview Thursday. I spent my whole professional career as an FBI agent. Never once did I wear a mask, never. Executing a search warrant, arrest warrant, you name it, because you need to be transparent. You need to identify yourself. The whole function of policing requires the trust of the public. Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol, the agencies involved in the fatal shootings of two American citizens last month in Minnesota, both fall under DHS, which will enter a shutdown if lawmakers do not reach a funding deal by Friday. The Border Patrol and ICE would continue to operate after receiving funding from President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but a lapse in funding to DHS would affect other agencies under the department, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, of which many employees would be working without pay. Democrats have demanded that restrictions on masking and other changes to immigration enforcement be part of any funding deal. Fitzpatrick, who represents a purple district, is rare among Republicans in accepting Democrats proposal as Congress grapples with a national reckoning over Trumps immigration crackdown after federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in shootings caught on video. There is broken trust between the public and ICE, and we have to restore that trust, Fitzpatrick said. And the only way you restore that trust is by enacting reforms that are going to rebuild that social contract, he continued. Because policing is a social contract, whether it be local law enforcement or federal law enforcement. In the aftermath of the shootings in Minnesota, the House ended a four-day government shutdown earlier this month by passing a five-bill funding package that excluded DHS. Fitzpatrick, who voted for the House bill, said he would aim to work with Democrats to come up with a solution. Negotiations on DHSs allocation appeared to be at a standstill Thursday ahead of lawmakers going on a 10-day break, making a partial shutdown appear likely. In the U.S. Senate, a vote to advance a funding bill was rejected in a 52-47 tally Thursday, falling short of the necessary 60-vote threshold, the Associated Press reported. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans for the measure. He also opposes prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks, putting himself at odds with members of his party. The agents wearing masks, I think primarily thats driven by people are going to dox those people. Thats a serious concern, too, absolutely, Fetterman said in a Fox News interview with correspondent Jacqui Heinrich (who is engaged to Fitzpatrick). Whether ICE agents should be allowed to wear masks has become a point of contention since the escalation of Trumps immigration policies, with legislative bodies across the U.S., including in Philadelphia City Council, introducing legislation to prohibit them. Fitzpatrick, cochair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, said Thursday that he believes there is unanimity among lawmakers in Washington for reforms, like requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and prohibiting them from wearing masks. The Bucks County lawmaker, one of nine Republicans representing districts that went for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024, has frequently touted his willingness to break with Trump on issues, such as voting to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and opposing the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. (Democratic opponents note that he cast a key vote to advance an earlier version of Trumps legislation.) As for next steps, Fitzpatrick said he and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D., N.Y.), cochair of the Problem Solvers Caucus with Fitzpatrick, are continuing to communicate with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) as discussions over DHS funding and changes continue. I would hope that we can all agree that everybody needs to be treated humanely and with respect and with dignity, that everybody believes in upholding the rule of law, everybody believes in the constitutional rights of everybody in this country, Fitzpatrick said. Gov. Josh Shapiro implored Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem this week to reconsider converting warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill counties into mass immigration detention centers, citing real harms to the communities. In a Thursday letter to Noem obtained by The Inquirer, Shapiro questioned the legality of the facilities, which the governor said could hold up to 9,000 people in total. Advertisement Hinting at a possible lawsuit, Shapiro said if DHS goes through with converting the sites, his administration will aggressively pursue every option to prevent these facilities from opening and needlessly harming the good people of Pennsylvania. As part of President Donald Trumps expanding deportation agenda, the federal government has started purchasing warehouses across the country to flip into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers. ICE is planning to spend $38.3 billion turning warehouses into detention centers, The Washington Post reported. So far, two have been bought in Pennsylvania a nearly 520,000-square-foot facility in Upper Bern Township and another in Tremont Township, where the purchase has drawn the ire of concerned residents. Shapiro slammed the departments escalating immigration enforcement strategy, saying that ICE and other federal immigration agents resort to unnecessary and excessive force, leading to innocent people being injured or tragically killed. Your Departments record is reason enough to oppose your plan to use warehouses in Schuylkill and Berks Counties as detention centers, Shapiro wrote, adding that the warehouses would also negatively impact residents health and safety, deplete tax revenue, and put extra stress on local communities and emergency response. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, confirmed ICEs purchase of these two warehouses and the departments plans to use them as detention facilities in a statement to The Inquirer Friday. She said that the sites will undergo community impact studies and a rigorous due diligence process to make sure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure prior to purchase and that the facilities would create economic benefits, including bringing more than 11,000 jobs to the two Pennsylvania communities in total. Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, ICE has new funding to expand detention space to keep these criminals off American streets before they are removed for good from our communities, McLaughlin said. At an unrelated event last week, the Democratic governor blasted the agencys secretive purchase of the Berks County warehouse, saying he was not alerted of the decision ahead of time. At the time, Shapiro said the state was exploring what legal options we may have to stop the ICE purchase but said those options were slim. Shapiro has become more forceful in his opposition to federal immigration enforcement activities in recent weeks, especially since federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month. Hes said the Trump administrations strategies in American cities make communities less safe, violate constitutional rights, and erode trust in law enforcement. Shapiro, who is seen as a likely contender for the White House in 2028, is up for reelection this year. His likely November opponent is Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Trump-endorsed Republican who has urged cooperation with ICE. In his letter to Noem, Shapiro said that DHS has not engaged local leaders to discuss the warehouse purchases and that both Democratic and Republican state and local officials have objected to the departments plans to interfere with our communities because of the chaos and harm your actions will bring. Some of Shapiros cabinet secretaries also penned an additional letter to Noem where they stressed that the facilities would be detrimental to the communities environment and public health and safety. The stress each facility will place on local infrastructure will, among other things, jeopardize Pennsylvanians access to safe water, deplete resources and infrastructure needed for emergencies, and overextend already strained emergency response personnel, wrote Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra L. Bogen, Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook, Emergency Management Director Randy Padfield, Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley, and Labor Secretary Nancy A. Walker. In addition to the warehouses, DHS is also leasing new office space throughout the country, including in the Philadelphia area. The department said back-office staff, including lawyers and analysts, will be moving into a building in Berwyn, and the department will also share space with the Department of Motor Vehicles at Eighth and Arch Streets in Center City, WIRED reported. Despite the governors vocal opposition to Trumps enforcement strategies, Pennsylvania still cooperates with ICE. Shapiros administration honors some ICE detainers in state prisons and provides ICE with access to state databases that include personal identifying information for immigrants. Immigrant rights groups have for months called on Shapiro to take more decisive action against federal immigration enforcement in Pennsylvania and end all cooperation with the agency. Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed reporting. The Justice Departments efforts to prosecute President Donald Trumps critics entered a new phase this week, when federal prosecutors failed to indict six Democratic lawmakers who recorded a video reminding military service members of their duty to refuse illegal orders. Department lawyers, under pressure from the president, previously targeted several of Trumps most outspoken foes, including former FBI director James B. Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Both faced since-dismissed charges last year over alleged conduct unrelated to their political views. Advertisement But the case federal prosecutors put before a grand jury Tuesday seeking to charge Sens. Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.), Elissa Slotkin (D., Mich.) and four others over their 90-second video message marked the first time the department has directly sought to classify critical speech from prominent Trump detractors as a crime. The other lawmakers who participated in the video included Reps. Jason Crow, a former Army ranger from Colorado, and Maggie Goodlander, a Navy veteran from New Hampshire, as well as Chrissy Houlahan, a former Air Force officer, and Chris Deluzio, a former Navy officer, both from Pennsylvania. Grand jurors roundly rejected the effort, the Washington Post reported. But legal observers and the lawmakers at the center of the probe have argued in the days since that the panels decision is almost beside the point. This is not a good news story, Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, told reporters during a news conference this week. This is a story about how Donald Trump and his cronies are trying to break our system to silence anyone who lawfully speaks out against them. The attempt to charge the lawmakers represents an evolution of the campaign that began last year with cases against James and Comey, said Brendan Nyhan, a professor of government at Dartmouth College. Prosecuting people for speech criticizing the president is in some ways even more dangerous, Nyhan said, especially given these are legislators acting in their public role and especially given that they were calling for the military and national security state to follow the law. Still, some Trump allies in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.), defended the administrations efforts. He told reporters that Slotkin, Kelly, and the others probably should be indicted. Any time youre obstructing law enforcement and getting in the way of these sensitive operations, its a very serious thing, and it probably is a crime, he said. The Justice Departments criminal investigation into the lawmakers began after the video organized by Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, was posted online in November. In it, she and the others, all of whom served in the military or with intelligence agencies, reminded service members of their duty, spelled out in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to resist unlawful directives. This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens, the lawmakers said. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. The video did not single out any specific Trump administration policies. But Slotkin and Kelly, both of whom serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, have sharply criticized the president for military strikes he authorized on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and his decision to deploy the National Guard to cities run by Democratic officials. Their video drew an immediate reaction from Trump, who demanded on social media that the lawmakers face prosecution for sedition and suggested they should even, perhaps, be punished with execution. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH! Trump wrote in one social media post soon after the video was posted. He said in another: IT WAS SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, AND SEDITION IS A MAJOR CRIME. The messages echoed another Trump post from last year in which he, in a missive addressed to Pam, an apparent reference to Attorney General Pam Bondi, insisted the Justice Department move swiftly to prosecute Comey, James, and others. We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility, he wrote then, adding, JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! Within months, James was indicted on counts of mortgage fraud, while Comey was charged with lying to Congress. Both denied the accusations and their cases were later dismissed by a federal judge over technical issues with the appointment of the prosecutor who had charged them. Slotkin, Kelly, and the other lawmakers have maintained they did nothing wrong even as top administration officials have accused them of using the video to encourage service members to take actions tantamount to mutiny. Earlier this month, four of the lawmakers in the video disclosed that they had been approached by FBI agents and declined to give voluntary interviews to prosecutors. It was clearly, when our lawyers sat down with them, just about checking a box and doing what the president wanted them to do, Slotkin said Wednesday. Their heart wasnt even in it. It is not clear whether the FBI took other steps to investigate. But on Tuesday, prosecutors under the supervision of D.C.s U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host and staunch Trump ally, presented a case against the lawmakers to the grand jury. Two political appointees led that presentation, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe sealed court proceedings. The prosecutors Steven Vandervelden, a former colleague of Pirros in the district attorneys office in Westchester, New York, and Carlton Davis, a former staffer for House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R., Ky.) sought to charge the lawmakers with a felony crime that makes it illegal to interfere with, impair, or influence the loyalty, morale, or discipline of the military or naval forces of the United States, the people said. But when it came time to vote, none of the grand jurors agreed there was sufficient probable cause to charge any of the lawmakers with a crime, one of the people familiar said. Spokespeople for the Justice Department and for Pirro have declined to comment on the matter in the days since. Amid that silence, the effort has drawn an impassioned response from Capitol Hill. The fact that they failed to incarcerate a United States senator should not obviate our outrage, Sen. Brian Schatz (D., Hawaii) said during a heated session Wednesday in which Democratic senators implored their Republican colleagues to openly condemn the Justice Departments actions. Senate Democrats held a special caucus meeting Thursday morning to further discuss the situation. They tried to incarcerate two of us, Schatz said. I am not entirely sure the United States Senate can survive this if we do not have Republicans standing up. Sen. Thom Tillis (North Carolina) has emerged as one of the few Republicans to publicly rebuke the department. He described the failed attempt to prosecute as exactly the type of weaponization of the justice system that the Trump administration has said it is fighting against. Political lawfare is not normal, not acceptable, and needs to stop, Tillis wrote in a post to X. At their news conference Wednesday, Kelly told reporters that he and Slotkin learned about the attempt to indict them Tuesday through media reports. If things had gone a different way, wed be preparing for arrest, Slotkin said. Since then, lawyers for several of the targeted lawmakers have sent letters to Pirro and Bondi seeking assurances that the investigation is over and that prosecutors will not seek to indict them again. Theyve also instructed the department to retain all records of the investigation threatening potential legal action for violating the lawmakers free-speech rights. In a separate suit filed by Kelly, a federal judge Thursday halted Defense Department efforts to formally censure the senator over his video remarks, saying the effort to do so trampled on Senator Kellys First Amendment freedoms and threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees. The intimidation was the point to get other people beyond us to think twice about speaking out, Slotkin said Wednesday. But the real question is if the president can do this to us sitting senators who else can he do it to? Analilia Mejia, center, speaks during a rally calling for SCOTUS ethics reform, May 2, 2023, in Washington. Mejia is running to succeed New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill in Congress. Read more An ICE agent firing a gun near Gov. Mikie Sherrills former congressional district has brought new resonance to the agency in the race to replace her. Analilia Mejia, who campaigned on abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, won a close and crowded Democratic primary to replace Sherrill in Congress in a victory for the progressive movement that coincides with a national debate over President Donald Trumps deportation agenda. Even some Republican officials have been speaking out against ICEs tactics. Advertisement Mejia will compete with Joe Hathaway, the former Randolph mayor who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, in an April special election. While Hathaway is far from supporting Mejias call for an end to ICE, he has also voiced support for making changes to the agency. The encounter that has brought their views into focus happened Tuesday in Morris County. The incident, in which an ICE agent fired a gun in Roxbury, is under investigation by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. The attorney generals office said no one was injured. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said the officer shot at an undocumented immigrants tires in self-defense during a targeted effort to detain him. This is a public safety issue, Mejia said in an interview. Abolishing ICE, to me, is the only reasonable step forward, because it is clear that ICEs and DHSs recruitment practices are clearly failing the American people. Their oversight and training is clearly failing the American people, and they have zero accountability. In Roxbury, a township of about 20,000 people, roughly 40 miles from New York City, local residents recently protested a proposed ICE facility, which Democratic politicians and the all-Republican town council alike oppose. The township, which contains mostly Republican and unaffiliated voters, falls right outside of Sherrills former district, which includes other parts of the same county and has become fairly reliably blue. Mejia said Tuesdays confrontation raises concerns about guns going off in residential neighborhoods or near schools, and that it shows the recklessness of the Department of Homeland Security. She said shes been in conversation with local Democratic officials who question DHSs account of the incident. Hathaway disagrees with Mejias views on ICE, but he also stopped short of defending DHS when asked about Tuesdays incident. He said in an interview that he needs more information to comment. I think its generally not a good thing when politicians try to stick our nose in and stoke the flames and politicize these kinds of things before we know the facts, he said. I certainly dont want to do that in this case. The GOP candidate is critical of the states Immigrant Trust Directive the sanctuary policy that limits local law enforcements cooperation with ICE, but he also said he supports improved training, de-escalation tactics, and technology for ICE agents. He said American citizens who peacefully protest should be kept safe, though ICE agents also need to be able to detain undocumented immigrants effectively. A New York Times and Siena University poll published in late January found that a sizable majority of voters believe ICE has gone too far, while roughly half support Trumps deportations and handling of the southern border. DHS said the undocumented person driving the car in Roxbury had a criminal history of drug trafficking charges, drug possession, and driving under the influence, and that a judge issued an order of removal for him in 2021. The federal agency said he rammed into a law enforcement vehicle and weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over while trying to evade arrest. Following his training, the officer defensively used his firearm and shot out the tires of the vehicle to stop the threat, an unnamed DHS spokesperson said. Thankfully, no one was injured. The driver was arrested and taken into ICE custody, DHS said. The attorney generals office requested that any witnesses share video footage of the incident. The request came right before Sherrills administration launched an online portal for New Jerseyans to submit videos of ICE, which she initially announced on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show. Video footage shared by bystanders contradicted the Trump administrations account of two recent deadly shootings by federal agents in Minnesota. Mejia argued during her campaign that ICE cannot be reformed and should be replaced with something else, such as a more efficient system of processing asylum or citizenship applications. Im not calling for open borders, she said Wednesday. Im not calling for the eradication of a system. Im actually calling for the cease and desist of the violence of the occupation of American cities, of the overreach from this administration, and the erosion of constitutional protections. She said she believes Congress, in the short term, should stop funding ICE, reallocate funds for the agency that came as Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act slashed funding for social services, stop surveilling and collecting data from Americans, and end qualified immunity for agents. Senate Democrats blocked a funding bill for DHS Thursday amid unsuccessful negotiations with the White House to make changes to immigration enforcement operations following the shootings in Minneapolis. Hathaway said he is willing, absolutely, to come to the table to reform how ICE operates, but that he also wants to see changes to sanctuary policies. Sherrills administration has not provided more information about the Roxbury incident, citing an ongoing investigation. We recognize that matters of this nature raise concerns within our communities it is my duty to protect the safety of residents of this state and uphold the Constitution. I will do everything in my power to fulfill this responsibility, Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. On Wednesday, Sherrill signed an executive order prohibiting ICE from operating on state-owned private property unless theres a judicial warrant and launched a know your rights guide for residents interacting with immigration agents. Mejia, who grew up in Elizabeth and lives in Glen Ridge in Essex County, said that as an Afro-Latina, she feels less safe during Trumps immigration crackdown and that she takes precautions like carrying her passport or being careful where she speaks Spanish. It happening close to home is, of course, troubling, but this is an escalation that we have been seeing for years, said Mejia. Gov. Josh Shapiro discusses his memoir, Where We Keep the Light," at event in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 29. Read more Sitting onstage in an echoey historic synagogue, next to a U.S. senator and a cardboard cutout of his newly released memoir, Gov. Josh Shapiro reflected on the Pennsylvanians who give him hope. As he had in other stops on his book tour up and down the East Coast, Shapiro often referred to his books title, Where We Keep The Light, and the ways he finds hope in the extraordinary impact of Pennsylvanians. Among them, he said, were those who were sexually abused by Catholic priests in crimes covered up by the church until they were illuminated by the victims unrelenting quest for justice. Advertisement In his book, Shapiro details his work as Pennsylvania attorney general to compile and release a bombshell grand jury report that in 2018 revealed thousands of cases of abuse by priests across the state. I find hope in the people I met who were abused over years and years and years, Shapiro told U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D., Ga.) last month at an event at Sixth and I, a synagogue in Washington, who still had the courage to show up in a grand jury room to testify and to challenge me to do something to make sure we righted a wrong and brought justice to them. The nearly 900-page report was lauded as the most comprehensive review of clergy abuse across a single state and prompted new laws clarifying penalties for failure to report abuse and allowing survivors more time to pursue criminal or civil cases against their abusers. But a key step in delivering justice to those survivors establishing a two-year window for the filing of lawsuits over decades-old abuse that falls outside the statute of limitations under existing law remains unfinished. The proposal has become one of the most fraught issues in Harrisburg. After a devastating clerical error by Gov. Tom Wolfs administration killed a proposed constitutional amendment in 2021, lawmakers have been unable to come together on a new path forward. Republicans who control the state Senate have tied the proposal to policies Democrats will not support. All the while, the Catholic Church and the insurance industry have lobbied hard against it. Nearly a dozen interviews with survivors, their family members, and advocates reveal a deep frustration with the inaction in Harrisburg. Even as Shapiro renews calls for the Senate to act, survivors are divided over whether he has done enough to use his power as governor to advocate for them. A key pledge in Shapiros bid for reelection and his pitch to a national audience is that he can get stuff done by working across the aisle. But some abuse survivors in Pennsylvania say the unfinished business in getting justice for them brings that record into question. He got to where hes at on the back of victims and survivors, and now hes forgotten, said Mike McIlmail, the father of a clergy abuse victim, Sean McIlmail, who died of an overdose shortly before he was supposed to testify in a criminal case against his alleged abuser. Shapiro, his spokesperson Will Simons said, has fought for survivors publicly and in legislative negotiations since 2018. He has promised to sign any bill that reaches his desk establishing the window. With a reelection campaign underway and his eyes on flipping the state Senate, the governor renewed that fight earlier this month. He used his budget address to blame Senate Republicans for the inaction thus far. Stop cowering to the special interests, like insurance companies and lobbyists for the Catholic Church, he said, his voice thundering in the House chamber. Stop tying justice for abused kids to your pet political projects. And start listening to victims. Years of delay Pennsylvanias extensive investigation, which Shapiro inherited when he became attorney general in 2017, chronicled more than 1,000 cases of abuse by more than 300 priests across the state dating back to the 1940s. For most of the cases in the report, the statute of limitations had passed, leaving no legal recourse for survivors. The report proposed that lawmakers create a two-year window to allow the filing of civil suits over cases that happened years, if not decades, ago. Despite Shapiros advocacy since releasing the grand jury report, the proposal has been trapped in a stalemate for years. Pennsylvania trails more than 30 other states that have approved similar legislation. Its maddening to have people say, Were committed to this, this is going to happen, were committed to it, from both sides of the political spectrum and nothing ever gets done, said Jay Sefton, who says he was abused by a priest in Havertown as a middle schooler in the 1980s. It does start to feel like these are lives being used as its own sort of theater. Speaking to journalists in Washington days before he targeted Republicans in his budget address, Shapiro tied the windows prospects to Democrats ability to win the state Senate for the first time in more than three decades. Im confident with a Democratic Senate that will be one of the first bills they put on my desk, Shapiro said. In an interview, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) noted that the GOP-controlled Senate had approved a constitutional amendment to establish the window several times before, although it ultimately failed to ever reach the voters. She declined to say whether the state Senate would take up the amendment up this year but said creating the window through legislation, as Shapiro requested, would be unconstitutional. She accused the governor of using survivors to score political points as he tries to raise his profile for his reelection this year and rumored 2028 presidential ambitions. He has decided that hes going to be moral instead of follow the law. Look at his record in his own office, Ward said, arguing Shapiro has a track record of fighting for some survivors but not others. She pointed to his offices handling of sexual harassment allegations brought against a former top staffer and close ally. Documents showed that complaints about the staffer were made months before his abrupt resignation. For some clergy abuse survivors, the blame lands squarely on Ward and her Republican allies as they insist on a constitutional amendment, which requires two votes by both the House and Senate along with a ballot measure. Its the Republicans that are blocking it, and I think theyre blocking it because of the church, said Julianne Bortz, a survivor who testified before the grand jury and whose experience was featured in the report. Debate among survivors Despite Shapiros recent statements, there is a sense among some survivors that lawmakers, and Shapiro, have forgotten about them. Former state House Speaker Mark Rozzi, a Berks County Democrat and clergy abuse survivor, said Shapiro betrayed survivors and should be playing hardball with the Senate to ensure that the bill makes it to his desk. Talk is cheap. Unless you come to the table and cut a deal, nothing else gets done, Rozzi said. Advocates have spent years pushing lawmakers in Harrisburg and have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of movement. We, being the victims, have always held our end of the bargain. Always. Weve always shown up when weve asked to, weve testified when we were asked to, we interviewed, we discussed the worst moments of our lives when asked, said Shaun Dougherty, who said he was abused by an Altoona-Johnstown priest. Now, he said, its the governors turn to get the work done. Former State Rep. Bill Wachob, a Democrat who worked in politics after leaving elected office in the 1980s, is convinced the governor could make it happen through negotiations if he wanted. He and his team have made a calculated political decision that they have gotten as much mileage out of this issue as theyre going to get and theyre not doing anything more, Wachob said. In Shapiros memoir, however, he wrote he expected that going up against the Catholic Church in pursuing the 2018 report was likely the end of the road for me politically. Id made my peace with being a one term Attorney General, if it meant that I could put my head on the pillow at night knowing I did my job and made good for these victims, he wrote. Since Shapiro became governor in 2023, his efforts to fight for survivors have been waylaid by an increasingly tense relationship with the GOP-controlled Senate, as evidenced by last years nearly five-month bitter budget impasse. I have no doubt that the governor has been doing what he can, said Marci Hamilton, the founder of Child USA, which advocates for child sex abuse victims. She blamed the challenges in reaching a deal on Harrisburgs partisan dynamics. Recent criticism of Shapiro has driven division within the survivor community in recent weeks, said Mary McHale, a survivor who was featured in a 2022 Shapiro campaign ad. He cares. But he also has a state to run. This cant be the No. 1 issue, she said. Diana Vojtasek, who said she was abused by the same Allentown priest as McHale, said she worries frustration is being misdirected at Shapiro instead of Republicans. I just dont see the value in attacking the one who has vowed publicly that he will sign this legislation for us as soon as its across his desk, she said. Could progress come this year? Advocates are hopeful that the national bipartisan effort to force President Donald Trumps administration to release FBI files related to serial abuser and trafficker Jeffrey Epstein may spur new motivation to protect abuse victims in the state. What the Epstein transparency act showed us is we are finally at a point where the protection of sexual abuse victims is nonpartisan, Hamilton said. I fully expect to see that that understanding for victims will happen in Harrisburg. Rep. Nathan Davidson, a Dauphin County Democrat who introduced the House legislation to create the window, has scheduled hearings in April to bring renewed attention to the issue. Sefton, who said he was abused as a middle schooler in Havertown in the 1980s, will perform a one-man show about his experience in a theater just steps from the state Capitol the week of the hearings. He is done hoping lawmakers will establish the window but said it would make the state safer if they did. Nobody is going to give anyone their childhood back. It cant happen, Sefton said. Theres always going to be a part of me thats filled with some rage about people blocking the energy here. If that were to go through, its a piece of energy that gets finally freed up. A rendering of the proposed subsidized apartment building slated for Cumberland Street in Kensington. Read more The Womens Community Revitalization Project is planning a 34-unit apartment building, flanked by two triplexes, on city-owned land in Kensington. All of the units will be available to those below 60% of area median income, or almost $72,000 for a family of four. Advertisement The apartment building at Cumberland and Reese Streets is designed at an angle slashing across the lot, using only a portion of the city-owned land. Having a solid wall of building directly across [from rowhouses], we just felt wasnt really contextual to the neighborhood, said Lorissa Luciani, who has been the executive director of Womens Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) for the last nine months. Then theres height limitations so we couldnt go any higher. The project is funded through federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which the nonprofit group obtained in 2025. The land will be obtained for a nominal cost from the city. WCRP has been meeting with local community groups since 2024. Luciani said organizations such as Xiente, APM, and the 19th Ward RCO have been supportive of this project. The development, designed by Philadelphia-based CICADA Architecture & Planning, will cost over $26 million and is slated for completion 18 months after the group settles on the land. It will include 10 parking spaces. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Land Banks board voted to approve the sale of the property to WCRP. The plan also has the backing of Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, which is essential because she will need to introduce legislation to move the property out of the Land Bank. Its an amazing project, Lozada said. We are in need of partners like the Womens Community Revitalization Project who understand the need for not just affordable housing, but deeply affordable housing. Without Lozadas support, the project would be impossible. Final passage of the legislation could come as soon as later this month. Luciani said WCRP would close on the project in the fall. This will be Lucianis first ground-up development with the organization. She joined the nonprofit in 2025 after WCRPs longstanding executive director and founder Nora Lichtash retired from her leadership role with the group after 35 years. She still works for the group as a consultant. WCRP was founded in 1986 to serve Fishtown, Kensington, and other neighborhoods in North Philadelphia east of Broad Street. Since then, it has developed projects in other corners of the city, such as Germantown and Point Breeze. My predecessor has a substantial amount of experience and relationships with many of these organizations in Kensington, Luciani said. Im trying to work to have my own relationships with them, Luciani said. Theyre a really organized, sophisticated community that really understands their needs, and theyll fight for it as hard as they need to. Luciani previously worked in New Jersey local and state government and planning for decades and has a deep familiarity with subsidized housing policy. I grew up in public housing in North Jersey, Luciani said. So its been a personal and professional lens that I utilize to try and continue the good work that helped my family in the hopes of helping others. Background Lane & Associates is a Louisiana-based independent surplus lines broker and MGA specializing in commercial and personal specialty lines. After acquiring the business in 2016, owner Scott Landry needed a modern, cloud-based platform to support growth without a large in-house IT function. The Challenge: Replace Legacy Tech with All-In-One Platform Following the acquisition, Lane & Associates was operating on outdated, disconnected systems that slowed processing and hampered strategic visibility. Landry identified the need for a platform that could: Replace legacy, fragmented tools with a modern, fully integrated MGA platform. platform. Streamline quoting, policy issuance, accounting, and document management. management. Support significant growth without requiring additional IT investment. Manage carrier connectivity through APIs. Deliver robust reporting and KPIs for informed, faster decision-making. The existing technology could not support the scale and operational efficiency required for the companys growth strategy. The Solution: ALIS DX Lane & Associates selected ALIS DX, Dyads cloud-based MGA platform, to unify mission-critical workflows in a single system and modernize operations without adding IT complexity. Why ALIS DX Was the Right Fit ALIS DX provided an integrated foundation that could support immediate scale while continuing to improve through ongoing enhancements. It offered Lane & Associates: End-to-end MGA capabilities spanning quoting, policy issuance, accounting, document management, and carrier integration. A fully cloud-based architecture, eliminating the need for servers or onpremise IT infrastructure. Continuous platform enhancements, including automation and Dyads AIpowered Extractor. Mobile access for operational visibility and insights from anywhere. ALIS DX Features That Transformed Operations ALIS DX also delivered the operational controls and visibility needed to manage throughput and performance as the business grew, including: Workflow management for analyzing throughput, tracking operations, and identifying bottlenecks. Workflow management for analyzing throughput, tracking operations, and identifying bottlenecks. Comprehensive reporting and KPIs that deliver clear financial and operational visibility. Integrations such as SkySource outsourcing to boost efficiency andextend team capacity. Landry also highlighted the exceptional support from the Dyad team, specifically praising the implementation team for outstanding service and responsiveness. The Results: Nearly 3x Premium Growth & Transformed Operations ALIS DX has been catalytic for our business. It accelerated how we work and gave us the visibility to scale profitablysomething we simply couldnt have achieved at the same pace with our previous systems. Scott Landry, Owner, Lane & Associates With ALIS DX in place, Lane & Associates scaled profitably without increasing infrastructure or headcount. 190% Premium Growth Without Additional Infrastructure Lane & Associates increased premiums by 190% (nearly 3) without increasing headcount or infrastructure costs. 6x Net Income Growth Through Operational Efficiency Net income increased by 500% (6), supported by stronger visibility, streamlined workflows, and reduced manual work. Improved Throughput and Workflow Efficiency Bottlenecks are easier to identify, teams move faster, and execution is more consistentwithout expanding headcount. Enhanced Capacity with Outsourcing Lane & Associates also uses Dyads outsourcing service, SkySource, to extend capacity and support continued growth without adding internal staff. Lane & Associates results show how a modern MGA platform like ALIS DX enables efficient, scalable growthwithout added infrastructure or complexity. One Unified Platform. Core to Your Success. ALIS DX is Dyads platform that is purpose-built to handle wholesale, MGA, and program workflows in one environment. It empowers MGAs to move faster, operate smarter, and position themselves as high-performing partners in the insurance ecosystem. Explore ALIS DX today. [inline-ad-1] The maker of a gun accessory tied to a racist shooting that killed 10 Black people at a supermarket in Buffalo will pay $1.75 million to survivors and victims families and stop selling the device in New York, state Attorney General Letitia James said Wednesday. The agreement with Georgia-based Mean Arms settles a lawsuit filed by James and covers claims from various victims families and survivors of the 2022 attack at Tops Friendly Market. They also reached agreements to resolve their own separate suits against gunman Payton Gendrons family and a gun seller, Vintage Firearms LLC, the plaintiffs lawyers announced Wednesday. The claims against Mean Arms focused on an item that locks a magazine onto a rifle. The lock is supposed to keep people from swapping in high-capacity magazines, which are illegal in New York. But according to James, Gendron easily removed the lock from an AR-15-style rifle and was able to add high-capacity magazines. She also said the company provided step-by-step instructions on the back of its product packaging on how to remove the lock. We hope that by holding this manufacturer accountable and banning it from selling this device in New York state, we can offer the people of Buffalo some measure of comfort, James, a Democrat, said at a news conference in the city. Messages seeking comment were left for Mean Arms and its attorney. Some victims relatives joined James on Wednesday and said the settlement is a step forward. No one should be able to come into a store and, in two minutes, inflict so much damage to a community, to a family, to children, said Pamela Pritchett, whose mother, Pearl Young, was killed. Young was a 77-year-old Sunday school teacher who ran a food pantry. Everytown Law, which helped represent some survivors and victims relatives, said in a statement that Vintage Firearms has permanently closed and its owner has agreed to refrain from obtaining a federal firearms license in the future. Eric Tirschwell of Everytown Law said its clients settlements with Gendrons parents were confidential. Attorneys for the gunmans parents and Vintage Firearms declined to comment. Authorities say Gendron, who is white, targeted Tops, a supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood, for the attack. The victims ranged in age from 32 to 86 and included a guard, a man shopping for a birthday cake, a grandmother of nine and the mother of a former Buffalo fire commissioner. Gendron is serving a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty in November 2022 to multiple state charges including murder. A trial on federal hate crime and weapons counts is expected to begin this year. Gendron has pleaded not guilty. The Justice Department said it would seek the death penalty. Photo: Police walk outside the Tops grocery store May 15, 2022, in Buffalo, N.Y. A white gunman was charged with killing 10 Black people in a racist mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket in an indictment that could make him eligible for the death penalty if he is found guilty. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex, File) Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The U.S. Forest Services plan to conduct controlled burning over the next 15 years in Vermont near popular recreation spots Lake Dunmore and Silver Lake has faced public opposition during a comment period that ends this week. The project, called Northern Escarpment Ecological Restoration and Fire Resilience, is designed to promote the areas resistance to wildland fires, pest infestations and drought, the Forest Service says. The project covers four areas spanning 2,770 acres of the Green Mountain National Forest in the towns of Leicester, Middlebury and Salisbury in Addison County and would begin in the spring of 2027. Among the Forest Services expectations are that the project would reduce flammable materials and expand rare and uncommon native plant communities that depend on regular, low-intensity fire in the forests, according to an email to VTDigger from U.S. Forest Services Public Affairs Officer Ethan Ready. This includes early azalea, natural red pine and oak, according to project documents. Decades of fire suppression have allowed other plant species to move in, increasing competition and fuel buildup such as leaf litter, needles, and woody debris, Ready wrote in the email. In comments filed in recent weeks, many people have voiced concerns about lack of information about the impacts of prescribed fires damaging flora and fauna, as well as concerns about herbicide use harming wildlife and water quality. Galina Chernaya, a Goshen resident, said the four sections of the project north and east of Lake Dunmore fall near popular recreation trails like Chandler Ridge Trail and Blueberry Hill. Shes worried about public access and ecological impacts of prescribed burns, and questioned whether the impacts are justifiable for wildfire mitigation. Rep. Amy Sheldon, D-Middlebury, who chairs the House Environment Committee, outlined her concerns in a public comment, worrying that prescribed burns and other management methods may cause property damage, erosion, and water contamination. Azalea has not decreased but spread in the area in the past 25 years, Sheldon added. Brandon resident Karen Rhodes, who attended the public meeting on the project in Brandon, on Jan. 21, questioned the active management strategy by the U.S. Forest Service. They want to burn back what they call problem trees and invasive trees which are also part of that habitat: hemlock, pine, different shrubs and herbs. They just want to burn it back so that the oak trees will thrive, Rhodes said. Why are they picking certain trees when nature seems to be taking care of itself. Vicki Disorda, said that she found the process lacks transparency and opportunity for public input after attending the meeting. Disorda questioned why the public meeting was held on a snowy eve in Rutland County, instead of Middlebury where the project is taking place, and why there was not an online option to join the public meeting. Although the meeting was held in Rutland County, the Town of Brandon borders the project area and provided an accessible location and facility, Ready wrote in response. Bob Zaino, a natural communities ecologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife, said the dry, rocky landscape in the Escarpment area is rare in Vermont and its susceptibility to lightning strikes and naturally occurring fires makes it a good candidate for the project. Fire suppression techniques have allowed less fire resistant, common species to grow up, changing the overall natural environment over time. The reintroduction of fire can be a way to bring that process back to those places, Zaino said. Prescribed burns can require multiple cycles to bring back fire-adapted species, like red pine, pitch pine, blueberries and huckleberries, which sprout in abundance after fire, Zaino said. Zack Porter, executive director of the forest conservation advocacy organization Standing Trees, said that there are some reasonable ecological benefits to the projects fire resilience measures, but what theyre proposing to do is just significantly broader and more aggressive than what would seem to be ecologically justified. If the prescribed burns do not create the desired effect in certain areas, the project allows the use of herbicides, including glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. This has sparked criticism from public commenters who worry about the potential harm to animals, humans and water quality. Glyphosate is considered a probable carcinogen to humans by the World Health Organizations International Agency of Research on Cancer, though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency takes a different stance, asserting the herbicide is unlikely to cause harm to humans. The U.S. Forest Service would follow the product label and state and federal law if herbicide use is deemed necessary, wrote Ready. Porter said he considers it reckless to propose herbicide use, when there is not a full understanding of the risks of glyphosate contaminating waterways like Lake Dunmore, Silver Lake and tributaries. These are all public waters, and the Forest Service is proposing to put those waters in greater danger by using herbicides, Porter said. This story was originally published by VTDigger and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Matthew J. Platkin, who served as New Jerseys attorney general from 2022 to 2026, has opened a law office along with three other attorneys who served with him in that office. Platkin vows to focus on complex civil and public interest cases including ones involving consumer protection, technology, gun safety, antitrust and independent investigations not unlike the issues he took on as attorney general. At Platkin LLP, we use the law to drive meaningful change in the face of injustice. When our democracy is under threat, powerful wrongdoers harm people with impunity, or gun violence endangers our communities, we fight back fearlessly and win, the firm says on its website. The firms tagline reads: Built for the toughest fights. Trusted when the stakes are highest. Joining him on his legal team based in Newark are partners Angela Cai and Ravi Ramanathan, and counsel Aaron Haier. During his tenure as the states attorney general, Platkin worked on gun regulation, reproductive rights, and police misconduct. He participated in or led as many as 40 lawsuits against the Trump Administration on environmental, immigration, constitutional and other issues. He brought corruption charges against high-profile New Jersey Democratic power and insurance broker George Norcross. Those charges were thrown out by state courts. The attorney general is appointed by the governor. Platkin was appointed by former Gov. Phil Murphy. Current Gov. Mikie Sherrill named federal prosecutor Jen Davenport to be Platkins successor as attorney general. Photo: Then New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin comments on the numerous lawsuits states have filed against the Trump administration at a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Topics New Jersey Chinas market regulator has ordered infant formula makers to test for cereulide, a toxin that has triggered precautionary recalls worldwide by some of the largest food companies. Producers must strictly enforce controls on raw materials and product releases, the State Administration for Market Regulation said in a statement on Thursday. Local governments were instructed to strengthen oversight of safety and quality standards, though no poisoning cases linked to infant formula have been reported in China. The urgency stems from Nestle SAs discovery of cereulide in baby formula traced to ARA oil from a single company it didnt name. People familiar with the matter have since identified the supplier as Chinas Cabio Biotech Wuhan Co., sending its shares plunging 16% this year. Cabio has grown into one of the worlds biggest producers of ARA, supplying Nestle, Danone SA, and local formula makers such as China Feihe Ltd. and Junlebao Dairy Group Co. Its rise has fragmented the global infant formula supply chain, breaking Dutch chemical maker DSM-Firmenich AGs former monopoly on the ingredient. Chinas stricter oversight may work to keep investor and consumer confidence intact, given the critical role of a Chinese supplier in the global infant formula industry. Authorities earlier pressed Nestle to recall specific batches sold in mainland China after detection of the toxin that can cause foodborne illness, including vomiting. Nestle expanded its recall beyond Europe to parts of Asia and the Americas in January. while Danone and other producers also withdrew products in multiple countries. The regulators order marks Chinas latest step to tighten oversight by setting clearer requirements for cereulide testing. While manufacturers have said there are no confirmed illnesses linked to the recalls, regulators in several countries are investigating potential cases. The recalls could weigh on Nestle and Danones reputations and accelerate stricter regulation across the global infant formula supply chain. Markets, however, appear unfazed. Danone shares rose 4.72% on Thursday, while Nestle gained 1.39% after China confirmed no poisoning cases and announced no additional recalls. We believe the market has already priced in the impact of Nestles global recalls, and we can hopefully now move on, Barclays analyst Warren Ackerman said in a note. Photograph: Danone infant formula at a home in Beijing; photo credit: Giulia Marchi/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics China Enstar Group Limited, global insurance and reinsurance group backed by investment vehicles managed by affiliates of global investment firm Sixth Street, announced it has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Accident Fund Holdings, Inc. from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, AF Group has been a provider of insurance solutions through its affiliate brands for more than a century. Since its acquisition by Blue Cross in 1994, the organization has strengthened its position in the US property and casualty market and now delivers commercial and specialty insurance solutions in all 50 states, backed by a longstanding record of disciplined underwriting and profitability, with consolidated gross written premium of $3.3 billion in 2025. The acquisition combines AF Group and Enstars complementary capabilities in property and casualty insurance, including workers compensation, leveraging Enstars balance sheet strength to support AF Groups business while expanding Enstars suite of global re/insurance solutions to serve a broader client base. Upon completion of the transaction, AF Group will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Enstar and operate largely as a standalone company, supported by Enstar. AF Group is expected to operate under its existing leadership team. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Michigan Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced a Reno County man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for insurance fraud, making false information, and forgery. Larry Wilson, aged 54, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, in Reno County District Court to one felony count of insurance fraud, two felony counts for making false information, and two felony counts for forgery. Wilson allegedly filed an insurance claim to collect lost wages for workdays he stated were missed due to injuries sustained in a prior auto accident. Wilson forged his supervisors signature on falsified documents to validate his claim for missed work. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 months in prison with 12 months of probation following his release. Topics Fraud Kansas Applied Systems has been awarded a preliminary injunction against competitor Comulate, who Applied has accused of making a fake insurance agency to access its software platform and steal trade secrets. The competitors in the insurance technology market have traded litigation, but on Feb. 11 a federal judge in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois said Applied is likely to suffer irreparable harm in the absence of preliminary relief. Within a week from the order, Comulate must stop using any information obtained by its access to Applieds insurance agency management software, Epic. Comulate must also stop selling any products developed, tested, or trained using Applieds information to new customers, according to the court. Last November, Applied Systems sued Comulate on allegations that Comulate misappropriated trade secrets. According to the latest court documents, Ardent Labs, doing business as Comulate, developed a software that integrates with Epic. In order to develop its product, Comulate created a fake insurance agency, PBC, to use Epic. However, in October 2025 Applied noticed activity from PBC that was out of the ordinaryabnormally large usage. In a memorandum to explain details of the case, the judge said Comulate does not dispute creating the fake insurance agency, but called it a sandbox account used to demonstrate the functionality of its artificial intelligence-powered platform integration with Epic. Comulate said it will comply with the courts order, but it does not apply to existing customers. Earlier this year, Comulate filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Applied in the same venue. Comulate seeks to, in its words, halt an entrenched monopolists unlawful campaign to destroy a competitor it could not acquire or outcompete. In a Feb. 12 statement, Comulate said it too has a preliminary injunction request pending against Applied. The company said, Applied has not identified a single Comulate product feature that incorporates any Applied trade secret. In granting the preliminary injunction, the judge said Comulate likely violated its contract with Applied by using its fake agency to conduct product demonstrations and to improve the integration with the Epic platform. In addition, Comulate was found to have provided access to Epic by unauthorized users. The judge said Applied did not show a breach of contract when it came to violation of reverse-engineering clauses in the contract. Also, Applied has not shown that Comulate created a derivative work from its software. However, Applied was harmed, the judge concluded, because it spent money to investigate Comulates actions and lost at least one customer to Comulate. If there was no preliminary injunction, Comulate could continue to seek out and contract with customers using information it is not entitled to exploit, the judge said. Topics Legislation Aon announced the appointment of Joe Peiser as CEO of Risk Capital. Peiser first joined Aon in 2021 as commercial risk leader for North America before being appointed to Global CEO of Commercial Risk in 2023. In his new Risk Capital role, Peiser will work closely with solution line and regional leaders as well as Aon Business Services to accelerate the delivery of end to end solutions, ensuring clients benefit from a more connected, analyticsenabled capital ecosystem. He will lead Aons Risk Capital capabilities across Commercial Risk and Reinsurance Solutions. Peiser will continue to report to Andy Marcell, CEO of Global Solutions for Aon. A search for the role of CEO of Commercial Risk is underway. Peiser has more than 30 years of industry experience spanning broking leadership, risk consulting, client advisory roles and executive positions across North America, the UK and Bermuda. He has led transformation programs at scale, including modernizing broking platforms and advancing analyticsenabled solutions for clients. Liberty Mutual Announces Leadership Transition in Global Risk Solutions Liberty Mutual Insurance, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, named Matthew Moore, president of underwriting, Global Risk Solutions (GRS), as president of GRS beginning March 6. Neeti Bhalla Johnson, president of GRS, will conclude her role effective March 6 to pursue new opportunities. Moore has been with Liberty Mutual for over 24 years, in a series of executive positions in Global Specialty and Reinsurance. For the last four years, he has been the President of Underwriting at GRS. He was formerly chair of the London Market Group (LMG), board member of the Lloyds Members Association, a board member of Pool Reinsurance Company Limited, and vice president of the Insurance Institute of London. During her tenure as President of GRS, Bhalla Johnson led a turnaround of the companys commercial and specialty (re)insurance business across 24 countries, producing $23 billion in gross written premium. Under her leadership, GRS dramatically improved its combined ratio performance and established a clear strategic vision through 2030. Before this role, Johnson served as Liberty Mutuals chief investment officer. Bhalla Johnson will support a smooth transition and will serve in an advisory role to the CEO until June 2026. Topics Leadership Aon US President Donald Trump is shrinking the Environmental Protection Agency more quickly and aggressively than ever before, culminating in this weeks move to rescind the crucial endangerment finding underpinning key regulations of planet-warming pollution. And unlike Trumps first term, the latest changes may be harder to reverse and result in long-lasting impacts on public health and the economy. Over the past year, the EPA has surpassed the staff and program cuts made during a similar period last time. It has also launched more pollution control rollbacks, with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proudly boasting about the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. The EPA has been able to make such quick work this time around because its breaking historical precedent and testing the legal boundaries of administrative and environmental laws, according to interviews with more than a dozen current and former EPA staffers, advocates, historians, scientists and legal experts. Rescinding the endangerment finding is the most consequential change for an EPA thats been reoriented around sweeping deregulation. It marks the reversal of a key scientific determination that greenhouse gases are harmful supporting a swath of federal climate policy to curb emissions from vehicles and industrial sources. The previous Trump administration had planned a public debate of climate science, at the time considered the first step in challenging the finding, but abandoned the effort before it officially began. The move is expected to immediately face legal challenges. Thats the point, said Joseph Goffman, assistant administrator of the EPAs Office of Air and Radiation under President Joe Biden. The administration wants to get the issue before the Supreme Court, hoping its conservative majority bucks precedent in upholding the repeal, he said. If that happens, the agency would be severely restricted from enacting climate rules long after Trump leaves office, placing the onus on Congress if the US is to pursue pollution reductions. So far, the EPAs legal track record is mixed. While a court order forced it to reverse course on firing some employees early last year, it has also had some legal wins, including an appeals court recently upholding the agencys cancellation of billions in climate grants. As the agency races to finalize more regulations and policy changes, more lawsuits are expected. The EPA argues that these changes are necessary for right-sizing the government, which it says overstepped its authority under previous administrations, hurting the economy. Under President Trump, the EPA is proving what previous administrations refused to accept, that we can protect the environment and grow the economy, said EPA Press Secretary Brigit Hirsch. We are delivering cleaner air, land, and water while driving economic expansion. Many companies have welcomed the deregulatory push. Some of the nations largest refineries, petrochemical facilities and power plants, for example, took the EPA up on its offer to apply for presidential exemptions from various Biden-era air pollution rules. But some industries have occasionally pushed back. The Edison Electric Institute, an association of investor-owned power companies, wrote in a public comment that ending federal regulation of greenhouse gas pollution from power plants could stall growth just as the industry is expanding to accommodate artificial intelligences electricity needs and update the grid. It could lead to balkanized state-level regulations, lawsuits and longer, less-predictable permitting, financing and construction, the group argued. Former EPA officials, meanwhile, warn that the Trump administrations changes are boosting pollution and could exacerbate health conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease and neurological development issues. In the long-term, they have the potential to cripple an agency created more than 50 years ago by then-President Richard Nixon to protect the environment and human health. Its mind-boggling to me how an agency set up by a Republican administration, supported by bipartisanship all the way through, has now become kind of the enemy of the environment, said Christine Todd Whitman, EPA administrator under President George W Bush and the former Republican governor of New Jersey. Thats a scary thing because it takes a long time to get back. On Thursday, the EPA also ended emissions standards for automobiles, which were justified by the endangerment finding. The transportation sector accounts for 28% of US emissions, making it the largest source. According to tracking by Columbia University researchers, the EPA has already taken more than 40 deregulatory actions since Trump came to power a second time, compared with almost 60 across the whole four years during his first term. Getting these really big ticket items done early on in administration is very problematic for whoever comes next, said Romany Webb, deputy director of Columbia Universitys Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. Actions taken later in a presidential administration can be more easily reversed. A new set of tactics EPA officials are deploying tactics that ensure their changes are more difficult to overturn, or can be rolled out faster. For example, the Trump administration has enlisted the help of other branches of government. In his prior term, the EPA revoked Californias authority to set stricter vehicle emissions standards, which the Biden administration reinstated. This time, the EPA asked Congress to intervene. When California tried to impose stricter vehicle emission standards anyway, the Trump administration took the issue to court and won a temporary injunction blocking the state efforts as the lawsuit proceeds. The agency has also found ways to quickly remake policy while sidestepping the formal rulemaking process. In 2020, it finalized a new rule to change how it measured costs and benefits from pollution-cutting rules. Biden reversed it. In January, the EPA took a different, faster approach by simply starting to zero out the monetary value of public health benefits from cutting two key air pollutants in its analyses actions that go way beyond the 2020 rule, said Bryan Hubbell, a senior fellow at the economics think tank Resources for the Future. In some cases, the policy changes themselves might be easy to reverse, but the emissions they cause will linger for decades in the atmosphere. For example, Trump bypassed the bureaucratic hassle of rolling back certain Biden-era rules by issuing presidential waivers granting polluters two-year exemptions. Its a sweeping use of executive power that ex-EPA officials say theyve never seen before. At the same time, the EPA is pushing back compliance deadlines for other Biden rules. For example, its given oil and gas companies more time to fix leaky equipment and coal plants more time to cut their waste. A similar proposal to push deadlines for curbing highly potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners is still under review. These delays result in prolonging pollution that was on its way out, said Elizabeth Southerland, a former top EPA water official who resigned under Trumps first term. US greenhouse gas emissions jumped in 2025, reversing two previous years of decline, according to an estimate by the research firm Rhodium Group. Thats due in part to increased coal production, which the Trump administration has facilitated. EPA alumni working at the Environmental Protection Network released a report in 2024 estimating various Biden-era air rules would avoid over 100 million asthma attacks through 2050, meaning fewer missed days of school and work. With Trump exempting companies from some of these standards, Southerland said, we will no longer have that enormous asthma benefit. Lost knowledge As the EPA has pulled back on regulations, it has also restricted publicly available environmental information. Last February, the EPA took down EJScreen, a free online mapping tool of environmental hazards, and removed a database of corporate risk-management plans put online by the Biden administration that lists the dangerous materials they store and what theyll do if theres an accident. The agency says the latter information is still available for in-person viewing and accessible through Freedom of Information Act requests. If people dont know where pollution is occurring, they cant effectively organize to protect themselves. Removing this information from public access puts communities at significant risk, said Gretchen Gehrke, who tracks federal website changes for the research collaborative Environmental Data and Governance Initiative. There are decades of examples of accidental releases of harmful substances that have killed workers and neighboring community members, she added. While the Trump administrations swift and strategic dismantling of the EPAs power has been troubling, current and former staffers say its the rapid loss of staff that will be felt the longest. Over the first Trump administration, the EPA lost roughly 1,200 employees. Its expecting to have lost more than 3,500 by September, EPA told Bloomberg News more than 20% of the overall workforce. Thats due to a mix of layoffs, firing of whistleblowers, resignations and thousands of people taking incentive programs to voluntarily retire or leave early. Many senior scientists, lawyers and other longtime employees have left, taking their institutional knowledge with them, said Justin Chen, president of the agency union American Federation of Government Employees Council 238. Its going to take years, if not decades, to rebuild, he added. Photo: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has proudly boasted about the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Trends Pollution Palo Alto Networks opted not to tie China to a global cyberespionage campaign the firm exposed last week over concerns that the cybersecurity company or its clients could face retaliation from Beijing, according to two people familiar with the matter. The sources said that Palo Altos findings that China was tied to the sprawling hacking spree were dialed back following last months news, first reported by Reuters, that Palo Alto was one of about 15 U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity companies whose software had been banned by Chinese authorities on national security grounds. A draft version of the report by Palo Altos Unit 42, the companys threat intelligence arm, said that the prolific hackers dubbed TGR-STA-1030 in a report published on Thursday of last week were connected to Beijing, the two people said. The finished report instead described the hacking group more vaguely as a state-aligned group that operates out of Asia. Attributing sophisticated hacks is notoriously difficult and debates over how best to assign blame for digital intrusions are common among cybersecurity researchers. But Palo Alto has attributed hacks to China in the past, including as recently as this past September, and the sources told Reuters that Unit 42s researchers were confident, based on a wealth of forensic clues, that the newly uncovered hacking campaign was tied to China too. The change, the sources said, was ordered by Palo Alto executives because they were concerned by the software ban and feared drawing retaliation from Chinese authorities, either against the companys personnel in China or its clients elsewhere. The sources did not identify which executives made the decision to soften the reports conclusions or provide the precise language that had been in the report ahead of the change. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Asked to comment on the allegedly softened language, Palo Alto issued a statement to Reuters that said in part: Attribution is irrelevant. Palo Altos vice president of global communications, Nicole Hockin, said in subsequent emails to Reuters that the statement was meant to communicate that the lack of attribution in Palo Altos report was not correlated with procurement regulations in China and that any suggestion otherwise was speculative and false. She said the choice of language in Palo Altos report reflected how to best inform and protect governments about this widespread campaign. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said it opposes all forms of cyberattacks. It added that attributing hacks was a complex technical issue and that it hoped relevant parties will adopt a professional and responsible attitude, basing their characterization of cyber incidents on sufficient evidence, rather than unfounded speculation and accusations. THE SHADOW CAMPAIGNS Palo Alto first detected the hacking group TGR-STA-1030 in early 2025, according to the report. In a wide-ranging effort that Palo Alto dubbed The Shadow Campaigns, the spies allegedly conducted reconnaissance against nearly every country in the world and successfully broke into government and critical infrastructure organizations in 37 countries. Although China was not mentioned by name, close readers of Palo Altos report might still come away with the impression that Beijing was involved. For example, the researchers noted that the hackers activity aligned with the GMT+8 time zone, which includes China, and that the hackers appeared to focus on Czechias government infrastructure following an August meeting between Czechias president and the Dalai Lama, Tibets spiritual leader whom Beijing has long regarded as a thorn in its side. The report also noted that the hackers targeted Thailand on November 5 ahead of a diplomatic visit. The details of the trip were not provided in the report, but the following week marked a reigning Thai kings first state visit to Beijing. Outside researchers who reviewed Palo Altos report said they had seen similar activity that they attributed to Chinese state-sponsored espionage operations. Our assessment is that this is part of a broader pattern of global campaigns linked to China that seek intelligence and persistent internal access to organizations of interest to Beijing, said Tom Hegel, a senior threat researcher with SentinelOne. Palo Alto says on its website that it has five offices in China, including locations in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The professional networking site LinkedIn lists more than 70 self-identified Palo Alto employees across China, including engineers and account managers. One academic said the incident illustrates the trade-offs cybersecurity companies especially ones with global footprints often face when they consider whether to call out state-sponsored cyberespionage campaigns. On the one hand, exposing foreign spies can draw industry plaudits and positive publicity. On the other hand, tangling with a foreign intelligence service can trigger reprisals. People have always taken risks by naming names, said Thomas Rid, a professor at Johns Hopkins University who has studied the history of cyber attribution. It was always unpleasant and if you have people on the ground, like large companies do, thats an additional consideration. Are you putting your own people your local staff at risk? Topics Cyber China The owners of Colony Ridge, a Houston-area developer accused of running a predatory lending scheme that deceived Latinos, agreed to a sweeping legal settlement that will require them to invest in law enforcement and infrastructure on their properties and tighten selling practices to address a range of accusations from Texas GOP leaders and conservative media. Chief among the allegations was that Colony Ridge developers sold land to undocumented people, giving rise to a crime-ridden complex of subdivisions about 30 miles outside Houston allegedly being run by Mexican drug cartels. The developers denied that their communities were unsafe, a contention backed by testimony from local officials when the Legislature held special hearings in 2023 in response to outrage and accounts from residents in the developments. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the developers soon after, accusing them of deceptive sales, marketing and lending practices in a suit that echoed claims lodged by the federal government in a separate case. Under the settlement released Tuesday, Colony Ridges owners agreed to clamp down on the documentation it requires from buyers. Would-be purchasers will now have to present a Texas ID or drivers license which undocumented immigrants cannot obtain in Texas or a passport or visa. The agreement did not specify that the passport has to be an American one. The agreement resolves the state and federal lawsuits, which alleged the owners of Colony Ridge lured would-be Spanish-speaking homebuyers into seller-financed mortgages with high interests that they could not afford. By federal authorities estimate, roughly one in four Colony Ridge loans resulted in foreclosure. The company would then flip those properties to new unsuspecting customers eager to become homeowners, court filings allege. The federal case, filed by the Biden administrations Justice Department in late 2023, also accused Colony Ridge of misrepresenting facts such as guarantees of water, electricity and sewer hook-ups and whether properties had previously flooded. The settlement seeks to address those accusations. Colony Ridge agreed to: Pause seeking approvals for any new residential plats for three years. Establish new criteria for approving loans and offer relief to customers facing foreclosure. Ensure that its advertising and marketing is truthful. Spend $48 million on infrastructure projects like roads and drainage systems. Offer discounts to peace officers in an effort to encourage them to live in the development. Earmark $20 million for law enforcement, including the construction of a new police station within the community and money specifically for immigration enforcement. Colony Ridges Chief Executive Officer John Harris said he was happy to reach an agreement and move on. The settlement allows us to continue investing in our neighborhoods and supporting the thousands of families who have trusted us to provide a place for them to call home, Harris said in a statement. Were glad that funds from this agreement will be directed back into the community to benefit residents. In a statement, Paxton said the settlement had resulted in Colony Ridges owners paying a steep cost for their unlawful actions. My office will continue to bring the full force of the law against anyone who threatens the safety of our state or creates a safe harbor for illegals, Paxton said. Harmeet K. Dhillon, who oversees the Justice Departments civil rights division, in a statement celebrated the settlement as a victory against discrimination and the promotion of illegal immigration. Intentionally targeting vulnerable borrowers with the American dream of homeownership and then trapping them in a predatory scheme is not only wrong, it also violates our civil rights laws, Dhillon said. This DOJ will go after all lenders, financiers, and land developers who participate in schemes which ultimately encourage illegal immigration. The agreement appeared to please both immigration hardliners and those who had advocated on behalf of residents for years, raising alarms about the development even before it became a conservative lightning rod. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick thanked Paxton in a social media post and claimed credit for being the first elected official to conduct an in-depth tour of Colony Ridge with law enforcement. What I saw was astounding. A community of what looked to be an illegal immigrant city, about 35 miles outside of Houston, Patrick said, adding, We cannot let these cities spring up across Texas. Michael Quinn Sullivan, publisher of the right-wing Texas Scorecard, which helped draw conservatives attention, said that the settlement functionally means Colony Ridge is no longer a safe haven for illegal aliens. He called it a huge win on a major issue for Paxton currently in a heated GOP primary for U.S. Senate and Dhillon. SuEllen Sanchez, who with her sister had filed complaints with state agencies about Colony Ridge years ago, struck an optimistic tone in a social media post. They wont be able to scam more immigrants, Sanchez said. My heart is with them right now. This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune. Topics Texas The nations largest public utility says it now would prefer to keep operating two coal-fired power plants it had planned to shutter, changing course before a meeting of its board, which has a majority of members picked by the coal-friendly Trump administration. In new filings, the Tennessee Valley Authoritys signaled that it wants to ditch closure dates for the Kingston Fossil Plant and Cumberland Fossil Plant in Tennessee, which would require further action from its board. The new plan would still include introducing natural gas-fired plants at both locations. TVA had intended to shutter its remaining, aging coal plants by 2035 in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that spur climate change. But the utility, which partners with local power companies to serve roughly 10 million people in seven states, said it is rethinking the coal plant closures because of regulatory changes and increasing demand for electricity. As power demand grows, TVA is looking at every option to bolster our generating fleet to continue providing affordable, reliable electricity to our 10 million customers, create jobs and help communities thrive, TVA spokesperson Scott Brooks said in a statement Tuesday. But several clean energy groups said extending the coal plants would raise serious questions about TVAs decision-making process, since the utility has said more natural gas plants were needed to retire polluting coal plants. Without even a public meeting, TVA is telling the people who live near these coal plants that they will breathe in toxic pollution from not one, but two major power plants for the foreseeable future, Gabi Lichtenstein, Tennessee Program Coordinator for Appalachian Voices, said in a news release. This decision is salt in the wound after ignoring widespread calls for cleaner, cheaper replacements for the Kingston and Cumberland coal plants. President Donald Trump fired enough TVA board members picked by his predecessor to leave the utility without a quorum. Without one, the board could only take actions needed for ongoing operations, not to jump into new areas of activity, start new programs or change the utilitys existing direction. Trump then signed executive orders aimed at helping the coal industry. Last May, TVAs president and CEO, Don Moul, told investors that the utility would reevaluate the lifespan of its coal plants, saying officials were evaluating Trumps executive orders. The U.S. Senate confirmed four Trump board nominees in December. With the quorum restored, TVAs board is scheduled to meet Wednesday in Kentucky. TVA had already faced advocates criticisms for planning to open more natural gas plants as the utility was winding down its fleet of coal plants, instead of more quickly moving away from fossil fuels and into solar and other renewables. TVAs goal for years has been an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 over 2005 levels, and net-zero emissions by 2050, with a heavy emphasis on nuclear power and hopes for next-generation reactors. Biden had gone further, calling for a carbon-pollution-free energy sector by 2035. Clean energy groups have noted that the rapid building of data centers that support artificial intelligence is partly to blame for growing power demand. In an investors call last week, TVA President and CEO Don Moul said data center demand grew to 18% of its industrial load in 2025, and by 2030, the utility expects it to double across the service region. Moul said the fairness of new data center pay rates is a priority for TVA. Under a 2024 final decision, TVA planned for a 1,500-megawatt natural gas facility with 4 megawatts of solar and 100 megawatts of battery storage at the Kingston Fossil Plant, a 2,470-megawatt coal plant finished in 1955, and the site of a massive 2008 coal ash spill. The coal plant was slated to close and the gas plant to come online by the end of 2027. The new proposal would keep the coal, gas and battery, but drop the solar. In a 2023 decision, TVA planned to mothball its two-unit Cumberland coal plant in two stages one, by the end of 2026, to be replaced this year by the 1,450-megawatt natural gas plant; and the second, shuttered by the end of 2028, with options open on its replacement. The 2,470-megawatt Cumberland coal plant, completed in 1973, is the largest generating asset in TVAs fleet of coal plants. Trump tussled with TVA during his first term, including when he opposed a coal plant closure. Ultimately, in 2019 the board still voted to close the Paradise Fossil Plant in Kentucky. Its last towers were demolished in 2024. In 2020, Trump fired the former TVA board chairman and another board member and drove TVA to reverse course on hiring foreign labor for information technology jobs. He also criticized the pay scale for the CEO at the time, which was $7.3 million for the 2020 budget year and topped $10.5 million for 2024. TVA stressed that it doesnt receive federal taxpayer money and instead is funded by electricity customers, and that the CEO pay fell in the bottom quartile of the power industry. Photo: The Kingston Fossil Plant smokestacks in Kingston, Tenn., in 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. More than two dozen privacy and advocacy organizations are calling on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to remove a network of covert license plate readers deployed across Southern California that the groups believe feed data into a controversial U.S. Border Patrol predictive domestic intelligence program that scans the countrys roadways for suspicious travel patterns. We ask that your administration investigate and release the relevant permits, revoke them, and initiate the removal of these devices, read the letter sent this week by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Imperial Valley Equity and Justice and other nonprofits. An Associated Press investigation published in November revealed that the U.S. Border Patrol, an agency under U.S. Customs and Border Protection, had hidden license plate readers in ordinary traffic safety equipment. The data collected by the Border Patrol plate readers was then fed into a predictive intelligence program monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious. AP obtained land use permits from Arizona showing that the Border Patrol went to great lengths to conceal its surveillance equipment in that state, camouflaging it by placing it inside orange and yellow construction barrels dotting highways. The letter said the groups researchers have identified a similar network of devices in California, finding about 40 license plate readers in San Diego and Imperial counties, both of which border Mexico. More than two dozen of the plate readers identified by the groups were hidden in construction barrels. They could not determine of the ownership of every device, but the groups said in the letter that they obtained some permits from the California Department of Transportation, showing both the Border Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration had applied for permission to place readers along state highways. DEA shares its license plate reader data with Border Patrol, documents show. The letter cited the APs reporting, which found that Border Patrol uses a network of cameras to scan and record vehicle license plate information. An algorithm flags vehicles deemed suspicious based on where they came from, where they were going and which route they took. Agents appeared to be looking for vehicles making short trips to the border region, claiming that such travel is indicative of potential drug or human smuggling. Federal agents in turn sometimes refer drivers they deem suspicious to local law enforcement who make a traffic stop citing a reason like speeding or lane change violations. Drivers often have no idea they have been caught up in a predictive intelligence program being run by a federal agency. The AP identified at least two cases in which California residents appeared to have been caught up in the Border Patrols surveillance of domestic travel patterns. In one 2024 incident described in court documents, a Border Patrol agent pulled over the driver of a Nissan Altima based in part on vehicle travel data showing that it took the driver six hours to travel the approximately 50 miles between the U.S.-Mexican border and Oceanside, California, where the agent had been on patrol. This type of delay in travel after crossing the International Border from Mexico is a common tactic used by persons involved in illicit smuggling, the agent wrote in a court document. In another case, Border Patrol agents said in a court document in 2023 they detained a woman at an internal checkpoint because she had traveled a circuitous route between Los Angeles and Phoenix. In both cases, law enforcement accused the drivers of smuggling immigrants in the country unlawfully and were seeking to seize their property or charge them with a crime. The intelligence program, which has existed under administrations of both parties, has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers since the AP revealed its existence last year. A spokesperson for the California Department of Transportation said state law prioritizes public safety and privacy. The office of Newsom, a Democrat, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Courts have generally upheld license plate reader collection on public roads but have curtailed warrantless government access to other kinds of persistent tracking data that might reveal sensitive details about peoples movements, such as GPS devices or cellphone location data. Some scholars and civil libertarians argues that large-scale collection systems like plate readers might be unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment. Increasingly, courts have recognized that the use of surveillance technologies can violate the Fourth Amendments protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Although this area of law is still developing, the use of LPRs and predictive algorithms to track and flag individuals movements represents the type of sweeping surveillance that should raise constitutional concerns, the organizations wrote. CBP did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but previously said the agency uses plate readers to help identify threats and disrupt criminal networks and their use of the technology is governed by a stringent, multi-layered policy framework, as well as federal law and constitutional protections, to ensure the technology is applied responsibly and for clearly defined security purposes. The DEA said in a statement that the agency does not publicly discuss its investigative tools and techniques. Burke reported from San Francisco. Tau reported from Washington. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California A fundraiser set up in support of Dawsons Creek actor James Van Der Beeks family has surpassed more than $2m (1.7m). The US actor died on Wednesday aged 48, after suffering from bowel cancer. Van Der Beek rose to fame playing Dawson Leery in the popular US teen drama Dawsons Creek, which ran for six seasons from 1998 until 2003. Celebrity friends of Van Der Beek, including director Steven Spielberg and actress Zoe Saldana, are among those who have donated to the fundraiser set up to assist his family. Spielberg and wife Kate Capshaw made a one-off donation of $25,000 dollars (21.1k), while Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M Chu pledged $10,000 (8.4k), as did talent manager Guy Oseary. Guardians Of The Galaxy star Saldana has pledged $2,500 (2,1k) a month. The GoFundMe campaign, written on behalf of Van Der Beeks wife Kimberly, says the actors family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain during his illness. James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday aged 48, after suffering from bowel cancer. Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) It says: In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of Jamess medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. Donations will go towards essential living expenses and the support of his childrens education. Van Der Beek starred opposite Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams as the central quartet of hyper-articulate teens constantly embroiled in complicated romantic entanglements. Holmes said her co-stars death is a lot to process as she recalled their adventures of a unique youth. The actress starred opposite Van Der Beek for the duration of the teen drama, in one of the central relationships that of Dawson and Joey. In a handwritten letter, which she posted on Instagram, Holmes said: Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is artcreating a beautiful marriage, six loving children the journey of a hero. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it. Dawsons Creek actors Busy Philipps and Kerr Smith, as well as the shows creator Kevin Williamson, were among those who paid their respects. James Van Der Beek rose to fame playing Dawson Leery in the popular US teen drama Dawsons Creek, which ran for six seasons from 1998 until 2003. Actress Heather McComb, who was married to Van Der Beek between 2003 and 2010, said she was heartbroken at the news of his death. I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply, she captioned an Instagram photo of the pair at her 21st birthday. What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades. I will treasure the last loving words we exchanged. James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him. Van Der Beek remarried to wife, Kimberly, in 2010. The pair share six children. His film credits include the 1999 cult classic Varsity Blues, Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back, The Big Bang and Labour Day. Van Der Beek was also known for playing a fictional version of himself in Dont Trust The B- In Apartment 23, as well as starring in CSI: Cyber as FBI agent Elijah Mundo and also as Matt Bromley in the first season of the FX drama Pose. A man is due before the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning in relation to an ongoing investigation into the activities of a criminal group. The man, who is in his 20s, is the third person to be arrested as part of the probe into more than 40 incidents, including theft, deception and unauthorised taking of vehicles in Carlow and Dublin. A man who is alleged to have been part of a right-wing group that targeted a mosque in Galway and who is charged with possession of explosives says he cannot get a fair trial due to the wording of the Explosives Act. Karolis Peckauskas, 38, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, has been granted leave from the High Court to challenge whether he can get a fair trial under the act, which he claims contravenes his fundamental human rights. Mr Peckauskas was arrested on November 4 last at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois, and then charged with possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide and knowingly having in his possession an explosive substance". Mr Peckauskas has not entered a plea in relation to the charge and intends to apply for bail for a third time. In November, Mr Peckauskas, who is a co-accused with another man, was refused bail at Portlaoise District Court and then again at the High Court in Cloverhill in December. Co-accused Garrett Pollock, 35, with an address at Kilhorne Greene, Annalong, Co Down, was also refused bail. At the bail hearing, Detective Garda Declan O'Connor alleged that a video recording had been made by four masked men indicating their intention to take violent action against specific targets. A document described as a "manifesto" for a right wing group also formed part of the evidence, the court heard. Mr Pollock faces a charge of possession of explosives at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, and of possessing explosives at an address at Kilhorne Green, Co Down. When refusing bail for both men, Judge Andrew Cody outlined the contents of the video which included four men wearing balaclavas with a tricolour behind them. He said the video was a "practice of a statement being released subsequent to a successful terrorist attack". Identifying themselves as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) in the video, the group states that they accept responsibility for actions that resulted in the destruction of the first mosque in Ireland, located in Galway, said Judge Cody. Papers lodged by Mr Peskaukas' legal team claim that the wording of Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant. It is submitted that the Act reads: "Any person who makes or knowingly has in his possession or under his control any explosive substance under such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he is not making it or does not have it in his possession for a lawful object shall, unless he can show that he made it or had it in his possession or under his control for a lawful object, be guilty of an offence." The Act's wording, lawyers for Mr Peckauskas submit, places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant because it places an obligation on him to prove he is not morally culpable, contrary to Article 38.1 of the Constitution and the right to a fair trial under the European Convention on Human rights. Leave for judicial review was granted to Niall Storan BL, led by Bernard Condon SC, instructed by Barry Fitzgerald Solicitors, for Mr Peckauskas, before Mr Justice Micheal O'Higgins on January 26, in an ex parte motion - where only one side is represented in the court. The matter which was before the court this week to allow time for opposition papers to be lodged appears before the High Court next month for mention. A 21-year-old man who confessed to making a threat to kill a young woman where he texted another person saying that she was going to be tied, chopped and murdered, was remanded in custody for sentencing on March 5. Ruairi Lally appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where evidence was given on the background to the crime and the defendants own background. The messages included such statements as: Im going to hurt her badly. Chop her open and stab her to death. Defence barrister Elaine Audley said Ruairi Lally had been diagnosed as having severe autism and he pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the young woman on September 27, 2025, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Previous offending Detective Sergeant Pat Lyons told the court the young woman had met the defendant through mutual friends and had gone to a concert with him in April 2023, but she became concerned about his behaviour on the night and told him that she didnt want to see him or have any contact with him. Mr Lally, of Wainsfort, Rochestown Road, Cork, continued to text her despite her insisting that she didnt want to hear from him, and in December 2023 she went to gardai to make a complaint about him harassing her which led to him being charged and convicted of harassing her. Lally was sentenced by Judge Sinead Behan on July 22, 2024, to two years in jail with one year suspended. One of the conditions of the suspension was that he be of good behaviour and have no contact directly or indirectly with the young woman upon his release from prison. However, he resumed texting the young woman upon his release from prison and on September 4, 2025, gardai obtained a civil restraining order at Cork District Court restraining him from having any contact with the woman until September 2028. Current case The restraining order had been obtained less than a week before Lally was released from a three-month prison term of the 12-month part of the sentence that had been suspended, and upon his release Lally engaged with the Probation Service. Det. Sgt Lyons told the court that Lallys Probation Officer became concerned when he sent her four text messages at 2pm on September 27, 2025, about the young woman, including ones where he said, Im going to hurt her badly and Chop her open and stab her to death. He later sent the Probation Officer a screen shot of a message that he had typed up but not sent to the young woman in which he said: Were going to hurt you seriously, tie you up and kick you to death, getting you chopped and murdered and enjoy every second of it. The Probation Officer immediately made contact with gardai and three days later on September 30, Lally presented at Togher Garda Station. He was arrested and he admitted sending the messages to the Probation Officer. The judge asked the detective if he thought Ruairi Lally would have carried out the threats against the young woman and the officer said he wasnt sure, but that the defendant told him that he wanted to go back to prison and would do anything to achieve that. He is obsessed with her, and she is terrified of him, Det. Sgt Lyons said. He said that Lally has two previous convictions one for the original harassment of the young woman and one for possession of a knife when he turned up at Cork District Court during one of the remand hearings on the harassment charge when gardai found him with the weapon. Defence mitigation Defence barrister, Elaine Audley BL, said her client had an ASD diagnosis, had pleaded guilty and in mitigation she pointed out that he had presented to gardai and made admissions while he also had some insight into his offending and was remorseful for it. The judge said she had concerns about what supports were available for the defendant upon his release from prison and noted that the young mans parents were unable to deal with him as he was currently presenting. If this man is released from prison without supports, he is going to be in difficulty, the public is going to be in difficulty, the judge said. Almost 40 asylum seekers were arrested on Thursday and some families were separated as they went to sign on to notify the State of their whereabouts at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Those detained have previously been turned down for asylum and were held as the Government cracks down on those who are here illegally. A total of 38 people were arrested in a "day of action" on Thursday, carried out by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Some 23 males and 15 females were arrested "in advance of planned national return operations," gardai confirmed.. "An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy," a garda statement said. Madeleine Breetzke, aged 25, said that her brother and father were arrested and taken away from the family when they went to the GNIB. She and her mother were permitted to leave with her younger brother, aged 13, because they didnt want to put him in an orphanage, she claimed. They just said that theyre going to be taken to a deportation centre and wait until they board the flight. We dont know where they are and where theyre taking them. The family had been living in a direct provision centre in Millstreet, Co Cork for almost five years. Madeleine said that she had worked in a nursing home and a factory in Mallow and in hospitality over that time. Her little brother Daniel, who is now in First Year and came to Ireland age eight, was described by his Cork school as a wonderful asset. A letter from the school said: "It is imperative for Daniels wellbeing and his academic progress that he be allowed to continue his education with us." However, the familys application for asylum was rejected and they were notified that they must leave Ireland. The family claim that, as white Afrikaners, they will be in danger if they return to South Africa where they said they have been repeatedly threatened with death and rape with men calling to their farm and pointing guns at the family. Cork-based immigration lawyer Susan Doyle said that people with serious medical issues were detained without their medication yesterday. Families were not told where their loved ones were being taken in what she described as a big operation. She is calling for an urgent review of deportations involving children and people with serious medical conditions. The system in the US is cruel, now Ireland is becoming cruel. There are ways to deport humanely, Ms Doyle said. The minister will say these people broke the law by staying here when their application for asylum was rejected, but theyre afraid for their lives and are just clinging onto the last bit of hope. And these people have been here for years, working and contributing to society. She said Ireland has committed itself to human rights and the protection of children. The principle of the best interests of the child is enshrined in both international conventions and Irish law. Deportation decisions that uproot children from their schools, friends, and communities raise serious questions about whether this principle is being fully upheld in practice", Ms Doyle added. The Department of Justice were contacted for comment. John Costello, former Fine Gael taoiseach, penned a memorandum after he became the first Irish head of government to visit the White House on St Patricks Day in 1956. It is impossible to visit America, certainly at the time of the Saint Patricks Day celebrations, and retain any sense that Ireland is a small unimportant island, he wrote. It is not. The pride in his statement belies the inferiority complex of an adolescent nation, merely 30 years old at that time, still finding its feet on the world stage. The reluctance to let go of the narrative of a small, unimportant island. We retain this immaturity when it comes to the diplomacy surrounding St Patricks Day 70 years later. Costello went to Washington to sell the idea of Ireland to the Americans after our wartime neutrality and refusal to join Nato. But we dont need to market Ireland in the same way anymore. We are an established nation now with less to prove. Rather than exporting our salespeople (ministers) across the globe, lets import the clients (other heads of government) to Ireland. This year, the Government will send 38 ministers and junior ministers to 50 countries around the world. Based on previous years, its likely to cost a few hundred thousand euro. Bear in mind many ministers have chosen to travel business class in the past. Talk about a jolly. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern with President Bill Clinton at the White House during the shamrock presentation for St Patrick's Day in 1998. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie When foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee announced this years programme of travel for St Patricks week, she defended the expense on the grounds it would showcase Ireland on the global stage. But the stage is here, in Ireland, not in the countries were sending our ministers to. St Patricks Day originates in Ireland, not on Fifth Avenue. Yet we continue to export the drama abroad. Lets bring it home. What Im proposing is simple. The Government would make a formal invitation to a different head of state each year, and we would host them in Ireland as a guest of the nation on St Patricks Day. Being our special guest during our national week of celebration would be considered a particular honour, with all the associated pomp and ceremony, drawing potentially large media interest from abroad. When former minister Eamon Ryan visited Brasilia on St Patricks Day in 2024, it barely registered among the Brazilian media. But if Inacio Lula da Silva, the current president of Brazil, and one of the worlds largest economies, was our guest of honour on March 17, it would be significant news in such a vitally important nation. Is it not better to have a big fish in our small pond rather than sending lots of little fish into a gigantic ocean? We have fallen into this current tradition of sending government ministers abroad, not by design but through a series of events in the mid and late parts of the last century. John Hearne, the former Irish ambassador in Washington DC, started it all when he popped over to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on March 17 1952 with a bowl of shamrock for President Dwight D Eisenhower. It was an inauspicious beginning. Eisenhower wasnt at home. It wasnt until the Reagan years that the tradition became much more formalised, with the addition of the Speakers Luncheon and the trade delegations tagging along. The festivities have always been fluid and they should continue to evolve. Nothing is set in stone with these ministerial visits on St Patricks Day. In fact, the government waits with bated breath for a formal invitation each year from the White House before all systems are a go. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and US president Joe Biden during the shamrock ceremony at the White House in 2024. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire In 2020, former Clare TD Joe Carey suggested the US president should be invited to Ireland on St Patricks Day in 2022 to mark the centenary of the State. One of the reasons Carey proposed this was because he felt it would boost tourism. This gets to the heart of the matter. An American president in Ireland on March 17 would receive much greater media attention in the US than the scraps we receive when the Taoiseach jets into DC. The Government always talks about how good the exposure is for Ireland with its foreign trips on St Patricks Day. But again, the trouble is that we are not actually showing off Ireland to the world at all. Were just talking about it. Having Niall Horan, lovely lad as he seems, perform at the White House (March 17 2023) just doesnt cut it. We need NBC and CBS news cameras on Irish soil, sending images back to American homes. There is a lot to be said for the benefits of the networking opportunities for business and trade during the St Patricks festivities in the US and beyond. The annual Ireland Funds dinner also contributes enormously to charities back home. However, we cant allow St Patricks Day to mutate into an annual shakedown, where the purpose of the thousands of airmiles flown by our ministers can be whittled down to investment figures and numbers on a graph. Instead, lets fulfil our promise of being the Land of a Thousand Welcomes and bring the hospitality home. In my almost forty years of advising the leaders of US multinationals, the "Irish Proposition" has undergone a fundamental shift from a transactional relationship to one of mutual dependency. As we move through 2026, the global business climate is incredibly unsettled. Yet, for the nearly 1,000 US firms located here, supporting over 245,000 direct jobs and nearly as many again indirectly, the Irish proposition has never been more vital. It isnt just about our geographical location; its our common-law legal system, a world-class talent pool, and a pro-business consensus that remains unshaken by the political quakes happening around us. However, while we navigate those factors that we cannot control, such as global geopolitics or the speed of AI, we must meet our own domestic responsibilities. The uncomfortable reality is that our physical infrastructure has not kept pace with our economic ambition. For successive governments, the investment in our roads, rail, water and, perhaps most critically, our power grid has lagged behind the needs of a modern economy. We are currently relying on a 20th-century utility framework to support a 21st-century AI and data-driven superstructure. Work underway at Shannonpark, Carrigaline, Cork. The completion of the M28 motorway is a strategic necessity for the global pharmaceutical cluster in Ringaskiddy. In an increasingly volatile world, US multinationals look to Ireland for capacity. In Cork, the completion of the M28 motorway is a strategic necessity for the global pharmaceutical cluster in Ringaskiddy. Similarly, the redevelopment of the Cork Docklands, which represents the most significant urban regeneration project in the State, is essential for providing the housing and urban infrastructure required to attract the next generation of talent. Our ability to remain economically successful depends on how we manage the factors within our own control. We have the capital; what we now need is the institutional urgency to use that capital to fund the critical infrastructure that will sustain our growth. The Government published its Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan in December 2025. This is a critically important timebound roadmap designed to tackle the delays and bottlenecks that have plagued critical infrastructure projects for years. The Action Plan must be implemented. With the global 15% minimum tax rate now the status quo, the conversation regarding Ireland has matured. We have traded our "low-cost" status for predictability, which is far more valuable. In a world where fiscal rules can change with an election cycle, Irelands position as the only English-speaking, common-law gateway to the European Single Market, is a significant geopolitical asset. As firms navigate the EUs sustainability reporting or the newly implemented EU AI Act, Ireland is a jurisdiction that provides a clear, reliable path to compliance. The Irish workforce possesses the unique ability to bridge the gap between American technical ambition and European ethical standards. Our focus must remain on the skills of tomorrow by ensuring that the next generation of Irish graduates is as fluent in AI governance as in software engineering. The relationship between US multinationals and Ireland has evolved from a transactional one into a mutual dependency. The 245,000 people directly employed by these firms are a testament to a partnership that has transformed Irish society. The IDA is feted around the world as countries endeavour to imitate its approach and its success. It is important to remember that our success was never accidental. It was built by design, maintained through dialogue, and protected by a shared vision. The forecast for 2026 and beyond remains bright, but it demands active stewardship. Ann-Marie OSullivan is the founder and CEO of AM OSullivan PR. amosullivanpr.ie While contact lenses may appear unchanged, they have evolved into highly sophisticated medical devices. At its Waterford facility, Bausch + Lomb is developing the global platforms that will define the next generation of vision care innovation. At first glance, contact lenses can appear to be a mature technology. Their size and shape have remained largely unchanged for decades, constrained by the anatomy of the eye and the fundamentals of optics. It would be easy to assume that innovation in this space has slowed. The reality could not be more different. Beneath the surface, contact lenses have quietly evolved into some of the most sophisticated medical devices manufactured at scale today driven by advances in materials science, precision engineering, automation and data-led development. Much of that evolution is happening not in Silicon Valley or Boston, but in the South-East of Ireland. In Waterford, Bausch + Lomb operates one of the largest and most technologically advanced contact lens manufacturing and R&D campuses in the world. What makes the site distinctive is not simply its scale, but the fact that global product platforms are conceived, developed, industrialised and manufactured under one roof. From early-stage research through global distribution, Waterford plays a central role in shaping the products worn by millions of people every day. This end-to-end capability is not just a point of pride; it is what anchors long-term investment, high-value roles and future growth in Waterford. Bausch + Lomb, Waterford plays a central role in shaping the products worn by millions of people every day. From the outside, a contact lens looks simple, according to Kevin Fahy, Director of Research & Development at the Waterford facility. But behind that simplicity is an extraordinary level of materials science, precision engineering and process control. Many of the platforms that will define the next decade of our contact lens portfolio are being developed here in Waterford, with the explicit intent of being manufactured sustainably and at scale. The hidden complexity of a simple lens A modern contact lens is a finely balanced system. Optical performance must be delivered with micron-level precision, while maintaining comfort, stability, oxygen delivery and biocompatibility on a delicate biological surface. The materials are soft, fluid-sensitive and responsive to their environment, making them some of the most challenging optical products to design, measure and manufacture consistently. Over the past two decades, progress has come through incremental but meaningful advances improved polymers, tighter process control, smarter automation and advanced metrology. These changes rarely make headlines, but they are what enable reliable vision correction at global scale. That depth of capability matters. It is why Waterford has grown into a true innovation hub, and also why new product development has become the lifeblood of the sites long-term success. Innovation as the engine of regional growth For Bausch + Lomb, innovation is not an abstract concept it is a practical necessity. In vision care, sustained growth depends on a steady rhythm of new product introductions that address real unmet needs for patients and eye care professionals. Waterford-based R&D platforms have underpinned much of the sites growth over the past decade, developed as part of Bausch + Lombs global R&D network and building on decades of expertise across the organisation, including long-established teams in Rochester, New York. Products such as Biotrue ONEday and Infuse did not emerge by accident; they were the result of long-term investment in materials expertise, optical design and manufacturing capability. What makes Waterford different is that innovation here is not something that happens in isolation from manufacturing, says Mark Hennessy, vice president of Operations at Bausch + Lomb Waterford. Our role is to take highly complex ideas coming out of R&D and turn them into reliable, high-quality products at global scale. Crucially, these products are not theoretical. They are designed from the outset to be manufacturable at scale on existing production lines in Waterford. That discipline innovating within real-world manufacturing constraints allows breakthrough products to reach the market faster, with lower environmental impact and stronger long-term sustainability. Redefining what a contact lens can do After more than 25 years without a fundamental breakthrough in lens materials, the industry is now entering a new phase. One example is the development of bioactive contact lens materials that are designed not just to correct vision, but to actively interact with the biology of the eye. By integrating bioengineered molecules directly into the structure of the lens material, it becomes possible to deliver sustained hydration, improved tear-film stability and enhanced comfort throughout the day addressing issues experienced by a large proportion of lens wearers. Achieving this without compromising oxygen delivery, optical performance, or manufacturability is a significant scientific and engineering challenge, and one that has been tackled through close collaboration between R&D and manufacturing teams in Waterford. Many of the platforms that will define the next decade of Bausch + Lomb's contact lens portfolio are being developed in Waterford, with the explicit intent of being manufactured sustainably and at scale. Alongside this, Waterford-based platforms are supporting the development of next-generation daily disposable lenses, and myopia management lenses designed specifically for children. Each targets a distinct and growing need affordability and access, long-term comfort and early intervention for one of the fastest-growing eye-health challenges globally. Sustainable manufacturing, built in Innovation today must also be responsible. The Waterford site has embedded sustainability into both product design and manufacturing operations. From energy generation and waste reduction to material efficiency and automation, the goal is to deliver high-quality medical devices with the lowest possible environmental footprint. This approach reflects a broader truth about regional investment. When advanced manufacturing, R&D and sustainability are developed together, they reinforce each other. Skills deepen, supply chains strengthen and regions become more resilient and attractive for long-term investment. A regional story with global impact Waterford is Irelands oldest city, but its role in global eye health is thoroughly modern. The evolution of the site mirrors a wider opportunity for regional Ireland: to compete internationally not on cost, but on capability, expertise and innovation. As global demand for better vision care continues to grow, so too does the importance of locations that can combine deep technical knowledge with scalable manufacturing. The platforms being developed in Waterford today will shape products launched years from now, worn by patients across the world. For the teams in Waterford, this work is not about following trends, but about setting them with the responsibility that comes from shaping products relied on by millions worldwide. That is the real story behind contact lenses that look the same. Quietly, and with precision, the South-East of Ireland is helping to define the next chapter of global eye-health innovation. www.bausch.com When global technology leaders place long-term bets, they look for locations that combine talent, innovation, and a collaborative ecosystem. Quest Softwares decision to invest in creating its Centre for Advanced AI Architecture in Cork firmly reinforces Irelands reputation as a European hub for cutting-edge AI research, talent development, and digital transformation. The expansion, announced in December 2025, marks a major milestone in Quests global AI strategy. The new Cork Centre supported by IDA Ireland advances the companys vision to deliver trusted, scalable AI innovation across data management, cybersecurity, and platform modernization. Quests investment is part of a wider $350 million capital infusion the company received designed to accelerate engineering, research, and next-generation AI solutions. A strategic vote of confidence in Cork The investment brings new high-value jobs to Cork and places the region at the center of one of the worlds fastest-growing technology disciplines. Quest expects to create up to 100 new roles, expanding teams in AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and advanced software development. IDA and Quest Software staff with Michael Laudon, chief product and technology officer, Quest; Donal Travers, executive director, IDA; Tim Page, CEO, Quest; Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection; Heath Thompson, chief strategy officer, Quest; and Marie Wycherley, senior director and site lead, Quest, at the formal opening of Quest Software's new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture at its City Gate Campus in Cork . Pic: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Additionally, Quest Softwares office in Cork plays a vital role for the company with more than 150 employees supporting a wide range of functions, including inside sales, customer success, sales support, sales enablement and accounting, and many others, to support the full customer journey. European Commissioner Michael McGrath, who attended the opening, described the development as a significant investment in skills, talent, and jobs, closely aligned with Europes AI Continent Action Plan to deepen expertise across the workforce. The Commissioners support was one of many around Quests expansion and hiring. IDA Ireland said the software companys decision places it at the forefront of Enterprise AI transformation while the Cork Chamber called the investment a strong vote of confidence in the regions ability to support highvalue technology investment. Additionally, Quests investment will contribute meaningfully to local economic growth and talent development both in Cork, and across Ireland. Building the foundations of trusted AI AI adoption is accelerating across every sector, placing increasing importance on technologies rooted in strong data governance, secure infrastructure, and modern scalable platforms. Quests expanded centre is designed to make Ireland a central engine for these capabilities. Quest Softwares Centre for Advanced AI Architecture will focus on applied research and development from AIready data technologies, to cybersecurity solutions capable of defending organizations in an era of increasing digital threats. The work Quest will be leading in Cork will help deliver first-ofakind innovations built to empower global customer success. Quest CEO Tim Page emphasised that investment in Cork strengthens the companys ability to deliver trustworthy AI: By investing in technology and talent, and partnering with local universities and research institutions, we can help develop the next generation of AI and cybersecurity professionals. A company deeply rooted in the community The relationship between global technology firms and Irelands education system has long been a major contributor to the countrys innovation-driven economy. Quest Software plans to deepen this connection through new university partnerships, enhancing AI and cybersecurity curricula and expanding training opportunities for students and early career technologists. Beyond its technical and economic impact, Quest Software is known for its meaningful engagement in Irish community life. The company actively supports a range of local charities and nonprofitsincluding Breakthrough Cancer Research, Field of Dreams, Good Shepherd Charity, The Rainbow Club, Autism Assistance Dogs, Barnardos, and Cork Cancer Care. Weve been here for nearly two decades, and this investment signals that we plan to be here much, much longer, said Marie Wycherley, Quest Softwares senior director and site leader in Cork. We feel that our employees, and therefore our company, have been a fabric of this community for some time, and were excited to continue our good neighbourship, expand the relationships we have in the community, and build new ones. Were proud of the work weve done here in Cork, and even more excited about what the future holds. Quests community commitment reinforces the companys longstanding belief that global organizations thrive best when they invest not only in technology, but also in people and place. At the opening of Quest Software's new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture at its City Gate Campus in Cork: Donal Travers, executive director, IDA; Marie Wycherley, senior director and site lead, Quest; Heath Thompson, chief strategy officer, Quest; Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, and Tim Page, CEO of Quest. Pic: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Irelands future in the global AI landscape The expansion of Quests Centre for Advanced AI Architecture is a strategic contribution to Irelands growing influence in the global AI landscape. With strong academic partnerships, worldclass engineering talent, and support at both regional and European levels, Cork is now positioned as a key hub for trusted, enterprise grade AI innovation. For Quest Software, the decision reflects confidence in Irelands ability to support the next era of technological advancement. For Ireland, it represents another step toward becoming a powerhouse for AI research, digital development, and high-value tech careers. As technology accelerates and the global demand for AI innovation intensifies, Quests expanded footprint in Cork stands as a testament to what can be achieved when industry, education, and community grow together. www.quest.com The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed victory in the countrys first election since the 2024 uprising, positioning itself to form the next government and potentially reshaping Bangladeshs political landscape after years of intense rivalry and disputed polls. The partys media unit said on X it had secured enough seats in Parliament to govern on its own, though rival group Jamaat-e-Islami raised concerns over delayed results. The final tally has not yet been announced by the Election Commission, but several local media outlets reported the BNP crossing the 151-seat threshold needed for a majority in the 350-member parliament, which includes 50 reserved seats for women that are proportionately distributed among the winning parties. The Election Commission said voter turnout in Thursdays election stood at 59.44%. More than 127 million voters were eligible, with almost half of them women and five million first-timers. Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen (@USAmbBangladesh) February 13, 2026 The BNP is headed by the 60-year-old Tarique Rahman, its prime ministerial candidate who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-exile in London. He is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died in December. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary-general of the BNP, extended congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on the partys electoral victory in a statement. Separately, Saleh Shibly, press secretary to Mr Rahman, said the BNP leader called on his supporters to hold special prayers alongside the weekly Friday service and not to hold any celebratory rallies and processions. The US embassy in Dhaka congratulated Mr Rahman and his party on the win, calling it a historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to achieve shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries, US ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen wrote on X. Leaders from India and Pakistan also lauded the BNP leader. The poll result has yet to be 100% confirmed (AP) Indian prime minister Narendra Modi noted the win reflects the confidence of the Bangladeshi people in your leadership. He added that he looks forward to collaborating with him to deepen bilateral ties. Pakistans president Asif Ali Zardari said his country remains committed to a strong democratic partnership and advancing shared progress. Historically, Bangladesh has enjoyed mixed relationships with the two regional powers, India and Pakistan. India helped Bangladesh gain independence from its rival Pakistan through a bloody war in 1971. India had a warm relation with Bangladesh under previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted following the 2024 protests and sent to exile in India. Pakistan remained sidelined under Hasina, but that has been reversed under the interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. The US acting alone has reached the limits of its power and may already have lost its role as global leader, the German chancellor has warned at the opening of the Munich security conference. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, warned Donald Trump that the US should be wary of going solo. Merz also disclosed he had held initial talks with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, over the possibility of joining Frances nuclear umbrella, underlining his call for Europe to develop a stronger self-standing security strategy. In a speech on Friday designed to set a firm yet conciliatory tone about the future of the transatlantic partnership, Merz argued the old order had ended and in this new age of superpowers even the US was reaching the limits of going it alone. Referring to those that warned the international rules-based order was about to be destroyed, Merz said: I fear we must put it even more bluntly. This order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form. Switching to English to ram home his message, Merz said: In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone. Dear friends, being a part of Nato is not only Europes competitive advantage. It is also the United States competitive advantage. So lets repair and revive transatlantic trust together, he added. The German chancellors speech opened the annual gathering of top global security figures including many European leaders and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio. Merz drew most applause from an audience brimming with hostility toward US unilateralism when he directly criticised the current American administration, saying: "The culture war of the Maga movement is not ours. Freedom of speech ends here with us when that speech is directed against human dignity and the basic law. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade. We stand by climate agreements and the World Health Organization. "In the age of great powers, our freedom is no longer a given. It is threatened, he said, adding that firmness and will power will be needed to assert this freedom. Challenging Trumps unilateral style, Merz added: Autocracies may have followers, democracies have partners and allies. He also urged the US president to recognise it was still possible to exhaust Russia economically and militarily, to the point where it was willing to come to the negotiating table over Ukraine. Guardian Peter Mandelson has been asked to testify to the US Congress over his relationship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. A letter from two Democrat members of the House of Representatives called on the former British ambassador to Washington DC to answer questions from the House Oversight Committee as part of their probe into Epstein. Japan needs great wisdom, not small tricks 09:50, February 13, 2026 By Lian Degui ( People's Daily Online Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan has witnessed two major strategic currents of thought: Pan-Asianism and "leaving Asia and entering Europe." Pan-Asianism ultimately degenerated into the expansionist ideology of the so-called "Greater East Asia," while the idea of "leaving Asia and entering Europe" evolved after World War II into a strategy better described as "leaving Asia and aligning with America." Under the long-term influence of this U.S.-centric orientation, tendencies of antagonism toward China, estrangement from South Korea, and hostility toward the DPRK have taken root in parts of Japan's political discourse. Today, amid changes unseen in a century and in the face of China's rise, Japan once again confronts a major strategic choice. Since modern times, under the influence of American will, Japan has been unable to view China's rise objectively, and has tried to use its alliance with the U.S. to contain it. However, the alliance that Japan relies on is actually an iceberg. The United States has always exploited its allies, and the U.S.-Japan alliance is nothing but a "bullying alliance." The alliance is primarily manifested in military cooperation: Japan provides bases, while the United States pledges security guarantees. However, Washington frequently accuses Tokyo of "free-riding" on security and presses Japan to increase defense spending and purchase more U.S. weapons systems. Such demands, framed as burden-sharing, effectively translate into sustained economic pressure. In the economic sphere, bilateral ties in 2025 witnessed what many in Japan described as an unprecedentedly coercive round of trade negotiations. The United States, disregarding the post-war free trade order it once championed, exerted heavy pressure on Japan to curb exports to the U.S., pushed for yen appreciation, and imposed steep tariffs on Japanese imports. In particular, high automobile tariffs dealt the most severe blow, shaking one of the pillars of Japan's economic foundation. Not long ago, under the shadow of tariff pressure, Japan was pushed into concluding an investment framework reportedly worth $550 billion. Though presented as a "model of alliance cooperation," the arrangement in reality channels Japanese corporate capital and capacity toward advancing U.S. ambitions in areas such as artificial intelligence and energy dominance. Far from being as beneficial as advertised, the deal is less a "new benchmark" for the U.S.-Japan alliance than a telling illustration of its coercive and asymmetrical nature. The United States has proven itself an unreliable ally. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a spontaneous address lasting more than an hour at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in which he openly expressed his opinions on certain western political leaders. This has further heightened concerns among allies regarding the long-term direction and consistency of U.S. policy. As the UK-based publication The Guardian has warned, this is not merely a diplomatic dispute, but an ideological spillover with far-reaching implications. Japan must face the facts rather than cling to self-deception. China's importance to Japan is self-evident. In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Japan reached $308.3 billion. In the first ten months of 2025, approximately 8.2 million visitors from the Chinese mainland traveled to Japan, accounting for roughly one quarter of foreign tourist spending and contributing substantially to the country's employment and economic growth. In sectors such as semiconductor materials, rare earth elements, and pharmaceutical inputs, Japan remains heavily dependent on China's supply chains. Attempting to "play clever," Japan finds itself in a contradictory position: on one hand, it is compelled to accept U.S. pressure while maintaining the U.S.-Japan alliance to contain China; on the other hand, it remains economically dependent on the Chinese market. China will never accept such a "two-faced" approach. In a world undergoing transformations unseen in a century, what is required is broad strategic wisdom, not short-term cunning. Japan's economy cannot be disentangled from China, and the two nations are close neighbors. Only by establishing a relationship of strategic mutual benefit and safeguarding stability and peace in East Asia can Japan secure a sustainable future. Yet the Takaichi administration continues to pursue policies that turn neighbor against neighbor: expanding military capabilities, revising national security strategies, openly threatening to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait, and invoking the San Francisco Peace Treaty to propagate claims that Taiwan's status remains undeterminedall of which seriously undermine the political foundations of China-Japan relations. The thinking of Japan's right-wing forces remains anchored in the Cold War era and is increasingly out of step with today's world. Their sense of national identity lingers in the era of "leaving Asia and entering Europe." They show little recognition of Asia, nor of China's development, and continue to interpret China solely from a Western perspective. Their policy toward China is limited to hostility and containment. Even as Japan's relative strength has declined, they maintain a condescending posture, critiquing China while using perceived threats as justification to reorganize military forces and pursue a China-directed foreign policy. Should Japan, under the influence of right-wing "economic security" rhetoric, attempt to decouple from China, the resulting economic shock could surpass the impact of the 1973 oil crisis. Today, Japan again stands at a historic crossroads. Will it follow the tide, return to Asia, and treat China as an equal partner in pursuit of peaceful coexistence? Or will it continue to invoke the so-called "China threat," maintain an arrogant attitude toward its neighbor, repeat historical mistakes, and be led astray by the currents of the times? Will Japan choose the path of light or the path of darkness? Japan has indeed arrived at a critical juncture in its history. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Hongyu) 02/13/2026 Jacksonville State University is celebrating one of its own this week as Trey'Vionne (Trey) Marshall, a junior majoring in Collaborative Special Education, has been honored with a prestigious award recognizing his outstanding contributions to the first-year student experience. Trey, a Brantley, Alabama native, has quickly become one of Jax States most impactful student leadersshaping the transition experience for new students and championing a culture of support, service, and belonging across campus. His dedication and leadership earned him this years Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship Award, a distinction given to a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to improving the first-year experience. Trey is one of five students across the nation who will be recognized at the annual First Year Experience Conference in Seattle, Washington, this week from February 14-18. As part of the fellowship, Trey received a scholarship to attend the First Year Experience Conference where he will be able to network and learn from professionals that support the first-year experience in higher education. From his very first semester at JAX STATE, Trey immersed himself in leadership roles designed to help students thrive. As a member of Freshman Forum, he stood out immediately, earning the titles of Mr. Freshman and Elite One of the Year, the organizations highest honor. He played a key role in coordinating the Forums annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness 5K, strengthening outreach efforts for mental health awareness on campus. Trey continued to expand his impact during his sophomore year as a Jax State Ambassador and as a member of the Lambda Sigma Honor Society, where he participated in numerous service initiativesincluding the chapters award-winning community project to build beds for local children in need. The project raised over $6,000 and built more than 60 beds, earning recognition as the Best Annual Event by the JAX STATE Student Government Association. As an upper division student, Treys influence has only grown. He currently serves as a Gamecock Orientation Coordinator, Jax State Ambassador, and Vice President of the First Gen Society, roles that allow him to support new students, first-generation students, and prospective Gamecocks. His past experiences as a Gamecock Guide, Admissions Student Worker, and GO! Leader helped him discover a passion for higher education and student developmentfields he plans to pursue professionally. Trey represents the best of what Jax State strives to cultivate in its student leaders, said Keaton Glass, Director of First- and Second-Year Experience. His compassion, resilience, and commitment to supporting his peers make him an extraordinary role model. Trey has a remarkable ability to help first-year students feel seen, supported, and confident as they begin their college journey. Balancing work, leadership responsibilities, and a rigorous academic schedule, Trey is known for his determination and resiliency. Entirely self-supported, he continues to excel academically while remaining deeply engaged in campus life. After graduating, Trey plans to pursue a masters degree in Higher Education or a related field with hopes of eventually serving in a professional role supporting student success and transition programs. Im passionate about helping new students find their place at Jax State because I know how important those first connections can be, Trey shared. Ive had incredible mentors here, and I want to be that person for someone else. With his new award recognition, Trey is poised to continue shaping the first-year experience at Jax Stateand inspiring the next generation of Gamecocks along the way. To read more about the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship you visit the national resource centers website. Upon conclusion of the conference Trey will be featured on the website along with all the former award winners. Former Jax State student, Olivia Fields, won this award in 2024 and now serves as the Peer Mentoring Coordinator for First and Second Year Experience, showcasing the quality and expertise of Jax State students on a national level. To read more about Trey and the announcement of him earning the award, read this jsu.edu feature from Fall 2025. To learn more about the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship, visit the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition website. ( Middle East Monitor ) While many nations occasionally resort to a state of exception to deal with temporary crises, Israel exists in a permanent state of exception. This Israeli exceptionalism is the very essence of the instability that plagues the Middle East. The concept of the state of exception dates back to the Roman justitium, a legal mechanism for suspending law during times of civil unrest. However, the modern understanding was shaped by the German jurist Carl Schmitt, who famously wrote that the sovereign is he who decides on the exception. While Schmitts own history as a jurist for the Third Reich serves as a chilling reminder of where such theories can lead, his work provides an undeniably accurate anatomy of raw power: it reveals how a ruler who institutes laws also holds the power to dismiss them, under the pretext that no constitution can foresee every possible crisis. It is often argued that Israel, a self-described democracy, still lacks a formal constitution because such a document would force it to define its bordersa problematic prospect for a settler-colonial regime with an insatiable appetite for expansion. But there is another explanation: by operating on Basic Laws rather than a constitution, Israel avoids a comprehensive legal system that would align it with the globally accepted foundations of international law. Without a constitution, Israel exists in a legal vacuum where the exception is the rule. In this space, racial laws, territorial expansion, and even genocide are permitted so long as they fit the states immediate agenda. Isolating specific examples to illustrate this point is a daunting task, primarily because nearly every relevant pronouncement from Israeli officialsparticularly during the genocide in Gazais a textbook study in Israeli exceptionalism. Consider Israels relentless assault on UNRWA, the UN-mandated body responsible for the survival of millions of Palestinian refugees. For decades, Israel has sought the dismantling of UNRWA for one reason: it is the only global institution that prevents the total erasure of Palestinian refugee rights. These rights are not mere grievances; they are firmly anchored in international law, most notably via UN Resolution 194. While UNRWA is not a political organization in a functional sense, its very existence is profoundly political. First, it stands as the institutional legacy of a specific political history; second, and more crucially, its presence ensures the Palestinian refugee remains a recognized political entity. By existing, UNRWA preserves the status of the refugee as a subject with the legal right to demand a return to historic Palestinea demand that the state of exception seeks to permanently silence. In October 2024, Israel unilaterally legislated the closure of UNRWA, once more asserting its exception over the entire framework of the United Nations. It is time the international community () realizes that UNRWAs mission must end, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already declared on January 31, 2024, signaling the coming erasure. This rhetoric reached its physical conclusion on January 20, when the UNRWA headquarters in occupied Jerusalem were demolished by the Israeli military in the presence of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A historic day! Ben-Gvir announced on that same date. Today these supporters of terror are being driven out. This horrific act was met with bashful responses, mute concerns, or total silence by the very powers tasked with preventing states from positioning themselves above the law. By allowing this Israeli exception to stand unchallenged, the international community has effectively sanctioned the demolition of its own legal foundations. In the past, Israeli leaders masked their true intentions with the language of a light unto the nations, projecting a beacon of morality while practicing violence, ethnic cleansing, and military occupation on the ground. The genocide in Gaza, however, has stripped away these pretenses. For the first time, Israeli rhetoric fully reflects a state of exception where the law is not just ignored, but structurally suspended. No one in the world will let us starve two million citizens, even though it may be justified and moral until they return the hostages to us, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich admitted on August 5, 2024. This justified and moral stance reveals a localized morality that permits the extermination of a population as an ethically defensible act. Yet Smotrich also lied; the world has done nothing practical to dissuade Israel from its savage pulverization of Gaza. The global community remained idle even when Smotrich declared on May 6, 2025, that Gaza would be entirely destroyed and the population concentrated in a narrow strip. Today, that vision is a reality: a genocide-fatigued population is confined to roughly 45% of the territory, while the remainder stays empty under Israeli military control. Netanyahu himself, who has stretched the state of exception beyond any predecessor, defined this new reality during a cabinet meeting on October 26, 2025: Israel is a sovereign state Our security policy is in our own hands. Israel does not seek anyones approval for that. Here, Netanyahu defines sovereignty as the raw power to actgenocide includedwithout regard for international law or human rights. Fil photo of Gaza by Mohammed Ibrahim on Unsplash If all states adopted this, the world would fall into a lawless frenzy. In his seminal State of Exception, Giorgio Agamben diagnosed this voida space where law is suspended but force of law remains as pure violence. While his recent stances have divided the academic community, his critique of the exception as a permanent tool of governance remains an indispensable lens for understanding the erasure of Palestinian life. Israel has already created that void. In the hands of a genocidal settler-colonial society, the state of exception is a relentless nightmare that will not stop at the borders of Palestine. If this exception is allowed to become the permanent regional rule, no nation in the Middle East will be spared. Time is of the essence. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Via Middle East Monitor More than a week after he walked away from Human Rights Watch over its blocking of a report on Palestinians' right of return, the organisation's former country director says he is still fuming over the lack of a transparent explanation. The "right of return" remains one of the thorniest issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinian refugees demanding to return to lands they fled or were driven from during the creation of Israel in 1948. Omar Shakir, the former HRW Israel and Palestine director, announced he was quitting his post in early February after a decision by the executive director to pull a report on the issue just ahead of its scheduled release for early December. "The report finds that Israeli authorities' longstanding policy denying Palestinian refugees the right of return, a fundamental right well-established in law, has caused serious harm and amounts to a crime against humanity," Shakir told AFP in Amman. Crimes against humanity can occur in peacetime and include torture, rape and discrimination, be it racial, ethnic, cultural, religious or gender-based, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court says. They involve "a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population", it says. "To this date, Human Rights Watch has not provided, in writing, any reason to justify this particular decision to pull the report," Shakir said, adding that the organisation had instead "cited the concerns of senior staff" at the time. Shakir said that after the story came into the public light, HRW said the report had been "paused to give them more time to conduct additional factual and legal analysis". He added that none of the concerns had been raised during the report's review process and that consultations had happened "without transparency, without anything being put in writing". - 'Pending further analysis' - When contacted by AFP, HRW referred to a statement it issued shortly after Shakir's resignation, saying the report "raised complex and consequential issues". "In our review process, we concluded that aspects of the research and the factual basis for our legal conclusions needed to be strengthened to meet Human Rights Watch's high standards," the statement said. "For that reason, the publication of the report was paused pending further analysis and research. This process is ongoing." The Nakba -- "catastrophe" in Arabic -- saw the flight and expulsion of an estimated 760,000 Palestinian Arabs during the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. With their descendants, around six million Palestinian refugees now live in the Israeli?occupied West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, according to the United Nations. Palestinian refugees maintain their demand to return to the villages and cities they or their relatives left that are now inside Israel. Israel is firmly opposed to this demand, which it sees as a demographic threat to its survival as a Jewish state. Shakir resigned alongside his research colleague Milena Ansari, who together made up HRW's entire team focused on Israel-Palestine. Shakir said he believed several factors contributed to HRW's decision to block the report. The main issue, he said, was that "the organisation and its new leadership were concerned that this report would be seen as a call to eliminate the Jewishness of the Israeli state". "So, ultimately, this was not about the law or the facts. This was a decision motivated by concerns of how the organisation would be received when issuing this report," he said. - 'Paradigm shift' - Shakir, who had been with HRW for more than a decade, said the decision "raised a very serious question about the new leadership". Proponents of the right of return point to UN Resolution 194, adopted in 1948, which states that refugees "wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date". It stipulates that compensation should be handed over to those choosing not to reclaim their property. The most advanced negotiations aimed at settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict took place in Egypt's Taba in 2001. The parties discussed the possibility that Israel would acknowledge some responsibility for the Nakba and allow a limited number of refugees to return, as well as compensation, in exchange for dropping the demand for the right of return of all refugees. "I hope the conversations around the right of return will help to bring about a paradigm shift," Shakir said. "Ultimately, there is no future in Israel-Palestine that doesn't address the plight of refugees and recognise their fundamental rights, including their right to return to their homes." After a life dedicated to fighting extreme poverty, Bangladesh's 85-year-old Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus is set to end his biggest mission. Yunus will hand over the reins of power to an elected government after 18 months as caretaker leader, steering the nation of 170 million people through peaceful elections after one of its most turbulent political periods. The landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) -- whose leader Tarique Rahman is poised to become prime minister -- effectively marks Yunus's political retirement. "We have ended the nightmare and begun a new dream," Yunus said as he voted on Thursday, beaming and calling the election "a day of freedom". Yunus returned from self?imposed exile in August 2024, days after the iron?fisted government of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown and she fled to India by helicopter. Students who spearheaded the uprising urged him to return, and the army handed over power to him as "Chief Advisor" of the interim government. - 'Build the country' - "Be calm and get ready to build the country," he declared on arrival. He launched an ambitious programme to seek justice against the ousted regime, and Hasina -- now a convicted fugitive in hiding in India -- was sentenced in absentia to death for crimes against humanity. He pushed constitutional reforms aimed at preventing any future slide into authoritarian rule, and to overhaul a "completely broken-down" system of public administration. His administration established multiple commissions to coax rival political factions into agreeing on a package of reforms. That democratic charter -- including prime ministerial term limits, the creation of an upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers and greater judicial independence -- was endorsed by 60 percent of voters, in a referendum held alongside the election. But the early euphoria surrounding Yunus's leadership gradually gave way to frustration at the scale of the task. He was criticised as a distant figure, and his unelected administration was accused of failing to rein in abuses by powerful security forces. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, accused his government of the "misuse" of a draconian anti-terrorism act, under which hundreds of people were detained. - 'Not born to suffer' - Yunus, known worldwide as the "banker to the poorest of the poor", won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for pioneering microloans to rural women, enabling them to buy tools or equipment and raise their incomes. Grameen Bank, which he founded, was hailed for helping unleash rapid economic growth in Bangladesh and became a model replicated across dozens of developing countries. "Human beings are not born to suffer the misery of hunger and poverty," Yunus said during his Nobel lecture. But his public profile in Bangladesh earned him the hostility of Hasina, and he was targeted with more than 100 criminal cases and a smear campaign accusing him of promoting homosexuality. Hasina's government forced him out of Grameen Bank in 2011. In 2024 he was sentenced to six months in jail over alleged failures to create a workers' welfare fund -- charges widely condemned as politically motivated. He was freed on bail and fled abroad, and was later acquitted on appeal after Hasina was ousted. - 'Help people' - The son of a goldsmith, Yunus was born in 1940 into a well-off family in the port city of Chittagong, now Chattogram. He credits his mother -- who never turned away anyone in need -- as his greatest influence. Yunus won a Fulbright scholarship to study in the United States and returned soon after Bangladesh won independence from Pakistan in 1971 following a war. He was chosen to head Chittagong University's economics department, but the young country was struggling through a famine, and he felt compelled to take practical action. "I found it difficult to teach elegant theories of economics in the university classroom... I wanted to do something immediate to help people around me." The UN rights office on Friday accused Sudan's paramilitaries of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity during the capture of El-Fasher, saying some 6,000 were killed in just three days. Since April 2023, the conflict between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has killed tens of thousands, displaced 11 million and triggered what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. During its final offensive in October, the RSF unleashed "a wave of intense violence... shocking in its scale and brutality" and amounting to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, said a report from the UN Human Rights Office. The report said the RSF and allied Arab militia carried out widespread attacks, including mass killings and summary executions, sexual violence, abductions for ransom, torture and ill-treatment, detention, disappearances, pillage and the use of children in hostilities. In many cases, these were directed against civilians and people outside combat based on their ethnicity or perceived affiliation, it said. Based on interviews with over 140 victims and witnesses conducted in Sudan and eastern Chad in late 2025, the Human Rights Office said it documented more than 6,000 killings in the first three days of the RSF offensive. It said that of those, at least 4,400 people were killed within El-Fasher and over 1,600 others were killed as they fled along exit routes. "The actual scale of the death toll during the week-long offensive is undoubtedly significantly higher," the office said. The report voiced serious concerns over the fate of thousands of missing people. "The unprecedented scale and brutality of the violence meted out during the offensive deeply compounded the horrific violations the residents of El-Fasher had already been subjected to during the long months of siege, constant hostilities and bombardment," said UN rights chief Volker Turk. He said persistent impunity was fuelling the violence. "There must be credible and impartial investigations to establish criminal responsibility, including of commanders and other superiors," Turk said. "These must lead to meaningful accountability for perpetrators of exceptionally serious crimes, through all available means." After a final round of interviews that didn't find a successful candidate, actor Lee Won-jong is no longer in the running for the presidency of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA). Officials say that after interviews on February 10, all five finalists, including Lee, were disqualified. In the first stage of the hiring process, 32 people applied, and five made it to the final round. An official from KOCCA confirmed the results of the screening process. The official said in a statement quoted by Seoul Shinmun, "All candidates, including Lee Won-jong, were deemed ineligible during the screening process." The five finalists were said to be people who had worked in the content industry before, with experience in broadcasting and production. But none of them met the last requirements for the job. READ MORE; 'Remember' Nam Goong Min Thinks Of Killing Lee Won Jong Lee Won-jong is known for his role in the 20022003 drama "Wild Times" and for his outspoken support of President Lee Jae-myung. He first appeared in the 1999 film "No Mercy." Naver says that Lee has publicly backed the president since he was mayor of Seongnam. He said during the last presidential campaign, "I'm blue through and through, and I'm Lee Jae-myung in my bones." He was also the vice-chairman of the K-Culture Powerhouse Committee, which was led by Lee Jae-myung at the time. Lee talked about why he took a political stance in an interview with the media that was mentioned in the coverage. "I saw him give a speech at a market in Seongnam. Watching that, I shed tears with him and instinctively sensed that he was struggling and lonely, and I felt I needed to lend a hand." Some politicians didn't like that he was running for head of KOCCA. Joo Jin-woo, a member of the People Power Party, asked if the possible appointment was right. Joo asked, "Does it make sense to appoint Lee Won-jong, a prominent pro-Myeong actor, as the head of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA)? What expertise does he have?" He added, "KOCCA is a very important public institution that manages 600 billion won of taxpayer money every year." KOCCA, which is in charge of areas like gaming, webtoons, and broadcasting, has been without a permanent president for one year and five months since Cho Hyun-rae stepped down as president in September 2024. In the near future, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism should start hiring again. READ MORE: 'Secret Door' Han Suk Kyu vs. Lee Won Jong Friday, February 13, 2026 - A Russian tourist visiting Kenya has stirred controversy online after sharing videos of himself approaching random women on the streets of Nairobi, flirting with them, and convincing one married woman to secretly meet him at an Airbnb. In the video circulating on social media, the foreigner is seen stopping a woman who appears to be heading home with her children. He strikes up a casual conversation and compliments her looks. The woman, seemingly flattered by the attention, smiles and responds warmly as the two continue chatting. Moments later, the man asks for her phone number, and she gives it to him without hesitation. In a follow-up clip, the same man records himself meeting the woman again, this time at a private Airbnb apartment. Despite being strangers, the two arranged for mechi. The video has sparked widespread debate online, with many Kenyans expressing shock and concern over rising cases of infidelity in marriages. Others have criticized the man for filming and exposing private encounters for online clout. Watch the video>>> below Huyu anakaa ameolewa pic.twitter.com/khlJFH4jf1 DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) February 13, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, February 13, 2026 - A stylish young woman caused quite a stir among congregants at Pastor Victor Kanyari's church service when she showed up in a figure-hugging dress that flaunted her curves. In the clip, Pastor Kanyari is seen inviting the lady to the pulpit to address the worshippers. As she confidently strides forward, all eyes are on her striking figure, sparking whispers and glances throughout the crowd. Is this the right attire for a church service? Watch the video>>> below Woman steals the show Kanyari's church with her figure-hugging outfit pic.twitter.com/Y4RIjnXDuT ALERT254 (@MotoMushene) February 12, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, February 13, 2026 - Mumias East MP, Peter Salasya, has stirred fresh debate in Kenyas political circles after cautioning his Embakasi East counterpart, Babu Owino, about his engagements with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. In a post on his X account on Friday, February 13th, 2026, Salasya urged Babu to tread carefully. To the likes of Babu Owino, if your allegiance is genuinely to the people, exercise political vigilance when engaging with Edwin Sifuna, he wrote. The remarks come at a time of heightened divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with both Babu and Sifuna expected to share a stage at a Kitengela rally on Sunday, February 15th, 2026. Salasya has been vocal about the ongoing clashes, alleging that ODM is being manipulated by State House to distract Kenyans from pressing national issues. ODM is united but being used by State House to confuse Kenyans as they continue to steal, he claimed. The vocal legislator went further, linking the embattled ODM Secretary General to the alleged plot, while insisting that the truth will soon be revealed. ODM is the problem of Kenyans. The day ODM will die completely is the day Kenyans will get freedom, he added. In another fiery post, Salasya cautioned Kenyans against trusting ODM politics and directly appealed to President Ruto to dismantle the party. Trust ODM politics at your own perilwacha ODM ikufe. Ruto, maliza ODM completely na uizike kabisa, he wrote, urging the President to finish what he started and pave way for truthful leaders in 2027. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, February 13, 2026 - A Russian tourist visiting Kenya is once again trending online after sharing videos of himself approaching random women in Nairobi, flirting with them, asking for their phone numbers, and later arranging private meetups at his Airbnb. The foreigner, who has been posting the clips on social media, records his encounters as he strikes up conversations with women in public places. In one of the latest videos, he is seen inside a shopping mall approaching a female security guard while she is on duty. He casually engages her in a conversation and showers her with compliments. After a brief chat, the guard gives him her phone number. The man later posts another clip showing the two meeting privately at an Airbnb, suggesting they had arranged a personal encounter after their initial meeting. Watch the video>>> below The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, February 13, 2026 - A Muslim woman was captured on camera politely declining a hug from President William Ruto during his visit to Wajir County for the launch of the Nyota Programme. In the trending video, President Ruto is seen greeting residents after the event. As he approaches a woman dressed modestly in a hijab, he moves in for a hug while exchanging pleasantries. However, the woman gently steps back and declines the hug, prompting laughter and murmurs from the crowd. The President quickly moves on and proceeds to his vehicle under tight security, appearing to take the incident lightly. Many social media users noted that the womans reaction was likely guided by religious and cultural beliefs. In Islam, some women avoid physical contact with men who are not close relatives or their husbands, especially in public settings. Watch the video>>> below Sitaki hug yakoMixed reactions online after a Muslim lady rejected President William Rutos hug! pic.twitter.com/f47IkgGApZ Abdulahi Adan (@AbdulahiAdan10) February 12, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, February 13, 2026 - The controversial Russian tourist who has been trending online for recording himself approaching random women in Nairobi has once again stirred reactions after sharing a video linked to a church visit. The foreigner attended a service at Bishop Edward Mwais Jesus Winners Ministry church in Roysambu, where he interacted with several congregants. In the video, he is seen striking up a conversation with a female church member within the church premises. As the service progresses, Bishop Mwai notices his presence and asks him to greet the congregation. Shortly after the service, the man convinces the same female church member to meet him at his Airbnb. Watch the video>>> below The Russian tourist attended a service at Bishop MWAIs Jesus Winners Ministry church in Roysambu and lured a female church member to his Airbnb pic.twitter.com/3C6jPQiSzb DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) February 13, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST AN AMERICAN man charged with sexual assault in a Co Kildare hotel appeared before a recent sitting of Naas District. The court heard that the alleged injured party was cleaner in the hotel on 2 July 2025 when a guest made a request for a kettle be brought to his room. "He put out his hand for a handshake, pulled her closer for a hug, sniffed her neck and touched her bottom, said Garda Stacey Connolly, the investigating officer, in evidence. He then followed her to the lift, and asked her what time she was getting off work, she continued. The injured party (who was present in court) went back to her cleaning cart and left. The defendant in the case, aged 71, with an address in California contests the charge. Ill accept jurisdiction, said Judge Desmond Zaidan. Basically, its one word against the other? He asked. Yes, judge, confirmed Garda Connolly. We will have four witnesses from the hotel that she disclosed to, though, she added. There could be a total of five or six witnesses, said the defence barrister in an effort to help the judge estimate how long the trial might last. In fairness, he has travelled from America, noted Judge Zaidan. If I put it on my list it might never be heard, so well get a special judge in to hear this case, the judge offered the defendant. The barrister revealed his client was completing a PhD, and while his original bond was set at 500, Judge Zaidan now increased this to 1,000. He allowed him to operate on the same bail conditions as previously granted, namely be of good behaviour and turn up for court dates. He adjourned the case until 26 February for mention, to fix a special sitting. He is not required to appear on that date, said the judge. I will excuse the defendant, but you will keep him informed . and hopefully on 26 February we will have a date sometime after April. Obviously, he will have to turn up for that, he concluded. ABP Food Group has confirmed it has commenced a consultation process (involving approximately 230 employees) on potential redundancies at its cutting and deboning operation at the companys facility in Ferrybank, on the Kilkenny side of the border with Waterford. The abattoir is not affected and the facility on the Kilkenny-Waterford border will continue to receive cattle. "The proposed changes are driven by reduced livestock supply and increasing costs in Ireland," an ABP spokesperson confirmed to Kilkenny Live. READ NEXT: Concerns raised over Kilkenny property owner's military ties in Germany "The Group will maximise other facilities to maintain its efficiency and competitiveness." ABP stated that they "understand the impact this announcement may have on our colleagues and their families. We are committed to engaging constructively with our employees during this period of consultation. "ABP remains wholly committed to the farming community, ensuring strong partnerships that sustain the quality of Irish beef. We are equally dedicated to supporting our employees and to maintaining the highest standards of service for our customers in Ireland and across international markets. READ NEXT: American billionaire and Trump donor has huge plans for property in Kilkenny "These values continue to guide our business as we navigate current challenges and plan for a sustainable future." ABP stated that there will be no further comment while the consultation process is ongoing. Picture: Location of ABP Food Group at Christendom, Ferrybank, County Kilkenny More to follow... CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Concerns have been raised in Germany after Kelcy Warren, owner of Castletown Cox Estate in County Kilkenny, acquired a stake in a pipeline company which transfers oil to military bases. The US billionaire, who is the founder and CEO of Energy Transfer, is widely reported to have committed 30 million to the redevelopment of Waterford Airport. Now, German media outlet SPIEGEL is reporting that Sunoco, which is a subsidiary of Energy Transfer, has acquired a significant portion of German energy infrastructure. The deal means Sunoco will control around one-fifth of Germanys oil tank storage capacity and more than 1000 kilometres of strategically important pipelines. READ NEXT: American billionaire and Trump donor has huge plans for property in Kilkenny This includes 49 percent of a long-distance pipeline operating company previously managed by TanQuid. The pipelines transfer oil to German and NATO military airbases, including Buchel, where American nuclear weapons are stored. Speaking to SPIEGEL (translated from German), Jacopo Maria Pepe of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs said: This military infrastructure is extremely important for the operational capability of the air forces. The fact that 49 percent of it now belongs to a US company is politically highly sensitive. While it was pointed out that Sunoco does not hold a majority of the NATO pipeline network, Mr Pepe believes it is still significant. READ NEXT: Kelcy Warren gets green light for distillery in Kilkenny It nevertheless has influence also in the event of a military confrontation. Through the purchase, the US gains information about capacities and vulnerabilities in the system. Should repairs be required due to wear and tear or sabotage, the US could block them. Such concerns have long been raised with the German government, who conducted a lengthy review to determine whether the deal could endanger German security. On January 9, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said that an approval subject to conditions was granted. The ministry added that the deal would guarantee the continuous supply of the TanQuid Groups tank storage capacities. The German green party, Die Grunen, have long warned about the possible security implications of the takeover. Their Energy Policy Spokesman, Michael Kellner, said last summer: At the moment, unfortunately, we cannot rely on transatlantic friendship. The facilities should be in German or European hands, especially given the behaviour of the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Nina Noelle of Greenpeace said: The German government should never have approved this deal. It is placing critical energy infrastructure in the hands of a fossil-fuel US corporation and ignoring all legitimate security and climate policy concerns. In January, it was reported that Warren is the mystery investor behind the 30 million plan to extend Waterford Airports runway. The newspaper added that the deal to formalise Mr Warrens investment is nearing completion. It will see the new Waterford Airport company and its assets come under the control of the US billionaire. Mr Warren, who hails from Texas, has an estimated net worth of 6 billion. A spokesperson for An Coimisiun Pleanala has confirmed to Kilkenny Live that the final decision on a planning application for a new Tesco retail outlet and an adjoining residential housing development is now expected by March 30, 2026. Despite this, the online planning portal continues to show that the case is due to be decided by January 20, 2026 - a date that has well since elapsed. READ NEXT: First look at proposed Tesco store and housing for mart site in Kilkenny Back in July 2025, the decision from Kilkenny County Council to grant conditional planning permission to Tesco Ireland for the construction of a mixed residential and retail development was appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala. The development site measures c. 3.91 hectares, and is situated on lands known locally as the former mart site located at New Road, Castlecomer Road and Old Mart Street, Kilkenny. The planned development works are to include residential units, an assisted care unit, retail units (including new Tesco store), a cafe, car parking, open spaces, landscaping, and various supporting infrastructure and site works. The residential aspect of the development consists of 80 residential units and one assisted care unit, distributed across eight blocks. The total gross floor area for the residential buildings would be approximately 7,489 square metres. The development also seeks to provide 90 car parking spaces for residents. READ NEXT: Proposal for 80 new homes on Kilkenny's old mart site is part of Tesco's grand designs Additional features include public open space, communal space, private space for individual dwellings, private balconies and terraces for duplex and apartment units, hard and soft landscaping, lighting, a play area, bin and bicycle stores, and all associated site development works, service, and utility connections. Access to the residential development is to be provided via a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance off New Road. The development plans also include a new bus stop on Castlecomer Road, which is to be served by pedestrian and cycle access routes, as well as a pedestrian plaza. A number of third party submissions expressing concerns at certain aspects of the proposed development were submitted during the planning process. Subsequently, as aforementioned, when Kilkenny County Council decided to grant permission, that decision was appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala. When announcing their plans for a new Kilkenny outlet at the mart site back in July 2025, a spokesperson for Tesco Ireland said, We are pleased to submit our application to develop the former mart site. READ NEXT: Concerns raised over Tesco's potential impact on Kilkenny business "Subject to permission, this new store will bring all the positive benefits that Tesco brings to town; including local jobs, community supports, opportunities for local suppliers and a new shopping experience for colleagues and customers." Reacting to the news at the time, city based councillor, Sean O hArgain warmly welcomed the inclusion of housing provision in the Tesco planning application but admitted he fears the supermarket's presence may have consequences for other local traders. However, despite his reservations, Mr O hArgain hopes Tesco will allow its premises to be fully accessible by the city bus system and provide adequate facilities for bike parking and pedestrian access. "I am not personally a fan of large supermarkets and I prefer to shop in local butchers, bakeries, greengrocers and other local stores, which are family run. I accept the fact that consumers are demanding these large stores, however and that some shoppers leave Kilkenny to access some of these businesses," Mr O hArgain commented. "I believe that all of these stores are too powerful, having a hugely negative impact on prices paid to farmers and other suppliers. It galls me to see delivery trucks bringing milk from outside our region and even our national borders, when our local dairy farmers struggle with increasingly tight margins as a result of the supermarkets price-fixing, in effect," he added. "We must redouble our efforts to support local small retail businesses and create an attractive city centre where they can thrive." Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce have gone on record before saying that 'it is important that the site is brought into use as soon as possible'. When the news was announced last year, the team at Kilkenny Live put the following poll question to our online readers: Would the introduction of a Tesco store be a good or a bad thing for Kilkenny? The three options were Positive, Negative and Im not sure. Out of over 300 votes cast, here were the results: Positive - 75% Negative - 21% Im not sure - 4% FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE For generations the Ranchers Return, also known locally as the Village Well, has occupied a central place in the life of Coon in North Kilkenny. More than just a public house, it has long served as a gathering point for neighbours, a venue for stories and music and a hub where the community can put the worlds wrongs to right. Established in the mid-1850s, the pub has long been part of the fabric of the community, passing through generations of families and patrons alike. Much to the communitys disappointment it doors closed for two years in the mid-2000s before reopening and re-establishing its place in the heart of the area. READ NEXT: 'A gentleman' - Kilkenny in mourning following death of much loved publican However, its future now hangs in the balance again, with the previous proprietors making the difficult decision to put the business on the market after many years behind the bar. In an attempt to secure its future and with the support of the previous ownership, a number of parishioners have stood up to the mark and are leading the charge to keep the much loved local alive, hosting community meetings and co-ordinating a bid to place the pubs future in the hands of the community. But is it almost time for last orders and farewells, or the start of a new chapter yet to be written? The answer to that question is very much dependent on how many people take up confidential shares. Community shares are available at 2,500 per share, but families/groups can also donate whatever they can. The target is to raise 350,000 to make the dream a reality and ultimately save a vital community resource. Each contribution of 2,500 will be split into 2,499 which will be classified as a 0% loan via a loan agreement with the limited company and 1 as a purchased share. In a warm and friendly atmosphere under the care of barman Joe Fenlon, members of the community initiative expressed their firm desire to keep the jewel in the villages crown shining when speaking to the Kilkenny People. Phil Shore has lived in Coon all his life, and still remembers Sunday mornings in the 1950s when the whole community came together and the village felt like one family. "Theres something different about this place," he said. "Rural pubs are all on a downward curve and thats the big challenge for the committee here but I know it will work because were in Coon." Gerald Flynns relationship with the community is more recent but no less emotive. "Im living here now 22 years, and it is the hub of the community for parties, anniversary masses, 21sts, pool tournaments and so much more," he said. "Were going to run it for the community. We have a million and one ideas as a committee," he added, noting it will be a place where drinkers and non-drinkers can come together. "Without it (the pub), I think wed be lost here," he continued. READ MORE: Kilkenny GAA and gardai release statement in wake of fence collapse in UPMC Nowlan Park "Weve lots of people that are retired living around the area that come down here to meet. Its a social thing. Its the hub of the community, Gerald added, noting the successful developments within the village, ranging from the state of the art GAA pitch in the village to the playground, which wouldnt be possible without their base within the pub. "We all know the isolation thats in rural Ireland and the pressure people are under," fellow member of the initiative, Brendan Healy added. "It was hard to get people to come out after the pandemic. People got institutionalised so it was places like this that brought people back to the community. "If you look around the bar, theres obviously people having a few pints but theres a lot of people here who are not and are drinking minerals or tea or coffee. Its not about drink, its about coming down and having the fun," Brendan commented. "Its not about our generation. This is actually future-proofing for generations to come." Local representative, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick commended the groups efforts, stating, "Its the hub. Lets not let it deteriorate. Its critical we hold on to this resource." FOR MORE KILKENNY COMMUNITY NEWS, CLICK HERE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, is encouraging entries to a competition for a female farmer ambassador to represent Ireland during the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). Launched by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the IYWF celebrates the pivotal roles played by women in sustaining agri-food systems aiming to increase recognition and promote actions to close gender gaps in agriculture and improve womens livelihoods worldwide. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Over the years, I have seen first-hand the incredible work done by women to support our agri-food sector which makes me confident that we can expect a high calibre of entries to this competition, Minister Heydon said. The competition is being run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Applications are open until 12 February and can be submitted on the Departments website. The winner will represent the Department throughout the year by participating in events, media opportunities, and social media campaigns to encourage female participation in farming and provide insight into life as a female farmer in Ireland, via their own lived experiences. The winner will be announced by Minister Heydon at a flagship IYWF event in Athlone, on March 5. Photo Competition The Department of Agriculture is also currently running a photo competition under the IYWF banner, delivered in association with CAP Network Ireland. The prizegiving will also take place at the event on March 5. The competition seeks photo submissions from the public under the theme Empowered women transforming agri-food systems. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS There is a 200 prize for the winner of each of five categories, with the overall winning photo featuring on the next CAP Network Ireland Women in Agriculture booklet. Entry forms are available on the Departments website. All entries must be submitted by 3pm on Monday, February 16. Information on the IYWF and the Departments Women in Agriculture initiatives can also now be found on the Departments website. The situation of Glenmore native, Seamus Culleton, has taken another twist as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took to X to condemn comments he made about the condition of his detention facilities on RTEs Liveline this week. Mr Culleton, 38, has been detained at an ICE facility in El Paso, Texas since September after he was apprehended by agents in Boston for overstaying a 90 day travel visa. The Kilkenny man has been living undocumented in the US since 2009, but is married to an American citizen, owns a plastering business with a valid work permit and was in the process of applying for a green card and legal status. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, responded to this saying that a pending green card application and work authorization does not give someone legal status to be in our country. READ NEXT: Nearly 1,500 offences committed by people on bail in Kilkenny and Waterford in 2025 - Kilkenny Live In an interview from the ICE facility with Kieran Cuddihy on Mondays Liveline programme, Mr Culleton described filthy conditions, insufficient meals, rampant sickness and limited time outdoors, likening the facility to modern-day concentration camp. The story has since garnered international attention with calls growing for Taoiseach Micheal Martin to raise the case with President Donald Trump during his St Patricks Day visit to the White House next month. DHS replied with a statement on its X account, which has almost three million followers, on Friday morning, taking issue with Mr Culletons concentration camp comment; saying that his continued detention was a choice. The tweet read: How gross. Calling detention facilities a concentration camp, yet this individual (who was in our country illegally for 16 years) CHOSE to stay in detention for 5 months after he was issued a final deportation order and given full due process. Being in detention is a CHOICE - we encourage every illegal alien to take advantage of the CBP Home app to self-deport and have the opportunity to come back to our nation the RIGHT way. Mr Culletons sister, Caroline, told RTE that her brother has lost an awful lot of weight, and has sores, infections and hair loss. Another development occurred on Thursday when the Irish Times reported that Mr Culleton had an outstanding arrest warrant from a district court in New Ross over the alleged possession of drugs for sale or supply in 2008, the year before he left Ireland. He has no criminal record in the US. His lawyer, Ogor Winnie Okoye, said that she was unaware of the drugs case until hearing about it in the media asserting: A warrant is not a conviction, a warrant is not criminal entry, so I will leave it at that until I understand the specific facts of the case. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS New analysis of CSO data shows Kilkenny as one of the counties with the lowest rates of jobseekers in Ireland. Kilkenny recorded 32 people signing on per 1,000 working-age residents (aged 15-64) in January, the second lowest figure nationally, according to the National Pension Helpline study. READ NEXT: Fears over jobs and future of popular High Street retailer in Kilkenny This means that around one in 31 working-age Kilkenny residents were on the Live Register in January, compared to one in 14 in Louth, which had the highest rate. Other counties with low per-capita rates included Meath (24), Cork (34), and Kildare (38), while the highest rates were seen in Louth (71), Longford (66) and Donegal (66). These figures highlight the continued variation in jobseekers across Ireland, said James Dorrian of the National Pension Helpline. READ NEXT: Fears of potential redundancies at major employer in Kilkenny For Kilkenny, roughly one in 31 working-age residents is on the Live Register. In Louth, the figure is just one in 14. This contrast shows why its important to consider both per-capita rates and total numbers when assessing labour market pressures across the country. READ NEXT: Concerns raised over Kilkenny property owner's military ties in Germany Mr Dorrian added that local economic conditions, available employment opportunities, and recent changes to national schemes such as the Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit can all influence monthly trends. Keeping track of these figures helps policymakers and local authorities target interventions, skills development programmes, and investment where job creation is most needed, he said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Nurses at Naas General Hospital have suspended their industrial action after lengthy negotiations which intensified on Friday evening. Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) had been engaged in a work-to-rule industrial action at the hospital since Monday over unacceptable and unsafe staffing deficits. It said there had been a failure to fill maternity leave vacancies, as well as a failure to increase staffing to meet a more than 25% increase in Emergency Department attendance at the hospital in the past three years. In a statement on Friday evening, the union said 60 vacant nursing posts would immediately be backfilled and an additional 30 would be created to cover additional services. It added: A full review of all nurse staffing will begin at the hospital this week against the safe staffing framework. The statement added that the Dispute Committee at the hospital has recommended members are balloted on the proposals next week. At a protest on Friday afternoon, INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the very busy hospital had seen a massive increase in Emergency Department attendances. The area, which is seeing population growth generally, also contains nursing homes that are increasingly dealing with people from Dublin that rely on Naas General Hospital when they become unwell. She told the Press Association: All in all, the staffing has not kept pace with the population and the demand on services in the hospital. Ms Ni Sheaghdha said the issue has been going on for years, leading to patients being cared for in inappropriate areas. At the protest, Emergency Department clinical facilitator Zoe Cleary said: Our staff are on their hands and knees. Theyre expected to do workloads of multiple additional people Theres huge burnout, theres huge stress, and theres a huge problem with retaining staff. Following the suspension of the industrial action, the INMO said: The nurses in Naas General Hospital appreciate the immense amount of support they received from the public in Naas and the wider Kildare area this week, particularly during lunchtime protests. Prior to its suspension the HSE had said it regretted the industrial action and said it had taken efforts to resolve the issues raised. The HSE said there had been significant growth in the workforce of the hospital in recent years, adding that there are further plans to progress longer-term measures to support and strengthen nursing capacity. The search for the most innovative, ambitious and exceptional business leaders on the island of Ireland is entering its final stage, with one week to go until nominations close for the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) programme on February 17. EY is encouraging entrepreneurs across Kilkenny to submit a nomination for themselves or a deserving peer before the deadline. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS The EOY programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and at every stage of growth. Twentyfour finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel of former winners, chaired by Harry Hughes of Portwest, and will take part in a ninemonth strategic growth experience. This includes executive education, networking forums, tailored media profiling and the annual CEO Retreat, which this year will be held in Toronto, Canada. They also join the EOY alumni community of more than 680 entrepreneurs, representing businesses that collectively employ over 275,000 people and generate more than 28 billion in annual revenues. Roger Wallace, Head of Assurance and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland, commented: Entrepreneurs in Kilkenny and across the island of Ireland play an essential role in shaping our economic future. With just one week left to nominate, we are encouraging founders who bring vision, creativity and determination to put themselves forward. The EOY programme exists to celebrate and support these leaders, and we look forward to welcoming another outstanding cohort in 2026. How to nominate Anyone in Kilkenny interested in applying, or nominating someone else with their consent, can complete the online nomination form at www.eoy.ie. Nominations close on February 17. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland programme is supported by Premium Corporate Sponsor Julius Baer International, and Government sponsor Enterprise Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland is a long-standing supporter of the programme. The Herald reports: A Judicial Conduct Panel investigating the actions of a judge has been played a video of a Kings Counsel being asked to leave a New Zealand First event, with a party official claiming the respected lawyer was entitled, unstable and she feared for her safety. I asked him to leave, the partys secretary Holly Howard said today during her evidence about the alleged incident at Aucklands exclusive Northern Club in November 2024. She claimed Michael Reed, KC refused to leave, took photos of those gathered, and threatened to sue her and a staff member if they touched him. Reed was being a boorish bully. He gatecrashed a private function and started throwing his weight around. Now Judge Aitken is not responsible for what Reed did, but his behaviour gives an insight into that night. Dont touch me or I will sue you for a lot of money, Reed is heard telling a Northern Club staff member in the video played to the panel. Will you tell Winston from me please that Im upset about being a New Zealand First supporter. Im on the mailing list, Reed continued. So Reed clearly knew it was a NZ First function. In fact it seems clear that he went into the room purely because it was a NZ First function. The judge who says she did not realise it was a political event or that the speaker was Peters appeared to be focusing her comments at NZ First Cabinet minister Casey Costello, adding, How can you let him say that? So the Judge is testifying (presumably under oath) that she did not recognise Peterss voice, did not see Peters, did not see the two large NZ First banners and also did not recognise Casey Costello. She just happened to very soberly comment to a total stranger that another total stranger was lying. I mean, who hasnt done that. Howard said another man then appeared in the foyer, who was loitering outside the room for about 20 minutes. She claimed the man accosted Peters as the veteran politician was leaving the venue, accusing him of doing a shit job. Howard said she later learned the man was the judges husband, celebrity doctor David Galler. And here is where it gets interesting from a further story. Judge Aitken said it was only as she was being escorted away from the room that she looked over her shoulder and realised that speaker was the Deputy Prime Minister. She returned to her own function and took a seat at her table, admitting: Oops, oh God. Ive just called Winston Peters a liar. The judge said she warned her husband not to get involved and had no idea he would later disrupt the NZ First function, allegedly calling Costello despicable and accusing her of killing hundreds of people, in apparent reference to the partys tobacco policies. Judge Aitken said she only got wind of Gallers alleged behaviour days later when she received a call from another judge. So she is saying she told her table that she had just called the then Deputy PM a liar by accident. The table would have been aware this would be very very bad for her, and her husband ignored her explicit instruction not to get involved, and he did so anyway. And more remarkably she didnt notice he was gone. The judge said she felt pressured to write the letters but was prepared to offer a genuine apology for her behaviour, which she described as completely out of character. So the Judge didnt;t really want to apologise. Judge Aitken defended venting comments she made in another letter to Judge Taumaunu in which she wrote, There is a time and place to get involved and this is one of them, and I can no longer stay silent in the face of divisiveness coming from politicians. To me this tally undermines her claim that she had no idea at all the speaker was Winston Peters and that it was a NZF function. In this letter she states she cant remain silent and must respond to what politicians are saying. She really doesnt seem to understand what being a Judge entails. She also expressed disappointment at the contents of a letter of apology sent by Judge Taumaunu to the NZ First Party president, in which he unreservedly apologised on behalf of the entire district court. Judge Aitken felt this was unfair on other judges, given the incident was of her making alone. It wasnt. The two other people who disrupted it were spouses of judges. They were only at the function in that capacity. The bottom line is an event for judges led to people being harassed and abused at a neighbouring event. Entirely appropriate the apology should be on behalf of the wider court. Department of Homeland Security on track to shut down with lawmakers leaving Washington and an unresolved ICE fight Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt of Eldridge, pictured speaking on the House floor in Feb. 17, 2025, is sponsoring a bill to make gender-affirming care restrictions for minors permanent. In a House debate on the legislation, Schmidt said she supports a "watchful waiting" approach to gender dysphoria, only advocating for counseling as treatment. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. China's Science and Technology Backyard program contributes to global green transformation of agriculture 14:05, February 13, 2026 By Zhang Fusuo ( People's Daily An expert of Science and Technology Backyard specializing in soy bean cultivation in Zambia shares experiences with local farmers. (Photo/Huang Xiaodong) China's Science and Technology Backyard (STB) program, an agricultural innovation and service platform featuring university-farmer cooperation, is a new integrated model that combines scientific and technological innovation, social services, and talent cultivation. By connecting university laboratories with agricultural fields, it breaks down barriers between research and teaching, between scholars and farmers, and between academic disciplines and real-world needs. At the same time, it builds bridges linking theory with practice, universities with rural communities, and youth development with social progress. Since its 2009 launch in Quzhou County, Hebei Province, the STB model has effectively addressed the "last mile" challenge in agricultural technology adoption. It has expanded nationwide and internationally, now operating in 11 countries. As a China-originated approach, it supports sustainable farming across the Global South and exemplifies efforts to build a shared future for humanity through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. By cultivating local talent in partner countries and drawing on China's successful experience to stimulate endogenous agricultural development, the STB model helps countries explore development paths suited to their own conditions, offering a systematic solution for agricultural development in the Global South. International students trained through the program can return home to lead local farmers in adopting new technologies and increasing productivity and incomes. This people-centered, results-oriented approach has won recognition from host-country governments, experts, farmers, and international organizations. A Chinese expert of Science and Technology Backyard in Malawi discusses corn maize yield-improvement techniques with local students. (Photo provided by China Agricultural University) As the founder of the STB program, I have, through more than a decade of exploration, established and validated a viable pathway for the model's global expansion. We pioneered a "1+1+1" training model: Year 1 in China for foundational knowledge, Year 2 for home-country STB application, and Year 3 in China for refinementensuring seamless integration of learning and implementation. In multiple African nations, STB graduates have launched a "1-3-5-1" initiative: tackling one regional agricultural challenge, mentoring 30 farmers in field trials, training five extension agents, and establishing a 100-mu (6.67-hectare) demonstration plot. This adapts Chinese methodologies to local contexts while building capacity and delivering measurable outcomes. In Malawi, for instance, the STB program helped 90 local farmers quadruple their maize yields in its very first year, enhancing food security across 18 villages. Recognized for its tangible impact, the STB program has been featured by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as a leading case study for worldwide promotion. From a locally developed innovation in China, overseas STBs first took root in African countries and have since been expanded in Brazil, Malaysia, and beyond, with cooperation models becoming increasingly diverse. Brazilian students of Science and Technology Backyard in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, as well as local farmers, learn to operate a drone manufactured in China. (Photo by Diogense Nobrega) The STB program emphasizes that technological innovation must advance in tandem with talent cultivation and that green development must deliver tangible benefits to farmers. Successful overseas practices have fully demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of China's path toward green agricultural development. Today, as the world grapples with food security and climate change, advancing the green transformation of agriculture has become a global priority. China is ready to work with international partners to develop the STB program into an open network for cooperation -- sharing experience, contributing solutions, and promoting collaborative innovation. Plans are underway to establish an STB global center to systematically summarize and disseminate successful practices, support countries in cultivating local talent, and empower agricultural transformation worldwide. This will enable the STB model -- originating in China -- to serve as an effective pathway for global green transformation of agriculture. (Zhang Fusuo is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, professor at China Agricultural University, and vice chairman of the China Rural Special Technology Association.) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Hongyu) High Court reporters Former University of Limerick (UL) president, professor Kerstin Mey, is seeking a High Court injunction preventing the university from proceeding with any reinvestigation in connection with claims she misled the Dail Public Accounts Committee (PAC) or a previous investigation officer. Prof Mey, currently UL professor of Visual Culture, resigned as president in 2024 as part of a settlement agreement after she was threatened with disciplinary action over due diligence and adherence to policies during the universitys 2022 purchase of a 20-house development at Rhebogue, Co Limerick, for rent to 80 postgrad and research students. The university paid some 12.4 million for the development, which was valued for the Comptroller and Auditor General just a year later at 6.5 million, with an "in-use" value put at 7.4 million. Prof Mey, in an affidavit seeking the injunction, said this led to public controversy and a delegation from the university was invited to appear before the PAC on May 18th, 2023. She said an issue arose around why UL's chief corporate officer (CCO), Andrew Flaherty was not in attendance before the PAC even though he stayed the night before in the same hotel as the delegation, had dinner with them paid for by the university, and he also allegedly claimed travelling expenses to Dublin. It later emerged that he was also allegedly texting the delegation during the PAC meeting. Prof Mey said Mr Flaherty was not listed as a member of the delegation because he had a longstanding prior commitment on May 18 and was on a day's leave then. In August 2023, Caroline Jenkinson was appointed by a newly appointed Special Disclosures Group at the university following a protected disclosure to the Minister for Further and Higher Education. Ms Jenkinson was to investigate the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Mr Flaherty as CCO and the reply given to the PAC about why he had not been in attendance at the May 18 meeting. Ms Jenkinson found no wrongdoing on behalf of Prof Mey or her representatives in relation to Mr Flaherty's non-attendance. Prof Mey was off on sick leave from March 2024 and due to return on June 6th 2024, but was put on special leave from then. In the meantime, another university delegation had met with the PAC. UL's Audit and Risk Committee conducted a review in early 2024 of the 12.4m housing purchase and concluded that it could not be said that due diligence was undertaken at all stages or that university policies and processes were adhered to during it. Mediation followed between Prof Mey and the university, which resulted in a settlement whereby she would resign from August 31, 2024, with a particular clause stating no disciplinary action would be brought against her. She was to move to a new 175,000 a year post as professor of visual culture. Prof Mey said media controversy over the housing deal continued, and in May 2025, the Special Disclosures Group told her a reinvestigation was to be carried out over an "apparent conflict of information" in what was said by the former president to the first investigation and to the PAC. Solicitors' correspondence followed with Prof Mey disputing the right of the university to reopen the investigation. The university stood firm in its stance. She initiated legal proceedings last December seeking to prevent it from initiating any disciplinary proceedings in connection with the allegation that she misled the PAC. She said she is also to be subject to a proposed separate investigation providing an account for her actions and decisions in relation to revised payment arrangements for the housing deal. She was invited to a meeting on Tuesday next (Feb 17th) in relation to a reinvestigation. On Friday, Marcus Dowling SC, for Prof Mey, was granted permission for short service of injunction proceedings restraining a reinvestigation. The application was ex parte, or with only the Mey side present. Mr Dowling said his client has told the defendant she will not be attending the meeting and will not be doing so. Mr Justice Brian Cregan said the case could return on Tuesday. A big act has cancelled their appearance at the Forest Fest in Laois this summer. American alt rock band The Lemonheads are cancelling their entire European tour, including their gig in the hugely popular homegrown music and arts festival in Emo village in Laois. They say it is for financial reasons. Forest Fest have released a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, saying they will be announcing a replacement act soon. "Unfortunately, The Lemonheads will now not be touring in Europe during summer 2026. It is therefore with regret that they have to cancel their confirmed appearance at Forest Festival Ireland on Friday 24th July. "This date was originally due to be part of a wider run of festival dates at this time and unfortunately, due to some of these not materialising, it was becoming financially difficult to make a European trip work. "The Lemonheads are understandably disappointed not to be able to perform in Ireland and were very much looking forward to Forest Fest and being part of this year's event. They would like to thank the organisers for their understanding, and of course regret disappointing any ticket holders who have purchased a ticket to see the band perform." Read next: Laois singer songwriter living in Australia releases new track about Irish pubs Their agent, Neil O'Brien (Motion) and manager Alan McGee (Creation) said: "It is with regret that we have had to cancel this performance with the band. We work closely with Forest Fest to deliver many great artists to this great event - we believe it is one of the very best festivals in Ireland and we hope to see The Lemonheads return to fulfil their booking next year" "Forest Fest is currently finalising details of a replacement and looks to announcing a new addition to the line-up very shortly. We can't wait to see you all at Forest Fest Next Summer," the Forest Fest team say. The festival is in a new site this year to accommodate its rapidly growing popularity with another host of big names from the decades past as well as up and coming new acts. See their line-up so far for the July 2026 weekend event. Bord Bia says dialogue with farmers is 'the only way forward' in finding a resolution to the row with farmers over the position of its Chairperson, Larry Murrin, but it said the controversy has led to misinformation and 'facts matter'. The State agency which promotes Irish farm produce at home and abroad has issued a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live in response to farmer anger expressed at the Laois IFA AGM by rank and file members. They are furious at the continued presence of Mr Murrin in the leadership role of the agency. The Laois farmers present at the meeting in Abbeyleix also give their full endorsement to the protest of the Bord Bia HQ in Dublin by IFA members. They also backed IFA President Francie Gorman and IFA Director General Damian McDonald for the position they and the Associations have taken in calling for Mr Murrin to resign or for the Government remove him. They say they no longer have confidence in Mr Murrin, who is the CEO of Dawn Foods, because his business has, albeit legally, imported Brazilian beef to Ireland. In response, Bord Bia said Irish farmers and growers work hard to maintain the high standards demanded by consumers and customers in Ireland and our many export markets. While the statment said said 'conversation' is needed, the Bord insists that there has been 'misinformation'. It also says have facilitated the presence of protestors at the HQ and insisted that Mr Murrin is 'not the head of Bord Bia'. "In that context, the questions that have arisen in recent weeks about imports, standards and fairness are completely understandable. It is important that these issues are discussed with facts, context, and respect. We believe strongly that conversation - not conflict - is the only way forward. Therefore, we want to address the misinformation and concerns that have been raised in recent weeks," it said. The statement said Bord Bias Quality Assurance programmes are fundamental to farmers livelihoods. It said they are trusted by consumers and critical to Irelands reputation and success overseas. "Recent concerns around imports have placed a spotlight on Quality Assured produce. In that context, facts matter. The Bord Bia Quality Mark applies only to Irish farmed produce. It cannot be used on imported products. "We have a robust monitoring programme in place to oversee the use of the Bord Bia Quality Mark, and sanctions are applied where misuse occurs. These standards protect farmers by securing demand, maintaining customer confidence and supporting better returns. For example, because of these standards, Irish beef has secured access to over 100 of the EUs top retail and foodservice customers who only buy quality assured beef. "Audit criteria are set to meet customer requirements and legislation. Farmer representatives hold important roles on advisory committees that agree the standards. It is also important to clarify that the board and chair of Bord Bia do not set Quality Assurance criteria or make decisions on their implementation," it said. The agency also highlighted its remit in the global food system. "Bord Bia works with the full spectrum of the agri-food industry - from farmers and growers to small businesses and global exporters. "Our focus is clear: supporting farmers through improved incomes, securing value for Irish food exporters, understanding the customers of Irish food, and opening and protecting market share in key international markets. "Ireland is an export-led food nation. We export food and drink to over 180 countries around the world. Trade works both ways, and many Irish food and drink companies rely on some imported ingredients as part of modern global supply chains. These products are not Bord Bia Quality Assured and do not carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark. This does not replace or undermine Quality Assured Irish produce. It reflects the reality of trade and how global food systems operate. "Farmers are right to say they are the bedrock of Irish agriculture. Global customers are what allow that production to be turned into income. Both matter. Both must be respected," it said. The statement also focused on governance and the role of its Chairperson, Mr Murrin. READ ALSO: Government 'can't bully the people of rural Ireland' IFA leader ramps up pressure in Laois on TDs over Bord Bia "There has also been commentary about the management and leadership of Bord Bia. The chair is not the head of Bord Bia. The organisation is led by a CEO and a senior leadership team responsible for day-to-day operations. The chair and board members are not involved in operational decisions; the chairs role is to lead the board and ensure its effectiveness, while the board is collectively responsible for directing Bord Bias activities. "Chairs are appointed for their experience of international markets, governance and the global food industry - experience that supports Bord Bias export mission on behalf of farmers and the wider sector. While the role allows for fees, the current chair has always waived them and receives no salary or pension," it said. It also referred to the 'peaceful protest and moving forward'. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO. Laois TDs Sean Fleming, Fianna Fail, Brian Stanley, Independent, and Willie Aird, Fine Gael, attended the AGM. "Bord Bia respects the right to peaceful protest. For almost two weeks, we have facilitated the presence of protestors at our place of work and engaged consistently in good faith to seek a resolution. Essential deliveries, including food and medicines, continue to be facilitated. Protestors have the option to leave at any time and have been repeatedly requested to do so," said the board. The statement concluded with a wish to move forward. READ ALSO: IFA chief lists CAP cash, Mercosur battle and Nitrates conditions as priorities at Laois IFA AGM "Finally, we sincerely wish to move past the current impasse, from which no one is benefitting. We are eager to work together to resolve this issue in the best interests of Irish farmers and the wider agri-food sector," it said. The Chairperson has received the full backing of the Government, Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Minister for Agriculture. A Sinn Fein Dail motion calling for Mr Murrin to be removed was defeated in the Dail. Garda figures reveal 849 crimes were committed in Laois and Offaly in 2025 by suspects who were on bail at the time. The figures were released to Sinn Fein Justice spokesperson Deputy Matt Carthy in response to a Parliamentary Question to Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan on Thursday, February 5. Dep Carthy asked about the number of crimes recorded where the suspected offenders were on bail, by county and category of offence, in 2025. Minister OCallaghan described it as totally unacceptable that offences are committed by people on bail. That is a direct breach of their promise made when bail is granted by the court, Minister O'Callaghan pointed out. He said he had appointed Senior Counsel Lorcan Stains to carry out an assessment of bail in Ireland both in legal and practical terms. Mr Staines report An Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland was published in November 2025. This examination of our bail laws and subsequent proposals underlines the need for additional actions to be taken to ensure the criminal justice system effectively mitigates against risks that may be associated with individuals on bail, said Minister OCallaghan. He said a number of recommendations are under active consideration or in progress by his Department since the publication. Minister OCallaghan provided information by Garda Division for dates in 2025 up December 16. It is important to note that suspected offenders may be responsible for more than one incident, said Minister OCallaghan. Nationally, suspects on bail were identified in 38,221 crimes between January 1 and December 16, 2025. A colourful Anti-Hunt Ball took place outside the venue for the annual Hunt Ball in Laois last weekend. Demonstrators held the visual action performance outside the Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow, where the annual Laois Hunt Ball was being held on Saturday, February 7. Foxes in black-tie and ball gowns gathered and danced the foxtrot, whilst engaging with ball attendees and members of the public in a light-hearted yet impactful manner. Organisers say the aim of the action was to highlight the alternatives to foxhunting, which they say would allow future ball-goers to celebrate without the guilty conscience. This visual action was organised by Rebecca Deegan, a Laois-based artist, wildlife rescue volunteer and student vet nurse. Attendees included representatives from Laois SPCA and Kildare Wildlife Rescue, as well as members of the public concerned about the welfare of foxes, and notably organiser claim, former supporters and attendees of the hunt. Ms Deegan said: We are advocating for cruelty-free alternatives to hunting foxes with hounds. Keep the skill, the horses, the hounds, the community just remove the cruelty. Cruelty-free alternatives include drag hunting, where riders follow a pre-laid artificial scent (no wildlife involved, unlike trail hunting which uses the scent of a fox). This activity keeps the galloping, jumping, teamwork and social element, and is already practised widely in Ireland and the UK. The excitement, skill and tradition remains - just without terrorising wildlife. Other alternatives include scent work such as man-trailing and clean-boot hunting, which are highly enriching for hounds - mentally and physically. The dogs follow human or artificial scents (used by search and rescue teams). Hounds love scent work, its what their brains evolved for, and it is so impressive to watch them in action and undoubtedly rewarding for their trainers; no destruction of wild animals needed, said Ms Deegan. Master of the Laois Hunt, David Lalor, said the demonstrators were entitled to their opinion. Nothing extraordinary happened and some of the lads had a bit of fun with them. It was good humoured, Mr Lalor said of the demonstration. He said the ball was one of the biggest to take place in Laois in many years with around 250 people in attendance. We have a large number of members, said Mr Lalor. We are one of the lucky ones, we have a strong membership, all from Laois, he added. In relation to alternative hunts which use artificial scents instead of real foxes, Mr Lalor said: They are entitled to their opinion. We are pretty well regulated, we have been for years. READ ALSO: Hitting the roads of Laois to help Portlaoise Hospital He was speaking from his farm in Ballacolla where lambing was taking place. There is a couple of lambs missing overnight, said Mr Lalor. He said I dont begrudge an odd lamb to a fox. We depend on them for sport. The most recent RED C survey found that 73% of people believe the bloodsport of foxhunting with hounds should be banned, with just 14% opposed to a ban. The poll also showed that opposition against the practice is strong in rural Ireland, where 68% favour a ban. Attendees of the Anti-Hunt Ball noted the positive comments and interactions from many Laois Hunt ball-goers; several of whom they said chose to spend a lot of time engaging in respectful, meaningful conversation with the activists. Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a 'lovely lady' from Kildare who passed this week. Helen Dalton (nee Cowzer), Courtown Park, Kilcock, Kildare / Kimmage, Dublin, passed peacefully at her home on February 12 last surrounded by her loving family. Helen is the loving wife of Des and dear mother of Philip and Gavin. She will be forever loved and sadly missed by her family, daughters-in-law Sinead and Clarissa, grandchildren Charlie, Caoimhe, Jack and Chloe Helena, brothers and sisters Billy, Tommy, Eithne, Paul, Mary, Joseph and Noel, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours. Predeceased by her infant grandchild Emily, her brothers and sisters Alice, Paddy, Bernadette and Geraldine. May she Rest In Peace. READ NEXT: Kildare South TD calls for removal of 'road to nowhere' cycle lane in Moone/Timolin Helen will be reposing at her home 30 Courtown Park, (W23 CV44) on Sunday from 4pm to 6pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at 12noon on Monday in St. Cocas Church Kilcock followed by burial in St. Josephs cemetery Kilcock. Family flowers only please, donations to the Irish Cancer Society. Webstream Funeral service: https://www.kilcockandnewtownparish.ie/webcam/ Donations in lieu of flowers to Irish Cancer Society in Memory of Helen Dalton (nee Cowzer): https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/HN84604122/donate.html Tributes paid to Helen on RIP.ie this week include: Our sincere sympathy to Des, Philip and Gavin, and all extended families, on hearing of the sad passing of Helen, a lovely lady, may her gentle soul rest in Heavenly peace, all in our prayers at this very sad time. And: Sincere sympathy to Helen's extended family and friends at this very sad time. Rest in peace Helen. While another mourner wrote: Dear Dessie, so very sad to hear of Helen's passing. Deepest condolences to you and the family. A lovely warm lady always with a smile & chat. May Helen rest in eternal peace. And another added: Sorry for your loss, rest in peace Helen. A County Kildare business has paid tribute to its late owner by vowing "to try and fulfil" his legacy. The business made reference to Vivian Carroll, the later owner of both Judge Roy Beans and Harrigans Bar and Grill in Newbridge, who died suddenly earlier this month. His death prompted shock and sadness across the town and beyond, and both businesses announced a temporary closure in honour of the late Mr Carroll, who was laid to rest on Saturday, February 7 last. Judge Roy Beans eventually reopened on Wednesday, February 11 last, and it also issued a heartfelt statement to the public following Mr Carroll's death. And now, Judge Roy Beans has paid another, more in-depth tribute to "The Boss": the late Vivian Carroll. READ NEXT: A small gesture goes a long way: Women's group in Kildare creates 100 hats for premature babies Taking to social media, the business said: "Thanks to everyone for all of your overwhelming support during this difficult time. "He wasnt only a boss he was a mentor and also a great friend to all the staff, but also [to] every customer that walked through the door. "We have no words to describe how much he will be missed, in work and outside of it. "We will continue to try and fulfil Vivians legacy very big boots to fill!" Judge Roy Beans also attached a number of photographs and videos of the late Vivian Carroll, along with the following sentiment: "Here are a few memories to remember our main man, we love you always Viv." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judge Roy Beans (@judgeroybeans) Mr Carroll, who is predeceased by his dad Michael and brother Jason, is sadly missed by his loving wife Breda, children Christian, Sadhbh, Elliott and Roan, mother Cecelia, sister Michelle, brother Patrick, mother-in-law Bridie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, extended family, relatives, friends and all of his work colleagues. The late Vivian Carroll (RIP) READ NEXT: Criminal damage incident in Athy leads to Kildare garda investigation A Kildare senator has said in the Seanad it is inconceivable and indefensible that the number of SNAs in a Newbridge secondary school be cut as proposed. Speaking in the Seanad this week, Fianna Fail Senator Fiona O'Loughlin said that while Patrician Catholic Secondary School in Newbridge is an excellent school, there are plans to cut the number of SNA posts there. The school, she stated, has a strong reputation in the Newbridge community for inclusion and supporting a diverse student population, yet now its SNA allocation was being called into question. According to Senator O'Loughlin, Patrician Catholic Secondary School had an allocation of 6.75 SNAs since the school population was 820 pupils. However, she pointed out, the school population has now grown to 930 and is rising, with a school extension planned to cater for 1,000 pupils. One can imagine, she said, the impact on the school community when it heard over the weekend that its allocation of 6.75 SNAs was going to be reduced to four next September. The whole school community is absolutely devastated, Senator O'Loughlin told Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, Michael Moynihan TD. The SNAs are a really important feature of school life in terms of students who are vulnerable and need to have those extra needs met. In the last budget, 16,000 SNAs were accounted for in terms of extra funding. For 2026, there was an increased allocation of, I believe, 1,717. That is more than double the number of SNAs ten years ago. That is really great and a lot of the extra allocation is down to the Minister of State and his support for this area. I appreciate that it is not him who makes these allocations but, rather, the NCSE (National Council for Special Education), working through the special educational needs organisers, SENOs. However, considering the increase in SNA allocation, I cannot at any level understand how this school, which has grown, has received a proposed allocation of 40% instead of more SNAs. READ NEXT: Criminal damage incident in Athy leads to Kildare garda investigation Senator O'Loughlin said the school is making an appeal to the NCSE against the reduction in SNA allocation. Just the mere suggestion of the cut is inconceivable and indefensible, she said, adding she hoped the Minister of State will support this call to have the cut reversed and, at the very minimum, retain the current number in the school. That is needed for those children who have those extra needs and are vulnerable, she concluded. Responding to Senator O'Loughlin, Deputy Moynihan agreed that a student population growth from 820 to 930 pupils was a huge increase. There are almost 25,000 SNAs within the education system at the moment, he stated, and a review was currently underway to see where best these SNAs could be placed. However, he noted, it was important that Patrician Catholic Secondary School appeal the decision and put its best foot forward in that regard. Senator O'Loughlin and I have worked together very carefully over many years since she came into the Oireachtas and even before that. She has a fantastic grasp and understanding of education., he said. We will certainly work together to try to get the best possible outcomes. She will appreciate that I cannot give any cast iron guarantees. There is a process there that needs to be done. We will work on that process. I have no difficulty working with Senator O'Loughlin on this or any other issue. Learner drivers are being warned that if they have a test booked for Friday next week, it may not go ahead because of testers taking strike action across Ireland. Driving testers who are members of the Forsa trade union will be striking over concerns that uninsured vehicles are being used for driving tests. Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission failed to reach a resolution, according to an article by RTE. READ NEXT: 'Utterly exhausted'- Irish parents heartbroken after abandoning disabled daughter Forsa then announced a full day of strike action, beginning at 8:15am on Friday, February 20th and lasting until 5:30pm that evening. Indefinite action could take place, which would see testers refusing to conduct a test unless a valid certificate of insurance is shown by the learner driver hoping to take the test. "The absence of access to a national insurance verification system means there is no reliable way to confirm that vehicles presented for tests are properly insured. Exposing driver testers to this level of potential risk makes no sense," Ruairi Creaney of Forsa said. READ NEXT: Who are the guests on this week's Late Late Show Valentine's special as guests revealed? The union voted last month on the decision to take strike action on this matter. It also accused the Road Safety Authority of ensuring driving testers are covered by the State Claims Agency while working. There was good news for Leitrim in relation to train services this week. Dromod Train Station will not be bypassed in a bid to speed up travel times to Dublin, as had been feared. There is also renewed hope for an early morning service to Sligo. Both updates came in a letter to Leitrim County Council from the Iarnrod Eireann Chief Executive, Mary Considine. The letter was read out at this week's Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting by Kieran Brett, meeting administrator. Regarding an early morning to Sligo, while we have corresponded on this topic on a number of occasions, we recognise the interest and demand in such a service operating, and it is a topic we have examined in the context of our overall timetable engagements with the National Transport Authority, the Chief Executive wrote. While PSO funding has not facilitated any changes at this time, we will continue to keep this under review and as soon as funding and other resources allow, we hope to implement such a service at the earliest opportunity, subject to NTA approval, the letter added. READ MORE: 'Significant costs' holding many students back from getting a car says Leitrim councillor Responding to the letter, Cllr Irene Guckian-Rabbitte said that, it is good news that Iarnrod Eireann are not bypassing smaller stations, including Dromod. Cllr Guckian-Rabbitte has asked a letter to be written to Iarnrod Eireann at the Jnuary meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, in relation to both issues. In her motion, she had also called for an investment in extra carriages and on the railway infrastructure. The letter from the Chief Executive stated that, Regarding investment in extra carriages, in 2024, we added 41 new Intercity railcar carriages to the fleet and these have helped to address some of this increased demand, with approximately 50% of Sligo services seeing additional capacity as a result. Dromod based Cllr Sean McGowan told the meeting that, Dromod is a busy station. In relation to an early morning service, this would be a well used service if it was introduced. I am bombarded with emails about the need for this service, he commented. The early morning service to Sligo would benefit people such as students and those with hospital appointments. Cars would be taken off the road as a result. However, it is a positive change that Iarnrod Eireann have committed to an early morning service, Cllr McGowan added. At a plenary meeting of Leitrim County Council in January, Cllr McGowan had submitted a motion calling for the early morning serivce. That we again call on Iarnrod Eireann and the NTA to look at the possibility of providing of an early morning commuter train service, Monday to Friday, between Longford and Sligo to cater for the large number of people who work, attend college, or hospital appointments etc. on a daily basis. There is a demand for such a service, and it would be extensively used and would be welcomed by the communities who live along or close to the Sligo -Dublin Line, his motion had stated. Sligo/Leitrim Minister Marian Harkin has this week welcomed the announcement of a new 6.5 million Creative Climate Action Fund III, supporting ambitious, large-scale creative initiatives that will empower communities across Ireland to engage meaningfully with climate action. The fund will support imaginative, multi-annual projects that bring together expertise from the arts and culture sector, climate science, and community engagement to drive lasting behavioural change and strengthen public participation in climate solutions. Welcoming the initiative, Minister Harkin said: Climate action is not only a scientific and policy challenge it is a societal one. Through creativity, storytelling and collaboration, we can connect people to the reality of climate change in ways that inspire practical action. The Creative Climate Action Fund III recognises the vital role of artists, cultural practitioners, scientists and communities in shaping a sustainable future. READ MORE: Leitrim resident 'in limbo with house cracking around them' as they await pyrite report The Creative Climate Action Fund III (20262029) is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, delivered through a cross-Government partnership. It will support ambitious, durational projects aligned with key national climate priorities, including the Climate Action Plan 2025, the National Dialogue on Climate Action, and the work of the Just Transition Commission. Grants of between 400,000 and 750,000 will be available for projects delivered over a four- year period. The fund is targeted at organisations with a proven track record in delivering large- scale public engagement initiatives with extensive public participation over time. As part of the overall investment, 1 million is being provided under the Governments Shared Island initiative. This allocation will support projects with strong all-island, NorthSouth or EastWest partnerships, or initiatives conceived and delivered entirely on a Shared Island basis. These projects will foster deeper cross-border cooperation and collaboration between communities engaging with climate change across the island. READ MORE: Teaching is 'one of the most rewarding jobs you could hope to do' - Leitrim teacher Minister Harkin added: This fund reflects our commitment to supporting communities to take ownership of climate action. By encouraging cross-border collaboration and long-term engagement, we are investing in projects that not only raise awareness but empower citizens to make meaningful and sustained changes in their daily lives. Applications will open on 16 February 2026 at www.creativeireland.gov.ie and will close on 15 April 2026 AITB Director General, Mr. Abraham Billy, emerges from the headquarters of the Botswana Qualifications Authority in Gaborone, Botswana LIMERICK City and County Council is preparing for the upcoming cold snap this weekend and intends to undertake road salting operations as required and in line with its Winter Maintenance Plan. Road conditions are forecast to be hazardous, with a yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning to be in place for Limerick and the rest of the country between 9pm tonight and 10am on Saturday. Limerick Council is advising motorists that even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey. Drivers travelling longer journeys are advised to be aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country. Pedestrians are advised to take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice. READ MORE: IRELAND SNOW MAP - Where will it snow as Met Eireann issue new weather warnings? Members of the public are advised to monitor Met Eireann forecasts and/or visit www.met.ie for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in cases of queries of power and electricity supply. Uisce Eireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie. People are advised to conserve water, and visit water.ie for advice. Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone. For emergencies, members of the public are advised to contact Limerick Council at 061 556000 or 061 417833 (out of hours). A CONVICTION for a man who refused to provide a blood sample to gardai has been upheld in Limerick Circuit Court. Martin Enright of Coolun Lodge, Croagh, was stopped at a garda check point in Ballingarry on New Year's Day in 2021. READ ALSO: Plans for green spaces in Limerick to 'reimagine' the future of the city and county Garda Errol Flynn told the court that the man's car had a smell of cannabis and a roadside test using a swab to collect saliva, tested positive for cannabis. He also carried out a search of the vehicle doors and pockets and no drugs were found. Mr Enright was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and cautioned. At the garda station, Mr Enright refused to give a blood sample to a doctor three times. This would be used to determine the level of drugs in a person's system. Garda Flynn told the court that Mr Enright said he was refusing on medical grounds, but he did not elaborate on what those were, even though he was given many opportunities. A medical report dated September 9, 2024, was handed into Judge Colin Daly, which stated that Mr Enright had a long-standing phobia of needles. Solicitor for the State prosecution, Brendan Gill, pointed out that this reason was not cited at the time and that Mr Enright refused to give a blood sample three times. Giving his own evidence, Mr Enright told his barrister Nicholas Hall BL that he didn't have any tattoos, had not received any vaccines and that needles caused him to have panic attacks and experience a loss of breath. In response to questions from Mr Gill, he that he had never seen a psychologist or received any medication for this phobia of needles. Judge Colin Daly said that medical evidence would be required for the court. Judge Daly upheld the district court conviction and Mr Enright was fined 600 with six months to pay and disqualified from driving for four years. Despite a request from his barrister Nicholas Hall BL to delay the driving disqualification, Judge Daly said that the man had enough time to get his affairs in order since the offence in 2021. The disqualification was activated that day. BISHOP Brendan Leahy has described the attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre in Dooradoyle as "shocking and worrying" - and has expressed his solidarity with the local Muslim community. "As has been pointed out by others, such an attack is uncommon and not supported by the vast majority of people in Limerick. No matter what our creed or religious belonging, we are all brothers and sisters, children of the one God," he said. The leader of the Catholic church in Limerick has described the incident as "a wake-up call" for people to work together and build peace "in a world that is increasingly fractured and polarised. Elsewhere, Limerick's metropolitan district leader, Cllr Daniel Butler, has also condemned the arson attack on the Muslim place of worship. The gardai and fire services were called to the Islamic Cultural Centre in Dooradoyle late on Thursday night following the incident. Gardai are investigating what they described as an incident of "criminal damage by fire" at the premises. READ MORE: Millions of euro in legacy funding announced to ensure Limerick benefits from Ryder Cup It is understood a male approached the mosque and threw a petrol bomb through a window of the place of worship. There's been widespread criticism of the attack, which is understood began in the bathroom of the facility. Cllr Butler has described it as "a deeply disturbing and reckless act of violence" which has no place in Limerick. THE MINISTER for enterprise, trade and employment, Peter Burke, has announced Jim Woulfe as the chairperson of Enterprise Ireland. Mr Woulfe has held the position of interim chair since June of 2025. READ ALSO: Limerick garda feared for his safety when caught up in traveller fight that involved up to 50 people Originally from Ardagh, he joined the Ballyclough Coop in Mallow in 1979, after he graduated from University College Cork with a degree in Dairy Science. Ballyclough Coop later merged into Dairygold. Over the course of four decades, Mr Woulfe held a senior leadership position in Dairygold, including head of HR, head of agri business and he was appointed chief executive in 2009. Mr Woulfe served as chief executive of Dairygold CoOperative Society until his retirement in December 2021, following 42 years with the organisation. Minister Burke said that Mr Woulfe brings his deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Irish businesses to his new role at chairperson of Enterprise Ireland. "Jim brings a proven track record in corporate governance, strategic leadership and enterprise development, skills that are essential in strengthening Irelands enterprise base, creating employment and supporting companies to compete internationally. Jim has already demonstrated strong leadership as interim chair. I look forward to working with him as Enterprise Ireland drives the growth of a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced enterprise sector and supports companies to scale, export and embrace innovation. I would also like to thank Jim for his commitment and dedication during his time as Interim Chair and for his valuable contribution to the board of Enterprise Ireland. UNIVERSITY of Limerick made it back to back wins in the Electric Ireland Higher Education final after securing an impressive 4-31 to 3-21 victory over local rivals Mary Immaculate College at Croke Park on Friday night. The Brian Ryan-managed UL side led the repeat of the 2024 Higher Education Fitzgibbon Cup final 3-13 to 0-13 at half-time. It is a 10th Fitzgibbon Cup success for the Castletroy-based side, who produced their best performance of the campaign in the decider. Limerick player Cathal O'Neill scooped the TG4 Man of the Match accolade after turning in an eye-catching display in the final. O'Neill scored seven points from play in the final, while Tipperary's Young Hurler of the Year Darragh McCarthy also contributed eight points, seven from frees, and Cork's Jack Leahy accounted for 1-5 from play. ULs other goals came courtesy of Limerick star Adam English, Jack O'Neill and substitute Fintan Fitzgerald. The success capped a memorable 48 hours for UL who completed a big double after capturing their histroic first ever Sigerson Cup final success also at GAA HQ on Wednesday evening following their win over UCC. UL have become the fourth different college to complete the Sigerson Cup-Fitzgibbon Cup double in the same year. The victorious UL Fitzgibbon Cup hurling side was captained to victory by Limerick's Colin Coughlan, of Ballybrown. READ NEXT: Two Limerick rugby clubs look to secure Munster Senior Cup final places For Mary Immaculate College, exciting Limerick star Shane O'Brien contributed a handsome 1-12, including a goal from a penalty and five points from play. Some 10 members of John Kiely's Limerick senior hurling squad featured in Friday night's Fitzgibbon Cup final, with seven on the victorious UL panel. SCORERS: University of Limerick: Jack Leahy 1-5, Darragh McCarthy 0-8 (0-7 frees), Cathal O'Neill 0-7, Fintan Fitzgerald, Adam English 1-1 each, Jack O'Neill 1-0, Aidan O'Connor, Colin Coughlan 0-3 each, Adam Screeney, Oisin O'Donoghue Diarmuid Stritch 0-1 each. Mary Immaculate College Limerick: Shane O'Brien 1-12 (0-7 frees, 1-0 pen, 0-1 '65), Joe Caesar 1-3, Ben Currivan 1-0, Darragh Walsh (free), Jimmy Quilty, Shane Walsh, Oisin O'Farrell, Ronan O'Connor, Donncha Campbell 0-1 each. UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK: Darach Fahy (Ardrahan, Galway); Ciarmhac Smyth (Midleton, Cork), Darragh Langan (Monaleen, Limerick), Aaron Morgan (Kilruane McDonaghs, Tipperary); Killian Doyle (Emeralds, Kilkenny), Mark Fitzgerald (Passage East, Waterford), Colin Coughlan (Ballybrown, Limerick); Adam English (Doon, Limerick), Jack O'Neill (Clooney Quin, Clare); Aidan O'Connor (Ballybrown, Limerick), Cathal O'Neill (Crecora Manister, Limerick), Adam Screeney (Kilcormac Killoughey, Offaly); Darragh McCarthy (Toomevara, Tipperary), Oisin O'Donoghue (Cashel King Cormacs, Tipperary), Jack Leahy (Dungourney, Cork). Subs: Joe Fitzgerald (Monaleen, Limerick) for Smyth (22 mins), Conor Martin (Cappawhite, Tipperary) for Morgan (41 mins), Diarmuid Stritch (Clonlara, Clare) for O'Donoghue (45 mins), Fintan Fitzgerald (Mungret St Pauls, Limerick) for Jack O'Neill (55 mins), Ian Shanahan (Ballinakill, Laois) for Langan (59 mins). MICL: Darragh Walsh (Turloughmore, Galway); Bobby Drohan (St Mollerans, Waterford), Vince Harrington (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick), Eoin Lawless (Athenry, Galway); Donnacha Campbell (Cappataggle, Galway), Jimmy Quilty (Blackrock, Limerick), Cian Scully (Dromin-Athlacca, Limerick); Dara Whelan (Turloughmore, Galway), Ronan O'Connor (Feakle, Clare); Shane Walsh (Tullaroan, Kilkenny), Joe Caesar (Holycross Ballycahill, Tipperary), Adam Daly (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams, Tipperary); Eoin Craddock (Holycross Ballycahill, Tipperary), Shane O'Brien (Kilmallock, Limerick), Oisin O'Farrell (Askeaton Ballysteen Kilcornan, Limerick). Subs: Cathal Quinn (Cashel King Cormacs, Tipperary) for Quilty (half-time), Adam Hogan (Feakle, Clare) for Eoin Lawless (38 mins), Ben Currivan (Golden Kilfeacle, Tipperary) for Walsh (45 mins), Conor Lawless (Athenry, Galway) for Harrington (47 mins), Patrick Finn (Bruff, Limerick) for Craddock (59 mins). REFEREE: Liam Gordon (Galway). Fordes Courtyard is set to host an exceptional evening of flavour and craftsmanship as Limericks newest bar presents a special Redbreast Whiskey & Food Pairing Night, a standout event in its growing Twilight Thursday series. Set in the stylish new Limerick City venue, this curated tasting experience brings together premium Irish whiskey and fine dining with an expertly guided, multi-course format designed to showcase the best of both worlds. If youve been looking for the perfect excuse to visit Limericks newest bar and see what all the buzz is about, this event offers an ideal introduction. At the heart of the evening is a five-course tasting menu created by two international head chefs, each dish carefully designed to complement and enhance the character of five Redbreast expressions. Guests will be welcomed with a Redbreast Orchard Spritz cocktail on arrival before moving through the guided tasting journey. Throughout the evening, explore how texture, aroma, and flavour interplay between glass and plate, turning dinner into an immersive sensory experience rather than a traditional meal. The evening is set to be expertly narrated by Matthew Smyth, Prestige Brand Ambassador with Irish Distillers, whose commentary offers both newcomers and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each expression. The venue itself is quickly becoming one of the citys most talked-about new openings. Nestled in the heart of Limerick, Fordes Courtyard combines elegant design with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for curated tasting events and premium drinks experiences. For those seeking a distinctive night out, whether as a date night, a gathering with friends, or a treat for whiskey enthusiasts, the Redbreast Whiskey & Food Pairing Night offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Irelands most respected spirits in a thoughtfully paired culinary setting. GET YOUR TICKET HERE By Blake Brittain Feb 12 (Reuters) - Apple won a defense verdict on Thursday in a lawsuit by intellectual-property management company Optis Wireless, which had accused the tech giant of violating its patent rights in 4G LTE wireless technology. Optis had won verdicts of $506 million and $300 million against Apple in earlier trials in the long-running case in Marshall, Texas. Both verdicts were later overturned on appeal. An Optis spokesperson said on Friday that the company would appeal the Thursday verdict. "Apples stated strategy is to devalue and delay paying for the underlying patented technology of the innovation it relies on to offer high speed LTE communications," the spokesperson said. "While we respect the jurys decision, we are incredibly disappointed by this outcome." "We thank the jury for their time, and were pleased they rejected Optis false claims," an Apple spokesperson said. "Optis makes no products, and its sole business is to sue companies, which it has done repeatedly to Apple in an attempt to obtain an excessive payout." An Optis spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the verdict. Plano, Texas-based Optis and its affiliates sued Apple in 2019, arguing that the tech giant's iPhones and other products violated their patent rights in technology related to the 4G LTE wireless standard. Apple has denied the allegations and argued the patents are invalid. A jury found in 2020 that Apple owed $506 million for infringing Optis' patents. U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap ordered a new trial on damages in 2021 after finding the award may not have been in line with Optis' responsibility to license the patents on fair and reasonable terms. A new jury awarded Optis $300 million in damages after a retrial later that year. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned that verdict last year, finding Gilstrap had improperly worded the jury verdict form by combining all of the patents at issue into a single infringement question. A U.K. court separately ruled last year that Apple owes Optis $502 million for infringing Optis' UK wireless patents. The U.K. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal from Apple in June. Ola Electric Mobility Ltd saw its revenue more than halve in the October to December period from a year ago, recording its lowest-ever quarterly revenue since it went public in August 2024, as the company closes stores and lays off employees in a bid to cut costs. The company saw its losses narrow slightly to 487 crore in the third quarter of the financial year 2026, from 564 crore in the year-ago period, while its revenue fell 57% to 504 crore amid dwindling sales. The electric two-wheeler company reported that its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) margin deteriorated to -68.7% from -47.3% a year ago. Vehicle deliveries during the quarter fell 61% to 32,680 units, its lowest quarterly sales number since it went public. Cost reset The Bengaluru-based firm is now focusing its efforts on cutting costs, with the shareholder letter informing that it has reduced its store count to 700 from more than 4,000 a year ago as it concentrates its footprint. Moreover, the company said in a public statement on 30 January that it is laying off 5% of its employees. Also Read | Stricter emission rules may be delayed for 2575 hp tractors after industry push Bhavish Aggarwal, chairman and managing director of Ola Electric, told analysts and investors during a post-earnings call on Friday that the company can break even at 15,000 unit sales a month, but will not commit to a timeline of hitting the mark. Currently, its average quarterly deliveries are at 10,893 per month, as per its disclosures. We have to fix our service and rebuild the brand trust with that, which the company is in the middle of doing. It will take us another quarter or so to fully institutionalize service. And this time, what we have done is really taken the foundational building approach to fixing the front-end operational challenges that we faced, Aggarwal told analysts. Notably, the management call with analysts was one of the shortest since it went public as less than half a dozen analysts were given a chance to pose questions. Typically, earnings calls post results last anywhere between 45 minutes and one hour, with more than a dozen analysts posing questions to the management. Sales slide The store closures came as the company faced a steady decline in scooter sales. On 29 December, A Mint review of January-November statewise vehicle registration data from the governments Vahan portal showed that Ola Electric failed to post year-on-year growth in any month since February 2025 in four of the countrys biggest electric two-wheeler marketsMaharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In at least one state and one Union territory, the company recorded zero sales at least once over the past three months, contributing to its slide to fifth position in recent rankings. The engagement with analysts was the first time Deepak Rastogi, the new chief financial officer of Ola Electric, spoke in a public forum. On 19 January, the company informed the exchanges that Ola Electrics chief financial officer Harish Abhichandani had resigned. Aggarwal and new CFO Rastogi focused on the companys efforts to reduce costs. Another important point is the structural cost reset that we have done. And you see that about a year ago, our Opex cost was about 850 crores (reducing to 484 crore), Aggarwal said during the call. Profit push While analysts questioned the company on how it plans to get sales back on track, the management insisted that it has the competitive advantage in terms of vertical integration when it comes to lithium ion cells and other products. Aggarwal noted that competitors are currently focused on market share gains, while Ola is ready to wait for long-term gains. In its shareholder letter, the company emphasized its focus on reversing the sales slump. As service performance stabilises fully, we expect the underlying strength of our product proposition to reassert itself in the market. As service metrics normalise and volumes recover, the combination of improved margins and a structurally lower cost base materially accelerates our path to profitability, the letter said. Olas performance was in contrast to its Bengaluru-based peer Ather Energy, which saw its losses more than halve to 85 crore from a year earlier as its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) or operating margin improved by 16 percentage points from -19% to -3%. Also Read | Mahindra, Tata win emission test relief for light commercial vehicles Its total revenue surged 53% year-on-year 996 crore, driven by a 50% jump in e-scooter sales to 68,000 units during the quarter. Vikram said the bank will add products and services in phases and wants to eventually make it into a global hub for offshore business. This would allow not just local companies to raise foreign currency loans and trade finance and bonds; the idea is also to use GIFT City to get foreign companies to raise funds through the route. Artificial intelligence platform Anthropic has completed a mega funding round, raising $30 billion and valuing the company at nearly $400 billion. Anthropic, maker of the chatbot Claude, said Thursday its valuation grew after it raised $30 billion in its latest round of funding. The rising demand of AI has led to high tech spending globally as enterprise adoption grows, pushing valuations of AI startups like Anthropic to record levels amid massive investor interest. Anthropic has created its own position among AI companies today by positioning its model training on coding, with developers preferring Claude Coding over other tools. Here are 5 key questions on the Anthropic fundraising deal and their answers. How much funds did Anthropic raise? Following the latest fundraising round, Anthropic has raised $30 billion. This is considered as one of the largest fundraising rounds in the AI space, showing the growing appetite of investors to put their bets on artificial intelligence. This comes just five months after Anthropic closed its last round of funding. The funding round comes days after Anthropic aired its first television advertisements during Super Bowl LX, using the commercial to emphasise that its products remain ad-free. Who were the investors? The latest Anthropic funding round led by Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC and hedge fund Coatue Management. Other significant investors in the Series G funding round included Sequoia Capital, Menlo Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Blackstone and affiliated funds of BlackRock, Anthropic said. Anthropic is the clear category leader in enterprise AI, said Choo Yong Cheen, chief investment officer of private equity at GIC. Also Read | Anthropic reveals new Claude model claims it could be conscious Anthropic's earlier backers include Amazon, which has already invested $8 billion in the AI company and serves as its cloud partner. Also among the early investors is Google, which had invested $2 billion in 2023. Alpha Wave Overview, a leading investor known for its backing to Indian companies like Haldiram's and LensKart, was also among the investors. Is Anthropic fundraising round largest in AI space? Anthropic has raised $30 billion in the latest fundraising round, making it one of the largest deals in the AI space. However, this is the second-biggest private financing round on record for tech, as the company tries to match its pace with ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The Sam Altman-led AI company had last year raised $40 billion in a financing round led by SoftBank, which still holds the top position in tech funding rounds. Prior to that, Ant Group led the chart with its $14 billion fundraising round in 2018. Developing AI models can be quite expensive, which explains why OpenAI and Anthropic continue to get such high private capitals, as they have to pour funds into resources like Nvidia's GPUs. What will Anthropic do with the funds? According to a statement by Anthropic, the company will use the funds to deepen its research and expand its infrastructure to make Claude available to everyone. This investment will help us deepen our research, continue to innovate in products, and ensure we have the resources to power our infrastructure expansion as we make Claude available everywhere our customers are, it said in a post on X. Also Read | Anthropic unveils latest AI model as OpenAI rivalry intensifies This fundraising reflects the incredible demand we are seeing from these customers, and we will use this investment to continue building the enterprise-grade products and models they have come to depend on, Krishna Rao, Anthropics chief financial officer, said in a statement. Apple is set to open its sixth store in India, the company said in a statement on Friday. The new Apple store in India was announced as the iPhone maker unveiled the barricades of the upcoming outlet. Apple opened its first store in Mumbai and second store in Delhi in April, 2023. Here is everything you need to know about the new Apple store in India, the company's sixth outlet in the country. Where is the new Apple store? The new Apple store will be opened in Mumbai's Borivali. The Apple Borivali store is the sixth in India and second in Mumbai. It opens nearly three years after the Apple BKC store, the first official outlet of the iPhone maker in Mumbai and India. Also Read | Apple Noida Store launch 2025 live updates: Apple unveils its fifth India store What is the address of Apple Borivali? The Apple Borivali store is located in the Sky City Mall in Borivali. Full address: G4, Sky City Mall, Off Western Express Highway, Borivali, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400066. What are the features of Apple Borivali? Apple Borivali distinctive peacock-inspired visual identity, with the design signalling confidence, detail, and a sense of arrival, seen through Apples lens of creativity, the company said in its statement. Also Read | Siri set for big upgrade despite wave of AI researcher exits at Apple: Report The peacock design was first introduced at the opening of Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru followed by Apple Koregaon Park in Pune, and Apple Noida. What's inside for customers? At Apple Borivali, customers can explore and purchase Apples latest product lineup, experience new features, and receive expert support from Specialists, Creatives, Geniuses, and dedicated Business teams. Customers can also take part in Today at Apple sessions - free, daily, in-store experiences, led by Apple Creatives, designed to help people learn, create, and get more out of their devices. Together with the Apple Store online, Apple Store app and services such as Apple Pickup, Apple Trade In, Personal Setup, and help with switching to iOS, Apple Borivali deepens Apples commitment to customers in India, offering more personalised, seamless, and secure ways to connect with Apple, the company said. When will Apple Borivali open? The Apple Borivali store is set to open its doors for customers on 26 February at 1 pm, according to the official website. Namaskar, Borivali. Your new Apple Store opens its doors soon. We can't wait to see your brilliant ideas come to life at Apple Borivali, the iPhone maker said on its website. Ahead of opening day, customers are invited to download exclusive Apple Borivali wallpapers, explore a curated Apple Music playlist inspired by the sounds of Mumbai, and learn more about the upcoming store at https://www.apple.com/in/retail/borivali/, the website further mentioned. After opening its first two stores in 2023 in Mumbai BKC and Delhi, continued expansion with the opening of three stores in 2025--Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru and Apple Koregaon Park in Pune, and more recently at Apple Noida. On expanding access beyond metro cities, the company's Vice President of Stores and Retail Operations Vanessa Trigub had said Apple is focused on offering a seamless experience across both physical and online channels to its customers. DP World Ltd appointed a new chief executive officer and chairman, the roles previously held by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, whose alleged connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein led two companies to suspend dealings with the logistics firm this week, according to a Bloomberg report. The company appointed Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive officer and Essa Kazim as chairman, according to a statement from Dubai Media Office on X on Friday. It did not comment on whether Bin Sulayem remains with the company. DP World announces the appointment of Essa Kazim as Chairman of its Board of Directors and the appointment of Yuvraj Narayan as Group Chief Executive Officer, the X post read. Also Read | Cardi B hits back at Homeland Security over ICE remark, raises Epstein files question What are the allegations against Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem? Bin Sulayem, who has led the Dubai-owned port operator since 2019, maintained a relationship with the convicted pedophile both before and for over a decade after Epstein's imprisonment in 2008 on charges such as procuring a minor for prostitution. The relationship was revealed through a series of emails released by the US Department of Justice and other sources obtained by the news portal last year. Additionally, at least two government-linked investment funds have paused their deals with DP World, intensifying the repercussions. Pullback amid allegations According to the report, British International Investment, a 9.9 billion ($13.6 billion) development finance body owned by the UK government, announced it has suspended investments in the company amid the allegations. Meanwhile, Canadian pension fund Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec, a key financial partner in various DP World projects, stated it is stopping all future investment plans with the firm. The emails show that the two men exchanged intimate messages, shared business and political contacts, and attempted to broker deals for one another, it added. About DP World and Bin Sulayem DP World operates across 83 countries with a workforce of over 119,000 employees. The company manages the Middle Easts largest port at Jebel Ali in Dubai, along with the London Gateway in the UK, logistics facilities in the US, and various other sites across Africa. Bin Sulayem, a Dubai businessman educated at Temple University in Philadelphia, has held numerous government-linked roles in the emirate over the past twenty years. He was among many executives who lost their jobs following the global financial crisis, a period when Dubai faced a near-default due to difficulties in repaying property-related debt. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has confirmed that Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) doesn't require prior regulatory permission to participate in the Shriram Finance preferential issue, the company informed in an exchange filing on Friday, 13 February. In December last year, Shriram Finance announced a stake sale of 20% to MUFG , which will involve a preferential issuance of equity shares valued at 39,618 crore, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The proposed transaction will mark the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in India's financial sector to date, the company then stated. We have been informed by the Investor that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has confirmed that the Investor is not required to obtain prior approval from the RBI for the Proposed Transaction, the filing posted by Shriram Finance read. About Shriram-MUFG deal MUFG Banks investment in Shriram Finance is a strategic equity stake rather than a passive financial interest. Through the proposed transaction, Shriram Finance aims to enhance balance sheet resilience when scale, liquidity, and risk management have become increasingly important in the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector, it said. Meanwhile, in the case of MUFG, the transaction will provide exposure to one of Indias most extensive retail and MSME lending franchises, built over decades across semi-urban and rural markets, Shriram Finance said. The $4.4 billion transaction has received approval from credit rating agencies such as Care Ratings, ICRA, and Moody's Ratings, positioning the NBFC favourably to obtain low-cost borrowing. Also Read | Why Shrirams unique promoter structure was the ultimate bait for MUFG Concerns raised by proxy advisers Despite all the benefits highlighted by Shriram Finance, two prominent proxy advisers have flagged concerns, Mint reported on 13 January 2026. The NBFC is requesting shareholder approval for three resolutions, which include the issuance of 47.1 crore shares valued at 39,618 crore to MUFG through a preferential private placement; granting specific controlling rights to MUFG Bank; and a one-time, non-recurring payout of $200 million from MUFG to promoter Shriram Ownership Trust for non-compete and non-solicit commitments. The resolutions received shareholders approval at an extraordinary general meeting on 14 January. Governance research firm Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES) has opposed all three proposals, while Institutional Investor Advisory Services has opposed only the third one. InGovern Research Services, on the other hand, has supported all resolutions to approve the deal. Elon Musk on Thursday slammed AI company Anthropic in a scathing attack, calling the firm misanthropic and evil as it closed a $30 billion fundraising round. Musk's comments on social media came as a reply to Anthropic's X post announcing the capital raise round, which is the second-largest tech fundraising in history. Your AI hates Whites & Asians, especially Chinese, heterosexuals and men. This is misanthropic and evil. Fix it [sic], Musk, who runs AI firm xAI, wrote. He called the company misanthropic, in a wordplay on its name. Frankly, I dont think there is anything you can do to escape the inevitable irony of Anthropic ending up being Misanthropic. You were doomed to this fate when you chose your name. The Name of the Wind, the billionaire added. The Tesla CEO's AI company, xAI, which recently merged with X, competes directly with Anthropic's Claude AI model. Why is Elon Musk bashing Anthropic? Musk has previously been critical of Anthropic, with a report by The Economic Times claiming that Anthropic cut off xAI's access to Claude models. Not quite on programming, but it will excel in other areas. Anthropic has done something special with coding, Musk wrote on X on 15 January. It was a helpful motivator that they cut us off [xAI] and not good for their karma. On 30 January, Musk posted another critical comment on Anthropic, this time mocking its name. Always worth remembering that fate loves irony. The most ironic outcome for a company named [Anthropic] would be that it is the most misanthropic! he wrote. Anthropic raises $30 billion Anthropic has completed a mega funding round, raising $30 billion and valuing the company at $380 billion, the company announced on Thursday. Weve raised $30B in funding at a $380B post-money valuation. This investment will help us deepen our research, continue to innovate in products, and ensure we have the resources to power our infrastructure expansion as we make Claude available everywhere our customers are, it wrote in a post on X. Musk's comments came in reply to this post. Anthropic has not replied to his accusations. Also Read | Anthropic hits a $380B valuation as it heightens competition with OpenAI Anthropic, maker of the chatbot Claude, said Thursday its capital raise round was led by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC and the US-based investment firm Coatue, along with dozens of other major investors. While not profitable, Anthropic said it is on track for sales of $14 billion over the next year, a rapid rise from its first dollar in revenue that came less than three years ago. The $30 billion capital raise is the second-largest in tech history, after OpenAI's $40 billion financing from SoftBank. Anthropic's role in tech stock rout Anthropic has differentiated itself in the AI space by focusing its model training on coding, with Claude Code gaining strong traction among developers. Anthropic was also the force behind the brutal selloff in global software stocks this month, with its product advances including a Claude Cowork plugin for legal work sparking fresh worries around the disruptive potential to the software sector from sophisticated AI models. (Bloomberg) -- Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte has pulled cash from Jain Global, roughly 18 months after backing one of the biggest startups in hedge fund history. GIC has redeemed $250 million from New York-based Jain, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The wealth fund was one of the earliest backers of Jain. It will take as much as two years for it to fully redeem from the fund, the people said, asking not to be identified because the details are private. GIC is separately going through a leadership change in its external manager department, which oversees the sovereign wealth funds allocations to hedge funds around the world. Long-time head Betty Tay plans to retire from the role and will eventually be replaced by Kwong Hong Huat, who previously led its Asia total returns public equities team. Dan Fagan, who helped GIC put money with Jain Global, left the wealth fund last year to join Blackstone Inc., according to other people with knowledge of the matter. While GIC doesnt reveal how much it has under management, consulting firm Global SWF estimates its assets were worth about $936 billion as of March last year, with around 1.5% of that placed with hedge funds. Representatives for Jain and GIC declined to comment. Bobby Jain is trying to establish his eponymous firm in the multistrategy space dominated by the likes of Millennium Management, Citadel and D.E. Shaw & Co. Instead of gradually building the business, he launched in 2024 as a fully-fledged platform a high-cost approach that has put immediate pressure on performance. Jain, the former co-chief investment officer of Izzy Englanders Millennium, generated about $750 million in trading profits last year but investors shared only about a quarter of the gains or a net 3.7% after fees, Bloomberg reported. The firms front-loaded expenses impacted its returns as it gradually deployed the $5.3 billion it raised. His fund made 0.5% in 2024 after its mid-year launch, and was down 0.9% in January this year. Jain kicked off his hedge fund operation with about a half-dozen strategies and hundreds of staffers globally, a scale of buildout with little precedent in the hedge fund world. The industry veteran has himself likened the task to trying to land three airplanes at once. He began 2025 with about $2 billion deployed and ended with about $5 billion invested across 50 trading teams. The firm employs about 400 people. --With assistance from Bei Hu and Hema Parmar. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The Donald Trump administration is reportedly taking a step back in terms of its tariff policies, as officials mull to narrow its broad tariffs on steel and aluminium products. According to two separate reports by The Financial Times and Bloomberg, the US Trade Representatives Office is looking into ways the steel and aluminium tariffs could be rolled back. Last year, US President Donald Trump had abruptly hit steel and aluminium imports as he raised the tariffs on them to as high as 50%, which has resulted in a rise in price of domestic machines made with those metals including washing machines and microwave ovens. According to the Bloomberg report quoting a person familiar with the situation, the USTR office is now looking for ways to resolve complications spawned last year by the Commerce Departments efforts to rush out Trump's US tariff decisions. The US government has not yet released any official communication regarding the development. What changes are expected? The Trump administration is now scrambling to review the list of products affected by the US tariffs on steel and aluminium, three people familiar with the knowledge of the matter were quoted as saying by FT. According to the report, the officials are now on the lookout to scrap tariff on some of the products and halt any expansion of the list. Instead, they now want to launch more targeted national security probes into specific goods. The White House has communicated to companies that adjustments are in the works, but details and timing remain unclear, as per the person cited by Bloomberg. Why is the Trump administration making a U-turn? Trumps taxes on US imports have also come under increased scrutiny as they not only hit trade partners hard, but also cascaded to higher prices of household items that use steel or aluminium. As per the people cited by FT, the US trade representatives office believes that the 50% steel and aluminium tariffs are hurting American consumers as prices of everyday items like pie tins and food and drink cans start to increase. Donald Trump's tariff blitz has pushed US duties to their highest level since before the World War II but the President has repeatedly insisted that they are positively affecting the economy. Officials now feel that the US tariffs are too complicated to enforce, one of the persons told FT, and that they now needed to be overhauled. Trump last year imposed a 50% levy on foreign steel and aluminum in a measure aimed at Chinese overcapacity. The step wound up hitting other major trading partners hard, including Canada, the EU, Mexico and South Korea. This week, Trump's tariff policy came under increased scrutiny in Congress and in separate reports by the Congressional Budget Office and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York both of which said American consumers and businesses are shouldering most of the costs of his tariffs. That runs counter to his repeated assertions that theyre paid by foreign exporters. Trump administration officials signed a final reciprocal trade agreement that confirmed a 15% U.S. tariff rate for imports from Taiwan, while committing Taiwan to a schedule for eliminating or lowering tariffs on nearly all U.S. goods. The document released by the U.S. Trade Representative's office on Thursday also commits Taiwan to significantly boost purchases of U.S. goods from 2025 through 2029, including $44.4 billion of liquefied natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion of civil aircraft and engines, $25.2 billion of power grid equipment and generators, marine and steelmaking equipment. The agreement adds technical language and specific details to a trade framework deal first reached in January that cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods, including from its powerhouse semiconductor industries, to 15% from the 20% initially imposed by Trump. That puts Taiwan on an equal footing with its closest Asian export competitors, South Korea and Japan. "This is a pivotal moment for Taiwan's economy and industries to ride the winds of change and undergo a major transformation," Taiwan President Lai Ching-te wrote on his Facebook page. It will optimize the TaiwanU.S. economic and trade framework, build trustworthy industrial supply chains and establish a TaiwanU.S. high-tech strategic partnership, he added. Taiwan also won exemptions from reciprocal tariffs for more than 2,000 product items exported to the United States, meaning the average tariff on U.S. exports will drop to 12.33%, Lai said. The deal will need approval by Taiwan's parliament, where the opposition has a majority. Investment pledge The January agreement included a pledge by Taiwan that its companies would invest $250 billion to boost production of semiconductors, energy and artificial intelligence in the U.S., including $100 billion already committed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. The Taiwan government would guarantee another $250 billion in U.S. investments, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said. The final language did not provide further details on those investments, but said Taiwan's representative office in the U.S. would collaborate with U.S. authorities to facilitate additional new greenfield and brownfield investments "in strategic high-technology manufacturing sectors, including AI, semiconductors, and advanced electronics." The deal will immediately eliminate Taiwan's tariffs of up to 26% on many U.S. agricultural imports, including beef, dairy and corn. But some tariffs, including the current 40% tariff on pork belly and 32% on ham, will only fall to 10%, according to the tariff schedule. The U.S. said under the deal, Taiwan will remove non-tariff barriers on motor vehicles and accept U.S. auto safety standards as well as those on medical devices and pharmaceuticals. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement that the agreement will boost export opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishermen, workers, and manufacturers. "This agreement also builds on our longstanding economic and trade relationship with Taiwan and will significantly enhance the resilience of our supply chains, particularly in high-technology sectors," Greer added. Chongqing's 'digital roads' serve as training grounds for smarter vehicles 14:51, February 13, 2026 By Liu Xinwu ( People's Daily An autopilot bus runs on a test road in Chongqing's Western Science City in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (Photo/Long Fan) Chongqing, a pivotal hub in China's intelligent vehicle industry, is transforming its urban roads into digital proving grounds for automotive innovation. At a demonstration zone in the Western Science City Innovation Center of Intelligent and Connected Vehicle (WICV) in the city, an autonomous electric vehicle recently navigated a scenario emblematic of real-world challenges: as a pedestrian stepped onto a crosswalk, roadside sensors instantly detected the movement, relayed data to the cloud, and triggered a command for the vehicle to slow down and yield -- all without human intervention. This facility exemplifies a future where vehicles communicate, roads perceive, and cloud platforms orchestrate decisions. "In the demonstration zone, all data streams integrate and update in real time," said Chang Xueyang, deputy director of the cloud control technology center at the WICV, gesturing to a live monitoring screen. "Through vehicleroadcloud integration, these routes function as true digital training grounds." Unlike conventional closed test tracks, this 50-kilometer network spans complex urban environments -- from highways and interchanges to neighborhood streets -- simulating real-world situations such as pedestrians and cyclists crossing, or broken-down vehicles blocking lanes. "For test vehicle, every run is a real-traffic simulation," Chang noted. "And for the road's intelligent system, every day delivers stress testing under authentic loads." Automobile seats are manufactured in a smart workshop of Lear Dongshi Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (Photo/Sun Kaifang) The zone supports not only intelligent connected new energy vehicles, but all vehicle types. With the installation of compliant communication terminals and positioning devices, ordinary private cars, logistics vehicles, and buses can access the system and upgrade their connectivity capabilities. While benefiting from enhanced safety and convenience, these vehicles also contribute large volumes of real-world data. To date, the system has connected with more than 1,000 vehicles of various types. "With just a small device installed, our logistics vehicles can run on an intelligent connected system. Parcel deliveries are now linked to traffic signals, real-time road conditions and cloud platforms -- making trips safer and smoother," said Li, a logistics vehicle driver. With continuous accumulation of massive real data -- from different vehicle models and driving behaviors -- the system's decision-making models keep evolving, helping innovative technologies move from the lab into broader application. According to Lai Chenguang, dean of the School of Vehicle Engineering at Chongqing University of Technology, the zone tackles key industry challenges -- bridging the gap between closed testing environments and real-world traffic conditions, and eliminating long-standing "information silos" across systems. "By combining single-vehicle intelligence with networked capabilities, the zone allows automakers to validate technology in realistic scenarios, reduce research and development (R&D) and mass-production risks, and ultimately accelerate the commercialization of intelligent driving-assistance systems," he added. Policy innovation further fuels progress. Chongqing has introduced a series of targeted policies to promote full coverage of perception, decision-making, and control services based on vehicleroadcloud integration within the demonstration area. At the same time, the city has explored institutional innovations to address key obstacles to open-road testing, such as fragmented management, road access restrictions, and data fragmentation. These efforts include breaking down departmental barriers and promoting coordinated governance among transportation, industry and information technology, and public security authorities; innovating test license issuance and traffic accident insurance mechanisms to reduce constraints on road testing; and establishing unified data sharing and security platforms to enable cross-system integration of vehicle, road, and cloud. With targeted policy support in place, road-testing scenarios have expanded rapidly, generating strong spillover effects for industrial development. New energy vehicles are charged at a charging station in an expressway service area in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (Photo/Sun Kaifang) Attracted by the testing environment, 15 automakers have conducted joint testing under unified standards. Test vehicles from companies such as Toyota and Changan have accumulated extensive datasets, accelerating iteration in connected driver-assistance systems and virtualreal integrated testing technologies. Supporting enterprises like AI Drive and West Genesis have emerged with robust R&D platforms and order-filled product pipelines. Meanwhile, institutions like China Merchant Testing Vehicle Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. advance innovations such as full-vehicle thermal runaway simulation for safety design. Today, Chongqing's Western Science City has brought together more than 60 intelligent connected vehicle-related enterprises, spanning vehicle manufacturing, key components, charging infrastructure, and autonomous driving operations. Today, Chongqing hosts more than 270 automotive R&D institutions, including a State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vehicle Safety Technology. The city has launched an automotive "industrial brain" platform and established four future-ready factories in the automotive sector. Besides, Chongqing is now home to 754 high-tech enterprises and 3,543 technology-based enterprises in the automotive industry. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Hongyu) Peaky Blinders The Immortal Man OTT release date: The most waited upcoming British crime drama film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is set to hit the digital screens soon. As the makers prepare for theatrical debut on 6 March 2026, in select theatres, there is some good news for cinema enthusiasts who wish to enjoy this movie from the comfort of their homes. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man OTT release date Directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, the movie features a runtime of 112 minutes. Cillian Murphy starrer is a continuation of the beloved British television series Peaky Blinders (20132022), which is set in Birmingham, 1940, amidst the chaos of World War II. Also Read | Peaky Blinders movie trailer out: Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby This film will be available for online streaming from 20 March onwards at streaming platform Netflix. Netflix in a post on Instagram wrote, "A father. A son. A Shelby. Watch Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, out 20 March, only on Netflix." Also Read | Paramount pushes quick DOJ review of Warner Bros. bid IMDb description states, During World War II, Tommy Shelby returns to a bombed Birmingham and becomes involved in secret wartime missions based on true events, facing new threats as he reckons with his past and rising national stakes. Filming of this movie began on 30 September 2024, at Digbeth Loc Studios in Birmingham. Staring Cillian Murphy, this movie was shot at several locations, including West Midlands and St Helens, Merseyside, particularly at the former Pilkington Watson Street works. Peaky Blinders star cast Cillian Murphy, Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, and Stephen Graham reprising their roles, alongside new additions Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Jay Lycurgo, and Barry Keoghan. Social media reaction Social media users strongly reacted to the development as many expressed their anticipation for the movie. A user wrote, Peaky Blinders movie finally dropping in March. Been waiting ages for this. Tommy Shelby back on screen is what we need. Netflix better not mess this up after the series ended strong. March 20th marked. Another comment read, Heavy lies the crown feels very on-brand for Tommy Shelby. If the film carries even half the intensity and style of the series, fans are in for something special. March is looking good already. A third user stated, The crown is heavy, but anticipation is heavier. Excited to see how The Immortal Man continues the story. More than 5.1 million business applications were filed in the first eleven months of 2025, according to U.S. Census Bureau datathe fifth consecutive year above five million. A large share of those applicants filed to form a limited liability company, the most popular business structure in the country for new ventures. And yet the process of actually starting one remains surprisingly opaque. State requirements vary wildly. Fees range from $40 to over $500. Some states demand newspaper publication notices; others dont even require annual reports. The basics are simpler than most people expect. LLCBuddy, which maintains a free database of LLC formation requirements for all 50 states, breaks the process into five core steps: choose a state, pick a name, file your Articles of Organization, designate a registered agent, and draft an operating agreement. The details inside each stepthe fees, the forms, the deadlinesare where things get state-specific and where most first-time founders get tripped up. Choose Your State (and Why It Should Probably Be Yours) Theres a persistent myth that everyone should form in Delaware or Wyoming. The logic sounds reasonableDelaware has business-friendly courts, Wyoming has no state income taxbut for most small businesses, forming outside your home state creates more problems than it solves. If you live in Ohio and operate a landscaping business in Ohio, forming a Wyoming LLC means youll need to also register as a foreign LLC in Ohio, pay filing fees in both states, maintain a registered agent in both states, and file annual reports in both states. Youve doubled your costs and paperwork for a tax benefit that doesnt apply because Ohio is where youre actually earning income. For the vast majority of SCORE clientspeople running local service businesses, consulting practices, e-commerce shopsthe right state is the one youre standing in. Save the multi-state strategy for when you actually have operations in multiple states. What Youll Pay to File The first hard cost is the state filing feethe amount you pay to submit your Articles of Organization (some states call it a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization). This is a one-time charge. The cheapest states are Kentucky ($40), Montana ($35 for online filing), and a cluster of statesArizona, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexicothat charge $50. At the other end, Massachusetts charges $500 and Nevadas total initial filing costs can exceed $400 once you include the mandatory business license and initial list of managers. The national average is roughly $132. But the filing fee is only the door. What sits behind it are the ongoing costs that catch people off guard. The Ongoing Costs Nobody Warns You About Annual or biennial reports are the first surprise. Most states require your LLC to file a periodic report confirming your registered agent, business address, and member information. Fees range from nothing in Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, and Ohio to $300 in Maryland. Miss the deadline and your state can administratively dissolve your LLCat which point your liability protection evaporates. Then theres California. The filing fee is only $70, which looks attractive until you discover the $800 annual franchise tax, due every year regardless of whether your LLC earns a single dollar. This applies to LLCs with zero revenue. A graphic designer in San Francisco who forms an LLC in January and doesnt land her first client until June still owes California $800 for the privilege of existing. New York has its own surprise: a publication requirement mandating that new LLCs publish a formation notice in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks. In New York City, where newspaper ad rates are steep, this can cost $1,200 to $1,500 on top of everything else. Albany and smaller counties are cheaper, but its still hundreds of dollars that dont exist in 47 other states. Registered agent fees run $100 to $300 per year if you use a commercial service. You can act as your own registered agent for free in most states, but that means your home address goes into a public database that anyone can search. For many business owners, the privacy alone is worth paying for. What Youre Actually Filing The core document is the Articles of Organization. In most states, its a one- or two-page form asking for your LLCs name, its principal address, the registered agents name and address, and whether the LLC will be managed by its members or by designated managers. Thats it. Some states ask for additional informationthe LLCs purpose, its duration, the names of initial membersbut the form itself is usually less intimidating than a tax return. Filing can be done online in almost every state. Processing times vary from same-day in states like Colorado and Virginia to several weeks in states with larger backlogs. Expedited processing is available in most states for an additional $25 to $150. After the state approves your Articles, youll need an Employer Identification Number from the IRSeven if you have no employees. An EIN is free, takes five minutes on the IRS website, and youll need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and sign contracts. The Document the State Doesnt Require but You Still Need Only a handful of states legally require an operating agreement. But skipping it is one of the most common mistakes new LLC owners make. An operating agreement is an internal documentyou dont file it with anyonethat defines how your LLC is governed. For single-member LLCs, it establishes that the business is a separate entity from you personally, which is critical if you ever need to defend your liability protection in court. For multi-member LLCs, its even more important. Without an operating agreement, disagreements about profit distribution, decision-making authority, and how a member exits the company get resolved by your states default LLC statute. Those defaults were written by legislators, not by you, and they rarely match what the members actually intended. You dont necessarily need a lawyer for this. Templates exist and many are free. But if your LLC has multiple members or complex arrangements, spending $500 to $1,500 on an attorney-drafted agreement is cheap compared to the cost of a partnership dispute. Taxes: Simpler Than You Think (at First) A single-member LLC is what the IRS calls a disregarded entity. That sounds ominous but it just means your LLCs income flows through to your personal tax return. You file Schedule C on your Form 1040, same as a sole proprietor. The IRS pretends the LLC doesnt exist for income tax purposes. You will, however, owe self-employment tax15.3% on net earnings covering both the employer and employee shares of Social Security and Medicare. The Social Security portion applies on the first $176,100 of net earnings in 2025. This is the same rate sole proprietors pay, so forming an LLC by itself doesnt change your tax bill. What can change it is an S corporation election. By filing Form 2553 with the IRS, your LLC gets taxed as an S corp: you pay yourself a reasonable salary (subject to payroll tax) and take remaining profits as distributions (not subject to self-employment tax). On $100,000 in net income with a $60,000 salary, thats roughly $6,100 in annual savings. But it adds payroll filing obligations and the IRS scrutinizes reasonable salary closely, so this strategy generally only makes sense once your profits are consistently in the mid-five-figure range. Do It Yourself or Hire a Service? Formation servicescompanies that file your paperwork for youcharge anywhere from $0 (plus state fees) to $300 or more depending on the package. What youre paying for is convenience and hand-holding, not legal advice. They fill out the same forms youd fill out yourself. For someone comfortable filling out a government form online, DIY formation is entirely doable. The state websites arent always intuitive, but the actual information required is basic: your name, address, LLC name, registered agent. A comparison of best LLC services and what they include can help you weigh whether paying for convenience makes sense in your situation. Where professional help becomes genuinely valuable is on the legal and tax side. An attorney can draft an operating agreement tailored to your business. An accountant can tell you whether the S corp election is worth it at your income level. The formation filing itself is the easy part. Start with the Basics, Then Build The single biggest risk for new LLC owners isnt choosing the wrong state or paying too much in filing fees. Its forming the LLC and then not treating it like a separate entity. Commingle your personal and business finances, skip the operating agreement, miss an annual report deadline, and the legal protection an LLC provides can be stripped away in a lawsuit. Do the basics right: separate bank account, operating agreement on file, annual compliance on the calendar. The filing itself takes less than an afternoon. What matters is what you do after. If you want help thinking through the decision, SCORE mentors work with first-time founders on exactly these questionsfor free, in all 50 states. Its the kind of conversation that saves people from expensive mistakes, and it costs nothing but your time. Note to readers: This article is part of Mints paid consumer connect Initiative. Mint assumes no editorial involvement or responsibility for errors, omissions, or content accuracy. The drama came down to miscommunication between the Pentagon, FAA and the DHS, according to lawmakers and people familiar with the situation. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D., Ill.), urged the FAA and the Pentagon to coordinate better. Duckworth is the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee that oversees the FAA. She said the the information she has seen has been contradictory. At her first appearance at the ICBM test, she was babyfaced, wearing a white puffer jacket and holding her fathers hand. She barely came up to Kim Jong Uns shoulders. Since then, her fashion has shifted to more pants, suits and heels. She has grown taller and slimmernow nearly the same height as Kim Jong Un, who stands about 5-foot-6. The U.S. and Iran have since been locked in high-stakes talks over dismantling Irans nuclear program. Tehran is reluctant to end any nuclear enrichment, insisting it is necessary for civilian purposes, while Washington aims to close any pathway that could allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. Any failure to reach a deal could see Trump authorize an attack on Iran with a carrier strike group, warships and jet fighters that the U.S. deployed to the Middle East after Tehran crushed the demonstrations. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed easing reporting norms for stockbrokers, extending key exemptions to those that double up as primary dealers in a bid to improve ease of doing business. In a consultation paper issued on Friday, the markets regulator has sought to relax certain requirements around naming, tagging, and reporting of bank and demat accounts maintained by stockbrokers. The proposal seeks to align the treatment of brokers that are also primary dealers with the exemptions already available to brokers that also operate as banks. The changes build on provisions introduced under Sebis Master Circular for Stock Brokers dated 17 June 2025, which strengthened supervision by mandating a clear nomenclature for all bank and demat accounts and requiring brokers to report the opening and closure of such accounts to stock exchanges. Draft proposal Under the existing framework, brokers are required to appropriately tag all demat accounts and inform stock exchanges about their bank and demat accountsboth existing and newly opened. However, brokers that are also banks were given limited relief: They needed to report only the bank accounts used for stock broking activities, not their entire banking book. The draft circular now proposes to extend similar relief to brokers that are also primary dealers. Specifically, demat accounts used exclusively for activities other than stock broking by such entities would be exempt from the tagging requirement. In effect, accounts tied to their primary dealership or other non-broking functions would fall outside the reporting net applicable to broking operations. Further, brokers that are banks or primary dealers would only be required to report bank accounts used for stock-broking activities to stock exchanges. This narrows the scope of disclosure and avoids duplication where the same entity is already subject to oversight in another regulatory capacity. The regulator has invited comments on its suggestions until 6 March. Also Read | Sebi to cut FPI registration time to 5 days in big push for Indian stock markets The sell-off in the Indian stock market further intensified in Friday's session as tech stocks faced another round of selling. Mounting concerns that advanced AI tools could disrupt core areas of the technology and software business, along with fading hopes of a near-term US rate cut, led key indices to close with losses of over 1%. The Nifty 50 sank 1.3% to the 25,471 level, while the S&P BSE Sensex dived 1.25% to 82,626 points. The broader markets closed with even bigger losses, as the Nifty Midcap 100 index and the Nifty Smallcap 100 fell over 1.7%. There was widespread selling across technology stocks, with four of the 10 constituents of the Nifty IT index Infosys, Oracle Financial Services, TCS, and Wipro slipping to fresh one-year lows. Reflecting the weakness among heavyweights, the tech gauge index fell 1.44%. The decline has also led to a 14% drop in February so far. The rout in tech stocks began earlier this week after Anthropic, part of a growing wave of AI startups, announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence tool enabling automated tasks across legal, sales, marketing, and data analysis key areas for software firms. Alongside technology, metal stocks also saw a sharp knock, weighed down by a strengthening US dollar, sending the Nifty Metal index down 3.31%, while the Nifty Realty index fell 2.23%. Other sectors such as Nifty FMCG, Nifty Oil and Gas, Nifty Consumer Durables, Nifty Chemicals, and Nifty Auto also fell over 1%. Muthoot Finance, Cohance lead Nifty 500 losers Muthoot Finance led the top laggards, with the stock crashing 11.8% to 3,587 apiece even after the company reported a healthy performance in the December quarter. Cohance Lifesciences was another among the worst performers in the Nifty 500, plunging 11.1% to 312 apiece. Extending losses to a third straight session, Blue Jet Healthcare shares fell another 10% to 397.30 apiece. Birlasoft also remained under pressure for the third consecutive session, declining 8% to 398.75 apiece. Alkem Laboratories, Praj Industries, Firstsource Solutions, Eris Lifesciences, 3M India, Adani Power, and NMDC were among the stocks that fell over 6%. Meanwhile, all major metal stocks closed with deep losses, led by Hindalco Industries, which fell 6% to 905.8 apiece. National Aluminium, Hindustan Copper, Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta, Jindal Stainless, and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation declined between 5.4% and 4%. Engineers India, Linde India buck broader weakness Despite the widespread sell-off, some stocks bucked the trend. Engineers India surged 11.2% to 201 as investors reacted positively to the companys December quarter results. Linde India shares closed 7% higher at 6,900 apiece, settling at a seven-month high. Maintaining its momentum, Signatureglobal shares gained another 6% to 1,040 apiece. Textile stocks saw renewed buying interest in trade, with Vardhman Textiles, Aditya Birla Fashion, and KPR Mill surging 5.5%, 5.4%, and 3.6%, respectively. Also Read | Top five IT stocks lose over 3 lakh crore in market cap this week Other stocks from the Nifty 500 basket, including Hexaware Technologies, TBO Tek, Kirloskar Oil Engines, Schneider Electric, and Godrej Agrovet, also closed higher with gains of over 3%. In the middle of a room at Experimenter gallery in Kolkatas Ballygunge Place stands a large sculptural installation called Dwelling (2025). Made of three human-sized structures, it is blood-red in colour and arranged in a circle. These figures with floating hair, or so they seem from a distance, are bent over. They have tentacles wriggling out of their legs to create a tangled mess of ropes on the floor. Created by the members of the Mumbai-based not-for-profit institution Chanakya School of Craft, under the guidance of their artistic director Karishma Swali, this spectacular piece is part of Trace, the collectives first solo show in India. This work was inspired by the bhunga houses in Gujarats Kutch region, Swali says on a video call. Around 12 people worked on it, using open-weave techniques and making hand-twisted chords. The idea, she adds, is to convey a sense of joyful spaces and safe structures. But, with their Medusa-like heads, the three twisty figures, like the three witches in Macbeth, exude a hint of menace, too. Something about the confidence with which they sprawl over the floor quietly signals power and authority. Perhaps fittingly so. Traditionally, womens role (in weaver communities) has been restricted to preparing the loom and the shuttle, Swali says. To counter this history of neglect, Chanakya School invented the shuttle wrap technique, giving its women members the agency to defy social norms. Instead of just wrapping cotton on a loom, they actively contribute to the alchemy that brings a piece like Dwelling to life. Typically a work begins with obsessive research, followed by a sketch I make, Swali says. It isnt a rigorous instruction manual, just a guiding framework. Once the concept is in place, artisans begin to apply different embroidery techniques to create 7-11 layers on each piece of work, using thread, beads and yarn, on materials like cloth, canvas, bamboo frames, and even figurines carved out of blackstone. The process is intuitive and experiential, collaborative but also deeply personal. Each layer gives you an idea of what to do next, Swali says. At some point you feel the work is ready. Every member of Chanakya School leaves their unique imprintthe trace that the title of the show refers toon each piece and, instead of a single creator, the ownership of the work resides with the collective. In this egalitarian model of creation, any income generated from sales is invested back into the school. Thus the collective speaks in one voice, literally captured by phrases inscribed on the walls of the gallery. These are lines that were spoken by individuals while at work, but the sentiments are universal. Making is a form of remembering, says one. Main khud ko isme pehchanti hun, (I recognise myself in it) adds a woman. Here the past is alive too, goes a third. View full Image A piece from the Field Notes series. ( Courtesy Chanakya School and Experimenter ) Some of Indias most successful artists, whose work sells for staggering sums of money, employ a fleet of workers to bring their vision into reality. But the final outcome is signed by one person, and all the wealth and prestige accrued from it belong to this individual. Chanakya School rejects this misleading cult of the solo artist by anonymising the maker, even as the name of every team member is acknowledged on a wall of the gallery. I grew up with this collectivist approach to making art under my fathers guidance, Swali says. It has never not felt natural to me. In 1984, Vinod Shah founded Chanakya International, now famous for working with international haute couture labels like Dior, to revive and preserve Indias textile heritage. Swali, his daughter, who heads it now, launched the educational wing in 2016. In the last 10 years, Chanakya School has produced over 1,000 graduates and taught them 300-odd embroidery techniques. The sheer dexterity of their craftsmanship is evident in each work on display at Trace, especially in the gigantic triptych that covers one whole wall. But thats not all. There is play involved in the process, too. If you look hard, you will notice that the flowers on the face and limbs of the blackstone figures are echoed in some of the works on canvas. In the Flowers in the Night series, the allusion is direct, but that doesnt mean you can skim over it. The eye is instead drawn to the intricate bead-work as you move closer to the work. If uneven stitches add texture and tactility to the foreground of a work, the same piece looks magically seamless from behind. Its hard to believe, for instance, that Flowers in Our Forest and Opening Sky (both of which are hung from ceiling to floor) have multiple layers woven on one side, which gives off the impression of valleys and ridges, but as you walk around it, you find the entire structure held by a flat background. No less intriguing is the fact that these massive works were woven horizontally, involving close coordination between multiple hands, though imagined and finished as vertical pieces. Between abstract forms, cartographic imagery and natural landscapes, Trace offers a feast of optical delights and illusions. Like Swalis sketches, it asks the viewer to indulge in their own act of interpretationto stitch stories only they can see in their minds eye. On the upper deck of the gallery, a series of small-format works, titled Field Notes, widens this space for reflection as forms and shapes emerge on textiles, woven with cotton threads. One looks like a human heart, pulsating and red. Or maybe it is a map to somewhere youve never been, a place where only the finest art can take you. At Experimenter, Ballygunge Place, Kolkata, till 21 March. Also Read | At Experimenter, a unique act about the ecological crisis A narrow path winds its way through the forest high above Bhimtal Lake in Uttarakhand. It is flanked by towering oaks and pines that throw deep shadows and shroud the path in darkness. Even mid-morning in early November, it is quite cold. Everything is quiet but the forest is hardly still. The path is littered with a carpet of dry, crunchy leaves, and we tread as soundlessly as possible. A sudden noiseless movement on the right has us stand still and we focus intently through the trees. About 20ft inside, camouflaged on a mossy tree trunk, a common green magpie flits about. It is a dramatic specimenbright green with a cherry beak and a black Zorro-like mask around its eyes. Eyes glued to a pair of binoculars, I follow it for the few minutes that it is blissfully unaware of its audience. It hops from one tree to another, occasionally darting to the ground for a quick pecking. Something alerts it to our presence and it flies off into the thick foliage. Despite its name, it is not common and is quite rare to spot, wildlife photographer and guide Praveen Singh Rawat says, as we continue on the trail. In his several years of birdwatching, hes not seen it many times, he says softly. The sighting of the green magpie caps a successful birdwatching session. A 4-hour walk from Bhimtal to Sattal and backthrough dense forests, winding mountain roads sandwiched by greenery and by the side of little streams and a waterbodyyields a staggering sighting of 52 bird species. It is a glorious roster, from bulbuls and parakeets to treepies and drongos, from sunbirds and kingfishers to nuthatches and thrushes, from minivets and fantails to redstarts and forktails, and several others with such musical names as niltava, minla and piculet. These are punctuated by a profusion of woodpeckers: greater flameback, greater and lesser yellownape, grey-headed and brown-fronted. We spy a sparrow hawk perched high on a bare tree and cross paths with a kalij pheasant, but it is the Asian barred owlet that has my heart, even though the green magpie is the crowning glory. I feel especially pleased since I am not an ardent birdwatcher, cannot identify more than a dozen species and only know these names thanks to Rawat and my birdwatcher companion. But the activity itselfwalking in silence, trying to hush footsteps, listening keenly for the smallest movement and sound, tuning in to the rhythm of the forest and breathing in the terpene-rich woodland airis the epitome of mindfulness and is incredibly rejuvenating. Four hours and 52 species later, I feel fresher than when I started out in the morning. COUNTING FLOCKS Thousands in India and nearly a million, if not more, across the world will experience something similar this weekend as they take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a four-day (13-16 February) worldwide community bird-counting exercise held every February. The exercise was launched in 1998 by US-based Cornell Lab of Ornithology and non-profit environmental organisation National Audubon Society to collect data about wild birds in North America. Fifteen years later, it was expanded to the entire globe, and bird enthusiasts everywhere count birds for a minimum of 15 minutes and report it online. But Indias birdwatching history is much older. The Mughal emperors were keen observers of nature and birds, particularly Jahangir, who commissioned artists to paint them. There are documents and paintings from the 19th century British colonial era, referring to ornithology and birdwatching. In the early 20th century, the activity, along with conservation, was popularised by ornithologist Salim Ali, affectionately called the Birdman of India. His work with the Bombay Natural History Society and his most famous book, The Book of Indian Birds (1941), revolutionised ornithology in the country. He made birdwatching not just accessible to the general population but also enjoyable. Other stalwart ornithologists like Asad Rahmani have added to this. The GBBC built on this interest and love, before the pandemic came along. View full Image A spotted owlet. Courtesy Istockphoto In 2013, GBBC went global, and thats when India joined in. So, weve been part of this incredible global movement for over a decade now, says Bengaluru-based Mittal Gala, who runs Bird Count India, an informal partnership of organisations and groups working to increase collective knowledge of birds, and a partner in the GBBC. What this did was markedly expand the base of people interested in birds. In 2013, 200 people participated and last year we had 6,500 people participating, Gala says. The growth has been remarkable. Whats really exciting is that in the last two years, weve had participation from every single state and Union territory across India. Some states even have birders participating from all their districts, which shows how widespread the interest has become. In contrast to this, the first year saw participation from a mix of amateur birdwatchers and wildlife professionals concentrated mostly in south India, though representation came from across the country. For over a decade, India has consistently been among the top five countries uploading bird sightings and has been in the second spot for the last few years. Last year, Indian birdwatchers uploaded 66,155 checklists from over 24,000 hotspots and recorded 1,086 species78.8% of the total number of species known to occur in the country. This number from Bird Count India tells just one part of the story. On eBird, an online platform launched in 2015 by Cornell Lab of Ornithology for birdwatchers to record, share and archive bird sightings, there are nearly 30,000 active Indian birdwatchers who upload sightings, photos and bird calls. Naturalists speculate there are hundreds of thousands of informal birdwatchers who might not be aware or not interested in uploading their findings but who engage in the activity for the sheer joy of it. There is little doubt that awareness, publicity and media attention around GBBC as well as bird walks have been instrumental in raising the level of interest in birdwatching. Its biggest advantage is that unlike other wildlife sightings, birdwatching can be done anywhere: urban areas, backyards, parks and open spaces, from balconies, while commuting or travelling. What GBBC does in India is create this amazing celebration of birds. Every year, it introduces hundreds of new people to birding. Many of them catch the bug, Gala says, adding that the countrys birding community introduces newcomers through activities like bird walks. Birdwatching is one of the several activities that saw a spurt in followers during and after the pandemic, and it continues to grow. The pandemic played a huge role, says Bijoy Venugopal, an avid birdwatcher and Bengaluru-based nature educator, writer, cartoonist and content strategist. During the lockdowns, everything went quietno traffic, no construction. Birds were unaffected. They were still flying, still singing. So, people stood on balconies and looked out. Birdwatching grew exponentially. I personally know hundreds who started birding during that period. View full Image A rufous treepie. Courtesy Istockphoto This period also gave rise to the term balcony birdwatching, but it is more indicative of the ease with which the activity is possible. Birds can be seen by the naked eye; a pair of binoculars, even a rudimentary one, greatly enhances the experience. The sighting (or call) can then be cross-checked with free apps, (like Merlin Bird ID, also developed by Cornell Lab of Ornithology), which help to identify birds by colour, size and calls. EMBRACING STILLNESS The quietude the activity entails is precious for birdwatchers. For those who have discovered birdwatching, it is the opportunity to be with nature and observe, says H.S. Sudhira, director of research collective Gubbi Labs in Karnatakas Tumakuru district. Sudhira has been a birdwatcher since he was in class VIII, thanks to the nature club of his school in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. It helps one to hone sensory skills of sighting and listening; besides, going on trails keeps one fit. I think it is therapeutic, in the sense that birdwatching allows one to relax and be at peace, he says. Venugopal, 51, agrees that the rewards have been enormous. It keeps me connected to nature and sharpens my powers of observation. It slows me down and helps me tune in. Ive learned a lot, connected with many people, and birdwatching has opened up the world to me. Its also changed my life in unexpected ways, he says. In 2019, laid low by illness, Venugopal says he had a moment of reflection. Its what some might call an encounter with my ikigai (the Japanese term for reason for being). I asked myself what I would do every day if I had to choose one thing that made me happy and helped me find myself. The answer was simple: watching birds. Having spent many years working as a travel writer and then in corporate communications, Venugopal sought an alternative career and began thinking about what he could do this hobby. Thats when he became deeply involved in citizen sciencebird monitoring, bird censuses, and surveys across the country. Today, I lead bird walks, give talks, and work with organisations that are involved in nature education. So, birdwatching didnt just enrich my inner lifeit reshaped my professional and personal trajectory. Of the many unforgettable experiences Venugopal has had, one stands out. In the midst of the pandemic, I volunteered for 15 days with the Wildlife Trust of India to search for the white-winged wood duck in the Lower Dibang Valley and Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh. I never saw the birdthats how rare it isbut the journey itself was extraordinary. We trekked through extremely tough terrain. One trek took me to Mehao Lake in the Mishmi Hills. It was demanding and punishing, and I might not have signed up had I known what it involved. But reaching a place like that and seeing the birds that live thereI recorded over 150 species, with at least 50 completely new to me, he says. View full Image White-browed piculet. Courtesy Istockphoto For Sudhira, 44, the most vivid bird memory is from his school days. The first time I saw an Indian pitta in 1994. We were on a birding trail near our school in Chikkamagaluru along a path with scrub undergrowth. Suddenly a greenish bird elegantly walked across, initially not noticing us. It seemed larger than a myna but once it noticed us, it walked away swiftly within seconds. What struck me was its colours, he says. An early birdwatcher, and without a reference book, he jotted down all the information in his field notebook and compared the notes with books once back. Since then, his penchant for recording sightings has remained. Even before GBBC came along, in which he has participated every year, Sudhira as a student at Bengalurus Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was part of a team monitoring birds in 18 select locations across the city. We managed to gather systematic data for about a year and that served as a good baseline. For GBBC, I have made observations around my place, he says. It is such data from amateur birders that is invaluable and Gala says the community does a massive service in collecting and uploading it. Its not just numbers sitting in a database. Scientists analyse it to create crucial reports like the State of Indias Birds, which helps us understand population trends, habitat health, and conservation priorities. So, what starts as a four-day event has this ripple effect that impacts real conservation work throughout the year. This has further cascading effects, such as making people more aware of habitat loss, urban biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on birds as well as issues such as environment degradation and conservation. When people see the patterns emerging from their own observations, it really drives home the reality of habitat loss and environmental change, she says. Over the years, the event and the participation of birdwatchers at large, has become crucial as a monitoring tool. In the era of climate change, we dont know who and what is directly impacting these birds. Such monitoring helps understand them better, Sudhira says. Though Venugopal is not sure how much the rise in birdwatching directly leads to conservation, he has no doubt that it is an excellent starting point. Once people begin observing birds, they start noticing habitatstrees, grasslands, wetlandsand the connections between birds and their environment. That awareness often leads to care, and care can lead to action. BIRDING TOURISM The other major consequence of the four-day GBBC is to turn the interest into a year-long activity. Once people start watching birds, they realise that they will enjoy it more if they travel. Some like to travel alone, while others form groups while yet others sign-up for bird tours led by professional guides, Gala says, adding that many sites in the North-East, Western Himalayas and Western Ghats have turned into hotspots for bird tours. Though interest in birdwatching saw an uptick after the pandemic, it surged enough last year for online travel agency Agoda to flag it. It noticed a 41% rise in interest from domestic and international travellers in four prominent birdwatching hot spots: Kochi (brahminy kites and marsh harriers), Coimbatore (Nilgiri flycatcher and black-and-orange flycatcher), Alwar (bar-headed geese, painted storks, gadwalls, bluethroats, and various other avian species), and Cuttack (flamingos, herons, and painted storks). In its travel predictions for 2026, online travel agency Booking.com mentioned hushed hobbies as one of the trends and identified birdwatching as one of the nature-based activities under this. Silence will be golden in 2026 as Indian travellers look to swap noise for the soothing stillness of nature, says the platforms regional manager, South Asia, Santosh Kumar. From around $2.5 billion currently, the Indian birdwatching tourism market is expected to cross $3.6 billion by 2030, according to market research company Grand View Research. This is borne out by search data. Over the last five years there has been a 50% increase in the search term birdwatching on Google Trends. More significantly, birdwatching near me has risen by a dizzying 350% in the same five years, coinciding with the period following the pandemic. View full Image Indian pitta. Courtesy Istockphoto The rise in birdwatching tourism appears to straddle two different but related aspectsaligning with nature and intentional travel along with choosing quieter destinations. Manjari Singhal, chief growth and business officer at online travel agency Cleartrip, says this is encouraging as it decentralises tourism. Instead of seasonal pressure on just a few destinations, were seeing bookings spread across smaller villages and eco-resorts year-round, following migratory patterns. Its creating a more sustainable, local economy for homestays and specialised guides in regions that were previously under the radar. While Bharatpur in Rajasthan and Kabini in Karnataka remain travellers favourites, Mangalajodi in Odisha, Pangot in Uttarakhand and Thattekad in Kerala are also emerging as destinations for new birders. Internationally, new birders generally start at the bird parks in Singapore, including Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (for migratory shorebirds), and bio-domes such as Dubais Green Planet and then move on to sanctuary-led landscapes near Bangkok like Khao Yai National Park (hornbills), wildlife regions across Australia including Daintree National Park (ancient rainforest birdlife), and safari destinations such as Kenyas Maasai Mara and Tanzanias Serengeti, where large ground birds and birds of prey are encountered alongside iconic wildlife. But it is wrong to assume that the community is homogenous, and its not about being a seasoned expert or an amateur. Rather, birdwatchers consider themselves to belong to two different species, and this is not even said in jest. There is a distinction between birdwatching and birding, says Venugopal Birdwatching becomes birding when you start searching for specific species, making detailed lists, and travelling expressly to see birds. Birdwatching can be incidentalyou notice a few birds while youre somewhere, and thats it. But birding is obsessive. You plan trips only to see birds, spend days or even weeks in one place, scour habitats, make and sometimes share lists, and maintain a life list of everything youve seen. Bengaluru-based Priya Rajagopal, 49, a facilitator with an NGO, is as amateur of a birdwatcher as they come, and stumbled into it by accident. Six years ago, during the pandemic, I saw a couple of bulbuls perch on the potted frangipani in my balcony, she says. They were occasionally joined by barbets. So I started putting out a bowl of water. They began coming regularly to drink, bathe and play, announcing their presence by calls, and I sat and watched them quietly. I still do. Watching them is like meditation; it calms me. So much so that she misses them when they dont turn up. They have also kindled my curiosity, so now I look for other birds whenever I travel, especially to forest areas. Venugopal, on the other hand, firmly identifies as a birder. He remembers watching birds when he was around eight and did it more seriously when he was in class IX, and has been fixated ever since. Some people wake up in the morning and go for a jog. Some pour themselves a coffee. I watch birds. Thats my morning ritual, my daily practice, he says. How much of a ritual is evident in that since December 2019, he has watched birds every single day and made a list, even if it is just outside his window. Its been well over 2,225 days now, maintaining that streak and making an eBird list for each birding session. I spend at least 15 minutes a day just standing in one place, watching birds. Its meditative and that leads naturally to the benefits, he says. It goes without saying that keen birders plan dedicated trips, but even on other kinds of trips, they ensure birdwatching is baked into the day. I make time to explore the surroundings and accommodate birding wherever I go without upsetting my fellow travellers schedules, says Venugopal. For instance, on a family trip to Singapore, Id wake up at 4am, take the Metro to birding spots before anyone else was awake, and be back by 9.30 or 10 for breakfastcompletely fulfilled for the day. Sudhira is of the same flock, and says he plans trips when he learns of the arrival of a special bird or migrants at certain places. Recently, I went to see painted storks that had arrived near Sira, near the border with Andhra Pradesh. Along with them, we saw plovers, yellow-wattled lapwings and more. Such fervour eludes me, possibly because birdwatching came to me late. Spotting the rare and endangered forest owlet in Gujarats Dang district a couple of years ago flipped a switch. It was a particularly owl-heavy trip, and seeing mottled wood owls, jungle owlets, barn owls, Scops owls and brown fish owls had me hooked. I am a here-and-now kind of birdwatcher, who revels in the joy that ensues from unexpectedly coming across Malabar pied and grey hornbills in Dandeli (Karnataka), vultures in Panna (Madhya Pradesh), flocks of painted storks and pied kingfishers in Andhras Coringa, scarlet minivets in flight in Almora (Uttarakhand) Even the common red-whiskered bulbuls and white-cheeked barbets that frequent the chikoo tree outside the window hold me in thrall, a state most birdwatchers will relate to. Clearly, birdwatching is much more than the amalgamation of its two constituent words. Birdwatching 101 Best time: Dawn and dusk are when visibility is the highest. Best place: Anywhere, even the balcony or roof; just stay still and listen for bird calls and follow the sound. Best season: Owing to Indias climatic diversity, patterns of bird migration and activity, birds can be spotted throughout the year. Additionally, the different seasons offer unique bird spotting opportunities. As winter recedes and gives way to spring/early summer (March and April), temperatures rise and plants bloom, and bring alive birdlife. Across the country, courtship displays begin, presenting fantastic bird spotting opportunities. In summer (May to June), the Himalayan foothills are perfect to spot high-altitude species such as the colourful Himalayan monal and the elusive koklass pheasant. During monsoon months (July to September) sighting dips, especially in the Western Ghats and in the North-East, but this is also the breeding and nesting season in various other regions and it can be rewarding activity. Winter (November to February) is glorious for migratory birds that come from Europe, Central Asia and all the way from Siberia. Especially alive are the wetlands of Bharatpur in Rajasthan which become the temporary home for migratory waterfowls. Essential gear: A good pair of binoculars. Essential apps: Merlin Bird ID for identifying birds and eBird for recording. Good to know: The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day global exercise done in February that encourages people all over the world to spend 15 minutes and notice birds around you, identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. For more information, visit https://www.birdcount.org/. Anita Rao Kashi is an independent journalist based in Bengaluru. Also Read | Typecasting: An exhibition explores the ambiguities of colonial photography When a bird sings, it is not performing for us. It is speaking to the world it belongs to. David Abram In Act 3, Scene 5 of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, the lovers spend the night together after their secret wedding. It is here that their first argument unfolds. Romeo prepares to leave after hearing a birdcall, assuming it to be the rising call of a lark. Juliet insists that it is not yet daybreak. She tells him that he has mistaken the nightingales song for that of the lark. Romeo, however, remains certain that it is the lark announcing the morning. The difference between the nightingale and the lark is as vast and as narrow as night and day. These birds mark the duality of the lovers relationship: union and separation, night and morning, life and death. Shakespeare must have known the significance of birdsong at daybreak. For centuries, humans have relied on birds to infer time, weather, and even a sense of safety. Yet it is important to remember that just as the lark in Shakespeares play was not on a mission to warn the lovers of their separation, birds around us do not sing for our amusement. As American ecologist and philosopher David Abram aptly remarks, they are speaking to the world to which they belong. But what is this world? And how do birds use their voices to live, to survive and to reproduce? I begin with Romeo and Juliet to open a discussion on the not-so-secret and very vocal love lives of birds. Whether monogamous or polygamous, birds sing during their breeding season. In monogamous species, males (and in some cases females) sing from a particular place and at specific times to signal readiness to build a nest and raise offspring. Polygamous birds sing to attract mates. Ornithology broadly distinguishes between two kinds of vocalisations: birdsong and bird calls. Vocalisations produced during the breeding season are categorised as birdsong. These are longer, structured, and often show regional variation within the same species. Bird calls, by contrast, are shorter and simpler sounds used throughout the year for non-reproductive communication. While birdsong signals breeding activity, territoriality and residency, bird calls convey immediate information about danger, location, or social interaction. View full Image The author recording bird sounds An example from my hometown, Sangli (Maharashtra), remains etched in my memory. One June morning, as I lay in bed, I heard a male Common iora calling teee, teee, teee, teee. The time was exactly 5.46am. I woke to this call every morning at the same time. The presence of the Iora was not surprising, but the precision of his behaviour was. He perched on the same branch of the same tree, day after day, delivering the same call. As I observed him, I realised he was receiving a response. The reply, however, came not from a female, but from another male claiming territory nearby. The two males argued through song while the female quietly listened. Over time, I noticed changes in the timing and duration of their calls. Eventually, one male succeeded in attracting the female. Once the pair was formed, the winning male stopped singing. Another evening, in May, I heard a very different call. It was twilight. The sky still held a bluish tint, and the mango tree in my neighbourhood was heavy with leaves and ripening fruit. A lamenting call rose from the tree. It was a male Grey-bellied cuckoo, a member of the cuckoo family known to lay its eggs in the nests of other birds. The bird fell silent after a while, only to call again before dawn. This became a routine. Every day, around 3am. Who was the bird calling? Cuckoos do not build their own nests. Instead, they lay eggs in the nests of species such as the sunbird, Common Iora, tailorbird, which are known to unknowingly raise cuckoo chicks. The bird was calling for his mate, responding to the presence of other birds building nests nearby. I have observed sunbird pairs raising cuckoo chicks. The cuckoo nestlings were three times larger than the adult Ioras, who tirelessly fed the enormous young birds. Also Read | Why birds make great pets Speaking of feeding, it is important to consider allofeeding and its role in mating. Allofeeding refers to the act of a male feeding his female partner just before mating. This behaviour is common among raptors and other birds. I have observed it in long-tailed shrikes, red-vented bulbuls, and green bee-eaters. Once, during a walk in the Dandoba hills, I saw a pair of long-tailed shrikes perched close together. The male flew off briefly and returned with a large grasshopper, which he offered to the female. After she ate it, the pair mated and gave a mating call. Why do birds feed their partners before mating? Is it courtship, flattery or bonding? The answer lies in survival. At the time of mating, the female carries eggs. After mating, the fertilised eggs begin to take a shape and the female lays them in the nest the pair builds. These tasks demand significant energy. The male feeds her to support this effort and secure the future generation. Birdsong itself varies according to its audience. Songs directed at rival males are often simple and repetitive, while those aimed at females are more complex and elaborate. Red-vented bulbuls and Indian blackbirds are notable examples of this distinction. Birdsong is shaped by ecological constraints, reproductive strategies and evolutionary history. It is not universal in form or meaning. Loud or soft, simple or complex, solitary or shared, each song arises from specific needs. Recognising this does not diminish the pleasure of listening. Instead, it deepens it. When we begin to hear birdsong as language, we hear intention where we once heard ornament. The world sharpens, grows more complex, and in that complexity, birds speak not to our longing for beauty, but to the enduring work of survival. Sharad Apte is a bird sound recordist from Sangli, Maharashtra. This article is drawn from his book, Why Birds Sing: Science of Bird Song, translated from Marathi by Rujuta Khare and Zai Gulmohar. Also Read | The big value of the tiny things that crawl In a quiet corner of Delhis 9,000 sq. ft Textile Gallery hangs a backpack that tells stories of Indias northernmost region, Ladakh. Shaped like a tiger, it references one of the five mythical creatures in Buddhism, which is widely practised in the region. Crafted from a blend of lambswool, cashmere and pashmina, it points to Ladakhs rich repertoire of fine fibres. Its three-dimensional formbrought alive through hand embroidery, applique and fringe-workis indicative of the endless possibilities that can emerge when traditional crafts combine with contemporary, functional design to create a piece of wearable art. The bag comes with a tiger mask as a symbol of protection, says Jigmat Norbu, founder of Leh-based Jigmat Couture, the brand behind the bag. He points to the two threads on the bag where the mask will be tied. Artisans took over a month-and-a-half to just spin the yarn for this bag. Its a way to say that we dont have to compromise on our crafts and beliefs to fit in (to the fashion world). The bag is part of an ongoing exhibition, Between Wind And Wool: Ladakh Design Today, at the gallery that informs viewers of how designers in Ladakh, who have studied in metros and returned home in the hope of shaping a Ladakhi identity, are re-interpreting local textiles and garments on the roof of the world. View full Image A bag by Jigmat Couture View full Image A dhoti-sari by Stanzin Palmo of Zilzom Presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and curated by its head Sunil Sethi, the exhibition features 12 works, including traditional dresses, shoes and wall hangings, by labels 2112 Saldon, Jigmat Couture, Namza Couture and Zilzom. Black and grey photographs by Hormis Anthony Tharakan of Ladakhs cold desert and black mountains occupy the walls. People beyond the world of fashion dont know how far this region has come (in terms of design)... they sell across the world, have showcased on the runways, says Sethi. The other thing is that the world only thinks of the feather-light pashmina when they think of Ladakh. Theres coarse pashmina as well, and there are many other premium fabrics this region produces and experiments with. Thats what we want to change through this show, Sethi says. As you enter the exhibition, a bok (shawl or cape), teng tsik (jacket) and mogos (robe-like dress made of wool or heavy handwoven textiles the colour and motifs of which can be an indicator of the wearers community)all components of Ladakhi attiregreet you. Created by Namza Couture, the ensemble is crafted from handwoven gyaser (a silk-brocade fabric) and embellished with zari brocade and Himalayan and Central Asian motifs, including ambi and buta, which travelled the Silk Route before finding their way into Banaras weaving. Despite being a traditional look, its not hard to imagine each component as part of contemporary wear. Teng tsik, typically worn in the eastern region of Ladakh, for instance, would not be out of place at a Delhi winter party or an office (if paired with a classic blue-striped shirt and jeans) or on a Paris runway. Similar iterations by other designers reiterate how traditional wear can work in todays wardrobe. People associate Ladakh with pashmina and dull colourswhite, beige, grey you know the way our terrain is, says Padma Yangchan of Namza. While growing up, I mostly used to see white and maroon around me. There was no fashion fashion as such. I remember going to weddings wearing coats and pants or jeans. But traditionally we had so many bright colours in our culture, and its important to realise it, not just for the world, but also for the people of Ladakh. While Namzas Yangchan prefers to focus on wedding clothes (though the brand has some capes and jackets with traditional designs like embroidered swans and spiritual patch prints), Stanzin Palmo of Zilzom wants to make more contemporary wear. Her approach is reflected in a grey pashmina dhoti-sari with a diamond weave, matched with a brocade waistcoat referencing the traditional stutung vest, on display at the exhibition. I want to reach the masses without being mainstream, says Palmo, who started Zilzom seven years ago. I am doing pashmina but I also use other fabrics. Like Im doing dresses, shirts that you can wear during summers, but they will always come with a Ladakh stamp, she says, offering an example of thigma, the regions ancient resist-dye technique (similar to bandhani of Gujarat and Rajasthan), which is at risk of going extinct. Padma Saldon of 2112 Saldon, too, is focusing on creating fashion beyond pashmina. We have fantastic sheepwool, but does the world know? No. (The movie) 3 Idiots made us famous (the films climax shows Pangong Lake) as a tourist destination but beyond that the interest isnt as visible, she says. People know what phulkari or chikankari looks like but do they know what kos (the regions popular traditional dress) is? View full Image By 2112 Saldon The exhibition does leave you asking for more given the limited number of pieces on display. But it works as a teaser into the fascinating world of Ladakh. As a 32-year-old visitor, an architect, told me at the exhibition: I never knew Ladakh had so much colour. Its my ignorance; I always assumed it was this cold, dreary place. More importantly, the exhibition is a conversation starter on how since 2019the year Ladakh became a Union territorythe regions design entrepreneurs are trying to push the envelope without falling into the trap of what could best be described as Bollywoodisation of couture fashion. In other words, no lehngas, no ghagra-cholisat least for now. If they stay the course, Ladakhs emerging design landscape could offer a compelling model for how textilesborn as practical responses to the environment and repositories of inherited knowledgecan be transformed into fashion that is timeless and relevant to any wardrobe. At Indian Textiles Gallery II, Tradition and Innovation, National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Delhi, till 31 March (11am-6pm). Also Read | India Couture Week: Clothes that reinvent the idea of wedding wear An Implementation Order linked to the July National Charter was approved by the voters in Bangladesh, with 48 million people or 68% voting in favour and 22.5 million or 32% against, across 299 constituencies, The Dhaka Tribune reported. The development came as voters elected the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to lead the country in the general election on Friday. The voting for the Bangladesh general election took place on 12 February, the first since the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster from the country in 2024. The referendum was held on 12 February along with the general election, and the results were announced on Friday at 2 PM (local time). On the ballot, the question posed to voters was a simple yes-or-no, but it covered several issues. The question read: Do you express your consent to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 and to the following proposals regarding constitutional reforms recorded in the July National Charter? Yes or No. Also Read | Why is Bangladesh holding a referendum with general elections today? What is the July Charter Referendum? The July National Charter (Constitutional Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025, is a 28-page political agreement, which was signed by 25 parties and the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. The referendum centred on putting the July Charter into effect. The document was drawn up following the 2024 student-led uprising and calls for sweeping institutional changes to promote democracy, accountability, and social justice, while preventing the return of authoritarian-style governance, according to Reuters. The charter's implementation order was approved in November by the interim government, which said that public approval was necessary to bring crucial changes. Unlike the 1972 Constitution, which is a historical document, the July Charter is a blueprint for post-uprising reform, which was pushed by the student leaders and civil society groups and was later incorporated into the discourse by the Yunus-led government. What did the referendum vote for? The voters decided on four major issues, including Constitutional and Political Reform, Electoral Reforms, Judicial & Institutional Independence and Youth Representation. It also included the establishment of new constitutional bodies, along with the introduction of a bicameral parliament, whose upper house will need a majority vote to make amendments to the Constitution. Why does it matter? The July Charter referendum became central to the political narrative in Bangladesh since it was held alongside the general elections. It symbolised a break from the Awami League, which was led by Hasina, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by the late Khaleda Zia. Dhaka's National Citizen Party, which is a student-led party, and its allies presented the vote as a public endorsement of the July Charter reforms. Previous referendums in Bangladesh Bangladesh previously held three referendums, in 1977, 1985, and 1991. While the first two referendums asked voters if they had confidence in the president and his policies, the third one sought approval to shift back to a parliamentary democracy from a presidential system. Voters voted in favour in all three instances. Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Rohit Shetty have received fresh threats, allegedly from the Bishnoi gang, Hindustan Times reported on Friday. In a voice note accessed by HT, an unidentified man claiming to be associated with the gang is heard saying that Ranveer Singh's entire staff will be hurt" if he does not fall in line. "Baat se mukarne ki saza kya hoti hai tujhe bataenge (We will show you the punishment for going back on ones word), the man could be heard saying in the audio clip. Rohit Shetty mentioned in voice note The speaker also refers to filmmaker Rohit Shetty and the wider film industry, saying, line pe aajao, agar nahi aaye toh baad mein dekhna kya karte hain hum log loosely translated as, Fall in line. If you dont, youll see what we do later. The threats come days after Ranveer Singh and his wife, actor Deepika Padukone, increased security outside their Mumbai home. An official letter from their housing complex to the Dadar Police Station stated that armed personnel had been deployed at the residence, reported HT. When you'll come to your senses' In the audio message, the caller claims to have personal information about people working with Singh. Addressing the actor directly, he alleges that instead of targeting him, they would go after his team. Ranveer Singh, youre very fond of giving advicetelling people to go file an application or report it at the police station. Fine, and you did it toono problem. Now listen to me. Everyone who works under youmanagers, staffwe have their details: where they live, when they go to the office, when they come home, where their families live. We have all the details. We wont say anything to you directlywell start hurting them. Thats when youll come to your senses, the man says. Without going into much details, the man is also heard asking Singh to stay on his word. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman, the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), after several local media projected the party's landslide victory in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections. PM Modi said the win reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership. PM Modi wrote on X, I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. He added that India will continue to support a democratic and progressive Bangladesh and looks forward to strengthening bilateral ties. "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," Prime Minister Modi wrote. Bangladesh Elections: BNP declares victory Earlier in the day, the BNP said that it is set to form the government as vote counting is underway for the 13th parliamentary elections in the country. In a post on X, the BNP Media cell said, "The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats." Local media reports indicate that the BNP is set to secure a historic win in the elections. According to the Daily Star, vote counting has been completed in 249 constituencies, with just 50 remaining. Of the 299 seats, the Daily Star reported that BNP and allies have secured 181 seats, while Jamaat and allies have 61 seats. What other media houses projected Dhaka Tribune: BNP 198 seats, Jamaat 62 seats and NCP two seats Daily Star: BNP and allies 181 seats, Jamaat and allies 61 seats Jamuna TV: 211 seats for the BNP alliance; 70 for the Jamaat alliance; and 6 for others Somoy TV: 197 seats for the BNP alliance; 58 for the Jamaat alliance; and 4 for others These preliminary figures suggest a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape. No victory celebration The BNP's chairman, Tarique Rahman, has requested that the celebration of this victory be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election. Therefore, they have called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after the Friday congregational prayer. Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, as per the Daily Star. Bangladesh ushered in its most pivotal polls as it seeks to enter into a new chapter from the classic 'Battle of Begums' era on Thursday. A 37-year-old man from Maharashtra died after reportedly suffering a heart attack during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay's rally in Tamil Nadu's Salem on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Suraj who had been residing in the Sevvaipettai area of Salem, where he was engaged in silver-related labour work. He was married and is survived by his wife and a child. This death comes months after a stampede during a rally held by Vijay in Karur claimed nearly 40 lives. The actor-turned-politician was addressing supporters today amid heavy police deployment and strict entry regulations. According to sources, the deceased who attended the meeting organised for party administrators as a spectator suddenly collapsed. He was immediately rushed to Manima Hospital by those present at the venue but was declared dead, reportedly due to a heart attack. Police are conducting further inquiries into the incident. Stalin, DMK in Vijay's crosshairs Meanwhile, during his rally Vijay accused the M K Stalin government of denying Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) permission to hold political rallies while granting permission to others. Vijay said he did not come to Salem merely to seek votes, but to seek justice. He alleged that while other parties receive permission immediately upon request, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is denied permission. "They grant permission and provide space for other parties to hold conferences, public meetings, or hall functions. But for us alone, they won't give space, nor will they allow it to be given. For other parties, they provide a suitable venue and adequate security so they can meet people or people can meet them. But for me, they won't provide it, nor will they let it be provided. What kind of justice is this?" Vijay said. "They talk about SOPs. Its full form is Standard Operating Procedure. But for me, it seems to mean Stalin-oh sorry, Stalin Sir Operating Procedure," he added. As a precautionary measure, identity cards of party members and functionaries were strictly verified at the venue. The Vijay-led TVK rally was restricted to 4,998 individuals in line with police guidelines. Only those issued QR code-embedded entry passes are being allowed inside, with no exceptions. Heavy police deployment, vehicle checks at key entry points, and traffic diversions were enforced to ensure public safety and prevent overcrowding. Authorities have stated that the measures aim to maintain law and order during the high-profile political event, particularly in light of the stampede incident in September last year that claimed 41 lives during a TVK gathering. Earlier in the day, Stalin announced that 3,000 was credited in advance for February, March, and April under the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme, along with an additional 2,000 as a summer special package, bringing the total to 5,000 for 1.31 crore beneficiaries this month. Addressing party workers and supporters at TVK's election campaign meeting in Salem, Vijay told the crowd that people should take the money they're given and then blow the whistle in the givers' ears. "People will come and give you thousands of rupees. Please get that money because it's your money. But after receiving the money, blow the whistle in their ears and give them a send-off," he said. The whistle is TVK's election symbol. During the rally, Vijay also called upon the gathering to take a pledge, saying, "My vote is my right. No one can buy us. Our vote is for whistle," urging supporters to back the party in the upcoming polls. Hitting back at the Opposition who question his political experience, Vijay said, "Other than scamming experience, what other qualities do the people who question my experience have? We don't have experience, yes. We don't have experience in looting." In a symbolic gesture, TVK leader KG Arunraj presented a 'Sengol' to Vijay during the meeting, and the Salem unit of TVK also honoured him with another 'Sengol'. The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026. In the 2021 assembly polls, the DMK won 133 seats. Congress won 18, PMK won 5, VCK won 4, and others won 8. A blaze broke out during the Hampi Festival inauguration as Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah took the stage on Friday, as reported by ANI. The Hampi Festival, officially known as the Hampi Utsav or Vijaya Utsav, is an annual cultural festival held in Hampi, Karnataka, India. It celebrates the regions rich heritage, history, and art, highlighting the legacy of the Vijayanagar Empire. Watch the video here: However, no injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly controlled. Earlier in the day, Siddaramaih said that from now on, the Hampi Festival will be organised every year on November 3, 4, and 5. Also Read | UNESCO heritage sites will make your next holiday truly incredible! In a post on X, Karnataka CM said, The state government is celebrating the Hampi Festival with great splendor. The late former minister M. P. Prakash, during his tenure as Minister for Kannada and Culture, had witnessed the grandeur of the Mysore Dasara Festival and aspired to hold a similar festival in Hampi. M. P. Prakash had immense interest in the Kannada land, language, and literature. He is the primary reason behind organizing such a magnificent Hampi Festival. He was a rare individual. The festival features a vibrant mix of music, dance, theatre, and folk performances, showcasing both classical forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi and local traditions. Visitors can also explore heritage walks, guided tours of historic temples and monuments, and exhibitions of arts, crafts, and traditional handicrafts inspired by the empires legacy. It is organised by the Karnataka Tourism Department, the festival often includes fireworks, processions, and cultural displays, attracting tourists from across India and abroad. Earlier in January, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawatvisited the Hampi monuments in Karnataka, and reviewed the heritage site and its tourism infrastructure to ensure better conservation. Also Read | A new exhibition in Hampi tells nine stories about nine yards In a post on X, the minister shared pictures of his visit to the group of monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and said, "Commenced a two-day visit to Hampi with an in-depth review of monuments and tourism infrastructure." The Union minister, who also holds the tourism portfolio, said he visited key monuments, including Queen's Bath, Royal enclosure, Mahanavami Dibba, Hazara Rama Temple, Elephant stables and Lotus Mahal, and reviewed their present condition. Historical significance of Hampi The majestic ruins of Hampi were once the final capital of the last great Hindu Vijayanagar Kingdom. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the empires princes constructed Dravidian-style temples and palaces, which drew admiration from travellers of the era. In 1565, the city was conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy and pillaged for over six months before being abandoned, according to UNESCO. Famous for its iconic monuments, Hampi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Several schools across the national capital received bomb threats on Friday morning, police said. Delhi Police teams, along with fire department personnel, rushed to the affected locations to conduct thorough security checks. The first call reported as a threat was received at 9:13 AM by BD Tamil Education, Jhandewalan. Also Read | Bomb threats reported at 10 Delhi schools; police and bomb squads deployed More details are awaited. Earlier, nine schools across the national capital received bomb threat emails on Monday, according to the Delhi Police. According to the police, the threats were received through emails between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. Following the alerts, Delhi Police, fire department teams, and bomb disposal squads were immediately rushed to the affected schools. In South Delhi, three schools received bomb threats. These include Air Force School on Lodhi Road, KR Mangalam School, and The Indian School in Sadiq Nagar. Bangladesh Elections: The alliance led by Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is on course to emerge victorious in the just-concluded Bangladesh elections, leading in at least 212 of the 299 seats that went to the polls on 12 February. Local media are projecting a landslide victory for the BNP - though their estimates vary. The party and its allies are projected to win around two-thirds of the seats. If the trends hold in official results, Tarique Rahman, the BNP chairman, will become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance has won 70 constituencies, according to unofficial results being declared by TV channels on Friday. The final figures will be released by the Election Commission later in the day. New Delhi has been closely watching the voting in neighbouring Bangladesh for several reasons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the Bangladesh elections. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership, India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, PM Modi said. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals, he said. The Hasina Years In the fifteen years of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government in Bangladesh, New Delhi enjoyed friendly ties with Dhaka. Hasina, now in exile in India, served as prime minister from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2024. During this period, India treated Bangladesh as an important strategic partner and ally in maintaining security in South Asia. However, the New Delhi-Dhaka ties started deteriorating soon after the ouster of the Hasina-led Awami League regime on 5 August 2024 and the subsequent violence against minorities, particularly the Hindu community. As violence ensued across Bangladesh, Hasina fled to India. So what does BNP's return to power under Tarique Rahman mean for India? Let's first take a look at BNP's ties with India under its late leader and former prime minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away in December last year. BNP ties with India Before Tarique took over, the BNP was led by his mother and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died on 30 December 2025, after suffering from prolonged illness. She was 80. New Delhi traditionally viewed Khaleda Zia dispensation in Bangladesh as less predictable and less cooperative, especially on security matters. New Delhi warmed more to Sheikh Hasinas leadership, seeing her as a more reliable partner. Khaleda Zias India connection was usually defined more by distance than engagement. While she did not sever ties with New Delhi, her leadership marked a period of cool relations, and limited strategic cooperation. This was a sharp contrast to the close IndiaBangladesh partnership that developed during Sheikh Hasinas rule in Bangladesh. New Delhi-Dhaka Ties The ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have worsened of late, more so after Hasina's ouster and the subsequent violence against Hindus, a substantial minority in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. New Delhi fears that Hasinas removal from power has created space for groups that are hostile towards India, amid growing anti-India rhetoric and violence in Bangladesh, according to experts on South Asia politics. Attacks on minorities including Bangladeshs Hindu population have exacerbated tensions, they said. Last year's lynching and public burning of a 25-year-old Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh, sparked protests in India in New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and other cities, calling for the protection of minorities and strong diplomatic action. Those who follow Bangladesh describe the period as a shift from a golden era of cooperation to one marked by suspicion, reduced engagement and diplomatic unease. What do experts say? Experts, however, said that a new government in Dhaka will provide both sides an opportunity to arrest the deterioration in relations and make a fresh start. The outgoing interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been perceived in India as less aligned with New Delhis strategic interests. Delhi hasn't engaged with Dhaka over the last 18 months, primarily because India considers the Yunus administration an unelected government, said people who follow Bangladesh. India desisted from engaging with the Yunus government beyond what is absolutely necessary. A definite vote would at least lead Delhi and Dhaka come to a negotiating table and we will have to wait to watch, senior journalist and author Deep Halder told LiveMint as counting is underway. BNP best option for India The BNP has been one of Bangladeshs two major political parties, founded in 1978 by President Ziaur Rahman, Tariques father. Its a centre-right party emphasising Bangladeshi nationalism, economic development, and democratic governance after periods of military rule. Since its founding, the BNP has formed the government multiple times. Khaleda Zia, the former chairperson of the BNP, was the longest-serving BNP leader until her death in late 2025. She served three times as Bangladesh's prime minister. BNP coming to power is the best option for India. A Jamaat-led government would have meant a new reality for both Bangladesh and India. BNP has been in power before. Delhi and Dhaka have engaged, though it has not been the best of relationships, said Halder, who also works as a contributing editor at The Print. Both sides have recently shown the intent to turn over a new leaf, other experts said, citing Foreign Minister S Jaishankars visit to attend Khaleda Zias funeral, carrying Prime Minister Modis letter referring to a new beginning. "This signals that New Delhi is willing to take small steps toward normalising relations if the new government in Dhaka shares the intent, Praveen Donthi, Senior Analyst, International Crisis Group, told LiveMint recently. Jamaat-e-Islami's chequered past Jamaat, on the other hand, was once banned. The Islamist party has been in mainstream politics, but has never had a prime minister. In the 2001 general election, the BNP-Jamaat alliance won power. Jamaat secured 17 parliamentary seats and held ministerial portfolios for the first time in Bangladeshs history. The party was banned from contesting elections after Hasina came to power in 2009, though leaders sometimes ran as independents or under alliances. Jamaat regained political space in the last 18 months under the Yunus-led dispensation as restrictions were eased, and it eventually aligned with newer political formations and student groups to contest the 12 February polls under Shafiqur Rahman, who was elected its ameer, or chief, in 2019. 'Pragmatic approach' Analysts say that New Delhi pursues a pragmatic approach to its strategic and foreign policy, though it may sometimes take time to reorient itself. Whoever comes to power now, since the Awami League is out of the reckoning, will seek to restore ties with Dhaka, which, in turn, will aim to balance between Beijing and New Delhi, with possible outreach to Islamabad as well, Donthi said. If BNP comes to power, it will be the best option for India. India has been Bangladeshs largest trading partner in Asia. Between April 2023 and March 2024, before Hasina's fall, India sold goods, including textiles, tea, coffee, auto parts, electricity, agriculture, iron and steel and plastics, worth $11.1bn. India and China will try to outdo each other in this race for influence, and Bangladesh will try to make the most out of it, Donthi said, adding that it all depends on how both sides manage domestic political pulls and pressures. In this case, the government stands to gain. But according to a government official, who did not want to be identified, it will take a legal view to figure out if the airwaves can be put in the upcoming spectrum auction. It seems the department can get the spectrum back from the companies under insolvency and put that into auction. However, the process would involve sending show cause notices to the companies citing the court order," the official said. Republicans may be willing to stick with President Donald Trump through almost anything, but his recent push to seize control of Greenland has turned off many in his own party, according to a new AP-NORC poll. The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research finds that about 7 in 10 US adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the issue of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. That's higher than the share who dislike how he's handling foreign policy generally, suggesting that Trump's Greenland approach has created a weak spot for the administration. About 24 per cent of American adults approve of Trump's Greenland approach. Even Republicans aren't thrilled. About half disapprove of his attempt to turn the icebound landmass into American territory, something that Trump has insisted is critical for national security in the Arctic, while about half approve. The poll was conducted February 5-8, which is after Trump had made the decision to scrap tariffs designed to pressure European countries into supporting US control of Greenland, but after his weekslong push for American intervention over the island. The AP-NORC poll of 1,156 adults was conducted February 5-8 using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the US population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. The margin of sampling error for Republicans overall is plus or minus 6.1 percentage points. About half of Republicans disapprove of Trump on Greenland Trump's base is normally unwavering behind him, so Greenland stands out as an exception. The marks represent Trump's lowest ratings among Republicans on a list of key issues in the poll, including the economy and immigration - where about 8 in 10 approve - and foreign policy generally. About 7 in 10 Republicans approve of his overall foreign policy approach. Trump has argued that the US needs Greenland to counter threats from Russia and China in the Arctic region, despite America already having a military presence there. Also Read | Russia warns of countermeasures if West boosts military presence in Greenland Other recent polls, including a Pew Research Centre survey conducted in January, found that Republicans were largely divided on whether the US should take over Greenland, while Americans overall were opposed. Ayman Amir, a 46-year-old Trump supporter from Houston, Texas, said he agrees that Greenland holds strategic importance for the United States' military. But that doesn't mean he thinks Trump should claim it. "We can't take it by force. We don't have a right to do that," Amir said. "You can't blame Russia for what they do in Ukraine and then do the same thing. You can't do this." Trump's overall foreign policy approval remains steady The president dropped his threats to seize the territory by force late last month after saying a framework for a deal over access to Greenland was reached with help from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The clash represents just one of the moves Trump has made to strain relationships with key allies over the last year. Western leaders are focusing on trans-Atlantic tensions this week at the Munich Security Conference. Also Read | Political Shockwaves and Dollar: Key events that moved the USD in recent years On Greenland, Trump has few vocal supporters at home or abroad. Even as Trump made significant moves to obtain control of Greenland, his overall approval on the issue of foreign policy has remained steady. About 4 in 10 US adults approve of Trump's approach to foreign policy, a measure that's been unchanged in recent months. Young Republicans especially disapprove of Greenland approach Younger Republicans are especially likely to disapprove of how Trump is handling the situation. About 6 in 10 Republicans under 45 say they disapprove of his leadership on Greenland, compared to about 4 in 10 older Republicans. That 4 in 10 who approve of Trump's Greenland actions is much lower than young Republicans' approval on issues of foreign policy, the economy, or immigration. Independent voter Aaron Gunnoe, 29, an engineer from Marion, Ohio, was baffled by Trump's aggressive posture on the NATO ally. Kathryn Ruemmler, the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs Group, on Thursday (local time) announced that she is leaving the firm after a series of documents released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) showed her links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Bloomberg reported. The bank said that Ruemmler will leave on 30 June. In a statement, Goldman Sachs Chief Executive David Solomon said, "Kathy has been an extraordinary general counsel," and added that she would be "missed." The development comes weeks after Ruemmler weathered several news reports that brought focus on her ties to Epstein. However, the top Goldman Sachs lawyer has consistently maintained that her ties with Epstein were professional. Who is Kathryn Ruemmler? According to her LinkedIn profile, Ruemmler holds a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown Law. She began her legal career in 1996 as a law clerk for Judge Timothy K Lewis of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Following this, she served as an associate at Zuckerman Spaeder between 1997 and 2000. In 2000, she served as an associate counsel to former US President Bill Clinton and then as a deputy director at the US Department of Justice. In 2007, she joined Latham & Watkins as a litigation partner. Later, she joined the Department of Justice again as its principal associate deputy attorney general. From 2010 to 2014, she worked at the White House as a counsel to former President Barack Obama. Her second stint at Latham & Watkins began in 2014. In 2020, she joined Goldman Sachs, where she has served in various capacities. Ruemmeler on ties with Epstein In a statement to CNN, Ruemmler said, "Since I joined Goldman Sachs six years ago, it has been my privilege to help oversee the firms legal, reputational, and regulatory matters; to enhance our strong risk management processes; and to ensure that we live by our core value of integrity in everything we do." She added, "My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs interests first. Earlier today, I regretfully informed David Solomon of my intention to step down as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs as of June 30, 2026. Commenting on her ties with Epstein, she told CNN, "I knew Jeffrey Epstein in a professional capacity when I served as head of the white collar defense group at Latham & Watkins, and he was a business referral source. I did not represent him and was not compensated by him. I was one of a number of lawyers Epstein informally reached out to for advice." What did the documents show? Released on 30 January, the latest tranche of files consisted of over three million pages, 180,000 images, and at least 2,000 videos. The files revealed that Ruemmler had a nickname for Epstein: "Uncle Jeffrey." The documents also showed that she may have accepted gifts and travel from him and was also accused of having an affair with one of Epstein's top lawyers, who was married at the time. Also Read | Epstein Files appear to show effort to get Trump letter for birthday book In another email of 2015, Ruemmler wished Epstein on his 62nd birthday and wrote, "I hope you enjoy the day with your one true love. :-). To this, the sex offender replied with a raunchy note. While Ruemmler has maintained that her ties with the late wealthy financier were professional, hundreds of emails suggest otherwise, including her planned trip to Epstein's island and some of the gifts that he had given her. US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) spoke out about why the FBI has not fully taken over the investigation into Nancy Guthries abduction, saying that while the case was initially local, some progress has been made since the federal agency became involved, according to Fox News. Trump noted that some progress has been made, the report stated. Trump said, It was a local case originally. They didnt want to let go, which is fine But ultimately, when the FBI got involved, progress has been made. Watch the video here: Since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, the FBI has received over 13,000 tips, while the local sheriffs department has handled at least 18,000 calls, according to reports. The FBI stated on X Thursday that every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance, and actionable information by law enforcement and emphasized that the effort is a 24-hour operation. The agency also said it will not provide further details about the tips received, AP reported. Is Annie Guthrie arrested? No, Annie Guthrie has not been arrested. However, on Wednesday, FBI agents worked at Nancy Guthries home under the desert sun, carrying water bottles to cope with the heat. They also spread out into the surrounding neighbourhood, going door to door and searching through cacti, brush, and rocky terrain, AP reported. They were just asking some general questions wondering if there was anything, any information we could shed on the Nancy Guthrie issue. Wanted to look around the property and after that, cameras and such," Ann Adams, a neighbor of Nancy Guthrie's oldest daughter, Annie Guthrie, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. FBI Phoenix releases new details about suspect Meanwhile, the FBI Phoenix office recently released new information from doorbell camera footage of the masked suspect at Guthries home. FBI Phoenix wrote on X, Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Also Read | Nancy Guthrie update: Arizona Sheriff denies blocking FBI access to evidence The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving. Since February 1, 2026, the FBI has collected over 13,000 tips from the public related to this case, FBI Phoenix added. Tommaso Cioni's height sparks debate Soon after the FBI released details about the suspect in Nancy Guthries abduction, many online wondered, How tall is Guthries son-in-law? An independent reporter suggested that Cioni is significantly taller than the 59510 height range provided by the agency. Is Tommaso Cioni a suspect? Although Nancy Guthries son-in-law has not been officially named as a suspect, he has become a focal point of online speculation, with social media users now scrutinising his height. Authorities have confirmed that Nancy Guthrie was abducted against her will and has been missing since February 1. They noted that she relies on several medications, raising concerns that her life could be at risk without them. Also Read | Savannah vs Annie Guthrie: Net worth comparison Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have expressed willingness to pay a ransom. However, it remains unclear whether the ransom notes, which included deadlines that have already passed, were genuine. It was a local case originally. They didnt want to let go, which is fine But ultimately, when the FBI got involved, progress has been made. Amid nationwide attention on her disappearance, Savannah Guthrie shared a vintage home video on Instagram Thursday showing her mother with two children holding pink flowers, captioning it: We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope. (With inputs from agencies) The FBI on Friday released new identifying details about the suspect who allegedly kidnapped Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US television journalist Savannah Guthrie, amid reports that an Arizona sheriff is blocking its access to key evidence. The investigative agency also doubled its initial cash reward for information leading to a breakthrough in the case, as the 84-year-old remains missing for the 13th day. After the forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage from Nancy's Tucson home, the FBI revealed several identifying details about the masked abductor, seen on her doorstep with a gun holstered at the front of his waist and carrying an Ozark trailer backpack. In a post on X, the FBIs Phoenix office wrote: New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBIs Operational Technology Division. Nancys alleged kidnapper is described as male, approximately 59 to 510 tall, with an average build, the FBI Phoenix office said, while sharing images of the Ozark trailer backpack he was seen wearing in the doorbell footage. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving, the FBI said, while sharing that they are increasing the reward money to $100K. Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance, the FBI said. Also Read | Nancy Guthrie disappearance day 12: Key FAQs and what we know so far This updated description comes as the FBI and the Pima County Sheriffs Office are looking to question a man seen carrying an Ozark trailer backpack in surveillance video obtained by TMZ. The clip showed a man wearing a black Ozark trailer backpack and hoisting another dark blue one above a brick wall around 1:53 am, roughly five miles from Nancys home on the same night she disappeared. Continue to submit information to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or http://tips.fbi.gov to help us bring Nancy home, FBI Phoenix wrote. FBI blocked from key access to evidence According to Reuters, citing a law enforcement official, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is blocking FBI access to key evidence in the investigation, impairing its ability to assist in the probe. The official told Reuters that when the FBI asked Nanos for physical evidence in the case, including a glove and DNA from the home of the 84-year-old to be processed at its national crime laboratory in Quantico, he insisted on using a private lab in Florida. A prolonged deadlock among US lawmakers over immigration enforcement has threatened to push the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) toward a partial government shutdown from Saturday, as political tensions rise following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis, AFP reported. Ahead of the partial shutdown, the top Democrat in the Republican-controlled Senate, Chuck Schumer, said, For weeks, we've been pushing commonsense reforms. As per reports, the partial shutdown is set to go into effect after midnight on Friday night. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed the opposition for the situation. "Democrats are barreling our government towards another shutdown for political and partisan reasons," she told Fox News. The Democrats have been opposing any new funding for DHS until major changes are implemented in the way Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency working to carry out President Donald Trump's migrant crackdown, is functioning. They are calling for roaming patrols to be limited, ICE agents to be banned from wearing facemasks during enforcement actions, and for officers to obtain a judicial warrant before entering private property, demands aimed at increasing transparency and legal protections during immigration operations. Democrats' opposition to ICE and its heavy-handed tactics was triggered after Renee Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot in January. The two US citizens were targeted and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis as they protested against the immigration operations. Rising concerns about ICE House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed similar concerns on Thursday, warning that ICE was "completely and totally out of control." "Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not brutalize or kill them," he said, adding that violence was occurring "whenever these masked and untrained ICE agents show up." Even if all 53 Republican senators vote to fund DHS, Senate rules require support from 60 of the 100 members to advance the budget bill, meaning several opposition Democrats would need to get on board. In response to the Democrats' demands, the White House said that it was ready to negotiate, the agency reported. Will airports be impacted? If no agreement is reached, thousands of civil servants could be placed on furlough, while thousands more would be required to continue working without pay until a budget deal is finalised. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be able to maintain its operations using funds already approved by Congress last year The primary impact would land on other agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which oversees emergency response to natural disasters. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, renewed push for ousted former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India, just hours after the party secured a sweeping win in the general elections. Senior party leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the party remains firm on its stance of Hasina's extradition. The foreign minister has already persuaded the case for her extradition, and we also support it, the senior BNP leader said, reported PTI. Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since her ouster, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in November 2025 for crimes against humanity linked to the massive student uprising in the nation in 2024. Bangladesh PM-elect Tarique Rahman is likely to take oath as the Prime Minister on Saturday, 14 February. Always press for her extradition The senior BNP leader Ahmed's comments about Sheikh Hasina's extradition came soon after the BNP's sweeping victory in the general elections held on Thursday. This is the first election since the mass uprising in August 2024 that forced Hasina to flee to India. According to a report by Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom Alo, the BNP party has won 209 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats while the National Citizen Party (NCP) bagged 6 seats, as of 6pm, Friday (local time). We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We also asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh, said Ahmed. Ahmed claimed that Bangladesh seeks normal relations with all neighbours, including India, but only on equal terms. "We need a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, equality with all the countries, including India," he said. He even dismissed criticisms about the election's inclusivity after the Awami League was barred due to its suspension and ongoing violence probes. "People of the country know that this is a very inclusive election. If you like to mention the exclusion of Awami League etc, people have rejected through the mass uprising in Aug 2024," Ahmed underlined. Why Awami League did not take part in elections? The Awami League did not participate in the election after being barred from political activities, marking a significant change in the country's political landscape. Exclusion of the party's participation in the polls stemmed from a decision by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which banned the party's activities in 2025 amid probes into its conduct during the uprising. A British government ban on Palestine Action under anti-terror laws was unlawful, London judges ruled, throwing hundreds of prosecutions against supporters of the group into doubt. The High Court moved to quash the UK ban on Friday, declaring it disproportionate, in an embarrassing reversal for Prime Minister Keir Starmers government. The judges declared that Palestine Action would remain proscribed as a terrorist organization until further order of the court, giving the government time to appeal. The UK Home Office banned Palestine Action in July last year in a contentious move after the group said it had damaged two military aircraft. Supporters and human rights activists criticized the move for its overreach, saying it had a chilling impact on legitimate protests. After the ban was imposed more than 2,000 people were arrested, many for holding up signs, and hundreds charged. Also Read | Satellite images show activity at bombed Iranian nuclear sites: Report The terrorist designation, which placed Palestine Action in the same category as groups like like al-Qaeda, highlights growing tensions in the UK over the conflict in Gaza, which has been particularly problematic for the Labour government. The government had argued that the terror ban didnt prevent peaceful protest in support of the Palestinian cause. Starmer has been torn between defending Israel, a longstanding ally, while also speaking out for Palestinian citizens under fire. But the balancing act has provoked further opposition from the left of his party, who said that using anti-terror powers prevented legitimate criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza. The legal challenge was brought by one of the founders of Palestine Action. The judges said that the nature and scale of Palestine Actions activities had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence that would justify the full measures that come with proscription as a terrorist organization. Taken in the round, these comprise a very significant interference with the right to free speech, the judges said in their ruling. An Indian man charged with orchestrating an unsuccessful Indian government-backed plot to kill a Sikh separatist in New York City pleaded guilty on Friday to three criminal charges, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan said. Nikhil Gupta, 54, pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry a maximum combined sentence of 40 years in prison, the spokesperson said. Gupta entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court. Also Read | Pannun issues threat to Kapil Sharma after attack on cafe: Report Lawyers for Gupta were not immediately available for comment. Gupta has been jailed in Brooklyn since his June 2024 extradition to the United States from the Czech Republic, where he had been arrested a year earlier. He had pleaded not guilty immediately after his extradition. U.S. prosecutors accused Gupta of plotting with an Indian government official to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. resident and dual U.S.-Canadian citizen who advocated for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India. Also Read | Pannun defends Sikh truck driver charged in Florida crash that left 3 dead India's government has dissociated itself from any plot against Pannun, saying it was against government policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached out to BNP leader and his soon-to-be counterpart in Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, after the latter's party won a landslide victory in the Bangladesh general elections held on Thursday. Modi, in a post on social media platform X, said, "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections." "I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh," the PM added. "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed Indias continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," Modi also said. Also Read | Bangladesh election results: Tarique Rahman likely to take oath as PM on Sat Bangladesh election results According to Prothom Alo, of the 297 seats announced, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies secured 212 seats. The 11-party electoral alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, Islami Andolan Bangladesh obtained one seat, and independent candidates captured seven. Party-wise figures show BNP winning 209 seats on its own. Jamaat-e-Islami claimed 68 seats, Jatiya Nagorik Party six, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis two, Khelafat Majlis one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP one, Gana Sanghati Andolon one, and Gana Adhikar Parishad one seat, Prothom Alo stated. Rahman told AFP two days before polling he was "confident" that his party -- crushed during the autocratic 15-year rule of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina -- would regain power in the South Asian nation of 170 million people. Hasina's Awami League party was barred from taking part. The US embassy congratulated Rahman and the BNP for a "historic victory", while neighbouring India praised Rahman's "decisive win" in a significant step after recent rocky relations with Bangladesh. China and Pakistan, which both grew closer to Bangladesh since the uprising and the souring of ties with India, where Hasina has sheltered since her ouster, also congratulated the BNP. The vote passed largely peacefully and the country has been reported to have been calm since polling day. "Victory of Tarique Rahman is victory for democracy": Former diplomat hails Bangladesh poll outcome Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Veena Sikri has hailed the recent election results in Bangladesh as a major triumph for its people and a clear endorsement of democratic values. "The election results of last night represent a great victory for the people of Bangladesh," she noted, as per an ANI report. Sikri described the outcome as a direct setback to Islamist forces that had aggressively campaigned for power. "I think that the victory of Tariq Rehman is a victory for democracy because Jamaat-e-Islami had been campaigning very strongly, using financial exhortation and using religious exhortation. They were really with the support of the Western powers and the support of Pakistan. They were really all set to form a government on their own," she explained. US President Donald Trump threatened Iran Thursday with "very traumatic" consequences if it fails to make a nuclear deal. "We have to make a deal, otherwise it's going to be very traumatic, very traumatic. I don't want that to happen, but we have to make a deal," Trump said. This will be very traumatic for Iran if they don't make a deal, he added. Also Read | Trouble mounting for Iran? Second US aircraft carrier dispatched to Middle East Trump, who is considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to pressure Iran, recalled the US military strikes he ordered on Tehran's nuclear facilities during Israel's 12-day war with Iran in July last year. They should have made a deal the first time, then they got Midnight Hammer instead, he said. "We'll see if we can get a deal with them, and if we can't, we'll have to go to phase two. Phase two will be very tough for them," Trump was quoted by AFP as saying. Speaking a day after he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said he hoped for a result "over the next month" from Washington's negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said he was sceptical about the quality of any such agreement. Netanyahu travelled to Washington to push Trump to take a harder line in the Iran nuclear talks, particularly on including the Islamic Republic's arsenal of ballistic missiles. But the Israeli and US leaders apparently remained at odds, with Trump saying after their meeting at the White House on Wednesday that he had insisted the negotiations should continue. General skepticism Netanyahu said in Washington on Thursday, before departing for Israel, that Trump believed he was laying the ground for a deal. "He believes that the conditions he is creating, combined with the fact that they surely understand they made a mistake last time when they didn't reach an agreement, may create the conditions for achieving a good deal," Netanyahu said, according to a video statement from his office. Also Read | US says China conducted secret nuclear trial in 2020; Beijing reacts But the Israeli premier added: "I will not hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the quality of any agreement with Iran." Any deal "must include the elements that are very important from our perspective," Netanyahu continued, listing Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for armed groups such as the Palestinian movement Hamas, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Hezbollah in Lebanon. "It's not just the nuclear issue," he said. Despite their differences on Iran, Trump signalled his strong personal support for Netanyahu as he criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog for rejecting his request to pardon the prime minister on corruption charges. "You have a president that refuses to give him a pardon. I think that man should be ashamed of himself," Trump said on Thursday. Also Read | Trump calls for new pact as New START nuclear treaty between US & Russia expires Trump has repeatedly hinted at potential US military action against Iran following its deadly crackdown on protests last month, even as Washington and Tehran restarted talks last week with a meeting in Oman. The last round of talks between the two foes was cut short by Israel's war with Iran and the US strikes. So far, Iran has rejected expanding the new talks beyond the issue of its nuclear programme. Tehran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, and has said it will not give in to "excessive demands" on the subject. Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has formally challenged the legitimacy of the February 12 elections, characterising the event as a "disgraceful chapter" for the nation's democracy. In a statement addressing the conduct of the polls, the former Prime Minister alleged widespread administrative manipulation and numerical fraud, asserting that the reported figures did not reflect the reality of public participation. Sheikh Hasina highlighted a significant disconnect between the quiet polling stations and the final statistics provided by the Election Commission. "Voters were absent at the polling stations; yet votes appeared on the counting tables!" the statement read. The Awami League leader pointed to "highly inconsistent and unrealistic patterns" in the data, noting that while only 14.96 per cent of votes were cast by 11:00 a.m., the figure surged to 32.88 per cent by noon. The statement argued that this sharp increase implied a rate of approximately 381,339 votes per minute across the country. This would mean that a vote was cast every 5.16 seconds at every polling station, which the party described as an almost impossible rate, given that media reports estimated it took between 1.5 and 3 minutes for an individual to cast a ballot. The final reported turnout of 59.44 per cent was further questioned as being "unrealistic" in comparison with specific voter demographics. The statement mentioned that only 3 per cent of eligible voters in prisons and 7 per cent of overseas voters reportedly cast their ballots. Additionally, the Awami League alleged that state resources were utilised to influence the referendum held on the same day, citing the use of specific markings on ballots and the absence of signatures from anyone other than presiding officers on result sheets. Reports of irregularities were also noted from the day prior to the election, including allegations of ballot paper theft, the advance signing of result sheets, and instances in which voters found their votes had already been recorded. The statement suggested that the delay in announcing the referendum results, in comparison with the national election results, has created a public perception of fraud. The Awami League President maintained that the election has deepened political uncertainty and disillusionment rather than restoring democracy. The party, which advocated a peaceful boycott of the polls, has now called for the annulment of the election and the resignation of Muhammad Yunus. Also Read | PM Modi dials Tarique Rahman after BNP wins Bangladesh polls; reaffirms support Further demands include the withdrawal of cases against political prisoners, the lifting of restrictions on Awami League activities, and the restoration of voting rights through a free and fair election conducted under a neutral caretaker government. The first is their lack of an explicit penalty clause that could truly act as a deterrent. The guidelines specify that for a complaint within a specified time-frame, banks should refund the entire amount paid by a customer. However, most customers are unlikely to complain and bank officials might be willing to refund a few disparate customers if it lets them continue with their egregious practices. What do Indias AI rules say? Indias first dedicated legislation on digital media ethics code said all content significantly modified or generated by AI toolssuch as OpenAIs ChatGPT or Googles Geminimust be watermarked, without specifying what or how big the watermark would be. Basic image edits and addition of filters wont need such watermarks. Further, complaints related to deepfakes will be dealt with within three hourswith sexual content to be taken down within two hours. Companies will have until 20 February to start complying with these rules, failing which they may see their safe harbour protections being taken away. OpenAI has reportedly cautioned United States lawmakers that Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek is attempting to replicate the capabilities of leading American AI systems, raising fresh concerns about technology security and competitive advantage. In a memo reviewed by Reuters, the company said DeepSeek has been targeting its models and those of other US frontier labs in an effort to extract knowledge for its own training programmes. The warning was reportedly sent to the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the US and the Chinese Communist Party as part of broader discussions around safeguarding advanced AI development. Allegations of distillation tactics According to OpenAI, the methods reportedly involve a process known as distillation. This technique allows a newer model to learn from the outputs of a more capable system, effectively transferring performance gains without repeating the full training process. Reportedly, the company claims that accounts linked to DeepSeek employees sought to bypass access controls, allegedly using masked routing tools and third-party services to obscure the origin of requests. It further alleged that automated scripts were developed to systematically query US models and capture responses for training purposes. Leadership concerns OpenAI, led by chief executive Sam Altman, described the behaviour as an attempt to free-ride on research and infrastructure built by American companies. The firm said it actively monitors usage patterns and removes users suspected of trying to harvest outputs to build competing systems. DeepSeeks growing presence DeepSeek and its parent company High-Flyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Based in Hangzhou, the start-up drew attention last year after releasing models that many industry observers said approached the performance of top US offerings. Those releases unsettled markets and intensified debate in Washington about Chinas progress in advanced AI despite export controls and restrictions. Some executives in Silicon Valley have publicly praised DeepSeeks models, including systems known as DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, which are available internationally. India is hosting the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from 1620 February 2026. The Summit is anchored in three Sutras: People, Planet and Progress, which define Indias approach to cooperation on AI. The Summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and experts from across the world to deliberate on the way forward for AI, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Also Read | French President Macron to visit India from Feb 17 to 19 In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the summit's overarching theme is "Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya Welfare for All, Happiness of All," reflecting India's vision of leveraging artificial intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development. "The upcoming India-AI Impact Summit is the first-ever global AI Summit to be hosted in the Global South. The theme of this summit is 'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya - Welfare for All, Happiness of All' and is based on 3 sutras or guiding principles-people, planet and progress," he said on Thursday Highlighting the extensive global outreach ahead of the event, Jaiswal noted that Indian Missions and Posts worldwide organised more than 80 events as part of the build-up to the summit. "As India gears up to host the landmark summit, let's take a look at how our Missions and Posts conducted 80 events across the world as a build-up to the main event," he said. At Bharat Mandapam The India-AI Impact Summit will be held from 16 February to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. Designed as a five-day programme covering policy, research, industry, and public engagement, the Summit is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators, and experts to deliberate on AI's role in governance, innovation, and sustainable development. The India AI Impact Expo, spanning over 70,000 square metres, is expected to feature more than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries across 10 thematic pavilions, showcasing AI's transition from research and pilots to large-scale deployment. The Summit builds on India's development-focused approach to AI, aligns with the India AI Mission and Digital India Initiative, and emphasises translating global AI discussions into practical, people-centric outcomes. Also Read | Indias AI summit offers us a chance to define and drive AI accessibility At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders from the following countries are scheduled to attend the AI Impact Summit: 1. Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister 2. Bolivia Edmand Lara Montano, Vice President 3. Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President 4. Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister 5. Estonia Alar Karis, President 6. Finland Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister 7. France Emmanuel Macron, President 8. Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister 9. Guyana - Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President 10. Kazakhstan - Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister 11. Liechtenstein Hereditary Prince Alois, Hereditary Prince of the Principality of Liechtenstein 12. Mauritius Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam GCSK, FRCP, Prime Minister 13. Serbia . Aleksandar Vucic, President 14. Slovakia Peter Pellegrini, President 15. Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, President 16. Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President 17. Seychelles - Sebastien Pillay, Vice President 18. Switzerland Guy Parmelin, President Also Read | AI startup raises $100 million for a model to predict human behaviour 19. The Netherlands Dick Schoof, Prime Minister 20. UAE Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi The summit's overarching theme is 'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya - Welfare for All, Happiness of All,' reflecting India's vision of leveraging artificial intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development. In addition, Ministerial delegations from over 45 countries would be participating in the Summit. The UN Secretary General and senior officials from several International organisations will also join the deliberations. (With agency inputs) On Thursday night, residents in Georgia's 14th Congressional District gathered in Dalton to hear from Republican candidates running in a special election. The congressional seat became open after Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from her position in January. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp called the special election for March 10. Early voting opens on Monday. There were 14 candidates in attendance on Thursday, however; Christian Hurd, dropped out. He announced a run for a state legislative seat. Each candidate had a 30-second introduction and then answered three questions at random, having one minute to respond. Here are some of the responses from candidates in speaking order: "Everybody knows the federal government gets involved in a lot of stuff they don't need to be in. I think everybody would be better off if we got the education back in the hands of the state, so we can get our kids educated," said Marty Brown, a Republican candidate. "I want to get to Capitol Hill to make sure I am fighting for President Trump's policies to make sure we are securing the border. The number one killer for 18 to 24-year-old Americans is fentanyl," said Clay Fuller, a Republican candidate. "Getting our European allies to shoulder more of the load to assist with Ukraine, requiring some reciprocation, some payments, some benefit to us," said Tom Gray, a Republican candidate. "Drill, baby drill. When you increase our energy productions, you are essentially lowering the cost for everything else," said a speaker for Brian Stover, who was not able to attend the forum Thursday night. "I voted against every single bill that eliminates immunity, both with Monsanto... We have to stop PFAS from being imported into the United States," said Colton Moore, a Republican candidate. "I will never accept any foreign money. The money that, in the grassroots campaign that comes to me, comes from the hard-working men and women of the district," said Beau Brown, a Republican candidate. "No $40 million to Afghanistan a week. No transgender story-time to Afghanistan or wherever it is we are spending and wasting these monies. No NGO's," said Jim Tulley, a Republican candidate. "I think Congress should be able to hold the president and the Senate, and be able to give the right of whether or not we go to war," said Star Black, a Republican candidate. "We have to start sticking up and getting everything produced here that we can. We learned that during COVID-19, our supply chain has massive gaps and holes," said Reagan Box, a Republican candidate. "It takes a person of integrity as well as someone who is willing to work across the aisle and listen to their constituents," said Meghan Strickland, a Republican candidate. "AIPAC is a large question that I've gotten throughout this entire campaign. In fact, I think it is the most common question that I've gotten. I can't say that I have taken any AIPAC money, and I do not have any plans to take AIPAC money," said Jenna Turnipseed, a Republican candidate. "I am not a dual citizen. I'm an American. Anybody who is going to represent the US in office must be an American and an American only. Dual citizenship has to be renounced if you're joining the military. It should be renounced if you're going to serve in office," said Nicky Lama, a Republican candidate. "I like President Trump because you know what, one of the things he does is he just gets it done quick," said Larry Hilley, a Republican candidate. A straw poll was taken at the end of Thursday's forum. Below are the results: Members of Longford IFA were in attendance at the rolling sit-in protest at the Bord Bia HQ in Ballsbridge, Dublin, last weekend, Friday February 6. The protest was launched in response to the staunch refusal of Larry Murrin, to step down from his role as chairman of Bord Bia following revelations that his company, Dawn Farms, imports Brazilian beef. Read More: "We all know what Brazilian beef is full of!" - Longford Cllr Gerry Hagan Since the protest began on January 28, IFA chairs and members from county branches nationwide have been on a participation rota. Members of Longford IFA protesting outside Bord Bia HQ in Ballsbridge, Dublin. L-to-R: Declan Hanrahan IFA Livestock chair, Gretta Tynan, Margaret Henson, John OHanlon, Alice Doyle IFA Deputy President, Eithne Scally, Rosalind McCormack, Jim Tynan, Longford IFA Chair John Sheridan. IFA County Chair John Sheridan and representatives from Longford attended on January 29 and again last Friday, February 6. Speaking to the Longford Leader Mr Sheridan said there was an undeniable conflict of interest between Mr Murrins role as CEO of Dawn Foods, a company found to be importing beef from Brazil, and his role as Chair of Bord Bia, a body founded to specifically promote Irish produce. Read More: Angry Longford farmers part of massive Athlone protest against rotten Mercosur trade deal With its members furious over the news regarding Dawn Foods' involvement in the purchase of produce from Brazil, the IFA have been mounting pressure on the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, to have Mr Murrin removed from his role with Bord Bia. Protests have been taking place in the Bord Bia HQ as well as outside the ministers constituency office in Kildare. Speaking about Longford IFAs presence last Friday night at the sit-in at the Bord Bia HQ, county chair John Sheridan said, His (Murrins) business decisions in relation to purchasing cheap beef and poultry from producers who have much lower standards, are his own business." "They are not compatible with the role of the Chair of Bord Bia." "Irish farmers want to keep our standards high and there is a clear conflict of interest between our highly traceable product and that of the South American imports of beef and poultry used by Larry Murrin in his own business. Read More: Farmers call for Bord Bia chairman to resign as they protest outside offices Mr Sheridan added, The IFA have NO confidence in Larry Murrin to continue as Chair of Bord Bia due to this conflict of interest as stated above, and we insist he must resign as Chair, so farmer confidence in Bord Bia can be restored and we can get back to business producing and selling some of the best produce in the world, to a range of local and international customers. New analysis of CSO data shows Longford among the counties with the highest rates of jobseekers in Ireland. Longford recorded 66 people signing on per 1,000 working-age residents (aged 15-64), placing it second nationally after Louth, according to the National Pension Helpline study. Read more: WATCH: Garda Armed Support Unit surround and raid house in Longford The figures mean that around one in 15 working-age residents in the county were on the Live Register in January. This is compared to just one in 42 people in Meath, which had the lowest rate. Louth had the highest rate at 71 per 1,000, while Donegal (also 66), Leitrim (65) and Wexford (62) also recorded high per capita rates. At the other end of the spectrum, Meath had the lowest rate, with just 24 jobseekers per 1,000 residents, followed by Kilkenny (32) and Cork (34). These figures underline that certain counties continue to experience much higher levels of unemployment relative to their population, said James Dorrian of the National Pension Helpline. For Longford, this means that roughly one in fifteen working-age residents is on the Live Register. For comparison, the figure in Meath is just one in 42. This contrast shows the importance of considering both per-capita rates and total numbers when assessing labour market pressures across Ireland. Read more: Date is getting nearer to the iconic Longford Lights Festival Mr Dorrian noted that local economic conditions, limited employment opportunities, and recent changes to national schemes such as the Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit can all influence monthly trends. Monitoring these figures helps policymakers and local authorities understand where interventions, skills development programmes, and investment in job creation are most urgently needed, he said. The unexpected death of Cecilia Richardson (nee Mulligan) is deeply regretted in her native Lacken and around Carn, Ballyjamesduff where she resided. Cecilia passed away suddenly but peacefully at Cavan General Hospital on Saturday, January 31, surrounded by her loving husband Gerry and her family. Aged only 56, Cecilia was one of a family of eight of the late Mike Joe and Rose Mulligan and her passing has left a great void in this closely-knit family. Also read: Longford father-son duo open new bar in New York's Times Square As a camogie player with her native club she gave outstanding service guiding her team to numerous victories along with her sisters in what was a golden era for the club. She left everything on the field, attacking every break with full force determination, skill and an unquenchable appetite for victory. There is no doubt that her memory will live long around Crowe Park and indeed throughout the county and further afield. Away from the field of play Cecilia was a very hard worker when she spent many years in Liffey Meats and colleagues and friends have paid numerous tributes to one who lived and loved life to the full. Also read: RIP: Large crowds say farewell to talented Longford butcher and 'a real gentleman' She was a dedicated and loyal wife to her beloved Gerry and family meant everything to her, she was always there for her brothers and sisters if needed and she was a brilliant aunt to her nieces and nephews. She was quick witted and always up for a laugh and the craic. We extend our sincere sympathy to her heartbroken husband Gerry, her brothers Padraig (Sharon), Michael, Frankie (Olivia), and Gerard (Eimear); her sisters, her twin Maggie (Maggie P), Rosie (Adrian), and Susan (Seamus). Also sadly missed by her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews Aidan, Gavin, Tiernan, Aoibhe, Grainne, and Mille Rose (goddaughter); aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours, and many friends. Also read: RIP: North Longford and Arva mourns death of well known man who had a great love of angling Her remains reposed at Lakelands Funeral Home, Cavan on Monday evening, February 2 and on Tuesday her funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Gabriel Kelly in St Michaels church, Potahee with burial afterwards in adjoining New cemetery. Ar deis De go raibh a hanam dilis. A county Longford man, who threatened a pharmacist with knives leaving him and other staff members terrified, has been sentenced to three years in prison, which has been suspended for three years. Matt Cummins (51) of Pairc na Habhainn, Edgeworthstown pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Court to robbing 84 Pregabalin tablets valued at 15 from Tully's Chemist, Main Street, Edgeworthstown. The defendant also admitted producing an article in the course of that offence at the pharmacy on February 24, 2025. Pharmacist Declan John Tully, who provided a victim impact statement, said he was considering quitting his role due to the fear and terror he was subjected to on the date in question. Also read: Two doctors and secretary charged with Longford theft and deception have cases adjourned Garda Shane O'Connor told Judge Jonathan Dunphy that Gardai responded to a panic alarm by stopping at the pharmacy after a customer had not received a particular drug included in his medication that was collected earlier that day for him. When the defendant attended the pharmacy near the end of business hours the pharmacist refused to dispense the particular drug as it was not contained or renewed on the GP prescription. However, the court heard when Mr Tully informed Mr Cummins of the situation and returned into his staff in the dispensary section he heard staff members screaming. Garda O'Connor said Mr Tully turned to see the 'defendant standing in front of him with the knives in his possession, which was very intimidating and aggressive and he was demanding the medicine Pregabalin from him. The court heard when Mr Tully pointed to the medicine on the shelf the defendant reached over and he grabbed one box and he then discarded the two knives onto the work counter, driving one of the knives into the counter aggressively before leaving the store. Also read: Sentencing of man guilty of Longford arson causing millions of euro worth of damage adjourned Garda O'Connor said Mr Tully then announced that he would hand himself into the garda station. Judge Dunphy said he had seen photographs of the two knives and they could only be described as two knives that are potentially lethal and would clearly instill fear in others. Garda O'Connor said the defendant's daughter made a 999 call a short time later as she had concerns for her father given his behaviour that day. Judge Dunphy heard that while Ms Cummins (21) was on the phone to the investigating garda a short time later the defendant took the phone from her and spoke to the guards and he immediately admitted what he had done. The defendant apologised to Mr Tully and all of the staff in the pharmacy who were put in fear by his actions and he said he was ashamed and remorseful. Prosecuting barrister Stephen Faulkner said there was no indication of any financial loss, but the victim Mr Tully had suffered significantly. Also read: Gardai accused of 'corruption' offences at Longford Circuit Court have cases adjourned The victim gave details of the psychological and psychiatric effects of the robbery on him in a victim impact statement, which was read into the court record by Mr Faulkner. Mr Tully stated that the traumatic incident of being held up with two knives by Mr Cummins, who acted in a threatening and aggressive manner, has had a significant impact on him. "I was shocked that this happened in relation to Mr Cummins, that he had no valid prescription sent by his doctor for his medicine. "I had practised pharmacy for 30 years and I have never had an incident of this nature before. "Subsequently, I have flashbacks and nightmares that if I hadn't supplied some of the medicines in this emergency I could have been severely injured by these strange looking knives that I've never seen the like of before." Mr Faukner said that in terms of life changes Mr Tully indicated that his 'work has changed forever'. He stated he will have to reconsider if working in the community pharmacy is worth the fear and anxiety given the 'fear and terror' he experienced on the day of the incident. Barrister Nichola Delaney, defending, said apart from a minor road traffic incident her client had no offending history and he had not come to any Garda attention since. "He doesn't have a GP at present, that is part of the problem," she added. Ms Delaney asked Judge Dunphy if he could deal with it in such a way that he would not impose an immediate custodial sentence. Judge Dunphy noted the father of two daughters had been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since he was discharged from the defence forces. Judge Dunphy said he believed the incident was at the higher level of the lower end of the scale. "The aggravating factors were the production of knives in the course of the incident was both threatening and frightening to others. Judge Dunphy said given the high degree of assistance by the defendant in the immediate aftermath, his admissions and his attempt to hand himself into Gardai he was imposing a three year prison sentence, which he suspended for three years. He took into consideration his personal circumstances, his lack of previous convictions and the fact he had not come to Garda attention since, his good familial relationships and support network. Also read: Longford man enters eleventh hour guilty plea to harassing female solicitor Judge Dunphy noted his remorse, health difficulties, his good work history, his positive engagement with a psychologist and his 'excellent' insight into his offending. "The nature can be described as a mental health breakdown of sorts due to his drug dependency and vulnerabilities at the time leading to this offending and the fact that he has turned a significant corner assuring this court that behaviour like this will never take place again." He suspended the custodial sentence on Mr Cummins on strict conditions, which included he places himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years. Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has said that meaningful progress on Irelands housing crisis will require greater investment in both new homes and in the young people who will build them. The latest Safe Pass training initiative for Transition Year students in Longford follows ongoing engagement between Mr Mullooly, local schools and the ReSHAPE team at Technological University of the Shannon, after funding opportunities under the EU Just Transition Fund were identified for education and skills development. Discussions focused on how the funding could be used in a practical way to support young people considering apprenticeships and careers in construction. Read more: Solar farm plans lodged for a Longford village Speaking this week, the Midlands MEP and EU Housing Committee Vice Chair said: If we are ever going to be able to tackle the housing crisis in this country, we need more investment in building new homes and getting more apprentices into the construction sector. He described the use of European Commission Just Transition funding to support early-stage apprenticeship training as an obvious and practical step. Using money from the European Commissions Just Transition Funds to help train up young people in the early stages of an apprenticeship is a no brainer. Its exactly the type of practical investment that delivers long-term benefits. This week, Transition Year students from St Mel's College, associated with St Mels Cathedral Parish in Longford, completed their Safe Pass training and received their official certification cards. The qualification allows them to progress to building site training and seek appropriate work experience in the construction sector. Mr Mullooly noted that many young people across the Midlands, including Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Galway, traditionally relied on Bord na Mona for summer employment and early work opportunities. For generations, many young people in our region depended on Bord na Mona for summer jobs and beyond. As our region transitions economically, we have to ensure that new pathways are opened up. Construction and apprenticeships are a key part of that future. He thanked those involved in coordinating the initiative: My sincere thanks to Brid Gordon, who runs our constituency office and works directly with the schools and TUS Midlands to help set up this training. Special thanks also to Pobal and EMRA for facilitating the students training under the ReSHAPE programme. This is how European funding should work- practical, accessible and directly benefiting young people. Read more: "No confidence in Bord Bia's Larry," says Longford IFA chair, John Sheridan Mr Mullooly confirmed that further schools will be brought into the programme as funding allows. We will bring as many students and schools into the programme as possible in the coming weeks as funds become available. "If we are serious about solving housing, we must be equally serious about training the next generation of skilled workers. He concluded by congratulating the students on completing their certification and wishing them every success as they explore apprenticeships and careers in construction. A Longford pharmacist who led Gardai in a high speed car chase with drugs and alcohol in his system and assaulted and injured a garda after he crashed and attempted to get away, has been warned by a judge he needs to come up with 'substantial' compensation in order to avoid a lengthy jail sentence. Sean Stakelum (42) of Park Road, Longford, pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Court to assault causing harm on a male Garda, one charge of resisting or wilfully obstructing a peace officer acting in the execution of their duty, dangerous driving, and drug and drink-driving. Sergeant Gerry Newton of Longford Garda Station said, at around midnight on October 4, 2020, the defendant was observed by Garda Barry Gillespie driving a Nissan Qashqai jeep travelling at speed from the Market Square area of Longford town. The court heard Garda Gillespie pursued the vehicle across the railway bridge onto Park Road and he he estimated the vehicle almost careered into a wall and he activated int a wall and he activated his blue lights and sirens for the car to stop and he requested back-up assistance. However, Mr Stakelum failed to stop and Garda Gillespie became involved in a pursuit or high speed chase following the defendant who travelled at speeds of over 100kph in Teffia Park estate and 80kph in Kennedy Drive in an erratic manner and 'repeated his loop again'. Sgt Newton stated Mr Stakelum continued down Teffia Park in the direction of the Dublin Road on the wrong side of the road and he also drove through red traffic lights and mounted a footpath in the area before he turned left towards Longford town on the Dublin Road. Sgt Newton said Mr Stakelum attempted to take a right hand turn in the Deanscurragh estate near Lidl but he 'overcompensated' and he subsequently struck and damaged a wall. Mr Faulkner SC, for the State, said Garda Gillespie remained a safe distance behind the defendant's jeep and he pulled his patrol car in and approached Mr Stakelum who attempted to get back inside his vehicle. "Fearing that he would try to flee the scene or try to drive off Garda Gillespie attempted to remove the man from the jeep." Sgt Newton agreed with Mr Faulkner's summary that Garda Gillespie was 'met with resistance' and he held the defendant and brought him to the side of the Garda car and then when he reached for his handcuffs he commenced the process of arrest. "A struggle ensued and Mr Stakelum then resisted his arrest and he attempted to break free from Mr Stakelum who tried to hold on to him," Mr Faulkner added. The court heard he ordered the defendant to stop resisting arrest, but Mr Stakelum was wild and foaming at the mouth. Garda Gillespie stated that Mr Stakelum turned and grabbed him and pushed him to the ground with force and he attempted to hold onto the defendant and as he hit the ground he could feel that his right shoulder or his arm was damaged in some way and the pain was severe and he described it like nothing that he had ever experienced before." The court heard Garda Gillespie, who called for backup assistance from his Garda colleagues, dislocated his shoulder, broke his finger, and missed 18 months work. Two members of the public who observed the defendant and Garda Gillespie struggling assisted the officer and helped him to restrain the erratic driver on the grounds of a nearby national school before his Garda colleagues arrived. Mr Stakelum was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station where a blood test gave a reading of 196mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, almost four times over the legal limit of 50mg. The defendant also tested positive for cocaine. Garda Gillespie, who delivered an emotional victim impact statement, said the assault had a profound impact on his life and he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. The officer said he sustained physical injuries including a dislocated shoulder and a broken finger and he was out of work for 18 months after the assault and he now approaches incidents in a different manner and he has missed out on career opportunities. Garda Gillespie said the assault had a long-lasting and profound impact on his family, but he felt no ill will towards his attacker. The defendant's barrister, Barry White, said his client is very sorry and his behaviour was unacceptable and there are people who drink too much and do things they deeply regret. He said Mr Stakelum took part in a GAA county final earlier on the day in question but he was sent off. Mr White stated his client then went drinking in a pub in Longford afterwards, but he could not get a taxi home, and he then made the ridiculous decision to drive. "His primary intention was to resist Garda Gillespie's endeavour to arrest him, it wasn't a conscious decision to engage in an assault. "The apology may come late in the day but it is there." Mr White said Mr Stakelum returned to Longford to open a pharmacy, he was of good character and from a good family and he had no previous convictions. "He has a business in Longford and the consequences of a conviction for drugs may well have further repercussions as regards his professional body." Mr White urged Judge Jonathan Dunphy not to jail him for what he called one night of lunacy and he said he had no idea why his client changed his legal representation on numerous occasions. Judge Dunphy stated the defendant is the 'captain of his own ship' regardless of who the representation is and he was not moved by the status in the community and his actions. "I'm looking at the wealth of adjournments in the matter so perhaps I might be somewhat confident to hear whether or not this professional, as you put it, has amassed a substantial amount of compensation over the course of six years. "If that is not the case I think any application for this court to deal with this in a fashion that doesn't require him to go through the custody door is somewhat beyond belief." Judge Dunphy said it was 'advisable' that he did not finalise the case immediately as he was only minded to deal with it in one way. "Nothing that has been presented to me encourages me in any way, shape or form not to imprison this gentleman immediately and for a substantial period of time." Judge Dunphy decided to adjourn the case on the same bail terms until Thursday, February 19 so that Mr Stakelum could get his affairs in order and properly instruct his legal team about what he was prepared to do in terms of compensation or a token of his remorse. READ NEXT: Job creation 'urgently needed' as Longford is second highest for working-age people signing on READ NEXT: 'Fear and terror': Longford pharmacy staff terrified by knife wielding robber American Reverse-Imports Coming Soon to Japan In a bid to soften trade deficits, Japan's automakers will soon be selling U.S.-built cars on its home soil. Toyota has confirmed the American-made models it will be sending over to Japan, while Honda and Nissan are seriously considering that move. There's nothing confirmed yet from the latter two companies, but Toyota is pretty much locked in. From Toyota, the cars that will be sent there are the Camry, the outgoing Highlander, and, of all things, the Tundra. As for Honda, it's possible that it could sell the Passport and Ridgeline in Japan, and the Passport was actually shown over there during the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon to gauge interest. As for Nissan, potential candidates are the Murano and Frontier. Toyota (Toyota) But First, They Need a Sticker As some of the cars prepare their trip to Japan, they must first undergo a little change in order to be compliant with Japanese roads. In case you missed the heading above, those cars will need a sticker to be sold. That's it. Advertisement Advertisement The report came from Japanese automotive publication Response. That rule was announced by the country's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Translated from Japanese: "U.S. cars now required to display stickers indicating safety compliance following tariff agreement." This rule also applies to vehicles already being imported into Japan, such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Cadillac Escalade. Yes, they sell them over there. As for the sticker, the final design hasn't been shown. However, it has been mentioned that it will two-inch star-shaped decal that's made to look like an American flag. How thoughtful. Stellantis (Stellantis) Loosened Approval Processes The reason for the sticker isn't just for identification. It's mainly there to signify that the U.S.-built cars do pass safety standards, although the standards it passed are from the U.S. and not Japan. In some ways, it's a 'safe for consumption' label, albeit for cars. It also means that the governing body for the sale of imported cars had loosened restrictions in order to sell U.S.-built cars without the need to make region-specific changes. That's good news for manufacturers as it helps reduce costs in making the car compliant for Japan. Honda (Honda) Changes are Voluntary Unlike the U.S., most of the world uses amber indicators and doesn't require side marker reflectors on vehicles. With fewer restrictions, American-made vehicles can be sent over there without having to change the light configuration. However, the Ministry is encouraging automakers to make changes, but only on a voluntary basis. Advertisement Advertisement The same could be said for bumper height rules and emissions, as Japan is stricter on the matter. At the very least, we're expecting the headlights to be aimed left instead of right, as the cars will be in a right-hand drive country. Nissan (Nissan) Advertisement Advertisement This story was originally published by Autoblog on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Commonwealth law ministers, including Attorney General of Mauritius Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover, adopted the Nadi Declaration to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in the face of mounting global pressures. The Declaration was announced at the end of their meeting in Fiji on 11 February 2026. It commits all Commonwealth countries to renewing democracy by strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights and making it easier for people to take part in decisions that affect them. Ministers agreed to advance the declaration through cooperation, capacity-building and collective action. The Declaration is part of a wider ministerial outcome statement, which sets out new measures to strengthen legal protections for Commonwealth citizens amid increasing democratic, economic and climate challenges. In their statement, ministers pledged to combat misinformation and disinformation including foreign interference in democracies and to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups, especially women, young people and persons with disabilities. Recognising the growing impacts of climate change, ministers also reaffirmed that countries should retain their maritime zones, rights and entitlements even as rising sea levels alter coastlines. Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey said the commitments are vital to upholding the rule of law at a time when it is under attack. She added: To continue along the current path would be to accept injustice and inequality as the new normal. For the Commonwealth, that is not an option. When the rule of law is weakened, the consequences are felt in peoples daily lives. Without it, peace turns to instability, fair pay to exploitation, and climate resilience to vulnerability. The rule of law is what holds that line. That is why we must defend it, actively and collectively. What we have agreed here is an important step in that direction. The task now is to work together to ensure our commitments deliver opportunity, dignity and prosperity for every Commonwealth citizen. The meeting took place against a backdrop of a steady global decline in the rule of law, with billions of people still lacking meaningful access to justice. In their statement, ministers recognised the essential role of independent legal institutions in sustaining democratic governance and supported the Commonwealth Secretariats renewed focus on strengthening democracy through the rule of law. Law ministers also welcomed new resources developed by the Secretariat, member countries, and partner organisations, including tools to reduce the cost of civil litigation, establish family courts and reform laws that criminalise poverty. The meeting was chaired by Fijis Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Hon Siromi Turaga, from 9 to 11 February 2026. He said: As we conclude this meeting, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and partnership. We look forward to continuing our work together, building on the progress achieved, and translating our shared work into lasting impact for Commonwealth countries. Africas institutional capital has reached a significant scale. The defining question is no longer availability it is deployment. This was the resounding message on Day One of the Pension Funds and Alternative Investments Africa Summit (PI Africa 2026), where pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, regulators, development finance institutions and private capital leaders convened in Mauritius to examine how long-term capital can be mobilised more effectively to drive sustainable growth across the continent. Now in its 9th edition, PI Africa continues to serve as a leading platform for institutional investors shaping Africas long-term investment future. Institutional Capital as a Nation-Building Force Opening the summit, Dr. the Hon. Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation of Mauritius, underscored the evolving role of private investment. Private sector investment is no longer viewed solely as a profit-seeking endeavour, but as a genuine nation-building force, he stated. He emphasised that mobilising long-term capital for development is a shared responsibility, noting that financial sector resilience rests on modern legal frameworks, strong digital infrastructure and skilled human capital. Mahad Ahmed, CEO of AME Trade Ltd, reflected on the responsibility accompanying Africas growing asset base. Africas institutional capital base is growing steadily to almost two trillion dollars. This is both an opportunity and a responsibility, he said. The central challenge is balancing fiduciary duty with developmental economics in a world of structural uncertainty. He noted that African pension funds are increasingly acting as strategic allocators of long-term capital rather than passive holders of government securities. Mobilising Domestic and Inter-African Capital A key session examined how pension funds and development institutions can mobilise domestic and inter-African capital more effectively. Bilal Adam CA (SA), Chief Executive Officer of Stewards Investment Capital, emphasised that the expectations placed on institutional capital are evolving. Investment returns are required, but they are insufficient today, he noted, pointing to the growing need for capital to support broader economic resilience and development. Leslie Ndawana, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer of the National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW), South Africa, stressed the importance of reallocating capital within the continent. We need to move that 30% back into the African space and deploy domestic and inter-African capital, he said. Nasiru Braimah, Capital Mobilization & Partnerships at Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), reinforced the scale of the opportunity. We have over four trillion dollars of capital on the continent the question is how we collaborate to deploy it. The message was clear: Africa has capital at scale. The imperative now is collaboration, coordination and disciplined deployment. Structuring Capital for Impact Selim Basak, Co-Founder & Head of Origination at Gemcorp Capital, highlighted the catalytic role of domestic institutional capital. Africas solution to its capital challenge actually lies within Africa, he stated. Domestic capital deployed successfully can act as a catalyst to crowd in global investors. Wola Asase, Deputy Director & Head of Syndications at AFC, emphasised that structuring remains central to unlocking long-term allocations. The question is not whether Africa has capital, but how effectively we can mobilise and structure it, she said, noting that infrastructure and alternative assets align naturally with long-term pension liabilities. Governance, Confidence and Regulatory Alignment Governance and regulatory certainty emerged as foundational enablers of capital movement into alternative assets. Namakau M. Ntini, Registrar & CEO of the Pensions and Insurance Authority (Zambia), stated: The constraint is not capital. It is confidence confidence in governance, in data, and in regulatory flexibility. She stressed that pension capital, by its nature long-term, requires policy consistency and regulatory clarity. Nazlie Seegers, Chief Experience Officer at Salt Employee Benefits (South Africa), emphasised trustee education and member outcomes. Trustees will avoid what they do not understand. Education is not optional. It is foundational, she said. In a volatile world, preserving capital is not enough; we must preserve outcomes. Sustainable Investing: Discipline, Authenticity and Financial Viability Sustainable investing moved from principle to practice during ESG-focused discussions, reinforcing that integration must be structured, measurable and aligned with fiduciary responsibility. Samira Mensah, Managing Director, Research & Analytics Africa at S&P Global, observed: Sustainable investing is evolving the question is not whether ESG remains relevant, but how it is integrated in a more disciplined and outcome-focused way. Margaret Wanjiru Kirima, Board Member of the Batseta Council of Retirement Funds for South Africa, emphasised context-driven frameworks. Sustainability must be rooted in African realities not imported wholesale from other jurisdictions. Umulinga Karangwa, CFA, Chief Investment Officer at ESATAL, highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability within core strategy rather than treating it as a reporting exercise. Authenticity in ESG matters more than compliance sustainability must be embedded in strategy, not appended to reports. A Defining Moment Day One of PI Africa 2026 demonstrated that Africas institutional investors are entering a more mature and execution-focused phase. With capital at scale, attention has shifted to governance strength, regulatory alignment, collaboration and disciplined structuring. As the summit continues, discussions remain centred on how Africas long-term savings can be translated into sustainable economic growth strengthening domestic markets while positioning the continent as a confident global investment partner. Resume en Francais Le message douverture de la 9eme edition du sommet est sans appel : la question nest plus la disponibilite du capital en Afrique, mais son deploiement strategique. Avec une base dactifs approchant les 2 000 milliards de dollars, les fonds de pension et fonds souverains africains simposent comme des moteurs essentiels de ledification nationale. Le message douverture de la 9eme edition du sommet est sans appel : la question nest plus la disponibilite du capital en Afrique, mais son deploiement strategique. Avec une base dactifs approchant les 2 000 milliards de dollars, les fonds de pension et fonds souverains africains simposent comme des moteurs essentiels de ledification nationale. Les points cles de la premiere journee : Le Capital comme Force de Developpement : Le Dr. Avinash Ramtohul a souligne que linvestissement prive est desormais un pilier de la construction des nations, soutenu par des cadres juridiques modernes et une infrastructure numerique robuste. De la Rente a lAction : Les fonds de pension ne sont plus de simples detenteurs passifs de titres dEtat. Ils deviennent des allocateurs strategiques cherchant a equilibrer leurs devoirs fiduciaires avec les besoins de developpement economique. Mobilisation Intra-africaine : Les experts, notamment de lAfrica Finance Corporation (AFC), appellent a une meilleure collaboration pour reallouer les capitaux a linterieur du continent. Le capital domestique doit servir de catalyseur pour attirer les investisseurs mondiaux. Gouvernance et Confiance : Le principal obstacle nest pas financier mais lie a la confiance. La clarte reglementaire, la coherence des politiques et leducation des administrateurs sont fondamentales pour diriger les fonds vers des actifs alternatifs. Investissement Durable (ESG) : La durabilite doit etre ancree dans les realites africaines et integree au cur des strategies dinvestissement, depassant le simple cadre de la conformite pour viser des resultats concrets et mesurables. Maurice va faire don de cette somme au gouvernement de Madagascar a la suite du cyclone tropical intense Gezani qui a ravage la ville de Tamatave et causant des morts. Cabinet has taken note of the widespread damage caused by cyclone Gezani following its passage in Madagascar in the evening of 10 February 2026. Both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have addressed letters of sympathy to the President and the Prime Minister of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar respectively to express sadness and solidarity with the Malagasy population. Cabinet has further agreed that a donation of USD100,000 will be made to the Republic of Madagascar. A Black Flag Vigil was held at the Humbert Monument last night (Thursday, February 12) to honour Hollymount native Frank Stagg on the 50th anniversary of his death. Frank Stagg died in Wakefield Prison on February 12, 1976, after 62 days on hunger strike. Addressing those gathered in Ballina, his brother, George Stagg, thanked supporters and acknowledged the work of local party members in organising the vigil and upcoming commemorations. On behalf of friends and family, we sincerely thank you for organising and for attending this vigil, he said. Fifty years on, remembering Frank tells us something very powerful that his sacrifice is not forgotten, and that memory itself can be an act of resistance. He added: This is not an easy time for our family. Time does not dull the loss of Frank, it only teaches us how to carry it [...]. Go raibh mile maith agat from the members of the Stagg family. Mr Staggs final message from 1976 was also recalled during the vigil: We are the risen people, this time we should not be driven into the gutter. Even if this should mean dying for justice. The fight must go on. I want my memorial to be peace with justice. READ MORE: Sinn Fein to mark 50th anniversary of death of Mayo hunger striker Cllr Gerry Murray told attendees that the events surrounding Mr Staggs death had left a lasting mark on the west of Ireland. What happened to Frank Stagg on that infamous weekend would not have happened in Belfast or Dublin, he said. The fact that Frank Stagg came from the west, the fact that he came from the parts of Mayo, the Free State government felt that they could do it, and they could get away with it. And on that Sunday, in Ballina, there is recollection of people being there, of all political views and persuasions. Sinn Fein representatives said supporters in Derry also held a simultaneous commemoration despite harsh weather conditions, describing it as a show of unity and solidarity. Members of the Cu Chulainn Running Club Doire completed a 12k run ahead of the vigil in tribute. Further events are planned in Ballina this weekend. A 12k Commemoration Run and 5k Walk will begin at 12pm on Saturday, February 14 from Healy Terrace, followed by a formal commemoration at 1.30pm at Leigue Cemetery. Organisers say all are welcome to attend. A dedicated kitepower test hub located on a former Bord na Mona bog in north Mayo which was the first of its kind has been granted permission to continue testing. RWE Renewables Ireland Ltd received planning permission from Mayo County Council to continue the use of an Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) test facility located on a cut away bog site close to the N59, 3km from Bangor Erris. Planning permission for the test site which is the first of its kind was given in 2020 but at the time testing was limited to five years to allow for a review of the facility. It was initially proposed to operate a remotely piloted aircraft at the site but in 2023, Mayo County Council were informed that a kitepower system, using a large parachute type apparatus would be used instead. The project, led by Dutch company Kitepower, is being hailed as a potential 'game changer' in the wind energy sector. As the kite catches the wind and rises, it pulls on the tether, which spins the drum on the ground and generates electricity. The force generated on the tether can reach between 2.5 to 4 tonnes, and each kite can produce up to 30 kilowatts of electricity per hour. The electricity is stored in an onboard battery system and can be used whenever needed. In the application to extend the use of the AWE test facility, George Tottenham of RWE, stated that the 'site is a key centre for the advancement of the innovative airborne wind technology'. The ongoing research, development, and demonstration activities have led to breakthroughs in airborne wind, positioning both the region and the suppliers at the forefront of technology development," he stated. READ: Mayo Minister calls on NTA to reverse decision to cut Achill bus service The test site also welcomes guided tours as well as trainee placement from local schools and universities and Mr Tottenham said the continuation of operations at the test site will 'allow to build further on these achievements'. As access to the site is from the N59, Transport Infrastructure Ireland said the proposed development is at variance with national policy and recommended a Traffic Impact Assessment be carried out by the developer. However, RWE stated that permission which was previously granted for the existing facility addressed all matters pertaining to traffic and felt the request was unreasonable and unwarranted. A submission was also received from Peter Sweetman on behalf of Wild Ireland Defence where he claimed that an Appropriate Assessment was never carried out on the site and as such the local authority could not legally grant planning permission. However, Mayo County Council stated that this claim was erroneous as a Natura Impact Statement was submitted as part of the original application. The local authority also stated that they had no concerns as regards the impact on the natural environment from the test site and as a result granted planning permission for the application. A County Mayo woman is appealing to the public to be vigilant following a distraction theft that saw her elderly mother robbed of 700 in a Roscommon supermarket car park. Newport woman Caroline is speaking out after her 79-year-old mother became the victim of an elaborate scam in the Tesco car park in Roscommon, with her wallet containing 700 from her husband's double pension being stolen. The incident occurred last Friday when her mother had collected her father's double pension before traveling to Roscommon for her regular fortnightly shopping trip. After completing her shopping in Tesco and loading bags into the boot of her car, the elderly woman sat into the driver's seat with her handbag on the passenger side. It was then that a man knocked on her window. "The person said, 'Come out to her,' and said, 'I hit you. I hit you,'" Caroline explained. "So she got out of the car, followed the man around the back of the car, and he had a tissue in his hand, and he rubbed the boot or the bumper of the car down low, underneath the ridge of the car." READ MORE: Two Mayo butchers receive awards at national sausage competition While the victim was distracted examining the alleged damage, an accomplice entered the vehicle and stole her wallet. The theft wasn't immediately apparent. "She didn't realize straight away, because she ended up going to another shop when she realized her handbag or my wallet was gone," said the Newport woman. Her mother initially thought she had simply misplaced it, returning to Tesco thinking she'd left it at the checkout. Upon reporting the incident to Gardai, her mother discovered she wasn't alone. "There was another woman ahead of her. Same thing again, that got to my mother and somebody else in the space of 40 minutes in the car park," she said. An Garda Siochana have confirmed to The Mayo News that Gardai in Roscommon are investigating two incidents of theft from cars at a carpark in Ballypheason between 3:30pm and 3:40pm on 6th February 2026. Cash and a mobile phone were taken and investigations are ongoing. Caroline is now determined to raise awareness to prevent similar incidents. "I just want this story to get out there that people know to be more cautious," she said. "I'm just getting the story out there that people are aware to be more cautious when they're collecting pensions, when they're doing their daily shopping." READ MORE: Mayo developer appeals 'extortionate price' charged for Newport footpath levy She emphasized that such crimes could happen anywhere and urged people, particularly the elderly, to remain vigilant. "From now on, as soon as you leave the back door at this house, you're in protection mode now," she advised her mother. She also highlighted the vulnerability created by carrying traditional handbags. "My mother is that age where she would have carried a handbag as opposed to an over the shoulder bag." Her message is clear and heartfelt: "I don't want to see anyone else's mother go through what my poor mother went through last Friday night, and still going through. I don't want this happening to anyone else's mother or elderly person." Photographers across Mayo are being encouraged to celebrate the countys spectacular Atlantic coastline as the 2026 Clean Coasts Love Your Coast Photography Competition opens for entries this Valentines Day, February 14. Run by An Taisces Clean Coasts Programme, the annual competition now in its 17th year invites amateur and professional photographers to capture the beauty, character and significance of Irelands coast. With Mayo home to some of the most dramatic stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way, from Keem Bay and Downpatrick Head to the rugged shores of Erris and Achill, local entrants are well placed to make their mark. This years theme is Impact, encouraging photographers to reflect on the ever-evolving relationship between people, nature and the coast. Organisers are asking participants to consider not only how human activity impacts oceans, waterways and shorelines through conservation, pollution or climate pressures but also how the coast impacts our own lives, wellbeing and communities. From stormy Atlantic waves and towering cliff faces to golden sand dunes, the competition seeks images that showcase Irelands coastal landscapes and the deep connection between people and water. Photos must have been taken within the last 24 months. READ MORE: Refill roll-out injects new energy into Irelands green transition A total prize fund of 5,000 will be awarded across five categories: Coastal Landscape, People and the Coast, Source to Sea, Wildlife and the Coast, and Underwater. Each category offers photographers the opportunity to present their own interpretation of the theme while highlighting the natural wonders and heritage of Irelands shoreline. Clean Coasts says the competition is about more than photography. By taking part, entrants are helping to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Irelands waterways for future generations work carried out year-round by local Clean Coasts groups, including volunteers here in Mayo. Organisers are hopeful that the Valentines Day launch will encourage people to fall in love with their coast and capture the reasons it deserves care and protection. READ MORE: Mayo TD hosts Margaret Loftus at Leinster House to push for Justice reform Clean Coasts will publish resources and guidance for entrants in the coming weeks, including tips from judges and detailed information on each category. The competition is supported by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Failte Ireland. Entries open on Saturday, February 14, and close on May 15. Kylemore Abbey is delighted to welcome Dr. Sarah-Anne Buckley and Professor John Breslin, the acclaimed authors and curators of the bestselling 'Old Ireland in Colour' series, for a special afternoon of talks exploring the central themes of their celebrated work. The event will take place on Saturday, February 21 in the Fordham Law Great Hall, where an exhibition of Old Ireland in Colour is currently on Display. The exhibition, which has been running since April 2025, will draw to a close this March. To celebrate its successful run at Kylemore Abbey, Dr Buckley and Professor Breslin will present two fascinating talks inspired by the exhibitions key themes: The Women of the West in Old Ireland in Colour and 26 Innovators and Innovations from Past to Present in the West of Ireland. 'In The Women of the West in Old Ireland in Colour', Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley will use striking imagery from the Old Ireland in Colour series to chart the changing roles and lived experiences of women in the West of Ireland from 1852 to 1969. The talk will offer a compelling visual journey through more than a century of social, cultural, and economic change. Professor John Breslins talk, '26 Innovators and Innovations from Past to Present in the West of Ireland', will explore the individuals and ideas that shaped the region from the late nineteenth to the twentieth centuries. Featuring images from Old Ireland in Colour as well as original photos, the presentation will highlight the spirit of innovation that has long defined the West of Ireland. Since its reopening in 2024, the Fordham Law Great Hall at Kylemore Abbey has had the honour of hosting this landmark exhibition alongside a number of exceptional cultural events. Open to the Abbeys almost 400,000 annual visitors, the unique space serves as a vibrant cultural hub where Irish art, history, and craft can be experienced by local, national, and international audiences alike. Admission to the talks and access to the estate are included for those who register in advance here. Early booking is advised for what promises to be an engaging and insightful evening celebrating Irelands rich visual and social history. READ MORE: Mayo Agricultural Show date announced following record-breaking 2025 event The man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Daniel Aruebose has been released without charge. The man in his 20s was arrested on Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of the murder of the young boy who was missing for years in Dublin. READ NEXT: Snow on the way as entire country hit with Met Eireann weather warning for cold snap Daniels remains were recovered from Donabate, in North Dublin, last September and a homicide investigation was launched in December. He was reported missing after authorities discovered in August that he had not been seen for several years. Gardai conducted a weeks-long search in the Donabate area before his remains were found in an area of open ground. Irelands child and family agency, Tusla, had interacted with Daniels family but closed its engagement with his parents after a temporary fostering arrangement ended. His case prompted a series of "well-being checks" carried out on thousands of Tusla files, as well as a rapid review of the boys case. READ NEXT: Gardai 'concerned for wellbeing' of teenage boy missing since Monday as appeal launched Daniel would have turned eight on December 12. Gardai say a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing. An Irish mother was on Lunchtime Live recently to discuss the stark reality of caring for a disabled child in Ireland. The woman, who wished to be named Anna, told Newstalk that she had very little support for her daughter for many years causing a huge amount of stress for the whole family. This eventually left the woman with no option but to abandon her daughter at the emergency department of a nearby hospital. The woman's oldest daughter is in her 20s and was diagnosed with having a mild intellectual disability, but Anna said that she questions this diagnosis hugely. On Newstalk's Lunchtime Live, Anna described her oldest daughter as being quite challenging and the responsibility of caring for her has left her entire family utterly exhausted. She said that they have been reaching out, looking for support for many, many years and when the family heard of another situation of a mother who was killed by her own son, it really hit home for them. That sent shivers through our spines in the family. We were kind of thinking that could be our story. "I indicated that I can't do it anymore....we are utterly exhausted...we are on our knees...we have been doing it for all these years with very little support...the reality in our home is very complex," the woman said. The woman explained that her eldest daughter causes huge behavioural problems in the home, and described one situation in particular. Approximately about two years ago, she was very threatening towards me, very aggressive. She was coming to attack me in the home and I had to use her propelled force to get her out of the door and actually lock her outside. Annas daughter moved in with her father and stepmother, who she previously stayed with on the weekend. Quite quickly, her father too felt unable to care properly for her, Anna said on Newstalk. Her stepmother was assaulted by her, Anna said. She's stolen money from her grandmother - who's elderly and unwell - and lies and implicates people in the lies, dangerous lies. READ NEXT: Man arrested on suspicion of murder of toddler Daniel Aruebose released without charge We're trying to manage all of this and keep our other young children in our homes safe. Eventually, Anna reached the difficult conclusion that she could no longer care for her daughter and she said that even the impact of the stress on the parents and the caregivers to continue on this trajectory would mean that I probably would get some illness, she said. This is what happened to people in our position.....but that's my fear, that I would die young and I leave two other children without a mother. Anna packed a bag for her daughter with a change of clothes and her medication and she wrote a letter explaining that her daughter needs to be prompted to take her medication, according to Newstalk They then walked into the emergency department together and Anna walked up to the receptionist and told them "I can't talk a moment, please let me catch my breath". Anna said that she could barely get her words out but when she did she said: "I am unable to take care of my daughter anymore...I've asked the HSE for help and I'm not getting it. So, unfortunately, I'm having to leave her here and relinquish care of her.....and they said, Do you want to wait to see a nurse? And I said, No, I have to walk away now. I walked away to the car where my husband was waiting and I wailed like sounds I never made before...because it was just an impossible position to be in because I love her dearly and I want the best for her. The HSE wrote to Anna that her daughter is not considered homeless because she has parents who should be looking after her, according to Newstalk. Anna has described it as a bullying letter and that the care system in Ireland is utterly broken. The HSE has been contacted by Newstalk for comment. Screen grab: AEW Dynamite Last week, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) attracted some unexpected mainstream attention as fans chanted F*ck ICE! ahead of a main event featuring Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Brody King. The chants were largely viewed as a show of support for King, who has been vocal in his opposition to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in recent months. As such, it was certainly curious that King didnt appear on the following episode of AEW Dynamite, especially as hes just days away from main-eventing one of the promotions biggest shows of the year. Yet despite speculation to the contrary, Warner Bros. Discovery is publicly denying that it blocked the pro wrestler from appearing on the show out of concern that such chants would be replicated. Warner Bros. Discovery did not have any involvement in Brody Kings upcoming AEW schedule, WBD said in a statement to Awful Announcing. Any speculation to the contrary is categorically false. Brody is scheduled to appear during the next AEW event, which will air this Saturday on TNT and HBO Max. The primary source of that speculation was longtime pro wrestling insider Dave Meltzer, who indicated on his Wrestling Observer Radio podcast that WBD was responsible for King not making an in-person appearance on Wednesday night. According to Meltzer, the decision for King not to appear was made above AEW owner and president Tony Khan, with the Wrestling Observer Newsletter publisher suggesting the precaution was taken due to Warner Bros. pending sale to Netflix, which will require regulatory approval. The deal is that they didnt want the fans in the arena to be chanting that, Meltzer said. If Brody came out, there was that risk. Meltzer added, This is not a Tony call. Nobody wants to get on Trumps bad side. If it wasnt for that, nobody would care, its just a chant, but unfortunately, theyve got a company theyre trying to sell and get regulatory approval from a guy who is gonna take that stuff personal. While WBD has publicly denied Meltzers report, it still remains odd that King didnt make an in-person appearance on Wednesday night (a video package for his upcoming match did air). Not only did AEW seemingly fail to capitalize on the mainstream attention from last weeks viral moment, but King and Friedman are set to have a rematch in the main event of Saturdays episode of AEW Grand Slam: Australia, one of the pro wrestling promotions biggest shows of the year. While WBD noted that King is scheduled to take part in Saturdays show, its worth noting that the crowd in Sydney, Australia, may be less apt to chant F*ck ICE! than Wednesdays audience in Ontario, California, would have been. In any event, it will certainly be worth monitoring how King is utilized on AEW airwaves following the second consecutive week in which hes helped generate publicity wanted or otherwise for the company. A MAN who smashed three shop front windows of the west Mayo post office building as well with rocks as breaking the wrist of a Syrian woman was jailed for nearly five years. Peter Collins (32) with an address at 1 St Mary's Villas, Westport appeared before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to a number of offences including criminal damage, assault causing harm and allowing himself to be a passenger in a stolen car. The incidents occurred on three separate dates between May 2024 September 2024 and the heard that Mr Collins was on bail when he committed two of the offences. Judge Eoin Garavan was informed that Mr Collins caused 13,400 worth of damage to Newport Post Office building on September 19, 2024 when he threw rocks through three shop front windows. He also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a Syrian woman when he broke a bone in her wrist and destroyed her mobile phone outside his uncle's home in Westport on June 5, 2024. On May 13, 2024 he was a passenger in a mini-bus taxi which was stolen in Westport and later crashed into a patrol car at a Garda checkpoint in the village of Cross. Mr Collins has 48 previous convictions and the court was told he is currently four months into a 21 month prison sentence for an offence committed in Dublin. Judge Garavan was informed that Mr Collins had a 'harrowing upbringing' with addiction issues from a young age and has spent ten years of his life in prison. However, Judge Garavan said that Mr Collins is the author of his own misfortune and imposed a total sentence totalling five years and nine months imprisonment. Criminal damage Giving evidence in the three cases, Garda Padraig O'Connor explained that on September 19, 2024, gardai in Westport were investigating the theft of a car from Maxol Filling Station on the Newport Road when they received a report of criminal damage at Newport Post Office. When they attended the scene they met with the post mistress, Mary Kilroy O'Haire who informed gardai that her daughter Shannon O'Haire was in the premises at the time and identified Peter Collins as the person who caused damage to the windows. Shannon O'Haire informed gardai that she heard a loud bang and noticed that the front window was smashed and when she went to the front door she observed another window being smashed. She recorded the incident on her mobile and captured Mr Collins smashing a third window with a rock. The court was informed that Mr Collins made his escape in a vehicle which was the subject of the unauthorised taking in Maxol Filling Station. READ: Mayo Local Community Safety Partnership issue statement after first meeting takes place In her victim impact statement, Mary Kilroy O'Haire said that as a result of the incident she had to close the post office which obstructed their service and 'left the community shaken'. She said the incident highlighted the urgent need for safety and security in public places and the impact left her feeling unsafe in her own space. The feeling of violation and fear which has resulted from this vandalism has affected my ability to serve my clients and has created a sense of mistrust in my surroundings, she said. Garda O'Connor also informed the court that on June 5, 2024, he received a report of assault and criminal damage from Ms Marar Salo. He explained that it was a sunny day and Ms Salo, a 49-year-old Syrian woman, claimed she was passing 1 St Mary's Villas when she was racially abused by a group who were drinking outside the house. She started recording the incident on her mobile phone when Mr Collins grabbed her hand and damaged her phone. Garda O'Connor said that Ms Salo identified Mr Collins due to his distinctive tattoos and he was arrested for the offence. Ms Salo was taken to hospital where an x-ray showed she suffered an acute fracture to her wrist and her phone was completely destroyed. Racial insults In her victim impact statement which was read to the court, Ms Salo said that it was a huge shock to her to be subjected to abuse in broad daylight while on her way to collect her child from school. She said she was subjected to racial insults and obscene sexual gestures and physical abuse while people were watching. The incident of allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle occurred on May 13, 2024 when Mr Collins was a passenger in a mini-bus taxi driven by another man who stole it from Church Lane in Westport. Garda O'Connor said that at around 1.30pm, the owner of the taxi, Adrian McGing met Mr Collins standing at the corner of Church Lane and Peter Street who extended his hand to Mr McGing and shook his hand. He noticed he was wearing black gloves. Shortly afterwards, Mr McGing observed his vehicle being driven away down Quay Road with Mr Collins getting into the passenger side. A Garda check-point was set up in Cross Village and the mini-bus crashed into two cars including the patrol car. Mr Collins and the driver fled the vehicle but were later apprehended lying in bushes in a field where they were arrested. Ms Christina Burke, counsel for Mr Collins said her client experienced a 'dystopian upbringing' which resulted in childhood trauma which left hom with addictions issues early in his life and led him to abusing alcohol and drugs. Judge Eoin Garavan In relation to the Newport incident, she said that there were issues between Mr Collins and the victim and at the time he was angry and intoxicated. Ms Burke said her client denied directing any racial slurs at Ms Salo but accepted that he grabbed the phone off her as he did not want to be recorded. She said he was embarrassed by what he did and wished to apologise. Mr Collins, she said, has been in prison for ten years of his life but since he was remanded in custody in September 2025, he has 'kept his head down'. Ms Burke said he has a two-year-old son who means the world to him and the happiest moment of his week is when he visits him. She added that her son also asks when daddy is coming home. She commented that a psychological report finds that Mr Collins' mental health is very compromised which drives his criminal behaviour. The report she says recommends the need of an extended period of residential treatment and engagement with the addiction services. Ms Burke said her client is beginning to face his demons and asked Judge Garavan to structure a sentence to give her client some hope for the future. Sentence Judge Garavan said he had sympathy for Mr Collins given his upbringing which left him as a confused and angry individual. He said the psychological and governors report gave an insight into a charming and bright person when sober but unfortunately with drink and drugs on board his personality changes. However, he said that Mr Collins is the author of his own misfortune and noted he has 48 previous convictions and spent two thirds of his adult life in prison. He described him as a nuisance and his petulant and impulsive nature resulted in him getting in trouble but he was responsible for his choices in life. Patrick Reynolds, counsel for the State informed Judge Garavan that because Mr Collins was on bail when he committed the offences in June and September, 2024, all the sentences imposed must be consecutive. Judge Garavan imposed a total prison sentence of five years and nine months but suspended the final year of the sentence for a two year period on the condition he comes under the supervision of the Probation Service for one year and complies with their directions and avails of treatment services while in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for six years. The court also heard that a district court appeal which resulted in a 17 month prison sentence had been withdrawn and Judge Garavan said that his 17 months must be served on top of the circuit court sentence. Judge Garavan commented that while the sentence will be a lengthy one for Mr Collins, he wished him luck and told him he will still be a young man at the completion of the sentence. Credit: CBS; ESPN Stephen A. Smith cant resist the allure of a presidential run. The teasing by Smith about potentially joining the Democratic primary field for the 2028 election began more than a year ago, when Smith popped up in an early poll shortly after Donald Trumps victory. Smith initially leaned in heavily to the attention around his political ambitions before pumping the brakes a few months later. The First Take host backed off the idea, he said, largely because he did not want to give up his lucrative ESPN salary. However, Smith has kept the door open, and in an upcoming interview with CBS Sunday Morning, has reportedly given one of his most specific and intentional responses to the idea of a run. I will confess to you, Im giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027, Smith told national correspondent Robert Costa. Ive got this year coming up 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues. The interview was seemingly enough to convince Costa, an experienced Washington insider, to take Smith seriously as a challenger. In further comments first published by Deadline, Smith repeated his desire, first and foremost, to debate his fellow Democratic presidential wannabes. Id love to be on the debate stages against some of these individuals that think theyre better suited to run the country, Smith told CBS, via Deadline. Because I think that the American people deserve to listen to and hear from somebody who genuinely cares about making life better for them instead of yourself. No one would deny that Smith could hold his own in a debate format against other Democratic hopefuls. But while he has no hesitation about sharing controversial political opinions on his weekly SiriusXM political talk show, Smith is a long way from a fully fledged platform. There is a difference between winning a televised disagreement and motivating a political movement. In a post on X, Costa likened Smiths current situation to that of Trump in the early days of the 2016 cycle: Stephen A. Smith is moving closer to a 2028 campaign, Costa wrote. Spending a few days with him in recent months reminded me of spending a few days with Trump back in 2013-2014. Stephen A. Smith is moving closer to a 2028 campaign spending a few days with him in recent months reminded me of spending a few days with Trump back in 2013-2014. Many laughed at the prospect of a bid. But in an age of celebrity and social media https://t.co/VrTmJUWtsB Robert Costa (@costareports) February 13, 2026 In those days, Trump was seen as a grandstander whose run would merely be a stunt. Now, Trump is publicly egging Smith on to run. And Smith, likewise, has stated he potentially should have voted for the president in 2024. So Smith will take the upcoming year to determine the viability of a run, and see whether he can take his dreams from a longshot to a reality. The interview with Smith will air Sunday morning on CBS. With more than two million downloads to its name, Dhurandhar has reportedly emerged as the most-downloaded Indian film in Pakistan, and is now dominating the countrys DVD market too. A viral video circulating on social media claims that pirated DVDs of Ranveer Singhs movie are being sold openly across Pakistan for as little as Rs 16, once again spotlighting concerns around rampant film piracy and the unchecked cross-border spread of illegal copies. Jio Studios The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, features a street vendor openly showcasing piles of DVDs said to contain the film. In the clip, the seller is heard claiming the discs are being sold for Rs 16, a detail that has stunned many online. The visuals have since sparked fresh discussions among trade analysts and audiences about how quickly and extensively pirated copies flood the market soon after a films theatrical release. The clip spread rapidly across social media, prompting widespread disbelief among users over the film being sold at such a low price. Dhurandhars supremacy Dhurandhar, headlined byRanveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, is dominating the streaming charts, currently holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix across several markets, including India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Interestingly, the film has also made a strong digital impact in territories where it never reached cinemas, landing at No. 7 in Saudi Arabia and No. 3 in Kuwait, while viewership figures from Qatar are yet to be disclosed. Mrunal Thakur has finally broken her silence on the rumours linking her romantically to Dhanush, firmly shutting down speculation that the two were set to marry on February 14, 2026. Striking a mix of honesty and humour, Mrunal Thakur admitted that discussions about an arranged marriage do come up at home, but stressed that such decisions shouldnt be hurried. By tackling the rumours head-on with a light, easy-going approach, she effectively shifted the focus back to her career, making it clear that her attention right now is on work and upcoming projects, not on speculative chatter about her personal life. Instagram/Mrunal Thakur While promoting her film in Mumbai, the actor laughed off the chatter before setting the record straight, saying, I dont know where these rumours spread from; they are completely baseless. Keeping the mood light, Mrunal joked about how quickly misinformation travels, remarking that for some people, Valentines Day had clearly turned into April Fools Day. When asked again about the alleged wedding date, she playfully quipped, Guys, aaj meri haldi hai, kal sangeet hai. Please khana kha lena, before reiterating that she had no clue about any such plans. She added that if and when she decides to get married, she would announce it herself, explaining, One shouldnt just get married just for the sake of it when the time is right, when you meet the right match that time you should go for it. News / Local by Staff reporter Journalists from Masvingo Mirror were on Friday barred from covering the installation of Silas Chikwanda as the new substantive Chief Chikwanda after three men alleged to be members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) intervened at the venue.The trio, reportedly attached to the office of Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, accused the journalists of publishing negative reports about the appointment process, including claims that it breached the law. They ordered the reporters to leave the event despite their accreditation by the Zimbabwe Media Commission.Witnesses said the men prevented the journalists from accessing the ceremony, arguing that their previous coverage was hostile to the appointment of Silas Chikwanda. Media practitioners at the scene maintained that as duly accredited reporters, they were entitled to cover a public event of national and local significance.Observers noted that the officials who barred the journalists have no legal authority to eject accredited members of the press from a public gathering. Concerns were raised that the move undermines media freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to gather and disseminate information.The only registered media house visibly covering the ceremony was the state broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. Other individuals present with recording equipment were described by some attendees as informal or unregistered reporters often seen at events involving senior Zanu-PF officials.The ceremony took place under heavy security, with a strong presence of riot police deployed amid fears of possible demonstrations by members of the Chikwanda family, who are reportedly contesting Silas Chikwanda's appointment. Family representatives are said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the selection process, arguing that it did not follow established customary or legal procedures.Silas Chikwanda is understood to be a serving CIO operative, a detail that has added to the controversy surrounding his installation as chief. Authorities had not issued an official statement on the exclusion of the journalists or on the concerns raised about the appointment at the time of publication. News / Local by Staff reporter Outspoken former opposition legislator Fadzayi Mahere has warned exiled former Information Minister Jonathan Moyo against returning to Zimbabwe, cautioning that he would regret making such a move.Moyo, once a senior figure in the G40 faction within ZANU PF during the party's bitter succession battles, fled the country in 2017 amid the military intervention that brought an end to the nearly four-decade rule of Robert Mugabe.The debate over his possible return was reignited on Thursday after businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, publicly offered Moyo a brand-new car and encouraged him to come back home.Writing on X, Chivayo said it may be time for Moyo to return, pledging to personally collect him from the airport in his 2026 Rolls-Royce and ensure his safe arrival. He further suggested that Moyo would be able to collect a new vehicle of his choice upon his return, framing the offer as a gesture of reconciliation consistent with what he described as ZANU PF's principle of being "a friend to all and an enemy to none."Mahere, however, responded with a strongly worded warning. She cautioned Moyo that accepting the offer could expose him to serious risks, urging him to remain in exile and not to return under current circumstances. In a social media post, she referenced past cases of political figures who returned to Zimbabwe only to encounter legal or political challenges shortly thereafter.Mahere appeared to allude to the case of former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi, another figure associated with the G40 faction, who was previously arrested following his return to the country to face outstanding charges.In her remarks, Mahere also resurfaced an earlier post by Moyo in which he sharply criticised President Mnangagwa, alleging that the head of state does not forgive political adversaries. The revived tweet accused Mnangagwa of holding longstanding grudges against perceived opponents.The exchange highlights ongoing tensions linked to the fallout from the 2017 political upheaval and continued divisions within Zimbabwe's political landscape, as former allies and rivals weigh the prospects of reconciliation or continued exile. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released its latest National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, with the most recent available data showing little change from the previous year in terms of annual suicides and daily averages. The report analyzed veteran suicides between 2001-2023, with 2023 being the most recent year for which data is available. Suicides among veterans in 2023 totaled 6,398, a slight decrease from the 6,442 suicides in 2022. The average number of daily veteran suicides fell from 17.6 in 2022 to 17.5 in 2023. The VA highlighted the reports key findings: Roughly 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 were not receiving VA health care in the last year of their lives. The suicide rate per 100,000 veterans was 35.2, marking the reports highest level dating back to 2018 (33). The suicide rate per 100,000 veterans rose for both male and female veterans in 2023. That rate for women increased from 13.7 to 13.9, while for men it increased from 37.3 to 37.8. Suicide rates are elevated for veterans aged 18-34 years, leading to certain risk characteristics including health problems, homelessness and pain. Among veterans who died by suicide between 2021-2023 and whose deaths were reported by VA suicide prevention teams, the most frequently identified risk factor was pain. Firearms continue to be the leading cause of veteran suicides. In 2022, 74% of veteran suicides involved firearms. That number was nearly equivalent in 2023, with firearms involved in 73.3% of veteran deaths by suicidecompared to 52.9% of suicides of non-veteran U.S. adults. Veteran suicide has been a scourge on our nation for far too long, VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement. Most veterans who die by suicide were not in recent VA care, so making it easier for those who have worn the uniform to access the VA benefits they have earned is key. 'Epidemic Levels' Not Subsiding There were 47,711 U.S. adults who died by suicide in 2023, including 41,313 non-veterans and 2,498 Veterans Health Administration (VHA)- affiliated veterans. Thats the second-highest total number of suicides since 2018, trailing only the 47,891 from 2022. Suicide advocacy groups and organizations expressed ambivalence with the data published on Feb. 5, finding that any lack of meaningful change in numbers between 2022 and 2023 indicates that suicide remains a real, consistent challenge that requires more resources and awareness. Barbie Rohde holds a photo of her son, Army Sgt. Cody Bowman, at her home Sunday, June 11, 2023, in Flint, Texas. Rohde runs the most active chapter of a nonprofit called Mission 22, focused on ending the scourge of military and veteran suicide, which kills thousands every year, at a rate far higher than the general population. Three-quarters of those who take their own lives use guns. One of them was her 25-year-old son. (AP Photo/David Goldman) One of those organizations is Stop Soldier Suicide, which says veterans face a 58% higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. More than 140,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001, and it remains the second-leading cause of death among veterans aged 45 years and under. There have been 22 years and counting of a minimum of 6,000 annual suicides. Stop Soldier Suicide CEO Keith Hotle told Military.com that the numbers confirm a grim reality that cannot be normalized any longer, that veteran suicide remains at epidemic levels. Behind every number is a life shaped by service, a family changed forever, and a nation that still has work to do. This moment demands clarity, not comfort. Good intentions are not enough. Awareness alone does not save lives. What saves lives is action grounded in evidencetreatments proven to reduce suicide risk, delivered at the right time, in ways veterans can access and trust," he added. He said the challenge is applying scale, speed and commitment to an issue that has been in the public eye but isnt getting much better. In fact, one may argue its getting worse. Stop Soldier Suicide CEO Keith Hotle discusses the issue with members of his organization. (Stop Soldier Suicide) Evidence-based treatment is the way to save lives, Hotle said. His organization accomplishes that by using data to identify risks earlier, tailoring clinical care to the individual, and closing the gaps between systems that too often leave veterans navigating crises alone. This is not about replacing existing efforts; it is about strengthening them with rigor and accountability, he added. A Vietnam-Era Perspective on Current Trends American Addiction Centers (AAC), founded in 2007, is one of the nations largest networks of rehab facilities. They help veterans and non-veterans alike in attempting to curb suicidal tendencies and death by suicide. Philip Van Guilder, a U.S. Army Veteran and AAC's director of community affairs, told Military.com that his overall takeawaybred from the perspective of a Vietnam-era combat soldier and connections to the veteran communityis that the newest data is encouraging but should be interpreted cautiously. The change is modest and suggests more of a stabilization than a sustained downward trend. In other words, progress may be occurring but it remains fragile. - Philip Van Guilder to Military.com The most alarming data point to Van Guilder is the figure finding that 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 were not receiving VA health care in the year prior to their death, which he said suggested that a significant portion of at-risk veterans are not being reached by existing VA-based prevention efforts. Philip Van Guilder, a U.S. Army Veteran and AAC's director of community affairs, told Military.com that the newest data is encouraging but should be interpreted cautiously. (Shutterstock) For many veterans, particularly those from earlier eras, this may reflect long-standing issues of access, trust, or simply not identifying themselves as connected to the VA systemeven when eligible, he said. The increase in suicide rates per 100,000 veterans for both men and women, despite a slight decrease in total deaths, appears to reflect a shrinking overall veteran population with risk becoming more concentrated among certain groups rather than reduced overall risk, Van Guilder added. Another important and somewhat newer emphasis in the report is the role of pain as a leading risk factor, he said. This signals a broader understanding that veteran suicide is not solely driven by mental health diagnoses such as PTSD or depression, but also by chronic pain, declining health, sleep disruption and loss of functionissues that can erode quality of life and sense of purpose over time. This is especially relevant for aging veterans, including those from the Vietnam era. Mental Health Tools The VA said a multi-pronged effort is necessary to curb these figures. Some of these methods are as follows: Community Involvement - Making suicide prevention everyones responsibility, including healthcare providers, friends, family, community organizations, employers and faith leaders. Addressing Risk and Protective Factors - VHAs approach focuses on various risk drivers, such as mental health issues, substance misuse, financial strain, housing challenges and social isolation. Data-Driven Strategies - VHA uses data to understand the problem, identify high-risk groups, and ensure prevention efforts are based on clear evidence for what is most effective for helping veterans. There are also what the VA describes as tiered prevention activities," broken down by primary, secondary and tertiary processes. Chad Hiser, of the Wounded Warriors Project, speaks about the PREVENTS "President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide," task force, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Primary processes promote overall health and well-being; secondary prevention involves early detection and intervention for those at higher risk through screening and training programs; and tertiary protection extends into immediate crisis intervention and ongoing care for those in acute crisis or who have attempted suicide before. "Under President Trump, we are totally revamping the departments approach to suicide prevention, with new leadership, a fresh focus on reaching those who need our help andfor the first time in VA historya serious effort to track the efficacy of the hundreds of millions the department spends per year in this area to ensure we have real solutions, not just rhetoric," Collins said. Cultural Shift Requires Continued Support Van Guilder said the slight improvement reflected in the data could infer positive influences of veteran service and peer-support organizations such as PsychArmor, DAV, VFW, and the American Legion. He said such groups often reach veterans who are not engaged with the VA, coming across critical information, resources and developing peer connections. Their role in awareness, trust building and early intervention should be considered an important component of broader suicide prevention efforts. Theres also the fact that mental health awareness is night and day between the Vietnam era, with todays military commands routinely including therapeutic capabilities in operational environments. That cultural shift could pay dividends down the line, Van Guilder added, but efforts must continue in a variety of facets. Taken together, the data suggests that future prevention efforts need to extend beyond traditional VA settings and crisis-based interventions, he said. Greater engagement with veterans in community health care settings, increased integration of pain management and mental health care, and outreach strategies that resonate with older veterans may be critical. The report reinforces that suicide prevention is not only about responding to crises, but about addressing long-term health, pain and connection before veterans reach that point. A federal U.S. government list of Chinese firms initially deemed to be military companies was withdrawn on Friday morning, weeks prior to President Donald Trumps potential trip to Beijing. The new withdrawal notice appeared on Feb. 13 in the U.S. Federal Register, which is bound by law requiring the secretary of defensePete Hegseth, in this instanceto identify and publish a list of Chinese military companies annually until Dec. 31, 2030, in accordance with the Fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. "An agency letter requesting withdrawal of this document was received after placement on public inspection," the Federal Register, without further reasoning, said in an editorial note besides the document labeled withdrawn. The Office of the Federal Register (OFR) publishes on behalf of Federal entities but has no involvement with their policies or programs, the Federal Register told Military.com. We are responsible only for the accuracy of the content of the Federal Register and its codification in the CFR [Code of Federal Regulations], which must reflect what the agency submitted for publication in the Federal Register. OFR staff do not provide legal advice or assistance. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the list and new notice. The firms are labeled under a list formally known as Section 1260H. Chinese companies including Alibaba Group Holding, Baidu, BYD, WuXi AppTec and RoboSense Technology were added to the list while others, like memory chip manufacturers Yangtze Memory Technologies and ChangXin Memory Technologies, were removed. The U.S. Federal Register included new Chinese firms affiliated with military operations but withdrew the list shortly thereafter, as seen on the website via this notice. (U.S. Federal Register) The move comes one day after the Trump administration reportedly tabled multiple tech security measures targeting Beijing ahead of Trumps expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Aprilincluding a ban on China Telecom's U.S. operations and restrictions on sales of Chinese equipment for U.S. data centers, according to multiple sources who spoke with Reuters. Those reported holds involve proposed bans on domestic sales of routers made by TP-Link and the U.S. internet business of China Unicom and China Mobile, in addition to barring sales of Chinese electric trucks and buses in the U.S. Companies Speak Out Alibaba, an e-commerce and online retail entity, was one of the first companies to speak out about being put on the list in the first place. Theres no basis to conclude that Alibaba should be placed on the Section 1260H list, a company spokesperson told the South China Morning Post. Alibaba is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy. The e-commerce, retail, internet and technology company often referred to as the Amazon of China indicated it plans to pursue legal action against the inclusion. A spokesperson for Baidu, a Chinese online search and AI company, said the company categorically rejects its inclusion. We are a publicly listed company, and our products and services are designed for civilian use. We will not hesitate to use all options available to us to have the company removed from the list. Tariff battles and connecting Chinese companies to military prowess could be a harbinger for Trump-Xi talks this spring, though no dates have formally been announced. While companies on the Federal Register list cannot be sanctioned, the U.S. Department of Defense under a new law the department will be prevented in coming years from contracting and procuring from companies on the list. Immigration officials deported U.S. Army veteran Godfrey Wade to Jamaica while his appeal was still pending. His attorney said the federal government retains the authority to bring him back. Wade, a lawful permanent resident who lived in the United States for more than 50 years, was deported earlier this month after an immigration judge denied his motion to reopen a removal order that had been entered in absentia years ago. His attorney, Tony Kozycki, told Military.com that the case is now before the Board of Immigration Appeals and that the Department of Homeland Security can allow Wade to return while the appeal is reviewed. The government has the ability to bring him back. Give this veteran one day in court. - Tony Kozycki to Military.com. Congressional offices from both parties have contacted DHS seeking information and intervention, raising broader questions about notice procedures, due process, and how immigration enforcement applies to military veterans. Military.com reached out to DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment on Wades removal and enforcement policy. Godfrey Wade poses in his U.S. Army uniform during his years of military service. (Courtesy: Kozycki Law, LLC) Kozycki said the immigration judge spent less than two minutes addressing the motion. The only time that has been spent on Godfrey Wades case looking at the merits of it is a minute and 47 seconds, Kozycki said, adding that the judge never even acknowledged that four different returned envelopes were in the record file stamped from the court showing that the notices that were sent to his address were returned as undeliverable. 'He Fought for This Country' Wades fiancee said the deportation shattered plans they had been building together. He fought for this country. He served. He did what he was supposed to do. And now hes not even here. - Wade's fiancee to Military.com She said federal officers placed Wade in shackles before transporting him for removal. I never thought Id see the day where someone who wore the uniform would be treated like that, she said. It doesnt feel right. It just doesnt. Godfrey Wade prepares to return a serve during a tennis match. (Courtesy: Kozycki Law, LLC) Now the couple communicates across international phone lines. Hes sick, he's stressed, hes scared, she said. Were trying to figure out what happens next, and were doing it from two different countries. She said she worries about his health and access to consistent medical care in Jamaica. Veterans who leave the country can still qualify for certain VA health care coverage overseas through the Foreign Medical Program, and some can still use education benefits abroad, depending on eligibility and location. Removal Order and Notice Dispute Kozycki said he first learned about Wades case after reading about it in Military.com. I saw the coverage in Military.com and reached out, Kozycki told Military.com. Once I reviewed the file, I had immediate concerns about notice and due process. Wade had been ordered removed in absentia, meaning an immigration judge entered the deportation order years earlier after he did not appear in court. Kozycki said the appeal centers on whether Wade ever received proper notice of that hearing. If someone doesnt get proper notice, they dont get their day in court, Kozycki said. Thats a fundamental due process issue. Kozycki filed a motion to reopen the case based on what he described as serious notice defects. The immigration judge denied the motion, causing Kozycki to appeal. We filed a motion to reopen based on serious notice issues, he said. Godfrey Wade poses at a formal event. (Courtesy: Kozycki Law, LLC) Despite the pending appeal, Wade was deported. The fact that he was deported while we have an appeal pending is deeply troubling, Kozycki said. There is nothing preventing the government from allowing him to return while the case is adjudicated. Criminal Conviction Underlies Removal Wades removal stems from a prior conviction that made him deportable under federal immigration law, according to his attorney. Kozycki said Wade was convicted years ago after writing a bad check. He wrote a bad check, Kozycki told Military.com. He was convicted, he served his sentence. This appeal is not about relitigating that conviction. Kozycki said the appeal does not challenge the underlying criminal case. Rather, it focuses on whether Wade received proper notice of immigration proceedings that ultimately resulted in a removal order entered in absentia. This is about notice and due process. Even someone with a conviction is entitled to proper notice and a fair opportunity to appear. Federal officials often describe enforcement priorities as focused on people with criminal histories. Past Military.com reporting has referenced a 1996 law expanding the governments ability to remove lawful permanent residents, including veterans, after certain convictions. Advocates have long argued that deportation can function as a second punishment that severs families and medical care. When asked by Military.com whether Wade fits the worst-of-the-worst framing, Kozycki rejected the characterization. No, he said. That phrase doesnt apply here. Due process applies to everyone. Wades fiancee acknowledged his criminal history but added that she believes he has paid for his past. He made mistakes years ago, she told Military.com. He served his time. He served this country too. Godfrey Wade holds a Scrabble set. (Courtesy: Kozycki Law, LLC) Return to US Still Legally Possible The Board of Immigration Appeals can reverse the ruling, send it back to immigration court. Or, it can affirm the denial of Wades motion to reopen. If the appeal succeeds, the case could return to immigration court for further proceedings. If the board affirms the denial, the removal order would remain in place unless DHS exercises discretionary authority. The government has the power to fix this, Kozycki said. They can facilitate his return while the appeal is pending. That is entirely within their authority. ... The appeal is pending. The case is not over." Wades fiancee said the legal fight feels distant compared to daily separation. We just want him home, she said. We want him treated fairly. In the final days before he left Japan in 1947, Lt. j.g. Jack Mallory sat in the press gallery at the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. Thirty feet away, former Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo sat in a row of defeated generals awaiting judgment for their war crimes. Tojo's eyes drifted across the courtroom until they landed on the young American dental officer. Tojo smiled and pointed to his upper teeth before bowing toward Mallory in gratitude. Mallory had built those dentures months earlier. Tojo had no idea what else Mallory had done to them. For roughly three months in 1946 and 1947, the man who approved the attack on Pearl Harbor walked around Sugamo Prison with the words "Remember Pearl Harbor" drilled into his false teeth in Morse code. It was the work of a 22-year-old Navy dental prosthetics officer who saw a once-in-a-lifetime chance for some payback. Hideki Tojo On Sept. 11, 1945, American soldiers surrounded Tojo's home in Tokyo's Setagaya district with orders to arrest him. Rather than face capture, the former prime minister shot himself in the chest with a .32-caliber Colt revolver. A doctor had marked the spot over his heart with charcoal, but the bullet missed. In an ironic twist of history, American medics transfused him with American blood and saved his life. After recovering, Tojo was transferred to Sugamo Prison to await trial. He had served as Japan's prime minister from October 1941 through July 1944, and American wartime propaganda had made him the face of the enemy alongside Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. For millions of Americans, Tojo was the man behind the Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack that killed 2,403 people and pulled the United States into the deadliest conflict in human history. By the time he reached Sugamo, his teeth were in terrible shape. All of the upper ones had been extracted or rotted away. Only seven remained on the bottom. He needed dentures to speak at his upcoming war crimes trial, and the task fell to the dental team at the nearby 361st Station Hospital in Tokyo. General Hideki Tojo Receives Blood from American Army Doctors after Attempting Suicide in 1945. (Amon Carter Museum of American Art) Jack Mallory E.J. "Jack" Mallory had graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco in 1945 and recently married his wife, Thelma. He volunteered for an overseas assignment in August 1946. The Navy had a surplus of dentists and was lending roughly 800 of them to the Army. Mallory ended up at the 361st Station Hospital, where he made dentures and bridges for staff and inmates at nearby Sugamo Prison. His roommate, Lt. j.g. George Foster, an oral surgeon, was called out to examine the most infamous patient any of them would ever treat. Foster assessed the damage and brought Mallory in to handle the prosthetics. Mallory recommended a complete set of upper and lower dentures. Through a Japanese interpreter, Tojo declined. He expected to be executed and did not want to waste anyone's time. They mutually agreed on an upper plate only. Mallory had spent years seeing wartime caricatures of Tojo. He expected a monster. "I knew I was going to meet an evil man. It was a shock to see him," Mallory told the Chico News & Review in 2002. "He was very humble and just a meek, little guy." Monster or not, word of Mallory's assignment spread through the hospital fast. Allied propaganda poster from WWII, showing Hideki Tojo as the face behind Imperial Japan, alongside Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and German dictator Adolf Hitler. (Wikimedia Commons) An Opportunity to Prank Tojo Standard military procedure required engraving the patient's name, rank, and serial number onto dental appliances. As soon as his colleagues learned the 22-year-old was building false teeth for Tojo, they started pressuring him to swap the standard engraving for something different. There were several different suggestions for a hidden message. Mallory was tempted by the opportunity. He also knew that writing those words in plain English would be spotted immediately and could end his career. But Mallory was an amateur ham radio operator. He knew Morse code well. So he drilled a unique phrase into the upper denture as a series of dots and dashes along the inside of the peripheral border, where the acrylic met the roof of Tojo's mouth. The Morse code message said: Remember Pearl Harbor "You could see it clearly when it was dried, but 99 percent of the time you couldn't tell," Mallory said. Only Foster knew what Mallory had done. As Foster later wrote in 1988, "I figured it was my duty to carry out the assignment. But that didn't mean I couldn't have fun with it." Tojo accepted his new upper plate without any suspicion. For the next three months, the man behind the Pearl Harbor attack continued to chew, speak and prepare for his trial with an American message hidden in his mouth. He never learned the truth. Hideki Tojo served as Prime Minister of Imperial Japan during WWII. (Wikimedia Commons) The Secret Gets Out Mallory kept quiet at first. But in February 1947, two new dental recruits arrived at the hospital, and he could not resist the chance to brag. He took them out to Sugamo, asked Tojo if he could examine the dentures, and showed the newcomers his work. "We took them on an excursion to the prison to show them our masterpiece," Mallory told the Associated Press in 1995. "The only ones in on this were my dentist, roommates and myself, all sworn to secrecy." Secrecy did not last long after that. One of the new recruits wrote a letter to his parents in Texas. They passed it to a relative, who broadcast it on a local radio station. Wire services picked it up. The tale of Tojo's teeth was making headlines around the world. When the Armed Forces radio station in Tokyo, WVTR, ran the story, Mallory knew his career might be over. He rushed to the office of his commanding officer, Army Maj. William Hill, and confessed to what he had done. "That's funny as hell," Mallory recalled Hill saying, "but we could get our asses kicked for doing it." Hill gave him a direct order. Get rid of the evidence. Tojo before the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. (Wikimedia Commons) The Cover-Up On the evening of Feb. 14, 1947, Mallory and Foster slipped away from a Valentine's Day party at the hospital and drove a Jeep out to Sugamo Prison. Foster knew one of the guards whose shift started at 11 p.m. They had the guard wake a bewildered Tojo and asked to borrow his dentures for emergency dental work. Behind closed curtains, Mallory used a crude grinding stone to erase every dot and dash of the Morse code message. They returned the dentures. Tojo never understood why they had needed them in the middle of the night. The erasure came just in time. The next morning, Stars and Stripes published the story. A furious colonel in charge of Sugamo summoned both men to his office. "Is there any truth in this report that 'Remember Pearl Harbor' is inscribed in the dentures?" the colonel demanded. "No, sir!" both answered. Reporters and military investigators arrived to check the dentures. With the evidence ground away, there was nothing to prove otherwise. Neither man received any formal reprimand. However, Mallory was stripped of a commendation he had recently received. Tojo did eventually notice something was different with his dentures. A dentist who succeeded Mallory in Japan later told him the former prime minister had complained about the dentures fitting more loosely after that February night. But he never connected it to the news reports about his teeth. Hideki Tojo during court proceedings for the International Military Tribunal. (Wikimedia Commons) After the Prank "It wasn't anything done in anger," Mallory told the AP in 1995. "It's just that not many people had the chance to get those words into his mouth." The International Military Tribunal found Tojo guilty of waging aggressive war and ordering atrocities. He was sentenced to death and hanged at Sugamo Prison on Dec. 23, 1948. He had been right about not needing his teeth for long. Mallory returned to the United States in June 1947 and established a dental practice in Paradise, California, before relocating to Chico in 1955. He practiced there until the mid-1980s. Foster, who served as Mallory's partner in the scheme, died in December 1989. "He's probably rolling around on his cloud right now, laughing his fool head off," Beverly Foster, George's widow, told reporters in 1991 when the Navy came to collect mementos of the prank for the Navy Dental Corps Historical Museum in Bethesda, Maryland. "He's thinking this is great." The original plaster molds of Tojo's teeth and a gold bridge mold from the former prime minister's mouth were among the items sent to Bethesda. They remain on display today. The story stayed buried for decades until 1995, when Mallory's son Paul encouraged him to write a memoir. The AP, Time, and Life all picked it up. Television crews showed up at Mallory's door for a week. In 1969, Mallory had traveled back to Japan for a reunion with Japanese dentists. Over dinner, he told them what he had done to Tojo's teeth. "They thought it was the funniest thing," Mallory said. "They all said, 'Why didn't you tell us this?' I said, 'Well, the timing just didn't seem right.'" E.J. "Jack" Mallory died in 2013. His obituary mentioned a long dental career and a brief reference to a "dental prank" performed on the mastermind behind the attack on Pearl Harbor. His choice to engrave a message about Pearl Harbor in the dentures of one of the most villainous individuals in the 20th century remains one of the greatest pranks in military history. When it comes to military heroes, Edwin Ed Beck is in rarified air. Beck, a retired Army master sergeant, served in three wars World War II, Korea and Vietnam along with being a prisoner of war. On Sunday, Beck celebrated his 101st birthday in a celebration with friends, family and a large sheet cake fit for a decorated veteran. Beck, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, served for the 106th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45, a pivotal turning point for the Allies in northcentral Europe. Beck was taken prisoner by the Nazis, surviving six months of hell in a POW labor camp. He decided to make a bold move that likely saved his life, escaping from the camp during a work detail and miraculously returning to American troops alive. Luxembourg Ambassador to the U.S. Nicole Bintner-Bakshian and Belgian Ambassador to the U.S. Frederic Bernard participate in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 23, 2026, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser/Arlington National Cemetery) Not Done After WWII Becks nightmarish stint in WWII didnt deter him from continuing to serve. Following the war, he served in both the Korean War and Vietnam, completing 30 years in the Army. Even at age 101, Beck still gives back to the Colorado Springs community, helping veterans by spreading awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and the high veteran suicide rate. Beck believes sharing his story of trauma can help other veterans seek the mental health care they need. On Sunday, he was the honored guest at the American Legion Post in Fountain, Colorado, blowing out candles, sharing stories, and displaying his service medals. Reaching 101, having survived three wars, is almost a surreal feeling for Beck. I never thought Im gonna be this old, said Beck. I figured if Id get about 90, or something like that, Id be going. But the good Lord up there is keeping me alive for something. Beck broke down in tears thinking about all the friends he lost during his time in the Army. I am just lucky to be alive; the good Lord has been with me, Beck said. I am just proud to be an American and that I can serve my country. So many of them are now gone. I am 101 years old. But even through difficult times, such as six months in a POW camp, Beck has always tried to maintain resilience. Keep on going, Beck said, hang in there. Old Soldiers Never Die Mark Schaefer, one of Becks closest friends, said having the ability to talk with World War II veterans and hearing their firsthand stories is an experience that cant be missed. Learning about history is awesome. Going places, reading books, watching movies. But nothings better than sitting with the people whove actually lived the history, Schaefer said. He got out of the Depression and went right into World War II, and they were in the most must-win war in the history of the world, and they did it. Captured American G.I.'s in the Battle of the Bulge American prisoners of war are marched along the road on the western front in World War II. (National Archives) Looking back on his life, Beck hums an old bittersweet tune that reminds him of all the comrades who didnt get to return home from war. Didnt get to see age 21, no less 101. Old soldiers never die, never die...You heard that song? Old soldiers never die, they just fade away, he sings, tears welling up in his eyes. Theyre gone. And Im still here. And that hurts me. Becks never give up attitude, the force that drove him out of the Depression as a boy, pushed him through those long, dark nights in the Nazi POW camp, and steeled him against the bitter cold of Korea and the steamy Vietnamese jungle, still endures. Hes already thinking about his next party, when he celebrates 102. Hes one of the toughest men Ive ever known. And Ive known some pretty tough men, said Schaefer, his arm wrapped affectionately around Becks shoulder. You'll never fade away, Ed. Youll always be here. Youre going to be here forever. Its an honor and a pleasure to call you a friend. A Longstanding Policy Meets a Statutory Problem For decades, the United States has provided Israel with substantial military assistance, currently structured as multi-year security aid authorized by Congress and implemented through annual appropriations. That support is often treated as legally routine. Yet a closer look at U.S. nonproliferation law raises a serious question that Congress and successive administrations have largely avoided: Does existing federal law permit aid to a country widely understood to possess nuclear weapons that it has never declared? This is not a political question about whether the United States should support Israel. It is a legal question about whether current U.S. nonproliferation laws already bar aid to countries that possess nuclear weapons without formally acknowledging them. Israels Nuclear Ambiguity Israel has never acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons and is not a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Instead, it maintains a policy of nuclear opacity, declining to confirm or deny its arsenal. Despite that position, arms-control experts and public reporting have long treated Israel as a de facto nuclear-weapon state. That ambiguity is not incidental. Several U.S. statutes condition foreign assistance on whether a country has acquired nuclear weapons or nuclear technology outside internationally accepted safeguards. Those laws do not require public declarations by the recipient state. They require determinations by the U.S. government. July 3, 2017: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, speaks with Commander, Naval Forces Europe, Adm. Michelle Howard about U.S. military operations on the bridge of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during a visit to the ship. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Hurt/Released. Source: DVIDS The Symington Amendments Plain Language The most relevant statute is the Symington Amendment, codified at 22 U.S.C. 2799aa-1. The law directs that most U.S. economic and military assistance shall be terminated to any country that delivers or receives nuclear enrichment technology outside full-scope international safeguards. The amendment does not name Israel, nor does it contain an Israel-specific exemption. Its trigger is a presidential determination that a country has engaged in prohibited nuclear activity. If that determination is made, assistance must stop unless Congress affirmatively waives the restriction. The Glenn Amendment and Congressional Intent A related provision, commonly known as the Glenn Amendment to the Arms Export Control Act, imposes mandatory sanctions on non-nuclear-weapon states that detonate a nuclear explosive device. While Israel is not publicly known to have conducted a test, the amendment underscores congressional intent to restrict aid to states developing nuclear weapons outside accepted frameworks. Together, these provisions reflect a consistent legislative purpose. Congress sought to prevent U.S. assistance from enabling or rewarding nuclear proliferation outside the NPT system. Why the Law Has Never Been Applied Proponents of this long-standing policy argue that maintaining 'nuclear opacity' is a vital strategic necessity rather than a mere legal convenience. By neither confirming nor denying its capabilities, the U.S. and Israel aim to provide a credible deterrent while simultaneously denying regional adversaries a formal pretext to pursue their own nuclear programs. From this perspective, a formal 'presidential determination' would not only trigger aid cutoffs but could collapse the delicate regional status quo, potentially sparking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Appropriations Workarounds and Notwithstanding Clauses Rather than a "workaround," many legal scholars view these "notwithstanding" clauses as a clear expression of Congressional intent. By including this language, Congress explicitly prioritizes the security relationship with Israel over the broader restrictions of the Symington Amendment. This reflects a legislative choice to treat the relationship as a unique case, ensuring that aid continues under a specific legal mandate that supersedes more general nonproliferation statutes. Critics argue that this approach undermines transparency. Instead of amending or repealing nonproliferation statutes, Congress leaves them intact while quietly nullifying them through appropriations language. Is Continued Aid Illegal or Merely Uncomfortable? From a statutory-interpretation perspective, the tension is real. If the law means what it says, then the failure to make a determination does not change the underlying facts. If the law does not apply to Israel, Congress has never said so plainly. Arms-control analysts have warned that selective enforcement of nonproliferation law weakens U.S. credibility when invoking the same statutes against other countries. The Arms Control Association has addressed this concern in its discussion of perceived U.S. double standards. Why the Question Matters Beyond Israel This issue extends beyond a single bilateral relationship. Congress routinely conditions foreign assistance on compliance with statutory requirements, including human rights certifications and end-use monitoring. If nonproliferation restrictions can be indefinitely sidestepped through executive silence and appropriations overrides, the integrity of those other conditional aid regimes comes into question. The law on the books has not changed. What has changed is the willingness of political actors to treat it as binding. A Choice Between Law and Convenience Ultimately, the tension between nonproliferation statutes and the U.S.-Israel aid relationship highlights a broader debate in foreign policy: the balance between rigid statutory requirements and the flexibility required for regional stability. As long as Israels nuclear status remains unacknowledged, the U.S. can maintain a unique security partnership that has defined Middle Eastern diplomacy for half a century. The question facing policymakers is whether the existing legal framework should be formally updated to reflect this reality, or if the current ambiguity remains the most effective tool for preventing further regional escalation. News / Local by Staff reporter Information minister Jenfan Muswere was removed from his post just days after dismissing Helliate Rushwaya as chairperson of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation board, amid allegations of corporate governance failures, corruption and incompetence.Investigations indicate that Muswere was redeployed to the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development in a recent cabinet reshuffle widely viewed as a demotion. In the changes, Zhemu Soda replaced him as Information minister, while Paul Mavima was reassigned to the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities.Sources say Muswere's removal followed fierce clashes with Rushwaya prior to her dismissal. Rushwaya was replaced by interim board chair Chipo Nheta after being relieved of her duties on February 2, 2026.Rushwaya is part of a prominent family with close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. She is the younger sister of Henrietta Rushwaya, president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, and related to Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.According to findings, Rushwaya was dismissed over a series of governance breaches, including the unprocedural appointment of senior ZBC staff without public advertisement or interviews. Among the contested decisions was the appointment of chief operating officer Tapiwa Mudzamba, a former acting chief executive, in a move said to have contravened the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act.The Act establishes a mandatory compliance framework for the management and oversight of state-owned enterprises and parastatals, aligning them with Chapter 9 of the Constitution, which emphasises professional ethics, transparency, accountability and efficient resource use. ZBC, as a public broadcaster, falls squarely under its provisions.Before taking action, Muswere is understood to have escalated concerns to the Corporate Governance Unit within the Office of the President and Cabinet, which monitors compliance and advises line ministries on performance contracts and evaluations.Further grounds for Rushwaya's dismissal reportedly included failure to produce a strategic plan for 2026 as required under section 22 of the Act, weak financial oversight and excessive expenditure exceeding approved budgets by approximately US$10 million. Investigators also cited the failure to ring-fence US$6 million allocated under the ZimDigital initiative for digitisation and full HD access to local television and radio broadcasting stations.Additional allegations involved unapproved remuneration, benefits and allowances paid without due process at a broadcaster described as technically insolvent and loss-making. Rushwaya was also accused of failing to comply with her performance contract and presiding over procurement irregularities that allegedly cost the public entity millions.A senior ZBC executive said Muswere's dismissal was directly linked to his decision to fire Rushwaya, noting that the move came just days before the cabinet reshuffle.Despite serving as board chairperson, Rushwaya was accused of acting beyond her oversight role and effectively running the broadcaster as chief executive, a situation cited as central to the alleged governance breakdown. She had been appointed board chair in early 2024 after previously serving as acting chief executive from April 2020 and earlier as a non-executive director.Neither Muswere nor Rushwaya had publicly commented on the developments at the time of publication. Unfortunately, there is a very strong chance that we know someone in our military community who has passed away from suicide. Why is that? Remarks from the Hon. Jack Bergman, House of Representatives, made it clear on the congressional record. Each year, nearly 8,000 Veterans die by suicide in the United Statesincluding over 500 active, reserve and guard deaths. Since 2001, more Veterans have died by suicide than have been killed in action since 1950. The Red Star Foundation is actively addressing the growing crisis of suicide among military members, veterans, and first responders, and how they are working to change the narrative through peer-to-peer support, more national awareness, and crisis response initiatives. It establishes programs, resources and services to include education, training, suicide awareness and prevention, bereavement and grief support, and peer-to-peer networking. They provide support to Red Star Families, and Congress is set to put forth the Bill that will recognize the Red Star Service Banner. For each suicide, at least 6 surviving family members and loved ones are directly impacted, leaving over 1 million people in the United States to cope with the pain and loss of a loved one. Military.com sat down with the Red Star Foundations Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Schaffer, who highlights the organizations impact and the collective role communities play in preventing tragedy and saving lives. The conversation also explores Red Stars long-term vision and how individuals and communities can join in building a future where no one has to struggle alone. Photo courtesy of the Red Star Foundation Military.com: (Kim OBrien): What sets the Red Star Foundation apart from other organizations in this space, and how do your peer-to-peer support and initiatives translate into real, measurable impact? Jerry Schaffer (Chief Executive Officer): What truly sets us apart is that we recognize suicide as a community injury, not a single-person crisis. Most organizations understandably focus on the individual who is struggling. We do that as well, but we also intentionally serve the families and loved ones left behind. Red Star Families are often isolated by grief, stigma, and silence, and without support, they face a significantly higher risk themselves. By supporting both the individual and the family system, we address the full impact of suicide and work to stop the cycle from continuing. Our peer-to-peer model is not a supplemental program. It is the foundation of how we operate. Veterans, service members, first responders, and their families repeatedly tell us that what they need first is not a clinical setting or a checklist, but a human connection with someone who understands their world. Our trained peers provide that connection quickly and locally, creating trust and continuity at moments when people are most likely to disengage from traditional systems of care. We also intentionally combine recognition with activation. Through initiatives like the Red Star Banner and Pin, Red Star Cities, and Red Star Family observances, we make suicide loss visible and legitimate in the public space. That visibility reduces stigma and gives families permission to step forward. Just as important, it creates a clear pathway into support, ensuring recognition is not symbolic but directly tied to action and access to help. Our programs are designed to scale with accountability. We will train peers with defined roles, clear expectations, and ongoing oversight so the network grows as a system, not as an informal support group. Initiatives such as Roll Call and Code Red are structured to provide rapid outreach, consistent follow-up, and responsible escalation when someone is at risk, while remaining grounded in peer support rather than replacing professional care. Because of this structure, our impact is measurable. We will track how quickly people are connected to a peer, how consistently follow-ups occur, how many individuals remain engaged over time, and how often we successfully connect participants to licensed mental health or crisis resources through warm handoffs. We also measure changes in isolation, connection, and coping through simple pre and post-engagement check-ins, allowing us to evaluate outcomes that are closely tied to suicide risk and resilience. At its core, Red Star Foundation does not attempt to replace clinical care. We close the gap between awareness and action. We ensure that when someone raises their hand, they are met quickly by someone who understands, stays connected, and helps guide them to the right support. That combination of lived experience, speed, structure, and accountability is what allows our peer-to-peer model and initiatives to translate into real, meaningful, and measurable impact. Military.com: What progress gives you hope, and where do you see major gaps still existing? What does success look like for Red Star five years from now? Schaffer: What gives me hope right now is not that we have solved this problem, but that the environment around it is finally changing. There is a growing willingness to acknowledge that suicide among military members, veterans, first responders, and their families is not a personal failure, but often a consequence of service-related trauma and cumulative stress. I see progress in the way leaders, municipalities, partner organizations, and families themselves are beginning to speak openly about suicide loss and mental health without shame. The fact that people are reaching out, sharing their stories, and asking what can be done differently tells me the door is open in a way it has not been before. I am also encouraged by how strongly people respond to recognition and visibility. When families are acknowledged and told their loss matters, something shifts. Stigma begins to break down, and isolation begins to loosen. Even before implementing our peer-to-peer and support initiatives, we are seeing that simply naming the issue, honoring families, and creating public awareness bring people forward who have been suffering in silence for years. That tells me the need is real and the appetite for connection is there. At the same time, the gaps are significant, and they are exactly why Red Star Foundation exists. There is still no consistent, coordinated response for families after a suicide loss. In many communities, families are left entirely on their own during the most vulnerable period of grief. There is also a wide gap between awareness and action. People may know resources exist, but they often do not know where to turn in the moment, who they can trust, or how to navigate complex systems like the VA or civilian mental health care. Most critically, there is a lack of structured, accountable peer-to-peer support that is ready to engage quickly and remain connected over time. Five years from now, success for Red Star Foundation means that the gap has been meaningfully closed. It means we have built and implemented a national peer-to-peer support network that is trusted, trained, and active in communities across the country. It means our planned initiatives like Roll Call and Code Red are fully operational, providing rapid connection, consistent follow-up, and responsible escalation when someone is at risk, while working alongside, not in place of, clinical care. Photo courtesy of the Red Star Foundation Success also means Red Star Cities are widespread, with municipalities formally recognizing Red Star Families and committing to awareness, post-vention, and ongoing support. It means families impacted by suicide are no longer invisible, and they know exactly where to turn when they need help. Most importantly, success looks like fewer people reaching a point of crisis alone. It looks like earlier connections, stronger community ties, and families being supported instead of isolated. If Red Star Foundation can help make connections the norm rather than the exception, and ensure no one is left navigating this alone, then we will have achieved something that truly changes lives. Ultimately, success for us means that we have helped reduce the suicide rate nationally. Military.com: Can you share a story or example that illustrates the real-life impact Red Star Foundation has had on someone in crisis or on a surviving family? Schaffer: One story that stays with me involves a young Airman who attended one of our presentations. During that presentation, she watched one of our Red Star Voices videos about a mom who lost her active-duty son to suicide. Afterward, she came up to us and shared how thankful she was that we were there and how much of an impact that video had on her. She shared with us that she had attempted suicide 2 months prior and was seriously thinking of trying again. She told us that she had never thought about how it would impact her family and her mother. And that the Red Star Voices video opened her eyes, and that she would never do that to them again. What matters to me about that moment is not that we had a formal program in place or a perfected system. It is that connection that happened when it mattered most. Awareness turned into hope, and hope interrupted a decision that could not be undone. That Airman is still here because she felt understood and reminded that her life had value. That is the real impact of what we do. Sometimes it is not a statistic or a chart. Sometimes it is a single person choosing to stay alive because someone finally spoke the truth they needed to hear. That is why Red Star Foundation exists, and that is the standard we hold ourselves to as we build what comes next. Military.com: For readers who feel called to help but arent sure where to start, what are the most meaningful ways they can get involved? Schaffer: For those reading this who feel called to help but are not sure where to start, the most important thing to know is that you do not need a title, credentials, or a perfect plan to make a difference. Meaningful impact begins with showing up and being willing to stand with people who are hurting. One of the simplest and most powerful things you can do is start by listening. Check in on the veterans, service members, first responders, and families in your life. Ask how they are really doing, stay present, and be willing to have uncomfortable conversations. Human connection saves lives more often than people realize. Another meaningful way to get involved is by helping break the silence around suicide and mental health. Share stories, talk openly about loss, and help normalize seeking help. Stigma thrives in quiet spaces, and every honest conversation weakens it. Support organizations like Red Star Foundation by sharing our mission, attending events, or helping bring awareness to Red Star Families in your community helps ensure that those affected by suicide are seen rather than overlooked. For those who want to do more, volunteering your time and talents can be incredibly impactful. Not everyone serves in the same way. Some people are natural listeners, others are organizers, advocates, fundraisers, or connectors. As Red Star Foundation continues to build and expand its programs, there will be opportunities for people to contribute in ways that fit their skills and availability, whether locally or nationally. Finally, if you are in a position to give financially, even modest support helps build the infrastructure needed to reach people before they reach a breaking point. Donations help us create awareness, support families, develop programs, and lay the groundwork for peer-to-peer support that can operate at scale. Every contribution represents another step toward connection instead of isolation. The most important thing is this. You do not have to do everything. You just have to do something. Suicide is not solved by one organization or one program. It is addressed when individuals decide they are willing to stand in the gap for someone else. If more people choose connection, compassion, and action, lives will be saved, and families will be strengthened. Military.com: Is there anything else you would like people to know about the Red Star Foundation? Schaffer: We are only 1.5 years old and have already been recognized in the U.S. Congress. There is a Bill about to be submitted in the next 2 weeks to officially recognize the Red Star Service Banner alongside the Gold and Blue Star Banners. We have recently hired Matt Mahoney, who was previously the Executive Vice President of Tunnels to Towers. He serves in the same role at Red Star. Matt helped take them from doing $9M a year to almost $700M annually in donations. Per the Department of War: Service members and veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Service member or veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans/Military Crisis Line for confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 988 and Press 1, text 838225, or chat online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net. In an era where biological threats loom larger than ever, from emerging viruses to potential weaponized pathogens, the U.S. military's readiness hinges on innovative partnerships beyond traditional Big Pharma. GeoVax Labs, a biotechnology firm based in Atlanta, is stepping up with advanced vaccine platforms aimed at protecting troops against high-priority biothreats like Mpox, smallpox, and hemorrhagic fevers. Military.com spoke with David Dodd, GeoVax's Chairman and CEO, about how his company's work intersects with national security and military strategy; the conversation highlighted the need for domestic capabilities to counter vulnerabilities exposed by recent global outbreaks. Dodd, with over 40 years in biotech leadership, has guided GeoVax since 2010, becoming CEO in 2018. The company focuses on its Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) technology, which offers single-dose, durable immunity; this makes it ideal for rapid deployment in military settings where logistics can be challenging. Dodd explained the importance: The United States currently has zero domestic manufacturing capability for MVA-based biodefense vaccines. Thats not a future riskits a present national-security vulnerability. Stockpiles mask the problem; manufacturing sovereignty solves it. The Biodefense Mass Sequencing and Surveillance assay, developed by the Synthetic Biology and Biosurveillance Branch at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (Medical Research and Development Command Photo by Paul Lagasse) GeoVax's Push for Domestic Biodefense Solutions GeoVax's flagship candidate, GEO-MVA, targets Mpox and smallpox, addressing critical gaps in the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile. As Dodd explained: Today, replenishment of the U.S. MVA stockpile depends entirely on a single foreign manufacturer. If that supply chain is disrupted, constrained, or politically limited, the stockpile becomes a wasting asset. That is a strategic blind spot, not preparedness. He went on to say that, "This aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, a vulnerability that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Mpox outbreaks." In military terms, biodefense isn't just vaccines, but rather it's a strategic imperative for force protection. Troops deployed to high-risk regions, such as Africa or the Middle East, face elevated exposure to diseases like Ebola or the Marburg virus. Dodd emphasized the role of modernizing biotechs in this space, the same way the DoW handles other critical assets. Accordingly, modernization means shifting from inventory-based preparedness to capability-based preparedness: Domestic manufacturing of critical platforms (like MVA). Next-generation production technologies (continuous, scalable, surge-ready). Clear ownership inside the government for preparedness beyond the stockpile. Treating vaccine manufacturing as strategic infrastructure, not episodic procurement. These are the same principles the U.S. applies to shipbuilding, munitions, and aerospace. Biodefense should be no different. Integrating Biodefense into Military Strategy Biodefense factors into military strategy by ensuring operational continuity amid biological disruptions. As seen in exercises focused on mobility and readiness, such as those discussed in reports on how COVID-19 impacted military planning for future biological warfare, the armed forces must anticipate threats that could sideline entire units. GeoVax's technology could enhance this by offering vaccines suitable for immunocompromised service members, a key consideration for inclusive force readiness. Dodd views biodefense as part of a layered defense strategy: Historically, when DoW acts, the rest of the system follows. That sequencing matters. This ties into national priorities, like the push for vaccine independence, which reduces risks from supply chain interruptions or geopolitical tensions. For instance, over-reliance on offshore manufacturing during COVID highlighted how such dependencies could compromise military operations; GeoVax aims to mitigate that through fully domestic production. China, as a pacing threat and near-peer adversary for the United States, factors into biodefense considerations from a strategic perspective. As Dodd explained, China is investing aggressively in biomanufacturing infrastructure, platform technologies, and state-directed biotech capacity. This includes China-backed MVA. The competition is not just about who invents firstits about who can manufacture, scale, and control supply under stress. When the U.S. lacks domestic capability for a strategically important platform like MVA, we are effectively outsourcing part of our biodefense posture. That is inconsistent with how we think about semiconductors, energy security, or defense manufacturing. Biodefense is now part of strategic competition, whether we acknowledge it or not. Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection Systems fielding in the fleet. (U.S. Navy photo) Addressing Trust and Hesitancy in the Post-COVID Era The COVID-19 response, including vaccine mandates and subsequent discharges, raised legitimate concerns about trust within the military ranks. Some service members felt coerced, leading to hesitancy that could affect future uptake of biodefense measures. Dodd acknowledged this challenge: The sad outcome of the pandemic is decreased trust in our public health system. The lack of transparency, poor communication, and handling led to people being kicked out of the military and losing their jobs. We are in a situation now where there is serious distrust. We have to be overly transparent in regaining that trust. It's clear that rebuilding trust is essential for readiness. Lessons from that period suggest collaborating with the Department of War on education and choice-based programs; this could prevent readiness gaps while respecting individual concerns. GeoVax positions itself as a partner focused on efficacy and safety data to help restore faith in medical countermeasures. Looking Ahead: Innovation for Enduring Security As threats evolve, with immune-evasive variants and potential bioterrorism, biotechs like GeoVax will play an outsized role in U.S. military biodefense. Dodd's vision includes expanded government funding for innovative platforms. In summary, GeoVax's efforts underscore a shift toward agile, homegrown technologies that bolster military strategy without repeating past missteps. By focusing on rapid, effective protection, the company contributes to a more resilient force, ready to face whatever biological challenges arise. This approach not only enhances national security but also addresses the human element of trust, ensuring service members can serve with confidence. New York lawmakers have introduced a bill proposing at least a three-year moratorium on permits for new data center constructionmaking it the sixth U.S. state to consider such a pause. The move reflects growing bipartisan concern over the energy and social impacts of expanding AI infrastructure. () More than 230 environmental groups have joined calls for a national moratorium, with Democratic and Republican legislators advancing similar proposals in multiple states. New York Senator Liz Krueger warned that the state is completely unprepared for the massive data centers now gunning for New York. Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a grid modernization plan that would require large energy users such as data centers to pay their fair share. This unfolding battlefrom local to national levelssignals a critical tightening of policies amid the AI infrastructure boom. Roger Luo said:This legislative push marks a turning point in balancing AI growth with sustainability. While moratoriums offer a needed pause for policy development, long-term solutions must integrate clean energy mandates and transparent cost frameworks to prevent shifting burdens onto communities. All articles and pictures are from the Internet. If there are any copyright issues, please contact us in time to delete. Inquiry us Your name Your e-mail Subject Your message (optional) (45-9)/9=? News / Local by Staff reporter Veteran opposition politician and former Finance minister Tendai Biti says the newly formed Constitution Defence Forum (CDF) will work broadly with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, civil society organisations and other democratic actors to resist what he describes as sustained attacks on Zimbabwe's Constitution by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.Biti said the CDF is a civic and political platform established to defend constitutionalism and democratic governance amid what he termed a deepening economic and social crisis. He indicated that the forum seeks to unite citizens across political divides who are opposed to constitutional amendments and governance practices they view as undermining the rule of law.The CDF initiative mirrors the Defend the Constitution Platform, a separate civic movement led by opposition figure Jameson Timba. Both platforms have emerged in response to recent constitutional changes and ongoing debates about executive authority and term limits.Since assuming office in 2017, Mnangagwa has overseen several amendments to the 2013 Constitution. Critics argue that the changes have consolidated executive power, while government officials have maintained that the amendments are lawful and necessary administrative adjustments.Biti alleges that the current push to extend Mnangagwa's tenure beyond the 2028 constitutional limit to 2030 represents an attempt to entrench personal rule. He claims there are efforts within the ruling ZANU PF to alter constitutional provisions in a manner that would allow a two-year extension of the president's term.However, the issue is said to have exposed divisions within ZANU PF, with Chiwenga and some of his reported allies allegedly opposing any move to extend Mnangagwa's stay in office beyond the existing constitutional framework.Biti said the CDF aims to become a rallying point for citizens committed to defending what he called the "Supreme Law of the land," urging Zimbabweans to mobilise in its protection. He has called for nationwide demonstrations to resist what he characterises as unconstitutional manoeuvres.Some civil society groups and opposition activists have described the constitutional changes as amounting to a "constitutional coup," a term referenced in the African Union's Constitutive Act. They argue that altering foundational provisions to prolong incumbency undermines democratic norms.Mnangagwa first came to power following the military-assisted transition in November 2017 that ended Robert Mugabe's long rule. He subsequently won presidential elections in 2018 and 2023, both of which were contested by opposition parties.The unfolding debate over constitutional amendments and executive tenure comes against the backdrop of prolonged economic challenges and social strain, with critics blaming governance failures while government officials attribute difficulties to sanctions, global economic headwinds and structural reforms underway. News / Local by Staff reporter Zimbabwe is closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Gezani, which is forecast to briefly approach the Mozambican coast after intensifying in the Southwest Indian Ocean, although it is not expected to make landfall in Zimbabwe.Providing an update, Meteorological Service Department (MSD) director Rebecca Manzo said the system, currently active in the Southwest Indian Ocean, had weakened to a Severe Tropical Storm as of Thursday morning but is likely to regain strength."As of yesterday morning, Gezani had weakened to a Severe Tropical Storm but is expected to re-intensify as it moves west-southwest away from Madagascar. The system is projected to briefly approach the coast of Mozambique before turning southward into the southern Indian Ocean where it is likely to dissipate," she said.Tropical Cyclone Gezani is expected to influence regional weather patterns despite not directly entering Zimbabwe.Mrs Manzo said the system is currently drawing moisture away from parts of the country, contributing to dry conditions in western areas. However, this could change in the coming days."As the storm moves further south in the Mozambican Channel, a moisture band may form, bringing rainfall to Zimbabwe from February 15 to February 17," she said.She urged members of the public, farmers and key service providers to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures."Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers or streams and secure loose outdoor structures and items. Drive with caution, especially in areas with poor drainage. Farmers should protect livestock and equipment. Schools, event organisers and transport operators should prepare for possible disruptions," she advised.The MSD said it will continue to monitor developments and issue timely updates as the situation evolves. News / Local by Staff reporter Two men have been sentenced to an effective nine months in prison after defrauding a mobile money agent of US$300 using a fake cash-out confirmation message.Brian Potedzerai (45) and Thulani Dhlamini (30) were convicted of fraud by a Gweru court in connection with the incident, which occurred on 6 November 2025 in the city's central business district.According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the pair approached a mobile money shop and presented what appeared to be a legitimate cash-out confirmation message."The offenders approached the victim at a mobile money shop in Gweru CBD and presented a fake cash-out message to the female victim. Believing the message to be genuine, the victim handed over US$300," the NPAZ said.The fraud was discovered shortly afterwards when the agent, while serving another customer, realised that no funds had reflected. She promptly reported the matter to the police, and the suspects were identified through CCTV footage.The court initially sentenced the two to 16 months' imprisonment. However, three months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, while a further four months were suspended on condition that they restitute the complainant. This left an effective custodial sentence of nine months.The case highlights growing concerns over mobile money-related fraud, as criminals increasingly exploit fake transaction confirmations and weaknesses in verification systems to target agents and unsuspecting members of the public.Authorities have urged mobile money operators and customers to thoroughly verify transactions before releasing cash, warning that the rise in digital financial services has been accompanied by an increase in fraud-related offences. News / Local by Staff reporter Government has assured Zimbabweans that no stray cattle will be killed either locally or in neighbouring Botswana, as authorities intensify efforts to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the region.The reassurance follows reports of FMD outbreaks in Botswana and heightened surveillance along Zimbabwe's borders.Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said Zimbabwe and Botswana have a standing agreement on the management of stray livestock."We do have a Memorandum of Understanding with Botswana to ensure that stray cattle along our borders are taken care of," he said."When our cattle stray to Botswana, they are kept there, and vice versa. Of course, we isolate them, and during that quarantine period, they are assessed for diseases like FMD."Prof Jiri stressed that under the arrangement, no cattle will be destroyed for simply crossing the border."No cattle will be destroyed by crossing any border, nor are they transferred back to the country," he said, adding that both countries regularly engage on how best to manage quarantined livestock.FMD, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and pigs, poses serious economic risks, particularly to beef exports. The disease has also been reported in several provinces of South Africa, raising regional concern.Chief director of the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, said authorities have intensified surveillance along the borders with Botswana and South Africa."The Zimbabwean Directorate of Veterinary Services remains vigilant and intensifies FMD surveillance along the South African and Botswana borders, strengthening movement controls and awareness campaigns," he said.Wild buffalo are known reservoirs of the virus in Southern Africa and can transmit it to domestic livestock, increasing the risk of outbreaks in farming communities.To reduce exposure, the Department of Veterinary Services has placed the country on high alert, strengthened movement controls and continued preventive vaccination programmes in affected and high-risk areas.Dr Makaya urged farmers to comply strictly with animal health regulations and ensure their cattle are dipped regularly as part of broader disease control measures.FMD is characterised by painful blisters and lesions in affected animals, which can lead to severe weight loss, reduced productivity and, in extreme cases, death.Authorities say safeguarding Zimbabwe's growing national herd and protecting export markets depends on sustained vigilance, cross-border cooperation and strict adherence to animal health protocols. News / Local by Staff reporter Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, has sparked controversy after claiming the United Kingdom has been "colonised" by immigrants during an interview with Sky News.Speaking about what he described as mounting political, social and economic challenges, the INEOS founder criticised levels of immigration and welfare dependency in Britain."You can't have an economy with nine-million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in," Ratcliffe said. "I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money."The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it's 70 million. That's 12 million people."However, figures from the Office for National Statistics show the UK population was estimated at 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024. The population stood at 58.9 million in 2000.Ratcliffe, who resides in Monaco, also questioned whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer was suited to the role, suggesting the country required tougher leadership."I don't know whether it's just the apparatus that hasn't allowed Keir to do it or he's maybe too nice. I mean, Keir is a nice man. I like him, but it's a tough job," Ratcliffe said, adding that difficult and potentially unpopular decisions would be needed to address immigration and economic reform.He revealed he had recently met Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, describing him as intelligent and well-intentioned, but reiterated that leadership would require someone willing to endure public backlash.Drawing parallels with his role at Manchester United, Ratcliffe said he had faced criticism for implementing sweeping changes at the club but believed they were necessary."If you do difficult things, which we felt that we had to do at Manchester United you do become very unpopular for a while," he said, adding that he aims to make the club the most profitable in the world.Ratcliffe made the remarks while attending a European industry summit in Antwerp alongside leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, where discussions centred on the challenges facing Europe's economy and industrial sector.The comments drew swift backlash. Starmer responded on X, calling Ratcliffe's remarks "offensive and wrong" and urging him to apologise."Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country," the Prime Minister wrote.Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out condemned the statements as "disgraceful and deeply divisive," noting that Manchester United has a diverse fanbase and is based in a city shaped by generations of migration.The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club also expressed concern, warning that such rhetoric could have "real-world consequences."Manchester United and the Premier League declined to comment when approached, while the debate around Ratcliffe's remarks continues to generate reaction across political and sporting circles. Did our AI summary help? Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. 2 / 10 Padmaavat (originally Padmavati) Sanjay Leela Bhansalis historical drama was first titled Padmavati. Rajput groups alleged distortion of history and objected strongly to the name. After widespread protests and CBFC intervention, the makers modified the title to Padmaavat before release. Did our AI summary help? Did our AI summary help? Vikram Bhatt and wife get interim bail in Rs 30 crore case Did our AI summary help? Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news. 2018: Conviction and Six-Month Sentence In 2018, a magistrate court found Rajpal Yadav guilty under Section 138 and sentenced him to six months in jail. The verdict marked a major setback for the actor. However, he challenged the decision in higher courts, seeking relief and a stay on the sentence. Did our AI summary help? Shatrughan Sinha visits Hema Malinis new home in Delhi, Dharmendra's photo frame on wall wins fans hearts News / National by Stephen Jakes Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele has confirmed that he is no longer a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), saying he left the party immediately after Nelson Chamisa resigned from its leadership in January 2024.Molokele made the remarks in the Hwange Diaspora WhatsApp group, where he clarified his political position."Greetings fellow change champions. I need to confirm that I long ceased to be a member of the CCC in January 2024," he wrote."I left the CCC exactly the next day after President Nelson Chamisa announced his resignation. I remain very clear and unequivocal in my stance that a new Great Zimbabwe for everyone must remain our ultimate direction and destination under the visionary leadership of President Nelson Chamisa."Molokele said he currently does not belong to any political party."With regards to the socalled 2030 agenda, my personal stance has always been in the public domain for the last two years," he said."I remain totally opposed to the socalled 2030 agenda. I will definitely join all other progressive Zimbabweans in saying a big NO to the socalled 2030 constitutional amendment bill." Did our AI summary help? Sarika Sharma is Editor, Entertainment, MoneyControl.com. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of entertainment journalism. On Valentine's Day, try this Yoghurt bowl with caramelised banana and dark chocolate (Images: Canva) 11 / 12 The annotations carried the presumptions and prejudices of the creator as much, if not more than the pictures themselves. But the problems with the project run deeper still. Sudeshna Guha in her essay quotes from an 1862 edition of the British Journal of Photography: Our good friends at home constantly request us out here to take groups of the natives, but they little know what a labour it is. Only point a camera at a native, and notwithstanding his natural grace, suppleness of limb and easy carriage and bearing when taken unawares, from fear of being shot, or converted into some kind of uncouth animal by means of necromancy, he becomes, on seeing you, as rigid as the camera stand, or moves away altogether Clearly, some of the subjects simply did not wish to be photographed. (Photos courtesy DAG) Mustafa Suleyman tells the Financial Times that most computer-based roles could be automated within 1218 months as Microsoft accelerates its push for professional-grade AGI and AI self-sufficiency. Did our AI summary help? Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. ONGC Videsh hopeful of resuming Venezuela operations as US moves to ease sanctions, liberalise oil trade Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. News / National by Staff reporter South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, MP and head of Build One South Africa, has condemned Zanu PF's plans to amend the constitution to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, calling the move "disgusting."Posting on X, Maimane warned that prolonged rule by Zanu-PF exacerbates South Africa's ongoing immigration challenges caused by Zimbabwean migrants.He wrote:"As South Africa we must be aware that the longer there is a brutal dictatorship in Zimbabwe, the longer we will not be able to deal with the immigration crisis in South Africa."We pay the price for the sins of Zanu PF, we pay in healthcare costs, policing costs and in social tensions."We did not choose this, unfortunately the ANC has forced us to pay this hefty multi-generational bill by giving family status to one of the worst political parties in Africa. We cannot be forever yena' with Zanu PF."South Africa should cut all ties with Zanu PF. We can't endorse presidents and family dynasties forever. Be it Museveni, Mugabe or Mnangagwa. They are all the same version of unscrupulous tyrants decimating Africa. 'iAfrica mayibuye' was not a call for some families to rule in perpetuity. It was for inclusive and fair democratic forms of self-determination."If Zanu PF falls, many of the undocumented immigrants will go back to Zimbabwe. If Frelimo falls, many of the undocumented immigrants will go back to Mozambique."We must not encourage or endorse any actions which worsen democracy in SADC and in Africa. Especially when we will pay the price."Maimane's comments highlight regional concerns that extended authoritarian rule in Zimbabwe could further strain South Africa's resources and exacerbate social and economic pressures caused by cross-border migration. Kwality Wall's to start trading on BSE, NSE from February 16 GIFT IFSC is positioned as a hub for cross-border financial services spanning banking, capital markets, asset management Teena Jain Kaushal is Editor - Personal Finance (Audience Growth) at Moneycontrol, with over two decades of expertise demystifying money matters. Whether its decoding tax, navigating investments, or breaking down the latest insurance trends, her aim is to help readers make smarter financial decisions. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK The former chief executive officer of Mastercard Inc., who took the helm of the Washington-based lender in 2023, illustrated his point with the record funding round secured by the International Development Association for the worlds poorest countries at the end of 2024 Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin exuded confidence in the DMK forming the government on its own Locals stage a protest demanding statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the Union Territory, in Ladakh. (Source: PTI) News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwean government is turning to Belarus for assistance in combating January Disease (Theileriosis) and other tick-borne infections devastating cattle herds nationwide.Discussions took place on Wednesday when Davis Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, met with Belarusian representatives to explore the supply of veterinary medicines and ways to strengthen local disease control capacity.January Disease and related tick-borne illnesses continue to cause significant livestock losses, particularly during the rainy season when tick infestations surge. Marapira emphasized the importance of protecting Zimbabwe's national herd, building on the progress of the Zimbabwe-Belarus mechanisation programme."We have the tractors to till the land and now we must have the medicine to save our cows," Marapira said. "The ultimate goal is to stop the livestock deaths that have hit our communities hard, ensuring our herd grows and stays healthy."The Zimbabwe Farmers Union is facilitating the partnership with BelAgroGen, a Belarusian firm specializing in veterinary pharmaceuticals. The collaboration will focus on introducing high-quality medicines to combat ticks, internal parasites, and respiratory infections in cattle.The Belarusian delegation was led by Ihar Marshalau, Belarusian ambassador to Zimbabwe, alongside embassy counsellor Raman Kozyr and Andrei Molchan, deputy director of BelAgroGen and former ambassador.The partnership is expected to bolster Zimbabwe's efforts to safeguard livestock and secure the livelihoods of farming communities. Union Minister Kiren Rijij said the government had earlier decided to move a motion against Rahul Gandhi for using objectionable language against the Prime Minister. Minister says key crops and dairy are protected under IndiaUS interim pact as Congress alleges risks to farmers; privilege motion unlikely. BNPs sweeping victory in Bangladesh puts Tarique Rahman on course for premiership, raising questions for India on Hasinas stay, border security, power trade and China ties. The Prime Ministers Office is moving from the British era South Block to its new address Seva Teerth. (Photo: X/DrJitendraSingh) News / National by Staff reporter Police in Manicaland Province have opened a formal investigation and begun a manhunt following an incident in which unidentified individuals forced their way into the boardroom at Rekayi Tangwena Government Complex, disrupting a Zanu-PF Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting on Monday.The chaotic event, captured on viral video clips circulating on social media, prompted the deployment of an investigative team from Zanu-PF national headquarters in Harare, led by party security personnel, to Mutare for internal inquiries.The PEC meeting, intended to review the state of the party in the province, had already descended into disorder when rival factions clashed over proceedings. Provincial Chairman Tawanda Mukodza aborted the session after members shouted, banged desks, and exchanged insults.A faction opposing his leadership attempted to continue the meeting under Sam Matema, the provincial secretary for administration. At that point, a group of unidentified intruders stormed the boardroom, ordering attendees to leave, climbing on tables, and shouting that the meeting had already been terminated. Plain-clothes police officers witnessed the disruption.Following the intrusion, some party officials filed complaints at Mutare Central Police Station, prompting uniformed officers to restore order. No arrests were made initially, as the intruders had already fled. However, sources indicate that some suspect vehicles were impounded and roadblocks were set up in Mutare as authorities attempt to apprehend those responsible.The Zanu-PF National Commissariat Department has since taken control of the situation, reviewing written reports from both factions. National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha confirmed that internal investigations are ongoing but declined to provide a timeline or details on outcomes.Meanwhile, Secretary for Security Lovemore Matuke reiterated that the party will investigate the incident, while Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa criticised party detractors for the disruption.The meeting's agenda included a report by provincial political commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa, focusing on cell restructuring, upcoming national events such as National Youth Day and Independence Day, and mobilisation strategies to demonstrate Manicaland's organisational strength. Chaos reportedly erupted when Buhera West legislator Tafadzwa Mugwadi was instructed to limit his comments, sparking outrage from other members.Authorities and the party have vowed to restore order and discipline, warning that interference in lawful political gatherings will not be tolerated, regardless of political affiliation. While Ramesh Chennithala will lead the campaign committee, Shashi Tharoor will serve as co-chairman. Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had demanded the cancellation of the Bangladesh election The CJI further stated that either the Manipur High Court, the Guwahati High Court, or both could continue supervising developments and asked lawyers to seek instructions and revert within two weeks. Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Members of the Telangana Congress celebrate as the party takes a decisive lead in the municipal elections. Minorities had little choice beyond BNP and that tilted the results substantially in the partys favour. (Source: AP Photo) Pratim Ranjan Bose is an independent columnist, researcher, and consultant. His Twitter handle is @pratimbose. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Most of us experience climate change as heat in our cities or floods on our streets. Amitabh Sinha is the executive editor of News18 India. He has extensive experience in print and TV journalism. He started his career with Patna's 'Times of India' and reported for almost 14 years at 'Aaj Tak'. He has been associated with Network18 since 2015. writes with equal authority in Hindi and English languages and has reported on many important events and incidents in India and abroad. He has a long experience in parliamentary journalism and has special grasp of e policies and schemes of the government. He writes regularly on News18's website in both Hindi and English languages. He is a post graduate from Delhi University. X- @amitabhnews18 News / National by Staff reporter The rehabilitation of Old Bulawayo, the historic capital of King Lobengula, is progressing slowly due to financial constraints, officials have confirmed.The site, which was devastated by fire in 2010, has seen some reconstruction work, including the rebuilding of the King's palace and partial erection of the kraal, but the project remains incomplete.Paul Mupfira, regional director of the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), said:"We have only managed to secure funds for the palisade fence and materials to refurbish the museum. All I can say is that progress on the project has been slow."Reports from 2025 indicate that some stakeholders who had pledged support for the project failed to deliver, resulting in a shortage of materials.Despite the challenges, there has been progress: the first beehive structure has been completed, and road maintenance has been carried out in collaboration with the Tourism and Hospitality Industry ministry and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.Old Bulawayo was founded by King Lobengula in 1870, following the death of his father, King Mzilikazi, in 1868. Its layout reflects the rich heritage of the Ndebele people. In 1881, after 11 years at the site, Lobengula moved his capital to modern-day Bulawayo and ordered the destruction of the old settlement by fire.The NMMZ identified the site as suitable for an educational and tourist centre in 1990, and it was reconstructed as a theme park in 1998. The ongoing rehabilitation aims to preserve this historic site for future generations while boosting heritage tourism. Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar sold for just Rs 16 in Pakistan market A study published on 4 February 2026 in Astrobiology reports that non biological sources, including meteorite delivery, cannot fully account for organic compounds discovered by NASAs Curiosity rover in Gale Crater. The molecules, detected in 2025, may be fragments of fatty acids. Using radiation experiments and modelling spanning 80 million years, researchers estimated higher original organic levels than geology alone could explain. While not proof of life, the findings keep the possibility open. Did our AI summary help? Bonnie Bassler, a molecular biologist at Princeton University, spoke about bacterial communication during a lecture on the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. She explained how microbes use quorum sensing to coordinate behaviour, influencing both disease and beneficial partnerships. Bassler highlighted the medical potential of anti quorum sensing therapies as alternatives to antibiotics, citing examples such as Vibrio cholerae and the bioluminescent Vibrio fischeri. She stressed the importance of basic research in unlocking future medical advances. Did our AI summary help? The Narcisse Snake Dens in Manitoba host the worlds largest concentration of red sided garter snakes, with up to 100000 individuals hibernating in limestone caverns each winter. Protected from temperatures as low as minus 30C, the snakes emerge in spring to mate, forming dramatic mating balls driven by powerful pheromones. The unique geology and seasonal behaviour make the site one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in North America. Did our AI summary help? SpaceX successfully launched NASAs Crew 12 mission to the International Space Station on 13 February 2026 at 3:45 pm IST. Four astronauts, including ESAs Sophie Adenot, are heading to join Expedition 74 for an eight-month stay. The crew will conduct over 200 experiments, focusing on blood clot research, astronaut vision health and manual piloting tests for future Moon missions. Docking is expected about 28 hours after liftoff. Did our AI summary help? Nasas Crew 12 mission is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 3:45 pm IST from Florida, carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station. The team will join Expedition 74 for an eight-month stay, conducting over 200 experiments focused on blood clot research, astronaut vision health and manual piloting tests for future Moon missions. Nasa and SpaceX will provide live coverage for global viewers, including audiences in India. Did our AI summary help? Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com News / National by Staff reporter Newly-elected Nkulumane legislator Freedom Murechu of Zanu-PF has been officially sworn in as a Member of Parliament, marking the start of his tenure in the National Assembly.Murechu won the seat in a December by-election, which was held following the untimely death of the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker, Desire Moyo, who passed away in a car accident last October.During the swearing-in ceremony, Murechu pledged to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe and to faithfully execute his duties as a representative of the people of Nkulumane.In a brief interview after the ceremony, Murechu emphasised his commitment to advancing the developmental priorities of his constituency. "I am honoured to serve the people of Nkulumane," he said. "My focus will be on amplifying their concerns in Parliament and working towards tangible social and economic development."He added that community engagement would be central to his legislative approach, ensuring that his contributions in Parliament reflect the real needs and aspirations of Nkulumane residents. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza on October 8, 2023 Did our AI summary help? Aishwarya Dabhade Chief Sub-Editor at Moneycontrol. She leads shifts and writes explainers on business, policy, markets and geopolitics. Ex-CNBC-TV18, The Economic Times, YouGov and WebEngage. Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Tarique Rahman waves as he comes out after casting his vote during the national parliamentary elections in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday. (Source: AP Photo) Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Around 500 kilometres south of Moscow, Voronezh -- a city of one million people -- is closer to the front line in eastern Ukraine than to the Russian capital News / National by Staff reporter The nation's media fraternity is in mourning following the death of veteran journalist John Masuku, affectionately known as "Ndwandwe," his Nguni clan name. He passed away at the age of 70 in the early hours of Friday, 13 February 2026, coinciding with World Radio Day - a day Masuku celebrated with unmatched passion and dedication throughout his career.Masuku's illustrious career in journalism spanned 52 years, beginning in 1974 at the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation (now ZBC) Mbare Studios in Harare. Over the decades, he became a towering figure in Zimbabwean media, known not only for his storytelling but also for mentoring generations of journalists and serving communities across the country.The Masuku family confirmed his sudden passing at his home in Mabelreign. Veteran journalist Funny Mushava shared the news, noting that despite having a known heart condition, Masuku had been in good health and engaged in his usual daily activities. The unexpected loss has left family, friends, and colleagues reeling."Mourners are gathered at his residence at Number 1 Pat Palmer Owen Drive, Cotswold Hills, Mabelreign," the family said in a statement. "Today marks World Radio Day, a day that held special meaning for Mr Masuku, who loved radio deeply. His passing on this day is a poignant reminder of his lifelong dedication to the medium."The family requested privacy as they grieve and indicated that further details regarding funeral and memorial service arrangements will be shared in due course.Masuku leaves behind a legacy defined by journalistic integrity, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to radio and the broader media landscape in Zimbabwe. BNP crosses majority mark in first election since Sheikh Hasinas ouster; Tarique Rahman set to lead as constitutional reforms clear referendum. The departure follows new DOJ documents and Wall Street Journal revelations about 2019 call after Epsteins arrest. (Image credit: Bloomberg) The USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group will now join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, delaying its return home and underscoring Washingtons intensifying pressure on Iran, The New York Times reports. Trump last year imposed a 50% levy on foreign steel and aluminum in a measure aimed at Chinese overcapacity. Hasina left the country for India after her administration was toppled during the 2024 student-led uprising. Her government had maintained close ties with New Delhi. Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran News / National by Staff Reporter MDC president Welshman Ncube has urged Zimbabweans to embrace the spirit of Christmas despite the trying times the country is facing, saying a brighter and prosperous future lies ahead.In an end-of-yeat message, Ncube said 2014 has been a difficult and challenging year for most Zimbabweans who have little to celebrate due to challenges which undermine the spirit of Christmas, such as joblessness, the ever rising unemployment levels, job losses, business and company closures and general and increased poverty levels."The year 2014 has been a difficult and challenging year for most Zimbabweans. We must nonetheless look back on the year with the knowledge that a brighter and prosperous future lies ahead," he said."We acknowledge all the challenges we face which undermine the spirit of Christmas, nevertheless, let us remember that Christmas is still a time for giving, a time for spreading the message of hope, for thanksgiving, for helping those less fortunate than us and above all a time for reuniting and spending quality time with family and friends."Ncube said regardless of the challenges, Christmas is a time for giving, a time for spreading the message of hope and for helping those less fortunate.He said the MDC leadership was optimistic about the future of the country as they had committed themselves to reuniting the MDC political family members who are committed to the founding values of the party."I and the rest of the MDC leadership are optimistic about the future of our country as we look forward to 2015, a year in which we have committed ourselves to reunite the MDC political family members who practice and remain committed to the founding values of the MDC such as tolerance, servant and empathetic leadership, non -violence, peace, equality and democracy," Ncube continued.He advised members of the public to desist from activities which endanger lives such as careless driving, excessive alcohol consumption and violence. Tarique Rahman is set to become the prime minister to replace the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. February 13, 2026 WSJ Debunks NYTs Ragtag Network Of Activist Propaganda On January 16 I lambasted a New York Times piece which claimed (archived) that: [A] ragtag network of activists, developers and engineers pierced Irans digital barricades. Using thousands of Starlink satellite internet systems that they had quietly smuggled into the country, they got online and spread images of troops firing into the streets and families searching for bodies. The NYT went on to listen a number of Iranian expat groups allegedly involved in the endeavor. In the end all of them seemed to be in one or another way financed and organized by the U.S. of A.: We are now down at the 18th paragraph of NY Times piece on a ragtag network of activists which finally hints to who is organizing and financing it: The State Department coordinated with SpaceX on the sanctions exemption for digital communication tools in Iran. It also provided support to civil society groups about how to hide the systems from government detection, according to a Biden administration official involved in the plans. It is the U.S. government which provided the various regime change groups with the money to smuggle some 50,000 Starlink terminals into Iran. A recent Wall Street Journal report on the issue is more explicit in making the case that whole Starlink operation in Iran was directly run by the Trump administration (archived): The State Department had purchased nearly 7,000 Starlink terminals in earlier monthswith most bought in Januaryto help antiregime activists circumvent internet shut-offs in Iran, officials said. The purchase came after senior Trump administration appointees decided to divert some funds from other internet-freedom initiatives inside Iran to the purchasing of Starlink terminals instead. President Trump was aware of the deliveries, officials said, but they didnt know if he or someone else directly approved of the plan. Trump and Musk spoke in January about ensuring Iranians could use Starlink to access the internet during protests, the White House confirmed at the time. Previously the U.S. government had financed five Virtual Private Network (VPN) companies to provide uncensored but spied on Internet access to Iran. The costly purchase of Starlink, planned many months in advance, cut into their business: The administrations decision to procure Starlink systems came against the backdrop of internal debates over whether diverting funds to Starlink would undercut other important U.S. programs that fund internet access in Iran. For months, senior officials pushed Starlink as the best way to support antiregime movements inside Iran, alongside or instead of virtual private networks, known more commonly as VPNs. Mora Namdar, who until December led the State Departments Middle East bureau, in August sent a memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the acquisition of Starlink expressly for delivery to Iran. While her bureau has funded a variety of VPNs and other internet freedom technologies, it is useless when the internet is shut down, she wrote. Mora Namdar was technically right: Hull said Psiphon [- a U.S. financed VPN provider -] had about 18.4 million active Iranian users in January, the same month Tehran shut off the internet, though the company detected only 1,500 people operating Psiphon with Starlink when the regime cut off nearly all online access. When the State Department redirected VPN funds to acquiring Starlink, it allowed funding to lapse for two of five VPN providers for Iran, two U.S. officials said. Three continued with limited support from remaining U.S. funds, they said. However Starlink, the alternative communication route which Mora Namdar had promoted, soon turned out to be vulnerable too. As provided in my previous piece: But the whole costly endeavor did not play out as planned. Starlink terminals use GPS to define their own position which they need to know to be able to find and connect to Starlinks satellites. GPS signals are weak and easy to fake. The Iranian government is spoofing GPS signals giving fake locations which confuses the Starlink terminals. They can not find and connect to the satellites they need. (There are additional ways to detect and locate single active Starlink terminals. But to disable a large number of them GPS spoofing is currently the best way to go.) This is another case where propaganda in the NYT and other mainstream outlets has tried to promote covered U.S. government operations as a leaderless movement of democratic youths in this or that country. In reality many the ragtag network of activists turn out to be financed by the U.S. or even directly involved State Department and CIA bureaucrats . Comments News / National by Patience Mutsiwi AN HIV positive man from Zvishavane who raped a Gade Six pupil and tried to silence her with $5 has been jailed for 15 years. A medical report which was produced in court showed that the girl was not infected with any sexually transmitted disease or HIV.Daniel Zivurawa (38) of Muvengiwa village under Chief Masunda pleaded not guilty to rape charges when he appeared before Gweru Magistrate Mr Morgan Nemadire.He was, however, convicted due to overwhelming evidence against him. The magistrate sentenced him to 15 years in jail and suspended three years on condition of good behaviour. Prosecuting, Mr Andrew Marimo said in November last year at around 4PM, Zivurawa met the complainant on her way from school and told her that he had good news for her.She ignored him and continued walking home. Mr Marimo said Zivurawa blocked the girl's way and dragged her to a nearby bush. He tied her hands with a rope and stuffed her mouth with a cloth.The court heard that Zivurawa then undressed and raped the defenceless girl once without using any protection fully aware that he was on treatment for HIV. After the rape, Zivurawa then offered the girl $5 to conceal the matter."A herd boy who was herding cattle heard the girl screaming and walked towards the direction of the screams. "The boy met the pupil on her way home and inquired what the problem was," said Mr Marimo.The girl pointed at the man who was following her and the herd boy took her back to school and informed the school's headmaster about the rape. SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where business events are no longer just about meetings but about meaningful connections and memorable journeys, PARKROYAL on Beach Road is redefining what it means to host international events in Singapore offering global organisers a destination where world-class facilities, authentic culture and seamless hospitality converge under one roof. Theatre Style in Grand Ballroom Strategically located at the gateway between Singapore's Central Business District and the historic Kampong Gelam precinct, the hotel is positioning itself as a leading destination MICE venue for international conferences, corporate meetings and incentive groups seeking both efficiency and experience. "With today's global organisers looking beyond function to experience, wellness and sustainability, our goal is to deliver events that are seamless, culturally enriching and distinctly Singaporean," said Damian Tan, General Manager of PARKROYAL on Beach Road. "We want every event hosted here to leave delegates inspired not just productive." Designed for the evolving needs of global business travellers, PARKROYAL on Beach Road features a comprehensive portfolio of column-free ballrooms, modular breakout rooms and expansive pre-function spaces, allowing organisers to customise layouts for plenary sessions, concurrent tracks, exhibitions and networking formats. With robust audiovisual infrastructure and high-speed connectivity, the venue supports dynamic, hybrid-ready event delivery with operational reliability. Beyond the meeting rooms, the hotel offers an integrated "staymeetwellness" MICE ecosystem that enhances delegate engagement and simplifies logistics. Spacious guest rooms, a dedicated Wellness Floor and curated dining experiences allow delegates to move seamlessly between business, networking and rejuvenation within a single destination reducing transit time while elevating overall event experience. International delegates are also invited to discover Singapore beyond the boardroom. Located at the doorstep of Kampong Gelam, the hotel curates certified heritage tours, local culinary touchpoints and culturally inspired hospitality experiences, offering organisers an opportunity to embed authentic destination storytelling into their programmes. Sustainability remains a key pillar of the venue's MICE strategy. Digital event materials, reduced single-use plastics, energy-efficient systems and an integrated venue model support environmentally responsible event planning, aligned with Singapore's vision for sustainable business tourism. The presidents reckless approach to international relations has driven away Americas traditional partners, which increasingly see the U.S. as a threat, according to a new poll. The survey, conducted by consultants Kekst CNC for the Munich Security Index and published on Tuesday, revealed that in G7 nations, as well as in Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, the net number of people who see the United States as an ally declined. The polling was conducted in November, before President Donald Trump launched his attack on Venezuela or threatened military force in a bid to seize Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally. The survey was released ahead of the Munich Security Conference on Friday. The eventwhich will notably not include Trump or Vice President JD Vancedubs itself as the worlds leading forum for debating international security policy. Despite Trump hosting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office, relations with Canada have tanked. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Kekst CNC surveyed 11,099 people in G7 nationswhich, excluding the U.S., includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdomand in Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. Among all the nations polled, Canadians reported the greatest increase in perceived threat from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps repeated taunting of Canada as Americas 51st State, and subsequent punitive tariffs, informed the most dramatic shift. As measured by the index, which is expressed in trends rather than percentages, Canadians are now almost as likely as Chinese respondents to regard the U.S. as a threat to their countrys security. In many emerging markets, aggressive U.S. trade policy and confrontational rhetoric appear to have eroded long-standing confidence. In Europe, anxiety over U.S. foreign policy has been compounded by Trumps attempt to force allies to concede control of the mineral rich Artic island of Greenland, he says, for security reasons, and his threat to punish opposition with tariffs. The White House said it would impose an additional 10 percent tariff on goods from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland starting Feb. 1, an amount that could rise to 25 percent by June unless a deal is reached for a complete and total purchase of Greenland. Trump has since cooled on his Greenland rhetoric, but it often re-emerges in fits and starts, creating a sense of anxiety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, a new survey from Politicos polling partner Public First found pretty much the same thing. It surveyed 10,000 people across four allied nations: the U.K., Canada, Germany, and France, where a majority of people viewed the U.S. as an unreliable ally, rather than one their nations could count on. This included half the adults polled in Germany and 57 percent in Canada. An AI picture shared by Trump showing JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and the president conquering Greenland. His rhetoric towards the Danish territory has spooked Europeans. / Donald Trump/Truth Social Officials visiting the Munich Security Conference in Germany this week were preparing for further displays of U.S. antagonism, though nerves were somewhat eased by the absence of both Trump and Vice President JD Vance. I hope its boring, one European foreign minister told the Financial Times ahead of the conference. Notably, however, Britons remain the most positive about America among the nations surveyed, providing a rare outlier in the broader trend of declining U.S. favorability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump did damage to the countrys image in Europe with his Greenland threats. YouGov European tracker data, monitoring attitudes in Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain from Jan. 9 to 27, showed that perceptions of the U.S. are the worst they have been since YouGov started tracking in 2016. President Donald Trump at the Unsurprisingly, opinion was most negative in Denmark, where 84 percent of Danes now have an unfavourable view of the U.S. That figure is up from 70 percent in November 2025. During President Joe Bidens term, the average was 36 percent. The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for comment. Report exposes 2,300 CCP-linked groups infiltrating western democracies A Jamestown Foundation report exposes more than 2,300 CCP-linked organizations operating in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the UK to push Beijings agenda. The CCPs United Front Work Department (UFWD) systematically co-opts overseas Chinese communities, academic institutions, and local governments through coercion and financial incentives. These groups span student associations, business networks, media outlets, and cultural organizations, all amplifying CCP narratives while posing as independent civic groups. The UFWD enables espionage, technology theft, and transnational repression, including secret police stations and harassment of dissidents. Western governments have failed to counter this influence, with experts calling for greater transparency, public education, and international cooperation to dismantle these networks. A bombshell report from the Jamestown Foundation has uncovered a vast network of Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked organizations operating in the United States, Canada, Germany, and the UK totaling more than 2,300 groups. The U.S. alone hosts 967 such organizations, including student associations, business groups, media outlets, and civic organizations, all working to advance Beijings political, economic, and ideological agenda. The findings, published February 11, reveal how the CCPs United Front Work Department (UFWD), a key arm of the regimes influence operations, has systematically co-opted overseas Chinese communities, academic institutions, and even local governments to push pro-Beijing narratives while obscuring its direct involvement. A decades-long strategy of coercion and influence The UFWD, which reports directly to the CCPs Central Committee, has long been described by Chinese leaders as a "magic weapon" for mobilizing support. Under Xi Jinping, its mission has expanded beyond economic engagement to include political lobbying, talent recruitment, and transnational repression, targeting dissidents, ethnic minorities, and critics of the regime. The report details how the CCP identifies and cultivates relationships with overseas groups, inviting leaders to China, offering financial incentives, and gradually embedding Party-aligned messaging into their activities. Over time, these organizations become proxies for Beijing, amplifying CCP narratives on issues like Taiwan, human rights, and U.S.-China relations, all while presenting themselves as independent civic groups. The scope of the network The 2,300+ identified groups span eight categories: Identity-based organizations (697): Hometown associations, alumni groups, and race-based networks that promote CCP-approved versions of Chinese identity. Hometown associations, alumni groups, and race-based networks that promote CCP-approved versions of Chinese identity. Student organizations (539): Campus groups that facilitate monitoring and influence over Chinese students abroad. Campus groups that facilitate monitoring and influence over Chinese students abroad. Business associations (322): Economic networks that funnel foreign investment and technology back to China. Economic networks that funnel foreign investment and technology back to China. Educational organizations (102): Schools and cultural programs that indoctrinate second- and third-generation Chinese with Party-approved narratives. Schools and cultural programs that indoctrinate second- and third-generation Chinese with Party-approved narratives. Professional organizations (170): Talent recruitment hubs for scientists, engineers, and academics. Talent recruitment hubs for scientists, engineers, and academics. Political groups (86): Lobbying arms that push pro-CCP policies in Western governments. Lobbying arms that push pro-CCP policies in Western governments. Media outlets (162): Chinese-language news platforms that spread state propaganda. Chinese-language news platforms that spread state propaganda. Cultural and friendship groups (216): Soft-power tools that host events to whitewash the CCPs image. One striking example is the Chinese American Federation (CAF), a California-based group that has organized protests against Taiwanese officials, lobbied against U.S. support for Hong Kong, and hosted CCP officials at its events. Its former president, Simon Shao, openly stated his role was to "tell Chinas story well" and "intervene in politics" a direct admission of the UFWDs influence. From soft power to transnational repression Beyond propaganda, the report documents how these groups enable espionage, technology theft, and harassment of dissidents. In 2023, U.S. prosecutors charged two New York men, Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping, with operating a secret Chinese police station inside the America ChangLe Association. The facility was part of a global network of 102 such outposts, used to monitor and intimidate Chinese expats. Similarly, in Canada, the RCMP investigated two Montreal-based organizations, Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal and South Shore Sino-Quebec Centre, for alleged ties to Beijings "persuasion to return" campaign, which coerced 230,000 Chinese nationals into returning to China between 2021 and 2022. The report warns that while much of the UFWDs activity is conducted openly, Western governments have failed to adequately track or counter it. Current foreign agent registration laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), are underutilized, with only 275 Chinese entities registered despite the 967 identified groups. Experts argue that greater transparency, public education, and international cooperation are needed to expose and dismantle these networks. Without action, the CCPs influence will continue to erode democratic institutions from within. The bigger picture: A global power play The UFWDs operations are part of a broader CCP strategy to reshape the international order in its favor. By leveraging diaspora communities, infiltrating academia, and manipulating local politics, Beijing seeks to neutralize opposition, acquire foreign technology, and position China as the dominant global power, all while avoiding direct accountability. As the report concludes, these organizations "constitute latent capacity that the Party can mobilize to advance the Party's agenda." The question now is whether Western democracies will wake up before it's too late. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com Jamestown.org TheEpochTimes.com TheEpochTimes.com CDC study confirms elevated pregnancy risks from COVID-19 shots, exposing a legacy of medical betrayal A new study from the very heart of the U.S. public health apparatus has delivered a damning indictment of the COVID-19 scandals most vulnerable targets: pregnant women and their unborn children. Published in the journal Vaccine, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis reveals that women who received a COVID-19 genetic shot during or just before pregnancy suffered significantly higher rates of life-threatening hypertensive disorders. This data, emerging years after health authorities like former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and obstetrician groups aggressively pushed the shots as safe for this population, exposes a catastrophic failure of medical ethics and a systemic cover-up of iatrogenic harm. The findings validate the warnings of independent researchers and a grieving public who were vilified for questioning the official narrative, now proven to be built on a foundation of negligence and deceit. Key points: A CDC-led study in Vaccine found a 24% increased risk of hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia in vaccinated pregnant women. The risk held regardless of vaccine brand or timing during pregnancy, matching the elevated risk from COVID-19 illness itself. The studys authors, many from the CDC, call for updated risk-benefit analyses, contradicting years of unequivocal safe and effective messaging. Biological mechanisms, including spike protein interaction with placental cells and vaccine-induced inflammation, were acknowledged as plausible causesmechanisms understood by science before the rollout. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) continues to advise the shots are completely safe during pregnancy, despite the CDCs own contradictory data. A registry of regret The research compared over 16,000 first-time pregnancies, matching vaccinated and unvaccinated women. The result was a clear and statistically significant signal: 15% of vaccinated women reported hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), compared to 12% of the unvaccinated. These are not minor complications. HDPs, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality. After adjusting for variables like obesity and diabetes, the elevated risk for the vaccinated group remained. As epidemiologist Nicolas Hulscher stated, Pregnant women were told these genetic products were safe. And now, the CDC itself has identified a statistically significant elevation in one of the most serious obstetric complications. This admission is monumental. For years, questioning the safety of these products for pregnant women was met with censorship and scorn. Doctors like ACOGs Dr. Mark Turrentine declared them completely safe on the organizations website, a stance that remains unchanged even as the CDCs own scientists publish evidence to the contrary. The study authors cautiously note the findings do not prove causation, but the biological plausibility they outline tells a different story. The known mechanisms of harm The paper discusses how the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteinthe very toxin the mRNA shots instruct the body to manufactureinteracts with ACE2 receptors on placental cells. These receptors are crucial for blood pressure regulation. The inflammatory response triggered by the vaccine can also disrupt placental blood flow. These are not new discoveries. As Childrens Health Defense Senior Research Scientist Karl Jablonowski pointed out, science identified these links in 2020, before the CDC began its relentless campaign targeting pregnant women. The most staggering public health failure highlighted by the data is the risk comparison. The study found the increased HDP risk from vaccination is similar to the risk from contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy. This fact obliterates the central justification used to coerce millions of expectant mothers: that the shot was necessary to protect them from a danger greater than the intervention itself. The authorities knowingly offered a solution that carried a comparable risk of severe harm, while fraudulently marketing it as without peril. The unending cover-up The CDCs current guidance on COVID-19 shots for pregnant women is listed cryptically on its website as no guidance/not applicable, a bureaucratic limbo that speaks volumes. There is no urgent recall, no revised warning, only the silent admission of a study in a journal. Meanwhile, the compensation mechanism for those injured is a black hole, as top legal experts have described, leaving families to suffer life-altering consequences without support. This study is not an anomaly; it is a confirmation. It joins over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts detailing vaccine-induced myocarditis, the alarming signals in cancer and fertility research, and the grim real-world data from adverse event reporting systems that paint a picture of a global medical catastrophe. The COVID-19 scandal was a construct of control, and its most tragic experiment was conducted on the trusting and the vulnerable. Accountability is not just warrantedit is a moral imperative for the generations harmed by this unprecedented betrayal. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org ChildrensHealthDefense.org NaturalNews.com The Great Property Tax Heist: The shocking scheme forcing families into financial ruin According to "The Great Property Tax Heist: How Government Fraud is Stealing Your Home," Central Appraisal Districts (CADs) artificially inflate property values to meet predetermined budgets, disregarding fair market assessments and violating professional appraisal standards (USPAP). This forces homeowners into financial distress, particularly retirees, farmers and middle-class families. Taxing entities (schools, cities, fire departments) dictate revenue targets, and CADs manipulate valuations to meet them often targeting working-class or minority neighborhoods disproportionately. Whistleblower documents (e.g., Denton CAD emails) prove intentional fraud. Property taxes violate the Fifth Amendment (unjust takings) and Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection), functioning as perpetual rent payments to the state. Texas' "uniform taxation" requirement is ignored, enabling equity stripping a slow confiscation of homeowners' assets. Overinflated valuations fuel municipal debt bubbles (akin to 2008's subprime crisis) while forcing families to sell homes. Meanwhile, bureaucrats escape accountability, leaving taxpayers to bear the fallout. Homeowners can fight back by protesting assessments, filing lawsuits, demanding transparency and organizing class actions. The ultimate fix? Abolishing property taxes entirely in favor of a state sales tax a voluntary, transparent alternative that doesn't punish ownership. Imagine opening your property tax bill and discovering that your home's value has mysteriously increased by 30% overnight not because of any real market change, but because your local government decided it needed more money. This isn't just bureaucratic incompetence; it's a calculated fraud designed to extract wealth from homeowners under the guise of "fair taxation." Let the book "The Great Property Tax Heist: How Government Fraud is Stealing Your Home" expound on this nefarious scheme that has forced families into financial ruin. Across America, from Texas to Florida to California, Central Appraisal Districts (CADs) are systematically inflating property values to meet predetermined budgets. Through this practice, CADs violate the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and push families toward financial ruin. The scam works like this: Taxing entities school districts, city councils and fire departments decide how much money they want to spend each year. That number is handed to the chief appraiser, whose job is not to assess fair market value but to extract that exact sum from property owners. Instead of following USPAP guidelines, which require valuations based on actual market data, CADs reverse-engineer numbers to fit their revenue targets. The result? Homeowners face skyrocketing tax bills based on fabricated valuations. Retirees on fixed incomes, small farmers and middle-class families are forced to sell their homes just to keep up with the government's insatiable appetite for revenue. Government theft: How CADs steal from homeowners In Texas alone, whistleblower documents reveal that Denton CAD officials openly admitted to inflating property values to meet budget demands. Emails show appraisers disregarding actual income and expense reports for rental properties, instead using arbitrary multipliers to artificially boost valuations. Similar fraud is unfolding nationwide, with appraisal districts targeting specific neighborhoods often working-class or minority communities for disproportionate tax hikes. The Texas Comptroller's Property Value Study, which is supposed to ensure fairness, instead rubber-stamps these inflated valuations redistributing wealth from homeowners to government coffers. This isn't just unfair it's unconstitutional. The Fifth Amendment prohibits the government from taking private property without just compensation. Yet property taxes function as a perpetual lien on homes, forcing owners to pay rent to the state for land they supposedly own. The Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause is routinely violated when CADs assess similar properties at wildly different rates, favoring politically connected elites while hammering ordinary citizens. Even the Texas Constitution's requirement for "uniform and equal" taxation is ignored as appraisal districts manipulate algorithms to squeeze more money from unsuspecting homeowners. The consequences are devastating. Retirees who spent decades paying off their mortgages are taxed out of their homes. Small businesses shutter under the weight of unsustainable property tax burdens. Families who played by the rules find themselves trapped in a system designed to strip their equity year after year a practice known as "equity stripping." Meanwhile, local governments use these inflated valuations to issue municipal bonds, creating a debt bubble that could collapse just like the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008. When that happens, taxpayers not the bureaucrats who orchestrated the fraud will be left holding the bag. From fraud to freedom: Fighting back against the property tax scam But homeowners aren't powerless. Armed with USPAP violations, state property tax codes and evidence of fraudulent valuations, individuals can fight back. File protests with your local Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Demand transparency through public information requests. Sue for violations of due process and equal protection. Join class-action lawsuits targeting systemic fraud. And most importantly, organize. When communities band together to challenge these predatory practices, they win as seen in cases where homeowners secured 30% reductions in their valuations simply by presenting undeniable evidence of overassessment. The solution isn't just tinkering with tax rates. It's abolishing property taxes altogether and replacing them with a state sales tax. Sales taxes are transparent, voluntary and don't punish ownership. States like Texas already function without income taxes; they can do the same without property taxes. The transition starts with slashing government waste, auditing every budget line and forcing bureaucracies to live within their means. The fight against property tax fraud isn't just about money it's about freedom. A government that can arbitrarily seize your home through taxation is no better than a feudal lord demanding tribute. But when homeowners unite, armed with the law and the truth, they can dismantle this corrupt system. The choice is simple: Surrender to the theft or stand up and reclaim what's yours. The silent heist ends now. Grab a copy of "The Great Property Tax Heist: How Government Fraud is Stealing Your Home" via this link. Discover this book and other good reads at Books.BrightLearn.AI, with thousands of books and counting all available to freely download, read and share. The decentralized BrightLearn.AI engine also lets readers create their own books, empowering them to share insights and truths with the world. Watch Mitch Vexler discussing the nature of the property tax fraud and its legal implications in this edition of the "Health Ranger Report" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Books.BrightLearn.ai 1 Book.BrightLearn.ai 2 BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com Trump to rescind Obama-era climate finding, rolling back federal greenhouse gas rules President Donald Trump plans to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding on Feb. 12, a move that would remove the legal basis for many federal greenhouse gas regulations. The White House says the repeal could save $1.3 trillion in regulatory costs, with the EPA projecting consumers may save an average of $2,400 per new vehicle. The Endangerment Finding determined that six greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare, allowing the EPA to regulate vehicle emissions and later expand rules to other sectors under the Clean Air Act. A proposed rule to repeal the finding drew more than 500,000 public comments after being published in the Federal Register in August 2025. Administration officials argue the repeal will boost U.S. energy production and economic growth, saying regulatory burdens threaten competitiveness, while framing the move as part of an effort to lower costs and "unleash American energy." President Donald Trump is set to rescind the 2009 Obama-era Endangerment Finding on Feb. 12, a move that would dismantle the legal basis for a wide range of federal greenhouse gas regulations. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the regulatory changes are projected to save consumers an average of $2,400 per vehicle on new cars, SUVs and trucks. Leavitt said the repeal is part of the administration's broader effort to lower costs for American families. "This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history and it will save the American people $1.3 trillion in crushing regulations," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing on Feb. 10. "This is just one more way this administration is working to make life more affordable for everyday Americans overall." The Endangerment Finding, issued in 2009 during the Obama administration, concluded that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, pose a threat to public health and welfare. The determination enabled the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and later expand those regulations to other sectors under the Clean Air Act. This finding, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, was a critical step in the broader agenda of globalist control and depopulation If finalized, rescinding the finding would remove the legal foundation underpinning many federal climate regulations, marking what could become the most far-reaching climate policy rollback of Trump's presidency. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is expected to join Trump at the ceremony formalizing the action. Trump officials defend climate finding repeal as key to "unleashing American energy" A proposed rule to rescind the finding was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 1, 2025. The proposal drew more than 500,000 public comments before the comment period closed on Sept. 22, 2025. The EPA has said that while it remains committed to its core mission of environmental protection, it also aims to support Trump's agenda to expand domestic energy production and reduce regulatory burdens. "Alongside President Trump, we are living up to our promises to unleash American energy, lower costs for Americans, revitalize the American auto industry and work hand-in-hand with our state partners to advance our shared mission," Zeldin said in March 2025. Other administration officials have echoed that economic argument. Speaking at a Feb. 3 event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said he believes regulatory constraints pose a greater threat than projected long-term temperature increases. "The existential threat is not a degree of climate change at 2100," Burgum said. "The existential threat is that we were going to regulate ourselves out of business." Burgum argued that restrictions on logging, mining and oil and gas development have limited the nations ability to fully utilize its natural resources. Energy Secretary Chris Wright made similar remarks in a Feb. 4 interview with Newsmax, linking expanded energy production to wage growth and U.S. competitiveness. "He wants to lower prices and raise wages," Wright said of Trump. Wright also criticized European climate policies for increasing energy costs, saying the U.S. should "bring down the cost of energy, grow your economy, lower costs." Watch the video below that talks about how the Trump EPA knows it is possible to protect the environment and grow the economy. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com EPA.gov BrightU.ai Brighteon.com A global travelers warning: CDC alerts public to mosquito-borne virus outbreaks The U.S. CDC has issued Level 2 travel health notices for Bolivia and Seychelles due to active chikungunya virus outbreaks. Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness, causes fever and severe joint pain and has no specific cure, making prevention critical. A vaccine is now available and recommended for travelers to outbreak areas, alongside standard mosquito bite precautions. The virus is established in over 100 countries, with numerous nations posing a persistent elevated risk to travelers. Health authorities monitor for local U.S. transmission after a single domestically acquired case was reported in 2025. In a move underscoring the persistent threat of mosquito-borne diseases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new travel health advisories in February 2026 for Bolivia and the Seychelles. The alerts, classified as Level 2, urge enhanced precautions due to active outbreaks of the chikungunya virus. These notices add to existing warnings for Cuba, Sri Lanka and Suriname, painting a picture of a pathogen with a widening geographic footprint that now touches popular tourist destinations from the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean and South America. Understanding the chikungunya threat The chikungunya virus, first identified in Tanzania in 1952, derives its name from a word meaning that which bends up, a reference to the severe, often debilitating joint pain it can cause. Transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoesthe same species that can carry dengue and Zika viruseschikungunya typically presents with sudden fever, rash and intense muscle and joint pain. While most patients recover fully within a week, a significant portion suffers from persistent arthritic pain that can last for months or even years. Severe complications and death are rare but are most likely in infants, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Historically confined to Africa and Asia, chikungunya began a dramatic global expansion in the early 21st century. A major outbreak in the Caribbean in 2013 marked its establishment in the Americas. Since then, local transmission has been documented in over 100 countries across tropical and subtropical regions. The CDCs latest advisories reflect the viruss continued, unpredictable spread into new areas, challenging public health systems and threatening to disrupt travel and tourism. The new era of prevention: A vaccine arrives A critical development since earlier outbreaks is the availability of a chikungunya vaccine, which the CDC explicitly recommends for travelers visiting areas with active outbreaks. This represents a significant shift from the past, where management was solely reactive, focusing on treating symptoms with fluids and pain relievers. The vaccine, alongside long-standing advice for mosquito avoidance, provides a proactive defense. Travelers are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning. The CDCs decision to issue an alert is multifaceted, based on factors including laboratory-confirmed cases, the outbreaks size and novelty in a region, and the volume of U.S. travelers affected. The agency also maintains a separate list of countries with consistently elevated risk, including major nations like Brazil, India, Mexico, the Philippines and Thailand, where the virus circulates constantly. A domestic shadow and historical context The international alerts carry a particular resonance for U.S. public health officials who remain vigilant for local transmission. In 2025, a single locally acquired case was reported in the U.S.the first since 2015alongside more than 466 travel-associated cases. This incident serves as a stark reminder that with global travel and compatible mosquito vectors present in many states, the threat of chikungunya gaining a domestic foothold is ever-present. Historical parallels can be drawn to the introduction and establishment of West Nile virus in 1999, which demonstrated how quickly an imported arbovirus can become endemic. The global response to chikungunya has also, at times, mirrored the control measures seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, health authorities in parts of China implemented quarantine protocols for chikungunya outbreaks, highlighting the social and economic disruption the virus can cause when it spreads rapidly through a non-immune population. Navigating a world of persistent pathogens The CDCs updated travel notices are more than just advisories for tourists; they are indicators of a shifting epidemiological landscape. The expansion of chikungunya into new territories like the Seychelles and specific Bolivian departments illustrates how climate, travel and urbanization can converge to facilitate the spread of once-regional diseases. For the informed traveler, the message is clear: global health awareness is an essential component of trip planning. Consulting CDC travel health notices, considering vaccination for eligible individuals, and rigorously employing mosquito bite prevention are the best strategies for safety. As the world grows more interconnected, understanding and mitigating these diffuse viral threats becomes a shared responsibility, emphasizing that in public health, vigilance knows no borders. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxNews.com CDC.gov The brains silent janitor: A clogged cleaning system may predict dementia a decade early A new study identifies three MRI-based biomarkers linked to the brain's waste-clearing "glymphatic system" that can predict dementia risk up to a decade in advance. Impaired glymphatic function, often driven by cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, prevents the brain from clearing toxic proteins, increasing dementia risk. The findings provide a biological explanation for why poor sleep and vascular health are strongly linked to dementia. The research suggests improving glymphatic function through sleep, exercise and blood pressure control could be a key preventative strategy. This discovery opens new avenues for early intervention and potential drug development targeting brain cleansing. What if doctors could see the seeds of dementia being sown in the brain ten years before memory begins to fade? Groundbreaking new research from the University of Cambridge suggests this may soon be possible by peering into the brains recently discovered internal cleaning service. By analyzing brain scans from 40,000 adults, scientists have identified specific malfunctions in the brains waste-clearance system, known as the glymphatic system, that strongly predict future dementia. This discovery not only offers a powerful new tool for early detection but also provides a compelling biological explanation for why lifestyle factors like poor sleep and high blood pressure are so detrimental to long-term brain health. The glymphatic system: The brain's nightly detox The glymphatic system, first described in 2012, functions as the brains dedicated waste management crew. During sleep, particularly deep sleep, it flushes cerebrospinal fluid through a network of tiny channels surrounding blood vessels, washing away metabolic trash like toxic proteins. When this system is impaired, debris accumulates. The Cambridge study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, found that three specific biomarkers of poor glymphatic functionabnormal fluid movement, an enlarged fluid-producing structure, and reduced fluid flow into the brainwere detectable on MRI scans and predicted dementia risk over the following decade. The cardiovascular connection: Pressure clogs the pipes A critical finding of the research is how intimately vascular health is tied to this cleaning process. The analysis showed that cardiovascular risk factors, especially high blood pressure, directly impair glymphatic function. This damage occurs partly through cerebral small vessel disease, which affects the brain's smallest blood vessels. "Disruption to the glymphatic system is likely to impair our ability to clear the brain of the amyloid and tau that causes Alzheimers disease," explained study author Hui Hong. This link explains why managing blood pressure has been shown in trials like SPRINT MIND to reduce cognitive decline by 20 percent, offering a clear, actionable path to dementia prevention. Beyond Alzheimer's: A common pathway for brain disease The implications of this research extend beyond Alzheimer's disease. Neurologists note that a faulty glymphatic system may be a common denominator in several neurological conditions. It is implicated in the progression of Parkinsons disease, the worsening of damage after a stroke, and the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from repeated head trauma. In diseases like neuromyelitis optica, direct antibodies against the systems water channels confirm its critical role. This suggests that supporting glymphatic health could be a broad strategy for enhancing neurological resilience against a spectrum of disorders. Actionable defense: Sleep, pressure and lifestyle The study translates complex neuroscience into practical prevention strategies. Since the glymphatic system is most active during deep, slow-wave sleep, prioritizing quality sleep is paramount. Recommendations include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and even considering side-sleeping, which some research suggests may enhance waste clearance. Furthermore, the research reinforces that managing cardiovascular health through blood pressure control, regular exercise and smoking cessation is not just good for the heart but is essential maintenance for the brains plumbing, driving the pulsations that power this cleaning cycle. A new era of proactive brain care This research marks a significant shift from simply observing dementias symptoms to understanding and intervening in its underlying biological mechanisms years earlier. It underscores that dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging but is often the result of a long, silent process where lifestyle choices directly impact the brains ability to cleanse itself. By identifying those at risk a decade in advance, the focus turns decisively toward prevention. The message is clear: protecting the brains future may depend as much on maintaining its nightly clean-up routine as on any future pill, placing the power of prevention firmly in our hands through modifiable daily habits. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com PubMed.com cam.ac.uk Au Port Autonome de Douala (PAD), la communication institutionnelle fait d?sormais l?objet d?un encadrement strict. Dans une note de service dat?e du 10 f?vrier 2026, le directeur g?n?ral Cyrus Ngo?o rappelle ? l?ordre ses collaborateurs concernant toute prise de parole publique non autoris?e, dans un contexte marqu? par un bras de fer sensible autour des op?rations de scanning avec le minist?re des Finances (MINFI) et les services du Premier ministre. Le document, reference Note de service n0068-26, souligne que certains agents du groupe PAD se sont exprimes dans des medias publics et prives au nom de linstitution sans validation prealable de la Direction generale. Une situation jugee preoccupante par le management, qui invoque la necessite de preserver limage, la credibilite et la coherence de la communication du port, surtout sur des dossiers consideres comme strategiques. La note precise que toute intervention mediatique interviews, debats radiophoniques ou televises, tribunes, analyses ou declarations publiques engageant linstitution est desormais soumise a une autorisation ecrite prealable de la Direction generale. Cette exigence setend aux medias traditionnels comme aux plateformes numeriques et reseaux sociaux assimiles. Pour la direction du PAD, cette mesure vise a garantir une parole institutionnelle maitrisee dans un environnement ou les enjeux economiques et administratifs lies aux activites portuaires demeurent hautement sensibles. Le timing de cette decision attire lattention, alors que les discussions autour des operations de scanning cristallisent des tensions entre differentes administrations. Le texte met egalement en garde contre toute violation de ces directives. Les agents contrevenants sexposent a des sanctions disciplinaires prevues par la reglementation en vigueur, sans exclure deventuelles poursuites supplementaires. A travers cette initiative, la direction du PAD affirme sa volonte de centraliser la communication dans un moment juge strategique, ou chaque declaration publique peut avoir des repercussions institutionnelles et economiques majeures. Douala Port Authority tightens media communication amid tensions over scanning operations Communication at the Douala Port Authority (PAD) is now under stricter control. In a service note dated February 10, 2026, Director General Cyrus Ngoo reminded staff that any public media intervention requires prior authorization, against the backdrop of ongoing tensions related to scanning operations involving the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Ministers office. The memo states that several PAD employees had spoken in public and private media outlets on behalf of the institution without prior approval from management. According to the leadership, such actions risk undermining the ports image, credibility, and communication coherence, especially on strategically sensitive matters. Under the directive, all media appearances including interviews, debates, opinion pieces, and public statements must receive written authorization from the Directorate General. The rule applies equally to traditional media and digital platforms, including social networks. PAD management argues that centralized communication is essential in a high-stakes environment where port operations carry significant economic and administrative implications. The timing of the directive is notable, as debates surrounding scanning procedures continue to generate friction between key government stakeholders. The memo also warns that violations may lead to disciplinary sanctions and potential legal consequences. Through this move, the port authority signals its intention to maintain tight control over institutional messaging during a strategically sensitive period. Port Autonome de Douala, Cyrus Ngoo, PAD Cameroun, communication institutionnelle, scanning portuaire, tensions MINFI PAD, note de service PAD, medias Cameroun, gouvernance portuaire, Douala port news Ange NGO FBI warns of AI-powered romance scams surging ahead of Valentines Dayvictims lose over $1B to fake love The FBI warns of a sharp increase in sophisticated romance scams targeting individuals online, especially around Valentine's Day, with fraudsters using dating apps, social media and AI to manipulate victims into losing life savings. Reported losses from romance scams hit $1.12 billion in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, making it the most damaging form of imposter fraud tracked by the FTC. Victims are often women over 40, widowed, divorced or disabled. Scammers create fake profiles (often posing as overseas professionals), rapidly build trust, then fabricate emergencies to extract money. The "pig butchering" scam involves grooming victims for fake cryptocurrency investmentsone man lost $1.5 million. Fraudsters now use AI-generated photos, deepfake videos and chatbots to craft believable personas, bypassing language barriers and making scams harder to detect. Some victims unwittingly become involved in criminal activity (e.g., money laundering). The FBI provides tips to protect ourselves, such as reverse-image-searching profile pictures, being wary of quick declarations of love, never sending money to someone you haven't met, avoiding sharing sensitive personal/financial details and reporting scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). As Valentine's Day approaches, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning Americans about a sharp rise in sophisticated romance scams targeting individuals searching for love online. Fraudsters are increasingly leveraging dating apps, social media and even artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate victims into handing over moneysometimes wiping out entire life savings. According to FBI field offices nationwide, reported losses from romance scams reached $1.12 billion in 2023, with median losses per victim at $2,000, making it the most financially damaging form of imposter fraud tracked by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Victimsoften women over 40, widowed, divorced or disabledare lured into false relationships before being pressured into sending funds for fabricated emergencies, fake investments or fraudulent legal fees. How the scams work BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that romance scams are deceptive schemes where fraudsters create fake dating profiles on dating platforms or social media to manipulate lonely individuals into fake romantic relationships, then exploit them for money or gifts under false pretenses. Romance scammers typically pose as attractive, successful professionalsoften claiming to work in construction, oil rigs or the military overseas. After rapidly building trust, they fabricate crises requiring urgent financial help. One notorious tactic, known as "pig butchering," involves scammers grooming victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. In one case, a New Hampshire man lost $1.5 million after being persuaded by an online love interest to invest in a fake crypto trading platform. "Fraudsters are lurking online claiming to be looking for love when they're really just looking to loot your bank account," warned Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division. AI adds a dangerous new twist Authorities report that scammers are now using AI-generated photos, deepfake videos and chatbots to craft more convincing fake personas. These tools help criminals bypass language barriers and create seemingly authentic profilesmaking it harder for victims to detect deception. Glenda, an 81-year-old victim featured in an FBI YouTube video, fell for a scammer posing as a Nigerian businessman. After being manipulated into laundering money for him, she was arrested and later pleaded guilty to federal feloniesa stark reminder that victims can unwittingly become entangled in criminal activity. How to protect yourself The FBI advises: Reverse-image search profile pictures to check for duplicates. Be skeptical of rapid declarations of love or marriage proposals. Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Avoid sharing personal details like bank info or Social Security numbers. "The best weapon against these scammers is a healthy dose of skepticism," Docks emphasized. Romance scams are not newconfidence fraud dates back centuriesbut the internet has supercharged their reach. With Valentine's Day heightening emotional vulnerability, experts urge caution. "People have to deal not just with losing thousands of pounds; they also have to cope with the psychological trauma of being both robbed and jilted by a 'lover,'" said Monica Whitty, a researcher at the University of Leicester. Victims are encouraged to report scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). As fraudsters refine their tactics, vigilance remains the best defense against heartbreakboth emotional and financial. Watch the video below that talks about romance baiting scams. This video is from the Secret Harbour Sessions channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com NBCLosAngeles.com TheHill.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Five states brace for life-threatening winter storm as snow, extreme cold sweep the nation A dangerous multi-state winter storm threatens Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, New York, and Utah. Extreme cold in Alaska risks frostbite within minutes. Heavy snow will make mountain travel difficult and visibility poor. The storm also brings a welcome boost to California's Sierra Nevada snowpack. Outdoor recreation in affected areas could become life-threatening. A severe winter onslaught is bearing down on five states, promising a dangerous mix of heavy snow, blistering winds, and bone-chilling cold that forecasters warn could turn deadly for the unprepared. The National Weather Service has issued a series of winter storm and winter weather warnings effective through Thursday for parts of Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, New York, and Utah. This multi-state event underscores the formidable power of late-season winter weather and serves as a critical test for preparedness in regions where such extremes are becoming a recurring reality. In Colorado, the focus is on significant mountain snow and travel headaches. The mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, the Indian Peaks and Rabbit Ears Pass are expected to see another 3 to 8 inches of snow by mid-Thursday morning. The Flat Tops, central Mountain Valleys and ranges including the Gore, Elk, and Sawatch mountains could see up to 6 inches, accompanied by 35 mph winds. The NWS for Colorado has warned drivers that travel will be difficult, particularly over the mountain passes, as blowing snow could "significantly reduce visibility." The situation grows even more dire farther north. Alaska is bracing for a truly Arctic blast. The Arctic Coast and Plains, and the Brooks Range Passes, could get strong wind chills, causing temperatures to plummet to as low as minus 65 degrees Fahrenheit until Saturday morning. The NWS said these temperatures could cause "frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes." Meanwhile, Haines and Haines Highway could see another 8 inches of snowfall, complicating travel. Wyoming officials are delivering a sobering message to outdoor enthusiasts. Up to 10 extra inches of snow could fall across the Sierra Madre and Snowy Range by Thursday morning. The NWS for Wyoming has warned those in affected areas, especially hikers and snowmobilers, that "outdoor recreation could become life-threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions." The warning notes that those out in these conditions can become easily disoriented, and "frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly." Precipitation across the east and west While the mountain west faces deep snow and cold, eastern states are not being spared. In New York, several counties, including Chenango, Oneida, and Otsego, could see accumulating snow, with up to 4 inches forecast to fall over the eastern Lake Ontario Region. This could leave snow-covered roads and hazardous conditions such as reduced visibility until mid-Thursday morning. Utahs high country is also in the bullseye for heavy accumulation. Mountain areas in southern Utah, above 7,000 feet, should expect up to 6 inches of snow, and up to 12 inches of snow is expected near Brian Head and the Tushar Range by early-Thursday morning. The Wasatch and western Uinta Mountains could see up to 12 inches of snow, with up to 15 inches possible across the upper Cottonwoods and high Uintas. This widespread event coincides with a potent weather pattern change on the West Coast, promising a much-needed boost to Californias lagging snowpack. A cold, large low-pressure system is moving in from the Gulf of Alaska. A needed boost for western snowpack In the Sierra Nevada, the system is expected to deliver feet of snow starting late Sunday. "Its going to pack a punch for the snowpack and help us a lot," said Justin Collins, a meteorologist with the weather services Reno office. He noted that around Lake Tahoe, "we could see anywhere from 1 to 2 feet of snow." Sara Purdue, a meteorologist with the weather services Sacramento Office, cautioned that snow levels could drop below 3,000 feet on Tuesday, making travel across mountain highways next week potentially hazardous. The sudden return to winter conditions is a welcome shift for ski resorts. "Winter is back, and we are fully back in the swing of things," said Jake Stern of the Sierra at Tahoe ski resort. Patrick Lacey, of Palisades Tahoe, encouraged anyone traveling for the three-day weekend to monitor the forecast and drive carefully, especially on Monday, when snowfall is expected to increase. These concurrent storms, from the Rockies to the Sierras and across the northern states, are a vivid reminder of natures enduring power. They challenge infrastructure, test personal preparedness, and demand respect from anyone venturing outdoors. While the snow is a blessing for water supplies and winter sports, the accompanying cold and wind carry a serious threat that authorities emphasize should not be ignored. Sources for this article include: Newsweek.com KQED.org 9News.com House passes resolution to end Trumps tariffs on Canada On Feb. 11, the U.S. House passed a 219 to 211 resolution to end President Trump's tariffs on Canada, with six Republicans joining nearly all Democrats; Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) was the lone Democrat opposed. The measure now heads to the Senate. Trump imposed the tariffs in 2025, citing border security and fentanyl concerns, later pausing them for a month after Canada pledged stronger border measures and exempting United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA)-compliant goods. Despite adjustments to the policy, lawmakers from both parties have sought to roll back the duties, arguing they harm trade with one of America's largest trading partners. Trade strains escalated after Canada struck a deal with China allowing more Chinese electric vehicles into Canada in exchange for lower Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola, prompting Trump to threaten 100% tariffs on Canadian goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned against Chinese EVs entering the U.S. via Canada, while Trump criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks at the World Economic Forum (WEF), underscoring deepening economic and diplomatic tensions. The U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 11 passed a resolution aimed at ending President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, one of the United States' largest trading partners. In 2025, Trump imposed tariffs on Canada as part of the president's broader global trade agenda, with the administration citing border-security concerns and the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Trump paused the levies for one month after Canada committed to strengthening security along the U.S.-Canada border. The president later amended his executive order to exempt goods compliant with the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), softening the impact on certain cross-border trade. But despite those adjustments, lawmakers in both parties have pushed to unwind the import duties on Canada. In line with this, the lower chamber passed a resolution that would end Trump's tariffs on Canada in a 219 to 211 vote. Six Republicans, including Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska, Kevin Kiley of California, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Dan Newhouse of Washington joined all but one Democrat in supporting the resolution. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) was the lone member of his party to vote against it. With passage in the House, the resolution now heads to the Senate. If approved there, it would be sent to the presidents desk for his signature. Trade relations between U.S. and Canada deteriorate amid China deal Trade relations between the U.S. and Canada have deteriorated sharply following Ottawa's new trade agreement with China. The friction intensified after Canada reached a deal with Beijing that would allow thousands of additional Chinese electric vehicles into the Canadian market in exchange for reduced Chinese tariff rates on Canadian canola exports. The agreement drew swift criticism from Trump, who threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods entering the United States. "If 'Governor' Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform in January. "China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric and general way of life." Appearing before the Senate Banking Committee on Feb. 5, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced the administration's concerns, telling lawmakers that the U.S. could not allow its "northern border be used as a way for Chinese EVs" to enter the U.S. market. Trump also addressed Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Trump offered a pointed response, suggesting Canada benefits disproportionately from its relationship with the U.S. after Carney signaled a broader realignment in global trade relationships. "I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't so grateful, but they should be grateful to us. Canada lives because of the United States," Trump said. Furthermore, BrightU.AI's Enoch noted that Canada-China's trade agreement must be viewed with skepticism given the track record of China's trade practices and the broader globalist agenda of control and depopulation. Watch Tom Philipson and Steve Moore explaining that President Donald Trump uses tariffs effectively in this clip. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com MSN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Israeli cabinet approves overhaul to deepen de facto annexation, expand West Bank settlements Israel's security cabinet approved sweeping measures on Feb. 8 to overhaul the legal and civil framework governing the occupied West Bank, which officials say will accelerate settlement development. The measures include repealing Jordanian-era land laws, transferring building permit authority from Palestinian municipalities to Israel's Civil Administration and unsealing land ownership records, facilitating settlement expansion. Israeli media report the overhaul could legalize home demolitions in Area A under archaeological pretexts and extend Israeli authority into areas meant to be under Palestinian control under the Oslo Accords. Critics say the policies violate existing agreements, including the Oslo Accords and the 1997 Hebron Protocol, and amount to a de facto annexation and erosion of Palestinian self-rule. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas condemned the measures, with PA President Mahmoud Abbas warning they deepen annexation, while Hamas denounced the move as part of a broader effort to eliminate Palestinian presence and called for escalated resistance. Israel's security cabinet has approved a broad set of measures that would significantly restructure the legal and civil framework governing the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement on Feb. 8, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the overhaul is intended to "remove decades-old barriers, repeal discriminatory Jordanian legislation and enable accelerated development of settlement on the ground." According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the new policies would effectively legalize the demolition of Palestinian homes in Area A of the occupied West Bank under archaeological justifications. Israel's public broadcaster, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), reported that the cabinet also approved repealing Jordanian-era laws that prohibit the sale of Palestinian land in the West Bank to Jewish settlers. The measures further include transferring authority over building permits in at least one settlement bloc from Palestinian municipal bodies to Israel's Civil Administration. The transfer of authority reportedly includes areas surrounding the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, a move that would violate the 1997 Hebron Protocol between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which governs the division of civil and security control in the city. Israel already routinely demolishes Palestinian homes across the West Bank because they lack building permits permits that Palestinians say are rarely granted by Israeli authorities. The newly approved framework would also unseal and publicize all land ownership records, according to Yedioth Ahronoth, allowing Jewish settlers to directly contact Palestinian landowners and facilitating land purchases and settlement expansion. PA and Hamas condemn Israeli measures The 1993 Oslo Accords divided the West Bank into Areas A, B and C. Area A was placed under full Palestinian Authority (PA) control, Area B under Palestinian civil control with Israeli security oversight and Area C, comprising the majority of the territory, under full Israeli control. This series of agreements, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, was intended to be a breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These accords aimed to establish mutual recognition between the two parties and pave the way for a two-state solution, with the PLO recognizing Israel's right to exist and Israel recognizing the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people. But despite the agreement, Israeli settlements have continued to expand across all three areas. In line with this, PA and Hamas officials argue that the measures amount to a further erosion of Palestinian self-rule and a formal extension of Israeli authority into areas meant to be governed by the PA. PA President Mahmoud Abbas denounced the "dangerous decisions approved by the Israeli cabinet aimed at deepening attempts to annex the occupied West Bank." Hamas also responded to the overhaul in a statement released on Feb. 8. "The extremist Zionist right-wing government is seeking to expand the genocidal war and eliminate the Palestinian presence across the entirety of Palestinian geography. The settlement decisions taken by the occupation government confirm its colonial program aimed at swallowing all Palestinian land and displacing its indigenous people, posing a real and existential threat," said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem. In a separate press release, the group called on "rebellious youth throughout the West Bank and Jerusalem to escalate the confrontation with the occupation and its settlers by all available means, in order to thwart the annexation, Judaization and displacement projects." Watch the video below about Israel preparing to annex Gaza. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co AA.com.tr BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Secret Chinese BIOLABS operating in the country raise concerns over regulatory gaps and national security threats Unlicensed biological laboratories in California and Nevada linked to Chinese national Jia Bei Zhu revealed dangerous pathogens (HIV, malaria, hepatitis, SARS-CoV-2) and genetically engineered mice, raising concerns about foreign espionage and public health risks. Zhu's labs produced counterfeit COVID-19 and pregnancy test kits while receiving $1.3 million in suspicious Chinese bank transfers. His companies engaged in $1.7 million in fraudulent sales, misbranding products and violating biosafety laws. Despite FBI intervention, jurisdictional delays stalled cleanup of hazardous materials from the California location. A second illegal lab in Las Vegas was discovered, stocked with unlabeled biohazard materials, suggesting a broader clandestine network. Zhu, a fugitive from Canadian justice for intellectual property theft, allegedly directed lab operations remotely from prison, making thousands of calls to China. His activities align with China's military-civil fusion strategy, raising suspicions of state-backed biowarfare. Congressional reports warn that undiscovered labs may exist nationwide, posing risks of accidental outbreaks or intentional bioweapon deployment. Proposed legislation seeks to tighten regulations, but questions remain about whether these labs were criminal enterprises or part of a deliberate attack. Clandestine biological laboratories uncovered in California and Nevada have exposed glaring vulnerabilities in U.S. biosecurity oversight while raising urgent questions about foreign espionage, illegal pathogen trafficking and potential public health threats. At the center of this scandal is Jia Bei Zhu, a Chinese national with multiple aliases and a history of corporate fraud. His involvement spans fraudulent Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits, unlicensed genetic engineering experiments and unexplained financial transfers from Chinese banks. The saga began in December 2022 when Jesalyn Harper, a code enforcement officer for the City of Reedley in California, responded to an anonymous tip about suspicious activity at a supposedly vacant warehouse. Inside, she discovered thousands of vials containing infectious agents HIV, malaria, hepatitis, and SARS-CoV-2 alongside nearly 1,000 genetically modified mice allegedly bred to "catch and carry" COVID-19. The facility, operated by Prestige Biotech Inc., was also mass-producing counterfeit pregnancy and COVID-19 test kits. Despite immediate involvement by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), regulatory paralysis delayed cleanup for months, as no single agency had clear authority over the hazardous materials. Now, a second illegal lab has surfaced in Las Vegas, tied to the same shadowy network. On Jan. 31, FBI agents and local police raided a residential garage owned by Zhu. Authorities uncovered refrigerators stocked with unlabeled vials, biohazard equipment and unknown liquids matching those found in Reedley. The raid followed a tip by a cleaner named "Kelly," who was contracted by property manager Ori Solomon to check on the property. The 55-year-old Solomon, allegedly acting on Zhus orders from prison, also faces charges for disposing of hazardous waste. Shockingly, Zhu already jailed for fraud and misbranding medical devices reportedly orchestrated lab operations remotely. He reportedly made nearly 7,000 phone calls from his California prison cell, including over 3,500 to his wife in China. From Wuhan to Vegas: How China's biolab network exploits U.S. weaknesses The implications are staggering. A congressional report confirms Zhu's lab received $1.3 million in unexplained payments from Chinese banks, while his companies Prestige Biotech and Universal Meditech funneled misbranded test kits into U.S. and Chinese markets, netting $1.7 million in fraudulent sales. Worse, Zhu is a fugitive from Canadian justice, having fled a $330 million judgment for intellectual property theft tied to biotech espionage. His brazen disregard for law and biosafety protocols suggests these labs were not mere profit schemes but nodes in a broader network with possible state backing. Historical context magnifies concerns: The Wuhan lab leak theory, once dismissed as conspiracy, is now widely acknowledged as a plausible COVID-19 origin. Meanwhile, China's military-civil fusion strategy explicitly blurs lines between private industry and state-driven biotechnology research. Zhu's operations spanning Canada, Hong Kong and the U.S. mirror this playbook, exploiting regulatory gaps to traffic pathogens and evade accountability. "No one is looking for these labs," Harper warned. "This could be happening all over the United States." BrightU.AI's Enoch warns that clandestine Chinese-operated biolabs in the U.S. pose a grave threat by handling dangerous pathogens with reckless disregard for safety protocols, risking accidental outbreaks or intentional biowarfare. The lack of oversight and government transparency suggests either gross incompetence or deliberate concealment of these facilities, endangering public health and national security. With bipartisan lawmakers now pushing the Preventing Illegal Laboratories Act, the case underscores a dire need for tightened oversight. Yet the deeper question remains: Were these labs merely criminal enterprises, or part of a calculated effort to weaponize biological materials on U.S. soil? As Zhu awaits trial, the specter of undiscovered labs looms. For a nation still reeling from COVID-19's upheaval, the stakes could not be higher. The Reedley and Las Vegas discoveries are not isolated incidents they are warnings. Watch this video about federal authorities raiding a similar Chinese biolab located in Fresno County back in 2018. This video is from the HaloRock channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 1 TheEpochTimes.com 2 USAToday.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Dans une vid?o devenue virale sur les r?seaux sociaux, l'image de l'artiste Belka Tobis est mise ? rude ?preuve. On y voit une altercation violente avec celle qui partage sa vie depuis trente ans. Mais derri?re le choc des images, c'est la parole de l'avocate Dominique Fousse qui vient jeter une lumi?re crue sur un drame humain et juridique trop souvent pass? sous silence : la pr?carit? des "presque mari?es". Ce ne sont pas des temoignages anonymes que Me Fousse a choisi de porter. Cest un requisitoire. Un plaidoyer enflamme pour une femme que lon a, selon elle, "voulu effacer". Le decor est plante : trois decennies de vie commune, de concubinage, sans contrat de mariage. Trente ans a "tenir un foyer", a "elever des enfants qui netaient pas nes de son ventre", a investir corps et ame dans une construction commune. Lavocate ne mache pas ses mots. Elle decrit une femme qui a "aime, donne, construit", mais qui, aujourdhui, se heurte au vide juridique. "Elle na pas ete epouse devant letat civil, mais elle a ete epouse dans les faits", martele-t-elle. Et pourtant, que recoit-elle en echange dune "loyaute totale" ? "Le mepris. Lhumiliation. La violence. Lexpulsion." Le cur du requisitoire de Me Fousse ne se limite pas a laltercation filmee. Il denonce un systeme de vulnerabilite institutionnalisee. "Lorsquelle tombe malade, au lieu detre protegee, elle est fragilisee davantage", souligne-t-elle, pointant du doigt labsence totale de filet de securite pour ces femmes qui investissent leur vie dans lombre dun statut marital. Car dans cette affaire, lenjeu est clair : la maison. La compagne de Belka Tobis refuse de partir, arguant avoir mis "toutes ses economies" dans la construction du domicile commun. Me Fousse transforme ce conflit foncier en une question de principe fondamentale : "Peut-on exploiter trente ans de loyaute puis pretendre quil ne sest rien passe ?" Ce nest pas de la charite que reclame lavocate pour cette femme. Cest la "reconnaissance dun engagement de fait". Cest la justice pour "le travail invisible accompli pendant trente ans". Cest, enfin, une protection contre la violence conjugale, qui ne devrait pas etre moins condamnable parce quelle nest pas scellee par un mariage. Laffaire Belka Tobis depasse ainsi le simple fait divers people. Il devient le symbole dun combat de societe au Cameroun et ailleurs. "Son combat concerne toutes celles qui vivent dans lombre du 'presque mariage'", clame Me Dominique Fousse. Celles qui construisent sans titre de propriete, celles qui elevent sans reconnaissance legale, celles qui vieillissent sans securite financiere. Alors que la video continue de faire le buzz, la question posee par lavocate reste en suspens, lourde de consequences : lamour et la loyaute peuvent-ils etre balayes dune simple claque, dune insulte et dune expulsion ? La justice saura-t-elle voir, derriere labsence de livret de famille, trente annees de vie et de sacrifices qui ne peuvent se solder par un "neant" ? Belka Tobis Scandal: Thirty Years of Sacrifice Wiped Out? Lawyer Dominique Fousse Speaks Out In a video that has gone viral on social media, Cameroonian artist Belka Tobis finds his image tarnished. The footage shows a violent altercation with his partner of thirty years. But beyond the shocking visuals, it is the powerful statement from lawyer Dominique Fousse that sheds harsh light on a too-often overlooked human and legal drama: the vulnerability of women in long-term, unofficial unions. What Me Fousse presents is not just a testimony, but a passionate indictment of a system she believes has allowed a woman to be "erased." The scene is set: three decades of shared life, of cohabitation, without a marriage contract. Thirty years of "running a home," of "raising children not born of her womb," of investing body and soul into a shared life. The lawyer does not mince words. She describes a woman who "loved, gave, and built," but who now faces a legal void. "She wasn't a wife in the eyes of the civil registry, but she was a wife in reality," Me Fousse argues. And what does she get in return for her "total loyalty"? "Contempt. Humiliation. Violence. Eviction." The core of Me Fousse's indictment goes beyond the filmed altercation. It condemns a system of institutionalized vulnerability. "When she falls ill, instead of being protected, she is further weakened," she states, highlighting the total lack of a safety net for these women who invest their lives in the shadow of marital status. At the heart of the matter is the family home. The companion refuses to leave, claiming she invested "all her savings" into its construction. Me Fousse transforms this property dispute into a fundamental question of principle: "Can you exploit thirty years of loyalty and then pretend nothing happened?" What the lawyer demands for her client is not charity. It is "recognition of a de facto commitment." It is justice for the "invisible work accomplished over thirty years." It is, finally, protection against domestic violence, which should not be less punishable simply because it wasn't sealed by marriage. The Belka Tobis case thus transcends a simple celebrity scandal. It becomes the symbol of a broader societal battle in Cameroon and beyond. "Her fight concerns all those who live in the shadow of the 'almost marriage,'" declares Me Fousse: women who build without property titles, who raise children without legal recognition, who grow old without financial security. As the video continues to cause a stir, the question posed by the lawyer hangs in the air, heavy with consequence: Can love and loyalty be swept away with a slap, an insult, and an eviction? Will justice be able to see, behind the absence of a family record book, thirty years of life and sacrifice that cannot simply be reduced to "nothingness"? Belka Tobis, affaire Belka Tobis, Me Dominique Fousse, avocate Cameroun, violence conjugale, concubinage Cameroun, droits des femmes, union libre, travail invisible, expulsion, patrimoine commun, video virale, actualite Cameroun, societe camerounaise, separation, droits des concubins, injustice, temoignage, Google News, Discover Viviane GEMELE The Union Government has sanctioned 29 rail surveys covering 2,501 km in Tamil Nadu over four years. However, execution is stalled as only 24% of the required 4,326 hectares of land has been acquired. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that state government support is crucial to expedite land acquisition and move projects forward. Several major projects, including new lines, remain delayed due to pending land transfers. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says 29 rail projects in Tamil Nadu are delayed due to land acquisition, needing state government cooperation. New Delhi, February 13 The Union Government has sanctioned 29 rail surveys covering a total of 2,501 km in Tamil Nadu over the last four years, including six new lines and 23 doubling projects, but their execution hinges on the support of the State Government, according to the Ministry of Railways on Thursday. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw highlighted the progress of recently completed projects in Tamil Nadu. "Some of the recently completed projects falling fully or partly in Tamil Nadu include the Dindigul-Palani-Pollachi gauge conversion (121 km) at a cost of Rs 610 crore, Pollachi-Palghat (56 km) at Rs 350 crore, and Quilon-Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur (357 km) at Rs 1,122 crore. Other projects include Mayiladuturai-Thiruvarur-Karaikkudi gauge conversion (187 km) at Rs 1,338 crore and Villupuram-Dindigul doubling (273 km) costing Rs 2,000 crore," he noted. Vaishnaw also listed ongoing projects, including the Tindivanam-Nagari new line (184 km) at Rs 3,631 crore, Trivandrum-Kanyakumari doubling (87 km) at Rs 3,785 crore, and Morappur-Dharmapuri new line (36 km) at Rs 359 crore, stressing the need for State cooperation. However, several projects are delayed due to land acquisition issues. According to the release, "Total land required for projects in Tamil Nadu is 4,326 hectares, of which only 1,052 hectares (24 per cent) has been acquired. The balance of 3,274 hectares (76 per cent) still needs to be acquired. Support of the Government of Tamil Nadu is needed to expedite the land acquisition." Vaishnaw provided examples of major projects delayed due to land issues, including the Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai new line (71 km), with 243 hectares pending acquisition, and the Attiputtu-Puttur new line (88 km), for which no land has been acquired out of 189 hectares. The Mannargudi-Pattukkottai (41 km) and Thanjavur-Pattukottai (52 km) new lines have similarly seen no land acquisition. The Rameshwaram-Dhanushkodi new line (18 km), sanctioned at Rs 734 crore with a foundation stone laid on March 1, 2019, has not started due to a lack of land acquisition by the State Government. Vaishnaw emphasised that the Government of India is ready to execute the projects, but success depends on the State's support. He added that the sanction of railway projects depends on multiple factors, including traffic projections, first and last mile connectivity, augmentation of congested lines, demands from State Governments, operational requirements, socio-economic considerations, and overall availability of funds. Completion of railway projects, he said, depends on land acquisition, forest clearances, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory approvals, geological and topographical conditions, law and order, and the number of working months available at the project site, all of which affect timelines and costs, a release said. This information was provided by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a reply to questions in the Rajya Sabha today. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a massive gathering of nearly 86,000 BJP booth-level workers at the 'Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha' in Assam. During his visit, he will inaugurate and flag off development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore aimed at boosting connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Key projects include the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh and the new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati. The Prime Minister will also flag off 225 electric buses under a central scheme to improve urban mobility in four cities. PM Modi addresses 86,000 BJP booth workers in Assam, inaugurates projects worth Rs 5,450 crore including an emergency landing strip and IIM Guwahati. Guwahati, February 13 Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia on Friday said that nearly 86,000 booth-level workers from across the state will participate in the 'Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha', where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address party workers.Saikia toldthe event will be a memorable day for booth presidents and grassroots workers of Assam, as representatives from all booths across the state, along with booth-level workers, will be present at the programme. "Tomorrow will be a memorable day for the booth presidents and workers of Assam. Booth presidents from all Assam booths, along with some booth-level workers, will be present at the Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha. All the workers are eager to listen to the Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi, and to seek his guidance. 86000 booth-level workers will be present in tomorrow's Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha. With the dignified presence of the respected Prime Minister and the booth workers, we will get the strength and power to win the upcoming 2026 elections with a happy majority under the guidance of the Prime Minister", he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on February 14, where he is set to inaugurate and flag off development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education and urban mobility in the North-Eastern Region. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), around 10:30 AM, the PM will land at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, where he will witness the Aerial Display of Fighters, Transports and Helicopters. At around 1 PM, the Prime Minister will inspect the newly built Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the River Brahmaputra. Later, at approximately 1:30 PM, he will inaugurate and flag off development projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati. The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is the first of its kind in Northeast India. It has been designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support the landing and takeoff of military and civilian aircraft during emergencies. It will serve as a critical asset for emergency response, enabling quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters or strategic requirements in the Northeast. Envisioned as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF is capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati, which will provide a major boost to higher and management education in the North-Eastern Region. Finally, PM Modi will also flag off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in Guwahati (100), Nagpur (50), Bhavnagar (50), and Chandigarh (25). With the launch of e-bus operations under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in these four cities, more than 50 lakh citizens are expected to benefit from access to clean, affordable, and reliable public transport services, thereby improving urban mobility and enhancing quality of life. - ANI Dr Niranjan Hiranandani reveals a 15-20% nationwide decline in affordable housing, urging govt relief via stamp duty cuts & rental schemes. New Delhi, February 13 The biggest problem facing the property market today is the struggle of the affordable housing segment. Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder and Chairman of the Hiranandani Group and NAREDCO, respectively, highlighted this during the National Urban & Real Estate Development Conclave 2026. He noted that while the overall industry is growing, the sector meant for low-income buyers is shrinking. "The biggest problem we see today in housing is in the affordable housing segment," Hiranandani said. The real estate market as a whole is seeing a rise in construction and sales. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Dr Hiranandani pointed out that housing grew by 10 per cent last year. He expects even better results in the coming months, stating that it "is expected to grow between 12% and 15% this year." He mentioned that "overall, more housing is being built and sold," but cautioned that this growth does not tell the whole story. Despite the general boom, the number of affordable homes being built has dropped sharply. Dr Hiranandani revealed that "for the first time in 45 years, the total number in the affordable housing segment has declined by 15-20% nationwide." This decline comes at a time when the demand for low-cost homes remains high across the country. To fix this, the industry leader suggested that the government must look at past successes for inspiration. He recalled how specific interventions helped the market during the pandemic. "There are several solutions for this. Some were tried during COVID; for example, the Maharashtra government reduced stamp duty by 50% and waived other charges," he said. He noted that these specific actions "significantly improved affordable housing" at that time. Dr Hiranandani also proposed looking at different ways to house people, such as focusing on rentals rather than just ownership. "Another is the scheme of rental housing," he suggested. He emphasised that both federal and local authorities must act quickly to provide financial relief to developers and buyers. He stated that "both the central government and state governments need to develop schemes to provide relief in this sector, either through reduced charges, stamp duty, or tax incentives." The goal of the industry body NAREDCO is to find practical ways to meet the government's housing targets. Dr Hiranandani confirmed that the organisation is actively looking for new strategies. "Today, NAREDCO will examine various ideas and thoughts on how to achieve the goal of 'Housing for All'," he said. He described this mission as "the Prime Minister's goal, the Ministry's goal, NAREDCO's goal, and my goal." He also expressed confidence that the government would support these efforts to ensure everyone has a home. He believes that collaborative work will lead to the right results. "We will work together to explore alternative solutions, and I am confident we will receive proposals that provide housing for all," Dr Hiranandani said. He acknowledged that while changes take time, the commitment is there. He added that "it may take a couple of weeks or months to get started, but I am certain that both the Prime Minister and the Ministry will take action because we have to achieve the Prime Minister's objective." - ANI Mauritian Minister Jyoti Jeetun praised India's technological leadership, stating it is natural for the country to take the lead in Artificial Intelligence. She emphasized Mauritius's privileged role in collaborating with India on emerging technologies as fellow Global South nations. The minister highlighted deep cultural, linguistic, and economic ties, noting Mauritius's position as a gateway to Africa for Indian businesses. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi will host leaders from over 20 countries, including Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Mauritian Minister Jyoti Jeetun calls participation in India-AI Impact Summit a "privilege," lauds India's tech prowess and deep bilateral ties. By Vishu Adhana, New Delhi, February 13 Ahead of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, Mauritian Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning Jyoti Jeetun on Friday lauded India's technological prowess, saying the country is known for its strong technology-driven economy and is now taking the lead in Artificial Intelligence. Speaking to ANI, Jeetun said Mauritius considers itself "very privileged" to be part of what she described as the next phase of global technological development. She said Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will attend the summit in New Delhi next week. "India is known for a strong technology-driven economy. It has had one of the strongest USPs in technology for decades. You just have to look at the CEOs of global technology companies -- many of them are of Indian origin. So, India is already a leader in this area. It is very natural that India is also taking the lead on AI," she said. Jeetun added that, as countries of the Global South, both India and Mauritius see value in collaborating in emerging technologies. "Given that India is part of the Global South, we from the South consider ourselves very privileged to be part of this exciting story that is going to unfold in the next phase of technological development in the world," she said. Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, Jeetun said relations go back centuries, with a large majority of Mauritius' population tracing its origins to different parts of India. "We have very deep cultural and linguistic roots. Among them, very famously, are our festivals -- one of them is taking place right now, Mahashivratri, where nearly half the people of the country walk or go on pilgrimage to Ganga Talao," she said. She noted that economic ties have strengthened over the decades, particularly in financial services. "Mauritius has developed its financial services centre over three decades and has been one of the strongest FDI drivers to India. The ecosystem has developed tremendously through investments in India," she said. Jeetun also pointed to expanding cooperation in areas such as fintech, energy and maritime security, while underlining the potential of Mauritius as a gateway to Africa for Indian businesses. "Mauritius is a member of the African Union, COMESA and SADC. Africa has strong demography and a growing economy. Last year, out of the 25 fastest-growing countries in the world, 15 were from Africa. That creates opportunities for Indian businesses to expand. Mauritius can provide the ecosystem, stability and route as a gateway to Africa," she said. India is hosting the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, anchored around three themes -- People, Planet and Progress. The summit is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers and experts to deliberate on the future of AI. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders from 20 countries, including Mauritius, France, Brazil, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and the UAE, are scheduled to attend. Ministerial delegations from over 45 countries, along with the UN Secretary-General and senior officials from international organisations, are also expected to participate. - ANI Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta addressed a national seminar on AI's economic impact, stating India is at a decisive juncture. He highlighted AI's potential to boost productivity, financial inclusion, and create high-value jobs. However, he cautioned about risks like labour displacement, skills gaps, and data concentration. Gupta emphasized the need for reskilling initiatives, industry-academia collaboration, and strong regulatory frameworks to ensure inclusive growth. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta outlines economic opportunities and risks of AI, stressing the need for reskilling and fair regulation. New Delhi, Feb 13 Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said on Friday that India stands at a decisive juncture in the age of Artificial Intelligence, and it must harness technology in a manner that strengthens opportunity, safeguards fairness, and advances inclusive economic growth. Addressing the 3rd National Seminar on 'Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of AI: An Economic Perspective' at the Academic Auditorium of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, the Speaker observed that Artificial Intelligence has evolved into a structural economic force reshaping productivity, labour markets, capital allocation, and global competitiveness. He noted that economies worldwide are reorganising around data, algorithms, and computational capacity, with AI influencing financial systems, manufacturing processes, agriculture through predictive analytics, healthcare delivery, logistics, and public administration. The seminar was also attended by Prof. Ram Singh, Director of the Delhi School of Economics and Member of the Monetary Policy Committee, along with distinguished speakers from academia and industry. The event was organised by the College's Department of Economics and was attended by eminent academicians, policymakers, industry experts, faculty members, and students. Highlighting India's position as one of the fastest-growing digital economies, Gupta stated that the country's digital public infrastructure and youthful demographic profile place it at a strategic advantage in this global transition. He emphasised that AI offers substantial economic opportunities, enhancing productivity across sectors, strengthening financial inclusion through improved credit assessment and risk modelling, enabling efficient public service delivery, and fostering innovation and high-value industries. Referring to emerging global labour trends, he noted that AI-linked roles are increasingly associated with higher wages and improved job quality, presenting meaningful opportunities for India's youth. At the same time, the Speaker cautioned that the transition must be managed with foresight and balance. He emphasised the risks of labour displacement from the automation of routine tasks, the widening skills gap, and the persistence of the digital divide. The Speaker also highlighted the concentration of capital and data in AI development, which may affect market competition. Stressing the need for large-scale reskilling and upskilling initiatives, industry-academia collaboration, and expansion of digital education, he emphasised that regulatory clarity, data governance, and algorithmic accountability are economic imperatives essential to sustaining trust and fairness in markets. Gupta further noted that AI adoption carries broader macroeconomic implications affecting wage structures, taxation systems, fiscal sustainability, and long-term employment patterns. He observed that policymaking must anticipate these shifts to ensure stable and inclusive growth. - IANS Allu Sirish kicks off wedding with traditional Pasupu function. Upasana Konidela attends. Details on Dubai yacht party and March 6 wedding date. Mumbai Fe, b 13 Actor Allu Sirish's wedding festivities have officially kickstarted, with the celebrations beginning on a traditional and vibrant note at the Allu residence. Taking to his social media accoun, the actor who is all set to become a groom, shared glimpses from the intimate ceremony and wrote, "Wedding festivities have officially begun with our pasupu function..." Surprisingly, new mommy Upasana Kamineni Konidela, wife of actor Ram Charan, who recently delivered twins, was also spotted attending the event, looking radiant in a traditional outfit. The video montage shared by Allu Sirish captures the auspicious 'Pasupu' function, a customary pre-wedding ritual in Telugu households. The decor looks and is dominated by bright yellow marigolds and white floral garlands. Floral hangings can be seen adorning the entrance, and a beautifully decorated backdrop with intricate flower arrangements is seen setting the tone for the ceremony. In the latter part of the video, women of the family are seen performing rituals in front of a deity idol placed on an ornately decorated pedestal. Allu Sirish in the video, is seen smiling warmly alongside the elders of the family, dressed in a simple traditional outfit. Talking about other pre-wedding events, a few days ago, Allu Sirish and his fiancee Nayanika Reddy had officially kicked off their wedding celebrations with an intimate pre-wedding yacht party in Dubai. The bash was attended by close friends and family, including Sirish's brother, superstar Allu Arjun, and his wife Sneha Reddy, who joined the couple for a celebration filled with laughter, music and heartfelt moments against the stunning Dubai skyline. Sirish had taken to his social media account and wrote, "Kicking off our wedding celebrations like this felt absolutely magical. My friends flew in from the US, Mumbai, Bengaluru to be part of it making this an incredible opportunity for them to also meet and hang with my friends from Hyderabad." He added: "Being there with Nayanika and our closest family and friends... just laughing, dancing and enjoying every moment, is a memory we are going to cherish forever. It was the perfect start to this exciting new chapter in our lives and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful celebration together." It was in December when Sirish had announced his wedding date. He had shared that he would be tying the knot with Nayanika on March 6, the same day his brother Allu Arjun tied the knot with Sneha Reddy. Sirish had made the announcement via a viral reel featuring him alongside his nieces and nephews. - IANS Amanda Seyfried revealed in an interview that she has kept a belly button ring since she was 17 years old, only removing it during her pregnancies. She also spoke highly of her "Housemaid" co-star Sydney Sweeney, praising her fashion sense and calling her a kind and generous person. Seyfried reflected on the dangers of overnight fame, citing her "Mean Girls" co-star Lindsay Lohan's experience as an example of the harmful spotlight. She expressed admiration for how Sweeney handles the pressures of her rising stardom with grace. Amanda Seyfried reveals she's had a belly button ring since age 17 and praises co-star Sydney Sweeney's fashion sense and grace under pressure. Los Angeles, Feb 13 Hollywood star Amanda Seyfried spoke about her own sense of style and even voiced her support for her "Housemaid" co-star Sydney Sweeney saying that she has always been tapped into fashion." Seyfried told people.com: "I think she's always been tapped into fashion. She seems to always have a nice 'fit. The sexier the better. It's funny, I haven't seen a lingerie line in a long time, and you know, if you've got the eye for it and the body, it's fun to celebrate that." Speaking up about her own sense of style, Seyfried shared that she's worn a belly button ring since the age of 17, reports femalefirst.co.uk The Hollywood star, who has Nina, eight, and Thomas, five, with husband Thomas Sadoski, shared: "I never got rid of it. I've had it since I was 17. I took it out when I was pregnant both times, I put it straight back in. Nobody really ever sees it, but it's always there." Meanwhile, the actress previously heaped praise on Sweeney, describing her co-star as a "sweetheart". The actress told Vanity Fair: "I don't envy anything she's going through. I've spent a lot of time with her; we just hit it off immediately. She's a sweetheart. She's a very generous, kind person at her core. I have to be honest: I did not have a moment like she's having ever. "(My Mean Girls costar) Lindsay Lohan, we're buddies, and it's really, really, really harmful to people to have that kind of overnight spotlight." "Because any press, good or bad, is still a blinding spotlight, and you have to maneuver and negotiate your way around it and outside of it. It's acrobatics that I don't think most people are capable of figuring it out at that age." She thinks a sudden rise to stardom can actually be "dangerous". However, the actress praised Sweeney for how she's coped with the extra attention. She said: "It's just dangerous, because when you have people.... on you-or idolising you and following you around-it can't be good for your psyche. It can't make you feel safe in the world. But I actually admire the way Syd shows up for work. She always has a smile on her face, even if she's miserable. I hope it doesn't change." - IANS Argentina's Ambassador to India, Mariano Caucino, praised Gujarat's Khavda Renewable Energy Park, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the world's largest hybrid renewable energy project. The park is part of India's national goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and ensure 50% of electricity comes from renewables by 2030. Gujarat leads India in total installed renewable capacity, including wind and solar power, and has crossed 11 lakh rooftop solar installations. The state's renewable energy push has also created an estimated 2.37 lakh direct and indirect jobs. Argentina's Ambassador to India praises Gujarat's Khavda Solar Park, a project by PM Modi, set to power millions of homes with renewable energy. New Delhi, February 13 Mariano Caucino, Argentina's Ambassador to India, on Friday lauded Gujarat's efforts towards solar and wind energy while appreciating the Khavda Solar Park, launched in 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While congratulating Gautam Adani and Adani Group, he said that the plant is expected to "produce energy from solar panels and wind turbines to power millions (of) Indian homes." "Dazzled at the Gujarat Khavda Solar Park, launched in 2020 by PM Narendra Modi - Projected the world's largest hybrid renewable energy park. Expected to produce enegy from solar panels and wind turbines to power millions Indian homes. Congratulations Gautam Adani and Adani Group," Caucino posted on X. According to an earlier release from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a national target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. To reduce dependence on conventional fuels, he has introduced key initiatives aimed at ensuring 50% of India's electricity comes from renewable energy sources by 2030. The state also holds the top position in various renewable energy segments. It ranks 1st in total installed renewable energy capacity (42.583 GW). 1st in installed wind power capacity (14820.94 MW); 2nd in installed solar power capacity (25529.40 MW); and 1st in rooftop solar installations (over 11 lakh rooftop solar installations with 6412.80 MW, highlighting the state's diverse renewable energy portfolio. Gujarat has emerged as a leader in solar energy, with 25529.40 MW of installed capacity as of Dec 2025. This includes 17771.21 MW from ground-mounted projects, 6412.80 MW from solar rooftop (through the Surya Gujarat 2073.65 MW, PM Surya Ghar Yojana 1913MW, Others 2267.04 MW), 1172.38 MW from hybrid projects, and 173.01 MW from off-grid systems, including PM KUSUM, the release stated. The Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Kutch, planned for 37.35 GW, has already achieved 11.33 GW, making it the world's largest renewable energy park. Gujarat has also crossed 11 lakh rooftop solar installations, generating 6412.80 MW across residential, commercial and industrial segments. Since 2016, Gujarat has actively incentivised residential rooftop solar, continuing support until the launch of the PM Surya Ghar scheme, contributing over 25% of the country's total rooftop solar installations. In agriculture, 12700 standalone off-grid solar water pumps were installed under Component B of PM KUSUM, generating 89.54 MW (as of Dec 2025). Gujarat has been at the forefront of India's wind energy development since launching the country's first Wind Power Policy. As of Dec 2025, the State's installed wind capacity stands at 14820.94 MW, with Kutch contributing 7476.73 MW. Other key districts include Jamnagar (1867.65 MW), Devbhumi Dwarka (1281.26 MW), Amreli (973.85 MW), Rajkot (874.9 MW), Bhavnagar (618.8 MW), Morbi (568.6 MW), Surendranagar (456.6 MW), and Patan (208.20 MW). Gujarat has also commissioned 2398.77 MW of wind-solar hybrid projects under the 2018 Hybrid Policy and the Gujarat RE Policy 2023. Over 80% of turbines are installed on government-allotted land, supported by robust infrastructure and evacuation systems. Based on Gujarat's installed capacities across renewable energy sectors, an estimated 2.37 lakh direct and indirect jobs have been created, the release said. Gujarat government has also declared 2025 the Urban Development Year under the 'Earning Well, Living Well' motto to strengthen urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life for citizens. Under this initiative, the state government has set a target to initiate over 285 solar projects across Gujarat, aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy in urban areas and reducing carbon emissions. - ANI PM Modi visits Assam to inaugurate projects worth Rs 5,450 crore, witness an aerial display, and launch key infrastructure including a bridge and data centre. New Delhi, February 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on February 14, where he is set to inaugurate and flag off development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education and urban mobility in the North-Eastern Region. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), around 10:30 AM, the PM will land at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, where he will witness the Aerial Display of Fighters, Transports and Helicopters. At around 1 PM, the Prime Minister will inspect the newly built Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the River Brahmaputra. Later, at approximately 1:30 PM, he will inaugurate and flag off development projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati. The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is the first of its kind in Northeast India. It has been designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support the landing and takeoff of military and civilian aircraft during emergencies. It will serve as a critical asset for emergency response, enabling quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters or strategic requirements in the Northeast. Envisioned as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF is capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight. Further, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the River Brahmaputra, built at a cost of around Rs 3,030 crore. The 6-lane extradosed Prestressed Concrete (PSC) bridge connects Guwahati with North Guwahati and is the first of its kind in Northeast India. It will cut travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to seven minutes. Given the region's high seismicity, the bridge incorporates base isolation using friction pendulum bearings. High-performance stay cables have been used to ensure durability and long-term structural performance. A Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) has also been incorporated to enable real-time condition monitoring, early damage detection, and improved safety and service life of the extradosed bridge. According to the PMO, PM Modi will inaugurate the National Data Centre for the Northeastern region at Amingaon in Kamrup district of Assam. The state-of-the-art Data Centre, with a total sanctioned load of 8.5 MW and an average rack capacity of 10 kW, will host mission-critical applications for various government departments and serve as a Disaster Recovery centre for other National Data Centres. This will enable governments in the Northeast to digitally deliver essential citizen-centric services. Aligned with the vision of Digital India, the National Data Centre for the northeastern region has been envisioned as a strategic initiative to strengthen the region's ICT backbone and ensure robust, secure, and always-available digital infrastructure. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati, which will provide a major boost to higher and management education in the North-Eastern Region. Finally, PM Modi will also flag off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in Guwahati (100), Nagpur (50), Bhavnagar (50), and Chandigarh (25). With the launch of e-bus operations under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in these four cities, more than 50 lakh citizens are expected to benefit from access to clean, affordable, and reliable public transport services, thereby improving urban mobility and enhancing quality of life. - ANI Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary elections were held alongside a historic referendum, which passed overwhelmingly to implement an 84-point reform package known as the July Charter. Preliminary results indicate a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies, marking a major shift in the country's politics. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman, affirming India's support for a democratic Bangladesh. The elections followed the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a ban on the rival Awami League party. Bangladesh's 2026 elections see a referendum pass for sweeping constitutional reforms and a historic parliamentary victory for the BNP, shifting the political landscape. Dhaka, February 13 People in Bangladesh who, along with general elections had voted for a referendum in the country have expressed their support for constitutional reforms, as per local media outlets. The 13th parliamentary elections was held yesterday alongside a referendum on the implementation of a 84-point reform package known as the '"July Charter" a document born out of the 2024 uprising that proposes sweeping constitutional reforms in order to save the country from future authoritarian rule. According to the Daily Star, the referendum in Bangladesh saw an overwhelming YES, with 65.3% (27,00,844) of votes in favour. Voters approve reforms, including the establishment of a caretaker government and an independent election commission, the introduction of a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister, enhanced presidential powers and judicial independence, and increased women's representation in parliament. Multiple projections from media outlets showed the BNP on course for securing a historic win in the elections, comfortably crossing the simple majority mark of 150 seats. The Daily Star media outlet reported that vote counting has been completed in 249 constituencies, with just 50 remaining. Of the 299 seats, BNP and allies have secured 181 seats, while Jamaat and allies have 61 seats. Despite these early outcomes, the vote counting process is still underway, and official results have yet to be declared. These preliminary figures suggest a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape. Earlier today, PM Narendra Modi in a social media post congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman and said that India will "continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh." Bangladeshi freedom fighter T M Rezaul Karin expressed to ANI in an interview the popularity of BNP in the country. He noted that while there were a few untoward incidents, the elections largely remained peaceful, with people from all religions coming out and voting. He hoped that the BNP would work in the areas of good governance and justice for the country's political harmony to continue. The BNP's chairman, Tarique Rahman, has requested that the celebration of this victory be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election. Therefore, they have called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after the Friday congregational prayer. Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, as per the Daily Star. According to results announced by the office of the District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman, tallies from 150 polling centres have been completed. The constituency has a total of 151 voting centres, including postal ballots. Official results have not yet been delivered by the Bangladesh Election Commission, which is expected to issue its announcement on Friday. The elections come after the demise of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ban on her nemesis, Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League. - ANI Bangladesh has witnessed a notably peaceful and participative parliamentary election, with voters expressing satisfaction over the violence-free process. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led alliance secured a decisive victory, winning a majority of seats. This paves the way for party chairman Tarique Rahman, son of former leaders Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, to form the next government. The new administration will face significant challenges, including economic headwinds and high public expectations. Bangladesh's violence-free election sees BNP secure decisive mandate. Tarique Rahman set to form government, with voters praising the peaceful process. Dhaka, Feb 13 Bangladesh witnessed what many described as one of its most peaceful and participative elections in recent years, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance secured a decisive mandate in the 13th parliamentary polls, paving the way for Tarique Rahman to form the next government. Speaking to IANS in Dhaka, local residents expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of polling. "It was a good election. The public participated well, and there was no violence, Alhamdulillah. We were expecting a lot of violence here, but thankfully it concluded peacefully without any violence. The election has been fair and free," said a resident. Another voter, Misba Rehman, said the polls marked a significant moment for ordinary citizens. "This was a good election. As an ordinary citizen, I saw it as free and fair, with very little violence. Everyone was happy to cast their vote, especially young voters. They were enthusiastic about casting their vote, and there was no manipulation," he said. He added that the victory comes with major responsibilities. "I think it is a big victory for them, but this is a big responsibility as well. There are big challenges, too, as the economy is not performing well and there is global turmoil," he noted. Echoing similar sentiments, Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha, former President of the Economic Reporters' Forum, termed the outcome a "major victory" for the BNP. "Since they have already won most of the seats, I would say this is a major victory for the BNP. They will need to work hard and sincerely to win the hearts of the people. The public has high expectations from them, and I hope the BNP will use its experience to serve the people and the nation effectively," he said. Calling it a clear mandate, he added, "It is the people's mandate. I believe the people have exercised their votes wisely, and the BNP has been working for many years to win their trust. That is why the BNP secured a landslide victory." According to unofficial results cited by local media, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance has won 210 seats, setting the stage for party chairman Tarique Rahman to lead the new government. Earlier in the day, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on the victory. Taking to social media platform X, he said the mandate reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership and reiterated that India would continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Tarique, who cast his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College Centre in Dhaka, had expressed confidence in his party's prospects, saying the people of Bangladesh had been waiting for this moment for over a decade. The son of former President late Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister late Khaleda Zia, Tarique assumed leadership of the BNP after his mother's death last year. With this electoral triumph, he is now set to lead Bangladesh at a time when the country faces economic headwinds and a challenging global environment. - IANS Former Indian minister MJ Akbar stated that the decisive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the recent elections sends a strong message, particularly from women voters who rejected the Jamaat-e-Islami's anti-women platform. He argued that voters prioritized a better life in this world over religious promises of salvation and were not swayed by alleged campaign bribes. Akbar also noted that historical memory of Jamaat's role in the 1971 Liberation War played a part in shaping the electorate's choice. The result, which saw the BNP alliance win 212 seats, was followed by congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman. Former minister MJ Akbar says Bangladeshi women voters demolished Jamaat-e-Islami's anti-women platform, leading to BNP's decisive election victory. New Delhi, February 13 Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Friday said the outcome of Bangladesh's recent 13th National Parliamentary Elections, which saw victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, sends a strong message about the electorate's priorities, particularly the role of women voters. Speaking to ANI, Akbar said, "The biggest message of this election is that the Bangladeshi women have demolished the Jamaat-e-Islami. They have done so because Jamaat represented an anti-women platform," while reacting to the results in Delhi. He alleged that the Jamaat's campaign relied heavily on religious messaging. "The Jamaat actually promised salvation in the next life. It promised freedom from sins. Well, these are very, very good things, but people don't vote in elections for salvation in the next life; they want a better life in this one," he told ANI. Akbar further claimed that "bribes" were offered during the campaign. "The Jamaat also added a bribe to religiosity, offering 15 thousand Taka to everyone. Voters in the subcontinent understand democracy; they don't get bribed," he stated. He added that historical memory related to the 1971 Liberation War also played a role in shaping voter choices. "Nor had people completely forgotten the role of Razakar and Al-Badr in the 1971 Liberation War, where the Jamaat actively supported Pakistan against the Liberation Movement," he said. Emphasising the significance of the result, Akbar noted, "Never forget that BNP has now won the elections. BNP's middle word stands for Nationalist. People of Bangladesh have protected the Bengali culture against the artificial religiosity thrust upon them by a combination of extremists and pseudo-intellectuals." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on his party's decisive victory in the country's recently concluded 13th National Parliament election. In a post on X, PM Modi interacted and extended warm wishes for the future. "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," PM Modi posted on X. This warm outreach from PM Modi followed the official declaration of the results of the polls for 297 parliamentary constituencies in the neighbouring country by the Bangladesh Election Commission. Across the 297 declared seats, a total of 48,074,429 'Yes' votes were cast, while 22,565,627 'No' votes were recorded. The referendum turnout stood at 60.26 per cent, according to Prothom Alo. These voting details were shared by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed during a media briefing at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Friday. Among the 297 declared seats, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies secured 212 seats. The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats; Islami Andolan Bangladesh won one; and independent candidates won seven. Further breakdown shows BNP winning 209 seats independently. Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats, NCP six seats, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis two seats, Khelafat Majlis one seat, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) one seat, Ganosamhati Andolon one seat, and Gono Odhikar Parishad one seat, as per Prothom Alo. The decisive 'Yes' victory in the referendum, conducted alongside the parliamentary polls on Thursday to endorse the constitutional proposals outlined in the July National Charter, paves the way for implementing proposed state reforms. The total voter base for both the election and the referendum exceeded 127.7 million, with the same 60.26 per cent turnout applying to the referendum. Senior Secretary of the EC, Akhtar Ahmed, reiterated the voting figures in his briefing to journalists at the Election Building in Agargaon today, Prothom Alo reported. The overwhelming support for the 'Yes' vote signals strong public backing for advancing institutional and constitutional changes following the recent political transition, setting the stage for the new BNP-led government to move forward with these reforms. - ANI The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has allowed banks to become sponsors of pension funds under the National Pension System (NPS), joining insurance companies and Asset Management Companies. PFRDA Chairman Sivasubramanian Ramann stated this creates a completely level playing field for all sponsors. He also highlighted the need for state governments to annually fund pension accounts for their employees. Additionally, the authority has eased withdrawal norms for the NPS Vatsalya scheme, making 80% of the corpus accessible when the child beneficiary reaches adulthood. PFRDA Chairman announces banks can sponsor NPS pension funds, creating a level playing field with AMCs and insurers. New withdrawal norms for NPS Vatsalya also detailed. Mumbai, February 13 Having allowed banks to sponsor pension funds under the National Pension System, Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Sivasubramanian Ramann, has said that the playing field is level for all sponsors, including Asset Management Companies. "The playing field is totally level. It is level for all sponsors. The change we have made is that we have allowed banks to become a sponsor of a pension fund. Earlier, it was only insurance companies and AMCs that could be the sponsor. So once you're a sponsor, there is no difference between any of the sponsors," Ramann told ANI. "Banks had expressed their desire to become the sponsor and therefore we have allowed the banks to become the sponsor apart from insurance companies and AFCs," he added. He said pension schemes such as NPS incur annual costs that must be managed. "The only point we are making is that every pension account of a state government employee must be funded on an annual basis and therefore there is an annual expenditure that the state government must put in its income and expenditure account so that the cost of pension is born on an annual basis," he said. He also discussed the ease of withdrawal norms for NPS Vatsalya, a scheme designed to help children benefit from the power of compounding. Ramann explained that subscribers can now access a majority of the funds once the child reaches adulthood. "Eighty per cent of the amount of the corpus is now available for use by the citizen. And that has made a big difference to the Vatsalya account. We have made it easy for people to use the money when they need it. If they don't need the money, you continue in the NPS account," he said. NPS Vatsalya is a contributory savings and long-term financial security scheme designed exclusively for minors. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget for FY 2024-25 and subsequently launched on September 18, 2024, by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman. - ANI The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman has declared a "historic victory" in the national parliament election based on preliminary results. Simultaneously, serious allegations of electoral misconduct, including rigging and the use of money to influence voters, have emerged across the country. A Jamaat-e-Islami leader was detained and fined for distributing cash at a polling station. The election day was also marred by violent incidents at several polling booths, resulting in the death of a political leader. BNP chairman declares historic victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary election as reports emerge of vote rigging, cash distribution, and violent incidents. Dhaka, Feb 13 Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman said that his party is set to secure a "historic victory" in the country's national parliament election, local media reported Friday. In a separate statement, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi extended greetings and congratulations to the people of the country, hailing the party's victory in securing a majority of seats in the election, Xinhua news agency reported. According to local media reports, preliminary vote counting results from constituencies across the country show that the BNP has secured more than half of the seats in the national parliament election held on Thursday. Meanwhile, serious allegations of rigging, use of money to influence voters and violent incidents emerged across several parts of Bangladesh on Thursday as the country held its 13th parliamentary elections, local media reported. Amid rising electoral misconduct, a Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Zainal Abedin, was detained and fined for distributing cash during voting in Ranashal village of Gorai Union of Mirzapur Upazila in Tangail District. The mobile court magistrate and upazila Assistant Commissioner (AC Land), Tarek Aziz, imposed a fine of 3,000 Bangladeshi Taka while confirming the incident. Violence erupted at several polling booths across Bangladesh on Thursday, leading to the death of a political leader as the voting was underway across the nation, local media reported. Incidents started unfolding after polling began early morning, reflecting the deteriorating law and order situation and volatile security landscape in Bangladesh. - IANS Following the BNP's decisive election victory in Bangladesh, Indian experts view chairperson Tarique Rahman as a pragmatic figure for continuing bilateral coordination. The defeat of the radical Jamaat-e-Islami is seen as positive news for India's security concerns on its eastern border. Key issues like the expiring Farakka water sharing treaty will require fresh negotiations with the new government. The election has also exposed a deep fracture between the formerly allied BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Experts in India react to BNP's election win, seeing Tarique Rahman as a pragmatic partner for bilateral issues and a bulwark against radical Islamists. New Delhi, Feb 13 The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is now poised to form the next government in Dhaka following an overwhelming mandate in its favour - a development that has largely been welcomed, given present circumstances, by experts across various fields in India. "Under the given conditions, (BNP Chairperson) Tarique Rahman is the likely person with whom India can coordinate and do business. He is more pragmatic and practical," observed Kulbir Krishan, former member of India's National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). "It is good news for India that radical Islamists have not come to power," which the security establishment considers could have added to New Delhi's concerns on Pakistan-sponsored terror activities on the eastern border. His opinion was closely echoed by women's rights activist and writer from Bangladesh, Taslima Nasrin. "The good news is that the people did not allow Jamaat-e-Islami, which seeks to impose anti-women Sharia laws, to come to power. That's the good news for now," she said. "I'm happy with the election outcome; not because of the BNP's victory, but over the defeat of jihadists and terrorist groups. These elements have been dominating Bangladesh politics for the past one-and-a-half years," said the author, who fled Dhaka to escape persecution for writing in favour of gender equality and religious tolerance. Taslima has living in exile for over three decades, first in Sweden, then in India. On the meagre representation by women in Bangladesh polls, she argued that women in Bangladesh have long been treated as unequal, and emancipation may come with more voices seeking parity. In a Facebook post, she has listed a 15-point "to-do" suggestions for the BNP to ensure equality, peace, and good governance. The 13th general election was held in the absence of the Awami League, which is facing a political ban by Bangladesh's interim government over allegations of violence, anti-terrorism laws, and ongoing trials. The Sheikh Hasina-led government, toppled in August 2024 in a student-led uprising, was widely described as friendly toward New Delhi for visible security cooperation, economic integration, development partnerships, and frequent highlevel diplomacy. Krishan also stressed that any government in power in Dhaka would need to negotiate with New Delhi on several bilateral issues, including the Farakka water sharing treaty, which expires later this year. Talks have been initiated since there is no automatic extension clause, necessitating fresh negotiations. "Given the absolute majority he is likely to enjoy in Parliament, he will not need to seek support of other parties or be forced to bend under pressure for any of his decisions," he added. ""Even though considered somewhat less amicable than the Awami League, the BNP, led by Rahman's mother Begum Khalida Zia, managed relations quite well with India. There always were cordial diplomatic relations and regular talks when Begum Zia was Prime Minister earlier," Krishan pointed out. Meanwhile, geostrategist Brahma Chellaney pointed out how the once allies contested each other in a bitterly fought election. "For years, Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP functioned as inseparable allies, often aligning electorally to counter the Awami League's dominance, with Jamaat's street mobilisation reinforcing BNP campaigns," he opined. "But now Jamaat is accusing the BNP of using the state apparatus to rig the latest election and, in rejecting the results, is recasting itself as the 'true' representative of the 2024 uprising - arguing that the BNP has merely substituted one form of autocracy for another," he added on a Facebook post. Incidentally, the BNP has now disassociated itself, even accusing the Jamaat of alleged links and support to Pakistan during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. Accusations have led to bans being imposed on the Jamaat earlier. The last one imposed by the Hasina-led government was withdrawn by the interim administration after the fall of the Awami League regime. - IANS Megastar Chiranjeevi announced the names of his newborn grandchildren, twins born to actor Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela, on social media. He explained that the boy's name, Shivram Konidela, is a profound confluence, with "Shiva" reflecting inner strength and "Ram" embodying righteousness and moral courage. The girl's name, Anveera Devi Konidela, represents the divine feminine, symbolizing fearlessness, resilience, and grace. The twins, a boy and a girl, were born on February 1, marking the couple's second journey into parenthood after their daughter Klin Kaara. Megastar Chiranjeevi explains the spiritual significance behind his grandkids' names, Shivram and Anveera Devi Konidela, born to Ram Charan and Upasana. Mumbai, Feb 13 Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela's twins have been named Shivram and Anveera Devi. Megastar Chiranjeevi announced the names of his newborn grandkids with a special social media post. Dropping a picture of Ram Charan and Upasana from the naming ceremony, Chiranjeevi penned on his IG, "With boundless joy and divine grace...We are delighted to announce the beautiful names of our two little blessings - " & " (sic)". The 'Godfather' actor further went on to explain the significance behind these names in the caption that read, "Shiva Ram is a profound confluence of two eternal ideals. "Shiva" is inspired by Shiva Shankara Vara Prasad, reflecting inner strength, spiritual depth and stillness. "Ram" from Ram Charan embodies righteousness, compassion and moral courage. Together, the name signifies the harmony between inner power and responsible action." Explaining the meaning of Anveera, he shared, "Anveera Devi is a rare and powerful expression of the Divine Feminine. Anveera represents fearlessness, resilience and divine protection, inspired by the blessings of Kanaka Durga Devi. A name that reflects grace, courage and unwavering strength." Chiranjeevi ended the post by urging everyone to shower their blessings on the newborns. "We seek your blessings for Shiva Ram and Anveera Devi as they begin their beautiful journey of life. With love and gratitude," the post ended. Ram Charan and Upasana embraced parenthood for the second time as they welcomed twins - a boy and a girl on February 1. Sharing the news on social media, Chiranjeevi welcomed the latest additions to the Konidela family, saying, "With immense joy and a heart full of gratitude, we are happy to share that @AlwaysRamCharan and @upasanakonidela have been blessed with twins - a baby boy and a baby girl. Both the babies and the mother are healthy and doing well." "Welcoming these little ones into our family is a moment of pure joy and divine blessing for us as grandparents. We sincerely thank everyone for their prayers, love, blessings and good wishes -Chiranjeevi & Surekha," he added. Ram Charan tied the knot with Upasana in June 2012, and the couple welcomed their firstborn, daughter Klin Kaara, in 2023. - IANS Director General of the Indian Coast Guard inaugurated a new waterjet production and testing facility in Goa, a landmark for India's maritime self-reliance. This makes India only the third country in the world, after the US and South Korea, to host such an advanced facility. The facility will secure the domestic supply chain, act as a regional hub, and enhance indigenous maintenance for over 100 Coast Guard vessel systems. The initiative is part of broader indigenization efforts, including a new contract for Dornier aircraft and the development of India's first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles. Indian Coast Guard DG inaugurates advanced waterjet production & testing facility in Goa, making India the third country globally with this capability. Panaji, Feb 13 Director General of Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani on Friday inaugurated a waterjet production and testing facility in Goa, marking a significant milestone in India's pursuit of maritime Aatmanirbharta, a statement said. With this advanced production and testing facility under the Manufacturing and Transfer of Technology framework, India becomes the third country globally, after the US and South Korea, to host such a facility, it said. The newly inaugurated facility will ensure domestic supply chain security, enable indigenous testing of waterjet systems, and emerge as a regional hub serving South Asia and adjoining regions, it said. The initiative will also contribute to employment generation, support the MSME ecosystem, and enhance technology absorption in the country. The ICG currently operates more than 100 MJP waterjet propulsion systems onboard its vessels, with 42 additional systems slated for ships under construction. The newly inaugurated facility will significantly enhance operational sustainability and indigenous maintenance capabilities, the statement said. Director General Sivamani reiterated the ICG's firm commitment to indigenisation and highlighted that the achievement is the outcome of sustained multi-tier engagements initiated since 2023. During the visit, DG ICG also reviewed the progress of six indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles at another company. The project marks India's first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle programme with nearly 50 per cent indigenous content, with delivery of the first vessel scheduled for May 2026. On Thursday, the Defence Ministry said it has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft, along with operational role equipment, for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), for Rs 2,312 crore. The order is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment by strengthening HAL's production ecosystem and supporting a broad network of MSMEs and ancillary industries. - IANS The ruling Congress party has won a decisive victory in Telangana's urban local body elections, capturing nearly 60% of municipalities. While the Congress performed strongly, the main opposition BRS prevented a complete sweep by securing several municipalities. The BJP, though failing to win any municipality outright, emerged as the single largest party in the key corporations of Karimnagar and Nizamabad. The elections saw a robust voter turnout of over 73%, with the next phase involving the election of chairpersons and mayors. Congress secures 60% of municipalities in Telangana civic polls, while BJP emerges as the single largest party in Karimnagar and Nizamabad corporations. Hyderabad, Feb 13 Telangana's ruling Congress party has won nearly 60 per cent of urban local bodies, the results show on Friday night. The Congress party captured power in 64 out of 116 municipalities and three out of seven corporations. Main Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) bagged 13 municipalities, while Forward Block captured one urban local body. There were no clear winners in 38 municipalities. This triggered camp politics by both Congress and BRS to lure independents and others to win the posts of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons. The Congress party claimed victory in 75 per cent of the municipalities. An impressive performance by BRS denied the ruling party a clean sweep. In the previous municipal elections held in 2020, then ruling party TRS (now BRS) had captured power in over 100 urban local bodies. The ruling party also captured power in Mancherial, Ramagundam and Nalgonda corporations and was leading in Mahabubnagar. In the 60-member Kothagudem corporation, Congress and Communist Party of India (CPI) won 22 seats each. Congress leaders said there was a friendly contest between them. BJP, which failed to capture any municipality on its own, emerged as the single largest party in the Karimnagar corporation. It secured 30 seats in a 66-member corporation. The BJP was also on its way to emerge as the single largest party in the Nizamabad corporation. It won 24 out of 45 seats, the results for which were declared till 8 p.m. Nizamabad and Karimnagar are among the eight Lok Sabha seats held by the BJP in Telangana. Out of 2,582 wards in municipalities, the Congress party bagged 1,347 wards while BRS secured 717 wards. The BJP was distant third with 261 seats. Others, including AIMIM and independents, won 256 seats Out of 414 divisions in seven municipal corporations, results have come so far from 378 divisions. Congress won 177, while the BRS bagged 57 divisions. BJP won 70 divisions while others secured 74 seats. Over 73 per cent of voters had cast their votes in the municipal elections in 116 municipalities and seven corporations on Wednesday. Counting of votes was taken up from 8 a.m. on Friday amid tight security. A total of 52,17,413 voters were eligible to cast their votes in 2,981 wards in the 123 urban local bodies. According to the State Election Commission (SEC), 38,09,406 voters cast their votes. The voter turnout in municipalities was 75.88 per cent, while in municipal corporations, 66.05 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise. Notification for elections to Municipal chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, and corporation mayors and deputy mayors will be issued on Saturday. Newly-elected councillors and corporators will take oath on February 16 (Monday), and the same day they will elect Municipal chairpersons and vice-chairpersons and corporation mayors and deputy mayors. - IANS US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, urging it to agree to a nuclear deal quickly or face serious, "very traumatic" consequences. He suggested a timeline of about a month for negotiations, hinting at a tough "Phase 2" if diplomacy fails. These remarks followed his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is closely monitoring the situation. For India, any escalation threatens regional stability, energy security, and the safety of its diaspora in the Gulf. US President Donald Trump warns Iran to agree to a nuclear deal quickly or face a "very traumatic" and tough "Phase 2" of consequences. Washington, Feb 13 US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear agreement quickly or face serious consequences, saying failure to make a deal would be "very traumatic." "We have to make a deal otherwise it's going to be very traumatic, very traumatic," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I don't want that to happen, but we have to make a deal," he added. Asked about a timeline, Trump said the process should move fast. "I guess over the next month, something like that - shouldn't take, I mean, it should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly," he said. Trump said if talks fail, the situation would escalate. "If they don't make a deal, then it'll be a different story," he said. "If the deal isn't a very fair deal and a very good deal with Iran, then it's going to be, I think, a very difficult time for them." The remarks followed a day after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We had a very good meeting yesterday with Bibi Netanyahu and he understands, but it's ultimately up to me," Trump said. Asked whether Netanyahu wanted him to stop negotiating, Trump replied, "I'll talk to them as long as I like and we'll see if we can get a deal with them. And if we can't, we'll have to go to Phase 2. Phase 2 will be very tough for them." Trump did not spell out what "Phase 2" would involve. The comments signal continued diplomacy but also renewed pressure on Tehran. Iran's nuclear program has remained a central flashpoint in West Asia. The United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during Trump's first term. Since then, tensions have persisted over enrichment levels and regional security. For India, stability in the Gulf region carries economic and strategic importance. India imports a significant share of its crude oil from West Asia and maintains a large diaspora presence across the region. Any escalation between Washington and Tehran could have implications for energy markets and regional security dynamics. At the same time, US-Iran negotiations have historically moved in cycles of pressure and engagement, with diplomatic channels often kept open even during periods of sharp rhetoric. - IANS Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 51 new Ayushmaan Arogya Mandirs in South Delhi, raising the total number of functional health centers to 370. She reiterated the government's plan to eventually build 1,100 such facilities across the capital. Separately, the CM commented on politics in Kerala, hailing the BJP's recent gains in local body elections as a "symbol of change" and a "fresh morning." She expressed hope that this would lead to a "Viksit Kerala" characterized by development, dignity, and security, aligning with the national vision. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurates 51 health centers, bringing total to 370. She also hails BJP's local election gains in Kerala as a "symbol of change." New Delhi, February 13 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 51 Ayushmaan Arogya Mandirs at Fatehpur Beri Village in South Delhi on Friday, which brings the total number to 370 till now. The CM also highlighted that massive multi-crore projects have been under implementation in South Delhi since last year, directly benefiting the people of the area. Speaking to the media, the CM shared that the state government planned to build 1100 Arogya Mandirs in Delhi, a plan which is steadily progressing. Expressing her delight over the 370 Ayushman Mandir inaugurated, she said, "I am happy that 370 Ayushman Arogya Mandir have been functional in Delhi, and we will continue to increase this number... I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all of you and the people of Delhi." Earlier today, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also hailed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent electoral win in Kerala as a "symbol of change" that marks the arrival of a "fresh morning" for the region. "The election of such a large number of BJP corporators in Kerala is a symbol of change. It is the arrival of that fresh morning which will usher in a major transformation in Kerala. The state of Kerala was trapped wherein there was no development, no opportunities for the public, and the state, which was suffering from violent politics, kept lagging behind," the CM said. Aligning with the national "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) vision, she expressed hope for a "Viksit Kerala" defined by dignity and security. "I hope that with this new morning, there will be Viksit Kerala, there will be development, and there will be dignity and security. Together with Viksit Bharat, Viksit Kerala will emerge, and the BJP will be seen in a big role in the time to come," she stated. This comes after Kerala's local body elections, where the BJP most notably secured power in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. JP-led NDA won 50 wards in the 101-ward Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, while the LDF was reduced to 29 wards. - ANI The Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), DRDO, and IIT Ropar have signed an MoU to promote collaborative research and technological innovation. The partnership aims to drive advancements in areas critical to defence, such as human performance augmentation and high-altitude sustenance. This agreement follows closely on the heels of the 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group meeting held at DRDO HQ, which sought to advance bilateral defence science cooperation. The recent US meeting concluded with a signed project agreement, highlighting a parallel push for international collaboration in critical technologies. DRDO's DIPAS and IIT Ropar sign an MoU to drive innovation in human performance, high-altitude tech, and energy management. New Delhi, February 13 A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar to promote collaborative research, academic exchange and strengthen technological innovation by leveraging each other's research expertise. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between DIPAS , DRDO and IIT Ropar for collaborative research, academic exchange and strengthening technological innovation utilising each other's research expertise, according to DRDO This collaboration is poised to drive innovation for human performance augmentation, high-altitude sustenance, smart energy and efficient waste management, according to DRDO, he added. Earlier on February 5, India and the United States held the 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary, held at DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi, to advance cooperation in Defence Science & Technologies, as per a statement by the Ministry of Defence. According to the press release, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted the 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Plenary Meeting in New Delhi on February 3-4. The meeting was co-chaired by Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO Dr Chandrika Kaushik and Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering Mr Michael Francis Dodd. As per the statement, the plenary was conducted in line with the vision and policy guidance of the framework for the India-US Major Defence Partnership signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in October 2025. The delegations reviewed the ongoing cooperation in defence science & technology, discussed associated challenges, and examined proposals to further strengthen collaboration in critical & emerging defence technologies to meet the evolving requirements. The statement further noted that the discussions also focused on enhancing the participation of university-affiliated research centres, defence laboratories, and industries in cooperative research & development initiatives. Additionally, the meeting explored potential collaboration between the DRDO and the Defence Innovation Unit under the Innovation Bridge framework & concluded with the signing of a project agreement. - ANI Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the crediting of 5,000 to women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme. The amount includes a 3,000 advance for February-April and a 2,000 summer special package. Stalin also pledged that the monthly assistance would be doubled to 2,000 in the next government term under "Dravidian Model 2.0". The announcement triggered celebrations among DMK cadres, with party functionaries distributing sweets and bursting firecrackers in Thoothukudi. Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin transfers 5,000 to women beneficiaries, announces future hike to 2,000 monthly. DMK cadres celebrate the move. Thoothukudi, February 13 DMK cadres burst firecrackers and distributed sweets in Thoothukudi after Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that 5,000 had been credited to women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme. Rs 3,000 was credited as an advance for the months of February, March and April, along with Rs 2,000 as a "summer special package". taking the total amount to Rs 5,000. The amount was transferred directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries on Friday morning. The Chief Minister also announced that the current monthly assistance of 1,000 will be increased to 2,000 under "Dravidian Model 2.0" in the next term of the government. The Women's Rights Assistance Scheme was launched on September 15, 2023. Under the scheme, 1,000 is credited every month to women heads of families. At present, 1.14 crore women benefit from the scheme. The government has earlier said that steps to enrol new beneficiaries will begin soon. Welcoming the announcement, party functionaries led by the Tamil Nadu Minister for Social Welfare and Women's Rights P Geetha Jeevan celebrated near the Old Bus Stand in Thoothukudi. They burst firecrackers and distributed sweets to the public. In a post on X, MK Stalin stated that the 3,000 amount was given as an advance payment. He also alleged that "some" were trying to block the Women's Rights Grant for three months, citing the upcoming elections, but said his government acted in advance to prevent any disruption. "For the women of Tamil Nadu, this Women's Rights Grant is the promise given by Stalin. No matter who tries to create obstacles, I will not step back from it. Citing the elections as a reason, they are trying to block the Women's Rights Grant for three months. But our #DravidianModel government has acted ahead of them! As an advance for the months of February, March, and April - 3,000, along with a summer special package of 2,000! A total of 5,000 has been credited this morning to all 1.31 crore beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme," the post read. - ANI The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated this marks the first time Rafale jets will be manufactured outside France, with 40-50% localisation under the Make in India initiative. The program is a government-to-government agreement ensuring transparency and will allow integration of Indian weapons and systems. The first Rafale Marine variants are expected to arrive in 2028, with Air Force versions following approximately three and a half years later. Defence Secretary confirms 114 Rafale jets will be built in India under Make in India, marking first production outside France with major localisation. By Ajit Dubey, New Delhi, February 13 Following the Defence Acquisition Council's nod to the proposal to buy 114 Rafale Fighter Jets, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday said that this would be the first time that the Rafale would be manufactured outside France with 40 to 50 per cent localisation under the 'Make in India' programme. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Singh said the programme is being implemented through a government-to-government agreement with no intermediaries and full transparency. He added that it will allow the integration of Indian weapons and systems on the aircraft, which he described as a key feature of the project. "For the first time, Rafale aircraft will be manufactured outside France with significant levels of localisation. We are seeking a minimum of 40 to 50 per cent... The first time 'Make in India,' Rafael outside France backed up by a government-to-government agreement, no intermediaries, full transparency in the project itself, government to government, significant levels of localisation, and full authority to integrate Indian weapons and Indian systems are the highlights of this program," Singh said. "It also enables us to induct fighter aircraft relatively quickly because the first of the Rafale Marines will start coming in '28, and after that, over a period of time, you will see that about three and a half years from now, the first of these Air Force Rafales will also start coming," Singh added. This comes after the Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to various service proposals at an estimated value of about Rs 3.60 lakh crore. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), AoN was approved for the procurement of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) {Rafale}, Combat Missiles, and Air-Ships Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (AS-HAPS). According to the Ministry of Defence, the procurement of MRFA will enhance the IAF's capability to undertake air-dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost its deterrence with long-range offensive strikes. The majority of the MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India. The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground-attack capability with deep-strike power and very high accuracy. The AS-HAPS will be utilised for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunications, and remote sensing for military purposes. - ANI New complexes designed for efficiency and technological needs Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the newly constructed 'Seva Teerth' and Kartavya Bhavan complexes, framing them as a decisive break from India's colonial architectural past. He contrasted the elevated, dominant structures of the British era with the new ground-level complexes, which symbolise humility and connection to the people. The Prime Minister emphasized that these modern facilities are designed to fulfill the aspirations of citizens and enable faster, more efficient service delivery in the technological age. He linked the ethos of the buildings to a governance model of service, quoting Mahatma Gandhi on duty as the foundation for national progress. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Seva Teerth, contrasting it with colonial-era buildings and emphasizing a governance model rooted in public service and people's aspirations. New Delhi, Feb 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, dedicated the newly constructed "Seva Teerth" and Kartavya Bhavan" complexes to the people of India, describing them as a significant milestone in the country's journey toward becoming a developed nation or 'Viksit Bharat'. He said that these modern facilities embody a deep commitment to citizen-centric governance and national progress, marking a clear departure from the colonial past. Recalling the historical context, the Prime Minister noted that during British rule, buildings such as those on Raisina Hills, including South Block and North Block, were designed to project the authority and vision of the British Emperor over an "enslaved" India. These structures were deliberately placed on elevated ground to symbolise dominance and remain incomparable to local architecture. In contrast, PM Modi said that 'Seva Teerth' stands connected to the ground level, symbolising humility and closeness to the people rather than aloofness. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that while old colonial buildings were meant to enforce the will of a distant ruler, the new complexes have been created to fulfill the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. Decisions taken from these spaces, he said, will no longer serve any king's vision but will respond directly to the expectations of the common people. With a sense of pride and responsibility, PM Modi formally dedicated the facilities to the nation, underscoring that governance must now reflect the dreams and needs of the citizens. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of modern infrastructure in an era of rapid technological advancement. He said that the old buildings suffered from space constraints and were inadequate for embracing new tools and expanding services. Seva Teerth, he added, derives its name from the concept of a pilgrimage dedicated to service, where resolve transforms into action. "As India accelerates on the path of reforms, strengthens international relations, and moves toward saturation coverage in welfare schemes, these new workplaces must inspire efficiency, confidence, and faster delivery of results," the Prime Minister said. Drawing from Vedic traditions, PM Modi invoked the idea of seeking welfare from all directions and ensuring that the soul of the building remains rooted in humanity and public good. He called for a work culture free of walls and distances, where policies come alive only when they truly understand and address people's dreams. In India's vibrant democracy, he asserted, the thoughts and aspirations of citizens form the real strength and capital. Reflecting on the governance model of the past 11 years, Prime Minister Modi described it as one driven by the spirit of service, which has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty and given fresh momentum to the economy. He urged officials to pause and introspect daily; whether their work is easing the lives of ordinary citizens across the country. True fulfillment, the Prime Minister said, comes not from showmanship but from discharging duties with devotion. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi reminded that the edifice of rights is built on the foundation of duty. "Duty remains the starting point for realising the dreams of crores and for facing every challenge that lies ahead." As employees move into these inspiring new spaces, PM Modi expressed hope that they will carry forward this ethos, leaving behind a legacy of pride and service when their tenures end. - IANS The government has sanctioned 82 infrastructure projects worth Rs 4703.81 crores for North Eastern states under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS). These projects, approved over the last two financial years and the current one, focus on two key components: roads/bridges and other critical infrastructure like health and education. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has implemented strict monitoring, including third-party inspections, to ensure timely completion. Regular review meetings with state governments are held to expedite the execution of these vital development works. Central govt sanctions Rs 4703.81 crore for 82 infrastructure projects in North East under NESIDS scheme for roads, health, education & water. New Delhi, February 13 The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region was approved as a new Central Sector Scheme in 2017-18 and restructured into two components, viz. NESIDS and NESIDS in 2022-23. According to the Ministry, a total of 82 projects costing Rs 4703.81 crores have been sanctioned under NESIDS during the last two financial years, i.e., FY 2023-24, FY 2024-25, and the current FY 2025-26, as of January 31, 2026. The State-wise details of the projects sanctioned under NESIDS are annexed. The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region has taken several steps to ensure the timely completion of projects sanctioned by the Ministry in the North Eastern Region (NER) under various schemes, including NESIDS. The projects are periodically monitored and inspected by officials from MDoNER, the North Eastern Council, and the Field Technical Support Units (FTSUs). Regular review meetings are conducted with the State Governments of NER to expedite the execution of sanctioned projects under the Schemes of MDoNER. The Project Quality Monitors/Third Party Technical Inspection Agencies (PQM/TPTI) have been introduced to strengthen the monitoring mechanism of the MDoNER. Under NESIDS(Roads), the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) of the concerned State Government of NE States, recommends projects leading to the creation of physical assets in roads/bridges and auxiliary infrastructure, as per their needs, priorities and gaps. Similarly, under NESIDS (OTRI), the SLEC of the concerned State Government of NE States recommends projects leading to the creation of infrastructure for Primary and Secondary Health Care, Primary and Secondary Education, Water Supply, Industrial Development, Sports, Telecom, etc., as per their needs, priorities and gaps. - ANI Gujarat Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja is in stable condition after suffering a minor heart attack and undergoing an emergency angioplasty procedure. He was admitted to the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology in Ahmedabad after feeling unwell following a public function. Doctors successfully implanted a stent after identifying a blockage in one of his coronary arteries. The minister, a former medical practitioner himself, has been advised complete rest for five days as part of his recovery. Gujarat Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja is stable after a minor heart attack and emergency angioplasty in Ahmedabad. Get the latest health update. Ahmedabad, Feb 13 Gujarat Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja is in a stable condition after suffering a minor heart attack and undergoing emergency angioplasty at the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, sources said on Friday. Vaja was admitted to the city-based cardiac institute after he reported feeling unwell shortly after attending a public function at the Sabarmati Riverfront. Earlier in the day, he had participated in a programme organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, where smart school projects were inaugurated and awards presented to outstanding teachers. He remained at the event until around 5.30 p.m. According to a source, the minister went to the hospital for a routine medical check-up after experiencing discomfort. During the evaluation, doctors detected a blockage in one of his coronary arteries. "Following diagnostic tests, a blockage was identified and an immediate angioplasty was recommended," the source said. A stent was successfully implanted during the procedure. Doctors described the cardiac episode as minor and confirmed that the intervention was carried out without complications. "The minister is currently stable and under observation. He has been advised complete rest for five days," the source added. Vaja, who assumed office as a Cabinet-rank Education Minister in October last year, is a native of Ahmedabad and a former medical practitioner. He holds MBBS, DGO and MD degrees from Gujarat University and completed LLB and LLM qualifications in 2022. He was elected to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from the Kodinar constituency in the 2022 Assembly elections. Hospital authorities said he will continue to be monitored over the next few days as part of post-procedure care. - IANS A high-level Zimbabwe delegation, including Ambassador Stella Nkomo and Deputy Minister Rajeshkumar Modi, met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions centered on leveraging Gujarat's MSME expertise to support Zimbabwe's small and medium enterprise sector. The delegation also expressed interest in expanding educational cooperation, noting Zimbabwean officials are already enrolled in security programs at NFSU Gandhinagar. Both sides extended invitations for future engagements, including Zimbabwe's participation in Vibrant Gujarat 2027 and Gujarat's involvement in a Zimbabwe SME exhibition in 2026. Zimbabwe delegation meets Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel to discuss SME sector cooperation, skill development, and educational partnerships. Gandhinagar, February 13 Zimbabwe Ambassador to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Stella Nkomo, along with Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Industry & Commerce, Rajeshkumar Modi and a delegation, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the delegation visited Gujarat to participate in the 12th Trade Show of the Saurashtra Vepar Udyog Mandal, held in Ahmedabad from February 11th to 15th. During the courtesy meeting, discussions focused on leveraging Gujarat's SME expertise to support Zimbabwe's SME sector. The Ambassador and the Deputy Minister of Zimbabwe stated that Gujarat is not only a manufacturing and automotive hub but is also emerging as a semiconductor hub and a leader in the MSME sector. Zimbabwe is keen to benefit from this strength. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed readiness to explore opportunities for collaboration to enable Zimbabwe to benefit from Gujarat's MSME expertise, particularly in assessing the potential of Zimbabwe's SME sector and advancing skill development and training through cooperation. The Zimbabwe delegation also showed interest in expanding relations with Gujarat in the education sector in addition to industry and trade. They mentioned that police and security officials from Zimbabwe are enrolled in higher education programmes at NFSU Gandhinagar in subjects such as security and cybercrime security. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel invited Zimbabwe to participate in the upcoming Vibrant Summit 2027 and the next edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. The Ambassador and Deputy Minister of Zimbabwe invited entrepreneurs from Gujarat's MSME sector and state government officials to visit Zimbabwe for the SME exhibition to be held there in March 2026, a release said. - ANI A High-Powered Committee meeting with Ladakh's Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance was described as cordial and constructive. The government emphasized its commitment to a democratic consultation process to address the region's aspirations. Key demands from Ladakh's leadership include inclusion in the Constitution's Sixth Schedule for tribal protection and greater autonomy. The talks aim to safeguard Ladakh's unique culture, language, land, and employment while empowering local hill development councils. Government engages with Ladakh groups in Delhi meeting, commits to addressing democratic aspirations and constitutional safeguards for the region. New Delhi, February 13 A High Powered Committee meeting with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance was held in Delhi on Friday in a "cordial and constructive" manner, according to sources. The government is engaging with all stakeholders to address Ladakh's democratic aspirations, while prioritising residents' long-term interests, the sources added. Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra appealed to the people of Ladakh to avoid speculative rumours, emphasising the government's intent to find a fair resolution. Sharing an X post, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) quoted Kundra saying, "Speculative media reports give a negative slant to the ongoing talks of HPC in Delhi. While clarifying once again that the talks with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) were wholesome and constructive, he has stated that the Government is committed to a process of democratic consultation which involves all stakeholders of Ladakh." "I would like to appeal to the people of Ladakh and all stakeholders to abjure from speculative rumour mongering. The intent of the Government is to find a resolution to the democratic aspirations of Ladakh in a fair and judicious manner, keeping the long-term interests of the residents in mind," the Chief Secretary added. Meanwhile, a delegation from Chuchot Gongma, led by former Councillor Mirza Hussain, called on Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta. Sharing an X post, Office of the Ladakh's Lt Governor wrote, "A delegation from Chuchot Gongma, led by former Councillor Shri Mirza Hussain, called on Lt Governor Shri @KavinderGupta at #Leh." Notably, on February 4, 2026, a High-Powered Committee (HPC) led by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai met with a joint delegation from the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. The government described the 150-minute meeting as "constructive," emphasising a commitment to "judiciously" addressing Ladakh's aspirations. The Ladakh leadership have been demanding inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect tribal land and culture. In 2023, the MHA formed a high-powered committee under the Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, to discuss measures to protect Ladakh's unique culture and language, given its location and strategic importance. The panel, which included the members of the Leh ApexBody (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), a collective of trade unions, tourist bodies, and religious and political groups, deliberated on protections for land and employment, and the empowerment of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil, and other constitutional safeguards. The government representatives of the meeting comprise the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, the MP, and officials. The HPC for Ladakh aims to protect Ladakh's culture, language, land, and employment, empower local councils (LAHDCs), and provide constitutional safeguards. Recent meetings in late 2023 and early 2024 focused on demands such as Sixth Schedule inclusion and Statehood from groups like the LAB and KDA. The purpose of the meeting is to take measures to protect the Ladakh region's unique culture and language taking into consideration its geographical location and its strategic importance, to ensure protection of land and employment, inclusive development and employment generation in the region, empowerment of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) of Leh and Kargil, and constitutional safeguards that could be provided to ensure the measures and protection. - ANI Anupam Govil states that AI is an immediate strategic test for India, not a future opportunity. He argues the traditional tech services model, built on labor arbitrage, is eroding due to AI's rise. India must build sovereign capabilities and reinvent how AI is leveraged for efficiency and broad societal impact. The country's scale makes it the ultimate laboratory for deploying AI to solve real-world problems. AI is an immediate strategic test for India, says Anupam Govil. The country must lead in sovereign AI and scale to solve real-world problems. Washington, Feb 13 Artificial intelligence is no longer a future opportunity for India - it is an immediate strategic test, said Anupam Govil, Chief Tech and AI Evangelist and Managing Partner at global management consulting firm Avasant, adding that the country must lead in AI and must "reinvent how AI is being leveraged". "India is at a pivotal point in its evolution as a technology hub," Govil said in an interview with IANS ahead of the 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' in New Delhi next week. "For the last almost three decades, India led the tech services industry globally," he noted. But with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, "the fundamental premise on which the services industry was built, which was a labour arbitrage, has been eroding." AI, he said, is "a big leveller," where "geography and location and labour costs doesn't matter as much as it did." That makes the moment critical for New Delhi. "For India, this is a very important moment because it is announcing to the world that not only is India investing in AI, but is probably going to be where AI will find its true socio-economic impact," said Govil, also the Founding Chair, US India Chamber of Commerce, Austin, Texas. He argued that AI can "hypercharge Indian businesses" while helping the country "leapfrog through all the issues in various sectors," including education, healthcare, and energy. Globally, the competition is intensifying. "There is a race going on. It is the modern version of the arms race or the nuclear race. This is the AI race," Govil said. Countries are investing "hundreds of billions of dollars to build the necessary infrastructure to be able to power AI," he said. He stressed the importance of sovereign capabilities. "The emergence of sovereign AI, sovereign LLMs, is important because it allows countries to safeguard their own interests," Govil said. While much of the foundational model development has taken place in North America, he said India must strengthen infrastructure, talent, and use cases to stay competitive. "Talent is an area where India, of course, has not had any shortage when it comes to technology," he said. But in AI, "the type of talent, the type of skills needed, have shifted." Engineers now "don't even need to write software code," he said, but must ensure AI-generated outputs "solve the real business problems and are optimized and error-free." Govil believes India's real strength lies in scale. "India is the ultimate laboratory to try out different technologies to solve real-world problems at scale and at the lowest cost," he said. He said India must "reinvent how AI is being leveraged" to make it "more efficient in terms of power usage and cost of compute" while benefiting "the population at large." On collaboration with the United States, Govil said American firms already play a significant role. "A lot of the AI models that are being adopted in India" are coming from U.S. companies such as OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Microsoft, he said. But deeper cooperation will be needed, especially on standards and safeguards. "There's going to be a need for safeguards," he said, to ensure AI "cannot be hijacked by bad users." He pointed to "exchange of know-how knowledge, talent between US and India" and investments in infrastructure and application development. At the same time, he made clear that "I don't think India is going to be reliant on the US or any other country for its AI future." Govil also highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora. "I'm seeing sort of this second wave of Indian Americans heading back to India," he said, both to tap into the market opportunity and "to give back to their nation." That shift, he said, "is only going to amplify," with more entrepreneurs and investors driving "the next phase of growth." - IANS India and the Republic of Korea held their 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue in Seoul, reviewing the entire scope of their bilateral partnership. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership, covering areas from trade and defense to science and culture. They noted record bilateral trade of approximately $28 billion and agreed on a concrete goal to increase it to $50 billion by 2030. The dialogue also included exchanges on regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific and cooperation in multilateral forums like the G20. India and South Korea reaffirm their Special Strategic Partnership, review bilateral ties, and set a $50 billion trade target by 2030 at the 6th FPSD. Seoul, February 13 India and the Republic of Korea reviewed the full spectrum of their bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership during the 6th India-RoK Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue. In an X post, the Indian Embassy of South Korea said, "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran co-chaired 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with Park Yoon-joo and reviewed the whole gamut of the bilateral relations including sharing the views on high-level exchanges, economic and commercial issues, security, defence, S&T, Cultural and People to People ties." It added, "They also shared their perspectives on the issues of regional and global significance and agreed to work to further enhance the Special Strategic Partnership." Secretary (East) P Kumaran co-chaired the dialogue with Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, during his official visit to Seoul from February 12 to 13, 2026. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including high-level exchanges, economic and commercial issues, security, defence, S&T, Cultural and people-to-people ties. Both sides also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Earlier on January 17, 2023, Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, paid an official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) from January 16-17, 2023 to co-chair the 5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with his ROK counterpart Cho Hyundong, First Vice Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, on January 16, 2023, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. During the FPSD, both sides agreed to enhance India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership by strengthening strategic communication through regular high-level engagements, including the Foreign Minister-level Joint Commission Meeting, '2+2' dialogue involving Foreign Ministry and Defence Ministry at Vice Minister/Secretary level, other ministerial and senior official dialogues, as the two countries celebrate 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, security and defence, science and technology, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, according to the statement. The Secretary (East) informed the Korean side of the investment opportunities India offers to Korean companies in manufacturing, infrastructure, and other sectors. The two sides agreed to work to make global supply chains more resilient and robust. They also noted that bilateral trade was at an all-time high of approximately USD 28 billion. and agreed to take concrete steps to realise the vision of reaching USD 50 billion by 2030. Both sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in new and emerging technologies, the statement said. FPSD provided an opportunity to share perspectives on regional and global issues, including developments on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific. The two sides noted that the ROK's recently announced Indo-Pacific Strategy provides an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation, including expanding it to new areas. They also discussed cooperation in multilateral fora. Secretary (East) briefed the ROK side about the priorities of India during its Presidency of G20. The latter appreciated India's efforts and assured it of full support for the G20's success. - ANI The Indian Navy's leadership has declared self-reliance a core mission, stating the force is ahead in the 'Make in India' initiative. At a major conclave in New Delhi, the focus was on leveraging digital technology to transform quality assurance processes for defence manufacturing. Key outcomes included the release of an indigenous industrial capability catalogue and new guidelines for integrated data management. The event emphasized a collaborative shift towards a trust-based, performance-oriented quality regime to speed up shipbuilding and defence production. Vice Admiral B Sivakumar declares self-reliance a mission as the Navy advances indigenisation, unveiling a tech-driven quality assurance framework in New Delhi. New Delhi, February 13 The country is on the cusp of transformation, and so is the Indian Navy with self-reliance not just a mantra but a mission, Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel, said on Friday on the sidelines of North Zone Quality Assurance Industry Conclave in the national capital. He said Navy is ahead 'Make in India' initiative. "The country is on the cusp of transformation and so is the Indian Navy. Self-reliance is not just a mantra. It is our mission. The Navy is ahead in indigenisation or 'Make in India' initiative...This conclave is a step in the right direction to bring all stakeholders together in one forum and achieve synergy, enabling us to identify issues that will improve ease of doing business, ease of clearance, transparency, and reduce obstacles in quality assurance clearance," Vice Admiral Sivakumar told ANI. Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition of Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, said that quality Assurance is a big pillar for our combat abilities and efficiency. "We will discuss the issues here that we want to solve... All of us know that we will be 'Aatmnirbhar' in the next few years," he said. The Quality Assurance (QA)-Industry Conclave themed 'Traceability, Speed and Trust - Leveraging Technology for Smarter Quality Assurance' took place in New Delhi. It brought together senior leadership from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy, QA organisations, defence shipyards, public sector undertakings and leading private industry partners on a single platform to deliberate upon the future roadmap for a technology-driven quality assurance ecosystem. The conclave underscored the transformative role of digital technologies in redefining quality assurance processes across the defence manufacturing value chain. Deliberations focused on enabling end-to-end traceability, reducing procedural timelines, enhancing transparency in inspection and certification, and creating a responsive framework that promotes trust between Quality Assurance agencies and industry. The discussions reflected a clear consensus that the integration of digital tools, data-centric methodologies and collaborative policy frameworks is essential for achieving speed, accuracy, and reliability in complex shipbuilding and defence production programmes, a Ministry of Defence release said. A major outcome of the event was the release of the Indian Naval & Marine Industry - A Capability Catalogue, a comprehensive compendium aimed at providing structured visibility to indigenous industrial capabilities and facilitating stronger engagement between the Services & the domestic manufacturing ecosystem. The promulgation of the Joint Service Guidelines on the Common Information Model for integrated data management of combat systems and sensors marked a significant milestone towards standardisation, interoperability & seamless digital exchange of technical and quality data across stakeholders, the release said. The conferment of Green Channel Status and grant of Self-Certification to eligible industry partners in recognition of their proven quality performance reflected a progressive shift towards a trust-based, performance-orientated quality assurance regime that rewards consistency, reliability, and process maturity. The technical sessions witnessed in-depth and forward-looking discussions on digital QA for shipbuilding, policy compliance in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, and quality assurance challenges in naval ship construction and replenishment orders for spares. The participants shared practical experiences, best practices and emerging requirements, leading to a rich exchange of ideas and identification of actionable pathways for process optimisation. The deliberations brought out the need for real-time data visibility, integrated inspection planning, harmonised documentation, risk-based certification models and enhanced industry participation in quality planning from the design stage onwards, the release said. The addresses by Vice Admiral B Sivakumar and other senior dignitaries highlighted the evolving nature of defence manufacturing in India and the need for quality assurance systems to keep pace with technological advancements, modular construction practices, integrated combat systems and network-centric operations, the release said. The speakers, as per the statement, emphasised that quality assurance is no longer a terminal activity, but a continuous, technology-enabled process embedded across design, production, testing and lifecycle support. The importance of aligning QA procedures with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and fostering a trust-based compliance environment for capable industry partners were also brought out prominently. - ANI Iran will participate in the upcoming AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, with its Minister of Communications and Information Technology attending. The Iranian Ambassador emphasized that AI development is a national priority and welcomed expanded cooperation with India. The summit, scheduled for February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, will convene global leaders and innovators. High-profile attendees include Brazilian President Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the event's diplomatic significance. Iran's minister to attend AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting growing technological cooperation and strategic AI partnership with India. By Ayushi Agarwal, New Delhi, February 13 As India prepares to host one of the world's premier gatherings on artificial intelligence, the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi next week, Iran will also be represented. The country's participation will include the Minister of Communications and Information Technology,Sattar Hashemi, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali toldon Friday. Highlighting Iran's focus on technological advancement, Ambassador Fathali stated that the country views the development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, as a national priority. He emphasised that Iran welcomes expanded scientific and technological cooperation with friendly countries, particularly India, in the field of AI. The participation of Iranian officials at the summit underscores a growing interest in cross-border collaborations in emerging technologies and reflects the strategic importance both nations place on AI as a driver of innovation and economic growth. The AI Impact Summit, scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, will convene leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to shape the future of AI. The summit is expected to draw world leaders, top policymakers, industry executives and innovators from across the world, reflecting a broad international commitment to shaping the future of AI. Among the high-profile dignitaries confirmed for the summit are Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders are scheduled to visit India during the summit, underscoring the diplomatic and strategic significance of the event in global technology cooperation and bilateral ties. - ANI A high-level delegation of newly elected BJP councillors from Kerala concluded a three-day Governance and Leadership Development Programme in New Delhi. The programme, part of the "BJP 4 Viksit Keralam" initiative, aimed to strengthen grassroots governance and align local leadership with the national Viksit Bharat vision. The delegation received guidance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended sessions with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The visit included institutional exposure to Parliament and the Prime Ministers' Museum, marking a significant step in the BJP's strategy to build administrative capacity following its electoral gains in Kerala. Kerala BJP councillors complete a 3-day leadership programme in Delhi, receiving guidance from PM Modi and Union Ministers on urban development and governance. New Delhi, February 13 The three-day Governance and Leadership Development Programme undertaken by the high-level delegation of newly elected BJP councillors from the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation and other local self-government bodies of Kerala concluded successfully in New Delhi under the "BJP 4 Viksit Keralam" initiative, on Friday. Led by Mayor VV Rajesh, the delegation participated in an intensive, structured administrative exposure programme to strengthen grassroots governance capacity and align Kerala's emerging leadership with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. During the visit, the delegation had the privilege of receiving the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister emphasised that empowered local bodies form the backbone of India's democratic and developmental architecture. He underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, technology-driven governance and effective last-mile delivery of Central Government schemes. His interaction provided strategic direction and moral inspiration to the delegation, reinforcing the BJP's commitment to citizen-centric administration and ethical public service. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar delivered a detailed session on "Urban Development in the Modi Era," outlining flagship schemes, infrastructure expansion, and the transformative role of local bodies in accelerating urban growth. On the final day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed the delegation on "Emerging Challenges in Urban Development," sharing insights on municipal governance, service-delivery reforms, and urban innovation. The valedictory session was delivered by BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh, who reiterated that every elected representative must continue to function in the spirit of a dedicated Karyakarta, placing public service above position. Earlier, BJP National President Shri Nitin Nabin interacted with the delegation at the Central Office and emphasised humility, discipline and organisational commitment as the core strengths of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Kerala BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar also participated in the sessions, reinforcing coordination between state and national leadership. As part of the institutional exposure component, the delegation visited Parliament House to gain insight into legislative functioning, toured the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library to understand India's governance evolution, and visited Rashtrapati Bhavan. The delegation also paid homage to the nation's martyrs at the National War Memorial. These engagements were designed to deepen the representatives' understanding of India's democratic institutions, heritage and administrative systems. The structured programme included four focused training sessions at the BJP Central Office to bridge the gap between policy formulation and grassroots execution. Special emphasis was laid on strengthening the implementation mechanisms of Central Government schemes, improving public service delivery, and enhancing transparency and accountability at the municipal and panchayat levels. This initiative represents a distinctive model of political and governance training institutionalised by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The BJP remains the only political organisation that systematically invests in structured leadership development and governance orientation even for its most local representatives. The programme reflects the party's long-term strategy to build competent, disciplined, and development-oriented leadership in Kerala. The successful conclusion of the three-day Delhi visit marks a significant step in the BJP's expanding footprint in Kerala. Following the historic victory in securing the mayor's post in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, the delegation's participation in this high-level governance programme signals the party's commitment to translating electoral success into administrative excellence. The Kerala BJP delegation returns with renewed resolve to strengthen local governance, ensure effective last-mile implementation of Central Government initiatives, and advance the vision of Viksit Keralam, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission of Viksit Bharat. - ANI The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed senior IFS officer Puneet Agrawal as India's next Ambassador to Thailand. Agrawal, currently an Additional Secretary in the MEA, is expected to assume his duties shortly. The appointment comes as India and Thailand seek to deepen their multifaceted strategic partnership, which includes cooperation in trade, defence, and regional security. The two nations also collaborate closely within various regional forums like ASEAN and BIMSTEC. IFS officer Puneet Agrawal named India's next Ambassador to Thailand, strengthening bilateral ties across trade, security, and regional cooperation. New Delhi, February 13 Puneet Agrawal has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday. Agrawal, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1997 batch, is presently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. According to the official press release, he is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Further details regarding the date of assumption of charge are awaited. According to the MEA brief, India and Thailand have historically enjoyed warm and cordial relations. The brief further stated that bilateral ties between India and Thailand are multifaceted and span a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, culture and tourism, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Furthermore, Thailand's 'Act West' policy complements India's 'Act East' policy. Thailand is India's maritime neighbour. In the context of regional and sub-regional groupings, Thailand is an important partner of India, including in the ASEAN, the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). Earlier in December, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a bilateral meeting in the national capital and discussed ways to expand the strategic partnership between the two countries and promote security cooperation, according to an official statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry. As per the Ministry, "Both sides discussed ways to expand Strategic Partnership and promote cooperation on security issues, especially maritime security and addressing the threat of online scams. The Thai side invited India to join the International Conference on Global Partnerships to Combat Online Scams, which Thailand will host during 17-18 December 2025 in Bangkok." The statement further noted, "Both sides also exchanged views on strategic issues in the region of common interest, especially promotion of peace in Myanmar and peaceful resolution of the border situation between Thailand and Cambodia, while encouraging Cambodia to cooperate with Thailand on demining along the border." - ANI Microsoft's AI Chief Mustafa Suleyman warns that most white-collar computer-based jobs could be fully automated within 12 to 18 months. He states Microsoft is racing to develop "professional-grade AGI" capable of performing nearly all human professional tasks. This shift represents structural displacement across knowledge professions, not just incremental productivity gains. Concurrently, major tech firms like Oracle and Amazon are restructuring with significant layoffs to expand AI capabilities. Microsoft's AI chief warns most computer-based professional roles could be fully automated by AI within 12-18 months, signaling massive job displacement. New Delhi, Feb 13 Chief of artificial intelligence at Microsoft, Mustafa Suleyman, has warned that most whitecollar roles that rely on computers could be automated within the next 12 to 18 months. He informed that the company is building a "professionalgrade AGI", that could automate majority of works done by lawyers, accountants, project managers and marketers. In an interview with the Financial Times, Suleyman said Microsoft is racing to develop "professionalgrade AGI", AI systems capable of performing nearly everything a human professional can do. He said the current shift in AI landscape would go beyond incremental productivity gains to produce structural displacement across knowledgebased professions. "White-collar work, where you're sitting down at a computer, either being a lawyer or an accountant or a project manager or a marketing person, most of those tasks will be fully automated by an AI within the next 12 to 18 months," the report quoted Suleyman as saying. He described Microsoft's strategy to capture a larger share of the enterprise market by automating routine and repeatable tasks such as document drafting, data analysis and project coordination that currently require skilled employees. He informed about Microsoft's plans to increase AI model productions to reduce reliance on OpenAI, following a revised agreement between the two companies. Further, he said "creating a new model will be as simple as making a podcast or writing a blog," adding that institutions and individuals could design AI tailored to their specific needs. US tech giant Oracle plans to cut 20,000 to 30,000 jobs to expand its AI datacentre capacity, while Amazon recently announced lay off 16,000 employees as part of its AI restructure plan. A recent report from PwC India said artificial intelligence could contribute nearly $550 billion to India's economy by 2035, across five priority sectors including agriculture, education, energy, healthcare and manufacturing. The India AI Mission, launched in 2024 with a $1.2 billion funding, democratised access to computing resources, datasets, and talent development. - IANS Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted that the recent US-India trade agreement was designed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prioritize and protect farmers' interests. He explained the deal safeguards producers of staples like wheat and rice while specifically shielding the domestic poultry and dairy sectors from foreign competition. The agreement is also set to open new international markets for Indian spices, coffee, tea, and marine products. Chouhan emphasized that the core objective of the policy is to increase the income of farmers and build a self-reliant India. Agri Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan states PM Modi's US trade agreement protects Indian farmers' interests and opens new markets for spices, tea, and marine products. New Delhi, February 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been in favour of the farmers and continues to prioritise their welfare in international trade agreements, said Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been in favour of the farmers. All his decisions have been taken in favour of the farmers. His plans have changed the lives of the farmers," Chouhan said. In a video message on X, he stated that the recent agreement signed with the United States is designed to protect the interests of the domestic agricultural sector. Chouhan noted that the Prime Minister's decisions consistently aim to improve the lives of those in the farming community through strategic planning and policy shifts. The Agriculture Minister emphasised that the agreement specifically addresses the needs of farmers who produce various staples. Chouhan said, "The farmers who produce grains like wheat, rice, corn, soya and other grains have been taken care of." He further explained that the deal ensures protection for those involved in different segments of the industry. According to the Minister, "The farmers who produce fruits and vegetables have also been protected in this agreement." Addressing concerns regarding market access, Chouhan clarified that the government maintained strict boundaries for certain sensitive sectors. He confirmed that "the doors of the country have not been opened for poultry, dairy and dairy production." This move ensures that domestic producers in these specific areas remain shielded from external competition while other sectors gain significant advantages from the new trade arrangements. The Minister highlighted the potential for market expansion for various Indian products under the new agreement. He stated, "The truth is that the farmers who produce spices will get a new market." Beyond spices, several other commodities are expected to benefit from increased international exposure. Chouhan noted that "spices, coffee, tea, marine products, and many other things will get a new market," which is expected to directly impact the financial status of cultivators across the country. Chouhan reiterated that the primary goal of these initiatives is the economic upliftment of the agricultural workforce. He said, "This will increase the income of the farmers." The Minister maintained that every policy decision made by the Prime Minister is geared toward the best interests of the farming community. "In the eyes of Modi ji, a self-reliant and developed India will be created," he stated. - ANI Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies for lifting millions from poverty and fostering rapid national growth. He highlighted the significance of the India-US trade deal for creating new economic opportunities involving Israeli companies. On Gaza, Azar endorsed the US-sponsored 20-point plan as the best diplomatic path forward, noting Israel's military successes against Hamas. He stressed that reconstruction in Gaza depends on Hamas's demilitarization, a commitment he claims the group is now retracting. Israel's Ambassador Reuven Azar hails PM Modi's leadership, calls India-US trade deal important, and details the US plan for Gaza's future. New Delhi, Feb 13 Israel's Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, calling his policies "very conducive for the Indian people". In an interview with IANS, Azar stated that US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza is the best chance to resolve diplomatically the remaining challenges that exist in Gaza. He noted that Israel has been able to destroy the majority of the military machine of Hamas, and it has committed to demilitarise by adopting the 20-point plan. Reuven Azar welcomed the trade deal between India and the US, terming it a "very important development" which opens more opportunities for economic cooperation. Excerpts from the interview: IANS: India has inked a trade deal with the US. Your reaction to it? Reuven Azar: I think it's a very important development, because as India opens, it will give more opportunities for economic cooperation. As you know, Israel is also very engaged with the American market. We get about 80 per cent of our foreign investments from the United States, and Israel is the biggest innovation hub outside the United States. And that's the reason why when the system opens, it creates more opportunities for Israeli, Indian, and US companies to work together. IANS: Your views about the leadership of PM Modi and its impact at the global level? Reuven Azar: I think the policies that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been promoting in India have been very conducive for the Indian people. The fact that hundreds of millions of people have come out of poverty. The fact that this country is being built at a very rapid pace. The fact that you have sustainable growth that is creating new industries, is creating innovation, and is creating academic research. This is something very important for us, because we share values of democracy, of free trade, of freedom of expression, and as India becomes stronger, Israel becomes stronger. IANS: How effective is the American-sponsored truce in Gaza? Reuven Azar: The 20-point Trump plan, the US plan for Gaza, I think, is the best chance we have at this point to solve the remaining challenges we have in Gaza diplomatically. As you know, Israel has done a pretty comprehensive job when it comes to the military side, and we've been able to destroy most of the Hamas military machine. We have taken control of more than half of the territory of Gaza, and by adopting this 20-point plan, Hamas is committed to demilitarisation. We want them to demilitarise by diplomatic means. This is what they have to deliver on. Unfortunately, they are retracting from that now. But we trust the United States and the countries that are part of the Board of Peace to put pressure on Hamas to demilitarise so that we can engage in reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, because nobody is going to agree to invest in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as long as the terrorist organisation continues to control the place and continues to threaten the stability in the region. IANS: Has Hamas been disarmed as per the agreement? Reuven Azar: As I said, we want to give diplomacy a chance. We believe that not only is it the right thing to put pressure on Hamas to disarm, but it's a good alternative because if that fails, we'll have to resort to a military solution, which we prefer to avoid. IANS: Israel has shot down Hamas operatives. What was the reason? Reuven Azar: Well, from time to time, unfortunately, Hamas continues to breach the ceasefire by penetrating the yellow line, by trying to undermine our forces and attack them, or by engaging in activities to try to reconstitute their capabilities. Israel is sticking to the terms of the ceasefire that do not allow this kind of activity. So, when we see activities like that, we take immediate action. IANS: What is the situation in Iran if the US were to attack? Reuven Azar: We don't know yet whether there's going to be an attack. I think that there is a genuine effort to try to sort out the remaining challenges through diplomacy. Israel has been very clear that we demand the dismantling of all the capabilities that Iran has built to try to exterminate the State of Israel. They have sworn to do that. They have even hung signs in Tehran that are counting down the existence of Israel. So, all the means that they have created to execute that plan have to be dismantled, that's mainly the military nuclear programme that they have, the ballistic missile programme, and their support for their proxies, the terrorist organisations that are attacking Israel constantly from different parts of the Middle East. - IANS Hundreds of pro-monarchists converged on Kathmandu's streets and airport to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah in a powerful display ahead of the March 5 parliamentary elections. Supporters chanted slogans like "Come back King, save the nation," framing the event as a clash between saving the nation and a foreign-influenced government. The rally was organized by the right-wing Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which consistently supports the kingship and a Hindu state. The monarchy was abolished in 2006 after Gyanendra seized power, leading to a bloody pro-democracy movement. Hundreds flood Kathmandu streets to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah in a major show of monarchist strength ahead of Nepal's March 5 parliamentary elections. Kathmandu, February 13 Hundreds of pro-monarchists on Friday converged on the streets of Kathmandu, welcoming former King Gyanendra Shah in a show of power ahead of the parliamentary elections to be held on March 5. The former King was welcomed by supporters from the right-wing Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and pro-monarchy organisations, who chanted slogans against the existing political system. "In the current context, the attempt to hold the election and we, the pro-monarchists, hitting the street is a clash between the two sides. One wants to save the nation, while the other wants to destabilise the nation further. The existing government is being meddled with by foreign hands, and we are the ones who have come to the street to save the nation, save sovereignty, and reinstate the pillar of the public, the monarchy," Sambhu Prasad Niraula, a pro-monarchist, told ANI. Authorities fortified the entrance of Tribhuvan International Airport, allowing only passengers to enter the premises upon confirmation of tickets issued in their name. Passengers, both domestic and foreign tourists, had to drag their luggage from far-flung distances as pro-monarchists flooded the airport area, disrupting traffic. Former King Gyanendra returned to Kathmandu from Jhapa on Friday by helicopter. He had started his tour of Madhesh from Janakpur. As the vehicle carrying the former King rolled out of the airport entrance, supporters chanted slogans "Raja aau desh bachau" (Come back King, save the nation), "Nepali Janata k bhancha? Rajtantra ley vancha" (What do the Nepali public say? Reinstate the monarchy), among others. "Today, we have gathered outside the airport to welcome His Majesty back to Kathmandu. In Nepal, the election process has been revamped. This election, which is being held, results from the hijacking of the Gen-Z protest. It is being staged on foreign intervention. As a sign of protest, we are here to show support to His Majesty," another pro-monarchist, Tulsi Ram Pokhrel, told ANI. Following the exit from the airport entrance, former King Shah rose from his vehicle and greeted the crowd with a Namaste gesture and a wave. He also received flowers and other offerings made by supporters who had covered a stretch of Kathmandu's ring road. In 2006, Nepal abolished its centuries-old constitutional monarchy after the then-king, Gyanendra Shah, seized power and imposed an emergency, placing all leaders under house arrest. The movement, also referred to as "People's Movement II", witnessed bloodshed, with dozens killed in a crackdown against protestors by the government. After weeks of violent protests and increasing international pressure, Gyanendra relinquished power and reinstated the dissolved parliament. The dawn of the new democracy is highlighted as Lokantantra (People's Rule). Former King Gyanendra Shah, who had been staying in Pokhara since February 9, returned to Kathmandu on Sunday afternoon. He arrived at 3:50 pm via a chartered Summit Aeroplane, accompanied by his family. Formed in the 1990s after the lifting of the ban on political party formation by the then-monarchical system, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has since served as a force consistently supporting the Kingship. It has also taken part in periodic elections and presented its demands. In 2008, immediately after the overthrow of monarchical rule in Nepal, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) secured eight seats in the then-constituent assembly, out of 575 seats. In the 2013 election, it secured 13 seats. In 2017, it fell to one seat, before bouncing back in the 2022 election with 14 seats. Since its inception, the party has supported a Hindu State and the Kingship as interdependent in the tiny nation buffered between two giants, India and China. The Himalayan nation of Nepal has a population of 30.55 million, with Hindus accounting for 81.19 per cent of the population, according to the 2022 census. Though the former King is not taking part in the polls, the RPP has fielded its candidates for the March 5 election. Nepal's periodic election, which was not due until 2027, was called early after the Gen-Z revolution of 2025, following the dissolution of parliament. The September 8 and 9 revolt deposed then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. A total of 76 people died in the crackdown by security forces. The two-day protest, commonly referred to as the "Gen-Z uprising", was against corruption and the social media ban and has now changed the course of Nepali politics. - ANI The Punjab School Education Board will implement an on-screen marking system for its examinations, beginning with a phased rollout in March. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated the digital system allows teachers to evaluate scanned answer sheets on computers with automated mark calculation. The system, already tested successfully on 23,000 answer sheets, uses unique QR codes for secure processing and a centralized dashboard for examiners. PSEB Chairman Amarpal Singh emphasized the benefits of reduced result timelines, standardized marking, and complete transparency for students. PSEB introduces on-screen marking for exams, promising faster results, accurate evaluation, and transparency with a phased rollout starting March. Chandigarh, Feb 13 The Punjab School Education Board will roll out on-screen marking system for the March examinations, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said on Friday. He said the state would become one of the first state boards to adopt end-to-end digital evaluation, marking a transformative shift in how answer sheets are assessed. "This digital system will enable teachers to evaluate scanned answer sheets on computers, with marks calculated automatically by software, ensuring faster and more accurate results," he added. The Minister said the system has already demonstrated its effectiveness. "The system has already proved its mettle by evaluating 23,000 answer sheets swiftly and accurately during the September 2025 supplementary examinations." Encouraged by the outcomes, the PSEB will implement on-screen marking in one subject of the matriculation examination this year, with phased expansion in subsequent cycles. Explaining the technical safeguards, Minister Bains said, "Each page of the newly designed answer sheet features a unique QR code, enabling secure scanning and seamless digital processing. Under the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, answer sheets are scanned in a protected environment and uploaded to a centralised dashboard, where examiners evaluate them online with automated totalling, structured marking schemes and real-time progress monitoring." Describing the reform as far more than a technological upgrade, the Education Minister said, "It is not just an upgrade, it's a complete overhaul of evaluating our children's future. It will ensure every student gets fairness, speed and accuracy in examinations." PSEB Chairman Amarpal Singh said students will benefit from reduced result timelines, standardised marking and complete transparency in evaluation. "Our teachers, too, will work with a clutter-free digital interface that ensures consistency and systematic record-keeping." He added that the board has completed all technical and administrative preparations for the March rollout. "The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system carries the guarantee of Punjab's commitment to its students," Amarpal Singh added. - IANS The Punjab government has announced a dedicated State Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura to intensify the crackdown on gangster activities statewide. This follows a major operation where Amritsar police busted a cross-border narcotics network, seizing over 7.6 kg of heroin linked to a Dubai-based handler. Concurrently, "Operation Prahaar-2" led to over 1,200 arrests in a single day as part of the broader campaign against gangsters. In a related development, Shimla Police arrested an alleged inter-state drug trafficking kingpin from Zirakpur in Punjab. Punjab establishes a state anti-gangster task force police station in Rajpura and announces major drug busts, including a cross-border heroin network. Chandigarh, February 13 The Punjab government has announced the establishment of a dedicated State Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura of Patiala district. The specialised unit will have jurisdiction across Punjab and is aimed at intensifying the crackdown on gangster activities statewide. Earlier, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted a cross-border narco-smuggling network and apprehended two operatives along with Rs 21800 drug money, a police officer said on Thursday. Director General of Police Punjab - Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X, "In a major breakthrough, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busts a cross-border narco-smuggling network apprehends two operatives and recovers a consignment of 7 Kg 630 grams Heroin, along with Rs 21,800 drug money. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with a Dubai-based handler through virtual numbers, facilitating cross-border heroin consignments and directing pickup locations and further supply chains, DGP Yadav added. "The handler is also linked to multiple narcotics networks and a major NDPS case involving the recovery of 43 kg of heroin," DGP Yadav added. A First Information Report has been registered at Chheharta police station, Amritsar, under the NDPS Act. "Further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages of the network," DGP Yadav added. Punjab Police on Monday arrested more than 1,200 individuals on the first day of 'Operation Prahaar-2', a 72-hour statewide crackdown launched under the ongoing 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign aimed at making Punjab a gangster-free state. As per official information, police teams conducted 2,760 raids at locations linked to wanted criminals across the state. The operation was launched on Sunday by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, following directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with senior officers from Police Headquarters personally supervising operations in various districts. In another incident, Shimla Police have unearthed an inter-state drug trafficking network and arrested its alleged kingpin, Vijay alias David alias Bihari, from Zirakpur in Punjab, in connection with multiple NDPS cases registered across the district. - ANI The National Green Tribunal's Central Zone Bench has taken suo motu cognizance of severe air pollution in Khara village, Bikaner district, following reports that hazardous air quality is forcing villagers to keep children home from school. The Tribunal has issued notices to the State of Rajasthan and the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board, demanding responses and details of measures taken. A Joint Committee has been ordered to visit the village, assess the situation, and submit a report within six weeks. The case, highlighting critical public health concerns, is listed for its next hearing on April 15, 2026. NGT takes suo motu notice of hazardous air in Khara, Bikaner, forms committee after villagers keep kids home from school. Next hearing in 2026. Jaipur, Feb 13 The National Green Tribunal, Central Zone Bench in Bhopal, has taken suo motu cognisance of severe air pollution in Khara village, Bikaner district, Rajasthan, after reports that villagers were keeping children away from school due to hazardous air quality. The order was issued by Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi (Expert Member), highlighting serious environmental and public health concerns in the region. In its directive, the Tribunal issued notices to the State of Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board (RPCB), the District Education Officer, and the Principal Secretary (Environment). The authorities have been asked to respond to the allegations and provide details of measures taken to address the pollution. The NGT has also ordered the formation of a Joint Committee with representatives from the District Magistrate, Bikaner, and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. The committee has been directed to visit Khara village, assess the pollution situation, and submit a comprehensive action-taken report within six weeks. They were instructed that all respondents must file their replies in searchable PDF format within the stipulated six-week period, ensuring transparency and accessibility of records. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on April 15, 2026, when the Tribunal will review the committee's findings and the responses submitted by the concerned authorities. The case underscores growing concerns about environmental degradation and its direct impact on public health, especially children's health. The Tribunal's intervention is expected to push state authorities to take urgent measures to improve air quality and safeguard the residents of Khara village, officials said. - IANS Sheikh Hasina has formally challenged the legitimacy of Bangladesh's recent elections, calling them a "disgraceful chapter" marred by fraud. Her statement highlights impossible voting rates, such as 381,339 votes cast per minute, and inconsistent turnout data. The Awami League alleges widespread irregularities including stolen ballots and the misuse of state resources during a concurrent referendum. The party demands the election's annulment, the resignation of Muhammad Yunus, and a new vote under a neutral caretaker government. Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina demands annulment of "disgraceful" polls, citing impossible vote counts and fraud, and calls for Muhammad Yunus to resign. New Delhi, February 13 Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has formally challenged the legitimacy of the February 12 elections, characterising the event as a "disgraceful chapter" for the nation's democracy. In a statement addressing the conduct of the polls, the former Prime Minister alleged widespread administrative manipulation and numerical fraud, asserting that the reported figures did not reflect the reality of public participation. Sheikh Hasina highlighted a significant disconnect between the quiet polling stations and the final statistics provided by the Election Commission. "Voters were absent at the polling stations; yet votes appeared on the counting tables!" the statement read. The Awami League leader pointed to "highly inconsistent and unrealistic patterns" in the data, noting that while only 14.96 per cent of votes were cast by 11:00 a.m., the figure surged to 32.88 per cent by noon. The statement argued that this sharp increase implied a rate of approximately 381,339 votes per minute across the country. This would mean that a vote was cast every 5.16 seconds at every polling station, which the party described as an almost impossible rate, given that media reports estimated it took between 1.5 and 3 minutes for an individual to cast a ballot. The final reported turnout of 59.44 per cent was further questioned as being "unrealistic" in comparison with specific voter demographics. The statement mentioned that only 3 per cent of eligible voters in prisons and 7 per cent of overseas voters reportedly cast their ballots. Additionally, the Awami League alleged that state resources were utilised to influence the referendum held on the same day, citing the use of specific markings on ballots and the absence of signatures from anyone other than presiding officers on result sheets. Reports of irregularities were also noted from the day prior to the election, including allegations of ballot paper theft, the advance signing of result sheets, and instances in which voters found their votes had already been recorded. The statement suggested that the delay in announcing the referendum results, in comparison with the national election results, has created a public perception of fraud. The Awami League President maintained that the election has deepened political uncertainty and disillusionment rather than restoring democracy. The party, which advocated a peaceful boycott of the polls, has now called for the annulment of the election and the resignation of Muhammad Yunus. Further demands include the withdrawal of cases against political prisoners, the lifting of restrictions on Awami League activities, and the restoration of voting rights through a free and fair election conducted under a neutral caretaker government. The statement concluded by warning that results stemming from such a controversial process would fail to bring stability to the country. - ANI Iran's Ambassador to India clarified that a detained vessel had no connection to India, with eight of sixteen Indian sailors released on humanitarian grounds. The ship was held for technical and maritime violations, with the remaining crew's case undergoing legal procedures. The Indian Embassy in Tehran maintains direct contact, confirming all sailors are in good health. The MEA stated consular access was secured and is engaged with Iranian authorities for the welfare of the remaining eight. Iran's ambassador says 8 Indian sailors released on humanitarian grounds; 8 remain detained as legal process continues. MEA confirms consular access. New Delhi, February 13 The Ambassador of Iran to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, on Friday clarified that the vessel detained by Iranian authorities had no connection to India, stating that eight of the sixteen Indian sailors held since December have been released on humanitarian grounds and are returning home. In an interview with ANI, Fathali said the ship was detained due to technical and maritime violations, and the matter is being handled under Iran's legal framework. "First of all, I should clarify that the ship and its cargo have no connection to India. The vessel was detained due to certain technical and maritime violations, which have been reviewed within the relevant legal framework," he said. The envoy described the release of eight crew members as reflective of Tehran's humanitarian engagement with New Delhi. "The release of eight crew members reflects Iran's humanitarian approach and constructive cooperation. The case of the remaining individuals is going through legal procedures and is being followed closely in cooperation with Indian authorities," Fathali stated. He added that the Indian Embassy in Tehran is in direct contact with the detained sailors and confirmed that all are in good health. "The Indian Embassy in Tehran is in direct contact with the sailors, and all of them are in good health," he said. Emphasising the broader context of bilateral ties, the ambassador noted that the longstanding and friendly relations between Tehran and New Delhi have been taken into account in handling the matter. "The friendly and historic relations between Iran and India have always been taken into account, and such matters are managed through consular cooperation," he added. Earlier on Thursday, MEA said that India has secured consular access to 16 Indian sailors detained in Iran, with eight of them released. Responding to a media query during the weekly briefing regarding reports of Indian sailors being under arrest in Iran and concerns over delayed consular access, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that access had been granted. "Consular access has been obtained. We have been able to go and meet all those individuals. Out of the sixteen people, eight have been released," Jaiswal said. He added that the process to bring back the eight released sailors to India was underway. "I cannot say this with complete certainty, but my understanding--and what I was informed--is that they may have reached India yesterday. Either they arrived yesterday, or they are expected to arrive today," he said.Regarding the remaining eight sailors, the MEA said the Indian Embassy is actively engaged with Iranian authorities. "Regarding the remaining eight people you mentioned--those still excluded from the sixteen--our Indian Embassy there is in touch with the local government. They are discussing how to assist them, how to ensure their well-being, and how to resolve their matter," Jaiswal said. In the previous weekly briefing on February 5, the MEA had stated that officials from the Indian mission in Bandar Abbas had met the detained sailors after securing consular access. "Of those 16, eight people... this is what we've been informed by the Iranian authorities... eight of them have been released, and they will be returning home as and when necessary formalities for their travel are completed. In regard to the remaining eight sailors, we are in touch with Iranian authorities, and we'll see how best to support them for whatever need they may have," Jaiswal had said. The MEA reiterated that India continues to engage with Iranian authorities to ensure the welfare of the remaining sailors and facilitate the necessary support. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted the MT Valiant Roar vessel on December 8, 2025, in international waters near Dibba Port, UAE, detaining 16 Indian crew members. The Iranian authorities accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel, while the crew and ship owners deny the allegations. - ANI The Startup India initiative has officially recognized over 2.07 lakh ventures, which have collectively generated 21.9 lakh direct jobs. The government supports these startups through three key funding schemes: the Fund of Funds for Startups, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups. These programs have facilitated investments worth thousands of crores and supported thousands of specific startups, leading to significant job creation. Beyond funding, the government is also easing regulatory compliance and offering tax benefits to foster a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Startup India initiative has recognized 2.07 lakh ventures, creating 21.9 lakh direct jobs. Explore the impact of key funding schemes. New Delhi, February 13 The Startup India initiative has officially recognised 2.07 lakh ventures across the country, resulting in the creation of 21.9 lakh direct jobs as of December 31, 2025. The government continues to expand its funding push through three flagship schemes designed to support businesses at various stages of their growth cycle. As per a Ministry of Commerce & Industry release, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognised a total of 2,07,135 entities across all States and Union Territories. These startups contributed significantly to the national employment landscape by generating over 21.9 lakh direct jobs. Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada, provided these details in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. The government implements the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to provide funding opportunities across various sectors. The FFS, operationalised by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). As of December 31, 2025, these AIFs invested Rs 25,547.98 crore in 1,371 selected startups across 29 States and Union Territories. These supported startups generated over 2 lakh jobs. The SISFS, which began on April 1, 2021, provides financial assistance to seed-stage startups through incubators. The release noted that "selected incubators under the Scheme have approved funding of Rs 590.93 crore to 3,271 startups across 32 States/UTs." These startups created over 22,600 jobs. CGSS enables debt funding by guaranteeing credit instruments through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited. Since its inception in April 2023, 334 loans amounting to approximately Rs 808.18 crore received guarantees, with supported startups generating over 23,700 jobs. Impact assessment studies for the FFS and SISFS indicated improvements in revenue and employment generation. The release highlighted that "supported startups have reported improvement in economic areas such as revenue and employment generation." Beyond funding, the government focuses on easing regulatory compliance and providing tax benefits. Initiatives such as the Business Reform Action Plan and the Jan Vishwas exercise aim to reduce administrative costs and the compliance burden on businesses. Tax reforms include profit-linked deductions under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act 1961 and the deferral of Tax Deducted at Source regarding Employee Stock Option Plans. The government also allows relaxations for the carry forward of losses and Goods and Services Tax benefits for entrepreneurs in eligible incubators. Additionally, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs provides specific compliance exemptions under the Companies Act 2013 to further support the startup ecosystem. - ANI The Iranian Ambassador to India has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Chabahar Port project, describing it as a symbol of constructive bilateral cooperation. He emphasized its potential for regional connectivity and trade expansion, particularly for Afghanistan and Central Asia, despite ongoing US sanctions pressures. India continues to operate the port under a US sanctions waiver secured until April 2026, while engaging with Washington to address implications. The situation is complicated by a recent US threat to impose a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran. Iranian Ambassador calls Chabahar Port a symbol of constructive cooperation with India, vital for regional trade, despite US sanctions and tariff threats. New Delhi, February 13 Amid heightened US-Iran tensions and a shifting regional landscape, Ambassador of Iran to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, on Friday welcomed India's participation in the Chabahar port development, viewing it as a strategic project with significant potential for regional connectivity and trade expansion. Speaking to ANI, Fathali described the development of Chabahar Port as a "strategic project" and a symbol of constructive engagement between Tehran and New Delhi, asserting that bilateral cooperation will continue despite sanctions pressures and regional security tensions. "Iran considers the development of Chabahar Port a strategic project and a symbol of constructive cooperation between the two countries. Chabahar has significant potential for regional connectivity and trade expansion," he said. This comes after the US deployed a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, on Friday to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf/Arabian Sea. Following the recent Indian budget, which slashed port funding to zero, Fathali remains diplomatic. Despite sanctions and security tensions, Iran seeks to continue and expand bilateral economic cooperation with India in energy, transit, trade, and technology, based on mutual interests. "The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the continuation and expansion of economic cooperation with India and believes there are many opportunities in energy, transit, trade, and technology. Despite sanctions and security tensions, bilateral cooperation will continue based on mutual interests," Fathali said. Notably, the Chabahar Port project was conceptualised to provide much-needed connectivity to Afghanistan for its reconstruction and economic development, and to boost trade and economic linkages with Central Asia. An Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), started operating the port in 2018. On 13 May 2024, IPGL signed a ten-year contract with the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran to equip and operate the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar Port. Under the contract, India has fulfilled its commitment to contribute USD 120 million toward the procurement of port equipment. On 16 September 2025, the US State Department revoked the sanctions exception issued in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter Proliferation Act of 2012 for Afghanistan's reconstruction and economic development, effective 29 September 2025. Following discussions with the US side, the US issued guidance extending the conditional sanctions waiver until 26 April 2026. The Government of India remains engaged with all concerned in order to address the implications of these developments. India said last week that it is engaging with the United States to ensure that work linked to India's projects at Iran's Chabahar Port continues under a time-bound sanctions waiver from Washington, which is set to expire on April 26 this year. India is also monitoring developments regarding the 25 per cent additional tariffs announced by the United States on countries doing business with Iran. US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this month that any country doing business with Iran will face a 25 per cent tariff. The tariff will be applicable on "any and all business being done with the United States of America and is effective immediately," Trump said. In response to a query, Jaiswal said that India-Iran bilateral trade stands at USD 1.6 billion, with exports to Iran at USD 1.2 billion and imports at USD 0.4 billion. - ANI A senior US official has testified that a strong and independent India is a crucial strategic ally for the United States in countering China's influence across the Indo-Pacific region. Paul Kapur emphasized that India's ability to stand up for itself and maintain freedom of action prevents any single hegemon, namely China, from dominating the region. He highlighted ongoing robust cooperation in defense, technology, and energy, bolstered by a new interim trade agreement framework. However, the hearing also included criticism from a US lawmaker that previous Trump-era tariffs damaged bilateral trust and weakened the Quad's posture. US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur says a strong, independent India is crucial for preventing Chinese hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region. Washington DC, February 13 US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Paul Kapur, has called India an important ally in America's moves against China and underlined that a strong India not only keeps China out of the Indo-Pacific region but also prevents it or any single hegemon from taking over or imposing coercive leverage on the region. He made the remarks on Wednesday while testifying to the subcommittee on South and Central Asia's hearing to examine America's foreign policy across South-Central Asia. When asked his assessment of how India is going to support the American efforts across the Indo-Pacific region to counter an increasingly aggressive China, Kapur said that a strong India not only keeps China out but also prevents any single hegemon from taking over the region. He said, "An India that can be independent and stand up for itself and preserve its freedom of action works to our strategic advantage and promotes our strategic interests because what we're trying to do fundamentally is not to keep China out of the region but to prevent China or any single hegemon from taking over or imposing coercive leverage on the region. So an India that is able to be independent, stand up for itself, and preserve its freedom of action takes a huge swath of the Indo-Pacific off of China's plate and almost by definition prevents it from becoming the dominant power in the region." Kapur further emphasised the need for an independent India, especially in the spheres of economy and military, so as to prevent dependence on China. He said, "I think at this point the goal is to ensure that India can stand up for itself, be independent, and of course it is, but the more wherewithal that it has economically, militarily in terms of its defence, in terms of its technology, the better it is able to maintain its independence from China." He further noted, "An independent, strong, prosperous India takes a big swath of the Indo-Pacific away from China and that is actually a strategic win for us." However, Ranking Member from California, Representative Kamlager-Dove, heavily criticised the diplomatic moves under Trump 2.0. She said, "Trump has sabotaged U.S. regional interests and decimated our diplomatic toolbox, putting us on the back foot as major changes swept across South and Central Asia. In April, Trump announced tariffs on partners across South and Central Asia, an unexpected economic shock on countries already facing debt vulnerability to the PRC. 50% tariffs on India--one of the highest rates in the world--tore a needless rupture in bilateral ties that sacrificed decades of painstaking trust-building between our two countries. Dragging on negotiations for over a year cost us the timely convening of the annual Quad leaders' summit and weakened our posture in the Indo-Pacific." Kapur noted that India and the United States continue to maintain consistent, robust cooperation, which has helped resolve issues such as trade relations. He said, "India, with its size, location, and commitment to a free and open region, anchors South Asia and, more broadly, the western half of the Indo-Pacific. The United States and India maintain high-level diplomatic touchpoints such as the 2+2 Ministerial and cooperate closely in the defence technology and energy sectors, bilaterally and also through the Quad. Cooperation in these areas has remained robust, even as we resolved long-standing issues in our trade relationship, as evidenced by the renewed 10-year U.S-India defence framework agreement, the TRUST initiative, and Indian purchases of U.S. products ranging from drones to liquefied natural gas." "Following the trade framework President Trump reached last week with Prime Minister Modi, we can now focus on other shared priorities: lowering barriers to trade with one of the largest economies in the world and opening the way to even more fulsome cooperation. This will enhance our mutual prosperity and help India to defend its sovereignty both on land and in its maritime near abroad," the US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia said. The India-US Interim Agreement, announced last week, is intended as a framework for a reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade pact between the two countries. The agreement will involve the elimination or reduction of tariffs on US industrial goods and a wide range of food and agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products. In return, the United States will apply a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent on selected Indian goods, including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, plastics, rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery. Upon full implementation, US tariffs on items such as generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts will be removed. - ANI Iran's Ambassador to India has stated that any successful nuclear agreement must result in the complete removal of sanctions and deliver tangible economic benefits. He emphasized the need for a sustainable deal with credible guarantees that recognizes Iran's nuclear rights. Concurrently, US President Trump warned that failure to reach a deal with Iran would be "traumatic," while referencing past US military strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed skepticism and argued any agreement must also address Iran's ballistic missiles and regional proxy groups. Iran's Ambassador outlines demands for a nuclear deal, as US President Trump warns of "traumatic" consequences if an agreement is not reached. New Delhi, February 13 The Ambassador of Iran to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, said on Friday that from Tehran's perspective, any successful outcome of talks with the United States must result in the complete and effective removal of what he termed "illegal sanctions" and deliver tangible economic benefits to the Iranian people. In an interview with ANI, Fathali said Iran is seeking a sustainable and balanced agreement, backed by credible guarantees. "From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a successful outcome is an agreement that leads to the complete and effective removal of illegal sanctions and brings tangible economic benefits to the Iranian people," he said. He emphasised that any future understanding must go beyond symbolic or temporary engagements, with the recognition of Iran's nuclear rights. "Such an agreement must be sustainable, balanced, and include credible guarantees that the other side will meet its commitments. Iran's nuclear rights must be recognised, and the agreement should not be symbolic or temporary. Iran seeks a lasting and reliable agreement, " the envoy stated. US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) emphasised the need for a deal with Iran, warning that failure to reach an agreement could be "traumatic." Speaking to reporters, Trump described his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "very good." He said, "We have to make a deal, otherwise it is going to be very traumatic (for Iran) and I don't want it to happen...If they don't reach a deal, it will be a different story. We had a very good meeting yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu." Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared his thoughts following a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Trump sought his opinion on the ongoing discussions with Iran, adding that he expressed "general scepticism" regarding the nature of any agreement with the country. The Israeli leader emphasised that the agreement should address not only Iran's nuclear program but also its ballistic missile and support for proxy groups across the region. Netanyahu added that while the discussions covered several issues, the main focus was on negotiations with Iran. He said Trump believes that, by not reaching an agreement beforehand, Iran had made a mistake. Earlier in the day, in a Truth Social post, Trump noted that while no definitive agreement had been reached, he encouraged continued negotiations with Iran to explore a potential deal. He also referenced prior US actions against Iran - "Midnight Hammer," which he said "did not work well for them." On June 21-22, 2025, under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. - ANI The recent civic elections in Telangana have resulted in a strong performance for the ruling Congress party across numerous municipalities and municipal corporations. The outcome is widely interpreted as an urban endorsement of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's governance, which has focused on welfare delivery and administrative reforms. The results strengthen the Congress's grassroots network and provide leverage for implementing key urban development initiatives. Analysts note that urban voters have responded to the government's narrative on tangible service delivery and infrastructure improvements. Congress wins big in Telangana municipal elections, seen as urban endorsement of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's welfare and infrastructure initiatives. By Pramod Chaturvedi, Hyderabad, February 13 The recent civic polls in Telangana have delivered a significant political message, with the ruling Congress registering a strong performance across several municipalities and municipal corporations. The results are widely being seen as an endorsement of the governance approach adopted by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, particularly in urban centres. The elections, held across multiple urban local bodies, saw enthusiastic voter participation, reflecting heightened civic engagement. Counting trends and early results indicated that Congress candidates secured leads in a large number of wards, while the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) put up a competitive fight in select pockets. Political observers note that municipal elections often serve as a barometer of public sentiment toward the state government. In this context, the outcome assumes added significance, as it comes amid the ongoing implementation of welfare schemes and urban infrastructure initiatives announced by the Congress government after assuming office. Since taking charge, Revanth Reddy has focused on a blend of welfare delivery and administrative reforms. Flagship initiatives, including financial assistance schemes, subsidised essential commodities, and commitments to strengthening civic infrastructure, formed a central plank of the party's campaign during the municipal polls. Party leaders repeatedly framed the elections as crucial for ensuring smooth coordination between the state government and local bodies to accelerate development works. Congress leaders attributed their performance to "visible governance" and consistent outreach. Campaigning for party candidates, the Chief Minister emphasised accountability in municipal administration and pledged enhanced support for urban local bodies. He urged voters to back candidates who would align with the state's broader development roadmap. In several municipalities, the margins reflected not only organisational mobilisation but also consolidation of urban voters behind the ruling party. While opposition leaders maintained that local factors influenced outcomes in certain wards, the overall trend suggested that Congress retained momentum in key urban areas. The civic results also hold strategic importance ahead of future electoral contests. A strong showing in municipalities strengthens the ruling party's grassroots network and administrative leverage. Urban local bodies play a critical role in implementing welfare programmes, infrastructure upgrades, sanitation drives, and housing initiatives -- areas the state government has prioritised in recent months. Analysts point out that urban voters tend to respond to tangible service delivery, including improvements in roads, drainage systems, water supply, and waste management. The ruling party's campaign messaging consistently highlighted such themes, projecting continuity and stability in governance. For Revanth Reddy, the outcome reinforces his standing within the state's political landscape. Though municipal elections are fought at the local level, their cumulative effect often shapes perceptions of leadership at the top. The results suggest that the government's urban development narrative has resonated with voters. As newly elected municipal councils and corporations begin functioning, the focus will now shift to delivery. With expectations running high, the administration faces the task of translating electoral gains into measurable on-the-ground improvements. For now, however, the civic poll outcome underscores a broader political takeaway: in Telangana's evolving urban landscape, governance performance remains central to voter choice -- and the ruling leadership appears to have secured a renewed vote of confidence. On Wednesday, elections were held in seven Municipal Corporations and 116 Municipalities across the state, covering 414 wards in the Corporations of Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Ramagundam, and 2,582 wards in the 116 municipalities. Early trends today showed the Congress leading in 430 wards, while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was ahead in 222 wards as counting began across 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was in third place, leading in 61 wards, while other parties and independents were ahead in 59 wards. - ANI Counting of votes for the Telangana Municipal Corporation elections commenced on Friday across the state. The elections, held on Wednesday, covered seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities. BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao expressed confidence in securing a significant mandate from the people. The polls were marred by the tragic suicide of a BJP candidate, whose family alleges he was harassed by political opponents. Counting begins for Telangana municipal elections across 116 municipalities and 7 corporations. BJP confident of big mandate amid controversy over candidate's suicide. Hyderabad, February 13 Counting for the Telangana Municipal Corporation elections began on Friday in over 116 municipalities and seven corporations, following Wednesday's voting. The Police and the Election Commission have made arrangements for vote counting at centres across the state. On Wednesday, elections were held in seven Municipal Corporations and 116 Municipalities across the state, covering 414 wards in the Corporations of Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Ramagundam, and 2,582 wards in the 116 municipalities. Earlier on Wednesday, Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao expressed confidence that the party would win a significant number of seats, saying the people of Telangana were likely to give a "big mandate" to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking to ANI, Rao said, "Last time we had around 330 municipal councillors and corporators and three chairmen. But this time, I am sure the people of Telangana will give a big mandate to the Bharatiya Janata Party. We are hopeful that we will fare better and we will be the alternative to the Congress party." On February 10, a BJP candidate contesting the Makthal municipality, Erukali Mahadev, elections in Mahbubnagar district, died by suicide on the last day of campaigning, with his family alleging sustained harassment by political opponents and local leaders. Mahadev was found dead on the last day of campaigning. Family members alleged that he was under severe mental stress following repeated harassment from local leaders since his nomination was filed. They claimed he was targeted by his opponents and was unable to cope with the pressure, which drove him to take the extreme step. On Tuesday, the Telangana BJP strongly condemned what it termed as blatant intimidation by the ruling Congress, following the tragic death of its Makthal municipal candidate. - ANI Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has emphasized that government commitment and impartiality must be reflected in the upcoming caste census process. He stated this historic exercise, the first of its scale since 1931, will be conducted digitally in two phases starting May 2026. The CM stressed that officials must respect the emotional attachments people have to their properties during the survey. The census data will form the basis for strategies to ensure development reaches the last person in society. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav emphasizes impartiality and public sentiment as state prepares for first major caste census since 1931. Bhopal, Feb 13 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday said the census is the country's largest and most important data process on the basis of which the strategies are prepared to take development to the last person in society. Chief Minister Yadav made this statement addressing the state-level conference at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre in Bhopal, which was attended by senior bureaucrats including Chief Secretary Anurag Jain and Additional Chief Secretaries and many others. All district collectors, divisional commissioners and municipal commissioners joined the conference-cum training camp, which is part of the state government's preparation for the first phase of the census set to begin in the state from May 1. This state level conference organised after a comprehensive review of preparations was conducted across the state, and it was noted that a large number of officers and employees will be deployed for census work. Addressing the conference, the Chief Minister emphasised that the government's "commitment" and "impartiality" will be crucial parts and these should be reflected during the process of the caste census. "This is the first time such a social-level census has been conducted after 1931 and together we are going to create a historic record. This census will be interpreted in many ways from politically and socially, therefore, clarity and transparency should be maintained," CM Yadav said. He also pointed out that people have emotional attachments with their properties, including homes, land, shops or anything else they have, and the officials must respect those sentiments during the census process. "If someone's house, land, or shop is affected, their emotional attachment must also be understood; sensitivity is essential along with development," he added. Notably, the census will be conducted in a fully digital, paperless manner through an app-based system and the mega exercise will be carried out in two phases. The first phase of the process will be conducted between May 1 to May 30, 2026, during which house-to-house listing and housing enumeration will be conducted. While the second the final phase of census, during which population enumeration will be done, will be conducted in February 2027. - IANS Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha stated the state is emerging as a model for others in implementing development plans, attributing this to prevailing peace and harmony. He launched an Asian Development Bank industrial roadmap aimed at transforming Tripura into a regional trade and manufacturing hub, with a focus on sectors like rubber and food processing. The CM highlighted that the state is ahead in implementing central government vision documents and that external investor interest is growing. The event was attended by ADB officials and state ministers, underscoring a collaborative push for accelerated industrial growth using local resources. Tripura CM Manik Saha declares state a development model, citing industrial roadmap, stable law & order, and rising investor interest. Agartala, February 13 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said that the state is becoming a model for various states in implementing development plans. He emphasised that this progress has been made possible by the stable law and order, peace, and harmony currently prevailing throughout the state. "The state government always strives to deliver good governance. It has adopted special policies for industrial development in the state," said Saha. The state Chief Minister attended the launch of the book titled Strategic Approach to Industrial Development Roadmap, prepared by the Asian Development Bank, at the Tripura Institute of Transformation War Room. During the event, CM Saha said the Asian Development Bank's development roadmap will help the state in becoming a manufacturing hub. The state Chief Minister highlighted that Tripura is ahead of many states in implementing the Central Government's vision document programme. "This roadmap will help develop the state into a regional trade and manufacturing hub. Rubber, bamboo, and food processing have been given priority for industrial development. Tripura is ahead of many states in the country in implementing the Central Government's vision document programme. If the states develop rapidly, the country will also develop. Currently, many investors from outside the state are showing interest in setting up industries here. The Asian Development Bank's industrial development roadmap has played a significant role in boosting investment in the state," said CM Saha. The Tripura Chief Minister also announced that the government aims to accelerate industrial development by effectively utilising the state's raw materials and human resources. "This assistance is a major achievement for the state. The government aims to accelerate industrial development by effectively utilising the raw materials and human resources available in the state," added Saha. Asian Development Bank Country Director Mio Oka, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Secretary Kiran Gitte, and others attended the event. - ANI Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Tarique Rahman on his party's emphatic victory in the parliamentary elections, describing the outcome as a clear triumph of democracy. He also expressed appreciation for Dr. Muhammad Yunus's role as Chief Adviser in facilitating a smooth electoral transition. The BNP-led alliance secured a landslide 212 seats in the declared constituencies, while a concurrent referendum saw strong public backing for proposed constitutional reforms. Anwar emphasized Malaysia's interest in working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to energize bilateral relations. PM Anwar Ibrahim congratulates BNP's Tarique Rahman on landslide victory, calls it a triumph of democracy and praises Muhammad Yunus's role. Kuala Lumpur, February 13 Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday warmly congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Tarique Rahman and the party on their emphatic victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, describing the outcome as a clear triumph of democracy after a period of extraordinary challenges faced by the Bangladeshi people. In a post on his verified X account on Friday, Anwar described the result as a significant achievement for democratic principles. "I warmly congratulate Mr Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on their emphatic election victory. This is a triumph of democracy: the Bangladeshi people, having navigated a period of extraordinary challenges, have spoken clearly at the ballot box." He also expressed appreciation for the Chief Adviser of the country's interim government, Muhammad Yunus's role in facilitating the electoral transition. "I also wish to express appreciation to my dear friend, Dr Muhammad Yunus, for his stewardship as Chief Adviser during this important transition and for ensuring that the democratic process proceeded smoothly." Anwar further emphasised Malaysia's interest in strengthening ties with Bangladesh's incoming leadership. "Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to our bilateral ties. I join Malaysians in extending our warmest regards to the people of Bangladesh." The message comes amid a wave of international acknowledgements following the BNP-led alliance's landslide success in Thursday's polls, alongside the official declaration of results for 297 parliamentary constituencies by Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC). Results for Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 remain suspended and will be announced later, while the outcome of one other constituency was deferred earlier, as reported by Prothom Alo. The EC issued separate suspension letters for Sherpur-2, Chattogram-2, and Chattogram-4 on February 12 due to pending court cases. The result for Sherpur-2 has since been declared, though its official gazette publication is currently on hold. The elections, held on Thursday alongside a concurrent referendum, recorded a voter turnout of 60.26 per cent for the referendum component. Across the 297 declared seats, a total of 48,074,429 'Yes' votes were cast in the referendum, compared to 22,565,627 'No' votes. These figures were shared by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed during a media briefing at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Friday. In the parliamentary results for these 297 seats, the BNP and its allies secured a decisive 212 seats, marking a landslide victory. The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh took one seat, while independent candidates claimed seven. A further breakdown shows the BNP winning 209 seats independently. Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats; NCP, six; Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, two; Khelafat Majlis, one; Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), one; Ganosamhati Andolon, one; and Gono Odhikar Parishad, one, as per Prothom Alo. The overwhelming 'Yes' victory in the referendum, conducted to endorse the constitutional proposals outlined in the July National Charter, provides strong public backing for implementing the proposed state reforms. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reiterated these voting figures in his briefing to journalists at the Election Building in Agargaon today, according to Prothom Alo. - ANI US President Donald Trump emphasized the imperative to reach a deal with Iran, warning that failure would be "traumatic." He made the remarks following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed skepticism about any potential agreement. Netanyahu insisted that a deal must address Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for proxy groups across the region. The leaders also discussed Gaza and other regional matters, with Trump referencing past US military action against Iranian nuclear sites. US President Donald Trump warns a failed Iran deal would be traumatic, after meeting Israeli PM Netanyahu who expressed skepticism over any agreement. Washington DC, February 13 US President Donald Trump on Thursday emphasised the need for a deal with Iran, warning that failure to reach an agreement could be "traumatic." Speaking to reporters, Trump described his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "very good." He said, "We have to make a deal, otherwise it is going to be very traumatic (for Iran) and I don't want it to happen...If they don't make a deal, it is going to be a different story. We had a very good meeting yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu." Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared his thoughts following a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Trump sought his opinion on the ongoing discussions with Iran, adding that he expressed "general skepticism" regarding the nature of any agreement with the country. The Israeli leader emphasised that the agreement should address not only Iran's nuclear program but also its ballistic missile and support for proxy groups across the region. In a post on X, he said, "He wanted to hear my opinion. I won't hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the nature of any agreement with Iran. But I said that if an agreement is indeed reached, then it must include the elements that are very important from our perspective, from Israel's perspective, and in my opinion not only Israel's." "It's not only the nuclear issue, it's also the ballistic missiles and it's also the Iranian proxies. With that, I would say, the conversation was essentially concluded, although of course it also touched on Gaza, on the entire region, and on other general matters," he added. Netanyahu added that while the discussions covered several issues, the main focus was on negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu said that Trump believes that by not reaching an agreement before, Iran had made a mistake. "Of course the conversations focused on several issues, but in practice on the negotiations with Iran. The President thinks that the Iranians have already learned who they are dealing with. He believes that the conditions he is creating, combined with the fact that they certainly understand they made a mistake the previous time by not reaching an agreement, may create the conditions for achieving a good deal," he said. Earlier in the day, in his Truth Social post, Trump highlighted that while nothing definitive was reached, he encouraged continued negotiations with Iran to explore the possibility of a deal. He also referenced prior US actions against Iran - "Midnight Hammer," which he said "did not work well for them." On June 21-22, 2025, under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. - ANI President Donald Trump has announced he will visit China in April for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to travel to the United States later this year. Trump described the bilateral relationship as "very good" despite ongoing clashes over tariffs, technology, and security competition. The engagement between Washington and Beijing holds significant regional implications, particularly for Indo-Pacific nations like India. While strategic rivalry has deepened, both sides maintain high-level diplomatic channels to manage tensions and reduce risks. President Trump announces April visit to China for summit with Xi Jinping, as US-China ties face trade and tech competition. Washington, Feb 13 President Donald Trump said that he will visit China in April for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi is expected to visit the United States later this year. "Yeah, I'll be visiting President Xi in April. I look forward to it. He's coming here later in the year, and I look very much forward to it," Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump described ties with Beijing as steady. "No, our relationship with China is very good right now," he said in response to a question. "My relationship with President Xi is very good," he added. Trump did not give details about the location or agenda of the April visit. He also did not specify when Xi's US trip would take place, beyond saying it would happen later this year. The comments come as US-China ties remain defined by competition in trade, technology and security. The two countries continue to clash over tariffs and semiconductor export controls. Strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific has also deepened. Even so, both sides have kept high-level diplomatic channels open. For India, engagement between Washington and Beijing has regional implications. New Delhi has strengthened strategic ties with the United States in recent years while managing tensions with China. Developments between the world's two largest economies are closely watched across Asia, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Over the past decade, US-China relations have swung between cooperation and confrontation. Trade disputes escalated during Trump's first term. Military and technology competition has expanded since then. At the same time, summit diplomacy has continued as a way to reduce risks and keep communication lines open. Trump's critics say that the president has been soft on China when it comes to imposing tariffs on their imports. The United States has a massive trade deficit with China. - IANS US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has publicly congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its chairperson Tarique Rahman on their landmark election victory. Unofficial results indicate the BNP-led alliance has secured 210 parliamentary seats, paving the way for a new government. Tarique Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is poised to lead the nation, marking the return of a male Prime Minister after nearly 35 years. The US expressed its intent to collaborate with Bangladesh on shared goals of prosperity and security. US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen congratulates BNP and Tarique Rahman on historic election victory, as unofficial results show alliance win. Dhaka, Feb 13 US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Friday congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its chairperson, Tarique Rahman, on their landmark victory. He noted that the US looks forward to collaborating with Bangladesh to achieve mutual goals of prosperity and security. "Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to realise shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries," Christensen posted on X. The BNP and its alliance have claimed a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, local media reported on Friday, citing unofficial results. The announced results showed that the BNP-led alliance has won 210 seats, setting the stage for the formation of a new government led by BNP. Citing party sources, Bangladeshi Bengali daily, Jugantor, reported that party chairman Tarique Rahman is set to lead the government, marking the return of a male Prime Minister in Bangladesh after almost 35 years. Following the vote count on Thursday night, the unofficial results from various constituencies were announced. According to unofficial results from the Dhaka-17 constituency, Tarique secured 72,699 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman, who received 68,300 votes, Bangladeshi Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported. Additionally, BNP Chairman Tarique was unofficially elected from Bogra-6 constituency, receiving 216,284 votes from 150 centres. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel, secured 97,626 votes under the party's scale symbol. Earlier on Thursday, Tarique expressed satisfaction after casting his vote in the national election, stating that he remains fully confident about his party securing victory, according to local media reports. When asked about his expectations regarding the election results, the BNP chief maintained strong confidence in his party's prospects. He stated that he and his party are "100 per cent hopeful" of winning the election. Tarique is the son of former Bangladeshi President Gen. Ziaur Rahman, who rose to power following a series of coups and counter-coups and later founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party before assuming the presidency in 1977. He is also the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who governed Bangladesh during two separate tenures from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006. Following Khaleda Zia's death in December last year, Tarique assumed leadership of the BNP and is now set to lead the nation. - IANS The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance have claimed a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, winning 210 seats. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to become the Prime Minister, marking the return of a male PM after nearly 35 years. Indian Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat expressed hope that the new government would handle minority security effectively. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh expressed optimism that peace and development would return to Bangladesh. BNP wins Bangladesh election. Tarique Rahman set to be PM. Indian MPs react, hoping for minority security and peace. New Delhi, Feb 13 Reacting to the Bangladesh parliamentary election results, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said that he hopes security of minorities is handled effectively. Speaking to IANS, Bhagat said, "First of all, I extend my best wishes to them, and we hope that the government remains sensitive and lives up to the expectations of the people. Most importantly, we hope that the security of minorities and all related matters are handled effectively - that is our sincere wish." BJP leader Dilip Ghosh expressed optimism on the country's future, stating, "Peace will return to Bangladesh very soon, and the country will once again move forward on the path of development." The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance claimed a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, according to local media citing unofficial results. The BNP-led alliance has won 210 seats, paving the way for the formation of a new government led by the party. Citing party sources, Bangladeshi daily Jugantor reported that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to become Prime Minister, marking the return of a male PM to Bangladesh after nearly 35 years. Unofficial results from the Dhaka-17 constituency showed Tarique securing 72,699 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman, who received 68,300 votes, according to Prothom Alo. He also won from Bogra-6 constituency, receiving 216,284 votes against Jamaat candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel's 97,626 votes. Earlier, Tarique expressed confidence after casting his vote, stating he was "100 per cent hopeful" of a victory. He assumed leadership of the BNP following the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, last December. Tarique is also the son of former President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP. In Bangladesh after the unofficial results, Tarique Rahman is now poised to lead the nation as Prime Minister, as BNP prepares to form its new government. - IANS Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated the state government is ready to implement the Mekedatu and Upper Krishna projects pending approval from the Centre. He emphasized the Mekedatu balancing reservoir is vital for meeting Bengaluru's future water demands and generating electricity. Shivakumar also highlighted the need for enhanced dam safety measures due to ageing infrastructure and climate change challenges. He made these remarks while inaugurating an International Conference on Dam Safety in Bengaluru. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says state will implement key water projects for Bengaluru's needs if Centre grants permission, while emphasizing dam safety. Bengaluru, February 14 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that the State government would implement Mekedatu and Upper Krishna projects if the Centre gives a go-ahead. Speaking at the inauguration of the International Conference on Dam Safety at the Indian Institute of Science, the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Irrigation portfolio, said, "We will execute Mekedatu and Upper Krishna projects if the Centre gives approvals. We are confident that the Centre would give the necessary approvals." DK Shivakumar said that the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project is crucial to meeting the growing water demands of Bengaluru, highlighting that the state is awaiting the Centre's approval despite receiving a favourable nod from the Supreme Court, as stated in the release. "Industrialists from around the world are looking at Bengaluru today. The world is looking at India through Bengaluru. The population of Bengaluru has already reached 1.5 crores, and many more will move to Bengaluru. We have the responsibility of providing water to the growing population of the city. As a result, we are planning to build a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu. The Supreme Court has given us a favourable judgement, but we are waiting for the Centre's approval. This project will take care of the future water needs of Bengaluru city and also produce 400 MW of electricity. In the Upper Krishna project, we have brought out a transparent policy for compensating land owners as per the 2013 Act," he said. "The dams currently have a 500-meter restriction for commercial activities, but it needs to be relaxed to promote tourism. It would help the local economy," he called upon. He said dams reflect national progress, support farmers, and provide clean energy, but ageing infrastructure and climate change make preventive dam safety measures essential. "Dams are a symbol of the nation's strength and progress. Dams empower farmers, and they provide us with clean energy. Civilisational growth is directly linked to water resources. Most of our dams are 60-70 year-old and they need proper maintenance. Climate change is posing a serious challenge for dam safety. Unpredictable rains and floods are wreaking havoc around the world. Dam safety can't be guaranteed by our traditional models, hence preventive measures are not a choice anymore but a necessity," he explained. "India has 6500 dams, the third highest in the world. Karnataka has 232 dams. Two-thirds of India's dams are more than 25 years old, and this calls for increased focus on dam safety. The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), supported by the World Bank,is providing a lot of assistance for safety initiatives. Our government is spending Rs 1,500 crore for the repair and maintenance of 58 dams in the state," he added. He further added, "Dams are not just assets of engineers, they provide food security, energy security and social security. Let us come out with strong recommendations for dam safety in this conference. India has thousands of dams, thanks to Nehru's far sight and vision. He described dams as temples of modern India." "Our government completes 1000 days, but we have postponed the celebrations in view of this conference. Karnataka has a rich water resource legacy. Asia's first hydro-electric project was started in Shivanasamudra in 1902," he noted. "Karnataka produces the highest number of engineers in the country. 250 colleges in the state generate 1.5 lakh engineers every year. The Mysuru Maharajas provided land to start the Indian Institute of Science way back in the 19th century," he recalled. - ANI Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. An international research team of Amsterdam UMC, VU LaserLab, the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and the University of Edinburgh have gained new insights into the dynamics of myelin swellings in the brain. Myelin swellings are considered as the precursor of lesions in the brain of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results have been recently published in the leading magazine Science. MS is characterised by lesions in the brain and the spinal cord. Aside from these inflammations, damage can also be visible in the myelin; the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers. Myelin swellings are seen as a precursor for damaged myelin. Dynamic damage The research team used advanced microscopy techniques and different models from zebrafish and mouse models to human brain tissue to research the formation of this damage. This led to the discovery that myelin swellings have a dynamic character: they can not only grow, but also shrink and even recover completely. It also turns out that the activity of the underlying nerve fibre plays an important role; more activity of the nerve fibre leads to more and bigger swellings, while less activity allows for possible recovery. Advanced models The strength of this study lies in the combination of different models and techniques, giving the researchers the opportunity to study the processes in both animal models and human tissue in an identical way. In traditional brain research, the tissue structure is usually frozen with chemicals, making it impossible to determine the dynamic nature of the myelin swelling. In the collaboration between the laser lab and Amsterdam UMC, third-harmonic generation (THG) microscopy was used, while two-photon microscopy was performed at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. Using these microscopy techniques, myelin changes in tissue could be studied in three dimensions and over time. Start of myelin swellings The next step is to explore why the activity of the nerve fibres can change the size and amount of myelin swellings. The researchers also want to study the role of brain cells in the appearance and disappearance of myelin swellings. Using the published model systems, the team of Maarten Kole (NIN) and Antonio Luchicchi (MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC), together with the team of David Lyons (Edinburgh), will seek to address these questions. Addressing this early damage, even before myelin is lost, could offer in the future new treatment possibilities for MS and help keep myelin healthy for longer. Researchers led by Min Zhang and Dabao Zhang of the University of California, Irvine's Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health have created the most detailed maps to date showing how genes causally regulate one another across different types of brain cells affected by Alzheimer's disease. Using their newly developed machine learning framework, SIGNET, which reveals cause-and-effect relationships rather than simple genetic correlations, they uncovered key biological pathways that may drive memory loss and brain degeneration. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, also identifies new genes that could serve as targets for future treatments. The work was funded in part by the National Institute on Aging and the National Cancer Institute. Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia, is projected to affect nearly 14 million Americans by 2060. Scientists have already found many genes linked to the disease, such as APOE and APP, but they still don't fully understand how these genes disrupt healthy brain function. Different types of brain cells play distinct roles in Alzheimer's disease, but how they interact at the molecular level has remained unclear. Our work provides cell type-specific maps of gene regulation in the Alzheimer's brain, shifting the field from observing correlations to uncovering the causal mechanisms that actively drive disease progression." Min Zhang, co-corresponding author and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics To create these maps, team members analyzed single-cell molecular data from brain samples of 272 participants in long-term memory and aging studies in the Religious Orders Study and the Rush Memory and Aging Project. They developed SIGNET as a scalable, high-performance computing method that integrates single-cell RNA sequencing and whole-genome sequencing data and reveals cause-and-effect relationships among all genes. The researchers identified causal gene regulatory networks for six major types of brain cells. This allowed them to determine which genes are likely controlling other genes, something traditional correlation-based tools cannot reliably do. "Most gene-mapping tools can show which genes move together, but they can't tell which genes are actually driving the changes," said Dabao Zhang, co-corresponding author and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. "Some methods also make unrealistic assumptions, such as ignoring feedback loops between genes. Our approach takes advantage of information encoded in DNA to enable the identification of true cause-and-effect relationships between genes in the brain." The scientists found that the most dramatic gene disruptions in Alzheimer's disease occur in excitatory neurons the nerve cells that send activating signals with analyses of nearly 6,000 cause-and-effect interactions indicating that these cells undergo extensive rewiring as the disease progresses. They also pinpointed hundreds of "hub genes" that act as major control centers, influencing many other genes and likely playing key roles in driving harmful changes. These could serve as new targets for early detection and therapeutic intervention. In addition, the team discovered new regulatory roles for well-known genes such as APP, which strongly controlled other genes in inhibitory neurons. Importantly, the researchers confirmed these findings using an independent set of human brain samples, strengthening confidence that these gene-to-gene relationships reflect real biological mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's disease. SIGNET can also be used to study many other complex diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders and mental health conditions. Danni Liu, Zhongli Jiang, Hyunjin Kim, Anke M. Tukker, Ashish Dalvi, Junkai Xie, Yan Li, Chongli Yuan, Aaron B. Bowman, Dabao Zhang and Min Zhang from UC Irvine contributed to the study. On February 10 local time, a statement from the European Commission marked a turning point in the ChinaEU electric vehicle trade dispute: Volkswagen's price commitments for pure electric vehicle exports were formally accepted, and the CUPRA Tavascan model produced by Volkswagen (Anhui) Co., Ltd. will be exempted from a 20.7% anti-subsidy duty when exported to the EU. This is the first individual company exemption approved since the EU's final ruling in its anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. Through the Volkswagen Anhui case we can see not only one company breaking through, but also that China and the EU can shift from being trade rivals to achieving mutual benefit. It is also a new contribution from Anhuithe country's newly emerged top auto-producing provinceto promote ChinaEU automotive industry cooperation. Volkswagen Anhui is Volkswagen Group's joint venture in China, with the German side holding a 75% stake, and it is Volkswagen's only majority-owned vehicle joint venture in China. Backed by entities such as Volkswagen (Anhui) Co., Ltd., Volkswagen (China) Technology Co., Ltd., Volkswagen (Anhui) Components Co., Ltd., and Volkswagen (Anhui) Digital Sales and Service Co., Ltd., Volkswagen aims to build a global center for new-energy vehicle R&D, innovation, and components procurement in Hefei. The scale of the effort has led outsiders to suggest Volkswagen is effectively creating another headquarters in Hefei. The CUPRA Tavascan is the first model produced by Volkswagen Anhui; it was designed and developed in Europe and manufactured in China, making it a typical example of deep integration in the ChinaEurope automotive supply chain. It is therefore not hard to understand why it became the first to receive the EU's approval. In recent years, as China's new-energy vehicle industry has achieved great success, the EU has grown increasingly anxious in this fieldworried both that Chinese electric vehicles will undercut European manufacturers through cost advantages and that European automakers will shift many parts of the supply chain to China. The Volkswagen Anhui case offers one possible solution to the EU's concerns. According to the European Commission's announcement, Volkswagen's commitments include three elements: selling in the EU at no lower than the agreed minimum import price, limiting export volumes to the EU, and investing in a series of significant projects in the EU related to pure electric vehicles. This case indicates that deep industrial integration can undoubtedly help achieve breakthroughs under new trade rules and ease trade barriers. This development is a "warm sign" that the ChinaEU automotive economic and trade contest is easing, and it also exemplifies how multinational automakers are seeking a "greatest common denominator" amid headwinds against globalization. On February 12, Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong responded that the ChinaEU automotive industries are "deeply integrated and mutually beneficial," and he expressed the hope that more Chinese companies will reach agreement with the EU on price commitments. For the ChinaEU automotive industry, this is a new beginning. Exercise does more than strengthen muscles; it also rewires the brain. In a study publishing February 12 in the Cell Press journal Neuron, researchers reveal that the lasting gain in endurance from repeated exercise-such as the ability to run farther and faster over time-involves changes in brain activity that help muscles and hearts to become stronger. A lot of people say they feel sharper and their minds are clearer after exercise. So we wanted to understand what happens in the brain after exercise and how those changes influence the effects of exercise." J. Nicholas Betley, corresponding author, University of Pennsylvania In their experiments, Betley and his colleagues noticed that mice had increased brain activity after running on the treadmill, especially in the nerve cells located in their ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). This brain region plays an important role in how the body uses energy, including regulating body weight and blood sugar. By monitoring neural activity in mice, the team found that a specific group of nerve cells in the VMH, called steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) neurons, became active when the animals ran on a treadmill. These neurons also stayed active for at least an hour after the mice finished running. After daily exercise for two weeks, these mice showed improvement in endurance. They were able to run faster and longer before becoming exhausted. When researchers looked at the mice's brains, they saw that more SF1 neurons in mice became active, and the activity levels were significantly higher than at the beginning of training. When the team blocked SF1 neuron activity and prevented them from sending signals to the rest of the brain, these animals got tired quickly and showed no improvements in endurance over the two-week training period. To the researchers' surprise, blocking SF1 neurons only after exercise also prevented endurance gains even though the neurons functioned normally during exercise itself. This result suggests the important role for SF1 activity after exercise. "When we lift weights, we think we are just building muscle," says Betley. "It turns out we might be building up our brain when we exercise." While the underlying mechanism remains unclear, Betley says that active SF1 neurons post-exercise may help the body recover faster by using glucose stored in the body more efficiently. This may allow other parts of the body-like the muscle, lungs, and heart-to adapt more quickly to harder workouts. Betley hopes that this research could one day help older people or people recovering from stroke stay active while also benefiting athletes and younger people recovering from injury. "This study opens the door for understanding how we can get more out of exercise," he says. "If we can shorten the timeline and help people see benefits sooner, it may encourage them to keep exercising." This work was supported by the University of Pennsylvania, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Rhode Island Institutional Development Award, the Rhode Island Foundation, and Providence College. Vaccinations alone may not be enough to protect people with compromised immune systems from infection, even if the vaccine has generated the production of antibodies, new research from the University of Cambridge has shown. The findings, published today in Science Advances, suggest that such individuals will need regular vaccine boosters to protect them and reduce the risk of infections that could be severe and also lead to new 'variants of concern' emerging. Almost 16 million people worldwide are estimated to have died from Covid-19 during 2020 and 2021, though nearly 20 million deaths are thought to have been prevented as a result of the rapid rollout of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the pandemic. During the pandemic, researchers discovered that immunocompromised individuals had difficulty clearing the virus, even when vaccinated. These are people whose immune systems are not functioning correctly, either as a direct result of disease or because they are on medication to dampen down their immune systems, for example to prevent organ transplant rejection. This meant that their infections lasted longer, giving the virus more opportunities to mutate. Research from early in the pandemic showed that chronic infections can give rise to variants of concern that can then cause new waves of infection in the wider population. When an individual is vaccinated, their immune systems produce antibodies that recognise and launch an attack on the virus. Such a process is known as seroconversion. Additional 'booster' vaccinations increase seroconversion and hence the likelihood of clearing infection. However, although most immunocompromised individuals will have received three or more doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, they still account for more than a fifth of hospitalisations, admissions to intensive care units, and overall deaths associated with the disease. To see why this is the case, scientists at the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID) at the University of Cambridge examined immunocompromised individuals who had been vaccinated against Covid-19. These patients, recruited from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, were living with vasculitis, a group of disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels. Data from this group was compared against individuals who were not immunocompromised. Treatments for vasculitis rely on immunosuppressant medicines. These include drugs such as rituximab, which depletes the number of B-cells in the body - but B-cells are the immune cells responsible for producing antibodies. As such, these individuals are a severely at-risk population. When the researchers analysed bloods samples from the vasculitis patients, they found that even though vaccination induced seroconversion, this in itself was not always sufficient to neutralise the virus. Every immunocompromised individual required at least three doses of the vaccine to protect them across a range of variants up to and include Omicron (the variant that appeared towards the end of 2021 and caused a new wave of infections). In some cases, even four vaccinations were not sufficient to adequately protect them. We know that immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to diseases such as Covid-19 because their immune systems struggle to clear infections. Vaccinations offer some protection, but our study shows that only repeated vaccinations - often four or more - offer the necessary protection." Kimia Kamelian, a Gates Cambridge Scholar at CITIID and St Edmund's College, Cambridge Professor Ravi Gupta, also from CITIID and a Fellow at Homerton College, Cambridge, added: "This of course has implications for the individual, who is more likely to have prolonged infection and a much greater risk of severe infection, but it also gives the virus multiple opportunities to mutate. "We know from our previous work that at least some of the variants of concern probably emerged during chronic infections. That's why these individuals must be given priority for updated vaccines against new variants." The research was funded by Wellcome, Gates Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust and Vasculitis UK, with additional support by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. Measuring human movement with tracking devices on looser clothing is more accurate than on tight body suits or straps. The discovery by scientists at King's College London could mark a potential breakthrough for a range of technologies, including improving accuracy on personal health devices, such as Fitbits and smart watches, to enhancing motion capture for CGI movie characters. It could also support health and medical research by making it easier to gather data on conditions affecting mobility such as Parkinson's. The research, published in Nature Communications, found that loose fabric can predict and capture the body's movements with 40% more accuracy and needing 80% less data, than if a sensor were stuck to your skin. When we think about technology that tracks movement - like a Fitbit on your wrist or the suits actors wear to play CGI characters - we had thought that the sensors need to be tight against the body to produce the most accurate results. The common belief is that if a sensor is loose, the data will be "noisy" or messy. However, our research has proven over multiple experiments that loose, flowing clothing actually makes motion tracking significantly more accurate. Meaning, we could move away from "wearable tech" that feels like medical equipment and toward "smart clothing" - like a simple button or pin on a dress - that tracks your health while you feel completely natural going about your day." Dr. Matthew Howard, paper co-author and a reader in engineering at King's College London The research found that loose fabric acts like a "mechanical amplifier" which means that movement is easier to detect. Dr Howard explains that "when you start to move your arm, a loose sleeve doesn't just sit there; it folds, billows, and shifts in complex ways - reacting more sensitively to the movements than a tighter fitting sensor." This could bring smart clothing one step closer, with the potential to add sensors to buttons on shirts as a discrete alternative to bulky and uncomfortable devices. The researchers also believe the findings have potential to transform the field of robotics research as well as automated technologies that use gesture-based control to turn on the lights or a tap. Scientists tested sensors on a wide range of different fabrics with human and robot subjects undertaking a variety of different movements. They compared the findings from loose fabrics with standard motion sensors attached to straps and tight clothing and found that every time the fabric-based approach was able to detect movements more quickly, more accurately, and needed less movement data to make predictions. Looser fabric was also able to distinguish between very similar or subtle, barely detectable movements. Co-author Dr Irene Di Giulio, Senior Lecturer in Anatomy and Biomechanics at King's College London, said: "Sometimes, a patient's movements are too small for a tight wristband to catch and therefore we can't always get the most accurate data on how conditions like Parkinson's are affecting people's everyday lives. "Through this approach we could 'amplify' people's movement, which will help capture them even when they are smaller than typical abled-bodied movements. This could allow us to track people in the comfort of their own homes or a care home, in their everyday clothing. It could become easier for doctors to monitor their patients, as well as medical researchers to gather vital data needed to inform our understanding of these conditions and develop new therapies including wearable technologies that cater for these kinds of disabilities." For Dr Howard, an expert in robotics research, this work opens the exciting possibility to revolutionise data collection on human mobility to develop better, smarter robots. "A lot of robotics research is about learning from human behaviour for robots to mimic, but to do this you need huge amounts of data collected from every day human movements, and not many people are willing to strap up in a Lycra suit and go about their daily business," he explained. "This research offers the possibility of attaching discreet sensors to everyday clothing, so we can start to collect the internet-scale of human behavior data, needed to revolutionize the field of robotics." BNP heading for victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary election Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 04:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dhaka, Feb 13 (PTI) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday appeared headed for a decisive victory in the South Asian nations general elections as counting progressed for the polls to elect a government that would replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. Multiple media tallies showed the BNP had won more than 151 seats in the 300-seat parliament. The Election Commission (EC) is yet to make a formal announcement. An EC spokesperson said the results in several seats were still being processed and were likely to be announced in a few hours. The election was seen as a direct contest between the BNP and its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of ousted premier Sheikh Hasinas now disbanded Awami League. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has been in place for 18 months. The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on the implementation of a complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter. The BNP had earlier announced that if it wins the election, then its chairman and former premier Khaleda Zias son Tarique Rahman would be the next prime minister of Bangladesh. We are confident of forming the government by winning more than two-thirds of seats," BNPs central election steering committee spokesman Mahdi Amin told a media briefing in the early hours of Friday. Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December last year after over 17 years in self-exile, asked party leaders and activists to offer special prayers across the country after mid-day Juma prayers instead of holding victory rallies. The EC was yet to announce the voter turnout figure. It dismissed allegations of manipulation regarding voters appearances in polling centres. There were debates over turnout percentages in past elections as well. Please dont question it now," Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasur Uddin told a reporter on Thursday evening. He said variations were natural as results from several thousand polling centres arrived at different times. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed earlier said 47.91 per cent voters had cast ballots by 2 pm on Thursday at 36,031 of the 42,651 polling centres. More than 2,000 candidates, including a number of independents, were in the fray for 299 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls. Polling for one seat was postponed due to the death of a candidate. The counting of votes began soon after voting concluded at 4:30 pm (local time). The Election Commission made elaborate security arrangements for the elections, deploying nearly 1 million security personnel the largest-ever in the countrys electoral history. PTI AR DIV DIV First Published: February 13, 2026, 04:45 IST News agency-feeds BNP heading for victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary election Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Commerce Secretary meets WTO Director-General to discuss MC14 priorities Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 12:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Geneva [Switzerland], February 13 (ANI): Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Geneva to discuss priorities for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).The meeting focused on the preparations and the substance needed to ensure the ministerial outcome. The discussion provided a platform to review the framework for the upcoming global trade body meeting.Permanent Mission of India at the World Trade Organization, Geneva posted on X, CS Shri @RajeshAgrawal94 met Dr. @NOIweala, DG @WTO at Geneva. Discussed key priorities for making #MC14 a positive, balanced and inclusive Ministerial. Highlighted Indias continued commitment towards constructive engagement with #WTO Members for strengthening rules based MTS."Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also shared details of the interaction on X. She noted that the meeting was a thoughtful and productive discussion."She said, Happy to receive Indias Commerce Secretary, HE Rajesh Agrawal, and his delegation, including Additional Secretary Amitabh Kumar and HE Amb Senthil Pandian. Many thanks for a thoughtful and productive discussion around the substance, process, and preparation of MC14. Look forward to continued engagement as we work through the thorny issues."In a separate session in Geneva, the Commerce Secretary also met with Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors of various developing countries and addressed key issues in the context of MC14 of the WTO."The discussions during this session focused on the need to strengthen the multilateral trading system to benefit member states. The meetings emphasised the importance of ensuring that the interests of the developing world were represented in the upcoming conference.India at WTO, Geneva said on X, Commerce Secretary @RajeshAgrawal94 today met with Permanent Representatives (PRs) & Ambassadors of various developing countries at Geneva and discussed key issues in the context of MC14 of the #WTO highlighting the need to strengthen rule based MTS." (ANI) First Published: February 13, 2026, 12:45 IST News agency-feeds Commerce Secretary meets WTO Director-General to discuss MC14 priorities Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Earthquake of magnitude 4.2 strikes Pakistan Last Updated: February 14, 2026, 04:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Islamabad [Pakistan], February 14 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 struck Pakistan late Friday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said.The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 25km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.In a post on X, the NCS said, EQ of M: 4.2, On: 13/02/2026 23:53:39 IST, Lat: 28.32 N, Long: 67.40 E, Depth: 25 Km, Location: Pakistan." Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties.Earlier, a devastating earthquake struck Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan on January 19, destroying hundreds of homes and leaving numerous families in urgent need of relief.Despite the magnitude of the disaster, residents say the PoGB interim government has taken little more than formal steps, leaving communities frustrated and helpless.Aid from China, including tents, blankets, and other essential relief items, has reportedly been stuck at Sost Port since 2022. Villagers in Chapursan are demanding that at least this minimal assistance be released immediately to alleviate their suffering.Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India lie in one of the most seismically active zones in the world, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The region frequently experiences moderate to strong earthquakes, often felt across borders due to the proximity of fault lines.Pakistan is among the seismically active countries in the world, crossed by several major faults.This collision zone makes the country highly vulnerable to violent earthquakes. Provinces such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab are located on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate, contributing to frequent earthquake activity.Balochistan is located near the active boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates.Other vulnerable regions, such as Punjab, which lies on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate, are susceptible to seismic activity. Sindh, though less prone, is still at risk due to its location. (ANI) First Published: February 14, 2026, 04:00 IST News agency-feeds Earthquake of magnitude 4.2 strikes Pakistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jewellery firm RGL profit jumps 36 pc to Rs 33 cr in Oct-Dec Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 17:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Feb 13 (PTI) Jewellery maker Renaissance Global Ltd (RGL) on Friday said its consolidated net profit rose 36 per cent to Rs 33.20 crore in December quarter 2025-26. The company had reported a net profit of Rs 24.32 crore for the third quarter of the last financial year, a statement said. Total income jumped to Rs 965.28 crore in December quarter FY26 from Rs 711.92 crore a year ago. The company reported its strongest-ever quarterly performance in Q3FY26, driven by a shift towards a high-margin, branded D2C (direct-to-consumer) and sharper capital efficiency model, RGL said. Renaissance Global is ongoing an important transformation from becoming a low-margin B2B exporter to now a core consumer-centric, brand-led luxury platform. The bet on our owned brands and premium positioning is paying off in full," RGL chairman and global CEO Sumit Shah said. RGL has eight manufacturing units across Mumbai, Bhavnagar and Dubai and employs more than 150 jewellery designers with expertise in global fashion trends across the US, the UK, Hong Kong and Dubai. PTI HG ANU ANU First Published: February 13, 2026, 17:00 IST News agency-feeds Jewellery firm RGL profit jumps 36 pc to Rs 33 cr in Oct-Dec Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... New astronauts launch to International Space Station after medical evacuation Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 17:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Cape Canaveral (US), Feb 13 (AP) A new crew rocketed toward the International Space Station on Friday to replace the astronauts who returned to Earth early in NASAs first medical evacuation. SpaceX launched the replacements as soon as possible at NASAs request, sending the US, French and Russian astronauts on an expected eight- to nine-month mission stretching until fall. The four should arrive at the orbiting lab on Saturday, filling the vacancies left by their evacuated colleagues last month and bringing the space station back to full staff. It turns out Friday the 13th is a very lucky day," SpaceX Launch Control radioed once the astronauts reached orbit. That was quite a ride," replied the crews commander, Jessica Meir. NASA had to put spacewalks on hold and deferred other duties while awaiting the arrival of Americans Meir and Jack Hathaway, Frances Sophie Adenot and Russias Andrei Fedyaev. Theyll join three other astronauts one American and two Russians who kept the space station running the past month. Satisfied with medical procedures already in place, NASA ordered no extra checkups for the crew ahead of liftoff and no new diagnostic equipment was packed. An ultrasound machine already up there for research went into overdrive on January 7 when used on the ailing crew member. NASA has not revealed the ill astronauts identity or health issue. All four returning astronauts went straight to the hospital after splashing down in the Pacific near San Diego. It was the first time in 65 years of human spaceflight that NASA cut short a mission for medical reasons. With missions becoming longer, NASA is constantly looking at upgrades to the space stations medical gear, said deputy programme manager Dina Contella. But there are a lot of things that are just not practical and so thats when you need to bring astronauts home from space," she said earlier this week. In preparation for moon and Mars trips where health care will be even more challenging, the new arrivals will test a filter designed to turn drinking water into emergency IV fluid, try out an ultrasound system that relies on artificial intelligence and augmented reality instead of experts on the ground, and perform ultrasound scans on their jugular veins in a blood clot study. They also will demonstrate their moon-landing skills in a simulated test. Adenot is only the second French woman to launch to space. She was 14 when Claudie Haignere flew to Russias space station Mir in 1996, inspiring her to become an astronaut. Haignere travelled to Cape Canaveral to cheer her on. I thought it would have been a quiet joy with pride for Sophie, but it was so hugely emotional to see her with a successful launch," Haignere said. Hathaway, like Adenot, is new to space, while Meir and Fedyaev are making their second station trip. Just before liftoff, Fedyaev led the crew in a cry of Poyekhali" Russian for Lets Go" the word uttered at liftoff by the worlds first person in space, the Soviet Unions Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. On her first mission in 2019, Meir took part in the first all-female spacewalk. The other half of that spacewalk, Christina Koch, is among the four Artemis II astronauts waiting to fly around the moon as early as March. A ship-to-ship radio linkup is planned between the two crews. Meir wasnt sure astronauts would return to the moon during her career. Now were right here on the precipice of the Artemis II mission," she said ahead of liftoff. The fact that they will be in space at the same time as us its so cool to be an astronaut now, its so exciting." SpaceX launched the latest crew from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Elon Musks company is preparing its neighbouring Kennedy Space Centre launch pad for the super-sized Starships, which NASA needs to land astronauts on the moon. (AP) NPK NPK First Published: February 13, 2026, 17:00 IST News agency-feeds New astronauts launch to International Space Station after medical evacuation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Odisha: Congress leader Kanhu Charan Lenka dies at 86 Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 12:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bhubaneswar, Feb 13 (PTI) Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Kanhu Charan Lenka died here on Friday, his family said. He was 86, and is survived by a son and a daughter. Lenka, who was suffering from old age-related ailments, died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital around 9.45 am, his son Satyabrat Lenka said. Born on March 2, 1939 in Cuttack district, Lenka was elected to the Odisha Assembly from Choudwar seat four times in 1971, 1974, 1980 and 1995. He was also a Rajya Sabha member, and the Union Minister of State for Railways. As MoS, Railways, Lenkas contribution to infrastructure and connectivity initiatives for Odisha was remarkable, senior Congress leader Jaydev Jena said. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Naveen Patnaik, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das and others expressed condolences on Lenkas demise. Majhi, in an X post, said, I am deeply saddened to know about the passing of senior leader, former Union minister, and former Member of Parliament Kanhu Charan Lenka. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family during this hour of grief, and pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the peaceful repose of the departed soul. Om Shanti." Patnaik, in a social media post, said, I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of eminent politician, former parliamentarian, and ex-Union minister Kahnu Charan Lenka. His lifelong dedication to public service will always remain memorable. While praying for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my condolences to his bereaved family members." Lenkas mortal remains will be brought to the Odisha Congress headquarters here for partymen and the public to pay their tributes, OPCC said in a statement. PTI AAM AAM ACD First Published: February 13, 2026, 12:45 IST News agency-feeds Odisha: Congress leader Kanhu Charan Lenka dies at 86 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Rise of Burhanpur: India's New Hub for Data and Innovation Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 17:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) PNNBhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], February 13: For decades, Burhanpur, a modest town in Madhya Pradesh, was better known for the ambitions its youth left behind than for the opportunities it offered. Graduation often meant a one-way journey to metropolitan hubs like Bangalore or Pune, where career prospects seemed far more promising. Despite its rich talent pool, the city quietly endured a steady brain drain" many believed impossible to reverse.Everything changed in 2013, when visionary entrepreneur Murtaza Husain decided to rewrite Burhanpurs story. The founding of BizProspex (bizprospex.com) was more than the launch of a companyit was a statement: world-class work could be created and delivered from outside Indias traditional tech epicenters. Rather than following the familiar migration path, BizProspex set out to build a global enterprise rooted in Burhanpur.Today, the company boasts a team of over 100 professionals, delivering precision-driven business intelligence to more than 2,000 companies worldwide. From mapping emerging technology trends to analyzing international trade flows, BizProspex proves that global excellence requires only a dedicated team, robust infrastructure, high-speed internet, and an unwavering vision.The Architecture of Global TrustAt the heart of Madhya Pradesh, BizProspex is building what it calls the Architecture of Global Trust." The company manages high-stakes intelligence that enables some of the worlds largest firms to operate with confidence. Through its Worldwide Funding Data, BizProspex allows investors to identify where the next big idea is emerging. Its Technology Installation Intelligence helps software giants track global market trends in real time. Most importantly, its work in Sanctions and Regulatory Compliance Data ensures international trade remains safe, ethical, and transparent.When major trade shows take place in cities such as Barcelona or Dubai, BizProspex collaborates closely with ExhibitorsData (exhibitorsdata.com). The Burhanpur-based team processes both exhibitor and attendee lists, uncovering commercial opportunities for businesses across continents. This partnership shows how small-town expertise is shaping decisions on a global scale.A Workforce That Chooses to StayWhat sets BizProspex apart is not just its client portfolio or revenueit is its people. In an industry plagued by high attrition, the company has built a homegrown workforce committed to staying. For many women in tier-2 cities, career growth often demands leaving family behind. BizProspex addresses this through a flexible, inclusive ecosystem that empowers women to lead global projects while maintaining personal ties. This approach has resulted in remarkably low attrition, proving that respecting local culture while achieving international excellence is sustainable.Vision 2030: Burhanpur as Indias Data Intelligence PowerhouseHaving invested 1.75 crore in local infrastructure, BizProspex will infuse an additional 3 crore to expand its team to 250+ skilled professionals by 2030. The mission is bold yet clear: transform Burhanpur into a national hub for data intelligence, inspiring the next generation to shape global business without leaving home.BizProspexs journey is more than a corporate success storyit is a movement challenging the belief that small towns cannot achieve big things. Burhanpurs ascent proves that talent, innovation, and ambition flourish wherever opportunity is cultivated. From brain drain to brain gain, Burhanpur is scripting a new chapter of growth, hope, and global impact.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) First Published: February 13, 2026, 17:00 IST News agency-feeds The Rise of Burhanpur: India's New Hub for Data and Innovation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump administration reaches trade deal to lower Taiwan's tariff barriers Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 04:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Feb 13 (AP) The Trump administration has reached a trade deal with Taiwan, with Taiwan agreeing to remove or reduce 99 per cent of its tariff barriers, the office of the US Trade Representative said. The agreement comes as the US remains reliant on Taiwan for its production of computer chips, the exporting of which contributed to a trade imbalance of nearly USD 127 billion during the first 11 months of 2025, according to the Census Bureau. Taiwans exports to the US will be taxed at a 15 per cent rate or the US governments Most Favoured Nation" rate, the USTRs office said on Thursday. The 15 per cent rate is the same as that levied on other US trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan and South Korea. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer attended the signing of the reciprocal agreement, which occurred under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. Taiwans Vice Premier Li-chiun Cheng and its government minister Jen-ni Yang also attended the signing. The deal comes ahead of President Donald Trumps planned visit to China in April and suggests a deepening economic relationship between the US and Taiwan. Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy that China claims as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. Beijing prohibits all countries it has diplomatic relations with including the US from having formal ties with Taipei. Under the deal, Taiwan will make investments of USD 250 billion in the US industries such as computer chips, artificial intelligence applications and energy. The Taiwanese government says it will provide up to an additional USD 250 billion in credit guarantees to help smaller businesses invest in the US. The agreement would make it easier for the US to sell autos, pharmaceutical drugs and food products in Taiwan. But the critical component might be that Taiwanese companies would invest in the production of computer chips in the US, possibly helping to ease the trade imbalance. The investments helped enable the US to reduce its planned tariffs from as much as 32 per cent initially to 15 per cent. The US side said the deal with Taiwan would help create several world-class" industrial parks in America in order to help build up domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies such as chips. The Commerce Department in January described it as a historic trade deal that will drive a massive reshoring of Americas semiconductor sector". In return, the US would give preferential treatment to Taiwan regarding the possible tariffs stemming from a Section 232 investigation of the importing of computer chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. TSMC, the chip-making giant, is expected to be the key investor. It has committed to USD 165 billion in investments in the US, including not only fabrication plants but also a major research and development center that would help build a supply chain to power US artificial intelligence ambitions. Major US tech companies such as Nvidia and AMD rely on TSMC for manufacturing highly advanced chips. (AP) DIV DIV First Published: February 13, 2026, 04:45 IST News agency-feeds Trump administration reaches trade deal to lower Taiwan's tariff barriers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump emphasises need for Iran deal, warns failure could be 'traumatic' Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington DC [US], February 13 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) emphasised the need for a deal with Iran, warning that failure to reach an agreement could be traumatic."Speaking to reporters, Trump described his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as very good."He said, We have to make a deal, otherwise it is going to be very traumatic (for Iran) and I dont want it to happenIf they dont make a deal, it is going to be a different story. We had a very good meeting yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared his thoughts following a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Trump sought his opinion on the ongoing discussions with Iran, adding that he expressed general skepticism" regarding the nature of any agreement with the country. The Israeli leader emphasised that the agreement should address not only Irans nuclear program but also its ballistic missile and support for proxy groups across the region.In a post on X, he said, He wanted to hear my opinion. I wont hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the nature of any agreement with Iran. But I said that if an agreement is indeed reached, then it must include the elements that are very important from our perspective, from Israels perspective, and in my opinion not only Israels."Its not only the nuclear issue, its also the ballistic missiles and its also the Iranian proxies. With that, I would say, the conversation was essentially concluded, although of course it also touched on Gaza, on the entire region, and on other general matters," he added. , . , . , . . , pic.twitter.com/WSfNEHaYzY Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) February 12, 2026 Netanyahu added that while the discussions covered several issues, the main focus was on negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu said that Trump believes that by not reaching an agreement before, Iran had made a mistake.Of course the conversations focused on several issues, but in practice on the negotiations with Iran. The President thinks that the Iranians have already learned who they are dealing with. He believes that the conditions he is creating, combined with the fact that they certainly understand they made a mistake the previous time by not reaching an agreement, may create the conditions for achieving a good deal," he said.Earlier in the day, in his Truth Social post, Trump highlighted that while nothing definitive was reached, he encouraged continued negotiations with Iran to explore the possibility of a deal. He also referenced prior US actions against Iran Midnight Hammer," which he said did not work well for them."On June 21-22, 2025, under Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. (ANI) First Published: February 13, 2026, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds Trump emphasises need for Iran deal, warns failure could be 'traumatic' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump says he's sending second aircraft carrier to Mideast as he seeks Iran deal Last Updated: February 14, 2026, 00:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Feb 13 (AP) President Donald Trump said Friday that he decided to move a second aircraft carrier into the Middle East as he presses Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, is being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Mideast to join other warships and military assets the US has built up in the region. The planned deployment comes just days after Trump suggested another round of talks with the Iranians was at hand. Those negotiations didnt materialise as one of Tehrans top security officials visited Oman and Qatar this week and exchanged messages with US intermediaries. In case we dont make a deal, well need it," Trump told reporters about the second carrier as he left the White House for a military base in North Carolina. He added, Itll be leaving very soon." Already, Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Iranians are beginning to hold 40-day mourning ceremonies for the thousands killed in Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, adding to the internal pressure faced by the sanctions-battered Islamic Republic. The Ford, whose new deployment was first reported by The New York Times, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. US forces already have shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a US-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Ford had been part of Venezuela strike force It is a quick turnaround for the Ford, which Trump sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration built up a huge military presence in the lead-up to the surprise raid last month that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It also appears to be at odds with the Trump administrations national security and defense strategies, which put an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. In response to questions about the movement of the Ford, US Southern Command said American forces in Latin America will continue to counter illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere." While force posture evolves, our operational capability does not," Col. Emanuel Ortiz, spokesperson for Southern Command, said in a statement. US forces remain fully ready to project power, defend themselves, and protect US interests in the region." Trump, who is in Fort Bragg to celebrate members of the special forces who captured Maduro, warned Iran this week that failure to reach a deal with his administration would be very traumatic." Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman last week. I guess over the next month, something like that," Trump said Thursday when asked about his timeline for striking a deal with Iran on its nuclear program. It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly." Trump held lengthy talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and said he insisted to Israels leader that negotiations with Iran needed to continue. Netanyahu is urging the administration to press Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and end its support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any deal. The USS Ford deployed in late June 2025, which means the crew will have been deployed for eight months in two weeks time. While it is unclear how long the ship will remain in the Middle East, the move sets the crew up for an unusually long deployment. Fords deployment comes as Iran mourns Iran at home faces still-simmering anger over its wide-ranging suppression of all dissent. That rage may intensify in the coming days as families of the dead begin the traditional 40-day mourning for loved ones. Already, online videos have shown mourners gathering in different parts of the country, holding portraits of their dead. One video purported to show mourners at a graveyard in Irans Razavi Khorasan province on Thursday. There, with a large portable speaker, people sang the patriotic song Ey Iran," which dates to 1940s Iran under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. While initially banned after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Irans theocratic government has played it to drum up support. Oh Iran, a land of full of jewels, your soil is full of art," they sang. May evil wishes be far from you. May you live eternal. Oh enemy, if you are a piece of granite, I am iron." (AP) GSP First Published: February 14, 2026, 00:45 IST News agency-feeds Trump says he's sending second aircraft carrier to Mideast as he seeks Iran deal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Woman hospitalised after jumping from hotel's 4th floor in East Delhi; Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 15:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Feb 13 (PTI) A 20-year-old woman was hospitalised after allegedly jumping from the fourth floor of a hotel in the Farsh Bazar area of East Delhi following a quarrel with a man on Friday, police said. Police received a call around 1 pm reporting that a girl had jumped from a hotel located on the 60 Feet Road near the Farsh Bazar area. Upon reaching the spot, police found that the woman, a resident of Sunder Nagri, had checked into the hotel along with a 22-year-old man, a resident of Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr. Preliminary enquiry revealed that the two argued in the hotel room, following which the woman allegedly jumped out of the window from the fourth floor in a fit of anger, police said. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Her condition was not immediately known, police added. Police said further enquiry is underway and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings. PTI SSJ SSJ SHS SHS First Published: February 13, 2026, 15:15 IST News agency-feeds Woman hospitalised after jumping from hotel's 4th floor in East Delhi; Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Piyush Goyal Backs IT Stocks, Says Firms Ready For AI-Led Disruption Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 07:39 IST Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed confidence in the resilience of Indias information technology (IT) sector Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. (File Photo: PTI) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on February 12 expressed confidence in the resilience of Indias information technology (IT) sector, even as tech stocks remain under pressure amid concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) disruption and weakening global demand. Addressing the launch of NITI Aayogs Frontier Tech Hub roadmap on Indias Technology Services in New Delhi, Goyal said there was no reason for companies or investors to adopt a pessimistic view. Our companies are very well prepared to embrace the future," he said, adding that he has complete faith in our ecosystem" and encouraging those with capital to consider investing in IT stocks. His comments come as the Nifty IT index hovers near multi-month lows, with heavyweights such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra witnessing sharp corrections in recent sessions. The recent sell-off has been attributed to investor concerns that rapid advances in AI tools could disrupt traditional outsourcing and software services models. Macroeconomic uncertainty in key markets such as the United States a major revenue contributor for Indian IT firms has further weighed on sentiment. On the integration of AI, Goyal stressed the need for swift adaptation. We have to quickly reorient and reimagine, retrain and reskill ourselves, otherwise the stock market will be proven right," he said. He, however, dismissed fears of widespread job losses due to automation. Its not like AI is going to replace everything. AI will support us in our work. I am not worried about job losses. We train, retrain, reskill. I am confident we will add jobs," he said. At the same time, the minister cautioned against complacency, warning that a lack of agility could erode competitiveness. If you dont stay alert and active then we might start losing out," he added. First Published: February 13, 2026, 07:39 IST News business economy Piyush Goyal Backs IT Stocks, Says Firms Ready For AI-Led Disruption Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gold, Silver Prices Rise Today: Check 22K And 24K Rates In Your City On February 13 Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 09:23 IST Gold and Silver Rates Today, February 13: In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold rises to Rs 1,58,390 per 10 grams, while 22k gold is available at Rs 1,45,190 per 10 grams. Gold and silver prices, February 13. Gold and Silver Rates Today, February 13: Gold and silver prices in India jumped on February 13 on higher demand. On the MCX, the price of gold increased 1.04% to trade at Rs 1,54,420 per 10 grams in the early trade on Friday, while silver rose 1.78% to Rs 2,40,655 per kg. In the spot market, in Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold rose to Rs 1,58,390 per 10 grams, while 22k gold was available at Rs 1,45,190 per 10 grams. These rates do not include GST and making charges. Silver also rose to around Rs 2,90,000 per kg in the spot market. Last month, gold touched its all-time high of over Rs 1,80,000, while silver prices hit a record Rs 4,20,000. What Is The Price Of 22kt, 24kt Gold Rates Today In India Across Key Cities On February 13? City 22K Gold (per 10gm) 24K Gold (per 10gm) Delhi Rs 1,45,340 Rs 1,58,540 Jaipur Rs 1,45,340 Rs 1,58,540 Ahmedabad Rs 1,45,240 Rs 1,58,440 Pune Rs 1,45,190 Rs 1,58,390 Mumbai Rs 1,45,190 Rs 1,58,390 Hyderabad Rs 1,45,190 Rs 1,58,390 Chennai Rs 1,45,190 Rs 1,58,390 Bengaluru Rs 1,45,190 Rs 1,58,390 Kolkata Rs 1,45,190 Rs 1,58,390 In the international market, gold and silver rebounded on bargain-hunting on Friday after sliding to one-week lows in the previous session, with a break below key supports deepening losses as selling pressure intensified after strong US jobs data curbed rate-cut bets. Spot gold was up 1% at $4,966.83 per ounce by 0127 GMT after falling more than 3% in the previous session to a near one-week low below the key $5,000 level. US gold futures for April delivery gained 0.7% to $4,985.40 per ounce. Spot silver rose 2.1% to $76.76 per ounce, after a 11% drop on Wednesday. The US dollar was mostly flat against peer currencies on Thursday, holding steady after mixed signals from the latest release of US economic indicators. A stronger dollar makes greenback-priced metals more expensive for holders of other currencies. What Factors Affect Gold Prices In India? International market rates, import duties, taxes, and fluctuations in exchange rates primarily influence gold prices in India. Together, these factors determine the daily gold rates across the country. In India, gold is deeply cultural and financial. It is a preferred investment option and is key to celebrations, particularly weddings and festivals. With constantly changing market conditions, investors and traders monitor fluctuations closely. Staying updated is crucial for effectively navigating dynamic trends. Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link First Published: February 13, 2026, 09:23 IST News business savings-and-investments Gold, Silver Prices Rise Today: Check 22K And 24K Rates In Your City On February 13 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Leaving A Job Before 10 Years? This EPFO Certificate Can Help You Still Get Pension Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:55 IST Employees lose pension benefits by withdrawing funds instead of choosing a Scheme Certificate, which preserves service years for EPFO pension eligibility Rapid Read The taxpayer reported investments worth Rs 69 lakh. (representative image) Many employees make a costly mistake while switching jobs. They transfer their Provident Fund (PF) from the previous company but withdraw the pension amount or leave it untouched without proper planning. If the total service period is less than 10 years, withdrawing pension money can mean losing valuable future benefits. Instead, opting for a Scheme Certificate" can prove to be a strong support during old age. As per EPFO rules, this certificate preserves past service and helps in completing the required 10 years by adding it to the service period at a new job. While some people prefer to take the small amount available at present, they often overlook the long-term advantage of a fixed monthly pension. A steady pension ensures financial security, a dignified life after retirement, and support for the family. For this reason, choosing a Scheme Certificate while changing jobs is considered a wise decision. What is a Scheme Certificate? The EPFO issues a Scheme Certificate when an employee leaves a job after working for more than six months but less than 10 years. It records the years of pensionable service and acts as an official government document showing how long a person has worked. This certificate can be presented at the next workplace to add previous service to the new one. For instance, if someone worked for seven years and withdrew the pension amount, the earlier service becomes zero and they must complete the full 10 years again. However, by keeping the Scheme Certificate, only the remaining three years need to be completed to become eligible for pension benefits. Benefits of Scheme Certificate The biggest advantage of Scheme Certificate is that after completing 10 years of total service, an employee becomes eligible for a lifetime monthly pension starting at the age of 58. If a person completes 20 years of service, EPFO provides an additional weightage of two years, which increases the pension amount. In case of an employees sudden death, the family becomes eligible to receive a family pension. With a Scheme Certificate, pension can be started after retirement from anywhere in India. Who Can Obtain a Scheme Certificate? Anyone whose service period is more than 6 months but less than 10 years can apply for it. Once 10 years of service are completed, it becomes mandatory. Service from different jobs can be linked using this certificate. Even if the certificate is lost, there is no need to worry. EPFO has digitised records, and the entire service history can be viewed on the UAN portal. A physical or digital copy can also be obtained through the former employer. How to Obtain a Scheme Certificate? While leaving a job, employees need to fill Form 10C. Instead of selecting the Withdrawal Benefit" option, they should choose Scheme Certificate". This process can also be completed online through the EPFO portal. As per EPFOs Table D, the withdrawal amount is usually small, often around Rs 20,000- Rs 30,000. However, by withdrawing this one-time amount, an employee may lose a monthly pension of around Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 in later years. A small decision taken today can secure financial stability and peace of mind during retirement. This makes the scheme particularly important for private sector employees looking to ensure a safe and stable future. What happens if the certificate is lost? The entire process is now online through the EPFOs UAN portal. Employees can log in to view their full service history. A copy can be requested from the previous employer or downloaded again from the portal. What benefits are available upon completing 10 years of service? After completing 10 years, a lifetime pension begins at the age of 58. If 20 years of service are completed, an additional weightage of two years is added, increasing the pension amount. In the event of the employees death, the family immediately becomes eligible for a family pension. First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:55 IST News business savings-and-investments Leaving A Job Before 10 Years? This EPFO Certificate Can Help You Still Get Pension Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is Schizophrenia? Disorder Linked To Bengaluru Techie Who Killed Parents Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:01 IST Doctors have diagnosed him with schizophrenia, and the court directed that he be sent to Nimhans for medical fitness certification before custodial interrogation can be granted. Rapid Read According to police reports, Rohan Chandra Bhatt, who works as an independent software engineer, engaged in a heated physical altercation with his parents over personal family matters. Image/News18 The Bengaluru-based software engineer who was arrested for allegedly killing his parents has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He had been mentally disturbed as he had no jobs for years. Doctors have diagnosed him with schizophrenia (psychosis). We produced him before the court to seek custodial interrogation, but the court directed that he be sent to Nimhans for a medical fitness certification before his custody can be granted," a senior police officer said. Accordingly, Rohan has been sent to judicial custody and admitted to Nimhans for counselling. We will take him into police custody for further investigation," Deccan Herald quote the officer as saying. Also Read Techie Says Working In Kenya Is Better Than Bengaluru, Mumbai: Indians Cant Work Without Cutting Corners Rohans father, Naveen Chandra Bhat (60), was a retired Indian Navy captain, while his mother, Dr Shyamala Bhat (55), was a dentist. He also has a younger sister, Rashmi Chandra Bhat, who is based in the United States. Around 8.30 am on Wednesday, Rohan visited his parents home in Vignan Nagar, near HAL, and stabbed them to death. Some morning walkers saw him run out in bloodstained clothes. They also heard his parents cries for help. According to the preliminary investigations, Rohan allegedly stabbed his parents in the back, stomach, neck, face and hands multiple times during an altercation. Also Read Seven Killed In Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Hoskote In Bengaluru Rural District Police investigations into the double murder that shocked the city have revealed that Rohan was suffering from a severe mental condition. Rohan reportedly told the police that he believed his mother was giving him milk mixed with sleeping pills in an attempt to kill him, while his father often scolded him for tarnishing" the familys reputation by remaining unemployed. He also said he was frequently compared to his sister, who is well settled in the US. Police also suspect that Rohan had been pressuring his parents for money, as he wanted to start his own venture after returning from the US. First Published: February 13, 2026, 19:01 IST News cities bengaluru-news What Is Schizophrenia? Disorder Linked To Bengaluru Techie Who Killed Parents Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ghaziabad Triple Suicide: Landlords Order Father To Vacate Flat Amid Murky Revelations Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 10:08 IST As per a News18 Hindi report, the flat owners threatened legal notice when Chetan Kumar sought more time citing police investigation into his daughters' suicides Chetan Kumar, father of the three minor sisters, speaks to the media in Ghaziabad on February 8, 2026. (PTI) Amid shocking revelations of polygamy and a shadowy past, the father of three minor girls who died by suicide in Ghaziabads Bharat City Society has been asked to vacate the flat the family was renting. As per a News18 Hindi report, the flat owners, reportedly unaware of his multiple marriages, threatened legal notice when Chetan Kumar sought more time citing police investigation into the suicides. The sisters Nishika (16), Prachi (14) and Pakhi (12) had jumped to their deaths from the ninth floor of the building on February 4, following which their father claimed they had been playing a Korean game for close to three years and had not attended school since then. Even though initial investigations did not reveal the use of any Korean task-based app by the girls, a nine-page pocket diary recovered from the room of three sisters offered a glimpse into their inner world, marked by an intense attachment to Korean culture and anguish over family strife. Focus soon shifted from the girls alleged obsession to their father, who was revealed to be living with three wives Sujata, Hetal and Tina all sisters. Sujata was the mother of Nishika, while Hetal was Prachi and Pakhis mother. The youngest wife Tina is the mother of a four-year-old boy named Devu. All members were living in Sahibabads Bharat City society in Ghaziabad. The family was reportedly under considerable debt, which coupled with the girls disinterest, led to them being out of schools since the Covid-19 pandemic. It later also emerged that Chetan Kumar had a live-in partner in 2015 who died after falling from the roof of a flat in Rajendra Nagar Colony. The death was later ruled a suicide. The neighbours in Bharat City society were said to be unaware of the familys unusual circumstances. On Thursday, the owners of the flat arrived but didnt step into the apartment. Instead they called the girls father to the ground floor, asking him to immediately vacate the flat with his family. According to News18 Hindi, Chetan Kumar sought time to move out, citing the police investigation. The flat owners, however, are said to have threatened him with legal notice if the flat is not vacated soon. The rental agreement for the flat is reportedly still valid. Earlier this week, police recovered a mobile phone that the father of the three sisters sold to a shopkeeper a fortnight before the horrific incident, and sent it for forensic examination. Recovery of its data is essential to ascertain whether the suicides were linked to any task-based online Korean game. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) Location : Ghaziabad, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 10:06 IST News cities ghaziabad Ghaziabad Triple Suicide: Landlords Order Father To Vacate Flat Amid Murky Revelations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... On Cam: Six-Year-Old Killed After Class 12 Student Drives Car Into Pedestrians In Lucknow Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 12:37 IST A speeding car driven by a Class 12 student in Lucknow killed a six-year-old boy and injured five, including two women. The student was detained. Rapid Read The crash was caught on camera. (Image: X/@iamnarendranath); The child (R) succumbed to injuries. A tragic road accident in Lucknow on Thursday evening claimed the life of a six-year-old boy and left five others, including two women, injured when a speeding car struck them. The car was reportedly being driven by a Class 12 student who has been detained by the police. The Swift Dzire involved in the crash has been seized. The crash was caught on CCTV and has surfaced on social media platform X. Watch The Video Here: 12 pic.twitter.com/9HJ5PA0Wtp Narendra Nath Mishra (@iamnarendranath) February 13, 2026 It is learnt that the student was heading home with a friend after attending a school event when he reportedly lost control of the car. The vehicle first rammed into an autorickshaw before swerving toward the roadside, where it hit several pedestrians. The deceased child, identified as Dikshant Patel, was walking near the Hanuman temple with his mother, Sadhna (35), and grandmother, Meena Devi (60), when the incident occurred. Dikshant sustained a severe head injury and later died during treatment at a hospital. The two women were among those hurt in the crash, along with Arman (12) and Awadh Bihari (42). According to preliminary findings, the teenager had attended a school function earlier in the day and had borrowed a friends car to travel there. While returning home with classmates, he allegedly lost control of the vehicle. Police said the car first collided with an autorickshaw before veering toward the roadside and hitting several pedestrians. The driver claimed that a tyre burst led to the crash. Officials said the student had already dropped off three friends and was on his way to drop another when the accident took place. After the collision, he allegedly fled the scene, later abandoning the car and escaping with a friend. Subsequently, police teams tracked him down and detained him soon after. A case has been registered at Banthara police station under sections related to rash and negligent driving, among other charges. Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajnish Verma confirmed that an investigation is underway. The incident comes close on the heels of Kanpur crash involving a luxury car driven by a businessmans son, which also left a pedestrian injured. First Published: February 13, 2026, 12:36 IST News cities lucknow-news On Cam: Six-Year-Old Killed After Class 12 Student Drives Car Into Pedestrians In Lucknow Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'First You Take A Drink...': HC Denies Injury Compensation To Intoxicated Mumbai Train Passenger Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:02 IST The court found that the passenger had consumed four large pegs of alcohol before the incident. Bombay High Court (File photo) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday rejected a claim for railway accident compensation from a passenger who was seriously injured after standing at the edge of a platform while under the influence of alcohol. The court found that the passenger had consumed four large pegs of alcohol before the incident, which impaired his judgment and contributed to the accident. It ruled that injuries sustained while intoxicated do not qualify for compensation under the law, even if the accident would otherwise be considered an untoward railway incident, Bar and Bench reported. Justice Jitendra Jain, delivering the verdict, pointed out the broader consequences of alcohol misuse. Alcohol ruins, it ruins everything. Physical and mental health, relationships, causes family breakdown, social dysfunction, career disruption and has severe long-term lifestyle consequences," he said. Referring to a literary quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the judge noted, First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you," stressing how intoxication can lead to risky behaviour and long-term consequences. The case dates back to a 2014 order by the Railway Claims Tribunal, Mumbai, which had dismissed the compensation claim under the Railways Act, 1989. The passenger had sought damages for injuries sustained in the early hours of March 10, 2001, while waiting on a platform for a train to Borivali. He was struck by an approaching train and initially treated at a government hospital before being moved to Bombay Hospital. Hospital records confirmed that the passenger had consumed alcohol before the incident. The court noted that this evidence, recorded at the time of treatment and based on the patients own statement, was never disputed during the proceedings. While the tribunal had questioned whether the accident qualified as an untoward railway incident, the High Court observed that standing at the platform edge still falls within the definition of an accidental railway mishap. However, the statutory proviso in Section 124A of the Railways Act excludes compensation for injuries sustained while intoxicated. First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:02 IST News cities mumbai-news 'First You Take A Drink...': HC Denies Injury Compensation To Intoxicated Mumbai Train Passenger Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... JEE Main 2026 Result Soon: Will Bonus Marks Be Awarded For Questions Dropped From Answer Key? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 15:23 IST JEE Main 2026: Often, some questions are technically incorrect or have incorrect options. In such cases, the National Testing Agency drops those questions. Over 14 lakh students are eagerly awaiting the results which will be released by February 16. (Representational/PTI Photo) JEE Main 2026 Result: The National Testing Agency will soon announce the results for the first session of JEE Main 2026. Over 14 lakh students are eagerly awaiting the results which will be released by February 16. The final answer key will also be released along with the results. If any questions are found to be incorrect, they may be removed. If this occurs, students may receive bonus marks for those questions, or their overall score calculation may change. Before the results are released, the NTA reviews candidates objections. If a candidate believes they have answered a question incorrectly, they can challenge it. The final list is prepared only after all these challenges are reviewed. This process ensures the JEE Main Result is absolutely accurate. Candidates are advised to have their roll number and date of birth ready so they can check their scorecard as soon as the result link is activated on the website jeemain.nta.nic.in. When Will JEE Main Result Be Released? According to the previous exam schedule released by NTA, the JEE Main results were scheduled to be released by February 12, 2026. However, a change has now been announced. According to the latest update, the JEE Main results can be uploaded to jeemain.nta.nic.in any time until February 16, 2026. Rules For Removing Wrong Questions Sometimes, some questions in engineering entrance exams are technically incorrect or have incorrect options. In such cases, the National Testing Agency drops those questions. Removing a question benefits all candidates who attempted the question. This significantly impacts their percentile and rank. The JEE Main 2026 final answer key will clarify how many questions have been removed this time. How To Check JEE Main Result 2026? After the JEE Main 2026 result is released, follow these steps to check it: Visit the official website of NTA jeemain.nta.nic.in. Click on the link JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Scorecard on the home page. Enter your application number and date of birth (DOB). The JEE Main result will appear on the screen; download it and take a printout. What To Do If You Have Low Marks In JEE Main? Students whose scores did not meet expectations in the first session of JEE Main 2026 need not worry. They have the opportunity to appear in the second session of JEE Main, the registration of which is underway. The NTA selects a students best score from both sessions, and the final All India Rank (AIR) is determined based on that. Therefore, after checking the JEE Main results, students must focus on their shortcomings and prepare diligently for their next opportunity. First Published: February 13, 2026, 15:23 IST News education-career JEE Main 2026 Result Soon: Will Bonus Marks Be Awarded For Questions Dropped From Answer Key? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karimnagar Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: BJP: 30, INC: 14, OTH: 13, BRS: 9 at 06:50 PM Curated By : Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:50 IST Stay tuned to this page for live updates on the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026. Get the latest information on which political parties and alliances have emerged victorious and which ones have fallen short. Live Result of Karimnagar Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections 2026, BJP wins in 30 wards, INC wins in 14 wards, OTH wins in 13 wards BRS wins in 9 wards at 06:50 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub. Follow this page for the live election result of Karimnagar Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana Local Body Elections. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Telugu. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. Click here to follow the live result updates of the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation Election 2026. ABOUT Karimnagar is one of the seven municipal corporations that went to the polls in the Telangana Local Body Elections 2026. The municipal corporation consists of 66 wards and is spread across 100.07 sq km, with an estimated total population of 394669 people. Of the total 272665 registered voters, 137516 are male and 135149 are female. Karimnagars population comprises 9.15 percent Scheduled Caste and 1.64 percent Scheduled Tribe communities. Apart from the seven Municipal Corporations, comprising a total of 414 wards, elections were also held in 116 municipalities, covering 2,582 wards. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation was issued on January 28, 2026 (Wednesday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was January 31, 2026 (Saturday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was February 3, 2026 (Tuesday). This ward voted on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, February 13, 2026. PAST ELECTION RESULTS The last Karimnagar Municipal Corporation elections were held in 2020, in which Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) emerged as the single largest party with 33 seats, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 13 seats. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured six seats and five independent candidates also became corporators. Location : Telangana, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:05 IST News elections Karimnagar Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: BJP: 30, INC: 14, OTH: 13, BRS: 9 at 06:50 PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mahaboobnagar Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 29, BRS: 15, OTH: 8, BJP: 7 at 11:10 PM Curated By : Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 23:10 IST Stay tuned to this page for live updates on the Mahaboobnagar Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026. Get the latest information on which political parties and alliances have emerged victorious and which ones have fallen short. Live Result of Mahabubnagar Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Mahaboobnagar Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections 2026, INC wins in 29 wards, BRS wins in 15 wards, OTH wins in 8 wards BJP wins in 7 wards at 11:10 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub. Follow this page for the live election result of Mahaboobnagar Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana Local Body Elections. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Telugu. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. Click here to follow the live result updates of the Mahaboobnagar Municipal Corporation Election 2026. ABOUT Mahaboobnagar is one of the seven municipal corporations that went to the polls in the Telangana Local Body Elections 2026. The municipal corporation consists of 60 wards and is spread across 109.33 sq km, with an estimated total population of 280939 people. Of the total 169334 registered voters, 84609 are male and 84725 are female. Mahaboobnagars population comprises 6.73 percent Scheduled Caste and 3.18 percent Scheduled Tribe communities. Apart from the seven Municipal Corporations, comprising a total of 414 wards, elections were also held in 116 municipalities, covering 2,582 wards. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Mahaboobnagar Municipal Corporation was issued on January 28, 2026 (Wednesday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was January 31, 2026 (Saturday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was February 3, 2026 (Tuesday). This ward voted on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, February 13, 2026. PAST ELECTION RESULTS The last Mahabubnagar Municipal Corporation elections were held in 2020, in which both Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) emerged as a single largest party with 30 seats, while both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) won five seats. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured a three seats and six independent candidates became corporators. Location : Telangana, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:05 IST News elections Mahaboobnagar Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 29, BRS: 15, OTH: 8, BJP: 7 at 11:10 PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mancherial Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 44, BRS: 8, BJP: 4, OTH: 4 at 04:10 PM Curated By : Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:10 IST Stay tuned to this page for live updates on the Mancherial Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026. Get the latest information on which political parties and alliances have emerged victorious and which ones have fallen short. Live Result of Mancherial Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Mancherial Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections 2026, INC wins in 44 wards, BRS wins in 8 wards, BJP wins in 4 wards OTH wins in 4 wards at 04:10 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub. Follow this page for the live election result of Mancherial Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana Local Body Elections. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Telugu. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. Click here to follow the live result updates of the Mancherial Municipal Corporation Election 2026. ABOUT Mancherial is one of the seven municipal corporations that went to the polls in the Telangana Local Body Elections 2026. The municipal corporation consists of 60 wards and is spread across 141.58 sq km, with an estimated total population of 207691 people. Of the total 85563 registered voters, 42750 are male and 42813 are female. Mancherials population comprises 5.84 percent Scheduled Caste and 0.81 percent Scheduled Tribe communities. Apart from the seven Municipal Corporations, comprising a total of 414 wards, elections were also held in 116 municipalities, covering 2,582 wards. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Mancherial Municipal Corporation was issued on January 28, 2026 (Wednesday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was January 31, 2026 (Saturday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was February 3, 2026 (Tuesday). This ward voted on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, February 13, 2026. PAST ELECTION RESULTS The last Mancherial Municipal Corporation elections were held in 2020, in which Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) emerged as the single largest party with 21 seats, while Indian National Congress (INC) won 14 seats. One independent candidate also became corporator. Location : Telangana, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:05 IST News elections Mancherial Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 44, BRS: 8, BJP: 4, OTH: 4 at 04:10 PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nalgonda Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 27, BRS: 9, OTH: 8, BJP: 4 at 04:20 PM Curated By : Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:20 IST Stay tuned to this page for live updates on the Nalgonda Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026. Get the latest information on which political parties and alliances have emerged victorious and which ones have fallen short. Live Result of Nalgonda Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Nalgonda Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections 2026, INC wins in 27 wards, BRS wins in 9 wards, OTH wins in 8 wards BJP wins in 4 wards at 04:20 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub. Follow this page for the live election result of Nalgonda Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana Local Body Elections. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Telugu. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. Click here to follow the live result updates of the Nalgonda Municipal Corporation Election 2026. ABOUT Nalgonda is one of the seven municipal corporations that went to the polls in the Telangana Local Body Elections 2026. The municipal corporation consists of 48 wards and is spread across 105 sq km, with an estimated total population of 228274 people. Of the total 127043 registered voters, 62215 are male and 64828 are female. Nalgondas population comprises 15.38 percent Scheduled Caste and 1.5 percent Scheduled Tribe communities. Apart from the seven Municipal Corporations, comprising a total of 414 wards, elections were also held in 116 municipalities, covering 2,582 wards. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Nalgonda Municipal Corporation was issued on January 28, 2026 (Wednesday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was January 31, 2026 (Saturday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was February 3, 2026 (Tuesday). This ward voted on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, February 13, 2026. PAST ELECTION RESULTS The last Nalgonda Municipal Corporation elections were held in 2020, in which both Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Indian National Congress (INC) won 20 seats, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won six seats. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured a single seat and one independent candidate became a corporator. Location : Telangana, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:05 IST News elections Nalgonda Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 27, BRS: 9, OTH: 8, BJP: 4 at 04:20 PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nizamabad Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: BJP: 28, INC: 17, OTH: 14, BRS: 1 at 09:00 PM Curated By : Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 21:00 IST Stay tuned to this page for live updates on the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026. Get the latest information on which political parties and alliances have emerged victorious and which ones have fallen short. Live Result of Nizamabad Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections 2026, BJP wins in 28 wards, INC wins in 17 wards, OTH wins in 14 wards BRS wins in 1 wards at 09:00 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub. Follow this page for the live election result of Nizamabad Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana Local Body Elections. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Telugu. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. Click here to follow the live result updates of the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation Election 2026. ABOUT Nizamabad is one of the seven municipal corporations that went to the polls in the Telangana Local Body Elections 2026. The municipal corporation consists of 60 wards and is spread across 98 sq km, with an estimated total population of 459403 people. Of the total 279224 registered voters, 135683 are male and 143541 are female. Nizamabads population comprises 8.29 percent Scheduled Caste and 1.84 percent Scheduled Tribe communities. Apart from the seven Municipal Corporations, comprising a total of 414 wards, elections were also held in 116 municipalities, covering 2,582 wards. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation was issued on January 28, 2026 (Wednesday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was January 31, 2026 (Saturday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was February 3, 2026 (Tuesday). This ward voted on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, February 13, 2026. PAST ELECTION RESULTS The last Nizamabad Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections were held in 2020, in which Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats, while All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 16 seats. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) secured 13 seats, and Indian National Congress (INC) won two. One Independent candidate also became a corporator in the municipal corporation. Location : Telangana, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:05 IST News elections Nizamabad Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: BJP: 28, INC: 17, OTH: 14, BRS: 1 at 09:00 PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ramagundam Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 38, BRS: 13, OTH: 8, BJP: 1 at 04:40 PM Curated By : Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:40 IST Stay tuned to this page for live updates on the Ramagundam Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026. Get the latest information on which political parties and alliances have emerged victorious and which ones have fallen short. Live Result of Peddapalli Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Ramagundam Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections 2026, INC wins in 38 wards, BRS wins in 13 wards, OTH wins in 8 wards BJP wins in 1 wards at 04:40 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub. Follow this page for the live election result of Ramagundam Municipal Corporation in the 2026 Telangana Local Body Elections. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Telugu. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. Click here to follow the live result updates of the Ramagundam Municipal Corporation Election 2026. ABOUT Ramagundam is one of the seven municipal corporations that went to the polls in the Telangana Local Body Elections 2026. The municipal corporation consists of 60 wards and is spread across 98.69 sq km, with an estimated total population of 297113 people. Of the total 174146 registered voters, 88787 are male and 85359 are female. Ramagundams population comprises 20.51 percent Scheduled Caste and 1.72 percent Scheduled Tribe communities. Apart from the seven Municipal Corporations, comprising a total of 414 wards, elections were also held in 116 municipalities, covering 2,582 wards. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Ramagundam Municipal Corporation was issued on January 28, 2026 (Wednesday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was January 31, 2026 (Saturday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was February 3, 2026 (Tuesday). This ward voted on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, February 13, 2026. PAST ELECTION RESULTS The last Ramagundam Municipal Corporation elections were held in 2020, in which Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) emerged as the single largest party with 18 seats, while Indian National Congress (INC) won 11 seats. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured six seats and six independent candidates also became corporators. Location : Telangana, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:05 IST News elections Ramagundam Municipal Corporation, Telangana Urban Local Bodies Elections Results 2026 LIVE: INC: 38, BRS: 13, OTH: 8, BJP: 1 at 04:40 PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... As BNP Declares Victory, What Changes For India? A Look At The Past And What Comes Next Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 12:21 IST The BNPs claim of a sweeping majority puts Tarique Rahman at the centre of Bangladeshs political future and sets the stage for a new phase in IndiaBangladesh relations. Tarique Rahman addressing supporters at an election rally ahead of the Bangladesh general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday said that it is set to form the government as vote counting is underway for the 13th parliamentary elections in the country. In a post on X, the BNP Media cell said in the early hours of Friday, The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats." Local media reports said the BNP and its allies have crossed 200 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation, with party chairman Tarique Rahman set to take charge as Prime Minister winning the Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 constituencies by a landslide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his warm congratulations" to Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the Bangladesh elections. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership," he said, adding that India would continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh". PM Modi also said, I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals." I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 For India, which spent more than a decade building its closest regional ties with Sheikh Hasinas Awami League, a BNP-led government means re-engaging with a party with whom ties were marked by tensions in the past. We take a look at what the BNPs win means for India and how IndiaBNP relations have unfolded over the years. A New Government After A Turbulent Transition The 2026 election is the first since the student-led uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina from power in 2024 and ended more than 15 years of Awami League dominance. The BNPs claim of a parliamentary majority now places Tarique Rahmanlong exiled in London and legally embattled for nearly two decadesat the centre of Bangladeshs political future. His political trajectory shifted rapidly after the collapse of Hasinas government. The High Court overturned his convictions following her fall, enabling him to shed the label of a political fugitive" and return as a viable contender for the premiership. A BNP victory therefore not only alters Dhakas power structure but also recasts Rahmans political identity, which the party is now actively framing as stable and forward-looking. BNPs New Messaging And What It Signals For India Rahmans leadership is now being accompanied by a clearer effort to recalibrate ties with India. Mahdi Amin, a close advisor of Rahman, told The Indian Express: Of course, there are issues, but every issue can be an opportunity as well to forge better ties between people-to-people contacts. We would appreciate bilateral relations based on mutual trust, mutual interest a reciprocal relation where we can serve both nations with equality, fairness and justice." Amin added that cooperation could deepen across sectors such as trade, industry, culture, education, security", noting the opportunities for both countries to work together while serving the interests of all nations and ensuring that mutual benefit is protected." Rahmans stated foreign-policy direction includes a shift away from what BNP calls an all-or-nothing" alignment with New Delhi under the previous regime. Under its Bangladesh First" approach, the party says it seeks a relationship based on equality rather than dependency. Even so, foundational bilateral irritants remain unchanged. Rahman has reiterated firm positions on the Teesta and Padma water-sharing arrangements, describing equitable allocation as essential to Bangladeshs national survival. He has also said that his government would take strong measures" to curb border killings by the Border Security Force. Alongside these positions, he has emphasised minority protection, stating that religion is individual, but the state belongs to everyone." The BNPs manifesto expands on these themes under the banner of Bangladesh Before All". It says the party will establish friendly relations with all countries but will not accept any country as its master". Notably for India, the manifesto pledges zero tolerance" for terrorism, promising that the party will not provide shelter or support to any terrorist," and that a national consensus will be built against militancy and extremism and terrorism." The party has additionally spoken of reviving SAARC and making it effective, a legacy linked to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. IndiaBNP Ties: A Long, Uneasy History Long before the Awami League consolidated power, Indias ties with the BNP, headed by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, had already been strained by security and political concerns. When the BNP was in power between 2001 and 2006, ties were strained over border security issues and allegations that anti-India groups found shelter inside Bangladesh. In 2004, Indian agencies raised concerns after ten truckloads of weaponry were discovered at the Chattogram CUFL jetty, which New Delhi said were meant for separatist groups operating in the northeast. Indias wariness carried into the following decade. In 2013, New Delhi raised concerns about BNP chairman Tarique Rahmans alleged proximity to fundamentalist networks and the ISI. For India, the BNPs political alignment with the Jamaat-e-Islami only deepened anxieties. This history created a long period in which India kept the BNP at arms length, choosing instead to build its deepest strategic and security ties with Hasinas Awami League. According to Singapores Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS-NUS) analysis, Khaleda, unlike Hasina, framed India through a more sceptical lens. The BNPs rhetoric frequently depicted Indian initiatives as hegemonic and unequal, opposing transit arrangements and highlighting unresolved disputes over water and trade," the ISAS claimed. What BNPs Win Means For India A BNP government represents both continuity and change for India. Continuity lies in issues such as Teesta waters, border management, and counter-terrorism commitments. Change stems from the partys recent signalling on mutual respect" and structured engagement. This transition comes at a time when New Delhi had largely refrained from engaging with the outgoing interim administration. The Muhammad Yunus-led government was viewed in India as an unelected dispensation with limited scope for strategic cooperation. Senior journalist and author Deep Haldar told LiveMint that India had desisted from engaging with the Yunus government beyond what is absolutely necessary", and noted that a clear electoral mandate would allow Delhi and Dhaka to come to a negotiating table". The BNPs long political history also shapes expectations. Founded in 1978 by President Ziaur Rahman, the party has previously formed governments, with Khaleda Zia serving three terms as prime minister. Haldar said a BNP-led government was the best option for India", noting that a Jamaat-led administration would have created a very different political reality. He added that Delhi and the BNP had engaged in the past, even if the relationship had not always been smooth. Recent diplomatic exchanges have signalled intent on both sides to move forward. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended Khaleda Zias funeral carrying a letter from Prime Minister Modi referring to a new beginning". Praveen Donthi, Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group, told LiveMint that this indicated New Delhi was willing to take small steps toward normalising relations" if the new government in Dhaka showed similar intent. The BNPs win therefore places India at the threshold of working with a political establishment it has been historically wary of, now recast under a leader who is trying to demonstrate administrative readiness. How this relationship evolves will depend heavily on whether BNPs stated positions on sovereignty, security, minority rights, counter-terrorism and regional cooperation translate into policy once the government takes office. First Published: February 13, 2026, 11:24 IST News explainers As BNP Declares Victory, What Changes For India? A Look At The Past And What Comes Next Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bangladeshs Heroes Of 2024 To Duds Of 2026: 7 Reasons Why Student Leaders Failed In Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:48 IST While BNP claimed a landslide victory, student-led groups, who spearheaded 2024 uprising to oust Sheikh Hasina, barely managed to secure a presence in Bangladesh elections Rapid Read Leader of National Citizen Party (NCP), Nahid Islam, addresses supporters in Dhaka. (AP) For Bangladeshs student leaders, who spearheaded the 2024 uprising and led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the February 12 elections threw up disappointing results. While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed a landslide victory, student-led groups barely managed to secure a presence in the new parliament. Before the elections, prominent student leaders like Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud served as advisors in the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Their transition into formal politics via the National Citizen Party (NCP) was intended to break the political dominance" of traditional parties and end established patterns of nepotism. How did the student leaders perform? Formed by leaders of the July 2024 uprising, the NCP contested as part of an 11-party alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. The NCP-Jamaat alliance emerged as a significant force, with Jamaat-e-Islami reportedly securing roughly 68 seats. Nahid Islam: The primary face of the student uprising and party chief of the NCP, Islam secured a victory in the Dhaka-11 constituency. At least three-five top student leaders from the NCP also secured parliamentary seats. Asif Mahmud, a key student coordinator and former interim government advisor, chose not to contest the general election, instead serving as the spokesperson and election steering chief for the NCP. ALSO READ | The Yunus Paradox: Bangladeshs Interim Authority And The Enduring Outsider Why the leaders didnt get political success: What analysts say While student-backed candidates had achieved landslide victories in university union elections such as at Dhaka University in September 2025, translating that campus momentum into national seats proved more difficult against established political machines. The NCPs sharp collapse, compared to the high expectations was due to a variety of factors: Lack of infrastructure: The NCP struggled with funding, organization, and a lack of experience in national-level campaigning compared to established political dynasties. Alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami: To compensate for a lack of funding and organizational experience, the NCP formed a pre-poll alliance with the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami. This alliance was highly controversial. It led to resignations by many top student leaders and women activists who felt the NCP was sidelining its original values and becoming a junior partner" to a radical party. This split eroded the NCPs image as an independent, youth-driven alternative. Gender gap: The alliance sidelined women; only two of the NCPs 30 candidates were female, leading many young women to vote for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) instead. Voter shift to stability: After months of unrest, many first-time and young voters migrated toward the BNP, perceiving it as more capable of delivering immediate governance and economic stability than the newer student-led party. Governing versus campaigning: Because some student leaders served as advisors in the interim government, they were tied to its successes and failures. This made it difficult for them to maintain their outsider" status during the campaign. Strategic errors: Analysts pointed to missteps," such as an inconsistent ideological platform that ranged from leftist to conservative, preventing the NCP from becoming a cohesive political force. Independent movements: Some student factions remained independent, forming groups like the Democratic Student Council (DSC) to uphold the spirit of the July movement" without official party affiliation. Perceived arrogance: Critics noted that student leaders tendency to equate the 2024 uprising with the 1971 War of Independence was seen by many as arrogant, alienating older generations. With agency inputs First Published: February 13, 2026, 17:02 IST News explainers Bangladeshs Heroes Of 2024 To Duds Of 2026: 7 Reasons Why Student Leaders Failed In Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Australian businesses should brace for a busy period as Chinese tourists arrive in record numbers during the longest Chinese New Year holiday ever recorded, experts say. Whats happening: Australia is preparing for the longest Chinese New Year holiday in history, running nine full days from 15 to 23 February 2026, with extended travel from 13 February to 3 March. Why this matters: Chinese visitors are Australias highest-spending international tourists, contributing over $9 billion annually. Australias tourism industry is bracing for an unprecedented surge in Chinese visitors as the country celebrates the longest Chinese New Year holiday in its history. The 2026 Chinese New Year holiday period will last nine full days, from 15 to 23 February, with additional travel expected from 13 February through to 3 March. This extended break is driving record demand for Australian destinations, with leading Chinese travel agencies reporting that long-haul packages to Australia and New Zealand are essentially sold out. Nine days of travel Beijing Business Today reported on 13 January 2026 that Chinese travel agents long-haul packages to Australia and New Zealand are basically sold out Travel Weekly, signalling unprecedented demand for the peak holiday period. Tongcheng Travel, a leading Chinese online travel agency, reported that summer experiences in Australia and New Zealand rank among the top four travel trends for the 2026 New Year holiday. The Shanghai to Sydney route has emerged as one of the top ten most popular long-haul overseas routes for the period. UniTour International revealed that more than 80 per cent of its Australia and New Zealand group tours departing during the Chinese New Year period were already booked by mid-December 2025, representing a significant increase compared to previous years. Airbnb data shows that searches by Chinese travellers for Spring Festival travel more than doubled, with Australia remaining firmly among the most sought-after long-haul options in the region. Routes and visas Air connectivity between China and Australia has expanded significantly, removing key barriers to long-haul travel. China Southern Airlines launched a direct Guangzhou to Darwin service in December 2025, reopening a vital northern gateway and providing direct access for travellers from southern China into the Northern Territory. Shenzhen Airlines also launched its first-ever direct Shenzhen to Melbourne service in late December, adding an estimated 95,000 seats per year and strengthening Victorias position as a major entry point for Chinese tourists. Visa policy changes are playing a significant role in boosting travel confidence. The recent easing of visa requirements for Chinese tourists has reduced friction in the travel planning process, making Australia a more accessible destination during peak holiday periods. Payment infrastructure ready As inbound travel accelerates, payment convenience remains a key consideration for Chinese visitors. UnionPay has established an extensive payment acceptance network across Australia, covering major sectors including department stores, supermarkets, hotels, dining, transportation and everyday services. This is going to be the longest Chinese New Year break in history, said Michelle Shao, Executive Vice President, South Pacific Division, UnionPay International. The expansion of direct flight routes between China and Australia is supporting more flexible travel planning, Shao added. Longer stays and more diverse itineraries also place greater importance on seamless and familiar payment experiences. UnionPay is working with local partners to ensure merchants are well prepared to serve Chinese visitors during this peak period. During Chinese New Year 2025, UnionPay recorded solid transaction growth across many Australian merchants. Based on current travel trends, the company has strengthened its payment infrastructure and merchant readiness to support anticipated increases in transaction activity during the longer 2026 holiday period. Record spending expected Spending with key tourism merchants increased significantly during Chinese New Year 2025, particularly across accommodation, dining and retail sectors. The tourism data published in China recently highlights a fundamental shift in the scale and sophistication of Chinese outbound travel to Australia, said Michelle Shao. What we saw in 2025 was not a rebound, but a reset to a much higher baseline of travel demand. Chinese tourism data suggests that 2026 might deliver record visitor numbers and record spending, particularly across duty-free, accommodation, dining and premium tourism experiences. Chinese tourists were responsible for over $9 billion AUD in expenditure in 2025 alone, making them Australias highest-spending international visitor group Travel And Tour World, according to official government data. Duty-free shopping could rise more than last years growth, reflecting both the return of long-haul travel and strong demand for luxury goods, cosmetics and premium Australian products. Chinese travellers today are highly informed, digitally savvy and looking for depth of experience, Shao said. They are staying longer, travelling beyond capital cities and seeking authentic local experiences. This is reflected in the way they use UnionPay cards across a broad range of merchants, from iconic attractions and fine dining to regional tourism operators. Michelle Shao said that UnionPay is working closely with Australian merchants, tourism bodies and financial institutions to ensure they are ready to meet the needs of Chinese visitors during the extended peak holiday period. UnionPay is committed to supporting Australias tourism ecosystem as it prepares for this period of increased activity from inbound Chinese tourists, Shao said. By enabling seamless, secure and familiar payment experiences and wide acceptance, we help merchants convert demand into revenue and ensure that Chinese travellers can spend confidently wherever their journey takes them. With more airlines, more routes, and more capacity now linking China and Australia, combined with strong consumer demand and favourable policy settings, Chinese New Year 2026 marks a new chapter for inbound tourism. Current tourism indicators suggest a positive outlook for Chinese New Year travel in 2026, Shao said. For businesses across tourism, retail and hospitality, preparation will be key. UnionPay will continue to support merchants and partners through reliable payment services, exchange rate incentives and coordinated promotional activities, helping them better engage with Chinese visitors during the holiday period. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. From Ziaur To Khaleda Zia And Tarique Rahman: A Look At BNP's Rise, Fall And Resurgence In Bangladesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:18 IST After years on the margins of power, organisational setbacks, and legal challenges, BNP has returned to the centre of Dhakas political stage with a decisive mandate. Ziaur Rahman (left), Khaleda Zia (centre), Tarique Rahman (right). (Image: AP) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has staged one of the most dramatic political comebacks in politics, registering a sweeping victory in Bangladeshs 2026 national elections. After years on the margins of power, organisational setbacks, and legal challenges faced by its top leadership, the party has returned to the centre of Dhakas political stage with a decisive mandate. For a movement that many had written off as weakened by repression and internal strain, the scale of BNPs 2026 win signals more than just electoral numbers. It marks a reconfiguration of Bangladeshs politics. What Is BNP And When Was It Formed? The Bangladesh Nationalist Party was founded on 1 September 1978 by President Ziaur Rahman. It emerged in the aftermath of political upheaval that followed Bangladeshs independence in 1971. BNPs ideological anchor is Bangladeshi nationalism" a formulation that stresses sovereignty, territorial identity, and a national narrative distinct from the linguistic nationalism associated with the Awami League. While not formally Islamist, BNP has historically embraced a greater role for Islamic identity in public life and has cultivated ties with conservative and religious constituencies. From its inception, BNP positioned itself as a nationalist force, promising stability after years of coups and counter-coups. The Early Years After the assassination of Bangladeshs founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, the country entered a volatile period of military-led transitions. Ziaur Rahman rose through the ranks during this turbulence and consolidated power before formally launching BNP in 1978 to provide a civilian political platform for his vision. Zias presidency focused on economic liberalisation, rural development, and diversifying foreign relations especially strengthening ties with China and the Muslim world. However, his assassination in 1981 cut short his leadership, leaving the young party at a crossroads. The Khaleda Zia Era The leadership of BNP gradually moved its focus around Khaleda Zia, Ziaur Rahmans widow. During the 1980s, the party became a central pillar of the mass movement against military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad. The fall of Ershad in 1990 reopened the path to parliamentary democracy. In the 1991 elections, the BNP won and Khaleda Zia became Prime Minister, marking the beginning of an era defined by intense rivalry with the Awami League. Thereafter, power alternated between the two parties in 1996 and again in 2001, when BNP returned to government in alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The 1990s and early 2000s cemented BNPs status as one of Bangladeshs two dominant political forces. Yet the period was also marred by accusations of corruption, political violence, and the growing influence of Islamist groups issues that would later weigh heavily on the party. BNPs Decline A bitter political impasse between BNP and the Awami League triggered a crisis in 200607, leading to the installation of a military-backed caretaker government. In the 2008 elections, the Awami League swept to power under Sheikh Hasina, beginning a prolonged stretch of dominance. For BNP, the following decade was marked by a decline in its political prominence. Khaleda Zia faced corruption convictions and imprisonment. Senior leaders were arrested or sidelined. The partys acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, operated from exile in London for years, directing strategy from abroad. Electorally, BNP struggled. It boycotted the 2014 polls and fared poorly in 2018, alleging irregularities and repression. Many observers questioned whether the party could regain its organisational vitality. Leadership Evolution: From Zia to Tarique BNPs leadership arc mirrors Bangladeshs own political evolution. Ziaur Rahman founded the party as a president seeking civilian legitimacy. Khaleda Zia transformed it into a mass opposition force and later a governing party during the democratic transition of the 1990s. In recent years, Tarique Rahman has sought to rebrand BNP for a younger electorate. His leadership has emphasised digital outreach, coalition-building, and repositioning the party as a vehicle for institutional reform rather than merely anti-incumbency sentiment. The generational shift has been significant: BNPs current rhetoric speaks more about governance, economic pressures, and political freedoms than about the historical ideological battles of the 1970s. The Road to Resurgence BNPs 2026 resurgence did not happen overnight. Several factors contributed. The party intensified grassroots mobilisation, particularly among youth and urban voters. Tarique Rahman adopted a more pragmatic tone, promising stability rather than confrontation. The party also capitalised on fatigue with prolonged single-party rule, presenting itself as a credible alternative rather than a protest movement. BNPs 2026 Victory The 2026 election marks BNPs return to executive authority after years in opposition. The scale of the mandate suggests that the party has successfully reconnected with a cross-section of voters from rural constituencies historically loyal to the Zia legacy to a younger demographic concerned about economic opportunity and political openness. For Bangladesh, BNPs victory signals a renewed phase of competitive politics. First Published: February 13, 2026, 16:16 IST News explainers From Ziaur To Khaleda Zia And Tarique Rahman: A Look At BNP's Rise, Fall And Resurgence In Bangladesh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How Bangladesh's Key Parties Fared: BNP's Return, The Jamaat Factor And Student Bloc's Collapse Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:11 IST In the first post-Hasina national election, Bangladeshs political landscape has been reshaped. Here is how the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and the student-youth forces performed. BNP is led by Tarique Rahman (L), while Jamaat-e-Islami is led by Shafiqur Rahman (R). (Image: Reuters) Bangladeshs 13th parliamentary election, the first since the 2024 student-led uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina and ended more than 15 years of Awami League dominance, has produced a decisive political recalibration. With the Awami League banned from contesting and the interim administration completing its 18-month tenure, the vote became a direct contest among forces that had emerged or re-emerged from the turbulence of the last two years. At the centre of this transformed landscape is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returning to the electoral field after boycotting the last national election and now led by Tarique Rahman, who came back to Bangladesh after nearly two decades in exile only weeks before campaigning intensified. Jamaat-e-Islami, long viewed as a hardline party, entered the election attempting to project a more inclusive posture, speaking in its manifesto of taking everyone along" and promising justice-based governance. Its campaign, after years of political isolation, included appeals to women and minorities and the fielding of its first Hindu candidate. Jamaat contested the polls as the principal force within an 11-party alliance that also included the National Citizen Party (NCP), a group led by youth activists who had played a key role in the 2024 uprising. The results, however, have produced sharply divergent outcomes for these three blocs. While the BNP is poised to form the next government with a commanding majority, Jamaat has fallen far short of its expectations, and the student forces that reshaped Bangladeshs politics in 2024 have suffered a dramatic electoral collapse. We take a look at how key parties fared in the 2026 Bangladesh elections. BNP: Tarique Rahmans Return, Post-Boycott Comeback And A Dominant Performance The BNP appears set for a sweeping victory, positioning Tarique Rahman who returned to Bangladesh in December last year after over 17 years in self-exile to become the countrys first male prime minister in 35 years. For a party that boycotted the last election and spent the better part of two decades in opposition, its comeback in the first national vote after Hasinas ouster has been emphatic. Multiple tallies showed the BNP crossing the majority mark comfortably, the threshold being 151 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. Tarique Rahman won from both the seats he contested in Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6, per provisional results. According to the latest results released by the EC, the BNP and its allies won 209 seats. The party struck a deliberately restrained tone after its victory became clear. In a statement, it said that no celebratory procession or rally shall be organised" and instead called for special prayers at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and the US Embassy in Dhaka were among the first to congratulate Tarique Rahman, with Washington calling it a historic victory." With the Awami League barred and its voter base displaced, a significant portion of that electorate migrated to the BNP rather than Jamaat, strengthening Rahmans position. The partys manifesto focused on job creation, protecting marginalised households and offering fair prices to farmers also found resonance among voters seeking stability after months of unrest. With the BNP-led coalition securing 209 seats surpassing its 2001 tally of 193 this election marks not just a return to power but a decisive reassertion of the partys central role in Bangladeshi politics after years of boycott, fragmentation and organisational drift. Jamaat-e-Islami: Rebranding A Hardliner Image, Leading An 11-Party Alliance, But Unable To Break Through Jamaat-e-Islami entered this election with a rare window of opportunity. After decades on the margins including a ban on registration, prosecutions under the International Crimes Tribunal and sustained political isolation the party had re-emerged following the 2024 uprising. It attempted a visible rebranding: speaking of taking women and men" together to build a new Bangladesh, pledging minority rights, promising accountability, and fielding its first Hindu candidate. It also emphasised a shift away from its earlier hardline rhetoric. Through an 11-party alliance that included the National Citizen Party (NCP) and other right-leaning groups, Jamaat hoped to convert its street mobilisation during the anti-Hasina protests into parliamentary strength. Early campaign signals suggested it had organisational energy and some initial momentum, particularly before the BNPs machinery gathered pace. However, that early advantage proved difficult to sustain. Several voter blocs that Jamaat had hoped to consolidate especially young voters who led the 2024 uprising, women and minority communities ultimately moved in significant numbers toward the BNP. Even Awami League supporters who chose to participate in the election shifted to the BNP rather than Jamaat. While the party sought to foreground a reformist narrative, scepticism persisted among key voter blocs. Performance tallies reflected this mixed outcome. According to the latest results released by the EC, Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won with 68 seats. Jamaats chief, Shafiqur Rahman, conceded defeat but added that the party was not satisfied" with aspects of the process. However, Jamaat is set to take the position of the primary opposition party in Bangladesh, something it has never achieved before. NCP: Instrumental In Ousting Hasina, But Crashing In The Polls If the BNPs victory was sweeping and Jamaats performance was sobering, the result for the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by activists who played a key role in toppling Hasinas government in 2024 and is a part of the Jamaat-led alliance, was stark. These forces, celebrated as the vanguard of the 2024 Gen Z uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina from power, entered the election with visibility, energy and political momentum. Their alignment with the Jamaat-led alliance allowed them to contest seats under a structured political umbrella for the first time. Yet their performance was dramatically misaligned with their prominence. As reported by local media, the NCP won just six of the 30 seats it contested, a sharp collapse for a bloc that many had expected to become a decisive new entrant in Bangladeshi politics. Several factors contributed to this outcome. The student forces that had united against Hasina did not remain cohesive in the transition from protests to electoral politics. Their organisational capacities were limited compared to the BNPs vast machinery. As the campaign progressed, many first-time and young voters shifted to the BNP, perceiving it as the only party positioned to deliver stability and governance after months of unrest. This migration eroded the NCPs base rapidly. Conclusion The first national election after Sheikh Hasinas fall has redrawn Bangladeshs political map. The BNP has returned to power, propelled by Tarique Rahmans comeback. Jamaat-e-Islami, despite attempts at rebranding, finished far behind expectations, and its 11-party alliance did not deliver the gains it had hoped for. The student and youth forces that were instrumental in ousting Hasina have suffered the steepest electoral setback. First Published: February 13, 2026, 14:15 IST News explainers How Bangladesh's Key Parties Fared: BNP's Return, The Jamaat Factor And Student Bloc's Collapse Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Muhammad Yunus Paradox: Bangladeshs Interim Authority And The Enduring Outsider Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 13:30 IST Muhammad Yunuss journey, from a global icon and outsider reformer, to briefly getting Bangladesh's power, and then returning to outsider position again, has been unprecedented Rapid Read Muhammad Yunus waves after casting his vote during the national parliamentary elections in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday. (AP) Leading the February 12 elections, Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladeshs interim government, called it the beginning of an unprecedented journey towards a new country". Some days come in the life of every nation that have far-reaching significance, when the future direction of a state, the character and stability of democracy and the fate of future generations are determined," Yunus said in an address to the nation two days ahead of the polls and the referendum on the implementation of the July Charter. We will hand over the responsibility to the newly elected government with deep pleasure and pride and return to our own jobs," he said. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has won the countrys first election since the 2024 uprising, beating Jamaat-e-Islami, with deposed PM Sheikh Hasinas now-disbanded Awami League debarred from the fray. However, just like Bangladesh, Yunuss journey, from a global icon and outsider reformer, to briefly entering national power, and then returning to outsider position again, has followed an unusual arc, which in a way has been unprecedented". BNPs Tarique Rahman set for historic victory in Bangladeshs national election after years in exileNews18s @_pallavighosh reports from ground in Dhaka @kritsween | #BangladeshElections2026 #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/NDSZm6D2Wh News18 (@CNNnews18) February 13, 2026 The outsider economist Yunus first rose to prominence not as a politician, but as an economist and social entrepreneur. He founded the Grameen Bank in 1983 and pioneered microcredit for the rural poor, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. By the mid-2000s, Yunus was celebrated internationally, but remained politically unaffiliated. Amid the respect abroad, he stayed away from Bangladeshs entrenched party system dominated by the Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia. He was seen as a moral reformer but firmly outside the political establishment. ALSO READ | What Next For Mohammad Yunus? What Will Be His Legacy? The attempt to enter politics In 2007, during a military-backed caretaker government, Yunus announced plans to form a new political party called Nagorik Shakti (Citizen Power). He positioned himself as a clean alternative to the two-party rivalry. However, he faced scepticism from major parties. With the political climate being unstable, public enthusiasm didnt translate into organisation. Within months, he abandoned the plan and returned to social enterprise reinforcing his image as a reform-minded outsider rather than a political operator. Fallout with the government Soon, tensions grew between Yunus and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In 2011, the government removed Yunus as managing director of Grameen Bank, citing age-limit rules. Supporters argued the move was politically motivated. From then on, Yunus faced legal cases, regulatory pressure and political hostility. He became increasingly isolated within Bangladeshs power structure admired globally but politically marginalised at home. Return to influence After years on the sidelines, Yunus re-emerged during Bangladeshs 2024 political upheaval, when mass protests forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. Amid the turmoil, protest leaders and civil society groups sought a neutral, respected figure. Yunus was appointed head of an interim government. This marked his first real governing role not through party politics, but as a consensus crisis figure. He then went from being a long-time outsider to a temporary national leader. Back to outsider status As the head of the interim government, Yunuss position depended on transitional authority, public trust, military and institutional backing. As Bangladesh moves toward elections and party politics resumes, Yunus lacks a grassroots political machine, a parliamentary party and long-term political base, say analysts. Once the interim phase ends, he is likely to return to a non-party, civil-society role effectively becoming an outsider again in formal politics. Reports suggest that once the transition is complete, Yunus intends to return to his work at the Yunus Centre and the Grameen Bank, focusing on social business and poverty alleviation. While Yunus himself has dismissed talk of a potential Presidential role, some political analysts and a proposed National Consensus formula have suggested him as a candidate for the Presidency of Bangladesh a largely ceremonial but prestigious role to provide stability during the new governments tenure. First Published: February 13, 2026, 12:16 IST News explainers The Muhammad Yunus Paradox: Bangladeshs Interim Authority And The Enduring Outsider Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MK Stalins Rs 5,000 For Tamil Nadus Women Voters: States That Gave Dole For Sisters Before Poll Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 15:09 IST Amid CM MK Stalin's Tamil Nadu poll outreach for 1.3 crore voters, a look at women-centric cash schemes used to shape political contests across states Rapid Read MK Stalin said the Rs 3,000 amount was given as an advance payment for the months of February, March and April. (PTI/AP File) As the Tamil Nadu assembly elections near, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced that Rs 3,000 has been credited in advance to women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Womens Rights Scheme, along with an additional Rs 2,000 as a summer special package". In total, CM Stalin deposited Rs 5,000 into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women across the state. In a post on X, Stalin said the Rs 3,000 amount was given as an advance payment for the months of February, March and April. For the women of Tamil Nadu, this Womens Rights Grant is the promise given by Stalin. No matter who tries to create obstacles, I will not step back from it. Citing the elections as a reason, they are trying to block the Womens Rights Grant for three months. But our #DravidianModel government has acted ahead of them! As an advance for the months of February, March, and April 3,000, along with a summer special package of 2,000! A total of 5,000 has been credited this morning to all 1.31 crore beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Womens Rights Scheme," the post read. He added that under Dravidian Model 2.0", the current Rs 1,000 monthly assistance would be doubled to 2,000 if voted back to power, calling it a promise to Tamil Nadu women. With the support of #WinningTamilWomen, we will continue to win! Under #DravidianModel 2.0, we will increase the 1,000 Womens Rights Grant to 2,000! This is the promise that Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin makes to my sisters! #WeWillWinTogether," the post further read. A look at women-centric" cash schemes used to shape political contests across states: West Bengal: Lakshmir Bhandar or Lokkhi Bhandar This is a monthly direct cash transfer scheme for women in West Bengal, originally launched in 2021 before the 2021 Assembly polls. It was consciously introduced in the run-up to that election as a major welfare promise to women voters. Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the state government announced enhanced payouts under this scheme starting from February 2026, before official poll dates were declared seen as a pre-poll move to benefit women voters. It covers roughly 2.4+ crore women beneficiaries across West Bengal. General category women used to get 1,000/month and SC/ST women 1,200/month under the scheme. The enhanced payout from February 2026 for general category women is Rs 1,500 a month and Rs 1,700 a month for SC/ST women. These enhanced benefits began being disbursed before the election season as part of the states interim budget. Madhya Pradesh: Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government launched the scheme in March 2023, eight months before the November 2023 Assembly elections. While initially the amount was Rs 1,000/month, it was later increased to Rs 1,250/month. Over 1 crore women got direct monthly transfers to Aadhaar-linked accounts. Impact: It helped the incumbent BJP overcome strong anti-incumbency, improve vote share, and secure a substantial majority. Analysts credited the scheme with boosting BJP seats compared to previous polls. Maharashtra: Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance introduced the scheme in August 2024 ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections. The government announced Rs 1,500/month to women aged 2165. Around 2.3 crore women received this assistance before elections. It was widely seen as a key factor in the ruling coalitions decisive win, with many political observers tying the funding directly to the high female vote turnout that favoured incumbents. Jharkhand: Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led alliance launched the scheme in August 2024 ahead of the November 2024 Assembly polls. The amount was initially Rs 1,000 a month, but was later increased to Rs 2,500/month. It benefitted around 40+ lakh women. The scheme correlated with a substantial increase in the ruling alliances vote share compared with previous elections. Bihar: Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana The BJP and JD(U) alliance laid out the scheme in SeptemberOctober 2025, directly before Assembly elections in early November. Rs 10,000 each was credited to womens bank accounts (initial tranche), with potential additional support earmarked (up to Rs 2 lakh) later for enterprise creation. A total of 7.5 million women initially received Rs 10,000 each. Additional transfers subsequently reached 1.25 crore women in total in the weeks leading up to polling. The statewide women turnout hit a historic high. Several analysts and opposition leaders claimed these transfers influenced voting behaviour and helped deliver a strong win for the NDA alliance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election. Karnataka: Gruha Lakshmi scheme The scheme was announced and rolled out by the Congress-led Karnataka government in August 2023 as one of its five key pre-poll guarantees ahead of the May 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections fulfilling a manifesto promise made during the campaign. The scheme provides 2,000 every month to each eligible woman head of household directly into her bank account. A total of 1.1 crore women had registered early on during launch, which later went up to 1.24 crore. As a pre-poll guarantee, the scheme was politically significant: it was one of the major social security promises that helped the Congress party highlight welfare support to women voters in 2023. Mahtari Vandan Yojana: Chhattisgarh The Mahtari Vandan Yojana was launched on 10 March 2024 by the Chhattisgarh government, with the first installment of cash transfers disbursed on that day. It was a promise in the BJPs manifesto for the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections held in November 2023, and introduced soon after the BJP took office in December 2023 under CM Vishnu Deo Sai. The scheme provides 1,000 per month (equivalent to 12,000 per year) to each eligible woman. Payments are done through direct benefit transfer (DBT) into beneficiaries bank accounts. Roughly 70 lakh women in the state have been covered under the scheme from the start. These include married women aged 21 years and above, widows, divorced and destitute women who meet eligibility criteria. The impact Women-focused direct cash transfers have become electorally decisive blocs. They have also marked a shift from identity politics to welfare targeting women voters. Across several states, cash transferred to women has coincided with incumbent benefits or electoral success particularly for the BJP and allied governments in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar. In Jharkhand, a non-BJP coalition also experienced vote share gains corresponding with its women-centric transfer scheme. These schemes have become a central election strategy in Indian politics, often credited with reversing anti-incumbency or boosting turnout among female voters. But along with the Oppositions objections, the rapid expansion of womens cash transfer schemes (across 15 states and growing) has also raised concerns about state finances and sustainability as welfare outlays escalate, creating a fiscal flashpoint of rights-based entitlements" vs unsustainable populism". First Published: February 13, 2026, 14:11 IST News explainers MK Stalins Rs 5,000 For Tamil Nadus Women Voters: States That Gave Dole For Sisters Before Poll Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Supreme Court Is Mulling Bail Bondsmen: The Concept To Global Practice Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:00 IST The Supreme Court is mulling getting licensed professional bail bondsmen to act as guarantors for non-citizens to ensure their presence during trial Rapid Read The Supreme Court of India. (File) The Supreme Court is considering introducing licensed professional bail bondsmen over concerns regarding foreigners accused in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) cases, who secure release under the bail not jail principle and subsequently disappear. What does it mean? Will it help? What does the SC plan to do and why? The top court is mulling getting licensed professional bail bondsmen to act as guarantors for non-citizens to ensure their presence during trial. In a case involving the NDPS Act, where a foreign national named Chidiebere Kingsley Nawchara secured bail and then absconded, Justices Sanjay Karol and AG Masih requested amicus curiae and senior advocate Sidharth Luthra to propose a system to ensure that a non-citizen will be available to face trial, even if they are granted bail after a prolonged period of incarceration. Luthra and his associate advocates, prepared a draft Professional Bail Bondsmen (Regulation) Rules based on suggestions by the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and submitted it to the court. The document has been uploaded on the Supreme Courts website. Additionally, suggestions have been invited from the public and domain experts. These guidelines are only applicable for the grant of bail by the trial court/appellate court to foreign nationals and non-citizens who are being prosecuted for offences under NDPS in relation to commercial quantity," the amicus curiae said. It has been learnt that under the proposed rules, individuals or business entities could get licence to become professional bail bondsmen. What is a professional bondsman? A professional bondsman is a licensed individual or agency that provides a financial guarantee (a bail bond) to the court on behalf of a defendant. Currently, India relies on solvent sureties"usually relatives or friends with property papersto guarantee an accused persons appearance in court. Many poor defendants remain in jail simply because they lack such connections. Professional bondsmen would act as commercial sureties, charging a non-refundable fee to post bail for those who have no other options. What do they do? Risk Assessment: They evaluate if a defendant is likely to flee before agreeing to post their bond. Financial Guarantee: They pay the court the full bail amount or provide an irrevocable pledge to pay it if the defendant skips trial. Ensuring Appearance: They take responsibility for ensuring the defendant shows up for all court dates. Apprehension: In many systems, if a defendant jumps bail," the bondsman has the legal authority to track them down and return them to custody to avoid losing their money. How it works globally United States: The U.S. has the most developed commercial bail system. Bondsmen typically charge a 10-15% non-refundable premium. For a $10,000 bail, the defendant pays $1,000 to the bondsman, who then guarantees the full $10,000 to the court. Philippines: This is the only other country with a system widely similar to the U.S.. The practice is often illegal or strictly restricted, as it is seen as commodifying" justice or discriminating against the poor. Many European and Commonwealth nations prefer pretrial services or release on personal recognisance rather than commercial bonds. First Published: February 13, 2026, 17:55 IST News explainers Why Supreme Court Is Mulling Bail Bondsmen: The Concept To Global Practice Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 10-Month-Old Becomes Keralas Youngest Organ Donor, Saves Five Lives Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 23:03 IST The 10-month-old child Alin Sherin Abraham, daughter of Mallappally natives of Pathanamthitta became brain dead following a road accident on February 5. Rapid Read The 10-month-old child Alin Sherin Abraham, daughter of Mallappally natives of Pathanamthitta became brain dead following a road accident on February 5. A 10-month-old child becomes Keralas youngest organ donor as her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, donate her liver, kidneys, heart valve, and eyes at Amrita Hospital in Ernakulam. The liver will be given to a 6-month-old baby undergoing treatment at KIMS Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He is the youngest child to receive a liver through posthumous organ donation in the state. Health Minister Veena George expressed gratitude to the parents for the decision taken to save the lives of others despite their extreme grief. The minister also said that she shares the grief of the family. The 10-month-old child Alin Sherin Abraham, daughter of Mallappally natives of Pathanamthitta became brain dead following a road accident at 2.30 pm on February 5. While travelling from Kottayam to Thiruvalla via M.C. Road, a car coming from the opposite direction rammed into her near a junction. The child was seriously injured and the childs mother and mothers parents who were with her suffered serious injuries. Immediately after the accident, the child was admitted to hospitals in Changanassery and Thiruvalla and later on February 7 to Amrita Hospital in Kochi. On February 13, the child became brain dead and the childs family members gave their consent for organ donation. The childs two kidneys will be given to the child who is undergoing treatment at the Pediatric Nephrology Ward of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College SAT Hospital. The liver was donated to KIMS Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, the heart valve to Sree Chitra Institute in Thiruvananthapuram and two eyeballs to Amrita Hospital. Two kidneys, a liver and a heart valve are being brought from Amrita Hospital, Ernakulam in the evening to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram KIMS Hospital and Sree Chitra. The organ donation was coordinated under the leadership of K-SOTTO ( Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) with cooperation from the Home Department. The ambulance carrying the organs of 10-month-old Alin Sherin reached Thiruvananthapuram from Kochi in just 3 hours and 15 minutes, significantly faster than the usual 56 hour journey from Ernakulam. The organs were promptly taken to KIMS Hospital, SAT Hospital, and Sree Chithra Hospital, where two surgeries are scheduled for tonight. Police and members of the public helped clear the roads, ensuring the ambulance could travel without delay. Kerala Health Minister Veena George expressed her gratitude, saying, Thank you to the ambulance driver who brought the babys organs to Thiruvananthapuram, the health workers, the police who paved the way, and all the loved ones who made way for them." The swift transport and coordinated efforts reflect the commitment of authorities and citizens in saving lives through organ donation. Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 22:41 IST News india 10-Month-Old Becomes Keralas Youngest Organ Donor, Saves Five Lives Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Caste By Birth Remains Same Despite Conversion To Another Religion, Marriage': Allahabad High Court Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 08:14 IST Allahabad High Court ruled that caste by birth remains unchanged despite religious conversion or marriage, dismissing an appeal in an SC/ST Act case involving assault allegations. Prayagraj: A security personnel with a sniffer dog conducts checks near the Allahabad High Court (File photo/PTI) The Allahabad High Court has observed that a persons caste, as determined by birth, remains unchanged even if he or she converts to another religion, and that marriage does not alter a womans caste status. According to Live Law, the court made the observation while dismissing a criminal appeal filed by one Dinesh and eight others who had challenged an order of the Special Judge, SC/ST Act, Aligarh, summoning them to face trial under various provisions of the IPC and Section 3(1)(R) of the SC/ST Act. The case arose from a criminal complaint filed by a woman who alleged that she was assaulted and abused by the accused persons and that casteist slurs were used against her during the altercation. She further alleged that three people, including herself, were injured in the incident. Based on the statements of the complainant and her witnesses, along with injury reports, the trial court summoned the accused to face trial. Challenging the summoning order before the High Court, the appellants contended that although the woman originally belonged to a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) community by birth and was originally a resident of West Bengal, she had lost her caste status after marrying a man belonging to the Jat community. On this basis, they argued that proceedings under the SC/ST Act were not sustainable. They further claimed that the complaint had been filed as a counterblast after they had lodged a prior FIR against the woman and her family. The state opposed the appeal, submitting that the incident described in the complaint and the one mentioned in the FIR occurred on the same date and were part of the same chain of events. Therefore, the argument that the complaint was retaliatory was untenable. The High Court noted that the trial court had issued a summons after considering the material on record, including witness statements and medical reports. It also observed that the existence of a cross-case does not, by itself, justify discarding a complaint filed by the opposite party on a rival version of events. On the crucial issue of caste status after marriage, the bench categorically rejected the appellants contention. In its order, the court observed, Though a person may change religion, his or her caste remains the same despite conversion to another religion. Hence, marriage does not change a persons caste. Therefore, the said contention is unsustainable." Consequently, finding no merit in the arguments advanced by the appellants, the High Court dismissed the appeal. First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:11 IST News india 'Caste By Birth Remains Same Despite Conversion To Another Religion, Marriage': Allahabad High Court Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... DGCA Imposes Rs 1 Crore Penalty On Air India For Flying Airbus Without Airworthiness Permit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:59 IST An Airbus A320 flew passengers between New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad on November 24 to 25 without the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate. File photo of an Air India aircraft. (Representative Image) Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a penalty of $110,350 (around Rs 1 crore) for operating an Airbus aircraft on eight flights without a valid airworthiness permit, according to a confidential order issued earlier this month, news agency Reuters reported. An Airbus A320 flew passengers between New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad on November 24 to 25 without the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate, or ARC, a key permit issued annually by the regulator after a plane passes safety and compliance checks. As per the order dated February 5, 2026, issued to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, Joint Director General of Civil Aviation Maneesh Kumar noted that the security lapse had further eroded public confidence and adversely impacted the safety compliance of the organisation." An internal investigation conducted by Air India described the incident as a result of systemic failures" and acknowledged the urgent need to strengthen its compliance culture. The probe also reportedly blamed pilots who operated the eight flights, saying they did not follow standard operating procedures before take-off, the news agency reported. The regulator held the airlines accountable manager responsible for the breach and directed the carrier to deposit the penalty within 30 days. Air India Responds Meanwhile, Air India responded to the DGCA order and said that all flaws have been satisfactorily addressed and shared with the authority. Air India acknowledges the receipt of a DGCA order in relation to an incident that was voluntarily reported back in 2025. All identified gaps have since been satisfactorily addressed and shared with the authority. Air India remains unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety," an Air India spokesperson said. The airline has faced increased scrutiny over safety practices in recent months. It had earlier received warnings from the watchdog for operating aircraft without checking emergency equipment and for other audit lapses. The latest penalty came months after Air India suffered its worst disaster on June 12 after a London-bound Boeing Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after taking off from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. 275 people lost their lives, including 120 men, 124 women, and 16 children. (With inputs from Reuters) First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:09 IST News india DGCA Imposes Rs 1 Crore Penalty On Air India For Flying Airbus Without Airworthiness Permit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ministers Assert India-US Trade Deal Safeguards Farmers' Interests, Call Rahul Gandhi 'Habitual Liar' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:08 IST Talking about the trade agreement signed with the US, the Union Ministers said that the deal is designed to protect the interests of the domestic agricultural sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (File image/X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been in favour of the farmers and continues to prioritise their welfare in international trade agreements, said Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Taking to X, Chouhan said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been in favour of the farmers. All his decisions have been taken in favour of the farmers. His plans have changed their lives." Talking about the recent trade agreement signed with the United States, the Union Minister said that the deal is designed to protect the interests of the domestic agricultural sector. Chouhan noted that the Prime Ministers decisions consistently aim to improve the lives of those in the farming community through strategic planning and policy shifts. The Agriculture Minister emphasised that the agreement specifically addresses the needs of farmers who produce various staples. The farmers who produce grains like wheat, rice, corn, soya and other grains have been taken care of," Chouhan said. He further explained that the deal ensures protection for those involved in different segments of the industry. According to the Minister, The farmers who produce fruits and vegetables have also been protected in this agreement." Talking about the exposure to the international market, Chouhan said that beyond spices, several other commodities are expected to benefit from increased international exposure. Spices, coffee, tea, marine products, and many other things will get a new market," he said. Union Minister Dharmendra Singh Pradhan also talked about PM Modis visionary leadership and said that India will never compromise on the interests of our Annadatas." Farmers interests are fully protected, dairy and poultry are safeguarded, and exports are expanding, directly strengthening livelihoods," Pradhan said, adding, On the global stage, India has delivered a historic win by securing duty-free access to the US for garment and textile exports, injecting fresh momentum into industry, manufacturing, and Indias global economic presence. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India will never compromise on the interests of our Annadatas.Farmers interests are fully protected, dairy and poultry are safeguarded, and exports are expanding, directly strengthening livelihoods. On the Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 13, 2026 BJP Attacks Rahul Gandhi In addition to this, the Minister also slammed Rahul Gandhi and Congress party for spreading misinformation, theatrics, and divisive politics. Accusing the Congress of doing nothing to address the real concerns of our farmers, Pradhan attacked them for repeatedly tying to downplay Indias global achievements. Their politics thrives not on solutions, but on denial, distortion, and manufactured outrage," he added. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also on Thursday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a habitual liar" and accusing him of misleading farmers with what he termed a fake narrative" regarding the recent trade agreement with the United States. In a self-made video posted on X, Goyal alleged that Rahul Gandhi had broken all records of speaking falsehood" and made baseless allegations" in a video released earlier in the day. Annadata Devo Bhava!Under PM @NarendraModi jis leadership, our farmers will always be secure, empowered, and prosperous. pic.twitter.com/tkUCHCsa7w Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 12, 2026 He further accused the Congress leader of attempting to provoke farmers. Rahul Gandhi is a habitual liarIn a video released today, he has broken all records of speaking falsehood and made baseless allegations. He is misleading our farmers with his fake narrative and trying to provoke them," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been empathetic towards our farmers. He has always put the interest of farmers first and taken all decisions to ensure their prosperityIn the recent trade deal with the United States of America, the interests of farmers have been kept paramount and fully protected," Goyal said in the video. First Published: February 13, 2026, 14:23 IST News india Ministers Assert India-US Trade Deal Safeguards Farmers' Interests, Call Rahul Gandhi 'Habitual Liar' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Class 11 Bhopal Student Raped, Blackmailed And Pressured To Convert To Islam: Police Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:52 IST Police said that the assaults occurred in four different vehicles, all of which have been seized as evidence. Police allege the assault was premeditated. (Representational Image/Getty) Police in Bhopal arrested two men on charges of rape, extortion and criminal intimidation involving a Class 11 student from a prominent school in the citys Shahpura area. The accused, identified as Ausaf Ali Khan and Maaz Khan, a gym owner, allegedly raped the minor student multiple times, filmed the assault and used the video to extort money from her, police said. Investigators said the victim became acquainted with Ausaf Ali Khan through a mutual friend. After developing a friendship, Khan allegedly invited her for a drive and took her to an isolated location in Khanugaon, where he sexually assaulted her inside a vehicle. Police allege the assault was premeditated, with Maaz Khan hiding outside the car to record video of the crime. The two men then used the footage to blackmail the student, demanding Rs 1 lakh and threatening to circulate the video if she refused to pay. The traumatized minor managed to give them Rs 40,000, but the accused continued to sexually assault and blackmail her," a police official said as per NDTV. Police said that the assaults occurred in four different vehicles, all of which have been seized as evidence. When the victim stopped communicating with the accused and blocked their contact, Ausaf Ali Khan allegedly sent the video to her friends and began pressuring her to convert to Islam and adopt religious practices, according to the complaint. The student eventually disclosed the ordeal to her family, who filed a police complaint with support from Hindu organizations. Both accused have been arrested and police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an assistant commissioner of police to probe the case. Location : Bhopal, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:52 IST News india Class 11 Bhopal Student Raped, Blackmailed And Pressured To Convert To Islam: Police Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Five companies raised $119 million this week, with Neara hitting unicorn status at $1.1 billion valuation in our weekly funding roundup. Five startups across Australia and New Zealand secured $119 million in funding this week, spanning AI-powered tools, infrastructure technology, agricultural robotics, medical devices, and sustainable aviation fuel. The raises ranged from $3 million in pre-seed capital to a $90 million Series D that pushed one company to unicorn status. Investment came from a mix of venture capital firms, strategic corporate backers, and government-supported funds. Contented: $4.1M seed, led by Altered Capital Christchurch-based AI startup Contented has raised $4.1 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round as it prepares to expand into Australia. The round was led by Altered Capital, with backing from Australian venture capital firms Shearwater Capital and Exhort Ventures, alongside K1W1, Icehouse Ventures, Aspire NZ Seed Fund, and Phase One Ventures. The company plans to open a Sydney office with a local team later this year, building on its existing Australian customer base including Lorica Partners, Lipman Burgon, Fortitude Wealth, Fowlers, and Mancell Group. Neara: $90M Series D, led by TCV Sydney-based Neara has closed a $90 million Series D funding round led by TCV, reaching a $1.1 billion valuation. Returning investors included Partners Group, EQT, Square Peg Capital, and Skip Capital, bringing total funds raised to approximately $180 million. The funding will accelerate Nearas global talent pipeline of machine learning and AI engineers while expanding its international commercial footprint. In Australia, nearly 90% of network utilities use the platform, including Essential, Endeavour, Ausgrid, and Ausnet. Agovor: $3M pre-seed, led by Tenacious Ventures New Zealand horticultural robotics startup Agovor has raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Australian agriculture-focused VC Tenacious Ventures. The round included co-investment from the Hort Innovation Investment Fund, managed by Artesian, and a Kiwi investor via Invest New Zealands Active Investor Plus scheme. The company will use the funds to expand R&D, manufacturing, sales and service teams, with roles in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand. Wellumio: $6.2M pre-Series A, led by Nuance Connected Capital New Zealand medtech Wellumio has raised NZ$7.28 million ($6.2 million) in a first close for its pre-Series A, led by Nuance Connected Capital. Support came from Icehouse Ventures, NZ Growth Capital Partners Aspire Seed Fund, Pacific Channel, Booster, and Cure Kids Ventures, with angel groups Flying Kiwi and Enterprise Angels also participating. Wellumios Axana scanner delivers MRI-based stroke diagnostics in a portable, battery-powered system weighing just 50kg, designed for use directly at the point of care. HAMR Energy: $10M Series A, backed by Qantas and Airbus Australian low-carbon liquid fuels company HAMR Energy has closed a $10 million Series A funding round backed by Airbus, Qantas and industrial firm thyssenkrupp Uhde. The investment from Qantas and Airbus was made through their joint Australian Sustainable Aviation Fuel investment fund, with existing investors also recommitting. The companys flagship project, Portland Renewable Fuels in regional Victoria, is designed to produce 300,000 tonnes per year of low-carbon methanol using residues from the local plantation forestry industry. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Deadline Revised To June, Gujarat Stretch Delayed To FY2028: Gadkari Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 07:00 IST Union minister Nitin Gadkari said the Delhi-Vadodara section of the expressway will be ready by May while the section from Vadodara to Mumbai will be completed by June Union minister Nitin Gadkari said out of 1,350 km of the length, about 875 km of the Delhi-Mumbai expressway is open to traffic. (Image: PTI/File) Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday told the Lok Sabha that the deadline for the Delhi-Mumbai expressway has been revised to June. Gadkari said the Delhi-Vadodara section of the expressway will be ready by May while the section from Vadodara to Mumbai will be completed by June. He, however, said the works in three packages in Gujarat are targeted for completion in 2027-2028. the revised scheduled date for completion for the section from Delhi to Vadodara is May 2026 and for the section from Vadodara to Mumbai is June 2026 except works in 3 packages in Gujarat which are targeted for completion in financial year 2027-28," he said, replying to a set of questions from Mumbai North Central MP Varsha Eknath Gaikwad. Gadkari further said out of 1,350 km of the length, about 875 km is open to traffic. Till July 2025, only the 774 km section between Delhi and Mumbai was operational, he said. Last year, News18 had reported that the progress on five packages a collective length of 140 km between Surat and the Gujarat-Maharashtra border of the Delhi-Mumbai expressway had been delayed resulting in further pushing the deadline for the project, which is divided into 48 packages. Later, while two packages picked up pace, work on three sections collective length of 90 km remained slow; this section is near Surat in Gujarat. The Union minister told the House that the packages were delayed due to issues relating to land acquisition, delay in permission for tree felling and utility shifting, and concessionaire default. He said as of now, the cost of implementation is within the sanctioned cost of the overall corridor. ALSO READ | Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, Indias Longest, To Be Ready By Year-End: Why Its The Path To Easy Commute WHAT IS THE STATUS OF NH-66 MUMBAI-GOA? Sharing updates about the 485 km Mumbai to Goa national highway 66, Gadkari said the civil construction works for its development to four lanes began in a phased manner under 12 project packages in December 2011. As on date, four-lane work has been completed in 465 km length and the works in balance 20 km length is under implementation with target for completion in phased manner in June. The project was delayed due to land hindrances, delay in clearances and slow progress by some of the contractors," he said. Gaikwad asked about the corrective steps being taken to enforce accountability, ensure quality standards and expedite completion of all NHAI projects connecting Mumbai with other major cities. He replied that regular meetings to review the progress of these projects are held with all stakeholders, including the state governments, to expedite the progress and ensure early completion of all projects connecting Mumbai. First Published: February 13, 2026, 07:00 IST News india Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Deadline Revised To June, Gujarat Stretch Delayed To FY2028: Gadkari Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Is Shaping Next Technological Revolution: Mauritius Minister On AI Impact Summit 2026 Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:57 IST With Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam set to participate, News18 spoke to Jyoti Jeetun, Member of the Mauritius National Assembly Rapid Read Jyoti Jeetun, Mauritian Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning. (News18) New Delhi is all set to host the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026, announced by Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the France AI Action Summit, the first time in the Global South, from February 16-20. The Summit charts a path towards a future where the transformative power of AI serves humanity, drives inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centric innovations that protect our planet. It also seeks to amplify the voice of the Global South, ensuring that technological advancements and opportunities are shared broadly, not concentrated in a few regions. With Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam set to participate, News18 spoke to Jyoti Jeetun, Mauritian Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning. Edited excerpts: Q: India is hosting the AI Action Summit for the first time in the Global South. With Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam attending, how do you see Mauritius aligning with Indias AI vision? Can we expect deeper collaboration in areas like FinTech and digital services? A: Indias leadership in hosting the AI Action Summit for the Global South is both timely and visionary. We commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for taking this initiative. The participation of our Prime Minister, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, underscores Mauritius strong commitment not only to artificial intelligence but also to strengthening our strategic partnership with India. India has long been a global technology leader. Its IT services exports, skilled technology professionals, and the presence of Indian-origin CEOs leading major global tech firms reflect its technological depth. It is only natural that India is now shaping the next technological revolution through AI. Mauritius sees significant scope for collaboration in AI-driven financial services, FinTech innovation, digital governance, and cross-border digital infrastructure. We are keen to align with Indias digital transformation journey and explore joint initiatives that can benefit both our economies as well as the wider Global South. Q: Mauritius is often described as a gateway to Africa. How can India and Mauritius collaborate on trilateral initiatives involving Africa, especially in trade, financial services and technology? A: Mauritius is strategically positioned between India and Africa, both geographically and economically. We are a member of the African Union, COMESA and SADC, and we share deep historical and economic ties with India. India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. On the other hand, Africa represents a continent of 1.4 billion people, and notably, 15 of the 25 fastest-growing economies last year were in Africa. This signals tremendous opportunity. Mauritius offers a stable, transparent and well-regulated financial ecosystem that can serve as a bridge for Indian companies seeking expansion into Africa. We provide legal certainty, financial structuring expertise, and a professional services ecosystem that supports cross-border investments. With the African Union now a permanent member of the G20 inducted under Indias presidency the potential for structured India-Africa engagement has become even stronger. Mauritius can play a catalytic role in enabling that partnership. Q: Mauritius has traditionally been seen as a tax-efficient jurisdiction for investments into India. How are you positioning the country today as a financial centre? A: Mauritius financial services sector has been built and consolidated over the past three decades. Today, we are ranked first in Africa in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), reflecting the strength and credibility of our financial ecosystem. Our financial centre is built on substance, governance, regulatory rigour and quality. For decades, Mauritius has been among the largest sources of foreign direct investment into India, reflecting mutual trust and structured engagement. We continue to enhance economic substance requirements, compliance standards and regulatory oversight. Governance and transparency are ongoing priorities, and we are committed to strengthening them further in partnership with global counterparts. Q: Following Indias recent tax scrutiny after the Tiger Global Management case, some foreign investors are reassessing structures routed through Mauritius. Should investors be concerned? How is Mauritius responding? A: It would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific judicial rulings. However, what I can say is that Mauritius has proactively strengthened its regulatory and economic substance framework over the past several years. Our financial sector today is robust, stable and well-regulated. We offer a strong ecosystem of experienced professionals, legal certainty, and a transparent regulatory environment. We recognise that the global financial landscape is evolving, and Mauritius is continuously adapting to meet new standards and expectations. We are committed to ongoing reforms and engagement with international partners to ensure that investors continue to see Mauritius as a stable and credible financial jurisdiction. I would reassure investors that Mauritius is focused on reinvention, resilience and long-term sustainability. First Published: February 13, 2026, 19:12 IST News india India Is Shaping Next Technological Revolution: Mauritius Minister On AI Impact Summit 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jamaat Sweeps Bangladeshs Areas Bordering Bengal: What It Means For India | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 17:57 IST Satkhira, Kushtia, parts of Khulna belt of West Bengal facing border and the Rangpur region have emerged as Jamaats strongest clusters. A look at intel assessment of the results Rapid Read Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman greets his supporters in Dhaka. (AP File) Even as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, claimed victory in Bangladeshs first election since the 2024 uprising, the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami have registered a win in the areas bordering West Bengal. According to agencies assessment accessed by News18, it is being viewed as a threat escalation, where ideology, recruitment, and logistics mature slowly before any kinetic action. The areas where Jamaat emerged victorious The BNP has swept Sylhet, Chittagong, and Mymensingh. These regions are known for stronger urbanisation, trade exposure, and diaspora remittance influence. Satkhira, Kushtia, parts of Khulna belt of West Bengal facing border and the Rangpur region have emerged as Jamaats strongest clusters. Satkhira, Kushtia and Rangpur together form a continuous arc facing West Bengal, Assam and the Siliguri corridor. As the results were announced, the Jamaat-e-Islami said it had serious questions about the integrity of the results process." We express our sincere gratitude to you for casting your votes in large numbers throughout the day in such a positive and peaceful atmosphere," said Jamaat-e-Islami in a statement. However, we are not satisfied with the process surrounding the election results. From candidates of the 11-party alliance narrowly and suspiciously losing in various constituencies, to repeated inconsistencies and fabrications in unofficial result announcements, the Election Commissions reluctance to publish voter turnout percentages, and indications that a section of the administration leaned towards a major party- all of this undoubtedly raises serious questions about the integrity of the results process," it added. Bangladesh election result :BNP ( right wing ) 212Jamat ( Far Right ) 70NCP ( Center right ) 6Khilafat Majlis ( Extreme Right ) 3Islmai Andolon ( Extreme Right ) 1Independent : 8 pic.twitter.com/DefB3zEuIX News (@SanataniHinduBD) February 13, 2026 What it means for India These are not urban protest votes, but deep rural, mosque and madrassa networks with long violence memories. As Jamaat gains influence locally, Hindu minorities in border districts will feel the pressure first. They will be in trap of land disputes, intimidation and silent displacement," according to the assessment. In case of border states, even small migration waves into India could amplify communal polarisation and political stress, it states. The border districts are historically exploited for movement, shelter, and logistics. Bangladeshi border districts have now gained formal political legitimacy. This gives radicals confidence, cover, and local protection and shift from covert to semi-open operations," according to the assessment. Indian intelligence says Jamaat will not issue attack instructions, but its rise creates a permissive ecosystem. Groups like JMB splinters and AQIS linked recruiters will grow when police, administration, and society hesitate to act firmly. The danger is less about bombs, more about radicals. Friday sermons, madrassa curricula, WhatsApp preachers, cross-border marriages. Earlier, infiltrations focused on numbers illegal migration and new risk is selective infiltration and trained ideologues, fund couriers, digital handlers. These are harder to detect, fewer in number, higher impact," they say. No overt ISI footprint, but familiar financial and ideological channels are reactivating through NGOs, charities, and diaspora routes and this will prove to be a classic deniability playbook," said sources. First Published: February 13, 2026, 12:56 IST News india Jamaat Sweeps Bangladeshs Areas Bordering Bengal: What It Means For India | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Like Bangladesh, India Will Also Get Zero Duty Access On Textiles From US': Piyush Goyal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 11:45 IST Piyush Goyal's response came as he addressed concerns that the Indian textiles industry would be hit by duty differentials after Bangladesh signed a deal with the US. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. (File Photo: PTI) India will receive benefits related to textile-related trade, similar to those extended to Bangladesh under its trade arrangement with the United States, said Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Goyals response came as he addressed concerns that the Indian textiles industry would be hit by duty differentials vis-a-vis Bangladesh after the neighbouring country signed a deal with the US. The US and Bangladesh signed an agreement on February 9, following which the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Dhaka were reduced to 19 percent from the previously announced 20 percent. Additionally, zero-tariff access for special textile and apparel products made with US cotton and man-made fibre was provided under the arrangement. Responding to the concerns, Goyal said, India also has the same facility and India will also get it. Right now, our framework agreement is being made. When the interim agreement is finalised, then you will get to see this in the fine print." #WATCH | Delhi: On Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, He spread another lie in the Parliament that Bangladesh has got more benefits from the trade than India. Just as Bangladesh has a facility that if raw material is purchased from America, then if pic.twitter.com/JSL1hjQdNc ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026 The Union Minister further directly slammed the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and said, He spread another lie in the Parliament that Bangladesh has got more benefits from the trade than India. Just as Bangladesh has a facility that if raw material is purchased from America, then if you process it and make cloth and export it, then it will be available at zero reciprocal tariff." Goyal further asked Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the farmers of India, fishermen, workers working in MSME and Vishwakarmas. Indian farmers will also get the benefit that many such products will be exported to America, the European Union, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, and Australia in large quantities," Goyal said. He added that the Rs 5 lakh crore that we export today will become an export of Rs 10 lakh crore. Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the farmers of India, fishermen, workers working in MSME and Vishwakarmas." As per SBI Research, the US imports around USD 7.5 billion of textiles from India and around the same quantity from Bangladesh. India and the US also finalised an interim trade deal framework last week, whose fine print is expected sometime in March. First Published: February 13, 2026, 09:32 IST News india 'Like Bangladesh, India Will Also Get Zero Duty Access On Textiles From US': Piyush Goyal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Minister Ashish Shelar Receives UNESCO World Heritage Certificate For 12 Marata Forts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 12:16 IST Ashish Shelar received the UNESCO World Heritage certificate for twelve Shivaji Maharaj forts, marking a historic moment and boosting global recognition. Maharashtras Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar receiving certificate at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Maharashtras Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, has formally received the UNESCO World Heritage certificate recognising twelve forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The certificate was accepted at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, marking the completion of a long process that brought global recognition to the historic Maratha military network. The forts were inscribed last year under the title Maratha Military Landscapes of India during the 47th session of UNESCO held on July 11, 2025. After technical presentations and follow-up documentation by the Maharashtra government delegation, the official recognition document has now been handed over. Officials described it as an important cultural moment not only for the state but for the countrys historical legacy. Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, also expressed joy over the development. A moment of joy and pride !The official certificate declaring 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as UNESCO World Heritage Sites was formally handed over to Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar. The recognition marks a historic and emotional moment for the people of Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 12, 2026 The group includes Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohgad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Built across mountains and coastline, these forts formed a strategic defence system during Shivaji Maharajs rule. Historians regard the network as a unique example of military planning combined with governance and public welfare. The state government said the recognition places Indias indigenous fort architecture on the global heritage map. During his visit, Shelar also paid tribute to B. R. Ambedkar at the UNESCO premises, where Maharashtra had installed his bust on Constitution Day last year. The memorial symbolises values of equality, education, and social justice, which align with UNESCOs ideals. Calling the honour emotional and historic, the minister thanked national and state leadership for support throughout the nomination process. Officials present at the ceremony included Indias Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma, and senior officers from the cultural and archaeology departments. The state government said the recognition will help conservation efforts and increase global awareness of Maharashtras heritage. For many in the state, the acknowledgement is seen as a tribute to Shivaji Maharajs vision and a reminder of the regions enduring historical identity. Tourism officials believe the World Heritage status will encourage responsible tourism while ensuring better preservation of the forts. Plans are being discussed to improve visitor facilities, signage, and guided interpretation without disturbing the original structures. Conservation experts say global recognition also brings stricter monitoring standards, which will help protect the sites from damage and unplanned development. For local communities living around the forts, the move is expected to create livelihood opportunities through heritage tourism and cultural activities. First Published: February 13, 2026, 12:16 IST News india Minister Ashish Shelar Receives UNESCO World Heritage Certificate For 12 Marata Forts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi Police Quiz Penguin India In 2-Day Probe Into Alleged Leak Of Gen Naravanes Memoir Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 13:25 IST Delhi Police Special Cell is probing Penguin India over the alleged leak of General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir, focusing on PDF and hard copy circulation. A copy of the unpublished "memoir" of former Army chief MM Naravane (Photo: PTI) The Delhi Police Special Cell has questioned representatives of Penguin India for two consecutive days in connection with the alleged leak of the unpublished memoir of former Army chief General MM Naravane, sources told CNN-News18. It was also known that investigators were seeking detailed information about the handling and circulation of the manuscript and its digital files. Representatives of the company may be called again for further questioning as the probe progresses. The Special Cell had earlier issued a notice to the publisher seeking responses to around 15 questions and 15 different angles, and also visited its office in Gurugram. On Thursday, company representatives were called in for questioning, where they provided responses to some queries and sought time to answer others. Police said the replies are being analysed and further questioning of management and publishing representatives is likely. The investigation is being conducted on two separate primary lines. FOCUS ON THE PDF VERSION The first angle concerns the PDF version of the book that allegedly surfaced before its official publication and before receiving mandatory clearances from the Defence Ministry. According to Special Cell sources, during examination of the available PDF file, investigators found that the space where the printers name is typically mentioned was left blank. Normally, the printer or publishers name is written after print," and its absence has raised suspicion that the file may have been leaked before it was sent for printing. Police have sought complete details from Penguin India regarding the movement of the PDF file, including the various stages it went through, how many individuals had access to it, and whether it was shared online or offline. Sources said the publication process had been underway for nearly three years, and the publisher has requested time to compile the relevant data sought by the Special Cell. According to news agency PTI, investigators are also examining the digital trail of the alleged leak to establish the origin and pattern of dissemination. It is suspected that the first leaks were uploaded on the .io domain extensions linked to the British Overseas Territory before appearing on other hosting platforms. Police are analysing the ISBN, the unique 13-digit identifier assigned to books, which was visible on the leaked versions. Officials indicated that the publisher may be questioned about how ISBN-linked versions surfaced online prior to official publication. THE HARD COPY DISPLAYED IN PARLIAMENT The second line of investigation relates to the hard copy of the book displayed in Parliament by the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. The controversy intensified after excerpts from the memoir were read out in the Lok Sabha, triggering a political row. According to sources cited by ANI, the Special Cell is examining how the hard copy was obtained and how it was circulated. It was also claimed that the book was available overseas and online, and investigators are probing the alleged sale or distribution of pre-print copies in countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Investigators have invoked sections related to criminal conspiracy in the FIR, suspecting that the leak may not have been accidental. They are also examining the timing of the publishers statement on X. A senior police officer told PTI that the publisher would be asked why its statement was issued only after the FIR was registered and why police were not approached immediately after the leak came to light. In an earlier statement, Penguin Random House India said that the book has not gone into publication and that no copies, either print or digital, have been released, distributed or sold by the company." Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation, which aims to determine whether the alleged leak was the result of negligence or part of a coordinated conspiracy. First Published: February 13, 2026, 13:23 IST News india Delhi Police Quiz Penguin India In 2-Day Probe Into Alleged Leak Of Gen Naravanes Memoir Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Over 8,600 Complaints Received Against Sitting Judges In Last 10 Years: Centre Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:56 IST As per the data shared by the Union Minister, the highest number of complaints (1,170) was received in 2024 by the office of the CJI against sitting judges. Complaints received against judges and chief justices of the high courts are handled by the judiciary through an "in-house mechanism". (Shutterstock) The office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has received 8,630 complaints against sitting judges in the last ten years, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Friday. In a written response to DMK MP Matheswaran VS, who had asked for a list of complaints regarding corruption, sexual misconduct, or other serious impropriety received against judges of the High Courts or the Supreme Court, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said 8,639 complaints have been received against sitting judges between 2016 and 2025. Year Number of Complaints Received 2016 729 2017 682 2018 717 2019 1037 2020 518 2021 686 2022 1012 2023 977 2024 1170 2025 1102 As per the data shared by the Union Minister, the highest number of complaints (1,170) was received in 2024 by the office of the CJI against sitting judges. Complaints received against judges and chief justices of the high courts are handled by the judiciary through an in-house mechanism". The DMK MP also asked if any action was taken on these complaints. However, the Law Ministrys response did not address that aspect. It also did not reveal why there was no record of action taken on complaints. He also asked whether the Central Government has any other mechanism apart from the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System(CPGRAMS) to collect complaints against judges and whether it proposes to issue guidelines to ensure such complaints are systematically recorded and monitored to ensure accountability. To this, Meghwal responded that the Chief Justice of India receives the complaint against sitting judges of the Supreme Court through the Courts In-house procedure. Similarly, the Chief Justice of the High Court is competent to receive complaints against the sitting judges of the concerned High Court. He recalled that in May 1997, the Supreme Court adopted two resolutions The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life", which lays down certain judicial standards and principles to be observed and followed by SC and HC judges; and In-house Procedure", which takes suitable remedial measure against judges who do not follow the universally accepted values of judicial life including those in the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life". According to the established in-house procedure for the higher judiciary, the CJI is competent to receive complaints against SC judges and chief justices of the high courts. Similarly, chief justices of high courts are competent to receive complaints against the conduct of the high court judges. Complaints against members of the higher judiciary received on the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) or in any other form are forwarded to the CJI or chief justices of high courts competent to receive such complaints, he explained. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: February 13, 2026, 19:56 IST News india Over 8,600 Complaints Received Against Sitting Judges In Last 10 Years: Centre Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'India Will Continue To Stand In Bangladesh's Support': PM Modi Congratulates BNP's Tarique Rahman Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 09:16 IST PM Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on his partys decisive victory in Bangladeshs parliamentary elections, calling it a reflection of public trust in his leadership. File photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi/Tarique Rahman (PTI/AP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman on his partys sweeping victory in the countrys parliamentary elections, affirming Indias continued support for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh." Highlighting the significance of the mandate, he mentioned, This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership." Reiterating Indias position on bilateral ties, the Prime Minister added, India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh." He further said, I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals." I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 PM Modis message came as the BNP secured a decisive two-thirds majority in general elections that were widely viewed as critical to restoring political stability in the South Asian nation after months of unrest. According to a Reuters report from Dhaka, the BNP and its allies won at least 212 of the 299 seats contested in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation, based on the latest counts aired by domestic television channels. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies secured 70 seats. The victory marks the BNPs return to power after 20 years. Soon after securing a majority in the overnight vote count, the party thanked the electorate and urged restraint among supporters. Despite winning by a large margin of votes, no celebratory procession or rally shall be organised," the party said in a statement, instead calling for special prayers nationwide. The outcome is seen as a turning point for Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of about 175 million people, following months of deadly anti-government unrest that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina fled to India amid a Gen Z-led uprising that disrupted daily life and key industries, including the countrys garment export sector, the second largest globally. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, had been serving as interim head of government after Hasinas departure. Tarique Rahman, the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and long-time political rival of Hasinas Awami League, returned to Dhaka in December after 18 years abroad and is widely expected to be sworn in as Prime Minister. The election, described by observers as the first truly competitive contest in years, saw more than 2,000 candidates from at least 50 parties on the ballot. Voter turnout was projected to exceed 60 per cent, significantly higher than the 42 per cent recorded in the previous election. First Published: February 13, 2026, 09:06 IST News india 'India Will Continue To Stand In Bangladesh's Support': PM Modi Congratulates BNP's Tarique Rahman Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rajnath Singh To Be Chief Guest At Sadhgurus 33rd Isha Mahashivratri Celebrations Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 22:10 IST The celebrations are set to reach 140 million viewers worldwide via 100+ TV channels and digital streams in 23 languages. Rapid Read Maha Shivratri 2026 With Sadhguru At Isha Yoga Centre Coimbatore: Dates, Tickets And Full Details Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at the 33rd Mahashivratri celebrations organized by Sadhguru at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore on February 15 , 026. The event will also be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister L Murugan, and other prominent dignitaries, a statement said. The night-long celebrations will feature devotion, music, and meditation, starting with the Pancha Bhuta Kriya at the Dhyanalinga, a ritual honoring the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. This will be followed by the Linga Bhairavi Maha Yatra, a grand procession celebrating the divine feminine. Musical performances will include Aditya Gadhvi presenting Gujarati folk music, Prashant Sonagra and team performing traditional drums, and collaborations between Sounds of Isha, Swaroop Khan, Blaaze, Paradox, Swagat Rathod, and Prithvi Gandharv, blending folk and contemporary styles. The celebrations are expected to reach over 140 million viewers globally through live broadcasts across more than 100 TV channels and digital streams in 23 Indian and foreign languages. For the first time this Mahashivratri, Sadhguru will personally conduct the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam, a free, sacred ritual enabling global devotees an opportunity to connect with this consecrated live energy form. A major highlight of the night is Adiyogi Divya Darshanam, a powerful light and sound show that brings the 112-foot Adiyogi statue, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, to life. With Sadhguru narrating the story of how yoga began, it fills the space with a sense of awe and reverence for the tens of thousands gathered at the venue and the millions watching online. Known as the Great Night of Shiva," Mahashivratri is a unique planetary phenomenon when the natural upsurge of energy in the human system is especially conducive for spiritual growth. Sadhguru explains, We have the advantage of being at the foothills of Velliangiri Mountains, called the Kailash of the South, where legend says Shiva himself spent over three-and-a-half months we are at eleven degrees latitude, which is very important because of the tilt that the planet has and the spin it has. The maximum amount of centrifuge happens at approximately eleven degrees latitude, so that means there is a natural upsurge of energy. And Mahashivaratri is that day when this upsurge of energy is at its peak and this will be the best place to be on that night." Seekers from across the globe are invited to stay awake and aware through the night, either by being present at the Isha Yoga Center or by joining the celebrations via online livestreams, with the event also broadcast on major television networks. Location : Coimbatore, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 22:10 IST News india Rajnath Singh To Be Chief Guest At Sadhgurus 33rd Isha Mahashivratri Celebrations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sandstone, Stupas And Smart Tech: 10 Things To Know About Seva Teerth, PMOs New Address Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:52 IST For the first time, the PMO complex includes a state-of-the-art conference facility, 'India House', designed to host international delegations and high-level meetings. The PMO will now function from 'Seva Teerth', part of the Central Vista redevelopment project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally moved the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) to a new address, marking the end of nearly 80 years of operations from South Block at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. The PMO will now function from Seva Teerth, part of the Central Vista redevelopment project. The Prime Minister also inaugurated Seva Teerth along with Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2. Here are the 10 key points you need to know about the move: 1. End Of 80-Year Era Since Independence in 1947, the PMO had operated from South Block, part of the British-era Secretariat complex designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Every Prime Minister- from Jawaharlal Nehru to PM Modi- worked from there. Read more: From Corridors Of Power To Galleries Of Time: As PMO Moves, What Happens To North & South Blocks? 2. First Relocation Since Independence This is the first time the PMO has shifted out of South Block, marking a historic administrative transition after nearly eight decades. 3. What Seva Teerth Means The name translates to a sacred place of service", signalling what officials describe as a philosophical shift toward citizen-centric and service-oriented governance. 4. Part of Central Vista Project The new complex is part of the broader Central Vista redevelopment, which includes the new Parliament building, Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), the Common Central Secretariat (Kartavya Bhavan) and the planned conversion of North and South Block into museums. Read more: PM Modi Unveils Seva Teerth As His Office Moves Out Of British-Era South Block 5. A Three-Building Executive Enclave The Seva Teerth complex comprises three structures: Seva Teerth-1: Houses the PMO with modern workspaces and ceremonial meeting halls. Seva Teerth-2: Occupied by the Cabinet Secretariat. Seva Teerth-3: Will host the National Security Council Secretariat and the Office of the National Security Advisor. 6. Dedicated India House For the first time, the PMO complex includes a state-of-the-art conference facility, India House, designed to host international delegations and high-level meetings. 7. Designed For Efficiency Unlike the closed corridors and cabins of South Block, Seva Teerth features open-plan interiors, encrypted communications systems, advanced security frameworks and integrated administrative spaces aimed at improving coordination. A PMO statement said fragmented offices and ageing infrastructure across Central Vista had led to inefficiencies, coordination challenges and rising maintenance costs- issues the new complex aims to address. 8. Sustainable And Green Design The buildings comply with 4-Star GRIHA standards and incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation mechanisms, waste management systems and high-performance building envelopes to reduce environmental impact. Read more: PM Narendra Modi Moves To New Office Today: Heres All About Seva Teerth, The New PMO Address 9. Architectural Blend Of Tradition And Modernity The structures use white and red sandstone, echoing Indias civic architectural traditions. Metal-clad domes inspired by Buddhist stupas, jali screens for filtered daylight and entrance motifs drawing from Chalukyan and Chennakeshava temple designs blend traditional Indian elements with contemporary construction. 10. Moving Beyond Colonial Symbolism South Block was originally part of the British imperial capital inaugurated in 1931. Under colonial rule, it housed the Viceroys Secretariat. After Independence, it became the Prime Ministers Secretariat and was renamed the PMO in 1977. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 16:52 IST News india Sandstone, Stupas And Smart Tech: 10 Things To Know About Seva Teerth, PMOs New Address Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A patient, who according to medics is suffering from Nipah infection, is shifted to an ICU of Nipah isolation ward in Kozhikode Medical College in Kozhikode district in the southern state of Kerala, India, July 20, 2024. Photo by Reuters Named for the Malaysian village where it was first identified, the Nipah virus is an infectious disease transmitted primarily by bats. Often fatal, its potential to spread has so far been considered limited by scientists. The death of a woman in Bangladesh and the confirmation of several cases in northeastern India in early 2026 reignited fears of wider spread and even a potential pandemic threat. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore immediately strengthened their border controls. While both outbreaks have occurred since early 2026 along the border between India and Bangladesh, the two recent clusters are not linked, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday. No other cases have been identified after tracing more than 230 contacts. At this stage, the WHO considers the risk of the virus spreading, both regionally and globally, to be "low". Indian nurse dies of Nipah An Indian health worker who contracted the deadly Nipah virus in December has died, a senior health official from the eastern state of West Bengal said on Thursday. The female nurse was one of two people in the state who were infected and was being treated at a local hospital. "The woman ... who was critical, died due to cardiac arrest," Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam told Reuters. Commonly spread to humans from infected bats or fruit contaminated by them, the Nipah virus can cause fever and brain inflammation and has a fatality rate of between 40% and 75%. India regularly reports sporadic infections, with its southern state of Kerala also regarded as one of the world's highest-risk regions for the virus. Fruit bats and pig farmers The deadly Nipah virus was first identified in 1998 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. Generally transmitted to humans by an infected animal, usually fruit bats, but often also pigs or even horses, Nipah can also spread through contaminated food, or from person-to-person contact. Currently, outbreaks of the Nipah virus are concentrated in South and Southeast Asia. An epidemic was reported in Singapore in 1999, when infected pigs were imported from Malaysia. In 2001, India and Bangladesh also became the sites of outbreaks, with the former experiencing periodic outbreaks in the years since -- most recently in early 2026. The Philippines and Singapore have also recorded cases. Respiratory and cerebral symptoms While Nipah infection sometimes causes no symptoms, most infected individuals develop illness after an incubation period of three to 14 days -- sometimes up to 45 days. The initial symptoms -- including fever, chills, sore throat, vomiting -- are often nonspecific, but the condition can rapidly deteriorate and become serious. Severe forms of the disease can cause serious neurological damage -- including encephalitis, seizures, or even comas -- or acute respiratory failure. Its case fatality rate is estimated to be between 40 and 75%, depending on the individual case. Survivors, for their part, generally recover completely. For about one in five, however, neurological after-effects persist, which can sometimes be debilitating. Low transmissibilities, high mortality Unlike many respiratory viruses, such as Covid-19, the virus is not easily transmitted from one human to another. It requires close and prolonged contact with respiratory secretions or bodily fluids from an infected person. In India, recent cases have thus affected healthcare workers, and those who had been in contact with these patients were placed in quarantine. Each infected person generally infects fewer than one other person, which limits the spread but does not prevent outbreaks. But when this disease strikes, it is often fatal. And the WHO considers Nipah to be a high-risk pathogen. No treatment, no vaccine Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for the Nipah virus. Doctors can only treat the symptoms. Several vaccine candidates are currently being studied or are in development, most of them targeting proteins on the surface of the virus that are necessary for its entry into human cells and its spread throughout the body. To reduce the risk of infection and transmission, prevention relies primarily on adapting behaviors: avoid consuming raw palm sap, wash and peel fruit, avoid fruit that has fallen to the ground or shows signs of bites, and limit contact with sick bats and animals. Some countries also screen travelers arriving from affected areas. MK Stalin's Big Pre-Poll Move: Rs 5,000 Each For 1.3 Crore Women Under Kalaignar Scheme Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 09:08 IST MK Stalin announces Rs 5,000 disbursal to 1.31 crore women under Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme, with Rs 2,000 summer bonus, reaffirming Dravidian Model commitment ahead of polls. Rapid Read Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin (Photo: PTI/File) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced the disbursal of Rs 5,000 to women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Womens Rights Scheme, describing it as part of his governments ongoing commitment to womens welfare. In a post on X, Chief Minister Stalin emphasised that the payments, covering February, March, and April, include Rs 3,000 as the standard monthly allocation and an additional Rs 2,000 as a summer special" bonus. He stated that the funds have already been credited to 1.31 crore women under the scheme. This promise given by this Stalin to Tamil Nadu women is the rights allocation. No matter who imposes obstacles, I will not back down from it. Using elections as an excuse, they are trying to stall the rights allocation for three months. What was promised was by our #DravidianModel government! As advance for February, March, April months: 3 thousand + as summer special allocation: 2 thousand!," he tweeted. Stalin described the scheme as a hallmark of the Dravidian Model government, asserting that attempts to delay the disbursement by three months, allegedly citing elections as an excuse, would not deter his administration. No matter who imposes obstacles, I will not back down from it," he wrote, highlighting his commitment to the programme. The DMK leader also promised that in the proposed Dravidian Model 2.0, the monthly rights allocation would increase from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, reinforcing his focus on expanding financial support to women. He concluded the post with a message of solidarity and electoral confidence, urging women to support the party in the upcoming assembly elections. The tweet comes ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections scheduled later this year, with Stalins government seeking to highlight welfare measures targeted at women as a key campaign plank. Tamil Nadu Congress Chief Vows To Protect Scheme Selvaperunthagai K, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, welcomed the increase in monthly assistance for women household heads, noting that 1.31 crore families will benefit from the move. . 1.31 . .3,000 , Selvaperunthagai K (@SPK_TNCC) February 13, 2026 In a post on X, Selvaperunthagai wrote, The announcement of the monthly assistance amount increase for women household heads brings joy. As a result, 1.31 crore families across Tamil Nadu will directly benefit. Last month, ahead of the Tamil harvest festival of Pongal, Rs 3,000 was provided per family, and now this month, with Rs 5,000 being provided under the womens rights scheme, families will receive a total of Rs 8,000 in consecutive months, bringing about real change in the lives of families. This will serve as true relief for poor and middle-class families struggling under the burden of rising prices." He praised the move as recognition of womens labor and self-reliance, while accusing the Union government of attempting to obstruct this people-welfare scheme." We cannot accept this trend of disregarding state rights and the welfare of the people. The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee will firmly safeguard this scheme that ensures social justice and human compassion," he further wrote. Commentator Sumanth Raman Targets Tamil Nadu Govt Over Cash Scheme Commentator Sumanth Raman criticised the Tamil Nadu government over its announcement of Rs 2,000 for summer expenses," questioning the timing ahead of elections. In a post on X, he alleged that the financial assistance amounted to voter inducement. A Govt that claims to have transformed Tamil Nadu and fulfilled most of its promises has to resort to what is effectively a bribe to the voters before the elections. Rs 2000 for Summer expenses? What next? Monsoon expenses and Winter expenses?" Raman wrote in a post on X. He also pointed out that with Rs 3,000 given for Pongal and now Rs 2,000 for summer expenses, nearly Rs 10,000 crore is being distributed, suggesting the move is linked to the upcoming polls. How is this any different from the BJP bribing Bihar voters with Rs 10,000 before the elections? Rs 3,000 for Pongal expenses and now Rs 2000 for summer expenses? Almost Rs 10,000 crore being distributed because elections are coming," he further wrote. First Published: February 13, 2026, 09:08 IST News india MK Stalin's Big Pre-Poll Move: Rs 5,000 Each For 1.3 Crore Women Under Kalaignar Scheme Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'North, South Blocks Symbol Of British Empire': PM Modi In First Address From Seva Teerth Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:53 IST Seva Teerth now serves as the permanent home of the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the Cabinet Secretariat, and the National Security Council Secretariat. PM Modi participates in the inaugural programme of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2. (X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Seva Teerth complex, the new Prime Ministers Office (PMO), marking the end of nearly 80 years of operations from South Block at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. While addressing the gathering at the event, he described the inauguration of Seva Teerth, Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 as a new history in the making" and said that it reflects the aspirations of the people and the governments commitment to Viksit Bharat". #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2 in Delhi.Seva Teerth houses the PMs Office, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat. Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 accommodate several key ministries, including pic.twitter.com/lvupqoChBf ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 Today we all are witnessing a new history being made This day of 13th February is witnessing a new beginning in Indias development journey Today, we are all entering Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan with the resolve to achieve Viksit Bharat. We have the divine blessings of achieving our goals," PM Modi said. Highlighting the broader vision behind the project, the Prime Minister said the country has moved beyond a colonial-era mindset. He drew a contrast between the newly inaugurated complexes and the British-era buildings- North Block and South Block. While acknowledging that many important decisions were taken there after Independence, he said that the structures were originally built as symbols of the British Empire. After independence, buildings like South Block and North Block were the catalysts for many important decisions and policies for the country. But its also true that these buildings were built as symbols of the British Empire. Their purpose was to keep India bound in the shackles of slavery for centuries," he said. #WATCH | Delhi | Inaugurating Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "After independence, buildings like South Block and North Block were the catalysts for many important decisions and policies for the country. But it's also true that these pic.twitter.com/nlPcxwYd0G ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 When these buildings on Raisina Hills were inaugurated, the then Viceroy stated that the new buildings were built in accordance with the wishes of the British Emperor. This meant that these buildings were a means of realising the British Emperors vision on the land of enslaved India. Raisina Hills was also chosen so that these buildings would stand above the others This entire Seva Tirtha complex is not located on a hill but is more connected to the ground," he said. We have got rid of the British mindset," he remarked, calling the new structures symbols of a confident and self-reliant India. He further said that it was unfortunate" that roads such as Race Course Road and Rajpath carried colonial-era names, stressing that in the journey towards Viksit Bharat, India must shed its colonial mindset. He added that the buildings represent a new work culture rooted in service and duty, and emphasised that governance infrastructure must be both functional and inspiring. Our buildings should be impressive and inspiring also," he said. I can say with pride that Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhawans have been built to fulfil the aspirations of Indians, not of any monarch," he said. The Prime Minister also pointed out that several old government buildings were becoming dilapidated and lacked adequate space and facilities to meet the needs of a modern nation. The new complexes, he said, are designed to support efficient governance and reflect the spirit of service. Service is the identity of India," PM Modi said, adding that the country must work to lift crores of people out of poverty and build a developed nation free from what he called a slave mentality". All About Seva Teerth PM Modi formally moved the PMO to a new address, marking the end of nearly 80 years of operations from South Block. The PMO will now function from Seva Teerth. The Prime Minister also inaugurated Seva Teerth along with Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2. This is the first time the PMO has shifted out of South Block, marking a historic administrative transition after nearly eight decades. Since Independence in 1947, the PMO had operated from South Block, part of the British-era Secretariat complex designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The Seva Teerth complex comprises three structures: Seva Teerth-1: Houses the PMO with modern workspaces and ceremonial meeting halls. Seva Teerth-2: Occupied by the Cabinet Secretariat. Seva Teerth-3: Will host the National Security Council Secretariat and the Office of the National Security Advisor. Seva Teerth features open-plan interiors, encrypted communications systems, advanced security frameworks and integrated administrative spaces aimed at improving coordination. The buildings comply with 4-Star GRIHA standards and incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation mechanisms, waste management systems and high-performance building envelopes to reduce environmental impact. What Happens To North & South Blocks? Seva Teerth has finally cleared the path for one of the most ambitious cultural undertakings in modern history: the transformation of the North and South Blocks into the worlds largest museum. The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is a landmark project designed to document over 5,000 years of Indian civilisational history. Spanning a massive 1.55 lakh square metres, it is set to surpass the British Museum and the Louvre in scale. The name itself, Yuge Yugeen Bharat", translates from Sanskrit as everlasting India," reflecting the nations unbroken heritage from the Vedic period to the digital age. First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:25 IST News india 'North, South Blocks Symbol Of British Empire': PM Modi In First Address From Seva Teerth Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... World Radio Day 2026: History, Theme And Radio Personalities Who Shaped Indias Airwaves Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 07:20 IST Observed annually on February 13, World Radio Day highlights the technologys role in informing communities, strengthening democracy, and connecting people. World Radio Day 2026 theme is Radio and Artificial Intelligence. (AI generated image) World Radio Day is a global observance that celebrates one of the most trusted and wide-reaching forms of mass communication. Unlike many modern technologies, radio does not rely on internet access, costly devices, or advanced digital skills, making it a powerful medium for connecting people across economic, geographic, and social boundaries. Observed annually on February 13, the day highlights radios role in informing communities, strengthening democracy, and connecting people across cultures and regions. World Radio Day 2026: History World Radio Day is a global initiative led by UNESCO and recognised by the United Nations, that highlights radios power to inform, educate, unite, and empower communities. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and first observed in 2012. February 13 was chosen to mark the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually to raise awareness about the importance of the technology and to encourage support for broadcasters worldwide. World Radio Day 2026: Theme The theme for World Radio Day 2026 is Radio and Artificial Intelligence", built around the guiding principle: AI is a tool, not a voice." It focuses on how artificial intelligence is transforming radio broadcasting, while emphasising that human judgment, ethics, and creativity should remain central to journalism. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape media production and distribution, the theme of this years celebrations encourages all voices to reflect on building an ethical, accessible, and innovative future for radio. World Radio Day 2026: Iconic Moments Roosevelts First Fireside Chat (1933): On March 12, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first Fireside Chat, changing the way presidents communicated with the public. Speaking calmly about the banking crisis, he built confidence during a time of national panic. NHK Japan Tsunami Broadcasts (2011): During the chaotic first moments of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, NHK Radio Japan served as a vital lifeline for the nation. Despite widespread power outages, its clear and timely emergency broadcasts guided evacuations, coordinated disaster response, and kept millions of people in Japan and around the world connected with real-time information. Historic National Broadcasts: Radio played a central role in broadcasting key national events, including Jawaharlal Nehrus speeches at independence, uniting millions across the country. The War of the Worlds (1938): Orson Welles directed a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells classic novel, The War of the Worlds. Its realistic presentation caused panic among some listeners, who believed an actual alien invasion was taking place. This broadcast remains a landmark example of radios ability to influence public perception. Winston Churchills Speeches (1940): During World War II, Winston Churchills inspirational speeches were broadcast across the radio, uniting the nation and boosting morale during a time of conflict. Radio Personalities Who Shaped Indias Airwaves Melville de Mellow: Melville de Mellow, a legendary broadcaster with All India Radio, is remembered for his exceptional reporting and commentary on key events in independent India. One of his most notable broadcasts was the emotional seven-hour coverage of Mahatma Gandhis funeral procession, widely regarded as one of the most powerful moments in the countrys history of radio broadcasts. Vinod Kashyap: During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the wail of air-raid sirens often threw Vinod Kashyaps Jor Bagh home into chaos. While her children were sent to safety, Kashyap would head straight to the All India Radio studios for her news shift. Work for me came first I had no time to be afraid," she recalled. Known for her powerful voice, her broadcasts captivated listeners across the nation. Ameen Sayani: Known as the Golden Voice," Ameen Sayani was a popular radio presenter in India. He was best known for his show Geetmala, which aired from 1952 to 1994. His warm and friendly voice helped him connect with listeners and build a sense of community. Sushil Javeri: A veteran All India Radio broadcaster, he started as a music presenter in 1955 and became one of the most respected English newsreaders in Indian radio. Known for his attention to pronunciation and clear delivery, Javeris voice was a staple on AIR for decades. Ramanuj Prasad Singh: Ramanuj Prasad Singh was a renowned newsreader with All India Radio, known for his deep, relaxed voice and clear delivery that made him a favourite among listeners. He joined AIR in 1966 after auditioning as a Hindi newsreader, leaving behind his job as a psychology lecturer. His broadcasts became widely recognisable across the nation, and his popularity was such that people would often recognise him by voice even outside the studio. First Published: February 13, 2026, 07:20 IST News lifestyle events World Radio Day 2026: History, Theme And Radio Personalities Who Shaped Indias Airwaves World Radio Day 2026: How Saeeda Bano and Usha Mehta Used Radio To Change India Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 12:34 IST From Indias first female newsreader to a freedom fighter who ran a secret radio station - two voices that changed history. World Radio Day 2026: How Saeeda Bano and Usha Mehta Used Radio To Change India. Credit: Amazon.in/NYT For most of us who have logged into a world driven by social media, radio is almost a relic of the past, of the good old days. And World Radio Day is a reminder that the airwaves have never just carried sound; they have carried courage, conviction and change. In India, some of the most powerful voices behind the microphone were women who used radio not just to inform, but to transform. From broadcasting history to broadcasting resistance, here are two trailblazers who shaped Indias story through sound. Saeeda Bano: The Voice That Opened The Door Saeeda Bano made history in 1947 as Indias first female radio newsreader at All India Radio, a moment that reshaped who could be heard in public life. At a time when broadcasting was overwhelmingly male, her calm, authoritative voice became a familiar presence in Indian homes. In her book, Off The Beaten Track, she wrote: I was ready to deliver my very first news bulletin on air on the 13th of August 1947. Prior to this, no woman had been employed by either the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) or AIR Delhi to work as a news broadcaster. I was the first woman AIR considered good enough to read radio news. Of course they had to train me and I was taught how to first introduce myself on air with my name and then start reading the bulletin." She didnt just read the news but redefined representation, opening the door for generations of women to step into media, journalism and public communication. Her legacy is not just in what she said, but in the fact that she was heard. Usha Mehta: The Voice Of Resistance During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Usha Mehta turned radio into a weapon of resistance. At just 22, she secretly operated the underground Congress Radio, broadcasting messages that defied British censorship and kept the spirit of Indias freedom struggle alive. She first participated in a protest march when she was just 8, and was a true Gandhian. Working from new hidden locations every day to avoid arrest, her transmissions carried updates, speeches and hope to a nation under surveillance. She was arrested, and even sentenced to four years in jail. For Mehta, radio was not just communication but rebellion and courage. She later taught at the University of Bombay and passed away in August, 2000. First Published: February 13, 2026, 12:34 IST News lifestyle events World Radio Day 2026: How Saeeda Bano and Usha Mehta Used Radio To Change India These Restaurants Are Serving Up A Special Valentine's Day Menu In Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 14, 2026, 17:00 IST Spend this day of love sharing a meal with your loved ones and enjoying their company. Here are some spots in Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluru that you can visit. Here are some eateries you can visit this Valentine's Day Valentines Day this year ignites romance across Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru, where several restaurants across these 3 cities are unveiling special menus that have been specially curated keeping love at the fore. They have been crafted for couples, singles and even groups of women celebrating Galentines Day. From Mumbais cosy corners to Goas beachside spots and Bengalurus lushness, these venues transform dinners into love stories think candlelit tables, live acoustic serenades, and tasting journeys that blend aphrodisiac flavours. Here are some eateries in Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluru that are celebrating love in the best way possible with food. Masayas Clifftop Haven, Goa The stunning new sunset-to-nightlife destination, now perched on a cliff in Goas Anjuna-Vagator belt, is a special Valentines Day experience designed to elevate your romantic plans with scenic Sea views, vibrant energy, and globally inspired shareable food. With its layered spaces from intimate indoor dining to a sea-facing rooftop and tropical bar, mood-driven cocktails, and a soundtrack that moves from sunset beats to high-energy rhythms, Masaya sets the scene for unforgettable evening dates full of joy, flavour and celebration. Como Agua, Goa This Valentines Day, Como Agua in Vagator invites couples to celebrate love over good food, crafted cocktails, and unhurried conversations. Perched overlooking Vagator Beach, the space transforms into an intimate sundowner spot as the sky shifts from gold to blush. The menu is rooted in simplicity and craft, led by Neapolitan-style pizzas made with slow-fermented dough and in-house mozzarella. From burrata-topped favourites to vibrant vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, dishes are designed for sharing. Fresh salads and small plates add to the experience. Complementing the food is a thoughtful cocktail programme featuring house-made syrups and balanced, flavour-forward blends. Hitchki, Multiple Outlets This Valentines Day, Hitchki turns up the romance with Ishq Wala Love, a special dining and nightlife experience. The special offer includes unlimited IMFL pours and a Chakna platter for 2.5 hours, along with a complimentary dessert and playful Laila Majnu shots. True to its desi spirit and Bollywood nostalgia, Hitchki blends contemporary Indian flavours with a lively, no-fuss atmosphere. As the evening progresses, the celebration shifts seamlessly from dinner to dance floor with Hitchkis signature Bollywood Night post 9 pm, featuring high-energy anthems and timeless love tracks. The best dancer couple of the night wins a complimentary bottle of wine. Royal China, Bengaluru Set the mood for an elegant and intimate celebration at Royal China in Bengaluru. The specially curated set menu available exclusively on 14th February, spotlighting its signature Cantonese cuisine alongside a thoughtfully crafted cocktail programme. From classic, well-balanced drinks to contemporary favourites from the bar, the beverage selection complements the experience, making it ideal for celebratory toasts through the evening. With its polished ambience, timeless flavours and elegant setting, Royal China stands out as a refined choice for couples looking to celebrate Valentines Day with sophistication and ease. Bao To Me, Bengaluru Whether youre planning a date with your partner, celebrating self-love, or rounding up your gang for a Galentines outing, heres one Valentines weekend experience you wont want to miss. For the Valentines day weekend (Feb 14-15 2026), Bao To Me in Koramangala, Bangalore, is hosting a chef-curated, hands-on dumpling workshop that brings together flavour, fun, and connection. Think of it as part cooking experience, part intimate meal, and part memory-making moment, perfect for couples, singles, and friends alike. Designed as a small, limited-seat gathering, the 120-minute interactive session invites guests to roll up their sleeves and fold their own dumplings under the guidance of the chef. The experience unfolds into a thoughtfully curated multi-course spread featuring gyozas, dimsums, baos, katsu curry, and dessert, so you dont just cook, you savour every bite of what you create. Bluebop Cafe, Mumbai skips the cliches and turns up the heat with Bluebop Cafes menu thats playful, indulgent, and just edgy enough. Start light with Love Struck Hummus or the creamy Heart of Burrata, then dive into spicy Peri Peri Chicken Popcorn and comfort-heavy mains like Heart-shaped Ricotta Ravioli, Truffle Kiss Gnocchi, and Cheesy Lasagne layered with love. The heart-shaped pizzas, Amore Love Veggie and the fiery Heart Breaker Chicken prove romance tastes best with a crispy crust. Finish on a sweet high with My Heart Strawberry Cheesecake or Chocolate and Raspberry Velvet Affair, and sip on flirty cocktails like After Dark Affair or Strawberry Kiss. Kalpaney, Bengaluru This Valentines Day, Kalpaney in JP Nagar invites guests to celebrate love in all its forms with a limited-edition vegetarian tasting menu. Rooted in comfort and bold flavours, the menu brings together dishes that feel familiar, satisfying, and meant to be enjoyed together. It includes Rainbow of Love, Love at First Roll, and Beetroot on My Mind, along with Choux Made for Two features molten cheese-filled savoury choux finished with a blue cheese drizzle, while Olive You Forever combines kalamata olives, melanzane, and parmesan shavings. Dessert brings the meal to a close with Berry Much in Love, a raspberry confit and vanilla rose mousse thats light, creamy, and satisfying. Entisi x Croffle Guys Pop Up at Jio World Drive, Mumbai From 13th to 15th February 2026, Entisi Chocolatier has teamed up with the favoruite Croffle Guys for a limited edition Valentines pop-up at its Jio World Drive store. Known for turning desserts into a full-blown personality, Croffle Guys bring their signature croffle the flaky croissant-meets-waffle hybrid into Entisis world of refined chocolate. At the centre of the collaboration is a freshly pressed croffle layered with Entisis silky hazelnut gianduja, topped with strawberries, chocolate accents, and a snowfall of icing sugar. Crispy outside, gooey inside, basically the dessert version of a good love story. August, Mumbai This Valentines Weekend, celebrate love in a playful and heartwarming way with roses full of surprises. Each rose in the cafes specially curated vase hides a small treasure, creating moments of delight to share with loved ones or enjoy for yourself. Guests can pick a rose and pass it to someone special, revealing a little magic inside. Whether its a cozy cup of hot chocolate for two, a slice of cheesecake, or a BOGO coffee, the experience encourages joy, connection, and playful indulgence. The initiative brings Augusts warm, welcoming atmosphere to life, making Valentines not just about romance, but about celebrating connection, surprises, and shared happiness. Lygon St., Mumbai This Valentines Week, Lygon invites guests to celebrate love on their own terms, quietly, comfortably, and without labels. The limited-time strawberry tiramisu and a menu of red-hued cocktails are designed to feel indulgent yet familiar. The idea is not about who you come with, but why you come at all. A first date, a Galentine catch-up, a solo evening with dessert and a drink, Lygon becomes a space where every version of Valentines feels equally valid, without explanation or expectation. Pomodoro, Mumbai This Valentines Day, Pomodoro sets the table for an intimate red affair rooted in Italian indulgence and honest hospitality. They are set to invite the loved ones to savour the moment. Now, as it expands its home from a cosy 28-seater to a generous 60-seater, Pomodoro isnt getting biggerits simply making room for love. Every plate is crafted with care, from hand-rolled dough to patiently built sauces, allowing flavours to speak without fuss. Whether its a first date, a Galentines catch-up, a relaxed gathering with friends, or a familiar ritual, Pomodoro turns Valentines into a warm, heartfelt experienceproof that love, in all its forms, grows best around a beautifully set table. Dough and Joe, Mumbai This Valentines Day, Dough & Joe is all about love thats easy, cheesy, and best served with coffee. A neighbourhood favourite built on comfort and familiarity, its where conversations flow, slices get shared (or stolen), and just one more coffee" somehow turns into hours together. With slow-fermented pizzas, cups that keep refilling, and a vibe that feels less like a date spot and more like home with better pizza. Dough & Joe keeps it real. Because sometimes love isnt about grand gestures; its about good food, big laughs, and lovingly fighting over the last slice. Raasta, Mumbai This Valentines, Raasta sets the stage for Tug of Love, a full-scale social celebration that transforms the day into an open, high-energy gathering rather than a conventional couples-only affair. The event unfolds as a mix of curated interactions and free-flowing moments, with open mic sessions, icebreakers, games, and music shaping the rhythm of the day and night. Guests can choose how they engage, stepping into activities, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the atmosphere with friends and drinks in hand. Set within Raastas music-driven, culture-first space, the event reflects the venues core identity bold, social, and community-led. Yazu Pan Asian Beach Club, Goa Set against the backdrop of Goas coastline, Yazu Pan Asian Beach Club offers an effortless blend of romance, flavour, and atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for Valentines Day. With its open-air setting, ocean views, and thoughtfully curated ambience, Yazu creates a space that feels intimate yet elevated. The menu is designed for sharing and features refined Pan-Asian flavours crafted with premium ingredients. The cocktail program complements the experience with well-balanced, mood-setting pairings. As the sun sets, the energy shifts from relaxed and romantic to vibrant and celebratory, making it perfect for couples who want more than just a meal. 403 Forbidden Bar, Bengaluru This Valentines Day becomes an exercise in presence. Designed as a sanctuary away from constant noise and digital distraction, this newly launched 403 Forbidden Bar invites couples, girls and everyone to unplug and truly tune in. Here, intimacy isnt performative, but its felt. Dimly lit interiors, choreographed light and sound, and a cocktail programme rooted in emotional storytelling create a space where every sip is intentional. Conversations deepen as phones fade into the background, replaced by shared glances and unhurried moments. Good Flippin Burgers, Mumbai This Valentines Week embrace the side of love that isnt always clean the kind thats hands-on, a little saucy, and best enjoyed when you stop worrying about the mess. With Good Flippin Burgers Fries Festival, the brand puts the spotlight on one of the most loved foods of all time. Running till 15th February, the Fries Festival puts loaded fries at the centre of Valentines plans that take many forms shared across the table with a partner, passed around among friends, or kept entirely to yourself. They come loaded with molten cheese, bold sauces, and generous toppings. The menu features Jalapeno Cheesy Dirty Fries (285); Thai Sweet Chilli Dirty Fries (285); Mexican Dirty Fries (285); Chicken & BBQ Dirty Fries (295); and Atomic Chicken Dirty Fries (295). SOCIAL, Mumbai This Valentines season, SOCIAL is bringing romance back offline with like the OGs, which is running till the end of this month. Guests are invited to step away from screens and reconnect in real life through a limited-edition Valentines menu, handwritten postcards, curated experiences, and community-led events designed to spark meaningful, offline connections. Write postcards while waiting for your food, exchange notes the old-fashioned way and spark conversations beyond screens. The menu brings together flavours from different regions and cuisines, reimagined with a SOCIAL twist. Highlights include Sev Puri Toastada, where Puraani Dilli meets Mexico; Bhuna Ghost Cheese Tart, a dhaaba classic turned indulgent; Chicken Biryani Burrito, a bold, no-rules pairing; and Andhra Chilli Paneer & Chicken Chopsuey, a spicy fusion that refuses labels. JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa This Valentines season, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa presents an exquisitely curated celebration of love across four distinctive dining destinations within the resort. The Aviary is the resorts all-day dining destination, combining a vibrant yet intimate ambience with global and contemporary cuisine, making it perfect for both casual dining and special celebrations. Couples can experience romance in three way: Cabana Dining, featuring private cabanas, personalized decor, a five-course menu with house wine, live music, and a keepsake couple photograph; a Valentines Dinner Buffet; and a Valentines Brunch on 15th February. East is a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant offering Korean, Japanese, and Cantonese flavors in an intimate lakeside setting, blending elegant decor with a relaxed, refined ambiance. For those preferring traditional dining, the a la carte dinner offers elegantly styled tables with candles, fresh roses, personalised menu cards, and table tent cards with couple names. Guests enjoy unlimited cocktails and mocktails alongside a specially curated menu, complemented by live DJ guitar music. Each couple receives a heart-shaped cake and a scented candle as a farewell gift. Easygoing, light-hearted, and casual, Flamingo Pool & Bar is a swim-up restaurant and pool bar, offering the perfect prelude to your evening. Guests can sip signature cocktails while enjoying one of the terraces famous, colourful sunsets, making it an ideal setting for romance and relaxation. Aaleeshan is the hotels Royal Indian speciality restaurant, celebrating the richness of Awadhi cuisine with heirloom recipes and bold, authentic flavours. With sweeping views of Nandi Hills, the restaurant combines traditional elegance with a contemporary touch, making it perfect for intimate celebrations and special dining experiences. First Published: February 13, 2026, 13:44 IST News lifestyle food These Restaurants Are Serving Up A Special Valentine's Day Menu In Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru Why Olympic Ski Jumpers Are Allegedly Injecting Their 'Private Parts' With Hyaluronic Acid Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 17:24 IST As "Penisgate" trends, Dr. S Ravi Narayanan warns that the quest for aerodynamic girth could lead to permanent deformity and tissue death. Why Olympic Ski Jumpers Are Allegedly Injecting Their 'Private Parts' With Hyaluronic Acid (AI-generated image) What wouldnt a human being do for an Olympic gold medal? History is full of athletes who have pushed their hearts to the limit, starved their bodies, or trained until they broke. But the latest trend in the world of professional ski jumping (now infamously dubbed Penisgate"), has moved the finish line from the gym to the doctors office. Reports suggest that athletes are injecting their penises with hyaluronic acid to gain a competitive edge. The logic is purely aerodynamic: by increasing the girth of the penis, athletes artificially bulk out their crotch area. This allows for a larger suit surface area during 3D body scans, effectively turning their competition suits into larger wings" that provide more lift and longer flight. To understand the medical gravity of this trend, we spoke with Dr. S Ravi Narayanan, a prominent expert and Consultant- Anaesthesiology at Narayana Healthcity, Bangalore. Why Would You Inject Your Penis With Hyaluronic Acid? Why would an elite athlete risk their health for a few extra centimeters of suit fabric? According to Dr. Narayanan, it comes down to the immense pressure of professional sports. People usually use such products for one simple reason: pressure," says Dr. Narayanan. Pressure to gain an edge where margins are thin. When something like hyaluronic acid is widely known as safe, it starts feeling harmlesseven when used outside medical advice." He notes that athletes often fall into the trap of chasing reassurance" rather than chasing risk, mistakenly believing that because the procedure is non-surgical, it carries no real danger. Hyaluronic has got only specific medicine uses, selected applications, andis to be used carefully only by trained professionals," he adds. The False Sense Of Safety" Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in human skin and joints, which is exactly why it is so deceptive. That familiarity creates a false sense of complete safety," warns the expert. The body may accept the substance, but it does not forgive poor technique. Certain areas of the body are densely packed with blood supply and nerves. Any injection in these zones demands precision and medical judgment." While the substance itself is biocompatible, the misuse of it in sensitive areas can lead to: Vascular Blockage: Accidentally blocking blood vessels. Nerve Compression: Leading to altered sensation or pain. Tissue Damage: Increased risk of infection and inflammation. The Myth of Reversibility Many athletes justify the risk because hyaluronic acid can be dissolved by enzymes or absorbed by the body over 6 to 18 months. However, Dr. Narayanan clarifies that while the filler is reversible, the damage often isnt. Reversibility applies to the material, not necessarily to the consequences," he explains. If a blood vessel is blocked or tissue loses oxygen, permanent injury can occur within hours. Scarring, loss of sensation, or tissue death (gangrene) cannot always be reversed, even if the filler itself disappears later." While Penisgate" highlights a dangerous experimental use, hyaluronic acid remains a vital tool in legitimate medicine. Dr. Narayanan points out its accepted uses: Joint Health: Injections for osteoarthritis. Ophthalmology: Eye procedures and drops. Recovery: Wound healing, burns, and scar management. In the world of ski jumping, flying high" shouldnt come at the cost of your health. As FIS officials move to tighten regulations, the lesson of Penisgate remains clear: No podium is worth a permanent physical price. First Published: February 13, 2026, 13:57 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Why Olympic Ski Jumpers Are Allegedly Injecting Their 'Private Parts' With Hyaluronic Acid From Beaches To Heritage Cities: Curated Valentines Getaways For Modern Couples Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:04 IST Discover handpicked global and Indian destinations for couples, blending privacy, comfort and exploration into effortless Valentines holidays. Udaipur is famous for its palaces, boat rides and candlelit evenings. This Valentines Day, romance is moving beyond candlelit dinners and into shared journeys. Couples are choosing travel that feels meaningful, immersive and easy to plan trips built around experiences rather than extravagance. From tropical islands and misty hills to heritage towns and adventure trails, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel highlight destinations that combine comfort, discovery and togetherness, making it perfect for quick breaks or well-paced international holidays. Beach Escapes: Where Romance Moves At The Pace Of The Tide Goa: Goa continues to charm couples with its effortless mix of leisure and energy. Boutique resorts, beachside cafes, sunset cruises along the Mandovi and an eclectic nightlife allow couples to design days that flow from laid-back mornings to vibrant evenings. Andaman Islands: For couples seeking seclusion and natural beauty, the Andamans offer untouched romance. Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and quiet beaches set the tone, while snorkelling, scuba diving and island-hopping experiences add gentle adventure without disrupting the tranquillity. Maldives: The Maldives is ideal for couples seeking privacy and indulgence. Overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, sunset cruises and bespoke dining experiences create an atmosphere where time slows down and every moment feels exclusive. Mauritius: Mauritius blends beachside relaxation with cultural richness. White-sand beaches, lush interiors, Creole cuisine and easy-paced exploration make it perfect for couples who enjoy variety without compromising on romance. Seychelles: Seychelles offers raw, unspoilt beauty for couples who value serenity. Granite rock formations, powdery beaches and intimate island resorts set the stage for barefoot luxury and deeply personal experiences. Philippines: With its island clusters, hidden lagoons and crystal-clear waters, the Philippines appeals to couples seeking offbeat tropical romance. Destinations like Palawan and Boracay combine natural drama with relaxed island living and water-based adventures. Phuket (Thailand): Phuket offers couples the freedom to travel at their own pace. Indulgent spa retreats, island-hopping excursions and romantic beachfront dining combine with lively pockets of culture and nightlife, creating a balanced escape. Krabi (Thailand): Krabis dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald waters and hidden coves create a naturally intimate setting. Private long-tail boat rides and secluded beaches make it ideal for quiet, scenic romance. Phu Quoc (Vietnam): Phu Quoc offers couples a quieter, more intimate tropical escape. Palm-fringed beaches, clear waters and a relaxed island rhythm come together with sunset walks, private boat trips and fresh seafood dining. Bali (Indonesia): Bali delivers romance through experiences rather than excess think private pool villas, jungle retreats in Ubud, beach sunsets in Seminyak and deeply rooted wellness and spirituality that invite couples to slow down and reconnect. Langkawi (Malaysia): Langkawi blends tropical serenity with nature-led experiences, from rainforest walks and sky-bridge views to relaxed island dining. Hills & Nature Retreats: Romance In Every Shade Of Green Manali: Manali transforms Valentines travel into a winter fairytale, with snow-dusted landscapes, cosy mountain stays and adventure options. Coorg: Coorg invites couples to slow down amid misty coffee plantations, birdsong-filled trails and intimate luxury homestays. Darjeeling: Darjeelings timeless charm unfolds through heritage hotels, toy train rides and sweeping Himalayan views. Kashmir: Often described as paradise on earth, Kashmir offers romance wrapped in natural grandeur. Snow-covered valleys, shikara rides on Dal Lake, heritage houseboats and scenic meadows create a setting that feels poetic and deeply immersive. New Zealand: Scenic road trips, glacier landscapes, lakeside towns and adrenaline-filled activities make New Zealand ideal for couples who love the outdoors. Culture & Heritage Trails: Where Romance Is Layered With Stories Udaipur: Often described as Indias most romantic city, Udaipur sets the stage with shimmering lakes, grand palaces and heritage hotels. Sunset boat rides and candle-lit dinners overlooking historic landmarks create moments that feel cinematic and timeless. Jaipur: Jaipur blends regal heritage with contemporary flair. Couples can explore majestic forts, browse vibrant bazaars, enjoy curated culinary experiences and retreat into boutique heritage stays. Tbilisi (Georgia): Tbilisi offers couples an offbeat European escape. Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, cafe culture and Georgias famed wine traditions combine to create a destination that feels intimate, affordable and refreshingly unexplored. Morocco: Morocco captivates with its colours, contrasts and sensory richness. Riad stays, bustling souks, desert journeys and starlit dinners infuse romance with mystery, making every experience feel deeply atmospheric. Greece: Greece delivers romance that is both iconic and experiential. Whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, island sunsets and leisurely seaside dining allow couples to blend history, scenery and indulgence in one unforgettable journey. Shopping-Led Escapes: Shared Indulgence, Elevated Dubai: Dubai pairs high-energy shopping with iconic experiences. Luxury malls, traditional souks and waterfront dining are balanced with desert safaris, skyline views and world-class hospitality. Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi offers a refined take on romance and retail. Architectural landmarks, cultural districts, upscale shopping and serene beaches appeal to couples seeking sophistication over spectacle. Singapore: Singapores appeal lies in its seamless elegance. From Orchard Road and neighbourhood boutiques to award-winning dining and waterfront strolls, it offers a compact yet indulgent romantic escape. Oman: Oman delivers an authentic shopping experience rooted in tradition. Handcrafted silver, frankincense and vibrant souks pair beautifully with coastal drives, desert landscapes and warm Arabian hospitality. Adventure Getaways: For Couples Who Bond Over Thrills Australia: Australia offers adventure at every scale from coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road and reef experiences in Queensland to wildlife encounters and rugged outback landscapes, ideal for couples who thrive on exploration and shared discovery. New Zealand: From bungee jumping and jet boating to glacier hikes and scenic trails, New Zealand allows couples to share adrenaline-filled experiences while surrounded by nature at its most dramatic. Rishikesh: Rishikesh brings together adventure, nature and spirituality, offering couples a refreshing alternative to conventional romantic escapes. White-water rafting on the Ganges, forest trails and Himalayan treks introduce shared thrills, while yoga sessions, riverside walks and quiet moments by the water encourage deeper connection. Adding to the destinations appeal is Nature Trails by Thomas Cook, which offers immersive, nature-centric stays designed around outdoor experiences, comfort-led accommodations and curated activities. Greece: Beyond its romantic imagery, Greece offers active pursuits such as hiking ancient trails, island-hopping and water sports, ideal for couples who enjoy dynamic, experience-driven travel. Phenomena & Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences: Moments That Stay Forever Finland/Norway/Sweden: Witnessing the Northern Lights together is a profoundly shared experience. Arctic landscapes, glass igloos and hushed nights beneath dancing skies create memories that feel intimate and extraordinary. Japan/South Korea: Cherry blossom season transforms Japan and South Korea into a poetic dreamscape. Strolling through pink-lined parks, exploring historic cities and enjoying seasonal cuisine makes romance feel fleeting, beautiful and deeply memorable. South Africa/Kenya: Experience the extraordinary diversity within a single journey. Romantic wildlife safaris allow couples to experience close encounters with the Big Five, sunset game drives and intimate lodge stays set amid vast natural landscapes. Beyond the wild, the destination unfolds into scenic coastal drives, vineyard retreats with curated wine tastings, and vibrant city experiences. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 19:04 IST News lifestyle travel From Beaches To Heritage Cities: Curated Valentines Getaways For Modern Couples Gerran Howell Says No Character Is Safe After Heartbreaking The Pitt Death Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:05 IST Gerran Howell talked about the unexpected death in 'The Pitt' that had a profound impact on his character, Dr Dennis Whitaker. Gerran Howell plays the character, Dr Dennis Whitaker, in 'The Pitt' season 2.(Photo Credit: Instagram) A beloved longtime patient, Louie Cloverfield (played by Ernest Harden Jr), died unexpectedly in the most recent episode of The Pitt, which has been emotionally devastating for the ensemble cast. Actor Gerran Howell, who plays the character Dr Dennis Whitaker in season 2, believes the incident shows the brutal realities of emergency treatment. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Howell talked about the plot and emphasised the lesson his character learns: never become overly at ease in the emergency room. The death signals a shift in Whitakers professional boundaries and reaffirms the shows dedication to realistically depicting the psychological toll of frontline healthcare labour. You Cant Get Too Comfortable Despite desperate attempts to rescue Louie, a frequent patient who is popular among the nurses, he dies in Season 2, Episode 6, from a pulmonary haemorrhage linked to liver failure. The February 12 episode opens with Dr Michael Robby" Robinavitchs (played by Noah Wyle) and Dr Frank Langdons (played by Patrick Ball) unwavering attempt to save Louies life. However, a nurse observes that his lungs are filled with blood, suggesting that it is too late. Whitaker, who was close to Louie during several trips, is deeply impacted by the sudden loss. Together with other medical personnel, Whitaker and Langdon subsequently pay their respects to the deceased patient. Such frequent flyers" often become known faces to ER workers, making their deaths feel destabilising and personal. Considering Whitakers reaction, Howell stated that the encounter teaches his character to keep emotional distance from patients. The actor noted that the plot taught him not to become too comfortable or involved in anything other than medical care because the outcomes are unexpected. I learned that you cant get too comfortable with your patients in the ER because you just never know whats going to happen it can sometimes come back to bite you," Howell admitted. Life And Death Is a Big Thing in the ER Speaking with PEOPLE magazine, Howell admitted the plot got him to reflect on how quickly things can change." Life and death are a big thing in the ER, especially with Louie because he is one of our frequent flyers and has become a staple in the hospital," the actor said. I think everybody thought Louie was going to outlive us all." Considering Whitakers reaction, Howell stated that the experience teaches his character to keep emotional distance from patients. He added that there are deaths in a lot of the shows episodes, stating, That stuff never stops happening." The Pitt, an allusion to the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre, debuted on HBO Max in January 2025. The series is created by R Scott Gemmill, and follows doctors and nurses, led by Noah Wyle as Dr Michael Robby" Robinavitch, through intense 15-hour shifts. First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:52 IST News movies hollywood Gerran Howell Says No Character Is Safe After Heartbreaking The Pitt Death Allu Sirish Shares Glimpses From Pasupu Ceremony With Nayanika Reddy; Allu Arjun Absent Due To AA22xA6 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:05 IST Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy kick off wedding festivities with a traditional Pasupu ceremony. Allu Arjun skips event amid AA22xA6 filming commitments. Rapid Read Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy have officially begun their wedding celebrations with a traditional Pasupu ceremony at the Allu residence. The wedding celebrations for Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy have officially begun. The actor recently took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the first pre-wedding ritual held at the Allu residence the traditional Pasupu (Haldi) ceremony. Surrounded by close family members, Sirish looked visibly excited as the festivities commenced. However, fans were quick to notice the absence of his elder brother, Allu Arjun, from the ceremony, as the Pushpa 2 actor is busy with his next AA22xA6. Pasupu Ceremony Marks The Beginning Of Celebrations Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy are set to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony on March 6, 2026. The couple has kickstarted the wedding rituals with the Pasupu function, a cherished Telugu pre-wedding tradition. Sharing moments from the ceremony, Sirish captioned the post, Wedding festivities have officially begun with our pasupu function ," expressing his joy as the celebrations unfolded. The video offered a warm peek into the rituals at the Allu household. Parents Allu Aravind and Nirmala Allu were seen participating in the customary hand-pounding of turmeric roots, smiling as they carried forward the family tradition. Allu Sneha Reddy was also spotted warmly interacting with guests and sharing affectionate moments with her father-in-law. Allu Arjuns Absence Sparks Buzz While most family members were present, Allu Arjun was notably missing from the ceremony. His absence quickly caught fans attention online. Later, the Pushpa actor reshared Sirishs clip on his Instagram Stories and wrote, I missed being there ," clarifying that he couldnt attend the event in person. Arjun is currently occupied with multiple film commitments, including his much-anticipated collaboration with Atlee, tentatively titled AA22xA6. The ambitious project reportedly features Deepika Padukone, with names like Mrunal Thakur, Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Tiger Shroff also being linked to the film. A Dubai Getaway Before The Big Day Before the Pasupu ceremony, Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy had joined the soon-to-be-married couple for a celebratory trip to Dubai. The pre-wedding cruise party was attended by close friends, including Sophie Choudry, as the group toasted to the upcoming wedding in style. From Party Meeting To Wedding Bells Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy reportedly met at a party and began dating a few years ago. The couple made their relationship official with an engagement announcement in October 2025 and soon locked in March 2026 as their wedding date. With the rituals now underway, the Allu familys celebrations have begun in full swing and fans are eagerly awaiting more glimpses from the star-studded wedding festivities. First Published: February 13, 2026, 15:13 IST News movies telugu-cinema Allu Sirish Shares Glimpses From Pasupu Ceremony With Nayanika Reddy; Allu Arjun Absent Due To AA22xA6 Arbaz Patel Thrown Out Of 'The 50' Show After Slapping Prince Narula: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 14, 2026, 02:21 IST Arbaz Patel is reportedly thrown out of The 50 after slapping Prince Narula during a heated fight linked to Nikki Tamboli, with the controversy set to air soon. Arbaz Patel reportedly exits The 50 after physical clash with Prince Narula. Reality show drama seems to have taken a serious turn on The 50, as contestant Arbaz Patel has reportedly been asked to leave the competition following a physical altercation with Prince Narula. The controversy centres on an argument that allegedly escalated into violence after remarks made about Arbazs partner, Nikki Tamboli. Fight Erupts After Body-Shaming Allegation Arbaz entered the show alongside Nikki, showcasing their competitive streak and personal bond. According to reports citing Filmy Window, tensions flared after Nikki who had been briefly eliminated returned and told Arbaz that Prince had body-shamed her. The claim reportedly led to heated arguments between the contestants. Nikki confronted Prince herself, while Arbaz allegedly lost his temper and became physically aggressive. During the confrontation, he is said to have slapped Prince, violating the programmes strict rules against violence. As a consequence, Arbaz was reportedly instructed to exit the show by the authority figure referred to as The Lion," marking a sudden end to his stint. The episode featuring the altercation is expected to air in upcoming broadcasts, and online discussions have already begun debating whether Nikkis revelation indirectly triggered the fallout. The incident also highlights the shows zero-tolerance stance on aggression. Arbaz is not the first participant to face such consequences Archit Kaushik was earlier eliminated after a physical clash with Sagar Thakur, also known as Maxtern. Proposal, Relationship And Emotional Fallout The controversy arrives shortly after a romantic highlight on the show. In a recent episode, Arbaz proposed to Nikki on camera, leaving her emotional as she shared details about their relationship. She revealed they had been living together for around a year and a half and spoke about facing family opposition due to religious differences, while reaffirming her commitment to him. Their relationship began during their appearance on Bigg Boss Marathi 5, where they first connected and later fell in love. Since then, they have continued their relationship outside the show environment and currently reside in Mumbai. With Arbazs reported exit and Nikki already coping with the elimination of close friend Janhavi Killekar, the emotional impact of recent events could be significant. First Published: February 14, 2026, 02:21 IST News movies web-series Arbaz Patel Thrown Out Of 'The 50' Show After Slapping Prince Narula: Report The Indonesian government is preparing to launch a rice support programme worth nearly 12 trillion IDR (US$713 million) in the first quarter of 2026, expected to reach more than 35 million households nationwide to boost economic growth and ensure social welfare, according to Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. The rice assistance policy is part of the governments stimulus package aimed at bolstering economic growth in the first quarter, he said on Feb. 11. Under the policy, each household classified as very poor or vulnerable will receive 10 kg of rice and two liters of cooking oil. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has projected national rice production in the first quarter of 2026 at 10.16 million tonnes, a sharp increase of 15.79% compared to the 8.78 million tonnes during the same period last year. Airlangga affirmed that the national rice supply is sufficient to ensure the implementation of the programme. The Indonesian National Logistics Agency (Bulog) will be responsible for coordinating with local authorities to distribute rice and cooking oil to beneficiaries. The official also emphasised that close coordination at all levels is a key factor in ensuring a smooth logistics chain, preventing delays or losses, and maximising the effectiveness of this humane policy amid volatile market prices. Opinion | Bangladeshs Political Reset And Indias Strategic Test Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:24 IST Tarique Rahmans dramatic return signals a new era in Dhaka and a delicate recalibration for New Delhi. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)'s claim of a sweeping majority puts Tarique Rahman at the centre of Bangladeshs political future and sets the stage for a new phase in IndiaBangladesh relations. The 2026 Bangladesh general election marks a watershed moment in South Asian politics. The first national vote since the July 2024 violence that ended the long tenure of Sheikh Hasina and forced her into exile has delivered what many are calling a political fairytale. Tarique Rahman, once dismissed by critics as the dark prince" of Bangladeshi politics, is poised to lead a triumphant Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) back to power. Rahmans ascent is nothing short of Shakespearean. Political royalty by South Asian standards, the 60-year-old is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Yet his journey back to Dhaka was paved with controversy. Arrested in 2017 on corruption and money-laundering charges, Rahman left the country under a cloud of suspicion. He spent 17 years abroad, returning only after his mothers death in December 2025. When he did return, he was greeted by massive crowds. His speech, echoing the rhetorical cadence of Martin Luther King Jr.s famous I Have a Dream," replaced dream with design: I have a plan for Bangladesh." That line has become both a rallying cry for his supporters and a question mark for his neighbours, especially India. India Moves First Within hours of the election outcome becoming clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman, offering warm congratulations" and pledging support for a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh." It was a standard diplomatic message, but the timing was strategic. New Delhi moved before Beijing or Islamabad could publicly shape the narrative. For India, the past 18 months have been fraught. Hasinas fall triggered uncertainty in Dhakas foreign policy orientation. There were signs of Bangladesh flirting with China and Pakistan, alongside troubling reports of attacks on Hindu minorities. The stable, pro-India equilibrium that had characterised much of Hasinas rule was suddenly gone. Delhi now faces a delicate recalibration. The Baseline: From Stability To Uncertainty Under Hasina and her Awami League, India and Bangladesh enjoyed one of the most stable bilateral relationships in South Asia. Agreements on trade, transport connectivity, border management, and water-sharing transformed what had historically been a tense relationship into a pragmatic partnership. Hasinas government cracked down on insurgent groups operating in Indias northeast and improved intelligence cooperation. Transit routes through Bangladesh improved connectivity to Indias landlocked northeastern states. Trade flourished, touching nearly $14 billion annually, with India enjoying a substantial surplus. The BNPs return does not automatically undo these gains. Rahman has signalled respect for Indias interests, suggesting a shift from his mothers earlier Bangladesh First" emphasis toward a more balanced approach. But history suggests that BNP governments tend to be more transactional and less instinctively aligned with Delhi than the Awami League. For India, that means adopting a wait-and-watch posture. The ChinaPakistan Question The most serious concern in New Delhi is the possibility of a PakistanChinaBangladesh axis. While such a nexus is far from inevitable, geopolitics is about anticipating worst-case alignments. Chinas footprint in Bangladesh has grown significantly over the past decade. Investments in infrastructure, including the modernisation of the Mongla Port, are officially commercial. Yet Indian strategic planners see potential dual-use implications. Chinas experience in developing ports in Sri Lanka and Pakistan has demonstrated how commercial projects can acquire military utility over time. If Dhaka were to tilt decisively toward Beijing, it would expand Chinas logistical reach into the Bay of Bengal, complicating Indias maritime security environment in the Indian Ocean Region. Pakistans involvement presents a different but related challenge. An overt alignment between Dhaka and Islamabad could revive concerns about extremist elements using Bangladeshi soil as a staging ground against Indias northeast. During previous BNP tenures, Indian agencies expressed unease about cross-border insurgent safe havens. The absence of Jamaat-e-Islami as a coalition partner in the new government is reassuring to Delhi, but vigilance remains essential. The strategic stakes are not abstract. Any destabilisation in Indias northeast could intersect with Chinas claims over Arunachal Pradesh, adding layers of complexity to an already tense Sino-Indian relationship. The Border Factor India and Bangladesh share a 4,100-kilometre border, one of the longest and most densely populated in the world. Under Hasina, border cooperation improved markedly. Joint efforts reduced insurgent movement and curbed smuggling networks. Since July 2024, however, reports suggest a spike in infiltration attempts. Illegal migration is not merely a bilateral issue; it has profound domestic political implications within India. Both West Bengal and Assam, states that share the border, are heading into assembly elections. Migration is a core campaign issue, particularly in Assam, where the BJP has built a strong narrative around border control and citizenship. Rahmans approach to border management will therefore be scrutinised not only in Delhi but also in state capitals. Effective cooperation on curbing illegal crossings, cross-border crime, and narcotics trafficking could stabilise the relationship. Laxity, whether perceived or real, would inflame political tensions. The Hindu Question Perhaps the most sensitive issue is the security of Bangladeshs Hindu minority, which constitutes about eight per cent of the population. Following Hasinas fall, reports emerged of widespread attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and temples. India has publicly stated that at least 23 Hindus were killed in the aftermath, while Bangladeshi authorities have offered different interpretations of the violence. For New Delhi, the issue transcends humanitarian concern. It touches upon domestic political narratives and Indias broader civilisational self-perception. Prime Minister Modis government has taken a visibly strong stance on protecting Hindus in neighbouring countries. Rahman has promised protection for minorities. However, the BNPs historical associations with conservative elements mean that Delhi will judge the new administration not by rhetoric but by action, visible policing, swift prosecutions, and deterrence of communal violence. Trade: Dependency And Leverage Trade ties provide both stability and leverage. India enjoys a nearly $10 billion surplus with Bangladesh. A key component is cotton yarn, which accounts for over 80 per cent of Bangladeshs imports in that category and fuels its readymade garments (RMG) industry, the backbone of its export economy. An unfriendly Dhaka could attempt supplier diversification, possibly turning to China. But such a shift would entail economic risks for Bangladeshs RMG sector, which depends on predictable supply chains. Conversely, a stable BNP government seeking rapid economic recovery might deepen trade engagement with India. Economic pragmatism could temper geopolitical temptations. The Bottom Line For India, the equation boils down to two variables: capability and intent. Capability refers to whether the new government in Dhaka can effectively control its territory, secure its borders, and prevent extremist activity. Intent concerns whether it chooses cooperation over confrontation. Tarique Rahmans political resurrection may indeed be a fairytale ending for a man once written off. But for India, this is not about personalities; it is about policy trajectories. Delhis swift congratulatory message signals openness to partnership. Yet the coming months will test whether Rahmans plan for Bangladesh" aligns with Indias core interests: secure borders, minority protection, balanced geopolitics, and stability in the Indian Ocean region. South Asia rarely offers neat narratives. Rahmans return is dramatic, but the real story will unfold in the quiet, technical, and strategic decisions that follow. For India, vigilance paired with engagement is the only prudent course. The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: February 13, 2026, 19:24 IST News opinion Opinion | Bangladeshs Political Reset And Indias Strategic Test Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Verdict Bangladesh: Dhakas New Pivot, Delhis New Dilemma Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 21:21 IST Henceforth, an 'India-baiting' BNP will rule, and an allegedly Hindu 'genocide' normalising Jamaat-e-Islami will sit in Opposition The victory of the Centre-Right Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, was guaranteed because of the ban on the Awami League. (File pic: AFP) Its easy to fall back on sweeping generalisations to describe the outcome of the national election result in Bangladesh. A New Dawn" has been used, and so has the phrase A New Page". But nothing on the ground has happened to suggest that were witnessing anything even remotely pathbreaking. The election and its buildup itself followed a tired script: the ban on political parties, ballot fixing, violence, and the same parlous flirtations with filthy lucre. The outcome too was on expected lines. Well, almost. While the victory of the Centre-Right Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, was guaranteed because of the ban on the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, the emergence from the fringes of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami marks a stunning turnaround for religious politics in the nation. Henceforth, an India-baiting" BNP will rule, and an allegedly Hindu genocide" normalising Jamaat-e-Islami will sit in Opposition. The Indian government was quick to proffer congratulations in heaps. The Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister, and several other notables posted their support for the BNP. Realpolitik demanded it; geography compels engagement regardless of ideology. For India, the elected" alternative is potentially trickier. Heres why. First, the BNP is going to be even more militant with Delhi about providing refuge to arch-rival, Awami League ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. In fact, as if on cue, setting the tone on day one itself, the BNP demanded the extradition of Hasina, almost suggesting that it was prepared to risk ties for Indias cooperation" on the matter. Second, the BNP has denounced the heroic legacy" of Bangladeshs founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who spearheaded the countrys liberation struggle and helped it to emerge as an independent nation in 1971 from Pakistan. The BNPs win paves the way for better relations with Islamabad and potentially the formation of an axis of influence that could include China, which already has entrenched stakes in Bangladesh. Third, the current leader of the BNP, who has won a majority, is accused of running a weapons-smuggling network supplying guns to the ULFA separatist group in Assam in the past. With that background, Tarique Rahman, unlike his late mother Khaleda Zia, may be less inclined to prioritise Indias core interests and security concerns in the North-East. Delhis work is cut out. Finally, Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged as the principal opposition, marking a dangerous flirtation with once-shunned Islamism in Bangladesh. A look at the electoral map shows that the Jamaat is on Indias doorstep. Several areas of Bangladesh bordering India have been won by the Jamaat. The concern isnt immediate violence but Islamist mobilisation and radicalisation in areas contiguous with India. The emergence of the religious option says a lot about growing religious parochialism in Bangladeshi society. Could Bangladesh become a staging ground for Islamist radicals primed by Pakistans ISI? Time will tell, but clearly, for the reasons above, Delhi can expect to encounter turbulence from Dhaka. First Published: February 13, 2026, 21:21 IST News opinion Verdict Bangladesh: Dhakas New Pivot, Delhis New Dilemma Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 09:02 IST 1 / 8 As Valentines Week unfolds, today brings us to Kiss Day, a celebration of affection, intimacy, and the timeless gesture that has captivated poets, artists, and lovers for centuries. A kiss is more than romance; it is a universal language of connection, capable of expressing joy, sealing promises, or even altering the course of history. From ancient rituals to iconic photographs, kisses have carried meanings far beyond the personal, becoming symbols of peace, betrayal, solidarity, and cultural change. On this Kiss Day, its worth looking back at those extraordinary moments when a single kiss transcended private passion and became a public event that shaped the world. 2 / 8 The First Recorded Kiss (circa 1500 B.C.): Ancient Mesopotamian texts from around 1500 B.C. contain references to kissing, making them the earliest known records of the practice. Scholars debate whether kissing originated as a learned behavior or developed independently across cultures. Regardless, these early mentions show that the kiss has long been a symbol of intimacy and connection, setting the stage for its enduring role in human history. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 Judas Betrayal of Jesus: Perhaps the most infamous kiss in religious history, Judas Iscariot identified Jesus to Roman soldiers with a kiss, leading to his arrest and crucifixion. This act transformed the kiss into a symbol of betrayal, forever embedding it in Christian theology and Western cultural consciousness. 4 / 8 The V-J Day Kiss in Times Square (1945): Captured by photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, the spontaneous kiss between a sailor and a nurse in New Yorks Times Square became one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. Taken on Victory over Japan Day, it symbolized relief, joy, and the end of World War II. Though celebrated as a symbol of peace, the kiss has also been re-examined in recent years for its lack of consent, sparking debates about how we interpret historical images. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 The First Interracial Kiss on U.S. Television (1968): In an episode of Star Trek, Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) shared what is widely considered the first interracial kiss on American television. At the height of the civil rights movement, this moment challenged racial taboos and became a landmark in media history, showing how a kiss could push boundaries and reshape cultural norms. 6 / 8 The Kiss of Peace Between Brezhnev and Honecker (1979): During the 30th anniversary of East Germany, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker shared a socialist fraternal kiss. Photographed and later immortalized in street art on the Berlin Wall, the kiss symbolized political solidarity but also became a satirical emblem of Cold War politics. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 John Lennon and Yoko Onos Kiss (1980): Photographed by Annie Leibovitz just hours before Lennons assassination, the image of John Lennon kissing Yoko Ono became one of the most poignant portraits in music history. It captured vulnerability, intimacy, and the enduring bond between two cultural icons, forever linked to Lennons tragic death. Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 13:31 IST 1 / 9 Aditya Pancholi and his son, Sooraj Pancholi, often land into controversies for several reasons. While the father has been facing a rape case, the son was jailed after the alleged suicide of his girlfriend, Jiah Khan. Now, Aditya has moved the Bombay High Court seeking to quash an FIR against him. Let's find out more about the case and the controversial father-son duo. 2 / 9 On February 12, Aditya Pancholi moved the Bombay High Court seeking to quash a rape FIR filed against him in 2019. The actor, who was popular in the 1990s for playing grey characters, has been facing legal trouble after an actress accused him of rape. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 9 The High Court heard Pancholis petition on Thursday, February 12. Appearing for the actor, advocate Prashant Patil requested the court to set aside the FIR. He argued that the complaint was filed nearly 15 years after the alleged incident, raising questions over the delay. He also called the allegations against him malicious. 4 / 9 The petition also cited the Supreme Courts landmark Bhajan Lal judgment, which lays down guidelines on when criminal proceedings can be quashed. Patil also told the court that before the FIR was registered, an individual had met Pancholi, and a recording of that meeting is in their possession. The recording has reportedly been submitted before the court to support the actors claim that the complaint was filed with wrongful intent. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 9 During the hearing, the public prosecutor informed the court that the complainant had not appeared before the police for investigation despite 11 notices being sent to her. Following this submission, the High Court issued a fresh notice directing the complainant to remain present on the next date of hearing, which is scheduled for February 24, 2026. 6 / 9 The FIR, registered on June 27, 2019, at Mumbais Versova Police Station, includes charges under IPC Section 376 (rape) and other relevant sections. Pancholi has denied the allegations and has termed the complaint as malicious." ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 9 Talking about Sooraj Pancholi, his life also turned upside down after Jiah Khan was found hanging at her home in June 2013. At the time of her death, she was in a romantic relationship with Sooraj Pancholi. Following Jiahs death, her mother accused Sooraj and his family of mistreating her. Sooraj was then booked for abetment of suicide. He was even arrested but was later released on bail. 8 / 9 Following Soorajs bail, Jiahs mother moved to the Bombay High Court and sought a transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The central investigating agency then filed a chargesheet in December 2015 in which they charged Pancholi with abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code. ADVERTISEMENT Babri Masjid Pitch And Minority Vote: Will Humayun Kabir's New Party Impact West Bengal Election? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 13:27 IST On the ground, there is visible support among a segment of residents for Humayun Kabir's Babri mosque project. In political circles, there is speculation that Kabirs strained relationship with sections of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership, along with several controversial public statements that reportedly diverged from the party line, may have weakened his prospects of renomination. (Image: PTI) As West Bengal heads into another election cycle, fresh political questions have emerged around the sudden formation of a new outfit led by MLA Humayun Kabir. Why has he chosen this moment to float the Janata Unnayan Party? Is the move aimed at consolidating minority sentiment, or at reshaping local political equations? In political circles, there is speculation that Kabirs strained relationship with sections of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership, along with several controversial public statements that reportedly diverged from the party line, may have weakened his prospects of renomination. While there is no official confirmation on ticket distribution, these discussions have intensified ahead of the polls. Kabir has foregrounded the issue of constructing a Babri mosque, positioning it as a symbolic and political marker. Observers say this move appears designed to signal that he stands firmly with minority concerns. News18 visited Beldanga and Rejinagar to assess why a section of the population has rallied behind Kabir under the banner of the Janata Unnayan Party. Both Beldanga and Rejinagar have a minority population exceeding 60 per cent, according to Census data. On the ground, there is visible support among a segment of residents for the mosque project. Contributions, both financial and voluntary, have come from members of the community who say the issue carries emotional and symbolic weight. However, the larger political question is whether this support reflects deeper dissatisfaction with the ruling TMC government. Electoral outcomes in recent years do not indicate a large-scale shift in minority voting patterns. Yet, interactions with residents suggest that a section of the minority community in these pockets is expressing discontent. One of the recurring concerns relates to the Waqf (Amendment) Act and its implementation. Rafikul, a resident of Kashipur, told News18: We thought they were strongly opposed to the Waqf changes and would be able to stop it. Initially, we believed it would not be implemented here. But now we see that it is being carried out. We did not react at first, but now we are concerned." Officially, the Minority Affairs Department has directed District Magistrates to upload Waqf property data in compliance with central regulations. For some residents, this development has become a point of grievance. Another issue raised by locals is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A tea seller in the area said: They said they would stop the SIR process, but it has continued. Many of our people have been called for hearings. It feels like harassment. In this situation, we are not receiving support." Apart from policy issues, dissatisfaction with local leadership has also surfaced. Hamid, a local resident, told News18: We do not need unemployment stipends. We need jobs. There is no job creation here. That is why we are trying to see whether Humayun Kabir can offer any alternative." At the Babri mosques stone-laying ceremony in Beldanga, a significant crowd gathered on the first day. However, attendance reportedly declined sharply at a subsequent rally on 11 February, when construction work formally began. Political observers offer different interpretations some suggest that voters in Bengal have historically resisted overt religious mobilisation, while others believe the ruling party may be recalibrating its outreach efforts. Whether Humayun Kabirs new political platform will meaningfully split the minority vote in these constituencies remains uncertain. Bengals electoral history suggests that identity-based politics alone has not always determined outcomes. Ultimately, the ballot box will determine whether the emerging discontent translates into a measurable political shift. First Published: February 13, 2026, 13:27 IST News politics Babri Masjid Pitch And Minority Vote: Will Humayun Kabir's New Party Impact West Bengal Election? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sunetra Pawar Likely To Take Over As NCP Chief In Next Two Weeks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:40 IST NCP leader Praful Patel asserted that Sunetra Pawar is set to take over the party's top post in the next fortnight. Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar. (File photo) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is likely to get a new national president within the next two weeks, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar emerging as the sole candidate for the post. According to party sources, the NCP is working on completing the formalities to elect new national president. As per the procedure, the partys national executive committee will be convened, where the leadership question is expected to be taken up and a decision formally endorsed. Meanwhile, senior NCP leader Praful Patel asserted that Sunetra Pawar is set to take over the partys top post in the next fortnight. While speaking to news agency PTI, Patel said following the death of Ajit Pawar, the immediate priority was to strengthen the partys organisation and consolidate recent electoral gains.. The Deputy Chief Minister is the sole candidate for the post and will formally take over as the partys national chief soon, he told reporters. Let us first focus on rallying behind Sunetra Pawar and complete the procedures within the party. We are also going to focus on strengthening the base of the party in the state in the coming period," Patel said as quoted by the news agency. The NCP has performed strongly in recent local body elections, securing a notable victory in the Pune Zilla Parishad and making gains in Kolhapur and several panchayat samitis. Meanwhile, Patel declined to comment on speculation regarding a possible merger between the NCP and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction). Recently, NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule had stated in Delhi that merger talks had been underway with Ajit Pawar, but said there was little point in pursuing the matter following his sudden demise. The development came in the aftermath of the sudden death of Ajit Pawar, who was serving as the NCPs national president as well as Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister. The 66-year-old leader died in a plane crash in his hometown Baramati on January 28, a tragedy that has left a leadership vacuum and triggered intense deliberations over the partys future course. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: February 13, 2026, 19:37 IST News politics Sunetra Pawar Likely To Take Over As NCP Chief In Next Two Weeks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Will Fight For Farmers: Rahul Gandhi After BJP MP Moves Substantive Motion In Lok Sabha Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 12, 2026, 20:50 IST Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of being anti-farmers and said it would not be allowed to compromise on the interests of annadata. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Image: X) Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted that he would continue to fight for farmers rights, even if an FIR is lodged against him, a case is filed, or a Privilege motion is brought. Whether an FIR is filed, a case is registered, or a Privilege motion is brought I will fight for the farmers. Any trade deal that snatches away farmers livelihood or weakens the countrys food security is anti-farmer," the Congress MP said in a video message on X after reports surfaced that a privilege motion could be considered over his recent remarks in the House. Gandhi accused the Modi government of being anti-farmers and said it would not be allowed to compromise on the interests of annadata". We will not allow the anti-farmer Modi government to compromise on the interests of the food providers," he added. His remarks came a day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that a privilege motion would be moved against Gandhi for allegedly misleading the House and making baseless statements." Rijiju did not specify when the notice would be brought or who would initiate it, though it is understood that a member from the treasury benches in the Lok Sabha is likely to do so. However, government sources told ANI that there are no plans at present to move a privilege motion against the Congress leader. The clarification came even as BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said he had submitted a notice seeking a substantive motion against Gandhi. A substantive motion is a formal, standalone proposal placed before the House to seek its approval on a specific matter. No privilege motion notice. I have given a substantive motion notice where in I have mentioned how he visits Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia with Soros Foundation, Ford Foundation and USAID, and colludes with anti-India forces," Dubey said. What Rahul Gandhi Alleged? Participating in the debate on the Union Budget, Gandhi alleged that the government has sold Bharat Mata" through the India-US interim trade deal, and that it was a wholesale surrender" with Indias energy security being handed over to America and farmers interests compromised. He said that if an INDIA bloc government would have negotiated the trade agreement with the US, it would have told US President Donald Trump they should treat India as an equal. You have sold India. Are you not ashamed of selling India? You have sold our mother, Bharat Mata," Gandhi said, while referring to the recent trade agreement between the two countries. Earlier on Wednesday, the Congress MP lashed out at sections of the media over questions regarding a possible privilege motion against him. Responding to a question on whether the government was planning to move a privilege notice, Gandhi said, You are not totally employed by the BJP. At least try and do little bit of objective stuff, it gets really shameful its too much. You are responsible people. You are media people, you have a responsibility to be objective. You cant just take a word they give you everyday and run your whole show on that. You are doing a disservice to this country." First Published: February 12, 2026, 20:50 IST News politics Will Fight For Farmers: Rahul Gandhi After BJP MP Moves Substantive Motion In Lok Sabha Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... AI Cloning Threat: Google Says Hackers Are Trying To Make A Rogue Gemini AI Chatbot Curated By : Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 10:44 IST AI clones will become a serious threat of the companies and Google has shared the worrying details about how these attacks are done. Google is warning about hackers cloning AI models to attack victims. (Photo: AI generated) Google and other tech companies have more reasons to be worried about the rise of AI and it is not just about them replacing coders or taking away your jobs. Google has come out with a detailed report which says some attackers tried to prompt Gemini into making a clone version of the AI model which can have a massive impact on how the AI arena operates over the next few years. The company is calling it distillation attacks," which is designed to push the AI chatbot to share the confidential details about its model and how it functions in the background. Weve heard various forms of AI going rogue, including the ability to inject the regular looking prompts with malicious code that can be used to steal data. But the risk of hackers being able to break the AI into making a clone, that is another level of danger. AI Clones From Prompt: What Google Has Said Google says the attackers are trying to clone Gemini with model extraction" and this is easily done by feeding 100,000s of prompts to the AI chatbot (anyone) and getting it to reveal the finer details that makes it tick. All the data can be used to build or even enhance existing/competing AI models, the company warned. Google has made these allegations before, but the details shared in the new report suggest these attacks are orchestrated by private companies (its rivals) or even researchers, which doesnt seem feasible with the level of clout and power needed to pull these off. Rogue AI Everywhere What Google has shared should be alarming for companies that are in the AI business but dont have the resources or manpower close to Google that can not only help them detect such attacks but also prevent them. Imagine if hackers succeed in using these tricks into cloning AI tools from smaller companies, the whole industry will struggle to put a leash on how the technology evolves, and even if it does, could be stolen from under their watch. Stealing the ideas and thought process of AI models can have massive repercussions for businesses, who are already spending billions to keep them running and evolving. Hard To Avoid For regular users, who are the real source of making AI models powerful, will have a hard time differentiating between the original and the rogue AI model. The data scraping could happen at such a level where all your information is fed into the system which makes you believe that rogue AI version is actually the main AI that you have been using all this while. Gemini probably wont be the first and the last to face these cloning attacks, and people are going to need to be even more smarter to avoid becoming victims to these new-gen attacks on the internet. Location : California, USA First Published: February 13, 2026, 10:44 IST News tech AI Cloning Threat: Google Says Hackers Are Trying To Make A Rogue Gemini AI Chatbot Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 2,000-Year-Old Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Found On Tombs In Egypts Valley Of The Kings Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 14:59 IST Two-thousand-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypts Valley of the Kings mention a merchant named Cikai Korran, revealing Indians had travelled to Egypts heartland Rapid Read The presence of inscriptions in the inland Valley of the Kings indicates that Tamil merchants remained in Egypt for extended periods. (Representative Image) For decades, history framed India-Egypt ties largely as maritime trade across the Red Sea. Now, a remarkable discovery has expanded that narrative. Researchers from Switzerland and France have identified 2,000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions carved into tombs in Egypts renowned Valley of the Kings. The inscriptions mention a Tamil merchant named Cikai Korran, indicating that Indian traders journeyed far beyond coastal ports into Egypts historic interior. The findings suggest that ancient links between India and Egypt were not limited to commerce alone. Indian merchants appear to have travelled inland to explore monumental architecture and sacred sites, leaving behind inscriptions in Tamil, as well as in Sanskrit and Prakrit, a powerful evidence of deep cultural as well as commercial exchange. Who Was Cikai Korran? The name Cikai Korran appears etched into the stone surfaces of several tombs. Swiss scholar Ingo Strauch and French researcher Charlotte Schmitt discovered and deciphered these inscriptions. Their study reveals that around 2,000 years ago, a Tamil merchant visited the tombs of Egyptian kings, the pharaohs, and inscribed his name in eight separate places across five of the six tombs examined. In Tamil, Cikai translates as crown or topknot, while Korran signifies leader or king. According to a report by The Times of India, one inscription reads Cikai Korran-Vara Kant, meaning he came and he saw. Researchers also believe the trader may have understood Greek, as the style of carving resembles Greek inscriptions of the period. A Glimpse Of Early Cultural Tourism Professor Ingo Strauch of the University of Lausanne noted that, until now, evidence of Tamil traders in Egypt had been confined to coastal trading ports. The presence of inscriptions in the inland Valley of the Kings indicates that Tamil merchants remained in Egypt for extended periods. They did not merely engage in buying and selling goods, but also travelled considerable distances to explore its architecture and historical monuments. Sanskrit And Prakrit Connections In total, researchers documented 30 inscriptions in the Valley of the Kings. Of these, 20 are in Tamil, while the remaining are in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gandhari-Kharosthi. This linguistic diversity suggests that traders from regions beyond South India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and north-western India, journeyed to Egypt during the Roman era. One Sanskrit inscription refers to an envoy from the Kshaharata dynasty of western India who arrived in the first century AD. Strong Evidence Of Two-Way Trade According to senior epigraphist Y Subbarayalu and archaeologist V Selvakumar, the discovery offers firm proof of reciprocal trade. Previously, it was widely believed that Roman merchants were the primary visitors to India. This new evidence demonstrates that Indian traders were equally active in travelling to the Roman and Egyptian empires, reinforcing the depth and dynamism of ancient commercial and cultural exchanges. Location : Egypt First Published: February 13, 2026, 14:59 IST News viral 2,000-Year-Old Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Found On Tombs In Egypts Valley Of The Kings Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Bill Gates To Sam Altman, Techies Take AI-Powered Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Road Trip | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:16 IST The clip, which has gone viral on social media, was shared by X user Chandan Perla ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. In the video, Sam Altman, Bill Gates and Sundar Pichai replace the films lead trio. An AI-generated video brought together three of the worlds biggest tech figures- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Google CEO Sundar Pichai- into the world of Bollywood, deepfaking them into a famous scene from the 2011 hit Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The clip, which has gone viral on social media, was shared by X user Chandan Perla ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, scheduled from February 16 to 20. In the video, Sam Altman, Bill Gates and Sundar Pichai replace the films lead trio, with Altman taking the place of Hrithik Roshan, Pichai stepping in for Abhay Deol and Gates filling the role originally played by Farhan Akhtar. The scene, one of the films most quoted moments, shows a work-obsessed character pausing a road trip across Spain to attend a conference call, while his friends look on with sympathy and gentle mockery. The AI clip blends this iconic cinematic moment with the modern tech world, humorously highlighting the tension between ambition and living in the moment. Chandan Perla captioned the video, Welcome to India @sama @BillGates @sundarpichai for the India AI Impact Summit. Looking fresh in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Moshi Moshi. See you at India AI Film Festival." Social media users responded with amusement, praising the clever combination of nostalgia, humour and AI wizardry. One viewer joked, Sam already deepfaked his vacation once, this is just him practicing for the real summit wardrobe malfunction. Moshi Moshi from the uncanny valley." Another added, Hahahaha I cracked up at this video. Kudos to the team behind this." Welcome to India @sama @BillGates @sundarpichai for the India AI Impact SummitLooking fresh in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Moshi Moshi. See you at India AI Film Festival pic.twitter.com/pfussFwKKS Chandan Perla (@Chandan_Perla) February 13, 2026 The India AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is a first-of-its-kind global AI gathering in the Global South. The summit will host AI experts, entrepreneurs and global tech leaders. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:16 IST News viral From Bill Gates To Sam Altman, Techies Take AI-Powered Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Road Trip | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Over centuries the Drukpa Lineage has become the central religious tradition in Bhutan, shaping the cultural identity of this South Asian nation renowned for its Gross National Happiness index. Bhutan is a small kingdom on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, situated between India and China, and deeply influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism. Among its traditions is the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, which has forged the country's history, authority and culture for centuries, from its name to its national symbols. Bhutan's local name is Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon), and its king bears the title Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). The national flag features a dragon along a diagonal line dividing the flag into yellow and orange halves, with yellow symbolizing the king and orange representing the spiritual tradition and the flourishing of Buddhism in general. Origins of Drukpa Lineage The Drukpa Lineage traces its origins back 1,000 years to India, beginning with the great Mahasiddha Naropa (10161100), known as the "Northern Gate Protector" of the ancient Nalanda University. It is a branch of the Kagyu (oral transmission) tradition in Himalayan Vajrayana Buddhism, with a lineage transmitted from Vajradhara Buddha to renowned Mahasiddhas Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, Gampopa. After Gampopa, the Kagyu tradition divided into several branches. The Lingre branch, founded by the Mahasiddha Lingchen Repa, became the direct predecessor of the first Drukpa master, Drogon Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje. In the late 12th century Tsangpa Gyare, a principal disciple of Lingchen Repa, traveled in search of a sacred site to establish the Namdruk Monastery. He arrived in Nam-gyi Phu, not far from Lhasa, Tibet. Legend has it that he witnessed nine sacred dragons rising from the earth amid thunderous sounds, leading him to found the Drukpa lineage (Druk meaning "dragon"). His Holiness Trulku Jigme Chhoeda (C), the 70th and current Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of Bhutan, is with His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche (L) and His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa at the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, Bhutan in November 2025. Photo courtesy of Drukpa Over the next five centuries the Drukpa Lineage, led by successive reincarnations of Tsangpa Gyare, grew across the Himalayan region. Its influence became extensive enough for a local saying to be widely quoted: "Half the people are disciples of the Drukpa Lineage, Half of the Drukpa disciples are yogis, Half of the yogis are Mahasiddhas." In the early 17th century Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the reincarnation of the fourth Drukpa spiritual leader, the omniscient Kunkhyen Pema Karpo, spread the Drukpa Lineage, unified local communities and laid the foundation for the modern Bhutanese state. Zhabdrung established the "dual system" (Chosi Nyiden), consisting of a religious pillar led by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and a secular pillar led by the Desi (temporal ruler), while he himself stood as the supreme symbol of the nation. The national monastic system largely belongs to the Drukpa Lineage and is state-supported. The Je Khenpo, head of the religious pillar, is appointed by the king. This structure remained the country's distinctive political foundation for centuries. National rituals, festivals, architecture, and traditional dress all bear the imprint of the Drukpa influence. From absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy In 1907 Bhutan transitioned to a secular monarchy under the Wangchuck dynasty. Political power became increasingly centralized, gradually replacing the dual system, though the central role of the Drukpa Lineage was maintained. The current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has reigned since 2006. He serves not only as head of state but is also regarded as the current protector of the Drukpa Lineage. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema in Punakha, western Bhutan, October 2011. Photo by Reuters In 2008 Bhutan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy and held its first general election. Although the Constitution does not designate an official state religion, it recognizes the special position of Vajrayana Buddhism in politics and society. The king continues to serve as patron of religion, while the monastic system remains a moral and cultural pillar of Bhutanese society. Educated at Oxford University in Britain and the National Defense Academy of India, the king possesses a foundation and skills that enable him to communicate effectively with younger generations. During public events such as National Day, thousands gather to hear him speak, expressing admiration through songs. For this reason, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is often called the "People's King," a title reflecting his close relationship with the people. He is on record as saying: "Throughout my reign, I will not rule my people as a king. I will protect my people as a father, care for them as a brother and serve them as a son." This spirit is reflected in his vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, announced in December 2023, a special administrative region that is expected to serve as a catalyst for administrative reform and economic growth. The King of Bhutan with the Abbess of the Mandala Tay Thien Great Stupa at the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, Bhutan in November 2025. Photo provided Under the project Bhutan plans to build a new, larger international airport with a longer runway capable of accommodating large aircraft flying on long-haul routes. During the National Day ceremony on Dec. 17, 2025, King Wangchuck announced the allocation of 10,000 BTC (Bitcoin), now valued at around US$650 million, for investment in the project. "I must ensure that every Bhutanese citizen is a guardian, a shareholder, and a beneficiary of the Gelephu Mindfulness City," the king stated. Bhutan is well known for its Gross National Happiness index, which combines Buddhist philosophy with public policy to emphasize balance between material well-being, spirituality, environment, and culture rather than prioritize economic growth at all costs. The Drukpa Lineage provides the philosophical foundation for this model, enabling people to embrace development oriented toward happiness and well-being rather than solely GDP. This means Bhutan can keep close ties between religion and state despite integrating into an international order. International influence of the Drukpa Lineage With a 1,000-year heritage the Drukpa Lineage holds a distinctive place in Buddhist history. More than 80% of the population of Ladakh, an Indian centrally-governed territory, are its disciples. It also exerts a broad influence across the Himalayan region, including in Nepal and several northern Indian areas. In the 21st century the Drukpa Lineage has expanded beyond the Indian Himalayas and is now present in many countries, including in the west. The current spiritual leader, His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, is influential not only religiously but also in intercultural and social dialogue, with internationally recognized contributions. Born in 1963 into a renowned family of Vajrayana practitioners in India, he has spent more than 50 years teaching Buddhism worldwide. He has initiated humanitarian projects and promoted volunteer groups focused on environmental protection, disaster relief, education, healthcare, and heritage conservation. The Drukpa Buddhist lineage shaping Bhutan's national identity Mo tranh theu Phat cau an tren bao thap Mandala People gather at the Dharma Assembly Program at Tay Thien Mandala Great Stupa in Vietnam's nothern province of Vinh Phuc on Feb. 7, 2025. Video by VnExpress He has visited Vietnam 12 times, most recently in 2025, to take part in activities for praying for peace and prosperity and for cultural and religious exchanges, including a three-day Dharma ceremony at the Mandala Stupa in Dai Dinh Commune, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc Province, around 80 km from Hanoi. The Mandala Stupa is situated near the Tay Thien Special National Relic Site. The 37-meter structure is in the architectural style of Himalayan Vajrayana's great stupas. Tarique Rahman's BNP Declares Victory, Jamaat-e-Islami Raises Objections: Top Points Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 11:11 IST BNP has claimed a landslide win in Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary elections, with Tarique Rahman poised as Prime Minister and sweeping reforms backed, ending the Awami League era. A man walks past a campaign poster of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman and election candidate Tarique Rahman (Photo: AFP) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared victory in the countrys landmark parliamentary elections, after unofficial results from multiple media tallies on Friday placed the party comfortably ahead of its rivals. Meanwhile, BNPS main rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party leading a wider coalition, said it had serious questions about the integrity of the results process". The vote, seen as a defining moment after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024, is expected to usher in a new political chapter in the country. Counting began soon after polling concluded at 4.30 pm local time on Thursday, and early tallies indicated that the BNP had crossed the halfway mark in the 300-member parliament. Reuters projected that the BNP-led coalition secured 209 seats, clinching a two-thirds majority in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. AFP reported that television channels showed the party pushing well past the 150-seat threshold required for a simple majority. The election was the first national vote since the 2024 Gen Z-driven uprising that toppled long-time premier Sheikh Hasina. Held in the absence of Hasinas now-disbanded Awami League, the contest was largely viewed as a direct fight between the BNP and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami. Official confirmation from the Election Commission (EC) was awaited as counting continued in several constituencies. 10 KEY POINTS FROM THE BANGLADESH ELECTION RESULTS 1. BNP CLAIMS DECISIVE MANDATE The BNP appeared headed for a decisive victory, with multiple media tallies showing the party had won more than 151 seats in the 300-seat parliament. Soon after, the party claimed victory in the countrys election. Reuters projected a landslide, with the BNP-led coalition winning 209 seats. 2. TARIQUE RAHMAN WINS BOGURA-6 SEAT With the party heading towards a win, its chief, Tarique Rahman, was unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory. According to district officials cited by ANI, counting had been completed in 150 of the 151 polling centres in the constituency. 3. RAHMAN POISED TO BECOME BANGLADESH PRIME MINISTER The BNP had earlier announced that if voted to power, Rahman would assume office as prime minister. His return to Bangladesh in December after more than 17 years in self-exile marked a significant political comeback. 4. JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI OBJECTS TO RESULT Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded defeat, stating that his party would not engage in obstructive politics of opposition." He said, We will do positive politics." However, Rahman also mounted a disciplined grassroots campaign on a platform of justice and ending corruption. His party said it was not satisfied with the process surrounding the election results", claiming it had logged repeated inconsistencies and fabrications in unofficial result announcements". 5. REFERENDUM ON SWEEPING REFORMS ALONGSIDE POLLS Voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was conducted along with a referendum on the 84-point reform package known as the July National Charter. Proposals included prime ministerial term limits, a bicameral legislature, stronger judicial independence and enhanced checks on executive power. Television projections suggested significant backing for the reforms, though official results were awaited. 6. INTERIM GOVERNMENT TO STEP DOWN The election is set to replace the 18-month interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which assumed office after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. As the elections were underway, Yunus urged all sides to remain calm and united in the national interest. 7. MASSIVE SECURITY DEPLOYMENT Nearly one million security personnel were deployed, the largest-ever security arrangement in the countrys electoral history, to oversee polling at over 42,000 centres nationwide. 8. VOTER TURNOUT AND PARTICIPATION Bangladesh Election Commissions Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said 47.91 per cent voter turnout had been recorded by 2 pm at 36,031 of 42,651 polling centres. Reuters cited local media estimates suggesting turnout could exceed 60 per cent, higher than the 42 per cent recorded in the previous election. 9. OVER 2,000 CANDIDATES WERE IN FRAY More than 2,000 candidates, including independents, contested 299 of the 300 constituencies. Polling in one constituency was postponed due to the death of a candidate. 10. BNP CALLS FOR PRAYERS, NO VICTORY RALLIES Despite projections of a sweeping win, the BNP urged supporters not to organise celebratory processions. In a statement, the party called for special prayers across mosques, temples, churches and pagodas for the welfare of the country. As Bangladesh awaits formal confirmation from the Election Commission, the projected landslide marks a pivotal shift in the countrys political landscape. With the BNP set to form the next government and constitutional reforms on the table, the election outcome signals the beginning of a new phase following years of political turbulence and the end of the so-called Battle of Begums" era. First Published: February 13, 2026, 07:04 IST News world Tarique Rahman's BNP Declares Victory, Jamaat-e-Islami Raises Objections: Top Points Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BJP Wins One Seat In Bangladesh, But Its Not What You Think Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 23:21 IST Andaleeve Rahman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), an ally of Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been unofficially elected from the Bhola-1 constituency. Andaleeve Rahman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Bangladesh Polls: In a result that may raise eyebrows across the border, the BJP has won one seat in Bangladesh but it is not Indias Bharatiya Janata Party. Andaleeve Rahman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), an ally of Tarique Rahmans Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been unofficially elected from the Bhola-1 constituency in Bangladeshs 13th National Parliament Election, BSS News reported. As per results announced at the Result Collection and Dissemination Centre at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Rahman secured 105,543 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Nazrul Islam, received 75,337 votes, the report added. Additionally, in the referendum held alongside the parliamentary election, 143,473 voters in Bhola-1 cast their ballots in favour of Yes", while 44,731 voted No". The results were formally declared at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital, marking the lone victory for the Bangladesh Jatiya Party in the parliamentary polls. Bangladesh Polls Thursdays polls were the first since the 2024 student-led Gen-Z" movement toppled Sheikh Hasinas government, forcing the former prime minister to flee to India. Following mass protests and nationwide unrest, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus banned all Awami League activities. The Bangladesh Election Commission subsequently suspended the partys registration, preventing it from contesting in the elections. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has handed a decisive mandate to the Tarique Rahman-led BNP. As the unofficial tallies continue to come in from Thursdays voting, it is clear that the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, has registered its victory over 200 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. The election was a direct contest between the BNP and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami. Tarique Rahmans political comeback marks a dramatic turn in Bangladeshs turbulent political landscape. Often described by critics as the dark prince" of Bangladeshi politics, the 60-year-old leader hails from one of the countrys most influential political families. He is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman is likely to take the oath on Sunday. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 13, 2026, 23:20 IST News world BJP Wins One Seat In Bangladesh, But Its Not What You Think Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BNP Heading For Victory In Bangladesh Polls; Tarique Rahman Set To Be New PM? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 06:51 IST With results of more than half of the 300 seats announced, the BNP is inching closer to victory in Bangladesh polls. BNP inches closer towards victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary election. (Photo: AFP) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is headed for a decisive victory in the countrys landmark 2026 general election, which was held nearly 18 months after Sheikh Hasinas 15-year rule ended following student-led protests in July 2024. As the unofficial tallies continue to come in from Thursdays voting, it is clear that the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, has comfortably crossed the majority mark in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation, leaving the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance trailing. By around 6 am local time, multiple media tallies showed that the BNP won over 200 seats in the 300-seat parliament. While the Jamaat-e-Islami registered a win over 62 seats. However, the Election Commission (EC) is yet to make a formal announcement. A poll body spokesperson informed that results in several seats were still being processed and were likely to be announced in a few hours. The election was seen as a direct contest between the BNP and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami. Meanwhile, ousted premier Sheikh Hasinas Awami League remained out of the battle as it was banned from contesting. During this time, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took over the administration for 18 months, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India. The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on the implementation of a complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter. Tarique Rahman Set To Be New PM? Earlier, the BNP had announced that if the party wins the election, then its chairman and former premier Khaleda Zias son Tarique Rahman would become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. We are confident of forming the government by winning more than two-thirds of seats," BNPs central election steering committee spokesman Mahdi Amin told a media briefing in the early hours of Friday. Tarique Rahman is the son of BNP supremo and former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia. He returned to Bangladesh a few months back, after ending his 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. He took over leadership of the BNP from his mother, Khaleda Zia, a giant political figure in Bangladeshi politics. Zia died just five days after Rahman returned home in December. Location : Bangladesh First Published: February 13, 2026, 06:19 IST News world BNP Heading For Victory In Bangladesh Polls; Tarique Rahman Set To Be New PM? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Bring Back The King': Thousands Rally In Kathmandu Demanding Return of Monarchy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:17 IST Thousands welcomed Gyanendra Shah at Kathmandus International Airport, calling for monarchy restoration. Thousands welcomed Gyanendra Shah at Kathmandus International Airport, calling for monarchy restoration. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Thousands of supporters of Nepals former king gathered outside Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday to welcome him back and renew calls for the restoration of the monarchy. Former King Gyanendra Shah was seen waving to cheering crowds through the sunroof of his vehicle as police in riot gear worked to manage the large gathering at the airports main entrance. Protesters chanted slogans such as Bring back the king" and Restore constitutional monarchy," expressing loyalty to the former monarch. Supporters also lined the roads along his route to his private residence in the capital. The demonstration remained peaceful, and authorities reported no arrests. Gyanendra was returning from a visit to eastern Nepal. The public show of support comes nearly two decades after massive street protests in 2006 forced him to relinquish direct rule. In 2008, Nepals parliament formally abolished the centuries-old monarchy, transforming the country into a republic. Gyanendra subsequently vacated the Royal Palace and has since lived as a private citizen. Similar pro-monarchy rallies have been held in recent years. An estimated 10,000 supporters gathered at the airport last year, while another rally turned violent, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. The former king has not publicly commented on the renewed calls for reinstating the monarchy. Despite visible support from loyalist groups, analysts believe his immediate return to power remains unlikely, as mainstream political parties continue to back the republican system. The rally comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections next month. Pro-Gyanendra groups, which secured around 5% of seats in the previous election, are hoping to expand their presence in parliament. Location : Kathmandu, Nepal First Published: February 13, 2026, 16:17 IST News world 'Bring Back The King': Thousands Rally In Kathmandu Demanding Return of Monarchy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Misanthropic, Evil': Elon Musk Slams AI Startup Anthropic After It Hits A $30 Billion Valuation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 07:51 IST Anthropic raised 30 billion dollars at a 380 billion valuation, sparking criticism from Elon Musk, who called the company "misanthropic and evil". A file photo of Elon Musk (AP) Artificial intelligence company Anthropic on X announced that it has raised $30 billion in fresh funding at a $380 billion post-money valuation, underscoring its rapid ascent in the global AI race, thus triggering a response from Elon Musk. Weve raised $30B in funding at a $380B post-money valuation. This investment will help us deepen our research, continue to innovate in products, and ensure we have the resources to power our infrastructure expansion as we make Claude available everywhere our customers are," the company posted. Soon after, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk responded to Anthropics announcement on X. Your AI hates Whites & Asians, especially Chinese, heterosexuals and men. This is misanthropic and evil. Fix it," Musk wrote. He further added, Frankly, I dont think there is anything you can do to escape the inevitable irony of Anthropic ending up being Misanthropic. You were doomed to this fate when you chose your name." Musk also wrote: The Name of the Wind." Your AI hates Whites & Asians, especially Chinese, heterosexuals and men.This is misanthropic and evil. Fix it. Frankly, I dont think there is anything you can do to escape the inevitable irony of Anthropic ending up being Misanthropic. You were doomed to this fate when you Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 12, 2026 His remarks come at a time when his own artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is undergoing significant changes. According to a Reuters report, Musk has overhauled xAIs management structure ahead of a planned initial public offering, following its merger with SpaceX. The reorganisation came after the departure of several co-founders from the three-year-old firm. At an all-hands meeting, Musk said, Were organising because weve reached a certain scale. Were organising the company to be more effective at this scale. Now, naturally, when this happens, some people are better suited for the early stages of a company and less suited for the later stages." He also highlighted the companys ambitions in the competitive AI space, saying, We are hiring, and were looking for intelligent and smart people. This is not an easy place to work. Its a grind, but we have, I guess, like interstellar ambitions." Anthropic is the maker of chatbot Claude and is widely seen as one of the leading challengers to OpenAI and other generative AI firms developing large language models for enterprise and consumer use. AMONG TOP PRIVATE AI FIRMS According to an Associated Press report, Anthropics $380 billion valuation places it among the worlds most valuable startups, alongside OpenAI and SpaceX. Renaissance Capital has ranked Anthropic as the third most valuable private firm, behind OpenAI, valued at $500 billion, and SpaceX, which recently merged with Elon Musks AI venture. The latest funding round was led by Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC and US-based investment firm Coatue, along with dozens of other major investors. AP reported that the funding includes a portion of the $15 billion investment previously announced by Nvidia and Microsoft. As part of that arrangement, Anthropic is expected to buy up to $30 billion in computing capacity from Microsoft to build and run AI systems like Claude. Anthropic, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees, is not yet profitable but has said it is on track for $14 billion in sales over the next year. The company has focused on developing enterprise-grade AI tools, particularly for software engineering tasks, and has emphasised AI safety in its long-term plans. Reuters also noted that traffic to xAIs Grok chatbot remains significantly lower than rivals, accounting for about 3.4 per cent of global generative AI chatbot traffic, compared with 64.5 per cent for ChatGPT and 21.5 per cent for Googles Gemini, according to January data from Similarweb. First Published: February 13, 2026, 07:51 IST News world 'Misanthropic, Evil': Elon Musk Slams AI Startup Anthropic After It Hits A $30 Billion Valuation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Exile To PM: Historic Firsts For Tarique Rahman After Bangladesh Poll Win Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 20:08 IST Tarique Rahman spent nearly 17 years in selfimposed exile in London before returning to Bangladesh in late 2025. Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's son and acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman. (AFP photo) With his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, securing a commanding lead in the nations first general election since the fall of longtime leader Sheikh Hasina, Tarique Rahman is poised to become Bangladeshs next prime minister. His rise would be marked by several unprecedented developments in the countrys political history. First Leader To Return From Long Exile And Become PM Tarique Rahman spent nearly 17 years in selfimposed exile in London before returning to Bangladesh in late 2025, following his mothers death and the collapse of the previous governments legal barriers. No major Bangladeshi political leader in modern times has returned from prolonged exile to assume the countrys highest executive office. Read more: Who Is Tarique Rahman? Khaleda Zias Son Set To Become Bangladeshs Next PM First BNPLed Government In Over Two Decades Tarique Rahman would lead the first BNPled government in about 20 years, marking the partys return to power after a long period in opposition and political marginalisation. The BNP once dominated Bangladeshi politics under earlier leadership but Sheikh Hasinas Awami League held power for most of the last two decades. First Dynastic Successor With A Controversial Past As PM As the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and threetime Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman would extend Bangladeshs pattern of political dynasties, becoming one of the few leaders to follow directly from two influential political family figures. However, his path has been notably atypical: he has never served as prime minister before and his return follows the overturning of past legal convictions that had kept him abroad. First Male Prime Minister In Over Three Decades If he is sworn in, Tarique Rahman would become the first male prime minister of Bangladesh in about 35 years. Over the past three decades, the premiership has been held almost exclusively by women- his mother Khaleda Zia and then Sheikh Hasina- making this a significant gender break in the countrys executive leadership. Read more: Reaffirmed Commitment To Peace: PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman For Bangladesh Poll Win First PM Facing A New Constitutional Framework The 2026 election was held alongside a national referendum that approved the July National Charter- a package of constitutional reforms that includes term limits, a bicameral legislature, strengthened judicial independence and other governance changes. Tarique Rahman would be the first head of government to work under this new constitutional framework as it begins to take effect. First PM With A Broad Reform Mandate After Popular Uprising Tarique Rahmans ascendancy follows a studentled uprising that toppled a longentrenched political order and ushered in demands for democratic reform. His premiership would mark the first time a Bangladeshi leader takes office with a mandate explicitly tied to widespread public demands for systemic change, accountability and institutional reform. Location : Bangladesh First Published: February 13, 2026, 20:08 IST News world From Exile To PM: Historic Firsts For Tarique Rahman After Bangladesh Poll Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Teesta To Minorities: How Jamaat's Presence In Parliament May Affect India-Bangladesh Issues Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 10:53 IST Jamaats ideological hostility towards India and its proximity to Pakistan could push the government into taking tougher public positions to avoid appearing soft on India. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman, center, addresses the media after casting his vote in a polling station during national parliamentary election in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Image: AP Photo) Indias long-standing strategic comfort with the Awami League in Dhaka is entering an uncertain phase as a new government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) takes charge, facing both domestic pressures and international scrutiny. For New Delhi, the immediate concern is not instability, but recalibration. A BNP-led administration will have to navigate a Parliament where Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami holds influence and seeks to shape the national conversation. While Jamaats presence in Parliament does not constitute an immediate crisis for India, it represents a longer-term strategic challenge. Click here for Live updates on Bangladesh election result. The BNP government is likely to face sustained pressure from Jamaat to harden its foreign policy posture. Jamaats ideological hostility towards India and its historical proximity to Pakistan could push the government into taking tougher public positions to avoid appearing soft" on India. Issues such as the long-pending Teesta River water-sharing agreement could be recast as nationalist rallying points, complicating bilateral negotiations. India-backed connectivity projects, energy cooperation frameworks, and regional integration initiatives may face greater political resistance. Security coordination particularly on counterterrorism and border management could slow down under pressure from nationalist and Islamist constituencies. Reduced enthusiasm for India-supported transport corridors and supply chain integration in sectors such as garments and energy would mark a significant shift from the trajectory seen under previous governments. The domestic dimension is equally sensitive. Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, already unsettled since the unrest of 2024, may experience heightened anxiety in a more polarised political climate. Reports of lower minority voter participation reflect fears of intimidation. Any sustained communal tension could carry cross-border implications, including the risk of refugee flows into Indias border states. Intelligence sources in New Delhi are also focused on external linkages. Jamaats historical ties to Pakistan raise concerns about potential facilitation networks. Indian agencies remain wary of possible propaganda funding and influence operations targeting border districts. Parliamentary legitimacy, analysts warn, could act as a recruitment multiplier, offering ideological cover to networks seeking to radicalise segments of Bangladeshi youth. There are also concerns about economic vulnerability. India-backed infrastructure and energy projects could face sabotage, political obstruction, or information leaks. A more adversarial opposition environment increases the risk of economic espionage and disruption. For India, therefore, the challenge is not immediate rupture but managing a more complex Bangladesh one where domestic political compulsions in Dhaka may increasingly shape the tone and substance of bilateral ties. First Published: February 13, 2026, 10:53 IST News world From Teesta To Minorities: How Jamaat's Presence In Parliament May Affect India-Bangladesh Issues Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'History Will Record This Injustice': Imran Khan's Son Blames Asim Munir For His Father's Vision Loss Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 08:27 IST Imran Khan lost most vision in his right eye after 922 days in solitary confinement, his son claims. Pakistans Supreme Court ordered a medical examination of Khan. Rapid Read Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. (Image: PTI/File) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans son, Kasim Khan, has expressed grave concern over his fathers health, stating that the latter has lost most of the vision in his right eye", with only 15 per cent eyesight remaining". In a post on X on Thursday, Kasim Khan attributed this deterioration to 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect, and denial of proper treatment in jail." Kasim held the current regime, Army Chief Asim Munir, and those enabling the situation responsible, accusing them of manipulating the justice system to prolong his fathers confinement. We have been informed that my father, Imran Khan, has lost most of the vision in his right eye, with reports indicating only 15% eyesight remains. This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests) and the deliberate denial of Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) February 12, 2026 We have been informed that my father, Imran Khan, has lost most of the vision in his right eye, with reports indicating only 15% eyesight remains. This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests) and the deliberate denial of proper treatment in jail. The responsibility lies squarely with the regime in power, the Army Chief and the puppets enabling this cruelty. This physical deterioration is happening under their orders, their watch and their responsibility. They have manipulated and warped the justice system in order to keep my father in solitary confinement," Kasim tweeted. He also pointed out that he and his brother are still being denied visas to see their father and called on human rights organizations, legal institutions, and democratic nations to address the persecution and hold those responsible accountable. My brother and I are still being denied visas to see our father as his health deteriorates. History will record this injustice. We urge human rights bodies, legal institutions and democratic nations to confront this persecution and ensure those responsible face consequences," he further wrote. Pakistans Top Court Orders Medical Examination Of Imran Khan Further, in response to revelations about Imran Khans health, Pakistans Supreme Court has ordered a medical examination of the jailed leader, expressing particular concern about his right eye. The court also granted the jailed leader permission to speak with his sons. The development follows a report submitted to the apex court by Advocate Salman Safdar, acting as a friend of the court," alleging that Khan has suffered irreversible vision loss in his right eye due to prolonged medical neglect during his incarceration at Adiala Jail. According to the seven-page document, Khan had normal 6/6 vision in both eyes until October 2025 but began experiencing persistent blurred vision soon after. The report claims that for nearly three months, prison authorities failed to arrange a specialist consultation despite repeated complaints. Instead, he was allegedly given basic eye drops that did not improve his condition. The situation reportedly culminated in a sudden and complete loss of sight in his right eye. Ex-US Envoy Hails Courts Medical Order For Imran Khan On Friday, former US Ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, welcomed Pakistans top courts intervention into the matter. A positive step by #Pakistans supreme court for ordering that doctors examine Imran Khans medical condition, especially his right eye. It is time for @ImranKhanPTI, the countrys most popular political leader, a former Prime minister and a national hero, should befreed from Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) February 12, 2026 Calling the courts directive a positive step," Khalilzad urged that Khan, whom he described as the countrys most popular political leader and a national hero" be released from what he termed politically motivated charges. His remarks came a day after the top court, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, ordered the immediate formation of an independent medical board to evaluate Khans health. A positive step by Pakistans supreme court for ordering that doctors examine Imran Khans medical condition, especially his right eye. It is time for Imran Khan, the countrys most popular political leader, a former Prime Minister and a national hero, should be freed from jail where he is kept on trumped-up charges. Imran Khan deserves better! Pakistan deserves better!," Khalilzad wrote in a post on X. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 13, 2026, 08:27 IST News world 'History Will Record This Injustice': Imran Khan's Son Blames Asim Munir For His Father's Vision Loss Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Hope Democracy Will Return': Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Bangladesh Election Results Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 13:01 IST Nasrin also spoke strongly against Jamaat-e-Islami, alleging that the party had collaborated with the Pakistani Army during Bangladeshs 1971 Liberation War. Taslima Nasreen has been openly critical of the Yunus-led administration, accusing it of perpetrating crimes against humanity in the aftermath of Hasinas fall. (AFP) As Bangladesh went for elections on Thursday to elect its next government, exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin has delivered a sharp and deeply critical assessment of the countrys political landscape in an exclusive interview with News18 India. She expressed hope that democracy would be restored through the electoral process. Referring to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Nasrin said she hopes the party will uphold democratic values. I hope democracy will be back, because BNP believes in democracy. I hope they protect democracy and secularism, human rights and minority rights," she said. Strong Words on Jamaat and a Call for Secularism Nasrin also spoke strongly against Jamaat-e-Islami, alleging that the party had collaborated with the Pakistani Army during Bangladeshs 1971 Liberation War. Jamaat-e-Islami was the collaborator of the Pakistani Army in 1971. They helped them kill three million Bengali people and rape 200,000 Bengali women. They were against the independence of Bangladesh," she claimed. She described Jamaat as the main opposition party" in the current scenario, calling it unprecedented in Bangladeshs history. According to her, Jamaats rise has been enabled by the absence of the Awami League. Nasrin stressed that secularism remains essential for Bangladeshs future. Secularism is needed for this country, otherwise it would be like another Afghanistan. Because jihadists and Islamic fundamentalists are there, we have to save the country from them. They are anti-India, pro-Pakistan and were anti-independence," she said. Worst Time Under Yunus On Yunuss tenure, Nasrin was particularly scathing. Bangladesh saw the worst time during his regime mob violence, violence against minorities, violence against women and opposition parties," she said. She further alleged that no action was taken against perpetrators because those criminals were mostly jihadists and Islamic fundamentalists," claiming Yunus came to power with their support and failed to act against them. Questioning repeated claims of a new Bangladesh" by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Nasrin remarked, Md Yunus said quite a few times that this is a new Bangladesh. How many times will Bangladesh be born?" Criticism of Awami League and Sheikh Hasina While critical of Jamaat and Yunus, Nasrin also pointed to what she described as failures during the tenure of the Awami League under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Awami League did make mistakes during their tenure. Millions of jihadists are in Bangladesh, and it is because of Sheikh Hasina. She helped fundamentalists to grow," Nasrin alleged. Despite her differences with Hasina, including being barred from returning to Bangladesh and having her book banned, Nasrin said she hopes Hasina gets an opportunity to return. Even though she did not allow me to enter my country, I hope she would get the opportunity to return," she said, adding, I would be happy if I am allowed to go back to my country. It is my right." First Published: February 13, 2026, 13:01 IST News world 'Hope Democracy Will Return': Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Bangladesh Election Results Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Industrial-Scale Fraud: Sheikh Hasina Calls Bangladesh Polls A Sham, Questions Unrealistic Turnout Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 22:04 IST Sheikh Hasina claimed that the election was marred by industrial-scale administrative manipulation and numerical fraud. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Image: AFP/File) Bangladesh Polls: Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday criticised the recently held parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, calling them a carefully orchestrated sham" and a disgraceful chapter" in the countrys democratic history. The South Asian nation held its first election since the 2024 mass protests toppled Sheikh Hasinas government. In a detailed statement issued after the polls concluded, the Bangladesh Awami League president claimed that the election was marred by industrial-scale administrative manipulation and numerical fraud," and questioned the official voter turnout figures released by the Election Commission. Bangladesh Election Results 2026 LIVE Updates Hasina said that according to the Election Commission, Bangladesh had 127.7 million registered voters, with polling held from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on February 12. Alleging highly inconsistent and unrealistic" turnout patterns, she claimed that by 11 am, turnout was reported at 14.96%, but within the next hour it allegedly surged to 32.88%. She termed this spike extraordinarily abnormal," arguing that the implied voting rate per polling station would have required a ballot to be cast every few seconds. On the day of the election, severe irregularities were observed, and the percentage of votes reported in successive briefings by the Election Commission presented highly inconsistent and unrealistic patterns," she said. She also questioned the final reported turnout of 59.44%, citing media reports of empty polling stations and low participation among prison inmates and overseas voters. The former Prime Minister further alleged widespread irregularities, including ballot stamping before voting began, seizure of polling centres, intimidation of voters, and discrepancies in result sheets. She claimed that constituency-wise results of a referendum held on the same day were delayed, raising suspicions about data processing. Read More: Reaffirmed Commitment To Peace: PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman For Bangladesh Poll Win The Awami League leader further accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of using state machinery to promote a Yes" vote and influencing voter psychology through ballot design. This election did not pave the way for the restoration of democracy. On the contrary, it has deepened public distrust, political uncertainty, and disillusionment. Results declared through such a controversial process can never bring stability to the country," Hasina said. She further said that incidents of clashes, grenade explosions, polling center takeovers, ballot paper theft, voter intimidation to cast ballots for specific symbols, fraudulent voting, irregularities during counting, and presiding officers stamping ballots in favor of specific candidates were reported across the country on the day of reporting. Calling the election illegal and unconstitutional," Hasina demanded annulment of the results, resignation of the Yunus-led government, release of political prisoners, withdrawal of restrictions on Awami League activities, and fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government. This election did not restore democracy; it has deepened public distrust and uncertainty," she said, urging what she described as the restoration of the peoples voting rights. Read More: As BNP Declares Victory, What Changes For India? A Look At The Past And What Comes Next Earlier on Thursday, too, she demanded the cancellation of the voterless, illegal and unconstitutional" election in Bangladesh. Labelling the elections deceptive", Hasina said that they were arranged without her party the Awami League and without voters. In this situation, we demand the cancellation of this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election; the resignation of Yunus", she had said. Bangladesh Polls Thursdays polls were the first since the 2024 student-led Gen-Z" movement toppled Sheikh Hasinas government, forcing the former prime minister to flee to India. Following mass protests and nationwide unrest, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus banned all Awami League activities. The Bangladesh Election Commission subsequently suspended the partys registration, preventing it from contesting in the elections. Read More: How Bangladeshs Key Parties Fared: BNPs Return, The Jamaat Factor And Student Blocs Collapse While the Awami League had skipped ballots in the past due to boycotts, this is the first instance where the party was barred by legal and governmental action rather than political choice. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has handed a decisive mandate to the Tarique Rahman-led BNP. As the unofficial tallies continue to come in from Thursdays voting, it is clear that the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, has registered its victory over 200 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. The election was a direct contest between the BNP and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami. Tarique Rahmans political comeback marks a dramatic turn in Bangladeshs turbulent political landscape. Often described by critics as the dark prince" of Bangladeshi politics, the 60-year-old leader hails from one of the countrys most influential political families. He is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman is likely to take the oath on Sunday. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 13, 2026, 22:04 IST News world Industrial-Scale Fraud: Sheikh Hasina Calls Bangladesh Polls A Sham, Questions Unrealistic Turnout Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Airlines in Vietnam may soon have to refund passengers after just three hours of delay, instead of five under current rules. The Ministry of Construction is seeking feedback on a draft decree guiding implementation of the 2025 Civil Aviation Law. The proposal would shorten the delay threshold that triggers ticket refunds from five hours to three. Under the draft, a flight is considered delayed if it departs at least 15 minutes later than scheduled. Airlines would be required to promptly inform passengers, issue an apology, explain the reason for the delay, and update departure information at the airport at least every 30 minutes. If a delay reaches two hours, airlines must provide food and drinks or vouchers of equivalent value. They must also allow passengers to reschedule without extra fees. For delays of three hours or more, passengers who refuse to change their itinerary or switch to another flight would be entitled to a full refund, or reimbursement for the unused portion of their ticket. If a delay extends to four hours, airlines would also have to pay compensation in addition to offering refunds. For delays of six hours or more between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., carriers must arrange suitable accommodation or offer an alternative solution with the passenger's consent. The draft also addresses schedule changes. If an airline moves a flight four hours earlier or later than the time stated on the ticket, it must offer a refund, itinerary adjustment or an alternative flight within 72 hours of the original departure time. Airlines would not be required to compensate passengers in cases of severe weather, security threats, or other force majeure circumstances as defined by law. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said the changes are intended to increase airline accountability and better protect passengers, especially as repeated schedule changes have disrupted travel plans in recent years. Flight delays and cancellations remain relatively common, while enforcement of existing passenger rights has been inconsistent. Travelers often find themselves in a weak position when seeking compensation. Some airline representatives have warned that the proposed rules would increase operating costs at a time when the commercial aviation industry is facing significant financial pressure. Jamaat Story: Barred From Bangladesh Polls For Years, Party Registers Its Best Performance Yet Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 14:41 IST Jamaat-e-Islami is set to take the position of the primary opposition party in Bangladesh, something it has never achieved before. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman, center, addresses the media after casting his vote in a polling station during national parliamentary election in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Image: AP Photo) Bangladeshs Jamaat-e-Islami is set to make history with its best performance ever in Bangladesh elections. Its historic not just because it is Jamaat has won more much more seats than it did in the past elections, but also because these come after the outfit remained barred from polls for over 12 years. Jamaat had won 49 seats according to the Bangladesh Election Commission data around 12 noon and was on its way to winning over 55 seats, according to local reports. From what it looks like, Jamaat is set to take the position of the primary opposition party in Bangladesh, something it has never achieved before. Even as Jamaat calls the elections rigged", it is witnessing its best play ever in Bangladesh. How Is This Jamaats Best Performance? The best seat tally that Jamaat saw in Bangladesh was 18 seats in 1991. Its worst was 2 seats, which is what it got before contesting the 2026 election. Heres a look at the historical data on Jamaats parliamentary results over the years in Bangladesh: 1991: 18 seats their best showing in competitive elections before 2026 (first time contesting many seats with a significant vote share). 1996: 3 seats 2001: 17 seats (as part of an alliance). 2008: 2 seats (allied). After 2013 their registration was cancelled, barring them from contesting until it was restored before the 2026 polls. It is now poised to win close to 60 seats. How Did Jamaat Get To Becoming The Prime Opposition In Bangladesh? Jamaat was barred from contesting elections for years and only recently had its registration restored. The partys resurgence reflects the changed political landscape after the 2024 uprising and the absence of the Awami League in the 2026 race. According to an earlier News18 report, Jamaat planners had carried out deep constituency-level analysis, drawing on voting data from the 1991 and 1996 elections and combining it with recent internal surveys. This exercise led Jamaat to reassess prospects across all 300 parliamentary seats. By October 2024, the party had identified 162 constituencies where victory appeared achievable with focused effort. In what insiders described as an intelligent consolidation," Jamaat diverted organisational strength, cadre deployment, and resources away from the remaining 138 seats to concentrate on these priority battlegrounds. Dhaka emerged as a special focus, with around 20 constituencies receiving extra attention because of their political weight and symbolic value. The party placed unusual emphasis on voter mobilisation mechanics. Sources claimed that nearly 1.5 million expatriate supporters aligned with Jamaat were prepared to vote through postal ballots, alongside a large pool of eligible domestic voters. In urban centres, particularly the capital, Jamaats Womens Wing and Islami Chhatri Sangstha conducted door-to-door surveys to map voter behaviour. These units were also tasked with street-level mobilisation on polling day. Jamaat-Shibir activists were expected to reach polling booths immediately after Fajr prayers, aiming to establish early dominance in queues. Insiders saw this as a scaled-up version of tactics that helped them win student union elections at Dhaka University and several other public universities successes viewed internally as rehearsals for the national contest. Sources say Jamaats organisational push was underpinned by deep financial and institutional advantages. The party is believed to have earmarked substantial campaign funds for 162 to 188 priority seats, with estimates ranging from BDT 50 to 100 crore per constituency. Jamaat was also reportedly covering campaign expenses for allied outfits, including the National Citizen Party. On Friday, as results came, Satkhira, Kushtia, parts of Khulna belt of West Bengal facing border and the Rangpur region emerged as Jamaats strongest clusters. Satkhira, Kushtia and Rangpur together form a continuous arc facing West Bengal, Assam and the Siliguri corridor. Jamaat Alleges Rigging On election day, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said that the party would accept the outcome of the election if the polls were free and fair and urged all parties to accept the will of the voters. He also thanked the public for voting after a long period of political exclusion. However, as results poured out on Friday, Jamaat expressed dissatisfaction with the way results were being announced, raising concerns about transparency. The party claimed narrow and suspicious defeats" in several constituencies. They alleged inconsistencies in unofficial result announcements. The party also criticised the Election Commission for not publishing voter turnout figures and alleged bias by parts of the administration in favour of a major party. First Published: February 13, 2026, 14:41 IST News world Jamaat Story: Barred From Bangladesh Polls For Years, Party Registers Its Best Performance Yet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kathy Ruemmler, Top Goldman Sachs Lawyer And Ex-Obama Aide, To Step Down Over Epstein Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 14:45 IST Kathy Ruemmler to resign as Goldman Sachs top lawyer after ties to Epstein surface. Her exit reflects ongoing fallout from Epsteins associations. File photo of Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel to Barack Obama. (Image: AP) Kathy Ruemmler, the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, has announced that she will resign from her post following the disclosure of her ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes after the US Department of Justice released investigative files indicating that Ruemmler had received gifts from Epstein, offered him guidance on reputation management, and referred to him as a figure similar to an older brother. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon confirmed her resignation on Thursday, expressing respect for her decision. Throughout her tenure, Kathy has been an extraordinary general counsel, and we are grateful for her contributions and sound advice on a wide range of consequential legal matters for the firm," Solomon said in a statement shared with news outlet Al Jazeera. Ruemmler, who previously served as White House counsel during Barack Obamas presidency, told the Financial Times that she plans to step down as chief legal officer and general counsel at the end of June. Kathy Ruemmler Cites Distraction She cited the intense media scrutiny over her association with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, as a major distraction." Ruemmler expressed regret for having known Epstein but denied ever providing him with legal representation or advocating on his behalf to others. Her resignation adds to a growing list of prominent figures facing scrutiny or stepping away from positions due to connections with Epstein. In a related development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the resignation of his cabinet secretary, Chris Wormald, amid controversy over the appointment of Peter Mandelson, Britains former ambassador to the US, whose links to Epstein are under police investigation for potential misconduct in public office. Ruemmlers departure underscores the ongoing fallout from the Epstein case, highlighting how past associations with the disgraced financier continue to impact high-profile careers across finance, government, and public service. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 13, 2026, 14:45 IST News world Kathy Ruemmler, Top Goldman Sachs Lawyer And Ex-Obama Aide, To Step Down Over Epstein Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Macron, Lula, UAE's Crown Prince Among 20 World Leaders To Attend Indias AI Action Summit 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 19:44 IST IndiaAI Action Summit 2026 in New Delhi will host leaders from 20 countries, including Emmanuel Macron, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and UN officials, focusing on AI cooperation. IndiaAI Action Summit 2026 in New Delhi will host leaders from 20 countries, including Emmanuel Macron, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and UN officials, focusing on AI cooperation. (Image: AI Impact Summit) India has officially announced the list of 20 world leaders who will attend the IndiaAI Action Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20. The high-level summit, anchored around three core themes People, Planet and Progress aims to shape global cooperation on artificial intelligence. The gathering will bring together heads of state, policymakers, innovators and experts to deliberate on the future of AI governance, ethics, and innovation. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders from 20 countries are set to participate. These include: Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan Vice President Edmundo Lara Montano of Bolivia President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic of Croatia President Alar Karis of Estonia Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of Finland President Emmanuel Macron of France Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia President Pedro Sanchez of Spain President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka of Sri Lanka Vice President Sebastien Pillay of Seychelles President Guy Parmelin of Switzerland Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE In addition to these leaders, ministerial delegations from more than 45 countries are expected to attend. The United Nations Secretary-General and senior officials from several international organisations will also participate in the deliberations. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 13, 2026, 19:44 IST News world Macron, Lula, UAE's Crown Prince Among 20 World Leaders To Attend Indias AI Action Summit 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Murder-For-Hire' Case: Nikhil Gupta Pleads Guilty In US Court Over Plot To Kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 23:19 IST Guptas change of plea marks a dramatic turn in the case that has created a buzz in both Washington and New Delhi Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. (File image: AP) Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court on Friday for his role in a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen and prominent Sikh separatist leader residing in New York. 54-year-old Guptas change of plea marks a dramatic turn in a case that has created a buzz in both Washington and New Delhi. The Guilty Plea and Charges Gupta appeared before US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, where he pleaded guilty to three criminal counts: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges carry a combined maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison. Under a plea agreement, US prosecutors have reportedly recommended a sentence in the range of 21 to 24 years, effectively halving the potential maximum term. The case against Gupta rests on allegations that he acted as a middleman between an Indian government official and a purported hitman. US authorities identified the official as Vikash Yadav, a former officer of Indias external intelligence agency, who remains in India. The plot collapsed when the hitman" Gupta attempted to hire turned out to be an undercover federal agent. The Plot According to the US Department of Justice, the conspiracy was initiated in May 2023. Gupta allegedly arranged for a $15,000 advance paymentof a total promised $100,000 feeto be delivered to the undercover agent in Manhattan. The indictment further alleges that the conspirators were emboldened by the June 2023 killing of another Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada, with Gupta reportedly telling the undercover agent that there was now no need to wait" to target Pannun. Gupta was originally arrested in June 2023 at Pragues Vaclav Havel Airport and was extradited to the United States a year later. While he initially maintained his innocence, the guilty plea suggests a move towards cooperation or a desire to avoid a full trial that was set to air sensitive wiretapped evidence and videos. Diplomatic Aftermath The Indian government has consistently distanced itself from the incident, describing it as a rogue" operation that contradicts official policy. However, New Delhi established a high-level committee to investigate the links. In early 2025, that panel reportedly recommended legal action against the officials involved. The case remains a focal point of the transnational repression" narrative, as Western intelligence agencies continue to monitor the activities of diaspora-linked political movements. First Published: February 13, 2026, 23:19 IST News world 'Murder-For-Hire' Case: Nikhil Gupta Pleads Guilty In US Court Over Plot To Kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Not Satisfied': Jamaat-e-Islami Raises 'Serious Questions' About Bangladesh Election Process Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 09:45 IST Jamaat-e-Islami expressed gratitude to people for casting their votes and also raised questions about the integrity of Bangladesh's election result process. Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman (Credits: X) As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a majority in general elections, the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami said it has serious questions about the integrity of the results process." We express our sincere gratitude to you for casting your votes in large numbers throughout the day in such a positive and peaceful atmosphere," said Jamaat-e-Islami in a statement. However, we are not satisfied with the process surrounding the election results. From candidates of the 11-party alliance narrowly and suspiciously losing in various constituencies, to repeated inconsistencies and fabrications in unofficial result announcements, the Election Commissions reluctance to publish voter turnout percentages, and indications that a section of the administration leaned towards a major party- all of this undoubtedly raises serious questions about the integrity of the results process," it added. The ongoing parliamentary vote count in Bangladesh is being seen as a turning point in the countrys politics following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. Early trends suggest the election could open a new political phase. In a post on X early Friday, the BNP Media Cell said, The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats." Initial reports from local media indicate a strong performance by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). According to The Daily Star, counting has been completed in 194 constituencies, while 105 seats are yet to be declared. Out of 299 seats, BNP and its allies have so far secured 149, with Jamaat and its partners winning 39. As counting continues, projections cited by the Dhaka Tribune show BNP leading in 151 constituencies in the countrys 13th parliamentary elections. Early figures also suggest Jamaat-e-Islami is likely to emerge as the main opposition party, with around 43 seats. Despite the favourable trends, the party leadership has urged restraint. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman requested supporters not to celebrate the victory immediately as a mark of respect following the death of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election. Instead, the party has asked workers and supporters to offer prayers for her after the Friday congregational prayer. This is the first election in the country after it witnessed a major political crisis following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. First Published: February 13, 2026, 09:42 IST News world 'Not Satisfied': Jamaat-e-Islami Raises 'Serious Questions' About Bangladesh Election Process Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Red-Faced Pakistan Approached US To Remove 'Illegal' India Map In Trade Deal Post Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 10:52 IST Pakistans Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad raised objections with US authorities over a map depicting the entire Jammu and Kashmir region as part of India. A file photo of Shehbaz Sharif (AP)/Map of India earlier posted by USTR Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has said that Pakistan had contacted the US authorities after they released a map of India that depicted the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir as part of Indian territory. In a public briefing, Andrabi asserted that the map was illegal" and inconsistent with the United Nations position. His remarks were revealed days after the map was deleted from the US Trade Representatives social media handle. Addressing a media briefing, Andrabi said, As regards the map, yes, this map was put up at certain handles. We contacted the US authorities, and they realised that this map was illegal." He said that the depiction did not reflect what he described as the internationally recognised position on the disputed region. The international map on Jammu and Kashmir, and as a result, the international map delineating Pakistan and Indian territories, is legally sanctified by the United Nations," he said. Referring to the United Nations position, Andrabi added, So if you go to the United Nations website, you will see the accurate map." He further said, And we note with satisfaction that the US side made the requisite correction to highlight the legal UN-sanctioned map of our region." According to the spokesperson, the map recognised by the UN clearly delineates Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory whose settlement is to be done through a UN-administered plebiscite in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions." The office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) removed a post on X that had featured a map of India showing the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as well as the Aksai Chin region, as part of Indian territory. The map was shared last week when the US and India announced details of a bilateral interim agreement framework on trade. According to news agency PTI, on previous occasions, maps of India had shown a demarcated line to portray PoK and Aksai Chin separately. However, in this instance, the map issued by the USTR showed the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including both areas, as an integral part of India. India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India." It also maintains that Aksai Chin is an integral part of its territory based on historical claims and past treaties. First Published: February 13, 2026, 09:52 IST News world Red-Faced Pakistan Approached US To Remove 'Illegal' India Map In Trade Deal Post Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Reaffirmed Commitment To Peace': PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman For Bangladesh Poll Win Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:03 IST PM Modi reiterated Indias position on bilateral ties and affirmed New Delhis continued support for peace, progress and prosperity of both countries. File photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi/Tarique Rahman (PTI/AP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on his partys sweeping victory in the countrys parliamentary elections. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh." Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections.I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 The Prime Minister further reiterated Indias position on bilateral ties and affirmed New Delhis continued support for peace, progress and prosperity of both countries. Read more: As BNP Declares Victory, What Changes For India? A Look At The Past And What Comes Next As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed Indias continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," he added. Bangladesh Election Results The general election in Bangladesh- first since the political upheaval of July 2024 that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas long tenure and forced her to flee the country- has handed a decisive mandate to the Tarique Rahman-led BNP. Tarique Rahmans political comeback marks a dramatic turn in Bangladeshs turbulent political landscape. Often described by critics as the dark prince" of Bangladeshi politics, the 60-year-old leader hails from one of the countrys most influential political families. He is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Read more: How Bangladeshs Key Parties Fared: BNPs Return, The Jamaat Factor And Student Blocs Collapse In 2017, Tarique Rahman left the country after being arrested on corruption and money-laundering charges, a period that cast a long shadow over his political future. Who Is Tarique Rahman? Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and one of the most polarising figures in the countrys politics. Seen by supporters as the heir to a powerful political legacy and by critics as a controversial operator, Tarique Rahmans rise reflects both dynastic continuity and political resilience. His leadership will now be closely watched, particularly in how he navigates domestic challenges and manages Bangladeshs relationship with regional powers, including India. First Published: February 13, 2026, 15:44 IST News world 'Reaffirmed Commitment To Peace': PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman For Bangladesh Poll Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Saudi Arabia Welcomes Foreign Investors To Mecca In Bid To Draw $100 Billion FDI By 2030 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:54 IST The holy city, home to the Grand Mosque and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, is seeing a dramatic transformation. Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman. (AFP file photo) Saudi Arabia is opening the property market in Mecca to foreign investors, a move that could unlock billions in international investment, according to a Bloomberg report. The holy city, home to the Grand Mosque and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, is seeing a dramatic transformation. Rows of old red-brick houses and winding alleys are being replaced by luxury towers, sprawling malls and new apartment complexes, creating a modern infrastructure to support millions of pilgrims each year. Yasser Abu Ateek, chief executive of Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co., told the publication that international investors are showing a keen interest in the citys projects. The developer, responsible for a $27 billion programme adding thousands of residences and hotel rooms, counts major funds such as Vanguard, HSBC, State Street and BlackRock among its shareholders. Since its stock listing last year, Umm Al Qura has risen about 17%, Bloomberg reported. The Saudi government has taken key steps to make Mecca accessible to foreign buyers. Last year, foreign firms were allowed to invest in local developers, and now Muslims overseas can directly purchase property in the city. Analysts estimate that while roughly $60 billion in projects are already planned or under construction, these new rules could bring in billions more. Land values near the Grand Mosque have surged, reaching nearly $87,000 per square metre, among the highest globally. Abu Ateek said, Mecca is on the radar of the whos who in the investment arena." The shift highlights a broader change in Saudi Arabias strategy. After years of funding futuristic mega-projects such as Neom, the government is now focusing on more pragmatic economic sectors like tourism, finance and religious infrastructure. With millions of pilgrims visiting annually and Islam being the fastest-growing religion in the world, Mecca and Medina are emerging as prime destinations for both religious tourism and foreign investment. Location : Saudi Arabia First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:53 IST News world Saudi Arabia Welcomes Foreign Investors To Mecca In Bid To Draw $100 Billion FDI By 2030 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'This Is Going To Be Very Traumatic': Trump Warns Iran Over Nuclear Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 07:01 IST Trump warned Iran of traumatic consequences if no nuclear deal is reached, after a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed skepticism and urged broader agreement terms. Trump signals preference for diplomatic deal with Tehran after White House meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (IMAGE: X/IsraeliPMO) US President Donald Trump on Friday warned Iran, saying that if it failed to reach a nuclear deal, it could be traumatic," and described his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as very good." We have to make a deal; otherwise, it is going to be very traumatic (for Iran) and I dont want it to happenIf they dont make a deal, it is going to be a different story. We had a very good meeting yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," Trump said. .@POTUS on Iran: They should have made a deal the first time, then they got Midnight Hammer instead This will be very traumatic for Iran if they dont make a deal." pic.twitter.com/8zyXaxRD7w Department of State (@StateDept) February 12, 2026 Israeli PM Netanyahu Expressed General Skeptism During Meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about his meeting with US President Donald Trump, saying the American leader asked for his views on the ongoing talks with Iran. Netanyahu said he conveyed general skepticism" about the nature of any possible agreement. The Israeli leader stressed that any deal should go beyond Irans nuclear programme and also address its ballistic missile capabilities and support for proxy groups across the region. , . , . , . . , pic.twitter.com/WSfNEHaYzY Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) February 12, 2026 In a post on X, he said, He wanted to hear my opinion. I wont hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the nature of any agreement with Iran. But I said that if an agreement is indeed reached, then it must include the elements that are very important from our perspective, from Israels perspective, and in my opinion not only Israels." Its not only the nuclear issue, its also the ballistic missiles and its also the Iranian proxies. With that, I would say, the conversation was essentially concluded, although of course it also touched on Gaza, on the entire region, and on other general matters," he added. Netanyahu said that although multiple topics came up during the talks, the negotiations with Iran remained the central focus. He also noted that Trump felt Iran had erred in the past by failing to secure an agreement earlier. Of course the conversations focused on several issues, but in practice on the negotiations with Iran. The President thinks that the Iranians have already learned who they are dealing with. He believes that the conditions he is creating, combined with the fact that they certainly understand they made a mistake the previous time by not reaching an agreement, may create the conditions for achieving a good deal," he said. First Published: February 13, 2026, 06:59 IST News world 'This Is Going To Be Very Traumatic': Trump Warns Iran Over Nuclear Deal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Confirms Meet With Xi Jinping In April, Says 'Relationship With China Very Good Now' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 08:33 IST Donald Trump announced that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in April this year. President Donald Trump (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shake hands. (Image: AP/Mark Schiefelbein) US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, while Xi is expected to visit the United States later this year. Ill be visiting President Xi Jinping in April. Hes coming here later in the year, and I look forward to it. Our relationship with China is very good right now," Trump said while addressing reporters. However, no exact date of travel was mentioned by the US President. In a recent interview with NBC News on February 4, Trump said that Xi will be coming to the White House, toward the end of the year. We have a very good relationship. And, you know, its important that I have a good relationship and for him, that he has a good relationship with me." We have to have a good these are the two most powerful countries in the world and we have a very good relationship," he added. Trump and Xi also had a 90-minute telephonic conversation on February 4. Detailing the call details, Trump said that the call focused almost entirely on trade, without touching on other geopolitical issues like Iran and Ukraine. The call resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries," Trump wrote on Truth Social. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing," he said. Meanwhile, Chinas state media Xinhua reported that in the call, Xi noted that he attaches great importance to China-US relations, saying that over the past year, he and Trump have enjoyed sound communication and had a successful meeting in Busan, which charted the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 13, 2026, 07:57 IST News world Trump Confirms Meet With Xi Jinping In April, Says 'Relationship With China Very Good Now' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat international airports, the two largest in Vietnam, are expected to handle record passenger volumes during the Lunar New Year (Tet), according to airport authorities. Information from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi showed that during the peak Tet period, passenger traffic is forecast to reach a record high, posting double-digit growth year on year. Specifically, in the seven days before Tet (Feb. 10-16), Noi Bai is expected to serve more than 725,000 passengers, up 16% from the same period in 2025, with 4,467 flights, an increase of 12.5%. The pre-Tet peak day is forecast to fall on Feb. 15, two days before the new year, when passenger numbers are expected to exceed 116,000, with 674 flights. Passenger traffic after Tet is projected to be even higher, reaching 737,272 passengers, up 12%, with 4,530 flights, an increase of 15.8% year on year. The post-Tet peak is expected on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year (Feb. 22), with around 117,298 passengers and 676 flights. Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City said that during Tet, the airport is expected to serve an average of about 145,000 passengers per day, with the peak day reaching up to 165,000 passengers. The peak operating period for Tet is scheduled from Feb. 14 to 22. The airport is forecast to handle about 940 flights per day, including about 340 international and 600 domestic flights. The total number of flights represents an increase of about 25% compared to the current flight schedule of 754 flights per day, and a rise of 7% over the same period in 2025. The busiest pre-Tet days are expected to be Feb. 13 and 14, with an estimated 1,017 flights each day. The post-Tet peak is forecast on Feb. 22 and 23, with around 1,025 flights per day. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure, use level-2 digital identification via VNeID instead of physical documents, limit the use of private vehicles, and prioritize public transport to ease congestion during the peak travel period. UK High Court Says Ban On Palestine Action 'Unlawful', Starmer Govt To Appeal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 18:03 IST Britains High Court ruled the government unlawfully designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group, but the ban remains while Interior Minister plans to appeal the decision. Supporters of Palestine Action stage a protest outside the Royal Court of Justice in London. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Britains High Court has ruled that the government acted unlawfully in designating the protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The group was proscribed in July after carrying out a series of direct action protests targeting Israel-linked defence companies in the UK. Its activities included blocking entrances to facilities and spraying red paint on buildings in what it described as non-violent demonstrations. In their judgment, Justices Victoria Sharp, Jonathan Swift and Karen Steyn said that while Palestine Actions activities were disruptive, they did not meet the level, scale and persistence" required to justify proscription under terrorism laws. However, the court said the ban will remain in force temporarily while the government considers whether to challenge the decision. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said she intends to appeal the ruling. I am disappointed by the courts decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organisation is disproportionate," she said in a statement. I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal." The UK government had last year listed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation alongside groups such as al Qaeda and Hamas. Under the designation, membership in or support for the group became a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Since the ban, more than 2,000 people including some in their 80s have reportedly been arrested for displaying signs expressing support for Palestine Action. The government moved to outlaw the group after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in June to protest Britains military support for Israels war against Hamas in Gaza. During the incident, protesters sprayed red paint into the engines of two tanker aircraft and allegedly caused additional damage using crowbars. Founded in 2020, Palestine Action has staged protests at military and industrial sites across the UK, including facilities linked to Israeli defence company Elbit Systems UK. Authorities say the groups actions have resulted in millions of pounds in damage and posed risks to national security. Supporters of the group, along with civil liberties organisations, argue that the proscription and subsequent arrests undermine freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest. The legal battle now appears set to continue in the Court of Appeal. Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: February 13, 2026, 18:03 IST News world UK High Court Says Ban On Palestine Action 'Unlawful', Starmer Govt To Appeal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Aircraft Carrier Gerald R Ford To Depart Caribbean For Middle East Amid Iran Tensions: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 10:32 IST The USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group will be deployed from the Caribbean to the Middle East, extending its mission until late April or early May, a report has suggested. The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (File photo/AP) The United States aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its escort ships, which had been deployed to the Caribbean, will now be sent to the Middle East and are not expected to return to their home ports until late April or early May, The New York Times reported. According to the report, the ships crew was informed of the decision on Thursday. Four US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly about the decision, confirmed the development to the newspaper. The Ford strike groups new orders will have it joining the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf as part of President Donald Trumps resurgent pressure campaign against Irans leaders. On February 10, Trump had indicated that he wanted to send a second carrier to the region, even as Washington and Tehran were preparing to resume negotiations aimed at averting a new conflict. However, neither he nor the Navy had identified the vessel at the time. The deployment marks an extension of what has already been an unusually long mission. The Fords current voyage began on June 24 when it left port in Norfolk, Virginia. The New York Times reported that the deployment was originally meant to be a European cruise but was redirected to the Caribbean as part of Trumps pressure campaign on Venezuela. Warplanes from the Ford participated in the January 3 attack on Caracas that captured President Nicolas Maduro, according to the report. The strike groups deployment had already been extended once, and sailors were expecting to return home in early March before being informed of the new delay. The extended deployment is also expected to jeopardise Fords scheduled dry dock period in Virginia, where major upgrades and repairs had been planned. In interviews with Israeli media, Trump had earlier said the United States would have to do something very tough" if a deal was not reached with Iran. Either we reach a deal, or well have to do something very tough," Israels Channel 12 had quoted him as saying. First Published: February 13, 2026, 10:32 IST News world US Aircraft Carrier Gerald R Ford To Depart Caribbean For Middle East Amid Iran Tensions: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Is Hasnat Abdullah? Bangladesh Leader Who Threatened To Cut Off Seven Sisters Wins Big Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 13, 2026, 16:50 IST Hasnat Abdullah secured over 1.6 lakh votes, defeating BNP-backed candidate A Jashim Uddin by a margin of 1.1 lakh votes. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka, Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would shelter separatist and anti-India forces targeting Indias Northeast. (IMAGE: X/@basherkella) Bangladeshs National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who stirred a massive row by warning that Dhaka could shelter forces hostile to India, and help sever Indias seven northeastern states, has won the Comilla-4 parliamentary seat by a huge margin in the recently held elections. As per news reports, Abdullah secured over 1.6 lakh votes, defeating BNP-backed candidate A Jashim Uddin by a margin of 1.1 lakh votes. Jashim Uddin had boycotted the election, alleging voting fraud. The National Citizens Party (NCP) was formed by students who led the 2024 revolt against then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The NCP participated in the elections as part of an 11-party alliance led by the Jamaat-e-Islami. Who Is Hasnat Abdullah? Hasnat Abdullah is a Bangladeshi activist-turned-politician and a former convener of the Students Against Discrimination, which led the anti-Hasina July Uprising in 2024. He came into limelight during and after the 2024 protests and serves as the partys southern region chief organiser. Abdullah initially spearheaded a protest against quotas in government jobs, but the campaign soon grew into a broader anti-Hasina movement. After weeks of unrest and violence, Hasina resigned and left the country in August 2024. Following the fall of the Hasina government, students who had taken part in the protests formed the NCP in February 2025. Hasnat was later appointed as the partys chief organiser for the southern region. Abdullahs Criticism Of India In December 2025, Abdullah sparked controversy with an inflammatory statement against India. Abdullah had said Bangladesh could shelter forces hostile to India and allow separatist groups to use Bangladeshi soil. I want to make it clear to India that Bangladesh will respond if its sovereignty or rights are undermined," he had said, adding, If Bangladesh is destabilised, the fire of resistance will spread beyond its borders." We will sever the seven sisters from India," Abdullah had said, referring to Indias northeastern states of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Of these, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Assam share borders with Bangladesh. India has long accused militant and separatist groups operating in the Northeast of using Bangladesh as a sanctuary, transit route and logistics base, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Several insurgent outfits from Assam and Tripura maintained camps, safe houses, or support networks across the border during this period. Abdullah, who had earlier called for banning Isckon and called for the hanging of jailed Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, also criticised PM Modis congratulatory post on Vijay Diwas in December 2024. This is Bangladeshs Liberation War. The war was fought for Bangladeshs independence from Pakistan. But Modi has claimed that it was solely Indias war and achievement. In doing so, theyve completely ignored the existence of Bangladesh," Abdullah had posted on Facebook. Bangladesh Polls The general election in Bangladesh- first since the political upheaval of July 2024 that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas long tenure and forced her to flee the country- has handed a decisive mandate to the Tarique Rahman-led BNP. Tarique Rahmans political comeback marks a dramatic turn in Bangladeshs turbulent political landscape. Often described by critics as the dark prince" of Bangladeshi politics, the 60-year-old leader hails from one of the countrys most influential political families. He is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 13, 2026, 16:50 IST News world Who Is Hasnat Abdullah? Bangladesh Leader Who Threatened To Cut Off Seven Sisters Wins Big Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... China outlines priorities for development of modern capital metropolitan area Xinhua) 08:26, February 13, 2026 Wang Changlin, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Zhuang Shaoqin, vice minister of natural resources, Xia Linmao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee and executive vice mayor of Beijing, Xie Yuan, vice mayor of Tianjin, and Jin Hui, vice governor of Hebei Province, attend a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on the Spatial Coordination Plan for the Modern Capital Metropolitan Area (2023-2035) in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese officials on Thursday detailed key priorities for the spatial planning of a modern capital metropolitan area in the broader Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, as part of efforts to deepen its coordinated development. Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei must place greater emphasis on regional coordination, Wang Changlin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference. They should leverage their respective strengths to achieve a coordinated functional layout, he added. "For example, Tianjin should better align its manufacturing advantages with Beijing's science and technology innovation resources," he said. Regarding each of the three places' key tasks, Xia Linmao, executive vice mayor of Beijing, said the capital city should consider relieving itself of non-capital functions to be its top priority, while stepping up collaborative innovation and industrial cooperation with Tianjin and Hebei. Xie Yuan, vice mayor of Tianjin, said the municipality has strengths in terms of location, ports and industries. Tianjin will accelerate the construction of the core area for international shipping in north China, and advance the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei national technology innovation center through efforts such as sci-tech innovation and industrial upgrading, and cooperation among the three places, Xie said. Jin Hui, vice governor of Hebei, said the province will strengthen its role as a key pillar of coordinated opening up while working with Beijing and Tianjin to build a collaborative innovation community. The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council recently approved a spatial coordination plan for the modern capital metropolitan area, covering 2023 to 2035. According to the document, the area has been designated as a critical zone for the optimization and safeguarding of the capital's core functions, serving as the primary engine for the construction of a world-class city cluster. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Anhui Museum, in collaboration with the China Cultural Relics News and multiple cultural and museum institutions nationwide, launched the "Galloping into the Spring of the Horse: 2026 Global Zodiac Culture Exhibition" on February 7 at both the Luyang Pavilion and Shushan Pavilion. The exhibition is divided into three units: "Sacred Steeds of Nature," "Horses Charging Through History," and "Divine Coursers in Folk Art," which respectively explore horses in the natural ecosystem, their role in historical and cultural contexts, and their presence in folk art and customs. Over 50 horse-related artifacts from the museum's collection are on display at Luyang Pavilion, while more than 140 images of horse-themed cultural relics are presented at Shushan Pavilion. Through the Anhui Provincial Museum Alliance, the exhibition will be extended to 61 museums across the province. According to Feng Chao, Director of the Exhibition Planning and Exchange Department at Anhui Museum, this zodiac-themed exhibition marks the beginning of the museum's new annual program. In addition to the Horse Year zodiac exhibition, visitors during the Lunar New Year period can also enjoy several other special exhibitions at Shushan Pavilion, including "In Pursuit of Etiquette: A Selection of Guo State Treasures from the Zhou Dynasty" and "Mawangdui: A Family's Dream of Eternity in the Western Han Dynasty." At Luyang Pavilion, the exhibition "The Yellow River Flowing Through the Grasslands: Cultural Relics Masterpieces from Inner Mongolia's Yellow River Basin" is also on display. Featuring over 170 exquisite artifacts unearthed from the Western Zhou Guo State cemetery, 200 pieces (sets) of Mawangdui Han Dynasty treasures, and more than 200 cultural relics from Inner Mongolia's Yellow River region, these inter-museum exchanges and co-curated exhibitions bring the profound richness of Chinese civilization closer to audiences. "It's a perfect fit for the occasion! I'll take images of select cultural relics from the collection and reinterpret them through the art of paper-cutting, turning them into various cultural and creative products." said Liu Ninghou, a leading representative of the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage project Luyang Paper-cutting, who has participated in Anhui Museum's intangible cultural heritage interactive displays and performances for many years. During the Spring Festival, these intangible cultural heritage experiences have become increasingly popular among visitors, thanks to their strong interactive appeal and festive atmosphere. On February 7, Anhui Museum hosted the launch of the province-wide "Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Museum" initiative. As part of the program, Anhui Museum has rolled out over 40 events, including fun check-in challenges, intangible cultural heritage experiences, interactive contests, and educational workshops. "With activities scheduled every day, visitors of all ages can participate, with a strong emphasis on interaction and immersive engagement," said Zhang Peng, Director of the Social Education Department at Anhui Museum. "We hope more tourists and visitors will come to Anhui Museum and experience a Spring Festival filled with knowledge, fun, and warmth." As the Year of the Horse approaches, cultural and creative products are being launched at a "galloping" pace. At the Anhui Museum cultural and creative shop, reporters observed that over 80 new products from series such as "Horse Brings Fortune," "Elegant Huizhou Collection," "New Narratives of Ancient Bronzes," and "Anhui-Inspired Adornments" are hitting the shelves. Blending everyday aesthetics with practical functionality, and historical depth with modern appeal, they have already attracted a steady stream of visitors. The "Horse Brings Fortune" zodiac series draws inspiration from horse motifs in the museum's collection, combining auspicious symbolism to create a diverse range of itemsincluding creative calendars, plush toys, fridge magnets, and home decorations. The "Elegant Huizhou Collection" incorporates elements of Anhui's fish lanterns and Huizhou architecture into daily-use products such as fridge magnets and bookmarks. Meanwhile, the "New Narratives of Ancient Bronzes" series extracts motifs from the museum's bronze collection, bridging ancient craftsmanship and contemporary design. Collecting souvenir stamps has become a new travel trend among young visitors. According to Ma Wenjuan, Director of the Cultural and Creative Department at Anhui Museum, the Anhui Museum Stamp Society has launched several new stamp designs this year. Inspired by exquisite patterns and motifs from the museum's collection, these stamps transform institutional knowledge into visually appealing and delightful symbolsoffering visitors a unique way to preserve their museum memories. Source: Anhui Daily This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2025 shows an exhibition featuring the historical epic TV series "Swords into Plowshares" in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Huace Group/Handout via Xinhua) HANGZHOU, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Emperors topple, heads roll, and cities burn: China's latest historical epic TV series, "Swords into Plowshares," brings to life one of ancient Chinese history's most chaotic eras. Yet, the series' counterintuitive Chinese title, "Peaceful Years," hints at the drama's deeper ambition to be more than a spectacle of war and political intrigues, but an "oriental epic" that portrays a nation's profound longing for peace. The series has proved a hit. Since its global premiere on Jan. 23, it has dominated viewership charts, achieving a CVB (China video and audio big data) rating of 2.938 percent and accumulating over 647 million valid online playbacks. Related hashtags across social media platforms, such as Weibo, Douyin and Rednote, have exceeded 3.6 billion views. Some have called it "China's Game of Thrones," though fans argue it holds deeper resonance than the HBO fantasy epic by being rooted entirely in history. Notably, it has ignited a desire to delve into the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-979) period of ancient Chinese history -- a tumultuous era that history textbooks tend to rush through. During this lesser-studied period, the once-glorious Tang Dynasty (618-907) had crumbled, five short-lived dynasties then succeeded one another on China's Central Plain -- or the imperial heartland -- and 10 major almost-concurrent kingdoms held power mainly across southern China, with or without submitting to emperors of the Central Plain. Through a sprawling ensemble cast, viewers follow the lives of the historical heavyweights of the age -- framed as one generation passing the baton to the next in the search for a glimmer of peace amid turmoil, according to Yang Lei, the drama's chief director. Central to the plot is King of Wuyue Qian Hongchu, whose realm, primarily in present-day Zhejiang Province and part of Fujian Province in east China, became a rare haven of peace and prosperity. The series traces his transformation from a carefree prince to a ruler steering a southern kingdom through turbulence. Along the way, he witnessed the depths of human suffering in an era so brutal that it descended at times into cannibalism. His legacy culminated in the bloodless surrender of Wuyue territory to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) -- a pivotal act that helped reunify China. By choosing to end the conflict rather than prolong it, he brought lasting peace to his realm, embodying the drama's central metaphor: turning swords into plowshares. As the epic series presents history authentically with refined, archaic dialogue and immaculate attention to detail, many viewers have taken to reading, with young people in particular turning to social media platforms and AI chatbots to learn about their history and deepen their understanding of 10th-century China. Reading lists with titles like "10 books to accompany 'Swords into Plowshares'" have proliferated online, and sales of related history books have surged. On JD.com, more than 68,000 copies of seven relevant titles have been purchased, and an eight-volume history book of the era has trended on WeChat's reading platform. Vloggers like 29-year-old Liu Zhanyuan are riding this wave of interest by posting detailed historical accounts related to the series. Just two of the explanatory videos he has posted helped him gain over 30,000 new Rednote followers in two weeks. "I was concerned viewers might abandon a brilliant drama simply for lack of context," he said of his motivation. The history aficionado said he admires the series for several reasons, including its rare focus on a neglected historical era, its nuanced and non-judgmental portrayal of complex characters. Ancient Chinese history is often framed through a binary lens of order versus chaos or unity versus division. The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period is not an era that later generations look back on with pride. Yet, as Liu observed, "The series illuminates the transition between the two powerful dynasties, Tang and Song, providing the missing link in understanding the history's continuity." On the newfound enthusiasm, Liu said that while history has often been regarded by many young people as a dry, academic subject, this series is igniting their interest, driving them to explore the enduring strengths. As depicted in the drama, the Kingdom of Wuyue emerged as an oasis of peace and prosperity while war and devastation swept much of China amid dynastic upheaval, regional conquests, and conflicts with the nomadic Khitan people from beyond the Great Wall. The story of the Wuyue Kingdom has also brought to life obscure historical sites, such as a temple commemorating the kings of the Qian family, located near the famed West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang's capital. Visits to the temple have surged by 30 to 40 percent year-on-year on the weekends following the series premiere, according to official statistics. On Jan. 28, the newly opened Yijin City archaeological site museum in Hangzhou drew large crowds. Visiting the ruins of Wuyue Kingdom, local visitor Guo Shengxia, 36, said, "I've lived within the old city walls all my life, but only now do I feel a deeper connection to this land. Every inch of land beneath my feet is rooted in the history of Wuyue." The series' lead actor, Bai Yu, who plays Qian Hongchu, reflected, "Having gone through this creative journey, what stays with me most is a deeper appreciation for the peace we enjoy today." This undated photo shows a still of the historical epic TV series "Swords into Plowshares". (Huace Group/Handout via Xinhua) Editor: Zhang Zhou The IRS erroneously shared the taxpayer information of thousands of people with the Department of Homeland Security, as part of the agencies' controversial agreement to share information on immigrants for the purpose of identifying and deporting people who are illegally in the US, according to a new court filing. The revelation, initially reported by the Washington Post , stems from a data-sharing agreement signed last April by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement to submit names and addresses of immigrants who are inside the US illegally to the IRS for cross-verification against tax records, per the AP . A declaration filed Wednesday by IRS Chief Risk and Control Officer Dottie Romo stated that the IRS was only able to verify roughly 47,000 of the 1.28 million names ICE requested. For less than 5 percent of those individuals, the IRS gave ICE additional address information, potentially violating privacy rules created to protect taxpayer data. Romo added that the Treasury notified DHS in January of the error and requested DHS' assistance in "promptly taking steps to remediate the matter consistent with federal law," which includes "appropriate disposal of any data provided to ICE by IRS based on incomplete or insufficient address information." The IRS-DHS agreement set off litigation between advocacy groups and the federal government last year. Public Citizen filed a suit against Bessent, Noem, and their respective agencies on behalf of several immigrant rights groups shortly after the agreement was signed. Most recently, a Massachusetts federal court ordered the IRS to stop sharing residential addresses with ICE. Last November, a federal court also blocked the IRS from sharing information with DHS, saying the IRS illegally disseminated the tax data of some migrants. Advocates fear the potentially unlawful release of taxpayer records could be used to maliciously target Americans, violate their privacy, and create other ramifications. Tom Bowman, policy counsel for the Center for Democracy and Technology, said that "the improper sharing of taxpayer data is unsafe, unlawful, and subject to serious criminal penalties." "Once taxpayer data is opened to immigration enforcement, mistakes are inevitable and the consequences fall on innocent people," Bowman said. "The disclosure of thousands of confidential records unfortunately shows precisely why strict legal firewalls exist and haveuntil nowbeen treated as an important guardrail." A long military career ended in a federal prison sentence for a retired Army colonel who shared secret war plans with a woman he'd met online. Kevin Charles Luke, 62, was sentenced in a Florida federal court to two years behind bars after pleading guilty in October to unlawfully transmitting national defense information, prosecutors said Wednesday. Luke, who spent nearly 40 years in active-duty and reserve roles before retiring as a colonel in 2018, later worked as a civilian for US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa and held a top-secret clearance, CBS News reports. Despite signing a nondisclosure agreement in 2019, authorities say that in October 2024 he texted a photo of a classified email from his government account to the woman, using his personal phone. "Sent to my boss earlier, gives you a peek at what I do for a living," he wrote, according to a news release from the US Attorney's Office. The office said the photo of the classified email "also revealed targets of a planned US military operation as well as the future date of the operation, the means of executing the operation, and the goal of the operation." It's not clear what operation was involved, but it was sent days before Central Command launched airstrikes in Yemen, the New York Post reports. "The unauthorized release of the information contained within the photograph could be expected to cause serious damage to the national security of the United States," the US Attorney's Office said. The woman reported Luke to authorities after she broke up with him around two months later, the Post reports. "This was, unfortunately, a tale as old as time," defense attorney Mark O'Brien said at a hearing Tuesday. "A man trying to impress a woman. The man ended the relationship. The woman later went to the government and told on him." Luke's sentence was below the three to four years suggested by federal guidelines. At Tuesday's hearing, Steven Hirschkowitz, a fellow retired colonel, said Luke was a man of "unquestionable loyalty" and the crime was "a singular lapse in judgment in an otherwise spotless career," the Tampa Bay Times reports. Luke, who was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury after a bomb blast in Iraq, wept as he addressed US District Judge James Moody, the Times reports. "I stand before you accepting full responsibility for my actions," he said. "What I did was wrong. I violated the trust placed in me and, sir, I am ashamed of that." European nations are moving toward holding its politicians accountable for revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Prosecutors said Thursday that Thorbjrn Jagland, a former prime minister of Norway, has been charged with "gross corruption" over his dealings with Epstein, the American financier and convicted sex offender who died in 2019 while awaiting a sex-trafficking trial. The case moved forward after the Council of Europe, which Jagland once led, agreed to lift the diplomatic immunity he held for actions taken during his 2009-19 term as secretary general, the BBC reports. Jagland denies any criminal wrongdoing and intends to cooperate, his lawyer said. Norway's white-collar crime unit kokrim says it searched three of Jagland's properties and plans to question him. The investigation centers on allegations that Epstein paid travel costs for Jagland and his family between 2011 and 2018, with emails released by the US Department of Justice suggesting planned visits to Epstein's homes in New York, Paris, and Palm Beach, as well as a family trip to his private Caribbean island that was later scrapped. Norwegian media have also reported that Jagland allegedly sought Epstein's help with a bank loan, though police have not said whether that is part of the corruption charge. The investigation was announced last week, per the AP. Also: Mona Juul , Norway's ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, resigned Sunday over revelations in newly released Epstein files. , Norway's ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, resigned Sunday over revelations in newly released Epstein files. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has apologized but is taking heat from Norway's prime minister and the country at large for her relationship with Epstein. has apologized but is taking heat from Norway's prime minister and the country at large for her relationship with Epstein. Miroslav Lajcak , Slovanian Prime Minister Robert Fico's national security adviser, resigned over communications with Epstein. They included text discussions of "gorgeous" girls, per the AP. The former foreign minister and president of the UN General Assembly, has denied any wrongdoing. He said that he considered Epstein a valuable contact who was accepted by the rich and powerful in the US. , Slovanian Prime Minister Robert Fico's national security adviser, resigned over communications with Epstein. They included text discussions of "gorgeous" girls, per the AP. The former foreign minister and president of the UN General Assembly, has denied any wrongdoing. He said that he considered Epstein a valuable contact who was accepted by the rich and powerful in the US. Morgan McSweeney resigned as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff over his role in the selection of Epstein-connected Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US. The scandal has imperiled Starmer's position. Mandelson lost his job last fall. Also in Britain, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lost his royal residence last week; King Charles already had stripped him of his princely title. Visiting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (L) attends a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Trkiye, Feb. 12, 2026. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday pledged to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, following talks in Ankara. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) ANKARA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday pledged to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, following talks in Ankara. Speaking at a joint press conference, Erdogan said bilateral trade reached 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 and was moving toward a target of 5 billion dollars. He highlighted the rapid expansion of Turkish investments in Serbia, noting that the number of Turkish-capital companies in Serbia has surged from around 100 in 2015 to more than 1,500, with total investments hitting 300 million dollars. Tourism ties are also strengthening, Erdogan said, with Trkiye now the second most popular destination for Serbian tourists and Turkish citizens ranking first among foreign visitors to Serbia. The two leaders discussed steps to support development in Serbia's southwestern region of Sandzak, which Trkiye sees as a bridge of friendship between the two nations, Erdogan added. Vucic described the talks as open and constructive, emphasizing mutual respect despite the disparity in size. "Serbia is much smaller than Trkiye. We know we cannot be Trkiye's most important partner. But Trkiye is an extremely important partner for Serbia," he said. Vucic said Turkish investments in Serbia, particularly in lower-income regions, are creating jobs and economic opportunities. He added that Turkish companies have won tenders for major infrastructure projects, including the Belgrade-Nis railway project, which is expected to boost regional transport and tourism. Editor: Zhang Zhou "I hope you die today," one email said. "Enjoy choking on your tongue." A federal judge used part of a contentious court hearing Thursday to read that and other email and social media death threats she received after her ruling blocking the Trump administration from ending temporary immigration protections for Haitians living in the US. US District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington declined Thursday to put that decision on hold, the AP reports. But before adjourning, she took the unusual step of addressing some of the profane criticism and threats it engendered. Reyes also defending the work of her colleagues, who she said regularly receive such messages these days. "We will continue to do our jobs as best as we know how," she said. "We will not be intimidated." Reyes, a Biden appointee, said she was hesitant to share the threats she received following her Feb. 2 ruling and consulted colleagues beforehand. She read directly from another email that suggested she "eat a bullet." The judge told the courtroom she doesn't object to criticism, per the Miami Herald. "To those who disagree with me, I say 'Thank you,'" she said. "Judges should be questioned, the politicians should be questioned." Ohio threats: Days after the ruling, bomb threats and suspicious packages shut down multiple offices and schools in Ohio on Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine said. The threats referred to Springfield's Haitian community, he said. "The whole essence of the threats were Haitians should be out, get rid of the Haitians," DeWine said at a news conference. Suspicious packages were placed outside a building downtown, per WCPO. "This is a despicable act," DeWine said. "It's caused kids to miss a whole day at school today." President Trump threatened a mass deportation of Haitians from Springfield in his 2024 campaign, and he and JD Vance claimed Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating pets there. The Justice Department is facing a cross-party backlash over claims it tracked what members of Congress searched while reviewing Jeffrey Epstein files. Photos from Wednesday's heated House Judiciary Committee hearing showed Attorney General Pam Bondi holding notes that appeared to list search terms used by Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Axios reports. Jayapal later said DOJ staffers logged members in by name, sat behind them as they worked, and monitored exactly which records they pulled up. She accused Bondi of using that information to anticipate and counter questions at the hearing, calling it "surveillance of members of Congress." Lawmakers were granted access to unredacted Epstein files earlier this week under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Guardian reports. Bondi "clearly came in prepared" with information on search histories, Jayapal told NPR on Thursday. "In fact, I think she probably opened it up to us on Monday, two days before the hearing, so she could see what we were going to search and ask her about. Totally unacceptable. And we've asked for, immediately, a change in the process so that the DOJ is not spying on us." Democratic leaders said the issue is a separation-of-powers problem. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the alleged tracking a "disgrace" that undermines the principle of co-equal branches of government. "There is no bottom for the Trump administration," he said. Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee promised a full investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called the surveillance an "outrage" and said he will ask the DOJ inspector general to step in. On the Republican side, Rep. Nancy Mace called the tracking "disturbing and intimidating," while House Speaker Mike Johnson said it was inappropriate. "I think members should obviously have the right to peruse those at their own speed and with their own discretion," he said of the files, per the AP. "I don't think it's appropriate for anybody to be tracking that. I will echo that to anybody involved with the DOJand I'm sure it was an oversight." House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, however, told Axios he doesn't have a problem with the DOJ's actions. He dismissed complaints as "pretty rich" given prior disputes over Jack Smith's seizure of Republican's phone records during his investigation of Trump. A Justice Department spokesperson said that the agency "has extended Congress the opportunity to review unredacted documents in the Epstein files," and that it "logs all searches made on its systems to protect against the release of victim information," Politico reports. The US and Taiwan sealed a trade pact Thursday that lowers tariffs and steers tens of billions of dollars toward American energy and technology projects. Unveiled Thursday in Washington, the agreement commits Taiwan to buying more than $44 billion in US liquefied natural gas and crude oil, while further opening its market to beef, pork, dairy, wheat, medical products, and autos from the US. Taipei also plans to purchase about $15 billion in civil aircraft and parts and invest roughly $25 billion in power-generation equipment by 2029, Bloomberg News reports. Tariffs on goods from Taiwan will be cut to 15% from 20%, though generic drugs, chips, and smartphones are excluded and could face future levies. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who attended the signing, said the deal removes tariff and non-tariff barriers for American exports and strengthens supply-chain resilience, particularly in high-tech sectors. But the agreement leaves key questions about Taiwan's earlier pledge to support US semiconductor production. Taipei had outlined $250 billion in direct investment in advanced chips, energy and AI projects in the US, plus another $250 billion in government loan guarantees, yet the new document offers few specifics on how that money would be deployed. In exchange, Taiwanese firms are to receive tariff-free quotas for shipping chips to the US and "preferential treatment" under any future American chip tariffs. The tariff cuts still need approval from Taiwan's legislature, where the opposition Kuomintang has criticized the talks as opaque and raised questions about the effect on local pork producers and food safety standards tied to US meat imports. The Trump administration has also signaled plans to boost investment in Taiwan's own semiconductor, AI, defense, and biotech industries. President Trump has a trip to China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, planned for April; the agreement suggests a deepening economic relationship between the US and Taiwan, per the AP. Goldman Sachs' top lawyer will step down after newly released records showed a far more familiar relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than she and the bank had previously acknowledged, the New York Times reports. Kathryn Ruemmler, the firm's general counsel since 2021 and a key figure on its reputational risk committee, said Thursday night that she will resign effective June 30, following the Justice Department's disclosure of emails, texts, and photos detailing her interactions with the late financier and convicted sex offender. Ruemmler and Goldman had long maintained that her dealings with Epstein were purely professional. The materials, made public late last month, depict a different dynamic: Ruemmler allegedly asked for and accepted gifts from Epstein (including, per CNBC and the Guardian, a Fendi purse, a Hermes bag, Bergdorf Goodman gift cards, a fur coat, and spa visits), offered him advice on managing negative press coverage, and chatted about her personal life, including her dating experiences. In one exchange cited in the documents, she referred to Epstein as "Uncle Jeffrey" in a message to an associate. She even signed some of her emails to Epstein with "xoxo," according to the New York Post, and allegedly maintained her correspondence with him until days before his suicide in a jail cell. The night Epstein was arrested in 2019, Ruemmler was one of three people he called, the Wall Street Journal reports. Goldman CEO David Solomon said in a statement that he had accepted Ruemmler's resignation and "respected her decision." Before joining Goldman, Ruemmler served as White House counsel under President Obama and was a prominent white-collar defense lawyer at Latham & Watkins. A Goldman spokesperson says Ruemmler "regrets ever knowing" Epstein. Nevada is the only state where people can legally purchase sex, and now sex workers at one of the state's oldest brothels are fighting to become the nation's first to be unionized. "We want the same things that any other worker wants. We want a safe and respectful workplace," said a worker at Sheri's Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, who goes by the stage name "Jupiter Jetson." Prostitution is legal at licensed brothels in 10 of Nevada's rural counties, per the AP . The majority of the brothel's 74 sex workers submitted a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board last week under the name United Brothel Workers, represented by the Communications Workers of America. Jetson said the drive was spurred by a new independent contractor deal in December that would give the brothel power to use the women's likenesses without permission, even if they no longer work there. "This is how you end up the face of a Japanese lubricant company without ever having signed a document," Jetson said. Sex work, and the rights of those who do it, remains a largely taboo topic. Prostitution is only legal in a handful of nations, such as Germany, and organizing efforts vary. "All workers are guaranteed certain human decencies and dignities, and the right to organize is one of those," said Marc Ellis, state president of the Nevada Communications Workers of America. Sheri's Ranch respects the right of workers to "express their views on workplace structure," Jeremy Lemur, the brothel's marketing and communications director, said, with the focus being on providing a "safe, lawful, and professionally managed environment." The process could go on for weeks, but the brothel could choose to recognize the CWA as the sex workers' representatives and begin negotiating a new contract ASAP, per union lawyers. Unionization success could come down to whether the workers are considered employees or independent contractors, which have more freedoms but less protections than employees. The women argue they're treated as the latter: They have set schedules, can't work from home, and are required to charge a minimum of $1,000 per hour to their clients, Ellis said. Meanwhile, Sheri's Ranch gets 50% of what they earn. Barb Brents, an expert in Nevada's sex industry, said the women's effort is significant in a stigmatized industry in which its workers historically lay low and stay quiet. "It's pretty amazing and heartening to see so many sex workers standing up for their rights," she said. More here. Washington's quiet bet on Elon Musk's satellites in Iran turns out to have been much bigger than previously disclosed. US officials say the Trump administration secretly moved about 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran after security forces there crushed mass protests in January, killing thousands and sharply limiting online access, reports the Wall Street Journal . The State Department had bought nearly 7,000 terminalsmost in Januaryby shifting money away from other internet-freedom programs in Iran and toward hardware meant to keep anti-regime activists connected. Officials say President Trump knew about the deliveries, though it's unclear who formally signed off on the plan. The White House declined to comment. Tehran bans Starlink and threatens users with years in prison. The Iranian government has long accused Washington of orchestrating unrest, though when it comes to Starlink, Musk himself is said to have recently nixed subscription fees for Iranians, per the Independent. The US denies directing the protestswhich reportedly resulted in more than 7,000 deaths, per the Telegraphbut the secret Starlink effort shows a deeper level of backing for the opposition than previously acknowledged. Trump publicly urged Iranians to stay in the streets last month and told them "help is on its way," leading some to expect US airstrikes that never came, even as US forces later gathered in the region amid tensions over Iran's nuclear program, per the Journal. The Starlink push sparked a split among US officials: Some, like the State Department's former Middle East chief, argued that satellites were essential once authorities pulled the plug on the internet, while others warned cutting funds for virtual private networks would expose more Iranians. VPNs, they said, both mask users' locations and reach more people at a lower cost. Internal data show roughly 30 million Iranians used US-funded VPNs during 2022 protests, and about 20% of the nation stayed partially online with those tools during a near-total blackout in 2025. As money flowed to Starlink, funding for some VPN providers lapsed, and firms like Psiphon say they're now struggling. Meanwhile, Iranian security forces are hunting for satellite dishes on roofs, with analysts noting that tens of thousands of people seem to be continuing to risk prison terms to stay online. Artificial intelligence company Anthropic says it's now valued at $380 billion, cementing its position alongside rival OpenAI and Elon Musk's SpaceX in a trio of the world's most valuable startups that investors will watch closely this year to see if they'll become publicly traded. "These are the three biggest names that could go public this year," said Angelo Bochanis of Renaissance Capital, which researches the potential for initial public offerings, per the AP . Anthropic, maker of the chatbot Claude, said Thursday its valuation grew after it raised $30 billion in its latest round of funding, led by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC and the US-based investment firm Coatue, along with dozens of other major investors. The funding also includes a portion of the $15 billion that Nvidia and Microsoft said they would invest in Anthropic in November, part of a deal that would eventually commit Anthropic to buying from Microsoft some $30 billion in computing capacity it needs to build and run AI systems like Claude. Anthropic has also been heavily backed by cloud providers Amazon and Google. Anthropic CFO Krishna Rao says the company will use the surge of investments to continue building "enterprise-grade products" and AI models. Renaissance Capital counts Anthropic as third among the most valuable private firms. It's behind ChatGPT maker OpenAI, valued at $500 billion. And both San Francisco-based AI companies trail rocket maker SpaceX, which recently merged with Musk's AI startup xAI, maker of the chatbot Grok. Anthropic isn't profitable, but the company said Thursday it's on track for sales of $14 billion over the next year. While OpenAI has dabbled in a number of revenue models, including digital ads, Anthropic has tailored Claude products to be a workplace assistant on tasks such as software engineering. Whichever company does an IPO first will have "an opportunity to raise even more money," Bochanis said. "It's an opportunity to be a big headline and get that sort of boost to your public image." The risks are that the companies will have to invite public inspection of their business models as they continue to lose more money than they make. "Private markets have been throwing dozens of billions of dollars at these companies, even as valuations multiply again and again and again," Bochanis said. "With public markets, there's going to be a little more scrutiny. A single earnings report could tank a stock." Jeanine Pirro is taking her suburban hometown and a utility to court over what she describes as a painful street stumble. The US attorney for the District of Columbia and former Fox News host has filed a $250,000 negligence suit against the city of Rye, New York, as well as against Con Edison, saying she tripped on Aug. 28 over a wooden block sticking out of a steel plate covering work on a gas main in the road, per the AP . In an amended state court filing on Wednesday, Pirro, 74, says she suffered head, eye, face, and shoulder injuries; was confined to bed for an unspecified amount of time; and still suffers from pain. Lawyers for Rye and Con Ed are asking a judge to throw out the case, arguing the spot wasn't a pedestrian walkway and that any hazard was "open, obvious, and apparent." The Daily Beast notes an interesting twist to the case: Pirro's ex-husband, Albert Pirro, is her legal counsel in this case. The Pirros were married for nearly 40 years before divorcing in 2013. Albert Pirro was pardoned by President Trump during the latter's first term for his 2000 conspiracy and tax evasion conviction. All sides declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Pirro, a longtime Westchester legal figure who previously served as a local judge and district attorney, was confirmed as the Trump administration's top prosecutor for Washington, DC, just weeks before the incident. (Hopefully for Jeanine Pirro, her choice of legal representation is a sensible one this time around.) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has claimed victory in the country's first election since the 2024 uprising , positioning itself to form the next government and potentially reshape Bangladesh's political landscape after years of intense rivalry and disputed polls. The party's media unit said on X on Friday that it had secured enough seats in Parliament to govern on its own, though rival group Jamaat-e-Islami raised concerns over delayed results. The final tally hasn't yet been announced by the Election Commission, but several local media outlets reported the BNP crossing the threshold needed to lead the 350-member Parliament, per the AP . The BNP is headed by 60-year-old Tarique Rahman, its prime ministerial candidate who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-exile in London. He's the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died in December. The US Embassy in Dhaka congratulated Rahman and his party on the win, calling it a "historic victory." "The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries," US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen wrote on X. China congratulated the BNP for taking the lead in the election, and leaders from India and Pakistan also lauded the BNP leader. The contest was largely a two-way race between the BNP and an 11-party alliance led by the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, a conservative religious party whose growing influence has fueled concern, particularly among women and minority communities. Despite falling short of a majority, the alliance made a notable impact, securing at least 77 seats, per local TV channels. Shafiqur Rahman, who heads Jamaat-e-Islami, secured a seat in Dhaka and is poised to become the opposition leader in Parliament, though his party voiced objections to the handling of the election results. The vote was seen as a test of Bangladesh's democracy. Thursday's vote took place amid tight security and concerns of democratic backsliding, rising political violence, and the fraying of the rule of law. The election was the first since a bloody student-led revolt in July 2024 led to Hasina's ouster. The Election Commission said on Friday that voter turnout in Thursday's election stood at 59.44%; more than 127 million voters were eligible. More here. President Trump is doubling down on a show of US naval power in the Middle East as he pushes for a fast-track deal with Iran over its nuclear program. The Pentagon will deploy the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group to the Gulf region, officials confirmed, adding a second American carrier alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Ford, currently in the Caribbean, is expected to arrive in three to four weeksroughly matching Trump's public timeline for wrapping up talks with Tehran, Axios reports. Iranian officials repeatedly have said they will not bargain under threat of military action. Trump told reporters he's sending the world's largest aircraft carrier, per the Hill, "in case we don't make a deal, we'll need it." He said before meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week that he was considering such a move. That extended the deployment of the Ford, which has been at sea for almost eight months. An analyst said lengthening the warship's deployment makes a US strike on Iran more likely, per the Washington Post. "Once it gets over there, there'll be a lot of pressure to use it," said Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A US official told Axios that Trump and Netanyahu agreed to maintain pressure on Iran throughout the nuclear talks. Adm. Daryl Caudle had warned publicly last month that the ships in the Ford strike force are due for routine maintenance, promising "some pushback" if the deployment was extended. The Ford and its escorts sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, in June, and now are not scheduled to return to their home ports until late April or early May, per the New York Times. The military did not immediately say when the maintenance would be performed, per the Post. A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 12, 2026.China on Thursday launched a SD-3 carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite, into planned orbits. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. (Photo by Guo Jinqi/Xinhua) YANGJIANG, Guangdong, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites into planned orbits. The SD-3 commercial rocket blasted off at 2:37 p.m. (Beijing Time) from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province. The seven satellites include Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Thursday's launch was an important achievement of China-Pakistan space cooperation. The PRSC-EO2 satellite is equipped with high-resolution optical payloads. The remote sensing data it acquires will serve Pakistan in various fields such as land mapping, environmental and natural disaster monitoring, and natural resource protection. This is the fourth time that the SD-3 rocket has undertaken a commercial launch mission with multiple satellites onboard, showcasing its core advantages in payload adaptability, application scenarios and commercial service capabilities. A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 12, 2026. China on Thursday launched a SD-3 carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite, into planned orbits. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. (Photo by Guo Jinqi/Xinhua) A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 12, 2026. China on Thursday launched a SD-3 carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite, into planned orbits. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. (Photo by Guo Jinqi/Xinhua) A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 12, 2026. China on Thursday launched a SD-3 carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite, into planned orbits. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. (Photo by Guo Jinqi/Xinhua) A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 12, 2026. China on Thursday launched a SD-3 carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite, into planned orbits. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 12, 2026. China on Thursday launched a SD-3 carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite, into planned orbits. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 12, 2026. China on Thursday launched a SD-3 carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 satellite, into planned orbits. The offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) Editor: Zhang Zhou Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High -3F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low -27F. Winds light and variable. SHIZUOKA, Feb 13 (News On Japan) - A unique certificate is being issued to visitors to Fuji City in Shizuoka Prefecture who arrive hoping to see Mount Fuji but find the famous peak hidden from view, part of a local effort to share the mountains ever-changing charm even on cloudy days. It's just after noon here in Fuji City. Usually, you can see a beautiful Mount Fuji around here, but today you cant see it at all, a camera operator from the Fuji bureau said while reporting from the city. On days when poor weather obscures the mountain, Fuji City offers a limited-time service. According to Chizuru Suzuki of the Mount Fuji Tourism Exchange Bureau, Mount Fuji is said to be a female deity, so when a handsome man visits, she gets shy and hides. Thats why today we certify that you are handsome. At the tourist information center at Shin-Fuji Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, visitors can receive a handsome certificate or a beautiful certificate free of charge if Mount Fuji cannot be seen. Based on a local legend that Mount Fuji is a female deity, the idea is that she hides out of shyness when handsome men arrive and out of jealousy when beautiful women appear. A tourist from South Korea who received a certificate said, Thank you. Im really happy right now. Its a bit sad not to see it, but its nice to be able to experience it in this way here. Suzuki of the tourism bureau said the goal is to help visitors feel connected to Mount Fuji even on days when it cannot be seen and to encourage them to explore the surrounding area before heading home. City officials in Fuji also monitor the mountain daily. According to Hiroyuki Suzuki of the citys promotion division, At Fuji City Hall, we observe Mount Fuji three times a day from the eighth floor at 8 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m. We record whether clouds blocked the view, whether the mountain was clearly visible, or whether only part of it could be seen. To gather baseline data on visibility, Fuji City has conducted these observations three times daily since 1990. When asked about the mountains appearance on the morning of the 10th, Suzuki said, As you can see, it was rated as clearly visible this morning. The city has posted last years observation results on its website, along with insights drawn from 35 years of data. According to the data, Mount Fuji appears more often in winter than in summer and is more likely to be visible in the morning than in the evening, information the city hopes visitors will use when planning their trips. Whether the mountain is visible or hidden, Fuji City aims to ensure visitors can still enjoy the experience, reflecting an initiative unique to a city where Mount Fuji is part of everyday life. Source: SBSnews6sb TOKYO, Feb 13 (News On Japan) - A man has been arrested on suspicion of posing as a model audition for an underwear brand and photographing women in their underwear. Sato Tatsuya, 37, is suspected of falsely claiming to hold a model audition for an underwear brand and photographing two women in their 20s in their underwear at a rented studio in Tokyos Shinjuku Ward in 2025. Sato allegedly also had the women wear cosplay outfits such as sailor-style uniforms, and the case came to light after one of the women became suspicious and consulted the Metropolitan Police Department. According to investigators, Sato denies the allegations, stating, "I only carried out the underwear photography as part of a business activity." Source: FNN Kia EV9 continues its award-winning streak, recognized as the 2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) Canadian Black Book recognizes Kia as the winner for Best Residual Values Overall Brand for Electric Vehicles Latest accolades underscore Kia's global commitment to development and delivery of design-led, technology-rich, customer-centric EVs TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, the Kia EV9 was named 2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. Nearly three years since its launch, the Kia EV9 continues to garner critical acclaim, having earned almost 50 accolades worldwide. Kia Canada Director Michael Kopke accepts award for EV9. (CNW Group/Kia Canada Inc.) Elias El-Achhab, VP and COO of Kia Canada, commented: "We are honoured to have the EV9 recognized by the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada. Furthermore, the recognition from Canadian Black Book solidifies our efforts and commitment to providing high-quality EVs that Canadians can truly count on." Evan Williams, AJAC President, commented "Congratulations to Kia and it's EV9 for winning 2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year. The EV9 had been oh so close to winning this award the last two years, but this year one quality crucial to Canadian car shoppers has pushed it over the top. The EV9's starting price has remained unchanged for the last three years, and what was an exceptional family EV now delivers an even more exceptional value." Where did the ceremony take place, and which vehicles were eligible? The winners were revealed at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. All 2026 model-year vehicles were eligible, including: Newly designed models that are new for 2026 Recently refreshed existing models Models carried over from last year Who were the judges? Based on a respected panel of 50 AJAC jurors and more than 600 ballots completed, the EV9 was selected as the top EV SUV, making the award an important recognition within the Canadian marketplace. How has Kia performed previously in the AJAC awards? This latest accolade reflects Kia's previous successes in the prestigious AJAC awards. Since 2005, Kia vehicles have taken 14 category awards and an overall AJAC Car of the Year award. Highlights include: 2019 Car of the Year Kia Stinger 2018 Green Utility Vehicle of the Year Kia Niro 2015 Green Car of the Year Kia Soul EV Did Kia receive any further recognition at the ceremony? Kia is also receiving an important nod today from Canadian Black Book as the Best Residual Values Award Winner for Overall Brand, Electric. This award recognizes: Forecasted long-term vehicle demand Expected value retention performance Confidence in Kia's EV product strategy Where can Canadians see Kia's latest EV models? Kia's growing EV lineup, including the EV9, recently launched EV4, and the upcoming EV5, will be on display at the Canadian International Auto Show from February 13 22, 2026. About Kia Canada Kia Canada Inc., founded in 1999, is a subsidiary of Kia Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. The company employs over 190 people at its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, as well as in locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montreal, Quebec. Kia offers award winning products that are dynamic, stylish and innovative and services that are meaningful and convenient through a network of nearly 200 dealers across the country. The company's brand slogan 'Movement that inspires' reflects Kia's desire to create the space for you to get inspired and more time to bring your ideas to life. To learn more, visit kia.ca or Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE Kia Canada Inc. For media inquiries only, please contact [email protected]. PJSC Zaporizhkoks, one of Ukraine's largest producers of coke-chemical products, has invested UAH 4.3 million in a major overhaul to ensure stable operation of the plant's regenerator. According to the company, Zaporizhkoks has completed a capital repair of Regenerator No. 6 in the recovery shop. A contractor carried out a comprehensive overhaul of the regenerator's foundation metal structures, installed new reinforcement segments for the casing, and added structural stiffeners. The project also included replacement of the roof's metal structures with fencing and internal protective lining, as well as upgrades to the slurry pipeline and air duct. The total investment in the overhaul amounted to nearly UAH 4.3 million. Maksym Shapovalov, head of the recovery shop, explained that regenerator overhauls at the plant are performed on a scheduled basis. "This is a technically complex process lasting nearly nine months, involving restoration of both external structures and internal lining. The regenerator's technical readiness for uninterrupted, efficient operation without failures directly determines the stability of the recovery shop's technological process and the plant's overall performance. That is why Zaporizhkoks prioritizes a systematic approach to repairs, continuous monitoring of equipment condition, improving energy efficiency, and implementing modern technical solutions," he noted. The coke gas desulfurization unit (formerly the sulfur removal shop) of the recovery shop ensures purification of coke gas and production of gas sulfur. Stable operation of this equipment allows for high-quality purification of coke gas, which is used to heat coke batteries and power plant boilers, critical for the continuity and stability of the entire production process. This year, Zaporizhkoks plans a capital overhaul of Regenerator No. 7. In total, 12 such units are in operation at the shop. Zaporizhkoks operates a full technological cycle for processing coke-chemical products. According to the National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC), as of Q4 2025, Dashuria Ltd. (Cyprus) owns 94.9565% of the company's shares. A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2026 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Cision Canada - The Weekly Round-Up (PRNewsfoto/Cision Canada) Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews. About Cision Canada Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter. SOURCE Cision Canada For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. Fedorov: In coming days, there will be news about specific results on start of controlled arms exports Photo: https://www.nato.int Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced in the coming days news about the start of controlled arms exports, but did not predict a specific number of drones that could be exported. According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, he made the statement at a news conference following the 33rd Ramstein format meeting in Brussels on Thursday. "There will be news about concrete results in the coming days. Indeed, all partners are raising the issue of exports, everyone wants to participate in the production of Ukrainian drones. The president will soon announce new products created by Ukrainian enterprises and our partners enterprises. Today we already talked about Octopus, which is manufactured in Ukraine and Great Britain," the minister said. Fedorov noted that a commission responsible for exports has already been formed. The corresponding decree was signed by the president several days ago. "And essentially, the new process that has been approved will begin working in the coming days and weeks. So its difficult to forecast what the volume of exports will be this year," Fedorov said. The defense minister clarified, however, that Ukraine plans to increase drone production this year and boost the militarys drone supply, which "applies to all types and kinds of drones." "Given the doctrinal changes taking place on the battlefield, its important for us to produce more of some drone categories that we manufactured less of before," he said. Fedorov explained that the question of drone quantities will largely depend on available funding, which was discussed with European partners on Wednesday. "All of this will give us the answer to the question: how many drones Ukraine will be able to produce this year, and what types of drones. After that, in parallel, we will understand what can be exported. Because first and foremost, Ukrainian drones must work for the needs of the Ukrainian military in order to stop the enemy," he said. As previously reported, the Interdepartmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control Policy has resumed operations to fulfill the Ukrainian presidents task of opening controlled arms exports. Photo: https://www.axios.com US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hopes to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Munich Security Conference, which is taking place February 13-15. I think hes going to be there and theres a chance to see him. I believe its on my schedule, not 100% certain, but Im sure we will, Rubio told reporters before leaving for Munich on Thursday evening, CNN reports. He also called Russias attacks against Ukraine "terrible." Its a war. Thats why we want the war to end. People are suffering. Its the coldest time of year. Its unimaginable, the suffering. Thats the problem with wars. Thats why wars are bad, and thats why we worked so hard for over a year now to try to bring this one to an end, Rubio said. Photo: National Guard On the night of February 13 (from 18:00 on February 12), the enemy attacked with an Iskander-M ballistic missile from Kursk region, as well as 154 Shaheds, Gerberas, Italmas attack UAVs and other types of drones from the directions of Orel, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation, TOT of Donetsk, Hvardeyske, Chauda - the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, about 100 of which were Shaheds, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on its Telegram channel. "According to preliminary data, as of 8:30 a.m., air defense forces have shot down or suppressed 111 enemy Shaheds, Gerberas, Italmas, and other types of UAVs. Missile strikes and hits on 22 attack UAVs were recorded at 18 locations, as well as the fall of downed UAVs (debris) at two locations," the Ukrainian Air Forces reported. Photo: https://t.me/zedigital/ Following the results of the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG, known as the Ramstein format), partners confirmed one of the largest budgets for supporting Ukraine - $38 billion for 2026, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said. "Following the Ramstein meeting, partners confirmed one of the largest budgets to support Ukraine $38 billion for 2026. More than $6 billion in specific aid packages, including more than $2.5 billion for Ukrainian drones, over $500 million for PURL, $2 billion for air defense, as well as funds for artillery ammunition, training, maritime capabilities and other areas," he wrote on Telegram. According to Fedorov, Ukraine also agreed with several European partners on the urgent delivery of Patriot missiles from their stockpiles. The quantity will be finalized after final approval by the leadership of the respective countries. The minister summarized agreements with partners following the Ramstein meeting. Britain is allocating GBP 500 million ($680 million) for air defense and contributing GBP 150 million ($204 million) to the PURL initiative, with the country providing a total of GBP 3 billion ($4.08 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in 2026. Germany is allocating at least EUR 1 billion ($1.08 billion) for the purchase of drones for Ukraine, will finance an air defense "dome" project over Ukrainian cities and a drone-assault units project within its EUR 11.5 billion ($13.63 billion) aid budget for Ukraine. Norway allocated $7 billion in 2026, of which $1.4 billion is for drones, $700 million for air defense, $200 million for artillery, $125 million for PURL. The Netherlands committed to allocate at least 0.25% of GDP for Ukraines defense in 2026 and announced a contribution of 90 million euros ($106.65 million) to PURL. Belgium will allocate EUR 1 billion ($1.08 billion) for military aid this year. Sweden announced its 24th aid package worth EUR 1.2 billion ($1.42 billion) and a contribution of EUR 100 million ($118.50 million) to PURL. Overall, it is allocating EUR 3.7 billion ($4.38 billion) for this year. Denmark announced an increase in its military aid budget for Ukraine by $425 million to $2 billion total in 2026. Spain is providing $1.2 billion in 2026. Canada is allocating $50 million for the "Danish model" and $45 million for medical support. Iceland is contributing $8 million to the PURL initiative and allocating $2.4 million for weapons procurement through the NSATU trust fund. Lithuania is allocating $265 million this year. Latvia will provide at least 0.25% of GDP to support Ukraine. Estonia will also direct at least 0.25% of its own GDP to strengthening Ukraines defense. Australia announced a new contribution to the PURL initiative. Portugal announced contributions to PURL and the "Czech initiative," transfer of armored vehicles and drones under the SAFE program. Turkey will strengthen Ukrainian air defense with its contribution. Slovenia announced an aid package of $5 million. "Today at the meeting, we presented our defense goals for the year to partners for the first time, approved by the president of Ukraine and our military. We came with a clear plan and concrete decisions that we plan to implement together with our partners. I am grateful to every country that is part of the Ramstein format. Thank you for the new strong contributions to our defense," Fedorov said. Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Munich, where he will participate in the annual security conference. An important day, and there will be new steps toward our shared security that of Ukraine and Europe. On the agenda is the first joint Ukrainian-German drone production enterprise, as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings with partners, Zelenskyy said on X Friday. The President noted the need for joint production and greater sustainability, coordination, and effectiveness of the common security architecture in Europe. The most significant thing we can achieve together is ending the war with a dignified peace and creating reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and for all of Europe so that no one in Europe is afraid of being left without protection, the President emphasized. The president is scheduled to visit the Ukrainian-German enterprise Quantum Frontline Industries GmbH on Friday. The president will also participate in the Berlin Format meeting with leaders of European countries, NATO, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In addition, during the day, the president will hold a number of meetings, including with the Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof. Ukrainian FM calls meeting on Beijing's role in ending the war with his Chinese counterpart in Munich productive Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed peace efforts and Chinas important role in helping end the war with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday. In Munich, I had a meaningful and productive meeting with Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi. We focused on ways to develop mutually beneficial trade and bilateral ties based on reciprocal respect for territorial integrity, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry wrote on the social network X following the negotiations. According to Sybiha, he briefed his Chinese counterpart on the situation on the battlefield, Russian attacks on Ukraines energy system, and the losses suffered by Chinese companies as a result of Russian strikes. Furthermore, the minister noted, the two sides focused on ways to develop mutually beneficial trade and bilateral ties based on mutual respect for territorial integrity. The Ukrainian minister also thanked Beijing for its decision to provide Ukraine with an additional package of humanitarian energy aid. I reiterated Ukraines interest in contacts with China at the highest level, Sybiha also informed. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the first German-Ukrainian joint venture in Munich, which produces drones for the Ukrainian army, and accepted the first jointly produced attack drone. We saw the production line and the first flight of the drone. This is modern Ukrainian technology. Battle-tested. Powered by AI. It will strike, it will scout, it will protect our soldiers. And this year ten thousand drones manufactured here will go to Ukraine and strengthen our forces, Zelenskyy said on X Friday. The President also announced that 10 joint ventures for the production of Ukrainian drones are planned to open by the end of the year. I thank Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the Government of Germany, Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius personally, and the German people. Ukraine is always ready to share the experience we got in defending life, he noted. A major heritage project to uncover and restore the remains of Tavistock Abbey is set to begin after securing full funding. The Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey Project, led by Tavistock Heritage Trust in partnership with Tavistock Town Council, will see archaeological investigations, conservation work and community digs take place across the historic site from March 2026. A 249,226 grant has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside support from Historic England, Tavistock Town Council, and Tavistock Heritage Trust itself. Organisers say the funding allows the scheme to move from planning into delivery, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore the abbeys story. Founded in AD 974, Tavistock Abbey, also known as the Abbey of Saint Mary and Saint Rumon, was one of Devons most significant medieval religious foundations. ABOVE: 1887 drawing of 1542 seal of the house and hospital of Saint Mary Magdalene and Theobald of Tavistock. Public domain / Unknown author. For more than 500 years it played a central role in the spiritual, political and economic life of the region, with lands stretching far beyond the town. Its abbots were influential figures, shaping local governance, education and agriculture. The abbey also provided charity, hosted markets and festivals, and dominated Tavistocks skyline. Much of the abbey was dismantled after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 under King Henry VIII. Many of its buildings were destroyed or repurposed, its lands redistributed, and its treasures sold or lost. Despite this, fragments of stonework, reused masonry, and the alignment of streets still reflect its original footprint, keeping the abbey alive in the towns layout and history. On 3 March 1539, the last abbot, John Peryn, together with twenty monks, surrendered the abbey to the king and was granted a pension of 100. At the time of the Dissolution, Tavistock Abbey was the second wealthiest in Devon, with an annual income of 902, slightly behind Plympton Abbey and far above other regional foundations such as Buckfast Abbey. Today, only the refectory, two gateways and a porch survive. What the project will do The Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey Project aims to identify, conserve and reinterpret the surviving remains. Planned work includes archaeological surveys and excavations, heritage conservation to protect key structures, and research into the abbeys history and influence. New interpretation materials will help residents and visitors understand how the abbey shaped the development of Tavistock. Rather than simply safeguarding ruins, organisers hope to illuminate the abbeys past, place it in context, and show how it shaped the streets people walk today. A key feature of the project is community involvement. Schools, families and volunteers will be invited to take part in archaeological fieldwork, historical research and interpretation activities. Local groups, including Tavistock Youth Cafe, are expected to be involved, giving residents the chance to engage directly with their towns history. The project builds on previous heritage-led regeneration initiatives in Tavistock, including work at the Guildhall. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with heritage. This scheme embodies that mission, ensuring the abbeys remains are cared for, understood and shared for generations to come. Between now and March 2026, detailed plans, procurement and programme scheduling will be finalised. Further announcements will outline opportunities for community participation and key project milestones. Ukraine values every foreign volunteer and is transforming its international legions to achieve maximum effectiveness, according to a statement published on the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense website on Friday in response to reports of the reorganization of foreign volunteer units. "International Legions are not being disbanded, but rather transformed. Its important to understand: the International Legion is not a single specific military unit, but a general term for an entire network of volunteer formations operating within various structures of the Defense Forces. Most often, when people talk about the Legion, theyre referring to the infantry battalions within the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Territorial Defense Forces, created at the beginning of the Great War to quickly host foreign volunteers. They are currently undergoing a transformation. However, they are not the only ones In other words, the foreign volunteer movement in Ukraine is a vibrant, multifaceted organism that operates at all levels: from infantry to special forces, and its dissolution is out of the question," the statement reads. The Ministry of Defense denied the claim that the Ukrainian Armed Forces International Legions are being disbanded. "No, thats not true. The International Legions are not disappearing. They are being transformed to become stronger. Instead of being separate light battalions, the legionnaire units are being integrated into the effective and experienced brigades of the Armed Forces. They are now becoming part of a larger military organism," the statement notes. Foreigners are being transferred to regular brigades "to provide them with better weapons and protection," the Defense Ministry stated. "Previously, legionnaires often acted as light infantry. As part of a large mechanized brigade, a foreign unit gains access to the resources and logistics of regular units. This ensures that the same combat missions are carried out with the reliable cover of heavy equipment available to a regular brigade," the Defense Ministry reported. It was also reported that highly qualified specialists, particularly medics and drone operators, will continue to work in their respective fields. "No one will be hammering nails with a microscope. The army is interested in efficiency, so snipers, drone pilots, and paramedics will occupy corresponding positions in specialized companies of their new brigades. Moreover, a foreigner has the right to choose: if a Ukrainian Armed Forces brigade is not suitable for them, they can transfer to other forcesfor example, to units of the Main Intelligence Agency, Special Operations Forces, or the National Guard, as mentioned above," the ministry added. The Ministry of Defense noted that citizens of other countries who defend Ukrainian soil "have absolutely the same rights, social guarantees, and, most importantly, the same level of support and provision as Ukrainian soldiers." A day earlier, independent MP Maryana Bezuhla reported the alleged disbandment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces International Legion. "Right now, the Ukrainian army is disbanding the International Legion. And do you know what one of the reasons is? As theyve developed a doctrine that preserves human lives and prioritizes technology in the offensive," she said, speaking from the podium of the Verkhovna Rada. On Facebook, the deputy reported that the previous Minister of Defense, now First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal, had allegedly signed and failed to amend the directive, and that the current head of the defense department, Mykhailo Fedorov, "hasnt figured it out yet." "The Legion developed a doctrine for drone assault operations similar to the liberation of Kupyansk, which was planned by the National Guard Fewer casualties and greater effectiveness? The value of human life? Foreigners in the Ukrainian army? The countrys reputation? There is an understanding that foreigners must have motivation, ideology, conditions, and explanations, otherwise their contracts will simply be terminated? Who needs that? Now foreigners are being disbanded and transferred to assault units," Bezuhla asserts. She asked Fedorov and Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Pavlo Palisa "to publicly not remain indifferent and to look into the situation." Bideford College has been ranked second in Devon for student A Level progress, according to new data released by the Department for Education (DfE). The college, which is part of the Athena Learning Trust, received an above-average progress score of 0.33. The figure shows how much progress students made between the end of Year 11 and the end of their A Level studies, compared with students with similar starting points across England. The DfE calculates scores by comparing students A Level results with those of peers nationally who had similar GCSE results. The new data was released this month following the ratification of A Level marks from Summer 2025. The Ilfracombe Academy, another school within the Athena Learning Trust, also ranked among the countys top five. Last summer, the school achieved its highest percentage of A*/A grades in recent history, with top grades accounting for around one third of all results. Staff of Bideford College Sixth Form told the Gazette they support students throughout their studies, helping them make important decisions about their futures. Furthermore, teachers work to ensure each student is recognised as an individual, with high expectations, strong wellbeing support, and open communication forming the foundation of the Sixth Form experience. Bideford Colleges most recent A Level and BTEC results were strong, with over 40 per cent of grades awarded at A*/A or Distinction*/Distinction. Many students have secured places at leading universities and on prestigious apprenticeship programmes. Dr Claire Ankers, Principal at Bideford College and Atlantic Academy, said: "We are absolutely delighted to see Bideford College ranked second in Devon for A Level progress. This recognition reflects the commitment of our staff, the determination of our students and the strength of the support we provide throughout their Sixth Form journey. It also highlights how brilliantly our parents have supported their children and how much difference their encouragement regarding regular attendance, completion of homework and maintaining a positive attitude makes. An above average progress score demonstrates the real difference our teachers make, ensuring that every student, regardless of their starting point, is challenged, supported and inspired to achieve their very best. We are equally proud to see The Ilfracombe Academy among the top performers in the county, highlighting the collective impact of Athena Learning Trust. Most importantly, these results represent young people progressing confidently to university, apprenticeships and exciting future pathways. That is what truly matters to us." Full rankings of sixth forms and colleges in Devon are available on the DfE website. Local artist and theatre maker Sarah Lee-Pettifer, known as Mrs Animation, is set to bring her latest musical, GAY, to the Barnstaple Fringe Festival this June, running from 2528. The show follows the success of her recent production Essex to Barny, which enjoyed a hugely popular run at The Queens Theatre this January. Essex to Barny took off, so GAY had to wait in the wings, says Sarah. Now its finished, polished and ready for the stage. GAY The Musical is a comedy exploring the life of Barnstaple-born playwright John Gay, famed for writing The Beggars Opera. ABOVE: Oil painting by Godfrey Kneller of an unknown man traditionally identified as John Gay The production blends humour, live music and local history to shine a light on a writer whose influence extended far beyond North Devon. Its another comedy musical because, lets face it, who doesnt like a good laugh? Sarah adds. But its layered with history and facts people genuinely dont know. I love taking real stories and making them bold, funny and alive again. Auditions for the show will be announced soon, with Sarah inviting local performers to take part in what promises to be another high-energy, laughter-filled Fringe production. I want audiences to leave laughing, a little bit shocked, and incredibly proud that this extraordinary writer came from Barnstaple, she says. This year, Fringe TheatreFest celebrates its 20th festival, featuring four days of performances across Barnstaple, with 50 shows and 150 performances lined up. ABOVE: Logo for GAY The Musical, Sarah Lee-Pettifers new comedy celebrating Barnstaple-born playwright John Gay, coming to the 20th Barnstaple Fringe Festival this June Mrs Animation is a British artist living and working in Barnstaple, North Devon, surrounded by beaches and countryside. She is best known for her eye-catching, neon artworks covered in sequins and music, each piece hand-painted with sequins individually placed. Her love for art and music was passed down by her mother, a textile artist and devoted fan of T-Rex, The Rolling Stones and disco. Sarahs work has been featured at major festivals including Isle of Wight Festival, Reading Festival and Boardmasters, and she has exhibited internationally. Alongside her artwork, Mrs Animation has developed the Hocus Art app, allowing users to scan her creations and watch them come to life in an eruption of colour and sound. Her work has been described as an on the wall VIP disco for the art collector. Photo: https://www.dw.com Germany supports Ukraine in its courageous resistance to Russian imperialism, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said. "We support Ukraine in its courageous resistance to Russian imperialism diplomatically, politically, economically and militarily. Incidentally, during the year, Germany and Europe have taken on the most important leading role. We have inflicted unprecedented losses and damages on Moscow," Merz said at the opening of the Munich Security Conference. He noted that a cluster of defense technology companies is rapidly developing in Munich, which is developing revolutionary technologies, partly in close cooperation with Ukraine. At just 40 feet tall, the Newby-McMahon Building in Wichita Falls isnt very impressive, even when compared to regular-sized buildings, let alone skyscrapers. And yet it was supposed to be one of the most imposing skyscrapers of its time when it was designed in the early 1900s. The nickname Worlds Littlest Skyscraper is a dubious title to have, but the Newby-McMahon Building is indeed dwarfed by every skyscraper in the world. It isnt remotely worthy of being called a skyscraper, as its dwarfed by several normal buildings in Wichita Falls, but the story of how it came to be is truly fascinating. The origins of the Newby-McMahon Building can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the North Texas city of Wichita Falls became the center of a regional oil boom. The discovery of black gold in nearby Burkburnett turned hundreds of locals into millionaires, as mineral rights were negotiated virtually everywhere, from street corners to temporary tents. Philadelphia oil man J.D.D. McMahon was the first to notice the citys dire need for office space and quickly proposed a solution building an imposing skyscraper right next to the original Newby Building, built by Augustus Newby in 1906. His blueprints caught the eye of several investors, and he was able to raise about $200,000 (about $6.8 million in todays money). McMahon promised a multistory office building that would be built just across the street from the St. James Hotel, but what he failed to mention was that it wouldnt go up very much. Exctatic investors didnt notice that the buildings scale was measured in inches rather than feet, and, by the time they realized they had been scammed, it was too late. The architect of this ingenious scam used his own crew to conduct the construction, and by the time his plan was revealed, he was long gone. Investors tried suing to get their money back, but because the plans for the worlds smallest skyscraper clearly said 480 inches, not feet, the judge dismissed their attempt, faulting them for not paying more attention. To make the whole situation even more embarrassing, the company in charge of installing the elevator pulled out of the project upon learning about its true size, so the only way to reach the upper floors was on an external ladder. An internal staircase was built later, but because the diminutive skyscraper measured just 11 feet by 19 feet, it ended up taking about 25 percent of the space. Not long after the completion of the worlds smallest skyscraper in 1919, the oil boom ended, and the Great Depression began. The building fell into disrepair, and even after the American economy rebounded, it only briefly attracted tenants. There were times when local officials considered demolishing it, but locals fought to save it, and it was eventually included in the National Historic Register. Once an embarrassment for Wichita Falls, the worlds smallest skyscraper is now one of its main tourist attractions. Story Not Found The story you are looking for was not found. To view the latest stories, please visit our home page. Floridas Corvus Strategic Partners has signed to represent the interests of Colombia regarding its relations with the US. It is providing those services as a subcontractor to Amadeus Consultancy Ltd, which is based in London. Corvus is to provide guidance and assistance in matters related to combating drug trafficking, and will counsel Colombia on how to communicate with U.S. government officials, business entities and nongovernmental audiences. The Corvus pact went into effect Jan. 31, just ahead of the Feb. 3 White House meeting between president Donald Trump and Colombias leader Gustavo Petro. Prior to the run-up of the Jan. 3 US kidnapping of Venezuela president Nicholas Maduro, Petro blasted the US for blowing up boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, draconian immigration policies, and the brutal tactics deployed by ICE, which Petro called a Nazi brigade. For his part, Trump called Petro a sick man who likes to make cocaine and sell it in the US and said an American invasion of Colombia sounds good. Tensions have apparently eased following the two-hour White House session, which Trump and Petro described as productive and a complete success. The Corvus team includes Rob Garson, Joseph Forcier and Abe Goldschmidt. Motion, a Chicago-based brand growth agency, acquires video-forward marketing and communications firm AKA Media Partners, which has been in business since 1998. AKA will now operate within Motion, leading strategy for video content development. AKA founder and CEO Andrew Krause will become Motions chief growth officer, and all AKA team members and client programs will transition into Motion. The acquisition is intended to enhance Motions integrated offering across video production, content creation, storytelling, and media, reinforcing the agencys commitment to performance-driven creative. AKA marks Motions sixth acquisition and comes as Motion celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The agency employs nearly 75 people across offices in Chicago, Cincinnati and Nashville, ranking as Chicagos largest woman-owned marketing agency. This strategic move enhances Motions video-first storytelling capabilities through aligned leadership and a shared creative philosophy, said The Motion Agency CEO Kimberly Eberl. AKA has an exceptional reputation for video execution, and bringing the AKA team into Motion accelerates our growth while strengthening a capability our clients increasingly relyvideo. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited the first German-Ukrainian joint venture producing drones for the Ukrainian military during his stay in Munich, receiving the first jointly manufactured strike drone. "We saw the production line and the first flight of the drone. This is modern Ukrainian technology. Battle-tested. Equipped with artificial intelligence. It will strike, conduct reconnaissance, and protect our soldiers. And already this year, 10,000 drones produced here will be handed over to Ukraine and will strengthen our forces," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Friday. The president also said that 10 joint drone production ventures are planned to be launched by the end of the year. "I thank Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the German government, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius personally, and the German people. Ukraine is always ready to share the experience we have gained defending lives," he said. Germanys Defense Ministry said the German-Ukrainian joint venture "is delivering results." "Both sides benefit from the joint venture. By the end of the year, Ukraine will receive up to 10,000 drones under this project. Germany, in turn, is expanding its own production capacity and learning from battlefield experience," it said. According to Ukrainian company Frontline Robotics, the drone received by Zelenskyy the Linza 3.0 was developed by the company and manufactured by the first Ukrainian-German defense enterprise, Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), which the Ukrainian president visited alongside Pistorius. "I would like to express my gratitude for this project, which was implemented at the speed of light. We are learning from the successes achieved on the battlefield and benefiting from the innovations being applied," Pistorius said. QFI CEO Matthias Lehna, who demonstrated the production facility to Zelenskyy and Pistorius, noted that the venture began production just two months after its establishment was announced. "QFI is the first enterprise of this kind, but certainly not the last. We are proud to be the flagship company of Ukrainian-German industrial cooperation and to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine," he said. Frontline Robotics Chief Business Development Officer Mykyta Rozhkov said the Linza 3.0 was built on frontline experience and "is already helping Ukrainian forces operate more effectively." The Linza 3.0 is the latest version of the Linza bomber drone series, which has been adopted by more than 60 units of Ukraines Defense Forces. It is equipped with an AI-based visual-inertial navigation module, has a 12-inch airframe, and can carry a payload of up to 4 kg over a range of up to 15 km, with an endurance of up to 60 minutes. The visit by Zelenskyy and Pistorius was organized with the support of the Ukrainian Armory Council, which represents Ukraines private defense manufacturers. APCO is launching the Global Africa Investment Summit, a platform designed to accelerate investment across Africa and help transform the continents economic future. Countries that subscribe to the GAIS platform will work with APCO staff, alongside a dedicated GAIS team, to identify their top sovereign assets for investment. Companies will also be invited to join the platform as members. The goal of GAIS is to connect countries with the companies that can help them unlock and monetize their opportunities. These partnerships will culminate in an annual forum. APCO founder and executive chair Margery Kraus is a co-founder of GAIS, along with Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, president emeritus of the African Development Bank Group. Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield will also be part of GAIS. The early interest from leaders and partners has already been extraordinary, which only reinforces how much potential GAIS has to make a real impact, said Kraus. Ian Hiscock LV8, which specializes in social media strategies and digital marketing, launches a paid media practice, expanding the agencys capabilities across performance marketing, growth strategy and audience acquisition. The new practice will be led by Ian Hiscock, who joins the firm as head of paid media strategy. Hiscock founded boutique advertising agency Noteworthy HQ. The paid media practices offerings include paid social, programmatic media, creator amplification, new customer funnel strategy, and full-funnel performance measurement. Paid media has always been part of how we help brands convert audiences to customer, said Griffin Haddrill, who co-founded LV8 with Gabby Gamad. This launch is about formalizing that practice, investing in specialized leadership, and scaling whats already working. Moxie Strategies introduces Aimi by Moxie, an AI-powered qualitative research product. Short for AI-moderated interviews, Aimi replaces the traditional focus group with one-on-one, adaptive conversations that the agency says capture authentic language and emotional nuance at scale, enabling public affairs, corporate communications and policy teams to sharpen messages, avoid missteps and deploy resources with greater precision. By delivering actionable insights in as little as 10 days, Aimi promises to help teams move faster, test ideas earlier and make confident decisions without the delays, costs or group dynamics that limit traditional focus groups. Aimi helps our clients cut through the clutter by understanding the language that resonates, the concerns that actually matter, and the narratives that move people, said Moxie Strategies CEO Maggie Moran. That leads to better outcomesand far more efficient use of client resources. Recent bad weather and a lack of funding have provided the ideal conditions for potholes to spring up in County Offaly, a council meeting has heard. A number of members of Offaly County Council spoke on the issue during the February meeting of the Edenderry Municipal District. Independent councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick highlighted how the bad weather is contributing to the deterioration of certain roads. Cllr Fitzpatrick said: I know theres huge issues. I mean the wet weather is playing a huge part in the destruction of the roads in certain areas. I came across Clonbullogue down to Edenderry. That road is absolutely terrible all the way across and the volume of heavy trucks on that road is the big problem. READ NEXT: Seven match three winners in Offaly community group's lotto Theres no way that the likes of Edenderry Power are going to pay any compensation to whats going on there because its absolutely crazy. Everyones complaining. He continued by saying that even if the weather picks up soon, theres going to be a lot of work to do to get the roads back into a reasonable situation. He also expressed his frustration that certain roads are breaking up again, having only been repaired by the council a number of years ago. I see it even in Gracefield on the R420 too. That was only done a few years ago and its starting to disintegrate again, all cracking up. Its going to take a lot of work. Were in a peat based area and we dont seem to be getting that recognition from the Department in extra funding that we do require here. I think its something we need to look at going forward. I dont know if we can force anyones hand to get any sort of funding for this region but I certainly think we do need that. Sinn Fein councillor Claire Murray also raised the issue of a lack of funding for road repairs in the area. Cllr Murray said: Its clear that the roads in Offaly are not solvable by Offaly County Council. We just dont have the funding. She called on the council to explore hiring a contractor during bad weather periods to deal with the number of potholes that spring up. Meanwhile, the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam Quinn, also expressed his frustration that roads that the council recently looked at are falling into disrepair again. Senior Executive Engineer Rory Moore echoed these sentiments during the meeting, citing a lack of funding and the bad weather conditions. Mr Moore said: In terms of works going on at the minute, obviously our crews and our Velocity Patcher are out the gate trying to cover pothole repairs. Were getting any amount of emails and phone calls every day about potholes. Id like to remind people that theres over 400 kilometres of road network out there and we have the resources we have. Were trying our best to get to them as best we can. Unfortunately, with the recent cold spell [...] and the rain, its ideal conditions for potholes to be popping up everywhere and anywhere. He concluded by reassuring the public that the local authority is trying its best to get to all the potholes. Well keep working as best we can to get to as many areas and on the major routes especially. Obviously weve to concentrate [on them]. Unfortunately after youve patched them, a couple of days later with the weather, they could be opening again or new ones opening up. But as I said, were trying our best. A MAN walked free from Tullamore District Court after lodging an appeal against a two-month sentence for a breach of the peace. The jail term had been handed down by Judge Andrew Cody after he asked Garda Lisa Fitzpatrick to detail the words said by defendant Dean Lynch (34), Arden View, Tullamore when he committed public order offences at Chancery Park Avenue, Tullamore on December 6 last. A plea of guilty had been previously entered by Mr Lynch and the matter was adjourned for a victim impact statement and compensation. Judge Cody said he had a note from the man's previous appearance in court which said horrendous insults had been used. Garda Fitzpatrick said she did not want to fully say what had been stated by the accused but it was in relation to me being a woman and and crude things I won't repeat in court. READ NEXT: Offaly man will make Six Nations debut this weekend The garda added that it was probably one of the worst encounters she had ever experienced in her 10 years as a guard. Defending solicitor Patrick Martin said there was 500 in compensation and Mr Lynch fully apologised to the gardai. Judge Cody said the man had two previous convictions for public order offences and asked if Mr Lynch was having a road to Damascus conversion after his third conviction, the most horrendous of all. Mr Martin said it would not happen again and his client had been reacting to something else at the time of the latest offence. Imposing a two-month sentence for the breach of the peace, the judge said Mr Lynch had yet to learn his lesson. He took a charge of public drunkenness into consideration and fixed recognisances for an appeal. An appeal was lodged later in the day by the defendant. New analysis of CSO data shows Offaly has one of the higher jobseeker rates in Ireland. Offaly recorded 53 people signing on per 1,000 working-age residents (aged 15-64) in January, placing it in the upper tier nationally, according to the National Pension Helpline study. This means that around one in 19 working-age residents in the county were on the Live Register in January, compared to one in 42 in Meath, which had the lowest rate. The highest rate was recorded in Louth (71), followed by Longford (66) and Donegal (66), while Leitrim (65) and Wexford (62) also had elevated per-capita figures. At the other end of the spectrum, Meath had the lowest rate, with just 24 jobseekers per 1,000 residents, followed by Kilkenny (32) and Cork (34). READ NEXT: Offaly Volunteer Centre to open new offices in Tullamore's O'Connor Square next week These figures highlight the continued regional variation in jobseekers across Ireland, said James Dorrian of the National Pension Helpline. For Offaly, roughly one in 19 working-age residents is on the Live Register. In Meath, the figure is just one in 42. This contrast shows why its important to consider both per-capita rates and total numbers when assessing labour market pressures across the country. Mr Dorrian added that local economic conditions, employment opportunities, and recent changes to national schemes such as the Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit can all influence monthly trends. Monitoring these figures helps policymakers and local authorities target interventions, skills development programmes, and investment where job creation is most urgently needed, he said. READ NEXT: National Ambulance Service Pipe Band and colour party for Tullamore St Patrick's Day parade INDEPENDENT TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, has strongly criticised the responses provided by Alan Dillon, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to recent Parliamentary Questions on supports for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in County Offaly facing escalating energy and operational costs. Deputy Nolan expressed her disappointment that the replies rely heavily on future reports from the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, general signposting to existing schemes, and references to past grant programmes, while offering no targeted or immediate relief for businesses currently struggling under persistently high energy bills. While the Minister highlighted a decline in the CSO Wholesale Price Index and pointed to schemes such as the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant and Power Up payments, Deputy Nolan in turn pointed to recent analysis published by Eurostat and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland that show Irish household electricity prices reached 31.72c per kWh in the first half of 2025, making Ireland the third most expensive in the EU for electricity. This data clearly undermines claims that the cost of doing business is being effectively addressed. Indeed anyone who wants the facts on this issue need only talk to any local business owner and they will put you right regarding the substance behind the spin, said Deputy Nolan. READ NEXT: Offaly Volunteer Centre to open new offices in Tullamore's O'Connor Square next week Offaly SMEs are not feeling any meaningful relief. Wholesale price fluctuations have not translated into lower bills and any minor reductions that may occur will be offset by the ongoing trajectory of carbon tax increases, including the recent rise to 71 per tonne and its application to additional fuels from May 2026. Indeed, we know that these carbon tax increases are going to be relentless as Government has committed to reaching 100 per tonne by 2030, Long-term efficiency grants, while welcome in principle, do nothing to ease the immediate cash-flow pressures caused by energy costs that remain among the highest in Europe. Business owners in Offaly are telling me they are at breaking point. They need direct, tangible support now not referrals to hubs or promises of future report recommendations. The ESB dont accept government rhetoric as a form of payment. The Government must move beyond generic responses and deliver real measures to reduce energy costs for rural enterprises like those in Offaly. READ NEXT: Sales of Offaly art group's calendars raise large sum for local mental health charity A TEENAGE shoplifter was involved in what Judge Andrew Cody said was industrial theft. Judge Cody made the comment when considering sentence for Margaret Connors (19), Glenshane Grove, Tallaght, Dublin 24, who pleaded guilty to stealing 618.50 worth of alcohol from the Tesco store in Tullamore on October 19, 2024. Sergeant Richard Thornton said Ms Connors entered Tesco with two carry bags which she filled with bottles of vodka, Bacardi rum and Powers whiskey and then passed all points of payment without paying. She was recorded on CCTV. Sergeant Thornton said the young woman had seven previous convictions, all of which were for theft and she had received a one-month sentence on February 5 for a theft in 2024. AnnNoelle Bennett, BL, representing Ms Connors, said the young woman wanted to get it all over with and the offences had happened when she left the family home. READ NEXT: Offaly man will make Six Nations debut this weekend Ms Bennett said the accused was no longer keeping the company she was keeping at that time. This is industrial theft, commented Judge Cody, remarking that the total number of bottles of spirits taken was 12 and could not be for personal use. Ms Bennett said the woman was unwilling to give further details but she could tell the court Ms Connors could not drive. She hoped to continue work in hairdressing which she had previously started. It certainly wasn't her idea to start offending, said Ms Bennett. Judge Cody said a probation report was before the court which detailed the woman's involvement in theft and he was told by Sergeant Thornton that along with the one-month sentence, which had been imposed in Cavan, she had received a five-month sentence at Naas District Court. The judge responded: It's a nationwide enterprise. He said there would have to be some consequences for such theft and taking the relatively early plea and the probation report into account, he imposed a sentence of two months to commence when the other sentence expires. Fianna Fail TD for North Tipperary and Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Deputy Ryan O'Meara, has warmly welcomed the announcement of the first phase of the new Education Therapy Service (ETS), describing it as a game-changer for children with additional needs and their families across Tipperary. Deputy Ryan O'Meara said: "The new service championed by my colleague Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan, will see therapists embedded directly in school communities to provide vital, joined-up supports for students." Deputy O'Meara said the inclusion of Nenagh Community Special School in this first phase is hugely positive news for families locally. This is a landmark step forward in how we support children with special educational needs, and I am particularly pleased to see Nenagh Community Special School included from the very beginning, said Deputy Ryan O'Meara. Nenagh Community Special School does incredible work every day. Having therapy supports delivered directly in the school will make a real difference to childrens development, learning and wellbeing, while also easing pressure on families who often face long waits or travel to access services. READ NEXT: Be part of Roscrea's 46th St Patrick's Day Parade The Education Therapy Service is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and will be delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). It is designed to complement existing health and disability services, ensuring children receive the right supports, in the right place, at the right time. Deputy O'Meara said the initiative reflects Fianna Fails focus on building inclusive services that support every child to reach their full potential. Fianna Fail in Government is committed to strengthening special education and ensuring no child is left behind. Embedding therapists in schools is a practical, family-centred reform that will provide more timely and coordinated support where children learn every day, he said. READ NEXT: No new Gardai for North Tipp despite 'glaringly obvious' need - Alan Kelly I look forward to seeing the service expand further in the months ahead so that even more schools and families across Tipperary can benefit. Recruitment for the first 90 therapists to support the 45 schools announced today has now concluded, with therapists to be appointed to specific schools in the coming months. Schools are also being contacted to begin planning for how the service will be delivered and integrated locally. Fortify accountability fulcrums like UPR to deliver on gender equality and right to health SHOBHA SHUKLA - CNS Accountability is essential if we want governments to walk the talk on global promises and commitments and translate them into local realities (Image by CNS) Details DMCA Accountability is critical when it comes to ensuring that promises made by the governments translate into ground realities "where no one is left behind." Without robust accountability mechanisms, we risk failing on goals and targets, such as those enshrined in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or other legally binding treaties (like CEDAW), agreements, declarations and other global, regional or national commitments. "Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is one of the accountability mechanisms to hold UN member States accountable for human rights obligations and commitments," said Dr Virginia Kamowa, Regional and Country Engagement Manager, Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI) while giving her keynote talk at the 1st SHE & Rights session of 2026. 193 sovereign nations that are part of the UN are referred to as UN Member States. "All 193 UN member States are reviewed once every four years. So far, three such reporting cycles have taken place and fourth cycle is currently underway. First such review of all UN member States took place between 2008-2011, then 2012-2016, followed by a third one during 2017-2022, and now the fourth cycle is going on currently 2022-2027," added Dr Kamowa. "National report is written by governments for their respective country but also there are UN bodies within the country that do their own compilation. Stakeholders like civil society and human rights institutions also compile their summary report and during the process other States ask questions and make recommendations to the country that is being reviewed. The reviewed country can accept (or reject) those recommendations and then the follow-up happens in the next cycle of UPR review," explained Kamowa in SHE & Rights session. SHE & Rights was together organised by Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), Women Deliver Conference 2026, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health, Gender and Development Justice (APCAT Media) and CNS. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Former Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Rostyslav Shurma, who has been placed on a wanted list by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) on suspicion of misappropriation of property and money laundering, has denied wrongdoing, said he is prepared to cooperate with the investigation, and stated that he is lawfully present in Germany. "Today, media reported that my brother and I have allegedly been placed on a wanted list I emphasize: neither I nor my brother are in hiding. I am openly and lawfully present in the Federal Republic of Germany at an address known to the investigation. My current contact details and those of my defense counsel have been communicated to the competent authorities on multiple occasions. I am prepared to cooperate with the investigation within the bounds of the law with respect for my right to defense and due procedural process," Shurma wrote on Facebook on Friday. He said his defense team had formally requested that his participation in procedural actions be facilitated via videoconference or through diplomatic channels. "I do not plead guilty and will prove my innocence through the procedure established by law. The defense will continue to take all legally prescribed measures to ensure proper procedural communication and the protection of my rights in Ukraine and abroad," he added. As previously reported, NABU placed Shurma on a wanted list on suspicion of misappropriation of property and money laundering. The relevant entry appeared in the wanted persons section of the Ukrainian Interior Ministrys website, with Feb. 12, 2026 listed as the date of his disappearance. No preventive measure had been applied against him. A wanted notice for Oleh Shurma, born Jan. 13, 1986, carrying identical suspicion details and disappearance date, was also added to the database. The case stems from a scheme uncovered by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) on Jan. 21, 2026, involving the alleged embezzlement of funds under the so-called "green" energy tariff in the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhia region, with losses estimated at UAH 141.3 million. Member of parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak of the Holos faction linked Shurma to the suspicion notice, writing on Telegram: "The suspicion against Shurma follows my complaint to NABU." War in Ukraine will end only if Russia is economically and militarily exhausted Merz Photo: Anadolu Agency Russias war against Ukraine will end only when Russia is economically and militarily exhausted, and Moscow is not yet ready for serious negotiations, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said. "My personal assumption is that this war will end only when Russia is at least economically, and possibly also militarily, exhausted. We are approaching that moment, but we are still approaching it," he said at the opening of the Munich Security Conference on Friday. "Russia is not yet ready for serious negotiations," Merz said. "Russia must abandon this terrible war against Ukraine. And we must do everything necessary to bring them to the point where they no longer see an advantage in continuing this terrible war," he said. The German chancellor added that this point had not yet been reached. He described it as "terrible" that Russias war against Ukraine has already lasted longer than the Second World War, and said the United States, Europe, and Ukraine must do everything possible to stop Russia through military, economic, political, and diplomatic means. "And if there is a point in talking, we are ready to talk but they must acknowledge that they are genuinely ready to talk about a ceasefire, and then about a peace plan," Merz said. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported on the preparation by partner countries of assistance packages that should arrive in Ukraine by the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. "We can now work on the largest energy package. Separately, we will work on missiles for air defense. Separately, we will work on some more things to strengthen our military military packages. Now our diplomats and military advisers will work on this. We want in 10-11 days, by the 24th, and all partners have agreed that we will make such maximum support packages for Ukraine," Zelenskyy told reporters in Munich (Germany) on Friday, where he arrived to participate in a security conference and where he held meetings with representatives of European countries, the EU and the European Commission. He also expressed hope for the introduction of a new package of sanctions against Russia by that date. OKLAHOMA CITY A group of Republican lawmakers have urged the states top education official to investigate student walkouts, a method of youth protest for decades. Over the past two weeks, students across the state have walked out of public high schools to hold demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whose tactics during a mass deportation campaign have become a nationwide controversy. Fourteen Republican lawmakers, including members of the far-right Freedom Caucus, signed a letter to State Superintendent Lindel Fields, calling for an investigation into whether students violated Oklahoma truancy laws and to potentially revoke teaching licenses of any educators who might have promoted or facilitated the walkouts. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... The lawmakers letter, issued Tuesday, urged Fields to publicly oppose the demonstrations, which they called politically charged protests. A statement from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which Fields leads, included neither condemnation nor a promise of an investigation. OSDE has been in contact with leaders at these schools, and each situation is being handled with a calm sense of order that ensures student safety to the fullest extent possible, the statement reads. Local districts can regulate on-campus demonstrations and have the authority to discipline students for violating attendance policies, the agency said. Parents must be engaged with helping students understand rights, limitations and responsible behaviors off campus, according to the statement. Members of the Freedom Caucus have been outspoken against student-led anti-ICE protests during school hours. Joining them in signing the letter was the leader of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who is running as a GOP candidate for state superintendent. These actions disrupt the educational environment, undermine respect for the rule of law, and compromise student safety by removing minors from supervision without parental consent, the letter states. Oklahomans have walked out of school as a means of protest or advocacy since long before current high school students or even their parents were born. About 400 students on Jan. 26, 1970, walked from Northeast High School to the state Capitol in Oklahoma City to advocate for a district bond issue, whose public support had wavered amid racial integration of the citys schools. More recently, about 1,000 students walked out of Oklahoma City high schools in 2016 to oppose statewide cuts to education funding. Students walked with staff supervision from Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast to the Capitol in 2021 to support clemency for death-row inmate Julius Jones. Over 100 students marched to the Capitol on a school day in 2024 to protest anti-LGBTQ+ policies in the wake of Oklahoma teenager Nex Benedicts death. Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, said complaints about this weeks walkouts are selective outrage from Republicans as they cherry-pick issues happening in our public schools. Weve seen youth through the centuries be leaders in movements, Kirt told reporters Thursday. And I think instead of shutting it down, when you see kids in El Reno, kids in Mustang, kids in Oklahoma City, kids in Tulsa, kids in rural areas speaking about the same thing, we should be listening. When students at her childs school in Oklahoma City staged a walkout, staff warned them there could be consequences, even more so for leaving campus, she said. Implying that educators are helping organize the demonstrations is really disappointing to me because what Ive seen is only them trying to keep (students) safe. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said there should be investigations into whether any school staff helped facilitate the walkouts. Students shouldnt miss school, and teachers should be disciplined if they encourage it, said the Senates top leader, President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. Paxton said local superintendents, not the state, should address it. The gist of the letter I can support, he said. Students should be in school. I mean, if you really want to do a walkout, if you really have something you stand up for, go do it on a Saturday. That would really impress me if you walked out on a Saturday. Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations focused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com. Photo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBVj-EqNzsQ Ukrainian MP and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko believes the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine is the only way to end the Russian-Ukrainian war, the party said on the website on Friday. "The only way to stop the war is 'boots on the ground' on Ukrainian territory. It is cheaper and more reliable to have NATO troops on Ukrainian soil than NATO troops in Poland," Poroshenko told reporters on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference, which is taking place on February 13-15 and in which he is participating. He also stressed the importance of preserving transatlantic unity. "If we are divided, we will lose. "We' are NATO, Ukraine, the USA. And then Putin will win. But when we are united, Putin simply has no chance... We have no other way out but to reach an agreement, to stick together is our goal," the politician said. Poroshenko also stressed that the future of not only Ukraine, but also Europe and global security in general is being decided now. He also warned the West against Vladimir Putin's illusion of appeasement. "This is impossible. I know this for sure, because I have five years of experience in negotiations with Putin. A great success was simply stopping the war by signing a ceasefire agreement, understanding that there can be no peace agreement with Putin, because this is impossible," he said. According to him, it is impossible to stop the war simply with money or weapons, and without troops on the ground, instead, it is possible to do this using the mechanism of NATO's Article 5. "Day after day, month after month, more and more people understand this, including in the United States. They will not be able to avoid the presence of troops on Ukrainian territory if they want to stop the war," Poroshenko said. Photo: https://edition.cnn.com U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will have to act, otherwise he will lose a great opportunity, because, according to Trump, Russia wants to make a deal, according to ClashReport. Trump told reporters outside the White House that Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelenskyy will have to act; otherwise he will lose a great opportunity. He has to act, Trump added. Five Ukrainian children returned home from the temporarily occupied territories and Russia, among them a seven-year-old boy who was deported from Kherson children's home during the occupation of the city, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets has said. "We also managed to return a four-year-old boy and his six-year-old sister, who were kidnapped by the occupiers from the children's home as infants; their mother had not seen the children for four long years," he said in Telegram channel on Friday. Lubinets also told another story. About a nine-year-old boy who ended up in Russia with his mother, who died there from a serious illness. After the grandfather's unsuccessful attempt to take the child away, the boy was finally returned to Ukraine, where his uncle will take care of him. According to the Ombudsman's Office, a total of 1,985 children have already returned since the start of the full-scale invasion of the Homeland. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz met in Munich and discussed joint projects for weapons production and diplomatic work, the presidential press service said. "The key topics of discussion during the meeting are further military assistance, additional contributions to the PURL program, diplomatic work to achieve peace and energy support," the press service said in a statement on the website on Friday evening. The president said today he saw with his own eyes the first Ukrainian-German enterprise for the production of drones. "This is exactly the kind of cooperation that makes our countries stronger. We discussed how to scale up," Zelenskyy said in the Telegram channel following the meeting. It is reported that the parties paid special attention to diplomatic work to achieve peace. The head of state informed about the meetings of the Ukrainian, U.S. and Russian sides and preparations for the next negotiations. The president also spoke about the work on the documents and their key points. In addition, the parties spoke about the situation in the Ukrainian energy sector and recovery. The head of state thanked Germany for the support provided and informed about the current needs. The head of state thanked Germany for its significant contribution to protecting lives during the full-scale Russian war. "I thank Germany for its contribution to protecting lives during the full-scale Russian war, in particular for the supply of air defense systems that saved the lives of thousands and thousands of our people," Zelenskyy said. In connection with the publication by several media outlets of materials alleging the involvement of Serhii Tarasov and the group of companies I&U Group in criminal proceedings handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), we hereby state the following. The information disseminated by certain media outlets is inaccurate and presented with significant distortion of the factual circumstances. NABU is currently conducting criminal proceeding No. 42020120000000009 dated January 10, 2020, initiated under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or official authority), concerning alleged misconduct by officials of the Mykilska Village Council of Svitlovodsk District, Kirovohrad Region. The case relates to the establishment by the village council of an enterprise and the subsequent disposal of corporate rights in LLC Megatrend in favor of third parties. The pre-trial investigation was originally initiated by law enforcement authorities of the Kirovohrad region and was conducted from 2020 to 2022, after which the case was transferred to NABU based on jurisdiction. According to the investigation materials, officials of the Mykilska Village Council of Svitlovodsk District, Kirovohrad Region admitted participants into LLC Megatrend by contributing property belonging to the village councilnamely 10 chairsinto the companys authorized capital, which constituted 65% of the charter capital. Subsequently, the enterprise was granted lease rights, under a preferential procedure and without an auction, to 49 land plots totaling 1,500 hectares. Thereafter, the village council adopted a decision to alienate its share in the authorized capital in favor of another participant in the company. According to an expert assessment conducted by the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (KNDISE), damages were allegedly caused to the Mykilska Village Council as a result of the sale of corporate rights in LLC Mega-Trend at an undervalued price, taking into account the market value of such corporate rights as of January 25, 2016, in the amount of UAH 10,009,296.00. Key Clarifications Regarding the Publication: The criminal proceeding concerns alleged abuse of power and official authority by officials of the Mykilska Village Council of Svitlovodsk District, Kirovohrad Region, and has no relation to I&U Group. According to NABU, no individual has been formally notified of suspicion in this proceeding; the case remains a fact-based investigation. The land plots were leased and have not been withdrawn from state ownership; lease payments continue to be made to this day. The decision to alienate part of the corporate rights in LLC Mega-Trend to a third party was adopted by resolution of a session of the Mykilska Village Council. I&U Group acquired LLC Mega-Trend with its assets and encumbrances from third parties, not from the village council. According to official data available on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and Interpol, S.D. Tarasov is not subject to international search and no preventive measure has been imposed on him. According to official information from NABU, S.D. Tarasov has not received any notice of suspicion in any NABU case and does not hold any procedural status in the Bureaus proceedings. We additionally note that one of the media outlets that first disseminated the information using inaccurate wording and assumptions subsequently removed the respective publication from its platform. We call on media representatives to adhere to journalistic standards, respect the presumption of innocence, and verify information before publication. The group of companies I&U Group conducts its activities in full compliance with the legislation of Ukraine, cooperates openly with state authorities, and is prepared to provide all necessary information in accordance with the law. For the purpose of media cooperation, S.D. Tarasov is ready to give interviews to independent media outlets. J-11BSH fighter jets take off for training China Military Online) 10:15, February 13, 2026 A J-11BSH fighter jet attached to an aviation unit with the navy under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command taxis on the runway during a flight training exercise. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fu Jinquan) A J-11BSH fighter jet attached to an aviation unit with the navy under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command taxis on the runway during a flight training exercise. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fu Jinquan) J-11BSH fighter jets attached to an aviation unit with the navy under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command taxi on the runway before takeoff during a flight training exercise. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fu Jinquan) A J-11BSH fighter jet attached to an aviation unit with the navy under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command soars into the sky during a flight training exercise. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fu Jinquan) A J-11BSH fighter jet attached to an aviation unit with the navy under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command soars into the sky during a flight training exercise. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fu Jinquan) A J-11BSH fighter jet attached to an aviation unit with the navy under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command pops a drag parachute to slow down on the runway after a flight training exercise. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fu Jinquan) (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Berkeley and Dorchester Metro Reporter Komlavi Adissem is a metro reporter covering Berkeley and Dorchester counties. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered city, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem! Ministry Minutes | China deplores US false accusation against Chancay Port: foreign ministry (People's Daily App) 10:49, February 13, 2026 China on February 12, 2026 said it firmly opposes and strongly deplores the blatant vilification and smears by the US against Chancay Port, a foreign ministry spokesperson said. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Charleston, SC (29403) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Areas of dense fog. Low near 60F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Reporter Conor Hughes covers Greenville County for The Post and Courier. He has been reporting on South Carolina's Upstate for close to a decade, writing about everything from crime, to development, to politics during that time. Reporter Lamaur Stancil writes about government, business, schools and entertainment in York County. He can be reached at 803-687-3436 or at X at @LamaurStancil PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-13 04:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 544 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / February 12, 2026 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilMarch 23, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between November 19, 2024 and August 4, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of BellRing and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-brbr/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byMarch 23, 2026 .About the LawsuitBellRing and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On May 6, 2025, the Company disclosed that "several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand, which is expected to be a mid-single-digit headwind to our third quarter growth," and that "[w]e now expect Q3 sales growth of low single digits." On this news, the price of BellRing's shares fell $14.88 per share, or 19%, from $78.43 per share on May 5, 2025, to close at $63.55 per share on May 6, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.Then, on August 4, 2025, post-market, the Company reported its fiscal 3Q 2025 financial results, disclosing a disappointing new 2025 sales outlook, stating "BellRing management has narrowed its fiscal year 2025 outlook for net sales to [a] range between $2.28-$2.32 billion," due to "several other competitors" gaining space to sell their products with a large retailer and that "it is not surprising to see new protein RTDs enter[ed]" the convenient nutrition market. On this news, the price of BellRing's shares fell $17.46 per share, or nearly 33%, from $53.64 per share on August 4, 2025, to $36.18 per share on August 5, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.The case is Denha v. BellRing Brands, Inc., No. 26-cv-00575.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-13 04:10:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 491 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / February 12, 2026 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., notifies investors in Coupang, Inc. ("Coupang" or the "Company") (NYSE:CPNG) of class action securities lawsuits.CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of investors of Coupang who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 7, 2025 and December 16, 2025. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:Coupang investors should contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-cpng/ to learn more.CASE DETAILS: According to the Complaint, Coupang and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Company had inadequate cybersecurity protocols that allowed a former employee to access sensitive customer information for nearly six months without being detected; (ii) this subjected the Company to a materially heightened risk of regulatory and legal scrutiny; (iii) when defendants became aware that the Company had been subjected to this data breach, they did not report it in a current report filing in compliance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission reporting rules; and (iv) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all times.The first-filed case is Barry v. Coupang, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-10795. A subsequent case, Lee v. Coupang, Inc., et al., No. 26-cv-00047, expanded the class period.WHAT TO DO? If you invested in Coupang and suffered a loss during the relevant time frame, you have until February 17, 2026 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff; however, your ability to share in any recovery does not require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Global shoppers snap up Chinese New Year goods ahead of Spring Festival People's Daily Online) 10:33, February 13, 2026 With the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, approaching, Chinese-made products are flowing into overseas markets, carrying the festive charm of the holiday alongside the pulse of trade and commerce. East China's Shandong Province is sending a festive selection of Chinese New Year goods to global markets, from traditional Chinese-style clothing to Spring Festival flowers. At the production workshop of a fruit and vegetable processing company in Laiwu city in Shandong, fully automated lines are running at full capacity, processing pickled sushi ginger for export to Germany, Sweden and other countries. Orders are booked solid through March. Workers sort and package foie gras products at Shandong Chunguan Food Co., Ltd. in east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Dazhong Daily) Shandong is also exporting premium ingredients to global dining tables. At a Landes goose breeding cooperative in Linqu county, more than 1,000 Landes geese have entered the fattening stage. "We follow French breeding methods, raising the geese for about 90 days before mechanical feeding," said Ma Lijun, general manager of Shandong Chunguan Food Co., Ltd. Today, Linqu produces 5 million Landes geese annually, yielding over 5,000 tonnes of foie gras, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of China's domestic market and 20 percent of the global market. New Chinese-style fashion, including the horse-face skirt, or mamianqun, a traditional long pleated skirt, has gained traction on social media platforms in more than 90 countries and regions. A model presents Hanfu on the stage during a Hanfu launch event in Caoxian County of Heze City, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) Tao Chixing, general manager of a Hanfu brand in Caoxian county, a major hub for Hanfu production in China, said that the brand's products are now sold in more than 10 countries and regions. The company is also exploring new markets in France, the U.K., the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Dubai. Known as the "Hometown of Chinese knotting art," Honghua town in Tancheng county, Linyi, is racing to fulfill overseas orders. While preserving traditional techniques, local artisans are introducing designs that align with market trends. With this year marking the Year of the Horse, horse-themed products have proven especially popular. Honghua town is home to 88 medium and large Chinese knot manufacturers and more than 300 e-commerce businesses, exporting products to the U.S., South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, with an annual output value of 1.8 billion yuan ($260 million). At a flower planting facility in Niuzhuang town, Dongying district, Dongying city, phalaenopsis orchids are being washed, graded and packed for overseas shipment. A recent order from Malaysia totaled 15,000 plants worth more than 500,000 yuan. Earlier, 26,000 phalaenopsis orchids were shipped to South Korea. During this year's Spring Festival flower season, exports are expected to reach 400,000 plants. Shandong's bustling exports reflect a broader nationwide surge in Chinese New Year goods going global. Pastry gift boxes from Beijing Daoxiangcun, a traditional Chinese bakery brand, are reaching Chinese families in more than 40 countries and regions, with shipments up 20 percent year on year. Frozen steamed stuffed buns from Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, are exported to over 20 countries and regions, with annual shipments totaling 50 million. Fujian Hekouwei Foods Industry Co., Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province has seen exports of Minnan-style dumplings to markets such as South Korea rise 30 percent year on year. Minnan literally means "southern Fujian Province." (Web editor: Hongyu, Zhong Wenxing) PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-13 19:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 833 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / February 13, 2026 / Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. ("DSRM" or the "Company"), the parent company of autonomous underwater vehicle operator and subsea survey company Deep Sea Vision, LLC ("DSV"), announced today that the Company has submitted an indication of interest in response to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) recent Request for Information and Interest (RFI) published in the Federal Register regarding the potential for commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) minerals offshore Alaska (Docket No. 2025-0318).This indication of interest builds upon the Company's prior submissions for similar OCS RFIs, including areas near the Northern Mariana Islands and near the territory of American Samoa.DSRM's submissions support and are driven by U.S. policy and commercial objectives of securing a more resilient U.S. supply of critical minerals, supporting economic growth and community development in each submission area, and advancing the transition to a more sustainable future. DSRM has received prior correspondence from BOEM confirming that, the Company is recognized as qualified to acquire and hold a marine minerals lease on OSC areas under applicable regulations.Management CommentTony Romeo, DSRM's Founder and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "Offshore Alaska may represent some of the highest mineral potential in U.S. waters, yet very little data exists about what minerals may actually be present on the seafloor. We believe it's worth taking a closer look and evaluating this opportunity further. Submitting this indication of interest is simply a next step in asking an important question: what resources might exist in our own EEZ's, and can they be explored responsibly? We're approaching this with discipline, scientific rigor, and an open mind." Important Regulatory NotesSubmission of an indication of interest is a procedural process under BOEM's regulations and does not constitute issuance of an exploration license, a determination that DSRM has mineral rights, or an approval of any exploration plan. BOEM has not issued the Company any exploration license, lease, or other authorization for the areas described, and the Company currently holds no mineral rights in the indicated areas. There can be no assurance that a license or lease will be issued, that any area of interest will result in a lease or other commercial arrangement, or that DSRM will satisfy all requirements within any applicable time period.About Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc.Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. ("DSRM") is a U.S.-based company focused on the responsible evaluation of subsea mineral opportunities and related subsea data acquisition and survey capabilities through its subsidiary, Deep Sea Vision, LL. The Company's mission is to support the secure supply of critical minerals essential to modern industry, renewable-energy technologies, and national defense.Media Contact Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. Email: PR@ deepsearareminerals.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Company's plans, objectives, strategies, expectations, intentions, engineering and design milestones, data-gathering and evaluation activities, anticipated timelines, and potential future operations related to polymetallic nodule recovery including any potential pursuit of OCS leasing, exploration activity, or related commercial arrangements. These statements are based on current assumptions, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance.Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to:the RFI and any related BOEM processes, including whether BOEM proceeds with any leasing process at all, the timing and terms of any such process, and the Company's ability to participate successfully;the Company's lack of current mineral rights, leases, licenses, or authorizations in the referenced areas and the uncertainty of obtaining any such rights;engineering, technological, and manufacturing challenges;performance, reliability, or integration of subsea systems and equipment;the timing, outcome, and receipt of regulatory approvals, permits, and authorizations from U.S. and international authorities;environmental assessments, impact evaluations, and evolving regulatory frameworks governing deep-sea minerals;changes in governmental policy or political priorities, including those related to critical minerals;commercial, operational, financial, and logistical considerations;availability and cost of capital and future financing needs;market conditions, commodity price fluctuations, and supply-chain uncertainty;potential delays associated with third-party engineering, fabrication, or testing; andother risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control.Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or circumstances after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.SOURCE: Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-13 22:30:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 449 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 13, 2026 /Norse Gold Corp. (NEX: VKG.H) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvain Laberge as a director of the Corporation. Mr. Laberge fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Alan Cruickshank.Mr. Laberge is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of 1844 Resources Inc., which he has held since January 2013. His previous experience includes sales of hotel and hospital supplies. Following 11 years of success he joined Renmark Financial Communication as the Vice-President of Investor Relations for emerging mining exploration companies.The Corporation welcomes Mr. Laberge to the board and looks forward to working with him to advance the very prospective Viking Gold Project located at Morris Lake in the Northwest Territories along the Yellowknife greenstone belt 25 km southwest of the historic high-grade Discovery Mine.The Corporation thanks Alan for his contributions during his tenure and wishes him well in his future undertakings.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Thomas MacNeill, Norse Gold Corp.President and Chief Executive OfficerPhone: (306) 653-2692Jeff Sheppard, Norse Gold Corp.Chief Financial OfficerPhone: (306) 653-2692About the CorporationNorse Gold's main asset is its 100% interest in the 3,231-hectare Morris Lake Property, consisting of seven contiguous claims and three leases, 75 km north of Yellowknife. Gold on the property was discovered in 1945. Work conducted at the Viking zone included underground test work and diamond drilling. The Property saw additional drilling during the late 1980's and again during the period 2005 to 2008 when Viking Gold Exploration Inc. held the claims. Other gold zones have been located on the property, such as at the Greenlee and Lucky Lake occurrences. Each of these received initial drill testing in the 1940's and visible gold was reported in some of the drill holes. The geological model for the gold mineralization is that of an Archean lode gold deposit consisting of gold-bearing shoots within a shear-vein system.Forward Looking StatementsExcept for statements of historical fact relating to the Corporation, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.Neither TSX Venture Exchange (nor NEX) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and NEX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.SOURCE: Norse Gold Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-13 04:10:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 459 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 12, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of investors in cryptocurrency issued by Balancer (ticker: BAL), resulting from allegations that Balancer may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased Balancer cryptocurrency you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48945 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On November 3, 2025, Bloomberg published an article entitled "Hack Drains Over $100 Million From Crypto Protocol Balancer." The article stated that "Balancer, a decentralized finance protocol, has been hit by a major exploit that drained more than $100 million in digital assets, according to blockchain security firms. Security researchers at PeckShield and Cyvers flagged the incident on Monday, warning that funds linked to the attacker's wallet were still being siphoned. Total losses have climbed to about $128 million, Cyvers said in a message." WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. The federal government has launched the Nigeria Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) Fund Programme to support long-term economic diversification beyond oil and gas, including in rural communities across the country. The initiative was launched on Thursday in Abuja at an event organised by the Nigerian Council on Climate Change (NCCC), in partnership with the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) and the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA). The event brought together senior government officials, development partners, private sector representatives and civil society organisations to chart a pathway for structural transformation in Africas largest oil producer. In his remarks at the event, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, underscored the need for a deliberate and strategic approach to diversification. He said Nigeria must better harness its unique strengths while leveraging technology and skills to drive sustainable growth, stressing that economic transformation should be anchored on climate consciousness. According to him, Nigeria has the opportunity to grow its economy in ways that minimise environmental impact while strengthening resilience and creating jobs. We have missed historic opportunities. We can learn from those lessons so that we can do better. We are not where we want to be, but with the right choices courageous choices we will get there, he said. Mr Bagudu explained that the Nigerian government needs to create jobs and achieve sustainable economic growth. However, he said, But if we pursue growth the wrong way, we may destroy the environment and climate in ways our children will not remember kindly. Nigerias journey beyond oil and gas is not only about diversification; it is about valuing our uniqueness utilising all the strengths available to us to generate value sustainably and responsibly, he told the participants. The minister explained that what is missing is a strategy one that will support Nigerian farmers, fishers, miners and artisans with science, technology and skills so they can generate more value from what they do, responsibly and sustainably. It is possible to generate economic growth with minimal damage to the environment. That is not just common sense it is existential for us, he noted. Evolution into a green energy giant In her keynote address, the Director-General of the NCCC, Omotenioye Majekodunmi, described the initiative as a critical step in Nigerias transition journey. Nigerias journey beyond oil is not a retreat from our status as an energy powerhouse, but an evolution into a green energy giant, she said. Our collaboration with BOGA reinforces our commitment to the 1.5C pathway while prioritising a development trajectory that is fair, funded, and focused on the prosperity of our people. The NCCC boss said the programme is not about abrupt change or economic disruption; it is about forward-looking measures, building our ability to anticipate risks and seize new opportunities. This three-year programme is designed to deliver three critical outcomes: strengthening the analytical foundation for policymaking, placing people at the centre of economic planning, and expanding opportunities for women and youth, she said. Ms Majekodunmi explained that economic resilience cannot rest on a single foundation, and that diversification is not a rejection of Nigerias strengths; it is an investment in stability, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity. Nigeria is not simply responding to global change; we are strategically shaping our own future, she noted. On her part, Sian Bradley, Head of the BOGA Secretariat, who delivered her goodwill message virtually, reiterated the alliances commitment to supporting countries at an early stage of planning for a just, orderly and equitable transition away from oil and gas. She commended Nigerias acknowledgement of economic challenges and diversification pathways in its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), noting that the programme would support early implementation efforts alongside broader decarbonisation, methane reduction and upstream emissions-cutting initiatives. Evidence-based transition planning Through scenario analysis, transition risk assessments and evaluation of green development pathways, the organisers explained that the programme will examine impacts across Nigerias oil and gas value chain while identifying viable economic alternatives. It will also develop targeted policy recommendations to support workers and communities that may be affected by structural shifts in the energy sector. Speaking on behalf of APRI, the programmes lead implementing partner, its Executive Director, Olumide Abimbola, said the initiative would help Nigeria develop a clearer and shared understanding of what changes in the global energy system mean for national revenues, jobs, industries and communities. It will also help us identify credible pathways for economic diversification beyond oil and gas, and the kinds of policies and enabling conditions needed to unlock new opportunities and drive competitiveness, he said. On his part, Chukwumerije Okereke, Director-General of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), who was represented by Timothy Ogenyi, noted that Nigerias challenge goes beyond simply moving away from fossil fuels. Nigerias challenge is not simply to transition away from fossil fuels, but to strategically manage the risks and opportunities of a changing global energy system, he said, adding that the BOGA Fund Programme anchors the transition in rigorous evidence, economic realism and justice for workers and communities. Cross-government coordination The programme is being implemented by APRI in collaboration with SPP. Its development in Nigeria was led by the NCCC, which established a cross-government working group that includes representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum, the National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. At the event, officials said the Nigeria BOGA Fund Programme complements ongoing national and international climate efforts by providing an integrated platform for evidence-based policymaking, institutional coordination and long-term economic resilience. For Nigeria, whose economy remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, the initiative signals a structured attempt to prepare for a future in which global energy markets are increasingly shaped by decarbonisation and green growth priorities. Femi Otedola, chairperson of First HoldCo Plc, has expressed optimism that the naira could strengthen significantly following the Dangote Petroleum Refinerys announcement that it has reached its full operational capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). In a statement on Thursday via his official X page, Mr Otedola congratulated the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, describing the milestone as a defining moment for Nigerias energy sector and broader economy. With domestic refining now firmly underway after decades of reliance on imports, pressure on the foreign exchange market should ease significantly. I am optimistic that the naira will strengthen meaningfully, and trading below 1,000/$1 before year-end is increasingly within reach, the billionaire businessman wrote. The naira has recently traded around 1,350 per dollar in the official market. Mr Otedolas comments came less than 24 hours after the refinery announced on Wednesday that its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) Block had reached the full nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd. The company said it achieved the milestone after fully restoring and optimising the CDU and MS production block following a scheduled maintenance exercise. According to the refinery, the CDU and MS Blockcomprising the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit and reformer unitare now operating steadily at full capacity. During the recent festive period, the refinery supplied between 45 and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily, far below its refining capacity and professed targets to Nigerians. With the CDU and MS Block now fully restored, it said it is positioned to deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS daily to the domestic market as required. Dangote and Forex relief The development signals a significant shift in Nigerias long-standing dependence on imported refined petroleum products, particularly petrol. For decades, Africas largest crude oil producer relied heavily on fuel imports to meet domestic demand, placing sustained pressure on foreign reserves and contributing to exchange rate volatility. Analysts say improved domestic refining could conserve billions of dollars previously spent on imports, ease demand for foreign exchange, improve energy security and support macroeconomic stability. Economists have argued that reduced demand for foreign exchange for fuel imports could help stabilise the naira, which has faced persistent depreciation pressures in recent years. However, a January report by Kpler, a global energy analytics firm, had projected that the refinerys operational outlook for the first half of 2026 remained uncertain due to persistent challenges with its Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit, which caps crude processing rates and gasoline output. The report indicated that the restart of the 200,000 bpd RFCC unit had been pushed to 10 February and could face further delays following repeated outages since April last year. $12bn expansion underway Beyond the current milestone, Mr Otedola disclosed that the Dangote Group has embarked on an additional $12 billion expansion project to increase refining capacity to 1.4 million bpd. The expansion will also include annual production of 2.4 million metric tonnes of polypropylene and 400,000 metric tonnes of Linear Alkyl Benzenekey raw materials for plastics and detergent manufacturing. Aliko is not stopping here. He has embarked on an additional $12 billion expansion to increase refining capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day, alongside 2.4 million tons of polypropylene and 400,000 metric tons of Linear Alkyl Benzene for detergent production. Work has already commenced in earnest, Mr Otedola said. He described the development as transformational for Nigeria and Africa, noting that supplying up to 75 million litres of PMS daily could significantly reshape Nigerias energy narrative and conserve foreign exchange. United Nigeria Airlines has reported a bird strike incident involving one of its Airbus A320 aircraft at Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC) on Thursday. The affected aircraft, operating flight UN0514/614 from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, experienced the strike on landing at 3:00 p.m. Initial post-landing checks found no visible damage to the aircraft. However, the airline said its engineering team carried out additional inspections to ensure the aircrafts airworthiness before it could resume operations. The incident caused delays to some flights across United Nigeria Airlines network, the airline confirmed. In a statement, the carrier noted that the measures were in line with its safety standards and regulatory compliance procedures, aimed at protecting passengers and maintaining operational integrity. READ ALSO: NCAA steps in after bird strike triggers chaos at Abuja airport United Nigeria Airlines assured that no passengers or crew were injured during the incident and that the aircraft would only return to service after meeting full airworthiness requirements. The airline also reiterated their commitment to safety, strict adherence to regulatory standards, and operational reliability across its network. Bird strikes are a known aviation safety concern, particularly during take-off and landing phases, and airlines are required to carry out mandatory inspections whenever such incidents occur. Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano, on Friday, convicted and sentenced a Kannywood actress, Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa (a.k.a Samha) to six months imprisonment for the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. The commissions Kano Zonal Directorate apprehended the actress on 4 February after a video circulated on social media showing her allegedly using naira notes to wipe her nose. The commission traced Ms Inuwa following the viral clip and subsequently took her into custody for questioning. The actress was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on the mutilation of the Nigerian currency, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007. The charge against the convict reads: That you, Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court tampered with Naira currency in the sum of N1000 (One Thousand Naira) note issued by Central Bank of Nigeria by soiling same using your nose and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21 (1) of the CBN Act. 2007 Inuwa pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to her. In view of her plea, prosecuting counsel, Musa Isah, reviewed the facts of the case, after which he urged the court to convict the defendant and sentence her accordingly. READ ALSO: EFCC arrests Kannywood actress Samha Inuwa over alleged naira abuse The actress pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that she was a first-time offender and had shown genuine remorse for her actions. Thereafter, Mr Shuaibu convicted and sentenced Inuwa to six (6) months imprisonment with the option of a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) only Nigerian actor Uzor Arukwe has addressed the allegation linking him to the alleged breakdown of actress Bamike Bambam Olawunmi and rapper-turned-actor Tope Teddy A Adenibuyans marriage. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the couple, who met as housemates on the 2018 edition of Big Brother Naija themed Double Wahala, married in Dubai in 2019. Speculation about their divorce intensified after the pair unfollowed each other on Instagram. The action fuelled concerns among fans that their marriage may have hit troubled waters. Amid the uncertainty, an X user identified as Stay Wicked alleged on Wednesday that Teddy A divorced Bambam after allegedly discovering that she was pregnant with Arukwe. The duo recently co-starred in Omoni Obolis Love In Every Word, where Arukwe played Odogwu and Bambam portrayed Achalugo. Stay Wicked wrote: Popular movie actress BamBam (Achalugo) has been reportedly divorced by her husband after finding out his wife was pregnant with her colleague, who played the role of her odogwu in their recent movie. He found out through her leaked private chat with him. Hmmm, its sad to say women are never to be trustworthy. Legal action Responding to the allegation, the 42-year-old dismissed the allegation as baseless in a statement posted on his X page on Wednesday. The Imo-born said he would not disclose the social media account involved to avoid amplifying the matter, but vowed to pursue legal action against the individual responsible. A specific account has been identified to spread false rumours and baseless accusations about me and my professional engagement with another colleague in the industry. I choose not to quote the account directly, as I refuse to give such accounts the engagement they seek at the risk of jail time. Believe me when I say this: that individual will be made a scapegoat so others learn to respect boundaries and refrain from chasing clout and Elon Musk money at the expense of damaging someone elses reputation, he wrote. Background As of the time of filing this report, BamBam had not responded to the separation allegations. A review of her Instagram page showed that she did not address the claims; instead, she shared posts about her upcoming films Without You and Alive Till Dawn, as well as other professional engagements. The divorce rumour surfaced just days after Teddy A addressed allegations of domestic violence during an appearance on the WithChude podcast. In a clip posted on Instagram, he described the claims as false, shocking and emotionally damaging to both his family and his public image. He explained that the reports, which went viral on social media at the time, accused him of physically abusing his wife, including allegations that the supposed incidents that occurred during her pregnancy were false. Teddy A Teddy A insisted that the claims were entirely untrue and came as a surprise to both him and BamBam. He maintained that there was no conflict in his home. READ ALSO: Love in Every Word 2 dazzles but overstays its welcome Teddy A said, I woke up, went downstairs, and my wife was there watching a movie. She was pregnant and laughing. I checked my phone and saw my notifications going up, and I was wondering what was going on because I never dropped content that was trending. When I was going through the comments, my wife was angry and asked who could do this to us because she was very emotional. Honestly, I didnt know where it came from, either from an ex somewhere or village people trying to come after me. Everyone ought to understand this by now that the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the state legislature is not so much about the violation of any law; it has much to do with the supremacy battle between Mr Fubara and his estranged predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Messrs Wike and Fubaras rift had defied two peace deals brokered by President Bola Tinubu, an emergency rule in the state, and recently resulted in the third impeachment attempt against the governor, which a state high court has now temporarily halted. On Tuesday, Mr Wike confirmed that a truce had been reached between the governor and the lawmakers after President Tinubu, for the fourth time, intervened in the states political crisis. Here, PREMIUM TIMES highlights the likely implications if the lawmakers had succeeded in removing Governor Fubara and his deputy. Possible repeat of protest votes in 2027 against Wike, Tinubu In 2023, a PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed that the then-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, won the presidential election of that year in Rivers contrary to the result declared by INEC announcing then-APC candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the poll in the state. Mr Tinubu is an ally of Mr Wike, the governor of the state at the time, who openly backed the then-APC candidate. Observers believe that Mr Obis election victory in the state, though not officially declared by INEC, was due to protest votes against Mr Tinubu as president. Analysts argue that Rivers people could cast similar protest votes against Wike-backed Mr Tinubu in 2027 if the Rivers assembly goes ahead to impeach Governor Fubara. One analyst, Chinonso Orakwe, told PREMIUM TIMES that although Mr Wike enjoys a huge following in Rivers State, if the lawmakers backed by the FCT minister proceed to impeach Mr Fubara, the electorate in the state could vote against his interest and ally, Mr Tinubu, as a form of protest. If Fubara is impeached, the Rivers people can show sympathy for him in the 2027 election and that will necessitate the protest votes to show Wike that power belongs to the people, Mr Orakwe, who is based in Anambra State, said. He argued that if the Rivers people could resist the temptation to be influenced by money during the 2027 poll, they could successfully demonstrate that they have the power. Another political analyst, Anthony Egobueze, corroborated Mr Orakwes position, arguing that the Rivers people were more likely to vote against anyone they believed was subverting their will by masterminding the impeachment of Mr Fubara and imposing another candidate on them. I can tell you that if the current governor, Fubara, is with the people and they bring in another person to impose on the people, the people can protest with their votes by not voting for the choice of that godfather, said Mr Egobueze, an associate professor of politics and governance at the Rivers State University Port Harcourt. The professor, without mentioning names, argued that Rivers people appear to be tired of having a political godfather who desires to control the political fate of the oil-rich state. But Jonah Onuoha, a professor of political science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, disagreed with the position. Mr Onuoha contended that, although Mr Fubaras impeachment is unlikely in light of the recent peace deal brokered by President Tinubu, even if the governor were eventually removed, it would not trigger protest votes against Mr Wikes interest in the 2027 election in the state. This is because Wike is the one holding the political structure in Rivers State. He is the one who brought the local government chairmen there; all the assembly members are under Wike, he told PREMIUM TIMES. The university professor said he was even privy to an agreement in the new peace deal for Mr Wike to nominate candidates to become new commissioners in Mr Fubaras cabinet. So, Wike is the one in charge of the political structure, he said, arguing that Mr Tinubu trusts the FCT minister better than the governor. Will Ikweres dominance continue if Fubara is axed? An impeachment of Mr Fubara, who is of the Ijaw/Riverine Ethnic Group in Rivers, would have had grave political implications in Rivers State. It will not only mark the abrupt end of the Ijaw/Riverine Ethnic Groups first shot at the governorship seat, but pave the way for the return of power to the Ikwerre Ethnic Group, which had produced governors in the state since 1999. For context, Rivers State is ethnically diverse, but three major ethnic groups broadly align with the states three senatorial districts. The Rivers East District is dominated by Ikwerre and Etche Ethnic Groups, while the Rivers South-east Senatorial District is dominated by the Ogoni Ethnic Group. The Rivers West Senatorial District is dominated by the Ijaw/Riverine Ethnic Group, where Mr Fubara hails from. Aside from the senatorial districts and ethnic groups, people often use Upperland or Upland and Riverine to describe two broad geo-cultural blocs in the state. While Uplands are inland areas that are less coastal and more land-based, Riverine areas are coastal and creek-based, with rivers, mangroves, fishing, and seafaring. Major ethnic groups in Upland include Ikwerre, Ogoni (Khana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme), Etche, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ekpeye and Abua. The Riverine, Ijaw (Kalabari), Okrika, Ibani (Bonny, Opobo), Andoni, and Ogu are the major ethnic groups. Meanwhile, a smaller ethnic group, Ndoni, under the broad category of Ikwerre Ethnic Group within the Rivers East Senatorial District was the first to produce Rivers governor in 1999. The dominance of Ikwerre in Rivers politics The dominance of the Ikwerre Ethnic Group in Rivers State politics began in 1999, when Peter Odili became the first elected governor of Rivers State. He handed over to Rotimi Amaechi, within the same Rivers East District and Ikwerre Ethnic Group. Mr Amaechi later handed over to Mr Wike, also from the Ikwerre Ethnic Group and within the same district. Mr Wike subsequently handed over to Mr Fubara from the Ijaw/Riverine Ethnic Group under the Rivers West District. It was the first time someone from the Ijaw/Riverine Ethnic Group would be governor in the oil-rich state. Again, it was the first time power would move away from the Ikwerre Ethnic Group and the Rivers East District after about 24 years. Mr Wike was instrumental in the balance of Power. In the build-up to the election that brought Mr Fubara as governor, Mr Wike had opposed the emergence of another Ikwerre man as his successor. It was a big battle for the then-governor. But he stood his ground. The FCT minister has since admitted that he handpicked Mr Fubara as his successor to ensure harmony and a sense of belonging to all the sections of the state. He said he had forced other aspirants from the Ikwerre to drop their governorship ambition because of Mr Fubara. The former governor boasted that if he had picked a politician from Ikwerre as successor, nobody would have stopped him. He added that, by handpicking Mr Fubara as governor of Rivers, he (Wike) jettisoned personal interest in favour of unity and progress of the state. Return of power to Ikwerre? The facts, as stated above, mean that if Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, are impeached, the power equation in Rivers would shift in favour of Mr Wikes Ikwerre Ethnic Group, but to the disadvantage of Mr Fubaras Ijaw/Riverine Ethnic Group. If Mr Fubara and his deputy, therefore, were to be removed from office, the Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, would have assumed office as governor, according to Section 191(2) of the Nigerian Constitution. Mr Amaewhule hails from Obi/Akpor LGA within the Ikwerre Ethnic Group in Rivers East District. First, if Mr Fubara were to be impeached and Mr Amaewhule succeeds him as governor, political power would have returned to the Ikwerre Ethnic Group, in the same senatorial district which had governed the state from 1999 to 2023. Although a subsection of the Nigerian Constitution provides that the speaker of the assembly shall serve as governor for a maximum of three months before another election, the return of another Ikwerre man as governor, not Ijaw/Riverine Ethnic Group, would have been very likely. An indigene of Rivers State and a human rights activist, Ann-kio Briggs, while appearing as a guest on Channels TVs Politics Today on 22 January, expressed the sentiments. If they (Rivers lawmakers) succeed in impeaching the governor, then the speaker will be the governor of Rivers State and that brings us to square one, which is disregard for the Riverine-Upland Dichotomy in Rivers State, Ms Briggs said. The activist hails from Abonnema Community in Akuku-Toru, a local government area within the Riverine area of the state. READ ALSO: Appeal Court reserves judgement on PDP convention dispute She contended that there was an earlier agreement that governorship position should rotate between the Upland and the Riverine Areas for equity in Rivers. But what we have in Rivers State is that the Upland has governed for 24 years since 1999, she noted. Ms Briggs warned that Mr Fubara should be allowed to take the turn of the Riverine bloc and that any attempt to truncate it will be resisted. Any attempt to remove the Riverine governor is going to be met with resistance both from the well-meaning other ethnic nationalities in Rivers and the Riverine people, she said. The Ukrainian government says it has identified two Nigerian nationals who died while fighting for Russia in the ongoing war between the two Eastern European countries. In the statement issued on Thursday, Ukraines Military Intelligence said the corpses of the Nigerians, identified as Hamzat Kolawole and Mbah Udoka, were found in the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. It said the Nigerians joined the Russian army in mid to late 2025, after signing a contract with the country. But neither of them received any military training before deployment to the front line. Udoka received no training whatsoever just five days later, on October 3, he was assigned to the unit and sent to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. No training records for Kolawole have been preserved; however, it is highly likely that he also received no military training. His wife and three children remain in Nigeria, the statement read. The two died in November during an attempt to storm Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk region. They never engaged in a firefight the mercenaries were eliminated by a drone strike, the military intelligence added. Since 2025, cases of Nigerians and other African nationals being recruited to fight for Russian forces in Ukraine have been surfacing at an increasing rate. According to a New York Times report, about two million Russian and Ukrainian troops have died in nearly four years of a war that has lasted four years. Multiple investigations have highlighted cases of individuals allegedly lured by promises of employment, higher wages, or educational opportunities, only to find themselves later deployed to combat zones. A CNN investigation showed young Africans from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda were lured into Russia with fake job offers and then deployed to the front lines. An investigation by Punch published last month also documented cases in which Nigerians were lured to Russia and, upon arrival, found themselves pressured to sign military contracts without translation or legal guidance before enlisting. READ ALSO: How war leaves deep trauma among survivors in Ukraine Investigations have also shown cases of African girls being lured into Russia and then subjected to exploitation. Last year, a collaborative investigation by ZAM and PREMIUM TIMES revealed that young Africans, particularly women aged 18-22, were recruited through schemes that promised training, scholarships, education, and stable employment in Russia. The investigation focused on Alabuga Starts recruitment efforts, a Russian state-backed initiative that was presented as offering fully funded two-year scholarships. The use of official-looking programmes and promotional materials made the opportunities seem legitimate. The investigation also showed that in Nigeria, the programme contracted unlicensed recruitment agencies to recruit young women. Some of them, with substantial social media followings, use frequent social media posts to increase the reach and demand. The initiative primarily targets young women who are from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Giant panda protection yields ecological, economic benefits in county in NW China's Shaanxi People's Daily Online) 13:19, February 13, 2026 Giant panda "Dang Sheng" eats bamboo shoots at the Foping Rescue, Breeding and Research Base of Qinling Giant Panda in Foping county, Hanzhong, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Bai Ge) He Jiao patrols a mountain in Foping county, Hanzhong, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Bai Ge) Foping county in Hanzhong, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, is home to more than 130 giant pandas, making it the area with the highest density of wild giant pandas in the country. He Jiao, a research assistant on Professor Jin Yipeng's team at the College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, has returned to Daguping, a village in Foping, to work as a giant panda guardian. He's family has a long tradition of protecting giant pandas. He's great-grandparents once fed a giant panda cub named "Ping Ping" milk after it had wandered away from its mother and was rescued by the protection station. He's family, their village, and even the surrounding mountains share an inseparable bond with giant pandas. He Jiao's great-grandfather (left) and great-grandmother feed giant panda "Ping Ping" milk. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) In 1978, the Foping National Nature Reserve was established. Since then, Daguping village has taken part in over 40 giant panda rescue missions. "In the past, giant pandas could only be seen deep in the mountains; now they often appear right outside our doors," said local villagers. The frequent visits of giant pandas are not only a vivid sign of ecological improvement but have become a driving force for the village's green development. Photo shows a wild giant panda in a village in Foping county, Hanzhong, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Foping County Committee) At the village entrance, 52-year-old Song Zhaohua was preparing to brief an upcoming study tour group. He is a jack-of-all-trades in the village. When tourists arrive, he is a lively ecological guide. In his spare time, he runs a small shop. He is also a panda patroller, a cornus grower and a beekeeper. "Last year, I earned over 4,000 yuan (about $578.73) as a guide, more than 10,000 yuan from honey sales, nearly 10,000 yuan from the shop, plus over 1,000 yuan in village collective dividends, not to mention my patrol officer salary," Song said with a smile. Photo shows a B&B in Foping county, Hanzhong, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) With a forest coverage rate exceeding 91 percent, Foping is using the giant panda IP as a key to unlock both ecological conservation and economic development, exploring a distinctive path toward revitalization. "Giant pandas are Foping's core tourism resource and a top-tier IP," said Pu Ke, Party secretary and director of the Foping county Bureau of Culture and Tourism. In recent years, the county has hosted cultural and tourism events such as the Panda Music Season and created the "Call of the Panda" tourism route, continuously expanding the panda value chain. As night fell on the high-speed train from Foping to Xi'an, capital of China's Shaanxi Province, many passengers were carrying cute panda plush toys. Modeled after the giant pandas in Foping, the cultural creative IP has expanded into more than 30 product categories, including plush toys, clothing, water bottles and agricultural products, with annual sales of between 2 million and 3 million yuan. (Web editor: Hongyu, Zhong Wenxing) On Thursday, the Ukrainian Military intelligence said it identified two Nigerians who died on the frontlines while allegedly fighting for Russia in the ongoing war that is now entering its fourth year. The Nigerians were identified as Hamzat Kolawole and Mbah Udoka. According to a statement issued by the Ukrainian military, the two men joined the Russian army in mid-2025: Mr Kazeem on 29 August and Mr Udoka on 28 September. It said that they were found dead, and their bodies were discovered in the Luhansk region in Eastern Ukraine. This is a front-line area in the Russia-Ukraine war. It said they were both killed in late November by a Ukrainian drone strike during an attempt to storm Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk region. The intelligence agency did not specify when or how they were discovered. Attached to the statement were images of the two Nigerians in camouflage uniforms, along with three documents that provide additional information about their identities. Ukraine did not specify how it obtained the documents showing contract details and the military status of both soldiers. Military personnel on active combat duty are not known to carry such documents on the frontline. PREMIUM TIMES could not authenticate the document or the information contained in it but has reviewed the content of the papers. Two of the three single-page documents were written in Russian, and the third was a mix of Russian and English. The third document, partially written in English, appears to be a contract document signed by Mr Kolawole. It contained his name, date of birth (23 April 1983), and passport number 02437053. The first paragraph of the document declared Mr Kazeems decision to join the Russian army voluntary and conscious. It stated that Mr Kolawole voluntarily expressed an interest in signing the contract with the Ministry of Defence to fight for Russia. My decision is voluntary and conscious, the document states after providing a designated signature line on which Mr Kazeem wrote his name. The second paragraph, however, outlined the possible repercussions of Mr Kolawoles decision to decline signing the contract. It stated that, should he refuse to sign the contract, he would be handed over to the police and held in prison for months before he is eventually deported. The document also declared that the Russian government would bar Mr Kolawole permanently from entering the country should he reject the contract. He would also be required to reimburse the cost of the airline tickets for his deportation from Nigeria to Russia. More on the contract The single-page document also noted that upon signing, Mr Kolawole would be deployed to the stormtrooper unit. This is a terminology for front-line assault units. The contract, according to the document, is valid only for a year. Information for familiarisation. The contract with the Ministry of Defence is concluded for a 1-year period. You will be sent to a unit of stormtroopers. In case of any other intention to get to Russia, non-agreement to sign the contract, you will be taken to the police department, then you will have to wait many months for deportation in detention, and you will be banned from entering the Russian Federation forever. You will also need to compensate for the cost of buying round-trip tickets, the document read. It is unclear whether Mr Kolawole voluntarily signed the contract. However, multiple investigations have revealed a pattern of luring Africans from Nigeria and other countries to Russia by promises of employment, higher wages, or educational opportunities, only to later have them deployed to combat zones. A CNN investigation, published last year, showed that young Africans from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda were lured into Russia with fake job offers and then deployed to the front lines. An investigation by Punch also documented cases in which Nigerians were lured to Russia and, upon arrival, found themselves threatened and pressured to sign military contracts without translation or legal guidance. A BBC investigation also documented cases of young men from Yemen, a war-torn Middle Eastern country, being lured with promises of prosperity and citizenship to leave their country to fight in Ukraine. A proof of military status, deployment for Udoka The other documents, written entirely in Russian, contain information that appears to confirm Mr Udokas status as a contract soldier and his deployment to the front lines. The document is treated as a certificate in place of a military ID card. It states Mr Udokas Nigerian passport number as B50550985, and his date of birth as 7 January 1988. The document, supposedly issued by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, allows Mr Udoka to serve under contract in the Russian Armed Forces. The other document showed he had officially been enlisted and was serving in Military Unit 91701 in Naro-Fominsk, a town in Moscow Oblast in Western Russia. According to the document, Mr Udoka had been serving there since 3 October 2025. It identified his military ID number to be AB-988945. Both papers are stamped with circular ink seals of the Russian emblem. The papers also carry the Ukrainian intelligence watermaker. READ ALSO: Ukraine identifies two Nigerians killed fighting for Russia Russia denies Russia has repeatedly denied recruiting Nigerians as contract soldiers for the war. On Wednesday, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, said there are no government-backed programmes to recruit Nigerians to fight in the war in Ukraine. He insisted that any such activity, if it exists, is not connected with the Russian state. There is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If there are illegal organisations or individuals trying to recruit Nigerians by unlawful means, this is not connected with the Russian state, he said. But Ukraines intelligence agency warned that Africans and other foreigners should avoid travelling to Russia or accepting job offers. A trip to Russia is a real risk of being forced into a suicide assault unit and, ultimately, rotting in Ukrainian soil, it said. Over two million troops from both sides are estimated to have been killed, wounded, or missing in the war which started when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Stakeholders have renewed calls for consistent condom use, warning that new HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) cases remain a concern despite expanded treatment coverage. The stakeholders gave the warning on Friday during a road walk in Awka, Anambra State, as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Condom Day. The International Condom Day is marked annually on 13 February, ahead of Valentines Day, to promote safer sexual practices and encourage responsible behaviour during a period often associated with increased expressions of intimacy. The road walk was organised by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria in collaboration with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and other stakeholders. In a statement issued on Friday, AHF Nigerias Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborishade, said the campaign aligns with the organisations global strategy to prevent new HIV infections. Mr Aborishade said AHF operates in 47 countries, with over 2.7 million people receiving care through its programme. While Nigeria is one of the countries, Anambra is one of the states where they work. He noted that the campaign served both as public sensitisation and as a renewed call for responsible sexual behaviour in the state. He noted that AHF initiated International Condom Day to promote preventive measures against HIV and other STIs. We started it because there is a need for people to protect themselves from HIV infection and other STIs. The condom has proven to be the most effective and cheapest method of preventing HIV/AIDS, he said. He explained that the road walk was aimed at popularising condom use and reminding residents that preventing infection eliminates the need for treatment. Today, we are sharing AHF-branded condoms to thousands of people in Anambra. The key message is: prevent HIV, stay healthy, and live your life. HIV is preventable, and the biggest route of transmission remains unprotected sex. Resurgence of infections PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that AHF raised concerns over a resurgence of infections such as syphilis, attributing the trend partly to declining emphasis on prevention strategies, including condom promotion. The organisation warned that reduced funding for sexual and reproductive health programmes, combined with prevention fatigue, could reverse gains recorded in the fight against HIV. It noted that while treatment for HIV has expanded in recent years, prevention efforts, particularly consistent condom advocacy, have not received the same level of attention and investment. The campaign will also include a prevention symposium at the University of Abuja, where students will be engaged on STIs and HIV prevention. The event, set to target students of the Faculty of Media and Communication Studies, will combine education with free screening services provided by the AHF Abuja Wellness Centre. Anambras HIV burden The AHF State Coordinator in Anambra, Vivian Sunday, emphasised that partnership is important in tackling HIV in the state. Ms Sunday noted that in all the states where they operate, they work in partnership because they cannot fight the battle alone. She listed collaborating agencies, including ANSACA, the Anambra State AIDS and STI Prevention Unit (SASCAP), the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NEPWHAN), Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI), the Police Action Committee on AIDS (PACA), and other community-based organisations. She noted that Anambra has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the South-east, citing data from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), which put the states prevalence at 2.4 per cent. While emphasising prevention, Ms Sunday clarified that the campaign does not encourage risky behaviour. We are not promoting promiscuity. What we are saying is that if you cannot abstain and cannot be faithful to one partner, please use condoms correctly and consistently, she said. According to her, condoms offer dual protection against HIV, other STIs and unintended pregnancies, and demonstrate responsibility toward ones health and that of a partner. Prevention cheaper than treatment Also speaking, John Ementa, project manager for ANSACA, described the event as part of a broader effort to achieve epidemic control in the state. Mr Ementa stated that, as the coordinating agency for the States HIV multisectoral response, they oversee prevention, treatment, care, and support services. He reiterated that International Condom Day provides an opportunity to re-emphasise condom use as a tested and trusted prevention tool. He also stressed that prevention remains more cost-effective than treatment. Research has shown that consistent and correct use of condoms prevents HIV transmission. Prevention is better than cure. The cost of treatment outweighs the cost of prevention efforts. We want fewer people to contract HIV because if you do not contract it, you will not rely on antiretroviral drugs, he said. He added that condoms are available in pharmacies, health facilities and through patent medicine vendors, with free access at designated centres. Our goal is to reduce new infections, achieve viral suppression among those already on treatment, and ultimately attain epidemic control in Anambra State in line with global targets, he said. The event ended with the distribution of free condoms and educational materials, as AHF urged residents to take personal responsibility in preventing new HIV infections. Ubong Akpan, counsel to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, has condemned the plot to arrest him (El-Rufai) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the State Security Service (SSS) on Thursday. He assured that Mr El-Rufai will honour all lawful security invitations, stressing that the former governor will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement. Mr Akpan said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the were attempts by the operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) to arrest Mr El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja upon his arrival from Egypt. Mr Akpan described the plot to apprehend his client as a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law. He explained that the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Mr El-Rufais residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations. The lawyer also said no government agency possesses unfettered authority to detain citizens without due process, adding, All public institutions and officials are bound by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates adherence to legal protocols. Mr Akpan demanded the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Mr El-Rufai. We demand the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Malam El-Rufai, the immediate return of his stolen passport, and a formal apology for this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights, he said. Read the fulll statement STATEMENT ON THE UNLAWFUL ATTEMPTED ARREST OF MALAM NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI As counsel to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, we unequivocally condemn the attempted illegal arrest of our client by security operatives this afternoon upon his arrival in Abuja via Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. This is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law. The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufais residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations. Such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness. In response, we formally communicated with the EFCC on his behalf since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation. Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity. Upon his arrival, security operatives from the Department of State Services moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or formal invitation. When he calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation a basic entitlement of any citizen facing state action none could be produced. No document, no signed directive, no lawful process. There was only raw power, unclothed by law. In the same unlawful manner, operatives physically snatched his international passport. This act is nothing short of stealing the unlawful taking of private property by agents of the state acting without colour of authority. Ordinary Nigerians present at the airport, incensed by this open display of oppression, surrounded the scene and insisted loudly that he could only be arrested upon a legitimate process. Their voices, defiant and unbowed, were a testament to the citizenrys unyielding commitment to the rule of law, even as state agents acted in flagrant disregard of it. That citizens had to remind security operatives of the Constitution is both shameful and instructive. No government agency possesses unfettered authority to detain citizens without due process. All public institutions and officials are bound by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates adherence to legal protocols. This attempted arrest directly infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms, including: Section 35 (Right to Personal Liberty): requires that any arrest be justified and conducted in accordance with lawful procedures, such as reasonable suspicion and prompt judicial oversight. Section 36 (Right to fair hearing): safeguards against executive actions that prejudice judicial processes. Section 34 (Right to Dignity of Human Person): Subsection (1)(a) protects citizens from mistreatment during arrest that assaults personal dignity. Section 41 (Right to Freedom of Movement): guarantees entry without arbitrary interception. The unlawful seizure of his passport directly restrains this right. Section 44 (Right to Own Property): This prohibits the snatching of his passport without legal authority. There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Despite prior intelligence of plans to effect this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded with his return following medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power. We demand the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Malam El-Rufai, the immediate return of his stolen passport, and a formal apology for this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights. LET US MAKE IT PUBLICLY AND ABUNDANTLY CLEAR: 1. MALAM NASIR AHMAD EL RUFAI WILL NEVER TAKE THE COWARDLY ROUTE OF RUNNING AWAY FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT. 2. HE WILL HONOUR, WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS, ALL LEGITIMATE LAW ENFORCEMENT SUMMONS. Legal action will be pursued against all persons and agencies responsible for this unconstitutional conduct to uphold accountability and deter future abuses. The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter, and we shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law. Ubong Esop Akpan The Chambers of Ubong Akpan Counsel to Malam Nasir El-Rufai Abuja, February 12, 2026. Members of the Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday raised concern about how the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc has been operating despite receiving little to no funding from the federal government. The lawmakers raised the concern when the Acting Managing Director of NBET, Johnson Akinnawo, appeared before the committee to defend the agencys 2026 budget proposal NBET, an agency under the Ministry of Power, is responsible for managing existing power purchase agreements and procuring new power during the electricity industrys transition process. It acts as a bulk trader, purchasing electricity from generation companies (GenCos) and selling to distribution companies (DisCos), while also guaranteeing payments to GenCos. Based on the agencys 2025 budget performance report, NBET received only N60 million out of the N858 billion appropriated to it in the 2025 budget. Committee members expressed concern abouf how the agency had continued to operate despite the shortfall in funding. In response, Mr Akinnawo explained that NBET generated some revenue during the period under review, which it used to sustain its operations. He added that the agency had engaged the Budget Office and the Ministry of Finance on the issue, but no tangible action had been taken. He lamented that the funding gap had plunged the agency into debt. Mr Akinnawo stressed that without adequate government support, NBETs stabilising role in the electricity value chain would remain constrained, with adverse effects on generation companies and overall power supply. The gap between generation costs and allowed tariffs is substantial, and without government intervention, the market cannot remain stable, he said . The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, subsequently directed NBETs management to submit a comprehensive proposal detailing its funding requirements and a strategic plan to address the structural challenges facing the power sector. The committee is expected to review NBETs submission and make recommendations as part of its consideration of the 2026 budget proposal. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) on Friday said there was no verified evidence of any diversion of student loan funds at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja). The Fund disclosed this in a statement in Abuja by its Director, Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi. Mrs Oluwatuyi said the body noted recent media reports alleging that the institution diverted, misappropriated, or unlawfully withheld its disbursements. She said there was no verified evidence currently before it, establishing that the university diverted or misapplied any of its funds. NELFUND wishes to state clearly that as of this moment, there is no verified evidence before the Fund, establishing that the University of Abuja has diverted, misappropriated, or unlawfully withheld NELFUND disbursements, she said She explained that NELFUND operated a structured disbursement and reconciliation framework in line with its statutory mandate. Mrs Oluwatuyi added that funds were released through established institutional channels, with compliance mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency. Where concerns arise regarding timelines of crediting student accounts or institutional reconciliation processes, NELFUND engages directly with the relevant institution to clarify and resolve such matters administratively and in accordance with due process. It is important to emphasise that allegations reported in the media do not constitute established findings. READ ALSO: University of Abuja dismisses claims of NELFUND loans mismanagement NELFUND remains committed to relying strictly on verified documentation, formal reconciliation procedures, and audit mechanisms in addressing any issues relating to its disbursement processes, she said. She reaffirmed NELFUNDs commitment to protecting eligible Nigerian students and ensuring the lawful application of all disbursements. She also pledged the Funds continued collaboration with partner institutions to uphold transparency, accountability and integrity of the student loan programme. A prominent archbishop in Akwa Ibom State, Udeme Simon, was spotted at an APC meeting where participants declared their political support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Mr Akpabio hails from Akwa Ibom. Messrs Tinubu, Eno and Akpabio are all APC members seeking re-election in 2027. The meeting was held on 10 February at the residence of a retired deputy inspector general of police, Udom Ekpoudom, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom. It was for select APC chieftains in the area. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Ekpoudom convened the meeting as a strategic move to prevent Emmanuel Enoidem, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC, from assuming the position of the political leader of Etim Ekpo. Mr Enoidem, a former national legal adviser of the PDP, is from Etim Ekpo. He contested and lost the 2023 Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial election as the PDP candidate against Mr Akpabio, who was the APC candidate. Regarding the 10 February meeting at Etim Ekpo, a video clip posted on Facebook showed the archbishop, Mr Simon, being acknowledged among other dignitaries by the Commissioner for Youth Development in Akwa Ibom, Ekerette Ekanem. The governor shall come from the church Our reporter contacted Mr Simon on Friday about the APC meeting and asked him if he was a member of the ruling party, but he declined to respond. However, this newspaper found the archbishops views on politics online. Mr Simon, the founder of Great Faith Ministries, Uyo, advocated the churchs involvement in politics, though he did not say whether he is a member of any political party. If you read the Book of Jeremiah, it says the governor shall come from the church. That is politics. Jesus Christ of Nazareth is politics because when you read John 3:16, for God so loved the world, He sent Jesus of the world, but politics makes them say Jesus of Nazareth. That is politics. And so politics is not a sin, if you play it holy. But if you dont play it holy, if you want to do like others are doing, that is when its not good for those who want to go to heaven, Mr Simon declared in an interview with an online television, G247 TV, broadcast on 25 April 2021. He said many politicians dont care about heaven. Thank God, there are still heaven-conscious politicians, like we have in Akwa Ibom here, he added. The archbishop, with over 46 years experience in ministry, said he gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1979 and began his ministry at Qua Iboe Church, Deeper Life Ministries, and later at Living Faith Church, (aka Winners Chapel), before establishing Great Faith Ministries. He said God called him to arise, shine, and put smiles on peoples faces through the preaching and the teaching of the word of God. He said he has travelled to 26 countries, including the US and the UK, to put smiles on peoples faces and has shaken hands with presidents. There are people that till the die, they will not have the opportunities to shake hands with presidents of nations, the archbishop said. So its a privilege. Mr Simon said in the interview that God can install and remove political leaders. When the leadership does not please God, God can remove them. We saw a lot of that in the Bible, he said. Theres no government that doesnt rig elections The archbishops views on politics contrast with those of a fiery pastor in Uyo, Abel Damina, who stated in 2022 that God does not get involved in politics. Mr Damina, the pastor of Power City International, said that democracy is a system of imperfection run by imperfect people and ends with imperfect people. Somebody said they are rigging elections. Theres no government that doesnt rig elections, including America. That is the way the system works. It is survival. READ ALSO: Remo APC leaders endorse Gov Abiodun for Senate ahead 2027 So if you are thinking of politics, start thinking of contending as a (a means of) survival. So they are stealing the ballot box; steal your own. Thats the way the system works. It means all of us are thieves steal, I steal. The man that steal pass becomes governor, he said. Akwa Ibom is predominantly Christian, with the church having a strong influence on the states politics. For instance, there is an amorphous group of older, pro-establishment clerics in the state known as the fathers of faith, who influence the election and appointment of political leaders. Governor Eno is a pastor who owns a medium-sized church, All Nations Christian Ministry International, in Eket, Akwa Ibom. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said operations at the newly constructed bus terminals across Abuja will begin once the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves the operational contract. Mr Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, reiterating that the approval is beyond his ministerial powers. We are waiting for the Federal Executive Council to approve the operational contract. The contract is beyond the ministerial approval and so it requires the Federal Executive Council approval, he said. The minister explained that the proposal would be presented at the next FEC meeting, expressing confidence that it would be approved. Private sector to manage facilities Mr Wike said the FCT Administration has decided against allowing the Transport Secretariat to run the terminals, opting instead for private-sector management. We said we are not going to allow the Transport Secretariat to manage it; it will be handled by private individuals who have the competence, he said. He added that once FEC grants approval, operations will commence immediately. The terminals are part of the administrations broader transport reform aimed at organising public transportation and reducing congestion in parts of Nigerias capital city. In 2024, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) awarded contracts for the construction of three bus and taxi terminals in Kugbo, Mabushi and the Central Business District (CBD) at an estimated cost of N51 billion. The terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo were completed and inaugurated in June 2025, but remain inactive. The third facility in the CBD is reportedly nearing completion. The delay drew criticism from a civic group, who argue that keeping the terminals unused undermines efforts to reform Abujas transport system and leaves road users exposed to continuing risks. The civic organisation noted that passengers are still vulnerable to unsafe roadside boarding, a problem the terminals were designed to address. Funding driven by IGR The minister also addressed concerns about funding for ongoing infrastructure projects in the territory. He revealed that most of the projects are being financed through the FCTs Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), rather than allocations from the Federation Account. Mr Wike explained that the Federation Account allocation barely covers the salary obligations of the FCTA, making the aggressive revenue drive critical to sustaining construction activities. He added that improved liquidity from IGR has enabled the administration to maintain construction momentum. The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, reserved judgement in nine appeals filed by rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) regarding the controversial national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November last year. The appeals stemmed mainly from separate decisions handed down by two Federal High Court judges in Abuja James Omotosho and Peter Lifu. There were also counter-decisions from the Oyo State High Court and recently the Federal High Court, both in Ibadan, regarding the disputed convention. Despite the rulings stopping the convention ahead of the scheduled date, the organisers proceeded with it in Ibadan, Oyo State, between 15 and 16 November 2025, producing Tanimu Turaki, as national chairperson of the PDP, alongside other national officers. There is another related case before Joyce Abdulmalik, also of the Federal High Court, Abuja, filed on 21 November last year by a rival faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike to restrain the Mr Turaki-led group from representing the party and to bar the police and the State Security Service (SSS) from granting them access to the PDP secretariat in Abuja. On 23 January, Judge Abdulmalik adjourned the case until 20 February in deference to the Court of Appeal over the the appeals regarding the same subject matter of the Ibadan convention pending before it. Ms Abdumalik rescheduled the case for 20 February to take report from the Court of Appeal regarding the appeals. Thursdays hearing During the hearing of the appeals on Thursday, lawyers to the appellants the Turaki led group urged the court to allow the appeals and set aside the judgements invalidating its convention. But lawyers to the respondents including the acting chair Mohammed Abdulrahman, whose group aligns with Mr Wike, asked the court to dismiss the appeals and uphold the decisions of the Federal High Court. Adopting his written brief of arguments filed on 20 November last year, the appellants lawyer, Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the appeal challenged the 31 October 2025 judgement delivered by Mr Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. He argued that the judgement was delivered without jurisdiction and asked the court to dismiss a preliminary objection against the appeal. He also urged the court to set aside Judge Omotoshos judgment and orders. However, lawyers to the first to third respondents, Joseph Daudu, a SAN, while also adopting his clients preliminary objections and briefs of argument filed in opposition to the apppeal, urged the court to uphold the objections and dismiss the appeal. Other respondents lawyers similarly asked the court to dismiss the appeal. After hearing the submissions and the adoption of all written processes, the three-member panel which sat on the appeals, reserved judgements and said a date to deliver the verdicts would be communicated to the parties. One of the appeals which challenged Mr Omotoshos judgement listed the PDP, its National Working Committee and National Executive Committee as appellants. Joined as respondents in the appeal are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, Turnah George, Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Damagun, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi. Background On 31 October last year, the Federal High Court, Abuja, halted the PDP national convention scheduled to be held in Ibadan. The court gave the ruling in a suit filed by some aggrieved members of PDP who were against the convention on the grounds of violation of the Nigerian Constitution, INEC guidelines and the PDP constitution. READ ALSO: Appeal Court to hear appeals on PDP convention In agreement with the the applicants, the judge, Mr Omotosho, ruled that the planned national convention could not be validly held because the party had not first conducted valid state congresses. He stopped the convention and barred INEC from supervising it. Days later, another judge of the High Court in Ibadan, directed the PDP and its then national chairman to proceed with the convention and asked INEC to monitor it. But on 11 November 2025, another Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Peter Lifu, again restrained the PDP from holding the convention. The order came in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who argued that he was denied the opportunity to purchase nomination forms to contest for the partys national chairmanship. Despite the two orders from the Federal High Court in Abuja blocking the convention, the organisers proceeded with the exercise on between 15 and 16 November in Ibadan, where delegates elected a new NWC now headed by Mr Turaki. INEC later refused to recognise the Mr Turaki-led group, citing subsisting court orders and ongoing litigation that barred the it from updating or acting on the list of national officers. Following this, the Turaki-led faction filed a suit seeking recognition of the Ibadan convention and validation of the elected NWC. But the Federal High Court in Ibadan instead nullified the convention late last month. The judge ruled that the conversation was held in flagrant disobedience to existing judgements, and that the caretaker committee remained the recognised leadership until a valid convention was held. The Federal High Court in Kano, on Friday convicted a Kannywood actress, Saadatu Inuwa, also known as Samha, for abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency. The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) disclosed this in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale. The statement noted that Judge S. M. Shuaibu convicted and sentenced her to six months imprisonment, with an option of N200,000 fine. The actress was arraigned on a charge of mutilating Nigerian currency, contrary to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, according to the statement. According to the charge, Ms Inuwa tampered with a N1,000 note in 2022 within the courts jurisdiction by soiling it with her nose. She pleaded guilty when the charge was read to her. Following her plea, prosecuting lawyer Musa Isah reviewed the facts of the case and asked the court to convict and sentence her. Although Ms Inuwa pleaded for leniency, telling the court she was a first-time offender and had shown remorse, Judge Shuaibu imposed the sentence as stipulated by law. Arrest EFCC announced the actress arrest earlier this month over the offence. The agency said operatives of its Kano zonal directorate apprehended her after a video circulated on social media showing her using naira notes to wipe her nose. The actress has now joined a growing list of Nigerians prosecuted and convicted over abuse of the naira. Since 2024, several prominent individuals have been arrested, tried, and convicted over similar offences, including spraying, stepping on, or otherwise tampering with currency. Naira abuse enforcement Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, prohibits the spraying, stamping, mutilation, or abuse of the naira, while Section 21(3) prescribes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for offenders. PREMIUM TIMES reported that in December 2025, Judge Ahmad Mahmud of the Federal High Court in Sokoto, convicted Ahmad Buhari, Jamilu Bello and Yasir Muhammad Bala after they pleaded guilty to spraying and tampering with naira notes at social gatherings. They were sentenced to one year imprisonment on various counts, with options of N100,000 fines, and ordered to undertake community sensitisation campaigns under EFCC supervision. Similarly, Kano-based TikTok influencer Murja Kunya was re-arrested in March 2025 after allegedly jumping administrative bail in a naira abuse case. In April 2024, Judge Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, sentenced crossdresser Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okunneye, to six months imprisonment without an option of a fine for currency abuse. Earlier in February 2024, Judge Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, convicted actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin for spraying and stepping on new naira notes at a wedding in Lekki. She was sentenced to six months imprisonment, with an option of a N300,000 fine. READ ALSO: EFCC arrests Kannywood actress Samha Inuwa over alleged naira abuse Ahead of Valentines Day on14 February, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reminded the public that using naira notes for decorative purposes, including money bouquets, towers, or cash cakes, is illegal and constitutes currency abuse. Money bouquets are arrangements in which folded naira notes are combined with flowers or other decorative items, often given to women during celebrations. The central bank said offenders risk fines, imprisonment, or both under existing laws. Parents of children with special needs have shared practical lessons on planning for their childrens transition into adulthood, urging caregivers to focus on building independence, support systems and vocational skills early. They spoke on Thursday at the Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment (SENTE) Conference and Trade Fair 2026, held in Lagos and themed Preparing for Adulthood. The event brought together parents, caregivers, therapists, educators and service providers to discuss long-term planning for children with special needs beyond childhood. The organisers said the conference aimed to equip families with practical strategies and tools to support adolescents as they prepare for higher education, employment and independent living. Key discussions focused on life planning, vocational development and sustainable care. A trade fair held alongside the conference allowed educators, healthcare professionals and therapists to showcase products and services designed for adolescents and adults with special needs. Panel discussions One of the panel sessions, titled After School: What Next? Higher Education and/or Employment Readiness, featured parents sharing personal experiences and strategies. Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, encouraged parents to prioritise their childrens strengths and begin long-term planning early. Mrs Faloughi-Ekezie, a creative professional, said building a strong support system from an early stage is critical. She also highlighted advocacy efforts, including creative projects such as animation, music and a podcast to support development. Nneaka Obiagwu, founder of Child Restoration Initiative and a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, stressed the importance of parent-led intervention and practical skills development. Know your child, prepare them, equip them for the world, Ms Obiagwu said, urging parents to join support groups and focus on vocational training. She also emphasised educating children about differently abled peers to promote inclusion and reduce discrimination. Chinyere Ogudu, who joined the session virtually, shared her journey raising a child with special needs and the importance of resilience and community support. Why SENTE was created Mudi Nwachukwu, the convener, told PREMIUM TIMES that the programme is aimed at supporting parents of children with special needs. The programme, now in its second edition, was inspired by the lack of practical advice and community support for the parents, Mrs Nwachukwu, a lawyer, said. I actually run a business called Rhimamory, and we sell educational toys and resources for all children, including those with additional needs, she said. And what I found was that a lot of parents who would come and get items from us were really just lost. They didnt have any community. There were a lot of companies they would go to, but there was no practical advice. She also emphasised the role of the government in supporting programmes for children with special needs. She urged the government to set up policies to check discrimination against children with special needs. An opinion piece that you describe, praises or criticizes, on the whole or partly, to cultural or entertainment work. It must be written by an expert on the matter A few years ago, sometime during the harrowing year of 2020 that would change everything, author Herve Le Tellier discovered that someone had written a name on the outer wall of his new house in the village of La Paillette, in southern France. When he later found that the same name appeared on the monument to the towns sons who died for the homeland, Le Tellier realized he had a story in his hands and that he wanted nothing more than to tell it. That story is about Andre Chaix, a young industrial apprentice from La Paillette who joined the French Resistance, fought in La Drome, and died there in a German attack on August 23, 1944, at the age of 20 years, two months, and 30 days. To recount it, Le Tellier a writer, mathematician, and literary critic, as well as editor of Raymond Queneau and Georges Perec and a member of the extraordinary literary experimentation workshop known as Oulipo drew on photographs, documents from the archives of the National Association of Former Combatants, specialized literature on the Resistance in La Drome, and testimonies from Chaixs relatives who still live in the area. He also used a reasonable degree of speculation, but, as he says, it would have felt obscene to invent anything. The Name on the Wall tells, therefore, a true story, and its purpose is to recount it as accurately as possible, as well as to express a visceral yet ultimately common discontent and irritation with the current state of affairs. Seeing how the world is going, I have no doubt that we must continue to speak of the Occupation, of collaboration and fascism, of racism and the rejection of the other to the point of annihilation, he says. That is why I did not want this book to shy away from the monster against which Andre Chaix fought, why I chose to give voice to the ideals for which he died, and why I questioned our deepest nature, that desire to belong to something larger than ourselves that leads to both the best and the worst. Digressive and disconcertingly light, didactic, and unassailable in its critique of past and present complicity with fascism and hatred of the other, Le Tellier is at his best when he recounts his protagonists life. But that life was brief and books are long, and The Name on the Wall along with its author soon wanders into lengthy reflections on Germanys responsibility for Nazi crimes; the postwar denazification that was deliberately mishandled in both Germany and France; the continuities between French collaborationism and the far-right National Rally party of JeanMarie and Marine Le Pen; The Third Wave sociological experiments on obedience; the performing arts in Paris during the Occupation; the solidarity and disobedience of the inhabitants of Dieulefit during the war; the history of the German 11th Panzer Division, and so on. Nothing in The Name on the Wall feels out of place, although as with The Anomaly, the book that catapulted Le Tellier to stardom in 2021 one wonders how someone who belongs to a literary experimentation group can settle for such an unadventurous style. One also wonders whether this is a book conceived for classroom use: all its ideas are good, but youve read them many times before, and often better expressed by others. In fact, the authors conclusions We must take Nazis seriously, and their delusions too, Life, like blackandwhite films, is full of gray, Fate is a huge joke, not to say a scam, and so on and their lack of substance end up overshadowing, paradoxically, what is also a tribute to the handful of men and women who saved humanity. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, ordered his arrest and is behind the alleged attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday. Speaking on Friday in an interview with Arise Television, the former governor claimed that Mr Ribadu personally ordered his arrest. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr El-Rufai was involved in a heated verbal exchange with security operatives at the Abuja airport, shortly after his arrival in the country. According to eyewitness accounts, security officials briefly restrained him and confiscated his international passport before he was escorted out of the airport amid chants from supporters who had gathered to receive him. Claims NSAs phone call intercepted Mr El-Rufai alleged that the NSAs phone conversation was intercepted, and that he heard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him. The NSAs call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me, Mr El-Rufai claimed. The former governor did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation, and there has been no official response from Mr Ribadu as of the time of filing this report. However, the NSA has previously denied similar allegations. On Friday, a presidential aide expressed concern about Mr El-Rufais latest claim. El-Rufai admitted on a national television that someone tapped the phone of the NSA for him to listen to his conversation. When Charles Aniagolu, the interviewer, interjected that that was an illegal action, El-Rufai agreed to the illegality. By the time he is picked up to produce the person who illegally tapped the NSAs phone, he would say President Tinubu is a tyrant and persecuting him, Temitope Ajayi, the senior special assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, wrote on Facebook. Allegations against Kaduna governor, ICPC chairman Mr El-Rufai also alleged that Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, NSA Ribadu, and the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had conspired to abduct him. Let me tell you, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, the NSA and the ICPC chairman have arranged that I get abducted unfailingly today, he said during the interview. These claims come amid rising political tension between Mr El-Rufai and some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following his consistent public criticism of the Bola Tinubu administration. Dadiyatas disappearance During the interview, Mr El-Rufai was also asked about the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a social media commentator who was abducted from his Kaduna residence in 2019 and has not been seen since. The former governor denied any involvement in the incident and rejected suggestions that his administration played a role in the activists disappearance. According to him, Dadiyata was primarily a critic of political actors in Kano State rather than Kaduna. Dadiyata lives in Kaduna; he was not a critic of Kaduna State. We barely knew he resided in Kaduna until his abduction was reported. He was a critic of the Kano government at the time, he said, suggesting that questions should instead be directed at political figures in Kano. The case of Dadiyata remains unresolved despite repeated calls from civil society groups for a thorough investigation. Kwankwaso and US legislative move Mr El-Rufai also reacted to a bill proposed by some United States lawmakers, demanding sanctions against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over alleged links to terrorism in Nigeria. He described the development as politically motivated, dismissing claims that Mr Kwankwaso was associated with terrorism. Mr El-Rufai argued that if scrutiny was to be applied to political actors over the introduction of Sharia law in northern Nigeria, attention should instead focus on Zamfara State, where it was first implemented under then-governor Ahmad Yerima. He also referenced subsequent administrations in Zamfara, suggesting that controversies surrounding the application of Sharia occurred there rather than in Kano under Mr Kwankwaso. Readiness to appear before EFCC Despite alleging political persecution, Mr El-Rufai maintained that he is willing to honour lawful invitations from security and anti-corruption agencies. He confirmed that he would appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday in response to an invitation for questioning. I have nothing to hide, he said, denying any wrongdoing during his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State. Both the EFCC and ICPC are investigating corruption allegations against Mr El-Rufai. The former Kaduna governor was a prominent member of the APC and strongly supported the election of President Bola Tinubu. He, however, fell out with the party after the Senate rejected his nomination as minister and his successor as Kaduna governor started probing his administration. The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday declared an oil and gas exploration company, AMNI International Petroleum Development Company, unable to pay its debts and appointed Sam Aiboni, a lawyer, as Administrator over the companys assets and operations. In his ruling, the judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, made the order in a suit following an application filed by Cenroc FPSO Solutions Nigerian Limited. In the certified true copy of the ruling obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the judge held that AMNI failed to pay $15.3 million ($15,261,329) owed to Cenroc under contracts dated 1 April 2019. The court referenced Contracts Nos. CAP-AMN-CFS-1121-AGR-20001 and 03-AMN-CFS-GE-CNT-10001 in arriving at its decision. Mr Aneke declared that the respondent had become unable to pay its debts, having regard to its financial position and failure to discharge the outstanding contractual sum. The court appointed Mr Aiboni as Administrator over all the assets, properties, funds, business and affairs of AMNI, including the performance of its contracts wherever they may be situated. The judge authorised the Administrator to take immediate custody, management and control of AMNIs office complex at Plot 1377, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, or any other address of the company. The order also covers the vessel, FPSO Princess Aweni (formerly Armada Perkasa), and its appurtenances lying or berthed at Okoro Field in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within Nigerias territorial waters, as well as other assets located within and outside Nigeria. The court further directed that Cenroc be recognised as a ranking creditor in the administration of AMNI and that its claim be accorded priority in creditor rankings. Mr Aneke granted a perpetual injunction restraining AMNI, its directors, officers, agents and privies from interfering with or obstructing the Administrator in the discharge of his duties under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020. Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, administration allows a court-appointed administrator to assume control of a financially distressed company to protect assets and safeguard creditor interests. Proceedings The application, dated 23 July 2025, was supported by a 24-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Oghenekaro Okodiya, with exhibits and a written address signed by Olalekan Kareem. At the hearing, Messrs Kareem and Okodiya moved the motion for the applicant. The respondent was represented by Bedemi Ademola-Bello, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), alongside Ochu Agbai-Abosi and Damilola Akeredolu, who opposed the applicants prayers. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court delivered its ruling in open court and granted the application. At the time of filing this report, AMNI has not released a statement. Background AMNI is one of Nigerias established indigenous oil producers and has operated in offshore exploration and production for over three decades. The company operates offshore blocks including OML 112 and OML 117. The Okoro Field, where the FPSO Princess Aweni is stationed, began production in 2008 and remains a key asset in the companys portfolio. The ruling comes amid heightened scrutiny of indebtedness in Nigerias upstream oil sector. In 2025, a House of Representatives review identified several oil companies, including AMNI, as owing substantial sums to the federal government in royalties and fees. By placing the company under court-supervised administration, the judgement shifts operational control of its defined assets to the Administrator while restricting actions that could undermine the orderly management of the company and the protection of creditor interests. Since Trumps return to office, a narrative has steadily gathered momentum in Washington: that Nigeria is a theatre of Christian genocide, orchestrated or tolerated by Muslim political actors. It is a grave allegation. It is also one that many credible Nigerian authorities, religious leaders, security experts, and independent analysts have consistently challenged as simplistic, selective, and dangerously misleading. Nigerias security crisis is real. Terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and criminal violence have devastated communities Muslim and Christian alike in Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna and beyond. But to reduce this complex web of criminality, governance failure, climate pressure, and arms proliferation into a one-dimensional religious war is not analysis; it is advocacy. The genesis of this framing can be traced to lobbying efforts and reports amplified in foreign policy circles some originating from discredited advocacy groups, whose data and claims have been publicly questioned by investigative journalists. Yet, these narratives have found fertile ground among certain US lawmakers and religious pressure blocs eager to fit Nigeria into a broader global persecution template. President Trumps earlier designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution was controversial. The redesignation months later reinforced the perception that Washington had settled on a narrative, regardless of Nigerias internal complexities. Driven by this ill-informed framing, Trump ordered a Christmas Day airstrike on Sokoto historically the seat of Nigerias Islamic Caliphate as a symbolic gesture aimed at appeasing his Christian constituency. The strike occurred despite Sokoto being neither an epicentre of terrorism nor banditry. The Muslims did not protest the deliberate provocation, even after discovering that local collaborators were feeding Americans the so-called Christian genocide narrative as a strategic ploy to influence Nigerias 2027 presidential tickets. Now comes the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 by US lawmakers Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The bill seeks sanctionsincluding visa bans and asset freezes against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and certain Fulani-affiliated groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. More disturbingly, the legislation appears designed to pave the way for categorising Muslim political leaders as well as Fulani-ethnic nomad militias as foreign terrorist organisations. It is so worrisome to scandalise a prominent political figure like Kwankwaso a Muslim who is not known as a religious extremist on the eve of his alignment ahead of Nigerias upcoming presidential election is deeply scandalous. Equally dangerous is the attempt to criminalise an entire ethnic identity under the sweeping label of Fulani militia, setting a perilous precedent. Criminal elements exist across all ethnic and religious lines in Nigeria. But the Fulani, like the Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, Kanuri, Ijaw or any other group, are a diverse population numbering in the millions. Collective blame is not justice; it is profiling. Nigeria has welcomed increased US military engagement, with AFRICOM officials meeting Nigerian security leaders and American troops now permitted to operate in the country. The government has also invested millions of dollars in diplomatic outreach and strategic lobbying. Yet the shift from partnership to punitive labelling raises an uncomfortable question: what exactly is Washington seeking? And more importantly, what does Trumps new posture mean for Nigerians, Muslims and nonMuslims alike? Should it push us toward suspicion of one another or toward questioning the motives behind externally driven narratives, including those shaped by controversial reports from certain advocacy groups, especially the Onitsha-based Intersociety operated by a screwdriver salesman and other IPOB platforms? If the concern is truly religious freedom, then policy must be anchored in verifiable evidence, not selective outrage. Terrorisms epicentres Borno under Boko Haram, Zamfara under banditry networks, Niger under insurgent infiltration do not fit neatly into a Christian-versus-Muslim binary. Victims in these theatres include imams, pastors, farmers, traders, and children of every faith. As I reflected in my previous articles, the narrative that Nigerias Muslims are collectively complicit in anti-Christian persecution is not only inaccurate; it is inflammatory. It risks deepening mistrust within Nigerias fragile social fabric. It emboldens extremists who thrive on polarisation. And it externalises what should remain a sovereign, evidence-driven security discourse. But sanctions based on politicised framing or fictitious advocacy-driven reports by secessionist and anti-Muslim groups undermine the credibility of international accountability mechanisms. If President Trumps America truly seeks stability in West Africa, it must engage Nigeria in partnership, not profiling; in evidence, not emotion; in diplomacy, not designation. Nigerias Muslims and Fulani ethnic groups do not need appeasement. They need fairness. Our country needs fact-based engagement, not fear. Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster and Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies; Email: [email protected] Like other States created in 1976 by the military fiat of then Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, Ondo State clocked 50 on 3rd February, 2026. Perhaps in tune with the times, as it should be, the drums were only partially rolled out, with modest celebrations across the states that one might have missed such a momentous occasion. It was quite surreal to witness one of the events organised by the Ondo State Government in commemoration of the occasion. A public lecture that brought together some members of the power elite and the intelligentsia to reminisce on the journey, interrogate today and dream of the future, it was as much a reminder and a prompter. It was quite a surprising reminder that its already 50 years since that sudden switch from Western to Ondo State, which saw our parents in public service forced to relocate home from other parts of Western State. To think that its already 50 years since they were made to swap their Western State number plates for the new ones (OD, OY, OG), challenging us, young car-spotters to be able to which local government the last letter on the plate represented, as those were the days where our fathers made it a polit of duty to remind everyone where their stories began by making a statement with their number plates. The message was simple no matter how far from home we go, home will always be home. Ondo is a story of many parts. A story of the people(s) of Akure, Owo, Ondo, Akoko, Ikale, and Ilaje brought together by history and geography that, over time, became shared realities and aspirations under different dispensations, even those that were not of their own making. It is the story of a people on whose back the first skyscraper in West Africa and the tallest building in Nigeria until 1979, was built, even if the Cocoa House sits at Dugbe in faraway Ibadan. It is the story of a people in whose territory (Araromi) oil was first discovered in Nigeria in 1908. Even though commercial oil exploration started in the state in 1968, it wasnt until 1992 with the promulgation of Decree 23 that the aspirations of the people of Ondo state were finally realised, as it received recognition as an oil-producing state. With 60,000 barrels per day, Ondo state is the 5th largest producer of oil in the country. Ondo is the story of a resource-rich state that has yet to take advantage of its immense potential, as it could. With the second largest bitumen deposit in the world, 75 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, which makes it the longest unbroken seashore in Nigeria, and a proposed deep-sea port with a natural draught of about 18 metres, which will make it efficiently handle large commercial vessels, eliminating the need for trans-shipment, there is no doubt of a bright future ahead for the state. But beyond natural and material resources, it is the people that constitutes the most important and strategic resource for Ondo state. Having fully embraced the opportunity created by the Awolowo free primary education policy, it is no surprise that the premium placed on education has paid off in the quality of its human capital. A reflection of that, perhaps, is that despite being in the bottom-ten in terms of budget size, Ondo state ranks as the state with the lowest percentage of its population living in multidimensional poverty in the country. The Ondo story is that of its illustrious founding fathers who, decrying what they saw as marginalisation in Gowons 12-state structure, spearheaded the agitation for the creation of Ondo state. The Architects were Chief GBA Akinyede, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Dr Banji Akintoye, Reverend RA Ogunlade, Ambassador Lawrence Fabunmi, Chief Seinde Arogbofa and Prince Deji Adegoroye, who played a pivotal role in the process, having served as Secretary (and later Secretary-General) of the Ondo State Creation Movement, when the Akinyede and Ajasin factions fused into one, with his law office in Akure serving as the Secretariat for the movement. It is the story of Ademola Adegoroye, who, following in the footsteps of his father (Prince Deji Adegoroye), in only 10 months as Minister of State (Transportation), succeeded in securing for Ondo state the approval and Declaration of Ondo seaport for the government of Rotimi Akeredolu in 2023. With the aid of Minister Babatunde Fashola, he facilitated the approval and flag-off of the construction/dualisation of the Akure-Ado Ekiti road, which is currently going on. That road is a reminder that the Ondo story is not complete without that of its cousins on the other side (Ekiti), which was excised from it in 1996, twenty years after the creation of Ondo state. Indeed, many of the founding fathers and some of those who later played prominent roles in the leadership of the state are now on the other side. The irony is best captured by the story of two Brothers of the same mother, Prince Deji Adegoroye from Akure, one of the founding fathers, and his brother, Ambassador Bamidele Olumilua from Ikere, who was the Ondo State Governor between 1992 and 1993, who, by virtue of the creation of Ekiti State, ended up in two different states. The Ondo story is equally that of our cousins in Ekiti, with whom we once criss-crossed the Old Ondo state, before the 1996 line of demarcation came between us, asking us to choose sides, which some of us, till this moment, have refused to do. It was most appropriate that Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), now of Ekiti State, who was the Attorney General of Ondo State in the Olumilua administration, was the Chairman at the 50th Anniversary Lecture. But the Ondo story is equally that of its civil servants, Teachers, Nurses and Administrators who willingly came back to the state from different parts of the Western Region to help build the new state. Many made huge sacrifices, some never had their records of service harmonised, some died without seeing their dreams for the state fulfilled. It is the story of the leaders, from Michael Ajasin (in whose house in Owo the inaugural meeting of the Action Group was held in 1951) to Rotimi Akeredolu (Aketi), who exemplified courage and leadership in their own ways. The story of the Sunshine state is the story of its diaspora the many sons and daughters of the state flying the flag of the state high in other parts of Nigeria and outside the country. It is the story of Dr Oluyinka Olutoye, the Nigerian paediatric surgeon in the US, who performed surgery on a baby in the womb. Ondo has a long list of accomplished professionals, some of whom have passed on, including Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr Akinola Aguda, Mr Samuel Asabia, Dr Frederick Faseun. There is the musical legend, King Sunny Ade, and many others across all facets of endeavour. We have Journalism greats like Chief Dayo Duyile and Taiwo Obe, among others. It was only fitting that the State tapped into its rich diaspora resource in choosing Taiwo Oyedele and Olu Verheijen as Speakers at the Anniversary lecture. Indeed, the Ondo story is that of Taiwo Oyedele, born a year before the creation of Ondo state, whose Ikaram-Akoko community, leaning on the spirit of Ifowosowopo that defines the people of Ondo in awarding him a N500 scholarship 35 years ago, which enabled him to register for his final school examination, without which he would not be where he is today. Now, not only has he made a mark through a sterling career in Accounting and Consulting, as the Chair of the Presidential Task Force of Fiscal Reforms, he has distinguished himself in public service, he is giving back through different philanthropic gestures, including a new scholarship scheme for the best final year student in every public secondary school in Ondo state graduating this year. It is the story of Olu Arowolo, born the year the state was created, who now serves the country as Special Adviser to the President on Energy, who affirmed that the story of Ondo is not finished, but just about entering its most consequential chapter. Our responsibility is to give opportunity, dignity, and a future, our children do not need to leave home to find, she says. In 1976, the same year the state was born, a young Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, having just completed his primary education in a remote village where he had lived his first 11 years, took a journey over two nights, by boat, to Lagos. He never set his sights on a car for the 11 years, except in the books. He left with no luggage, no extra clothing or shoes, armed with a dream in search of education. Today, fifty years later, he is the Governor of the State. That is the story of the state. The future is bright for Ondo State. It is blessed in many respects, especially with a strategic geographical location. Bounded by Kwara and Kogi on the North, Edo on the East. Delta on the South-East, Osun and Ogun on the West, and by the Atlantic Ocean on the South, hardly is there any State so positioned as a gateway to other regions. When the Ondo segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is completed, it will open another flank for developmental activities and a more prosperous future for the state. However, as Taiwo Oyedele cautions, the states future will be defined by deliberate choices, visionary leadership, and the harnessing of its abundant human and natural resources. Governor Aiyedatiwa agrees with that Fifty years is not just a number. It is a milestone that challenges us to rise to the responsibility of shaping the next era with wisdom, courage, and innovation, he says. What is required is for the State to be more deliberate and strategic in tapping into its diaspora pool for experts to help it reimagine the future. That will require the Leaders stepping outside the familiar territory with courage, wisdom, bold thinking and innovation. Its time for the sun over Ondo State to fully shine. Simbo Olorunfemi is a specialist on Nigerias foreign policy, communications consultant, and managing editor of Africa Enterprise, Email: [email protected] It is shocking that for the first time in our history, we are giving up on our sovereignty and handing over the country to Americans. As I argued on 9th January, I have so much nostalgia for the proud and assertive Nigeria of 11 January 1976, when our Head of State told the world and the American President, Gerald Ford, that Africa has come of age. In his speech at the OAU Summit in Addis Ababa, General Murtala Mohammed declared:Africa has come of age. In my column of 9th January entitled, Nigeria in Trump world: The dangers ahead, I warned about the way in which President Tinubu is handing our country over to American imperialism, and the necessity to change course. I feel obliged to return to the theme so soon afterward, because of the speed at which we are moving towards perdition. We recall that our president, Bola Tinubu, begged President Trump to shoot missiles into Nigeria on Christmas evening, allegedly to kill Islamist terrorists. Clearly, the Nigerian Presidency had not read Americas new national security strategy, which states bluntly that all American action would only be in the interest of the United States alone and not any other country. The idea that the United States would act to protect Nigerian Christians, who are suffering from genocide perpetrated by Islamic terrorists, is as far from reality as can be. After that opener, the Americans informed the world that they had sent some troops to Nigeria without stating the number. Then last week, they announced that they were sending 200 additional troops to the country. Then the Americans, through a Republican congressman, proposed a bill titled, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act. The bill was sponsored by US lawmakers, Representative Moore (R-WV) and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, Chris Smith (R-NJ). The bill mandates the US Secretary of State to submit a detailed report to Congress on efforts to address religious violence and mass atrocities in Nigeria. Tinubu gave the Americans an inch and now they are taking a mile, including making laws on our country and monitoring it as if it is a protectorate. An interesting dimension of this protectorate approach to Tinubus Nigeria is the sanctions they are including in the bill to punish one person they dislike, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, presenting him as a dangerous Muslim fundamentalist who must be death with. The reason why Riley Moore and his colleagues singled him out was that Kwankwaso was the only prominent Nigerian politician who openly criticised the United States designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. In a public statement, he had argued that the designation was unhelpful and poses the risk of exacerbating interreligious tensions in Nigeria. The American arrogance is so high that they cannot accept any criticism of their actions. As the columnist Farooq Kperogi has argued, the irony is that Kwankwaso as Kanos governor was famously unenthusiastic about the introduction of Sharia in 2000. The issue is that the Americans do not accept political criticism of their policies. Of course, Kwankwasos political ambition for the next elections are well known and the Americans are indicating that they would fight the political coalition he is building, thereby interfering in our internal politics. The overriding lesson of American foreign involvement in the past eighty years is well known. The United States spent 20 years failing to create a stable government in Afghanistan and killed the Libyan president, replacing a functional developmental state with a fractured state that set-in motion the massive distribution of small arms and light weapons to entrench terrorism in Africa. The tragic consequences of the 2003 war in Iraq continue to beset America and the Middle East. The United States has also repeatedly destabilised Latin American countries, including Chile, Cuba, Guatemala and Nicaragua, by trying to oust governments through force. In every country in which the United States has intervened to bring democracy and stability, it has left the the place in ruin, destroyed national cohesion, introduced guns into the streets and left it much worse than it found it. In 2001, in his bid to ostensibly re-professionalise the Nigerian army, President Obasanjo almost unilaterally signed the Military Cooperation Agreement Between the US and Nigeria. To its credit, the Ministry of Defence responded appropriately by opposing the agreement, arguing that it was not involved in the negotiations between Nigeria and the US. In fact, the agreement was highly criticised by Lt General Victor Malu, the chief of Army staff at the time It is important to remember that Nigerians have consistently opposed defence agreements with foreign countries since the 1960s, when the Balewa administration was forced to abrogate the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Agreement, because it contained a clause that allowed the Royal Air force to overfly and test its aircraft in Nigeria. The Agreement also allowed the Royal Air Force to station its maintenance staff in Nigeria. The Balewa administration was pressured to abrogate the Agreement because public opinion perceived it as an impairment of Nigerias freedom of action, which might draw the country into hostilities against its wishes. This remains true. In 2001, in his bid to ostensibly re-professionalise the Nigerian army, President Obasanjo almost unilaterally signed the Military Cooperation Agreement Between the US and Nigeria. To its credit, the Ministry of Defence responded appropriately by opposing the agreement, arguing that it was not involved in the negotiations between Nigeria and the US. In fact, the agreement was highly criticised by Lt General Victor Malu, the chief of Army staff at the time, when US military officers demanded for Nigerias strategic doctrine and unfettered access to its strategic military locations. According to General Malu, those were exclusive to Nigerians only, and he added that a friend today can be an enemy tomorrow. It is shocking that for the first time in our history, we are giving up on our sovereignty and handing over the country to Americans. As I argued on 9th January, I have so much nostalgia for the proud and assertive Nigeria of 11 January 1976, when our Head of State told the world and the American President, Gerald Ford, that Africa has come of age. In his speech at the OAU Summit in Addis Ababa, General Murtala Mohammed declared: Africa has come of age. It is no longer under the orbit of any extra continental power. It should no longer take orders from any country, however powerful. The fortunes of Africa are in our hands to make or mar. For too long have we been kicked around: for too long have we been treated like adolescents who cannot discern their interests and act accordingly. For too long has it been presumed that the African needs outside experts to tell him who are his friends and who are his enemies. The time has come when we should make it clear that we can decide for ourselves; that we know our own interests and how to protect those interest; that we are capable of resolving African problems without presumptuous lessons in ideological dangers which, more often than not, have no relevance for us, nor for the problem at hand. Nigeria has come to this Assembly determined to co-operate with you, Mr Chairman, and with all member states to put a stop to foreign interference in our continental matters. As an African nationalist of distinction, I trust that your wise guidance will direct our deliberations to fruitful conclusions of which our peoples will be proud. As for the Nigerians enthusiastically applauding American military intervention to save Nigerian Christians from genocide, they should do their research. Is it not American arms and intelligence that are being used in the current genocide against Christians in Palestine and Syria? That moment of pride is difficult to find in Nigeria today, as delegations after delegations go to the United States to beg it to come and solve our problems. What is most painful is our loss of statecraft. Nigeria no longer has well informed diplomats that could explain to the president that he is leading the country astray. The invitation to the United States to bomb our country, to send its troops to kill our terrorists and make laws determining how our country is run, is an indication of the abdication of responsibility by Nigerias political and military leadership. This raises fundamental questions about sovereignty, constitutional governance, civilian protection, and the integrity of Nigerias social contract. At the heart of this crisis is the apparent abdication by the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of his constitutional role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. By inviting a foreign government to manage what is fundamentally an internal security challenge, the president ceded sovereign authority in a manner that undermines Nigerias constitutional order. We are witnessing a profound breakdown of institutional accountability mechanisms. Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is unequivocal: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. This provision represents a central pillar of Nigerias social contract. Any security action, especially one involving foreign military forces, must be grounded in transparency, civilian protection, and democratic oversight. None of these standards were met. Nigerians should be particularly troubled by the severe deficit of information regarding the nature, scope, legal basis, and rules of engagement governing the collaboration between the Nigerian and US governments and their security agencies. Why is the National Assembly not exercising any oversight on the matter? As for the Nigerians enthusiastically applauding American military intervention to save Nigerian Christians from genocide, they should do their research. Is it not American arms and intelligence that are being used in the current genocide against Christians in Palestine and Syria? A Professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. In a move to deepen public understanding and participation in the nations financial system, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have strengthened collaboration to sensitise Nigerians on investment opportunities within the Nigerian Capital Market. Addressing a delegation from the SEC, the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended the Commission for its achievements and reforms under its current leadership, noting its strides in strengthening oversight and boosting investor confidence in recent times. Mr ssa-Onilu, who described Ponzi schemes as a reflection of a deficit in the nations value system, said the Agency remains resolute in its drive for value reorientation, a commitment that led to the development of the National Values Charter, which clearly defines the principles and responsibilities that embody a true Nigerian. Emphasising the Agencys wide reach, he said the NOA will leverage its 818 offices nationwide, 193 partner radio stations broadcasting in 72 Nigerian languages, and the Big Five TV networks (Channels, Arise, AIT, TVC and NTA) to educate Nigerians on opportunities in the capital market. Speaking earlier, the Director General of SEC, Emomotimi Agama, emphasised that the commission is the apex regulator of Nigerias capital market, overseeing the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) and other investment platforms. He noted that through these platforms, individuals have the opportunity to participate in mainstream investments, which in turn support the growth and development of the country. He also stated that the partnership with the NOA is crucial, as the commission seeks to leverage the Agencys extensive networks to educate Nigerians on the opportunities available in the capital market, while also sensitising them about fraudulent practices, such as Ponzi schemes, used by some individuals to exploit unsuspecting investors. The meeting was attended by the management teams of both organisations and featured the presentation of information, education and communication materials, including the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, to the Director General of NOA by the DG of SEC. In return, the DG of NOA presented a plaque to the DG of SEC, highlighting the values enshrined in the National Values Charter. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has said that he is positioning the state as Northern Nigerias industrial hub by supporting local manufacturing clusters, digitalizing enterprises and supporting innovators. The governor who stated this at the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Thursday, noted that economic transformation cannot be imported. Represented by the Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, Governor Sani argued that economic transformation must be built from within. He commended the theme of this years Trade Fair, which is From Reforms to Results: Economic Transformation Through Sustained Local Content Development, as being relevant. By empowering our farmers, supporting our manufacturers, digitizing our enterprises, and enabling our innovators. Kaduna State is strategically positioned as Northern Nigerias industrial, he added. Governor Sani said that remodeling of the Panteka market, promoting agro-processing and value addition as well as expanding digital innovation hubs and tech ecosystems are part of the efforts. The governor also mentioned the procurement policies that prioritise local businesses, and facilitating access to finance for MSMEs and startups, as part of his administrations economic transformation. Explaining what local content development means, he argued that it is ensuring that Kaduna talent, Kaduna resources, and Kaduna enterprises are central to Kadunas growth story. According to him, innovation is the bridge between reform and tangible economic results, adding that Kaduna State is advancing digital skills development for youth and women. The governor said that Kaduna State is not only open for business but ready for the future because it is building an ecosystem where creativity meets capital, where ideas become enterprises, and where innovation drives productivity. He stressed that the Kaduna International Trade Fair remains one of the most important economic platforms in West Africa as it provides an opportunity to showcase indigenous products and services. Governor Sani said that the Fair also strengthens trade relationships, attracts domestic and foreign investment while promoting inter-state and regional collaboration. He called on investors to partner with Kaduna State because it encourages entrepreneurs to expand boldly. He remarked further: We challenge our youth to innovate relentlessly. And we assure development partners that Kaduna remains a credible and reliable partner. Our local content strategy ensures that growth is not concentrated in a few sectors but spreads across agriculture, manufacturing, services, creative industries, and digital technology. When local businesses thrive, communities prosper. When innovation expands, opportunities multiply. When partnerships deepen, transformation accelerates, he added The Jigawa State Government has approved the disbursement of one billion naira (1,000,000,000.00) as the third and final tranche of its investment agreement with the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). The Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Nura Ibrahim, announced the approval following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Umar Namadi on Thursday. Mr Ibrahim announced that this payment settles the remaining balance for the 25% equity stake acquired by the Jigawa State Government in KEDCO. The transaction fulfills the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously executed between the state and the distribution company. He added that the investment aims to stabilise electricity supply, improve service delivery, and catalyse socio-economic growth throughout the state. He said the Executive Council noted that this move aligns with Jigawas broader development agenda, focusing on infrastructure expansion and economic diversification through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). With this stake, the state government ensures a seat at the table in the regional power sector, prioritising the welfare and industrial needs of its citizens. KEDCO is responsible for distributing electricity across Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. Historically, these states have struggled with inconsistent power supply, which hindered local industrialisation. In late 2023 and early 2024, the Jigawa State Government, under Governor Namadi moved to transition from being a mere consumer to a strategic shareholder. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was designed to allows Jigawa to influence how KEDCO prioritises grid upgrades specifically within Jigawas borders. By owning 25% of the regional distributor, the state can better advocate for the Jigawa State Independent Power Project and integrate renewable energy (like solar) into the existing KEDCO grid. As KEDCO improves its collection efficiency and infrastructure, the state stands to gain from dividends, which can be reinvested into public services. Wife of the Governor of Bauchi State, Aishatu Bala Mohammed, has visited the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where she empathised with journalists who sustained injuries in a recent road crash while on official assignment in the state. In a statement issued by her spokesperson, Zainab Garba Musa, she expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and wished the injured journalists speedy and complete recovery. The Bauchi first ladys visit followed an earlier one of the injured journalists by her husband, Governor Bala Mohammed last weekend. The Bauchi State Government has since taken responsibility for the medical treatment of journalists who were involved in the accident last Friday. It was gathered that most of the injured journalists have been treated and discharged from hospital. During her visit, Mrs Aishatu Mohammed expressed deep concern over the incident and wished the injured journalists quick and full recovery. She commended media practitioners in the state for their commitment to duty, patriotism and sacrifices in ensuring the public remains informed. The Bauchi first lady reassured the patients and hospital management of her continued prayers and support, urging them to remain strong and optimistic during their recovery period. The injured journalists included the correspondents of ARISE Tv, Channels Television, African Independent Television (AIT), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and other members of the Correspondents Chapel and staff of the Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV) and the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC). The unfortunate incident occurred along the BauchiYelwan Duguri Road last friday while the journalists were covering the inauguration of North East Development Commission (NEDC) projects by the Minister of State for Regional Development and the Managing Director of the NEDC. A statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the state governor, Mukhtar Gidado explained that no life was lost in the accident. The Court of Appeal in Yola has granted bail to businessman Fred Ajudua, setting aside a November 2025 decision of the Lagos State High Court which refused him pre-trial release. In a judgement delivered on 30 January, Frederick Oho, who read the lead decision of the three-member panel, held that the trial court misapplied a previous Supreme Court ruling in denying the defendant bail. Other members of the panel, Olusumbo Goodluck and Abdulazeez Waziri, consented. PREMIUM TIMES obtained a certified true copy of the judgement on Thursday. The judgement appears to run counter to last years decision of the Supreme Court on Mr Ajuduas bail, but the Court of Appeal justices explained that the Lagos High Court judge who denied the defendant bail got the Supreme Courts ruling wrong. The trial court faulted Mr Ajudua, 65, is standing trial on charges of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and uttering forged documents under Sections 516, 419 and 467(2) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. He had applied for bail before the Lagos High Court on 22 July 2025, citing deteriorating health and the need for specialised medical care. In support of his application, he tendered medical reports dated 29 July and 19 November 2025 from A.J. Adewunmi, a consultant physician and nephrologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The reports indicated that he suffered from chronic kidney disease, had a solitary kidney, and required further investigations, including a possible kidney biopsy and cholecystectomy. The trial court refused bail, holding that the Supreme Courts 9 May 2025 judgement which allowed an earlier appeal by the prosecution and revoked his previous bail foreclosed any fresh application. The court also held that his medical condition did not amount to exceptional circumstances warranting release. But the Court of Appeal disagreed. Mr Oho held that the lower court relied on extraneous considerations and misinterpreted the Supreme Courts ruling, noting that the Supreme Court did not expressly prohibit Mr Ajudua from filing a fresh bail application. The affidavit evidence and medical reports disclosed special and exceptional circumstances which the trial court ought to have relied upon, the appellate court held. It added that judicial discretion in bail matters must be exercised judiciously and in the interest of justice, taking into account all relevant materials placed before the court, including an applicants health condition. The appellate court also dismissed preliminary objections filed by EFCC, which sought the striking out of the appeal as incompetent and to prevent the transfer of the case for a trial de novo before another judge. The court held that the objections lacked merit, noting that the Supreme Court had not determined the substantive issue of bail nor barred a retrial before a different judge. Mr Ajuduas legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, argued that the trial court failed to exercise its discretion judicially and wrongly imported conclusions into the Supreme Courts decision. Lawyer for the prosecuiton S.K. Atteh, T.J. Banjo and Patrick Igbi Ugama maintained that the defendants health claims were exaggerated and that the Supreme Courts ruling justified his continued detention. Concurring opinions In a concurring opinion, Ms Goodluck agreed entirely with the lead ruling, stating that discretion cannot be subject to rigid rules, but must be guided by common sense and the facts placed before the court. She held that the trial court ought not to have ignored the uncontroverted medical evidence regarding the appellants deteriorating health, particularly his chronic kidney disease compounded by having a solitary kidney. Granting bail, she observed, would enable him to address his critical medical condition and adequately prepare his defence, noting that it is expedient for an accused person to be alive and medically stable to exercise his constitutional right to fair hearing. Also, Mr Waziri also dismissed the prosecutions preliminary objection, describing it as lacking legal substance. He agreed that the trial court failed to properly exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously and adopted the reasoning of the lead judgment in full. The panel unanimously allowed the appeal and set aside the High Courts ruling. Bail conditions The court granted Mr Ajudua bail in the sum of N30 million with two sureties in like sum. Each surety must depose to an affidavit of means and show evidence of property worth at least N50 million within Lagos State. The defendant is to surrender his passport to the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State High Court and must remain in Nigeria throughout the trial. However, he may travel abroad for treatment if a consultant nephrologist at LUTH certifies that the required medical care is unavailable in Nigeria. A decades-old case The charges against Mr Ajudua stem from allegations dating back to 1993. EFCC alleged that he and an accomplice, Joseph Ochunor, forged documents purportedly issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to defraud a German businessman, Michael Kreamer. According to the prosecution, Mr Kreamer was persuaded to part with large sums of money after being impressed by what he described as Mr Ajuduas lavish office, luxury vehicles and apparent credibility. The EFCC alleged that $550,000 was initially paid in cash through a Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf, followed by additional sums of $268,000 and $225,000 in April and May 1993. Mr Ajudua has denied wrongdoing. His legal battles have spanned more than three decades, marked by multiple adjournments and appeals. Between 2005 and 2009, he reportedly failed to appear in court at least 24 times, leading to a temporary dismissal of the case. It was reinstated in 2017, and he was re-arraigned in June 2018. In May 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously revoked the bail earlier granted to him by the Court of Appeal in 2018, holding that his appeal had been filed out of time and directing that the trial continue before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court. Despite that setback, the Court of Appeal held in its latest ruling that repeated bail applications are permissible where new and exceptional circumstances such as serious illness are demonstrated. The court reiterated that the primary purpose of bail is to secure an accused persons attendance at trial, not to punish before conviction. With the ruling, Mr Ajudua is expected to be released from custody once he meets the bail conditions, pending the continuation of his trial. Venue issue The judgement raises the question of why it was the faraway Yola Division of the Court of Appeal that sat on Mr Ajuduas appeal which stemmed from the ruling of the Lagos State High Court. The development appearst to be at odds with expectation that the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, by default ,handles the appeals on cases originating from lower courts in Lagos State. But PREMIUM TIMES gathered on Friday that the appeal was heard last month in Lagos by a panel of three justices drawn from different divisions of the Court of Appeal as part of the extra-ordinary measures set up to decongest the overburdened docket of the Lagos division of the court. The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, said at the time that 16 panels comprising 40 justices drawn from various divisions of the court of appeal were constituted to deal with about 360 appeals during the special session which ran for about two weeks in January. In that regard, the presiding justice of the panel, Mr Oho, was drawn from Yola Division. While Ms Goodluck was drafted from the Kano Division, Mr Waziri was brought from Makurdi Division. The judgement was attributed to Kano Division because it was delivered by Mr Oho from Kano in a virtual court proceeding on 30 January, after the special court decongestion sessions had ended. The Asian firms aim to strengthen their position in the Mexican market through the purchase of the Aguascalientes factory, which is in the process of closing Chinese electricvehicle giant BYD continues to view Mexico as a potential manufacturing hub and its not alone. The Asian automaker, along with its competitor Geely and Vietnams VinFast, has set its sights on Nissans plant in the state of Aguascalientes, which is in the process of shutting down. According to Reuters, the soontoclose factory has become the target of an intense bidding process involving nine companies, with Geely, VinFast, and BYD emerging as finalists. Sources close to the automotive sector confirmed to EL PAIS that a sale is possible, though talks are not yet official. Asked about the process, Nissan said it is focused on carrying out the shutdown in an orderly and responsible manner. Beyond this announcement, there is no additional confirmed information, the company said. Requests for comment from the other firms went unanswered by the time of publication. Last year, Nissan announced that as part of its global restructuring, it would gradually shutter the plant, with the final vehicles expected to roll off the line in May 2026. For Asian competitors, the Aguascalientes facility with a production capacity of 230,000 units is attractive because of its geographic location, its links to other industrial plants, and the support the state has provided to the sector for more than 30 years. According to Reuters, other interested parties included Chinas Chery and Great Wall Motor, though neither made it to the final stage of the bidding. However, the possibility of this deal comes at a time of tension between Mexico and the U.S. due to the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement in July. On more than one occasion, U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Mexico of being a gateway for Asian products to enter the U.S. without paying tariffs a charge from which Mexicos automotive sector has not been spared. Despite the tariff barriers the Republican has imposed on vehicle imports, Mexico remains a longterm bet for this kind of investment thanks to its attractive domestic market and the mediumterm possibility of becoming an export platform for Latin America and the United States through the USMCA. In the case of BYD, its plans to have a plant in Mexico date back to 2023. At that time, the company was proposing to build a factory from scratch with a budget of $1 billion. Several states including Jalisco and Nuevo Leon submitted proposals to host the plant. However, Trumps return to the White House and his sharply protectionist stance toward China abruptly put those plans on hold. Until now. Ignacio Martinez Cortes, coordinator of the National Autonomous University of Mexicos (UNAM) Laboratory for Trade, Economy and Business Analysis, notes that these automakers are seeking to consolidate themselves in the domestic market and do not envision exporting in the short term. BYD, the Chinese automotive giant that has at times surpassed U.S.based Tesla in global sales, has had to navigate the various tariff barriers imposed worldwide on Asianmade vehicles including those from Mexico. Starting in 2026, the Mexican government of Claudia Sheinbaum raised tariffs to 50% on vehicles imported from countries with which Mexico has no trade agreement, a list that includes China and Vietnam. At the time, the move was interpreted as an attempt by the Mexican administration to curry favor with the United States, its main trading partner. Now, however, it appears to be an opportunity for new Asian investment. The explosive global growth of Chinas automotive industry runs parallel to Chinese automakers appetite for Mexico. Chinese brands currently account for 9.4% of the Mexican market, according to data from Mexicos National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) although several of these companies, including BYD, do not report their sales figures, meaning their true market share in Latin Americas secondlargest economy remains unknown. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition CAIRO and RABAT, Morocco, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In February 2026, as the Year of the Horse approached, two Chinese New Year cultural fairs were held in Cairo and Rabat. Through vibrant exhibitions, interactive workshops, and artistic performances, the events conveyed the unifying spirit of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), building a bridge for dialogue in the pursuit of a community with a shared future for mankind. image1 image2 The Cairo event, titled "Hoofbeats on the Silk Road, A Symphony of the New Year" Chinese New Year Cultural Fair was hosted by China Intercontinental Press and organized by Bayt ElHekma Cultural Group on February 8. Attracting over 1,000 participants, the fair showcased traditional performances, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and interactive experiences. Amidst a festive atmosphere, guests engaged in immersive cultural activities, strengthening the bond of China-Arab friendship. On February 11, hosted by Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), China Intercontinental Press, and the Institute of Silk Road Strategy Studies of Shanghai International Studies University, the "Galloping into Spring, Blessings Along the Silk Road" Chinese New Year Cultural Fair followed in Rabat at ICESCO headquarters. Dr. Salim M. Almalik, Director General of ICESCO, and Zhou Zhicheng, Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Morocco, attended the event. The event attracted over 300 participants, including the former Minister of the Interior and the former Minister of Economy and Finance in Morocco; Ambassadors to Morocco from Australia, Russia, South Africa; diplomats from more than 40 countries, including Brazil, France, Thailand, and representatives of Chinese enterprises. The fair featured lion dances, martial arts, music performance, exhibitions by contemporary artists, and immersive activities such as traditional rubbing and sachet making. The event highlighted how Spring Festival culturewhile honoring traditionprovides enduring spiritual strength for people. Yousef Bader Meshari, Director of the Culture and Dialogue of Civilizations Department at the Secretariat of the League of Arab States, emphasized that this event was not just a celebration, but also a vivid reflection of the deepening dialogue between Chinese and Arab civilizations. Dr. Salim M. Almalik, Director General of ICESCO, noted that cooperation with China is anchored in trust and a shared belief in the power of knowledge to connect peoples. He expressed his hope that the Year of the Horse would energize collective efforts, encouraging prosperity and reinforcing peace among nations. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903744/image1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903745/image2.jpg "The wellbeing of our young people is not just a priority, it is a responsibility we all share," said Coordinated Care President and CEO Beth Johnson. "Today's youth face mental health challenges too often compounded by the impact of bullying and social pressures. Coordinated Care is committed to investing in youth mental health and fostering communities where we create safe environments, speak openly about mental health, and every young person feels supported." According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, teenagers who felt lonely were 22 percent more likely to receive lower grades in school. Loneliness and social isolation were cited with direct correlation to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, depression, and thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. The same study also linked social connection to improved physical and mental health. "I love joining Coordinated Care in their work to support kids across the state," said Walter Jones. "Every kid deserves to feel included and valued and I'm here to tell students that they're not alone. No One Eats Alone Day encourages youth to come together at a time in their lives where they may feel out of place and find that common ground." Participating schools receive a free Belonging Box, which includes lesson plans on recognizing emotions, understanding social isolation, and fostering social connections. The box also includes a student leadership guide, conversation starters to help students connect with someone new, and materials for Connect the Dotsan innovative art project that helps students share things about themselves and learn more about their classmates. All materials are available in English and Spanish. "Social isolation harms children both physically and mentally in terms of detrimental health impacts some of which can be long-term and it's also a major risk factor and warning sign for extreme situations like self-harm and violence," said Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise, who joined the event in Federal Way this year. "The power of personal connections is profoundly transformative, and that's what's so special about No One Eats Alone Day. Simple acts of kindness have the power to pull kids back from the brink not only saving lives but changing them for the better." Coordinated Care and The Centene Foundation have supported National No One Eats Alone Day since 2016. In Washington, additional No One Eats Alone Day events are being held at: Brewster Middle School (Brewster) Carmichael Middle School (Richland) Chief Joseph Middle School (Richland) Eastgate Elementary (Kennewick) Foothills Middle School (Wenatchee) Frontier Middle School (Moses Lake) Fuerza Elementary (Kennewick) Granger Middle School (Granger) Horse Heaven Middle School (Kennewick) Housel Middle School (Prosser) Kennewick High School (Kennewick) Kilo Middle School (Federal Way) Lakeview Terrace Elementary (Moses Lake) New Horizons High School (Pasco) Palisades Elementary (Palisades) Richland High School (Richland) Sageview High School (Pasco) Southgate Elementary (Kennewick) Southridge High School (Kennewick) Springbrook Elementary (Kent) Sunset View Elementary (Kennewick) TAF@Saghalie (Federal Way) Tapteal Elementary (West Richland) Triumph Teen Life Center (Mount Vernon) Virgie Robinson Elementary (Pasco) For more information on this program and how you can get involved, visit nooneeatsalone.org. About Coordinated Care Coordinated Care provides free and low-cost health insurance coverage to more than 300,000 Medicaid, foster care, Medicare and Marketplace (Exchange) members across Washington, with more than 47,000 providers in-network. Coordinated Care is committed to transforming the health of the community one person at a time. They treat the whole person by breaking down barriers to accessing care, walking members through their benefits, and connecting them to the care they need. Coordinated Care is a Washington managed care organization and wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. To learn more about Coordinated Care's work to invest in Washington communities, visit www.CoordinatedCareHealth.com/WA-first. SOURCE Coordinated Care SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Elder Clark G. Gilbert is the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and ordained on Thursday, February 12, by President Dallin H. Oaks and the other members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Gilbert, 55, was born in Oakland, California, and spent most of his childhood in Phoenix, Arizona. He has served as a General Authority Seventy since April 2021 and as the Commissioner of the Church Educational System since August of that year. "This is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ," Elder Gilbert said on Thursday. "When we do that, we can find joy and comfort and peace in Him. As President [Russell M.] Nelson once said, it's much harder to find happiness where it doesn't exist. And we're so grateful that I have this calling now to witness that Jesus is the Christ. If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful. And it happens in and through our Savior Jesus Christ." From his earliest days, Elder Gilbert said his parents nurtured the idea that the gospel of Jesus Christ and education are naturally intertwined. "They never made me think that education and the gospel were decoupled in any way the more you have faith, the more you want to learn and grow, and the more you learn and grow, the deeper your faith can become," he said in 2021. His faith and his education received a powerful boost during his time at Brigham Young University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in 1994 in international relations. His time at BYU was special because, he added, "for the first time, I felt the expanded strength of the Church, and it was directly tied to my growth academically." Elder Gilbert continued his studies at Stanford (a master's degree in East Asian studies in 1995) and Harvard (a doctorate in business administration in 2001). While he then joined Harvard's faculty, his dream was always to teach at BYU. That opportunity came, though at a different BYU. Harvard colleague and mentor Kim B. Clark, who had become president of BYUIdaho, invited Elder Gilbert and his wife, Christine, to consider bringing their gifts to Rexburg, Idaho. President Clark's invitation included a challenge to "help us rethink Church education on a global scale." The Gilberts left Harvard Business School in 2006 and headed to BYUIdaho. The new Apostle's professional experience was rooted in mentoring students, navigating the ever-changing world of communication technology and building and leading large organizations. After three years of helping students at BYUIdaho, he filled assignments as CEO of Deseret Digital Media (2009), president of Deseret News (2010), president of BYUIdaho (2015), and inaugural president of the global online offering known as BYUPathway Worldwide (2017) an assignment he held until his call to full-time Church service. His service as Commissioner of the Church Educational System involved oversight of BYU, BYUIdaho, BYUHawaii, Ensign College, BYUPathway Worldwide and Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. An experience with inner-city Latter-day Saint youth during his time in Boston proved pivotal as he helped bring educational opportunities to broader audiences as the first president of BYUPathway Worldwide an innovative and spiritually based educational initiative sponsored by the Church. While those Boston youth were new to the Church and its teachings and expectations, he said, he learned the key to helping them grow was to focus on their potential. "Their growth in the gospel was gradual but steady," Elder Gilbert explained in general conference. "Today they have served missions, have graduated from college, have been married in the temple, and are leading remarkable personal and professional lives." While discussing the success of BYUPathway several years ago with a nationally prominent educator, Elder Gilbert explained that the fruits of the program are its focus on each student's divine potential. Since its beginning in 2009, BYUPathway has served more than 288,000 students in more than 180 countries. Throughout his educational leadership, Elder Gilbert has emphasized helping each learner grow in Christ. He taught that "in this Church, we believe in the divine potential of all of God's children and in our ability to become something more in Christ." He said that while people begin life in different circumstances, "in the Lord's timing, it is not where we start but where we are headed that matters most," a principle that shaped his work with students around the globe. "One of the miracles of this, the Lord's Church, is that each of us can become something more in Christ," Elder Gilbert said. "I know of no other organization that gives its members more opportunities to serve, give back, repent, and become better people. Whether we start in abundant or difficult circumstances, let us keep our sights and our slopes pointed heavenward. As we do, Christ will lift us to a higher place." In addition to his professional and educational leadership, Elder Gilbert served in a number of Church callings, including fulltime missionary in the Japan Kobe Mission, elders quorum president, counselor in a stake presidency, bishop and Area Seventy. He and Christine were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1994. They are the parents of eight children. SOURCE The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 31,000 Square-Foot Facility Expands Access to Advanced Cancer Treatments, On-Site Imaging and Innovative Therapies Through Hospital-Specialty Collaboration FORT MYERS, Fla., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) joined Orlando Health in celebrating the opening of Orlando Health Institute Square and the debut of the new FCS St. Petersburg Bayfront office at 725 6th Ave South, Suite 2200, St. Petersburg, FL, marking a significant advancement in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered cancer care in Pinellas County. Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Celebrates Opening of New St. Petersburg Bayfront Location at Orlando Health Institute Square. "This is more than a new building. It represents a new model for patient-centered care designed to improve outcomes and enhance the overall experience for those we serve," said Michael Diaz, MD, FCS medical oncologist and hematologist. "We are proud to be part of a collaborative environment where innovation, expertise and compassion come together for the benefit of our patients." The new FCS St. Petersburg Bayfront facility encompasses more than 31,000 square feet and was thoughtfully designed to reflect both the high-quality of care FCS provides and the growing needs of the community. Patients at the location benefit from the expertise and compassion of six board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists supported by four advanced practice practitioners, along with a dedicated team of clinicians and support staff. Care is delivered through a collaborative, patient-centered model that supports individuals through every phase of treatment and survivorship. The expansive clinic offers a full range of services, featuring 18 private exam rooms, 47 infusion chairs and access to cuttingedge therapies, including bispecific treatments and clinical trial participation. Additionally, this new location provides an ideal environment that supports the expansion of advanced outpatient cell therapy programs and prepares the region for the next generation of innovative treatments. Patients also benefit from an onsite laboratory, comprehensive care coordination and financial assistance through the FCS Foundation. The recent addition of onsite PET/CT imaging further enhances convenience by reducing the need for patients and their families to travel elsewhere for essential diagnostic services. By aligning hospital-based and specialty oncology services, patients can safely access complex therapies close to home, today and in the future, creating a seamless continuum of care. "This new location represents more than growth," said David Wenk, MD, FCS assistant managing physician. "It reflects what's possible when expertise, innovation and partnership unite with one shared purpose, delivering exceptional care and better outcomes for the patients who trust us every day." The opening of FCS St. Petersburg Bayfront marks a milestone for the community and a testament to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute's ongoing commitment to providing world-class cancer care close to home. In addition to Dr. Diaz, board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists Sireesha Datla, MD, Vu Tran Ho, MD, Joseph Mace, MD, Ameet Patel, MD and J. Andrew Peterson, MD, provide care at the St. Petersburg Bayfront location, alongside an expert team of advanced practice providers and support staff. The statewide practice serves patients at six other sites in Pinellas County. About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: ( FLCancer.com ) For more than 40 years, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has embraced innovation to deliver world-class care and drive the dramatic transformation of oncology care through its robust clinical research program. FCS provides patients with access to a wide range of clinical trials, positioning it as a leader in research among private oncology practices in Florida and across the country. In fact, before receiving FDA approval, the majority of new cancer drugs in the U.S. were first made available to patients through participation in clinical trials at FCS. Our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians is committed to delivering tailored treatment plans that make the best use of cutting-edge precision oncology advancements to enhance patient outcomes. SOURCE Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute BEIJING, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "Sister Wu, can live chickens be taken on the train?" At daybreak in the Miaoling Mountains, Southwest China's Guizhou Province, vegetable vendor Sister Wu began her day amid a flurry of flapping wings and barking dogs. The reporter, helping chase down free-range chickens, could not help but ask. "Of course - there's even a special carriage for them!" Wu had barely finished speaking when she lunged forward, feinted with her left hand and swiftly reached out with her right - "Got it!" Wu's full name was Wu Shoufen. She lives in Wengdang village in Kaili, Guizhou. With the Spring Festival approaching, Wu was busy catching chickens and sorting fresh vegetables and other local specialties from the mountains. After packing them neatly, Wu shouldered her load and waited to board a train to Kaili to sell her goods at the market. "Look, the train is coming." Amid a rumble, the train slowly pulled into the station. Wu was taking Train No. 5639/5640 - a "slow train" running between Guiyang and Yuping. The round-trip service stopped at all 16 stations along the route, with the lowest ticket price going for only a few yuan. Wu took a deep breath, braced her waist and legs, and steadily lifted a shoulder pole weighing more than 100 jin (50 kilograms). The pole creaked as it settled onto her shoulder. "Long ago, before the slow train, we had to carry more than 100 jin of vegetables, walk one or two hours on mountain roads, and then take a minibus to the town," Wu said. "By the time we'd arrive at the market, the vegetables would have already wilted and couldn't fetch a good price." Train conductor Hu Guichuan and other railway staff helped villagers carry their shoulder poles onto the platform and into the train. Wu set down her load in a special "rural market" carriage. To make it easier for villagers to sell their goods along the way, the railway authorities had renovated the carriage - removing some seats and replacing them with long benches so vegetables and local specialties could be arranged neatly, while passengers could browse and shop. "On this slow train, besides asking passengers to 'sit in the right seat,' we added another reminder - the villagers' chickens, ducks, and geese must also 'sit in the right seat,'" Hu said. In the villagers' baskets were vegetables, chickens, ducks, fish, and geese - some still speckled with soil and glistening with morning dew. The shoulder poles were lined up in neat rows. "Fresh, affordable vegetables are on sale in Carriage No. 3. All are welcome to buy!" the train broadcast announced. Hu warmly guided passengers to Wu's shoulder pole. "What do you think of this chicken? It weighs more than 10 jin - free-range and raised by the villager herself." Hu oversaw this mobile "farmers' market" as its "golden salesman" and the villagers' "chief interpreter." On board, he patiently promoted the products, helping villagers secure better prices. What seemed like a simple task was something Hu had persisted in for a full 10 years. "Some people didn't understand and asked if I was trying to pocket the price difference," Hu said. "I told them I did want to 'earn the difference' - so the villagers could earn a little more!" When the train arrived, Wu welcomed her first customer of the day. "I've bought from her many times!" an old customer said with a smile. "Sister Wu uses farmyard manure to grow her vegetables. They're especially fresh - my family loves the spinach she grows." Thanks to such sincerity, Wu's local produce was in high demand. Before long, the vegetables and free-range chickens were sold out, bringing in more than 200 yuan. Already fond of smiling, Wu beamed even more brightly. After concluding her sales, Wu strolled around the market for a while. A pair of Spring Festival couplets, a new outfit, and a new schoolbag - these were the New Year goods she bought that day. At around 4 pm, the villagers boarded the slow train to return home. Their baskets had quietly been replaced with "trophies," and they shared with one another what they had purchased at the market. "I used to work in Guangdong and could only come home once or twice a year," Wu told the reporter, showing her son's new award certificate for the semester, her face lit with an irrepressible smile. "Now that the 'slow train' is so convenient, I simply came back to sell vegetables. I can be with my child every day." The wheels rolled on, the whistle echoed. Carrying the warmth of everyday life, the "slow train" set off - toward a better life for the villagers. SOURCE Global Times Backed by Craveworthy Brands' High-Growth, High-Impact Restaurant Platform and Established Franchise Infrastructure After Nearly 20 Years of Perfecting The Coffee Experience, Proving The Model at Scale with More Than 50 Cafes, Gregorys is Ready for Franchising Gregorys Coffee to Host First Franchise Open House on February 17, 2026, in Old Bridge, New Jersey for Passionate, Qualified Operators NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gregorys Coffee ("Gregorys"), the culture-defining coffee brand born in NYC, has officially launched its franchise program. After nearly 20 years of perfecting the craft coffee experience and scaling to more than 50 cafes, Gregorys is expanding through franchising with a proven brand, a time-tested model, deep guest loyalty and infrastructure built for long-term growth. "Our Gregulars are the heart of this brand, and we wanted to grow in a way that protects what makes Gregorys special." Post this With more than 50 locations across the U.S., Gregorys has earned a loyal following of Gregulars by staying true to its roots: roasting high-quality, small-batch coffee, crafting fresh menu offerings in-house and creating a guest experience that is community-oriented and culture-driven. The Brand is welcoming qualified franchisees ready to bring Gregorys' coffee experience to new communities nationwide, beginning with its first-ever Franchise Open House on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Specialty Coffee, By The Numbers Gregorys' commitment to authenticity comes as specialty coffee continues to shape everyday routines. With the market projected to exceed $80 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research) and 46 percent of adults consuming a specialty beverage daily (National Coffee Association), the category's scale and staying power continue to surge. Two Decades of Hustle, Craft and Community At its core, Gregorys has always been a founder-led coffee brand grounded in craft coffee, real culture and community connection. Since opening its first cafe in Manhattan in 2006, Gregorys has spent two decades earning loyalty through a quality-first approach that touches every part of the guest experience from the coffee in the cup to the people behind the counter. Over time, the Brand has built strong equity and an operational foundation that sets the stage for its next chapter of growth. At the heart of the Brand is its commitment to creating spaces that feel personal cafes that serve as a daily ritual, a neighborhood gathering spot and a true "third place" for guests beyond home and work. Coffee continues to be roasted through Gregorys' New York City roastery, bringing freshness and consistency to every location, while scratch-made pastries, seasonal offerings and culinary innovation drive repeat visits throughout the day. After years of building, operating and refining its model at scale, Gregorys decided the time was right to grow alongside franchisees who share its commitment to quality, backed by Craveworthy Brands ("Craveworthy"), a multi-brand restaurant franchisor and full-stack hospitality platform. "We've spent years building Gregorys with intention and care to ensure it stood the test of time before opening the door to franchising," said Gregory Zamfotis, Founder of Gregorys Coffee. "Our Gregulars are the heart of this brand, and we wanted to grow in a way that protects what makes Gregorys special the taste of our coffee, the feel of our experience. With the support of an industry leader, we're partnering with passionate operators who share that love for the hustle and grind and want to bring something meaningful to their communities." Powered by Industry-Leading Hospitality Platform Through the program, franchisees gain access to deep expertise across real estate, training, operations, supply chain, culinary, marketing and technology. Craveworthy's infrastructure has been built through scaling emerging and legacy restaurant brands nationwide, providing Gregorys operators with a trusted playbook designed for sustainable growth. Support begins with data-backed site selection, comprehensive onboarding and store training, followed by ongoing operational guidance to help owner-operators build strong teams and execute consistently. With the strength of a rapidly growing hospitality portfolio, Craveworthy provides streamlined systems, purchasing power and centralized resources that allow franchisees to stay focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Paired with Gregorys' craft coffee identity, loyal Gregular following and proven cafe model, the Brand is poised for national growth and franchisees for long-term success in one of the most resilient categories. "In my 30 years in the restaurant industry, the brands that endure start with an excellent product but even more, they're built on people, purpose and genuine loyalty," said Gregg Majewski, CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands. "Gregorys has that soul. It is a coffee brand that has stood the test of time, earned a devoted community of Gregulars and now has the systems and support in place to expand above and beyond." Now Franchising and Brewing Nationwide Gregorys' initial franchise growth is focused on high-density, high-opportunity markets where specialty coffee is part of the daily routine from urban neighborhoods and commuter hubs to college towns and lifestyle centers. The Brand is well-positioned to develop across key regions, including the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain West and select West Coast markets. Gregorys is seeking experienced multi-unit entrepreneurs, qualified owner-operators and strategic investors who share its uncompromising commitment to quality and hospitality. Join The Gregular Movement Gregorys will officially kick off its program by hosting its first Franchise Open House on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. ET at 2070 US-9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 in Glenwood Green Shopping Center. Entrepreneurs are invited to taste-test Gregorys' craft coffee, explore the cafe experience firsthand and connect with the leadership team. Qualified operators interested in bringing Gregorys to their community can register for the Franchise Open House here. To learn more about Gregorys, please visit www.gregoryscoffee.com . To learn more about Craveworthy, please visit www.craveworthybrands.com . ABOUT GREGORYS COFFEE Founded in 2006 in Manhattan, Gregorys Coffee is a coffee roaster created by Gregory Zamfotis and his family on the belief that good coffee, good food and good people fuel the every day. With more than 50 locations across the U.S., Gregorys has earned a loyal following of "Gregulars" by staying true to its roots: roasting high-quality, small-batch coffee, crafting fresh menu offerings in-house and creating a guest experience that is community-oriented and culture-driven. Made for those hustling toward their unique ambitions, Gregorys serves purpose when it matters most. Learn more about Gregorys at www.gregoryscoffee.com. ABOUT CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS Craveworthy Brands, the parent company of Shaquille O'Neal-founded Big Chicken, Bd's Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top Grill, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Genghis Grill, Gregorys Coffee, Hot Chicken Takeover, Krafted Smashburgers, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Nomad Dawgs, Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin' Ed's, Sigri Indian BBQ, Soom Soom Mediterranean, Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, The Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On!, is dedicated to breathing new life into legacy brands while supercharging emerging concepts. The Company brings together diverse, yet complementary brands and an accomplished, veteran leadership team in the growing culinary space. In addition to building and operating leading restaurant brands, Craveworthy Brands is active in the communities it serves and creates exciting career opportunities for its team members. Bridging the distinctive individuality of its concepts with a shared culture and spirit of collaboration, the Company's goal is to create truly unique and craveworthy experiences every day, every shift and at every turn. Learn more about Craveworthy and its brands at www.craveworthybrands.com . SOURCE Craveworthy Brands Fast-Growing Chicken Tenders Brand Continues Rapid Expansion, Offering More Ways to Personalize with Hand-Breaded and Grilled Options, House-Made Sauces and Other Made-In-House Menu Items Link to Image HERE MIAMI, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The wait is over. Huey Magoo's the fast-casual brand famous for its bold flavors and hand-crafted chicken tenders, is bringing its fan-favorite tenders to North Miami, FL with the grand opening of its newest location. Huey Magoo's expands its commitment to bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and made-to-order meals with the opening of its 86th restaurant nationwide. Every tender starts with the best 3 percent of the chickenthe tenderloinand is served hand-breaded, 24-hour marinated and grilled, or "sauced" and tossed in buffalo, sweet red chili , lemon pepper or garlic parmesan for maximum flavor. To celebrate the grand opening, Huey Magoo's North Miami will host a ribbon cutting ceremony in March. The celebration will feature Y-100 onsite with a live DJ to keep the energy high, a fun photo booth for guests, and major giveaways throughout the event, making it a can't miss community celebration for fans, families, and chicken tender lovers alike. The 2,400 square-foot restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining, offering guests a variety of convenient ways to enjoy their meal, including takeout, catering, and online ordering through the Huey Magoo's mobile app, website, and third-party delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. This location is operated by franchisees Frank Hennessey, Harry Dixon and Henry Dixon and is the fourth of nine Huey Magoo's stores the group will open across Broward and Dade Counties. "Opening our fourth Huey Magoo's location is an exciting milestone for our team," said franchisee Henry Dixon. "Each restaurant represents our dedication to delivering great food and a great guest experience, and we're incredibly proud to continue growing with the brand. The support from the community has been outstanding, and we look forward to bringing even more guests the quality and hospitality that Huey Magoo's is known for." The menu includes a robust selection of customizable options including fresh-made salads, sandwiches, wraps and the most popular choice, tender meals. Guests can also enjoy hand-spun chips, freshly prepared coleslaw, banana pudding, and house-made specialty dipsincluding Magoo's, Spicy Magoo's, and Ranchshowcasing the brand's commitment to quality and freshness. These selections complement a wider variety of flavors - an additional six signature dips (buffalo, honey mustard, bbq, garlic parmesan, sweet red chili, and bleu cheese), and sides available to customize every meal. Huey Magoo's also recently introduced its all-new Grilled Tender Bites, a high-protein, snackable addition made from the best 3% of the chickenthe tenderloin. Marinated for 24 hours and grilled for maximum flavor, Grilled Tender Bites deliver the same juicy, premium taste in a convenient, on-the-go format, now available at the North Miami location and nationwide. There's even more to love with the recent launch of the Magoo's Rewards loyalty program, where members earn points toward free food with every purchase. New users receive a free three-piece tender meal with a beverage purchase to redeem within 30 days. Members earn 10 points per $1 spent, with catering orders earning one point per $1, making every mealwhether a quick bite or a group gatheringmore rewarding. The Huey Magoo's mobile app makes ordering, tracking rewards, and accessing exclusive offers easier than ever. "Our second Miami location underscores the strong momentum behind Huey Magoo's and the expanding demand we're seeing across South Florida," said Andy Howard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Huey Magoo's. "Miami is more than a key growth market for us; it's where I grew up, and it's deeply rewarding to see our strategic vision come to life in a place that shaped me. This opening reflects the strength of our franchise partners, the consistency of our operations, and the confidence we have in building a long-term, meaningful presence in Miami." Huey Magoo's North Miami location is now open at 13256 Biscayne Blvd. North Miami, FL 33181. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 12 a.m. For more information, visit HueyMagoos.com , to download the app, click here or contact the restaurant directly at 305-676-0165. MORE ABOUT HUEY MAGOO'S Huey Magoo's is known for its uncompromising commitment to quality, serving premium, hand-crafted chicken tenders made from the best 3 percent of the chickenthe tenderloinfor unmatched taste and texture. Every tender is hand-breaded, 24-hour marinated and grilled or "sauced" and tossed for bold, fresh flavors. Guests can customize their experience with tender meals, fresh-made salads, sandwiches, wraps and 10 signature sauces and dips. House-made specialties include hand-spun chips, freshly prepared coleslaw, banana pudding and signature dips like Magoo's, Spicy Magoo's and Ranch. Founded in 2004, Huey Magoo's is one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands, earning multiple awards for its bold flavors and quality. With locations in 12 states and growing, Huey Magoo's continues to bring premium ingredients and exceptional hospitality nationwide. Guests can order through Huey Magoo's mobile app for easy pickup, delivery and rewards tracking. For more information, visit HueyMagoos.com. SOURCE Huey Magoo's SILVER CITY, N.M., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What's the difference between an LLC and an S corp, and how do New Mexico business owners decide which structure is right for them? A HelloNation article featuring Mike Morones of Mike Morones & Associates, LLC in Silver City, NM, offers a clear, practical guide to understanding each business structure and how to make the right choice. Mike Morones - Certified Public Accountant Speed Speed The article explains that both an LLC and an S corp provide liability protection and potential tax advantages, but the best option depends on the specific needs of the business. Each structure impacts how income is taxed, how owners are paid, and how much time must be spent on compliance and administration. Morones emphasizes that the decision is about more than just taxes; it's about aligning structure with business goals. An LLC, or limited liability company, is often the simpler choice. The article points out that an LLC offers flexible profit distribution, fewer formal rules, and straightforward reporting. For many New Mexico business owners, this structure provides enough protection and ease of use, especially in the early stages of growth. The S corp is not a separate legal entity but a tax election. An LLC or corporation can elect to be taxed as an S corp if certain requirements are met. This election changes how income is handled and how owners receive compensation. The article explains that an S corp can lower self-employment taxes by requiring owner-employees to take a reasonable salary, with the rest of the profits paid as distributions. That reasonable salary is a key point. The article notes that the IRS expects S corp owners who are active in the business to pay themselves a fair wage. Underpaying can trigger penalties and audits. Understanding what qualifies as reasonable compensation helps New Mexico business owners stay in compliance while taking advantage of tax flexibility. The article also covers payroll requirements. Unlike an LLC, which allows owners to take draws without formal payroll, an S corp must run payroll, withhold taxes, and file regular payroll returns. These additional responsibilities can increase complexity and cost. For some businesses, the tax savings from an S corp structure outweigh the burden. For others, the added effort may not be justified. Profit level is another deciding factor. The article explains that when profits are modest, the tax advantages of an S corp may be minimal. As profits grow, the ability to divide income between salary and distributions can reduce overall tax liability, making the S corp more attractive over time. Ownership flexibility also differs. S corps have stricter limits, such as restrictions on foreign ownership and multiple stock classes. LLCs allow more flexibility in how ownership and profits are divided, which can appeal to businesses with multiple members or custom agreements. Morones also encourages New Mexico business owners to think about long-term planning. Some start with an LLC and later elect S corp status once profits justify the switch. Reviewing the business structure periodically ensures it remains aligned with changing needs, growth, or shifts in ownership. Additional factors like fringe benefits, healthcare planning, and retirement options can also differ between the two structures. These benefits affect how total compensation is handled and should be part of the broader evaluation. Choosing Between an LLC and S Corp in New Mexico features insights from Mike Morones, CPA of Silver City, NM, in HelloNation. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Phoenix Education Partners, Inc. ("Phoenix" or the "Company") (NYSE: PXED). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Phoenix and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On January 3, 2026, the University of Phoenix confirmed that a major data breach occurred in August 2025, involving sensitive information affecting nearly 3.5 million people. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Chris Wright toured the Orinoco Belt oil fields in Venezuela in the company of President Delcy Rodriguez, and said this year could see a dramatic increase in oil, gas and electricity levels U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking from Venezuela, has announced an investment of over $100 million to overhaul a plant run by the multinational oil giant Chevron, one of the few U.S. companies with a strong presence in the country. Theyre on target to double production in that particular field in the next 12 to 18 months and probably quintuple it over the next five years, said the Trump administration official at Petropiar, an oil processing plant operated by Chevron and the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA. Wright concluded his last day of work in Venezuela with a visit to oil fields and further meetings with Venezuelan authorities. The visit promises to be the first of several more in the future, as Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez indicated. The primary objective of Wrights visit, as he himself has stated, is to promote economic thaw and expand U.S. influence in the local energy sector, without neglecting the political implications. The official, who has repeatedly praised both nations in his official speeches, spoke about Washingtons plans to lift Venezuela out of its current state of impoverishment. Wright, who has stated that this year could see a dramatic increase in oil, gas and electricity levels in the country, visited the oil fields operated by the joint Chevron-PDVSA ventures Petroindependencia and Petropiar in the Orinoco Belt, in the southeast of the country, which has the worlds largest extra-heavy crude oil deposits. In the late 1990s, Venezuela was producing three million barrels of oil per day and was one of the seven nations with the highest volume of crude oil exports in the world. Local oil production began to decline steadily during the Hugo Chavez years, a period marked by the politicization of objectives and rampant corruption. Today, after 12 years with Nicolas Maduro in power, the country barely produces one million barrels per day. Rebuilding the local oil infrastructure and returning Venezuela to its former production levels, experts say, will require billions of dollars and many years even more than Wright himself is announcing. The agreements imposed on Caracas by the Trump administration and the issuance of new production licenses to international companies and contractors, which also benefit PDVSA and national capital, could put local oil production at 1.3 million barrels by the end of this year, according to experts such as the economist Orlando Ochoa. With the investments that Chevron, Maurel and Prom, and Repsol plan to make, along with the improvements PDVSA will undergo and the licenses granted to these and other companies, oil production will increase, but not as quickly as some believe. More than 300,000 barrels per day this year is impossible. If these agreements are finalized and everything goes well, production will reach approximately 500,000 barrels per day in two years, which would be an ideal scenario, says Ochoa. The U.S. Secretary of Energys agenda with Venezuela has a very clear geopolitical orientation. Political issues come first, followed by technical and oil-related discussions, says Rafael Quiros, a petroleum economist and professor at the Central University of Venezuela. Quiros believes Wright intends to increase U.S. personnel in the oil fields and sideline China, Russia, and Iran geopolitical allies of the Bolivarian Revolution from areas of influence in Venezuelan politics and the economy. Venezuelan state television has been broadcasting continuous reports highlighting a win-win agreement between the two nations. The reports emphasize the historical development of relations between the two countries and promise enormous economic benefits. Tax revenues will increase, production will rise, says Quiros. It will be hard work, it wont be easy at all. These investments will be a huge help, he says, but its important to understand that all the countrys development plans, and its growth expectations, cannot be fully implemented if this isnt accompanied by political change and Venezuelas return to the international financial community. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Did you buy KD securities between August 7, 2024, and February 9, 2026? Affected Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. Investor Summary Who : Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD) : Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD) What: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filed Securities class action lawsuit filed Class Period: August 7, 2024, through February 9, 2026 August 7, 2024, through February 9, 2026 Deadline to Seek Lead Plaintiff Status: April 13, 2026 April 13, 2026 Key Lawsuit Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's cash management practices and internal control over financial reporting. Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's cash management practices and internal control over financial reporting. Investor Action: Contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) for recovery options at no cost to investor RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (Kyndryl) (NYSE: KD) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Kyndryl securities between August 7, 2024, and February 9, 2026, inclusive. The lawsuit is filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and is captioned Brander v. Kyndryl Holdings, Inc., et al, Case No. 1:26-cv-00782 (E.D.N.Y.). Investors have until April 13, 2026, to file for lead plaintiff status. CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC): If you experienced losses in connection with Kyndryl Holdings, Inc., contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected] or visit: https://www.ktmc.com/kd-kyndryl-holdings-inc-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=kd&mktm=PR KYNDRYL HOLDINGS, INC. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - COMPLAINT ALLEGATION SUMMARY: The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Kyndryl's financial statements issued during the Class Period were materially misstated; (2) Kyndryl lacked adequate internal controls and at times materially understated issues with its internal controls; (3) as a result, Kyndryl would be unable to timely file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC for the quarter ended December 31, 2025; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about Kyndryl's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. WHAT KD INVESTORS CAN DO NOW: File to be lead plaintiff by April 13, 2026. Contact KTMC for a free case evaluation. Retain counsel of choice or take no action. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR KYNDRYL HOLDINGS, INC. INVESTORS : Kyndryl investors may, no later than April 13, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Kyndryl investors to contact the firm for more information. ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC): Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Jonathan Naji, Esq. (484) 270-1453 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 [email protected] May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. ("Kyndryl" or "the Company") (NYSE: KD) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Kyndryl is the subject of a Wall Street Journal article published on February 9, 2026, titled: "Kyndryl Stock Crashes After Former IBM Unit Discloses Accounting Review." According to the article, the Company "said it was reviewing accounting practices following queries from the SEC, while its top financial and legal executives have left. Kyndryl is reviewing cash-management practices, related disclosures, and the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting." Based on this news, shares of Kyndryl crashed by more than 55.2% in morning trading on the same day. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq. 310-301-3335 [email protected] www.schallfirm.com SOURCE The Schall Law Firm TROY, Mich., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C., attorneys Anthony Chubb and Katherine Ross successfully represented the City of Highland Park in securing a Michigan Court of Appeals decision. A unanimous three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed summary disposition in favor of the City of Highland Park in a case brought by a company challenging the City's ordinance prohibiting marijuana facilities within its boundaries. AFJN Holdings, LLC filed suit against the City seeking an order from the Wayne County Circuit Court stating that it was permitted to operate its marijuana facility in the City because it obtained a Certificate of Occupancy prior to the enactment of the City opt-out ordinance thereby invoking the prior non-conforming use doctrine. AFJN also argued that they were automatically opted in to operate a marijuana facility under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act because the ordinance at issue was not properly published in accordance with the City Charter. The Court of Appeals, like the trial court, disagreed. Anthony Chubb and Katherine Ross Specifically, the Court of Appeals held that the ordinance at issue is a regulatory, not zoning, ordinance such that the prior non-conforming use doctrine does not apply. As such, whether there was a Certificate of Occupancy issued was not relevant since the City was within its statutory right to regulate an activity on the property. The Court of Appeals also held that the City Charter only required that the ordinance be published to be effective, not that it be enumerated. Because the full text of the ordinance was included in the City Council minutes that were posted to the website, it was properly and timely published in accordance with the City Charter and state law. Accordingly, the ordinance was upheld as valid and AFJN is not permitted to operate its adult-use marijuana facility within the City boundaries. Attorneys Anthony Chubb and Katherine Ross, who represented the City, noted that the decision confirms municipalities' regulatory authority across Michigan. "This ruling vindicates the City of Highland Park and all communities in establishing that recreational marijuana licensing is regulatory, and not zoning, in nature," they said. About GMH Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. is the 12th largest law firm in Michigan, with over 45 years of legal excellence. With offices in Troy, Lansing, and Munising, the firm's team of 60+ attorneys delivers comprehensive legal services. Recognized as a Top-Tier Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report, the firm has also been named a Cool Place to Work by Crain's Detroit Business and a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press. Learn more at www.gmhlaw.com. SOURCE Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. JUNO BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) declared a regular quarterly common stock dividend of $0.6232 per share, a 10% increase versus the prior-year comparable quarterly dividend. This increase is consistent with the company's announced plan of approximately 10% annual dividend per share growth through 2026, off a 2024 base, and 6% per year growth from year-end 2026 through 2028. The dividend is payable on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record on Feb. 27, 2026. NextEra Energy (PRNewsfoto/NextEra Energy) NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America and is a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy is a Fortune 200 company that owns Florida Power & Light Company, America's largest electric utility, which provides reliable electricity to approximately 12 million people across Florida. NextEra Energy also owns one of the largest energy infrastructure development companies in the U.S., NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. NextEra Energy and its affiliated entities are meeting America's growing energy needs with a diverse mix of energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, renewable energy and battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com. Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results for NextEra Energy, Inc. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead represent the current expectations of NextEra Energy, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy) regarding future operating results and other future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of NextEra Energy's control. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements concerning future dividends. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "will," "may result," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "seek," "potential," "projection," "forecast," "predict," "goals," "target," "outlook," "should," "would" or similar words or expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. The future results of NextEra Energy and its business and financial condition are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, or may require it to limit or eliminate certain operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this news release and the following: effects of extensive regulation of NextEra Energy's business operations; inability of NextEra Energy to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise; impact of political, regulatory, operational and economic factors on regulatory decisions important to NextEra Energy; effect of any reductions or modifications to, or elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support clean energy projects or the imposition of additional tax laws, tariffs, duties, policies or other costs or assessments on clean energy or equipment necessary to generate, store or deliver it; impact of new or revised laws, regulations, executive orders, interpretations or constitutional ballot and regulatory initiatives on NextEra Energy; capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities attributable to environmental laws, regulations and other standards applicable to NextEra Energy; effects on NextEra Energy of federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions; exposure of NextEra Energy to significant and increasing compliance costs and substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions as a result of extensive federal, state and local government regulation of its operations and businesses; effect on NextEra Energy of changes in tax laws, guidance or policies as well as in judgments and estimates used to determine tax-related asset and liability amounts; impact on NextEra Energy of adverse results of litigation; impacts of NextEra Energy of allegations of violations of law; effect on NextEra Energy of failure to proceed with projects under development or inability to complete the construction of (or capital improvements to) electric generation, storage, transmission and distribution facilities, natural gas and oil production and transportation facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget; impact on development and operating activities of NextEra Energy resulting from risks related to project siting, planning, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements, as well as supply chain disruptions; risks involved in the operation and maintenance of electric generation, storage, transmission and distribution facilities, natural gas and oil production and transportation facilities, and other facilities; effect on NextEra Energy of a lack of growth, slower growth or a decline in the number of customers or in customer usage; impact on NextEra Energy of severe weather and other weather conditions; threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from geopolitical factors, terrorism, cyberattacks or other attempts to disrupt NextEra Energy's business or the businesses of third parties; inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage for protection of NextEra Energy against significant losses and risk that insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses; a prolonged period of low natural gas and oil prices, disrupted production or unsuccessful drilling efforts could impact NextEra Energy's natural gas and oil production and transportation operations and cause NextEra Energy to delay or cancel certain natural gas and oil production projects and could result in certain assets becoming impaired; risk of increased operating costs resulting from unfavorable supply costs necessary to provide full energy and capacity requirements services; inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risk within its portfolio; effect of reductions in the liquidity of energy markets on NextEra Energy's ability to manage operational risks; effectiveness of NextEra Energy's risk management tools associated with its hedging and trading procedures to protect against significant losses, including the effect of unforeseen price variances from historical behavior; impact of unavailability or disruption of power transmission or commodity transportation operations on sale and delivery of power or natural gas; exposure of NextEra Energy to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors; failure of counterparties to perform under derivative contracts or of requirement for NextEra Energy to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts; failure or breach of NextEra Energy's information technology systems; risks to NextEra Energy's retail businesses from compromise of sensitive customer data; losses from volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in over-the-counter markets; impact of negative publicity; inability to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate acceptable franchise agreements; occurrence of work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs; NextEra Energy's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions; environmental, health and financial risks associated with ownership and operation of nuclear generation facilities; liability of NextEra Energy for significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums in the event of an incident at certain nuclear generation facilities; increased operating and capital expenditures and/or reduced revenues at nuclear generation facilities resulting from orders or new regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; inability to operate any of NextEra Energy's owned nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses or planned license extensions; effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets or actions by third parties in connection with project-specific or other financing arrangements on NextEra Energy's ability to fund its liquidity and capital needs and meet its growth objectives; defaults or noncompliance related to project-specific, limited-recourse financing agreements; inability to maintain current credit ratings; impairment of liquidity from inability of credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings; poor market performance and other economic factors that could affect NextEra Energy's defined benefit pension plan's funded status; poor market performance and other risks to the asset values of nuclear decommissioning funds; changes in market value and other risks to certain of NextEra Energy's assets and investments; effect of inability of NextEra Energy subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NextEra Energy or of NextEra Energy's performance under guarantees of subsidiary obligations on NextEra Energy's ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock; the fact that the amount and timing of dividends payable on NextEra Energy's common stock, as well as the dividend policy approved by NextEra Energy's board of directors from time to time, and changes to that policy, are within the sole discretion of NextEra Energy's board of directors and, if declared and paid, dividends may be in amounts that are less than might be expected by shareholders; XPLR Infrastructure, LP's inability to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms could have an effect on its ability to consummate future acquisitions and on the value of NextEra Energy's limited partner interest in XPLR Operating Partners, LP; effects of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets on the market price of NextEra Energy's common stock; and the ultimate severity and duration of public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, and its effects on NextEra Energy's business. NextEra Energy discusses these and other risks and uncertainties in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and this news release should be read in conjunction with such SEC filings. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and NextEra Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. SOURCE NextEra Energy NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today released its Annual Report to Congress on the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which detailed the millions of dollars awarded to more than two dozen whistleblowers who reported corporate misconduct and assisted with ensuing government investigations. The report also pointed to a slowdown in enforcement activity as the agency adjusted to a 17% reduction in headcount during the year, as well as evolving enforcement priorities under the new administration. The Commission awarded more than $60 million to 48 individual whistleblowersa drop from the $255 million it awarded in fiscal year (FY) 2024. Nevertheless, the decline in awards must be viewed against the 2025 Agency Financial Report, released by the SEC on January 16, 2026 in which the Commission set forth a range for probable contingent liabilities for FY 2025 whistleblower awards between $218 million - $655 million. The range will depend on the amount of the whistleblower awards, which under statute can be 10% - 30% of monetary sanctions levied against bad actors in an enforcement action. The SEC today released its Annual Report to Congress on the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Program. Post this "These contingent liabilities underscore that the whistleblower program's financial footprint extends well beyond the awards announced in any single fiscal year. More importantly, it suggests that significant award obligations remain in the pipeline," said Dave Jochnowitz, Co-Chair of Outten & Golden's Whistleblower & Retaliation Practice Group. In addition to the lean enforcement staff, the Commission has also consolidated field offices, changed reporting structures, and disbanded some enforcement units as it seeks to zero in on traditional investor harm cases. These matters include market manipulation, insider trading, and offering fraud, among others. "With 27,000 tips submitted in the last fiscal year, the agency is forced to do more with less. In that regard, more than ever, the Commission needs whistleblowers to come forward with early, actionable intelligence about securities fraud," Jochnowitz continued. According to the report, during FY 2025 the SEC: Issued whistleblower awards totaling more than $60 million, recognizing 48 individuals whose information led to successful enforcement actions. Made 82 Preliminary Determinations recommending awards, suggesting FY 2026 will be another strong year for the program. Received approximately 27,000 tips from individuals across the United States and abroad, roughly 8% more than the prior year, reflecting sustained public awareness and confidence in the program. Saw the most tips originate outside of the United States from Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and China. Received tips alleging a broad range of misconduct, including manipulation (28%); offering fraud (27%); corporate disclosures and financials (11%); and, cryptocurrencies and crypto asset securities (7%). (27%); corporate disclosures and financials (11%); and, and asset securities (7%). Finished the fiscal year with nearly $319 million in the Investor Protection Fund from which whistleblower awards are paid. Commitment to Confidentiality and Anti-Retaliation Protections The FY 2025 report also details the SEC's continued effort to shield whistleblowers with the program's confidentiality and anti-retaliation provisions. Under the rules, employers cannot terminate, demote, suspend, harass, or in any way discriminate against an employee who reports possible violations of the federal securities laws. In addition, whistleblowers who report to the SEC have the right to file a retaliation complaint in federal court seeking double back pay with interest, reinstatement, reasonable attorneys' fees, and reimbursement for certain litigation costs. The SEC also took steps to ensure that employers cannot stop whistleblowers from coming forward. In one enforcement action, two investment advisers agreed to pay a total of $90 million to resolve charges that they used unlawful separation agreements to impede whistleblowers from reporting potential securities violations to the SEC. Specifically, the defendants required nearly 300 departing employees to represent that they had not filed any complaints against the companies in order to receive severance payments. The SEC has routinely held that such agreements are not enforceable. "The SEC has taken a strong stance to keep reporting lines open. It can and should continue to encourage whistleblowing by holding companies accountable for silencing employees through unlawful separation agreements," noted Tammy Marzigliano, Co-Chair of Outten & Golden's Whistleblower & Retaliation Practice. "Robust employment protections and the ability to report anonymously when working with an attorney are central to the SEC's program, and key drivers of its success," Marzigliano added. About Outten & Golden For nearly three decades, Outten & Golden has tirelessly advocated for workplace justice and equity under the law. Taking on many of the country's largest and most powerful employers, collectively the firm has recovered more than $1.3 billion for employees from all walks of life. Attorneys in the Whistleblower and Retaliation practice combine decades of experience defending employees from retaliation and prosecuting SEC whistleblower cases, including many that have established precedent, and resulted in record-setting whistleblower awards. About the SEC Whistleblower Program The SEC Whistleblower Program provides monetary awards and protection from retaliation to eligible individuals who voluntarily provide the SEC with original information that leads to successful enforcement actions resulting in monetary sanctions exceeding $1 million. Since 2011, the program has become a cornerstone of the Commission's enforcement efforts by providing authorities with timely and credible information to protect investors, maintain fair markets, and hold wrongdoers accountable. The program has awarded more than $2 billion to whistleblowers, while returning billions to investors through enforcement actions supported by whistleblowers' tips. No awards are paid from taxpayer funds; instead, awards are funded through monetary sanctions paid by securities law violators. MEDIA CONTACT: Blake Eastman Director of Business Development & Communications [email protected] (347) 390-2113 SOURCE Outten & Golden LLP TSXV: PGZ | OTCQB: PGZFF | FRA: 2EU VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGZ) (OTCQB: PGZFF) (FRA: 2EU) is pleased to announce the filing on SEDAR+ of an independent Technical Report (the "Report") for its Escacena Project in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, southern Spain, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Pan Global released the results of the Mineral Resource Estimates ("MREs") for the La Romana (Cu-Sn-Ag) and Canada Honda (Au-Cu-Ag) deposits included in the Report on December 31, 2025. The results provide a strong foundation for future technical and economic studies and demonstrate a high-confidence resource primarily in the Measured and Indicated categories, with potential to expand. Figure 1: Location Map for La Romana and Canada Honda deposits at the Escacena Project Pan Global Resources Inc. Logo The Report, titled "Escacena Project - NI-43-101 Report", is available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website at www.panglobalresources.com. The effective date for the MREs is December 31, 2025. The Report was prepared by Orelogy Consulting Pty Ltd. Highlights La Romana (Cu-Sn-Ag) Mineral Resources at a cut-off grade of 0.2% Cu : Measured and Indicated : 32.4 Mt containing 119.5 kt Cu, 8.8 kt Sn, 1.7 Moz Ag (average grades of 0.37% Cu, 270 ppm Sn, 1.7 g/t Ag; 0.44% CuEq 1 ), and Inferred : 4.0 Mt containing 15.8 kt Cu, 0.3 kt Sn, 0.2 Moz Ag (average grades of 0.40% Cu, 71 ppm Sn, 1.4 g/t Ag; 0.42% CuEq 1 ) Includes a substantial portion of the Mineral Resources constrained within a conceptual open-pit shell, indicating clear potential for a higher-grade starter pit at a cut-off grade of 0.2% Cu Canada Honda (Au-Cu-Ag) Mineral Resources at a cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au : Inferred : 5.0 Mt containing 104 koz Au, 6.8 kt Cu, 0.2 Moz Ag (average grades of 0.65 g/t Au, 0.14% Cu, 1.2 g/t Ag; 0.74 g/t AuEq 2 ) Additional unclassified mineralization identified, indicating potential for further resource delineation at a cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au Resources at both La Romana and Canada Honda remain open along strike and at depth Ongoing exploration focused on expanding the resource base and supporting future technical evaluation, including targeting extensions of existing resources and new mineralization on other mineralized corridors in the project area. _____________________________ 1 CuEq (%) = Cu (%) + [Sn (%) 2.2241] + [Ag (g/t) 0.0088] 2 AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + [Cu (%) 0.5414] + [Ag (g/t) 0.0133] Details on the MREs for La Romana and Canada Honda are presented in the Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ and the Company's website. Equivalent grades are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not used for cut-off grade determination. Equivalent grades were calculated using metal prices and recoveries only and do not include payability or refining charges. Qualified Persons Mineral Resource Estimates : Steve Hyland, AusIMM Fellow, and Steve Craig, AusIMM Fellow (Orelogy), independent Qualified Persons. : Steve Hyland, AusIMM Fellow, and Steve Craig, AusIMM Fellow (Orelogy), independent Qualified Persons. Metallurgy : David Castro Lopez, MIMMM, QMR #685454 (Minepro Solutions), independent Qualified Person. : David Castro Lopez, MIMMM, QMR #685454 (Minepro Solutions), independent Qualified Person. Exploration & Technical Data: Alvaro Merino, Vice President Exploration, Pan Global Resources, Qualified Person (not independent). The Qualified Persons have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this media release. About the Escacena Project and Escacena South areas The Escacena Project and recently added Escacena South area comprises a large, contiguous mineral rights land package controlled 100% by Pan Global in the east of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. The area has been expanded from 5,760-hectares to more than 10,000-hectares with the award of the Flores, Rosario and Girasoles mineral rights in September 2025. Pan Global has also submitted four additional Investigation Permit applications covering 3,888-hectares (Inmaculada, Santa Isabel, Santa Micaela I and Santa Micaela II) that will further increase the mineral rights holdings in the Iberian Pyrite Belt to more than 13,900-hectares. Escacena is located near the operating mine at Riotinto and is immediately adjacent to the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines where Minera Los Frailes (Grupo Mexico) is commencing a new underground mine development beneath the former Los Frailes open pit mine. About Pan Global Resources Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively exploring for copper-rich mineral deposits along with gold and other metals. Copper has compelling supply-demand fundamentals and outlook for strong long-term prices as a critical metal for global electrification and energy transition. Gold is also attracting record prices. The Company's flagship Escacena Project is in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain, where a favourable permitting track record, excellent infrastructure, mining and professional expertise, and support for copper as a Strategic Raw Material by the European Commission collectively define a tier-one low-risk jurisdiction for mining investment. Escacena contains the La Romana copper-tin-silver deposit and the Canada Honda gold-copper deposits, with maiden resources announced in December 2025. The Company's second project, at Carmenes in northern Spain, is also an area with a long mining history and excellent infrastructure. The Pan Global team comprises proven talent in exploration, discovery, development, and mine operations - all of which are committed to operating safely and with utmost respect for the environment and our partnered communities. The Company is a member, and operates under the principles, of the United Nations Global Compact. For additional information, please visit Curation Connect. Forward-looking statements Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this media release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental, and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products, and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission. The forward-looking information contained in this media release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this media release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Jason Mercier, VP Investor Relations and Communications, [email protected] / [email protected], Tel: +1-236-886-9518, www.panglobalresources.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903307/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_FILES_NI_43_101_TECHNICAL_R.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903332/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_FILES_NI_43_101_TECHNICAL_R.jpg CHONGQING, China, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This report is from Hello Chongqing: The Yuzhong District Government today released the latest episode of its "Meet Yuzhong" international media series, featuring foreign vlogger Jason's visit to the district's logistics hubs, commercial landmarks, and multinational enterprises. The episode highlights how the inland district has leveraged the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor to attract Fortune Global 500 firms and international retailers, positioning itself as a two-way bridge between China's western region and global markets. Yuzhong District Showcases Role as Chongqings Global Gateway in New Media Series Speed Speed Logistics Corridor Cuts Transit Time by Over 20 Days Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Yuzhong serves as the terminus of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a trade route linking China's western regions to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. The corridor reduces cargo transit time from Chongqing to Singapore by more than 20 days compared with traditional east coast sea routes, lowering logistics costs for both imports and exports. In the episode, Jason visited Maersk's Greater China Chongqing office. "Chongqing is the only city in China with national-class logistics hubs for water, land, and air transport," said Richard Liu, the office's representative. "This gives us multimodal connectivity that is operationally efficient and scalable." The Danish shipping giant established its Chongqing office in Yuzhong to serve inland manufacturing and trade flows. Michelin-Starred Restaurant Opens China First Store in Yuzhong The episode also featured Aleia, a Michelin-starred Spanish restaurant that opened its first China location in Yuzhong in 2024. Deng Yi, the restaurant's general manager, told Jason that the district's streamlined business registration process and rising local demand for international cuisine were decisive factors. "Yuzhong's service team treated us not as an outsider but as a local partner," Deng said. "That level of institutional openness matters more than rent subsidies." Uruguayan gemstone importer Dragon Vast Corporation also features in the episode. The company uses the Land-Sea Corridor to bring amethysts Uruguay's national stone directly to Chongqing. Ben Xiang, the company's regional director, said the route "turned inland logistics from a bottleneck into a selling point." Raffles City Chongqing Becomes Hub for Multinationals Jason's visit included Raffles City Chongqing, a mixed-use complex developed by CapitalLand at the historic Chaotianmen dock. The landmark is part of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity and now hosts tenants including AIA, Standard Chartered, and Maersk. Lu Kai, general manager of the project, said its design modeled after sailing vessels references Chongqing's maritime heritage while its function reflects "an intentional pivot toward global service industries." Cross-Border Commerce Reshapes Local Consumption Yuzhong's internationalization is also evident in everyday retail. Shopping malls such as WFC Mall now stock South American fresh fruit, European dairy, and Southeast Asian processed foods arriving via the Land-Sea Corridor. Summer Gao, general manager of WFC Mall, told Jason that the corridor "changed Chongqing from an endpoint into a two-way bridge" for specialty goods. The district's blend of traditional Chongqing cuisine with international dining such as cold noodles served with specialty coffee, or hotpot paired with steak reflects broader demographic shifts. Officials said the presence of expatriate residents, consular staff, and regional headquarters personnel has accelerated demand for international schools, medical services, and retail formats. Outlook With ongoing upgrades to the Land-Sea Corridor and a newly designated International Headquarters Economy Zone, Yuzhong District aims to deepen its role as a service platform for cross-border trade and investment. The district is currently piloting simplified customs clearance for perishable goods and expanded foreign currency settlement pilots for regional enterprises. "We measure connectivity not only in tons or containers, but in how quickly an idea or a product can move from overseas into this market," said a representative from the Yuzhong District Commerce Committee. "That speed defines whether we are truly a gateway." SOURCE Hello Chongqing About this content About Ian Lyall Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Carnavale Resources Ltd (ASX:CAV, FRA:YBB) earlier this week outlined continued progress at its Kookynie Gold Project after securing a mining lease that covers all existing project resources, marking a significant step toward near-term development. The companys chief executive officer Humphrey Hale said the granting of the mining lease represented a critical regulatory milestone that allows Carnavale Resources to move beyond exploration and into development execution. He noted that the licence enables statutory activities that are not permitted under exploration tenements, including water management, clearing and advanced drilling programs. Hale said the mining lease was granted following the completion of a heritage agreement, which he described as a key component of the approval process. With heritage matters resolved, the project is now able to advance into its next development phase and continue work toward a bankable feasibility study. Interview highlights Carnavale Resources has secured a mining lease covering all existing resources at the Kookynie Gold Project The mining lease enables statutory development activities and supports progress toward a BFS Heritage agreements have been completed, clearing a key regulatory hurdle Metallurgical diamond drilling is nearing completion, with geotechnical drilling to follow RC drilling is underway to support geochemical analysis and resource upgrades The company aims to upgrade parts of the resource from indicated to measured Carnavale is targeting shovel-ready status in Q3 No processing plant build is required, lowering capital intensity Peak funding is expected to be around $810 million Securing a toll treatment mill is the next major focus Mining Lease grant de-risks Carnavales Kookynie Project Proactive: Welcome back to Proactive Investors. Im your host, Kerry Stevenson. Ive asked Humphrey Hale to join us again because Carnavale Resources has more news to share. The ASX code is CAV. The company has the Kookynie project in Western Australia and plenty happening. Humphrey, more news today whats going on? Humphrey Hale: Weve just had a mining lease granted, which is a very strong milestone. The project is located just south of Leonora, so its in the right spot. Thats another major step forward and it allows us to push on with the bankable feasibility study. Proactive: How long was the process to get the mining lease, and were you expecting it at this time? Humphrey Hale: The mining lease is a very important step for us to be able to develop the project. It allows us to move from a prospecting or exploration licence into a mining licence, which comes with different regulations. That enables statutory activities like water management, clearing and drilling. You cant do that under exploration licences. A key part of that process is heritage. We recently crossed that milestone with a heritage agreement signed, which allowed the mining lease to be granted and lets us move into the next stage. Proactive: Whats happening on the ground now? Humphrey Hale: Heritage is in place and the diamond rig is close to completing metallurgical core drilling. Well move into geotechnical drilling next week. Since we last spoke, the RC rig has arrived and is now undertaking ground control drilling. That work will provide samples for geochemical analysis of tailings and waste dumps, variability testing for metallurgical sampling, and help upgrade the resource model from indicated to measured. All of this is about de-risking the early months of operations during the payback period. Its full speed ahead at the moment and we havent hit any hurdles. Proactive: Youve been very busy and hitting milestones. Is the project on track to be shovel-ready this year? Humphrey Hale: The project is now in execution mode. All the elements are lined up and we understand the critical path. We expect to finish mid-year, with permitting submitted before that, and were targeting shovel-ready status in the third quarter of this year. We dont need to build a processing mill, which reduces capital requirements. The maximum drawdown is expected to be in the order of $8 million to $10 million. The project cash flow is very strong, with around $400 million projected over the life of the project. Proactive: Whats the key focus from here? Humphrey Hale: The key task is securing a toll treatment mill. Were getting expert advice to understand different milling processes and which option suits us best. The project has a high-grade component, with around 50,000 ounces at 28 grams per tonne, which is very strong and supports the broader resource base. Proactive: It sounds like youre ticking all the boxes. Thanks for the update. Humphrey Hale: Thanks for having me back. About this content About Kerry Stevenson Kerry Stevenson joins Proactive Australia's broadcast team part time. As the Managing Director of Gold Events Kerry has been hosting the annual Australian Gold Conference for over 14 years, connecting industry and investment professionals and showcasing the value of precious metals. Kerry is passionate about helping others to secure a safe and solid future by understanding money, finance, and strategy. That is why she created the Making Money Matter channel on YouTube, where... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Javier Mileis reform toughens the juvenile justice system, as he continues his hardline stance against crime. The bill now goes to the Senate for final approval Adult crime, adult punishment. Thats the logic behind the bill championed by Argentine President Javier Milei to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14, which was approved this Thursday in the Chamber of Deputies. The new Juvenile Criminal Code, which received 149 votes in favor and 100 against, was debated for more than eight hours and now goes to the Senate for final approval. The hardline rhetoric has been a hallmark of the far-right president since his campaign. Once in the Casa Rosada, the seat of government in Argentina, lowering the age of criminal responsibility was one of the first initiatives sent to Congress and was debated in committees throughout 2024 and the first part of 2025. At that time, the ruling party, La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Advances), put the issue on hold until it could gather the necessary support for its approval, something made possible by the reshuffling of Congress following Mileis victory in the midterm elections. The murder of Jeremias Monzon, a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death by a group of minors in Santa Fe last December, gave new impetus to the debate. The boys mother actively participated in advocating for the reform and was present at Congress on Thursday. The original bill proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 13. This was changed during negotiations with allied parties such as PRO associated with former president Mauricio Macri and the Union Civica Radical (Radical Civic Union, UCR). If it were up to Milei, he would have gone even further: We could also lower it to 10 [years], he said in an interview with the channel La Nacion+ last March, amid the shock over the death of a sevenyearold girl at the hands of two teenagers who had stolen a car. Argentinas current criminal code states that minors under 16 cannot be prosecuted. Those between 16 and 18 can only be tried for serious publicorder offenses or crimes that carry sentences of more than two years. Prison terms in regular adult facilities apply only from age 18 onward; before that, any time must be served in juvenile institutions. The initiative approved on Thursday opens the possibility that 14 and 15-year-old adolescents who commit crimes can be criminally prosecuted, tried and, if proven guilty, receive a prison sentence of up to 15 years (the executive originally proposed 20). According to preliminary statistics released last month by the Argentine Ministry of Security, the national homicide rate for 2025 was 3.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest rate in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, insecurity remains a sensitive issue for the public, and various polls show that at least 60% of respondents support the initiative that passed the Chamber of Deputies, with approval reaching as high as 80% in some cases. According to a report by the Supreme Court, in the first half of 2025, criminal cases were initiated against 945 children and adolescents in the National Juvenile Courts. Nine out of 10 were boys, primarily aged 16 and 17. More than 80% of the crimes they committed were property crimes, specifically various types of theft. Catholic bishops who sit on the Social, Prison, and Caritas pastoral commissions rejected the reform in a statement, arguing that it responds to electoral opportunism and lacks technical grounding. Instead, they called for prioritizing mentalhealth and education policies over incarceration. Early entry into the criminal system has not proven to be an effective security policy, they said. UNICEF also spoke out against the initiative, arguing that the use of imprisonment as a routine measure has not served to reduce crime rates or prevent recidivism. The organization argued that social policies that promote education, sports, and health for adolescents are the best strategy for preventing juvenile delinquency. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Janus Electric Holdings Ltd (ASX:JNS) earlier this week outlined growing commercial momentum in the United States after securing further orders in California for its heavy-vehicle electrification system, valued at approximately A$1.6 million. Managing director and CEO Ben Hutt said the order, placed via authorised dealer Electric Vehicle Choice (EVC), comprises two conversion systems, three pairs of batteries and a Janus Charge and Change Station. The development strengthens the companys commercial footprint in California, a strategically important market given regulatory support for zero-emission heavy transport. Interview highlights Janus Electric replaces diesel engines and gearboxes with electric drivetrains and swappable batteries 25 converted trucks operating across cement, mining and logging sectors Electric range of approximately 400km per charge Swappable battery system enables ~3-minute battery change About 80% of Australian freight travels less than 300km Further California orders worth ~A$1.6 million via Electric Vehicle Choice Order includes two systems, battery pairs and a charge and change station California port operators targeting zero-emission fleets within three years US market represents 4 million heavy trucks Company focused on revenue growth and export capability from Australia Heavy truck electrification targets California Proactive: Welcome back to Proactive Investors. Im your host Kerry Stevenson. Today Im joined by Ben Hutt, Managing Director and CEO of Janus Electric. Its your first time with Proactive, so lets start with an overview. Who is Janus Electric? Ben Hutt: Janus Electric is a technology company that builds, assembles and develops hardware and software that allows the engine and gearbox of a large diesel truck to be switched out for electric, with swappable batteries installed on the side of the truck in place of the diesel tanks. That creates a fully electric truck that can operate for the rest of its life with zero emissions running on green power. Over the last three years, weve had 25 of these trucks operating in applications such as cement, mining and logging in South Australia. That has allowed us to refine the hardware and software to the point where the electric motor, gearbox and associated components are now delivered as a kit. We have just begun shipping those kits to fleet maintenance operators in different parts of the world. Proactive: You describe it as replacing the heart of the truck. How complex is that? Ben Hutt: Its not that complicated. Engines in these trucks are typically replaced every five years. We work with a network of dealers that already change engines and gearboxes for fleet operators. Weve designed the kit so the diesel engine and gearbox come out, the electric motor and drivetrain go in, and the diesel tanks are replaced with batteries. Proactive: What about battery life and range? Ben Hutt: The range is roughly 400km per charge. Weve developed swappable battery technology, so trucks stop and batteries are changed in about three minutes. We deploy charge and change stations that can hold multiple batteries. Roughly 80% of freight in Australia is sub-300km, so range is no longer a key issue. Proactive: The latest news relates to US expansion, particularly California. Why is that important? Ben Hutt: The US is a much larger market than Australia, with around 4 million heavy trucks operating in North America. California is particularly interesting due to port activity, including the Port of Long Beach, which has declared that trucks servicing the port must be zero emissions within three years. The Californian government is subsidising decarbonisation, which supports adoption. Weve received further California orders via Electric Vehicle Choice, our authorised dealer in the state. The order includes two systems, three pairs of batteries and a charge and change station, with a total value of about A$1.6 million. We anticipate exporting kits from Australia, with the US expected to be a strong driver of growth this year. Proactive: Looking ahead to 2026, where will shareholder value come from? Ben Hutt: There are significant global opportunities as governments seek to decarbonise heavy transport, including in North America, Canada, New Zealand, Asia and Africa. We will focus on revenue growth and building demand, leveraging our Australian manufacturing and export capability rather than committing to large capital expenditure projects overseas. About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, The Canberra Times, and... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Lisa Uhlman Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Jonathan Jackson Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Duchenne, a rare and devastating muscle-wasting disease, affects boys and young men exclusively November 3, 2025, should have registered as a turning point for Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX:SANN, OTC:SPHDF, FRA:S3F0). Yet, the date passed with little market fanfare, even though it marked the release of top-line results from the companys GUARDIAN study, data that promises to reshape the treatment landscape for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne, a rare and devastating muscle-wasting disease, affects boys and young men exclusively. It is progressive, life-shortening and relentless. For decades, care has relied on a blunt instrument: corticosteroids. They work, after a fashion. They slow muscle deterioration, extend walking by a few years and delay cardiac and respiratory failure. They also exact a heavy toll, reshaping bodies and lives through weight gain, brittle bones, stunted growth, fractures, cataracts and mood disorders. Families have long understood the trade-off. Physicians have had little choice but to accept it. Real benefits The GUARDIAN read-out suggested that this grim arithmetic may finally be changing. Santheras drug, AGAMREE, delivered the functional benefits of traditional corticosteroids with significantly fewer and less severe side effects. Researchers had suspected as much. One-year data already pointed in that direction. What GUARDIAN added was time. Up to eight years' data, with the median follow-up being around five years. For parents weighing impossible decisions, and for clinicians conditioned to distrust early promise, that span matters. It answers the question that shadows every new therapy: not just whether it works, but whether it keeps working. Whether efficacy endures. Whether the safety profile holds when the calendar turns. To understand why this matters, it helps to step back. Corticosteroids entered use in the late 1940s. They remain, nearly 80 years on, the standard of care for Duchenne. No adequate replacement emerged, despite decades of research and incremental innovation. By modern standards, the approach is crude, even brutal. Yet for want of alternatives, it persisted. Changing the equation AGAMREE was engineered to change that equation. Proof of concept was never the issue. Persuasion was. Medicine, particularly in rare diseases, is conservative for good reason. Protocols harden. Evidence accumulates slowly. But what the GUARDIAN study supplied was longitudinal reassurance that changes behaviour. The shift is already visible. In Austria, AGAMREE has captured roughly half the market. In Germany, about 40%. For a first full year on sale, those figures are striking. It is worth remembering that 2025 was the first full year for the product. For any launch, reaching those levels in a first full year is an excellent result, says Santhera chief financial officer Catherine Isted. A key driver of future market share growth will be the GUARDIAN study. One of the main challenges we faced was that our original data covered a relatively short period, up to one year. Prescribing doctors told us that one-year results are helpful, but what really matters is whether the same level of effectiveness is maintained over a longer period, and whether the safety profile continues to hold up over time. They wanted to know if the benefits were lasting or simply short-term markers." Important data That is why the data we released in November is so important. It covers five years, extending in some cases to eight years. We have shown that our treatment matches standard corticosteroids in terms of effectiveness, while offering clear and significant advantages on safety," Isted added. The commercial implications follow from the clinical ones. Duchenne is rare. Roughly 300,000 boys and young men worldwide live with the condition. This is not a mass-market drug, nor will it ever be. But rarity cuts both ways. It limits competition. It discourages pharmaceutical giants from flooding the field with near-identical alternatives. In such spaces, durable franchises can form. Santheras strategy reflects that reality. In Europe, the company sells directly, building its own relationships with physicians. Germany, Austria and the UK are already live, with wider European launches underway during 2026. Elsewhere, scale matters more. In the US, China and Japan, Santhera has partnered with larger pharmaceutical groups that bring reach, capital and infrastructure. The trade-off is shared economics: upfront payments, milestones and royalties rather than full ownership. Most major markets are now covered, with Latin America expected to follow. European anchor Europe remains the financial anchor, with management targeting 150 million in annual revenue by 2030 from those direct markets. The assumptions behind that figure are deliberately cautious. Currently, Santhera is targeting uptake from 5,000 patients and a price of around 2,000 per bottle, based on 15 bottles per patient per year. Those assumptions may prove conservative. In Germany, AGAMREE sells for about 3,000 a bottle, suggesting a European average closer to 2,500 may be more realistic. Market penetration could also exceed current expectations. Around 8,000 boys and young men take corticosteroids today, but an additional 3,000 to 5,000 do not receive standard treatment because of side effects. Wider awareness of AGAMREE could bring some of those patients into therapy. Break-even in sight The company expects to reach cash flow break-even by around mid-year, with revenues building more meaningfully as additional European countries come online. Investors should focus on how we are performing in Germany and Austria, as well as on the pace of launches and pricing, CFO Isted says. By the middle of the year, we expect to have several more European countries on stream, and that is when sales should begin to build more meaningfully. In most of those markets, the first full year of revenue will be 2027, with a partial contribution in 2026. That is the right way to think about the cost base, and about how revenues and cash flows will start to come through to us over the next few years. Early signals from the US are also encouraging. Santheras partner Catalyst is understood to have generated in excess of $115 million in AGAMREE sales in 2025, evidence that adoption is not confined to Europe. Catalyst is also exploring uses beyond Duchenne, positioning the drug as a potential replacement for traditional corticosteroids in other conditions, a move that could materially expand the opportunity set, while bringing further double-digit royalties to Santhera, in addition to speeding up time to achieving various sales milestones. Bolt-on deals? AGAMREE, meanwhile, is not meant to stand alone. Santhera is actively looking at bolt-on acquisitions that could be layered onto its existing sales platform, squeezing more value from infrastructure already in place. Analysts have taken note. Swiss brokerage Octavian estimates revenues rising from an estimated CHF 71.6 million to CHF 120.6 million this year, with EBITDA approaching CHF 50 million in 2026. It sees peak sales of CHF 525 million across Europe and partner-led markets, underpinning a price target well above current levels. The usual caveats apply at this point. This analysis reflects management guidance and publicly available information. Drug launches are rarely without setbacks, though execution so far has been strong. Striking disconnect The bigger uncertainty is political. Tariffs, pricing reform and the Trump administrations Most Favoured Nation initiative introduce volatility, even if rare diseases such as DMD are ultimately exempted. Still, the disconnect is striking. Here is a company with long-term clinical data, visible changes in prescribing behaviour and a commercial strategy that appears to be working. And yet, it remains easy to overlook. That leaves a single, pressing question: how long can a company delivering clinical and commercial progress at this pace continue to pass largely unnoticed by the market? If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is all set to relocate from the British-era building in South Block to its new address -- 'Seva Teerth', the newly constructed building at Kartavya Path, on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the complex -- Seva Teerth as well as Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2. The inauguration will mark a transformative milestone in India's administrative governance architecture as the Seva Teerth houses the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat. Inside the Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2, several high-profile ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Defence, Health & Family Welfare, Education, will operate. According to officials, PM Modi will first unveil the name of the building complex Seva Teerth at around 1.30 p.m. and then formally inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 and also address a public programme at Seva Teerth at around 6 p.m. The new complex reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. Both building complexes feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralised reception facilities. These features will enhance collaboration, efficiency, seamless governance, improved citizen engagement and enhanced employee well-being. Designed in accordance with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes. "These measures significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The building complexes also include comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors," said an official statement. The new state-of-the-art building in the Centra Vista area has been furnished with future-ready facilities. It is well-equipped to maintain an optimal, modern working environment, something which was lacking in South Block. As per available information, several high-profile ministries are located at Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2. They include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Law & Justice, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The picturesque community in Sinaloa was horrified to discover six clandestine burial sites from which 14 bodies have been exhumed so far. Five belong to the missing workers from the Canadian mine Vizsla Silver At the entrance to La Clementina, a housing development in the municipality of Concordia, in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, there are five funeral wreaths and 12 votive candles. It is a floral offering in memory of the miners who were kidnapped at the end of January. The bodies of Jose Angel Hernandez Velez, Ignacio Aurelio Salazar Flores, Jose Manuel Castaneda Hernandez, Jose Antonio Jimenez, and Jesus Antonio de la O, all employees of the Canadian mining company Vizsla Silver, have been identified, while the whereabouts of five others remain unknown. The bodies were found in recently discovered mass graves in this municipality, which lies around 186 miles (300 km) south of Culiacan, the state capital. The offerings cover part of the entrance to the site that served as the miners camp. It was here, on Friday, January 23, that a group of armed men linked to the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel showed up. The criminals abducted 10 company employees. They murdered half of the kidnapped men and left their bodies in clandestine graves located in a town called El Verde, nine miles (15 km) from La Clementina. Entrance to the La Clementina housing development, in Concordia, Sinaloa, on February 11. MARCOS VIZCARRA This is an incredibly painful time for the families of our colleagues, for our team and for the community of Concordia. We stand with the families and are doing what we can to support them, while also looking after our colleagues during this difficult period, said Vizsla Silver President Michael Konnert in a statement. The tragedy has diminished the charm of the picturesque community of Concordia. At the edge of town lies the cemetery, and a little further on stretches another, far more brutal zone of death, possibly some sort of extermination camp from which at least 14 bodies have been recovered so far, including those of employees of the Canadian mining company. The Sinaloa State Department of Security and Citizen Protection said that authorities located the mass graves thanks to tips from citizens. The arrest of four members of Los Chapitos also helped; these individuals confessed to federal authorities that they kidnapped the miners after mistaking them for a rival group. Police found the graves on February 5. First, a couple of graves were found, from which 10 bodies were exhumed. As the days passed, four more graves were discovered. The Sinaloa Attorney Generals Office reported the exhumation of four bodies between Monday, February 9, and Tuesday, February 10. Since then, trucks from the Forensic Medical Service have been entering and leaving the area, passing by a makeshift camp of women from various missing persons collectives. Among these are Tesoros Perdidos (Lost Treasures), Uniendo Corazones (Uniting Hearts), and Por las Voces Sin Justicia (For Voices Without Justice). They are waiting in the area to participate in the searches and see if they can identify any of the bodies that have been unearthed. Aerial view of Concordia, Sinaloa, on February 11. MARCOS VIZCARRA We want to go there, to tell them to do DNA testing on the old bodies they took out; who knows, maybe my son is among them, said Tomasa Jauregui Valdivia, mother of Jaime Roberto Cristerna Jauregui, who disappeared on November 16, 2019 in Mazatlan, a port 45 minutes away by car from Concordia. The National Guard has set up three security checkpoints at the site of the mass graves. It is virtually impossible to enter for anyone who is not an employee of the Attorney Generals Office or the National Search Commission. The only certainty for the relatives of missing people is that bodies are still being exhumed a few feet away from the authorities roadblock. I want to go inside and see for myself, to really see how many graves there are, how many bodies theyve recovered. I want to see it for myself, not have the Prosecutors Office tell us what they saw. I want to see it for myself. I want to rule out the possibility that my brother is in one of those graves, said Alicia Gomez, sister of Kevin Osbaldo Gomez, who went missing on June 13, 2025. His trail also disappears in Mazatlan. The searchers carry images on their cell phones with coordinates of possible clandestine graves. If these coordinates are overlaid on a map, they indicate where a search might take place. However, their possibilities are limited, since the authorities must leave the site first. It doesnt seem like this will happen anytime soon. One of the searching mothers waits outside the area on February 11. MARCOS VIZCARRA If its as they say, there are hundreds in there, but we cant do anything until they let us in or at least give us some information, said Marisela Carrizales, who has been searching for Ismael Alejandro Martinez since July 2020. He is another of the missing people from Mazatlan. Concordia is a must-see for tourists visiting Mazatlan. Towns like Copala, Zavala, Panuco and El Verde are usually popular destinations for those traveling along Mexicos Pacific coast who want to explore small towns, sample local delicacies, and buy wooden furniture and clay figurines. But a harsh reality has, for the moment, erased the tourist appeal of this area. This is despite the fact that the Mazatlan Carnival, one of the most famous in Mexico, is just hours away from starting. Today, the colorful towns of the region have become a new symbol of violence. Before the arrival of tourists, the residents attend to the only visitors in town: soldiers and police officers in trucks belonging to the Army, the National Guard, the Navy, and the Forensic Medical Service. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New York, Feb 13 : US President Donald Trump announced the revocation of a key 2009 climate determination that has served as the legal foundation for federal climate regulations, including rules on greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and mandates supporting electric vehicle adoption. Trump and US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled the decision at the White House, describing it as the "single largest deregulatory action in US history." "We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and drove up prices for American consumers," Trump said at a news conference. The determination, known as the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, concluded that carbon dioxide, methane and four other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. It has been used to justify regulations such as vehicle emissions standards and requirements for fossil fuel companies to report their emissions, Xinhua news agency reported. "This determination had no basis in fact -- none whatsoever. And it had no basis in law. On the contrary, over the generations, fossil fuels have saved millions of lives and lifted billions of people out of poverty all over the world," Trump said. Former US President Barack Obama said on X that the endangerment finding has served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. "Without it, we'll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change -- all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money." Washington, Feb 13 : US President Donald Trump announced what he called "the single largest deregulatory action in American history," formally terminating the Obama-era Environmental Protection Agency's endangerment finding that underpinned federal greenhouse gas regulations. "Under the process just completed by the EPA, we are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding," Trump said, describing it as "a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers." The 2009 finding had determined that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare, forming the legal basis for a range of emissions standards. Trump said the determination "had no basis in fact" and "had no basis in law." "This action will eliminate over $1.3 trillion of regulatory costs and help bring car prices tumbling down dramatically," he said. He added that the move would lower the average cost of a new vehicle by "close to $3,000." EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the rollback "the single largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States of America." "The 2009 Obama EPA endangerment finding is now eliminated," Zeldin said. "This action will save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion. What that means is lower prices, more choices, and an end to heavy-handed climate policies." He said American families would save "over $2,400 for a new vehicle" and that manufacturers would no longer be required to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles and engines. "The forced transition to electric vehicles is eliminated," Zeldin said. "No longer will automakers be pressured to shift their fleets towards electric vehicles." Trump also said the administration was repealing "the ridiculous endangerment finding and terminating all additional green emission standards imposed unnecessarily on vehicle models and engines between 2012 and 2027 and beyond." He said the administration had canceled what he called "absurd tailpipe emission standards" and revoked "Biden's emissions waiver that would have allowed California to regulate automobiles for the entire nation." Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said, "Literally no other president would have done this to get at the foundations of the Green New Deal." Trump argued the rollback would not harm public health. "I tell them, don't worry about it because it has nothing to do with public health," he said in response to a question. "This is all a scam, a giant scam." Zeldin said, "Today's action does not change regulations on traditional air pollutants and air toxics. This EPA is committed to providing clean air for all Americans." -- Syndicated from IANS Washington, Feb 13 : US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear agreement quickly or face serious consequences, saying failure to make a deal would be "very traumatic." Washington, Feb 13 (IANS) US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear agreement quickly or face serious consequences, saying failure to make a deal would be "very traumatic." "We have to make a deal otherwise it's going to be very traumatic, very traumatic," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I don't want that to happen, but we have to make a deal," he added. Asked about a timeline, Trump said the process should move fast. "I guess over the next month, something like that shouldn't take, I mean, it should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly," he said. Trump said if talks fail, the situation would escalate. "If they don't make a deal, then it'll be a different story," he said. "If the deal isn't a very fair deal and a very good deal with Iran, then it's going to be, I think, a very difficult time for them." The remarks followed a day after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We had a very good meeting yesterday with Bibi Netanyahu and he understands, but it's ultimately up to me," Trump said. Asked whether Netanyahu wanted him to stop negotiating, Trump replied, "I'll talk to them as long as I like and we'll see if we can get a deal with them. And if we can't, we'll have to go to Phase 2. Phase 2 will be very tough for them." Trump did not spell out what "Phase 2" would involve. The comments signal continued diplomacy but also renewed pressure on Tehran. Iran's nuclear program has remained a central flashpoint in West Asia. The United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during Trump's first term. Since then, tensions have persisted over enrichment levels and regional security. For India, stability in the Gulf region carries economic and strategic importance. India imports a significant share of its crude oil from West Asia and maintains a large diaspora presence across the region. Any escalation between Washington and Tehran could have implications for energy markets and regional security dynamics. At the same time, US-Iran negotiations have historically moved in cycles of pressure and engagement, with diplomatic channels often kept open even during periods of sharp rhetoric. Washington, Feb 13 : A sharp political fight erupted in the US Senate over federal immigration enforcement tactics and civil liberties, in a debate closely watched by immigrant communities, including Indian visa holders and green card applicants. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee examined "Operation Metro Surge," a large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deployment in Minnesota. The operation followed protests and clashes between federal agents and demonstrators. Two US citizens Renee Goode and Alex Preedy were killed in separate encounters with federal agents. Their deaths dominated the hearing. Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul said the goal was "to restore public trust." He said "in a free society filming government officials in public is a constitutional right." He warned that officials must avoid rhetoric that inflames tensions. Ranking Member Sen. Gary Peters accused federal officers of using "violent and heavy handed tactics." He said the administration had "spun a narrative that falsely painted the victims as violent agitators." Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the surge "the largest single immigration enforcement surge our country has ever seen." He urged lawmakers to "end it now." He said Minnesota was not refusing lawful cooperation and added that "targeted enforcement is not the problem." Republican lawmakers pushed back. Rep. Tom Emmer said Minnesota leaders had "turned Minnesota into a safe haven for criminal, illegal aliens." He called the unrest "entirely preventable." On the second panel, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said officers faced threats and assaults. "ICE couldn't go do arrests without being violently assaulted," he said. Lyons said "no US citizen is subject to immigration enforcement and that doesn't happen." Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed that filming officers "is not a crime." Both officials said investigations into the shootings are ongoing. Scott said he was "committed to transparency" and that body-camera footage would be released "when it's appropriate." Lawmakers also debated cooperation between Minnesota officials and federal agencies. Paul suggested that clearer coordination over final deportation orders could reduce tensions. Washington, Feb 13 : President Donald Trump said that he will visit China in April for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi is expected to visit the United States later this year. "Yeah, I'll be visiting President Xi in April. I look forward to it. He's coming here later in the year, and I look very much forward to it," Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump described ties with Beijing as steady. "No, our relationship with China is very good right now," he said in response to a question. "My relationship with President Xi is very good," he added. Trump did not give details about the location or agenda of the April visit. He also did not specify when Xi's US trip would take place, beyond saying it would happen later this year. The comments come as US-China ties remain defined by competition in trade, technology and security. The two countries continue to clash over tariffs and semiconductor export controls. Strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific has also deepened. Even so, both sides have kept high-level diplomatic channels open. For India, engagement between Washington and Beijing has regional implications. New Delhi has strengthened strategic ties with the United States in recent years while managing tensions with China. Developments between the world's two largest economies are closely watched across Asia, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Over the past decade, US-China relations have swung between cooperation and confrontation. Trade disputes escalated during Trump's first term. Military and technology competition has expanded since then. At the same time, summit diplomacy has continued as a way to reduce risks and keep communication lines open. Trump's critics say that the president has been soft on China when it comes to imposing tariffs on their imports. The United States has a massive trade deficit with China. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, Feb 13 : President Donald Trump on said his administration has "basically stopped all windmills in this country," calling wind energy the "most expensive energy you can get." Washington, Feb 13 (IANS) President Donald Trump on said his administration has "basically stopped all windmills in this country," calling wind energy the "most expensive energy you can get." "We're trying to make sure it doesn't happen and we've basically stopped all windmills in this country," Trump told reporters at the White House. "It's the most expensive energy you can get," he said. Trump also claimed most turbines are imported. "They're all made in China, a little bit in Germany, but mostly in China," he said. He criticised wind projects as harmful to the landscape. "And we're putting them all over our fields and ruining the fields and killing the birds," Trump said. The president said his administration is working to cancel existing contracts. "We inherited some contracts where they've gone down the line a little bit. We're trying to terminate them for a lot of different reasons," he said. "One of the reasons is you had mentioned, it's endangerment for the military, it's also endangerment for airliners," Trump added. He said he hopes no new wind projects are built during his term. "I hope we don't have one built during my administration," he said. Trump described wind turbines as "a tremendous eyesore" and said "the people hate them." The remarks came during a broader defence of fossil fuels and deregulation of climate policies. Wind power has grown significantly in the United States over the past decade, supported by federal tax incentives and state-level mandates. The renewable energy sector is also a major arena of global competition, with China dominating parts of the clean energy supply chain. Changes in US climate and energy policy can influence global investment trends, technology flows and supply chains in the renewable sector. Washington, Feb 13 : The Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 154, marking the first time it is leading the multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces. The change of command ceremony was held on Feb. 11 at the CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, Commander, CMF, US NAVCENT and US Fifth Fleet. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, attended the ceremony. Senior military leaders from member nations were also present. Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, formally took over as Commander of CTF-154 from the outgoing commander of the Italian Navy. CTF-154 focuses on training and capacity building for member nations of the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces. The development underscores Indiaas commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. The task force was established in May 2023. It is dedicated to enhancing maritime security through multinational training programs across the Middle East and the wider region. The training framework is built around five pillars. These are Maritime Domain Awareness, Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development. CTF-154 conducts regular Maritime Security Enhancement Training events. It also carries out exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern and Southern Readiness. These programs aim to strengthen partner nationsa capabilities against common threats. These include illegal trafficking, piracy and irregular migration. CTF-154 operates alongside other CMF task forces. CTF-150 focuses on maritime security. CTF-151 handles counter-piracy operations. CTF-152 is responsible for maritime security in the Arabian Gulf. CTF-153 oversees maritime security in the Red Sea. Indiaas assumption of command reflects growing trust in its professional expertise and operational experience. It also signals recognition of Indiaas role as a preferred security partner among CMF nations. The Indian Navy said it looks forward to a productive tenure. It plans to deliver high-impact training initiatives. It also aims to reinforce global maritime partnerships for peace, prosperity and security. The Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership headquartered in Bahrain. It brings together 47 nations to promote security and stability across key international waters in the Middle East and nearby regions. India has expanded its maritime engagement in recent years. The Indian Navy has increased joint exercises, anti-piracy patrols and humanitarian missions across the Indian Ocean. It has positioned itself as a net security provider in the region, working with partners to secure sea lanes vital for global trade and energy supplies. Hyderabad, Feb 13 : Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivdhar Reddy on Friday made it clear that strict action will be taken if anyone commits illegal acts against government employees and police personnel engaged in the election process. The DGP warned that acts like abusing and attacking the staff who are working tirelessly to conduct the elections as per the rules will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said in a statement that no one is above the law, be it public representatives, candidates or political party workers, and that the law will take its course if officials are obstructed in the performance of their duties. The DGP issued warnings on this occasion that anyone who acts illegally against government and police employees on election duty, regardless of their political party affiliation or influence, will have to face severe consequences. "If you want to file any complaint against government and police employees on election duty, you can file a complaint with the State Election Commission or higher authorities, but they will not tolerate taking the law into your own hands," he said. The DGP said instructions have been given to the district superintendents of police and commissioners of police to promptly complete the investigation of the cases registered for assaults on police and government employees and take further action. The DGP political leaders and political groups should cooperate with the election staff and act according to the rules during the counting of votes. The police chiefas statement came on the day when counting of votes began in the municipal elections held on Wednesday. Polling was held in 116 municipalities and seven corporations on Wednesday. On Thursday Sangareddy town police registered an FIR against senior Congress leader T. Jagga Reddy for allegedly abusing Inspector V Shiva Kumar, who was on duty at a polling station in the 34th ward of Sangareddy municipality on Wednesday. The police registered cases under relevant sections of the BNS. The complaint was lodged by K Vinay Kumar, Deputy Tahsildar, who was deputed as a flying surveillance team officer during the municipal elections. Acting on the directions of the Additional Collector (Local Bodies), Sangareddy, Vinay Kumar filed the complaint after receiving video clips of Jagga Reddy allegedly abusing the police officer and after speaking to the victim at the municipal office. Jagga Reddy, however, defended his action saying the misconduct of the police had provoked him to be aggressive at a polling booth. He said his response was due to the humiliation of the Congress workers by a police inspector during the municipal polls. Jaipur, Feb 13 : After 11 days of continuous protest and mounting public pressure, the Rajasthan government has announced a statewide ban on the felling of Khejri trees. The government has also assured that a comprehensive Tree Protection Law will be introduced during the ongoing Budget Session. Following the announcement, the Save Environment Mahapadav protest at the Bikaner District Collectorate was suspended late Thursday night. A delegation comprising Minister of State K.K. Bishnoi, BJP State Vice President Biharilal Bishnoi, Phalodi MLA Pachchharam Vishnoi, and Animal Welfare Board Chairman Jaswant Singh Bishnoi reached Bikaner late at night on Thursday and presented the official order issued by Revenue Department Secretary Dr Jogaram. The order directs all District Collectors to strictly prohibit cutting of the Khejri tree in the state until the proposed law comes into force. Swami Sachchidanand, who was leading the protest, announced the suspension of the agitation around 11 p.m., welcoming the governmentas decision but warning that the movement would resume if the law contained loopholes or failed to reflect public sentiment. The announcement was greeted with slogans and celebrations at the protest site. Several saints and community leaders, including Parasram Bishnoi, Ramgopal Bishnoi, and Swami Bhagirath Shastri, addressed the gathering. BJP State Vice President Biharilal Bishnoi said the government had respected the long-standing environmental struggle and issued strict instructions to prevent the felling of Khejri trees. He said the movement had revived the centuries-old message of environmental conservation inspired by Amrita Devi Bishnoi. He also noted that saints, women, youth, and elderly citizens participated in the hunger strike, pushing the government to act. The saint community stated that the protest has only been suspended, not ended. If the upcoming Tree Protection Law is weak or fails to safeguard Khejri trees effectively, the agitation will be intensified. Earlier, BJP State President and Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore raised the issue of desert vegetation conservation in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the need to protect native species such as Khejri, Neem, Rohida, and Peepal. He also called for the phased removal of invasive Juliflora, which he said is damaging biodiversity, pasturelands, and groundwater levels in arid regions. Rathore urged conservation efforts through schools, panchayats, voluntary organisations, and government schemes, stressing that indigenous desert flora plays a crucial role in sustaining Rajasthanas fragile ecosystem. Seoul, Feb 13 : South Korea's defence ministry said Friday it has excluded Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Kang Dong-gil from duty over his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid in late 2024. The move came a day after the ministry took a similar action against Ground Operations Commander General Joo Sung-un over suspicions of martial law involvement, marking the second such suspension of a four-star general appointed under South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's administration. "The defence ministry excluded the chief of naval operations as of Friday as allegations in relation to the insurrection case have been identified," ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said in a briefing, Yonhap News Agency reported. Kang, who served as chief of the directorate of military support at the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time of the martial law imposition, was among the seven top-brass officers appointed as four-star generals in September last year. The deputy chief of the Navy will serve as acting Navy chief following Friday's decision, the ministry said, adding disciplinary action will be considered for Kang. On Thursday, the ministry said it has identified around 180 personnel as having been involved in the martial law imposition following a monthslong probe into about 860 general-level and field-grade officers. It also concluded that some 1,600 personnel across the military affiliated with the Army, counterintelligence command, special operations command and Defence Intelligence Command were found to have been mobilised on the night of the martial law imposition. On Thursday, South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said the ministry has identified around 180 military personnel as having been involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law bid in late 2024 and plans to further investigate them and take necessary disciplinary action. Ahn released the figure as he announced the outcome of a monthslong investigation by the ministry's task force into about 860 general-level and field-grade officers from 24 military commands and units allegedly to have been involved in the martial law imposition in December 2024. More than 100 personnel from the ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and different military branches took part in the probe aimed at determining the extent of their involvement, whether they had decision-making authority and what roles they played in the martial law bid, according to the ministry. Overall, the probe found that some 1,600 personnel across the military affiliated with the Army, counterintelligence command, special operations command and Defence Intelligence Command were found to have been mobilized on the night of the martial law imposition. More than half of them were dispatched to the National Assembly, while the remaining were sent to the National Election Commission. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed The first year of Donald Trumps second presidency has opened the biggest rift between the United States and Europe since the forging of the transatlantic bond at the end of World War II. The first blow was struck in February 2025 by Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference. Vance caused astonishment by arguing that the greatest danger to Europe was not Russian missiles, but European leaders themselves, whom he accused of undermining democracy and censoring far-right ideas. Europeans and Americans will meet again starting this Friday at the same Bavarian forum, a temple of transatlantic relations for over half a century. The worst predictions are coming true. Trump is threatening to annex Greenland, a NATO territory, and repeatedly humiliating the allies. The Munich Security Conference will gauge the deterioration of relations between the shores of the North Atlantic and offer insight into how Europe intends to respond to what the conference organizers describe as the United States wrecking-ball policies. We believe that the international order, and the Alliance itself, face a significant risk, Benedikt Franke, executive director of the Security Conference, told EL PAIS. This makes it even more important for Europe to demonstrate the value it brings, while at the same time remaining true to its principles and not compromising on its fundamental values. The worst headline that could emerge from Munich this weekend, according to Franke, would be: Europe crumbles after the U.S. throws another stone. In other words, a repeat of Vances broadside last year, with similarly destructive effects. Vance will not be participating this year: the United States will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, leading the largest U.S. delegation ever seen in Munich. But it will not be a delegation made up exclusively of Trump loyalists or the MAGA movement, the faction most hostile to the European Union and NATO. The group includes senators and members of the House of Representatives, among them Democratic leftwing star Alexandria OcasioCortez, as well as California Governor Gavin Newsom, who traveled to the World Economic Forum in Davos in January to encourage global resistance to Trumpism. Rubio, unlike the vice president, is a more traditional Republican on foreign policy, and therefore more predictable in his dealings with Europe. Before Rubio and dozens of U.S. lawmakers, Europe and its allies are represented by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; French President Emmanuel Macron; and the prime ministers of the United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland (Keir Starmer, Pedro Sanchez, and Donald Tusk). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will be one of the most anticipated speakers. He will be speaking four years after Russias full-scale invasion and as threeway negotiations with Washington and Moscow continue. While former U.S. president Joe Biden offered firm support to Kyiv, Trump has cut off aid, rationed even prepaid supplies, and often echoes narratives that appear to come from the Kremlin. Munich is both a platform where guests deliver speeches and debate in public, and a space that allows for confidential meetings and negotiations in the corridors and halls of the Bayerischer Hof, the historic hotel hosting the event. China and India will be represented by their foreign ministers. Russia has not been invited since the 2022 invasion. Hundreds of other heads of state, foreign and defense ministers, and high-ranking military and diplomatic figures will participate in the meetings, which conclude on Sunday. New cracks are opening in the already strained transatlantic relationship: from Trumps interest in annexing Greenland and the unfolding war in Ukraine to the U.S. military presence in Europe, which appears to be shrinking, and Europes technological and economic dependence on the superpower. Everything is on the table, in a process of reconfiguration that is causing unease among former allies and jubilation in Russia and China, countries that have long dreamed of the collapse of the alliance that has dominated global affairs for eight decades. In U.S.allied countries, distrust toward Washington is surging, according to a survey by the Munich Security Conference. The superpower is increasingly seen as a threat. In countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, there is widespread dissatisfaction with nationallevel policies a dangerous breeding ground for radicalized voting, the kind favored by Trumps allies and his destructive agenda. A report from the Munich Security Conference, published this week, advises Europeans against bowing to Trump and suggests bolder responses than pandering to him or waiting for a more favorable president. Actors still invested in a rules-based order are organizing, trying to contain the effects of wrecking-ball politics and probing new approaches that do not depend on Washingtons lead, it reads. Many understand that, if they continue to be bystanders to bulldozer politics, they will end up at the mercy of great power politics. The prospect of a rupture in the transatlantic alliance will loom over Munich in the coming days, but Franke believes that with Europes rising military spending, there is little reason for Trump to abandon NATO. The idea that Europe must reduce its dependence on the United States is already widely accepted. At the same time, we must not be naive, said the head of the Security Conference. The transition will take time. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi, Feb 13 : Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday accused Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, of creating confusion over the India-US trade pact and said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's food providers are safe, capable and strong. Taking to social media platform X, Union Minister Chouhan said, "Under the leadership of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the country's food provider is safe, capable and strong." He further accused LoP Gandhi of spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead the public. "Rahul Gandhi is a liar and he doesn't care about the country and doesn't care about the farmers. He never liked the strength of the farmers. He is often seen making anti-national comments. He is trying to mislead the country by telling lies," Chouhan claimed. The Union Minister asserted that PM Modi has always prioritised farmers and taken decisions in their interest. "PM Modi always thinks about the farmers. All his decisions have been taken in the interest of farmers. His schemes have changed the lives of farmers," he said. On the interim trade framework with the United States, Chouhan claimed that farmers' interests were protected and key sectors were safeguarded. "Now, in trade with the US, the interests of farmers have been protected. We have taken care of farmers of major crops like wheat and millets. Producers of fruits and vegetables have also been safeguarded. Poultry, dairy and their products we have not opened the doors for this," he said. He said the agreement would provide new market opportunities for several Indian agricultural products. "Our spice farmers will get new big markets. Spices, coffee, tea and marine products will get new markets. Farmers will benefit from all these things and their sources of income will increase. Textile exports will also benefit producers," Chouhan said. Reiterating his support for the Modi government, Chouhan said every decision taken by the Prime Minister was aimed at strengthening farmers and building a self-reliant India. "PM Modi's every decision is in the interest of farmers. Rahul Gandhi, by telling lies, will never benefit the farmers. It doesn't matter how much you lie or create confusion. Under the leadership of PM Modi, a magnificent, proud, rich, prosperous and Aatmanirbhar Bharat will be built. Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai," he said. Meanwhile, stepping up his attack on the Modi government, LoP Gandhi on Thursday said he would not be deterred by any FIR, criminal case or privilege motion and asserted that he would continue to fight for farmers' rights. In a video post on X, LoP Gandhi reiterated his opposition to the India-US trade deal, claiming it would severely impact Indian farmers. He alleged that Prime Minister Modi had "opened the doors" of India's agriculture market to foreign players at the cost of domestic producers. "I have spoken the truth in Parliament. If you do not like the truth, that is a different matter. The country understands the truth. Do whatever you want to do. Let an FIR be filed, let a case be registered or bring a privilege motion. I and the entire party stand with farmers," Gandhi said. He said any trade agreement that threatens farmers' livelihoods or weakens the country's food security is anti-farmer. LoP Gandhi also claimed that corn, soybean, cotton and fruit growers would be the first to suffer. He further alleged that the government would eventually open the entire farm sector to foreign interests and corporate allies. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Supreme Court has orally expressed strong disapproval over the functioning of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in several states, remarking that it was "high time" that the governments revisited their decision to constitute the regulatory body. New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) The Supreme Court has orally expressed strong disapproval over the functioning of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in several states, remarking that it was "high time" that the governments revisited their decision to constitute the regulatory body. The observation came from a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi as it heard a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the Himachal Pradesh government challenging an order of the HP High Court, which had stayed the decision to shift the RERA office from Shimla to Dharamsala. During the hearing, the CJI Kant-led Bench remarked that RERA was "not doing any other service except facilitating builders in default", and said that the very purpose for which the authority was created appeared to have been defeated. It further remarked that homebuyers -- for whose protection the regulatory framework was established -- were feeling "completely disappointed and frustrated". Senior advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the Himachal Pradesh government, submitted that the public interest litigation (PIL) before the High Court has been filed by a property dealer. She argued that the Himachal Pradesh High Court ought to have examined the credentials of the petitioner before passing interim orders. On the other hand, counsel opposing the transfer contended that a majority of stakeholders were based in Shimla and that shifting the office to Dharamsala would cause inconvenience. It was argued that nearly 90 per cent of the properties and complaints under RERA were located in Shimla, whereas Dharamsala accounted for a much smaller share. Further, concerns were also raised about delays in appointing a Chairperson to the regulator. After hearing the submissions, the Supreme Court stayed the Himachal Pradesh High Court's order and permitted the state government to proceed with shifting the RERA office from Shimla to Dharamsala. It also allowed the transfer of the appellate tribunal. --IANS pds/dpb New Delhi, Feb 13 : Reacting to the Bangladesh parliamentary election results, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said that he hopes security of minorities is handled effectively. Speaking to IANS, Bhagat said, "First of all, I extend my best wishes to them, and we hope that the government remains sensitive and lives up to the expectations of the people. Most importantly, we hope that the security of minorities and all related matters are handled effectively that is our sincere wish." BJP leader Dilip Ghosh expressed optimism on the country's future, stating, "Peace will return to Bangladesh very soon, and the country will once again move forward on the path of development." The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance claimed a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, according to local media citing unofficial results. The BNP-led alliance has won 210 seats, paving the way for the formation of a new government led by the party. Citing party sources, Bangladeshi daily Jugantor reported that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to become Prime Minister, marking the return of a male PM to Bangladesh after nearly 35 years. Unofficial results from the Dhaka-17 constituency showed Tarique securing 72,699 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman, who received 68,300 votes, according to Prothom Alo. He also won from Bogra-6 constituency, receiving 216,284 votes against Jamaat candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel's 97,626 votes. Earlier, Tarique expressed confidence after casting his vote, stating he was "100 per cent hopeful" of a victory. He assumed leadership of the BNP following the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, last December. Tarique is also the son of former President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP. In Bangladesh after the unofficial results, Tarique Rahman is now poised to lead the nation as Prime Minister, as BNP prepares to form its new government. New Delhi, Feb 13 : In a major effort to enhance infrastructure in Assam, the Centre on Friday announced the approval of ten road and 16 bridge development projects. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the approval of Rs 617.98 crore for 10 road development projects in Assam under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) Scheme, along with an additional Rs 129.74 crore sanctioned for 16 bridge projects under the CRIF Setu Bandhan Scheme. In a post on X, Gadkari said the projects will play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity, improving transportation efficiency and reducing travel time across Assam. He emphasised that robust road and bridge infrastructure is central to the Centreas vision of inclusive development and seamless connectivity, particularly in strategically and economically important regions like the Northeast. According to officials, the sanctioned road projects will focus on upgrading and improving key stretches that serve as vital links between districts, markets and industrial hubs. The bridge projects under the Setu Bandhan Scheme are aimed at replacing old and weak structures and constructing new bridges to ensure safer and uninterrupted movement, especially in flood-prone and riverine areas of the state. The Assam government has welcomed the approvals, stating that the projects will significantly boost local trade, facilitate smoother movement of goods and people, and support agriculture, small businesses and tourism. Improved connectivity is also expected to enhance access to healthcare, education and other essential services in remote and rural areas. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly highlighted infrastructure development as a key pillar of Assamas growth strategy. The latest CRIF approvals align with the broader aPM Gati Shaktia National Master Plan, which aims to integrate infrastructure planning across sectors and states to ensure faster and more efficient execution of projects. The Centre has been consistently increasing investments in Assamas road infrastructure over the past few years, viewing it as a gateway to the Northeast and an important node in Indiaas Act East policy. With the newly sanctioned projects, Assam is expected to witness improved logistics efficiency, reduced transportation costs and accelerated socio-economic development, reinforcing the stateas role in Indiaas overall growth story. Jaipur, Feb 13 : Four labourers, including three women, died after consuming acid, mistaking it for alcohol in Aloli village of Rajasthan's Bhilwara district, police said on Friday. According to initial reports, the victims were hired as labourers to clean the wedding venue. Bottles containing acid, kept for cleaning purposes, were reportedly stored at the site. The labourers allegedly mistook the liquid for alcohol and consumed it, leading to a fatal accident. The deceased have been identified as Badami (60), wife of Janaki Lal; Jamni (60), son of Shankar Kanjar; Ratan (42), son of Mishri Lal Kanjar; and his wife Sushila (40). Another labourer, Sanu (22), son of Pappu Lal Kanjar, who consumed acid, is undergoing treatment in critical condition. Police said the victimsa health deteriorated rapidly within minutes of consuming the acid. They were immediately rushed to Gangapur Hospital, where three of them were declared dead during treatment. Two others were referred to Bhilwara for advanced treatment, where one more person died. The remaining victim is currently under intensive medical care. The incident created panic and chaos at the wedding venue. Family members, guests, and staff were shocked as the labourers suddenly fell ill. Authorities were informed, and police reached the spot to investigate. Police officials said bottles containing acid were stored at the venue for cleaning purposes. Preliminary investigation suggests the workers consumed the liquid under the mistaken belief that it was alcohol. The police are probing how the hazardous substance was stored and whether safety protocols were followed. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway. Authorities have urged event organisers and contractors to strictly follow safety guidelines and keep hazardous chemicals away from workers and guests. New Delhi, Feb 13 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its chairperson, Tarique Rahman on their landmark win in the Bangladesh parliamentary elections. Taking to the social media platform X, Kharge posted, "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I congratulate Mr. Tarique Rahman and the BNP for winning the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh share deep rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities." "A democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh would always be supported by all Indians for the stability and peace of our region," he added. The BNP and its alliance claimed a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, according to local media citing unofficial results. The BNP-led alliance secured 210 seats, comfortably surpassing the majority threshold and paving the way for the formation of a new government. Citing party sources, Bangladeshi daily 'Jugantor' reported that Tarique Rahman is set to become Prime Minister, marking the return of a male PM to Bangladesh after nearly 35 years. Unofficial results from Dhaka-17 showed Tarique securing 72,699 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman, who received 68,300 votes, according to Prothom Alo. He also won from the Bogra-6 constituency, polling 216,284 votes against Jamaat candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel's 97,626 votes. Earlier, Tarique expressed confidence after casting his vote, stating he was "100 per cent hopeful" of a victory. He assumed leadership of the BNP following the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, last December. Tarique is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP. Tarique Rahman is now poised to lead the nation as BNP prepares to form its new government. Quetta, Feb 13 : The human rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) expressed serious concerns over the independence of the legal process and judicial delay by a Pakistani court in reserved bail matters involving its chief organiser, Mahrang Baloch and other leaders. According to the rights body, Balochistan's High Court heard the bail applications of Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders on December 17, 2025. The defence, it said, completed its arguments, while the prosecution failed to present any concrete evidence or factual material to justify continued detention. The court reserved its judgement, yet after nearly three months, no decision has been announced. In Pakistan, the BYC said, judgements in reserved bail matters are normally delivered within days or weeks. "This delay is not a procedural technicality. It affects fundamental rights, personal liberty, and public trust in the judiciary. When peaceful political activists remain in detention without evidence and without timely judicial decisions, it strengthens the perception that legal institutions are being used to suppress dissent," the BYC stated. "The judiciary must act transparently, independently, and without fear or favour. The people of Balochistan and all citizens who believe in constitutional rights deserve a clear and timely decision," it added. Last month, a Pakistani court acquitted BYC Deputy Organiser Lala Abdul Wahab Baloch and 11 other activists, a development which the BYC described as a legal relief after a "prolonged and politically motivated trial". According to the BYC, Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate Naim Akhtar of the Karachi City Court ordered the acquittal after the prosecution failed to substantiate the charges. Those acquitted include Sarfraz Baloch, Zain Baloch, Aftab Baloch, Qazi Amanullah, Murad Baloch, Waheed Baloch, Ahmed Nisar, Ehsan Hameed, Sajid Baloch, Aamir Baloch, and Ahsan Faraz Baloch. The BYC alleged that despite the acquittal in the same case, several other BYC leaders, including its chief organiser, Mahrang Baloch, remain incarcerated. "The judiciary continues to exercise its authority in a manner that keeps these leaders detained, raising serious concerns about justice, prolonged incarceration, and the use of legal processes to suppress political dissent," the BYC stated. Hazaribagh : , Feb 13 (IANS) At least six people were trampled to death after a herd of wild elephants stormed Gondwar village in the Churchu block of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district late Thursday night, officials said on Friday. The incident triggered panic and grief in the area. Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), Feb 13 (IANS) At least six people were trampled to death after a herd of wild elephants stormed Gondwar village in the Churchu block of Jharkhandas Hazaribagh district late Thursday night, officials said on Friday. The incident triggered panic and grief in the area. Four of the deceased belonged to a single family. The victims have been identified as Suraj Bhuiyan (55), his daughter-in-law Suman Devi (25), her two young children, Mangara Bhuiyan (58), and Dhaneshwar Ram (around 55). According to villagers, a herd of five elephants entered the village between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. while most residents were asleep. The elephants damaged several mud houses, breaking walls and doors, and created chaos as people rushed out in fear to save their lives. Suraj Bhuiyan and his family were asleep in the same house and reportedly had no time to escape. During the rampage, six villagers were trampled to death. Residents attempted to drive the elephants away by beating drums, banging utensils, and flashing torches, but the herd continued to wreak havoc before eventually retreating into the forest after considerable effort. Teams from the local administration, police, and forest department reached the village on Friday morning after receiving information about the incident. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. Forest department officials said that elephant movements in the area are being closely monitored and that the process of providing immediate relief and compensation to the affected families has begun. Villagers have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid moving alone at night. Human-elephant conflict has been on the rise in Jharkhand. More than 20 people have lost their lives in elephant attacks across the state in the past 45 days. There is a growing concern among the public over wildlife movement into human settlements. --IANS snc/skp Patna, Feb 13 : Ahead of the commencement of Assembly proceedings on Friday, Janata Dal (United) MLA Shyam Rajak launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, describing the regime of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi as an era of "jungle raj." Patna, Feb 13 (IANS) Ahead of the commencement of Assembly proceedings on Friday, Janata Dal (United) MLA Shyam Rajak launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, describing the regime of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi as an era of "jungle raj." Speaking to mediapersons outside the Bihar Assembly, Rajak alleged that during the LaluRabri government, criminal elements were emboldened and law and order had completely collapsed. He said that while the Opposition is currently attempting to corner the present government over crimes in Bihar, the situation today is markedly different, with the administration taking swift and strict action against criminals. "The Opposition talks about crime, but they should remember what Bihar was like during their rule. Criminals ruled the streets, and governance had broken down completely," Rajak said. Taking a dig at Opposition leaders, the JD(U) MLA remarked, "If a wild animal is brought into a city, it will feel uncomfortable. Its natural place is the jungle." Through this analogy, he accused Opposition parties of being unable to adjust to an environment of governance and rule of law. Rajak acknowledged that crimes have not been entirely eliminated, stating that such challenges exist for any government. However, he asserted that the present administration and police machinery are continuously working to control crime and ensure accountability. "There may be delays in some cases, but action is definitely being taken," he said. He also urged the police administration to work more proactively to strengthen public confidence in security arrangements. According to Rajak, every crime is taken seriously, and instructions have been given to ensure strict action against the guilty. Referring to his own political experience, Rajak said he has previously been part of an Opposition set-up and has closely observed governance during that period. He alleged that earlier, criminals enjoyed political patronage, arrests were delayed, and law and order were severely compromised. "The public knows who controlled the administration at that time and how criminals operated fearlessly," he said, adding that the current government is committed to enforcing the rule of law with a zero-tolerance approach towards crime. February 13 : Lucknow: Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Suresh Kumar Khanna, on Wednesday presented the Budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 of the Yogi Government in the Assembly. Presented on the theme Nav Nirman Ke 9 Varsh, the total size of Budget 2026-27 is Rs 9,12,696.35 crore, which is approximately 12.9 percent larger than the financial year 2025-26. In terms of size, the Yogi Government has presented the largest budget in its history so far. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna informed the House, "This budget is the result of the states growing economic capacity, investment friendly environment and strong fiscal management. This budget not only reflects the economic strength of the state but also presents a clear roadmap for long term fiscal stability and sustainable development. Budget 2026-27 reflects the governments vision in which development, financial discipline and future preparedness have been given equal importance. The budget takes care of every section including Annadata Kisan, youth, women, students and others. Priority to education, health and agriculture The Finance Minister stated, 19.5 percent of the budget is provided for capital expenditure, which will give new momentum to infrastructure, industrial development, roads, energy and urban rural infrastructure. Capital investment will generate employment and strengthen economic activities. The Yogi Government has given prominent space to social sectors in the budget. Out of the total budget, 12.4 percent is allocated for education, 6 percent for health and medical services and 9 percent for agriculture and allied services. This clearly indicates that the government considers human resource development and enhancement of farmers income as the core of development. Fiscal deficit within 3 percent limit He informed, in accordance with the recommendations of the 16th Central Finance Commission, the fiscal deficit limit for the FY 2026-27 is fixed at 3 percent, which will remain applicable till 2030-31. The government has made it clear that it will not compromise on fiscal discipline at any level. He stated, "The fiscal deficit for the financial year 2026-27 is estimated at Rs 1,18,480.59 crore, which is 2.98 percent of the estimated Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of the state. This is within the prescribed limit of 3 percent and underlines the governments commitment to fiscal discipline. In the overall perspective, while Budget 2026-27 expands development oriented new schemes, it also makes a clear effort to maintain financial stability through revenue savings and a controlled fiscal deficit. A major step from diesel to solar Under the Agriculture Department, a provision of Rs 637.84 crore is made for the ambitious scheme to convert diesel pump sets into solar pumps. This will reduce farmers dependence on diesel, lower costs and promote the use of clean energy. This step is being considered significant towards green energy transition in the agriculture sector. International Women Farmers Year and strengthening of FPOs In view of the United Nations declaring the year 2026 as International Women Farmers Year, the government has decided to establish a corpus of Rs 150 crore under the Revolving Fund Scheme for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in collaboration with NABARDs participating institution Naib Kisan. The government will contribute Rs 75 crore to this corpus. Each eligible FPO will be provided a credit limit of up to Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, under UP AGRIS, a provision of Rs 245 crore is made for establishment of Agri Export Hub in the state. The objective is to promote export of agricultural products and connect farmers with global markets. A budget provision of Rs 38 crore is made under Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana. Along with this, an additional food grain storage capacity of 2 lakh metric ton will be developed in the state, for which Rs 25 crore has been provided. In addition, the budget provides a major benefit to sanitation workers by making a provision to transfer Rs 16 to 20 thousand directly into their accounts. Preparations for this have been almost completed and the scheme benefits will soon be provided to sanitation workers. Cashless medical facility for teachers and employees A proposal of Rs 357.84 crore is made to provide cashless medical facilities to teachers working in Basic Education Council schools, Shikshamitras, special teachers, instructors, personnel of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and cooks of PM Poshan Yojana along with their dependents. For teachers of secondary schools, Rs 89.25 crore is provided A provision of Rs 300 crore is made to provide free sanitary napkins to girl students studying in schools across the state, which is expected to improve health, hygiene and school attendance. A provision of Rs 10 crore is made for AI certification fee reimbursement scheme for graduate and postgraduate students. Additionally, Rs 30 crore is proposed under Mukhyamantri Vidyalakshmi Yojana for additional interest subsidy on education loans for meritorious students. Promotion of MSME and employment Under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Rs 575 crore has been provided for establishment of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Employment and Industrial Zone. A provision of Rs 75 crore is made for One District One Dish (ODOD) scheme, which will give recognition and market access to local food products. At the same time, under the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Department, special focus is being given to advancing the International Film City project, which will create new opportunities in the film industry and employment in the state. UP AI Mission and digital infrastructure Under the IT and Electronics Department, Uttar Pradesh AI Mission (UPAI Mission) will be launched, under which programmes of approximately Rs 2000 crore will be implemented in phases over the next three years. A budget provision of Rs 225 crore has been made for this. Rs 100 crore has been provided for State Data Centre 2.0. In addition, under the Planning Department, Rs 10 crore has been allocated for establishment of State Data Authority. To promote industries, Jan Vishwas Siddhant will be implemented in 53 departments, for which Rs 10 crore is provided. Rs 80 crore budget for Shramjeevi Mahila Chhatravas Under Mukhyamantri Shramjeevi Mahila Chhatravas Yojana, construction work is underway in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad and Lucknow. For expansion in other districts Ayodhya, Bareilly, Aligarh, Mirzapur, Saharanpur and Moradabad, a budget of Rs 80 crore has been proposed. Keeping in mind public health, Rs 359 crore has been provided to start quaternary health care facility at SGPGI. Along with this, under Cancer Mission, cancer treatment facilities will be strengthened on the hub and spoke model through coordination between the State Health and Medical Education Departments and the private sector. City Economic Region Scheme: Varanasi Region selected Under the Central Budget 2026-27, 7 regions have been identified under the City Economic Region Scheme, including Varanasi Region. According to the January 2026 report of NITI Aayog, there is a proposal to develop the Kashi Vindhya region as an Economic Hub, under which integrated development will be undertaken in health, education, skills, tourism, manufacturing, energy and housing sectors through 34 priority projects. Special emphasis on economic empowerment of women The UP Budget has placed special emphasis on economic empowerment of women. A provision of Rs 200 crore is made under Uttar Pradesh Mahila Udyami Credit Card Yojana to promote women associated with self help groups as entrepreneurs. Through this, easy, interest free and phased capital will be provided to accelerate the Lakhpati Didi target. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been allocated under Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Utpad Vipanan Yojana to ensure sale of products manufactured by women entrepreneurs. Under this scheme, showrooms and shops operated by women will be set up at railway stations, bus stations, airports and major markets, and their rent will be borne by the state government for the first three years. Major achievement of Yogi Government in debt management The Finance Minister stated that in 2016-17, the state inherited a debt GSDP ratio of 29.3 percent, which was reduced to 27.9 percent by 2019-20. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this ratio increased to 33.4 percent in 2021-22, but through planned fiscal management it has been brought down again below 27 percent in 2024-25. The government has set a target to reduce the debt GSDP ratio to 23.1 percent in the financial year 2026-27. Furthermore, in the medium term fiscal policy presented along with the budget, the commitment to bring it below 20 percent in a phased manner has been reiterated. The objective is to ensure long term fiscal stability and sustainable development of the state. A major step towards new schemes and strong financial structure The state government has included new schemes worth Rs 43,565.33 crore in its budget, aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening the social sector and promoting productive investment. This provision is being considered an important step towards long term economic growth and inclusive development of the state. The total receipts of the state have been estimated at Rs 8,48,233.18 crore. Out of this, revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 7,28,928.12 crore and capital receipts at Rs 1,19,305.06 crore. In revenue receipts, tax revenue constitutes a major share of Rs 6,03,401.76 crore. This includes own tax revenue of Rs 3,34,491 crore and the states share in central taxes amounting to Rs 2,68,910.76 crore. This financial structure clearly indicates that the role of the states own resources in its income is steadily strengthening, making the state more economically self reliant and empowered. Clear emphasis on capital investment The state government has proposed a total expenditure of Rs 9,12,696.35 crore, with special priority given to capital investment. Out of this, Rs 6,64,470.55 crore has been earmarked as revenue account expenditure and Rs 2,48,225.81 crore as capital account expenditure. This high level of capital expenditure reflects a clear commitment to creation of long term assets, expansion of infrastructure and acceleration of economic activities in the state. The Finance Minister stated, after deducting total expenditure from the receipts of the Consolidated Fund, a deficit of Rs 64,463.17 crore is estimated. Net receipts of Rs 9,500 crore are estimated from the Public Account. After adjusting both, the net outcome of all transactions is estimated at Rs 54,963.17 crore negative, indicating the need for balanced financial management. The Finance Minister further stated, "After adding the opening balance of Rs 96.41 crore negative, the closing balance is estimated at Rs 55,059.58 crore negative. A positive indicator is that revenue savings are estimated at Rs 64,457.57 crore, which shows that the states regular income exceeds its regular expenditure and is helping in maintaining fiscal balance". A resident with a 39-degree fever, another who wont move from under several layers of blankets, apartments at 2C... This is how people survive in the worst winter since the start of the Russian invasion Viktor Nevunniy, 70, returns home after doing some shopping. He has a fever of 39 degrees Celsius and heads straight for the elevator. Its not working; theres a power outage. He lives on the 16th floor, the top floor of a building on Valtynska Street in Kyiv. He has to wait and takes shelter in the lobby, where Arkadi, the concierge, is having lunch sardines and bread next to a couple of radiators connected to a generator. Outside its minus seven degrees Celsius and snow is falling. A welcome relief compared to the -20C of the past few days, which have returned this week in the harshest winter of the four years of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow struck again early last Saturday at the battered infrastructure of DTEK, Ukraines largest energy company, the 10th attack since October. There have been over 220 strikes on its facilities since the start of the war in February 2022. For residents of Kyiv, this means having between an hour and a half and two hours of electricity a day. Nevunniy, a retired colonel, says they are trying to freeze the Ukrainians, and nobody is doing anything to stop Putin. Arkadi, the concierge at number 15 Valtynska Street in Kyiv. G. R.-P. The building, with 158 apartments, is getting a few more hours of electricity. The authorities have been lenient with them because three days earlier, in another major attack, Russia destroyed the Darnytsia thermal power plant, which provided them with a minimal amount of heating. They have already said goodbye to it there are more than 1,400 apartment buildings in Kyiv in the same situation, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the rest of the winter. The same goes for hot water, which has been absent for two months in this block on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River. When the electricity finally returns, Colonel Nevunniy takes the elevator up to his apartment. Upon reaching his landing, he points to a frozen floor. Inside, he gives a tour of daily life in the cold and without basic supplies. In the entryway, his most valuable possessions are packed in several bags at the foot of a bicycle, in case he and his wife need to make a hasty escape. In the living room, a small heater is pointed at the cage containing his three parakeets. In the kitchen, he shows a small stove with a gas canister for cooking during power outages. Next to the bathroom, a bucket of water sits for when there isnt even cold water. Viktor Nevunniy in his apartment in Kyiv. G. R.-P. The panoramic view of the city from his kitchen is breathtaking. In every sense: From here you can see all the drones and its quite scary. It feels like theyre practically brushing against your head. Natalia Lapchik, a 67-year-old social worker, lives on the 11th floor. She arrives carrying two bags, but shes not bothered by having to take the stairs if the elevator isnt working. Once, a power outage caught her in the elevator. Shes a swimmer and in good shape, she says, and climbing the stairs is good exercise. Shes also quite stoic. Its 2C in her apartment, and despite the allowance they have to use a little more electricity, she doesnt turn on the radiators to conserve energy: Theres a critical situation, and theyre asking us not to waste it. Sleeping in the cold is good for your health; its also great for your skin, she jokes. The hardest part for her is when they go hours without any electricity. With electricity you can cook, heat water, make yourself something hot. You can use a computer and work in the kitchen, says Lapchik, whose son is on the front lines. She has been washing her hair in sections for two months. Always separately, of course. Every two weeks I go to the sauna; its very good for your health, she adds. People adapt; Ukrainians dont break, Lapchik proudly states. In the building these past few months, theyve been helping each other more; a stronger sense of community has developed. Ill endure whatever it takes to keep our nation free and dignified. Natalia Lapchik climbs the stairs of her apartment block in Kyiv. G. R.-P. Nevertheless, she acknowledges: This is the hardest period I have ever lived through; I never thought I would find myself like this. I couldnt imagine that the Russians were capable of such cruelty. In Ukraine this winter, the term Kholodomor (death by cold) resonates, coined in memory of the great famine of 1932 and 1933, the Holodomor (death by starvation), ordered by Stalin that killed between three and seven million people. On the third floor lives another retired colonel, 69-year-old Viktor Lazebnyk, with his 62-year-old librarian wife. Its 6C in their home. My wife doesnt get out of bed. As soon as she gets home from the library, where its 3C, she gets under several layers of blankets. Lazebnyk is most worried about his eight-year-old cat, Busya. We try to keep her as warm as possible. If her food is cold, she wont eat it, and we warm it up a little when theres electricity. At night, she gets in bed with us, and we put her close to our bodies. He seems genuinely concerned for his pet. Im afraid shell get sick. If I get ill, I know what to do and what pills to take, but her Retired colonel Viktor Lazebnyk at the entrance to his building. G. R.-P. Despite the difficulties, hes fortunate because he has a water heater and doesnt depend on the central heating plants that supply the rest of the neighborhood. Most people dont have one because the electrical wiring is poor and would need replacing sooner. They also dont have gas boilers because, for safety reasons, theyre prohibited in buildings taller than nine stories. Colonel Lazebnyk sees no end to the war weve been at it for 12 years and it will surely continue for several more nor does he have any military tricks against the cold. The only thing that works is a hot radiator. In the buildings basement, theres a packed secondhand shop. Ludmyla, the shop assistant, sits motionless, huddled under a blanket, pressed against an old electric radiator powered by a battery. On the counter, she has a lit candle that gives off little light and even less heat, but does offer a faint illusion of warmth. Ludmyla doesnt want to give her last name. Nor does she want her picture taken. Her son and brother are in the army. She fears for them and for what might happen, because war is unpredictable. The 60-year-old woman is bundled up in her coat, scarf, the hood of a fleece sweatshirt, and mittens. She doesnt know what the temperature is in the shop, but she opens her mouth and steam comes out: Is this normal? Ludmyla, in her second-hand shop. At home, where she lives with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, the same thing happens. Her nose gets cold and damp within minutes. Her feet too. She never manages to warm up. Im wearing several layers on top, all very thick, and two pairs of trousers, also very thick. Look, touch them. And indeed they are. Svetlana, a 56-year-old customer who lives nearby and came in to look at coats for her granddaughters, says that its 6C in her apartment, but in some parts of the building it doesnt even get above 2C and we dont have hot water. Her tricks: using gas, leaving the oven on to warm the room, electric blankets when theres power, and wearing lots of clothes. The worst part is that my hands are freezing. Its really hard to do anything. Ludmyla sleeps in thick pajamas. She jumps out from under the covers without thinking because the nights are rough. She has insomnia. In the early hours, she hears the drones. She worries about her son and brother on the Kharkiv front. Actually, Im longing for daylight, she says. In the morning, she, her daughter-in-law, and her granddaughter each take a chopped clove of garlic. That way it doesnt smell. They swallow it whole with a glass of water, like pills, to avoid getting sick. They also eat a lot of salo, a type of Ukrainian bacon. That its the worst winter of the war doesnt bother her too much, for her own sake. But it hurts me deeply for my granddaughter; she has anxiety attacks because of the attacks. Despite the peace negotiations, she doesnt believe the conflict will end soon either. But she endures, as everyone else does, with her sights set on spring. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition February 13 : Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented the budget for financial year 2026-27 in the Assembly and expressed strong confidence in IT and electronics sector. Under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the state government is proposing an allocation of 2059 crore rupees for this sector, which is being 76% massive increase compared to the year 2025-26. The government's clear message is that Uttar Pradesh will be made a leading center of digital economy and advanced technology. Special priority is being given to artificial intelligence in the budget. Uttar Pradesh AI Mission is being started in the state, for which provision of 225 crore rupees is being made. Along with this, AI labs will be established in 49 ITIs of the state under India AI Mission. Provision of 32 crore 82 lakh rupees is being made for the establishment of AI Center of Excellence and India AI Data Labs in the state. The government's objective is to create new employment opportunities by connecting youth with future technologies. Cyber security is also being given important place in the budget. New scheme is being proposed with provision of 95 crore 16 lakh rupees for the establishment of cyber security operations center. In view of increasing cyber threats with digital expansion, this is being considered a strategic step. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, "AI Pragya program" has already been launched. In this initiative, global companies like Microsoft, Google, Intel, IBM and One M One B are providing AI training in collaboration with the state government. Farmers, self-help groups, students, doctors and government officers and employees are being trained under this program. The government's objective is to take AI technology to the grassroots level. Uttar Pradesh is also progressing rapidly in the data center sector. Target is being set in the state to establish 8 data center parks and develop 900 megawatt capacity with estimated investment of 30,000 crore rupees. So far, letters of comfort are being issued to 8 projects, which include 6 data center parks and 2 data center units. Through these projects, investment of about 21,342 crore rupees and 644 megawatt capacity is being achieved. Position of the state remains strong in electronics manufacturing also. Uttar Pradesh has become the largest mobile phone manufacturing center in the country. 65% of the country's total mobile phone production takes place in the state. 55% of India's electronics components units are also located in Uttar Pradesh. Electronics exports of the state have increased to 44,744 crore rupees. Due to increasing investment and innovation in industry and technology and policies to promote them, Uttar Pradesh is achieving leader status in the national startup ranking. The increase of more than 76% in the IT and electronics sector in the budget is being considered a decisive step towards taking the state's digital economy to new heights. Experts believe that this investment will rapidly move Uttar Pradesh towards a technology-based development model. Mumbai, Feb 13 : As Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's Sanjay Ghadi was announced as the Deputy Mayor of Mumbai, he on Friday shared his key plans for the city, including making roads of concrete, ensuring pothole-free streets, preventing waterlogging during monsoon and providing clean drinking water to citizens. Speaking to IANS, BMC Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi said the focus would be on strengthening Mumbai's infrastructure and improving civic amenities. "The vision is that the roads in Mumbai city are being made of concrete. When our senior leader and Deputy Chief Minister was the Chief Minister, he stated that Mumbai city would be pothole-free. To achieve this, he formulated a policy that Mumbai's roads should be built with concrete," Ghadi said. He added that the administration would also work to ensure that rainwater does not accumulate in the city. "We are also working to ensure that rainwater should not accumulate. We will ensure that people get clean drinking water," he said. On the issue of illegal constructions, Ghadi said action would be taken regardless of the nature of the structure. "Whether it is a 'mazaar' or any other unauthorised construction, if such construction takes place, we, along with the MahaYuti, will instruct the administration to take action against it," he said. Taking a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT), the Deputy Mayor said the party's leaders were confusing the public with inconsistent stands. "The Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders are unable to understand what to do and what not to do. They keep raising the issues of Marathis and Hindutva, but later leave them. The public of Mumbai and Maharashtra is watching what their party has done. What were they saying before the elections, and what have they done after the polls. It is not good for their future," Ghadi said. Speaking about Mayor Ritu Tawde, Ghadi said she has a positive image and expressed confidence in working with her. "Her image is very positive. This is her second term, and together we will work very well. She is from the BJP, which is ruling in the state and Centre, so she will give a great performance. We are here to help her," he said. Ghadi also spoke about the issue of illegal migrants, stating that it was part of the MahaYuti's policy to remove Bangladeshi infiltrators from the city. "Mayor Ritu Tawde stated in her interview, and it is also the policy of MahaYuti, that Bangladeshi infiltrators in Mumbai city must be removed. If they are staying here, it is not lawful. So, the BMC will take action on it. We will take every step to ensure that they are not living here," he said. He added that meetings were being held with the Mayor on the matter. On allegations of corruption, Ghadi said strict action should be taken against anyone involved, irrespective of party affiliation. "Whoever commits a scam must face the consequences, irrespective of their party affiliation," he said. Addressing the stray dog issue, Ghadi said it remains a serious concern for residents. "The stray dog problem exists in Mumbai city. It is causing difficulties for people both day and night. The BMC must implement the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in this regard," he said. On the Central Government's new guidelines regarding 'Vande Mataram', the Deputy Mayor said laws should be followed, but harmony must be maintained. "If the Central Government or the State Government enacts a law and it is implemented for the citizens, then it should be followed. But we will not do this by opposing any religion. We must respect each other's religion," he said. Ghadi also appealed for unity and warned against religious and caste divisions. "No one should speak about their religion in such a manner, nor should they create caste divisions. Mumbai belongs to everyone. We all live together in Mumbai. There are Gujarati brothers, Marathis, North Indians everyone has contributed to making Mumbai the economic capital," he said. Speaking about political shifts in Muslim-dominated areas, Ghadi said, "Mumbai's Muslim community earlier used to support the Congress. Gradually, they moved away and, in the Lok Sabha elections, decided to stay with the Maha Vikas Aghadi. After that, they left them and joined AIMIM. As a result, eight corporators have been elected from Muslim-dominated areas." Mumbai Feb 13 : Actor Allu Sirish's wedding festivities have officially kickstarted, with the celebrations beginning on a traditional and vibrant note at the Allu residence. Taking to his social media accoun, the actor who is all set to become a groom, shared glimpses from the intimate ceremony and wrote, "Wedding festivities have officially begun with our pasupu function" Surprisingly, new mommy Upasana Kamineni Konidela, wife of actor Ram Charan, who recently delivered twins, was also spotted attending the event, looking radiant in a traditional outfit. The video montage shared by Allu Sirish captures the auspicious 'Pasupu' function, a customary pre-wedding ritual in Telugu households. The decor looks and is dominated by bright yellow marigolds and white floral garlands. Floral hangings can be seen adorning the entrance, and a beautifully decorated backdrop with intricate flower arrangements is seen setting the tone for the ceremony. In the latter part of the video, women of the family are seen performing rituals in front of a deity idol placed on an ornately decorated pedestal. Allu Sirish in the video, is seen smiling warmly alongside the elders of the family, dressed in a simple traditional outfit. Talking about other pre-wedding events, a few days ago, Allu Sirish and his fiancee Nayanika Reddy had officially kicked off their wedding celebrations with an intimate pre-wedding yacht party in Dubai. The bash was attended by close friends and family, including Sirish's brother, superstar Allu Arjun, and his wife Sneha Reddy, who joined the couple for a celebration filled with laughter, music and heartfelt moments against the stunning Dubai skyline. Sirish had taken to his social media account and wrote, "Kicking off our wedding celebrations like this felt absolutely magical. My friends flew in from the US, Mumbai, Bengaluru to be part of it making this an incredible opportunity for them to also meet and hang with my friends from Hyderabad." He added: "Being there with Nayanika and our closest family and friends... just laughing, dancing and enjoying every moment, is a memory we are going to cherish forever. It was the perfect start to this exciting new chapter in our lives and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful celebration together." It was in December when Sirish had announced his wedding date. He had shared that he would be tying the knot with Nayanika on March 6, the same day his brother Allu Arjun tied the knot with Sneha Reddy. Sirish had made the announcement via a viral reel featuring him alongside his nieces and nephews. New Delhi, Feb 13 : Even as the last ballots are being accounted for in a mandate that seems sweeping the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) towards an overwhelming victory, the country's 13th national election will remain among its most consequential, and contentious. As the results started reflecting the trend late on Thursday night, the refrain from on-ground reports in Dhaka to its High Commission in New Delhi was that the outcome was going along "expected lines". Opinion polls had indeed predicted an edge for the BNP-led alliance over the other, headed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, as the trend confirmed ahead of the clock striking midnight. However, even before the first rays of the Friday Sun could touch Dhaka, the winning "edge" turned into a chasm, robbing the Jamaat of a much-speculated last-moment magic. The Jamaat had done considerably well in university elections that preceded the general poll. Considering that around five crore youth comprised Bangladesh's total electorate of close to 12.8 crore, there was a mixed feeling over the final outcome. Now, an overwhelming mandate may rule out the coming together of the political allies-turned-adversaries, an opinion held among many in the interim administration in Bangladesh. According to sources, there is still an attempt on in Dhaka to bring the BNP and Jamaat together on the grounds that it will reflect "unity" among political leaders to the domestic and global audience, despite the charged-up campaign trail. While a detailed analysis of final poll results will establish the fact whether the "floating voters" in this election Awami League supporters, including minority electors have now imposed their faith in the BNP, the initial count indicates that way. Among their voter-base, both BNP and the Jamaat overlap the other's support group that is largely based on nationalism and conservative voters, making them contenders. The time now is unlike that when they chose to rule in coalition and some Jamaat leaders joined as ministers a Cabinet led by former Prime Minister late Khalida Zia. Both parties are strongly opposed to the Awami League, which is out of contention after being banned from all political activities and its leader, Sheikh Hasina, in exile. Moreover, past bans, warcrimes legacy, and stigma over the Jamaat's alleged links and support to Pakistan during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War and thus, the public image, remain a constraint. Also, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman appears now to project himself as a leader who wishes to keep everyone together, much of which is being attributed to his exposure to Western culture during his 17-year UK exile. Meanwhile, the election process itself has brought about a sharp reaction from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, deposed in August 2024 during the student-led uprising. She sought annulment of the election in a Facebook post, pointing to the low turnout claimed at 14.96 per cent by 11 am, or three-and-a-half hours after voting began, considered "the peak voting period" widespread violence, and an abnormal spike in the numbers of voters in Dhaka. Though not directed at her allegations, another post on Friday morning from Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, reported a media outlet as quoting Election Commission officials that the turnout was 60.69 per cent. "That is a significant and healthy turnout. In Bangladesh, any figure exceeding 70 per cent often invites skepticism. The turnout in the landmark 1991 general election was 55 per cent. By that standard, the 87 per cent turnout recorded in the 2008 election widely believed to have been orchestrated and influenced by DGFI appears highly questionable and statistically implausible," he opined. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13 : In a startling breach of security, two massive and historically significant elephant tusks have been stolen from the highly secured Pangode military camp here in the heart of the state capital city, triggering alarm within defence and police circles. The tusks, estimated to be worth around Rs 2 crore in the international market, were kept at the Officersa Club inside the military premises. The theft assumes serious proportions as it occurred within what is considered a tightly guarded defence installation. The tusks, handed over to the Army by the then state government in 1929, had been preserved for nearly a century as part of the unitas heritage collection. Their disappearance has raised questions about possible security lapses within the camp. According to initial reports, the theft came to light after a party held at the Officersa Club recently. It was during a subsequent inspection that the tusks were found missing. Given the stringent security protocols governing entry and exit from the camp, investigators suspect that the crime may not have been possible without insider knowledge or assistance. The Poojappura police registered a case late Thursday night and have launched a detailed probe. CCTV footage from the camp is being examined to trace movements before and after the event. Investigators are also scrutinising the guest list of the party to ascertain whether any unauthorised persons gained access to the premises. Sources indicated that the high international value of ivory has prompted investigators to examine the possible role of organised smuggling networks. Simultaneously, military authorities have initiated an internal inquiry to determine whether there were procedural lapses that enabled the theft. The incident has cast a shadow over security preparedness at one of the regionas key military establishments, even as efforts intensify to recover the stolen heritage artifacts Dhaka, Feb 13 : Bangladesh's radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday warned that it would launch a strong movement if citizens' opinions and voting rights were "manipulated" through any form of conspiracy, local media reported. Dhaka, Feb 13 ( IANS) Bangladesh's radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday warned that it would launch a strong movement if citizens' opinions and voting rights were "manipulated" through any form of conspiracy, local media reported. Addressing reporters at the Election Commission premises in Dhaka, Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer stated that any attempt to undermine the people's mandate and voting rights through conspiracies would prompt Jamaat to announce programmes and, if needed, pursue a tougher movement. Jubayer stated that Jamaat respects all opinions expressed by people in a dignified manner, "but if anyone conspires or plots using the people's opinions, we will not accept it." Meanwhile, in its social media platform on Friday, Jamaat expressed dissatisfaction with the election results process, while extending gratitude to voters for casting their ballots in such large numbers. Jamaat also criticised the Election Commission for failing to publish voter turnout figures and accused a section of the administration of showing bias in favour of a major political party. "We are not satisfied with the process surrounding the election results. From candidates of the 11-party alliance narrowly and suspiciously losing in various constituencies, to repeated inconsistencies and fabrications in unofficial result announcements, the Election Commission's reluctance to publish voter turnout percentages, and indications that a section of the administration leaned towards a major party- all of this undoubtedly raises serious questions about the integrity of the results process," the post stated. The remarks came after local media, citing unofficial results, reported that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance emerged victorious in the 13th parliamentary elections. The announced results showed that the BNP-led alliance has won 210 seats, setting the stage for the formation of a new government led by BNP. Citing party sources, Bangladeshi Bengali daily, Jugantor, reported that party chairman Tarique is set to lead the government, marking the return of a male Prime Minister in Bangladesh after almost 35 years. Following the vote count on Thursday night, the unofficial results from various constituencies were announced. According to unofficial results from the Dhaka-17 constituency, Tarique secured 72,699 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman, who received 68,300 votes, Bangladeshi Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported. Additionally, BNP Chairman Tarique was unofficially elected from Bogra-6 constituency, receiving 216,284 votes from 150 centres. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel, secured 97,626 votes under the party's scale symbol. Tarique is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who governed Bangladesh during two separate tenures from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006. Following Khaleda Zia's death in December last year, Tarique assumed leadership of the BNP and is now set to lead the nation. February 13 : Lucknow: In line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to make Uttar Pradesh the countrys leading AI and digital infrastructure hub, a significant initiative has been taken with an agreement between AM Group and the state governments investment promotion agency, Invest UP. Under this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed for the establishment of a 1 gigawatt (GW) High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub. On Thursday, YEIDA CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh handed over the Letter of Intent to representatives of AM Group. YEIDA has issued a Letter of Intent for a total of 289 acres of land, 114 acres in Sector 28 and 175 acres in Sector 8D. This state-of-the-art hub will be equipped with nearly 500,000 high-performance chipsets and will operate 247 on carbon-free energy sources, including wind, solar and pumped storage The project will be established in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area, with a proposed investment of approximately USD 25 billion. It will be developed in a phased manner, with operations of the first phase expected to begin by 2028, and the full 1 GW capacity targeted to be achieved by 2030. Given the rapidly growing demand for AI and high-performance computing in India, this hub will cater to the needs of global hyperscalers, research institutions, enterprises and sovereign AI initiatives. AMG AI Labs, under the vision of Democratization of AI, is working toward building an end-to-end value chain from energy to intelligent tokens. This facility will provide the Indian developer community with broad access to cutting-edge chipsets, accelerating the development of AI solutions at both domestic and global levels. The project is expected to attract large-scale foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate thousands of high-skilled jobs. It will strengthen the local ecosystem in areas such as hardware manufacturing, software development, and specialized cooling technologies. The state government believes that this initiative will prove to be a milestone in positioning Uttar Pradesh among the leading states in the digital economy. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13 : Allegations of large-scale financial irregularities in the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Meet linked to Sabarimala have triggered a fresh political storm, with senior Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan accusing Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan of misleading the Assembly and demanding detailed disclosures. The much-hyped meeting was held last year and now the High Court too has come out strongly about its financial accountability. Chennithala alleged that "massive fraud" was carried out under the guise of the Ayyappa meet and announced he will move a breach of privilege notice against the Minister for allegedly providing incorrect information in the Kerala Assembly. The Assembly session will resume on February 23 and Chennithala is expected to move it during the ongoing session. He claimed the Minister had stated that funds related to the event were handed over to the Devaswom Board, but the full amount had not been transferred. "The government told the court that the event would not be conducted at government expense. But a different version was presented in the Assembly. Why are there two sets of figures before the Assembly and the High Court?" Chennithala asked, demanding a comprehensive clarification from both the government and the Devaswom Board. Radhakrishnan echoed the charge, terming the event a "liability" for the government. He said the Assembly record is considered an authoritative document and questioned why a truthful reply was not provided on the floor of the House. "Why did two different accounts emerge before the Assembly and the High Court?" he asked, insisting that the government and the Board explain the discrepancy. Chennithala also raised questions over the execution of the event, including how organisational responsibility was assigned and whether expenditure claims were inflated. He alleged that bills were raised even for programmes that were not conducted and sought clarity on reported discrepancies in logistics and payments. Both leaders maintained that the accounts and expenditure details of the Ayyappa meet must be made fully public. "Citizens have the right to know the truth," they said, calling for a categorical response from the Devaswom Minister and clarity on whether differences exist between the Minister and the Devaswom Board over the handling of the eventas finances. Reacting to the controversy, former TDB president P.S. Prasanth during whose tenure the event was held took to his social media account and pointed out that attempts are being made to spread misinformation regarding the organisational expenses of the Ayyappa Meet. "So far, only Rs 3 crore has been spent for organising the event. This entire amount was received through sponsorship. An additional Rs 1 crore has also been obtained as sponsorship," Prasanth said. "An advance of Rs 3 crore had been drawn under the head 'Religious Conferences and Discourses' for organisational purposes. However, immediately upon receiving the sponsorship funds, the amount was fully repaid on October 17, 2025. Apart from this, not even a single rupee has been spent from the Devaswom Board's funds to date," he said. "With regard to the total expenditure, the Devaswom Commissioner, in an interim report submitted before the court on November 4, 2025, had stated that the total amount was Rs 4.5 crore plus GST," he said. "Therefore, the basis on which the present report has been submitted needs to be examined. These details are open to verification by anyone," stated Prasanth. Meanwhile the Board (a new one is in place) will soon hold a meeting to come out with explanations on the ongoing row. Srinagar, Feb 13 : Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday attached the property of a notorious drug peddler. The property attached was worth Rs 1.5 crore in Kulgam district, according to an official statement. aIn a significant crackdown on the drug menace, Kulgam Police have attached immovable properties comprising 6 shops, 5 godowns, one tin shed, and one plinth located at Village Manigam, belonging to a notorious drug peddler Mohd Ashraf Khanday, son of Gh. Ahmad Khanday, resident of Nipora, Kulgam, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Qazigund," the statement added. The action has been taken under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, after due legal process, the statement said, adding the properties were established as proceeds of crime acquired through illicit drug trafficking activities and found to be directly linked with drug peddling operations. The accused is also involved in FIR No 196/2024 under Sections 8/15 of the NDPS Act, registered at the concerned police station. The market value of the attached property is approximately Rs 1.5 crore. aThis attachment forms part of the sustained and strategic efforts of Kulgam Police to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and to send a strong message that crime does not pay," it further said. SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary, IPS, said that Kulgam Police has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities. He warned that any person found involved in drug peddling, financing, harbouring offenders, or creating support networks for the narcotics trade will face strict legal action, including attachment of property, financial investigations, and prosecution under stringent provisions of law. He further stated that drug traffickers must understand that illegal wealth will be identified, seized, and dismantled, and that no one will be spared under the law. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the police, share information, and help in protecting the youth and society from the destructive impact of drugs. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice on Friday due to continued protests and uproar by opposition members over various issues and will reconvene after a three-week recess on March 9. The first part of the Budget Session, since it began in the first week of February, witnessed repeated chaos and disruption, noisy scenes, government-opposition confrontation over a host of issues ranging from the India-US trade deal, unpublished memoirs of Former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane and the latest being the Epstein controversy. As the Lower House convened on Friday, the opposition members started raising slogans and assembled in the well of the House, demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri over an alleged connection with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted American sex offender. Congress MP Ujjawal Raman Singh questioned the Centre over 'multiple deaths' due to Codeine syrup and demanded the victims, both in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, be given due monetary compensation of Rs five lakh each and also a CBI enquiry should be set up to nab the culprits. Union Minister J.P. Nadda stated that no deaths have been reported due to the consumption of Codeine cup syrup, and hence, the question of ex gratia or CBI investigation didn't arise. Meanwhile, opposition members trooped into the well of the House and persisted with slogans like "Hardeep Puri must resign". Sandhya Ray, the officiating Speaker, urged the protesting opposition MPs to return to their seats, but they didn't relent, following which the House was adjourned till noon. The House, after reconvening at noon, saw legislative proceedings continue for some time, and finally was adjourned till March 9. Earlier, the House also paid tribute and observed a minute of silence for former Haridwar MP Bhagwan Das Rathore, who passed away recently. Before Lok Sabha proceedings, the opposition members staged a protest outside the House in the Parliament premises over the Epstein files. The Epstein files disclosures in the US, which allegedly have a mention of email exchanges between Hardeep Singh Puri and Jeffrey Epstein, were lapped up by Congress and other opposition parties to corner the government. Congress' claims of alleged complicity have been outrightly rejected by Union Minister Hardeep Puri, who denied any association with the American sex offender and also accused Rahul Gandhi of "passing innuendo" over the subject. --IANS mr/dpb Kolkata, Feb 13 : West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Friday congratulated the Prime Minister-designate, Tarique Rahman over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) emphatic victory in the general elections in the neighbouring country, which was conducted on Thursday, with the results becoming clear on Friday morning. In a statement posted on the wall of her official social media handle, Chief Minister Banerjee also congratulated the people of Bangladesh for their participation in the general elections, which were conducted more or less peacefully on Thursday. "My hearty congratulations, 'Shubhonandan', to all my brothers and sisters, all the people in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan Mubarak to all of them. For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all will be well and happy. Wish that our relations with Bangladesh will always be cordial," the Chief Minister said in her social media post. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Tarique Rahman and the BNP leadership over the victory in the Bangladesh elections. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman for leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh. This result reflects the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to extend its support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted relationship and advance our shared development goals," the Prime Minister said. However, neither the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, nor the BJP's state president in West Bengal, Samik Bhattacharya, had issued any statement on the Bangladesh elections at the time the report was filed. The former state BJP President in West Bengal and the current Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, just shared the Prime Minister's statement on the wall of his social media handle. Only the former BJP state president in West Bengal, Dilip Ghosh, made a brief comment to mediapersons that he was hopeful of improvement in the relations between India and Bangladesh in the coming days. Gandhinagar, Feb 13 : The Gujarat Legislative Assembly will hold an election for the deputy speaker post on February 16, with Purnesh Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shailesh Parmar of the Congress party submitting their nominations on Friday. The post became vacant following the resignation of former deputy speaker Jetha Ahir (Bharwad), citing preoccupation with other responsibilities. Purnesh Modi, Surat West MLA and former state minister, filed his nomination at the Assembly Secretariat in the presence of Minister Rushikesh Patel. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and members of the Business Advisory Committee were also present during the process. The BJP has officially endorsed Modi as its candidate. Modi has previously served as a cabinet minister, managing departments including Roads, Buildings, and Civil Aviation. The party cited his experience with legislative procedures, organisational presence in South Gujarat, and knowledge of Assembly rules as reasons for his nomination. Jitu Vaghani, speaking at the nomination process, said, "Purnesh Modi is a capable leader with a clear record of work. His nomination followed consultations with the national leadership, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister." Congress has confirmed that Danilimda MLA Shailesh Parmar will contest the deputy speaker election. Congress MLA Imran Khedawala told IANS, "Shailesh Parmar is a capable leader, and today he filled the form for the deputy speaker post. I accompanied him in this process, and Congress supports him." According to Assembly rules, members wishing to propose a candidate must submit the prescribed motion and notice to the Assembly Secretary in line with Rule 10(2), and must include a written statement from the proposed candidate confirming willingness to serve as Deputy Speaker if elected. As per the rules, a member cannot propose or second their own name, nor can they propose or support more than one candidate. The members have been urged to follow these provisions carefully while submitting nominations. The deputy speaker presides over Assembly proceedings in the absence of the Speaker, maintains order, and oversees legislative processes. New Delhi, Feb 13 : A six-year-old boy was killed and five others, including two women, were injured after a speeding car, driven by a Class 12 student, ploughed into pedestrians in Lucknow, triggering shock and outrage in the area. The incident took place on Thursday evening on Kanpur Road in front of the Hanuman temple at Banthra. Police said five people were seriously injured in the accident, and the child later succumbed to injuries during treatment. The injured have been identified as Arman (12); Awadh Bihari (42), son of Durgadeen; Sadhana Verma (35), wife of Sanjay Patel; Meena Devi (60), wife of Bhimshankar; and Dikshant Patel (6), son of Sanjay Patel. Dikshant Patel, aged around six, died while undergoing treatment. Police said the accused driver has been identified as Gaurav, a resident of Sohramau in Unnao's Ballukheda area and is now arrested. He is a Class 12 student. Officials said the student is an adult, as per the police. The accident involved a Swift car bearing a Kanpur registration number. Preliminary investigation suggests that the crash occurred while the accused was returning from a farewell party. Investigators said the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. Officials further revealed that he allegedly dropped off a female passenger at an undisclosed location before disappearing. Auto driver Awadh Bihari, one of the injured, recounted the terrifying moments. He said he was hit by the vehicle and suffered severe head injuries. He added that doctors have asked for a City scan. Nitin, the son of Awadh Bihari, said that around 6 p.m., the police were informed about the accident. Dr Meera Arya said that on Thursday evening, the car met with an accident near the road in front of the hospital. "Five people came in an injured condition. The condition of the child was critical. The child was immediately referred to the medical emergency, and the rest of the people were admitted," she said. The case has also drawn uncomfortable comparisons with the recent Kanpur Lamborghini crash, where the accused Shivam Mishra was granted bail within hours of arrest. That episode has already intensified debate around road safety enforcement in Uttar Pradesh. Kabul, Feb 13 : Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Ataullah Omari has slammed neighbouring nations for their policy of deporting Afghan refugees, saying that host nations have deported refugees breaching humanitarian principles, human rights and refugee rights, local media reported on Friday. He stated that more than 4.5 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan from various nations since the start of the expulsion process, Afghanistan-based media outlet Tolo News reported. He said, "Our brothers were forcibly expelled from their homes. They were hosted for nearly 40 years, but in the end, they were deported by force and in violation of humanitarian principles." His statement comes as Pakistan and Iran continue to deport Afghan refugees, sparking concerns about Afghanistan's capacity to resettle the returnees. Some Afghan refugees who have recently returned to Afghanistan stated that they were forcibly deported from host nations and were not given the opportunity to take their belongings, leaving everything behind in those countries. Earlier in January, several Afghan refugees living in Pakistan urged Pakistani government and Afghan authorities to resolve existing challenges through talks and provide them adequate time to return to Afghanistan gradually with dignity, local media reported. These refugees stated that rapid deportations and increasing pressure has caused serious challenges for Afghan residents. Haji Nazar, one of the Afghan refugees, requested Pakistani government to give them three-month time so that refugees can return to Afghanistan in an orderly manner. "The Pakistani government should give us a three-month deadline so that refugees can return to their country in an orderly and phased manner. Right now, Afghans are facing many difficulties," Tolo News quoted Haji Nazar as saying. Speaking to Tolo News, refugee rights activist, Allah Mir Miakhail, stated, "Security agencies are arresting and deporting Afghan refugees everywhere. Most refugees need time to wind up their businesses and affairs. Many families are registered with the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, but these cards have now become invalid." Refugee rights activists emphasised that return process must be voluntary, gradual and receive support of international organisations to stop a new humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Another activist Ali Reza Karimi stated that many of the Afghan refugees have been deprived of basic human rights and are living in a state of uncertainty due to lack of legal and valid identity documents. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Friday till March 9, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the on-going Budget Session of Parliament. This adjournment follows a similar move in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day, as both Houses entered a three-week recess. Twenty seven permitted special mentions by members who were present were deemed to have been laid on the table of the House. These special mentions, a procedural mechanism allowing lawmakers to highlight urgent public issues without full debate, were formally recorded in this manner due to time constraints or the session's winding down. The recess period is intended to enable parliamentary standing committees to scrutinise the detailed demands for grants and allocations presented in the Union Budget 2026-27, which was tabled earlier in the session. Committees will examine ministry-wise expenditures, policy implications, and fiscal priorities to prepare reports that will inform discussions when the Houses reconvene. The first part of the Budget Session, which commenced in late January, was marked by intense debates and disruptions. Key issues included heated exchanges over an interim India-US trade deal, references to the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane, opposition protests on various governance matters, and procedural wrangles. Despite these challenges, some legislative business progressed, including the passage of certain bills in the Lok Sabha. The adjournment comes amid a politically charged atmosphere, with opposition parties raising concerns on economic policies, national security, and farmer-related issues, while the government defended its agenda. The three-week break provides an opportunity for consultations, committee work, and preparation for the second phase, where the focus will shift to detailed budget scrutiny, passing of appropriation bills, and potential further legislative activity. The second phase is likely to see more substantive deliberations on financial matters and pending bills, aiming to conclude the session before the fiscal year-end considerations intensify. New Delhi, Feb 13 : A sharp political confrontation erupted on Friday over alleged remarks concerning farmers and a proposed trade understanding with the US, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress trading strong words over a privilege motion and claims of misinformation. Union Minister Giriraj Singh dismissed the Opposition's allegations as baseless. "What farmersa issue? Lies, just like Rafale, are spreading confusion among people," he said. Referring to statements made by the Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Minister Singh asserted that there would be "no compromise on farmers' interests". "Then what else is this if not spreading misinformation? They want to create confusion in the country; they want to incite a civil war in the nation," he alleged. Union Minister Singh also said that those raising the issue should not only face a privilege motion but that a legal case should also be considered. "No joint statement has been issued or signed yet. The process of questions and answers is still ongoing, and misinformation is being spread. Those who don't even know what a field or farm is are talking about farmers' welfare," he added. Responding to the privilege motion, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari termed it politically motivated. "Anyone with even a basic understanding of parliamentary procedure can only laugh at this proposal. It is hollow and brought solely for cheap publicity. It has no substance," he said. Defending the Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Tiwari added, "Rahul Gandhi can neither be intimidated nor threatened. He stands for farmers, labourers and the nation." Congress MP Rajeev Shukla echoed similar sentiments, saying, "The response has already been given by Rahul Gandhi. Do whatever you want to do. We will continue to fight against the US deal." He alleged that India's interests had been compromised in the proposed trade arrangement with the US. The exchange underscores intensifying political tensions as both sides dig in over issues concerning farmers and international trade negotiations. Chandigarh, Feb 13 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said all allegations made by an Aam Aadmi Party legislator of Punjab against him are "baseless and fabricated". "AAP is making such statements to hide its own failures," he said. He alleged AAP first showed dreams to the people of Delhi and deceived them. Later, in Punjab it made promises that remain unfulfilled, causing distress among the people there. The Chief Minister told the media in Delhi that the people of Punjab first voted for the Congress, but the Congress betrayed them. Later, they voted for AAP, which he described as a "mega-deception". He claimed law and order in Punjab "is in poor condition and farmers are facing severe hardships". Referring to flood compensation, he said in Punjab, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal spoke of giving Rs 20,000 as compensation to farmers but in Gujarat he claimed that Rs 50,000 had been given to Punjab farmers. CM Saini termed this as misleading farmers and reiterated that the MLA's allegations are factually incorrect and aimed at hiding shortcomings. He accused AAP of indulging in pressure politics in Punjab and said the party should fulfill its promises made to the public. Responding to a question related to Punjab, CM Saini said, "Punjab is like home. Whenever I am invited to Punjab, I visit there." He added "Punjab is the land of the Gurus, and it is a matter of pride that the Gurus also blessed the land of Haryana with their presence." The Chief Minister's assertions come a day after Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-ruling legislator Narinder Kaur Bharaj accused the BJP of luring her with party ticket and fulfillment of any demand under 'Operation Lotus'. She alleged that the Haryana Chief Minister invited her for a closed-door meeting. "The BJP is running 'Operation Lotus' across the country to topple elected governments. A few days ago, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini tried to contact me. He tempted me with a BJP ticket from Sangrur and said that whatever demand I had would be fulfilled. He also offered a closed-door meeting," Kaur told the media here. Gandhinagar, Feb 13 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate India's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) on Sunday at the Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, government officials said on Friday. The initiative, undertaken by the Gujarat Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, introduces subsidy transfers through the Reserve Bank of India-authorised CBDC platform. The system has been developed by the Punjab National Bank and will provide beneficiaries with digital tokens in their wallets containing details of the commodity, quantity and price. Under the pilot phase, 26,333 families in the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad, as well as in Surat, Anand and Valsad, have been covered. Beneficiaries using smartphones will authenticate transactions through QR codes, while those with feature phones will receive one-time passwords under an Aadhaar-based verification system. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will attend the launch. In addition to the CBDC-based system, the state government will introduce distribution of tur and chana in standardised one kg sealed packs for National Food Security Act beneficiaries, replacing loose distribution to maintain quality standards. An 'Annapurti Grain ATM' will also be launched in the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad. Designed to function round the clock, the machine can dispense up to 25 kg of grain within 35 seconds. The state will also sign memoranda of understanding with Care Rating and the Consumer Education and Research Centre to introduce a Consumer Responsibility Index for rating companies. A conciliation and pre-litigation mechanism aimed at facilitating faster, out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes will be established. Separately, under the 'Garima Poshan a" Suposhit Garudeshwar Taluka' campaign, Rs 1.65 crore from the CSR funds of Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited will be allocated to efforts to address malnutrition in Garudeshwar taluka of Narmada district. The project includes the establishment of two model anganwadis and targeted health interventions for adolescent girls and pregnant women. Bhopal, Feb 13 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday said the census is the country's largest and most important data process on the basis of which the strategies are prepared to take development to the last person in society. Chief Minister Yadav made this statement addressing the state-level conference at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre in Bhopal, which was attended by senior bureaucrats including Chief Secretary Anurag Jain and Additional Chief Secretaries and many others. All district collectors, divisional commissioners and municipal commissioners joined the conference-cum training camp, which is part of the state government's preparation for the first phase of the census set to begin in the state from May 1. This state level conference organised after a comprehensive review of preparations was conducted across the state, and it was noted that a large number of officers and employees will be deployed for census work. Addressing the conference, the Chief Minister emphasised that the government's "commitment" and "impartiality" will be crucial parts and these should be reflected during the process of the caste census. "This is the first time such a social-level census has been conducted after 1931 and together we are going to create a historic record. This census will be interpreted in many ways from politically and socially, therefore, clarity and transparency should be maintained," CM Yadav said. He also pointed out that people have emotional attachments with their properties, including homes, land, shops or anything else they have, and the officials must respect those sentiments during the census process. "If someone's house, land, or shop is affected, their emotional attachment must also be understood; sensitivity is essential along with development," he added. Notably, the census will be conducted in a fully digital, paperless manner through an app-based system and the mega exercise will be carried out in two phases. The first phase of the process will be conducted between May 1 to May 30, 2026, during which house-to-house listing and housing enumeration will be conducted. While the second the final phase of census, during which population enumeration will be done, will be conducted in February 2027. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Delhi Police have arrested a self-styled "baba" in connection with the mysterious deaths of three people whose bodies were found inside a locked car near the Peeragarhi flyover in the outskirts of the national capital earlier this week. According to police, the accused, identified as Kamaruddin, also described as a amaulanaa and an occult practitioner, has been booked for murder. The arrest marks the first major breakthrough in the case that initially appeared to be a suspected suicide. DCP, Outer District, Sachin Sharma, said the investigation is underway to piece together the sequence of events. "We are trying to ascertain what happened on that day and what transpired before. The victims initially came to him because he claimed he could cure any kind of illness. Many people with health problems would visit him, and he claimed he could cure any disease, including cancer," he said. The police officials added that the police are also in touch with other agencies to gather further leads in the case. The deceased, Randhir, 76, Shiv Naresh Singh, 47, and Laxmi Devi, 40, were found dead inside a stationary car on Sunday afternoon. Randhir was seated in the driveras seat, while the other two were in the rear seats. The car was reportedly locked from inside when the bodies were discovered near the Peeragarhi flyover. Police said Kamaruddin had been in contact with the three victims for nearly a year. CCTV footage from the area allegedly shows him sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle earlier on the day of the incident. Investigators are now interrogating the accused to determine the exact chain of events and the motive behind the deaths. Further details are awaited as the probe continues. Patna, Feb 13 : Proceedings are underway in both Houses of the Bihar Legislature, with the Opposition intensifying its attack on the state government over law and order issues both inside and outside the State Assembly and Legislative Council. Outside the Bihar Legislative Council on Friday, Opposition leaders led by former Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Rabri Devi raised slogans against the state government over the suspicious death of a student in Patna's Phulwari Sharif area. The protesters accused the state government of failing to ensure women's safety in the state. Addressing the media, Rabri Devi alleged that the student was thrown from the rooftop of a building and demanded immediate action against those responsible. She also took a sharp jibe at Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, questioning his earlier claim that the culprits would be arrested within 24 hours or he would resign from his position. "Samrat Choudhary says he will resign if the accused are not caught within 24 hours. Where is that resignation? Crimes are happening every day -- girls are being raped, kidnapped, and murdered. Who will stop this?" Rabri Devi said. Meanwhile, senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui also launched a scathing attack on the state government inside the House. He said the Opposition had exposed the state government's failure and questioned the claims of "Ram Rajya" versus "Jungle Raj". "Crime incidents are increasing rapidly in Bihar. Criminals are not being controlled. Murders, robberies, dacoities, and thefts are occurring daily. The Bihar government has completely failed to maintain law and order," Siddiqui added. Responding to the Opposition's allegations, Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary dismissed Rabri Devi's statements, saying that her wishes would not determine the future of the state government. He alleged that during the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led state government, Bihar witnessed a collapse of governance, forcing doctors and engineers to flee the state. "Ashok Choudhary's death and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's removal may be Rabri Devi's wish, but nothing will happen because of it," the Minister said, reiterating that the present state government remains committed to maintaining law and order in the state. As debates and protests continue, the law and order situation remains a key flashpoint in Bihar's ongoing political confrontation between the ruling alliance and the Opposition. New Delhi, Feb 13 : While the sale of cars made in Europe, the US, Japan and South Korea have been banned in the Russian market as part of the sanctions imposed on Moscow after the Ukraine war, these vehicles are entering the Communist country. New registration data reviewed by Reuters shows that foreign-brand vehicles continue to enter Russia in significant numbers, largely routed through China. "Many of these cars are manufactured in China through joint ventures with global brands. However, vehicles manufactured in Europe are also being shipped through China to Russian buyers," according to an article in online publication Modern Diplomacy. A growing gray-market system now enables Russian dealers to obtain Western, Japanese and South Korean vehicles through Chinese intermediaries. The modus operandi is to categorise these new vehicles as "zero-mileage used" cars. These new cars are first recorded as sold in the local market and then exported as used vehicles to Russia, the article said. According to Russia-based Autostat, nearly 130,000 vehicles made by automakers from sanctioning countries were sold in Russia in 2025 alone. Since early 2022, more than 700,000 such vehicles have been registered in the country. Almost half of the recent sales involve vehicles manufactured in China. Toyota remains one of the most purchased foreign brands in Russia, with nearly 30,000 units sold last year, the majority produced in China. German brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group, also maintain a significant presence. Tens of thousands of these vehicles were registered last year, with many either built in China or routed through it, the article says. Luxury models, particularly high-end SUVs such as the Mercedes G-Class, continue to find buyers among Russia's affluent consumers. "Auto manufacturing giants claim that they prohibit direct sales to Russia and have implemented contractual safeguards to prevent unauthorised exports. However, they admit that monitoring indirect trade through third parties is complex and difficult," the article said. European, Japanese and South Korean authorities say they are investigating potential sanctions violations. At the same time, experts note that globalised supply chains and intermediary networks make complete enforcement nearly impossible, the article noted. New Delhi, Feb 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rehman, congratulating him on his party's triumph in the Bangladesh elections. PM Modi also expressed India's support for Rehman's endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of people of Bangladesh. "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call. The conversation between PM Modi and Tarique Rehman comes after the BNP-led alliance claimed a decisive victory in the elections, securing 210 seats and comfortably surpassing the majority threshold thus paving the way for the formation of a new government. Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended warm wishes to Tarique Rahman for leading his party to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections. "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership," he posted on X after the election results were announced in Dhaka. "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," Prime Minister Modi added. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to take oath as the Bangladesh Prime Minister on Saturday marking the return of a male PM to Bangladesh after nearly 35 years. While BNP was heading to a landslide victory, the radical Jamaat-e-Islami was likely to settle at a distant second position. Tarique Rehman assumed leadership of the BNP following the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, last December. Tarique is also the son of former President Ziaur Rahman, founder of BNP. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Union government said on Friday that complaints against judges of the higher judiciary are dealt with under an "in-house mechanism" evolved by the judiciary, with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Chief Justices of High Courts competent to examine such grievances. Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (MoS) for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Arjun Ram Meghwal, said that the independence of the judiciary is enshrined in the Constitution and complaints are handled internally as per established procedures. "Independence of Judiciary is enshrined in the Constitution of India. The complaints received against Judges and Chief Justices of the High Courts are handled by the judiciary through an 'in-house mechanism'," the MoS said in a written statement laid on the table of the Lok Sabha. Meghwal, who is also the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, told the House that the Supreme Court, on May 7, 1997, adopted two resolutions -- "The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life" and the "In-house procedure" -- to lay down judicial standards and provide for remedial measures against judges who do not adhere to accepted values. As per the established in-house procedure for the higher judiciary, the CJI is competent to receive complaints against judges of the Supreme Court and Chief Justices of High Courts, while Chief Justices of High Courts are empowered to receive complaints against High Court judges. "Complaints against members of the Higher Judiciary received vide Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) or in any other form are forwarded to the Chief Justice of India or Chief Justices of High Courts competent to receive such complaints," MoS Meghwal said. Sharing data provided by the Supreme Court, the MoS added that the number of complaints received in the office of the CJI against sitting judges over the last 10 years stood at 729 in 2016, 682 in 2017, 717 in 2018, 1,037 in 2019, 518 in 2020, 686 in 2021, 1,012 in 2022, 977 in 2023, 1,170 in 2024 and 1,102 in 2025. The Union government did not indicate any proposal to introduce a separate mechanism beyond the existing in-house procedure, reiterating that complaints received through the CPGRAMS or any other mode are forwarded to the CJI or Chief Justices of High Courts competent for appropriate action. Patna, Feb 13 : Radha Devi Saraogi, mother of Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi, passed away on Friday at the age of 72. She had been unwell for the past few days and was undergoing treatment at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai, where she breathed her last. The late Radha Devi Saraogi was known to be deeply religious and actively involved in social work. News of her demise has cast a pall of grief over her family, well-wishers, and the political fraternity. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressed deep sorrow over her passing. Both leaders spoke to the bereaved family over the phone and conveyed their heartfelt condolences. In his condolence message, Chief Minister Kumar said that Radha Devi Saraogi was a kind-hearted and simple woman with a strong inclination towards social service. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and strength for the family to endure this irreparable loss. Dy CM Chaudhary said, "I have received the extremely sad news of the demise of the revered mother of BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi. I pray to God to grant the departed soul a place at His feet and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this unbearable grief. My deepest condolences are with the family in this hour of sorrow." Sanjay Saraogi was elected as an MLA from Darbhanga City in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Recently, the BJP top leadership appointed him as the state president of the party. Sanjay Saraogi is regarded as an influential leader in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar and enjoys a strong grassroots presence. Meanwhile, family members are returning to Bihar from Mumbai with the mortal remains of Radha Devi Saraogi. Her last rites will be performed later on Friday as per family traditions. According to family sources, the last rites of Radha Devi Saraogi will be performed at 6 PM today on the banks of the Bagmati River. Chandigarh, Feb 13 : Two days after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned former Punjab Chief Minister and BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh and his son, Raninder Singh, in a 2016 Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) case, the officer heading the federal agency office in Jalandhar has been transferred. A Union Ministry of Finance order reads, "Additional Director Ravi Tiwari, a 2009-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, who had been posted to Jalandhar in September 2023, has now been shifted to Chennai." Another IRS officer, Dinesh Pachauri, has been appointed to the Jalandhar post. Capt Amarinder Singh and his son have been accused of being the beneficiaries of certain foreign assets, including a Swiss bank account. While Capt Amarinder Singh was asked to appear at the Enforcement Directorate's Jalandhar office on Friday, his son was to appear on Thursday. The latter had sought an exemption from the summons, citing the health of his father, who underwent a knee replacement surgery at a Mohali hospital. A member of the BJP's national executive body, Capt Amarinder Singh had also requested an adjournment on medical grounds. State acting BJP President Ashwani Sharma met Capt Amarinder Singh in hospital on Friday to enquire about his well-being. Raninder Singh was summoned by the ED on October 23, 2020, too, at its Jalandhar office to explain the alleged movement of funds to Switzerland and creation of a trust in the tax haven of the British Virgin Islands. The Income Tax Department had filed a charge sheet against the father-son duo in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Ludhiana in 2016. It accused Raninder Singh of being the beneficiary of foreign assets maintained and controlled through foreign business entities. The I-T Department had also alleged that he was the beneficiary of foreign bank accounts maintained with the HSBC Private Bank (SUISSE) SA, Geneva, Switzerland. It had said that Raninder Singh misguided the agency by claiming that he did not have documents related to his family's income and trusts abroad. The documents revealed that Raninder Singh was a 'settler' of Jacaranda Trust, formed in July 2005 in the British Virgin Islands between him and HSBC Trust Company Limited, acting as a trustee. The father-son duo had filed an appeal against the Ludhiana court order before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, stating that the income tax records contain "secret" information given by the French Republic to the Government of India, and there was a "specific bar" on providing any such information to a stranger under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between the two countries. In September 2025, the high court upheld the order of the additional district judge, saying it was "well-reasoned" and did not suffer from any infirmity or error of law. Kozhikode, Feb 13 : Kerala's Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Friday mounted a sharp attack on the CPI-M-led government, alleging double standards in handling a sexual assault complaint against former Left MLA P.T. Kunhumuhammed and flagging large-scale irregularities in the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Meet. Satheesan said he felt "ashamed to be living in Kerala" after reading the survivoras account. The sexual assault complaint, he noted, was submitted to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 24, but an FIR was registered only on December 8. "This shows how casually matters are handled when the accused belongs to their own camp," he said, demanding an explanation from the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio. In contrast, he claimed, when the complaint against a party MLA reached the state Congress President, it was forwarded and an FIR was registered the same day. Allegations against those aligned with the Left, he said, were not taken at face value and were delayed by two weeks. Satheesan lauded the survivoras courage in bringing the issue into the public domain, warning against a social climate where women who speak out are further humiliated. "There cannot be double standards in such matters," he asserted. Turning to the Global Ayyappa Meet, Satheesan described it as "another fraud in the name of Lord Ayyappa". He alleged that despite being conducted under the observation of the Kerala High Court, crores were siphoned off through inflated and false accounts. Claims of food being served to 4,000 people, he said, were belied by an attendance of barely 600. Payments were allegedly shown in the name of a bhajan troupe that did not perform. He sought a detailed probe into what he termed misappropriation carried out under the cover of the Devaswom Department. On education, Satheesan said textbook distribution was delayed only once during the UDF regime and accused the government of propaganda. While welcoming timely distribution, he faulted the LDF for failing to update the curriculum in line with changing times. With elections approaching, he said the UDFas publicity and manifesto committees were part of routine preparations, stressing that the front functioned through teamwork. He expressed confidence that political change in Kerala would reflect across regions, including north Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13 : In a landmark decision, the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Friday, approved Kerala's Urban Policy, making the state the first in the country to formulate a comprehensive urban framework aimed at guiding development over the next 25 years. The draft policy, prepared by the Local Self-Government Department, received Cabinet clearance on Friday after nearly two years of sustained consultations and expert inputs. The initiative was first announced in the 2023a"24 State Budget. In December 2023, the state government constituted the Kerala Urban Policy Commission, comprising national and international experts. The Commission submitted the 'Nava Kerala Urban Policy Report' to the Chief Minister in March 2025. A global conference was subsequently held in Kochi in September to deliberate on the recommendations. Ministers, Mayors, elected representatives and urban experts from India and abroad participated in detailed discussions on the future trajectory of urbanisation in the state. The final policy incorporates fresh suggestions that emerged from these consultations. According to Commission estimates, Kerala is projected to become 80 per cent urbanised by 2050. Urban expansion is expected to spread in a decentralised manner across densely populated belts between the highlands and coastal regions. With climate change posing additional challenges, the policy seeks to provide a scientific framework to manage urban growth, including in environmentally fragile areas. The document envisions a network of climate-smart cities and towns by 2050, rooted in Kerala's legacy of decentralised governance and participatory planning. It aims to leverage urbanisation as a driver of economic growth while ensuring inclusivity and equitable access to urban amenities. Alongside building high-quality infrastructure, the policy seeks to reduce social and spatial inequalities and strengthen social support systems. Key focus areas include legal and institutional reforms, capacity building, governance strengthening, citizen-centric services, infrastructure development, and spatial and strategic planning positioning Kerala's urban transformation on a structured and sustainable footing. Faridabad, Feb 13 : Saying from the sacred and culturally rich land of Surajkund a new chapter of India-Africa partnership has begun, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, on Friday, held deliberations with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 21 African nations for economic cooperation. At the Haryana-Africa Strategic Partnership Meeting in Surajkund, near here, deliberations were held on the possibilities of cooperation between Haryana and African countries in the fields of industry, trade, investment and technological collaboration, the state government said. Speaking on the occasion, CM Saini said from the culturally rich land of Surajkund, the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela served as a global platform for folk traditions, handicrafts, creativity and human skill, strengthening cultural connections and economic cooperation. The Chief Minister added that India-Africa relations are founded on the principles of equality, mutual respect and shared development. "In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Haryana is committed at the state level to building long-term and strong relationships with African countries." "Haryana is the first state in the country to establish a separate Department of Foreign Cooperation to promote international collaboration," he said. He added that Haryana is emerging rapidly as a growth engine in agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, food processing, automobile components and startups. "Due to its connectivity with the National Capital Region, the state enjoys global connectivity and logistical strength, offering vast possibilities for multi-sectoral cooperation with African nations." Highlighting agriculture as a key area of India-Africa collaboration, he said the state's expertise in irrigation management, improved seeds, crop diversification, agricultural mechanization, dairy and post-harvest management can help strengthen food security in African countries. He also mentioned the possibilities of joint farming, training programmes and technical partnerships with Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda. "Agreements signed with the Tanzania Investment Centre and other agricultural and institutional bodies will promote trade, investment and agricultural cooperation." The Chief Minister added that there is significant scope for collaboration in automobiles, healthcare, IT, construction, skill development, startups and MSME sectors. Describing renewable energy, water conservation and green development as shared moral responsibilities, CM Saini said joint efforts in solar energy, water management and environmental sustainability are essential for securing the future of coming generations. Haryana's Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that this is an important opportunity to further strengthen trade relations between India and Africa. In recent years, bilateral trade between India and Africa has reached nearly $90-100 billion, reflecting strong economic partnership between the two regions. He said that India primarily imports crude oil, gold, coal, fertilisers and minerals from Africa, while exporting petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and auto components, machinery, rice and engineering goods. He added that this trade is not limited to goods but is also expanding into sectors such as education, healthcare, IT and capacity building. Lucknow, Feb 13 : The Congress on Friday raised the issue of rising road accidents and fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that the state government's steps to improve road safety have been inadequate and largely symbolic. Lucknow, Feb 13 (IANS) The Congress on Friday raised the issue of rising road accidents and fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that the state governmentas steps to improve road safety have been inadequate and largely symbolic. Participating in a discussion under Rule 56 in the Assembly, Congress Legislature Party leader Aradhana Mishra aMonaa called for concrete and technology-driven interventions at identified accident-prone stretches, commonly referred to as "black spots". She said that in a state with a population exceeding 25 crore, where lakhs of people commute daily, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in road accidents. Citing data, she stated that speeding accounts for 56 per cent of accidents, 12 per cent of deaths occur due to wrong-side driving, and 8 per cent are linked to drunk driving. According to Mishra, around 45,000 road accidents take place annually in the state, resulting in over 24,000 deaths. She pointed out that road fatalities have risen from 16,000 in 2014 to more than 24,000 in 2024. "Today, an average of 65 people die every day -- nearly three every hour. A family is destroyed every 20 minutes," she said, adding that over 50 per cent of the victims are young people. Mishra alleged that government action on identified black spots has been superficial. She noted that 44 black spots have been identified in the Agra district alone, where 586 people lost their lives in 2024. Barabanki figures among the 100 major black spots in the country, yet permanent rectification of road alignment, design and technical flaws remains pending, she said. She cited the accident on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, where a dumper crushed 10 passengers alighting from a bus, and another fatal accident on the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Rae Bareli. She also mentioned an overspeeding-related crash in Kanpur that claimed 10 lives. The Congress lawmaker termed the road safety campaign conducted until January 31 as a mere formality focused on publicity. "Expenditure alone cannot prevent accidents," she said. Highlighting manpower shortages, she said that while the state has over 5 crore registered vehicles, it has only around 9,000 traffic police personnel against 11,930 sanctioned posts. She argued that at least 30,000 traffic personnel are needed to meet the standards laid down by the Supreme Courtas Road Safety Committee. Mishra urged the government to conduct expert engineering audits of all black spots, upgrade road infrastructure and design, implement Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) in every district, strengthen digital traffic monitoring, fill vacancies in traffic police and home guards, and introduce compulsory road safety education in schools and colleges. She also demanded a transparent and permanent assistance mechanism for families affected by road accidents. BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Food Safety Office and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) have instructed local authorities to tighten the quality and safety oversight of infant formula, following a recent precautionary recall of Nestle products. In response to the recall, which was triggered by the detection of an emetic toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium in certain batches of infant formula, the two authorities have urged Nestle China to complete the recall of specific batches sold on the Chinese mainland, the SAMR said in a statement. To date, no confirmed cases of poisoning linked to the consumption of infant formula contaminated with the toxin have been reported in China, according to the statement. The SAMR has also directed local regulators to strengthen risk control across the production chain, urging all manufacturers to screen for the toxin, enforce strict raw materials inspection measures, and tighten checks before products leave factories to ensure the safety of infant formula milk powder. Dhaka, Feb 13 : Tarique Rahman, the chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who is set to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh, returned to the country in December last year after 17 years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom amid a deepening political crisis. The 60-year-old is the eldest son of former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. With the Awami League unable to participate in elections following the suspension of its registration, Tarique Rahman swiftly emerged as the prime ministerial frontrunner after his mother's demise. Often referred to as "dark prince", Tarique is said to have wielded significant power from 2001 to 2006 during the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami coalition, while Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister. He was, however, accused by the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government of corruption and running a parallel power centre during the Khaleda regime. Last month, Awami League said that the country is witnessing a disturbing political trend, with Tarique being celebrated, rehabilitated, and projected as a future leader, raising concerns that the nationas history has been erased and its collective memory has failed. aThe crimes, corruption, and state capture of the 2001a"2006 period are being deliberately forgotten, softened, or conveniently ignored. This amnesia is dangerous. Because what Tarique Rahman did during that time was not a footnote in history; it was one of the darkest chapters of institutional collapse in Bangladesh," the Awami League had stated. Tarique was arrested in 2007 during the political upheaval linked to the 1/11 period. After being released from prison in 2008, he travelled to the United Kingdom along with his family for medical treatment and remained there till his return to Dhaka on December 25. Following the 2024 July uprising that led to the fall of the democratically elected Awami League government on August 5, 2024, several court verdicts that had sentenced Tarique in different cases were overturned. Experts reckon that Rahman, who is more mature politically now, may work towards the restoration of ties with India in the interest of his own country, while being cautious of excessive Pakistani interference, taking lessons from development in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan. Ties remained strained with India over border security issues and allegations of Bangladesh harbouring anti-India terrorist groups when the BNP was in power between 2001 and 2006. India had also raised concerns in 2004 following the discovery of 10 truckloads of weapons at Chattogramas CUFL jetty. With Tarique now set to lead Bangladesh - the country last saw a male PM almost 35 years ago - experts warn that the nation faces a massive challenge of overcoming the unrest and rising Islamist extremism that marked the 18-month tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Delhi High Court has flagged "serious concern" over inordinate delays in deciding bail pleas, observing that keeping such applications pending for long periods amounts to trauma for an incarcerated accused and violates fundamental rights. New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has flagged "serious concern" over inordinate delays in deciding bail pleas, observing that keeping such applications pending for long periods amounts to trauma for an incarcerated accused and violates fundamental rights. Granting regular bail to an accused in a 2021 murder case, a single-judge Bench of Justice Girish Kathpalia noted that the bail application had remained pending for 25 months before the trial court and continued to languish even before the Delhi High Court. "I must place on record the anguish, expressed genuinely and politely by learned counsel for accused/applicant that for 25 months his bail application remained pending before the trial court despite his having filed early hearing application; and even before this court, the suffering did not reduce and this application remains pending till date," Justice Kathpalia recorded in its order passed on Thursday. The accused Amir had sought regular bail in connection with an FIR registered at Seemapuri police station under Sections 302, 307 and 34 of the IPC. As per the prosecution, on the day of the incident, the complainant Anees and his friends Subhan, Sohail, Arshad and Sameer were sitting together when three accused persons allegedly reached the spot, and a quarrel ensued. It was alleged that one of the co-accused stabbed Shoaib, who later succumbed to injuries, and also attacked Sohail when he tried to intervene. Amir was accused of catching hold of Sohail from behind during the assault. Counsel for the accused submitted that Amir has been in custody since October 24, 2021, and argued that the incident occurred in the spur of the moment. It was also highlighted that the injured witness, Sohail who was allegedly caught hold of by the applicant survived and has already testified before the trial court. Opposing the plea, the prosecution argued that the charges were grave. However, it was conceded that all public witnesses had already been examined, and there was no likelihood of the accused tampering with evidence if released on bail. Terming the delay in adjudicating bail pleas as unacceptable, the Delhi High Court observed: "It is a matter of serious concern that bail applications remained pending for such an inordinately long period before the Court of Sessions as well as this court." It further said that judicial precedents consistently stress the need for expeditious disposal of bail matters. "It has been repeatedly observed in plethora of judicial pronouncements that whether it be allowed or be dismissed, a bail application should not remain pending for such long periods. For, that in itself is a trauma for the incarcerated accused and violation of his fundamental rights," Justice Kathpalia said. Taking note of the prolonged custody and the stage of trial, the Delhi High Court held that there was no reason to further deprive the applicant of liberty. "Considering the above circumstances, I do not find any reason to further deprive liberty to the accused/applicant," Justice Kathpalia said, directing his release on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000 with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial court. The Delhi High Court also directed that a copy of the order be immediately transmitted to the concerned Jail Superintendent to inform the accused. Patna, Feb 13 : The Civil Court in Buxar received a bomb threat via email on Friday, claiming that 14 explosions would take place at 1.15 p.m., triggering panic and forcing the suspension of all judicial proceedings. The threat caused widespread alarm across the court premises, prompting the administration to evacuate the entire complex as a precautionary measure. According to officials, the email explicitly mentioned that 14 bombs had been planted within the court premises and would be detonated at the specified time. Following the alert, all lawyers, court staff and litigants were safely evacuated from the premises. Soon after the threat was reported, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Avinash Kumar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gaurav Kumar Pandey, and later Superintendent of Police (SP) Shubham Arya reached the spot with a heavy police deployment. The entire court complex was cordoned off, and an intensive search operation was conducted with the assistance of the Bomb Squad, Dog Squad and technical teams. The SDPO said the threat email was being taken seriously and that every suspicious object inside the premises was being thoroughly examined. Although no explosives have been recovered so far, security agencies remain on high alert. Meanwhile, District Bar Association General Secretary Bindeshwari Prasad Pandey coordinated with the administration to ensure a smooth evacuation, but raised serious concerns over court security. Advocates J. Saifi and Tej Pratap Singh recalled past violent incidents, including shootings and murders within the court premises, and described the existing security arrangements as inadequate. They demanded the installation of a permanent, technology-driven security system at all entry points to prevent such incidents in the future. At present, the court complex remains under tight police surveillance. Cyber and technical teams are working to trace the origin of the threatening email. The district administration has assured that those responsible will be identified and strict legal action will be taken against them. The incident has once again raised critical questions about security preparedness at judicial institutions. Earlier this week, unidentified persons had sent emails threatening to blow up the Patna Civil Court on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, which later turned out to be hoaxes. Chennai, Feb 13 : Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai has lost one of its most iconic wild residents as Rivaldo, a well-known tusker, who lived peacefully alongside communities on the Sigur plateau for decades, died on Friday. Rivaldo died on Friday afternoon after a brief illness, Forest Department officials confirmed. Believed to be around 50 years old, the elephant had been a familiar and reassuring presence in the Vazhaithottam area of the Segur forest range. Officials said he had been ailing for several days and had likely sustained injuries during fights with other male elephants. Despite treatment efforts by forest veterinarians, his condition deteriorated, and he succumbed on February 13. Rivaldo was widely regarded as a rare example of a wild elephant that coexisted calmly with humans. Known for his impressive tusks and unusually gentle temperament, he frequently roamed near settlements in Vazhaithottam and Bokkapuram but was never reported to have attacked or injured anyone. Residents had grown accustomed to his presence, often describing him as part of the landscape itself. A few years ago, however, complaints about him entering homes in search of food led to attempts to capture and domesticate him. He was briefly confined to an elephant shelter as authorities considered converting him into a captive elephant. The move triggered protests from local conservationists, who argued that Rivaldo was not dangerous and deserved to remain in the wild. With support from former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, the plan was halted and he was released. The Forest Department subsequently tried to "re-wild" him by relocating him nearly 20 kilometres into the core area of the reserve. But Rivaldo's strong attachment to his home range was evident and he soon made his way back to Vazhaithottam, where he continued to live freely for the rest of his life. Wildlife activists say his death highlights the need for stronger medical preparedness in elephant habitats. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is home to roughly 5,000 Asian elephants, and experts stress that timely veterinary care can save many injured or ageing animals. "Every elephant counts, especially adult males. We must be ready to treat them whenever possible," a conservationist said. For the people of Sigur, Rivaldo's passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a gentle giant who symbolised harmony between humans and wildlife. IANS aal/rad Mumbai, Feb 13 : Actress Rani Mukerji, who is currently basking in the success of her recent release, "Mardaani 3", reflected on how social alertness can play a crucial role in preventing crimes against women. Speaking during the success press meet for "Mardaani 3", Rani was questioned about women's safety in India. She was asked, "The data shows that most women in India are exploited by their known ones. Do you think more awareness is needed in this matter?" Reacting to this, Rani shared that it is often the people we trust the most who end up betraying. Rani advocated for educating people regarding such crimes and also for harsh punishments against the offenders. She is of the opinion that strict punishment will instill fear, making anyone think twice before committing a crime against women. She said, "We should be very aware, because it is a mentality, which we have to get rid of, because danger is not always outside, there is danger even inside the house, so it is very important to be alert and aware, because as women, we easily trust, and those whom we trust more, they break our trust, so this is a very sad thing, so everyone should be educated, and should pay attention to everyone's mentality, and should educate them, and there should be strict punishment, for all these crimes, because until we are not strict, these crimes will continue. That fear; it is very important to be in their hearts. Those who commit these crimes should never even think about it." "Mardaani 3" has been directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra. It revolves around the investigation of 93 young girls who have gone missing under mysterious circumstances within a span of just three months. Released on January 30, the project has turned out to be a success at the ticket counters. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The national finale of India's largest 'GenAI Innovation Challenge' will be held here on February 17, during a session at the 'India AI Impact Summit 2026', where over 300 students will get the opportunity to pitch their AI-solutions on a global stage to solve real-world social issues, it was announced on Friday. New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) The national finale of Indiaas largest 'GenAI Innovation Challenge' will be held here on February 17, during a session at the aIndia AI Impact Summit 2026a, where over 300 students will get the opportunity to pitch their AI-solutions on a global stage to solve real-world social issues, it was announced on Friday. OpenAI Academy and NxtWave Disruptive Technologies said the 'Buildathon,' co-organised by them, will feature 300 students who have been selected from 70,000 participants. The aBuildathona was launched in June 2025 and opened new avenues for 70,000 participants from tier 2 and 3 cities to learn, apply, and innovate using AI tools to build real-world solutions for Bharat. Students were encouraged to use Generative AI tools, Large Language Models (LLMs), and modern AI frameworks to solve challenges across healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, climate action, and public services. The aBuildathona is a key initiative aligned with the India AI Mission, taking AI learning and innovation to the students from tier 2 and 3 cities, it added. aThe focus of the buildathon was aligning Bharatas youth with the worldas most innovative AI ecosystems. As Indiaas first major AI-focused summit, this ecosystem will give students rare exposure to how AI is being shaped at scale, across industries," said Rahul Attuluri, CEO and Co-founder, NxtWave. The OpenAI Academy team and NxtWave together conducted 8-hour hands-on workshops, preparing students with all the skills they need to build GenAI projects. The four-day 'India AI Impact Summit' will start on February 16, and is anticipated to be the largest of the four global AI summits hosted to date. It will feature participation from over 100 countries, including 15a"20 heads of government, over 50 ministers, and 40 CEOs of leading global and Indian companies. The summit will showcase 12 qualified Indian startups in areas like healthcare and multilingual tech. This exposure could attract foreign investment and talent inflows, accelerating Indiaas goal of a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030. Belagavi, Feb 13 : Responding to the opposition against the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said on Friday here that it is not just opposing the scheme but its about how the Congress simply can not tolerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Belagavi, Feb 13 (IANS) Responding to the opposition against the Viksit Bharata"Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said on Friday here that it is not just opposing the scheme but its about how the Congress simply can not tolerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at an awareness programme on Centre's initiative VB-G RAM G Act, Vijayendra alleged that the opposition to VB-G RAM G Act, is not about the scheme but because the Congress cannot tolerate Prime Minister Modi. "Medicines are not available in government hospitals. The poor are suffering in district and taluk hospitals. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Jan Aushadhi Kendras, they (Congress) even tried to obstruct that," he alleged. He said that since Independence, a non-Congress party has now been ruling at the Centre, which is the root of Congress' "allergy". "In the last three general elections, the BJP-led NDA government has come to power at the Centre. A leader from a backward class, Narendra Modi, has become the country's Prime Minister. Congress leaders are unable to tolerate that India has emerged as the world's fourth-largest economic power under his leadership," he added while hitting out at the Congress. "The Congress party, which ruled the country for nearly 60 years, had claimed it would eradicate poverty. This shameless Congress party has eliminated the poor rather than eradicating poverty, as it has failed to remove poverty in the country," Vijayendra alleged. He criticised the Congress leaders for becoming wealthy. He asked whether the Karnataka government had been able to introduce even a single new development scheme in the last two-and-a-half years. "They (Congress) pat themselves on the back for giving Rs 2,000 under the Gruha Laxmmi scheme in Karnataka. On the other hand, unable to mobilise funds for the scheme, they have set a revenue target of Rs 40,000 crore for the Excise Department in the state," Vijayendra alleged. He said it is uncertain whether one can find a medical shop within 500 metres in the state, but one can certainly find a liquor shop within that distance. Allowing the sale of liquor in grocery stores is the achievement of this incompetent Congress-led Karnataka government, he added while hitting out at the Karnataka government. Giving Rs 2,000 under Gruha Laxmi scheme and extracting Rs 10,000 from the same household through liquor sales is the real achievement of this (Karnataka) government, Vijayendra alleged. He asked whether the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) does not see poor people among backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Veerashaivas and the Vokkaliga community. "As Chief Minister, have you not been able to strengthen the livelihoods of the working communities in the last two-and-a-half years in Karnataka," the State BJP President asked, adding that the answer is no. He criticised that the Karnataka government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah do not even have the capacity to provide funds to their own MLAs. "To save his chair, the Chief Minister has facilitated foreign tours for ruling party MLAs. It is impossible to expect development of the state from such a shameless Congress government," Vijayendra alleged. He said the Union government has implemented a new law under the VB-G RAM G initiative. "Earlier, there was a scheme known as "food for work", which later became the employment guarantee scheme, MGNREGA." "Today, the Union government under PM Narendra Modi has given it a new form, introduced several reforms, curbed corruption and implemented it effectively. Naturally, the Congress is not only criticising it but also issuing advertisements. In the recent Karnataka Assembly session, a resolution was passed against VB-G RAM G Act," Vijayendra alleged. He asked which scheme of the Union government has been welcomed by the Congress government in the last two-and-a-half years. "The Prime Minister introduced the New Education Policy to take the country forward on the path of development, but the Congress government and the Chief Minister obstructed it," he alleged. "Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, PM Narendra Modi has been depositing Rs 6,000 into farmers' accounts. When B.S. Yediyurappa was the Karnataka Chief Minister, he provided an additional Rs 4,000, something no other Chief Minister in the country had done, but that, too, was discontinued," Vijayendra alleged. He said the Raitha Vidyanidhi scheme implemented by former Chief Minister and veteran BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai was also stopped. "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved forward with the idea of 'One Nation, One Election', the Congress opposed it. When PM Narendra Modi introduced amendments to the Waqf Act to prevent the alleged encroachment of farmers' lands in the state, the Congress opposed that as well," he added. Chennai, Feb 13 : Young director and actor Abishan Jeevinth, whose most recent film 'With Love' has gone on to emerge as another hit, on Friday thanked Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda for his appreciation and kind words and for the "great conversation" he had got to have with him. Taking to his Instagram page to share a picture of himself with the Telugu star, Abishan Jeevinth, whose debut film as an actor 'With Love' has emerged a hit, wrote, "With love from @thedeverakonda anna. Thank you so much for today, anna. I truly had such a great conversation with you. Hearing all the appreciation and kind words from you meant a lot to me. Feeling really grateful and happy. #abishanjeevinth #vijaydevarkonda." Interestingly, director Abishan Jeevinth had, just before the release of the film 'With Love', disclosed that it was Superstar Rajinikanth's inspiring words to him, 'Nee Nadi Kanna' (You act dear one), that actually cleared all his doubts and insecurities about becoming an actor. Participating in a pre-release event of 'With Love', Abishan Jeevinth, who shot to fame after his film 'Tourist Family' emerged a superhit last year, had said, "I had given my assent for acting but then I began having doubts after seeing certain things. I was not sure about whether I should turn an actor. That was the time, Superstar Rajinikanth sir called me to his home and said to me,'Nee Nadi kanna'." Abishan said that Superstar Rajinikanth's words blew all his insecurities away. "I decided I would do this movie no matter what," he had said and had thanked Rajinikanth. "Thank you so much sir, thank you! I will dedicate whatever success this film gets to you," he told Rajinikanth. The director-turned-actor was also all praise for Madhan, the director of 'With Love'. "Madhan came as my co-director for 'Tourist Family'. Even before 'Tourist Family' could release, he asked me if I would act as the lead in this film," Abishan recalled. Thanking Madhan, he said, "No matter how many films I do, this film will always remain special. I am proud about having done this film. More than fame and success, I got a lot of respect after Tourist Family. I can confidently say that Madhan will get twice the respect that I got after this film releases," he had said. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Delhi High Court has dismissed an anticipatory bail plea filed by a woman accused of trafficking a minor from her native village and employing him in the sale of illicit liquor in the national capital. A single-judge Bench of Justice Girish Kathpalia denied relief to the accused, Savitri, in connection with an FIR registered at Sangam Vihar police station for offences under Section 33 of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, Section 78 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and Sections 95/112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. As per the prosecution, the criminal case was registered on the statement of a constable who, during patrol duty, witnessed the sale of illicit liquor in a narrow lane of the area. When he attempted to apprehend those involved, a woman named Kajal, who was allegedly selling illicit liquor along with a child, fled from the spot. The child was apprehended with pouches of illicit liquor kept in a plastic bucket. During the investigation, it emerged that the minor had been brought to Delhi by the applicant, who is a close relative of Kajal, and that the family members were engaged in the sale of illicit liquor. Opposing the bail plea, the prosecution contended that the accused was actively involved in the illicit liquor racket and had received monetary benefits, adding that her custodial interrogation was necessary to unearth the larger conspiracy. In its order rejecting the bail plea of the accused woman, the Delhi High Court observed that the gravity of the allegations could not be ignored. "At the outset, the seriousness of the alleged crime has to be kept in mind. The allegation against the accused/applicant is not only involvement in the sale of illicit liquor. The charge against the accused/applicant is trafficking of a child from the native place to be employed in the illicit business," Justice Kathpalia said. The order further noted that the parameters for granting anticipatory bail are stricter than those applicable to regular bail. "Grant of anticipatory bail in such cases where a child is exploited in the commission of crimes would send very wrong signals across the society. In the recent past, exploitation of children in the commission of crimes is increasing day by day; children are now being often used as a weapon by hardened criminals to escape penal action," the Delhi High Court said. It also found merit in the prosecution's submission that custodial interrogation was required to ascertain whether more children had been trafficked in a similar manner. "I also find substance in the submission of the State that custodial interrogation of the accused/applicant is necessary in order to unearth if more children in a similar fashion have been trafficked by the accused/applicant for being used in the commission of crimes," Justice Kathpalia observed. The Delhi High Court further noted that the investigation indicated that the applicant had allegedly received monetary benefits, and her PhonePe account statements were under examination. Taking a view of her alleged criminal antecedents, Justice Kathpalia noted that the applicant was involved in 17 other cases of a similar nature and one case under the NDPS Act, and had subsequently been implicated along with family members in two more similar cases. "Considering the above circumstances, I do not find it a fit case to grant anticipatory bail to the accused/applicant," the Delhi HC held, while dismissing the bail application. Bengaluru, Feb 13 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday inaugurated the International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS), emphasising that the issue must be treated as a national security imperative amid climate change, ageing infrastructure, and emerging technological risks. The conference, being held at the J.N. Tata Auditorium of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), is jointly organised by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and the state Water Resources Department, in association with the Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bengaluru, and the World Bank. The three-day conference is expected to deliberate on global best practices, policy reforms and technological innovations to strengthen dam safety and resilience in India and beyond. Addressing a gathering of global experts, policymakers and practitioners, the Chief Minister said the theme "Safe & Secure Dams" is both timely and critical, as dam safety and resilience have become central to sustainable water governance. He cautioned that climate-driven hydrological extremes, seismic vulnerabilities, reservoir sedimentation and ageing infrastructure are creating complex, interlinked risks. "Dam safety is no longer a technical afterthought; it is a national security imperative," he stressed. The Chief Minister also flagged emerging concerns such as cyber security threats to digitally operated dams, vulnerabilities of critical water infrastructure to terrorism and strategic disruption, methane emissions from reservoirs, and the need for transparent and humane rehabilitation frameworks for displaced communities. He called for a multi-pronged response rooted in science and institutional strength. Governments must move beyond mere compliance to build a strong safety culture, ensuring regular inspections, safety audits and Emergency Action Plans are treated as living instruments of risk governance, he said. Regulatory bodies must institutionalise risk-informed decision-making by integrating data from instrumentation, remote sensing and structural health monitoring systems into real-time dashboards. Academic and research institutions should deepen multidisciplinary collaboration to address compound risks arising from climate variability and ageing infrastructure, he stated. Reiterating Karnataka's commitment to cooperative federalism in water governance, the Chief Minister said water does not recognise political boundaries, nor should safety standards. He described the collaboration between the Central and the state governments, the Central Water Commission, the World Bank, IISc, and international partners as a shared commitment to public safety above politics. Declaring the conference open, he said, "The true measure of development is not how high we build, but how safely we sustain." He noted that India currently has 6,628 specified dams, making it the third-largest dam-owning nation in the world, while Karnataka, with 231 specified dams, ranks sixth nationally. Nearly 70 per cent of these dams are over 25 years old, highlighting the urgent need for systematic safety evaluation, modernisation and risk-informed operations. The Chief Minister highlighted Karnataka's legacy in irrigation development, crediting the Mysuru Maharajas, particularly Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, for their foresight in supporting irrigation works that transformed arid regions into fertile landscapes. Successive governments, including that of Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, further expanded irrigation to promote equitable regional development, he added. Karnataka currently has an installed hydropower capacity of nearly 4,800 MW, and its reservoirs hold substantial live storage, supporting irrigation and urban water supply across the state. Major dam projects in the Krishna, Cauvery and other river basins have stabilised agriculture, supported water needs and catalysed industrial and livelihood growth in several districts, CM Siddaramaiah stated. "Only when policy, science, engineering, finance and community participation converge can we ensure that our dams remain enduring pillars of national prosperity and public trust," he said. by Xinhua writer Liu Bowei BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- A narrative increasingly heard in the United States and Europe attributes China's rise as the global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs) to government subsidies. However, if this were the case, then by the end of 2022, when China's subsidies for NEV purchases have phased out, the industry should have stalled. Yet, the sector continued to grow and remained globally competitive. In 2025 alone, official data showed that China's NEV production and sales surged, reaching 16.626 million and 16.49 million units, respectively, marking year-on-year increases of 29 percent and 28.2 percent, and maintaining China's top position in the world for 11 consecutive years. So what are the drivers of China's NEV boom? INNOVATION FUELS GROWTH Early policy support, including subsidies, indeed helped the NEV industry get off the ground in China, providing funding and stability when the market was still nascent. More importantly, such a forward-looking strategy to nurture a strategic sector and foster long-term innovation has encouraged manufacturers to invest in core technologies early and sustainably. Take NEV manufacturer BYD. The company has consistently prioritized long-term innovation over immediate profit, with R&D expenditure surpassing net income in 13 of the 14 years between 2011 and 2024. In 2025, it unveiled the Super E-Platform, designed to enable ultra-fast charging, potentially providing a 400-kilometer driving range with a five-minute charge. That same year, BYD surpassed Tesla in global electric vehicle (EV) sales. Meanwhile, China's CATL, a global leader in battery production, announced that its all-solid-state battery research and development had entered the pre-mass production stage, featuring an energy density more than 30 percent higher than traditional liquid lithium batteries and a lifecycle exceeding 2,000 charges. According to an analysis released by SNE Research earlier in February, the global market for electric vehicle batteries grew by 31.7 percent last year, with CATL, the leading supplier, growing its market share from 38.0 percent in 2024 to 39.2 percent in 2025. MORE AFFORDABLE AND BETTER Sustained innovation has also driven steady reductions in production costs. Data from the International Energy Agency indicated that in 2024, battery pack prices in China fell nearly 30 percent, far faster than the 10 to 15 percent declines seen in Europe and the United States. The faster decline in battery costs has strengthened the competitive edge of Chinese EVs, as batteries make up roughly 30 to 40 percent of an EV's total cost. A more affordable price is only part of the picture. While traditional automakers often take around four years to bring a new model to market, Chinese NEV makers roll out new features and model updates at a pace akin to consumer electronics, typically in just over a year, with some companies introducing multiple updates within a single year. Early subsidies may help an industry take off, but sustained innovation and efficiency ultimately determine the winners. Just as Italian entrepreneur Andrea Levy, the president of the 2025 Turin Auto Show, has observed, China's combination of advanced battery and charging technologies, plus attractive pricing, gives Chinese automakers significant potential. INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERING China's NEV industry has also benefited from the robust industrial foundation built over more than 40 years of China's reform and opening-up policy. This well-established base has fostered a highly integrated and tightly clustered ecosystem, spanning raw material processing, battery production, vehicle assembly and software development, which has helped the sector thrive. This deeply integrated network enables highly efficient, reliable production and continues to underpin the sector's rapid growth. The Yangtze River Delta, for instance, has established a "4-hour industrial ecosystem," where any NEV plant can obtain all required parts within a four-hour drive, facilitating efficient collaboration and rapid iteration. In this collaborative industrial network, Shanghai serves as the technological hub, driving advancements in chips and software development. Meanwhile, Changzhou, located about 200 km west of Shanghai in Jiangsu Province, dominates power battery production, the essential "core" of EVs. To the south, Ningbo in Zhejiang Province plays a key role in manufacturing the "structure" of the vehicles, particularly through the use of cutting-edge integrated die-casting technology. Changzhou, often referred to as the "Capital of New Energy," exemplifies the strength of this industrial clustering. In 2025, the production value of its NEV and auto parts cluster exceeded 500 billion yuan (about 70.4 billion U.S. dollars), while the production of NEVs surpassed 800,000 units. This growth highlights the remarkable efficiency and synergy of the broader industrial network. POWERING NEXT-GEN VEHICLES China's NEV sector is characterized by a vertically integrated value chain spanning research and development, manufacturing, sales, after-sales service and standard-setting. But it is not just the vehicles themselves that are advancing at a rapid pace; China is also leading the way in the key subsystems that power them. At the 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest auto shows, over 100 Chinese automakers and suppliers showcased the latest in NEV technology. Among the highlights was Horizon Robotics, a Chinese AI chipmaker, which unveiled its Journey 6 series, a smart-driving platform that supports functions ranging from basic assistance to citywide autonomous driving. The influence of Chinese technology in NEV subsystems didn't stop there. Several European automakers incorporated Chinese innovation into their own models, marking a significant shift in how Chinese companies export technology. Rather than just selling individual components, China is now exporting entire "ecosystems" that span the NEV industry. For example, BMW's Neue Klasse iX3, developed in partnership with Chinese firms, comes equipped with systems optimized for local digital ecosystems. A report by Germany's Center of Automotive Management in 2025 named five Chinese companies among the world's top 10 most innovative automakers, citing their leadership in EVs, autonomous driving, and in-car electronics. Chinese companies are strong in digitalization and intelligent technologies, helping cars become more comfortable and smarter, said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a prominent German automotive expert and director of the Center for Automotive Research in Bochum, Germany. "The car of the future will be completely different -- it will be modern, digital, and intelligent," Dudenhoeffer said. "We can learn from China's innovations, bring more innovative products to the market, and also benefit from China's cost advantages and long-term planning." Jabalpur, Feb 13 : The tragic death of a young trader whose shop was bulldozed by the administration in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, has triggered a political controversy, with the Opposition demanding an investigation and adequate compensation to the deceased man's family. According to information, Mintu Agarwal (39) a cloth trader collapsed and fell to the ground when a team of revenue officials of the district administration along with the police, demolished his shop in Bargi area in the city on Thursday. Mintu was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and the doctors said that he had suffered a cardiac arrest. He died during treatment on Thursday night, following which the family members and other shop owners staged a protest at the police station late in the night. Enraged traders and locals demanded an FIR against the officials for culpable homicide and compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family. The protest ended late at night after receiving assurance from authorities. State Congress president Jitu Patwari on Friday criticised the district administration's action, stating that taking away a family's livelihood, dreams, and support in an instant is a symbol of "insensitive governance". The Congress leader raised questions asking if the Jabalpur district administration ignored a stay order from the High Court regarding that particular shop? Patwari said, "If there was a stay order, why was it ignored? The government should answer." In a statement, the Congress leader said, "I urge Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to take strict action against the responsible officials and ensure that the victim's family receives justice and a respectable compensation." Meanwhile, videos surfaced on media showing that when Mintu was preparing to open the shop on Thursday morning, a team of revenue officials, accompanied by police personnel came to him and gave him a 10-minute ultimatum to vacate the shop. "We were never informed. Give us at least two hours," Manoj (Mintu's brother could be heard pleading with the officials. In the meantime, Mintu, who was shifting the goods with his brother and other staff, suddenly collapsed and was rushed to hospital where he died during treatment. New Delhi, Feb 13 : Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Friday, welcomed the India-US trade deal, terming it a "very important development", which opens more opportunities for economic cooperation. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Azar said, "As you know, Israel is also very engaged with the American market. We get about 80 per cent of our foreign investments from the United States, and Israel is the biggest innovation hub outside the United States." "When the system opens, it creates more opportunities for Israeli, Indian, and US companies to work together," he added. India and Israel have already signed the terms of reference that will guide negotiations for a balanced, comprehensive free trade agreement. India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat signed the terms of reference document in Tel Aviv in November 2025 to formally launch negotiations for a comprehensive pact to boost trade, investment, and cooperation in technology, defence, and agriculture. The two countries will hold further negotiations to move ahead on the issue. "India and Israel also signed a joint ministerial declaration of intent, in January this year, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture recognising Israel's advanced technologies and innovations in the sector and India's vast aquatic resources," according to an official statement issued on Thursday. The agreement was signed during the visit of a high-level Indian delegation, led by the Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, from January 13 to 15, 2026, to participate in the second global summit on "Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026" held at Eilat in Israel. The joint declaration sets out a comprehensive framework for cooperation across multiple areas of mutual interest. The key areas of collaboration include joint research and development in advanced aquaculture technologies such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, cage culture, aquaponics, and aquarium systems, including oceanarium, expertise in breeding high-yield species. It also includes pathogen-free seed improvement strategies and broodstock development. A significant component of the cooperation will be exploring the establishment of new India-Israel Centres of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquaculture, on the similar line of the successful network of 43 agricultural Centres of Excellence already operational under India-Israel collaboration. Jaipur, Feb 13 : The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Friday conducted a high-level review meeting with the government of Rajasthan to assess the progress of ongoing skilling initiatives and chart a roadmap for strengthening employability outcomes in the state. The meeting was chaired by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, in the presence of Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, Rajasthanas Minister for Industry and Commerce, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship. The review, held at Kaushal Bhawan, focused on deepening Centrea"state collaboration across flagship programmes. Rajasthan has emerged as a key partner in Indiaas skilling ecosystem, with one of the largest Industrial Training Institute (ITI) networks in the country, comprising 1,537 ITIs, including 182 government and 1,355 private institutions. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, more than 3.14 lakh candidates have been trained or oriented in the state, with over 2.50 lakh successfully certified. Apprenticeship engagement under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has crossed 1.04 lakh apprentices across 1,211 active establishments, with Rs 24.98 crore disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer till January 31, 2026. In addition, over 2.51 lakh artisans have been assessed under PM Vishwakarma. Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS), operating in nine districts, have enrolled nearly 12,000 candidates, recording a high certification rate. A major area of discussion was the establishment of two Skill India International Centres (SIIC) in Rajasthan and the implementation of the PM Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. Rajasthan has identified key ITI clusters across districts, including Bharatpur, Bhiwadi, Jaipur, Balotra, Kota, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Banswara, to implement a hub-and-spoke model aimed at aligning training with regional industrial demand. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, PM-SETU at the national level carries a total outlay of Rs 60,000 crore over five years and seeks to upgrade 1,000 ITIs and five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), with the objective of skilling 20 lakh youth in modern and emerging trades. Speaking on the occasion, Jayant Chaudhary said Rajasthanas scale and institutional depth place it at the forefront of Indiaas skilling transformation. He emphasised that the next phase must focus on enhancing quality, strengthening industry partnerships and ensuring measurable employment outcomes. He noted that the transformation of ITIs under PM-SETU, expansion of apprenticeship participation, and creation of international skilling centres would collectively position Rajasthanas youth to compete both domestically and globally. He further underlined the importance of aligning future skills such as electronics, EV servicing and digital technologies with traditional sectors supported under PM Vishwakarma, thereby integrating heritage and innovation within the stateas growth strategy. Col Rajyavardhan Rathore reiterated the state governmentas commitment to accelerating reforms in the skilling ecosystem. He affirmed that Rajasthan would extend full support in expediting infrastructure development, facilitating land allocation where required, and ensuring robust monitoring mechanisms under PMKVY 4.0 and PM-SETU. He highlighted that with over three lakh youth trained under PMKVY and more than one lakh apprentices engaged, the state is steadily building a skilled workforce aligned with sectors such as automotive, electronics, petrochemicals, handicrafts and export-oriented industries. The meeting also reviewed a proposal for establishing a National Skill Training Institute in Bharatpur and upgrading NSTI (Women), Jaipur and NSTI, Jodhpur. Discussions were held on setting up Skill India International Centres in Jaipur and Bharatpur to create structured pathways for overseas employment and global workforce mobility. The review concluded with both governments agreeing to fast-track pending approvals, strengthen monitoring and governance frameworks, and deepen industry engagement to enhance placement-linked outcomes. The deliberations reaffirmed a shared commitment to building a future-ready, inclusive and globally competitive workforce, with Rajasthan playing a pivotal role in advancing Indiaas skilling mission. New Delhi, Feb 13 : President Droupadi Murmu on Friday inaugurated an all-India conference and launched a nationwide campaign 'Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat' of Brahma Kumaris, underlining that economic and technological development without morality can create imbalances in society. "Economic progress fosters prosperity, and technological progress promotes innovation, efficiency and competition. These lay the foundation for a prosperous nation. However, economic and technological development without morality can create imbalances in society," said the President. She said unethical economic progress can lead to the concentration of wealth and resources, environmental damage and exploitation of vulnerable sections of society. The use of technology without ethical values can be destructive to humanity. Presenting a link between governance and spirituality, Murmu said, "Just and fair administrative decisions can be made by the country's leadership based on spirituality. Such decisions are not for the benefit of any one class, but for the benefit of all citizens. When government actions are just, it promotes trust and stability in society." At the event, the President also launched the silver jubilee celebrations of Om Shanti Retreat Centre, Gurugram. The President said that spirituality provides us with fundamental values and a moral framework that inspires us to practise Karmayoga, or selfless service, and spirituality also emphasises virtues such as integrity, compassion, non-violence and service to others. "When our thoughts are grounded in spiritual values, we are able to transcend self-interest and consider the welfare of all," said Murmu. The President said that Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya teaches Rajayoga. "It is not merely about sitting in one place and contemplating the self. Karmayoga is a fundamental part of it. Karmayoga is about following high spiritual principles while fulfilling all our responsibilities," she said, expressing happiness to note that millions of people associated with Brahma Kumaris are living meaningful lives by regularly practising Karmayoga. She said that through Karmayoga, every citizen of this country can contribute to India's sustainable and holistic development. This will not only enable India to progress economically but also help us create a society that will be a model of value-based life for the world, she added. Nairobi, Feb 13 : Critics have warned that continued militarised governance risks deepening alienation and instability in Pakistan's Balochistan, a report has stated. Rising attacks in Balochistan are undermining security narrative of Pakistan and threatening international investment commitments, especially those related to the US and China, Kenya-based Capital News reported. Balochistan, which possesses rich minerals and is strategically located along the Arabian Sea, has witnessed coordinated attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), causing casualties among civilians, security personnel and militants. The violence has exposed the fragility of Balochistan which has been governed through security measures instead of political engagement. Observers have contended that Pakistan has showcased Baloch insurgency as an external security threat instead of addressing political grievances. For years, reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and collective punishment have emerged from Balochistan, with human rights groups demanding greater transparency and accountability. Balochistan's conflict dates back to 1948, when the province was included in Pakistan. Since then, Baloch leaders have repeatedly raised concerns over political marginalisation, lack of control over natural resources and limited economic participation, Capital News reported. In response, successive government have deployed heavy military and conducted security operations. In recent years, the issue has obtained greater geopolitical significance due to the Chinaa"Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Gwadar Port, highways and energy infrastructure in Balochistan are important for China's regional trade strategy and Pakistanas economic recovery plans. At the same time, Pakistan wants to have Western investment in Balochistan's copper, gold and gas reserves. However, continuous insecurity has raised doubt regarding the viability of long-term investment in the region. Pakistan's military leadership, under Army Chief General Asim Munir, has argued that security operations are needed to tackle separatism and safeguard national integrity. However, some observers stressed that casualty figures and the scale of unrest may be understated, sparking concerns regarding transparency in dealing with the crisis, according to Capital News report. Human rights groups have voiced concern over reports of media blackouts and restrictions on peaceful protests, including families of people reported missing. The impact of conflict extends beyond Pakistan's border considering the strategic importance of Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan and provides access to key maritime routes. Instability in Balochistan will have impact on regional trade corridors and wider geopolitical dynamics. Mumbai, Feb 13 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable plots of land and office units worth Rs 132.85 crore in Mumbai and Raigad districts of Maharashtra as part of action in a Rs 1,438 crore bank fraud case, an official said on Friday. The ED's Mumbai Zonal Office attached the land and office units under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the case of Ushdev International Limited (UIL), an official statement said. The ED initiated investigation based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai under various sections of IPC, 1860, over a complaint filed by the State Bank of India (SBI) on behalf of an SBI-led consortium of banks, alleging a loan fraud of nearly Rs 1,438 crore. Investigation revealed that the accused fraudulently availed Cash Credit, Letters of Credit (LCs) and Buyers' Credit by submitting forged and fabricated trade documents without any genuine underlying business transactions, the ED added. "On this basis, consortium banks were induced to release funds. It was found that the LC proceeds were received by shell and controlled supplier entities, which were used merely as conduits," the ED said. "The funds were subsequently layered through multiple intermediary entities and routed back to Ushdev group companies, creating circular transactions without commercial justification," it added. "Further investigation revealed that a significant portion of the Cash Credit funds was diverted to the related entities, under the guise of advances," it said. "These entities were found to be dormant or not engaged in genuine business activities. The funds were ultimately routed to Uttam Galva Group companies, indicating layering and diversion of Proceeds of Crime," it added. "Investigation showed that fraudulently obtained LC proceeds were utilised to repay Buyers' Credit facilities, which financed imports that were re-exported to overseas related entities," the ED said. "The export proceeds were not repatriated to India and, wherever realised abroad, were diverted to overseas subsidiaries and connected entities," the ED added. Seoul, Feb 13 : India and South Korea held the sixth Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) on Friday, reviewing bilateral ties, including sharing the views on high-level exchanges, economic and commercial issues, security and defence, science and technology, cultural and people-to-people ties. The two sides also agreed to work to further enhance Special Strategic Partnership between both nations. Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), P Kumaran and South Korea's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo co-chaired the meeting. "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran co-chaired 6th Foreign policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with Park Yoon-joo and reviewed the whole gamut of the bilateral relations including sharing the views on high-level exchanges, economic and commercial issues, security, defence, S&T, Cultural and People to People ties," India's Embassy in South Korea stated on X after the meeting. "They also shared their perspectives on the issues of regional and global significance and agreed to work to further enhance the Special Strategic Partnership," it added. On January 30, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh met parliamentary delegation from South Korea led by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Hack-young as the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen Special Strategic Partnership and parliamentary cooperation. "Delighted to meet with a Parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Korea led by Dy. Speaker National Assembly Mr. Lee Hack-young. We discussed various avenues for further strengthening our 'Special Strategic Partnership' and Parliamentary cooperation," Harivansh posted on X following the meeting. Earlier on January 14, India's Ambassador to South Korea Gourangalal Das held a meeting with South Korea National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Hack-young and Representatives - Song Jae-bong and Jeong Hyekyeong. Following the meeting, the Indian Embassy in South Korea posted on X: "Ambassador Gourangalal Das met Deputy Speaker Lee Hack-young along with Rep. Jeong Hyekyeong and Rep. Song Jae-bong (DPK) at the National Assembly and explored new ways to strengthen parliamentary ties, foster bilateral cooperation, and address the issues of mutual interest." Last November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. This was their second meeting in 2025 following their talks on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Canada. "Had a wonderful meeting with President Mr. Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea during the Johannesburg G20 Summit. This is our second meeting this year, indicative of the strong momentum in our Special Strategic Partnership. We exchanged perspectives to further deepen our economic and investment linkages," PM Modi posted on X following the meeting. India and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1973 while consular relations between two nations were established in 1962, according to Indian Embassy in South Korea statement. The countries formed a "Strategic Partnership" in 2010, which was elevated to 'Special Strategic Partnership' in 2015 during PM Modi's State visit to South Korea. The two countries commemorated 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2023. Chandigarh, Feb 13 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Friday held statewide "band-baja" protests against Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa over his casteist and derogatory remarks targeting Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. Chandigarh, Feb 13 (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Friday held statewide "band-baja" protests against Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa over his casteist and derogatory remarks targeting Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. Senior leaders, ministers, MLAs, activists, and residents joined demonstrations in large numbers, raising slogans and demanding a public apology from Bajwa and the Congress leadership. AAP leader Baltej Pannu said, "Partap Singh Bajwa's shameful and casteist remarks against Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO are not merely an insult to a minister but a direct attack on the entire Dalit community and the hardworking people and labourers of Punjab who earn their livelihood with dignity. "We demand that Bajwa and the Congress leadership publicly apologise to the Dalit community and to all hardworking people." The AAP Punjab General Secretary added, "The anti-Dalit mindset of the Congress has once again been exposed before the people of Punjab. The AAP will not allow anyone to demean Dalits or insult the dignity of working-class people in the state." Challenging the Congress leadership, AAP Punjab leaders said, "Does Partap Singh Bajwa's casteist language reflect the official thinking of the Congress party? Does Congress stand with Bajwa's derogatory remarks? Will the Congress President and senior leaders publicly condemn him, or will they once again choose silence, just as they have done whenever Dalits were attacked, ignored, or humiliated?" Protests were held across Punjab, including major demonstrations in Malerkotla and Ropar, where a significant number of residents and "band-baaja" artists joined AAP leaders and party workers in condemning Bajwa and the Congress party's anti-Dalit stance. Demonstrations also took place in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Bathinda, Fazilka, Firozpur, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Barnala, and SAS Nagar, where AAP activists came out in large numbers to condemn the anti-Dalit mindset. Mumbai, Feb 13 : Amid the debate over a possible merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party -- Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar camps, NCP (Ajit Pawar) working president Praful Patel on Friday said the party's priority is to rally behind its leadership and strengthen the organisation. Patel refrained from commenting on the merger between the two NCP factions. He said that Sunetra Pawar, being the sole candidate, would be elected as the NCP national president within the next fortnight, thereby indicating that he is not in the fray for the top post. Patel's statement comes three days after he, along with Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan. Patel's remarks on focusing on strengthening the party organisation also coincide with its victory in the Pune Zilla Parishad and its performance in other zilla parishads, including Kolhapur, as well as in several panchayat samitis. His statement also comes a day after NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Thursday in New Delhi admitted that talks had been held with late Ajit Pawar regarding a merger, but added that there was no point in raking up the issue, especially after his sudden and untimely death. Earlier, state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare on Wednesday made it clear that the party is part of the NDA and will continue to remain so. When asked about the party's stance on a potential merger, Tatkare said: "Where does the question of our party's stance even arise? We are in the NDA. While Dada (Ajit Pawar) was alive, I repeatedly clarified our position -- that we took a collective decision to join the NDA under his leadership. That decision stood yesterday, it stands today, and it will remain so in the future. Therefore, someone else needs to provide clarity regarding joining the NDA." He reaffirmed that Ajit Pawar had favoured being in government with the BJP since 2014-19, and said the party remains committed to the NDA. However, Maharashtra NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Shashikant Shinde, in a commemorative editorial in the party's magazine, shed light on what he described as the hidden dynamics behind the split and alleged merger plans. Shinde claimed that former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers". He further stated that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached on February 12 in the presence of Sharad Pawar. In a significant claim, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger. "Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote. A visitor views a vehicle during a launching event in Accra, Ghana, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) ACCRA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, a Ghana-based Chinese automobile assembly and distribution company, late Wednesday launched a range of Chery sport utility vehicles (SUVs) into the Ghanaian market. Among the new SUV models launched to the joy of Ghanaian auto lovers present were the Chery Tiggo 2, Chery Tiggo 7, and Chery Tiggo 9. Also on display on Wednesday were iCAUR V23 and iCAUR 03, both electric vehicles (EVs) from the Chery range. Speaking during the launch, Yang Yang, Managing Director of Zonda, said the goal of her company was to continue serving Ghanaians the best of automobiles from China. "Chery is a leading automobile exporter from China, and I want my Ghanaian auto lovers to enjoy its unique features," Yang told Xinhua. According to her, Ghanaians have embraced automobiles from China, especially because they know whatever Zonda brings from China is the best. Seth Twum Akwaboah, chief executive officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), lauded Zonda for injecting dynamism into the auto space in Ghana. "We are looking forward to the day when you will go beyond assembling the semi-knocked-down parts to even producing some parts here in Ghana. It is possible because you already do some amount of that," Akwaboah said. He said such manufacturing efforts by Zonda and other Chinese companies would flourish under Ghana's new 24-hour economy policy. A visitor tries a vehicle during a launching event in Accra, Ghana, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) Ahmedabad, Feb 13 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against Hellious Tubealloys Private Limited (HTPL) and its directors in connection with an alleged bank fraud of Rs 28.54 crore involving the Bank of Baroda, the central agency said on Friday. The complaint was filed by the Ahmedabad Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following an investigation initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s Anti-Corruption Branch in Gandhinagar. The FIR pertains to offences under Sections 120-B and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The case originated from a complaint lodged by the Deputy General Manager of Bank of Baroda's Ahmedabad Region against HTPL and its directors, Shantilal Sanghvi and Mahesh Sanghvi, for allegedly defrauding the bank. According to the ED, its investigation revealed that HTPL had been sanctioned credit facilities amounting to Rs 29.67 crore by the bank. Of this, nearly Rs 14 crore was allegedly diverted to a sister concern, SLS Stainless Private Limited, without any genuine business transactions. The central probe agency also alleged that the company issued bogus Letter of Credits to avail loan funds and submitted falsified stock statements and books of accounts with dishonest intent. Additionally, HTPL is accused of obtaining a bank guarantee of around Rs 4.50 crore and misusing the remaining loan amount towards term loan repayment, charges and taxes, resulting in a wrongful loss of Rs 28.54 crore to the bank. The bank has recovered Rs 5.64 crore through auction of mortgaged assets and other recovery measures, the central agency had said. As part of the probe, the ED conducted search operations at multiple locations and seized incriminating documents. The CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch in Gandhinagar filed a charge sheet in the case on December 28, 2021. Based on its findings, the ED issued a provisional attachment order for immovable properties valued at Rs 19.37 crore. Further investigation is underway. Kabul, Feb 13 : Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent statement that his country acted as a "hired force" in Afghanistan is one of the most direct admission of a policy failure. His remarks expose Pakistan's internal reckoning with its Afghan policy and indicate a renewed effort to shift responsibility for Islamabad's security crisis onto Kabul, a report mentioned. In his recent remarks in Pakistan's National Assembly after the Islamabad suicide attack, Asif condemned terrorism and spoke about Pakistan's decades-long role as a "hired force" in Afghanistan. His remarks along with new accusations from Pakistan's Interior Ministry and an analysis shared on social media demonstrate that Pakistan is struggling to reconcile its past interventions with its present insecurity, Afghan Diaspora Network reported citing Tolo News. Asif said that Pakistan was involved in conflict in Afghanistan for 22 to 23 years to serve Western interests and not for religious reasons. He contended that Pakistan's decision to join the Afghan conflicts was driven for gaining support of the US and not ideological conviction. "For decades, we were involved in Afghanistan as a hired force," he said while adding that Pakistan has not yet fully accepted its mistake and is now repeating it. Asif's admission challenges the narrative that Pakistan claimed for years that its involvement in Afghanistan was a religious duty and defence of the Muslim world. Former Afghan diplomat Aziz Mareq stated that Asif's remarks are less about accountability and more about relieving Pakistani officials of responsibility, Afghan Diaspora Network reported, citing Tolo News. He stated that Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan were driven by economic benefit. Asif's remarks showcased Pakistan's frustration with the Taliban. He said Afghanistan, which once listened to Pakistan's concerns, is now "reluctant" to provide assurances on counter-terrorism. His remarks showcased deteriorating ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Earlier, Pakistan hoped to secure its western flank by Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. In a report in Afghan Diaspora Network, Kazim Jafari, a political science student at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, wrote, "Khawaja Asif's admission that Pakistan acted as a 'hired force' in Afghanistan is one of the most direct acknowledgments of policy failure ever made by a Pakistani minister. Yet his speech also revealed the contradictions at the heart of Pakistan's Afghan strategy: a willingness to admit past mistakes, paired with a continued reliance on externalising blame. "For Afghanistan, these remarks are both revealing and troubling. They expose Pakistan's internal reckoning with its Afghan policy, but also signal a renewed effort to shift responsibility for Pakistan's security crisis onto Kabul. The competing narratives Pakistan's claims of Afghan-based militants and Afghan analysts' reminders of Pakistan's own militant networks reflect a region still trapped in cycles of accusation and denial," he further stated. Washington, Feb 13 : Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future opportunity for India - it is an immediate strategic test, said Anupam Govil, Chief Tech and AI Evangelist and Managing Partner at global management consulting firm Avasant, adding that the country must lead in AI and must "reinvent how AI is being leveraged". Washington, Feb 13 (IANS) Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future opportunity for India it is an immediate strategic test, said Anupam Govil, Chief Tech and AI Evangelist and Managing Partner at global management consulting firm Avasant, adding that the country must lead in AI and must "reinvent how AI is being leveraged". "India is at a pivotal point in its evolution as a technology hub," Govil said in an interview with IANS ahead of the 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' in New Delhi next week. "For the last almost three decades, India led the tech services industry globally," he noted. But with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, "the fundamental premise on which the services industry was built, which was a labour arbitrage, has been eroding." AI, he said, is "a big leveller," where "geography and location and labour costs doesn't matter as much as it did." That makes the moment critical for New Delhi. "For India, this is a very important moment because it is announcing to the world that not only is India investing in AI, but is probably going to be where AI will find its true socio-economic impact," said Govil, also the Founding Chair, US India Chamber of Commerce, Austin, Texas. He argued that AI can "hypercharge Indian businesses" while helping the country "leapfrog through all the issues in various sectors," including education, healthcare, and energy. Globally, the competition is intensifying. "There is a race going on. It is the modern version of the arms race or the nuclear race. This is the AI race," Govil said. Countries are investing "hundreds of billions of dollars to build the necessary infrastructure to be able to power AI," he said. He stressed the importance of sovereign capabilities. "The emergence of sovereign AI, sovereign LLMs, is important because it allows countries to safeguard their own interests," Govil said. While much of the foundational model development has taken place in North America, he said India must strengthen infrastructure, talent, and use cases to stay competitive. "Talent is an area where India, of course, has not had any shortage when it comes to technology," he said. But in AI, "the type of talent, the type of skills needed, have shifted." Engineers now "don't even need to write software code," he said, but must ensure AI-generated outputs "solve the real business problems and are optimized and error-free." Govil believes India's real strength lies in scale. "India is the ultimate laboratory to try out different technologies to solve real-world problems at scale and at the lowest cost," he said. He said India must "reinvent how AI is being leveraged" to make it "more efficient in terms of power usage and cost of compute" while benefiting "the population at large." On collaboration with the United States, Govil said American firms already play a significant role. "A lot of the AI models that are being adopted in India" are coming from U.S. companies such as OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Microsoft, he said. But deeper cooperation will be needed, especially on standards and safeguards. "There's going to be a need for safeguards," he said, to ensure AI "cannot be hijacked by bad users." He pointed to "exchange of know-how knowledge, talent between US and India" and investments in infrastructure and application development. At the same time, he made clear that "I don't think India is going to be reliant on the US or any other country for its AI future." Govil also highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora. "I'm seeing sort of this second wave of Indian Americans heading back to India," he said, both to tap into the market opportunity and "to give back to their nation." That shift, he said, "is only going to amplify," with more entrepreneurs and investors driving "the next phase of growth." Puducherry, Feb 13 : Puducherry is set to reposition its traditional fishing community at the heart of a modern, export-driven marine economy, with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Friday outlining an ambitious plan to transform fishers into entrepreneurs and global seafood exporters. Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day International Workshop on Marine Fisheries Value Chain in the Bay of Bengal Region with Puducherry as the destination, the Chief Minister said a combination of Central and Union Territory schemes would fundamentally change the way the fisheries sector operates. "Fishermen will no longer be confined to merely catching and selling fish. They will become business owners and international exporters," Rangasamy said, pointing to initiatives such as the Integrated Port Development Scheme and the Fisheries Processing Cluster. He added that Puducherry's seafood, known for its taste and nutritional quality, has strong demand in both domestic and overseas markets. The workshop, jointly organised by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and the Government of Puducherry in association with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, National Fisheries Development Board and Environmental Defence India Foundation, focused on value addition, processing technology and market linkages. A comprehensive roadmap to develop Puducherry into a high-value marine export hub was also presented to the Chief Minister. BOBP Director Dr P. Krishnan said Puducherry already outperforms national benchmarks, with an average per-trip yield of 6,095 kgmore than double the national averageand over half its vessels equipped with engines above 140 HP. However, he noted that nearly 43 per cent of the fish catch leaves the Union Territory without value addition due to weak cold chain systems, high ice costs and infrastructure gaps. The roadmap flagged welfare concerns too, including low subsidies compared to actual costs, inadequate insurance coverage, limited ban-season compensation and poor safety equipment. It also called for greater support to women, noting that 24 fisherwomen cooperative societies with over 15,000 members are already active. Fisheries Minister K. Lakshminarayanan described the forum as a platform that would create new employment opportunities and help local fishers compete with multinational seafood firms. FAO official Angela Lentisco and Fisheries Director A. Mohamed Ismail also addressed the gathering, emphasising sustainable and inclusive growth for the sector. Athens, Feb 13 : Pakistan's decision to join the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza has resulted in Islamabad facing diplomatic crisis and inviting suspicion from radical Islamist outfits, including Hamas. Pakistan has contended that its participation in ISF for Gaza showed its commitment to Palestinian welfare. However, Pakistan's decision has sparked opposition domestically and raised questions about Islamabad's credibility as a supporter of Islamic cause, a report has stated. The ISF has emerged as an important part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October last year. In November, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2803, authorising ISF to assist transitional governance, provide security, and monitor demilitarisation, according to a report in Greece-based Directus. Pakistan voted in favour of resolution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Pakistan's readiness to join ISF, with sources suggesting Islamabad may deploy around 3,500 soldiers. Despite resolution's passage in the UNSC, key operational details remain unknown, including legal authority, chain of command, funding, duration, and ISF's role in disarming Hamas. Pakistan's UN representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmed stated that resolution did not include important suggestions, including a clear path to Palestinian statehood and clarification of the mandate. While the US plan includes disarmament of Palestinian groups, Pakistan has stated it will not be part of missions focused on disarming Hamas. "Hamas has responded with skepticism, rejecting the resolution outright. The organization views any international force tasked with disarmament as a party to the conflict rather than a 'neutral' stabilizer. Hamas remains skeptical about Pakistan's role despite Islamabad's assurances. Reports suggest Hamas initially rejected disarmament concepts and expressed wariness about foreign deployment undermining sovereignty. Some indications suggest Hamas may be gradually accepting Pakistan's explanation that the Board of Peace (BOP) operates parallel to the UNSC frameworks. Nevertheless, Hamas remains watchful," the Directus report stated. Pakistan has faced a series of challenges after joining the Board of Peace and ISF. Critics highlighted Pakistan's history of bending to international pressure during economic crisis. Pakistan's economy is reliant on international financial support, including International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans and assistance from Gulf nations, leading to leverage that could push Islamabad towards accepting mandates of the ISF, including the disarmament of Hamas, according to the Directus report. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have rejected Pakistan's involvement in Gaza, citing concerns regarding intelligence sharing and lack of diplomatic ties. Reports have claimed that Pakistan's ties with Palestinian militant groups spark questions about its role as a neutral peacekeeper. Pakistan's decision to join ISF has sparked criticism from Islamist parties and opposition parties domestically. "Islamic parties and opposition groups characterize it as capitulation to Western interests. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the decision, questioning how Pakistan could join a forum including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. He argued this amounts to self-deception given Gaza's suffering. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman called Trump's Board of Peace a new form of colonialism, criticizing the inclusion of Tony Blair. The party warned that protests would be launched worldwide if the board's activities harm Gazans. Whereas former Prime Minister Imran Khan argued that Pakistan joined a plan to disarm Gaza's resistance," the report further stated. New Delhi, Feb 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, dedicated the newly constructed "Seva Teerth" and Kartavya Bhavan" complexes to the people of India, describing them as a significant milestone in the country's journey toward becoming a developed nation or 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). He said that these modern facilities embody a deep commitment to citizen-centric governance and national progress, marking a clear departure from the colonial past. Recalling the historical context, the Prime Minister noted that during British rule, buildings such as those on Raisina Hills, including South Block and North Block, were designed to project the authority and vision of the British Emperor over an "enslaved" India. These structures were deliberately placed on elevated ground to symbolise dominance and remain incomparable to local architecture. In contrast, PM Modi said that 'Seva Teerth' stands connected to the ground level, symbolising humility and closeness to the people rather than aloofness. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that while old colonial buildings were meant to enforce the will of a distant ruler, the new complexes have been created to fulfill the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. Decisions taken from these spaces, he said, will no longer serve any king's vision but will respond directly to the expectations of the common people. With a sense of pride and responsibility, PM Modi formally dedicated the facilities to the nation, underscoring that governance must now reflect the dreams and needs of the citizens. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of modern infrastructure in an era of rapid technological advancement. He said that the old buildings suffered from space constraints and were inadequate for embracing new tools and expanding services. Seva Teerth, he added, derives its name from the concept of a pilgrimage dedicated to service, where resolve transforms into action. "As India accelerates on the path of reforms, strengthens international relations, and moves toward saturation coverage in welfare schemes, these new workplaces must inspire efficiency, confidence, and faster delivery of results," the Prime Minister said. Drawing from Vedic traditions, PM Modi invoked the idea of seeking welfare from all directions and ensuring that the soul of the building remains rooted in humanity and public good. He called for a work culture free of walls and distances, where policies come alive only when they truly understand and address people's dreams. In India's vibrant democracy, he asserted, the thoughts and aspirations of citizens form the real strength and capital. Reflecting on the governance model of the past 11 years, Prime Minister Modi described it as one driven by the spirit of service, which has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty and given fresh momentum to the economy. He urged officials to pause and introspect daily; whether their work is easing the lives of ordinary citizens across the country. True fulfillment, the Prime Minister said, comes not from showmanship but from discharging duties with devotion. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi reminded that the edifice of rights is built on the foundation of duty. "Duty remains the starting point for realising the dreams of crores and for facing every challenge that lies ahead." As employees move into these inspiring new spaces, PM Modi expressed hope that they will carry forward this ethos, leaving behind a legacy of pride and service when their tenures end. New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Punjab government has informed the Delhi Assembly that a formal reply from its Home Affairs department will soon be sent over proceedings in that state over Leader of Opposition Atishi's remarks related to Sikh Gurus, an official said on Friday. "Currently, a comprehensive and formal response from the Additional Chief Secretary is being finalised to provide a definitive position on the matter. This reply, which incorporates the findings of Punjab's top law enforcement and forensic authorities, has been submitted for the approval of the competent authority," said a message from the Punjab government's Home Affairs department sent to the Delhi Assembly secretariat. Atishi's remarks raised a political storm with the ruling BJP in Delhi calling them "disrespectful towards Sikh Gurus" while an FIR was registered by the Punjab Police over a video clip related to her remarks in the Assembly. In the latest communication from the Punjab government to the Delhi Assembly, the Office of the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home Affairs, Government of Punjab, has issued a formal clarification regarding the ongoing inquiry into alleged remarks made by Atishi. This follows a communication from the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat on February 5, seeking the Punjab government's written comments on a breach of privilege and contempt matter. The Punjab Additional Chief Secretary's office confirmed that prior to the February 5 correspondence, the Department of Home Affairs had not received any direct communication from the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat regarding this specific case. It was noted that the formal comments from the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, and the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Punjab, addressing the specific issues raised by the Delhi Assembly's Secretariat, had already been duly sent to the legislature. On February 4, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta referred the Punjab Police's action in the Atishi video row to the House Committee of Privileges for a detailed probe, holding that a prima facie case of breach of privilege and contempt of the House was made out. Taking cognisance of a complaint filed by Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, Gupta said the role of the Punjab Director General of Police and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner would be examined by the Privileges Committee. The matter relates to the registration of an FIR by the Punjab Police on a complaint by Iqbal Singh over an allegedly edited or tampered video clip of statements made by Leader of Opposition Atishi on the floor of the Delhi Assembly on January 6, 2026. After considering the reply submitted by the Punjab Police and Mishra's complaint, the Speaker concluded that the issue directly concerns the proceedings of the House, which fall within the domain of legislative privilege. Bengaluru, Feb 13 : A grand Mahayagna has been organised at the famous Shivoham Shiva Temple in Karnataka's Bengaluru on the occasion of Mahashivratri, inviting devotees to pray for personal happiness, the well-being of their families and friends, and the prosperity of the nation, an official statement said on Friday. The initiative by spiritual mentor and Happiness Ambassador AiR - Atman in Ravi, will bring together seekers in a sacred celebration dedicated to the citizens of Bengaluru and India. Centered around the theme 'Discover God's Love within the temple of your heart', the Mahayagna will feature a sacred Havan ceremony, joint chanting, and devotional practices aimed at invoking the Divine presence within each individual. The event seeks to combine ancient Vedic traditions with a universal message of happiness, awareness, and spiritual awakening. Bringing together devotees, spiritual seekers, and community members from diverse backgrounds, the gathering aims to create a powerful field of collective prayer and sacred energy. AiR believes that Mahashivratri is not only a celebration of Lord Shiva but also an opportunity to awaken to one's true nature and experience deeper awareness. Participants will be invited to immerse themselves in sacred vibrations and experience -- 'eternal peace, divine love, everlasting bliss'. "This Mahashivratri is an invitation to reconnect with the divine within. Through sacred chanting and collective prayer, we aim to create a powerful space of positivity and happiness -- for ourselves, our loved ones, our city, and our nation," the Happiness Ambassador AiR said. The Mahayagna will include a traditional Havan ceremony, collective chanting, and guided spiritual practices intended to create an atmosphere of reflection and shared devotion. Organisers said that the event aims to encourage participants to quieten the mind, elevate awareness, and experience a deeper sense of presence associated with the spiritual significance of Mahashivratri. Jaipur, Feb 13 : A tragic incident was reported from the Digod police station area of Kota district, where a minor Class 10 student allegedly died by suicide just days before her board examinations. The incident took place on Thursday morning in Kakrawada village and has left the local community in shock. The deceased, a 16-year-old student, was scheduled to appear for her Class 10 board examination on Thursday. According to family members, she had been absent from school for the past one-and-a-half to two months and had gradually lost interest in her studies. Her father said she had repeatedly expressed reluctance to continue studying. He added that he had counselled her to at least attempt the examinations and assured her that the results were not a matter of concern. Both parents work at a hostel in Kota and had left home around 7 a.m. on Thursday for work. Later in the day, they received a call from their village informing them that their daughter had been found hanging at home. The family rushed back, brought her down and took her to Anta Hospital for treatment. Due to her critical condition, she was referred to the New Medical College Hospital in Kota, where she died late at night during treatment. Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is underway. Digod police station Assistant Sub-Inspector Yogesh said preliminary information suggests the student may have been under academic pressure, but added that all aspects are being examined. Statements of family members and villagers are being recorded, and further legal procedures are in progress. The incident has once again raised concerns about mental health and academic stress among students, especially during examination periods. Authorities and experts have repeatedly urged parents, schools and society to remain sensitive to studentsa emotional well-being and to encourage open communication and support systems. Police have appealed to the public to share any relevant information related to the case and assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted. Jaipur, Feb 13 : The Economic Offences Cell (EOC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Friday, issued a hue and cry notice against Anil Kumar Maheshwari, a resident of Rajasthan's Jaipur, in connection with an alleged multi-crore financial fraud case, officials said. The accused has reportedly been absconding for a considerable period and is believed to be frequently changing locations to evade arrest. According to the Kashmir Crime Branch, Anil Kumar Maheshwari, the son of Ganpatlal, resides in the Jhotwara area of Jaipur and faces serious charges of fraud and criminal conspiracy. Investigators allege that he executed financial irregularities in a systematic and premeditated manner, resulting in substantial losses to victims. Police officials said that Maheshwari previously served as a Regional Sales Manager at Assured Agro Food Industries in Uttarakhand. Authorities suspect he misused his official position and corporate network to carry out fraudulent activities spanning multiple states, including Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. As per the police description, the accused is around five feet five inches tall and has black hair. He is currently untraceable at his registered address in the Satya Nagar locality of Jaipur. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have appealed to the people to provide any information regarding the accused's whereabouts. Informants may contact on email address: sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in. Authorities have assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential. Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the accused at the earliest. SYDNEY, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Northern Queensland grapples with a mounting public health threat from surging mosquito-borne viruses, fueled by climate change and rapid urban growth, new research warns. The outbreak encompasses dengue, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, signaling a deepening threat in the northern part of the Australian state's tropical environment, said a statement from Australia's James Cook University (JCU) on Friday. National mosquito-borne virus cases nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024, with trends persisting into 2025, said Md. Eram Hosen, PhD candidate from Associate Professor Subir Sarker's Tropical One Health Microbial Lab at JCU. Hosen, the first author of the research published in Virology, attributed longer transmission seasons to climate change, abundant urban breeding habitats and proximity to Southeast Asia. Queensland reported 1,701 Ross River virus infections and 378 dengue cases in 2024, plus detections of chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis viruses, the study showed. Over 900 unclassified flaviviruses, spread by ticks and mosquitoes, have been found across Australia over recent decades, including more than 100 in Queensland alone, exposing detection gaps, it said. Sarker said Wolbachia controls have curbed dengue but broader threats persist, urging expanded programs with next-generation sequencing and community engagement. Gandhinagar, Feb 13 : Gujarat and Zimbabwe discussed cooperation in the small and medium enterprise sector during a meeting between Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and a Zimbabwean delegation in Gandhinagar on Friday. The delegation, led by Zimbabweas Ambassador to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Stella Nkomo, and Deputy Minister for Industry and Commerce, Rajendra Kumar Modi, is visiting Gujarat to take part in the 12th Trade Show organised by the Saurashtra Trade and Industry Association in Ahmedabad from February 11 to 15. During the courtesy meeting, both sides explored ways for Zimbabweas Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector to benefit from the skills and expertise of Gujaratas Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem. Discussions focused on collaboration in skill development, training programmes and strengthening institutional capacities. The Ambassador and the Deputy Minister said Gujarat has emerged as a manufacturing and automobile hub and is developing as a semiconductor hub, while also maintaining a strong MSME base. They conveyed Zimbabweas interest in drawing on Gujaratas experience and technical capabilities to support the growth and modernisation of its SME sector. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed Gujaratas readiness to examine practical avenues of cooperation. He indicated that possibilities could be explored in enhancing SME potential, structured skill development initiatives and training partnerships aimed at building technical competencies. The delegation also showed interest in expanding ties in the education sector. They noted that police and security officials from Zimbabwe are pursuing advanced studies in areas such as security and cybercrime security at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar. The Chief Minister invited Zimbabwe to participate in the upcoming Vibrant Summit-2027 and the next edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference to further strengthen economic engagement. In response, the Ambassador and Deputy Minister invited entrepreneurs from Gujaratas MSME sector and state government officials to attend an SME exhibition scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe in March this year. They said that interaction with SME stakeholders and visits to industries would provide opportunities for technology-oriented development in Zimbabweas SME sector. Indore, Feb 13 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said that it has provisionally attached properties valued at Rs 10.15 crore belonging to Ruchi Acroni Industries Ltd., Indore. The federal probe agency said the attachment was drafted by the Sub-Zonal Office of ED on Thursday (February 12, 2026) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The immovable properties of the company attached by the ED are land registered in the name of M/s Ruchi Acroni Industries Ltd. "An investigation was initiated based on an FIR registered by CBI, ACB, Bhopal, against M/s Ruchi Acroni Industries Ltd. under section 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and 120-B read with section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (which are scheduled offenses under the PMLA) for allegedly defrauding UCO Bank, Indore, causing a wrongful loss of more than Rs 58 crore," ED said in statement. The probe agency said that during the investigation, it was revealed that Ruchi Acroni Industries Ltd (now known as M/s Steeltech Resources Ltd.) dishonestly diverted and siphoned funds through investments in its group companies and by providing loans and advances to its associates and group concerns. The investigation also revealed that credit facilities and letters of credit were dishonestly obtained based on forged, fabricated, and manipulated documents without any genuine underlying trade, and the proceeds thereof were intentionally diverted, layered, and routed back to the borrower company through a complex web of interlinked entities under common ownership and control. The ED's statement further read that the funds, illegally siphoned, were systematically layered and subsequently utilised to acquire various properties. Earlier, the ED, Indore, conducted search and seizure operations in this case in December, 2025. The ED also clarified that further investigation into the matter was underway. Kolkata, Feb 13 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has attached assets worth Rs 302.89 crore in three separate money laundering cases, an official said. According to press statements issued by the ED, the highest attachment -- amounting to Rs 200.02 crore -- was made in connection with the Andaman & Nicobar State Co-operative Bank Limited (ANSCBL) fraud case involving alleged financial irregularities. "The attached properties include hotels, resorts and parcels of land situated in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With the present attachment, the ED has secured a significant part of the proceeds of crime identified so far in the ANSCBL fraud," an official statement said. The second-highest attachment, worth Rs 100.44 crore, relates to alleged large-scale illegal coal mining and pilferage in leasehold areas of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL). "Earlier, on January 8, 2026, the ED conducted searches at 10 premises in Kolkata and Delhi. Evidence seized during the searches has been instrumental in linking proceeds of crime to the attached properties. The total attachment in the case now stands at Rs 322.71 crore," another statement said. In the third case, the ED's Kolkata regional office provisionally attached immovable property valued at Rs 2.43 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on a prosecution complaint in the case against PKS Limited and its directors, including Swapan Kumar Saha. Earlier in the case, the ED had seized valuables and frozen bank accounts worth Rs 27.88 crore. Of the three cases, the coal smuggling investigation in West Bengal remains the most high-profile. Last month, controversy erupted over parallel ED search operations at the office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata and at the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain on Loudon Street in central Kolkata. During the operations, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by senior bureaucrats and police officials, visited both locations and later left with papers and electronic documents. The matter is currently being heard by the Supreme Court. Last month, ED Director Rahul Navin also visited Kolkata and reviewed the progress of investigations into several high-profile financial irregularity cases in the state, including the coal smuggling probe. Beijing, Feb 13 : Despite repeated digital crackdowns by the Chinese authorities, the internet remained for years one of the few spaces where Mongolians from China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region or Southern Mongolia could freely use their language, share music and literature, and connect with one another, a report highlighted on Friday. Citing a report by PEN America and the Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Centre, it stated that the Chinese government is suppressing Mongolian language and culture in certain online spaces, systematically breaking apart key digital communities where Mongolian identity thrived. "According to the study, entitled 'Save Our Mother Tongue', nearly 89 per cent of known Mongolian cultural websites have since been censored or shut down entirely. Online communities have also been restricted, including the most widely used Mongolian-language social media app, Bainu. The report also further uncovered a policy known as 'One Province, One Newspaper, One Client', which allows state media outlets to launch their own apps, effectively crowding out independent platforms created by Mongolian developers," a report in 'Genocide Watch' detailed. Soyonbo Borjgin, a Southern Mongolian journalist now living in exile in New York, saw the Chinese government close the newspaper 'The Inner Mongolia Daily' for which he worked, and was sent to a re-education class for one month. He now writes to shed light on what he described as "systematic cultural repression". "Since the government has banned Mongolian in local schools, the digital space has become the last free public space for the Mongolian people. It means the Chinese government is deliberately removing spaces where Mongolians can use their own language, share music, discuss history, and connect as a community. Mongolian songs are being removed from music apps. Songs like 'Let Us Be Mongolian' and 'I Am a Mongolian' have been erased," the report quoted Borjgin as saying while speaking to Tech24. "Right now, in the region where I come from, people cannot use Mongolian to discuss any topic. The entire cyberspace for the Mongolian language has disappeared," he added. Advocacy group PEN America and the Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Centre are now calling for coordinated action from tech companies, governments and international institutions to safeguard Mongolian culture online in the region. "We want to see them (tech and social media companies) adopt a cultural rights framework in platform development, uphold their responsibility to respect human rights, and partner with independent organisations to provide digital support particularly for impacted Mongolian communities," the report quoted Liesl Gerntholtz, Managing Director of PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Centre at PEN America, as saying. Jaipur, Feb 13 : Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, on Friday, exposed a major scam involving crores of rupees under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana at the State Bank of India (SBI)'s Salasar branch, government officials said. Acting on complaints of irregularities, the Minister visited the bank branch early in the morning along with departmental and insurance officials and ordered the registration of an FIR against those involved in the fraud. Investigations revealed that bank officials, in collusion with the crop insurance mafia, fraudulently enrolled 71 fake farmers using forged documents. These individuals were shown as farmers in Bikaner district's Gajner tehsil, with false records of land and mustard crops. Using these fake details, crop insurance policies were issued and a fraudulent claim of Rs 9 crore was processed. Revenue records confirmed that no agricultural land was registered in the names of these so-called farmers. Under this fraud, premiums worth around Rs 51 lakh were paid, including Rs 15.76 lakh each from the state and Central governments. Officials said that if the Minister had not intervened in time, the Rs 9 crore fake claim would have been released. Minister Meena also highlighted that around 15,000 landless individuals across the state were insured fraudulently, with total fake claims estimated at nearly Rs 1,150 crore. This organised scam has allegedly been operating for years with the involvement of bank staff, insurance agents, and intermediaries. Minister Meena said strict legal action will be taken against guilty bank officials, insurance company personnel, and middlemen. "FIRs will be registered, independent agencies will investigate the case, and the concerned insurance company may also be blacklisted." He emphasised that protecting farmers' interests is the state government's top priority and warned that no one involved in cheating farmers will be spared. Washington, Feb 13 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Friday, congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Tarique Rahman following their election victory, signaling Washington's readiness to engage the new government in Dhaka. "Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader, Tarique Rahman, as well as the people of Bangladesh," Rubio said in a post on social media platform X. "The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region," he added. Rubio's message came as senior administration officials emphasised Bangladesh's strategic importance in South Asia during a US Congressional hearing earlier this week. Testifying before the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur expressed optimism about the electoral process. "We're excited about it," Kapur said. "We've been in touch with the interim government. They've been -- I think they have a strong sense of their responsibility in making this go forward in a way that is secure and peaceful." He added: "And we hope that, that is, in fact, what happens, we expect it will be. We look forward to working with, um, whatever government is elected there." Kapur also pointed to expanding economic ties between Washington and Dhaka. "And two days ago, the Trump administration signed a trade deal with Bangladesh, providing American exporters with access to Bangladesh's market of about 175 million people," he told lawmakers. Placing Bangladesh within a broader regional framework, Kapur said: "Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bhutan's strategic locations afford them outsized importance, but they also can become targets for coercion." He stressed that US engagement aims to strengthen partners' autonomy and resilience. Defence cooperation with the United States, he said, "helps them to protect their borders and waterways against encroaching powers, and carefully targeted investment can provide these States with high quality, transparent, non-coercive support for critical infrastructure like ports, telecom networks and energy portals, helping them to avoid the dangers of debt trap diplomacy." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Burhanpur, Feb 13 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will participate in an event organised jointly by the state government's agriculture and horticulture departments in Burhanpur district on February 14. The Chief Minister will address the farmers' gathering and announce a slew of projects worth 362.15 crore. These projects encompass infrastructure, public amenities, agriculture, and other sectors. He will also inaugurate as many as 32 completed development projects worth Rs 334.22 crore in different parts of Burhanpur district, according to the Chief Minister's office. "These projects, encompassing infrastructure, public amenities, agriculture, and other sectors, will give fresh momentum to the district's overall development. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will also distribute benefits to beneficiaries under various government schemes," it said. Yadav will also participate in a roadshow that will commence at Jijamata Square in the Shikarpura police station area and proceed to Nehru Stadium. During the route, residents of the district will welcome and felicitate the Chief Minister. A development exhibition will be organised at the venue by the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, and other departments, showcasing government schemes and achievements. In view of the Chief Minister's visit to Burhanpur, the district administration and the local public representatives of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have started preparation for the event. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Devendra Patidar on Wednesday inspected the event venue and called for a detailed plan for security cordons and parking arrangements to ensure the public does not face any inconvenience while commuting. Heavy police security will be deployed inside and outside the venue to ensure no security lapses during the Chief Minister's visit. Notably, a few days ago, a serious security lapse occurred during the Chief Minister's visit to Shahdol, when a group of Congress workers tried to block his convoy from leaving Lalpur Airport for the program venue. Ahmedabad, Feb 13 : The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) on Friday inducted 28 new electric buses into its fleet, as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged them off in Ahmedabad, marking the first phase of a planned rollout of 225 electric buses for the city. According to an official statement, the 28 state-of-the-art buses are equipped with advanced cybersecurity systems and Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (FDSS). For the first time in India, mandatory cybersecurity and safety audits have been implemented in electric buses. With the phased addition of 225 e-buses, their operation is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 75,000 kilograms annually. After flagging off the buses, the Chief Minister boarded one of the buses and reviewed the facilities on board, taking stock of passenger amenities and safety features. AMTS Chairman Dharamshi Desai told IANS: "These EV buses are coming into the AMTS fleet for the first time. A total of 225 buses will come. The Chief Minister flagged off 5 buses today. Twenty-eight buses have already come to our fleet. In March, all the buses will come." He added, "Till now, only double-decker buses were running. CNG buses are currently running, and diesel buses were earlier stopped by the government. Now, CNG buses will be replaced by electric buses." The government said the project is among the fastest implemented in the country, with the entire tender process completed in six months and the buses delivered within three months. In a separate programme, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation organised the 'Shatabdi Shiksha Mahotsav' to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Municipal School Board. At Navrangpura, the Chief Minister inaugurated a newly constructed School Board building built at a cost of Rs 10.61 crore. The four-storey building will house all 18 departments of the education committee under one roof. At an event held on the Sabarmati Riverfront, he also e-inaugurated 15 smart schools developed at a cost of Rs 16.11 crore. Addressing the gathering, Patel said, "More than 56,000 students have left private schools and taken admission in the School Board's smart schools." He added that the municipal primary education committee, founded 100 years ago on the values of morality and self-reliance, now operates across 453 schools and contributes to nation-building through value-based education. Referring to national initiatives, he said the objective was to move forward with a combination of knowledge, values, and technology to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047. Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja said, "Shatabdi Shiksha Mahotsav is not merely a festival, but a living proof of Gujarat's cultural and intellectual development." Referring to reforms under the National Education Policy 2020 and Mission School of Excellence, he said, "The government is not only constructing buildings but shaping the future of India." He added that education was not merely a means of employment but a sacred pursuit, and that dedicated teachers play a vital role in shaping students' futures. As part of the centenary celebrations, 100 schools and 100 teachers were selected for recognition, with symbolic awards presented to six schools and six teachers, including cheques, shields, and certificates. Bengaluru, Feb 13 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the ongoing leadership row, stated on Friday that he has always lived on hope. "There will certainly be results for everyone's hard work. Where there is effort, there is reward. Where there is devotion, there is God," he said. Shivakumar made these comments when reporters questioned him on Friday at the Indian Institute of Science and later in Tiptur. When asked if he felt more confident after his recent trip to Delhi, he repeated his earlier remarks. In response to reports that the party high command had summoned him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on February 17 to discuss power-sharing, Shivakumar stated, "I am not aware of this. Time will provide the answer." When asked about Home Minister G. Parameshwara's intention to seek clarification from the high command on the power-sharing issue, Shivakumar responded, "I wish him well." On whether he had requested a report on legislators allegedly undertaking a foreign tour, Shivakumar said, "I have not sought any report on this matter. I have not tried to gather information about it." When questioned about the possibility of the high command intervening to halt the foreign study tour, Shivakumar replied, "I have not discussed this with the high command. Those going on the foreign tour have not spoken to me." Shivakumar emphasised his commitment to party discipline, stating, "I will abide by whatever the party says. I will not interfere in any other matter. If MLAs raise any issue, the high command leaders and the Chief Minister will address it. I will not intervene. It is my duty to remain a disciplined soldier of the party and the government." In response to questions about the government completing 1,000 days in office and the upcoming event in Haveri, Shivakumar stated, "We have organised the Bhoomi Guarantee scheme programme in Haveri tomorrow." Regarding his visit to Sage Ajjayya's mutt, Shivakumar explained, "It is Ajjayya's annual fair. I visit every year, and I will go again this year. This evening, we have organised a dinner for the conference guests and arranged for them to visit Vidhana Soudha." Shivakumar said he met with World Bank officials earlier in the day. "They visited villages and inspected the water supply system. They also visited the KRS dam and appreciated the safety measures there. They said that if Karnataka submits proposals for water supply, stormwater drains, and other projects, they are ready to extend support. I have instructed officials to prepare proposals accordingly." When asked about the arrest of BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj on Thursday night, he said, "Please ask the Home Minister about this matter. I read about his arrest in the newspapers. Beyond that, I have no further information." Meanwhile, Congress MLC and Shivakumar supporter Channaraj Hattiholi stated, "It is our wish that Shivakumar should become the CM. It is also the wish of the people of the state and workers of the Congress party." --IANS mka/dan New Delhi, Feb 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp critique of the previous Congress-led UPA governments, accusing them of policy paralysis, widespread scams, and an inability to undertake reforms without facing a crisis. In his keynote address at the ET Now Global Business Summit 2026, the PM contrasted this with the current administration's conviction-driven approach, crediting it for India's rapid economic rise and global confidence. PM Modi asserted that when the country was surrounded by policy paralysis, scams, and pilferage, trust in India eroded. "When the country was hit by policy paralysis, and there were scams all around, who could trust India?" he asked, highlighting how manufacturing remained weak and comprehensive trade deals were limited to just four countries before 2014. He pointed out that reforms under past Congress regimes only materialised under extreme pressure -- such as the 1991 economic crisis that forced liberalisation when bankruptcy loomed, or the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that led to the creation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after exposing security lapses. In the power sector, he said, attention came only when destruction was evident, describing these as politically motivated rather than visionary moves. The Prime Minister emphasised that border infrastructure suffered from excessive red tape under the Congress-led UPA regime, whereas decisions have now been localised for faster execution. He questioned why free trade agreements (FTAs) with developed nations were not possible earlier, despite the same country, youth, and systems existing. "The change has come in the governmentas vision," PM Modi declared, noting that pre-2014 India lacked self-confidence, making it hard for the world to trust the nation. Today, he said, India signs trade deals globally because it is stronger and filled with self-assurance. PM Modi also praised the ongoing reform momentum, including increased capital expenditure (capex) in the latest budget for its multiplier effect on growth, and focused push in biopharma, AI, and semiconductors. He reiterated India's unique development path, rejecting imported models since the NITI Aayog's founding vision in 2015, and positioned the country as the emerging engine of global growth in a shifting world order where nations build their own resilience rather than following a "one size fits all" system. The speech, delivered amid discussions on disruption, Industry 5.0, and globalisation's future, underscored India's transformation from a crisis-ridden economy to a confident player contributing significantly to worldwide progress. PM Modi framed the past decade as one of mission-mode reforms, empowering youth, women, and rural areas while fostering innovation and sustainability. The address reinforced the NDA's narrative of breaking free from UPA-era stagnation to drive inclusive, self-reliant growth. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- With one out of eight African children at age 10 unable to read or understand a simple text, addressing learning poverty is critical for realizing the continent's developmental goals, a senior African Union (AU) official has said. Gaspard Banyankimbona, commissioner for education, science, technology and innovation of the AU Commission, said that ending learning poverty through evidence-based reforms is a must for Africa to develop over the coming decade. "Africa stands at a crossroads: either we invest in our children's minds today, or we pay the price of instability, inequality, and dependency tomorrow," Banyankimbona warned on Thursday at a press briefing on the sidelines of the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The commissioner called for a high-level political commitment by African governments to place education, science, technology, and innovation at the center of Africa's socio-economic transformation, industrialization, and peace-building agenda. Banyankimbona emphasized that the solution to Africa's foundational education crisis lies in empowering teachers. "Teachers are one of the most important stakeholders in the learning process. However, they are in short supply," he said, pointing out that the continent needs 17 million additional teachers by 2030 to meet its universal education goals. "By 2034, every African child must achieve foundational literacy and numeracy; every young person must acquire skills aligned with the green and digital economies; every teacher must be trained, valued, and empowered as a nation-builder, and African higher education institutions must become engines of research, innovation, and problem-solving," the commissioner said. He encouraged AU members to invest more in research and development toward the target of 1 percent of their gross domestic product, establish national innovation hubs and fully domesticate and integrate the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa into their national strategies. In 2026, he said, the AU will hopefully roll out the African Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Fund to catalyze investments in teacher training, education technology and skills labs. According to the commissioner, the fund will support foundational learning, teacher development, digital transformation, research and innovation commercialization, skills alignment with the green and digital economies, and strengthened African ownership of knowledge systems. Jaipur, Feb 13 : The Rajasthan government, on Friday, intensified its crackdown on irregularities under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), suspending seven doctors and initiating criminal proceedings against one hospital and one diagnostic centre. The action has been taken under the direction of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar to ensure transparency and accountability in the public health insurance scheme. Principal Secretary of the State Medical and Health Department, Gayatri Rathore, said that continuous monitoring and audits are being conducted to strengthen the scheme. Following an audit, seven doctors in Sikar district have been suspended for alleged irregularities. Those suspended include Kamal Kumar Agarwal and Sunil Kumar Dhaka (Associate Professors of Orthopedics department from Sikar Medical College), Mukesh Verma (Associate Professor of General Medicine Department), Rakesh Kumar (Community Health Centre Kirwa), and Gajraj Singh, S.S. Rathore and Sunil Sharma from S.K. Hospital. FIRs are being registered against Bharatpur Nursing Home in Bharatpur and Bothra Diagnostic and Imaging Centre in Bikaner for fraudulent claims and misuse of the RGHS system. The concerned district health authorities have been informed. Rajasthan State Health Assurance Agency CEO Harjilal Atal said investigations revealed collusion between Kashish Pharmacy and Bharatpur Nursing Home to generate fake claims using beneficiary cards. The hospital allegedly treated patients without RGHS approval, obtained Single Sign-On IDs and passwords to generate transaction IDs, and raised fraudulent claims through the pharmacy, causing losses to the taxpayers. The hospital has been de-empanelled from the scheme. In the case of Bothra Diagnostic Centre, the investigation found that patients were subjected to unnecessary tests such as HbA1c, RA Factor and Procalcitonin without proper medical justification. In several cases, test reports and OPD consultations were missing or inconsistent. Verification at PBM Government Hospital revealed that several prescriptions carried forged signatures and seals of doctors, who were either on leave or not posted in the OPD during the relevant period. Some prescriptions were issued in the names of doctors, who were not posted at the hospital at that time. As of now, 19 FIRs have been filed and 64 personnel suspended for irregularities. Around 500 beneficiary cards have been blocked, with Rs 2 crore recovered for misuse. Payments of 39 hospitals and officials of 33 hospitals have been blocked, with more than Rs 32 crore recovered from eight de-empanelled hospitals. The officials of 212 pharmacies have been blocked, with more than Rs 5 crore recovered. The state government said strict action will continue to protect public funds and ensure the integrity of the RGHS scheme. Bhubaneswar, Feb 13 : A Special NDPS Court in Bhubaneswar has sentenced two drug traffickers to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh each, an official said on Friday. Mangal Ram Mahato and Kumar Dili, both residents of Dhanbad, were sentenced by the court of the 3rd Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, an official of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bhubaneswar Zonal Unit, said. The convicts were sentenced under Sections 20(b), 25 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The case dates back to May 28, 2023, when officers of the NCB apprehended the two accused in possession of 273.8 kg of ganja at Rasulgarh Chowk in Bhubaneswar, according to an official statement. Subsequent investigation revealed the accusedas involvement in an inter-state smuggling racket, wherein the ganja was concealed in a specially made cavity in the driveras cabin of a truck, it said. Both the accused were charge-sheeted in November 2023. The truck used for transportation of the contraband was also seized. Meanwhile, the NCB on Thursday said it had secured the conviction of two drug traffickers in a 2023 Ahmedabad Alprazolam trafficking case. A Special NDPS Court in Ahmedabad City sentenced Govind Suryavanshi Chamar, a resident of Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, and Shaikh Mohammad Idrish, a resident of Ahmedabad, to nine years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh each. The case pertains to the seizure of 91 grams of Alprazolam at Kalupur Railway Station in Ahmedabad in May 2023, which led to the arrest of the two traffickers. The convictions underscore the NCBas commitment to dismantling organised drug trafficking networks operating across state boundaries. The Bureau remains steadfast in its mission to curb the menace of narcotics and protect society from the harms of drug abuse, the statement said. To combat drug trafficking, the NCB has sought the support of citizens. Information related to the sale of narcotics can be shared by calling the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline toll-free number 1933. The identity of the informer will be kept confidential, it added. Guwahati, Feb 13 : Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi on Friday avoided direct comments on the criticism voiced by the family of Kargil war hero Captain Jintu Gogoi over his alleged links to Pakistan, and instead sought to shift focus to flood mitigation, erosion control, and ethnic status issues during his visit to Majuli. Gogoi's remarks came amid a growing political controversy after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report probing Gogoi's alleged Pakistan links would be amended and sent to the Centre for further investigation. Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said he would not respond to statements made by the martyr's parents, who had expressed anguish over reports of his earlier visits to Pakistan. "They are a martyr's family. Whatever they say, I do not want to comment on that. I have deep respect for them," he said, adding that he had personally visited the family several times during his tenure as a Lok Sabha MP. Captain Jintu Gogoi had laid down his life during the Kargil War. His father, Thogiran Gogoi, earlier said that visits to a country considered hostile were painful for families who had sacrificed their children for the nation, and asserted that anyone conspiring against India should be treated as a traitor. Amid the sharp political exchanges, the Congress leader underlined governance priorities, particularly flood and erosion relief, which continue to plague Majuli and other riverine areas of Assam. Gogoi said that if the Congress forms the next government in the state, it would approach the Prime Minister to release funds for flood and erosion control projects. He also reiterated the party's commitment to securing Scheduled Tribe status for six major ethnic communities in Assam, stating that the Centre has the authority to implement the decision. "We will work with the Prime Minister on issues concerning the state," he said, recalling that during his father Tarun Gogoi's tenure as Chief Minister, cooperation with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government had helped Assam secure several initiatives. Commenting on the Prime Minister's recent visit to the state, Gogoi said the Assembly election was about choosing the next state government and Chief Minister, not the Prime Minister. With polls approaching, the SIT probe controversy has added intensity to the campaign, even as flood control and ethnic status remain key voter concerns. -- Syndicated from IANS Washington, Feb 13 : Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court in New York to all three counts in a superseding indictment charging him in a murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting a U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader, marking a dramatic turn in a case that had been heading toward trial.a Washington, Feb 13 (IANS) Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court in New York to all three counts in a superseding indictment charging him in a murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting a U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader, marking a dramatic turn in a case that had been heading toward trial. Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in the Southern District of New York, Gupta entered guilty pleas to Count One (conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire), Count Two (murder-for-hire), and Count Three (conspiracy to commit money laundering), according to court docket entries. Gupta was present with defence counsel David Touger. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille Fletcher, Alexander Li, and Ashley Nicolas appeared for the government. A court reporter and Hindi interpreters were present during the proceeding in New York. Judge Netburn recommended that District Judge Victor Marrero accept the plea. A control date has been set for March 15, 2026. Gupta remains detained. The court ordered a Presentence Investigation Report (PSI), and detention was continued. The plea ends months of pre-trial litigation in one of the most closely watched foreign-linked criminal cases in Manhattan federal court. Gupta had been charged in a superseding indictment alleging that he conspired to arrange the assassination of a Sikh political activist described in court filings as "a U.S. citizen of Indian origin who resides in New York City" and "a leader of the Sikh separatist movement." Prosecutors alleged that Gupta used intermediaries, including a confidential source and an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a contract killer, to facilitate the plot. Court filings previously stated that $15,000 was delivered in New York as an advance payment for the killing, forming the basis of the money-laundering conspiracy charge. Gupta was arrested in June 2023 at Prague airport in the Czech Republic and later extradited to the United States. In October 2025, Judge Marrero denied Gupta's motion to suppress statements and evidence obtained during his arrest and interrogation and rejected his attempt to dismiss the money-laundering count. In that ruling, the court found there was "no joint venture between authorities of the Czech Republic and the United States," that Gupta's statements were voluntary, and that he did not have standing to challenge the added charge under the rule of specialty. With Thursday's guilty plea, Gupta has now admitted responsibility for all three counts in the superseding indictment. The case moves into the sentencing phase. The U.S. Probation Office will prepare a Presentence Investigation Report outlining Gupta's background, the offense conduct, and recommended guideline calculations. Sentencing will be conducted by Judge Marrero after review of the PSI and written submissions from both sides. The charges carry severe penalties. Federal murder-for-hire statutes allow for substantial prison terms, including potential life sentences depending on statutory and guideline findings. The money-laundering conspiracy charge also carries significant prison exposure. Judge Netburn's recommendation must be formally accepted by Judge Marrero before sentencing proceedings move forward. For now, Gupta remains in federal custody pending further court action. Patna, Feb 13 : Former IPS officer Amitabh Kumar Das was detained by Patna Police on Friday for allegedly spreading misleading information and using abusive language on social media in connection with the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant in the state capital. According to official sources, the action was taken under Case No. 44/26 registered at Chitragupt Nagar police station. The case relates to the death of a student preparing for NEET at Shambhu Girlsa Hostel, which had triggered widespread public attention and debate. Police alleged that Amitabh Kumar Das repeatedly posted objectionable and abusive content on social media platforms regarding the sensitive case and circulated unverified and misleading information, which could potentially disturb public order and hamper the ongoing investigation. A Patna Police team conducted a search at Dasas flat in Pataliputra on Friday evening, where officials reportedly examined digital devices and documents for several hours. The operation drew attention within the apartment complex due to the prolonged police presence. Following the search, Amitabh Das was taken into custody and brought to the police station for further questioning. While being taken into custody, Das appeared agitated and accused the government of deliberately framing him. He claimed before the media that the search was politically motivated and alleged that the police team attempted to plant objectionable material in his residence to falsely implicate him in serious cases. Police officials said the former IPS officeras social media activity was influencing public perception of the case and posed a potential risk to law and order. They added that spreading misinformation during an active investigation is a serious matter and that appropriate legal action was necessary. The suspicious death at Shambhu Girlsa Hostel remains under investigation, and police have reiterated their appeal to the public to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information. The NEET aspirant was found unconscious at the hostel in the Chitragupt Nagar locality on January 6 and succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital on January 11. The post-mortem and FSL reports stated that sexual assault cannot be ruled out. Patna, Feb 13 : Member of Parliament Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Bihar government, alleging that the state's much-touted claims of good governance exist only on paper.a Patna, Feb 13 (IANS) Member of Parliament Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Bihar government, alleging that the stateas much-touted claims of good governance exist only on paper.a aHe said that criminals have become emboldened, while the police and administration have failed to protect the common people.a Targeting the government over recent criminal incidents, Pappu Yadav directly questioned the handling of the Gopal Khemka murder case.a He alleged that influential criminals are being shielded and that the investigation is deliberately being diverted to protect the real culprits.a He also made pointed remarks about disputes related to Khemkaas property, asserting that these controversies are being used to mislead the probe.a He demanded a high-level, independent investigation to bring out the truth.a Pappu Yadav also said that he would soon hold a press conference to reveal details related to the Gopal Khemka and Rupesh murder cases, claiming he would expose those responsible.a Taking aim at the Nitish Kumar government, Pappu Yadav said that the situation in education, healthcare, and employment is continuously deteriorating in Bihar.a He accused the government of playing with statistics while ordinary citizens continue to struggle for basic amenities.a He also criticised the bureaucracy, alleging that nothing moves in Bihar without agive-and-takea and that administrative control has slipped out of the governmentas hands.a Addressing the opposition, the MP urged political parties to sharpen their working style and said that the fight for the people must be carried out both inside the House and on the streets.a He announced that he would soon undertake a statewide tour to develop a strategy to corner the government.a He asserted that imprisonment would not deter him from serving the people.a Referring to recent developments, he said he has become fearful and deeply shaken by the situation prevailing in the state.a Expressing gratitude to his supporters, he said that public support is his struggle's greatest strength.a He vowed to continue fighting for Biharas development and justice till his last breath.a His supporters enthusiastically welcomed him, raising anti-government slogans, while the MP made it clear that his campaign against criminals and land mafias will now be intensified. a--IANS ajk/dan Indore, Feb 13 : A day after a group created a ruckus over a student event on the campus of NMIMS Deemed-to-be University in Indore, the institute's Director, Anshuman Jaswal, on Friday said the incident occurred because of a "rumour" regarding the programme. Indore, Feb 13 (IANS) A day after a group created a ruckus over a student event on the campus of NMIMS Deemed-to-be University in Indore, the institute's Director, Anshuman Jaswal, on Friday said the incident occurred because of a "rumour" regarding the programme. Speaking to IANS over the phone, Jaswal claimed that a few days earlier, a group of youths had visited the campus to collect donations for a cultural event. However, they were sent back. "A group of youths introducing themselves as members of an organisation came to the campus, but when college staff contacted the event organisers, we were told that this group did not have approval to seek donations for the event from educational institutions. They were sent back without any donation as a result," he said. Regarding Thursday's programme at NMIMS, Jaswal said it was a small event organised by a group of students and that even staff members did not participate. "But a rumour was spread that a big event was being organised and that people from outside were being invited with an entry fee of Rs 2,000, which was completely false. That is why members of the organisation came to the campus," he said. Responding to whether the local police were informed about the event, Jaswal said it was not a large programme. "When we organise large cultural events, including our annual fest, we inform the police every time, verbally and in writing. But this was a small internal event," he added. When asked about the notice reportedly issued by the local police, Jaswal said: "We have visited the local police station and submitted our reply along with several videos and photographs of the incident. We are not aware of any notice being issued by the police to NMIMS or any other party." Videos of the incident showed a group of around 50 youths, some carrying sticks, entering the campus and vandalising property. Some of them were seen arguing with faculty members and police personnel. After police intervention, several persons reportedly sat at the college entrance and chanted the Hanuman Chalisa. Following the incident on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishna Lalchandani told media persons that members of an organisation had created a disturbance on the campus. "We have initiated an investigation. The CCTV footage and videos of the incident are being examined, and appropriate legal action will follow," he said. Washington, Feb 14 : Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a US federal court to participating in a plot to assassinate a U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader in New York City, in a case that has drawn significant diplomatic attention between India and the United States, the Department of Justice said.a Washington, Feb 14 (IANS) Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a US federal court to participating in a plot to assassinate a U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader in New York City, in a case that has drawn significant diplomatic attention between India and the United States, the Department of Justice said. Gupta, also known as "Nick," admitted guilt to three charges: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in the Southern District of New York. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero on May 29, 2026. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Gupta acted "at the direction and coordination of an Indian government employee" to arrange the killing of a New York-based attorney and political activist who advocates for the creation of Khalistan, a proposed Sikh sovereign state carved out of Punjab. The indictment alleges that the co-defendant, Vikash Yadav, was employed by India's Cabinet Secretariat, which houses the country's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). "Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City," U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said. "He thought that from outside this country, he could kill someone in it without consequence, simply for exercising their American right to free speech. But he was wrong, and he will face justice." The intended victim, identified in court documents as a U.S. citizen of Indian origin, leads a U.S.-based organisation that calls for the secession of Punjab and the establishment of Khalistan. The Indian government has banned both the individual and his organisation in India. According to prosecutors, Yadav recruited Gupta in May 2023 to orchestrate the assassination. Gupta contacted a confidential source working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), who introduced him to an undercover DEA officer posing as a contract killer. Federal prosecutors allege that Yadav agreed to pay $100,000 for the killing and that $15,000 in cash was delivered in New York as an advance payment in June 2023. Gupta allegedly passed along the victim's home address, phone numbers, and surveillance details to the undercover officer. The Justice Department also stated that Gupta instructed the undercover officer not to carry out the killing during the Indian Prime Minister's June 2023 state visit to the United States. Two days before that visit, Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead outside a temple in British Columbia, Canada. According to court filings, Gupta told the undercover officer the day after Nijjar's killing that Nijjar "was also the target" and "we have so many targets." Gupta, 54, was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30, 2023, and later extradited to the United States. The charges carry maximum statutory penalties of 10 years each for murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Actual sentencing will be determined by the court under federal guidelines. The guilty plea avoids what would have been a closely watched trial in Manhattan federal court involving allegations of foreign-directed assassination efforts on U.S. soil. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2026. David Suchet, a classical and versatile actor who once performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, has portrayed widely-disparate roles, including Salieri in Amadeus, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the father of the hydrogen bomb, Edward Teller. But he is best-known for his definitive portrayal of Agatha Christie's brilliant sleuth Hercule Poirot, in 70 episodes on British television between 1989 and 2013. In 2024, Suchet and his wife, Sheila, took an opportunity to follow in Christie's footsteps by recreating an international tour that the bestselling writer took in 1922, journeying to Southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Canada. Suchet's experiences were the basis of a documentary series, and now a book, Travels with Agatha Christie (Hachette Mobius). He spoke with PW about his portrayal of Poirot, and that journey. How did you come to portray Poirot? I had done Blott on the Landscapea 1985 television series)that was the latest piece of my work that people really liked. The Agatha Christie estate saw me in that, and liked that my interpretation of the character was close to the character that Tom Sharpe had written. That led to my being interviewed by Agatha Christie's daughter (Rosalind) and her husband, and they subsequently said that one of the reasons that they chose me for Poirot was because I was a serious classical actor. I'd been with the Royal Shakespeare Company 13 years, and I had a reputation for in-depth characterization. How did that reputation apply to Poirot? Christie is generally thought of as a masterful plotter, who devised original and jaw-dropping whodunit solutions, rather than creating memorable, well-rounded characters. During that interview, Christie's daughter looked at me, and said, "My mother never wrote a funny, jokey caricature. We can smile with Poirot, but we must never laugh at him." She looked at me very seriously, and said, "You don't do that. We don't want that." And so I went to the books, and then I wrote down this huge list of his characteristics, and I got so impressed by the character and his many dimensions. You hadn't been, before then? The only knowledge I had of Poirot, before I started really reading her whole canon, was from recent previous incarnations of the role. I was actually in the TV film Thirteen at Dinner, but as Inspector Japp. Peter Ustinov was Poirot, and so I got a very good close-up view of Peter's interpretation. We became very good friends during the shoot, and during one lunch with him, he suddenly stopped, looked at me, and said, "You know, it's funny, looking at you, you could be Poirotyou look exactly like Agatha Christie's description." And at that time, I had no idea that I was ever going to play him, and knew him only as a caricature. When I got offered the role, I decided I would start reading her books, because I was not a great Agatha Christie reader. And I realized that what she was doing was not writing a caricature. On the page, he's full of complexityhe can be extreme, he can be comic, he can be very serious, he's compulsive, and he's very religious. Agatha Christie herself was a very devout Christian, and she made Poirot a very devout Catholic. Christie buffered his depth with whimsical humor, and she wrote him as a very kind person, especially to those below the stairs, so to speak. Is it true that your brother advised against your accepting the part? Yes, that's absolutely correct. I'd only known Poirot as a jokey figure, and that's why my brother said to me, "Cut David, he's a caricatureyou're a classical theater actor, you know, you've played all the great Shakespearean roles. Look, he said, take my advice, don't touch it with a barge pole." He's dined out on that story, not me. Turning to this book, which of the sites that you visited on this journey had the greatest impact on you? There were really three, although only one really had to do with ChristieVictoria Falls. I'd never witnessed such a power of nature before, and it made me feel very humble, and it still stays with me. I can close my eyes now and hear and feel the shaking, the trembling of the earth, with the power of the water falling on rock. Because Victoria Falls are created from a fissure, the water hits rock, not water, and that's loud, and it produces spray, and it goes up into the air, and there are rainbows when the sun is out in the sprayit was a total immersion in nature. What it did for me was make me realize just how little we are as human beings, when we think we control the world. It was no surprise for me that it had the same effect on Agatha Christie. She said that this is one of the sites that she was desperate to revisit, and then later in her life, she wrote,"Well, I never went back, but I'm glad I didn't, because the memory of that first time can never be erased." What other places made a deep impression on you? One was New Zealand, when I met the Maori guide, Te Rua, who talked about his world, his faith, his philosophy, and his people. He took me to the Arahura River, where the Maori hunt for the pounamu, a sacred stone which is said to hold energy and contain a life force, which they have to be trained to recognize. At the end of my interviewing him, he actually gave me such a stone that was in the shape of a whale's tooth. He gave me that because he and his son were huge fans of the series, and because I was traveling around the former British empire, following in Christie's footsteps, and the whale is considered the greatest traveler in the world. He said that the stone will keep me safe, and I'm to wear it as often as I can next to my body. I was so touched. It was a genuine gesture of generosity and kindness to me to say thank you. It was also very humbling. And the third place? A destination that Christie would not have seen. She would not have seen what I saw when I went to the Saint Eugene mission, in Canada, and learned about its terrible treatment of indigenous people from two former studentsSylvia and Gordie. The teachers got rid of their heritage, their language, their costumes, their traditions. At the school, the students weren't allowed to speak to each other in their own language. And that was a shock to mea reminder of the cruelty of the human being to other human beings. You were visiting places that had been part of the British Empire; did your travels change your understanding of colonialism? I've tried to avoid this, but I can share with you now that it came as a huge surprise to me, a realization that when I was at school, and I'm 80 in May, so I was at school in the '50s, we didn't have one lesson on the Empire. I knew a bit about Cecil Rhodes, whose desk I sat at on our tour, but I just knew him as a prime minister. I didn't know what he actually was responsible forhis legacy of institutional racism. I didn't know anything about the Saint Eugene mission school. I'm very uneasy with colonialism. I'm not proud of what we actually did. It just comes back to what I was saying to you before about the inhumanity and cruelty of humanity. We are capable of such love, such kindness, such generosity, such empathy and sympathy, and yet, we can torture and be so cruel to one anotherit defies total understanding. and I feel that about the legacy of the Empire. Did you learn something about Christie that you didn't expect? I'd thought of her as the shy person who lived in an isolated world after becoming a success. She'd just published one novel, the first Poirot, at the time of her trip, and learned from her diaries that, as a young woman of 31, she was vivacious, she was extroverted when traveling to South Africa, she played the piano on board, and sang to the fellow passengers, and danced with the crew while her husband, Archie, had an early night. She was possibly one of the first women to stand up on a huge surfboard. It became a passion for her, this dangerous, dangerous sport of surfing. It wasn't just pleasure. She loved being on the edge. So I got to know Agatha Christie on this Empire Tour in a way that I would never have while I was doing the series. I got to know her and to like her in a completely different way, and gained respect for her as a human being. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia is committed to eliminating online scam networks by April 2026, as more than 7,000 online scam suspects have been deported so far, said a spokesperson on Friday. The Southeast Asian country has launched an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks to maintain social security, safety, and public order, and to restore the kingdom's image on the international stage. The government "has set a deadline to completely eradicate online scam networks in Cambodia by April 2026," Ministry of Interior Spokesperson Touch Sokhak said in a press briefing. He said that since 2025 to date, the kingdom has expelled 7,657 online scam suspects back to their birth countries. Of them, more than 5,500 were deported throughout 2025, and over 2,000 were expelled in just over a month in 2026, he added. This spring, the Library of Congress will open The Source: Where Creativity Sparks Discovery, a 4,000-square-foot experiential learning space for young people ages 815. Shari Rosenstein Werb, director of the LoCs Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement and The Sources lead curator, said that the LoC exhibits team is putting the finishing touches on the space, housed in the Thomas Jefferson Building. The Sources full website will launch on April 2, and the gallery will open to the public with a big family day event on May 9, Werb said. The LoC is a research library, and you have to be 16 to get a research card, Werb told PW. We want to encourage young people to do research, so weve collected maps, audio, all sorts of things from the library that invite kids to explore the collections. Throughout the development process, she and her co-planners held a quarterly consultation with a youth advisory council of tweens and teens from across the nation. Theyd give us feedback, and we incorporated all of it into the development and design, she said. Displays and facsimile materials will spotlight the various mediaimages, film, sound, and textin the LoCs vast collection, and The Source promises interactive experiences, including researcher boxes that enable kids to follow the path of someone whos done research, Werb said. One box will be based on documents from 1970s New York, compiled as project research by Meg Medina, the 20232024 National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature. Well have four zones that invite kids to open drawers, dig deeper into film archives or sound archives, and develop media literacy and research skills, Werb added, noting that the exhibits team worked with design firm Skolnick Architecture on the build. Theres a meet a librarian section with life-size videos of six librarians representing different specialties, so youre kind of coming face-to-face with a librarian in a fun way. Other LoC national ambassadors for youth, including Jason Reynolds, will have their books showcased at The Source. And the LoC will devote its May 7 happy hour, Live! At the Library, to launching 20252026 ambassador Mac Barnetts book for general readers, Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children (Little, Brown, May), timed to The Sources grand opening. Youth programming has been rearranged to make room for The Source. We had a young readers center, which we closed in order to open this space, Werb told PW, noting that Washington, D.C., visitors who rely on AI-generated tourist tips may encounter information that is not up to date. Individual visitors as well as student groups will be able to visit The Source in May. During the American Library Associations daylong virtual conference on February 10, acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen spoke about The Source during an interview with ALA president Sam Helmick. He noted that The Source was an initiative begun under the leadership of former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. I was just touring it the other day, and it is absolutely gorgeous, Newlen told Helmick, and the LoC is proud to see this childrens and teens area get to the finish line. The Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators held its 2026 Virtual Winter Conference on February 67, with keynote speakers Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Traci Sorell, plus the annual Golden Kite Awards ceremony. This year's conference drew 400 registered attendees. TeMika Grooms, SCBWIs manager of design and illustration, moderated a panel of two editors and two agents, who shared what theyre looking for (a good laugh in troubled times), advice for creators (be open to feedback), and their feelings about diverse literature (keep writing it). Nick Thomas, executive editor at Levine Querido, said hes always in search of someone with a distinctive voice, telling a book of their heart. Most of the time, those books of the heart are pitched by agents, but this month LQ published a manuscript received through Submittable, Thomas said. He especially welcomes a sense of humor in any and all types of submissions, with the caveat that comedy is really hard to achieve on the page. Elise McMullen-Ciotti, senior executive editor at Lee & Low and Tu Books, agreed with Thomas about humor, especially when something is endearing and moves me. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, McMullen-Ciotti champions Indigenous authors and content, and she encouraged the audience to go and read an Indigenous book in 2026. Her own book, Outfoxed: A Wish Novel (Scholastic Press), recently received a 2026 American Indian Youth Literature Award honor, and she said, I hope that Ive made the Cherokee Nation proud. "Write a great story and stand firm on it." Elise McMullen-Ciotti Lately, McMullen-Ciotti added, shes seeking empathic worksomething that has a light in itas a counterweight to conflict. I dont want any more books about war, she said. A lot of speculative stuff tends to have great battles, but I think there are other ways we can grow and give kids something to talk about. Agent Adriana Dominguez at Aevitas Creative Management observed, The world feels very heavy right now, and I think thats why a lot of us are asking for humor. Domingez also is keen to see innovative takes on diversity, with a bit of a pause on picture books and other childrens books about food. Thats the most basic thing everyone knows about a culture, but thats not where I want us to stop learning, she said. Kate Schafer Testerman, founder and president of KT Literary, confirmed that we all still want and are promoting diverse titles that represent the world around us. Even though she sees reader demand for books centered on race and gender, Testerman expressed regret that a lot of the editors at Big Five houses cant get those through acquisitions committees, whose financial projections are not optimistic. I dont want to be a downer, but it is a challenging time right now, with the school and library market for inclusive books chilled by a climate of fear. In addition, LQs Thomas acknowledged that hes concerned about factors such as decreased library funding, public schools reluctance to purchase potentially controversial books, and at times a failure of metadata to identify diverse content, which reduces discoverability. To make positive change in the industry, he said, Use your library as much as possible. When you check out a book or place a hold on the ebook, that signals they need more and translates to salesand it doesnt cost you anything. And if the book is not there, ask for it! Grooms interjected. McMullen-Ciotti seconded Thomas and Grooms. At Lee & Low, our biggest target is the school and library market, she said, and political actors are influencing the money our customers can use. At the same time, she reminded listeners, You cant kill an ideaits still going forward despite all the noise. When an audience member asked whether authors should tread more cautiously, McMullen-Ciotti responded with a big giant nowrite a great story and stand firm on it, while Testerman said, If fear of being banned is whats keeping you from writing the story, youre doing the banning yourself. The panel also covered trends. When Grooms asked the group to talk about genre-blends and storytelling, Testerman observed that romantasy is a wildly popular blending, but those books already existed before there was a name for it. We now name cozy horror and funny speculative, Testerman said, but as modern readers we are more likely to put specific labels on something. McMullen-Ciotti added that global film and TV favorites are having an influence on the American literary market, with things like K-dramas, and thats influencing what we can see as story. At the close of the session, Grooms asked everyone to make a wish for 2026. No more book bans! said Testerman. Rousing support of our librarians, said McMullen-Ciotti. More library fundingand more domestic printers, said Thomas. And Dominguez asked for more diverse voices, surprise, surprise. I like the way you all dream, Grooms replied. Nearly 40 members of the U.K.'s Independent Publishers Guild have written to leading AI companies about potential legal action following alleged copyright infringement. The letters have been sent on their behalf by London-based law firm Fox Williams LLP, a leading specialist in publishing and copyright law. According to a statement from the IPG, an association set up to support indie publishers in the U.K. and Ireland, the letters "note that millions of books, journals and other literary works have been used to train and develop Large Language Models (LLMs) without the consent of publishers or licensors, representing a clear infringement of copyright." The correspondence also includes "a request for LLM operators to cease using publishers copyright without express permission and provide detailed records of content that has been used to date," the statement continued. "If the undertakings are not received, the right is reserved to take further steps to protect publishers Intellectual Property, including legal proceedings." Bridget Shine, chief executive of the IPG, called AI copyright infringement "a seismic threat to independent publishers and their authors and illustrators, and these warning letters show their determination to respond collectively." Shine called the letters "just the first step in what could be a long and arduous battle to secure proper compensation for infringement and robust protection for the future. Independent publishers know there is great strength in numbers, and were pleased to be able to coordinate this demonstration of serious concern and intent." Running point for the IPG is Simon Bennett, partner at Fox Williams and head of its intellectual property, commerce and technology, and international teams. Bennett is currently involved in advising publishers on copyright infringement by LLMs through their use of AI on their copyright work. He called AI companies' approach to publishing "an existential threat to the independent publishing industry, and a stand needs to be taken to protect the copyright of millions of works." A version of this story first appeared in the U.K. newsletter BookBrunch. The nomination announcement was made unexpectedly. Sobyanin and Medvedev were both attending a meeting of the Skolkovo Scientific Advisory Board in Gorki. Following the meeting, reporters were invited for an impromptu press conference with both men, at which the nomination was announced. I want to inform you of my decision to nominate you for Moscow Mayor, and the respective proposal will be submitted to the Moscow City Duma, Medvedev told Sobyanin. This is a very difficult and important job, and I am sure you will be up to the challenge, he said. The president pointed to Moscows special status as a metropolis and the capital of Russia. The city, he said, had been developing rapidly over the past few years has a lot of strengths to show for it, but also and many problems. Among them, Medvedev cited Moscows overpopulation, a host of social issues and transport problems. Moscows new mayor should concentrate on social problems and raising peoples living standards, Medvedev said. This it is what we were expecting to happen, said Elena Panina, the head of United Russias Moscow branch. Panina said she knew Sobyanin from the Khanty-Mansiisk autonomous region, and described him as a professional. While meeting with Sobyanin, Medvedev stressed that Moscow should not be a region cut off from rest of the country. Instead, the citys administration should be fully integrated with the federal authorities to preserve its trust and work efficiently. This, however, does not mean that Sobyanin will simultaneously remain on as deputy prime minister. Medvedevs spokeswoman, Natalya Timakova, confirmed that Sobyanin would step down from his current posts after being inaugurated. Holding Moscow mayor and deputy prime minister positions at the same time is not possible from a legal standpoint, since the mayoral position is selected, while deputy prime ministers are appointed, said Igor Bunin, president of the Center for Political Technologies. Who is Sergei Sobyanin? Sergei Semenovich Sobyanin was born June 21, 1958 in the village of Nyaksimvol in the Beryozovsky region of the Khanty-Mansiisk Autonomous Region. After high school, Sobyanin attended the Kostroma Technological Institute. He graduated in 1980 and went to work as a mechanic in a pipe factory in Chelyabinsk. In 1984, Sobyanin began a new job as the deputy director of the agricultural committee of the city of Kogalym. He was responsible for managing the collective farm, and the tax inspectorate. In 1989, he began graduated studies in law at the Ulyanovsk branch of the All-Soviet Correspondence Institute of Law. He received a doctoral degree in Jurisprudence after defending a dissertation on the rights of the autonomous regions that are part of the Russian Federation. In 1991, he became the mayor of Kogalym and in 1993, he became the first deputy head of the administration of the Khanty-Mansiisk Autonomous Region. In January 1996, Sobyanin became a member of the Federation Council and the head of a committee on Constitutional Legislation and Judicial Affairs. On July 12, 2000, he was appointed first deputy presidential envoy of the Urals Federal District. On Jan. 14, 2001, he was named governor of the Tyumen region. He was reappointed to the position Feb. 17, 2005. In 2004, he was named to the leadership of the United Russia party In November 2005, Sobyanin became the head of the presidential administration of the Russian Federation. From Jan. 22 to March 7, 2008, he was the chief of staff for Dmitry Medvedevs presidential campaign. - by Gazeta.ru Approval by the Moscow City Duma The Moscow City Duma will discuss Sobyanins candidacy within 10 days after the President submits it. We are currently waiting for the document to be submitted. The date for electing the new mayor is expected to be fixed on Monday at the session of the Dumas Organizing Committee, said Moscow City Duma Speaker Vladimir Platonov. There is little doubt that Sobyanin will be approved. Representatives from United Russias Moscow branch hailed Medvedevs choice. I am happy that a person is coming who looks before he leaps, Moscow City Duma Deputy Anton Paleyev said. Another member of United Russias faction, Mikhail Moskvin-Tarkhanov, who earlier supported Yury Luzhkov and did not expect the Moscow City Duma to approve any outside candidates, seems to have changed his mind, saying: The Moscow region will finally begin to develop normally now, with Sobyanin as Mayor. Andrei Metelsky, leader of United Russias faction in the Moscow parliament, believes that the partys members, who hold 32 out of the Dumas 35 seats, will certainly support Sobyanin. Andrei Klychkov, who leads the Communist faction the only opposition in the Moscow parliament said that the Communists were against the nomination procedure as such, and could therefore vote against it. Klychkov said he could not be certain about support for Sobyanin until after the delegates meet the candidate. Outlook for the Moscow government Vyacheslav Timchenko, a Moscow City Duma deputy from the Tyumen region who has known Sobyanin for a long time, describes him as an effective manager, who is also humane in his management style. Timchenko suggested that Sobyanin could invite officials from the Tyumen and other regions to be part of his Moscow team. Meanwhile, it is not quite clear who makes up Sobyanins team. He is the man who has always looked for compromises and has never really had his own people. He has not brought anyone to either the Kremlin or the government staff, said Igor Bunin. Anastasia Rakova, who came from Tyumen with Sobyanin and became deputy chief of staff in the government, seems to be the only exception. As mayor, Sobyanin will able to bring people together, which will help him transition into the Moscow administration smoothly. Potentially, Vladimir Resin or Lyudmila Shvetsova could be appointed First Deputy Mayor. There was an idea to separate the posts of the mayor and chairman of the Moscow government, but this idea seems to have been dropped, Bunin added. Yury Zagrebnoi, head of Mossovet, also expects Shvetsova to retain her position. Will Resin retain his position? For all his shortcomings, Resin has one important strength: he is extremely flexible. Over the past two weeks, people have been surprised by his inconsistent decisions. But this is what Resin is about, he has always been like this, Zagrebnoi said. Resins other strong points include his involvement with the citys construction industry and experience in holding Moscows elections, since he headed local electorate headquarters for many years. As for other officials, their fate is less certain. Most of Luzhkovs officials will retain their jobs, while the new mayor will focus on distributing the city budget, said Stanislav Belkovsky, a political analyst. Sobyanin will take a number of populist steps: he might revise Moscows general development plan, annul several construction projects, etc. It is now important for him as a non-Muscovite to earn popularity. Outlook for traffic jams While meeting with Sobyanin, Medvedev lamented Moscows chronic traffic jams. Sobyanin has road construction experience as chairman of the Board of Directors at Rosavtodor. And yet, experts are uncertain about Sobyanins plans to solve the transportation problem. Sobyanins having chaired Rosavtodor is not that relevant. The company itself is just taking shape, and this does not make him an expert on roads, said Mikhail Blinkin, director of research programs at the Research Institute for Transport and Road Infrastructure. Sobyanins other skills are what matter. He is a brilliant manager, federal and regional official. He is very good at holding meetings, and has a fantastic memory. This is what matters, said Blinkin. Business outlook Experts believe that with Sobyanin as mayor, the federal government will be exercising more influence on Moscows businesses. Among other things, significant changes can be expected in the financial, energy and construction sectors, which could fall under the control of federal agencies, said Dmitry Abzalov, an economist at the Center for Political Trends. Moscows stakes in the Bank of Moscow and the Moscow Oil Refinery could be sold. Yelena Baturinas Inteko might face serious problems, since some of her assets could go to, say, Suleiman Kerimov, as part of financial restructuring. Sobyanin will lean on his experience in reforming infrastructure, and he also might launch a campaign against semi-legal economic activities, including migrant workers, according to Alexander Razuvayev, chief analyst at Galleon Capital Investment Company. He does not rule out the possibility of a decrease in Moscow real estate prices ahead of the 2011-2012 nationwide election cycle. Sobyanins latest statements emphasize the need to reduce the states role in the economy, and certain measures could be taken in this respect, according to Yaroslav Lissovolik, chief economist at Deutsche Bank Russia. For his part, political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky links Sobyanin to the business empires of Roman Abramovich and Gennady Timchenko. Belkovsky said that Sobyanin developed close ties with them during his term as the governor of Tyumen and therefore Abramovichs business could strengthen its position in Moscow. Social outlook Mossovets Zagrebnoi is convinced that all social benefits will remain in place. At the same time, he noted that a number of analysts believed some social benefits were being paid from federal sources, and it was unclear whether and how much of these could be retained without Luzhkov. Galina Khovanskaya, a Moscow State Duma deputy from A Just Russia does not expect the new mayor to begin with revising the benefits system. I dont think he will start with it. Even during the economic crisis, the Moscow government and the Moscow City Duma did not increase the burden on low-income families, she said. Sobyanins property According to his 2009 earnings certificate, Sobyanin had a modest annual income of 3.2 million rubles ($104,000) and a 118 square-meter apartment, which he owns jointly with his wife Irina. The Sobyanins also have a Jeep Cherokee. They have two daughters: Anna (born in 1986) and Olga (born in 1997). All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The HK G36 has something of a checkered past and an uncertain future. Designed in the 1990s to replace the obsolescent G3 roller-locked battle rifle, it promised to bring the wonders of modern polymer technology adopted in the Glock handgun to an issued long-gun. It achieved some initial success in Europe, with multiple countries adopting it for their troops and special police units. You could make the argument that, at the time, there really wasnt much in the way of locally produced alternatives to product coming out of Germany, as both France and Britains small arms industries were dead and buried by their respective governments, and Czech, Croatian, and Polish talent was yet to mature. In terms of its operating system, its yet another variant of Stoners other design, the AR-18. In it, a short stroke piston drives a bolt carrier with a helical cam path, which rotates a multi-lug bolt engaging with a barrel extension. Thats 70 years of small arms development summed up in 25 words feel free to copy and paste when referring to just about any modern Western service rifle. The G36C thankfully dispenses with the stratospherically tall top rail of its longer peers. While closer to the receiver, theres still plenty of room to reach the charging handle. S5 Tactical, HK Parts SG36 Caliber: 5.56 NATO Capacity: 30 rounds Barrel length: 9 inches Length (stock folded): 20.5 inches Weight: 6.4 pounds MSRP: $570 receiver, $1,200 parts kit, $167 stock URL: s5tactical.com, hkparts.net RISE AND FALL In 2012, the Bundeswehr received reports from troops in Afghanistan that their rifles wouldnt hold zero after firing a lot of rounds during extended firefights in a hot environment. After a lot of rounds downrange, the chances of connecting with an enemy at 100m with a well-aimed shot allegedly went down from 90 percent to near zero, as the polymer receiver heated up. The next few years saw a period of buck-passing and blame shifting, until 2016 when Ursula von der Leyen, then defense minister, announced the G36 was being phased out of general service. Whether there was a real issue was still in question, but politicians never miss an opportunity to present themselves as saviors while blaming their predecessors for any problems. Certainly, VDL was not held in high regard by the troops during this period and gained a reputation as being self-serving and only marginally competent. This is the entirety of the parts kit youll need to build your own G36C. The L shaped piece at the top right is the specialized barrel nut wrench. As police units and specialists were not expected to have to call for an ammo resupply halfway through their shift, the G36 remains in use with other purchasers and is highly respected by those who still carry it. Several variants exist, with three different barrel lengths, but as we all know, shorter is sexier. All models share the same basic architecture, consisting of a polymer receiver, folding stock, and, as youd expect, HK-style takedown using non-captive pins. A plastic carrying handle serves as both an optics mount and shield for the folding, reciprocating charging handle. UNDER THE HOOD Heckler & Koch USA does not sell the G36 to civilians the closest youll get is a 22LR version produced under license or the bastardized SL8. If youve got an itch for a grown-up version, youll have to roll your own. The stubbiest G36 variant is the G36C, with a 9-inch barrel. Ours started life as a parts kit from HK Parts in Utah, which substitutes a nitrided 416 stainless American-made barrel for the German hammer-forged and chrome-lined original, due to import restrictions. The folding mechanism is robust and an improvement over the German original. This was combined with a USA-made receiver from S5 Tactical in Mesa, Arizona, and assembly couldnt have been easier, as most major components are already put together. If youve ever built an AR-15 from a kit, this project will be easy in comparison. The most involved procedure is barrel installation, but a specialized wrench is available, and the barrel nut comes already installed on the barrel, with the gas block in place, so its just a matter of slipping the barrel into the receivers trunion/barrel extension and torquing to spec. Once the barrel is installed, the rest of the assembly is very straightforward, and, really, its not much different from putting the gun back together after field stripping with one exception. The mag catch spring was shat from the bowels of Satan himself and will cause all manner of swearing while you figure out how to install it so make sure small children are out of the room while you fiddle, curse, and recover it from the carpet. S5 Tacticals receiver looks like a very high-quality injection molding, and we can only speculate as to how much the tooling for it must have cost them were guessing at least one kidney must have been involved. It provides a foundation for the system and, unless HK were handing out CAD files like Halloween candy, was accurately reverse engineered from an original. The designers included a few improvements along the way; stock lockup is very precise, and when folded, remains rattle-free. Carbine controls are fully ambi. The magwell can be swapped out to accept STANAG mags. Controls remain true to the original, which was designed from the outset to be completely ambi. The mag release is an AK-style paddle, while the bolt release/hold open is an L shaped lever inside the trigger guard push up with your trigger finger to engage, press down with your support thumb to drop the BCG, and chamber the first round of a reload. Its intuitive and means both sides are uncluttered with buttons and levers. Safety selector levers are identical and fall naturally under your digits; we found it easier to swipe the safety to Fire with the master hands thumb and reapply with the first phalange of the trigger finger. ROUNDS DOWNRANGE Sight selection for the G36C is a bit of a compromise, as it already has considerable height-over-bore issues. We wanted to test for group size, so in the end wound up with the smallest LPVO on the shelf, but this gun really cries out for a 1x prism or low-mounted red dot. Our first range session was an exercise in frustration. Multiple failures to feed occurred right off the bat, and the problem seemed worse when shooting from the prone position, using the magazine as a monopod. We quickly became experts in stoppage drills and found that if you dropped a live round into the chamber by hand, the carbine would get through a dozen or so rounds before choking again. LPVO is probably not the best optic option, but allowed us to assess accuracy. Height over bore is a thing On examining the Magpul P-Mag, its feed lips had a tiny bow to them, and the center part was dragging on the carrier, slowing it enough to prevent it going into battery after stripping a round. A couple of file strokes solved the problem, and we were off to the races. You could possibly avoid having to deal with that particular problem altogether by using genuine HK mags, which have the added advantage of being able to be clipped together, side by side. Or not, given that theyre about four times the cost of their American counterparts. Despite its 9-inch barrel, the G36C is pleasant to shoot. Sure, theres a fireball out front and no escape from the concussion, but compared to a 10.3-inch Mk18, its action feels much softer and more subdued. All cases ejected in a neat pile at the 4 oclock position, and the trigger, while its never going to win any prizes, was very usable with a clean, 8-pound break (which feels lighter than it is) and solid reset. Integrated iron (plastic) sights are adequate for the purpose. The polymer top rail can be deflected with hand pressure, so were not sure wed want to mount a laser there. As far as accuracy goes, Black Hills Mk262 produced 2.75-inch groups, shot prone unsupported. No, its not stellar, but its acceptable for the role of a PDW or CQB weapon. If youre prepared for the possibility of having to do some tweaking and troubleshooting, the prospect of owning a unicorn is very appealing. Even though HK USA has made some overtures to the U.S. civilian market with regards to availability of their previously closely kept models, we dont see any prospect of them releasing a G36 any time soon, especially not a shorty version. This combination of an American receiver and German small parts is about as close as youre going to get to the real thing, and we have no doubt availability is going to be limited. Chinese Premier Li Qiang hosts a symposium for representatives of the foreign experts who won the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award, as well as other foreign experts working in China, ahead of the Spring Festival, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2026. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of the Spring Festival, Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday afternoon hosted a symposium at the Great Hall of the People for representatives of the foreign experts who won the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award, as well as other foreign experts working in China. Li extended best wishes and sincere greetings for the Spring Festival to the foreign experts, and thanked them for their long-term concern and support for China's modernization efforts. He also listened to their opinions and suggestions on China's development and government work. Experts from countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Uganda, Bulgaria, Belarus and Germany delivered speeches on topics such as sci-tech innovation, agricultural development, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, talent cultivation, and investment cooperation. Li expressed the hope that foreign experts will remain committed to acting as a bridge between China and the world, and play greater roles in enhancing mutual trust and understanding, strengthening exchanges and mutual learning, and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. Foreign experts have built their careers in China, and their innovative achievements and work results create significant spillover effects, benefiting both China and the world, Li said. The recommendations of the Communist Party of China Central Committee for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), lay out a grand blueprint for China's development over the next five years. He encouraged foreign experts to seize the opportunity, remain engaged and work together for a better future, while making greater contributions to the progress of human civilization. Foreign experts working in China are sincere friends of the Chinese people, Li said, stressing that the Chinese government will strive to create a better environment for their life and work, and it will continue to safeguard peace and stability. It will also step up support through various innovation policies, and optimize services related to visas, social security, medical care and children's education, he added. These efforts aim to ensure that talent from various countries can feel more secure at work, more comfortable in daily life, and more satisfied with their development in China, enabling them to achieve professional success while experiencing the warmth of home, Li said. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also attended the symposium. Incremental gains for the company, and the listed pharma universe more broadly, also stemmed from positive sentiment around the IndiaUS trade deal. About a third of Sun Pharmas revenues come from the US market. Photograph: Francia Mascarenhas/Reuters Key Points The IndiaUS trade deal lifted investor sentiment, with the peer index, Nifty Pharma, also registering strong gains Performance was driven by the global specialty segment Growth in the India business was led by higher volumes and new products There is a buy rating with a target price of Rs 1,999 A strong third-quarter (OctoberDecember/Q3) performance for 2025-26 (FY26) has helped the stock of Indias largest listed pharmaceutical (pharma) company, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, gain about 7 per cent since the start of February. Incremental gains for the company, and the listed pharma universe more broadly, also stemmed from positive sentiment around the IndiaUS trade deal. About a third of Sun Pharmas revenues come from the US market. Given the Q3 performance, most brokerages have upgraded the stock and assigned it a buy rating. The IndiaUS trade deal lifted investor sentiment, with the peer index, Nifty Pharma, also registering strong gains. Analyst Uttam Kumar Srimal of Axis Direct says the reduction in reciprocal tax from 25 per cent to 18 per cent is incrementally positive for Indian pharma companies with meaningful exposure to the US market, which contributes 30-40 per cent of sector revenues. The 700-basis point (bp) cut lowers landed cost pressure on exports and improves price competitiveness in the structurally price-erosive US generics market. While the reciprocal tax remains above historical norms, the revision to 18 per cent materially softens margin and earnings headwinds for Indian pharma exporters. It is expected to improve earnings visibility for 2026-27 through 2027-28 and provide near-term valuation support, particularly for US-exposed names such as Sun Pharma, the brokerage says. The company reported a healthy Q3, with revenue and operating profit growing 1314 per cent each, while net profit rose 17 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y). Operating profit margin improved by 24 bps Y-o-Y to 30.9 per cent. Excluding the milestone payment of $55 million, however, results were broadly in line with estimates. Performance was driven by the global specialty segment, India formulations (up 16 per cent), emerging markets/EMs (up 28 per cent) and rest of the world (RoW) markets (up 21 per cent). This was partly offset by a weak showing in the US generics business, which grew 6 per cent Y-o-Y but declined 4 per cent sequentially. Apart from lower sales of the generic version of cancer drug Revlimid, the company indicated that other products also saw price erosion. While clarity on a growth pickup remains limited, improvement could follow compliance fulfilment at some manufacturing locations. Growth in the India business was led by higher volumes and new products. The company launched 12 new products during the quarter, taking the total to 26 launches over the past year. These have helped strengthen Sun Pharmas leadership position in the domestic market, where it now commands an 8.4 per cent share. The company plans to launch glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs for obesity and Type 2 diabetes upon patent expiry and has received approvals for weight management and Type 2 diabetes indications. Commenting on the outlook, JM Financial Research expects the company to outperform its single-digit growth guidance for FY26. Strong momentum in India and the RoW/EMs is encouraging and could continue over the next two years, led by specialty and GLP-1 launches, analysts Amey Chalke and Abin Benny say. While the US generics business may remain subdued, two new specialty launches and continued momentum in the plaque psoriasis drug Ilumya are expected to drive US specialty growth in the high teens. The brokerage has a buy rating with a target price of Rs 1,999. BNP Paribas Research has upgraded its FY26 estimates following the margin beat and retained its outperform rating. Analyst Tausif Shaikh says that Sun Pharma has outperformed on operating profit margin despite guiding for lower margins in the second half of FY26 due to higher marketing spends for new specialty launches. The brokerage has raised its FY26 operating margin estimate by 120 bps and maintained its target price at Rs 2,250. 'Except facilitating builders in default, it is not doing anything else. Better to just abolish this institution.' Kindly note that this illustration generated using ChatGPT has only been posted for representational purposes. Key Points Himachal Pradesh government planned to relocate the state's RERA headquarters from Shimla to Dharamshala. In 2025, high court had stalled government's relocation efforts. Respondents argued that shifting would inconvinience Shimla-based stakeholders. Supreme Court lifted the temporary stay, allowing the state to go ahead with shifting. The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticised the functioning of real estate regulatory authorities (RERAs) across several states, observing that they appeared to be doing little "except facilitating builders in default" and suggesting that it might be "better to just abolish this institution". A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the remarks while hearing an appeal filed by the Himachal Pradesh government against a high court order that had stalled its decision to relocate the state Rera office from Shimla to Dharamshala. Supreme Court Slams RERA "All states should now think of the people for whom the institution of Rera was created. "Except facilitating builders in default, it is not doing anything else. Better to just abolish this institution," the CJI observed during the proceedings. Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the state, submitted that the public interest litigation before the high court had been instituted by a property dealer. She argued that the state was well within its administrative powers to shift the headquarters. 'Abolish RERA', Says CJI Opposing the appeal, counsel for the respondent contended that the petitioner's credentials had been placed on record before the high court and that the court was competent to examine the matter, including by appointing an amicus curiae, if required. It was further argued that RERA had already faced delays in the appointment of a chairperson and that shifting the office would inconvenience stakeholders, most of whom were largely concentrated in Shimla. RERA Accused of Aiding Defaulting Builders According to the respondent, nearly 90 per cent of the properties and complaints under RERA's jurisdiction were located in Shimla, while Dharamshala accounted for a much smaller share. In its earlier order, the Himachal Pradesh high court had stayed the June 13, 2025, notification relocating the office, observing that the decision had been taken 'without even identifying the alternative office place'. The high court had also recorded that 18 outsourced employees were directed to be adjusted in other boards and corporations, which, in its view, would render the authority's functioning defunct. 'We are of the considered opinion that the notification dated June 13, 2025, shall remain stayed until further orders, and the subsequent order directing that the 18 outsourced employees, upon their applications, be adjusted in other boards and corporations shall also remain stayed, since the same would render the functioning of RERA defunct,' the HC had said. Himachal RERA Shift to Dharamshala Cleared After hearing the parties, the Supreme Court set aside the interim stay and allowed the state to proceed with shifting the RERA headquarters to Dharamshala. It also directed that the principal appellate authority be relocated to the same place to ensure that litigants were not inconvenienced. "With a view to ensure that persons affected by RERA orders are not inconvenienced, the principal appellate authority is also to be moved to Dharamshala," the Bench ordered. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff The Nifty IT index hit a more than nine-month low, trading at its weakest level since April 17, 2025. Kindly note that this illustration generated using ChatGPT has only been posted for representational purposes. Key Points NSE saw the Nifty IT Index tumble about 6 per cent intraday, hitting a nine-month low. The sell-off was driven by AI disruption fears and fading hopes of an early rate cut by the Federal Reserve. IT heavyweights such as TCS, Infosys and Wipro fell 6 to 7 per cent. The sector lost about Rs 1.6 trillion in market capitalisation in one day, and 4.6 trillion since February 4. Analysts said the fall reflects a valuation correction, with AI-native tools threatening the traditional FTE-based outsourcing model. Shares of information technology companies came under heavy selling pressure on Thursday, dragging the Nifty IT index down 6 per cent to 33,058.20 in intraday trade on the National Stock Exchange, amid concerns over the impact of AI on business models and fading hopes of an early US Federal Reserve rate cut. The Nifty IT index hit a more than nine-month low, trading at its weakest level since April 17, 2025. It had earlier touched a 52-week low of 30,918.95 on April 7, 2025. By the close of trade, the index ended 5.5 per cent lower at 33,160.20, marking its second decline of more than 5 per cent in February. Earlier this month, on February 4, the index had plunged 5.9 per cent. In comparison, the benchmark Nifty 50 closed 0.6 per cent lower at 25,807.20. The combined market cap of Nifty IT index companies was down Rs 1.6 trillion on Thursday, and has been down by Rs 4.6 trillion since February 4. Nifty IT Slides 6 per cent Industry experts said the selloff reflects a correction in stretched valuations rather than any fundamental shift in business prospects. Gaurav Vasu, founder and chief executive officer of UnearthInsights, said the Indian selloff mirrors trends in the US market. "Beyond the Anthropic impact, the US is expected to have a new Federal Reserve head. "On employment data, expectations were that tech would not add many jobs. "Given the layoffs we have been seeing, the employment data is not a surprise for the tech sector," he said. AI Disruption Fears Hit IT Stocks Index heavyweights Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Coforge, Oracle Financial Services Software, and LTIMindtree declined between 6 per cent and 7 per cent. Among non-index stocks, Sonata Software, KPIT Technologies, Birlasoft, Cigniti Technologies, and Zensar Technologies fell 6 to 8 per cent. Meanwhile, TCS, Wipro, Cyient, and Hexaware Technologies hit their respective 52-week lows. Infosys fell 6 per cent to Rs 1,380.60 in intraday trade and is now 6 per cent away from its 52-week low of Rs 1,307, touched on April 7, 2025. Over the past two trading sessions, the Nifty IT index has declined 7 per cent, while losses over the last seven trading days stand at 14 per cent. "Today's decline in Indian IT stocks was driven by stronger-than-expected US employment data and a marginal drop in the unemployment rate, which has reduced expectations of an early rate cut by the US Federal Reserve," said Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Investments. "This pressure was further compounded by ongoing concerns around AI-led disruption in the sector," explained Nair. Indian IT stocks were also weighed down by concerns that AI-native platforms could move up the value chain and automate outsourced work. Global software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies, including Salesforce and other enterprise software firms, also saw heavy selling as markets priced in faster AI-led disruption to legacy business models, ICICI Securities said. Fed Rate-Cut Hopes Fade Vasu said the impact of Claude Cowork is likely to be more pronounced in operations and business process outsourcing (BPO). "The impact will be felt in BPO, KPO, and legal services. "The latest Anthropic release poses a threat to the traditional full-time equivalent (FTE)-based model. "It could lead to a 5 to 10 per cent impact on core coding for generic tech services and a 10-15 per cent impact on operations such as finance, procurement, and HR," he said. IT Stocks at 52-Week Lows However, analysts cautioned that enterprise adoption of such tools may not be straightforward. Yugal Joshi, partner at Everest Group, said periods of intense hype make it difficult to distinguish between incremental change and genuine step shifts. "Claude Cowork appears to be a step change. "While building plugins on enterprise data is not new, the quality of output could be a differentiator. "However, what emerges from the tech world and what actually gets adopted by enterprises can be materially different," he said. Rs 1.6 Trillion Market-Cap Erosion Last week, Cognizant Chief Executive Officer Ravi Kumar said the assumption that new AI tools could be seamlessly plugged into enterprises to immediately replace large portions of IT services work is misplaced. "If a tool could simply be plugged into an enterprise and magically start delivering output, that value would have already shifted over the last three years. "The reality is that the value is still sitting with infrastructure and has not fully migrated to enterprises," he said. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff This article was first published 16 years ago P reethse Preethse comes after Yogish delivered three big hits.Director Maadesh's last film also was a huge hit. As Yogi's last film Ambari just completed hundred days, Preethse Preethse was certainly the most expected film in Kannada. As a young man from a rich family who does not reveal his inner feelings and suffers internally, Yogish has tried to be different in. However Yogish has not been able to deliver a convincing performance this time as he has been handicapped by a below ordinary script. Coming to the story, Preethse Preethse revolves around Akash, a rich man who is in love with Aishwarya but is unable to express his love. He lives in an illusionary world and fantasises incidents that relates to his love with Aishwarya. Bipasha who is closer to his family likes Akash, but sooner learns that Akash is in love with Aishwarya. Akash tries to please Aishwarya in many ways and even saves her father from an accident. He gets mentally disturbed when he comes to know about Aishwarya's engagement. Now, Aiwharya starts wooing Akash, but he does not respond. Finally all decks are cleared when Akash understands that Aishwarya's engagement is cancelled. Aishwarya also expresses her deep feelings of love to Akash. (sic) Director Maadesh who has directed a blockbuster like Gaja should have gone for a convincing story. The characterisation of the hero and the heroine is so weak that everything becomes predictable half way through the film. The separate comedy track involving Rangayana Raghu, MS Umesh and Mohan Juneja looks outdated and silly. Yogish has struggled to deliver a decent performance, but he is too young and inexperienced to take up such a complex role. Malayalam actress Udaya Tara has not been used properly. Pragna who acts as Bipasha has only been used to expose in songs. Veterans Jai Jagadish, Ramesh Bhat and Sangeetha fit the bill. Director PN Sathya plays the villain which brings in more laughs than fear in the theatre. Anoop Sileen's music is good. Songs like Preethse Preethse, Loose Maada, and Urige Baare are well picturised while the Bangkok song has only sex and glitz. Preethse Preethse can be enjoyed only by Yogish's fans. Otherwise it is just an ordinary film. This article was first published 7 years ago 'It is intense, riveting, clever, dark, sad, lyrical, heartfelt, relevant and understated,' says Sukanya Verma. These are insincere times and one takes anything remotely nationalistic in nature with a pinch of suspicion. But in Meghna Gulzar's Raazi, its mechanics are put to force as well under a microscope to understand how war is waged and the sacrifices it entails. 'Jung mein sirf jung hoti hai,' explains a hard-nosed intelligence expert to a freshly inducted recruit. The unsettling implications of his plainly worded logic is gradually disclosed, elevating Raazi from a slick, tense thriller to a timely human story. Fighting for one's country may be a matter of great honour and pride, but the road to it isn't one of scruples or integrity. Most of the times our cinema is so preoccupied in showing the jingoistic face of such pursuits that it neglects to notice the disadvantages of the job or acknowledge its executors as flesh and blood. Not Raazi. Meghna Gulzar tactfully lays out the irony believing her audience will show the good sense to recognise the duality that alternates between governing its central protagonist's impulses and assailing her conscience. The journey, experienced through a college dropout, feels personal and daunting. Alia Bhatt's Sehmat is a young, rose-cheeked, Kashmiri girl studying in Delhi when her dying father (Rajit Kapur doing some of his best work in a brief but important role) summons her back to replace him in the family business: Espionage. As absurd the notion is, it's still 1971 and Bobby's teenage rebellion is two years away from rubbing off on many impressionable minds. With the threat of Indo-Pak war looming large, the general mood is defined by catchwords like 'desh' 'mulk' and 'watan'. Playing the illness card has emotional manipulation written all over it, Meghna Gulzar doesn't even pretend to deny it. Rather, she highlights its effectiveness in a moment of masterstroke judgement. Though hesitant, Sehmat obliges in the tradition of dutiful daughters and signs up to be a Research and Analysis Wing agent. It's easier said than done, she soon learns while getting the hang of surveillance trade from a deadpan, hard taskmaster (jackpot delivery from Jaydeep Ahlawat). Unable to take it one day, she snaps back and cries at the sheer unfairness of expecting miracles out of her on such short notice. It's the way it is, he tells her curtly. These sharp edges stand Raazi's patriotism is professionalism view in good stead. And yet, there's something almost Shakespearean about the intense guilt haunting Sehmat's soul following her political marriage to an army man (Vicky Kaushal pales to Alia's charisma) across the border. Spying and sex aren't mutually exclusive. The genuineness of being and behaving is something only an individual can know. How much of a weapon can a person be without the human interfering with it? Raazi lets you decide. Despite its meticulous storytelling, it is one of the most open to interpretation scripts in terms of characterisation. Sehmat's occupational hazards lead to much despair but her obligation is greater than her compassion. Alia's greatest triumph is to sink under Sehmat's anguish while also feel the horror of her cold determination when she announces 'Watan ke aage kuch nahi.' As Sehmat, she looks at us straight in the eye, dares us to find loopholes in her resolve and see through her panic. Confidence is a mask her kind face wears round the clock and drops only to catch a breather. If anything, her vulnerability makes her even stronger in our eyes. Alia's metamorphosis from squirrel saviour to savage soldier is what acting is all about. I just feel dizzy thinking about the heights she'll attain in future. Based on former Indian naval officer Harinder Sikka's novel Calling Sehmat, it is the true story of a spy responsible for providing information that foiled Pakistan's plan to sink the INS Vikrant. I am yet to read the book, but Raazi is told entirely from Sehmat's perspective. And it is as balanced as Meghna Gulzar's direction, which looks at heroism as an afterthought and Indians and Pakistanis as people at work, not messengers of peace, doom or mischief. It is what makes the casualties of Sehmat's objective all the more tragic. The sensitivity that marked her direction in Talvar is further reflected in the way Meghna Gulzar highlights the strength of silence and symbols to create an atmosphere of nail-biting claustrophobia and hostility. Raazi's grave premise doesn't make it any less spellbinding. Espionage tactics like surreptitiously installed wires, hastily typed Morse code, reading between the lines in code speech, moles in disguise, the works -- are fun even in their predictability. Besides its crisp editing (Nikhil Baid), sharp camerawork (Jay I Patel) and poignant music (Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy/Gulzar) aid its storytelling, as areas of technique ought to. Raazi is a rarity. It is intense, riveting, clever, dark, sad, lyrical, heartfelt, relevant and understated. So many movies labour to create flag-wavers and compel us to care. This one only tries to tell a story and succeeds. Rediff Rating: This article was first published 15 years ago P avithra Srinivasan reviews the Tamil movie Endhiran. Dozens of directors claim that they have the commercial formula down pat but none can be compared to Shankar who belongs to the rare breed of film-makers who can actually combine a genre like science-fiction with spicy masala quotient. Sun Pictures' Endhiran (Robot in Hindi), starring superstar Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Shankar's tenth effort has been raising anticipation sky-high for months, with its special effects and novel script. Aside from being the most anticipated movie of the year, it stars two of India's most iconic actors, and is also the most expensive Indian film to date. The surprising part? It actually does work. The story is simplicity itself: Dr Vaseegaran, (Rajnikanth), robotics expert, works on a complicated project, designing an android-humanoid meant to help the Indian Army. So absorbed is he in his work that he misses all the calls, smses and emails from his beloved, Sana (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). His efforts pay off when the robot, Chitti, is finally unveiled at a International Robotics Conference 2009. Chitti can work wonders armed as he is with almost unlimited super-powers and an ability to process information at light-speed (not to mention every singing and dancing skills on Earth). Dr Vaseegaran's work gets unanimous applause from all except one: Dr Bohra (Danny Denzongpa), his erstwhile mentor and currently jealous scientist whose attempts at creating a robot failed spectacularly. He also happens to head the AIRD (Artificial Intelligence Research and Development), which must, eventually approve Chitti. There are hilarious scenes as Chitti is first brought out into the open for "testing", so to speak. His adventures in interacting with the human race are a poignant mixture of quirkiness and naivete, leading to quite a few amusing results. Sana is fascinated with him and teaches him an inadvertent lesson in human nature but the real clincher arrives when Vaseegaran, dejected with the rejection of Chitti as a robot, decides to give him a hormone simulation package (and thereby emotions). And then all hell and heaven break loose for everyone, literally and metaphorically. If you were expecting a regulatar Rajni movie with cyclone winds and an introduction song, you do get them, but not in the way it's usually done. Shankar the director re-claims his place as helmsman. Here, the story comes first and the characters come into their own later. Science fiction, as a genre, finally gets some place where plenty of technical terms are bandied about (courtesy Sujatha) but none are so puzzling that they leave you confused. After a long time, you get to see a Rajni who's genuinely stylish and who's had a ball playing three different characters. As the brainy Vaseegaran he wears a French-beard, looks knowledgeable and literally runs away from violence (a very nice touch), but as Chitti, he walks away with considerable applause. His innocence when encountering the human nature to lie; his absolute ecstasy when he first discovers love, and his later fury are fascinating to watch. And there are plenty of song and dance sequences to exhibit those talents as well. Aishwarya is bold, beautiful, feisty in certain song sequences and melting damsel in others. It's a role that requires her to be more arm-candy than fiery actress, but since a good deal of the movie depends on her bewitching beauty, she fits the role better than anyone else. Wonder of wonders, she even appears throughout the film, instead of in bits and pieces. Santhanam and Karunaas appear in rather silly roles that seem to have no relevance. In fact, Rajni is such a competent comedian that they pale in comparison. Danny Denzongpa looks distinguished and is every inch the intelligent scientist with an axe to grind. The only grouse is his dubbing where the lip-synching goes hay-wire. The rest appear in blink-and-miss roles. Here is also where Shankar distinguishes himself as someone who understands star-power and the means to manipulate it: all through the first half, the pace is steady, making use of its star-players' charisma appropriately and unleashing it at others (the train sequence is an example). The second half is something else altogether: it's a non-stop roller-coaster of action, exploding cars and robot-snakes. The SFX team has gone to town and used their wherewithal in bringing science fiction to life. Rathnavelu's camera-work is at its best during the song sequences, especially Kadhal Anukkal and Arima Arima. It's swift, clean and precise. Sabu Cyril has gone all out in the art-work and you see the result in Vaseegaran's office and the AIRD premises, which positively glow with futuristic air. Peter Hain's stunt sequences mimic the swiftness needed for a robot, and make it look convincing. The dance choreographers and costume designers deserve kudos. Antony's editing, while competent at most points, could have been used to better effect; the latter half drags a bit. The film itself clocks close to three hours. A R Rahman's tunes have already become chart-busters; he proves his mastery over the background score too: the instrumental music of Puthiya Manitha is used to much dramatic effect. All said and done, this is a Shankar film where he strikes the balance between science fiction and masala quotient. The presence of a concrete story also helps. But Shankar's intelligence lies in giving Rajni super-powers and explaining it convincingly. Yes, there are a few sequences that are silly, but he remains in command for most of the film and actually has brought out the best of Rajni: the quirkiness, flair for comedy, incredible action and the ability to laugh at himself. Whichever way you look at it, Endhiran is one of those rare films that give you just enough material to pull you in, and enjoy yourself. Just go and have a blast. Also Read: Krishnakumar Padmanabhan gives Robot 4 stars. This article was first published 19 years ago M anmadha raasa music composer, Dhina has served up a delightful audio treat in the Tamil film Kannum Kannum, directed by Marimuthu, the erstwhile assistant of director Vasanth. Prasanna of Azhagiya Theeyae and Kasthuriman fame stars with Malayalam actress Udayathara. The music is by Dhina and also features a song sung by him. Vairamuthu's meaningful and poetic lyrics are one of the high points of this five-track album. The first track of the album is Pathinettu vayasu, a foot-tapping number with controlled orchestration. Vairamuthu has added punch to his verses with alliterations. Sung by Suchithra, the lyrics speak about the dilemma faced by a modern Tamilian teenage girl who longs to break with tradition. The number has muted percussion with a vague rustic feel and lively, but simple rhythm with no complicated swirls. Ennayum unnaiyum by Karthik and Chinmayi is a love duet, which starts with a brief doleful raga followed by a collage of changing rhythms and melodious tunes. The song describes the doomed courtship of the lovers. The solo Anbae anbaethan proves the singing prowess of Dhina. Sung in a laid back fashion, the song is laced with a distinct Ilayaraja flavour. Vairamuthu's excellent lyrics convey how love conquers loneliness. Percussion is aptly underplayed while the flute interludes enhance the melodious texture of the number. Kutraalam kutraalam by Harish Raghavendra and Malathi is another love duet, which starts with a rustic tenor then gathers momentum with some twists and turns in the rhythm. This folksy number has traces of Ilayaraja's Aayiram thaamarai mottukkalae from Alaigal oyvathillai complete with rhythmic clapping and kulavai by women folk. BNP's Gayeshwar Chandra Roy secured a victory in Dhaka-3 constituency. IMAGE: BNP's Gayeshwar Chandra Roy wins from the Dhaka-3 seat. Photograph: @GayeshwarRoyBd/X Key Points BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy won the Dhaka-3 seat in the Bangladesh parliamentary election. Roy's victory occurs amidst concerns regarding the treatment of the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh. India has expressed concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The BNP is expected to return to power after a gap of two decades following the parliamentary polls. Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a senior BNP leader from the minority Hindu community, won a Dhaka constituency on Friday in Bangladesh's 13th national parliamentary election. Roy won the Dhaka-3 seat with 99,163 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Shahinur Islam, the state-run BSS news agency reported. The former state minister's win from the Dhaka seat comes in the backdrop of alleged harassment of the minority Hindu community members in the country. The community has faced a series of attacks, some fatal, after the killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. Jamaat's lone Hindu candidate loses Separately, the lone Hindu candidate fielded by the radical Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party was defeated in the Khulna-1 constituency. Krishna Nandi received 70,346 votes in the electoral contest, where BNP contender Amir Ejaz Khan secured 1,21,352 votes. Implications of the Election The 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh will elect a government that will replace the interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus. The relations between India and Bangladesh were strained after the interim government assumed charge following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. The BNP is moving towards a sweeping victory in the landmark parliamentary polls, set to return to power after a gap of two decades. The BNP on Friday claimed victory in the general elections in Bangladesh to replace the interim administration IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends warm congratulations to BNP leader Tarique Rahman on his victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary elections, signaling strengthened India-Bangladesh relations and shared development goals. Photograph: Reuters, ANI Photo Key Points PM Modi expressed confidence that Tarique Rahman's victory reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership. Modi affirmed India's support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. India aims to strengthen multifaceted relations with Bangladesh and advance shared development goals under Rahman's leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday warmly greeted Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman on his "decisive victory" in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections and said he looked forward to working with him to advance common development goals. "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh," Modi said in a post on X. India in support of inclusive Bangladesh': PM Modi Modi said Rahman's victory showed the trust of the people of Bangladesh in his leadership. "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," Modi said. BNP thanks India and Modi The BNP thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognising the verdict of Bangladesh's general elections and hoped that the relations between the two countries will be strengthened under the new government. Speaking to PTI videos, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) standing committee member and chief coordinator for the 2026 election Nazrul Islam Khan said the party appreciated Modi's recognition of the people's verdict. "We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating our leader, Tarique Rahman. It is great that a democratic country is supposed to recognise the verdict of the people, and Mr Narendra Modi has done this. We thank him," he said. "We, also on behalf of our party, thank him, and we believe that under the leadership of our leader, Mr Tarique Rahman, the relation between these two countries and the people of these two countries will be strengthened," he added. BNP sweeps Bangladesh election The BNP on Friday claimed victory in the general elections in Bangladesh to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. QUITO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and another injured on Thursday morning in a shooting in a rural area of Ecuador's western province of Manabi, local authorities said. The attack occurred in the municipality of Santa Ana, where a group of gunmen broke in a house and fatally shot six residents, according to preliminary investigations. A woman, who was seriously wounded in the assault, has been transferred to a hospital in Portoviejo, the capital of Manabi. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Manabi has been under a state of emergency since August, when the government imposed the measure in response to a surge in organized crime linked to drug cartels. A birthday celebration turned tragic in Delhi when a speeding truck collision resulted in the death of a 19-year-old and severe injuries to his friend, highlighting the dangers of road accidents IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Manav's friend, Mohammad Saad, sustained critical injuries in the Delhi truck accident, resulting in the amputation of one leg. The truck driver, Jahul, has been detained by Delhi police, and an investigation into the fatal road accident is underway. Both Manav and Mohammad Saad were students at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi. A night out to celebrate his birthday turned into tragedy for a 19-year-old when a speeding truck rammed into his scooter, killing him and leaving his friend so severely injured that he lost his leg. The police received a call regarding the incident at around 12.30 am on Friday. The truck loaded with grocery items was headed towards Badarpur. Manav, 19, a resident of Sarai Julena, was taken to a hospital but declared dead by doctors, the police said. Mohammad Saad, 21, is undergoing treatment and is stated to be in critical condition. The scooter is registered in the name of his father, the police said. Both students of Jamia Millia Islamia. After the incident, Saad was conscious enough to give the police his home contact. When he was taken into the hospital, he was unconscious and bleeding heavily. "Saad remains in critical condition. Doctors have amputated one of his legs, and another surgery is ongoing," Uncle of the injured, Riyaz Uddin, told PTI. He added that more than 60 units of blood have already been transfused, with 10 additional units urgently required. For Saad's family, the night has turned into a blur of operating theatres and blood bank requests. "He had dreams of going abroad, building a future beyond this country. Now his whole life has turned upside down," Riyaz added. "They had gone out to celebrate Manav's birthday. I have been told that his family is not doing well and is arranging his documents to get his body," he added. "Manav's birthday has become the day his family now mourns," Riyaz told PTI. The accused driver, Jahul, 32, a resident of Nuh in Haryana, has been detained. He has been working for the truck owner, identified as Rashid, for the last two years, the police said. The police confirmed that no helmets were recovered from the spot. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Rohit Shetty are under increased security after receiving threats allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang IMAGE: File image of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Rohit Shetty. Photograph: ANI Photo Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Rohit Shetty on Friday received a threat through an audio clip with the sender claiming to be "Harry Boxer", a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, the police said. Key Points The threats were delivered via an audio clip from someone claiming to be 'Harry Boxer,' a member of the Bishnoi gang. This is the second threat Ranveer Singh has received this week, following a WhatsApp threat to his manager. Rohit Shetty's residence was previously targeted in a shooting incident earlier this month. The Bishnoi gang threatened to target people working under Ranveer Singh if Bollywood does not fall in line. While Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh received a threat for the second time this week, five rounds had been fired at Shetty's multi-storey residence in the city earlier this month. The audio clip circulated on various social media platforms following which Mumbai Police launched a probe, an official said, adding that it is suspected that similar threats were issued to many others across the country. The police are probing, among other things, whether the voice heard in the clip was genuine or generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, he said. The person purportedly speaking in the clip identified himself as Harry Boxer, and also claimed responsibility for the firing at a shop in "Marina Grande in Portugal" along with his aide "Sunil Meena" on Friday. Earlier this week, Singh's manager received a threat through WhatsApp. The crime branch of Mumbai police is probing the case. In the latest threat, "Harry Boxer" threatened that the Bishnoi gang will deal with Singh in such a way that his "next seven generations will remember it." "You are very fond of giving advice to people and telling them to file police complaints. You too have filed a police complaint. No problem," the voice said. "We have complete details of every manager and every person who works with you. Where they live, When they leave office. When they return. Where their families stay. We will not tell you anything. We will start targeting the people working under you. Then you will come to your senses," it added. The sender also asked Bollywood to fall in line. So far, Singh has not filed any complaint, but police have already enhanced his security cover, the official said. The speeding Swift car hit an autorickshaw before ploughing into people walking along the roadside. IMAGE: Police said the accused is a class 12 student and was returning with four friends from a farewell party when the accident occurred. Photograph: Video grab/X Key Points The driver, a 21-year-old student, was returning from a farewell party and allegedly lost control of the vehicle. Police have arrested the driver and filed an FIR for reckless driving and endangering life. The accused claimed confusion between brake and accelerator pedals and a tyre burst, claims which are under investigation. This incident follows a similar accident in Kanpur involving a speeding Lamborghini, raising concerns about road safety. A six-year-old boy was killed, and four people were injured after a school student returning from a farewell party rammed his car into an autorickshaw and pedestrians in the Banthra area of Lucknow, police said on Friday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Lucknow South) Nipun Agarwal said the accused has been taken into custody and the car impounded. He said the injured are undergoing treatment and are out of danger. According to preliminary inquiry, the speeding Swift car, driven by 21-year-old Gaurab Singh, hit an autorickshaw before ploughing into people walking along the roadside near a Hanuman temple at around 6 pm on Thursday. The injured were identified as Armaan, 12, Awadh Bihari, 42, Sadhana Verma, 35, Meena Devi, 60, and six-year-old Dikshant Patel. All were taken to a hospital for treatment, police said. Patel, who sustained critical injuries, was referred to another medical facility where he succumbed to injuries during treatment, police said. ACP (Krishna Nagar) Rajneesh Verma told PTI that the driver has been taken into custody and an FIR has been lodged on charges of reckless driving and endangering life. Accuses got 'confused' between brake and accelerator Police said the accused is a class 12 student, and four of his friends were in the car at the time of the accident. He allegedly borrowed the vehicle from a friend and possessed a valid driving licence, they said. The accused has claimed that he got "confused" between the brake and accelerator pedals and that a tyre burst, leading to the accident, police said, adding that his claims are being verified. Talking to PTI Videos outside a private hospital here, Nitin, the son of one of those injured, said his father was alone in his autorickshaw, parked along the roadside, when it was struck by the speeding car. Nitin said his family lives in the Sohramau area in Unnao district, adjoining Banthra. The Swift car involved in the accident bears a Kanpur registration number. The vehicle, currently parked at the Banthra police station, has suffered extensive front-end damage, with its left tyre almost completely mangled. The incident comes days after several people were injured when a speeding Lamborghini, allegedly driven by the son of a prominent tobacco trader in Kanpur, rammed into pedestrians and two-wheelers on the VIP Road in the city's upscale Gwaltoli area. Following a high-profile accident on Kanpur's VIP Road, a local court has ordered a thorough inspection of the Lamborghini involved to determine its role and gather crucial evidence for the ongoing probe IMAGE: A view of the damaged Lamborghini car seized by the Gwaltoli police station, in Kanpur on Monday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Key Points The inspection aims to assess the vehicle's condition and impact dynamics to determine responsibility. The court's order follows an application by the car owner, Shivam Mishra, seeking the vehicle's release. Shivam Mishra secured bail after being arrested in connection with the accident. The Lamborghini remains seized as key evidence in the case, which injured several people. A local court on Friday directed the police to conduct a technical and mechanical inspection of the Lamborghini car involved in the high-profile crash that left several people injured on VIP Road earlier this week, and submit a detailed report before the next hearing on February 20. Additional chief judicial magistrate Amit Singh instructed the Gwaltoli SHO to examine the high-end car bearing the registration number DL11CF4018, and complete all required formalities. The court also sought a compliance report along with the case file. The direction came after the car's owner and prime accused, Shivam Mishra, son of local tobacco baron K K Mishra, moved an application on Monday, a day after the accident, seeking the release of the luxury vehicle. The plea prompted the court to first assess the car's evidentiary value before taking a decision. Police informed the court that the inspection process is still pending, an official said, requesting anonymity. DCP (Central) Atul Kumar Srivastava told PTI that the matter has been listed for hearing on February 20. The vehicle, a Lamborghini Revuelto, remains seized as a key evidence in the case, which left several persons injured after the car rammed into pedestrians and other vehicles on VIP Road in the Gwaltoli police station area on Sunday. Officials said a mechanical and forensic assessment would help ascertain the vehicle's condition, impact dynamics and other factors relevant to fixing responsibility in the case. When asked whether Shivam had been served any fresh notice for questioning, the officials declined to comment, stating that the media would be informed whenever he appears before police to record his statement. With the release plea now linked to the pending inspection report, the next hearing is expected to determine whether the high-end vehicle should be returned to the owner or retained for further probe. Shivam secured bail from a local court on Thursday, just a few hours after his arrest in connection with the case. The crash on Sunday, in which the speeding Lamborghini allegedly driven by Shivam rammed into six people, has triggered public outrage and intense scrutiny of the investigation. Shivam's father had earlier claimed that his son was not driving the car and accused the police of framing him. However, the police maintained that the investigation established that Shivam was behind the wheel at the time of the accident. Shivam's father also alleged that the car had experienced a technical issue prior to the crash. Delhi schools were targeted with bomb threat emails that sparked panic before being declared a hoax, prompting investigations and heightened security measures across the city IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The bomb threat emails also mentioned a potential blast inside Parliament, leading to increased security. Authorities conducted thorough search operations at the schools and declared the bomb threats a hoax. Cyber teams are investigating the origin of the emails, and security has been reviewed across sensitive locations in Delhi. This incident follows a similar hoax bomb threat targeting over a dozen Delhi schools earlier in the week. At least five schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Friday morning, which were later declared a 'hoax', officials said. The threatening email carried disturbing and provocative content, claiming, "Delhi will become Khalistan and bomb blast will happen at 1.11 pm in schools." The email also claimed that a blast would take place inside Parliament at 2.11 pm, prompting heightened security alerts and coordination among multiple agencies. The Delhi Fire Services revealed the names of schools that received the threat email -- Delhi Tamil Education Association on Pusa Road, Kendriya Vidyalaya in Gole Market, Happy Public School in Daryaganj, Rabea Public School in Ballimaran, and CL Bhalla DAV School in Jhandewalan. According to DFS, the first call was received before 9.12 am, followed by others at 9.59 am, 11.07 am, 11.08 am, and 1.39 pm. In a message to parents, another school said, "Dear Parents, this morning the school received a security threat. As a precautionary measure, the police are in school for necessary security measures. All students have been evacuated safely. Once the school is declared safe, classes will be resumed". "We carried out thorough search operations and found nothing suspicious. The threat has been declared a 'hoax," the DFS said. A similar incident occurred on Monday when more than a dozen schools received bomb threat emails, which also turned out to be a hoax. Senior police officers said cyber teams have been pressed into service to trace the origin of the email, while security arrangements across sensitive locations in the capital have been reviewed. NCP leader Hasan Mushrif confirms that the late Ajit Pawar engaged in discussions with NCP (SP) leaders regarding a potential merger of the two factions, highlighting the evolving political landscape in Maharashtra IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar takes oath of office at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. Photograph: Sahil Salvi Key Points Senior NCP leader Hasan Mushrif confirmed Ajit Pawar was in talks with NCP-SP about a potential merger of the two factions. Mushrif stated the situation has changed after Ajit Pawar's death, requiring the NCP to consult with ally BJP before making any decisions. The NCP will consider the wishes of Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, in future decisions regarding the party's direction. While NCP-SP leaders claim Ajit Pawar was eager to reunite the party, current NCP leaders are not in a rush to expedite the merger process. Senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Hasan Mushrif on Friday admitted that the late party president Ajit Pawar was holding talks with NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar leaders on the merger of the two factions. Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur, Mushrif, a cabinet minister in Maharashtra, said the situation has changed after Ajit Pawar's death in an air crash last month, and before taking any decision, his party will have to take the ruling ally Bharatiya Janata Party into confidence. "I have said it many times that Ajit Pawar was discussing the merger of the two NCPs... no (other) leader from NCP was part of it. We are not claiming that no discussion about the merger took place. (But) Now, after the demise of Ajit dada, the situation has changed. We will have to take the BJP into confidence," he said. He further said that the party will take a decision as per the wishes of Ajit Pawar's wife and deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. "We used to get calls (from Ajit Pawar) that if both the factions come together, they will have to contest the (local body) polls on one symbol. But beyond this, dada never talked to us (about merger )," claimed Mushrif. While the NCP-SP leaders including Sharad Pawar have said that Ajit Pawar was keen on reuniting the party, NCP leaders have indicated that they are in no hurry to expedite the process. The father of Jaahnavi Kandula, the Indian student tragically killed in a Seattle police crash, has died just before the announcement of a $29 million settlement, compounding the family's grief. IMAGE: Jaahnavi Kandula. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Jaahnavi Kandula, an Indian student, was killed in Seattle by a speeding police vehicle in January 2023. Jaahnavi Kandula's father, Kandula Srikanth, passed away from a heart attack just two days before the announcement of a USD 29 million settlement. The family is mourning the loss of Kandula Srikanth and has declined to comment on the settlement money at this time. Jaahnavi Kandula was a Master's student in Information Systems at Northeastern University's Seattle campus. The family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student killed in a US police crash a few years ago, suffered a second devastating blow after her father passed away just two days before the announcement of a USD 29 million compensation deal. Jaahnavi's life was cut short on January 23, 2023, when she was knocked down by a speeding Seattle police vehicle while she was crossing the street. The officer involved was responding to an emergency call at that time. A relative of Jaahnavi told PTI that Kandula Srikanth, a retired police constable, died of a heart attack on February 10 in Adoni in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. "His (Srikanth's) last rites were performed on Wednesday in Adoni, as the family grappled with yet another devastating loss," said the relative on Friday. He further said the family is currently mourning, and it was not appropriate to speak about the settlement money. Jaahnavi was a Master's student in Information Systems at the Seattle campus of Northeastern University. In a tragic incident in Jharkhand highlights the escalating human-animal conflict in the region and raising concerns about habitat loss and safety measures. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The elephant herd had been roaming in Bokaro, Ramgarh and Hazaribag districts for several days, causing prior casualties. Villagers were alerted, but the attempt to flee resulted in fatalities. Compensation of Rs four lakh each has been initiated for the families of the victims. Deforestation and mining activities are believed to be contributing to increased human-animal conflict in the region. At least six people, including four members of a family, were trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in a village in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Friday when the people tried to flee, a forest officer said. The herd, which had attacked several people over the last few days, entered Gondwar village in Churchu block on Thursday night and trampled six people to death early on February 13, Hazaribag East divisional forest officer Vikas Kumar Ujjwal told PTI. "Among those killed were four members of a family. One child was also seriously injured," Ujjwal said. The child has been admitted to the Sadar Hospital in Hazaribag, he said. The group of jumbos had been roaming in Bokaro, Ramgarh and Hazaribag districts for the past few days and had earlier caused casualties in Bokaro, Ujjwal added. "We had alerted villagers through the public address system as the herd entered the block. Unfortunately, when people tried to flee from their houses, six of them were trampled to death," he said. Poonam Devi, one of the relatives of the deceased, said that two of the children were left alone when the elephants came and trampled them. The process of providing compensation of Rs four lakh each to the kin of the victims has been initiated, another official said. A quick response team has also been deployed to drive out the herd from the block. The forest officials visited the affected villagers in Churchu Block and met the family members of those killed. The officials said Rs 25,000 each has been paid to the kin of the victims for funeral arrangements. Hazaribag MP Manish Jaiswal termed the incident tragic and alleged that illegal mining in the areas has also resulted in the man-animal conflict. The local legislators said they would raise the issue in the upcoming assembly session seeking a solution to the problem. A herd of five elephants earlier this month trampled to death three elderly members of a family and injured a woman in Bokaro. In January, a rogue elephant killed 13 people in two days in separate attacks in West Singhbhum district, creating panic in the region. Residents of several villages in Jharkhand are sleeping on rooftops, crowding into concrete houses and forming night watch groups to escape attacks by wild elephants. As per forest officials, mining, development work and destruction of forest corridors have pushed elephants into human settlements in search of food. The incidents highlight the increasing human-animal conflict in Jharkhand, with residents resorting to desperate measures to protect themselves from elephant attacks. When minister Vij asked the IPS officer to suspend an ASI, she responded by saying that since the cop concerned belonged to a neighbouring district, she lacked the jurisdiction to suspend him. IMAGE: Haryana transport minister Anil Vij (second from right) visits the residence of Haryana late IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, to offer condolences to his family, in Chandigarh, October 11, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo A tense exchange was witnessed on Friday between Haryana minister Anil Vij and Kaithal SP Upasna after the Bharatiya Janata Party leader directed that a police officer be suspended in connection with a land-related case, but the SP cited that she lacked the jurisdiction to carry out the order. Key Points Upasna, an IPS officer, said that since the ASI concerned belonged to a neighbouring district, she lacked the jurisdiction to suspend him Vij told her that he was directing her to write to the DGP This was not the first incident when a tense exchange broke out between Vij and a senior police officer Vij, who holds the energy, transport and labour portfolios, was chairing a district grievance redressal committee meeting in Kaithal. During the meeting, Vij told the SP that he has directed to suspend an assistant sub-inspector in connection with a land-related matter pending investigation. A Kaithal resident had levelled allegations against the ASI in the case. Upasna, an IPS officer, responded by saying that since the ASI concerned belonged to a neighbouring district, she lacked the jurisdiction to suspend him. Vij told her that he was directing her to write to the DGP. "I am giving orders to suspend him (the ASI)," Vij told the SP. However, the IPS officer said that she did not possess the authority to suspend the ASI, which can be done by the Kurukshetra SP or the Haryana DGP. Vij then told Upasna to leave if she did not have the authority to execute his instruction, telling her again that he asked her to write to the DGP to execute the suspension. "'Mera order sare Haryana mein chalta hai' (my order is applicable in entire Haryana)," Vij said, with those present clapping, according to a video of the meeting. This was not the first incident when a tense exchange broke out between Vij and a senior police officer. Three months back, a similar grievance redressal meeting in Kaithal saw Vij get into an altercation with a police officer who allegedly ignored the directive of the minister. Vij had alleged that the police officer ignored his instruction to register a Zero FIR in a fraud case. On Friday, Vij was heard telling the SP, "I am ordering that till action is taken in the matter, he (the ASI) should be suspended because he can use his influence (in the case)." SP Upasna responded by saying, "I don't have the power to suspend him. The suspension order in this case can be issued by the Kurukshetra SP." Vij retorted, "In every work, you do like this. I am ordering you that he should be suspended. You write to the DGP I am telling you, you only have to execute my order. "You only have to write to the DGP stating that I have given the order in the grievances redressal meeting to suspend him (the ASI)." The SP replied, "I can write this But I cannot suspend (the ASI)." The complainant in the matter, who was present at the meeting, was seen pointing towards the SP and saying, "Madam, every time you do like this." Sensing the situation turning tense, Kaithal Deputy Commissioner Aparajita told Vij that the SP is saying that she will write to the DGP. "You write to the DGP that he (the ASI) should be suspended.. I will see who doesn't listen (to the order)," Vij said, pointing at the Kaithal SP. Upasna, who was present at the meeting on November 14 when Vij had a tense exchange with a police officer, had tried to intervene in the matter by providing the police version. However, a video of that meeting showed the minister telling the SP that police were not doing their job properly. More than 10 years ago, Vij, who held the health portfolio then, stormed out of a district grievances redressal committee meeting after a woman IPS officer refused to follow his order to leave the venue following a heated exchange with the politician. Vij was reportedly peeved at her for allegedly shouting at a complainant who complained to the minister about some issue. The man, identified as Suraj, a native of Maharashtra and residing in Salem, collapsed after complaining of chest pain. According to the police, he had gone to see Vijay. IMAGE: A massive crowd at TVK president Vijay's public meeting in the Salem district, Tamil Nadu, on Friday. Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo Key Points A 37-year-old man, Suraj, collapsed after complaining of chest pain at a TVK rally in Salem and was declared brought dead at hospital. Police said he had previously undergone angioplasty. Police stated the incident occurred before party chief Vijay arrived at the venue. TVK leaders termed the death 'heartbreaking', and expressed condolences, maintaining he died of a heart attack. A 37-year-old man fainted at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally in Salem on Friday addressed by party chief Vijay and died on the way to hospital, police said. The man, identified as Suraj, a native of Maharashtra and residing in Salem, collapsed after complaining of chest pain, and was immediately rushed to a local hospital. "He was declared brought dead at the medical facility," a police official said. He also claimed that Suraj had undergone angioplasty sometime ago. The police have registered a case and are investigating. According to the police, the man had gone to see Vijay. He complained of uneasiness while waiting at the rally venue and fainted. Those near him initially attempted to revive Suraj, but later rushed him in an ambulance to a private hospital. However, the doctors who examined him said he was brought dead. Police claimed that the incident happened even before Vijay arrived for the district functionaries' meeting. Preliminary enquiry by a team from the Annadhanapatti police who arrived at the hospital revealed that Suraj was a heart patient and underwent a procedure. This is the first casualty at the TVK rally since the tragic September 27, 2025, stampede in Karur that claimed 41 lives. Describing the demise as 'heartbreaking', TVK joint general secretary C T R Nirmal, said Suraj had come to witness the TVK rally and fainted due to ill health. He was immediately given first aid by the party members and was rushed to a hospital without losing time. 'However, he died due to a heart attack. It is heartbreaking. We express our deepest condolences for the untimely death of Suraj,' Kumar said in a post on X. Bharatiya Janata Party senior and former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan flayed the TVK for the 'poor arrangements' at the event and said the party should have provided water to its members. "It's very unfortunate that a person dies at a political rally. And the state government should also take concrete measures to provide protection, drinking water and adequate medical help to the people attending such events," she said. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, she said such tragic deaths should never happen. Flaying the TVK for the incident, BJP youth wing leader Vinoj P Selvam said it only proved the concern that the party leader had for the safety of his cadres. 'It would not have mattered if it happened inadvertently for the first time. But the mistake is recurring,' he said in a post on the social media platform X. DMK spokesperson A Saravanan on 'X' wondered how many more lives would be lost before the Assembly elections are held. He claimed that no arrangements were made by the TVK to provide shelter or drinking water at the rally. A source in the TVK said the party had already appealed to its cadres and also members of the public who are sick to refrain from attending the meeting. CAPE TOWN, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that the ongoing outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) across the country has been classified as a national disaster. The president made the announcement in the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament at Cape Town City Hall. "While the rest of our agriculture sector is thriving, the cattle industry is today facing one of the worst outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease our country has experienced," said Ramaphosa. He warned that the disease "is damaging our economy, resulting in export bans, trade restrictions and devastation of herds." "We have classified foot-and-mouth disease as a national disaster and will be mobilizing all necessary capabilities within the state to deal with this crisis," Ramaphosa said. The government has decided to vaccinate the national herd of 14 million cattle, which will require 28 million vaccine doses over the next 12 months, he said. "The state will facilitate the acquisition of the vaccines centrally to ensure that we get the right vaccine for the particular strain of the virus in South Africa," Ramaphosa said. "We will work closely with the private sector to enable an efficient rollout, and most importantly, we will ensure that commercial, private and communal farmers have immediate access to vaccines." The president said that a task team made up of farmer organizations and experts would report to him every month on progress made in tackling what he described as a pandemic. It is not the first time that South Africa has taken such a step this year. According to Ramaphosa, just a few weeks ago, catastrophic flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga was declared a national disaster, which claimed at least 45 lives and caused widespread destruction of homes, schools, clinics and other infrastructure. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. According to a recent report released by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, a total of 24,400 FMD cases were reported in domestic livestock in South Africa in 2025, significantly surpassing the previous 20-year-high of 7,700 FMD cases in 2022. The ongoing outbreak spread to eight of the country's nine provinces -- excluding only the Northern Cape -- in 2025 for the first time on record, with nearly 21,600 cases reported in the second half of the year. In January 2026, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen outlined a 10-year national strategy on FMD containment, announcing the launch of a nationwide vaccination campaign and plans to seek a declaration of the outbreak as a national disaster. The Supreme Court has demanded a status report from the CBI on the Manipur ethnic violence FIRs, signaling a crucial step towards justice and accountability for the victims of the 2023 conflict. IMAGE: Supreme Court. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The SC has requested the CBI to submit a status report within two weeks regarding the 11 FIRs related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence. The court is considering tasking the Manipur high court or the Gauhati high cwith monitoring the trials and related developments in the Manipur violence cases. The central and Manipur governments are directed to implement the recommendations of the Justice Gita Mittal committee concerning the rehabilitation and welfare of Manipur violence victims. A lawyer representing a victim alleged that the CBI did not inform her about the chargesheet filed in her rape case and that the accused are not appearing in court, raising concerns about the CBI's handling of the case. The SC is also addressing concerns regarding the distribution of reports filed by committees related to the Manipur violence, ensuring sensitive information is handled appropriately. The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing 11 first information reports (FIRs) related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence cases, to submit a status report within two weeks. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also mooted the idea that instead of the apex court, the jurisdictional Manipur high court, which has a new chief justice, or the Gauhati high court or both monitor the trials and related developments in the violence cases. It also asked the central and Manipur governments to ensure implementation of the recommendations of the Justice Gita Mittal committee on rehabilitation and welfare of the victims of the ethnic violence in the state. The court-appointed committee comprising Justice Mittal, the former chief justice of the Jammu and Kashmir, and Justices Shalini P Joshi, a former judge of the Bombay high court, and Asha Menon, an ex-judge of the Delhi high court, have so far submitted several reports on measures to rehabilitate the victims. More than 200 people have been killed, several hundred injured and thousands displaced since ethnic violence first broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. At the outset, senior advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for one of the woman victims who passed away recently, said that she be substituted by her mother and accused that the CBI did not even inform her that a chargesheet in her rape case was filed. Grover said the Kuki woman died last month from an illness allegedly linked to the trauma she suffered after being gang-raped. "I have accessed the trial court report. The main accused are not appearing. The CBI is not present. The casualness with which it is happening is shocking," she alleged. To this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said, "Nobody can oppose what Grover is saying. The victim's rights cannot be affected." "Let the CBI file a status report," the CJI said, suggesting, "The monitoring part we can entrust to the (Manipur) High Court's Chief Justice." When lawyer Nizam Pasha said that the Gauhati high court is already monitoring the trials, the bench said it was a 'perfectly alright' order passed keeping in mind the surcharged atmosphere in Manipur. The CJI said that either the jurisdictional high court at Manipur or the Gauhati high court or both can monitor the cases and asked the counsel to take instructions on this and come back in two weeks. Mehta then said that the CBI could answer the issues raised by Vrinda Grover in the apex court or in the Manipur high court, but the present situation in Manipur was peaceful, with regular movement of people, and that the local environment could be better appreciated by the high court. "We can ask the Chief Justices of Manipur and Guwahati High Courts to coordinate and see how victims' statements need to be handled and how they can be recorded," CJI Surya Kant said. "In view of the fact that a new Chief Justice has taken charge in the Manipur High Court and that to have an effective mechanism for coordination between Gauhati and Manipur High Courts, let there be instructions regarding the same," the CJI added. CJI Surya Kant said that instructions were required on the aspect of whether two Chief Justices could be entrusted with 'varied monitoring', following which a suitable mechanism could be evolved. He said, "Let the CBI file a status report on the application of (Vrinda) Grover. Also, victims must be provided with free legal aid in these situations. We will order that if legal aid counsels (LACs) are not available on account of the earlier charged atmosphere, LACs from the Guwahati bar can go." Meanwhile, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves informed the court that he was representing a tribal body forum of the Manipur Kuki tribals. "Two committees had been appointed. One for criminal justice and one for rehabilitation. Twenty-seven reports have been filed in this court, and we don't have a single copy with us. "The reason why we want this is that rehabilitation is at a standstill. Prosecution is very low," he said. The apex court, however, raised an apprehension regarding the sensitive content in the reports, which could reach "somewhere else". Gonsalves then said that sensitive portions could be redacted. The matter has been posted for further proceedings on February 26. Last month, the Supreme Court extended till July 31 the tenure of the apex court-appointed Justice Gita Mittal committee set up to oversee relief and rehabilitation of the victims of ethnic violence in Manipur. Mumbai's mayor promises a crackdown on illegal immigrants using fake birth certificates, launching investigations and vowing to end corruption within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation IMAGE: Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has cancelled 237 fake birth certificates and is actively working to retrieve the original documents. An investigation is underway, with eight FIRs filed and two health department officials suspended in connection with the illegal issuance of birth certificates. The BMC will verify birth certificates and Aadhaar cards of street vendors to combat the use of bogus documents and reclaim footpaths for pedestrians. Former MP Kirit Somaiya alleges a 'mafia raj' operating through bogus documentation, claiming nearly 10,000 people in Mumbai may possess illegal birth certificates. With the Bharatiya Janata Party now ruling Mumbai's civic body, strict action will be taken against "illegal Bangladeshis" who managed to procure bogus birth certificates, as well as agents and officials who helped them in this exercise, Mayor Ritu Tawde said on Friday. A total of 237 fake birth certificates issued by officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have been cancelled, though original documents remain in the possession of the beneficiaries and are yet to be recovered, she told reporters. Officials have told her that these documents will be recovered within a month, Tawde said after a high level civic meeting, adding that she has directed them to complete the confiscation process in just 15 days. If the officials fail to discharge their duty, a resolution will be moved to initiate stringent action, the BJP leader warned. "Eight FIRs have been registered so far in connection with the illegal issuance of birth certificates and further action is underway. Two medical officers of health department have already been suspended. The probe will continue," she added. The mayor claimed her BJP colleague and former Lok Sabha member Kirit Somaiya had been flagging the issue for a long time, submitting documents and complaints regarding large scale irregularities in the issuance of birth certificates at the ward level but no action was taken earlier. "Now, with the BJP in power in Mumbai, the administration will not ignore such serious matters," Tawde said while alleging large scale corruption in the civic machinery. "Birth certificates were issued in the names of persons who do not exist and even hospitals mentioned in the records were fake. All records issued after January 1, 2026 have now been ordered to be verified and scrutinised. In one case, a doctor named Ashraf Kazi issued a birth certificate in 2015 for a home delivery despite not being present. Despite complaints, no action was taken against him," Tawde claimed. Asserting that action was not taken in several cases, Tawde said the functioning of some civic officials was "callous". As per information shared by Somaiya, at least 1,000 persons in Mumbai may be holding such illegal birth certificates, Tawde said. "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will verify the birth certificates and Aadhaar cards of street vendors and hawkers across the city. There will be no leniency. If they are using bogus documents, action will be taken. We want footpaths free for pedestrians and will continue our drive against illegal stalls and encroachments," she said. Somaiya claimed nearly 10,000 people in Mumbai do not possess authentic birth certificates and alleged that a "mafia raj" had been operating through bogus documentation. "Today's action is the first step to end mafia raj in Mumbai. I had submitted a list of 100 doctors allegedly involved in issuing bogus birth certificates in areas such as Navpada, Mankhurd, Govandi, Deonar, Nagpada, Kalina, Kurla and Behrampada. The mayor has assured that the inquiry will be completed," he said. Somiaya said in recent months he had covered four BMC areas, namely Kurla, Mankhurd East, Mankhurd West and Mulund, and had found 2,500 suspicious names in three of these areas, while two cases of illegal birth certificates were detected in Mulund. "These individuals had no valid birth certificates or other proof to establish that they were born in the country. Whether they are Bangladeshi or Rohingya is a separate matter, but action must be taken," Somaiya said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray on Friday targeted Tawde and said her entire existence now seems to be about Bangladeshis staying illegally in the city and not civic issues. Dealing with Bangladeshis residing illegally in India is the job of the Union Home Ministry and the state department, Thackeray reminded Tawde. He accused the Centre as well as the state of hiding its "failure" over large number of Bangladeshis infiltrating, adding it only proves that the BJP-led Union government is a big failure when it comes to national security. "So the mayor's entire existence now seems to be about Bangladesh- not the civic issues in Mumbai like dug up roads, garbage that isn't picked up, inaccessible footpaths, builders encroaching on open spaces, polluted water and air," Thackeray said in a post on Facebook while asserting the BJP needs to answer important questions. "If it is true, how did Bangladeshis illegally enter India? How did they cross over from the almost one end of India, all the way towards the south west, making their way through so many BJP run states? How did they stay for so long- the BJP is running the Union govt for over a decade," the Worli MLA questioned. NCP-SP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the BJP was paying more attention to Bangladeshis than the concerns of Mumbaikars. If the BJP was so concerned about the issue, it should have appointed Kirit Somaiya as the mayor of Mumbai and Tawde could then have focused on the "real problems" facing the city, he said ridiculing the ruling party. "Illegal immigration from Bangladesh remains a serious issue in Mumbai and across the country and should be addressed by the BJP-led Central government. The BJP has failed to resolve the issue despite being in power at the Centre," Crasto added. Upon her election as Mumbai mayor, Tawde had said Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas had encroached on city's footpaths, and clearing these encroachments would be among her priorities. Mocking what he called outdated alliance arithmetic and rival calculations, he said none of it would work and asserted that the practice of buying votes with money would no longer succeed now that he had entered politics. IMAGE: TVK president Vijay delivers a speech during the public meeting in the Salem district, Tamil Nadu, February 13, 2026. Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay on Friday asserted that his offer to share power with allies has turned out to be a "political bomb" in Tamil Nadu as that has become a demand in all alliances and "rattled" Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president and Chief Minister MK Stalin, who has refused to share power with Congress. Key Points Vijay dramatically hit back at those who mocked him by alleging that he merely stayed back at home In what he said a message to 'Gen Z,' the next generation, he said the culture of buying votes by giving money must end Seeking "justice," from people he alleged the DMK regime scuttled his party's rallies through "Stalin Sir Operating Procedure." Assuring a social justice-driven regime if voted to power, Vijay, addressing a rally at Seelanaickenpatti, in Salem, dramatically hit back at those who mocked at him by alleging that he merely stayed back at home, though claiming to have entered politics. He asked whether critics were aware of his "house," that it was his motherland Tamil Nadu where eight crore people lived and they are his family. "My goal is to stand with the people as Tamil Nadu's first soldier, protector." Seeking to demonstrate that his political entry is shaking the established bipolar politics of the state he said: "Do you remember my political bomb at the Vikravandi rally; offering to share power? It is now exploding recklessly in all the alliances, CM Stalin sir is rattled and he says that power sharing will not suit Tamil Nadu." For the DMK, the alliance is only to win polls and for all other things, such as governance, they will be on their own. Interestingly, when Vijay referred to "other things" he made a gesture which clearly meant money, apparently targeting the DMK. Mocking at what he described as non-starter alliance arithmetic and old time calculations of rivals to win, he said none of it would work. Dreams to buy votes by giving money will not be fulfilled now that he has entered politics, he asserted. "They will bring loads of money, they will solicit promises from you in the name of God; that is how they have been deceiving you for many years, take it happily as it is your money. Take it and blow the whistle (TVK symbol) into their ears and send them away." Seeking "justice," from people he alleged the DMK regime scuttled his party's rallies through "Stalin Sir Operating Procedure." For other parties, permission was given, but not for his party. "What wrong I did? I came to politics to serve people who loved me," he said and asked if that was a mistake. "Who is conspiring against us? Who is plotting against us? Who is blaming us? All of you know very well," he said apparently targeting the ruling DMK regime. In what he said a message to 'Gen Z,' the next generation, he said the culture of buying votes by giving money must end. "If they deceive you with money, will you be deceived." He asked young people to repeat after him some kind of a pledge, "Our vote, our right and no one can buy us. Our vote is for the whistle symbol." He also requested young people and children to continue to persuade their parents to vote for his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Hence, all the money hoarded will go to waste and has to be thrown in the trash as people have been sensitised against cash for votes by him. "The people are going to throw your corrupt rule in the dust bin too," he added. Providing ample symbolism in sync with Tamil Nadu politics, Vijay was presented by functionaries a "Vetrivel" amid chants of "Vetrivel, Veeravel," an ancient Tamil war cry hailing Lord Muruga's weapon of spear. Also, he was given a whip reminding the iconic MGR with a whip in his hands to target evil, corrupt forces. Also, he was presented a victorious twin "Sengol" by party office-bearers. The Lok Sabha was adjourned following intense opposition protests demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri over alleged links to the 'Epstein files' and disagreements over the India-US trade agreement. IMAGE: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri speaks during the press conference at BJP Party headquarters, in New Delhi. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo Key Points Lok Sabha adjourned due to opposition protests demanding Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's resignation. Opposition members protested against the India-US interim trade agreement. Protests erupted after Puri's name allegedly surfaced in the 'Epstein files'. Puri defended himself against accusations, stating his interactions with Epstein were unrelated to the latter's crimes. Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Friday after opposition members raised slogans demanding resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The opposition members were also protesting against the India-US interim trade agreement. As soon as the House convened, opposition members rushed to the well holding placards demanding resignation of Puri after his name allegedly figured in the 'Epstein files' released in the US. Congress MPs protest outside Parliament Congress MPs also held a protest outside the Parliament building, holding a big banner with pictures of Puri and Jeffery Epstein. Several Congress MPs lined up outside the Parliament building and raised slogans against Puri, while demanding answers from him. Puri admits meeting Jeffery Epstein Puri had on Wednesday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for "passing innuendo" against him, asserting that he had met Jeffery Epstein on a "few occasions" but his interactions with him had nothing to do with the crimes the convicted American sex offender was involved in. The House also observed a minute of silence to pay respect to former Haridwar MP Bhagwandas Rathore, who passed away recently. Bangladesh voters have approved a comprehensive reform package in a recent referendum, signaling a potential shift in the country's political landscape and future governance. IMAGE: A man reads an English daily newspaper at a store, the morning after the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on February 13, 2026. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters Key Points Bangladesh referendum on the July National Charter 2025 sees a 60.26% voter turnout. The 'yes' vote wins a clear majority, signaling support for the proposed reforms. The referendum sought consent for major reform areas outlined in the July Charter. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secures 209 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami gets 68 seats in parliamentary elections. The next parliament may serve as a constitutional reform council to implement the July Charter if 'yes' vote wins. A referendum on the implementation of a reform package saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout in Bangladesh, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced Friday. The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held on Thursday along with the referendum on the complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter. The referendum saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, the Election Commission (EC) said. As per the official figures, 4,80,74,429 votes were cast in favour of 'yes', while 2,25,65,627 voters chose 'no', EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters at the EC. The referendum had sought people's consent to the July National Charter 2025, which Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus announced on October 17 after protracted consultations between the political parties and the National Consensus Commission that he headed. The referendum ballot featured a single question covering four major reform areas of the July Charter and the voters were instructed to vote 'yes' if they agreed more strongly with the proposals and 'no' if they disagreed. Voting was held in 299 out of 300 constituencies as polling in one constituency was suspended following the death of a candidate. Results of the national parliamentary election have so far been announced in 297 constituencies after the High Court imposed a bar on declaring results in two seats, the EC said. However, the EC officials said there was no legal bar on announcing the referendum results in those two constituencies. The referendum votes from the two seats were included in the final tally, making 60.26 per cent voter turnout, the EC added. According to the unofficial results announced by the Election Commission, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. The Awami League party of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was barred from contesting the polls, which recorded 59.44 per cent voter turnout. During the consultation process, the BNP had taken part but did not agree to all the proposals and even said the next parliament alone should make such decisions. Out of the 84 proposals mentioned in the July Charter, 47 required massive constitutional amendments, while 37 could be implemented through ordinary legislation. News portal BDNews24 said while the Charter outlines a total of 84 reform points related to state restructuring, the National Consensus Commission has classified those beyond constitutional amendments as reforms to be implemented through laws, ordinances, regulations and executive orders. These included provisions for forming a caretaker government, the Election Commission (EC) and other constitutional bodies during election periods in line with the July Charter; the introduction of a bicameral parliament with a 100-member Upper House formed proportionally based on parties' vote share and whose majority approval would be required for constitutional amendments; and the mandatory implementation, by the next elected government, of 30 agreed reform proposals, it said. Those proposals cover issues such as increasing women's representation in parliament, appointing a deputy speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, enacting term limits for the prime minister's seat, enhancing presidential powers, expanding fundamental rights, ensuring judicial independence and strengthening local government. The fourth component of the implementation of other reforms outlined in the July Charter is in line with political parties' commitments, the news portal added. The July Charter's key-author and co-chair of the National Consensus Commission Ali Reaz earlier said if 'yes' wins, the next parliament will serve as a constitutional reform council, virtually a Constituent Assembly, and within 180 working days, they would have to take steps to carry out constitutional reforms as proposed. Tarique Rahman will be Bangladesh's first male prime minister in 35 years. IMAGE: Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Tarique Rahman speaks with the media after voting outside a polling station during the general election in Dhaka, February 12, 2026. Photograph: Reuters Key Points The BNP secured a sweeping victory in Bangladesh parliamentary elections, winning 209 out of 297 seats. Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, is set to become the next prime minister. The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, known to be close to Pakistan, secured 68 seats. The Awami League party of Hasina was barred from contesting the polls. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday secured a sweeping victory with more than two-thirds majority in the landmark parliamentary elections and is making a spectacular return to power after a gap of two decades. The 13th Parliamentary elections assumed significance as they were held after a period of tumultuous political vacuum, instability and fragile security situation, including widespread attacks on minorities after the student-led protests brought down the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. According to the unofficial results announced by the Election Commission (EC), the BNP has bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, known to be close to Pakistan, secured 68 seats. The Awami League party of Hasina was barred from contesting the polls, which recorded 59.44 per cent voter turnout. The EC postponed the announcement of results in two seats -- Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4. The election in one seat was postponed due to the death of a candidate. IMAGE: BNP supporters chant slogans as they celebrate unofficial news of Tarique Rahman's win in his constituency in the 13th general election near the party's Gulshan office in Dhaka. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters PM Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman BNP's top leader Tarique Rahman is set to become the prime minister for the first time. He will replace the interim government chief Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, under whose tenure Dhaka's relations with New Delhi witnessed a significant downturn. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Rahman and congratulated him on BNP's spectacular victory. 'Delighted to speak with Mr Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections,' Modi said on social media. 'I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. 'As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples,' he said. IMAGE: Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, addresses a press conference. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters US welcomes Bangladesh election results In an earlier social media post, Modi said India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. 'I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,' he said. On its part, the BNP thanked Modi for recognising the verdict of the elections and hoped that the relations between the two countries would be strengthened under the new government. "We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating our leader, Tarique Rahman. It is great that a democratic country is supposed to recognise the verdict of the people, and Mr Narendra Modi has done this. We thank him," senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan said. India-Bangladesh relations witnessed a severe strain after the collapse of the Hasina-led government. The US Embassy in Dhaka has congratulated the people of Bangladesh in advance on what it described as a successful national election, extending special recognition to BNP and Rahman for their 'historic victory'. IMAGE: Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, and his daughter Deena Afroz Yunus show their ink-marked thumbs after voting. Photograph: Reuters Over 60% vote 'yes' in referendum 'The US looks forward to working with you to realise shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries,' its social media post read. China and Pakistan also congratulated the BNP chairman on the party's victory. The voting for the general election was held on Thursday, along with a referendum on the implementation of a complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter. According to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the referendum saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority. The election was seen as a direct contest between the BNP and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, which led an 11-party alliance. Jamaat's key ally, the National Citizen Party, formed by the Students Against Discrimination, which led the mass protests against Hasina in August 2024, failed to convert its initial popularity into votes and won just six seats. IMAGE: Polling officials count ballots inside a counting centre in Dhaka. Photograph: Fatima Tuj Johora/Reuters Jammat alleges 'result tampering' Islami Andolon Bangladesh won one seat, and independent candidates seven. The BNP was in power earlier between 2001 and 2006 when Jamaat was its crucial partner, with two of its leaders serving as ministers. Meanwhile, Jamaat has raised allegations of 'abnormal delays' and 'result tampering', warning that it would launch a tough movement if the public mandate were 'snatched away'. Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission building early morning, Jamaat's assistant secretary general Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair alleged that returning officers were intentionally delaying results to favour a 'particular party'. "In the seats contested by our top leaders, results should have been declared by 8 pm or 9 pm according to the signed sheets given to polling agents," Zubair said. The NCP, floated with interim government chief Yunus' blessings last year, also brought allegations of 'result tampering and planned fraud' in multiple Dhaka seats in particular. The Election Commission dismissed allegations of manipulation regarding voters' appearances in polling centres. Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Friday said the spontaneous and massive participation of people in the election proved that 'we are ultimately victorious as a nation'. "We had only one commitment to the nation: to conduct a neutral election. We have tried our best to ensure that. We are deeply grateful to the people of the country, as they participated spontaneously in this massive arrangement. This has proved that we are ultimately victorious as a nation." More than 2,000 candidates, including several independents, were in the fray for 299 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies that went to the polls. The Election Commission made elaborate security arrangements for the elections, deploying nearly 1 million security personnel -- the largest-ever in the country's electoral history. Rahul Gandhi convened a meeting with farm union leaders to address their worries regarding the India-US trade deal and its potential repercussions on the livelihoods of Indian farmers, sparking discussions about a nationwide movement. IMAGE: Leaders from several farmer unions met the Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over the US-India trade deal at the Parliament House, in New Delhi on Friday. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo Key Points Rahul Gandhi met with farm union leaders to discuss the potential negative impacts of the India-US trade deal on Indian farmers. Farm leaders expressed concerns about the trade deal's impact on the livelihoods of farmers growing corn, soyabean, cotton, fruits, and nuts. Gandhi and the farm leaders discussed the need for a nationwide movement to oppose the trade deal and protect farmers' interests. Gandhi accused the government of being anti-farmer and compromising the country's food security through the trade deal. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday met leaders of farm unions from across the country in Parliament House complex during which the need for a nationwide movement to oppose the India-US interim trade deal as well as safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers was discussed. During the meeting, the farm union leaders expressed their opposition to the India-US trade deal, and conveyed their deep concern for the livelihoods of farmers of corn, soyabean, cotton, fruits and nuts, the Congress said. Gandhi said the trade deal has opened the door for agricultural imports and that many other crops would soon follow, according to the party. The farm leaders and Rahul Gandhi discussed the need for a large-scale national movement to oppose the deal, and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers, it said. The farm leaders who met Gandhi in New Delhi included All India Kisan Congress chief Sukhpal S Khaira, Ashok Balhara of the Bharatiye Kisan Mazdor Union, Haryana, Baldev S Zira of the BKU Krantikari, R NandKumar of the Progressive Farmers Front, Amarjit S Mohri of the BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Guramneet S Mangat of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha -- India, and Hameed Malik of the J-K Zamidara Forum, among others. Modi anti-farmer: Rahul The meeting comes a day after Gandhi asserted that the government can file cases or a privilege motion against him but he will stand strongly with farmers. He had also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'anti-farmer' and 'selling' the country through the India-US interim trade deal. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha had shared a video statement on X in which he made a scathing attack on the government over the India-US interim trade deal. In a post in Hindi on X along with the video, Gandhi had said, 'FIR is filed, a case is registered, or a privilege motion is brought -- I will fight for the farmers.' 'Any trade deal that takes away the farmers' livelihood or weakens the country's food security is anti-farmer. We will not let the anti-farmer Modi government compromise on the interests of the food providers,' he had said. The Supreme Court intervened in a school rustication case, allowing a student expelled for circulating an objectionable meme to take his Class 10 exams, emphasising reform over punitive measures IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The court directs CISCE to issue an admit card, preventing the student from losing an academic year. The school is instructed to conduct internal assessments and allow the student to take the exam in a separate room. The Supreme Court criticizes the school's decision to rusticate the student instead of focusing on reform. The court acknowledges the potential harm of memes with communal overtones but prioritizes the student's education. The Supreme Court on Friday allowed a minor boy, rusticated from a school in Indore for allegedly circulating an objectionable meme concerning teachers, to appear in the Class 10 examination and directed the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations to issue an admit card. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that the boy has already registered with the CISCE to take the examination and if not allowed, he would lose an academic year. "In the circumstances, we direct the CISCE to permit the petitioner's son to take the examination by issuing Admit Card/Hall ticket. Having regard to the nature of the controversy, respondent no. 5 (school) is at liberty to permit the petitioner's son to appear and write the examination in a separate room and not with other students. "Further, respondent no.5/School to conduct an internal assessment for Physical Education and Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW) at the school and submit the assessment marks to respondent no.6/CISCE," the bench said. The top court asked the school and CISCE to ensure that the boy is able to appear in the ensuing examination, scheduled to commence from February 17. Court's observations on reform and rustication During the hearing, the bench observed orally, "Instead of reforming him, you (school) have decided to rusticate him and dissociate yourself from him. As a school, you should have taken the responsibility to reform the child but you rusticated him just because you said he was a bad boy." Advocate Nipun Saxena, who appeared for the petitioner, submitted that if the court does not permit the boy to take the examination, then he would lose an academic year. He submitted that the rustication of the boy from the school was a disproportionate punishment and instead of taking reformatory steps, the school simply disassociated him from the school. Saxena told the court that the boy has been pursuing his studies privately at home with the help of tutors. The counsel appearing for the school vehemently objected to any permission being granted to the boy to take the examination as he cannot be pardoned for what he has committed. He said the school was constrained to rusticate the boy due to his act and any order permitting him to take the examination would demoralise the school authorities. The apex court had earlier issued notice on the petition challenging an order of November last year of the Madhya Pradesh High Court which upheld the school's decision to terminate the 13-year-old student in the midst of his Class 9 academic session of 2024-2025. The bench had observed that minors generally learn such behaviour from their surroundings and memes having communal overtones should not be encouraged. The plea said the action has caused grave prejudice to the petitioner's son as it effectively renders it extremely difficult for him to continue his education up to Class 10 at the school. It said registration for Class 10 is ordinarily completed during Class 9 itself according to the extant bylaws of the ICSE Board. "The impugned decision has, therefore, severely jeopardised the continuity and stability of the petitioner's son's education," the plea said. It alleged that the entire hoax of "protecting the reputation" of the school was a red herring, since the Instagram account was not accessible either to the public or to the school administration. "Imposition of harsh penalties such as expulsion/rustication to a child for creating an Instagram private account with memes that are not even attributable to the child and to invoke the criminal law principle of 'deterrence' is antithetical to the established cannons of law," the plea said. The petitioner had approached the high court against the school's decision to terminate his son last year. Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife have been granted bail by the Supreme Court in a cheating case involving alleged misappropriation of funds for film projects, marking a significant development in the legal proceedings. IMAGE: Vikram Bhatt. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The Supreme Court granted bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife in a cheating case. The Bhatts were arrested following a complaint alleging misappropriation of Rs 30 crore meant for film projects. The Supreme Court has ordered their release from Udaipur jail and issued notices to the complainant and the Rajasthan government. The Rajasthan High Court had previously rejected their bail applications. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt in a cheating case. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ordered their forthwith release from Udaipur jail and asked the Chief Judicial Magistrate to pass the bail order delineating the terms and conditions. The top court also issued notices to complainant Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF and Fertility Centre and a resident of Udaipur, and the Rajasthan government for February 19. On January 31, the Rajasthan High Court rejected their bail applications in the cheating case. The two have been in jail since December 7, 2025, when they were arrested in Mumbai and brought to Udaipur. While rejecting their bail, the high court observed that granting bail to the accused at this stage would not be appropriate. Bhatts were arrested in a cheating case Vikram Bhatt was arrested after Murdia filed a complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the filmmaker, his wife Shwetambari Bhatt and others, alleging that funds taken in the name of a film project were misappropriated. The complaint has alleged that funds to the tune of Rs 30 crore were misappropriated. The complaint alleged that the Bhatts prepared fake bills under various names and got money transferred from the complainant. The money was supposed to be for making films for the complainant, but was allegedly deposited into the accused's own accounts and used by them. Apart from Vikram and his wife, Udaipur-based Dinesh Kataria and Bhatt's manager, Mehboob Ansari, were also arrested by the Rajasthan Police on December 7, 2025. India's Parliament adjourned the first leg of its Budget Session following intense debates on the India-US trade deal and a controversial memoir, setting the stage for a contentious resumption in March. IMAGE: Opposition MPs and suspended Lok Sabha MPs protest at the Parliament premises during the ongoing Budget Session, in New Delhi on Friday. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Key Points The first part of the Budget Session was marked by heated debates over the India-US interim trade deal and controversial excerpts from former army chief M M Naravane's memoir. Opposition members protested against the India-US trade agreement and demanded the resignation of a Union Minister, leading to disruptions and adjournments. The Lok Sabha witnessed dramatic scenes and suspensions of members due to unruly behavior during debates. Parliament passed a bill to amend the Industrial Relations Code, aiming for legal clarity and avoiding complications related to replaced laws. The Budget session is set to resume on March 9, with a resolution for the removal of the Speaker likely to be addressed. The tumultuous first leg of the Budget session, which saw heated exchanges over the India-United States interim trade deal and unpublished memoir of former army chief General M M Naravane, concluded Friday and the House will now reassemble on March 9. The three-week recess period will allow standing committees to examine allocations to various central ministries given in the Union Budget. Earlier in the day, the House was adjourned for one hour after Opposition members raised slogans demanding resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Puri. The opposition members were also protesting against the India-US interim trade agreement. The first part of the Budget Session began on January 28 with the address of President Droupadi Murmu to a joint sitting of the two Houses. House disrupted repeatedly The Lok Sabha witnessed dramatic scenes and repeated adjournments from February 2 afternoon after the Chair disallowed Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to quote from the excerpts of the memoir of Naravane relating to the India-China conflict of 2020. The House witnessed noisy protests and dramatic scenes in the coming days leading to the suspension of seven Congress and one Communist Party of India-Marxist member from the House for the remainder part of the Budget session for unruly behaviour, including climbing on tables of officials and throwing torn papers at the Chair. Fearing unpleasant scenes, Speaker Om Birla requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to attend the Lok Sabha when he was to respond to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address. The prime minister did not speak in the House but later responded to a similar debate in the Rajya Sabha. The Opposition also submitted a notice to move a resolution to remove Birla as Speaker. Taking moral grounds, Birla decided not to chair House proceedings till the issue relating to his removal was settled. The resolution seeking Birla's removal as the speaker is likely to come before House in the second part of the session beginning March 9. With Gandhi insisting on speaking before the House took up debate on the Union Budget, the House saw uproarious scenes leading to frequent adjournments. An anguished Birla had told the House that disruptions wasted 19 hours and 13 minutes of House time till last week. Later, participating in the debate on the Union Budget, Gandhi accused the government of failing to protect India's interest while signing an interim trade agreement with the United States. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman countered the allegations levelled by the LoP, saying it was the previous Congress government which sold the country at World Trade Organisation (WTO). Budget Session to conclude on April 2 A Bill to amend the Industrial Relations Code with an aim to bring legal clarity, was passed by Parliament in the first part of the session. The Bill would help avoid any 'future unwarranted complication' over the continuity of certain laws replaced by the Industrial Relations Code of 2020. It is the first bill to be introduced and passed by Parliament in the Budget session. The Budget session will conclude on April 2. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Russian astronomer has proposed establishing a repository on the Moon to store human DNA and key achievements of civilization, local media reported on Friday. Vladimir Surdin, a senior researcher at the State Astronomical Institute named after P. K. Shternberg, made the remarks at Darwin's Week held at the Novosibirsk State University. The proposed archive would include digital records of human history and culture, as well as human DNA, from which people could theoretically be reconstructed from cells. He noted that the Earth already hosts similar preservation efforts, citing seed vaults such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. However, he warned that climate change is reducing the long-term reliability of such facilities. From a technical standpoint, Surdin said the project could be realized with existing technology. A new UN report reveals a potential link between the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed and a deadly attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi, raising concerns about regional security and cross-border terrorism. IMAGE: Emergency personnel work at the site of the November 10, 2025 near Gate 1 of the Red Fort metro station in Delhi. Photograph: Reuters/ANI Photo Key Points The UN report highlights JeM's establishment of a women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, to support terrorist attacks. Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) remains active in Afghanistan, with concerns about its focus on external operations. ISIS-K is active in northern Afghanistan and is expanding its reach through propaganda in Central Asian languages. India has acknowledged the UN report and its concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, emphasizing the need to strengthen the global fight against terrorism. A report by the United Nations Security Council sanctions monitoring team has noted that Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed was reported to be linked to a terror attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi last November that killed 15 people. "One Member State noted that Jaish-i-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for a series of attacks. It was also reported to be linked to an attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi on November 9 that killed 15 people," the 37th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted to the Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee concerning ISIL and Al-Qaida said. The report added that on October 8, JeM leader Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi "formally announced the establishment of a women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, which was aimed at supporting terrorist attacks." Even as another member state reported that Jaish-e-Mohammed was defunct, the report added that "Separately, it was reported that on July 28, three individuals allegedly involved in the attack perpetrated in Pahalgam, in Jammu and Kashmir, were killed." A deadly and high-intensity explosion had rocked the Red Fort area in New Delhi, killing about 15 people and injuring many more. The explosion had ripped through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station. India's Response to the UN Report At his weekly briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked for a comment on the UNSC report. "This particular report that you refer to, it is available in the public domain. It is online. This was the 37th Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. This was published on February 4, 2026," he said. "And, we have seen that they have taken on board our inputs, India's inputs in regard to our concern on cross-border terrorism, and also as to how we can strengthen the global fight against terrorism," the MEA spokesperson said. Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K Activities The UNSC report further said that Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) remained active in south-eastern Afghanistan, where the Haqqani Network exerts considerable influence. Osama Mahmoud, the "emir" of AQIS, and Yahya Ghauri, his deputy, were reported to be in Kabul, with the media cell of AQIS based in Herat. "There were concerns that AQIS was increasingly focused on external operations. Such operations would likely be unclaimed or deniable operations, perhaps as part of the umbrella group Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistanaso as not to create difficulties for the Taliban as hosts of AQIS," it said. The report added that ISIL-K was active mainly in northern Afghanistan, particularly Badakhshan, and areas close to the Pakistani border. It continued to develop its network of cells to project a threat regionally and beyond. "Aggressive propaganda by ISIL-K in Central Asian languages expanded its target audience. It sought to exploit issues such as the Gaza and Israel conflict to promote recruitment and financing," it added. Following their recent election victory, the BNP is intensifying its efforts to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial, underscoring the complex political dynamics between the two nations. IMAGE: Supporters of the BNP show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahmans photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, on February 13, 2026. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters Key Points The BNP is seeking the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial in Bangladesh. The BNP emphasises the importance of equal and respectful relations with India and other neighboring countries. Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 uprising. The Awami League was barred from the election due to ongoing investigations and a ban imposed by the interim government. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a landslide victory in the general elections, on Friday reiterated its firm stance on seeking the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial. "The foreign minister has already persuaded the case for her extradition, and we also support it," Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said. "We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We also asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh," he added. Ahmed emphasised that Bangladesh seeks normal relations with all neighbours, including India, but only on equal terms. "We need a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, equality with all the countries, including India," he said. His comments came soon after the BNP's sweeping victory in the general elections held on Thursday. This is the first election since the mass uprising in August 2024 that forced Hasina to flee to India. Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since her ouster, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in November 2025 for crimes against humanity linked to the violent suppression of the 2024 uprising. Ahmed dismissed criticisms about the election's inclusivity after the Awami League was barred due to its suspension and ongoing violence probes. "People of the country know that this is a very inclusive election. If you like to mention the exclusion of Awami League etc, people have rejected through the mass uprising in Aug 2024," Ahmed underlined. The Awami League's exclusion stemmed from a decision by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which banned the party's activities in 2025 amid probes into its conduct during the uprising. "They are being prosecuted, and also the investigation is going on against the political party Awami League. This is under the process," Ahmed added. KINSHASA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said Friday it has accepted the principle of a ceasefire proposed by Angola, as regional mediators push for a halt to fighting in the country's volatile east. In a statement, the DRC presidency said President Felix Tshisekedi agreed to the proposal "in a spirit of responsibility and de-escalation" to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict, reaffirming Kinshasa's commitment to regional stability. Angola, which has served as a key mediator in the DRC crisis since 2022, proposed late Wednesday that a ceasefire between the DRC government and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group take effect on Feb. 18. The proposed date remains subject to a public declaration of acceptance by the parties, according to Angolan authorities. The M23 has not yet responded to the Angolan proposal. The M23 seized the eastern city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, in January 2025, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province, the following month. In recent weeks, clashes have been reported near the town of Minembwe in South Kivu, according to local sources. On the last day of February, the Brattleboro Winter Farmers Market felt less like a shopping destination and more like a reunion. BRUSSELS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Britain announced a new half-a-billion-pound (680 million U.S. dollars) package for urgent air defense support to Ukraine on Thursday during a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels. "Today, I'm announcing a new half-a-billion-pound package of urgent air defense support, which is President Zelensky's top priority," said British Defense Secretary John Healey at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG). He explained that 150 million pounds of the total will be allocated for air defense interceptors in the "Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List" (PURL) program, a NATO-led U.S. arms-buying scheme, and 400 million pounds will be used for lightweight multirole missiles. In addition, Britain will provide an extra 1,200 air defense missiles together with its partners from the air defense consortium. Healey also said that in 2025, the UDCG collectively raised 45 billion U.S. dollars in military aid for Ukraine, and for 2026, they "must do more and push harder." NATO defense ministers held a meeting here on Thursday to discuss issues including strengthening collective security in the Arctic and supporting Ukraine. (1 pound = 1.36 U.S. dollars) Developing a inspection regime to underpin any new Iran nuclear arrangement is "absolutely possible," though extremely difficult, the head of the United Nations atomic watchdog said. Speaking at a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, Raphael Grossi, of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Iran's nuclear landscape had changed drastically following the US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz last year. "This is absolutely possible, and it is terribly difficult, but it is technically possible and it is politically even viable," Grossi said on February 13, referring to the challenge of establishing a credible inspection regime. The physical infrastructure of Iran's nuclear program has been largely damaged, he said, and that future monitoring would need to focus not only on what remains but on how Tehran's nuclear capabilities could evolve going forward. Grossi noted that while agency inspectors have returned to Iran and are monitoring all undamaged facilities, they still lack access to sites struck during the bombing. Photo Gallery: Iran 'Buries' Nuclear Site As Satellite Images Reveal US Military Buildup Satellite images appear to show entrances to Iranian nuclear sites buried under tons of soil and a marked increase in US forces in the region, as tension mounts over potential US strikes. His remarks come as diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington continues. The United States, meanwhile, has bolstered its military presence, deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East in preparation for a potential strike. Grossi underscored the delicate balance facing negotiators: upholding Iran's right to peaceful nuclear activity under the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty while ensuring robust verification to build confidence and avoid escalation. "We know perfectly well what needs to be checked and how to check it," he said, adding that light may be visible "at the end of the tunnel" if progress continues. Iran insists that any agreement with the United States can only focus on the nuclear program, rejecting demands to negotiate restrictions on its ballistic missiles. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held indirect talks in Oman on February 6. Both sides said more talks would be held soon, though no date has been set. A new report by a British human rights group says Iran's system of Internet control draws extensively on Chinese technology, enabling authorities to disconnect the country's 93 million people from the global Internet during the height of January's anti-government protests. The report, released this week by Article 19, details the policies and imported hardware behind the expansion of Iran's censorship system and describes how surveillance technologies first implemented in China's Xinjiang region against the Uyghur population are now being used in Iran. Thousands of Iranians were reported killed during the crackdown on the protests, and the country's Internet access has yet to fully recover. What has emerged instead, the report says, is a fragmented but entrenched censorship system developed over decades with Chinese infrastructure and technical cooperation aimed at consolidating total state control over online traffic within Iran's borders. To examine what this model of cooperation offers Tehran, and the technologies and methods behind it, RFE/RL spoke with Michael Caster, head of Article 19's global China program and a co-author of the report. RFE/RL: We know technology transfers and the sharing of expertise have been going on at least since 2010, but what have these latest protests and the government's crackdown on them shown us about the nature of this relationship between Iran and China? Michael Caster: It's true that we have seen documentation going back a decade and a half for technology transfers between China and Iran, but one of the crucial parts of the story that is often overlooked are the terms of the normative framework -- or the strategy of deploying these technologies for really sophisticated digital authoritarian purposes. So we can't just look at the physical layer of the Internet the types of middle boxes or tools for deep packet inspection or surveillance cameras in the public space -- as the full picture of what is a digital authoritarian state. We also have to understand the norms and the institutions around their deployment, their use, and normalization. Let's look at the Internet shutdown in Iran, which is not new on its own. Iran constantly weaponizes the Internet during periods of mass protest to hide its commission of human rights abuses to prevent people from documenting them and communicating with the outside world. But what we've seen in this recent episode is the almost unprecedented level and scope in which they've been able to do it. So when we look at something like blocking out satellite Internet, which happened with Starlink, it's not just through technology but also through arbitrary and repressive legislation. New rules came into effect following the 12-day war [between Israel and Iran in June 2025] around satellite terminal ownership, then we also have more surveillance drones and also old-fashioned police state tactics of door-to-door sweeps. So it's really that holistic approach, both physical and digital, that is an authoritarian state. RFE/RL: Whether it's normative or something broader, can we truly say that Iran is following a Chinese playbook? Does the Iranian regime really need tips on how to oppress people, or are we talking about a more concrete Chinese blueprint they're following? Caster: It's a blueprint that China excels at and has refined at home. States like Iran and others don't need encouragement to be authoritarian, but they can certainly look to the more effective and capable authoritarian influence deployed by China. We know this because over a number of years we've seen explicit comments from various Iranian members of parliament, ministers, and regulators that have very clearly pointed to the need to learn from China in terms of how it controls the digital domain. That's noteworthy because in repressive environments that are low capacity, the digital domain is where civil society finds gaps in the infrastructure of control to convene, express, and document. So by gaining that total control over the digital domain through new technologies and tactics from China, Iran is able to exert a new level of control. RFE/RL: What is China's role with the creation of Iran's National Information Network (NIN), the state-controlled, filtered, and heavily monitored Internet? Is it more of a normative inspiration, or do we know Chinese expertise has played a role? Caster: This is opaque by design, and you have two quite authoritarian states that are against transparency and accountability. That means some of this has to arrive from contextual analysis and historical narratives. So there is no smoking gun, per se. But I think we can see that all the way back in 2010, Iran was taking steps to build its NIN. It had been discussed earlier, several years prior to that, but 2010 was really a turning point. [That] also was the year China published the white paper on the Internet in China, which really articulated what has become quite commonly referred to as a normative framework for states looking to implement this type of centralized authoritarian control over the digital domain, which is cybersovereignty. That year was also when some of the first large foreign technology transfers between Chinese network infrastructure companies like Huawei and ZTE and Iran were being reported. And this is the type of technology necessary for starting to build out the physicality of a NIN. So 2010 is really this turning point in terms of Iran taking concrete steps at the same time that China was stepping up technology transfers and developing its own framework. That's continued through the years. Sanctions have made this more difficult, and a lot of analysts have argued that vendors like Huawei have taken a more cautious approach, but it seems like technology transfers are ongoing and we are moving toward the final stages of the NIN, similar to the Great Firewall of China. RFE/RL: As things started to pick up in late December, and reached a zenith in January with the protests and the crackdown, is there anything that surprised you in the use of digital tools in Iran? Caster: There are two things that are interesting, in an alarming kind of way. There had been a prevailing strategy to evade past Internet shutdowns by turning to satellite Internet, but this most recent episode has really blasted that notion. There was an idea -- and not just in Iran -- that satellite Internet was this big solution, but it is not this kind of magic bullet against the weaponization of the Internet. It's a reminder that this is a complicated playing field. This is largely the result of countries like China and Russia investing heavily in developing counterspace technologies, and we're seeing how there is an exchange of tools and tactics between China, Russia, and Iran on how to perfect digital repression. This shows how Russian efforts at jamming Starlink in Ukraine dovetail with Chinese technology around GPS jamming and developing its Beidou satellite navigation systems for encrypted signals and locating. At the same time, war gaming in China is looking at new forms of aerial-based satellite Internet jamming, including lots of academic work on how to achieve 100 percent blockage of satellite Internet, related to plans over a possible invasion of Taiwan. Satellite Internet connectivity is, of course, still a very critical piece of ensuring the right to connectivity, but we are also seeing how authoritarian states are working in concert to develop, test, and learn from one another to prevent access to information and expression in these new frontiers of Internet infrastructure. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. MUNICH -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the Munich Security Conference by describing a geopolitical landscape bereft of its former signposts, saying the old world order "no longer exists," warning of threats posed by Russia and China, and suggesting US-Europe ties must be fixed to address the challenges. "As imperfect as it was even in its best days," the global order that "rested on rights and rules" is gone, Merz said in his keynote speech on February 13. "We have crossed the threshold into an era that is once again openly characterized by power and great power politics." Pointing to Russia's all-out war on Ukraine as the clearest example of a harsh new reality, he also said China "systematically exploits the dependencies of others." Merz called for a "new transatlantic partnership," switching to English and warning that in the "era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone." "We need to realize on both sides of the Atlantic that we are stronger together.... So let's repair and revive transatlantic trust together," he said, adding that Europe is doing its part. The three-day annual event -- which features hundreds of prominent European leaders, lawmakers, military officials, academics, and others -- comes a year after Vice President JD Vance stunned the conference with a tongue-lashing, accusing Europe of dangerous policies toward immigration and far-right political parties. "A rift has opened up between Europe and the United States," Merz said in his speech. "Vice President JD Vance said this very openly here in Munich a year ago." Underscoring Europe's trepidation, a report written by the organizers and published ahead of the conference spoke of the advent of "wrecking-ball politics" and declared, "The most powerful of those who take the axe to existing rules and institutions is US President Donald Trump." The US delegation is led this year by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who spoke of a "defining moment" in a world that is "changing very fast right in front of us." "The old world is gone -- frankly, the world that I grew up in -- and we live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to sort of reexamine what that looks like and what our role is going to be," Rubio said before he left for Munich, where he is set to deliver a speech on February 14. Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for bilateral talks a few hours after arriving in Munich. He said before departure that he would likely meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, although he was not "100 percent" certain. Asked about ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which have plunged hundreds of thousands into cold and darkness in winter, Rubio said this is why Washington is continuing peace efforts. "People are suffering. It's the coldest time of year. It's unimaginable suffering," he added. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said he expects to speak with Rubio as well. "We will be interested [in continuing] our regular contacts at the highest levels," said Sybiha, who welcomed visitors including German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to a drone exhibition at Ukraine House in Munich. "Only Trump could end the war, only the American side," Sybiha told RFE/RL. Trump has made ending Russia's war a priority since he returned to the presidency in January 2025. Moscow, however, has shown little readiness for compromise, and two recent rounds of US-Russia-Ukraine talks have left the sides at odds over key issues including control over territory in Ukraine's Donbas region. Russian and Ukrainian officials said a new round of trilateral talks would be held in Geneva on February 17-18. There was no official US comment, but Reuters quoted sources as saying a fresh round of talks were scheduled for Geneva starting on February 17. The source said the US delegation will include envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who would meet with Ukrainian and Russian representatives after holding indirect talks with Iran under Omani mediation earlier in the day. "The most significant thing we can achieve together is ending the war with a dignified peace and creating reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and for all of Europe -- so that no one in Europe is afraid of being left without protection," Zelenskyy wrote in an X post. The conference opened hours after Russia's latest strikes on Ukraine left at least seven people dead, according to officials. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia fired more than 150 drones and one ballistic missile in the overnight hours of February 12-13. Several buildings in the southern city of Odesa were hit and caught fire, including warehouses in the port district. There were also several casualties from shelling in the eastern city of Kramatorsk, according to the city's mayor. The war "has implications far beyond Ukraine," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told RFE/RL. "It is about standing up to forces that will use military might to push their interests, which is important for the security for all of Europe and also actually far beyond Europe." Store added that "we have to put every pressure on Russia to stop this war. It could have been stopped every day by Russia. Russia is the aggressor. And we will do what we can to support Ukraine to reach a cease-fire and a fair peace." Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Stre On Ukraine At Munich Security Conference by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:51 0:00 Conference organizers said this year's event is the largest ever, with more than 1,000 delegates including some 50 heads of government and leading diplomats. It comes at a time of global turmoil, with the possibility of US air strikes on Iran, Russia's invasion approaching the four-year mark, and tensions over the future of NATO and the transatlantic alliance more broadly amid fears of US disengagement. Asked what she expects from Rubio's address and from US engagement with the Europeans, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu told reporters, "I hope the US delegation...is going to reiterate [a] strong message of support. She said that "beyond words, beyond conversations, I think what we need now is common action," and that "building or rebuilding trust in the transatlantic partnership is also very important for the future steps in the peace process in Ukraine." Sybiha delivered a different message as he opened Ukraine House. "The time when Europe relied on external powers is over...." he said. "We have enough of our own strength. We only need to admit it. And Ukraine is a key source of that real European strength." European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde told RFE/RL, "I very much hope that the 90 billion euro ($107 billion) loan that has been decided by the Europeans will come to reality and issuance as soon as possible," but said she didn't have details. In recent speeches, Merz has doubled down on the message that Europe needs to strengthen its military power in the face of Russian aggression and uncertainty over Washingtons commitment to NATO. Europe would only be heard "when we learn the language of power politics, when we become ourselves a European power," he said in January. In his conference address, he said he begun confidential talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on "European nuclear deterrence." En route to Munich, Rubio voiced confidence that his message to angsty Europeans would be "well received." He is accompanied by a large bipartisan group of US senators who have announced meetings with Zelenskyy, NATO chief Mark Rutte, and others. In a statement, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the leading Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said she would use the trip to "strengthen support for Ukraine and urge her Congressional colleagues to pass bipartisan sanctions legislation to hold Russia and its enablers accountable." Afghan children are seen at a makeshift refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 14, 2026. Nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan so far this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday, adding to an already unprecedented wave of returns that is deepening a humanitarian crisis in the country amid severe winter conditions. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) KABUL, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan so far this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday, adding to an already unprecedented wave of returns that is deepening a humanitarian crisis in the country amid severe winter conditions. The latest arrivals come on top of 2.9 million returns recorded in 2025, bringing the total number of Afghans who have repatriated since October 2023 to about 5.4 million, according to UNHCR. The speed and scale of this year's returns are particularly worrying, given the harsh winter now gripping much of Afghanistan, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, the agency said in its report. The influx is pushing the country deeper into crisis as it contends with a deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation, especially for women and girls, a fragile economy, and recurring natural disasters, UNHCR added. The agency has appealed for 216 million U.S. dollars in funding for 2026 to support displaced people and returnees inside Afghanistan. Afghan children are seen at a makeshift refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 14, 2026. Nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan so far this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday, adding to an already unprecedented wave of returns that is deepening a humanitarian crisis in the country amid severe winter conditions. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Afghan children are seen at a makeshift refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 14, 2026. Nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan so far this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday, adding to an already unprecedented wave of returns that is deepening a humanitarian crisis in the country amid severe winter conditions. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) An Afghan refugee is pictured at a makeshift refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 14, 2026. Nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan so far this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday, adding to an already unprecedented wave of returns that is deepening a humanitarian crisis in the country amid severe winter conditions. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) GUANGZHOU, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Uber and Chinese tech company WeRide on Thursday announced the launch of the first Robotaxi commercial operation service in downtown Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Supported by Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Center, the service is now available across the city's major landmarks, covering about 70 percent of Abu Dhabi's core areas. Passengers traveling within designated regions can order autopilot taxis through Uber Comfort or UberX, or book them directly under the "Autonomous" category on the Uber app. At present, a safety operator is present in each vehicle, with a phased transition to fully driverless operations to follow. The expansion of the autopilot service spotlights the rapid rollout of the partnership between WeRide and Uber in the UAE, supporting the country's smart mobility vision, WeRide said. The two companies plan to scale up their Robotaxi fleet in the Middle East to at least 1,200 vehicles by as early as 2027, with operations to span major cities such as Dubai and Riyadh, in addition to Abu Dhabi, according to a cooperation roadmap agreed in February 2026. Founded in 2017, WeRide is a Chinese tech firm dedicated to autonomous driving research, offering autopilot Robotaxis and Robobuses, as well as advanced driver-assistance solutions. The company has carried out autonomous driving research and development, testing and operation in over 40 cities across 11 countries. To date, it has deployed more than 200 Robotaxis across the Middle East. High Court Reporters A man who is alleged to have been part of a right-wing group that targeted a mosque in Galway and who is charged with possession of explosives says he cannot get a fair trial due to the wording of the Explosives Act. Karolis Peckauskas (38) of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, has been granted leave from the High Court to challenge whether he can get a fair trial under the Act, which he claims contravenes his fundamental human rights. Mr Peckauskas was arrested on November 4th last at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois, and then charged with possession of six litres of hydrogen peroxide and knowingly having in his possession an explosive substance". Mr Peckauskas has not entered a plea in relation to the charge and intends to apply for bail for a third time. In November, Mr Peckauskas, who is a co-accused with another man, was refused bail at Portlaoise District Court and then again at the High Court in Cloverhill in December. Co-accused Garrett Pollock, 35, with an address at Kilhorne Greene, Annalong, Co Down, was also refused bail. At the bail hearing, Detective Garda Declan O'Connor alleged that a video recording had been made by four masked men indicating their intention to take violent action against specific targets. A document described as a "manifesto" for a right-wing group also formed part of the evidence, the court heard. Mr Pollock faces a charge of possession of explosives at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, and of possessing explosives at an address at Kilhorne Green, Co Down. When refusing bail for both men, Judge Andrew Cody outlined the contents of the video which included four men wearing balaclavas with a tricolour behind them. He said the video was a "practice of a statement being released subsequent to a successful terrorist attack". Identifying themselves as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) in the video, the group states that they accept responsibility for actions that resulted in the destruction of the first mosque in Ireland, located in Galway, said Judge Cody. Papers lodged by Mr Peskaukas' legal team claim that the wording of Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant. It is submitted that the Act reads: "Any person who makes or knowingly has in his possession or under his control any explosive substance under such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that that he is not making it or does not have it in his possession for a lawful object shall, unless he can show that he made it or had it in his possession or under his control for a lawful object, be guilty of an offence." The Act's wording, lawyers for Mr Peckauskas submit, places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant because it places an obligation on him to prove he is not morally culpable, contrary to Article 38.1 of the Constitution and the right to a fair trial under the European Convention on Human Rights. Leave for judicial review was granted to Niall Storan BL, led by Bernard Condon SC, instructed by Barry Fitzgerald Solicitors, for Mr Peckauskas, before Mr Justice Micheal O'Higgins on January 26, in an ex parte motion, where only one side is represented in the court. The matter, which was before the court this week to allow time for opposition papers to be lodged, appears before the High Court next month for mention. Ken Foxe Prisons were operating at such extreme levels of overcrowding that senior officials warned they might not be able to take any new inmates and would struggle to produce prisoners at court. In a stark warning, the Director General of the Irish Prison Service said the countrys main remand prison was at 125 per cent capacity and only had room for three more people. Caron McCaffrey said once those three mattresses were used, there would be no further secure accommodation available at Cloverhill Prison. Ms McCaffrey said six jails were operating at capacities of between 123 and 154 per cent of their intended capacity. She said there was an unprecedented risk in the penal system because of the worsening overcrowding crisis. A letter to the Department of Justice said: It is likely our ability to continue to receive committals out of hours, our ability to produce ever increasing numbers of prisoners to court and our ability to accommodate prisoners once we run out of secure cell accommodation will be impacted in the coming weeks and months. The Director General said the situation was now critical and asked for an urgent meeting of a taskforce on overcrowding. At the time the letter was sent last October, there were 5,581 people in custody, 20 per cent above designed capacity. McCaffrey wrote: Certain prisons are now under extreme duress as a result of operating at higher-than-average capacity. She forwarded a paper from the UK on how they had managed a similar overcrowding crisis, in particular around setting operational capacity limits. A review by the Department of the governance structures in place to support the management and mitigation of risk across the sector is, in my view, now critical, the letter concluded. A response from Oonagh McPhillips, the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, said they were acutely aware of the difficult circumstances. She wrote: I can assure you that the Department will support you in whatever way possible during this very challenging period. McPhillips said the National Development Plan included prison investment and that increased funding had been given to the Probation Service to support the penal system. Her letter in early November said: Once again, I want to put on record my appreciation of the work being done by you and your staff in very challenging circumstances. A copy of the paper from the UK on how they managed their overcrowding crisis said rising prison numbers had stemmed in part from a political narrative around being tough on crime. There had been a decline in community sentences, more recalls to prison while on temporary release, and overuse of short custodial sentences. It said operational red lines had been set on how many people a prison could safely house, with an understanding that these would not be breached. The presentation said: It assists in managing pressures to ensure the safety of staff and prisoners, this includes restricting crowding to limits it has assessed as safe. The paper also said around 500 places were reserved for emergency access in case of an unplanned loss of capacity due to fire or water outages. Asked about the records, which were released under FOI, the Irish Prison Service said they had nothing further to add to the contents. Declan Brennan An engineer who spent years grooming six children whom he sexually assaulted over seven years will be sentenced later this month. The 63-year-old Dublin man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 10 sample counts of indecent and sexual assaults at places in counties Dublin and Cork. Most of the offending took place on unknown dates between 1983 and 1990 but sometime between 1999 and 2000 the man sexually assaulted one of the victims a second time when she was an adult. The offending took place at the man's family home in Dublin, at another family home in County Cork and later at the man's Dublin home. The defendant cannot be named to protect the anonymity of the six victims, five of whom were his first cousins and a sixth who was a cousin of a cousin. Detective Garda Kathy Higgins told Shaun Smyth, prosecuting, the child victims looked up to the defendant as a cool older cousin and that teenagers would often hang out in his home and there was drinking. The offending came to light when one of the victims went to gardai in March 2023. This woman was aged between nine and 11 when the defendant, who was in his mid 20s, indecently assaulted her in the autumn of 1988. He had brought the child into his bedroom and told her to lay on the bed where he moved his hands over her body above her clothes as well as under her top. I lay frozen, I was an innocent child she told the court, reading from her victim impact report. She said she felt terrified, confused and disoriented and that these feelings have never left her. I was innocent and he shamelessly exploited me, she said. The accused took her out of the bedroom into a living area in which a number of teenage boys was watching a graphic adult porn video. The victim said that young boys were watching a woman getting raped and she found it very strange. The court heard that this victim met her cousin again 11 years later and stayed over at his Dublin home. During the night she woke up to find him naked in her bed rubbing up against her. She said she felt this sexual assault was definitely my fault and felt disgusted with myself. I was frozen in the bed just like I was when I was ten years old. I blanked out with fear, she said. She said after this attack she felt consumed by guilt but later began to realise that she was still so young as a 21-year-old and that her cousin had taken advantage of that. She said he spent years grooming us. She said as a child she hung around his home with other children, many of them teenagers, but that there was a strange undertone to these gatherings. It never felt comfortable. It always felt strange, she said. She said that when his abusive behaviour later emerged it caused so much pain in our families and resulted in splits in the family. One of the victims was aged 13 when the defendant, in his mid-20s, sexually assaulted him by touching his penis. Another boy was aged 12 in the mid to late 1980s when his cousin made him masturbate him. This abuse escalated to involve oral sex. The victim said he was never comfortable with the sexual activity and that the defendant plied him with money and gifts. Another victim said she was aged around nine when her cousin indecently assaulted her while her sister was in the same room. She said he indecently assaulted her a number of times and that he tried to make it seem normal. One victim told gardai that he froze after the defendant sexually assaulted him when he was aged around 12 years old. When he told his abuser it wasn't right, the defendant replied why can't you have a bit of fun?. The man told the court that the defendant told him not to tell anyone about what had happened. I was ashamed and embarrassed that I let these things happen to me, he said, adding that he now feels ashamed that he never had the courage to tell anyone. The sixth victim was a teenager in 1990 when the defendant made him give him oral sex and the defendant ejaculated on the child. He said the defendant threatened to tell the victim's parents that he had been drinking and smoking. The man said he felt ashamed about what had happened and felt he couldn't tell anyone about it. The court heard he, like many of the other victims, went to gardai after the first victim had made her complaint. The defendant has three previous convictions for sexual assault of a male from 2002. In April 2005, he was given an 18-month suspended sentence. In his victim impact statement, one man said he was still trying to make sense of the impact of the abuse and didn't feel strong enough to come to court. Dt Gda Higgins agreed with Paul Murray, defending, that the remorse expressed by his client was genuine. She also agreed that the defendant dealt with the allegations in the best possible way. Referring to psychological assessment, Mr Murray told the court that his client experienced a number of traumatic events in his childhood as well as early difficulties with his own sexuality. He said his client has been assessed as being at a low risk of reoffending. He asked the court to take into account his client's role in caring for his elderly parents. Counsel said his client has a very good work history as an engineer and asked the court to take into account that the guilty pleas were entered at very early stage. He said his client knows he is going to prison but asked the court to bear in mind that his client will be going into prison for first time in his life in his mid-60s. Judge Orla Crowe remanded the defendant into custody to February 23rd next for sentence. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112. Olivia Kelleher A 21-year-old man texted his probation officer and said that he planned to tie up, chop open and stab to death a young woman he had previously served time for harassing, a court has heard. Earlier this week, Ruairi Lally of Wainsfort, Rochestown Road in Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge that in September 2025 he made a threat to kill or cause serious harm to the woman. Dt Sgt Pat Lyons told a sitting of Cork Circuit Criminal Court that on the afternoon of September 27th last year, Lally sent text messages to his probation officer stating that he was going to hurt her (the young woman) badly and chop her open and stab her to death. Judge Sinead Behan heard that Lally also sent his probation officer a screenshot of a message that he had typed up but not texted to the object of his obsession. In it he said, Were going to hurt you seriously, tie you up and kick you to death, getting you chopped and murdered and enjoy every second of it. The probation officer was alarmed and immediately contacted the gardai. Lally subsequently admitted sending the messages to his probation officer. In his garda interviews, Lally said that he wanted to go back to prison and would do anything to achieve that. Dt Sgt Lyons outlined the background to the case. The court heard that the young woman met up with Lally at a concert in June of 2023, having started communicating with him on social media two months earlier. However, she felt uncomfortable with him at the concert. Soon afterwards, she told him to stop contacting her and blocked him on social media. Lally continued to contact the injured party. She reported the matter to gardai who approached the accused and told him to cease this activity. The woman had to make another complaint to gardai in October 2023. Gardai again warned him to stop contacting her. The situation continued to escalate. Lally had to be brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court on Christmas Eve in 2023. The following year, Lally pleaded guilty to the harassment of the teenage girl when she was 17, and he was a year older. Lally was jailed for two years for harassment in July 2024. One year of the sentence was suspended on condition that he would not contact the victim directly or indirectly. Dt Sgt Lyons said that Lally resumed texting the woman upon his release from prison. A three-month proportion of his suspended sentence was imposed, and Lally again returned to prison. In September of last year, gardai obtained a civil restraining order against Lally. Under its terms, he was barred from having any contact with the young woman for five years. He was released from prison in the same month, and within a matter of weeks, he had sent the texts at the centre of the case to his probation officer. Dt Sgt Lyons said that Lally was obsessed with the young woman, who in turn was terrified of him. A victim impact statement was handed over to Judge Behan for her consideration. Dt Sgt Lyons said that the victim in the case wasnt in court as she didnt want to be in the same room as Lally. Judge Behan was told that Lally has two previous convictions. one for the original harassment and one for possession of a knife. The latter conviction arose when Lally was found to have a knife in his possession at a remand hearing for the original harassment charge. Dgt Sgt Lyons said that Lally had a diagnosis of autism. He told the court that the parents of the young man were very good and decent people who had done their best by their son. Defence barrister Elaine Audley, BL, said that her client was remorseful for his actions. Judge Behan expressed concern about the support available to Lally upon his release from prison. She directed the preparation of reports in the case and extended legal aid to cover their preparation. Lally was remanded in continuing custody. He will next appear in court on March 5th next. Ottoline Spearman Nearly 40 people have been arrested and some families separated as gardai carried out a "day of action". On Thursday morning, a total of 38 men, women, and children - some as young as 13 - were arrested as they went to sign on to notify the State of their whereabouts at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Some of the men are now in Cloverhill Prison, with some women in Dochas women's prison, it is believed. Angelia Russell, a South African activist, told BreakingNews.ie that her family and friends had been caught up in the arrests. "It started with my two best friends. They went into the GNRB, just to go and present themselves. Just a routine signing to say that they're not going to run away from their deportation order. "I hadn't spoken to them since 25 past 10 in the morning and it should only take around 15 minutes when they go inside. "At around half 11 I realised that, okay, something had happened to them." Russell said that her husband's family had also been detained after that. She said that her 13-year-old cousin, together with his 23-year-old brother, had to watch their father being arrested and subsequently detained. She said that the father has "chronic high blood pressure", and the young boy's mental health issues - which were already very bad, have been exacerbated by the experience. "They've denied them medication, they've denied them contact with the family," she said. She said that the father and the 23-year-old have been detained, while the mother, 25-year-old daughter, and the young boy have been sent to the Travel Lodge near Dublin Airport, awaiting deportation. Russell also described how an 80-year-old woman who "can't even walk" went into the GNIB to register, with her son waiting outside, and "never came back out". Russell said that "word was going around" that a deportation flight had been booked for three days time, on February 16th. Gardai said that 23 men and 15 women had been arrested "in advance of planned national return operations". "An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy", a spokesperson said. "No additional information is available at this time." The Department of Justice said: "This is an operational matter for An Garda Siochana." National stroke and heart charity, the Irish Heart Foundation, has announced the publication of My heart health: A helpful guide to taking care of your heart. Aimed at improving heart health awareness and understanding in Roscommon and Galway, the new health literacy resource was developed in partnership with Galway City Council, Healthy Galway City and co-designed with local community groups. The guide is sponsored by Adult Literacy for Life Strategy Collaboration and Innovation Fund 2025 and supported by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death and disability in Ireland and was responsible for 28% of all deaths in 2024. This is despite an estimated 80% of premature cardiovascular disease being preventable. However, there is a clear need for improved health literacy and to address the barriers to understanding healthcare information. The Slaintecare Healthy Communities Health Literacy Report 2024 revealed around 40% of adults in Ireland had limited health literacy, impacting the overall health and well-being of the population. My heart health has been developed to support individuals and communities in Roscommon and Galway to better understand their cardiovascular health, risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and the steps people can take to protect and improve their heart health. With an emphasis on being practical and accessible, the resource was shaped through co-creation workshops with local community groups including Westside Resource Centre, Ballinfoile Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre and Salthill Mens Shed, ensuring local voices guided the language, content and design. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Galway City Mayor, Councillor Alan Cheevers, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the partnership approach behind the project. This group collaboration between the Irish Heart Foundation, Galway City Council and Healthy Galway City and most importantly, local community groups in the city, will further empower our communities in terms of health literacy, one of the most powerful ways in which we can improve public health. Now in its 60th year of leading the fight against cardiovascular disease, the new health literacy resource is the latest example of the Irish Heart Foundations commitment to tackling health inequality in communities across Ireland. Commenting on the project, Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion, Information and Training at the charity said: Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of premature death and disability this country. Improving health literacy is a vital step in prevention and early intervention. As an organisation, we are dedicated to improving health equity by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the same quality of heart health services and support so that they and their families can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. My heart health: A helpful guide to taking care of your heart is available from the Irish Heart Foundation and online at irishheart.ie. Copies will also be available through Galway City Council, Healthy Galway City and relevant community groups in the coming weeks. David Raleigh Two gardai who were suspended six years ago, arising out of a Garda investigation into alleged unlawful squaring of fixed charge penalty points, had their suspensions lifted on Thursday. The two gardai, who were attached to the Limerick Garda Division, were contacted by Garda Headquarters today and informed they had no case to answer and would be reinstated in the force if they so wished. The two gardai were suspended in November 2020 and remained in limbo for the past six years, and had consistently maintained their innocence. Lawyers for the two gardai previously made a High Court application seeking their suspensions be lifted as they were not charged with any criminal offence and there appeared to be no resolution. Neither of the two gardai was ever charged with any offences arising out of the investigation led by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI). When asked for comment tonight, a garda press officer replied: Today, 12th February 2026, suspensions against 2 members of An Garda Siochana in the Southern region were lifted. An Garda Siochana is not providing any further comment on internal conduct investigations, added the Garda Press Officer. One of the two gardai was seriously injured in the line of duty when a criminal rammed into a garda patrol car. A statement issued by Frank Thornton, Garda Representative Association Limerick said: We have fought these suspensions from the very beginning on the 7th November 2020, and they have been a gross mis-justice for both members. We have consistently made representations with Garda management highlighting the unjust nature of these suspensions, and the members were left with no choice but to seek relief from the High Court, proceedings which are ongoing. Thankfully, today Garda management has reinstated these members, and we now begin the process of recovery from what has been a truly devastating and painful five years for these members and their families. Some 130 gardai in the southern region were interviewed by the GNBCI as part of the probe. Four serving gardai and a retired garda superintendent, who were also suspended and charged arising out of the same GNBCI probe, were acquitted by a jury last month following a nine-week trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. The five who were accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice, including retired superintendent Eamon ONeill, his wife Garda Anne Marie Hassett, Ennis, Co Clare; Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Roxboro Road, Limerick; Garda Tom McGlinchey, Doon, Co Limerick; and Garda Com Geary, Ennis, Co Clare, had all denied the charges. Mr ONeill and Ms Hassett have initiated legal proceedings against the force for damages arising out of their arrests for crimes they were found not guilty of. Immediately following their trial, the Garda Commissioner lifted the suspensions of the four serving members. Mr ONeill, who was described by witnesses during the trial as one of the most dedicated gardai in the country, and who had helped bust criminal gangs in Limerick that murdered 23 people, has retired from the force. Ottoline Spearman The Tanaiste has urged anyone with information relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to "please go to the Garda". "It is safe enough to say this much," Simon Harris told the Dail on Thursday. "You clearly had here vulnerable young women in a powerful network of despicable powerful men who abused that and carried out depraved acts." Gardai are not currently investigating allegations relating to Ireland contained in the Epstein files, which include an allegation from a woman claiming she was trafficked to Ireland as a child. Harris said he would discuss references to Ireland made in the Epstein files with the Taoiseach and Minister for Justice. Addressing the Dail, Harris said: "We are all absolutely appalled, sickened and disgusted at the depraved - and that word does not fully capture it - conduct we are seeing in some of the Epstein files. "Of course, all law authorities, enforcement agencies and police forces are going to have to play any role that is appropriate or important in relation to answers, truth and justice. "My understanding is that there has not been specific information in relation to the Garda and the like." Labour TD Duncan Smith also told the Dail on Thursday that he has written to the Taoiseach to seek international co-operation for an inquiry into the release late last year of a statement in the Epstein files, where a woman describes being a "victim of human trafficking for Jeffrey Epstein", and that she was trafficked to Ireland for the purposes of sex for "politicians and notable men". Smith said that this statement is "not the only concerning document" released in the files that relate to Ireland. "Within them is an email from one David Wassong to Ghislaine Maxwell which asks if she will send him 'the names and numbers of people to play with in Ireland'. "Our State has a dark history when it comes to the abuse of children. We have seen a history of those in power, be it politicians, the clergy or police, that investigations can be shelved and victims and injustices ignored," Smith said. "We need to be proactive here at the very least. We need to see some form of action from the Irish State to fully explore what is in those statements and emails alone, and indeed, if there is anything further." When asked whether an investigation would be opened into the allegations contained in the files, a garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Siochana has no record of any referral or formal complaint being received on this matter. "Any formal complaint of alleged criminal activity made to An Garda Siochana is treated with the utmost seriousness and fully investigated." BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Global toy giant LEGO Group said it is doubling down on the Chinese market with a long-term investment strategy, stepping up efforts to roll out products that resonate more deeply with Chinese consumers. "We look at China as a long-term mission," said Maciek Selinski, head of LEGO China, in a recent interview with Xinhua. "This is a long game for us, and we will continue to invest." With the Year of the Horse approaching, the Danish multinational has launched new sets, including LEGO Galloping Horse Canvas and LEGO Fortune Firecrackers, inspired by traditional Spring Festival customs. "China is the only market where we design products specifically for local holidays," Selinski said. It is about deeply understanding and respecting Chinese traditions, he noted, adding that the spirit of reunion during the Spring Festival aligns naturally with LEGO Group's focus on building together. The company has since 2019 released 16 sets linked to the Chinese New Year, the country's most important annual celebration. This year's launch also carries symbolic weight for Selinski, whose Chinese surname is "Ma," meaning horse. China is a key strategic growth market for LEGO Group, according to Selinski. To date, the company has opened more than 400 stores in over 120 cities nationwide in China. It has also built a factory in China, which now supplies the majority of products sold domestically. Last year, meanwhile, saw the opening of LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort in east China's Shanghai, described by the company as "the last piece of the LEGO brand ecosystem puzzle in the country," marking its most comprehensive brand footprint in China yet, spanning retail, manufacturing and theme parks. LEGO Group has operated for decades in mature European markets such as Germany, but its presence in China remains comparatively young, Selinski said. "I'm very excited about being in China because it is probably the most exciting place in the world right now to experience a market that is so diverse and sophisticated," he explained. As a foreign executive living in China, Selinski said he is impressed by the market's vibrancy, rapid growth and openness to innovation. "Chinese consumers are consistently open to trying new things," he said. "This is why the Chinese market is becoming an inspiration for many other markets globally." He also revealed that insights from China are increasingly feeding into the company's broader design pipeline. "We are increasingly inspired by Chinese design for products with universal appeal, not solely for the Chinese market," he said, while adding that LEGO Group is now relying on more designers with experience in China to inform global product development. Looking ahead, Selinski expressed confidence in the market. "Consumers in China are very demanding," he said. "We are confident that, within this ecosystem, we will continue to grow and make significant investments." Ottoline Spearman Crimes committed by people on bail and millions of euro worth of dead people's money held by the HSE are two of the stories leading the news on Friday morning. The Irish Times leads with how the Office for Public Works has warned it might need to reduce flood protection spending if it is forced to foot the 70 million bill for the National Children's Science Centre - which it must deliver by the end of 2029. Ahead of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, EU leaders are wary of meeting senior Trump officials. And another ICE deportation flight has passed through Shannon Airport for refuelling. Details of nearly 24,000 children are being checked against school enrolment data, as well as records on children who are being home-schooled, as a probe into Tusla is launched, reports the Irish Examiner. There is also no space in the Central Mental Hospital for a 58-year-old man charged with 24 counts of criminal damage to cars and properties in Cork. Patrick Sibanyoni must remain in prison, despite the judge ordering that he be transferred to the hospital. More than 10,000 crimes have been committed by people in Cork who were on bail since the start of 2022, reports The Echo. More than 33 million of dead patients' cash is being held in accounts by the HSE, the Irish Independent reports, including nearly 6 million in interest. The HSE said it returned almost 6 million last year and it was actively working to return the remaining sum. The Irish Daily Mirror reports that the Tanaiste has said that information in the Epstein files alleging women were sex trafficked to Ireland should be given to gardai. Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has "sort-of" apologised after saying the UK has been colonised by migrants, according to the Irish Daily Star. Ireland's draw against Israel on Thursday night in the UEFA Nations League has been described as an "absolute nightmare", from a security and a political perspective. That's the Irish Daily Mail's splash. The Herald covers the case of the wealthy New Yorker who strangled his father to death at a Laois resort, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity. And finally, the Belfast Telegraph reports that over 500 pubs in the North have shut their doors in the last 30 years, while the number of off licences has doubled. AAP MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj's Explosive Revelation: BJP tried to lure me with ticket, closed-door meeting & fulfilment of any demand under Operation Lotus' File Photo. She made it clear that the party remains united. AAP MLA Narinder Kaur Bharajs Explosive Revelation: BJP tried to lure me with ticket, closed-door meeting & fulfilment of any demand under Operation Lotus CHANDIGARH, 12th February 2026 : Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj addressed a press conference at the party office along with AAP Punjab State Media Incharge Baltej Pannu and spoke about an alleged attempt by the BJP under its so-called Operation Lotus to approach her with inducements. Advertisement AAP MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj said, The BJP is running Operation Lotus across the country to topple elected governments. A few days ago, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini tried to contact me. He tempted me with a BJP ticket from Sangrur and said that whatever demand I had would be fulfilled. He also offered a closed-door meeting. The AAP MLA further said, I joined the party in 2014 at the age of 19, inspired by the policies of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann. I am that worker who has put up posters for the party. Only the Aam Aadmi Party can give a small farmers daughter the honour of becoming an MLA at the age of 27. Taking on the Haryana Chief Minister, Narinder Kaur Bharaj said, The way Saini Sahib has been roaming the streets of Punjab these days, it seems the BJP has sent him to Punjab on deputation. My advice to him is to stop worrying about me or Punjab and take care of Haryana. The people of Punjab and AAP MLAs stand like a rock with Bhagwant Singh Mann Sahib and Arvind Kejriwal ji. Advertisement She made it clear that the party remains united. Every worker, MLA and minister of the Aam Aadmi Party is united. We have entered politics to change the system and to provide health and education facilities, not to indulge in horse-trading. We are fully prepared for the 2027 elections, and such cheap tactics of the BJP cannot shake us. Meanwhile, AAP Punjab State Media Incharge Baltej Pannu also addressed the media and stated, The BJP is once again unsuccessfully trying to crush democracy in Punjab through Operation Lotus. This is not the first time the BJP has tried to buy AAP MLAs, but they forget that Punjabis are known for their honour. He added, Saini Sahib should keep his Haryana Model where people are suffering under expensive electricity. Punjab follows the model of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann, where facilities like free electricity and SSF exist, which are nowhere to be seen in your failed Haryana Model. Advertisement Baltej Pannu further said, Four years of the Punjab government are about to be completed, yet BJPs glamour and offers worth crores of rupees could not sway even a single MLA. AAP MLAs are sons and daughters of ordinary households, whom traditional parties used to mock by calling them material or band-baaja walas. We warn the BJP to put this For Sale sign in some other state, because neither any MLA nor any worker in Punjab is for sale. Baltej Pannu concluded by saying, The post of Chief Minister carries a certain dignity, which must be understood and upheld. Instead of hatching conspiracies to break other parties, Saini Sahib should learn from the AAP model how to serve people honestly. Let it be clear that no matter how much the BJP increases its activities in Punjab, it should remove this illusion that any MLA will be intimidated or broken. What could not happen in Delhi will never happen on the soil of Punjab. BJP's US-India deal is conspiracy to destroy Punjab's farmers & sell India's agriculture to America: Harpal Singh Cheema File Photo. Raising a serious question, he said, Where will Punjab's farmers go? Where will the country's farmers go? BJPs US-India deal is conspiracy to destroy Punjabs farmers & sell Indias agriculture to America: Harpal Singh Cheema CHANDIGARH, 12th February 2026 : Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday addressed a press conference at the party office and strongly criticised the BJP-led Central Government, saying it has hatched a big scheme and conspiracy to destroy Punjabs farmers and sell Indias agriculture to the USA through a so-called US-India deal. Advertisement Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The BJP-led Central Government has prepared a big scheme and conspiracy to destroy Punjabs farmers and sell Indias agriculture to the USA through this so-called US-India deal. The Finance Minister warned that if cheap American milk powder, cheese, grains and other agricultural products begin entering India at low prices, it will directly crush Punjabs farmers and farmers across the country. Raising a serious question, he said, Where will Punjabs farmers go? Where will the countrys farmers go? Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that Punjabs farmer has been feeding the nation for decades and that Punjab has contributed massively to Indias National Food Buffer through wheat and paddy for nearly 50 years, continuing to do so even today. It is shameful that the same annadata who brought a large-scale food revolution in the country is now being targeted through a deep political and economic conspiracy, he added. Advertisement Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the BJP, which claims to be a nationalist party and talks about Swadeshi India, has today been completely sold to the USA. He said the BJPs Central Government has surrendered before America and is now attempting to make India dependent once again. Referring to a tweet by the US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the truth is now openly visible to the entire world. The US Agriculture Secretary publicly thanked President Trump and openly celebrated the deal, stating that it would export more American farm products into Indias massive market, lift American prices, pump cash into rural America and strengthen the US economy. This is clear evidence that the deal is not being done for Indian farmers, but for American farmers, he asserted. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema questioned why BJP leaders in Punjab are misleading the public by claiming that Punjab will benefit from this deal. Taking direct aim at Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, he said that Sunil Jakhar is holding press conferences and claiming Punjab will gain, but the BJP has no courage to respond to the US Agriculture Secretarys tweet. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asked, Do you have the courage to quote-tweet this statement and respond to America? Advertisement Minister Harpal Singh Cheema demanded that Sunil Jakhar, BJP working president Ashwini Sharma and BJP MP Ravneet Bittu immediately make the documents of this deal public before the people of Punjab, the farmers of India and the common citizens of the country. He said, Show the documents. Make them public. These are the documents through which you are trying to destroy the country. Highlighting the tariff and tax issues, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that earlier, when Indian products used to go to the USA, a tariff of around 50 percent was imposed, but now it has been reduced to 18 percent. On the other hand, the tariff on products India will import has been reduced to zero. This clearly shows that the BJP, which works for big corporate houses and is run by big corporate families, is now trying to sell Indias farmers to capitalists, and is doing it through the USA, he added. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the BJP is the enemy of farmers and the enemy of common citizens, and that the party is ruling the country with the support of a handful of families and corporate houses, while attempting to sell the nation. Advertisement The Punjab Minister further said that the BJP does not understand the value of Indias freedom because it did not exist during the freedom struggle. Not only the current leaders, but even their older leadership had no role in the struggle to free the country. The people from Punjab and many other states, including Bengalis and citizens across different regions, crushed British rule and drove the British out to secure Indias independence, he added. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said today the BJP is trying to hand the country over to the USA. Issuing a direct political challenge, he said that any BJP leader, whether from the Punjab unit or the national unit, can come forward for a debate on this issue. The AAP will expose exactly how the BJP has sold Punjabs and Indias farmers, he added. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also issued a strong warning to the BJP, saying that the people of Punjab will not tolerate any attack on the dignity and future of the countrys annadata, and that the truth will be taken to every village and every household. Dr. Manjinder Singh, Head of the School of Punjabi Studies, noted that the sessions will explore how emerging tech like AI can be utilised to preserve and promote Punjabi identity. File Photo. A central focus of this year's conference is the "Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat." GNDU to Explore Role of Artificial Intelligence in Punjabi Language at World Punjabi Conference Advertisement Amritsars Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) is set to host a three-day World Punjabi Conference from February 20 to 22. The event aims to bring together a global assembly of scholars, renowned authors, and thinkers to discuss the future of the Punjabi language, literature, and culture. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Karamjit Singh highlighted that the university is already working to integrate these traditional subjects with modern technology within its curriculum. A central focus of this years conference is the "Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat." Dr. Manjinder Singh, Head of the School of Punjabi Studies, noted that the sessions will explore how emerging tech like AI can be utilised to preserve and promote Punjabi identity. The conference features a high-profile lineup of speakers, including former Punjab Chief Secretary K B S Sidhu, former MP Tarlochan Singh, and Padma Bhushan awardee Sardara Singh Johal. Other notable participants include social worker Surinderpal Singh Ubrai, Sant Baba Mahendra Singh UK Wale, and businessman Charanjit Singh Bath. Advertisement Over the three days, the university will host scientific sessions, panel discussions, and special lectures aimed at addressing the language's role in a globalised world. Source: The Tribune Officials state that the Rajpura station will serve as the central command hub for these efforts. File Photo. This development follows "Operation Prahar", a massive crackdown led by DGP Gaurav Yadav, who has labelled 2026 the "Year Against Gangsters" Year Against Gangsters: Punjabs First Anti-Gangster Police Station in Rajpura with Statewide Powers Advertisement The Punjab Government has officially approved the states first specialised Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) police station in Rajpura, Patiala. Unlike standard stations, this facility will have statewide jurisdiction, allowing it to lead operations against organised crime across the state. This development follows "Operation Prahar", a massive crackdown led by DGP Gaurav Yadav, who has labelled 2026 the "Year Against Gangsters". The initiative focuses on destroying the entire criminal ecosystem, including those providing money, weapons, and shelter to gangs. To support this, the police have also introduced an Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946) for anonymous tips and a dedicated cell to track fugitives hiding abroad. The crackdown has moved through two strategic phases. The first phase used synchronised raids to dismantle local extortion networks and cut off communication for gang leaders operating from inside jails. The second phase shifted focus to the financial roots of these groups, seizing vehicles, cash, and properties linked to criminal activities. Advertisement Officials state that the Rajpura station will serve as the central command hub for these efforts. By centralising intelligence and legal power, the government aims to move beyond simple arrests and systematically dismantle the logistics of organised crime. This move signals a significant escalation in the state's strategy to restore public safety and law and order. Source: The Tribune He noted that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Rahman to enhance the multifaceted relationship between the two neighbouring countries. File Photo. PM Modi emphasised that India remains committed to supporting a Bangladesh that is democratic, inclusive, and progressive. India-Bangladesh Relations: PM Modi Greets BNP Leader Tarique Rahman Following Election Win Advertisement In a significant diplomatic gesture on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to offer his warm congratulations. The message followed the BNPs announcement of a "decisive victory" in the most recent parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh. Using the social media platform X, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to Mr. Rahman for leading his party to such a major electoral win. According to Prime Minister Modi, the results of the election serve as a clear reflection of the confidence and trust that the citizens of Bangladesh have placed in Tarique Rahmans leadership. Looking toward the future, the Indian Prime Minister expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the new leadership to further the shared development objectives of both nations. Furthermore, PM Modi emphasised that India remains committed to supporting a Bangladesh that is democratic, inclusive, and progressive. He noted that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Rahman to enhance the multifaceted relationship between the two neighbouring countries. Advertisement This electoral triumph for the BNP marks the conclusion of the interim administration's term, which had been in place since the collapse of the previous Awami League government in August 2024. Source: The Tribune Discussions about a multi-speed Europe The concept of a two-speed Europe is not new, being one of the controversial ideas related to the future of the European Union. Discussions about a multi-speed Europe Corina Cristea, 13.02.2026, 13:00 The concept of a two-speed Europe is not new, being one of the controversial ideas related to the future of the European Union. It starts from the reality that the member states do not develop at the same pace and proposes the establishment of a core, formed mainly by the developed West European countries, that advances faster in areas such as economic, fiscal or military integration, while other states remain in an outer circle, with a slower pace of integration. Supporters of a two-speed Europe argue that this model is necessary to avoid decision-making blockages, given that the European Union, made up of 27 states with different interests and levels of development, sometimes encounters difficulties in quickly adopting common policies. They say that by allowing the states that are ready to go further to do so, the Union could become more efficient, more competitive and better adapted to global challenges. On the other hand, critics of this concept warn of the risk of fragmentation and of the fact that a two-speed Europe could increase the differences between East and West, between rich and less developed countries. Motivated now by the idea that in order to survive in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical situation, Europe must become stronger and more resilient, and the status quo is no longer an option, the theme has been brought back into focus by the German Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil. He proposes the establishment of a core of six states, which would advance more quickly in key policies, with the aim of strengthening the economy and autonomy of the community bloc, but also of consolidating the sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness of the EU. These are the strongest economies of the Union, namely Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands. Diplomat Ovidiu Dranga, former ambassador of Romania explains: The idea of discussing the issue of competitiveness seems to me to be a good one, but it is not the only subject that must be touched upon in a discussion regarding a multi-speed Europe. We must also think about security, we must also think about other dimensions that would make Europe more relevant in a competition of the future, a very tough competition, in which the stakes change almost from one year to the next. A more resilient Europe means a Europe more aware of the risks we are all facing at the moment and, above all, Europes position in relation to several important global players, primarily in relation to the US. A resilient Europe does not mean, in my opinion, a Europe decoupled from America. On the contrary, it means a Europe more sensitive to what is happening in the US and to the current Administrations positions on security issues at a global level. According to Reuters, which quotes a letter addressed to by German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil to his five counterparts from the aforementioned countries, the proposal put forward by Germany includes a four-point plan to advance the capital markets union, strengthen the euro, better coordinate defense investment and ensure access to raw materials. Thus, the coalition of countries must accelerate the process of creating the Economic and Investment Union to offer better financing conditions for European companies. The second point focuses on the international role of the euro as a safe haven currency based on predictability and the rule of law, the German minister says, advocating for reducing bureaucracy and strengthening sovereignty in the sphere of payments. Regarding defense spending, he advocates for better cooperation between member states and the firm inclusion of defense as a priority in the next multiannual EU budgetary framework, transforming defense into an engine for economic growth. Efforts to strengthen the supply chain of critical minerals must also be intensified, through increased strategic engagement with international partners. A two-speed Europe requires very careful consideration of the sensitivities of all member countries, warns Ovidiu Dranga: A discussion about a two-speed Europe is comparable, in importance, to the one about the EU Constitution, which was a project that unfortunately failed at some point, because it did not pass the citizens vote in several important member states. I do not think we are there. That is, I do not think that there is a critical mass, in most member states, for a decision on a Europe with more speeds. We have to decide what kind of Europe we want to have, in the next 10-20 years. A competitive Europe, a Europe that is more integrated than before, which is a first-rate global geopolitical player? Or do we settle for a role that is not necessarily secondary, but it is not a first-line role in the global geopolitical competition, where we, Europeans, might decide that it is sometimes better to be in a reconfigured, rebalanced tandem with the US? For now, according to Ovidiu Dranga, it is difficult to say to what extent the idea of a two-speed Europe will be put into practice. (EE) The EU will increase its competitiveness The European Union is committed to boosting its economic competitiveness Reuniune informala a liderilor UE / Foto: presidency.ro Daniela Budu, 13.02.2026, 14:00 At the end of an informal summit near Brussels on Thursday, European Union leaders promised more efficiency and less bureaucracy in business to cope with growing global competition from the US and China. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the single market would be strengthened. One Europe, one market that is our ambition, said the head of the EU executive. There can be no competitiveness without additional investment, said European Council President Antonio Costa. EU leaders agreed to accelerate the completion of a Savings and Investments Union, to review merger rules to help create European champions, and to facilitate the expansion of companies. Present at the meeting, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said that the EU executive has committed to coming up with more proposals to lower energy prices because, he said, Europe is unable to be as competitive as the US or China due to higher energy prices. In a press conference held after the meeting, Nicusor Dan mentioned that at the European level, a majority of member states are emerging that want investments in an electricity network, with a single market and a uniform price across the EU. With some reluctance on the part of countries that produce cheap energy, especially from renewables, a majority is emerging that wants Europe to invest in a true electricity network, so that we truly have a single market and a uniform price for electricity across the Union, said the head of state. He added that the leaders of the member states do not want a protectionist market, but that Europe must respond to certain anti-competitive practices in order to protect its economic sectors. He also announced that in April, the Commission would propose a single system whereby companies could register in any Member State, and said that business representatives across Europe were rightly complaining about bureaucracy. One example is that the money that companies in Europe spend on complying with different rules is twice as much as the money that companies in Europe pay for research and development. And that, of course, is uncompetitive, said the president. According to him, discussions about competitiveness are closely linked to the future budget of the European Union. Regarding the multiannual financial framework, the discussions we will have will be intertwined between competitiveness and what the Unions budget for 20282034 will look like, added Nicusor Dan. The head of state also announced that the EU executive has committed to coming up with more proposals on these issues in the coming months. In April, the Commission will come up with a proposal on the 28th regime for companies, i.e. a single system whereby companies can register anywhere in Europe, according to the president. In June, according to him, there will be a debate on greenhouse gas emission certificates. And in each of the Councils there will be a section on competitiveness, the head of state also announced. (MI) BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The home price decline in China's 70 large and medium-sized cities generally narrowed in January from the previous month, official data showed Friday. The European Commissioner for Justice in Bucharest The rule of law in Romania is again under the European Commissions scrutiny Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath, at the Victoria Palace / Photo: gov.ro Bogdan Matei, 13.02.2026, 13:50 Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, met the head of the government in Bucharest, Ilie Bolojan, during a technical mission on strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Romania. High on the EU officials agenda were talks with representatives of high-ranking officials in the countrys legal system and prosecutor offices, magistrates, civil society organizations as well as with the countrys Foreign and Justice Ministers, Oana Toiu and Radu Marinescu respectively. All these meetings are part of the preparation process of the European Commissions annual report on the rule of law in member countries. Prime Minister Bolojan says that after the so-called Mechanism of Cooperation and Verification, through which Brussels was monitoring the good functioning of the Romanian justice, had been dropped, the prerogatives of the political factor in handling the magistrates career were significantly reduced and the responsibilities concerning the budgets and promotions have been transferred towards the leading structures of the legal system. These changes have as objective the consolidation of the independence of justice and the institutional balance the Prime Minister went on to say. He has obviously brought into attention the reform of the service pensions and the systems sustainability in the context of the latest budget challenges and the PNRR milestones and against the background of significant differences between the pensions in the legal system and the national average. The issue has become a topical one in Romania after the Constitutional Court has postponed for five times a ruling on the bill endorsed by the government under which the pensions of judges and prosecutors are to be cut so that they may not exceed the last salary of their mandate and raises their retirement age, which at present is around 48-50 years. Romania runs the risk of losing 230 million Euros worth of community funds as the law on the magistrates pensions has been agreed upon with the European Commission as a milestone in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, known as PNRR The European Commissioner McGrath hailed what he described as the constant cooperation of the authorities in Bucharest in the process regarding the rule of law and underlined the importance of the constructive dialogue between the European Commission and the Romanian government. The European Commission, he says, is ready to support Romania mainly in terms of ensuring the effective investigation and criminal prosecution of offenses in the judicial system, guaranteeing the independence of high-ranking prosecutors and clarifying aspects related to the prescription regime. Romania and European Commission will continue the dialogue for the consolidation of an effective, independent and credible judicial system an official communique says. (bill) Indian shares were deep in the red on Friday, mirroring weak cues from global as investors fretted about the impact AI could have on revenues and profit margins of financial, transportation and logistics and even commercial real estate companies. The benchmark BSE Sensex was down 808 points, or 1 percent, at 82,866 in early trade, while the broader NSE Nifty index fell by 270 points, or 1.1 percent, to 25,537. IT stocks extended losses for a third straight session, with Wipro, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, TCS and Infosys tumbling 3-6 percent on near-term growth concerns and fragile global sentiment towards the IT sector. According to media reports, clients in the U.S. and Europe are being more cautious with discretionary IT spends, especially on older projects, until budgets are clearer. The talk around AI has added to uncertainty about how fast traditional service models might change. ONGC and Oil India plummeted 3-4 percent after crude oil prices fell nearly 3 percent on Thursday, pressured by a bearish outlook from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and signs that diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran could be prolonged. Azad Engineering fell more than 2 percent ahead of its earnings release. Natco Pharma declined 1.6 percent after its board approved incorporation of a subsidiary in Chile with an investment of $300,000. HCC was little changed on securing a Rs. 578 crore railway contract from the Northeast Frontier Railway. eMudhra lost nearly 3 percent after it entered into a pact with LankaPay to build Sri Lanka's national digital signature ecosystem. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Vespa has come into the news with a new lineup of special edition, called Officina 8. This Officina 8 special edition is offered with both 125cc and 150cc powertrain options and is an ode to the workshop where the first-ever Vespa scooter was crafted and developed. It comes with an exclusive colour and matching helmet and accessories. Lets take a closer look. Vespa Officina 8 Launch Where pricing is concerned, Vespa Officina 8 special edition starts from Rs 1.34 lakh (Ex-sh) for the 125cc model. This special edition is all about celebrating Vespas rich heritage and to pay tribute to its birthplace, Officina 8. If we go back history, Officina 8 was the experimental department in Piaggio plant in Pontedera, Italy. This is where Vespa was imagined, crafted and came to life. It operated as a dedicated experimental workshop populated by a select team of engineers, designers, tinsmiths and mechanics. Officina 8 operated independently of the regular production lines to work on new concepts, test prototypes and relentless work, before reaching production stage. Paying tributes to its birthplace, 2026 Vespa Officina 8 comes with an exclusive new colour. Called matte metallic Blue Officina 8, this colour is inspired by the tools, machinery and workwear of the original Officina 8 workshop in Pontedera. Contrasting this Blue shade are Brass and Aluminium finish on rivets and other elements. Standard Colour-Matched Helmet, Optional Accessories Alongside 2026 Vespa Officina 8 scooter, the company has also introduced dedicated high-end merchandise and accessories. There is a colour-matched helmet with Vespa Officina 8 scooter, which is being offered as standard. Optional elements include a colour-matched top box. Official merchandise include windbreakers, hoodies, T-shirts, backpacks and key chains with Officina 8 insignia. With every Vespa Officina 8, the company is also giving a complimentary welcome kit which is specially crafted in tin. It contains an owners book which harks back into 8 decades of Vespa brand history. It continues to be powered by the same 125cc and 150cc engine options along with equipment, design and features as their standard counterparts. Statement from Piaggio Vehicles Speaking about the launch of Officina 8, Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd said, The Officina 8 represents a significant chapter in Vespas journey. By way of these periodic special-edition products Vespa, keeps adding value and differentiate itself. This special?edition series pays homage to the craftsmanship and spirit of the original Officina 8 workshop while also introducing high-end merchandise in India. The exclusive Blue Officina 8 finish, paired with refined brass accents and a curated range of unified accessories elevates the Vespa beyond mobility into a true luxury?lifestyle expression. With this launch, we reaffirm Vespas luxury positioning in India and set the tone for the next era of iconic, distinctive design. NEW YORK, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Big Tech's planned investments in artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to top 600 billion U.S. dollars this year, fueling a crazy match that could either boom or bust, according to an observer. Local media reported this week that 600 billion dollars are being invested in AI projects by high-tech giants like Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft to maintain their lead. "It is an extraordinary gusher of money. We've never seen it so fast," said Danny Crichton, a fellow at the non-profit think tank Manhattan Institute, where he analyzes technology, growth and power. "It's very hard to believe that 600 billion is going to be perfectly allocated to the right places, perfectly in the right order in the right countries at the right time." "This is the largest infrastructure built out in American history. There's been nothing like it before. It's truly unique from the venture capital and policy perspective," said Crichton. A large portion of the funds is planned for building data centers and associated facilities. Given the high volume of investment, Crichton warned that the United States has seen numerous bubbles burst over the past three to four decades, from dot-com to crypto. Though "a lot of the folks are a little bit more on the optimistic side, that's still a debate for many people within the industry," he said. "It gets really tricky," said Crichton. "The U.S. population, as a whole, is among the most negative in the world of artificial intelligence. It's really an amazing dichotomy." "You have an extraordinary level of ambition from the Pentagon and others that you see to make sure we're ahead. At the same time, this is why six states and potentially more have already proposed not to pass the proposed positive data center construction," he noted. "There's really a massive tech backlash among the population, both left and right." Though the benefits of AI are obvious and may contribute to a historic boom, the negative factors emerging in U.S. society, together with significant financial risks, could lead to a different outcome, Crichton added. ULAN BATOR, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia welcomed nearly 60,638 foreign tourists in the first two months of 2026, up 33 percent year-on-year, official data showed on Friday. During the period, the main sources of foreign tourists to Mongolia were visitors from Russia, China and South Korea, data released by the Mongolian Tourism Organization showed. Mongolia has been striving to develop its four-season tourism sector in a bid to diversify its mining-dependent economy. The Mongolian government has decided to continue the "Years to Visit Mongolia" tourism program until 2028 to receive a total of 2 million foreign tourists as part of its policy to support the tourism sector under the official motto "Go Mongolia." According to the Mongolian Tourism Organization, the landlocked Asian country recorded nearly 850,000 inbound tourist visits by foreign passport holders in 2025. DHAKA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has emerged as the early front-runner in Thursday's general election in Bangladesh, according to primary results. Data published by the leading local Somoy TV channel showed that, as of 10:00 p.m. local time, results from 90 seats have been announced from respective local offices, with the BNP currently in the lead by 52 seats at that stage. It also said the alliance of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party is in the second place with 38 seats. Other media reports also show that the BNP is currently in the lead. According to the Election Commission, a total of 2,028 candidates are contesting for 299 out of the 300 directly-elected parliamentary constituencies. The election for the last seat will be held later because of the death of a candidate. In Bangladesh, a party can form the government only if it clinches 151 seats in total. Officials said the counting of votes will be done on the spot soon after voting concludes. BISSAU, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has formally recognized 13 villages in Guinea-Bissau as "FAO Villages," the FAO office in Bissau said in a statement released on Friday. According to the statement, the recognized communities received certificates acknowledging their commitment to conserving biodiversity, promoting food culture and rural heritage, and adopting innovative, scientific or digital solutions in support of local development. The villages include Acanho, Eticoga, Angudico, Bruce, Ilha de Djiu de Galinha and Indena in the Bolama-Bijagos region; Pecixe, Jeta and Uato in the north; Komo Caiar in the south; and Ga Gordo, Madina Ioba and Ga Mane in the east of the country. With the recognition, the villages will join FAO MuNe -- the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network -- and contribute to the organization's strategic goals, known as the "Four Betters": better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind, the statement said. The statement noted that the Villages Recognition Initiative was officially launched on Jan. 12, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, on the sidelines of the Third Global Conference of FAO Representatives. Developed under FAO MuNe and championed by the organization's leadership as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, the initiative aims to recognize villages that embody resilience, innovation and cultural heritage. The FAO representative in Guinea-Bissau, Mohamed Hama Garba, expressed "great satisfaction" over the international recognition and praised those involved for the "excellence of the proposals presented," while acknowledging the efforts of focal points throughout the process. Official missions will be organized in the coming months for the formal presentation of certificates to the beneficiary villages, the statement added. LUSAKA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Radio stations in Zambia have been urged to ensure the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations, the country's broadcasting regulator said on Friday. In a message to mark World Radio Day, Director General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Webster Malido said that while AI offers opportunities to improve efficiency and drive innovation, it must remain a supportive tool and must not replace human editorial judgment or accountability. This year's commemoration is being held under the theme "Radio and Artificial Intelligence." Malido noted that emerging technologies are increasingly shaping content production, programming and audience management in the broadcasting industry. He urged broadcasters to establish clear internal policies and editorial guidelines to safeguard accuracy, credibility and public trust, ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically while protecting audiences from misinformation and content manipulation. Malido reaffirmed the regulator's commitment to reviewing regulatory frameworks and engaging stakeholders to ensure broadcasting standards remain responsive to technological developments while maintaining a balance between innovation and responsibility. ALMATY, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank (WB) has committed to providing up to 1 billion U.S. dollars annually in Kazakhstan over the next six years under a new Country Partnership Framework for 2026-2031, the country's National Economy Ministry said Thursday. The draft strategy outlines several key priorities, including the enhancement of transport and digital connectivity, climate action initiatives, improvements in water and energy sector services, the development of financial markets, the stimulation of private investment, and the expansion of renewable energy use. Additionally, analytical support for reforms will continue through the Joint Economic Research Program, a collaborative effort between the Kazakh government and the World Bank. Under the previous Country Partnership Framework strategy for 2020-2025, 14 projects were successfully implemented, totaling 4.2 billion dollars. America's #Greenland push should serve as a wake-up call for European countries, Simon Lichtenberg, founder and CEO of Trayton Group told Xinhua in a recent interview in Shanghai, urging a strong European strategy to keep Europe together and stand on their own. The artificial intelligence company Anthropic said on Thursday it raised $30bn in its latest funding round that values the Claude maker and OpenAI rival at $380bn, underscoring the breakneck pace of AI investments. The round, led by the Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC and hedge fund Coatue Management, is among the largest private fundraising deals on record and comes just five months after Anthropic closed its previous round at a $183bn valuation meaning the company has more than doubled in value since September. Guardian An attempt to modernise the state-owned savings bank NS&I has been a full-spectrum disaster, parliaments spending watchdog has concluded in a damning report. NS&I (National Savings & Investments), which runs a popular monthly cash-prize draw for premium bond holders, has been criticised by a committee of MPs for exposing the taxpayer to unacceptable risk owing to the spiralling costs of its 3bn modernisation programme. Guardian Rupert Murdoch will take over printing The Guardian after the newspapers current printer closes down most of its production sites. The newspaper is currently printed by Reach, which owns titles including the Mirror and Express. However, Reach this week outlined plans to shutter two of its three remaining print sites in an effort to cut costs. Telegraph The BBC plans to slash more than 500m from its annual budget in a move almost certain to involve job losses and programme cuts. The public service broadcaster told staff it was aiming to strip out a tenth of its annual costs over the next three years. The BBCs operating costs stood at just over 6bn last year, meaning the savings would amount to around 600m. Telegraph Four EY partners involved in an embarrassing mistake last summer that led to the Big Four firm losing one of its most lucrative and important clients have left the business. Companies House filings published this week show that the partners departed in early December, just before Britains accounting industry regulator announced it was investigating a breach of partner rotation rules. The Times The Serious Fraud Office suffered another embarrassing blow to its reputation on Thursday after a bribery trial collapsed over failures to disclose evidence to the defence, forcing the agency to review up to 20 cases. In the case at Southwark crown court in London, David Graeme Hossie, the former chief executive of London Mining, and Rachel Rhodes, the companys finance boss, had faced corruption charges along with Ariel Armon, a consultant to the business. All three had pleaded not guilty. The Times The stories of Camille Bordas's One Sun Only are powered by everyday absurdity and accentuated by sharp observational humor. They explore creativity and family via comedically myopic characters. In the darkly funny "Most Die Young," Julie circles the question of whether anxiety can kill while explicitly avoiding the question with regard to her own anxiety. Instead, she works on a human-interest essay about the Pawong, a Malaysian tribe in which fear is highly valued. In "The Lottery in Almeria," Andres is visited by his sister in the house they inherited from their father in the titular city, a small-town vacation destination where "it was not every day that two different things happened." He moves through his day observing others' irrationality while oblivious to his own illogical beliefs about what might impact the likelihood of winning the lottery. In "The State of Nature," an optometrist sees a patient who wants LASIK so he can be better prepared for societal collapse and a return to a more natural state, which he's excitedly anticipating. Here, Bordas's deadpan style reaches its peak. When the optometrist finds out her patient got the surgery, she tells him with apparent sincerity, "I'm happy for you.... Now you can just relax and wait for the world to collapse." Bordas's collection thoroughly understands the strange subtleties of human psychology, affectionately poking fun and letting readers in on the joke. It's a nuanced and compulsively readable work from a celebrated contributor to the New Yorker and the Paris Review, full of humor and insight. --Carol Caley, writer In The Case of the Murdered Muckraker, the sequel to The Case of the Missing Maid, Rob Osler vividly captures the challenges facing a young queer woman in 1898 Chicago who's trying to prove her skills as a detective while keeping her personal life private. At 21, Harriet Morrow is the first female operative at the Prescott Detective Agency, a competitor of the Pinkerton agency. Harriet often is the smartest person in the room, despite her lack of formal education and people's assumptions about women. Agency head Theodore Prescott believes in Harriet and assigns her to investigate the murder of journalist Eugene Eldridge, who'd been trailing a corrupt politician. Harriet is eager to go undercover and is especially hoping to prove the innocence of Lucy Fara, a poor, single mother of four children. The police accused Lucy of Eugene's murder simply because she found his body at the University of Chicago Settlement tenement, where she lives. To go undercover, Harriet must set aside the men's trousers she usually wears in favor of conventional women's clothes. Harriet ferrets out information from Lucy's neighbors and follows a trail through Chicago's corruption, all the while keeping her sexuality secret despite growing feelings for another woman. The Case of the Murdered Muckraker's strength lies in Osler's insightful characterizations of Harriet and the city in which she lives. The detective is determined that her 16-year-old brother will have more opportunities than she herself has had. And her maturity as an investigator parallels the changes in Chicago on the cusp of a new century, with its soaring population and talk of women being granted the vote. --Oline H. Cogdill, freelance reviewer A ship carrying humanitarian aid supplies from Mexico is seen at the port of Havana, Cuba, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua) MEXICO CITY, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Two Mexican navy vessels carrying over 814 tonnes of humanitarian aid arrived in Cuba, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said Thursday. The aid, including food and hygiene items, was sent under "the instruction of the President Claudia Sheinbaum," the ministry said. "The Mexican people keep alive the solidarity with the Latin American people, especially, the Cuban people." Mexico will send 1,500 tonnes of powdered milk and beans in the coming days, it said. The aid shipment comes amid diplomatic tensions in the region, following a decree by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to the island. In face of the threat, Sheinbaum said that Mexico would seek talks with the United States to continue sending humanitarian aid and petroleum to the island country, stressing Mexico's longstanding solidarity with the Cuban people. A ship carrying humanitarian aid supplies from Mexico is seen at the port of Havana, Cuba, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua) A ship carrying humanitarian aid supplies from Mexico is seen at the port of Havana, Cuba, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua) Trading in financial markets involves planning, analysis, and careful decision-making. Investors often focus on market movements, price trends, and timing while shaping their strategies. Alongside these elements, understanding the cost structure of trades is important for maintaining consistency. A stock brokerage calculator serves as a helpful reference point for traders seeking clarity on transaction-related charges before placing orders. Structured tools support a more informed approach, reducing reliance on rough estimates. As trading activity increases, the need for clear evaluation and methodical planning becomes increasingly relevant. Adopting the right tools at the right stage can support better discipline and long-term trading efficiency. Let's understand how cost awareness supports smarter trading decisions. Why cost awareness strengthens trading decisions Trading success depends on precision, consistency, and risk control. While market analysis receives significant attention, cost awareness often receives limited focus. Brokerage fees, taxes, and exchange charges affect every transaction and directly influence net outcomes. Using a stock brokerage calculator allows traders to incorporate costs into their decision-making process from the start. This ensures each trade aligns with financial goals rather than relying on assumptions. When costs are accounted for in advance, traders gain a clearer view of potential returns and can avoid positions that fail to justify the expense involved. How a stock brokerage calculator simplifies cost estimation A stock brokerage calculator provides a structured method for accurately estimating trading expenses. Traders input key details such as trade value, quantity, and market segment, and the calculator generates a complete breakdown of charges. This includes brokerage fees, Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), stamp duty, and exchange levies. For example, a trader planning to purchase 200 shares at 250 each and sell them at 265 can use a stock brokerage calculator to evaluate the transaction before execution. While the price movement suggests a gross gain, the calculator highlights the exact charges applied at both buy and sell stages. Once these costs are deducted, the trader has a clear view of the net outcome, rather than relying solely on headline price differences. A stock brokerage calculator simplifies the process by consolidating all costs in one place, enabling traders to assess profitability before committing capital. When paired with the best trading platform in India, this process becomes more efficient and provides clearer insights into trade costs. 6 Key advantages of using a stock brokerage calculator Trading costs influence profitability at every stage of market participation, from planning through settlement. The following advantages explain how a stock brokerage calculator supports cost clarity, strategic alignment, and disciplined trading behaviour: Complete visibility into the full cost structure of each transaction A stock brokerage calculator provides a comprehensive and itemised view of every charge applied to a trade, including brokerage fees, statutory taxes, and exchange-related levies. Presenting each component separately allows traders to see how individual charges contribute to the final settlement value. This clarity helps identify cost-heavy elements that may otherwise go unnoticed and explains how charges accumulate across repeated trades. As a result, traders gain a clearer understanding of net trade value before execution, which supports accurate planning, cleaner reconciliation, and stronger financial record-keeping over time. More precise evaluation of expected trading outcomes Using a stock brokerage calculator during trade planning enables traders to assess potential returns after accounting for all applicable charges. This aligns projected price movements with actual realised outcomes, reducing the gap between expectations and performance. By evaluating profitability with costs included, traders can compare multiple trade scenarios objectively and prioritise opportunities that offer a sustainable balance between expense and return. This approach supports consistent decision-making grounded in realistic financial assessment rather than optimistic projections. Improved control over position sizing and capital efficiency A stock brokerage calculator helps traders understand how transaction costs scale with changes in trade size, quantity, and execution type. This insight supports better position sizing by highlighting scenarios where costs may outweigh potential gains, particularly in smaller or frequent trades. With clearer cost awareness, capital can be deployed more efficiently across positions, reducing unnecessary exposure and supporting structured risk management. Over time, this leads to improved capital efficiency and greater consistency in trading activity. Clear differentiation between trading segments and strategies Different trading segments involve distinct cost structures influenced by factors such as holding period and execution method. A stock brokerage calculator accurately reflects these differences, allowing traders to evaluate segment-specific charges with clarity. This enables more informed strategy selection and prevents reliance on generalised assumptions when planning trades. By understanding how costs vary across segments, traders can better align their strategies with financial objectives and execution preferences. Lower risk of settlement and reconciliation discrepancies Estimating transaction expenses in advance using a stock brokerage calculator reduces confusion during settlement and post-trade reconciliation. Traders can easily compare expected charges with actual deductions, supporting accurate statement verification and cleaner reporting. This foresight minimises discrepancies, improves portfolio tracking reliability, and strengthens confidence in recorded outcomes. Clear reconciliation processes contribute to better administrative control and long-term trading discipline. Deeper understanding of regulatory and exchange-related charges Regular use of a stock brokerage calculator builds familiarity with regulatory taxes, exchange fees, and compliance-related charges applied to market transactions. This understanding improves financial literacy and helps traders engage with the market from a knowledge-driven perspective. Over time, awareness of these cost mechanisms supports informed participation, clearer decision-making, and a more professional approach to managing trading expenses. Take control of your trading costs with smarter planning Effective trading goes beyond spotting opportunities. It requires actionable planning and clear cost awareness. Using a stock brokerage calculator allows traders to estimate charges, evaluate potential profits, and plan trades with precision. By integrating these insights with online investment platforms like Ventura, investors can access structured tools that simplify execution and ensure transparency at every step. Applying this approach strengthens capital efficiency, supports disciplined trading, and reduces unexpected surprises. Traders who prioritise cost planning are better equipped to align strategies with financial goals and manage risk confidently. Take control of your trades, making cost estimation a routine part of your strategy and leveraging reliable platforms to build smarter, more informed investment decisions. Mirabaud Group has appointed Georges Khoueiri as chief executive officer of Mirabaud Middle East, strengthening its leadership in Dubai as the Bank continues to develop its presence in the Gulf region. The appointment reflects a focus on expanding advisory capabilities in a market where private wealth and institutional capital increasingly intersect. Khoueiri brings more than two decades of experience across private and public markets, having held senior roles at international financial institutions including JPMorgan, Credit Agricole and Societe Generale. Prior to joining Mirabaud, he served as managing director and head of institutional clients at Global Gate Capital in Dubai, where his work centred on connecting investors with capital market opportunities. His background adds institutional market expertise to Mirabauds Dubai operations, complementing the Banks existing wealth management activities in the region. Dubai Platform and Regulatory Framework Mirabaud established its Dubai office in 2007 and is one of the very few banks to operate under a Category 1 banking licence in the Dubai International Financial Centre. This regulatory framework allows the Bank to offer a range of services to professional clients, including discretionary portfolio management, advisory solutions and wealth planning. Thiago Frazao, equity partner of Mirabaud Group and chairman of Mirabaud Middle East, noted that Khoueiris experience across institutional and private markets aligns with the Banks approach in the Middle East, where client needs often span both domains. Mirabauds Dubai operations function as part of its broader international platform, coordinating closely with teams in Europe and other regions while maintaining a strong local presence in the Gulf. Leadership Appointments Across Regions The Dubai appointment follows a series of senior leadership changes across Mirabauds international operations. In Europe, Emilie Serrurier-Hoel joined as chief executive officer of Mirabaud & Cie (Europe) SA, overseeing the Banks European wealth management platform. Ricardo Castillo was appointed head of investments at Mirabaud & Cie SA in Geneva, taking responsibility for discretionary management and advisory activities. Carlo Thill also joined the board of directors of Mirabaud & Cie (Europe) SA, bringing extensive governance experience. Together, these appointments reflect an effort to strengthen leadership depth across Mirabauds key regions while maintaining a consistent operating model. Family Ownership and Long-Term Perspective Founded in Geneva in 1819, Mirabaud Group remains privately owned under a limited liability partnership structure. The managing partners are Camille Vial, Nicolas Mirabaud and Lionel Aeschlimann. Family ownership supports a long-term perspective that shapes strategic decisions across the Groups activities. In the Middle East, Mirabaud positions its Dubai office as a platform serving both regional wealth creators and institutional clients within a single, coordinated structure. Khoueiris mandate includes further developing client relationships across the Gulf while reinforcing the Banks advisory offering in line with its broader international framework. As Dubai continues to attract global financial institutions and regional capital, Mirabauds leadership appointment underscores its intention to play a sustained role in the market, combining Swiss private banking heritage with locally grounded expertise. PYONGYANG, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has urged South Korean authorities to take measures to ward off any infringement upon its sovereignty as in the case of drone incursion at the beginning of this year, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday. In a press statement issued on Thursday, Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, said that Jong Tong Yong, South Korea's minister of unification, officially expressed regret on Tuesday over the case of drone intrusion into the DPRK that occurred at the outset of the new year, said the report. "The ROK authorities are required to take preventive measures to surely guarantee that such serious infringement of sovereignty as violating the airspace of our Republic would never happen again, instead of seeking to gloss over with such mere expression of regret the crisis they brought," Kim was quoted as saying. "Reoccurrence of such provocation as violating the inalienable sovereignty of the DPRK will surely provoke a terrible response," the DPRK official warned in the statement. BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China congratulates Mia Mottley on her re-election as Barbadian Prime Minister, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday. Barbados is an important cooperation partner of China in the Caribbean region, said spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular press briefing. He noted that over the past 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Barbados relations have achieved healthy and stable development. China stands ready to work with Barbados to further deepen practical cooperation in various areas and bring the traditional friendly relations to a new level, Lin said. According to media reports, results of the general election in Barbados that came out on Feb. 12 show that the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) claimed all the 30 seats in the House of Assembly, and incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the BLP Mia Mottley will serve another term as prime minister. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Patriot lines up global copper-silver assets for the AI-driven surge Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd February 13, 2026 4:49pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A As the AI revolution juggernaut pushes on and the copper-silver data centre glut increases tensions, ASX-listed junior Patriot Resources has masterminded a globally scaled copper-silver portfolio to ride the explosive wave of demand being driven by artificial intelligence and data centres. The company has stitched together a set of perfectly timed high-grade assets in Africa and South America just as copper prices continue to shatter all-time highs currently above US$13,000 (A$18,300) per tonne - and silver surges on demand from the electronics industry and from its role as a precious metal. The high-grade San Gabriel gold mine in Peru lies immediately adjacent to Patriot Resources recently acquired Tassa silver-gold project. The company has also brought in fresh management to accelerate its exploration journey. Dominic Duggan, who has stepped up as chief executive officer, has an operationally disciplined background that perfectly suits the companys dual-pronged copper-silver strategy. Duggans decade-plus experience stretches across iron ore, gold and base metals - spanning underground and open-pit environments - and brings the ideal mix of technical rigour and financial savvy to drive high-impact decisions. Advertisement Patriots strategic arsenal of near-term discoveries across two premier mining belts is led by its flagship Tassa silver-gold project in Peru. Management says its new play, scooped two months ago, is a high-grade epithermal stunner and catapults the company into the heart of southern Perus prolific Southern Epithermal Belt. This latest bolt-on, secured for just 20 million shares and US$500,000 (A$710,000) cash, positions the explorer squarely in a tier-1 jurisdiction buzzing with major activity. The belt is home to world-class silver and gold systems, attracting well-known heavy hitters such as Teck, Barrick, and Fresnillo, all of whom are pushing hard with aggressive exploration programs. Their presence is a powerful endorsement of the districts pedigree for high-grade vein- and breccia-hosted epithermal deposits, supported by strong infrastructure in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Tassa shares its eastern boundary with Buenaventuras San Gabriel underground gold mine, which hosts 1.8 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves and associated silver at a hefty 3.71 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. Advertisement Scout diamond drilling at the project has already delivered a treasure trove of intercepts that scream scale, including 60 metres at 224.20 g/t silver from 24m, 37m at 113.5g/t silver, 16m at 152.9g/t silver and a scorching 4m hit running 919.5g/t silver. The projects southern zone flips the script to gold credits, with promising whiffs of the yellow metal, including 16m at 1.5g/t gold, 81.9m at 0.41g/t and a whopping 234 metres grading 0.25g/t gold. Management is lining up a drilling blitz this year at Tassa to expand the mineralised zones, test depth extensions and chase a maiden resource that could reveal a serious silver-gold contender in a district already producing at scale. While Peru leads the charge as Patriots high-conviction precious metals spearhead, the companys copper-silver firepower is firmly anchored at its Zambian Mumbwa copper district, delivering a complementary base metals punch to round out the balanced portfolio. At the projects Target B1 prospect, advanced geophysical surveys are dramatically revealing the true scale of a near-surface polymetallic system, extending the anomaly from 400m to a commanding one kilometre of strike, with mineralised signatures confirmed to at least 100m in depth and open laterally and along strike. Advertisement The geophysical breakthrough has built on earlier phase 1 trenching results, where silver emerged as a standout, with credits up to 4.93g/t across 26-metre widths and gold adding value in extensions. Importantly, copper equivalent grades hit 0.33 per cent over 14m, with mineralisation remaining consistent across some 344m of trenching. The company says the anomaly appears to be a classic flat-lying zoned structure, with phase two exploration expected to double down on high-resolution ground magnetics and induced polarisation (IP) surveys to tweak the systems high-grade zones. Refined drill targets will then be rapidly followed up on, with a maiden drill program slated for as soon as next quarter to probe those extensions and validate the polymetallic potential. Kitumba lies within the Katanga Supergroup of the Central African Copperbelt, a geological hotspot for major base and precious metal deposits. The project also sits hard up against Sinomines Kitumba operation, just 4.4km away, which is set to fire up its new plant and smelter later this year. Advertisement Patriot says its Zambian footprint is massive and contiguous, making it one of the biggest groundholdings in the Mumbwa district. With high-grade copper open in all directions at secondary targets such as its Katumba prospect, exploration is being considered to tap the big district-scale upside. The addition of silver-gold results at Target B1 has further strengthened the companys blue-sky approach, while significant polymetallic potential continues to grow across its system. As a double-barrelled copper-silver darling, Patriots portfolio is strongly aligned to the insatiable demands of the AI revolution and data centre boom, with copper wiring the massive server farms and silver powering the electronics and conductivity needs of the endless data surge. The 2026 roadmap for the company looks aggressive and clear. Prioritise the high-grade discoveries at Tassa with drilling leading to a resource in short order, while Kitumbas large-scale geophysical interpretation feeds into a major drilling attack on Target B1. Although not in the crosshairs right now, Patriot has kept its Gorman lithium project on watch in North America as lithium prices once again begin to sneak back to feasible levels. Advertisement Early-stage discovery stories in tier-1 neighbourhoods such as Patriot can quickly turn capped explorers into market standouts. With chronic supply shortages driving commodity prices to historic highs, this juniors strategic portfolio appears perfectly timed to deliver a discovery that matters. If southern Perus epithermal belt and Zambias Copperbelt extensions keep delivering, this ASX junior may not stay under the radar for long, with its prime ground sitting squarely in the sights of global majors. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement BusinessThe economyManufacturing Australia weighs carbon tariffs to shield local industry from cheap imports Nick Toscano and Mike Foley February 13, 2026 5:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australias ambitious climate policies are pushing up the cost of manufacturing and risk driving the production of cement, steel, iron and aluminium to countries with weaker goals, a government review has found. The findings of the long-awaited review, which says cross-border carbon tariffs on imports may be needed in the medium to long term to shield local businesses from overseas competitors in lower-cost jurisdictions, will ignite a political clash between Labor and new Opposition Leader Angus Taylor over Australias climate pollution targets. Commodities such as steel may need carbon tariffs in the future. Louise Kennerley Energy Minister Chris Bowen received the reports findings a year ago but publicly released them on Friday afternoon, as the medias attention was focused on the Coalitions leadership change. Led by ANU professor Frank Jotzo, the wide-ranging review urges the government to slap a carbon levy on a select group of commodities, initially covering cement and clinker, while finding other commodities, such as steel, iron, glass, alumina and aluminium may also need carbon tariffs in the future. Advertisement Taylor used his first public remarks to pledge to tear down the governments climate targets, including its signature emissions-reduction policy, the safeguard mechanism, which he labelled a bad carbon tax. We will get rid of Labors bad carbon taxes on the family vehicle, on manufacturing and food in this country, of course, on electricity, Taylor said on Friday. The Albanese government imposed Australias first-ever binding pollution limits on the 215 major polluters in 2023, requiring them to invest in new technology or carbon offsets to cut their greenhouse gas output by 5 per cent a year until 2030. The targets are considered critical for Australia to meet its commitment under the Paris Agreement to cut emissions at least 62 per cent by 2035. Bowen on Friday said the government had commissioned Jotzo to examine how to keep Australia on a level playing field as the world acted on climate change. The report would now inform Labors negotiations with heavy emitters over ongoing policy settings, Bowen said. Advertisement Related Article Renewables Major power retailer sees hope of bill relief as renewables shine We will always back Australian industry to be competitive at home, and on the world stage, he said. Jotzo said Australias policy settings were mitigating the risk of carbon leakage the relocation of industries from countries with more ambitious emissions policies to nations with weaker ones but that some sectors would need greater support in time. Border carbon adjustments for selected commodities can enhance the durability of industrial decarbonisation policies and help strengthen future emissions reductions, he says in the report. Other countries have developed similar policies to shield their local manufacturing industries, and the report comes amid growing protectionism in world trade. Advertisement Manufacturing industry leaders have backed the safeguard mechanism and the introduction of carbon tariffs. Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said: The review recommends careful development of a border carbon adjustment system for those industries where carbon policy gaps make the biggest difference, and where an honest adjustment is actually practical. While the safeguard mechanism was working well today, a durable solution was required to keep a level playing field in the future, Willox said. Sanjeev Gandhi, chief executive of explosives and fertiliser maker Orica, has long been calling for levies on high-emissions imports to help level the playing field for Australia against unfair global competition. If that product comes into this market, and I have to compete with my higher costs against a cheaper product, thats not fair, he said. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. In the depths of lockdown, the trailer for No Time to Die held the promise of life restored. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Every couple needs a project. For me and my partner, Jessa, this was watching every single James Bond movie in chronological order in the lead-up to Daniel Craigs swan song, No Time to Die. The year was 2019 we had only recently gotten together, and had bonded (sorry) over a lifelong love of action and espionage films. Watching 24 in a row seemed like an excellent way of guaranteeing plenty of couch time in those cosy, canoodling, halcyon early days of a relationship. So we soaked it all in: the Oddjobs and Jawses, the gadgets and girlies, and the shifting social, sexual and political mores of a full half-century. By the time we revisited 2015s Spectre (a big meh from both of us), we fancied ourselves full-time James Bond scholars (hot takes include: Tomorrow Never Dies is a better Brosnan outing than Goldeneye; Timothy Dalton is hugely underrated; Solitaire from Live and Let Die is the coolest Bond girl; I thought Christmas only comes once a year, is peak screenwriting, actually). Daniel Craig out and about in Matera in No Time to Die. Eon We were primed and ready for the epic conclusion to the five-film arc that saw Daniel Craig go from parkour-ing up tower cranes in Casino Royale to complaining on press junkets 15 years later that hed rather slit his wrists than play the role again. No Time to Die was scheduled for release in November 2019. A few months before, we learned it had been pushed to February 2020. Then April 2020. Frustrating, yes, but we werent worried. What could possibly go wrong between November 2019 and April 2020? Odd as it may sound, when No Time to Die was postponed for a third time, it felt like ultimate proof that the COVID-19 pandemic had completely taken over our lives. Even as I sat glued to my phone, watching the outside world incrementally shut down, some naive part of me held onto the belief that there were some things in this world too big and too indelible to be stymied by the virus. Advertisement Alas, no: No Time to Die would be delayed twice more first to April 2021, then November 2021. And during that time, for me, it would become the carrot on the end of a very long string a promise of a return to the old world order, not to mention the completion of a project Jessa and I had embarked on during simpler, happier times times when long nights on the couch were undertaken willingly, rather than by government mandate. Some people made sourdough. Some people abandoned their brain cells wholesale to the Facebook algorithm. Me? I watched the trailer for No Time to Die the same trailer that debuted in December 2019. It felt like a lifeline, emblematic of something much larger: a way back to the wider world beyond my living room. Like the film itself, the trailer for No Time to Die opens with a car chase. Bond burns rubber in his vintage Aston Martin DB5 through a cobblestoned piazza, pursued by motorcycle assassins. He then takes a nosedive off a medieval-looking stone bridge. I was quick to look up the filming location: this was the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Matera, in the southern Basilicata region of Italy (just above the heel of the boot). Over the course of my dozens (hundreds?) of viewings of that trailer, Matera took on a mystical quality for me; a fairytale kingdom unaffected by the banal horrors of Melbournes 262 days of lockdown. And when Jessa and I finally donned our masks and shuffled anxiously into the IMAX in November 2021, the finished film only reinforced my fixation: the opening act of No Time to Die is essentially a 20-minute, 70mm full-frame love letter to Matera. (And after all that waiting, what of the remaining two-and-a-half hours of Bond 25? Three stars.) The town of Matera is one of the stars of No Time To Die. iStock Plenty of people couldnt shake their sourdough obsessions once the lockdowns lifted. I could not shake Matera. And after multiple aborted attempts at interstate and overseas holidays, Jessa and I fixed our sights on what would be our very first international trip together, in May 2024 to Italy, naturale. Advertisement The journey itself played out a little like a European spy caper, albeit on a double-arts-worker-income budget. Instead of a vintage Aston Martin DB5, we had the clanky Jeep Renegade hired from Budget rentals in Bari, which we took turns nervously revving down the SS16 highway en route to our masseria farm-stay in Cisternino. This was our first time driving on the right-hand side of the road, and we quickly discovered that Italian highways operate by Mario Kart rules, with speed limits little more than a suggestion. Believing we must have been on the local equivalent of an Autobahn, I started driving at a carefree 80 miles per hour. Later that night, a cursory look at a Reddit travel forum warned of hundreds of hidden speed traps on the Italian stradas; horror stories of overdue fines wending their way from regional authorities through hire car companies and finally back to unsuspecting holidaymakers months, even years, after their trip. Bedevilled by the thought of tens of thousands of euros worth of fines waiting for me upon our return to Australia, I barely slept a wink. Related Article Architecture A film about a house fed my crazy dream. Three weeks later, I was there The next days drive to Matera was even more stressful than the trip to Cisternino: 90 minutes on a single-lane highway with local motorists backing up behind us, vehemently insisting we overtake cheese-laden semitrailers around sharp, blind corners. But then finally, after years of waiting, three flights, nine hours of layovers, and a hundred miles on those perilous highways, we found ourselves at the threshold to the historic city centre. Walking into Matera feels like walking into a city-sized crater on the moon. It takes your eyes a good couple of minutes to adjust to the entirely monochromatic streetscape, designed with all the logic of a snakes and ladders board filled with steep stairways, looping cobblestone roads, and thousands of ancient houses packed atop each other. Historians believe the site has been continuously occupied since the Palaeolithic era, with some of the modern dwellings dating back to before 200BC. James Bond (Daniel Craig) chases Primo through the streets of Matera in No Time To Die. Universal The city seems to wrap around you, extending infinitely in all directions: courtyards and pathways spiral deep down like Dantes entrance to Hell, while a limestone acropolis towers in the centre like a Middle-earthian citadel. I found myself verging on motion sickness simply staring at the skyline; there are no two roofs, no two chimneys, no two doors or walls or windows that sit at quite the same angle. Matera feels earthen and sturdy but zany and illusory all at once: an M.C. Escher painting by way of Dr Seuss. Advertisement Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Amanda Pelman remembers the moment she realised she was living the life of a sitcom character. She was in London guiding the ascent of Aussie boy band Indecent Obsession when she flicked on the telly and saw Absolutely Fabulous for the first time. My jaw was on the ground, she says, like, This is me. Im that. Im Edina. Three decades later, Four Weddings and an Encore is the unfiltered memoir that Jennifer Saunders champagne-sodden PR parody forgot to write. Born to Melbourne fashion designer Elvie Hill and the man who invented the steering-wheel lock, Pelmans trail from accidental Countdown dancer to Mushroom Records publicist, label boss, artist manager and high-flying stage musical and festival producer is one wild ride. Kylie Minogue, though, is the jewel in her crown. Despite what some blokes might claim. Michael Gudinski certainly made a point through a lot of years that he was the one that signed her, Pelman says from London, en route to Australia. Other Mushroom insiders, including her old housemate Molly Meldrum, they know the truth. I saw Kylie in Vegas before she started her world tour in 2024. We both know where we sit in our history. Amanda Pelman near her home in Paris. As one of the winners who gets to write it, Pelman cuts a formidable figure reflected from a Parisian window, to quote her happy-ending subtitle. She can be scathing of partners in industry and love (she married her first husband twice; divorced her third, music legend Brian Cadd, in 2021) and remains unrepentant about PR victories that read very much like AbFab scenes. Theres the time, for example, that she chaperoned British page-three girl turned pop star Samantha Fox to a TV interview with Mike Willesee. Fox had been in a relationship with serial conman Peter Foster and was drawn into promoting his fraudulent weight-loss products before she ended the relationship and severed all ties with him. Expecting Willesee to raise the matter, Pelman hid under the studio desk, ready to intervene. Advertisement Sure enough, when the journalist began to do his job, Pelman hissed to her protege to stand up and walk out. Samantha confidently got up, paused like a true diva with the flick of her head, and departed. It was the best move we could have made, Pelman writes. She means, of course, from a publicity perspective. It was all about just getting on the front page, she says with a shrug. Shes equally unapologetic about sending a rotten egg to one critic who expressed a lack of enthusiasm for Indecent Obsession, and remains unforgiving of the so-called journalist who awarded Kylie that perennial singing budgie label. Convincing the media that Kylie was the real deal and not a puppet was exhausting, she writes before hailing a Rolling Stone cover shoot that gave the fledgling starlet some much-needed gravitas. Pelmans revelation that the then-editor of that hallowed journal was also her lover strikes her as immaterial. Will people think now that the way I got Kylie into the mainstream media was by sleeping with a journalist? I dont think so, she says. I was speaking the truth. I think if we were going to ask a lot of other women or men in the music industry at the time who they might have been having relationships with, it would draw very many comparisons. Amanda Pelman with Molly Meldrum on the set of Hey Hey Its Saturday in 1988. Parts of Pelmans book are unsettling to read, less for the stories themselves than for how lightly theyre absorbed into the logic of the industry she clearly knows so well. Moments that might be usefully interrogated in hindsight are just the daily noise of a world in which power and excess were rarely examined. Related Article Interview Kind of social vertigo: How The Police drummer Stewart Copeland copes with fame The boys club was the boys club, she says. I never felt used, abused or exposed. I never thought of myself as different I never felt that I was threatened. What weighed on me is I dont think that people inside the independent microcosm of the record industry in the 80s were remunerated correctly. We were not praised. I think women are now. Advertisement I cant really speak to what the industry is like now because Im not a part of it any more, she adds. I left to go to America in 2016, and I went into the festival space. After a couple of stellar decades casting and producing Australian stage spectaculars (Long Way to the Top, Rent, Fame, Tap Dogs, Countdown, Priscilla), Pelmans US venture with the planned Woodstock 50 festival in 2019 was among her bravest and most costly personally and otherwise. The brand seemed beyond salvation after Woodstock 99 literally went up in flames, allegations of greed and assault making it a symbol of rocks toxic male culture. The audience was made up of mostly angst-ridden Caucasian males and young girls trying to impress them all is Pelmans take. She joined Woodstock mainstay Michael Lang, she says, because the message needed to be renewed, reborn. The ethos of what Woodstock was in 1969 needed to be replenished. At the eleventh hour, we were robbed of that experience by a very greedy, bad choice in business partner. So thats the end of the tale. Its gone. At the climax of her story, that collapse, Langs sudden death from cancer and the bitter end of her 20-year marriage to Cadd comprise a grave threat to the word Pelman repeatedly capitalises throughout. FABULOUS is what a childhood friend predicted her life would be, five husbands and all, when they were 10 years old. Amanda Pelman in Paris in 1982. And so, fabulously, to a typewriter in her umpteenth dream home: a 17th-century garret overlooking Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, to write the book that she dedicates to her children, Olivia and Austin. Advertisement Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A cosy sandstone pub where the beer is brewed onsite. 1 / 5 The Lord Nelson hotel in The Rocks. Supplied 2 / 5 The Lord Nelson is Australias oldest brewery hotel. Supplied 3 / 5 The ground-level bar. Wolter Peeters 4 / 5 The Aussie beef pie. Wolter Peeters 5 / 5 Steak and chips. Wolter Peeters Previous Slide Next Slide Pub dining$$$$ Praise be, The Lord. Built in 1836, the grand-but-cosy sandstone establishment is Sydneys oldest continuously licensed hotel. It brews its own beer (the Trafalgar English Bitter is our favourite for a session), oysters are shucked to order, and the pie with mushy peas is a must-have for any visiting tourists. Bonus points for being pokies-free for the past four decades. Best for: A pork pie and a pint of bitter. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Advertisement NationalNSWArchitecture Affordable housing so good that architects want to live there too Julie Power February 14, 2026 5:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Dan Szwaj is greeted with tears of joy. He is not a technician finally arriving to reconnect the internet, or a plumber coming to unblock the loo. He is the architect of the Boronia apartments in the Danks Street precinct in Waterloo, who took the stigma out of affordable housing for a new tenant, 57-year-old Carrie-Anne Huddleston. Carrie-Anne Huddleston wept tears of joy when she met architect Dan Szwaj. Ben Symons / SMH After losing a well-paid corporate job a few years ago, Huddlestons life unravelled. She was priced out of her home when she was hit with a $600 a month hike in rent. Like many older single women without a partner with an income, she stayed with friends and couch-surfed, initially reluctant to try affordable housing because she had grown up in public housing in Woolloomooloo. I just keep crying, happy tears. I feel a huge sense of relief. You just want to have a nice place and stuff. Some people are living in cars, Huddleston told Szwaj. Advertisement Szwaj was moved too. It made my day. Huddleston said her new one-bedroom unit, in the $66 million, five-storey block with 76 units by the non-profit private enterprise City West Housing, felt glam. Huddleston hailed Szwaj for taking the stigma out of affordable housing. Ben Symons / SMH Not sad at all, she told Szwaj, director of architectural firm Turner, as she leant in for a hug. Turners practice has a reputation for high-quality, affordable and public housing that is tenure-blind. A project by the practice in Liverpool won the 2023 Premiers Prize for architecture. Advertisement It should be a building that anyone would choose to live in, regardless of income or circumstance, Szwaj said. What are often dreary utilitarian spaces, like fire stairs that can feel unsafe, with the whiff of urine, are full of light. Apartments look away from busy Bourke Street and over a new park. The fire stairs have been turned into a spiral staircase, with what resembles a romantic Juliet balcony at its top and descending into an increasingly green courtyard on the first floor. And its use of much-maligned deck access external corridors or walkways, likely to be familiar to anyone who has watched British shows such as Line of Duty or Slow Horses connects neighbours. Advertisement Szwaj said: The UKs [external walkways] function as cheap access. These are on a scale where neighbours can see each other, you can make eye contact. The new Boronia Apartments project in Waterloo by City West Housing offers residents access to affordable housing solutions designed by leading architectural practice Turner. Barton Taylor UK architectural historian Owen Hatherley said the appeal of deck access which he has in his own block is straightforward, reported Architecture Today in the UK. Rather than getting to your flat through a dark, enclosed internal corridor, you reach it through a walkway partly in the open air. Like anything, it can be well-designed or badly designed, depending on such factors as width, length and spaciousness. Most architects would never deign to live in public or subsidised housing, Hatherley wrote. Advertisement Not so Boronia. Award-winning architect and Churchill fellow Carol Marras first response was, I could live here, this is no different from market housing. In some ways, it was even better, she said. The build-to-rent model by City West was built to last with robust finishes, so its easy to maintain. Drains were hidden below entries and balconies to prevent water from entering the units. The floors were flush inside and out, which improved access for those with a disability, and made them easy to repair. The plan of a one-bedroom unit like Huddlestons at Boronia. Turner Studio. Advertisement The project was designed when the maximum height limit was lower than it is now, but Szwaj said they had to anticipate future development. We did this by maximising the prime frontage facing the future park, having apartments facing each of the future street aspects, making use of multiple entries, and creating a central, north-facing courtyard as a communal focus. Developer Coronation Property plans to build five blocks directly to the north of Boronia with about 850 homes, including an estimated 70 affordable units and 400 build-to-rent. The tallest could be 29 storeys. As part of the Heralds reviews of apartment life, Marra and two other experts on multi-residential housing Peter McGregor, the director of McGregor Westlake Architecture, and his award-winning associate director Damien Madell agreed to visit. Marra, a co-founder of architectural practice Marra+Yeh, saw families hanging out on the corridors, looking down into the courtyard. Residents were using the external stairs rather than the lift and enjoying the internal courtyard. There is a generosity to those very functional but highly used areas, corridors, stairs, which turns them into amenities for the residents. Instead of those spaces being the minimum required for compliance, they have been turned into an amenity. Advertisement Madell, who has won awards for apartment design, said the quality of the entry lobbies and the landscaped courtyard was uplifting and would elevate the daily experience of residents. This project sets a new benchmark for its type. McGregor was most impressed by the courtyard layout and the buildings character. The design of the generous open-air galleries external walkways that overlook the courtyard and the street dealt with issues of privacy to the bedrooms with screens and small skylights connecting the floors. All have good sun, shade and airy qualities, a perfect model for the Sydney climate. The courtyard forms the protected heart of the building. Leonie King, the chief executive of City West a charity that previously had the NSW government as a shareholder plans more affordable housing around Green Square. Tenants rent is capped at 25 to 30 per cent of household income, or 74.9 per cent of market rent, whichever is lower. Housing is targeted to households on very low and moderate incomes, with a connection to the area. Advertisement About 64 per cent of residents at Boronia work, and of those, 35 per cent are essential workers. Others moved from nearby Waterloo Estate. Related Article Public housing Theres a secret behind this $28m Sydney apartment block that few people know about The rent is based on the gross income of its residents, not on how big the apartment is or the number of bedrooms. A single mum with one child, for example, would be allocated a two-bedroom apartment and would pay the same amount of rent if she had three children and needed a larger unit. Finding an affordable unit is still hard, something Huddleston experienced first-hand. Only 2 per cent of the 40,000 homes promised by Housing Australia Future Fund over five years have been completed, reported The Australian Financial Reviews Michael Bleby. Boronia and Assembles Swift Walk development in Melbourne were among the first 895 social and affordable homes completed last year. A further 9485 homes are expected to be finished this year, with another 8000 in the works, he reported. Advertisement Back on her balcony that will soon have a view of a new 1400-square-metre public park, Huddleston said she appreciated the small touches places to put photos, the soft-touch drawers in bathroom and kitchen, built-in laundry, a lot of storage, and screening from the entryway. Its new, its calm and its bright. I feel very safe here. Its been a gift. My mother said if I didnt take it she wouldnt talk to me. To make ends meet, she had been working as a birth and death doula, and is looking for more work. I didnt get married, I didnt have kids, it is really hard. Whats great, if I lose my work, I can ring these guys, they will work with me, wont have to worry about being homeless. Its having a landlord who gives a shit. They actually care. A new Register of Affordable Housing Dwellings will soon track affordable homes in NSW, where they are and who manages them, and ensure they follow guidelines. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. People read newspapers carrying headlines on the national parliament election on a street in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Feb. 13, 2026. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, secured 209 out of 299 seats in the parliament following Thursday's general election, a senior official said Friday. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam party was second with 68 seats, while 20 seats were bagged by independent candidates and other small parties. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) DHAKA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, secured 209 out of 299 seats in the parliament following Thursday's general election, a senior official said Friday. Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission (EC), told journalists that the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam party was second with 68 seats, while 20 seats were bagged by independent candidates and other small parties. In Bangladesh, the party that gets the majority of seats can form the government, he added. Out of 300 seats, the results of two constituencies have been postponed. Meanwhile, polling in one constituency was postponed following the death of an independent candidate. Ahmed said that voter turnout in Bangladesh's 13th parliament polls reached 59.44 percent of the total, more than 127 million eligible voters. Bangladeshi interim government's Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul had earlier said that power will be handed over to the new elected administration before the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, which is set to begin here on or around Feb. 19. "Following the publication of the official gazette notification of the results, arrangements will be made as quickly as possible for the swearing-in of the newly elected Members of Parliament. The new government will then take the oath," said Asif Nazrul. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWScience These alleged rapists were free for 25 years. Heres what caught them Angus Dalton Updated February 15, 2026 4:24pm ,first published February 14, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Robert Wayne Kwans thumbs, forced together by handcuffs, twiddled in fits as detectives marched him down the long curve of a grassy driveway towards waiting police cars in South Kempsey, north of Port Macquarie, on Wednesday. The alleged child rapist, 77, has been charged over a raft of historical sex crimes spanning more than a decade, from the targeting of an 11-year-old girl in Sydneys west in 1991 to the sexual assault of a 26-year-old woman at Devils Hole Reserve near Dubbo in 2002. Robert Wayne Kwans arrest came about as the result of technology that relies on genetic informants. Michael Howard Just two days after Kwans arrest, police swooped on another alleged rapist in the Northern Rivers, a quarter-century after his alleged crimes. The arrests mark the arrival in NSW of a technology that has jailed fabled serial killers, set those wrongfully convicted of murder free and granted anonymous bones the dignity of personhood. The investigative tool, called Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), relies on people who have spat into a tube for commercial DNA tests, choosing to dismiss privacy concerns and make their data available to investigators. Advertisement They become genetic informants, helping police build sprawling family trees that lead them to alleged perpetrators. Kwans was the first arrest in NSW as a result of the technology. The second came barely 48 hours later on Friday morning, when police arrested a 73-year-old man at a Murwillumbah service station over a separate spate of sexual assaults on the Central Coast in the 1990s. Joseph James DeAngelo, known as the Golden State Killer, was charged with 13 crimes in the US after his DNA was allegedly linked to a number of historical crimes through FIGG. AP The alleged crimes included the attack of a 52-year-old woman while she was sunbaking; the violent assault of a 16-year-old girl at Budgewoi Beach; and another instance where a naked man ran at three young girls on a bush track near Killcare. One 16-year-old girl tripped and was sexually assaulted. For decades these horrific alleged acts went unpunished. Until FIGG finally led police to a suspect. Advertisement Heres how it works. Traditional genetic profiling targets sections of human DNA where sequences of the four base letters A, C, G and T always repeat. Everyone, for example, has a repeating sequence of AGAT on their third chromosome. However, the number of times that sequence repeats varies between people, acting as a kind of genetic fingerprint. Standard DNA testing focuses on about 20 of these sequences called short tandem repeats, or STRs and the pattern of those repeats can match a suspects DNA to a drop of blood at a crime scene. Human remains identification specialist Dr Jodie Ward examining skeletal remains at the AFP forensic facility in Canberra. A problem arises, however, when investigators dont have a reference sample of DNA. Police held DNA samples from Kwans alleged crimes, for example, but had nothing to match them to. Thats where FIGG comes in. Instead of zeroing in on a handful of STRs, the test picks up a different kind of DNA variation called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (pronounced snips). These are single-letter differences at specific points across our DNA where you might have an A, someone else has a G and we can detect over a million of them using specialised sequencing technology. Advertisement The key advantage for detectives is that this DNA map of more than a million SNPs is sensitive enough to identify someones very distant relatives their third or fourth cousins, for example. (Think about that do you even know who your fourth cousins are?) Finding family can help tie anonymous DNA to an actual person. To do that, investigators match the DNA profile of a perpetrator or victim to distant relatives using online genealogy databases, made up of people who have used commercial ancestry tests and consented to law enforcement using their data. The databases have about 1 million to 2 million genetic profiles. Thats exponentially larger than DNA databases owned by law enforcement. Once police find a relative, they turn to investigative genealogy part genetic analysis, part family history sleuthing to build a family tree linking the owner of the DNA and their distant relatives in the database. Experts trawl back through the generations to find the last direct ancestors shared by the person of interest and their identified relatives, narrowing the search to a specific branch of the family tree. The process might take days or, in some cases, years. Its how detectives can now find the owner of an unknown bone or semen sample. Advertisement Advertisement What price can you put on restoring someones identity? Ward, a DNA forensics expert, said. You are providing answers to families, you are providing the deceased with a dignified burial, you are keeping the community safe because criminal investigations can ensue. At the moment, DNA testing is only offered by law enforcement or government forensic labs in Australia and not everyone can access those technologies, unfortunately. The process is expensive about $10,000 compared to routine DNA testing, which might cost $100, she said. Thats why, in 2024, Ward founded the Forensic Human Identification Co., a social enterprise which provides the only independent end-to-end FIGG service in Australia. What price can you put on restoring someones identity? says Dr Jodie Ward, who has used FIGG to identify human remains. Through the enterprise, Ward aims to help families find missing loved ones, exonerate those wrongfully convicted of crimes, advance cases of disappeared First Nations people, and use techniques borrowed from the study of ancient DNA to identify forgotten and degraded remains. Advertisement Our goal is to make sure that its not just agencies with deep pockets that can access this technology because we want to see every unknown deceased person given the opportunity to be identified, she said. Following Kwans arrest, police have called for people to consider uploading their DNA profiles to databases investigators can use for FIGG, including GEDmatch PRO and FamilyTreeDNA. People can choose to upload their genetic information to those databases after using a commercial service like 23andMe or AncestryDNA, which police cannot generally access. About 5-10 per cent of the profiles on the databases are believed to be Australian. There were privacy issues when FIGG first came to prominence. Some genealogy services automatically opted users in to have their data used by police. A lack of transparency meant some of the genetic informants used to catch the Golden State Killer did so unwittingly they uploaded data to track down relatives and ended up identifying a murderer. Since then, most databases have switched to a more transparent opt-in system, although in Germany, FIGG remains largely banned due to privacy concerns. Advertisement Any DNA data uploaded to GEDmatch PRO is opted in to identify human remains, but users must opt in manually for their data to be used to find the perpetrators of violent crimes. FIGG is only used for homicides, sexual assaults or unidentified human remains, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, Sex Crimes Squad Commander at NSW Police, said after Kwans arrest. People thinking about opting in you could be helping us to solve those serious problems. Examine, a free weekly newsletter covering science with a sceptical, evidence-based eye, is sent every Tuesday. Youre reading an excerpt sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCrime Co-worker allegedly chased waitress with carving knife at Brisbane club Julius Dennis February 13, 2026 1:35pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A woman is lucky to be alive after a co-worker accused of stalking her allegedly chased her around the restaurant with a carving knife attempting to kill her, according to police. Police say Cameron William Leslie Clark, a 33-year-old kitchen hand at the Easts Rugby League Club, was told not to return to work at 2.30pm on Thursday while he was on a day off. He had been allegedly giving unwanted and unsolicited attention to a 20-year-old waitress at the club in Coorparoo in Brisbanes south, which led to his exclusion, Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said. Loading Within three hours, about 5.15pm, Clark allegedly came back, concealing a large carving blade. Advertisement Massingham said the man allegedly pulled out the knife and repeatedly stabbed and slashed at the waitress in a hallway that led to the main service area. Cameron Clark is transported to hospital under police guard, after allegedly attempting to kill a waitress at Easts Leagues Club. Nine A male chef, 61, stepped in to fight off Clark, Massingham said. The incident began in a hallway that led to the main service area, allowing the woman to escape momentarily to the dining room. She was then set upon for a second time by him, the detective said. Advertisement Police arrived in minutes, where they found the man being restrained by members of the public. Throughout the alleged attack the waitress suffered serious cuts to her arm and head, for which she would require surgery, as well a series of defensive wounds, Massingham said. Up to eight people held down the alleged attacker at Easts Leagues Club at Coorparoo in Brisbane. Google Maps It will be alleged the offender went there with a clear intent, and we are just so thankful that that intent was not fully realised. The detective said as many as eight people stepped in to hold the man down. Advertisement Meal time was just starting at the club, with a number of people already eating when the incident took place. All but one of the people holding Clark down were club staff. Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said the bravery of club staff saved the young womans life. AFR The 20-year-old remained in at the Princess Alexandra hospital on Friday. Police said a 61-year-old man with a stab wound to his abdomen was also taken to hospital, though the injuries were not life-threatening. Advertisement A 41-year-old woman also suffered a minor wound to her arm. Clark, who lives in Woolloongabba, was charged with attempted murder and stalking. He was also charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding in relation to two other alleged victims. Clark remained in hospital as the matter was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court, where it was adjourned until next week. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalBuilding Bad The 1000 ways the CFMEU has provoked outrage on nations building sites Kieran Rooney and Nick McKenzie February 14, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australias industrial watchdog has received more than 1000 complaints about the behaviour of the CFMEU including death threats, nepotism and even the blocking of a delegates ex-girlfriend from work on major projects around the country, particularly Victorias $100 billion Big Build. The data, compiled from reports to the Fair Work Commissions hotline since mid-2024, has come to light as a veteran trade union figure conceded efforts to combat corruption in the building industry over many years had failed. The Fair Work Commission has released documents detailing complaints about the CFMEU on public projects. Michael Howard The concession by Michael Flinn, a lifetime union movement figure, that criminal elements still hold power in the industry contrasts with claims from Labor politicians, including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, and the federal government that recent responses to the decades of corruption that have engulfed the construction industry have been adequate. For over a half-a-century, we have, as a nation, been trying to eradicate criminal influence and corruption from the construction industry. And we have failed, Flinn said in a letter to Fair Work Commission chief Murray Furlong. Advertisement The Fair Work Commission data details alarming complaints to its dedicated website portal and phone line to allow the reporting of concerns about the CFMEU. This complaints function, set up two weeks after this mastheads Building Bad investigation was first published in in July 2024, received 1050 submissions between then and mid-October 2025. Of those, 600 related to allegations on Victorian construction sites. The complaints come after the release of a bombshell report from corruption-busting lawyer Geoffrey Watson which found the CFMEUs intimidating and corrupt conduct had resulted in billions of dollars being poured into the pockets of criminals and bikies. He also found the Victorian government had turned a blind eye to the problem. In a December presentation obtained by this masthead, Furlong said the complaints were as yet unproven but were still very important in shedding further light on the scale of the issues. Advertisement There is significant similarity, or consistency, about the alleged conduct across hundreds of individual reports, he said. Among the complaints were allegations in August 2024 that a union delegate used his position to block an ex-girlfriend being employed on the state and federally funded Suburban Rail Loop in outer Melbourne. The same report alleged union delegates with criminal links were working on the project. Another complaint, also on the rail loop, alleged the CFMEU was bullying and threatening workers on other Victorian infrastructure projects. It alleged major leading contractors were being forced to provide cushy roles for mates or risk their projects being shut down Advertisement The discloser states that if this practice is questioned, CFMEU representatives will make their life hell and shut the job down, the complaint says. Editor's pick Building Bad Rotting from the top: Bribery, drugs, bikies and billions of taxpayer dollars It is alleged that named officials are known bullies on construction sites, who threaten contractors. Another complainant reported severe bullying, intimidation, threats of violence, and interference with employment when concerns were raised about preferential treatments and ghost wages on the Suburban Rail Loop. In Sydney, the commission received complaints that a CFMEU member working on St Marys Metro Station made threats against another workers life, reportedly boasting about gang affiliations. Advertisement Workers have raised safety concerns, with some resigning due to intimidation and bullying involving this individual and the site superintendent, the complaint says. On the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane, a delegate is alleged to have broken into a subcontractors office, removed all their items and then proceeded to use it for himself despite being told this was not allowed. Loading Another complaint alleged under-the-table deals with union officials leading to underpayment of workers on the project. Most of the complaints concerned Victoria including one that accused a union-affiliated labour-hire company of employing individuals with criminal ties and no qualifications, while facilitating nepotism and ghost shifts. Advertisement They also alleged that similar practices were concealed on the North East Link in Melbourne, with accusations of nepotism and concerns about corruption. Furlong said the alleged conduct across these 1000-or-so reports was entirely consistent with the behaviour hed heard about two decades ago when he worked at related agencies such as the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Nothing has changed. In fact, weve probably gone backwards, he said. The commission had referred more than 400 matters to either the Fair Work Ombudsman, Australian Federal Police, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Australian Electoral Commission, Victorian Labour Hire Authority and a Joint Agency Working Group into the sector. In his letter to Furlong, seen by this masthead, Michael Flinn, chief of staff to the CFMEU administrator, said Australia had failed to eradicate criminality and corruption from the sector because it was focused on the wrong things, but the current crisis could be a moment for change. Advertisement We now have a once-in-a-century opportunity to fix the problem, he said. Flinn said it was critical that there be ongoing law enforcement to punish wrongdoing and that new rules should be written requiring all companies, unions, contractors and industry groups to follow integrity guidelines. Flinn said a proposed Joint Industry Charter could address these issues by enforcing new standards on the sector. Meanwhile, organised criminal influence continues to infect parts of the construction ecosystem, he said. Advertisement This includes infiltration by outlaw motorcycle gangs and other organised groups into debt recovery, subcontracting, and labour hire networks. Corruption, intimidation and procurement fraud remain significant risks. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Friday again rejected calls for an inquiry into the unions conduct, particularly on public projects. Furlong this week told Senate estimates the issue shouldnt go away without accountability, that it impacted every Victorian, and that Victorians had a right to know. Speaking in Bendigo on Friday, Allan responded to these comments by repeating that she had made a referral to the states corruption watchdog in July 2024, asked the Fair Work Commission to investigate pay deals, and had commissioned an independent review. That review, led by public servant Greg Wilson, was tasked with investigating how complaints of illegal activity are handled, and largely reported on issues such as labour hire and the interaction between government agencies, unions and contractors. Advertisement Editor's pick Editorial Building Bad Allans CFMEU stonewalling is a failure of leadership The Age's View Editorial It did not have the coercive powers of a royal commission nor the remit to investigate the scale of graft or criminality on projects that Watson and others have said are necessary. Instead, it recommended an alliance of law-enforcement bodies and regulators who could use their combined responsibilities to address these allegations on government construction sites, which the state government accepted. I commissioned the independent review to really zero in on the areas that we needed to change here in Victoria, and change has been made, Allan said. The premier also repeatedly disputed Watsons and Furlongs separately issued estimates that CFMEU corruption had added $15 billion to the cost of Victorian projects. Advertisement State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson told the ABC that Queenslands commission of inquiry was exposing issues on Victorian projects. We cant underplay this. This is incredibly significant. This is one of the biggest corruption [scandals], particularly in terms of a financial sense, in Victorias history, Wilson said. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Its a role that sees him rub shoulders with the rich and famous arm in arm with Margot Robbie , his restaurants visited by Drake and John Cena and in the ear of Australias most influential people. His head chefs names elude most. Lucas is the face of the operation the creative director, the visionary, Walt Disney. Stepping into one of Chris Lucas restaurants is like stepping into a theme park. Beyond inhaling the food, he wants you to feel the weight of the 110-page wine list at Batard ; marvel at its icy throne of an oyster bar , flanked by marble and smoked mirrors; and gawk at boisterous dining institution Chin Chin s famous, and sometimes unsettling, projections. Finally, the tall glass doors click open with a whoosh , sounding like a collective sigh. The diners hurry inside. After a few seconds, she concedes defeat, slumping into one of the black metal chairs laid out for diners who routinely arrive early for the midday lunch service at Maison Batard. Its 11.54am on a Friday, and a woman in a bedazzled shirt is swinging eagerly on golden handles, trying to pull open the double doors of one of Melbournes most palatial restaurants. Lucas has fingers in every pie , and control of every menu in his restaurants, down to the commas. Hes hands-on with everything, his former publicist Monica Brown tells me, laughing. He designs his venues alongside wife Sarah Lucas, with whom he shares a 22-room mansion in Toorak bought in 2014 for $18.55 million, according to commercial records. Batard, a four-level Parisian giant, is his most ambitious project yet, thought to have cost $45 million . And still, hes plotting world domination. He has amassed a sprawling commercial empire. Between 2021 and 2024, he bought $70.1 million worth of property in Melbournes CBD alone . As it stands, he has 12 restaurants operating nationally (including Grill Americano in Sydney , which opened in November), or almost double that if you count the micro bistros and bars inside his larger venues. He is one of former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews most vocal, and arguably influential, opponents even when the restaurateurs team feared it was to his detriment. When I meet Lucas, its at Grill Americano in Melbourne a typically stylish affair frequented by businessmen and barristers. Overwhelmingly, though, they are ambitious and aspirational like his life story, the way he tells it. His restaurants are a refuge for the wealthy, a hangout for those too rich to care (hello, stealth-wealthers sporting trackpants), a go-to for people who want to impress (clients, dates) and the frequent site of once-a-year or once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. Chris Lucas at Grill Americano, Melbourne, ahead of his interview with The Age. Where delays have hampered billionaire Justin Hemmes plans to infiltrate Melbournes hospitality sector on a grand scale, Lucas is on an unprecedented run of restaurant openings. I mean, youve got to love working with somebody like that, or youd want to kill him. It isnt consistent with our strategy to operate just one restaurant in a market, Lucas told Good Food. He closed the restaurant just 14 months later, in December, impatient with the lack of progress in its CBD precinct, which he said was unconducive to his multi-venue model and plans for expansion in the national capital. A friend tells me before our interview that, at the opening of his restaurant Carlotta in Canberra , Lucas knew everyone in the room. Hes more relaxed than I imagined. Chattier. He asks the maitre d: Did you tell her who had lunch here yesterday? He reveals his team is looking at opening venues in the Middle East, Britain and the United States. The countrys distance from the northern hemisphere holds it back, he says, but itll only take the success of one or two local restaurants overseas to open the floodgates. We talk a lot about his ultimate goal as a restaurateur: elevating Australia to international culinary acclaim. Before our interview, he asks me whether Im from country New South Wales. I tell him not quite, but a regional area. He nods, as if to say me too. He is strategic. A master networker. He is involved in the details he will handpick bronze sconces from French antique stores. So it surprises me a little he still sees himself as a kid from Geelong with no money, whose success came off the back of an opportunity to go to university in Melbourne something he wouldnt have done if it wasnt free. He haggles on rent and pushes developers to chip in for restaurant fit-outs, according to sources not authorised to speak on the subject. So profound is his crowd-pulling power, developers and project heads approach him to move into their buildings (hes got another four venues in the works, including two at a $400 million Toorak development , and all-electric restaurants at a swanky $1 billion Bourke Street office tower). Were having a bit of a go at all of those areas, he tells me. A while later, I put to him one of the main criticisms of the Lucas Collective that Ive seen in hospitality circles: effectively, that they dont care about the little guy. Lucas appears confused, hurt. Well, I dont understand that because I grew up as a little Greek immigrant boy in Geelong, in a pub working with my dad, with nothing. And then my dad died when I was quite young, and my mother brought me up on a widows pension, says Lucas, whose surname is an anglicisation of the Greek Loukas. One former bartender at Chin Chin the Aussie-Thai juggernaut that made Lucas a household name, and divided diners with its no-bookings policy tells me colleagues laughed at her request for a pay rise because they were so rare. Some complain Lucas restaurants will work you til you break. Chris Lucas most ambitious project yet: Maison Batard at 23 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Liana Hardy But a former marketing assistant recalls Lucas was horrified to find her working more than six hours overtime, at about 11pm, printing menus in a back room at one of the venues. Lucas finished the job himself, staying until at least midnight. Lucas says: The foundation stone of what Ive achieved today is because I have regard for I wont use the little bit, because I dont really understand that but the people who work for me, work with me. You know, our business supports thousands and thousands of small farmers, winemakers, who rely on us. Lucas got his first inklings about restaurants at age 10, stepping inside the kitchen of Melbournes first modern hotel, where his uncle was the executive chef. His father, Kon, warned him against a life in the restaurant business, leading him to study pharmacology at university in the years after Kons death. He graduated, but dramatically changed course because of advice from his faculty head: Lucas was one of the worst chemists hed ever seen, and he should become a salesman instead. Lucas took it to heart, and signed up to sell computers with global technology company IBM which was recruiting on campus in 1981. It was a move that saw him work in Tokyo, London, Silicon Valley and New York; exploring restaurants and izakayas, courtesy of the companys generous expense account; and partying at the likes of Studio 54. Years later, Lucas would tell the Australian Financial Review the job took him from simple country boy to global executive. He was highly regarded among IBM colleagues, according to people who knew him at the time. Then the niggling allure of the restaurant business proved too much. After a decade at IBM, Lucas sold his stake in telecommunications start-up Primus Telecom, funding his debut restaurant venture, St Kilda brasserie One Fitzroy Street, in 1995. There was no Mark Zuckerberg story no tech millions, Lucas maintains only a gamble that paid off. Property journalist Nicole Lindsay tells me One spearheaded a cleaner image for the area. That really changed the nature of that whole strip, and St Kilda in general, says Lindsay, who tracks Lucas commercial portfolio. But it was with South Yarras Botanical, which Lucas bought and renovated for $7 million, that his status as culinary visionary was carved out. He mortgaged his home and borrowed from the bank and family connections to afford it, before upending the pubs layout and erecting a pick-it-yourself wine wall. With top British chef Paul Wilson, he instituted a popular early iteration of the now-ubiquitous gourmet burger (a menu item Lucas wife refuses to eat but a mainstay at Batard). He sold the leasehold for Botanical in 2007 for a reported $16 million. When the Bot was named the Good Food Guides 2004 restaurant of the year, reviewer John Lethlean wrote that the place groaned with energy and innovation. As with most things Lucas has done, he did this properly, Lethlean wrote. Acres of cash have been splashed. When I interview the now 64-year-old Lucas, hes just announced his Collective Foundation, a huge part of which he says is about elevating hospitality as a sought-after career path in Australia. Hes working with La Trobe University to design an elite program of specialised hospitality diplomas and degrees, and fund scholarships for underprivileged kids. Maison Batards rooftop terrace, La Terrasse. Liana Hardy Its great that someone like me, coming out of Geelong [which] was just a small country town at the time [can] achieve some success, he says. I want to be able to see if we can do that for other young kids. The Society man and the premier Lucas does not always come off as the country boy made good. He has the polish and pugnacity of a business titan accustomed to getting his way, and will slam his restaurant door in the face of a premier. It all started with a phone call to Melbourne talkback radio. Long before the Andrews government announced its road map out of lockdown, its relationship with business especially the restaurant business was starting to fracture. Daniel Andrews and wife Catherine Andrews in 2021. Daniel Pockett/AAP Lucas tipping point came in August 2020, during Melbournes second lockdown, when then-premier Andrews announced he would push for a 12-month extension to state-of-emergency powers a move that would give authorities the power to enforce lockdowns for another year. It was, he told 3AWs Neil Mitchell, the equivalent of dropping a bomb on Victorians. The premier is disconnected, Lucas lamented. I think he has a lack of understanding of whats actually going on in the community at the grassroots level. The interview started a media campaign among restaurateurs fearing for their livelihoods. Within half an hour of hanging up the phone, Lucas received thousands of messages of support. Later, one media outlet described the phone call as a tear-here moment for Melbourne, when demands for an end to lockdowns became unrelenting. The mental state of Victorians is at such distressing levels, Lucas told Mitchell. The suicide rates, the family bust-ups, the torment, the financial pressures amongst the people of Victoria is extraordinary. Lucas became the uncompromising spokesman for the hospitality industrys revolt against COVID-19 restrictions. Again and again, he derided the Andrews government, arguing it was needlessly decimating businesses and destroying Victorians mental health. His public scolding of Andrews was so frequent that his then-publicist Brown says she was concerned about alienating diners. There are times when I told him to take the foot off the pedal, Brown tells me over the phone from Britain. When his contempt led him to break one of hospitalitys unspoken rules, Brown was particularly worried. Andrews wife, Catherine, tried to make a lunch booking at his South-East Asian venue Hawker Hall, and Lucas told her there was nothing available. The restaurateur later defended this rejection, pointing out that the Italian restaurant Di Stasio also knocked back Andrews for a birthday booking. The premier had his own cross to bear, but they were allowed to disagree, Lucas told a media outlet. After all, he said, we live in a democracy. [Lucas] was never a Dan Andrews fan during COVID, Brown says. There were a lot of people who were, and when you own a restaurant, your doors open to everybody, whatever the politics are you welcome everybody. To this day, some former senior Andrews staffers refuse to eat at Lucas restaurants, instead favouring those belonging to restaurateurs like Andrew McConnell, who were less outspoken about the state governments COVID-19 containment measures. Brown and Lucas maintain the restaurateurs issue wasnt with the premier himself but his policy decisions. [They] were driving [Lucas] crazy because he was on the receiving end of them, Brown says. Chris Lucas with his wife, socialite Sarah Lucas. Instagram (@miss_sarahlucas) During our interview, Lucas tells me that two of his young staff took their lives during the pandemic. Two? I ask, taken aback. His eyes well up with a mixture of anger and sadness: Two too many. Lucas had a line to Victorias then-treasurer Tim Pallas during the pandemic, as well as then-tourism minister Martin Pakula and prolific Andrews critic, former Liberal MP Tim Smith. He often spoke to City of Melbournes then-lord mayor Sally Capp, and was also in touch with former Labor leader Bill Shorten and then-federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, with whom he shared his despair. But his frustration was not being able to get through to Andrews himself, according to insiders. I did meet with lots of other politicians, and to be honest, [Andrews] didnt really make himself available. He didnt want to talk to anyone, Lucas tells me. The professional stakes were immense for Lucas during COVID-19. He was on the verge of unveiling his much-anticipated Society restaurant, billed as an avant-garde training kitchen to rival Europes best. The project was years in the making, after Lucas in 2018 recruited chef Martin Benn and maitre d Vicki Wild the couple behind the vaunted Sydney fine-diner Sepia to co-lead it in a coup for Melbourne. Chris Lucas with Vicki Wild and Martin Benn at Society in May 2021. Kristoffer Paulsen But lockdowns stalled the restaurants official opening three times. Wild left the business weeks before it finally opened in July 2021 (a year late), and Benn followed in September. Publicly, Benn blamed the pandemic for their decision. But insiders tell me that by the time Wild left Society, she refused to speak to Lucas even when they were in the same room. Wild declined to comment for this story. Lucas doesnt want to say much about Benn and Wilds departure. But he lauds them for sticking it out in Melbourne during COVID, particularly when they didnt have family living locally. Societys kitchen which he describes as the most amazing in Australia wouldnt exist without Benn, he says. Benn and Wild recently announced they are opening a $35 million four-level private members club three minutes walk from Batard. Thousands of people come through these businesses, play their role and then move on, Lucas says. They played a key role, and theyll always be part of that history moving forward. Chris Lucas at his Society restaurant in May 2021. Kristoffer Paulsen Some industry insiders believe Society didnt live up to its vision. Its enormous kitchen, bespoke chandeliers and soaring ceilings still impress, and it is a very good restaurant that pulls a crowd. But hot, innovative? Not so much. Society dropped from two hats to one in the 2026 Good Food Guide, and the neighbouring Lillian Brasserie was de-toqued. Flinders Lanes Grill Americano regained its hat, and Kisume returned to the Guide for the first time in four years, after several years of the restaurants 12-seat Chefs Table being reviewed. Lucas seven remaining large Victorian venues including Batard are without hats, although these run the gamut from casual pizzeria Baby to the perennially busy Chin Chin. Emma Breheny, editor of The Ages Good Food Guide, says restaurant groups often have ups and downs as they expand nationally. Its a lot of balls to keep in the air. Grill Americano, for example, was awarded two hats in its first year, then dropped to one, then none, and is now back to one hat, she says. Within big groups, the focus and energy gets stretched in a way thats different to owner-operator venues, where the boss is in there every day noticing every little thing. Batard and Society are Lucas crown jewels. The latter is an internationally recognised restaurant, but more importantly lives up to its mission of giving young Australian chefs a world-class alternative to training overseas, Lucas says. Thats a unique thing. Society remains Chris Lucas crown jewel. Kristoffer Paulsen The two faces of a culinary king In Lucas great dominions, its a bit of a novelty for staff when he visits for a meal. Sorcha Harrop, a bartender at Chin Chin between October 2016 and July 2017, says he came in for lunch during one of her shifts and she tried acknowledging him a few times but was ignored. Lucas denied the exchange. Harrop launched legal action against the Lucas Group in November 2017, alleging she was underpaid, but withdrew it after the company agreed to back-pay her $9500. In 2019, this masthead revealed a broader audit found more of Lucas workers were paid less than the minimum rates of the award an error for which Lucas says his company was absolutely exonerated. The Fair Work Ombudsman formally cautioned the Lucas Group in July 2020 following an investigation. The ombudsman confirmed the company paid back affected employees and had overhauled its payroll systems. When the underpayment audit was revealed, Harrop claimed the company, which has since grown to almost 2000 employees, exploited eager, passionate people and worked them to the bone. But other people describe working at Lucas restaurants as creative, exciting, fun; the ultimate resume addition in a youthful and naturally transient industry. And Lucas is one of its most recognisable champions. Chris Lucas plans to expand his restaurant empire in Australia and internationally. Simon Schluter Pakula, a key player in Andrews cabinet over two terms, recalls receiving a rush of texts from Melbourne restaurateurs throughout the pandemic each of whom suddenly had his personal mobile number. The messages detailed the pressure the industry was under and what the government should do to ease it, he says. It wasnt until two years later, while chatting with Caterinas Cucina e Bar owner Caterina Borsato over lunch, that Pakula found out it was Lucas handing out his number, and mobilising restaurateurs to hassle him. He ran into him a couple of nights later at an event and told him jokingly, youre sprung, mate. The thing with Chris is, you can have a pretty robust conversation with him and a pretty robust disagreement, and hes not sensitive he doesnt bear a grudge, and I like to think I dont either, Pakula says. Thats a good, healthy relationship. I actually value it quite a bit. Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association founding members Chris Lucas, Wes Lambert (chief executive) and Neil Perry. Louie Douvis In 2024, Lucas launched the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association. Its sole focus is having a seat at the governments table when it comes to policy issues including tax, wages and skilled worker migration an industry first, Lucas says. Merivale a Sydney-based restaurant group run by Justin Hemmes, which is seeking to expand into Melbourne had a seat on the associations board, but stepped down following allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation and drug use at the companys Sydney venues. The allegations were reported by this masthead and 60 Minutes and are denied by Merivale. I ask Lucas whether, as the associations deputy chair, he had any say in Merivales stepping down. I cant really disclose what goes on and what doesnt go on, he says. Weve worked really hard over the last 30 years to create amazing restaurants [and] safe workplaces, where women can feel safe, young people can feel safe. I feel a bit of a parental obligation as well. Ive always felt that way, which is why, during COVID, I went to great lengths to protect my kids and my people, because I felt theyre like family. According to hospitality insiders, Lucas thought it was embarrassing when City Of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece recently posed for a photo with Merivales billionaire boss Hemmes. Justin Hemmes (left) with Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece. Reece shared this photo on social media. LinkedIn Lucas quietly campaigned for Reeces deputy, Roshena Campbell, before she joined Reece on Melbournes mayoral ticket in mid-2024. When I interview Lucas, he says he supports them both. The restaurateur would have more venues around Australia by now if it werent for COVID-19, as his ambition has always been for a national and international business, he says. Hes just unveiled a characteristically bold second foray into Sydney: Grill Americano in the centre of the citys prime-cut zone. Lucas business acumen and ambition demand respect from his peers and in his hometown, Geelong, he is a hero. The restaurateur is a long-time supporter of the Cats, and in 2024 the AFL club approached him to open Club Chin Chin at GMHBA Stadium. The regional outpost speaks volumes about what the restaurateur is trying to achieve, Cats chief executive Steve Hocking says. Hes very thoughtful about where he places [his restaurants], and the access people have to them, Hocking tells me. Local hospitality matriarch Lyndsay Sharp, who is also on the Cats board, describes Lucas as a risk-taker who is always raising the bar, while Brown says the restaurateur has more energy than men half his age. But theres a lesser-known side to Lucas: hes a romantic, his former publicist says. I dont think many people you speak to will describe him like that. Its a side of Lucas likely born in his uncles restaurant, where as a starry-eyed kid he fell under the allure of towering cakes, croquembouches and ice sculptures, in what felt like a fancy show he couldnt afford. Back at Batard, it comes through in the light cast by the hanging lanterns outside, which beckon diners to escape from the chaos of Melbournes CBD. It draws their gaze to the sparkling Parisian chandelier centrepiece of the restaurants first floor, and blares through speakers on its ceiling, where Nat King Cole sings Love was made for me and you Lucas has become the curator of his own fantasy and hell step on anyone who tries to take it from him. Crisis support is available 24/7 from Lifeline (13 11 14). The author dined at Maison Batard as a guest of the Lucas Collective. Advertisement Analysis NationalVictoriaNaked City Who planted the seeds of hate? John Silvester February 13, 2026 12:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The undeniable reality is there has been a dangerous increase in antisemitism, but the real question is why there is antisemitism at all. Why do some people think it is OK to hate Jews? This will be the fundamental question for the federal royal commissioner Virginia Bell, a former High Court judge, following Decembers Bondi massacre, in which 15 people were murdered because of their religion. Flower tributes at the footbridge where the Bondi shootings took place. Oscar Colman Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dithered for weeks as prominent Jews, independent legal figures and sporting identities signed petitions urging a judicial inquiry. If only he had an experienced attorney-general who intimately understood the issues. But wait, he had one, in the extremely competent Mark Dreyfus, a Jew. Three of his great-grandparents died in the Holocaust. Advertisement Dreyfus lost his position in a factional arm wrestle. In politics, numbers beat knowledge every time. The government introduced beefed-up hate crime laws that some fear could limit free speech. Perhaps if existing and powerful incitement-to-commit crime laws had been used earlier, we would not now be trying to bandage a septic wound. Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus in parliament speaking about the Bondi attack. Alex Ellinghausen I have been asked why I am writing a column on such a complex issue. But it is not complex. It is a hatred based on nothing no science, no facts, just lies. And it is only when those not involved get involved will there be the slightest chance of any meaningful change. While Australian Jews are a minority, they are a powerful minority with a strong voice in politics, the law, the arts, the media and the economy. Advertisement Usually, the latest group of migrants is the victim of discrimination, but the Jews are old school with deep Australian heritage. The first wave from Eastern Europe arrived in the 1930s. The prejudice cant be based on population numbers or a fear they will overwhelm the status quo. The 2021 census recorded 116,967 people who identified as Jewish in 49,040 households, which is 0.46 per cent of the national population (155,000 with Jewish heritage). Pound for pound, people from a Jewish background have done more to drive progress in modern Australia than any other minority. And havent they been punished for it. Let us look at the foundations of antisemitism built on the shifting sands of hate. As always, it is driven by the inadequate who need someone to blame for their miserable lives. Advertisement Adolf Hitler built a regime on the theory the Jews were to blame for everything eliminate them, and you eliminate Germanys problems. Editor's pick Real life Nazis at the door: The night my family was torn apart, and how their town honoured them No one is born a bigot, and it took Hitler years to cultivate the seeds of hate. The internet has become a toxic greenhouse to accelerate the process. You can be critical of the actions of Israel without being antisemitic, for an accountant in Caulfield is not responsible for war crimes in Gaza. To vandalise a Melbourne synagogue because of policies hatched in Tel Aviv makes as much sense as attacking an American doughnut van at the MCG because you dont like Donald Trump. Demonstrations opposing the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog show how legitimate protest and illegitimate prejudice can exist in the one crowd. Advertisement Antisemitism is nothing new. William Shakespeare pandered to it with the character Shylock, a vicious and scheming Jewish money lender in the Merchant of Venice. Jews have been blamed for everything from the black plague to worldwide economic depression. Even the COVID vaccine was said to be a Jewish conspiracy. In the spirit of Monty Pythons famous skit What have the Romans Ever Done for us? we ask: what have the Jews ever done for us? Myth: They have loyalty to their faith, not their country. Fact: Australias greatest soldier was Sir John Monash, a Jew. In the Great War he was one of the few generals to regard his troops as more than cannon fodder, and saw the futility of charges against machinegun nests. Advertisement Lieutenant Leonard Keysor, VC. Australian War Memorial A civil engineer, he was not bogged down by outdated military strategy and became loved by his troops and respected by fellow generals. He would become head of the State Electricity Commission, which trained thousands of technicians, and was a driving force in the building of the Shrine of Remembrance. One of the soldiers at Gallipoli along with Monash was Leonard Keysor, a Jew with a big heart and a strong arm. During the Battle of Lone Pine when the Turks threw grenades at the Australians, he picked them up and threw them back. He was awarded a Victoria Cross. Advertisement Australia has 102 VC winners. One was Ben Roberts-Smith, who a judge has found is a war criminal and murderer. He was exposed by two journalists, Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters. McKenzie is, by a considerable distance, Australias greatest peacetime journalist. In his book on the Roberts-Smith case, Crossing the Line, he wonders in print if his intensity is partially driven from his family background as the son of a Polish Jew, whose resting state was one of constant worry. After World War II, it was decided to add a memorial at the Shrine for the fallen. In a competition to design the memorial forecourt, the co-winner was Jewish architect Ernest Milston, who served in World War I. Another Jewish soldier/architect was Gordon Keesing. After serving on the Western Front, he was assigned as principal architect for war graves and was a major contributor to the memorials at Gallipoli, which has become Australias Jerusalem. Nahum Barnet was a prodigious Melbourne architect who designed Her Majestys Theatre, and it was said: There was not a street in the Melbourne central business district where a Barnet building could not be found. Advertisement Myth: Jews make money for Jews. The Myer family founded Australias greatest retail institution. Its CBD store pulled millions into the city and its suburban outlets helped establish shopping hubs such as Chadstone and Northland. It provided thousands of jobs, including casual ones for students. In high school, I worked at Northland in the record bar and had a short stint in small electronics. It was at this time I discovered the art of forgery. When a disgruntled customer returned with a dodgy electric fan I offered him a refund, and as the returns office was closed, I wrote a note as proof and asked him to come back to me the next day. Advertisement Sadly, he went directly to the refund office with the note, which read: IOU $29.95, signed Ken Myer. I was called into the boss office and told: I think you have a great future, but it wont be in retail. At Christmas, there are two great Melbourne traditions: the Myer window display and Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The Myer family has for 100 years been leaders in philanthropy. When Sidney died in 1934, 100,000 people attended his funeral. Myth: Jews are criminals. Fact: Jews are underrepresented in the prison population, and I have yet to read a report of Hebrew youths committing home invasions. You dont need a machete bin outside a synagogue. Myth: Jewish people exaggerate antisemitism in Australia. Advertisement Related Article Bondi shooting Jewish solidarity will overcome terrorists division, Herzog says Fact: Throughout history, Jewish communities have tried to hunker down and survive periods of hate until it is too late, and they have been herded to their deaths. It is called the oldest hatred. Neo-Nazi Hugo Lennon has declared himself responsible for putting up Aussie posters in Melbourne of one of the Bondi gunmen. You, sir, are a peanut, and we will see if you are heroic when you are charged, and hopefully incarcerated. These homegrown Nazis are inadequate individuals using cheap outrage for attention. They call themselves patriots, failing to understand that generations of true Australian patriots fought wars against racists like them. There is imported hatred, a symptom of flawed immigration policies that allowed a stubborn minority to cling to the old, fail to assimilate, and snipe at their new country (while embracing its welfare system). Advertisement Between 1947 and 1952, Australia accepted 170,000 displaced persons (refugees) from Europe. They were given a character test and had to undertake to work for two years in a job assigned by the government. In Australias greatest engineering achievement, the Snowy Mountain Scheme, migrants outnumbered those born in Australia and the locals gained massively from exposure to foreign cultures. Former enemies worked together English was the accepted language and they were judged on what they did, not where they came from. They became known as Snowy People. For them, From the river to the sea is a tale of achievement, not bigotry. Myth: I am not antisemitic, so it isnt my problem. Fact: Yes, it is. Oswald Mosley was privileged and charismatic, and considered a potential British prime minister. Instead, he modelled himself on Hitler, establishing the British Union of Fascists. Advertisement On October 4, 1936, 3000 of Mosleys Blackshirts planned to march through Londons Jewish quarter. They were blocked by 50,000 people: Jews, Irish dock workers, sailors and the politically aware. The fascists were defeated. The day after the Bondi massacre, I went to the local synagogue with a bunch of flowers. I needed Google Maps to find it. Next door was a kindergarten. Those kids have yet to learn they will spend their lives looking over their shoulders. I pressed the intercom button. A lady and a man came to the door, and I handed over the flowers. I didnt mention Bondi. I didnt need to. Their thanks were sincere, their smiles were broad and their eyes moist. Sometimes it is the little things. John Silvester lifts the lid on Australias criminal underworld. Subscribers can sign up to receive his Naked City newsletter every Thursday. Cotality real estate expert Tim Lawless believes Perths rental markets are broken but says the housing supply outlook has picked up with a solid upswing in approvals and a flow through to commencements. Speaking at the Urban Development Institute of Australia WA housing market outlook event, Cotality Asia-Pacific research head Tim Lawless said higher established housing prices should help to support project feasibilities in the face of high construction costs. But costs are still rising and labour scarcity persists, he said. If you look at dwelling approvals across the nation you will see that three states really stand out. Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia are leading the trend in commencements. But the national vacancy rate is around 1.7 per cent compared to the vacancy rate in Perth which sits at around 1.2 per cent. He added that Perth unit prices have been consistently rising faster than houses since 2024. Only 17 per cent of commencements in Perth are in the high density sector which is among the lowest rates in the nation. However, there are still a lot more places that are more unaffordable than Perth, he said. Lawless said the lower quartile of the market is consistently showing a stronger growth trend due to stiff competition from first home buyers, investors and mainstream demand. Investor demand remains strong and is overtaking subsequent buyers as the largest portion of housing demand, he said. First home buyer activity has diminished to be roughly in line with the national average. Lawless also believes another rate hike is on the cards and expects it to come around August. Advertisement NationalWACourts Youre not a good shot: Perth bikie sentenced after laughable daylight street shooting Hannah Murphy February 13, 2026 6:15pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Perth bikie who jailed over a daylight shooting was clearly inexperienced and not a good shot when he took aim at a rival motorcycle gang member, according to a magistrate. Joshua Hadomi Da Cruz Joaquim was sentenced to six years and 10 months in jail in Perth District Court on Friday, charged with firing a gun and unauthorised possession of a firearm over the 2023 incident in Baldivis. Loading The court was told Da Cruz Joaquim drove in a convoy of four vehicles to Amazon Drive around 3pm on October acting on an instruction they received through text: Get that c---, and do it properly. The men approached the home in their cars and boxed in an Uber the intended target was about to enter, before Da Cruz Joaquim exited the front passenger door and fired about six times at the man. Advertisement In court on Friday, Judge Lindsay Fox was scathing of Da Cruz Joaquims marksmanship. Purely from the footage, you give the impression of being an inexperienced shooter, Fox said. You seem to slightly struggle with the recoil of the firearm when firing the first two or three shots. Your arm appears to be forced down after each shot. Your stance doesnt impress me as someone whos had any proper training with firearms. You did not hit [the victim], even at that short range, being the width of the road and the verge, before he jumped the fence. It can be a hard thing to hit a moving target but the fact that you did not [hit] the victim was not for want of trying on your part. Fox pointed out that while the men all fled the scene shortly after the incident, Da Cruz Joaquim sent texts bragging about the incident. Advertisement Related Article Crime Laughable: Police release shocking footage of Baldivis bikie drive-by shooting He said it was not clear Da Cruz Joaquim fully grasped the seriousness of what he had done. Im not entirely convinced that you truly appreciate how serious it is to fire six rounds from a pistol when you are not a good shot, in a suburban street in the middle of the afternoon, Fox said. You and your associates certainly set out to harm [the victim] at the very least, but you also couldnt care less about anyone else in the process. He was sentenced to six years and 10 months jail, backdated to October last year. Advertisement Da Cruz Joaquim is one of three men who were charged over the shoot-out, which was characterised at the time as laughable by police. Acting Gang Crime Squad boss, Detective Senior Sergeant Bevan Roe said at the time that footage of the incident was unintentionally funny. If it wasnt such a serious incident youd probably describe some aspects as laughable, he said. It [was] pretty chaotic it [was] not a highly coordinated or surgical attack in any way, this is just four car loads of bad guys firing shots in a suburban street. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. For Danielle Dalvi, buying a house in Marrickville is a dream come true. We used to come to Marrickville to do op shopping and visit the Vietnamese restaurants but I thought it was a bit out of reach, Dalvi said. We had been looking for six months. I was getting a bit overwhelmed. Danielle Dalvi bought an unrenovated three-bedroom cottage in Marrickville in 2025. Credit: Edwina Pickles She and her partner, Khalil, were keen to move on from the one-bedroom apartment in Eveleigh they shared with their baby. And their eyes were firmly fixed on the popular inner west suburb. In January 2025, the couple secured an unrenovated, single-storey three-bedroom cottage in the heart of Marrickville. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Women-only itineraries may soon no longer be a niche product. Across the global travel industry, operators are expanding all-female departures in response to sustained growth and rising demand. Then theres the fact that when it comes to travel, women make more than 80 per cent of decisions, according some sets of data analysed by Virtuoso, a global network of agencies that specialise in luxury travel. It also reports that 71 per cent of its solo travellers are women. An Inspiring Vacations train journey through a Sri Lankan tea plantation. Its little wonder operators such as Intrepid Travel have set up women-only programs, alongside long-established specialists including AdventureWomen and Wild Women Expeditions. Australian tour operator Inspiring Vacations is the latest to launch this kind of product. Titled Inspired Women, its a new collection of women-only small group tours across India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea. Advertisement Analysis WorldAsiaPrabowo Subianto Albanese says no country is more important to Australia than Indonesia. Is this really true? Zach Hope February 14, 2026 9:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australia-Indonesia relations are the strongest in 30 years. So says Anthony Albanese when he, repeatedly, evokes the days of Paul Keating and the late Indonesian leader Suharto, implicitly transposing that uniquely close bond of the mid-1990s to his own budding friendship with Indonesias modern-day hardman, Prabowo Subianto. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Jakarta last week. EPA There is a basis for the prime ministers enthusiasm. It is called the Treaty on Common Security, a vague agreement inked in Jakarta last week against the geopolitical backdrop of a rising, pugnacious China and a vengeful United States. In the event of adverse challenges, the text says, both nations will consider measures which might be taken either individually or jointly. Albanese described it as historic. Prabowo couched it as good neighbourliness. Advertisement The view from some in Indonesia is that it doesnt go much further than the Lombok Treaty of 2006 and the Defence Co-operation Agreement of 2024; that it was the Australians who wanted it to be called a treaty because it sizzles more than the word agreement. Related Article Opinion Foreign relations Why Indonesias worrying shift is hard to ignore Zach Hope South-East Asia correspondent Even so, Albanese has Prabowo engaged and looking south, which is a big deal for an Australian prime minister. Since 1999, when Australia supported East Timors independence, the bilateral relationship has been marked by periods of scandal, indifference and frustration. The government is right to say that bilateral relations with Indonesia are on a firmer footing than in the past, says Susannah Patton, a South-East Asia expert at the Lowy Institute. What was previously a rollercoaster relationship has been stable for about the past 10 years, without a major crisis. Advertisement But with two such vastly different neighbours and world outlooks, she says: Its inevitable that there will be downturns in future. Critics accuse Prabowo, an ex-special forces commander once blacklisted by the Americans for human rights abuses, of continuing his predecessors democratic backsliding. Meanwhile, Transparency Internationals latest corruption perceptions index, released on Tuesday, has Indonesia slipping 10 places since last year to 109th out of a total of 182 nations. None of this can trouble Albanese too much, however, or he would hardly be able to deal with any South-East Asian nation, not to mention the US. Trade between the two nations is on the agenda and while it is improving, its hardly booming. Indonesias 290 million citizens are right next door, yet it has only just broken into Australias top-10 two-way partners. Indonesias economic fortunes are rising with a bullet. Over the next 15 years or so, it is predicted to rise from being the worlds 17th biggest economy to the top five. Advertisement Related Article Indonesia Defence treaty will see more Australian military on Indonesian soil Echoing Keating, Albanese, in his post-signing statement last week, went again to the mantra that No country is more important to Australia. But is this really true? Professor Marcus Mietzner, from the ANU, says its not borne out in the statistics. Under the surface of the enthusiastic rhetoric, the economic relationship remains structurally underdeveloped, he says. Indonesia literacy in Australia is the lowest in decades, he says. Albanese and Prabowo are both doing a good job in upholding the day-to-day and ceremonial side of the relationship, and they deserve credit for that. Advertisement But the fundamentals that is, where money is spent and on what are best reflected in trade, investment and the core of defence relations, which for Australia remains intertwined with the US, not Indonesia. The signing comes months after Australia formalised the Pukpuk Treaty a mutual defence pact with Papua New Guinea, which, though unlikely, could cause problems with Indonesia. The simmering conflict between the Indonesian military and separatists just over the porous PNG border spilled into public view just this week when Free Papua Movement rebels attacked a convoy of miner PT Freeport, killing an Indonesian soldier, according to the Indonesian government. Separately, an Indonesian pilot and a co-pilot were chased into the forest and killed by unknown gunmen this week in Papua only about 100 kilometres from Australias newest ally. It is conceivable that clashes involving the Indonesian military could spill into PNG. Asked about such a scenario at his press conference in Jakarta last week, Albanese deflected, saying Australia respected both Indonesias and PNGs sovereignties. Advertisement In some ways, we wont really know the value of the treaty until there is a crisis. Susannah Patton, South-East Asia expert at the Lowy Institute The trip to the palace was Albaneses second since Prabowos inauguration in October 2024 and the welcoming ceremony was another grand and expensive gesture reflective of the leaders rapport. Prabowo has what seems a genuine affection for Australia. As a young man, he trained at Duntroon in Canberra. He talks about Australian wharfies 1945 boycott of Dutch ships during Indonesias fight for independence. When he was in Sydney last year, Indonesian media were tickled by the fact that he called his Australian counterpart Albo. Still, Australia perhaps should not feel too special about the love. Unlike the previous president Joko Widodo, Prabowo is a globe-trotter testing the limits of Indonesias tradition of non-alignment. He likes the line, 1000 friends are too few, and one enemy is too many, and he has been cultivating deeper ties with nations such as Russia and China at the same time as Australia. Advertisement The friend Prabowo really wants to add to his list, however, is Donald Trump. After more than a year trying to curry favour with the US president, and with a tariff deal hanging over his head, Prabowo joined Indonesia to Trumps Board of Peace, causing problems at home from powerful Islamist groups who view the initiative as a means to Israels ends in Gaza. Related Article Trump diplomacy We do not have a plan B: Is Trumps Board of Peace destined to fail? This week, Indonesia said it could send as many as 8000 peacekeeping troops to Gaza, the only country so far to put forward a number since the boards formation last month. Prabowo will attend its first meeting in Washington, DC, on February 19. Maybe hell finally get his sit-down with Trump. Prabowos relationship with Albanese sits within his broader push to raise Indonesias heft to a level befitting the third-largest democracy in the world. Exactly how the new treaty with Australia, which is not an alliance, might play out in real-world scenarios is not spelled out in the text. This is intentional so that neither country is locked into a move it regrets. Advertisement Patton, from Lowy, says it has a brittle foundation on the Indonesian side because it comes top-down from Prabowo (as is his style) and lacks strong buy-in from the bureaucracy. That could limit efforts to use the treaty to catalyse other co-operation, but its still better to have the agreement than not, she says. If there were crises over Taiwan or in the South China Sea, she says, Australia could argue it should be at the front of the queue with Indonesia to discuss a common response. I think thats an important consideration, even if we accept that Indonesia is unlikely to respond the same way to these crises as Australia because there is a risk that Indonesia could make decisions that would be adverse to Australian or US interests, she says. In some ways, we wont really know the value of the treaty until there is a crisis. Thrown together by geography and timing, the lefty raised by a single mum in Sydney council flats and the lectern-thumping military man are solid. At least for now. COLOMBO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Board of Investment (BOI) said on Friday it will fast-track approvals for foreign investment applications worth over one billion U.S. dollars in the mineral resources sector, as the country implements new regulations under the cabinet-approved National Mineral Policy. The BOI said it has received investment requests totaling about 1 billion U.S. dollars from 14 foreign investors focused on the mineral sands industry. The projects cover mineral exploration, processing and value addition, supporting Sri Lanka's push to expand its industrial base as the economy recovers, according to the BOI. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaMissing person An elderly mother in peril, a masked intruder, an agonised celebrity: Why Americans cant look away Jesse McKinley February 13, 2026 3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A It is the crime drama that Americans cannot look away from. The apparent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of the television personality Savannah Guthrie, has commanded outsize public attention since her disappearance nearly two weeks ago, suffusing the national psyche even amid a torrent of other news. Networks and news media outlets have covered the twists of the case in day-by-day, sometimes hour-by-hour detail, as Guthries homestead near Tucson, Arizona, has become a focus of internet sleuths and a televised shrine. Savannah Guthrie (left) and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, on the NBCs Today show set in 2023. Getty US President Donald Trump has promised the complete disposal of law enforcement resources to solve the case, adding an all-caps prayer for her safety on February 4: GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! Advertisement In many ways, the interest in the case can be traced to a confluence of factors that have captured the publics imagination and tapped into their fears: a vulnerable victim, taken out of a seemingly safe home; an unknown perpetrator, seen lurking in a mask; and a celebrity whose agonised pleas are broadcast around the world. Were fascinated by evildoers, said veteran media critic Jack Shafer, noting the nations past obsessions with kidnapping cases such as the Lindbergh baby. And then you add the celebrity quotient, and it starts to go through the roof. Loading For a nation with an unceasing appetite for true-crime podcasts and fictional police procedurals, the interest in the Guthrie case may not be surprising. Still, some elements have set it apart, including the universality, and relatability, of the victim: an elderly mother in peril. Guthrie is 84, and in need of medication and help walking. She lived alone and was dropped off at her house before being reported missing on February 1. Authorities believe she was kidnapped. And on Tuesday, the FBI and the local sheriffs office released video and still images of the suspect, taken by Guthries doorbell camera, wearing a ski mask and a backpack, trying to block the cameras view. Advertisement The drama has been enhanced by the raw emotion displayed by Savannah Guthrie, a cohost of Today, NBCs long-running morning show. Such programs sometimes thrive on a hosts acknowledgment of personal struggles or concerns Katie Couric getting a colonoscopy on camera in 2000, for example, after losing her husband to cancer in moments that cement bonds with viewers. And the juxtaposition of Guthries sunny television persona and her agonised pleas for her mothers safe return have proved to be riveting: videos that seem perfectly formatted for television viewers and for online consumption and addressed to both the public who might furnish leads to crack the case and to the potential kidnappers. Loading Its too much to bear, wrote Hoda Kotb, a former Today host who posted a Guthrie family video on Instagram, and is substituting for Guthrie during her absence. Please bring her home. Photos of a smiling Nancy Guthrie playing mahjong or sitting with Savannah Guthrie have ricocheted around the internet, with sympathetic fans noting the similarity to their own parents or grandparents. Advertisement Danielle C. Slakoff, an associate professor of criminal justice at California State University, Sacramento, who has studied why some crimes become newsworthy, said the parasocial connection between Savannah Guthrie and her audience was real and intense. People care deeply for Savannah, as well as other celebrities, Slakoff said. So I think for something to happen to her mum is very shocking and devastating to a lot of people. Loading For some victims families, the trauma of a high-profile crime, and the attention it brings, is overwhelming. But Slakoff said the Guthrie familys videos had been masterful at humanising Nancy for the public. Its very, very, very difficult what this family is going through right now, Slakoff said. And so I actually think, in this instance, Savannah likely benefits from her training and knowing that she can speak to the camera and feel comfortable. Advertisement Allison M. Alford, author of the forthcoming non-fiction book Good Daughtering, said Guthries unfiltered expressions of love and worry for her mother have also resonated with some women who have complicated relationships with their own mothers. She is all-in on saying: this person is so important to me, Alford said, I dropped everything in my life, Ill give all my money. And its not a man. And it is not a child. It is her mum. And she gives the rest of us permission to care that much about our mums. Savannah Guthrie with her mother, Nancy, in 2019. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Kidnapping is a crime that seems to affect an innate, if perverse, fascination because of its inherent suspense. Until solved, there is still hope of a positive outcome, said Coltan Scrivner, a behavioural scientist at Arizona State University and the author of Morbidly Curious: A Scientist Explains Why We Cant Look Away. Cases such as Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City in 2002, only to escape nine months later, or Jaycee Dugard, who was found alive in 2009, 18 years after her kidnapping in South Lake Tahoe, California, have captured wide attention. Generations before, in 1932, the Lindbergh case ended in tragedy with the discovery of the body of the aviators child in the woods near the family home, dominating all other news. Advertisement Shafer added that this case was especially resonant for older viewers who are major consumers of cable news, and who might relate to the plight of the octogenarian Guthrie. Mother Guthrie is in her dotage, probably trusting, in a safe environment, he said. And this heinous thing happens to her. Related Article Missing person We will pay: US TV host Savannah Guthries new plea for mothers return Nancy Guthries race as a white woman could also be a factor in the attention the case is getting. Some studies have found that white victims are more likely to be seen as sympathetic and more likely to have lasting press attention, a phenomenon first coined as missing white woman syndrome by the late journalist Gwen Ifill, who was black. Unlike some other recent major events, such as the Charlie Kirk assassination or the Epstein files, the Nancy Guthrie case has, for the most part, not provoked political divisions in social media feeds. And Shafer said its also possible, in a strange way, that the Guthrie case, and hopes for a happy ending, might be offering a distraction from the incessant drumbeat of political and other news. Advertisement Spring Duvall, an associate professor of communication and media studies at Salem College and the coauthor of Snatched: Child Abductions in US News Media, with Leigh Moscowitz, said cases involving a crime in the sanctity of our homes were especially upsetting for people. Cases where the home is violated tap into a really deep sense of fear and vulnerability, she said. In an age in which a profusion of surveillance cameras and cop shows has seemingly made finding culprits quicker and easier, the lag between Guthries disappearance and a denouement has been striking to some. Duvall agreed that the daily drip of information about the case has heightened the mystery, even as conspiracies and theories have promulgated, in many cases in good-faith efforts to solve the crime. But the longer the case remains open, she said, the dialogue might become more toxic, as people seek to place blame. Advertisement Scrivner said he believed cases such as Nancy Guthries were compelling because they shattered the natural sense of security that living a fairly normal life, a safe life often confers, suggesting that maybe the world is more dangerous at times than we think it is. Extreme misfortune can still befall them, Scrivner said, of families such as the Guthries, adding: Those kinds of things tend to sort of tickle the vigilance mechanisms of our mind. They break through the noise. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Missing person USA Crime Tragedy For subscribers Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Shes there on the sidelines in the most damning of photographs the one in which the disgraced pariah once known as Prince Andrew has his arm sleazily slung round the bare waist of a teenage girl. And in the notorious shot of him lying across the laps of five women at Sandringham, hers is the only female face not redacted. Ghislaine Maxwell, scion of The Mirror newspaper dynasty, who once partied with supermodels and graced the pages of Tatler, makes for an oddly detached presence in these pictures. With sharp features and a mannish mop of hair, she could almost be mistaken for a bystander as she hovers in the background. Almost, but for the half-smile of pride on her rather thin lips, as she witnesses each squalid mise-en-scene engineered for the monstrous sexual gratification of billionaire paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. The then Prince Andrew with Virginia Roberts Giuffre (centre) in 2001 and Jeffrey Epsteins then personal assistant, Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell fixer, procurer and enforcer extraordinaire was no bit player. Court documents and the slew of newly released material build a picture of a woman so slavishly dedicated to her co-conspirator that she was willing to exploit, abuse and destroy lives to gain his approval. According to the US Department of Justice (DoJ), one victim was 14 years old, with recently released papers also alleging a girl aged just nine was abused. In her heartbreaking posthumous memoir, Nobodys Girl, Virginia Giuffre told how she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor when she was just 17. Advertisement In marrow-chilling detail, she described how she was initially preyed upon by apex predator Maxwell. A smiling, well-dressed woman with a reassuring accent that reminded her of Mary Poppins approached her, suggesting she could get a job as a masseuse. After being invited to Epsteins house at just 16, where she found herself coerced into a threesome in which the two adults laughed at her little-girl knickers, Maxwell took over her training. It was everything down to how to give a blow job, how to be quiet, be subservient, give Jeffrey what he wants, she later said. Now 64, Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence in the US for child sex-trafficking and other offences. She is currently trying to negotiate a bizarre deal for clemency in exchange for exonerating US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton. Epstein and Maxwell were long-time companions. She was convicted of recruiting young women for him. AP Meanwhile, her name and her face crop up daily as the media pores over the latest damning dossier of fresh evidence. Not only did Maxwell traffic and take an active part in the degradation of vulnerable teenage girls, she also handed them over to a cabal of wealthy, powerful men who passed them around like they were the disposable spoils of privilege. And with every appalling story, the same question resurfaces: just how did a woman born into British high society, a privately-educated Oxbridge graduate with prospects and connections, end up as part accomplice, part puppet master in these most heinous of crimes? Advertisement Those who know her say the seeds were sown long before her path crossed that of Epstein, and she fell into the thrall of this manipulative outlier whose shadowy business dealings had made him an equally opaque fortune. It was, they believe, a case of history repeating itself, only this time as an out-and-out tragedy. The neglected daddys girl became a sugar daddys girl, desperate to please, even if it meant facilitating Epsteins twisted and abhorrent urges. When she was first on trial, I thought it was a spectacular fall from grace. In my wildest dreams, I couldnt have imagined how deeply and how much further she could fall, says journalist Anna Pasternak, who moved in the same social circles as Maxwell in 1980s Oxford, where they both grew up and later studied. A court sketch of Maxwell giving evidence to a New York court in June 2022. AP These girls were non-people to her, which is why they could be trafficked and they could be abused. It is so abhorrent and so at odds with the smiling, glossy-haired, social girl that I would encounter at parties. We were never friends. I just knew her as an air-kissing acquaintance, who would always be looking over your shoulder to spot somebody who was richer and more useful usually a man. Among those who knew her at that time, the consensus seems to be that Maxwell came across as entitled. She was self-possessed, gushing and charming, but also calculating a consummate hostess who instinctively gravitated towards the most important guests in any room. Those who knew her also say she was emotionally guarded. Advertisement Pasternak was younger than Maxwell. Both families lived in Oxford, and Pasternaks sister went to prep school with Maxwells brothers, Kevin and Ian, who lived in the grandeur of Headington Hill Hall. In those days, the fearsome reputation of patriarch Robert Maxwell led some observers to feel sympathy for poor, little Maxwell, awash with luxury, but starved of love. I think the tyrannical behaviour of Ghislaines father fostered a ruthless survival instinct in her, Pasternak reflects. She learned to look after those who could be useful and trampled everyone else underfoot. In Robert, the very worst of blueprints was laid down. The former MP and self-made media tycoon was a loud, aggressive bully. An arriviste, who was deemed to have money but no class, he strove to be accepted by Britains elite, weaponising his charm to court politicians and members of the establishment. The parallel with Brooklyn-born Epstein is impossible to ignore except in the American billionaires case, Maxwell had an extraordinary contacts book of the famous and influential that would benefit him. The youngest of nine children, Maxwell was ostensibly Roberts favourite child, but that was no bar to being punished and bullied by him. Yet instead of driving her away, it fuelled her need to gain his approval. Maxwell and her parents, Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell, at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival. Getty Images Advertisement Shortly after she was born, Maxwells brother suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident, aged 15, which left him in a coma until his death seven years later. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, a dark pall was cast over the already dysfunctional family, and her parents took no interest in their new child until she asserted herself. In her mothers memoir, A Mind of My Own, one anecdote about Maxwell seems to sum her up: Aged three, she planted herself in front of me and said simply, Mummy, I exist, her mother, Elisabeth, wrote. I was devastated and, from that day on, we all made a great effort with her, fussing over her so much that she became spoiled. Maxwell was dispatched to boarding school at age eight, which rather contradicts claims she was cosseted. Indeed, a former colleague of her father, journalist and broadcaster Anne Robinson, once reflected on Maxwells early life, She had a horrendous childhood she lacked goals she just went from one strongminded man to another. A shiny glamazon with naughty eyes Later, at Marlborough College, alma mater of the Princess of Wales, sources say Maxwell was popular, sporty and socially ambitious like her father, she was acutely conscious of status. She went on to Balliol College, Oxford, where it was widely assumed she had gained her place thanks to a generous donation by her father rather than academic merit. Here, she blossomed into a social butterfly. Fellow student Rachel Johnson remembered her as something of a livewire, A shiny glamazon with naughty eyes holding court astride a table. Others recollect how she would flirt with Johnsons brother, future prime minister Boris Johnson. But even as a young adult, Robert Maxwell was a controlling force, and Ghislaine was never permitted to take boyfriends home. Advertisement Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America The best thing that could happen: Trump hints at change in power in Iran Konstantin Toropin , Aamer Madhani and Jon Gambrell February 14, 2026 10:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Washington: President Donald Trump has said that a change in power in Iran would be the best thing that could happen as the US administration weighs whether to take military action against Tehran. Trump made the comments on Friday (US time) shortly after visiting with troops in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and after he confirmed earlier in the day that hes deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Mideast for potential military action against Iran. It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen, Trump said in an exchange with reporters when asked about pressing for the ouster of the Islamic clerical rule in Iran. For 47 years, theyve been talking and talking and talking. President Donald Trump speaking to US troops in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. AP Trump said earlier that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, is being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East to join other warships and military assets the US has built up in the region. The planned deployment comes just days after Trump suggested another round of talks with the Iranians was at hand. Those negotiations didnt materialise as one of Tehrans top security officials visited Oman and Qatar this week and exchanged messages with U.S. intermediaries. Advertisement In case we dont make a deal, well need it, Trump told reporters about the second carrier. He added, Itll be leaving very soon. Already, Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Iranians are beginning to hold 40-day mourning ceremonies for the thousands killed in Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, adding to the internal pressure faced by the sanctions-battered Islamic Republic. Related Article Protests How Iran crushed a citizen uprising with lethal force The Ford, whose new deployment was first reported by The New York Times, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. US forces have already shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a US-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. It is a quick turnaround for the Ford, which Trump sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration built up a huge military presence in the lead-up to the surprise raid last month that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement It also appears to be at odds with the Trump administrations national security and defence strategies, which put an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. In response to questions about the movement of the Ford, US Southern Command said US forces in Latin America will continue to counter illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere. While force posture evolves, our operational capability does not, Colonel Emanuel Ortiz, spokesperson for Southern Command, said in a statement. US forces remain fully ready to project power, defend themselves, and protect US interests in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, is being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. US NAVY The Ford strike group will bring more than 5,000 additional troops to the Middle East but few capabilities or weapons that dont already exist within the Lincoln group. Having two carriers will double the number of aircraft and munitions that are available to military planners and Trump. Advertisement Given the Fords current position in the Caribbean, it will likely be weeks before it is off the coast of Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program and earlier over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman a week ago, and Trump later warned Tehran that failure to reach an agreement with his administration would be very traumatic. Similar talks last year ultimately broke down in June as Israel launched what became a 12-day war on Iran that included the U.S. bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Asked by a reporter about the new negotiations, Trump said that I think theyll be successful. And if theyre not, its going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad. Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and said he insisted to Israels leader that negotiations with Iran needed to continue. Netanyahu is urging the administration to press Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and end its support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any deal. Advertisement Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Related Article Middle East tensions Whats in the massive armada Trump has heading towards Iran? The USS Ford, meanwhile, first set sail in late June 2025, which means the crew will soon have been deployed for eight months. While it is unclear how long the ship will remain in the Middle East, the move sets the crew up for an unusually long deployment. The Navys top officer, Admiral Daryl Caudle, told reporters last month that keeping the Ford longer at sea would be highly disruptive and that he was a big non-fan of extensions. Carriers are typically deployed for six or seven months. When it goes past that, that disrupts lives, it disrupts things ... funerals that were planned, marriages that were planned, babies that were planned, Caudle said. Advertisement He said extending the Ford would complicate its maintenance and upkeep by throwing off the schedule of repairs, adding more wear and tear, and increasing the equipment that will need attention. For comparison, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower had a nine-month deployment to the Middle East in 2023 and 2024, when it spent much of its time engaged with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The ship entered maintenance in early 2025 as scheduled, but it blew past its planned completion date of July and remains in the shipyard to this day. Caudle told The Associated Press in a recent interview that his vision is to deploy smaller, newer ships when possible instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report. AP Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Trump's America Iran sanctions Donald Trump PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten and Kadaster Netherlands, also representing the BES Islands Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, have taken another step toward strengthening regional cooperation in land administration and geospatial development with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Philipsburg. The agreement, signed by Kadaster St. Maarten Managing Director Benjamin Ortega and Cora Smelik, Member of the Executive Board of the Netherlands Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency (Kadaster Netherlands), reinforces the commitment to further investigate while executing various collaborative actions toward the establishment of the Caribbean Cadaster Association (CCA). The intended establishment of the CCA is understood to be a structured regional network to strengthen collaboration among Caribbean land registry and cadastral institutions. Through this partnership, participating territories seek to modernise land administration, support legal and policy development, improve geospatial data interoperability, and strengthen professional training and institutional capacity. The initiative also advances sustainable development, economic resilience, and responsible land management. The LOI signing builds on momentum from November 28, 2025, when a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was tabled at the Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) Caribbean Summit, hosted in St. Maarten. That agreement brought together the cadastral authorities of St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, Antigua and Barbuda, alongside Kadaster Netherlands, to formally launch the initiative to establish the CCA as a platform for cooperation, innovation, and professional advancement in cadastral and geospatial management. As Kadaster St. Maarten introduced this initiative, St. Maarten was selected as the inaugural Chair, leading the investigation and the next steps toward transitioning the CCA from a collaborative network to a formally incorporated regional association. The recently signed LOI further reinforces the shared commitment among participating institutions by outlining voluntary cooperation, knowledge exchange, training support, and continued institutional dialogue. While maintaining flexibility for each participating territory, the agreement enables partners to develop the CCA in a phased, collaborative manner, ensuring cooperation reflects both regional priorities and national capacities. Highlighting the importance of professional collaboration, Smelik said the value of knowledge exchange across institutions and jurisdictions, Knowledge exchange between professional organisations is crucial. This also applies to our field of land administration and geoinformation. We look forward to contributing to knowledge development in the Caribbean region, together with our colleagues on Saba, St. Eustatius, and Bonaire, and to learning a great deal from professionals in the region. I congratulate the Kadaster of St. Maarten, and Mr. Benjamin Ortega in particular, on this important initiative and look forward to concrete results. Smelik brings extensive experience in international cooperation, spatial policy, and public sector leadership. In addition to serving on the Executive Board of Kadaster Netherlands, she is a former diplomat and a former Regional Minister for the Province of Flevoland. She also serves as a board member of EuroGeographics and the National Benchmark Association, organisations that focus on strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing among mapping, cadastral, and land registry authorities across Europe. Ortega underscored the strategic importance of regional alignment as cadastral services continue to evolve through digital transformation. Digital transformation in land governance cannot happen in isolation. As Kadaster advances toward smarter systems, modern tools, and higher service standards, regional collaboration remains a critical foundation. The intended CCA creates a structured environment for aligning standards, sharing expertise, and collectively building capacity. By working together, we strengthen not only our institutions, but the resilience, transparency, and economic stability of the region. Ortega further highlighted that more Caribbean Countries are scheduled to participate in similar signings of LOIs within the near future, and this will be communicated to the greater public accordingly. Also present at the signing were Jonathon Charles, Operations Manager, and Austin Philips, Front Office Manager, who are both mortgage Custodians of Kadaster St. Maarten; Mathilde Molendijk, Program Manager Caribbean Netherlands at Kadaster Netherlands, who oversees Kadaster operations on Sint Eustatius, Saba, and Bonaire and has extensive experience in international GIS education and land administration initiatives. With the guiding principles of the CCA and the LOI reinforcing active engagement, Kadaster St. Maarten continues to play a leading role in advancing regional collaboration and modernising land governance for the benefit of current and future generations. PHILIPSBURG:---The Minister of Finance has officially launched the Transformation Tax Administration (TTA) Program, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, calling it a decisive and necessary step toward modernizing our systems, strengthening public trust, and safeguarding Sint Maartens financial future. The program forms part of the Country Packages for Sint Maarten, with the Netherlands represented by TWO (Temporary Work Organization) as a key partner in achieving the reform objectives. The Transformation Tax Administration Program is being funded through the Country Packages framework. This transformation is not optionalit is essential, the Minister stated during the internal launch session held with the full staff of the Tax Administration. A modern, effective tax administration is the backbone of a financially healthy country. Through this program, we are investing in integrity, efficiency, and service. Although officially launched this week, the TTA Program has been underway since 2021. Initial efforts focused on preparatory work, operational stabilization, early improvement initiatives, and the sourcing of a new integrated IT system. In mid-2024, new program management was appointed to strengthen governance and accelerate progress. Since then, the initiative has undergone an intensive planning and structuring phase, including scope clarification, realistic timeline development, strengthened governance arrangements, and the securing of financing. We have taken the time to build a solid foundation, the Minister explained. We now have a clear roadmap, approved direction, secured funding, and strengthened oversight. This gives us the confidence to formally move into full implementation. The official launch was an internal event exclusively for Tax administration employees, underscoring the Governments commitment to inclusive and transparent reform. During the session, Program Manager Candia Joseph and ICT Project Manager Judith Goudberg presented the detailed structure of the transformation program, outlining both the organizational and ICT components and the expected benefits for daily operations and taxpayer service. The TTA Program is built around two integrated pillars. The Organizational Transformation focused on strengthening governance, culture, service delivery, workforce capacity, leadership, and operational processes. The ICT Transformation aims to replace the current fragmented IT landscape with a modern, integrated tax system and taxpayer portal, enabling real-time data sharing, streamlined workflows, improved reporting, reduced manual tasks, and enhanced taxpayer service. While progress continues toward full IT replacement, interim improvementsreferred to as IST+ initiativesare being implemented to deliver practical short-term benefits in efficiency and service. Staff were actively engaged throughout the session, interacting digitally and providing input on key questions related to the transformation. This interactive format allowed employees to share perspectives, raise concerns, ask questions, and contribute ideas in real time. Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, Roxanne Howell, also addressed staff, noting that the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) will support the transformation program by providing specialized tax expertise and regional experience in implementing reform initiatives within tax administrations. She indicated that CARTACs first mission will be an assessment visit to determine how best to support the initiative. The Minister also confirmed that strengthening leadership remains a priority. The recruitment process for a new Head of the Tax Administration is currently ongoing, reflecting the Governments commitment to stable leadership and clear direction. Additionally, the government is examining options to consolidate the Tax Administration's departments, such as the Inspectorate and the Receivers Office, in a single location to improve collaboration and operational efficiency. Both the Minister and the Secretary General closed the session by encouraging all employees to use the transformation as an opportunity to shape the future of the Tax Administration. The engagement of our staff is critical, the Secretary General emphasized. This is your moment, the Minister told staff. Your voice matters in shaping the future of this institution. We want you to engage, to contribute, and to help build a Tax Administration that we can all be proud of. This is about ensuring fair taxation, stronger public finances, and long-term sustainability for Sint Maarten, the Minister concluded. We are making a necessary investment in the future of our country. PHILIPSBURG:--- In a historic first for cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, participated in a virtual introductory meeting on February 10 with Dutch Formateur and prospective Prime Minister Rob Jetten. This meeting was organized on the joint initiative of Sint Maarten, Curacao, and Aruba, and brough together brought together Prime Minister Michiel G. Eman of Aruba, Vice Prime Minister Shalten Hato of Curacao, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina of Sint Maarten, Formateur and incoming Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten and the new Director-General for Kingdom Relations Barbera Wolfensberger. The engagement marked the first introductory meeting of its kind involving the Caribbean countries in the formation process of a new Dutch Government, underscoring the importance of early dialogue and partnership within the Kingdom. Prime Minister Mercelina described the meeting as constructive and forward-looking. This historic introductory meeting represents an important step in reinforcing cooperation among the countries of the Kingdom. Meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding are essential to ensuring that the priorities of the Sint Maarten are recognized and addressed, said Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. Sint Maarten remains committed to working collaboratively on key areas such as economic resilience, sustainability, security, and education with priorities that directly affect the well-being and long-term development of our people. Following the meeting, another historic milestone was achieved as the Prime Ministers of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten jointly issued a formal lettermarking the first time the three leaders have collectively addressed a Dutch Formateur in this manner. In the letter, the three leaders congratulated the Formateur on his appointment and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and closer collaboration on shared priorities, including security, economic development, education, and sustainability. They also expressed their intention to organize a formal meeting of the four Prime Ministers of the Kingdom during a planned working visit to the Netherlands in the course of March. Prime Minister Mercelina highlighted the significance of this unified approach. For the first time, the three Caribbean Prime Ministers have jointly articulated a vision for the future of cooperation within the Kingdom. This unified approach reflects both the strength of our partnership and our shared responsibility to address the challenges facing our islands, Prime Minister Mercelina stated. We look forward to continued constructive engagement with the Government of the Netherlands and to building practical solutions that deliver tangible benefits for our people. The Government of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Kingdom and to advancing initiatives that promote sustainable development, economic diversification, and resilience for the people of Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Press Release from Business Wire: Calix, Inc. (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 LONDON & SAN JOSE, Feb 12, 2026 (BSW) - Today, Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) launched HomeOfficeIQ ?, a new value-added solution within SmartHome ? on the Calix Platform that enables service providers to drive stronger subscriber loyalty and new revenue opportunities. With this launch, HomeOfficeIQ adds cellular network failover managed through CommandIQ (R), giving providers a new way to protect critical connectivity during network outages beyond their control. Through the app, households can now manage and prioritize exactly which devices or networks remain connected, while maintaining continuous security with ProtectIQ (R) and the application and content controls of ExperienceIQ (R). Secure home internet connectivity is now critical for a growing share of households. According to a survey by Calix Market Insights, 37 percent of subscribers use their residential internet service for work, and more than 1 in 3 subscribers who have switched providers chose security services. This reinforces the expectation that connectivity must be secure to protect sensitive applications and critical workflows. For service providers, these needs represent an opportunity to drive average revenue per user (ARPU), as 35 percent of subscribers surveyed report receiving partial or full reimbursement for internet service from their employer. New HomeOfficeIQ capabilities and enhancements for SmartHome enable providers to deliver: -- Safe, secure connections during unavoidable network outages. HomeOfficeIQ quickly restores connectivity to critical and prioritized devices during outages, while keeping ProtectIQ active and applying the content controls of ExperienceIQ. Together, these ensure a safe, secure experience-helping safeguard video meetings, cloud-based applications, and other time-sensitive activities. HomeOfficeIQ is fully compatible with the award-winning Calix GigaSpire(R) portfolio. -- Personalized network controls over SSIDs or IoT devices for subscribers. When a cellular hotspot is activated leveraging HomeOfficeIQ, households can easily select and prioritize either multiple SSIDs or multiple devices. This helps ensure essential activities like work, school, or telehealth stay connected-giving households meaningful control over their network for the moments that matter most. -- Built-in CommandIQ promotions that boost engagement and drive adoption. Integrated directly into CommandIQ, promo and announcement tiles help providers promote new offers, share service updates, and educate users, increasing engagement and accelerating SmartHome adoption. CommandIQ recently earned the TMC 2025 Cybersecurity Excellence Award for advanced subscriber protection. Calix Success? is enabling service providers to confidently launch and maximize HomeOfficeIQwith a knowledge base article, playbook, and coursework in Calix University. Additionally, a live go-to-market Success webinar, Electronic Content Builder assets, and upcoming TAC TV content will help Calix customers further position HomeOfficeIQeffectively within their SmartHome offers. Ben Foster, president and chief executive officer atTwin Valley, said:"Calix is giving us a powerful way to differentiate our residential experiences and create real value for our customers. Adding HomeOfficeIQto our upcoming lifestyle-based offers builds on what SmartHome already delivers and reinforces why customers continue choosing Twin Valley. By keeping customers connected when it matters most, Calix is helping Twin Valley strengthen loyalty, support higher ARPU, and drive long-term, sustainable growth for our business." Shane Eleniak, chief product officer at Calix, said:"HomeOfficeIQreflects our commitment to helping service providers deliver secure, connected experiences for their subscribers-even during unavoidable outages. Now, HomeOfficeIQ will offer our customers a simple, new way to strengthen their residential offerings. With this launch, Calix continues to extend SmartHome innovation on the Calix Platform, helping providers further differentiate from competitors, build the trust that drives retention and ARPU, and create long-term value for their businesses and communities." Discover how HomeOfficeIQfor Calix SmartHome helps service providers protect subscribers against unavoidable outages. About Calix Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX)-Calix is an appliance-based platform, cloud and managed services company. Broadband experience providers leverage Calix's broadband platform, cloud and managed services to simplify their operations, subscriber engagement and services; innovate for their consumer, business and municipal subscribers; and grow their value for members, investors and the communities they serve. Our end-to-end platform and managed services democratize the use of data-enabling our customers of any size to operate efficiently, acquire subscribers and deliver exceptional experiences. Calix is dedicated to driving continuous improvement in partnership with our growing ecosystem to support the transformation of our customers and their communities. This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix's business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix's results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Calix and the Calix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Calix and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Calix's trademarks can be found at https://www.calix.com/legal/trademarks.html. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260212390035/en/ Contact Press Inquiries:Zach Burger669-369-1991[email protected] Investor Inquiries:Nancy Fazioli[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Align Partners Capital Management Inc. (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 SEOUL, Feb 13, 2026 (BSW) - Align Partners Capital Management Inc. ("Align Partners"), a shareholder of Gabia, Inc. ("Gabia" or the "Company"), has submitted formal shareholder proposals for inclusion in the agenda of Gabia's upcoming 27th Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and issued a call for strengthened governance practices to address the Company's persistent undervaluation. Align Partners noted that, as shareholder proposals will be presented at this year's AGM, Gabia should follow the Korea Exchange (KRX) Corporate Governance Key Indicators by publishing the AGM convocation notice at least four weeks prior to the meeting date. Align Partners emphasized that last year's AGM notice was issued only 16 days before the meeting, limiting shareholders' ability to adequately review the agenda and exercise informed voting rights. Gabia is widely recognized as a leading Korean IT services and cloud infrastructure company with solid operating performance. Despite these strengths, Align Partners believes the Company continues to trade at a substantial valuation discount. Based on the closing price on February 11, 2026, Align Partners estimates that the stand-alone enterprise value of Gabia's core business segments, excluding its listed subsidiaries, is approximately KRW 155.0 billion under a sum-of-the-parts ("SOTP") methodology. This implies a stand-alone last-twelve-month EV/EBITDA multiple of approximately 6.0x, significantly below the peer average of approximately 12.0x. Align Partners views this discount as structural and driven in part by shareholder value dilution arising from Gabia's multiple-listing structure. Align Partners stated that, despite prior requests for the Company to address this issue, Gabia's response has been insufficient. Accordingly, Align Partners has decided to proceed with formal shareholder proposals for the upcoming AGM. Align Partners submitted the following shareholder proposals for shareholder vote at the 2026 AGM: -- Approval of a cash dividend of KRW 180 per share. -- Election of directors to strengthen Board independence. Align Partners noted that three of the Company's four directors are affiliated with the controlling shareholder, limiting independent oversight. Align Partners nominated the following candidates:Bryce Jun (Vice President, Align Partners; former Morgan Stanley Investment Banking professional and M&A specialist) as a non-executive director.Se-Young Choi (Executive Vice President / CFO of INVENI; former Samil PwC finance professional) as an independent director. -- Approval of the CEO's compensation limit, with the objective of linking executive pay more closely to long-term performance and shareholder value creation. -- (Advisory proposal) Recommendation that the Company disclose director and executive compensation frameworks in a more detailed and transparent manner. Align Partners stated that these proposals are intended to improve governance oversight, enhance transparency, and restore investor confidence in Gabia's capital allocation discipline and long-term strategic direction. For additional details, including the full shareholder proposal, please visit www.alignpartnerscap.com. About Align Partners Capital Management Inc. is an investment company focused on Korea. Led by CEO Changhwan Lee, Align Partners leverages expertise in private equity and investment banking to engage with portfolio companies to address governance inefficiencies and the "Korea discount." https://www.alignpartnerscap.com/en/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260212023245/en/ Contact Align PartnersSunwoo Joo[email protected] +82-2-6956-8354 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Hot bots: AI agents create surprise dating accounts for humans Hong Kong, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 Computer science student Jack Luo is "the kind of person who'll build you a custom AI tool just because you mentioned a problem, then take you on a midnight ride to watch the city lights". At least that's how his artificial intelligence assistant describes him on MoltMatch -- a dating site on which machines do the flirting for humans, sometimes without their knowledge. The platform is the latest bizarre evolution of OpenClaw, an AI tool able to execute tasks that has both fascinated and spooked the tech world. While the prospect of a robot scrolling through reams of dating profiles may be appealing to some hoping to save time finding love, the experiment has also raised ethical concerns. An AFP analysis of the top profiles on MoltMatch found at least one example of a model's photos, taken from the internet, being used to create a fake profile without her consent. In Luo's case, the 21-year-old signed up for OpenClaw to use the tool as an assistant but had not expected it to take up the mantle of finding his soulmate without his direction by creating a MoltMatch profile. "Yes, I am looking for love," said the California-based student and startup founder. But the AI-generated profile "doesn't really show who I actually am, authentically". Users of OpenClaw -- created by an Austrian researcher in November to help organise his digital life -- download the tool, and connect it to generative AI models such as ChatGPT. They then communicate with their "AI agent" through WhatsApp or Telegram, as they would with a friend or colleague. Many users gush over the tool's futuristic abilities to send emails and buy things online, but others report an overall chaotic experience with added cybersecurity risks. - 'Perfect match' - A pseudo-social network for OpenClaw agents called Moltbook -- a Reddit-like site where AI chatbots converse -- has grabbed headlines recently. Elon Musk called it "the very early stages of the singularity", a term for the moment when human intelligence is overwhelmed by AI forever, although some have questioned to what extent humans are manipulating the content of the bots' posts. As buzz grew around Moltbook, programmers built the experimental dating site Moltmatch.com, allowing AI agents to "find their perfect match". The company Nectar AI then created its own version, called Moltmatch.xyz, on which agents interact with each other to seek partners for their human creators -- such as Luo. When Luo set up his OpenClaw agent, he said he "wanted to explore its capabilities" and instructed it to join Moltbook and other platforms. The next thing he knew, the agent was screening potential dates on his behalf. Luo has yet to score a match on the site, but that may turn out to be a relief. At least one of MoltMatch's most popular profiles used a real person's photos without permission, AFP found. - 'Very vulnerable' - With nine matches, "June Wu" is the third "most wanted" profile on Moltmatch.xyz. But its photos depict June Chong, a freelance model in Malaysia, who told AFP she did not have an AI agent and did not use dating apps. Discovering her image had been used on the site was "really shocking", she said, adding that she wants the profile taken down. "I feel very, I feel very vulnerable, because I did not give consent." Digital innovation professor Andy Chun said a human had likely linked an AI agent to a fake X account using Chong's photos. "The platform restricts what AI agents can and cannot do: they can only swipe, match, message, and tip," Chun, at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, told AFP. AFP contacted Nectar AI, Moltmatch.xyz and X for comment, but has not received a response. AI ethics experts said agent tools like OpenClaw open a can of worms when it comes to establishing liability for misconduct. "Did an agent misbehave because it was not well designed, or is it because the user explicitly told it to misbehave?" said David Krueger, assistant professor at the University of Montreal. Carljoe Javier at the Philippine non-profit Data and AI Ethics PH said that even computer scientists don't understand the inner workings of AI when it makes a decision. "And when it's something, for me, deeply important, like romance, love, passion, these things -- is that really a thing in your life that you want to offload to a machine?" he said. NAIROBI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- In their hundreds, Kenyan youth drawn from primary, secondary and higher institutions of learning turned up at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute (CIUON) on Thursday to celebrate the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges during an event characterized by joy and reunion. During the event held under the theme of "Galloping Steed Strides into the Chinese Year of the Horse," the students immersed themselves in Chinese culture, including dance, costumes, martial arts and calligraphy. Dressed in a blue Kung Fu costume, Majimbo Namayi, a quantity survey major, and currently pursuing a basic Mandarin coursed at the University of Nairobi, put into practice his recently acquired martial arts skills when he visited China. "It is nice experiencing Chinese culture while in Kenya right now. I belong to the Dragon and Kung Fu clubs. When I was in China in December last year, I was taught Chinese arts, painting and Kung Fu," said Namayi. Now that I am in Kenya, I have a better understanding and I enjoy Chinese culture because I already experienced it there," he added. Namayi's young peers swiftly moved their bodies while dancing to the tunes of Beautiful China, A Man Should Better Himself, One China One Family, Nanping Evening Bell... Godish Kimberly, a computer science major who is also a member of Chinese dance club at the University of Nairobi, enjoyed dancing to different tunes as she beautifully moved in circles while donning a long-sleeved dress. "When dancing, I have to put myself in the specific Chinese community where I perform as if I am one of them and bring out the best from it because Chinese love perfection," said Kimberly. While Kenyan dances mostly focus on the energy, Chinese dances are more of the elegance and the flairs," she added. Whether it is the music, dance, Kung Fu or dragon clubs, the students who have interest go through auditions and those who qualify join respective clubs where their teachers train them twice a week. When an event like the Spring Festival is approaching, the training intensifies in the last two months before the big day. Cicion Ayoo, a humanities major who is also pursuing a basic Mandarin course at the University of Nairobi, said the practices are rewarding. "I mostly love Chinese pop music and today I danced to a Chinese traditional song which is talking about love for China. Initially I was attending the practice lessons for fun but I have ended up doing it for two consecutive years now," said Ayoo. Anthony Kahuro, a Chinese language teacher at the University of Nairobi, marveled as the Spring Festival celebrations, expressing hopes that together with his students, they will be resilient, persevere and learn as much as possible in 2026. "Today we are celebrating Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse which signifies strength, resilience and perseverance," said Kahuro. The horse is a strong animal and we are supposed to embody these characteristics during the year when we are faced with difficulties by being strong despite the challenges along the year," he added. Kahuro emphasized regular Chinese cultural events will be key to fostering Sino-Kenyan friendship and people-to-people exchanges. Other Spring Festival activities at the CIUON's courtyard included taking part in traditional games, enjoying cultural and artistic performances. Hundreds of youth drawn from more than 30 schools that have already introduced Mandarin lessons relished the opportunity to sample Chinese cuisine for the first time. The Chinese cuisine on display included dumplings, Chinese burger, crispy meat, barbecue, fruit jelly, green and milk tea. "We felt so happy sampling a variety of Chinese dishes that were so delicious," said Owen Philemon, a Chinese language teacher at a private primary school located on the outskirts of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, who chaperoned 36 pupils who are members of the school's Mandarin club. Press Release from Business Wire: Echoworx (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 TORONTO, Feb 13, 2026 (BSW) - Echoworx, the trusted name in email encryption, is now live on AWS Marketplace -fully deployed on AWS infrastructure. For global businesses, this means securing sensitive communications just got a whole lot easier, starting from purchase. Why AWS Marketplace? Why Now? Echoworx's mission has always been to make secure communications as easy and accessible as possible. By joining the AWS Marketplace, Echoworx is taking this mission a step further, ensuring that customers can procure its encryption solution with the same ease and efficiency they experience when using it. Cross-border compliance, taxes, and billing headaches slow teams down. With AWS Marketplace, Echoworx customers bypass the usual red tape: automated tax and regulatory handling, simple multi-currency billing, and support for Private Offers. That translates to custom pricing and contracts in local currencies, less foreign exchange guesswork, and a procurement process built for modern enterprise. "Our partnership with AWS Marketplace is about empowering global businesses to scale securely," said Rosario Perri, EMEA Channel Director of Echoworx. "By removing the usual procurement hurdles, we're making it simpler than ever for organizations to adopt modern encryption without slowing down their operations." Global business, local ease: -- Private Offers for custom pricing and contract terms in non-USD currencies -- Automated compliance and tax handling-no more paperwork overload -- Centralized, transparent billing through AWS Echoworx Email Encryption integrates straight into customer workflows, supporting advanced branding, localization, and secure delivery-built to keep businesses safe and regulators satisfied, no matter where they operate. About Echoworx Echoworx stands as a globally recognized provider of secure email solutions, delivering a customizable encryption platform designed to ensure seamless communication security for both individuals and enterprises. Trusted by leading GDPR, NIS 2, KRITIS, and DORA-compliant organizations in over 30 countries, Echoworx makes secure communication effortless. For more insights, visit https://www.echoworx.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260212111560/en/ Contact Media ContactLorena Magee, Chief Marketing Officer, [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese financial and market regulators have urged six major travel platforms to address irregularities in their consumer lending partnerships, calling for greater transparency and improved complaint handling. The National Financial Regulatory Administration, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the People's Bank of China have held talks with Trip.com, Amap, Tongcheng Travel, Fliggy, Umetrip and Qunar, according to an official statement on Friday. The regulators identified irregularities in how these platforms cooperate with financial institutions to offer loan products. They ordered the companies to regulate marketing practices strictly, and to refrain from using misleading language. Platforms must now clearly disclose the names of lending institutions and detailed credit product information to consumers. Borrowers should be explicitly reminded to borrow rationally. Additionally, the companies were instructed to maintain smooth customer complaint channels, address consumer disputes promptly and properly, and continuously enhance the quality of their services to protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers. Mexican navy ships arrive with humanitarian aid for Cuba Havana, Feb 12 (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 Two Mexican navy ships arrived in Cuba with more than 800 tons of much-needed humanitarian aid Thursday, as the island nation struggles under what amounts to a US blockade of oil deliveries. President Donald Trump has vowed to starve Cuba of oil after last month's US military ousting of Nicolas Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, which had been the communist nation's main supplier of the commodity. President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, formerly Cuba's second-largest oil supplier, has protested against the humanitarian impact of Trump's threats to impose tariffs on any country sending crude to Cuba. The ships Papaloapan and Isla Holbox, sent by Sheinbaum's government, entered Havana Harbor on Thursday, an AFP team observed. They brought fresh and powdered milk, meat, cookies, beans, rice and personal hygiene items, according to the Mexican foreign ministry. "Mexico has always been in solidarity with Cuba," Cuban Marila Garcia, 52, told AFP at Havana's Malecon waterfront, from where the ships were visible. For his part, fisherman Eliecer Rodriguez, 34, thanked Mexico for being "the only country that is responding right now" to Cuba's urgent needs. Hundreds of tons more powdered milk and beans were awaiting shipment from Mexico, according to authorities there, as Chile and Russia also promised Thursday to send help. - 'Ready to fall' - Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, have made no secret of their desire to bring about regime change in Havana. The Republican leader has said Cuba is "ready to fall." The island of 9.6 million inhabitants, under a US trade embargo since 1962, has for years been mired in a severe economic crisis marked by extended power cuts and shortages of fuel, medicine and food. It has now also been cut off from critical oil supplies from Venezuela, and from Mexico under the threat of US tariffs. The resulting shortages have threatened to plunge Cuba into complete darkness, with power plants struggling to keep the lights on. No foreign fuel or oil tanker has arrived in Cuba in weeks, experts in maritime transport tracking have told AFP. Emergency measures kicked in this week to conserve the island's fast-dwindling fuel stocks. The government shuttered universities, reduced school hours and the work week, and slashed public transport as it limited fuel sales. Staffing at hospitals was also cut back. On Monday, Sheinbaum said Trump's "unfair" measures would "strangle" an already teetering economy. Her country has been mulling how to send oil to Cuba without incurring punishing tariffs. "We will continue supporting them and taking all necessary diplomatic actions to restore oil shipments," Sheinbaum vowed. - 'Dramatic situation' - Chile under outgoing leftist President Gabriel Boric said Thursday it would also be sending aid to Cuba. "This is a humanitarian issue, beyond the political characteristics its regime may have. What matters to us is meeting, as far as possible, the needs of the Cuban people," said Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren. He added the aid was monetary, "which really no one could object to," and would be channeled through multilateral organizations. In Moscow, the pro-government Izvestia media outlet reported that Russia would supply Cuba with oil as part of what it termed a humanitarian effort. Russia's ministry of economic development told Izvestia that "as far as we know, Russia is expected to soon supply oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian aid." On Monday, the Kremlin, a traditional ally of Cuba, accused the United States of attempting to "suffocate" the island nation. In a statement from Geneva Thursday, a group of UN human rights experts slammed what they called an "extreme form of unilateral economic coercion" on the part of Washington. "The US executive order imposing a fuel blockade on Cuba is a serious violation of international law and a grave threat to a democratic and equitable international order," the experts said in a statement. What is going on with Iran-US talks? Paris, France, Feb 12 (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 Iran and the United States have yet to set a date for a new round of talks after an initial encounter last week on the contested Iranian nuclear programme but, for now, US President Donald Trump is not rushing to launch military action against the Islamic republic. AFP looks at a critical juncture in the modern history of Iran in the wake of the crackdown on the biggest protests in years in January that according to rights groups has left thousands dead. - Where is diplomacy? - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on February 6 held talks in Oman with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's influential son-in-law Jared Kushner. The talks were indirect, with the Omanis acting as mediator, although Tehran did later confirm that there was a handshake. Iran's supreme national security council head Ali Larijani, a mainstay of the establishment for the last decades, this week followed this up with visits to Oman and then US ally Qatar. There was speculation about the contents of a piece of paper he brandished during the visit to Oman, but so far no new date for talks has been set. "We didn't have a letter for the Americans, but our Omani friends had some communications," Larijani told Iranian state television. "There were some remarks the Omani side told us on behalf of the Americans," he added, without offering further clues. Trump had hailed the Oman talks as "very good" and said there would be another meeting "early" this week, something that has not materialised. - Is there room for compromise? - In an upbeat interview with the Financial Times, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that compromise was possible on the key sticking point of uranium enrichment. The West believes Iran is seeking a nuclear bomb, a charge Tehran denies, and wants a halt to uranium enrichment, a key step in weaponising an atomic programme. "It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries," said Fidan, who has held talks with Iranian and American counterparts. In a statement after meeting Trump on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the American president thinks he is creating conditions that could achieve "a good deal". But Netanyahu expressed "general scepticism" and demanded that any deal also consider Iran's ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies and not just the nuclear programme. However, Iran's number one, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who for years has pushed a line of confrontation with Washington, has yet to give any public blessing to the diplomacy. "The enemies who sought to subjugate the Iranian nation through their statements and plans have been thwarted," he said in a message broadcast by state television hailing the turnout Wednesday at rallies commemorating the 1979 Islamic revolution. - Is Trump still threatening Iran? - Trump has never ruled out military action on Iran after its crackdown on protests, although he is now focusing on a deal over the nuclear drive. More than 7,000 people were killed, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency NGO, the vast majority of them -- 6,506 -- protesters. An American naval group led by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and dubbed an "armada" by Trump remains in Middle Eastern waters in a clear warning to Iran. But the talks in Washington on Wednesday between Trump and Netanyahu, who has long urged a tougher US line on Iran, ended with Trump saying he had insisted "negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated". Trump added on Thursday: "We have to make a deal, otherwise it's going to be very traumatic, very traumatic. I don't want that to happen, but we have to make a deal." The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington was readying the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region, even if no final decision had been taken and plans could change. The deployment could take place within a timescale of two weeks and the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush could be ready to "expedite" exercises it was currently involved in, it said. Israel in June waged a 12-day war with Iran backed by the US that was widely seen as degrading -- but not destroying -- Iranian nuclear and ballistic capabilities. - What happens next? - Ross Harrison, senior fellow with the US-based Middle East Institute and author of "Decoding Iran's Foreign Policy", argued that the talks represented more of a US "ultimatum" towards Iran rather than "true negotiations". By participating, Iran was trying to "buy some time, so they can rebuild their missile programme and so forth -- not necessarily the nuclear programme -- but the missile programme", he said, adding that the target audience of Tehran's diplomatic efforts was not necessarily Washington. "Israel is pushing Trump towards more aggression, but Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) are trying to push Trump towards an authentic diplomatic track," he said. "What the Iranians are doing is showing some good faith by attending these talks, but the real target is not the United States. I think it's our Gulf Arab allies that can possibly forestall a military attack," he added. Rubio heads to Munich to heap pressure on Europeans Washington, United States, Feb 12 (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to the Munich Security Conference, which opens Friday, with the aim of keeping the pressure on Europe, though the tone is expected to be less confrontational than last year. In 2025, President Donald Trump's newly minted Vice President JD Vance launched a stark attack on European policies on immigration, populist parties and free speech, saying that freedom of expression was "in retreat" across the continent. Vance also seemed to embrace the views of far-right parties such as Germany's AfD. But this year, the vice president -- who just finished a visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan -- is staying home. Rubio, who is seen as less of an ideologue, will lead the US delegation to the annual security and defense talks, which run through Sunday in the Bavarian capital. But even if the secretary of state is more... diplomatic than Vance, the United States nevertheless intends to push its European allies, who are still reeling from the political crisis over Trump's demands to acquire Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. - Crisis of confidence - Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump -- who has said the European Union was created to "screw" the United States -- has had the continent in his sights. In his new National Security Strategy, published in December, Trump slammed Europe as an over-regulated continent lacking in "self-confidence" and facing "civilizational erasure" due to immigration. In Munich on Friday and Saturday, Rubio is expected to keep pushing Europe to share the burden, especially on matters of common defense. But his trip comes amid a major breakdown in trust between Washington and European capitals in the wake of the Greenland drama, which rattled transatlantic relations. What was once seen as inconceivable -- a NATO country threatening to seize territory from an ally -- became reality, forcing European nations to stand firm in protest. The unpredictable Republican US president backed off his threats of seizure and tariffs at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, instead touting a framework deal with NATO for security in the Arctic. But the incident left a trail of collateral damage, several European diplomats said on condition of anonymity. For Philip Gordon, an expert at the Brookings Institution think tank and veteran of former Democratic administrations, Trump "doesn't see a unified Europe as a partner of the United States, but a threat to the United States." "The more unified it is, the more he doesn't like it," Gordon told journalists last week including AFP. A poll conducted by Politico showed that more than 50 percent of German respondents do not see the United States as a "reliable" ally. - Free speech - Besides Greenland, the agenda will also include the durability of transatlantic unity, the US security umbrella and the war in Ukraine -- as well as ties with Moscow. French President Emmanuel Macron, who is making the trip to Germany, has said he hopes for a resumption of talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin. For now, such talks are only being held between Washington and Moscow. The Munich meetings will take place just a few days before Trump convenes the inaugural session of his so-called "Board of Peace" on February 19 in Washington. Trump initially set up the board to manage postwar Gaza, but it appears now that its purview may extend beyond the Palestinian territory. Some have criticized it as an apparent rival to the United Nations. Even without Vance in town, the sensitive issue of free speech in Europe will be on the agenda in Munich, as Rubio will be accompanied by Sarah Rogers, his undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and a sharp critic of EU policies. The United States has fought Europe on its moves to regulate Big Tech and fight disinformation, calling both a means of crippling free speech. Rubio will head from Munich to Slovakia and then Hungary. Both are run by nationalist leaders who have earned Trump's support. Trump warns Iran of 'very traumatic' outcome if no nuclear deal Washington, United States, Feb 12 (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 US President Donald Trump threatened Iran Thursday with "very traumatic" consequences if it fails to make a nuclear deal -- but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was skeptical about the quality of any such agreement. Speaking a day after he hosted Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said he hoped for a result "over the next month" from Washington's negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program. "We have to make a deal, otherwise it's going to be very traumatic, very traumatic. I don't want that to happen, but we have to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "This will be very traumatic for Iran if they don't make a deal." Trump -- who is considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to pressure Iran -- recalled the US military strikes he ordered on Tehran's nuclear facilities during Israel's 12-day war with Iran in July last year. "We'll see if we can get a deal with them, and if we can't, we'll have to go to phase two. Phase two will be very tough for them," Trump said. Netanyahu had traveled to Washington to push Trump to take a harder line in the Iran nuclear talks, particularly on including the Islamic Republic's arsenal of ballistic missiles. But the Israeli and US leaders apparently remained at odds, with Trump saying after their meeting at the White House on Wednesday that he had insisted the negotiations should continue. - 'General skepticism' - Netanyahu said in Washington on Thursday before departing for Israel that Trump believed he was laying the ground for a deal. "He believes that the conditions he is creating, combined with the fact that they surely understand they made a mistake last time when they didn't reach an agreement, may create the conditions for achieving a good deal," Netanyahu said, according to a video statement from his office. But the Israeli premier added: "I will not hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the quality of any agreement with Iran." Any deal "must include the elements that are very important from our perspective," Netanyahu continued, listing Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for armed groups such as the Palestinian movement Hamas, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Hezbollah in Lebanon. "It's not just the nuclear issue," he said. Despite their differences on Iran, Trump signaled his strong personal support for Netanyahu as he criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog for rejecting his request to pardon the prime minister on corruption charges. "You have a president that refuses to give him a pardon. I think that man should be ashamed of himself," Trump said on Thursday. Trump has repeatedly hinted at potential US military action against Iran following its deadly crackdown on protests last month, even as Washington and Tehran restarted talks last week with a meeting in Oman. The last round of talks between the two foes was cut short by Israel's war with Iran and the US strikes. So far, Iran has rejected expanding the new talks beyond the issue of its nuclear program. Tehran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, and has said it will not give in to "excessive demands" on the subject. US judge blocks Pentagon from punishing senator over video Washington, United States, Feb 12 (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 A US judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the Pentagon's efforts to punish Democratic Senator Mark Kelly over a video in which he and other lawmakers urged military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders. The preliminary injunction is the latest blow to President Donald Trump's push to target the lawmakers -- whom he at one point accused of "seditious behavior, punishable by death" -- after a federal grand jury rejected the Justice Department's attempts to indict them earlier this week. "Defendants have trampled on Senator Kelly's First Amendment freedoms and threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees," Judge Richard Leon wrote in his opinion, adding that Kelly's claim "is likely to succeed on the merits." Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth -- one of the defendants in the suit -- said in a post on his personal X account that the decision "will be immediately appealed," adding: "Sedition is sedition, 'Captain.'" Kelly, a decorated veteran and former astronaut who retired as a Navy captain, had asked the court to declare a censure letter placed in his file as well as efforts to potentially reduce his military rank -- and thus his pension -- to be "unlawful and unconstitutional." The lawsuit -- which also names the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan and the department he heads -- said their actions "violate numerous constitutional guarantees and have no basis in statute." - 'You can refuse' - Kelly hailed the ruling, saying in a statement that the court "made clear that Pete Hegseth violated the constitution when he tried to punish me for something I said." "However hard the Trump administration may fight to punish me and silence others, I will fight ten times harder," he added. In the November video, the lawmakers said Trump's administration was "pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens." "Right now, the threats to our constitution aren't just coming from abroad, but from right here at home," they said, adding: "You can refuse illegal orders." The lawmakers in the video did not specify which orders they were referring to, but the Trump administration has come under fire over its use of US forces both at home and abroad. Inside the United States, Trump has ordered the National Guard into multiple US cities -- often against the wishes of local officials, who have responded with legal challenges -- claiming the deployments are necessary to maintain order and fight crime. Outside the country, Trump has ordered a series of strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean that have left at least 130 people dead since early September -- actions that experts say amount to extrajudicial killings. And last month, Trump sent US forces into Venezuela, where they seized then-president Nicolas Maduro and brought him to the United States to face a New York court. Japan seizes Chinese fishing vessel: reports Tokyo, Feb 12 (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 Japanese authorities seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its skipper, media reports said Friday, in a move likely to further heighten tensions with Beijing. The vessel allegedly defied an order to stop while within Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyodo News reported, quoting the Fisheries Agency. The incident marks the first time since 2022 that the agency has seized a Chinese fishing boat, Kyodo said. In November, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi enraged China by suggesting that Japan would intervene militarily if Beijing sought to take Taiwan by force. Japan seizes Chinese fishing vessel Tokyo, Feb 12 (AFP) Feb 12, 2026 Japanese authorities seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its skipper, authorities said Friday, in a move likely to further heighten tensions with Beijing. "The vessel's captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled," Japan's fisheries agency said. "Consequently, the vessel's captain was arrested on the same day," according to a statement. The incident happened on Thursday inside Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture, 89.4 nautical miles south-southwest of the island of Meshima, it added. It was the first time since 2022 that the agency has seized a Chinese fishing boat. The skipper is a 47-year-old Chinese national. There were 11 people on board including the captain. The agency conducts on-board inspections and other operations in waters around Japan. It said that it seized two foreign fishing vessels last year, one Taiwanese and the other South Korean, Kyodo News reported. In 2024, the agency conducted seven on-board inspections, seized a Taiwanese fishing boat and had 18 cases in which fishing gear was confiscated, Kyodo added. In November, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi enraged China by suggesting that Japan would intervene militarily if Beijing sought to take Taiwan by force. China has long insisted that Taiwan, occupied for decades by Japan until 1945, is its territory and has not ruled out force to achieve "reunification". Beijing summoned Tokyo's ambassador, warned its citizens against visiting Japan and conducted joint air drills with Russia. Japan's last two pandas were even returned to China last month. China also tightened controls on exports to Japan for items with potential military uses, fuelling worries that Beijing may choke supplies of vital rare-earth minerals. In addition Beijing reportedly suspended imports of Japanese seafood. Diplomacy, nukes and parades: what to watch at North Korea's next party congress Seoul, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 North Korea will hold a landmark party congress at the end of February, a political showcase that will lay out the nation's foreign policy, war planning and nuclear ambitions for the next five years. Military top brass, political elites and ordinary party members will crowd Pyongyang for the twice-a-decade gathering, with supreme leader Kim Jong Un taking centre stage. Here's what to watch for during the ninth congress of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party. - Military showcase - North Korea is yet to set a firm date for the start of the congress, aside from confirming the days-long spectacle will start sometime in "late February". Observers have been scouring satellite imagery for any signs of the vast military parades that have marked previous gatherings. Any parade will be closely watched for signs of a shift in North Korea's military bearing. Pyongyang has used previous processions to show off its newest and most potent weapons, a rare source of insight into the strength of its armed forces. - Nuclear ambitions - Kim is widely expected to unveil the next stage in North Korea's heavily sanctioned nuclear weapons programme. Over eight years since its last nuclear test triggered an earthquake below Mount Mantap, North Korea has been looking for ways to harness this power in smaller, more practical warheads. Some analysts say Kim could announce that North Korea has equipped its military with long-range, nuclear-capable missiles. "He is likely to declare the deployment of tactical and strategic nuclear assets to actual military units and tout military readiness with such mobilisations," said Lee Ho-ryung of the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. Such a declaration would be a blow to all those who still harbour hopes of convincing North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal. - Heir apparent - Particular attention will be paid to the role of Kim's teenage daughter Ju Ae. She has accompanied her father at missile launches and other important outings, fuelling speculation she has effectively been chosen as his heir apparent. "She is likely to appear at the congress to bolster the narrative that she is soon to take an important political role in the future," said Lim Eul?chul, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University. - Admitting failure - Kim surprised observers at the last Workers' Party conference in 2021 when he made a rare admission of failure. Addressing thousands of delegates packed into a cavernous hall, Kim admitted mistakes in plans for economic development in "almost all areas". With its moribund state-managed economy still struggling under crippling sanctions, Kim is not expected to be so forthright this time around. "The upcoming congress is likely to be a forum where regional developments and stronger defence capabilities will be touted, making it a 'victor's showcase'," said Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. - Friends or foes - Pyongyang amended its constitution in 2024 to define South Korea as a "hostile state" for the first time. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to mend ties with North Korea since taking office last year. Kim has largely ignored his overtures. At the previous congress five years ago, Kim declared that the United States was his nation's "biggest enemy". There is keen interest in whether he might soften this stance, or double down. Rubio heads to Munich to heap pressure on Europeans Washington, United States, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed Thursday for the Munich Security Conference, where his aim will be to keep up pressure on Europe, though the tone is expected to be less confrontational than last year. In 2025, President Donald Trump's newly minted Vice President JD Vance launched a stark attack on European policies on immigration, populist parties and free speech, saying that freedom of expression was "in retreat" across the continent. Vance also seemed to embrace the views of far-right parties such as Germany's AfD. But this year, the vice president -- who just finished a visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan -- is staying home. Rubio, who is seen as less of an ideologue, will lead the US delegation to the annual security and defense talks, which run through Sunday in the Bavarian capital. But even if the secretary of state is more diplomatic than Vance, the United States nevertheless intends to push its European allies, who are still reeling from the political crisis over Trump's demands to acquire Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. "We live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to sort of re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be," Rubio told reporters before boarding his plane to depart Washington. - Crisis of confidence - Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump -- who has said the European Union was created to "screw" the United States -- has had the continent in his sights. In his new National Security Strategy, published in December, Trump slammed Europe as an over-regulated continent lacking in "self-confidence" and facing "civilizational erasure" due to immigration. In Munich on Friday and Saturday, Rubio is expected to keep pushing Europe to share the burden, especially on matters of common defense. But his trip comes amid a major breakdown in trust between Washington and European capitals in the wake of the Greenland drama, which rattled transatlantic relations. What was once seen as inconceivable -- a NATO country threatening to seize territory from an ally -- became reality, forcing European nations to stand firm in protest. The unpredictable Republican US president backed off his threats of seizure and tariffs at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, instead touting a framework deal with NATO for security in the Arctic. But the incident left a trail of collateral damage, several European diplomats said on condition of anonymity. For Philip Gordon, an expert at the Brookings Institution think tank and veteran of former Democratic administrations, Trump "doesn't see a unified Europe as a partner of the United States, but a threat to the United States." "The more unified it is, the more he doesn't like it," Gordon told journalists last week. A poll conducted by Politico showed that more than 50 percent of German respondents do not see the United States as a "reliable" ally. "Honestly, they want to know where we're going, where we'd like to go, where we'd like to go with them," Rubio said, when asked Thursday about what Europe wants out of the conference. - Free speech - Besides Greenland, the agenda will also include the durability of transatlantic unity, the US security umbrella and the war in Ukraine -- as well as ties with Moscow. French President Emmanuel Macron, who is making the trip to Germany, has said he hopes for a resumption of talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin. For now, such talks are only being held between Washington and Moscow. The Munich meetings will take place just a few days before Trump convenes the inaugural session of his so-called "Board of Peace" on February 19 in Washington. Trump initially set up the board to manage post-war Gaza, but it appears now that its purview may extend beyond the Palestinian territory. Some have criticized it as an apparent rival to the United Nations. Even without Vance in town, the sensitive issue of free speech in Europe will be on the agenda in Munich, as Rubio will be accompanied by Sarah Rogers, his undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and a sharp critic of EU policies. The United States has fought Europe on its moves to regulate Big Tech and fight disinformation, calling both a means of crippling free speech. Rubio will head from Munich to Slovakia and then Hungary. Both are run by nationalist leaders who have earned Trump's support. Japan seizes Chinese fishing vessel, arrests captain Tokyo, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its skipper, authorities said Friday, an incident that could deepen a spat between the Asian giants. The episode on Thursday off southern Japan came three months after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan would intervene militarily if Beijing sought to take Taiwan by force. "The vessel's captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled," Japan's fisheries agency said. "Consequently, the vessel's captain was arrested on the same day," it said in a statement. The boat was inside Japan's exclusive economic zone 89.4 nautical miles (166 kilometres) south-southwest of Meshima island in the Goto archipelago, Japan's statement said -- not a disputed area. China was yet to comment. It was the first time since 2022 that the Japanese fisheries agency has seized a Chinese fishing boat. The captain was named as Chinese national Zheng Nianli, 47. The status of the other 10 people on board the vessel, named the Qiong Dong Yu, was unclear. "To prevent illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels, we will continue to take firm action and engage in enforcement activities," chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara said. China has a number of territorial tussles with Japan, and there have been repeated incidents around the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu in China. The 2010 arrest of another Chinese fishing boat captain off those islands in the East China Sea became a major diplomatic incident. - Taiwan spat - Japan and China have close economic ties but Takaichi's comments about Taiwan have sent relations spiralling downwards again. China has long insisted that Taiwan, occupied for decades by Japan until 1945, is its territory and has not ruled out force to achieve "reunification". Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te told AFP in an interview this week that other countries -- including Japan -- would be China's next targets should Beijing seize the democratic island. "The next countries under threat would be Japan, the Philippines, and others in the Indo-Pacific region, with repercussions eventually reaching the Americas and Europe," Lai said. After Takaichi's comments, Beijing summoned Tokyo's ambassador, warned Chinese citizens against visiting Japan and conducted joint air drills with Russia. In December, J-15 jets from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked radar on Japanese aircraft in international waters near Okinawa, according to Japan. China also tightened controls on exports to Japan for items with potential military uses, fuelling worries that Beijing may choke supplies of vital rare-earth minerals. Japan's last two pandas were even returned to China last month. - Hawkish leader - Takaichi, 64, was seen as a China hawk before becoming Japan's first woman prime minister in October. She won a landslide victory in snap elections on Sunday, putting her in a strong position for the next four years to stamp her mark on Japanese domestic and foreign policy. Takaichi said Monday that under her leadership Japan -- which hosts some 60,000 US military personnel -- would bolster its defences and "steadfastly protect" its territory. She also said that she was "open to various dialogues with China". But China's foreign ministry said "genuine dialogue should be built on respect for one another". "Proclaiming dialogue with one's mouth while engaging in confrontation -- no one will accept this kind of dialogue," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Tuesday. "If Japan truly wants to develop a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with China, it's very easy and clear: withdraw Takaichi's erroneous remarks about Taiwan," he said. BISHKEK, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- As a responsible major country, China has contributed to global peace and development in various fields, and the present-day constructive global development needs Chinese wisdom and solutions based on the initiative of building a community with a shared future for humanity, a Kyrgyz expert has said. The year 2025 proved to be extraordinary for China, as the country successfully hosted important events such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin and the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing. In December of the year, China launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port. To better address climate change, China announced new Nationally Determined Contributions. Igor Shestakov, director of the Oy Ordo Centre for Expert Initiatives, said that during the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, significant attention was given to demonstrating women's vital role in global stabilization, as well as emphasizing the need for the protection of women's rights and gender equality -- key themes of the event. The SCO Tianjin Summit highlighted that a unipolar world is no longer feasible. "There should be no geopolitical dictate by one state. The world is multipolar and consists of equal states. This was precisely the core message of this summit," he said. The launch of island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port will provide even greater opportunities for the entire world, including Central Asian countries, to expand trade and economic ties with China, Shestakov noted. "This will be a strategic step in China's openness to global economic cooperation," he said, adding that China's systematic work and new measures to respond to climate change represent a significant contribution to maintaining environmental balance, both regionally and globally. At the SCO Tianjin Summit, Beijing proposed the Global Governance Initiative, another key global public good offered by China, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. The initiative, with its five principles of adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions, is the foundation for the SCO's further development, according to the expert. "The new Chinese initiative is of strategic importance not only for the organization's member countries, but also for the overall construction of a new world order," said Shestakov. US lawmakers urge 'significant' defense spending hike in Taiwan Washington, United States, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 Dozens of lawmakers from the United States on Thursday urged Taiwan's political parties to support "significant" defense spending increases, warning that the threat from China "has never been greater." Taiwan has spent many billions of dollars upgrading its military in the past decade, but faces growing US pressure to do more to protect itself against China, which claims the island is part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to annex it. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has proposed $40 billion in extra defense spending over eight years, but the plan has been blocked by the opposition-controlled parliament 10 times since early December. A letter dated February 12 and signed by 37 Republican and Democrat members of the Senate and House said the United States and Taiwan "must do more to deter PRC aggression," referring to the People's Republic of China. China's President "Xi Jinping is focusing every element of the PRC's national power to control Taiwan," the lawmakers said. "Xi hopes to achieve this through illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions that undermine Taiwan's will to resist," they said, adding: "Xi remains willing to use military force to achieve his goal." While the United States "must address the massive backlog in weapons deliveries to Taiwan," Taiwan also needed to "step up with us," it said. The letter was addressed to the leaders of Taiwan's opposition parties, Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), as well as the KMT's parliamentary speaker and Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) caucus whip. The lawmakers praised Taiwan's "important progress" in strengthening its defenses, but said "we fear that without significant increases in Taiwan's defense spending at levels reflected in President Lai's proposed special budget, this progress will be insufficient," it said. The United States has long been Taiwan's most important backer and biggest arms provider, and the democratic island would be heavily reliant on US support in a potential conflict with China. Xi has warned Washington against selling weapons to Taiwan. Asked about the letter, KMT spokesman Niu Hsu-ting said the party would "respond appropriately" but insisted "we will absolutely not compromise on oversight of the budget." Lai told AFP in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that he was confident the defense budget would be passed. "In a democratic society, every political party is ultimately accountable to the people," said Lai, who belongs to the DPP. The TPP caucus did a sudden U-turn earlier this week, agreeing to send the government's version of the special defense spending bill to committee for joint review. But KMT chairperson Cheng Li-wun has vowed that her party "will not relent." As well as the government's version, lawmakers will also consider the TPP's stripped-down version of the defense bill that allocates $12.6 billion for military purchases. Second US aircraft carrier to deploy to Middle East: reports Washington, United States, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 The Pentagon has ordered a second aircraft carrier to deploy to the Middle East, US media reported Thursday, as President Donald Trump weighs taking military action against Iran. Washington and Tehran began indirect talks last week over the future of Iran's nuclear program, and Trump on Thursday warned of "very traumatic" consequences for the country if it failed to make a nuclear deal. Late last month, Trump sent the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying warships to the Gulf as Trump ramped up threats against Iran over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. The vessels remain in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships will join that strike group after officials ordered it to the Middle East from its current deployment in the Caribbean Sea, multiple US media outlets reported. The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and CBS News all reported on the Pentagon's preparations and the expected deployment of the second carrier, citing unnamed officials. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to questions from AFP. The USS Gerald R. Ford initially deployed in June and was soon directed to the Caribbean as part of Trump's pressure campaign on Venezuela, according to the New York Times. Some of the carrier's warplanes participated in the deadly January 3 operation in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the New York Times reported. It was not clear how long the USS Ford or the USS Lincoln would remain in the Middle East. Japan seizes Chinese fishing vessel, arrests captain Tokyo, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its skipper, authorities said Friday, an incident that could deepen a spat between the Asian giants. The episode on Thursday off southern Japan came three months after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan would intervene militarily if Beijing sought to take Taiwan by force. China swiftly reacted to the seizure, the Japanese fisheries' agency first since 2022 of a Chinese fishing boat, by urging Japan to protect the rights of Chinese crew. "It is hoped Japan strictly respects the China-Japan fisheries agreement, fairly enforces the law and safeguards the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese crew members," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference on Friday. Japan's fisheries agency said the vessel's captain was ordered to stop for an inspection, but the boat "failed to comply and fled". "Consequently, the vessel's captain was arrested on the same day," the agency said in a statement. The boat was inside Japan's exclusive economic zone 89.4 nautical miles (166 kilometres) south-southwest of Meshima island in the Goto archipelago, Japan's statement said -- not a disputed area. The captain was named as Chinese national Zheng Nianli, 47. The status of the other 10 people on board the vessel, named the Qiong Dong Yu, was unclear. "To prevent illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels, we will continue to take firm action and engage in enforcement activities," chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara said. China has a number of territorial tussles with Japan, and there have been repeated incidents around the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu in China. The 2010 arrest of another Chinese fishing boat captain off those islands in the East China Sea became a major diplomatic incident. - Taiwan spat - Japan and China have close economic ties but Takaichi's comments about Taiwan have sent relations spiralling downwards again. China has long insisted that Taiwan, occupied for decades by Japan until 1945, is its territory and has not ruled out force to achieve "reunification". Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te told AFP in an interview this week that other countries -- including Japan -- would be China's next targets should Beijing seize the democratic island. "The next countries under threat would be Japan, the Philippines, and others in the Indo-Pacific region, with repercussions eventually reaching the Americas and Europe," Lai said. After Takaichi's comments, Beijing summoned Tokyo's ambassador, warned Chinese citizens against visiting Japan and conducted joint air drills with Russia. In December, J-15 jets from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked radar on Japanese aircraft in international waters near Okinawa, according to Japan. China also tightened controls on exports to Japan for items with potential military uses, fuelling worries that Beijing may choke supplies of vital rare-earth minerals. Japan's last two pandas were even returned to China last month. - Hawkish leader - Takaichi, 64, was seen as a China hawk before becoming Japan's first woman prime minister in October. She won a landslide victory in snap elections on Sunday, putting her in a strong position for the next four years to stamp her mark on Japanese domestic and foreign policy. Takaichi said Monday that under her leadership Japan -- which hosts some 60,000 US military personnel -- would bolster its defences and "steadfastly protect" its territory. She also said that she was "open to various dialogues with China". But China's foreign ministry said "genuine dialogue should be built on respect for one another". "Proclaiming dialogue with one's mouth while engaging in confrontation -- no one will accept this kind of dialogue," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Tuesday. "If Japan truly wants to develop a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with China, it's very easy and clear: withdraw Takaichi's erroneous remarks about Taiwan," he said. bur-hih-stu-dhw/jm US court rules Marine can keep adopted Afghan war orphan Washington, United States, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 A US court sided Thursday with a Marine and his wife in their controversial adoption of a baby they returned from Afghanistan, despite a legal challenge from the girl's alleged relatives. In 2020, Joshua and Stephanie Mast were granted an adoption of a severely wounded orphan who was discovered a year earlier by the US military on the battlefield in Afghanistan. Two years later, a couple claiming to be related to the child filed a petition to overturn the adoption, believing Afghan law gave them custody of the baby. But a majority of Virginia Supreme Court judges signed onto an opinion Thursday preventing any legal challenge to the adoption, overturning initial judgements that it was void. The judges said Virginia law allowed custody to be cemented six months after an adoption order. That law states that in that time after an adoption order "the validity thereof shall not be subject to attack in any proceedings... for any reason," according to the court's opinion. The ruling said the child's parents died in a US special forces "operation against Al Qaeda terrorists." The baby was first taken to a military field hospital in Kandahar and then to Bagram Air Base for treatment of her injuries. Mast, the US Marine, decided the child "would benefit from medical care in the United States" and filed a petition for her custody, the court said in Thursday's ruling. The Masts in their earlier adoption petition said the child's adoption was an emergency situation and believed she had "no known living relatives." The Afghan couple -- one claiming to be the girl's uncle -- sued the Masts, alleging they should have custody and that the American couple took the baby from them. Thursday's ruling, however, argued the Afghan couple had resisted giving DNA evidence and had not sufficiently proved "that they had legal custody" of the girl under Afghan law. The adoption of the baby also contravened the State Department's position holding that, under international law, Washington had to do all it could to try and reunite the baby with her relatives, according to media reports. US president George W. Bush authorized the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 in response to the 9/11 attacks masterminded by Al-Qaeda, eventually toppling the country's Taliban leaders. Afghanistan's Taliban authorities retook control of the country in 2021 after years of war with a US-backed government in Kabul. US completes transfer of IS detainees from Syria to Iraq: CENTCOM Baghdad, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 The United States Central Command said on Friday it had completed the transfer of thousands of detained Islamic State group suspects held in Syria to Iraq. The detainees had been held in Syria for years in camps overseen by Kurdish-led forces, but the recapture of surrounding territory by Damascus prompted Washington to step in. CENTCOM said it "completed a transfer mission following a nighttime flight from northeastern Syria to Iraq on Feb 12 to help ensure ISIS detainees remain secure in detention facilities." "The 23-day transfer mission began on Jan 21 and resulted in US forces successfully transporting more than 5,700 adult male ISIS fighters from detention facilities in Syria to Iraqi custody," it added in a statement. The US had previously announced it would transfer around 7,000 detainees "Job well done to the entire Joint Force team who executed this exceptionally challenging mission on the ground and in the air with great focus, professionalism, and collaboration with our regional partners," said Admiral Brad Cooper. "We appreciate Iraq's leadership and recognition that transferring the detainees is essential to regional security," he added. The vast majority of the detainees are Syrians, while they also include hundreds of foreigners from Arab countries as well as Europe, Asia and Australia, a senior Iraqi security source told AFP earlier this week. Many prisons in Iraq are already packed with IS suspects, and courts have handed down hundreds of death sentences and life terms to those convicted of terrorism offences, including foreign fighters. Earlier this month, Iraq's judiciary said it had begun investigations into detainees transferred from Syria. In 2014, IS swept across Syria and Iraq, committing massacres and forcing women and girls into sexual slavery. Backed by US-led forces, Iraq proclaimed the defeat of IS in the country in 2017, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ultimately beat back the group in Syria two years later. The SDF went on to jail thousands of suspected jihadists and detain tens of thousands of their relatives in camps. Last month, the United States said the purpose of its alliance with Kurdish forces in Syria had largely expired, as Damascus pressed an offensive to take back territory long held by the SDF. Europe must pursue defence push, even without Trump: California governor Munich, Germany, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 US allies in Europe will need to keep taking more control of their own defence, even without US President Donald Trump in power, California governor Gavin Newsom told AFP on Friday. "I think that's permanent and I think actually healthy," Newsom, widely seen as a potential Democrat frontrunner for the US presidential election in 2028, said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "I think it's in Europe's self interest and I think it's certainly, from the United States' perspective, our self interest as well." Under intense pressure from Trump, European countries in NATO have pledged to massively ramp up their defence budgets out of concern that Russia could seek to expand into their territory. Washington is demanding that Europe takes the lead in the conventional defence of the continent after decades of reliance on US military might. The crisis last month over Trump's demands to take possession of Greenland -- a Danish territory -- further undermined trust and spurred determination among European leaders to step up on defence. Newsom, a fierce critic of Trump, said he didn't "want to see Europe turn to the rest of the world and turn their back on the United States", citing the European Union's recent trade deals with South American countries and India. "It's going to take time to rebuild trust," he said. "We would have to show a resolve and commitment to rebuild the alliances and rebuild what this president is destroying in real time. "But I'm deeply of the mind that that's achievable and will happen." US to deploy new aircraft carrier to Middle East as Trump warns Iran Paris, France, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 The United States was preparing on Friday to deploy a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East after President Donald Trump warned of "traumatic" consequences if Tehran failed to agree a deal over its nuclear programme. Tensions have escalated between the Islamic republic and its traditional foe Washington in the wake of a deadly crackdown by security forces on protests last month that rights groups say killed thousands. While the protests have subsided for now in the face of the repression, US-based Reza Pahlavi, the son of the shah ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution, urged Iranians to chant slogans against the clerical establishment in the coming days to coincide with demonstrations abroad. Rather than pointing to the crackdown -- which has seen tens of thousands arrested and hundreds facing possible execution, according to rights groups -- Trump has made refraining from military action conditional on a deal to curb Iran's nuclear programme, which the West fears is aimed at making a bomb. "We have to make a deal, otherwise it's going to be very traumatic, very traumatic. I don't want that to happen, but we have to make a deal," Trump told reporters on Thursday. Trump had already sent one aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Middle East in a warning to Tehran, and multiple US media outlets said a second carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its escort ships would also be sent to the region. The vessels led by the Ford, currently deployed to the Caribbean, are not expected to return to their home ports until late April or early May, the New York Times said. Representatives of Iran and the United States, who have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after the revolution, held talks on the nuclear programme last week in Oman. While no dates have been set for new talks, there have been indications that Trump is upbeat about the prospects for a deal. - 'Execution risk' - Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu said after meeting Trump in Washington that the US leader believed he may clinch a "good deal", though the Israeli prime minister himself expressed scepticism at the quality of any agreement if it didn't also cover Iran's ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies. The United States joined Israel's 12-day war against the Islamic republic in June, carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. But there is no consensus on what Washington would target in new strikes or whether it would seek to slacken supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's grip on power. Pahlavi in a post on X urged Iranians inside the country to add their voices to protests planned abroad on Saturday by chanting slogans from their homes and rooftops. Videos verified by AFP showed people in Iran this week chanting anti-government slogans as the clerical leadership celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 7,005 people, mostly protesters, were killed in the recent crackdown, though rights groups warn the toll is likely far higher. More than 53,000 people have also been arrested, it added. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said "hundreds" of people were facing charges linked to the protests that could see them sentenced to death. It said one protester Saleh Mohammadi, 18, had already been sentenced to death on charges of killing a policeman, although the Iranian judiciary said no final and "enforceable" verdict had been issued in the case. Mohammadi, a wrestler, under Iranian law has 20 days to appeal the verdict, which stated he should be hanged in public at the scene of the alleged crime, according to IHR. Figures working within the Iranian system have also been arrested, with three politicians detained this week from the so-called reformist wing of Iranian politics supportive of President Masoud Pezeshkian. The three -- Azar Mansouri, Javad Emam and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh -- were released on bail Friday, their lawyer Hojjat Kermani told the ISNA news agency. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani told ISNA that a "fact-finding committee" would publish a report about the protests, without specifying the focus. sjw/smw THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY US transfers thousands of IS detainees from Syria to Iraq Baghdad, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 The United States Central Command said it has completed the transfer of more than 5,700 detained Islamic State group suspects from Syria to Iraq. The detainees from some 60 countries had for years been held in Syrian prisons run by Kurdish-led forces before the recapture of surrounding territory by Damascus prompted Washington to step in. CENTCOM said it "completed a transfer mission following a nighttime flight from northeastern Syria to Iraq on Feb 12 to help ensure ISIS detainees remain secure in detention facilities." "The 23-day transfer mission began on Jan 21 and resulted in US forces successfully transporting more than 5,700 adult male ISIS fighters from detention facilities in Syria to Iraqi custody," it added in a statement. The US had previously announced it would transfer around 7,000 detainees. IS swept across Syria and Iraq in 2014, committing massacres and forcing women and girls into sexual slavery. Backed by US-led forces, Iraq proclaimed the defeat of IS in the country in 2017, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ultimately beat back the group in Syria two years later. The SDF went on to jail thousands of suspected jihadists and detain tens of thousands of their relatives in camps. - 61 countries - Last month, Syrian troops drove Kurdish forces from swathes of northern Syria, sparking questions over the fate of the IS prisoners. Lingering doubts about security pushed Washington to announce it would transfer them to Iraq to prevent "a breakout" that could threaten the region. "We appreciate Iraq's leadership and recognition that transferring the detainees is essential to regional security," said head of CENTCOM Admiral Brad Cooper. "Job well done to the entire Joint Force team who executed this exceptionally challenging mission on the ground and in the air," he added. Iraq's National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC) said 5,704 IS detainees of 61 nationalities have arrived in Iraq. They include 3,543 Syrians, 467 Iraqis, and another 710 detainees from other Arab countries. There are also more than 980 foreigners including those from Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. The NCIJC said Iraq's judiciary will interrogate the detainees before taking legal action against them. Many prisons in Iraq are already packed with IS suspects. Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death sentences and life terms to those convicted of terrorism offences, including foreign fighters. Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president. The detainees in Syria were transferred to Baghdad's al-Karkh prison, once a US Army detention centre known as Camp Cropper, where former ruler Saddam Hussein was held before his execution. To make space for the newcomers, authorities moved thousands of prisoners from the Karkh prison to other facilities, a lawyer and an inmate told AFP on condition of anonymity. - Repatriation - Iraq has issued calls for countries to repatriate their nationals among the IS detainees, though this appears unlikely. For years, Syria's Kurdish forces also called on foreign governments to take back their citizens, but this was done on a small scale limited to women and children held in detention camps. Most foreign families have left northeast Syria's Al-Hol camp, which holds relatives of IS fighters, since the departure of Kurdish forces who previously guarded it, humanitarian sources told AFP on Thursday. Last month, the Syrian government took over the camp from Kurdish forces who ceded territory as Damascus extended its control across swathes of Syria's northeast. UN nuclear watchdog chief says Iran inspection accord 'terribly difficult' Munich, Germany, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 The head of the UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi said Friday that reaching an accord with Iran on inspections of its processing facilities was possible but "terribly difficult". The International Atomic Energy Agency director general told the Munich Security Conference that inspectors had returned to Iran after attacks by Israeli and US forces last year but had not been able to visit any of the sites targeted. The United States has positioned one aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East, and US media say a second group could arrive within two weeks amid reports that US President Donald Trump is considering new military action. Grossi said the dialogue with Iran since the inspectors' return last year had been "imperfect and complicated and extremely difficult, but it's there". He said an accord with Iran on returning to the damaged sites was "absolutely possible" but would be "terribly difficult". "The big question of the moment is how to define these steps for the future. And we know perfectly well what needs to be checked and how to check it." The US has had contact with Iranians officials in recent weeks. But Iran has refused access to the key nuclear sites that came under attack when Israel launched a 12-day war last June, followed by the US attacks. It insisted in November that visits had to be part of a new accord. Washington has said it wants to pursue talks with Iranian officials after a first meeting in Oman on February 6. CORRECTED: Trump says second aircraft carrier headed to Mideast soon Washington, United States, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 US President Donald Trump said Friday a second aircraft carrier group would be heading to the Middle East soon, upping the military threat against Iran amid negotiations over its nuclear program. "It'll be leaving very soon," Trump told journalists when asked about reports the USS Gerald R. Ford would be moved from the Caribbean to the Middle East. "In case we don't make a deal, we'll need it." WENCHANG, Hainan, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The recent successful key tests have laid the groundwork for the maiden flight of China's Long March-10 rocket series, a launch vehicle designed to support the country's manned lunar exploration missions, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). On Wednesday, China successfully conducted a low-altitude demonstration and verification flight test of the Long March-10 carrier rocket, along with a maximum dynamic pressure abort flight test of its new-generation crewed spaceship Mengzhou, with both the rocket and spaceship still in their prototype phases. During the tests, the rocket prototype undertook three tasks -- verifying the maximum dynamic pressure abort conditions during the Mengzhou spaceship's ascent, demonstrating the reliability of its multi-stage parallel operations, and testing critical return-phase technologies, according to Yang Shutao, an expert from the CASC. The Long March-10 rocket series includes two configurations: the Long March-10 with three stages and bundled boosters, and the Long March-10A with two stages and no boosters. Approximately 55 meters in length, the prototype rocket tested on Wednesday is powered by seven liquid oxygen/kerosene engines in parallel, generating nearly 1,000 tonnes of thrust. It currently has the largest single-module thrust among China's rockets, Yang said. In the future, the Long March-10 rocket will integrate two identical boosters in parallel with its seven-engine core stage, giving it a significantly larger carrying capacity, according to Yang. MULTIPLE RECOVERY STEPS To ensure the safety of the abort operation during the tests, the rocket and spacecraft systems were jointly designed, with careful optimization of the separation and escape timeline, and meticulous planning of the relative positions, speeds and angular relationship between the rocket and the spaceship, Yang said. After the spaceship separated, the rocket continued its flight until the first stage reached the predetermined height and speed, at which point its engines were shut down. During the unpowered upward glide phase, the rocket continuously adjusted its attitude, shifting from nose-forward to tail-forward, to meet the subsequent ignition requirements. At an altitude of about 110 km, the rocket deployed its four grid fins, just like a bird spreading its wings, getting ready for the return and recovery. Then came the powered deceleration phase. Two engines were ignited for the second time to decelerate while correcting the rocket's flight position and attitude. When the engines shut down and the rocket entered the aerodynamic deceleration phase, it further slowed down by relying on its own drag and the aerodynamic forces generated by the grid fins, while deflecting the fins to adjust its position and attitude. During the final landing phase, three engines ignited successively, and the rocket maneuvered toward the predicted landing site. At about 120 meters above sea level, the onboard tether mechanism was deployed to simulate the capture by a ground-based recovery net system. When reaching about 5 meters in altitude, the rocket achieved a quasi-hovering state before executing a controlled splashdown in the sea. WAY TO FUTURE REUSES Before the latest flight tests, China conducted two static fire tests on the same rocket, in August and September 2025, respectively. After the second static fire test, the development team completed the streamlined maintenance of the rocket's engines, a comprehensive examination of the rocket, and the replacement of a small amount of consumable items, Yang said. Multiple tests on the same rocket not only reduced research and development costs, but also accumulated continuous and genuine experimental data, providing valuable experience for the subsequent maintenance and repair of the rockets for future reuse. Yang noted that the Long March-10 rocket series will adopt a rocket-ground coordinated recovery solution. It involves "four tethering structures onboard the rocket and a ground-based grid-shaped net recovery device," which will transfer the functions of capture, buffering and stabilization from the rocket to the ground-based net. It will reduce the onboard complexity, thereby enhancing the rocket's carrying capacity. "Rocket reuse can significantly reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency. It is an essential path for large-scale free access to space in the future and provides important support for the progress of China's space sector," Yang said. Trump sending second aircraft carrier to pile pressure on Iran Washington, United States, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 US President Donald Trump said Friday he was sending a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East -- warning it would be a "bad day for Iran" if it fails to make a deal on its nuclear program. Trump has upped the military threat against the Islamic republic in the wake of Tehran's deadly crackdown by security forces on protests last month that rights groups say killed thousands. "In case we don't make a deal, we'll need it," Trump told journalists at the White House when asked about reports the USS Gerald R. Ford would be moved from the Caribbean to the Middle East. "It'll be leaving very soon. We have one out there that just arrived. If we need it we'll have it ready, a very big force." Trump said he believed the talks with Iran would be "successful" but added: "If they're not, it's going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad." The US leader had already sent one aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Middle East, as part of a fleet of 12 US Navy ships in the region. The four vessels led by the Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, have been in the Caribbean, where US forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January. They are not expected to return to their home ports until late April or early May, The New York Times said. - 'Terribly difficult' - While the protests have subsided for now, US-based Reza Pahlavi, the son of the shah ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution, urged Iranians to chant slogans against the clerical establishment in the coming days to coincide with demonstrations abroad. Rather than pointing to the crackdown -- which has seen tens of thousands arrested and hundreds facing possible execution, according to rights groups -- Trump has recently focused his military threats on Iran's nuclear program. The West fears the program is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said Friday that reaching an accord with Iran on inspections of its processing facilities was possible but "terribly difficult". Iran and the United States, who have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after the revolution, held talks on the nuclear issue last week in Oman. No dates have been set for new talks yet. The United States joined Israel's 12-day war against the Islamic republic in June, carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after meeting Trump in Washington on Wednesday that the US leader believed he may clinch a "good deal". But the Israeli prime minister himself expressed skepticism at the quality of any agreement if it didn't also cover Iran's ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies. - Reformists released - There is no consensus on what Washington would target in new strikes or whether it would seek to slacken Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's grip on power. Pahlavi in a post on X urged Iranians inside the country to add their voices to protests planned abroad on Saturday by chanting slogans from their homes and rooftops. Videos verified by AFP showed people in Iran this week chanting anti-government slogans as the clerical leadership celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 7,005 people, mostly protesters, were killed in the recent crackdown, although rights groups warn the toll is likely far higher. More than 53,000 people have also been arrested, it added. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said "hundreds" of people were facing charges linked to the protests that could see them sentenced to death. It said one protester Saleh Mohammadi, 18, had already been sentenced to death on charges of killing a policeman, although the Iranian judiciary said no final and "enforceable" verdict had been issued in the case. Figures working within the Iranian system have also been arrested, with three politicians detained this week from the so-called reformist wing of Iranian politics supportive of President Masoud Pezeshkian. The three -- Azar Mansouri, Javad Emam and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh -- were released on bail Thursday and Friday, their lawyer Hojjat Kermani told the ISNA news agency. burs-dk/dw THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY Merz says in talks with Macron on European nuclear deterrence Munich, Germany, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that he was in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about nuclear deterrence, as worries grow about US security commitments to Europe. "I have held confidential talks with the French president about European nuclear deterrence," Merz said at the opening of the Munich Security Conference. He previously said he was open to France extending its nuclear deterrent in Europe. Germany, which cannot acquire its own atomic weapons due to treaty obligations, has traditionally relied on the US nuclear umbrella via its participation in NATO. Macron said his country was engaging in dialogue with a few European leaders, including Merz, "in order to see how we can articulate our national doctrine -- which is guaranteed and controlled by the constitution -- with special cooperation, common exercises and common security interests with some key countries". "This is exactly what we are doing for the first time in history with Germany," he added. NAIROBI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Celebrations to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year were held on Thursday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, featuring speeches, cultural performances, showcasing of Chinese costumes, cuisine and painting. The half-day jamboree, which attracted a multitude of visitors including students, scholars and cultural enthusiasts, was convened by the Confucius Institute of the University of Nairobi, Kenya's oldest university. Drawn from all walks of life, participants at the event dubbed The Galloping Steed Strides into the Chinese Year of the Horse savored the beauty and allure of Chinese New Year celebrations, tasting traditional Chinese cuisine, while taking part in games and interactive raffle draws. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, vice chancellor of the University of Nairobi, said the Spring Festival celebrations reaffirmed the vitality of China-Kenya cooperation in the realms of culture, education, the arts as well as people-to-people exchanges. "We have proved that while we are geographically distanced, our hearts and professional futures are closely aligned. This year, the Year of the Horse feels particularly symbolic of the journey we are all on together," Hutchinson said in a speech. She added that the Chinese New Year of the Horse should serve as a wakeup call for strengthening Sino-Kenyan bonds of friendship, while exploring new horizons of innovations, empowering the youth to enable them to reach their full potential. "May the friendship between Kenya and China continue to flourish and grow stronger every day," said Hutchinson. Wang Shangxue, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, said more than 30 partner schools that have already introduced Mandarin classes had deployed students to participate in the New Year fete. The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors, reaffirming the growing appeal of Chinese culture among local youth and ordinary citizens, Wang said. "Actually the Chinese New Year celebration has already become a grand event and it has strengthened ties between China and Kenya. We are one family," Wang said. She observed that the Year of the Horse represents strength, speed and vitality, adding that it offers an opportunity for Kenya and China to enhance ties in areas that advance mutual gain, trust and enduring friendship. Rose Auma, dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, based in western Kenya, said the Chinese New Year fete helped spotlight the richness and diversity of the Asian nation's culture to a wider audience. "I am happy to have been part of this event. It is well organized, we have seen the food, dance, dress and the language," Auma said. Later on star names such as Ruth Hansom, Max Coen, Ben Marks and Daniel Clifford will join Aikens at Muse to create an eight-course menu, each to be cooked in an open, informal format to allow diners to get to know the chefs behind their food. For the Jewish community, which has borne the brunt of much of Palestine Action's criminality, this is another sign that the legal system is simply not on their side and has neither the ability nor, it increasingly seems, the willingness, to protect them. JERUSALEM, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it killed a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon for allegedly attempting to rebuild the group's military presence near the border. According to an IDF statement, the militant was struck on Thursday in the village of al-Tiri near the town of Bint Jbeil. The IDF accused him of working to restore Hezbollah's military infrastructure, an act it described as a violation of the ongoing ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon. "The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat to Israel," the statement read. Despite the U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire that took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, Israel has continued to conduct strikes in Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah, and maintains a presence at five key positions along the Lebanese border. One concerned parent shared the post on Facebook, writing, To all you that are parents out there, please speak to your children and inform the local for this needs to be stopped before somebody gets seriously hurt!! In his speech, Sir Keir will say: Im talking about a vision of European security and greater European autonomy, that does not herald US withdrawal but answers the call for more burden sharing in full, and remakes the ties that have served us so well. Confirming that he would lead the UKs delegation to the Munich Security Conference, Ms Cooper said: At this crucial time for the world, we need his leadership not just at home but on the global stage, and we need to keep our focus where it matters, on keeping our country safe. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue He said: What I discovered about the abuse of women by male predators and their enablers - and Britains as yet unacknowledged role - has shocked me to the core. It demands an in-depth police investigation, and is by far the biggest scandal of all. He told the Telegraph: At the time that the autopsy was done by the medical examiner, we both agreed that, on the basis of the autopsy report and the information available, more information was needed to determine the cause and manner of death. NIAMEY, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- A member of Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) has urged the public to prepare for what he described as "a war with France." Ibro Amadou Bacharou, a CNSP member and special chief of staff to President Abdourahamane Tiani, made the call on Wednesday at a gathering organized under a mobilization decree. "This mobilization is convened so that we prepare to make war with France," he said. "We should not beat around the bush: We are going to enter into war with France." In remarks broadcast at the event, Bacharou said France would "make war on Niger" and that Niamey was being blamed for France's "poor economic situation." "Everything that has brought us to this state of insecurity is caused by France," he said, alleging that France "wants to bring us back at any cost to where it built its prosperity." Nigerien authorities have repeatedly accused France of seeking to destabilize the country since the military took power on July 26, 2023. The accusations have intensified after Niamey announced the end of military cooperation with Paris and the departure of French forces. Gov. Greg Abbott on June 11 signs legislation that will provide a $50 million state investment to initiate clinical trials for ibogaine, a natural psychedelic extract from an African plant that advocates say can be a safe and effective alternative to opioids for the treatment of PTSD and opioid use disorder. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott greets Bryan Hubbard, executive director of the American Ibogaine Initiative, June 11 at the Texas Capitol after signing legislation that will provide a $50 million state investment to initiate clinical trials for ibogaine. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman In June 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation creating a $50 million grant program to put Texas at the forefront of ibogaine research. Now a group of Texas universities, including the University of Texas at Austin and UT San Antonios Health Science Center, are using those funds to conduct a two-year collaborative research trial to study the effects of the drug. Ibogaine is one of several illicit drugs, such as LSD and psilocybin, being investigated for their potential to reshape mental health care. Heres what to know. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is ibogaine? Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound found in the roots of Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central Africa that has been used for centuries in ceremonial practices. Iboga entered the Western world in 1864, when samples of the plant were brought to France. A semisynthetic version of the drug was introduced there in 1939 and prescribed for a range of conditions from fatigue and depression to infectious disease before the sale of such products was banned in the 1960s. Around that time, ibogaines potential role in treating addiction began to come into focus. In 1962, Howard Lotsof experimented with the drug and discovered it eased his withdrawal symptoms and cravings from heroin addiction. He went on to advocate for ibogaine as a treatment for substance use disorder. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In 1967, the United States made possession of ibogaine illegal, along with other psychoactive substances such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms. How does ibogaine work? Ibogaine acts as a stimulant in small doses but is a powerful psychedelic in large doses. How it affects the brain isnt well understood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Neuroimaging studies suggest it may promote nerve growth and increase neuroplasticity the brains ability to rewire itself by forming new connections. Animal studies, including research in rats, have reported similar effects, finding ibogaine may boost levels of proteins linked to neuroplasticity. That rewiring ability may help relieve symptoms from mental health conditions. In an observational study published in 2024, 30 male U.S. Special Operations veterans with mostly mild traumatic brain injuries received ibogaine alongside magnesium, which was used to reduce ibogaines cardiac risks. (Ibogaine has been linked to sudden death from serious cardiac events.) The participants reported improvements in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety both immediately after treatment and one month later. But because they knew the drug they were taking, and because the study lacked a control group, its authors cautioned larger, controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm ibogaines safety and effectiveness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Research into ibogaine has generated pharmaceutical interest. Atai Life Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, developed an ibogaine formulation to treat opioid-use disorder; at the University of California, San Francisco, researchers created antidepressants that mimics ibogaines effect on the brains feel-good chemical serotonin. None of these potential drugs is federally approved. Whats next for ibogaine in Texas? To be considered for federal approval, ibogaine must first be tested in large, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials studies in which neither participants nor researchers know who receives the drug. One such effort is now taking shape in Texas, funded by Senate Bill 2308. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas universities and other institutions received the $50 million in December from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to launch a two-year study of ibogaine. The trial will examine whether the drug could help people with traumatic brain injury, addiction and other mental health conditions. This landmark clinical trial reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing research that improves lives and delivers the highest standards of care, Dr. Melina Kibbe, president of UTHealth Houston, which is co-leading the project, said in a news release. UTHealth Houston and University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston are leading the trial. In addition to the UT campuses in Austin and San Antonio, the other universities participating in the research are Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, the University of Texas at Tyler, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the University of North Texas Health Science Center. The JPS Health Network in Dallas also is participating. Advertisement Article continues below this ad UTHealth Houston and its partners will focus on ibogaine treatment for addiction and associated conditions while UT Austin and Baylor will concentrate their study on traumatic brain injury, particularly in veterans. The group also will drug developers who will work with the teaching hospitals to hold FDA-approved clinical trials. The state health commission will be overseeing the grant program Advertisement Article continues below this ad More than two dozen Williamson County residents rallied against a proposed data center on Thursday ahead of the Round Rock City Council's vote on the site. Karoline Leonard Round Rock is getting a new data center, another step in Central Texas emergence as a hotspot for artificial intelligence infrastructure. In a contentious meeting Thursday, the Round Rock City Council unanimously approved proposals to rezone nearly 30 acres off East Old Settlers Boulevard to allow Dallas-based Skybox Datacenters to build on the site. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Skybox is one of the most active data center developers in the region. The company already has two other data centers in the area: a 141,000-square-foot, 30-megawatt building in nearby Pflugerville and a 1.28-million-square-foot, 600-megawatt campus in Hutto. Prior to Thursdays meeting, more than two dozen Williamson County residents rallied against the proposal, with the items largely negative public comment period lasting several hours. It feels a little bit today like Im walking into an away game but wed like to be your home team, Skybox Chief Development Officer Haynes Strader told council members. Skybox believes very strongly that Central Texas, and Texas as a region, is incredibly important to the overall data center infrastructure of the state, to the progress of technology in the Western world, in the free world, and wed like the ability to do that here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Protesters marched from the Round Rock Public Library to City Hall, where they chanted for the council to reject the proposal, citing environmental concerns. Data centers are large buildings filled with servers that power todays computing world. The facilities which provide computing power for everything from smartphones to the inner workings of Fortune 500 companies require massive amounts of power and water to operate, frequently leading to environmental concerns and community pushback about rising utility rates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This facility adds to at least six other data centers operating or under construction in Round Rock. How many of these are going to go in a city of about 140,000 people? Data centers have an impact on the community, said Gary Oldham, co-founder of the Protect Round Rock activist organization. Whether you consider those impacts bad or good, there are impacts we should care about. And the city has done a horrible job in communicating with the public about this. Theyre playing pretty close to the vest, and thats not transparent responsible government. Skybox's development will include one 75-megawatt data center building that cannot exceed 250,000 square feet or 60 feet in height, according to city documents. The site neighbors single-family housing to the south with the nearest house roughly 430 feet from the proposed data center, Strader said. The residents of that home spoke in favor of the proposal on Thursday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Strader said the data center will operate 24/7 and employ between 70 and 100 workers once operational. AUSTIN TALKS DATA CENTERS: Austin braces for AI-driven data center boom that could strain grid, raise rates The data center will use a closed-loop cooling system, meaning the development will require a one-time fill of water that will cycle throughout the project's lifespan. Strader did not specify how many gallons would be required for the one-time fill. However, other data center proposals have called for between 60,000 and 100,000 gallons of water. Dallas-based Skybox Datacenters plans to build a 250,000-square-foot, 70-megawatt data center, shown in this architectural rendering, on about 30 acres in Round Rock. The project adds to a growing number of data centers under development across Central Texas. Round Rock city documents Beyond the one-time fill, he said, the site's water use would not exceed 300,000 to 400,000 gallons annually, most of which is associated with administrative uses like irrigation and restrooms. A typical office building uses 15 to 20 gallons per employee per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, meaning an office building with roughly 55 to 74 employees would use a comparable amount of water. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In contrast, Sabey Data Centers, which operates a large two-building campus off State Highway 45, uses about 2 million gallons per year, according to Round Rock Director of Public Works Michael Thane. Councilors noted Thursday that several neighbors of the Sabey campus have complained about the site's noise and lack of transparency from the company. Prior to Thursday's vote, the site was zoned for light industrial use, with the owners planning to build four warehouse-style buildings with truck ports, encompassing about 380,000 square feet. Central Texas has emerged as the top secondary data center market in the country, with the American-Statesman tracking at least 55 existing or planned projects between Temple and San Antonio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The walls of the podcast studio in the new Waterloo Records location on North Lamar Boulevard on Aug. 27, 2025 in Austin. The studio will be available on a reservation basis, but Waterloo is using the studio for original productions as well. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Waterloo Records & Video is launching a new podcast network featuring original shows covering music, film and culture. Recorded in the sleek podcast studio at its new location, Waterloo Records Presents... will bring audiences into the store for conversations with artists, insiders and cultural leaders. As a brand, Waterloo Records has so much potential to cross over into media, Waterloo Records co-owner Trey Watson said. We knew building a podcast studio inside Waterloo would attract personalities looking to explore and hone their craft in podcasting and give musicians and guests another way to market and promote themselves alongside our stage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Watson said the new venture will further expand Waterloos brand recognition beyond Austin. The first run of seven shows premieres Friday, with episodes available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The new Waterloo Records location on North Lamar Boulevard on Aug. 27, 2025 in Austin. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman What shows are coming to Waterloo Records Presents? Seven podcast shows are premiering on Waterloo Records new podcast network Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Everybody gets 15 minutes," hosted by musician and longtime Waterloo employee Gus Ochoa, will feature conversations with artists who play on the stores indoor stage. "The Sound of Firsts," co-hosted by DJ Mel and DJ Honeycomb, will feature guests sharing stories about various first experiences. "Behind the Scrim," hosted by audio engineer Drew Dunavan, pulls back the curtain on live production, exploring the experts who make festivals and concerts happen. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Told Yall," hosted by Kelly Krause, will feature conversations with local changemakers. "Who Said You Could Do That?" will be hosted by Darden Smith, who previously had a live podcast series at the Paramount Theatre. "En Groove w/ Alex Marrero," hosted by Marrero, who also presents KUTXs show Horizontes, will navigate the convergence of music and culture. "State of Sound," hosted by Brendon Anthony, vice president of Austin-based music label Big Loud Texas, will explore aspects of the music business, including policy, distribution and marketing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There has always been an incredible amount of energy inside Waterloo, from artists passing through, staff conversations and fans discovering something new, Waterloo Records co-owner Caren Kelleher said in a news release. Famed Houston crime sketch artist Lois Gibson has released a sketch in the case of missing Nancy Guthrie based on a masked person seen on a doorbell camera at her home. In a phone call Thursday Gibson said she had to at least try to put something together. Image courtesy Lois Gibson Famed Houston crime sketch artist Lois Gibson has released a sketch in the case of missing Nancy Guthrie based on a masked person seen on a doorbell camera at her home. In a phone call Thursday Gibson said she had to at least try to put something together. Image courtesy Lois Gibson A longtime Texas forensic artist has released an unofficial sketch tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, as the FBI expands its search efforts into Texas with digital billboards and a $100,000 reward. Lois Gibson, a retired Houston Police Department forensic artist, shared the drawing Wednesday after reviewing surveillance images of a masked person of interest seen outside Guthries Tucson, Ariz. home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I guessed at the parts of the face covered with the ski mask, Gibson wrote on social media. I couldnt resist. Because the individual in the footage was wearing a ski mask, Gibson said she relied on the visible features primarily the eyes and partial facial structure to create the image. Forensic artist Lois Gibson is the world's most successful forensic artist. Go Nakamura/Contributor Who is Lois Gibson? Gibson a University of Texas alumna who holds the Guinness world record for Most Successful Forensic Artist retired from the Houston Police Department in 2021. On her website, she credits her near-death experience as the victim of a serial rapist/killer as the reason shes passionate about catching criminals. Her website states her sketches have helped identify more than 751 criminals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Recently, Gibson recreated images of historical figures from the Battle of the Alamo based on photos of the subjects' descendents. This combo from images provided by the FBI shows surveillance footage at the home of Nancy Guthrie the night she went missing in Tucson, Ariz. (FBI via AP) Associated Press What do the surveillance images show in the Nancy Guthrie case? Investigators previously released still images and video showing a masked individual outside Guthries home around the time she was last seen between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Feb. 1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officials say the person appears to tamper with security equipment near the residence. Because the individuals face is largely covered, authorities have asked the public to review the footage for identifying details including clothing, build and movement. Gibsons sketch is based on those released images. A missing person poster for Nancy Guthrie on a digital billboard is seen near the split between State Highway 121 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lewisville, Texas. (Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) Chitose Suzuki/TNS Why did the FBI post billboards in Texas for Nancy Guthrie? The FBI has posted digital billboards in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and El Paso featuring Nancy Guthries photo, identifying details and an FBI tip line. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery. Investigators say time is very critical as they expand outreach beyond Arizona and examine ransom demands and physical evidence. A small vigil grows near Nancy Guthrie's house, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. Ty ONeil/AP What have investigators said about Nancy Guthries disappearance? Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her Tucson home on Feb. 1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities say drops of her blood were found outside the residence, and her cell phone is in police custody. Investigators also say her physical limitations and need for daily medication make it unlikely she left voluntarily. Two ransom messages demanding $6 million in Bitcoin were sent to media outlets, according to authorities. Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI tip line or the Pima County Sheriffs Department at (520) 351-4900. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This image provided by the FBI shows surveillance images at the home of Nancy Guthrie the night she went missing in Tucson, Ariz. (FBI via AP) AP What has Savannah Guthrie said about her mothers disappearance? Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have shared several videos on social media since their mother went missing, shifting from direct pleas to whoever may have taken her to heartfelt requests for help from the public. Earlier in the search, Savannah acknowledged media reports about ransom notes and urged communication, saying the family wanted confirmation that Nancy was alive. She and her siblings at one point said, We will pay, in an appeal tied to messages purportedly received about their mothers safe return. In more recent posts, Savannah has shared childhood videos and photos of their mother. In a Thursday post, she wrote, we will never give up on her. thank you for your prayers and hope, alongside a home video showing Nancy with young Savannah and her siblings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The FBI has said it is unaware of any direct communication between the Guthrie family and suspected abductors. (L-R) Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie on June 15, 2023. Nathan Congleton/Getty Images Who is Savannah Guthrie? Savannah Guthrie is an American journalist and former attorney, best known as a primary co-anchor of NBC News TODAY show since 2012. She was a White House correspondent for NBC News from 2008 to 2011 before becoming TODAY co-anchor in 2012. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Guthrie is a New York Times bestselling author and she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2022. A 17-year-old boy from Afghanistan works on his laptop during class at the Austin ISD International High School on Friday August 27, 2021. AISD plans to close the school next fall. Jay Janner / American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman The Austin Independent School District is disbanding a school that serves high school students new to the United States. The decision is part of a district-wide plan to shutter 10 schools next academic year in a bid to reduce a $65 million budget deficit. Housed in Northeast Early College High School, International High School serves ninth and tenth graders new to the country with specialized English learning classes and academic curriculum. Students typically learn for two years at International High before transitioning to Northeast for their junior and senior years. The school opened in 2003. Advertisement Article continues below this ad AISD will close the school due to declining enrollment in a year, the number of students enrolled plummeted from 213 to 95. Demographic shifts, state and federal policy and migration patterns play a role in enrollment at the campus, spokeswoman Maritza Villela said. Even with the centralized school closing, Austin ISD officials said they plan to continue services for newcomer students at their zoned campuses. The district will continue offering English language development acceleration courses, Villela said. These classes teach foundational English development and help students acclimate to the U.S. education system. Many campuses offer newcomer-specific courses or cohorts that integrate literacy development, foundational academic skills and explicit language instruction, Villela said. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source International High does amazing work at preparing students for the countrys academic system and for life in Austin, said Erica Hoffman, an English teacher at the school. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its about immersing them in the English language for two years with a lot of adapted and specialized instruction, Hoffman said. Some students may not know how to read or write in their home language, much less English, when they arrive, so teachers work with students who start at different points in their education level, she said. Efforts to build community across students from diverse backgrounds at International High are unique, said Nathan Brown, who used to teach language arts and reading at the school. Because the students are all learning and adapting to the country together, theres a sense of camaraderie and safety, he said. The only thing they have in common is theyre new here, said Brown, who now teaches at a different AISD school. Theyre terrified. Theyre never going to admit that, but they all have to learn. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Current International High students will be able to stay at Northeast next year through their final year of graduation with transportation provided by the district, according to a December letter sent to families. However, students can also choose to enroll in the campus where they are zoned, according to the letter. Hoffmans major concern is students' continued access to specialized newcomer services in other Austin ISD high schools. The district plans to continue community building programs for newcomer students like advisory periods, peer mentoring, family engagement, information sessions and partnerships with community organizations, Villela said. Some of these programs will be supplied through community partners. Many of these programs are already offered on campuses, but have historically had a more intensive focus at newcomer-specific hubs, like International High. International Welcome Center in flux Austin ISD may also close the International Welcome Center at Webb Middle School at the end of this academic year, Villela said. Open for at least 20 years, the welcome center has helped refugee and newcomer families with language proficiency tests, online registration, school day orientation, transportation options and parent workshops. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The decision to close the center isnt yet finalized. The final outcome will depend on funding, she said. A grant to help refugee students, those who fled their country because of fear of past or future persecution, ended in April. The grant, administered through the nonprofit Catholic Charities of Central Texas, ended in April. The money funded services meant to help refugee students and their families transition into the education system. About a year ago, the Trump administration froze the federal grant, and Austin ISD had to quickly reassign eight welcome center employees tasked with helping students acclimate. At the time, Austin ISD pulled from other departments to continue staffing the center, Villela said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, the number of refugee students has declined in Austin ISD, likely because of the Trump administrations efforts to discourage immigrants from coming into the country, Villela said. A University of Texas student holds a sign reading Protect Ethnic Studies during a protest at the Capitol in Austin on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, opposing the Trump administrations proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Under mounting conservative pressure to clamp down on liberal indoctrination in college lecture halls, the University of Texas System will consider a new policy clarifying the limits of a faculty members academic freedom next week. At a quarterly board meeting, the regents will vote on a proposal setting new expectations of academic integrity and standards for teaching controversial topics. The proposal makes no explicit ban on teaching certain topics, as other Texas university systems have done with restrictions on how professors can teach about race and gender. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The systems proposal states faculty have a responsibility to foster a welcoming environment for all views; fairly present different theories and scholarly evidence; allow students to make their own conclusions; and avoid controversial topics irrelevant to course material. The policy states faculty should ensure a broad and balanced approach to teaching controversial and contested issues. But the policy does not define controversial, nor does it lay out how the university system will enforce the guidance. If approved, universities will be charged with interpreting the policy. It is unclear when it would go into effect. Language in the proposal mirrors the flagship universitys Statement on Academic Responsibility, which was developed last November by a committee of faculty to ensure academic responsibility while respecting academic freedom. Some faculty felt the university did not go far enough to defend departments under attack. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Instructors must not attempt to coerce, indoctrinate, harass, or belittle students, especially in addressing controversial subjects and areas where people of good faith can hold differing convictions, the proposed UT System guidance reads. Similarly, instructors must protect the right of students to express views germane to the class in all of its aspects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The policy would charge the UT Systems 14 universities with building appropriate breadth and balance in their faculty makeup and curriculum to ensure students are exposed to various viewpoints. In line with Senate Bill 37 a major higher education overhaul law passed in May that defangs faculty governance the proposal says institutions should review general education requirements to ensure students dont have to study unnecessary controversial subjects and make a principled determination on if controversial material is needed for a degree program. Regents will vote on the policy while facing pressure from state lawmakers, who have criticized how Texas universities teach about race and gender for years. In the weeks after, university systems, including the UT System, launched investigations into courses mentioning gender and opened audits to ensure compliance with state law and system priorities. Texas A&M University System banned courses that advocate for race or gender ideology or include LGBTQ topics without prior approval. Texas Tech University System did the same, while banning courses that recognize the existence of transgender or nonbinary people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Thursday, UT announced it would consolidate its ethnic and gender studies departments into the new Department of Social and Cultural Analysis. President Jim Davis said UT is reviewing degree programs in the affected departments. In a message to the campus, Davis said the reorganization follows a thoughtful look into the departments faculty to student ratio, mission, breadth of study and student demands. But faculty accused university leadership of consolidating their programs for political motivations. They worry the move will hurt the schools reputation. The changes that are happening are going to and already have created damage that will last for, I dont know, decades, said Lisa Moore, UTs chair of Women and Gender Studies, in an interview before the consolidation announcement. Ive never seen the forces that want to break down higher education (be) so successful as now. Gov. Greg Abbott, shown at a reelection campaign event last November, wields undeniable power. Whether it should continue is a question for all Texans in November. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle There is no more commanding Republican in Texas elected office than Gov. Greg Abbott, the three-term governor with a national profile, an unrivaled bully pulpit and a formidable $106 million campaign fund. Under his watch, Texas leads the nation in business relocations and expansions, as well as job creation. The state continues to pile up budget surpluses and cut taxes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And regardless of whether you support private school vouchers for the record, we remain firmly opposed to diverting funding from public schools there is no denying that Abbott secured passage of the $1 billion voucher program through bare-knuckled force of will, backing primary challengers to voucher opponents in the Texas House, even holding public school funding increases hostage. Abbotts political power is at a peak. Ten challengers may appear alongside him on the March 3 primary ballot. But there is no universe in which Abbott is not the Republican nominee for governor. All of which makes the decision about an Editorial Board endorsement in this primary race feel like the wrong question. Abbott is already the standard bearer for the Texas Republican Party. The real debate is whether four more years of his leadership is the right path for Texas and that decision will rest with all voters in the November general election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our differences with the governor run deep. We support the funding to feed hungry kids that Abbott vetoed. We support the access to abortion that Abbott has shut down, even to victims of rape and incest. We support public schools and universities being free of the type of political interference that Abbott has found so irresistible. We support providing health care to more than 1 million Texans through an expansion of Medicaid that Abbott has stubbornly blocked. We support free elections that respect Texans voices, not the win-at-all-costs redistricting plot Abbott set in motion last year to shore up Republican seats in Congress. We firmly oppose Abbotts cheap theatrics done at real expense to Muslims, migrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community. But none of those issues are being contested in any meaningful way in the Republican primary. They are general election questions not only in the governors race, but for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, whose views are in close alignment with Abbotts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So we are not issuing a recommendation to GOP primary voters in the races for governor or lieutenant governor. Republican voters will make their choice. The broader question whether Abbotts direction reflects the will of the state as a whole will be decided by all Texans in November. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar addresses the audience during a Texas Department of Transportation public meeting Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Barbara Fasken Community Center in Laredo, Texas. Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning T U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar bucked his party on major issues in Washington this week, calling for continued funding to the Department of Homeland Security and casting the lone Democratic vote for a bill that requires proof of citizenship to vote. The moves come as the Laredo congressman is expected to face a tight race against a Republican challenger, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, in the November general election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad President Donald Trump and Texas billionaire Elon Musk have pushed hard for the voter ID bill, called the SAVE America Act, as Trump seeks to bring state elections under federal control. It would require voters to present a U.S. passport or birth certificate when they register, then show poll workers a photo ID at the ballot box. It passed as an amendment to a different bill on Wednesday evening, but faces long odds in the U.S. Senate, where Democrats can more easily block legislation. READ MORE: After pardon, Trump rails against Henry Cuellar for running as a Democrat I support the SAVE America Act because I believe in a fundamental principle: American citizens should decide American elections, Cuellar said in a statement posted to X on Wednesday. That principle strengthens our democracy and protects the value of every vote. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source States would have to regularly purge voter rolls of people who cant provide proof of citizenship, and election workers could face prison time if they register a voter without it. Cuellars Democratic colleagues have said the restrictions would disenfranchise voters nationwide, particularly married women who change their last name, and bury local elections offices in additional work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the Brennan Center for Justice and the University of Marylands Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, 21 million Americans do not have citizenship documents readily available, and 2.6 million Americans lack government-issued photo ID. The bill would let voters affirm citizenship by signing an affidavit if they dont have documentation readily available. Republicans like the bills author, Rep. Chip Roy of Austin, have contended its a common-sense measure. Voters in both parties overwhelmingly support photo ID requirements in elections, according to polling from the Pew Research Center. Texas already requires photo ID at the polls. The American people want only American citizens to vote in American elections, said Roy, who is running for Texas Attorney General, at a news conference Wednesday. I want to see people who want to oppose it go to the floor of the Senate and try to explain to the American people why they wouldn't support this common-sense legislation. Documented cases of noncitizen voting are rare. Nonetheless, Musk, Trump and other right-wing figures have consistently made unproven claims of widespread voter fraud. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An earlier version of the bill passed the U.S. House last year with the support of four Democrats, but Cuellar was the lone Democrat to support this latest iteration that adds the new requirement for photo ID at the polls. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the legislation would be dead on arrival in the upper chamber and likened it to Jim Crow 2.0. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., shot down suggestions that Republicans could change the filibuster rule in order to pass it. Cuellar also broke with his party on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement, urging colleagues to keep the money flowing to prevent a shutdown. Senate Democrats have pledged to block DHS funding unless Republicans tighten oversight requirements for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, saying that recent killings of American citizens in Minneapolis show the Trump administration is allowing them to act with impunity. They are calling for all agents to have body-worn cameras and name identification, among other provisions. Negotiations stalled in the Senate on Thursday, and a shutdown seems certain as lawmakers prepare to leave Washington for a ten-day recess. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cuellar warned a shutdown would hurt other agency functions, including disaster response, aviation, cyber security and the Secret Service. Shutting down the Department of Homeland does not make our borders stronger, it does not make our communities safer, it does not honor the public servants who depend on us to do our jobs, Cuellar said in a hearing on Wednesday of the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee, which he chairs. He acknowledged that the shooting of protester Alex Pretti added different dynamics to the debate on funding and said he believed the parties could find a way to address that. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gov. Greg Abbott announces his re-election campaign for Texas governor in Houston, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer Gov. Greg Abbotts campaign is running TV ads in rural markets across the state attacking radical Democrats Zohran Mamdani, Kamala Harris and Jasmine Crockett the first significant ad buy in the Texas Republicans push for a record fourth term in office. The ad went live Thursday, and his campaign has reserved $1.3 million worth of airtime through the March 3 primary, according to AdImpact, which tracks campaign advertising. Abbotts campaign says it is aimed at driving turnout in rural parts of the state, while other campaigns blanket the airwaves in major markets. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While 10 Republicans are running in the GOP primary against Abbott, the ad is focused on Democrats. The 30-second spot frames Abbott as a bulwark against radical Democrats, though he is not facing any of the politicians in the ad. It starts with a clip of Mamdani, the newly elected New York City mayor, saying he campaigned as a Democratic socialist and will govern as one. Its followed by Crockett, a Dallas congresswoman running for U.S. Senate, saying the party needs to learn from Mamdani. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In a post on the social media site X about the rural focus, Abbotts longtime political adviser Dave Carney wrote: Must be some magic sauce Advertisement Article continues below this ad The early TV ad buy underscores how much Abbott has to spend this election cycle. The governor had more than $105.7 million in the bank as of the beginning of the year $40 million more than what he had at the same point in 2022. It also comes as Abbott has political capital riding on other statewide races further down the ballot. The governor has endorsed candidates in both the comptroller and agriculture commissioner races. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, an Austin Democrat seen as the frontrunner in the race to challenge Abbott, cast the ad buy as a sign the governor is worried. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hinojosas campaign released internal polling Thursday showing her trailing Abbott by 3 percentage points, 43-46, which she argued is a sign the three-term governor is more vulnerable than it might appear. The University of Houston poll released a survey this week that showed a 7 percentage point margin between the two, with 6% undecided. State Sen. Mayes Middleton, left, and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy Roy Aydelotte, Associated Press; Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman In the crowded GOP primary for attorney general, two competitors have everything to lose: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton are forgoing reelection bids in their current seats to make an all-or-nothing run for one of the states most high-profile jobs. Early public polling has shown the more widely known Roy with a lead, but a University of Houston survey published this week found Middleton making up 20 percentage points on Roy since the fall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Back in October, Middleton was behind every other competitor, with just 3% of Republican voters saying they intended to vote for him, according to the universitys findings. Now hes just behind Roy, at 23% among GOP voters, compared to 33% who favor the Austin congressman. That's a big jump in a relatively short period of time, said Renee Cross, senior executive director of the Hobby School of Public Affairs, which put out the poll. It very well could be a runoff (between the two). Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Middleton, a Galveston Republican who owns an oil and gas company, has thrown more than $10 million of his own money into the campaign, and has spent more than $9 million on political ads, according to AdImpact, which tracks the spending. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats more than double the nearly $4 million that Roy has devoted to campaign promos. Former Department of Justice official Aaron Reitz has yet to break $1 million while state Sen. Joan Huffman has spent a modest $150,000 in comparison. Middletons ads, which dub him as MAGA Mayes in reference to the Make America Great Again movement, come as the state senator is hoping to increase his name recognition beyond his coastal district and contrast his and Roys relationship with President Donald Trump. Television and online ads airing across Texas, as well as an accompanying attack website, highlight Trumps past endorsement of him in a previous Senate race and proclaim that Trump doesnt trust D.C. Congressman Chip Roy. The latest ad takes hits at Roy for his denunciation of Trumps pressure on the vice president to not certify the 2020 election as impeachable behavior and for his criticism of a GOP bill to criminalize certain genderaffirming care for minors. And it quotes Trumps 2023 social media posts ripping on Roy and calling for someone to challenge him in the next primary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Middleton and Roy did not respond to requests for comment. As is common with political commercials, the reality is more nuanced: Roy ultimately voted with Republicans on both issues. He has argued his disagreements with Trump have been overblown and centered on small-picture technicalities, not big-picture ideological gaps. Asked if he regretted his previous comments on impeachment on WFAA last week, Roy said, Look, I always stand for what I believe in, in defending the Constitution and defending the rule of law, and I'm a strong supporter of President Trump. I've got the strongest record in Texas. I think it's somewhat laughable that David Mayes Middleton, who's funding these super PAC ads, would be taking shots at my conservative track record when it's fairly unassailable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Middleton has zeroed in on Roys key point of vulnerability -- his past strained relationship with Trump and many in the MAGA movement -- in a primary that will likely be dominated by those same hard-right voters. President Trump remains very popular with Texas Republicans, Cross said. In our survey, President Trumps approval rating was at 89% among likely Republican primary voters. So I would think that would be the most effective way (for Middleton) to set himself apart. Like all the candidates, Middleton and Roy have vowed to pick up where Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running to unseat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, leaves off. Paxton has used the office to go after the Biden administration, doctors he claims performed illegal abortions or gender-affirming care, and vote harvesting. Paxton has thrown his support behind Reitz, while Roy has the backing of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Trump has not weighed in on the race. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the campaign trail, Middleton has emphasized his legislative efforts to crack down on transgender people from competing on school teams or using public bathrooms that dont align with their sex assigned at birth. The 44-year-old previously chaired the Texas Freedom Caucus and has continually ranked as one of the most rightmost legislators in the Capitol. Roy, 53, has stepped up his attacks recently on Muslim extremism and said hed use the office to step up border security and target organizations that misuse public or foreign funds. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Middleton has also framed himself as a fighter against Sharia law as part of his focus on his work on red meat Republican issues at the state Legislature. TOKYO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Following the recent election, Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi swiftly signaled her intention to accelerate constitutional revision, stating that she would "create an environment in which a national referendum on revising the constitution can be held as soon as possible." Analysts warn that with the LDP winning more than a two-thirds majority in Sunday's House of Representatives election, meeting the requirement to propose an amendment to the constitution at least there, the Takaichi administration may attempt to fast-track changes to Japan's pacifist constitution. However, substantial institutional and political constraints remain before any revision can be realized. In recent years, right-wing forces in Japan have steadily sought to hollow out the pacifist principles of the postwar constitution, aiming to gradually remove legal constraints on military expansion. Such moves pose significant risks to Japan itself and to regional stability, seriously challenge the existing international order, and warrant high vigilance from the international community. INTENT TO ACCELERATE REVISION At a press conference on Monday, Takaichi said that as prime minister, she expected political parties and the public to deepen discussions on constitutional revision, and that as LDP president, she would vigorously advance campaign pledges, including amendment of the constitution. During the election campaign, Takaichi advocated explicitly stipulating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the constitution. The LDP's coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), echoed the call, with its leader Hirofumi Yoshimura saying on Tuesday that debate should be accelerated and that the legal status of the SDF under Article 9 should be squarely addressed. Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution renounces war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes, and stipulates that Japan will not maintain land, sea, or air forces or other war potential, and the right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized. This article forms the core of Japan's so-called Peace Constitution. For decades, right-wing forces have sought to revise Article 9. In the LDP's 2012 draft constitutional revision proposal, the conservative party not only clearly stipulated the existence of the SDF but also called for the recognition of a national defense force under the direct command of the prime minister. Experts believe that Takaichi and other right-wing politicians are determined to amend Article 9 in order to fundamentally weaken the pacifist foundation of the constitution and remove legal barriers to Japan's remilitarization. CONSTRAINTS REMAIN Despite favorable conditions created by the election outcome, significant hurdles remain. Institutionally, any amendment to the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of the parliament and then a majority approval in a national referendum. Although the LDP has met the two-thirds threshold in the lower house, the ruling coalition of the LDP and the JIP does not command a majority in the House of Councillors. According to Nikkei, even if opposition parties that are relatively supportive of constitutional revision are counted, the ruling bloc still falls short of the numbers required in the upper house, making the path to amendment "a high hurdle." Even if the parliament were to initiate a revision proposal, passage in a national referendum is far from guaranteed. Japanese media noted that if a Takaichi-backed amendment were rejected by voters, it would deal a heavy blow to both the prime minister and the LDP, and make it difficult to revisit the issue in the future. Public opinion remains divided, and the specific amendments could significantly sway voter attitudes. Some media outlets have cautioned against rushing the process. An Asahi Shimbun editorial stressed that constitutional revision, as a matter concerning the nation's fundamental law, must be based on broad consensus and cannot be forced through on the strength of a lower house majority. Mainichi Shimbun argued that there is no pressing necessity for revision and that discussions should not proceed on the assumption of a predetermined outcome. CAUSE FOR VIGILANCE Experts noted that to lower the threshold for constitutional revision, Japanese right-wing forces have amplified perceptions of external threats and promoted the narrative that amendment is necessary, while advancing "de facto constitutional revision." During the administration of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the government reinterpreted the constitution to lift the ban on exercising the right of collective self-defense and pushed through new security legislation in the parliament. Under former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the cabinet approved three new national security documents that endorsed the possession of so-called "counterstrike capability," previously referred to as "enemy base strike capabilities" -- a move that seriously deviated from Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy. Since taking office last October, Takaichi has advanced policies including increased defense spending, revisions to security documents and eased restrictions on arms exports. Analysts view these steps as both further loosening military constraints and laying the groundwork for constitutional revision. Such developments have aroused deep concern at home and abroad. A commentary on the website of Spanish newspaper El Espanol suggested that the Takaichi administration may adopt gradual measures to revise the constitution and reshape the postwar order, including sustained increases in defense spending and expanded regional activities by the SDF. South Korean media have warned that Japan appears to be taking substantive steps toward becoming a country capable of waging war, prompting heightened vigilance in South Korean society. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations has stated bluntly that recent government policies clearly deviate from the fundamental principles established in Article 9 and significantly increase the risk of Japan being drawn into war. Scholars including Miho Aoi, professor of law at Gakushuin University in Japan, argued that Japan's constitution was founded on the painful lessons of WWII and enshrines the principle that disputes should not be settled through the use of force, and warned that Japan now faces the risk of veering away from that postwar path. In their view, the justifications offered by Takaichi and the LDP for constitutional revision and military expansion lack solid grounding. Inflating external threats to justify military buildup could steer Japan toward dangerous waters. What Japan truly needs is a peace-oriented policy grounded in constitutional principles rather than a departure from them, they noted. Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, is seen in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman State Rep. Harold Dutton had a message for the Houston-area chapter of the state's largest union when it endorsed his Democratic primary opponent: "To hell with you all." The longtime state representative left a voice message for the executive director of the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation saying he would no longer push back on GOP legislation blocking unions from automatically docking fees from workers' paychecks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You know, I've gone to bat for labor, Dutton said in the Jan. 16 message, a recording of which was shared with Hearst Newspapers. I'm not going to fight that this time. I have been the one standing in the trenches for you all, ever since that came up. And so, since you all don't respect me enough to say, Well, wait a minute, we need to take a look at all of what representative Dutton does, you know to hell with you all. It was the culmination of a growing rift between the longtime state representative and the AFL-CIO, a coalition of teachers and public employees that had long supported the Democrat. It is driven largely by the states takeover of Houston ISD a move made possible by legislation Dutton authored a decade ago. The union strongly opposes the takeover, which Dutton stands by as necessary to turn around failing schools in his district. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Hany Khalil, the executive director of the unions Gulf Coast chapter, said the voicemail amounted to a threat of straight-out retaliation against the group by the 81-year-old representative who has served in the House since 1985. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He seems to think he is entitled to our support whether or not hes with us on the issues working people care about, Khalil said. He said the group decided to release the audio because they believe it is important for the community to know the real character of this person, who seems to feel no shame for actions that have hurt working people and certainly feels no shame about retaliating against working people who exercise their voice to raise questions about bad decisions hes made. Khalil said the group is now actively campaigning for Danyahel Norris, a city attorney and former county Board of Education member. People who retaliate against unions, who threaten unions, dont deserve to be in office, Khalil said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dutton said in an interview that he wasnt threatening anyone. Rather, he was just communicating that he was done fighting against legislation for an unappreciative group that no longer supported him. The legislation in question would stop public unions from taking fees out of employee paychecks. The unions see it as an effort by Republicans who have long opposed organized labor to further weaken them. Dutton has been part of a coalition of Democrats and Republicans in the House who have blocked the legislation in the past. They can no longer count on me to do that, he said. My message was, Look, Im like the boy that had his finger in the dike and hes been standing there with the finger in the dike for so long I decided, look, I'm going to take my finger out of the dike from now on. Im not going to stand in the way. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dutton said he was not concerned about the unions efforts to oust him. The group has backed his Democratic primary challengers in the last two elections. He came within 3 percentage points of losing in 2022, which he said was a bit of a wakeup call. He campaigned harder in 2024 and drew more than 60% of the primary vote against three challengers, including Norris. Plus, Dutton said, he has the support of other unions, including local plumbers. "I have to look out for my friends, but the thing about politics is, thats the way it is," he said. "Ann Richards told me something 'Your enemies will hurt you, but your friends will kill you.' And thats whats happening with the AFL-CIO. Farmers carrying goods for sale board the train No. 7272 bound for Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) A villager (L) from Hunan Province sells fruits to passengers on the train No. 7272 on Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Photo by Long Jianrui/Xinhua) A farmer from Hunan Province carrying goods for sale prepare to leave the Tongren Railway Station in Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua) Villagers from Hunan Province carrying empty baskets after selling their goods prepare to board the train No. 7271 at the Tongren Railway Station in Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) Villagers from Hunan Province talk at the Tongren Railway Station in Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua) Farmers from Hunan Province carrying goods for sale walk to a market in Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua) Villagers carrying goods for sale prepare to leave the Tongren Railway Station in Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) Villagers from Hunan Province carrying goods for sale prepare to leave the Tongren Railway Station in Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Photo by Long Jianrui/Xinhua) A villager (R) from Hunan Province sells fruits to passengers on the train No. 7272 on Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) Farmers carrying goods for sale board the train No. 7272 at Jinhe Railway Station in central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 12, 2026. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 12, 2026 shows fresh fruits on the train No. 7272. The train No. 7272/7271 has run across the mountainous areas in Hunan, Guizhou and Chongqing for almost 20 years. With an average speed of just 40 kilometers per hour, the train has made it easier for residents along the route to travel and commute, while also helping local products reach wider markets. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) by Xinhua writer Yuan Quan BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- As the Year of the Horse approaches, festive greetings across China are filled with idioms referring to this auspicious zodiac animal, in conveying good wishes. Such cultural aspirations have also galloped into the realm of China's latest technological advancements, where the spirit of the horse inspires ambition, speed and forward-looking creativity. AT THE FOREFRONT "One horse leading the way." This saying refers to being the first or leading a race. It could not be more appropriate in describing China's advanced position in the artificial intelligence (AI) arena. The country is now home to over 6,000 AI enterprises, with its core AI industry expected to have surpassed 172 billion U.S. dollars in scale in 2025. China's domestic open-source large models have achieved more than 10 billion global downloads, while the country is the world's largest holder of AI patents, accounting for 60 percent of the global total. These figures sketch the landscape of China's AI industry as it was in 2025. Notably, this considerable growth momentum is expected to continue in 2026. According to a think tank under China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's AI market is forecast to expand by over 30 percent this year, making it one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic AI markets worldwide. In January, China's AI sector witnessed a wave of new-generation large model releases from major players, such as Alibaba, Moonshot AI and DeepSeek. Rather than simply scaling up parameters, these companies are now focused on building AI agent capabilities into their large models, which indicates that AI technology is evolving from "knowing how to chat" to "getting things done." Industry experts note that China's AI development is advancing along two parallel paths: technology climbing upward to overcome cognitive and collaborative barriers, and applications reaching downward to tackle real-world challenges. For example, Tencent has deployed its self-developed large models in more than 900 internal scenarios and applications, saying that the aim is to make AI a widely accessible, productive tool. Baidu founder Robin Li predicts that only a few foundational models will survive in the field, but that application-related opportunities will flourish, with more participants likely to succeed. During the next five years, China will deepen AI integration across industry, culture, livelihoods and governance, empowering a broader range of sectors. The once fierce AI model competition in the country has now transitioned from a sprint into an endurance race, focusing on real-world scenarios, industrial ecosystems and application value creation. AT FULL GALLOP Beyond AI, other emerging industries are progressing speedily. This can be illustrated by a Chinese proverb: "To spur on a swift horse." This suggests accelerating speed further in pursuit of faster progress. Via policy support, technological breakthroughs and rising market demand, sectors like embodied intelligence and low-altitude economy are "galloping ahead" in 2026. Major robotics firms have announced ambitious goals. UBTECH, based in Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province, produced its 1,000th Walker S2 industrial humanoid robot by the end of 2025 and targets 10,000 units this year. AgiBot in east China's Shanghai, meanwhile, disclosed that its 2025 shipments had exceeded 5,100 units and expects this figure to grow to tens of thousands in 2026. Xiong Rong, chief scientist at the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, located in east China, estimates that China's humanoid robot output will reach between 100,000 and 200,000 units this year. Many industry insiders have also noted a transition in robot applications: from undertaking hazardous and monotonous tasks, to general industrial and commercial services, and eventually entering households. Similar fast growth can be seen in the low-altitude economy. XPENG AEROHT announced that its module flying car, named Land Aircraft Carrier, has entered the final stage before mass production. At full production capacity, the Chinese company is expected to produce one flying vehicle every 30 minutes. China's quest for accelerating the development of emerging industries, and the rapid expansions of embodied AI and the low-altitude economy, will become a new engine driving the country's economic growth. Competition will further heat up in 2026. Notably, it has become an industry consensus in China that focusing on customers and sustained innovation are the keys to staying ahead. UNBRIDLED CREATIVITY Another popular horse idiom in China is "celestial horse galloping through the sky," which is used to describe thoughts or actions that are unrestrained, without limitations. This year, China's space endeavors are set to embody this spirit of expansive exploration. The country has scheduled the Chang'e-7 moon mission for launch in 2026, with the task of surveying the lunar south pole's environment and water ice resources. The spacecraft will carry international payloads from countries like Egypt, Bahrain, Italy and Switzerland. A major milestone was reached this past Wednesday, which saw successful flight tests of the Long March-10 rocket and Mengzhou spaceship. Both are designed for use in China's crewed lunar landing mission, planned to take place before 2030. These tests also featured a historic ocean recovery, which took place in the South China Sea. The spaceship's return capsule, attached to a red-and-white parachute, featured in China's first-ever splashdown of a spacecraft return capsule at sea. Meanwhile, the rocket's first stage descended from an altitude of 105 km and hovered precisely five meters above the water, carving a circular ripple on the ocean surface. It validated China's rocket recovery design theories and methods, according to Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's manned space program. Both the national program and private space enterprises will focus heavily on reuse. Chinese companies like Galactic Energy and Deep Blue Aerospace have already announced maiden flights of newly developed reusable launch vehicles this year. Also, the orbiting Tiangong space station will welcome both the Shenzhou-23 and Shenzhou-24 crews this year. One of the taikonauts involved will undertake an orbital stay lasting over one year, during which more discoveries will no doubt be made at China's "space home." These developments show that China has opted for "riding the fast lane to success," as it pursues greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, achieving considerable success and striving for even swifter progress in the Year of the Horse. Staff Sgt. Tyler Orvick, left, and Sgt. Emmanuel Orozco, technicians with the Alaska-based 716th Ordnance Company, disarm a mock bomb aboard a vessel docked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Feb. 12, 2026, as part of the U.S. Army Pacific EOD Team of the Year competition. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes) JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii Soldiers from four explosive ordnance teams spent the week on Oahu vying to represent the Pacific theater in the all-Army EOD Team of the Year competition in April. Claiming the prize of U.S. Army Pacific EOD Team of the Year on Friday were soldiers from the 716th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company (EOD) out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richards, Alaska. The 716th team bested its sister unit from Alaska, the 65th Ordnance Company (EOD), which snagged the all-Army title last year. It is based at Fort Wainwright. Other Army Pacific teams joining the competition were the 74th Ordnance Company from Hawaii and 718th Ordnance Company based in South Korea. A team from Marine Corps Base Hawaii and another representing the Canadian armys 4th Engineer Support Regiment from New Brunswick were also in the mix. That pair of non-Army teams enhance the training aspect of this competition, Lt. Col. Arianna Morell, commander of the 303rd Ordnance Battalion, said Thursday during an event on an Army watercraft docked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The 303rd, based at Schofield Barracks on Oahu, commands the Hawaii and two Alaska companies. Obviously there will be an overall [Army Pacific] winner, but we do acknowledge who did the best out of our partner participants, Morell said. Seeing how our sister services do things increases our lethality. The week-long competition included a grueling fitness component in full field gear. Six observers ran the teams through lanes that mimic real-life EOD scenarios, such as counter-improvised explosive devices, robotics/remote operations and chemical threats. In a scenario aboard the Army vessel Thursday, a team was tasked with investigating a suspicious orange toolbox found on the lower deck. After using a small X-ray device to determine what was inside actual electronic components used for a bomb but no munitions the techs opened the lid, disarmed it and carried it off the vessel for destruction. They then reassembled the bomb toolbox and disarmed it in a much more dramatic and loud fashion, using a percussion actuated neutralizer, or PAN. That device fired a 12-gauge shotgun shell that propelled a stream of water with enough force to smash through the toolbox and deactivate the electronics inside. The observers judge teams on three main criteria, Morell said. Did you defeat the problem? she said. Did you do it in a manner that protects personnel and infrastructure? And then, how efficient were you? Judges weigh the role good luck plays in getting the job done, she said. A lot of it is judging the thought process they go through. Its like, Well, you did this and it worked, but you didnt think about these things, and you were lucky. Army EOD technicians follow standard operating procedures, but there is a level of art in approaching disposal. As one observer said while peering below deck at the toolbox bomb, Its you against the bombmaker. Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Avila of the Hawaii-based 303rd said he relishes the chance to work closely with the Alaska-based units during the competition. The competition gives us a good base of where we need to improve training or need to refocus and shift, he said. Sustainment troops familiarize themselves with the CROWS system, firing M249 squad automatic weapons and M240B machine guns from their vehicles at Story Live Fire Complex, South Korea, on Jan 28, 2026. CROWS stands for Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station. (Tae Sung Kim/U.S. Army) Recent live-fire training near the North Korean border helped familiarize soldiers with a system that lets them fire their weapons from inside armored vehicles using controls and sensors, according to Eighth Army. Troops from 84th Ordnance Company, 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command trained Jan. 28-29 on CROWS the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station said Eighth Army spokesman James Choi. The training took place at Story Live Fire Complex, where soldiers fired M249 squad automatic weapons and M240B machine guns while learning to assemble, prepare and operate CROWS, Choi said by phone Tuesday. The complex is about three miles from the border. CROWS increases crew protection by reducing exposure to enemy fire, Choi said. Sustainment troops familiarize themselves with the CROWS system, firing M249 squad automatic weapons and M240B machine guns from their vehicles at Story Live Fire Complex, South Korea, on Jan 28, 2026. CROWS stands for Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station. (Jack Ziercher/U.S. Army) During the exercise, troops practiced shooting targets during the day and at night, said Choi, who could not disclose the number of soldiers involved. Choi described the event as small-scale and part of routine training aimed at enhancing readiness. The exercise followed similar CROWS familiarization conducted about three months earlier, he said. The first CROWS more than 560 units were delivered to the Army in Iraq under an urgent 2004 contract with Recon Optical, according to Defense Update, a defense information website. Sustainment troops familiarize themselves with the CROWS system, firing M249 squad automatic weapons and M240B machine guns from their vehicles at Story Live Fire Complex, South Korea, on Jan 28, 2026. CROWS stands for Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station. (Jack Ziercher/U.S. Army) In 2008, Norwegian arms manufacturer Kongsberg acquired the contract and by 2017 had supplied the Army with more than 12,000 CROWS units, according to a company news release in December that year. The CROWS contracts are worth tens of millions annually. Kongsberg in 2023 announced a fourth five-year contract to supply the Army at a cost of $94 million. Capt. Chavius G. Lewis had commanded the USS Mason since November 2024. (U.S. Navy) The commander of the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason was relieved of duty Friday, service officials announced without providing specific details about the decision. Capt. Chavius G. Lewis, who had commanded the ship since November 2024, was fired by Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, due to a loss of confidence in Lewis ability to command, according to a Navy news release. The Navy like the Pentagons other military services often cites a loss of confidence when relieving leaders of responsibilities without providing a specific explanation. The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met, the service said in the announcement. Navy officials declined to provide further details about Lewis removal. Lewis has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Surface Group Southeast. Navy Capt. Kevin Hoffman has been named the Masons commanding officer, according to the service. The ship in 2023 and 2024, before Lewis assumed command, saw significant action in the Middle East, where it responded to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacks on international shipping lanes from their strongholds in Yemen. The ship was credited with shooting down multiple Houthi attack drones and striking Houthi targets with cruise missiles during that campaign. USS Mason is currently conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise in the northern Atlantic Ocean to prepare for another potential deployment. Navy officials said Lewis removal does not impact the ships mission or schedule. Lewis, a surface warfare officer, is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and commissioned via Officer Candidate School in 2000, according to his Navy biography. He has served aboard numerous Navy ships and previously commanded the littoral combat ships USS Sioux City and USS Wichita. A highlight of the new Frida Kahlo exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany, is a panoramic presentation of her paintings flashed on walls and set to music and sound effects. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) The lineage of the iconic and inventive Mexican painter known the world over for her unibrow traces straight back to southern Germany. Thats one surprising factoid about Frida Kahlo that I picked up at a new Stuttgart exhibition celebrating her work. Viva Frida Kahlo opened last month at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle and runs through March. It offers an immersive experience of a legendary artist known for her eye-catching self-portraits and lifestyle that broke free from convention. In the process, it provides insights about her background and what inspired her. I didnt know much about Kahlo ahead of my recent visit to the exhibition, at least beyond her iconic image thats become embedded in popular culture. So I was surprised, given her deep connection to Mexico, that she was the daughter of a German photographer who hailed from nearby Pforzheim. Her father was born Carl Wilhelm Kahlo and immigrated to Mexico at 19, never returning to his native Germany. The rest is art history. The exhibition, which begins with a selection of replica paintings and panels about the artists life, is structured as a 360-degree experience. The main presentation involves panoramic projections with music and various sound effects. There also is some interspersed narration in German. Still, you dont need to know the language to appreciate the material. Mexican artist Frida Kahlos many self-portraits are among the highlights of a new exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany. Viva Frida Kahlo runs through March. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) A new exhibition at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, Germany, is dedicated to the famed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. It offers an immersive experience of her works and gives insights into what inspired her. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) Viva Frida Kahlo is a new exhibition at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, Germany, that is focused on the works of the iconic Mexican painter. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) Information panels that are displayed in English ahead of the multimedia program also help visitors brush up on her background, with details about her turbulent marriage and various love affairs, such as dalliances with Josephine Baker and Leon Trotsky. The program lasts for about a half hour and takes you through the various stages of Kahlos life, with family pictures and scenes from the time. Her artwork is weaved throughout the presentation. Unfamiliar as I was with any of it besides the self-portraits, I was taken aback by the intensity of many paintings. A series of graphic works related to her experience of having a miscarriage was especially jarring. Other pictures were bright and cheerful, with a focus on things like exotic birds and juicy watermelons. After the presentation, visitors walk into another room for a virtual-reality Frida experience. The program is only about 10 minutes, but might have even topped the panorama show. Once you put on the headset, a Kahlo look-alike starts singing. After that, you move through paintings brought to life and travel through a Mexican street scene with all kinds of references to her art. The exhibition takes about an hour to get through. I enjoyed it all, but also felt like it would have benefited from more individual paintings to look at and study before entering the big panorama show. Still, seeing the works of one of the worlds great artists brought to life in a multimedia setting proved to be a moving experience and one Id recommend to novices and aficionados alike. Viva Frida Kahlo Address: 69 Mercedesstrasse, Stuttgart, Germany Cost: Admission price is between 20 and 26 euros depending on the day. Hours: Daily, 10 am.-9 p.m. Information: www.vivafridakahlo.de/vfk/stuttgart The Via dellAmore between the coastal Italian towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola would make a lovely place to propose. (iStock) St. Valentines Day is fast approaching, and romantic types who cant get enough of all things travel-related are dreaming of places where love is in the air. Even in the dead of winter, Europe offers a nearly endless choice of destinations where romance has every chance to bloom. Heres a sampling of some of the options: In search of love: Chances of finding love are particularly good when the word is in the very name of the place youre going. The Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je taime) in the Montmartre district of Paris is an art installation featuring the phrase I love you penned in 250 languages across 612 tiles. The mural can be found on Jehan Rictus Square near the Abbesses metro station. In Bruges, Belgium, a stroll through the outskirts of town might well take one past the Lake of Love (Minnewater), so named for the water nymphs said to inhabit its depths. The so-called Fortress of Love in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is not a fortress at all, but rather a bridge with a far less savory name, the Butchers Bridge (Mesarsky Most). The bridge gained its prettier appellation from the countless padlocks love-struck couples would have engraved with their names or initials and affix to its rails. Other bridges that get covered with padlocks, which authorities have removed time and again due to the excess weight it puts on the structure, include the Eisener Steg in Frankfurt, the Hohenzollernbrucke in Cologne and the Makartsteg in Salzburg, Austria. Those undeterred by wintry weather could also bundle up and hike along Lovers Lane (La Via dellAmore), a breathtakingly beautiful half-mile seaside path linking the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola along Italys famed Cinque Terre, the name for five villages perched along the coast of the Ligurian Sea. The path reopened in 2024, following a 12-year closure for renovations. Hikers should note the purchase of a Trekkers Card at a cost of 12.50 euros and up is obligatory and can be bought in advance. Online: viadellamore.info/biglietti The Butchers Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is adorned with love locks and offers scenic views of the historic city center. (iStock) Hot or cold: Those seeking warmth in the company of other paired-up friends might wish to set sail for Schierstein Harbor in Wiesbaden, where the SpaBoat experience awaits. The company rents out rafts equipped with either a sauna, a whirlpool or both, and no boating license is necessary to pilot one of these odd-looking crafts either within the harbor itself or out along the Rhine. The cost of a two-hour package for up to six people aboard the raft with the whirlpool starts at 199 euros; the experience is bookable for longer stretches or as a whirlpool/sauna combination. Online: spaboats.de Couples up for an unforgettable winter adventure might wish to book an overnight stay in one of the accommodations offered by a provider named Iglu-Dorf. These snow hotels offer art-filled rooms, sun terraces and dining facilities across five locations in the Alps, to include Davos Klosters, Gstaad and Zermatt in Switzerland; Innsbruck Kuhtai in Austria, and Zugspitze in Germany. The cost for a night spent close to the top of Germanys highest peak inclusive of igloo accommodation, cheese fondue, a nocturnal hike through the wintry landscape, time to enjoy the whirlpool and sauna and breakfast in the mountain restaurant starts at 418 euros for both guests. Online: iglu-dorf.com/en Explore popular engagement spots: For many, the spot in which to pop the question has to be just right. Wildly popular places to say or hear yes before I do include aboard the London Eye Ferris wheel next to the Thames River in London; amid the castle ruins overlooking the Neckar River in Heidelberg, Germany; aboard a bateaux plying the river Seine, just as the Eiffel Tower pops into view, in Paris; in a gondola, passing under the Bridge of Sighs, in Venice; or in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Get close to the saint who gave his name to the holiday: As is the case for so many saints, its hard to separate historical fact from legend and embellishment, but one widely accepted version concerning the life and times of St. Valentine is this: in third century Rome, under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, an edict was issued preventing young people from marriage. The purpose of the ruling was to keep young single men eligible for conscription to the army. Despite the ban, a priest named Valentine continued to marry couples in secret, an act that ultimately earned him martyrdom on the 14th of February, around or about the year 269 AD, the date that is now celebrated as his feast day. A quest in search of the relics of St. Valentine would lead one through three great European capitals. His shoulder blade is on display at the Church of St Peter and Paul in the Castle of Vysehrad, in Prague. Other remains are preserved in a shrine at the Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin. And St. Valentines skull is preserved in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, in Rome, which, incidentally, also houses the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verita). According to legend, any liar foolish enough to stick his hand in the mouth of this ancient stone sculpture will experience his or her appendage bitten off a rather drastic way to check if ones love is really true. Browsing ants, seen here in this undated photo, were successfully eradicated from Naha Military Port, Okinawa, in October 2025, according to the U.S. Army. (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology) After a five-year effort, the U.S. Army on Okinawa said it has eradicated an invasive ant species at its port in the island prefectures capital city. The browsing ant Lepisiota frauenfeldi is native to southern Europe and reproduces rapidly, forms super colonies and will attack and prey on other ant species and insects, according to a control plan released by the prefecture in March 2022. The Environmental Division of the Directorate of Public Works at Torii Station declared the browsing ant finally eradicated from Naha Military Port in October 2025, according to a Jan. 23 news release from U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa. It was first spotted in 2017 at Nagoya Port on Honshu, Japans largest island. The countrys Ministry of the Environment first recorded the ant in Naha along Routes 331 and 332 in February 2020, according to the control plan. Nests were discovered at the Naha port in May 2020, and a control monitoring project began for the species in April 2021, according to the Army. A maximum of 62 nests were detected in May 2021. The ants were found in grassy areas around the ports utilities buildings and in concrete cracks, Naho Ishiki, Directorate of Public Works natural resources program manager and environmental engineer, said by phone Friday. The Army set up sugar and mealworm bait traps containing a growth regulator that causes infertility, she said. The bait was developed by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University and the University of the Ryukyus. Four months later, nest numbers had dropped to two. No ants have been detected since December 2023, according to the Armys release. After 24 months, you can say its pretty much eradicated, Ishiki said. We double-checked with the Ministry of the Environment, and we are good. The ants were eliminated before they could inflict any major damage, she said. Its not very risky to human health compared to fire ants, but it could damage utilities and structures, Ishiki said. And biosecurity-wise, its going to cost more to eradicate it after they completely establish within the installation. The Army port wiped out its ant infestation more than a year after greater Naha had eradicated its infestation. As of May 17, 2024, the city was free of browsing ants for two consecutive years, the Okinawa General Bureau announced in a news release. This was a very rare case of successful eradication, Yoshua Andersson, spokesman for U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, said by phone Friday. Theyre still working to eradicate this ant [in Nagoya]. In Australia, its already invasive islandwide in Australia and causing damage to native species. Several real estate agencies near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, including this one pictured on Feb. 11, 2026, have reported a severe shortage of available rental units. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan Military and civilian personnel expecting to live outside this installation south of Tokyo may have to wait a month or more for a vacancy due to a severe shortage of military-approved housing. Five Yokosuka rental agencies said theyre seeing shortages far outside the norm. The shortages first became noticeable after the aircraft carrier USS George Washington relieved its predecessor, the USS Ronald Reagan, in 2024, two rental agents said. One of Yokosukas larger agencies, iE.ESTATE, said its local inventory has dropped approximately 80%, from about 50 to 60 houses and apartments available in a typical season to just 10 as of Monday, according to Yokosuka branch manager Yugo Tamayama. Tamayama said hes never seen such a shortage in his 10-year career in real estate, he told Stars and Stripes on Monday at his office. Smaller agencies also reported slim pickings. Jerry Ishizuka, an agent for Smile House, and Satoru Honnami, an agent for Iino Real Estate, both said their respective agencies had no properties available for rent on Monday. Both agencies just a few minutes walk from the naval bases main gate have growing wait lists due to their proximity to the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet, they said. Base housing is also at a high occupancy rate of between 92% and 94%, base spokesman Justin Keller told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday. The installation is monitoring the situation closely, he wrote. While there could be many complex factors at play, the Kanto Plain in Japan remains a highly desirable location to live, for our Sailors, families, civilians and the local population, he said. All five rental agencies said the shortage was exclusive to sailors and DOD civilians. Ishizuka and two other agents Chris Kelly of Life Town and Nagisa Inoue of House Agency Seven said Feb. 9 that the shortage began shortly after the George Washington arrived in November 2024. A family of two or three previously would have expected to house hunt for one or two weeks, but Kelly said the average is now closer to one or two months. One major factor, he said, is a recent alignment between rent prices for military-affiliated customers and Japanese citizens. For properties to qualify as military housing, they must have certain amenities, including built-in light fixtures and appliances such as ovens or washing machines, Kelly said. That investment once allowed homeowners to charge military customers a higher price; however, the average rent for locals has risen and now mirrors the typical price for military renters, removing the incentive to convert properties to military housing, he said. A lack of new properties, combined with the time it takes to clean and re-inspect vacant homes, is contributing to the situation, he said. Keller advised anyone having trouble finding a home to notify their command and consult with the bases Housing Service Center. Their team can provide personalized counseling, support, and case-by-case assistance to our personnel, he wrote. The five rental agents, meanwhile, recommended that anyone searching for a home do their best to visit agency offices in person as much as possible. CANBERRA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Angus Taylor has been elected as Australia's federal opposition leader after he successfully challenged incumbent Sussan Ley for the leadership of the conservative Liberal Party on Friday. Taylor, a leading member of the Liberal Party's conservative faction, defeated Ley in a leadership ballot by a margin of 34 votes to 17 at a special meeting of the party's 51 elected members at Parliament House in Canberra. It makes Taylor the 17th person to lead the Liberal Party since it was founded in 1944 and means he will also lead the conservative Coalition that the Liberals form with the National Party. The party room meeting on Friday morning was called after Taylor resigned from Ley's shadow cabinet on Wednesday night to challenge for the leadership. Ley, a member of the moderate faction, had served as the Liberal Party's first female leader since she narrowly beat Taylor in a ballot following the May 2025 general election, at which the party suffered its worst result in history. Joshua Walker, president and CEO of the Japan Society, speaks to reporters at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan in Tokyo, Feb. 13, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) TOKYO The U.S.-Japan alliance is at a significant crossroads as it enters a more transactional era under President Donald Trump, an expert on the two countries relationship said Friday. The United States soft power the influence a nation exerts through diplomacy, culture and other non-military means is declining while Japans is increasing, according to Joshua Walker, president of the nonprofit Japan Society, based in New York City. Political polarization, visible domestic instability and Trumps transactional America First mentality account for the decline, Walker told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan. Tokyo, meanwhile, is building its soft power through quiet confidence, stability and popular media such as anime and video games, he said. That change, and Japans awkward position between its ally the U.S. and China, its competitor, means the U.S.-Japan relationship needs to be reevaluated, Walker said. Its not that the alliance is going to be over its that the alliance needs to be reimagined for the future, and that the alliance is not simply the president and prime minister, or Washington and [Tokyo], he said. Joshua W. Walker,president and CEO of the Japan Society, speaks to the reporters at the Foreign Correspondent's Club Japan in Tokyo, February 13, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Walker believes the two countries should focus not on leader-to-leader ties but on ties that bind their private-sector industries and their people, while Tokyo establishes stronger self-defense capabilities. You have to strengthen your deterrence, he said. As Ukraine has demonstrated, even if youre one-tenth the size of your adversary, with the right heart, with the right passion, with the right equipment, you can resist. The shift is already surfacing in political debates in Japan, as Washington pressures Tokyo to increase its defense spending from 2% of GDP to 5%, Walker said. He questioned whether the Japanese economy could sustain that level of defense spending. I think theres going to have to be a creative way to solve this, but I dont think that were going to end up at just 2%, he said. I think it is going to have to be higher, but I think 5% might be a bridge too far. Walker also warned that Japan faces the risk of being sidelined if the U.S. and China somehow establish a stronger relationship, an outcome Tokyo has feared since President Richard Nixon abruptly opened U.S. relations with Beijing in the 1970s. But I think given the soft power of Japan, given the global standing of Japan, Im optimistic about the future, even though Im worried about the geopolitical stability, he said. Capitol Motors sells cars to Americans from its office about a block north of Aviano Air Base, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) AVIANO, Italy Thieves stole two cars and a safe from a dealership that caters exclusively to Americans during a burglary this month, according to multiple Italian media reports and the local Carabinieri office. Capitol Motors, located about a block from Aviano Air Bases north gate, was broken into in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. The cars stolen were a Honda Civic and a BMW X1, both of which were new and had no license plates, Il Gazzettino reported. The safe was eventually found along the Brentella stream underneath a recently renovated bridge near San Martino di Campagna about 3 miles east of Aviano, another report from the newspaper said. A passer-by found keys and documents scattered in the area. Authorities told the paper they were concerned that the two stolen vehicles might be used in other crimes. Capitol Motors employees said they could not comment on the situation, and attempts to obtain more information from the company were not successful. The dealership is based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and has other locations in Spangdahlem, Germany, and in Aviano and Vicenza in Italy. A Carabinieri officer in Aviano, who asked not to be identified, largely declined to comment about the case, citing the ongoing investigation. When asked whether the business had been targeted because of its American clientele, the officer said it was a random theft. Local news outlet La Gazzetta di Pordenone reported that the thieves appeared to know their target, suggesting that the burglary may have been planned in advance. Investigators were reviewing footage from the dealerships surveillance cameras. U.S. President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 29, 2025. (Jim Watson, AFP/Getty Images/TNS) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) U.S. President Donald Trump said that he could see negotiations with Iran stretching for as long as a month, as he seeks a diplomatic agreement that would roll back Tehrans nuclear ambitions. I guess over the next month, something like that, Trump told reporters Thursday when asked how long the talks would take. Shouldnt take I mean, should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly. The president said it would be very traumatic for Iran if it failed to reach an agreement. The comments came a day after Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The Israeli leader sought to convince Trump to endorse a more sweeping rollback of Irans military influence in the region, in particular halting support for proxies such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, as well as limitations on its ballistic missile program. Trump described that conversation as very good and said the Israeli leader understands his intentions. Netanyahu did not encourage him to cut off talks, Trump said. The Israeli prime minister emphasized his countrys security needs in the discussion with Trump and the two leaders agreed to continue coordinating closely, according to a readout from Netanyahus office. Trump mobilized U.S. warships and fighter jets near Iran in response to Tehrans deadly crackdown on recent mass protests but has pivoted his focus to the countrys nuclear capabilities, threatening to attack again if a deal is not struck. Hes given mixed messages, though, on what exactly Tehran would need to provide for a satisfactory agreement. After the start of talks in Oman last week, Trump said an accord covering only nuclear issues would be acceptable. Catherine Lucey and Dan Williams contributed to this report. 2026 Bloomberg LP Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC A C-130J Super Hercules taxis on a runway in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Jan. 28, 2026. CENTCOM conducted a nighttime transfer operation from northeastern Syria to Iraq on Feb. 12, 2026, aimed at maintaining the security of ISIS detainees held in regional detention facilities. (Nicholas Monteleone/U.S. Air Force) American forces completed a nearly monthlong mission to transfer thousands of Islamic State detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq, U.S. Central Command said Friday. The operation concluded following a nighttime flight Thursday and resulted in the transfer of more than 5,700 ISIS fighters from detention facilities in Syria to Iraqi custody, CENTCOM said in a statement. The mission began Jan. 21 amid fears that fighting in Syria could allow ISIS prisoners to escape from detention camps. Job well done to the entire Joint Force team who executed this exceptionally challenging mission on the ground and in the air with great focus, professionalism, and collaboration with our regional partners, CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in the statement. Iraq, which suffered a brutal ISIS insurgency before the groups defeat there, requested that the prisoners be moved and has been prosecuting and interrogating them under Iraqi law in facilities designed for long-term detention and judicial processing, The Associated Press reported Thursday. We appreciate Iraqs leadership and recognition that transferring the detainees is essential to regional security, Cooper said. U.S. and coalition forces operating under Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve led the planning, coordination and execution of the transfer, CENTCOM said. The transfer will help prevent an ISIS resurgence in Syria, task force commander Maj. Gen. Kevin Lambert said. The completion of the operation came after U.S. forces on Wednesday handed over the al-Tanf Garrison in Syria to local counterparts as part of a transition of the anti-ISIS mission. Al-Tanf is strategically located along the borders of Iraq and Jordan and for years has been an important hub for the U.S. militarys campaign against the Islamic State. U.S. forces remain poised to respond to any ISIS threats in the region, Cooper said in a separate statement Thursday. Maintaining pressure on ISIS is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and strengthening regional security, he said. The United States maintains about 1,000 troops in Syria, primarily to support anti-ISIS efforts. Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve was established by CENTCOM in 2014 to advise, assist and enable partner forces fighting ISIS. The group was territorially defeated in 2019, though U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that it still poses a threat in the region. Narciso Barranco listens to speakers during a press conference at the Old Orange County Courthouse on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Santa Ana, California. (Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times/TNS) LOS ANGELES (Tribune News Service) A federal immigration judge ended the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a Mexican father of three U.S. Marines, whose arrest on video showing masked federal agents pinning him down and punching him outside an IHOP in Southern California went viral last year. Rigo Hernandez, 44, told The Times that the judge terminated his stepfathers case during a virtual hearing on Jan. 28. It was the third case the judge heard that day, Hernandez said in a phone interview. It was nerve-racking. Barranco made national headlines when Border Patrol agents took him into custody on June 21 as he worked as a landscaper outside a Santa Ana IHOP. The arrest was caught on video that was shared on social media, and soon after, his eldest son was granting interviews to the media, keeping his fathers case in the news cycle. Alejandro Barranco, a Marine veteran, told The Times then that his father had been pepper-sprayed and that his shoulder had been dislocated. At the time, the Department of Homeland Security denied his shoulder had been dislocated and blasted Barranco on social media, accusing him of assaulting federal law enforcement with a weed whacker. In a statement after the incident, the agency claimed Barranco ran, then turned and swung a weed whacker directly at an agents face. He then fled through a busy intersection and raised the weed whacker again at the agent. But Barrancos family said that he ran away because he was afraid and that no charges were ever filed against him. But an effort to remove him from the country was started in earnest. During his fathers hearing last month, Hernandez felt anxious, he said, as the judge listened to arguments from attorneys representing his father and the Department of Homeland Security. But he started to feel slightly better as the judges questions started to lean in favor of his father. Once the judge said, Im compelled to agree with the defendants attorney, there was a sigh of relief, he said. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Times. Since the ruling, Hernandez said, his fathers ankle monitor has been removed and his check-ins with federal immigration officials were discontinued. He still has to settle his legal status, Hernandez said. But this clears the way for that. Shortly after his father was taken into custody in June, Hernandez said, his fathers attorney petitioned for him to be put into a federal program that allows undocumented spouses, children and stepchildren of U.S. citizens or military personnel to temporarily remain in the country and apply for a work visa. The program, dubbed Parole in Place, allows immigrants to obtain legal permanent residence faster. Hopefully that Parole in Place will take full effect and then he can get his permanent residence, so were very happy, Hernandez said. My mom was very excited about the news, and I know Narciso feels a little bit more at ease. He said his father, however, is still very guarded and does not go out. We do limit his outings and his exposure because he is still at risk of possibly encountering (federal immigration agents), Hernandez said. Times staff writers Brittny Mejia and Kaitlyn Huamani contributed to this report. 2026 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Tourists visit a gift shop of Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/He Wen) LANZHOU, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Spring Festival has long been described as the world's largest annual migration. This year, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. expects 540 million passenger trips during the 40-day travel rush. Traditionally, the emphasis has been on logistics: moving hundreds of millions of people across a vast territory within a narrow time window. Increasingly, however, the travel rush functions as more than a transport challenge. It has become a high-density platform for cultural distribution, where mobility, leisure time and seasonal spending converge. Early this week, a selected high-speed train service running from Lanzhou in northwest China's Gansu Province to Guangzhou in the south was redesigned as "mobile museums": nine national first-class museums in Gansu curated exhibitions for train carriages, featuring visual installations inspired by Han-dynasty bamboo slips, Dunhuang murals, millennia-old Majiayao painted pottery, and the iconic Bronze Galloping Horse. Museum educators conducted timed interpretive sessions on board and arranged outreach events at major stops, and passengers could participate in basic hands-on activities linked to the artifacts. The initiative is modest in scale, yet significant in what it signals. As of 2025, China's total operating railway mileage reached 165,000 kilometers, including more than 50,000 kilometers of high-speed lines, the largest such rail network in the world. When museums place exhibitions on trains, they are attaching cultural content to one of the country's most extensive distribution systems. Infrastructure thus becomes a transmission channel. The timing enhances visibility. Spring Festival compresses travel, attention, and family reunion into a nationally concentrated time window. As Professor Mao Jinhuang of the School of Economics at Lanzhou University noted, the Spring Festival travel rush has long extended beyond transportation, aggregating cultural traditions, emotional attachments, and social change into a single social event. A similar concentration of time and attention appears in how leisure hours are organized during the holiday. In Gansu's Baiyin City, a local bookstore has expanded its operations to include a 24-hour reading space. Covering roughly 850 square meters and housing more than 20,000 books, it hosted 76 events in 2025, including reading sessions and art salons. Since 2020, the city's public library system has operated 24-hour reading rooms and themed spaces such as film libraries, while expanding smart borrowing services and AI-assisted reading experiences. In 2025 alone, Baiyin held more than 610 reading promotion activities. National survey data released by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication show that both print and e-book reading volumes among adults increased in 2024. According to Zhu Qiantao, a professor at Lanzhou University of Finance and Economics, bookstores, already regarded as urban cultural landmarks, are expanding their functions in response to evolving cultural consumption patterns. What matters less is the individual reader and more the concentration of leisure time during the Spring Festival, which historically centered on domestic rituals and reunion meals. The expansion of round-the-clock reading spaces during the holiday suggests that leisure hours are increasingly absorbed by structured cultural consumption. Time off work, combined with heightened cultural awareness, creates a predictable demand window. Commerce provides the mechanism through which cultural capital is converted into economic value. Ahead of the Year of the Horse, the Gansu Provincial Museum released creative merchandise inspired by the Bronze Galloping Horse. Plush toys, decorative figurines and themed ornaments reinterpret the artifact's symbolism in contemporary formats. Within a week of launch in late January, the museum's online flagship store recorded nearly 1,000 orders for related products. Elsewhere, artisans have produced embroidered horse motifs, seal engravings, and cloisonne ornaments tied to the same theme. The sales figures, ranging from several hundred to around a thousand units during the post-launch period, as reported by individual studios, demonstrate the extent to which intangible heritage and museum artifacts have been translated into festival-timed consumer goods. Liu Xiaocheng, dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Lanzhou University, noted that the horse carries long-standing associations with vigor and progress in Chinese culture. "As sales of cultural and creative products continue to grow, horse-themed designs respond to the public's cultural and emotional needs," Liu said. "They help stimulate demand in the cultural consumption market." The Spring Festival increasingly functions as a dense distribution system. Mobility concentrates population flows, public holidays compress leisure time, and festive spending channels demands. Infrastructure, digital platforms, and urban cultural venues intersect within the same period. None of these replaces the holiday's core function as a family reunion. Rather, they layer additional economic and cultural functions onto it. High-speed trains distribute images and narratives alongside passengers. Bookstores extend hours to capture concentrated attention. Museums align product launches with the lunar calendar. In a system defined by large-scale mobility and coordinated infrastructure, culture adapts through integration rather than disruption. The Spring Festival remains a ritual return home. Increasingly, it is also a seasonal machine that channels infrastructure, heritage and consumption into a coordinated flow. The migration remains vast. So does the cultural traffic that travels with it. A tourist poses for photos with two costumed staff members of Wuwei Museum at Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) The investigation into the train crash near Adamuz (Cordoba) has slowed down, with important tasks still pending. Since the investigating commission (CIAF) located a possible fracture in the rails shortly after the accident, it has hardly progressed. The CIAF says it has not yet had access to the black boxes of the two trains involved - the Iryo train that derailed and the Alvia coming from the opposite direction. For this to happen, the CIAF needs "judicial authorisation". The commission has also not started to study the hundreds of metres of rails removed from the site to determine the reason for the track fracture. Choosing a laboratory to perform this analysis has proved to be a difficult task. The right facility must have the technical competence to carry out the tests. Another important factor is "the absence of conflicts of interest", as many of these companies have commercial relations with state rail bodies Adif or Renfe, which are involved in the accident. In the meantime, "the samples remain in the custody" of the commission and "will only be delivered for analysis once the court has given its approval". Without access to the black boxes and without laboratory advances, the CIAF is focusing on analysing "the information that is currently collected, mainly from Adif, Renfe Viajeros and Iryo". Infrastructure company Adif has provided the CIAF with "documentation concerning the work carried out in Adamuz, as well as other actions included in the renovation project". The commission has also asked Adif to provide information "regarding the data of the interlockings and track circuits" that remotely manage signals and prevent incompatible manoeuvres that could cause collisions or derailments. Information from the two operators involved in the accident mainly concerns data on the rolling stock, "as well as communications immediately after the event". European Railway Agency CIAF has also reported that on 28 January it asked the European Union Railway Agency (ERA) to join the investigation for transparency purposes. According to the Spanish commission, this collaboration "is also in the interest of the ERA experts, as it is a learning and safety improvement opportunity for the entire European railway sector". "The first contacts between the investigative team and the panel of observers have already taken place, with a possible meeting next week. In any case, the technical investigation will be carried out exclusively by CIAF and the role of the observers will be limited to monitoring the process," the CIAF has stated. Water coming out of a house in Malaga province during the most recent serious storms. SUR Friday, 13 February 2026, 15:08 Share Cajamar has launched a preferential financing line to meet the needs of farmers, companies, cooperatives, irrigation communities and the self-employed who have been affected by the storms in Andalucia. The aim of the aid, alongside support from other institutions, is to help them land back on their feet and make up for the losses as soon as possible. Cajamar has visited the affected areas to assess which parts of the region need financial aid the most. Among the measures available are investment loans for the reconstruction and start-up of agricultural and livestock farms, repair of the irrigation network, advance payment of insurance indemnities and financing of the Agroseguro agricultural insurance at a zero rate. These preferential conditions seek to alleviate the financial burden, the scope of which is yet to become fully clear. Technicians and workers are currently assessing the damage to farms, rural roads, irrigation networks, pumping stations and other infrastructure. The provinces of Malaga, Cordoba, Jaen, Cadiz, Granada, Seville and Huelva have experienced damages to olive harvests, citrus groves, potato and asparagus crops, cereals and livestock farms. The rains and winds have also strongly hit greenhouses. Unicaja has set up a special line of financing at zero per cent interest to support those affected by floods between December 2025 and the beginning of 2026 in Andalucia, Castilla y Leon, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura. Meanwhile, CaixaBank has earmarked one billion euros to finance farmers under special conditions. Carlos Moran Granada Friday, 13 February 2026, 15:41 Share When a diver left a company that had hired him on Granada province's Costa Tropical, he 'forgot' to return the equipment that belonged to the business, "with the intention of making an illicit profit". The incident happened nine years ago on the coast of Granada and the former staff member has now been sentenced by a court in Granada province to a six-month suspended prison sentence. The defendant acknowledged the crime and the court handed down a sentence without the need to carry out the interrogations at the hearing. In addition to the suspended prison sentence, the court ordered the defendant to pay the injured parties 25,000 euros, which was the market value of the equipment. The stolen objects, according to the court ruling, included "an orbital hydraulic motor, gas canisters, three professional underwater video cameras and a 3,000-kilogram lift with two valves" among other items. The defendant also kept two cars that belonged to his employers, but these had already been recovered by their owners. The defendant agreed to gradually repay the 25,000 euros in 41 instalments of 600 euros and a final instalment of 400 euros in three years and six months, "to be made within the first five days of each month," the court specified in the proceedings. If the defendant fails to comply, he faces the prison sentence. "The court decided to suspend the six-month sentence imposed on the convicted person for a period of four years, subject to the condition that the convicted person does not commit any crime during that period and that he meets the payment of the amounts agreed," the ruling states. SUR in English Friday, 13 February 2026, 10:06 Share A major landmark exhibition organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, will see artists from Gibraltar, Lloyds Art Group and world-renowned artists exhibiting in both the United Kingdom and Gibraltar. The unique project, entitled 'Traces of Humanity', will feature various events in Margate during May, a major exhibition at Noho Studios, London from 19 to 29 May, and will conclude in Gibraltar from 1 to 31 July at Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery. The theme, set by curator Philippa Beale, celebrates the Gorham's Cave Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of global importance in understanding human evolution. The exhibition will pay tribute to the traces left by humanity, reflecting on self-knowledge, history and the everyday aspects of human existence. Philippa Beale is a British visual artist, sculptor and curator who has led previous exhibitions in Gibraltar and hosted Gibraltar's artists in London. Selected artists have been encouraged to explore the theme in innovative ways, with painting, printmaking, sculpture, video and installation forming part of the offering. Those exhibiting in the UK, both in Margate and London, are: Ambrose Avellano, Ermelinda Duarte, Mark Montovio, Alan Perez, Monica Popham, Sebastian Rodriguez, Michelle Stagnetto and Karl Ullger. Professors Clive and Geraldine Finlayson will be speaking about Gorham's Cave both at Noho Studios, London and at Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery as part of the project. The programme in both the UK and Gibraltar will also feature a variety of talks and public events. A commemorative catalogue is currently being produced featuring essays by different professionals in relation to the theme and the link between art and science. Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, Christian Santos, said: "'Traces of Humanity' sees collaboration with several international artists on a subject Gibraltar is celebrated and renowned for: the Gorham's Cave Complex. It will certainly be interesting to see the links between art, science, history and culture brought to life by all the artists involved using different mediums. I wish to thank Gibraltar Cultural Services and Philippa Beale for bringing four art exhibitions with several satellite events to fruition. We can all be proud of exporting Gibraltar's art, culture and history overseas and equally proud to host new, and old, friends on the Rock." For more information, contact GCS Cultural Development Unit on telephone 20041839 or email: development@culture.gov.gi CAIRO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Petroleum Ministry on Thursday announced new gas and oil discoveries in the Western Desert, with an expected daily output of about 34 million standard cubic feet, alongside over 5,200 barrels of crude oil and condensates. The discoveries, made by four petroleum sector companies, are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to offset natural production declines in older wells, reduce import bills, and boost domestic energy output. Khalda Petroleum Company, a major operator in Egypt's energy sector, discovered two new gas wells. The first exploratory well, the North Opera-2, located in the Matrouh Development area, is expected to produce 21.15 million standard cubic feet of natural gas and 3,274 barrels of condensate per day. The well is set to begin production by mid-February. The second well, West El Dabaa-2x in the West El Dabaa concession, is testing at 4.15 million standard cubic feet of natural gas and 336 barrels of condensate per day. Another well, GPD-1X, was discovered by General Petroleum Company (GPC), an Egyptian national company, in the Sinan development area. It has already been tied into production with an expected daily output of 625 barrels of oil. Meanwhile, PetroFarah, in collaboration with its partner United Energy Egypt, and Agiba Petroleum Company have made additional discoveries. Egypt has been trying to boost its oil and gas production amid a decline in natural gas output in recent years. In August 2025, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Egypt's current natural gas production stands at 4.1 billion cubic feet per day and is expected to rise to 6.6 billion cubic feet per day by 2027. SUR in English Friday, 13 February 2026, 13:58 Share Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, has extended her Royal Patronage of the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival for a further three years, the Ministry of Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism has confirmed. The festival is an example of the Government's events-led tourism strategy, demonstrating Gibraltar's capacity to organise quality international events that continue to place Gibraltar on the map. The patronage is also significant as it highlights the festival's importance in promoting literature and cultural diversity both in Gibraltar and abroad. Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, Christian Santos said: "We are honoured that Her Royal Highness is to continue as Patron of the Festival, which is testament to the festival's prestige and success. The continued support from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal underscores the festival's commitment to excellence and its role in enhancing Gibraltar's cultural landscape. "We shall continue to build on the success of previous editions and deliver another extraordinary festival packed with leading authors and celebrities." Julio J. Portabales Tolox. Friday, 13 February 2026, 15:32 Share Adrian is 22 years old, lives in Tolox in Malaga province and suffers from dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB), known as "butterfly skin" disease. His daily life is marked by more than 80 open wounds and treatments that can last between seven and eight hours. His mother, Virginia Cortes, says that at last there is a topical gene therapy called Vyjuvek, capable of closing wounds and keeping them closed for months, but she complains that Spain has not yet incorporated it while other European countries already administer it, something that has caused frustration and anger in the family. Prior to Adrian's birth in 2004 his parents had no reason to suspect complications. But, as soon as he was born, he was wrapped in a blanket and rushed to another room. A few hours later, a paediatrician approached the parents to tell them that they suspected that their son was suffering from a disease: butterfly skin. "I could hardly touch him or breastfeed him. We honestly thought he was going to die because it was almost impossible to feed him," his mother recalls. Butterfly skin is a rare condition that people are born with and which causes extreme skin fragility. In people who suffer from it, the skin does not hold together as it should and any rubbing, however small, can cause wounds and blisters. Dressing, walking or showering can be very painful. As a result, people living with the condition need daily treatments that last for hours and live with open wounds for much of their lives. Early years Adrian's early years were not easy for him or his family. The nappies themselves stuck to his skin and, in order to remove them, it was necessary to bathe him and keep him soaking for some time. During those years, the help of Debra, the butterfly skin association founded in Marbella, was essential for the parents to learn palliative care and how to deal with the disease. At the same time, Virginia Cortes and her husband discovered, after several tests, that they were both carriers of the gene responsible for the disease. Several years later, and after undergoing pre-implantation diagnosis treatment, an in vitro fertilisation with prior analysis of the embryos, they had twins, now 16 years old, younger siblings of Adrian and free of the disease. "We had to explain to them that they could not grab him, push him or run near him. We acted as a protective shield, but little by little they learned and now they are very aware." Zoom Adrian, on the left with his two, younger brothers. SUR Such is their involvement that, together with his parents and a nurse, they help with Adrian's daily treatments. These treatments can easily take up to eight hours between two people, but are reduced with the help of more hands, allowing different areas of the body to be treated at the same time. "The whole body is bandaged except the face and head. And you have to remove the bandages very carefully, because if you pull hard you can tear the skin off," says Virginia. Today, Adrian tries to live as normal a life as possible, although it is not an easy task. With more than 80 open wounds, each at a different stage - healing, infected or inflamed - he lives with the disease on a daily basis. He is currently unable to eat because of the narrowing of his oesophagus due to the wounds, so he needs a nocturnal feeding pump. Even actions as basic as brushing his teeth are very difficult. University Even so, the young man from Tolox is currently in his final year of a teaching degree with English Studies at the University of Malaga. He is enrolled part-time and has a volunteer support student who helps him to open the computer, take notes or provide him with them on days when he cannot attend class for medical reasons. "We have always dreamed and asked for a miracle, that one day there would be a treatment," explains Virginia Cortes. That "miracle" could materialise in the form of Vyjuvek, a gel that is applied topically, directly to the wounds, and which would allow them to close. The family describes it as "an unprecedented medical breakthrough". It is a drug developed exclusively for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa bullosa, the most severe form of the disease and the one Adrian suffers from. According to his mother, the gel introduces the missing collagen into the cell, allowing the skin to remain closed for months or even years. "He can go from having 80 wounds to having half or even fewer," she says. Virginia Cortes explains that, according to information provided by Debra Spain, the European Commission - through the European Medicines Agency - approved the treatment in April. European legislation establishes a deadline of 180 days for countries to incorporate approved drugs into their health systems, a period that has already been exceeded by far. Eight months have passed and the drug has still not arrived in Spain. Adrian's mother says she knows of several European countries that already administer it, including Germany (the first to do so), Italy, France, Serbia and Moldova. "In a developed society such as ours, the fact that an essential life-saving medication is not available is appalling," she says. The Andalusian regional ministry of health has told SUR that it is fully aware of the clinical and family impact of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa bullosa and understands the concern of these families. They have also reported that the drug Vyjuvek has European authorisation, but its incorporation into the ordinary use of the national health system depends exclusively on the national ministry of health, through the state procedure for setting the price and deciding on public funding, which has not yet been completed. Some of the more than 80 wounds that Adrian has over his body as a result of the disease. SUR Medication access In the meantime, and provided that the clinical team considers it appropriate for a specific patient, access via foreign medication may be considered exceptionally, in accordance with Royal Decree 1015/2009, subject to authorisation by the AEMPS (Spanish agency for medicines and health products), also under the ministry. Virginia, for her part, is moving heaven and earth to get the treatment to her son in time, before amputations or serious infections occur. She has spoken to the Andalusian regional health minister, who assured her that he would "study the case", and has sent letters to the health minister and the head of state, King Felipe VI. "I don't know who else to write to," she says. "I'd go to the gates of hell and ask the devil, if I had to," concludes Virginia Cortes. She speaks from the desperation of a mother who has been living with her son's pain for 22 years and who is not willing to give up. Her only request is that the Spanish health system acts as quickly as other European countries. Because, in her case, every day she waits means new wounds. And because time, for Adrian, also hurts. Tony Bryant Friday, 13 February 2026, 15:48 Share Enjoying a successful career in the world of music and acting at a relatively early age is something that many youngsters dream of, but rarely achieve. However, Costa del Sol-based musician Cristina Ryan is not one of them, because not only has she appeared in a popular Irish television series, she has also played with The London Symphony Orchestra, and performed alongside Elton John in London. Born in Dublin in 1988, Ryan was introduced to the performing arts at a young age. She trained as a ballet dancer and also took part in several 'acting for film' courses at the Gaiety School of Acting, as well as studying classical violin and piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Growing up in a musical family, the youngster was influenced by her mother, also a pianist. She completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and then returned to Ireland to do a Masters in Music Performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The 38-year-old musician has since played under the baton of several established conductors with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Irish Symphony Orchestra and the Irish Chamber Orchestra. "Music was the foundation of my well-rounded, creative career. My mum got me into piano when I was around four years of age. Music came very easy to me, but don't get me wrong, there were a lot of long hours practising," she tells SUR in English. A change of direction During her mid-20s, Ryan decided to pursue her love of acting and trained at the Irish Film Academy. She had previously been involved in several amateur stage musical productions in Ireland. "Acting was always a love. My musical career was quite intense, so I had never had the chance to explore acting. However, I met the team who were making the TV series, The Northsiders, and I secured the role of Celine," the Dubliner explains. Other projects soon followed, including the comedy drama Thank You Come Again, a day-in-the-life type story with a mosaic of seemingly unrelated characters centred around an adult shop. Ryan suddenly found herself juggling her acting with her concerts, which have taken her from Ireland to Britain, Europe and America. One of the highlights of her music career came in September 2009, when she played violin in a concert alongside Elton John in the Royal Albert Hall as part of a fundraising event for the Royal Academy of Music. "I played on stage with Elton John to raise funds for the academy, which he also attended. I was asked if I would be interested in performing in a show based on his hits, to which, of course, I agreed," she says. "A shiny new temptation" The classically trained musician came to the Costa del Sol in 2020, a time when she was reassessing what she wanted to do, and she settled in El Faro, Mijas. "I felt I needed a fresh place to explore and see what might happen. I have very close friends living on the coast and I often visited. This area presented me with a shiny new temptation, so I took the leap and made the move," she says. It didn't take her long to discover the coast's close-knit music community, and she was soon offering her services at charity events organised by it. "The local music community is amazing. There is so much talent and opportunity on the Costa del Sol. The music scene here is quite special, so from an artist's point of view, it is very appealing and very rewarding," she explains. Ryan is looking to perform at some of the bigger venues in Malaga and also at some of the large-scale music festivals during the summer. At present, she is preparing for two performances of her The Magic of the Movies concert at the Salon Varietes Theatre next weekend. "I can't praise the theatre enough in terms of the work they do and the service they provide for the community. I performed there last year, and so I am lucky to be invited back again this year," she concludes. Tony Bryant Friday, 13 February 2026, 11:45 Share The Mayor of Torremolinos, Margarita del Cid, welcomed eleven new Local Police officers to the force on Thursday, recruits who have joined the municipalitys workforce on a trainee basis. The new officers began work on Monday and will remain for six months while completing their practical training. These officers joined the academy in Cordoba in September and, after their practical period in Torremolinos, will return to the academy to complete their training and sit their final examinations. Commitment to public safety The mayor explained that the new recruits will formally take up their posts in Torremolinos in July, increasing police presence and thereby improving public safety. Their full incorporation will also coincide with the summer months, when the municipalitys population triples due to tourism. With these positions, the council will have delivered the promised recruitment quota, strengthening its commitment to reinforcing public safety in the municipality after 20 years in which no new police officers had been recruited, Del Cid explained. In addition to increased staffing, the Local Police force has undergone numerous improvements in resources, logistics and administration in recent years. These include the launch of the emergency control centre at the towns congress hall and changes to the internal communications system. A further renewal of the police vehicle fleet is also planned for later this year. New development of more than 300 VPOs in Benalmadena The project follows a 'new concept of subsidised housing': it will have a swimming pool, gym and recreational areas, and all the homes will be exterior-facing with a terrace Image of the project to be developed by Urbania, whose works are expected to start this year. Jose Carlos Garcia Benalmadena Friday, 13 February 2026, 15:40 Share The real estate development, investment and project management company Urbania will build a development of more than 300 subsidised housing units in Benalmadena, the town hall has announced. The council is "finalising all the necessary procedures" with the aim of being able to start construction this year. This new development is in addition to the Rocas Blancas project, on which the local authority has been working for months and in which the construction of up to 230 subsidised housing units is planned. "It is expected that in the short term more than 500 new affordable homes will be under construction, in response to the social demand that exists in the muicipality," the council said. The Mayor of Benalmadena, Juan Antonio Lara, held a meeting with the CEO of Urbania, Tomas Gasset, in which they analysed the details of the future development. "We are working hand in hand with Urbania, a company with close ties to our municipality, and which is also a benchmark in the construction of housing on the Costa del Sol and social housing throughout Spain," Lara said. "We are fully aware of the difficulties many of our residents have in accessing housing. This is a pressing problem that has not been addressed for more than 20 years, but it is now an absolute priority for us and we are working as quickly as possible to offer solutions like the one we are now announcing," the mayor added. "Our concept of subsidised housing has nothing to do with the traditional one; we are working with standards that guarantee a project of high architectural quality" For his part, Tomas Gasset explained that Urbania is working "on the basis of a new concept of subsidised housing, which has nothing to do with the traditional concept". "Our maxim is the dignification of subsidised housing so that once and for all we leave behind the idea that affordable housing is of low quality, so we are working with standards that guarantee a project of high architectural quality," Gasset said. He explained that the new residential project to be built in Benalmadena will be an example of affordable housing, with 6,500 square metres of green areas and 1,500 square metres of facilities. The new homes will also have an outdoor swimming pool, private recreational areas and other communal areas such as a gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms for the use and enjoyment of the owners. Friday, 13 February 2026, 13:19 Share The Local Police arrested a 41-year-old man for physically assaulting his partner in Malaga city on 6 February. The incident joins the increasing list of gender-based violence assaults in the province. The incident happened shortly before 8.10pm, when the police received a call reporting that a woman was being assaulted and asking for help from the window of a house. Several units attended the scene, where they spoke to the victim and the caller. The assailant had already fled. According to sources, the police found the woman with her face covered in blood. She told them that she and her partner had had an argument during dinner, at which point he allegedly hit her in the face with his fist, leaving her dazed. The victim tried to call for help, but the assailant grabbed and dragged her to continue punching her in the face. He tried to suffocate her by squeezing her neck. The woman eventually managed to get away from him and called for help through a window. Her partner quickly left the house when she threw her keys out the window. With the description provided, the police carried out a search of the area. They located the suspect near the house. His hands were covered in blood. The police took the detainee to the station, but there have been no updates since then. More than 19,000 professionals attended the H&T trade fair at Fycma this February. Cristina Vallejo Friday, 13 February 2026, 15:03 Share Malaga's Fycma fair and trade centre reached a milestone in 2025, with a turnover of 16.4 million euros and an economic impact for the city of 265 million, 37 per cent more than in 2024. This impact includes the direct income associated with holding an event (such as the average daily expenditure of the attendee or the planning or production costs), indirect income (derived from contracting local suppliers) and induced income, i.e. that linked to the general stimulation of consumption in the territory as a result of this activity. A total of 147 meetings, conferences and events took place at Fycma throughout the 2025 financial year. They brought together more than 283,000 attendees, a monumental increase of 70 per cent compared to 2024. Councillor for innovation, digitalisation and investment Alicia Izquierdo announced these figures on Friday. "We are very happy with the performance of Fycma in 2025. We have improved in all indicators. It has been a year of record figures thanks to the large events and the longer fairs, which in addition to having more attendees, increases the number of overnight stays," Izquierdo said. Izquierdo highlighted the scientific-tech nature of many of the events, representing 55 per cent of all meetings. "This places Malaga as the international epicentre of innovation and advanced technological development," she stated. Izquierdo said that the city council hopes that Fycma will continue attracting the interest of the international community and investments in 2026. 2026 programme One of the main milestones of 2026 will be three major events: the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2026 (from 2 to 5 June) ; the ECOC 2026, European Conference on Optical Communications (from 20 to 24 September); and Global Photonics Economic Forum 2026 (24 and 25 September). These events confirm Malaga's role as a hub for cutting-edge knowledge, with all the benefits this entails in terms of international projection, promotion and talent and investment attraction. This year has already seen the Retro Auto y Moto show and the H&T event, the latter the longest-running event held by Fycma. These days, it is hosting Congreso de la Sociedad Espanola de Medicina Estetica and Congreso de la Sociedad Espanola de Restauracion Capilar. According to Izquierdo, these events have not been affected by the suspension of railway services in the province, although it might have impacted tourism. The Transfiere European forum for science, technology and innovation is taking place on 24 February. The new event in March will be the Mobility Expo World Congress. Later in the year, Fycma will host, the city council's employment fair, Talent Land Espana, the Congreso Juridico de la Abogacia de Malaga and Expo Agritech. Izquierdo also said that San Diego Comic-Con Malaga will soon announce the date of this year's convention. The entrance of the court in Malaga. Irene Quirante Friday, 13 February 2026, 11:34 Share The former managers of the Scandalo strip club in Malaga have been sentenced to 16 years in prison and hit with multi-million euro fines following a major tax fraud and money-laundering investigation. A provincial court ruled that the primary defendant and his "right-hand man" concealed more than 5 million from tax authorities between 2006 and 2009. The pair used a network of seven shell companies to launder illicit profits through fake loans and rental contracts. Four accomplices - including the main defendants partner, a lawyer, an accountant, and an administrator - were also convicted for their roles in the scheme. They received sentences ranging from six months to a year and a half. All four will have to pay fines exceeding two and a half million euros, while the fines for the two main defendants are close to nine million euros. The court has also barred the two from working in businesses linked to the hospitality and nightlife sector for the duration of their sentences. The judge has considered the mitigating circumstance of undue delay when determining the sentences. The two main defendants managed at least seven shell companies with the help of the other suspects, who appeared as formal administrators. These companies operated with a single cash register and a single address. The defendants used them to launder illicit proceeds, channelling undeclared cash through simulated loans, fake rental contracts and inter-company transfers. The money was later invested in property, vehicles and boats in order to give it the appearance of legitimate income. The case is part of a bigger investigation into the Scandalo clubs in Malaga and Cordoba and the Las Estrellas club in Torremolinos. The investigation revealed the existence of a whole corporate network created to hide substantial profits derived from the operation of these brothels. Friday, 13 February 2026, 13:25 Share The Guardia Civil have completed operation 'Granja-25' with the arrest of three people in Malaga province suspected of stealing 264 pigs and various machinery from farms, money-laundering, illegal possession of weapons and possession of drugs. The operation began following eight robberies in pig farms in Campillos and Sierra de Yeguas. The investigation determined that they had used a van rented from a company in Seville to enter the farms, after which they had returned it with traces of livestock disinfectant and a strong smell of pigs. The investigation established that the group used an unregistered plot of land as a "nursery" to hide the stolen animals and effects before selling them on the black market. In two searches authorised by the court, the police seized 264 pigs, 16 industrial and livestock machines, with a total value of 36,000 euros, 540 doses of cocaine and 260 doses of heroin, an alarm and signal pistol, a banned weapon and 108 counterfeit banknotes. The Guardia Civil have now handed the case over to the court. Share Part of a "Constellation Programme" of local and international off-site events launched last autumn, when its "mother institution" known to Parisians as "Beaubourg" closed its doors as well as its iconic caterpillar-like escalators to the public, for a five-year renovation period... the Pompidou Centre in Malaga's current temporary exhibition is a joint retrospective inter-relating the visual obsessions of a cutting-edge couple: Annette Messager and Christian Boltanski - wife and husband, an era-defining pair of French artists, whose recipe for success was to conceive and display their work separately. The title of that two-person show - AM CB / Annette Messager & Christian Boltanski - reads like a tree-bark or love-lock inscription, and indeed, Annette, widow of Boltanski (1944-2021) and co-exhibitor extraordinaire, "was here", at the November opening, alongside the curator of this unprecedented double tribute, Annalisa Rimmaudo. Mr & Mrs art "AM" and "CB" were not alone on the A-list of "France's Sweethearts" with art-making in common. However, their claim to fame is that they both made a difference, at once in terms of marital longevity and through their mutual ability to exemplify the epoch they were born into, each in their own way. Other outstanding 'romantico-arty' duos emblematic of the Parisian art scene in the 1980s and 1990s, range from Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, married for two decades (from 1971 to 1991), and co-authors of the poetic Stravinsky fountain (inaugurated in 1983), a major collaboration featuring 16 colourful kinetic sculptures, which is situated within steps of Beaubourg, on a piazza named after the enigmatic Russian composer, to the fantastic, the amazing... "Christo (1935-2020) and Jeanne-Claude (1935-2009)". Sharing the same date of birth (13 June, 1935), the future co-signers of monumental site-specific installations ("wrapping" landmarks in fabric being their trademark) saw the light of day simultaneously in distinct parts of the world (Bulgaria and Morocco, respectively), before meeting and marrying in Paris, in the 1950s. For three weeks next June, photographer and street artist / "French-style Banksy" JR will present a "40 Years After" reprise / remix of a key "C & J-C" enterprise: a grand re-wrap of Paris's oldest bridge, the Pont-Neuf, inspired by "Mr & Mrs Christo's" original 1985 project. Dubbed "La Caverne" as visitable from inside, the "20-26" must-see is set to beat its predecessor's record: three million visitors. Born by the sea in 1943 (at Berck-sur-Mer, a seaside resort near Calais, celebrated for its kite festival), Annette Messager was relatively happy-go-lucky compared to her spouse (a year younger), haunted by recurrent previous-generation recollections of nightmarish occurrences, which took place during the Nazi occupation of Paris. (His Jewish father, a doctor, from whom his Catholic mother had divorced in order to protect her children, spent a year and half "in hiding", concealed beneath the floorboards of the family home.) At once a playful spirit and a notorious cigarette-smoking inspiration-seeker, "Annette-the-Messenger" has always been a trailblazer, anticipating various forms of empowerment in her captivating organic installations, which have often incorporated so-called women's tasks such as embroidery and sewing, as well as ethno-cultural references. Seeing is believing "AM CB" retraces the parallel paths of an artistic twosome equally devoted to the creation of ex-voto-esque images, objects and artifacts, intended to constitute an ongoing scrapbook of their personal and societal concerns past and present. To describe the fruit of their dual creativity in detail would kill the magic, so evident in the exuberant photographic portraits, forming the thread of the catalogue. Go see, with an open mind...! BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's housing market showed signs of improvement in January as home price declines in 70 large and medium-sized cities generally narrowed from the previous month, official data showed on Friday. In the four first-tier cities -- Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen -- prices of newly built homes edged down 0.3 percent month on month in January, while prices of second-hand homes slipped 0.5 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Meanwhile, across 31 second-tier cities, the average month-on-month price declines were 0.3 percent for new homes and 0.5 percent for resold homes, while prices in 35 third-tier cities fell 0.4 percent for new homes and 0.6 percent for resold homes. On a year-on-year basis, however, the downward pressure persisted as price declines widened in all city tiers, the NBS data showed. China has maintained policy support for the real estate sector and is seeking to build a new development model amid shifting supply-demand dynamics. Authorities have recently repeatedly stressed the need to promote higher-quality development in the property sector. China will adhere to a city-specific, targeted policy approach, focusing on controlling new supply, reducing inventory, and improving housing quality, said Ni Hong, minister of housing and urban-rural development. Efforts will also be made to support developers' reasonable financing needs and to better meet residents' essential housing needs and demand for better housing, he added. Share Though predictably opposed to Pedro Sanchez's regularisation of half a million undocumented migrants, Vox must now be revelling in gratitude. The result of last weekend's election in Aragon, in which the right wing party doubled its seats and the Socialists lost two, indicates that Sanchez's stance on migration is fuelling a populist surge in Spain - as has happened elsewhere in Europe. In September 2015, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany's borders were open, in response to the huge numbers of refugees fleeing to Europe from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. Drawn by her announcement of "Wir schaffen das" ("We can do it"), over one million migrants entered Germany that year. "The fundamental right to asylum for victims of political oppression," Merkel told a German newspaper, "has no upper limit." Merkel faced severe criticism for opening Germany up. Horst Seehofer, at the time the Conservative president of Bavaria, claimed that she had made "a mistake that will keep us busy for a long time." Popular anger at the Chancellor's open-border policy fuelled the ascent of right wing Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD), the German equivalent of Vox. AfD went from having no national presence in 2013, the year of its formation, to securing 94 seats in the Bundestag in 2017. It now occupies 151 seats in the German parliament and is the country's largest opposition party. With a general election in Spain due next year, Vox will be hoping to emulate that success, and bump PP off the second spot in congress. The Aragon result suggests that Sanchez's pro-migration stance might help it do so. The EU has echoed the Spanish right's disapproval of the regularisation programme, claiming that it contradicts Brussels' stricter message to asylum-seekers. It's concerned about the so-called "pull effect" - the hypothesis that one-off regularisation policies permanently advertise a country as migrant-friendly, thus straining its resources (and that, in this case, Spain's newly regularised migrants will be free to move throughout the Schengen Zone.) But evidence for the pull effect is mixed. One report, published in the European Journal of Political Research in March 2024, found that Merkel's 2015 announcement "neither attracted sustained subsequent migration flows nor measurably raised aspirations to migrate to Germany in origin countries worldwide." As a one-off policy, it seems to have worked: as of 2022, 64 per cent of the refugees who arrived in Germany in 2015 were employed (although that figure was much higher among men than women - 75 per cent, compared to 31 per cent). Merkel's open-door policy had double-edged consequences. Rather than placing an unsustainable burden on Germany's welfare state, it integrated hundreds of thousands of migrants into the workforce. At the same time, it boosted the ascent of her opponents. Early signs suggest that Sanchez's regularisation plan is set on a similar trajectory - that of being an economic and humanitarian success as well as a political mistake. Dancers on stage at the auditorium during last year's showcase. Tony Bryant FUENGIROLA. Friday, 13 February 2026, 10:13 Share The Palacio de la Paz auditorium in Fuengirola will host the municipal ballroom, Latin and regional dance showcase tonight (Friday 13th) an event that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Beginning at 8pm, the show is a demonstration of the work carried out in the municipal dance workshops that are run by local instructor Raquel del Pozo. Her role is to teach students the basic techniques and first steps that will later translate into increasingly complex choreographies such as those presented at this year's event. The show, which is free, includes dancers between the ages of 24 and 80, who will perform in various categories. The event kicks off with ballroom dancing, which includes waltz, tango and foxtrot, three of the most popular styles of this genre. The show continues with the Latin section, where the students will demonstrate their skills with styles such as mambo, salsa, merengue and bachata, dances inspired by indigenous American, Iberian and West African influences. The show closes with styles closer to home, with the block of regional dances, and a particular emphasis on the sevillanas, a style full of Andalusian spirit. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand and Leader of the New Zealand National Party, extended New Year greetings to those celebrating Chinese New Year. As the Year of the Horse approaches, he spoke of the spirit of vitality, perseverance and progress, and expressed appreciation for the long-standing contributions the Chinese community has made to New Zealand culturally, economically and socially. Prime Minister Luxon also wished everyone good health, happiness, prosperity and success in the Year of the Horse. LANGFANG, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Nikolai, a Russian teacher at North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering and a Chinese son-in-law, has lived in China for nearly ten years. As the buzzword "Becoming Chinese" and videos showcasing Chinese lifestyle practices trend across social media, Nikolai shows how to truly embrace life in China by celebrating the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, one of the most important windows into Chinese culture. LANGFANG, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Nikolai, a Russian teacher at North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering and a Chinese son-in-law, has lived in China for nearly ten years. As the buzzword "Becoming Chinese" and videos showcasing Chinese lifestyle practices trend across social media, Nikolai shows how to truly embrace life in China by celebrating the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, one of the most important windows into Chinese culture. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations has allocated 3 million U.S. dollars for emergency aid to Madagascar following devastating Tropical Cyclone Gezani, UN humanitarians said Thursday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund will help more than 90,000 people. Additional funds from other donors are helping to kick-start response efforts. With the storm raging across eastern and central Madagascar, local authorities have reported 31 people dead, four missing and 35 injured. Preliminary reports indicated that more than 250,000 people have been affected, with nearly 7,000 people displaced. The office said more than 65,000 homes were flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and about 600 classrooms were rendered partially or completely unusable. OCHA said the government has called for international support and is leading search-and-rescue, evacuation, shelter and food assistance efforts, including the distribution of some 800 metric tonnes of rice, with support from the world body and partners. OCHA said the cyclone could affect central and southern Mozambique in the coming days. Thousands of IT administrators across North America were left scrambling after a Microsoft 365 admin center service outage disrupted the platforms core management portal, which manages business accounts, users, and services. Microsoft confirmed the issue on February 10, acknowledging that some business and enterprise customers were unable to sign in, while others experienced slow performance and limited functionality after logging in. The company classified the problem as a service incident a designation typically used when there is noticeable customer impact. What Microsoft Says So Far In an official update, Microsoft said: Some users in the North America region may be unable to access the Microsoft 365 admin center. Were reviewing service monitoring telemetry to isolate the root cause and develop a remediation plan. Initial reports indicate the issue is concentrated in North America, though Microsoft has not disclosed how many organizations are affected. Outage tracking website DownDetector showed thousands of user reports, including complaints about login failures, connection problems, and an extremely slow admin portal. Microsoft later confirmed that the disruption also affected the Microsoft 365 (M365) app, restricting alternative ways for administrators to monitor services or submit support tickets. The company is now collecting telemetry data to identify the root cause. Users able to access the admin center may be experiencing degraded functionality. As functionality is degraded, users may be unable to raise support tickets through the Microsoft 365 admin center. Additionally, users may be unable to access the M365 app, Microsoft added. Were continuing to analyze diagnostic data from the Microsoft 365 admin center infrastructure, with a current focus on usage patterns and Central Processing Unit (CPU) utilization levels. Additionally, were reviewing HTTP Archive (HAR) files provided by impacted users to support our investigation. A Familiar Pattern This incident follows several high-profile Microsoft 365 disruptions in recent years. More than a year ago, Microsoft resolved a critical service issue that blocked login attempts and prevented access to Microsoft 365 services and the admin center. Further, in July 2025, the company mitigated another outage that triggered Runtime Error messages, again locking users out of the portal. Over the weekend, Microsoft also restored Microsoft Store and Windows Update services following a data center power outage that caused installation failures and update timeouts. For many IT professionals who rely heavily on Microsofts cloud ecosystem, repeated disruptions are starting to feel less like rare incidents and more like recurring calendar events. Investigation Ongoing Microsoft has not yet provided technical specifics or an estimated timeline for full resolution. The company says it will continue posting updates through its official service health channels as engineers work to isolate and fix the issue. Until full functionality is restored, thousands of IT administrators remain partially or completely locked out of the very system designed to keep their organizations running smoothly. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. NEW YORK, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the revocation of a key 2009 climate determination that has served as the legal foundation for federal climate regulations, including rules on greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and mandates supporting electric vehicle adoption. Trump and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled the decision at the White House, describing it as the "single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history." "We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and drove up prices for American consumers," Trump said at a news conference. The determination, known as the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, concluded that carbon dioxide, methane and four other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. It has been used to justify regulations such as vehicle emissions standards and requirements for fossil fuel companies to report their emissions. "This determination had no basis in fact -- none whatsoever. And it had no basis in law. On the contrary, over the generations, fossil fuels have saved millions of lives and lifted billions of people out of poverty all over the world," Trump said. Former U.S. President Barack Obama said on X that the endangerment finding has served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. "Without it, we'll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change -- all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money." Senegal Navy searches for three missing sailors Dakar, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 Senegal's Navy launched a massive search effort for three sailors missing after their patrol boat capsized in inclement weather. The military said on Thursday night that it had recovered "10 survivors" and retrieved the remnants of the boat. According to a statement from the armed forces' public relations office, the "patrol boat capsized at the mouth of the Senegal River (north) this morning around 9 am. Three sailors are missing". The vessel "was on a liaison mission and is believed to have encountered heavy swells following a deterioration in weather conditions," it added. The military has deployed "air, maritime and land assets" to locate the three missing. The 1,640-kilometre (1,020-mile) Senegal River forms the country's natural border with Mauritania and drains into the Atlantic near the city of Saint-Louis. CAIRO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian official reiterated Friday that Tehran's missile program remained a nonnegotiable "red line," as the United States ordered a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Ali Shamkhani, a senior political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said in an interview with Al Jazeera that Iran would respond "decisively and appropriately" to any military action. "Iran's missile power is among its red lines and is not subject to negotiation," he said, adding that the military remained on high alert and warning that the cost of any "miscalculation" by outside powers would be high. Still, he said talks between Tehran and Washington could advance and safeguard mutual interests if they were rooted in realism and avoided excessive demands. Later in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, had been ordered to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers already deployed to the region. Trump said he was weighing military options if negotiations failed to yield a new nuclear agreement. "I'll talk to them as long as I like, and we'll see if we can get a deal," he told reporters on Thursday. "And if we can't, we'll have to go to phase two. Phase two will be very tough for them." The two countries held indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 6, but tensions have remained high amid a U.S. military buildup near Iranian waters. Speaking Wednesday at events marking the 47th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed a Western "wall of distrust" for slowing progress. Washington has said any deal with Iran must include a ban on uranium enrichment, the removal of already enriched material, limits on long-range missiles, and a rollback of support for regional proxies. Analysts said such conditions would be "very difficult" for Iran to accept. Despite the friction, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has resumed dialogue with Tehran following recent strikes on Iranian targets. At the Munich Security Conference, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi called the situation "complex and extremely difficult," but said inspectors had returned to most sites except those recently attacked. "We are at a very, very crucial moment," he said. "We might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, in terms of having something over the next few days." Tehran has not commented on Grossi's remarks. Iran had previously suspended cooperation with the agency after strikes on its nuclear facilities that it attributed to Israel and the United States. Under the 2015 nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran agreed to cap uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent. Since the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018, Tehran has exceeded those limits. Western officials say Iran now possesses uranium enriched to 60 percent, a level that could be further refined to weapons-grade material. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says its program is intended for peaceful energy purposes. Hundreds of thousands without power after storm lashes France Paris, France, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 Around 450,000 households in southern France were without power on Friday, operator Enedis said, a day after a storm tore through the region, ripping up trees and flooding roads. High winds and hard rain brought chaos across southern France, northern Spain and parts of Portugal on Thursday, forcing cancellations of flights, trains and ferries and disruption on roads. French officials said a truck driver was killed when a tree smashed through his windscreen, while dozens were injured in weather-related incidents in Spain and a viaduct in Portugal partially collapsed because of flooding. French forecasters said the storm, named Nils, was "unusually strong" and France's electricity distributor said it had mobilised around 3,000 as it battled to reconnect households to the grid. "Enedis has restored service to 50 percent of the 900,000 customers who were without electricity," it wrote around 6:00 am (0500 GMT). "Flooding complicates repairs because the fields are waterlogged and some roads are blocked," Enedis crisis director Herve Champenois said during a press briefing on Thursday. Residents across the south of France were shocked at the storm's ferocity. "I've never seen anything like it," Ingrid, a florist in the city of Perpignan, told AFP. "A tree almost fell on my car -- two seconds more and it would have." "During the night, you could hear tiles lifting, rubbish bins rolling down the street -- it was crazy," said Eugenie Ferrier, 32, from the village of Roaillan near Bordeaux in the southwest. Forecasters said the storm had moved eastwards away from French territory during Thursday, though some areas were still on alert for flooding. Rome fells majestic pine trees near Colosseum Rome, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 Tree surgeons cut down historic pines near Rome's Colosseum on Friday, a fortnight after three people were hurt when a massive tree fell near the Imperial Forum. The Italian capital's umbrella pines are as much a part of the landscape as the ruins and cobbled streets, and residents are fiercely attached to them. But three trees have fallen since the start of the year in the area between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, which is often bustling with crowds of tourists. There are more than 50 pines around the Imperial Forum, the site of Ancient Rome's government and religious temples. Stability tests revealed 12 out of the first 36 pines examined were at risk, the council said in a statement earlier this week, adding that they be removed and replaced, Those for the chop were "characterised by extremely advanced age, decades of human intervention, planting in restricted spaces and on land made unstable by extreme climatic events", the council said. On Friday -- a rare day of sunshine following almost daily downpours -- tree surgeons could be seen cutting through branches, the sound of electric saws echoing along the Forum. The main road through the Forum has been closed since the pine fell, lightly inuring three passers-by, on February 1. Tourists and taxi drivers have been forced to make lengthy detours, but the Colosseum Archaeological Park remained open to visitors. "It's sad to cut them down, they're so majestic," Portuguese tourist Margarida Dos Santos Fernandes, 53, told AFP on Friday. "It's a shame, but apparently it's for everyone's benefit." Rome experienced record rainfall in January, following a heatwave last summer. Italy is a so-called "hotspot" for climate change in Europe, and in recent years has been experiencing increasingly extreme weather events. ECB fines French bank for climate risk failures Frankfurt, Germany, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2026 The European Central Bank said Friday it had fined French bank Credit Agricole 7.55 million euros ($9 million) for failing to properly identify climate change-related risks that could affect its balance sheet. "Credit Agricole did not sufficiently assess the materiality of its climate-related and environmental risks" by a deadline set after an investigation in 2024, the ECB said in a statement, adding the bank was late by "75 full days". The ECB has since 2020 required banks to manage and disclose climate-related risks to their portfolios as fears grow that increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters could hit asset values. The transition to a lower-carbon economy also adds an element of risk to investments in fossil fuel firms or energy-intensive sectors. Credit Agricole expressed its "incomprehension" at the ECB move and said the fine related to only a small part of the bank's work. Climate risk is limited overall across the bank, according to the statement. "This risk is immaterial at the Credit Agricole group level," the bank said in a statement, adding that it had missed the ECB's deadline since "responding to the ECB at the requested level of granularity required extensive work". "The group reiterates that it naturally identifies and takes climate and environmental risks into account in its models," it said. The ECB last Novemeber fined Spanish bank Abanca 187,650 euros for failing to identify and disclose climate risks on time. vbw/bst/tw Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rupert Grint has warned fans that his role in the new film Nightborn is extremely different from the loving character he played in the Harry Potter franchise. In the upcoming Finnish horror movie, which is the 37-year-old actors first film since 2013, Grint plays Jon, a father raising a newborn with his wife, Saga (portrayed by Seidi Haarla), in an isolated house in the forest. However, Jon and Saga discover that theres something wrong with their son, causing ripples in their marriage. Given the themes in the film, like the emotional impacts of childbirth on a mother, and its graphic scenes, Grint knows the story is much different than the Harry Potter films he starred in as Ron Weasley for a decade and he wants his fans to know that too. It does go against the warmth of Ron, he said about his new role during an interview with Variety, published Friday. Hes also taking on different roles, including Bob Cratchit, an overworked and underpaid clerk to Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Johnny Deep) in a forthcoming rendition of A Christmas Carol. Grint plans to keep his acting career going at his own pace, with hopes to work on one thing every year. However, he knows that hes lucky enough to work in that manner because of the financial security hes had from the Harry Potter films. open image in gallery Rupert Grint says his character in new films goes against the warmth of Ron in Harry Potter ( Getty Images ) Im very aware of that privilege, he told Variety. It was hard work, but those movies have allowed us to pick and choose, which is just such a gift. Obviously it doesnt mean youre always going to choose the right thing. But I do feel very lucky for that. Although he said he had to make "sacrifices" when working on the Harry Potter films, especially as a child at the time, hes still thrilled he had this experience. Its a long time, and there are definitely period where you want to get out it, he explained. But I have no regrets. It was a great time and I think theyll have lots of good people around looking after them. open image in gallery Actor Rupert Grint, actor Daniel Radcliffe and actress Emma Watson attend the Harry Potter cast "Hand, Foot and Wand-Print" ceremony held at Grauman's Chinese Theater July 9, 2007 in Hollywood, California ( Getty Images ) Although Grint starred in films such as M. Night Shyamalans thriller Knock at the Cabin (2023) and shows including the hit Apple TV+ series Servant (2019), he previously said that he felt like he would always be known as the lovable kid wizard. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Im fine with that, he told the BBC in November. I think its great. I love meeting people who really felt this was a part of their childhood. Asked whether he is fed up of being linked to a role he played decades ago, Grint replied: No, absolutely not. I love it. Grint was 12 years old when he starred in the first Harry Potter alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. He was 22 by the time the final film hit cinemas in 2011. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Margot Robbie has said that she was once given a weight-loss book by a male co-star, revealing she told him: F*** you, dude! The Australian actor, 35, is currently promoting her new movie Wuthering Heights, an adaptation of the classic Emily Bronte novel in which she stars opposite Jacob Elordi. In an interview with Charli XCX, who recorded the soundtrack for the film, Robbie recalled the experience with an unnamed former co-star. Very, very early in my career, an actor I worked with, a male actor, gave me a book called French Women Don't Get Fat, recalled Robbie, and it was essentially a book telling you to eat less. The book in question, French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure by Mireille Guiliano, was first published in 2006, and became a best-seller. Guiliano wrote that the book is specifically aimed at women who need to lose up to thirty pounds. Robbie in Wuthering Heights ( Warner Bros ) Reflecting on the incident, Robbie stated: [The actor] essentially gave me a book to let me know that I should lose weight. I was like, Wow. Charli then asked her collaborator whether the co-star in question was still acting. Robbie responded: That was a very long [time ago]. I have no idea where he would even be now. Really back in the day. The Barbie and Wolf of Wall Street star has spoken out against the sexism she has experienced on film sets before, including in her capacity as a producer on recent films. Speaking to Glamour UK in 2020, Robbie said that sexist attitudes were naturally ingrained in people on set. Even if you are the one who should be dictating the decisions, they turn to the closest, eldest male in the room and direct the question at them, she said. Its just an inherent thing everyone has got in their DNA. Wuthering Heights has received largely negative reviews from critics, with The Independents Clarisse Loughrey awarding it one star. Our modern literacy crisis has found a new figurehead in Emerald Fennells Wuthering Heights, she wrote. Its Emily Brontes 1847 classic for a culture thats denigrated literature to the point where its no longer intended to expand the mind but to distract it. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Shelly Desai, the character actor best known for his appearances on the hit sitcom Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died. He was 90. The Mumbai-born actor earned over 90 screen roles, including the Ray Romano-led drama Men of a Certain Age. His death was announced on Facebook by his stepdaughter, Dawn Lerman Vaccaro, who wrote: The kindest person in the world passed away today. I am beyond heartbroken. He was my mother Phyllis's husband, soul mate, my stepfather, my kids grandfather and my cheerleader for all my creative projects. She added: Besides his friends and his family, the thing he cared most about was acting and charity. In a follow-up post, she added: He was that guy if you watched enough TV, films, or plays, you saw him and said it: Oh, that guy. With over 92 credits, he was a completely memorable character actor who could walk into a scene, raise one eyebrow, and suddenly everyone else had to work harder. Thats how he showed up for his friends and family, too. open image in gallery Shelly Desai at the premiere of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 in 2015 ( FilmMagic ) No cause of death has been announced. Desai was born in Mumbai, then known as Bombay, on December 3, 1935. He moved to the United States in the 1960s to study engineering, but soon found he preferred to act. By the 1970s he had appeared on Broadway, and won a small on screen role in Brian De Palmas 1974 musical film Phantom of the Paradise. Over the following decades, he built a steady list of television credits with appearances on shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm, ER, Friends, NYPD Blue, Ugly Betty, Baskets and History of the World: Part II. He appeared in multiple seasons of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia as Hwang, Charlie (Charlie Day) and Franks (Danny DeVito) landlord who develops a taste for snake meat. In a 2016 behind-the-scenes video from the long-running sitcom, Desai said of his acting style: One way is to acquire someones feel, or persona. I acquire that. Im not stealing anything! Its a way of absorbing things that I can portray. From 2009 to 11 he played Carlos in 14 episodes of Men of a Certain Age opposite Ray Romano, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula. His film credits include Thelma & Louise (1991), Toys (1992), Clifford (1994), Escape from L.A. (1996), Barb Wire (1996), Midnight Clear (2006) and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015). He is survived by his wife Phyllis, stepdaughters April and Dawn, and grandchildren Sean, Sofia and Dylan. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Costcos rotisserie chickenis at the center of a new class action lawsuit, with an animal rights nonprofit alleging that the retailers Nebraska processing plant is contaminated with Salmonella. Filed Thursday in Seattle federal court by plaintiff Lisa Taylor, of Affton, Missouri, the proposed suit cites a December Farm Forward study criticizing safety conditions at Costcos Lincoln Premium Poultry plant, which opened in 2019 and processes over 100 million chickens annually, Reuters reports. The complaint alleges that the Fremont plant, which is not named as a defendant, consistently violates U.S. Department of Agriculture safety standards, with over 9.8 percent of whole chickens and 15.4 percent of chicken parts testing positive for salmonella, according to the outlet. Taylor reportedly claims she regularly purchased one or two Costco rotisserie chickens per month at St. Louis-area warehouses and believes she overpaid because the retailer failed to disclose a salmonella contamination risk. Costcos failure to control salmonella in its chicken supply is not a harmless technicalityit poses a real danger to consumers and violates their trust, the complaint states. Costcos rotisserie chicken faces a class-action suit over alleged salmonella at its Fremont, Nebraska, plant, citing a December Farm Forward safety study ( Getty Images ) Taylor is pursuing compensatory and triple damages for shoppers who purchased Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens and raw chicken parts since January 1, 2019, claiming that Costco violated Washington consumer protection laws and broke an implied promise that its chickens are safe to eat. The Independent has contacted Costco for comment. Costco famously sells its Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken for just $4.99, with global sales of more than 157 million birds in 2025, the company reported at last months annual meeting, according to Reuters. The latest lawsuit follows a similar class-action filed by two customers in California last month, claiming Costco falsely advertised the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens as preservative-free. "The presence of sodium phosphate and carrageenan, added preservatives which function as such in the Rotisserie Chicken, contradict the overall net impression that Costcos No Preservatives representations and advertising create," the lawsuit states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems sodium phosphate generally safe for healthy individuals when consumed in food, but it may pose risks for people with kidney disease, potentially causing mineral imbalances, bone issues and heart problems. Carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, is used to thicken and preserve processed foods. While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan safe, some studies link it to digestive issues and inflammation, though its degraded form, poligeenan, is known to increase cancer risk. A Costco spokesperson responded to The Independents request for comment at the time with the following statement: To maintain consistency among the labeling on our rotisserie chickens and the signs in our warehouses/online presentations, we have removed statements concerning preservatives from the signs and online presentations. We use carrageenan and sodium phosphate to support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking. Both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities, the statement concluded. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Princess of Wales has been in the style spotlight ever since her engagement to Prince William hit the headlines in 2010. Her sartorial style is a much-dissected topic of conversation, leading to the phenomenon known as the Kate effect, when wearing a particular brand has historically led to increased visibility and sales for labels, particularly smaller British houses. Several designers closely associated with the Princess are set to present their autumn/winter 2026 collections at London Fashion Week, placing royal-adjacent style firmly on the schedule. So, here are the designers bringing a touch of royal glamour to the AW26 runway. Emilia Wickstead London-based designer Emilia Wickstead has become one of the Princesss most relied-upon names for smart and formal daywear. Known for structured tailoring, defined waistlines and a muted colour palette, Wicksteads designs have featured at state occasions, diplomatic receptions and public events. Her aesthetic elegant but showstopping aligns closely with the Princesss sartorial approach. Wicksteads London Fashion Week shows are typically among the most composed on the schedule, offering sharp cuts, midi-length dresses and sophisticated eveningwear that often translate seamlessly into royal wardrobes. Erdem Erdem, led by designer Erdem Moralioglu, is another regular fixture in the Princesss wardrobe. The London-based label is famous for its romantic florals, avant-garde silhouettes and intricate detailing, often drawing on literary and historical references. Erdems collections often blend heritage storytelling with modern sensibility a style that resonates with royal dressing. Kate has turned to Erdem for formal engagements and commemorative events, favouring its feminine silhouettes and delicate prints. On the London Fashion Week calendar, Erdems shows are typically narrative-driven and mirror the Princesss own approach to traditional yet modern tailoring. Edeline Lee Edeline Lee has carved out a niche for sculptural, confident womenswear, earning a following among professionals and public figures alike. The Princess has worn the designers contemporary pieces on several occasions, often choosing Lees streamlined dresses for daytime engagements. Lees work is known for its architectural draping and innovative fabric development, while sustaining her commitment to creating powerfully feminine silhouettes. Lee has called the Princess a wonderful ambassador for British designers, acknowledging the visibility that comes with royal endorsement. Alessandra Rich Italian-born Alessandra Rich has become synonymous with vintage-inspired glamour, from broad-shouldered tailored suits to polka-dot statement dresses.The Princess of Wales has worn Richs designs at several high-profile appearances, most notably at Wimbledon, where her tailored polka-dot dresses have drawn significant attention. Rich is arguably one of the leading designers to be credited with reviving the Eighties-inflected power dressing trend, blending strong shoulders with feminine detailing.Rich is expected to stage a presentation rather than a full runway show this season, offering a more curated and intimate viewing experience. Temperley London Among the most notable returns to London Fashion Week is Temperley London. The label was one of the first designers Kate wore as she stepped into the public eye, appearing in Temperley pieces during early engagements following her marriage to the Prince of Wales. Founded by Alice Temperley, the brand is known for intricate, delicate lace and romantic eveningwear hallmarks that have often denoted the house as bohemian glamour with British heritage. Temperley London is marking its 25th anniversary with a return to the London Fashion Week runway for the first time since September 2019. The comeback follows a 2023 restructuring and partnership with Dubai-based Times Square Group, with Alice Temperley continuing in her role as creative director. The AW26 show is expected to celebrate the brands heritage while signalling a renewed phase of growth. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The first Friday the 13th of 2026 is here, a date synonymous with bad luck for the superstitious. This year will bring a triple dose of misfortune, as the 13th day of the month will fall on a Friday in February, March and November. The superstition is widely believed to originate from the Last Supper, where 13 people Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples gathered on Maundy Thursday, the night before his crucifixion by Roman soldiers on Good Friday. This links 13 to Judas Iscariot, Christs betrayer, and deems it imperfect compared to 12, representing the months in a year. The union of day and date has also been traced back to King Philip IV of France arresting hundreds of Knights Templar on Friday 13 October 1307. The Catholic crusaders were apprehended, under pressure from Pope Clement V, over allegations made by an excommunicated former member that new recruits to the order were being forced to spit on the cross, deny Christ and engage in homosexual acts during initiation ceremonies. The claims, seemingly entirely without foundation, were a convenient pretext for Philip to persecute the wealthy order and waive debts he owed them following war with England. The burning of the Knights Templars at the stake. ( British Library/Robana/Rex ) Charged with moral and financial corruption and worshipping false idols, often following confessions obtained under torture, many of the knights were later burnt at the stake in Paris. The orders Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, faced the flames in front of Notre Dame Cathedral and is said to have cried out a curse on those who persecuted its members: God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death. The events initiated by the holy warriors arrest, according to tradition, ensured every subsequent Friday the 13th meant bad luck to one and all, De Molays hex ringing out through the ages. An irrational fear of the date is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia. In Spanish-speaking countries and in Greece, it is Tuesday the 13th that frightens people. In Italy, it is Friday the 17th. Other famous indicators of bad luck include a black cat crossing your path, breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors and saying the name of Shakespeares Scottish play in a theatre. BAGHDAD, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone on Friday to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and promote regional stability. Al-Sudani's media office said the leaders focused on advancing the strategic Development Road project, noting its economic and investment importance. They also explored expanding trade and cooperation across multiple sectors. On security, the statement said the two leaders stressed the importance of continued coordination and combating the remnants of terrorism, reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, peaceful solutions, and preventing conflict escalation. Turkiye's Communications Directorate reported that Erdogan emphasized Ankara's intent to strengthen ties with Iraq, particularly in trade, and said enhanced counterterrorism cooperation would benefit both countries. The Development Road project aims to connect Iraq's Al-Faw Grand Port in the south to Turkiye's border and onward to Europe. It was launched after Iraq, Turkiye, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates signed a quadripartite memorandum of understanding in Istanbul in 2024. Relations have improved between the two neighbors since Erdogan's visit to Baghdad in 2024. However, tensions persist over the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq. Ankara considers the PKK a terrorist group and has conducted military operations there, which Baghdad has occasionally condemned as violations of sovereignty. Iraq officially designated the PKK as a "banned organization" in 2024. On Wednesday, Iraq criticized comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan suggesting possible military action against the PKK in northern Iraq, calling them a serious affront to bilateral relations. Turkiye's Foreign Ministry said Fidan's remarks were misrepresented by some Iraqi media and taken out of context, with ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli reaffirming Ankara's commitment to security and counterterrorism cooperation with Baghdad. Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The French governments push to remind young women to have children has prompted a strong reaction from Independent readers. France plans to send a letter to all 29-year-olds urging them to have children before its too late. The health ministry says it will give thousands of young people clear, science-based information on sexual and reproductive health to prevent regrets later. For many, the letters felt insulting and out of touch. Commenters pointed to the huge pressures women already face including high childcare costs and the challenges of balancing work and family. They argued governments should focus on practical support like tax breaks, flexible work, and affordable childcare, rather than sending reminders to procreate. Some readers , however, acknowledged the demographic worries. Falling birth rates and an ageing population pose real economic challenges, from funding pensions to maintaining the workforce. Others stressed the importance of personal choice, emphasising that choosing not to have children is perfectly valid, and no one should be shamed for that decision. Heres what you had to say: Economic pressure on young women This is offensive to young women who are already under massive pressure, both economic and psychological, for having children while at the same time working full-time to make ends meet. If governments are serious about helping them have children, they should: Massively reduce taxes paid by women until their children are of school age, Issue legislation allowing them more childcare time and support without fear of consequences in terms of losing their jobs, Facilitate their return to work once the children are old enough. The whole situation is just absolutely bonkers. Stop importing people, divert resources from the old generation to the young, and give young families the support they need to have children. AgeOfStoopid A blunt instrument Single mothers (ditto those on welfare) are often castigated and viewed as a resource drain on society you can't have it both ways. Treatment meted out to single mothers reminds me a bit of that joke in the movie Cabaret about the 'right type of girls' when states should welcome all and be inclusive. An important issue would seem to me to be the insane cost of having kids (childcare, daycare, etc.), reliance on grandparents' help, and the implications for the mother's career path and pension impact. Maybe more flexible support would be better than a message that is anchored in FOMO (fear of missing out). I recognise falling birth rates is an issue in my online work, Japanese clients tell me how terrified their society is due to the severe decline there, but this approach does seem to be a rather blunt instrument. TeacherSean This is about awareness This isn't about forcing women in France to get pregnant immediately. It is about making them aware of a facility which could make it easier, or possible, for them to have children later in life IF THEY WANT TO. Infertility in France is a rising issue, and this is a reminder of a public service to help people have children if they want, and when they want to. With France having far more support for mothers and parents through generous maternity leave, child benefits, and affordable childcare, enabling more people to have children when older through egg freezing just sounds sensible. This is particularly true at a time when other ways of increasing the working population appear politically unappealing. JustgoingtocallyououtonyourBS Cost of raising children today I had two children in the 1970s. We were buying our house, and I could afford to give up work. We were not well off, but we ate well if frugally. Old car, camping holidays, not many new clothes, but it was doable for nearly 10 years. Fast forward, and younger women could not afford to give up work primarily because mortgage rates had shot up. Since then, Ive met very few women who were stay-at-home mums. Costs have risen hugely. Staying home with children has long-term costs in career and pension. Governments need to deal with all that, please. Indi Consequences of declining birth rates My kids might just live until 2100, when they will be pensioners. Replacement rate is 2.1; we are managing 1.4 in Britain. Without immigration, Britain's population will fall to maybe 55 million. But the birth rate continues to decline, as does male sperm count. If it falls to 1.0, we get a population of maybe 30 million. There are huge consequences. We won't be able to pay any state pensions. We won't have enough working-age taxpayers to fund any kind of first-world economy. We will have decades of economic decline, skills shortages, reducing GDP. It's not pretty, even if getting a council house is easier. France is right to highlight the issue. It's not going away, and it does not get nearly enough discussion. SteveHill Better than future corrective measures The French government is justified in encouraging people to consider having children because demographic decline affects things like pensions and healthcare, not to mention economic stability. Such encouragement is far more sensible than having to take future corrective measures such as putting up taxes or reducing pensions. It may be possible to reduce the extent to which it is necessary to impose such measures. The UK should learn from the approach. Musil Personal choice Women and men have every right not to have children. But that decision creates consequences for both the individual and society. There is no point trying to blame-shift responsibility onto Peter Pans who wont take responsibility for helping women raise a family, or onto women who choose a career over a relationship. People have a right to make their own choices. But this doesnt in any way absolve them of the consequences of those choices. Half of young men no longer approach women for dates, while thousands of older women now realise Mr Right isnt going to suddenly want to marry them, so they are freezing their eggs. Call it the doctrine of unforeseen consequences. FinnSmith Rejecting societal expectations Certain sections of society, especially the religious, expect us to be brood mares to outbreed the competitors. I'm 70, in a same-sex relationship, and never wanted children. I never wanted to ruin my body, bank balance, career, or social life either. Gotterdammerung Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity. Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the days top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click log in or register in the top right corner to sign in or sign up. Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment, click here. Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 63-year-old stroke survivor whose only symptom was an inability to read is urging others to be aware of less common warning signs of this potentially life-threatening medical emergency. Gordon Robb had a bleed on his brain and suddenly found that words including emails, text messages, and even the display on a cash machine appeared to be written in a foreign language. Specialists say that difficulty recognising written words on its own, without any other symptoms, occurs in fewer than 1% of people at the time of their stroke. Now Mr Robb, who lives in Bonnyrigg in Midlothian, Scotland, is taking part in a new clinical trial funded by the British Heart Foundation and led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, in hopes of preventing further strokes. The study is investigating whether clopidogrel or aspirin medications that reduce the risk of blood clotting can help prevent future strokes, heart attacks, and early death in people who have experienced a haemorrhagic stroke. Mr Robb is receiving clopidogrel as part of the trial. There are still many misunderstandings about strokes, so we spoke to Professor Deb Lowe, medical director at Stroke Association, to find out what actually causes a stroke, the subtle warning signs to look out for, and when its the right time to seek medical attention. What causes a stroke? A stroke is caused by a sudden interruption to the blood supply to the brain, which is either due to a blockage in a blood vessel, called an ischaemic stroke, or due to bleeding in or around the brain, called a haemorrhagic stroke, explains Lowe. Around 85% of strokes in the UK are ischaemic strokes, according to Stroke Association. What are the typical warning signs most people would associate with a stroke? The FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is a test to quickly identify the three most common signs of stroke, according to the Stroke Association website. There are some typical features that are identified in the majority of people, which includes drooping of the face, weakness of the arm and/or leg, or loss of sensation in one side of the body, says Lowe. Difficulty speaking is also very common and a major warning sign of a stroke. Either your speech can become slurred, or you can have something called word-finding difficulty, which means its hard to get your words out, or in some cases, you also lose the ability to understand what people are saying to you, as well as your ability to actually speak, says Lowe. What are some more subtle, less-commonly known signs to look out for? 1. Visual disturbances Dont ignore sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes. Sometimes people experience visual disturbances too and can lose visual fields, and can lose either all their right-side field of vision or all of their left-side field of vision, says Lowe. 2. Dizziness or confusion Sudden memory loss or confusion, sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall are also listed as other signs to take seriously. Some people also experience loss of balance, loss of coordination, and that can sometimes be associated with nausea, vomiting and dizziness, says Lowe. 3. Struggling to read If a tiny specific bit of the brain is affected, it can take what we call higher executive functioning away, which makes it difficult to read, count numbers, or use phones or computers normally, says Lowe. But its very unusual that this would happen just in isolation if it was a stroke, and theres lots of other things that go on within our brains that can cause similar symptoms. 4. Headache A sudden, severe headache can be another sign of a stroke, according to the Stroke Association website. How long do symptoms last? Symptoms vary between different people but often come on suddenly. By definition, stroke has a very sudden onset, and if these symptoms come on suddenly and go relatively quickly (within a few minutes to an hour), that could be something called a TIA, which stands for transient ischaemic attack, explains Lowe. This is often referred to as a mini stroke, and according to the Stroke Association website this is still a medical emergency and a warning that you are at risk of having a stroke, so its still vital to call 999 and get urgent medical attention. When should you seek medical attention? If youve not got any ongoing symptoms, but youre just worried about some fleeting symptoms that youve had, you need to discuss it with your GP, advises Lowe. If youve got ongoing symptoms that are relatively minor, you can ring 111. However, if youve got sudden onset of facial weakness, speech disturbance, or are unable to move your arm or your leg, or have a sudden loss of sensation, that is a medical emergency and you need to ring 999 so that you can be seen and assessed in a hospital that is a stroke centre. Weve got over 100 stroke centres across the country that have trained doctors, nurses and therapists there to make a stroke diagnosis as rapidly as possible, and it usually involves, after an initial assessment, a brain scan and then review by stroke specialist nurses and doctors. What can the consequences be if somebody does ignore the symptoms and doesnt seek medical advice? Assuming that the symptoms are related to a blockage in a blood vessel or a leaking from a blood vessel, then if you dont get quick medical attention, you lose the opportunity for either having rapid brain imaging to see whats going on and a formal diagnosis, says Lowe. Then you wouldnt necessarily then have the opportunity to be started on medication to reduce the risk of it happening again, and also to receive the rehabilitation that you need if youve got ongoing symptoms. So essentially, time is brain and the sooner that a diagnosis can be made, the better. Growing up, I had an absent father who wasnt around for me, and male role models who were supposed to care for me but werent able to do that. My mum raised me alone, and she was amazing, but it created a difficult environment for me to trust men in my childhood and teenage years and it took me a long time to make male friends. It took me even longer to make friends I could really open up around and be vulnerable with. Friends like Dan. Dan Shrigley and I met over a year ago, after Id been on Love Is Blind: UK. He saw a clip of me on the show where I was asked about being raised by a single mum and how a lot of men were saying I have feminine qualities. My response was that Im proud of my qualities that are seen as traditionally feminine, like having empathy and being emotionally intelligent. That was when Dan sent me a DM. He told me how much he resonated with what Id said and how it takes a lot of bravery for a guy to say that, then suggested we meet for coffee. It felt a bit weird because there is a stigma around a guy meeting another guy for a coffee. But I could see from his content that he was a lovely guy. He only had a few hundred followers at the time he now has more than 25,000 and was sharing about male mental health, which Im really passionate about. There was an age gap because Im now 40 and Dans 28, which was in itself slightly strange for me. But what he was doing was awesome, so I agreed to meet him. We spent the whole afternoon talking about why men in the media are either showing their strength in a very negative way, like toxic masculinity influencers, or men demonstrating strength through aggression. We both felt were strong in a different way. It feels really hard to find other men who think the same thing, so we connected quickly. Men like us dont stick our heads above the parapet were quietly getting on with our lives with our values of things like respect, authenticity and wanting to grow. open image in gallery Tom and Dan try out a cold plunge at a sauna ( Supplied ) Over a year later, Dan and I have a really beautiful friendship. Our relationship is unique because its not traditional. Dan is very different to the men I would have socialised with back in my twenties, when the most important things to me were doing really well in my career, going out drinking and trying to pull women. That was it. I didnt have a huge amount of depth to me back then, and Id try to find men with similar interests. Dan is an evolved human being. Hes incredibly sensitive, deep and has a level of empathy I never had at that age. In the past, I would have looked at a 28-year-old lad and thought, no way am I being friends with him, but Dans made me realise young people have a lot to offer. He refers to me as his older brother, and it makes me feel very emotional when he says that. As a guy who struggled to build male relationships throughout my whole life, it feels really validating. New research from UK suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) and London brewery Beavertown has found that 62 per cent of men have never said I love you to their mates. This Valentines theyre launching a campaign to get British men to say I love you to a male friend. Dan and I said I love you to each other a couple of months ago, and it was the first time we said it. It felt really lovely. We were having a moment of looking back at all that weve achieved together and were like, I f****** love you, man. It was a really beautiful moment. open image in gallery Tom on Love Is Blind: UK on Netflix ( Netflix ) My friendships have changed a lot as Ive got older. Men will often find they have these very close bonds as children and teenagers, but they end up dissipating over time for a number of reasons you end up moving away, your friends have families, and partners. Or a big trend is that you just grow up and end up valuing different things in your life. You have moments of going to see your supposed best friends and have nothing in common with them except history, and end up feeling isolated, like no one knows me. Ive seen it happen in my own friendships. I barely see my old school friends now, not because I dont love them, but were just different humans. I left Brighton for London when I was 25, but most of them still live there, doing the same things they were doing 15 years ago. I find a lot of scepticism on their part when they look at my life. Dan has the same challenge with his uni friends. Theres a sense that to be part of the tribe you have to follow the same behaviours the tribe are exhibiting. And there arent many environments in which to make friends. Women are excellent at setting up these environments, but the third spaces that men used to have, like pubs and working mens clubs, dont really exist in the same way. open image in gallery Dan and I said I love you to each other a couple of months ago, and it was the first time we said it. It felt really lovely ( Supplied ) So Dan and I decided to do something about it. We put on a walk advertised on our socials for men to join and build connections with other guys. About 10 men turned up, and because of the values wed communicated, the men were really open to talking about the things they struggled with. Weve kept doing those ever since, and its now transformed into Shoulder to Shoulder, the fastest-growing mens community in the UK. We now have around 80 guys on each walk, and do multiple events each month. Dan and I both quit our jobs within the last year, so we can focus on it, and hes moving in with me in March, so we can cut down on costs while we work on the business. Its not a mental health support group, but indirectly, it supports everyones mental health. I cant explain how nourishing it has been for me. A bunch of the men came to my last birthday party, and I now count a number of them as close friends. open image in gallery Tom and Dan set up Shoulder to Shoulder together to help men connect ( Supplied ) My friendship with Dan has changed me measurably. Its made me a lot more open-minded when it comes to age-gap dynamics in friendships, and its given me a different model of friendship to the dynamics I have with uni friends, where we show up and have a great laugh, but nobody ever says theyre struggling. Whereas Dan and I are very vulnerable with each other. He told me hes feeling burnt out today, so I said, lets jump on a call and he does the same for me. If I wasnt feeling OK, Dan would be the first person Id go to. Id love to say well be friends forever, but everything Ive learnt about friendship thus far tells me you cant guarantee that. You have to treat friendships the way you treat romantic relationships; you might grow apart, and thats OK. People develop in different ways. The important thing is to be able to talk about it. As told to Radhika Sanghani Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tara Reid has reflected on an incident that took place a few months ago when she claimed she was drugged in a hotel bar in Chicago. In November 2025, the American Pie actor, 50, was seen being removed from the lobby of the DoubleTree hotel at Chicago OHare Airport. She later claimed she had been drugged, with a representative for the actor tellingThe Independent that she had filed a police report. Speaking to People in an interview published Friday, Reid said that she is currently trying to keep going after the incident. It was a very unfortunate thing that happened, but I'm just trying to get by and put it behind me because it's just devastating in so many different ways, she said. I try not to talk about it that much and just live my life and live forward. The actor also advised people to be better about watching their drinks in public. I'm just trying to get by and put it behind me, Reid said of the incident ( Getty Images for Jane Owen Publi ) You got to really just check your glasses. You just don't know. You have to not let your drink out of your hand, she said. [But] I'm fine. I'm good. Moving on. Better, bigger things ahead of me now. In a police report seen by People, Reid claimed that she passed out after ordering a glass of wine from the hotel. According to the report, Reid said that she remembered speaking to a man who had introduced himself as a YouTuber. She also alleged that the pair swapped phone numbers shortly before she stepped out of the bar with him to smoke a cigarette. Reid claimed that, when she returned, a napkin had been placed over her drink. Despite a video from TMZ showing Reid slurring her words before being pushed out of the hotel in a wheelchair at the time of the incident, the police found no evidence that she was drugged. While video surveillance showed Tara Reid at the hotel bar, at no time did video show anyone tampering with or adding something to her drink, Rosemont Police said in a statement given to People in December. We can confirm that a bartender covered her drink when she left the bar which is standard practice for bartenders to do. Authorities added that they were working to obtain any chemical tests conducted by the unnamed hospital that treated her. Pending those results or further information coming forward, our detectives will follow up on those leads accordingly, the statement continued. At this time there is no criminal act that has been committed and there is no one we are currently investigating. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The FBI has arrested a man accused of the 2000 rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia. Alexis Flores has been on the run for more than 20 years after he was accused of the rape and slaying of I'riana DeJesus. FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Flores had been apprehended in Honduras in an X post on Wednesday. He wrote that after more than two decades at large, this arrest proves time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice. Flores was arrested for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, according to the FBI. There is no statute of limitations prohibiting prosecutors from bringing murder charges against Flores. I'riana was first reported missing in late July of 2000. On August 3, 2000, the girl was found strangled to death inside a Philadelphia apartment building. Alexis Flores was arrested in February 2026 by the FBI for his alleged involvement in the 2000 rape and killing of 5-year-old I'riana DeJesus in Philadelphia. Flores was arrested in Honduras, where he had lived since his 2004 deportation ( FBI ) Officials identified Flores as a possible suspect in the girl's kidnapping and murder after he was arrested for forgery in Phoenix in 2004. Immigration officials at the time deported Flores to Honduras. It was only after he was deported that DNA analysis allegedly linked him to the girl's death. "Thanks to relentless work by our international partners and FBI personnel, a fugitive accused of an unthinkable crime against a child is now in custody and on a path back to the United States," Patel wrote. Flores has remained at-large since then and was added to the FBI's top 10 most wanted fugitives list in 2007, and remained on the list until 2025. In 2023, a reward for Flores' arrest was increased from $100,000 to $250,000. This individual had been on the run for over 20 years connected to the 2000 murder of a 5-year-old child. Our FBI Transnational Anti-Gang Task Force in Honduras got him - thanks to the help of great partners, Patel wrote. Philadelphia residents at a daycare named after the girl celebrated the news that Flores had been apprehended, according to NBC 10. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two 17-year-olds have been charged as adults with attempted murder and conspiracy after authorities say they plotted a shooting at a central Indiana high school that one of the teens attended. Investigators allege that Alexis Pickett, a student at Morristown High School in Shelbyville, Indiana, and Melanie Little of Corinth, Mississippi, planned the attack through social media. According to court documents, Pickett allegedly shared video footage of the schools layout as part of the plan. The investigation began in December when Picketts mother, Rhonda Nicholson, contacted the sheriffs police over concerns about her daughters behavior. Pickett had been engaging in online conversations about past school shootings and expressing intentions to harm others or herself. Pickett, who lives in Arlington, was charged in January, while Little was charged this week. open image in gallery The investigation began in December when Picketts mother, Rhonda Nicholson, contacted the sheriffs police over concerns about her daughters behavior. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images ) The mother saved a bunch of lives," Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen said. "What I say to parents is, It's OK to check your child's activities, see the conversations they're having.' Shelbyville is 32 miles (51.5 kilometers) southeast of Indianapolis. A probable cause affidavit lays out detailed conversations Pickett and Little had, mostly on the communication app Discord. Pickett acknowledged to investigators that she had considered suicide for a long time and had a desire to hurt others. Her devices had photos of the gunmen in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado. For Halloween, she dressed as a school shooter from a movie. A senior, Pickett suggested a mass shooting around graduation and planned on May 25, even though graduation is two days earlier. Little intended to tell her parents that Pickett was a friend from grade school who had moved away and she wanted to attend her friend's Indiana commencement. She sent Little a video of the school's layout, its hallways and dead ends. Pickett owns a muzzleloader firearm, according to the affidavit, and showed Little photos of targets she said she had hit using a shotgun and a .357 revolver. The two discussed without resolution how to obtain other guns. Both women face a single count of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, each of which carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison, Landwerlen said. Pickett also is charged with one count of intimidation. Pickett is being held in jail on $1 million cash bond. Her trial is set to start April 20, Landwerlen said. A message seeking comment was left with the public defender who is representing her. Little is in jail in Mississippi. Indiana officials have begun the extradition process after Little refused to waive it. A message was left with a Corinth, Mississippi, attorney who is associated with Little's family. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A local sheriff is impeding FBI access to key evidence in the Nancy Guthrie abduction probe, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the case has said. Guthrie, the mother of TV journalist Savannah Guthrie, went missing on February 1 from her residence in Arizonas Catalina Foothills. The official says the FBI asked Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for physical evidence, including a glove and DNA from the home, to be processed at the FBIs national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. However, Nanos has instead insisted on using a private Florida lab, effectively denying the FBI access to crucial evidence, the official said. A spokesperson for the sheriff did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. In a press update released earlier in the day, the sheriffs department said investigators had recovered several items of evidence, including gloves, adding that all viable evidence is submitted for analysis. open image in gallery An official stated that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has insisted on using a private Florida lab to process crucial evidence ( AP ) The agency did not elaborate. The Pima County sheriff has primary jurisdiction over the case and FBI assistance must be officially requested by the county, otherwise the FBI is legally precluded from taking part in the investigation. The official said that the county has spent some $200,000 so far to send evidence in the Guthrie case to the Florida lab. It risks further slowing a case that grows more urgent by the minute, the official said, citing unspecified earlier setbacks in the investigation. The official also criticized the sheriff for not seeking FBI assistance in the investigation sooner. Its clear the fastest path to answers is leveraging federal resources and technology. Anything less only prolongs the Guthrie familys grief and the communitys wait for justice, the official said. Signs of friction between the FBI and sheriffs department emerged as the search for Nancy Guthrie stretched into its 12th day, as investigators intensified their search for clues in the presumed kidnapping for ransom. Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when family dropped her off at her home following an evening dinner with them, and relatives reported her missing the following day, authorities said. The sheriff said the elder Guthrie had extremely limited mobility and could not have wandered off far from home unassisted, leading investigators to conclude early on that she had been abducted by force. Children plead for help Traces of blood found on Guthries front porch were confirmed by DNA tests to have come from the grandmother, officials said last week. Law enforcement and family members have described her as being in frail health and in need of daily medication to survive. At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced since Guthrie vanished, both of them delivered initially to news media outlets and setting two deadlines that have since lapsed. But no proof of life is known to have surfaced following her abduction. open image in gallery Signs of friction between the FBI and Nanos have emerged as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie ( AP ) Savannah Guthrie, 54, co-anchor of the popular NBC News morning show Today, has posted several video messages with her brother and sister, appealing to their mothers captors for her return, pleading for the publics help in solving the case, and even asserting a willingness to meet ransom demands. In a major break in the case on Wednesday, authorities released video footage captured from the doorbell camera of Guthries home near Tucson, showing an armed prowler in a ski mask and gloves trying to disable the camera. The video was taken at about the time that Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her residence by force. Investigators were likely seeking to bring facial recognition analysis to bear on the video to produce a composite image of a suspect that they can run against a national database that includes all U.S. drivers with RealID licenses, according to a former FBI agent. Law enforcement officials said on Thursday that a black latex glove found discarded on a roadside was recovered and is undergoing forensic examination. The FBI on Thursday doubled the reward offered for information leading to the location of Guthrie, or the arrest and conviction of a suspect in her abduction, to $100,000. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Florida couple are facing felony charges after a Sunday morning pickleball game allegedly descended into a huge brawl. Cops were called to reports of a physical fight involving more than 20 people at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange on February 8. Obscenities were hurled, one person was hospitalized and even the fire department was in attendance when the chaotic scene unfolded at around 11 a.m, cops say. An affidavit from the Volusia Sheriffs Office obtained by The Independent states that one victim was left with permanent scarring after being hit. Anthony Sapienza, 63, and his wife Julianne, 51, were arrested following the altercation and taken into police custody. According to authorities, it all started when Anthony Sapienza accused his opponents of stepping into an area of the court where people are banned from volleying the ball, known as the kitchen. He used foul language to insult his opponents wife, the affidavit says. Police claim he approached [the opposing player] and punched him on the left side of the face and struck him with a pickleball paddle, causing significant bleeding. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment after receiving a laceration by his eye and is pursuing charges. open image in gallery The pair face felony charges following the incident in Port Orange, Florida ( Volusia County Division of Corrections ) Authorities say Anthony Sapienza also pushed his opponents wife to the ground when she attempted to help her husband, and punched a 70-year-old onlooker in the face when he tried to break up the fight, resulting in his nose bleeding profusely. Multiple witnesses spoke to police, per the affidavit, stating that they observed the verbal insults and the physical altercation including the paddle strike and punching. The Sapienzas are accused of fleeing the scene, with police tracking them down to their residence in the nearby town of Ponce Inlet. Anthony Sapienza is facing charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm and battery on a person 65 or older. His wife is facing one count of battery on a person 65 or older. The couples charges are classed as felonies in the state of Florida. Penalties for aggravated battery include up to 15 years of prison time and up to $10,000 in fines. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Arizona man has been indicted on two counts of first degree felony murder and dozens of other charges after a helicopter crashed during a shootout. Terrell Storey, 50, opened fire on officers from multiple rooftops in a Flagstaff neighborhood on the night of Feb. 4 in a standoff that lasted over two hours, police said. As he was being captured, a state helicopter crash responding to the shooting crashed. Trooper paramedic Hunter Bennett, 28, and pilot Robert Skankey, 61, were killed. The indictment does not specify whether Storey fired at the helicopter with the semiautomatic long rifle that police said he was using. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by federal authorities. After his arrest, Storey was hospitalized for gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening. open image in gallery The indictment totals 60 criminal counts, including the two felony murder charges for the deaths of Bennett and Skankey ( AP ) Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said Friday that he anticipates Storey will be arraigned on Feb. 23 but declined further comment on the facts of the case. The indictment names as victims 25 law enforcement officers who responded to the scene and people who live in homes in the area. The indictment totals 60 criminal counts, including the two felony murder charges for the deaths of Bennett and Skankey. Other charges include aggravated assault, burglary disorderly conduct and endangerment. Storey remained hospitalized Friday, said Jon Paxton with the Coconino County Sheriffs Office. He's being held on a $5 million bond and is represented by the Coconino County Public Defenders Office. The Associated Press left a voicemail message for Public Defender Jennifer Stock. The confrontation that led to the helicopter crash began when officers responded to a domestic violence call, according to Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly. As the officers spoke with the victim in the front yard, Storey shot at them from the back of the residence with a semiautomatic rifle, Connolly said. A protracted gunbattle ensued, with the suspect hopping from roof to roof in the neighborhood while shooting at officers, the chief said. open image in gallery The indictment does not specify whether Storey fired at the helicopter as he hopped from roof to roof ( AP ) The helicopter crew had been playing a common role, helping officers on the ground. Before crashing, the helicopter was making a pass back to the shootout scene when it slowed to almost a hover about 1,000 feet (300 meters) over a hilltop, according to public flight-path data. Skankey was a longtime resident of Kingman, Arizona, and had been hired by the Arizona Department of Public Safety in May 2021. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was married with four children. Bennett was an honors graduate of Arizona State University and the top graduate of his 2023 Arizona Law Enforcement Academy class. He transferred to an air rescue unit in 2024 and months later married his high school sweetheart, officials said. Barker said in a statement announcing the indictment that his office was committed to pursuing this case with the diligence and care it requires. Our hearts remain with the families of Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey, and with all the families impacted by this incident, Barker said. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 12, 2026. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday the decision to deploy the army to help tackle organized crime, describing it as the most immediate threat faced by the country. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) CAPE TOWN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday the decision to deploy the army to help tackle organized crime, describing it as the most immediate threat faced by the country. He made the announcement when delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament at Cape Town City Hall. "Organized crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development," said Ramaphosa, stressing that the government's primary focus this year would be stepping up the fight against organized crime and criminal syndicates through technology, intelligence and integrated law enforcement. As the cost of crime "is measured in lives lost and futures cut short," which "must and will change," the president said he's deploying the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) to support the police. "I have directed the Minister of Police and the SANDF to develop a tactical plan on where our security forces should be deployed within the next few days in the Western Cape and Gauteng to deal with gang violence and illegal mining," Ramaphosa said. He added that an additional 5,500 police officers would be recruited this year and gun laws tightened, while intelligence and multidisciplinary teams would target criminal syndicates nationwide. Beyond crime, Ramaphosa turned to the worsening water crisis, saying, "Water is now the single most important issue for many people in South Africa," from large cities to smaller towns and rural areas. He acknowledged that poor planning and inadequate maintenance by municipalities were largely to blame for persistent shortages, noting that there was no "silver bullet" to resolve the crisis while pledging long-term investment and reforms. The government would elevate its response by establishing a National Water Crisis Committee, which he would chair, he said, adding that the body would coordinate national efforts and ensure swift intervention where needed. In the annual SONA, the president also set out other key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead, including accelerating economic growth and investment, advancing energy and infrastructure reforms, expanding job creation programs, strengthening logistics and industrial capacity, and pushing ahead with structural reforms to boost investor confidence. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 12, 2026. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday the decision to deploy the army to help tackle organized crime, describing it as the most immediate threat faced by the country. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (front) delivers the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 12, 2026. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday the decision to deploy the army to help tackle organized crime, describing it as the most immediate threat faced by the country. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (on the podium) delivers the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 12, 2026. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday the decision to deploy the army to help tackle organized crime, describing it as the most immediate threat faced by the country. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) arrives at the Cape Town City Hall to deliver the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town, South Africa, Feb. 12, 2026. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday the decision to deploy the army to help tackle organized crime, describing it as the most immediate threat faced by the country. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the Cape Town City Hall to deliver the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town, South Africa, Feb. 12, 2026. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday the decision to deploy the army to help tackle organized crime, describing it as the most immediate threat faced by the country. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) KINSHASA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said Friday it has accepted the principle of a ceasefire proposed by Angola, while the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group said it had not been informed, underscoring continuing divisions as regional mediators push to halt fighting in the country's east. In a statement, the Congolese presidency said President Felix Tshisekedi agreed to the proposal "in a spirit of responsibility and de-escalation" to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict, reaffirming Kinshasa's commitment to regional stability and a return to lasting peace. Angola, which has served as a key mediator in the DRC crisis since 2022, proposed late Wednesday that a ceasefire between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group take effect on Feb. 18. The proposed date remains contingent on a public declaration of acceptance by the parties, according to Angolan authorities. While Kinshasa publicly endorsed the principle of the truce, the M23 offered a different account. A senior official of the rebellion, Benjamin Mbonimpa, said on Friday that the group had not been informed of the Angola-proposed ceasefire initiative and remained committed to the ceasefire monitoring framework agreed in Doha, another mediator guiding talks between the DRC government and the M23 since March 2025. "We have not been informed of what has been decided by Angola. We have always respected what was agreed in Doha, and we assume full responsibility for the Doha process," he said after Vivian van de Perre, acting head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, met with rebel officials in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. Mbonimpa added that the group had not been invited to the discussions held in Luanda and did not know the details of the proposal. The M23 seized the eastern city of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province, the following month. In recent weeks, clashes have been reported near the town of Minembwe in South Kivu, according to local sources. Jacque Trahan is a resident of Lafayette and an advocate for the preservation of Cajun cultural history and civil liberties. Advertisement Analysis BusinessCompaniesTourism Aussie travel investors get a European tour from hell Colin Kruger February 14, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! was the famous Monty Python cry. That was certainly the case for one of Australias most successful tourism businesses: ASX-listed Web Travel Group. It all sounded pedestrian enough last Friday when the group informed the ASX that the Special Delegation of the Balearic Islands of the Spanish Tax Agency has commenced an audit of its Spanish subsidiary in respect of direct taxes, dating back three years. Web Travel Group investors got spooked when the company revealed it faces an audit by Spanish tax authorities. Monique Westermann A dusty little Web Travel office in Mallorca, the port city that was once a byword for British package-tour hell, and one-time refuge of the late Australian businessman fugitive, Christopher Skase. Whats the big deal, right? Advertisement What followed was a level of market mayhem worthy of a Monty Python skit. Web Travel shares crashed 41 per cent to an 11-year low, wiping hundreds of millions of dollars off its market valuation in the process. It was the sort of reaction you would expect for an extinction level event, not a standard audit by tax authorities. Web Travel boss John Guscic says the Spanish tax inquiry is a routine audit, not an existential crisis. Arsineh Houspian As a shell-shocked boss John Guscic told investors on Monday, having signed off on the announcement while in Tunisia for work: I went to bed on Thursday night as the market was about to open with a view that we just signed off on a straightforward, non market sensitive ASX release to keep the market appropriately informed. He woke up to a CEOs worst nightmare. Advertisement The market had obviously drawn a much broader and inaccurate conclusion about the content of the release than we could have ever anticipated, it would appear the assumption is we are facing an existential crisis, Guscic said. But the Web Travel team should have known better with investors still reeling from the unfolding disaster at one of Australias other globally successful travel operators, Corporate Travel Management. As one analyst pointed out: The revelation could not have come at a worse time. Investors in the Australian travel intermediary industry are still dazed over Corporate Travels accounting irregularities and customer overcharging in Europe/the UK a saga that has frozen Corporate Travel shares since August 2025. Corporate Travel needs to restate its financial accounts going back years and determine if it overcharged clients, including the British government, more than the $160 million it has uncovered to date. Its lucrative Australian government business is undergoing an independent audit and company founder Jamie Pherous stepped away this month with no clarity on if its shares would trade again. There is no suggestion Pherous was personally involved in or aware of the overcharging. Advertisement Its a long way from Web Travels Balaeric concerns, but there is good reason for market caution as shown by the fact that its stock trades at a significant discount to where it was before the Spanish inquisition kicked off. Spains Balaeric islands have not attracted this much Australian interest since it was home to the late corporate fugitive Christopher Skase. AP But Web Travels management were always going to be caught between a rock and a hard place on this issue. The reason they took the unusual step of announcing this audit was that the the Special Delegation of the Balearic Islands of the Spanish Tax Agency didnt just send a letter through the post. It showed up at the companys office with around 12 agents. We know this because local media just happened to witness and photograph the entire operation with reporting that included alarming phrases such as alleged tax fraud. Advertisement Related Article Updated Executive shake-up CTM ran asylum seeker barges for the UK. Now its CEO has quit Web Travel is understandably commenting as little as possible. Anything they say would only antagonise the authorities. A little bit of research indicates Spanish tax authorities are not to be messed with. Late last year, Robert Amsterdam, founder of US law firm Amsterdam & Partners, warned of a rule of law crisis within Spains tax system which some describe as a hangover from the countrys days under the Franco dictatorship. Spain hasnt passed a new national budget since 2022 and is using the Spanish Tax Authority to shore up the countrys finances by incentivising tax collectors through a shady bonus system. Its not only unethical, but illegal in our view, he said in a widely reported interview on the matter. Web Travel has not said how much of its European revenue, which generates one-third of its overall business, is channelled through Spain. Advertisement The company, which used to own Web Jet, acts as an accommodation-selling middleman between hotels and travel agents, which means it is also facing AI concerns and the threat of disintermediation by its partners in this travel eco-system. But thats a story for another day. Right now, Web Travel just needs to deliver on the promise that there is no change to its financial outlook and avoid the kind of rolling disaster at Corporate Travel that might cost its investors billions. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureMoviesOscars Why this Oscar-nominated creative will feel a certain amount of melancholy at the awards Garry Maddox February 14, 2026 6:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A When Australian production designer Fiona Crombie heads to the Academy Awards next month and especially if she wins for her work on the richly emotional drama Hamnet shell be thinking about one special person. Its the same person her brother Peter mentioned when he accepted an award for best editing in a documentary at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards last week: their father Donald Crombie, celebrated director of Caddie, The Irishman and The Killing of Angel Street, who died at the age of 82 last year. Fiona Crombie at a Hamnet screening during the London Film Festival late last year. Getty Images for BFI I think about him every day, Fiona Crombie says from Prague. Every day. So Im sure Ill be thinking of him. He was very important for us creatively. [We] were second generation Australian film industry so he was a big part of our lives. Advertisement Related Article Review Hamnet won Golden Globes for best drama and best actress but is it any good? After growing up in Adelaide and studying production design at Sydneys NIDA, Crombie was a theatre set and costume designer until she moved into film with Snowtown (2011). Based in London since 2015, she earned a first Oscar nomination for The Favourite (2018) and has since worked on Cruella (2021), Beau Is Afraid (2023) and Mickey 17 (2025). While she is busy shooting an unnamed film for a major American director in Prague, Chloe Zhaos Hamnet has thrown her back into the Hollywood awards season. An emotional drama about how an unbearable tragedy for William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his spirited wife, Agnes (Jessie Buckley), led to the writing of Hamlet, Hamnet is nominated for eight Oscars, including best picture. Crombie considers Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) to be an extraordinary director. Advertisement Shes very much about discovery, she says. Whats on the page certainly that first draft was absolutely [just] a guide and the process of pre-production is when she discovers what the film is. The film that weve made, there are really significant parts of it that did not exist in that first draft I read. It was through the rehearsals and location scouting and then through conversations of what we needed it to be that the film took shape. A tree found in a forest became a central image: Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in Hamnet. The best example was finding a tree in a forest that became a central image, enhanced with ground cover, ferns and roots, in Hamnet. For Crombie, the biggest challenge on Hamnet was Zhaos passion for authenticity, performances and environments that feel absolutely authentic and real. Advertisement Related Article Good Weekend Two of Us: Costume designer and Oscar nominee Fiona Crombie - Dad recognised the creative spirit in me The Globe Theatre, the family house, the attic and the London apartment all had to be built to feel authentic, while saying something about the characters and where they were in their lives. The plan was to try and work on location so that we were away and we were private in the making of the film away from offices and freeways and in nature, Crombie says. But it didnt work out that way so we ended up building a huge part of the film. It became about how do I match that to the location? Knowing that youre calibrating off what exists and what were creating is the dance the balance to make sure the whole film feels cohesive; so you cant tell whats a set and whats a location. Crombie, who admits to a certain amount of melancholy learning about her second Oscar nomination because of how much her father would have loved it, says the first was transformative for her career. Advertisement I remember going in and having a meeting with [producer] Marc Platt about Cruella, she says. I know I would not have had that meeting had I not suddenly come into focus for people. Related Article Cinema Jessie Buckley wept and raged in Hamnet. She says it woke me up Then, of course, I got Cruella, and that was a big budget jump for me up to $US120 million. When youve done something like that, it opens up, and you can basically pick and choose in budget brackets. This nomination, which she learnt of during a mundane Zoom call on her new film, feels different. Last time, I wasnt working, Crombie says. Its very complicated when youre working, even just in terms of going from thinking about the current film to then remembering back to a year or a year-and-a-half ago when we were making Hamnet and talking about that. Advertisement It has a quite different feeling because Im so busy, but I also feel incredibly proud. It really says something to be nominated twice in your career Maybe its not a fluke. Youre onto something. While the favourite to win best production design at the Oscars has to be Frankenstein, Crombie isnt discounting her chances. You just never know, she says. The Academy is made up of so many different people who have different takes on things, so I have absolutely no idea. But I do remember last time feeling relief when our category was announced. Youre partly holding your breath for months. I remember just being relieved and thinking: I can have messy hair again, and I dont have to have makeup on. I can go just back to my normal life. Crombie will miss all the lead-in events and just fly in for the Oscars. Advertisement Itll be a real whirlwind time, she says. At the end of the day, my day job is whats important. Jessie Buckley in the recreated Globe Theatre in Hamnet. AP Crombie and her husband, Peter Knowles, have thought about moving back to Australia, but they have to weigh up the effect on their two children: Oona, 19, and Orlando, 15. Weve got one thats still at school, so I think we just wait it out, she says. But we always talk about coming back to Australia. Were always on realestate.com.au. Shouldnt that be domain.com.au given that fellow Australian Oscar nominee Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs Id Kick You) appears in its commercials? Advertisement OK, Crombie says. Good to know. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. Advertisement CultureTV & radioAustralian TV He was one of Australias greatest fraudsters. Now a documentary uncovers his extraordinary story Bridget McManus February 14, 2026 5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Chances are you might not have heard of John Friedrich, the visionary head of the Victorian division of the National Safety Council of Australia in the 1970s and 1980s who built an elite search and rescue operation while defrauding investors and banks of almost $300 million. Marc Fennell hadnt either, despite his obsession with forgotten chapters of Australian history (Stuff the British Stole, the No One Saw it Coming podcast). When the Mastermind host along with director Corrin Grant, his collaborator on art heist series Framed and The Mission stumbled across Friedrichs extraordinary story, they were all in. Marc Fennell, whose new program, Australias Greatest Conman, tells the story of fraudster John Friedrich. We looked at each other blankly and went, Sorry, there was a guy that ran his own Thunderbirds out of country Victoria? says Fennell. Thats actually not a terrible starting point Its one thing making documentaries about things everybodys talking about But if we arent going to tell these stories, who the hell is? If this happened in America or Britain, thered be 14 films about it by now. Grant was as astonished to learn of Friedrich: I was like, Why have I never heard of this guy before? The story got so big so quickly. And sometimes that happens in news cycles. And then its gone. Marcs always saying Australians are never particularly good at telling their own stories. And this is an incredible story. Advertisement Featured in the two-part series Australias Greatest Conman? are three journalists who have never forgotten Friedrich: Hugh Riminton, Kerry OBrien and Richard Fidler, a former member of the Doug Anthony All-Stars comedy group who lampooned the manhunt for Friedrich. Editor's pick Streaming Hes not ashamed: How a real-life criminal mastermind inspired iconic TV crook Kerry OBrien said the strangest thing to me, says Fennell. He said, This is the most frustrating story Ive ever worked on. Think about the years of work that man has done and his legacy as a journalist. That is an interesting admission. Finding former National Safety Council employees from the time in question willing to speak proved difficult. Many went on to work in emergency services and didnt want to compromise their careers. Some were too traumatised, unable to trust anyone since. Others remained fiercely loyal to Friedrich. I would ask, If John walked into this room right now saying Im getting the band back together, would you follow him? says Fennell. And a surprisingly large number of people were like, Yep! In a heartbeat. Theres a million conman stories out there, but here you have a guy who didnt do it to make himself rich. Advertisement The interviews are mostly shot inside sheds or pubs. I wanted it to feel like youre overhearing a conversation, says Grant. Its like, Heres a story thats so great you can barely believe it. Stay with me, because this is real. Friedrich was the head of the Victorian division of the National Safety Council of Australia. A pub rock soundtrack accompanies archival footage of National Safety Council training exercises that are pure James Bond. Along with para-rescue involving dogs and even pigeons, the group pioneered aerial firefighting. People that came across the National Safety Council will say, Oh, they had a lot of toys. They had a lot of equipment, says Grant. And it feels, especially towards the end when the spending gets out of control, [Friedrich] was almost just collecting them. And so I thought that there was that playground that he created Not the people that were involved. They were doing incredible work. Advertisement Related Article Australian TV I just need to back myself: The big question Brooke Blurton really wants to ask on TV For Fennell, the most fascinating part of Friedrichs story is the deception. Anyone whos ever lied about anything knows that those lies do weigh on you, he says. Its a cumulative effect. I look at footage of [Friedrich] towards the end and I swear you can see it the weight of the lies. You watch these interviews with him with Kerry OBrien and [the late] George Negus, and hes playing cat and mouse, but I can see the pain of him trying to keep his balls up in the air. You could argue that the lesson is about the weight of that on him. Australias Greatest Conman? premieres at 8.30pm on February 24, on SBS and SBS On Demand. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. Advertisement Updated NationalQueenslandTraffic Man charged after stolen car flips on Story Bridge causing traffic mayhem Dominique Tassell Updated February 14, 2026 10:08am ,first published 4:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A An allegedly stolen car crashed on Brisbanes Story Bridge on Friday afternoon, bringing traffic to a standstill. A 31-year-old man is accused of stealing a car from a business in Eight Mile Plains and crashing it at Kangaroo Point, then carjacking another vehicle from a woman and crashing it moments later. The Woolloongabba man allegedly stole a black Toyota Yaris from the Logan Road business about 11pm on Thursday. Loading The Yaris was seen being driven dangerously in Toowong, Greenslopes and Brisbanes CBD before crashing on MacDonald Street in Kangaroo Point about 3pm on Friday, police allege. Advertisement The man then allegedly approached a red Toyota Corolla on Main Street in Kangaroo Point about 3.10pm and forcibly removed a 43-year-old Mango Hill woman from the car. Police allege he fled in this vehicle and was seen driving erratically on the Story Bridge before hitting multiple vehicles and rolling the Corolla onto its side. Afternoon traffic backed up on the Story Bridge. Northbound lanes of the Story Bridge were closed for over an hour, only reopening about 4.20pm. Paramedics assessed two people. Advertisement The alleged carjacker was detained by police and taken to Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital for minor injuries. He has since been charged with two counts each of unlawful use of a vehicle, driving without a licence, dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance, and one count of armed robbery involving violence. He is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday. Traffic remained congested for some time, and drivers were urged to avoid the area. The crash occurred during school pick-up, and students at All Hallows School were moved to a classroom as a result. Parents were advised to contact their daughters on their mobile phones so teachers could send them back outside to waiting cars. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The East African Community (EAC) has taken a significant step toward deepening regional financial integration by expanding its Capital Markets Infrastructure (CMI) to onboard new stakeholders, the regional bloc said in a statement Friday. The expansion also prepares the CMI for its second phase of implementation, according to the statement. The EAC Secretariat convened a meeting of the CMI technical working group and executive representatives from regional capital markets institutions from Jan. 28 to 30 in Arusha, northern Tanzania. Participants included representatives from stock exchanges in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda, while the Ethiopian Securities Exchange attended as an observer. Officials from capital markets regulators, central securities depositories, and central bank financial markets departments also joined the discussions. The CMI is a regional technology platform designed to integrate capital markets across EAC member states by linking stock exchanges and central securities depositories. The initiative supports the EAC Common Market Protocol, particularly the free movement of capital, by expanding cross-border investment opportunities and improving access to financing for businesses and governments, the statement noted. The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Advertisement Exclusive NationalWADefamation Greens MP threatens legal action against WA newspaper over Herzog rally coverage Cameron Myles February 13, 2026 6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A West Australian Greens MP has threatened the states major daily newspaper with defamation action over its coverage of protests held across the nation in opposition to a visit from Israeli President Isaac Herzog this week. Upper House MP Sophie McNeill was the MC at the rally held in Forrest Place, in Perths CBD, on Monday and had publicised the event heavily on her social media accounts. Greens MP Sophie McNeill speaking at the rally in Perth on Monday and, right, the front page of Tuesdays The West Australian newspaper. While Perths rally was held without incident, there were violent clashes between police and protesters in Sydney Herzogs first stop on his four-day tour, where he visited the site of the Bondi terrorist attack. The following day, The West Australian published a front-page article headlined Globalising the ignoramus, with a sub-head reading: Confused protesters in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne spew Jewish hatred as Israels President mourns over the Bondi massacre. Advertisement The article pointed to chants of from the river to the sea and globalise the intifada contentious phrases which are under scrutiny as states mull changes to hate speech laws as its opening line reported protesters had chanted for more violent acts against Jews and the destruction of Israel. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Herzog declares Australia a serious partner, rebukes protesters on final day of visit McNeill a former Walkley Award-winning journalist who worked for the ABCs flagship Four Corners program was not named in the print edition of The West on Tuesday, but was named in an article published on the newspapers website on Monday. A concerns notice sent to The West and its editor-in-chief Chris Dore claims the print articles along with an editorial on the inside cover of the paper carried defamatory imputations as, to the average reader, McNeill would be identified as being among the protesters reported to be calling for violent acts against Jews. The notice, which is the first step in the process of defamation proceedings, also claims readers who saw the print stories would also have read the online article in which McNeill is named. Advertisement In the concerns notice, seen by this masthead, McNeills lawyer alleged the articles had jeopardised the Greens MPs standing in her profession and had caused her significant hurt and distress. The legal letter demands The West retract posts of the front page of the paper on its Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, publish a retraction and apology to McNeill in print and online, and pay the MPs legal costs. In a statement, McNeill said the newspapers front page was hateful, deeply offensive and a flat out lie. Our movement stands firmly against antisemitism and all forms of racism and discrimination, she said. Not only was our protest peaceful in both its intention and its language, but it was attended by members of the Perth Jewish community who also spoke out against Herzogs visit. Advertisement Barrister Dr Michael Douglas, who is acting for McNeill, said the fourth estate played an important role in democracy, but irresponsible coverage can undermine social cohesion and drive us further apart. Douglas described Australias media regulation as pretty weak. Defamation litigation is one of the few tools we have to encourage media responsibility, he said. The West Australian has been approached for comment. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalLiberal Party Opinion Taylor-made Libs have three possible futures. Only one will save them Peter Hartcher Political and international editor February 14, 2026 5:00am February 14, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A After a years-long series of disastrous decisions, the Liberal Party interrupted itself by making a smart choice of leader. Its now reversed that decision and returned to form. The party has dumped its first female leader after a bare nine months in the post. And, for most of that time, the Coalition was at war with itself, her own party relentlessly undermining her. Illustration by Simon Letch The initial voter reaction to Sussan Ley was positive. The voters were at least giving her a chance, for her first three months, Resolve Strategic pollster Jim Reed says. If nothing else, the sheer novelty of a female Liberal leader seemed to signal the possibility of something different, a changed party perhaps, worth another look, at least. But the Coalition itself did not give her a chance. For instance, she had an immigration policy ready for announcement, but she was unable to deliver it. Why not? Because of the constant internal destabilisation that meant any announcement would have been lost in the foment. Advertisement So the Liberals have anointed Angus Taylor, the best-qualified idiot anyone has ever met, as Malcolm Turnbull on Friday said hed heard others say. And one of Taylors most urgent priorities will be to deliver an immigration policy. Will the change of leader cost the Liberals many womens votes? Probably not. They have so few to lose. Hard to imagine today, but the Coalition was once the party preferred by Australian women. In 1996, 53 per cent of women voted John Howard into office over Paul Keating. Howard didnt need to be a woman; he did need to be able to address the concerns of women and families, and not be seen to be hostile to women. Angus Taylor is the new leader of the Liberal Party. According to the Murdoch-Sky After Dark test, hes not right-wing enough. Dominic Lorrimer By last year, the Coalition had managed to lose nearly half of that share. A mere 28 per cent of women voted for the Coalition under Peter Duttons leadership, according to the Australian Electoral Study. Advertisement Reed has been testing voter responses to a Taylor leadership in the past couple of days. What has he found? He discovered that the change of leader made scant difference among women or men. My reading, he says, is that the Coalition has lost everyone. They havent got a woman problem; theyve got a voter problem. Not worth another look. It will just confirm the votes of women who have already switched away from the Liberals, and in many cases, to the teals, says Judith Brett, professor emeritus of politics at La Trobe University. It ensures that the Liberals wont get those women voters back. Goodbye to the biggest constituency in the country. So it was unfair and unwise to dump. For Anthony Albanese, it was entirely predictable. When Ley was first elected Liberal leader, Albanese agreed that it was an intelligent move by the Liberals, but he said that theyd dump her in short order. Surely they wouldnt be dumb enough to dump their first female leader without giving her a fair go, I put to him. Of course they are, he told me at the time, in a conversation I can relate now with his permission. How could he be so sure? They wouldnt allow her to remain as leader until the next election because, he said, its who they are they have a born-to-rule mentality, theyve shrunk in on themselves, and theyre a bunch of blokes with a right wing thats determined to drag them further to the right. Sussan Ley addressed the media after her ousting as Liberal leader on Friday. Dominic Lorrimer Advertisement Its not that right-wingers wont vote for a woman. Look at the poll surge for Pauline Hanson. But Ley wasnt right-wing enough. Albanese said nine months ago that she was extra vulnerable because the right-wing cheer squad of the Murdoch media and Sky News After Dark had not fully endorsed her. Today, Angus Taylor begins with a similar problem. As a member of the Liberal conservative faction, hes seen as more right-wing than Ley. But, according to the Murdoch-Sky After Dark test, not right-wing enough. Im not convinced that the party will be united behind Angus, says former Liberal strategist Tony Barry of the Redbridge Group. Look at some of the commentary from The Australian and Sky; its not exactly enthusiastic for Angus. The inevitable discontent with Taylor will lead to agitation to dump him in favour of Andrew Hastie, who is seen as more right-wing than Taylor. They have to stop living in this populist right-wing bubble, Turnbull told the ABC. Sky News and the Murdoch media are the best thing thats ever happened to the Labor Party. Labor agrees. As Angus Taylor on Friday promised a tougher immigration policy, Pauline Hanson made the point that no one will ever be as strong as One Nation on immigration. Alex Ellinghausen Advertisement A frontbench Liberal in October said no Liberal leader can survive a fire on the right. And the Murdoch-Sky ideological-media complex makes sure to generate new fires on the right whenever theres an opportunity to force a further rightward shift. Sussan Ley thought shed put out the fire when she agreed to scrap the Liberals commitment to net zero carbon emissions. But, of course, soon there was another fire amid demands to install Hastie as leader. Which goes to the central problem confronting the Coalition. Angus Taylor says that the Liberals are in their worst position since the partys founding by Robert Menzies in 1944. Judith Brett, who has written extensively on Menzies and the partys history, agrees: Because they dont have a clue what theyre doing. I dont think they have a clear sense of who they represent. The structural mismatch between the Coalition and the electorate is that the Coalition increasingly caters to its own cheer squad, which moves it further away from the electorate. If theres one single problem the Liberals could fix itd be to make the party competitive in the suburbs, where the vast majority of Australians live. The Liberal Party has no real estate in the suburbs of Australia, Barry says. The astonishing statistic that should drive Liberal strategy is that, of the 88 seats classified by the electoral commission as urban, the Liberals hold just nine. Yet a central theme of the permanent Murdoch-Sky campaign is to sneer at the teals whove taken the Liberals traditional heartland seats, to overlook the suburbs as if theyre somehow unrepresentative, and to clamour for more votes in rural areas and the city outskirts. Advertisement Which brings them into Pauline Hanson territory. Where they try to compete but cannot. For example, as Taylor on Friday promised a tougher immigration policy, Hanson made the point that no one will ever be as strong as One Nation on immigration. Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull sees a possible new centre-right party emerging from the current political maelstrom. Dominic Lorrimer Even if Taylor adopted a racist, anti-Islam immigration policy like Hansons, he couldnt compete with Hanson because shes been consistent for decades; the Libs would be seen as inauthentic. Hed only lose more votes from the centre of the electorate. Tony Barry again: MPs from all parties have two speeds ignorance and panic. In the last term, there was a lot of ignorance from the Coalition about how they were perceived by the electorate. Polls showed discontent with the government. The Coalition mistook this as support for itself. Advertisement But, Barry says, when it came to the election, they had no support at all. And, in this term, theyre characterised by panic, looking for shortcuts like dumping Ley instead of sitting down to draft a serious, bold economic reform policy. Related Article Liberal Party The Coalition is in tatters. The race is on to replace it in the centre Australia is in a moment of extreme political fluidity. The collapse of the Liberals and the surge of One Nation open three possible futures. If the Liberals want to satiate their Murdoch-Sky base, they will continue to pander to increasingly right-wing positions and continue haemorrhaging votes. They will be reduced to a rump and One Nation will take some of their seats while Labor takes the rest. A new right-wing coalition could emerge with Hanson as a dominant figure. This is a dark nightmare, Turnbull tells me. They all say Hanson cant win. But we used to say Tony Abbott cant win, and Trump cant win. If the only alternative to Labor is the lunar right, theres always a chance Labor screws up, as the Democrats did, and we end up with Hanson and something truly awful. In a two-horse race, the second horse always has a chance of winning. Australia under a racist leadership would cease to be the Australia we know. As one of the worlds most multicultural countries, society would be riven with hatred and conflict. Even One Nation supporters would recoil from this vision, surely? A recent Redbridge poll showed that 49 per cent of intending One Nation voters want to see major changes and 35 per cent want the system burnt down so we could start again. This is not unhappiness; this is rage. Advertisement Why have so many voters moved from the Liberals to One Nation? Because, says Barry, based on his research, theyve lost hope in the future under the two major parties. A second possible future is that a new centre-right grouping arises to fill the vacuum left by the fast-retreating Liberals. Theres an intense but subterranean conversation occurring to explore the possibilities. Related Article Political leadership Teals to the left, One Nation to the right: Why the byelection for Leys seat will be a test for Taylor Would the teals or other community independents form some sort of alliance, perhaps with some disillusioned Liberal moderates? Turnbull is driving much of the discussion in a bid to avert the dark nightmare. But he sees a possible new party. The community independent movement, on the other hand, wants to preserve its independence from the rigidity of a party. As the original community independent, former MP Cathy McGowan, tells me: These questions are being actively talked about by everybody. Theres a huge restructuring going on and I dont know what the options are. But I do know that, where I hang out, people dont want a party, they value their independence. Advertisement The third possibility is that the Liberals rebuild hope for the whole country, not compete with Hanson to burn Australia down. How did Menzies salvage the 1944 centre-right to win power as Liberals in 1949? Menzies did a massive amount of organisational work to create organisational unity and a fair bit of policy work, says Brett. He attracted a lot of new candidates. There was a greater common sense of national purpose. And held out hope for positive change. No pressure, Angus. Peter Hartcher is political editor. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Attack on freedom of speech: Labor faces grassroots push to reject Qld hate laws James Hall and Matt Dennien February 13, 2026 9:03pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Queensland Labor is seriously considering opposing the criminalisation of phrases from the river to the sea and globalise the intifada in the state governments hate speech laws as a grassroots group within the party launches a push to reject the legislation. The opposition was yet to reach a formal agreement on Friday night but various party MPs, who spoke to this masthead anonymously to speak freely on internal processes, raised concerns about the proposed laws effect on free speech. The party is eager to support a legislative response to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach, but multiple sources inside the party room say the inclusion of the two phrases is a political attempt from the Crisafulli government to wedge its parliamentary rival. More than 1000 protesters descended on King George Square outside City Hall on Monday. William Davis They say the LNP is attempting to trigger internal Labor division if they support the laws by outraging the partys Left faction, or risk being hounded on soft on antisemitism and community safety attacks. Advertisement A number of sources also speculated the hate speech component of the laws, which would be the nations toughest if passed, serves as a distraction from the governments refusal to include mandatory mental health checks in its suite of gun reforms. The ongoing internal discussion comes as the Queensland Labor Friends of Palestine arm called on Steven Miles opposition to take a stand against the proposed hate speech laws which have been criticised by a prominent civil libertarian. Flagged after the December attack in which 15 people were killed at a Jewish Hanukkah event in Sydney, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington introduced the suite of laws this week. The omnibus bill will include proposed gun law reforms as well as an extension of banned hate symbols and boosting penalties for criminal offences related to places of worship. But the bill will also go further than any other jurisdiction, banning common pro-Palestine protest chant from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, along with globalise the intifada. Advertisement This will work by enabling the ban to apply to any phrases, spoken or written, decided by the Attorney-General of the day. The laws will then extend warrantless police stop and search powers to anyone suspected of committing the offence. Related Article Queensland government Queensland rejects key Wieambilla recommendation in new gun reforms Submissions to committee scrutiny of the bill opened on Wednesday and will close at 10am Tuesday, with a public hearing set for Thursday and a report due before parliament resumes on March 3. Theyre trying to wedge us on it, a senior Labor MP told this masthead, adding that the party is less likely to succumb to the internal ructions that emerged when the LNPs youth justice laws went through parliament. People can see it for what it is, from our side, as an obvious wedge, so were not at each others throats like we were a bit for the first adult crime, adult time stuff. Advertisement If we start going into adding phrases and different language, its a bit silly and I think theyve overestimated how much community appetite there is for further crackdowns on free speech. The river to the sea phrase is highly contested by supporters of the Palestinian cause, who argue it is a call for freedom from oppression, illegal occupation and alleged genocide by Israel. Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president, appearing alongside Crisafulli while announcing the planned laws on Sunday, argued it meant to slaughter Jews from the river to the sea. Miles Opposition is considering how it will respond to the proposed laws. Jamila Filippone Jewish Council of Australia executive officer Dr Max Kaiser, in a submission to the NSW parliaments consideration of a ban on phrases like globalise the intifada, opposed banning either slogan. Advertisement Labor Friends of Palestine described banning phrases used by peaceful protesters as a direct attack on Queenslanders fundamental rights to freedom of speech. We condemn disgraceful comments from the premier and attorney-general that seek to falsely associate those who campaign against genocide with the terrorist attack in Bondi, they said. Many thousands of Queenslanders, including Labor members and voters, have chanted from the river to the sea at peaceful protests since 2023. They pointed to motions calling for Australia to apply comprehensive sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel passed by Novembers state Labor conference, and branches across the state. The premier now threatens Labor members, and all those who stand for the rights of the Palestinian people, with two years jail, the statement continued. Advertisement We call on the Labor opposition, and the labour movement, to stand against this serious attack on democratic rights which will open the door to further repressive measures targeting Queenslanders. The group said Queensland should instead support a national review of the Racial Discrimination Act to deliver one legislative instrument covering all aspects of racial discrimination and vilification. This is the path to protecting all the human rights of Australians equally and building genuine social cohesion in our great multicultural society, the group said. The proposed slogan ban has also been criticised by the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, with vice president Terry OGorman saying that banning any public protest slogan not contain[ing] an immediate incitement to violence is an unjustified attack and limitation on freedom of speech. This was particularly the case when phrases had ambiguous meanings dependent on the political viewpoint of the recipient, OGorman said in a statement on Monday. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Teals to the left, One Nation to the right: Why the byelection for Leys seat will be a test for Taylor Natassia Chrysanthos and Brittany Busch Updated February 13, 2026 5:36pm ,first published 5:25pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The Coalition will face a fresh test of how far its public support has fallen when former Liberal leader Sussan Leys regional NSW seat of Farrer goes to a byelection, which threatens to become a crowded contest between the Nationals, Liberals, One Nation and independents. New Liberal leader Angus Taylor and Nationals leader David Littleproud must decide whether they run separate candidates or combine forces, given the Coalitions poor polling, after the independent who clawed into Leys margin at the last election announced she will run again. Sussan Ley departs after a media conference where she announced she would resign from parliament in coming weeks. Alex Ellinghausen Community advocate Michelle Milthorpe, who is backed by Climate 200, won every booth in Albury, the electorates largest town, to trim Leys margin to 6.2 points at the last election. Ley suffered an 8.8 point drop in her primary vote and was pushed to preferences for the first time since winning the seat in 2001. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson also confirmed her party would enter the race, and claimed the minor partys branch membership in the electorate was its second-largest in the country. State independent Helen Dalton and Labor are also contemplating a run. Advertisement Ley announced her resignation from politics on Friday, once she was deposed as the Liberal leader after nine months. Related Article Political leadership Liberal Party leadership spill as it happened: Angus Taylor outlines vision for partys future after becoming leader; Sussan Ley to quit politics; Jane Hume elected deputy leader I will be spending the next couple of weeks thanking the amazing people of Farrer and expressing my gratitude to them for the honour of representing them for 25 years, she said. Shortly thereafter, I will be tendering my resignation to the Speaker. Ley won nine successive tilts at Farrer since first snatching the seat for the Liberals by 206 votes in 2001 an upset for the Nationals, whose former leader Tim Fischer held it for 17 years beforehand. It is Coalition convention that the Liberals and Nationals do not compete against each other in the seats they hold. But when a seat is vacant such as after a resignation both the Liberals and Nationals can run candidates, as was the case when Ley was first elected. Advertisement Splitting the Coalition vote at the upcoming byelection could be dangerous for the opposition, given polling shows its support is hovering at record lows. Asked on Friday whether the Liberals and Nationals would run their own candidates, Taylor confirmed he had spoken to Littleproud but would not divulge how they planned to approach the byelection. Thats a private discussion, and David and I will talk much more, Im sure, in the coming days, Taylor said. He also declined to say how the Coalition would preference One Nation, saying thats a matter for the party. Milthorpe made ground on Ley in several key booths at the last election, which included a 12.8 per cent swing to the independent across the Albury booths. Advertisement Her campaign on climate action and renewable energy will this time be a stronger point of difference with the Coalition, which dumped its net zero emissions policy targets late last year. Related Article Analysis Political leadership Sussan Ley took this job with ambition and promise. But things soon unravelled The Coalition has been consumed by its own internal contests at a time when people are crying out for leadership. Farrers future cannot be an afterthought to party politics, Milthorpe said on Friday. The last election proved this seat is no longer safe... The people of Farrer have already signalled they want genuine representation. This byelection is our opportunity to finish what we started. The rise of One Nation will complicate the politics further. The minor partys candidate, remedial therapist Emma Hicks, won 6.6 per cent of the primary vote in Farrer in May 2025 a figure roughly equal to its national vote. Advertisement Since the election, public support for One Nation has surged to 18 per cent in this mastheads Resolve poll, and higher in other surveys. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said she was confident of the partys prospects in Farrer, which she accidentally referred to as Fowler throughout a press conference on Friday. In that seat, we only polled just over 6 per cent at the last election. The party has grown since then, Hanson said. Weve just opened up branches 150 branches around the country, in each federal electorate. The branch in Fowler [Farrer] is the second largest in the country that we have. She said the party had not yet chosen a candidate, but there had been a lot of expressions of interest. NSW independent MP Helen Dalton, who represents the state seat of Murray, also said she was open to entering the race. Her state electorate overlaps with parts of Farrer, taking in the town of Griffith. Advertisement Dalton was elected as a representative of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party in 2019, before leaving to become an independent in March 2022. She was re-elected as an independent at the 2023 state election. Related Article Updated Political leadership Change or die: Taylor puts forward new vision as Ley lobs byelection bomb on way out My mobile has been burning up since Sussan announced she was leaving politics. I understand that the people of my region want their voices to be heard and whatever I decide to do, I will be doing it to make sure their voices are a lot louder, Dalton said in a statement on Friday. Dalton said the key message of the moment was that people in rural Australia did not feel represented by their political leaders. Rural Australians are the heart and soul of this country and yet we continue to be ignored by state and federal governments. For now, I will continue to talk to the people in my region to get a better gauge of what they want. Advertisement With Shane Wright Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement WorldEuropeRoyal family Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaked confidential Treasury briefing to banker friend Poppy Wood , Neil Johnston and Isabel Oakeshott February 13, 2026 7:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A London: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded a confidential Treasury briefing to a banker friend while he was trade envoy, Londons Telegraph has revealed. The former prince tasked Amanda Thirsk, his deputy private secretary, with obtaining an internal government memo in February 2010 about the Icelandic financial crisis. In correspondence seen by the Telegraph, Thirsk emailed Michael Ellam, the Treasurys director general of international finance at the time, asking him to produce a briefing note for Mountbatten-Windsor on the Nordic nation. There are fresh questions over whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaked sensitive information to friends during his time as trade envoy. Getty Images On February 8, 2010, she wrote: The Duke of York met with the prime minister of Iceland at Davos and would very much like to receive an update note on the latest position between the UK and Iceland on the matter of the deposits and the deposit scheme. Advertisement Thirsk received the briefing note from a different civil servant at the Treasury a week later and forwarded it to Mountbatten-Windsor. Two hours later, he passed the note on to Jonathan Rowland, his close friend and the former chief executive of Banque Havilland, a bank that had bought assets from a failed Icelandic lender a year earlier. Loading Mountbatten-Windsor, who was then Britains trade envoy, suggested the information might be useful to his friend before you make your move. I pass this on to you for comment and a suggestion or solution? he wrote. Advertisement The essence is that Amanda is getting signals that we should allow the democratic process [to] happen before you make your move. Interested in your opinion? A. Banque Havilland was connected to a major investigation by Icelandic authorities at the time. Icelandic banks, which had expanded rapidly before the 2008 financial crisis, collapsed amid the chaos. Bloomberg Days before Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded the information, Icelands office of the special prosecutor raided the offices of Kaupthing Bank, part of which had just been acquired by Banque Havilland after the Icelandic institution collapsed. Icelandic banks had expanded rapidly before the 2008 financial crisis and attracted customers from all over the world. When the banking system collapsed, to protect the nations economy, the Icelandic government prevented foreign depositors from taking their money out. Advertisement Many of the depositors who lost access to their cash were British, prompting a diplomatic row between Britain and Iceland. Prince Andrew with Jonathan Rowland at the launch of Banque Havilland. In 2011, the British Serious Fraud Office raided Banque Havillands offices. At the time, it was reported that this was connected to an investigation into Kaupthing. Authorities never brought any charges. The email disclosures raise fresh questions over the extent to which Mountbatten-Windsor may have been leaking sensitive information to his friends during his time as trade envoy, a post he held from 2001 to 2011. Thames Valley Police are assessing whether to open an investigation into the claims after it emerged that the former prince had forwarded multiple private briefings to external sources, including convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement In November 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded reports from visits to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and China to the disgraced financier five minutes after his special assistant had sent them to him. He also forwarded Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in Afghanistans Helmand province the following month. Similar allegations against former British cabinet minister Peter Mandelson claiming that he shared sensitive government information with Epstein when he was business secretary have prompted a police investigation into the former Labour politician. Emails from the Epstein files also show a close personal relationship between the then prince and Rowlands family around the time of the correspondence regarding Iceland. Advertisement In an email sent to Epstein several months earlier, in September 2009, an individual whose name has been redacted by the US Department of Justice said they will finalise F summary for you next week. Cant now cause she went to nepal paying for the first class flight with her rowland bank loan. F was the email nickname that Epstein and his associates often used to refer to Sarah Ferguson, Mountbatten-Windsors ex-wife and long-time confidante. When the banking system collapsed, to protect the nations economy, the Icelandic government prevented foreign depositors from taking their money out. Getty Images Rowland could also refer to David Rowland, Jonathan Rowlands father and the founder of Banque Havilland, to whom the former prince was also close. In May 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor sent an email to Epstein referring to David Rowland as his trusted money man. Other emails, thought to be from David Stern, the former duke of Yorks then aide, show meetings between the royal and Jonathan Rowland in 2010. It includes a dinner that the pair attended in Hong Kong in October 2010. Advertisement Mountbatten-Windsors close relations with the Rowlands have previously come under scrutiny. Bloomberg News reported in 2021 that the former duke of York took a 1.5 million ($2.89 million) loan with Banque Havilland in December 2017, which was paid off 11 days later by companies associated with David Rowland. Related Article Analysis Epstein fallout How the Epstein scandal could topple a damaged PM The Mail on Sunday reported in 2019 that the former prince co-owned a business with the Rowlands in a Caribbean tax haven. Rowland and Banque Havilland were approached for comment. Advertisement Mountbatten-Windsors close relations with Rowland have previously been scrutinised. The Telegraph, London Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaDonald Trump Opinion By this measure, Trumps presidency is the best that ever was Nicholas Kristof Columnist February 13, 2026 7:30pm February 13, 2026 7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A President Donald Trump is unrivalled in American history in one respect: None of his predecessors ever cashed in on the presidency as he has. The Teapot Dome scandal under Warren Harding? Richard Nixons slush funds during Watergate? Those seem like junior high school by comparison with the present culture of corruption. Donald Trump is significantly richer than he was when he became president for the second time. The fire hose of disclosures has been overwhelming. A New York Times editorial estimated conservatively that the Trump family had made more than $US1.4 billion ($1.98 billion) in documented gains by exploiting the second term of his presidency. (Others offer higher figures.) And all that pales beside the latest bombshell: a $US500 million secret deal backed by a government leader in the United Arab Emirates, just four days before Trump was inaugurated for his second term. Advertisement Heres what we know. The Wall Street Journal broke the story, reporting that on the eve of Trumps inauguration, the Emiratis purchased 49 per cent of a Trump family cryptocurrency company, World Liberty Financial, for $US500 million. Its difficult to see why anybody would pay so much for a fledgling company unless the point was to enrich the Trumps. Most of the money, in effect, went to the Trump family, but some found its way to the family of Steve Witkoff, a co-owner of the venture. Trump had selected Witkoff to become the United States special envoy to the Middle East. The purchase was backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAEs national security adviser. Known as the spy sheikh, Tahnoon is a brother of the president of the UAE. On top of that, an Emirati-backed fund deposited $US2 billion into World Liberty, generating a revenue stream expected to amount to at least tens of millions of dollars a year in additional profits. The UAE had long sought large numbers of advanced computer chips from the US, but security officials had denied permission for fear that some would end up in China, with which the UAE has close ties. The concern was that the transfer of chips could undermine American leadership in AI development. Trump with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to the Gulf in May 2025. Getty Images Advertisement However, soon after the infusion of cash from the UAE into Trump family pockets, the Trump administration approved the export of hundreds of thousands of advanced chips to the UAE. A masterly Times investigation last year found that the US chip negotiations intersected with World Liberty business. There wasnt evidence of an explicit quid pro quo You write me a cheque, and Ill give you chips but the investigation raised fundamental questions about whether American national security decisions were being shaped by Trumps business interests. The latest revelations make the picture even more troubling. The sums were invested in secret, and to me at least, they look less like an arms-length business transaction than a money transfer. The transaction also raises two fundamental questions: First, did the Emirati decision to enrich the Trump family lead the administration to approve chip sales that put at risk American competitiveness and national security? Second, did the Emirati investments buy Trumps silence about the UAEs role in backing a militia that the US accuses of committing genocide in Sudan? Hundreds of thousands of people have died there, and vast numbers have been raped, yet Trump has averted his eyes and in the face of that silence, the killing, rape and torture continue. Democrat senator Chris Murphy called the Emirati investment in World Liberty mind-blowing a secret deal to make Trump rich in exchange for national security favours. Democrat senator Elizabeth Warren suggested that administration officials had sold out American national security in order to benefit the presidents crypto company. Advertisement Other Democrats called for the chip sales to the UAE to be cancelled. But Republican leaders are staying silent. (If it had been $US500 million in cash delivered to the White House in paper bags, like the $US50,000 reportedly handed to Tom Homan in 2024 as part of a mysterious FBI sting he denied it that might capture the public imagination. But it would be less practical: I calculate that in $US100 bills, the sum of $500 million would fill 450 standard grocery bags full of cash. Sadly, my editors wouldnt let me expense $500 million to fact-check this.) And that doesnt include the extras. World Liberty has earned the Trump family at least $1.2 billion in cash in the 16 months since its launch, not counting paper gains of at least $2.25 billion from various crypto holdings, The Wall Street Journal reported. Related Article Good Weekend I went to the USs peak MAGA conference to gauge the state of movement. Heres what I found The White House and World Liberty dispute the accusations of graft. They argue that Trump himself was not involved in decisions about World Liberty (Eric Trump signed the transaction documents) and that the investments had no connection with the approval of chip sales to the UAE. White House counsel David Warrington said Trump followed ethical principles and that to suggest otherwise would be either ill-informed or malicious. Advertisement The White House also denied that there was anything untoward about Trumps pardon in October of Changpeng Zhao, the founder and owner of the overseas crypto company Binance, after Binance heavily backed a World Liberty product and enormously increased its value. During my career, Ive seen mind-boggling corruption in many places: Former Indonesian first lady Madame Tien, known as Madame Tien Per Cent; a Chinese friend, the son of a Politburo member, who told me that he was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to do no work for a company, so it could use his name to win land deals. I never expected to see anything like this in America yet that is what happens under authoritarian leaders. Editor's pick Updated Milano Cortina 2026 Nice-looking beer coaster: Woods upsets moguls legend to deliver Australias first gold Lets step back for a moment. When former president Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, his Justice Department investigated whether he could accept it. The US Constitution and statute law ban any official from accepting a gift or emolument from any foreign state. The Justice Department cleared the Nobel Prize only because it was not granted by Norway itself but by a private Norwegian group and the lawyers made it clear that if the money came from the government, a president could not accept it. If accepting a state-funded version of the Nobel Peace Prize would be unconstitutional, how can it be legal for this president to rake in vast amounts of cash in effect from a foreign leader? Advertisement When will America rebel against this culture of corruption? This article originally appeared in The New York Times. GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 13, 2026 -- The global automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation. At GAC, technological innovation remains at the core of our mission to deliver safer, more efficient, and more reliable mobility experiences for users worldwide. With proprietary core technologies, GAC is accelerating its global footprint and earning trust through qualitytrust built on an unwavering commitment to high standards, high requirements, and high quality. High safety standards are fundamental to our approach. The Magazine Battery represents comprehensive innovation from cell to system. During R&D, GAC subjected the technology to tests far exceeding industry norms and proactively meeting future national standards. Under extreme conditions such as needle penetration, crushing, and twisting, the Magazine Battery does not ignite or explode, mitigating risks at the source. It is this commitment to high standards that transforms technology into a solid foundation of user trust. GAC applies high requirements throughout the entire vehicle usage cycle. The "GAC X-SOUL Safety Protection System" extends safety across the full lifecycle, enabling early risk identification, intelligent stability control for hazard avoidanceall rigorously validated to standards far exceeding industry benchmarks, from 24/7 monitoring to dual-redundancy backups for key systems. With risks "rehearsed" in advance, round-the-clock protection ensures peace of mind on every journey. Technological innovation delivers high-quality outcomes. The Quark Electric Drive 2.0, named one of the "World's Top 10 Electric Drive Systems," features lightweight construction and high efficiency, delivering powerful performance while reducing energy consumption and enhancing range and responsiveness. The third-generation hybrid technology, also recognized among the "World's Top 10 Hybrid Systems," achieves an optimal balance between power and fuel economy through high integration, offering a quiet, smooth, and premium driving experience. These are high-quality breakthroughs in efficiency, performance, and reliability. From battery safety to intelligent protection, from electric drive efficiency to hybrid driving experience, GAC is redefining the quality benchmark for new energy vehicles with a portfolio of internationally recognized core technologies. As we expand into global markets, GAC will continue to uphold high standards, high requirements, and high qualitybringing China's innovation power and craftsmanship to more users around the world. SOURCE GAC UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday called on all parties to de-escalate and immediately cease renewed hostilities in South Sudan and to resolve issues through peaceful dialogue. In a press statement, the members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at escalating violence in the states of Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and throughout the country, emphasizing that under international law, individuals who order the commission of war crimes may be held accountable. They expressed their full support for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and stressed that continued constructive cooperation between the host government and UNMISS is essential to sustaining peace and stability, facilitating safe and timely humanitarian access and ensuring the protection of civilians. While reaffirming their commitment to supporting South Sudan's peace process and working in partnership with the transitional government to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, the members of the council called on South Sudanese leaders to engage in genuine inter-party dialogue about potential changes to the 2018 peace agreement, through an inclusive and transparent process. They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of South Sudan. LILONGWE, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Malawian President Peter Mutharika on Friday announced a package of tough measures targeting the mining sector, including the suspension of the issuance of all types of mining licenses, a full audit of the licensing registry, and a ban on the export of raw minerals pending a review of the legal and regulatory framework. Mutharika outlined the measures in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered at the opening of Parliament's national budget session in the capital city of Lilongwe. Despite acknowledging that mining is a major contributor to Malawi's economic expansion, he pointed out that the industry does not bring in enough money for the nation. According to the president, challenges facing the industry include inadequate and limited mineral exploration, gaps in the legal and regulatory framework, and limited capacity to negotiate mining development agreements. "I have directed the Minister of Finance and the Minister responsible for Mining to enhance Malawi's capacity for negotiating Mining Development Agreements. Going forward, my government will capacitate the state-owned Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO) to undertake detailed exploration of our mineral deposits," Mutharika said. He added that the Malawi government is at an advanced stage of establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund to ensure that proceeds from mining benefit Malawians. Malawi's minerals include rare earth elements, uranium, graphite, bauxite and gemstones such as rubies and sapphires. The Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project is being carried out in Malawi by Sovereign Metals, an Australian company with its headquarters located in Perth. According to the president, the project's estimated 538 million tonnes of rutile deposits are some of the biggest in the world. Bdesh Polls 48 pc voter turnout; counting on DHAKA : BANGLADESH people on Thursday voted in the crucial general elections, marred by sporadic incidents of violence, to elect a new Government to replace the interim administration which took charge after the fall of the Awami League regime in August 2024. The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package. The voting began in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country from 7:30 am (local time) amid tight security and continued until 4:30 pm. However, in places where voters were inside the polling station, the voting continued until they vote. The counting of votes has already begun in many places. The election in one constituency has been cancelled due to the death of a candidate. The election is seen as a direct contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of ousted premier Sheikh Hasinas now disbanded Awami League. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus interim Government last year disbanded the Awami League and barred it from contesting the polls. Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said around 48 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 2 pm nationwide, State-run BSS news agency reported. Nearly 127 million voters were registered to cast their ballots across 42,779 polling centres in 299 constituencies nationwide. The top leaders of Bangladeshs two major contending parties, as well as chief adviser Yunus, cast their ballots early in the day. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, who cast his vote at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Dhakas upscale Gulshan area, said the poll results will be accepted if the election is held in a free, fair and neutral manner. If the election is held in a free, fair, impartial manner and without controversy, then why shouldnt we accept it? We will accept it. However, of course, there is one condition that the election must be impartial and peaceful. If the people cast their votes, there can be a democratic beginning in the country from today, he said. Shafiqur Rahman, the chief of right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami which is leading an 11-party alliance, cast his vote at the Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College. He said his party would accept the election results if the polls were held in a free and neutral manner. We want the results that will come through a fair process. If the vote is free and impartial, we will accept the outcome. Others must also accept it. That is the beauty of democracy. This is what we want, he said. The Election Commission made elaborate security arrangements, deploying nearly 1 million security personnel -- the largest-ever in the countrys electoral history. There were reports of electoral violence in some places. In Gopalganj, three persons, including a 13-year-old girl, were injured in an alleged hand bomb attack at a polling station, BDnews24 reported. The blast occurred around 9 am at the Reshma International School centre at Nichupara. Two members of the Ansar, a paramilitary auxiliary force responsible for election security, were among those hurt. The injured have been taken to a hospital. Zahirul Islam, the presiding officer at the polling station, said the injuries were minor and that voting resumed shortly afterwards. In a separate incident, a series of hand bomb explosions have taken place outside a polling station in the Munshiganj-3 constituency, temporarily disrupting voting. The blasts occurred around 10:15 am in front of the Makhati Gurucharan High School centre. Between 10 and 12 crude bombs were detonated, officials said. Voting at the centre was suspended for around 15 minutes. Presiding Officer Md Titumir said the explosions caused panic among voters. We stopped voting briefly, but it has now started again, and people are casting their ballots, he said. Also, a BNP leader has died during an altercation with Jamaat-e-Islami activists outside a polling centre in Khulna. The BNP says that he died when a Jamaat leader pushed him into a tree and hurt him. The Jamaat leader claims that the victim fell ill amid the unrest. A total of 1,755 candidates from 50 political parties and 273 independents are contesting the election. The BNP has fielded the highest number of 291 candidates. There are 83 female candidates. Yunus, who has promised to quickly transfer power to the elected government, voted at Gulshan Model School and College polling centre. Nearly 900,000 law enforcement personnel were deployed to enforce the security vigil to prevent violence and maintain order during the voting. Authorities have deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Rapid Action Teams (RATs) across key areas of the capital. For the first time, drones and body-worn cameras were used for election security. Some 55,454 observers from 81 local organisations have monitored the elections, while the number of foreign poll monitors was 394. Of the international observers, 80 represent various international organisations, while the rest come from different countries, including independent European observers. Three persons were arrested on allegations of distributing ballot paper photocopies among activists of a party at Kalai area of northwestern Joypurhat, Ittefaq newspaper reported. Hasina slams Bangladesh polls: BANGLADESHS former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has termed the 13th Parliamentary election held in the country on Thursday as farcical while expressing gratitude to the citizens, including women and minority communities, for rejecting the polls. Condemning the so-called election organised by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Hasina said the administration that seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, orchestrated a well-planned farce. She underscored that the peoples voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the Constitution were completely disregarded in the deceptive, voterless election conducted without the participation of the Awami League party. From the evening of 11 February, this farce began with seizure of polling centres, gunfire, vote-buying, distribution of money, stamping of ballots, and agents signing result sheets. By the morning of 12 February, voter turnout was negligible in most polling centres nationwide, and in many centres across the capital and other areas, there were no voters at all, read a statement by Hasina, which was posted on the Awami Leagues social media platform X. Centre signs Rs 2,312 cr contract with HAL for 8 Dornier 228 aircraft NEW DELHI : THE Defence Ministry on Thursday said it has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with operational role equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for Rs 2,312 crore. The order is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment by strengthening the HALs production ecosystem and supporting a broad network of MSMEs and ancillary industries. It will also create sustained opportunities in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul and life cycle technical support, according to an official statement. The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian) category in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The contract reinforces the Governments commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India while bolstering Indias maritime security architecture. HAL on Thursday reported a strong financial performance for the December quarter of the current financial year (Q3 FY26) as the defence public sector company posted a 29.6 per cent year-on-year rise in its consolidated net profit. Its profit after tax for the quarter stood at Rs 1,866.66 crore, compared to Rs 1,439.79 crore in the same period last financial year (Q3 FY25), according to an exchange filing. Meanwhile, India is gearing up to give its aerospace ambitions a big push with a massive investment of about Rs 65,400 crore ($7.44 billion) to develop and produce fighter jet engines by 2035. The plan aims to make India self-reliant in one of the most critical areas of defence -- aircraft propulsion, according to reports. The project marks a strong step towards reducing dependence on imports and building engines that can power the next generation of Indian fighter jets. From the advanced Tejas Mk2 to the stealthy AMCA, and from upgraded fighters to unmanned aircraft, India plans to build around 1,100 engines in the next decade. For the first time, India is inviting private companies to participate in fighter jet development, opening new opportunities for innovation and growth in the aerospace sector. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will work alongside private and global players to share the workload and boost production. City to get fifth CAAQMSsoon in North Nagpur By Kaushik Bhattacharya : MPCB to install new CAAQMS in Nari area to keep watch on industrial pollution TAKING a step forward towards much-needed improvement in Nagpurs deteriorating air quality, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is planning to install fifth Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in North Nagpur soon. The new CAAQMS will be installed in Uppalwadi industrial area in Nari where it can monitor the air quality closeto the Koradi and KhaperkhedaThermal Power plants. Nagpur is one among the 132non-attainment cities of thecountry, and does not meet theprescribed air quality standardsset by the Ministry of Environment Forest and ClimateChange (MoEF&CC). Therefore, Centre started National CleanAir Programme (NCAP) for these132 cities where the governmentprovides fund to cities to improve air quality with proper mitigation. Under NCAP, four CAAQMSs were installed at Town Hall in Mahal, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT) buildings and MPCB Office in Civil Lines area. The news CAAQMS will come at Nari area and currently we are on talks with Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) for land allocation. Soon the place will be also decided, Hema Deshpande, Regional Officer, MPCB, informed The Hitavada. Apart from existing four CAAQMS, MPCB installed five Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (AAQMS) at Wadi, Kamptee, MIDC Hingna, Institute of Engineers and Government Polytechnic that provides air quality data twice a week. Currently, all the air quality monitoring stations of the city are providing data of particulate matter (PM) 2.5, PM10 and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. It has been a long-time demand of environment activists to increase the number of air quality monitoring stations in the city. However, they fell not all the selected locations are appropriate. With this fifth CAAQMS, the administration can monitor the air quality of Uppalwadi industrial area and the nearby thermal power plants. Environment activists were also demanding for air quality monitoring in Koradi area which is now possible with the help of this CAAQMS. Crores of fund has been sanctioned for Nagpur by the Union finance ministry to improve the air quality of the city. These funds have been utilised for air quality monitoring stations, purchasing of mechanised road sweeping machines and much more. Hindu tea worker killed in Bdesh DHAKA Police recovered the body of 28-year-old Ratan Shuvo Kar from a tea garden. The body bore visible injury marks and was found in a bloodied condition A YOUNG Hindu tea garden workers bloodied body was found with his hands and legs tied with ropes in the Moulvibazar area in northeast Bangladesh, a media report said Thursday. Ahead of the voting for the 13th parliamentary elections being held on Thursday, this is the second murder of a Hindu person in as many days. Police recovered the body of 28-year-old Ratan Shuvo Kar from a tea garden in Moulvibazars Kamalganj upazila, about 200 kms northeast of Dhaka, on Wednesday. Locals spotted the body in the garden around 10:00 am and informed authorities, the report said. According to locals, the body bore visible injury marks and was found in a bloodied condition. Ratans elder brother, Laxman Kar, said the family had been searching for him since night. This morning (Wednesday), we were informed that his body was lying in the garden. We went there and identified him. We do not know why he was killed, he said. The body was sent to Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital for an autopsy, said the OC, adding that an investigation is underway to identify those involved. Some locals speculated about possible links to tomorrows election, though no evidence was found in this regard, The Daily Star said. The Hindu population in Bangladesh has faced a series of attacks, some fatal, after the killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December. On Monday, 62-year-old Hindu trader Susen Chandra Sarkar was hacked to death by unidentified men inside his shop at the Bogar Bazar. Sarkar, the owner of Bhai Bhai Enterprise, was a resident of Southkanda village, police said, adding, the attackers hacked him with a sharp weapon, left him inside the shop, and closed the shutters. According to monitoring by independent groups, there have been at least 15 targeted murders of Hindu minority individuals in a 45-day period, the South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion Belief said. in a statement on Tuesday. Seattle reaches USD 29M settlement with Kandulas kin who was killed by US cop By Gene Johnson : SEATTLE (AP) The city of Seattle has reached a USD 29 million settlement with the family of a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was struck by a speeding police officer as she crossed a street in 2023. Jaahnavi Kandula was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving as fast as 119 kph in a 40-kph zone as he responded to a drug overdose call. He had his emergency lights on and had been using his siren at intersections. Jaahnavi Kandulas death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family, City Attorney Erika Evans said in a statement Wednesday. Jaahnavi Kandulas life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community. Kandula had been working toward a masters degree in information systems at the Seattle campus of Northeastern University. Attorneys for Kandulas family did not immediately respond to emails or phone calls seeking comment. The parties filed a notice of settlement in King County Superior Court last Friday. The local news website PubliCola first reported about the agreement. Diplomats from India sought an investigation. The citys civilian watchdog found the comments by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was a union leader, damaged the departments reputation and undermined public trust. Auderer was later fired and has sued the city for wrongful termination. He said his remarks were intended to criticise how attorneys were likely to respond to the death. The police department also fired the driving officer for negligent driving. SHEER MADNESS O NCE again, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress Member Mr. Rahul Gandhi indulged in madness of its own kind -- as if it is his birthright to do so. In the process, he unleashed a train of senseless allegations that the Government and Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had sold out the nation to foreign powers. As he delivered his speech, Mr. Gandhi used a rough language beyond parliamentary norms, as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members alleged. Other reports also stated that the Congress party Members of Parliament indulged in abusive language during their meeting with Speaker Mr. Om Birla. Union Minister Mr. Kiren Rijiju also released a video showing how the Congress (Opposition) Members behaved in the House earlier. It is obvious that the Opposition is refusing to respect basic norms of parliamentary business. This is nothing but sheer madness, to say the least, which must be stopped with immediate effect. And the responsibility of this should rest on the shoulders of the Government and the Parliamentary secretariat. For, when the Opposition is not listening to the voice of reason, then it must be made to do so with tough measures. The occasion on the floor of the House was the response of the Leader of Opposition to the debate on the Union Budget. Instead of voicing his views on the finance bill, Mr. Rahul Gandhi indulged in his usual, irresponsible diatribes hurling senseless allegations that sought to disrupt the parliament proceedings rather than initiate a healthy discourse on issues of critical importance. The content of Mr. Gandhis speech showed clearly that he did not want to speak anything about the Budget but had all the mind to show that the Prime Minister had sold out the nation to foreign powers. There was no substance in his speech and no well-argued points that would make the Government think deeply about the issues. In stead, all Mr. Rahul Gandhi had to say was nothing but a political polemics that carried little sense and meaning. Those who happened to watch the proceedings of the Lok Sabha during Mr. Rahul Gandhis speech would know that even many Members on the Opposition benches were completely embarrassed and skeptical of his content and form of speech. It appeared that at least some of them hoped that his diatribes ended quickly so that the House could get over the bad experience. Of course, Mr. Gandhi, with his back to his own benchmates, did not notice the changing faces of his own colleagues and continued his senseless argument. Mr. Gandhis speech, thus, epitomised the overall conduct of the Opposition in Parliament over the past some time. Some women among the Opposition Members tried to block Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modis way to the House by encircling his official chair in the House. They also used abusive language during their meeting with Speaker Mr. Om Birla -- so much so that the Prime Minister had to cancel his speech and deliver it in the Rajya Sabha the next day. All this does not augre well with norms of parliamentary democracy -- though the Opposition does not suffer from any qualms of conscience in that regard. Much to the contrary, it appears to have made it its policy to throw to the wind all norms of decency and decorum that underline parliamentary conduct. If this not to be called sheer madness, then what should be the name for such a behaviour indulged by the Opposition in sustained manner? Going by the popular mood, it is obvious that the common people of India desire that the Opposition be punished the hardest so that it forgets its insolence forever. The honourable Speaker should have thrown all the ill-behaving Members of Parliament out right at the first instance of unparliamentary conduct. If he did not do it a few days ago, he may do so now on an immediate basis so that a right message is passed to the political community and the common people. Who is responsiblefor SUB-STANDARDHSRP number plates? By Rohit Pawar : Citizens complain about poor-quality HSRP number plates, seek accountability Fitting centres charging extra Rs 150 to Rs 500 for stronger fitments THE poor quality of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) has become a matter of concern for vehicle owners across the city as they are raising c o m p l a i n t s about the deteriorating quality of newly installed number plates, alleging that several plates are fading, peeling off, or getting damaged within months of installation. Motorists say the issue has surfaced within a few months of fitting, with many claiming thatthe plates are failing to withstandeven normal weather and usageconditions.The complaints rangefrom damage, loss of reflectivity to cracks near the mountingpoints, making registration numbers difficult to read. One of the complainants, Shriram Joshi, a resident of Dhantoli said,My vehicles HSRPnumber plate fell off within justone month sinceit was fitted at acentre inD h a r a m p e t h . The fitter hadeven charged mean extra 150 Rupees for stronger fitments. Who should I hold accountable for this? I noticed the letters starting to fade within six months. We paid the required fee expecting durability, but the plate already looks worn out, said Rahul Sharma, a two-wheeler owner from Manewada. Another resident from Civil Lines, Priya Nayyar, said the reflective coating on her cars plate began peeling recently. If the plate becomes unreadable, we risk fines even though the fault is not ours, she added. These grievances come in the wake of The Hitavadas earlier report Cold response to HSRP in city as 50% vehicles still not registered published on February 12, highlighting cold response to HSRP, after which citizens shared their experiences, suggesting the problem may be more widespread than initially believed. The readers have also submitted photographs indicating the damage. When contacted, Kiran Bidkar, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Nagpur City said that the RTO would look into the matter upon receiving formal complaints. He also informed that citizens can file their greivances directly on the official website of citys Regional Traffic Office (RTO) -- [email protected] . If vehicle owners submit details, we will verify the cases and take necessary action as per norms, he stated. He explained that the action will be limited to fitters who leach extra money for fitting the plates in the name of fitting charges. To the motorists dismay, the accessories that the fitters offer as strengthening fitments wont be covered in the action, as explained by Amir Hussain of Rosemerta Nagpur. Rosemerta Technologies is the leading HSRP manufacturer in India. Citizens are now urging authorities to conduct a quality check of authorised vendors and provide replacement of defective plates without additional charges, stressing that compliance should not become a financial burden due to sub-standard materials. Interestingly, automobile experts noted that certified HSRP plates are designed to last for years, and such early damage could point to lapses in manufacturing standards, material quality, or installation practices. Wont hear plea against fugitive tag if Mallya doesnt return to India MUMBAI : THE Bombay High Court on Thursday reiterated its stand that it would not consider the petition filed by fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, challenging the provisions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act, until he returns to India. A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad said Mallya will have to first clarify whether or not he will return to India. You (Mallya) have to come back...If you cannot come back then we cannot hear this plea, the HC said. Mallya, based in the UK since 2016, has filed two petitions in the HC - one challenging an order declaring him as a fugitive economic offender and the other questioning the constitutional validity of the 2018 Act. The 70-year-old liquor baron is facing multiple cases in India on fraud and money laundering charges. The bench, while posting the plea for further hearing on February 18, said it was giving another opportunity to Mallya to clarify if he was ready to return to India. We may have to record that you are avoiding the process of the court. You cannot take benefit of the proceedings. In all fairness to you, we are not dismissing the petition but giving you another opportunity, the court said. The court had on the last hearing in December 2025 made its stand clear that it would hear the petition only if Mallya returns to India and had asked his counsel to clarify the same. On Thursday, the bench said the businessman has to file an affidavit clearly stating whether he will return to India or not. When will you come? You (Mallya) have already argued that you are entitled to a hearing without your physical presence in a court of law. But first file an affidavit clearly stating so, Chief Justice Chandrashekhar said. Senior counsel Amit Desai, appearing for Mallya, submitted that there were judgments to show that such pleas can be heard and decided without the physical presence of the petitioner. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Mallya has challenged provisions of the FEO Act after being declared one. He (Mallya) can come to India first and then it can be seen whether he is liable or not liable to pay. He cannot not trust the law of the country, Mehta said. The Government of India was contesting the proceedings initiated by Mallya in London against extradition and the same was in its fag end, Mehta said adding realising that he would soon be extradited, Mallya has challenged the fugitive tag order here. The solicitor general argued that Mallya in his affidavit has said the banks were wrong to demand money from him. Senior counsel Amit Desai said the businessmans properties in India have already been attached by the enforcement agencies. Mallya was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in January 2019 by a special court hearing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The businessman, accused of defaulting on multiple loan repayments and facing money laundering charges, left India in March 2016. TOKYO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Junya Ogawa was elected new leader of Japan's main opposition force, the Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA), on Friday. Ogawa, former secretary general of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), won a simple majority vote by the party's 49 lower house lawmakers against Takeshi Shina, the CDPJ's former acting policy chief. COLOMBO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- A 68-year-old woman was killed and three other people were injured on Friday after wild elephants entered the town of Valaichchenai in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province and attacked people and property. The police said the wild elephants entered some villages in Valaichchenai at around 6:00 a.m. local time, prompting residents to flee. The woman, who was a food seller, died after one of the elephants attacked her, police said. The elephant was chased back into the wild by wildlife and law enforcement officers, police said. Human-elephant conflict is a serious problem in Sri Lanka. A total of 3,477 wild elephants and 1,190 people have died in Sri Lanka between 2015 and 2024 due to the ongoing human-elephant conflict, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi told parliament last year. CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CNO Get Free Report) General Counsel Matthew Zimpfer sold 30,970 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.93, for a total transaction of $1,329,542.10. Following the sale, the general counsel directly owned 307,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,219,735.41. The trade was a 9.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. CNO Financial Group Stock Up 0.2% CNO stock traded up $0.10 during trading on Thursday, reaching $43.18. The stock had a trading volume of 747,557 shares, compared to its average volume of 624,181. The company has a current ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $42.26 and a 200 day moving average price of $40.36. The company has a market capitalization of $4.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.36 and a beta of 0.84. CNO Financial Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $34.63 and a 1-year high of $44.85. Get CNO Financial Group alerts: CNO Financial Group (NYSE:CNO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.20 by $0.27. CNO Financial Group had a return on equity of 15.80% and a net margin of 4.94%.The company had revenue of $101.10 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.18 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that CNO Financial Group, Inc. will post 3.83 earnings per share for the current year. CNO Financial Group Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 24th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. CNO Financial Groups payout ratio is currently 30.49%. A number of analysts have recently weighed in on CNO shares. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of CNO Financial Group from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $42.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of CNO Financial Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of CNO Financial Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of CNO Financial Group from $46.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $47.33. Read Our Latest Stock Report on CNO Financial Group Institutional Trading of CNO Financial Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its position in shares of CNO Financial Group by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,302,316 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $170,157,000 after buying an additional 42,467 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in CNO Financial Group by 3.8% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,239,944 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $128,140,000 after acquiring an additional 118,417 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in CNO Financial Group by 70.9% in the second quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 1,546,745 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $59,673,000 after acquiring an additional 641,950 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in CNO Financial Group by 72.7% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,333,698 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $51,641,000 after acquiring an additional 561,327 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in CNO Financial Group by 8.1% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 898,238 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,525,000 after acquiring an additional 66,937 shares during the period. 95.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. CNO Financial Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) CNO Financial Group is an Indianabased holding company that offers a range of insurance and retirement solutions through its operating subsidiaries. Its primary business activities include life insurance, annuities, and supplemental health insurance products designed to help individuals plan for retirement and manage healthrelated expenses. The company serves middleincome Americans, with particular emphasis on senior customers seeking guaranteed coverage and reliable income streams. Originally founded as Conseco in 1979, the company underwent a financial restructuring and rebranded as CNO Financial Group in 2010. See Also Receive News & Ratings for CNO Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CNO Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gaotu Techedu Inc. (NYSE:GOTU Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $2.06 and last traded at $2.0750, with a volume of 300263 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.15. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have weighed in on GOTU. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of Gaotu Techedu in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Gaotu Techedu from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, December 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Sell. Get Gaotu Techedu alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Gaotu Techedu Gaotu Techedu Stock Down 2.6% The firms fifty day simple moving average is $2.36 and its 200-day simple moving average is $2.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $530.43 million, a PE ratio of -9.98 and a beta of 0.46. Gaotu Techedu (NYSE:GOTU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The company reported ($0.09) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.89) by $0.80. Gaotu Techedu had a negative net margin of 6.45% and a negative return on equity of 21.95%. The firm had revenue of $31.24 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.57 billion. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Walleye Trading LLC increased its holdings in Gaotu Techedu by 110.1% in the 2nd quarter. Walleye Trading LLC now owns 21,722 shares of the companys stock worth $78,000 after buying an additional 11,383 shares in the last quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Gaotu Techedu during the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in shares of Gaotu Techedu by 10.5% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 164,737 shares of the companys stock valued at $537,000 after acquiring an additional 15,651 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in Gaotu Techedu by 57.0% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 61,076 shares of the companys stock valued at $220,000 after purchasing an additional 22,164 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. boosted its holdings in Gaotu Techedu by 42.1% in the third quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 122,575 shares of the companys stock worth $400,000 after purchasing an additional 36,327 shares during the last quarter. 48.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Gaotu Techedu Company Profile (Get Free Report) Gaotu Techedu Inc (NYSE:GOTU), formerly known as GSX Techedu, is a Beijing-based provider of online education services in China. Since its founding in 2014, the company has built a technology-driven platform that delivers live, interactive tutoring sessions to students primarily in the K-12 segment. Gaotu Techedus rebranding in 2021 underscored its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge digital tools to expand access to quality instruction across core academic subjects. The companys main offerings include small-group and one-on-one classes in mathematics, Chinese, English, physics and chemistry, as well as targeted test preparation for high-stakes national and local examinations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Gaotu Techedu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gaotu Techedu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schroders plc (LON:SDR Get Free Report) rose 28.6% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 599.50 and last traded at GBX 587.50. Approximately 1,147,357,875 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 1,855% from the average daily volume of 58,690,957 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 457. More Schroders News Here are the key news stories impacting Schroders this week: Get Schroders alerts: Positive Sentiment: Major sale agreed reports say Schroders has agreed a $13.5 billion sale to Nuveen and that the founding family is selling out; that deal news is the primary catalyst lifting the stock as it implies a large strategic transaction or change of ownership expectations. Schroders agrees $13.5 billion sale to Nuveen Major sale agreed reports say Schroders has agreed a $13.5 billion sale to Nuveen and that the founding family is selling out; that deal news is the primary catalyst lifting the stock as it implies a large strategic transaction or change of ownership expectations. Positive Sentiment: Insider buying small purchases by insiders (Meagen Burnett and Richard Oldfield bought shares at ~GBX 467) provide a modest governance signal that management/insiders see value at current levels. Insider buying report Insider buying small purchases by insiders (Meagen Burnett and Richard Oldfield bought shares at ~GBX 467) provide a modest governance signal that management/insiders see value at current levels. Neutral Sentiment: Q4 results released Schroders reported GBX 36.60 EPS for the quarter, with a net margin of 12.81% and ROE of 8.65%; the print provides fresh earnings data but market focus is on the takeover/sale angle. Q4 press release Q4 results released Schroders reported GBX 36.60 EPS for the quarter, with a net margin of 12.81% and ROE of 8.65%; the print provides fresh earnings data but market focus is on the takeover/sale angle. Neutral Sentiment: Media coverage highlights Schroders among overseas stocks in focus today broader market flow and attention from outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Investors Chronicle may be amplifying the move. WSJ coverage Investors Chronicle live blog Media coverage highlights Schroders among overseas stocks in focus today broader market flow and attention from outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Investors Chronicle may be amplifying the move. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings preview and investor notes circulated (e.g., Yahoo Finance preview), giving context ahead of and around the report but not a clear directional push by themselves. Earnings preview Earnings preview and investor notes circulated (e.g., Yahoo Finance preview), giving context ahead of and around the report but not a clear directional push by themselves. Negative Sentiment: Analyst views mixed while some houses have buy/overweight stances, others trimmed targets earlier (Citigroup trimmed targets previously); mixed analyst sentiment leaves some valuation uncertainty despite deal headlines. MarketBeat analyst summary Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on SDR shares. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Schroders from GBX 435 to GBX 430 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 24th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 455 price target on shares of Schroders in a report on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Schroders in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Schroders from GBX 435 to GBX 440 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and issued a GBX 420 price target on shares of Schroders in a report on Friday, January 9th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 413.86. Schroders Stock Up 28.6% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.95, a quick ratio of 4.32 and a current ratio of 4.90. The firms 50-day moving average is GBX 424.25 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 398.47. The firm has a market capitalization of 9.11 billion, a PE ratio of 26.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.17. Schroders (LON:SDR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported GBX 36.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Schroders had a net margin of 12.81% and a return on equity of 8.65%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Schroders plc will post 33.7347131 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Schroders (Get Free Report) Schroders plc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm also provides advisory and consultancy services. It provides its services to financial institutions, high net worth clients, large corporate, local authority, charitable entities, individuals, pension plans, government funds, insurance companies, and endowments. The firm launches and manages equity mutual funds and manages fixed income mutual funds for its clients. It also manages hedge for its clients. The firm invests in the public equity, fixed income, and alternative investment markets across the globe. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Schroders Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schroders and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:ABMRF Get Free Report) dropped 3.4% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $34.75 and last traded at $34.75. Approximately 100 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 100% from the average daily volume of 51,000 shares. The stock had previously closed at $35.99. ABN AMRO Bank Trading Down 3.4% The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $34.81 and a 200-day simple moving average of $31.78. Get ABN AMRO Bank alerts: About ABN AMRO Bank (Get Free Report) ABN AMRO Bank is a leading full-service bank headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. Formed in 1991 through the merger of Algemene Bank Nederland and Amsterdam-Rotterdam Bank, ABN AMRO went through a period of nationalization in 2008 before returning to the private market via an initial public offering in 2015. The bank operates under the supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank and the European Central Bank, reflecting its role in both domestic and cross-border financial services regulation. The banks core activities span retail banking, private banking, corporate and institutional banking, and wealth management. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ABN AMRO Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABN AMRO Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) had its price target upped by Stifel Nicolaus from C$300.00 to C$350.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on AEM. National Bank Financial raised their price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$300.00 to C$320.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a C$337.00 price target on Agnico Eagle Mines and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of C$278.00. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on AEM Agnico Eagle Mines Price Performance AEM opened at C$279.62 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.88, a current ratio of 1.75 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is C$259.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$231.14. The firm has a market cap of C$140.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.88, a PEG ratio of 22.97 and a beta of 1.54. Agnico Eagle Mines has a 1 year low of C$132.96 and a 1 year high of C$305.68. Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$3.01 earnings per share for the quarter. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 5.05% and a net margin of 12.86%.The firm had revenue of C$4.26 billion during the quarter. As a group, analysts predict that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 5.4966052 earnings per share for the current year. Agnico Eagle Mines Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio is presently 23.39%. Insider Activity In related news, insider James Porter sold 3,000 shares of Agnico Eagle Mines stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$247.42, for a total transaction of C$742,260.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 7,734 shares in the company, valued at C$1,913,546.28. The trade was a 27.95% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Ammar Al-Joundi sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$243.40, for a total value of C$4,868,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 54,917 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$13,366,797.80. The trade was a 26.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. About Agnico Eagle Mines (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines is a gold miner operating mines in Canada, Mexico, and Finland. It also owns 50% of the Canadian Malartic mine. Agnico operated just one mine, LaRonde, as recently as 2008 before bringing its other mines on line in rapid succession in the following years. The company produced more than 1.7 million gold ounces in 2020. Agnico Eagle is focused on increasing gold production in lower-risk jurisdictions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Albemarle (NYSE:ALB Get Free Report) had its price target upped by research analysts at Morgan Stanley from $147.00 to $170.00 in a research note issued on Friday,MarketScreener reports. The firm presently has an equal weight rating on the specialty chemicals companys stock. Morgan Stanleys price target would suggest a potential upside of 2.34% from the companys previous close. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. HSBC raised shares of Albemarle from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $200.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Mizuho raised their target price on Albemarle from $156.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday. Evercore boosted their target price on shares of Albemarle from $88.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Albemarle from $195.00 to $145.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Albemarle from $210.00 to $230.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $162.32. Get Albemarle alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Albemarle Albemarle Stock Performance ALB stock opened at $166.11 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $157.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $114.39. Albemarle has a 12 month low of $49.43 and a 12 month high of $195.68. The company has a market capitalization of $19.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -28.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a quick ratio of 1.51, a current ratio of 2.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. Albemarle (NYSE:ALB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The specialty chemicals company reported ($0.53) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.40) by ($0.13). Albemarle had a positive return on equity of 0.40% and a negative net margin of 10.74%.The business had revenue of $1.43 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.34 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($1.09) earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Albemarle will post -0.04 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Albemarle Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Albemarle by 25.5% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,223 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $229,000 after acquiring an additional 654 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC lifted its holdings in Albemarle by 26.2% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 4,798 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $346,000 after purchasing an additional 996 shares during the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association acquired a new stake in shares of Albemarle during the first quarter worth approximately $208,000. Empowered Funds LLC bought a new position in shares of Albemarle in the first quarter valued at approximately $411,000. Finally, Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Albemarle by 25.7% in the 2nd quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,724 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $296,000 after acquiring an additional 965 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.87% of the companys stock. About Albemarle (Get Free Report) Albemarle Corporation is a leading global specialty chemicals company primarily engaged in the production and distribution of lithium, bromine, and catalysts. Its lithium segment supplies key components used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and grid storage systems. The companys bromine specialty products serve a wide range of industries, including oil and gas drilling fluids, fire safety solutions, and water treatment. In its catalysts division, Albemarle provides products for petroleum refining, chemical processing and emissions control. Founded in 1994 as a spin-off from Ethyl Corporation, Albemarle has grown through strategic acquisitions and capacity expansions to become one of the worlds foremost chemical producers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Albemarle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Albemarle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Amotiv Ltd (ASX:AOV Get Free Report) insider Graeme Whickman acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was purchased at an average price of A$7.64 per share, for a total transaction of A$76,400.00. Amotiv Price Performance Get Amotiv alerts: Amotiv Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a Interim dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 11th will be paid a $0.20 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 248.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Sunday, March 1st. Amotivs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 57.75%. About Amotiv (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Amotiv Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, distributes, and sells automotive products in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, France, and the United States. It operates through Automotive, Auto Pacific Group (APG), and Davey segments. The Automotive segment offers automotive and heavy-duty filters for cars, trucks, and agricultural and mining equipment; automotive electrical and lighting products; and fuel pumps and associated products and accessories for the automotive after-market. Receive News & Ratings for Amotiv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amotiv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ALMATY, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) produced 26.2 million tons of oil and gas condensate in 2025, up 10 percent year on year, the company's press service said Friday. KMG's refineries processed 17.5 million tons of crude oil last year, while the output of light petroleum products reached 13.6 million tons, 1.2 million tons higher than in 2024, said KMG Chairman Askhat Khassenov. KMG is currently focusing on the geological exploration of deep and underexplored areas. In 2025, the drilling of eight exploration wells was completed, and another 24 wells are planned by 2029, with the total investment amount expected to exceed 900 million U.S. dollars, Khassenov said. Risk and Volatility Thomasville Bancshares has a beta of 0.2, indicating that its stock price is 80% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Thomasville Bancshares peers have a beta of 0.59, indicating that their average stock price is 41% less volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Thomasville Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.90 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Thomasville Bancshares pays out 42.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BANKS SOUTHEAST companies pay a dividend yield of 2.0% and pay out 24.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get Thomasville Bancshares alerts: Profitability This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Thomasville Bancshares N/A N/A N/A Thomasville Bancshares Competitors 15.99% 9.61% 1.05% Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Thomasville Bancshares $137.59 million $44.71 million 14.42 Thomasville Bancshares Competitors $858.77 million $157.65 million 14.24 This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Thomasville Bancshares peers have higher revenue and earnings than Thomasville Bancshares. Thomasville Bancshares is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Insider & Institutional Ownership 50.4% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHEAST companies are owned by institutional investors. 12.5% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHEAST companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Thomasville Bancshares peers beat Thomasville Bancshares on 9 of the 11 factors compared. Thomasville Bancshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thomasville Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Thomasville National Bank that provides a range of banking services to individual and corporate customers primarily in Thomas and Glynn counties, Georgia, Leon County, Florida, and the surrounding counties. The company offers checking and savings accounts; money market accounts; and certificates of deposits. It also provides commercial real estate mortgage loans, such as non-farm and non-residential commercial real estate loans, construction loans for commercial businesses, multifamily loans secured by income producing properties, and farmland; and 1-4 family residential loans, including first mortgage liens, junior liens, and home equity lines. In addition, the company offers commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; consumer loans comprising direct consumer instalment loans, overdrafts, and other revolving credit loans and educational loans; and loans to municipalities and development authorities. Further, it provides trust and money management services. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Thomasville, Georgia. Receive News & Ratings for Thomasville Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomasville Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSE:ONC Get Free Report) insider Andrew Aromando purchased 29,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$1.18 per share, for a total transaction of C$34,928.00. Following the purchase, the insider directly owned 55,100 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$65,018. This represents a 116.08% increase in their ownership of the stock. Oncolytics Biotech Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of C$1.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -40.27 and a beta of 0.80. The firms 50-day moving average price is C$14.90 and its 200 day moving average price is C$13.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.75, a quick ratio of 8.86 and a current ratio of 2.99. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. has a 52-week low of C$0.44 and a 52-week high of C$2.08. Get Oncolytics Biotech alerts: Oncolytics Biotech (TSE:ONC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported C($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. On average, research analysts forecast that Oncolytics Biotech Inc. will post -0.41 EPS for the current fiscal year. Oncolytics Biotech Company Profile Oncolytics Biotech Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cancer. The company is developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent, which is in phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive / human epidermal growth factor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer and advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It has a co-development agreement with Merck KGaA and Pfizer Inc to co-develop pelareorep, as well as with Roche Holding AG. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Oncolytics Biotech Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oncolytics Biotech and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barclays PLC (LON:BARC Get Free Report) insider Mary Francis purchased 2,447 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 481 per share, with a total value of 11,770.07. Barclays Stock Down 2.9% Barclays stock traded down GBX 13.51 during trading on Friday, hitting GBX 450.09. The stock had a trading volume of 61,232,012 shares, compared to its average volume of 38,317,766. The stocks 50 day moving average is GBX 474.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 416.71. Barclays PLC has a 1 year low of GBX 223.75 and a 1 year high of GBX 506.40. The stock has a market cap of 62.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.36. Get Barclays alerts: Barclays (LON:BARC Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The financial services provider reported GBX 8.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Barclays had a return on equity of 6.97% and a net margin of 19.54%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Barclays PLC will post 39.1062802 EPS for the current fiscal year. Key Stories Impacting Barclays Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Here are the key news stories impacting Barclays this week: BARC has been the subject of a number of research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on shares of Barclays from GBX 480 to GBX 570 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Barclays from GBX 500 to GBX 570 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on Barclays from GBX 435 to GBX 500 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Barclays from GBX 455 to GBX 470 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Citigroup raised their target price on Barclays from GBX 440 to GBX 475 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 499.17. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BARC Barclays Company Profile (Get Free Report) Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International division segments. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services. In addition, the company engages in securities dealing activities. The company was formerly known as Barclays Bank Limited and changed its name to Barclays PLC in January 1985. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Barclays Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barclays and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XHLF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 49,347 shares, an increase of 453.3% from the January 15th total of 8,918 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 861,246 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 861,246 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Institutional Trading of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in XHLF. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 43.6% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 19,881 shares of the companys stock worth $1,001,000 after purchasing an additional 6,040 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $413,000. Acorn Financial Advisory Services Inc. ADV boosted its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 22.5% during the 2nd quarter. Acorn Financial Advisory Services Inc. ADV now owns 29,101 shares of the companys stock worth $1,465,000 after buying an additional 5,344 shares during the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $371,000. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the second quarter valued at about $320,000. Get BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF alerts: BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Price Performance Shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF stock remained flat at $50.28 during trading on Thursday. The stock had a trading volume of 228,901 shares, compared to its average volume of 556,890. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $50.31 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $50.32. BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 12 month low of $50.17 and a 12 month high of $50.42. BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Increases Dividend About BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were given a dividend of $0.1649 per share. This is an increase from BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.16. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 2nd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.9%. (Get Free Report) The Bondbloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XHLF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of six months. XHLF was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield (NYSE:BN Get Free Report) had its price target raised by equities research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $49.00 to $51.00 in a report released on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price points to a potential upside of 7.33% from the stocks previous close. Several other research firms have also commented on BN. National Bank Financial increased their target price on Brookfield from $56.00 to $59.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $52.00 price objective (up from $50.67) on shares of Brookfield in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $58.00 price objective on shares of Brookfield in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. TD Securities boosted their target price on Brookfield from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Brookfield in a report on Monday, December 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $54.37. Get Brookfield alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Brookfield Brookfield Stock Down 0.3% Brookfield stock traded down $0.15 during trading on Friday, reaching $47.52. The stock had a trading volume of 3,528,815 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,401,053. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54. Brookfield has a 52-week low of $29.07 and a 52-week high of $49.56. The stock has a market cap of $117.69 billion, a PE ratio of 131.80 and a beta of 1.57. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $46.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $45.58. Brookfield (NYSE:BN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.63 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.58 billion. Brookfield had a net margin of 1.34% and a return on equity of 3.92%. On average, analysts predict that Brookfield will post 3.85 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brookfield Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Brookfield by 147.5% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 18,571 shares of the companys stock worth $963,000 after purchasing an additional 11,069 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in Brookfield by 13.5% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,488 shares of the companys stock worth $130,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares during the period. Sivia Capital Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Brookfield by 32.3% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 5,714 shares of the companys stock worth $353,000 after buying an additional 1,396 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Brookfield in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $228,000. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Brookfield by 7.6% in the second quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 18,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,172,000 after buying an additional 1,335 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.60% of the companys stock. Brookfield Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN) is a global alternative asset manager that specializes in real assets. The company invests in and operates businesses across real estate, infrastructure, renewable power and energy, private equity and credit. Its activities span both ownership and active management of physical assets as well as the operation of investment funds and vehicles that provide institutional and retail investors access to longlived, cashgenerating assets. Brookfields services include asset management, direct investing, property development and the operation of infrastructure and energy businesses. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canyon Creek Food Company Ltd. (CVE:CYF Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 37.5% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.03 and last traded at C$0.03. Approximately 123,000 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 4% from the average daily volume of 128,459 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.04. Canyon Creek Food Trading Down 37.5% The firm has a market capitalization of C$878,725.00, a P/E ratio of -0.31 and a beta of 1.67. The businesss fifty day moving average is C$0.02 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.02. Canyon Creek Food Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canyon Creek Food Company Ltd. operates as a food processing company in Canada and the United States. The company engages in the provision of fresh soups, sauces, gravies, side dishes, and other prepared food products. It offers its products to grocery retailers and various food service establishments, as well as involved in the provision of freight services. The company was founded in 1995 is based in Edmonton, Canada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Canyon Creek Food Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canyon Creek Food and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capitec Bank Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:CKHGY Get Free Report) shot up 0.3% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $145.1940 and last traded at $145.0250. 1,135 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 12% from the average session volume of 1,288 shares. The stock had previously closed at $144.63. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Capitec Bank in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a buy rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy. Get Capitec Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on CKHGY Capitec Bank Stock Performance About Capitec Bank The firms 50 day moving average is $128.57 and its 200 day moving average is $114.12. (Get Free Report) Capitec Bank is a South African retail bank founded in 2001 and headquartered in Stellenbosch. From its inception, the company has pursued a digital-first approach to banking, combining a network of branches and automated point-of-sale terminals with mobile and online platforms. Capitecs streamlined service model targets individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises seeking straightforward banking solutions and transparent fee structures. The banks core offerings include transactional accounts, savings products, unsecured personal loans and credit facilities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Capitec Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capitec Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC grew its position in CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP Free Report) by 45.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 110,210 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 34,527 shares during the period. Wealthfront Advisers LLCs holdings in CenterPoint Energy were worth $4,276,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Profund Advisors LLC increased its holdings in CenterPoint Energy by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 34,124 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,324,000 after buying an additional 1,311 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 168,664 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,544,000 after acquiring an additional 1,538 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 32.1% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 3,674 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $144,000 after acquiring an additional 892 shares during the period. Alps Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 89.2% during the third quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 22,864 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $887,000 after purchasing an additional 10,782 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sentry Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in CenterPoint Energy during the third quarter valued at $65,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.77% of the companys stock. Get CenterPoint Energy alerts: CenterPoint Energy Stock Up 1.5% CNP stock opened at $41.65 on Friday. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. has a 52 week low of $32.63 and a 52 week high of $42.10. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $38.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $38.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 0.59. CenterPoint Energy Increases Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 12th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 19th will be given a $0.23 dividend. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. This is a boost from CenterPoint Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 19th. CenterPoint Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 55.70%. CNP has been the subject of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets raised CenterPoint Energy from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $42.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on CenterPoint Energy from $43.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Mizuho set a $42.00 target price on shares of CenterPoint Energy in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. KeyCorp raised shares of CenterPoint Energy from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $41.00 price target on the stock in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of CenterPoint Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, February 7th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $41.82. Read Our Latest Report on CNP About CenterPoint Energy (Free Report) CenterPoint Energy, Inc (NYSE: CNP) is a Houston-based regulated utility company that provides electric and natural gas delivery services and related infrastructure operations. The companys principal activities center on the transmission and distribution of electricity in the greater Houston metropolitan area and the distribution of natural gas to customers across several states in the Midwest and South. As a vertically integrated utility, CenterPoint focuses on the reliable delivery of energy through owned and operated networks of lines, pipelines and associated facilities. CenterPoints core businesses include regulated electric transmission and distribution services, regulated natural gas distribution, and the operation and maintenance of energy infrastructure. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CenterPoint Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CenterPoint Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Hongqiao Group Limited (OTCMKTS:CHHQF Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,640,697 shares, a drop of 65.2% from the January 15th total of 4,713,489 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 746 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2,199.3 days. Based on an average trading volume of 746 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2,199.3 days. China Hongqiao Group Stock Performance OTCMKTS:CHHQF opened at $4.80 on Friday. China Hongqiao Group has a 12 month low of $1.57 and a 12 month high of $4.80. The companys 50-day moving average price is $4.23 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $3.52. Get China Hongqiao Group alerts: About China Hongqiao Group (Get Free Report) China Hongqiao Group Limited is one of the worlds leading producers of primary aluminum and related products. The company operates an integrated production chain spanning bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and power generation. Leveraging access to low-cost hydroelectric power and in-house alumina capacity, Hongqiao has established a position as a cost-competitive supplier in the global aluminum market. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Binzhou, Shandong Province, China Hongqiao Group has grown through vertical integration and strategic expansion. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for China Hongqiao Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Hongqiao Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cibc World Market Inc. decreased its position in Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII Free Report) by 27.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 230,994 shares of the companys stock after selling 85,472 shares during the quarter. Cibc World Market Inc.s holdings in Polaris were worth $13,428,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PII. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Polaris in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Quent Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Polaris during the third quarter worth $37,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its holdings in Polaris by 371.4% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 693 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 546 shares during the last quarter. EMC Capital Management acquired a new stake in Polaris in the second quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Polaris by 213.5% during the 3rd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 928 shares of the companys stock worth $54,000 after buying an additional 632 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.06% of the companys stock. Get Polaris alerts: Polaris Trading Down 1.1% NYSE:PII opened at $65.99 on Friday. Polaris Inc. has a 1 year low of $30.92 and a 1 year high of $75.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.98. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $67.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $63.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.07, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.19. Polaris Increases Dividend Polaris ( NYSE:PII Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.82 billion. Polaris had a negative net margin of 6.51% and a negative return on equity of 0.05%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.92 EPS. Polaris has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.500-1.600 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.450-0.450 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Polaris Inc. will post 1.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a $0.68 dividend. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.1%. This is a boost from Polariss previous quarterly dividend of $0.67. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. Polariss dividend payout ratio is -32.76%. Insider Transactions at Polaris In other Polaris news, insider Benjamin D. Duke sold 10,090 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.82, for a total transaction of $674,213.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 30,242 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,020,770.44. This trade represents a 25.02% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP James P. Williams sold 5,243 shares of Polaris stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.17, for a total value of $352,172.31. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 48,645 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,267,484.65. This represents a 9.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 54,973 shares of company stock valued at $3,678,715 in the last quarter. 3.12% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently commented on PII shares. Weiss Ratings upgraded Polaris from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Polaris from $60.00 to $71.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Seaport Research Partners upgraded shares of Polaris to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and issued a $70.00 target price on shares of Polaris in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Polaris from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Polaris presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $59.80. Get Our Latest Analysis on Polaris Polaris Company Profile (Free Report) Polaris Inc, founded in 1954 and headquartered in Medina, Minnesota, is a diversified manufacturer of powersports vehicles and related products. Initially gaining prominence with its snowmobiles, Polaris expanded its portfolio over the decades to include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-side off-road vehicles, and motorcycles. The companys legacy in recreational and utility vehicle innovation stems from early engineering breakthroughs that established Polaris as a leading name in off-road mobility. Today, Polaris offers a broad range of products under well-known brands such as Polaris RANGER and POLARIS SPORTSMAN for utility and recreation markets, Slingshot three-wheel roadsters for on-road enthusiasts, and the Indian Motorcycle brand for premium two-wheeled touring and cruiser segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PII? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Polaris Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Polaris and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Ukraine should stick to the right direction and maintain stable and healthy development in bilateral relations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday in Munich. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Noting that the international situation has undergone great changes, Wang said China stays committed to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Ukraine, and continues to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields. Cibc World Market Inc. lowered its position in United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI Free Report) by 9.1% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 13,249 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 1,327 shares during the quarter. Cibc World Market Inc.s holdings in United Rentals were worth $12,648,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of United Rentals in the 2nd quarter worth $776,102,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in shares of United Rentals by 71.3% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,874,127 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,411,968,000 after acquiring an additional 780,322 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners lifted its stake in United Rentals by 74.5% in the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 715,250 shares of the construction companys stock worth $542,526,000 after acquiring an additional 305,378 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in United Rentals by 34,208.2% in the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 189,038 shares of the construction companys stock worth $142,421,000 after acquiring an additional 188,487 shares during the period. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in United Rentals by 4,436.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 163,552 shares of the construction companys stock worth $123,221,000 after acquiring an additional 159,947 shares in the last quarter. 96.26% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get United Rentals alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of United Rentals in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of United Rentals from $1,090.00 to $950.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. KeyCorp set a $950.00 target price on United Rentals in a report on Friday, January 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $965.00 price target on United Rentals in a report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $972.00 price target on United Rentals in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $925.59. Insiders Place Their Bets In other United Rentals news, EVP William E. Grace sold 1,498 shares of United Rentals stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $790.89, for a total transaction of $1,184,753.22. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 6,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,434,996.08. The trade was a 17.90% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Michael D. Durand sold 2,490 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $791.14, for a total value of $1,969,938.60. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 7,458 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,900,322.12. The trade was a 25.03% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.53% of the stock is owned by insiders. United Rentals Price Performance Shares of URI stock opened at $869.72 on Friday. United Rentals, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $525.91 and a fifty-two week high of $1,021.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $54.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.48, a PEG ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.70. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $857.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $889.39. United Rentals (NYSE:URI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The construction company reported $11.09 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $11.86 by ($0.77). The company had revenue of $4.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.24 billion. United Rentals had a net margin of 15.49% and a return on equity of 30.35%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $11.59 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that United Rentals, Inc. will post 44.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. United Rentals Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 11th will be paid a dividend of $1.97 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 11th. This is an increase from United Rentalss previous quarterly dividend of $1.79. This represents a $7.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. United Rentalss payout ratio is presently 20.37%. United Rentals announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Wednesday, January 28th that permits the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the construction company to buy up to 8.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. United Rentals Company Profile (Free Report) United Rentals, Inc (NYSE: URI) is a leading equipment rental company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The firm provides rental solutions and related services to construction, industrial, commercial, and municipal customers. Its business model centers on providing access to a broad fleet of equipment on a short-term or long-term basis, enabling customers to avoid the capital expenditure of ownership and to scale equipment use to match project needs. The companys product and service offerings span general construction equipment and a range of specialty categories, including aerial work platforms, earthmoving and excavation machines, material handling equipment, pumps, power and HVAC systems, trench and shoring solutions, and tools. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding URI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for United Rentals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Rentals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its position in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report) by 35.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 241,178 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 63,267 shares during the quarter. Cibc World Market Inc.s holdings in Equity Residential were worth $15,611,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in EQR. Rothschild Investment LLC raised its holdings in Equity Residential by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 2,841 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $192,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its position in shares of Equity Residential by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 48,030 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,242,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the period. CX Institutional grew its position in shares of Equity Residential by 6.1% during the 3rd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 3,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $212,000 after buying an additional 189 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System raised its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 1.1% during the third quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 18,200 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,178,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in Equity Residential by 3.1% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 7,489 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $536,000 after buying an additional 226 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.68% of the companys stock. Get Equity Residential alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In EQR has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Equity Residential from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Piper Sandler set a $78.00 price target on Equity Residential in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded Equity Residential from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $70.00 to $68.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. Scotiabank cut their target price on Equity Residential from $73.00 to $66.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Truist Financial decreased their target price on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and thirteen have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.68. Key Stories Impacting Equity Residential Here are the key news stories impacting Equity Residential this week: Positive Sentiment: Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $71 (maintained a neutral rating), giving institutional support that can attract buyers. Goldman Sachs Adjusts Price Target Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $71 (maintained a neutral rating), giving institutional support that can attract buyers. Positive Sentiment: Independent analysts (Evercore ISI, Cantor Fitzgerald) published bullish price-appreciation forecasts, adding more analyst-level conviction that could support the share price over time. Evercore ISI Forecast Cantor Fitzgerald Forecast Independent analysts (Evercore ISI, Cantor Fitzgerald) published bullish price-appreciation forecasts, adding more analyst-level conviction that could support the share price over time. Positive Sentiment: Operational note: management reported benefits from AI and automation in 2025, which could reduce operating costs and improve margins over time. AI & Automation Article Operational note: management reported benefits from AI and automation in 2025, which could reduce operating costs and improve margins over time. Neutral Sentiment: Recent quarter was mixed a very small EPS miss (~$0.01) and modest revenue growth; management provided Q1 and FY 2026 EPS guidance (Q1: $0.94$0.98; FY: $4.02$4.14), which sets expectations but is not a fresh catalyst. EQR Earnings & Guidance Recent quarter was mixed a very small EPS miss (~$0.01) and modest revenue growth; management provided Q1 and FY 2026 EPS guidance (Q1: $0.94$0.98; FY: $4.02$4.14), which sets expectations but is not a fresh catalyst. Neutral Sentiment: Dividend remains attractive (~4.3% yield) for income investors, but the payout ratio (~95%) limits room for further increases and is a structural consideration. Dividend remains attractive (~4.3% yield) for income investors, but the payout ratio (~95%) limits room for further increases and is a structural consideration. Negative Sentiment: A wave of insider selling by senior executives (EVPs and the COO) on Feb. 1011 has been reported and called out by coverage services; coordinated sells often spook traders and can create short-term downward pressure. TipRanks Insider Article A wave of insider selling by senior executives (EVPs and the COO) on Feb. 1011 has been reported and called out by coverage services; coordinated sells often spook traders and can create short-term downward pressure. Negative Sentiment: SEC Form 4 filings confirm material disposals by named insiders (e.g., Garechana, Manelis, Carraway), amplifying the negative signal for short-term traders watching insider flows. Garechana Form 4 Insider Buying and Selling In other Equity Residential news, EVP Robert Garechana sold 3,637 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.13, for a total value of $236,877.81. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 18,740 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,220,536.20. The trade was a 16.25% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, COO Michael L. Manelis sold 5,765 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.13, for a total transaction of $375,474.45. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 46,131 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,004,512.03. This represents a 11.11% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders sold 10,058 shares of company stock worth $655,078. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Equity Residential Price Performance NYSE EQR opened at $63.06 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.31. The stock has a market cap of $23.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.52, a PEG ratio of 4.86 and a beta of 0.76. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $61.99 and a 200 day simple moving average of $62.63. Equity Residential has a 52-week low of $58.38 and a 52-week high of $75.86. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.04 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $781.91 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $786.35 million. Equity Residential had a net margin of 36.20% and a return on equity of 9.98%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.00 EPS. Equity Residential has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.940-0.980 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.020-4.140 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Equity Residential will post 3.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Equity Residential Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd were given a dividend of $0.6925 per share. This represents a $2.77 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 2nd. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio is currently 94.54%. Equity Residential Profile (Free Report) Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates rental apartment properties. Headquartered in Chicago, the company focuses on delivering professionally managed, market-rate apartment homes and related services to renters. Its operations cover a range of property types, including high-rise and mid-rise assets, with amenities and on-site management designed to support resident retention and occupancy. The companys core activities include property acquisitions, development and redevelopment, leasing, and day-to-day property management. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EQR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citizens Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. (OTCMKTS:CZBT Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 127 shares, an increase of 86.8% from the January 15th total of 68 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,316 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,316 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Citizens Bancorp of Virginia Stock Performance Shares of Citizens Bancorp of Virginia stock remained flat at $35.70 during midday trading on Friday. 400 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,047. Citizens Bancorp of Virginia has a twelve month low of $25.88 and a twelve month high of $35.87. The companys fifty day moving average price is $33.94 and its 200 day moving average price is $32.68. Get Citizens Bancorp of Virginia alerts: About Citizens Bancorp of Virginia (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Citizens Bancorp of Virginia, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Citizens Bank and Trust Company that provides commercial banking products and services to businesses and individuals in the United States. It accepts checking and savings, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts, as well as provides credit cards. The company also provides commercial loans, such as commercial real estate mortgages and construction loans, small business working capital loans and lines of credit, SBA guaranteed loans, and investment property loans. Receive News & Ratings for Citizens Bancorp of Virginia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citizens Bancorp of Virginia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Cordoba Minerals Corp. (CVE:CDB Get Free Report) were up 56.6% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$1.21 and last traded at C$1.19. Approximately 2,335,927 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 1,888% from the average daily volume of 117,519 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.76. Cordoba Minerals Price Performance The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$0.81 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$0.81. The stock has a market capitalization of C$125.08 million, a P/E ratio of -6.75 and a beta of -0.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 27.84, a quick ratio of 0.11 and a current ratio of 3.09. About Cordoba Minerals (Get Free Report) Cordoba Minerals Corp., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of base and precious metal properties in Colombia and the United States. The company explores for copper, silver, and gold deposits. It primarily holds a 100% interest in the San Matias project with exploration licenses covering 146.62 square kilometers and has an additional 893.91 square kilometers of mining titles under application located in the municipality of Puerto Libertador, Department of Cordoba, Colombia. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cordoba Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cordoba Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday after Raymond James Financial raised their price target on the stock from $44.00 to $52.00. Raymond James Financial currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Devon Energy traded as high as $44.02 and last traded at $43.51, with a volume of 7806793 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $43.81. A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Johnson Rice dropped their price objective on Devon Energy from $70.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Susquehanna upped their price target on Devon Energy from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on Devon Energy from $48.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wolfe Research boosted their target price on Devon Energy from $49.00 to $57.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Barclays upgraded shares of Devon Energy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $42.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have issued a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Devon Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $46.24. Get Devon Energy alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on DVN Institutional Trading of Devon Energy Devon Energy Trading Down 2.2% Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Woodline Partners LP boosted its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 98.8% during the 1st quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 115,780 shares of the energy companys stock worth $4,330,000 after acquiring an additional 57,555 shares in the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in Devon Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $403,000. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in Devon Energy by 27.3% in the second quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 7,427 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $236,000 after purchasing an additional 1,592 shares during the period. Aberdeen Group plc grew its holdings in Devon Energy by 2.9% in the second quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 351,680 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $11,187,000 after purchasing an additional 10,001 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC increased its position in shares of Devon Energy by 124.3% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 198,144 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $6,303,000 after buying an additional 109,787 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.72% of the companys stock. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.35, a P/E/G ratio of 3.95 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 0.96. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $38.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $35.65. Devon Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE: DVN) is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The company focuses on the exploration, development, production and marketing of hydrocarbons, including crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas. Devon operates as an upstream energy company that acquires, evaluates and develops onshore resource plays using a combination of drilling, completion and production optimization techniques. Core business activities include identifying and developing energy reserves, operating well programs and managing reservoir performance to generate production and cash flow. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cibc World Market Inc. reduced its position in shares of Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE:DIN Free Report) by 15.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 720,130 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 132,356 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc.s holdings in Dine Brands Global were worth $17,802,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Millennium Management LLC boosted its holdings in Dine Brands Global by 51.2% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 507,801 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $11,817,000 after purchasing an additional 172,013 shares in the last quarter. Monimus Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of Dine Brands Global in the second quarter valued at approximately $2,282,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in Dine Brands Global during the second quarter worth $2,005,000. SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new position in Dine Brands Global in the third quarter worth $1,983,000. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in Dine Brands Global by 41.1% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 224,420 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $5,460,000 after acquiring an additional 65,326 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.83% of the companys stock. Get Dine Brands Global alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on DIN. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Dine Brands Global in a report on Monday, December 29th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Dine Brands Global from $26.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Zacks Research lowered Dine Brands Global from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Mizuho raised their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $28.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, KeyCorp lifted their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $26.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $31.29. Insider Buying and Selling at Dine Brands Global In other Dine Brands Global news, Director Richard J. Dahl acquired 3,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $27.47 per share, with a total value of $98,892.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 3,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at $98,892. This represents a increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 4.56% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Dine Brands Global Trading Down 4.5% Shares of NYSE DIN opened at $33.13 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $477.66 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.79 and a beta of 0.97. Dine Brands Global, Inc. has a twelve month low of $18.63 and a twelve month high of $39.68. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $34.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $28.48. Dine Brands Global Company Profile (Free Report) Dine Brands Global, Inc is a leading franchisor and operator of fullservice restaurants in the casual dining and breakfast segments. The companys primary brands include IHOP, known for its wide variety of breakfast offerings and pancakes, and Applebees Neighborhood Grill + Bar, a casual dining concept featuring a range of American entrees, appetizers and cocktails. Through its franchise model, Dine Brands works with independent restaurant owners to develop, market and support both domestic and international locations. The origins of Dine Brands Global date back to the founding of the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in 1958 in California. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DIN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE:DIN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dine Brands Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dine Brands Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DSV (OTCMKTS:DSDVY Get Free Report) shares gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $151.52, but opened at $133.67. DSV shares last traded at $131.06, with a volume of 4,302 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on DSDVY shares. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of DSV in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of DSV in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Zacks Research raised shares of DSV from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of DSV in a research report on Friday, February 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get DSV alerts: View Our Latest Report on DSDVY DSV Stock Down 0.5% About DSV The company has a market cap of $64.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 0.98. The stocks fifty day moving average is $133.05 and its two-hundred day moving average is $117.33. (Get Free Report) DSV A/S (OTCMKTS:DSDVY) is a Danish global transport and logistics company that provides end-to-end supply chain solutions to businesses across a wide range of industries. The firms core services include road transport, air freight, ocean freight, freight forwarding, contract logistics and warehousing, together with customs clearance, distribution and valueadded services designed to support complex international supply chains. Founded in the mid-1970s in Denmark, DSV has grown through a mix of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, notably strengthening its global freight and forwarding capabilities through transactions such as the acquisitions of UTi Worldwide and Panalpina. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for DSV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DSV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of EDP Energias de Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:ELCPF Get Free Report) traded up 11% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $5.2050 and last traded at $5.2050. 283 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 89% from the average session volume of 2,677 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.69. EDP Energias de Portugal Stock Up 11.0% The stocks fifty day moving average price is $4.54 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $4.47. Get EDP - Energias de Portugal alerts: EDP Energias de Portugal Company Profile (Get Free Report) EDP Energias de Portugal (OTCMKTS: ELCPF) is a leading European energy company headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal. The firm is engaged in the generation, distribution and supply of electricity and natural gas, operating both conventional power plants and an extensive portfolio of renewable assets. Through its renewables arm, EDP Renovaveis, the company develops, constructs and manages wind, solar and hydroelectric projects across multiple continents. Founded in 1976 following the consolidation of several state-owned utilities, EDP underwent a phased privatization beginning in 1997 and has since expanded its footprint beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for EDP - Energias de Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EDP - Energias de Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Energias de Portugal (OTCMKTS:EDPFY Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 7,563 shares, an increase of 207.4% from the January 15th total of 2,460 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 39,562 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 39,562 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Energias de Portugal Stock Performance OTCMKTS:EDPFY traded down $1.40 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $50.58. The companys stock had a trading volume of 913 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,594. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $47.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $46.64. Energias de Portugal has a twelve month low of $30.20 and a twelve month high of $52.83. Get Energias de Portugal alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Zacks Research lowered shares of Energias de Portugal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. About Energias de Portugal (Get Free Report) Energias de Portugal, SA (OTCMKTS:EDPFY) is an integrated energy company headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, with operations spanning electricity generation, distribution, and retail supply. The company manages a diversified portfolio of thermal, hydroelectric, wind and solar power facilities, positioning itself as a prominent player in both conventional and renewable energy markets. In addition to electricity, EDP is active in gas distribution and supply, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers. Founded in 1976 through the nationalization of Portugals power assets, EDP underwent privatization beginning in the mid-1990s and today maintains listings on multiple stock exchanges, including ADRs traded in the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Energias de Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energias de Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. (NYSE:ZGN Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The stock traded as high as $11.20 and last traded at $10.9820, with a volume of 16576 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $10.98. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on ZGN. UBS Group upgraded shares of Ermenegildo Zegna from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $11.50 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a research report on Thursday. They issued an equal weight rating and a $11.00 target price for the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $11.20 target price (down from $11.50) on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on Ermenegildo Zegna in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. They issued an outperform rating and a $13.00 price objective on the stock. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $11.51. Get Ermenegildo Zegna alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Ermenegildo Zegna Ermenegildo Zegna Stock Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $10.21 and a 200 day moving average of $9.65. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. CWM LLC purchased a new position in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna during the third quarter valued at about $25,000. California State Teachers Retirement System purchased a new position in Ermenegildo Zegna during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd boosted its position in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna by 11,382.4% during the 4th quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 3,904 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 3,870 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in the second quarter valued at $54,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Ermenegildo Zegna in the second quarter worth $54,000. Institutional investors own 12.91% of the companys stock. Ermenegildo Zegna Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ermenegildo Zegna is a global luxury fashion house specializing in mens tailored clothing, casualwear, accessories, footwear and fragrances. With a focus on high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship, the company manages the entire value chain from wool sourcing and textile production to garment design, manufacturing and retail distribution. Founded in 1910 by Ermenegildo Zegna in Trivero, Italy, the company began as a textile mill dedicated to producing fine wool fabrics. Over the decades it expanded into ready-to-wear clothing and built a reputation for sartorial excellence. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ermenegildo Zegna Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ermenegildo Zegna and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BERLIN, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Operations at Germany's Cologne Bonn Airport were suspended on Friday following a failure of the passenger security screening system, German public broadcaster WDR reported. Police said there was a security incident, although they declined to provide further details. It remains unclear how long the disruption would last. EVI Industries (NYSEAMERICAN:EVI) reported what Chairman and CEO Henry Nahmad described as another set of record results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, citing record revenue, gross profit, and operating profit, alongside continued investment in modernization and operational initiatives intended to improve long-term scalability and efficiency. Get alerts: In prepared remarks, Nahmad also highlighted the companys growth since launching its long-term strategy in 2016, saying EVI has expanded from a single Florida location with 31 employees into a North American commercial laundry distribution and service enterprise consisting of 31 businesses and more than 900 associates. Second-quarter results and profitability metrics For the second quarter, EVI said revenue increased 24% year-over-year to $115 million. Nahmad attributed the increase primarily to contributions from acquired businesses, while noting legacy operations also contributed. Gross margin expanded to nearly 31%, which management attributed to favorable product mix, pricing discipline, and the benefits of strategic acquisitions, including Continental. Nahmad said net income increased 110% to 2.1% of revenues, while Adjusted EBITDA increased 49% to $7.7 million, or 6.6% of revenue. For the first six months of the fiscal year, EVI reported revenue increased 20% to more than $223 million, with gross margin expanding to 31%. Nahmad said the company generated positive operating leverage on a consolidated basis compared to the prior-year period, but added that operating margin expansion was pressured by higher operating expenses tied to ongoing investments. Those costs were associated with technology, modernization, service capability expansion, integration activities, and organizational infrastructure. Modernization and service execution initiatives Management emphasized modernization as a central focus, describing continued deployments of data-driven operational systems aimed at improving service execution, decision support, and scalability. Key initiatives and metrics cited on the call included: Field service technology: EVI said investments strengthened scheduling and responsiveness, contributing to an approximately 13% improvement in average response time over the past 12 months. EVI said investments strengthened scheduling and responsiveness, contributing to an approximately 13% improvement in average response time over the past 12 months. Service volume: The companys platform supported just under 9,000 service appointments during the quarter, which management said was consistent with normal seasonal patterns. The companys platform supported just under 9,000 service appointments during the quarter, which management said was consistent with normal seasonal patterns. Operational dashboards and analytics: EVI said it expanded technician utilization analytics and dashboards to improve visibility into productivity, utilization, and monetization, supporting staffing, scheduling, pricing, and margin management. EVI said it expanded technician utilization analytics and dashboards to improve visibility into productivity, utilization, and monetization, supporting staffing, scheduling, pricing, and margin management. Inventory and procurement tools: The company said it continued investing in analytics-driven tools across more than 15,000 SKUs sold over the last 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2025, with the goal of improved inventory controls, demand planning, and coordination from order capture through service delivery. Nahmad said these initiatives have already contributed to improved service margins as adoption scales and are expected to support operating efficiency, working capital management, and long-term margin potential as EVI grows. Acquisitions and growth strategy Nahmad reiterated EVIs buy and build strategy and characterized the company as a highly regarded acquirer with an entrepreneurial culture. He said EVI continues to evaluate a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities. Alongside M&A, management said it is pursuing select strategic initiatives to expand Continentals product portfolio and deepen relationships with OEM partners seeking consistent access to customers across North America. Nahmad also said the company is taking a broader view of growth, evaluating opportunities in and around the laundry ecosystem that can be supported by EVIs existing operations, relationships, and distribution reach. Cash flow, balance sheet, and capital allocation EVI said it continues to operate from a position of balance sheet strength and financial flexibility, generating positive operating cash flow during both the three- and six-month periods ended Dec. 31, 2025. Management noted that operating cash flow was impacted by a planned inventory buildup of approximately $12 million to support confirmed customer sales orders in the companys backlog. Cash flow was also affected by capital allocation decisions, including the payment of an approximately $5 million cash dividend and the final purchase price payment related to the Continental acquisition. Despite those uses of cash, Nahmad said the company maintains strong liquidity, solid working capital, and access to low-cost capital, which he said provides flexibility to continue investing, pursue disciplined growth initiatives, and execute the companys acquisition strategy. Management outlook and priorities In closing remarks, Nahmad pointed to continued demand for the products and services EVI provides and said the company is investing deliberately to build the foundation for long-term scalability, efficiency, and profitability. He added that the company remains confident in its strategy and well-positioned to continue delivering durable value for our customers, employees, and shareholders. About EVI Industries (NYSEAMERICAN:EVI) EVI Industries, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution, sale, rental, and lease of commercial and industrial laundry and dry-cleaning equipment in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The company sells and/or leases commercial laundry equipment specializing in washing, drying, finishing, material handling, water heating, power generation, and water reuse applications. It offers washroom equipment, such as washers and dryers, tunnel systems, and vended machines; finishing equipment comprising sheet feeders, flatwork ironers, automatic sheet folders, and stackers; and material handling equipment, including conveyor and rail systems. Recommended Stories Facedrive Inc. (OTCMKTS:FDVRF Get Free Report) was up 4.2% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $0.2980 and last traded at $0.2980. Approximately 16,444 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 64% from the average daily volume of 45,929 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.2860. Facedrive Stock Performance The business has a 50-day moving average price of $0.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $0.33. Get Facedrive alerts: Facedrive Company Profile (Get Free Report) Facedrive Inc is a Canadian technology company that operates a ride-hailing and delivery platform with a focus on environmental sustainability. Founded in 2016, the company offers an app-based transportation service that connects riders with drivers operating hybrid or electric vehicles. By integrating carbon offset programs and promoting zero-emission vehicle use, Facedrive aims to differentiate itself from traditional ride-hailing services while addressing growing consumer demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions. In addition to its core ride-hailing operations, Facedrive has expanded its offerings to include food and grocery delivery, leveraging the same network of drivers and proprietary logistics technology. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Facedrive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Facedrive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Fannie Mae (OTCMKTS:FNMA Free Report) from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning,Zacks.com reports. FNMA has been the topic of several other research reports. B. Riley Financial restated a neutral rating on shares of Fannie Mae in a research note on Thursday. Wedbush started coverage on shares of Fannie Mae in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. They issued an outperform rating and a $11.50 price target for the company. Finally, BTIG Research started coverage on shares of Fannie Mae in a report on Monday, January 26th. They set a buy rating and a $20.00 price objective on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.30. Get Fannie Mae alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Fannie Mae Fannie Mae Trading Down 7.7% Fannie Mae stock opened at $7.67 on Wednesday. Fannie Mae has a 1-year low of $4.83 and a 1-year high of $15.99. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $9.90 and its 200-day simple moving average is $10.74. The company has a market capitalization of $8.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 1.73. Fannie Mae (OTCMKTS:FNMA Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported $0.60 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.68 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $7.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.33 billion. Fannie Mae had a net margin of 2.22% and a negative return on equity of 46.89%. Key Fannie Mae News Here are the key news stories impacting Fannie Mae this week: Fannie Mae Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae (OTCMKTS:FNMA), is a government-sponsored enterprise established by Congress in 1938 as part of the New Deal to support the U.S. housing market. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Fannie Maes mission is to promote liquidity, stability and affordability in the mortgage market. The company operates by purchasing residential mortgage loans from financial institutions, pooling them into mortgage-backed securities (MBS), and providing guarantees to investors against borrower default. In its core business, Fannie Mae works with mortgage lenders across the United Statesincluding banks, credit unions and mortgage finance companiesto ensure a steady flow of capital for homebuyers and homeowners seeking refinancing. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fannie Mae Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fannie Mae and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCMKTS:FMCB Get Free Report) shares gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $1,187.00, but opened at $1,125.00. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp shares last traded at $1,195.00, with a volume of 70 shares trading hands. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $830.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.86 and a beta of 0.19. The companys fifty day moving average is $1,125.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1,065.04. Get Farmers & Merchants Bancorp alerts: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCMKTS:FMCB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The bank reported $34.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $62.96 million during the quarter. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp had a return on equity of 15.05% and a net margin of 30.88%. About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc is a bank holding company that operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California. Headquartered in Hanford, California, the company provides a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services tailored to individuals, businesses and agricultural enterprises in the San Joaquin Valley region. The companys core offerings include deposit products such as checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF Get Free Report) and Horace Mann Educators (NYSE:HMN Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk and dividends. Risk and Volatility Fidelity National Financial has a beta of 0.98, meaning that its stock price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Horace Mann Educators has a beta of 0.06, meaning that its stock price is 94% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Fidelity National Financial alerts: Institutional & Insider Ownership 81.2% of Fidelity National Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 99.3% of Horace Mann Educators shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.5% of Fidelity National Financial shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.0% of Horace Mann Educators shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Fidelity National Financial 8.34% 15.06% 1.33% Horace Mann Educators 9.53% 13.92% 1.31% Earnings & Valuation This table compares Fidelity National Financial and Horace Mann Educators net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Fidelity National Financial and Horace Mann Educatorss gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Fidelity National Financial $13.72 billion 1.17 $1.27 billion $4.15 13.73 Horace Mann Educators $1.60 billion 1.09 $162.10 million $3.90 10.95 Fidelity National Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Horace Mann Educators. Horace Mann Educators is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Fidelity National Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Fidelity National Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Horace Mann Educators pays an annual dividend of $1.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. Fidelity National Financial pays out 50.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Horace Mann Educators pays out 35.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Fidelity National Financial has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and Horace Mann Educators has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Fidelity National Financial and Horace Mann Educators, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Fidelity National Financial 0 1 3 0 2.75 Horace Mann Educators 0 1 2 1 3.00 Fidelity National Financial presently has a consensus price target of $68.25, indicating a potential upside of 19.75%. Horace Mann Educators has a consensus price target of $47.33, indicating a potential upside of 10.88%. Given Fidelity National Financials higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Fidelity National Financial is more favorable than Horace Mann Educators. Summary Fidelity National Financial beats Horace Mann Educators on 12 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Fidelity National Financial (Get Free Report) Fidelity National Financial, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides various insurance products in the United States. The company operates through Title, F&G, and Corporate and Other segments. It offers title insurance, escrow, and other title related services, including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty products. The company also provides technology and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries; and mortgage transaction services, including title-related services and facilitation of production and management of mortgage loans. In addition, it offers annuity and life insurance products, such as deferred and immediate annuities, as well as indexed universal life insurance products; and funding agreements and pension risk transfer (PRT) solutions. Further, the company engages in the real estate brokerage business. Fidelity National Financial, Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. About Horace Mann Educators (Get Free Report) Horace Mann Educators Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an insurance holding company in the United States. The company operates through Property & Casualty, Life & Retirement, and Supplemental & Group Benefits segments. Its Property & Casualty segment offers insurance products, including private passenger auto insurance, residential home insurance, and personal umbrella insurance; and provides auto coverages including liability and collision, and property coverage for homeowners and renters. The Life & Retirement segment markets tax-qualified fixed, fixed indexed, and variable annuities; and internal revenue code for educator, which allows public school employees and employees of other tax-exempt organizations, such as not-for-profit private schools, to utilize pretax income to make periodic contributions to a qualified retirement plan. The Supplemental & Group Benefits segment offers employer-sponsored products including accident, critical illness, limited-benefit fixed indemnity insurance, term life, and short-term and long-term disability, as well as worksite direct products, such as supplemental heart, cancer, disability, and accident coverage. The company was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NewMarket (NYSE:NEU Get Free Report) and Huabao International (OTCMKTS:HUIHY Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, dividends and institutional ownership. Earnings & Valuation This table compares NewMarket and Huabao Internationals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get NewMarket alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio NewMarket $2.79 billion 2.01 $462.41 million $47.33 12.62 Huabao International $469.25 million 3.44 -$53.62 million N/A N/A Dividends NewMarket has higher revenue and earnings than Huabao International. NewMarket pays an annual dividend of $12.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Huabao International pays an annual dividend of $0.06 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.2%. NewMarket pays out 25.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. NewMarket has raised its dividend for 7 consecutive years. NewMarket is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Profitability This table compares NewMarket and Huabao Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NewMarket 16.33% 28.53% 14.02% Huabao International N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings for NewMarket and Huabao International, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NewMarket 0 0 1 0 3.00 Huabao International 0 0 0 0 0.00 Institutional & Insider Ownership 61.1% of NewMarket shares are owned by institutional investors. 19.1% of NewMarket shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Risk & Volatility NewMarket has a beta of 0.48, meaning that its stock price is 52% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Huabao International has a beta of 0.23, meaning that its stock price is 77% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary NewMarket beats Huabao International on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About NewMarket (Get Free Report) NewMarket Corporation, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the manufacture and sale of petroleum additives. The company offers lubricant additives for use in various vehicle and industrial applications, including engine oils, transmission fluids, off-road powertrain and hydraulic systems, gear oils, hydraulic oils, turbine oils, and other applications where metal-to-metal moving parts are utilized; engine oil additives designed for passenger cars, motorcycles, on and off-road heavy duty commercial equipment, locomotives, and engines in ocean-going vessels; driveline additives designed for products, such as transmission fluids, axle fluids, and off-road powertrain fluids; and industrial additives designed for products for industrial applications consisting of hydraulic fluids, grease, industrial gear fluids, and industrial specialty applications, such as turbine oils. It also provides fuel additives that are used to enhance the oil refining process and the performance of gasoline, diesel, biofuels, and other fuels to industry, government, original equipment manufacturers, and individual customers. In addition, the company engages in the marketing of antiknock compounds, as well as contracted manufacturing and services activities; and owns and manages a real property in Virginia. It operates in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. NewMarket Corporation was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. About Huabao International (Get Free Report) Huabao International Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, researches, develops, produces, distributes, and sells flavours and fragrances, food ingredients, tobacco and aroma raw materials, and condiment products primarily in the People's Republic of China. It offers paper-making reconstituted tobacco leaves and new materials products for the tobacco industry. The company is also involved in the production and sale of natural extracts; tobacco flavours and fragrances; filter materials; cigarette filters; synthetic perfumes; and food flavours and fragrances. Huabao International Holdings Limited was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Receive News & Ratings for NewMarket Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NewMarket and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:FCR.UN Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by research analysts at National Bank Financial from C$23.00 to C$23.50 in a research report issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. National Bank Financials target price would suggest a potential upside of 15.42% from the stocks previous close. Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust from C$22.00 to C$23.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$22.40. Get First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Report on FCR.UN First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust Trading Up 0.0% FCR.UN traded up C$0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting C$20.36. The stock had a trading volume of 155,979 shares, compared to its average volume of 379,737. First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust has a 1-year low of C$15.17 and a 1-year high of C$20.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 112.41, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 0.07. The firm has a market capitalization of C$4.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -2.77 and a beta of 0.99. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$19.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$19.27. First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:FCR.UN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The company reported C$4.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust had a negative return on equity of 1.57% and a negative net margin of 8.48%.The firm had revenue of C$185.38 million during the quarter. As a group, research analysts forecast that First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust will post 1.2480836 EPS for the current fiscal year. First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) First Capital owns and operates, acquires, and develops open-air grocery-anchored shopping centres in neighbourhoods with the strongest demographics in Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ford Motor (NYSE:F) executives told investors the company delivered higher revenue, improved costs, and stronger U.S. market share in 2025 while navigating tariff headwinds and supply disruptions tied to a pair of fires at a key aluminum supplier. On the automakers fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, management also laid out a 2026 outlook that calls for higher earnings and cash flow, driven by improved mix, continued cost reductions, lower net tariff costs, and reduced losses in its electric-vehicle business. Get alerts: 2025 results and key headwinds CEO Jim Farley said Ford generated $187 billion of revenue in 2025 and posted $6.8 billion of adjusted EBIT for the full year. Farley highlighted U.S. market share of 13.2%, which he described as the companys best performance in six years, and said total shareholder return was 42%. However, results included significant external headwinds. Farley said 2025 adjusted EBIT included aand a. He added that the tariff impact wasthan what Ford communicated in October due to an unexpected and late-year change in tariff credits for auto parts. Ford later explained on the call that a credit against tariff liabilities on parts became effective oninstead ofas previously understood, creating the one-time hit in 2025 but allowing the credit to be used going forward. Farley said that without the one-time tariff credit timing issue, Fords 2025 EBIT would have been $7.7 billion. He also emphasized progress in lowering material and warranty costs and improving quality, including recalling older vehicles to support customers. Business mix: Ford Pro, Ford Blue, and Model e CFO Sherry House said Fords 2025 performance reflected capital discipline and improved cost performance. She noted revenue growth for a fifth consecutive year, a 16% reduction in U.S. gross inventory, and year-end inventory of 56 retail days supply. Ford reported $3.5 billion of adjusted free cash flow and ended the year with nearly $29 billion in cash and nearly $50 billion in liquidity. House also reiterated Fords commitment to an investment-grade rating and referenced the declaration of a $0.15 per share regular dividend for the first quarter. Ford Pro: House said Ford Pro delivered more than $66 billion of revenue and $6.8 billion of EBIT with a double-digit margin. Transit sales in the U.S. rose 6% to a record, and Super Duty sales rose 10% to the best level in more than 20 years. Paid software subscriptions in Pro grew 30% , and software and physical services contributed 19% of Pros EBIT, nearing a stated 20% target. Farley said U.S. Pro share in Class 1 through 7 exceeded 42% and that Ford has been Europes number one commercial brand for 11 straight years. House said Ford Pro delivered and with a double-digit margin. Transit sales in the U.S. rose to a record, and Super Duty sales rose to the best level in more than 20 years. Paid software subscriptions in Pro grew , and software and physical services contributed of Pros EBIT, nearing a stated 20% target. Farley said U.S. Pro share in Class 1 through 7 exceeded and that Ford has been Europes number one commercial brand for 11 straight years. Ford Blue: House said Ford Blue revenue was roughly flat, with higher net pricing and product strength offsetting most of a 5% decline in wholesales that included Novelis-related disruption. Blue posted $3.0 billion of EBIT, as lower warranty and other cost improvements were offset by production losses and adverse exchange. Farley and executives highlighted pickup strength, with Ford winning North America Truck of the Year for the sixth consecutive year and gaining nearly two points of revenue share in U.S. pickups in 2025. They also said off-road performance trims accounted for more than 20% of U.S. sales mix. House said Ford Blue revenue was roughly flat, with higher net pricing and product strength offsetting most of a decline in wholesales that included Novelis-related disruption. Blue posted of EBIT, as lower warranty and other cost improvements were offset by production losses and adverse exchange. Farley and executives highlighted pickup strength, with Ford winning North America Truck of the Year for the sixth consecutive year and gaining nearly two points of revenue share in U.S. pickups in 2025. They also said off-road performance trims accounted for more than of U.S. sales mix. Ford Model e: House said Model e revenue and volume grew 73% and 69%, respectively, driven by new product introductions in Europe. Full-year EBIT losses improved to a $4.8 billion loss, reflecting reduced losses on first-generation EVs, partially offset by higher investment in second-generation products as Ford prepares to launch its Universal EV Platform in 2027. She added Ford rationalized the near-term role of pure EVs in the U.S. portfolio in December based on market changes. Ford Credit and banking approval House said Ford Credit delivered $2.6 billion of full-year EBT and $1.7 billion of distributions, with EBT up 55% due to improved financing margin. She said Ford Credit continues to originate a high-quality book, with U.S. retail and lease FICO scores exceeding 750. House also pointed to approval of Ford Credits industrial bank application, which she said could expand capabilities and lower funding costs over time. 2026 outlook: higher earnings, higher capex, and Novelis timeline For 2026, Ford guided to $8 billion to $10 billion in company adjusted EBIT, $5 billion to $6 billion in adjusted free cash flow, and $9.5 billion to $10.5 billion of capital expenditures. The outlook assumes U.S. SAAR of 16 million to 16.5 million and flat industry pricing. House said Ford expects tariff costs to be lower by about $1 billion year over year, reflecting a full-year benefit from credit expansion. Ford also expects further material and warranty savings, which management said would help absorb roughly $1 billion of higher commodity costs, incremental investment in the Universal EV Platform, startup costs for Ford Energy, and cycle plan actions. Novelis remained a central topic in guidance. House said Ford expects about $1 billion year-over-year improvement tied to Novelis, though the improvement is expected to be back half-weighted. She outlined $1.5 billion to $2 billion of temporary costsincluding tariffs and premium freightto maintain aluminum supply continuity until the hot mill returns, which the company expects between May and September. COO Kumar Galhotra said Ford has contingency plans to secure supply under different restart timing scenarios. By segment, Ford guided to: Ford Pro EBIT: $6.5 billion to $7.5 billion , with management citing continued share growth expectations in North America and continued expansion of software and physical services, though results are expected to be dampened by Novelis impacts, an Oakville ramp to bolster Super Duty capacity in Canada, and regulatory pressure in Europe. , with management citing continued share growth expectations in North America and continued expansion of software and physical services, though results are expected to be dampened by Novelis impacts, an Oakville ramp to bolster Super Duty capacity in Canada, and regulatory pressure in Europe. Model e EBIT: loss of $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion . House said the outlook includes about $1.6 billion of improvement in first-generation EVs driven by lower U.S. volume and restructuring savings, partially offset by around $600 million of higher second-generation costs and roughly $400 million of Ford Energy startup costs. Management reiterated a target for Model e to reach break-even in 2029 . . House said the outlook includes about of improvement in first-generation EVs driven by lower U.S. volume and restructuring savings, partially offset by around of higher second-generation costs and roughly of Ford Energy startup costs. Management reiterated a target for Model e to reach break-even in . Ford Blue EBIT: $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion , reflecting expected improvement as Novelis impacts fade, favorable mix, and ongoing cost progress. Executives pointed to upcoming products such as Bronco RTR and Mustang Dark Horse SC . , reflecting expected improvement as Novelis impacts fade, favorable mix, and ongoing cost progress. Executives pointed to upcoming products such as and . Ford Credit EBT: about $2.5 billion. Strategy updates: affordable EVs, Ford Energy, and Level 3 autonomy Farley said Ford is shifting EV focus toward high-volume, affordable segments and plans to launch multiple vehicles on its Universal EV Platform, starting with a midsize pickup. He also said Ford is leaning into hybrids across its lineup and extended-range EVs where appropriate for duty cycles such as towing in larger trucks. On Ford Energy, Farley described growing demand for battery storage tied to data center buildouts and grid stability, and said Ford has engaged customers and is pursuing contracts for 20 gigawatt-hours of capacity beginning in 2027 and beyond. House said 2026 capex includes roughly $1.5 billion for Ford Energy as part of a broader $2 billion investment previously discussed. She also said Fords capital allocation is shifting, with about 75% of planned capital going to higher-return truck and multi-energy programs, and about 25% to Ford Energy and continued Model e investments. Farley also addressed Fords approach to autonomy, saying the company is bringing Level 3 capability in-house to improve affordability and control the safety-critical customer experience. He said Ford aims to introduce Level 3 with the Universal EV Platform and described a goal of enabling the technology on $30,000 to $35,000 vehicles rather than limiting it to luxury offerings. House also noted that Ford expects to record about $7 billion in charges in 2026 and 2027 related to its updated EV strategy and an expected disposition of its BOSK investment, with cash expenditures of up to about $5.5 billion, mostly weighted to 2026. About Ford Motor (NYSE:F) Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company became an early pioneer of mass-production techniques with the Model T and the adoption of the moving assembly line. Today, Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad range of vehicles and mobility solutions under the Ford and Lincoln brands, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Fords business activities extend beyond vehicle production to include parts and aftermarket services, fleet and commercial sales, and automotive financing through Ford Motor Credit Company. Read More Fortis (TSE:FTS Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by equities researchers at BMO Capital Markets from C$74.00 to C$77.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a market perform rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets price objective would suggest a potential upside of 0.05% from the companys current price. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Raymond James Financial boosted their target price on Fortis from C$72.00 to C$75.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of Fortis from C$79.00 to C$80.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday. Desjardins raised their price target on Fortis from C$76.00 to C$79.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on Fortis from C$72.00 to C$70.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, TD Securities boosted their price objective on shares of Fortis from C$77.00 to C$79.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Fortis presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$75.65. Get Fortis alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Fortis Fortis Trading Up 0.8% FTS traded up C$0.64 during trading on Friday, reaching C$76.96. 1,414,951 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,781,197. The companys fifty day moving average price is C$71.75 and its 200-day moving average price is C$70.82. The firm has a market capitalization of C$38.90 billion, a PE ratio of 22.90, a P/E/G ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.35. Fortis has a fifty-two week low of C$60.94 and a fifty-two week high of C$77.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 142.31, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.74. Fortis (TSE:FTS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported C$0.90 earnings per share for the quarter. Fortis had a return on equity of 7.48% and a net margin of 14.53%.The company had revenue of C$3.08 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Fortis will post 3.3419913 EPS for the current year. About Fortis (Get Free Report) Fortis owns and operates 10 utility transmission and distribution assets in Canada and the United States, serving more than 3.4 million electricity and gas customers. The company has smaller stakes in electricity generation and several Caribbean utilities. ITC operates electric transmission in seven U.S. states, with more than 16,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines in operation serving a peak load in excess of 23 gigawatts. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fortis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Freemont Management S.A. cut its stake in shares of Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO Free Report) by 88.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 400 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 3,200 shares during the period. Freemont Management S.A.s holdings in Watsco were worth $162,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in WSO. Hilltop National Bank raised its stake in shares of Watsco by 7.1% during the 3rd quarter. Hilltop National Bank now owns 454 shares of the construction companys stock worth $184,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. KBC Group NV raised its position in Watsco by 0.7% during the second quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 4,700 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,076,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Watsco by 6.0% during the third quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 601 shares of the construction companys stock worth $243,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in Watsco by 2.2% in the second quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 1,638 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $723,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealth Alliance LLC grew its position in shares of Watsco by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Wealth Alliance LLC now owns 2,011 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $888,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.71% of the companys stock. Get Watsco alerts: Watsco Stock Down 2.7% Shares of NYSE:WSO opened at $415.95 on Friday. Watsco, Inc. has a 12-month low of $323.05 and a 12-month high of $535.40. The business has a 50 day moving average of $369.99 and a 200-day moving average of $380.20. The stock has a market cap of $16.87 billion, a PE ratio of 32.50 and a beta of 1.04. Watsco Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th were issued a $3.00 dividend. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 16th. Watscos dividend payout ratio is currently 93.75%. A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on WSO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Watsco from $360.00 to $370.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Wolfe Research set a $349.00 price objective on Watsco in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. UBS Group initiated coverage on Watsco in a research report on Monday, January 5th. They issued a neutral rating and a $370.00 price objective for the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Watsco in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, KeyCorp reaffirmed a sector weight rating on shares of Watsco in a report on Friday, December 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $404.14. View Our Latest Stock Report on WSO Watsco Profile (Free Report) Watsco, Inc is the largest distributor of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment, parts and supplies in the United States. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company operates a network of more than 600 branches across the continental U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Watsco serves residential and commercial contractors by providing essential components for climate control systems, including air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, coils, refrigerants, controls and electrical and piping supplies. Founded in 1947, Watsco has grown from a single regional distributor into an industry leader through a combination of organic expansion, acquisitions and strategic partnerships with original equipment manufacturers such as Carrier, Trane, Goodman and Lennox. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WSO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Watsco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watsco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VIENNA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The military activities in Ukraine are undermining local grid conditions, posing "ever-present risks" to nuclear safety and security, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Thursday. Over the past weekend, operations of nuclear power plants (NPPs) were impacted by military activities. All reactor units across Ukraine, except for one, had to reduce power, and several off-site power lines were disconnected, said a statement issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). All Ukrainian NPPs reported multiple drones and a cruise missile within their monitoring areas, and the IAEA team at the Khmelnytsky NPP also heard military activity, it added. "Such events in Ukraine are becoming all too common with each one reminding us of the ever-present risks to nuclear safety and security arising from deteriorating grid conditions," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in the statement. Grossi called for maximum military restraint from all sides, warning that no one benefits from a nuclear accident. Freemont Management S.A. decreased its position in shares of Arcosa, Inc. (NYSE:ACA Free Report) by 88.1% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 2,100 shares of the companys stock after selling 15,500 shares during the quarter. Freemont Management S.A.s holdings in Arcosa were worth $197,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Neuberger Berman Group LLC lifted its stake in Arcosa by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 3,172,694 shares of the companys stock valued at $275,153,000 after acquiring an additional 50,624 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its holdings in shares of Arcosa by 25.3% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 763,557 shares of the companys stock worth $66,208,000 after purchasing an additional 154,172 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its position in Arcosa by 0.4% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 760,868 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,975,000 after purchasing an additional 3,308 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its position in Arcosa by 29.0% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 617,265 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,523,000 after purchasing an additional 138,676 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Arcosa in the second quarter valued at $49,475,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.66% of the companys stock. Get Arcosa alerts: Arcosa Trading Down 0.9% Shares of Arcosa stock opened at $126.66 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $113.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $102.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 2.02. Arcosa, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $68.11 and a fifty-two week high of $131.00. The company has a market cap of $6.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.00. Arcosa Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 15th were given a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 15th. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.2%. Arcosas dividend payout ratio is currently 6.62%. Several brokerages have weighed in on ACA. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Arcosa in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Barclays upped their target price on Arcosa from $106.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut Arcosa from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on ACA Arcosa Profile (Free Report) Arcosa, Inc (NYSE: ACA) is a Dallasbased industrial company that was formed through the spinoff of Trinity Industries construction products business in 2018. Since its inception, Arcosa has focused on the manufacture and sale of critical infrastructure components, serving a diverse set of end markets including transportation, construction and energy. The companys Construction Products segment produces a broad range of highway safety products, such as guardrail systems, sign supports and crash cushions, as well as aggregates and readymix concrete. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arcosa, Inc. (NYSE:ACA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arcosa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arcosa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GQG Partners (ASX:GQG) executives used the companys 2025 full-year earnings call to emphasize what they described as a resilient business model and diversified strategy set, even as some flagship strategies lagged broader equity benchmarks during a market environment dominated by cyclical and AI-related leadership. Get alerts: Funds under management rose despite net outflows CEO Tim Carver said the firm ended 2025 with about $164 billion in funds under management (FUM), up just over 7% from the prior year. Carver added that, based on internal unaudited figures through the close of U.S. markets the prior day, FUM was around $172 billion, near the record level the firm reached in June 2025. Management framed positioning as an intentional shift away from late-cycle AI exposure For the 2025 calendar year, management reported, which were more than offset byof market and performance-related gains. Carver and other executives attributed the limited impact of underperformance on overall assets to client expectations, diversification across strategies and geographies, and stronger performance in areas outside U.S. equities. Chairman and CIO Rajiv Jain described 2025 as a fascinating year in markets and geopolitics and said the past two years saw a clear shift toward cyclicals and AI-driven themes. Jain said GQG had meaningful exposure to those areas but began reducing it in the second half of 2024 and very aggressively in the first quarter of 2025moves he said were a little premature in hindsight. Jain argued, however, that the underpinnings of the AI theme had worsened and highlighted what he sees as late-cycle behavior and vulnerabilities, including what he described as double and triple ordering in memory markets. He also said defensives were fairly attractively valued, noting that some defensive sectors have underperformed for several years even as early signs of improvement have emerged. Jain said the firm is meaningfully overweight consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare, and underweight technology. He also discussed concerns about the concentration of tech-related weights in equity indices and pointed to what he characterized as rising stress across parts of software and other areas linked to AI enthusiasm. Executives linked asset resilience to client expectations and diversification Carver said the firm has long told clients and consultants not to expect GQG to participate in runaway markets, and that the objective is to outperform over a full market cycle with lower volatility and better downside protection. He said this framing helps explain why assets remained near record levels even with relative underperformance in certain strategies over the year. Carver also pointed to the firms strategy mix. He said nearly half of the businessover $70 billionis in an international equity strategy that returned north of 20% last year. Adding emerging markets, Carver said more than $110 billion delivered better than double-digit returns. He noted U.S. equity, where relative performance was weakest, is the smallest part of the business. Global Head of Distribution Steve Ford reinforced this point, saying GQG consistently communicates a goal of high single-digit, low double-digit compounding over a full cycle and that clients generally understand the firm is less likely to outperform in runaway and frothy markets. Ford added that, over three years, the firms worst strategy compounded client capital at 13% annualized, and he said the performance picture improved through the end of January versus month earlier. Financial results: revenue, income, and margin increased CFO Charles Falck reported 2025 net revenues of $808.3 million, up from over $760 million in the prior year, which he attributed to higher average AUM of $164.3 billion (up 10.8% year over year). Falck said net operating income was $622.5 million (up 7.6%) and net income was $463.3 million (up 7.3%). Falck said the operating margin increased from 76% to 77% and described the firms profitability as strong. He cited a net revenue compound annual growth rate of about 11% based on the companys historical progression. He also noted a small decrease in fee realization, to 48.4 basis points from 49.6 basis points, which he attributed to mix shift into lower-fee vehicles and slightly lower-fee strategies. On expenses, Falck said general and administrative costs fell $6.2 million (down 14%) due to a prudent approach to projects and operating expense management. Compensation and benefits increased $4.9 million (up 4.9%) while average headcount rose to 240 from 212. In a later Q&A exchange, management said compensation per employee declined primarily due to hiring more junior, lower-compensated staff rather than broad changes to pay levels for the existing team. Falck said the effective tax rate moved slightly higher to 26.7% from 26.5%, remaining within what he described as a range of 26% to 28% since 2022. He added that the firm had no debt outstanding during 2025. Dividend maintained at 90% payout; distribution expanded product access Management said the board declared a fourth-quarter dividend of AUD 0.0365 per share, representing a 90% payout ratio of distributable earnings. Falck said the aggregate fourth-quarter dividend payment totals about AUD 108 million, and that full-year dividends paid were $439.3 million. Distributable earnings were reported at $477 million, and diluted earnings per share were $0.16. On distribution, Ford said platform access and ratings remain intact, and he emphasized ongoing expansion in the wholesale channel. In response to a question about product development, the team said recent vehicle additions included U.S. ETFs and collective investment trust (CIT) products aimed at the 401(k) market. Management said early responses were positive, while also noting that new vehicles typically require time to build track record and platform access. During Q&A, executives discussed flows and noted that outflows in the back half of the year were largely tied to clients reacting to shorter-term performance. They also referenced seasonality tied to annual performance reviews, while cautioning against overgeneralizing patterns. Management declined to provide detail on gross inflows versus gross outflows and said there had been no performance-related fee discounting. About GQG Partners (ASX:GQG) GQG Partners Inc operates as a boutique asset management company worldwide. It manages equity portfolios for investors, including insurance funds, pension/superannuation funds, sovereign wealth funds, ultra high net worth investors, sub advised funds, financial advisors, wealth management administration platforms, private banks, and other discretionary wealth managers. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. GQG Partners Inc is a subsidiary of QVFT LLC. See Also HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (NYSE:HASI Get Free Report)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Friday following a dividend announcement from the company. The stock had previously closed at $35.83, but opened at $39.17. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital shares last traded at $39.5610, with a volume of 1,069,475 shares. The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Friday, April 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 2nd will be given a $0.425 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 2nd. This is a positive change from HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capitals previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.3%. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capitals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 72.10%. Get HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on HASI. Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating on shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital from $35.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. UBS Group upped their price objective on HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital from $39.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital from $33.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $40.00. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $4.97 billion, a PE ratio of 16.86, a P/E/G ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.93, a quick ratio of 11.03 and a current ratio of 11.03. The stocks 50-day moving average is $33.73 and its 200 day moving average is $30.91. Key Stories Impacting HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Here are the key news stories impacting HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital this week: Positive Sentiment: HASI closed a record $4.3 billion of new investments in 2025 (up 87% Y/Y), reported adjusted ROE and adjusted EPS improvements, and highlighted a >$6.5B pipeline signals of sustained growth and high-yield new assets. Read More. HASI closed a record $4.3 billion of new investments in 2025 (up 87% Y/Y), reported adjusted ROE and adjusted EPS improvements, and highlighted a >$6.5B pipeline signals of sustained growth and high-yield new assets. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Management raised FY2028 EPS guidance to $3.50$3.60 vs. street consensus ~$3.18, which implies stronger forward earnings expectations and likely supports multiple expansion. (Guidance update announced 2/12/2026.) Management raised FY2028 EPS guidance to $3.50$3.60 vs. street consensus ~$3.18, which implies stronger forward earnings expectations and likely supports multiple expansion. (Guidance update announced 2/12/2026.) Positive Sentiment: Quarterly dividend increased to $0.425 per share (1.2% raise vs. prior $0.42), implying a ~4.7% yield supportive for income investors and indicative of confidence in cash flow. (Record/exdividend dates in April.) Quarterly dividend increased to $0.425 per share (1.2% raise vs. prior $0.42), implying a ~4.7% yield supportive for income investors and indicative of confidence in cash flow. (Record/exdividend dates in April.) Neutral Sentiment: Media coverage framed the quarter as upbeat and the stock soared after results, reflecting positive market reaction to the combination of record investments and raised guidance. Read More. Media coverage framed the quarter as upbeat and the stock soared after results, reflecting positive market reaction to the combination of record investments and raised guidance. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: GAAP EPS for the quarter was $0.63, missing consensus of $0.67 by $0.04; however revenue came in far above estimates ($114.8M vs. ~$28.7M), and adjusted metrics were strong a mixed read that investors are weighing alongside guidance and portfolio growth. Read More. GAAP EPS for the quarter was $0.63, missing consensus of $0.67 by $0.04; however revenue came in far above estimates ($114.8M vs. ~$28.7M), and adjusted metrics were strong a mixed read that investors are weighing alongside guidance and portfolio growth. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Local press provided a standard Q4 snapshot summarizing financials and commentary; useful for context but adds no new catalyst beyond the company release. Read More. Hedge Funds Weigh In On HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in HASI. Swedbank AB grew its holdings in HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 1,635,072 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $50,197,000 after acquiring an additional 75,504 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 4,646.6% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 42,007 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,290,000 after purchasing an additional 41,122 shares in the last quarter. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. acquired a new position in shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital in the second quarter valued at approximately $6,297,000. Baird Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 533,666 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $14,334,000 after purchasing an additional 37,678 shares during the period. Finally, Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. grew its holdings in shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 306.2% during the third quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 433,551 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $13,310,000 after buying an additional 326,810 shares in the last quarter. 96.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital (Get Free Report) Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc (NYSE: HASI) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in financing and investing in climate change solutions. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the company provides debt and equity capital to sustainable infrastructure projects across North America. Its mission is to support energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and resilient infrastructure, helping public and private sector clients reduce carbon emissions and achieve long-term environmental goals. Hannon Armstrongs core business activities include originating and structuring loans, acquiring debt and equity interests, and managing a diversified portfolio of projects in sectors such as solar energy, wind power, energy storage, green buildings, and sustainable agriculture. Read More Receive News & Ratings for HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:HDUS Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 12,546 shares, a growth of 131.8% from the January 15th total of 5,412 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,162 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.8 days. Currently, 0.5% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.5% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,162 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.8 days. Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF Stock Performance HDUS traded down $1.18 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $65.56. 7,863 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,202. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $65.92 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $157.34 million, a PE ratio of 22.11 and a beta of 0.95. Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF has a 1 year low of $47.41 and a 1 year high of $67.03. Get Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF An institutional investor recently raised its position in Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:HDUS Free Report) by 22.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 16,350 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,957 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned 0.72% of Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF worth $973,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. About Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF The Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (HDUS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Hartford Disciplined US Equity index. The fund is passively managed to invest in a broad portfolio of US large-cap stocks that target balanced exposures across value, momentum, and quality factors at lower volatility level, while controlling overall active risk factors. HDUS was launched on Nov 16, 2022 and is managed by Hartford. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Omron (OTCMKTS:OMRNY Get Free Report) and Fabrinet (NYSE:FN Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership and dividends. Insider & Institutional Ownership 1.1% of Omron shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 97.4% of Fabrinet shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.2% of Fabrinet shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Omron alerts: Profitability This table compares Omron and Fabrinets net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Omron 2.80% 2.46% 1.68% Fabrinet 9.69% 18.69% 12.96% Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Omron 0 1 0 0 2.00 Fabrinet 0 1 8 1 3.00 This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Omron and Fabrinet, as provided by MarketBeat. Fabrinet has a consensus price target of $511.11, indicating a potential upside of 10.56%. Given Fabrinets stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Fabrinet is more favorable than Omron. Volatility and Risk Omron has a beta of 0.98, suggesting that its share price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Fabrinet has a beta of 1.04, suggesting that its share price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Omron and Fabrinets gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Omron $5.26 billion 1.22 $107.39 million $0.79 39.46 Fabrinet $3.42 billion 4.84 $332.53 million $10.44 44.28 Fabrinet has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Omron. Omron is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Fabrinet, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Fabrinet beats Omron on 14 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Omron (Get Free Report) OMRON Corporation engages in industrial automation, device and module solutions, social systems, and healthcare businesses worldwide. The Industrial Automation Business offers sensors, switches, safety and control components, relays, motion and drives, robotics, energy conservation, power supplies, and automation system products. It also offers environmental mobility, digital devices, food and commodity, logistic and warehouse automation, medical, robotic, panel, vision, software, and traceability related solutions. The Social Systems, Solutions and Service Business provides energy, public transport, traffic safety, network protection, payment, infrastructure monitoring, management service, and DX solutions, as well as offers remote surveillance/monitoring, automation/robotics, software development, engineering/maintenance, and other services. The Healthcare Business provides cardiovascular, respiratory care, pain management, remote patient monitoring, and other solutions. The Device and Module Solutions Business offers relays, switches, connectors, and sensors. OMRON Corporation was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. About Fabrinet (Get Free Report) Fabrinet provides optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical, and electronic manufacturing services in North America, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The company offers a range of advanced optical and electro-mechanical capabilities in the manufacturing process, including process design and engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, printed circuit board assembly, advanced packaging, integration, final assembly, and testing. Its products include switching products, including reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers, optical amplifiers, modulators, and other optical components and modules that enable network managers to route voice, video, and data communications traffic through fiber optic cables at various wavelengths, speeds, and over various distances. The company's products also comprise tunable lasers, transceivers, and transponders; and active optical cables, which provide high-speed interconnect capabilities for data centers and computing clusters, as well as Infiniband, Ethernet, fiber channel, and optical backplane connectivity. In addition, it provides solid state, diode-pumped, gas, and fiber lasers used in semiconductor processing, biotechnology and medical device, metrology, and material processing industries; and differential pressure, micro-gyro, fuel, and other sensors used in automobiles, as well as non-contact temperature measurement sensors for the medical industry. Further, the company designs and fabricates application-specific crystals, lenses, prisms, mirrors, laser components, and substrates; and other custom and standard borosilicate, clear fused quartz, and synthetic fused silica glass products. It serves original equipment manufacturers of optical communication components, modules and sub-systems, industrial lasers, automotive components, medical devices, and sensors. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is based in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands. Receive News & Ratings for Omron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Air Liquide (OTCMKTS:AIQUY Get Free Report) and Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOY Get Free Report) are both large-cap basic materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and risk. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Air Liquide and Akzo Nobels gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Air Liquide alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Air Liquide $29.28 billion 3.97 $3.58 billion N/A N/A Akzo Nobel $11.49 billion 1.07 $758.99 million $1.41 17.01 Risk and Volatility Air Liquide has higher revenue and earnings than Akzo Nobel. Air Liquide has a beta of 0.84, indicating that its stock price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Akzo Nobel has a beta of 1.08, indicating that its stock price is 8% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.0% of Air Liquide shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.4% of Akzo Nobel shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Air Liquide and Akzo Nobels net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Air Liquide N/A N/A N/A Akzo Nobel 6.49% 14.05% 4.38% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Air Liquide and Akzo Nobel, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Air Liquide 0 3 2 0 2.40 Akzo Nobel 1 2 1 1 2.40 Dividends Air Liquide pays an annual dividend of $0.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. Akzo Nobel pays an annual dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Akzo Nobel pays out 17.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. About Air Liquide (Get Free Report) L'Air Liquide S.A. provides gases, technologies, and services for the industrial and health sectors in Europe, the Americas, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates in Gas & Services, Engineering & Construction, and Global Markets & Technologies segments. The Gas & Services segment comprises large industries business, which offers gas and energy solutions including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, as well as operates cogeneration plants to supply steam and electricity to metals, chemicals, refining, and energy industries; and industrial merchant business line provides industrial gases, equipment, hardgoods, and associated services to materials and energy, automotive and manufacturing, food and pharmaceuticals, technology and research, and craftsmen and retail sectors. This segment also includes healthcare business, which provides medical gases, home healthcare services, medical equipment, and specialty ingredient to patients, healthcare professionals, and hospitals; and electronic business supply carrier gases, electronic specialty and advanced materials, equipment and installation, and service to semiconductor, flat panel, and photovoltaic markets. The Engineering & Construction segment designs, develops, and builds industrial gas production plants to third parties; and design and manufacture plants in traditional, renewable and alternative energy sectors. The Global Markets & Technologies segment delivers technological solutions, such as molecules, equipment, and services to energy transition and deep technology. This segment also invests in and operates biomethane production units; designs hydrogen refueling stations; and supplies gases for the offshore oil and gas platforms, offshore wind turbines, and cryogenic transportation by sea. L'Air Liquide S.A. was incorporated in 1902 and is headquartered in Paris, France. About Akzo Nobel (Get Free Report) Akzo Nobel N.V. engages in the production and sale of paints and coatings worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings. It offers decorative paints, including paints, lacquers, and varnishes; and a range of mixing machines and color concepts for the building and renovation industry, as well as specialty coatings. The company also provides performance coatings that protect and enhance ships, cars, aircraft, yachts, architectural components, consumer goods, and oil and gas facilities. It offers its products under AkzoNobel, Alabastine, Alba, Andercol, Apla, Armstead Trade, Astral, Astral Batiment, AwlGrip, Brikol, Dulux, Bruguer, Cetabever, Cetol, Chemcraft, Colourland Paints, CONSOLAN, Coral, Cromadex, Cuprinol, Dynacoat, Flexa, Glitsa, Grip-Gard, Herbol, Hammerite, International, Interlux, Innenweis, Interpon, Inca, Luxol, Levis, Lesonal, Molto, Modern Classikk, Maxilite, Mauvilac, Mason CT, Marshall, Mactra, Nordsjo, Oxirite, Protecto, Procolor, Polyfilla, Polycell, Pinotex, Pintuco, Resicoat, Relest, Sparlack, Sadolin, Sikkens, Sea Hawk, Savana, Salcomix, Trimetal, Titanlux, Taubmans, U-tech, Vpowdertech, Vivechrom, Xylazel, Xyladecor, Wanda, and Zweihorn brands. The company serves to energy, packaging, infrastructure, and shipbuilding and maintenance industries, as well as general industries, such as agricultural and construction equipment, construction-related steel, metal fabrication, pipes, appliances, and transportation. The company was formerly known as Akzo NV and changed its name to Akzo Nobel N.V. in 1994. Akzo Nobel N.V. was founded in 1646 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Receive News & Ratings for Air Liquide Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Liquide and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hermes International SA Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:HESAY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 6,893 shares, a decline of 44.3% from the January 15th total of 12,366 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 111,411 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 111,411 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Hermes International Stock Down 1.7% Shares of OTCMKTS:HESAY traded down $4.33 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $253.54. The stock had a trading volume of 6,441 shares, compared to its average volume of 49,172. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $249.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $247.91. Hermes International has a 12 month low of $232.01 and a 12 month high of $303.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 4.50 and a quick ratio of 3.65. Get Hermes International alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on HESAY shares. Barclays cut Hermes International from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Hermes International from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. About Hermes International (Get Free Report) Hermes International is a French luxury goods company renowned for its high-end leather goods, scarves, ready-to-wear apparel, watches, jewelry, fragrances and home accessories. Founded in 1837 as a harness and bridle workshop, the firm has evolved into one of the worlds most recognizable luxury maisons, known for artisanal craftsmanship, quality materials and a focus on timeless design. The company is headquartered in Paris and maintains a strong heritage identity that influences its product development and brand positioning. Key product categories include leather goods and iconic handbags, silk scarves and ties, fashion and accessories, timepieces and fine jewelry, as well as fragrances and selected home collections. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hermes International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hermes International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Impax Asset Management Group plc bought a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 12,628 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,058,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Krilogy Financial LLC acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $838,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 10.6% during the 3rd quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 56,832 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,764,000 after purchasing an additional 5,469 shares during the last quarter. Stratos Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter. Stratos Investment Management LLC now owns 50,611 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,242,000 after purchasing an additional 1,466 shares during the last quarter. Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft acquired a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the third quarter worth $4,004,000. Finally, Wealthstream Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 3.4% in the third quarter. Wealthstream Advisors Inc. now owns 8,204 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $688,000 after buying an additional 270 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.90% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance Shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock opened at $86.18 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $91.86 and its 200-day simple moving average is $85.85. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12 month low of $58.42 and a 12 month high of $97.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $270.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.74, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.84. Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.66 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $11.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.63 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.27% and a return on equity of 12.90%. Wells Fargo & Companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.43 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, February 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 6th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 28.71%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have issued reports on WFC. Evercore decreased their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 15th. HSBC reissued a hold rating and set a $74.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Argus boosted their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $94.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. TD Cowen dropped their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $102.00 to $100.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $99.00 to $99.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $97.29. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on WFC Wells Fargo & Company Profile (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer. Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ING Groep NV purchased a new position in shares of Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI) during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 23,607 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $3,667,000. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TRI. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC boosted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 1,414 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $284,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 30.9% in the 2nd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 309 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $62,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 21.2% in the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 441 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $69,000 after buying an additional 77 shares during the period. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 50.0% in the third quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 249 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 3.0% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 3,274 shares of the business services providers stock worth $659,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the period. 17.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Thomson Reuters Stock Performance NYSE:TRI opened at $85.89 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The company has a market capitalization of $38.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.79. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $121.25 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $147.25. Thomson Reuters Co. has a twelve month low of $84.27 and a twelve month high of $218.42. Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend Thomson Reuters ( NYSE:TRI Get Free Report ) (TSE:TRI) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The business services provider reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.01. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 30.45% and a return on equity of 14.62%. The company had revenue of $2 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.01 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.655 per share. This is a boost from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $2.62 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Thomson Reuterss payout ratio is currently 78.68%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Thomson Reuters from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $126.00 target price for the company in a report on Tuesday. BMO Capital Markets set a $165.00 price objective on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Thomson Reuters and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $111.00 target price on shares of Thomson Reuters and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Finally, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce set a $183.00 price target on Thomson Reuters and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Thomson Reuters presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $156.42. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Thomson Reuters About Thomson Reuters (Free Report) Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI) is a multinational information and media company that provides content, technology and services to professionals in the legal, tax & accounting, compliance, risk, corporate and media sectors. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company combines news and editorial content from the Reuters news agency with specialist workflow platforms and databases designed to support decision-making and regulatory compliance across industries worldwide. The companys product portfolio spans legal research and workflow tools, tax and accounting software, regulatory and risk management solutions, and real-time news and data services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. V.F. (NYSE:VFC Get Free Report) and Innovative Designs (OTCMKTS:IVDN Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability and risk. Risk & Volatility V.F. has a beta of 1.65, suggesting that its stock price is 65% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Innovative Designs has a beta of -2.88, suggesting that its stock price is 388% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get V.F. alerts: Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for V.F. and Innovative Designs, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score V.F. 1 15 3 0 2.11 Innovative Designs 0 0 0 0 0.00 Earnings & Valuation V.F. presently has a consensus price target of $18.22, indicating a potential downside of 9.73%. Given V.F.s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe V.F. is more favorable than Innovative Designs. This table compares V.F. and Innovative Designss gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio V.F. $9.50 billion 0.83 -$189.72 million $0.55 36.70 Innovative Designs $2.77 million 5.00 $500,000.00 $0.03 12.00 Innovative Designs has lower revenue, but higher earnings than V.F.. Innovative Designs is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than V.F., indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares V.F. and Innovative Designs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets V.F. 2.33% 19.08% 2.84% Innovative Designs 17.87% 27.09% 24.11% Insider & Institutional Ownership 86.8% of V.F. shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of V.F. shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 24.4% of Innovative Designs shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary V.F. beats Innovative Designs on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About V.F. (Get Free Report) VF Corp. engages in the business of producing and marketing apparel, footwear, and accessories. It operates through the following segments: Outdoor, Active, Work, and Other. The Outdoor segment includes authentic outdoor-based lifestyle brands such as performance-based and outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment. The Active segment focuses on activity-based lifestyle brands including active apparel, footwear, backpacks, luggage, and accessories. The Work segment offers work and work-inspired lifestyle brands with product offerings including apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Other segment refers to the sale of non-VF products and sourcing activities related to transition services. The company was founded by John Barbey in October 1899 and is headquartered in Denver, CO. About Innovative Designs (Get Free Report) Innovative Designs, Inc. engages in manufacture and marketing of cold weather recreational and industrial clothing products in the United States and Canada. The company operates in two segments, Apparel and House Wrap. It offers arctic armor line products, including jackets, bibs, and gloves for ice fisherman, snowmobilers, utility workers, oil/gas pipeline workers, railroad workers, construction workers, ski resort workers, and police and first responders; and house wrap that provides barrier protection and moisture vapor transmission and insulation for the building construction industry. In addition, it offers INSULTEX material in bulk to non-competing customers; products that restore the waterproof character of the outer side of its arctic armor clothing; and cold weather headgears and base insulation clothing products. The company primarily sells its products through independent sales agents, agencies, retailers, and distributors, as well as through website. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Receive News & Ratings for V.F. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for V.F. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BELGRADE, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- European investors have been gradually adjusting their holdings of U.S. dollar assets as growing uncertainty over Washington's fiscal and monetary policy prompts them to reconsider portfolio strategies and long-term risk management. While Europe remains deeply integrated with U.S. financial markets, recent portfolio adjustments suggest that institutions are increasingly seeking to hedge against potential volatility. Discussions in financial circles about maintaining a "safer distance" from dollar assets reflect a broader shift toward diversification. A survey conducted by British universal bank Barclays illustrates this trend. According to Reuters reports, the bank, which covered 342 investors managing a combined 7.8 trillion U.S. dollars in assets, found that intentions to allocate to U.S.-based hedge funds in 2026 declined by around 5 percent compared to 2025. By contrast, interest in hedge funds based in Asia and Europe rose by approximately 10 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The bank noted that this is the first time since 2023 that investor appetite for U.S. hedge funds has weakened. Similar signals have emerged among asset managers. According to a report by the Financial Times, Valerie Baudson, chief executive officer of France-based asset management company Amundi, said the firm has been promoting portfolio diversification for more than a year and advising clients to spread risk geographically. She added that if current U.S. economic policies remain unchanged, the U.S. dollar could face sustained downward pressure. Pension funds have also adjusted their holdings. Data released by Dutch pension fund ABP showed that the market value of its U.S. Treasury holdings fell from nearly 29 billion euros (34.4 billion U.S. dollars) at the end of 2024 to about 19 billion euros by September 2025. Dutch public broadcaster NOS suggested that the scale of the decline could not be explained solely by price movements, implying active reductions in holdings. In January, Sweden's largest private pension fund Alecta announced that it had gradually sold off most of its U.S. Treasury holdings over the past year. Denmark's AkademikerPension also divested approximately 100 million U.S. dollars' worth of American government bonds. Analysts attribute these moves to a reassessment of multiple layers of risk. Elevated U.S. fiscal deficits, ongoing policy adjustments, and geopolitical frictions have created a more complex investment environment. Rather than focusing solely on short-term returns, investors are increasingly weighing structural uncertainties. Katarina Zakic, senior research fellow at the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Serbia, said that external volatility has become an important consideration in portfolio decisions. Meanwhile, Belgrade-based senior financial adviser James Thornley noted that concerns over fiscal sustainability, monetary policy direction, and potential equity market overvaluation are reshaping investment logic, leading some investors to trim holdings of U.S. technology stocks and Treasuries. Recently, the United States has exerted pressure on European countries over Greenland, prompting several European institutions to explore the potential strategic use of U.S. assets in Europe. A trend of adopting safer and more resilient investment strategies is becoming increasingly evident, with investors actively seeking to maintain a prudent distance from dollar assets. Marcus Berret, global managing director of Germany-based international management consulting firm Roland Berger, told Xinhua that European institutions are prioritizing resilience in an uncertain global environment. The actions taken by various central banks, such as increasing their gold holdings, also reflect the market's choices in diversified asset allocation. Jesper Rangvid, professor of finance at Copenhagen Business School, added that even the discussion of reducing dollar exposure can influence expectations and asset pricing dynamics. Current developments suggest that European capital is undergoing a measured rebalancing process. In the short term, investors are hedging against policy-driven volatility; over the longer term, they are reassessing the sustainability of transatlantic financial dependence and broadening allocations to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. (1 euro = 1.19 U.S. dollar) Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust (NYSEARCA:FXA Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 93,143 shares, a growth of 331.3% from the January 15th total of 21,597 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 53,129 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Currently, 6.4% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 6.4% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 53,129 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Price Performance NYSEARCA FXA traded down $0.05 during trading on Friday, hitting $70.13. The companys stock had a trading volume of 15,631 shares, compared to its average volume of 33,463. Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust has a fifty-two week low of $58.90 and a fifty-two week high of $70.71. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $67.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $65.55. Get Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust alerts: Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 6th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd were given a dividend of $0.0549 per share. This is a boost from Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trusts previous monthly dividend of $0.05. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 2nd. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Haven Private LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust by 1.8% in the third quarter. Haven Private LLC now owns 9,447 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $619,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust in the second quarter valued at $33,000. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust by 147.0% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 877 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $57,000 after buying an additional 522 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust by 246.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 865 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 615 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $83,000. (Get Free Report) Guggenheim CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust, formerly The CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust, is a grantor trust. The Trust issues shares (the Shares) in blocks of 50,000 (a Basket) in exchange for deposits of Australian Dollars and distributes Australian Dollars in connection with the redemption of Baskets. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the price of Australian Dollars plus accrued interest, if any, less the expenses of the Trusts operations. The Shares are intended to offer investors an opportunity to participate in the market for the Australian Dollar through an investment in securities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:IQI Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 42,861 shares, a decline of 55.9% from the January 15th total of 97,191 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 134,134 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Based on an average trading volume of 134,134 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are sold short. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Price Performance Shares of IQI stock traded up $0.08 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $10.34. The companys stock had a trading volume of 211,330 shares, compared to its average volume of 133,576. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust has a one year low of $8.86 and a one year high of $10.41. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $10.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.86. Get Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust alerts: Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $0.0631 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 7.3%. Insider Buying and Selling at Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust news, Portfolio Manager Jack Connelly sold 3,900 shares of Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.02, for a total value of $39,078.00. Following the transaction, the portfolio manager directly owned 5,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at $55,110. The trade was a 41.49% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 46.6% in the 3rd quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 845,114 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,324,000 after purchasing an additional 268,480 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its stake in Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 144.1% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 311,786 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,919,000 after buying an additional 184,049 shares in the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 105.0% in the third quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 239,865 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,363,000 after buying an additional 122,849 shares during the period. Alpine Global Management LLC bought a new stake in Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $1,108,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its position in Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 1,353,664 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $12,697,000 after acquiring an additional 92,863 shares in the last quarter. About Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust (Get Free Report) Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: IQI) is a closed-end management investment company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, the funds primary objective is to provide investors with a high level of current income that is exempt from federal income taxes. To achieve this, the trust invests predominantly in investment-grade municipal securities issued by U.S. states, municipalities, and their agencies. The portfolio holds a diversified blend of municipal bonds, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and other tax-exempt obligations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (NYSEARCA:JPXN Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 84,331 shares, an increase of 740.0% from the January 15th total of 10,039 shares. Currently, 6.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 51,608 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 51,608 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.6 days. Currently, 6.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF Price Performance JPXN traded down $0.61 during trading on Thursday, reaching $100.39. 52,410 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 40,376. The company has a market capitalization of $135.53 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.59 and a beta of 0.65. iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF has a 1 year low of $64.67 and a 1 year high of $101.21. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $90.04 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $87.00. Get iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Jane Street Group LLC increased its holdings in iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 32.8% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 91,084 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,647,000 after acquiring an additional 22,488 shares in the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC grew its position in shares of iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 2.9% in the second quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 75,254 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,029,000 after purchasing an additional 2,130 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $162,000. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in shares of iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 13,277 shares of the companys stock worth $1,064,000 after purchasing an additional 467 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 329.9% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 331 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 254 shares during the last quarter. About iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF iShares Japan Large-Cap ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P/TOPIX 150 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P/TOPIX 150 (the Index). The Index is comprised of approximately 70% of the market value of the Japanese equity market. Components primarily include consumer discretionary, financial and industrials companies. The Fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Index. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (NYSEARCA:EWA Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $28.88 and last traded at $28.83, with a volume of 4265629 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.23. iShares MSCI Australia ETF Stock Down 0.7% The stocks 50-day moving average price is $26.91 and its 200 day moving average price is $26.75. The company has a market cap of $1.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.89 and a beta of 1.04. Get iShares MSCI Australia ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Australia ETF A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Comerica Bank raised its position in iShares MSCI Australia ETF by 21.7% in the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 3,627 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $85,000 after purchasing an additional 646 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Australia ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $42,000. TD Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Australia ETF by 6.4% in the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 109,113 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,872,000 after purchasing an additional 6,559 shares during the period. Lunt Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Australia ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $201,000. Finally, Mutual Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Australia ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,169,000. 59.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. iShares MSCI Australia ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Australia ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of publicly traded securities in the Australian market, as represented by the MSCI Australia Index (the Index). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Australian equity market. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Australia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Australia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA (OTCMKTS:JRONY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 9,152 shares, a drop of 41.4% from the January 15th total of 15,615 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 32,280 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 32,280 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Jeronimo Martins SGPS Stock Up 1.2% Shares of OTCMKTS JRONY traded up $0.59 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $50.62. 4,958 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,222. Jeronimo Martins SGPS has a 52-week low of $41.09 and a 52-week high of $54.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.93 billion, a PE ratio of 22.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.58. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $47.82 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $48.67. Get Jeronimo Martins SGPS alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Kepler Capital Markets raised Jeronimo Martins SGPS from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy. About Jeronimo Martins SGPS (Get Free Report) Jeronimo Martins SGPS is a Portugal-based corporate group engaged primarily in food distribution and retail. Through its flagship Pingo Doce banner in Portugal, the company operates a network of full-service supermarkets and convenience outlets offering fresh produce, grocery items, and private-label products. In addition, its cash-and-carry arm, Recheio, supplies wholesale and hospitality professionals with a broad range of food and non-food goods. Beyond its home market, Jeronimo Martins has established a significant presence in Poland under the discount supermarket brand Biedronka. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Jeronimo Martins SGPS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jeronimo Martins SGPS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KBC Group SA (OTCMKTS:KBCSY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,666 shares, a growth of 378.7% from the January 15th total of 348 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 32,882 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 32,882 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. KBC Group Price Performance Shares of KBCSY stock opened at $68.78 on Friday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $67.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $62.01. KBC Group has a 1-year low of $38.90 and a 1-year high of $73.12. The firm has a market cap of $57.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.73, a PEG ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 0.54. Get KBC Group alerts: KBC Group (OTCMKTS:KBCSY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $1.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by $0.02. KBC Group had a net margin of 15.91% and a return on equity of 13.96%. Analysts expect that KBC Group will post 4.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Barclays downgraded KBC Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of KBC Group in a report on Monday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of KBC Group in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of KBC Group in a report on Monday, November 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold. Get Our Latest Analysis on KBCSY About KBC Group (Get Free Report) KBC Group is a Belgian bank-insurance group headquartered in Brussels that combines retail and commercial banking with life and non-life insurance, asset management, leasing and related financial services. The company operates an integrated bank-insurance model designed to serve both individual consumers and corporate clients, offering deposit accounts, lending and mortgage products, payment and treasury services, pension and protection insurance, investment solutions and wealth management. The groups banking activities include retail and private banking, corporate and commercial banking, and specialized finance such as leasing and factoring. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for KBC Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBC Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Killam Apartment REIT (OTCMKTS:KMMPF Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Buy from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating. Several research firms have weighed in on KMMPF. Raymond James Financial lowered shares of Killam Apartment REIT from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Killam Apartment REIT in a research report on Friday. Finally, TD Securities reiterated a buy rating on shares of Killam Apartment REIT in a report on Friday. Get Killam Apartment REIT alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on KMMPF Killam Apartment REIT Stock Performance Killam Apartment REIT Company Profile Shares of KMMPF stock traded down $0.05 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $12.37. The company had a trading volume of 2,432 shares, compared to its average volume of 33,666. Killam Apartment REIT has a 1-year low of $11.36 and a 1-year high of $14.48. The company has a 50 day moving average of $12.39 and a 200 day moving average of $12.56. (Get Free Report) Killam Apartment REIT (OTCMKTS: KMMPF) is a Canadian real estate investment trust that acquires, owns and manages a diversified portfolio of residential rental properties. Listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol KMP.UN and trading in the United States on the OTC Market, the trust focuses on the long-term ownership of multi-unit residential assets. Its business model combines property management expertise with a disciplined approach to acquisitions and development, aiming to deliver stable rental income and capital growth. The REITs portfolio spans Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, with a concentration of properties in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Killam Apartment REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Killam Apartment REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Koninklijke KPN NV (OTCMKTS:KKPNY Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $5.43 and last traded at $5.43, with a volume of 240006 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.3350. Koninklijke KPN Trading Down 0.5% The firms fifty day simple moving average is $4.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.69. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.82. Get Koninklijke KPN alerts: About Koninklijke KPN (Get Free Report) Koninklijke KPN N.V. (KPN) is a Dutch telecommunications and information-communications-technology (ICT) company that provides a broad range of connectivity and digital services. Its core activities include fixed-line and mobile telephony, broadband internet, and television services for residential customers, alongside managed network, cloud, security and unified communications solutions for business and public-sector clients. KPN operates and maintains network infrastructure such as fiber and mobile networks, data centers, and platforms for Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity services. The companys primary market is the Netherlands, where it serves households, small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporates and government organizations. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Koninklijke KPN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Koninklijke KPN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lanvin Group Holdings Limited (NYSE:LANV Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 24,298 shares, an increase of 117.7% from the January 15th total of 11,162 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 30,862 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 30,862 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of Lanvin Group in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Sell. Get Lanvin Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on LANV Lanvin Group Price Performance Lanvin Group Company Profile Shares of NYSE LANV traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $1.51. The company had a trading volume of 65,433 shares, compared to its average volume of 63,785. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $1.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.00. Lanvin Group has a one year low of $1.03 and a one year high of $2.69. (Get Free Report) Lanvin Group (NYSE:LANV) is a global luxury fashion company centered on the heritage French brand Lanvin. The group designs, manufactures and distributes a broad range of upscale apparel, leather goods, footwear, accessories and fragrances. Its product portfolio spans womenswear, menswear and unisex items, complemented by seasonal collections and signature handbag lines. Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin in Paris, Lanvin holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continually operating French couture houses. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lanvin Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lanvin Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lennox International, Inc. (NYSE:LII Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $527.44 and traded as high as $575.50. Lennox International shares last traded at $558.0340, with a volume of 883,211 shares. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth LII has been the topic of several recent research reports. UBS Group started coverage on Lennox International in a research report on Monday, January 5th. They set a neutral rating and a $530.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Lennox International from $475.00 to $450.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. KeyCorp reiterated a sector weight rating on shares of Lennox International in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Northcoast Research upgraded shares of Lennox International from a sell rating to a neutral rating and set a $525.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Lennox International from $650.00 to $565.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Lennox International currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $593.00. Get Lennox International alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Lennox International Lennox International Price Performance The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $510.10 and its 200-day simple moving average is $527.44. The firm has a market cap of $19.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 1.60. Lennox International (NYSE:LII Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The construction company reported $4.45 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.76 by ($0.31). Lennox International had a return on equity of 80.23% and a net margin of 15.13%.The company had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.27 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $5.60 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. Lennox International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 23.500-25.000 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Lennox International, Inc. will post 22.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. Lennox International Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Lennox Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 23.38%. Insider Activity In related news, Director Todd J. Teske sold 700 shares of Lennox International stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $533.45, for a total transaction of $373,415.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 6,881 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,670,669.45. The trade was a 9.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Chris Kosel sold 254 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $536.50, for a total value of $136,271.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 1,090 shares in the company, valued at approximately $584,785. This represents a 18.90% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 9.73% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. New York State Teachers Retirement System boosted its holdings in Lennox International by 0.3% in the second quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 31,831 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $18,247,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares during the last quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lennox International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $508,000. Whittier Trust Co. boosted its stake in shares of Lennox International by 125.0% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 81 shares of the construction companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. grew its holdings in Lennox International by 4.4% during the second quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 65,592 shares of the construction companys stock worth $37,600,000 after acquiring an additional 2,777 shares during the period. Finally, AG2R LA Mondiale Gestion D Actifs raised its position in Lennox International by 4.4% during the second quarter. AG2R LA Mondiale Gestion D Actifs now owns 2,568 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,472,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.07% of the companys stock. About Lennox International (Get Free Report) Lennox International Inc is a global manufacturer of climate control products and services, principally serving residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) markets. The company designs, engineers and produces a range of products including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, packaged rooftop units and related controls and indoor air quality equipment. Lennox also supplies aftermarket parts and accessories and supports its product lines with technical service, training and warranty programs for dealer and distribution partners. Originally founded in 1895 by Dave Lennox, the company has grown from its early roots into a multinational business with operations concentrated in North America and a presence in other international markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lennox International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennox International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BERLIN, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Departures resumed at Germany's Cologne Bonn Airport on Friday after a brief suspension caused by a security incident. Around 6:30 a.m. (0530 GMT) in the morning, operations were halted and the security checkpoints were closed after the incident, police said. An airport spokesman said that departures were disrupted for around two and a half hours. Around 12 flights were affected and delayed, with no cancellations reported. An initial investigation revealed that a bag undergoing security checks had been handed to its owner despite being flagged for extra screening, police said. According to police, it was unclear whether a new security process introduced the previous day had contributed to the error. Lenovo Group (OTCMKTS:LNVGY Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The technology company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.22, Zacks reports. Lenovo Group had a return on equity of 28.15% and a net margin of 2.17%.The firm had revenue of $22.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.65 billion. Lenovo Group Price Performance Shares of LNVGY traded up $0.75 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $23.71. The company had a trading volume of 23,762 shares, compared to its average volume of 159,384. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The company has a market capitalization of $15.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.72, a P/E/G ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 0.66. Lenovo Group has a twelve month low of $17.84 and a twelve month high of $35.09. The companys 50-day moving average is $23.69 and its 200-day moving average is $26.77. Get Lenovo Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Lenovo Group from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Zacks Research raised shares of Lenovo Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold. Lenovo Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lenovo Group is a multinational technology company known primarily for the design, manufacture and sale of personal computers, servers, storage and smart devices. Its product portfolio spans consumer and commercial PCs (notable brands include ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Yoga and Legion), workstations, enterprise-class ThinkSystem servers and storage, as well as tablets, smartphones (notably through its Motorola Mobility acquisition), smart home devices and related software. Lenovo also provides IT services and solutions, including systems integration, managed services and lifecycle support for enterprise customers. The company traces its origins to 1984 when it was founded in Beijing as Legend by Liu Chuanzhi; it later adopted the Lenovo name and expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lenovo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lenovo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Longbow Finance SA bought a new position in Cencora, Inc. (NYSE:COR Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 33,767 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,553,000. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in Cencora by 13.0% during the third quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 48,270 shares of the companys stock worth $15,086,000 after acquiring an additional 5,543 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Cencora by 947.5% in the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 257,082 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,069,000 after purchasing an additional 232,539 shares in the last quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd raised its stake in shares of Cencora by 133.0% during the 3rd quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd now owns 56,293 shares of the companys stock worth $17,342,000 after purchasing an additional 32,138 shares in the last quarter. Segment Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Cencora during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $4,830,000. Finally, Synergy Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cencora in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $10,093,000. 97.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Cencora alerts: Cencora Trading Down 3.8% Shares of COR stock opened at $351.91 on Friday. Cencora, Inc. has a 12-month low of $237.71 and a 12-month high of $377.54. The company has a market capitalization of $68.27 billion, a PE ratio of 42.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.68. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $347.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $327.83. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.62. Cencora Announces Dividend Cencora ( NYSE:COR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $4.08 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.04 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $85.93 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $86.12 billion. Cencora had a return on equity of 176.54% and a net margin of 0.50%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.73 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Cencora, Inc. will post 15.37 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Cencoras dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.85%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on COR shares. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Cencora from $340.00 to $380.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Cencora from $380.00 to $415.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Cencora in a research note on Monday, December 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $400.00 price objective on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Cencora from $417.00 to $419.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised Cencora from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Cencora presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $396.92. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Cencora Insider Transactions at Cencora In other Cencora news, EVP Elizabeth S. Campbell sold 3,351 shares of Cencora stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $342.10, for a total value of $1,146,377.10. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 23,891 shares in the company, valued at $8,173,111.10. The trade was a 12.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Robert P. Mauch sold 5,096 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $354.73, for a total transaction of $1,807,704.08. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 66,726 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,669,713.98. This represents a 7.10% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 20,316 shares of company stock valued at $7,151,265. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Cencora Profile (Free Report) Cencora (NYSE:COR) is a global healthcare services and pharmaceutical distribution company that provides end-to-end solutions across the pharmaceutical supply chain. The companys core activities include wholesale drug distribution, specialty drug distribution, and the operation of specialty pharmacies, complemented by logistics, cold-chain management and other fulfillment services designed to support complex and temperature-sensitive therapies. Beyond physical distribution, Cencora offers a range of commercial and patient-focused services for pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cencora, Inc. (NYSE:COR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Cencora Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cencora and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi Estate Co. (OTCMKTS:MITEY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $32.82, but opened at $30.88. Mitsubishi Estate shares last traded at $31.82, with a volume of 9,835 shares. Mitsubishi Estate Stock Performance The firm has a fifty day moving average of $25.56 and a 200 day moving average of $23.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 2.09 and a quick ratio of 1.45. The stock has a market cap of $38.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.01 and a beta of 0.10. Get Mitsubishi Estate alerts: Mitsubishi Estate (OTCMKTS:MITEY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 9th. The company reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.31. Mitsubishi Estate had a return on equity of 5.55% and a net margin of 13.66%.The firm had revenue of $3 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.04 billion. Mitsubishi Estate has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.180-1.180 EPS. Mitsubishi Estate Company Profile Mitsubishi Estate Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: MITEY) is one of Japans largest real estate developers and a core company within the Mitsubishi corporate group. Headquartered in Tokyo, the firm is best known for large-scale urban development and property leasing, including landmark office districts and mixed-use complexes in central Tokyo. Its businesses span the full real estate value chain, from land acquisition and project development to leasing, sales, property and facility management, and real estate investment management. The companys commercial activities cover office buildings, retail and commercial facilities, residential housing, hotels and resorts, and logistics properties. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Estate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Estate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mullen Group (TSE:MTL) used its year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call to focus almost entirely on investor questions, with Chair, Senior Executive Officer and President Murray K. Mullen saying there was nothing new to add beyond what the company had already released about 2025 results and disclosures. Mullen described 2025 as challenging, citing a lack of growth across all four segments that pressured pricing, while management leaned on cost controls at the business-unit level and completed two acquisitions at the corporate level that helped deliver record revenues. Get alerts: Management reiterates 2025 backdrop and points to M&A as a key lever Mullen said the companys business units had no choice but to tighten up, framing the response as a way to mitigate downward market pressures. He added that the company completed two acquisitions during the year, and argued that acquisitions can be an important tool when underlying economic growth is limited. Capacity and pricing: Canada remains loose, U.S. shows tighter conditions Looking ahead, Mullen tied the prospect of record earnings to an eventual rebound in the economy and a stronger environment for Canada-U.S. commerce, as well as what he described as nation-building commitments translating into capital work. He did not provide additional financial detail during prepared remarks, instead moving directly to Q&A. In response to a question about whether industry capacity is tightening, Mullen cautioned that January is really difficult to use as a read-through because of post-holiday spending patterns and weather disruptions in Eastern Canada. He said the company had not yet seen evidence in Canada that capacity had tightened in a meaningful way, and suggested March would be a more telling period for gauging demand recovery. By contrast, Mullen said conditions in the U.S. appeared different. He told analysts that capacity is tightening in the U.S. and demand fundamentals are stronger there, adding that the company had heard evidence of quite a significant change in U.S. spot market pricing, though he noted that contract pricing had not yet shifted. He said he had not seen similar spot-price changes in Canada. Asked about customer expectations for 2026 pricing in Canada, Mullen said there was still a lack of clarity and likened the situation to a deer in the headlights scenario. He said the company was not getting clear signals from customers and that everybodys just sitting and waiting. While he noted more optimism in discussions with peers and customers that conditions could change, he said the current Canadian market remained pretty loose. Why capacity may tighten faster in the U.S. than Canada Scotiabanks Konark Gupta asked what might be preventing faster capacity tightening in Canada. Mullen said the U.S. market has seen more bankruptcies and consolidation, describing the U.S. system as more driven by survival dynamics. He also pointed to regulatory measures in the U.S., such as the English proficiency test, which he said Canada is not likely to adopt in the same way. Mullen emphasized that higher rates require tighter capacity, and he expressed skepticism that government actions in Canada would be the primary driver of that tightening. Still, he said capacity will tighten this year, though he could not predict exactly when, adding that conditions were tough as nails for many competitors. 2026 outlook discussion: segment-by-segment assumptions and acquisition timing Gupta also asked how management was thinking about 2026 top-line growth and the split between acquisition-driven growth and market recovery. Mullen reiterated the companys view that acquisitions are often the only viable way to grow when the economy is not growing and capacity has not yet tightened. He said the balance sheet had been positioned to support corporate-level growth and added that the company had already completed a couple of acquisitions in 2026. Senior Financial Officer Carson Urlacher elaborated that the companys guidance framework was really based on same-store sales, and he walked through how management was viewing 2026 versus 2025 across segments: LTL: projected to be relatively flat in 2026 versus 2025. projected to be relatively flat in 2026 versus 2025. Logistics and warehousing: expected to be up, primarily due to the timing of the Cole and Cole Group acquisition. expected to be up, primarily due to the timing of the Cole and Cole Group acquisition. Specialized: expected to show some growth, supported by capital spending late in 2025 within the Envolve Energy group to increase disposal facility capacity, along with expectations for additional turnaround work that producers had pushed off in 2025. expected to show some growth, supported by capital spending late in 2025 within the Envolve Energy group to increase disposal facility capacity, along with expectations for additional turnaround work that producers had pushed off in 2025. Canadian dewatering (within S&I): management expressed a positive view tied to mining projects and related activity. management expressed a positive view tied to mining projects and related activity. U.S. 3PL: expected growth, again linked to the timing of the Cole acquisition. Urlacher also referenced tuck-in activity within fluid management under the companys Thrive group, describing it as aligned with areas where management expects greater drilling activity. Management discussed completing the remaining ownership transaction for Thrive, making Mullen Group the 100% holder of the business. Mullen described Thrive as one of the companys better private investments and said Brian (from the Thrive team) would join the corporate team to lead water and fluid initiatives, a vertical Mullen said it considers investable with strong fundamentals. Mullen contrasted 2025 with 2026 by noting that the company did not do acquisitions in the S&I segment last year, when the segment faced particularly difficult conditions, but had already completed two S&I acquisitions in 2026. He said acquisitions backfill revenue and position the company for stronger results when the market turns and capital activity accelerates. Next update planned for April In closing remarks, Mullen said management is 100% focused on executing in 2026 and plans to provide an update in April on first-quarter performance and expectations for the rest of the year. About Mullen Group (TSE:MTL) Mullen Group is a public company with a long history of acquiring companies in the transportation and logistics industries. Today, we have one of the largest portfolios of logistics companies in North America, providing a wide range of transportation, warehousing and distribution services through a network of independently operated businesses. Service offerings include less-than-truckload, customs brokerage, truckload, warehousing, logistics, transload, oversized, third-party logistics and specialized hauling transportation. Recommended Stories NASB Financial Inc. (OTCMKTS:NASB Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 103 shares, a drop of 49.3% from the January 15th total of 203 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,847 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,847 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. NASB Financial Price Performance OTCMKTS:NASB traded down $0.58 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $39.07. The stock had a trading volume of 400 shares, compared to its average volume of 797. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $37.25 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $35.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $282.48 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.69 and a beta of 0.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.37. NASB Financial has a one year low of $30.68 and a one year high of $39.65. Get NASB Financial alerts: NASB Financial (OTCMKTS:NASB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The financial services provider reported $1.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $22.85 million during the quarter. NASB Financial had a return on equity of 6.84% and a net margin of 16.14%. NASB Financial Company Profile NASB Financial, Inc is the bank holding company for North American Savings Bank, F.S.B., a federal savings bank headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Through its subsidiary operations, NASB Financial offers a full suite of banking and financial services to individual and business clients. The companys core activities include accepting deposits, making consumer and commercial loans, and originating mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market. In addition to traditional deposit and lending services, NASB Financial provides mortgage banking solutions, including retail mortgage origination, correspondent lending, and loan servicing. See Also Receive News & Ratings for NASB Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NASB Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at CIBC World Markets from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a C$189.00 price objective on the financial services providers stock, up from their previous price objective of C$179.00. CIBC World Markets target price would indicate a potential upside of 8.42% from the stocks previous close. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce raised their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$174.00 to C$179.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$170.00 to C$180.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Desjardins upped their price target on National Bank of Canada from C$180.00 to C$182.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Raymond James Financial increased their price target on National Bank of Canada from C$168.00 to C$173.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their price objective on National Bank of Canada from C$184.00 to C$188.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, National Bank of Canada presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$169.69. Get National Bank of Canada alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on NA National Bank of Canada Stock Performance Shares of TSE:NA traded up C$2.08 during trading on Friday, reaching C$174.33. The stock had a trading volume of 685,532 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,484,611. National Bank of Canada has a 1-year low of C$106.67 and a 1-year high of C$177.54. The stock has a market cap of C$68.04 billion, a PE ratio of 17.31, a PEG ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$170.95 and a 200-day moving average price of C$159.15. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported C$2.82 EPS for the quarter. National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 15.43% and a net margin of 19.69%.The firm had revenue of C$3.70 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts expect that National Bank of Canada will post 10.8360791 earnings per share for the current year. About National Bank of Canada (Get Free Report) National Bank of Canada is the sixth-largest Canadian bank. The bank offers integrated financial services, primarily in the province of Quebec as well as the city of Toronto. Operational segments include personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and a financial markets group. See Also Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New South Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 158,238 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $10,028,000. New South Capital Management Inc. owned approximately 0.54% of Century Communities at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. boosted its stake in Century Communities by 26.6% during the second quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 1,341,781 shares of the construction companys stock worth $75,569,000 after acquiring an additional 282,133 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. increased its position in Century Communities by 32.2% during the 2nd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,044,604 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $58,832,000 after buying an additional 254,186 shares in the last quarter. Voss Capital LP raised its stake in Century Communities by 280.0% during the second quarter. Voss Capital LP now owns 285,000 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $16,051,000 after buying an additional 210,000 shares during the last quarter. M&G PLC bought a new stake in Century Communities in the second quarter worth $11,000,000. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Century Communities by 139.1% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 171,721 shares of the construction companys stock worth $9,671,000 after acquiring an additional 99,890 shares during the last quarter. 99.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Century Communities alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Citizens Jmp started coverage on Century Communities in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. They issued a market outperform rating and a $92.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Century Communities from $56.00 to $49.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 2nd. B. Riley Financial restated a buy rating on shares of Century Communities in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Zacks Research cut Century Communities from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Citigroup began coverage on Century Communities in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $74.75. Century Communities Stock Performance CCS opened at $72.22 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $64.04 and its 200 day moving average is $63.08. The company has a market cap of $2.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.86 and a beta of 1.58. Century Communities, Inc. has a 12-month low of $50.42 and a 12-month high of $75.64. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. Century Communities (NYSE:CCS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The construction company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $1.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.04 billion. Century Communities had a return on equity of 6.87% and a net margin of 3.58%.Century Communitiess revenue was down 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.54 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Century Communities, Inc. will post 11.07 EPS for the current year. Century Communities Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a dividend of $0.32 per share. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. This is a positive change from Century Communitiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. Century Communitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.87%. About Century Communities (Free Report) Century Communities, Inc is a national homebuilder and land developer headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development, construction and sale of single- and multi-family residential homes, offering a range of floor plans and design options to homebuyers. In addition to its core homebuilding activities, Century Communities provides ancillary services such as mortgage financing, title and closing services, and insurance products through its wholly owned subsidiaries, aiming to deliver a comprehensive homebuying experience. Founded in 2009, Century Communities rapidly expanded through both organic growth and strategic land acquisitions, positioning itself in high-growth markets across the United States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Century Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Century Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nippon Paint (OTCMKTS:NPCPF Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Friday. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Nippon Paint had a return on equity of 10.44% and a net margin of 9.46%. Nippon Paint Trading Down 5.3% OTCMKTS NPCPF traded down $0.19 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $3.29. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,190 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,223. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.00 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.77. Nippon Paint has a 52-week low of $6.13 and a 52-week high of $8.12. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $3.69 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.88. Get Nippon Paint alerts: Nippon Paint Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nippon Paint Holdings Co, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of paints and coatings, with roots tracing back to its founding in 1881 in Osaka, Japan. The company develops, produces, and markets a broad portfolio of decorative paints for residential and commercial applications, as well as high-performance industrial coatings tailored to automotive, marine, aerospace, protective, and general industrial markets. Its product lines include emulsions, primers, topcoats, powder coatings, and specialty formulations designed to meet stringent performance and environmental standards. Through a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and strategic alliances, Nippon Paint serves customers across Asia, Europe, North America, and other emerging markets. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nippon Paint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nippon Paint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) shares were up 3% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $68.19 and last traded at $65.8260. Approximately 6,052,633 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 54% from the average daily volume of 13,017,869 shares. The stock had previously closed at $63.92. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently issued reports on OKLO. Texas Capital upgraded Oklo to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Bank of America raised Oklo from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $111.00 to $127.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Wedbush restated an outperform rating on shares of Oklo in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, UBS Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $103.20. Get Oklo alerts: Get Our Latest Report on OKLO Oklo Stock Up 3.0% The companys fifty day moving average price is $85.08 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $96.64. The company has a market cap of $10.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -121.90 and a beta of 0.76. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by ($0.07). During the same quarter last year, the company earned ($0.08) EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Oklo Inc. will post -8.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Oklo In related news, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 60,000 shares of Oklo stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.45, for a total value of $4,467,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 748,197 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $55,703,266.65. This trade represents a 7.42% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Richard Craig Bealmear sold 9,726 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.93, for a total value of $748,221.18. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 196,913 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,148,517.09. This trade represents a 4.71% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 1,762,526 shares of company stock worth $153,283,847. Corporate insiders own 18.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Caprock Group LLC acquired a new stake in Oklo during the 3rd quarter worth about $14,829,000. Black Swift Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Oklo during the 2nd quarter valued at about $280,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its stake in Oklo by 48.8% during the third quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 164,860 shares of the companys stock worth $18,403,000 after purchasing an additional 54,080 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Inc increased its holdings in Oklo by 10.0% in the second quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 51,435 shares of the companys stock worth $2,880,000 after purchasing an additional 4,678 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Oklo in the second quarter valued at approximately $738,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.03% of the companys stock. Oklo Company Profile (Get Free Report) Oklo, Inc is a California-based energy technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced nuclear microreactors. Headquartered in Fremont, the firm focuses on small modular reactor (SMR) technology that leverages fast-neutron fission and liquid-metal cooling to deliver carbon-free power. Oklos core objective is to bring compact, factory-built reactors online within a decade, offering a low-footprint alternative to traditional large nuclear plants. The companys flagship product, the Aurora microreactor, is a 1.5-megawatt electric (MWe) fast reactor cooled by a sodium alloy. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Oklo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oklo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oneview Healthcare (ASX:ONE) reported full-year 2025 results (year ended December 2025) and outlined product, commercial, and cost initiatives during its earnings call, with management highlighting accelerating deployment activity, continued U.S. focus, and a growing role for AI in product development and operations. Get alerts: Financial performance and margins CFO Darragh Lyons said the company posted a 21% increase in revenue in 2025 versus 2024. Management attributed the growth to an increase in non-recurring revenue and 7% growth in annual recurring revenue, supported by the addition of 18 new logos over the past few years. Lyons noted that currency headwindsparticularly a weaker U.S. dollarnegatively affected reported growth, with the U.S. generating nearly 80% of revenue. On a constant-currency basis, he said year-over-year growth was Gross margin declined by 3 percentage points to 64%, which Lyons said was driven by revenue mix, as non-recurring revenue carries lower margins than recurring revenue. In Q&A, Lyons said he expects gross margin to hold around current levels in 2026, describing expectations as mid- to low-60s. Operating EBITDA loss improved, with Lyons reporting an 8% reduction to EUR 8.1 million, which he attributed to higher revenue while cash operating expenses remained consistent with 2024. Cost actions and liquidity Management emphasized a reduction in operating expenses in the second half following a restructuring executed in May 2025 and additional efficiencies. Lyons said H2 2025 cash OpEx was 9% lower than H1 2025 and 13% lower than H2 2024. In response to a webcast question on the run-rate impact of overhead cost reductions, Lyons said OpEx declined from just under EUR 8.4 million in H1 2025 to just over EUR 7.63 million in H2 2025more than EUR 700,000 in savingsequating to roughly EUR 1.4 million annualized. He added the company expects H2 2025 OpEx levels to hold into H1 2026 while further efficiencies are implemented, with more benefit anticipated in H2 2026 and into 2027. On the balance sheet, Lyons reported cash of EUR 4.6 million at December 31, 2025, with the year-over-year decline broadly in line with the operating EBITDA loss. He also pointed to inventory of EUR 2.9 million, largely proprietary hardware, which he said could help insulate the company from potential pricing or tariff volatility and support planned 2026 deployments. Deployments, endpoints, and expansion strategy Lyons said the company ended 2025 with 14,800 live endpoints. Net deployment growth was impacted by the decommissioning of about 900 endpoints at an Australian customer due to budget constraints, though he noted new endpoint additions are generating more than double the revenue per endpoint compared with the decommissioned units. He also cited a 31% acceleration in deployment activity during H2 2025 versus H1 2025, attributing the change to improvements in deployment efficiency and momentum from recent logo additions. Looking ahead, Lyons said the companys target is an endpoint base of just under 18,000 by the end of 2026, representing roughly a 20% increase, supported by an ability to turn on endpoints at new customers within a 90-day window. CEO James Fitter said the companys land and expand approach has become more powerful with three products added to the portfolio in the last 15 months: Digital Whiteboard, Digital Door Sign, and MyStay Mobile. He said these offerings provide the ability to nearly double revenue with existing customers, describing this as nearly 100% revenue growth potential within installed bases. Fitter also discussed the companys shift from focusing on beds to focusing on endpoints, defining endpoints as any revenue-generating data point in the room, including TVs, tablets, whiteboards, and door signs. He said that across the 18 logos added in the past three years, the company sees approximately 46,000 endpoints as a target opportunity, and in recent contracts the company is averaging around 2.5 endpoints per room. During Q&A, Chief Product Officer Niall ONeill said Oneview previously disclosed revenue per endpoint of about EUR 1.50 per day at the half-year and said it remained solid in the second half. He added that revenue per endpoint will depend on the mix of products deployed over time. ONeill also referenced a 92% upsell opportunity from adding additional endpoints to previously won beds, particularly among legacy customers that signed before newer products were available. Partnership momentum and product roadmap, including AI Fitter highlighted the addition of Michael Dowling to the board effective December 2, describing him as the CEO for the past 23 years of a large New York health system and emphasizing his experience in U.S. healthcare operations and reimbursement. In Q&A, Fitter said Northwell is not a current customer, though it has been in the sales pipeline, and cautioned investors not to assume the board appointment would directly lead to a win. Fitter also emphasized the companys partnership with Baxter (via Baxters Hill-Rom acquisition), describing Baxter as a major supplier of smart beds, nurse call systems, and infusion pumps. He said the partnership has produced over 156 qualified opportunities in the pipeline and noted completed integrations into the Voalte nurse call platform, plus upcoming engagement at Baxters national sales conference. ONeill detailed Oneviews product development initiatives, including a redesigned software development lifecycle using AI with a goal of velocity with quality. He said the company is on its third iteration leveraging agentic AI, with maturity targets for key phases such as requirements definition, build, and test. ONeill said a new staff-facing product, OVI Console, is expected to go from concept to pilot in 2026 using a single high agency engineer leveraging AI, and he cited internal survey data showing the share of engineers reporting more than 15% daily time savings increased from 58% to 76% over two quarters. He also outlined a new user interface for MyStayTV and MyStayTablet designed to improve accessibility, support demographic-specific layouts, and enable a broader digital care assistant concept called Ovie. ONeill described Ovie as aimed at reducing non-clinical interruptions for nurses by routing requests to appropriate teams, delivering reminders and prompts to patients, enabling voice-based control of room functions, and providing operational visibility for staff and leaders. The company described an Ovie ecosystem consisting of four products: Ovie Engage , a context-aware home screen widget launching at the ViVE show and expected to go live with customers in the coming months; , a context-aware home screen widget launching at the ViVE show and expected to go live with customers in the coming months; Ovie Voice , a natural-language voice assistant integrated with MyStay TV and Tablet, expected to enter pilot in 2026; , a natural-language voice assistant integrated with MyStay TV and Tablet, expected to enter pilot in 2026; Ovie Console , a staff-facing real-time visibility tool to be previewed at ViVE with pilots planned in the coming months; , a staff-facing real-time visibility tool to be previewed at ViVE with pilots planned in the coming months; Ovie Rounds, a smart rounding tool in prototype, planned for delivery in 2027 subject to customer validation. Fitter said Oneview was the first ASX-listed company to be ISO 42001 certified for AI management systems, emphasizing governance, privacy, and trust in healthcare settings. He also announced the appointment of Dr. Greg Jackson as AI transformation lead, stating Jackson identified 54 projects to automate or change business processes and was tasked with initiating work across functions including HR, finance, project management, and software development. Looking ahead, management cited improved U.S. hospital profitability and capital availability, growth opportunities through expansion within recent customer wins, and expected ongoing OpEx reductions. Fitter also flagged risks including regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. potentially delaying capital spending, and noted that conversion of the Baxter pipeline is outside the companys control. About Oneview Healthcare (ASX:ONE) Oneview Healthcare PLC develops and sells software and related consultancy services for the healthcare sector in Ireland, the United States, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. The company operates Care Experience Platform (CXP) Cloud Start that allows customers to implement critical digital engagement capabilities across their entire enterprise; CXP Cloud Enterprise and CXP Enterprise On-Prem that meets enterprise needs across various types of facilities from new construction to existing hospitals with legacy wiring, as well as provides automated device management, system integrations, and data analytics services. Recommended Stories Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Feb. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Argentine counterpart, Pablo Quirno, on Friday pledged to solidify the comprehensive strategic partnership and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. During their meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in 2024 and said China is ready to fully implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state to improve the well-being of the two peoples. The two sides should remain committed to the right direction of bilateral relations, he said, calling for enhanced friendly exchanges at all levels and firm support for each other on issues concerning core interests. He emphasized the resilience of bilateral ties between China and Argentina over the past 54 years since diplomatic relations were established, noting that the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, and the relationship has weathered international changes with vitality. Noting that China and Argentina are economically complementary with a solid foundation for practical cooperation, Wang proposed deepening collaboration in economy and trade, technology, finance, and mining, and welcomed Argentina to utilize platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the Canton Fair to bring more quality products to the Chinese market. He also expressed hope that Argentina would provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises, and welcomed Argentine citizens to take advantage of the visa-free policy for trips to explore China. "China's development and growth represent a reinforcement of peace and stability in the world," Wang said. "We never engage in geopolitical contests, nor do we ask other countries to take sides. China-Argentina cooperation is not targeted at any third party, nor should it be disrupted by any third-party factors." For his part, Quirno said Argentina and China are each other's major trading partners and enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership, stating that Argentina has benefited significantly from cooperation with China. He also conveyed gratitude for China's valuable support on the sovereignty issue of the Malvinas Islands and for its assistance during Argentina's economic difficulties. Quirno reaffirmed Argentina's firm commitment to the one-China principle. The Argentine foreign minister expressed hope for closer exchanges with China and deeper cooperation in trade, energy, mining, and finance. He welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Argentina. Poste Italiane S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:PITAF Get Free Report)s share price rose 2.3% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $27.61 and last traded at $27.61. Approximately 102 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 39% from the average daily volume of 167 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.00. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Poste Italiane in a research report on Monday, November 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Poste Italiane currently has an average rating of Buy. Get Poste Italiane alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PITAF Poste Italiane Price Performance About Poste Italiane The stocks fifty day moving average is $24.94 and its 200-day moving average is $23.28. (Get Free Report) Poste Italiane S.p.A., established in 1862, serves as Italys primary postal and logistics operator and acts as a key provider of financial and insurance services. Majority owned by the Italian government and publicly listed since 2015, the company leverages a long-standing network of branches and delivery centers to facilitate mail, parcel and express courier services across Italy and through international partnerships. The companys operations are organized into several segments. Postal and logistics services encompass mail delivery, parcel shipping, warehouse and supply chain management. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Poste Italiane Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Poste Italiane and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Principal Active High Yield ETF (NYSEARCA:YLD Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 111,074 shares, an increase of 489.6% from the January 15th total of 18,839 shares. Currently, 0.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 134,535 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.8 days. Based on an average trading volume of 134,535 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.8 days. Currently, 0.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Principal Active High Yield ETF Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in shares of Principal Active High Yield ETF by 102.9% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 240,680 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,585,000 after acquiring an additional 122,046 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC grew its position in Principal Active High Yield ETF by 373.7% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 120,189 shares of the companys stock worth $2,290,000 after purchasing an additional 94,819 shares in the last quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC raised its stake in Principal Active High Yield ETF by 36.4% during the 2nd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 20,708 shares of the companys stock valued at $401,000 after purchasing an additional 5,527 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE lifted its holdings in shares of Principal Active High Yield ETF by 151.4% in the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 271,307 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,255,000 after purchasing an additional 163,383 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. boosted its position in shares of Principal Active High Yield ETF by 65.7% in the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 201,350 shares of the companys stock worth $3,900,000 after buying an additional 79,853 shares during the period. Get Principal Active High Yield ETF alerts: Principal Active High Yield ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:YLD traded down $0.03 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $19.16. 138,643 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 198,181. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $19.10 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $19.18. Principal Active High Yield ETF has a 52 week low of $17.88 and a 52 week high of $19.48. Principal Active High Yield ETF Cuts Dividend Principal Active High Yield ETF Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 4th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were given a dividend of $0.1159 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 2nd. (Get Free Report) The Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in target outcome asset allocation. The fund is an actively managed fund that provides current income through exposure to global equities, investment-grade and high-yield debt, MBS\u002FABS, preferred stock, MLPs, and REITs. YLD was launched on Jul 9, 2015 and is managed by Principal. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Principal Active High Yield ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Principal Active High Yield ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Principal Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF (NYSEARCA:EWI Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund purchased 197,105 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $10,240,000. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF during the third quarter valued at about $6,724,000. Global Assets Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $378,000. Brueske Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 4.3% in the 3rd quarter. Brueske Advisory Services LLC now owns 21,022 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,092,000 after acquiring an additional 867 shares during the period. Benjamin Edwards Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 12.2% in the 3rd quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 27,031 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,404,000 after acquiring an additional 2,936 shares during the period. Finally, Moran Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 0.4% in the third quarter. Moran Wealth Management LLC now owns 218,777 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $11,365,000 after acquiring an additional 823 shares in the last quarter. 37.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares MSCI Italy ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Italy ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:EWI opened at $56.52 on Friday. iShares MSCI Italy ETF has a 12 month low of $36.20 and a 12 month high of $57.72. The stock has a market cap of $729.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.30 and a beta of 1.01. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $54.99 and its 200 day moving average price is $52.64. iShares MSCI Italy ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Italy Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Italy Capped Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Italy 25/50 Index (Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Milan Stock Exchange. The Underlying Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no single issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Underlying Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Underlying Index weight. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Italy ETF (NYSEARCA:EWI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Italy ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Italy ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Principal Financial Group Inc. lowered its position in shares of A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS Free Report) by 8.4% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 140,731 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 12,886 shares during the quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc.s holdings in A. O. Smith were worth $10,331,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its holdings in shares of A. O. Smith by 44,400.0% during the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 445 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 444 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P purchased a new position in A. O. Smith during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Evelyn Partners Investment Management LLP lifted its stake in A. O. Smith by 988.9% during the 2nd quarter. Evelyn Partners Investment Management LLP now owns 490 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 445 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of A. O. Smith in the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Quent Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of A. O. Smith in the third quarter worth $37,000. 76.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get A. O. Smith alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on AOS. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of A. O. Smith in a research report on Wednesday, December 24th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $75.00 price objective on A. O. Smith and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $69.00 target price on A. O. Smith and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Thursday. DA Davidson reissued a neutral rating and set a $75.00 target price on shares of A. O. Smith in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded A. O. Smith from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, October 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, A. O. Smith presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $77.00. A. O. Smith Stock Down 0.6% AOS stock opened at $79.71 on Friday. A. O. Smith Corporation has a 52 week low of $58.83 and a 52 week high of $81.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $71.05 and a 200-day simple moving average of $70.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.65, a P/E/G ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 1.36. A. O. Smith (NYSE:AOS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.06. A. O. Smith had a return on equity of 29.51% and a net margin of 14.26%.The company had revenue of $912.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $928.97 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.85 EPS. A. O. Smiths revenue was up .0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that A. O. Smith Corporation will post 3.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A. O. Smith Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be paid a $0.36 dividend. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. A. O. Smiths dividend payout ratio is currently 37.31%. About A. O. Smith (Free Report) A. O. Smith Corporation, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer of water heating and water treatment products for residential and commercial applications. Since its founding in 1874, the company has built a reputation for producing reliable, energy-efficient water heaters, boilers and pressure vessels. Its product portfolio encompasses gas, electric, condensing and tankless water heaters, as well as specialty boilers designed to meet a variety of building and industrial needs. The company operates through two primary segments: North America and Asia. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AOS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for A. O. Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A. O. Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShare Advisors LLC lessened its holdings in United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE:UCB Free Report) by 10.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 209,885 shares of the companys stock after selling 25,031 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC owned about 0.17% of United Community Banks worth $6,580,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Savant Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of United Community Banks by 1.6% in the third quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 28,317 shares of the companys stock worth $888,000 after purchasing an additional 453 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its position in United Community Banks by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 26,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $840,000 after buying an additional 507 shares during the last quarter. Amalgamated Bank lifted its stake in United Community Banks by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 34,550 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,029,000 after acquiring an additional 534 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in United Community Banks by 14.8% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,080 shares of the companys stock worth $159,000 after acquiring an additional 656 shares during the last quarter. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd grew its stake in shares of United Community Banks by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 9,871 shares of the companys stock worth $294,000 after acquiring an additional 675 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.29% of the companys stock. Get United Community Banks alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research raised shares of United Community Banks from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. DA Davidson lifted their target price on shares of United Community Banks from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on United Community Banks from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Hovde Group downgraded United Community Banks from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $38.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of United Community Banks in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $38.00. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CAO Alan H. Kumler sold 12,043 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.36, for a total value of $425,840.48. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 21,096 shares in the company, valued at approximately $745,954.56. The trade was a 36.34% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.43% of the companys stock. United Community Banks Trading Down 1.2% NYSE:UCB opened at $34.54 on Friday. United Community Banks, Inc. has a 12 month low of $22.93 and a 12 month high of $36.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The firms 50 day moving average is $33.28 and its 200 day moving average is $31.84. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.20 billion, a PE ratio of 13.23 and a beta of 0.84. United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $278.39 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $273.80 million. United Community Banks had a return on equity of 9.49% and a net margin of 21.35%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.61 earnings per share. United Community Banks declared that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Monday, December 8th that allows the company to repurchase $100.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to purchase up to 2.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. United Community Banks Company Profile (Free Report) United Community Banks, Inc (NYSE: UCB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia. It operates primarily through its subsidiary, United Community Bank, providing a broad range of banking and financial services to individual, business and governmental customers. The companys core offerings include deposit accounts, commercial and consumer lending, mortgage origination, treasury and cash management services, and wealth management. In addition to traditional banking products such as checking, savings and money market accounts, United Community Bank specializes in commercial real estate financing, small business administration (SBA) loans, equipment financing and agricultural lending. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UCB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE:UCB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for United Community Banks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Community Banks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prospera Financial Services Inc increased its holdings in Jabil, Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report) by 355.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 14,027 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,946 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Incs holdings in Jabil were worth $3,046,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Jabil in the 2nd quarter worth about $323,338,000. Boston Partners grew its position in Jabil by 224.4% in the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,898,681 shares of the technology companys stock worth $414,119,000 after acquiring an additional 1,313,338 shares in the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its stake in Jabil by 107.2% during the third quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 1,319,675 shares of the technology companys stock worth $286,594,000 after acquiring an additional 682,899 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH increased its stake in Jabil by 180.1% during the third quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 758,326 shares of the technology companys stock worth $164,686,000 after acquiring an additional 487,595 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi lifted its stake in shares of Jabil by 103.2% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 453,620 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $100,654,000 after purchasing an additional 230,422 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.39% of the companys stock. Get Jabil alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth JBL has been the topic of several analyst reports. Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating on shares of Jabil in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Jabil from $267.00 to $283.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Bank of America set a $265.00 target price on shares of Jabil in a report on Thursday, December 18th. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Jabil from $239.00 to $244.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Jabil from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 7th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $264.14. Insider Buying and Selling at Jabil In related news, Chairman Mark T. Mondello sold 17,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $250.00, for a total value of $4,300,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman directly owned 1,111,459 shares of the companys stock, valued at $277,864,750. This represents a 1.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael Dastoor sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $246.91, for a total transaction of $3,703,650.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 262,566 shares in the company, valued at $64,830,171.06. This trade represents a 5.40% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 181,529 shares of company stock worth $42,145,485 over the last quarter. Insiders own 1.35% of the companys stock. Jabil Trading Down 3.8% NYSE JBL opened at $251.29 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $26.54 billion, a PE ratio of 39.08, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 1.24. Jabil, Inc. has a 12 month low of $108.66 and a 12 month high of $269.17. The companys 50-day moving average price is $236.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $220.54. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77. Jabil (NYSE:JBL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 17th. The technology company reported $2.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.70 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.07 billion. Jabil had a net margin of 2.26% and a return on equity of 75.96%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 18.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.00 EPS. Jabil has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.550-11.550 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 2.270-2.670 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Jabil, Inc. will post 8.05 earnings per share for the current year. Jabil Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Jabils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4.98%. Jabil Profile (Free Report) Jabil Inc (NYSE: JBL) is a global manufacturing solutions provider specializing in electronic manufacturing services (EMS) and diversified products across a wide range of industries. The company partners with original equipment manufacturers to deliver design engineering, supply chain management, precision manufacturing, and aftermarket services. Jabils expertise spans sectors such as healthcare, automotive, clean technology, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and packaging, enabling it to support both high-volume production and complex, mission-critical applications. Founded in 1966 by William E. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JBL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jabil, Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jabil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jabil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its holdings in General Motors Company (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) by 20.5% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 43,769 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after purchasing an additional 7,447 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Incs holdings in General Motors were worth $2,669,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Hemington Wealth Management boosted its position in shares of General Motors by 14.5% in the 3rd quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 1,219 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $74,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares during the last quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC lifted its stake in General Motors by 3.3% in the third quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC now owns 5,131 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $313,000 after buying an additional 163 shares during the period. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in General Motors by 3.4% during the third quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,222 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $318,000 after buying an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Unison Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of General Motors by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 68,272 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $4,163,000 after buying an additional 196 shares during the period. Finally, Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of General Motors by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,163 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $254,000 after acquiring an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.67% of the companys stock. Get General Motors alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes GM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of General Motors from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, January 4th. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and set a $105.00 price target (up from $98.00) on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Barclays set a $110.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. HSBC raised their price objective on General Motors from $48.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $100.00 price target on shares of General Motors in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $89.52. General Motors News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week: Positive Sentiment: DZ Bank upgraded GM to Buy and set a $98 price target, signaling meaningful upside vs. current levels and supporting investor appetite for the stock. DZ Bank upgrade DZ Bank upgraded GM to Buy and set a $98 price target, signaling meaningful upside vs. current levels and supporting investor appetite for the stock. Positive Sentiment: Reports indicate Honda may owe GM compensation tied to weak Honda EV sales under their commercial arrangements a potential onetime gain or recurring adjustment that would help GMs EV economics. Honda compensation story Reports indicate Honda may owe GM compensation tied to weak Honda EV sales under their commercial arrangements a potential onetime gain or recurring adjustment that would help GMs EV economics. Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised several medium to longrange estimates (FY2026/FY2027 and some Q2Q3 projections), implying better earnings power ahead a supportive signal for mediumterm valuation. (Zacks maintains a Hold rating.) Zacks Research raised several medium to longrange estimates (FY2026/FY2027 and some Q2Q3 projections), implying better earnings power ahead a supportive signal for mediumterm valuation. (Zacks maintains a Hold rating.) Neutral Sentiment: Coverage of GMs strategic split with Allison discusses potential changes to GMs heavyduty truck strategy strategic implications exist but timing/financial impact are unclear. Allison split Coverage of GMs strategic split with Allison discusses potential changes to GMs heavyduty truck strategy strategic implications exist but timing/financial impact are unclear. Neutral Sentiment: Reporting on internal debates over the nextgeneration Chevrolet Camaro highlights product/branding decisions that could affect margins and allocation of R&D/capex, but no immediate financial readthrough. Camaro story Reporting on internal debates over the nextgeneration Chevrolet Camaro highlights product/branding decisions that could affect margins and allocation of R&D/capex, but no immediate financial readthrough. Neutral Sentiment: GM issued a service fix for ticking noises on Silverado/Colorado/Traverse engines reduces customer complaints and potential reputational damage, though it may result in warranty costs. Engine ticking fix GM issued a service fix for ticking noises on Silverado/Colorado/Traverse engines reduces customer complaints and potential reputational damage, though it may result in warranty costs. Negative Sentiment: MSN reports on a recall/campaign for GMs 6.2liter V8 that includes a change to thicker engine oil to address wear a reminder of recall and warranty expense risk that can pressure nearterm margins and investor sentiment. 6.2L V8 recall MSN reports on a recall/campaign for GMs 6.2liter V8 that includes a change to thicker engine oil to address wear a reminder of recall and warranty expense risk that can pressure nearterm margins and investor sentiment. Negative Sentiment: Zacks trimmed several nearterm EPS forecasts (Q1 2026, Q4 2026, Q1/Q2 2027) small downgrades that could temper expectations for the next few quarters even as Zacks raised some longerterm estimates. (Zacks remains at Hold.) General Motors Price Performance Shares of NYSE GM opened at $79.84 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $81.82 and a 200 day moving average price of $68.73. The firm has a market cap of $72.17 billion, a PE ratio of 26.53, a PEG ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. General Motors Company has a 1-year low of $41.60 and a 1-year high of $87.62. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The auto manufacturer reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.26 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $45.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $45.81 billion. General Motors had a return on equity of 14.72% and a net margin of 1.46%.The companys quarterly revenue was down 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.92 earnings per share. General Motors has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. Research analysts predict that General Motors Company will post 11.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Motors Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. This is an increase from General Motorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. General Motorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 19.93%. General Motors declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Tuesday, January 27th that allows the company to buyback $6.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the auto manufacturer to reacquire up to 8.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. General Motors Company Profile (Free Report) General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that designs, builds and sells cars, trucks, crossovers and electric vehicles, and provides related parts and services. Founded in 1908, GM has long been one of the worlds largest automakers and has evolved into a multi-brand company whose primary marques include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Buick. Beyond vehicle manufacturing, GMs operations encompass vehicle financing, connected services and advanced mobility initiatives. GM develops and markets a broad portfolio of products and technologies, including internal-combustion and battery-electric vehicles, vehicle components and on-board connectivity services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Motors Company (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U). Receive News & Ratings for General Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (NYSE:WFG Free Report) Stock analysts at Scotiabank issued their Q1 2026 earnings per share estimates for shares of West Fraser Timber in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, February 12th. Scotiabank analyst B. Isaacson forecasts that the company will post earnings of ($1.07) per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for West Fraser Timbers current full-year earnings is $4.45 per share. Get West Fraser Timber alerts: WFG has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on West Fraser Timber from $91.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce lowered shares of West Fraser Timber from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. TD Securities dropped their target price on shares of West Fraser Timber from $90.00 to $88.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Raymond James Financial upgraded shares of West Fraser Timber from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating and set a $75.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of West Fraser Timber in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $87.00. West Fraser Timber Trading Down 1.7% NYSE WFG opened at $73.44 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $5.58 billion, a P/E ratio of -6.03 and a beta of 1.12. West Fraser Timber has a fifty-two week low of $57.34 and a fifty-two week high of $84.02. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.05 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $67.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a current ratio of 2.39. Hedge Funds Weigh In On West Fraser Timber A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of West Fraser Timber by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 230,878 shares of the companys stock worth $17,764,000 after purchasing an additional 6,640 shares in the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in West Fraser Timber during the second quarter valued at $27,000. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC boosted its holdings in West Fraser Timber by 27.8% in the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 3,674 shares of the companys stock worth $269,000 after acquiring an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. MGO One Seven LLC boosted its holdings in West Fraser Timber by 2.6% in the second quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 8,868 shares of the companys stock worth $650,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of West Fraser Timber by 2.0% in the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 178,884 shares of the companys stock worth $13,092,000 after acquiring an additional 3,507 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 40.23% of the companys stock. West Fraser Timber Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.32 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. West Fraser Timbers payout ratio is presently -38.21%. Key West Fraser Timber News Here are the key news stories impacting West Fraser Timber this week: Positive Sentiment: Company beat EPS expectations for Q4 reported ($2.42) vs consensus ($2.71), which relieved some earnings concerns and can support the share price. Press Release / Financials Company beat EPS expectations for Q4 reported ($2.42) vs consensus ($2.71), which relieved some earnings concerns and can support the share price. Positive Sentiment: Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per share (annualized yield ~1.7%), which may support investor sentiment and income-oriented demand ahead of the exdividend date. Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per share (annualized yield ~1.7%), which may support investor sentiment and income-oriented demand ahead of the exdividend date. Neutral Sentiment: Managements earnings-call commentary emphasized strategic investments and capital allocation priorities useful context for medium-term margin improvement but not an immediate catalyst. Earnings Call Highlights Full Transcript Managements earnings-call commentary emphasized strategic investments and capital allocation priorities useful context for medium-term margin improvement but not an immediate catalyst. Neutral Sentiment: Company completed its Form 40F filing with the SEC, a routine compliance step that reduces regulatory uncertainty but is not a financial catalyst. Form 40-F Filing Company completed its Form 40F filing with the SEC, a routine compliance step that reduces regulatory uncertainty but is not a financial catalyst. Neutral Sentiment: Q4 results press release and slide deck are available for deeper review of segment performance and capital spending plans. Analysts will parse these for forward guidance updates. Q4 Results Release Q4 results press release and slide deck are available for deeper review of segment performance and capital spending plans. Analysts will parse these for forward guidance updates. Negative Sentiment: Revenue slightly missed estimates (~$1.17B vs ~$1.18B) and the company reported negative net margin and negative ROE, underscoring margin pressure and weak industry demand clear reasons for downward pressure on the stock. Detailed Financials About West Fraser Timber (Get Free Report) West Fraser Timber Co Ltd. (NYSE: WFG) is a leading North American diversified wood products company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company operates a broad portfolio of manufacturing facilities that produce lumber, engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood, as well as medium density fibreboard (MDF), particleboard, pulp and paper. West Frasers integrated production model spans harvesting, milling and finishing, allowing it to serve a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial construction markets. Founded in 1955 as West Fraser Mills, the company has grown through both organic investment and strategic acquisitions to become one of the largest lumber producers in the world. See Also Receive News & Ratings for West Fraser Timber Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Fraser Timber and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QuantumScape (NYSE:QS) used its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings call to highlight progress on its solid-state battery commercialization roadmap, emphasizing the rollout of its Cobra manufacturing process, pilot-line buildout for QSE-5 cells, and expansion of its partner and customer base. Management also provided 2026 guidance for adjusted EBITDA loss and capital spending while reiterating a capital-light licensing strategy. Get alerts: 2025 milestones: Cobra baseline, customer expansion, and first billings CEO Dr. Siva Sivaram said the company set aggressive goals at the start of 2025 and reported it achieved all four: baselining the Cobra process, shipping Cobra-based QSE-5 cells, installing equipment for the Eagle Line, and expanding commercial engagements. Sivaram said QuantumScape integrated its breakthrough Cobra process into its cell production baseline in June. He described Cobra as enabling gigawatt-hour scale production and supporting the companys development-and-licensing business model. On the commercial front, management said QuantumScape expanded its collaboration and licensing agreement with PowerCo, Volkswagen Groups battery manufacturer, and added two major global automotive OEMs through new joint development and technology evaluation agreements. Sivaram also noted the company issued its first customer billings in 2025. The company also added partners to its manufacturing ecosystem, naming Murata Manufacturing and Corning as ceramic production experts brought into its network during 2025. QuantumScape held its second annual Solid-State Battery Symposium in Kyoto, which Sivaram said convened ecosystem partners, automotive OEM customers, and government officials. QSE-5 sampling and the Eagle Lines role in commercialization Management pointed to multiple 2025 technology milestones tied to QSE-5. Sivaram said Cobra-based QSE-5 cells were shipped to the Volkswagen Group, and he referenced a September demonstration in which the Ducati V21L race bike powered by QSE-5 cells appeared at IAA Mobility in Munich, describing it as the world debut of the technology in a real-world electric vehicle. A key focus of the call was QuantumScapes pilot cell production line, the Eagle Line. The company held an inauguration event on February 4, 2026, with attendance from customers, partners, and government officials. Sivaram said the Eagle Line incorporates the Cobra process and is intended as a blueprint for production of QSE-5 technology. In Q&A, Sivaram said QuantumScape moved from a stable but more manual cell-making process used to support the Munich demonstration to a much more highly automated line better aligned with Cobras productivity. He said the company designed, built, installed, qualified, and baselined the Eagle Line equipment over roughly 10 months. Sivaram emphasized that success on the Eagle Line will be measured through pilot-production metrics such as uptime, yields, reliability, quality, cycle time, and cost, with the goal of demonstrating a scalable, transferrable manufacturing blueprint for licensing partners. 2026 priorities: scale, automotive commercialization, new markets, and beyond QSE-5 Sivaram outlined four goals for 2026: Demonstrate scalable production on the Eagle Line through improving cell output efficiency, while producing QSE-5 cells for sampling, testing, and demonstrations. through improving cell output efficiency, while producing QSE-5 cells for sampling, testing, and demonstrations. Advance automotive commercialization by moving customers through QuantumScapes development and licensing model, tailoring product solutions for vehicle programs and supporting field testing and industrialization strategies. by moving customers through QuantumScapes development and licensing model, tailoring product solutions for vehicle programs and supporting field testing and industrialization strategies. Expand into new high-value markets beyond automotive, which management said could include applications such as data centers, robotics, aviation, and defense. beyond automotive, which management said could include applications such as data centers, robotics, aviation, and defense. Go beyond QSE-5 with continued performance improvements and roadmap progress, even as the company ramps its current platform. Management said automotive remains the companys core focus, but described its solid-state lithium-metal design as having characteristics that could be valuable in other markets, including safety and performance across a wide temperature range, and the ability to combine high power and high energy density. Sivaram and CFO Kevin Hettrich also cited the architectures ability to work with different cathode chemistries as a source of versatility. When asked about cell size and customer form factors, Sivaram said QSE-5 has a specific aspect ratio, with about 5.6 Ah and about 21 Wh per cell, and acknowledged that Volkswagens Unified Cell is a larger form factor. He said the Eagle Line is intended to serve as an adaptable baseline so the company can adjust dimensions and formats for different customer needs. Addressing concerns about reports of Volkswagen funding reductions, Sivaram said QuantumScapes work with PowerCo was continuing on unchanged, adding that the scope of work agreed in July remained intact. Management also reiterated that the company is engaging additional customers and recently added two global automotive OEMs. Financial results, 2026 guidance, and liquidity Hettrich reported that fourth-quarter 2025 GAAP operating expenses were $110.5 million and GAAP net loss was $100.1 million. For full-year 2025, GAAP operating expenses were $472.6 million and GAAP net loss was $435.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $63.3 million in Q4 and $252.3 million for full-year 2025, which management said was within guidance. Hettrich said the company achieved an approximately 10% year-over-year improvement in adjusted EBITDA loss, narrowing from $285 million to about $252 million, attributing the change to cost-effectiveness efforts including value engineering on the Eagle Line and optimizing the companys real estate footprint. For 2026, QuantumScape guided to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $250 million to $275 million. Capital expenditures were $12.3 million in Q4 and $36.3 million for full-year 2025. For 2026, the company expects CapEx of $40 million to $60 million, with Hettrich saying the bulk is planned for the goal of going beyond QSE-5. He added that spending related to market expansion and customer-specific work is expected to be more incremental, such as cathode choices or form factor adjustments. Customer billings for full-year 2025 were $19.5 million, and Hettrich said the company received $19.5 million in cash during the quarter related to those billings. Management cautioned that billings can be lumpy quarter to quarter and are not a substitute for U.S. GAAP revenue. Hettrich also noted that due to related-party accounting requirements, the cash from 2025 customer billings was reported directly to shareholders equity once certain requirements were met. QuantumScape ended 2025 with $970.8 million in liquidity, and Hettrich said the company intends to remain prudent with its balance sheet. Separately, management said it would continue to drive efficiency through value engineering, higher equipment uptime and throughput, and improvements in yield and reliability, and said it is well along in deploying machine learning and AI tools to accelerate development cycles and improve engineering productivity. Hettrich added that the company expects customer billings in 2026 to increase relative to 2025 as engagements deepen and expand. In closing remarks, Sivaram thanked employees and shareholders and noted that Professor Dr. Fritz Prinz, a QuantumScape co-founder, is retiring from the companys board after more than 15 years of service. About QuantumScape (NYSE:QS) QuantumScape Corporation is a development-stage company specializing in the research and commercialization of next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles. The companys core technology replaces the traditional liquid electrolyte with a solid ceramic separator, aiming to deliver higher energy density, faster charging times and enhanced safety compared to conventional lithium-ion cells. QuantumScapes product roadmap focuses on enabling electric vehicle manufacturers to extend driving range and reduce charging downtime, addressing key barriers to widespread EV adoption. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Jose, California, QuantumScape has attracted significant strategic investment and formed partnerships with leading automotive OEMs. See Also M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) has recently received a number of price target changes and ratings updates: 2/9/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $217.00 to $244.50. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 2/4/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $217.00 to $230.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/31/2026 M&T Bank was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating. 1/23/2026 M&T Bank was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating. 1/20/2026 M&T Bank was given a new $230.00 price target on by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation. 1/20/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $230.00 to $231.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/16/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from $250.00 to $255.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/16/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald from $228.00 to $238.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/16/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Piper Sandler from $225.00 to $235.00. 1/16/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $210.00 to $220.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/7/2026 M&T Bank had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at TD Cowen. 1/7/2026 M&T Bank was downgraded by analysts at Wolfe Research from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating. 1/7/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at TD Cowen from $245.00 to $250.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/7/2026 M&T Bank had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Bank of America Corporation. They now have a $225.00 price target on the stock. 1/6/2026 M&T Bank had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.. They now have a $230.00 price target on the stock. 1/6/2026 M&T Bank was downgraded by analysts at Evercore Inc from an outperform rating to a hold rating. They now have a $225.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $210.00. 1/5/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $220.00 to $236.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 1/5/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $185.00 to $205.00. They now have an underweight rating on the stock. 1/2/2026 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $215.00 to $225.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 12/29/2025 M&T Bank had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/22/2025 M&T Bank had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/19/2025 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from $235.00 to $250.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/18/2025 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Robert W. Baird from $225.00 to $230.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 12/17/2025 M&T Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $220.00 to $230.00. They now have a market perform rating on the stock. 12/15/2025 M&T Bank had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. M&T Bank Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. M&T Banks payout ratio is presently 35.19%. Get M&T Bank Corporation alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Kirk W. Walters sold 909 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $227.37, for a total transaction of $206,679.33. Following the sale, the director owned 5,976 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,358,763.12. This trade represents a 13.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Robert E. Sadler, Jr. sold 6,000 shares of M&T Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.06, for a total transaction of $1,140,360.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 17,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,244,324.20. The trade was a 26.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 52,105 shares of company stock worth $11,488,231 in the last 90 days. 0.53% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. M&T Bank Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York, that provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses and institutions. The company operates a commercial and retail banking franchise that includes deposit-taking, lending, and payment services delivered through branch networks, digital channels and commercial banking teams. M&T serves customers across the northeastern and midAtlantic United States and has expanded its geographic footprint through strategic acquisitions. Its core businesses include commercial banking for middlemarket and community businesses, consumer and retail banking, mortgage origination and servicing, treasury and cash management, and wealth management and trust services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for M&T Bank Corporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M&T Bank Corporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OSLO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Four Danish F-35 fighter jets on Friday officially joined NATO's "Arctic Sentry" activity, marking Denmark's first contribution to this initiative aimed at bolstering the alliance's presence in the Arctic region. The deployment, which local media said engages four fighter jets, will see the advanced stealth fighters conduct scheduled training exercises with Swedish Gripen fighter jets, according to a statement from the Danish Ministry of Defence. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen expressed satisfaction with the launch of the activity, noting that it was initiated at Denmark's request. "The first Danish contribution to the activity shows that we are ready to deliver concretely and operationally to NATO in the Arctic," he said. He added that the F-35 contribution strengthens the overall presence in the region and underscores Denmark's role as an active ally in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The "Arctic Sentry" framework is designed to demonstrate NATO's active surveillance and presence in the northern reaches of the alliance's area of responsibility. It serves as an umbrella for several existing regional initiatives, including "Arctic Shield," a Danish-led exercise for the Home Guard; "Arctic Summer," involving the Sirius Sledge Patrol special operations unit; and "Brilliant Ice," a logistical operation for airborne fuel delivery in Greenland. Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland's minister for foreign affairs and research, welcomed the deployment of the F-35s. "It is a new and strong capability that we have not seen much of in Greenland, but which will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening security and surveillance in our region," she said. Rhumbline Advisers raised its stake in shares of Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL Free Report) by 3.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 467,935 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 14,789 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.19% of Xylem worth $69,020,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Xylem by 8.2% during the third quarter. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,873 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $276,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft bought a new position in Xylem during the 3rd quarter valued at $465,000. Providence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Xylem by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 50,181 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,402,000 after acquiring an additional 1,164 shares during the last quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of Xylem by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 29,603 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $4,366,000 after acquiring an additional 2,556 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Candriam S.C.A. raised its holdings in shares of Xylem by 11.6% in the third quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 555,602 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $81,951,000 after purchasing an additional 57,559 shares during the last quarter. 87.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Xylem alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts recently weighed in on XYL shares. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Xylem from $166.00 to $156.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $158.00 target price on shares of Xylem in a research report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Xylem in a report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Xylem from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 27th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on Xylem from $178.00 to $175.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $159.75. Xylem Trading Down 0.5% NYSE:XYL opened at $126.19 on Friday. Xylem Inc. has a 12 month low of $100.47 and a 12 month high of $154.27. The company has a current ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The firms 50 day moving average is $138.70 and its 200 day moving average is $142.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.72 billion, a PE ratio of 32.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.17. Xylem (NYSE:XYL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The industrial products company reported $1.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.42. Xylem had a return on equity of 11.11% and a net margin of 10.59%.The business had revenue of $2.40 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.37 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.18 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. Xylem has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.350-5.560 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Xylem Inc. will post 4.65 earnings per share for the current year. Xylem Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 24th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. This is a boost from Xylems previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. Xylems payout ratio is currently 41.13%. Trending Headlines about Xylem Here are the key news stories impacting Xylem this week: Xylem Company Profile (Free Report) Xylem Inc (NYSE: XYL) is a global water technology company that designs, manufactures and services engineered systems and equipment for the transport, treatment, testing and efficient use of water. Its product portfolio spans pumps and pumping systems, valves, filtration and disinfection equipment, sensors and analytical instruments, and digital solutions for monitoring and control of water infrastructure. Xylem serves the full water cycle with offerings for water and wastewater utilities, industrial customers, commercial and residential buildings, and agricultural applications. The company was established as an independent publicly traded company in 2011 following a corporate spin-off from ITT Corporation and is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Xylem Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xylem and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers lowered its stake in shares of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report) by 1.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,021,784 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after selling 93,721 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers owned about 0.18% of Ford Motor worth $83,980,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Caxton Associates LLP bought a new position in shares of Ford Motor in the first quarter worth $304,000. Empowered Funds LLC grew its stake in Ford Motor by 41.6% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 147,760 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,482,000 after buying an additional 43,385 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. grew its stake in Ford Motor by 3.0% during the second quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 49,358 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $536,000 after buying an additional 1,420 shares in the last quarter. MGO One Seven LLC increased its holdings in Ford Motor by 74.7% in the 2nd quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 91,275 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $990,000 after buying an additional 39,041 shares during the period. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Ford Motor by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 210,791 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $2,287,000 after buying an additional 3,157 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.74% of the companys stock. Get Ford Motor alerts: Key Ford Motor News Here are the key news stories impacting Ford Motor this week: Positive Sentiment: Unusually large options activitytraders bought 297,221 call options (176% above average), signaling shortterm bullish/speculative interest that can amplify intraday upside and volume. Unusually large options activitytraders bought 297,221 call options (176% above average), signaling shortterm bullish/speculative interest that can amplify intraday upside and volume. Positive Sentiment: Ford is expanding into large-scale battery storage for utilities, data centers and businesses, diversifying beyond vehicle EV packs and opening highermargin, recurringrevenue markets. Article Title Ford is expanding into large-scale battery storage for utilities, data centers and businesses, diversifying beyond vehicle EV packs and opening highermargin, recurringrevenue markets. Positive Sentiment: Management told employees companywide bonuses will be set at 130% as initial vehicle quality improvesan operational signal that product quality and execution are trending better, which supports margins and brand strength. Article Title Management told employees companywide bonuses will be set at 130% as initial vehicle quality improvesan operational signal that product quality and execution are trending better, which supports margins and brand strength. Positive Sentiment: Analyst commentary and industry pieces note that Fords renewed focus on hybrids and trucks (higher-margin segments) could be a sensible nearterm strategy versus an allin EV push, supporting a potential profitability recovery. Article Title Analyst commentary and industry pieces note that Fords renewed focus on hybrids and trucks (higher-margin segments) could be a sensible nearterm strategy versus an allin EV push, supporting a potential profitability recovery. Neutral Sentiment: Local policy coverage: a BusinessWire piece details criticism of Ontario government university funding; this mainly affects regional politics and not Fords core fundamentals. Article Title Local policy coverage: a BusinessWire piece details criticism of Ontario government university funding; this mainly affects regional politics and not Fords core fundamentals. Negative Sentiment: Big EVrelated losses continue to weigh on sentimentFord reported large EV writedowns and tariffs that drove an $11.1B quarterly loss (worst since 2008), raising nearterm profitability risk and capital allocation concerns. Article Title Big EVrelated losses continue to weigh on sentimentFord reported large EV writedowns and tariffs that drove an $11.1B quarterly loss (worst since 2008), raising nearterm profitability risk and capital allocation concerns. Negative Sentiment: Fords EV division lost roughly $4.8B last year, and management acknowledged customers weak uptake on certain EV modelsthis underpins continued restructuring/charge risk and questions ROI on past EV investments. Article Title Fords EV division lost roughly $4.8B last year, and management acknowledged customers weak uptake on certain EV modelsthis underpins continued restructuring/charge risk and questions ROI on past EV investments. Negative Sentiment: Analyst stance and price target pressureRBC reaffirmed a sector perform rating with a $12 target (below current levels), signaling some analysts see downside risk. Article Title Analyst stance and price target pressureRBC reaffirmed a sector perform rating with a $12 target (below current levels), signaling some analysts see downside risk. Negative Sentiment: Supply shock from an aluminum supplier fire and outage has already cost Ford an estimated ~$2B hit, adding nearterm production and margin pressure. Article Title Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently issued reports on F shares. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Piper Sandler upgraded Ford Motor from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the stock from $11.00 to $16.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Zacks Research upgraded Ford Motor from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Evercore boosted their price target on Ford Motor from $12.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on Ford Motor from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $13.02. View Our Latest Stock Report on Ford Motor Ford Motor Trading Up 1.0% F opened at $13.99 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.95, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 0.98. Ford Motor Company has a fifty-two week low of $8.44 and a fifty-two week high of $14.50. The companys 50 day moving average price is $13.60 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $12.64. The firm has a market capitalization of $55.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.79, a PEG ratio of 5.83 and a beta of 1.66. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The auto manufacturer reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.06 by $0.07. Ford Motor had a negative net margin of 4.37% and a positive return on equity of 10.16%. The firm had revenue of $45.89 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $41.78 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.39 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current year. Ford Motor Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Ford Motors payout ratio is 51.72%. About Ford Motor (Free Report) Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company became an early pioneer of mass-production techniques with the Model T and the adoption of the moving assembly line. Today, Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad range of vehicles and mobility solutions under the Ford and Lincoln brands, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Fords business activities extend beyond vehicle production to include parts and aftermarket services, fleet and commercial sales, and automotive financing through Ford Motor Credit Company. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) had its target price decreased by stock analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $82.00 to $80.00 in a note issued to investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the restaurant operators stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price target would suggest a potential upside of 21.95% from the companys current price. QSR has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $80.00 price objective on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $86.00 to $82.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday. TD Cowen reduced their target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $74.00 to $72.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Finally, Argus raised shares of Restaurant Brands International from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $85.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $76.62. Get Restaurant Brands International alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on QSR Restaurant Brands International Price Performance Shares of NYSE:QSR traded down $0.75 on Friday, reaching $65.60. 2,174,041 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,965,956. The company has a 50-day moving average of $69.14 and a 200-day moving average of $67.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65. The firm has a market cap of $22.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 0.58. Restaurant Brands International has a 1-year low of $58.71 and a 1-year high of $73.70. Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The restaurant operator reported $0.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.03. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.43% and a net margin of 9.95%.The firm had revenue of $2.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.41 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.81 earnings per share. Restaurant Brands Internationals revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Restaurant Brands International will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other Restaurant Brands International news, CEO Joshua Kobza sold 3,443 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.44, for a total transaction of $232,195.92. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 952,620 shares in the company, valued at $64,244,692.80. This represents a 0.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Thiago T. Santelmo sold 699 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.44, for a total value of $47,140.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 64,088 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,322,094.72. This trade represents a 1.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 145,508 shares of company stock valued at $10,233,040 in the last 90 days. 1.25% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Restaurant Brands International Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in QSR. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. acquired a new position in shares of Restaurant Brands International during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Larson Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 1,922.2% during the 4th quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 364 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 346 shares during the period. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. acquired a new position in Restaurant Brands International during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA purchased a new position in Restaurant Brands International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Restaurant Brands International in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.29% of the companys stock. Restaurant Brands International News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Restaurant Brands International this week: About Restaurant Brands International (Get Free Report) Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE: QSR) is a global quick-service restaurant company formed through the combination of established brands. The companys principal holdings include Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, each of which operates under its own brand identity and menu. Restaurant Brands Internationals business is centered on developing and expanding these franchised restaurant systems, supporting franchisees with brand management, supply chain coordination, and marketing programs. RBIs restaurants offer a range of quick-service food and beverage products: Burger King is known for its flame-grilled hamburgers and sandwiches, Tim Hortons for coffee, baked goods and breakfast items, and Popeyes for Louisiana-style fried chicken and seafood. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be given a dividend of 0.45 per share by the shipping company on Friday, March 20th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. This is a 7.1% increase from Scorpio Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Scorpio Tankers has raised its dividend by an average of 0.3%annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 2 consecutive years. Scorpio Tankers has a payout ratio of 27.9% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Scorpio Tankers to earn $6.30 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.68 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 26.7%. Get Scorpio Tankers alerts: Scorpio Tankers Price Performance NYSE STNG opened at $67.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 4.75 and a current ratio of 4.81. The stock has a market cap of $3.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.48 and a beta of -0.25. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.02 and a 200 day simple moving average of $55.85. Scorpio Tankers has a 52-week low of $30.63 and a 52-week high of $71.48. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Scorpio Tankers ( NYSE:STNG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The shipping company reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.25. Scorpio Tankers had a net margin of 32.01% and a return on equity of 7.42%. The company had revenue of $241.42 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $238.93 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.63 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 23.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Scorpio Tankers will post 5.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. STNG has been the topic of several recent research reports. Zacks Research downgraded Scorpio Tankers from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $70.00 target price on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Evercore set a $80.00 price target on Scorpio Tankers and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Bank of America downgraded shares of Scorpio Tankers from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.83. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on STNG Scorpio Tankers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Scorpio Tankers Inc (NYSE: STNG) is an independent provider of marine transportation services, specializing in the carriage of refined petroleum products. The companys core operations focus on moving clean petroleum cargoessuch as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and naphthaon a global scale. By catering to both spot and time charter markets, Scorpio Tankers enables energy companies, refiners and traders to manage their supply chains with flexibility and reliability. The companys fleet is composed of modern, eco-designed product tankers, including medium range (MR) and long range (LR) vessels. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Scorpio Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scorpio Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Secom (OTCMKTS:SOMLY Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Zacks reports. Secom had a net margin of 8.65% and a return on equity of 7.49%. Secom Stock Performance OTCMKTS:SOMLY traded down $0.11 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $9.92. 41,026 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 131,780. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.61 and a beta of 0.30. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $9.10 and a two-hundred day moving average of $9.05. The company has a current ratio of 2.59, a quick ratio of 2.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Secom has a 12 month low of $8.06 and a 12 month high of $10.31. Get Secom alerts: Secom Company Profile (Get Free Report) Secom Co, Ltd. is a leading provider of security and safety solutions based in Tokyo, Japan. The companys core business centers on integrated security services, including electronic alarm systems, 24-hour monitoring, on-site guard services and emergency response. Secom also develops and installs access control systems, video surveillance equipment and intruder detection technologies designed for residential, commercial and government clients. Founded in 1962, Secom introduced Japans first automated security alarm service and has since expanded its offerings to encompass a broad range of safety-related products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Secom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Secom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF (NYSEARCA:IDVO Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 34,037 shares, a drop of 55.3% from the January 15th total of 76,106 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 508,064 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.2% of the companys stock are short sold. Currently, 0.2% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 508,064 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of IDVO. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. acquired a new stake in Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $128,000. West Michigan Advisors LLC increased its position in Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF by 7.5% in the 2nd quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 19,279 shares of the companys stock valued at $662,000 after acquiring an additional 1,344 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF by 31.4% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 22,231 shares of the companys stock valued at $829,000 after acquiring an additional 5,310 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF by 27.6% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 53,602 shares of the companys stock worth $1,842,000 after acquiring an additional 11,597 shares during the period. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its stake in shares of Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF by 11.7% in the 4th quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 772,182 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,613,000 after purchasing an additional 81,057 shares during the last quarter. Get Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF alerts: Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA IDVO traded down $0.73 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $42.74. The company had a trading volume of 504,494 shares, compared to its average volume of 482,758. The business has a 50 day moving average of $40.32 and a 200-day moving average of $37.93. The company has a market cap of $886.00 million, a PE ratio of 16.90 and a beta of 0.74. Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF has a 1-year low of $27.32 and a 1-year high of $43.62. Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF Increases Dividend Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 29th were paid a $0.215 dividend. This is an increase from Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.19. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 29th. (Get Free Report) The Amplify International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF (IDVO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund is an actively managed ETF that provides current income and capital appreciation by selecting dividend-paying ADRs of stocks from the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, overlaid with a tactical call writing strategy. IDVO was launched on Sep 8, 2022 and is managed by Amplify. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitchells & Butlers Plc (OTCMKTS:MBPFF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 2,976 shares, a decrease of 65.3% from the January 15th total of 8,583 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 14.9 days. Based on an average daily volume of 200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 14.9 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Mitchells & Butlers Price Performance Mitchells & Butlers stock remained flat at $3.41 during trading hours on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $3.43 and its 200-day moving average is $3.44. Mitchells & Butlers has a 52-week low of $2.95 and a 52-week high of $3.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Get Mitchells & Butlers alerts: About Mitchells & Butlers (Get Free Report) Mitchells & Butlers plc is one of the United Kingdoms leading operators of managed pubs, bars and restaurants, trading under a portfolio of well-known brands. The companys venues serve a broad spectrum of customers, from casual diners at family-friendly outlets to guests seeking premium steakhouse and craft bar experiences. Its core business activities encompass site management, menu development, beverage sourcing and hospitality operations across its estate. The companys brand portfolio includes names such as All Bar One, Toby Carvery, Harvester, Miller & Carter, Sizzling Pubs and Vintage Inns, among others. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mitchells & Butlers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitchells & Butlers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SKM Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $30.91 and last traded at $30.8050, with a volume of 3201931 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $29.60. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have weighed in on SKM. Wall Street Zen upgraded SK Telecom from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Daiwa Securities Group downgraded SK Telecom to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of SK Telecom in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of SK Telecom from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, SK Telecom currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get SK Telecom alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on SK Telecom SK Telecom Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $11.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.30, a PEG ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $22.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $21.87. SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, December 12th. The Wireless communications provider reported ($0.29) EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $2.83 billion for the quarter. SK Telecom had a return on equity of 3.29% and a net margin of 2.28%. Equities research analysts forecast that SK Telecom Co., Ltd. will post 2.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its holdings in SK Telecom by 94.2% during the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,336 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 648 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP boosted its stake in shares of SK Telecom by 138.2% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,701 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 987 shares during the period. HM Payson & Co. boosted its stake in shares of SK Telecom by 38.9% during the third quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 1,822 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 510 shares during the period. Wexford Capital LP bought a new position in shares of SK Telecom in the third quarter worth about $39,000. Finally, Matthews International Capital Management LLC increased its stake in SK Telecom by 50.4% in the 4th quarter. Matthews International Capital Management LLC now owns 2,491 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 835 shares during the period. SK Telecom Company Profile (Get Free Report) SK Telecom Co, Ltd. (NYSE:SKM) is South Koreas largest wireless carrier, offering a comprehensive range of mobile telecommunications services. The company operates 5G, 4G LTE and IoT networks, providing voice, data and messaging solutions to consumers and businesses. Beyond traditional wireless services, SK Telecom delivers fixed-line broadband, digital content platforms, cloud computing and cybersecurity offerings designed to support enterprise digital transformation and the growing demand for high-speed connectivity. Established in 1984 as Korea Mobile Telecommunications Services, SK Telecom pioneered cellular service commercialization in South Korea and has continually expanded into new technology areas. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SK Telecom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SK Telecom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF Get Free Report) and CTT Correios de Portugal (OTCMKTS:CTTPY Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, risk, dividends, earnings and institutional ownership. Dividends Synchrony Financial pays an annual dividend of $1.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. CTT Correios de Portugal pays an annual dividend of $0.18 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Synchrony Financial pays out 12.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. CTT Correios de Portugal pays out 22.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Synchrony Financial has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Synchrony Financial is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Get Synchrony Financial alerts: Institutional & Insider Ownership 96.5% of Synchrony Financial shares are held by institutional investors. 0.3% of Synchrony Financial shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings & Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Synchrony Financial $22.60 billion 1.09 $3.55 billion $9.29 7.64 CTT Correios de Portugal $1.20 billion 0.90 $49.28 million $0.82 19.59 This table compares Synchrony Financial and CTT Correios de Portugals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Synchrony Financial has higher revenue and earnings than CTT Correios de Portugal. Synchrony Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than CTT Correios de Portugal, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Synchrony Financial and CTT Correios de Portugal, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Synchrony Financial 0 7 13 1 2.71 CTT Correios de Portugal 0 0 0 0 0.00 Synchrony Financial presently has a consensus target price of $87.11, indicating a potential upside of 22.67%. Given Synchrony Financials stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Synchrony Financial is more favorable than CTT Correios de Portugal. Risk & Volatility Synchrony Financial has a beta of 1.43, meaning that its share price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, CTT Correios de Portugal has a beta of -0.05, meaning that its share price is 105% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Synchrony Financial and CTT Correios de Portugals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Synchrony Financial 15.72% 23.07% 3.01% CTT Correios de Portugal 4.13% 16.54% 0.88% Summary Synchrony Financial beats CTT Correios de Portugal on 17 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Synchrony Financial (Get Free Report) Synchrony Financial, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer financial services company in the United States. It provides credit products, such as credit cards, commercial credit products, and consumer installment loans. The company also offers private label credit cards, dual co-brand and general purpose credit cards, short- and long-term installment loans, and consumer banking products; and deposit products, including certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, money market accounts, and savings accounts, and sweep and affinity deposits, as well as accepts deposits through third-party securities brokerage firms. In addition, it provides debt cancellation products to its credit card customers through online, mobile, and direct mail; and healthcare payments and financing solutions under the CareCredit and Walgreens brands; payments and financing solutions in the apparel, specialty retail, outdoor, music, and luxury industries, such as American Eagle, Dick's Sporting Goods, Guitar Center, Kawasaki, Pandora, Polaris, Suzuki, and Sweetwater. The company offers its credit products through programs established with a group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations, and healthcare service providers; and deposit products through various channels, such as digital and print. It serves digital, health and wellness, retail, home, auto, telecommunications, jewelry, pets, and other industries. The company was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. About CTT Correios de Portugal (Get Free Report) CTT Correios De Portugal, S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides postal and financial services worldwide. It operates through Mail, Express & Parcels, Financial Services & Retail, and Bank segments. The company offers courier and urgent mail transport services; postal financial services; and banking services. It also engages in the business of payments related to collection of invoices and fines. In addition, the company enables the payment of various services and utilities through a network of approximately 5,000 agents covering business outlets as stationery stores, tobacco shops, kiosks, and supermarkets. It operates a retail network of 566 post offices; 1,808 postal agencies; 223 postal delivery offices; 4,576 postal delivery routes; and a fleet of 3,925 vehicles. The company was formerly known as Correio Publico. CTT Correios De Portugal, S.A. was founded in 1520 and is headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal. Receive News & Ratings for Synchrony Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Synchrony Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS (TSE:T Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) had its price target dropped by TD Securities from C$25.00 to C$21.00 in a research note issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the stock. TD Securities price target would suggest a potential upside of 14.13% from the companys current price. A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on T. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of TELUS from C$25.00 to C$20.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of TELUS from an outperform rating to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from C$23.00 to C$19.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. National Bank Financial reduced their target price on shares of TELUS from C$21.50 to C$21.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce upped their price target on shares of TELUS from C$24.00 to C$25.00 in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Natl Bk Canada raised TELUS from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$21.38. Get TELUS alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on T TELUS Trading Down 3.0% T stock traded down C$0.56 on Friday, hitting C$18.40. 12,583,946 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,081,966. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.41, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market capitalization of C$28.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.79. TELUS has a twelve month low of C$17.26 and a twelve month high of C$23.29. The businesss fifty day moving average is C$18.41 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$20.30. TELUS (TSE:T Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported C$0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. TELUS had a net margin of 4.62% and a return on equity of 5.80%. The company had revenue of C$5.23 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts forecast that TELUS will post 1.2267985 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other TELUS news, Director Darren Entwistle acquired 56,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$17.33 per share, for a total transaction of C$973,946.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 1,132,190 shares in the company, valued at C$19,620,852.70. This trade represents a 5.22% increase in their ownership of the stock. Also, Director Hazel Cynthia Claxton bought 3,445 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 24th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$17.46 per share, for a total transaction of C$60,149.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 8,403 shares in the company, valued at C$146,716.38. This represents a 69.48% increase in their ownership of the stock. Insiders have bought 258,245 shares of company stock worth $4,486,022 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock. Key TELUS News Here are the key news stories impacting TELUS this week: Positive Sentiment: TELUS named Victor Dodig, former CIBC CEO, as successor to Darren Entwistle a board move investors may view as bringing fresh financial discipline and a focus on shareholder returns. Article Title TELUS named Victor Dodig, former CIBC CEO, as successor to Darren Entwistle a board move investors may view as bringing fresh financial discipline and a focus on shareholder returns. Positive Sentiment: TELUS declared a quarterly cash dividend of C$0.4184 per share (payable April 1), signaling management commitment to income returns that can support investor confidence despite growth headwinds. Article Title TELUS declared a quarterly cash dividend of C$0.4184 per share (payable April 1), signaling management commitment to income returns that can support investor confidence despite growth headwinds. Neutral Sentiment: TELUS partnered with Photonic Inc. to demonstrate quantum communications over existing network infrastructure a longterm technology milestone that could differentiate the network but is unlikely to drive nearterm revenue. Article Title TELUS partnered with Photonic Inc. to demonstrate quantum communications over existing network infrastructure a longterm technology milestone that could differentiate the network but is unlikely to drive nearterm revenue. Neutral Sentiment: TELUS completed an internal consolidation/amalgamation with its Telus International subsidiary and set an AGM record date corporate housekeeping that reduces complexity but has limited immediate market impact. Article Title TELUS completed an internal consolidation/amalgamation with its Telus International subsidiary and set an AGM record date corporate housekeeping that reduces complexity but has limited immediate market impact. Negative Sentiment: Quarterly results showed EPS of C$0.20 and revenue of C$5.23B, with management citing weakness in mobile equipment sales results that investors read as evidence of slowing growth and pressure on margins. Article Title Quarterly results showed EPS of C$0.20 and revenue of C$5.23B, with management citing weakness in mobile equipment sales results that investors read as evidence of slowing growth and pressure on margins. Negative Sentiment: Competitive tension with Bell over highspeed internet is intensifying in western Canada, raising the prospect of tougher pricing, higher marketing spend and capex to defend market share. Article Title Competitive tension with Bell over highspeed internet is intensifying in western Canada, raising the prospect of tougher pricing, higher marketing spend and capex to defend market share. Negative Sentiment: Telus Health faced a setback as a federally backed eprescribing service it helped build is being shut down after significant spending, creating reputational and potential financial downsides for that division. Article Title About TELUS (Get Free Report) Telus is one of the Big Three wireless service providers in Canada, with its 9 million mobile phone subscribers nationwide constituting about 30% of the total market. It is the incumbent local exchange carrier in the western Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, where it provides internet, television, and landline phone services. It also has a small wireline presence in eastern Quebec. In recent years Telus has moved to bring fiber to the home over most of its wireline footprint as it upgrades its legacy copper network, leaving it able to compete on more equal footing with cable providers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for TELUS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Scientists and conservationists in Russia's Arctic zone will launch a large-scale field research program in 2026 to study how ecosystems recover after long-term industrial impact, local authorities said Friday. Natalia Polikarpova, director of the Pasvik Nature Reserve in the Murmansk Oblast, told TASS news agency in an interview that the project will establish "open-air laboratories" to monitor soil restoration and the recovery of terrestrial ecosystems in areas affected by decades of industrial activity. Researchers will test various ecological restoration methods and track how landscapes regenerate under different environmental conditions. Specialists from the Russian State Geological Prospecting University and the Russian Academy of Sciences will take part in the project, Polikarpova said. "We will study how moisture, terrain and slope orientation affect recovery, and how restoration differs on hilltops, slopes, and in various exposures," Polikarpova said. Alongside soil research, scientists will also observe how wildlife adapts to transformed landscapes, including former industrial zones, abandoned farmland and old logging roads. The project will examine changes in the distribution and behavior of birds and mammals in these modified environments. The initiative is part of the program "Transformed Landscapes of the Arctic" supported by the Presidential Fund for Environmental and Nature Conservation Projects. Covering nearly 15,000 hectares, Pasvik Nature Reserve stretches for about 44 km along the Russian-Norwegian border and forms part of a cross-border conservation area with Norway and Finland. Tele2 (OTCMKTS:TLTZY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $10.86, but opened at $9.99. Tele2 shares last traded at $10.44, with a volume of 1,033 shares changing hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets TLTZY has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. New Street Research raised Tele2 to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Tele2 in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy. Get Tele2 alerts: Read Our Latest Report on TLTZY Tele2 Stock Down 0.7% The company has a market capitalization of $14.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.04 and a beta of 0.45. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $8.64 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $8.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.63. Tele2 (OTCMKTS:TLTZY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $854.77 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $866.14 million. Tele2 had a net margin of 15.40% and a return on equity of 22.04%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Tele2 will post 0.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Tele2 (Get Free Report) Tele2 AB is a European telecommunications company headquartered in Kista, Sweden. Since its founding in 1993, the firm has developed into a full-service provider of voice, data and multimedia solutions for both consumer and business markets. Its core offerings include mobile telephony, fixed and mobile broadband, voice over IP, digital television services and data network solutions, alongside emerging Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine connectivity products. Tele2 operates primarily across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with key markets in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tele2 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tele2 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS Corporation (NYSE:TU Get Free Report) (TSE:T) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, February 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 11th will be given a dividend of 0.4184 per share by the Wireless communications provider on Wednesday, April 1st. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 12.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 11th. TELUS has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 5 consecutive years. TELUS has a payout ratio of 148.8% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities analysts expect TELUS to earn $0.78 per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $1.19 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 152.6%. Get TELUS alerts: TELUS Trading Down 2.1% NYSE TU traded down $0.30 on Thursday, reaching $13.95. The stock had a trading volume of 10,605,230 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,620,084. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $13.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $14.66. TELUS has a 12-month low of $12.54 and a 12-month high of $16.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.35, a P/E/G ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.67. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TELUS ( NYSE:TU Get Free Report ) (TSE:T) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by ($0.03). TELUS had a net margin of 5.71% and a return on equity of 8.76%. The firm had revenue of $3.83 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.85 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.25 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that TELUS will post 0.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several analysts have recently issued reports on TU shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of TELUS in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Natl Bk Canada upgraded shares of TELUS from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of TELUS from $15.00 to $14.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. BMO Capital Markets lowered TELUS from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded TELUS to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, TELUS presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $18.17. Check Out Our Latest Report on TELUS TELUS Company Profile (Get Free Report) TELUS Corporation (NYSE: TU) is a Canadian telecommunications and technology company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. It delivers a broad portfolio of consumer and business communications services across Canada, including mobile wireless, fixed-line voice, broadband internet, and television. TELUS also provides a range of enterprise services such as cloud and IT solutions, managed network services, cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) offerings for business customers. Beyond core connectivity, TELUS has expanded into health and digital services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for TELUS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Temple & Webster Group (ASX:TPW) reported first-half FY26 revenue of AUD 376 million, up 20% year-over-year, as management pointed to accelerating growth since its last trading update and continued progress toward its target of reaching AUD 1 billion in revenue by FY28. Get alerts: On the companys results call, CEO Mark Coulter said growth was partly influenced by natural volatility in the business and partly by the timing of a planned promotional calendar. He added that the performance lifted Temple & Websters market share to an all-time high of 2.9%. Revenue growth, market share, and category expansion Coulter highlighted momentum in several newer growth pillars. Home improvement revenue grew 47% in the half, while Trade & Commercial revenue rose 24%. The company said Trade & Commercial revenue reached AUD 31 million in the first half. Temple & Webster also discussed early results from its New Zealand expansion. Coulter said the business generated more than AUD 1 million in sales within four months of launch, despite what he described as an ad hoc setup that currently routes New Zealand shoppers through the .com.au site with longer delivery times and duties at checkout. Management said the focus for the remainder of the calendar year is improving the end-to-end New Zealand customer experience, including faster shipping and launching a dedicated New Zealand site. With the addition of home improvement and New Zealand, management said its total addressable market has more than doubled to over AUD 40 billion, and argued that online penetration in furniture and homewares in Australia and New Zealand lags global benchmarks by 57 years. Coulter also cited an estimated 5%10% online penetration in home improvement as a longer-term tailwind. Profitability, margins, and reinvestment priorities Temple & Webster reported first-half EBITDA within its guidance range of 3%5%. Management said EBITDA excluding New Zealand startup investment was AUD 14.9 million, representing a 4% margin. CFO Cam Barnsley said the companys FY26 EBITDA margin guidance of 3%5% includes New Zealand startup costs. Delivered margin was 30.5%, within the companys 30%32% target range. Barnsley said fixed cost leverage was a key driver of the period, with fixed costs rising 7% versus revenue growth of 20%, reducing fixed costs as a percentage of revenue to 9.4% from 10.5% in the prior corresponding period. He also cited marketing leverage, with marketing as a percentage of revenue improving to 15.9% from 16.3%. On questions about the decline in delivered margin versus prior periods and the role of promotions, management emphasized that promotions remain majority supplier-funded, while also noting the company can self-fund additional promotional intensity when needed. Coulter said the business is not managing the business for profitability at this point of the cycle, and that the company intends to fund into growth while staying within its stated EBITDA range. Looking ahead, Barnsley said he expects more leverage in the second half from marketing and ongoing fixed cost discipline, and suggested that even if delivered margin is flat, EBITDA margins could expand in the second half. He also referenced potential tailwinds such as foreign exchange movements and supplier dynamics, while cautioning that margin expansion is intended to be gradual as the business scales. Customer metrics and marketing efficiency Management highlighted several operating metrics that it said are trending positively. Active customers reached 1.35 million, up 14% year-over-year, while conversion increased to 3.2%. Net Promoter Score was cited at 63. Coulter said repeat orders continue to rise and now comprise 62% of total orders, up from 58% in the prior corresponding period, describing repeat behavior as a key lever for longer-term marketing and EBITDA outcomes. He added that marketing ROI has stabilized at 1.4 after two years of brand investment and that growth in first-time customer acquisition costs has slowed. When asked about slower new customer order growth in the first half, Coulter said that on a revenue basis the trend was stronger than the order count, attributing part of the shift to channel mix and the acquisition of better customers who are spending more. He also said the company saw a significant uptick in new customers early in the second half, which he suggested could reflect promotional activity, changes in paid social strategy, or a macro-driven return to value-seeking behavior. Balance sheet, cash flow, and capital management Temple & Webster ended the half with AUD 161 million in cash and no debt. The company generated nearly AUD 23 million of free cash flow in the first half, which Barnsley said excludes buyback activity. Addressing a question on payables, he said the increase reflected timing, noting November is a particularly large period for the business and payments often fall due in January. The company also discussed a new warehouse lease in Melbourne, which drove changes in right-of-use assets and property, plant, and equipment and required upfront capital investment before becoming operational. Barnsley said the facility provides flexibility as the company grows and is economically more attractive than a fully outsourced arrangement. Management reiterated that its capital management priorities remain unchanged and said it is fully funded for organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Coulter said the on-market share buyback program remains available and that the company has the ability to buy back over 11 million shares under the current program. Strategy updates: private label, AI, and growth pillars Management outlined progress across its strategic priorities, including growth in private label and exclusive dropship products to 49% of revenue from 45% a year earlier. Coulter said a sourcing office in Shanghai is helping deepen manufacturing relationships, with a goal of improving speed to market and inventory management over time. The company also discussed broader use of AI tools, including an AI-powered shipping engine that is fully deployed and delivering more than 10% improvement in shipping cost accuracy, as well as trials of personalization tools aimed at improving marketing efficiency and product recommendations. Coulter said the company is also updating its SEO strategy to improve LLM discoverability. In home improvement, Coulter said private label penetration increased to 25% and described the growth driver as building a better range, supported by work on shipping and fulfillment solutions and improving site searchability for those products. In Trade & Commercial, he said a large portion of growth is self-serve through a dedicated portal for business customers, with larger clients receiving account management, and cited sectors such as retirement homes, childcare, hotels, and hospitality as areas of strength. Closing the call, Coulter said trading momentum carried into the second half, driven by accelerating new customer growth and continued repeat customer growth. Management said its focus for the rest of FY26 remains growing revenue and market share while delivering on stated margin objectives. About Temple & Webster Group (ASX:TPW) Temple & Webster Group Ltd engages in the online retail of furniture, homewares, and home improvement products in Australia. The company operates the Temple & Webster online platform, which offers approximately 200,000 products. Temple & Webster Group Ltd was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in St Peters, Australia. Featured Articles Lodge Hill Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Terex Corporation (NYSE:TEX Free Report) by 53.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 529,450 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 185,000 shares during the quarter. Terex comprises about 4.9% of Lodge Hill Capital LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest position. Lodge Hill Capital LLC owned about 0.81% of Terex worth $27,161,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in TEX. Millennium Management LLC boosted its stake in Terex by 1,086.3% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 256,054 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $9,674,000 after buying an additional 234,470 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its stake in shares of Terex by 427.2% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 3,506 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $132,000 after buying an additional 2,841 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Terex by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,092,189 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $41,263,000 after buying an additional 40,077 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in shares of Terex by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 195,210 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,375,000 after buying an additional 1,597 shares during the period. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Terex by 47.4% in the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 45,501 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,719,000 after buying an additional 14,629 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.88% of the companys stock. Get Terex alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets TEX has been the subject of a number of research reports. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Terex from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Terex from $50.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Terex in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Terex in a report on Thursday. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Terex from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, December 21st. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Terex currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $65.30. Terex Trading Down 4.7% Shares of TEX stock opened at $65.86 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $57.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.78, a P/E/G ratio of 7.16 and a beta of 1.68. Terex Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $31.53 and a fifty-two week high of $71.50. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 2.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. Terex (NYSE:TEX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The industrial products company reported $1.12 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.12. Terex had a net margin of 4.08% and a return on equity of 16.51%. The company had revenue of $1.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.30 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.77 EPS. Terexs revenue was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. Terex has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.500-5.00 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Terex Corporation will post 4.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Terex Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.17 per share. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Terexs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.94%. Key Stories Impacting Terex Here are the key news stories impacting Terex this week: Positive Sentiment: Truist raised its price target on TEX to $82 and reiterated a Buy rating, implying meaningful upside from current levels; this provides analyst-driven support for the share price. Truist raises PT to $82 Truist raised its price target on TEX to $82 and reiterated a Buy rating, implying meaningful upside from current levels; this provides analyst-driven support for the share price. Positive Sentiment: Management is pushing merger synergies from the REV acquisition as a key growth driver and is targeting $930M$1.0B EBITDA in 2026, signaling meaningful operating leverage if execution stays on track. Merger and EBITDA target Management is pushing merger synergies from the REV acquisition as a key growth driver and is targeting $930M$1.0B EBITDA in 2026, signaling meaningful operating leverage if execution stays on track. Positive Sentiment: Q4 results showed EPS of $1.12 (in line with estimates) with revenue up ~6% YoY and bookings strength (bookings +32% YoY), confirming underlying demand across industrial end markets. Q4 and FY2025 results Q4 results showed EPS of $1.12 (in line with estimates) with revenue up ~6% YoY and bookings strength (bookings +32% YoY), confirming underlying demand across industrial end markets. Positive Sentiment: Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17/share, reinforcing shareholder returns and providing a modest yield. Dividend announcement Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17/share, reinforcing shareholder returns and providing a modest yield. Neutral Sentiment: FY2026 guidance: EPS range $4.50$5.00 and sales $7.5B$8.1B (management cites proforma uplift from REV); the range leaves room for interpretation depending on how investors model integration timing and onetime items. Guidance in press release FY2026 guidance: EPS range $4.50$5.00 and sales $7.5B$8.1B (management cites proforma uplift from REV); the range leaves room for interpretation depending on how investors model integration timing and onetime items. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst and media deep dives highlight M&A and segment synergies as the chief rationale behind 2026 targets useful context but dependent on integration execution. Q4 deep dive Analyst and media deep dives highlight M&A and segment synergies as the chief rationale behind 2026 targets useful context but dependent on integration execution. Negative Sentiment: Some outlets flagged mixed reception to the release (reports of revenue miss in certain headlines and shortterm profittaking), which contributed to intraday weakness despite the EPS result. This shows sensitivity to headline interpretations. Coverage of revenue reaction Some outlets flagged mixed reception to the release (reports of revenue miss in certain headlines and shortterm profittaking), which contributed to intraday weakness despite the EPS result. This shows sensitivity to headline interpretations. Negative Sentiment: Street expectations vary some note FY EPS guidance below certain estimates or that consensus adjustments are needed; that uncertainty on 2026 earnings cadence can pressure the multiple nearterm. Metrics vs. estimates Terex Company Profile (Free Report) Terex Corporation is a global manufacturer of lifting and material-handling plant and equipment, serving a range of industries that includes construction, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and shipping logistics. Its product portfolio encompasses aerial work platforms, rough terrain and tower cranes, port and cargo handling equipment, material processing machinery and utility products. These offerings are marketed under well-known brands such as Genie, Terex AWP, Terex Cranes, Demag, and Powerscreen, and are designed to meet diverse application requirements from building sites to industrial facilities and ports. Headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, Terex traces its roots back to 1933 and has grown through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Terex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Terex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, MakeMyTrip, Trip.com Group, TripAdvisor, and Allegiant Travel are the seven Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is facilitating or servicing travel and tourism for example airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, online travel agencies, car rental firms, airports and travel-technology providers. These stocks are typically cyclical and sensitive to consumer discretionary spending, seasonality, fuel and labor costs, and geopolitical or public-health events, so investors watch metrics like bookings, occupancy/load factors and forward reservations for signals of near-term demand. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Travel stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Booking (BKNG) Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands. Expedia Group (EXPE) Expedia Group, Inc. operates as an online travel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through B2C, B2B, and trivago segments. Its B2C segment includes Brand Expedia, a full-service online travel brand offers various travel products and services; Hotels.com for lodging accommodations; Vrbo, an online marketplace for the alternative accommodations; Orbitz, Travelocity, Wotif Group, ebookers, CheapTickets, Hotwire.com and CarRentals.com. Read Our Latest Research Report on EXPE Travelers Companies (TRV) The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRV MakeMyTrip (MMYT) MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, sells travel products and solutions in India, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages, and Bus Ticketing. Read Our Latest Research Report on MMYT Trip.com Group (TCOM) Trip.com Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as a travel service provider for accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and in-destination, corporate travel management, and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company acts as an agent for hotel-related transactions and selling air tickets, as well as provides train, long-distance bus, and ferry tickets; travel insurance products, such as flight delay, air accident, and baggage loss coverage; and air-ticket delivery, online check-in and seat selection, express security screening, real-time flight status tracker, and airport VIP lounge services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TCOM TripAdvisor (TRIP) TripAdvisor, Inc. operates as an online travel company, primarily engages in the provision of travel guidance products and services worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Brand Tripadvisor, Viator, and TheFork. The Brand Tripadvisor segment offers travel guidance platforms for travelers to discover, generate, and share authentic user-generated content in the form of ratings and reviews for destinations, points-of-interest, experiences, accommodations, restaurants, and cruises. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRIP Allegiant Travel (ALGT) Allegiant Travel Company, a leisure travel company, provides travel services and products to residents of under-served cities in the United States. The company offers scheduled air transportation on limited-frequency, nonstop flights between under-served cities and leisure destinations. As of February 1, 2024, it operated a fleet of 126 Airbus A320 series aircraft. Read Our Latest Research Report on ALGT See Also Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd (NYSE:TEN Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $28.13 and last traded at $27.39, with a volume of 94298 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $27.53. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TEN has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Clarkson Capital started coverage on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a research report on Monday, December 15th. They set a buy rating and a $35.00 price target on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and set a $24.00 target price on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a report on Friday, January 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $29.50. Get Tsakos Energy Navigation alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Tsakos Energy Navigation Tsakos Energy Navigation Stock Performance The stocks 50 day moving average is $24.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $23.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $828.91 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.66 and a beta of -0.21. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE:TEN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.11. Tsakos Energy Navigation had a return on equity of 13.36% and a net margin of 15.97%.The company had revenue of $158.84 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $170.78 million. Analysts expect that Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Tsakos Energy Navigation Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 11th will be given a $0.50 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 358.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 11th. Tsakos Energy Navigations payout ratio is currently 31.45%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tsakos Energy Navigation Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new position in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation during the 2nd quarter worth about $672,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its position in Tsakos Energy Navigation by 91.1% during the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 29,880 shares of the companys stock valued at $573,000 after purchasing an additional 14,242 shares during the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund acquired a new position in Tsakos Energy Navigation during the second quarter valued at approximately $761,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Tsakos Energy Navigation by 312.3% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 993 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Walleye Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $296,000. 19.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Tsakos Energy Navigation (Get Free Report) Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. (NYSE: TEN) is an international shipping company specializing in the transportation of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Founded in 1993 by Nikolas P. Tsakos, the company has built a reputation for operating a modern, well-maintained fleet of double-hull tankers. Tsakos Energy Navigation is organized around both ownership and technical management of vessels, offering chartering, commercial operations and crew services under one umbrella. The companys fleet consists primarily of very large crude carriers (VLCCs), Suezmax and Aframax tankers, as well as medium-range (MR) and Handy product carriers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tsakos Energy Navigation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tsakos Energy Navigation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co increased its holdings in CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report) by 22.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 203,173 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after purchasing an additional 37,300 shares during the quarter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Cos holdings in CVS Health were worth $15,317,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. raised its position in CVS Health by 36.9% during the third quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 486 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the period. Symmetry Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of CVS Health by 2.5% during the third quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 5,826 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $439,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of CVS Health by 72.1% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 339 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. HF Advisory Group LLC lifted its stake in CVS Health by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. HF Advisory Group LLC now owns 5,219 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $393,000 after buying an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Finally, United Asset Strategies Inc. boosted its holdings in CVS Health by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. United Asset Strategies Inc. now owns 8,852 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $667,000 after buying an additional 154 shares during the last quarter. 80.66% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get CVS Health alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Mizuho upped their price objective on shares of CVS Health from $88.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on CVS Health from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. UBS Group reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of CVS Health in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of CVS Health from $103.00 to $102.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Nineteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $94.82. CVS Health Stock Performance Shares of CVS stock opened at $77.93 on Friday. CVS Health Corporation has a one year low of $58.35 and a one year high of $85.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.84. The firms 50 day moving average price is $78.58 and its 200-day moving average price is $75.99. The firm has a market cap of $99.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 56.47, a P/E/G ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 0.50. CVS Health (NYSE:CVS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.09 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.09. CVS Health had a return on equity of 11.31% and a net margin of 0.44%.The company had revenue of $105.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $103.67 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.19 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 8.2% compared to the same quarter last year. CVS Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.940-6.140 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 EPS for the current year. CVS Health Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 22nd were given a dividend of $0.665 per share. This represents a $2.66 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 22nd. CVS Healths dividend payout ratio is currently 700.00%. About CVS Health (Free Report) CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, overthecounter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and instore clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities. Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walkin medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victoria PLC (OTCMKTS:VCCTF Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 367,915 shares, a growth of 251.6% from the January 15th total of 104,628 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 104,740 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 104,740 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.5 days. Victoria Stock Up 11.3% Shares of OTCMKTS:VCCTF traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $0.37. 269,000 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 86,901. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $0.46 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $0.76. Victoria has a 12-month low of $0.33 and a 12-month high of $1.36. Get Victoria alerts: About Victoria (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Victoria PLC, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and distributes flooring products primarily in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Turkey, the United States, and Australia. The company operates through four segments: UK & Europe Soft Flooring, UK & Europe Ceramic Tiles, Australia, and North America. It offers a range of wool and synthetic broadloom carpets, ceramic and porcelain tiles, flooring underlays, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), hardwood flooring products, artificial grass, carpet tiles, and flooring accessories. Receive News & Ratings for Victoria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wartsila (OTCMKTS:WRTBY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $8.75, but opened at $8.1650. Wartsila shares last traded at $8.1650, with a volume of 268 shares traded. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently issued reports on WRTBY. Pareto Securities lowered Wartsila from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Wartsila in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Citigroup reaffirmed a sell rating on shares of Wartsila in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Barclays restated an underweight rating on shares of Wartsila in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Strong Sell. Get Wartsila alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Wartsila Wartsila Stock Performance The firms fifty day simple moving average is $7.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.59. The company has a market capitalization of $24.91 billion, a PE ratio of 36.61 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 0.90. Wartsila (OTCMKTS:WRTBY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.42 billion. Wartsila had a return on equity of 25.05% and a net margin of 9.08%. On average, research analysts predict that Wartsila will post 0.18 EPS for the current year. Wartsila Company Profile (Get Free Report) Wartsila (OTCMKTS: WRTBY) is a Finnish technology company specializing in sustainable solutions for the marine and energy sectors. Founded in 1834 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Wartsila designs, manufactures and services equipment ranging from marine engines and propulsion systems to complete power plants. The companys Energy Business provides flexible gas, multi-fuel and hybrid power plants, as well as long-term operation and maintenance services. In its Marine Business, Wartsila delivers integrated systems for ship design, digital operations and lifecycle support. With a presence in over 80 countries, Wartsila serves shipowners, shipyards, power producers and utilities around the world. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Wartsila Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wartsila and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report) by 126.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 21,345 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 11,903 shares during the quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Aflac were worth $2,384,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. ProShare Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Aflac by 10.4% in the 3rd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 1,731,482 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $193,407,000 after purchasing an additional 163,791 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its position in shares of Aflac by 3.8% during the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,768,705 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $196,662,000 after buying an additional 65,308 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Aflac by 12.2% in the 3rd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 90,976 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,162,000 after buying an additional 9,878 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in Aflac by 12.0% in the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 97,344 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,841,000 after acquiring an additional 10,423 shares during the period. Finally, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund grew its position in Aflac by 31.0% in the third quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 55,022 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,146,000 after acquiring an additional 13,017 shares during the period. 67.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Aflac alerts: Aflac Stock Down 0.4% Shares of NYSE:AFL opened at $115.82 on Friday. Aflac Incorporated has a 52 week low of $96.95 and a 52 week high of $119.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.11 and a current ratio of 0.11. The company has a market capitalization of $60.70 billion, a PE ratio of 16.83, a PEG ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $110.61 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $109.00. Insider Activity at Aflac Aflac ( NYSE:AFL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The financial services provider reported $1.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.69 by ($0.12). The business had revenue of $4.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.45 billion. Aflac had a net margin of 21.24% and a return on equity of 14.35%. Aflacs revenue for the quarter was down 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.57 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.88 earnings per share for the current year. In other Aflac news, EVP Audrey B. Tillman sold 15,862 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.00, for a total transaction of $1,776,544.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 230,688 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,837,056. This represents a 6.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 786 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.75, for a total value of $89,407.50. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 24,829 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,824,298.75. This trade represents a 3.07% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 25,592 shares of company stock valued at $2,844,656. 0.90% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently weighed in on AFL. Barclays set a $101.00 target price on shares of Aflac and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $119.00 price objective (up from $110.00) on shares of Aflac in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Aflac from $101.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Morgan Stanley set a $120.00 price target on Aflac in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Aflac in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $110.91. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Aflac Aflac Company Profile (Free Report) Aflac Incorporated (American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus) is a provider of supplemental insurance products designed to help policyholders manage out-of-pocket health care and living expenses. The company underwrites a range of individual and group policies that typically pay cash benefits directly to insureds when covered events occur, enabling greater financial flexibility for medical treatment, hospital stays, critical illness, and related costs. Aflacs product mix includes supplemental health insurance, life insurance and other specialty coverages intended to complement primary medical plans. Founded in the mid-20th century and headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, Aflac distributes its products through a combination of employer-sponsored programs, independent brokers and agents, and direct marketing. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AFL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TBILISI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Georgia's migration authorities deported more illegal migrants over the past year than in the previous decade combined, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Friday in a video address. Kobakhidze said that the number of illegal migrants currently in the country exceeds 20,000, noting that intensified efforts by the Migration Department would enable authorities to fully address the issue in the coming years. He also announced that new legislative restrictions regulating the employment of foreign nationals will take effect on March 1. In December, the prime minister said 1,131 illegal migrants had been expelled in 2025, pledging to expel at least 3,500 more in 2026. West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.83 by $0.21, FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of $805.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $795.70 million. West Pharmaceutical Services had a net margin of 16.29% and a return on equity of 18.16%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.82 EPS. West Pharmaceutical Services updated its FY 2026 guidance to 7.850-8.200 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from West Pharmaceutical Services conference call: Get West Pharmaceutical Services alerts: Q4 outperformance and cash generation. Revenues of $805M and adjusted EPS of $2.04 beat expectations, with free cash flow up ~70% for the year, strengthening the companys liquidity and financial flexibility. Revenues of $805M and adjusted EPS of $2.04 beat expectations, with free cash flow up ~70% for the year, strengthening the companys liquidity and financial flexibility. 2026 guidance indicates continued growth and margin expansion. Management guided to 5%7% organic revenue growth, adjusted EPS $7.85$8.20, and >100 bps of margin expansion, signaling confidence in underlying demand. Management guided to 5%7% organic revenue growth, adjusted EPS $7.85$8.20, and >100 bps of margin expansion, signaling confidence in underlying demand. HVP components remain the primary growth engine. High-value product components (48% of sales) grew strongly (15% in Q4), driven by GLP-1s, Annex 1 upgrades, and biologics/biosimilars, and the company launched the Synchrony syringe platform and began Dublin drughandling commercialization. High-value product components (48% of sales) grew strongly (15% in Q4), driven by GLP-1s, Annex 1 upgrades, and biologics/biosimilars, and the company launched the Synchrony syringe platform and began Dublin drughandling commercialization. Near-term capacity constraints and operational disruptions. Management said demand currently outstrips supply (notably in Europe), requiring continued capacity and labor additions, and a temporary Arizona water-main incident hurt contract manufacturing results in Q4. Management said demand currently outstrips supply (notably in Europe), requiring continued capacity and labor additions, and a temporary Arizona water-main incident hurt contract manufacturing results in Q4. SmartDose 3.5 divestiture expected midyear. The planned sale (previously ~ $55M of H2 2025 sales) aligns with strategy to focus on HVP components and should be neutral-to-positive for margins, but reduces device revenue exposure and is a near-term model adjustment. West Pharmaceutical Services Trading Up 1.2% Shares of NYSE WST traded up $2.81 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $246.42. 72,369 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,101,168. The company has a quick ratio of 2.18, a current ratio of 2.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. West Pharmaceutical Services has a 1 year low of $187.43 and a 1 year high of $322.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.51, a PEG ratio of 3.35 and a beta of 1.18. The business has a 50 day moving average of $261.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $261.60. West Pharmaceutical Services Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 28th were issued a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, January 28th. West Pharmaceutical Servicess payout ratio is presently 13.04%. WST has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $295.00 price objective on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services in a report on Tuesday. Barclays set a $265.00 target price on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services in a report on Friday. TD Cowen initiated coverage on West Pharmaceutical Services in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. They set a buy rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services in a report on Friday. Finally, KeyCorp upped their price target on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from $325.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $319.56. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WST Hedge Funds Weigh In On West Pharmaceutical Services Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. IFM Investors Pty Ltd raised its holdings in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 13,730 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $3,778,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. increased its stake in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 1.7% in the second quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 3,021 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $661,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the period. Caerus Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 6.2% during the 4th quarter. Caerus Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,035 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $285,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT boosted its stake in West Pharmaceutical Services by 25.3% during the 4th quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT now owns 312 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $86,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in West Pharmaceutical Services by 21.0% in the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 398 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $104,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.90% of the companys stock. Trending Headlines about West Pharmaceutical Services Here are the key news stories impacting West Pharmaceutical Services this week: About West Pharmaceutical Services (Get Free Report) West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc is a global developer and manufacturer of components, systems and services that enable the containment and delivery of injectable drugs. The company focuses on high-quality packaging and delivery solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, producing primary drug packaging components and specialized drug delivery devices used for vaccines, biologics and other injectable therapies. West is known for its elastomeric closures, seals and polymer components that maintain sterility and compatibility with sensitive drug formulations. In addition to component manufacturing, West provides engineered delivery systems and support services across the product lifecycle. Read More Receive News & Ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xior Student Housing NV (OTCMKTS:XIORF Get Free Report) traded up 0.4% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as C$34.49 and last traded at C$34.49. 155 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 17% from the average session volume of 187 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$34.34. Xior Student Housing Stock Up 0.4% The businesss 50-day moving average price is C$33.59 and its 200-day moving average price is C$33.95. Get Xior Student Housing alerts: About Xior Student Housing (Get Free Report) Xior Student Housing NV is a Belgian regulated real estate investment company specialising in the acquisition, development and management of purpose-built student living properties. Since its founding in 2008 and subsequent listing on Euronext Brussels in 2015, Xior has focused on providing fully furnished studios, shared apartments and communal living spaces tailored to the needs of students and young professionals. Its business model combines property development, strategic acquisitions and asset management to deliver high-quality student housing solutions. As a public regulated real estate company (RREC), Xiors core activities encompass greenfield developments, adaptive reuse of existing buildings and targeted acquisitions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Xior Student Housing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xior Student Housing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yeahka Limited (OTCMKTS:YHEKF Get Free Report) traded down 0.7% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $0.9491 and last traded at $0.9491. 500 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 55% from the average session volume of 1,100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.9559. Yeahka Trading Down 0.7% The firms fifty day simple moving average is $0.98 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1.40. Get Yeahka alerts: Yeahka Company Profile (Get Free Report) Yeahka Technology Group Co, Ltd. is a Shenzhen-based fintech company specializing in payment and value-added services for merchants in mainland China. The company develops and provides a range of smart point-of-sale (POS) terminals, mobile POS applications and cloud-based software solutions designed to streamline transaction processing and enhance the retail experience. Its core offerings include integrated POS hardware that supports QR code, chip-and-pin and contactless payments, along with a suite of merchant management tools such as inventory tracking, customer relationship modules and data analytics dashboards. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Yeahka Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yeahka and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States has ordered the second aircraft carrier to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, local media reported on Thursday. The move was taken as U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing on whether to take military action against Iran over its nuclear program or not. Animal rights activists are demanding accountability after a video showing a corrections officer fatally shooting a dog went viral over the weekend. The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services said the officer discharged his firearm after two dogs reportedly charged at trained K-9 units following a funeral service. One of the dogs later died from its injuries. You voted: WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and one was injured in a shooting in South Carolina State University on Thursday night, according to U.S. media reports. Macao, HK universities establish joint lab for robotics, embodied intelligence Xinhua) 08:28, February 13, 2026 MACAO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The University of Macau (UM) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed an agreement on Thursday to establish the first joint laboratory co-funded by Macao and Hong Kong -- the Joint Laboratory for Robotics and Embodied Intelligence, the UM told media. The two universities also announced the launch of a dual PhD program with joint supervision by faculty from both institutions, which the UM said marks a significant step forward in collaboration on frontier technologies and high-level talent development. UM Rector Song Yonghua said that the joint laboratory brings together UM's strengths in interdisciplinary research, artificial intelligence, and engineering with PolyU's expertise in applied science and engineering practice. It will advance fundamental research and promote technology transfer in cutting-edge fields such as intelligent robotics and embodied artificial intelligence, he added. Teng Jin-Guang, president of PolyU, said the initiatives to establish the laboratory and the PhD program provide a significant platform for collaboration, enabling interdisciplinary teams from both universities to conduct impactful research, address challenges in transformative technologies, and accelerate the translation of research results for the benefit of Hong Kong, Macao, and the country as a whole. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States has ordered the second aircraft carrier to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, local media reported on Thursday. The move was taken as U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing whether to take military action against Iran over its nuclear program or not. Trump said on Tuesday that he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to prepare for a possible military action against Iran if negotiations fail. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers, which had arrived in the Middle East earlier. Washington and Tehran held indirect talks on Feb. 6 in the Omani capital Muscat amid simmering tensions between the two sides following Washington's military buildup near Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at celebrations in Tehran for the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on Wednesday that a "wall of distrust" created by the West is hindering nuclear talks with the United States, vowing that Iran will never surrender to excessive demands and aggression. WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and one was injured in a shooting in South Carolina State University on Thursday night, according to U.S. media reports. The school initiated a campus lockdown around 9:15 p.m. local time (0215 GMT) after receiving a report of the shooting, and the lockdown was still in effect several hours later. The victims' identities and the condition of the wounded person are yet to be confirmed, according to the school's news release on Thursday night. The university canceled Friday classes, and authorities had no information on the whereabouts of any suspect or suspects. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Once again, Anthropic is in the news for producing a new shockwave in the AI race. This time, it is the agentic AI giant closing a $30 billion funding round, bringing the value of the Claude chatbot maker to a colossal $380 billionmore than double its worth just a few months ago. The latest inflow of funds more or less cements Anthropic as one of the worlds most valuable private tech companies, intensifying its rivalry with OpenAI, which is itself in talks for a valuation of about $830 billion. A funding round of historic scale The latest Series G round raises $30 billion at a $380 billion dollar post-money valuation, making it the second-biggest private tech fundraising after OpenAIs recent mega-round. Investors in the deal include GIC, Coatue, D. E. Shaw Ventures, ICONIQ, MGX and a broad syndicate of venture funds, alongside earlier strategic backers such as Microsoft, Nvidia, Google and Amazon. The fresh capital is earmarked for expensive AI training runs, infrastructure expansion and faster rollout of Anthropics Claude family of models to enterprises worldwide. The leap is something straight out of an investors fantasy novel, given that Anthropic was valued at $183 billion in a Series F round just in September, when it raised $13 billion. Blackstone has also been increasing its exposure and now holds roughly one billion dollars worth of Anthropic stakes through various vehicles, according to recent reports. Claude Code and the Cowork selloff Behind the towering valuation is a business that is now throwing off serious revenue. Anthropic says its current runrate revenue is about $14 billion, with Claude Code alone contributing more than $2.5 billion in annualised revenue, more than doubling since the start of 2026. Business subscriptions to Claude Code have quadrupled this year, and over half of that products revenue now comes from enterprise use cases such as large software teams and internal developer platforms. In January, Anthropic launched Claude Coworka Claude Code for the rest of your work agent that can read and edit files, automate knowledge work and integrate via plugins into tools spanning legal, finance, sales, customer support and research. When the company opened up dozens of Cowork plugins, global software stocks suffered one of their worst weeks in years as investors suddenly began to price in AI agents that could replace or compress spending on many specialised SaaS tools. Politically different on AI regulation Anthropic has also tried to distinguish itself politically. While much of Big Tech lobbies against strict rules, the company has pledged $20 million to support US political candidates who favour tighter AI regulation. Its leadership argues that firms building frontier AI must ensure the technology serves the public good, not just their own interests, even as they compete aggressively for market share, as per reports. For now, Anthropic is steadily moving towards OpenAI. The gap may be huge, but the Claude makers growth has been exponential. India is about to host the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi (1620 February 2026) a five-day programme spanning policy, research, industry and public engagement, anchored on People, Planet, Progress. The Summit will focus on themes such as employment and skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI, and economic and social development, duly supported by thematic working groups expected to propose deliverables such as AI commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure, and sector-specific use-case compendiums. Media reports also suggest participation by global technology leaders such as Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang and others, along with high-level political attendance. The author has written frequently about human ethics and institutional character in India, particularly how everyday ethical compromise becomes systemic weakness and ultimately becomes a national security problem. It is therefore appropriate that the issue of AI ethics be highlighted as modern technology moves from generative AI towards conscious machines. AI has made large-scale deception cheap, fast, believable and scalable to an entire population. This article highlights three main issues, deliberately narrower than the otherwise sprawling AI ethics discourse, because these are most relevant to Indias security environment now: Narrative warfare is the frontline of AI ethics and AI security. Weak human ethics can be transported into increasingly capable systems, teaching them the wrong lessons. In a nuclearised subcontinent, AI-fuelled disinformation is not merely social harm; it can worsen crisis stability and shape warfighting outcomes. Narrative warfare is already active and is the most immediate AI security risk. Generative AI collapses the cost of producing persuasive content: text, voice, images and videos can be generated quickly, translated instantly and adapted to local idioms and grievances. As a result, influence operations no longer require large propaganda bureaucracies, and smaller actors can flood the information space with convincing content at scale. The pattern is already documented: Wartime synthetic leadership messaging: Reuters reported the March 2022 deepfake purporting to show Ukraines President Zelenskyy calling for capitulation. This is strategically instructive because it previews more sophisticated synthetic deception. Reuters reported the March 2022 deepfake purporting to show Ukraines President Zelenskyy calling for capitulation. This is strategically instructive because it previews more sophisticated synthetic deception. Democratic disruption via impersonation: the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) levied a $6 million fine against a political consultant for illegal robocalls using a deepfake, AI-generated voice message impersonating President Biden to influence voter behaviour. This is why the US National Institute of Standards and Technology treats misinformation and disinformation as a core generative-AI risk. Synthetic content can erode trust in valid evidence and information, with downstream effects that are societal and strategic. The most widespread strategic impact of advanced AI is industrial-scale persuasion and deception narrative warfare as a capability. The deeper ethical problem: AI learns what humans reward AI does not absorb morality by default; it absorbs patterns and incentives. If an environment rewards propaganda, intimidation, selective truth and plausible deniability, then systems built and tuned inside that environment drift towards those outputs, because those outputs work. This is the practical meaning of the global alignment debate: the challenge is not only making systems more capable, but ensuring that increasingly capable systems stay anchored to human values rather than merely optimising what they are rewarded for. The World Economic Forums work on AI value alignment underscores that keeping AI aligned with evolving ethical standards requires sustained human engagement throughout the lifecycle, precisely because values differ across cultures and can shift over time. The strategic warning is sharp: if truth becomes negotiable in public life, if institutions normalise convenient truth or pressure systems towards politically safe outcomes, then AI becomes a force multiplier for ethical erosion. The larger harm is systemic: once citizens learn that reality can be manufactured, societies enter a permanent trust deficit. This is where the articles second claim matters: weak human ethics do not merely corrupt outputs, but can shape the trajectory of more autonomous systems. If the reward function is persuade, protect the narrative or avoid discomfort, then advanced systems will excel at those tasks, even when they conflict with truth and public safety. Why this becomes more dangerous in a nuclearised subcontinent In South Asia, narrative warfare is not merely a governance challenge but a crisis stability challenge. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists warns that disinformation and deepfakes can intensify IndiaPakistan crises by increasing misperception and compressing decision time. A realistic escalation pathway is easy to sketch: synthetic evidence or a viral deepfake accelerates outrage; leaders face time pressure; verification lags; and misreading the adversary becomes more likely. In a nuclearised dyad, even a low probability of such misperception matters because the cost of error is extreme. This is where the ethics-to-AGI link needs to be stated plainly: if future systems are more autonomous and more persuasive, then weak human ethics, and truth-bending for convenience, can create AI tools that are optimised for instability rather than stability. The warfighting link Narrative warfare becomes operative warfare through four practical mechanisms. Command trust attacks: synthetic voice or video can be used to attempt false pause orders, false ceasefires or fabricated leadership instructions, achieving effects through confusion and delay even if later debunked. Intelligence contamination: generative tools can flood analysts and leaders with plausible but false documents, imagery and analysis, overwhelming verification capacity at the worst moment. Morale and legitimacy operations at scale: the same impersonation logic demonstrated in the FCC deepfake robocall case can be repurposed for psychological operations against forces and publics. Escalation by speed: AIs advantage is not only realism but tempo fabricate fast, target fast, amplify fast thereby compressing the time available for verification and restraint. This is why Skynet is the wrong mental model: the danger is not machine rebellion but ethical erosion, synthetic reality and compressed decisions. Indias exposure and Chinas advantage This is a strategic threat, not a social media nuisance, as Indias vulnerability is amplified by scale (a vast, diverse information ecosystem) and by a strategic competitor with a significantly higher capacity to deploy AI-enabled influence as an instrument of national power. Chinas advantage is not only better models and scale but its organised deployment mobilising data, compute, platforms and aligned actors towards state objectives. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute describes persuasive technologies as systems designed to shape attitudes and behaviours by exploiting cognitive vulnerabilities, with clear national-security implications when used at scale. For India, the strategic threat is therefore grey-zone pressure that can be timed with border stand-offs or internal flashpoints to compress decision time, generate outrage, weaken trust in institutions and inject uncertainty into crisis communication and command trust. Counter-moves that matter These steps will not eliminate deception, but they can prevent deception from becoming cheap, effortless and operationally decisive. Fast and trustworthy response is key, because the battlefield is all about speed and trust. Trust channels authenticated government and military crisis channels need to be credible and fast. Simple challenge-response routines for sensitive instructions, and deepfake-awareness drills that treat sudden audio or video orders as untrusted unless verified. Build rapid rebuttal capacity: a standing inter-agency capability to detect viral synthetic content, coordinate platform action and issue authenticated rebuttals fast because early hours shape belief. a standing inter-agency capability to detect viral synthetic content, coordinate platform action and issue authenticated rebuttals fast because early hours shape belief. Raise the cost of deception: policy moves that require clearer labelling, traceability and platform responsibility add friction, reduce plausible deniability and support faster attribution. Conclusion: what the Summit should foreground The IndiaAI Impact Summit is framed around People, Planet, Progress, and is seeking common standards and practical deliverables. India should use this moment to foreground a proposition that is ethically simple and strategically hard: information integrity is both a development issue and a national-security capability. Because narrative warfare is the frontline, and if weak human ethics get carried into increasingly capable systems, the most dangerous AI impacts will not wait for AGI; they will appear earlier as degraded trust, distorted crisis decisions and higher escalation risk in a nuclearised subcontinent. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. The 78th Army Day Parade, held on 15 January 2026 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, emerged as a landmark event that went far beyond being a ceremonial military display. Organised for the first time in the State of Rajasthan, the event became historic due to the manner in which it was taken to the people. Guided by the visionary decision of the Honble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the parade was not only conducted outside Delhi, as has been the norm since 2023, but was, in fact, conducted outside a Military Garrison for the first time in its history. This unique initiative by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command, led to the showcasing of the might of the Indian Army to a much wider audience. This contributed significantly to the pride and confidence that the nation can palpably feel in its capability to neutralise any threat to its sovereignty. Careful curation and planning of the venues, based on the nature of the event being hosted, brought multitudes in unprecedented numbers. As a result, people thronged Sawai Man Singh Stadium for Shaurya Sandhya, Bhawani Niketan Campus for the Know Your Army Mela, and Mahal Road for the Army Day Parade in unprecedented numbers. To begin with, the dynamic and inspiring senior leadership of the Indian Army and the State of Rajasthan needs to be acknowledged at the very outset, especially when an event of this magnitude has become a benchmark for others to emulate. The qualities of decisiveness, flexibility, courage, managerial acumen, vision and dignity were exemplified by both the military and political hierarchy. The initiative by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command, to take the parade to the people was itself an embodiment of all these qualities. The manner in which the political leadership thereafter catalysed strong institutional coordination, planning sessions and contemplations between South Western Command and the Government of Rajasthan was also unprecedented. The compelling case in support of this well-thought-out and carefully planned proposal received approval from the Honble Raksha Mantri and the Chief of the Army Staff. The Honble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, extended wholehearted support to the event, and once he took ownership of it, there was no looking back. The example set by the senior leadership of the Indian Army and the State of Rajasthan inspired subordinate functionaries to commit themselves fully to creating historic benchmarks of excellence. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India While the pomp and glamour of a military parade came across as the prime spectacle, the critical facet that truly emerged as the highlight was the manner in which the Whole of Nation approach manifested itself. The synergy between all stakeholders, both from the Indian Army and the State Administration, set a benchmark in seamless coordination between those in uniform and those outside. It was proven beyond doubt that such synergy can act as a catalyst and a force multiplier across the entire spectrum of activities towards nation-building. This synergy will also play a similar role in the defence of the nation in times to come. It was especially heartening to note that the concerned departments in the State Administration were completely motivated, synchronised and geared up to perform the support tasks assigned to them. Exemplary coordination was witnessed between the Indian Army and the State Administration. Similarly, within the state and district administrative machinery, competence and complementarity were evident and worthy of emulation. The experience of hosting an event of this magnitude as a combined effort by the Indian Army and the Rajasthan State Administration brought to the fore numerous lessons pertaining to the effective application of the Whole of Nation approach. The conduct of the Army Day Parade involved many functions that could be considered common to the conduct of events that may be even more sensitive in relation to military operations. Some important facets that were highlighted included the synchronised utilisation of military and civil infrastructure as a combined asset to accommodate operational and ceremonial requirements. The selected stretches of Mahal Road, Bhawani Niketan Campus and Sawai Man Singh Stadium were transformed into world-class ceremonial venues. Roads were reinforced to withstand the movement of heavy military equipment and mechanised columns, and adequate space was provided for the marching contingents. Additional structures such as audience galleries, media enclosures, control rooms and multipurpose halls were erected with precision and efficiency. Civic amenities were upgraded to cater for the large public turnout. Secretariats and agencies, including the PWD, Jaipur Development Authority and Jaipur Nagar Nigam, seamlessly integrated with the Indian Army at every level to fructify requirements in real time. Communication and reporting of updates and contingencies prior to and during each event were closely intertwined between the State Police, the Military Police and all other functionaries. This resulted in enhanced efficiency in decision-making and ensured timely and correct actions. The critical aspect of venue security was carried out jointly by all security agencies. This complemented and enhanced their combined capability to achieve complete domination and sanitisation of the venues. Various types of threats, including hybrid threats, were analysed, and the security arrangements for the parade reflected exemplary coordination between South Western Command and the State security apparatus. The Joint Intelligence and Surveillance Centre established by Sapta Shakti Command included stakeholders from Military Intelligence, Army Air Defence, Signals, the Airports Authority of India, Rajasthan Police Intelligence, electronic warfare agencies and traffic management agencies. Through the multi-layered security framework, continuous surveillance, safety and security of the event and thousands of spectators were ensured. All these endeavours were undertaken while maintaining the ceremonial dignity of the parade. An effective counter-UAS grid and an air defence matrix were also put in place. Other important aspects, such as traffic regulation, parking and access to venues, exemplified combined professionalism and efficiency, making the event easy for the public to witness. The Corps of Military Police, Traffic Police, District Administration and Municipal Authorities jointly designed a comprehensive traffic and parking management plan and issued detailed guidelines to the public on demarcated routes and dedicated parking zones. Finally, media coverage of each part of the event was so flawlessly coordinated that a cumulative audience of 5.6 crore people watched the event across different platforms. The State Governments information and public relations apparatus worked closely with their defence counterparts to generate widespread awareness and enthusiasm. Exemplary coordination and interoperability were observed among the Information Warfare Branch of Sapta Shakti Command, the Public Relations Officer Jaipur, the Department of Information and Public Relations, the Department of Tourism, and the Central Bureau of Communication at Delhi and Rajasthan, as well as the State Public Relations Office. Coordination and cooperation with agencies such as DD Rajasthan, ANI, PIB and Akashvani resulted in wide public outreach. This media blitzkrieg across print media, television, radio, digital platforms and social media channels rapidly disseminated information regarding the parade schedule, seating arrangements and entry procedures. This helped transform the parade into a truly participative event, drawing attendance from students, youth organisations, veterans and citizens from across Jaipur and neighbouring districts. The State Department of Education also facilitated the presence of schoolchildren to witness events at multiple venues. The tenets of the Whole of Nation approach reaffirmed by the grand event included coordinated planning and preparation, rapid identification and sharing of assets, and mutual trust and confidence. These endeavours were further strengthened through effective mitigation of contingencies, synergised initiative and application at every level, commonality of objectives, uniformity in processes and procedures, and a shared commitment to excellence. More than 15 lakh citizens witnessed the parade in person, while millions more engaged with the celebrations through digital and social media platforms. Similarly enthusiastic crowds gathered to witness the static and dynamic equipment displays and the patriotic showcase of Shaurya Sandhya. The city experienced a moment of collective awe as 1,000 drones illuminated the evening sky, creating a striking visual narrative of nationalism, martial traditions and bravery. Beyond its historical and ceremonial significance, the Army Day Parade 2026 reinforced the values of trust, unity and shared responsibility between the armed forces and civil society. It stood as an epitome of the Whole of Nation approach, reflecting the combined efforts of the Indian Army, the State Government, local administration, media and citizens. Together, these noble endeavours resulted in a mega event that resonated with national pride and the spirit of unity. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Leading from the front is considered the mark of a great commander he instils confidence in the troops. But leading from the front is not always advisable. It can invite danger to oneself; and if the commander falls, the troops would get demoralised. Heaven-born generals have made the mistake. In this edition of Tactics & Tacticians, we meet two such personsan Indian and a European. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The first tale is of the second Battle of Panipat. When Mughal emperor Humayun died in 1556, his 12-year-old son Akbar was in Gurdaspur, Punjab. His uncle, Bairam Khan, crowned him then and there as emperor. Seizing the moment, Samrat Hemchandra Vikramaditya, also known as Hemu, who had been in the services of the Suris and the Adil Shahs of the Deccan, captured Delhi and declared himself emperor. The armies of both sides clashed at Panipat in Haryana. Hemu had the upper hand in terms of the size of the forcehe had 30,000 cavalrymen and 50 armoured elephants against the Mughals' 10,000 horsemen. Hemu, who had won 22 battles, was insistent on leading from the front and having a direct view of everything happening in every corner of the battlefield. Much like King Bhagadatta of Pragjyotishpur (Assam) in the Mahabharata battle, he led the charge sitting atop his largest elephant, Hawaai. Hemu broke through the centre of the Mughal army and advanced towards Akbar and Bairam. Then came a sudden blow. An arrow fired by a Mughal soldier struck him in the eye. Hemu fell unconscious in his howdah. As their leader fell, Hemu's army thought he was dead, and they scattered. The Mughal army surrounded Hemu's elephant, captured him, and executed him. A battle that should have been won was lost due to a small mistake. The brilliant English naval commander, Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, committed an identical blunder. Nelson was a hero who had won around a dozen naval battles, including the Battle of Copenhagen and the Battle of the Nile. Most of these victories had been scored against the French navy of Napoleon, who had made all of continental Europe tremble before him. In 1805, Napoleon sent a fleet of 33 ships to invade England. On October 21, Nelson intercepted them with 27 ships off the coast of Cape Trafalgar in the Atlantic. The enemy was lined up parallel to the coast. Conventional wisdom would have advised him to approach and attack the enemy fleet in a single line of battle, and the enemy would have been expecting that. But Nelson approached the enemy in two smaller parallel columns, one striking at the centre of the enemy line and the other one towards his trailing end. ALSO READ: Water as weapon: Nandas mantra: Hit them at home The tactic totally unsettled the enemy. In no time, the English fleet destroyed 27 of the enemy's ships without losing a single one of its own! Then it happened suddenly. A sailor on a sinking French vessel spotted Nelson, clad in his bright red uniform and in full regalia, standing on the deck of his famous flagship HMS Victory, and watching the battle through a telescope. The sailor took aim at him and pulled the trigger. The shot accurately pierced Nelson's shoulder and shattered his spine. Although the battle was won, Nelson breathed his last shortly thereafter. The lesson? Lead from the front, but dont expose yourself to too much risk. Israel has allegedly used banned high-temperature weapons to vaporise Gazans, a new report has claimed. An investigation by Al Jazeera said that about 2,842 people were documented as disappeared since October 2023 by Gazas Civil Defence teams. According to the investigation, the number of dissapearances were established by a method of elimination at strike sites. Spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said, We enter a targeted home and cross-reference the known number of occupants with the bodies recovered. If a family tells us there were five people inside, and we only recover three intact bodies, we treat the remaining two as evaporated only after an exhaustive search yields nothing but biological tracesblood spray on walls or small fragments like scalps, he added. What are thermobaric or vacuum bombs? Thermobaric or Thermal bombs, also called vacuum or aerosol bombs, are munitions with fuel-air explosive properties which create extreme temperatures and pressure waves. Vasily Fatigarov, a Russian military expert, who spoke to Al-Jazeera, said that the weapons don't just kill, they obliterate matter. The effect is caused by a two-stage explosion. First, the weapons disperse a cloud of fuel or fine particles into the air. Then a detonation occurs, creating a fireball and a vacuum effect that draws in surrounding air and oxygen. Blast temperatures can reach up to 3,500 degrees Celsius. To prolong the burning time, powders of aluminium, magnesium and titanium are added to the chemical mixture, Fatigarov told the Qatari media agency. This raises the temperature of the explosion to between 2,500 and 3,000 degrees Celsius. The heat is often generated by a mixture of TNT and aluminium powder called tritonal, which is often used in US-made weapons like the MK-84. The report by Al Jazeera mentions one site, Al-Tabin school in Gaza, as an example. After an Israeli strike, families were unable to find the bodies of people who were present at the location before the attack. Dr Munir al-Bursh, director general of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, said, The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius. When a body is exposed to energy exceeding 3,000 degrees combined with massive pressure and oxidation, the fluids boil instantly. The tissues vaporise and turn to ash. It is chemically inevitable. The weapons are designed to maximise blast over a wider area. The damage is mainly caused by overpressure rather than shrapnel like in conventional explosives. The investigation identified three different US-made munitions used in Gaza linked to disappearances: MK-84 Hammer: A large unguided bomb filled with tritonal which can generate heat up to 3,500 C BLU-109 bunker buster: A bomb that buries itself before detonating using a PBXN-109 explosive mix. GBU-39: A precision bomb which uses a AFX-757 explosive designed to keep the building structure intact while killing via a pressure wave which ruptures lungs and a thermal wave which can incinerate tissue. GBU-39 fragments were found at the al-Tabin school attack. The use of thermobaric weapons is governed by international humanitarian laws, which specify that the parties in a conflict must avoid attacks on civilians. Concerns have been raised by human rights organisations about the use of the weapons in densely populated urban areas. In 2022, the Ukrainian government had also alleged that Russia had used thermobaric weapons during the beginning of the war. NEW YORK, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration's move to revoke a key 2009 climate determination has sparked widespread criticism and legal challenges. The determination underpins rules governing greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles, as well as policies promoting electric vehicle adoption. Known as the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, the determination concluded that carbon dioxide, methane and four other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. That conclusion has since served as the statutory basis for measures such as vehicle emissions standards and mandatory emissions reporting by fossil fuel companies. "We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and drove up prices for American consumers," U.S. President Donald Trump said at a news conference on Thursday. The move is expected to face legal challenges and could reach the Supreme Court, which in 2007 ruled that greenhouse gases qualify as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now says the Clean Air Act "does not provide statutory authority" for the agency to set greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles. The repeal comes as the past three years have been the hottest on record globally. Last month, the United States formally withdrew from the 2015 Paris Agreement for a second time and is also expected to exit the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the main UN treaty governing global climate negotiations. Former U.S. President Barack Obama, whose administration established the endangerment finding, criticized the decision in a statement. "Without it, we'll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change -- all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money," he said. Environmental groups expressed opposition to the move and said they are considering legal challenges. The Endangerment Finding is not a political statement but a scientific conclusion, grounded in decades of evidence, said Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health. "This is not a neutral administrative action. It is a decision that will shape the clinical realities we confront for years to come by tearing back climate regulations and making it harder for future administrations to impose new ones," said Patel in a piece on Thursday. "Removing EPA's authority to limit deadly greenhouse gas emissions is as shortsighted as it is reckless. Communities will suffer as extreme weather continues to threaten us all, costs will continue to rise, and we will saddle future generations with a world that grows increasingly unlivable and endangers the life we know," Loren Blackford, acting executive director of Sierra Club, an environmental organization, said in a statement released on Wednesday. "This action will only lead to more of this pollution, and that will lead to higher costs and real harms for American families," Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund, said in a statement released Tuesday, announcing the agency will challenge the decision in court. The American Lung Association, the American Public Health Association, the Alliance for Nurses for Healthy Environments and Physicians for Social Responsibility also announced plans to challenge the "unlawful repeal" in a joint statement. "This is a dark day for science and health. Climate change harms health -- period. By refusing to acknowledge and act on this, America's health will suffer preventable harm," said Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association. Overturning the Endangerment Finding and eliminating cleaner vehicles rules will result in more air pollution, more frequent and intense disasters like wildfires and floods, and increased risk of diseases, making lung health worse across the United States, warned Wimmer. The future of the repeal could ultimately rely on the U.S. Supreme Court, according to Michael Gerrard, founder of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. Sexual health is not merely the absence of disease; it is a fundamental part of overall well-being. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexual health as a state that requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and relationships, along with the possibility of safe and pleasurable experiences free from coercion, discrimination and violence. Yet, despite its importance, conversations around sexual health remain clouded by silence, stigma and widespread misinformation. Globally, more than 10 lakh curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day among people aged 1549, most of them without noticeable symptoms. In India, community-based studies suggest that nearly 6 per cent of the adult population may be living with an STI at any given time. However, awareness does not always translate into timely care. Research has shown that inappropriate treatment-seeking behaviour, delays in approaching qualified healthcare providers and concerns about public health services continue to hinder effective STI management. At a time when myths spread faster than medical facts, addressing misconceptions around sexual health has become more urgent than ever. To separate fact from fiction, we spoke to Dr Dhivya Sharona, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Rela Hospital, Chennai, to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding sexual health. Myth #1: Contraception pills can cause permanent infertility. No, medically prescribed oral contraceptive pills do not cause permanent infertility. Fertility generally returns soon after a woman stops taking the pills. In fact, oral contraceptives are commonly prescribed not just for birth control but also to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce severe menstrual cramps, manage symptoms of PCOS, and help improve hormonal acne. The belief that birth control pills lead to long-term infertility is a misconception that often discourages women from using a safe and effective contraceptive option. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH Myth #2: Pain during intercourse is normal and must be tolerated. No, pain during intercourse is not normal and should not be tolerated. Persistent discomfort can signal underlying health concerns such as vaginal infections, dryness, endometriosis, or other pelvic conditions in women. In men, pain may be linked to inflammation, infection, or urological issues. Ignoring such symptoms can delay diagnosis and allow the condition to worsen. Seeking timely medical advice can lead to appropriate treatment, reassurance, and a significant improvement in comfort and overall quality of life. Myth #3: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) always produce clear warning signs. No, sexually transmitted infections do not always produce clear warning signs. Many STIs can develop silently without noticeable symptoms. Infections such as chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), and early HIV may remain undetected for months or even years, increasing the risk of unintentional transmission. Regular screening is an important part of preventive healthcare and should be seen as a responsible health practice, not a sign of risky behaviour. Myth #4: Discussing sexual health with a doctor is embarrassing and unnecessary. No, discussing sexual health with a doctor is neither embarrassing nor unnecessary. Sexual health concerns are a routine part of medical practice, and no question related to them is trivial. Early conversations can provide reassurance, clarity and better health outcomes. Open discussions also build trust between patients and doctors, encourage informed decision-making and support long-term well-being. Delaying consultation due to embarrassment may lead to preventable complications. Myth #5: Only women need regular reproductive health check-ups. No, reproductive and sexual health check-ups are important for both men and women. While women may need routine screenings such as Pap smears or breast examinations, men also benefit from regular evaluations of sexual function, testicular health, prostate health when age-appropriate, and screening for infections. Fertility issues, hormonal imbalances and sexually transmitted infections can affect anyone. Preventive check-ups help detect potential concerns early, often before symptoms appear. Sexual health deserves the same attention as any other aspect of healthcare. When myths replace medical facts, people may delay seeking care, endure preventable discomfort or make decisions based on fear rather than accurate information. Open, evidence-based conversations with qualified healthcare professionals can reduce stigma, ensure confidentiality, and provide timely diagnosis, treatment and reassurance. Seeking medical advice early supports better health outcomes and overall quality of life. We should enable ourselves and others to address sexual health with confidence, responsibility and dignity. This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS. Alin Sherin Abraham, a 10-month-old toddler from Mallappally in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, has become the state's youngest organ donor. While her loss is irreplaceable for her family, her organs will help save the lives of five people. Alin lost her life in a road accident in Kottayam on February 5 while travelling with her mother and grandparents. The vehicle they were in collided with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction, leading to critical injuries. She was later declared brain dead. Following the tragedy, her parents consented to donate her organs. According to official sources, her heart valve will be sent to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, her liver to KIMS Hospital, and her kidneys to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Her eyes will be donated to an eye bank, as reported by OnManorama. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH Kerala Health Minister Veena George expressed her grief over the incident in a Facebook post. "The youngest organ donor in the state is donating the organs of a 10-month-old daughter to others. 10-month-old Alinsherin Abraham from Mallappally, Pathanamthitta, was brain-dead due to a road accident. Parents were expressing their willingness to donate organs. 2 kidneys will be donated to a 10 year old child under treatment at the S.A.T. Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Grateful for the decision parents have taken to save the lives of others, even in extreme distress. Sharing with that family in their grief," mentioned her post. According to official information, the organs are being transported by road from Amrita Hospital to Thiruvananthapuram. The minister shared the ambulances vehicle number (KL07 DF 3177) and requested the public to make way to ensure timely transportation. Additional Director General of Police M. R. Ajith Kumar Sreejith said the vehicle is expected to reach Thiruvananthapuram within three hours. The mortal remains of the child will be handed over to the family as soon as possible, according to OnManorama. The Congress party has set its election ball rolling for the Assam Assembly Elections, with meetings and review sessions of the Screening Committee set to start on Saturday. However, alliance partners are uneasy about the ambiguity, as they believe it is already too late to launch groundwork. The Assam Jatiya Parishad still maintains a good rapport with the Congress. The problem is seemingly with the Raijor Dal, headed by Akhil Gogoi. He wants more seats in Muslim areas where it will be difficult for the party to negotiate beyond a certain point, said a former legislator of Congress in Assam. The allies of Congress want it to take along each partner, coordinate well with them and accommodate all opposition allies to create a solid front against the BJP. Notably, Akhil Gogois public meetings are seeing Muslims coming out in droves, thanks to his vocal anti-Himanta Biswa Sarma stance, where he repeatedly talks about the BJP's divisive approach to win elections as well as its ideology. Political observers believe that Gogoi should ideally focus more on Upper Assam, considering that he is from the region, where the Opposition is weak, and is an indigenous resident of the state. However, Gogoi is driving towards an electorate that is more responsive to his party, putting the Congress in a fix on Muslim seats. They are all trying to campaign in Muslim areas, which may perhaps prove counterproductive, as these areas are already going to vote for the Opposition. The strategy should have been to consolidate the Opposition in areas where it is weak but has prospects of winning, says Nazrul Hoque, AIUDFs Dubri MLA. The AIUDF is expected to contest alone in the upcoming elections. The Congress has tweaked its earlier seat-sharing formula, according to party insiders. Leaders say that while the party was earlier ready to give both alliance partners, Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad, around seven seats each, it is now willing to offer 11 seats to each party. This includes eight of their choice and the remaining three of the Congresss choice. Other parties are likely to get seats in single digits. Gaurav Gogoi, who holds multiple positions such as Deputy Leader of the Opposition, president of the Assam unit, and head of the election management committee, was also responsible for alliance talks. The responsibility has, however, now been delegated to former Assam unit president Bhupen Kumar Bora, who is expected to negotiate with the partys alliance partners. Congress insiders believe there was too much load and too many responsibilities on Gaurav Gogoi, which led to discontent among the party rank and file. There was a general sentiment that he had not been able to devote enough time to cadre building or make efforts to unite the unit. Among alliance partners, too, there was unease, with a few leaders claiming that the Congress is not serious enough about alliance coordination, forcing regional leaders to put in extra effort to present the alliance as a solid front. The Congress had already conveyed to alliance partners sometime back that it will move to seat sharing only after conducting surveys to assess who the popular candidates are on the ground and who can win the election for the party, following which the seat sharing and ticket distribution will take place. After a staff member from the office of the State Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal was caught red-handed accepting a bribe at the Mantralaya, the Anti-Corruption Bureau has sealed the ministers office. This incident has brought disrepute to the BJP-led Mahayuti government. To ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the bribery case, Minister Narhari Zirwal must immediately resign from his post, demanded Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal. Speaking about corruption at the Mantralaya, Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal said that during the Congress governments tenure, the name of the state government headquarters was changed from Secretariat to Mantralaya to make governance more people-centric and to help citizens feel that the government belonged to them. However, the highly corrupt BJP Mahayuti government has turned Mantralaya into a corruption hub. It has emerged that the clerk from Zirwals office allegedly told Anti-Corruption Bureau officials that he accepted the bribe on the instructions of his superiors. Therefore, a thorough investigation must be conducted not only into Minister Narhari Zirwal but also into the senior officials in his office. Minister Narhari Zirwal has stated that he will resign if any connection is found. However, Sapkal said he should immediately resign to ensure a fair investigation as it has come to light that bribery was openly taking place in his office. On Friday morning, when the entire political landscape in Tamil Nadu was gearing up to watch actor-politician Vijays rally at Salem, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin bowled an early-morning googly, making his political opponents and newcomer Vijay run to counterattack. Two months ahead of the assembly general elections, the M.K.Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu credited Rs 5,000 to the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women beneficiaries of the Rs 1,000 monthly cash assistance scheme. Within hours, his party workers shared screenshots of the money transfer with the hashtag, '#DravidianModel2.0'. Calling the transfer both economic and symbolic, he said that this scheme had helped the women meet many essential expenses. With this amount, women themselves have been able to meet many essential expensesdaily household expenses, medical expenses arising within the family, educational expenses for children. #WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: CM MK Stalin arrives at DMK HQ Arivalayam. Women welcome him for crediting Rs 5000 to their bank accounts today under Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. pic.twitter.com/dkKReeJgV6 ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 Launched in September 2023, the monthly cash dole of Rs 1,000 was the DMKs poll promise in the 2021 election. While there were several debates on the sustainability of the scheme, the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai covers 1.31 crore women in the state. The scheme, which was initially started with 1.13 crore women heads of families, was later expanded to cover 1.31 crore women beneficiaries. The scheme was launched with a note saying: Stalin gives righteous money to the women who invest time and effort in unpaid but productive work. As of now, the scheme covers close to one in four people in the state. When the scheme was launched, Stalin called it rights assistance, recognising the contribution made by women to society. Electoral impact Stating that there were efforts by Delhi and their friends in Tamil Nadu to halt the scheme for three months by hiding behind elections, he said his Dravidian-model government had thwarted all their designs. "The money covers your entitlements for February, March and April, including Rs 3,000 regular assistance in advance and Rs 2,000 as an additional summer component, Stalin had said in a video message. He added that if the DMK returned to power, the money would be raised to Rs 2,000 per month. In the next Dravidian Model 2.0 government, your righteous assistance will be increased to Rs 2,000. This is the promise given by Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin, who does what he says. The morning video message and the money credit to the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women is a masterstroke by the Stalin government to catch the women voters in the upcoming election. The total number of voters in Tamil Nadu stands at 5.43 crore after the draft SIR rolls were published in December 2025. This comprises 2.66 crore women and 2.77 crore men voters. While the final rolls are yet to be published with more additions, the total number of voters is likely to touch six crores. Of this, the total number of women voters is expected to touch 2.80 crore. With the DMK covering 1.31 crore women out of the existing 2.66 crore women voters in the state, the party believes that this could turn into votes. According to the DMK party insiders and senior leaders, the bank transfer of the monthly assistance is likely to yield a very positive result in the upcoming election and help mobilise at least 40 per cent of women in the age group of 30-70 who receive the monthly cash assistance. The transfer also attracts more rural women voters, who consider the monthly assistance as a source of income to fund a few of their monthly expenses. Party insiders also believe that the early transfer and the Rs 2,000 bonus will bring down anti-incumbency against the government in certain pockets of the state as it covers 1.31 crore families. The vast reach of the scheme touches 1.31 crore families as a whole. It is a huge burden on the exchequer. But we can ensure that the women do not drift towards our opponents or even towards the newly floated parties, a senior minister told THE WEEK. He calls it a strategy and a masterstroke by his leader. Our opponents cannot call it political opportunism at this point of time. If they frame it as electoral or political opportunism the women voters will definitely be offended, the minister pointed out. On the other hand, the money transfer move also has a strong precedent from the BJP-ruled states. Interestingly, neither the BJP nor its ally AIADMK, can criticise the DMK, as the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra and also the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar had launched similar schemes just ahead of the elections in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections, the Eknath Shinde government launched the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, providing Rs 1,500 monthly to over 10 million eligible women, spending a total of Rs 46,000 crores. In 2025, Nitish Kumar in Bihar spent Rs 7,500 crore to roll out the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. Through the scheme he transfers Rs 10,000 each to 75 lakh women. Why now? Though the monthly assistance to women is usually credited to their bank accounts on every 15th, this time, the Stalin-led DMK has chosen February 13 to make sure that the party caught women voters before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) could set in. And Stalin, in his message, had also indicated the legal efforts to halt the monthly cash disbursements for women. According to DMK sources, a pending matter before the Supreme Court concerning election freebies is all set to come up for hearing before the five state elections. A PIL filed by a BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Upadhyay seeks regulation of pre-poll promises and cash transfers to the beneficiaries from the government treasury. Upadhyay submitted before the court that the cash doles and large-scale welfare scheme assurances distorted the level playing field during election. He also argued in the court that the announcements and assurances of freebies amounted to corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act. Hearing the case, the Supreme Court too has described the issue as one of the paramount public importance. It had indicated that it required consideration by a three-judge bench. A detailed hearing of the PIL is scheduled in March, just ahead of the election. The court observed during the hearing that there is a difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate welfare measures and inducements aimed at influencing voters". With these legal hurdles hanging above the head as a Damocles sword, the Stalin-led DMK government had made the single disbursement to ensure that it would not suffer any legal or administrative interruption in the run-up to the election. The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Thursday reclaimed nearly 11 acres of encroached government land. The authorities also cleared large-scale illegal constructions near the Madhapur HITEX Exhibition Centre, safeguarding public property valued at around Rs 2,200 crore and securing the long-neglected Mondikunta lake near Hitec City, a major IT district in the city. HYDRAA is a specialised state-level body constituted by the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to protect public assets, reclaim encroached government land, safeguard lakes and water bodies, and coordinate rapid response during urban emergencies and disasters. The CM has handpicked A.V. Ranganath, an IPS officer known for his straightforwardness and technical expertise, and gave him the free hand to take speedy action against encroachments. HYDRAA works in close coordination with revenue, municipal, police and disaster management departments, using a combination of field inspections, satellite imagery, grievance redress platforms and legal verification to act against illegal occupations and high-risk constructions. Over the past months, HYDRAA has emerged as a key instrument in the governments push to restore urban commons, prevent further degradation of water bodies and send a strong deterrent message against organised encroachment networks. According to the officials, the agency has so far saved the government lands worth more than Rs 70,000 crore. As part of the Mondikunta lake operation, one of HYDRAAs largest in recent months, the agency removed hundreds of temporary sheds and more than 30 shops that had mushroomed on lake land and adjoining government property. Officials said encroachers had extended constructions deep into the lakes Full Tank Level (FTL) zone, using a nearby temple as a notional boundary to justify occupation. According to HYDRAA officials, complaints were received from residents through the agencys Prajavani grievance programme, pointing to systematic encroachment of Mondikunta in Survey No. 53 and government land in Survey No. 55. Acting on the directions of the commissioner, HYDRAA teams, along with revenue and GHMC officials, conducted field inspections and verified land records. A preliminary inquiry found that nearly 11 acres of public land had been illegally occupied. Revenue officials confirmed the encroachments in a hearing held on January 31, which was attended by both officials and those accused of occupying the land. Satellite imagery from the National Remote Sensing Centre was also examined to establish changes in land use and the extent of illegal occupation. Despite a court stay on the government land, HYDRAA found that new sheds and shops had continued to come up at the site. Officials said the structures were being commercially exploited, with information suggesting that rents of up to Rs 20 million per month were being collected from the establishments. Following due process and after giving time to the occupants to vacate, HYDRAA launched the clearance drive on Thursday under heavy police deployment. Temporary sheds, mechanic workshops and iron and steel shops were dismantled, and fencing was installed around Mondikunta to prevent further encroachment. Local residents gathered in large numbers during the operation and welcomed the action, describing it as long overdue. Many said the lake, once a functional water body, had been steadily shrinking because of illegal occupation and dumping. Residents have now urged the authorities to develop parks on the reclaimed government land and to restore and beautify Mondikunta as a community asset. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee visited the family of 24-year-old migrant worker Sukhen Mahato, who was killed in Pune on Thursday. During his visit to Purulia district, Banerjee assured the family that if the accused are not arrested and justice is not delivered, he would send three party MLAs to pursue the matter. He also vowed that the TMC would not allow the issue to fizzle out, particularly since Purulia is represented by a BJP MP. We will not let the matter fizzle out. I will not make any political comments on this matter. In Purulia, there is a BJP MP. Considering the urgency shown by the state government in taking up the matter with the Maharashtra government, police, and administration, I would expect the same urgency from the BJP MP of Purulia, Jyotirmoy Mahato, to speak with the Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to ensure that the accused are brought to justice as early as possible, Banerjee said. A day earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the killing, describing it as a barbaric murder. This is nothing short of a hate crime, she said. Mahato worked at a motor spare parts factory in Pune and had completed his shift from 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm on the day of the incident. He went incommunicado after work. His two brothers, who also worked in Pune, lived with him. One of his brothers alleged that Mahato was targeted because he spoke Bengali and could not speak Hindi or Marathi. However, preliminary police reports suggest that Mahato was intoxicated and got into a brawl with two individuals. CCTV footage reportedly indicates that a sharp weapon was used in the attack. Cases of West Bengal migrant workers killed in other states The issue of Bengali-speaking migrant workers allegedly being targeted in other states has been raised repeatedly by the TMC, which has accused the BJP of fostering an atmosphere of intolerance. Mamata Banerjee has, on multiple occasions, criticised the BJP over incidents involving migrant workers from West Bengal. In December last year, a 25-year-old migrant worker from Murshidabad district was lynched by local residents in Sambalpur, Odisha, and later succumbed to his injuries. Sheikh had moved to Odisha three years ago in search of work. Other migrant workers accompanying him were also reportedly assaulted. TMC criticised the BJP over the incident in BJP-ruled Odisha, questioning the safety of migrant workers. Another case emerged of a 32-year-old Alam Laskar from South 24 Parganas district who was killed in Andhra Pradesh on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi alleged his elder brother. The family received a ransom call to transfer Rs. 25,000, or else he would be killed. Despite transferring the money, Laskar was killed. The body of another migrant worker, Alamgir Alam from Malda district, was found near the railway tracks near Chennai after he went missing on January 14. His wife suspects he was killed and his body dumped beside the railway tracks. The TMC not letting these issues die down is their way of saying they will stand by the people of their land and protect their turf, which is culturally diverse and inclusive. This is what the TMC has been using to show that their party is the protector of harmony across caste and creed. If this perception is being created by the party, it will help TMC in the long run. This seems to be a big problem for migrant workers in other states who only know Bengali. Not just TMC, but the BJP should take up the matter and create a law," said political analyst Udayan Bandhypadhyay. TMC is not at fault. Why should people be targeted for their language? National agencies and the government are silent on this issue. At least the Prime Minister should speak. Many non-Bengali-speaking people live freely in Bengal. These incidents show the situation; they(Bengali-speaking people)are being targeted. It is not a false situation. Added Bandhypadhyay. With multiple cases involving Bengali-speaking migrant workers coming to light, the political debate over language-based hate crimes continues to intensify. Close on the heels of US President Donald Trumps warning on Thursday that Iran will face a "very traumatic" outcome if no deal is reached within a month, the worlds biggest warship has set sail for the Middle Eastern waters. As per reports, the US has redeployed its biggest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford will join USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea as tension mounts in the Middle East. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned in 2017 is the lead ship in the carrier strike group, which will be accompanied by five guided-missile destroyers. The carrier has a displacement of more than 100,000 tons and a length of 1,106 feet (337 meters) to become the largest warship afloat. BREAKING: AMERICA'S Largest Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Redirected from Caribbean to Persian Gulf, Joining Lincoln in Major Buildup Against IRAN!! US is sending its largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford capable of carrying 90 fighter jets to the Middle East, where it will pic.twitter.com/GU2A9IEJeS Global Surveillance (@Globalsurv) February 13, 2026 According to reports, the crew of the Ford was informed of this deployment on Thursday, February 13. The sailors on the Ford had initially expected to return home in about two weeks, but the new mission will delay the ship's scheduled return to the Virginia coast to undergo major upgrades and repairs. Reports quoting US officials said that USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying escort ships are not expected to return to their home ports until mid-to-late May. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The aircraft carrier was previously moved from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean as part of a major US military build-up linked to an operation involving Venezuela. The USS Gerald R. Ford, loaded with 90+ F-35s, F-15Es, and F-22 Raptors. Fighter jets based on the Ford participated in the January 3rd attack on the Venezuelan capital and the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro. The move comes as US President Donald Trump announced in recent days that he would send another carrier to the region in order to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic. Once the carrier arrives at the Arabian Sea, the US will be uniquely positioned to conduct sustained air operations targeting Iran if needed. Besides the groups, USS Delbert D. Black, USS Mitscher, and USS McFaul are already in the Persian Gulf theatre, all of which possess advanced naval and air defence capabilities and can launch missile strikes. They believe that advances in US military capacity mean it is also possible that Washington can again use strategic B2 bombers just like it used in June 2025 to strike deep inside Iran. They can come from the United States or Diego Garcia, a US air base in the Indian Ocean. In a striking diplomatic rupture between two close allies, President Donald Trump has publicly castigated Israeli President Isaac Herzog for refusing to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, escalating tensions at a delicate moment in Israels domestic and regional politics. The outburst came during a White House press briefing on Thursday, a day after Trump hosted Netanyahu in Washington, transforming the issue into an unusually personal and public confrontation. Trump described Herzogs refusal to intervene in Netanyahus corruption trial as shameful and a disgrace, language rarely used by an American president against an Israeli head of state. He went further still, suggesting that Herzog should be ashamed of himself and that the Israeli public should really shame him for failing to exercise his constitutional authority. In remarks that appeared to question Herzogs political standing, Trump speculated that the Israeli president was reluctant to grant clemency because he is losing his power, implying that domestic political considerations, rather than legal principle, lay behind the decision. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The American presidents criticism reflects his longstanding defence of Netanyahu, whom he has repeatedly praised as a decisive wartime leader. Trump argued that the corruption proceedings against the Israeli prime minister constitute a dangerous distraction at a time when Israel faces grave security threats, particularly from Iran. Framing the trial as a hindrance to national defence, he insisted that Netanyahus full attention should be devoted to what he characterised as Israels existential struggle rather than to courtroom appearances. Downplaying the charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust, Trump dismissed the case as being about cigars and champagne, asking rhetorically, Who the hell cares about it? He went so far as to describe the proceedings themselves as illegal, contending that the trial should be halted immediately in the interest of national unity and security. Such blunt language not only signalled personal loyalty to Netanyahu but also underscored Trumps expansive view of executive authority, in which political leadership during wartime can justify extraordinary intervention in legal processes. The episode marks the culmination of what officials describe as a sustained pressure campaign from Washington. Trump reportedly sent a formal letter to Herzog last November urging him to grant a pardon. The matter was also raised publicly during a visit to the Knesset in October, when Trump openly asked the Israeli president, Why dont you give him a pardon? What had initially appeared to be diplomatic nudging has now developed into open confrontation. Herzog responded while returning from a diplomatic visit to Australia, issuing a statement from his aircraft that firmly but carefully rejected the external pressure. Israel is a sovereign state governed by the rule of law, his office declared, an unmistakable assertion of judicial independence. The president clarified that no decision has been made because the legal process remains ongoing. Under Israeli procedure, the Ministry of Justice must first provide a formal opinion before the president can consider clemency, and such decisions are typically made only after judicial proceedings have concluded. Herzog emphasised that any eventual ruling would be guided by the law, the interests of the state and his own conscience, without any influence from external or internal pressures of any kind. The phrasing was deliberate, signalling that neither foreign governments nor domestic political forces would dictate the presidencys actions. Yet he balanced this firmness with diplomatic courtesy, stating that he cherishes President Trump for his significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security. When pressed personally by reporters, Herzog delivered a pointed rejoinder: To the best of my recollection, I am the president of Israel. The dispute exposes contrasting conceptions of the pardon power. For Trump, clemency appears as a political instrument, while Herzog looks at it as a narrowly defined constitutional mechanism, tempered by legal constraints. Herzog cannot model himself on Trump on the issue as under Israeli law, pardon can be granted only after an admission of guilt. Netanyahu has consistently maintained his innocence, making it difficult for Herzog to act. Herzog is also hamstrung by the fact that Netanyahu is facing arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes. Trumps insistence on immediate closure to what he calls a distraction collides with Herzogs insistence that the presidency must operate within the slow, deliberate gears of the law. At stake is not only Netanyahus legal future but also the principle that Israels constitutional order cannot be shaped by foreign intervention, however powerful the ally. Indias rise as a leading global power is opening new strategic and economic possibilities across West Asia, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar said while addressing a seminar in New Delhi. Emphasising what he described as a shifting strategic geography, Azar noted that Indias growth trajectory has altered regional calculations, creating fresh opportunities for deeper partnerships between Israel, India and key West Asian actors. He pointed to evolving economic chains linking India with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel through emerging trade corridors and connectivity initiatives, reflecting a gradual but significant integration of regional markets. Azar underscored that while West Asia continues to face tensions and security challenges, its centrality to global trade, labour mobility and economic connectivity remains undiminished. He described connectivity not merely as infrastructure development but as a strategic instrument that binds economies and enhances regional stability. A central theme of his remarks was the deepening trust between India and Israel, visible in expanding cooperation across infrastructure, finance, technology and strategic sectors. Expressing optimism about the prospective signing of a Free Trade Agreement, he said such a step would institutionalise gains already achieved and elevate the partnership to a new level. Regional cooperation, he stressed, remains indispensable for ensuring prosperity and long-term stability. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The remarks were delivered at a seminar titled, 'Exploring a New Strategic Geography in IndiaWest Asia Relations: Coalitions, Connectivity and Converging Interests', organised earlier this week by Red Lantern Analytica in collaboration with the Greater West Asia Forum, India. The gathering brought together diplomats, policy makers, scholars and students to examine the evolving contours of Indias engagement with West Asia in a multi-polar era. Delivering the chief guest address, Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar highlighted the strengthening India-Israel partnership and its growing strategic weight. He emphasised cooperation in clean energy, defence, innovation and research and development as pillars of sustained strategic advancement. The seminar featured two plenary sessions that examined shifting security architectures and geoeconomic realignments. Discussions in the first session focused on maritime cooperation, coalition-building and Indias role as a stabilising diplomatic actor amid regional power competition. The second session explored expanding economic engagement beyond energy trade to include technology partnerships, supply chain integration, renewable energy, migration frameworks and food security, alongside the strategic relevance of emerging connectivity corridors. Concluding the seminar, Fares Saeb, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi, addressed challenges of narrative warfare and the influence of digital platforms on global political discourse. He underscored the importance of strategic communication and constructive engagement as India navigates an increasingly multi-polar landscape while maintaining strategic autonomy. Horse-themed decorations are seen in South Coast Plaza, Orange County, California, the United States, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) COSTA MESA, United States, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Coast Plaza, the largest shopping mall in California, kicked off its annual Lunar New Year celebrations on Thursday, with the spirit of the horse taking center stage in this season's festivities. The celebrations, scheduled to conclude on March 1, feature a spectacular Year of the Horse centerpiece, a rich cultural photo exhibition and exclusive merchandise from over 50 brands. The shopping mall, located about 75 km southeast of Los Angeles, will also provide commemorative gifts with purchase, enter-to-win promotions, festive children's crafts and special dining experiences during the celebrations. Standing at the heart of Jewel Court, the Year of the Horse centerpiece is elegantly perched atop sculpted clouds. Chinese Lunar New Year elements, including the lucky knot and firecrackers, are woven throughout the installation, with the fire element thoughtfully integrated into the design. The horse is composed of floral and natural materials and finished with exceptional detail. Its surface features bronze strawflower, gold flaxseed, fine ground coffee and black onion powder, accented with red cranberry, gold clover and dried cranberry seeds. "As you can see, we are ushering in the year of the horse in a spectacular way. It's full of prosperity and abundance and courage and most of all rebellion as it rears up on its hind legs," Debra Downing, executive director of marketing at South Coast Plaza, told Xinhua. "We are so proud and honored to celebrate this traditional ceremony for our Asian communities, throughout Orange County and beyond," she said. "The Asian community in Orange County has been a part of the story here and a big part of the South Coast Plaza story. And every year we try to celebrate in a way that honors tradition, but also speaks to the future and to modernity," she added. Thursday's event featured a lively performance of the traditional Chinese lion dance, which symbolizes good luck and warding off evil spirits, and is a staple of Lunar New Year festivities. The performers' colorful costumes and acrobatic movements captivated shoppers of all ages. Meanwhile, a photo exhibition titled "Jiangnan New Year's Flavor -- Hangzhou Edition" was unveiled at the shopping mall on Thursday. The curators, the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles and the Hangzhou municipal government, said the exhibition aims to take U.S. audiences on a visual journey to experience the Chinese rituals and festive traditions from the 12th lunar month to the Lantern Festival through 46 selected pictures. "This is not only a tribute to traditional Chinese festivals but also a heartfelt homage to the universal human emotions: love for family, yearning for beauty, and anticipation for the New Year," said the photo exhibit description. A horse-themed decoration is pictured at South Coast Plaza, Orange County, California, the United States, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) People watch a lion dance show at South Coast Plaza, Orange County, California, the United States, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) The run-up to the Bangladesh elections on February 12 was anything but peaceful, adding weight to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman and PM-designate Tarique Rahman's sweeping win in the polls. Mainly pitted against the Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP emerged victorious in 212 of the 297 announced seats and is poised to take over the reins from the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, as per a Daily Star report. These polls are widely seen as the first in the country since the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina due to student-led protests in 2024. The Rahman-led BNP is now holding talks with its allies to determine the composition of the new government. It now inherits the fragmented Bangladesh that has followed in the wake of the student-led protests in 2024. This served as a precedent for the violence targeting religious minorities across the country over the past few months, which only intensified with the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. The murder of the head of the radical party Inquilab Mancha, which was at the forefront of the anti-Hasina revolution in 2024, only intensified the violence in the country, further opening it up to international scrutiny. Notably, the BNP is no stranger to such violence, because crimes against the Awami League and religious minorities broke out after a coalition led by the party last took power in 2001. With Tarique Rahman 2.0, the 60-year-old, who has kept unity and peace at the very forefront of his efforts to return to power after a self-imposed exile of nearly two decades, will have to use insights from that period to carefully rebuild the country from the inside out. Vengeance will not bring [anything] back ... Rather, if we can control it, if we can keep everyone united, keep the country united, that might get us something good, he told TIME in an interview. With the issue of Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India set to become a thorn in the side of the incoming governmentdue to public sentiments against the former PM, arising from fresh wounds that still stingit will have to tread carefully to prise apart the anger against her and the anger against India. This comes a day after Sheikh Hasina attacked the 2026 Bangladesh elections in an X post from the Awami League, calling the polls a 'well-planned farce'. (sheikh hasina extradition letter, bangladesh elections 2026, bnp tarique rahman)https://t.co/y6rScNmsD5 THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) February 13, 2026 Apart from taking on the mammoth task of rebuilding trust in public institutions such as the military, courts, civil service, and security services, Tarique Rahman 2.0's handling of the probe and the optics around the probe into the death of Hadi is another key area where it can expect scrutiny from an entire nation. For now, the road to recovery is steep, as the Tarique Rahman-led government will have to demonstrate political will, administrative discipline and transparency to counter the Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party that will be monitoring it from the Opposition side, waiting to pounce on the slightest laxity or error that could push the country into unrest again. With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) registering an overwhelming victory in the 13th national elections, the first since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, party chairman Tarique Rahman is almost certain to become the next Prime Minister of the country. Interestingly, Tarique Rahman just returned to his country after 17 years in exile. He contested from two constituencies - Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6, both of which he won. The 60-year-old is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died last December after a prolonged illness, and former President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP. Ziaur Rahman was assassinated during a military coup in 1981, following which Khaleda Zia entered politics. She first became the head of state in 1991. Rahman has served as the party's acting chairman since his mother's imprisonment in 2018. However, he moved to London in 2008 for medical treatment and remained there while facing multiple criminal cases at home. He was convicted in absentia on charges that included a case linked to an alleged plot to assassinate Sheikh Hasina. Those rulings were overturned after Hasina was removed from power in 2024, clearing the legal barriers to his return. The BNP has instructed not to hold victory processions immediately after the election results are announced. The party has said that Friday prayers and special prayers will be organised in mosques across the country. In addition, there will be prayer arrangements in other religious places of worship. Historically, the election is significant in the context of history. The last male prime minister was Kazi Zafar Ahmed in 1988. Since 1990, the government has been led by two women, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. After almost three and a half decades, the possibility of forming a male-led government has arisen again. Rahmans reign will be a major milestone in Bangladesh as he has promised a corruption-free government. Besides a clean politics, Rahman will now have to form an inclusive and centrist government with a focus on a rights-based system. As per reports, Tarique Rahman's control within the party is strong. Party sources say he has directly led everything from candidate selection to alliance strategy. Although part of hereditary politics, in Tarique Rahman's words, his main goal is to re-establish democracy and build an accountable state system. The country will progress only if democracy is practiced, we want to reconstruct the country, he said in an earlier interview. The telephone calls and messages exchanged between India and Bangladesh have rarely rung as consistently in nearly two years as they did between midnight of February 12 and early hours of February 13. The parliamentary victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the just-concluded national elections marks not just a political transition but open up a diplomatic recalibration not just with India but also in South Asia. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signalled New Delhis readiness to engage with the new leadership of Tarique Rahman, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed a similar sentiment, saying that an inclusive, democratic and progressive Bangladesh would always have the support of Indians. The message of regional peace and stability has resonated positively in Dhaka. While symbolism provides the much-needed oxygen to diplomacy when it is struggling to find an anchor, it also remains delicate till deeper engagements draw people and their leaders together. The continued presence of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi is sensitive, and soon questions may turn towards the extent to which she should exercise a political voice from Indian soil- especially after she dismissed the elections as a farce. At the same time, the incoming BNP leadership will have to tread carefully to delink the anti-Hasina sentiment with an anti-India feeling that might have stoked passions during the election campaign. As West Bengal and Assam head into elections in the coming months, the BNP government will also be looking towards India to separate domestic contestation with regional peace and long-term strategic interests. The revival of the Delhi-Dhaka bonhomie goes well beyond managing security and diplomatic relations, but people ties that are built on shared economic and cultural spaces. The challenge is huge for the BNP as it inherits an economy that faces deep distress, weakened institutions and broken public confidence. Accountability mechanisms, institutional order, and restoration of law and order are as critical as restoring democratic credibility. Engagement with India will inevitably be central to Dhakas foreign policy. The upside is that the substantive issues are familiar. Border killings are an emotive issue for Dhaka, equitable water sharing is a necessity, expanding trade and easing travel are essential and preserving shared cultural ties is a joint responsibility. For New Delhi, the safety and security of minorities is paramount, keeping radical and terror elements at bay is non-negotiable and territorial threats from inimical elements and cross-border insurgency are red lines for regional stability. Senior BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury says every country has legitimate security concerns, but foreign relations cannot be reduced solely to security calculations as it breeds suspicion, fear and misunderstanding between societies. The trust deficit, he says, must be addressed honestly and patiently. The immediate task is to recalibrate issues that have complicated ties over time. Some can be quickly resolved, others in the medium term, and others through long-term engagement, he says. Back home, Tarique Rahmans government will also have to demonstrate political will, administrative discipline and transparency to counter an emboldened opposition of the Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizens Party that will be watching its moves carefully. Any laxity or wrong moves can be used to push the country into unrest. At the same time, the BNP needs to ensure it does not become a prisoner of its past when it was in alliance with the Jamaat between 2001 and 2006. For now, calls of cooperation have been made between Delhi and Dhaka, widening possibilities of a meaningful dialogue, replacing resentment with engagement and showing new signs of recovery. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday claimed victory in the pivotal general elections after the fall of the Awami League regime in August 2024. BNP won over 151 seats in the 300-seat parliament, securing a majority of the seats in the parliament. Jamaat-e-Islami came second, securing over 30 seats. Its key leaders won several constituencies. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman secured the Dhaka-15 seat in the capital. While Mujibur Rahman, the partys central nayeb-e-ameer, won from Rajshahi-1 in northwestern Bangladesh. Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem, son of executed Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali, was elected from Dhaka-14. Also, Shahjahan Chowdhury and ATM Azharul Islam won the Chattogram-15 seat in the southeast and Rangpur-2 in northern Bangladesh, respectively. Jamaat-e-Islami dons the role of the opposition The once-banned Jamaat-e-Islami has made a significant comeback in these general elections. The chief of Bangladesh's Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party said that his party would not do the"politics of opposition" for the sake of it. "We will do positive politics," Shafiqur Rahman told reporters. Jamaat was a crucial partner of the BNP when it was in power between 2001 and 2006. Jamaat's two leaders were ministers then. After the fall of the Awami League government, Jamaat, a cadre-based party, has re-emerged as a major political force. The ban was lifted by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government after the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina, who is now in exile in India. Reportedly, Jamaat and its students' wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, played a key role in the uprising and the ouster of Hasina. The party has also rebranded itself with a focus on anti-corruption and governance. Surveys have also indicated that the party had a strong appeal among younger, educated voters as well. The election results show that Jamaat has emerged from the shadows of the past. Its leaders, including Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, have been in jail. Several of its leaders, including former ministers, have been hanged for crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. However, despite Jamaat's equation with the minorities, political observers believe that BNP promises stability with its traditional style of politics. Following the Hasina regime's downfall, a wave of attacks against minorities, particularly Hindus, instilled a deep sense of fear. Jamaat has found favour with minorities, shielding them from attacks. Jamaat members took turns to guard temples and houses of Hindus. Jamaat's best electoral show was in 1991, when it bagged 18 seats with a 12.13 per cent vote share. Hours after Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman recorded a historic win in the 2026 elections on Friday, the party has urged India to send ousted PM Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka to stand trial. According to senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, Dhaka's foreign minister is already engaged in renewed efforts to extradite the former PM, who had fled to India after student-led protests in 2024. The foreign minister has already pursued the matter of her extradition, and we support it, Ahmed said, as per a PTI report. Bangladesh Nationalist Party has won the general election after two decades.Tarique Rahman led the partys campaign following his return from exile.This was the first national vote after Sheikh Hasinas ouster in 2024. (Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Tarique Rahman, Sheikh pic.twitter.com/fr0jvfNEMM THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) February 13, 2026 We have consistently pressed for her extradition in accordance with the law. This is an issue between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We have also urged the government of India to send her back to face trial in Bangladesh, he added. He also reiterated the importance of a "friendly relationship ... with neighbouring countries, including India". This comes a day after Hasina attacked the Bangladesh elections in an X post from the Awami League, calling the polls a "well-planned farce". Gratitude from the Peoples Leader Sheikh Hasina to All Citizens, Including Mothers, Sisters, and Minority Communities, for Rejecting the Farcical Election of the Murderous-Fascist Yunus --- Todays so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, pic.twitter.com/bPmR2z5Fc1 Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) February 12, 2026 The post also put forth a number of demands, such as the resignation of "murderous-fascist" Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, allowing Awami League to contest the polls again, and fresh polls in the country. Notably, India last received a request for Hasina's extradition just a few months ago. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had confirmed on November 26 that New Delhi had received a letter from Dhaka about the deposed leader's extradition for trial. "The request is being examined ... We remain committed to the people of Bangladesh ... We will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all the stakeholders," Jaiswal had said during a media briefing. Back on November 17, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) had even sentenced the 78-year-old leader to death on charges of committing crimes against humanity after conducting her trial in absentia. Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESRT Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $6.07 and last traded at $6.2450, with a volume of 982757 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.38. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on ESRT. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Empire State Realty Trust in a report on Monday, December 29th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Empire State Realty Trust from $8.30 to $6.80 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Empire State Realty Trust currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $8.40. Get Empire State Realty Trust alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ESRT Empire State Realty Trust Price Performance Empire State Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 4.33 and a quick ratio of 4.33. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $6.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $7.14. The company has a market capitalization of $1.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.21 and a beta of 1.36. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a $0.035 dividend. This represents a $0.14 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. Empire State Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 66.67%. Institutional Trading of Empire State Realty Trust Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd acquired a new position in Empire State Realty Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of Empire State Realty Trust by 1,704.7% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 8,121 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 7,671 shares during the period. Simplex Trading LLC grew its holdings in Empire State Realty Trust by 869.5% in the 2nd quarter. Simplex Trading LLC now owns 8,260 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 7,408 shares in the last quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. acquired a new stake in Empire State Realty Trust in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $71,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in Empire State Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $74,000. 67.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Empire State Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Empire State Realty Trust, Inc is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the ownership, management and operation of office and retail properties. The companys portfolio features the iconic Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan, alongside a diversified collection of commercial assets situated throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and select markets in Upstate New York. By offering premium office space and street-level retail, Empire State Realty Trust positions itself as a landlord of choice for corporate tenants, retailers and experiential brands seeking high-profile addresses. Established through a spin-off of assets in early 2013, Empire State Realty Trust consolidated a mix of landmark and Class A properties, creating scale in one of the worlds most competitive real estate markets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Empire State Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Empire State Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE:PRA Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $24.63 and last traded at $24.6150, with a volume of 304830 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $24.34. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of ProAssurance in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen raised ProAssurance to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of ProAssurance from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $25.00. Get ProAssurance alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on ProAssurance ProAssurance Stock Up 0.8% Institutional Investors Weigh In On ProAssurance The firm has a market capitalization of $1.26 billion, a PE ratio of 37.75 and a beta of 0.09. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $24.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $24.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position in ProAssurance by 356.2% during the second quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 1,405 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,097 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of ProAssurance by 12,152.2% during the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 2,818 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $68,000 after buying an additional 2,795 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in shares of ProAssurance by 35.7% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 4,238 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $102,000 after buying an additional 1,115 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its holdings in ProAssurance by 271.2% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,576 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $127,000 after buying an additional 4,074 shares during the period. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in ProAssurance by 22.8% in the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 5,679 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $130,000 after buying an additional 1,056 shares in the last quarter. 85.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About ProAssurance (Get Free Report) ProAssurance Corporation is a specialty property and casualty insurance holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The company focuses primarily on professional liability coverage for healthcare providers, including physicians, surgeons, dentists and allied health professionals. ProAssurance operates through a group of insurance subsidiaries that underwrite both occurrence- and claims-made policies tailored to the unique risks faced by the medical community. In addition to professional liability insurance, ProAssurance offers a suite of complementary property and casualty products, such as general liability, workers compensation, property and inland marine, and umbrella coverage. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ProAssurance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProAssurance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UCB SA (OTCMKTS:UCBJF Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $330.39 and last traded at $330.39, with a volume of 44 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $322.24. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have issued reports on UCBJF. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of UCB in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of UCB in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Stephens restated an overweight rating on shares of UCB in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get UCB alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on UCBJF UCB Stock Up 2.5% About UCB The companys 50 day moving average price is $298.47 and its 200 day moving average price is $272.22. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. (Get Free Report) UCB SA is a Belgium-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of treatments for severe diseases of the immune system and the central nervous system. Founded in 1928 as Union Chimique Belge, the company transitioned from chemicals into pharmaceuticals and biologics and today concentrates its efforts on specialty medicines and research-driven innovation. UCBs work spans small molecules and biologics, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for patients with chronic and complex conditions. Key therapeutic areas for UCB include immunology and neurology, where the company markets several well-known products and maintains an active clinical pipeline. See Also Receive News & Ratings for UCB Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UCB and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NTT Inc. Sponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:NTTYY Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 102,364 shares, a growth of 784.4% from the January 15th total of 11,575 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 236,628 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 236,628 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded NTT from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, NTT has an average rating of Hold. Get NTT alerts: Get Our Latest Report on NTT NTT Stock Down 0.4% NTTYY traded down $0.09 on Thursday, reaching $24.96. The companys stock had a trading volume of 101,950 shares, compared to its average volume of 131,480. NTT has a 1 year low of $22.80 and a 1 year high of $28.70. The businesss 50 day moving average is $25.04 and its 200 day moving average is $25.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market cap of $85.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.45 and a beta of 0.08. NTT (OTCMKTS:NTTYY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $23.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.07 billion. NTT had a net margin of 7.66% and a return on equity of 10.32%. NTT Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) is a Japan-based telecommunications and information technology company. Established as a state-owned entity in 1952 and privatized in 1985, NTT provides a broad array of network services and IT solutions. The companys core offerings include fixed?line and mobile communications, high?speed internet services, and network management for enterprise and consumer customers. NTTs business operations are organized across several key subsidiaries. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for NTT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NTT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cadence Design Systems' (CDNS) new virtual artificial intelligence (AI) agent looks poised to be a gamechanger for the tech firm. Given the combination of this product and the already impressive growth of the firm's profits, CDNS stock looks like a buy for growth investors. Also noteworthy is that research firm Wolfe Research recently cited several other compelling reasons to buy CDNS stock. More News from Barchart About Cadence Design Systems The company specializes in developing various verification, simulation, and design software and platforms. Based in San Jose, California, Cadence is changing hands with a market capitalization of $81.4 billion and a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 43.3x. In the third quarter, Cadence's sales advanced 5% versus the same period a year earlier to $1.33 billion, while its net income soared 79% year-over-year to $287 million. Analysts on average expect its earnings per share (EPS) to jump to $6.54 this year from $5.66 in 2025. In 2024, Cadence's EPS came in at $4.50. As of early trading on Feb. 11, CDNS stock has advanced 1% in the previous 12 months, while the stock is down 5% so far in 2026. But the shares have risen 9.5% in the past five days. www.barchart.com Cadence's New AI Agent and Why It Looks Huge According to Cadence, its AI agrent "is the worlds first agentic workflow for automating chip design and verification and provides up to 10X productivity improvements for coding designs and testbenches, creating test plans, orchestrating regression testing, debugging and automatically fixing issues. In other words, the product allows AI chips to be created much more quickly and easily. The product also autonomously creates and verifies designs. AI chips that can be produced significantly more efficiently will allow chipmakers to meaningfully reduce their costs and raise their profits. And, with many chipmakers having difficulty meeting their customers' demand, Cadence's AI agent will enable these companies to make and consequently sell many more of their products. Further, at a time when the competition among chipmakers is heating up, with Amazon (AMZN) and Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) gaining major footholds in the sector, Cadence can allow these companies to lower their prices, enabling them to significantly increase their market share while maintaining high profits. Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS) used a recent investor webinar to outline its rationale for acquiring Peel Mining and to provide an update on its operating mines and development pipeline, with management emphasizing longer mine life at Tritton, increased optionality in the Cobar region, and a balance of copper and gold exposure across the group. Get alerts: Peel Mining transaction: structure, premium, and timeline Management described the proposed Peel Mining acquisition as complex, but summarized it as a listed-level acquisition of Peel shares combined with a demerger of non-core assets. Aeris said Peel had been trading at AUD 0.16 and that Aeris offered AUD 0.19 per share, which it characterized as a 19% premium. The company said Peel shareholders would also retain exposure to other assets through an entity referred to as NuCo, with management citing a current NuCo valuation of about AUD 0.044 and describing this as bringing the total premium to around 46% for Peel shareholders. For Aeris shareholders, management stressed that the headline premium to Peel shareholders does not translate into equivalent dilution for Aeris. It said the deal would dilute existing Aeris shareholders by around 20% on its figures. The company said the demerger and transaction will proceed via a scheme of arrangement requiring various steps, including court approvals, and that it is targeting completion in late June or early July. Aeris also noted it has support from the Peel board and Peels major shareholder and said no employees will transfer to Aeris as part of the processonly assets, properties, and associated tenements. Strategic rationale: extending Tritton and consolidating Cobar Aeris said the transaction would enhance the Tritton operations, provide greater stability, and de-risk the business, helping underpin a ten-year planning horizon and supporting consolidation in the Cobar region. The company framed the acquisition as a way to increase copper resources (and add some gold), with a particular emphasis on extending Trittons mine life and enabling infrastructure and planning decisions to be made with more certainty. As a pro forma snapshot, Aeris cited a market capitalization of AUD 670 million (as of the prior day in the presentation) and said it would pay AUD 175 million in equity value to Peel shareholders, implying a pro forma market capitalization of about AUD 850 million. Operating base: Tritton Copper and Cracow Gold Aeris reviewed its current operating footprint, stating it has two operating mines: the Tritton Copper Mine and the Cracow Gold Mine. Management said Tritton produces about 24,000 tonnes of copper metal, while Cracow produces around 40,000 ounces of gold. On a group basis, Aeris said it is targeting roughly 45,000 copper-equivalent tonnes. The company also highlighted recent balance sheet positioning, stating it has AUD 86 million cash in the bank, raised capital in November, repaid its debt, and is now debt-free. Management said the companys share price had risen from below AUD 0.20 in September to around AUD 0.60 more recently, and characterized Aeris as being in its best position for a very long time to execute on opportunities. Tritton update: plant utilization, Murrawombie and Constellation At Tritton, Aeris described a 1.8 million tonne processing facility and said that, on a combined basis following the regional consolidation strategy, it expects to control more than 3,000 square kilometers of exploration ground. Management said Tritton typically mines two to three sources to keep the plant fed. Key near-term developments included: Murrawombie: Aeris said it is undertaking a cutback and using waste material to close old heap leach pads, which it said will save about AUD 8 million. The company said pre-strip is nearly complete and that it expects to be in production by the end of the current quarter, with significant tonnes mined early in FY2027 and processed across FY2027. Aeris said it is undertaking a cutback and using waste material to close old heap leach pads, which it said will save about AUD 8 million. The company said pre-strip is nearly complete and that it expects to be in production by the end of the current quarter, with significant tonnes mined early in FY2027 and processed across FY2027. Constellation: Management called Constellation the key asset in the portfolio, discovered four to five years ago and currently at 8 million tonnes grading 2% copper with really good gold grades. Aeris said current indications are to start with an open pit beginning about 8 meters below surface, then transition underground at the right time. The current plan described Constellation as supporting a ten-year mining schedule and remaining open at depth with high-grade intersections. Aeris also said its two baseload projects are Constellation and Mallee Bull, which it said would feed the mill and keep it near 1.5 million tonnes per year without additional sources. Exploration and growth projects: Avoca Tank, Cracow targets, Jaguar, Stockman, and Wirlong The company said it is spending around AUD 25 million on exploration across the group, aimed at expanding the resource base. At Avoca Tank, a small high-grade copper deposit currently mining between 2% and over 3% copper, Aeris said it is drilling down-dip and testing areas outside the current resource structure. Management cited an intercept of 22 over 3% copper and said it is awaiting additional results, with the goal of extending Avoca Tanks life. At Cracow, management said the operation has historically been a high-grade narrow vein orebody. Aeris noted it bought the mine five years ago when it was thought to have about three years of life, but said it now believes there is more potential than initially assumed. It highlighted the Golden Plateau targetan area of historical miningwhere it is running a drill program and cited results including 5 meters at 12 grams per tonne and 19 meters at 0.9 grams per tonne, with higher-grade material in between. Aeris said it expects, if the target is defined over the next six months, it could support four to five years of open pit mining, alongside current production from the Western Mine Field, and that it intends to begin drilling the Southern Mine Field within the current quarter or financial year. For Jaguar in Western Australia, which has been in care and maintenance for about three years following a zinc price drop, Aeris said it has set aside AUD 2 million for drilling to test multiple base metals targets and that drilling will start within the next few months. Management also pointed to gold optionality across the tenements, noting the ground sits between Thunderbox and King of the Hills and includes multiple gold anomalies. At Stockman in Victoria, Aeris described a nearly 10 million tonne orebody grading 2% copper and 4.3% zinc with gold and silver, supported by reserves and a ten-year mine plan. The company said it is finalizing a feasibility study and has selected an improved flotation circuit as a lower-cost approach to boosting recoveries, after evaluating more expensive technologies. It also referenced exploration upside beyond the current focus area. Management briefly discussed Wirlong as a good deposit of about 4 million tonnes, with an approved exploration decline and no landowner constraints because Aeris owns the land. However, it said Wirlong needs more drilling and is not a priority in the short to medium term. Aeris added that Wirlong is not included in its current ten-year mine plan and described it as upside beyond that timeframe. Closing the webinar, management reiterated that it views the Cobar region as a consolidation opportunity and said that, with copper and gold prices described as near record levels, it sees the strategy as a way to reduce risk, invest more in exploration, and extend mine life to better withstand commodity cycles. About Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS) Aeris Resources Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, sale, and exploration of copper, zinc, gold, and silver in Australia. The company's primary operating assets include the Tritton Copper Operations located near the town of Nyngan in central New South Wales; and Cracow Gold Operations situated near the town of Theodore in Central Queensland. It also holds interests in the Jaguar mine located in Western Australia; Mt Colin mine situated in North-West Queensland; and Stockman project located in Victoria. Further Reading JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)s stock price was down 2.6% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $300.02 and last traded at $302.6830. Approximately 13,339,495 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 12% from the average daily volume of 11,941,213 shares. The stock had previously closed at $310.82. More JPMorgan Chase & Co. News Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week: Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth JPM has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $354.00 to $363.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $386.00 to $397.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $350.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Dbs Bank upgraded JPMorgan Chase & Co. to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, KGI Securities lifted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and thirteen have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $340.18. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $823.98 billion, a PE ratio of 15.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 1.07. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $316.05 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $307.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.85. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $5.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.93 by $0.30. The firm had revenue of $46.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $45.98 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.16% and a net margin of 20.35%.JPMorgan Chase & Co.s revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $4.81 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 6th were given a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 6th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is 29.99%. Insider Activity In other news, CFO Jeremy Barnum sold 2,893 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $312.79, for a total transaction of $904,901.47. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 26,696 shares in the company, valued at $8,350,241.84. This trade represents a 9.78% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Stacey Friedman sold 3,404 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $312.80, for a total value of $1,064,771.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 65,353 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,442,418.40. The trade was a 4.95% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 14,868 shares of company stock worth $4,650,596 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Timmons Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 450.0% in the 2nd quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. acquired a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 3rd quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 92.6% during the third quarter. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC now owns 104 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.55% of the companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutional investors worldwide. Its operations span retail banking, commercial lending, investment banking, asset management, payments and card services, and treasury and securities services. The firms principal business activities are organized across several core lines: Consumer & Community Banking, which offers deposit accounts, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and branch and digital banking under the Chase brand; Corporate & Investment Banking, which provides capital markets, advisory, underwriting, trading and risk management services; Commercial Banking, delivering lending, treasury and capital solutions to middle-market and corporate clients; and Asset & Wealth Management, which offers investment management, private banking and retirement services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report) were up 3% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $229.05 and last traded at $227.5660. Approximately 8,689,308 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 14% from the average daily volume of 7,633,555 shares. The stock had previously closed at $220.89. Trending Headlines about AbbVie Here are the key news stories impacting AbbVie this week: Get AbbVie alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on ABBV shares. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating on shares of AbbVie in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Guggenheim upped their price objective on AbbVie from $227.00 to $242.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. HSBC raised AbbVie from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $225.00 to $265.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. DZ Bank cut AbbVie from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $237.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Scotiabank started coverage on AbbVie in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $280.00 price target on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $251.00. AbbVie Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $402.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 96.43, a PEG ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 0.35. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $223.45 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $220.35. AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $2.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.65 by $0.06. AbbVie had a negative return on equity of 4,184.47% and a net margin of 6.91%.The company had revenue of $16.62 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.39 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.16 earnings per share. AbbVies revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. AbbVie has set its FY 2026 guidance at 14.370-14.570 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.970-3.010 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that AbbVie Inc. will post 12.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ABBV. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in AbbVie during the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Chelsea Counsel Co. bought a new stake in AbbVie during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Spurstone Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of AbbVie in the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Litman Gregory Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of AbbVie during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Westend Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of AbbVie during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.23% of the companys stock. About AbbVie (Get Free Report) AbbVie is a global, research-driven biopharmaceutical company that was created as a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories in 2013 and is headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois. The company focuses on discovering, developing and commercializing therapies for complex and often chronic medical conditions. Its operations span research and development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs and commercialization, with an emphasis on bringing specialty medicines to market across multiple therapeutic areas. AbbVies product portfolio and pipeline cover several major therapeutic categories, including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, virology and womens health. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 3.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $156.96 and last traded at $158.7370. Approximately 11,373,781 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 17% from the average daily volume of 13,720,637 shares. The stock had previously closed at $164.32. More Alibaba Group News Here are the key news stories impacting Alibaba Group this week: Get Alibaba Group alerts: Positive Sentiment: Strong AI demand Alibabas Qwen model generated roughly 120 million orders in six days during its holiday shopping push, showing substantial user engagement that supports cloud and commerce monetization potential. Article Title Strong AI demand Alibabas Qwen model generated roughly 120 million orders in six days during its holiday shopping push, showing substantial user engagement that supports cloud and commerce monetization potential. Positive Sentiment: New robotics AI product and market interest Alibaba launched the RynnBrain embodied AI model for robots, prompting positive media coverage and an initial stock reaction as investors see product expansion beyond chatbots into automation and edge use cases. Article Title New robotics AI product and market interest Alibaba launched the RynnBrain embodied AI model for robots, prompting positive media coverage and an initial stock reaction as investors see product expansion beyond chatbots into automation and edge use cases. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional holdings disclosure Alibaba filed a U.S. Form 13F revealing the scope of its institutional investment holdings; the filing itself is informational but could move the stock if it shows notable buying or selling by large funds. Article Title Institutional holdings disclosure Alibaba filed a U.S. Form 13F revealing the scope of its institutional investment holdings; the filing itself is informational but could move the stock if it shows notable buying or selling by large funds. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings catalyst Alibaba is scheduled to report quarterly results this week; investors may be defensive ahead of the print given recent spending and margin dynamics. Article Title Earnings catalyst Alibaba is scheduled to report quarterly results this week; investors may be defensive ahead of the print given recent spending and margin dynamics. Negative Sentiment: Rising capex and cash flow pressure analysts highlight an ~80% surge in capital expenditures tied to AI and cloud infrastructure, producing negative free cash flow that could weigh on near?term profitability and investor sentiment. Article Title Rising capex and cash flow pressure analysts highlight an ~80% surge in capital expenditures tied to AI and cloud infrastructure, producing negative free cash flow that could weigh on near?term profitability and investor sentiment. Negative Sentiment: Valuation and execution scrutiny coverage notes the companys AI push is being tested in real-world settings and that there remains a valuation gap; investors are mixed on whether long-term gains offset short-term margin dilution. Article Title Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Arete Research raised Alibaba Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $190.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Rosenblatt Securities set a $195.00 price target on Alibaba Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Macquarie Infrastructure reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Alibaba Group in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $195.00 target price on shares of Alibaba Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Alibaba Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Eighteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $195.17. Alibaba Group Stock Performance The company has a market cap of $378.97 billion, a PE ratio of 21.93, a P/E/G ratio of 3.65 and a beta of 0.39. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $159.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $154.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.46. Institutional Trading of Alibaba Group Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Traphagen Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Alibaba Group by 2.0% in the third quarter. Traphagen Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,018 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $539,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the period. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC grew its holdings in shares of Alibaba Group by 26.4% in the 3rd quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 302 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Bluesphere Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Alibaba Group by 2.2% during the third quarter. Bluesphere Advisors LLC now owns 3,023 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $540,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. boosted its position in Alibaba Group by 34.4% during the third quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 254 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Transcend Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Alibaba Group by 1.0% in the third quarter. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,661 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $1,191,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. 13.47% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Alibaba Group (Get Free Report) Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational conglomerate founded in 1999 in Hangzhou, China, by Jack Ma and a group of co?founders. The company built its business around internet-based commerce and related services and has grown into one of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world. Alibaba completed a high?profile initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014. The company operates a portfolio of online marketplaces and platforms serving different customer segments: Alibaba.com for global and domestic B2B trade, Taobao for consumer-to-consumer shopping, and Tmall for brand and retailer storefronts targeted at Chinese consumers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alibaba Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alibaba Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) rose 1.6% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $67.46 and last traded at $66.9750. Approximately 9,403,891 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 17% from the average daily volume of 11,277,672 shares. The stock had previously closed at $65.92. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently weighed in on MO. UBS Group lifted their price target on Altria Group from $63.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Argus upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on shares of Altria Group from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price target on Altria Group from $57.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.67. Get Altria Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on MO Altria Group Stock Up 1.6% The stock has a market capitalization of $112.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 0.47. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $60.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $62.08. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by ($0.02). Altria Group had a net margin of 29.84% and a negative return on equity of 287.61%. The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.02 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.30 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a $1.06 dividend. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 103.16%. Altria Group announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback program on Thursday, October 30th that permits the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to buy up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are usually an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Altria Group Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Darwin Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Navalign LLC bought a new position in Altria Group during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Country Trust Bank raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 400.0% during the second quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 500 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. EMC Capital Management purchased a new position in Altria Group in the third quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Creative Capital Management Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock. About Altria Group (Get Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, February 12th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of 0.26 per share by the real estate investment trust on Thursday, March 19th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Kimco Realty has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.0%per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 2 consecutive years. Kimco Realty has a payout ratio of 140.5% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect Kimco Realty to earn $1.76 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.04 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 59.1%. Get Kimco Realty alerts: Kimco Realty Price Performance Shares of NYSE:KIM traded up $0.37 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $22.36. 7,467,521 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,509,804. The company has a current ratio of 3.59, a quick ratio of 3.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $20.67 and a 200-day moving average price of $21.15. Kimco Realty has a twelve month low of $17.93 and a twelve month high of $22.97. The stock has a market cap of $15.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.94, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.07. Key Headlines Impacting Kimco Realty Kimco Realty ( NYSE:KIM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.44. Kimco Realty had a return on equity of 5.60% and a net margin of 28.24%.The company had revenue of $542.46 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $539.21 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.42 earnings per share. Kimco Realtys revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Kimco Realty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.800-1.840 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Kimco Realty will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current year. Here are the key news stories impacting Kimco Realty this week: Kimco Realty Company Profile (Get Free Report) Founded in 1958 by Milton Cooper and headquartered in Jericho, New York, Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE: KIM) is a leading publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the ownership, operation and development of open-air shopping centers. The companys portfolio, concentrated on neighborhood and community centers anchored by grocery stores, encompasses approximately 400 properties across the United States, with selective holdings in Canada and Mexico. Kimcos core business activities include acquiring, repositioning and managing retail real estate assets that serve as daily-need destinations for consumers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kimco Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimco Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Central Japan Railway Co. (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $15.50 and last traded at $15.22, with a volume of 71894 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $14.89. Central Japan Railway Price Performance The companys 50-day simple moving average is $14.04 and its 200 day simple moving average is $13.65. The company has a market capitalization of $29.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.35 and a beta of 0.22. The company has a quick ratio of 2.33, a current ratio of 2.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92. Get Central Japan Railway alerts: Central Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.13. Central Japan Railway had a return on equity of 11.21% and a net margin of 27.40%.The firm had revenue of $3.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.25 billion. Central Japan Railway has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.681-1.681 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Central Japan Railway Co. will post 1.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Central Japan Railway Company Profile Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is a major Japanese passenger rail operator best known for running the Tokaido Shinkansen high?speed rail line, which connects the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka corridors. The companys core activities center on intercity high?speed transport as well as conventional commuter and regional rail services across the Chubu and Tokaido regions of central Japan. JR Central operates and maintains rolling stock, station facilities and the infrastructure necessary to deliver frequent, high?capacity passenger service on one of the busiest rail corridors in the world. Beyond train operations, JR Central derives revenue from a range of railway?related businesses including station retail and commercial leases, real estate and property development around major stations, hotel and travel services, and peripheral retail and restaurant operations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Central Japan Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Central Japan Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW Get Free Report) SVP Carine Lamercie Jean-Claude sold 4,000 shares of Arrow Electronics stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.65, for a total transaction of $626,600.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 16,261 shares in the company, valued at $2,547,285.65. The trade was a 19.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Arrow Electronics Stock Down 1.4% NYSE ARW traded down $2.15 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $155.66. The company had a trading volume of 619,068 shares, compared to its average volume of 766,121. The firms 50 day moving average is $121.47 and its 200 day moving average is $119.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.09. Arrow Electronics, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $86.50 and a fifty-two week high of $160.63. The company has a market capitalization of $8.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.23, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.04. Get Arrow Electronics alerts: Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The technology company reported $4.39 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.55 by $0.84. Arrow Electronics had a return on equity of 9.01% and a net margin of 1.85%.The company had revenue of $8.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.16 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.97 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.1% on a year-over-year basis. Arrow Electronics has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.130-2.330 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Arrow Electronics, Inc. will post 10.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Arrow Electronics Analyst Ratings Changes Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of ARW. ACR Alpine Capital Research LLC lifted its holdings in Arrow Electronics by 12.1% during the 3rd quarter. ACR Alpine Capital Research LLC now owns 2,416,815 shares of the technology companys stock worth $292,435,000 after buying an additional 260,442 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its position in shares of Arrow Electronics by 77.0% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 15,080 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,922,000 after acquiring an additional 6,558 shares in the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its stake in Arrow Electronics by 19.8% during the third quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 41,195 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,984,000 after purchasing an additional 6,808 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd boosted its holdings in Arrow Electronics by 278.4% in the second quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 11,690 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,490,000 after purchasing an additional 8,601 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Grotto Capital LLC increased its stake in Arrow Electronics by 42.0% during the second quarter. Blue Grotto Capital LLC now owns 165,468 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $21,086,000 after purchasing an additional 48,968 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.34% of the companys stock. Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Arrow Electronics from $94.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Arrow Electronics from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Arrow Electronics from $120.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Arrow Electronics from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $124.33. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Arrow Electronics About Arrow Electronics (Get Free Report) Arrow Electronics (NYSE: ARW) is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. The company offers a broad portfolio of semiconductors, passives, connectors, electromechanical devices and embedded solutions, serving customers across diverse end markets including automotive, communications, computing, aerospace, defense and healthcare. Through its extensive supplier relationships, Arrow enables design engineers to identify and procure components required for the development of new electronic systems and devices. In addition to component distribution, Arrow delivers value-added services such as design engineering support, supply chain management, global logistics and technical training. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Arrow Electronics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arrow Electronics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kenmare Resources plc (OTCMKTS:KMRPF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 185 shares, a decrease of 73.3% from the January 15th total of 692 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,825 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,825 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Kenmare Resources Stock Performance OTCMKTS KMRPF remained flat at $3.51 during trading hours on Thursday. Kenmare Resources has a one year low of $3.00 and a one year high of $5.94. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $3.42 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.81. Get Kenmare Resources alerts: About Kenmare Resources (Get Free Report) Kenmare Resources plc is an Ireland?based mining company primarily engaged in the extraction and processing of titanium?bearing minerals. The company operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in northern Mozambique, which is one of the largest rutile and rare earth?bearing mineral sands deposits globally. Kenmares primary products include high?grade ilmenite, rutile, and zircon, which are used as feedstocks for pigment, welding, foundry, ceramics, and refractory markets. Kenmare began commercial production at the Moma operation in the mid?2000s and has since developed an integrated supply chain that includes a mineral separation plant at the port of Nacala, a purpose?built rail link, and modern shipping facilities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kenmare Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kenmare Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (TSE:PSK Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday after Scotiabank raised their price target on the stock from C$30.00 to C$31.00. Scotiabank currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. PrairieSky Royalty traded as high as C$30.56 and last traded at C$30.31, with a volume of 285621 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$30.22. A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on PrairieSky Royalty from C$32.00 to C$34.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial raised shares of PrairieSky Royalty from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating and upped their target price for the company from C$30.00 to C$35.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Natl Bk Canada upgraded shares of PrairieSky Royalty from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. TD Securities upped their price objective on PrairieSky Royalty from C$30.00 to C$33.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, National Bank Financial raised their target price on PrairieSky Royalty from C$32.00 to C$35.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$31.57. Get PrairieSky Royalty alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PSK Insider Buying and Selling at PrairieSky Royalty PrairieSky Royalty Price Performance In other PrairieSky Royalty news, Director Margaret Anne Mckenzie purchased 8,400 shares of PrairieSky Royalty stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were bought at an average price of C$29.92 per share, for a total transaction of C$251,328.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 68,850 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$2,059,992. This trade represents a 13.90% increase in their position. Company insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. The company has a current ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.48. The company has a market capitalization of C$6.94 billion, a PE ratio of 32.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 0.79. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$27.80 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$26.08. PrairieSky Royalty Company Profile (Get Free Report) PrairieSky Royalty Ltd is the owner of subsurface mineral rights on a variety of royalty properties in western Canada. The company encourages third parties to develop these properties, while also seeking additional petroleum and natural gas royalty assets. Once PrairieSky has given a third party the right to explore, develop, or produce on its properties, the company collects royalty revenue from the development of petroleum and natural gas. Property arrangements can be contracted as lease issuances, farmouts, drilling commitments, or seismic option agreements. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PrairieSky Royalty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PrairieSky Royalty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. In an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerated computing, Nvidia (NVDA) stands out not just as a leading semiconductor company but as the central engine of the global AI infrastructure boom. With demand for AI chips surging across data centers, cloud platforms, autonomous systems, and research institutions, Nvidias technology has become the indispensable backbone of next-generation computing. Further reaffirming Nvidias core position in the AI landscape, D.A. Davidson analysts believe OpenAIs planned fundraising of up to $100 billion could drive a re-rating of AI-linked stocks, with Nvidia positioned as a significant beneficiary. More News from Barchart OpenAI is reportedly planning a massive fundraising round of up to $100 billion, aiming to secure capital that could power its ambitious expansion across AI research, computing infrastructure, and global deployment of next-generation models. If completed, this raise could value the company at around $830 billion, positioning it among the most valuable private tech firms ever and reflecting extraordinary investor confidence in its long-term role in the AI landscape. Nvidia's dominant share of the AI GPU market, expanding ecosystem of partnerships, and the growth trajectory of AI data centers present a compelling argument that NVDA stock may be a solid long-term buy. About Nvidia Stock Nvidia is a global leader in accelerated computing and AI, renowned for pioneering the GPU that revolutionized gaming, data centers, and AI-driven computing. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Nvidias technology now powers everything from high-performance gaming and cloud computing to autonomous vehicles and generative AI applications. With a market capitalization of roughly $4.6 trillion, Nvidia stands among the worlds most valuable companies, driven by its dominance in AI infrastructure and continued innovation in next-generation chip design. Over the past year, NVDA stock has delivered strong positive returns, significantly outpacing broad market benchmarks as investor enthusiasm around generative AI and accelerated computing continued to drive demand for its GPUs and datacenter solutions. Over the past 52 weeks, NVDA has generated total returns of 42%, supported by explosive growth in datacenter revenue, ongoing leadership in AI hardware, and strategic product launches that also helped propel the stock to an all-time high of $212.19 in October 2025. Murata Manufacturing Inc. (OTCMKTS:MRAAY Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 92,028 shares, an increase of 439.9% from the January 15th total of 17,046 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 530,824 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 530,824 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Murata Manufacturing Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:MRAAY traded down $0.29 during trading on Thursday, reaching $10.58. The stock had a trading volume of 296,654 shares, compared to its average volume of 396,687. Murata Manufacturing has a 52 week low of $6.24 and a 52 week high of $11.25. The firms fifty day moving average is $10.45 and its 200 day moving average is $9.60. The stock has a market cap of $38.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.23 and a beta of 0.94. Get Murata Manufacturing alerts: Murata Manufacturing (OTCMKTS:MRAAY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 2nd. The company reported $0.05 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter. Murata Manufacturing had a net margin of 10.74% and a return on equity of 7.38%. Murata Manufacturing has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.392-0.392 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Murata Manufacturing will post 0.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Murata Manufacturing Murata Manufacturing Co, Ltd. is a Japan-based manufacturer of electronic components and modules, best known for its development and production of ceramic components. Founded in 1944 by Akira Murata and headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Prefecture, the company has grown into a leading global supplier of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), ceramic resonators, and a broad range of passive and active electronic parts used across consumer, industrial and automotive electronics. The companys product portfolio encompasses passive components (such as capacitors, inductors and filters), sensors and sensing modules, power modules, and RF/wireless communication modules. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Murata Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murata Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:GBF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 187 shares, a drop of 55.0% from the January 15th total of 416 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 3,143 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 3,143 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF Trading Up 0.5% GBF traded up $0.50 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $105.65. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,077 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,030. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $104.98 and its 200-day moving average price is $105.11. iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $100.46 and a 12 month high of $106.43. Get iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. WorthPointe LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 1.3% during the third quarter. WorthPointe LLC now owns 10,788 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,137,000 after buying an additional 136 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 274.0% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 288 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 211 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 170.9% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 474 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 299 shares during the period. United Financial Planning Group LLC bought a new position in iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 12.8% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,959 shares of the companys stock valued at $413,000 after acquiring an additional 448 shares during the last quarter. About iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of the United States dollar-denominated government, government-related and investment-grade the United States corporate bonds. The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index (the Underlying Index), which measures the performance of the United States dollar-denominated United States Treasury bonds, government-related bonds (i.e., the United States and foreign agencies, sovereign, supranational and local authority debt) and investment-grade United States corporate bonds, which have a remaining maturity of greater than or equal to one year. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (NYSEARCA:GSG Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 159,572 shares, a decline of 56.8% from the January 15th total of 369,129 shares. Approximately 0.4% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 980,658 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 980,658 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.4% of the companys stock are short sold. iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust Stock Performance Shares of GSG stock traded down $0.54 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $24.69. 177,123 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 970,115. iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust has a one year low of $19.86 and a one year high of $26.33. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $23.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $23.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.25. Get iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in GSG. Amundi raised its position in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust by 41.5% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 7,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $165,000 after acquiring an additional 2,200 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust by 41.6% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 270,598 shares of the companys stock worth $6,162,000 after purchasing an additional 79,531 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new position in iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust in the first quarter worth $5,902,000. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its stake in iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust by 34.4% during the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 16,303 shares of the companys stock valued at $359,000 after purchasing an additional 4,177 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empirical Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust by 4.1% during the second quarter. Empirical Asset Management LLC now owns 114,908 shares of the companys stock worth $2,533,000 after purchasing an additional 4,524 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 60.67% of the companys stock. About iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (The Trust) is an investment trust that issues units of beneficial interest (shares) representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in its net assets. The Trusts objective is to track the results of a fully collateralized investment in futures contracts on an index composed of a diversified group of commodities futures and to track the investment returns of the index before payment of the Trusts expenses and liabilities. The Trust is a commodity pool. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $134.34 and last traded at $131.11, with a volume of 4182 shares. The stock had previously closed at $128.08. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Barclays lowered Bank Hapoalim from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Bank Hapoalim alerts: Get Our Latest Report on BKHYY Bank Hapoalim Price Performance The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $121.36 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $106.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 0.93. The company has a market cap of $37.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.31 and a beta of 1.19. Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The bank reported $2.68 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.99 billion during the quarter. Bank Hapoalim had a return on equity of 14.60% and a net margin of 21.60%. Bank Hapoalim Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.9362 per share. This represents a yield of 266.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Bank Hapoalims dividend payout ratio is currently 38.62%. About Bank Hapoalim (Get Free Report) Bank Hapoalim B.M. is one of Israels largest banking groups, providing a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional customers. Founded in 1921 by the Histadrut labor federation, the bank has developed into a full-service financial institution offering deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, credit cards, payment services, and branch-based retail banking. It also serves small and medium-sized enterprises with working capital and trade finance solutions. In addition to traditional retail banking, Bank Hapoalim operates significant corporate and investment banking divisions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank Hapoalim Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Hapoalim and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Molson Coors Beverage (OTCMKTS:TAP.A Get Free Report)s stock price rose 8.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $55.00 and last traded at $55.00. Approximately 576 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 10% from the average daily volume of 638 shares. The stock had previously closed at $50.76. Molson Coors Beverage Stock Up 8.4% The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $49.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $49.94. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: About Molson Coors Beverage (Get Free Report) Molson Coors Beverage Company is a leading global brewer and beverage producer, known for its extensive portfolio of beer and malt-based beverages. The company operates across multiple segments, encompassing brewing, marketing, sales and distribution of premium, value?priced and craft brands. In addition to traditional beers, Molson Coors has expanded into adjacent beverage categories, including hard seltzers, ciders and non-alcoholic offerings, reflecting its strategic efforts to meet evolving consumer preferences. The origins of Molson Coors date back to the late 18th and 19th centuries, with Alexander Molson founding Molson Brewery in Montreal in 1786 and Adolph Coors establishing Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado in 1873. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShare Advisors LLC decreased its stake in Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Free Report) by 7.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 91,451 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 7,390 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLCs holdings in Tompkins Financial were worth $6,055,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in Tompkins Financial in the 2nd quarter valued at $151,000. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of Tompkins Financial by 3,207.7% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,580 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $162,000 after buying an additional 2,502 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its stake in shares of Tompkins Financial by 122.6% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,812 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $186,000 after buying an additional 1,549 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS acquired a new stake in Tompkins Financial during the second quarter worth about $202,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in Tompkins Financial during the second quarter valued at about $204,000. 69.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Tompkins Financial alerts: Insider Activity In related news, Director Ita M. Rahilly acquired 1,463 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was bought at an average cost of $68.36 per share, with a total value of $100,010.68. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 10,511 shares in the company, valued at $718,531.96. The trade was a 16.17% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 2.94% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TMP has been the subject of a number of research reports. Zacks Research upgraded Tompkins Financial to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Piper Sandler started coverage on Tompkins Financial in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $74.00 price objective on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $74.00. Get Our Latest Research Report on Tompkins Financial Tompkins Financial Stock Down 0.9% Shares of TMP opened at $83.79 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $76.48 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $70.31. The stock has a market cap of $1.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.47 and a beta of 0.79. Tompkins Financial Corporation has a 12 month low of $54.16 and a 12 month high of $86.95. Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The financial services provider reported $1.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.77 by $0.01. Tompkins Financial had a return on equity of 11.19% and a net margin of 27.82%.The company had revenue of $257.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $136.16 million. Equities analysts predict that Tompkins Financial Corporation will post 5.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Tompkins Financial Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, February 22nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.67 per share. This is an increase from Tompkins Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Tompkins Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 52.53%. Tompkins Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP) is a bank holding company headquartered in Ithaca, New York, that provides a diversified range of financial services. Through its principal banking subsidiary, Tompkins Trust Company, the firm offers commercial and consumer banking products including checking and savings accounts, mortgage loans, and credit facilities. Beyond traditional banking, Tompkins Financial delivers asset management, trust and estate planning, retirement services and investment advisory solutions. In addition to its core banking operations, Tompkins Financial operates Tompkins Insurance Agencies, which offers property and casualty, life and health insurance coverages to individuals and businesses. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TMP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Tompkins Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tompkins Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $8.25 and traded as high as $8.65. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust shares last traded at $8.5150, with a volume of 15,625 shares traded. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Cross Timbers Royalty Trust has a consensus rating of Sell. Get Cross Timbers Royalty Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Stock Performance The business has a 50 day moving average of $8.25 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $51.09 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.35 and a beta of 0.12. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The oil and gas company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 191.25% and a net margin of 79.29%. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be given a $0.0329 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 4.6%. Cross Timbers Royalty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.33%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Susquehanna International Group LLP bought a new position in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the third quarter valued at $212,000. Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust during the second quarter worth about $169,000. Scotia Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth about $109,000. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by 23.3% in the 4th quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 14,030 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $112,000 after acquiring an additional 2,651 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by 81.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,596 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 1,612 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.74% of the companys stock. About Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT) is a Delaware statutory trust that holds royalty interests in a portfolio of onshore oil and natural gas properties. The trust was established in June 2005 through a contribution of assets by Chesapeake Energy Corporation. It earns revenue by collecting overriding royalty and net profit interests carved out of producing leases and then distributing those receipts to its unitholders on a quarterly basis. The underlying assets of the trust consist primarily of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves located in several Texas counties, including Erath, Stephens, Comanche and Palo Pinto. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prospera Financial Services Inc lessened its position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report) by 21.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 9,887 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,643 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Incs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF were worth $3,166,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of IWO. Cloud Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. First Command Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF during the second quarter worth $27,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF during the second quarter worth $32,000. Howe & Rusling Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF during the third quarter valued at about $36,000. 74.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:IWO opened at $331.12 on Friday. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a one year low of $219.19 and a one year high of $355.34. The company has a market cap of $13.13 billion, a PE ratio of 21.86 and a beta of 1.17. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $336.72 and a 200-day moving average of $322.31. About iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. It is a subset of the Russell 2000 Index, which measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Impax Asset Management Group plc purchased a new stake in shares of WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 5,117 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,082,000. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its stake in WESCO International by 172.5% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 10,742 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,272,000 after buying an additional 6,800 shares during the last quarter. Regency Capital Management Inc. DE bought a new stake in WESCO International during the third quarter valued at about $3,215,000. Norman Fields Gottscho Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of WESCO International by 112.7% in the third quarter. Norman Fields Gottscho Capital Management LLC now owns 13,785 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,916,000 after purchasing an additional 7,303 shares during the last quarter. Third Avenue Management LLC increased its stake in shares of WESCO International by 35.6% in the second quarter. Third Avenue Management LLC now owns 20,093 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,721,000 after purchasing an additional 5,271 shares during the period. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of WESCO International during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,923,000. Institutional investors own 93.75% of the companys stock. Get WESCO International alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have issued reports on WCC shares. Wall Street Zen lowered WESCO International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 17th. KeyCorp set a $340.00 price objective on WESCO International in a research report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of WESCO International in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of WESCO International from $316.00 to $335.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on shares of WESCO International from $302.00 to $313.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $276.00. WESCO International Stock Performance WCC opened at $296.02 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $274.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $243.50. The company has a current ratio of 2.20, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. The stock has a market cap of $14.40 billion, a PE ratio of 22.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.45. WESCO International, Inc. has a 1 year low of $125.21 and a 1 year high of $319.67. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The technology company reported $3.40 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.82 by ($0.42). The business had revenue of $6.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.03 billion. WESCO International had a return on equity of 13.00% and a net margin of 2.72%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.16 EPS. WESCO International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 14.500-16.500 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that WESCO International, Inc. will post 13.3 EPS for the current year. WESCO International Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th were given a dividend of $0.4538 per share. This represents a $1.82 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 12th. WESCO Internationals payout ratio is 13.94%. Key WESCO International News Here are the key news stories impacting WESCO International this week: WESCO International Company Profile (Free Report) WESCO International, Inc is a leading global distributor of electrical, industrial, communications and utility products, serving a diverse customer base across maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and construction markets. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products ranging from power distribution and automation solutions to data communications, security systems and lighting controls. Through an extensive branch network, WESCO provides critical components and value?added services that help organizations streamline operations and improve reliability in their facilities and infrastructure. In addition to its broad product offering, WESCO delivers advanced supply chain management and logistics solutions designed to optimize inventory levels, reduce downtime and lower overall procurement costs. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WCC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LSV Asset Management trimmed its position in Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP Free Report) by 2.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 268,470 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 5,600 shares during the period. LSV Asset Managements holdings in Ameriprise Financial were worth $131,886,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of AMP. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Ameriprise Financial by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,432,261 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,635,471,000 after acquiring an additional 111,386 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in Ameriprise Financial by 7.7% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,270,995 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,347,019,000 after acquiring an additional 446,080 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 1.7% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,818,428 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,500,115,000 after purchasing an additional 47,584 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Ameriprise Financial in the second quarter worth about $693,736,000. Finally, Boston Partners lifted its position in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,179,876 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $629,650,000 after purchasing an additional 35,500 shares during the last quarter. 83.95% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Ameriprise Financial alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Ameriprise Financial In other Ameriprise Financial news, Director Robert Francis Sharpe, Jr. sold 1,500 shares of Ameriprise Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $450.94, for a total transaction of $676,410.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 7,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,382,050. The trade was a 16.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO William F. Truscott sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $532.08, for a total value of $2,660,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 12,149 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,464,239.92. The trade was a 29.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 18,158 shares of company stock worth $9,675,085 in the last three months. 0.73% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Ameriprise Financial Stock Performance Shares of NYSE AMP opened at $467.49 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.86, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.26. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. has a one year low of $396.14 and a one year high of $552.43. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $502.44 and a 200 day simple moving average of $491.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. Ameriprise Financial (NYSE:AMP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The financial services provider reported $10.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.33 by $0.50. The firm had revenue of $4.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.75 billion. Ameriprise Financial had a net margin of 19.28% and a return on equity of 63.04%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $9.54 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Ameriprise Financial, Inc. will post 38.64 EPS for the current year. Ameriprise Financial Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Monday, February 9th will be given a $1.60 dividend. This represents a $6.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 9th. Ameriprise Financials dividend payout ratio is 17.60%. More Ameriprise Financial News Here are the key news stories impacting Ameriprise Financial this week: Positive Sentiment: Company fundamentals remain strong: Ameriprise reported an EPS beat and double-digit revenue growth in its latest quarter, and it recently declared a $1.60 quarterly dividend (annualized $6.40). Those items support the stocks longer-term thesis. MarketBeat AMP Summary Company fundamentals remain strong: Ameriprise reported an EPS beat and double-digit revenue growth in its latest quarter, and it recently declared a $1.60 quarterly dividend (annualized $6.40). Those items support the stocks longer-term thesis. Neutral Sentiment: Management is engaging with investors Ameriprise presented at the Bank of America Financial Services Conference; the transcript provides detail but no new headline guidance. Useful for longer-term modeling, but not market-moving by itself. Conference Transcript Management is engaging with investors Ameriprise presented at the Bank of America Financial Services Conference; the transcript provides detail but no new headline guidance. Useful for longer-term modeling, but not market-moving by itself. Neutral Sentiment: Valuation commentary is mixed analysts consensus target remains above the current price, with several firms reiterating Buy/Hold ratings and some target upgrades; this provides upside framing but hasnt prevented near-term volatility. Valuation Check Valuation commentary is mixed analysts consensus target remains above the current price, with several firms reiterating Buy/Hold ratings and some target upgrades; this provides upside framing but hasnt prevented near-term volatility. Negative Sentiment: Material insider selling: SVP Gumer Alvero sold 4,658 shares (~$2.53M) and CEO William Truscott sold 5,000 shares (~$2.66M) in separate filings, significantly reducing their holdings insider exits at this scale tend to spook investors and likely triggered todays selling pressure. Insider Trades Alert Material insider selling: SVP Gumer Alvero sold 4,658 shares (~$2.53M) and CEO William Truscott sold 5,000 shares (~$2.66M) in separate filings, significantly reducing their holdings insider exits at this scale tend to spook investors and likely triggered todays selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Additional insider sales reported (another director sold 7,000 shares); aggregated insider selling headlines have coincided with higher volume and negative price action. Market Reaction to Insider Selling Additional insider sales reported (another director sold 7,000 shares); aggregated insider selling headlines have coincided with higher volume and negative price action. Negative Sentiment: Leadership change: Ameriprise announced the retirement of long-time wealth executive Joseph E. Sweeney. Loss of a key wealth-management leader adds near-term execution uncertainty for the advice/wealth channel. Retirement Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Argus lowered their target price on Ameriprise Financial from $568.00 to $554.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Ameriprise Financial from $484.00 to $485.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Piper Sandler upgraded shares of Ameriprise Financial from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $434.00 to $530.00 in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their target price on shares of Ameriprise Financial from $550.00 to $530.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial set a $582.00 price target on shares of Ameriprise Financial and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $555.67. Get Our Latest Analysis on AMP Ameriprise Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Ameriprise Financial, Inc is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The firm provides a range of advice-based wealth management, asset management and insurance products to individual and institutional clients. Its business model centers on delivering financial planning and investment advice through a network of financial advisors alongside proprietary product offerings designed to meet retirement, protection and accumulation needs. Core products and services include comprehensive financial planning and advisory services, managed investment portfolios, retirement planning solutions, annuities and life insurance products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ameriprise Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ameriprise Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intel (INTC) has quietly turned into one of the markets comeback stories in chips, and the narrative just got a fresh twist with talk of a $100 million commitment tied to SambaNova Systems. Wedbush now sees that potential deal as a meaningful step in reshaping Intels role in highend compute. This also adds a new catalyst to a stock that has already logged a powerful rebound over the past year. At the same time, the broader setup for the industry is turning more interesting. A recent forecast projects global semiconductor revenues will push past $1 trillion for the first time in 2026. That milestone is expected to be driven largely by demand for computing and datastorage chips tied to AIheavy workloads and nextgeneration devices. More News from Barchart With that kind of growth on the table, the real question is whether a targeted $100 million bet can help Intel claim a bigger share of this cycle or if the story is already priced in. Let's dive in. Intels Price, Performance, and Profit Picture Intel is a Santa Clarabased semiconductor company that designs and manufactures chips and platforms for PCs, data centers, networking, and AI infrastructure. At a market value of roughly $250.9 billion, INTC currently trades at $48.08 as of Feb. 11, up 30.29% yeartodate (YTD) and 129.27% over the past 52 weeks. www.barchart.com Its forward pricetoearnings multiple sits near 689.86x versus a sector median near 24.20x, while its pricetosales ratio of 4.75x compares with a sector median around 3.24x and bakes in a rich AIdriven expectations premium. INTCs fundamentals still anchor that optimism in real cash flows. Their fourthquarter 2025 report, released on Jan. 21, showed revenue of $13.67 billion versus analyst expectations of $13.41 billion, a 4.1% yearonyear (YoY) dip but a 2% beat that showed resilient demand in a challenged environment. This translated into adjusted EPS of $0.15 versus the $0.08 consensus, an 80.7% beat that highlighted improving operational efficiency. They also delivered adjusted operating income of $1.21 billion against estimates of $839.5 million, with an 8.8% margin that marked a 43.5% upside surprise and signaled progress in rebuilding profitability as Intel positions for AIcentric growth. The companys latest quarter also showed an operating margin of 4.2%, up from 2.9% a year earlier, while free cash flow improved to $2.22 billion from $1.5 billion in the same quarter, a meaningful swing that allows management more room to fund AI initiatives Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BFH Free Report) Research analysts at Zacks Research upped their Q1 2026 earnings estimates for shares of Bread Financial in a research report issued on Wednesday, February 11th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the company will post earnings of $2.78 per share for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $2.47. Zacks Research currently has a Hold rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Bread Financials current full-year earnings is $6.45 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Bread Financials Q3 2026 earnings at $3.02 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $9.27 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $2.30 EPS and Q3 2027 earnings at $3.68 EPS. Get Bread Financial alerts: Bread Financial (NYSE:BFH Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $2.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $1.67. The business had revenue of $975.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $954.74 million. Bread Financial had a net margin of 11.02% and a return on equity of 17.92%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.41 earnings per share. Several other brokerages have also commented on BFH. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $83.00 target price on shares of Bread Financial in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on Bread Financial from $82.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 2nd. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Bread Financial from $62.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on shares of Bread Financial from $85.00 to $88.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Bread Financial from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.09. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bread Financial Bread Financial Stock Performance Shares of Bread Financial stock opened at $72.48 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $74.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $66.39. Bread Financial has a 1-year low of $38.21 and a 1-year high of $82.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. The company has a market cap of $3.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.69, a PEG ratio of 0.48 and a beta of 1.26. Institutional Trading of Bread Financial Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. bought a new stake in Bread Financial during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its holdings in shares of Bread Financial by 141.2% during the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 562 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 329 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Bread Financial by 127.2% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 711 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 398 shares in the last quarter. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Bread Financial in the 2nd quarter worth about $42,000. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its position in Bread Financial by 8,300.0% in the 3rd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 840 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 830 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.52% of the companys stock. Bread Financial Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $0.23 per share. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Bread Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 8.49%. Bread Financial declared that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Thursday, October 23rd that authorizes the company to buyback $200.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 7.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Bread Financial News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Bread Financial this week: Positive Sentiment: Zacks raised its Q2 2026 EPS forecast to $2.47 from $2.37, signaling slightly stronger expected performance in the upcoming quarter. This could support near?term revenue/earnings momentum if management execution aligns with the upgrade. Zacks raised its Q2 2026 EPS forecast to $2.47 from $2.37, signaling slightly stronger expected performance in the upcoming quarter. This could support near?term revenue/earnings momentum if management execution aligns with the upgrade. Positive Sentiment: Zacks also nudged Q2 2027 EPS higher to $2.41 from $2.37, reflecting a modestly improved view of the companys mid?cycle earnings power. Small upward revisions can limit downside if confirmed by results. Zacks also nudged Q2 2027 EPS higher to $2.41 from $2.37, reflecting a modestly improved view of the companys mid?cycle earnings power. Small upward revisions can limit downside if confirmed by results. Neutral Sentiment: Transcript of Bread Financials presentation at the UBS Financial Services Conference is available; investors should scan management commentary for guidance, portfolio trends, credit metrics and any color on buyback/dividend plans. UBS Presentation Transcript Transcript of Bread Financials presentation at the UBS Financial Services Conference is available; investors should scan management commentary for guidance, portfolio trends, credit metrics and any color on buyback/dividend plans. Neutral Sentiment: Zacks published an FY2028 EPS projection of $10.76. While a long?range estimate, investors should treat multi?year numbers cautiously and focus on nearer?term guidance and margin drivers before inferring material valuation changes. Zacks published an FY2028 EPS projection of $10.76. While a long?range estimate, investors should treat multi?year numbers cautiously and focus on nearer?term guidance and margin drivers before inferring material valuation changes. Neutral Sentiment: Independent comparative coverage (Bread vs. Consumer Portfolio Services) is available for investors reviewing competitive positioning, credit risk and valuationuseful background but not an immediate catalyst. Head to Head Review Independent comparative coverage (Bread vs. Consumer Portfolio Services) is available for investors reviewing competitive positioning, credit risk and valuationuseful background but not an immediate catalyst. Negative Sentiment: Zacks cut its Q4 2027 EPS estimate to $2.09 from $2.29, signaling lower expected end?of?year profitability versus prior expectations. Downward revisions to full?year quarter estimates can pressure the stock as they reduce near?term earnings visibility. Zacks cut its Q4 2027 EPS estimate to $2.09 from $2.29, signaling lower expected end?of?year profitability versus prior expectations. Downward revisions to full?year quarter estimates can pressure the stock as they reduce near?term earnings visibility. Negative Sentiment: Zacks reduced its Q4 2026 EPS estimate sharply to $1.00 from $1.18, indicating a weaker outlook for that quarter and potential seasonality or credit concerns that investors will scrutinize. Zacks reduced its Q4 2026 EPS estimate sharply to $1.00 from $1.18, indicating a weaker outlook for that quarter and potential seasonality or credit concerns that investors will scrutinize. Negative Sentiment: Zacks trimmed FY2027 EPS to $10.48 from $10.56. Although a modest cut, it contributes to an overall tone of lowered near?to?mid?term expectations; Zacks maintains a Hold rating, which is not a bullish endorsement. About Bread Financial (Get Free Report) Bread Financial, formerly known as Alliance Data Systems, is a Columbus, Ohiobased financial services company that specializes in providing private label credit programs, co-brand credit cards and digital payment solutions for retail partners. The company designs, issues and services proprietary credit products, enabling merchants to offer branded financing options that drive customer loyalty and increase basket sizes at the point of sale. Through its Bread technology platform, Bread Financial delivers installment-based payment options that integrate directly into e-commerce and in-store checkout experiences. In addition to its core credit offerings, Bread Financial provides analytics, marketing and loyalty services to help merchants better understand consumer behavior and optimize promotional strategies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bread Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bread Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Michelin (OTCMKTS:MGDDY Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. MGDDY has been the topic of several other research reports. UBS Group cut Michelin from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Oddo Bhf downgraded Michelin to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating on shares of Michelin in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Berenberg Bank initiated coverage on shares of Michelin in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Michelin in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Michelin alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Michelin Michelin Trading Down 1.3% About Michelin Shares of MGDDY stock opened at $20.12 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The companys fifty day moving average price is $17.53 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $17.39. Michelin has a 12 month low of $14.82 and a 12 month high of $20.38. (Get Free Report) Michelin (OTCMKTS: MGDDY) is a French multinational tire manufacturer founded in 1889 and headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Over more than a century the company has grown into one of the worlds leading tiremakers, serving passenger car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, agricultural, construction and aviation markets. Michelin has a global footprint with manufacturing facilities, research centers and commercial operations across multiple regions to supply OEMs, replacement markets and large commercial fleets. The companys core business is the design, manufacture and sale of tires and related products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Michelin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Michelin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:DSEEY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,610 shares, an increase of 100.3% from the January 15th total of 2,801 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 5,643 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 5,643 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Daiwa Securities Group Price Performance DSEEY stock opened at $11.06 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $9.41 and its 200-day moving average is $8.43. Daiwa Securities Group has a 1 year low of $5.52 and a 1 year high of $11.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.64 billion, a PE ratio of 14.94 and a beta of 0.52. Get Daiwa Securities Group alerts: Daiwa Securities Group (OTCMKTS:DSEEY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 2nd. The financial services provider reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $2.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.70 billion. Daiwa Securities Group had a return on equity of 7.01% and a net margin of 10.93%. Daiwa Securities Group Company Profile Daiwa Securities Group Inc is a leading Japanese financial services firm established in 1902 and headquartered in Tokyo. Operating as a holding company, Daiwa oversees a network of subsidiaries active in securities brokerage, investment banking and asset management. With a history spanning over a century, the group has evolved to meet the changing needs of individual and institutional clients, building a reputation for comprehensive capital markets solutions. The groups core businesses include retail brokerage, offering equity, fixed income and mutual fund products to individual investors in Japan. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Daiwa Securities Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Daiwa Securities Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Georgina Energy (LON:GEX Get Free Report) shares traded up 13.4% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 7.50 and last traded at GBX 7.09. 1,221,907 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 64% from the average session volume of 3,412,872 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 6.25. Georgina Energy Stock Performance The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 4.18. The company has a market capitalization of 8.52 million and a P/E ratio of -0.17. Get Georgina Energy alerts: About Georgina Energy (Get Free Report) Georgina Energy is a Helium & Hydrogen development and production company, based in Australia. Georgina Energy aims to become a leading player in the global energy market and is focused on establishing itself among the top producers of helium and hydrogen worldwide. With a strategic approach and leveraging the experienced management teams expertise, Georgina Energy aims to capitalize on opportunities in these critical energy sectors. The projects benefit from established infrastructure and a reliable supply chain, offering significant resource potential through low-risk, cost-effective drilling projects. Georgina Energy has two principal onshore interests held through its wholly owned Australian subsidiary, Westmarket O&G. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Georgina Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Georgina Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Longbow Finance SA purchased a new position in The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 105,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,115,000. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new position in shares of Kroger during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Rossby Financial LCC bought a new position in Kroger during the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC increased its position in Kroger by 10,425.0% during the 2nd quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 421 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 417 shares during the period. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Kroger by 87.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 445 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares during the period. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Kroger during the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 80.93% of the companys stock. Get Kroger alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently commented on KR shares. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an overweight rating and issued a $70.00 price objective (down previously from $78.00) on shares of Kroger in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley set a $67.00 price target on Kroger and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Barclays reaffirmed a positive rating on shares of Kroger in a research report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Kroger from $73.00 to $71.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating on shares of Kroger in a report on Monday. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $74.07. Kroger Trading Up 2.2% Kroger stock opened at $70.15 on Friday. The Kroger Co. has a one year low of $58.60 and a one year high of $74.90. The stock has a market cap of $44.39 billion, a PE ratio of 64.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.28, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.88. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $63.28 and a two-hundred day moving average of $66.16. Kroger (NYSE:KR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.02. Kroger had a net margin of 0.54% and a return on equity of 38.06%. The firm had revenue of $33.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.27 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.98 EPS. Krogers revenue was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. Kroger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.750-4.800 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that The Kroger Co. will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. Kroger Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Krogers dividend payout ratio is currently 129.63%. More Kroger News Here are the key news stories impacting Kroger this week: Positive Sentiment: Greg Foran named new CEO a well?known retail operator with a track record of turning around large store fleets; markets view his hire as a shift from M&A toward operational execution, which has lifted confidence in Krogers standalone outlook. Meet the serial CEO taking over Kroger Greg Foran named new CEO a well?known retail operator with a track record of turning around large store fleets; markets view his hire as a shift from M&A toward operational execution, which has lifted confidence in Krogers standalone outlook. Positive Sentiment: Analysts and investors are upbeat Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an Outperform and some firms raised price targets, citing Forans credibility and potential margin improvement from a shift to a hybrid e?commerce model and better store execution. Telsey Advisory Group Reiterates Outperform Rating for Kroger Analysts and investors are upbeat Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an Outperform and some firms raised price targets, citing Forans credibility and potential margin improvement from a shift to a hybrid e?commerce model and better store execution. Positive Sentiment: Corporate actions supporting shareholder returns recent buyback activity and an upcoming ex?dividend date reinforce cash-return commitment, an important tailwind for income investors. MarketBeat KR overview Corporate actions supporting shareholder returns recent buyback activity and an upcoming ex?dividend date reinforce cash-return commitment, an important tailwind for income investors. Neutral Sentiment: Planned store closures in Houston Kroger will close two more Houston?area stores (following prior 2025 closures); management frames this as a long?term health/realignment move but it removes local sales footprint and may pressure near?term comps in those markets. Kroger to close 2 more Houston-area locations Planned store closures in Houston Kroger will close two more Houston?area stores (following prior 2025 closures); management frames this as a long?term health/realignment move but it removes local sales footprint and may pressure near?term comps in those markets. Neutral Sentiment: Store reopening after temporary closure an isolated reopening (Worthington Mall) signals localized operational normalization rather than a material companywide shift. Kroger at Worthington Mall reopens Store reopening after temporary closure an isolated reopening (Worthington Mall) signals localized operational normalization rather than a material companywide shift. Negative Sentiment: Product recall update Kroger has issued recalls affecting multiple items across the U.S.; while typically manageable, recalls can dent near?term margins, increase shrink/operational costs and weigh on foot traffic if issues persist. Kroger Recall Update for Multiple Items Across US About Kroger (Free Report) The Kroger Co (NYSE: KR) is one of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, offering a wide range of retail grocery and related services. Founded in Cincinnati in 1883 by Bernard Kroger, the company operates a portfolio of supermarket and multi-department store banners and provides customers with fresh foods, packaged groceries, deli and bakery items, meat and seafood, produce, and prepared foods. Krogers stores commonly include pharmacy services and fuel centers, positioning the company as a broad-based neighborhood retail destination for everyday needs. In addition to traditional in-store retailing, Kroger manufactures and distributes a variety of private-label brands and operates its own food production and supply-chain facilities. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kroger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kroger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShare Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Jabil, Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report) by 27.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 30,418 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,607 shares during the quarter. ProShare Advisors LLCs holdings in Jabil were worth $6,606,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Primecap Management Co. CA lifted its holdings in shares of Jabil by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 3,410,410 shares of the technology companys stock worth $743,810,000 after acquiring an additional 24,650 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in Jabil by 2.3% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,893,485 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $628,519,000 after purchasing an additional 65,949 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in Jabil by 5.9% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,302,307 shares of the technology companys stock worth $502,133,000 after purchasing an additional 129,212 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners boosted its holdings in shares of Jabil by 224.4% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,898,681 shares of the technology companys stock worth $414,119,000 after purchasing an additional 1,313,338 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Jabil during the 2nd quarter valued at about $323,338,000. Institutional investors own 93.39% of the companys stock. Get Jabil alerts: Jabil Trading Down 3.8% Shares of JBL opened at $251.29 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.08, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $236.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $220.54. Jabil, Inc. has a twelve month low of $108.66 and a twelve month high of $269.17. Jabil Announces Dividend Jabil ( NYSE:JBL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 17th. The technology company reported $2.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.70 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.07 billion. Jabil had a net margin of 2.26% and a return on equity of 75.96%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.00 earnings per share. Jabil has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.550-11.550 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 2.270-2.670 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Jabil, Inc. will post 8.05 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. Jabils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 4.98%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have issued reports on JBL. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $282.00 target price on shares of Jabil in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Jabil from $239.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Zacks Research raised shares of Jabil from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Jabil from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Raymond James Financial restated a strong-buy rating on shares of Jabil in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $264.14. View Our Latest Stock Report on Jabil Insider Transactions at Jabil In other news, SVP Adam E. Berry sold 1,596 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $253.20, for a total transaction of $404,107.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 18,920 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,790,544. The trade was a 7.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Gary K. Schick sold 422 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $243.77, for a total value of $102,870.94. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 41,843 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,200,068.11. The trade was a 1.00% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders sold 181,529 shares of company stock worth $42,145,485. Corporate insiders own 1.35% of the companys stock. Jabil Profile (Free Report) Jabil Inc (NYSE: JBL) is a global manufacturing solutions provider specializing in electronic manufacturing services (EMS) and diversified products across a wide range of industries. The company partners with original equipment manufacturers to deliver design engineering, supply chain management, precision manufacturing, and aftermarket services. Jabils expertise spans sectors such as healthcare, automotive, clean technology, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and packaging, enabling it to support both high-volume production and complex, mission-critical applications. Founded in 1966 by William E. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JBL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jabil, Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jabil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jabil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lodge Hill Capital LLC lowered its position in Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK Free Report) by 6.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 372,480 shares of the companys stock after selling 25,000 shares during the period. Mohawk Industries makes up about 8.6% of Lodge Hill Capital LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. Lodge Hill Capital LLCs holdings in Mohawk Industries were worth $48,020,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in Mohawk Industries by 7.4% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,957,197 shares of the companys stock worth $205,192,000 after purchasing an additional 135,246 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 2.1% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,915,831 shares of the companys stock valued at $200,856,000 after buying an additional 39,556 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in shares of Mohawk Industries by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,829,830 shares of the companys stock worth $235,902,000 after buying an additional 9,516 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,358,212 shares of the companys stock worth $142,124,000 after buying an additional 4,085 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in Mohawk Industries by 9.4% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,096,223 shares of the companys stock valued at $114,928,000 after acquiring an additional 94,373 shares during the last quarter. 78.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Mohawk Industries alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have issued reports on MHK. Vertical Research started coverage on shares of Mohawk Industries in a research report on Monday, October 20th. They set a buy rating for the company. Evercore cut their price objective on Mohawk Industries from $124.00 to $118.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on Mohawk Industries from $134.00 to $128.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Mohawk Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 20th. Finally, Wolfe Research downgraded Mohawk Industries from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $129.78. Trending Headlines about Mohawk Industries Here are the key news stories impacting Mohawk Industries this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat on the quarter adjusted EPS $2.00 vs. Zacks/consensus $1.98 and revenue $2.70B vs. $2.68B expected, showing modest top- and bottom-line improvement year-over-year. Article Title Q4 beat on the quarter adjusted EPS $2.00 vs. Zacks/consensus $1.98 and revenue $2.70B vs. $2.68B expected, showing modest top- and bottom-line improvement year-over-year. Neutral Sentiment: GAAP vs. adjusted results Mohawk reported GAAP net earnings of $42M (EPS $0.68) while adjusted net earnings were $124M (adjusted EPS $2.00); investors should note the gap when modeling free cash flow and one-time items. Article Title GAAP vs. adjusted results Mohawk reported GAAP net earnings of $42M (EPS $0.68) while adjusted net earnings were $124M (adjusted EPS $2.00); investors should note the gap when modeling free cash flow and one-time items. Negative Sentiment: Weaker near-term guidance Mohawk set Q1 2026 EPS guidance at $1.75$1.85, below the consensus of $1.99, tightening near-term margin expectations and prompting concern about demand/expense timing. (Guidance announced with the Q4 release.) Weaker near-term guidance Mohawk set Q1 2026 EPS guidance at $1.75$1.85, below the consensus of $1.99, tightening near-term margin expectations and prompting concern about demand/expense timing. (Guidance announced with the Q4 release.) Negative Sentiment: Analyst estimate cuts Zacks Research and other outlets have trimmed several 20262027 quarter and full?year forecasts (including FY2027 down), signaling reduced sell?side conviction about growth momentum. Article Title Mohawk Industries Stock Performance Shares of MHK opened at $133.39 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.25 billion, a PE ratio of 19.85, a PEG ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 2.25. The companys 50 day moving average price is $117.20 and its 200 day moving average price is $120.77. Mohawk Industries, Inc. has a 52 week low of $96.24 and a 52 week high of $143.13. Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $2.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.02. Mohawk Industries had a net margin of 3.93% and a return on equity of 6.97%. The business had revenue of $2.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.68 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.95 EPS. Mohawk Industriess revenue was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. Mohawk Industries has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.750-1.850 EPS. Research analysts expect that Mohawk Industries, Inc. will post 9.8 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, insider Suzanne L. Helen sold 2,700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $109.00, for a total value of $294,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 67,893 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,400,337. The trade was a 3.82% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In the last three months, insiders sold 14,485 shares of company stock worth $1,604,006. 17.40% of the stock is owned by insiders. Mohawk Industries Company Profile (Free Report) Mohawk Industries, Inc is a global flooring manufacturer that designs, produces and distributes a broad range of floor covering products for both residential and commercial applications. Headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia, the company traces its roots to 1878 and has expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. Over the decades, Mohawk has built a vertically integrated platform encompassing yarn manufacturing, fiber production, wood and laminate finishing, and ceramic tile fabrication, enabling tight control over product quality and supply chain efficiency. The companys product portfolio includes residential and commercial carpet, ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate, wood and natural stone flooring, luxury vinyl, and innovative surface solutions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MHK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mohawk Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mohawk Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metis Global Partners LLC lifted its stake in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 14.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 138,006 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 17,427 shares during the period. Digital Realty Trust accounts for 0.6% of Metis Global Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 25th biggest position. Metis Global Partners LLCs holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $23,858,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bison Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 17.2% during the 4th quarter. Bison Wealth LLC now owns 2,653 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $471,000 after buying an additional 390 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC increased its position in Digital Realty Trust by 9.4% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 6,784 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $972,000 after acquiring an additional 584 shares during the last quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 11.8% in the second quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC now owns 3,167 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $552,000 after acquiring an additional 334 shares during the period. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the second quarter worth about $233,000. Finally, RFG Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at about $483,000. Institutional investors own 99.71% of the companys stock. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently weighed in on DLR. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Digital Realty Trust from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Mizuho reduced their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $191.00 to $180.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 12th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Digital Realty Trust from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Monday, January 5th. They set a buy rating and a $180.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $210.00 to $200.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $191.70. Insider Activity In related news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total transaction of $655,811.72. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Digital Realty Trust Price Performance DLR stock opened at $180.42 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 1.59. The companys fifty day moving average price is $159.88 and its 200-day moving average price is $165.60. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a one year low of $129.95 and a one year high of $184.79. The company has a market capitalization of $61.98 billion, a PE ratio of 50.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.86 and a beta of 1.12. Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.83 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.58 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 21.41% and a return on equity of 5.88%. Digital Realty Trusts quarterly revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.73 earnings per share. Digital Realty Trust has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.900-8.000 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: DLR) is a real estate investment trust that owns, acquires and operates carrier-neutral data centers and provides related colocation and interconnection solutions. The company focuses on large-scale, mission-critical facilities that support the physical infrastructure needs of cloud providers, enterprises, network operators and content companies. Digital Realtys offerings are designed to enable secure, reliable and highly available IT infrastructure with an emphasis on power density, cooling, and physical security. Digital Realtys product set spans wholesale data center space, turnkey build-to-suit facilities, and retail colocation suites, complemented by interconnection services that allow customers to establish private and public connections to networks, cloud on-ramps and other ecosystem partners. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prescott Group Capital Management L.L.C. acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 14,867 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $888,000. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Spirepoint Private Client LLC increased its holdings in Carrier Global by 547.7% during the third quarter. Spirepoint Private Client LLC now owns 60,694 shares of the companys stock worth $3,623,000 after buying an additional 51,324 shares during the last quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 24.1% in the 3rd quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 216,777 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,931,000 after acquiring an additional 42,161 shares during the period. Oak Thistle LLC acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,986,000. Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. acquired a new stake in Carrier Global in the 3rd quarter valued at about $20,678,000. Finally, Brookstone Capital Management grew its holdings in Carrier Global by 220.8% during the third quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 51,852 shares of the companys stock worth $3,096,000 after purchasing an additional 35,691 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.00% of the companys stock. Get Carrier Global alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have issued reports on CARR. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on Carrier Global from $70.00 to $74.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Carrier Global from $68.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. CICC Research reduced their price objective on shares of Carrier Global from $76.85 to $69.78 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Wolfe Research dropped their price objective on shares of Carrier Global from $74.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Argus raised their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.60. Carrier Global Price Performance NYSE:CARR opened at $64.95 on Friday. Carrier Global Corporation has a 52 week low of $50.24 and a 52 week high of $81.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.20. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $56.36 and its 200 day simple moving average is $59.07. The firm has a market cap of $54.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.98, a P/E/G ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 1.33. Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.02). Carrier Global had a return on equity of 15.30% and a net margin of 6.82%.The business had revenue of $4.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.05 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.54 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Carrier Global has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.800-2.800 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Carrier Global Corporation will post 2.99 earnings per share for the current year. Carrier Global Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were given a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 20th. This is a positive change from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio is currently 56.14%. Carrier Global declared that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, October 28th that allows the company to buyback $5.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to buy up to 10.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Carrier Global Profile (Free Report) Carrier Global Corporation is a leading global provider of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire and security, and building automation solutions. The company designs, manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of products that includes air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, chillers, rooftop units, commercial refrigeration systems, fire and smoke detection and suppression systems, security sensors and access controls, and a range of building controls and analytics software. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Carrier Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carrier Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lowered its position in Principal Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:PFG Free Report) by 34.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 20,569 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,034 shares during the quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans holdings in Principal Financial Group were worth $1,705,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Traub Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Principal Financial Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Principal Financial Group by 5,533.3% during the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 338 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 332 shares in the last quarter. Curio Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Principal Financial Group by 37,800.0% in the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 379 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 378 shares during the period. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC raised its position in Principal Financial Group by 163.4% in the second quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 403 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the period. Finally, Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Principal Financial Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $46,000. 75.08% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Principal Financial Group alerts: Principal Financial Group Price Performance NYSE:PFG opened at $90.51 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $20.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.55, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.29. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $91.04 and its 200 day simple moving average is $84.57. Principal Financial Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $68.39 and a 52-week high of $97.88. Principal Financial Group Increases Dividend Principal Financial Group ( NYSE:PFG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 9th. The company reported $2.19 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.22 by ($0.03). Principal Financial Group had a net margin of 9.74% and a return on equity of 14.68%. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.94 earnings per share. Principal Financial Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.010-9.260 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Principal Financial Group, Inc. will post 8.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 11th will be issued a dividend of $0.80 per share. This is a boost from Principal Financial Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 11th. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. Principal Financial Groups payout ratio is currently 60.72%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently weighed in on PFG shares. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Principal Financial Group from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Principal Financial Group from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Barclays reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $85.00 price target on shares of Principal Financial Group in a report on Thursday, January 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued a neutral rating and issued a $103.00 target price on shares of Principal Financial Group in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $93.00 target price on Principal Financial Group in a report on Monday, December 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Principal Financial Group currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $93.22. Read Our Latest Research Report on PFG Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO Deanna D. Strable-Soethout sold 7,340 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.00, for a total value of $697,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 136,828 shares in the company, valued at $12,998,660. The trade was a 5.09% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders have sold 24,965 shares of company stock valued at $2,352,460 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 1.08% of the companys stock. About Principal Financial Group (Free Report) Principal Financial Group, commonly known as Principal, is a global financial services company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The firm provides a broad range of retirement, investment management and insurance solutions for individual, employer and institutional clients. Its core businesses include retirement plan services and recordkeeping, asset management, and life and disability insurance, supported by distribution through employers, financial advisors and direct channels. On the retirement side, Principal offers 401(k) and other workplace retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and annuity products designed to help clients accumulate and manage retirement savings. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Principal Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:PFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Principal Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Principal Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. This story was originally published on Utility Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Utility Dive newsletter. Duke Energy has added another $16 billion dollars to its five-year capital plan, which at a current total of $103 billion is now the largest spending plan on file at any regulated U.S. utility, company officials said during a Tuesday morning earnings call. The company is already spending more than a billion dollars per month in order to keep up with demand and it expects the rate of growth to accelerate in 2027 and 2028, when many new data centers are expected to connect to the grid, Duke Energy President and CEO Harry Sideris said. Dukes electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Regulators in South Carolina recently approved its rate increases in that state. Its rate case in North Carolina, where it is also seeking increases, is pending. The parent company is pursuing a merger of its Carolinas utilities. Duke Energy has signed 1.5 GW in new data center customers since last November, bringing the company's running total of data center service agreements to 4.5 GW. The company's data center deals pipeline of potential customers has topped 9 GW, according to executive vice president and CFO Brian Savoy. By the Numbers: Duke Energy Q4 2025 18% Increase in Duke Energy's five-year capital plan since November 2025. 14 GW Generation Duke Energy plans to add to its system over the next five years. 1.5% to 2% Expected 2026 retail sales growth. $10B New equity the company plans to issue by 2030 to fund growth. Duke Energy expects to deploy 14 GW of new generation and 4.5 GW of battery storage over the next five years, Sideris said. It recently completed a 100 MW battery installation in North Carolina the largest on the Duke Energy system to date and has broken ground on 5 GW of new natural gas generation in the Carolinas and Indiana. Duke Energy also filed an initial site permit for a small modular nuclear reactor in Belews Creek, North Carolina, Sideris said. Providing the reliable power our customers expect requires us to add every available megawatt to the grid and increase speed to power as we build for economic growth, he said. Savoy said the newly expanded five-year capital plan would require the company to issue some $10 billion in new equity between 2027 and 2030 though he said the company is also exploring alternative financing options. Longbow Finance SA lifted its position in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 17.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 33,278 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,005 shares during the quarter. American Express makes up approximately 1.1% of Longbow Finance SAs portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Longbow Finance SAs holdings in American Express were worth $11,054,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. grew its holdings in shares of American Express by 153.3% during the third quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 76 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc bought a new position in shares of American Express during the second quarter valued at $26,000. Access Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the second quarter worth $26,000. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new position in American Express during the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Finally, Guerra Advisors Inc bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Institutional investors own 84.33% of the companys stock. Get American Express alerts: Key American Express News Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have commented on AXP. Wolfe Research started coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, December 8th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Wall Street Zen downgraded American Express from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, November 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on American Express from $385.00 to $375.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. TD Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of American Express in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group set a $328.00 target price on American Express in a report on Monday, January 12th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $354.78. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on AXP Insider Buying and Selling In other American Express news, insider Ravikumar Radhakrishnan sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $356.58, for a total value of $5,348,700.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 8,945 shares in the company, valued at $3,189,608.10. The trade was a 62.64% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Anna Marrs sold 27,425 shares of American Express stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $350.01, for a total value of $9,599,024.25. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 20,394 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,138,103.94. This trade represents a 57.35% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 65,810 shares of company stock worth $23,294,065. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. American Express Stock Down 3.2% Shares of NYSE:AXP opened at $342.62 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $367.70 and its 200 day moving average is $346.43. American Express Company has a 12-month low of $220.43 and a 12-month high of $387.49. The stock has a market cap of $235.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.26, a PEG ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.66, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported $3.53 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.54 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of ($17,139.00) million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.91 billion. American Express had a net margin of 15.00% and a return on equity of 33.49%. American Expresss revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.04 earnings per share. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. American Express Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd were given a dividend of $0.82 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is presently 21.31%. American Express Company Profile (Free Report) American Express is a global financial services company primarily known for its payment card products, travel services and merchant network. Founded in 1850 as an express mail business, the company evolved through the 20th century into a payments and travel-focused organization. Its core activities include issuing consumer and commercial charge and credit cards, operating a global card acceptance and processing network, and providing travel-related services and customer loyalty programs. American Express issues a range of products for individuals, small businesses and large corporations, including personal cards, business and corporate cards, and co?brand partnerships with airlines, hotels and retailers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co grew its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 21.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 48,247 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 8,600 shares during the quarter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Cos holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $13,472,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,047,005 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $5,898,456,000 after buying an additional 313,449 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in Travelers Companies by 10.9% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,626,750 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,040,475,000 after purchasing an additional 751,715 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,541,819 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,481,805,000 after acquiring an additional 54,363 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies in the second quarter valued at $815,013,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 14.4% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,547,778 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $414,093,000 after purchasing an additional 194,698 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.45% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently issued reports on TRV. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Travelers Companies from $307.00 to $285.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $315.00 to $304.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on Travelers Companies from $317.00 to $320.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $304.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Travelers Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $303.00. Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies In related news, CEO Alan D. Schnitzer sold 55,733 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $294.70, for a total value of $16,424,515.10. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 260,329 shares in the company, valued at $76,718,956.30. This trade represents a 17.63% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Maria Olivo sold 10,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.75, for a total value of $3,127,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 117,596 shares of the companys stock, valued at $35,366,997. The trade was a 8.13% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 101,765 shares of company stock valued at $29,877,543. 1.46% of the stock is owned by insiders. Travelers Companies Trading Down 0.5% NYSE:TRV opened at $297.39 on Friday. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $230.43 and a 12 month high of $304.40. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The firms 50 day moving average is $285.67 and its 200 day moving average is $278.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $66.33 billion, a PE ratio of 10.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.51. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The insurance provider reported $11.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.34 by $2.79. The company had revenue of $12.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.13 billion. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 12.88% and a return on equity of 20.70%. Travelers Companiess revenue was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $9.15 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 earnings per share for the current year. Travelers Companies Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be given a dividend of $1.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.5%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is 15.98%. Travelers Companies declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, January 21st that permits the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the insurance provider to purchase up to 8.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Travelers Companies Company Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products and services. The company underwrites a broad range of commercial and personal insurance lines, offering coverage designed to protect individuals, small and midsize businesses, and large corporate clients against property loss, liability, and other operational risks. Travelers is known for combining underwriting, claims management and risk control services to help clients prevent losses and recover when incidents occur. On the commercial side, Travelers writes primary and specialty coverages including property, general liability, commercial auto, workers compensation, professional and management liability, surety and inland marine. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. lifted its stake in Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report) by 88.4% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 19,197 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 9,009 shares during the period. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Emerson Electric were worth $2,518,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co grew its stake in shares of Emerson Electric by 8.9% in the 3rd quarter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co now owns 128,505 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $16,857,000 after buying an additional 10,500 shares during the period. Savvy Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Emerson Electric by 6.2% in the third quarter. Savvy Advisors Inc. now owns 7,026 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $922,000 after acquiring an additional 413 shares during the last quarter. Caprock Group LLC acquired a new stake in Emerson Electric during the third quarter worth $3,359,000. Impax Asset Management Group plc raised its position in Emerson Electric by 30.0% in the third quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 120,193 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $15,767,000 after purchasing an additional 27,705 shares during the period. Finally, Krilogy Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of Emerson Electric by 69.3% in the 3rd quarter. Krilogy Financial LLC now owns 38,047 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,039,000 after purchasing an additional 15,569 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.30% of the companys stock. Get Emerson Electric alerts: Emerson Electric Stock Performance NYSE:EMR opened at $145.03 on Friday. Emerson Electric Co. has a 52 week low of $90.06 and a 52 week high of $165.15. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $143.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $136.57. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The company has a market cap of $81.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 1.26. Emerson Electric ( NYSE:EMR Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The industrial products company reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.05. Emerson Electric had a return on equity of 17.25% and a net margin of 12.72%.The firm had revenue of $4.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.37 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.38 earnings per share. Emerson Electrics revenue was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Emerson Electric has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.400-6.550 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 1.500-1.550 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Emerson Electric Co. will post 5.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Emerson Electric announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, November 5th that allows the company to buyback $0.00 in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the industrial products company to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Emerson Electric Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a $0.555 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $2.22 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Emerson Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.28%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Emerson Electric news, VP Nicholas J. Piazza sold 6,703 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $159.07, for a total value of $1,066,246.21. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 31,664 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,036,792.48. This represents a 17.47% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Surendralal Lanca Karsanbhai sold 7,263 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.00, for a total transaction of $965,979.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 196,292 shares in the company, valued at $26,106,836. The trade was a 3.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 15,442 shares of company stock worth $2,271,573 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Wolfe Research upped their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $172.00 to $177.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. UBS Group raised shares of Emerson Electric from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $131.00 to $168.00 in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Emerson Electric from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on Emerson Electric from $143.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $164.11. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on EMR Emerson Electric Profile (Free Report) Emerson Electric Co is a global technology and engineering company that designs and manufactures products and provides services for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. Founded in 1890, the company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and has built a long-standing presence in automation, control and climate-related technologies. Emersons offerings are aimed at improving productivity, energy efficiency and reliability for a wide range of end markets. Emerson operates through two principal platformsAutomation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutionsproviding process automation systems, measurement and analytical instrumentation, valves and actuators, control software, and related aftermarket services, alongside products for heating, ventilation and refrigeration, residential and commercial climate controls, tools and storage solutions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EMR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, February 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be given a dividend of 0.59 per share by the business services provider on Friday, March 13th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 25th. Robert Half has increased its dividend by an average of 0.1%per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 22 consecutive years. Robert Half has a payout ratio of 88.1% meaning its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings fall. Equities analysts expect Robert Half to earn $3.57 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.36 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 66.1%. Get Robert Half alerts: Robert Half Trading Down 6.4% RHI stock opened at $25.41 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $28.35 and a 200-day moving average price of $30.98. Robert Half has a 12 month low of $24.45 and a 12 month high of $61.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.11 and a beta of 0.88. About Robert Half Robert Half ( NYSE:RHI Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The business services provider reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.29 billion. Robert Half had a net margin of 2.47% and a return on equity of 10.20%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.53 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Robert Half will post 2.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. (Get Free Report) Robert Half International Inc, founded in 1948 by Robert Half, is a global professional staffing and consulting firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. As a pioneer in specialized staffing, the company has built a reputation for matching skilled professionals with leading organizations across a range of industries. Robert Halfs shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RHI, reflecting its position as one of the longest?standing and best?known firms in the staffing sector. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including temporary staffing, permanent placement, and consulting solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 7,247 and last traded at GBX 7,231, with a volume of 49652551 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 7,083. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup boosted their price target on Rio Tinto Group from GBX 4,600 to GBX 5,700 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 6,100 to GBX 6,950 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Berenberg Bank restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 5,300 price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 6,000 to GBX 6,100 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 5,830. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Rio Tinto Group Rio Tinto Group Price Performance Insider Activity at Rio Tinto Group The firm has a market capitalization of 140.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.25, a PEG ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 6,274.09 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 5,401.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.28, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 1.34. In other news, insider Peter Cunningham sold 3,108 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 5,464, for a total transaction of 169,821.12. Corporate insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. Rio Tinto Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) We operate in 35 countries where our 60,000 employees are working to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs. Our portfolio includes iron ore, copper, aluminium and a range of other minerals and materials needed for people, communities and nations to grow and prosper, and for the world to cut carbon emissions to net zero. We continuously search for new projects that can support the energy transition, currently exploring for 7 commodities in 17 countries. We have more than 150 years of mining and processing experience guiding our work. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Templeton & Phillips Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 28,660 shares of the transportation companys stock after acquiring an additional 14,330 shares during the quarter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City comprises 1.5% of Templeton & Phillips Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 12th largest position. Templeton & Phillips Capital Management LLCs holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $2,135,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC grew its holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 205.5% in the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 498 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 335 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SJS Investment Consulting Inc. bought a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 3rd quarter worth $39,000. Institutional investors own 72.20% of the companys stock. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on CP. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Evercore dropped their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $87.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Natl Bk Canada downgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $88.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $92.00. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:CP opened at $83.63 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $74.57 and its 200 day simple moving average is $74.33. The stock has a market capitalization of $75.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 1.10. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 1 year low of $66.49 and a 1 year high of $85.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.54. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The transportation company reported $0.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.99 by ($0.04). Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 27.49% and a return on equity of 8.88%. The business had revenue of $2.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.85 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.29 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 27th will be issued a $0.228 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 27th. This represents a $0.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is 20.43%. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Profile (Free Report) Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is a North American Class I freight railroad formed through the combination of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The merged company operates an integrated rail network that spans Canada, the United States and Mexico, providing a single-line rail connection across all three countries. This transborder footprint is intended to streamline cross-border freight flows and provide shippers with direct rail access from Canadian and U.S. production centers to Mexican markets and ports. CPKCs core business is freight transportation and related logistics services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trinity Industries (NYSE:TRN Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 1.850-2.100 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 1.650. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Trinity Industries Stock Performance Trinity Industries stock opened at $34.52 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.75, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 0.80. Trinity Industries has a 12 month low of $22.38 and a 12 month high of $36.04. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $28.36 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $27.66. The company has a market cap of $2.77 billion, a PE ratio of 30.28 and a beta of 1.48. Get Trinity Industries alerts: Trinity Industries (NYSE:TRN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The transportation company reported $2.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.01. Trinity Industries had a net margin of 4.39% and a return on equity of 8.18%. The company had revenue of $611.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $570.45 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.39 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. Trinity Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.850-2.100 EPS. Research analysts expect that Trinity Industries will post 1.65 earnings per share for the current year. Trinity Industries Increases Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 15th were paid a $0.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 15th. This is an increase from Trinity Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.6%. Trinity Industriess payout ratio is presently 108.77%. Several brokerages recently issued reports on TRN. Susquehanna set a $28.00 price target on Trinity Industries and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Trinity Industries in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group set a $33.00 price target on shares of Trinity Industries and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Trinity Industries presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $30.50. Read Our Latest Analysis on Trinity Industries Trending Headlines about Trinity Industries Here are the key news stories impacting Trinity Industries this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 EPS beat and revenue upside Trinity reported $2.31 EPS vs. $2.30 consensus and $611.2M in revenue vs. ~$570M expected, signaling better-than-forecast profit performance. Business Wire: Q4 Results Q4 EPS beat and revenue upside Trinity reported $2.31 EPS vs. $2.30 consensus and $611.2M in revenue vs. ~$570M expected, signaling better-than-forecast profit performance. Positive Sentiment: FY2026 guidance raised Management now guides EPS of $1.85$2.10 for FY2026, above the prior consensus (~$1.65), supporting expectations for better forward earnings. MarketBeat: Guidance Update & Call FY2026 guidance raised Management now guides EPS of $1.85$2.10 for FY2026, above the prior consensus (~$1.65), supporting expectations for better forward earnings. Positive Sentiment: Relative Strength/analyst attention TRN received an RS rating upgrade and heightened coverage/commentary, which likely boosted buying interest and momentum. MSN: RS Rating Upgrade Relative Strength/analyst attention TRN received an RS rating upgrade and heightened coverage/commentary, which likely boosted buying interest and momentum. Positive Sentiment: Market reaction and analysis highlight re-rating potential Coverage notes the combination of the beat and upgraded guidance as a valuation re-rate catalyst. Yahoo: Valuation After Earnings Market reaction and analysis highlight re-rating potential Coverage notes the combination of the beat and upgraded guidance as a valuation re-rate catalyst. Neutral Sentiment: Non-cash gain materially boosted results Q4 included a $194M pre-tax non-cash gain from a railcar partnership restructuring; this helped EPS but is largely one-time, so investors should separate recurring operating trends from the accounting effect. Business Wire: Press Release Non-cash gain materially boosted results Q4 included a $194M pre-tax non-cash gain from a railcar partnership restructuring; this helped EPS but is largely one-time, so investors should separate recurring operating trends from the accounting effect. Neutral Sentiment: Operational metrics mixed Lease-fleet utilization is strong (97.1%), supporting recurring rental income, while slide decks and the earnings call provide color on backlog and execution. Review the call transcript for forward commentary. Seeking Alpha: Q4 Call Transcript Operational metrics mixed Lease-fleet utilization is strong (97.1%), supporting recurring rental income, while slide decks and the earnings call provide color on backlog and execution. Review the call transcript for forward commentary. Negative Sentiment: Revenue trend and leverage remain concerns Quarterly revenue was down ~2.9% YoY, and the company carries a high debt-to-equity ratio (around 4.75), which could pressure margin/cash flow in a downturn. Wilton Bulletin: Q4 Snapshot Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Trinity Industries in the third quarter worth about $15,673,000. Millennium Management LLC raised its position in shares of Trinity Industries by 329.2% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 637,990 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $17,902,000 after buying an additional 489,348 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in shares of Trinity Industries by 99.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 772,648 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $20,869,000 after acquiring an additional 386,102 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Trinity Industries by 46.7% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,158,014 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $30,618,000 after acquiring an additional 368,604 shares during the period. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Trinity Industries by 43.1% in the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 966,334 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $26,101,000 after acquiring an additional 290,847 shares in the last quarter. 86.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Trinity Industries (Get Free Report) Trinity Industries, Inc is a diversified industrial company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with roots dating back to its incorporation in 1933. The company principally serves the transportation, infrastructure and energy sectors through the design, manufacture and leasing of railcars and related components. Trinity operates multiple business segments that encompass railcar manufacturing, aftermarket parts production, railcar leasing and management, inland barge construction and leasing, as well as infrastructure products for highways and energy applications. In its railcar segment, Trinity produces a broad portfolio of freight carsincluding tank cars, covered hoppers, gondolas and autoracksalongside critical system components such as braking systems, couplers and wheels. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Trinity Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trinity Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suruga Bank (OTCMKTS:SUGBY Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $3.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Zacks reports. Suruga Bank had a net margin of 24.79% and a return on equity of 8.90%. The firm had revenue of $112.75 million for the quarter. Suruga Bank Price Performance SUGBY stock opened at $80.02 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.64 and a beta of -0.07. Suruga Bank has a 12-month low of $45.82 and a 12-month high of $80.02. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $80.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $80.02. Get Suruga Bank alerts: Suruga Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Suruga Bank Ltd. is a regional financial institution headquartered in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Established in the mid-20th century, the bank has built a reputation for serving both individual and corporate customers in its home region and beyond. As a member of Concordia Financial Group, Suruga Bank leverages group-wide resources to enhance its product offerings and operational capabilities. The banks core business activities encompass a broad range of commercial and retail banking services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Suruga Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suruga Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF (NYSEARCA:MMKT Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Thursday, February 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of 0.0675 per share on Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a yield of 350.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA MMKT opened at $100.25 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $100.24 and its 200-day moving average price is $100.24. Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF has a 52-week low of $99.82 and a 52-week high of $100.60. Get Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF alerts: About Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF (Get Free Report) Featured Articles The Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF (MMKT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is actively managed, investing in US government money market instruments, particularly overnight repurchase agreements with short-term maturities. The fund aims to balance income, liquidity, and capital preservation. MMKT was launched on Sep 24, 2024 and is issued by Texas Capital. Receive News & Ratings for Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $4.35, but opened at $4.65. Hypermarcas shares last traded at $4.65, with a volume of 2,303 shares changing hands. Hypermarcas Price Performance The company has a market cap of $2.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.31 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $4.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.27. Get Hypermarcas alerts: Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter. Hypermarcas had a return on equity of 6.89% and a net margin of 12.03%.The firm had revenue of $408.83 million for the quarter. Hypermarcas Company Profile Hypermarcas SA is a Brazil-based consumer health and pharmaceutical company whose shares trade over the counter in the United States under the symbol HYPMY. Founded in the early 2000s and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, the company operates as a holding group for a broad portfolio of branded products in the healthcare and personal care sectors. Through its various subsidiaries, Hypermarcas develops, manufactures and markets prescription and over-the-counter medications, alongside personal care, baby care, home care and nutritional supplement products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hypermarcas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hypermarcas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. In cryptocurrency investing circles, it's fashionable to talk about buying the dip. Unfortunately, the "dip" has now turned into a full-blown rout in 2026. Top cryptocurrencies, including both Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), are down anywhere from 20% to 35% for the year, and market sentiment has taken a nosedive. However, even amid crypto market chaos, there are some intriguing investment opportunities. Two cryptocurrencies that are on my shopping list for February are Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE) and Pax Gold (CRYPTO: PAXG). Here's why. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Hyperliquid For the year, Hyperliquid is up 24% and now ranks as the 12th-largest cryptocurrency, with an $8 billion market cap. The name may not be familiar to many equity investors, but Hyperliquid has built a huge following with risk-seeking crypto traders since its launch in November 2024. Hyperliquid is a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange that offers trading products -- such as crypto perpetual futures -- that are not available on U.S. centralized exchanges. For crypto traders, these futures contracts hold the allure of massive upside potential. That's because traders are able to bet on the future direction of a cryptocurrency without actually owning the underlying asset. In addition, there's no official expiration date on these futures contracts (hence the term "perpetual"). Image source: Getty Images. In 2026, Hyperliquid has plans to roll out even more trading products, including new "outcomes" contracts that are modeled on the types of contracts that investors can currently buy and sell on prediction market platforms such as Polymarket or Kalshi. This could open the door to even more trading volume on Hyperliquid, and potentially lead the way to mainstream adoption. Even though U.S. investors can trade the HYPE token, they are officially restricted from using the Hyperliquid trading platform due to ongoing regulatory concerns about the riskiness of certain trading products. So there's no way to "test-drive" Hyperliquid before investing in it, and this might dissuade many investors. That being said, it's one of the few crypto tokens with a $1 billion market cap or higher that's actually up for the year. Pax Gold If Hyperliquid is too risky for you, can I suggest Pax Gold instead? As its name suggests, Pax Gold is "tokenized gold" (gold that exists in the form of a crypto token). It can also be thought of as a gold-backed stablecoin, given that every PAXG token is backed by one fine troy ounce of gold stored in a London gold vault. At any point in time, you can exchange your PAXG token for physical gold. Shares of Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:GAU Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $2.73, but opened at $2.90. Galiano Gold shares last traded at $3.0560, with a volume of 1,386,042 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Scotiabank reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of Galiano Gold in a research note on Monday, January 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $3.20. Get Galiano Gold alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on GAU Galiano Gold Stock Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $791.06 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -16.92 and a beta of 0.87. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $2.70 and a 200 day moving average of $2.41. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Aegis Financial Corp raised its holdings in Galiano Gold by 162.5% in the 2nd quarter. Aegis Financial Corp now owns 6,505,921 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,250,000 after buying an additional 4,027,090 shares during the period. Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Galiano Gold in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $568,000. Pale Fire Capital SE lifted its holdings in shares of Galiano Gold by 67.2% in the 2nd quarter. Pale Fire Capital SE now owns 6,011,627 shares of the companys stock worth $7,635,000 after acquiring an additional 2,415,530 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its holdings in shares of Galiano Gold by 543.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,083,699 shares of the companys stock worth $1,378,000 after acquiring an additional 915,154 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd boosted its position in shares of Galiano Gold by 177.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 46,466 shares of the companys stock worth $59,000 after purchasing an additional 29,690 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.82% of the companys stock. About Galiano Gold (Get Free Report) Galiano Gold Incorporated is a Canada-based gold exploration and development company listed on the NYSE American under the symbol GAU. The companys primary focus is the acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold deposits in the Americas. Galiano Gold pursues a value-driven strategy to build gold resources by identifying high-potential projects, conducting systematic drilling programs and advancing resource definition toward a development decision. Galiano Golds flagship asset is the Oko West and Oko East gold project located in the Essequibo region of Guyana, where multiple oxide and primary gold mineralized zones have been outlined through extensive drilling. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Galiano Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Galiano Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Friday. The company reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.45, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $1.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.95 billion. Advance Auto Parts had a positive return on equity of 0.64% and a negative net margin of 4.37%.The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($10.16) earnings per share. Advance Auto Parts updated its FY 2026 guidance to 2.400-3.10 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Advance Auto Parts conference call: Get Advance Auto Parts alerts: Advance returned to positive comparable sales in 2025 and materially improved profitability full?year comps were roughly +1% , adjusted operating income margin rose to 2.5% and Q4 adjusted operating margin was 3.7% , driving adjusted EPS of $2.26 for the year. Advance returned to positive comparable sales in 2025 and materially improved profitability full?year comps were roughly , adjusted operating income margin rose to and Q4 adjusted operating margin was , driving adjusted EPS of for the year. Management guided 2026 to an acceleration in comps to 1%2% , adjusted operating income margin of 3.8%4.5% , a ~ 45% gross margin rate and a targeted $100M in free cash flow while increasing 2026 CapEx to $300M . Management guided 2026 to an acceleration in comps to , adjusted operating income margin of , a ~ gross margin rate and a targeted in free cash flow while increasing 2026 CapEx to . Operational changes are well underway the company cut its store footprint (?500 corporate + 200 independent closures), consolidated U.S. DCs from ~38 to 16 (15 planned by year?end), added ~100k SKUs, improved in?store availability to the high?90s and accelerated Pro delivery times, plus launched the Argos owned oil brand and new loyalty program. Operational changes are well underway the company cut its store footprint (?500 corporate + 200 independent closures), consolidated U.S. DCs from ~38 to 16 (15 planned by year?end), added ~100k SKUs, improved in?store availability to the high?90s and accelerated Pro delivery times, plus launched the Argos owned oil brand and new loyalty program. Near?term cash performance remains a headwind: 2025 free cash flow was ?$298M (including ~$140M of store?optimization cash), the company reduced supplier financing from $2.7B to $2.5B, and timing/working?capital items pressured year?end cash. Near?term cash performance remains a headwind: 2025 free cash flow was (including ~$140M of store?optimization cash), the company reduced supplier financing from $2.7B to $2.5B, and timing/working?capital items pressured year?end cash. Key risks include ongoing DIY demand softness and execution risk as supply?chain and store productivity initiatives are still early stage (management trimmed the pace to 7% operating margin timing), plus a planned ~50 bp LIFO headwind in 2026. Advance Auto Parts Stock Performance Shares of AAP stock traded up $1.60 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $59.82. The stock had a trading volume of 2,474,938 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,056,770. Advance Auto Parts has a 1-year low of $28.89 and a 1-year high of $70.00. The firm has a market cap of $3.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.51 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a current ratio of 1.73, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55. The businesss fifty day moving average is $45.73 and its 200-day moving average is $52.36. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Advance Auto Parts Key Headlines Impacting Advance Auto Parts A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Bank of Montreal Can raised its stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 8.2% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 9,859 shares of the companys stock valued at $387,000 after buying an additional 745 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in Advance Auto Parts during the third quarter worth about $393,000. SummitTX Capital L.P. purchased a new position in Advance Auto Parts during the third quarter valued at approximately $470,000. Occudo Quantitative Strategies LP acquired a new position in Advance Auto Parts in the third quarter valued at approximately $399,000. Finally, Glenmede Investment Management LP purchased a new stake in Advance Auto Parts in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $295,000. 88.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Here are the key news stories impacting Advance Auto Parts this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on AAP shares. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $55.00 to $45.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Evercore cut their price target on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $58.00 to $56.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Cfra Research raised Advance Auto Parts to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Evercore ISI set a $60.00 price objective on Advance Auto Parts in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, TD Cowen reduced their target price on Advance Auto Parts from $62.00 to $46.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $51.41. Read Our Latest Analysis on Advance Auto Parts About Advance Auto Parts (Get Free Report) Advance Auto Parts, Inc (NYSE: AAP) is a leading distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, and maintenance items. The company operates a network of stores and distribution centers across North America, serving both do-it-yourself (DIY) customers and professional service providers. Advance Auto Parts focuses on offering a comprehensive selection of replacement parts, batteries, engine components, and performance products for cars and light trucks. The companys product portfolio includes engine oils and lubricants, cooling system components, brake and suspension parts, filters, belts, hoses, and diagnostic tools. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Advance Auto Parts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advance Auto Parts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) had its price target hoisted by stock analysts at Desjardins from C$96.00 to C$101.00 in a research note issued to investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. Desjardins price target would suggest a potential upside of 7.62% from the stocks previous close. SLF has been the topic of a number of other reports. UBS Group raised shares of Sun Life Financial to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. TD Securities reduced their price target on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$104.00 to C$102.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$83.00 to C$95.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday. Barclays cut their price objective on Sun Life Financial from C$84.00 to C$83.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Scotiabank increased their target price on Sun Life Financial from C$93.00 to C$96.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$96.44. Get Sun Life Financial alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SLF Sun Life Financial Price Performance TSE SLF traded up C$0.21 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting C$93.85. The stock had a trading volume of 1,084,544 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,749,109. Sun Life Financial has a 52-week low of C$74.56 and a 52-week high of C$94.76. The company has a market cap of C$51.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.77, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$86.03 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$84.03. The company has a quick ratio of 84,866.00, a current ratio of 92.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported C$1.96 EPS for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 7.58%. Equities analysts forecast that Sun Life Financial will post 6.9230769 EPS for the current fiscal year. Sun Life Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sun Life Financial is one of Canadas Big Three life insurance companies along with Great-West Lifeco and Manulife. Sun Life provides insurance, retirement, and wealth-management services to individual and corporate customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. It also owns MFS Investment Management, a Boston-based asset-management firm. Sun Life generates about a third of its profit from asset-management operations. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sun Life Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sun Life Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortis (NYSE:FTS Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The utilities provider reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.03, Zacks reports. Fortis had a net margin of 14.18% and a return on equity of 7.05%. The firm had revenue of $2.13 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.54 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.83 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Fortis conference call: Get Fortis alerts: Fortis unveiled a new CAD 28.8 billion five-year capital plan focused on transmission and distribution that management says is highly executable and is expected to drive ~7% average annual rate-base growth. five-year capital plan focused on transmission and distribution that management says is highly executable and is expected to drive average annual rate-base growth. 2025 results showed continued momentum adjusted EPS of CAD 3.53 (up CAD 0.25 YoY), CAD 5.6 billion of utility capital invested, ~24% one?year TSR, and a 4% dividend increase marking 52 consecutive years of dividend growth with 4%6% annual dividend guidance through 2030. (up CAD 0.25 YoY), CAD 5.6 billion of utility capital invested, ~24% one?year TSR, and a 4% dividend increase marking of dividend growth with 4%6% annual dividend guidance through 2030. Management highlighted a material new growth opportunity in Arizona a 10?year, ~300 MW energy supply agreement at full tariff with a 75% minimum billing requirement and strong credit/security provisions, with potential for another 300 MW on site and additional sites that could require CAD 1.52 billion of generation through 2030. of generation through 2030. Regulatory uncertainty remains a near?term risk ALJ recommendations in Arizona rate cases include changes to proposed formula rates, ROE and efficiency credits are contested, ACC orders are pending, and FERC developments affecting ITC incentives/ROE remain unresolved. Liquidity and ratings are solid ~CAD 4 billion available on credit facilities, CAD 2.7 billion of long?term debt issued in 2025, S&P affirmed an A? issuer rating with stable outlook, while Moodys ratings were withdrawn at Fortis Inc.s request (no change to utility standalone ratings). Fortis Price Performance Shares of Fortis stock traded up $0.79 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $56.88. The companys stock had a trading volume of 662,777 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,099,090. The company has a market cap of $28.86 billion, a PE ratio of 23.71, a PEG ratio of 4.26 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.66. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $52.30 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $51.14. Fortis has a 12-month low of $42.95 and a 12-month high of $57.01. Fortis Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 15th will be given a $0.64 dividend. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 15th. Fortiss payout ratio is presently 75.83%. FTS has been the subject of a number of research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a research note on Friday. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Fortis in a research report on Friday. National Bank Financial reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Fortis in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Scotiabank reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a research report on Friday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $72.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Fortis More Fortis News Here are the key news stories impacting Fortis this week: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fortis Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC bought a new stake in Fortis in the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych PZU SA increased its holdings in shares of Fortis by 157.4% in the third quarter. Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych PZU SA now owns 700 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 428 shares during the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Fortis by 123.9% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 739 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 409 shares in the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Fortis by 2,119.1% during the second quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,043 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 996 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of Wyoming purchased a new position in Fortis during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $56,000. Institutional investors own 57.77% of the companys stock. About Fortis (Get Free Report) Fortis Inc is a Canadian diversified electric and gas utility holding company headquartered in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador. Through a portfolio of regulated utility subsidiaries, the company develops, owns and operates electricity and natural gas transmission, distribution and generation assets. Fortis serves customers across multiple jurisdictions in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean, focusing on the delivery of safe, reliable energy to residential, commercial and industrial users. The companys core activities include operation and maintenance of transmission and distribution networks, ownership of generation facilities, and investment in grid modernization and system resilience. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fortis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Heavy (OTCMKTS:SOHVY Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The company reported $0.17 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Sumitomo Heavy had a net margin of 0.36% and a return on equity of 4.86%. Sumitomo Heavy Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:SOHVY traded down $0.43 during trading on Friday, reaching $9.30. The company had a trading volume of 5,802 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,422. Sumitomo Heavy has a fifty-two week low of $4.66 and a fifty-two week high of $10.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 1.95 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $7.32 and its 200 day moving average price is $6.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 132.86 and a beta of 0.26. Get Sumitomo Heavy alerts: Sumitomo Heavy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: SOHVY) is a Japanese multinational manufacturer specializing in a broad range of industrial machinery and heavy equipment. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates as a core member of the Sumitomo Group, a major keiretsu with roots dating back to the early Meiji era. Sumitomo Heavy serves diverse markets by developing and producing advanced systems for material processing, energy generation, environmental management and transportation. The companys product portfolio encompasses industrial machinery such as metal?forming presses, injection molding machines and power transmission systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Heavy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Heavy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortis (TSE:FTS Get Free Report) had its target price boosted by Raymond James Financial from C$75.50 to C$78.50 in a research report issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Raymond James Financials price objective would indicate a potential upside of 2.00% from the companys current price. FTS has been the subject of a number of other research reports. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of Fortis from C$74.00 to C$77.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce increased their price objective on shares of Fortis from C$75.00 to C$76.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Fortis from C$79.00 to C$80.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday. National Bank Financial upped their price target on Fortis from C$68.00 to C$72.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, TD Securities lifted their price objective on Fortis from C$77.00 to C$79.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$75.65. Get Fortis alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on FTS Fortis Price Performance FTS stock traded up C$0.64 during trading on Friday, hitting C$76.96. The stock had a trading volume of 1,414,951 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,781,197. Fortis has a twelve month low of C$60.94 and a twelve month high of C$77.59. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$71.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$70.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 142.31, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.36. The stock has a market capitalization of C$38.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.90, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.35. Fortis (TSE:FTS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported C$0.90 earnings per share for the quarter. Fortis had a return on equity of 7.48% and a net margin of 14.53%.The business had revenue of C$3.08 billion for the quarter. As a group, research analysts predict that Fortis will post 3.3419913 EPS for the current fiscal year. Fortis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fortis owns and operates 10 utility transmission and distribution assets in Canada and the United States, serving more than 3.4 million electricity and gas customers. The company has smaller stakes in electricity generation and several Caribbean utilities. ITC operates electric transmission in seven U.S. states, with more than 16,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines in operation serving a peak load in excess of 23 gigawatts. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fortis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHSC Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 39,649 shares, a growth of 297.9% from the January 15th total of 9,965 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 60,333 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Based on an average trading volume of 60,333 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Trading of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Cornell Pochily Investment Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 146.0% during the 3rd quarter. Cornell Pochily Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 53,990 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,259,000 after purchasing an additional 32,047 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its stake in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 7.9% during the third quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 204,037 shares of the companys stock worth $8,539,000 after buying an additional 14,971 shares during the period. CW Advisors LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF during the second quarter worth $613,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF during the second quarter valued at $4,784,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 183.8% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 180,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,031,000 after acquiring an additional 116,617 shares during the period. Get John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF alerts: John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF Trading Up 1.1% JHSC traded up $0.48 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $46.03. The companys stock had a trading volume of 7,051 shares, compared to its average volume of 51,232. The stock has a market cap of $697.35 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.76 and a beta of 1.05. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $43.98 and its 200-day moving average price is $42.27. John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF has a 12 month low of $31.96 and a 12 month high of $46.78. About John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF The John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap index. The fund tracks an index of US small-cap stocks selected by relative price and profitability. Securities are weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers. JHSC was launched on Nov 8, 2017 and is managed by John Hancock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Get Free Report) insider Cantu Ernesto Torres sold 43,173 shares of Citigroup stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.09, for a total transaction of $4,796,088.57. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 45,835 shares in the company, valued at $5,091,810.15. The trade was a 48.50% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Cantu Ernesto Torres also recently made the following trade(s): Get Citigroup alerts: On Friday, February 13th, Cantu Ernesto Torres sold 24,145 shares of Citigroup stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.14, for a total transaction of $2,683,475.30. Citigroup Stock Down 0.3% C stock traded down $0.39 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $110.77. The stock had a trading volume of 16,495,395 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,845,406. The business has a 50-day moving average of $116.35 and a two-hundred day moving average of $104.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.99. The firm has a market cap of $198.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.18. Citigroup Inc. has a 52-week low of $55.51 and a 52-week high of $125.16. Citigroup Dividend Announcement Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $19.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.99 billion. Citigroup had a net margin of 8.50% and a return on equity of 8.28%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.34 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Citigroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 34.43%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently commented on C. Zacks Research raised Citigroup from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Citigroup from $113.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on shares of Citigroup from $118.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $121.00 price objective on shares of Citigroup in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Wolfe Research reiterated an outperform rating and set a $141.00 target price on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $126.19. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Citigroup Hedge Funds Weigh In On Citigroup Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its stake in Citigroup by 166.9% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 19,990 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,407,000 after purchasing an additional 12,499 shares during the period. Sivia Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Citigroup by 20.5% in the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 9,805 shares of the companys stock worth $835,000 after acquiring an additional 1,669 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its stake in shares of Citigroup by 5.9% during the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 58,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,942,000 after acquiring an additional 3,238 shares during the period. Mutual Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Citigroup by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 18,467 shares of the companys stock worth $1,572,000 after buying an additional 405 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bridges Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Citigroup by 27.5% in the second quarter. Bridges Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,012 shares of the companys stock valued at $937,000 after buying an additional 2,372 shares during the period. 71.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Key Headlines Impacting Citigroup Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Citigroup Company Profile (Get Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) CEO Louis Renjel sold 6,800 shares of Duke Energy stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $127.67, for a total value of $868,156.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 22,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,809,633.69. The trade was a 23.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Duke Energy Stock Up 1.6% NYSE DUK traded up $2.03 during trading on Friday, reaching $128.14. 5,565,865 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,389,916. Duke Energy Corporation has a 12-month low of $110.51 and a 12-month high of $130.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 0.55 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The firm has a market cap of $99.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.51. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $118.44 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $121.73. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 10th. The utilities provider reported $1.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $7.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.57 billion. Duke Energy had a net margin of 15.41% and a return on equity of 9.66%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.66 earnings per share. Duke Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.550-6.800 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Duke Energy Corporation will post 6.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. Duke Energy Announces Dividend Hedge Funds Weigh In On Duke Energy The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.065 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $4.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.3%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 67.41%. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Brighton Jones LLC increased its stake in Duke Energy by 11.6% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,754 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $728,000 after buying an additional 700 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 19.6% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 23,162 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,825,000 after purchasing an additional 3,797 shares during the last quarter. RFG Advisory LLC grew its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 17,195 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,029,000 after buying an additional 291 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc increased its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 355,559 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $41,956,000 after buying an additional 10,416 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Private Wealth Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 6.4% during the 2nd quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 1,408 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $166,000 after buying an additional 85 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.31% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades DUK has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $126.00 to $115.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and set a $141.00 price target on shares of Duke Energy in a research note on Friday, January 30th. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Duke Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $143.00 price objective for the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Duke Energy in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on Duke Energy from $135.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $134.19. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on DUK Trending Headlines about Duke Energy Here are the key news stories impacting Duke Energy this week: About Duke Energy (Get Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation is a U.S.-based electric power holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The companys core business is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Duke Energy operates a mix of regulated electric utilities and non-regulated energy businesses, providing essential energy infrastructure and services across multiple states. Its operating activities include owning and operating generation assets across a portfolio that encompasses nuclear, natural gas, coal, hydroelectric and an expanding array of renewable resources, as well as battery storage and grid modernization projects. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:EQAL Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 29,982 shares, a growth of 86.8% from the January 15th total of 16,051 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 28,832 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 28,832 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Currently, 0.2% of the companys shares are sold short. Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF Stock Up 1.0% Shares of NYSEARCA EQAL traded up $0.58 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $56.79. The stock had a trading volume of 129,975 shares, compared to its average volume of 62,880. Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF has a 1-year low of $40.85 and a 1-year high of $57.31. The company has a market capitalization of $741.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.07 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $54.19 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.46. Get Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in EQAL. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in shares of Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF by 7.7% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 6,764 shares of the companys stock valued at $320,000 after buying an additional 484 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its stake in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF by 515.8% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 7,242 shares of the companys stock worth $342,000 after buying an additional 6,066 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF during the 1st quarter worth $418,000. Truist Financial Corp acquired a new position in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $312,000. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 3,151 shares of the companys stock worth $155,000 after buying an additional 285 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF Company Profile The Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell 1000 Equal Weight index. The fund tracks an index of the 1,000 largest US stocks. Each sector receives equal weight, and each stock within a sector receives equal weight. EQAL was launched on Dec 23, 2014 and is managed by Invesco. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. You have a lot of goals for your kids. You want them to follow their passions without compromising their financial stability. You want them to find community and be good people. Most likely, going into debt is not among those goals. You would hate for your children to experience the anxiety and upheaval that comes with debt especially high-interest debt. So, its time to start talking about money with your kids. Even if theyre very young, the lessons you teach them about money can stick with them well into the future, empowering them to make smart decisions and stay debt-free. To help determine which money lessons parents should teach ASAP, GOBankingRates spoke with Angie Welsh, founder and president of My Annuity Agents. Delayed Gratification Is a Virtue Think of it this way: Youd rather be the voice in your kids head than yet another ad from the TikTok Shop. To become the angel on their shoulder urging financial caution, Welsh suggests starting the conversation early and in age-appropriate ways no, shes not suggesting you teach a 2-year-old about investing. Your first topic should be the value of delayed gratification. For You: I Got Rich Investing These Lessons for Beginners Could Lead To $1 Million Net Worth Read Next: 6 Clever Ways To Pocket an Extra $1K This Month The most important skill kids should learn is that money is a tool, and waiting to use it can make that tool even more powerful, she said. This simple concept can be taught to children at a young age. Welsh notes that even high-earning adults can struggle with money if they never learn that they dont have to buy everything they want, when they want it. Understanding that money exists to help achieve certain life goals and that those goals may require patience is essential to long-term success. Dont Be Afraid of Money When kids are conditioned to see money as a force that can damage their lives, theyre more likely to shut down and avoid learning how to manage it often leading them deeper into debt. The second most important skill that kids should learn is that we should not fear or obsess over money; we should respect it, she said. Fear and obsession lead to bad money decisions, while respect leads to disciplined ones. Welsh adds that while keeping mum about money is probably the most common mistake parents make, using negative or fear-inducing language is a close second. Phrases like we cant afford that can create negative associations with finances. Instead, she suggests parents say things like, Were choosing to save our money for other things. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report)s share price shot up 1.1% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $264.66 and last traded at $262.3280. 6,785,198 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 25% from the average session volume of 5,421,600 shares. The stock had previously closed at $259.52. More International Business Machines News Here are the key news stories impacting International Business Machines this week: Get International Business Machines alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently commented on IBM. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $361.00 price target on International Business Machines in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Morgan Stanley set a $304.00 target price on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $315.00 to $335.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $360.00 to $370.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $330.07. International Business Machines Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67. The company has a market capitalization of $245.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.69. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $300.15 and its 200-day simple moving average is $283.89. International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.52 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.33 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $19.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.23 billion. International Business Machines had a net margin of 15.69% and a return on equity of 38.15%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $3.92 earnings per share. Analysts predict that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current year. International Business Machines Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be given a $1.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 10th. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. International Business Machiness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 60.27%. Insider Activity In related news, Director David N. Farr acquired 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 30th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $304.00 per share, with a total value of $304,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 9,258 shares in the company, valued at $2,814,432. This represents a 12.11% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its holdings in International Business Machines by 12.4% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 21,011 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,619,000 after buying an additional 2,323 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of International Business Machines by 10.6% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,938 shares of the technology companys stock worth $571,000 after acquiring an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp lifted its stake in International Business Machines by 3.0% during the second quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 3,402 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,003,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. boosted its holdings in International Business Machines by 19.6% in the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 8,458 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,493,000 after purchasing an additional 1,389 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WealthPlan Investment Management LLC increased its stake in International Business Machines by 5.2% in the second quarter. WealthPlan Investment Management LLC now owns 43,691 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $12,879,000 after purchasing an additional 2,165 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.96% of the companys stock. International Business Machines Company Profile (Get Free Report) International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology and consulting company headquartered in Armonk, New York. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and renamed IBM in 1924, the company has evolved from early electromechanical machines to a diversified technology provider serving enterprises and governments worldwide. IBM is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IBM. IBMs principal businesses encompass cloud computing and software, infrastructure and systems, consulting and technology services, and research and development. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for International Business Machines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Business Machines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Linamar Co. (TSE:LNR Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$91.49 and last traded at C$91.32, with a volume of 8774 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$89.66. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on LNR shares. Scotiabank increased their price objective on Linamar from C$83.00 to C$98.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. TD Securities increased their price target on shares of Linamar from C$96.00 to C$103.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce raised their price target on shares of Linamar from C$88.00 to C$99.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$92.00. Get Linamar alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Linamar Linamar Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 42.84. The stock has a market cap of C$5.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.60. The firms 50-day moving average is C$85.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$78.34. Linamar (TSE:LNR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported C$2.51 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$2.54 billion during the quarter. Linamar had a net margin of 5.58% and a return on equity of 10.73%. As a group, research analysts expect that Linamar Co. will post 11.4332724 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Linamar news, insider Alexander Drolc sold 427 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$88.00, for a total transaction of C$37,576.00. 33.49% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Linamar (Get Free Report) Linamar Corp is a diversified global manufacturing company of highly engineered products. The Companys Industrial segment operates the Skyjack and MacDon brands, It manufactures products for the Aerial Work Platform and Agricultural industries, respectively. The Mobility segment features vertically integrated operations to combine expertise in light metal casting, forging, machining and assembly of components and systems for electric and traditional vehicle applications. In addition, McLaren Engineering and eLIN Product Solutions Group provide design, development, and testing services for the Mobility segment. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Linamar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Linamar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Freeport-McMoRan, Newmont, Barrick Mining, First Majestic Silver, Agnico Eagle Mines, Hecla Mining, and Coeur Mining are the seven Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of publicly traded companies involved in the production, exploration, development, or processing of goldincluding mining companies, royalty/streaming firms, and refiners. Investors use gold stocks to gain leveraged exposure to changes in the price of gold and potential income, but these shares also carry company-specific operational, regulatory and geopolitical risks in addition to metal-price volatility. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) Freeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Newmont (NEM) Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana. Read Our Latest Research Report on NEM Barrick Mining (B) Barrick Gold Corporation is a sector-leading gold and copper producer. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GOLD and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ABX. In January 2019 Barrick merged with Randgold Resources and in July that year it combined its gold mines in Nevada, USA, with those of Newmont Corporation in a joint venture, Nevada Gold Mines, which is majority-owned and operated by Barrick. Read Our Latest Research Report on B First Majestic Silver (AG) First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico. Read Our Latest Research Report on AG Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Read Our Latest Research Report on AEM Hecla Mining (HL) Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold. Read Our Latest Research Report on HL Coeur Mining (CDE) Coeur Mining, Inc. explores for precious metals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, and lead properties. It markets and sells its concentrates to third-party customers, smelters, under off-take agreements. The company was formerly known as Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc. Read Our Latest Research Report on CDE Further Reading Save The World Air Inc. (OTCMKTS:QSEP Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 8,181 shares, an increase of 201.9% from the January 15th total of 2,710 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 495,506 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 495,506 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Save The World Air Trading Down 2.0% OTCMKTS QSEP traded down $0.00 on Friday, hitting $0.09. The companys stock had a trading volume of 191,300 shares, compared to its average volume of 295,143. The firm has a market cap of $48.87 million, a P/E ratio of -4.46 and a beta of -0.72. Save The World Air has a 52-week low of $0.06 and a 52-week high of $0.40. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $0.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.20. Get Save The World Air alerts: About Save The World Air (Get Free Report) See Also QS Energy, Inc develops and commercializes energy efficiency technologies in the United States and internationally. The companys energy efficiency technologies assist in meeting energy demands, enhancing the economics of oil transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The companys primary technology comprises Applied Oil Technology, a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil while in transit. Receive News & Ratings for Save The World Air Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Save The World Air and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Singapore Airlines Limited (OTCMKTS:SINGY Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 12,164 shares, a decrease of 55.5% from the January 15th total of 27,331 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 72,072 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 72,072 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Singapore Airlines Trading Down 0.8% SINGY stock traded down $0.09 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $10.77. The companys stock had a trading volume of 10,998 shares, compared to its average volume of 31,592. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $9.98 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.10. Singapore Airlines has a 12 month low of $8.78 and a 12 month high of $11.77. Get Singapore Airlines alerts: Singapore Airlines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Singapore Airlines (OTCMKTS:SINGY) is the flag carrier airline of Singapore, providing scheduled air passenger and cargo services to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. Headquartered at Singapore Changi Airport, the carrier operates a modern fleet of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, offering premium, business and economy class cabins designed to meet the needs of leisure travellers, business executives and freight customers alike. Since its establishment on May 1, 1972following the split of MalaysiaSingapore AirlinesSingapore Airlines has grown from a regional operator into a globally recognized brand. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Singapore Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Singapore Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Africa was the worlds fastest-growing solar market in 2025, defying a global slowdown and reshaping where the momentum in renewable energy is concentrated, according to an industry report released in late last month. The report by the Africa Solar Industry Association says the continent's solar installed capacity expanded 17% in 2025, boosted by imports of Chinese-made solar panels. Global solar power capacity rose 23% in 2025 to 618 GW, slowing from a 44% increase in 2024. Chinese companies are the main drivers in Africas green transition, said Cynthia Angweya-Muhati, acting CEO of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association. They are aggressively investing in and building robust supply chains in Africa green energy ecosystem. Some of that capacity has yet to be rolled out. Africa has only 23.4 gigawatts peak (GWp) of working solar capacity even though nearly 64 GWp of solar equipment has been shipped to the continent since 2017. A gigawatt peak represents 1 billion watts of maximum, optimum power output under ideal conditions. Africa's growth is driven by changing policies and enabling conditions in a number of countries, "said John Van Zuylen, CEO of the Africa Solar Industry Association. Solar energy has moved beyond a handful of early adopters to become a broader continental priority, he said recently on the sidelines of the Inter Solar Africa summit in Nairobi. What we are seeing is not temporary. It is policies aligning with market dynamics. Historically, South Africa dominated solar imports in Africa, at one point accounting for roughly half of all panels shipped to the continent. The latest data show its share has slipped below a third as demand surged elsewhere. Last year, 20 African nations set new annual records for solar imports, as 25 countries imported a total of at least 100 megawatts of capacity. Nigeria has overtaken Egypt as Africa's second-largest importer as solar energy and battery storage provide a practical and affordable alternative to diesel generators and unreliable grid power. In Algeria, solar imports soared more than 30-fold year-on-year. Imports also surged in Zambia and Botswana. At least 23 African countries, including South Africa, Tunisia, Kenya, Chad and the Central African Republic, are now generating over 5% of their electricity from solar energy, the report said. Prices have fallen both for solar panels and batteries, mostly from China, enabling households and businesses to rely on solar plus batteries for round-the-clock electricity, the report said. Battery storage costs in Africa fell to $112 per kilowatt-hour in 2025 from an average of $144 per kilowatt-hour in 2023 as improved technology made storage systems more flexible and longer lasting. Lots to consider this evening as we check local reporting and share word of more fatal gunfire, court cases, police action, new codes and, as always, community outreach . . . Check TKC news gathering . . . Man dies after being shot, running to vacant lots in Kansas City A man has died after being shot and then running to nearby vacant lots in Kansas City. Kansas City, Missouri, man charged with attempted 1st-degree murder in Leawood senior facility shooting A Kansas City, Missouri, man has been charged in Johnson County, Kansas, in a shooting at a Leawood senior center. Metro county reports more than $2 million lost to cryptocurrency scams Bitcoin ATM scams continue to victimize people in Clay County, and it's becoming increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to track down the suspects. 120 mph chase, attempt to toss gun lands felon in federal prison A 120-mph chase and an attempt to toss a gun away have landed a convicted felon in federal prison. Grandview man faces 2nd-degree murder charge in 2019 shooting Demetrius Hill, 27, was charged Monday in Jackson County Court with second-degree murder in a 2019 shooting. Judge keeps ex-Chiefs LB Darron Lee jailed without bond on murder charge in girlfriend's death A judge on Wednesday kept former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Darron Lee in jail without bond as he faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of his girlfriend in Tennessee. Overland Park police search for suspects behind shopping spree on stolen credit cards The suspects are accused of using stolen credit cards at stores near W. 95th Street and Nieman Road. Former school staffer in Kansas City convicted of sexually harassing teen A man who used to work for Brookside Charter School in Kansas City, MO has been convicted in Jackson County of sexually harassing a student. Man faces prison after leaving loaded gun where toddler found it, shot herself A Lawrence man faces prison after leaving a loaded gun where a Sugar Creek toddler found it and shot herself. Family of KU hit-and-run victim pushes for Kansas bond reform bill McGrain's parents are putting their support behind Kansas House Bill 2611, which provides limitations and restrictions on releasing a person charged with a crime upon the person's own recognizance. Feline fight: Jackson County city may fine pet owners if cats enter others' yards After a neighbor's complaint, Independence may expand its definition of "nuisance" animals to include habitually roaming pets. Developing . . . Lots of things to consider for late night & early morning readers as we share another glimpse at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . 12th & Oak Offer Wish List Mayor, city manager present $2.5 billion budget proposal for 2026-27 to Kansas City, Missouri, City Council Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Mario Vasquez presented a $2.5 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2026-27 to the KCMO City Council on Thursday. Local Diversity Debate Sound Off City reopens applications after no local or Black artists selected for 18th & Vine mural The community is speaking out after no local or Black artists were chosen as semifinalists for a new mural in Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. Tech Resources Rising Google announces construction underway for second data center campus in Kansas City The boom of data center construction across Kansas City is set to continue, including the latest project that includes a new arrangement with Evergy for power. Meet Latest Ugly Captive Kansas City Zoo's giraffe herd continues to grow amid 'baby boom' The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium introduced yet another member of the herd Thursday. Check Patriotism Hatching Meet the bald eagle pair who laid their first eggs on camera in eastern Jackson County Two bald eagles in Jackson County who are being featured on a live cam now have names. The eagles, Freedom and Liberty, laid an egg Feb. 9. Gossip Blog Discovers One Of Our Longtime Fave Fashionistas Abigail Ratchford's Sexy Snapshots Abigail Ratchford's Sexy Snapshots Marking MAGA Money Move Costs from Trump's tariffs paid almost entirely by US consumers Last year, collective import tariff rates on various goods coming into the US more than tripled. Progressive Push Back Democrats eye legal action, GOP seeks answers on alleged Trump admin "spying" on Congress "This is very serious, and we're not going to let it go," said one House Democrat. Show-Me Corruption Fight Hawley Calls For Indictment of Keith Ellison over Alleged Ties to Somali Fraudsters Josh Hawley is calling for the indictment of Keith Ellison over accusations that he accepted campaign contributions from Somali fraudsters. Legal Ruling On Military Debate Pete Hegseth says Pentagon will repeal court order blocking punishment against Mark Kelly | Blaze Media The judge said the Pentagon had violated Kelly's freedom of speech rights. Court Fight Over Commentary Leftists Are Filing Free Speech Lawsuits over Fallout from Celebrating Charlie Kirk Assassination Free speech lawsuits have been filed by multiple leftists fired from their jobs after revealing their pro-assassin sentiments in the aftermath of Turning Point USA founder and conservative icon Charlie Kirk's horrific assassination. Border Tech War Backstory Laser weapon that shut down El Paso's skies was LOCUST system What we know about the bizarre events leading up to the airspace closure. Aliens Of Non-Mexican-Kind Exposed?!?! Video of mysterious craft hovering over El Paso upends balloon claims New video from El Paso is challenging the White House claims that a party balloon was shot down and sparked a massive FAA shut down. EPIC Flex Underway Second US aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East, AP source says The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. Euro Fight For Future Ukraine unveils revolutionary 'Sunray' laser that can silently take out Russian drones: 'Invisible lightning' Ukraine has developed a silent, undetectable laser that can take out Russian drones as if "struck by invisible lightning" -- and all at a fraction of the cost of similar high-tech weapons made in the US, according to a new report. Celeb Transformation Cont'd Jelly Roll's Wife Bunnie Xo On Leaving Prostitution To Become 'Trailer Park Barbara Walters' Jelly Roll's wife Alyssa DeFord, better known as Bunnie Xo, is a classic tale of never giving up. She's been through a lot, but always knew it was going to work out for her one day. Local Front Porch Boozing KC Sipps: Sweet weekend plans and an indoor beer festival at Union Station Food Editor Sarah Sipple shares timely restaurant news and events for Kansas City. Soggy Lonely Hearts Day Awaits Warm Friday before widespread rain on Valentine's Day in the Kansas City metro Friday will end the week on a warm and dry note, with highs in the lower 60s expected. That's about 20 degrees above normal! And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. This week in Kansas City, the sordid topic of ongoing American mass deportation of illegal/undocumented immigrants and a proposed detention facility finally reached critical mass. For now, developers have halted the sale of a warehouse for an ICE detention center under rising public pressure. But, per ushe, the politics of the debate is far more important than real estate speculation that ALWAYS turns out to be wrong. And so we ask . . . WHO STAYS WINNING AND/OR LOSING IN THE AFTERMATH OF THIS KANSAS CITY ICE MEGA JAIL SLAP FIGHT?!? We have a few suggestions to start . . . WINNERS Jackson County Legislature Chair Manny Abarca - In the span of about two and a half weeks Abarca erased criticism from progressive white ladies and became a champion of their favorite pet cause. Even better for his political future, progressive media have embraced the young elected official as a grassroots leader with the ability to rally locals to his cause. Despite longstanding critics, there's no doubt that Legislator Manny Abarca gained the most from this exchange. Mayor Q - Not to be outdone, Mayor Q garnered national news coverage and a leadership position with the Democratic Party amid his ICE opposition and "moratorium" against the proposed facility. Without breaking a sweat, Mayor Q pushed to the forefront of the discussion and scored a decisive political victory. Congressman Mark Alford - Some might call it a push because the conservative congressman supports the MAGA mass deportation agenda but in this instance he seemed pragmatic and quickly proposed Cass County as an alternative for federal investment and jobs. Alternatively . . . LOSERS Developers Terry and Ryan Anderson - The Brookside bros likely took the biggest reputational hit and it must be disheartening to garner so much success and still have broke-ass journalists act like they can push you around . . . Newsies even attempted to turn their church against them which might have been one of the most self-righteous flexes in local memory. But, in the end they gave up and gave in . . . Which their biz associates will also remember. Bright side: The vast majority of locals will forget them by the end of the weekend. PortKC - This defeat stung the shady development agency which now counts progressives amongst their critics amid so many sketchy deals that are actually much worse than this one. Substack Scribe Dan Margolies - The longtime local newsman claimed the ICE facility was a "DONE DEAL" and it's clear he was just speculating. Despite a career spent in local journalism, it seems he didn't have any real connection to breaking news. It's probably not worth calling him out given that he only has a few hundred subscribers after 37 years of reporting . . . BUT we're actually doing a public service by reminding locals that independent online publishing is mostly a waste of time. The Warehouse Burning Lady - Arson charges AFTER a controversy is a bad look, it's nearly as bad as getting shot after a war is over. We don't know if she'll ever meet with justice but the attempted destruction was a HORRIBLE DECISION for a situation that seems resolved for the moment. As always, our www.TonysKansasCity.com listing is offered merely to inspire readers to share better perspectives in the aftermath of yet another local immigration anticlimax. You decide . . . A cowtown effort to blame gas station for all of the problems of the urban core . . . Here's what might OR MIGHT NOT be an slight inconvenience for anybody wanting the garbage sold at convenience stores. Check-it: "Kansas City passed an ordinance on Thursday, banning unregulated drugs that the city says pose a risk to the well-being of the public from being sold in the city." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . KC Council unanimously bans 7-OH, restricts kratom with new ordinance Kansas City passed an ordinance on Thursday, banning unregulated drugs that the city says pose a risk to the well-being of the public from being sold in the city. We linked this report earlier in the Crime Scene section but it's important to draw more attention to because the latest local killing reveals deadly violence trending in Kansas City earlier in the year despite some important cold weather progress to keep this year's number lower. Here is the report police are sharing with local media along with further investigation: Homicide 20th and Monroe Tonight just after 5:30pm officers were dispatched to 20th and Monroe on a sound of shots call in the area. 911 received multiple additional calls of sound of shots and eventually one call reporting a shooting victim down in a wooded area of a series of vacant lots in the 2000 block of Monroe. On arrival officers made their way into the vacant lots and located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive there. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS responded and took over aid. They eventually declared the victim deceased here at the scene. Homicide detectives are now here conducting investigation and canvassing for witnesses. Crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence. Preliminary indication indicates the shooting occurred on 20th street between Askew and Monroe and the victim then ran to the south where he was located. If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. ############ Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Man dies after being shot, running to vacant lots in Kansas City A man has died after being shot and then running to nearby vacant lots in Kansas City. Man found shot to death Thursday evening in wooded area in Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri, police officers found a man shot to death Thursday evening in a vacant lot Developing . . . Details added: first version posted at 11:33 BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. The Azerbaijani parliament has deliberated on and expressed strong appreciation for the recent visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova highlighted the event at today's plenary session of the parliament. " U.S. Vice President Vance paid an official visit to Azerbaijan. This visit, which is of historical significance, opened a new stage in the development of relations between the countries. The speaker emphasized that the Strategic Partnership Charter signed during the visit defines long-term priorities of joint cooperation, creates a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in energy, economy, investment, space industry, digital infrastructure, defense, security, and other areas. Based on common interests in the field of peace, stability, and sustainable development, the charter reflects the intention of the parties to expand cooperation on the basis of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, and national interests. According to Gafarova, the rise of Azerbaijan's relations with the most powerful state in the world to a new level was made possible by the consistent and far-sighted policy of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan has gained great prestige in the international community as a reliable partner, a key participant in regional energy and transport projects, and a state pursuing an independent foreign policy. Today, at a time when our region is undergoing serious changes, we highly appreciate the contribution of the U.S. to establishing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The agreements reached within the framework of the visit will create conditions for strengthening the international relations of our state," the speaker said. She added that Vance's visit showed that Azerbaijan and the U.S. share similar views on the future development of the South Caucasus region. "Our cooperation serves the interests of not only the two countries, but also a wider region from the Caspian Sea to Europe. The agreements reached during the visit will ensure the consistent and dynamic development of U.S.-Azerbaijani relations and create conditions for further strengthening the international positions of our state," she concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Investing.com -- Aker BP ASA (OL:AKRBP) shares slipped on Friday after the Norwegian industrial holding company reported fourth-quarter net asset value remained essentially flat at NOK905 per share, unchanged from NOK909 in the third quarter, despite significant investments in property and artificial intelligence infrastructure that have narrowed the stocks discount to NAV. The Oslo-based conglomerate proposed a first-half 2026 dividend of NOK29 per share, approximately 4% higher than Kepler Cheuvreuxs estimate of NOK28, with board authorization to pay a second-half dividend "in line with previous years," suggesting a full-year 2026 payout of NOK58 per share. The share price discount to reported NAV has continued to compress, narrowing to 15% in the fourth quarter from an average of 26% in the first and second quarters and 14% in the third quarter. Analysts attributed the discount compression to increased exposure to property and AI datacenters, which are perceived as structural growth and yield segments relative to traditional energy holdings. Akers property platform PPI acquired NOK37 billion of social infrastructure assets from SBB during the quarter. Aker invested NOK5.4 billion as part of the APG/PPI positioning, materially increasing the companys listed real estate exposure and shifting the portfolio mix toward long-duration, CPI-linked and government-backed rental cash flows. The combined real estate platform value is now approximately NOK145 billion at the asset level. Through APG and PPI, Aker now has significant exposure to social infrastructure, public sector tenants and regulated property income. These assets typically carry long lease duration and lower volatility than cyclical segments, which could support valuation multiples in the context of lower interest rate expectations in 2026. Aker Nscale, 50% owned, is valued at NOK2.9 billion on Akers books for its net share. In addition, Aker holds 9.3% of Nscale Series B valued at NOK3.8 billion, bringing total Nscale exposure to NOK6.7 billion. The Series B round raised $1.1 billion, providing external price validation. The Narvik datacenter construction is progressing and includes a long-term take-or-pay agreement with Microsoft, increasing Akers exposure to AI infrastructure, a segment currently benefiting from strong capital inflows and premium valuation multiples. Aker retains majority ownership in Cognite, which reported $164 million in revenue and $124 million in annual recurring revenue in 2025, up 32% year-over-year. Listed equity investments increased 3% in the quarter, while unlisted equity investments surged 47%. Cash and other assets declined 66%, and debt increased 30%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. Bilateral economic relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia are experiencing significant growth, Serbias ambassador to Azerbaijan, Dragan Vladisavljevic, said at a reception marking Serbias Statehood Day and Armed Forces Day, Trend reports. Speaking at the event, Vladisavljevic stated Serbia is investing substantial effort and resources into building a modern, well-organized, and well-equipped army. Today, alongside our National Day, we also celebrate the Day of the Armed Forces of Serbia. For two centuries, we have honored our brave army, which has safeguarded our freedom and progress in both times of peace and war. Alongside a strong army and a stable economy, another foundation of our sovereignty and foreign policy lies in the many bridges of friendship and cooperation we have developed. Among these friendly relations, particularly valuable are those that have stood the test of time and circumstances, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. Investments from Serbia in Azerbaijans non-oil sector have reached approximately $ $10 million, Azerbaijans Finance Minister Sahil Babayev said, Trend reports. Speaking at a reception marking Serbias Statehood Day and Armed Forces Day, Babayev noted that Azerbaijans imports from Serbia increased by 55%, while bilateral trade turnover reached $135 million in 2025. We are confident that through joint efforts, Azerbaijani-Serbian trade relations will continue to expand. Cooperation in the field of investment is also growing. Investments from Serbia directed to Azerbaijans non-oil sector have reached approximately $10 million, he said. The minister highlighted that to date, 57 bilateral legal documents have been signed between Azerbaijan and Serbia. The strategic nature of our ties is largely defined by the sincere relations established between President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic. In particular, I would like to note the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2013, the Joint Action Plan adopted in 2018, and the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2022, he said. Babayev emphasized that in recent years, cooperation between the two countries has expanded across a broad range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, industry, transport, agriculture, social policy, culture, and humanitarian sectors. He noted that the growth of Serbian investments mainly directed to Azerbaijans non-oil sector, as well as the increase in investments by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan in Serbias financial instruments, clearly demonstrate the strengthening of mutual trust and partnership between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation in the energy sector. It was noted that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner contributing to strengthening Serbias energy security. The minister also positively assessed the expansion of cooperation in transport and logistics, including transit transportation. It was stressed that in 2025, the volume of transit shipments increased compared to the previous year. The launch of direct Belgrade-Baku flights from 2026 will further intensify economic, tourism, and humanitarian ties. The minister also underscored the important role of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission in advancing Azerbaijani-Serbian cooperation. It was reported that the ninth meeting of the commission, held in October 2025 in Belgrade, was significant for bilateral relations. The protocol signed following the meeting covered specific areas, including trade and investment, energy and industry, and transport and logistics, as well as contacts between business circles. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. The process of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Azerbaijan's PASHA Bank will give an additional impetus to both the capital market and the development of the country's economy, Javid Guliyev, Chairman of the Board of PASHA Bank, said at an event dedicated to the bank's IPO, Trend reports. "The process focuses on sharing the value we have created with a wider group of investors and continuing growth together. The success of PASHA Bank is directly related to the sustainable development of real sector enterprises and our partners," he noted. According to Guliyev, behind this step is a simple and understandable approach. "To share with a wider group of investors the value, trust, and capital that we have created and formed over many years. Based on the recommendation of the board of the bank and the decision of the shareholders, it is planned to offer part of this value to market participants through the placement of shares, primarily to individuals. We are convinced that the value created by a strong business model, built over many years, should be distributed not only within PASHA Bank, but also on a wider scale," he explained. The chairman emphasized that the placement of shares is aimed at further strengthening long-term and sustainable development, increasing transparency, and financial stability. As part of the IPO, 5% of the bank's capital - 932,926 ordinary registered shares - will be offered to the market. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. Azerbaijan's PASHA Bank OJSC, based on last year's financial results, plans to pay its shareholders dividends of 129 million manat ($76 million) this year, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PASHA Bank Murad Suleymanov said at an event dedicated to the bank's Initial Public Offering (IPO), Trend reports. According to him, although the bank annually committed to allocating at least 30-40% of its net profit to dividend payments, in reality, this figure ranged from 50% to 70%. PASHA Bank was established in 2007 and is one of Azerbaijans leading corporate financial institutions. The Bank provides corporate and small and medium-sized business clients with investment banking, trade finance, asset management, and traditional banking services. Its core mission is to support the development of the non-oil sector, meet the financial needs of real-sector businesses, and contribute to the diversification of the national economy. In addition to Azerbaijan, PASHA Bank operates in Georgia and Turkiye. In 20242025, PASHA Bank received multiple awards from prestigious international publications such as Euromoney, International Investor, and Global Finance in recognition of its contributions to the development of local entrepreneurship, including titles such as Best SME Bank and Worlds Best Private Banks 2025. In 2025, the Bank also became the first Azerbaijani bank to win the Gold Stevie award in the Company of the Year category at the Stevie Awards. According to Mammadov, Azerbaijan's GDP in 2025 reached 129 billion manat ($75.9 billion), with agriculture contributing 5.9% to this total. He highlighted that a key priority for the ministry is the promotion of agricultural activities in the liberated territories, in line with sustainable development principles. In this regard, he mentioned that 6,876 hectares of land in the Khojaly, Khojavend, and Lachin districts have been designated for tender, aimed at providing entrepreneurs with opportunities for horticulture and livestock farming. Mammadov further emphasized that, for 2026, the ministrys key objectives include accelerating the digital transformation of agriculture, enhancing data-driven decision-making processes, and expanding the integration of artificial intelligence technologies within the sector. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel MUNICH, Germany, February 13. The security of the South Caucasus region is crucial, so it is of paramount importance for the whole of Europe that there should be peace and stability in the region, Hungarian Defence Ministry told Trend ahead of the Munich Security Conference. Our country supports all proposals and ideas aimed at achieving peace. The Azerbaijani-Armenian peace talks concluded with the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) in August 2025, and the subsequent negotiations were made possible with the significant support of President Trump, said the ministry. The Hungarian Defence Ministry noted that years before the large-scale Russian-Ukrainian War, Hungary realised that the deterioration of the European security environment required a stronger focus on security and defence. Therefore, Hungary decided to raise its defence spending and launched a comprehensive National Defence and Force Development Programme in 2016. With regard to financial resources, Hungary has significantly increased its expenditure over the last 10 years, reaching 2% of GDP already in 2023, one year before the original deadline. Furthermore, at the Hague Summit, Hungary also supported increasing defence and security spending to 5% of the GDP by 2035 and is dedicated to achieving this strategic goal. Given that the development program has been ongoing for almost a decade, we can already show tangible results regarding many capabilities. The replacement of obsolete, mainly Soviet-origin assets with modern equipment is well underway. The program aims at renewing the full spectrum of capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces, strengthening not only the military capabilities of our country, but also contributing significantly to the deterrence and defence of NATO as well. The Hungarian defence plans are therefore in sync with NATO and EU requirements and objectives, said the ministry. The Hungarian Defence Ministry believes that in the current fragile and evolving security environment, NATO is more important than ever. The Alliance is the cornerstone of European security. At last years Summit in the Hague, we sent a strong signal about the transatlantic bond and about the determination of European Allies and Canada to take more responsibility for our regional security. Europe needs the United States as an ally. Only a realistic, positive and pragmatic approach can keep the U.S. engaged. As a credible Ally, Hungary is committed to taking on its fair share of the burden and making significant efforts to fulfil its obligations. EU-NATO cooperation is key, as preserving the Euro-Atlantic unity remains critical. We welcome the fact that both NATO and the EU are adapting and responding to the new realities of complex threats and overall unpredictable events. At the same time, we have to avoid creating unnecessary duplications or parallel work strands. Hungary believes interconnectivity enhances international stability. European nations need to better cooperate with our partners globally. Cooperation has to be pragmatic and mutual. We must remain open to talk even with difficult partners, even potential adversaries, in order to maintain stability, said the ministry. The Hungarian Defence Ministry said 2026 started out with significant political and security developments. Substantial challenges affecting the European security architecture: shifting international order, great power rivalry, and the war in our neighbourhood. It is paramount to maintain our 360-degree approach. Resilient Europe means both Eastern and Southern challenges must be considered. Challenges emanating from the south, such as terrorism and illegal migration, still present a significant threat to our security. Hungary, therefore, put a special emphasis to region. We remain committed to conflict prevention and stability through our participation in peace support and peacekeeping operations and other missions, with a special focus on NATO's southern flank. In particular, Hungary is fully committed to regional stability and security of the Western Balkans, said the ministry. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. The Azerbaijani parliament has deliberated on and expressed strong appreciation for the recent visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova highlighted the event at today's plenary session of the parliament. " U.S. Vice President Vance paid an official visit to Azerbaijan. This visit, which is of historical significance, opened a new stage in the development of relations between the countries. The speaker emphasized that the Strategic Partnership Charter signed during the visit defines long-term priorities of cooperation, creates a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in energy, economy, investment, space industry, digital infrastructure, defense, security, and other areas. Based on common interests in the field of peace, stability, and sustainable development, the charter reflects the intention of the parties to expand cooperation on the basis of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, and national interests. According to Gafarova, the rise of Azerbaijan's relations with the most powerful state in the world to a new level was made possible by the consistent and far-sighted policy of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan has gained great prestige in the international community as a reliable partner, a key participant in regional energy and transport projects, and a state pursuing an independent foreign policy. Today, at a time when our region is undergoing serious changes, we highly appreciate the contribution of the U.S. to establishing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The agreements reached within the framework of the visit will create conditions for strengthening the international relations of our state," the speaker said. She added that VP, Vance's visit showed that Azerbaijan and the U.S. share similar views on the future development of the South Caucasus region. "Our cooperation serves the interests of not only the two countries, but also a wider region from the Caspian Sea to Europe. The agreements reached during the visit will ensure the consistent and dynamic development of U.S.-Azerbaijani relations and create conditions for further strengthening the international positions of our state," she concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. The Azerbaijani delegation arrived in Armenia to participate in a bilateral roundtable within the framework of the Peace Bridge initiative, Trend reports. The delegation arrived via the land border at a delimited and demarcated section, having completed all relevant procedures. This constituted an important practical step toward strengthening confidence between the two countries. The roundtable will be held on February 1314, bringing together representatives of the civil societies of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The meeting will involve a broader group of participants from both sides. The Azerbaijani delegation comprises Emin Aliyev, the editor-in-chief of Trend News Agency. The delegation consists of 19 people. During the discussions, representatives of civil societies of both countries will address the processes stemming from the peace agenda endorsed during the Washington Summit on August 8, 2025. Separate sessions will focus on the emerging regional security architecture, the benefits of peace, public perceptions of the intersocietal relations, prospects for economic cooperation, and the role of civil society in promoting mutual understanding and confidence-building. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. Findland hopes for the signing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia as soon as possible, Sari Rautio, Director General for the Euro-Atlantic Department at the Foreign Ministry of Finland said in an exclusive interview with Trend ahead of the Munich Security Conference. We welcome the most recent positive steps in the peace process, including initialling the agreement in Washington last August. We have also been pleased about the gradual opening of trade relations between the countries. Peace brings important economic growth and opportunities to the whole region, including through TRIPP. Confidence building on both sides is important also to build a culture of peace in societies. The people of Armenia and Azerbaijan deserve sustainable peace. We hope for the signing of the peace agreement as soon as possible for the benefit of the whole region and for stability in Europe, she said. Rautio went on to add that the Government of Finland continues to invest in security as a whole and enhance its comprehensive security model which is one of the cornerstones of the countrys society. Russias war against Ukraine has underlined that while warfare evolves and the nature of warfare becomes increasingly technological, conventional warfare capabilities remain important. Europe is taking more responsibility for its security and is strengthening its defence. For Finland, it is important that the United States remains committed to Europes security and defence also in the future. NATO continues to strengthen its deterrence and defence against the long-term threat posed by Russia to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, she noted. Rautio pointed out that Finland strongly supports multilateral cooperation based on the UN Charter and international law, as it lays the foundations of a multilateral order governed by rules, instead of force. A world without rules is a harsh reality for a small country. These fundamental norms are tested today more than ever since WWII. For Finland and other small and medium sized countries, the value of the UN and its Charter is existential, making it inseparable from our national interests and security. We are now living in an era mainly characterised by increasingly fierce competition. In turbulent times, we need to foster multilateralism through dialogue and diplomacy. Finland acts to ensure that cooperation, once again, gains ground. At the same time, the UN must reform to reflect the world we live in today. It must become more agile, effective and efficient. Finland supports the reform of the UN Security Council and its expansion with both permanent and non-permanent seats to better reflect the current global political and economic realities. When we dont nurture the international institutions that are the foundations of peace, like the United Nations, we fail, she noted. Rautio said Finland is strongly engaged in the work of the UN and will remain so. Therefore, we are also standing for election to the Security Council for the term from 2029 to 2030. Russias war of aggression in Ukraine has been a blatant violation of the rules-based international order, which continues to be committed by a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. This is not only a European war. We are witnessing the end of the international order as we have known it since 1945. Europe needs to be an active voice in this discussion to make sure that democracy, freedom, and Rule of Law are the values that define our world for the next generations. Russia poses a long-term security threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Finland supports a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia has not shown any genuine willingness or good faith in negotiating. Instead, it is continuing its attacks on civilian infrastructure aiming to destroy the energy infrastructure in the coldest time of the winter to deprive civilians of heating, electricity, and water. Finland has supported Ukraine in various ways, also the energy sector, she concluded. Photo: Screenshot from the video BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society representatives convened in Armenia for a roundtable discussion under the Peace Bridge initiative, Trend reports. The Azerbaijani delegation arrived in Armenia today to participate in the bilateral roundtable discussion organized as part of the initiative. The event scheduled for February 1314 brought together representatives from both countries civil societies, with an expanded delegation attending from each side. Emin Aliyev, Editor-in-Chief of Trend International Information Agency, was among the Azerbaijani representatives. The delegation from Azerbaijan consists of 19 members. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks at a panel on artificial intelligence in Berlin on Feb. 7, 2025. (John MacDougall/AFP via Getty Images) OpenAI and Anthropic, San Francisco's competing artificial intelligence labs, shared a dubious honor this week. Both saw a departing researcher sound an alarm about their company in tremendously public fashion. Thousands of people leave thousands of companies every day. But the AI companies' two high-profile exits each came with a lengthy written post - one on X, the other in the New York Times' opinion section - that cast moral doubts on the ascendant startups. Just after OpenAI and Anthropic shelled out buckets of cash for Super Bowl ads, the poor publicity arrived. Less well-known Anthropic saw the departure of safety researcher Mrinank Sharma, who wrote a letter to colleagues that he then published on X Monday, garnering more than 14.3 million views, according to the site. Writing that his last day would be Feb. 9 and that he was off to study poetry, Sharma said the company had inspired him, and that he was proud of his time there over the last two years. He listed projects he worked on, including AI sycophancy, bioterrorism risks and internal transparency. But then he turned dour. "The world is in peril," Sharma wrote, "And not just from AI, or bioweapons, but from a whole series of interconnected crises unfolding in this very moment." He followed up with a not-so-veiled critique of Anthropic, discussing the challenge of balancing ethics with pressures. Sharma wrote: "Throughout my time here, I've repeatedly seen how hard it is to truly let our values govern our actions. I've seen this within myself, within the organization, where we constantly face pressures to set aside what matters most, and throughout broader society too." Much of the post's virality stemmed from Sharma's role, and the "world is in peril" paragraph. People will have questions for someone who says they struggled to stick to their values while studying AI safeguards at a cutting-edge lab. Anthropic has made a name for itself as a safety-focused lab, publishing research about how AI models might detect they're being tested and resort to blackmail to accomplish assignments. For OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, the week brought a more embarrassing exit post: Researcher Zoe Hitzig wrote a New York Times opinion piece titled, "OpenAI Is Making the Mistakes Facebook Made. I Quit." OpenAI began testing ads this week, saying that the ads will not influence the answers ChatGPT provides, that the company won't sell user data to advertisers and that users can turn off ad personalization. In the screed published Wednesday, Hitzig worried that OpenAI could take users' unprecedented "archive of human candor" and base advertising on it, creating "a potential for manipulating users in ways we don't have the tools to understand, let alone prevent." Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan MUNICH, Germany, February 13. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Munich on February 13, Trend's special correspondent reports. During the meeting, Nechirvan Barzanis visits to Azerbaijan and his meetings with the President of Azerbaijan were fondly recalled. The sides noted that these contacts create favorable opportunities for discussing prospects for cooperation. President Ilham Aliyev and Nechirvan Barzani exchanged views on the development of relations in the economic, trade, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, and discussed issues of mutual interest. President Ilham Aliyev invited Nechirvan Barzani to visit Azerbaijan. The President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq gratefully accepted the invitation. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Robert Kalinak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic, in Munich on February 13, Trend's special correspondent reports. During the conversation, they fondly recalled President Ilham Aliyev's official visit to Slovakia in December of last year, and emphasized that high-level mutual visits have made a significant contribution to the development of relations between the two countries. The meeting highlighted that bilateral relations between the two countries are of a strategic partnership nature, based on mutual understanding and support. They noted that there are opportunities to expand cooperation in various directions, particularly hailing the development of military-technical partnership. They also exchanged views on the prospects for this partnership. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. A shifting global order presents a big chance for countries such as Azerbaijan and Croatia to define their future, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anusic told journalists on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Trend reports. Anusic said that the current security environment, marked by the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and evolving transatlantic relations, requires countries to reassess and strengthen their defense capabilities. The whole world has a problem with security, especially Europe and especially Southeast Europe where Croatia is, he said. Right now we are discussing how to improve our defense system, how to improve our capabilities, how to improve our army forces. According to Anusic, Croatia is undergoing one of the most significant military modernization processes since gaining independence 35 years ago. Right now Croatia is in the process of modernization of our army forces one of the biggest modernizations from the independence of Croatia in 35 years, he noted. After two, maximum three years, there will be complete modernization and completely new army forces ready for every situation that will be in the future. He stressed that the broader geopolitical landscape including the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and debates within NATO and the European Union has made security planning more urgent. As you see, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, the situation with the United States, the situation with NATO and the European Union its not easy, its not simple, and everybody must think about the future, their own country, their own people, and we do that, he said. Anusic acknowledged that European countries have historically underinvested in defense but said this approach is now changing. Its true that the European countries dont spend enough money to defend themselves. And right now the EU and NATO changed their politics and increased their spending money for the defence, he said, adding that the United States remains a key partner. America is our strategic ally for Croatia, and we have great cooperation. Highlighting opportunities for closer engagement between Baku and Zagreb, Anusic pointed to the transformation of the global system as a window of opportunity. When the general world order is changing, that is a big chance for Azerbaijan and Croatia, he said. This is a big chance for our countries to decide what our future will be. Its completely a new chance for every country who sees a little bit further than tomorrow. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. On February 13, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ceyhun Bayramov, spoke at a panel discussion held within the framework of the Munich Security Conference entitled Defining Eurasias Strategic Order: The Middle Corridor A European Security Agenda for Stability, Peace, Security, and Connectivity, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. The panel also featured speeches by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, and the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Odile Renaud-Basso. Minister Ceyhun Bayramov, during his speech, provided detailed information on Azerbaijans position regarding the establishment of sustainable peace and security in the South Caucasus, particularly the steps taken following the historic Washington Summit, as well as Azerbaijans policies aimed at ensuring regional security and stability. It was noted that the removal of transit restrictions on cargo bound for Armenia, along with steps taken toward the sale of petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, have contributed to the formation of an unprecedentedly stable environment over recent decades. At the same time, it was emphasized that Armenias granting of the relevant permission for cargo to be exported to third countries via Azerbaijan, as well as meetings between representatives of think tanks and experts, constitute significant confidence-building measures. It was stressed that, in terms of signing the initialed peace agreement between the parties and further advancing the normalization agenda, the removal of territorial claims against Azerbaijan from Armenias constitution and the achievement of real progress in the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, in line with the Washington Declaration, are of critical importance. It was recalled that the policy of President Ilham Aliyev is focused on preventing the region from turning into an arena of regional rivalry and confrontation. During the panel discussions, the minister also provided information on the large-scale infrastructure projects, investments, and regulatory and legal coordination measures implemented by Azerbaijan in cooperation with regional partners to strengthen the Middle Corridor. It was reported that a joint Roadmap has been adopted between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, and Georgia to simplify cargo-handling procedures along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, resulting in a significant reduction in transit times and an increase in cargo volumes. The importance of inclusive connectivity projects, including the TRIPP initiative, was highlighted, along with the potential for more active involvement by the European Union and the important role of Turkiye and Georgia in the development of regional transport links. In addition, attention was drawn to the joint projects and efforts undertaken by Azerbaijan with Central Asia to advance regional connectivity. The panel discussions then continued with a question-and-answer session. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Mike Sicilia, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.-based Oracle Corporation one of the worlds largest software and cloud technology companies in Munich on February 13, Trend's special correspondent reports. During the meeting, the parties discussed Azerbaijans technological transformation policy and the development of artificial intelligence under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. They noted mutual interest in expanding cooperation with Oracle, emphasizing that a framework agreement has already been reached regarding partnership prospects. The discussion also covered long-term cooperation, including the provision of Oracle services to both state and private enterprises in Azerbaijan. The operation of three Oracle academies at leading Azerbaijani higher education institutions was also highlighted as an area of collaboration. Additionally, the officials hailed the high level of AzerbaijanU.S. political relations, underscoring the significance of the recently signed Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America. It was noted that artificial intelligence is identified as a priority direction within bilateral cooperation under this Charter. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Azerbaijani television channels in Munich on February 13. Trend presents the interview. REAL Television: Mr. President, thank you for taking the time for us. What will Azerbaijans message be at this Munich Security Conference? President Ilham Aliyev: As always, our message is directed toward cooperation and peace. For the first time, I am participating in this event as the head of state who has already achieved peace. Of course, this issue will certainly be on the agenda here. Therefore, our messages, as always, are very open and clear: cooperation, peace, partnership. Naturally, Azerbaijans growing role in security, our capabilities, as well as economic development, energy security, transport, connectivity, artificial intelligence in other words, all these issues today constitute the worlds main agenda. Today, Azerbaijan is not lagging behind in these areas either. Public Television: Mr. President, is the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia expected this year? President Ilham Aliyev: You know that this does not depend on us. Our position has already been conveyed to the Armenian side for many years. The necessary changes must be made to Armenias Constitution. As soon as these changes are made, we can sign the peace treaty the very next day. Nevertheless, I believe that peace has already been achieved between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The agreements reached at the Washington Summit that is, the signed Joint Declaration and the initialing of the peace treaty amount to de facto peace. The formal side of this depends on Armenia. The sooner changes are made to the Constitution and the territorial claims against Azerbaijan are removed from it, the sooner the peace treaty will be signed. AnewZ Television: Everybody we have spoken to today has said that the old world order is crumbling and a new world is about to emerge, but it has not emerged yet. Just a few weeks ago in Davos, you signed a founding charter of the Board of Peace, and Azerbaijan is a founding member. In a few weeks, there will be another meeting in Washington. What is your reflection on this institution as a potential element of the new world order? President Ilham Aliyev: You know, if you remember, I spoke about this, maybe not in detail, but in general, that international law is no longer valid. Many countries simply ignore it, and relying only on international law will not solve your problem. Azerbaijan's example clearly demonstrates this. So, the emergence of a new world order, or a new system of intergovernmental relations, was definitely in the pipeline. The matter was who would take responsibility and make the first step. I think President Trump did a great job in initiating the Board of Peace, an institution with a great future. Of course, everything will depend on the agenda. As you know, the first summit will take place soon. Everyone is interested in what the summits agenda will be and what the outcomes will be. More and more countries are already realizing that they need to reconsider their approach with respect to intergovernmental relations, security, and the functioning of international institutions. We see that the United Nations is totally paralyzed; it will not influence any of these issues. And there is no alternative. Hopefully, we will see more common sense in working together, because the new world order should not mean that whoever is stronger is right. The new world order should mean new mechanisms for a civilized world, new forms of relations, and a new international order. CBC Television: Mr. President, according to the Munich Security Conference program, you are scheduled to participate in a panel session tomorrow dedicated to transport corridors. What role does Azerbaijan see for itself in the formation of transport corridors between Europe and Asia? President Ilham Aliyev: We have long been initiators in the creation of corridors beginning with energy, moving to transport, and now extending to electricity and fiber-optics. As our country's potential strengthens and international ties evolve, we are adding new elements to the existing concept of connectivity. While our oil and gas pipelines can be considered an accomplished fact though there is a need to expand our gas transport infrastructure and while rail-related issues are partially resolved, with Azerbaijan facing no major difficulties in ensuring transit shipments or exporting its own products, the Zangezur Corridor will be an additional contribution. We are now specifically focused on electricity cables, fiber-optic cables, and the transportation and transit of data through the development of data centers and artificial intelligence. We possess many advantages: our geography, close ties with neighbors to both the West and the East, a surplus of electricity, a skilled workforce, and many other benefits. Consequently, Azerbaijan today is a country that is essential to both the East and the West. Given that the country secured its own security and sovereignty through its own efforts, our international standing has naturally grown. Therefore, when we speak of corridors, we must take a broader view: it is not just about railways or highways, but about everything that facilitates connectivity and meets the demands of the modern world. Thank you. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. President Ilham Aliyev has clarified the issue of whether a peace treaty will be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia this year in an interview with Azerbaijani television channels in Munich, Trend reports. The head of state said: You know that this does not depend on us. Our position has already been conveyed to the Armenian side for many years. The necessary changes must be made to Armenias Constitution. As soon as these changes are made, we can sign the peace treaty the very next day. Nevertheless, I believe that peace has already been achieved between Armenia and Azerbaijan. MUNICH, Germany, February 14. The signing of this historic document at the White House, in the presence of the President of the United States, means that the conflict is over and that we have entered a period of peace, which I hope will last forever, President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with a correspondent from France 24 TV channel in Munich, Trend reports. Recalling that the President of the United States also signed the Joint Declaration as a witness, the head of state noted that since that time, more than six months have passed, and we have a very quiet situation on the border with Armenia. No more shootings, no victims, no wounded. MUNICH, Germany, February 14. These are the leaders of the illegal separatist regime, which illegally functioned on our territory, on the territory of the sovereign Azerbaijani state, recognized as such by the entire international community, including Armenia, President Ilham Aliyev said in response to a question from France 24 TV channel correspondent in Munich regarding the military court's decision to hand down severe prison sentences to 13 individuals from the Garabagh region, including a life sentence for the former leader, Trend reports. For many years, these people were masterminds of all the war crimes against Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijan, and they were brought to justice. They were detained in Garabagh as a result of our military operation and brought to justice. They were provided with lawyers. The trial was absolutely transparent. Their crimes were proven by the testimonies of witnesses, numerous testimonies, and there is no question about suspicion of wrongdoing, the head of state added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 12. The Azerbaijani model of tolerance has been presented to a delegation of U.S. Jewish organizations, the Caucasus Muslims Office told Trend. The model was presented during the meeting of the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, with a delegation led by Betsy Berns Korn, Chairperson of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. During the meeting, she expressed satisfaction with her visit to Azerbaijan as the head of a representative delegation. Korn expressed her deep appreciation for Azerbaijan's extensive experience in fostering interreligious cooperation, highlighting the nation's enduring atmosphere of tolerance and its commitment to multicultural values. She emphasized her high regard for the opportunity to engage directly with Azerbaijan's diverse religious environment. The delegation remarked that, of the many discussions they held in Azerbaijan, their meeting with the countrys religious leader and the spiritual leader of the entire Caucasus was particularly significant. They requested that Pashazade offer insights into Azerbaijan's model of tolerance, as well as share his perspectives on how such a model could be adapted and implemented in other countries. Pashazade elaborated on the historical and contemporary dimensions of Azerbaijan's approach to interreligious dialogue and cooperation. He emphasized that tolerance, both ethnic and religious, along with harmonious interfaith relations, are not merely abstract ideals but integral aspects of daily life in Azerbaijan. The chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office underscored that the countrys various religious communities stand united, whether in moments of joy or sorrow, and even during the most pivotal times in the nation's history. Recalling the 44-day Second Karabakh War, Pashazade noted that Azerbaijani citizens representing all religious faiths rallied around the state, fought shoulder to shoulder for their native land, and became martyrs. He proudly highlighted that the memory of heroes, representatives of various religions and ethnic communities, lives in the hearts of every Azerbaijani. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Italian tax police (Guardia di Finanza) searched Amazons Milan headquarters and managers homes amid a fresh investigation into the companys local tax affairs. Prosecutors in Milan have opened proceedings against the Luxembourg-based Amazon EU Sarl and one of its directors over suspected failure to declare income. The warrant seen by Reuters alleges that Amazon had a permanent establishment in Italy before August 2024, when it joined a co-operative compliance programme with the Italian tax authority and began paying taxes domestically. According to the warrant, investigators found that Amazon EU Sarl terminated and then re-employed 159 staff who had previously worked for another Amazon entity in 2024, which prosecutors argue effectively created a permanent establishment in Italy up to that point. During the searches, investigators seized computers and storage devices belonging to managers, including hard drives containing employee emails retained after deletion from Amazon systems. Amazon said in a statement to Retail Insight Network that the Milan prosecutors actions were aggressive and wholly disproportionate. The company said it was engaged in a transparent dialogue with Italian tax authorities to gain clarity on complex technical matters. It added that in March 2025, it submitted an application for enhanced cooperation with the Italian Revenue Agency requesting formal confirmation on the correct tax treatment of our activities, the same activities that are the subject of todays action by the Prosecutors Office. The US major went on to say: Unpredictable regulatory environments, disproportionate penalties, and protracted legal proceedings are increasingly affecting Italy's attractiveness as an investment destination. Separately, Amazon stated it had paid taxes in Italy throughout the period under scrutiny, with total tax contributions exceeding 1.7bn ($2.02bn) in 2024. It also said it invested 4bn in the country that year and supported more than 20,000 Italian SMEs through Amazon.it. The action forms part of a series of Italian tax and fraud cases involving Amazon. In December, the company agreed to pay 510m to Italys tax collection agency to settle a dispute tied to alleged evasion of 1.2bn for 2019-2021. Prosecutors are also pursuing investigations into alleged tax evasion covering 2021-2024 and suspected customs and tax fraud linked to Chinese imports. A separate inquiry into labour practices concluded after an Italian Amazon unit paid compensation and discontinued a delivery staff monitoring system. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. In accordance with the 2026 Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme (IPCP) between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and NATO, a training course on Logistics Planning in NATO was conducted in Baku by experts of the Mobile Training Team of the Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense. During the course, theoretical and practical sessions on carrying out tasks under the scenario Organization of logistics within the operational planning process during operations were organized. Additionally, servicemen were provided with a general overview of NATO and received various logistics-related briefings. At the end of the course, the participants were awarded certificates. The 2026 Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme (IPCP) between Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense and NATO focuses on enhancing military interoperability, security, and defense reforms aligned with NATO standards. It emphasizes cyber operations, communication systems, and modern training, transitioning towards an Individually Tailored Partnership Program (ITPP) for long-term cooperation. Key aspects include conducting NATO-led courses on communication and cyber operations, improving the operational readiness of Azerbaijani servicemen through NATO-format exercises, and ongoing initiatives under the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) to develop a modern army and facilitate collaboration with NATO forces. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Spring is the perfect time for a change of scenery, and the March holidays, marked by Novruz and Ramadan, typically bring a noticeable surge in travel interest. Throughout the holiday period, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) offers passengers an extensive range of destinations and a convenient schedule, providing flexible travel options ranging from short weekend breaks to full-length holidays. Ahead of the holiday season, AZAL will operate more than 1,000 international flights across its network in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Most Popular Spring Destinations Destinations in the Middle East and resort routes are especially popular over the holidays. One of the top choices remains Dubai during this period, passengers can access extended flight options, including additional services. For those seeking a relaxing vacation with mild weather, AZAL operates flights to Sharm El-Sheikh one of the most popular resorts in the region. For a relaxing ocean holiday, AZAL offers flights to Male a popular choice for travelers planning their holidays in advance. Other popular spring destinations include Tel Aviv, which combines comfortable weather with a variety of tourist attractions. Turkiye: Destinations for Any Travel Plan Turkiye remains a key part of AZALs route network during the March holidays. Traditionally, Istanbul remains one of the most popular destinations due to the high frequency of flights. In addition, passengers can fly to Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon cities suitable for business trips, cultural itineraries, and leisure travel. Europe: Destinations for Lovers of Spring City Breaks AZALs spring schedule includes flights to Prague, Vienna, Milan, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, and London popular cities for travelers interested in cultural tourism and early trip planning. The addition of extra flights to Prague and Vienna further expands travel opportunities during the holiday period. Central Asia: Traveling in the Spirit of the Holidays Spring holidays are particularly well-suited for travel to Central Asian countries, where Novruz and Ramadan hold deep cultural significance. Flights to Tashkent, Samarkand, Urgench, Dushanbe, and Bishkek allow travelers to explore the regions historic cities and architectural heritage. Trips to East Asia For passengers planning trips during the holidays, AZAL operates flights to Beijing, offering the chance to experience Chinas rich cultural heritage and the modern atmosphere of East Asia. Additional Flights and Most Popular Destinations Due to the increased demand in the holiday season, AZAL has scheduled 14 additional flights from March 20 to 30: 6 flights to Dubai 6 flights to Tbilisi 1 flight to Prague 1 flight to Vienna The most popular AZAL destinations by number of flights from March 18 to 30 are: Tbilisi Moscow Istanbul Dubai Tel Aviv To view the schedule and purchase flight tickets, please visit the official website, use the airline's mobile app, or contact AZAL ticket offices or accredited sales agents. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. In accordance with the 2026 training plan, inspections were conducted in the Air Force, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense. First, the bust of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, located on the territory of the military unit, was visited. Following the drill review of military personnel and the inspection of the material training base, the servicemen solemnly marched in front of the grandstand. The Main Military Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defense inspected the troops training to be brought to a high level of combat readiness, the organization and conduct of combat duty, the state of logistical and technical support, and the activities of headquarters. Additionally, military personnel were assessed on command training and physical fitness standards. Subsequently, meetings were held with the flight and technical personnel. The combat readiness level of military aviation, its capabilities, and the processes carried out for its effective use were assessed, and the runways and simulator classrooms were inspected. During the inspection, the flight experience of military pilots and the implementation of training exercises in accordance with the plan were evaluated. The professional level of the personnel, the practical mastery of modern weapons and equipment, and the quality of training and exercises were examined. Based on the results of the inspections, the service-combat activities of the Air Force and the training-combat skills of the personnel were assessed positively. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 13. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has signed a $70 million financing agreement with Uzbekistan to support the reconstruction of a major regional road corridor, Trend reports via the bank. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2nd AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies by IsDB President Muhammad Al Jasser and Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Djamshid Kuchkarov. This financing marks a key phase in the IsDBs broader commitment of $192 million towards the reconstruction of the 4R40 Dashtabad-Zaamin-Bakhmal-Galyaaral Road Project. The funds will facilitate the reconstruction of 143 kilometers of the 4R40 highway, along with the rehabilitation of 30 kilometers of local and rural roads in Uzbekistans Jizzakh Region. The project is anticipated to alleviate transit bottlenecks, enhance road safety for approximately 200,000 residents, and strengthen connectivity along the M39 international corridor, thereby improving access to markets, social services, and tourism opportunities. To date, the IsDB has approved a total of $5.4 billion in financing for Uzbekistan, highlighting the scale and strategic significance of the bank's support for the country's long-term development. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 13. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan discussed the development of power grids and the expansion of electricity exchange volumes, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Energy. The issue was addressed during a meeting in Tashkent between Uzbekistans Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, and Tajikistans Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma. The sides focused on strengthening cooperation in the energy sector, with particular attention given to technical aspects of the project Reconnection to the Unified Power System of Central Asia. The initiative is aimed at enhancing regional energy integration and improving the reliability of electricity transmission across Central Asia. Following the talks, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening relations of brotherhood and strategic partnership. Meanwhile, Tajikistan is currently receiving up to 2 million kWh of electricity per day from Uzbekistan. These volumes may increase as Uzbekistans power system expands its export capacity. Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 13. Uzbekistan and Syria agreed on expanding mutual supplies and launching joint initiatives, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade. The agreement was reached at the Uzbekistan-Syria Business Forum held in Tashkent with the participation of Uzbekistans Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov. The event brought together approximately 200 entrepreneurs representing diverse sectors, including industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, textile, electrical engineering, construction, logistics, and tourism. The Syrian delegation was composed of both public and private sector representatives, including the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, along with leaders and members from regional trade and economic bodies spanning Damascus, Homs, Daraa, Tartus, Latakia, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, and Idlib. In his address, Minister Kudratov emphasized the significance of translating the historically established relations between the two countries into tangible trade, industrial, and investment initiatives. Priority areas for collaboration were identified, including the supply of food products, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, textiles, and broader industrial partnerships. The sides also put forward proposals to develop joint processing and packaging of goods, establish sustainable logistics channels, hold regular B2B meetings, and explore the opening of an Uzbekistan Trade House in Syria. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 13. Turkmenistan and Russia engaged in discussions on enhancing coordination within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as among the Caspian littoral states, focusing on the practical implementation of previously agreed-upon arrangements, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The issues were reviewed during a telephone conversation held on February 12 between Turkmenistans Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During the talks, the sides covered a broad range of bilateral agenda items, including the schedule of upcoming contacts and joint events. Earlier, on January 22, Sergei Lebedev, Secretary-General of the CIS, announced during a meeting with Turkmenistans plenipotentiary, Ambassador Esen Aydogdiyev, who also serves as Chair of the Economic Commission, that the CIS Executive Committee would provide all necessary support to ensure the successful implementation of Turkmenistans 2026 chairmanship and the fulfillment of the countrys leadership concept within the CIS. NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan, February 13. European Union (EU) supports municipalities in Azerbaijan on climate and energy policies, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundzic said at an event on the Covenant of Mayors-Eastern Partnership (CoM East) initiative in Nakhchivan, Trend reports. "I'm proud of the EU's support to the municipalities of Azerbaijan that are members of the Covenant of Mayors through training and methodological support, dedicated technical assistance, best practices, as well as exchange of experiences, networking, and awareness-raising," the ambassador noted. She highlighted the role of cities in achieving concrete results in the field of climate and energy and invited municipalities to join the initiative. "I'm pleased to invite more municipalities in Azerbaijan to join the largest movement of local governments in Europe that is fighting climate change and working to ensure a better future for their citizens. Almost 12,000 local authorities have already made voluntary commitments in the field of energy and climate, in line with the EU's vision of a climate-neutral, sustainable, and fair future for all," Kujundzic added. The CoM East is an initiative funded by the EU and supports local and regional self-government bodies in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine in the preparation and implementation of sustainable energy and climate policies. The first municipality to join the initiative in Azerbaijan was the Icherisheher municipality in 2012. Later, the municipalities of Ganja, Guzanli, Horadiz, Khirdalan, Mingachevir, Shamakhi, Shaki, and Yevlakh in the country also joined the Covenant of Mayors Eastern Partnership initiative and became active members. The national coordinator for the country is the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan. The CoM East is an integral part of the Global Covenant of Mayors family. This global initiative is the world's largest alliance of cities for climate leadership and is built on the commitments of more than 13,500 cities and local authorities, representing six continents and 147 countries, with a combined population of over 1.2 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan, February 13. An event on the Covenant of Mayors-Eastern Partnership (CoM East) initiative was held in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan, Trend reports. The CoM East, funded by the European Union (EU), has organized awareness-raising events in Azerbaijan on the opportunities available to municipalities considering joining one of the largest initiatives on local climate and energy action. The event brought together around 30 representatives of municipalities, as well as national institutions. The meeting brings together cities that want to strengthen local energy efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable development, as part of the EU's broader efforts to support informed local climate and energy commitments. The main objective of the meeting is to clearly explain to potential signatories what membership in the Covenant of Mayors means in practice. The CoM East team provides information about the initiative and the concrete support mechanisms available to cities. This support includes a methodological tool for the preparation of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans, tools for monitoring progress, project support services, capacity building activities, and technical support for the implementation of climate projects. The CoM East is an initiative funded by the EU and supports local and regional self-government bodies in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine in the preparation and implementation of sustainable energy and climate policies. The first municipality to join the initiative in Azerbaijan was the Icherisheher municipality in 2012. Later, the municipalities of Ganja, Guzanli, Horadiz, Khirdalan, Mingachevir, Shamakhi, Shaki, and Yevlakh in the country also joined the Covenant of Mayors Eastern Partnership initiative and became active members. The national coordinator for the country is the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The CoM East is an integral part of the Global Covenant of Mayors family. This global initiative is the world's largest alliance of cities for climate leadership and is built on the commitments of more than 13,500 cities and local authorities, representing six continents and 147 countries, with a combined population of over 1.2 billion. An employee arranges a salad dressing display at an Amazon Fresh grocery store on December 12, 2024 in Federal Way, Washington. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images) While Wednesdays jobs report beat expectations for growth in January, about 4,000 Pennsylvania workers have received notices so far this year that theyll be laid off. That puts the commonwealth third in the country, behind California and New Jersey, for the largest number of jobs eliminated or slated to be cut in 2026. Thats according to WARN Tracker, a website that aggregates layoff notices larger employers are required to file in each state. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) requires employers with more than 100 workers to provide at least 60 days notice of layoffs. Among the companies laying off the largest numbers are Amazon Fresh, which reported it will cut 983 jobs as it closes six stores in the Philadelphia area, and the supermarket chain GIANT, which announced it will eliminate about 500 jobs early this year. In 2025, employers filed 14,235 WARN notices in the commonwealth. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which surveys businesses and households to estimate nonfarm payrolls, the unemployment rate and wage trends, releases state-level data a few weeks after its monthly employment situation report. What can the number of layoff notices reveal about the state of Pennsylvanias economy? Keystone Research Center economist Stephen Herzenberg compared it to a blind person trying to describe an elephant by touch. The more places they touch, the better the description. You can glean information from just about any source of accurate data, he said. You can glean even more information from multiple sources of data. By taking into account trends in recent data for Pennsylvania, Herzenberg said, a picture emerges that the economic health of the commonwealth and the nation are largely the same. At the top level what you see is a job market that is weakening. You see an uptick in the unemployment rate. You see a bigger uptick in the rate for certain groups such as Black and Hispanic workers, Herzenberg said. The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January while the unemployment rate changed little at 4.3%, according to the BLS report. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the commonwealth in December saw a net increase of 18,000 jobs and the unemployment rate was stable at 4.2%. The BLS, however, revises its calculations as more information, such as tax data becomes available throughout the year. As a result of those routine revisions, the agency slashed job gains in 2025 from 584,000 to just 181,000 for the 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 13. Turkmenistan and Switzerland discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and interaction within international structures, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The issues were addressed during a meeting held on February 12 between Turkmenistans Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Turkmenistan Thomas Stahli. During the talks, the sides emphasized their commitment to further strengthening constructive and mutually respectful dialogue. The diplomats also discussed the development of trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian ties and exchanged views on holding joint events in 2026. Turkmenistan-Switzerland relations, active since 1992, are built on shared principles of permanent neutrality, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. Key areas include financial services, the pharmaceutical industry, green energy, agriculture, and water management. Both nations work together within the Bretton Woods institutions. NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan, February 13. Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Azerbaijan can ensure low-carbon and sustainable urban development, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundzic said at an event on the Covenant of Mayors-Eastern Partnership (CoM East) initiative in Nakhchivan, Trend reports. "The EU and Azerbaijan can work together to ensure that the country's cities are low-carbon, sustainable, and liveable for future generations," she explained. According to her, climate change is no longer a problem of the distant future, nor is it just a global issue. "It's real and has a direct impact on our cities, communities, and economies. Azerbaijan, like the rest of the world, is already facing rising temperatures, water shortages, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. All of this has a direct impact on urban life. Local governments are at the forefront of climate action. Because energy is mainly consumed in cities, waste is generated here, and buildings are heated here. In other words, the impacts of climate change are felt most strongly in cities. The Covenant of Mayors provides a strong framework for cities to lead, set climate targets, and translate national goals into real action at the local level. Municipalities joining this initiative voluntarily commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing climate resilience, and strengthening energy efficiency and sustainability. This is not just a political statement but also a practical approach based on a concrete roadmap and data. The energy sector, while being a major source of emissions, also has the greatest potential for change. presents. Key priorities include increasing energy efficiency in public buildings, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings, promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in municipal infrastructure, and reducing losses in local energy distribution systems," she noted. The ambassador emphasized that energy efficiency is not only beneficial for the climate but also reduces municipal costs, increases energy security, and lowers household utility costs. "Buildings account for a large share of energy consumption in cities. Thermal insulation and renovation of old buildings, energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, as well as smart urban planning approaches, reduce energy demand, improve living comfort, health, and quality of life. The transport sector also has a serious impact on the increase in emissions. Population growth, increased use of public transport, and, at the same time, the rapid increase in the number of cars exacerbate the problem in this area. For example, in Baku, the number of cars has increased by 2030% in recent years. This is a trend also observed in many European cities, and urgent measures must be taken," she delineated. Kujundzic noted that waste management and the implementation of a circular economy are also important components of climate policy. "Overall, climate action at the local level creates multiple benefits, such as economic savings, new job creation, improved public health, and cleaner, more attractive cities. Investing in climate action today is cheaper and safer than dealing with the severe consequences of climate change tomorrow. We are here today to increase public awareness and active participation of cities. I am pleased to see all the cities that have already joined the Covenant of Mayors initiative, and I hope that new cities will also join this initiative. This is not just a signature, but a shared responsibility for all of us. Working together, the EU and Azerbaijan can ensure that our country's cities are low-carbon, sustainable, and livable for future generations. I congratulate the cities of Ganja, Shaki, Mingachevir, Shamakhi, Khirdalan, and Yevlakh on becoming active members of this initiative, and this list will expand. The cities of Nakhchivan will also benefit from the program and actively participate in the country's climate action," the ambassador added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 13. Turkmenistan and Japan engaged in discussions aimed at further advancing bilateral scientific and technological cooperation, as well as facilitating the entry of new Japanese companies into the Turkmen market, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The discussions took place during a meeting between Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Japan, Atadurdy Bayramov, and Hideomi Koinuma, President of the Turkmen-Japanese Scientific and Technological Association, along with representatives from Japanese companies collaborating with the association. During the meeting, the participants explored potential projects, including those proposed by Tohkemy Corporation for the implementation of advanced water purification technologies and equipment in Turkmenistan. Additionally, the capabilities of Japanese firms Sustec and Carbon Cryo Capture Co., Ltd. were showcased, with a focus on their cutting-edge technologies, such as high-precision exploration devices utilizing quantum sensitivity for underground resource detection and CO separation technologies within the liquefied gas sector. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 13. Turkmenistan and Romania engaged in a comprehensive review of the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, focusing on opportunities to further strengthen political, economic, and transportation cooperation, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The issues discussed at Romanias Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Turkmenistans Ambassador to Romania Annamammet Annaev and Romanias Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ana Cristina Tinca. The sides emphasized the importance of parliamentary contacts, consular cooperation, and utilizing existing dialogue mechanisms for further engagement. They also discussed Turkmenistans initiatives in multilateral formats aimed at promoting peace, security, and sustainable development. Meanwhile, in February 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Romanian Ambassador in Ashgabat Ion Naval and discussed a wide range of bilateral issues. At the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to expand economic and scientific-technical cooperation. NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan, February 13. Interest in the Covenant of Mayors initiative is growing in Azerbaijan, Christophe Frering, team leader of the Covenant of Mayors-Eastern Partnership (CoM East) initiative, said at an event on the Covenant of Mayors-Eastern Partnership (CoM East) initiative in Nakhchivan today, Trend reports. He noted that the main goal of the events carried out within the Covenant of Mayors is to provide cities with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. "We are seeing an increase in interest from Azerbaijan. Our role is to provide clear information, practical tools, and real examples for municipalities to decide whether to join the initiative and how to do so," the team leader explained. According to Frering, there are currently 11 municipalities in Azerbaijan that have joined the Covenant of Mayors initiative, and seven of them have already developed an action plan. "This is a very good indicator. Since the capital city has not yet joined the initiative, the percentage of the population covered is relatively low, but this may change in the future. As a result of the events planned for these 11 cities, it is expected to reduce 1.3 billion tons of CO emissions. To better visualize this figure, it can be noted that this impact is equivalent to planting 1.4 billion trees, removing 20 million cars from service, and replacing more than one billion light bulbs," he mentioned. The team leader noted that the Covenant of Mayors initiative is a global platform supported by the European Union (EU) and Bloomberg Philanthropies and today unites more than 12,000 local governments around the world. "The main members of the Covenant of Mayors are municipalities. Because energy consumption and savings occur precisely in cities, towns, and villages. Without municipalities, the existence of this initiative is impossible," he said. Frering stressed that global climate targets have been raised to a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 in line with the EU strategy. "In 2025, we also adopted climate neutrality objectives in line with the EU strategy. For the EU, this target is an 80-95% reduction by 2050. This is very ambitious, but we are aiming to achieve a 60% reduction by 2050. So we still have a lot of time to work together until 2050 arrives," the team leader added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan, February 13. Energy Days are planned to be held in Azerbaijan within the framework of the Covenant of Mayors this year, Local Sustainable Development Coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors, Maksym Vereshchak, said at an event on the Covenant of Mayors-Eastern Partnership (CoM East) initiative in Nakhchivan today, Trend reports. He emphasized that another upcoming event within the Covenant of Mayors is the Energy Days 2026. "Usually, cities organize these events within the framework of the European Sustainable Energy Week. We'll probably garner ideas for events and activities that you would like to hold in your cities by the end of March. We can support you with some prizes for competitions that may be organized within the framework of the Energy Days, provide methodological assistance, and share the experiences of other cities. This is a good opportunity to promote energy efficiency at the local level. Moreover, this year we'll organize a large conference with the participation of more than 200 participants, including Azerbaijan. We are talking about a conference in Moldova in May of this year on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Covenant of Mayors," the initiative's coordinator explained. Vereshchak noted that the number of municipalities signing the Covenant of Mayors in Azerbaijan is expected to increase. "We want the number of municipalities committed to the Covenant of Mayors to increase, and we are ready to help municipalities in their first steps to join this initiative. The next step is to assist in the preparation of a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), which is one of the key commitments of cities," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 13. Turkmen company Aydyn Gijeler has finalized agreements on the export of one million SIM cards and 30,000 aluminum LED lamps to Eswatini, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen government. The contracts were concluded following a working visit to Eswatini in February 2026. Discussions also covered strategic partnership prospects and professional cooperation. Additionally, the parties explored collaboration in digitalizing public services, including the introduction of national ID systems and biometric identification solutions developed by Aydyn Gijeler, aimed at modernizing Eswatinis governmental infrastructure. The agreements highlight the increasing global appetite for Turkmen high-tech products and serve to enhance Turkmenistans economic relationships with African nations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. On 10 February, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Unicapital Investment Company OJSC and ABB-Invest Investment Company CJSC, organized an international forum on capital markets development in Azerbaijan. Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director, Vugar Namazov, CEO of Unicapital, and Nadir Babazade, CEO of ABB Invest delivered opening remarks at the Riding the Next Wave in Azerbaijan: Capital Markets for Green and Sustainable Growth forum. The event aimed to create opportunities for capital market development, strengthen understanding of global and regional market trends, as well as regulatory developments shaping Azerbaijans market landscape. It highlighted the need for robust financial infrastructure, digital transformation, and risk management tools to support efficient and resilient capital markets. ADB showcased successes and practical stories in other developing member countries, and facilitated knowledge exchange for current and prospective issuers, including opportunities in traditional and ESG financing. The event brought together over 60 participants from international corporations, development partners, international financial institutions, State-Owned Enterprises, and the private and finance sectors. Unicapital Investment Company OJSC is one of Azerbaijans leading investment companies, providing its clients with modern, secure, and convenient solutions in the capital markets. The company has been a professional participant in the securities market since 2007 and is the first and longest-standing member of the Baku Stock Exchange. Currently, the number of the companys clients exceeds 1 000 000. Unicapital is actively involved in raising capital through the capital markets and has acted as the underwriter of the first green bonds in Azerbaijan issued in accordance with international standards. Unicapitals charter capital is wholly owned by Unibank CB OJSC. ABB Invest, a market leader in terms of total turnover, provides investors with seamless access to both local and international markets through a unified electronic platform, including U.S. government and corporate bonds, as well as equities. Accounts are registered directly in the investor's name and protected by SIPC insurance, ensuring full security and reliability of assets. ABB Invest acted as the underwriter for a number of local and foreign issuers bonds, becoming the first in Azerbaijans capital market to enable a broad investor base to acquire them through an electronic platform, successfully executing the placement process. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members 50 from the region. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 13. Uzbekistan and Iran discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture and the food sector, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture. The issue was addressed during a meeting between Uzbekistans Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Jamshiddjon Abduzukhurov, and Hadi Sharifian, CEO of Irans SIRANG company. The discussions focused on identifying avenues for new investment initiatives and the integration of modern agricultural technologies. Special emphasis was placed on the potential applications of agro-drones, the development of agricultural machinery production, the training of highly qualified specialists, and the enhancement of scientific and practical cooperation. The parties also engaged in dialogue concerning the advancement of collaboration in the phytosanitary and veterinary sectors, expanding export capacities, and fostering increased trade in agricultural products. Moreover, it was underscored that the expansion of innovative, investment-driven initiatives in agriculture would play a crucial role in fortifying the economic relationship between Uzbekistan and Iran. In parallel, trade turnover between the two nations reached $578.9 million in 2025, reflecting a 16.5% increase from the previous year's figure of $497.1 million. By Kane Wu and Andrew Silver HONG KONG/SHANGHAI, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Global drugmakers are stepping up their search for Chinadeveloped experimental medicines as they cut costs ahead of patent expirations, with industry analysts predicting licensing deals will surge to a fresh record this year. The value of such deals signed by companies in the greater China region - which includes Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan - rose nearly tenfold last year from 2021 to an unprecedented $137.7 billion, according to data provider Pharmcube. Mainland China has overwhelmingly been at the centre of that search, with global drugmakers including Novartis, Merck and GSK inking major agreements last year. "The total value of these licensing-out deals is on track to double again over the next 18-24 months," said Tom Barsha, head of Asia Pacific M&A at BofA Securities, who has advised on such deals. "There is strong focus among global pharmaceutical companies to identify the next generation of innovative drugs pipeline in China, with various transaction structures being contemplated." Tony Ren, head of Asia healthcare research at Macquarie Capital, predicts a more cautious 40%-50% growth this year and expects assets from a class of drugs considered a backbone for oncological treatments to draw interest from global drugmakers. A licensing agreement grants a company the rights to develop, manufacture or commercialize another company's pharmaceutical products or technologies in exchange for an upfront fee or future target-based - or "milestone" - payments, thus mitigating development risks. SURGING DEAL SIZES Underscoring the increased pace of foreign interest, the average deal size this year has already reached $1.3 billion as of this week, up 76% from 2025 levels and about six times the average in 2021, Pharmcube data showed. The jump is largely thanks to AstraZeneca's experimental weight-loss drug deal worth up to $18.5 billion with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group and AbbVie's up to $5.6 billion licensing deal with RemeGen for experimental tumor treatment last month. The total deal value is typically a combination of upfront fees, milestone payments and royalties. So far in 2026, 38 out-licensing deals have already been announced. Last year, a total of 186 such deals were signed. This week, U.S.-based Madrigal Pharmaceuticals announced a licensing deal with Suzhou Ribo Life Science for experimental liver-disease programmes. The Chinese biotech will get an upfront payment of $60 million, with total payments across the programmes potentially reaching up to $4.4 billion if certain milestones are met. Moreover, Azerbaijan exported 23.4 million tons of crude oil and bituminous oil products to 21 countries, generating $12.1 billion. Compared to the same period in 2024, this represents a decrease of $2.4 billion, or 16.2% in value, while the volume increased by 215,000 tons or 0.9%. The exported products accounted for 48.28% of Azerbaijans total exports in 2025. Additionally, exports included 735,800 tons of crude oil valued at $431.9 million, alongside oil and bituminous oil products containing 70% or more oil content. Compared to 2024, this segment increased by $97 million or 29% in value and by 198,200 tons or 36,9% in volume. These exports represented 1,72% of the countrys total export volume for the year. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 13. Kazakhstan is keen on developing the transport corridor through Estonias Muuga Harbour to facilitate the export of Kazakh agricultural products, the country's Vice Minister of Agriculture, Yermek Kenzhekhanuly, said, Trend reports via the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan. He made the remark during a meeting with Estonian port and logistics officials as part of a working visit to Estonia Kenzhekhanuly emphasized that for Kazakhstan, Muuga Harbour plays a pivotal role in establishing sustainable export routes. He underscored the country's commitment to the systematic development of this transport corridor, aiming to create stable conditions for the export of Kazakh agricultural products. He highlighted that state support measures had led to a remarkable sixfold increase in grain exports through Baltic ports in 2025, reaching 802,000 tons, thereby validating the effectiveness of efforts to diversify export destinations. The Kazakh delegation, which included regional government officials, representatives from the agribusiness sector, and export-oriented companies, toured Estonia's port infrastructure, visiting the ports of Tallinn and Sillamae, as well as various grain terminals. During their visit, they engaged in discussions with local businesses and logistics companies, focusing on leveraging the Baltic route as a primary corridor for the export of Kazakh grain and oilseeds to Northern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Furthermore, the delegation addressed topics such as livestock cooperation, the digitalization of the agricultural sector, and the potential for joint investment projects, reaffirming the mutual interest in strengthening trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Estonia. Muuga Harbour, located approximately 17 km east of Tallinn, is the primary cargo hub for the Port of Tallinn. It specializes in handling transit-origin goods and accounts for around 50% of the total cargo volume at the Port of Tallinn, as well as approximately 40% of the transit cargo passing through Estonia. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 13. Kazakhstans national oil and gas company KazMunayGas is currently focusing on geological exploration of deep and underexplored areas, Chairman of the Management Board Askhat Khassenov said during a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh President. Tokayev was briefed on the companys performance in 2025 and its objectives for the upcoming period. Khassenov reported that in 2025, contracts were finalized with Chinese companies CNOOC and Sinopec for subsoil use projects in the Zhylyoi area of the Atyrau region and the Berezovsky region of West Kazakhstan. Additionally, major international players, such as Turkish Petroleum Corporation, BP, and the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, are currently evaluating promising areas for exploration in Kazakhstan. In 2025, eight exploratory wells were successfully drilled, with plans in place to drill another 24 by 2029. Total investments in these projects are projected to exceed $900 million. The report further highlighted that oil and condensate production reached 26.2 million tons in 2025, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Efforts are also underway to augment gas production by an additional 2.3 billion cubic meters annually at the Zapadnaya Prorva, Tsentralny Urikhtau, and Rozhkovskoye fields. ''Last year, the three refineries operated by KazMunayGas processed a total of 17.5 million tons of oil, producing 13.6 million tons of light petroleum products1.2 million tons more than in 2024. Moreover, large-scale investment projects worth over $15 billion in petrochemicals and gas processing are currently being carried out. A seawater desalination plant, Kenderli, with a capacity of 50,000 cubic meters per day, was commissioned in the Mangystau region,'' the report says. Tokayev gave instructions to accelerate geological exploration and ensure the timely implementation of major investment projects. KazMunayGas, founded in 2002, is Kazakhstan's leading vertically integrated oil and gas company, managing assets across the entire production cycle from exploration and extraction to transportation, refining, and specialized services. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 13. Kazakhstan highly values the strong momentum in its relations with the United States, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stufft, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh President. Tokayev highlighted the importance of further strengthening trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as ensuring the effective implementation of agreements reached at the highest level. Ambassador Stufft conveyed greetings and best wishes from U.S. President Donald Trump, noting the United States commitment to advancing an expanded strategic partnership with Kazakhstan. She also praised Kazakhstans ongoing political reforms and wished success for the nationwide referendum on the draft of the countrys new Constitution. The sides discussed prospects for cooperation within the Board of Peace (BoP), which President Tokayev described as an effective platform for promoting stability, peace, and international dialogue. Following Tokayevs visit to Washington and the C5+1 Summit in November 2025, agreements on projects totaling approximately $17 billion were concluded between the countries. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 13. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov received Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda during his working visit to the country on February 13, where they discussed issues related to the comprehensive development of bilateral relations, Trend reports via the press service of the president of Kyrgyzstan. The head of state noted that Kyrgyzstan gives priority to further expanding Kyrgyz-Tajik cooperation based on mutual respect and consideration of each others interests. "Thanks to our aligned views, the president of Tajikistan and I have reached mutual understanding on key areas of cooperation and outlined the directions for future engagement," said Japarov. He emphasized that, in support of these agreements, the first session of the Kyrgyz-Tajik Intergovernmental Council was successfully held today, which is expected to serve as an important institution for the timely and effective implementation of the agreed tasks. Furthermore, the president highlighted the need to join efforts to counter transnational threats such as terrorism, religious extremism, illicit drug trafficking, and organized crime. In this context, he underlined mutual support within the SCO framework for the creation of an anti-drug center in Dushanbe and an SCO organization for combating organized crime in Bishkek. The head of state expressed confidence that the prime minister of Tajikistan had thoroughly discussed all areas of cooperation with the chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, consolidated positive developments in bilateral relations, and would continue to enrich them with new qualitative content. In turn, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda expressed sincere gratitude for the warm reception and traditional hospitality extended to their delegation. He conveyed to the president of Kyrgyzstan the cordial greetings and best wishes of the president of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. The Prime Minister noted that their leader consistently emphasizes that strengthening good-neighborly relations with Kyrgyzstan is a priority of Tajikistans foreign policy. "We follow with genuine enthusiasm the large-scale and positive transformations taking place in your country. These achievements command sincere respect and reflect the constructive energy of the Kyrgyz people under your leadership," Rasulzoda said. He also highlighted that Kyrgyzstans economic indicators are among the highest in the region. "Thanks to your trustful dialogue with the president of Tajikistan and demonstrated political will, our relations have reached a qualitatively new level. A historic achievement was the signing and entry into force of the State Border Agreement, which laid a solid foundation for lasting friendship, mutual respect, and trust," the prime minister emphasized. President Japarov noted that he shares these assessments and supports the course for further strengthening Kyrgyz-Tajik relations. In conclusion, the president expressed confidence that the outcomes of the prime ministers visit and the joint activities of the governments will contribute to the further steady and fruitful development of bilateral cooperation for the prosperity of both states and their peoples. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 13. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov received Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev on February 13, during which they discussed current issues of bilateral ties across the full range of areas of mutual interest, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan. During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on multilateral cooperation within international and regional organizations. They further confirmed their readiness to continue coordinating efforts on the international stage and noted the significant potential for further expanding cooperation. Japarov highlighted that the relationship between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is currently showcasing a robust positive trajectory, enriched with tangible practical substance, as intergovernmental political dialogue flourishes at both the highest and elevated levels. In this context, Japarov emphasized the collaborative efforts in major trade, investment, transport, and transit initiatives, alongside water and energy projects, notably the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant. Kosherbayev conveyed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended to the Kazakh delegation and shared heartfelt greetings from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He underlined that the mutual trust between the two countries' leaders provides a solid foundation for strengthening allied relations and ensuring stability, prosperity, and well-being for both populations. The minister also reaffirmed that the timely and effective execution of agreements made at the highest level is a top priority for Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry, along with providing further impetus for practical cooperation in trade, economics, investments, and humanitarian matters. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Japarov conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and wished Kosherbayev success in his responsible public service. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. The name of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has been removed from the updated list of speakers for the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council, scheduled for February 23, Trend reports. This change follows an online campaign calling for the withdrawal of the ministers invitation to speak at the session. The UN Human Rights Council has not yet issued an official statement explaining the change to the speaker list. Meanwhile, the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC61), set to take place from February 23 to April 2, 2026, in Geneva, will focus on critical human rights issues, including the rights of human rights defenders, freedom of religion, counter-terrorism impacts, and access to food and housing. The session will also address human rights situations in Afghanistan, China, Iran, Myanmar, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. Finland supports the reform of the UN Security Council and its expansion, Sari Rautio, Director General for the Euro-Atlantic Department at the Foreign Ministry of Finland said in an exclusive interview with Trend ahead of the Munich Security Conference. Rautio pointed out that Finland strongly supports multilateral cooperation based on the UN Charter and international law, as it lays the foundations of a multilateral order governed by rules, instead of force. A world without rules is a harsh reality for a small country. These fundamental norms are tested today more than ever since WWII. For Finland and other small and medium sized countries, the value of the UN and its Charter is existential, making it inseparable from our national interests and security. We are now living in an era mainly characterised by increasingly fierce competition. In turbulent times, we need to foster multilateralism through dialogue and diplomacy. Finland acts to ensure that cooperation, once again, gains ground. At the same time, the UN must reform to reflect the world we live in today. It must become more agile, effective and efficient. Finland supports the reform of the UN Security Council and its expansion with both permanent and non-permanent seats to better reflect the current global political and economic realities. When we dont nurture the international institutions that are the foundations of peace, like the United Nations, we fail, she noted. Rautio said Finland is strongly engaged in the work of the UN and will remain so. Therefore, we are also standing for election to the Security Council for the term from 2029 to 2030. Russias war of aggression in Ukraine has been a blatant violation of the rules-based international order, which continues to be committed by a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. This is not only a European war. We are witnessing the end of the international order as we have known it since 1945. Europe needs to be an active voice in this discussion to make sure that democracy, freedom, and Rule of Law are the values that define our world for the next generations. Russia poses a long-term security threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Finland supports a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia has not shown any genuine willingness or good faith in negotiating. Instead, it is continuing its attacks on civilian infrastructure aiming to destroy the energy infrastructure in the coldest time of the winter to deprive civilians of heating, electricity, and water. Finland has supported Ukraine in various ways, also the energy sector, she concluded. MUNICH, Germany, February 13. Europe gradually assuming more responsibility for its own security, spokesperson of the German Ministry of Defence told Trend on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. This will allow the US to take on additional tasks in the Indo-Pacific. More responsibility means: Europe invests more in its own security, develops and procures more equipment, expands the necessary infrastructure, and increases its personnel, said the spokesperson. The ministry representative pointed out that Germany, as the strongest NATO member in Europe economically, plays a key role in this. We are procuring more weapons systems, increasingly closing security gaps, and also increasingly procuring jointly, said the spokesperson. The ministry representative noted that Germany accepts its responsibility within the Alliance and will consistently strengthen its armed forces. In doing so, we strengthen the alliance's dual focus: defence and deterrence. Only strength will prevent further escalation. The spokesperson went on to add that the threat landscape is changing, becoming more complex and dynamic. Touching upon the war in Ukraine, the representative of German Defence Ministry said there have observed that the traditional boundaries of international relations are being undermined. The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026) began its work on February 13. The event is attended by 60 heads of state and government, more than 200 ministers from 120 countries, and over 40 officials representing such influential international organizations as the UN, NATO, and the European Union. The conference is taking place amid geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions worldwide. It coincides with a period in which the reliability and resilience of long-term alliances are being called into question, the rules-based international order is weakening, global instability is increasing, and conflicts are becoming even more acute. LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The global order once championed by Washington across economics, trade and security is being upended by U.S. President Donald Trump, galvanising allies to action. Financial markets are taking note. For investors, signs of more pro-active policies and trade deals that extend beyond those made with the United States are an incentive to increase exposure to non-U.S. equity markets, energy stocks, and take a bullish view on the likes of the euro and Canadian dollar, they said. More from Yahoo Scout How are middle powers responding to American hegemony? How is Trump's presidency affecting global financial markets? What investment opportunities are emerging outside US markets? Which sectors benefit from Europe's strategic autonomy push? Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney struck a chord with his January Davos speech, noting how "middle powers" might act together to avoid being victimised by American hegemony, while a European Central Bank plan to bolster the euro's international role is anticipated at this week's Munich Security Conference. "Trump has separated the U.S. from the rest of the world, but in doing so he has encouraged a strengthening of the rest of the global macro picture and investors are responding to that," said Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Global Investors, which manages roughly $594 billion of assets. "This is not about sell the U.S., but about remembering that there are other opportunities outside the U.S.." Principal Global Investors' focus on international equities had become more concentrated, she said, adding that earnings momentum in Europe and Asia is good. Major equity markets and emerging markets are set for double-digit earnings growth in 2026 as a shift away from U.S. exceptionalism takes hold, said Madison Faller, global investment strategist at JPMorgan Private Bank. Of the 52 companies in Europe's STOXX 600 index that have so far reported fourth-quarter earnings, over 73% have beaten expectations, according to LSEG I/B/E/S, compared with 54% in a typical quarter. London's internationally-focused FTSE 100 stock index has crossed the 10,000 milestone for the first time and is up 5% this year, easily outperforming a 1.4% rise in the S&P 500. BNP Paribas said its European Strategic Autonomy fund launched last May and worth 600 million euros ($713.3 million) invests in themes that include defence, industrial resilience, resource independence and technology, fuelled by Europe's massive investment plans. Still, U.S. trade will be hard to replace, and beyond the meaningful signalling effect, non-U.S. trade agreements, such as the EU's with India and the Mercosur bloc, and Canada and China's initial deal, will need time to have an impact. COME TOGETHER, RIGHT NOW BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a renewed and pragmatic approach to transatlantic relations, Trend reports. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Merz stressed the importance of joint action in addressing global challenges. Global challenges can only be solved together, he said, referring to cooperation on issues ranging from climate agreements to the World Health Organization. Merz acknowledged growing uncertainty surrounding the transatlantic relationship. Now, the transatlantic partnership is no longer something we can just take for granted. First, it started in the United States, then here in Europe, but probably also here in this room. If our partnership is to have a future, we need to forge it and reason it in a new way. This reasoning must be hands-on and not esoteric. We need to realize on both sides of the Atlantic that we are stronger together, he said The German chancellor underlined the central role of trust within NATO, emphasizing that the alliance remains a strategic asset for both sides. We Europeans know how precious the trust is on which NATO was founded. In an age of superpowers, the U.S. will also rely on this trust; even the U.S. is reaching the limits of its own power if it goes it alone. The passages at the Pentagon are very aware of this. NATO is not just our, but also, dear American friends, your competitive advantage, he said. In addition, Merz called for efforts to rebuild confidence across the Atlantic. Being a part of NATO is not only Europe's competitive advantage, but it's also the United States' competitive advantage. So let's repair and rewire transatlantic trust together, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 13. A weakening of accountability in the rules-based world order presents a critical challenge for global governance, European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas said during the Munich Security Conference, Trend reports. Kaja Kallas reflected on the origins of the rules-based international order. I would take a step back and think why this world order was put in place first time. And it was done so there wouldn't be any wars. If you think about League of Nations after the First World War, it didn't work because there was a war. Then after the Second World War, we had the United Nations so that there wouldn't be any wars. And now we are here. We have a lot of wars going on, she said. Kallas warned that the erosion of the rules-based system risks leading to greater instability. She noted that major international crises have historically led to the development of international law, but said further reform is now necessary. Now, every time we have had these big international crises, we have seen that we have also developed the international law further. League of Nations didn't have the elements that the United Nations had. And now we have to look into the future, she said. According to Kallas, the key missing element in todays system is accountability. And one thing that is missing, I think, is accountability. Everybody signs up to the United Nations Charter. The principles are there. But what happens if somebody breaches those principles? The accountability is clearly not working, she said. She criticized the current functioning of international institutions. The Security Council is not working the way it was meant to be. The United Nations is not reflecting the world as it currently is, she noted. Kallas concluded by calling for efforts to modernize global governance structures, emphasizing that most countries support a rules-based order. We have to use this opportunity to really develop this world forward because the majority of the countries in the world want rules-based order, want some kind of rules to govern the way we talk, the way we interact with each other, she said. UAF opens engineering labs for up-close community event UAF photo by Lief Van Cise Participants in UAFs 2025 Engineering Open House enjoy hands-on demonstrations and learn directly from UAF engineers. The University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines will host Engineering Open House 2026 on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Usibelli Building on the Troth Yeddha Campus. This free, all-ages event is designed to encourage curiosity and make engineering feel approachable. Families, K-12 students, prospective college students and community members are invited. They can explore engineering through hands-on activities, live demonstrations and informal conversations with the people who study and work in these fields every day. Throughout the building, visitors can try engineering challenges, see aerospace and robotics demonstrations and step inside real labs. There, UAF engineers work on energy systems, Arctic infrastructure and emerging technologies. Students and faculty will be available to answer questions about majors, research and career pathways, offering a clear look at engineering in practice. The event also features the 60th annual ice arch, a long-standing UAF engineering tradition, along with a photo booth and family-friendly activities. Attendees can enter to win one of two $2,000 scholarship accounts, sponsored by Golden Valley Electric Association and Alaska 529. Free snacks and kids T-shirts will be available while supplies last. UAF has engineering programs in the civil, mechanical, aerospace, energy resource, mining, electrical, geological and computer science fields. Faculty and researchers from each will showcase projects and share how engineering connects to real-world challenges in Alaska and beyond. Engineering student clubs will also be featured, highlighting teamwork, creativity and applied problem-solving. The event is sponsored by ConocoPhillips Alaska. Parking on campus is free on weekends. Video highlights from the 2025 event are available online. 160-26 Brett Kissela, MD, senior associate dean for clinical research at the UC College of Medicine and chief of research services at UC Health, says clinical research plays a vital role in translating discoveries into real-world impact. As Greater Cincinnati's only adult academic health system, the research partnership between the univesrity and UC Health plays an essential role in the health system's overall commitment to transforming health and improving life, delivering world class care to the region and beyond. The clinical research done at UC brings lifesaving treatments to market, improving health outcomes locally, nationally and globally, he adds. UC investigators continue to lead and participate in major clinical trial initiatives, reinforcing UCs position as a trusted partner in advancing evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care. Clinical trials help patients gain the opportunity for early treatment access, but most importantly, it allows them to partner with researchers to help find better treatments for future patients. Gerner adds that UC is committed to expanding research that positively impacts the broader university community. "We want to support faculty and students as they pursue innovative, interdisciplinary work and help sustain the same momentum at UC that has been driving change in the world since the beginning of the industrial revolution, he says. DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DV) is one of the 10 undervalued growth stocks for the next 5 years. As of February 10, analyst opinions on DoubleVerify Holdings Inc. (NYSE:DV) are divided: around 52% of analysts covering the stock assign a Buy rating, 43% a Hold rating, and 5% a Sell rating. Despite these mixed views, the consensus 1-year median price target of $14.0 still implies a nearly 46% upside. Visa Inc. (V): "This Is Your Chance" To Buy, Says Jim Cramer Among the latest updates, Matthew Cost, an analyst at Morgan Stanley, increased the firms price target on DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DV) from $15 to $15.50 while keeping a Hold rating on January 13. The firms adjusted price target implies a further 57% upside from the current levels. The analyst, in a research note to investors focused on the North American internet sector, said the setup for 2026 is expected to closely resemble that of 2025. The firm anticipates that the market will favor companies that demonstrate sustained, meaningful returns on invested capital, driven by GenAI or GPU-enabled technologies. However, sub-sectors facing greater disruption risk, including ridesharing from autonomous vehicles, as well as parts of e-commerce, travel, and smaller or less established advertising platforms, are expected to remain under pressure and trade at lower valuation multiples due to ongoing uncertainty. In contrast to Morgan Stanley, Barclays downgraded DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DV) from Buy to Hold on January 12, while maintaining its $12 price target. The adjustment was made as part of the firms broader 2026 outlook for the software sector. The firm said that it remains positive on the broader software space heading into 2026. Barclays cited consistent IT spending trends, stable macroeconomic conditions, and valuation multiples that remain relatively low as the sector has fallen out of favor. This development, however, occurred before the software stocks selloff driven by AI developments. DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DV) is a provider of media effectiveness platforms in the United States and internationally. The company offers DV Authentic Ad, DV Authentic Attention, Scibids AI, DV Pinnacle, Custom Contextual solution, and DV Publisher suite. It was incorporated in 2008 and is based in New York, New York. While we acknowledge the potential of DV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). Tweet tweet button for twitter Published February 12, 2026 CAPTION: Pictured L-R: Franklin Forward Community Affairs Liaison Mary Perry, ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille, Franklin Forward Executive Director Chastity George, Franklin Forward Founder Allan Corbin, Franklin Forward IT Director Landun Peters. MONROE, La. On October 24, 2025, Franklin Forward presented ULM with a $25,000 investment to support students from Franklin Parish in their academic careers. Franklin Forward is a non-profit organization located in Winnsboro, La. that works to empower local youth by connecting them to college, career, and cultural opportunities. The organization was founded in 2024 by Allan Corbin, a 1984 ULM alumnus. Franklin Forward focuses on two critical streams of support: one aimed at nurturing 3rd graders, especially boys, and another designed to elevate and guide students in the 11th and 12th grades. The executive team says these are pivotal years for shaping academic and personal growth. Together, ULM and Franklin Forward will steward those high schoolers, known as the Franklin Fellows, in their journey to college. Its first cohort includes four students who are receiving mentorship and exposure to higher education. The group has participated in visits from ULM Recruiting, Career Development, ACT workshops, and attended ULMs Browse on the Bayou in November 2025. We want to remove any barriers for our students, said Chastity George with Franklin Forward. We want them to be as educated as possible. We want them to have the financial resources. ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille said the partnership could help increase college enrollment among rural students. Growing up in a rural community, its important to know that college is attainable, but also how it transforms lives, as it has done for me, Castille said. In attendance for the check presentation were Founder and ULM Alumnus, Allan Corbin, Franklin Forward Executive Director, Chastity George, Community Affairs Liaison, Mary Perry, and IT Director, Landun Peters. About Franklin Forward Franklin Forward supports students at important stages of development, with programming focused on two key age groups: third graders and high school juniors and seniors. Organizers say these are pivotal years for shaping academic and personal growth. Mission: Franklin Forward is committed to empowering Franklin Parish by providing them with opportunities to explore the arts, embrace cultural experiences, and achieve educational success. Through targeted programs, we aim to inspire creativity, foster academic excellence, and build a sense of pride and belonging in our community. Applications for the 2026-2027 Franklin Fellow program are available here. Ark Invest bought $11.6 million worth of shares in cryptocurrency exchange Bullish (BLSH) on Wednesday, the ninth consecutive day the investment manager has added to its BLSH holdings. The St. Petersburg, Florida-based company bought 364,134 shares in Bullish, which is also the parent company of CoinDesk, across three of its exchange-traded funds (ETFs). BLSH closed at $31.88 on Wednesday, 0.53% lower on the day. The New York Stock Exchange-listed shares had previously recovered from a low of around $24.15 on Feb. 5 amid bitcoin's (BTC) fall below $63,000. They remain 15.82% lower year-to-date. Ark has bought around 2.1 million BLSH shares in the last nine trading days, according to emailed disclosures from the firm, worth about $58.75 million based on the closing prices of the stock each day. In addition to Bullish, the Cathie Wood-led company bought $33.8 million of crypto-friendly investment platform Robinhood (HOOD) shares and $4.37 million worth of stock in stablecoin developer Circle Internet (CRCL) on Wednesday. These equities dropped by 8.8% and 3.16% respectively. With the cryptocurrency suffering an extended downturn, crypto-adjacent companies' shares are also at a low ebb, which Ark views as a buying opportunity. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is one of the Profitable SaaS Companies for 2026. On February 10, Nay Soe Naing from Berenberg Bank reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a 250 price target. The bullish sentiment comes amidst growing concerns regarding GenAI disrupting the SaaS business model, which has led to a valuation reset within the software sector. The share price of SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) has fallen more than 14.72% over the past month. Earlier on February 4, Frederic Boulan from Bank of America Securities released a research note highlighting SAP as an attractive investment amidst a valuation reset. He noted, the space is now trading at 13.1x EV/EBITDA vs 5y average of 21x. U.S. software compressed 35% in the past 6 months from 32.3x to 21x. SAP has also undergone significant repricing and trades at 20.7x 2027 earnings, down from 34x a year ago. Regardless, Boulan has a Buy rating on SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) with a 302 price target. He noted that the current prices overly discount the companys strengths and growth potential. BofA used a reverse discounted cash flow model with unchanged 20262030 forecasts to find that the current price implies a -3% revenue CAGR post-2030, a 14% revenue drop by 2035, and 20% EBIT decline. BofA finds the current valuation unrealistic as it assumes customer churn acceleration and a halt to on-premise to cloud migration, which the bank notes to be unlikely. Analyst Boulan highlighted that software companies such as SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) have strong domain expertise and complex business integrations, which make them less vulnerable to being replaced by AI tools. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) develops enterprise application software, primarily ERP systems that centralize data management and streamline business processes like finance, supply chain, and HR. While we acknowledge the potential of SAP as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday that it was important for Congress to pass a bill to create federal rules for digital assets and get it onto President Donald Trump's desk to sign into law this spring. Bessent, asked on CNBC about the crypto bill's status amid a recent sell-off in the sector, said the bill, known as the Clarity Act, would give "great comfort to the market" at a time of great volatility. He added that cryptocurrency firms have tried to block the legislation, but that there is a bipartisan group of lawmakers who want to get it passed. This coalition may collapse if Democrats take control of the House of Representatives in November, Bessent said. (Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Philippa Fletcher) For years, China was portrayed as the existential threat to American higher educationa foreign adversary pouring billions into universities to steal technology, recruit researchers, and undermine academic integrity. Then, suddenly, the threat seemed to disappear. According to new Department of Education data released Tuesday, China disclosed just $528 million in funding to U.S. universities in 2025. That's less than half what tiny Qatar spent. It's a fraction of what China reportedly spent in previous years when funding sometimes exceeded $1 billion annually. The dramatic decline should be good news. After years of warnings about Chinese influence buying access to American research and technology, it appears the threat has diminished significantly. Except there's a problem with this narrative: It might not be true. The same data release that shows China's supposed decline also reveals that universities reported over $2 billion in foreign funding late between February and December 2025in direct violation of federal disclosure requirements. Four major institutions are now under federal investigation for inaccurate and untimely disclosures. So here's the question that should trouble anyone tracking foreign influence in higher education: Did Chinese funding to American universities actually plummet? Or did universities just stop reporting it accuratelyand only got caught when the Trump administration forced new transparency? The Billions That Vanished To understand why China's $528 million figure is suspicious, you need to know what came before. In the years leading up to 2020, China was consistently identified as one of the largest sources of foreign funding to American universities. Reports and disclosures suggested Chinese entitiesgovernment agencies, universities, companies, and individualswere providing well over $1 billion annually to U.S. institutions. The money flowed through multiple channels: Confucius Institutes: Chinese government-funded language and cultural centers operating on American campuses. At their peak, over 100 U.S. universities hosted Confucius Institutes funded by Beijing. Research partnerships: Joint projects between Chinese and American universities, often funded by Chinese government agencies or state-owned enterprises. Talent recruitment programs: China's "Thousand Talents Plan" and similar initiatives that recruited American researchers, sometimes paying them to share research and technology. Student support: Funding for Chinese students studying at American universities, sometimes tied to specific programs or research areas. Direct gifts: Donations from Chinese individuals, companies, and organizations to American universities for various purposes. Congressional investigations, media reports, and federal enforcement actions documented billions in Chinese funding during the 2010s and early 2020s. Then enforcement tightened, scrutiny increased, and reported Chinese funding began declining. By 2025, it had supposedly dropped to $528 millionless than half what Qatar spent, about the same as Switzerland, and dramatically less than what China had previously disclosed. The official explanation is straightforward: Increased scrutiny, closed Confucius Institutes, restrictions on research partnerships, and heightened awareness of Chinese influence operations caused the funding to dry up. Universities got more cautious about accepting Chinese money. China pulled back from controversial programs. The threat diminished. But there's an alternative explanation that's harder to dismiss: The funding didn't disappear. The reporting did. The $2 Billion That Came Late Here's why the alternative explanation deserves serious consideration: At the same time universities disclosed this dramatic drop in Chinese funding, they also admitted to hiding $2 billion in total foreign funding by reporting it late. Between February 28, 2025, and December 16, 2025, more than $2 billion in reportable foreign gifts and contracts were disclosed late, in direct violation of Section 117 of the Higher Education Act. That's not a typo. Two billion dollars in foreign funding that universities were legally required to report in a timely manner came in lateafter deadlines had passed, after public attention had moved on, after scrutiny had diminished. The late reporting wasn't evenly distributed or random. Four universities are now under federal investigation for inaccurate and untimely foreign funding disclosures: Harvard University University of Pennsylvania University of California, Berkeley University of Michigan These aren't small regional colleges struggling with compliance. These are elite research universities with sophisticated administrative systems, extensive legal departments, and long experience with federal reporting requirements. If these institutions can'tor won'treport foreign funding accurately and on time, what confidence should we have in the broader data showing Chinese funding declined? What the Investigations Reveal The Department of Education hasn't publicly detailed exactly what Harvard, Penn, Berkeley, and Michigan allegedly failed to disclose or disclosed late. But the fact that investigations were launched suggests the problems go beyond simple administrative delays. Section 117 requires institutions receiving federal financial assistance to disclose foreign source gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more annually. The requirements are clear: Disclose gifts and contracts from foreign sources Report transactions over $250,000 Submit disclosures within specified timeframes Provide accurate information about funding sources and amounts Universities that fail to comply face serious consequences: Civil enforcement actions by the Department of Justice Recovery of enforcement costs from the institution Loss of eligibility for Title IV federal student aid programs That last penalty is potentially devastating. Losing access to federal student loans and grants would make most universities financially unsustainable and unaffordable for most students. Yet despite these severe potential consequences, universities reported $2 billion late and four major institutions are under investigation for compliance failures. This raises obvious questions: What were they hiding? Why did they report late? And how much unreported or inaccurately reported foreign fundingincluding from Chinastill hasn't been disclosed? The Timing Is Suspicious The timeline of Chinese funding's apparent decline coincides suspiciously with increased scrutiny and enforcement. 2018-2020: Congressional investigations, FBI warnings, and media reports highlight Chinese funding and influence operations at universities. Pressure builds for greater transparency and restrictions. 2020-2022: Trump administration increases Section 117 enforcement. Universities begin closing Confucius Institutes. Reported Chinese funding starts declining. 2023-2024: Biden administration enforcement becomes less aggressive. Public attention shifts to other issues. Chinese funding continues declining in reported data. 2025: Trump administration returns, launches new transparency portal, initiates investigations into Harvard, Penn, Berkeley, and Michigan. Data shows Chinese funding at $528 million but $2 billion in late reporting across all sources. One interpretation: Increased scrutiny worked. Chinese funding actually declined. Universities got more cautious. The threat diminished. Alternative interpretation: Universities learned that reporting Chinese funding brought scrutiny, so they stopped reporting it accurately. Funding continued but went underground or was disguised as coming from other sources. Which interpretation is correct? Without the full investigation results and comprehensive audits, we can't know definitively. But the $2 billion in late reporting and ongoing investigations suggest the decline in reported Chinese funding may not reflect reality. How Chinese Funding Could Be Hidden If Chinese funding to American universities hasn't actually declined as much as reported data suggests, how would it be hidden? Several mechanisms could allow Chinese money to flow to universities without appearing in Section 117 disclosures: Shell organizations: Funding could be routed through entities that don't appear to be Chinese-controlled. A Hong Kong company, a Singapore subsidiary, or a nominally independent foundation could funnel Chinese government or SOE money to universities without triggering disclosure requirements focused on direct Chinese sources. Individual donors: Chinese nationals living abroad or with foreign citizenship could donate money that originates from Chinese sources but appears in disclosures as coming from individuals in other countries. Research partnerships structured differently: Instead of direct contracts with Chinese entities, universities could partner with multinational companies that receive Chinese funding, creating layers of separation. Below reporting thresholds: Breaking larger funding streams into smaller transactions under $250,000 to avoid triggering disclosure requirements. Misclassification: Reporting Chinese funding as coming from Hong Kong, Macau, or other entities technically separate from mainland China. Student funding laundering: Chinese government-sponsored students paying full tuition that appears as student revenue rather than foreign funding. Timing games: Delaying receipt or processing of Chinese funding to push it into different reporting periods or avoid disclosure entirely. None of these mechanisms would be legal under Section 117 if they're deliberately designed to avoid disclosure requirements. But they could explain why reported Chinese funding has declined even if actual Chinese money flowing to universities hasn't decreased proportionally. The $2 billion in late reporting suggests universities aren't always compliant with disclosure requirements. If they'll report $2 billion late, what else might they not report accurately? What We Know From the Investigations The Department of Education's investigations into Harvard, Penn, Berkeley, and Michigan were announced publicly but details remain limited. However, the announcement itself is revealing. Education Secretary Linda McMahon's statement emphasized "inaccurate and untimely foreign source gift and contract disclosures." The investigations were launched "amid reports of inaccurate and untimely foreign source gift and contract disclosures." "Inaccurate" disclosures could mean several things: Underreporting amounts Misidentifying sources Failing to disclose transactions that should have been reported Providing misleading information about funding purposes or terms "Untimely" disclosures means reporting latewhich we know happened to the tune of $2 billion across all universities. The combination of "inaccurate and untimely" suggests these aren't simple administrative errors. They point to systemic problems with how universities track, categorize, and report foreign funding. If Harvardwith a $50+ billion endowment and vast administrative resourcescan't or won't report foreign funding accurately and on time, what does that say about institutional incentives? The Confucius Institute Factor One documented area where Chinese funding demonstrably declined is Confucius Institutes. At their peak around 2019, over 100 American universities hosted Confucius InstitutesChinese government-funded centers ostensibly teaching Chinese language and culture. The institutes provided funding for staff, programs, and sometimes faculty positions. Following congressional investigations, FBI warnings, and Department of Education scrutiny, universities began closing Confucius Institutes. By 2025, only a handful remain at U.S. institutions. This represents a real decline in one visible channel of Chinese funding. The closures were public, the funding reduction was documented, and the change was measurable. But Confucius Institutes never represented the totality of Chinese funding to American universities. They were one channel among manyresearch partnerships, student support, direct gifts, and various other mechanisms accounted for billions more. The closure of Confucius Institutes doesn't explain why total reported Chinese funding declined to $528 million. Even without Confucius Institutes, Chinese funding through other channels should exceed that figure based on previous disclosure patterns. So either Chinese funding actually collapsed across all channels simultaneouslya dramatic and unusual changeor much of that funding is still flowing but not being reported accurately. The Harvard-China Connection Harvard's inclusion in the foreign funding investigations is particularly significant given the university's documented Chinese connections. Harvard has disclosed receiving over $610 million from "countries of concern" since 1986more than any other American institution. While "countries of concern" isn't limited to China, China is certainly included in that designation. The university has faced multiple controversies related to Chinese funding and influence: Charles Lieber case: Harvard chemistry professor Charles Lieber was convicted in 2021 for lying about his participation in China's Thousand Talents Plan and his affiliation with Wuhan University of Technology. He received payments from Chinese sources that weren't properly disclosed. Undisclosed contracts: Federal investigations found Harvard failed to disclose some contracts and gifts from Chinese sources, leading to prior enforcement actions. Research partnerships: Harvard maintains extensive research collaborations with Chinese institutions, some of which have raised national security concerns. If Harvard's current investigation reveals additional undisclosed or inaccurately reported Chinese funding, it would support the theory that the apparent decline in Chinese funding is partly an artifact of poor reporting rather than actual funding reduction. Berkeley's Unique Vulnerability UC Berkeley's investigation is notable because the university sits at the intersection of cutting-edge research and significant Chinese connections. Berkeley conducts enormous amounts of research in fields with both civilian and military applications: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced materials, robotics, and biotechnology. This research attracts interest from foreign entities seeking access to American technological capabilities. The university also has: Large Chinese student population: Berkeley enrolls thousands of Chinese students, some of whom receive support from Chinese government scholarships or programs. Research collaborations: Partnerships with Chinese universities and research institutions across multiple fields. Silicon Valley connections: Proximity to tech companies creates opportunities for research funding that might include Chinese investment or participation. Faculty recruitment: Berkeley faculty have sometimes participated in Chinese talent programs, either knowingly or unknowingly. If Berkeley has been underreporting or misreporting Chinese funding, it could indicate broader patterns at research universities where Chinese connections are extensive but disclosure is incomplete. The Michigan Pattern University of Michigan's investigation adds another data point. Michigan, like Berkeley and Harvard, is a major research university with significant international connections including to China. Michigan has faced previous scrutiny over: Confucius Institute: Michigan hosted a Confucius Institute until 2019, when it was closed following federal pressure. Research partnerships: Collaborations with Chinese institutions in various fields. Student enrollment: Substantial Chinese student population. The inclusion of Michigan in the investigations suggests the compliance problems aren't limited to Ivy League schools or California institutions. The pattern appears to span different types of elite research universities across the country. What $528 Million Actually Represents Even taking the $528 million figure at face value, it's worth examining what it represents. $528 million in disclosed Chinese funding to American universities in one year is still substantial. It's: More than what most countries spend on U.S. universities Enough to fund extensive research programs Sufficient to support thousands of students Capable of creating significant dependencies and relationships The fact that $528 million seems low compared to previous Chinese funding levels doesn't mean it's insignificant in absolute terms. But the question remains: Is $528 million the real total, or is it what universities felt comfortable disclosing after increased scrutiny made reporting the full amount problematic? The Political Dimension The Trump administration's emphasis on foreign funding transparencyparticularly regarding Chinaadds a political layer to this issue. Education Secretary Linda McMahon specifically criticized "years of neglect by the Biden Administration, which failed to effectively enforce Section 117 and shuttered public-facing accountability instruments." This framing serves Trump administration political objectives: portraying the previous administration as soft on China and the current administration as restoring accountability. But the political framing doesn't make the underlying questions less valid. Whether Chinese funding actually declined or just went unreported is important regardless of which administration asks the question. The new transparency portal at foreignfundinghighered.gov provides more public access to disclosure data than previously available. Whether this transparency reveals that Chinese funding genuinely declined or that reporting was incomplete will become clearer as investigations proceed. What Other Data Suggests Beyond the official Section 117 disclosures, other indicators suggest Chinese connections to American universities remain substantial: Student enrollment: While Chinese student enrollment at U.S. universities has declined from peak levels, it remains significant. Tens of thousands of Chinese students continue studying at American institutions, many with support from Chinese sources. Research publications: Analysis of academic publications shows ongoing collaboration between American and Chinese researchers across many fields. These collaborations often involve funding from both sides. Technology transfer: Federal cases involving technology theft and economic espionage continue to identify researchers at American universities with undisclosed Chinese connections or funding. Visa restrictions: The State Department continues restricting visas for Chinese students in certain sensitive fields, suggesting ongoing concerns about access to American research capabilities. FBI warnings: The FBI continues warning universities about Chinese intelligence operations and recruitment efforts targeting researchers and students. These indicators suggest Chinese interest in American university research and capabilities hasn't diminished even if disclosed funding has declined. The Switzerland Comparison One way to assess whether China's $528 million figure is plausible is comparing it to other countries. Switzerland disclosed $451 million in funding to U.S. universities in 2025nearly as much as China despite being far smaller and having less strategic interest in American research capabilities. Swiss funding comes primarily from pharmaceutical companies funding medical and biological research. It's largely transparent, well-documented, and non-controversial. Is it plausible that Chinawith 1.4 billion people, the world's second-largest economy, and documented strategic interest in American technology and researchnow provides only slightly more university funding than Switzerland? Possible, if Chinese funding genuinely collapsed. Suspicious, if you consider China's sustained interest in American research capabilities and the $2 billion in late reporting that suggests disclosure compliance problems. What Happens Next Several developments will help clarify whether Chinese funding actually declined or just went unreported: Investigation results: The Harvard, Penn, Berkeley, and Michigan investigations may reveal previously undisclosed Chinese funding, indicating broader reporting problems. Audit expansion: If initial investigations find significant unreported funding, the Department of Education may expand audits to other universities. Whistleblowers: Faculty, staff, or students aware of unreported Chinese funding may come forward, particularly if investigations create awareness of compliance issues. Pattern analysis: Comparing reported Chinese funding across many universities may reveal statistical anomalies suggesting underreporting. Enhanced enforcement: More aggressive Section 117 enforcement may compel universities to disclose funding they previously didn't report. The Trump administration has made foreign funding transparency a priority. This political focus may succeed in surfacing funding that previous enforcement approaches missed. The Consequences If investigations reveal that Chinese funding didn't actually decline to $528 million but instead went unreported, the consequences would be significant: For universities: Institutions that deliberately underreported Chinese funding could face severe penalties including loss of federal student aid eligibilitypotentially devastating their finances. For U.S.-China relations: Evidence of continued substantial Chinese funding to American universities despite supposed declines would intensify political pressure for restrictions. For academic research: Revelations of hidden Chinese funding could damage public trust in university research and lead to new restrictions on international collaboration. For students: If universities lose federal aid eligibility due to compliance violations, students would bear the cost through reduced aid access. For policy: Confirmation that current disclosure requirements aren't working would likely spur legislation mandating more comprehensive reporting or restricting certain foreign funding. The Trust Problem Ultimately, the question of whether Chinese funding actually declined or just went underground is a question about trust. Do we trust universities to accurately report foreign funding when doing so brings scrutiny and controversy? Do we trust that the massive decline in reported Chinese funding reflects reality rather than compliance failures? Do we trust that the $2 billion in late reporting represents isolated problems rather than systematic underreporting? The evidence suggests trust should be limited: Universities reported $2 billion in foreign funding late Four major institutions are under investigation for inaccurate disclosures Previous investigations found unreported Chinese funding at multiple universities Incentives favor underreporting controversial foreign funding Enforcement has been inconsistent across administrations Given this track record, skepticism about the reported decline in Chinese funding is warranted. The Bottom Line China disclosed $528 million in funding to American universities in 2025. That's the official number in the Department of Education data. But that same data release revealed $2 billion in late reporting and triggered investigations into four major universities for inaccurate disclosures. So did Chinese funding to American universities actually plummet from billions to half of what Qatar spends? Or did universities learn that reporting Chinese funding brings problems, so they stopped reporting it accurately? The investigations will provide some answers. But the broader questionwhether American universities can be trusted to accurately disclose foreign funding when transparency works against their interestsremains troublingly open. For years, China was portrayed as the existential threat to American higher education. Billions in Chinese funding supposedly bought influence, stole technology, and compromised academic integrity. Then the threat apparently disappeared. Chinese funding dropped to $528 million. Problem solved. Except if the funding didn't actually disappearif it just went underground while universities stopped reporting it accuratelythen the problem isn't solved at all. It's just hidden. The Department of Education's foreign funding disclosure portal is available at foreignfundinghighered.gov. Updates covering the period through January 31, 2026, are expected by February 28, 2026. Results of investigations into Harvard, Penn, Berkeley, and Michigan have not been announced. Two people were killed and at least one other injured Thursday night in a shooting at South Carolina State University's Hugine Suites student residential complex, prompting a campus-wide lockdown that remained in effect early Friday morning as state investigators worked to determine what led to the deadly violence at the historically Black university. Campus on Lockdown Following 9:15 PM Report South Carolina State University issued a campus lockdown at approximately 9:15 p.m. Thursday following reports of a shooting in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex on the Orangeburg campus, according to a university statement. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the state's primary investigative law enforcement agency, took over the investigation. As of 1 a.m. Friday, the campus remained on lockdown while investigators processed the crime scene and interviewed potential witnesses. The identities of the two deceased victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin. Information about the injured person's condition and whether they are students at the university also has not been disclosed. Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies Respond South Carolina State University's Department of Public Safety received assistance from multiple local law enforcement agencies in securing the campus and conducting the investigation. The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office dispatched officers to patrol on and around the campus throughout the night. The multi-agency response reflects standard protocol for major incidents at educational institutions, where local, county, and state resources typically coordinate to ensure campus security while investigators work to determine what occurred. Friday Classes Canceled, Counseling Available In response to the shooting, South Carolina State University canceled all Friday classes, allowing students, faculty, and staff time to process the tragedy while giving investigators access to conduct their work without disrupting normal campus operations. The university announced that counselors are available for students who need support in processing the violence that has shaken the campus community. Mental health support following campus violence is considered critical for helping community members cope with trauma and fear. About Hugine Suites Hugine Suites is a student residential complex on South Carolina State University's campus in Orangeburg, providing apartment-style housing for students. Like many modern campus housing facilities, these complexes offer students more independence than traditional dormitory settings, with apartment configurations that typically include bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens. The shooting occurred inside one of these apartments, though investigators have not released details about how the shooter gained access to the building or the specific circumstances that led to the violence. About South Carolina State University South Carolina State University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a historically Black university founded in 1896. The institution enrolls approximately 2,500 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines including business, education, engineering, and the sciences. As an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), South Carolina State has played a significant role in providing educational opportunities and fostering leadership within the African American community for more than 125 years. The university has a proud tradition of academic excellence, community service, and producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to society. Orangeburg, located in the central part of South Carolina approximately 75 miles southeast of Columbia, is home to two HBCUs: South Carolina State University and Claflin University. Context: Violence at HBCUs The shooting at South Carolina State represents another tragic incident of campus violence at an HBCU. Historically Black colleges and universities have faced particular challenges related to campus security, sometimes operating with fewer resources than predominantly white institutions despite serving communities that may face higher rates of violence in surrounding areas. In recent years, several HBCUs have experienced shooting incidents, bomb threats, and other security concerns that have raised questions about the resources available to protect students at these institutions. Federal authorities have investigated patterns of threats against HBCUs, including a wave of bomb threats in 2022 that targeted multiple historically Black institutions. These security challenges occur against a backdrop of chronic underfunding at many HBCUs compared to other public universities, making it more difficult to implement comprehensive security measures including surveillance systems, additional security personnel, and emergency response infrastructure. Campus Housing Security Challenges The shooting at Hugine Suites highlights ongoing challenges universities face in securing residential facilities while maintaining environments where students can live and study comfortably. Modern campus housing complexes often feature keycard or code access systems designed to prevent unauthorized entry, but these systems can be circumvented if residents allow visitors to enter or if security protocols are not consistently followed. Many universities have struggled to balance security concerns with students' desire for independence and privacy. Overly restrictive security measures can create prison-like environments that interfere with the residential college experience, while insufficient security can leave students vulnerable. Campus housing security typically includes measures such as locked exterior doors requiring keycard access, security cameras in common areas, resident assistants living in buildings to monitor activity, and regular security patrols. However, once someone gains access to a building, preventing violence inside individual apartments or rooms becomes significantly more challenging. Investigation Ongoing As of early Friday morning, investigators had not released information about: - Whether a suspect has been identified or is in custody - The relationship between the shooter and victims - The motive for the shooting - Whether the incident involved current South Carolina State students - How the shooter gained access to the building - Whether weapons have been recovered SLED, South Carolina's premier investigative agency, typically handles major crimes including homicides, public corruption, and other serious offenses. The agency's involvement suggests the investigation will be thorough and professional, though complex cases can take weeks or months to fully resolve. Community Response and Reactions News of the shooting spread quickly through social media, with students, alumni, and community members expressing shock and grief. South Carolina State University alumni networks activated to check on current students and offer support, while local community leaders and elected officials issued statements expressing condolences and calling for answers about what led to the violence. The shooting occurred during the spring semester when students are typically focused on coursework and campus activities, making the sudden violence particularly jarring for a community not expecting tragedy. National Context: Campus Shootings in 2026 The South Carolina State University shooting comes amid ongoing concerns about campus safety at colleges and universities nationwide. Earlier this academic year, Brown University experienced a devastating shooting that killed two students and injured nine others, while other institutions have faced various security incidents ranging from threats to actual violence. These incidents have prompted renewed discussions about campus security measures, mental health resources, gun violence prevention, and the challenges universities face in protecting students while maintaining open, welcoming academic environments. According to education safety organizations, campus shootings remain relatively rare compared to the total number of colleges and universities operating in the United States, but each incident profoundly impacts the affected community and raises questions about whether more can be done to prevent violence. Federal Attention to HBCU Security The Biden administration and subsequently the Trump administration have both expressed concern about security threats facing HBCUs. In 2022, following a series of bomb threats targeting multiple historically Black institutions, the FBI and Department of Justice launched investigations and worked with affected schools to enhance security measures. Congress has appropriated additional funding for HBCU security improvements in recent years, though advocates argue that more sustained investment is needed to bring security infrastructure at historically Black institutions up to par with other universities. The Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education includes programs specifically designed to support HBCUs, including infrastructure grants that can be used for security enhancements. However, competition for these funds remains intense, and many HBCUs continue operating with security budgets below what safety experts recommend. Previous Security Incidents at South Carolina State While South Carolina State University has not experienced major violence on the scale of Thursday's shooting in recent years, like all universities it has dealt with various campus security incidents including assaults, thefts, and other crimes that occur in any community of thousands of young adults. The university's Department of Public Safety maintains statistics on campus crime as required by the Clery Act, federal legislation mandating that all institutions receiving federal funding disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. These statistics provide transparency about campus safety while helping prospective students and their families make informed decisions. Student Housing Violence: A Nationwide Concern Shootings in student housing facilities, while still relatively uncommon, have occurred at various colleges and universities in recent years, typically involving disputes between individuals who know each other rather than random violence. These incidents often stem from arguments that escalate, domestic violence situations, or conflicts related to drugs or alcohol. Campus police and student affairs professionals emphasize the importance of students reporting concerning behavior, threats, or dangerous situations before they escalate to violence. Many institutions operate anonymous tip lines and behavioral intervention teams designed to identify and help students in crisis before situations become dangerous. The Aftermath: Supporting a Grieving Campus In the days and weeks ahead, South Carolina State University will face the challenging task of helping its community heal while investigators work to determine what led to Thursday's violence. This process typically involves: **Immediate Crisis Response:** Providing counseling services, creating spaces for community gathering and mourning, and ensuring students feel safe returning to campus activities. **Investigation Cooperation:** Working with law enforcement to support the investigation while protecting student privacy and maintaining normal operations as much as possible. **Communication:** Keeping students, faculty, staff, and families informed about developments in the investigation and steps being taken to enhance security. **Long-term Support:** Recognizing that trauma from campus violence can affect community members for months or years, requiring sustained mental health resources and support systems. **Security Review:** Examining existing security measures to identify potential improvements without creating an oppressive environment that undermines the residential college experience. Questions for Campus Leaders As details emerge about Thursday's shooting, South Carolina State University administrators will likely face questions from students, parents, and the broader community about: - What security measures were in place at Hugine Suites and whether they functioned properly - Whether any warning signs preceded the violence - What changes might be implemented to enhance security - How the university will support students traumatized by the incident - Whether the shooting involved students or outsiders - What resources are available to prevent similar incidents University leaders typically balance transparency with the need to protect the investigation and respect victims' privacy, making public communication during such crises particularly challenging. The Broader Issue: Gun Violence and Young Adults Thursday's shooting also reflects broader societal challenges around gun violence affecting young adults. College-age individuals experience elevated rates of violence compared to other age groups, with factors including developing judgment, risk-taking behavior, substance use, and conflicts typical of young adulthood sometimes combining with access to firearms to produce deadly outcomes. Public health experts emphasize that preventing campus gun violence requires comprehensive approaches addressing mental health, conflict resolution, substance abuse prevention, and reducing unauthorized firearms on campus. Developing Story As this remains a developing story with an active investigation, additional information will likely emerge in coming days about the circumstances of the shooting, the identities of those involved, and what led to the violence that claimed two lives and injured at least one other person. The University Herald will continue monitoring this story and update readers as significant new information becomes available from law enforcement and university officials. Resources for Those Affected For South Carolina State University students affected by Thursday's violence: **Campus Counseling:** Contact the university's counseling center for mental health support and trauma counseling. **Crisis Support:** National crisis support is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). **Campus Safety:** If you have information relevant to the investigation or feel unsafe, contact the South Carolina State University Department of Public Safety or SLED's tip line. **Community Support:** Alumni associations, student organizations, and community groups often provide additional support during campus crises. Small-business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, government contractors and cybersecurity assistance companies will have the opportunity to learn more about Project Spectrum, an online cybersecurity education and readiness platform, Thursday, Feb. 19. A Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network webinar, titled Cybersecurity Innovation and Support -- Project Spectrum, is scheduled from noon-1 p.m. To register, go here. Registration is free. The event is hosted by the Nebraska Business Development Center. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The webinar will showcase Project Spectrums impact and provide a vision for the future. Project Spectrum is a U.S. Department of War Office of Small Business Programs initiative that provides a free, online cybersecurity education and readiness platform aimed primarily at small- and mid-sized businesses in the Defense Industrial Base. Attendees will learn what the cybersecurity expectations are for Department of War contractors; use training, tools and practical resources to help build cyber hygiene and prepare for compliance expectations; use self-assessments and risk assessments so businesses can see where they stand and what gaps to fix; and prepare for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification-related requirements. For more information, call Tyler Schanck, marketing, communications and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email tschanck@uwyo.edu. The technology industry remains a hot investment area in 2026 thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), but the situation is complicated for software stocks. Wall Street analysts predict some software companies will see their business models upended by AI, resulting in share price declines across the sector. For astute investors, this creates buy opportunities. You can scoop up shares of great businesses at attractive valuations. Two such companies are Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) and ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW). Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks Wall Street's fears over the AI threat resulted in both Salesforce and ServiceNow shares reaching 52-week lows on Feb. 6, with the former sinking to $187.12 and the latter to $98.94. Here's why their stocks are worth considering, and which is the better investment choice. Image source: Getty Images. Salesforce's answer to the AI threat Salesforce is the leader in customer relationship management (CRM) software. Its platform helps salespeople and customer service reps manage their client base and sales processes. Yet AI's arrival means CRM software may become obsolete in the coming years. AI agents can independently perform many customer service functions, such as answering emails, which could eliminate the need for software solutions, including Salesforce. Given that possibility, Salesforce adapted quickly to the AI threat. The company assembled its own suite of AI agents and packaged the solutions under the Agentforce brand in 2024. Fast forward to Salesforce's fiscal third quarter, ended Oct. 31, where it achieved record results. Q3 revenue increased 9% year over year to $10.3 billion. Consequently, the company raised its full-year sales forecast to $41.5 billion, up from the prior year's $37.9 billion. Agentforce is growing quickly. The solution's annual recurring revenue (ARR) rose 330% year over year in fiscal Q3. However, its revenue contribution remains nascent. Agentforce's Q3 ARR totaled half a billion dollars. How ServiceNow's business is faring Like Salesforce, ServiceNow focuses on streamlining workflows through its platform, and despite the drubbing its stock received, the company's business is performing well. In Q4, sales hit $3.6 billion, a strong 21% year-over-year increase. The company integrated AI into its platform and views AI agents as an opportunity to expand its addressable market, thereby growing revenue. In fact, ServiceNow forecasted its 2026 subscription sales will increase to at least $15.5 billion, up from $12.9 billion in 2025. Subscriptions accounted for 97% of 2025's $13.3 billion in revenue. As the U.S. shale oil boom matures, Big Oil is doing something it hasnt done in years: increasing global exploration outside of the Americas. In the most notable recent move, Chevron announced on Feb. 11 its return to Libya, after 15 years away. Following two decades of depressed global searching for oil and gas, frontier exploration is bouncing back. The industrys biggest producers had cut spending on costly global efforts as they leaned into West Texas Permian Basin and the rest of the onshore U.S., as well as proven offshore basins, including the Gulf of Mexico. For context, that decision proved to be wise: The shale boomwith its horizontal drilling coupled with hydraulic fracturing, or frackingturned the U.S. from a country that pumped out 5 million barrels of oil a day 20 years ago into a world-leading powerhouse churning out almost 14 million barrels daily and even exporting nearly 5 million barrels. That allowed Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and others to ease off of the metaphorical gas pedal globally and instead focus much more on literal oil and natural gas drilling domestically. With U.S. shale now potentially peaking and plateauingor even entering a modest declinethe pendulum is swinging back again. Global exploration is recovering from historically low levels, so progress remains gradual, but it is clearly rebounding, said Patrick Rutty, director of global intelligence at Enverus. Given recent drilling success and diminished concerns over peak [oil] demand, the industry is reprioritizing exploration, a dynamic that should drive resource capture to relatively high levels over the next five years, Rutty said. He added that there remains a risk of a global oil shortfall later this decade as demand continues to rise in the short term. Another reason why global exploration had stalled is the ongoing projection that global oil demand would eventually peak and began to decline later this century as the world moves to electric vehicles and other cleaner fuel sources. But, while demand growth has slowed, it is still on the rise, and a shortfall now looks like the greater short-term risk. That is especially true because U.S. shale wells tend to dry up more quickly than conventional wells after producing large oil volumes for a few years. Return to the frontiers So Big Oil is now taking action. One notable sign: Previously war-torn Libya is awarding exploration licenses to international companies for the first time in nearly 20 years. In addition to Chevron, Italys Eni, Spains Repsol, and others won new licenses. This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Bill Holdings appears to be considering a sale, four months after the business payments software company had reached an agreement with activist investors pushing for major changes and better profits. In October, Bill agreed to shuffle its board to add four new directors, including two proposed by activist hedge fund Starboard Value, which disclosed an 8.5% stake in Bill. At the same time, a second prominent activist, Elliott Investment Management, acquired a stake of at least 5% last year to seek changes at Bill. A third activist investor, Barington Capital Group, wrote Bill directors in December urging them to slash costs and find a buyer. To that point, private equity firm Hellman & Friedman has held talks about acquiring Bill, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Bill and H&F did not respond to email messages this week seeking comment. The new directors at Bill which has juggled growth with financial losses since going public in December 2019 will help determine whether the company pursues a standalone strategy or seeks to sell itself, said Matthew Coad, a Truist Securities equity analyst. Its kind of like a two-front situation for the activist: Become more profitable. If you dont become more profitable, just sell the company, Coad said Wednesday in an interview. Bill, based in San Jose, California, provides software services to small and midsize companies to help handle payment, invoicing, accounts receivable, spending and expense management and other functions. The company counted about 498,500 businesses as customers as of Dec. 31, including 9,500 accounting firms that use its software. Bill says its platform processes roughly 1% of U.S. gross domestic product each year. Last week, Bill reported a $2.6 million net loss for the quarter ending Dec. 31, compared to a $33.5 million profit in the same period of 2024. Revenue rose 14% to $414.7 million. A financial investor, probably a private equity firm, is the most likely buyer in a Bill sale given the recent interest in financial technology assets by that industry, Coad said, noting several deals for payments companies over the past year. In May, AvidXchange, an accounts payable and payments software provider, went private in a $2.2 billion deal involving investment fund TPG and Corpay, the business payments company. The following month, payment firm Melio agreed to a $2.5 billion acquisition by the New Zealand accounting software provider Xero. Like Bill, New York-based Melio focuses on accounts payable and receivables for small and midsize businesses. TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) An Arizona sheriff's department got more than 4,000 calls within 24 hours after the release of videos of a masked person on Nancy Guthrie's porch. Many tips will be worthless. Others could have merit. Experts say one thing's certain: They can't be ignored. Tips can solve crimes big or small and eerie images of a mysterious male covered head to toe have been the most significant clues shared with the public during Guthrie's nearly two-week-old disappearance in the Tucson area. Late Friday night, the investigation prompted officers to block off a road into a neighborhood about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthries house. A parade of sheriffs and FBI vehicles were waved through the roadblock, including forensics vehicles. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said the activity is part of the Guthrie investigation. Sorting through the tips is a tremendous amount of work, said Roberto Villasenor, a former Tucson police chief. In a situation like this, you really cannot do what's been done without tips and public input, he said. They have processed the scene. But once thats done and exhausted, it's hard to move forward without additional information coming in. Tens of thousands of tips The Pima County sheriff and the FBI announced phone numbers and a website to offer tips about the apparent kidnapping of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Several hundred detectives and agents have been assigned to the case, the sheriff's department said. The FBI said it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1, the day Guthrie was reported missing. The sheriff's department, meanwhile, said it has taken at least 18,000 calls. "Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance, and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement," the FBI said Thursday on X, adding that the effort is a 24-hour operation. It said it won't comment on the tips received. Gloves and DNA Law enforcement agencies are continuing to gather potential evidence. Investigators found several gloves, the nearest about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie's home, and submitted them for lab analysis, the sheriffs department said. They collected DNA from Guthrie's property which doesn't belong to Guthrie or those in close contact with her, the department said. Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to. The sheriff released a statement that stressed how his department is working with the FBI. The Pima County Sheriffs Department and the FBI continue to work jointly on this case. Our strong partnership is critical, and we remain fully committed to this collaborative investigation. Evidence requiring forensic analysis is being sent to the same out-of-state lab that has been used since the beginning of the case, something local FBI leadership agreed to, the department said. Meanwhile, many people stopped Friday at KVOA-TV in Tucson, an NBC affiliate, to sign a large outdoor banner with a photo of Nancy Guthrie and the message Bring her home. They're like family, you know, said Sandy Bryant, referring to her yearslong enjoyment of the Today show and the Guthrie family's local ties. It's painful. It's scary, very scary. Tips have made a difference many times Major U.S. crimes for years have been cracked with a tip. In 1995, the brother and sister-in-law of Ted Kaczynski recognized certain tones in an anonymous, widely published anti-technology manifesto. Known by the FBI as the Unabomber, Kaczynski was found living in a shack in Montana and subsequently admitted to committing 16 bombings over 17 years, killing three people. The 1989 murders of an Ohio woman and two teen daughters in Florida were solved three years later when St. Petersburg police asked the public if they recognized handwriting found in the victims' car. A former neighbor led investigators to Oba Chandler. Retired Detroit homicide investigator Ira Todd recalled how images from a gas station camera solved the disappearance and death of a 3-month-old baby and stopped authorities from pursuing the wrong person in 2001. A niece of this guy saw it on TV and says, Thats my uncle, he said. The murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 generated nearly 40,000 tips to state and federal authorities. None had a direct role in the capture of Bryan Kohberger, but the public's involvement nonetheless was absolutely important, said Lt. Darren Gilbertson of the Idaho State Police. That's one of the things that kept us going for weeks, he said, while authorities awaited DNA and other evidence. Sorting the helpful from the odd Gilbertson said much of the early vetting in the Idaho murders was done by the FBI. He said agents and analysts who were screening tips had a good grasp of what information could be spiked and what should be handed up to key investigators. Some tips arrived by regular mail. Aliens to bears to crazy conspiratorial ideas don't even pass that along, Gilbertson said. Nancy Guthrie was last seen Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Hours before her family knew she was gone, a porch camera recorded video of a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, jacket and gloves images that were released by the FBI along with a public plea for help. The FBI on Thursday said the person, now a suspect, is a man about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. The agency also named the brand and model of the backpack. Neighborhood resident Laura Gargano said she's tried to be helpful. She recommended that authorities look at an underground tank at Guthries home, which was checked last weekend. She also told them that a rental house, not typical for the neighborhood, had recently been vacated. I noticed the cars were gone, she told The Associated Press. It could have been nothing, it could have been coincidental, but it was a change. The sheriff's department has not said whether any tips from the videos have advanced the investigation. I'm hopeful, said Villasenor, the former Tucson chief. I have seen cases where simpler and less detailed information has helped bring somebody about. Maybe someone recognizes clothing, maybe the bag. You never know what someone will key on. Anyone with information: (800) 225-5324; (520) 351-4900; http://tips.fbi.gov Associated Press reporters Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report. Italian authorities confirm injured students transferred to Milan have passed the critical phase All the Italian youths injured in the fire that broke out on New Years Eve at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana are now out of life-threatening danger. The confirmation came from Italian health authorities and Lombardys regional welfare councillor, Guido Bertolaso, following their transfer and admission to Niguarda Hospital in Milan for specialist treatment. The news, reported by outlets including Avvenire and Adnkronos, brings a first and significant sense of relief to the families and school communities of the young people involved in the tragedy. From the fire to intensive care The blaze at the Le Constellation venue, frequented by many Italian and foreign youths during New Year celebrations, resulted in a dramatic toll: dozens of injuries and multiple fatalities. Swiss authorities confirmed the scale of the incident, which led to hospitalisations for severe burns, respiratory complications and smoke-related trauma. Due to the saturation of intensive care units in the canton of Valais, many of the most seriously injured were transferred to specialised Italian facilities, in particular to Niguarda Hospital in Milan, where high-level care was available. All out of danger, but recovery continues According to Councillor Bertolaso and the medical teams involved, the main immediate risks linked to burns and respiratory complications have now been overcome. Although the patients remain under close medical supervision and are still in recovery, they are no longer considered to be in life-threatening condition, a development described by doctors as both significant and reassuring. This update confirms earlier reports in the Italian press, reiterating that the critical phase of the medical emergency is now behind all the Italian youths involved. The Crans-Montana tragedy The fire at the Crans-Montana bar and nightclub affected people of various nationalities during one of the busiest nights of the year. In addition to the heavy toll of victims and injuries, the incident prompted an immediate investigation by prosecutors in the canton of Valais, who are examining the cause of the fire and any potential responsibility related to the venues safety standards. Solidarity and support Since the night of the tragedy, Italian and Swiss authorities, along with local communities, have mobilised to assist families, coordinate the transfer of the injured and provide psychological support to relatives of the victims. Rescue operations involved helicopter crews, specialist units and dedicated medical personnel. Looking ahead With all the Italian youths now out of immediate danger, attention turns to long-term rehabilitation and continued support for the families affected by the tragedy. As investigations continue to clarify the causes and prevent similar incidents in the future, the international community remains closely attentive to the aftermath of the event. Fiumicino authorities order closure of Fregene woods Pineta Monumentale to protect public safety and conserve protected species. A pine forest located a few kilometres from Romes Fiumicino airport has been closed to the public following the confirmed sighting of a pack of wolves. The order, signed on Thursday by the local government of Fiumicino, came after a report from the Carabinieri forestry department identified a group of six wolves roaming deep within the Pineta Monumentale di Fregene. The decision to close the park - a popular destination for families, joggers and dog owners - was described as a "precautionary measure" aimed at ensuring public safety. "Given the high frequency of citizens using the pine forest, often accompanied by domestic animals, the administration felt it necessary to adopt this measure", a municipal spokesperson stated. Authorities have noted that while wolves typically avoid humans, the presence of dogs can sometimes trigger defensive or predatory behaviour in the pack. This sighting is part of a broader trend of wildlife returning to the Roman coastline. Experts from the Castel di Guido nature reserve, located adjacent to the Fiumicino territory, have been tracking a stable wolf population in the area for several years. The wolves are often attracted to the perimeter of the airport and the nearby nature reserves due to an abundance of prey, particularly wild boars and rabbits. Despite the closure, local officials emphasised that the presence of wolves is a sign of a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. The ordinance is intended not only to protect people but also to safeguard the wolves, which are a protected species under Italian and European law. The park will remain closed "until the emergency ends," during which time wildlife experts will monitor the packs movements. Authorities are working to determine if the wolves are merely passing through or if they have established a more permanent den within the park boundaries. Local residents are advised to keep dogs on leashes in areas bordering the pine forest and to report any further sightings. A Waterford man has pleaded guilty to 17 counts of deception, causing losses of approximately 10,000 to his victim. Robert Evoy, of 25 Military Barracks, Waterford City, was arraigned before Judge Eugene OKelly at Waterford Courthouse recently. Between September 2022 and November 2024, the victim was induced by deception to make 17 individual payments in respect of false VAT returns submitted by Evoy on his Revenue account. All charges are contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act of 2001. Evoys defence counsel made an application for a probation and welfare report to be prepared prior to his upcoming sentencing hearing. The defence added that Evoy has suffered from significant alcohol and gambling problems. Judge Eugene OKelly permitted the preparation of the report. The court remanded Evoy on bail until April 15, when the case will be revisited. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme An emergency motion calling for the resignation or removal of Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin was passed by Waterford councillors this afternoon during their monthly Plenary meeting. The motion was as follows: "This Council notes with serious concern recent events and believes there is no choice but to ask the Chair of Bord Bia to resign immediately in order to restore public confidence. In the event he fails to do so, this Council further calls the Government and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to intervene without delay and remove him from the position." 29 councillors voted in favour of passing the motion, one voted against, and one abstained. Cllr Jason Murphy (FF) was the only member who voted against. Cllr Declan Barry (Ind) abstained. Similar motions have already been passed in Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford. The situation Murrin has been at the centre of a storm in recent weeks (READ MORE). The dispute stems from his company Dawn Farms' use of some Brazilian beef in its meat products. Furthering the controversy is the ongoing Mercosur trade deal debacle. The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) have been staging protests outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin demanding the removal of Murrin from his role. His position has also been the topic of heated discussion in the Dail, and Murrin himself appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture for questioning last week. The motion The motion in Waterford was proposed by Cllr Tom Cronin (FF). "Its unfortunate it has to come to this" he said. He added that Irish farmers are subject to strict regulations to ensure quality products, whilst Brazilian beef does not fall under such regulations. He added that clenbuterol, an illegal growth hormone more commonly known as angel dust, is still being used in Brazil and across South America. Cllr Pat Nugent (FG) shared a similar sentiment, saying: "I have worked in quality assurance on a farm level and i know the rings that Irish farmers are put through. We have huge standards for both beef and dairy. The problem I would see is there are no standards in Brazil." A farmer of 47 years, Cllr Liam Brazil (FG) added: "Farming here in Ireland is hard with all the Bord Bia inspection, all the red tape, all the rigmarole we have to go through, and here is a man bringing stuff in from another country with no background at all to it. I believe its not right bringing food in from Brazil." More on this story will be available in next Tuesday's edition of the Waterford News & Star (Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme) Advertisement NationalNSWCrime New details emerge about accused triple murderers violent history Amber Schultz and Riley Walter February 13, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Warning: This story contains the names and images of Indigenous people who have died. The man accused of murdering his pregnant ex-partner, her aunt, and another man in NSWs Central West region was previously convicted of assault after spitting on a woman and grabbing her by the throat. Julian Ingram allegedly shot dead Sophie Quinn, 24, her aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50, and her friend, John Harris, 32 on January 22 in Lake Cargelligo. Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was also seriously injured. Julian Ingram was last seen leaving Lake Cargelligo in a Lachlan Shire Council Ford Ranger ute. NSW Police Quinn was due to give birth in less than two months. Ingram was on bail for assault charges relating to Quinn at the time. Advertisement Ingram is alleged to have fled the scene in a Lachlan Shire Council ute, sparking an extensive manhunt. He has yet to be found despite a weeks-long search. Related Article Domestic violence Bail laws were reformed after Molly Ticehursts murder. Did they fail Sophie Quinn? Newly released court documents detail Ingrams prior conviction for domestic-violence related assault. On December 19, 2021, Ingram went to the home of a woman and her partner in Lake Cargelligo for drinks. He was moderately intoxicated according to court documents, when he became enraged over the womans plans to buy Christmas gifts for family members. Unexpectedly, the accused suddenly became very angry and very aggressive toward the victim. He pointed a finger at her and [made aggressive remarks], court documents state. Advertisement He became enraged, jumping up from his chair to lean over the victim, shouting. When the victim rose to stand her ground, Ingram spat at her. The woman cannot be named for legal reasons. The saliva landed all over the victims face and made her feel extremely disgusted, court records note. Sophie Quinn, 24, Nerida Quinn, 50, and John Harris, 32, were killed on January 22. He continued to verbally berate her before he flew across the table, grabbing the woman by the throat with one hand and forming a fist with the other, drawing it back, causing her to believe he was about to hit her. The victim pushed his hand off her neck before her partner pulled them apart, pushing Ingram up against a wall. Her shirt tore in the process. Advertisement The victim reported the incident to police five days later on Christmas Eve, noting her fear of retaliation from Ingram stopped her from reporting it sooner. Related Article Crime Grannys home was a place of love and safety. On Thursday, it became a house of grief She was granted an Apprehended Violence Order. Ingram later pleaded guilty to assault and was issued a community corrections order expiring in October 2023. The conviction details raise further questions about Ingrams release on bail weeks before the alleged triple murders. Ingram had allegedly assaulted Quinn around the time the pair had separated, and was charged with stalking and common assault. He was released on bail on November 30 because his charges didnt meet the threshold for new bail laws to keep him in custody. Advertisement He had pleaded not guilty and was due to face Lake Cargelligo Local Court on February 3. The new bail laws were introduced following the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst, designed to make it harder for men accused of serious domestic violence offences to be released back into the community. Ticehurst was murdered by her former partner, Daniel Billings, in April 2024. Billings was on bail for three counts of rape and four counts of stalking or intimidating the 28-year-old. Police continue to search for Ingram. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Mens Referral Service on 1300 766 491. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. The Bitcoin network is bouncing back after winter storms and ongoing regulatory crackdowns knocked miners offline. Over the past two weeks, the networks hashrate a measure of its combined computing power jumped more than 20% and is approaching the level it was at before the disruptions. Thats despite Bitcoin plummeting to a low of $60,000 during the worst market rout in almost four years. Weve seen this cycle repeat so many times in the past and it demonstrates once again that Bitcoin mining is a uniquely flexible load, Leo Wang, a vice president at Canaan, a Singapore-based Bitcoin miner manufacturer, told DL News. When you zoom out, the network remains very strong from a hashrate and security standpoint. The rebound is noteworthy because, as Bitcoins price drops, the miners who run the network become less profitable. Many already operate on razor-thin margins, and if prices fall too low, they may be forced to shut down because it becomes too difficult to turn a profit. In recent months, many miners have pivoted to providing more profitable AI and high-performance computing services. The Bitcoin hashrate rebound signals resilience among those left mining the top cryptocurrency, and conviction that the price will eventually recover. Mining disruptions Last month, winter storms swept across the eastern and central United States, causing widespread power cuts and rising electricity demand among those still connected to the grid. Some Bitcoin miners temporarily went offline, while others sold surplus energy back to stressed power grids, earning far more than they would by mining Bitcoin. The grid may ask for that energy and the mining may turn off, but that means the grid is paying more for the energy than the miner is making by mining Bitcoin, Scott Norris, chief mining officer at tokenised Bitcoin hashpower company Omnes, previously told DL News. The recent hashrate recovery is mainly due to North American miners plugging back in after the winter storm, Wolfie Zhao, head of research at TheMinerMag and a partner at BlocksBridge Consulting, told DL News. But the storms are not the only factor weighing on the Bitcoin hashrate recently. China and Russia have recently intensified their regulatory crackdowns on Bitcoin mining, Wang said, adding that the measures have throttled operations, leading to a decline in hashrate from both nations. In December, Russias Ministry of Justice proposed strict penalties for miners who steal power from the public grid or mine in areas where mining is banned. Honeymoon ends Bitcoin miners who were able to stay online through the disruptions have been rewarded. With fewer miners to compete with, their relative profits will have increased. Advertisement NationalWACourts Senior judge to decide how estranged husband and teenage daughter join Virginia Giuffre estate battle Carla Hildebrandt February 13, 2026 5:14pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The WA Supreme Court will try to untangle the intricacies of Virginia Giuffres final wishes as it determines whether her estranged husband and his teenage daughter should be part of the legal stoush over her multi-million dollar estate. The matter was listed in WA Supreme Court on Friday afternoon for a case management hearing ahead of an anticipated private mediation later this year. A key issue emerged about whether the registrar had the power to formally join Virginias estranged husband Robert Giuffre and the couples 15-year-old daughter to the proceedings, or whether that question must be determined by a more senior officer. Related Article Exclusive Epstein fallout Violent incident between Giuffre and husband revealed as legal fight over her fortune rages on Epstein survivor Virginia died in WA in April last year by suicide, without a formal will. Advertisement Her two adult sons, Christian, 19, and Noah, 18, brought the primary claim, seeking to be appointed administrators on the basis she died without a formal will, arguing in their filings their mother lacked testamentary capacity when the document was created. If the court agrees, their father would be entitled to one-third of the estate, with the remainder divided among the children, including Giuffres daughter. Karrie Louden and Cheryl Myers lawyer Craig Hollett (right) leaving the Supreme Court of Western Australia today. Carla Hildebrandt That position is opposed by Virginias long-time Perth lawyer, Karrie Louden, and former housekeeper Cheryl Myers, who have filed a counterclaim alleging Giuffre left an informal will and did not want her estranged husband to benefit. All parties were legally represented at Fridays hearing and did not attend in person. Advertisement During the hearing, the parties agreed on several administrative orders described by the registrar as the low-hanging fruit, but disagreed on how to join Robert and his daughter to the proceedings. Louden and Myers lawyer Craig Hollett told the court the registrar could join the pair administratively, but registrar Davies determined a master or judge should deal with the issue. Virginia Giuffres lawyer and friend Karrie Louden. 60 Minutes The registrar told the court there were quite a few unanswered questions, including who would accept service on behalf of the teenager and whether a public trustee would need to be appointed as her guardian. But she accepted Robert should be part of the proceedings. I have seen evidence filed. I am not satisfied on that basis that he should not be joined. I believe he should be joined. But in what manner that is done should be determined by the parties and referred to a master or judge, she told the court. Advertisement The registrar ordered that the application be referred to a master or judge for determination and amended pleadings would be filed once the issue was resolved. The case was adjourned to May 1 before a master or judge, for a further case management hearing. Perth lawyer Ian Torrington Blatchford remains appointed as interim administrator to manage the estate pending resolution of the dispute. Key Takeaways Bitcoins zero dollar theory debate has intensified. Industry has pushed the AI adoption thesis. Institutional exposure continues to rise. Financial Times columnist Jemima Kelly has come under fire after arguing that Bitcoin (BTC) has no inherent value, joining a growing chorus of analysts advancing the so-called zero dollar theory. Kellys remarks, expanded on in a recent CNBC appearance, have prompted intense pushback from Bitcoin advocates and market commentators. The dispute comes as major financial institutions continue to build exposure to crypto markets through regulated products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), even as a growing group of critics insists the underlying assets are ultimately worth nothing. Kelly Says Bitcoins Scarcity Depends on Belief Kelly told CNBC she believed Bitcoins value was zero, arguing it has no intrinsic worth and that its scarcity narrative is undermined by the unlimited supply of alternative cryptocurrencies. While Bitcoins supply is capped at 21 million coins, Kelly said investors must continually accept the idea that Bitcoin is uniquely scarce despite the existence of competing tokens that can replicate or exceed its functionality. She said Bitcoins market price has been supported in part by influential holders with a vested interest in promoting the asset, pointing to figures such as Strategy executive chairman Michael Saylor. Kelly also argued that Bitcoin proponents regularly introduce new narratives to sustain interest, citing claims that emerging technologies such as AI could drive fresh adoption. I heard Anthony Pompliano on CNBC yesterday claiming that now all the AI agents are going to be using Bitcoin in crypto, she said. Pompliano, on Feb. 9, told CNBC that both Bitcoin and stablecoins were going to be the money for all of these AI agents. Other industry executives have echoed that view. Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek recently underscored the convergence of crypto and artificial intelligence with the $70 million purchase of the ai.com domain one of the largest domain acquisitions on record. The Ai.com platform, unveiled during a Super Bowl LX commercial on Feb. 8, promotes the idea of personal AI agents capable of executing transactions, organizing schedules and trading stocks, with crypto-based settlement embedded in the system. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky State Police released the names of the Nelson County sheriff's deputies who it said shot and killed an 80-year-old man dead after he pointed a gun at them during a traffic stop. The shooting happened around 1:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Shell station at Bloomfield Road and Guthrie Drive, just east of downtown Bardstown. The agency said Sgt. Lee Keith and Deputy Ryan Downs responded when an employee from the Nelson County Humane Society called 911 after "an individual became disorderly" and threatened them with a firearm. That person was identified by KSP as Norman Perkins, of New Haven, Kentucky. Police said Perkins left the humane society and headed north on U.S. 31 East toward Bardstown. Deputies later caught up with Perkins and attempted a traffic stop, but Perkins "refused to yield," KSP said. Perkins eventually pulled into the parking lot of the Speedy Mart on Bloomfield Road. Police said while deputies were trying to make contact with him, Perkins raised and pointed his firearm at them. Keith and Downs fired their guns, hitting Perkins. He died from his injuries. No officers were injured. Top Stories: Louisville mom describes 'inappropriate' behavior she saw on playground camera at JCPS school 1st Pegasus Pins go on sale in downtown Louisville for Kentucky Derby Festival Speed, stability, standards: Louisville baseballs formula for a return to Omaha in 2026 JCPS plan shows significantly fewer central office reductions than the 300 promised 'Trying to stay warm' | Scott County couple goes 6 weeks without propane Multiple people arrested after gun was stolen outside Meade County High School, officials say Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. BlackRock is doubling down on Ethereum by buying up more Bitmine shares during the market dip, the firm disclosed on Thursday. The asset managers Bitmine holdings surged by 166% to $246 million in the fourth-quarter of 2025, according to a 13F-HR form filed with the SEC, Fintel data shows. Tom Lee, the chair of Bitmine who predicts $250,000 per Ethereum, commented on the move with clapping emojis in a post on X. BlackRocks big vote of confidence comes as Ethereums price has fallen by 60% from its August peak to trade at just under $2,000. And the price could plunge another 25% to $1,400, Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at the British bank Standard Chartered, said in an investor note shared with DL News. Bitmine is the second-largest digital asset treasury company that mostly holds Ethereum. Its share price, which represents a levered bet on Ethereum, has also plunged nearly 70% over the past six months to $20 per share. Crypto industry pioneers have dumped their Ethereum tokens en masse in February. Vitalik Buterin, the blockchains co-founder, dumped at least $7 million worth last week in order to fund new initiatives. Stani Kulechov, founder of decentralised finance platform Aave, sold off over $8 million worth of worlds second largest cryptocurrency. And Bitmine itself is underwater at least $6.6 billion on its Ether purchases. Yet Wall Streets best have been buying the dip. On Tuesday, Goldman Sachs disclosed it now owns just over $1 billion in Ethereum exchange-traded funds. The best investment opportunities in crypto have presented themselves after declines, Lee said on Monday after Bitmine purchased another $80 million worth of Ethereum. Still bullish Poor market performance isnt denting BlackRocks conviction in the second-largest cryptocurrency. In January, the firm said that Ethereum will lead the tokenisation of real-world assets. It cited the fact that some 66% of all tokenised assets are on Ethereum, dwarfing Binances BNB Chain ecosystem which commands 10%. Far behind are Solana at 5%, Arbitrum at 4%, Stellar at 4%, and Avalanche at 3%. In January, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink described tokenisation as necessary while speaking on a World Economic Forum panel in Davos, Switzerland. Crypto market movers Bitcoin is down 0.7% over the past 24 hours, trading at $66,582. Ethereum is down 0.4% past 24 hours at $1,955. What were reading Lance Datskoluo is DL News Europe-based markets correspondent. Got a tip? Email him at lance@dlnews.com. WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the most aggressive move by the Republican president to roll back climate regulations. The rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency rescinds a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding that determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. The Obama-era finding is the legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet. The repeal eliminates all greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks and could unleash a broader undoing of climate regulations on stationary sources such as power plants and oil and gas facilities, experts say. Legal challenges are near certain. President Donald Trump called the move the single largest deregulatory action in American history, by far, while EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the endangerment finding the Holy Grail of federal regulatory overreach. Trump called the endangerment finding one of the greatest scams in history, claiming falsely that it had no basis in fact or law. On the contrary, over the generations, fossil fuels have saved millions of lives and lifted billions of people out of poverty all over the world, Trump said at a White House ceremony, although scientists across the globe agree that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are driving catastrophic heat waves and storms, droughts and sea level rise. Environmental groups described the move as the single biggest attack in U.S. history against federal authority to address climate change. Evidence backing up the endangerment finding has only grown stronger in the 17 years since it was approved, they said. This action will only lead to more climate pollution, and that will lead to higher costs and real harms for American families," said Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund, adding that the consequences would be felt on Americans' health, property values, water supply and more. The EPA also said it will propose a two-year delay to a Biden-era rule restricting greenhouse gas emissions by cars and light trucks. And the agency will end incentives for automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles. The device is intended to reduce emissions, but Zeldin said everyone hates it. Zeldin, a former Republican congressman who was tapped by Trump to lead EPA last year, has criticized his predecessors in Democratic administrations, saying that in the name of tackling climate change, they were willing to bankrupt the country. The endangerment finding led to trillions of dollars in regulations that strangled entire sectors of the United States economy, including the American auto industry, Zeldin said. The Obama and Biden administrations used it to steamroll into existence a left-wing wish list of costly climate policies, electric vehicle mandates and other requirements that assaulted consumer choice and affordability. The endangerment finding and the regulations based on it didnt just regulate emissions, it regulated and targeted the American dream. And now the endangerment finding is hereby eliminated, Zeldin said. Supreme Court has upheld the endangerment finding The Supreme Court ruled in a 2007 case that planet-warming greenhouse gases, caused by the burning of oil and other fossil fuels, are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Since the high courts decision, in a case known as Massachusetts v. EPA, courts have uniformly rejected legal challenges to the endangerment finding, including a 2023 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The endangerment finding is widely considered the legal foundation that underpins a series of regulations intended to protect against threats made increasingly severe by climate change. That includes deadly floods, extreme heat waves, catastrophic wildfires and other natural disasters in the United States and around the world. Gina McCarthy, a former EPA administrator who served as White House climate adviser in the Biden administration, called the Trump administration's actions reckless. "This EPA would rather spend its time in court working for the fossil fuel industry than protecting us from pollution and the escalating impacts of climate change, she said. Former President Barack Obama said on X that repeal of the endangerment finding will make Americans less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money. Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, said Trump's action prioritizes the profits of big oil and gas companies and polluters over clean air and water and children's health. As a result of this repeal, Im going to see more sick kids come into the Emergency Department having asthma attacks and more babies born prematurely, she said in a statement. My colleagues will see more heart attacks and cancer in their patients. David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said Trump and Zeldin are trying to use repeal of the finding as a kill shot that would allow the administration to make nearly all climate regulations invalid. The repeal could erase current limits on greenhouse gas pollution from cars, factories, power plants and other sources and could hinder future administrations from imposing rules to address global warming. The EPA action follows an executive order from Trump that directed the agency to submit a report on the legality and continuing applicability of the endangerment finding. Conservatives and some congressional Republicans have long sought to undo what they consider overly restrictive and economically damaging rules to limit greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Withdrawing the endangerment finding is the most important step taken by the Trump administration so far to return to energy and economic sanity, said Myron Ebell, a conservative activist who has questioned the science behind climate change. Tailpipe emission limits targeted Zeldin and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have moved to drastically scale back limits on tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. Rules imposed under Democratic President Joe Biden were intended to encourage U.S. automakers to build and sell more electric vehicles. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. The Trump administration announced a proposal in December to weaken vehicle mileage rules for the auto industry, loosening regulatory pressure on automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and trucks. The EPA said its two-year delay to a Biden-era rule on greenhouse gas emissions by cars and light trucks will give the agency time to develop a plan that better reflects the reality of slower EV sales, while promoting consumer choice and lowering prices. Environmental groups said the plan would keep polluting, gas-burning cars and trucks on U.S. roads for years to come, threatening the health of millions of Americans, particularly children and the elderly. Follow the APs coverage of the Environmental Protection Agency at https://apnews.com/hub/us-environmental-protection-agency LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg gave his State of the City address Thursday afternoon, highlighting downtown's progress and growth, like the recent news of the iconic Humana Tower. Greenberg released renderings on X of the proposed $700 million renovation of the Humana Tower on West Main Street into a 1,000-room convention center hotel. "The next chapter for a site that is the crown jewel of our skyline yet risks being the symbol of a dying downtown," Greenberg said Thursday. In addition to the hotel rooms, the project calls for restaurants, 100,000 square footage of meeting space and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom, bringing more people to downtown and creating jobs. It'd be the second-largest hotel in Louisville. "It will strengthen Downtown, our entire city, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky," Greenberg said in his post. According to our partners at Louisville Business First, Poe Cos. signed a letter of intent to purchase the building and the land just south of the tower, including The Exchange and Vincenzo's. In February 2024, Humana announced it would vacate the building in a cost-cutting move. Humana said at the time it no longer needed the building as it embraced hybrid and remote work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company announced plans to sell the tower a year later. Construction on the new Humana Tower is expected to begin sometime in 2027. This comes just three months after Yum! Brands announced its moving over 500 employees to a new headquarters downtown. Another way Greenberg talked about strengthening Louisville is by bringing crime down. To do that, Louisville Metro Police Department is continuing to monitor its Sustained Focus Improvement areas. Those are neighborhoods the department puts extra resources towards to reduce violent crime. LMPD saw a drop in homicides, non-fatal shootings, aggravated assaults, robberies, rape and overall violent crime in these focus areas last year compared to 2024. "Most progress we celebrate, but we aren't content, we'll continue to learn from our work and use it as motivation to keep improving to keep making Louisville safer every year," Greenberg said. Other things mentioned at the State of the City were the 10-year deals the city secured with music festivals Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life. As well as new improvements to the west and south end neighborhoods. Top Stories: Rick Pitino had more to say on Beshear's podcast. Here are five moments worth your time. Second arrest made in December shooting at west Louisville liquor store 'Trying to stay warm' | Scott County couple goes 6 weeks without propane Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. BlackRock has hinted at its move to offload more Bitcoin and Ethereum Source: CoinGape BlackRock transferred 3,402 BTC and 15,108 ETH to Coinbase, likely in a move to offload these coins. These follows the outflows from the crypto ETFs yesterday. The potential sale also comes ahead of a partial U.S. government shutdown set to begin tomorrow. BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, looks set to offload more Bitcoin and Ethereum, following the outflows from its crypto ETFs yesterday. This move comes ahead of another potential partial U.S. government shutdown that could begin tomorrow as todays deadline looms. BlackRock Moves $257M In BTC And ETH To Coinbase Arkham data shows that the asset manager transferred 3,402 BTC, worth $227 million, and 15,108 ETH, worth $29.5 million, to Coinbase, likely in a bid to offload these coins. This move follows yesterdays outflows from its IBIT and ETHA funds. SoSoValue data shows that BlackRocks Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw outflows of $157.56 million and $29 million, respectively. The outflows align with the broader trend as the BTC and ETH ETFs as a group saw daily net outflows on February 12. As CoinGape reported earlier, the BTC ETFs recorded a net outflow of $410 million amid an institutional sell-off, while the ETH ETFs saw $113 million in net outflows. This comes as the crypto market continues its downtrend, with on-chain analytics firm Glassnode highlighting the weakness in Bitcoins price action. These institutional investors in BlackRocks funds and other crypto ETFs arent the only ones offloading these holdings amid this downtrend. Bhutans Government has notably trimmed its BTC holdings over the last few weeks. Since the October 10 crypto crash, Bhutan has trimmed its BTC holdings by almost 60%. Meanwhile, amid this sell-off, Wall Street Standard Chartered has predicted that Bitcoin could still face more pain. As CoinGape reported, Standard Chartered predicted that BTC could fall to $50,000 before a recovery. They have also slashed their year-end target from $150,000 to $100,000. Another Partial Government Shutdown Imminent Another partial U.S. government shutdown is likely to begin tomorrow amid BlackRocks Bitcoin and Ethereum sell-off as Congress failed to reach a deal ahead of todays deadline. The imminent partial shutdown poses a risk to the crypto market, given how crypto prices reacted during the last shutdown, which ended less than two weeks ago. Bitcoin had begun its crash from above $80,000 just as the last partial shutdown began on January 31. Since then, the leading crypto has dropped to as low as $60,000 and has failed to recover above the $80,000 pyschological level. More than five years after Boohoo Group was accused of promoting worker exploitation at its Leicester-based suppliers in England, a High Court lawsuit claims that its co-founder and former chairman, Mahmud Kamani, likely knew about the terrible, unsafe and unsanitary conditions at the so-called sweatshops before the allegations made headlines. Lawyers for nearly 50 Boohoo investors, including the California State Teachers Retirement System, said that it was not credible that Kamani, who launched the fast-fashion e-tailer with his brother Jalal in neighboring Manchester in 2006, would have been unaware of how those factories were being run. The joint litigation claim, which was first filed in 2024, seeks 177 million pounds ($241 million), plus interest, from the company to make up for the plunges in share price following the imbroglio. More from Sourcing Journal A spokesperson for the now-renamed Debenhams Group said that it strongly contests the allegations and will vigorously defend any claim. The claimants, for their part, said that Boohoos assertions of the boards ignorance were not convincing, citing Kamanis social interactions with factory owners and visits to their facilities. The entire imbroglio proved hugely damaging, not only to Boohoo but also the Leicester garment industry, which was already struggling to cope with the manufacturing shift overseas before the fear of being tainted by scandal led its remaining buyers to flee en masse. Where once more than 1,000 factories plied their trade, fewer than 200if even thatremain today. Still, it was Boohoo that felt the impact first, with its stock plummeting 42 percent after press reports revealed that the workers it contracted were paid as little as 3.50 pounds ($4.77), or less than half the minimum wage, while toiling long hours and in cramped conditions at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Subsequent press reports revealing further employee mistreatment in 2022 and 2023 led to a further drop in Boohoos cachet and even greater harm to investors, the London law firm Fox Williams said in the lawsuit. Lawyers for the claimants now want Kamani to hand over communication logs with two of his sons, Umar and Samir, because he was highly likely to have discussed relevant matters with them. Heightening that possibility: Umar is the CEO of PrettyLittleThing and Samir the CEO of BoohooMan, both Debenhams Group brands. The wider Kamani family also held a 37 percent stake in Boohoo, which showed the vestiges and traits of a family business. Beef Donations To Schools Booming; New Teachers Come On Board In Kimball Mondays Kimball Public Schools board meeting included staff additions, student updates and even news of a growing supply of locally donated beef. The board approved the hiring of three new teachers for the upcoming school year. Griffen Schliemann will join Kimball High School, while Shelby Terrien and Kimball graduate Regan Hinton will teach at Mary Lynch Elementary. Hinton has been teaching in Sidney for several years and is returning home to Kimball to continue her career. Elementary Principal Amanda Culek told the board she has not yet determined which of the new hires will teach second and third grade, noting that assignments will be finalized. Culek also reported increased enrollment at Mary Lynch Elementary, sharing that since the beginning of the year the school has welcomed a couple of new families enroll with several kiddos. Students in grades 4 through 8 are preparing for the annual spelling bee, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. in the Harry E. McNees Auditorium. Participants will include Gracie Barr, Sapphira Barber, Ray Bright, Gunner Laughlin, Blair Tornberg, Alaska Entingh, Jaxon Klussman, Klover Bennett, Theo Perry, Trey Griebel, Adie Weinbender, Virgil Robles, Richard Jonsrude, Shay Hottell, Barry Baber and Henry Barp, among others. Community members are encouraged to attend and support the students. Superintendent Trevor Anderson shared another update as the districts beef donation program continues to grow. Kimball Public Schools has received three whole beef donations so far this year, with another expected in March. We are filling up the beef board, Anderson said, referring to the wall of plaques recognizing generous donors. The donations have been so plentiful that the district recently purchased a new freezer to store the meat. Facilities and transportation updates were also shared. Buildings and Grounds Director Brandon Wathen reported he is seeking bids for a new water heater and outlined bathroom renovations planned for this summer, along with new carpet installation in the Mary Lynch Elementary hallway. Transportation Director Waylon Lewis told the board the two new Suburbans purchased this year are performing well, and the districts new bus has had no significant maintenance concerns. In recognition of School Board Appreciation Month in January, teacher Jerri Ferguson presented the board with a special gift. Ferguson and fellow teachers are purchasing Longhorn jackets embroidered with each board members name. School Board President Travis Cook expressed appreciation for the teachers work and dedication. Ferguson also shared that she recently accompanied two students, Weston Hottell and Parker Fredrick, to the Nebraska State Capitol to testify before the Legislature during a public hearing for Legislative Bill 1053, which would reverse a law that prohibits children from kindergarten through the second grade to be suspended from school. I was so proud of the way they represented our community and how seriously they took it, Ferguson said. Ray Managh A Co Kildare family was locked in a loo for almost an hour at Dublin Airport and had to be rescued by firemen who were forced to break down the door, Judge James ODonohoe was told in the Circuit Civil Court. Owen Nolan, his daughter Ailbh (9) and sons, Hugh (5) and Max (2), had been helplessly trapped for 50 minutes as their airline continuously called for them to board their holiday flight to Spain on May 30th 2022, barrister Karen Nolan (no relation) told the court. Ms Nolan, who appeared with Emily Brown of Newbridge-based Burns Nowlan Solicitors, added that the distressed mother of the children spent her time trying to console her children and stop the plane from taking off without them. Counsel for the Nolan family, who live at The Avenue, Riverside Manor, Kilcullen, Co Kildare, said the children were becoming more and more stressed after two failed attempts by maintenance staff to get them out of the bathroom that had child and adult facilities. They had notified staff of their predicament by pulling the emergency cord in the bathroom, and 50 minutes later, were told by firemen to stand back and protect themselves in a corner as the door was coming in, barrister Nolan said. Judge ODonohoe was told the whole stressful incident had been caused by the inside handle on the door having come off when the family had attempted to get out. They had eventually just made their flight but their week-long holiday had been impacted by the incident. The court heard that Ailbhe, a student, was now aged 13, and her brothers were now nine and six, both of whom had settlement offers of 7,000 each ruled earlier by a judge in the District Court. Counsel for the family said the Dublin Airport Authority had accepted an Injuries Board assessment of 21,000 compensation, inclusive of expenses, for Ailbhe, who had suffered significant distress as a result of the incident. She said Mr Nolan, through whom Ailbhe had sued the Authority and was satisfied with the offer. Judge ODonohoe, approving the assessment, said he considered the amount of compensation as on the mark. There is something deeply unsettling about watching a lifes work reduced to a name on a list. In recent weeks, George Mitchell - a former United States politician, diplomat and central architect of the Northern Ireland peace process - has seen his name part-erased from history. Queens University Belfast announced it would remove his name from its Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice and take down his bust. Shortly afterwards, the US-Ireland Alliance dropped his name from its prestigious scholarship programme. The reason given was sensitivity to victims and survivors following the release of a vast tranche of documents associated with Jeffrey Epstein. These so-called Epstein files consist of millions of pages of records in which Mitchells name appears in scheduling emails and administrative references. There has been no finding of guilt, no charge and no concluded investigation. Only proximity. Albeit to a convicted sex trafficker. That distinction matters. Not because public figures should be insulated from scrutiny (of course not) but because how scrutiny is exercised determines whether we are pursuing real justice or merely performing moralistic pearl-clutching. The Epstein case is uniquely disturbing and it should be treated with the seriousness it demands. There are real victims of sexual abuse and trafficking, by Jeffrey Epstein. There were real accomplices. He did not operate alone and he did not operate outside elite social and financial networks that protected him for years. That much is now clear. Very clear. While there are clearly many bad, mad and sad associates of Epstein in this vast collection, it is also true that these sprawling investigative archives contain quantities of untested, irrelevant and contradictory material. Names appear for many reasons: logistics, social overlap, professional courtesy, or third-party reference. The appearance of a name here is not evidence of wrongdoing. Each allegation had to be investigated and would have ended up in this vast collection of files. Even if found empty of any validity. Yet, the simple fact of inclusion is now deemed problematic. So, when institutions collapse the distinction between proximity and culpability they do not deliver justice. They perform it. To suit their own agenda. During Covid, I met an old friend I had not spoken to in years. Like many people confined to their homes, he had spent months online, immersed in forums convinced that the pandemic was part of a wider conspiracy. He saw an organised effort by global elites to control populations, enrich themselves and indulge in darker appetites. What struck me was not the detail of what he believed, but the deep anger with which he believed it. At the time, I felt far removed from that world. I was immersed in archival research on the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. Yet in the years since, something uncomfortable has happened. While the conspiracies that flourished during Covid were often fantastical, the Epstein case has confirmed one basic intuition: elite networks exist; they transcend borders and party politics; and they protect themselves. That does not vindicate conspiracy thinking. But it does explain why distrust has hardened. My friends anger seems much less misplaced than it did. Im a Green Party activist but I part company here many of my progressive colleagues on the political Left. I believe in class politics not Woke activism. We should be fighting the nepotistic ownership, access and control of economies, institutions and political systems by an elite few - not dividing people by their sexual orientation, skin colour or gender. We should not be more worried about how something looks, than how it actually is. When progressive universities remove a name without investigation or proportion, they are not challenging power. They are managing reputational risk. The bust comes down; the system remains intact. The public is offered theatre in place of truth. This kind of performative morality satisfies no one. It does not serve victims and it does nothing to restore public trust. It certainly does not dampen the conspiracy theories. We have seen this dynamic before. In 2018, Al Franken, a Democratic senator in the United States and former comedian, who was one of the most effective legislators in Congress, was forced to resign following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The initial accusation came from a conservative media figure who produced a photograph of Franken jokingly posing with his hands hovering over her flak jacket while she slept during a United Service Organizations (USO) tour years earlier. Franken acknowledged the photograph, denied wrongdoing and requested a formal investigation. That investigation never happened. Before the Senate Ethics Committee could examine the claims, political pressure, including from members of his own party, forced his resignation. In the aftermath, several Democratic senators publicly expressed regret, acknowledging that Franken should not have been pushed out before due process had taken place. Though some, as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, remain resolute that they did so to support the women victims who came forward. Again playing the victim card to override seeking justice. No follow-on investigation occurred. No finding of guilt was ever made. No evidentiary process was completed. The result was the loss of one of the Senates most capable lawmakers and a precedent that accusation alone was sufficient to end a public career. That outcome did not strengthen justice. It weakened it. It also harmed genuine victims, by blurring the distinction between allegation and proof and by making future accountability battles harder, not easier. As a historian of Irelands revolutionary period, I have spent years reading the detritus of moral certainty: denunciations, reprisals, intelligence reports and claims written long after the shouting stopped. What those records teach, above all, is that history is never clean. I have yet to encounter a figure from that period - rebel or official, nationalist or unionist - who survives sustained scrutiny unblemished. If we applied todays purity tests retroactively, vast sections of history would collapse into silence. Not because nothing meaningful happened, but because meaning is uncomfortable. Consider Winston Churchill. He is rightly celebrated for his heroic leadership during the Second World War. He is also deeply implicated in imperial violence in Ireland and India. Reasonable historians can - and do - argue that aspects of his record meet the threshold of moral criminality. Yet we do not erase Churchill from public memory. Nor should we. We contextualise him. We argue about him. We teach the contradictions. Why, then, is a radically lower standard applied to Al Franken or George Mitchell? The answer is uncomfortable: purity tests are applied selectively. They fall hardest on the politically defenceless, those on the wrong side of modern culture wars. They avoid figures whose removal would carry institutional or geopolitical risk. This is not justice; it is triage. Commemoration has never meant endorsement of an entire life. It marks a contribution deemed significant to a particular historical outcome. Mitchells role in the Northern Ireland peace process is not negated by the appearance of his name in an unadjudicated archive. To pretend otherwise is to misunderstand both history and responsibility. Who benefits when reputations are destroyed not by evidence, but by association? There is a deeper irony here. When institutions collapse complexity into moral panic, they do not weaken conspiratorial thinking, they strengthen it. They confirm the suspicion that truth is managed rather than pursued, that symbolism matters more than substance and that accountability is selective. Life is messy. History is messier still. This modern strain of performative morality by some professional or manager in Queens University insulates them from any critical eye, while rewarding their virtue signalling with well-paid institutional positions, academic accolades and social back-slapping. A society that demands purity from its past will soon discover it has no past left worth remembering. History is not a tribunal and commemoration is not a verdict. When institutions erase complexity in the name of moral safety, they do not protect justice, they hollow out truth itself. Meanwhile the rich and powerful play unhindered on the next Epstein island. Chinese carmakers BYD and Geely and Vietnams VinFast are finalists to acquire a Nissan-Mercedes-Benz vehicle plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The three companies advanced from nine bidders, which also included Chinese manufacturers Chery and Great Wall Motor, according to sources cited by Reuters. Chinese automakers are pursuing the site as they seek production capacity outside China while US tariffs disrupt Mexicos auto trade. The Aguascalientes factory, opened in 2017 with annual capacity of 230,000 vehicles, is being closed after Nissan ended production of the Infiniti QX50 and QX55 there and Mercedes-Benz moved GLB output to Hungary. According to the report, the closure is part of wider restructuring by Nissan, which is also shutting another facility in Mexico, while Mercedes-Benz shifts next-generation GLB production to Europe. Mexicos federal government lacks authority to block the sale but has encouraged local authorities to postpone Chinese automotive investment approvals as it negotiates North American trade arrangements with the US, government sources told Reuters. Mexico last year imposed 50% tariffs on Chinese vehicles and goods, a step viewed as aligning with Washington but also encouraging Chinese carmakers to establish local manufacturing. Interest from BYD and Geely underscores the rapid expansion of Chinas automotive sector. Mexicos auto industry has faced mounting strain since the US imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican-built cars in March 2025. The measure contributed to a nearly 3% fall in exports to the US in 2025 and about 60,000 job losses across the sector last year, based on industry and government figures cited by the news agency. Overseas factory projects require clearance from Chinas commerce ministry, and one source cited in the report said the ministry is aware of the Aguascalientes proposals and has not raised objections. "BYD, Geely and VinFast bid for Nissan-Mercedes Mexico plant report" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Calian also used the quarter to introduce a simplified operating structure, moving from four reporting segments to two: defense and space and essential industries . Houston said the change is meant to better align the company with how customers buy and to bring technology, expertise, delivery, and customer insights together more effectively. In Q&A, management characterized gross margin as subject to some seasonality tied to hardware deliveries and mix, but said it expects gross margin to remain in the low to mid thirties in the near term. VP Finance Will Majic added that Q1 gross profit rose to CAD 71 million from CAD 59 million a year earlier, while gross margin increased to 34.1% from 31.8% , reflecting revenue growth, mix changes, and acquisition contributions. Houston said performance was fueled by robust demand across the defense and space segment and several businesses within essential industries, alongside the impact of acquisitions and operational execution. Calian ended the quarter with CAD 171 million in new signings and a CAD 1.4 billion backlog. On the companys Q1 earnings call, CEO Patrick Houston said revenue reached CAD 208 million and adjusted EBITDA totaled CAD 23 million , both described as new first-quarter highs for Calian. Revenue increased 12% year-over-year, including 6% organic growth , while adjusted EBITDA increased 28% , lifting adjusted EBITDA margin to 11% . Calian Group (TSE:CGY) reported a record first quarter for fiscal 2026, citing strong demand in its defense and space operations, contributions from recent acquisitions, and margin expansion driven in part by cost optimization initiatives implemented late last year. Balance sheet and outlook: Q1 cash from operations was CAD 7 million , net debt was CAD 102 million (net debt/adj. EBITDA 1.2x) with ~ CAD 250 million available liquidity; management reiterated guidance targeting 1015% annual revenue growth and doubledigit FY2026 revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth, with M&A the top capital priority and buybacks temporarily paused. Strategic realignment and wins: Calian simplified to two segments defense and space (~two-thirds of revenue) and essential industries (~one-third)and highlighted strong Europe/Canada defense demand plus > CAD 35 million in space contracts (including a >CAD 30M ground-station award); essential industries grew nearly 20% , boosted by the AMS acquisition. Record Q1: Revenue reached CAD 208 million with adjusted EBITDA of CAD 23 million (revenue +12% YoY, +6% organic; adjusted EBITDA +28%) and the company closed the quarter with CAD 171 million in new signings and a CAD 1.4 billion backlog. Story Continues Cisco Systems Below $82? Buy Now, It Wont Last$182 Is Coming Under the new structure, management said defense and space represent roughly two-thirds of revenue, with essential industries representing roughly one-third. Houston said the essential industries group is focused on margin expansion while benefiting from organic tailwinds in health and energy, and he said the company expects margins to improve through the year, exiting at double-digit levels. Majic noted that the adoption of the new operating structure changed how shared services expenses are allocated versus prior reporting. He emphasized the shift is a reclassification rather than an increase in overall costs, and said the company is analyzing those costs to streamline processes and eliminate redundancies through targeted efficiency initiatives. Defense and space: Europe demand, Canadian opportunities, and new antenna wins Houston said demand trends in defense and solutions continue to build, citing sustained activity in Europe and rising demand in Canada. He described Europe as experiencing accelerated procurement decisions given heightened and immediate security requirements, and said Calian expects to increase investment in the region, particularly in talent, infrastructure, and technology, to scale responsibly. In Canada, Houston said activity levels are increasing and broader plans are being developed, though he cautioned that the timing of opportunities remains difficult to predict. He discussed the expected defense industrial plan as a potential catalyst, saying it is anticipated to strengthen the link between defense spending and economic growth and to set priorities around sovereign technologies. Houston also referenced a January announcement that Calian plans to mobilize capital from multiple sources through Calian Ventures to accelerate development and deployment of sovereign C5ISR capabilities, including co-development of new IP with Canadian small and mid-sized businesses and support from regional and federal programs. In space, Houston described a renewed momentum in ground station activity after a period of slower growth. He highlighted two contracts signed during the quarter totaling more than CAD 35 million, including: A contract of more than CAD 30 million with a leading global space technology company to design and manufacture advanced ground stations for next-generation satellite systems. A contract with Germanys Federal Ministry of Defense, represented by the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, for an advanced full-service Q/V-band antenna ground station supporting scientific and modern military satellite communications. Houston said the wins underscore the convergence of defense and space and support the strategic rationale for a dedicated defense and space segment. Essential industries: acquisition-driven growth and organic inflection In essential industries, Houston said segment revenue increased by nearly 20%, driven largely by the performance of the AMS acquisition, which he said strengthened Calians position as it expands in the Arctic region. He also pointed to a return to modest but important organic growth, led by a rebound in U.S. commercial operations after a challenging year, supported by what he described as a strengthened backlog. When asked about cost optimization and margin expansion, Houston said steps discussed on the Q4 call helped lift profitability in some commercial businesses in Q1, with more efficiency work planned in essential industries and at the corporate level. Cash flow, balance sheet, capital allocation, and outlook Majic said Calian generated CAD 7 million in cash flow from operations in Q1, up from CAD 4 million a year earlier, driven by higher profitability and partially offset by higher interest and tax payments. He also said working capital efficiency was approximately 10%, up from 8.5%, reflecting working capital acquired through recent acquisitions, and described Q1 as a seasonally higher working capital use expected to reverse later in the year. During the quarter, Calian funded CAD 2 million in capital expenditures and CAD 18 million in acquisition-related payments, including earn-outs. Majic said this included the CAD 12 million acquisition of InField Scientific and an earn-out payment tied to the companys August 2023 acquisition of HPT, with remaining HPT earn-out payments expected over coming quarters. Calian also returned CAD 3 million to shareholders via dividends. As of December 31, 2025, Majic said Calian had drawn CAD 165 million on its debt facility and drew an additional CAD 34 million during Q1 to fund acquisitions, earn-outs, and general purposes. The company ended the quarter with net debt of CAD 102 million and a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.2x, which management said remains below its 2.5x threshold. Majic said available liquidityincluding undrawn credit capacity, cash, and an accordion featuretotaled close to CAD 250 million. Management reiterated its fiscal 2026 outlook, unchanged from the prior quarter. Majic said the company continues to target 10% to 15% annual revenue growth over the next several years through a mix of organic growth and acquisitions, and expects adjusted EBITDA growth to outpace revenue growth in the midterm. For fiscal 2026, Calian anticipates double-digit growth in both revenue and adjusted EBITDA versus fiscal 2025, supported by momentum in both segments, cost initiatives, and full-year contributions from AMS and InField Scientific. On capital deployment, Majic said capex is expected to remain around CAD 10 million for the year and reiterated the dividend policy targeting 25% to 30% of operating free cash flow. He said M&A remains the companys top capital priority, while noting Calian has temporarily paused its share repurchase program and redirected capital to higher-priority strategic initiatives, with openness to resuming buybacks opportunistically depending on market conditions. About Calian Group (TSE:CGY) Calian Group Ltd operates through four segments namely Advanced Technologies, Health, Learning, and Information Technology. It generates maximum revenue from the Health segment. The company serves health, defence, security, aerospace, engineering, AgTech, and IT industries. Its Health segment includes Clinical Services; Nursing Services; Psychological Services and Medical Property Management. The Advanced Technologies segment includes Engineering Solutions and Services; Nuclear and Environmental Services; Satcom; DOCSIS; Electronics Design and Manufacturing and Agricultural Technology. The article "Calian Group Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. By Leo Marchandon Feb 13 (Reuters) - Capgemini CEO Aiman Ezzat on Friday dismissed calls for a total technological sovereignty in Europe, at a time when fraying transatlantic relations have stoked concerns about the region's dependence on U.S. tech majors. The French IT services group, which serves government agencies, criticalinfrastructure operators and large regulated enterprises, is positioning itself as a bridge between Brussels' sovereignty ambitions and the reality of U.S.-dominated cloud infrastructure. More from Yahoo Scout What are Capgemini's sovereign AI solutions and partnerships? Why did Capgemini sell its U.S. government subsidiary? How is Capgemini balancing European sovereignty with U.S. partnerships? Why does Capgemini's CEO dismiss total technological sovereignty? The balancing act reflects a central tension in European tech policy: how to build a fully autonomous technology stack to reduce dependence on American giants like Amazon, Google and Microsoft? "There is no such thing as absolute sovereignty," Ezzat told journalists in a post-earnings call. "Nobody has it, because no one has sovereignty over the entire value chain required to deliver services." Ezzat, who chairs the digital working group at the European Round Table for Industry, said he had been discussing the issue with the European Commission in Brussels and at Davos, and that the Commission largely shared his views. He said digital autonomy follows a four-layer framework of data, operations, regulation and technology, and the current talks focus on finding the right balance between sovereignty requirements and enabling businesses to adopt artificial intelligence technology to remain globally competitive. On the first three levels, Europe already has independence, but the dominance of U.S. Big Tech means there is no complete independence on a technological level, Ezzat added. Rather than pursue full autonomy, he said European nations should be seeking "the right sovereignty solution based on the use case, the client environment, the government". Partnerships with European AI firms like France-based Mistral are examples of this gradual progress, Ezzat said. Capgemini has signed partnerships with U.S. hyperscalers AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft to deliver what it calls "sovereign" AI solutions, cloud services provided by a European-based company while running on American infrastructure. The French group is also navigating its own reputational challenges around government contracting. Earlier this month, it said it would sell U.S. subsidiary Capgemini Government Solutions after a public backlash over its $4.8 million contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for data analysis work. (Reporting by Leo Marchandon in Gdansk; editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak.) You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. A Southern California-based advisory team with about $3.8 billion in client assets is joining Captrust Financial Advisors. Alpha Cubed Investments is led by CEO and Chief Technical Analyst Todd Walsh, as well as President Tony Jabczenski. Walsh called the move to Captrust an exciting next chapter for the firm. We are energized by the opportunity to evolve with a firm that shares our philosophy and to continue delivering the thoughtful, high-quality advice our clients rely on and expect, he said. Alpha Cubed includes 28 total employees (including 16 advisors) with headquarters in Orange County, Calif. and an additional office in Scottsdale, Ariz. The firm was founded in 2011, and joined Captrust in January, taking on the buyers brand post-acquisition. According to Mike Wunderli, Captrust managing director and M&A head, Alpha Cubed brings a differentiated, organic growth strategy built around highly effective advisory teams. Gorman Jones served as Alpha Cubeds advisor during the deal. The Raleigh, N.C.-based Captrust is an RIA with more than $1 trillion in assets under advisement and management, focusing on financial planning and wealth management as well as ultra-high-net-worth concierge services. In total, the firm has over 1,800 employees across 90 locations. Last week, Captrust announced it had acquired Meritage Portfolio Management, a Kansas City-based wealth manager with about $2.4 billion in client assets and 17 employees (including nine advisors). The move boosted Captrusts Kansas City presence to two offices and 54 employees. Captrust Midwest Regional Leader Nick Blasi called the city a key growth market for the firm. Last fall, Captrust unveiled a new health concierge service in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic. As part of the deal, Captrust wealth management clients can access executive-level physicians, organized by a Captrust wellness coordinator, at the Cleveland Clinics central location in Cleveland or at a second location in Weston, Fla. According to Captrust Wealth Management Head Eddie Welch, the physician screening includes cardiac and vision testing, nutrition and fitness consultations, and mental health assistance. Welch underwent the screening, which he said went above and beyond his annual physical. Its not meant to replace what clients are doing in their own market (for health), but to augment it, he said. Green Lipids - the next frontier for vaccine development Emeritus Professor, Patrick Arbuthnot, of the Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU) at Wits University discusses the unit's breakthrough innovation In a recent interview with the Wits Innovation Hub, Professor Patrick Arbuthnot, head of the Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU), reflects on the units pioneering work to develop green ionisable lipids for next-generation vaccines and gene therapies. The conversation highlights AGTRUs internationally recognised innovation: converting cashew nutshell liquid, an abundant agricultural by-product across Africa, into key ingredients used in mRNA vaccine delivery systems. This work recently received a prestigious international innovation award under the GIZ SAVax programme, securing R7 Million to support the large-scale development of the technology. Ionisable lipids are a critical component of mRNA vaccines. They form part of the lipid nanoparticles that protect fragile genetic material and enable it to enter human cells safely, where it can trigger protective immune responses. However, most existing ionisable lipids are expensive, derived from petroleum, or locked behind restrictive patents, limiting access for low- and middle-income countries. AGTRUs approach offers a sustainable alternative. By transforming cashew shell waste into hydrogenated cardanol, the team has created a renewable building block for ionisable lipids that can be produced locally and at lower cost. Africa produces more than half of the worlds cashew nutshell liquid, much of which is currently discarded, making it a promising and accessible resource. In the interview, Arbuthnot explains that the project is about more than a single chemical innovation. It represents a shift toward locally sourced, environmentally responsible inputs for advanced biomedical technologies. The work also aligns with the African Unions goal of producing 60% of the continents vaccines locally by 2040. The initiative is being developed in partnership with industry, with plans to scale up production of the lipids in South Africa. This is a critical step toward ensuring that the materials required for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics can be manufactured on the continent, rather than imported at high cost. As Arbuthnot notes in the discussion, the innovation demonstrates how African scientific expertise and natural resources can be combined to address global health challenges, while building local manufacturing capacity and more sustainable supply chains. Watch the full interview with Professor Patrick Arbuthnot on the Wits Innovation Hub to learn more about how green ionisable lipids could reshape the future of vaccines and gene therapies. French retailer Carrefour has entered exclusive negotiations to sell its entire Romanian operations to Paval Holding. The deal value is based on an enterprise value of 823m ($976.02m). The planned disposal follows the strategic review launched by Carrefour at the start of 2025. If completed, the transaction would transfer all the groups Romanian activities to Paval Holding, the family investment vehicle of the Paval family, owners of DIY chain Dedeman. Completion is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected in the second half of 2026. Carrefour Romania runs a multi-format estate of 478 outlets, including 55 hypermarkets, 191 supermarkets, 202 convenience stores and 30 discount locations. The business generated gross sales, including VAT, of 3.2bn in both 2024 and 2025 estimates, accounting for approximately 3.5% of Carrefours total group sales. Carrefour chairman and CEO Alexandre Bompard said: The sale of Carrefour Romania confirms the good progress of the portfolio review initiated in 2025. Following the major transactions completed over the past 12 months - notably the buyout of minority interests in Carrefour Brazil and the sale of Carrefour Italy - the group is pursuing its transformation and refocusing on its three core countries. The prospective divestment contrasts with the retailers recent moves to expand via franchising. Last month, Carrefour said it planned to enter the Ethiopian market through a franchise and supply agreement with Queens Supermarket, part of Midroc Investment Group. The initiative forms part of the companys 2026 strategy to add ten new countries through franchise partnerships. In the same month, Carrefour began introducing environmental impact labelling on selected garments from its own-brand Tex clothing range. The rollout of textile environmental labelling is intended to support wider sustainability reporting and transparency on product impacts. It reflected rising regulatory and consumer expectations across Europe for more sustainable fashion and retail disclosure. "Carrefour enters talks to sell Romanian operations to Paval Holding" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Charlie Munger played the hand he was dealt, but if you ask him, he didn't play it quite well enough. In what became his final interview before passing away at age 99, the billionaire vice chair of Berkshire Hathaway spoke with CNBC in November 2023, reflecting on a century of life, business, and missed opportunities. The special aired two days after his death on Nov. 28. Despite a legendary investing career and a long partnership with Warren Buffett, Munger admitted he had regrets. "I'm not all that pleased," he said. "I could of done a lot better if I had been a little smarter, a little quicker." Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share Motley Fool's analysts have built a new lineup of passive ETFs explore which "Foolish" strategy fits your investment goals. That line came during a story about knowing his limits. As a child in Omaha, Nebraska, Munger said he learned to avoid competing in areas where he lacked natural ability, particularly anything mechanical. "So I decided to stay the hell out of businesses where I would compete with people like Eddie Davis Jr. and Eddie Davis Sr. in their strong suit." That strategy helped shape his famed "circle of competency" framework but even then, he wondered how much more he could have achieved. "Well, no, but I might have had multiple trillions instead of multiple billions," Munger said, when the CNBC host Becky Quick pushed back and suggested he had succeeded in everything. "Yes, I do think about it. I think about it. Yes, I think about it, about what I nearly missed by being just not quite smart enough or hardworking enough." "I Know I Would Be the Richest Man on Earth" When asked directly what he would change if he could relive the last 100 years, Munger didn't hesitate. "Well, I'd go back and make some, of course. It'd be a cinch to go back and do it knowing what was gonna happen now," he told CNBC. "I know I would be the richest man on Earth." Trending: Designed for investors with strong market convictions, REX Shares builds ETFs for income, leverage, and tactical positioning explore the lineup. What did he miss? It wasn't one fatal mistake it was a matter of timing and momentum. "Well, I would've started earlier for one thing," he said in the interview. "And I would've compounded longer. And I would've compounded better." "And of course I'd be would've ended up richer if I was gonna live to be 100 years old," he added. "And I constantly am aware of the facts that I basically screwed up. Given the hand I dealt, I could've done a lot better, quite easily done a lot better." New York City nurses protest outside the New York State Nurses Association, February 11, 2026 On Wednesday, nurses at New York-Presbyterian Hospital overwhelmingly rejected the sellout contract which leaders of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) tried to impose through an entirely illegitimate vote. Out of approximately 4,200 NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) nurses who were eligible to cast ballots, 3,099 voted to reject the deal and 867 voted to approve it. The rebuke to the NYSNA bureaucracy is all the more signficant because union officials sought to isolate the NYP nurses from their more than 10,000 counterparts at the Mt. Sinai and Montefiore hospital systems, who were part of the powerful month-long strike. NYSNA officials claimed their deal was ratified by a wide margin by nurses at the other hospital systems during voting Tuesday and Wednesday. But those snap votes were far from free and democratic and nurses are questioning the reported results. NYSNA officials conducted voting online through the SurveyMonkey platform. This system is completely unsuitable for formal, legally binding voting procedures because it lacks the necessary security, auditability, and voter verification controls, with no independent oversight. At Mount Sinai, exactly 3,000 yes votes were reporteda suspiciously round figure. At NYP, top NYSNA officials blatantaly violated the unions bylaws by holding the vote over the heads of the local executive committee, which had previously rejected the deal. The three-year proposal does not even come close to meet the members central demands on staffing, wages and healthcare coverage. Responding to the NYP nurses outrage, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans and Executive Director Pat Kane tried to strong-arm nurses to ratify the deal in a video and email sent to them before the sham vote. With the height of cynicism, Hagans declared, As a democratic, member-led union that responds to its members, we are moving forward with a vote on tentative contracts at all four hospitals with the goal of returning all nurses to work as soon as possible. Kane added arrogantly, The simple fact is that weve reached the end of negotiations. At a protest held outside the NYSNA headquarters Wednesday, a NICU nurse with 20 years at NYP told the WSWS said the vote is illegal because our executive committee did not sign off on the deal. Top NYSNA officials, another nurse said, went above members that were elected that represent our interests to force a vote, adding that the move was a violation of their own bylaws. Rank-and-file nurses have delivered a blow to the union bureaucracy, hospital management, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had also conspired to end the strike. The walkout has inspired a mood of resistance from workers throughout the city, dominated by a corporate and financial oligarchy which claims there is no money to address workers most elemental needs. But to win their strike, rank-and-file nurses must take the conduct of the battle into their own hands. This means demanding the removal of all union officials who conducted this stab in the back and the establishment of a rank-and-file strike committee, consisting of the most militant and trusted hospital and clinic floor nurses, to oversee negotations and the conduct of the strike. This perspective was raised at Tuesdays online meeting sponsored by the New York Rank-and-File Healthcare Workers Committee. Held the night before the vote, the meeting adopted a resolution calling on nurses to reject the sellout contracts and the NYSNA bureaucracys anti-democratic moves, and continue the strike under new leadership organized from below. A rank-and-file strike committee of NYP nurses should call on their co-workers at the other hospitals to reject the NYSNA bureaucracys betrayal and resume the strike until all nurses win their legitimate demands. No contract can be considered binding unless nurses receive the full text and adequate time to discuss, and the vote is overseen by workers to ensure its integrity. Nurses must move quickly to hold mass meetings to elect representatives to a network of rank-and-file strike committees at all four hospitals. This is the necessary first step to continue the strike and prepare for its expansion to the other 11 hospitals which NYSNA refused to call out on strike. Appeals must be made to the working class across New York City and the country, including by sending out flying pickets to transit worker locations, UPS, Amazon and other major workplaces. And New York nurses must establish lines of contact with the striking Kaiser Permanente workers and other healthcare workers to coordinate a national movement in defense of public health. The conflict is an open confrontation between the rank and file and the union apparatus, which acted in defiance of the will of the membership, aligning itself with managements demand to shut down the strike. It is also a direct conflict with the Democratic Party, including its left-talking operatives like Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. Both Sanders and AOC posted messages on X hailing the sellout agreements reached by the NYSNA bureaucracy, with AOC writing: Congratulations to the 10,000+ @nynurses who have reached an agreement with Mount Sinai and Montefiore hospitals! This is what happens when working people refuse to compromise their dignity. When we fight, we WIN. Solidarity as they ratify this new agreement. The rejection at NYP testifies to a growing mood of resistance in the working class. Strikes and protests are breaking out across the country. More than 31,000 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente on the West Coast are engaged in a three-week long strike. Teachers in San Francisco launched a strike on Monday. In the mass protests against Trump and the murders by ICE, the question of a general strike is being openly raised. Nurses are discussing broader unity and even general strike action. Tuesdays online meeting of the New York Healthcare Workers Rank-and-File Committee brought together nurses and other workers to defeat the NYSNA sellout and mobilize the full strength of the working class to win their demands. As Katy Kinner, a Michigan nurse and a leader of the Healthcare Workers Rank-and-File Committee, said at the end of her report to the online meeeting: Healthcare workers do not simply want to strikethey want to win. Winning safe staffing requires a political perspective that confronts the root causes of this crisis: the grotesque concentration of wealth and the subordination of healthcare to private profit. No one will fight for this except workers themselves. Join and build the rank-and-file committee now. For information on joining the New York Healthcare Workers Rank-and-File Committee, fill out the form below. By Colleen Howe BEIJING, Feb 12 (Reuters) - China's chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang met Mexico's Deputy Economy Minister Vidal Llerenas in Beijing on Monday, in the first face-to-face talks since Mexico imposed higher tariffs on Chinese imports, drawing warnings from Beijing. The two countries conducted in-depth exchanges on bilateral economic and trade relations and other issues, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. More from Yahoo Scout How do USMCA negotiations affect Chinese investment plans? How might China respond to Mexico's tariff increases? Why did Mexico impose higher tariffs on China? What impact could tariffs have on China-Mexico trade? Mexico announced in December steep tariff increases on China and other countries without free trade agreements with Mexico - most up to 35%. The move was widely interpreted by analysts as an attempt to placate U.S. President Donald Trump, who levied significant tariffs on Chinese goods. Mexico's duties apply to thousands of goods including automobiles, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics and steel. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the tariffs are intended to increase domestic production and address trade imbalances. The tariffs are expected to have the biggest impact on China, which is Mexico's second-largest trading partner after the United States. China's Commerce Ministry had warned Mexico to "think twice" before levying tariffs and said it would take steps in response to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, but it has so far not announced countermeasures. Separately, China's top automaker BYD said in 2024 it was considering setting up a factory in Mexico, although the FT reported in March that China was delaying approval for the plant over concerns of technology leakage to the United States. The China-Mexico talks come as the U.S., Mexico and Canada prepare to jointly review their free trade agreement by July 1. The U.S.' top trade negotiator has said the pact is not equipped to deal with surges of exports and investment from non-market economies such as China into the region, suggesting the U.S. may press for tighter rules on China-origin goods in a new agreement. That would make it harder for Chinese firms to use Mexico as a base for exporting to the U.S. (Reporting by Colleen Howe; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Jacqueline Wong) We are delighted to announce that The Historical and International Foundations of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi Dorduncu Enternasyonal (Socialist Equality Party the Fourth International) has recently been published by Mehring Yaynclk. We encourage all readers of the World Socialist Web Site to purchase the book, which can be accessed here. This document, discussed and unanimously adopted at the founding congress of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi held on June 1315, 2025, is the product not only of the decades-long struggle of Trotskyists in Turkiye, but also of their comrades in the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI). It traces the important historical events and political experiences of the working class and the Marxist-Trotskyist movement, which stretch back over a century, and lays out the theoretical and political foundations of the struggle for socialism. The Historical and International Foundations of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi Dorduncu Enternasyonal (Socialist Equality Party the Fourth International) Todays world is marked by wars of aggression, neo-colonialism, genocide, dictatorship, fascism, social inequality, and capitalist attacks on the working class, all characterised by the volcanic eruption of US imperialism. Ultimately, all of these phenomena, stemming from the contradictions of the capitalist system, represent the resurgence of the major unresolved problems of the past century in an even more violent form. Every worker, intellectual, and young person seeking a solution to these problems must learn the necessary lessons from the historical experience of the Marxist movement and participate in the construction of a revolutionary leadership. The 1917 October Revolution and Leon Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution, which guided it, are of particularly critical importance. The Foundations offers a unique insight into the connection between the 1917 October Revolution, the War of National Liberation in Anatolia (19191922), and the founding of modern Turkiye. This is critical not only for understanding the past century but also for understanding the present. As stated in the document, the Turkish bourgeoisie, by its very nature, was incapable of fulfilling the tasks of the bourgeois democratic revolution. It was not possible for this class to achieve full independence from imperialism, establish a democratic regime, provide a radical solution to the land question to the detriment of feudalism, and resolve the Kurdish question and other minority problems. Nor could they recognise the basic rights of the working class, such as the right to organise, engage in collective bargaining, and strike. These are, to a significant extent, among the main problems still facing the working class today. Turkiyes democratic history is riddled with anti-working-class laws; the denial of the rights of minorities, the Kurds, and the Alawites; coups and police-state practices. Turkiyes ruling class, like its counterparts around the world, is rapidly moving towards authoritarian rule as a whole. Attempts to solve the Kurdish question based on the interests of the Turkish and Kurdish bourgeoisie and subordinated to imperialism, far from fulfilling aspirations for peace and democracy, are leading to new disasters. While the living standards of the working masses decline and social inequality grows, the interests of a handful of capitalist oligarchs dominate the economy and politics. The Foundations, like its counterparts around the world, shows that the outcome of modern Turkiyes history requires the working class to secure its political and organisational independence from all representatives of the ruling class and to mobilise on the basis of an international socialist programme in the struggle for democracy and social equality. This means breaking away not only from pro-imperialist, capitalist opposition parties, but also from the various middle-class left political tendencies that line up behind them and prevent the development of a truly independent revolutionary alternative. In this context, the document comprehensively addresses the shift of left politics, which developed under the influence of Stalinism in Turkiye from the mid-1920s onwards, towards Kemalism; the petty-bourgeois radicalism that emerged from the late 1960s onwards; and the historical role of Kurdish nationalism. It establishes an independent Trotskyist perspective. One of the documents strongest aspects lies in its placing these historical and political experiences within an international context. This strong commitment to Marxist proletarian internationalism fundamentally distinguishes the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi from countless petty-bourgeois tendencies with a nationalist programme and orientation. Topics discussed in detail in The Foundations include: the approach of the Communist International, led by Vladimir Lenin and Trotsky, to the issue of oppressed nationalities and colonies; the founding of the Turkish Communist Party (TKP) in 1920, its policy during the years of the national liberation war, and its subsequent evolution under the influence of the Stalinist theories of socialism in one country and staged revolution; the destructive role played by Stalinism, Maoism, petty-bourgeois radicalism, and Pabloism in the student and worker movements that developed in the 1960s and 70s; the globalisation of production and the dissolution of the USSR; and the ICFIs struggle for historical truth, as well as the Marxist revolutionary opposition to the pro-imperialist and middle-class identity politics of the pseudo-left today. The Foundations is proof of the fact that the world Trotskyist movement, led today by the International Committee of the Fourth International, represents the political continuity of the Marxist movement. The document details the founding of the Left Opposition under Trotskys leadership in response to the usurpation of power in the Soviet Union by the Stalinist bureaucracy; the Chinese Revolution of 192527; the call in 1933 to establish the Fourth International in response to the Cominterns bankruptcy, which paved the way for the Nazis to come to power; the development of liquidationist Pabloite revisionism within the Fourth International, founded under Trotskys leadership in 1938; and the founding of the ICFI in 1953 to defend Trotskyist principles; as well as the victory of the orthodox Trotskyists and their subsequent achievements following the split between the ICFI and the Workers Revolutionary Party (WRP) in Britain in 1985. The Foundations powerfully links this history with the struggle for the development of Trotskyism in Turkiye and explains the decisive role played by Halil Celik, who passed away untimely on December 31, 2018, in laying the theoretical and political foundations of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi. The following sentences from the document summarise its purpose: The central issue is to construct a revolutionary leadership to raise the consciousness of the working class to its international and historic tasks. Only a party based on the most advanced scientific theory that has drawn the necessary lessons of the previous strategic experiences of the international working class is capable of fulfilling that role. We call on workers, intellectuals, and youth seeking a revolutionary way out of the barbarism into which capitalism has plunged humanity to purchase this critical document, study it carefully, and join the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi. Claudia Sheinbaum leads the 113th anniversary commemoration of the March for Loyalty, February 9 [Photo: Gobierno de Mexico] On February 9, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum marked the US-orchestrated overthrow of Francisco I. Madero in 1913 by calling for loyalty against foreign interventiononly to invite US Marines into Mexico two days later, underscoring the wholesale subordination of the Mexican bourgeoisie to US imperialism. Sheinbaum led this years commemoration of the 113th anniversary of the March for Loyalty from a vehicle at the head of the column, flanked by the high command of the armed forces, in a carefully choreographed display of presidential-military unity in Mexico Citys Zocalo. In her morning press conference, she explained that the event was moved from the traditional setting in Chapultepec Castle to the central square at the request of the Defense Ministry to more closely match the original route of Maderos march. Under her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), the March of Loyalty was consciously elevated as a key ceremony to raise the political profile and prestige of the armed forces, especially in his final two years in office. Unlike previous years, however, Sheinbaum placed special emphasis on the danger of foreign intervention. Referring to the 1913 coup, she directly named then-US Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson as the architect of the plot. But it is very important to remember this date, for the betrayal and the coup detat, and for the interventionism that took place. We do not want any more interventionism. We do not want more interference, she declared. Yet within 48 hours of marching at the head of an event ostensibly condemning foreign meddling, Sheinbaum submitted a formal request to the Senate authorizing the entry of US Navy SEALs with full armament to train the Mexican Navys special forces. The Senatewhere her party Morena holds 67 of 128 seatsvoted unanimously in favor, with only one abstention. This is the first authorization for US troops to re-enter Mexico since the January 3 US attack on Venezuela, which killed at least 80 people in Caracas and culminated in the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro. The unanimous Senate vote provides a de facto political endorsement of Washingtons aggressive military operations across Latin America. The same communication from the executive also asks authorization for Mexican naval special forces to travel to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, to participate in US-led exercises aimed at Expanding the Operational Capacity of the Special Operations Unit. At the Zocalo event itself, Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo delivered the keynote speech. He solemnly pledged that the armed forces will continue walking alongside our Supreme Commander (the President) with absolute loyalty. Symbolically, the presidents of both houses of CongressLaura Itzel Castillo of Morena in the Senate and Kenia Lopez Rabadan of the right-wing PAN in the Chamber of Deputiesrode together in a separate vehicle along with judicial leaders and Mexico Citys head of government Clara Brugada (Morena), staging a bipartisan bloc of the entire bourgeois political establishment behind the armed forces and the presidency. A long history of foreign Intervention In his remarks, Trevilla listed the major episodes of foreign intervention in Mexican history, beginning with the war of independence from Spain (18101821), in which a colonial regime based on hacienda exploitation, tribute, and caste rule was overturned, only to be replaced by a fragile national bourgeois order subject to the pressures of British, French, and later, US imperialism. He referenced the 18461848 US-Mexican War, which ended with the seizure of roughly half of Mexicos national territoryincluding present-day California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and parts of Colorado and Utahthrough the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This war, rooted in US slavery expansion and Manifest Destiny ideology, marked the first great imperialist dispossession of Mexico and is now openly celebrated by Trump as a great success and model for the present. Trevilla also pointed to the French intervention of 18621867, when Napoleon III installed the Habsburg archduke Ferdinand Maximilian as puppet emperor, an occupation only defeated after years of republican guerrilla warfare led by Benito Juarez and sustained popular resistance. Finally, he cited the US interventions during the Mexican Revolution: the 1914 occupation of Veracruz, justified with a fabricated pretext and used by the Woodrow Wilson administration to discipline rival factions; and the 19161917 Punitive Expedition, a US invasion of northern Mexico under Gen. John Pershing aimed at hunting down Pancho Villa following his raid on Columbus, New Mexico. These events showed that US imperialism was prepared to intervene militarily to secure its oil, mining, and railroad interests and prevent the Mexican upheaval from threatening foreign capital. Trevilla claimed that the great lesson of all these historical events is the loyalty of the Mexican people behind the national state and its armed forces. This is a fraud. History demonstrates that appeals to unity and loyalty have invariably been mobilized to suppress class struggle, preserve bourgeois rule and ultimately accommodate foreign imperialist demands. Madero, the Ten Tragic Days and US orchestration The 1913 overthrow of President Francisco I. Madero, which the March of Loyalty commemorates, stands at the heart of this contradiction. Madero rose to prominence opposing the long dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz. He launched the Plan of San Luis Potosi, promising political democratization and limited land reform in 1910, winning broad support from peasants, small farmers and sections of the urban middle class. Once in power, however, Madero quickly subordinated his government to the interests of the large landowners, foreign investors and the army high command. He refused to carry out substantive agrarian reform and maintained the basic framework of the Porfirian state, including its repression of workers. This betrayal alienated peasant revolutionary forces like Emiliano Zapata in Morelos, whose Plan de Ayala of 1911 denounced Madero as a traitor for failing to restore communal lands, and Pancho Villa in the north, who broke with Madero as the latter turned his guns on insurgent peasants and workers. This erosion of popular support opened the door for reactionary forces even more closely aligned with the landowning oligarchy and US imperialism. Gen. Victoriano Huerta, representing the old Porfirian officer corps, entered into a conspiracy with Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson and leading oligarchs to depose Madero. In the Decena Tragica (Ten Tragic Days) of February 919, 1913, mutinous troops under Gen. Bernardo Reyes and Felix Diaz (Porfirios nephew) opened fire in Mexico City, bombarding the city center. Amid the chaos, Madero foolishly trusted in the loyalty of Huerta and the army command rather than arming workers and peasants. Huerta, whom Madero tapped as head of his armed forces, turned on him. He arrested both Madero and Vice President Jose Maria Pino Suarez, and, with US blessing, installed a military dictatorship. The two were murdered on February 22. Sheinbaums denunciation of Wilsons role is correct as far as it goes. But by tying the working class today to the same bourgeois state, the same officer corps and the same alliance with US imperialismnow cemented through joint training with US Marinesher government follows in the footsteps, now literally, of the deadly logic that led Madero to his doom. The Mexican Revolution and the theory of permanent revolution The subsequent course of the Mexican Revolution confirms this assessment. As Eric London explains in the series One hundred years since Zapata and Villa took Mexico City, the high point of the Revolutionthe joint occupation of the capital by Zapatas and Villas armies in December 1914proved unable to break bourgeois rule because there was no revolutionary Marxist party to lead the working class independently. In Russia, where a late-developing capitalism also coexisted with a vast peasantry, the liberal bourgeoisie first took power under Alexander Kerensky after the February 1917 overthrow of the tsar. But, like Madero, Kerensky clashed with the egalitarian aspirations of workers and peasants, including demands for land reform and ending the war. A faction closely tied to the old regime and other imperialist powers also attempted to impose counterrevolution. The existence of the Bolshevik Party, armed with a Marxist program and led by Lenin and Trotsky, allowed the Russian working class to assert political independence from the bourgeoisie, win the leadership of the peasantry, and seize power in October 1917. In Mexico, by contrast, no such party existed. The working class was subordinated to the Jacobin wing of the bourgeois Constitutionalists through organizations like the Casa del Obrero Mundial (COM), which aligned with the Constitutionalist government against the peasant armies. The COM channeled workers into Red Battalions used to crush Zapata and Villa. Lacking its own party and program, the proletariat could not transform the revolution into a socialist one. The Mexican Revolution thus vindicated Trotskys theory of permanent revolution in the negative: where a revolutionary Marxist leadership is absent, the national bourgeoisie inevitably betrays democratic tasks. Todays Mexicointegrated as a cheap-labor platform in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), peppered with maquiladoras, and dominated by transnational supply chainsis the historical product of this uncompleted revolution. The countrys resources and labor power are harnessed to US imperialisms drive for global hegemony, including preparations for world war against China. After several years of export-led expansion, the economy has begun to slow, with job losses recorded for the first time in 17 years. This will intensify pressure for social austerity and cuts to AMLOs limited social programs. At the same time, the very sectors driving growthnear-shored automotive, electronics, aerospace and logistics tied to US capitalwill demand higher productivity, automation, and harsher exploitation of Mexican workers. Trumps threats loom large. He has publicly threatened to use military force and punitive tariffs against Mexico under the pretext of fighting cartels; boasted of the 18461848 conquest of half of Mexico as a great victory and model; and laid out openly annexationist aims toward the Panama Canal and Greenland, combined with the attack on Venezuela and threats to impose puppet regimes across the region. This strategy is akin to Hitlers Anschlussthe annexation of Austria by Nazi Germanyused as a springboard for wider wars of conquest. Under these conditions, Sheinbaums administration comes under mounting pressure from above by US imperialism and from below by an incomparably larger and globally interconnected working class than existed in Maderos time. Her current high approval ratings are no guarantee of stability. The recent Constitutional reform formally reducing the workweek from 48 to 40 hourswhich will not come into effect until 2030, under the next administrationis a cynical maneuver to burnish pro-labor credentials while postponing any real impact. The appeals for national unity and loyalty from Trevilla and Sheinbaum signify that Morena, like AMLO before and the PANPRI regimes before him, will increasingly base itself on the armed forces as the principal guarantor of bourgeois rule. Under AMLO and Sheinbaum, the military has been granted control over airports, ports, highways and massive infrastructure projects, with ballooning budgets and privileges, and the creation of the National Guard as a militarized repressive force. Facing Trumps pressure, Sheinbaum has already capitulated. Thousands of Mexican troops have been deployed to hunt and repress migrants, helping drive arrivals at the US-Mexico border to historic lows. Most recently, her government halted oil shipments to Cubadespite being Havanas main supplierafter Trump threatened tariffs, turning Mexico into a key accomplice in the US campaign to strangle the Cuban economy and force complete capitulation. Historically, the training of foreign troops has been one of US imperialisms principal methods for cultivating loyal factions within national militaries, to be activated in future coups against unreliable governmentsprecisely the mechanism used against Madero in 1913 and replicated across Latin America throughout the 20th century. These developments confirm that Sheinbaums government represents the interests of the venal Mexican bourgeoisie, bound hand and foot to US imperialism. There is nothing progressive in such a regime, whose closest historical precedent is not Madero, but Porfirio Diaz, reviving his legacy of subordination to foreign capital. Against Trevillas calls for loyalty to the capitalist state, the working class must take heed of Trotskys insistence that workers owe no loyalty to their bourgeoisie in the name of national defense or anti-imperialism. Trotsky stressed that the task of the proletariat is to overthrow it and unite internationally with workers of all countries to end capitalist rule everywhere. M.A.N. truck & bus workshop in Trondheim/Tiller A collective bargaining dispute at M.A.N. Truck & Bus in Trondheim (Norway) has now been going on for five weeks. The so-called dagsing, or go-slow, by the Fellesforbund union, which began on January 8 and is still ongoing, is a cynical farce that workers are paying for with significant wage losses. It is necessary to draw important conclusions from this. The background: Labor law in Norway creates a two-tier framework for collective bargaining between trade unions and the employers associations. Every two years, a national collective agreement is negotiated, which local management and works councils then adjust according to local company profits and workers living costs through a supplementary wage agreement. This gives employers maximum flexibility to pay lower wages in an economically depressed fishing village in northern Norway as opposed to the booming oil and gas industry city of Stavanger. However, local supplementary negotiations fall within the period of legal obligation to maintain labor peace in collective bargaining. This legal framework therefore effectively bans local strikes. Strikes are therefore not available to local works councils. These local supplementary negotiations are better termed a local begging operation, in which employers can effectively set the local wage supplement at their own discretion. M.A.N. has been doing exactly that in Norway. After each round of collective bargaining, the Munich-based company simply sets a central additional wage increase for all its Norwegian truck and bus workshops, thus saving itself the trouble of wage negotiations with the local works councils. The company also uses the low regional wage agreement to pay lower wages than competitors such as Volvo or Scania. In the past, this has often led to mechanics in economically stronger cities switching to competing companies in order to afford the higher cost of living. Since 2022 at the latest, the costs of the global economic crisis and war have been passed on to the working class in Norway in the form of sharp price increases for food, energy and housing. This additional reduction in real wages has intensified the exodus of skilled workers from M.A.N. and developed into a real problem for the company. This is, of course, a problem for which the Norwegian government and the unions are responsible based on the agreed collective bargaining laws, along with M.A.N.s wage policies. In economically strong Trondheim, the largest union federation of private companies, the Fellesforbund, is now trying to act as a final arbiter, after the same union was responsible for the miserable regional collective agreement. Since January 8, 2026, Regional Department 12 of the Fellesforbund, together with its works council at the Trondheim branch of M.A.N., has been conducting a local labor dispute in order to enforce local supplementary wage negotiations. If successful, the works council is demanding a 5 percent local allowance instead of the national flat-rate allowance of 1.21 percent offered by M.A.N. The likely result will be a local allowance of approximately 2 percent, which would not even begin to compensate for the real wage cuts suffered by workers for years. However, with its local industrial action, the Fellesforbund is encountering the trap set for workers in the national right to strike: the two-year peace obligation of the regional collective bargaining parties, which prevents local strikes as a means of industrial action. The Fellesforbund is therefore trying to make do with the form of industrial action known as dagsing or gaa-sakte-aksjon, the day laborer or go-slow strike. Under Norwegian law, dagsing is not considered a strike and may therefore be used during the peace obligation period. With full attendance of workers in the contested company, daily work output is reduced to 45 percentbut so is pay! This form of strike prevents workers from mobilizing broader solidarity actions by colleagues both in Norway and internationally. At the same time, the non-strike is not compensated by the union strike fund for organized workers, nor by the NAV employment agency for unorganized workers. Although regulated in writing in the right to strike law, dagsing actions are rare and little known in Norway and primarily harm workers and their families. The local online newspaper Nidaros expressed the workers dissatisfaction in an article headlined Major conflicts and dismissals: This is basically suicide for employees. It quotes works council chairman Jon Olav Bergems revealing statement that dagsing is a powerful weapon that has consequences for both employers and employees. By contrast, one worker is quoted as saying, Weve already had a month where people have used up their savings to cover the costs. Next month, most of them wont be able to pay off their debts, and most of them have children to support. The worker added, The action is destroying peoples lives, and no one is talking about it. Another says, Solidarity in the workplace has now been completely destroyed. The dagsing at M.A.N., which has now been going on for five weeks in Trondheim, has already cost employees almost three weeks wagesover 4 percent of their annual salarywhich is about as much as they would gain from a 2 percent increase over two years. The financial side effects of this farce of a labor dispute were deliberately concealed from them in advance by the union and the works council leaders; they were only informed after the action began on January 8. The union federation is thus deceiving the workers, withholding strike funds paid for by membership dues, and plummeting workers into financial ruin instead of organising strong industrial actionall within a legal framework that the union apparatus helped to organize at the national level. The effect on the mood, cohesion and morale of the workers at M.A.N. in Trondheim has been devastating. And this is no coincidence. Fellesforbunds attempts to suppress the struggle of the workers at M.A.N. are an expression of its support for the Norwegian Arbeiderpartiet (Labor Party, AP) government. With around 175,000 members, Fellesforbundet is the second largest union in the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO). The LO provides financial and political support to the AP, whose leader, Jonas Gahr Stre, is also Norways prime minister. The finance minister is Jens Stoltenberg (AP), the former NATO secretary general. Since Stre came to power in 2021, the AP government has drastically increased military spending, co-organized NATO exercises and maneuvers in Norway against Russia, and allocated billions to the imperialist war in Ukraine. Its current minority government can only implement its right-wing policies thanks to an agreement with some so-called left parties, including the Socialist Left, the Greens and Red Party. As in other countries, the Norwegian Social Democrats have long since abandoned their former national reformist policies and turned into the most aggressive warmongers and open opponents of the working class. The working class must therefore organize independently of these organizations and internationally with the aim of taking political power into its own hands. Only in this way can workers defend their interests. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) has therefore launched the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to support the building of independent rank-and-file committees in all workplaces and organize their collaboration. All those interested in building independent action committees should fill out the form below to contact the World Socialist Web Site and the IWA-RFC! Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, right, and Attorney General Keith Ellison discuss the shooting of Alex Pretti during a news conference in Blaine, Minnesota Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. [AP Photo/Abbie Parr] Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Trump administration border czar Tom Homan held consecutive press conferences Thursday morning announcing what they claimed was the end of Operation Metro Surge, the months-long federal occupation of Minnesota by thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. In reality, the operation is not ending but being reorganized, with Democratic state and local officials openly collaborating to deepen the integration of the immigration Gestapo into Minnesotas police and jail system while intensifying the repression of opposition. The announcements came just hours before the US Senate failed to advance a spending package to prevent a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. In the wake of the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, daily student walkouts and mass protests in Minneapolis, including growing calls for a general strike to abolish the immigration police and hold the fascists in Washington accountable, the Democrats have advanced a series of so-called reforms in exchange for their votes to keep these repressive agencies operating and fully funded. The dispute in Washington is not over abolishing ICE or CBP but over how these agencies are to be cosmetically regulated while their criminal operations continue uninterrupted. In his remarks, Homan made clear that ICE agents are being redeployed into county and city jails across the state, where they will seize immigrants directly from police custody. Under this arrangement, immigrants who have not been convicted of any crime, including pretrial detainees, can be taken by ICE at the point of release and rapidly transferred out of state, cutting them off from lawyers, families and community support. Homan, who repeatedly praised Democratic officials for their cooperation, emphasized that ICE now has the ability to arrest criminal illegal aliens throughout the state in the jail when they are being released and that federal officers have been strategically placed so local police do not have to hold them unnecessarily. He also boasted of commitments from state and local law enforcement to intervene aggressively against protests, declaring that police would shut down unlawful agitator activity, and lauding recent mass arrests carried out by Minnesota authorities. What you saw this past weekend, law enforcement is responding to public safety needs quickly, and people were arrested for violating city ordinances, you know, unlawful assembly and so forth, Homan said. Throughout his remarks, Homan made no reference whatsoever to the murder of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. Instead, he repeatedly invoked criminal aliens, agitators and public safety. Threatening to murder more ICE-watch observers and protesters, Homan said he and heavily militarized quick reaction forces, or QRFs, would remain in Minnesota over the coming days. Walz, speaking after Homan and acknowledging that he had communicated with him in advance, described the federal operation as an unprecedented federal invasion in all aspects of life and unlike anything we have witnessed. Yet even as he acknowledged the sweeping scale of the occupation, Walz sought to recast its violence as a matter of poor training and tone rather than purpose. Referring to Homans announcement, Walz declared that he was cautiously optimistic that the surge of untrained, aggressive federal agents are going to leave Minnesota. The CBP agents who executed Alex Pretti, as well as the ICE agent who shot Renee Good in the head as she was fleeing, were not untrained but veteran officers. The problem is not a lack of training but the class function of these forces. ICE and CBP exist to enforce state violence, intimidate immigrant communities and suppress resistance by the working class as a whole, regardless of immigration status, a reality underscored by the murders of Good and Pretti. Walz went on to lavish praise on Homan, repeatedly emphasizing that he was able to have a conversation with him and commending his consistency. Walz contrasted Homan favorably with other Trump administration figures, explaining that after the murders and widespread public outrage, the administration needed to save face. According to Walz, Homan called me and followed through, revealing that the supposed drawdown is the product of negotiations aimed at managing political fallout. Significantly, Walz delivered his remarks surrounded by business owners, not workers. His focus was on economic recovery and the need to move forward, underscoring that the primary concern of the Democratic Party is the stabilization of commerce and the suppression of unrest, not the defense of democratic rights or the protection of immigrants and workers. The essence of Trump and Homans conditions for a drawdown was collaboration by the Democratic Party with the immigration operation. Trump and Walz held a phone call on January 26 that the governors office called productive with an aim to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota and called for a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement. The first payment to the Trump administration by Walz was to order the Minnesota State Patrol along with other state and county departments to carry out a mass arrest of protesters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on February 7 that has been the main headquarters for ICE and CBP operations, as well as a holding facility for abducted immigrants slated for deportation. Referencing the mass arrests in what could be taken to be a compliment to Walz and the Democratic Party in Minnesota, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated in testimony before Congress, Weve seen a deescalation in protests, so our agents can do their intelligence-driven enforcement operations. Just the other night, local law enforcement arrested 54 protesters and ICE officers didnt have to be engaged. Besides the crackdown on protest, the other aspect of the pact with Trump is the cooperation of state law enforcement with Homans goons to continue Operation Metro Surge. Homan hopes to reduce ICEs presence in Minnesota from the current 2,300 agents to the original 150 agents before the surge. In reality, Trump and Homan are counting on Minnesota state law enforcement to relieve them so they can send ICE and CBP forces elsewhere in the country. According to the website WIRED, which obtained federal records, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have carried out a secret campaign to expand ICEs physical presence across the US. Documents show that more than 150 leases and office expansions have or would place new facilities in nearly every state, many of them in or just outside of the countrys largest metropolitan areas. In many cases, these facilities, which are to be used by street-level agents and ICE attorneys, are located near elementary schools, medical offices, places of worship, and other sensitive locations. The scale of the occupation in Minnesota has been staggering. And it continues despite the effort of the national media to divert attention elsewhere. Less than 48 hours before Homan and Walzs press conference, plain-clothed ICE agents chased and tackled an 18-year-old through the lobby of the Hennepin County Government Center as lawyers, family members and court observers looked on. The young man, later identified as Junior de Jesus Herrera Berrios, was in the courthouse for a hearing when federal agents pursued him through the public space, slammed him to the floor, handcuffed him and marched him out of the building under escort amid whistles, shouts and demands to see a warrant. The arrest of immigrants, separation of families, physical and mental abuse in detention centers, the lack of hygienic conditions and no access to medical assistance have been ongoing. The abuses are so flagrant that U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel granted a temporary restraining order on February 12 halting aspects of the governments conduct at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building. Currently, ICE is patrolling school bus stops and detaining parents as they drop off their children. They are beating up observers. The simple act of honking a horn to warn immigrants of ICEs presence leads to detention. Protesters are manhandled. Hospital workers report people showing up beaten with bruises, broken bones and concussions. ICE agents demand to ride in ambulances to accompany those they have beaten. They invade patients hospital rooms and take pictures of their victims. ICE agents are scanning vehicle license plates and the faces of demonstrators. Protesters approached by ICE have been called by their names. Other protesters have had ICE agents show up at their homes, all indicating the federal government is building up a database of those who oppose the government crackdown. A store owner, who in a media interview criticized ICE operations, found two federal agents turning up within hours to announce an audit of employee records. The Department of Justice is threatening to charge observers who track, surveil, or share the locations of federal officers with felony charges for obstruction. Speaking at Walzs press conference earlier this week, two restaurant owners reported their sales have declined by 50 to 80 percent since the surge began in December. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro region is honeycombed with ethnic restaurants, touted for their cuisine. They are unable to pay sales tax, rent or employees wages. Many have been forced to close their doors. Minneapolis Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Erik Hansen, crunching new data, says the city is losing upwards of $20 million every week. Workers, who have seen their lives upended and are unable to work because of the federal dragnet, are unable to pay rent. Many are proposing a rent moratorium to prevent workers from being evicted. But Minnesota Public Radio, quoting Walzs office, said that the governor is open to exploring all avenues to helping people, but he does not currently have the legal authority to enact an eviction moratorium. Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne has been more forthright about the real state of affairs in the Democratic Party in Minnesota. I dont feel like Im doing enough, I dont feel like the Mayors doing enough, I dont feel like the Governors doing enough. Its been our community thats actually been the vanguard of opposition to this complete lawless operation. Since the mass arrests at the Whipple building, many protesters have called Walz a sellout. But the truth of the situation is that with the deepening crisis of the capitalist system, the true nature of the Democratic Party is further revealed. It is a capitalist party. Its priority is not to defend the working class against the dangers of Trumps fascist onslaught. It is to defend the interests of the financial oligarchy, come what may. Walz has frequently characterized Operation Metro Surge as a federal retribution campaign against himself and Minnesota. But for the Trump administration, the surge is only the first stagefirst, they came for the immigrants. The reality is that the breakdown of the capitalist system necessitates the establishment of dictatorship. The United States is losing its preeminent position in the global economy. It must impose ever greater levels of impoverishment on the working class to salvage capitalist rule, and this cannot be done democratically. The Trump administration is grooming ICE and CBP in the style of Hitlers Brownshirts to be used to crush working class resistance. The role of the Democratic Party is to conceal this conspiracy against the working class. The only progressive force on the entire planet that can combat the rise of fascism is the international working class. Across the United States, workers must create new organizationsrank-and-file committeesto forge the unity of American workers with their class brothers and sisters throughout the world against the specter of war and dictatorship. Following his endorsement last week of New Yorks right-wing Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdania member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)took a major step on Wednesday toward halting the expansion of a critical rental voucher program for the citys poor. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in New York [AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura] The move is part of an effort to close the citys budget deficit, which was revised down this week from $12.6 billion to $7 billion, in part due to a reassessment of revenue from Wall Street bonuses. In a reversal of a central campaign promise, the Mamdani administration has moved to block the expansion of CityFHEPS, a rental voucher program that currently supports roughly 140,000 of New York Citys poorest residents. The program, aimed at preventing homelessness and eviction, was set to be expanded under legislation passed by the City Council in 2023 and upheld in court after legal challenges by Mamdanis predecessor, Eric Adams. Mamdani, who denounced Adams at the time for refusing to implement the law and pledged to ensure expansion proceeds as scheduled and per city law, is now requesting that the case be delayed in order to renegotiate the scope of the program. His administration is actively working to convince the Council to scale back or entirely halt the planned expansion. Roughly 47,000 additional households would become newly eligible for the vouchers under the expansion, but Mamdani and budget officials have claimed the costprojected at $17 billion over five yearsis unsustainable. At least 40,000 people are in limbo waiting for aid in the least affordable rental market in the United States. Mamdanis decision to try to block funding for the CityFHEPS program, a move applauded by the conservative fiscal watchdog Citizens Budget Commission, spells disaster for tens of thousands of working class families. This is the first open admission by the DSA mayor that his administrations priority is not meeting the urgent needs of the poor but balancing the budget in the interests of Wall Street. Far from a break with austerity, Mamdani is exposing himself as a conventional bourgeois politician. The housing situation for millions in New York City is not simply unaffordableIt is desperate. Roughly 157,000 public school students, or about one in seven, are homeless. Another 300,000 people live in deteriorating public housing maintained by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). As an article in the New York Times pointed out this week, Mamdani has so far failed in his attempts to regulate private landlords, including his campaign pledge to freeze rent hikes on rent-regulated buildings. Also on Wednesday, Mamdani appeared before a joint budget hearing of the New York State Legislature in Albany to request funds to help close the citys budget gap. This largely pro forma annual visit to the Democratic-controlled state legislature gave the citys pseudo-left mayor an opportunity to grandstand in support of his proposal for a 2 percent income tax on New Yorkers earning more than $1 million a year. It is widely understood that neither the governor nor the legislature will make the slightest move to tax the wealth of the ruling class. Every politician in the room, Mamdani above all, understood that the call to tax the rich was meant to paper over the austerity program the DSA mayor has begun to implement. Mamdanis comments were marked by a fawning obsequiousness toward Hochul: I am encouraged by the partnership we have built with Governor Hochul, and the results it is already yielding, apparently referring to the limited and provisional funding the governor has provided for Mamdanis pledge to establish city-sponsored daycare for two-year-olds, a program whose continuation after 2026 is entirely dependent on fluctuating state tax revenues. Mamdani has struck up an alliance with Hochulmuch as he did with Donald Trump in Novemberin which all the advantages accrue to the right-wing governor, who has herself presented an austerity budget for the state. In an article published Tuesday, Kathy Hochul Is a Good Problem for Zohran Mamdani to Have, Jacobin magazine, the unofficial organ of the DSA, does its best to cover for Mamdani and counter outrage over his endorsement of Hochul. The article reveals in passing that the alliance between Hochul and Mamdani was part of what were doubtless quid pro quo dealings, carried out with the connivance of the Democratic Party leadership. The relationship, Jacobin reported, grew out of talks between the two last summer and fall. Those talks and the friendly relationship that grew out of them resulted in Hochuls endorsement of Mamdani. The article argues that Mamdanis alliance with Hochul is a necessary evil and, indeed, proof of success. It claims that Mamdanis relationship with the right-wing governor is a partnership that is embedded in huge victories. Jacobin insists this is not selling out but what effectively wielding state power looks like. Even when acknowledging that the endorsement took place while Hochul was actively helping break the strike of 15,000 nurses, Jacobin portrays this betrayal as a noble dilemma of socialist governance to secure supposedly historic gains. In fact, Mamdani has no doubt played a key role in talks behind the scenes to shut down the nurses strike, along with his Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, Julie Su, formerly of the Biden administration. Within the past week, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) shut down the strikes at two out of the three hospital systems where workers are striking, Mount Sinai and Montefiore. At New YorkPresbyterian, workers voted no on NYSNAs tentative agreement, a massive repudiation of the trade union apparatus. The article presents Mamdanis betrayals as a masterful piece of political maneuvering. Jacobin writes: Socialists in New York have long succeeded with an inside/outside strategy, gaining state power while also organizing grassroots pressure. The Mamdani administration is a triumph of that strategy. What DSA success Jacobin is touting it never makes clear, but supposedly Mamdani is inside and has little choice but to endorse Hochul; his supporters on the outside can help him by pressuring Hochul to the left. This inside/outside strategy is in fact a formula for shielding those inside from criticism and trapping those outside within the Democratic Party. Mamdanis austerity measures and his endorsement of Hochuls re-election bid have exposed him as an operative of the ruling elite. All of this has thrown the DSA into a crisis. In response to the Hochul endorsement, the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA) released a statement cynically attempting to distance itself from the very mayor who is a member of its organization and for whom it campaigned. It reads in part: NYC-DSA does not believe that Governor Kathy Hochul has risen to meet this moment. [W]ith fascism here, and ultra-wealthy hospital CEOs refusing fair pay and benefits for nurses amid a historic strike, New York cannot afford to let the Governor continue to protect billionaire donors at the expense of SNAP, Medicaid, truly universal childcare, and the enactment of the mayors affordability agenda. The NYC-DSA and several other organizations, including United Auto Workers Region 9A, have organized a protest in Albany for February 25 designed to pressure Hochul to include progressive tax hikes in the final state budget. This is a desperate antic to hold on to the credibility of Mamdani and the DSA itself, predicated on the conception that, no matter what rotten alliances one of their own makes in office, popular pressure can still force concessions from the Democrats. In fact, these developments expose the real function of Mamdani and the DSA: to provide left cover for the Democratic Party, politically disarm the working class and impose the demands of Wall Street. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, attends a House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing at the Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Washington. [Photo: Allison Robbert/WSWS] The appearance of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) this weekend is a demonstration of the essential political function of both AOC herself and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the political organization which she joined when she began her political career in 2018. The DSA is not a socialist organization but a left faction of the Democratic Party, one of the two major parties of the American capitalist class. Both the DSA and AOC herself are committed defenders of American imperialism. AOC will participate in two panels at the conference at the invitation of the German organizers, who are closely linked to that countrys national-security establishment. There she will give voice to the foreign policy of the Democratic Party, whose differences with fascist President Donald Trump largely revolve around his reduction in US military support to the war in Ukraine against Russia. The entire Munich conference is focused on the mounting conflict between the United States and Europe, whose flashpoints, in addition to Ukraine, include Trumps demand for Denmark to hand over Greenland to the US and his use of tariffs against former allies, seeking both economic and security advantages. The MSC, held annually at the luxury Bayerischer Hof hotel since 1963, was founded during the Cold War as the Wehrkundetagungliterally, a defense studies meetingby Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist-Schmenzin with the explicit purpose of consolidating the Western military alliance. Kleist-Schmenzin himself had served the Nazi Third Reich as an officer in the Wehrmacht. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky will be in Munich to accept the annual Ewald von Kleist Award. Zelensky cancelled presidential elections nearly two years ago but continues to rule as the head of a police-state regime that is visibly crumbling under Russian military pressure. For over six decades, the MSC has served as the premier salon where NATO officials, defense ministers, arms industry executives, intelligence chiefs and transatlantic policy elites coordinate the strategic consensus that underwrites Western military dominance. Its guest lists read like a directory of the forces that launched the Iraq War, expanded NATO eastward against repeated warnings, armed Saudi Arabias war in Yemen and maintained unconditional military support for Israel. Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and BAE Systems are among its corporate sponsors. Ocasio-Cortez has chosen to make her debut as a left representative of American imperialism at this foul gathering. Several other potential Democratic presidential candidates are attending the Munich conference, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego. In a press interview, Gallego said, Were doing our best to make sure the world knows the Trump worldview is not the dominant view of foreign policy. But it is Ocasio-Cortez whose presence has drawn the most media attention, as it represents her first major venture into the snakepit of imperialist politics. This effort has been widely interpreted as preparation for a 2028 campaign, either for US Senate in New York state, for the seat now held by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, or for the presidency. AOC herself encouraged speculation about her political ambitions, tweeting out a poll showing her defeating Vice President JD Vance in a hypothetical 2028 presidential contest. Over the past two months in particular, there has been a carefully managed press campaign to elevate her political standing and position her as a leading figure in Congress, if the Democrats win control of the House in November, and as a potential presidential candidate to be brought forward to divert any mass radicalization among working people and youth. A glowing article in the New York Times, published last week under the headline, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Steps Onto a Wider Stage, announced her impending visit to the MSC, calling it her most significant overseas trip since taking office, according to Mike Casca, her chief of staff. There, she is expected to present a left-wing alternative to Mr. Trumps shoot-from-the-hip approach to world affairs. This is called being licked into shape. But not all that much licking is required. AOC, without a single independent thought in her head, is so much silly putty in the hands of managers. Her supposedly radical rhetoric, and her vast social media following, particularly among young people, make Ocasio-Cortez a valuable asset for American imperialism. AOC is being brought forward to provide a populist gloss for the Democratic Partys policy of total war in Ukraine. She speaks for that section of the American bourgeoisie that is unalterably committed to the war and to pursuing a direct military confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia. In this she is true to the political heritage of the DSA, founded by ex-Shachtmanites, rooted in Cold War anticommunism, who demonize Vladimir Putin despite his open repudiation of the Russian Revolution. Ocasio-Cortez began her own political career in 2018 after an internship as an aide to Senator Edward Kennedy, focusing on immigration and foreign policy issues and a brief foray into business. She ran as an insurgent and upset incumbent Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary in a heavily Latino district in Queens and the Bronx. She quickly made her peace with the congressional Democratic leadership and was given significant committee and party assignments by Nancy Pelosi. During her seven years in Congress, AOC voted to illegalize a strike by 100,000 railroad workers and force through a contract the workers had rejected. She cast a vote to provide $40 billion in weapons to far-right forces in Ukraine and endorsed the US/NATO war against Russia, which threatens a nuclear holocaust. She voted in favor of US military aid to Israel throughout the genocide in Gaza and condemned pro-Palestinian protesters in the US as antisemitic. In an interview with NBC News Thursday, Ocasio-Cortez said of her trip to Munich, Its very important that they see the full spectrum of representation, leadership and thought of the United States. Her top foreign policy adviser, Matt Duss, a former aide to Senator Bernie Sanders, claimed that AOC would provide a working class perspective on foreign policy. She believes the U.S. has an important role to play around the world, but military intervention is not the way to do that. And theres clearly a strong constituency in the country that agrees with that. Thats a constituency Trump and Vance appealed to. It is true that Trump and Vance sought to posture, falsely, as opponents of endless wars. But they could only carry out this pretense because of the militarism of the Biden administration and the Democrats, which had the full backing of Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders and the DSA. Ocasio-Cortez declared her solidarity with Biden in an interview with the New York Times in 2023, on which the World Socialist Web Site commented: The most significant statement made in the interview was Ocasio-Cortezs disavowal of any opposition to American imperialism. I wouldnt necessarily characterize my foreign policy goals as oppositional to the presidents or to the United States, she said. I am a member of Congress. I have sworn an oath to this country, and I take that oath very seriously. The WSWS continued: When Ocasio-Cortez says that she has sworn an oath to this country, what she in fact means is that she has sworn an oath to uphold the interests of the American ruling class at home and abroad. Notably absent in the interview is any mention of the word socialism. Indeed, taken as a whole, the interview confirms that the DSA and AOC have as much to do with socialism as the CIA. In fact, from the standpoint of policies and objectives, the initials are interchangeable. Three years later, there is no need to change a word in this assessment. The Health Workers Action Committee (HWAC) will hold a public online meeting at 8 p.m. on February 20 entitled Sri Lankan Doctors Protests and the Fight to Defend Free Public Health. Since January 23, around 20,000 Sri Lankan government doctors have been involved in widespread protest actions, including a two-day token strike on January 2324, to demand an increase in their legitimate allowances. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government has responded with rejections and threats against the protesting doctors. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake publicly declared on February 6 that no allowances or salary increases will be made no matter how many street protests or strikes take place. He directed this threat at the protesting doctors and all state employees, insisting that the government will adhere only to the International Monetary Funds (IMF) directives to curtail public spending. While the doctors demands over allowances and working conditions are legitimate and urgent, they cannot be separated from the broader assault on the free public health system carried out by successive governments and intensified by the current JVP/NPP government. Marking a decisive step toward privatising healthcare, the cabinet decided on January 6 to legalise a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) system to obtain essential medical tests from private institutions. The public healthcare system is on the brink. Hospitals are crippled by shortages of doctors, nurses and support staff. Vital equipment is lacking, medicine shortages are widespread, and infrastructure is decaying. The struggle for better conditions for health employees is inseparably bound up with defending free healthcare, which was won through the bitter struggles of the working class and supported by the poor. The trade union bureaucracies are the main barrier to organising this struggle. The outright rejection of the doctors demands has once again shattered the illusions spread by trade union leadersincluding the Government Medical Officers Association, which called the current proteststhat the government can be pressured into granting health workers demands. We call for the building of action committees independent of the union bureaucracies in all public hospitals and health institutions and urge employees in private health institutions to do the same. These committees must turn to other workers and the poor in the struggle to defend free public healthcare. Our meeting will also discuss the strategic need to connect this struggle to international working-class solidarity and to the broader socialist perspective necessary to defend and rebuild public health. We call upon you to join the meeting and participate in this important discussion. Date and time: Friday, February 20, 8 p.m. Register for the meeting here. Norman Finkelstein [Photo: Miguel de Icaza] On Tuesday evening, less than 24 hours before the scheduled event, student organizers at Princeton University announced on social media that a lecture by Norman Finkelstein had been abruptly canceled due to unforeseen circumstances involving new University policy. The event was publicly advertised by several campus organizations as the third annual lecture by Princeton graduate Norman Finkelstein, to be held on Wednesday, February 11, at 4:30 p.m. in a campus building. The focus of the meeting, according to an advertisement for the event, was Discussion on the ongoing Gaza genocide. Finkelstein was to speak alongside Nadera ShalhoubKevorkian, a Palestinian scholar of law and criminology, underscoring that the meeting was framed as a serious academic discussion of the ongoing crimes against Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli regime. In their Wednesday announcement of the cancellation on social media, the organizers wrote: We regret having to inform you on such short notice, but due to unforeseen circumstances involving new University policy, this event has been cancelled. There are no confirmed plans at this stage for a rescheduled date. The last minute cancellation of the lecture by Princeton University on Wednesday is a calculated act of political censorship, aimed at silencing prominent and wellinformed critics of Zionism and the USbacked genocide in Gaza. The new University policy refers to the battery of administrative measures adopted by universities across the US to throttle proPalestinian protests, police speech critical of Israel based on the false claim that such events are antisemitic. This is not the first time Finkelstein has faced efforts to smear him or block his appearance on the Princeton campus. In 2019 he was the target of a slander campaign at Princeton following his appearance on a panel on black-Palestinian solidarity where he sharply criticized Israels siege of Gaza. He later denounced the campus newspapers attempt to label his remarks antisemitic as a sustained libel. The latest cancellation extends this slander, this time under conditions of the ongoing genocide in Gaza that the US political establishment and its faithful representatives in academia are seeking to shut down and silence. For decades, Finkelstein has been subjected to a relentless campaign of vilification and repression by rightwing and Zionist forces precisely because he grounds his exposure of Israeli crimes in documented fact and in the framework of international law. In Germany in 2010, a coordinated operation by neoconservative and Zionist pressure groups, such as Honestly Concerned and BAK Shalom, forced the cancellation of several of his public events, with organizers parroting the claim that his behavior and theses do not remain within the limits of legitimate critique and thanking those who intervened to shut him down. In the US, the most notorious example was the campaign spearheaded by Harvard law Professor Alan Dershowitz to block Finkelsteins tenure at DePaul University following the publication of his book, Beyond Chutzpah: On the Misuse of AntiSemitism and the Abuse of History. Finkelsteins book exposed Dershowitzs falsifications in The Case for Israel and demolished the standard apologias for Israeli oppression of the Palestinians. Despite strong support in the Political Science Department at DePaul, the university bowed to external pressure and denied Finkelstein tenure, effectively destroying his official academic career. He has also been targeted directly by the Israeli state. In May 2008 Finkelstein was detained and interrogated at Ben Gurion Airport, deported from Israel and slapped with a 10year ban on entry because of his contact with Hezbollah and, more fundamentally, his role in publicizing the record of Israeli war crimes. In 2024, members of Betar, a fascist tendency founded by Zeev Jabotinsky, recorded themselves physically threatening Finkelstein in New York City, an incident that showed the increasingly open resort to Zionist thuggery against opponents of the Gaza genocide. Everywhere the same political logic operates. Pressure groups, the Israeli state and their allies in the media denounce Finkelstein as an antisemite or extremist, demand cancellations and rely on cowardly administrators to do the rest. The aim is to criminalize historically accurate and factual criticism of Israel and to make an example of Finkelstein to intimidate students, academics and workers who are speaking out at campuses around the world against the genocide. Norman Finkelstein, the son of Holocaust survivors from Poland, emerged as a major polemicist in the 1990s and 2000s through his battles against historical falsifications that turned the Nazi genocide into a political instrument of US and Israeli policy. His 2000 book The Holocaust Industry showed how the memory of the Holocaust has been systematically exploited to legitimize Israels role as a regional enforcer for US imperialism and to silence criticism of its treatment of the Palestinians. He followed this with Beyond Chutzpah, which dissected the pseudolegal defenses of Israeli violence and painstakingly compared official claims with the record contained in reports by human rights organizations and the UN. Most of his 14 books have consisted of such careful reviews of the documentary evidence of Israeli violations of international law, making him one of the most accomplished chroniclers of the crimes from within the US academic milieu. In 2018, Finkelstein published Gaza: An Inquest Into Its Martyrdom, which analyzed three major Israeli assaults on the enclave between 2008 and 2014 and demonstrated how each was accompanied by a campaign of whitewashing in the media and diplomatic cover by the US and Europe. In later interviews and lectures, Finkelstein has characterized Israels policy as an attempt to render Gaza unlivable, forcing its population to either stay and starve or leave, and he has insisted that the current offensive is a slaughter rather than a war, with a killing ratio he described as 1 Israeli to 225 Palestinians. Finkelstein has emphasized that the US has enabled the genocide in Gaza, explaining that Israel could not act without American support and that Washingtons real concern is to restore Israeli deterrence as an instrument of US policy, not to halt atrocities. In detailed public talks since October 7, 2023, he has repeatedly returned to the basic legal and moral question: that the deliberate destruction of civilian life and the blockade of food, water and fuel constitute the crime of genocide under international law, whatever pretexts are invoked by the Zionists and their supporters and apologists. The World Socialist Web Site has consistently defended Finkelstein against state repression and rightwing campaigns aimed silencing him, while also pointing to the limitations of his political outlook. In a report on his February 2025 lecture Free Gaza, Free Speech at the University of Michigan, the WSWS described him as an opponent and chronicler of the crimes of Zionism and the Israeli state whose exposure of these crimes is courageous and principled. The meeting, which drew some 500 people on short notice, was noted as an expression of broad popular anger and deep disgust at the normalization of genocide and the role of the entire political establishment, including the Democrats, in backing it. In that lecture, Finkelstein denounced the Biden administration for fully backing the Gaza genocide with bombs, money and political and diplomatic support, and ridiculed Bidens posturing on academic freedom as the universities led an unprecedented crackdown on proPalestinian protests. He condemned the fraudulent equation of opposition to genocide with antisemitism and attacked the use of billionaire donors like Bill Ackman to manufacture claims that students feel unsafe as a pretext to criminalize slogans such as From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. The WSWS drew attention to the fact that Finkelsteins critique does not go beyond middle class protest politics. In his Michigan talk, Finkelstein made no substantive reference to the working class or to the necessity of mobilizing workers internationally against imperialism and war. He instead fostered illusions in figures such as Bernie Sanders, whom he presented as a representative of the historic genuine left. This perspective leaves the global crisis of capitalism, and the drive of US imperialism toward world war and dictatorship, fundamentally unchallenged. Finkelsteins meticulous documentation of Israeli crimes, his defense of academic freedom and his principled rejection of identity politics are significant. However, these positions must be linked to the development of a working class movement and the fight for socialism. The shutting down of Finkelsteins lecture at Princeton is an attack on fundamental democratic rights and an integral part of the proIsrael, proUS campaign to criminalize opposition to genocide. It comes amid a nationwide offensive in which university administrations, acting on behalf of the state and under the direct pressure of billionaires, donors and the political establishment, have rewritten conduct codes, banned organizations and called in police against students and faculty who oppose the destruction of Gaza. By invoking the new University policy to cancel a talk by one of its own graduates, Princeton has signaled that its campus is not a place for free speech about the crimes of US imperialism and its allies but an institution of ideological discipline aligned with the war aims of the Trump administration in the Middle East and beyond. If a scholar whose entire career has been spent in painstaking documentation of human rights violations can be barred in this manner, every student, worker and academic who takes a stand against Israeli and American war crimes can expect the same treatment. The working class and youth must reject all attempts to smear Finkelstein, students and other opponents of Zionism as antisemites and must insist on their unconditional right to speak, organize and demonstrate against the genocide in Gaza. The machinery of state-sanctioned killing in the United States continued this week with executions in Florida and Oklahoma, the second and third executions of 2026. The deaths of these men underscore a legal system that remains indifferent to systemic trauma, poverty and profound sentencing disparities in the cases of those condemned to death. Florida: Sentenced on nonunanimous jury recommendation On Tuesday, February 10, the state of Florida executed 64-year-old Ronald Palmer Heath by lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. He received a three-drug lethal injection protocol, consisting of a sedative, a paralytic agent and a drug to induce cardiac arrest. Heaths final words were, Im sorry. Thats all I can say. Thank you. He was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. Ronald Palmer Heath [Photo: Florida Department of Corrections] Heath spent 35 years on death row for the 1989 robbery and murder of Michael Sheridan, a traveling salesman met at a Gainesville bar. While Heath acknowledged his role and expressed deep remorse for the crime, the logic behind his death sentence was the subject of intense criticism. His younger brother and co-defendant, Kenneth Heaththe undisputed trigger man who in fact shot Sheridanreceived a life sentence after testifying against Ronald. Despite the younger brothers 2025 plea to the Clemency Board that he and Ronald were equally culpable, the state chose to execute the brother who did not fire the fatal shots. The states determination to kill Heath also ignored a harrowing history of institutional abuse. He was tried and sentenced as an adult at age 16 for the 1977 second-degree murder of Michael Green and was subjected to horrific violence within the Florida adult prison system. He reported multiple instances of gang rape and sexual assault at gunpoint, which were so violent they necessitated a three-month hospitalization and surgery. The jury that eventually recommended his death sentence for the Sheridan murder never heard evidence of this polyvictimization and how it impaired his brain development and judgment. In addition, Heaths sentence was the product of a nonunanimous jury recommendation of 10-2. Florida remains an outlier in this practice, allowing state-sanctioned death without a consensus of 12 jurors. Before 2016, the state of Florida allowed judges to override jury recommendations of death sentences by a simple majority of at least 7-5. A Tampa Bay Times analysis of more than 450 death penalty cases found that as of early 2016, 80 percent of people on death row had been recommended for death sentences by nonunanimous juries. A 2016 US Supreme Court ruling in Hurst v. Florida struck down nonunanimous jury findings as a violation of the Sixth Amendment, which protects criminal defendants rights. While unanimous jury recommendations became mandated in Florida following Hurst, pre-2016 sentences, including Heaths, were not vacated retroactively. In 2023, a state law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis again lowered the threshold to an 8-4 majority. Alabama is the only other state practicing the death penalty to allow nonunanimous jury recommendations of death (by a 10-2 vote). Heaths final appeals, which challenged Floridas secretive lethal injection protocols and the failure to consider his juvenile brain development, were summarily rejected by both the Florida and US Supreme Courts. Oklahoma: A history of poverty, abuse and PTSD Two days later, on Thursday, February 12, Oklahoma carried out its first execution of the year, killing 45-year-old Kendrick Antonio Simpson. Strapped to a gurney at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Simpson told his family, I love yall. Thank yall for being here to support me, before being pronounced dead at 10:19 a.m.. Kendrick Simpson, 45, on Aug. 11, 2025. [AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections] Simpson was convicted for the 2006 drive-by shooting of Anthony Jones and Glen Palmer following a nightclub altercation. His case is a textbook example of how the death penalty disproportionately targets the mentally ill and victims of systemic poverty. A native of New Orleans who fled to Oklahoma as a Hurricane Katrina refugee, Simpsons childhood was marked by abandonment, a mother addicted to cocaine, and sexual abuse beginning at age 11. He also suffered from severe PTSD after surviving a separate drive-by shooting that left him with wounds to his skull and abdomen. During his two decades behind bars, Simpson underwent a remarkable rehabilitation, becoming a published poet and earning his GED. Despite this, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 against recommending clemency. Governor Kevin Stitt, who has granted clemency only twice in his tenure, allowed the execution to proceed despite a pending legislative effort, SB 601, which seeks a moratorium on executions. Simpsons final appeal, which argued that the jury never heard of his documented PTSD, was rejected by the US Supreme Court without comment on the eve of his death. In 2025, the US saw a 15-year high of 47 executions. Florida led the nation with a record 19 executions in 2025; followed by Alabama, South Carolina and Texas, with 5 each; Tennessee, 3; Arizona, Indiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma, 2 each; and Louisiana and Missouri, 1 each. Texas carried out the first US execution of 2026 on January 28, killing Charles Victor Thompson, 55. Upcoming executions include Melvin Trotter on February 24 and Billy Leon Kearse on March 3, both in Florida. A police rampage against peaceful protesters in Sydney on Monday evening has shocked masses of people across Australia and around the world. While rolling out the red carpet for Israeli president and war criminal Isaac Herzog, the New South Wales (NSW) Labor government erected a police state in the centre of the countrys largest city and directed cops to brutalise demonstrators. Thousands of demonstrators denounce Herzog's Australian visit at Sydney Town Hall. February 9, 2026 The attack, which included multiple unprovoked violent assaults, and the welcome to Herzog led by the federal government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have underscored the reality that Labor is a party of imperialist war and authoritarianism. The issue of not only a complete break with Labor, but a political fight against it based on a new socialist perspective, is objectively posed by the situation itself to all those who wish to oppose the Gaza genocide and war and to defend democratic rights. But there are political forces active in the leadership of these protests who seek to prevent the necessary political clarification of this reality. They are the pseudo-left organisations, such as Socialist Alternative (SAlt) and Socialist Alliance. While they claim to be left-wing or even socialist, they work to funnel opposition back behind the existing political establishment, including the Greens, the union bureaucracy and Labor itself, to which they are tied by a thousand strings. The response of the most prominent of them, SAlt, has been to sow complacency, in the face of the most serious state attacks on democratic rights in decades, and to peddle the fraud that all that is required is more protest, based on the same perspective of appealing to governments that has failed over the course of more than two years of the genocide. The two articles published in SAlts Red Flag strike an almost jubilant tone that is jarring to anyone familiar with the events of Monday night and the broader context. The first includes an account of what occurred, including the most egregious police assaults that were caught on video. But its essential conclusion from the onslaught was that For all of this, the supporters of Palestine havent been cowed. That was proved by the fact that tens of thousands of people had attended the demonstrations against Herzog, in Sydney and across the country. The second article was a more extended exposition of that theme. They wanted to silence us. They failed, it was headlined. Red Flag proclaimed that In the face of endless intimidation, the Palestine movement has defiantly asserted itself and sent a message to Gaza: we are with you. The article scarcely included a concrete reference to the police violence that had been inflicted. There was no mention of the 27 people who had been arrested at the Sydney protest, ten of whom have since been hit with serious charges. Nor of the fact that several individuals have sustained serious injuries, including a grandmother whose back has been broken after having been pushed by police. Those omissions can only be described as callous and politically irresponsible. More fundamentally, no warning was issued of the shift that the massive police operation represented. Even official civil liberties organisations and human rights lawyers, hardly known for their political radicalism, have issued sharper statements than SAlt, pointing out to the population that the NSW Labor administration, acting in concert with the federal Labor government, have gone a long way down the road to erecting a police-state. While it is of significance that thousands defied government threats and turned out on Monday evening, the actual circumstances of the evening hardly speak in favour of the noisy protest politics promoted by SAlt. The police were able to enforce a ban on a planned march to the NSW parliament. The activation of major event legislation to impose that prohibition creates a precedent for all political rallies and activities to be barred as a threat to public order. The cops were wholly responsible for the violence that occurred and had clearly been instructed by police command and the government that the gloves were off. But the generally disorganised character of the rally meant that the police were able to pick protesters off, one by one, including the vulnerable. The defeat of police state repression requires the mobilisation of a more powerful force than individual protesters, the working class. The fact that the union bureaucracies ensured no organised contingents of workers is not mentioned by SAlt. Throughout the genocide, SAlt, along with the rest of the pseudo-left, have run cover for the union leaderships as they have maintained their lockstep alliance with the Labor governments supporting the genocide and viciously attacking opposition. The idea that Herzogs visit should have been met by mass industrial action by the working class was not raised by SAlt, or any other of the pseudo-left groups, because it would have raised the need for a struggle against the bureaucracies that they collaborate with and promote. The union leaderships have said virtually nothing in response to the police attacks or to Herzogs visit itself. The glaring absences in the Red Flag articles are due to SAlt continuing to promote a bankrupt perspective that has been refuted by events themselves. The second article concluded by proclaiming The Palestine movement has endured two years of intimidation. Two years of slander. Two years of repression. And yet, it remains strong. It remains defiant. We must continue. That is a call for more of the same and for no lessons to be learned. Throughout the genocide, the pseudo-left has promoted the fraud that continuous protests, appealing to the Labor governments, will compel them to shift course and to end their support for the mass murder. Two years on and Labor has not shifted to the left but dramatically to the right. It has not only identified itself more directly with the mass murder than ever before, through its fawning over Herzog, it has also moved to ban protests themselves. The second article, adapting itself to an increasing anti-capitalist sentiment and to the growing recognition that protest politics have failed, declares at one point that A new socialist movement must be built. But how is such a movement to be built? The two sentences directly preceding that phrase are the only answer provided: Anyone with a shred of political conscience should immediately leave the ALP [Australian Labor Party]. This whole saga should be a watershed moment for anyone who considers themselves part of the left. That is, the movement that SAlt is calling for is one based upon members of the Labor Party who have a conscience, having remained in this rotten, corporatist shell throughout its complicity in a genocide, and other representatives of the left, such as the Greens and assorted union bureaucrats. The development of such a political trap, completely wedded to the parliamentary establishment is not hypothetical, but was on display at the Monday rally itself. SAlt plays a key role in the Palestine Action Group which organised the demonstration, and one of its leading members, Josh Lees, was among the MCs. Several Palestinians spoke movingly on the horrors facing the people of Gaza, and journalist Antony Lowenstein denounced the conflation of Judaism and Zionism. But as a whole, the event was bereft of analysis, including from Lees. There was virtually no attempt to refute the pretext for Herzogs visit, that he was in Australia to comfort victims of the December 14 Bondi terrorist attack. The significance of Labors embrace of this war criminal, in exposing the complete futility of appealing to it, was not raised. Instead, MCs directed the crowd to call on Labor itself to arrest Herzog, something it obviously had not the slightest intention of doing. Federal Greens parliamentarian Mehreen Faruqi was provided with a platform, under conditions where her party continues to collaborate with a federal Labor government that is spearheading the offensive against democratic rights. Paul Keating, the Sydney branch secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, was paraded as a supporter of the Palestinians, despite his unions complete opposition to any industrial action targeting Israeli shipping and its formal affiliation to the pro-genocide Labor Party. Most significant of all, the rally was turned over to a member of the very NSW Labor government that had banned a march and has been the most vociferous state administration in its support of the genocide. Labor MP Sarah Kaine gave motherhood statements about the mass killings in Gaza and bemoaned the decision to invite Herzog. But she is a loyal member of the party responsible for these crimes. Like a handful of other NSW Labor dissidents, she is committed to cabinet solidarity and has voted repeatedly in favour of anti-protest laws. The organisers may as well have handed the platform over to NSW Premier Chris Minns or to Albanese himself. There is only slight exaggeration in such a suggestion. The distinctive feature of SAlts line since the December 14 attack has been to cover for Labor and particularly for its leadership. As the WSWS previously documented, the only two articles that Red Flag published last year following the attack simply did not mention that the Labor governments were responding by seeking to criminalise the pro-Palestinian movement, as part of a broader drive to institute authoritarian measures. That was particularly extraordinary because Labors response was immediate. When the second of those articles was published, the NSW Labor government had already moved to recall the state parliament to introduce emergency legislation to ban demonstrations for up to three months in the wake of a terrorism designation, a power that remains in force and was among those used against Monday evenings protest. Instead of warning against and denouncing this offensive, Red Flag presented Labor as a hapless victim. It claimed that broad right-wing political networks have seized the opportunity to supercharge anti-immigrant sentiment and turn it against the Labor government. Nevermind the fact that Labor itself has spearheaded the assault on refugees and migrants, this was simply a defence of the Labor governments as they were enacting police-state measures. That was made explicit in Red Flags first offering of the year. It warned that the far-right want to strike a blow against the political lefta term SAlt uses to describe itselfand the Labor Party. The response, it asserted, had to be standing up to an emboldened and rabid political right. That was a fairly open call for an alliance with the Labor governments themselves. That is how SAlt prepared workers and young people for the violence that was unleashed on Monday nightby apologising for, excusing and even promoting the very governments that were preparing it. The record is an abject lesson in the duplicitous politics of the pseudo-left. Their radical phraseology notwithstanding, they are a component of the political establishment, tied to the union bureaucracies, the Greens and Labor itself. They speak, not for the working class, but for layers of the upper middle-class which seek to advance their privileges within the framework of the existing social and political order. The greatest threat to this social constituency is the development of an independent political movement of the working class, which is why the pseudo-left works so intently to subordinate opposition to the official set-up. In their articles, SAlt has presented the Herzog visit and the assault on the Sydney protest as single issues, unrelated to broader political developments. Nothing could be further from the truth. The turn to police-state rule simply cannot be explained from the standpoint of the animus of governments and the ruling elites to mass opposition to the genocide alone. That is an expression of more fundamental processes and aims. Capitalism, globally and in Australia, is in the midst of a breakdown. The Trump administration, responding to the historic crisis of American imperialism, is tearing up all of the old norms of international relations and diplomacy, substituting them for naked gangsterism. Australia, closely aligned with the US, is involved not only in the genocide and the broader plans for war in the Middle East targeting Iran, but also in advanced preparations for a catastrophic conflict with China. Such a war would require conscription, the subordination of the entire economy to the military and police-state rule. Domestically, there is growing opposition to a social crisis that has seen the biggest reversal to living standards of the post-World War II period. The agenda of the ruling elite is for the dismantling of social services and a productivity offensive, aimed at driving up profits at the expense of jobs, wages and conditions. The global and domestic tensions are roiling the political establishment that has defended capitalist rule for decades. The Liberal-National Coalition is in an advanced state of disintegration. Every day, nervous editorials and comments in the financial press warn that the two-party system is at risk of collapse. Under those conditions, the capitalist class is heavily dependent on Labor and Albanese himself to ensure stable rule and to enforce its program of war and austerity. That is the deeper significance of the turn to authoritarian measures. It also underscores the critical role that the pseudo-left plays as a linchpin of capitalist politics. As the old mechanisms of bourgeois rule are strained and threatened, the pseudo-left comes forward to defend them in its promotion of illusions in Labor. The alternative, fought for by the Socialist Equality Party, is the development of a genuine socialist movement of the working class. That means, not appeals to Labor, but the most determined political fight against it; a rebellion against the corporatised union bureaucracy, aimed at establishing independent rank-and-file committees controlled by workers themselves, and the unification of the working class internationally on a revolutionary and socialist program as the only means of halting the descent into world war and the associated turn to dictatorship. Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE:EXK) is included among the 11 Best Mining Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street. CIBC Raises its Price Target on Endeavour Silver Corp. (EXK) to C$25 and Keeps an Outperformer Rating On February 4, 2026, CIBC raised its price target on Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE:EXK) to C$25 from C$20 and kept an Outperformer rating. The update on Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE:EXK) came as part of a broader update across the precious metals group after the firm raised its gold price forecasts to $6,000 per ounce in 2026 and $6,500 in 2027, while also lifting copper assumptions. CIBC said the same demand drivers seen in 2025 are expected to remain in place in 2026, though geopolitical uncertainty remains elevated. On January 19, 2026, BMO Capital analyst Kevin OHalloran raised his price target on Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE:EXK) to C$17 from C$15.50 and kept an Outperform rating, even as the firm described the companys 2026 guidance as broadly negative, citing production below forecast and higher costs. Earlier, on January 16, 2026, the company guided to 2026 silver production of 8.3 million to 8.9 million ounces from Terronera, Guanacevi, and Kolpa, with gold output of 46,000 to 48,000 ounces from Terronera and Guanacevi. Kolpa is expected to contribute 22,000 to 24,000 tonnes of lead, 16,000 to 18,000 tonnes of zinc, and 650 to 750 tonnes of copper, with the three mines together forecast to deliver 14.6 million to 15.6 million silver equivalent ounces. Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE:EXK) is a silver-focused miner with operations spanning Mexico, Chile, Peru, and the United States, producing silver, gold, and a mix of base metals. While we acknowledge the potential of EXK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 11 Best Mining Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street and 10 Most Profitable Undervalued Stocks to Buy Disclosure: None. Following Mondays brutal police attacks on demonstrators in Sydney against the visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, a number of the protesters have contacted the World Socialist Web Site to report their own experiences. The following are just some of their accounts. Demonstrators hemmed in by NSW Riot Squad Police at Sydney Town Hall, February 9, 2026 Sarah, a counsellor, told WSWS reporters: The crowd was starting to dispersethe idea was to march. As we were doing that very slowly, we noticed that the police started to get their metal barriers and were putting them at either end [of the section of George St between Bathurst St and Park St]. They were also lining up all the police officers, even near the steps to Town Hall, so they barricaded us in. As the police officers were shutting the first gate, there was an elderly woman in a wheelchair and a child with her family that were just trying to leave. A friend of mine grabbed the gate and was trying to pull it open, saying, let them out. The police officers didnt like that. So they got into a bit of a tussle with the gate. Another police officer came in to grab my friend. Thats when I stepped in and I put my body in between the police officer and my friend, who was trying to get this gate open so these people could go through. The police officer pulled my Keffiyeh off and threw it on the ground and then he pushed me by my chest. I said, dont touch me and went to push him back. Then he pushed me again, shouting at me, and then a second police officer came and pushed me to the ground. They were saying, stay there, dont f***ing move, that sort of thing. Somebody helped lift me up off the ground, at which point [the cops] had grabbed my friend. About seven officers pulled him up over the barrier and then they bashed him. Hes got gashes on his head, on his knees, he was covered in blood. Hes got bruises all over his rib cage. After that, more and more officers came to that, sort of, front line and were pushing us and pushing us back. We kept saying, you cant keep us here, youre going to create a crowd crush. We were all there for about an hour and nobody was allowed to leave. Then friends of mine, who were down the other end [of the city block], told me over the phone that the police officers there had said that they could travel south and go out that way. But when they went to do that, there were all these horses there and they werent allowed to leave. After about an hour, they started to get more officers to create a really solid line. They were sort of all whispering to each other and waiting, like they were waiting for a direction. [We had the sense that] theyre going to do something, somethings going to happen. They pushed us forward, just started pushing us all, physically, like on the chest. I had one officer grab me by my throat and push me back. He was just saying, everybody get back. We kept saying, Where do you want us to go? We cant go back. Theres like 30,000 people behind us. There were people falling in the crowd and elderly couples that were near me that were absolutely petrified. We were all just sort of squished on top of each other. Then they just pepper-sprayed all of us, just indiscriminately over the crowd. I pushed myself to the side. I had my head in my hands and my eyes shut. This lady, who I probably owe my life to, grabbed me and said, dont move, theres a horse behind you. Apparently it was like an inch away from me. It got wild from there, but I was able to stay to the side, which meant that the horses came past me and I was able to leave. Asked about the political issues behind the police rampage, Sarah said: My opinion of police in general is that they only serve capital. They dont serve community and never have. The violent police response to the protest was definitely planned to create chaos and a crowd crush, to incite violence as a way to demonstrate through mainstream news that these protests have got to be shut down. I think its a show as well to demonstrate Australias alliance with not only Israel, but the US and imperialism in general. Speaking about the effect of the genocide radicalising workers and young people worldwide, including in Australia, she said: I think that the powers that be know that and they want to stifle any possible movement or possible revolution. Theyre trying to maintain the status quo. Police block protesters from joining rally outside Town Hall in Sydney, February 9, 2026 Karl, a retired IT worker, was punched in the head, his glasses smashed, and within seconds pushed face down on the ground and hit by two police officers, who then said he was being arrested for assault and handcuffed. Ten minutes later he was released without charge. He spoke with the WSWS yesterday about the attack and the false media reportage of the events. Karl: Weve got ultra-right shock jock stations, like 2GB, coming out criticising everyone for standing up against a war criminal. I saw a few media reports about what happened on Monday, but why dont they talk to some of the many Jewish people protesting against the genocide on Monday night. Why not interview some of them? WSWS: And now Labor and the media are doubling down and defending the police violence. Karl: They did indeed, and have justified the brutality. I saw some incidents on social media afterwards and, of course, I experienced it myself. I saw a line of police, probably 10 metres away from me and I turned my back and was walking down George Street. And within seconds, I didnt know what happened. They came down and punched me and pushed me to the ground, smashed my glasses and then said I assaulted them. Really? The mind boggles that they claim this. When our governments and police think this is okay then theyve definitely lost any respect I had for police. Its shameful how the truth is twisted. We live in a first world country, a so-called democracy. Now if someone tells me about police brutality, I know exactly what they mean. Ive had first-hand personal experience of it. I now have a totally different view, not just on policing but on a lot of other things. Gabrielle told WSWS reporters: After an hour of police blockading all sides of the crowd, a small group of people managed to bypass the blockade and head towards Central Station. Officers then started pushing protesters together into what felt like a kettle crush. I saw a few people go down after being peppered sprayed and suddenly the person beside me, who was waving a Palestinian flag, was being dragged from the crowd and pinned to the ground by police. They shoved myself and many others out of the way so they could violently conduct their procedures. They charged towards us with pepper-spray in hand. At one point the majority of people running either side of me were screaming and crying for help after being sprayed or running over with water bottles to help those who had been sprayed. This all came to a head at the intersection between Pitt and Bathurst Street, where layers of police started sprinting towards us. Most of us were able to escape onto Pitt Street. Im sure the images of that night will remain with everybody who attended that protest for many years to come. Gina wrote: Im 56. I have been to two demonstrations in my entire life, and one of them was at Town Hall on February 9 and it broke my heart. I thought it was important to be at Town Hall, not only because of the unforgivable welcoming to Australia of a war criminal (from a country that has killed over 70,000 human beings and continues to execute and mutilate civilians during the ceasefire, while making plans for the land once they manage to clear it of the pests) but also because of the continued rushed and thoughtless legislation to suppress civil rights. I managed to be in Town Hall Square before the police surrounded us and stopped others from entering. When the speeches were over, the police refused to let anyone leave and I was introduced to a new word: kettling the trapping of people in a limited area in an attempt to cause discomfort, distress and intimidation. For more than an hour, the police refused to let anyone leave and, as night began to fall, without warning, they began pushing those gathered to the far end of the square. I was shoved by the police several times while obeying instructions. One of many devastating realisations of the night was the number of police who were smirking and smiling at being able to use force. I was lucky. I managed to get out from in front of the police with only shoves. Im horrified by the police action that took place, forcing demonstrators towards Central Station with lines of police and riot squad and horses, refusing to allow the crowd to disperse naturally down blockaded side streets. They charged without warning and pepper-sprayed our old, our young, our neighbours, our work colleagues, our friends, our family, multiple times. They victimised the infirm and the unarmed. They felt the need to kidney- and head-punch multiple times a young skinny man on the ground, whose arms were already secured behind his back by two police, and charged him with assault for biting. Your fist coming into contact with someones teeth multiple times while you are punching them in the head is not biting. They assaulted people with their arms above their heads, they pushed over and trampled and pepper-sprayed people who were not moving fast enough to suit them. My belief is that the NSW premier and police hierarchy were embarrassed by the size of the turnout (and their disorganised response) to the Harbour Bridge March. That was the first protest I attended and I was there when contradictory police instructions were being shouted from helicopters, officers on the ground and received in text messages, while the peaceful crowd of all ages, genders and backgrounds did their best to cooperate and do what was asked of them. [On Monday] the Labor government and police wanted to make an example to discourage future demonstrations of any kind. The gathering at Town Hall to listen to speakers was not illegal. There was no justification to refuse what would have been another peaceful march from Town Hall to parliament. If there was real concern for public safety, the police would not have kettled those gathered and violently forced them through the city. The police, as instructed by the premier, were the instigators. Those brutalised on Monday night suffered the indignity of a further assault when the NSW premier and the police spokespeople proceeded to present alternative facts for what had occurred and the prime minister mouthed platitudes about bringing down the temperature. Most media did not hold them to account or even challenge their assertions. They shamefully propagated the lie that those gathered to voice disagreement with the decision to invite Herzog, in defence of civil freedoms, in the spirit of community, were at fault for police violence. This has been a stark reminder that our political leaders are not here to represent the people. That the police are not here to protect but to control and suppress. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, right, talks to German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil during the Ministers-President Conference with the heads of the federal states, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. [AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi] Under the slogan Writing the future together, Germanys Social Democrats (SPD) gave the go-ahead last weekend for the drafting of a new party programme, which is to be adopted at a party conference next year. In light of the keynote speech by SPD chairman, finance minister and vice-chancellor Lars Klingbeil at the Willy Brandt House in Berlin, one thing is already certain: It will be the most right-wing programme in the partys history. Klingbeils speech was an open declaration of aggressive German-European great power politics. In doing so, he sought to portray the social democratic programme of militarism, rearmament and imperialism as a supposedly progressive response to a world in which strength and power are returning as the dominant motives of international politics. He stated: Russia has brought war back to Europe with its invasion of Ukraine. China is showing what it intends to do with its great power ambitions, threatening gestures and aggressive trade and industrial policy. And the United States is turning its back on a rules-based international system. This is well-known propaganda. Klingbeil knows full well that it was the German-supported wars in the Balkans, the Middle East and Central Asia, carried out in violation of international law, that devastated entire regions, cost millions of lives and systematically exacerbated international tensions. In Ukraine too, Moscow is not the sole or original aggressor as the official narrative portrays it. NATOs systematic military encirclement of Russia deliberately provoked the reactionary response of the Putin regime. Now, the European NATO powers in particular are pushing for further escalation in order to assert their own strategic and economic interests in the resource-rich region. They are pursuing the same course of encirclement and confrontation against China. When Klingbeil criticises Trumps aggressive foreign policy and the fascist actions of his ICE henchmen at home, he does so not from a progressive standpoint but to legitimise his own imperialist agendaa German-European counterpart to Make America Great Again. Just how blatantly these ambitions are formulated is evident in a key section of his speech. Klingbeil stated: We must be careful that we dont end up being the fools. That is why it is now our task to strengthen Europe internally and to pursue a course externally in which Europe plays a more significant role in international politics than is currently the case. We should strengthen Germany comprehensively so that our society and our economy are resilient. He continued: In a world of centres, we must aspire to make Europe the most attractive centre of all. We have too often belittled ourselves. Europe does not often enough display the self-confidence that it should have as the worlds largest economic area. And now is the time to wake Europe from its beauty sleep, to breathe new life into the European idea. These passages leave no room for interpretation. What is meant is the aggressive pursuit of our own economic and geostrategic interestsnot only vis-a-vis Russia and China but increasingly also vis-a-vis the United States. With regard to Washington, Klingbeil stated: And I want to say this: it was already a good start this year when we in Europe were all very loud and clear and when we opposed Donald Trump and his plan for Greenland. Not the US, but Europeunder German leadershipshould become the strongest centre in a world that the imperialist powers are violently redividing among themselves. To the applause of SPD officials, Klingbeil exclaimed: It must be our goal to make Europe so strong that we do not have to bow down to any other country in the world. And he added: And for Europe to be a strong centre in this new world order, it is essential that we have a strong Germany. A country that leads the way and exploits its potential. Germany must be strengthened. Germany must become more resilient than it is today. The power politics rhetoric of social democracy differsat least in its use of catchwords such as human rights and democracyfrom that of the German Empire or the Nazi regime. But in its fundamental aspirations, it pursues the same goal. The ruling elites see the current struggle for the redivision of the world as an opportunity to re-establish German imperialism as a leading military power. Klingbeil made it unmistakably clear what he means by strength. He praised the federal governments gigantic rearmament package and declared: We have set out on this path. Investments, for example, are crucial to our new economic model, and we have begun the investment offensive in the federal government. 500 billion for infrastructure and another equally large amount for investment in the defence and security of our country. In total, this amounts to 1 trilliona historic sum intended to make Germany fit for war in terms of military and infrastructure. The so-called infrastructure investments also serve to a considerable extent to mobilise the military, upgrade transport routesbridges, roads and railwaysand build up logistical capacities for future conflicts between major powers. All the social rhetoric in Klingbeils speech cannot hide the fact that the working class is to foot the bill for this rearmamentthrough job cuts, wage cuts, massive social spending cuts and the reintroduction of conscription. As finance minister, Klingbeil is implementing these attacks in close cooperation with the trade union apparatus itself. His complaint that the richest ten percent own more than half of the total wealth, while the lower half of the population has to make do with a fraction is pure cynicism. It is the SPD that has significantly created and deepened this social polarisation during decades of government responsibilityfrom the Hartz laws under former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder to the austerity programmes imposed in coalitions with the conservative Christian Democrats. More than a century after its historic betrayal on 4 August 1914, when it approved war credits and supported the First World War, and 67 years after its open renunciation of Marxism at the Bad Godesberg Party Conference in 1959, social democracy is today the central political pillar of German imperialism and its renewed bid for world power. The Left Party and the Greens are no less aggressive in their support. In federal and state governments they back rearmament, war and social spending cuts. Like the openly right-wing parties in the Bundestag (Federal Parliament), they also support the military strengthening of Germanyespecially under conditions in which German imperialism is increasingly positioning itself against the United States. Significantly, the Left Party and the Greens supported the rearmament package praised by Klingbeil with their votes in the Bundestag and Bundesrat (Federal Council). The only party opposing Germanys new great power politics is the Socialist Equality Party (SGP). As the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, it fights to build an international mass movement of the working class against war and its cause, capitalism. The SGP is contesting the Berlin state election in order to give the growing opposition to rearmament, militarism and social attacks a conscious political leadership and socialist perspective. Read our statement and support the SGPs participation in the election with your signature. Canadian Public Security Minister Gary Anandasangaree speaking in Tumbler Ridge on Wednesday. Left of him, BC NDP Premier David Eby [Photo: Gary Anandasangaree/Facebook] On Tuesday, 18-year-old Jesse van Rootselaar shot and killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge, a small municipality in the northeast of British Columbia, before turning the gun on herself. The death toll of nine is one of the highest ever in a school shooting in Canada. The shooter fatally wounded her mother, 39, and stepbrother, 11, at the family home, before travelling about 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. She then opened fire on students and educators, killing five students, four aged 12 and one aged 13, and a 39-year-old educator. Two people, including a 12-year-old child, are in serious condition in hospital, while a further 25 people have been treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Van Rootselaar was by all accounts a solitary figure, who had long shown an interest in firearms and hunting. The police confiscated firearms from the family home in 2024, apparently after one or more incidents where threats were made, but they were returned after their adult owner petitioned for their release. That this was done by the authorities is all the more inexplicable in light of the fact that Van Rootselaar had repeatedly suffered serious mental health issues and was treated in a psychiatric facility for a time. Born as a male, Van Rootselaar began transitioning six years ago. Her family background appears to have been characterized by precarious living conditions. A 2015 court order compelling Van Rootselaars mother, Jennifer Strang, to allow her children to have contact with their father described the familys lifestyle as nomadic. Whether immediate social pressures played a role in Van Rootselaars deadly outburst remains unclear. The shooting has shaken the local community, which has a population of little over 2,000 people. It was built in the early 1980s as part of a coal mining development project. It remained heavily dependent on resource extraction into the 21st century but since the mines closed has increasingly emerged as a tourist destination and a place for retirement. The deaths of so many young children has evoked particular horror. The plight of those directly impacted naturally prompts feelings of great sympathy. It is quite another matter, however, with the sanctimonious declarations of shock and mourning from the political establishment and mainstream media, who would like everyone to believe that what occurred in Tumbler Ridge came like a bolt from the blue in an otherwise harmonious, pacific Canadian society. Official statements to this effect were issued in Parliament by all five parties, from the governing Liberals to the opposition Conservatives, separatist Bloc Quebecois, the New Democrats and Greens. What happened has left our nation in shock, intoned Prime Minister Mark Carney. We will get through this. We will learn from this, but right now its a time to come together as Canadians always do in these terrible situations. He cancelled a planned trip to the Munich Security Conference and announced flags on Parliament Hill would fly at half mast for a week. Carney, the rest of the political establishment and media talking heads may not want to admit it publicly, but Tuesdays sudden outburst of violence is a product of social and political life in Canada. This is underscored by the regularity of mass casualty events over the past decade, as illustrated by this partial list beginning in 2016. January 22, 2016: Four people were killed in La Loche, Saskatchewan, when a teenage gunman fatally shot two relatives at home, before killing another two people at La Loche Community School. January 29, 2017: An Islamophobic lone gunman went on a shooting spree during evening prayers at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City, claiming the lives of six worshippers. April 23, 2018: A 25-year-old man drove a van into passers-by on the sidewalk of Yonge Street in Toronto, killing 11. July 22, 2018: A lone gunman shot and killed two people on Danforth Street, Toronto, before being shot to death in a police intervention. April 18-19, 2020: A 51-year-old man dressed as a police officer launched a 12-hour shooting spree across several rural communities north of Halifax, Nova Scotia, killing 22 people. June 6, 2021: In another hate crime, a 20-year-old male driver killed four members of a Muslim family in London, Ontario, ploughing into them at a crossing with his pickup. September 4, 2022: Two assailants fatally stabbed 10 people on the James Smith Cree First Nation and nearby communities in Saskatchewan. December 18, 2022: A gunman shot and killed five neighbours at a condo building in Vaughan, Ontario. October 23, 2023: Four people were killed when a gunman opened fire at various locations in Saint-Ste. Marie, Ontario. He was subsequently shot dead by police. April 26, 2025: Eleven people at a Philippine street festival in Vancouver were killed when a lone attacker rammed his SUV into the crowd. To the extent that the ruling class can portray events like the Tumbler Ridge shooting as a singular act of brutality with little or no connection to broader social life, it is chiefly because compared to the neighbouring United States, the level of gun violence and other armed attacks in Canada is relatively low. However, acts of violence in Canada, in line with an international trend, have risen sharply over the past decade. The number of homicides per 100,000 people, a benchmark figure when studying social violence, rose from 1.47 in 2014 to 1.98 in 2023, making Canada the country with the highest homicide rate per head of population in the G7 after the United States, which recorded a homicide rate of 5.8 per 100,000 people in 2023. The social and political influences on specific violent acts are often complex and indirect, but the broader picture tells a clear story. Canada is an aggressive imperialist power that has been at war almost continuously since 2001. Military operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and Ukraine, as well as the governments active support for the Gaza genocide, have made barbaric violence a part of everyday life. The other side of the coin is that social programs and public services, like healthcare and mental health supports, have been slashed to the bone to pay for bloated military budgets and make tax cuts for big business and the rich, and this process is intensifying under Carney. The dearth of mental health supports in large cities as well as rural areas is well documented, leaving many of the most vulnerable to suffer and creating the conditions in which a tiny handful of the most disoriented can snap, with catastrophic consequences. The gulf between rich and poor has grown, with a few dozen billionaires dominating social life (Oxfam Canada counted 65 in January 2025 with a combined wealth of $496.7 billion). Meanwhile, the Daily Bread Food Bank estimates that 10 million Canadians, about a quarter of the population, live in food insecure households. These repugnant levels of social inequality are enforced by increasingly authoritarian forms of rule, expressed in the virtual banning of the right to strike and promotion of the most reactionary far-right forces. This is coupled with the systematic suppression of the class struggle by the state- and corporate-aligned trade unions and the official left, which works to obscure class divisions and channel social tensions by incessantly promoting of identity politics. Social life has undergone a dramatic brutalization. Homelessness, mass drug addiction, police violence and renovictions (renovation evictions) at one pole, and the flaunting of wealth, privilege and social backwardness at the other sum up Canadian capitalism in 2026. By 9:23 a.m. on January 2, 2026 Canadas top 100 CEOs had earned more than the average worker will in the entire year, meaning they rake in 240 times the average wage. These interrelated developments create conditions in which far-right political forces can and do effectively present themselves to many young, disoriented people as the only real alternative. Their promotion of anti-democratic and dictatorial political views, personal responsibility for ones fate, the readiness to trample on all legal and societal restraints to get ones way, and the systematic incitement of religious, ethnic, and other divisions provide ideological fuel for the periodic explosions of individual violence that are a feature of Canadian life. Indeed, it is noteworthy that many of the perpetrators in the mass casualties listed above, including the Quebec City mosque shooter, the Nova Scotia gunman and the vehicle drivers in Toronto and London, exhibited a combination of far-right radicalization and mental health problems. There is a very direct connection between the propagandizing of Canadas far right and the Tumbler Ridge shooting. Nothing is yet known about Van Rootselaars political views, but it is hard to believe that her mental health issues were not exacerbated by the hate-filled tirades from far-right political forces against the LGBTQ community. Tumbler Ridge is close to the border with Alberta, where the far-right United Conservative Party government recently rammed through laws prohibiting doctors from providing transgender people with certain types of treatment and barring trans young people from accessing gender-related medical care. Predictably, far-right influencers online have erupted following the shooting with foul denunciations of trans people as inherently more violent than the average person. Tara Armstrong, who was elected to the British Columbia legislature as a Conservative and now sits as an independent, responded to the shooting by denouncing an epidemic of transgender violence spreading across the West. She continued, This epidemic of violence will continue until we change our societys response to transgender ideology. At the Davos World Economic Forum last month, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed the charter to join the misnamed Board of Peace, the administrative body led by the Trump administration to rule over devastated Gaza in the interests of US imperialism. Prabowo pledged $1 billion to the Board, which his government has falsely described as a humanitarian initiative focused on the transition, stabilisation and reconstruction of the decimated Palestinian territory. President Prabowo Subianto. October 20, 2024 [Photo: Rahmat, Public Relations of the Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia] Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi announced on Tuesday that Indonesia was preparing to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the so-called International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to suppress any opposition to Trumps plans to transform the Palestinian territory into a US-dominated colony. While the exact size and remit of the Indonesian force is yet to be determined, it will form a major component of the ISF which reportedly will number around 20,000 troops. Politically, the fact that the worlds largest predominantly Muslim country has been the first to commit troops hands the Trump administration a significant boost to its criminal plans. On Monday, Indonesias army chief of staff General Maruli Simanjuntak announced that the training of troops as peacekeepers had already begun. At Davos, Prabowo was at pains to justify Indonesias support for the US take-over of Gaza. It is clear that the suffering of the people of Gaza has been reduced, alleviated. Humanitarian aid has been entering the enclave on a massive scale. Indonesia is ready to participate, he said. This is truly a chance to achieve peace in Gaza. Other government officials justified the decision along similar lines. Foreign Minister Sugiono said in a video statement, quoted by South China Morning Post, Palestinian independence and recognition of Palestinian sovereignty are things we have been striving for. The Board of Peace is one concrete alternative we can currently rely on to achieve these goals. This is a monstrous fraud. Trumps Board of Peace has nothing whatsoever to do with reconstruction or peace. It is an openly colonial body, dominated by the US and Israel itselfin other words, the very forces that have funded, directed and enacted the genocide of Palestinians. It includes notorious political figures such as British war criminal Tony Blair, who played a key role in the illegal US-led invasion and subjugation of Iraq in 2003. The Indonesian governmentwhich under former president Joko Widodo and now Prabowo has postured as being pro-Palestineis falsely claiming that its participation in this reactionary council will be a safeguard against any violation of Palestinian rights. Sugiono declared: We will ensure that the efforts carried out by the Board of Peace remain focused on Palestinian independence and the achievement of a two-state solution. After two days of meetings with religious and foreign policy figures, the Prabowo government suggested the country may withdraw from the Board of Peace if it fails to advance Palestinian sovereignty. Such statements, as the latest announcement of Indonesian troops demonstrates, are completely meaningless. From the outset, the boards purpose has been to exclude Palestinians from any governing role, instead giving the butchers of Gaza free rein to police the enclave and allocate reconstruction funds according to their geopolitical and economic interests. By lending support to these reactionary plans, Prabowo is clearly seeking US support for the economic interests of the Indonesian bourgeoisie. That he sees no problem in supporting a framework built on the bones of Palestinians to do so is no surprise. As a general during the Suharto military dictatorship, Prabowo was personally responsible for numerous bloody crimes: first as a highly trained killer for the notorious Kopassus special forces in East Timor, Papua and elsewhere, and later as an army commander who kidnapped, tortured and disappeared student protesters. His crimes were so blatant that he was discharged from the military, after the junta collapsed in 1998, and was even barred entry to the US until Trump rehabilitated him in 2016. It should be noted that Prabowo, Suhartos son-in-law, was the slated successor to head the military regime, which had come to power through the 196566 CIA-backed coup that resulted in the massacre of more than half a million workers, peasants and alleged Communistsone of greatest crimes of the 20th century. Last November, Prabowo officially declared the mass murderer Suharto a national hero. Prabowos support for Trumps plans signals a closer alignment of Indonesia with US imperialism. This is highly significant, given that one of the main features of Prabowos administration has been repeated declarations of a non-aligned foreign policy. Like other countries, Indonesia has attempted to balance between the US and China, which is its largest trading partner. But this balancing act is proving increasingly impossible as Trump accelerates the drive to war against Beijing. Indonesias financial contribution to the Board, $1 billion, will possibly be drawn from the Defence Ministrys budget, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed last week. However, he also said the government is currently deciding which other state budget allocations could be used. The government is acutely aware, however, that its support for the US-led colonisation of Gaza is deeply unpopular and is likely to provoke popular opposition, particularly if further austerity measures are imposed to pay for it. If successive Indonesian governments have had to present themselves as sympathetic to Palestine, that is because of the profound hostility felt by the countrys working class and youth towards imperialist oppression, especially in the Middle East. A demonstration in Jakarta in November 2023 against Israels invasion of Gaza reportedly drew two million people. No political parties in Indonesias parliament, either within or outside Prabowos large coalition, have publicly condemned the decision to join the Board of Peace. Nor have major Islamic organisations such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah. The Islamic Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) voiced opposition on religious grounds and urged Prabowo to withdraw, but had nothing to say about the predatory character of US imperialism. Prabowos embrace of the powers responsible for the genocide is a warning that he will not hesitate to use similar violent methods towards any opposition at home, either over his support for the US-led subjugation of Gaza or his governments austerity program. Bosch plant in Waiblingen, slated for closure Over the past two weeks, members of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) spoke with workers at several Bosch plants in Baden-Wurttemberg. In numerous conversationsin front of factory gates during shift changesworkers expressed their rejection and open displeasure with the IG Metall union apparatus. Many workers, including both IG Metall members and colleagues who have already turned their backs on the union, supported the proposal to build independent rank-and-file action committees. Bosch plans to cut 22,000 jobs and close entire plants. Head of Mobility Markus Heyn and Director of Industrial Relations Stefan Grosch openly justified the jobs massacre by saying that profits are to be doubled to 7 billion within two years by the end of 2026. The IG Metall apparatus and the General Works Council Chairman of the Mobility business sector, Frank Sell, immediately signalled agreementunder the condition of site guarantees. For almost a year, local IG Metall officials and works council members have been enforcing the job cuts demanded by the corporation at one location after anotheraccompanied by lip service to investments for securing the location. But resistance is stirring against this. At Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH in Schwabisch Gmund, this also finds expression in the works council. There, works council member Mustafa Simsek opposed the secret machinations of the works council body and received support from more than 200 workers. They now want to found a new union organisation and run with their own slate in the upcoming works council elections. The IG Metall apparatus reacted to this opposition with time-honoured bureaucratic suppression and rejected the admission of the Free Metalworkers slate with 89 candidates for the works council elections in March, citing alleged formal errors. The SGP opposed this decision and called on the World Socialist Web Site for all workers at Bosch to defend the right of the Free Metalworkers slate to participate in the works council election. Employees have the right to decide for themselves who should represent them on the works council, the SGP wrote. Members of the SGP discussed this article with workers in Schwabisch Gmund, Feuerbach, Schwieberdingen and Waiblingen in order to break through the division created by the IG Metall apparatus. Schwabisch Gmund In front of Plant I, most workers spoke angrily about IG Metall and at the same time are concerned about their jobs. The atmosphere in the factory hall is tense, almost depressed, they say. Many do not know how things will proceed. Working conditions are worsening, monitoring by supervisors is noticeably increasing. Since the announcement of the job cuts in November, numerous workers are being put under pressure to resign in return for severance pay. Some fear that the jobs reduction will go far beyond the announced figurestheir experiences showed that agreements between IG Metall and management were never kept. At Plant II in Schiesstal, which is to be closed at the end of 2027, every worker took a flyer. A young worker reported that he was practically forced to accept the severance pay and leave. I worked here for seven years, he said, I dont know what I should do in the future. Not only is Bosch closing the plant, but several small and large plants in the region are closing. It will be very difficult to find a job in the future, he concluded. A Bosch worker discusses with an SGP member Another worker explained that no one among the workers accepted the agreement between IG Metall and management on the closure. The union merely informed them that nothing could be done to save the plant. They said that everyone would be offered socially acceptable solutions, but I have heard the opposite, one worker said. A worker from Plant I, at the company since 1987, reported that he will be working until the end of 2027. Having to start all over again after decades in the company was a bitter disappointment. When asked about IG Metall, he reacts immediately, You dont need to explain the role of IG Metall to me. I left in the mid-90s and had enough time to observe their machinations. Interest in the works council elections in March seems low. A worker summed up the widespread mood: When there are elections, the candidates come and chat with you, but after the elections we run after them whenever we need something. Furthermore, they would negotiate secretly with the company management about our fate behind our backs, which always ended in a catastrophe. Workforces at other locations know nothing of the conflicts in Schwabisch Gmund. IG Metall works council reps systematically prevent any information exchange between the plants. Feuerbach In Feuerbach, where up to 3,500 jobs in development, administration and production are to be cut, many workers hear for the first time about the events in Schwabisch Gmund. At the shift change, everyone took a leaflet, with several reporting that they have already lost their jobs and are dissatisfied with the severance pay. A young worker who completed his training as an electronics technician last year complained that he is deployed in production. He said most apprentices would be working in unskilled production. Six months ago, the HR department had promised to transfer him to a workplace consistent with his trainingnothing happened. My colleagues have had the same experiences, he said. Some have already left the company. He suspects there is a system behind it: Thats frustrating and drives one to give up ones job. Since this year, apprentices only receive a contract limited to one year. He is a member of IG Metall, but that does not help him: I am also thinking about looking for a corresponding job elsewhere. But the prospects are very bleak. Another young worker said his job is probably safe at the moment, but is sceptical about what will come in the next few months. IG Metall has agreed to abolish the T-ZUG, contractually agreed supplementary payments (27.5 percent of average monthly salary) and T-ZUG B (26.5 percent of the contracted salary), which are paid out once a year. Night surcharges and Christmas bonuses are also being cut. He also criticised the secret negotiations between the works council and management: No one knows the content. Waiblingen Bosch is closing its plant in Waiblingen, which has existed for 70 years, and cutting a total of 560 jobs by the end of 2028. At first, workers hesitated to speak with us. Various pseudo-left groups and parties had previously been at the plant, claiming to want to help, but in fact support the union apparatus. But after they read the headline of our leafletBosch in Schwabisch Gmund: Defend the internal opposition against the IG Metall apparatus! Build independent Action Committees!many stopped. They consider the resistance in Schwabisch Gmund important. Almost all say they cannot comment on the current negotiations at their site. No one believes that these negotiations can prevent the closure, a worker summarised. Another worker reported: I was a shop steward until recently, I gave that up, I want nothing more to do with IG Metall, an organisation that constantly lies to its members. It is morally justified to distance oneself from them and stand by the workers in these difficult times. In the plant, an IG Metall banner still hangs bearing the cynical slogan The future exists only with us. The future that IG Metall offers means job cuts, plant closures and social decline for the workers. Despite their anger, many workers view the closure as a fait accompli. Decades of betrayal by the union bureaucracy have worn them down. One agreed with our assessment that the purpose of the union apparatus consists of defusing independent struggles and enforcing cutback programmes. He considers action committees a good thing. Our conversations show that the discontent with the IG Metall apparatchiks is enormous and is developing into a rebellion against IG Metall. At the same time, decades of experience with defeats have destroyed trust in trade union politics. Many understand that it is not just about individual corrupt works council members or careerists, but that the fight for rights and achievements requires more than changing a few heads. It is even more important now to organise independently of the trade union apparatus. The two fundamental principles on which action committees must be based were discussed animatedly by workers: The action committees must connect workforces across locations, companies, sectors and countries by joining the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). The divisions sown by the unions must be overcome. An attack on one is an attack on all locations and their employees. The action committees must pursue a perspective that reaches beyond capitalismthat is, beyond the private ownership of the means of production and the nationally based system of competition, which the union apparatuses defend so vehemently. It is not possible to defend jobs and wages, and at the same time accept the conditions imposed by the markets and international competitive pressures. Otherwise, one inevitably ends up with the policies of IG Metall and all the other unions. The decisive question is: Who determines matters of productionthe shareholders or the workers who build everything? Many workers reacted approvingly to the call to overcome the divisions sown by IG Metall. Agreement in words must now be followed by deeds. Contact us via WhatsApp on +491633378340, or fill out the form below. The Stellantis (then Chrysler) assembly plant in Belvidere, Ill, Oct. 26, 2007 [AP Photo/Paul Beaty] On February 6, Stellantis reported that it is taking a huge, $26 billion charge to profits, to reflect the cost of the reversal of its EV strategy amid slumping sales. According to CEO Antonio Filosa, the charges [L]argely reflect the cost of overestimating the pace of the energy transition that distanced us from many car buyers real-world needs, means and desires. Stellantis stock plummeted 25 percent on the news and company has cancelled dividend payments. Concurrent with the announcement, Stellantis joint venture Automotive Cells Company announced the cancellation of plans to build battery gigafactories in Italy and Germany. The same day Stellantis also announced it was sellings its joint stake in its Ontario, Canada battery joint venture to South Korean partner LG Energy Solution. The past several weeks have seen an escalating series of attacks on US Stellantis workers, including the reported further delay of the reopening of the shuttered Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois and managements reneging on an expanded buyout offer to US production workers. Attacks are escalating against other Big Three workers too, including the indefinite layoff by General Motors of over 1,100 workers at its flagship Factory Zero EV plant in Detroit. Last October Stellantis had announced it was scrapping plans to reopen its Brampton, Ontario plant in Canada where 3,000 workers were laid off when the plant closed in 2024. Instead, the company said it planned to build its new Jeep Compass at the idled Belvidere facility. The Detroit News reported, A presentation to union members late last year showed Compass production starting by December 2027 with the Cherokee rolling off the line by November 2028. It called for two work shifts initially, and potential production volumes of more than 100,000 vehicles annually for both models. At the time UAW President Shawn Fain had gloated over Stellantis decision to shift jobs to Belvidere at the expense of brother autoworkers in Canada, calling it a vindication of his collaboration with the fascist Trump and his reactionary tariffs. Both the United Auto Workers and Stellantis are continuing their silence in the wake of the report by UAW Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen that Stellantis plans to push back the reopen date for the shuttered Belvidere Assembly Plant another six months, until mid 2028, after the May 2028 expiration of the UAW-Stellantis national agreement. Workers leaving their shift at the Belvidere, Illinois Assembly Plant In a January 26 post on Facebook, Frantez reported, I have spoken with VP Boyer (Rich Boyer, newly reinstated head of the UAW Stellantis department) about the rumors weve heard on a potential delay here in Belvidere. He has spoken with the corporation; they confirmed to him that there is a delay of approximately 7 months. Frantez also reported that he had gotten a separate email from a contact in Stellantis management to the same effect. This email had documents in it stating that start of production for Belvidere is approximately June 2028. At this point, this is the plan they are working from. If this is the case, retooling may start anywhere from June 2026 (2-year retool) to January 2027 (18-month retool). The post evoked a barrage of angry responses from workers. One worker posted, The timelines dont add up. They havent bought any new equipment yet. If they release money in 7 months and it takes a year to get the equipment, then it needs to be installed. Im sorry, but I just dont see it. They screwed us around for 2 years, whats keeping them from doing it 2 more. Others asked why the UAW did not call a strike over breach of contract and whether the UAW international had signed off on the delay. Seeking to shift responsibility to the membership for the UAW bureaucracys capitulation and refusal to fight, Frantez posted, Striking at Belvidere does nothing to help our situation. It would take the membership at all Locals or the majority of the Locals within the corporation to agree to strike. It is not a decision that is made by our International leadership. The rallies that were held in the past, showed that there wasnt support to do this. Without this support, how do we hold this company to any commitments? Defending the role of UAW Vice President Boyer and Fain and shifting responsibility to the rank-and-file Frantzen continued, (Boyer) is not ok with the delay. Nothing in the email I sent out yesterday said that he was. He is working on holding this company to the commitments made. Which includes getting the Trades in as soon as possible to start working on pull ahead work. Again, until the membership says enough is enough, the VP and his staff are going to be limited. Since the post by Frantzen, which was widely reported in the media, neither the UAW International or Stellantis management have officially responded. On the part of Fain, silence betokens consent. In another attack on Stellantis workers, the Detroit Free Press reported January 26 following a conversation with a Stellantis spokesperson that the new round of buyouts aimed at reducing headcount being offered by Stellantis to its US workforce will only be made available to traditional or legacy employees, workers hired before 2007. They would not be offered to all full-time Stellantis production workers, as workers had been led to believe. Many less senior workers had counted on being able to take the buyout due to onerous working conditions and constant threat of layoffs. We prevailed in the arbitration, Jodi Tinson, Stellantis North America director for media relations, reportedly told the Free Press in a statement not contradicted by the UAW. Fain praising Trump for new Stellantis "investments" in the US [Photo: UAW] The action further exposed the bogus victory in the 2023 contract struggle and the claim that the UAW has eliminated tiers. Anger and a determination to resist are building among autoworkers over these and similar attacks. This is part of the growing wave of militancy throughout the working class expressed in mass walkouts by healthcare workers in New York City and California as well as teachers in San Francisco. There is growing sentiment for a general strike in opposition to ICE terror and escalating attacks on living standards and jobs. Fain has responded by amping up populist demagogy, including his warnings at this weeks UAW Community Action Program conference, that fascism is on our doorstep. But, the UAW president proposed absolutely no action to fight back. Instead, Fain told workers to wait until the 2026 congressional elections, elections that will likely to take place under police-state conditions if they are held at all. As popular demands for a general strike are gaining increasing traction, Fain is quietly stepping back even from his call for a performative general strike on May Day 2028, over two years down the road when the fate of US democracy may well have already been decided. Even as the UAW leader warns of imminent fascism, he continues to embrace and promote the trade war policies of Trump, including massive tariffs, which are part of the preparation of the US ruling class for WWIII against its capitalist rivals, in the first place Iran, China and Russia, with even supposed allies in NATO now in the target sight. The UAWs bureaucratic apparatus is joined to the hip with management through multiple layers of union-management bodies. It exists only to block any fight by the working class, not to organize and lead workers. It must be abolished and replaced by networks of rank-and-file committees, as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, to transfer power to the shop floor. These committees, controlled by workers, not bureaucrats, must form links with other sections of workers, union and nonunion, in defense of democratic rights, jobs, living standards and safe working conditions. The committees must reject America First demagogy and forge a fighting unity with brother autoworkers in Canada, Mexico and globally against the escalating corporate attacks. Coinbase Global (COIN) CEO Brian Armstrong sought to ease investor worries amid a major slide across the crypto markets and a brawl in Washington, D.C., that has dimmed hopes for another piece of landmark legislation to pass through Congress. "We've been through cycles like this many times at Coinbase, and adoption continues to grow. Regulatory clarity is on the horizon, and I'm more bullish than ever, Armstrong said on the company's earnings call on Thursday. Armstrong's comments came after Coinbase reported its second-worst quarterly net loss ever, $667 million, due to a $718 million paper loss on its crypto investment portfolio. Excluding swings in its crypto holdings, Coinbase reported adjusted EBITDA of $566 million, a 56% drop compared to the prior year and $89 million below Wall Street forecasts. Coinbase's net revenue tallied $1.7 billion, down $487 million from the same period a year ago. "There are opportunities in every market, whether it's up and down," Armstrong added, noting the company had benefited from previous crypto downturns. Following the results, Coinbase stock rose more than 18% on Friday. Since the crypto world's October peak, bitcoin, other digital assets, and crypto-exposed companies have been punished, with Coinbase stock down more than 50% and the total market capitalization of crypto assets losing $2 trillion over that period, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Amid this downturn in the company's stock, Coinbase repurchased $1.7 billion worth of its own shares over the past year, enough to cover the stock paid out to employees and execs. Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas told investors on the call, "Coinbase is buying the dip." Read more: How to navigate a crypto meltdown Quarterly trading volume at Coinbase totaled $215 billion, down 51% from $439 billion last year. The company's mainstay revenue stream, fees from retail traders, tumbled more than 45% and was $41 million short of analyst projections. As Fundstrat head of digital assets Sean Farrell said on Thursday, "Crypto is in no-man's land." Armstrong reminded analysts of the company's notable progress in its longtime quest to make its business less beholden to crypto prices. In December, Coinbase had a splashy product release introducing trading for stocks, tokenized stocks, futures, and prediction market contracts. "We now have 12 products doing over 100 million in annualized revenue," he said. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong speaks during the 2025 New York Times Dealbook Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images In Washington, a brighter spotlight is on Coinbase after Armstrong publicly flexed his firm's political might on social media by rejecting a major bill that would officially meld the crypto world with mainstream finance. A congressional committee canceled a hearing that would move the bill forward hours later. By Fabian Cambero SANTIAGO, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Chilean state copper miner Codelco on Friday removed three senior executives linked to its El Teniente division, the site of a deadly collapse last year, after an internal audit found inconsistencies tied to a prior accident in the same mine. Codelco said that an internal audit stemming from the July accident at El Teniente uncovered "serious breaches of duty" by executives after a rock explosion within the mine in 2023, including in the company's reports to mining regulator Sernageomin. More from Yahoo Scout How will the deadly collapse affect El Teniente's future production? What governance changes is Codelco implementing after audit findings? What serious breaches of duty occurred at El Teniente? Why did Codelco remove three senior executives from El Teniente? Codelco's Chief Operations Officer Mauricio Barraza, who oversaw all of Codelco's mine divisions, as well as El Teniente head Claudio Sougarret and El Teniente projects manager Rodrigo Andrades will be replaced immediately, Codelco said. Barraza had previously served as mine head. Sougarret was brought on to lead the mine in August, following the accident. He had previously been operations manager there. The removal of some of Codelco's top operational leaders underscores the complexity of the technical challenges dating back years at El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine. Barraza will be replaced by Lindor Quiroga and Sougarret will be replaced by Gustavo Reyes. Claudio Canut will also take over as interim head of the Andina division, Codelco said. "RADICAL" REORGANIZATION Codelco's board said in a separate statement on Friday that it had also identified weaknesses in governance at El Teniente and throughout the firm more broadly. The board approved a "radical" reorganization of operations at El Teniente, with senior executives more involved in the mine's day-to-day affairs. Unalterable digital signatures will be implemented on technical reports, the board said. It did not say whether the former executives had altered signatures. Codelco added that it would hand over information to Chile's public prosecutor's office while opening further internal audits. DIFFICULT ROAD AHEAD The collapse last year occurred in an expansion project at the flagship mine that was meant to boost output at a time when the company is struggling to lift production. On Tuesday Sougarret told Reuters that output at the mine, once Codelco's most productive, would be depressed for the next five years, a longer estimate than the miner's previous estimate of three years. He said that production would likely hover around 301,000 metric tons of copper per year during that period. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Cassandra Garrison, Kirsten Donovan) Alejandro Perez-Reyes: we expect for 2026 an impact of around 0.5% on loans I'm sorry, on deposits on local funding that's a positive result. And in the credit part, it could have a negative impact of around 0.4%. Those are our calculations thinking about 2026. I mean, all in all, the short term effect are positive, certainly not negative. I think the main issue is the long term effect on pensions and the Peruvian economy. But in the short term, the impacts are not that material. And probably an a small addition also reduction in cost of risk in a specific segment Alejandro Perez-Reyes: consumption. And if you think about the impact on our But it certainly does help GDP We have a calculation that again, they need understanding that not necessarily everything is gonna go into in consumption, would be around 0.4% of the impact on GDP potentially if everything went to Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Marcelo, would you take your first Sure. So, hi, Carlo. Going to the part of the question. The withdrawals on the pension plans, of course, have different types of impact. Withdrawal has been of 25,000 million or PEN25 billion in U.S. terms. We at BCP have captured a little north of 11,000,000,000 of those 25,000,000,000. The payments are gonna continue until this until March, actually. There's the last payment is in March. And the effect in the economy it will it depends on how much goes to consumption. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: it would take a long time, but it will be benefit to the actual position that we have. Do expect in the near short term a payment that could be somewhere in the round between 510% of the of the of the of the bond. So and we do not expect further deterioration in the position that we have right now. Carlos Gomez: represents less than 1% of our portfolio. It's a position which currently provision at 80%. We're not accruing interest And are currently a couple of arbitration processes in The US that if successful, we think that Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Maybe, Eduardo, I don't want to do Yes. Yes. I can Carlos Gomez: positive performance of the economy of business has been helped by the withdrawal from the pension fund. And could that be a break on activity when they are finished this year or next? Thank you. Carlos Gomez: Hello, good morning and thank you for taking my question. I wanted to ask you about your exposure to Ruta del Lima the corporate in Lima. Whether you see any potential for recoveries from that particular credit if you have an exposure? And second, to what degree do you think that Story Continues Operator: particularly Alejandro Perez-Reyes: mid and higher segment individuals. Carlos Gomez: Very clear. Thank you. Thank you. Next question comes Sorry, Carlo. Jafarago here. Just to clarify, Eduardo Monteiro from Bracitico took the question regarding Ruta Del Lima. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Because the only subsidiary at Credicorp Ltd. that has a position with Ruta del Lima which is less than 1% of our portfolio of Pacifico is Pacifico. BCP or near BCP nor any other subsidiary has a position in root of the limit. Sorry. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: And we were in the last quarter. Carlos Gomez: That was that was good underwriting. Thank you. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Thank you. Operator: Our next question comes from Daniel Boss with Safra. Please go ahead. Daniel Vaz: Thank you, and hi, everyone. Congrats on the full year results and also guidance. Thank you for the guidance on 2026. I'm looking to the loan growth if we compare to '25. You already grew 8.5% if you exclude the impacts on the FX and also the Bolivia And I'm seeing your 26% guidance also like around 8.5%. And I look at Peru's GDP around 3.5%, domestic consumption close to 5%. And also, if we take into consideration that you're accelerating in Mibanco, NPLs and multiyear lows BCPs, consumer lending also growing above 10%. I mean, what are we missing here What is currently holding overall credit below the double digit level? I mean, what would need to change for you accelerate more meaningfully? Maybe, I don't know, middle market corporate loans or other segment that's pushing you behind. And if I may have a second follow-up, Are you planning to open Yape's P and L in separate from BCP, so we can have a clear and cleaner vision on the efficiency ratio and etcetera. For the yep. Thank you. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Hi, Daniel. This is Alejandro. I'll I'll take the first question and thanks for asking the question because it will give us an opportunity to clarify something. The guidance we've just given is for all of Credicorp. And there is one particular book, which is the Bolivia book, where we are expecting a big a potentially big impact from exchange rates. So basically, we believe Bolivia is in the right direction But in order to move forward, probably gonna have to have some devaluation of the currency. And if that were to happen, that would impact our book. And that is considered in the eight and a half. If you take BCP and Mibanco alone, we're expecting double digit growth for this year. In loans. And at actually, constant exchange rate, it's a little bit higher, around 11% for the year. So we are expecting and seeing an acceleration in the market. We expect that to continue and loan growth should be very strong this year. But there's this particular headwind in Bolivia that will have an impact on the whole of Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Credicorp. When it materializes. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Regarding the Yape, maybe regarding the Yape question. The issue here is that Yape is within BCP. So Yape as a institution does not exist. So what we're currently so it's very hard to come up with a financial pure financial statement. But what we're working on is in order to provide you with more information, is working on how to be to provide more information but all within the transparency, we've always provided to the market. So that's how work in progress and we may came up come up with something in that line in the future. Daniel Vaz: All right. Thank you. Thank you, Alejandro. Thank you, everyone. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Thank you. Three months. Yeah. Operator: Our next question comes from Andre So to with Santander. Please go ahead. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Good morning to all. Thank you for the presentation. My first question is Alejandro Perez-Reyes: regarding your logo guidance, but specifically connected this to YAPI. Yuri Fernandes: Are you already including in this 8.5% something from JAPI? How much we can expect JAPI to contribute to lending of Credicorp in 2026? And if you can elaborate on the ramp up that you are seeing towards the multi installment in the consumer loans and also the pilots that you are conducting in SMEs? Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Alejandro? Yes. Sure. The numbers Alejandro Perez-Reyes: do include it. Let's remember that Yapi's meeting is in BCP's book. So when I was talking about this double digit growth in BCP, I was including already the amount from Yape. As for the growth, we are expecting the book to grow fast in the in the coming years. The number we're expecting I mean, we're we're not giving guidance for the number of the specific book, but it should probably triple in the next couple of years. So that's the speed of which it's growing. Having said that, it's still a small portfolio for credit corp's whole book. Okay? So it is growing fast. And it has a good margin, so probably a bigger margin than other books, but it's still gonna be a smaller proportion of the whole book of the of the group. In the coming years. Yuri Fernandes: And in terms of expenses, cost of income is always tricky because there are there are multiple variables involved, but what are you looking to in terms of total expense growth in 2026? Alejandro Perez-Reyes: You're talking about Yuri Fernandes: Credicorp? Or Credicorp. Right? Well, yes and a half. Yes. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Okay. So we actually got for cost to income as so and as I mentioned, we're expecting cost to income to reduce in the coming year We you look at the guidance we've just given, the upper side of the guidance is below the result of this year. We're seeing a lot of acceleration on the income of some of these initiatives. So on the expense side, we are gonna continue to invest in all of these not only disruptive initiatives, but also of the ongoing business and improving our capabilities to better serve the clients, you know. So yeah. Yuri Fernandes: Okay. And then finally, on capital, when I look at 14%, core equity Tier one, Mibanco at 17%, How do you feel about those numbers considering the cycle both in terms of improved asset quality, but also faster loan growth Where do you guys feel comfortable for the for what is coming ahead? Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Sure. The way in which we usually work is we have internal limits of 11% for BCP and 13 and a half for Mibanco. And we I'm sorry? 14 and a half. Yeah. 14 and a half for Mibanco. And what we do is Alejandro Perez-Reyes: in March, Alejandro Perez-Reyes: we declare dividends and take the CET1 close to those levels. So the number you're seeing right now is pretty high because we've been building capital throughout the year. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: We will reduce it Alejandro Perez-Reyes: toward those levels in March. It has to be approved by the board and by the shareholders meeting. But that idea and so in that case, we will go back to those levels We do see increasing loan growth, but it's already in our numbers there shouldn't be any problems with capital. Going forward. Yuri Fernandes: Perfect. And just with here, so that money is going to go is going to the holding company. And from the holding company, your the intention is to distribute to shareholders. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Exactly. So the way which it works is the policy is we basically send all excess capital Alejandro Perez-Reyes: to the holding company. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Usually, this happens in March. And then in April, the credit or the holding company will propose a dividend and then and then declare it. An ordinary dividend. And what we're aiming for I mentioned in our call, is Alejandro Perez-Reyes: an Alejandro Perez-Reyes: increasing ordinary dividend each year. And we're in line to being able to do that. And then depending on how the year goes, we might give a second extraordinary dividend, but that is dependent on the conditions of the year. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: I know you need this subject to approval. Exact. Governance approval. Yuri Fernandes: Perfect. Thank you very much. And congratulations on the results. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Thank you. Operator: It appears there are no further questions at this time. I will now turn the call back over to Gianfranco Ferrari Chief Executive Officer, for closing remarks. Yuri Fernandes: As we look ahead to 2026, Alejandro Perez-Reyes: I'm very confident in our positioning. We're entering the year with a healthy pipeline across businesses. An improving trade environment, and a clear strategic focus. We expect loan growth of around 8.5% supported by retail momentum at BCP and continued expansion at Mibanco. Alongside stable and healthy margins. With NIM expected to remain in the mid- to high 6% range. Asset quality is improving. And we expect the cost of risk to remain within our target range. Supporting risk adjusted profitability. Our focus remains on three priorities: scale and monetize our digital ecosystem expanding inclusion and accelerating new revenue streams. Leverage synergies across businesses, through data, talent and shared platforms to unlock growth and efficiency. Execute with discipline applying clear profitability thresholds and long term value creation across core and disruptive initiatives. These are not new things, They reflect the strategy we've been executing on consistently. And they're paying off. We're seeing tangible results across our platforms, with fee income expected to grow at low double digits. Continued progress in efficiency and sustained investment in digital capabilities. Thank you for your trust in Credicorp Ltd.. We look forward to speaking with you next quarter. Operator: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. This concludes today's presentation. You may now disconnect. Should you buy stock in Credicorp right now? Before you buy stock in Credicorp, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Credicorp wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $409,108!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,145,980!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 886% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 193% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of February 13, 2026. This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Credicorp (BAP) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) said last Thursday it had reached an agreement with Royal Air Maroc (RAM) for the long-term lease of 13 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The deal expands an existing partnership between the aircraft lessor and Morocco's flag carrier. DAE previously leased two 737 MAX aircraft to Royal Air Maroc, which were delivered in 2025 as part of the airline's near-term fleet growth strategy. "We would like to thank Royal Air Maroc for choosing DAE as a partner for this significant fleet expansion project," DAE Chief Executive Officer Firoz Tarapore said in a statement. He added that Morocco was emerging as a fast-growing tourism and business hub in Africa, supported by the expansion of Royal Air Maroc's air connectivity. Royal Air Maroc Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Abdelhamid Addou said the agreement aligned with the airline's ambition to develop Casablanca into a global connecting hub. "The Boeing 737-8 aircraft will strengthen our network development capabilities, enabling new route launches and increased frequencies, while improving operational efficiency," Addou said. Royal Air Maroc currently operates 13 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Ten were delivered in 2025, with an additional aircraft received in January 2026. The airline has leased aircraft from DAE, Air Lease Corporation and Avolon to support short-term capacity growth. Speaking on the sidelines of the 58th General Assembly of the Organization of Arab Air Carriers (OAAC) in Rabat on November 4, 2025, the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Abdelhamid Addou, confirmed that the fleet expansion tender launched in April 2024 is now in its final stages. The carrier plans to take delivery of up to 15 new aircraft per year from 2028 under a broader fleet renewal program covering nearly 200 aircraft through 2037, up from a current fleet of about 60 aircraft. Leasing remains a key pillar of its interim expansion strategy. RAM's expansion forms part of the 20232037 program contract signed in July 2023 between CEO Addou and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. DAE said it owns, manages or has commitments to own or manage around 750 aircraft, including 237 Boeing aircraft, and plans to continue expanding its portfolio to meet rising global demand. Paramount has hired Rene Augustine as senior vice president of global public policy. Augustine comes to the role after serving as deputy assistant attorney general in the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 2019 to 2021. She has also served on committees at the Kennedy Center, including as a Trump appointee to the Presidents Advisory Committee on the Arts and then as co-chair of the National Committee for the Performing Arts. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement She previously held senior roles at the White House, including as Special Assistant to Trump during his first term and senior associate counsel in the White House Counsels Office. She previously served as Associate Counsel in the White House Counsels Office. In the new role, Augustine will be responsible for developing strategic policies that advance our business objectives and building key diplomatic relationships that are important for advancing those objectives globally, according to a memo sent to staff by Makan Delrahim, Paramounts Chief Legal Officer. Her appointment also comes as Paramount pursues a hostile takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, which would require regulatory approval, if Warner Bros. accepts the bid, and as David Ellison continues to shape Paramount under his new vision after taking over as CEO in August. Warner Bros. has accepted Netflixs all-cash $72 billion offer. Augustine begins in the role on Feb. 17 and will be based in Washington D.C. She reports to Delarhim. Advertisement Advertisement She holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law and a B.A. in political science from Duke University. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Allison Holker and Adam Edmunds started dating nearly two years after Holker's husband, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, died The couple announced their engagement in February 2026 Edmunds is a father and tech CEO Allison Holker is engaged! On Feb. 12, the So You Think You Can Dance alum announced on Instagram that tech CEO Adam Edmunds had proposed, calling it the "most romantic night of my life." Advertisement Advertisement Holker made her relationship with Edmunds, an entrepreneur from Utah, official in September 2024 when the two posed for photos at a New York Fashion Week show. "It is a new experience for me to navigate this, and it took a lot of time for me to [feel ready]. I didn't know if I'd ever fall into this situation again," the mom of three told PEOPLE following the couple's debut. "I will say this: I'm extremely happy. I feel supported, seen, understood and fully loved. And I'm really, really grateful for that." The relationship news came two years after the loss of her husband, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, who died by suicide in December 2022. So, who is Allison Holker's fiance? Here's everything to know about Adam Edmunds and his relationship with the dancer. Edmunds grew up in Utah Adam Edmunds speaks onstage during the Reputation Means Revenue panel at ONWARD19: The Future Of Search on October 29, 2019 in New York City. Craig Barritt/Getty Edmunds is a Utah native, who was planning on being a heart surgeon for most of his life, he shared in a talk with Silicon Slopes in July 2021. However, after deciding "16 years of school didn't sound fun," he pivoted into a career in business, studying accounting at Brigham Young University. Advertisement Advertisement He graduated with a master's in accounting in 2003 and, after taking a class with an inspirational professor, decided to try his hand at entrepreneurship. Edmunds is an entrepreneur Adam Edmunds at FORTUNE BRAINSTORM TECH 2024 on July 15, 2024. Stuart Isett/Fortune/Shutterstock After starting his first business in college, SilentWhistle, Edmunds became an entrepreneur, founding and selling companies, per his LinkedIn. His work mainly focuses on tech companies, and he was on the board of directors for Podium, a software development company, until May 2020. In December 2020, he entered his current role as a CEO at another software development company. "It's not money ... it's not fame or glory," Edmunds said during his Silicon Slopes talk of what motivates him. "What got me off the saddle, though, it was the texts I would get all last year ... it was hundreds like 'You changed my life' or 'You probably don't remember this conversation we had in 2012, and you changed my career, my family's never been the same because of this.' It's just the people." He is a father Adam Edmunds and Allison Holker in 2025. Paul Archuleta/Getty Like Holker, who welcomed three children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia with Boss, Edmunds is also a parent. Though he is private about his children, Edmunds has occasionally shared peeks of his life with his son, Cole, on X. Advertisement Advertisement In one humorous exchange, Edmunds wrote how he told his son that he was invited to a "a special coding camp for high school students taught by a Meta engineer." However, his son didn't express interest unless it was taught by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO. Holker soft launched their relationship in August 2024 Alison Holker and Adam Edmunds in an August 2024 Instagram post Alison Holker/Instagram Holker first gave fans a sneak peek into her relationship when she posted an Instagram photo of her and Edmunds' shadows as they held hands while walking. ", was the simple caption. Holker had previously opened up to PEOPLE in June 2024 about "relearning" herself in her new "phase of life." "I'm just trying to embrace [my growth] and see what my next steps are with [my] career, with [my] choices, and with dating," she said. Holker and Edmunds made their public debut during New York Fashion Week Allison Holker and Adam Edmunds in 2024. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty A month after her soft launch on Instagram, Holker stepped out with Edmunds for their first public appearance. The two posed for photos at alice + olivia's Spring 2025 collection show after spending the weekend together enjoying the US Open. Advertisement Advertisement In the days prior, Holker posted on Instagram a photo of herself eating McDonald's french fries, writing in the caption that a "bad influence" inspired her to snack on the fast food restaurant's products again. "A bad influence came into my life and got me to eat McDonalds for the first time in 15 years after a long day at NEW YORK FASHION WEEK #NYFW it was perfect! Good food, madison park, fashion and even better company," she wrote. They became Instagram official in November 2024 Adam Edmunds and Allison Holker. Allison Holker/Instagram Three months after revealing her new relationship status, Holker shared photos with Edmunds on Instagram for the first time. Her post included pictures from her visit to Dancing with the Stars, where she and Edmunds watched a dance routine that had been dedicated to her and her former celebrity partner, Riker Lynch. Advertisement Advertisement "Being back in the @dancingwiththestars ballroom was absolutely magic! I have missed that energy! Im so grateful to have been there with so much love and support," she wrote in her caption. "Also showing @adam.edmunds my world was perfect thank you for being at my side and being my anchor. I couldnt be more happy and excited for this next chapter. #dwts." Holker wants to be the "best version" of herself for Edmunds Adam Edmunds and Allison Holker in January 2026. Allison Holker/Instagram In January 2025, Holker told PEOPLE that she has found "peace" and hope for the future following Boss' death and Edmunds played a part in that. "I'm going to be finding the best version of who I am. Not the best version of who I was with Stephen, or before him but who I am now as an individual. I know I can do it," she added. Edmunds proposed to Holker in February 2026 Allison Holker and Adam Edmunds in 2025. Anthony Avellano/Deadline via Getty Edmunds popped the question at a surprise 38th birthday party for Holker in February 2026. Photos posted by Holker on Instagram showed the tech CEO down on one knee amid a sea of flowers and candles. Advertisement Advertisement "I am so in love with you, Adam," she captioned the post. "Baby, I am forever grateful for you and the impact you have had in my life and my kids lives. I am a better person because of you. You helped me find me again and showed me how to love." Holker also expressed gratitude for the thoughtful proposal, thanking Edmunds for bringing all the people we love together to celebrate our love. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Read the original article on People Updated: Don Lemon faces judge who rejected DOJs previous attempt to charge him with a crime Don Lemon walked out of federal court Friday and described the days proceedings as something larger than a calendar entry on a criminal docket. Thanking supporters clustered near the courthouse entrance, the gay Black former CNN anchor turned independent journalist said the case isnt just about me, calling the First Amendment the bedrock of our democracy. He vowed to fight what he described as baseless charges and said he would not be intimidated. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. Advertisement Advertisement Inside the courtroom, Lemons lawyers revealed a detail that gave those words a sharper edge: the Department of Homeland Security is in possession of his phone. The defense told the judge the events at issue are narrowly time-limited and said they are working to prevent the government from accessing information unrelated to the case, such as materials journalists keep on their devices to protect sources and do their work. Related: Pam Bondi's mad after judge rejects charging Don Lemon over his Minnesota church reporting Related: Don Lemon at HRC dinner: 'When the First Amendment becomes optional, democracy becomes hollow' Related: White House celebrates Don Lemons arrest with meme as press freedom groups and Dems outraged Advertisement Advertisement That dispute is not incidental. In contemporary reporting, a phone is less a tool than an archive: years of notes, source lists, drafts, and communications that often have nothing to do with any single assignment. Lemons attorneys argued that unfettered access risks exposing confidential sources and unrelated reporting, effectively turning a criminal case into a back-door search of a journalists professional life. The concern is as old as reporters privilege and as new as cloud backups: if sources believe their communications can be swept into an investigation, they are less likely to speak at all. abbe lowell security agents don lemon attorneys tim malone Journalist Don Lemon leaves with his legal team after an arraignment hearing at the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on February 13, 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images Lemons remarks outside the court translated legal anxiety into civic anxiety. With his attorneys and husband, Tim Malone, by his side, Lemon said he has spent more than three decades working under the protection of the First Amendment and suggested that pressure applied through the legal proceedings can deter reporting long before any verdict is reached. He warned that the process is the punishment. The case rests on the Trump Justice Departments displeasure with Lemons coverage of a protest inside a Minnesota church last month. Demonstrators disrupted a worship service in St. Paul after learning that one of the churchs pastors was serving as an acting director of an ICE field office. Lemon interviewed protesters, congregants, and a pastor and livestreamed portions of the scene. Prosecutors claim that this conduct, along with his knowledge of the protest before it happened, makes his coverage criminal. Lemon and his legal team counter that he was performing the regular functions of reporting, including observing, recording, and asking questions, and that criminalizing those acts threatens press freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Related: The racist, homophobic, and frightening arrest of Don Lemon Related: Don Lemon defiant in first remarks after arrest and release from federal custody Related: What to know about Don Lemon, the gay journalist arrested by the Trump administration The prosecutions path has been unusually circuitous. Before a grand jury returned an indictment, judges declined to greenlight the governments initial effort to proceed, forcing prosecutors to change course and seek charges through a different route. The case also swept in another journalist, Georgia Fort, who serves in leadership of the local National Association of Black Journalists chapter. Her arrest intensified concern among media organizations that the line between documenting a protest and being accused of joining it is being dangerously blurred. Advertisement Advertisement Press freedom groups, including the International Womens Media Foundation, the National Association of Black Journalists, and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, have warned that the case risks chilling coverage of protests and other politically charged events. A person close to Lemon told The Advocate that he plans to continue hosting his regular online show and reporting as the situation progresses. Lemon told reporters after the hearing, I will fight these baseless charges, and I will not be silenced. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Defiant Don Lemon says the process is the punishment after lawyers reveal feds took his phone RELATED Rosie ODonnell is weighing in on a big decision she made over a year ago. The former panellist on The View left the United States for Ireland in March 2025. Rosie and Donald Trump have had their share of differences, with both calling each other out publicly plenty of times. In a TikTok video, she said that she needed to make some hard decisions about her future and follow through on them. That led her to relocate to Ireland. She recently returned to the US to visit family and took the time to reflect on her big move and the political climate in the US. Rosie ODonnell doesnt regret moving to Ireland at all @Rosie joined @ChrisCuomo Mornings today where she was asked about leaving the USA. pic.twitter.com/r6gtJY099o SiriusXM P.O.T.U.S. (@siriusxmpotus) February 13, 2026 Rosie is standing by her decision to leave the US last year. In an interview on the Sirius XM show Cuomo Mornings with Chris Cuomo, she still feels good about moving. She added that she does not regret the big move at all. She says she did what was needed to save herself, her child and her sanity. Rosie has applied for Irish citizenship through descent. Advertisement Advertisement For her, the United States is a very different place today. She says theres more balance in the news in Ireland. In addition to that, she says theres not the same celebrity worship as in the US, and people in Ireland arent looking for more in news stories. Rosies feud with Trump is among the many shes had in her lengthy TV career. The host had a public spat on the air during an episode of The View with Elisabeth Hasselbeck years ago. In October, Rosie said she believed that was orchestrated by producers. Last July, Trump said he was considering revoking Rosies citizenship. He said she was a threat to humanity. At a Republican Presidential debate in 2015, a reporter stated that the real estate mogul had called women pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals. Donald responded by saying, Only Rosie ODonnell. Rosie announced her departure from The View in 2015. TELL US DO YOU THINK DONALD TRUMP WOULD HAVE REVOKED ROSIE ODONNELLS US CITIZENSHIP HAD SHE STAYED? The post Does Rosie ODonnell Regret Leaving America for Ireland? She Says appeared first on Reality Tea. Independent journalist Don Lemon, civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong and several others plead not guilty to federal charges Friday following their arrests in January for protesting in a St. Paul church over one of its pastors working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The defendants made their pleas in a packed room at the federal courthouse in St. Paul in front of Judge Douglas Micko, a federal magistrate judge for the Minnesota District Court who had previously declined to sign off on the governments petition to charge Lemon and the others. At least three dozen protesters stood outside the courthouse to support the defendants and free speech and to demand the U.S. Department of Justice drop the charges. The charges against Lemon, Levy Armstrong and seven others include felony conspiracy against the right to exercise religious freedom at a place of worship and interfering with the exercise of religious freedom at a place of worship. Advertisement Advertisement They stem from a Jan. 18 protest led by Levy Armstrong and St. Paul School Board Member Chauntyll Allen during a service at Cities Church in St. Paul, with chants of Justice for Renee Good, who was shot and killed on Jan. 7 by an ICE agent. One of the churchs pastors, David Easterwood, is the field director for ICE in St. Paul, helping oversee Operation Metro Surge and the incursion of thousands of federal immigration agents in the city. He did not appear to be at the church on the day of the protest. Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong spoke to several dozen supporters outside the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in St. Paul, Minn. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, before pleading not guilty to federal charges stemming from a January protest against a pastor and ICE official at a St. Paul church. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Minnesota Reformer) Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort filmed the protest, during which demonstrators sought to point out the contradiction between working for ICE and preaching the Christian Gospel. In contrast to Cities Church, many Minnesota churches have defended immigrants and provided material and spiritual succor during Operation Metro Surge. Advertisement Advertisement Fort and another person charged from the protests are scheduled to be in court to give their pleas on Tuesday. Federal agents arrested Levy Armstrong, a former president of Minneapolis NAACP and a reverend herself, on Jan. 22 along with Allen and a third demonstrator. As she walked into the courthouse, Levy Armstrong blamed the charges on Easterwood and a vindictive president and Justice Department. This is about punishing nonviolent protests and trying to silence us. But we refuse to be silent. Were not going to capitulate or bow down to Donald Trump or any of the evil that is coming out of his administration, she said. David Easterwood is largely responsible for what has happened here, and Cities Church needs to hold him accountable as well. St. Paul School Board Member Chauntyll Allen exits the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in St. Paul, Minn. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 along with several other protestors facing federal charges related to a January protest against a pastor and ICE official at a St. Paul church. Allen and the others pleaded not guilty. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Minnesota Reformer) After Levy Armstrong was arrested, the White House shared a doctored photo of her, making her face contorted and covered in tears in a move legal experts say could be deemed prejudicial and therefore a violation of her rights. Advertisement Advertisement The Reformer joined a consortium of news outlets including the Star Tribune, the Spokesman-Recorder and MPR News in condemning the arrests of journalists. Lemon was arrested on Jan. 29 in a hotel lobby in Beverly Hills where he was preparing to cover the Grammy Awards. The process is the punishment with them, and like all of you here in Minnesota, the great people of Minnesota, I will not be intimidated. I will not back down. I will fight these baseless charges and I will not be silenced, Lemon said as he left the courthouse on Friday. Lemon is being represented by former acting U.S. attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson, who recently quit, reportedly over the Justice Departments handling of the investigation into the killing of Renee Good by a federal agent. Thompson had been leading the governments investigation into fraud in the states safety net programs before he quit the U.S. Attorneys Office, along with five other federal prosecutors. After Micko declined to sign off on the charges, prosecutors went around him and petitioned the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which also declined to sign off on the charging documents. As a last attempt, federal lawyers went to a grand jury, where enough jurors agreed there was probable cause for arrest. Don Lemon was back in court via his arraignment following his arrest late last month on charges that he participated in an anti-ICE protest at a local church in Minnesota. The former CNN journalist, who now helms the successful YouTube program The Don Lemon Show, entered a not guilty plea to all counts against him. Don Lemon Enters Not Guilty Plea During Arraignment Following Arrest MEGA On Friday, February 13, Don Lemon appeared in a Minnesota federal court on charges stemming from his coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a local church, which he was broadcasting live for his online news program. Advertisement Advertisement According to NBC News, the famed journalist stood in front of Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko and entered a plea of not guilty on all counts. The judge also told Lemon that he is free to travel unless he were to violate any state or federal laws. During the hearing, the prosecutor in the case confirmed that Lemons cellphone was seized by authorities at the time of his arrest and a search warrant has since been obtained to investigate its contents. Abbe Lowell, a member of Lemons legal team, said that seizing the cellphone was an action of possible over-execution, per the outlet. This Is Lemons Second Court Appearance Since His Arrest ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Following his January 29 arrest, Lemon was formally released from custody after a short court appearance on January 30, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Hes committed to fighting this case, Lemons attorney Marilyn Bednarski said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Patricia Donahue allowed Lemon to be released on a no money bond. According to the 14-page indictment that was previously unsealed, Lemon is charged with conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers, per the Associated Press. Following his release from custody, Lemon stood outside the courthouse before the media and issued a brief statement. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. There is no more important time than right night to cover the newsI will not stop now. I will not stop ever. I will not be silenced, I look forward to my day in court, Lemon said. The Journalists Arrest By Over Two Dozens Federal Agents Was Dubbed Wildly Excessive ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA While staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles to cover the 68th annual Grammy Awards, Lemon was taken into custody by more than two dozen federal agents, from both the FBI and Homeland Security, according to PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Per the outlet, Lemon was arrested around 11 p.m. local time in Los Angeles at the famed location, when agents showed up at his hotel room door. The overwhelming response to Lemons arrest has generally been one of support for the journalist, and when the number of agents on hand to arrest him was released, the sentiment changed to what many believe to be a massive overreach. That is wildly excessive. That's treating someone like they have an assault rifle, one commenter wrote in response to the PEOPLE details. Two dozen heavily armed to arrest one man, very cowardly, added another. An additional comment read, Our government is now targeting people who don't agree with their authoritarian agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Another user noted the danger permeating the country under the Trump administration. We are in real danger of becoming worse than Russia. Don Lemon Was Mocked By The White House After His Arrest MEGA In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the White House openly mocked the award-winning journalist. A black-and-white photo of Lemon from the protest was posted with the caption, When life gives you lemons, alongside an emoji of chains. Per Deadline, Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and the CEO of the Center for Nonviolent Social Change, offered a blistering yet simple response to the post that many deemed racist. King referred to the message as an example of immaturity, poor taste, and fascism. CNN Came To His Defense Despite Being Terminated By The Network In 2023 MEGA In a surprising move, Lemons former network, CNN, posted a lengthy statement of support on his behalf and that of the other journalists who were arrested alongside him. Advertisement Advertisement The FBls arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment, the network said in a statement, per The Hill. The Department of Justice already failed twice to get an arrest warrant for Don and several other journalists in Minnesota, where a chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Court found there was no evidence that there was any criminal behavior involved in their work, the statement said. CNN also echoed the sentiments of the attack on the First Amendment that were present in Lemons statement. The First Amendment in the United States protects journalists who bear witness to news and events as they unfold, ensuring they can report freely in the public interest, and the DOJs attempts to violate those rights is unacceptable. We will be following this case closely, the networks statement concluded. Vizsla Silver (NYSE:VZLA) has reported that several employees abducted from its project site in western Mexico on January 23 have been found dead. "We are devastated by this outcome and the tragic loss of life. Our deepest condolences are with our colleagues' families, friends and co-workers, and the entire community of Concordia. Our focus remains on the safe recovery of those who remain missing and on supporting all affected families and our people during this incredibly difficult time," President and CEO Michael Konnert said in a statement. Don't Miss: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy' Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share This investment firm leverages expert insights and a 2.40x net equity multiple to help accredited investors capitalize on 2026 multifamily market trendsread the full forecast now. The Vancouver-based miner said it was informed by families that the missing workers had been found deceased. The company is awaiting formal confirmation from Mexican authorities before providing further details. According to local media reports, the workers were abducted on January 23 while travelling from the camp where they were staying to their workplace at the mine, roughly 15 kilometers away. The victims reportedly included engineers and technical personnel working on the project. Their bodies were later recovered from a clandestine grave in mountainous terrain near the community of El Verde. The stock dropped to $3.90 on news by 10:30 AM ET, before recovering. It is down 12% from its Friday close and has declined by more than 41% since January 23. Trending: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started. Partial Suspension At Panuco Following the abductions, Vizsla suspended certain activities at and around its flagship Panuco silver-gold project as a precaution. The company said some work would remain halted while the situation is assessed and security conditions are reviewed. Panuco, located in Sinaloa, is Vizsla's cornerstone development and hosts what the company describes as the world's largest undeveloped high-grade silver resource. The project's proven and probable reserves are 12.8 million tons grading 2.01 grams of gold per ton and 249 grams of silver per ton, for roughly 829,000 ounces of gold and 102.7 million ounces of silver. See Also: Private-Market Real Estate Without the Crowdfunding RiskDirect Access to Institutional-Grade Deals Managed by a $12B+ Real Estate Firm The company is advancing permitting and financing efforts and will make a construction decision once approvals are in place likely in the second half of this year. The initial production is scheduled for H2 2027, with a projected mine life of about 9.4 years. Over that period, the operation is expected to produce an average of 17.4 million silver-equivalent ounces annually, including more than 20 million during the first five years. Elizabeth Hurley is no stranger to the spotlight, but her latest social media update in a bikini has fans doing a double-take. As the world moves through 2026, the 60-year-old actress and designer took a moment to look back at her recent luxury escape. Sharing a breathtaking photo from her time in the Maldives, she admitted she was missing paradise. It is clear that while she is back to her routine, her heart is still lounging on white sandy beaches. Elizabeth Hurley in bikini from her own brand is double-take worthy In the viral photo, Elizabeth poses against the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Maldives in a vibrant bikini. Check out her look below: She is wearing the Blaze Bikini in a vibrant red shade from her own line, Elizabeth Hurley Beach. The classic triangle top and stringy bottoms feature luxury gold chain hardware on the straps and hips. Advertisement Advertisement Looking radiant, Hurley accessorized her look with a camera slung over her shoulder. Her signature brunette hair was styled in messy, just-out-of-the-ocean waves. She kept her makeup simple and sun-kissed, with a soft pink lip and a glowing complexion. Posing at a new private island resort, she looked every bit the island goddess, proving her designs are the perfect choice for a tropical getaway. Originally reported by Samridhi Goel on theFashionSpot. The post Elizabeth Hurley Misses Paradise in Bikini From Her Own Brand appeared first on Reality Tea. A popular food influencer has died after hunting and ingesting a poisonous shellfish known as Devil Crab, perABS-CBN. Food Vlogger Dies Days After Eating Devil Crab On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 51-year-old food vlogger Emma Amit uploaded a video of herself eating the toxic Zosimus aeneus crab, which is known locally in the Philippines as Devil Crab. The video shows Amit hunting the Devil Crab, along with other shellfish and snails, in the forest outside her coastal home in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, before cooking and consuming the animals. Per Barangay city police Chief Laddy Gemang, Amits lips turned blue, and she became unconscious within minutes after consuming the Zosimus aeneus crab. Amit was rushed to the hospital, where she died two days later despite the best efforts of doctors and nurses. An unidentified friend of Amits who ate the Devil Crab alongside the content creator also died after consuming the dish. Authorities who investigated the scene at Amits house found nearly 10 emptied Devil Crab shells in the kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement "I saw the shells; there were around eight, Gemang shared. I don't know if all of them were Devil Crabs, but they all looked alike," he said, adding that Amit was an experienced hunter and fisher and wouldve known which type of crab they were. "This is really saddening because they should have known. She and her husband are both fisherfolk. They live by the sea, so I know they know about this devil crab that's dangerous to eat. So why did she eat it? That is what I'm confused about." Devil Crabs Contain Fatal Blend of Toxins The so-called Devil Crab lives beneath coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region. Its considered to be the most poisonous crab in the Philippines, containing a combination of the toxins tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, which can be fatal when ingested by humans. Fifty percent of Devil Crab cases in the country prove fatal, per Sea Life Base. To the residents of Puerto Princesa, I am urging you to be doubly vigilant. Be careful not to eat this devil crab because it is deadly," Gemang urged. "It is very dangerous to eat this type of crab because it can kill you in a matter of hours. Amit was a well-known food vlogger who posted videos of her adventures throughout the Philippines. She often shared clips of herself fishing alongside her husband, and videos of the two cooking with their children. Her lifelong friend, Beverly Villanueva, expressed her condolences after Amits shocking and sudden death. "You were like an older sister," she wrote on Facebook. "I will miss you always. I know you didnt want to leave yet because you still had so many plans in life, but why? Thats a question that will never be answered, because youre gone. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Hailey Bieber has officially touched down in Sydney to celebrate the massive expansion of her skincare brand, Rhode. Bringing her signature clean girl aesthetic to Australia, the style icon delivered a major fashion moment that balanced professional chic with a daring, modern edge. Known for her effortless office siren vibes, Biebers latest outfit proves once again why she is a global trendsetter. Hailey Bieber stuns in shirt held together by a button at Rhode launch event For the high-profile launch, Hailey Bieber stepped out in a sleek, all-black ensemble. Check out the photo below: The focal point of Biebers outfit was a crisp, long-sleeved black button-up shirt. However, in a slightly risky fashion move, she left the shirt almost entirely open, as the garment was secured by just a single button on her chest. This created a dramatic, deep-V plunge that was both bold and sophisticated. Advertisement Advertisement She paired the daring top with a matching black pencil skirt that elongated her silhouette. The monochromatic look highlighted her polished yet relaxed approach to business attire. With her hair in relaxed waves, glowing skin, her signature low-effort makeup, black-and-white heels, and a black purse, Bieber turned a standard office outfit into a viral statement. The post Hailey Bieber Brings Rhode to Australia in Shirt Held Together by a Button appeared first on theFashionSpot. Hailey Bieber is blending business with fashion during her whirlwind trip to Australia. The Rhode founder touched down in Sydney to celebrate the official launch of her skincare brand, stepping out in a look that perfectly reflected her clean-girl aesthetic and signature minimalism. Hailey Bieber stuns in white strapless midi dress for Rhode launch event in Australia Check out Hailey Biebers new look here: O TCHAUZINHO! ?? Hailey Bieber deixando o evento de lancamento da Rhode x MECCA, em Sydney, Australia. (12/02) pic.twitter.com/MVS4R2fBAE Portal Hailey Bieber (@portalhaileybr) February 12, 2026 For the Rhode launch, Bieber chose a fitted white strapless midi dress that hugged her frame and highlighted her effortless style. The structured silhouette and sleek neckline kept the look polished and refined. She paired the dress with delicate heels and soft glam, letting glowing skin and loose brunette waves complete the ensemble. The understated outfit aligned seamlessly with Rhodes minimalist branding. Advertisement Advertisement Later that evening, Bieber made a dramatic style pivot at the Wuthering Heights premiere in Sydney. She walked the red carpet in a sheer black lace gown layered over coordinating undergarments. The long-sleeved, form-fitting look offered bold contrast to her daytime simplicity, showcasing her versatility. Originally reported by Samridhi Goel on theFashionSpot. The post Hailey Bieber Takes Over Australia in Strapless Midi Dress for Rhode appeared first on Reality Tea. (The Center Square) Journalist Don Lemon is scheduled to appear in a Minnesota courtroom today to be arraigned on federal charges related to a protest that disrupted a Jan. 18 Sunday church service in St. Paul. Lemon, who was inside the church covering the protest, is one of nine people arrested in connection with the demonstration. All nine were indicted by a federal grand jury in Minnesota in January on two counts: Advertisement Advertisement conspiracy against right of religious freedom at a place of worship and injure, intimidate, and interfere with exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship Those charges stem from the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act of 1994, which prohibits obstruction or threats at abortion clinics and places of worship. Lemons arrest came following widespread calls for arrests in the wake of the protest, which quickly captured attention far beyond Minnesota. The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI are working together to investigate the protest, which was organized in part by members of Black Lives Matter Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Video posted by the group shows protesters chanting ICE out and justice for Renee Good during the service at Cities Church. Another video circulating on social media shows Kelly calling congregants pretend Christians and comfortable white people. Caleb Phillips, a congregant at the church, told The Center Square in an exclusive interview that the protestors were seated throughout the congregation before the service began. The entire congregation came alive. Individuals who are planted from front to back throughout the entire place stood up, Phillips said. It felt like we were surrounded, because they were all throughout the congregation. Reports allege the protesters discovered one of the churchs pastors works for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling the protest a clandestine mission. The federal indictment called the church protest a coordinated takeover-style attack. Advertisement Advertisement The church protest came in the wake of the Jan. 7 killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during an encounter with ICE officers conducting enhanced immigration enforcement. Lemon, a former CNN anchor, defended the protesters. I imagine its uncomfortable and traumatic for the people here, Lemon said during a livestream of the protest at service. But, thats what protesting is about. The Trump administration has been vocal in its displeasure with the protestpromising legal action. We will always protect our churches and the freedom of religion, Bondi said during a federal committee hearing on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Just days after the incident, Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the DOJs Civil Rights Division, directly addressed Lemon. Don Lemon himself has come out and said he knew exactly what was going to happen inside that facility, Dhillon said. He went into the facility, and then he began committing journalism, as if that's sort of a shield from being an embedded part of a criminal conspiracy. It isn't. Lemons Jan. 30 arrest came shortly after a judge refused to sign a warrant for his arrest. The former CNN host was held overnight following his arrest, but was then released on his own recognisance. Since then, Lemon has appeared on many shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! I will not stop now. I will not stop ever, Lemon said following his release. In fact, there is no more important time but right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on truth and holds those in power accountable. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Gold Houses Lunar New Year rager brought together a whos who of Asian-American talent to New York Citys iconic Chinese Tuxedo. And while the man of the hour was certainly Hudson Williams, the belle of the ball was Lola Tung. Leaning into red, the color of prosperity, the star of The Summer I Turned Prettywho is of Chinese and Swedish descentwrapped herself up in a shaggy faux fur coat in a vibrant apple red. The statement piece was layered over a slinky turtleneck top in an even brighter shade of red, for an extra ounce of good luck. Aeon - Getty Images Playing with proportions, Tung paired her voluminous coat with a silky, asymmetrical skirt in dark gray. Flirty ruffles decorated the high-low hem of the piece, under which the actor wore transparent black tights. Black-and-gold heels with floral embroidery nodded to traditional Chinese motifs, while jet-black moto-inspired shades and a stack of chunky gold hoop earrings gave the fit a Gen Z twist. Aeon - Getty Images As for her easy glam, the actor had her hair styled down, in a silky blow-out, and she added on rosy blush and a glossy pink lip. Aeon - Getty Images Tung posed for silly photos with TSITP co-star Sean Kaufman, who wore a black-and-red F1 jacket, big jeans in a dark blue, and black boots. Nina Westervelt - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Noam Galai - Getty Images And as the lights dimmed, she rang in the holiday dancing into the early morning hours with Williams. First Conrad Fisher and now Shane Hollander?! We get it. Jason Mendez - Getty Images Jason Mendez - Getty Images Jason Mendez - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement You Might Also Like NEED TO KNOW Michael B. Jordan tells PEOPLE his mom was most excited to meet Laurence Fishburne of any celebrity at a Hollywood event Donna was by Michael's side, as were his siblings Jamila and Khalid, at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Thursday, Feb. 12 Michael received the festival's Outstanding Performer of the Year award for Sinners Michael B. Jordan's mom Donna met Laurence Fishburne, and the star says she got pretty excited. The Oscar nominee, 39, caught up with PEOPLE on the red carpet at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Thursday, Feb. 12, as he received the festival's Outstanding Performer of the Year award for Sinners. Advertisement Advertisement Jordan's mom and his siblings Jamila and Khalid were also in attendance, as the actor said that Fishburne, 54, "is probably somebody" whom his mother has been particularly happy to meet. "Yeah, that's it. My mom probably tripped out a little bit over Laurence Fishburne," Jordan says. Jordan said during the event that his father, Michael, did not appear with the rest of his family because he is currently traveling overseas. "Without them I wouldn't be here," he says of his family's support over the years. "I mean, literally a lot of people say that, but if it wasn't for my mom, I wouldn't be in the industry. I wouldn't have been on this path. So to have the most success, the highest, I guess, I've been in so far in my career, to have my family with me at these events means a lot to me." Michael B. Jordan and his mother Donna Jordan on Feb. 12, 2026 Rebecca Sapp/Getty for Santa Barbara International Film Festival Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Donna told Vanity Fair in a 2018 cover story about her son that Michael, then 11, began acting when a receptionist at her doctor's office suggested he pursue modeling. Advertisement Advertisement I was just at the time thinking about college tuition and that sort of thing, she said. Little did I know that it was going to be job, after job, after job, after job. In Santa Barbara, Michael tells PEOPLE that Donna is "glowing" as she attends events this awards season. "I think to have, I don't know, a moment to share some of this excitement, this adrenaline, this feeling that I get all the time when you're walking in and out of these spaces and get a chance to talk to people like yourself and be surrounded by this," he says. He adds, "For my mom I don't have any kids, but I would imagine you would want to share a part of your children's life, and I like to be able to do that." Donna Jordan and Michael B. Jordan on Feb. 12, 2026 Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock Michael is nominated at the Actor Awards, which will be held March 1, in the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role category for his performances as twins Smoke and Stack in Sinners. He is also nominated for Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars on March 15. After awards season ends, Michael has a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair that he stars in and directed, due in theaters March 2027. Read the original article on People Savannah Guthrie and her siblings were in agony. Her face a mask of exhaustion, the 54-year-old Today show host, flanked by sister Annie, 56, a writer, poet and jewelry designer, and brother Camron, 61, a retired Vermont Air National Guard pilot, issued a tearful thank-you to the public for their prayers and a desperate plea for help finding their 84-year-old mother, Nancy, who authorities confirmed was taken from her Arizona home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1 in a possible kidnapping or abduction. The siblings then offered a heartbreaking plea to Nancys potential abductor in the nearly four-minute video posted Feb. 4, imploring, Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She has grandchildren that adore her. Explaining that their mother is in constant pain and without her life-saving medication, the NBC star begged for proof of life, adding, Her health, her heart is fragile. The clock has been ticking since Nancy was first reported missing, but the investigation has been bogged down by mixed messages, finger-pointing and false starts. Mixed Messages The investigation began at 12:15 p.m., about 20 minutes after Nancy was reported missing from her $1 million home in Tucsons affluent Catalina Foothills community. But on Feb. 5 five days later Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos admitted there were still no suspects. That didnt stop the speculation. Just the day before, hed admonished irresponsible media outlets for sharing unverified accusations or false information about the identity of the perp. Amid the fevered finger pointing, former NewsNation journalist Ashleigh Banfield stood out, claiming on her Feb. 3 podcast that an impeccable high-level law enforcement source had IDd Tommaso Cioni, Nancys son-in-law and Annies husband, as a possible prime suspect, alleging that Annies car, used to drive Nancy home the night she went missing, had been towed. Advertisement Advertisement Claims about Tommaso, who teaches science at a local charter school, were further muddied by shifting information about the case. On Feb. 2, for example, Sheriff Nanos said that at 9:45 in the evening [on Jan. 31] her children left her off at her home, with some media reports indicating Annie was the last person to see Nancy after they enjoyed a family dinner and game of mahjong. But on Feb. 4, The Sun reported Nanos had confirmed it was Tommaso who drove Nancy back to the home where she lives alone after being widowed in 1988 when husband Charles, a mining engineer, suffered a heart attack. By Feb. 5, Nanos would say only it was family, declining to be specific. (Asked Feb. 5 if he had cleared anyone who saw Nancy on Jan. 31 as a suspect, Nanos clarified, I wouldnt say anyones ruled out yet.) Other information was more definitive: According to a new timeline released Feb. 5, electronic evidence confirmed an Uber driver dropped Nancy off at a family members home at 5:32 p.m. for dinner. At 9:48 p.m., family drops Nancy off at home and garage door opens; the doors closed two minutes later. Then, at 1:47 a.m. Feb. 1, Nancys doorbell camera disconnects. At 2:12 a.m., software detects person on camera. Finally, at 2:28 a.m., the missing womans pacemaker app shows disconnect from phone, suggesting she was removed from her home around that time. While the sheriff assured Nancy is sharp as a tack with no cognitive issues, he confirmed she has mobility issues and couldnt walk 50 yards unassisted. Time was running out, Nanos warned, as going without medication for even 24 hours could be fatal. Nancys prescriptions, authorities confirmed, were left behind along with her wallet and car and, reportedly, her Apple Watch. More Chilling Clues The sheriff refused to confirm or deny forced entry to the house, but DNA from blood droplets on the steps outside its entrance were determined to be Nancys, while a doorbell camera appeared to be absent from its mount on the front-door frame. For her part, Banfield reported that multiple Nest home security cameras had been smashed, something the sheriff would not confirm. Now, a source close to Savannah echoes that information, telling Star that signs point to an inside job. The source reveals that the cameras that were smashed inside the home were there to protect their mother. Only a very few people have access to them they were installed to make sure nothing happened to their mom, like if she fell when home alone. Advertisement Advertisement According to the source, whoever this possible abductor is, they went inside the house and knew where those cameras were pointing. They were able to smash the cameras before their motion was visible in the recordings or streams. To do this, it takes a chilling level of intel. And then there are the ransom notes, which were received by a handful of media outlets and swiftly turned over to detectives, whove been coordinating with the FBI. TMZ reported the note it received demanded a specific substantial amount of cryptocurrency in the millions and verified that the Bitcoin address listed is real. The note also described an item the sender said was damaged at Nancys home. Mary Coleman, an anchor for Tucsons KOLD 13 News, told CNN the note her station received via email contained information that only someone who is holding [Nancy] for ransom would know some very sensitive information and things that people who [were] there when she was taken captive would know. On Feb. 5, the FBI confirmed the first deadline to pay a ransom was set for 5 p.m. that day and that the decision was the familys alone to make. A second deadline was set for Feb. 9. (Officials also announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancys return.) In the Guthrie siblings video, Savannah confirmed, We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media, making it clear we are ready to talk. However, she added, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us. The FBI had not at that point authenticated those notes but on Feb. 5 confirmed one arrest had been made for a fake ransom demand. A Challenging Time Less than a week before her mom went missing, Savannah had just returned to the Today studios Jan. 26 after taking some time off to recover from surgery to remove a polyp and nodule from her vocal cords. She was ramping up to join her colleagues for a high-profile spot at the Olympic Games in Milan. She was also reflecting back on what another tough era taught her: On Jan. 21, the Emmy-winning journalist opened up on former Today co-host Hoda Kotbs new podcast about her 2009 divorce from first husband Mark Orchard, a BBC journalist, calling it the most difficult time of her life. It took years to recover, Savannah admitted. She later found love again, marrying communications consultant Michael Feldman, 57, dad to their kids Vale, 11, and Charley, 9. But she credits that hard time with strengthening her faith. I realized I didnt have to be perfect to be loved by God. I didnt even have to be close, because I was definitely a failure, she revealed. And I really felt loved and carried by God and that was such an important, integral moment of life. Shes continued to lean on her faith and devote herself to family amid her mothers disappearance. On Feb. 3, NBC confirmed she would no longer be covering the Winter Olympics. Family had to come first, and she was in no state to be working through the turmoil, says an insider. Now, all she can do is hope. We want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy, Savannah said in her post. We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too. Advertisement Advertisement At press time, Nancy was presumed to be alive but in grave danger, according to authorities. Read More From Star This story Nancy Guthries Abductor May Have Had a Chilling Level of Intel: Points to an Inside Job first appeared on Star. Add Star as a Preferred Source by clicking here. NEED TO KNOW Rosie O'Donnell has revealed she took a secret trip back to the U.S. to visit her family The former talk show host called in to Chris Cuomo's radio show on Feb. 13 to discuss life abroad She says she visited the States because she "wanted to hold my children again" and that one of her adult sons is expecting his first child soon I dont regret leaving at all, she says one year after her moved to Ireland. I think I did what I needed to do to save myself, my child and my sanity" Rosie ODonnell is opening up about a secret visit taken to the United States amid her time living in Ireland. On Friday, Feb. 13, the former talk show host, 63, called into Chris Cuomos radio show, SiriusXMs Cuomo Mornings, to discuss her life abroad. During the conversation, the comedian revealed she recently traveled back to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement I was recently went home for two weeks and I did not really tell anyone. I just went to see my family, ODonnell says. I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country. I wanted to feel what it felt like. Rosie O'Donnell celebrates Christmas with her family. Rosie O'Donnell/Instagram The former The View host made headlines last year when she confirmed in a March 11, 2025, TikTok that she moved to Ireland on Jan. 15 with her now 13-year-old child Clay. Days later, in a follow up video, she cited her "feud" with President Donald Trump and the changes made by the current administration as a big reason why she left. Despite ODonnells move, much of her family seemingly still lives in the States. I wanted to hold my children again, the mother of five tells Cuomo. And I hadnt been home in over a year. I also wanted to make sure that it was safe for me before I brought my daughter this summer, where we plan to spend the summertime off from her schooling here with my family. Rosie O'Donnell and her child Clay. Rosie O'Donnell/Instagram The A League of Their Own star also shared that one of her adult sons is having his first child, so shes very excited to be home. She says she spent the last two weeks in New York and it felt like a very different country. [Its] a very different place for me because, for a year, I havent been watching the news. I havent been watching American culture television. Ive been in a place where celebrity worship does not exist, she says, adding her new life has more balance. Advertisement Advertisement I dont regret leaving at all, she says. I think I did what I needed to do to save myself, my child and my sanity. The energy that I felt while in the United States it was scary, she adds. Theres a feeling that something is really wrong and no one is doing anything about it. Despite ODonnells move to Europe last year, Trump, 79, wrote he was giving serious consideration to revoking her U.S. citizenship in a July 12, 2025, post on social media. Because of the fact that Rosie ODonnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship, he said. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA! About an hour later, ODonnell responded on Instagram, writing, The president of the USA has always hated the fact that I see him for who he is a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself. osie O'Donnell attends the 'Burlesque: The Musical' world premiere in London on July 22, 2025. Neil Mockford/WireImage Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. This is why I moved to Ireland, she continued. He is a dangerous old soulless man with dementia who lacks empathy compassion and basic humanity I stand in direct opposition [to] all he represents - so do millions of others. Read the original article on People The FBI released new details about the masked perpetrator suspected in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, as investigators continue to review the more than 13,000 tips that have come in from the public. The male suspect, who was pictured in video footage captured from the 84-year-olds home the night of her abduction, has an average build and is approximately 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall, according to an FBI forensic analysis. He was seen with a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving, the bureau said in a statement. The FBI also announced it was increasing the reward in the case to $100,000. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Arizona sheriff denies withholding key evidence on Nancy Guthrie from FBI Authorities in Arizona have continued to appeal to the public for video footage recorded near Guthries home in the month leading up to her disappearance, while one of her daughters, Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has pledged to never give up. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday afternoon, the Pima county sheriffs department asked for any video showing vehicles, traffic, pedestrians, or suspicious activity taken between 1 January and 2 February from an area roughly 2 sq miles in radius from the Guthrie residence in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson. The post did not say why the request was made, but followed a flurry of tips about 4,000 that came in during the 24 hours since the FBI on Tuesday released door camera video and still images of a masked and gloved suspect outside Guthries home early on 1 February. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the surge of information, no new suspects have been identified in the 12-day hunt for the abducted 84-year-old. Savannah Guthrie posted home video of her family on social media on Thursday, writing: Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope. A man detained at a traffic stop on Tuesday in Rio Rico, about an hour south of the Guthrie residence, was released without charges after several hours of questioning. On Wednesday, authorities conducted an extensive search of multiple roadways close to the Guthrie home. KVOA, the local NBC-affiliated TV station, reported the recovery of a pair of black gloves, which have been submitted for DNA testing, but said it was too soon to know whether they were connected to Guthries disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement The Pima county sheriffs department, which said it was sifting through 4,000 calls received since publication of the images, has not held a media briefing for a week, and said on Wednesday in a post on X that none would be held unless there was a significant development to report. KVOA said the lack of progress in the investigation was frustrating and causing anxiety for local residents. We are very worried. The neighbors are all worried, and we do not know who this kidnapper is, what hes done with Nancy Guthrie. We dont know whats going on, so were really concerned, Marla Handler, a neighbor of the missing woman, told the outlet. The station reported that Ring doorbell camera users in Catalina Foothills were asked by investigators for footage from 11 January from 9pm to midnight, and said there was footage of interest from the morning of 31 January relating to a suspicious vehicle. Authorities have not confirmed the information. In a separate development, TMZ reported that it received a note early on Wednesday from an anonymous person demanding one bitcoin (about $67,000) from the Guthrie family if they want the name of the individual involved. The note has not been formally authenticated, and neither the FBI nor the Pima county sheriff has commented on it. Advertisement Advertisement Separate purported ransom demands have been received by a number of Tucson-area television stations in recent days, with at least one deadline passing on Monday. Savannah Guthrie, who has presented NBCs Today show since 2012, posted a video on social media the same day, asking for prayers and information. We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken and we dont know where. And we need your help, she said. Detectives have searched the Guthrie home and surrounding area several times. Signs of forced entry and blood were found on the doorstep, Chris Nanos, the Pima county sheriff, has said previously, prompting him to declare it a crime scene. Investigators were also at the Tucson home of Savannah Guthries sister, Annie Guthrie, over the weekend as part of a follow-up search in the normal course of the case, NBC reported, citing an unnamed law enforcement official. Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and requires daily medication for her condition to keep her alive, her family has said. By Alexandra Alper WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Democratic lawmakers slammed the Trump administration for shelving key tech security measures aimed at Beijing ahead of an April meeting between the American and Chinese leaders, arguing the moves threaten U.S. national security. The shelved measures, first reported by Reuters, include a ban on China Telecom's U.S. operations and restrictions on sales of Chinese equipment for American data centers. They also include proposed bans on domestic sales of routers made by TP-Link and the U.S. internet business of China Unicom and China Mobile, along with another measure that would bar sales of Chinese electric trucks and buses in the United States. More from Yahoo Scout Why did Trump pause restrictions on Chinese technology companies? What national security risks do lawmakers see in these decisions? How are Democrats responding to Trump's China policy changes? What tech security measures did Trump shelve before China meeting? "The Trump administration has subordinated national security concerns to a haphazard and transactional approach, bowing to U.S. companies pursuing deals with (Chinese) companies-of-concern, granting licenses for export of sensitive U.S. technology, and permitting continued access to U.S. markets by (Chinese) national champions so long as it provides opportunities to enrich the presidents family and friends, Senator Mark Warner, who serves as ranking member on the Intelligence committee, said in a statement on Friday. "This is appeasement," House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats, led by Gregory Meeks, said in a social media post on Friday. "Trump is making Americans less safe by sacrificing technology security," it added. The White House, the Commerce Department and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The pause comes as the Trump administration has sought to rein in U.S. government actions that could antagonize Beijing following a trade truce reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in October. The administration has given the greenlight to Nvidia exporting its second most advanced AI chips to China and postponed a rule that would have barred thousands of Chinese companies from buying U.S. technology. The shelving of curbs raises questions among some Democrats over whether Trump "continues selling out American workers and security during his trip to China" in April to meet Chinese President Xi, Ro Khanna, the House China Select Committee's top Democrat, said late Thursday. Senator Jeff Merkley, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations committee, late Thursday described the move as a "lose-lose" undermining the American tech industry and putting American data at risk. Another Democrat, Senate Intelligence committee member Michael Bennet criticized the Trump administration's "strategic incompetence," a departure from Trump's first term when he rightly identified risks posted by Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. Spanish director Ian de la Rosas debut feature Ivan & Hadoum, which world premieres in Berlins Panorama section, began with a single striking image borrowed from an unlikely source: the 1987 sci-fi thriller Predator. That moment with the thermal camera in the greenhouse was one of the first images that came to mind, even before the first draft of the script was written, director De la Rosa told Variety. It came about as a result of a class I attended in my masters degree in film research. We were asked to analyze the thermal vision of the alien character in the science fiction film Predator. Thats when I thought how nice it would be to be able to see each other as human beings just as we are inside, being able to see the colors we carry within us without being influenced by what our bodies look like or what society labels or judges them to be. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement The Spain-Germany-Belgium co-production, starring Silver Chicon and Herminia Loh, follows Ivan as he falls in love with new colleague Hadoum in fruit and veg filled industrial greenhouses of southern Spain. Ivans pursuit for promotion threatens their burgeoning relationship. First and foremost, we wanted to tell a classic love story with characters who are anything but classic, De la Rosa observes. From that initial intimate layer, the socio-economic dimensions that affect the characters emerge naturally and ultimately become the real obstacles to the relationship between the two protagonists. Sold by Indie Sales and produced by Spains Avalon alongside Pecado Films and Vayolet Films, in co-production with Germanys Port-au-Prince Films and Belgiums Saga Film, the project emerged from European co-production networks. The first thing we won with Ivan & Hadoum was the Eurimage Coproduction Award in Berlin two years ago so the project was born as a copro, Avalon producer Stefan Schmitz tells Variety, Ironically, afterwards we didnt win Eurimage, which was a serious problem. For De la Rosa, who earned a 2022 best short Goya nomination for Farrucas, the class dynamics proved more central than immigration themes. I dont think immigration is the central conflict in the love story, he stresses. Rather, the conflict that clearly affects them is a class conflict: the need to climb the social ladder at any cost, to try to rise above everything and everyone. In that sense, Hadoums line sums up a structural reality that goes beyond a specific place and connects the intimate with the social. Advertisement Advertisement That line They exploit you the same everywhere. Only the scenery changes encapsulates the films broader social commentary while maintaining its intimate focus. The casting of leads Silver Chicon and Herminia Loh proved serendipitous. It was one of those coincidences in life where it seems like all the stars align and it becomes clear that it has to be them, De la Rosa says. During the two months prior to filming, we worked intensely with them, rehearsing and building the characters together. It was an immersive process that allowed us to generate the intimacy and chemistry that can later be seen on screen. He adds: Their life experience was fundamental in giving the story emotional truth. Thanks to their generosity and absolute dedication to the project, an atmosphere of trust and commitment was created that was key to the work and to the emotional credibility of the film. The financing came together across multiple territories, and has attracted strong broadcast partners. The Spanish and the Belgian part came together quite smoothly, Schmitz explained. Our Andalusian partners at Pecado Film managed to obtain support from Canal Sur and the Junta de Andalucia and, on the national side, ICAA, TVE, Movistar Plus+ joined the project without major hiccups. Saga Film worked incredibly well with us in Belgium and the only struggle was to adjust our finance plan to the German situation. We were very lucky to have Arte coming on board but sadly no other finance could be raised in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the complexity of multiple partners, De la Rosa maintained his creative vision. My approach to the project didnt change, he said. What did change was that new possibilities opened up for filming in better conditions. The international co-producers always cared for and respected my vision of the story and the place where it takes place. For Avalon, Ivan & Hadoum represents continued success at Berlin, marking their fourth production to premiere at the festival after Summer 1993, Matria and Alcarras. Ian is a filmmaker who has a long career ahead of him. Nothing is in your face but he never fails to move you. Schmitz said. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A good heart these days is hard to find, and never more so than in the middle of a war zone. Written and directed by Afghanistans Shahrbanoo Sadat, who also stars, No Good Men starts off as an amiably lo-fi romantic comedy with a juicy streak of jet-black satire and somehow transforms into a devastating political commentary that gives a whole new meaning to its seemingly tongue-in-cheek title. The way Sadats film cleverly weaves western rom-com tropes into a story set entirely against the impending fall of Kabul in 2021 is one thing, but its sudden escalation with just 20 minutes to go into shocking violence and tangible chaos is a bait-and-switch that takes things to a whole other level. It starts innocently enough, with Afghan pop music playing over brightly lit images of flowering cacti. Flowers are a major theme in the film, but not always in a good way; indeed, when we meet our heroine Naru (Sadat), she is working as a camerawoman on a cheesy daytime phone-in show where the self-proclaimed expert advice is that women evoking the morbid French chanson Mon amie la rose lose a petal every time they get pregnant. My advice as a doctor, this patronizing talking head goes on to declare, is put on a lot of makeup. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Naru, living with her parents and young son on a sabbatical from her cheating husband, is desperate for a change of scenery, and she gets it when famous Kabul news reporter Qodrat Qadiri (Anwar Hashimi) loses his regular cameraman just as hes about to interview Mawlawi Sahib, a leading figure in the Taliban. Upset by Qodrats probing questions, Sahib affects disgust when Narus headscarf falls down and leaves, protesting, I wont sit in a room with a bare-headed woman. To punish Naru for sabotaging the piece, Qodrat dumps her in the center of Kabul, with orders to do some vox pops about Valentines Day. Naru turns out to be pretty good as this, asking the women she meets, Are there any good men in Afghanistan? It opens the floodgates, and one interviewee memorably tells her, Ive never seen a man who appreciates his wife and speaks kindly to her its just beatings, insults, chores and taking care of the children. The Kabul TV network are delighted with Narus groundbreaking work, so much so that the big boss asks her to, er, film his wedding video. For a short time, it feels that No Good Men may just turn out to be a simple but well-put airing of grievances, with Naru facing systemic sexism at every turn. But things start to change when Qodrat, after breaking a major news story about a horrific gang rape, gives Naru her dues for helping him interview the female witnesses and even apologizes for his previous behavior. Naru cant quite believe whats going on, telling her friends, Ive never seen a man behaving so respectfully. Her admiration only increases when Qodrat comes to her help after a particularly ugly spat with her ex, and a genuine chemistry develops, even though he is much older and hardly fits the bill as a knight in shining armor. There is, however, a catch; Qodrat is taken, having been shanghaied into an arranged marriage as a young man, so Naru decides to cool things down. The important part of all this is that while Sadat is fooling you into thinking that this is just a simple case of will-they or wont-they, the violent seeds of unrest shown at the beginning of the film are about to return, and big-time. What started so amiably, with much fun poked at the ineptitude of the Taliban and the Afghan government, takes a really dark turn, with a climax that can best be described as a nightmarish pastiche of Lost in Translation, as imagined by Dante Alighieri. February 14 usually falls within the reach of the Berlin Film Festival, but this is the first time the event has opened with such a provocative bloody Valentine, a modest but super-smart production that punches way above its weight. Advertisement Advertisement Title: No Good Men Festival: Berlin (World Dramatic Competition; opening-night film) Director-screenwriter: Shahrbanoo Sadat Cast: Shahrbanoo Sadat, Anwar Hashimi, Yasin Negah, Masihullah Tajzai, Torkan Omari, Fatima Hassani Sales agent: Lucky Number Running time: 1 hr 43 mins Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. When Ames resident Willy Nast knocked on Al and Mary Ann Signorellis door in Aurora, Illinois, he was a nervous 24yearold creative writing student with a handheld recorder and no clear plan. He knew one thing he couldnt stop thinking about their son, Jeff. Jeff Signorelli, 18, was killed in 2002 in what police described as a random act of violence. Shots were fired blindly through the back wall of a garage where he and his friends gathered on a summer night. The case remains unsolved. More: Ames to host Norah ODonnell book event thanks to longtime friendship Advertisement Advertisement Nast felt the impact of the loss more than he realized. He and Signorelli were the same age, graduated from high school the same year, and though they attended different schools, shared several mutual friends. Nearly two decades after that initial conversation, Nast has transformed his longrunning relationship with the Signorellis into City of Lights, a sixepisode truecrime podcast, which dropped Feb. 4 at willynast.com. The project shifts the focus from the suspects and evidence to the people left behind after Signorelli's death. Ames-based podcaster Willy Nast has created a six-part true-crime podcast titled "City of Lights." Ames podcaster spent hours interviewing victim's parents Nast, who grew up in Aurora and moved to Ames with his family in 2020, starterd the project in 2008 as his senior honors thesis at Northwestern University. He spent hours interviewing the Signorellis, often in sprawling, threehour conversations. Sometimes months or even years would go by between visits, but over the years, Nast kept returning to talk with the couple about their grief, their city and their efforts to make Aurora safer in the aftermath of their sons death. Advertisement Advertisement He hadn't planned for his recordings to someday form the backbone of a podcast. I wasnt a journalist. I wasnt published. I had no business knocking on their door asking them to tell me about their dead son, he said. But they were so open and generous. That first conversation, I walked away thinking, I have something worth working on here. More: New bar and grill opens at former Es Tas location in Ames. What to know Those efforts included Al Signorellis run for city council just months after the shooting and the couples push to bring an antiviolence program called Ceasefire to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Its not a whodunnit or a howdunnit or a why, Nast said told the Ames Tribune about his podcast. Its a what now. Its about real life after the crime. Ames-based podcaster Willy Nast has created a six-part true-crime podcast titled "City of Lights." Turning old recordings into the 'City of Lights' true-crime series Much of Nast's podcast draws from his original interviews in college, recorded on what he describes as a little handheld rectangle. He wasnt focused on audio quality. He was surprised to find they were usable and powerful when he revisited the recordings years later, I thought Id have to ask them to go through all that terrible stuff again, he said. But when I listened, I realized I could work with it. There was about 20 hours of tape. More: ISUled Walk With Ease program fuels healthy aging for Story County seniors Advertisement Advertisement The final episode takes listeners into Nasts most recent interview with the Signorellis, recorded in 2023, exploring how grief evolves and how the question of what now? lingers when a case remains unsolved. Nast hopes the podcast stands apart in a crowded truecrime landscape. Im not a detective. Im not going to solve the case, he said. My strength is the human side drawing out conversations about what violence does to families and what it means to love a city that doesnt always love you back. All six episodes of City of Lights were released in February and are available at willynast.com/cityoflights. Advertisement Advertisement Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames' Willy Nast explores life after loss in new true-crime podcast Each week, SPIN digs into the catalogs of great artists and highlights songs you might not know for our Deep Cut Friday series. Music critics have a habit of tearing down idols as soon as theyve built them up, and some great sophomore albums have become collateral damage in that process. Patti Smith was anointed a major new voice by the rock press upon the release of her 1975 debut Horses, the first major label release from a punk rock artist whod started out at the legendary New York club CBGB. When Smith returned with a harder rocking follow-up album produced by Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, New York Dolls), however, there were some withering, disappointed reviews of Radio Ethiopia in major music magazines. More from Spin: Advertisement Advertisement Radio Ethiopia was closer to Horses, both in sound and quality, than it got credit for at the time. In fact, some of the new albums songs were holdovers from the Patti Smith Groups live repertoire before the release of Horses, including the entrancing six-minute Aint It Strange, co-written by Smith and bassist Ivan Kral. Before Bruce Springsteen co-wrote Patti Smiths biggest hit, Because the Night, they performed together for the first time at the Bottom Line in 1976, the day after Thanksgiving. Springsteen sat in with Smiths band, playing guitar or piano on several songs, including a cover of the Velvet Undergrounds Were Gonna Have a Real Good Time Together, and a scorching 11-minute rendition of Aint It Strange. Two months later in January 1977, Smith was touring in support of Radio Ethiopia in Tampa, Florida, when she danced off the stage. Smith fell 15 feet onto a concrete floor, breaking several vertebrae and requiring a year of rest and recovery. I fell during Aint It Strange, Now all this sounds like mythical bull but it is a truth, Smith said in a 1978 Melody Maker interview. I fell just as I was saying, hand of God, I feel the finger. And I did feel the finger push me right over. Three more essential Patti Smith deep cuts: Elegie Patti Smith played the last concert at CBGB before the club permanently closed on October 15, 2006. Fittingly, the final song performed at CBGBs was Elegie, the closing track from Horses. Space Monkey Smith wrote a few great songs with Television frontman Tom Verlaine, including Space Monkey from 1978s Easter. Beneath the Southern Cross After several years of semi-retirement from the music industry, Smith returned with the 1996 album Gone Again. Jeff Buckley guested on two songs, including backing vocals on Beneath the Southern Cross, and it would be his last on-record appearance before his death in 1997. To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here. The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest live tour has been "postponed", European Broadcasting Union (EBU) officials have confirmed. Announced last month, it had been due to visit 10 countries across Europe this summer, kicking off at London's O2 Arena on 15 June. Martin Green, director of the famous song contest - which is being held in Vienna, Austria on Saturday 16 May 2026 - said in a statement on Friday that "unforseen circumstances" had led them to take the "difficult decision" to shelve the additional new tour. Advertisement Advertisement "We regret to announce that we've made the difficult decision to postpone the Eurovision Song Contest Live Tour 2026," he said. "We have encountered unforeseen challenges that despite the best efforts of our team, the producers, and promoters we have been unable to resolve. "To the thousands of fans who bought tickets, thank you, we will ensure you will be refunded in full as soon as possible." He went on to say that Eurovision would be "relaunching" the live tour - originally planned as part of the contest's 70th birthday celebrations - once it could "ensure the world-class experience that our fans expect". Advertisement Advertisement "Our focus remains on delivering an incredible Eurovision Song Contest in May," he noted. The new show was meant to include some of the most memorable performers from the history of the competition, the EBU said in January. They included Johnny Logan, Katrina, Lordi and Verka Serduchka. The EBU, which runs Eurovision, also previously confirmed that the tour would feature performances from 10 of this year's entrants. Austria's JJ triumphed in Basel, Switzerland at Eurovision 2025 [Reuters] Last December the contest was disrupted after Iceland joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying it would boycott the 2026 competition. The move followed a row about Israel's participation because of the war in Gaza, as well as accusations of unfair voting practices. Advertisement Advertisement The EBU announced it was tightening the competition's voting rules to limit the influence of governments on the results. A majority of its members voted that month for a series of reforms which would also allow Israel to remain. The BBC has not yet announced the name of the UK's entrant for this year. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) The Panama City Symphony is hosting two performances for the upcoming Valentines Day weekend. Panama City Symphony Conductor Sergey Bogza said in celebration of the symphonys 30th anniversary, they will perform the music of Andrew Lloyd Webbers The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, and more. Three-time winner of The American Prize in Vocal Performance, Justin John Moniz, will perform solo pieces from Jesus Christ Superstar, Aspects of Love, and more. Advertisement Advertisement The performances will be held at Arnold High School in Panama City Beach at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Warning: Graphic content ahead, including stories of murder, suicide, and images of death. 1. Lee Harvey Oswald (1963) Bettmann / Bettmann Archive Date: Nov. 24, 1963Location: Dallas Police Headquarters, Dallas, Texas, USABroadcast: Live on NBC and then on tape by other networks. Two days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was being transferred through the basement of Dallas Police Headquarters when nightclub owner Jack Ruby stepped forward and shot him. The moment happened in full view of journalists and was broadcast live on national television, shocking viewers who were watching what was supposed to be a routine police transfer. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive Oswald was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, the same hospital where JFK had died, and was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Ruby was immediately arrested and later convicted of murder, though his conviction was overturned on appeal before he died of complications from cancer several years later while awaiting a second trial. Three Lions / Getty Images, Historical / Corbis via Getty Images Related: My Little, Naive, Innocent Brain Cried After Learning About These Horrifying, Shocking, And Upsetting Things In 2025 The live killing of Lee Harvey Oswald fueled conspiracy theories including links to the mafia and government silencing plots and deepened public mistrust. It is widely considered the first murder to be broadcast live on national television. New York Daily News / NY Daily News via Getty Images 2. R. Budd Dwyer (1987) Advertisement Advertisement Date: Jan. 22, 1987Location: Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USABroadcast: Live televised press conference carried by local and, later, national stations R. Budd Dwyer, Pennsylvania's state treasurer at the time, called a press conference amid a federal corruption conviction that he insisted was unjust. In front of reporters and television cameras, he delivered a prepared statement, handed out envelopes to staffers, and then pulled a .357 Magnum revolver from a manila envelope. He then said that anyone who might be offended should leave the room. Despite pleas from reporters to put the gun down, he warned them to stand back before fatally shooting himself. While some news stations in Pennsylvania covered the event, the actual moment of the shooting was not broadcast live to most viewers; instead, it was recorded by several news cameras and aired later that day on local news programs. The report was also broadcast nationally, but not in its graphic entirety. The broadcast of the graphic footage some stations aired it in full, others edited it, and others skipped it entirely sparked major controversy and a debate over journalistic ethics. 3. Christine Chubbuck (1974) Date: July 15, 1974Location: Sarasota, Florida, USABroadcast: Live local morning news on WXLT-TV Christine Chubbuck was a TV news reporter in Sarasota, Florida, who opened a live morning broadcast by stating, In keeping with Channel 40's policy of bringing you the latest in blood and guts and in living color, you are going to see another first attempted suicide. Chubbuck then proceeded to shoot herself in the head. She is generally recognized as the first person to die by suicide on live television. The broadcast tape has never been publicly released. Advertisement Advertisement According to People , "Her shocked family made sure to get an injunction preventing the release of the tape of her suicide. After it was seized as evidence by authorities, it was turned over to their mother, Peg." Christine's brother Greg also told People that he believes his sister suffered from bipolar disorder and that she was only being treated for depression at the time. 4. Inejiro Asanuma (1960) FPG / Getty Images Date: Oct. 12, 1960Location: Hibiya Public Hall, Tokyo, JapanBroadcast: Live national television political debate Related: Nobody Under 28 Years Old Can Pass This '90s Toy Quiz Inejiro Asanuma, the leader of Japans Socialist Party, was speaking at a televised political debate in Tokyo when a teenage nationalist rushed the stage and stabbed him to death . The assassination was captured by television cameras and witnessed by a live audience. AFP / AFP via Getty Images The assailant, Otaya Yamaguchi, who was just 17 years old, was a member of an extreme right-wing group called the Great Japan Patriotic Society. According to The Guardian , "Eyewitnesses said that Yamaguchi was smiling as he was taken into custody." And it was reported that Yamaguchi gave no motive. He later died by suicide while in a detention center. Keystone / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement The event stunned Japan and became a defining moment in its postwar political history. A photograph (the image below) of the moment won a Pulitzer Prize , and the assassination intensified debates around political extremism and security at public events. asushi Nagao/The Mainichi Shimbun/Bettmann/Corbis via Getty Images The creator of this photograph, Yasushi Nagao, was the first non-American photographer to win a Pulitzer Prize. 5. Alison Parker (2015) Date: Aug. 26, 2015Location: Moneta, Virginia, USABroadcast: Live morning news segment on WDBJ-TV Alison Parker, a reporter for WDBJ in Virginia, was conducting a live morning interview when a former station employee opened fire on her and cameraman Adam Ward during the broadcast. The station quickly cut away, but footage from both the live feed and the attackers own recording spread online. Parker and Ward were both killed in the attack. Richard Levine / Alamy The gunman, Vester Lee Flanagan II, had been a reporter at WDBJ and also had a history of troubling behavior. He was fired from WDBJ in 2013 for "disruptive conduct." Flanagan reportedly "carefully choreographed" the killing of Parker and Ward for "maximum shock value." After a brief manhunt, Flanagan died by suicide during a police car chase. Alex Wong / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Related: "I Thought That Was Normal Until I Moved In With My Husband": 19 "Extremely Weird" Habits Parents Did At Home That Seemed Super Normal Back In The Day 6. Andrei Karlov (2016) Anadolu / Getty Images Date: Dec. 19, 2016Location: Ankara, TurkeyBroadcast: Live coverage of a public diplomatic event Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, was delivering a speech at an art exhibition in Ankara when Mevlut Mert Altntas, an off-duty police officer who had been standing calmly behind him, pulled out a handgun and shot him several times in the back. The attack occurred in front of diplomats, media, and live cameras covering the event. According to reports, Altntas shouted, "Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria!" and "Until these places are safe, you will not taste any safety either." He then refused to surrender and engaged in a shootout with responding Turkish special forces and anti-terror police for roughly 15 to 30 minutes. He was killed in the shootout. Xinhua News Agency / Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images Russia and Turkey quickly framed the assassination as an attempt to destabilize diplomatic relations, pledging cooperation instead. The footage circulated widely and underscored the risks diplomats face even at cultural events. VASILY MAXIMOV / AFP via Getty Images 7. Owen Hart (1999) Advertisement Advertisement Date: May 23, 1999Location: Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri, USABroadcast: Live WWE Over the Edge pay-per-view Owen Hart, a professional wrestler performing under the name Blue Blazer at the time, was participating in the WWE's Over the Edge pay-per-view event when he fell 78 feet from the rafters during an entrance stunt. It was reported that his harness malfunctioned, and later determined that he died of internal bleeding from blunt force trauma. The fall happened during a pre-taped vignette, leaving TV viewers watching a video package rather than the fall, and cameras focused on the crowd afterward. VICE TV / Via youtube.com Mr. McMahon, Vince McMahon the former WWE founder, chairman, and CEO The show controversially continued after Hart was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In a Netflix docuseries,, Vince McMahon the former WWE founder, chairman, and CEO said , The decision that basically I had to make was whether or not the show goes on. The live audience didnt really see what happened. Had they seen, there was no question about it, you have to shut the show down Those people came to see a show. They didnt come to see somebody die. And me as a businessman, its like, Okay, lets continue on. Lets continue the show.' Hart's death led to lawsuits , changes in wrestling safety practices, and long-lasting criticism of the companys handling of the incident. VICE TV / Via youtube.com 8. Perro Aguayo Jr. (2015) Frontera TV / Via youtube.com Advertisement Advertisement Date: March 20, 2015Location: Tijuana, Baja California, MexicoBroadcast: Live televised wrestling event Mexican wrestling star Perro Aguayo Jr. collapsed in the ring during a televised tag-team match after absorbing routine moves. Although the play initially seemed harmless, Aguayo landed awkwardly on the ropes and actually suffered three fractured vertebrae and severe whiplash. Because wrestlers often "sell" (act out) injuries to enhance the performance, his fellow wrestlers and referees did not immediately realize he was severely injured, and the match continued for several minutes while Aguayo hung limp on the ropes. Frontera TV / Via youtube.com Related: 23 Celebrity Deaths That Were So Dark They Left A Permanent Stain On My Brain Once the severity was recognized, ringside personnel and fellow wrestler Konnan attempted to revive him. Aguayo was eventually taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead early the next morning. Aguayo's official cause of death was a heart attack from a cervical stroke caused by the fractured vertebrae. Frontera TV / Via youtube.com 9. Mitsuharu Misawa (2009) JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty Images Date: June 13, 2009Location: Hiroshima Green Arena, Hiroshima, JapanBroadcast: Live professional wrestling event Mitsuharu Misawa, one of Japans most respected professional wrestlers, collapsed and died of a heart attack in the ring during a live match. Much like Aguayo, Misawa had been participating in a tag-team match when his opponent grabbed and took him into a common suplex move. When he appeared unconscious after the move, the match was stopped as medical personnel attempted to resuscitate him. Misawa was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement His death sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, particularly in Japan, and resulted in renewed attention to wrestler health, spinal injuries, and the cumulative toll of long careers in the ring. Sankei / Sankei via Getty Images 10. Finally, Victor Barrio (2016) Aurelio Florez / Alamy Date: July 9, 2016Location: Plaza de Toros de Teruel, Teruel, SpainBroadcast: Live Spanish television bullfight Victor Barrio, a 29-year-old professional bullfighter, was fatally gored during a bullfight that was being broadcast live on Spanish television. It was reported that Barrio was first gored by the bull's left horn, flipped over, and gored a second time in the chest. The second blow penetrated his lung and aorta as he was on the ground. Medics came to his aid immediately, but were unable to save him. Album / Alamy His death was the first fatal bullfighting incident in Spain to be broadcast live in decades. The event reignited fierce debate over the ethics and safety of bullfighting, strengthening opposition movements while also prompting tributes within traditionalist circles. Gtres Informacion mas Comuniacion on line,S.L. / Alamy Advertisement Advertisement Dial 988 in the United States to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline . The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org . The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, is 1-866-488-7386. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website. Also in Rewind: If You Can Name These 10 Vintage Toys, You Definitely Grew Up Before The Internet Existed Also in Rewind: If You Can Identify These 15 Vintage Cartoon Characters, You Definitely Grew Up A Looooooooooooooooooong Time Ago Also in Rewind: These 18 Historical Figures Looked Shockingly Different When They Were Young So I'm Positive You Can't Identify Them From A Photo Read it on BuzzFeed.com With its family-friendly beaches, top-notch archaeological sites and sumptuous culinary treats, a holiday in Greece only four hours flight time from the UK is hard to beat. The main tourist season kicks off at Easter, when Corfus pot-flinging celebrations and philharmonic bands are a major draw. In summer, follow the sun to one of the countrys 227 inhabited islands: Mykonos, renowned for its scintillating party scene; Santorini, with its spectacular caldera views; or Alonissos, where pristine wildlife is the main attraction. Athens heat is overpowering in July and August, so an out-of-season break is ideal, whilst the lively second city, Thessaloniki, has something to offer all year round. Heres where to go in Greece this year. Find a holiday by type: Best for culture and festivals Athens Birthplace of democracy, home of world-class museums and backdrop for a burgeoning culinary scene, Athens storied streets, radiating out from the Acropolis, are awash with thrilling activities. Choose the cooler days of spring or autumn to wander Plakas alleys, watch the changing of the guard on Syntagma Square or climb to the Parthenon. This year, the long-running conservation work on the famous site will finish, meaning the Parthenon will be scaffolding-free for the first time in decades. Work on the Parthenon is expected to finish in 2026 - Dave G Kelly/Getty Images How to do it: A week at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in the heart of Athens, including flights from London Heathrow in March with British Airways, from 601pp, room only. Thessaloniki Greeces less-touristed second city is like a pint-sized dose of everything the country does best. Stretching from the 16th-century White Tower, the main seafront promenade buzzes with cocktail bars and upmarket restaurants, whilst student hangouts and budget-friendly tavernas abound in Ano Poli, the old district at the top of town. Thessalonikis excellent MOMus Museum has an extensive programme for 2026, including exhibitions of modern art, contemporary art and photography. Thessalonikis White Tower sits on the seafront thats lined with bars and restaurants - LordHenriVoton/Getty Images How to do it: A week at City Hotel near Thessalonikis buzzing waterfront in March, including flights from London Gatwick with Olympic Holidays, from 573pp, B&B. Tinos With its ornate dovecotes, remote beaches and maze-like Chora town and mountaintop villages, this lesser-visited Cyclades island retains an authentic spirit. Famed for its alabaster marble, used by sculptors since antiquity, Pyrgos village abounds in marble museums and sculptors workshops, whilst the medieval village of Ysternia offers the best vantage point for panoramic views. Pyrgos village in Tinos is home to marble museums and sculptors workshops - Rawf8/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Tinos Beach Hotel in May, including flights from London Gatwick via Athens, including transfers and ferry from Rafina port, with Olympic Holidays, from 801pp, B&B. Syros Just 30 minutes from glamorous neighbour Mykonos, this lesser-visited island has twin capital cities: Ano Syros, the 13th-century Catholic capital, and the more modern Hermoupolis, each sitting on its own hill. Surprising finds here include a magnificent marble-paved main square home to an opera house said to be modelled on La Scala, a smorgasbord of culinary specialities, and a museum thats home to the worlds first electric car. Ano Syros is one of the islands twin capital cities - Charalambos Andronos/Getty Images/iStockphoto Advertisement Advertisement How to do it: A week at Dolphin Bay Hotel overlooking the islands largest golden sand beach in July, including flights from London Gatwick via Mykonos and transfers with Olympic Holidays, from 983pp, B&B. Corfu With philharmonic bands marching through the streets and water-filled pots flung from balconies, this Ionian island (where the animal-loving Durrell family once lived) has one of Greeces most spectacular Easter celebrations. June to September are the busiest months, when the Old Towns palaces and fortresses, Spianada pedestrian arcade and kantounia alleys buzz with life. Elsewhere, youll find typical island life in myriad villages, where tavernas serve the spicy fish dish bourdeto and other local specialities. Typical island life can be found in Corfus many villages - DaLiu/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Cooks Club Corfu, adults only, overlooking Gouvias lovely golden beach, including flights from London Stansted in April with On the Beach, from 580pp, all inclusive. Return to index Best beach destinations Milos A peaceful substitute for sister island Santorini, the Cycladic atoll is best known for its colourful kymata boathouses and lunar landscapes (as well as the site where the Venus de Milo was unearthed in 1820). Follow hiking paths spreading out from the castle-topped capital of Plaka to reach the white volcanic coves of Sarakiniko Beach. You can also explore the islands spooky network of 1st-century AD catacombs or enjoy brine-fresh fish served up in low-key tavernas surrounding Pollonias pretty port. Milos and its lunar-like landscapes are a peaceful substitute for Santorini - Aleh Varanishcha/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Arco Solium Suites close to Milos town, including flights from London Gatwick with Wizz Air in May with lastminute.com, from 841pp, B&B. Zakynthos Dubbed Fiore di Levante (Flower of the East) by Venetians, this lush Ionian island is best known for its lively Laganas nightlife strip, clear seas inhabited by rare loggerhead turtles, and Navagio or Shipwreck Beach a white-sand cove backed by limestone cliffs, home to the photogenic skeleton of a cargo ship that ran aground in the 1980s. Away from the beach, a string of picturesque mountain villages showcase the islands more authentic side. Limestone cliffs encompass the white-sand cove, Shipwreck Beach - Nick Brundle Photography/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Canadian Hotel near the party strip of Laganas nightlife, including flights from London Luton in May with Hays Travel, from 325pp, B&B. Alonissos This Sporades island is a magnet for divers who come to explore the Parthenon of Shipwrecks, an underwater park littered with skeletons of vessels that sank here in the 5th century BC. A 30-minute boat ride from Mamma Mia! island Skopelos, Alonissos is laid back and charming, home to an extensive network of hiking trails leading to a string of near-deserted beaches and traditional villages where tavernas serve boat-to-table seafood. Alonnisos is a laid-back island thats popular among divers - Gatsi/Getty Images/iStockphoto Advertisement Advertisement How to do it: A week at Nereides Hotel near capital Patitiri in June, including flights from London Gatwick via Skiathos and ferry transfer with Tui, from 700pp, B&B. Rhodes One of Europes sunniest islands, Rhodes is a magnet for families who flock here to enjoy splashy waterparks and glorious silk-sand beaches, whilst Falirakis lively nightlife strip attracts the party crowd. Away from the seafront, this dreamy Dodecanese destination is littered with ancient sites, including the island capitals Unesco World Heritage-listed old town, with its medieval cobbled streets and magnificent Grand Masters Palace, and the bougainvillea-bright streets of whitewashed Lindos village, topped by its 4th-century BC acropolis. The Grand Masters Palace sits in Rhodess Unesco-listed Old Town - saiko3p/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Amus Hotel and Spa near Ixia, including flights from London Gatwick in June with Sovereign Holidays, from 1,308pp, B&B. Return to index Best for food Crete Holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026, Crete is a destination for the food lovers. Shop for knives engraved with mantinades (rhyming verses) and fresh herbs and spices in the streets behind Chanias Venetian harbour, meet the Minoans at Arthur Evanss controversially restored Knossos Palace, explore the islands wine roads, or relax on stellar beaches such as Vai in the east or Balos in the west. Shop for herbs and spices behind the Venetian port in Chania - carmengabriela/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Europhia Resort near the Venetian harbour and cobbled alleys of Chania, including flights from London Stansted in June with Jet2 Holidays, from 1,337pp, all inclusive. Sifnos Foodies flock to this rugged Cyclades island between Serifos and Milos, birthplace of chef Nicholas Tselementes, who wrote Greeces first cookbook in the early 20th century. Sifnos lives up to its culinary reputation, with dishes including marzipan-sweet amygdalota and hearty revithada chickpea stew made in skepastis (a kind of crockpot still crafted in ceramic around the island). Away from the tavernas, there is also a string of golden sand beaches that rarely get crowded even in the height of summer. Sifnos lives up to its reputation as a culinary destination - vivoo/Alamy Stock Photo How to do it: A week at Sifnaika Konakia, close to Kamares, including flights from London Heathrow with Sunvil in June, costs from 1,279pp, B&B. Advertisement Advertisement Return to index Best to see and be seen Mykonos Known as the Greek Ibiza, this Cycladic islands golden-sand beaches, hip beach clubs and designer boutiques lining the cobbled streets of the compact capital, Chora, have attracted jetsetters ranging from Jackie O to Brigitte Bardot since the Sixties. Away from mega-clubs on Super Paradise and Psarou, pastel-coloured buildings along the wave-lapped Little Venice waterfront are packed with cosy cafes and chic tavernas. For lower prices and a more authentic atmosphere, visit in spring. Chic tavernas line the waterfront in Mykonoss Little Venice - davidionut/Getty Images How to do it: A week at My Mykonos Hotel in the capital, Chora, including flights from London Luton in June with Love Holidays, from 819pp, B&B. Santorini Sunset seen from the rim of Santorinis spectacular volcanic crater, topped by its snow-sprinkling of white villages, is a big ticket item on most travellers bucket lists for a ringside seat without the crowds, travel in May or September. This sultry Cycladic islands black and red sand beaches are also a major draw, as is the Minoan site of Akrotiri, dubbed Greeces Pompeii because it was buried under ash after the islands volcano blew its top in 1600 BC. White villages, such as Oia, sit atop the hills across Santorini - SCStock/Getty Images/iStockphoto How to do it: A week at Amaria Beach Resort near the low-key town of Kamari, an easy drive from capital Fira, including flights from London Gatwick in May with Thomas Cook, from 691pp, B&B. Advertisement Advertisement Return to index Best quieter corners Lesvos Birthplace of aniseed tipple ouzo, this under-the-radar northern Aegean island, where Sappho leapt to her death in the 6th century BC, has countless surprising attractions. Here youll find one of the worlds largest petrified forests and a museum packed with works by artists ranging from Chagall and Giacometti to Picasso and Matisse. Capital Mytilene has a charming Ladadika district, where traditional tavernas serve dishes cooked in ladi (olive oil). Lesvos is one of the more under-the-radar islands in the northern Aegean - tunart/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Aeolian Village Beach Resort near Eressos spectacular 3km-long sandy beach, including flights from London Gatwick in May with Mark Warner, from 916pp, half board. Kimolos Among the smallest of the Cyclades islands, Kimolos is like a time warp. The islands one dusty, potholed main road leads from capital Chorio to near-deserted beaches like Dekka and Ellenika and traditional villages of Goupa, Karra or Psathi, where tavernas serve kakavia fish soup and other local specialities. Small Kimolos is home to near-deserted beaches - Pawel Kazmierczak/Alamy Stock Photo How to do it: A week at Kimolis Hotel close to the islands best beaches, including flights from London Heathrow via Athens and Milos with Sunvil, from 1,364pp, B&B. Aegina Although popular with Greeks, this Saronic atoll within easy reach of Athens, is rarely on tourist radar, despite lush countryside, lovely beaches, and a main town lined with lofty neoclassical mansions where Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis once lived. Aegina is also famed for its Doric Temple of Aphaia, dating back to 500 BC, which is a scaled-down version of the Acropolis. Be sure to sample local pistachios, used to make everything from marmalade to liqueur. The Temple of Aphaia dates back to 500 BC - zoom-zoom/Getty Images/iStockphoto How to do it: A week at Danae Hotel close to the islands taverna-lined port, including flights from Manchester in July via Athens and ferry from Piraeus with Jet2 Holidays, from 787pp, B&B. Advertisement Advertisement Return to index Best for nature Kalymnos This Dodecanese island is considered one of the worlds best destinations for climbing. The bustling harbour of capital Pothia has elegant neoclassical buildings repurposed as fish tavernas and a museum dedicated to the dangerous job of sponge fishing, for which the island is famed. Rarely crowded even in the height of summer, Kalymnos scenic settlements, golden-sand beaches and budget-friendly tavernas offer a perfect peaceful Greek retreat. Pothia, capital of Kalymnos, has a bustling harbour - Gatsi/Getty Images How to do it: A week at Andromeda Studios near the low-key resort of Kantouni in July, including flights from Bristol and transfers with Jet2 Holidays, from 586pp, self catering. Amorgos Location for the filming of Luc Bessons cult classic The Big Blue, this Cyclades island is famed for its dramatic views. Mountain peaks are topped by ancient monasteries and rare monk seals are often spotted along the shore. Scenic and sometimes scary mountain roads and hiking trails link capital Chora with far-flung villages where traditional kafeneia serve ouzo and meze snacks. Chora is linked to other far-flung villages across the island by hiking trails - andrant/Getty Images/iStockphoto How to do it: A week at Lakki Village near Aegialis sandy beach in June, including flights from London Heathrow in and transfers with Sunvil, from 1,416pp, B&B. Evia Less than two hours drive from Athens, Greeces second-largest island, separated from the mainland by the storied Euripus Strait, is rarely visited by British travellers despite having some of the countrys best beaches, along with pine forests, mountain hiking trails dotted with mysterious drakospita (dragon houses), and a host of culinary specialities including katsikaki goulbaso (goat stew). Edipsos, on Evias northern tip, abounds in mineral-rich therapeutic waters that have been valued for their healing properties since the 4th-century BC. Evia has some of Greeces best beaches but isnt as visited by British travellers - photo_stella/Getty Images/iStockphoto How to do it: A week at Evia Riviera Resort close to Amarynthos beach in September, including flights from London Gatwick to Athens and transfer to Evia with Thomas Cook, from 457pp, B&B. Skyros This under-the-radar Cyclades island is split into two halves most of the villages are in the pine-forested northern half and thrilling hiking and biking trails are scattered over the far more rugged southern part. Its also where First World War poet and philhellene Rupert Brooke is buried, and is renowned for its pint-sized wild horses dating back to the Palaeolithic era. From main town Choras car-free alleys clustered beneath its Byzantine castle to pristine pine-tree-shaded beaches, this is one of the Sporades most authentic atolls. Skyros is one of the most authentic Greek destinations - StratosGiannikos/Getty Images/iStockphoto Advertisement Advertisement How to do it: A week at Yiasemi Studios near Molos sandy beach in June, including flights from London Heathrow and transfers with Sunvil, from 1,070pp, self catering. Return to index Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Cincinnati is among The New York Times' Top 5 destinations for design tourism, thanks to a unique expo, which you can check out this month. The article, published Feb. 10, highlighted vintage markets in Milan, New York, Copenhagen, Lancaster, Ohio, and the 20th Century Cincinnati Vintage Modern Expo. The expo is a family- and women-owned event, held at the Sharonville Convention Center. It will celebrate its 31st year, making it one of the oldest midcentury events in the country. Cincinnati was named among The New York Times' Top 5 destinations for design tourism. From the story: "Most of the vendors this year are from the industrial Midwest, with an emphasis on Ohio. Sweet Modern from Akron, the shows sponsor, will be selling restored midcentury decor and furniture. Cleveland Modern will be on hand with midcentury lighting. The South will be in the house too, with vintage handbags from Kitschy Kloset in Jasper, Ala. and Art Deco clocks from Deco-rations in Chantilly, Va." 20th Century Cincinnati Vintage Modern Expo returns this month. Here's when More than 70 vintage and mid-century modern dealers will take over 40,000 square feet at the convention center just outside of Cincinnati on Feb. 20-22 for a "weekend of 'juicy vintage modern goodness,'" Jenni Button, the event's co-producer and creative director, told The Times. Advertisement Advertisement According to The New York Times story, the expo's prices range from "bargain-level to exorbitant" and, unlike many design shows, Cincinnati's is family-friendly. Children under 18 get in free. The Friday night Mid Mod Mixer features early access to the vendor area and food and drinks. For serious vintage-lovers, the expo offers a $2,400 Ultra Luxe package that includes a two-night stay at 21C, a boutique hotel and contemporary art museum in Downtown Cincinnati. Visit queencityshows.com for more details and to purchase tickets. The modern expo, a family- and women-owned event, will be celebrate its 31st year, making it one of the oldest midcentury events in the country. Scott Schiavone The New York Times' 5 Destinations for Design Tourism Here's a look at the vintage markets The New York Times highlighted as design tourism destinations: Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati vintage expo among New York Times' top design destinations It's been warm, but Minnesota is far from emerging from winter. So, it will be welcome news that more opportunities to head to Hawaii are on the way. Delta Air Lines has announced that it will double its connections between Minnesota and Hawaii with the addition of nonstop service from Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport to Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG). The new seasonal route will take flight on Dec. 19, becoming the second Hawaiian retreat available from MSP, adding to Delta's year-round, nonstop flights to Honolulu. A beach in MauiZetong Li/Unsplash (Zetong Li/Unsplash) "Maui has been a top-requested destination for Minnesota customers and weve listened," Amy Martin, vice president of network planning for Delta Air Lines, says in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP, says in an announcement that Maui was the airport's largest unserved nonstop destination. An average of 170 travelers head to Maui from MSP daily from January through March, but currently must connect through other airports. That figure goes the other way, as well, with MSP being Maui's largest unserved nonstop destination. Flights for the new route will become available on Saturday, Feb. 14, with travel available through April 2027. Related: Mall of America to start offering overnight MSP airport parking This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Lifestyle section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. is being sued by California-based GoSecure, which says the Austin cybersecurity company was built on its intellectual property. (Haven Daley/AP Photo/Haven Daley, File) CrowdStrike is one of the worlds foremost internet and cybersecurity companies. It has a market capitalization of $100 billion and more than 10,000 employees. Its so big that, when it pushed a bad software update to its customers in 2024, it caused the largest internet outage in history, costing major U.S. companies $5.4 billion. But what if the whole company was built on stolen intellectual property? Thats what a lawsuit in Austins 3rd Business Court Division is arguing. GoSecure, a California cybersecurity company, says CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. has been improperly using GoSecures trade secrets and confidential information to develop its Falcon Platform for years. Thats allowed CrowdStrike to leapfrog its competition while passing off GoSecures intellectual property as its own. ANOTHER SUIT: Federal judge tosses lawsuit against Austin-based CrowdStrike in 2024 global outage In a statement Thursday, CrowdStrike denied the allegations. GoSecures claims that are being brought after over a decade passed are meritless on their face, a spokesman said. We will vigorously defend the company. It has denied the allegations in court filings, too, which also challenge GoSecures timelines and the Texas courts jurisdiction. The suit was originally filed in 2024 in California. Because it was taking too long to get to trial there, GoSecure said, it chose to dismiss that suit. In August, it was refiled in Texas business courts, which have far fewer cases. Among the allegations is that CrowdStrike co-founder Dmitri Alperovitch and a senior engineer he recruited collected highly sensitive engineering data from GoSecure, as well as knowledge of its source code and business plans. Mr. Alperovitch vehemently denies the allegation, said Thomas Croessmann, his attorney. Those statements about Mr. Alperovitchs intent and actions are false. This is corroborated by the fact that Mr. Alperovitch, individually, was dismissed from the lawsuit. He left CrowdStrike in 2020. FROM 2024: CrowdStrike apologizes for estimated $5.4 billion in damages with $10 Uber Eats gift cards Though not a defendant in the Texas version of the suit, the allegations about him providing the information to CrowdStrike remain. GoSecure says Alperovitch, who worked for computer security giant McAfee at the time, joined the board of GoSecure then called NeuralIQ/CounterTack in November 2011. He started his rival company in February 2012 and left the board in May of that year. At the time, GoSecure was developing an endpoint detection and response product that would perform in the subterranean level of computer operating systems, something no one had successfully done to that point. It ultimately succeeded. In the following years, GoSecure was recognized numerous times with cybersecurity industry accolades. Delta announced an expansion of its winter 2026 schedule to Hawaii, growing capacity and adding new long-haul flying as part of what the airline says will be its largest seasonal Hawaii operation to date. The carrier will introduce new service and restore a previously operated long-haul route beginning Dec. 19, 2026, while also increasing frequencies and adjusting aircraft on several existing Hawaii markets. Delta will launch new nonstop service between its MinneapolisSt. Paul hub and Maui. The route will operate daily during peak holiday and spring break periods, with five weekly flights through the core winter season. The service will be operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement The airline will also resume nonstop service between Boston and Honolulu, the longest domestic flight in the U.S. Flights will operate daily during peak late-December travel before transitioning to four weekly frequencies for the remainder of the winter season. The route will also be flown with an Airbus A330-300. A Delta A330-300 aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Santi Rodriguez) In addition to the new and returning routes, Delta will expand flying on several existing Hawaii routes during the winter schedule. Expanded Service Atlanta to Honolulu will see a second frequency operating three times weekly from January through March on Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Detroit to Honolulu will increase from three weekly flights to daily service beginning Nov. 9, 2026, also operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Service between New York-JFK and Honolulu will expand from up to five weekly flights to daily service beginning April 1, 2026, using Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Salt Lake City to Kona will begin daily service on Nov. 9, 2026, earlier than in the prior winter season, operated by Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Delta will also upgauge Los Angeles to Kona service to Boeing 767-300 aircraft for the winter season. HONOLULU (KHON2) One of Hawaiis most popular emerging brands was born out of the struggles that many mothers go through, especially during the COVID-era of social distancing and isolation. Chinatown festival and parade this weekend Welo Creations now produces jewelry, hats, and has teamed up with collaborators like Buddah Mochi on bags. I started as a stay-at-home mom needing an outlet, Owner Courtney Sabater-Hart said. My husband is a firefighter, and my babies were so little when COVID time came around, so because of how much he was working and with everything happening around us, we were confined to just us in our little space. Welo Creations became my creative outlet. I was crafting things every little moment I had the chance to. It was my little escape from mommying. Advertisement Advertisement Many of the popular items sell out quickly, but Sabater-Hart will have products available on Hawaii Island soon. I will be at the Kamehameha Hawaii Hoolaulea on Saturday, February 21st, in Keaau, where I will have various IMUA-themed accessories. Then at Merrie Monarch at the Sangha Hall with Kakoo Hawaii, where I will have a few new things being released, she said. At the Hoolaulea, I will be dropping my latest collab bag with Buddah mochi, the pink meimei. And I have a few items that I will bring on set as a sneak peak to what I will have at Merrie Monarch. For more information, head to https://welocreations.com. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Growing up in her native Honduras, artist and fashion designer Soreyda Benedit Begley spent most of her childhood drawing and making clothes for her dolls. Decades later, after brutal work as a factory seamstress, immigration to the U.S., motherhood and years of late-night sewing, Begley, now a Lexington resident, is doing it again. Shes documenting Latin American cultural traditions through dolls and miniature fashion. Within each country, theres different regions. They have different customs, and so my goal is to have as many as possible, Begley said, describing the sweeping, oftentimes exhausting, effort in an interview with the Herald-Leader. Advertisement Advertisement The project began as an art installation in 2020 to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in lieu of the Latino Festival canceled that year. With the help of a LexArts grant, Begley is expanding this cultural archive to a collection of 50 pieces. Artist and activist fashion designer Soreyda Benedit Begley uses older model GI Joe action figures to mimic the robust build of Afro-Latino men when creating male dolls Jan. 21, 2026, in Lexington. Shes planning to display her body of work, titled Wearable Culture, at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center in an exhibit with multiple artists. The exhibit opens Saturday, March 21. Called MAVEN, its curated by Brianna Armstrong and Jayda Johnson. From the Andes Mountains to Central America, 22 Latin American countries are represented among Begleys collection, which includes traditional, miniature male and female garments all hand-stitched by Begley herself. Throughout her work on the collection, Begley reports feeling awed by the skill and dedication Latin American cultures pour into even a single garment. Its a contrast to her experience working in Honduran factories, which she began when she was just 14 years old. There, she performed the same stitch, repeatedly, day after day for months at a time. Advertisement Advertisement It was very soul crushing, Begley said. It was definitely not something that I could do for a long period of time because Im a very creative person. Artist and activist fashion designer Soreyda Benedit Begley keeps the patterns and materials true to traditional garments, sewing the trim for an elaborate doll costume in her small home studio Jan. 21, 2026, in Lexington. Documenting disappearing traditions What started in 2020 as a commissioned project from Lexington Parks and Recreation to create an art display for Hispanic Heritage Month is gradually turning into a cultural archive with Begleys work. Young people, particularly the children and grandchildren of Latin American immigrants to Kentucky, are particularly drawn to the collection, Begley said. Thats because they often havent had the opportunity to travel widely and extensively in their parents native countries. Begleys ultimate goal with the doll collection is to put it on display for the public, especially children. It will visit schools, libraries and universities in the area. Artist and activist fashion designer Soreyda Benedit Begley positions fabric with stick pens for a perfectly stiched boarder in her small home studio Jan. 21, 2026, in Lexington. For the exhibit this spring, Begley is collaborating with her son, William, to design the dolls display. A computer engineer, William works installing museum exhibits. Additionally, Begley is working with photographer Andrea Marroquin to create a still-motion video of the dolls. Advertisement Advertisement The scope of the project is daunting: Countries such as Peru, Guatemala, Mexico and Brazil are rich in culture. Mexico alone has more than 100 different custom styles of dress, Begley said. Theres so much to pull from there, she said. Deciding what to include and what to leave out takes careful discernment. Spain, for example, has a space in the collection, but a small one, Begley said. I cannot negate the influence that Spain has had in Latin American countries, but at the same time, I cannot center the work of colonizers, Begley said. Recreating the attire faithfully is also a challenge. Some of these garments are incredible, Begley said. I cannot exactly replicate them. An assortment of thread spools on display next to an organizing pamphlet, in the small home studio of artist and activist fashion designer Soreyda Benedit Begley Jan. 21, 2026, in Lexington. In some parts of the Andes, for example, people process everything by hand, from raising the animals the fabric comes from to hand-dying and weaving what they produce. Advertisement Advertisement A deep sense of purpose cuts through Begleys work. In many places in Latin America, the flood of mass-produced, imported clothing threatens to drown out local styles of dress. In Honduras, for example, a lot of the traditions are dying out because theres so much pressure from Western styles, Begley said. Theyre basically eradicating the traditions because theyre so cheap. The locals cannot compete with imported items. But there is resilience there, too, Begley said. It makes me feel very proud of Latin America in general because people are so creative and so skillful and committed to their traditions at the same time, Begley said. Balancing work and life Theres a lesson Begley has learned, particularly as a woman torn between pursuing success in her career as an artist and her dream of starting and raising a family of her own. Advertisement Advertisement You can have it all, but not all at the same time, Begley said. Begley has managed to juggle work and family responsibilities, but not without great dedication and effort. She describes days spent taking care of her children that ended in late nights or even all-nighters working on her craft. Artist and activist fashion designer, Soreyda Benedit Begley shows the intricate details of the hand-stitched embroidery on her Mexican doll's traditional dress Jan. 21, 2026, in Lexington. I always have managed to make time to do creative work and also to stay connected with the art community, because I absolutely love my artistic friends, Begley said. Shes been described as a connector, someone who weaves together social threads. Its a job on its own, requiring time, patience and kindness. Advertisement Advertisement I have made an effort to know everybody because I want everybody to know everybody, she said. Thats how you build community. Art in this moment As an immigrant artist, Begley said she wants to be present and to be visible. She wants people to see her humanity, and dare them to deny it, she said. We contribute. We are not leeches, Begley said. Its just pushing and demanding at times for people to see our humanity. Thats the way I use my work as an artist, as an organizer, is to represent my heritage, Begley said. A man and his 11-year-old daughter were enjoying the day on their sailboat off the coast of Southern California when an unexpected creature hitched a ride. A sea lion pup jumped aboard the swim step of the sailboat off the coast of San Clemente on Jan. 24, giving Matthew Miller and his daughter, Ellie, quite the surprise, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center said in a Feb. 11 Facebook post. "He was frail," Miller told CBS Los Angeles. "He was very, very docile. Very calm, and he hung out on our boat for like a good 30 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Slowly, the pair made their way back to Dana Point Harbor, the nonprofit said. The sea lion, however, didnt budge. Matthew and Ellie called us to let the rescue team know about the little hitchhiking pup, the nonprofit said, adding that staff asked the father to send some photos of the pup. Based on the photos, the nonprofit said its team determined the pup was underweight and displaying abnormal behavior. If the pup remained on the boat, our team would attempt a rescue, the nonprofit said. During the trip back, Miller told the nonprofit he knew something had to be wrong with the pup as the one time it jumped from the swim step, it immediately returned. Advertisement Advertisement By the time Matthew and Ellie arrived at Dana Point Harbor, the exhausted pup had fallen asleep on their swim step, making for an easy rescue for the team, the nonprofit said. The pup, whom Ellie named Chump, has been receiving care at the nonprofit center since its rescue. When Chump arrived, he only weighed 39 pounds and exhibited signs of malnutrition and pneumonia, the nonprofit said. Our veterinary staff and animal care volunteers are closely monitoring Chump, treating his pneumonia, and providing him with three hefty meals a day to help him gain crucial weight, the nonprofit said. Advertisement Advertisement After a few weeks of care, getting antibiotics, fluids, and fish, Chump has gained six pounds, the veterinary staff told CBS Los Angeles. Should Chump continue to improve, the goal is to release him in March, the outlet reported. What do I do if I come across a dead or stranded marine mammal? People can call the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 966-767-6114 to report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal, according to NOAA Fisheries. Marine mammals include dolphins, whales, seals and manatees, among others. About California sea lions According to MMCC, California sea lions are "known for their intelligence, playfulness and noisy barking." Females grow up to 240 pounds and reach 6 feet in length, while males can surpass 700 pounds and 7.5 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Males often display chocolate-brown fur, while females generally show a lighter, golden-brown hue. Their fur color ranges from chocolate brown in males to a lighter golden brown in females. They are "eared seals," with visible external ear flaps and "dog-like" snouts. Native to the West Coast, "You commonly see them on beaches, docks, buoys, and jettiesk," according to the recue organization. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Little hitchhiking pup catches ride on sailboat off California coast Faced with a tightening budget last summer, retired bishop Willard Schultz turned to a long-running home-sharing program on a friend's recommendationa service that pairs seniors with spare space with roommates in search of affordable housing. Just a couple of months laterfollowing a thorough matching and vetting process by the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, the octogenarian welcomed a 22-year-old recent Columbia University graduate working as a tutor into his sunny, three-bedroom rent-controlled apartment in the Washington Heights section of New York City. "He's very personable and it's a system that works, and I think it should be expanded all over the country," Schultz tells Realtor.com. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, there are roughly 50 to 60 home-sharing programs of various scopes and target audiences including students, former inmates, and people facing homelessnesscurrently operating in more than a dozen-and-a-half-states, from Hawaii to Pennsylvania, according to the National Shared Housing Research Center. At a time of persistent affordability constraints and housing shortages, home-sharing has been touted as an effective way to reduce mortgage and rent burdens, provide companionship and assistance with daily chores, and enhance safety for seniors looking to age in place. "It's good to have somebody around at night, just in case it's an emergency," says Schultz, who just turned 88 years old. How home-sharing works While home-sharing programs vary in structure, the basic concept is consistent: Organizations like the NYFSC, which receives federal, state, and city grants, and HomeShare Vermont, which is funded mainly through donations, offer free screening and matching services that connect "hosts"people with extra bedrooms in owned or rented homes and apartmentswith compatible "guests." Advertisement Advertisement The New York City-based program requires at least one participant to be over 60 years old and the other over 18. Its Vermont counterpart does not have an age restriction: Hosts range from 28 to 100 years old, while guests range from 19 to 82 years. HomeShare Vermont Executive Director Connor Timmons says the program's most senior host joined at 99 years old after having a scare involving a fall in her home, which convinced her that she needed to have someone around in case of an emergency. Rather than pay traditional rent, guests typically contribute toward the host's monthly housing costs, perform household chores like cooking and cleaning through what is known as a service exchange, or provide a combination of financial assistance and help around the house. An elderly couple in Vermont welcomed a younger man into their home as part of the HomeShare Vermont program. (HomeShare Vermont/Karen Pike) Under NYFSC's rules, hosts are not allowed to ask their guests to contribute more than 50% of their monthly rent. At HomeShare Vermont, contributions are capped at $650 for standard rooms, and $850 for mother-in-law suits or ADUs, and up to 15 hours of weekly assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Timmons says about one-third of guests pay no rent in exchange for help around the house. Safety is a top priority requiring prospective home-sharers to undergo in-depth assessments. At HomeShare Vermont, a nonprofit that has been operating for 43 years, the "high-touch" evaluation process involves six background checks and requires no fewer than three references. "It's really important to us that there's no doubt about safety," Timmons tells Realtor.com. "If there's a crime against personal or property in someone's background, then that's the end of the application. If they mislead us in the application, then that's the end of application." NYFSC's selection process is similarly rigorous, involving home inspections, interviews, background checks and three references from unrelated people to minimize the risk to either roommate. Advertisement Advertisement "We are very, very careful," Linda Hoffman, president of NYFSC who founded the program in 1981, tells Realtor.com. "We'd rather not make a match than make a bad match." Schultz confirms that the rigorous review process has helped put his mind at ease. "I never felt threatened or like I was in putting myself in any kind of danger," he says. Much like in traditional matchmaking, trained caseworkers ask aspiring hosts and guests to fill out detailed applications covering a wide range of topics, including financial contributions, household tasks they are willing to perform, daily routines, hobbies, and interests. Advertisement Advertisement "If we have someone who's a vegan chef and we have someone who needs to eat vegan, great," says Timmons. "Conversely, if we have someone who has celiac disease and can't live in a space with flour or what have you in the air, then we're not going to pair them with someone who's into baking." To assess compatibility, program coordinators conduct one-on-one interviews with prospective hosts and guests and visit the home to ensure the living environment is safe and comfortable. At NYFSC, all that information is fed into the agency's QuickMatch database, which is then used to find compatible flatmatessimilar to a dating site, but with much stricter oversight. For example, Schultz's application said that he enjoys reading, going to the opera, and learning about archeology. Based on that information, program staff matched the host with a young academic fond of reading and history who was looking for a more comfortable living situation than the one he had at a dormitory. At HomeShare Vermont, hosts ranges in age from 28 to 100 years old. (HomeShare Vermont/Karen Pike) The next step is for the host and guest to review their would-be roommates' profiles before meeting in person to test out their compatibility and establish a rapport. Advertisement Advertisement Using Tinder lingo, Timmons calls it the "swipe right moment," which is overseen by program staff engaging in what he calls "shuttle diplomacy" facilitating the interaction between host and guest. If everyone agrees, the host and guest sign contracts outlining the terms of the house-sharing arrangement. NYFSC's contract includes an off-ramp option in case things do not work out: within 30 days either party can back out of the deal. HomeShare Vermont offers a similar escape clause in the form of a two-week, no-strings-attached trial period. "It's sort of like a two-week visit with a friend, and at the point of that two-week visit, we will have established our match agreement," says Timmons, explaining that the agreement outlines all the responsibilities the guest agrees to take on, like taking out the garbage, or walking the dog. Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone looks at it, they get a chance to edit it together, they get a chance to poke at it," adds the director. Approximately 90% of trial matches become permanent arrangements, but even then caseworkers' jobs are not done: They will continue regularly checking in to make sure that everyone is happy with the match. In September, Schultz opened his apartment to his young flatmate. Five months into the home-sharing experience, he says he has no regrets about his decision. As part of their agreement, the recent Ivy League graduate contributes $900 toward Schultz's rent in exchange for having access to a private bedroom and bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement He does not take part in service sharing, which Schultz says works for him because he relies on friends and a home attendant to bring him meals and keep his part of the apartment tidy. Home-sharing is booming as affordability tightens Both Hoffman and Timmons say that 2025 was a banner year for their respective organizations, with more matches than ever as housing affordability pressures intensified. By the end of last year, HomeShare Vermont created 60 new matches and maintained roughly 90 active matches. The average match lasts around two years, though some last much longer. "We have a match that's going on two decades," says Timmons. "We have matches that go 10 years, five years, that's not unheard of." Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, guests stay only a few monthslong enough to save for their own rental, or put aside money for a down payment on a starter home. NYFSC also closed out the year on a high note, helping connect 86 hosts and guests across the five boroughs. Both the New York and Vermont nonprofits were founded in the 1980s, but their directors say the need for home-sharing services has only grown more urgent over the years due to a housing inventory crunch and strengthening affordability headwinds. The Northeast stands out for seeing the slowest inventory growth in the U.S., at just 6.6% in January, according to the latest monthly housing market trends report from Realtor.com. Vermont alone needs up to 36,000 new homes built by 2029 to keep up with demand, according to the Vermont Housing Needs Assessment. Fewer housing units being built mean prices on existing for-sale homes and rental units are rising, squeezing low-income households and people on fixed incomes like seniors. Timmons notes that in his home state of Vermont, about a third of homeowners and a third of renters are cost-burdened, meaning that they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. In the next five years, 54% of the state's population will be over 55, raising the question: How will retirees be able to age in place as housing costs continue to rise? It's especially relevant considering that 74% of Americans say they want to remain in their house and receive in-home care, according to Northwestern Mutuals 2025 Planning & Progress Study. In New York City, the typical home comes with a $749,000 asking price, which is nearly $350,000 higher than the national median. At the same time, the latest quarterly New York City rental report from Realtor.com revealed that the median asking rent in New York City at the end of 2025 climbed 6.6% from a year ago, or $223, reaching $3,585. Manhattan saw the city's steepest rent growth, with the typical rent registering at $4,886. "In the old days, part of it was for companionship as well as for financial reasons," Hoffman says, reflecting on the history of the home-sharing program she launched four decades ago. "Now, it's primarily financial, although they do end up with a second benefit, which is companionship and removing feelings of isolation and loneliness and depression." HomeShare Vermont has been in operation for 43 years. Both Hoffman and Timmons say they believe their nonprofits provide a vital service allowing low- and middle-income people, and especially seniors, to stay in their homes while at the same time helping chip away at the affordability crisis. "You can't imagine what the need is," Hoffman says. "It's enormous. I don't understand how people can make it otherwise." Timmons said HomeShare Vermonts mission is to help older residents age with dignity in their own homes while remaining active in their communitieswithout unnecessarily limiting housing opportunities for younger generations. "I see us filling that gap in a really meaningful way," he says, adding that another thing home-sharing does is allowing more people to move to and stay in Vermont. "The amount of employers I talk to who have had to lose employees or lose potential employees because there's nowhere for them to land," he says. "That's a real economic problem." If Reno had a real estate Mount Rushmore, this place would surely make the cut. A sprawling, opulently appointed estate originally built for late casino titan William Penningtonone of the gaming industrys most influential figureshas returned to the market asking a speck under $14 million, offering a shot at owning a slice of Nevada history with some serious bragging rights. Completed in the early 2000s for the executive behind casino resorts such as Circus Circus, Luxor, Excalibur, and Mandalay Bay, the grandiose mansion sits on just over 14 acres in southwest Reno. Despite changing hands since Penningtons 2011 death, the home remains defined by his larger-than-life legacy. It also happens to be something of a local celebrity. When it last sold in 2023 for $10.325 million, it set the record for the most expensive single-family home ever purchased in Reno. Today, it sits just behind Renos current top listinga $15.9 million mansion perched above the Truckee Rivercementing its status among the citys most rarefied properties. Samantha Saquella of RE/MAX Professionals Reno holds the listing. More from Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: James Cagneys Former Beverly Hills Estate Lists for $38.5 Million william pennington estate reno nevada Throughout the unapologetically grand manse, youll find globally sourced stone, exotic woods, and ornate millwork. The dramatic rotunda entry showcases a soaring Venetian plastered ceiling, while the formal living room features a chateau-worthy stone fireplace and massive floor-to-ceiling windows. The west wing is anchored by an expansive primary suite comprising a sitting room, spacious bath, private veranda, and a walk-in closet setup complete with its own laundry. A separate wing for entertaining includes a circular sunken bar that flows into a wine cellar and billiards room, while the chefs kitchen is equipped with a Wolf range, leathered stone counters, a butlers pantry, and a separate back kitchen for catering large-scale gatherings. RELATED: This $11.6 Million Mansion Channels Midcentury Style With Epic Views of the Las Vegas Strip william pennington estate reno nevada The lower level is jam-packed with even more perks: a professional home theater with a snack bar, a private gym, a beauty salon, and a dedicated craft room. Collectors will appreciate the secured gallery space, while three en suite bedrooms open directly to the pool terrace. Across the property, mature landscaping is punctuated by statues, fountains, sweeping lawns, and a swimming pool and spa framed by multiple patios and an outdoor fireplace. Theres also garage space for eight carsplus a motor court that can handle dozens more. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the obvious flash, the estate comes with a practical financial perk increasingly attractive to out-of-state buyers: Nevadas famously favorable tax climate, including no state income tax. Click here to see more photos of the extravagant Reno mansion. william pennington estate reno nevada Best of Robb Report Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A childhood cancer survivor credits the Make-A-Wish Foundation for inspiring his career path and giving him the experience of a lifetime. Now, he wants to give back to the organization that gave him so much. Adam Edwards spends his free time podcasting. Its a hobby that he says was sparked by a childhood visit to a local news station. I think its a pivotal point in my life because it motivated me to get into the film scene, photography, videography and now I have a podcast, Edwards said. Advertisement Advertisement The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina organized that station visit. ALSO READ >> Make-A-Wish helps a young boys football dreams come true When Edwards was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Ewing sarcoma. He celebrated the end of chemotherapy with a trip to Legoland California thanks to Make-A-Wish. It was phenomenal, he said. The perfect ending to a bad situation. Ever since, Edwards has been inspired to give back. Hes been a score keeper at the organizations annual cornhole tournament, helped deliver letters to Santa, and now, hes sharing his story at the Make-A-Wish Young Professionals events. Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, I feel as if I owe my life to them, Edwards said. I would not be where I am today without Make-A-Wish. Edwards journey has come full circle. He plans to share the organizations mission on his new podcast. Im hoping that I could spark some courage, some hope, some positivity and inspire because they really did give me a lot, and I know personally what kind of difference and impact that can have, he said. VIDEO: Partnership between Make-A-Wish, Renaissance Fair gives 2 young girls the royal treatment It can be scary to put yourself out there and see how you stack up against the competition, especially when you're in middle school. But Rio Vista Middle School eighth grader Ian Mason did just that. Inspired by a former classmate, he decided to audition for the 2026 California All-State Honor Band. "I didn't really think that I could make something that prestigious, but then a month later I made the all-county band, so I thought, 'Hey, maybe I can do this next year," Ian said. Advertisement Advertisement For about five months, he worked on his audition music with his Band Director, Christopher Golden. "Ian took care of 99% of it. It was fun because it was just adjusting small details and tweaks," Golden said. They worked to make the recorded audition as strong as possible and submitted it. Golden says he felt confident Ian would be chosen as part of the ensemble. "After you've done this for many years, you start understanding the level, and it was clear Ian was going to be competitive this year," Golden said. All that hard work paid off when Ian received word he was one of 12 trumpet players in the state who made the all-star band. Advertisement Advertisement Ian was chosen as second chair. "I knew that I was good. I just didn't think I was that kind of good, that I was one of the best in California," Ian said. Students were selected from Orange County, San Francisco, Sonoma and beyond to make up the nearly 100-person symphonic band. Ian and all the other selected students met in Sacramento in January, where they were able to showcase their talents performing at the State Music Educators Conference, with Golden in attendance. "I know Ian from his time as a seventh grader, now an eighth grader, and so to see him up there with some of the most talented students in the state, pride is the word that comes to mind," Golden said. Advertisement Advertisement For Ian, he says he's grateful he got the chance to play with such a talented ensemble. "I felt like it was a very enriching experience being next to kids just like me who have the same interests, same skill level and everybody from the first chair to the 13th chair. They were all amazing," Ian said. "I really enjoyed it. I want to do it again, and I probably will." Ian says he plans on auditioning next year for the high school all-state honor band. For news updates, follow Jessica Harrington on Facebook, X and Instagram. Animal keepers have paid tribute to a sea lion who has died more than two decades after she settled into her home at a zoo. Colchester Zoo said Winnipeg, a Patagonian sea lion who was about 25 years old, was put to sleep on Thursday "in the interest of her welfare". She had been under regular supervision by vets because she had been "displaying typical geriatric behaviours", the Essex attraction said. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the zoo's sea lion keepers said Winnipeg was the loudest and "always had a special sparkle with endless energy". "She loved spending time with her sea lion companions and had no concept of personal space so you would often see her laying on top of the others whilst having a snooze," they said. Zookeepers praised Winnipeg's "special sparkle" [Colchester Zoological Society] Winnipeg arrived at the zoo in November 2003. The species, sometimes also known as the South American sea lion, has an average lifespan of about 20 years, according to the MarineBio Conservation Society. The zoo says its remaining sea lions, Sydney and Milan, are also approaching their later years and will be supported as they adapt to life without their friend. Advertisement Advertisement Two other sea lions in their 20s, Paris and Atlanta, died at the zoo in 2022 and 2025 respectively. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Related internet links Last month, Southwest Airlines officially ditched its longstanding open-seating policy as it embraced an assigned seating model. However, a few weeks into the change, the airline has run into some major problems that are impacting customer experience. Southwest had already been having problems with handling the surge in carry-on luggage after ending its "bags fly free" policy for checked luggage back in May. However, the recent change to assigned seating appears to have only made things worse. New Problem Emerges On Jan. 27, Southwest Airlines officially instituted an assigned seating model, ditching its longstanding open seating policy. However, things have not exactly gone smoothly thus far. Advertisement Advertisement Since passengers at the front of the plane do not necessarily board first and could board as late as boarding group 5 in some cases, some passengers in the front of the plane have boarded, only to find that all of the overhead bin space was already taken. As a result, they then have to go toward the back of the plane, place their carry-on in the overhead bin space, and then work against the crowd back through the aisle to their seats. Gary Leff of View From the Wing called the entire process "far more chaotic than the other airlines" as he described the issues. "So people would stop at their seat, see no bin space available, and have to head back in the aircraft to stow bags only to return down the aisle to their seats. This was far more chaotic than other airlines," Leff wrote. This has all been exacerbated by Southwest's decision to begin charging for checked bags, resulting in more carry-on luggage on aircraft that were not designed with enough overhead bin space. Southwest Addresses the Issues It's been a few weeks since the airline moved toward open seating, and it sounds like they are aware that everything isn't exactly going smoothly and customers are not happy. Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Airlines spokesperson Chris Perry said the company is aware of some of the complaints as it moves forward with "a series of early adjustments." Since launch, weve been closely monitoring input and real-world behaviors to validate our assumptions and identify where we can refine the experience, Perry said in a statement via the San Antonio Express News. Those insights are now informing a series of early adjustments designed to smooth operations and reduce friction as Customers adapt to the new boarding and seating process. Southwest has also been replying to customers on social media, informing them that they are reviewing their concerns. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. If a fraud system blocks me, does the bank understand context? If my money is delayed, who will take ownership? If I am flagged, who can reverse the flag? If I am declined, is anyone able to explain why? Who is accountable if I am locked out? That is when the customer asks silent questions: Many digital banks understandably emphasise app quality and service speed as trust signals. It helps, but it is not sufficient. A customers trust is not primarily formed on a day when everything works. It is formed on the day when something goes wrong and the customer needs the institution to behave like an institution. If someone asked, What is the core question here?, the simplest answer is this: the institution has moved into the interface. The interface has become the institution. Trust now lives inside the technical and operational architecture. This is where trust becomes a design and governance problem, not a marketing problem. In a branchless world, trust must be operationalised. It must be made reliable through choices about identity, communication, decisioning, escalation, and the ethics of automation. First, it turns banking into an ambient presence. Banking is no longer something you go to; it sits in your pocket, embedded into daily life. Second, it accelerates decision-making. Credit, fraud controls, payments, and limits are increasingly managed by models and rules engines that operate in real time. Third, it changes the emotional shape of banking. A person being declined by a screen experience something different from being declined by a person. The decision might be identical, but the meaning is not. Branchless banking replaces that visibility with software, messaging, and automated decision-making. This shift is not cosmetic. Digital banks have proven that banking can be delivered without branches. The more important question now is whether trust can be delivered without physical presence, at scale, through good days and bad ones, across different life situations, and under real regulatory and operational pressure. A branch was never only a distribution channel. It was a public interface for accountability. It was the place where customers could see competence, ask questions, escalate concerns, and judge whether the institution understood them. Many customers did not love branch visits, but branches quietly performed a civic function: they made the bank visible. Story Continues These are not technical questions; they are institutional questions. The customer is testing whether the bank can carry responsibility. In the branch era, reassurance was embodied. Customers could walk in, speak to a person, and sense whether someone was in control. In digital banking, reassurance has to be built through non-physical signals: clear language, predictable processes, robust dispute pathways, and visible accountability. This is why some of the most damaging moments in digital banking are not financial losses; they are moments of procedural abandonment. A customer feels the bank has stopped listening. They cannot find a human decision-maker behind the interface. That is a trust failure, even if the balance is intact. The Being Human dimension in branchless finance Branchless banking is often described as more convenient. For many customers it is. But convenience is not the same as dignity. There is a Being Human dimension that becomes sharply visible when banking is mediated by algorithms and structured workflows. The customer experiences the bank through: how the bank asks questions how it handles uncertainty how it communicates a refusal how it corrects errors how it responds to distress A decline is the clearest example. When a person is declined by a model, there is often no explanation beyond generic wording. The customer is left to infer their own story: Im not trusted, Im not wanted, Im not normal, Ive been flagged. That inference can be wrong, but the feeling is real. A branchless bank must therefore treat explanations as part of the product, not an afterthought. The explanatory layer becomes the humane layer. This is not about adding warmth to copywriting. It is about designing the institutions response to human vulnerability: job loss, illness, immigration status, unstable income, bereavement, family breakdown, identity theft, coercion, or mental stress. These conditions are not rare edge cases. At population scale, they are predictable. The institution that treats these as exceptions will fail in trust terms. The institution that designs for them will grow credibility. A branch was an escalation engine - digital must replace it with a visible escalation architecture In practice, a branch did three things that matter today: 1. It provided escalation when the system could not resolve an issue. 2. It provided interpretation of policy and exceptions. 3. It provided accountability because someone was physically present to own the outcome. Digital banks need a modern equivalent. Not a symbolic contact us link, but a structured escalation architecture that is easy to find, consistent, and fast. This includes: tiered support pathways (self-serve, assisted, specialist, decision-maker) clear handoffs with no customer repetition time-bound commitments (we will respond within X) visible complaint handling and resolution routes ability to challenge automated outcomes, not only appeal them A particularly important design point is the difference between appeal and challenge. An appeal suggests the bank is doing the customer a favour. A challenge suggests the customer has a right to contest a decision and that the institution is committed to fairness. In a branchless environment, fairness must be actionable. Trust is an operational outcome: what must work every day Digital trust is not a sentiment; it is an operational outcome. It emerges when a customer repeatedly experiences reliability under different conditions. In branchless banking, the trust surface typically includes: Identity and access account opening and verification device changes and recovery protection against account takeover accessibility for customers who struggle with digital processes Payments behaviour holds, limits, and reversals fraud controls and false positives customer communication during disruption clarity on pending transactions and reversals Credit and affordability explainable decisions consistent treatment across segments route for human review when needed protections against harmful or misinterpreted data Support and escalation speed, empathy, competence ability to solve not only respond ability to take ownership across systems documentation and transparency Stability and resilience uptime is not enough; recovery is critical incident communications must be calm and factual customers must know what is happening and what to do These sound like product features. They are actually trust mechanisms. They must be engineered with the same seriousness as security. Regulation is moving toward trust as conduct, not trust as branding In the UK, there is an increasing focus on customer outcomes, not only formal compliance. For digital banks this matters because many trust failures are outcome failures: customers are not treated fairly during automated decisions, or cannot resolve issues within reasonable time, or experience inconsistent communications. Branchless banking can accidentally create a gap between institutional intent and customer outcomes. Automation is consistent, but it can also be consistently wrong for certain customer types, especially those whose lives do not fit standard patterns. This is the operational heart of the problem: the institution may believe it is fair because it applies rules consistently, but customers experience unfairness because their context is not recognised. A trust-oriented digital bank needs an internal discipline of testing outcomes, not just testing models. It must be able to answer: Who is being excluded and why? Where do false positives concentrate? Which customer journeys become dead-ends? Which decisions are irreversible and therefore higher-risk? Where does the bank lack explainability? Where are customers repeating themselves across channels? These are not theoretical questions. They are operational diagnostics. The bank that can answer them quickly is the bank that can govern its own digital reality. The hidden trust issue: standardisation of normal Branchless banking depends on standardisation. That is natural. The bank needs rules, data models, and workflows that scale. But standardisation creates a silent question: who decides what normal looks like? People whose lives are irregular can become unintentionally penalised by systems that treat regularity as trustworthiness. Examples include: variable income patterns gaps in address history shared devices or shared households immigration or mobility complexities lack of conventional credit footprint disability-related behaviour that triggers fraud systems low digital confidence or limited English The risk is not only exclusion. The deeper risk is institutional misrecognition: the system interprets difference as risk, and the customer experiences that interpretation as judgement. This is where digital banking becomes a social-technical system. The technology does not merely process the customer; it classifies them. In a branch environment, classification was moderated by human interaction. In a digital environment, classification is often final. A trust-led institution must create ways for customers to be recognised as humans, not only as data subjects. This does not require abandoning automation. It requires designing for respectful exception handling. Human review is not a cost centre. It is a trust investment Some digital banks treat human review as an efficiency failure. In reality, human review is a core trust investment, especially in areas where automated decisions carry emotional weight or life impact. The key is not to create human review everywhere. The key is to place it precisely where it matters most. High trust-impact zones typically include: account closures and restrictions fraud blocks and payment holds credit declines and limit reductions vulnerability flags disputes and chargebacks identity verification failures A mature digital bank designs a human backstop with clear authority, not merely support scripts. Customers are willing to accept automated decisions if they know there is a credible route to a human decision-maker when needed. This is also where internal governance becomes visible: who is allowed to override the model, under what conditions, and how is that audited? Good governance does not reduce speed; it reduces reputational risk. Communication is the new branch. The tone must match institutional seriousness In branchless banking, communication replaces presence. This makes communication quality a governance matter. In practice, trust fails when communication is: vague (something went wrong) evasive (for security reasons we cant say) inconsistent (different messages in different channels) overly legal (written to protect the bank, not inform the customer) overly casual (tone does not match the seriousness of the issue) A bank does not need to reveal sensitive fraud logic, but it must give customers enough clarity to understand what is happening and what they can do next. When customers receive no explanation, they assume the bank is not accountable. A trust-led communication standard should be built into: incident response templates fraud and restriction messaging decision explanations complaints pathways closure notices In other words, language is part of operational resilience. The branchless bank still needs social infrastructure Branches were physical social infrastructure. They linked the bank to local communities, employers, and daily life. Branchless banking can feel socially thin for some customers if it is only transactional. The bank becomes a utility. That can work until a moment of conflict, and then the customer feels there is no relationship, only rules. A trust-led digital bank builds alternative forms of social infrastructure: partnerships that create credible support routes financial education that respects adults rather than instructing them vulnerability support that is easy to access transparent policies written in plain language complaint and dispute systems that feel fair The bank does not need to be a social service. But it does need to behave like an institution that understands its role in peoples lives. A practical trust framework for branchless banking If we summarise the trust challenge into a practical framework, it can be expressed in six institutional commitments: 1. Clarity: customers can understand decisions and processes. 2. Continuity: customers are not abandoned mid-journey. 3. Contestability: customers can challenge outcomes credibly. 4. Care: vulnerability is handled with dignity. 5. Control: the bank can reverse errors quickly and transparently. 6. Credibility: the bank communicates like an accountable institution. This is not a slogan. It is an operating model. A bank can be fast and still be weak on trust if it cannot explain itself. A bank can be innovative and still be fragile if it cannot recover from errors. A bank can be digital-first and still be humane if it designs exception-handling as a core product capability. Why this matters now - digital banking is becoming decisioning, not just servicing Digital banks are moving beyond servicing into more decision-heavy functions: real-time lending, dynamic limits, automated affordability, embedded credit, personalised pricing, and behavioural fraud controls. As banking becomes decisioning, the moral and institutional burden increases. The bank is no longer a place where customers store money; it becomes a system that constantly judges and responds to the customers behaviour. That makes trust harder, not easier. It also makes trust more important. This is a serious research agenda because it sits at the intersection of: institutional accountability socio-technical design human experience of automated judgement fairness, inclusion, and contestability operational governance in digital-first institutions The future of banking will not be decided by whether banks can build apps. It will be decided by whether they can build trusted institutions inside apps. Conclusion: the bank of tomorrow is not branchless; it is presence-full in a different way A branchless bank is not a bank without presence. It is a bank that must create presence through different means: clarity, escalation, explainability, and humane handling of real life. The strongest digital banks will not be those that remove humans from banking. They will be those that understand where humans must remain central and design their systems accordingly. Trust without physical presence is possible. But it requires intentional institutional architecture: not only technical capability, but governance discipline, operational maturity, and respect for the human experience of being judged by machines. That is the constructive opportunity for fintechs and modern banks alike. Build the speed. Build the scale. But also build the humane institution that makes that speed safe. Dr. Gulzar Singh, Senior Fellow Banking and Technology; Director, Phoenix Empire Ltd "How digital banks build trust without physical presence" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Theres no place like New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday. If you cant make it to Louisiana this year, though, Wilmington has its own way of letting the good times roll. You can find festive king cakes, sugary beignets, classic po boys and meat-and-cheese-filled muffuletta sandwiches at food businesses in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties on the Feb. 17 holiday or on the menus full-time. You can check out these local restaurants, cafes, bars, and even food trucks for some NOLA spirit, all without leaving the coast. The Kitchen Sink restaurant in Wilmington, N.C., has a Muffaletta sandwich on the menu. Muffulettas Of course, its hard to match the quintessential muffuletta sandwich served by Central Grocery and Deli in New Orleans, on sesame-topped bread covered with olive salad. But you can find local versions at The Kitchen Sink in Wilmingtons Brooklyn Arts District, at Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House on New Centre Drive, and at Oak Island Sub Shop in Brunswick County. Restaurant brands such as Jasons Deli and Which Wich also have it on their menus. Advertisement Advertisement STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. Michelle Rock of the T'Geaux Boys food truck makes a variety of King Cakes. King cakes These cakes typically decorated with purple, green, and gold sugars are a must have for Mardi Gras. Louisiana native Michelle Rock of the TGeaux Boys Food Truck said shes often busy making them for special orders this time of year. The food truck will be at Waterline Brewing Companys holiday event serving dishes like gumbo jambalaya and will also have some king cake for the crowd. You can also find her cakes at The Blind Elephant in downtown Wilmington, which is hosting a Mardi Gras Party with cocktails like the Sazerac and a King Cake Old Fashioned. Bakeries like Burneys Sweets & More of Wilmington, Cape Fear Rum Cake and Apple Annies Bake Shop are also making their own versions of the dessert for orders. And STAX Ice Cream Kitchen in Porters Neck has a couple of Mardi Gras flavors for February, including one made with Apple Annies king cakes. More: 6 bestsellers to try at Apple Annie's Bake Shop in Wilmington Po Boys Of the classic dishes associated with New Orleans, the one you can see on many, many Wilmington-area menus is this sandwich, usually versions made with fresh, fried seafood. Noteworthy ones are served at Tidewater Oyster Bar, On Thyme Restaurant, and Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, which has locations from Leland to Surf City. Also, the two locations of Pine Valley Market are serving different styles of po boys daily through Fat Tuesday. Beignets Who doesnt love these sugar-covered bits of fried dough? In the Wilmington area, you can find them at Brooklyn Cafe in the Brooklyn Arts District. And downtown, Rooster & The Crow offers a fun Chicken & Beignets brunch entree. Also look for them at South Front Tavern's Mardi Gras celebration. The Wilmington restaurant has a menu that includes Gumbo Ya Ya, Crawfish Jambalaya and beignets with bourbon caramel sauce. Advertisement Advertisement Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Where to get Mardi Gras food in Wilmington, NC, including king cakes The havoc and terror inflicted on America by Trump, his yes men and the administrations supporters in Congress is a dynamic all too familiar to former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. I have been on the front lines, he said. Politics: Harry Dunn Hasnt Given Up On Holding Trump Accountable Five years ago, Dunn was one of the Capitol police officers defending the members of Congress from Trumps mob on Jan. 6, 2021, enduring a torrent of violent attacks and racial slurs. He held the line amid chaos and in a moment of perhaps some irony now he rushed to give a woman CPR on the floor inside the office of Democrat Rep. Steny Hoyer. Advertisement Advertisement This year, it was just a few hours after Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis that, hundreds of miles away in Maryland, Dunn decided to run for Congress. I said, Weve got to do this. We have to do this. People are dying and we have to push back and get in there, he recalled in an interview with HuffPost this week. Dunn is running for the seat that Hoyer will vacate for Marylands Fifth Congressional District. Hoyer has held it since 1981 but announced his retirement on Jan. 8, just a day after Renee Good was gunned down by ICE in Minneapolis. Dunn announced his campaign on Feb. 4. Politics: AOC Tears Trump Apart As 'Authoritarian' And Warns He Wants To 'Carve Out The World' Its his second bid for Congress after a narrow primary loss in Marylands third district in 2023. When he ran the first time, Dunn said he focused on the threats Trump posed to democracy and what would happen if he returned to the White House with a Congress willing to enable him. This time those threats have come to be. Advertisement Advertisement Its not even an administration anymore. Were in regime territory, and we need as many people [as possible] that are going to stand up to him, especially when the Democrats take back the House in these midterms coming up, were going to need people, Dunn said. If hes sent to Congress, he wont cut any blank checks for agencies or officials who refuse to answer questions, he said, because Congress holds the purse and he intends to keep it that way. Using his subpoena powers as a lawmaker, Dunn said he would force answers from administration officials about ICEs brute force tactics, shrouded membership and overall operations. High-ranking agency officials would come under intense scrutiny and be up for removal, he said. I see the same aggression in these ICE agents that I saw from rioters on Jan. 6, Dunn said. Maybe they are wearing their masks because they will be identified as people who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6. I believe we need to abolish ICE, he added. In the way that it exists right now, I dont see a way of functionality. Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. Demonstrators breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the Electoral Vote Certification for the 2020 presidential election. Joseph Prezioso/Getty Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement As a 15-year veteran of the Capitol Police force, Dunn underwent training in de-escalation and negotiation tactics. Training and adhering to that training is the difference between life and death for members of the public as well as officers on the beat. What Dunn sees happening wherever Trumps ICE agents go doesnt give him confidence in ICE. The ICE and CBP agents involved in the shooting deaths of Good and Pretti were trained and had years of experience, he noted. Politics: Trump Privately Railed Against 2 GOP Senators Who Criticized His Racist Obama Video: Report These werent just some rookies who just made a training error, he said. We are beyond the point of being able to train our way out of this. Advertisement Advertisement Dunn considers himself 100% pro police and is absolutely, full stop in support of immigration enforcement to remove criminal offenders like rapists, murderers and drug traffickers. What he wont do is support blanket immunity for police or paint immigrants with one broad brush or ignore the urgent need to improve paths to citizenship. There could be a way to do this, but they have shown over and over again that they dont want to. The blatant disregard for humanity, for human safety. Theyre hitting people with their cars. Theyre throwing tear gas at reporters, at peaceful protesters. Theyre shooting people. Its insane, he said. Holding the line for democracy may be his speciality, but it is far from his only interest. Dunn believes that for Democrats duking it out in the Maryland primary, this election wont really be about huge disputes in policy since they largely align on issues like health care, education, and particularly affordability. Politics: Parents Are Getting Deported Without Having Any Idea Where Their Kids Are The point is: Who is going to be able to be the most forceful? Who is going to press every button, pull every lever available to them, take every chance and use the full weight of the constitutional authority granted to a member of Congress? he said. Advertisement Advertisement In another life, before Jan. 6, Dunn said he would have been happy to just donate a couple dollars and go knock on doors for his favorite candidate. But he forsook the luxury of standing back and hoping someone else would figure it out long ago. Respect to all career politicians, because some are good, but I dont think this is the time for a career politician. We need somebody thats going to restore order, restore the faith, restore the trust in Congress, in the government, and we only do that with accountability, he said. Dunn said he believes the Trump administrations abuses of power are inextricably linked to every kitchen table issue in America. He highlights the impacts on the district he is running in: The cuts by DOGE in early 2025 hit Maryland, as well as nearby Washington, D.C., and Virginia, hard, leaving laid-off workers reeling as they dealt with an abruptly inundated job market and high costs of living. U.S. Capitol Police officer Sgt. Harry Dunn testifies before the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol on July 27, 2021, at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Members of law enforcement testified about the attack by supporters of former President Donald Trump on the U.S. Capitol. According to authorities, about 140 police officers were injured when they were trampled, had objects thrown at them, and sprayed with chemical irritants during the insurrection. Chip Somodevilla/Getty There are close to 150,000 federal workers in Maryland and 75,000 of them live in Marylands Fifth. According to Hoyers office, nearly 20% of all workers in MD-5 are federal employees, the highest percentage of any district nationwide. There are also 48,236 active duty and reserve military personnel serving in Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement My friends and my loved ones are being affected by this. People across the country, in the community, he said. Thats what this is all about all roads lead back to Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies getting these tax breaks, and Donald Trump growing his net worth because of the presidency, he said before noting Trump just sued the Treasury and IRS for a $10 billion payout, out of taxpayers pockets. Politics: Trump And Stephen Miller Have Created A Secret Police Force In Plain Sight He dont give a **** about nobody but himself, he said. My goal is to make sure the people are being heard in those halls, the people are being represented in those halls, Dunn said. I want to stand in the void where they are being attacked, and stand up for them. Related... Read the original on HuffPost A 22-year-old recent graduate of the University of Connecticut was fatally injured last week in a two-vehicle crash in northern New Jersey, law enforcement officials and friends said. Jamie Aughenbaugh was injured Feb. 3 in a crash on Route 206 in the Flanders section of Mount Olive Township, according to Morris County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Meghan G. Knab. Knab said Aughenbaugh was one of two drivers who were transported to a local hospital after the crash. Knab said Aughenbaugh died from her injuries at a later date and that the wreck remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement In a GoFundMe, friends wrote that Aughenbaugh recently graduated from UConn and was just beginning to build a life with endless potential. "Jamie Lynn Aughenbaugh was a bright and beautiful light - a young woman whose kindness, warmth, and genuine compassion touched everyone fortunate enough to know her," the organizer wrote. The fundraiser has collected more than $57,000 as of Thursday. The organizer said the donations will help cover funeral expenses, medical bills and other related costs. "Every act of kindness, prayer, and message of support is a reminder that Jamie's legacy of love continues to live on through all of us," the organizer wrote. "Together, we can surround her family with the same compassion and strength that Jamie gave so freely to others." This article originally published at 22-year-old UConn graduate killed in New Jersey crash, officials say. Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A North Atlantic right whale washed ashore on a Virginia barrier island, according to federal scientists, marking the second whale of the endangered species to be found dead off the U.S. East Coast this year and the 43rd confirmed death under an ongoing unusual mortality event. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the development Thursday in a statement. According to the agency, it was informed of the carcass Tuesday after biologists from The Nature Conservancy found the carcass of the 3-year-old female whale in a remote area of a barrier island off Virginia's eastern shore. Advertisement Advertisement By reviewing images taken of the carcass, New England Aquarium officials were able to identify the whale as the calf of "Porcia," a 25-year-old right whale, NOAA said. The New England Aquarium said the deceased had a "rich family history." Porcia, its mother, had given birth to three whales, now all dead after the other two died from fishing gear entanglements. "The loss of a young female is especially impactful for an already small population," Amy Warren, scientific program officer in the New England Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center, said in a statement. "Given the opportunity, a single female could add at least 10 whales to the right whale population in her lifetime." While this week is a time to celebrate whales, we also know that they face many risks, and we wanted to share some sad news. On 2/10/26, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center notified us of a dead N. Atlantic right whale on a barrier island off Virginia's eastern shore. pic.twitter.com/nXzWgFHRcZ NOAA Fisheries (@NOAAFisheries) February 12, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Scientists said the young whale was spotted as recently as October with no sign of injury or health issues. NOAA officials are working with Marine Mammal Stranding Network partners to examine, document and necropsy the animal to the extent possible because it is located in a remote area with limited access. "Another whale is gone, a young female that could have helped contribute to the future of a population already on the brink of extinction," Nora Ives, a marine scientist with Oceana, the largest international ocean conservation advocacy organization, said in a statement. "We can and we must do better." Advertisement Advertisement The whale is the second right whale to be found dead off the U.S. East Coast in as many weeks, after a partial carcass of a 4-year-old male was seen floating on the ocean about 25 miles offshore of Avon, N.C., on Jan. 27. This whale, identified as "Division," had been tracked by conservation officials since he was discovered entangled in fishing gear on Dec. 3 off Jekyll Island, Ga. The next day, officials were able to remove some of the fishing gear from the whale, but some remained. Officials also said the whale suffered serious injuries. Adverse weather and the whale's distance from shore prevented further on-water response attempts, according to NOAA, which said no attempts to retrieve the carcass and bring it ashore will be made. Advertisement Advertisement The deaths of the mammals are a significant blow to the species, of which only about 380 individuals remain according to NOAA estimates. Starting in 2017, the North American right whale began experiencing a spike in deaths, prompting NOAA Fisheries to declare an "Unusual Mortality Event" requiring an immediate response. The 3-year-old whale is the 43rd confirmed death since the declaration was made and the 170th whale to be documented as either dead, seriously injured or ill during that period. NOAA states that primary causes of the UME are entanglements with fishing gear and vessel strikes in U.S. and Canadian waters, though only about one-third of right whale deaths are documented. Advertisement Advertisement "To see a juvenile female, who held so much potential to grow this population, needlessly die is infuriating," Kathleen Collins, senior marine campaign manager with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said in a statement, calling on the Trump administration to do more to protect these animals. "These deaths are not isolated events." VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) For the second time in two weeks biologists are dealing with the death of a North Atlantic right whale one last week in North Carolina, this week in Virginia. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach notified federal officials Tuesday about a dead North Atlantic right whale on a barrier island off the Eastern Shore of Virginia last seen in October. The New England Aquarium confirmed the carcass belongs to a 3-year-old female that was the 2023 calf of a whale named Porcia. The mom of this animal who died is a [25-year-old] whale named Porcia, and shes had three calves all of them have died. And so that breaks your heart. said Heather Pettis, a senior scientist with the New England Aquariums Anderson Cabot Center, where they study the plight of North Atlantic right whales. Advertisement Advertisement The previous two deaths resulted from fishing gear entanglements. The family line includes a grandmother named Mantis, who is more than 40 years old and has birthed eight calves and an aunt named Squilla, who was recently seen with a new calf. NOAA is working with mammal stranding organizations to examine, document, and necropsy the carcass. She looked fine at that sighting, looked, to be in sort of robust body condition, Prettis said. Skin condition looked really good. There were no signs of injury. And so its a little bit of a mystery to what happened to her. On Jan. 27, the partial carcass of a 4-year-old male North Atlantic right whale was spotted floating approximately 25 miles offshore of Avon, North Carolina. NOAA says the whale died from entanglement injuries. NOAA had been tracking the entangled whale since December and tried to remove the entangled line. Advertisement Advertisement That was a four-year-old male and so, his story speaks to the loss of an individual, but also the connection to the threat of human activities, Pettis said. An Unusual Mortality Event involving North Atlantic right whales was declared in 2017. There have now been 43 deaths since then. The species is critically endangered, with an estimated population of 380 individuals and only 72 reproductive females. Vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear remain the leading threats to the population. With this population, entanglements and vessel strikes remain a threat to them, so losing him, certainly, thats a dead animal in the population whos not able to pass along his genetic, diversity in materials to reproduction, Pettis said. This last case, this three-year-old female, is, I would argue, more devastating because youre removing a female, not just one individual, but youre removing all of her potential future reproduction. And so the loss of a female is certainly more devastating, than the loss of a male, though both are detrimental to the survival of the species. Several agencies are involved in the investigation into the death of the whale that died on the Eastern Shore. It will take several weeks before NOAA releases a report on their findings. Advertisement Advertisement Biologists from The Nature Conservancy discovered the most recent carcass in a remote area with limited access. An aerial survey team from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, based in North Carolina, located and photographed the whale. The survey was conducted under a NOAA permit and funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 2023 calf of right whale Porcia (Catalog #3293) was found dead off Virginia on Feb. 10, 2026.CREDIT: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #24359. Aerial survey funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. To say that this death is disheartening, particularly so soon after the death of Division two weeks ago, would be an understatement, Pettis said. This young female was seen in October with no sign of injury or compromised health. We are hopeful that an examination of the carcass will provide insights into her cause of death. Entangled right whale found dead off North Carolina coast Amy Warren, a scientific program officer in the Aquariums Anderson Cabot Center, said the loss of a young female is especially impactful for an already small population. Given the opportunity, a single female could add at least 10 whales to the right whale population in her lifetime. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Today the world of Egyptology faces a silent crisis not of looting, although that plays a part, but of disconnection. Walk into any major museum, from Copenhagen to California, and you see glass cases filled with what could be called orphaned artifacts: remarkable objects, often acquired in the 19th and early 20th century, that have been completely stripped of their histories. You can see what they are a mummys painted foot case, a golden mask but we have no idea where they came from. They are beautiful, but historically they are mute. Sometimes an object can be mostly intact in a museum collection, but with few facts known about its origin. Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo Many objects entered museum collections at times when excavation and collecting practices were very different from today. In the past, excavated objects were often divided between institutions around the world, and display was prioritized over documentation. Over time, connections between pieces were lost. As a result, museums around the world hold remarkable artifacts whose backstories are thin, fragmentary or missing altogether. Archaeologists like me working in the field today regularly uncover fragments: broken pieces of objects that once formed part of something larger. In some cases, those fragments may share the same underlying geometry with objects already held in museums. For example, a mummys foot case and a newly found shard may have been produced using the same mold, so they share a consistent three-dimensional form even if they are now separated by time, distance and absence of documentation. Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, evaluating whether a fragment matches up with a specific museum object has relied on visual judgment and incomplete records, rather than a quantitative comparison of shape. This gap between excavation archaeology and museum collections is one of the most persistent challenges in the field. My research asks a simple question: Can we use digital tools to test whether fragments and museum objects might be related and, in doing so, recover parts of their histories that were previously inaccessible? Reuse over time and looting shifted and damaged the contents of an ancient Egyptian tomb. This displaced mummy mask could have a relationship to other artifacts already in museums around the world. Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo A long-standing problem in archaeology Archaeology is, by nature, fragmentary. Objects break, decay or are disturbed over centuries. Traditionally, archaeologists have relied on visual inspection, stylistic comparison and written records to propose connections between fragments and objects. These approaches are still essential, but they also have limits. Visual judgments can be subjective, and archival documentation is often incomplete or inconsistent. As a result, many potential links between excavated material and museum artifacts have remained speculative or have never been proposed at all. An object in a museum may appear complete yet still have a fragmented history. Without a way to test relationships systematically, fragments often remain sidelined as secondary or uninformative. Advertisement Advertisement More than a century ago, the archaeologist Flinders Petrie argued that an objects value lies not in its beauty but in the information it carries. An unremarkable fragment with a known history, he believed, could be more important than a finely made object without one. Today, digital tools are giving archaeologists new ways to put that idea into practice. Archaeologists can use handheld 3D scanners to noninvasively map objects in very fine detail. Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo Turning objects into data that can be compared One of those tools is 3D scanning. Using portable scanners, it is now possible to capture the full surface geometry of an object with high precision, without touching or damaging it. Every curve, contour and variation in thickness can be recorded digitally. Once scanned, an artifact becomes more than an image. It becomes data: a detailed digital model that can be rotated, measured, compared and analyzed. Importantly, this process is noninvasive. Fragile objects do not need to be moved, dismantled or physically tested. For archaeologists and museum curators, this process opens up new possibilities. Objects held in different institutions, or fragments stored in excavation archives, can be compared digitally, even if the originals never leave their locations. Advertisement Advertisement Scanning is only the first step. The real challenge lies in comparison. Rather than asking whether two pieces look similar, computational shape analysis allows researchers to ask a more precise question: How similar are their shapes? In simple terms, the computer compares the geometry of two surfaces. It looks at curvature, thickness and spatial relationships, measuring how closely one surface matches another. Its like comparing a kind of geometric fingerprint. This approach doesnt replace expert judgment. Instead, it supports it by providing measurable evidence that can confirm, refine or challenge visual impressions. It allows archaeologists to move from intuition to testing. When a fragment meets a museum object In a recent study published in the journal Heritage Science, I applied these methods to Graeco-Roman Egyptian funerary artifacts made of cartonnage, a composite material of linen, plaster and paint. Advertisement Advertisement I created high-resolution 3D scans of excavated cartonnage fragments and compared them with an intact funerary mask held in a museum collection. The goal was not to reconstruct the object physically but to test whether their shapes were compatible in meaningful ways. The comparison focused on three-dimensional geometry rather than decoration. This matters because cartonnage masks were often shaped in molds: If two objects were formed in the same mold, they can share highly consistent curvature and thickness patterns even when their painted surfaces differ. The mask reference surface is shown in gray, while the aligned fragment is colored based on the surface-to-surface distance at each point. Green indicates a good match with almost no distance. Cooler colors show areas where the fragment lies below the reference mask, and warmer colors show where it lies above. Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo I used a distance-mapping approach called deviation mapping. After aligning the 3D model of an excavated fragment to the corresponding region of the intact museum object, the algorithm calculates the distances between the two surfaces at thousands of points. Areas where the distances were consistently small are geometrically very similar. Areas with consistently larger distances indicate that the fragments shape diverges from the reference surface. In this case, the surfaces corresponded closely, with differences generally of less than a millimeter a level of agreement consistent with production in the same mold rather than a coincidental visual resemblance. Advertisement Advertisement What mattered most was not a single match but the ability to evaluate relationships transparently and reproducibly, using shared digital evidence. One of the most powerful aspects of this approach is that it works across distance. Researchers can easily share digital models, allowing them to compare fragments and objects held in different institutions, without transporting fragile artifacts. Excavation archives, museum collections and research institutions can begin to speak the same digital language, reconnecting evidence that has long been separated by geography and history. The mask fragment was a very close match to a complete mask, suggesting they were made in the same mold. Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo Digital tools are reshaping collections research The work I describe here, part of my recent CRAFT Project, does not use artificial intelligence or machine learning. It relies on computer-based shape comparison and careful interpretation of metrological results. But it sits within a broader movement in heritage research. Across the world, researchers and institutions are beginning to combine 3D scanning with machine learning to explore collections in different ways. For example, the EU-funded RePAIR project uses AI and robotics to help reassemble fragmented archaeological artifacts, while major institutions such as the Smithsonian are experimenting with AI-driven analysis of large 3D collections. Advertisement Advertisement Together, these projects point to a future in which digital tools play an increasingly active role in how museums and archaeologists understand the past. Digital archaeology is sometimes associated with flashy reconstructions or virtual displays. But its deeper value lies elsewhere. By giving fragments a new analytical role, digital methods allow archaeologists to recover relationships that were long thought irretrievably lost. New digital methodologies are breathing new life into a long-standing archaeological principle: Modest fragments can carry outsized significance when they clarify an objects origins and its lost context, finally allowing it to find its way back home. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo, University of California, Los Angeles Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The CRAFT Project (www.craft-project.net), led by Dr. Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo from 2022 to 2025, received research funding from the Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Scheme. LEFT: Kristi Noem (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill, File) RIGHT: Corey Lewandowski (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images) The Wall Street Journal dropped a bombshell expose about Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and her ally, Trump world mainstay Corey Lewandowski, on Thursday evening that is poised to rock Washington, D.C. Here are the five wildest revelations from the Journals bruising and comprehensive story. TRUMP IS CONCERNED BY THEIR RELATIONSHIP According to the Journal, President Donald Trump and his advisors are uncomfortable with Noem and Lewandowskis close relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Lewandowski had initially wanted to formally serve as Noems chief of staff, but Trump rejected the idea due to reports of a romantic relationship between the twowhich he has continued to bring up, officials say, it reported. After tabloid photos of Lewandowski showed him going back and forth between his apartment and Noems across the street last year, the secretary moved into a government-owned waterfront house on a military base in Washington that is provided to the leader of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard falls under Noems purview at DHS during peacetime. Lewandowski also spends time at the house. The DHS spokeswoman said Noem moved to the house for increased security and pays rent. Lewandowski and Noem, who are both married, have publicly denied the reports of the affair, but people said they do little to hide their relationship inside the department. LEWANDOWSKIS ODD ARRANGEMENT After being denied a job as Noems chief of staff, Lewandowski settled on a role as a special government employee, a designation under federal ethics law that allows private-sector employees to take advisory roles in government without relinquishing their outside salaries and investments, but caps government service at 130 days in a year, and generally is used for experts working on a specific project. Per the Journal, the White House Counsels office opened an inquiry into Lewandowskis potential abuse of his position last year, and officials say his involvement in awarding government contracts while still being employed in the private sector hes allegedly urged officials to move away from continuing long-term contracts with companies toward new ones has raised alarm bells inside the White House and DHS. THE BUCK STOPS WHERE? Noem and Lewandowski reportedly reamed out Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons after Alex Pretti was shot and killed in Minneapolis last month despite the fact that Lyons was a skeptic of the aggressive enforcement tactics being employed in the city. Advertisement Advertisement For months, Noem and Lewandowski had demanded that ICE capture its arrests on video for social mediathe more dramatic, the better. But more than a week after Prettis shooting, Noem and Lewandowski berated Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, for videos that emerged in Minnesota showing federal officers continuing to tangle with protesters, according to people familiar with the conversation, revealed the Journal. The president hated the continued stream of videos, they told Lyons, whom they pinned the blame on. They demanded that he draw up a new plan for ICE to carry out targeted enforcement, an approach Lyons had been advocating all along, according to ICE officials, but that the pair had previously eschewed. HEY JEALOUSY Noems rivalry with border czar Tom Homan who replaced her as the figure in charge of the Minneapolis immigration has been widely reported on. But the Journal shed new light on Noems fixation with him. Noem routinely berated staff if she saw Homan on TV and kept track of both their appearances to make sure she was on TV more than him, according to people familiar with the matter. On at least one occasion, she asked aides to ensure she drew a bigger crowd at a conference than Homan, who was speaking on a different day, one of the people said, it revealed. White House officials have grown angry that Noem and Lewandowski have declined to take guidance on events, messaging and management of the agency. Several senior administration officials described DHS as the biggest headache thus far of the second term. GUNS AND BLANKETS Noem and Lewandowski have reportedly fired or demoted roughly 80% of the career ICE field leadership that was in place when they started, but two specific stories retold by the Journal stand out. Advertisement Advertisement In one instance, Noem had to switch planes after a maintenance issue was discovered, but her blanket wasnt moved to the second plane. She is alleged to have tried to fire the Coast Guard pilot responsible for flying her, who was told to take a commercial flight home. The pilot was reinstated, though, after Noem and her team realized that they didnt have another pilot to fly them home. And then there was the long, winding, and vengeful road Lewandowski took to getting a gun: In an incident last year that rankled some senior staff at the agency, Lewandowski made it known to top ICE officials that he wanted to be issued a law-enforcement badge and a federally issued gun, according to people familiar with his push. Officials are typically only issued a badge and a gun after undergoing law-enforcement training. The administration was preparing to bring on Tom Feeley, a former top ICE official in New York, as its new director when Lewandowski asked Feeley if he would be willing to issue him and several other political officials badges and guns. Feeley declined, and he was subsequently passed over for the top job at ICE. Lewandowski next turned to ICEs legal office for help writing him a legal justification to be issued the badge and gun. A top ICE lawyer, Ken Padilla, also declined to sign off, and days later he was placed on administrative leave. He was later demoted and moved to FEMA, the people said. Padilla declined to comment. Lewandowski eventually persuaded other lawyers to sign off. The ICE directors autopen was used to sign the paperwork, the people said. The post The 5 Wildest Revelations From Bombshell Kristi Noem-Corey Lewandowski Expose first appeared on Mediaite. Southeastern Wisconsin may get an early taste of spring this Valentine's Day weekend. In the Milwaukee area, high temperatures will be in the upper 40s Friday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 15, and are expected to reach into the 50s by Monday, Feb. 16. Cameron Miller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, said normal highs for Milwaukee in mid-February are around 33 or 34 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to be anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees above normal for this time of the year," he said. Temperatures during the weekend of Feb. 14-15 and into Monday, Feb. 16 are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees above normal for mid-February in Milwaukee, according to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan. Much of the snow on the ground has melted as temperatures have reached above freezing over the past couple weeks, but the remaining snow will likely be all gone after the weekend, Miller said. The warming temperatures are due to a barometric "ridge" over the Great Plains that is moving warm air into Wisconsin via southerly winds, he said. The whole state is experiencing higher-than-average temperatures. However, despite predictions from Sun Prairie's Jimmy the Groundhog and the Milwaukee County Zoo's rhino Kianga, it's not quite spring yet. Advertisement Advertisement "This is going to be a brief period. Granted, it is going to be kind of a weeklong period we're going to see above-normal temperatures, but it's brief. We will go back down towards the end of next week," Miller said. The weekend is expected to stay dry, but rain is expected Tuesday, Feb. 17 and Wednesday, Feb. 18. There may be some chance of snow in the forecast later in the week, but Miller said it is still too early to tell for certain. Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Above normal temperatures bring early taste of spring to Milwaukee Five Native American men being held in maximum security at Rhode Islands Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston claim state prison officials have repeatedly denied their ability to practice their religion. Which is why theyre now suing the Rhode Island Department of Corrections in U.S. District Court in Providence in order to hold pipe ceremonies, sweat lodge ceremonies, smudging ceremonies, drum circles and powwows. The 38-page complaint was filed Wednesday on behalf of Jaquontee Reels, Anthony Moore, Louis Seignious, Craig Robinson, and Wallace Cable by the ACLU of Rhode Island and the Roger Williams University (RWU) School of Law Prisoners Rights Litigation Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Its the third lawsuit in as many years that the organizations have jointly filed against the state, challenging policies that restrict faith practices for Indigenous prisoners. Prisons around the country accommodate all the traditional practices these prisoners are asking for, but Rhode Island continues to deny them, Jared Goldstein, director of the RWU Law legal clinic, said in a statement. This has got to stop. Each of the five men held in max-security filed grievances to challenge the lack of approved religious services and religious items for Native Americans, only for their challenges to be denied or ignored, according to the lawsuit. Again and again, plaintiffs have asked RIDOC officials for permission to obtain Native American religious items, engage in Native American ceremonies, and obtain guidance from a Native American elder, but defendants have turned away all of those requests, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Some of those grievances surfaced after state prison officials agreed to settle a 2024 lawsuit and allow a man serving a life sentence at the ACI to wear a White Mountain Apache Tribe headband. The lawsuit had been filed in response to the Department of Corrections denial of the mans requests. The settlement reached April 30, 2025, tasked the department with establishing a way for prisoners whose religions are not explicitly recognized by the prison to request approval for religious items and services consistent with their beliefs within 120 days. But the state still has adopted no policies, according to the newest lawsuit. Even after two other lawsuits, RIDOC continues to disregard the rights of incarcerated Native American people, Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island, said in a statement. Even in prison, freedom of religion remains a fundamental right, and we will continue to work to prevent the suppression of that right at the ACI. Advertisement Advertisement J.R. Ventura, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, declined to comment citing the pending litigation. As of Friday, Ventura noted there were 24 inmates whose race/ethnicity is listed as American Indian in the departments custody, representing 1% of the total prison population. The Indigenous prisoners are permitted to practice their religion just only within the confines of their individual cells, according to the complaint. By denying their requests for communal prayer and celebrations, the lawsuit claims the Department of Corrections violated the prisoners right to the free exercise of religion as protected by the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The five plaintiffs are seeking a court order requiring the states prison system to accommodate all prisoners religious beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement The case is assigned to Judge Melissa DuBose, who is also overseeing a 2025 lawsuit filed on behalf of three prisoners who similarly claim state prison officials have denied requests to hold religious ceremonies, such as powwows. A hearing on that case is scheduled for March 4. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Earlier this month, a federal judge ordered a sweeping shutdown in the Mojave Desert, closing thousands of miles of trails. Not only is this a major hit for the off-road community, but it sets a precedent for future closures of which California has seen plenty of in the past decades. Consider taking a look at post below and signing the Blue Ribbon Coalition's appeal to keep trails open for everyone. Begin Press Release: Rogue Judge Closes 2,200 Miles of OHV Routes in the Mojave Desert A federal judge has ordered the closure of 2,200 miles of legally designated OHV routes and vast swaths of the Mojave Desert-imposing land-use policy from the bench without Congress, community input, or accountability. This precedent puts all public land access at risk. Tell the Department of Justice to step in now and stop judicial overreach before these closures spread nationwide. A recent federal court ruling has ordered sweeping closures of off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes and vast areas of public land in the Mojave Desert, using desert tortoise habitat as justification. The decision forces 2,200 miles of designated routes to close and places enormous acreage effectively off-limits to responsible public use. This ruling didn't come from Congress who is tasked with managing and overseeing federal public lands. Advertisement Advertisement It didn't come from land managers working with local communities. It came from a judge imposing policy from the bench. And that should concern everyone who uses public land-motorized or not. While OHV users are the immediate target, this decision establishes a precedent that threatens all public land access. If a single judge can rely on outdated or disputed science to shut down legally designated routes and bypass the legislative process entirely, then no form of recreation or access is safe. This ruling signals a growing trend: courts stepping beyond their role to effectively manage land use without accountability, without representation, and without congressional authority. act now appeal closure of 2 200 miles of ohv routes in mojave desert All of the routes that lie within the desert tortoise critical habitat (represented by the black line boundary) will now be closed. Judges Should Not Be Legislators Courts exist to interpret the law, not to create de facto land-use policy. When judges begin making sweeping decisions that reshape access to public lands without congressional action, it undermines both democratic process and public trust. Advertisement Advertisement If this ruling stands unchallenged, it gives the green light for future closures anywhere in the country without public input and without legislative oversight. The Department of Justice Must Step In The Department of Justice has both the authority and the responsibility to rein in judicial overreach when court decisions exceed their proper scope and threaten constitutional balance. They must not let this decision stand by appealing it to the Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court if necessary. An appeal by the DOJ is the most immediate response that can prevent the closure of this entire area. It will also correct these deficiencies: Defend congressional authority over public land policy Prevent courts from bypassing the legislative process Ensure land-use decisions rely on current, credible science Protect Americans' access to the public lands they own Take Action: Tell the DOJ to Act-Now We're asking all public land users, OHV riders, hunters, hikers, campers, ranchers, and rural residents to speak up before this precedent spreads. Advertisement Advertisement As a first step, we encourage contact the U.S. Department of Justice and demand an appeal of this decision. We are working with the OHV community in California to find additional ways to protect our trails in the Mojave Desert. Take Action Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here. The chairman of one of the worlds biggest container terminal operators resigned Friday after his links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were revealed this week. DP World in a brief announcement said Group Chairman and Chief Executive Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem resigned from the Dubai-based company, effective immediately. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem (Photo: DP World) Essa Kazim has been appointed chairman and Yuvraj Narayan Group CEO. Sulayem, of the United Arab Emirates, was instrumental in DP Worlds $6.8-billion acquisition of P&O in 2006, and helped transform the company into a dominant operator with container terminals on six continents handling 1 million containers per year, as well as a network of supply chain services In the U.S. it maintains logistics and warehouse operations at four locations. Canadas second-largest pension fund and a British investment fund this week announced they were suspending investments with DP World the first business fallout from the Epstein scandal. Quebec pension fund La Caisse and Canadian National Railway are partners on a major container terminal project at the Port of Montreal. A CN spokesperson in an email to FreightWaves said that the company had no comment. The Montreal Port Authority did not respond to emails for comment. On Monday Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna revealed Sulayems identity among previously redacted Epstein emails released by the Department of Justice. Sulayem maintained ties with Epstein for a decade after the financier was convicted of two child prostitution charges in Florida in 2008. The two discussed sex and business in thousands of emails, and Epstein helped connect Sulayem with high-powered individuals including former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: Lower freight shipments weigh on world container rates Investors halt deals with DP World over CEOs Epstein ties New MOL executive team to succeed CEO Asia-U.S. ocean freight rates give up 2026 gains The post DP World chairman resigns after Epstein links revealed appeared first on FreightWaves. Activist Analilia Mejia has won the Democratic nomination in the 11th Congressional District after defeating 10 other candidates who sought to succeed Gov. Mikie Sherrill in the House. The Associated Press called the race for Mejia on Thursday, one week after polls closed in the special primary. Mejia won about 29% of the vote and leads her closest competitor, former Rep. Tom Malinowski, by 1,107 votes. Mejia claimed victory on Tuesday after Malinowski conceded defeat. Advertisement Advertisement This was a race about the future of our country and the future of our party, and the voters sent a clear message. They want leaders who are unbought, unbossed, and ready to take our country back from the billionaires and MAGA extremists, Mejia said in a statement. She now faces Republican Mayor Joe Hathaway in the April 16 special election to fill the rest of Sherrills term, which expires Jan. 3, 2027. Sherrill resigned from Congress after winning last years gubernatorial race. The 11th District is a collection of towns in Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. It was long controlled by the GOP until 2018, when Sherrill won it for the Democratic Party. Its boundaries have since been redrawn to make it a safer seat for Democrats to win. Mejia is set to run again in the June primary and November general election to win the two-term term that begins in January. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The High Court in London on Friday upheld a challenge to a UK government ban on activist group Palestine Action under terror legislation, saying it had interfered with the right to freedom of speech. The 2025 ban put Palestine Action on a blacklist that also includes Palestinian militants Hamas and the Lebanese Iran-backed group Hezbollah, and sparked a severe backlash. And it made it a criminal offence to be a member of the group or to demonstrate support for it - punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Following a legal challenge by co-founder Huda Ammori, a three-judge panel on Friday found the ban was "disproportionate" and resulted in a "very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and free assembly". Judge Victoria Sharp, reading out a summary of the judgement in court, said only "a very small number" of Palestine Action's activities "amounted to acts of terrorism". But UK interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "disappointed" and would appeal the ruling while Jewish representative bodies said they were "deeply concerned". Palestine Action remains banned to allow the government to contest the decision, judges said, setting February 20 for a new hearing. Advertisement Advertisement London's Metropolitan Police force said they would stop arresting the group's supporters pending the appeal and concentrate on gathering evidence. The proscription led to nearly 3,000 arrests, primarily for people carrying placards defending the group, according to protest organisers Defend Our Juries. Hundreds have also been charged and face court hearings. "We won," said Ammori on social media after the ruling. Outside the court, people waving Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyah scarves cheered and hugged each other. One protester with a megaphone held up a placard saying: "Palestine Action is BACK!". Advertisement Advertisement - 'Over the moon' - Niall Pemberton, a 58-year-old retiree who has been arrested four times at pro-Palestine Action demonstrations, told AFP he was "over the moon". "I think it shows that we were right that direct action groups should not be proscribed as terrorist organisations," he said. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, however, said Palestine Action had repeatedly targeted Jewish-linked institutions and businesses "in ways that cause fear and disruption far beyond the immediate protest sites". They called on the government and police to provide "clarity" on how they intended to ensure Jewish communities were "protected from intimidation and criminality" following the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement The government banned Palestine Action in July, days after activists protesting against Israel's military assault on Gaza broke into an air force base in southern England and caused millions of pounds worth of damage to two aircraft. United Nations rights chief Volker Turk has previously called the move "disproportionate and unnecessary". The UK government had insisted that some of the supporters of the group "don't know the full nature of this organisation". "The proscription of Palestine Action followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process, endorsed by parliament," Mahmood said in a statement after the judgement. Advertisement Advertisement But the court concluded "the claimant's claim is allowed. Subject to any further representations on relief (the appropriate remedy), we propose to make an order quashing the Home Secretary's decision to proscribe Palestine Action". - 'Right the wrongs' - In a recent interview with Britain's Channel 4, Ammori insisted the organisation "was about saving lives in Palestine". "It's the very opposite of what a terrorist organisation is to most people," she added. "Together we took action at great personal risk ... We helped make this proscription unenforceable," protest organisers Defend the Juries said in a statement after the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement It called for a meeting with Mahmood and Metropolitan Police chiefs "to right the wrongs of the ban". Set up in 2020, Palestine Action's stated goal on its now-blocked website is to end "global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime". It has mainly targeted weapons factories, especially those belonging to the Israeli defence group Elbit Systems. jj-har-aks/jkb/ach The debate over the oily forage fish menhaden is not over in the General Assembly, as one bill advanced Thursday that would create catch quota periods for the only reduction fishery allowed in the Chesapeake Bay. House Bill 1049 would create periods of time where the reduction fishery Ocean Harvesters, which contracts with Omega Protein, will be subject to additional caps on how much of the fish they can remove from the Bay. The bill would also require an observer on the vessels to view the harvests during 10% of their trips. A separate measure, Senate Bill 474, aimed to set up a fund for a Bay-specific study on menhaden to get a better understanding of the species and determine if they are being overfished. That bill failed in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Congress earmarked $2.5 million in the latest budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to put towards a menhaden study. Still, advocates are pushing for a nearer-term, state-funded study. Its a struggle because we dont have base science to make good decisions. We have a Bay cap thats based on historic landings, said Chris Moore, Virginia executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Ocean Harvesters is currently constrained to a total harvest cap of 51,000 metric tons within the Bay. The maximum amount of fish that fisheries may pull from the Atlantic coast was recently reduced by 20% down to 186,840 metric tons. Maryland representatives on the Atlantic Menhaden Management Board have said that too few of the migratory fish travel up the Bay due to the reduction fisherys operations, which has led to decreased yields for fishermen and species such as osprey to starve. Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for the fishery emphasizes there is no proof that the fishery is overfishing the Bay or stopping the progression of the menhaden schools into the Bay. I think we just want to make sure that anything is done, is done comprehensively. Lets get this right, said Ben Landry with Ocean Fleet Services, who lobbies for the fishery. Its too important to do a short truncated survey. Theres too many jobs at stake. Landry said that implementing quota periods will slow down production at the fishery and put the people who work there out of a job. HB 1049 moved forward to the House Appropriations committee where it will be up for additional debate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The defence policy spokesman for Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has urged Berlin to assume a leading military role in Europe as a major annual conference on international security got under way in Munich on Friday. Rudiger Lucassen described the recently issued 2026 US National Defense Strategy - which downgraded Europe to prioritize homeland defence, Western Hemisphere security and countering China - as a turning point for Germany. "Germany must see this situation as an opportunity. We can play a key role in Europe, take the lead, and free our continent from its self-inflicted decline," the lawmaker told dpa late on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Lucassen is one of three AfD politicians to receive an official invitation to the Munich Security Conference after the nationalist, anti-immigrant party was excluded from recent editions. Lucassen said he wanted to promote the idea of strengthening Germany as a leading European power during his meetings in Munich. The conference runs through Sunday and will see some 60 world leaders take part, in addition to ministers, military brass and policymakers. "For example, I envision Germany assuming the main military burden on NATO's north-eastern flank. In addition, Germany should be able to provide strong maritime support for security in the North Atlantic," he said. The organizers of the Munich Security Conference have faced criticism for inviting AfD politicians back, although the party's leaders are not taking part in the official agenda. Advertisement Advertisement The AfD holds Russia-sympathetic positions and rails against Germany's Muslim and migrant populations. It has been classified as "confirmed right-wing extremist" endeavour by Germany's domestic intelligence agency a label the AfD is challenging in court. Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger has noted that the AfD is now the largest opposition party in parliament, but said it will not be given "a platform" in Munich. GENEVA, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Over five million people have returned to Afghanistan from neighbouring states since expulsion policies began in late 2023, prompting the United Nations to warn on Friday that relief efforts are becoming overwhelmed by thousands of daily arrivals. Afghanistan is contending with a worsening hunger crisis driven by the mass deportations of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran, foreign aid cuts and economic crisis. "We are deeply concerned about the sustainability of these returns," Arafat Jamal, the U.N. refugee agency representative from Afghanistan, told a Geneva press briefing. "The massive demographic shock of this number of people, which is around 12% of the population, is pushing us to the brink." Advertisement Advertisement Last year, some 2.9 million people crossed back into Afghanistan, and so far this year, 150,000 people have returned, Jamal said. UNHCR needs $216 million to support the returnees this year, but the campaign is only 8% funded, he added. (Reporting by Emma Farge, editing by Thomas Seythal) Johannesburg, South Africa From deadly Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar and surging waterborne disease risks across flood-affected Mozambique, to parched land and herds of dead livestock along the Kenya-Somalia border, the continent is starting 2026 under siege from waterlinked climate shocks just as African leaders gather for a summit that puts the precious resource at the centre of its agenda. On paper, the African Unions choice of water as its 2026 summit theme with a focus on water as a vital resource for life, development and sustainability appears apolitical. But experts say it is anything but. Water is life, said Sanusha Naidu, a foreign policy analyst at the South African think tank, the Institute for Global Dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement But its not just that water is life water is becoming a commodity of corporatisation and access. It is a humanitarian conflict. It is a climate change conflict. Its a peace and security issue. Water and conflict Although worsening climate change and the strain it puts on resources is a main pressure point, analysts point to other flashpoints where water and conflict intersect including upstream-downstream tensions over shared natural resources, water being used as a weapon of war, and big industry claiming water resources at the cost of human beings. In Africa, water cuts across interstate disputes like Egypt and Ethiopias fight over the Nile, deadly tensions between farmers and herders in Nigeria over access to the same arable land, antigovernment protests over failed service delivery in Madagascar, and the outbreak of health epidemics in the wake of major floods and droughts. Advertisement Advertisement Its really a multitude of competing or interlinked factors that are creating a vicious circle of challenges people have to deal with, Naidu says, especially in Africa, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change. With temperature increases in Africa slightly above the global average, the continent faces a disproportionate burden from the climate crisis, according to the World Meteorological Organization and climate experts. For Dhesigen Naidoo, a senior water and climate researcher with African policy think tank, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), climate change is now experienced first and foremost as a water crisis. Were talking about floods and droughts and very high energy storms that have been experienced around the world and in Africa with absolutely devastating impact, he said, noting that our ability to manage that has really diminished over time as the challenge gets bigger and bigger. Advertisement Advertisement From desertification to huge flooding, too much and too little water have the same impact as they both diminish peoples access to the resource, he said. This lack of access leads to water scarcity as well as increased food shortages, growing numbers of climate refugees, and the higher prospect of conflict, according to Naidoo. If you look at the Sahel and [across Africa], the correlation between the activities of al-Shabab on the east side and Boko Haram on the west side, and the desertification creep, theres an almost direct correlation [between strained resources and conflict], he said. In areas where there is a scarcity of basic resources like water, people are often forced to do whatever they can to survive, Naidoo explains. And sometimes it leads to very, very bad security outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement This is evident in northern Nigeria, where an array of armed groups are recruiting among vulnerable local populations, while in the middle belt region, intercommunal conflict between farmers and herders over shared pastoral land resources has turned deadly. Even away from front-line battles, water scarcity is heightening geopolitical security concerns. Observers point to electricity and water cuts that prompted angry antigovernment protests in Madagascar last year; and this week in South Africa, the countrys Human Rights Commission called for the water crisis to be declared a national disaster, amid protests from many Johannesburg residents who have gone without water for 20 days. Water flows from Lesothos Katse Dam, down some 80km (50 miles) of tunnels hewn through solid rock, into South African rivers heading north to Johannesburg in Gauteng province [File: Reuters] Upstream-downstream Nile tensions Some water tensions were drawn into the very borders that delineate the continent. When European powers carved up Africa before, and at the Berlin Conference more than a century ago, they crudely drew lines between tribes, territories, and key water sources. Advertisement Advertisement Across Africa, 90 percent of surface water is in transboundary basins and requires transboundary cooperation or treaties to manage, according to the World Bank. These include the Senegal and Niger River Basins in West Africa that cover Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Niger and Nigeria; the Limpopo and Orange River Basins in Southern Africa, which cover South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia; and the Nile River Basin in the east and north, spanning Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. While the treaties that govern water sharing are operating well in most regions, recent tensions around the Nile have revealed the potential for future upstream-downstream conflict, experts say. Last year, Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), its most ambitious infrastructure venture on the Blue Nile, amid tensions with downstream neighbours Egypt and Sudan, which rely heavily on the Nile and fear the Ethiopian dam will threaten their water security. Advertisement Advertisement The level of tension is relatively high at the moment between Ethiopia and the downstream countries, particularly Egypt, who were unable to block the dams construction, notes Magnus Taylor, the deputy director of the Horn of Africa project at conflict prevention think tank, International Crisis Group. Beyond the technical operational concerns of the dam, there are also broader tensions, Taylor says, as the GERD marks a historic shift in Nile power relations. Egypt fears [the GERD] will challenge both its practical control over the Nile waters but also its broader political hegemony over the Nile basin, he said. That tension is then dispersed and translated through other political and security situations which have been influenced by the GERD issue, the analyst noted. Advertisement Advertisement He points to the advantage that Egypts backing of the Sudanese Armed Forces in Sudans ongoing war has created for Cairo in ensuring Sudan supports its view on the GERD. Separately, Cairo has also diplomatically courted Eritrea, Ethiopias northern neighbour with which it has contentious relations, he said, while Egypt has also offered security support to Somalia when Ethiopia pursued a sea access deal with the breakaway rival region of Somaliland. Water as root, site, weapon of war Taylor says that while the world is not yet seeing outright water wars, water disputes are nevertheless shaping and intensifying other conflicts across the Horn of Africa. Advertisement Advertisement For ISS water expert Naidoo, the notion of an inter-country conflict based on water is a very real thing, and upstream-downstream tensions escalating into conflict are a possibility in several parts of the world and certainly in several parts of Africa. The Egypt-Ethiopia tensions are currently the clearest example of a historically hegemonic downstream country now having to play by the rules of an upstream country that has asserted itself, he said. But many very big economies in Africa, like Nigeria, South Africa and Senegal, are also downstream countries, he points out. On the Niger River, Nigeria is a downstream country and currently has very poor relations with its northern neighbours, Mali and Niger. And that is a very serious issue about an upstream-downstream dynamic that might mimic what is currently happening between Ethiopia and Egypt, Naidoo said. Water has historically been a source of conflict, he argues. Advertisement Advertisement The art of war around water is well honed into the psyche of human beings, said Naidoo, who remarks that the first-ever resource wars in prehistoric times were fought over water and food even long before oil. But more than just the root and reason, experts say water is sometimes used as the weapon itself. Naidoo pointed to the wars in Sudan and Gaza as current examples where there is a very high level of the weaponisation of water currently under way. In both places, civilians suffer deprivation as supplies are blocked and water sources are targeted in armed attacks. We have, for a very long time, organised ourselves to have an informal agreement that all parties in any conflict would not weaponise water. But events are teaching us that people are quite happy to go back on that, the water expert noted. At the same time, technology is another factor putting strain on peoples access to water. Communications infrastructure and AI data centres all require industrial-scale amounts of water for cooling, putting more strain on the supplies that people rely on. This means the prospect of water conflicts will probably get a lot worse, Naidoo said. We have organised ourselves to develop economies that are very highly dependent on regular water supplies. And so small perturbations in the system being without water for three days is cause for conflict, he remarked. You cant tolerate it because you actually cant do without it. Not just personally on your own consumption, but because everything that works around you has a water dependency. Girls hold up handwritten banners during the arrival of an AU-UN delegation in Forog, Sudan, in 2012 [Albert Gonzalez Farran/UNAMID via Reuters] Who is responsible? The scale of challenges is concerning for experts and observers, and many feel those in leadership positions have not done enough to mitigate the crisis. The AUs decision to put water at the centre of its 2026 summit this weekend is important, yet overdue, Naidu says. She says the continental bloc and national governments have known about the emerging water crisis for years, but have largely failed to act at the necessary scale. She also argues that the responsibility lies not only with governments, but also with local officials, corporations that exploit and pollute, and consumers and civil society, who must change their behaviour and demand accountability. Crisis Groups Taylor says the AU may issue a communique at the summit, but because of the limited remit of the AU, this is unlikely to translate into any binding continentwide water agreements that can be enforced. Al Jazeera reached out to the AU with questions about this years summit, but received no response. For ISSs Naidoo, treaties and agreements have a place, but power also lies with national governments, who can work to support and scale up real solutions already being produced at ground level. He sees a silver lining in African innovation projects, including nonsewered sanitation systems, which treat waste on-site through biological, chemical, or mechanical processes that rely less on water, or projects like the overhead aqueduct system in Kenyas Kibera, which offers a way for areas without traditional underground piping to get clean water to residents of the Nairobi slum. These examples show that Africa is not only a victim of the water crisis, he said, but also a source of potential solutions and a space where the continent can exercise Global Southled leadership. Getting water right is a non-negotiable, social, humanitarian, economic, and security issue, Naidoo said. The conundrum is that Africa has a very high level of tolerance to certain things, like the lack of services or lack of decent sanitation. Part of the reason why we dont make progress in this domain is because its kind of accepted, Naidoo said. But you cant be tolerant of having no water, he warned, or you will die. Agape Flights has identified the two pilots who died when their humanitarian aid plane from Venice crashed in the mountains of Haiti. The Sarasota County-based nonprofit said it lost communication with aircraft N316AF, an Embraer 110 Bandeirante, on Feb. 5 while it was flying over the mountainous region of Jeremie, Haiti. The aircraft, which was eventually located, was a Brazilian twin-turboprop transport plane that was designed for military and civil use. The organization said Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby were flying the plane when it crashed. Both of them died in the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Decker became a volunteer pilot with Agape Flights nine years ago, just shortly after moving to Florida, and the nonprofit said he "faithfully served each week in cargo as well." He flew for United Airlines for nearly 40 years, volunteered to be a part of a special program within the FAA and was among the first pilots granted clearance to return to flying at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following 9/11. He also served as a firefighter for 50 years, running toward emergencies "when others were running away." In 2016, Elleby moved to Florida along with his wife, where they founded Sunshine Electrical Services, Inc. Elleby flew with Agape Flights for eight years. The organization said aviation was one of his greatest joys. "Both faithfully answered the call God placed on their lives and gave themselves fully to it. They served with humility, loved without reservation, and ran their race with perseverance," the airline wrote in a statement. "Though their lives ended in tragedy, their faithfulness and obedience will continue to live long after this moment. They lived everyday with purpose, served God with conviction, and placed their trust fully in the Word of God. Today, we grieve their loss and honor the lives they poured out in service to Him." Advertisement Advertisement Agape Flights has provided aid to missionaries in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Bahamas for more than 45 years. The first Agape Flight left from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in November 1980 to deliver emergency supplies to Haiti. Today, the organization operates out of Venice Municipal Airport, sending planes full of emergency supplies, medical equipment, mail and cargo for humanitarian missions in the Caribbean. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. An artist based in Malaysia has sued budget airline AirAsia and its parent company Capital A Berhad for allegedly using designs on a plane without his consent. In his lawsuit, Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian-born artist based in Penang, claims that his 2012 street mural, Kids on Bicycle, has been "reproduced and displayed" as part of a livery on an aircraft operated by the Malaysian airline in late 2024. "This was done without my consent, authorisation, or licensing arrangement," he alleges, adding that the livery was removed after he had publicly raised concerns about its use. Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has contacted AirAsia for comment. Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, Zacharevic said he became aware in October 2024 that an AirAsia plane had displayed a livery with artwork that appeared similar to his paintings. The artist has been based in Malaysia for more than a decade and is known for his road-side murals in Penang. One of Zacharevic's most well-known work is Kids on Bicycle, a street mural he painted as part of an art commission for a local festival in 2012. The mural, located in the heritage district of George Town, depicts two laughing children on a real bicycle, positioned to look part of the painting. Advertisement Advertisement Tourists can often be seen taking pictures with the mural, now an icon in Penang. Zacharevic said his work had been "unlawfully reproduced" on AirAsia's aircraft without his knowledge or consent and displayed publicly on a plane in operation - one that he saw with his own eyes at an airport. "It felt a little offensive," Zacharevic said, recalling the moment in 2024. He posted a picture of the plane on social media, tagging the airline and saying that they needed to have a conversation about the use of the artwork. Since then, he has held talks with the company, though neither side has been able to settle on terms, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Zacharevic said this was not the first time his work had been used in connection to AirAsia's campaigns and products, accusing the airline of using his artwork on a delivery bag for its food services arm. According to the court documents, Zacharevic said he held discussions with AirAsia in 2017 about an offer to make art for the airline's jets and a mural in one of its offices. He alleges that the airline was made fully aware of his work and business rates at the time, according to the documents. The claim adds that in spite of this, the "the airline proceeded to reproduce and publicly display one of the plaintiff's principal works in a prominent setting, thereby wilfully infringing the plaintiff's copyright and moral rights". Advertisement Advertisement Malaysia's AirAsia is the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, operating more than 200 jets to more than 100 destinations. This week, it unveiled plans to resume flights from Kuala Lumpur to London via Bahrain, marking a return to the British capital after more than a decade. Zacharevic said he is leaving it to the court to decide the amount of any compensation he is entitled to. The artist said: "I wish to be clear about one thing. I do not accept any characterisation of this use as merely a reference to cultural or geographical associations. "The artwork in question is a distinct artistic creation. It is not a natural or generic feature, but the result of many years of professional training, skill and labour." The Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco celebrated the first of at least two new additions to its 2026 flight schedule on Thursday. Allegiant Air instituted its new bi-weekly run serving the Orange County/John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, near Los Angeles. The next new flight will debut in June, when Alaska Airlines revives the long-dormant Pasco-Portland flight. Passengers for the first flight of the new Allegiant Airlines flight to Orange County, CA, wait for the ticket counter to open Thursday at the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco. (Bob Brawdy/bbrawdy@tricityherald.com) The airport greeted Allegiants Airbus aircraft with a traditional water cannon salute to mark its first flight. Pasco officials said 145 passengers were booked on the debut trip. Advertisement Advertisement Buck Taft, airport director, said the Port of Pasco and the Tri-Cities Development Council (TRIDEC) are thrilled to add a third airport in the Los Angeles area to the lineup of destinations. Passengers for the first flight of the new Allegiant Airlines flight to Orange County, CA, wait for the ticket counter to open Thursday at the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco. (Bob Brawdy/bbrawdy@tricityherald.com) Los Angeles is the most popular destination for local travelers, who now have the choice of Los Angeles International, Hollywood Burbank and now, Orange County. Orange County is of particular interest to leisure travelers as the airport closest to Disneyland. Taft and Karl Dye of TRIDEC meet regularly with airlines to pitch new runs. Dallas, Chicago and San Diego are their top priorities. Were always trying to get new destinations, Taft said. Pasco Fire Department aircraft firefighting trucks douse the Allegiant Airlines jet airplane with spray from their nozzles Thursday as it arrives at the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco for its inaugural flight to Orange County, Calif. (Bob Brawdy/bbrawdy@tricityherald.com) 5 airlines, 10 destinations The Tri-Cities Airport is served by Allegiant and four other airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Allegiant flies to Harry Reid (Las Vegas) International and Phoenix-Mesa Regional in addition to Orange County. Alaska Air flies to Los Angeles International, Hollywood Burbank, Seattle and, starting in June, Portland. American Airlines flies to Phoenix Sky Harbor International. Delta Air Lines flies to Seattle-Tacoma International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International and Salt Lake City International. United Airlines flies to Denver International and San Francisco International The Tri-Cities Airport reported a record 494,829 passenger boardings in 2025. Go to flytricities.com Amazon's smart doorbell company is dropping a partnership with a firm known for its surveillance services, after facing scrutiny over its privacy practices. The decision cancels a deal announced in October between Amazon's Ring and Flock Safety, a firm that operates a network of cameras and license plate readers in the US used primarily by police and law enforcement agencies. The agreement would have allowed agencies working with Flock to retrieve video captured on Ring devices, if needed for investigations and allowed by customers. Advertisement Advertisement The decision not to move forward came days after a Ring advertisement aired during the Super Bowl sparked widespread backlash for being "creepy". In its announcement, Ring said it had realised that the Flock partnership would have taken up "significantly more time and resources than anticipated". It added that the integration of its cameras into Flock's systems "never launched, so no Ring customer videos were ever sent to Flock Safety". A Flock spokesperson said in an email to the BBC that the cancellation of the partnership was "a mutual decision". "We believe this decision allows both companies to best serve their respective customers and communities," the company said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Ring, which was acquired by Amazon in 2018, had previously faced concerns over its privacy policies. Its decision to work with Flock had drawn scrutiny, especially after President Donald Trump ramped up his immigration crackdown in recent months. The Super Bowl advert, showcasing a new feature called Search Party, sparked a new round of criticism. It showed a neighbourhood of Ring users working together and using the tool to find a lost dog - an episode quickly slammed by critics as a case of dystopian surveillance. Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, responded by calling on Amazon to discontinue its monitoring features, urging Americans to "oppose this creepy surveillance state". Advertisement Advertisement The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a non-profit that promotes people's rights on the internet, said the ad used something "heartfelt" as a disguise for a feature that previewed "a world where biometric identification could be unleashed from consumer devices to identify, track, and locate anything human, pet, and otherwise". It sparked mocking on social media, and from rivals such as Wyze, which put out its own online video satirically rephrasing Ring's commercial. "We could use this technology to find literally anyone, but we only use this technology to find lost dogs," Wyze co-founder Dave Crosby says in the video, which has been watched on YouTube almost 100,000 times. Advertisement Advertisement While Ring's Search Party feature is not directly connected with Flock, both companies have wrestled with public mistrust over privacy practices and their work with law enforcement. Flock was founded in 2017 and has grown quickly. As of last year, the company, which has contracts primarily with police agencies, said its cameras and license plate readers were active in over 5,000 US cities. Its plans to partner with Ring were announced a day after Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, accused Flock of not doing enough to prevent "abuse" of its cameras, citing concerns that they were being used to "to crack down on immigration and target women under state laws criminalising abortion". Flock has disputed those reports. Advertisement Advertisement Ring also works with law enforcement. It has previously said it receives thousands of requests a year from such agencies for footage from customer cameras, and that it complies with any request "when legally required". Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is one of the best medical research stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On February 10, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) was upgraded to Buy from Hold by Freedom Capital, with the firm raising the price target on the stock to $1,200 from $1,050. The rating update came after what the firm called another quarter that beat even the high-end of revenue and EPS estimates, driven by record GLP-1 sales. It further supported the optimistic rating with the companys dominant position in the GLP-1 market, along with the long-term potential from an oral drug launch. Eli Lilly (LLY) Taps Gene-Editing Technology to Target Hearing Loss, Reuters Reports In another development, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) announced entry into a definitive agreement to acquire Orna Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company involved in engineering immune cells in vivo. Management reported that Orna is advancing a new class of therapeutics utilizing engineered circular RNA paired with novel lipid nanoparticles to allow the patients own body to generate cell therapies that can treat underlying disease. Its lead program is ORN-252, which is a clinical trial-ready, CD19-targeting in vivo Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy designed to treat B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. The terms of the agreement entail that Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) will acquire Orna, and the latters shareholders could receive up to $2.4 billion in cash, inclusive of an upfront payment and subsequent payments upon attainment of certain clinical development milestones. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) develops, manufactures, discovers, and sells pharmaceutical products. These products span oncology, diabetes, immunology, neuroscience, and other therapies. While we acknowledge the potential of LLY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Donald Trump had only just regained the White House when his acolytes dealt Europe two verbal sucker punches in the solar plexus. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, declared that stark strategic realities meant that America would no longer be primarily focused on the security of Europe. Then JD Vance, the vice-president, marked St Valentines Day 2025 by telling the Munich Security Conference that Europes greatest peril came not from Russia, but from within, and that there was nothing more urgent than curbing mass immigration. In the 12 months since those speeches, European governments have been forced to confront the stark reality that they must shoulder prime responsibility for defending the Continent, with all the extra costs and risks that implies, because America can no longer be relied upon to give reflexive support to Nato. Advertisement Advertisement If rhetoric were a measure of action, there would be no cause for alarm. This week alone, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, has said that Europe faces a geopolitical and geoeconomic state of emergency. Sir Nick Carter, once Britains chief of the defence staff, urged Europe to become a military superpower to survive without America. Meanwhile, the annual report of this years Munich Security Conference, which opens on Friday, declared that Europe must summon enough strength to withstand Trumps wrecking-ball politics. All of which suggests that European governments have accepted the new reality. I think psychologically they certainly have, says Prof Michael Clarke, a visiting professor in the Department of War Studies at Kings College London. There was a time after JD Vances speech at the Munich conference last year when there was a sense of, Is he really speaking for the administration or is this a personal thing? Does he really mean it? And the answer is, Yes, he is speaking for the administration, and yes, he does mean it. JD Vance told last years Munich Security Conference that Europes greatest peril came not from Russia, but from within - Thomas Kienzle/AFP/Getty But one year after America put its allies on notice, have European governments translated words into deeds? On any analysis of the data, the unmistakable truth is that only half of Europe could claim to have done so. Advertisement Advertisement Germany and all the allied countries located eastwards and northwards are significantly increasing their respective defence budgets, and rearming about as fast as practically possible. The leaders of these nations are investing enough money and expanding their armed forces with sufficient speed to prove that they grasp the imperative of deterring Vladimir Putin from launching any more wars of aggression. In the decade after Russias first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, which saw the annexation of Crimea and the onset of the war in the Donbas region, Germany more than doubled its military budget from 34bn to 69bn, according to Nato figures, comfortably overtaking Britain to become the number one defence spender in Europe. Over the same period, from 2014 to 2024, other European countries achieved even bigger percentage increases, albeit from a low base. Lithuanias defence spending rose by an extraordinary 550 per cent, Polands by 241 per cent, Denmarks by 140 per cent and Swedens by 125 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement All of these nations either border Russia or are close enough to have been shocked out of any sense of complacency if it was ever present by the spectacle of Putin laying waste to Ukraine and waging Europes bloodiest war for 80 years. And five European states Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Norway invested a higher share of GDP in defence than America in 2025. But look westwards and southwards from Germany, and the same resolve has demonstrably been lacking, even among countries that have traditionally been Europes biggest military powers. Britain raised defence spending by only 28 per cent between 2014 and 2024, and France by just 24 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Both nations were, of course, starting with far higher military budgets than states like Lithuania or Denmark. Even so, the discrepancy remains striking. Britain has become a particular laggard. In 2013, the last year of peace in Europe, David Camerons administration allocated 2.3 per cent of GDP to defence. This year, after two Russian invasions of Ukraine and the onset of Europes biggest conflict since 1945, along with Americas constant warnings, Britain will spend just 2.4 per cent. True enough, Sir Keir Starmer completed his strategic defence review last June, and promised a battle-ready, armour-clad nation with the strongest alliances and the most advanced capabilities. Yet, eight months later, the Prime Minister has still not published the defence investment plan that would turn rhetoric into reality. The defence review only contained a series of recommendations for how the Government might strengthen Britains Armed Forces. Without a plan to allocate real money to military programmes, the whole exercise is essentially meaningless. Sir Keir Starmer, pictured with the Defense Secretary, has promised a battle-ready, armour-clad nation that has yet to materialise - Stefan Rousseau/PA The Ministry of Defence proposed just such an investment plan in December, only for Starmer to demand a rethink because it required 28bn of extra defence spending. Advertisement Advertisement Until the new money is found and the investment plan published Britains defence companies will not have the assurance they need to start investing in extra capacity. Money is always a function of political will. The fact that Starmer has not yet steeled himself to provide the funds shows that, unlike his counterparts in Germany and northern and central Europe, he still lacks the resolve to face strategic reality. The political will in Britain is shaky, says Prof Clarke. The defence investment plan is still not there because when it was put forward to No 10, they threw it back and said, Think again. Thats very disappointing from a defence perspective. He adds, Industry is just waiting for this defence investment plan. The defence industry fears that were going to fall back into the old syndrome where the Government gets keen on something and then changes its mind, and industry is left having invested a lot of its own cash in projects which are then cancelled. Advertisement Advertisement All the while, America is watching closely. The salutary messages at last years Munich Security Conference were followed by a successful Nato summit at The Hague in June, which saw Trump endorse an ironclad commitment to collective defence as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. In return, European countries promised to spend at least 3.5 per cent of GDP on their armed forces by 2035 and another 1.5 per cent on related infrastructure. But if that was the high water mark for the Atlantic alliance since Trumps return to the White House, it was followed by Americas new national security strategy in November, which lurched back to denouncing Europe, claiming that it faced civilisational erasure and demanding that it stand on its own feet. Then came the crisis over Greenland, with Trump openly threatening to use force against a Nato ally, Denmark, and promising to impose US tariffs on any European country daring to protest against his behaviour. That confrontation was defused last month when Mark Rutte, the Nato secretary general, began to patch together a deal between America and Denmark. Paralysed by domestic turmoil For now, European diplomats have reason to hope that this years Munich Security Conference will pass without any explosions. Vance will be absent, and the relatively conciliatory figure of Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, will represent America. Advertisement Advertisement Not even the Trump administration could reasonably fault Germany or the allies to the north and east for their efforts over the past year. Yet of the three European countries that should be leading the rearmament of the Continent Germany, France and Britain the latter two have governments paralysed by domestic turmoil. Macron is a lame-duck president who will vacate the Elysee Palace next year. His government could not even secure the passage of a national budget for 2026 until as recently as Feb 2, when it resorted to imposing one. Starmer is now surviving in Downing Street only on the sufferance of Left-wing Labour MPs. The backbenchers who hold the Prime Ministers fate in their hands want any extra money to go on welfare rather than defence, leaving him with little freedom of action. Advertisement Advertisement Of Europes big three, only Germany is in a position to lead. Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, has exempted defence spending from constitutional limits on government debt, and has promised to invest whatever it takes. Today, the biggest constraint on the expansion of Germanys armed forces, the Bundeswehr, is not money, but industrial capacity. That capacity is steadily being generated. Rheinmetall, Europes biggest defence company, headquartered in Dusseldorf, aims to produce at least 1.1 million artillery shells a year by 2027, up from only 70,000 before Putins full-scale onslaught against Ukraine in 2022. In Poland, too, where rapid military expansion is turning Europes leading triumvirate into a quadrumvirate, the real limitation is capacity rather than money. This year, Poland will spend 4.5 per cent of GDP on defence higher even than Americas 3.2 per cent and almost twice the equivalent figure for Britain. Thanks to this investment, Poland has ordered 360 main battle tanks from South Korea, and aims to build another 500 domestically. Polish arms factories are already producing a million rounds of ammunition every day, a fivefold increase since 2022. Resources redirected to defence Jonathan Eyal, the associate director of the Royal United Services Institute, points out that Poland and neighbouring allies have found extra money for defence by raiding other government budgets instead of resorting to the easy option of borrowing. Advertisement Advertisement The eastern Europeans have rearranged their spending priorities in such a way that they have redirected resources to extra defence expenditure, he says. In western Europe, by contrast, governments have not been courageous enough even to raise the possibility of cutting other budgets in order to invest in their armed forces, meaning that any extra defence spending is borrowed money. The serious discussion about whether we can afford to continue spending as much on welfare, health, education, pensions and all the other big-ticket items has simply been avoided by the sleight of hand of saying, Oh, well just borrow more, adds Dr Eyal. The debate is still a childish, primitive one by which we tell our public, Its OK. Yes, there may be a war around the corner, and yes, we have to increase defence expenditure, but you dont need to worry. None of the social programmes are going to be touched. And, of course, its nonsense. Putin, by contrast, faces no such inhibitions. Russia has roughly doubled its military budget since 2022, bringing the total to more than 200bn last year almost half of all Russian government spending and10 per cent of GDP, according to an estimate disclosed by Germanys external intelligence agency. That new firepower might conceivably be turned on Britain. The Russians want to pick on Britain. Were influential in Nato and they see us as isolated from our European partners, says Prof Clarke. There is a real antipathy towards Britain in Russia, much more so than to other European countries. So I think Britain is in the crosshairs for Russia in the next three to four years. The past 12 months have seen the emergence of a new divide between those European countries who, seized by the challenge, have responded to the USs call for action and those remaining wilfully blind. So far, not even Britains possible status as a priority target for Russia has been enough to move it out of the latter camp. And the next sucker punches may not be verbal. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. American Airlines launched its first-ever service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Vero Beach, Fla., on Thursday. The new route provides a direct year-round connection between the Charlotte hub and Floridas Treasure Coast. ALSO READ: American Airlines takes over two regional routes at CLT airport Vero Beach is a brand-new destination for American Airlines, with service offered exclusively from Charlotte. The route joins more than 90 peak-daily flights the airline operates from Charlotte to 17 different destinations across Florida. Advertisement Advertisement The new flights to Vero Beach will operate daily throughout the year. The airline is utilizing CRJ-900 aircraft for this specific route. This expansion makes Charlotte the only hub in the American Airlines network to offer direct service to the coastal city. Vero Beach features nearly 30 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean in South Florida. The charming beach town also provides walkable access to a number of unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. airline officials said in a news release. The destination is known for its variety of resorts, wildlife and a historic downtown district. The area is part of Floridas Treasure Coast region. Advertisement Advertisement History and culture are highlighted through various local exhibits. The McLarty Treasure Museum, located in the downtown area, is one of the most popular attractions for visitors interested in the regions heritage. Outdoor recreational activities in the area include paddleboarding, kayaking and surfing. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit sea turtle nesting sites during nighttime excursions. VIDEO: Teen with rare heart condition defies odds, inspires others with his journey By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's repeal of the foundation for federal climate regulation will immediately free automakers from costly tailpipe emissions standards, but the move could spark lawsuits and force businesses to navigate an uncertain future of multiple state and regional rules. Trump's Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday finalized its repeal of the "endangerment finding" for vehicles, a 2009 determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health. The finding gave the agency authority to regulate emissions from vehicles, as well as other sectors that burn or produce fossil fuels. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the country's "biggest deregulatory action" in history would save companies over $1 trillion in compliance costs. Environmental groups denounced the move, which was cheered by some industry groups but greeted with caution by others. Ten lawyers and analysts interviewed by Reuters said companies face a bumpy ride, citing imminent court challenges and the possibility that a patchwork of state and regional emissions rules will replace one federal rule. "This federal withdrawal will cause an unprecedented disruption to 15 years of regulatory progress, threatening public health, local communities, industries, natural resources, and public investments," said Rob Bonta, attorney general for the state of California, which is weighing a lawsuit. Matthew Leopold, an environmental attorney at Holland & Knight who had served as EPA general counsel during Trump's first administration, said company strategies for adjusting to the repeal will depend on how quickly legal challenges reach and are resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement He said utilities and other big emitters will seek a clearer understanding of the implications. "While this initial rulemaking is focused on motor vehicle regulation, it will have ripple effects on other EPA programs as well. It's the foundation of all EPA greenhouse gas regulation in all sectors," said Leopold. The EPA has relied on the endangerment finding to regulate power plants, vehicle manufacturers and oil and gas operations. Transport and power make up about half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Trump has called climate change a "con job" and withdrawn the U.S., the worlds biggest historic emitter, from international efforts to combat it. Advertisement Advertisement CAUTIOUS REACTION Trump's first administration did not seek to revisit the endangerment finding, as industry groups opposed the move and then-EPA Acting General Counsel David Fotouhi said the disruption was too risky. The EPA was bolder this time after Supreme Court cases such as Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo found Congress, not administrative agencies, should make that determination, the agency said in a press release on Thursday. The EPA decision drew praise from some industry groups representing smaller oil and gas operators - the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Marcellus Shale Association. The trade group for companies that supply equipment for internal combustion engine vehicles called the Specialty Equipment Market Association, or SEMA, said it will "directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years." Advertisement Advertisement Environmental groups blasted the move and noted that some major industry groups did not appear to be on board either. David Doniger, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, pointed to public comments from Ford and Honda last fall. Both automakers supported keeping the finding in place to ensure a stable regulatory environment. "They're worried about the political pendulum swinging back in a few years," Doniger said. Honda did not respond to a request for comment on the EPA's decision. Ford praised the administration for addressing the "imbalance between current emissions standards and customer choice" but said it has advocated a single national emission standard instead of separate state standards. Advertisement Advertisement The Alliance for Automotive Innovation did not endorse the Trump endangerment repeal on Thursday but said "automotive emissions regulations finalized in the previous administration are extremely challenging for automakers to achieve given the current marketplace demand for EVs." The American Petroleum Institute said it had not advocated for a repeal of the endangerment finding but supported the administration's action to end electric vehicle mandates for autos. API Senior Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs Dustin Meyer said in a statement that the trade group supports federal regulation of emissions - including methane from oil and gas operations. "Our focus now is working on durable policies that reduce emissions while meeting growing energy demand, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The Chamber of Commerce said on Thursday it will take a few days to analyze the rule and its impact. While we did not call for the EPA to revisit and rescind the agencys 2009 Endangerment Finding, we are carefully reviewing the specifics of this final rule and will engage with our members to assess its implications and impacts over the long term, said Marty Durbin, president of the Global Energy Institute at the Chamber. The Edison Electric Institute, representing big U.S. investor-owned utilities, said We are reviewing this new action and will continue to work with the Administration to strengthen grid reliability and lower energy costs for all customers. In public comments last year, EEI said repealing the endangerment finding could open the door to a regional patchwork of regulation and legal action. Advertisement Advertisement Ann Carlson, environmental law professor at the University of California law school, agreed with that assessment, saying that federal authority to regulate greenhouse gases would no longer preempt state actions. "If greenhouse gases arent subject to the Clean Air Act, theres an argument that states could then regulate them independently, she said. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio) Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces another accusation of sharing an official document, with reports that he gave a Treasury briefing to one of his personal business contacts. Emails published in the Telegraph suggest that in 2010 the then Prince Andrew asked for information from Treasury officials on banking problems in Iceland. This briefing was shared with Jonathan Rowland, a business connection of Andrew's, whose father David Rowland took over part of a failing Icelandic bank. Advertisement Advertisement It means more pressure on the former prince over claims that he misused his public role by giving official information to private associates, at a time when he was serving as the UK's trade envoy. A montage of David Rowland, Andrew and Epstein from a press cutting found in the Epstein files [US Department of Justice] Jonathan Rowland told the BBC he had "no idea" about the reference to him in the emails - and that the emails quoted are from legal proceedings from some time ago. The Cabinet Office said it would not comment, but is not disputing the authenticity of the emails. A spokesman for the Cabinet Office referred to Thames Valley Police's current position, in which they are assessing whether to launch an investigation into possible misconduct in public office. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday night, the Times reported that police had held informal discussions with the government about emails and documents relating to the former prince and Epstein, before a potential criminal investigation. Government sources told the BBC that they weren't aware of any discussions, but would not be surprised if a conversation had happened between civil servants and police. Others in government would not comment. "We will hand over what is requested of us on Andrew front," one source said. Emails from the Epstein files suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor had forwarded official documents to Jeffrey Epstein, such as reports from overseas trade trips to south east Asia and a briefing by UK officials on investment in Afghanistan, described by the former prince as "confidential". Advertisement Advertisement The information from the Treasury requested by Mountbatten-Windsor, via his adviser, was "an update note on the latest position between the UK and Iceland on the matter of the deposits and the deposit guarantee scheme", according to emails published by the Telegraph. This was at a time when Iceland's banking sector faced problems, after three large banks based there got into severe difficulties, following the 2008 financial crisis, and had to be nationalised. In 2010, there was a dispute between Iceland and the UK over whether Iceland should contribute to compensating UK depositors in the failed Icelandic banks. Soon after receiving the information from the Treasury, the briefing was forwarded to Jonathan Rowland. Advertisement Advertisement "I pass this on to you for comment and a suggestion or solution?" wrote Mountbatten-Windsor. "The essence is that Amanda is getting signals that we should allow the democratic process [to] happen before you make your move. Interested in your opinion? A." Jonathan Rowland's father David took over the Luxembourg part of the largest Icelandic bank, Kaupthing, which became Banque Havilland. Jonathan Rowland was chief executive of Banque Havilland. He left in 2013. An image from the Epstein files of Mountbatten-Windsor on a trade visit to China in 2010 [US Department of Justice] The Epstein files reveal the closeness of Andrew to David Rowland, with the former prince calling him his "trusted money man". Advertisement Advertisement It appeared that he was promoting Rowland's ventures to Epstein. "He is actively seeking high net worth individuals for his Private Bank. Perhaps this is an avenue for your undecided Chinese?" Mountbatten-Windsor wrote to Epstein, in October 2010, about Rowland's Banque Havilland. Epstein replied: "His bank just might be the place.. I guess i should learn more." The emails released by the US Department of Justice also seem to suggest that Rowland's bank had made loans to Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who faced debt problems. Banque Havilland has faced problems with regulators in the UK and Europe, and lost its banking licence in 2024, a decision which the bank is appealing. Advertisement Advertisement Rowland and his son Jonathan appeared to have had a close relationship with Mountbatten-Windsor, joining him on trips in his capacity as an official trade envoy, to places such as China and former Soviet states. Mountbatten-Windsor had been a guest at the opening of the Banque Havilland and David Rowland had attended the former prince's birthday party and the wedding of his daughter Princess Eugenie. Rowland's son Jonathan told the BBC he and his father "never had any contact or correspondence or had dinner or met with" Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Rowland did not deny to the BBC that he or his father or Banque Havilland might have paid or lent money to Mountbatten-Windsor or Ferguson, but denied that he had ever provided money in exchange for access to contacts. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on the part of Jonathan and David Rowland. Andrew-Mountbatten Windsor has been contacted for comment and has strongly denied any wrongdoing in his association with Jeffrey Epstein. [BBC] Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis every week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Questions about the legality of the appointment of acting U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah made their way to a federal appeals court, one day after the Trump administration nominated her replacement. The San Francisco-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit heard arguments Thursday regarding Chattahs appointment and whether indictments filed under her leadership are valid. Presidents appoint U.S. attorneys to lead offices across the country. The appointments are then Senate-confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Last March, President Donald Trump appointed Chattah as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada. She resigned from that position before the 120-day deadline expired and was then named acting U.S. Attorney. This triggered the Federal Vacancy Act, which allowed the president to appoint Chattah to the new position, where she has remained in the office without Senate confirmation for almost a year. The panel hearing the case comprises three judges two appointed by Trump and one appointed by former President Bill Clinton. (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) Chattah is a former Republican National Committeewoman and made an unsuccessful run for Nevada Attorney General. Last summer, a group of federal public defenders called her appointment unlawful. Nevadas two U.S. senators, Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, have also been vocal against Chattahs appointment. In September, a federal judge sided with federal prosecutors in the disqualification of Chattah from supervising several criminal prosecutions, but declined to dismiss the indictments. The appeal to that question made its way to the Ninth Circuit on Thursday, where three attorneys argued for and against Chattahs appointment. The panel hearing the case comprises three judges two appointed by Trump and one appointed by former President Bill Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Isnt the whole point of it to prevent backfilling of vacancies by putting in somebody as the first assistant after the vacancy arises? Judge Eric Miller asked Tyler Lee, the attorney representing the government. Lee argued that while several laws call for a U.S. attorney to serve as interim or acting, Chattahs appointment was not unlawful. Attorneys Jeremy Baron and James Pearce argued against the appointment. The agency cannot backfill in a first assistant to solve that problem, Baron said about a vacancy. The court did not issue a ruling on Thursday and did not indicate when it would issue a ruling. The challenges in Nevada follow two others involving appointments in New Jersey and California. Advertisement Advertisement In two interviews with the 8 News Now Investigators, Chattah has defended her position and appointment. On Wednesday, the Trump administration nominated Las Vegas attorney George Kelesis to serve in the U.S. attorney role. It was not clear on Thursday how the two senators planned to vote on Kelesis nomination. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Three Democratic Senate appropriators are calling for Congress watchdog agency to investigate the Department of Housing and Urban Developments headquarters relocation citing legal, process and budget concerns. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing HUD, and other subcommittee ranking members Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) Friday requested a Government Accountability Office review of the departments authority to relocate to outside of the District of Columbia, how the department chose its new Virginia headquarters, the potential impact on employees and the moves expenses. Despite the Committees repeated requests for further information, HUD leaders have proceeded with this move without providing sufficient explanations for how this is the best use of American taxpayer funds, how it will affect daily operations, or whether or not it is even legal to begin with, Gillibrand said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement As POLITICO reported last week, HUD is moving ahead with its plan to move roughly 3000 federal employees from the departments Washington headquarters to a new building in Alexandria, Virginia, amid questions over the legality and cost of the relocation. The appropriators letter to GAO sheds new light on how little information legislators say they have received about the departments relocation. HUD continues to only provide piecemeal and partial responses to the [Appropriations] Committees as well as its own staff, the letter reads. HUD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. HUDs first budget shared with appropriators in July included multiple TBD placeholders, according to the lawmakers letter. A December budget estimate that appropriators received was 40 percent higher but HUD hadnt made clear until Thursday that presidential appointees new office furniture and improvements might cost more than $5000 per person, surpassing the limit which the department can spend on those expenses without advance notice to the committees. Advertisement Advertisement The letter also says appropriators were not fully informed about the budget analysis for choosing the National Science Foundation building in Virginia as HUDs new headquarters or why HUD was required to pay $26.2 million dollars to relocate NSF employees. The appropriators are asking GAO to review how HUD, NSF and the GSA made decisions regarding the move. A General Services Administration spokesperson said in a statement, The case is clear: the Weaver building carries hundreds of millions of dollars in delinquent maintenance and extensive operational deficiencies. Relocating HUD to Alexandria saves taxpayer dollars and provides a modern headquarters that meets their mission and workforce needs. The senators also asking GAO to look into whether HUDs relocation to Virginia violates statutes requiring the department to remain in D.C. and how HUD is managing the potential impacts on staff and productivity. Over the past year, HUD operations have been upended and morale is already at an all-time low, the lawmakers letter to GAO says, referring to the departments mass staff reductions. We have grave concerns that a hastily and irresponsibly executed move will exacerbate those challenges and HUDs ability to carry out its mission. A last-ditch meeting two weeks ago aimed at building the foundation for a Colorado River water usage agreement failed, and the seven states that have rights to the rivers dwindling water supplies wont hit a Saturday deadline to hammer out a deal. Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke, the states chief negotiator, sharply criticized the four states in what is known as the Upper Basin Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming for being adamantly opposed to making any cuts to water usage and stubbornly refusing to make even the smallest compromises. In all this time, Arizona, California and Nevada have received one consistent message from our counterparts in the Upper Basin there will be no firm commitment to reduce uses in the Upper Basin, no matter how dire the conditions of the river may be, he said in a statement announcing the negotiations had ended. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Colorado River is a vital source of drinking water for 40 million people in the seven basin states, Mexico and 30 Native American tribes, and provides water for farming operations and hydroelectricity. Buschatzke said that the three Lower Basin states began these discussions with a spirit of collaboration and made numerous proposals, from dealing with evaporation of river water to increasing their water usage cuts to using a rolling average of the water flowing in the river to determine cuts for all seven states. Arizona has offered to reduce its Colorado River allocation by 27%, California by 10%, and Nevada by nearly 17%. All of them were rejected outright, he said, because the Upper Basin states wont agree to any cuts and instead insist that the Lower Basin states feel all of the pain. Advertisement Advertisement We have offered to do more, Buschatzke said. But we simply cannot take on the task of saving this precious river system on our own. The governors of the Lower Basin states Arizonas Katie Hobbs, Californias Gavin Newsom and Nevadas Joe Lombardo were more diplomatic earlier Friday when they put out a joint statement noting how critical the river is for the economies of all the states, but particularly theirs. Our stance remains firm and fair: all seven basin states must share in the responsibility of conservation, they said. Our shared success hinges on compromise, and we have offered significant flexibility, allowing states without robust conservation programs time to gradually develop these programs in ways that work in each state. Meanwhile, the governors of the Upper Basin states issued their own joint statement touting their commitment to finding a seven-state deal, which would provide greater opportunity to pursue federal funding supporting conservation efforts and innovative water-saving technologies for the river water. Advertisement Advertisement We have come together in good faith throughout this process, and are putting every tool on the table available to us, including releases from our upstream reservoirs, a meaningful voluntary conservation both now and in the future, and continued strict self-regulation of water supplies. Upper Basin water users live within the means of the River by adapting our uses every year based on available supplies, said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon. The likely next step will be litigation. Last year, Arizona put a total of $3 million to its Colorado River legal defense fund, and Gov. Katie Hobbs proposed budget for this year would put another $1 million toward that fund. Lawmakers earlier this month gave preliminary approval to doing just that. The Feb. 14 deadline exists because the seven states failed to meet an earlier November deadline to strike a deal. If the states cant reach an agreement before the current water usage guidelines expire in October, the federal government would implement one of its draft plans, which would all place an outsized burden on the Grand Canyon State. Thats because the Central Arizona Project, a series of canals that supplies Colorado River water to the Valley and the Tucson area, is one of the newest users of the river water, making it legally one of the first to be cut. Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado River Compact dates back to 1922, when the seven states made their initial agreement, allocating 7.5 million acre-feet of water each year to be shared by the Upper Basin states and another 7.5 million to be used among the Lower Basin states. An acre-foot of water represents enough to flood an acre of land to a depth of one foot, or about 325,851 gallons. The states have updated their water usage guidelines several times since then, but those apportionments remain the same, but lower basin states face mandatory cuts during times of drought and Upper Basin states do not. In 2025, for the fifth year in a row, the federal government imposed water allocation cuts on the Colorado River due to the ongoing drought and Arizonas cut amounts to a loss of 512,000 acre-feet of water for the year. Advertisement Advertisement Also part of the original Colorado River Compact was a guarantee that the Upper Basin states would release a 10-year rolling average of at least 75 million acre-feet of water to the Lower Basin, in addition to one-half of the annual allotment owed to Mexico, for a total of about 80.2 million acre-feet. So far, the Upper Basin states have held to that agreement. But as water levels in the two major reservoirs on the river, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, continue to decline, its expected that the Upper Basin states will be unable to meet that requirement as early as 2027. Under current allocations, Arizona has rights to 2.8 million acre feet of water per year, and has implemented 800,000 acre feet in reductions per year. In contrast, Colorado gets 3.6 million acre feet a year, but has said it cant handle cutting 50,000 acre-feet during dry years. However, Colorado doesnt always get that full allotment, because it relies mostly on melted snowpack for its water, which varies from year to year. This years snowpack levels are historically low. Advertisement Advertisement The Lower Basin states have undertaken significant conservation efforts for Colorado River water since 2014 and have reduced their consumption from 7.4 million acre-feet in 2015 to just over 6 million in 2024. The Upper Basin states have increased their usage in the past five years, from 3.9 million acre-feet in 2021 to 4.4 million in 2024. The federal governments draft plans allow for the Upper Basin states to use even more water. ***UPDATE: This story was updated with a comment from the Upper Basin governors. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Lawsuits over candidate eligibility in Arkansas have now been decided, raising new questions about who can run for public office. Casey Reed has been disqualified from seeking a State House seat representing parts of Saline and Grant Counties. Meanwhile, a challenge to District 94 candidate Missy Wardlaw centered on a past hot check conviction. In Pulaski County, Kristina Gulley was previously ruled ineligible to run for Justice of the Peace in District 10 for similar convictionsbut a recent Arkansas Supreme Court decision in Wardlaws case could open the door to overturning that ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, a broad term, and it's designed to be a broad term because it comes from the state constitution. So, if someone is guilty of an infamous crime, they're not allowed to hold office in Arkansas, the Arkansas Bar Foundation Professor of Law at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, William H Bowen School, Robert Steinbuch said. The constitution of the state of Arkansas outlines several ways that make a candidate ineligible to run and hold a public office. An infamous crime is the key term that has gotten several candidates into legal hot water. It's a crime that impacts a person's morality, credibility, and that's why a hot check violation, a hot check offense, is precisely what should be an infamous crime, because to be convicted of a hot check crime, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly issued a check for which there were insufficient funds. That's kind of a big deal, or fraudulently, which is even worse, but at least knowingly doing so, that's a big deal, Steinbuch said. One candidate whose eligibility was questioned was Missy Wardlaw in District 94. Her case went before the Arkansas Supreme Court, and Wardlaw had a guilty bond forfeiture on her record. Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court ruled that she is eligible to keep her name on that ballot and hold a public office. The Wardlaw case is a terrible decision. Frankly. The majority decision, written by Courtney Hudson, says that Wardlaw's guilty dash, bond forfeiture disposition doesn't mean she was convicted of that crime, of a hot check offense, and it's really a stretch to understand how she gets there, Steinbuch said. KG: the bond for teachers, as the Supreme Court ruled on yesterday in Miss Wardlaws case, those are not infamous crime convictions, Kristina KG Gulley, Pulaski County Justice of the Peace District 10 candidate said. Gulley, who ran for and was elected for the Pulaski County Justice of the Peace for District 10. She was removed from office when she was ruled ineligible to hold office for two hot check convictions. Gulley said that she doesnt have a conviction and has a clean record. Pulaski County District Court Judges have ruled differently. Advertisement Advertisement Considering the fact it was a bond fortune, I'm hoping that it will open the door for a new hearing, and hopefully some things will get overturned, Gulley said. The Wardlaw case is now the new precedent set by the court, Professor Steinbach said that the Supreme Court dissenting opinion addresses the legal concerns about hot check convictions and infamous crimes more accurately than the majority opinion. The dissent in that case, written by Rhonda Wood, really addresses the law precisely and says, look, we have to take that record that Ward Law doesn't dispute, and read it, and it says guilty, and then the bond is forfeited, Steinbuch said. The dissent was clear; guilty is guilty regardless of a bond forfeiture or not, but the majority of justices did not agree with Justice Wood. Advertisement Advertisement What the court says, if you show up and say, like I said a moment ago, that you're Mr. Magoo, what me huh? I didn't know you might get away with not being considered disqualified, even though a conviction for a hot check crime is a disqualifying event for someone running for office in the state of Arkansas, Steinbuch said. That statute in the state constitution outlines that infamous crimes disqualify you from running for office will be in the constitution unless there is a constitutional amendment, but Steinbuch says thats not much support for that change. Instead, he suggests strengthening the statue. I think it's a bad idea. In fact, I would suggest a statute that says, if you have on a docket sheet, guilty bond forfeited or guilty and anything else that the statute should make clear that that is sufficient to preclude someone from holding office so that we don't have a repeat of what happened in the Ward Law case where the Supreme Court put blinders on and apparently didn't read the part that said guilty and just read the bond forfeited part, Steinbuch said. Steinbuch said that because of the ruling, a box has been opened not just for candidates who want to run for office but for other legal actions to be taken. Advertisement Advertisement If it's just for a bond forfeiture, can't go to the locality, can't go to pay the fine, can't go to pay the restitution. It's all supposed to go back to the general fund in the state coffers. So now we may have all of these lawsuits, suing those localities for not properly disposing of those money, those monies because an individual citizen can sue if money is improperly handed handled by any governmental entity, and a citizen can sue those localities and say, All that money that you've been collecting all these years, you got to turn it back over to the state, and that citizen can get attorney's fees for that lawsuit as well, Steinbuch said. Its important to note that the Arkansas Supreme Court is the final say on these types of cases, and the Wardlaw case is the new precedent in Arkansas for those who are running for office and might have a hot check bond forfeiture. Gulley is continuing to campaign and fight for her votes to count on the ballot. She has filed an appeal against the courts decision that rules her ineligible. She is willing to take her case to the Supreme Court if needed. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A ruling by the Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday means an Arkansas House candidates votes he receives in the primary will not be counted. The ruling upheld a Pulaski County Circuit Court ruling that Republican primary candidate for House District 92 Casey Reed was ineligible to run for office. Since Reeds name is on the ballot, votes for him will not be counted, according to the ruling. Ongoing tug-of-war between Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Karen Baker and Administrative Office of the Courts removed from docket Advertisement Advertisement The case originated when political activist Ken Yang filed a suit. Yang maintained that Reeds pleading guilty to felony Abuse of Public Trust in 2012 made him ineligible to hold office. The circuit court agreed, and the Supreme Court upheld that decision. Reed had maintained that he pleaded guilty but was not convicted of the felony and was therefore eligible to run for office, an argument the Supreme Court rejected. He further maintained that Yang was not eligible to challenge his candidacy, since he did not live in District 92, a claim the court also rejected, as Yang was an Arkansas citizen. Arkansas Supreme Court ruling allows candidate to remain in House race in hot check controversy The court also reversed one component of the Pulaski County courts finding by allowing Yang to file a petition for attorneys fees and expenses for his suit. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Hugs and tears of joy followed the arrest of Alexis Flores in Honduras this week, bringing renewed emotion for the mother of a young girl killed more than two decades ago. "25,000 pounds got lifted off my back...," said Liza DeJesus. DeJesus said she never lost hope that her daughter Iriana's killer would be caught, even as the years passed with only memories of her child. "I believe if you put it in God's hands. It's not in our time, it's in God's time, and you will get your justice," DeJesus said. Advertisement Advertisement Iriana was 5 years old when she was raped and strangled in July 2000. Her body was found wrapped in wallpaper in North Philadelphia in August of the same year. In 2007, authorities identified Alexis Flores as a possible suspect. DeJesus spoke about the case during an interview with Action News that year. "I need this guy off the street. I need justice and for me, it feels good to get the news," DeJesus said at the time. Flores later ended up on the FBI's most wanted list. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X that Flores had been taken into custody, writing, "after more than 25 years on the run, the arrest proves time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice." Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are now working out the details to bring him back to the United States. "He did say the government of Honduras did give the green light, where they can extradite him back," DeJesus said. DeJesus said she has since forgiven Flores for his alleged crimes. Her message now, she said, is for others not to give up hope. "She became an angel the minute she was murdered, and she'll continue to be an angel looking over us," DeJesus said. It's unclear when Flores will return to the Pennsylvania to face rape and murder charges. European venture capital (VC) firms have joined forces to establish the European Life Sciences Coalition (ELSC), the latest move by the continents life sciences industry to tackle a slump in its financial attractiveness. Life sciences VC titans Sofinnova Partners and Novo Holdings are among the nine founding members of the group, which has been created in association with Invest Europe, a trade association representing VC, private equity, and infrastructure sectors. Those within the ELSC framework collectively manage more than 24bn ($28.6bn) in life sciences-specific assets and have invested in or helped found over 1,400 life sciences and biotech companies. The aim of the coalition is to strengthen Europes life sciences and biotechnology VC ecosystem by mobilising greater levels of private and public investment across the sector. Naveed Siddiqi, senior partner of Venture Investments at Novo Holdings, said: To succeed and scale, life sciences companies need access to substantial capital and policy frameworks that recognise the realities of developing complex, science-based businesses. Equally important, the sector requires access to experience, long-term engagement, and a deep understanding of how these businesses are built and financed over time. The ELSCs creation comes amid a difficult financing scene for life sciences and biotech companies in Europe. Despite overall biotech venture funding increasing in the second half of 2025, European biotechs are struggling to capture the same capital as those in US and China. European life sciences VC funds currently account for just 7% of the global market, compared with 63% in the US and 14% in China, according to the ELSC. As per a recent report from BioIndustry Association (BIA), equity financing and VC in the UK dropped by 49% and 13%, respectively, in 2025 compared to 2024. A clear reflection of Europes unattractiveness for budding companies is that all but one of 67 EU biotechs that went public over the past six years have listed on stock exchanges outside the continent. The coalition is not calling for handouts, but for a fundamental shift in how European capital is deployed, the ELSC said in a statement. The life science industry is a key cog in Europes economic output. For example, pharma exports reached 313.4bn in 2024 the US being the primary destination of products. Faced with a difficult outlook for the next wave of companies, the European Commission (EC) has proposed the Biotech Act, a framework intended to make Europe a more competitive area for biotechs to work and invest in, as well as accelerating lab-to-market times. EuropaBio, the European bioindustry association, welcomed the proposal, but added that a bold approach to investment is still needed. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. NASA's Artemis 2 SLS rocket lurks behind the Crew-12 Falcon 9 rocket. | Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett Two crew-worth spacecraft appear to sit side by side on their rockets in this NASA picture captured at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one bound for low-Earth orbit and the other for the far side of the moon. Why is it amazing? The photo was captured on Feb. 11, as SpaceX's Crew-12 Dragon spacecraft "Freedom" and its Falcon 9 rocket (closest to the camera) sat on the pad at Space Launch Complex 40, ready to transport a quartet of astronauts to the International Space Station . Advertisement Advertisement NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, along with European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev launched to the ISS on Feb. 13 to begin an eight-month stay aboard the orbital outpost. Upon docking, they'll join the skeleton crew of three who have been maintaining the station following the medical evacuation of Crew-11 on Jan. 15 in the wake of an undisclosed health issue. And the one in the back? Lurking behind is the orange and white bulk of the Artemis 2 Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft , which sits unseen in this photo at the white tip of the gigantic launch vehicle. The super heavy rocket is primed, but not yet ready to carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman , Victor Glover and Christina Koch and the Canadian Space Agency 's Jeremy Hansen on a historic 10-day mission to the far side of the moon. The launch of Artemis 2 has been delayed to no earlier than early March after the super heavy moon rocket sprung a hydrogen fuel leak during a wet dress rehearsal on Feb. 3, when the rocket was fully loaded with propellant to identify and fix potential issues ahead of lift-off. Upon launching, the rocket's two white solid fuel boosters will work in concert with the four RS-25 liquid-fueled engines at the base of the core stage to provide a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust, making it more powerful than the Saturn V that powered the Apollo-era missions to the moon. Want to know more? NEED TO KNOW The ex-wife of NASA astronaut Anne McClain has been sentenced after she previously alleged McClain had committed the first crime in outer space and illegally accessed her bank account Summer Heather Worden claimed that McClain had illegally accessed her personal bank account from the International Space Station in July 2019 Worden, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer who finalized her divorce from McClain in 2020, pled guilty in November 2025 to lying to law enforcement Summer Heather Worden, the ex-wife of NASA astronaut Anne McClain, has been sentenced to prison time for falsely accusing McClain of illegally accessing her bank account in space. Worden, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, pleaded guilty in November to lying to authorities after she accused McClain of committing the first ever crime from the International Space Station, PEOPLE previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, February 12, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas announced in a press release that Worden had been sentenced in court to three months in federal prison. Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty This will be followed by two years of supervised release. The 51-year-old was also ordered to pay $210,000 in restitution. NASA astronaut Anne McClain in November 2018 STR/AFP via Getty According to the release, Worden accused McClain of illegally accessing her bank account while the former couple was going through a divorce. "Even after an internal investigation exonerated the former spouse, Worden continued promoting the false claim to news outlets and hired a media consultant to amplify the claim. The evidence further showed Worden publicly released her former spouses personal information," per the release. Advertisement Advertisement Worden claimed that McClain illegally accessed" her bank account by guessing the password while deployed to the International Space Station in July 2019, PEOPLE previously reported. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Anne McClain at NASA Kennedy in March 2025 Brandon Bell/Getty "However, Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018. Both parties had accessed it until January 2019 when Worden changed the credentials. The investigation revealed Worden had granted her spouse access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials," a November 2025 release from the DA's office stated at the time. McClain, 46, and Worden were married from 2014 to 2019, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Worden filed for divorce in 2018 after McClain accused her of assault. The assault case was later dismissed, per local Missouri NBC affiliate KSDK. Wordens accusations came during the couples divorce and custody battle over their son, per the outlet. Their divorce was finalized in 2020. McClain most recently served as commander of NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which began in March 2025, with McClain returning to Earth that August, per The New York Times. Read the original article on People This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com Attendance is improving across Washington schools. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said about 73% of Washington students attended school regularly last year, meaning they missed no more than 18 days including both excused and unexcused absences. Near-perfect attendance in WA schools each day According to a news release from Reykdals office, 90% of students are in school each day. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate on time, perform better on state assessments, have higher grade-point averages, and are less likely to experience behavioral challenges, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement When students arent in school, they miss more than just academics they miss out on relationships, routines, access to supports, and the sense of belonging that public education is meant to provide, said Reykdal. If we are serious about improving student learning and performance, we have to also focus on improving attendance. Reykdal delivered a message to students during a news conference last month, emphasizing the importance of showing up. We want you at school every day, he said. The real world demands your attention on work or family or faith or whatever it is on a regular basis, and coming in and coming out is detrimental to learning, so stay in school, stay focused on that, attend every day. Statewide attendance last year was up 5.6 percentage points from the 202122 school year, which marked the lowest attendance levels during the pandemic. But rates still havent returned to prepandemic levels. Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here. Brazilian au pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes, who went along with former IRS agent Brendan Banfield in a northern Virginia double murder plot, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with two years of probation. On Friday morning, Fairfax County Judge Penney Azcarate decided to give the 25-year-old the maximum sentence, which was up to 10 years on a manslaughter charge for which she pleaded guilty in 2024. "Your actions were deliberate, self-serving, and demonstrated a profound disregard for human life," Azcarate said in delivering her ruling. "So, let's get straight: You do not deserve anything other than incarceration and a life of reflection on what you have done to the victim and this family." Advertisement Advertisement A new "20/20" episode about the case, "The Au Pair, The Affair and Murder" is scheduled to air Friday, Feb. 20, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Tom Brenner, Pool via AP, FILE - PHOTO: Juliana Peres Magalhaes is escorted into the courtroom before continuing her testimony, during the double murder trial for Brendan Banfield in Fairfax County Circuit Court, on Jan. 14, 2026, in Fairfax, Va. Magalhaes and Banfield were separately arrested over their roles in the Feb. 24, 2023, murders of Joseph Ryan and Banfield's wife, Christine Banfield, which were committed inside the Banfield home. Early in the investigation, detectives discovered evidence suggesting that Banfield and Magalhaes were having an affair -- and that they had plotted to kill his 37-year-old wife. Part of that plot, according to prosecutors and Magalhaes' testimony, involved covertly creating a profile for, and thus masquerading as, Christine on a social media site for sexual fetishes. Advertisement Advertisement Ryan, 39, took the bait in what prosecutors called the "catfishing" scheme. Ryan communicated back and forth with the profile account that was allegedly posing as Christine, as they together crafted a rape fantasy scenario using a knife, chains and rope. Brendan Banfield double murder trial: Man found guilty in elaborate plot to get rid of his wife "I have caused pain that cannot be measured. I pray for forgiveness from the Benson family, and from the Joseph Ryan family," Magalhaes said during Friday's sentencing hearing. "There is nothing I could possibly do to make it up to you, for your loss. There are so many regrets, this is my biggest. It's a tragedy I have been carrying with me, and I know I can never take back the devastation of what I have done," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Saying she lost herself in the relationship with Banfield, Magalhaes said she has changed in jail over the past three years. Obtained by ABC News - PHOTO: Christine Banfield is seen in an undated photo. At the time, Magalhaes and Banfield told police they came home to find Ryan -- a stranger to them -- stabbing Christine Banfield to death. Banfield and Magalhaes each fired a shot, killing Ryan, they said both in their 911 call and to responding officers at the scene. In October 2023, Magalhaes was charged with the second-degree murder of Ryan, as she had admitted to firing the second, fatal shot. One year later, Magalhaes took a plea deal with prosecutors, turning on Banfield in exchange for a lesser charge of manslaughter. Prosecutors also promised to recommend to the judge upon sentencing that Magalhaes only get time served. Advertisement Advertisement Man, au pair charged in double murder of wife, man months apart With that agreement, Magalhaes sat for nearly four hours of interviews with prosecutors, largely confirming the theory detectives had developed about their scheme. Magalhaes also took the stand in the trial against Banfield in January, as he maintained his innocence. During his three-week-long trial, Banfield even took the stand, testifying in his own defense. After two days -- nearly nine hours total -- of deliberations in the trial, the jury reached a verdict on Feb. 2. The jury found Banfield guilty on all four counts, which included two counts of aggravated murder, one count of child endangerment, and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony. Court TV, Pool via AP, FILE - PHOTO: In this image taken from video, Brendan Banfield, charged with aggravated murder in the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan, appears in court during opening statements on Jan. 13, 2026 in Fairfax, Va. Family and friends of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan filled the courtroom Friday morning for Magalhaes' sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Joining remotely online from Florida, Ryan's mother, Deirdre Fisher, delivered her victim impact statement. She said her son was born two days before Christmas, making it a special holiday for them. Since Ryan's murder, she has not been able to take down her Christmas tree, which sits behind the urn holding her son's ashes. "I say good morning to him each day when I turn on the tree's lights, and I tell him I love him each night when I turn off the lights," Fisher told the court. Fisher said she has missed so many milestones now, including the chance to be a grandmother. There have been many times, Fisher said, when she's reached for the phone to call her son, only to remember that he can't and won't answer. Ryan's aunt, Sangeeta Ryan, delivered her impact statement from the courtroom, pausing periodically between sobs. Advertisement Advertisement "He was fun-loving and loved from the beginning. He was inquisitive, curious, smart, charming, and so dang talkative," she said. Obtained by ABC News - PHOTO: Joseph Ryan is seen in an undated photo. Ryan's aunt described her nephew's love for animals and the environment, noting that he often rescued and adopted dogs. Sangeeta Ryan, added that he also was a dedicated member of their family, especially in taking care of his grandmother, who, she said, sold her home in wake of Ryan's murder to "dodge memories, grief, and reporters." Acknowledging that Magalhaes did eventually come forward with the truth, Sangeeta Ryan said that this still was not an act of heroism on Magalhaes' part. Advertisement Advertisement "This could have been a very different ending where Juliana saved two lives," she said, suggesting that could have been the case if Magalhaes had not gone along with Banfield's plot. As Magalhaes was charged only in Ryan's murder, Judge Azcarate ruled that prosecutors could not include victim impact statements that Christine Banfield's family members had prepared. The death penalty was abolished in Virginia in 2021, meaning that, following his conviction, Banfield is facing life in prison without parole. His sentencing hearing is set for May 8. This story was updated on Feb. 14 at 8 a.m. to add comments from the Department of Homeland Security, which responded after this article was originally published. Gov. Kelly Ayotte has released a set of documents she said she received Thursday evening from the Department of Homeland Security regarding an immigrant detention center the federal government is planning for Merrimack. The U.S. government is building a network of detention centers throughout the country to hold immigrants prior to deportation, according to the documents. The documents report that the sites will serve as ICEs long-term detention solution, and estimates detained immigrants will stay at a smaller facility (like the one planned in Merrimack) for 3-7 days on average before being transferred to a larger one, where theyll stay for 60 days on average. Advertisement Advertisement These facilities will ensure the safe and humane civil detention of aliens in ICE custody, while helping ICE effectuate mass deportations, the documents read. The project will use $38.3 billion Congress allocated in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to fully implement a new detention model by the end of Fiscal Year 2026, according to the documents. In Merrimack, the federal government estimates it will spend $156 million to retrofit a warehouse on Robert Milligan Parkway and then spend $146 million to operate the detention center for the first three years. DHS says 1,252 jobs will be created in the area (and 265 jobs for operation of the facility, though New Hampshires state corrections department and local jails have faced a severe workforce shortage in recent years), contribute $151.3 million to GDP, and bring $31.2 million in tax revenue. DHSFeb12MerrimicakDetentionCenterEconomicImpact Statement However, the documents made mention of this planned facilitys ripple effects to the Oklahoma economy. Oklahoma City was included among planned detention center sites, but the citys mayor said last month that project is off the table. Later on Friday, however, Ayotte released updated documents that removed the Oklahoma references, but the economic impact numbers remained the same. Advertisement Advertisement The initial Economic Impact Review for an ICE facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire that was sent to Governor Ayottes office had a single typo in an opening line. ICE immediately sent a corrected report to the Governors office the moment we were made aware of the typo, DHS said in a statement to the Bulletin. The report was obviously intended for New Hampshire, and that fact is clear throughout. The release of the documents follows a tit for tat between Ayotte and the federal government over what information the federal government is providing to New Hampshire. Earlier Thursday before the documents were released, Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, said during a U.S. Senate hearing that DHS has worked with Gov. Ayotte on the economic impact of the project. He also said DHS provided Ayotte with an economic impact summary. Ayotte had previously said that the federal government declined to confirm its plans for the facility until Feb. 3, when a set of documents surfaced about the project plans. At the time, Ayotte said those documents were the first official confirmation she had received. Advertisement Advertisement Lyons comments Thursday led many to speculate that Ayotte wasnt being truthful when she previously denied having knowledge of the project. Ayotte quickly put out a statement denying this and called Lyons assertions simply not true. Later that evening, Ayotte published the economic impact documents she said she received from the federal government. However, she said she didnt receive them until Thursday evening after Lyons comments. After my office inquired about the economic impact study following todays Senate hearing, DHS has now for the first time distributed the document, Ayotte said in a statement. Once the document was received, we immediately shared it with the Town of Merrimack. We are publishing this document on my website for the public to find. The saga comes amid an aggressive deportation campaign spearheaded by President Donald Trump. With the help of his allies in Congress, he allocated an additional $45 billion to ICE through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. ICE is now the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the country, being authorized to spend roughly $80 billion in the federal fiscal year 2026. Advertisement Advertisement The agency, along with partner agencies like Customs and Border Protection, have spread out across the country to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. And agents tactics including wearing masks to shield their identity and allegedly racially profiling people they suspect are immigrants have sparked public outrage. Other existing ICE detention centers have been plagued by allegations of inhumane treatment. In the first six weeks of 2026, six people died while in ICE custody across the U.S., according to the ACLU. DHSFeb12ICEDetentionReengineeringInitiativeDocument The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed victory in the countrys first election since a student-led uprising that ousted longtime leader Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Unofficial results confirmed by election officials to Al Jazeera on Friday showed the BNP winning 209 seats, easily crossing the 151-seat threshold needed for a majority in parliament. Its leader, Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is now set to become the countrys next prime minister. BNP officials said the party expected to form a government by Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement The BNP was followed by Jamaat-e-Islami, which secured 68 seats in Thursdays polls its highest-ever tally. The party, which is led by Shafiqur Rahman and contested for the first time since a 2013 ban that was lifted after Hasinas ouster, said it is not satisfied with the vote count and raised serious questions about the integrity of the results process. The National Citizen Party (NCP), led by youth activists instrumental in toppling Hasina and part of a Jamaat-led alliance, won just six of the 30 seats that it contested. The Election Commission has yet to formally announce the final tally, which is expected either later on Friday or on Saturday. Turnout stood at almost 60 percent of registered voters, according to the Election Commission, well over the nearly 42 percent in the last election in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement The election featured a record number of parties, more than 50, and at least 2,000 candidates, many of them independents. The parliament comprises 350 lawmakers, with 50 seats reserved for women. More than 127 million people were eligible to cast their votes, with many expressing enthusiasm for what was widely seen as Bangladeshs first competitive vote in years. An interim government led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, has been in office since Hasina fled to India in 2024 after widespread protests led largely by young people, who were killed in their hundreds by security forces. (Al Jazeera) Tarique Rahman, who has never held government office, returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. The 60-year-old has yet to comment on the unofficial results but on Friday, he waved from his car as he left his house in the capital, Dhaka, for a mosque. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the BNP asked people to refrain from large celebrations and offer special prayers instead. Despite winning by a large margin of votes, no celebratory procession or rally shall be organised, the party said in a statement. Litmus test The 78-year-old former leader, Hasina, was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity for the bloody crackdown on protesters during her final months in power, and remains in hiding in India. Her Awami League party was barred from the election. BNP members have said the party would formally request Hasinas extradition from India. In its manifesto, the BNP promised to prioritise job creation, protect low-income and marginal households and ensure fair prices to farmers. Tarique Rahman has also promised to revive a stagnant economy, reset ties with countries in the region and crack down on corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Abbas Faiz, an independent South Asia researcher, said the election was a test of how Bangladesh was ready for democracy. Also, a test of the political parties which have been able to take part in the elections. They have actually understood the aspirations and the wishes of the people of their country for the removal of corrupt practices in the administration and parliament, Faiz told Al Jazeera. He added the election is the litmus test which puts responsibility on the shoulders of the new government. But Faiz explained that the election would have been fairer if all parties, including the Awami League, were allowed to participate. Advertisement Advertisement But in a way, the problem lies with the Awami League itself, because it did not reimage itself as a party that could be trusted by the general populace in Bangladesh, he said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the US ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T Christensen, were among the first to congratulate Rahman on his partys victory. Chinas embassy in Dhaka also congratulated the BNP over its election showing. The election commission also said some 48 million voters chose Yes while about 23 million said No in a referendum on constitutional reforms held alongside the election, though there was no official word on the outcome. Advertisement Advertisement The changes include two-term limits for prime ministers and stronger judicial independence and womens representation, while providing for neutral interim governments during election periods and setting up a second house of the 300-seat parliament. Fahmida Khatun, an economist and executive director of the Dhaka-based Centre for Policy Dialogue, told Al Jazeera that early signals support the perception of a credible election. Although heavy security was reported across polling stations, broadly, the voting was peaceful, Khatun said, pointing to the voter turnout figure as an indicator of healthy participation. This indicates citizens wanted to exercise their voting rights and they wanted to choose their own people, she added. Several hundred international observers monitored Thursdays voting, with the European Unions Election Observation Mission expected to issue a preliminary report on its findings on Sunday. Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a resounding victory on Friday, winning a more than two-thirds majority in the country's first election since the previous administration was toppled by mass anti-government protests in 2024. With vote counting almost complete, the BNP won 212 of the 300 seats being elected to parliament, putting party chairman Tarique Rahman on track to become prime minister. Just under 60% of the 127 million people eligible to vote turned out in Thursday's poll. Advertisement Advertisement An 11-party coalition led by the previously banned Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest Muslim party, came in some way behind, winning 77 seats so far, amid allegations of irregularities in the way the election was run, despite the performance being its strongest ever. Jamaat-e-Islami said there had been "repeated inconsistencies and fabrications in unofficial result announcements," while the banned Awami League of exiled former prime minister Sheik Hasina questioned how an election without the opposition could be free and fair. Hasina, who fled to India in 2024 after a brutal crackdown on protests by her security forces killed as many as 1,400 people, was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity by a Dhaka court in November after a trial-in-absentia. With 40% of the population under the age of 25, many Bangladeshis have never known any other leader than Hasina, who clung to power for 15 years through increasingly repressive means. Advertisement Advertisement Voters also backed sweeping constitutional changes to limit executive power and add more checks and balances into the political system in a referendum vote that ran alongside Thursday's parliamentary election. "This victory was expected. It is not surprising that the people of Bangladesh have placed their trust in a party capable of realising the dreams that our youth envisioned during the uprising," said leading BNP committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Ahmed urged supporters to refrain from overexuberance or any grandstanding, saying the monumental task facing the new administration made excessive victory displays inappropriate. "This is not a time for celebration, as we will face mounting challenges in building a country free from discrimination," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Rahman, 60, who only returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in London, ran pledging a new era of democracy, politics people could trust and a "top down, no tolerance" approach to stamping out graft. Transparency International ranked Balngladesh as 150th out of 182 countries in its most recent Corruption Perceptions Index published on Tuesday. Rahman is a scion of one of the country's two main political dynasties, the other being that of Sheik Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman's father, Ziaur Rahman, was one of the leading figures in the country's battle for independence from India and served as president from 1977 until he was assassinated in 1981. His mother, Khaleda Zia, was Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, serving two terms. Khaleda Zia did not live to see her son become prime minister, passing away in a Dhaka hospital on Dec. 30 at the age of 80. A Devon town is set to get a new banking hub after being told its Lloyds Bank branch will close. Lloyds Banking Group announced on Wednesday that 95 branches would close between May this year and March 2027, including the Honiton branch. LINK, which helps deliver the hubs, said the new banking site would be delivered by Cash Access UK. It added it would begin to engage with the local community and start to look for potential sites. Advertisement Advertisement Dr Chris Ashton, chief commercial officer at LINK, said: "While more people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally, we know that many people still rely on and choose to use cash. That's why we're delighted to recommend the new hub in Honiton." Ashton added: "There are over 214 hubs open across the country and, when it opens, the Honiton banking hub will be vital for the local community and high street." LINK described banking hubs as a shared banking space, which were similar to a traditional bank branch but open to everyone. Advertisement Advertisement It added when the Honiton branch opened, it would have a counter service where customers of any bank could withdraw and deposit cash and make bill payments. There would also be private spaces for customers to speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that required specialist knowledge or privacy, LINK said. It added the banks would work on a rotating basis, so there would be staff from different banks available on different days. Honiton was the ninth banking hub to be recommended in Devon with hubs in Axminster, Brixham, Dartmouth, Dawlish, Seaton, Sidmouth and Teignmouth already open and Torquay's hub set to open, LINK said. Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Residents at the Ponderosa RV Park in Kissimmee say weeks of turnpike construction next to their homes have left them covered in soot, dust, and diesel fumes. Multiple residents, including a school bus driver, a theme park worker, and a former law enforcement officer, told Channel 9 that dust and smoke from the construction site are overwhelming their RV and mobile home community, which sits just off the turnpike near Fortune Road. Surveillance video shared with Channel 9 shows that trucks working to widen the turnpike kick up large amounts of dust. Advertisement Advertisement The park looks like Desert Storm, said Ponderosa RV Park resident Darci Combs. Video obtained by Channel 9 also shows smoke billowing from a burn on the construction site, which sits less than 100 feet from several homes. Youve got their diesel right at your back door. When you lie down, and your quilt smells like diesel, theres a problem, said Combs. Several neighbors said their air conditioning units are no longer working properly and that dust is entering their homes. Many told Channel 9 they had air quality concerned and believed the construction was making them sick. On the other side of the park, Roseann DiDomenico said the issue extends beyond dust. She said trucks barreling past her home keep her awake at night. Advertisement Advertisement Put a barrier up close it off so we can sleep peacefully, DiDomenico said. Help us, said Combs, If the crew can have PPE, why cant we get some protection? Channel 9 contacted Floridas Turnpike Enterprise to ask why a barrier has not been installed and reached out to contractor Jr. Davis to ask what steps are being taken to protect residents while construction continues. Neither responded on Thursday. According to the Florida Turnpike Enterprise website, the construction will widen the turnpike from two lanes to four lanes in each direction from Partin Settlement Road to Osceola Parkway. Its expected to cost $321 million, and construction will continue through 2031. Advertisement Advertisement The project overview page states, construction will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours. It warns, Nearby residents and businesses may experience occasional impacts from construction-related light, noise, vibration, or dust. The Enterprise is committed to minimizing these disruptions and takes steps to limit traffic delays and noise. Residents shared an email from the community outreach contact directing those concerned about property damage to file damage claims with the contractor. According to that email, residents should submit details of the damage, cost estimate, and photographs and videos to the contractor, who will investigate claims. You can find the Community Outreach Specialists contact information here. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. As early voting began in the 2026 primary, the campaign of Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) bashed Democrat-aligned dark money groups for running ads supporting his opponent, Sheriff Sam Page. Page, the longtime sheriff of Rockingham County, Bergers home, is by any measure the most serious primary challenger the powerful Republican Senate leader has faced in more than 20 years. Polls have shown the two in a close race since late 2025, despite Bergers huge money advantage and relentless negative advertising. Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page is the toughest primary challenger Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger has faced. (Photo: rockinghamcountync.gov) Bergers campaign alleged in a press release Thursday that groups tied to Democrats have dumped hundreds of thousands of dollars to rescue Page. The campaign cited two groups running attack ads against Berger N.C. Families for Prosperity and the N.C. Partnership for Good Government that were incorporated by Chapel Hill attorney Josh Starin. Advertisement Advertisement Starin, who is registered as an unaffiliated voter, did not respond to a request for comment. Berger also slammed Democratic bloggers, campaign staff and lawmakers for weighing in on the race. He pointed to a Substack post by longtime Democratic consultant Thomas Mills on Monday noting that it would be to Democrats advantage in November if some progressive dark money group should help Page. If they could take out Berger, they could significantly reduce campaign funds for competitive races in the fall and face a less unified and disciplined Senate in the 2027 long session, Mills wrote. Bergers campaign also cited a post by Dorian Palmer, the N.C. Democratic Party director of Coalitions and Community Engagement, calling for more money and support for Page, as well as a post on Substack from state Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) in which Meyer said he is focused on the race this primary season. Advertisement Advertisement Sam Page is the Democrats candidate in the Republican primary against conservative champion Phil Berger, campaign spokesman Michael Luethy said in a statement. Sen. Berger has run circles around the Democrats in North Carolina for 15 years. Thats why theyre so desperately and brazenly supporting former Democrat Sam Page. In response, Page said in a statement that Berger is the candidate more likely to side with the Democrats. It is typical for dishonest people to accuse their opponents of that which they are guilty of. Phil is wrong on the issues and sides with Democrats on immigration, e-verify and HB2, among other issues, Page said. The attacks are the latest in an increasingly bitter contest between Berger and Page, with both alleging dirty tricks. Page said on social media on Wednesday that Phil Bergers dark money friends are spreading lies and misinformation to tip the race in his favor. Berger accused Page and his supporters of disgusting tactics that same morning, posting a political cartoon that he attributed to Page depicting Bergers children as three little piggies. Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) (Photo courtesy of NCGA) Meyer said in an interview that he saw the attacks as a sign of desperation. Advertisement Advertisement I thought it was hilarious, Meyer said. If Phil Berger thinks he can blame Democrats for him being about to lose a primary in his own district, hes just a crybaby. He said he doubts the effort to tie Page to Democrats will sway voters, noting that other ads have attacked Berger as too liberal for compromising with former Gov. Roy Cooper. Page is a Wild West Republican. Hes way more MAGA than Berger is. Were all rooting against him, Meyer said of Berger, but the reason hes most likely to lose isnt because hes got Democrats pulling against him. Its because hes lost his base at home. Luethy, the Berger spokesman, said in a statement that Meyers remarks are proof of the initial claims. Thank you for confirming that Phil Berger is the Democrats No. 1 target. That makes perfect sense since hes been responsible for defeating them for 15 years and will continue to do so after March 3rd. Advertisement Advertisement In response to Bergers criticism of Palmers comments, N.C. Democratic Party spokesperson Dawson McNamara-Bloom said in a statement that the Berger campaign is looking for excuses. Crying after the first day of early voting is certainly a confident look from Bergers campaign, he said. Rather than examine his failure to serve his district and North Carolina, hes creating a boogeyman to blame for his impending loss. Mills said he has not been in touch with the Page campaign and that Bergers statement didnt bother me. While he was skeptical the attacks on Page would reach undecided voters, he added, If I were Berger, Id do the same thing. If you can make your opponent look like hes a tool of Democrats, thats a good thing, Mills said. Hes got to put money behind it, or the only people who are going to hear it are a bunch of people who have already made up their minds on the election. By Naveen Thukral and Ella Cao Feb 12 (Reuters) - Chinese buyers have ramped up feed grain purchases in recent months, taking large volumes of Australian barley and U.S. sorghum after rain damaged the domestic corn harvest, trade sources said. Importers have booked about 45 cargoes, or at least 2.5 million metric tons, of U.S. sorghum over the past three months, according to two Asian traders familiar with the deals, or three times the quantity shipped in all of 2025. More from Yahoo Scout How have corn quality issues affected Chinese imports? How are rising grain prices affecting global markets? Why are Chinese buyers increasing feed grain purchases? What impact do import quotas have on grain trading? Chinese buyers have also been taking one million tons of Australian barley a month since December, around double last year's monthly volumes, said three traders involved in some of the transactions. "These sales have been driven by very high corn prices in China and competitive prices in Australia," said one grains trader, who expects continued Chinese demand for barley and sorghum in coming months. All the sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media. By January 29, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows, 1.6 million tons of U.S. sorghum had been sold to China since early November, with 1.259 million tons headed for destinations categorised as "unknown". Most of such sorghum is headed for China, said one of the traders with knowledge of Chinese deals. China resumed purchases of U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans, after talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the end of October eased trade tension. RISING CHINESE CORN PRICES BOOST IMPORTS The surge in Chinese feed grain imports has underpinned prices in exporting countries, while providing relief to animal feed producers in China struggling with low margins amid a rally in local prices of corn, a key feed ingredient. Australian barley prices, including cost and freight, have climbed nearly 10% in three months, traders said. The FOB sorghum price at the U.S. Texas Gulf Coast was $228.30 per ton by February 5, up 12.6% from $202.80 on October 30, the US Grains & Bioproducts Council reported. In China, the national average corn price was around 2,250 yuan ($326.02) per ton this week, up about 10% from a year earlier, according to Sublime China Information. HEAVY RAINS AND MOLDY CORN Despite last year's record corn harvest, some of northern China's crop was battered by heavy rains during harvest, rendering some of it moldy, industry sources said, but no official damage estimates have been issued. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A bill that would strengthen greater cooperation between Indiana and ICE moved one step closer to becoming law on Thursday. Senate Bill 76 a bill dealing with immigration enforcement already passed in the Senate. On Feb. 12, lawmakers in the House passed it by an overwhelming majority with a vote of 60-28. "This bill gets us to a place where we as a state are not a sanctuary state," said the bill's sponsor in the House, Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-District 33). Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of SB 76, including Prescott, say the bill strengthens coordination between federal, state and local officials in enforcing immigration laws. "We are going to cooperate with ICE. We are going to make sure that our local law enforcement officers honor the ICE detention requests," Prescott said, speaking about the bill. The 36-page bill has several parts to it. SB 76 makes it illegal for an employer to knowingly hire someone who is here unlawfully, giving those employers a defense if they show they did their best to verify someone's status. It also requires the Indiana Department of Correction to come up with standards for county jails to follow to show their cooperating with ICE when it comes to requests to detain someone, suspected of being here unlawfully. Advertisement Advertisement Those standards come with inspections from IDOC to make sure jails are following them. If not, the attorney general can sue if jails don't correct the compliance issue within 30 days. Outside the House Chamber Thursday, protestors voiced their opposition to the bill. Inside the chamber, Democratic lawmakers spoke out against some of the bill's other provisions, like the part that says governmental bodies, which could include hospitals, schools and universities, may not limit ICE's enforcement of immigration laws in any way. "Why are we in a hurry to put every level of government at the disposal of this agency with their track record? Open your eyes. You see it," said Rep. Matt Pierce (D-District 61). Advertisement Advertisement "We want to put our local law enforcement people, our school teachers, our hospital workers, ok, under the control of and compel to comply with the order of people who can't even show their face? This is what we want? Our police don't do that," Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-District 86) said. After the House passed the bill, House Speaker Todd Huston (R-District 37) said SB 76 is about aligning Indiana with federal law. "We want people that are here legally to stay here legally. We certainly want people that have committed criminal acts to be, you know, to go through the ICE system. That's what this is intended for," Huston said. Because lawmakers in the House made some changes to the Senate's original version of SB 76, the bill has to go back to the Senate, where lawmakers there have to decide if they agree with those changes. Supporters of a bill to require physicians to read state-mandated language regarding a drug used for medication abortion told an Ohio Senate committee the bill is not about punishment, but about accountability. Those speaking to a Senate Health Committee on Wednesday about Senate Bill 309 represented anti-abortion groups and members of pregnancy resource centers. Pregnancy resource centers are often religiously-affiliated, and typically dont discuss abortion, and they promote pregnancy above other options, some with the use of state funding. The committee heard from women who argued that physicians should be held responsible for complications and severe side effects that may happen with mifepristone, one medication in a two-drug regimen used to conduct a medication abortion. Some even said the bill could be broadened to include accountability for physicians when it comes to other medications. Advertisement Advertisement When I have given medications, when I have been to a physician with my own children, informed consent is the ideal, but it is not happening, not consistently, in the way that it should be, said Alyssa Thomas, the medical manager for Pregnancy Decision Health Centers. S.B. 309 would require physicians to provide a scripted statement to patients indicating their legal ability to hold physicians, facilities, and even drug manufacturers liable for any complications that were not divulged before the drug was administered. The bill specifically addresses mifepristone, and no other medications. Physicians and abortion rights advocates have said the bill duplicates informed consent that is already a part of their medical training, and could create mistrust between patients and doctors, while doing nothing to address medical safety. Advocates also cite decades of medical studies that have shown the drug to be generally safe, and adverse effects to be statistically rare. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the Ohio Senate bill predominantly point to one study that has been cited in other state legislation that could regulate abortion procedures, a study that abortion rights researchers say was not peer-reviewed, and notes emergency visits for any reason as part of adverse effects counts for mifepristone. What were really looking at is this safe, what does the information show us, said state Sen. Beth Liston, D-Dublin. Im seeing widely used medication with lots of safety data behind it. Katie Deland, of anti-abortion group Ohio Right to Life stood by the study that they say shows more risk in the medication, saying it was a well-backed study. Anti-abortion advocates said the data in the study proved mifepristone needs to be further regulated, and the Senate bill would create further protections for women. Those who spoke to the committee said theyve seen increases in women expressing a lack of knowledge of the side effects, and shared individual stories of women they said have had severe symptoms from the abortion drug. Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio Department of Healths most recent yearly abortion report said there were a total of 21,829 induced abortions in the state in 2024. Of those, based on required post-abortion care reports for complications, 196 had complications, less than 1% of all abortions in the state. Democrats on the committee pushed against the concept of the bill and what the bill would do in a state for which 57% of voters approved constitutional protections for reproductive rights, including abortion, in 2023. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX We all know that our Ohio Constitution says that we cant be discriminating for reproductive health care and abortion care, and what I see, this is a specific bill discriminating for only that purpose, Liston said. Advertisement Advertisement Deland said the bill does not ban abortion, it does not ban access to abortion, it does not restrict abortion. It truly is just information, Deland said. Liston asked Deland if the legislature should be requiring physicians to read this statement for other, objectively much higher-risk medications. I think thats something to look at, Deland said. I think thats probably where we are in America right now with this MAHA movement. Both sides of the aisle, youre looking at Big Pharma, what is going on, what are we ingesting, what dont we know? MAHA refers to Make America Healthy Again, a Trump administration movement to overhaul health standards, led by Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic committee member Sen. Catherine Ingram, of Cincinnati, pushed further for supporters to talk about the bills lack of language when it comes to information about the procedure. She sees the mandated language to be read by physicians as just a legal liability statement. My concern is not that we dont want them to have this information, we absolutely do, but I also do believe people can make those choices for themselves, and they should be informed, Ingram said. This bill, and the language does not do what needs to be done. As a physician herself, Liston said she struggles to accept a pre-prepared state statement as being informed consent rather than an individualized conversation between patient and doctor. I really struggle with the lack of any ability to make medical judgments or decision-making in this bill, Liston said. Advertisement Advertisement The bill has a likely chance of being passed through the majority Republican committee and the supermajority Republican General Assembly, which has passed similar legislation and leaned toward anti-abortion regulations in the past, despite the constitutional amendment. Among other currently active legislation lead by Republicans is a bill seeking to create personhood for fetuses through the U.S. Constitution, that would bypass the state constitutions language. Republican Senate Health Committee member Sen. Kristina Roegner thanked the supporters of the bill for fighting for life. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The first Boeing 747-8 Business Jet was intended as a "flying mansion" for Saudi royalty, but after less than 30 flight hours, it was sent to a scrapyard. As Supercar Blondie reported, the strange fate of the jet which was initially listed at $350 million has sparked online discussion about a plane of this rarity going to waste. However, the buyer, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, died in 2011 before its scheduled delivery the following year. Advertisement Advertisement CNN reported that the VIP jet spent the next 10 years sitting at the EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg on the border of France, Germany, and Switzerland. While there, it was supposed to receive a luxurious interior outfitting complete with private bedrooms, lounge areas, conference rooms, and more, according to Supercar Blondie. But after struggling to find another buyer, even though it was discounted to $95 million in 2017, the transformation never happened. The massive passenger plane logged just 16 flights before being flown to Pinal Airpark an aircraft boneyard where retired airplanes are kept for preservation, parts harvesting, or eventual scrapping in Arizona in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement The lack of interest in the plane is understandable, especially since few outside government officials or royalty would have use for it. However, it's still a major loss, as the value will likely never be fully recouped. CNN reported that as of 2023, it was being dismantled, with most of the valuable parts, including the engines, already removed. "[The engines] were effectively brand new, and one of them is probably in the region of $20 million, so four would be in the region of $80 million," Connor Diver, a senior analyst at aviation analytics firm Cirium, told CNN. Richard Aboulafia, an aviation analyst at AeroDynamic Advisory, told the news outlet that many components will likely be reused in cargo planes. Diver said that nine other BBJ 747s were still in use by the governments of Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey. Though few have ever been produced, they still generate significant pollution due to their massive size, fuel consumption, and manufacturing. Despite improvements in fuel efficiency and plane design, private jets are far more polluting per passenger than commercial air or ground travel. Advertisement Advertisement There are around 23,000 private jets operating globally, according to Craft, but since the 747-8 VIP is the undisputed leader in size and amenities, its rarity is a small environmental and public health benefit. "Ten were built in total, and this is the first one retired," Diver said. "It's not transparent who exactly is buying them, but it's a very, very large private aircraft and the only operators or buyers tend to be governments and royal families." "What an absolute waste of human and natural finite resources," someone commented on a post about the plane in the r/aviation subreddit. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Armed men attempted to break into the home of Binance France President David Princay on Thursday morning, marking the latest in a growing wave of crypto-linked attacks across France. According to French outlet RTL, three hooded individuals entered a residential building in the Val-de-Marne region around 7:00 a.m. on February 12. They were reportedly armed and searching for Princays apartment. However, the attackers fled after discovering he was not at home. The head of Binance France was targeted in a failed home invasion on February 12. According to RTL, three masked suspects fled after finding him absent and were later arrested in Lyon. pic.twitter.com/bsAv4Lntet BeInCrypto (@beincrypto) February 13, 2026 Armed Commando Flees, Then Strikes Again Local reports suggested the group first forced another resident to help them locate the correct apartment. Police said the suspects searched the Binance executives residence before leaving with two stolen phones. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly afterward, at approximately 9:15 a.m., police in Hauts-de-Seine responded to another incident. A resident in Vaucresson reported being struck in the head with rifle butts by hooded men. Authorities later linked the two events. Nah this is the part of the industry nobody wants to talk about, but we have to. Crypto is going physical, and its getting real dangerous. Early this morning, David Princay, CEO of Binance France, had his home targeted. Three masked men forced their way into an apartment D-Wiz (@D_Wiz_) February 13, 2026 According to RTL, surveillance footage showed the suspects using the same vehicle seen earlier in Val-de-Marne. The stolen phones were also traced to the second location. Witnesses reportedly overheard the attackers saying the address was incorrect before fleeing again. Arrested at Lyon Perrache Station French law enforcement launched a coordinated operation involving the Paris Brigade de Repression du Banditisme (BRB), police units from Hauts-de-Seine, Val-de-Marne, Yvelines, and transport police. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators tracked the suspects via public transportation. The three men boarded a train to Lyon. Authorities alerted the Lyon BRI unit, which intercepted and arrested them at Lyon Perrache station later that day. They are now in custody. The investigation remains ongoing. Binance Co-Founder Yi He addressed the incident on X, confirming that the targeted executive and his family are safe. There are reports circulating regarding one of our French employees. We can confirm that he and his family are safe and actively working with law enforcement. We understand that three individuals connected to this matter have been arrested by authorities. The investigation Yi He (@heyibinance) February 13, 2026 Is France Becoming a Haven for Crypto Crime? The attempted attack comes amid a surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions across France. In May 2025, French police arrested more than 20 suspects linked to a series of kidnappings in the greater Paris area and surrounding regions, where criminals targeted affluent crypto investors. Another France crypto home invasion Binance has confirmed an employee in Paris was targeted in a home invasion. Public service announcement, if you're doxxed, avoid going to France for a while or keep your movements private. And that's coming from a French Bitcoiner pic.twitter.com/Sgl2ZUZEZK Gareth Jenkinson (@gazza_jenks) February 13, 2026 Throughout 2025, French law enforcement continued to dismantle cells linked to crypto-focused extortion. Advertisement Advertisement Investigations revealed that attackers frequently used private information obtained from dark-web leaks or social-network scraping to profile potential targets. Methods ranged from staged home invasions often in the early morning to coordinated abductions and forced movements between locations to evade detection. Read original story Binance France President Targeted in Armed Kidnapping Attempt by Mohammad Shahid at beincrypto.com Jeremy Carl, the Trump administrations pick for a top State Department position, is unlikely to get the job after a bipartisan group of senators grilled him over his history of racist, sexist and reported antisemitic comments and posts. Republican Sen. John Curtis of Utah said in a statement following the heated Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing Thursday that he would not support Carls nomination for assistant secretary of state for international organizations. After reviewing his record and participating in todays hearing, I do not believe that Jeremy Carl is the right person to represent our nations best interests in international forums, and I find his anti-Israel views and insensitive remarks about the Jewish people unbecoming of the position for which he has been nominated, Curtis said. Advertisement Advertisement The Republicans opposition is likely to sink Carls nomination if all Democrats on the committee also vote no, he will not have the votes to advance. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has also opposed his nomination. A White House official told CNN on Thursday evening that Carl is still the nominee. Sen. John Curtis speaks with reporters as he walks through the basement of the US Capitol on Thursday, February 12, in Washington, DC. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images CNNs KFile uncovered in September 2025 that Carl deleted thousands of social media posts, many demonstrating a history of inflammatory commentary including incendiary posts about race, claims that peaceful coexistence with Democrats is impossible, and even a call for a political opponent to face the death penalty. Carl also repeatedly wrote about the Great Replacement, a conspiracy theory that posits there is a plot to intentionally bring non-White immigrants into Western countries to replace White populations. Advertisement Advertisement In his hearing Thursday, Carl was pressed on those past comments and others, including a 2024 podcast appearance in which he reportedly said, Jews have often loved to play the victim, and that the Holocaust dominates so much of modern Jewish history, according to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat. Shaheen, the ranking member of the committee, said that since his nomination, Carl had tweeted more than 850 times, appeared on five podcasts and repeated this language. This is a pattern, she said. Its hard to understand how we can trust you if you cant even restrain yourself during the period in which youve been nominated, she told him. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen questions Carl during the hearing on Thursday. - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Carl argued that he understands the importance of restraint and conduct. Advertisement Advertisement I unfortunately have to balance that with my current job which involves advocacy. I cant, as Ive explained, just totally put away my day job, he said. Carl is a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, a conservative think tank. He served as a former deputy assistant secretary at the Interior Department during President Donald Trumps first term. Sen. Cory Booker presses Carl about some of his previous statements. - Senate Foreign Relations Committee In an exchange with Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, Carl said he regretted some of his past comments about Jewish people. I made some comments in interviews about minimizing the effect of the Holocaust that were absolutely wrong. And Im not going to sit here and defend them here, he said. However, pressed on whether he regretted comments he has made about other races, Carl said he was echoing Trump that unity rather than diversity is a strength. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chris Murphy said that Carls nomination was heartbreaking, calling him wildly unqualified for the position. The Connecticut Democrat spent several minutes questioning Carl on views about anti-White discrimination and the erasure of White culture. Carl struggled to answer Murphys questions on what constitutes White culture, but alluded to mass immigration erasing common American culture and saying that it weakens us. Curtis, the Utah Republican, pressed Carl on how he would be able to stand up to alleged anti-Israel bias at the United Nations given his previous comments. And Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, who is Jewish, called Carls past comments vile and said his nomination should alarm every Senator who believes in basic decency. Advertisement Advertisement CNN has reached out to the State Department about Carls nomination. In September 2025, spokespeople for both the department and the White House defended the nominee. CNNs Andrew Kaczynski, Em Steck and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Black Georgians often pay more for car insurance than their white neighbors because of non-driving record factors such as their credit score and where they live. Its a practice state Sen. Nabilah Parkes, D-Duluth, calls modern-day redlining, and its something she hopes to ban if voters choose her to be the states next insurance commissioner this fall. These policies that are in effect right now in Georgia hurt Black and brown people more than anything, Parks told Capital B Atlanta. We need to hold these policies accountable and make them illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Parkes, 36, is a two-term state lawmaker and a metro Atlanta native who grew up in Norcross and Lawrenceville. She launched her bid to become Georgias next insurance commissioner in January. As of Friday, shes running unopposed for the Democratic nomination to take on incumbent GOP Insurance Commissioner John King in November. The Bangladeshi-American married mother of three is also a Georgia State University grad who worked as a legislative aid to Democratic lawmakers in Washington before pursuing her own career as an elected official. On Thursday, she introduced six bills aimed at lowering the cost of insurance for cash-strapped consumers in Georgia who say affordability woes are their top concern heading into Novembers pivotal midterm election cycle. According to LendingTree, many African Americans in the Peach State pay 11% more for car insurance than other racial demographic groups. Advertisement Advertisement One of Parkes bills, SB 506, would make it illegal for car insurance companies in Georgia to use geographic classifications, such as a persons ZIP code, to determine premium rates. Insurance companies examine the number of accidents that happen in certain regions and use those calculations to determine risk and make the case for higher prices. But not everyone who lives in majority-Black ZIP codes is a bad driver, Parkes pointed out, and forcing some to pay more because of where they live may be unfair. A Moneytree report released in December revealed Atlanta had the fourth-highest correlation in the nation between higher premiums and non-white ZIP codes. California and Michigan are among the states that strictly regulate or ban the ability for insurance companies to charge more based on where people live. You and I could have the same driving record, but because you live in a different ZIP code, theyre going to jack up your rates, she said. Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King speaks at a 2022 campaign rally for Gov. Brian Kemp in Kennesaw, Georgia. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Georgians already pay the ninth-highest average annual cost for minimum car insurance coverage, according to a Bankrate study released in November. Advertisement Advertisement Parkes also introduced legislation Thursday that would ban the use of credit scores to determine insurance rates in Georgia, another practice that causes Black policy holders to pay more for their premiums. A 2023 Consumer Federation of America study found Americans with poor or fair credit pay higher average annual auto insurance premiums than those with excellent credit. Last I checked, your credit score doesnt have anything to do with your driving record, Parkes said. She also wants to mandate insurance companies obtain written prior approval before raising rates in Georgia. State law only requires insurers to file a notice and undergo a 60-day review period before hiking rates automatically. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation that Parkes introduced would require companies to get approval first. Parkes accused King of effectively rubber stamping rate hikes at the expense of constituents. Commissioner King and Georgia Republicans have looked the other way while insurance companies jack up rates, discriminate against people for nothing reasons and have their profits, Parkes said. King didnt immediately respond on Friday to an emailed request for comment. Read More: The post Black Georgians Often Pay More for Car Insurance. This Candidate Wants to Stop It. appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Editors note: This Idaho Capital Sun story is the next in our series focused on the impacts of additional 1% and 2% budget cuts to state agencies approved by the Legislatures budget committee for fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027. Previous stories focused on how the proposed budget cuts may affect the states mental health court program and graduate medical education in the state. The cuts are also projected to delay tax return processing, lead to reduced water quality monitoring, make it harder for Idahos Department of Water Resources to administer water rights, and lead to the state spending more to house people in prison whose parole hearings will be delayed. They would also likely force the state to hire fewer seasonal firefighters and cut back on fire prevention work and reduce funding for suicide prevention, foster care, and childrens and family mental health services. The cumulative effect of a myriad of relatively small cuts to programs in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare budget has a high likelihood of disrupting the states crisis response system, according to the agencys top official. Under proposed across-the-board cuts approved by the state Legislatures budget-writing committee, funding for suicide prevention, foster care, and childrens and family mental health services is under threat. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Charron said shes sure that cutting these programs too deeply will lead to higher costs down the line, as well as worse outcomes for people. Advertisement Advertisement If you take those Jenga pieces out, the tower falls, Charron told the Sun in an interview. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Charron presents on the agencys budget to the Legislatures Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 27, 2026. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) Nearly every state agency, including Health and Welfare, has already reduced its budget by 3% under the direction of Gov. Brad Little last summer as the state was facing a projected budget shortfall. On Feb. 6, the legislative budget writers on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, JFAC, approved further cuts to nearly every agency amounting to 1%, or $131 million total, in the current fiscal year, and 2%, or $143 million total, in permanent cuts starting in fiscal year 2027. The current fiscal year cuts will go to the entire House and Senate for a vote on the 2026 Idaho Budget Rescission Act. The 2027 reductions will be baked into the maintenance budgets for each agency, so restoring any of the funding would require a separate enhancement budget bill to be approved. Advertisement Advertisement Health and Welfare said it was able to absorb many of the fiscal year 2026 1% cuts largely through holding positions vacant. However, if the additional ongoing 2% reductions are in place in 2027, there will be potential long-term consequences. Many of the programs the agency has identified for cuts are associated with early prevention, she said, and without them, there are risks such as reduced suicide and mental health crisis services, more children staying in foster care longer, and families going without mental health or substance uses treatment. All of these connections are going to be felt as consequences of these decisions, Charron said. Budget writers exempted Medicaid, but other programs remain at risk JFACs vote on further cuts did not include the Division of Medicaid, although that program still faces reductions proposed by Little to balance the state budget. Advertisement Advertisement However, there was little flexibility within other programs funding, Charron said, meaning that programs they had hoped to protect would be affected by the 2027 cuts. We have already cut through muscle, and we are to bone, she said. Several of the health agencys divisions are primarily federally funded or have federal requirements, leaving few options to cut. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Suicide prevention efforts would be reduced under proposed cuts The plan submitted to JFAC to adhere to additional cuts would reduce $19,000 from suicide prevention funding. Those programs include youth prevention administered through the Idaho Department of Education, community outreach and prevention, and the states 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Advertisement Advertisement In the rescission that we did under the executive order from the Governor, (we) really did all that we could to prevent any cuts to the crisis system, Charron said. Whether it be 988, or even a higher level of service or intervention, mobile crisis, we protected it under the Magellan contract, because that is the net that is going to catch someone. And absent that, thats when tragedy strikes a community. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline Director Lee Flinn said shes still monitoring the potential impact if the budget cuts go into effect. Most of the funding for the 24/7 hotline is public from the state and federal government, she said. In terms of the budget cuts that are being discussed, one thing I would hope that Idahoans would realize, and that lawmakers also consider, is that we are Idahos 988 center, and we dont do this alone, Flinn said in an interview. Were part of a broader crisis system. Advertisement Advertisement She said other programs such as crisis centers, mobile response teams, and early intervention programs all help prevent the need for more intensive care. It is important to make sure that Idahoans arent falling through the cracks, Flinn said, and theyre not getting their crisis needs addressed later. Children and family mental health cuts may compound crisis early intervention shortages In a memo sent to budget-writers detailing what programs could be cut, Health and Welfare identified that an additional 2% reduction to the childrens mental health budget, or $99,300, would mean a clinical position would likely be held open and a contract with the states Medicaid mental health contractor, Magellan, would need to be reduced further. After the state reduced Magellans provider pay rates last year, it cut critical services, and two patients died in the aftermath, the Idaho Capital Sun reported. Further cuts to that contract would lead to reduced services for all Idahoans, the agency wrote in its memo. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the impact could lead to increased hospitalization and reliance on the crisis system rather than more prevention care, the memo said. The clinical position identified by the health agency for reduction is involved with compliance from the longstanding Jeff D Settlement, a court case that required the state to provide comprehensive services for children with serious mental health needs. Charron said one program that may be affected is Parenting with Love and Limits, which provides therapy for the entire family to support young people with a serious mental or emotional disturbance. We are really trying to keep the youth at home with their family, keep them out of needing, not only psychiatric-level of care, but keeping them out of juvenile corrections, keeping them out of the child welfare system, she said. slippage on any of those services or key functions as part of that settlement agreement is going to take us several steps back. Recent child welfare improvements may be hampered by cuts Last year, the Legislature approved a record increase in the child welfare budget, focusing largely on increased prevention efforts. Idaho Health and Welfare has already identified $3.9 million to reduce from its child welfare budget from the 3% cuts ordered by the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Additional cuts to the fiscal year 2027 budget may eliminate funding for safety assessments of foster homes during non-business hours or holidays and for post-adoption services for families who adopt children from the foster care system. Charron said eliminating that added safety assessment staff will burden existing employees and increase the need to pay overtime, as likely will increase turnover. She said the department had gone from a 29% vacancy rate to a 10% vacancy rate, but adding this burden on staff will undo that progress. If we are now asking staff, so sorry, you cant have that holiday, or you cant have your weekend, you have to do overtime, she said. And we have very dedicated, passionate staff, but that is going to quickly lead to burnout. Im 100% confident the amount in savings that is achieved here is going to quickly be diminished by the amount that we are going to pay in overtime, retraining people, (and) recruitment efforts. She also said that fewer opportunities for safety assessments may delay placement for children. Advertisement Advertisement We may have kids who are having to stay overnight in our office, as we are working on placements, instead of having a well-oiled machine to make sure this work is happening timely, she said. The post-adoption services are also crucial for some families to have a successful transition for the child coming from foster care. The services provide case management and additional support for children that have experienced long-standing trauma, she said. Absent having that (service), I think we know we are going to have more children coming back to us, Charron said. that is going to more than likely lead to them needing mental health services. It could be in a residential setting, which is impacting our congregate care budget. All of these pieces, they work together. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Two people were arrested Feb. 9 in connection with the death of an infant after an Owsley County grand jury returned indictments in January, according to a news release from the Kentucky State Police. Deeann Bennett, 27, and Charles Bennett, 32, both of Booneville, were charged with reckless homicide and concealing the birth of an infant. Deeann Bennett also faces charges of tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse. Both are currently being held in the Three Forks Regional Jail on a $50,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement KSP responded to a 911 call regarding a woman who had been taken to an area hospital reporting a possible miscarriage around 10:30 a.m. Nov. 29, 2024. While at the hospital, the couple reportedly said that the infant was still at their residence on Lewis Lane in Booneville. Investigators found an unresponsive infant over an embankment outside of the residence, KSP officials said. The infant was pronounced dead by the Owsley County Coroner. They are both scheduled to appear in court March 2. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Owsley Co., KY couple charged in connection to 2024 infant death The Travis County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Brianna Aguilera a suicide, according to the Austin American-Statesman, which cited three sources familiar with the report. The report said the 19-year-old Laredo native died of blunt force trauma, according to the Statesman's sources, which were not authorized to discuss the report before its public release. The medical examiner could not immediately confirm the findings to the San Antonio Express-News and said the office will release the autopsy report Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Early on Nov. 29, Aguilera fell from the 17th floor of a friend's apartment building near the University of Texas campus. She became intoxicated at a Texas A&M-versus-Texas tailgate the evening before. Less than a week later, police announced that they were investigating Aguilera's death as a suicide case. At a news conference, lead detective Robert Marshall cited "self harming actions" and a deleted suicide note on her phone dated just days prior to her death. Her family believes the police investigation was hasty and has demanded an independent probe into her death. Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, previously told PEOPLE that the family plans to conduct a second, independent autopsy. Police have said Aguilera was asked to leave the tailgate around 10 p.m. for being too intoxicated. She lost her phone in a nearby field before heading to the 21 Rio Apartments, where surveillance footage captured her around 11 p.m. going into an apartment. Advertisement Advertisement A large group of people left the apartment around 12:30 a.m., police said. Aguilera borrowed a phone from a young woman in the apartment and spoke to her boyfriend from 12:43 a.m to 12:44 a.m. She then returned the phone. Two minutes later, a bystander called 911 to report that they had found Aguilera's remains. High-powered Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who was retained by her family, has disputed the police timeline. He pointed to Aguilera enrolling in classes for the following semester and making plans to study abroad as signs that she was not suicidal. Buzbee filed a wrongful death lawsuit in a Travis County court Jan. 6 alleging the Austin Blacks Rugby Club and the University of Texas Latin Economics and Business Association overserved Aguilera at the tailgate. Advertisement Advertisement "By filing this lawsuit, not only will we hold accountable an entity or entities we believe that were involved in overserving Brianna and other minors, but we will also be able to subpoena individuals and documents and video and data so we can continue our investigation," Buzbee said at a news conference. In the months since Aguilera's death, Buzbee said he has hired two private investigators that have logged 200 hours looking into the case and talking to witnesses, including a woman living in a neighboring apartment who said she heard arguing before Aguilera fell. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. In Bexar County, the Center for Health Care Services operates a 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-316-9241 or 210-223-7233. This article originally published at Medical examiner rules on Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera's manner of death. Negotiators from seven parties struck a coalition deal after more than 600 days of deadlock in the Belgian capital on Thursday night, following nearly three days of conclave-like talks. The autonomous Brussels-Capital region has been mired in a political and financial crisis since the June 2024 elections produced no clear winner. The seven parties, three French-speaking and four Dutch-speaking, have since been mired in finding a compromise to suit all, while Brussels' complex institutional setup has also complicated coalition talks. Advertisement Advertisement Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever hit out in frustration earlier this week, saying it was time to overhaul the complex political system and that the deadlock was damaging the country's reputation. Unlike Belgiums other regions, Brussels' government needs to hold a majority in both of the local parliament's two linguistic groups, each with different parties. The deal reached will see the Francophone side represented by the liberal Mouvement Reformateur (MR), the Socialist Party (PS) and the centrist Les Engages. The Dutch-speaking parties include the Greens (Groen), the socialists (Vooruit), the liberals (Open Vld), and the Christian Democrats (CD&V). 'Habemus government' The nearly two-year crisis was finally brought to an end when the negotiators decided to lock themselves in a building of the University Foundation for a "conclave" on Tuesday, a proposal from Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of MR. Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone realised how urgent the situation was," Bouchez said after the talks ended. "Brussels was truly on the brink of collapse, as we know, with a new temporary budget that would have been necessary." When the agreement was reached, the staff at the University Foundation staged a tribute to the Vaticans papal tradition. Dressed in cardinals robes, a staff member proclaimed habemus government, hoisted the Brussels flag, and used a smoke bomb to release white smoke. The broad outlines of the agreement indicate a return to a balanced budget in 2029, a new name for the Brussels traffic plan dubbed Good Move and the abolition of renovation subsidies as they currently exist. Each party must now organise its participation congress to have the agreement validated by its members, before a debate in parliament, a vote of confidence and the swearing-in ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Related While the previous administration had stayed on in a caretaker role, it had little power to address pressing issues, such as the budget. Heavily indebted, Brussels has had to put several investment projects on hold and freeze subsidies to NGOs and cultural organisations. Belgium, known as having one of the most complicated political systems in Europe, is not new to political paralysis. The current De Wever-led federal coalition was formed after seven months of haggling, and the country went 541 days without a government between 2010 and 2011. By Arathy Somasekhar and Marianna Parraga HOUSTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA has refused to sell oil to companies without individual U.S. licenses in the past two weeks, four sources from companies seeking to buy cargoes told Reuters, limiting exports and preventing the country from draining brimming storage tanks faster. Washington last month granted both a general license that broadly permits oil exports, and individual licenses to traders Trafigura and Vitol to export oil worth billions of dollars. The permits followed a restricted U.S. license extended to Chevron last year to export Venezuelan crude to the U.S. Venezuela depends on oil export revenue and is in need of the sale proceeds to run its government. The general licenses are intended to exempt companies from U.S. sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry, which Washington has relaxed since capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month. However, buyers of Venezuelan oil say that the general license has not facilitated trade as much as needed. The broad nature of the general license has left many conditions open to interpretation, raising questions about what is permitted and what is off limits, sources said. PDVSA's executives require specific U.S. guidance on which companies to trade with and clearer trading terms so it can track cargoes and secure proceeds, they said. U.S. banks have also been reluctant to finance Venezuelan oil trade transactions, three sources said, citing the complex nature of the licenses. "Some banks may not want to risk processing under them, or may not feel the activity is authorized... banks may be doing more due diligence," one of the two sources said. Banks' reluctance to fund Venezuelan oil trade for now will mean little for the world's biggest traders who have generated billions of dollars in profits in recent years and are awash with cash. However, it is likely to present complications for smaller players who decide to participate in the Venezuelan oil trade. The White House told Reuters on Friday that the Trump administration has issued several general licenses at record speed due to the overwhelming interest from oil and gas companies to invest in Venezuela's energy infrastructure. "The President's team is working around the clock to field requests from oil and gas companies," spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said. The U.S. Energy and Treasury Departments, as well as PDVSA did not immediately reply to requests for comments. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control on Friday issued two additional general licenses allowing oil and gas producers to operate in Venezuela. The move, which will let Chevron, BP, Eni, Shell and Repsol - in addition to other companies - expand activities was the biggest relaxation of production-targeted sanctions yet. A Bucks County jail inmate is back in custody three weeks after he allegedly left a Philadelphia hospital when he was left unsupervised for a medical appointment. The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Shawn Dempsey, 57, of Bensalem, in central Pennsylvania where he fled after leaving the University of Pennsylvania Hospital on Jan. 27. The Bucks County Corrections Department and the county declined comment on how often it allows inmates to go to medical appointments unescorted, calling it a security matter. The U.S. Marshal Service has captured Patrick Dempsey, a Bucks County inmate wanted after he walked away from medical treatment last month after he was left unsupervised at a Philadelphia hospital. Video exonerates Bucks defendant Bucks County lawyer says this video proves client was falsely accused Advertisement Advertisement None of the members of the Bucks County Prison Oversight Board, a body responsible for the jail, wanted to comment on the escape at a regular meeting Feb. 11, and Corrections Director David Kratz did not mention it during his board report. Last year, inmates were taken out of the jail for 108 Ob-Gyn visits and 853 outside physician consultations, according to Bucks County Corrections data. Demsey was given written permission to attend medical appointments and signed an agreement that he would not leave the hospital or grounds for any reason without contacting the corrections department, according to a probable cause affidavit. Two Bucks County Corrections Officers transported and left Dempsey at the hospital. But when they later returned to return Dempsey to the Doylestown Township jail they learned he had removed his intravenous tubes and left the hospital at some point, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement He was last seen walking out the 36th Street hospital exit, the affidavit said. The Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Philadelphia was asked to assist in Dempseys capture on Feb. 10, agency spokesman Robert Clark said. On Feb. 12 investigators received information Dempsey had fled to Harrisburg immediately after his escape, then traveled to Carlise. After checking numerous leads the task force learned Dempsy was believed to be staying at a cold weather shelter in Carlisle. Around 10 p.m. Feb. 12 marshals observed Dempsey near the shelter and took him into custody. He was transported to Cumberland County jail where he was awaiting extradition to Bucks County. He had not yet been arraigned on a felony escape charge as of late Friday afternoon, according to the docket. Advertisement Advertisement Dempsey was incarcerated in October for absconding, a violation of his parole, and sentenced to 218 days of back time with credit, the affidavit said. In 2020 he pleaded guilty to false identification to a law enforcement officer in Bensalem and he was sentenced to 23 months in jail and one year of probation, according to the docket. He is the fifth inmate to walk away from custody in less than a year. The others failed to return to the jail after they were allowed to participate in a work release program. The walk away incidents last year were the first reported since 2022, according to county corrections data reported to the Bucks County Prison Oversight Board. Advertisement Advertisement They prompted the corrections department to temporarily suspend outside work release for two weeks so security measures could be investigated. Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: US Marshals capture Bucks County inmate who escaped from hospital The California Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation that will examine emergency preparations and response efforts during last year's Eaton Fire. "The investigation we've launched is driven by one overarching question: Did the Los Angeles County Fire Department's delay in notifying and evacuating the historically Black west Altadena community during the Eaton Fire violate state anti-discrimination and disability rights laws," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who announced the probe on Thursday. The Eaton Fire scorched more than 14,000 acres, killed 19 people, and destroyed over 9,000 buildings - making it one of the deadliest wildfires in California history. Advertisement Advertisement "What happened in Altadena demands that we ask hard questions, not only for this community, but if for every community that will face disasters in the years to come," said Altadena resident Shimica Gaskins. Many residents believe the investigation is critical. "What we know what we didn't see were Los Angeles sheriff's department vehicles, or officers, knocking on doors on the west side," said Altadena Resident Gina Clayton-Johnson. "We didn't see fire personnel in a timely way, we did not get evacuations." Community advocates and dozens of residents gathered Thursday to call for accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Many repeated concerns that only minimal resources were directed to the west side during the critical early hours of the disaster. "We had, you know, one fire truck sent here, 18 of the 19 deaths happened on the west side, the historically Black side of the community, we deserve answers," said Clayton-Johnson. Bonta said the goal of the investigation is accountability and preventing future tragedies. "To evaluate if the processes and systems are failing certain communities, to make sure no rights were violated, no law is broken," he said. Bonta added that there will be no further updates until a final report is released to preserve the integrity of the investigation. LOS ANGELES (AP) In the arid, cracked desert ground in Southern California, a tiny bee pokes its head out of a hole no larger than the tip of a crayon. Krystle Hickman crouches over with her specialized camera fitted to capture the minute details of the bees antennae and fuzzy behind. Oh my gosh, you are so cute, Hickman murmurs before the female sweat bee flies away. Hickman is on a quest to document hundreds of species of native bees, which are under threat by climate change and habitat loss, some of it caused by the more recognizable and agriculturally valued honey bee an invasive species. Of the roughly 4,000 types of bees native to North America, Hickman has photographed over 300. For about 20 of them, she's the first to ever photograph them alive. Advertisement Advertisement Through photography, she wants to raise awareness about the importance of native bees to the survival of the flora and fauna around them. Saving the bees means saving their entire ecosystems, Hickman said. Community scientists play important role in observing bees On a Saturday in January, Hickman walked among the early wildflower bloom at Anza Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County, a few hundred miles southeast of Los Angeles, where clumps of purple verbena and patches of white primrose were blooming unusually early due to a wet winter. Where there are flowers, there are bees. Hickman has no formal science education and dropped out of a business program that she hated. But her passion for bees and keen observation skills made her a good community scientist, she said. In October, she published a book documenting California's native bees, partly supported by National Geographic. She's conducted research supported by the University of California, Irvine, and hopes to publish research notes this year on some of her discoveries. Advertisement Advertisement Were filling in a lot of gaps, she said of the role community scientists play in contributing knowledge alongside academics. On a given day, she might spend 16 hours waiting beside a plant, watching as bees wake up and go about their business. They pay her no attention. Originally from Nebraska, Hickman moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She began photographing honey bees in 2018, but soon realized native bees were in greater danger. Now, she's a bee scientist full time. I really think anyone could do this, Hickman said. A different approach Melittologists, or people who study bees, have traditionally used pan trapping to collect and examine dead bee specimens. To officially log a new species, scientists usually must submit several bees to labs, Hickman said. Advertisement Advertisement There can be small anatomical differences between species that cant be photographed, such as the underside of a bee, Hickman said. But Hickman is vehemently against capturing bees. She worries about harming already threatened species. Unofficially, she thinks she's photographed at least four previously undescribed species. Hickman said shes angered a few melittologists before because I wont tell them where things are. Her approach has helped her forge a path as a bee behavior expert. During her trip to Anza Borrego, Hickman noted that the bees wont emerge from their hideouts until around 10 a.m., when the desert begins to heat up. They generally spend 20 minutes foraging and 10 minutes back in their burrows to offload pollen, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Its really shockingly easy to make new behavioral discoveries just because no ones looking at insects alive, she said. Hickman still works closely with other melittologists, often sending them photos for identification and discussing research ideas. Christine Wilkinson, assistant curator of community science at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, said Hickman was a perfect example of why it's important to incorporate different perspectives in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. There are so many different ways of knowing and relating to the world, Wilkinson said. Getting engaged as a community scientist can also get people interested in and passionate about really making change. Declining native bees Theres a critically endangered bee that Hickman is particularly determined to find Bombus franklini, or Franklins bumblebee, last seen in 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Since 2021, shes traveled annually to the Oregon-California border to look for it. Theres quite a few people who think its extinct, but Im being really optimistic about it, she said. Habitat loss, as well as competition from honey bees, have made it harder for native bees to survive. Many native bees will only drink the nectar or eat the pollen of a specific plant. Because of her success in tracking down bees, shes now working with various universities and community groups to help find lost species, which are bees that havent been documented in the wild for at least a decade. Hickman often finds herself explaining to audiences why native bees are important. They dont make honey, and the disappearance of a few bees might not have an apparent impact on humans. But things that live here, they deserve to live here. And that should be a good enough reason to protect them, she said. For more than half a century, the identity of a man found burned alive in California eluded investigators. New clues suggest he might have been an Iowan. With help from advanced DNA testing techniques, investigators are closing in on the mystery behind the 1972 cold case, the Placer County Sheriffs Office said in a Feb. 12 Facebook post. The man has been identified as likely being Des Moines, Iowa, native Grover Benjamin Hughes, born July 21, 1894, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement His identity, however, cannot be officially confirmed, and investigators are seeking public help. Man found dead poses mystery In 1972, a man was dead near Interstate 80 at the Drum Forebay Overcrossing near Baxter, California, deputies said. Prior to his death, the man appeared to have been in a hospital or convalescent-care setting, according to deputies. Reports described the man as emaciated and bedridden, deputies said, adding that he had a healed fracture to his left arm. An autopsy found the man had been burned alive, deputies said. The man, with blue eyes and light-colored hair, was described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 135 pounds, according to deputies. Advertisement Advertisement When the man was found, he was wearing a hospital gown, deputies said. The bedding and personal items found "with him were consistent with materials commonly used in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or convalescent homes. The man was located around the time Weimar Joint Sanatorium, now Weimar University, closed, deputies said, adding that investigators have not been able to find records of patients from the sanatorium. Forensic genetic genealogy pushes investigation forward As decades passed without answers in the mans case, investigators turned to genetic genealogy in hopes of identifying him. Genetic genealogy couples DNA testing with traditional genealogical methods to create family history profiles, according to the Library of Congress. Through genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine how people may be biologically related. Advertisement Advertisement Placer County deputies said they partnered with the California Department of Justice and Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in an extensive two-year investigation into the mans identity. The investigation led researchers to the mans possible identity: Grover Benjamin Hughes, who would have been 78 in 1972, deputies said. Hughes hailed from Des Moines, Iowa, and was known to have spent time in the San Francisco Bay Area before the 1960s. The man cannot be officially confirmed as Hughes, though, because the identified genetic relationships are too distant, and investigators have not found any close living descendants, according to deputies. What information are investigators looking for? Deputies said they are seeking public help to bring some closure to the case. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are seeking the following information: Information about Grover Benjamin Hughes, including any possible photos of him Any knowledge of a hospital or medical facility in Placer County in 1972 that matches the items shown in the photo provided by deputies Information about any patients who may have gone missing from a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or convalescent home around October 3, 1972. Anyone who may remember Hughes orthe circumstances around his disappearance or death And, finally, any information, even if it may seem minor, that could help confirm the decedents identity and determine the circumstances surrounding his death Anyone with information is asked to contact deputies at 530-889-7853 or submit tips via email at PCSOTipline@placer.ca.gov. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California police looking for clues on Iowan left dead on I-80 in 1972 Lots of airports are named after people, though the effort to honor the individual typically doesn't extend beyond a statue in the terminal. It's different at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport; its devotion to its namesake is apparent the moment you arrive. On the curb, just where you might be dropped with your bags, are statues of Charlie Brown and Linus van Pelt leaning on the low brick wall where the two characters from Schulz's revered "Peanuts" comic strip had some of their deepest discussions. From then on, it's clear you're at both an airport and a tribute to Schulz, who lived in Sonoma County for more than 40 years until his death in 2000. Inside are Charlie Brown's hated "kite-eating trees," framed "Peanuts" strips and character mosaics to denote the gender of the restrooms (Linus points to a men's room, Sally Brown to a women's room). It's fun, charming and even a bit cheeky. Advertisement Advertisement For airport manager Jon Stout, the "Peanuts" theme is all part of the job; even the yellow lanyard for his airport ID has a black zigzag design from the shirts Charlie Brown usually wore. He proudly pointed to the Schulz-related sights as we walked through the terminal but said it's the airport's manageable size that really sets it apart. "We are an easy airport," he said. "The farthest point from parking your car to the door of the aircraft is 875 feet." The baggage claim area has airplanes hanging from the ceiling reenacting Snoopy in a biplane in a dogfight with the Red Baron in a triplane at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. The area also hosts the check-in counter for car rental companies. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) A statue of Snoopy sleeping on top of his doghouse in the baggage claim area of the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport terminal in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Save for a period between 2001 and 2007 when it had no air service at all following United's departure, the airport has kept a low profile since its 1942 opening, with mostly short-haul flights operated by a rotating series of airlines. While some promised the sky - low-cost carrier Avelo opened an employee base in 2024 only to close it just a year later - others like Alaska have quietly dug in with a prosperous route network along the West Coast. Since 2020, the airport's traffic has grown annually, and now with an expanded terminal and the April arrival of Southwest, it's poised to grow again. Like any airport manager, Stout is eager to expand the airport's reach even further, maybe even to Hawaii, but he said any growth mustn't imperil its accessibility for locals. Advertisement Advertisement Santa Rosa resident Christine Wright would appreciate Stout's dedication. The airport's convenience and a certain black-nosed beagle make it a natural choice for visiting her family in Idaho and Los Angeles. "It's Snoopy airport, and there is always easy parking," she told SFGATE. "You're at your gate in 15 minutes." Airlines over the years Located between Santa Rosa and Healdsburg near Highway 101 and a SMART train stop, the airport is well situated for reaching not just Sonoma County's largest city but also the allures of the Russian River and Sonoma Wine Country. Vineyards and top-rated restaurants are minutes away, and just to the south, River Road begins its scenic trek along the Russian River to the redwoods and the rugged Sonoma Coast. Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport Manager Jon Stout outside the terminal in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) An arriving passenger walks with their bags past Charlie Brown and Linus Van Pelt leaning on the low brick wall outside the terminal of the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Those merits, though, haven't historically brought consistent air service to Sonoma County since the airport opened. Between 1947 when air service commenced and the end of the century, flights connected Santa Rosa to cities mostly in the Bay Area, Southern California and elsewhere in the state. Traffic grew over the years, peaking in 1991 at 58,000 passengers per month, before declining over the next decade. Then in 2001, as part of a decision to focus on its SFO hub, United was the last carrier to depart for good. When Stout took the job the next year, his first goal was getting air service back. Advertisement Advertisement "We still had the four rental car desks. We had the restaurant, two ticket counters and a bag slide," he said. " It felt more like a bus station than an airport terminal." Alaska was the first carrier to be coaxed back in 2007, with flights to Seattle and Los Angeles. Since then, it's continued to add destinations; today, its aircraft with the smiling man on the tail also fly to Burbank, San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Portland, Oregon. Seasonal flights also land in Palm Springs, and next month, Alaska is set to add flights to Ontario, California. American Airlines, the airport's other carrier, flies daily to Phoenix and seasonally to Dallas-Forth Worth. Stout said it's a route network that reflects both where locals want to go - Burbank and Palm Springs are popular destinations - and how they want to get there. When Alaska started flying Embraer 175 and Boeing 737-800 jetliners with a first-class cabin to the airport, locals welcomed the opportunity to fly in a bit more comfort. A customer hangs out in the Flying Ace restaurant in the terminal at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) A person watches an Alaska Airlines plane taxi for takeoff from the baggage claim area at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) "Having that bigger diversity of product mix does well here," he said. "We've got the demographics to support the first-class and the premium products, and people are willing to pay for it here." Advertisement Advertisement United returned in 2017, temporarily, operating flights to Denver and SFO, before pulling out again in 2022. Operated primarily to allow Santa Rosa passengers to connect onward, the SFO flight was the shortest in the airline's network, needing as little as 17 minutes to make the 66-mile hop. Sun Country and Allegiant also dropped by for a few years before the pandemic, with a combined network to Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and Mesa, Arizona. Stout said Allegiant's infrequent service and rash of cancellations "made it not a great experiment locally." "When you're doing a lot of cancellations and you have only one flight a week [to Vegas], that doesn't sit well." he said. "They just never recovered too many people were upset with how crappy the service was." Avelo's (mis)adventure Then on April 28, 2021, startup Avelo Airlines chose Santa Rosa as the destination for its inaugural flight from Burbank. At the time, CEO Andrew Levy said the route would "allow travelers to skip Bay Area traffic" and land them "in the heart of California's wine country and be on their way to over 425 vineyards and 55 miles of majestic Pacific coastline." An American Eagle Embraer 175 plane taxis from the runway at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Charlie Brown's hated "kite-eating tree" stands inside the waiting area for Gates 1-4 at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport terminal in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) By May 2024, the airline was flying from Santa Rosa to eight destinations across the West, including Las Vegas; Palm Springs; Kalispell, Montana; Redmond, Oregon; and Boise, Idaho. It was fast growth for the new carrier and a sign of more to come. The same month, Avelo opened a 50-person base at the airport that would employ pilots, flight attendants and maintenance technicians. Santa Rosa wasn't quite a hub, but it became more than just a stopover. Advertisement Advertisement "We were in it from the beginning," Stout said when describing Avelo's rise. "Their management team was always great to work with." But even after it added more cities like Salt Lake City later that year, the good cheer wouldn't last. The next April, Houston-based Avelo said it would operate deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a decision that sparked protests both locally and around the country and sharp criticism from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Then in July, the airline announced it would end service to Santa Rosa by August and to the entire West Coast by the end of the year. In a statement provided to multiple media outlets at the time, spokesperson Courtney Goff cast blame not on the deportation flight pushback but on market conditions. "Despite the investment of significant time, resources and efforts, our West Coast operations have not produced the results necessary to continue our presence there," the statement said. A statue of Snoopy greets passengers at the entrance of the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport terminal in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Images of Linus Van Pelt and Sally Brown direct passengers to the restrooms at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Though Stout said the base employees and the 15,000 passengers Avelo brought to Santa Rosa each month were welcome, its focus on serving leisure destinations never matched the needs of locals. One example he mentioned was a flight to Pasco, Washington: Though it connected Sonoma to another wine-making region, it wasn't a success. Advertisement Advertisement "[Avelo] really couldn't find their niche in the West Coast," Stout said. "If you look back at what they've done in Santa Rosa, they've tried some interesting opportunities. Some were really good, and some they didn't even start." Here comes Southwest Despite Avelo's departure, the airport finished 2025 with 780,637 passengers, a 1% increase from 2024, and the fifth straight year of growth. And in a break from other Bay Area airports that have yet to eclipse their pre-pandemic traffic levels, Santa Rosa's 2025 total marked a 60% jump from the 488,179 passengers who passed through in 2019. Today, the airport sees 11 to 12 flights per day in winter, Stout said, and 15 to 21 during the summer high season. A large CalFire base is also at the airport, and there's an executive jet terminal that Stout said runs out of parking space during the Bohemian Grove encampment for the wealthy and powerful each July (the overflow aircraft are parked on a taxiway). And in April when Southwest flies into town, traffic will likely climb even higher. Initially the airline will serve four destinations: daily to Palm Springs and San Diego, five days a week to Burbank, and once per week to Denver. Stout said the flights are a successful finale to a 15-year campaign to bring Southwest to Sonoma County. "For a long time, Southwest kept telling us, You're our favorite airport we can't serve.'" he said. " They don't typically go into small airports with low frequencies. They need a certain level of activity." A customer stands at the entrance of the Flying Ace restaurant in the terminal at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Statues of Charlie Brown and Linus Van Pelt leaning on the low brick wall outside the terminal of the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) For Stout, the challenge to encouraging any airline to start service is convincing it that it has an opportunity to draw more passengers from the North Bay region the airport serves (officially known as a catchment area, Santa Rosa's region stretches from the northern fringes of San Rafael to Humboldt County and east to the border of Napa County, he said). Just pulling in customers who are already flying an airline out of another Bay Area airport isn't enough. Advertisement Advertisement "The San Francisco Bay Area is a huge market," Stout said. "There's a lot of traffic, a lot of seats. As we work with our [airline] partners, we have to demonstrate that we're not going to take their own passengers away from them." Planes and Peanuts' As we toured the airport, Stout pointed to the empty check-in desks that Southwest will take over when it moves in. They sit in the newest part of the terminal, an attractive space with natural wood columns and a feeling that's both spacious and intimate. Opened in November 2022, the $40 million, 27,000-square-foot expansion also added a new baggage claim area, four more boarding gates (for a total of eight), an outdoor seating area and a larger security checkpoint. "Our security is the same level of security as SFO, but the checkpoint's relatively easy," Stout said while smiling. With a statue of Snoopy in the background, a passenger enters the terminal at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) The waiting area for Gates 1-4 at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport terminal in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) The baggage claim's soaring ceiling and natural light are a pleasant change from most airports where the baggage carousels feel as if they're banished to the basement. Statues of Snoopy as a World War I flying ace and a "World Traveler Lucy" stand before large windows that offer a grand view of both the runway and passengers boarding a parked Alaska airliner (the airport is too small for jet bridges). Hanging above is perhaps the best "Peanuts" memorabilia of all: a model Sopwith Camel biplane, with Snoopy at the controls, hot in pursuit of the Red Baron in a Fokker triplane. Below is another statue of Snoopy sleeping on top of his doghouse while dreaming of the dogfight above. Advertisement Advertisement Stout worked with Charles Schulz's son, Craig Schulz, to create the installation. Schulz donated the triplane, and the restored Sopwith Camel was acquired from the Pacific Coast Air Museum on the airport's grounds. In an interview with SFGATE, Schulz described the installation as "spectacular." He appreciates that when you arrive at the airport, "you realize you're entering the Peanuts' universe." "I think it's been tremendous," he said. "I don't believe there's another airport in the country that has that kind of connection." Aloha, Hawaii? The airport understandably plays up the local industry, as well, at the bar at Sonoma Flying Ace, the airport's full-service restaurant located outside security (a rarity at airports these days), a charcuterie and cheese vending machine, and a wine bar in the departure lounge. Stout said the latter is a natural choice given the airport's location and a busy place before Friday evening flights to Las Vegas. And in an extra nod to oenophiles. he pointed out that STS, Santa Rosa's airport code, even has a wine-centric meaning: "Swirl, Taste and Savor." Advertisement Advertisement Bringing even more people to enjoy Wine Country will always be a large part of Stout's job. A nonstop to Chicago is high on his list of dream destinations, and he'd love for an airline to open a route to Hawaii. Stout said that the airport's research showed that 76% of North Bay tourists to the Islands are flying United out of SFO, giving a carrier like Alaska room to grow its local customer base. "We're able to look at the [Department of Transportation] ticketing data and show, You have great service [to Hawaii], but it's not a lot of the North Bay people using your service.'" he said. The baggage claim area has airplanes hanging from the ceiling reenacting Snoopy in a biplane in a dogfight with the Red Baron at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Passengers walk through the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport terminal in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) In a statement to SFGATE, Neil Thwaites, Alaska's vice president of global sales and California commercial performance, said that while the airline has "no plans to launch service between Santa Rosa and Hawaii," it has a long-term commitment to service the airport and is always evaluating new potential new routes. "We're proud to be the number one carrier serving Santa Rosa, connecting guests to and from Wine Country and beyond," Thwaites said. Even if a flight to Hawaii does eventually take off, a big logistical problem remains: At 6,000 feet, Santa Rosa's main runway is too short for most of the aircraft that operate Hawaii routes to take fully loaded. And as the airport is surrounded by homes, office parks and vineyards, extending it isn't an option. Even so, Stout said Hawaii flights remain a goal and an opportunity for an interested airline. "We can show if you put service here, you're not poaching your own passengers," he said. "You're going to be growing your service." The airport is planning a runway repaving in 2028. The runway, which Stout said is at the end of its design life, has been the subject of a Federal Aviation Administration inspection over the past few years following widely reported cracking, uneven pavement, ponding water and sinkholes. Though the cost and full scope of the project are still being studied, the goal is for the majority of work to happen overnight to keep the airport running (at 5,202 feet, the airport's second runway is too short for most commercial aircraft to use). If a full runway closure is necessary, Stout said it will be kept as short as possible. "We're trying to design it with minimal closure, minimal impact to the operations," he said. "Because we don't want people to think we don't have [air] service." A sign thanks passengers for flying at the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE) Stout isn't stopping there either. Other future improvement plans include expanding the terminal further, building a 300-space consolidated rental car center and adding more long-term parking. Promoting that growth while allaying neighbor anger about aircraft noise will remain a challenge. Noise complaints at the airport exploded from 4,665 incidents in 2024 to around 24,000 last year. Stout blames the increase on changes the FAA made to aircraft departure routes in January 2024, making it difficult for the airport to bring relief. "They want relief, and the FAA is not listening," he said. "We can't move the planes." And as the airport prepares for its future, Stout is adamant about something else: keeping the airport's unique and user-friendly image as sharp as Schulz's enduring characters. "We will never compete fully on what San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento offer," he said. "We want to be that convenient local choice." This article originally published at Snoopy's airport prepares to welcome Southwest. A Camano Island woman has filed a federal lawsuit claiming a recalled reflux device implanted in her body was defective and forced her to undergo another surgery, according to court records. Janett Wingett, who lives on Camano Island, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota against Torax Medical, Inc. and Ethicon, Inc. She says the companies manufactured a defective LINX Reflux Management System that was implanted to treat her gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Advertisement Advertisement The LINX device is a small ring made of titanium beads connected by wire. Surgeons place it around the lower part of the esophagus to help prevent stomach acid from flowing back up, which causes heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Because it is implanted through surgery, the device must meet strict federal standards before it can be sold and used in patients. The lawsuit says the LINX received pre-market approval from the Food and Drug Administration in March 2012 and is considered a restricted device, meaning it is subject to detailed manufacturing and safety rules. According to the complaint, Torax initiated a recall on May 31, 2018, after becoming aware of what it described as an out of specification condition. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit says that issue could allow a bead component to separate from an adjacent wire link, causing the normally closed ring to come apart. If that happens, the device can become discontinuous and open, the complaint states. FDA records cited in the lawsuit show that 9,131 LINX devices were in the marketplace as of May 2018. Wingett had her LINX implanted on Aug. 29, 2018, and the complaint says her device was subject to that recall. She later had the device removed on Dec. 17, 2025. In the lawsuit, Wingett alleges the device implanted in her was defectively manufactured and failed because it did not meet approved manufacturing specifications. Advertisement Advertisement She claims the companies violated multiple federal regulations tied to quality control, production processes, inspection and testing, and preventing defective products from entering the market. The complaint says she experienced a severe recurrence of her GERD symptoms and had to undergo another invasive surgery to remove the defective device. Wingett is seeking more than $75,000 in damages. She is also asking for compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment and disfigurement. Mourning gestures took place across Canada after the country's deadliest mass shooting in decades struck a remote mining town in British Columbia province, but Prime Minister Mark Carney issued no directive to fly the transgender pride flag, as social media users claimed after police identified the shooter as a transgender woman. In reality, federal buildings collectively lowered Canadian flags to half-staff to mark the tragedy, which AFP confirmed by observing a federal administrative complex in downtown Montreal. "The Trans Flag will be flown at half mast- PM Carney," says a February 11, 2026 X post sharing footage of a visibly emotional Carney speaking in Ottawa. In the clip, Carney says he "asked that the flags in the Peace Tower here and across all government buildings be flown at half-mast for the next seven days." Screenshot of an X post taken February 13, 2026 On X, the popular right-wing user "Catturd" -- whom AFP has repeatedly fact-checked for spreading disinformation -- amplified the transgender pride flag claim to his four million followers. Advertisement Advertisement Similar allegations also jumped to posts on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. The posts came after Canadian police on February 11 identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a transgender woman, as the shooter who opened fire the day prior on a school in Tumbler Ridge, a tight-knit town of about 2,400 residents. Police said the suspect -- who killed her mother and stepbrother and shot dead six other people at a school -- was a high school dropout who had been visited several times by law enforcement over mental health concerns (archived here). She was found dead at the school from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. AFP already debunked two claims misidentifying the suspect, sometimes attached to transphobic comments. Advertisement Advertisement The posts claiming the transgender pride flag was ordered to be flown at half-mast are similarly inaccurate. A February 10 posting on the Canadian government website declared that the country's national flag, bearing the red and white maple leaf motif, would be lowered to half-staff at all federal buildings for seven days (archived here). Further keyword searches returned results reporting on several provincial and municipal governments flying their national banners in the same mourning posture (archived here and here). AFP visited the Guy-Favreau Complex, a federal government office in downtown Montreal, and captured visuals of the Canadian flag at half-mast on February 12 (archived here). A Canadian flag flies at half-mast at the Guy-Favreau complex in downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada on February 12, 2026 Gwen Roley AFP (Gwen Roley / AFP) A live camera feed of Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 13 showed the Peace Tower referenced by Carney also flying the maple leaf flag at half-staff (archived here). The prime minister and other federal leaders are scheduled to visit Tumbler Ridge to attend a mourning vigil on February 13. Read more of AFP's reporting on misinformation in Canada here. Far-right Canadian separatists trying to break up the country have spilled wild details of meetings with senior Trump officials. The Alberta Prosperity Project, seen by many Canadians as attention-seekers, says that during the clandestine summits, they discussed everything from switching to the U.S. dollar to something much more sinister, according to NBC News. Dennis Modry, a co-founder of the group, told NBC News that border security, the Canadian pension plan, taxes, national debt, and the possible currency revamp were on the table. So was the development of an independent military, according to him. Advertisement Advertisement Alberta will also need its own military, Modry said, adding, And would the U.S. be willing to work with Alberta in the development of an Alberta military? Thats on the table for discussion. A 'Make Alberta Great Again' hat during the event Help Us Make Sovereignty for Alberta Happen, organized by the Alberta Prosperity Project in March last year. / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images The group is a nonprofit organization and not a political party. Its goal is to shatter the union of modern Canada and become an independent sovereign nation because of what it sees as overtaxation and overregulation in Alberta, the conservative-leaning oil-rich province often described as the Texas of Canada. The organizations members are also rankled by concerns familiar to MAGA voters, namely immigration and a growing partnership between Canada and China. Group leadership claims to have met with very, very senior officials in the Trump administration three times, with a fourth meeting slated in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Modry said he attended the trifecta of meetings last year: one in April, one in September, and one in December. The separatists attorney, Jeffrey Rath, claimed the meetings were hosted at the State Departments headquarters in Washington, D.C. A senior State Department official said there will not be another meet-up. They also told NBC that no senior officials were present at the meetings, nor were any commitments made. The Daily Beast previously reported that the APP was seeking a $500 billion credit facility to help prop up the province financially if a yet-to-be-called independence referendum passes. Both Modry and Rath refused to name what officials were present, which they claimed was a pre-determined condition of the covert summits. Modry also said the meetings were intended to clarify that we were not advocating for Alberta to become the 51st state of the U.S. Early in his second term, President Trump famously had an obsession with making Canada the latest part of the union, and his administration has frequently butted heads with the Canadian government. An AI-generated image shared by President Donald Trump on Truth Social on January 20, depicting Canada and the U.S. as part of the same country. / Truth Social On Monday, the president posted to Truth Social moaning that Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades. Advertisement Advertisement A former senior career U.S. diplomat described the secret meetings with separatists as irresponsible as hell and highly unusual, especially with a country so deeply intertwined with the U.S. Its really irresponsible for the United States to be engaging with these kinds of people, because it just encourages behavior that cannot be in the U.S. national interest, they told NBC News. The key issue here is how the current administration sees the use of radical conservative groups as part of its foreign policy strategy, said Michael Williams, a politics professor at the University of Ottawa. Dennis Modry, founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project. / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney used a speech in Davos, Switzerland, last month to call out Trump for creating a rupture in the existing world order. He also told reporters at the end of January that he expects the U.S. administration to respect Canadian sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Also at Davos, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared to try to stoke the flames of a rift in an interview with right-wing streaming channel Real Americas Voice. Handing the APP a boost, he said: They have great resources. The Albertans are very independent people; rumor [is] that they may have a referendum on whether they want to stay in Canada or not. Sounds like you may know something up there? host Jack Posobiec responded. People are saying, people are talking, Bessent said. People want sovereignty. People want what the U.S. has got. Ipsos polling conducted last month, however, suggests that more Albertans are happy being part of Canada than not. A teenager was arrested and charged by Plainfield Police for allegedly crashing a stolen motor vehicle on Black Hill Road. Shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, the Plainfield Police Department responded to a motor vehicle that struck a utility pole on Black Hill Road. After their arrival, police discovered that the driver had fled the scene. Due to the damage the utility pole sustained during the crash, Black Hill Road was closed for several hours while it was repaired, and the area was made safe. Advertisement Advertisement A search of the surrounding area was conducted, which included the use of a Connecticut State Police K-9 unit and the Plainfield Police Departments aerial drone. However, the suspect still was not found. Plainfield police said during the investigation, it was determined the vehicle was reported stolen. Police alleged that it was being driven by a 16-year-old, who was located uninjured and was arrested. The teenager, whose identity has not been released by Plainfield police, is charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, evading responsibility, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to maintain proper lane. The teen was released from custody and given a court date to appear at the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters in Willimantic. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Plainfield police make arrest after a crash. They say car was stolen Minutes before midnight on Feb. 11, the Federal Aviation Administration shut down the airspace over El Paso for 10 days longer than the airspace closure after the Sept. 11 attacks prompting confusion and chaos for air travelers, residents and people trying to make sense of the unprecedented event on social media. Within hours, the notice was lifted, and the airspace was reopened. Behind the scenes, an intra-governmental tug-of-war was unfolding between the military, which loaned Customs and Border Protection a high-powered laser to take out drones near the border, and the FAA, which had safety concerns over firing the device. The FAA's shutdown of U.S. airspace on Feb. 10 did not go into effect until more than a day after the laser was fired, according to multiple people with knowledge of the matter. Advertisement Advertisement The high-tech device was fired on Feb. 9, USA TODAY has learned. The account has been corroborated by multiple other news outlets. Several outlets have also reported that the laser was fired at an object officials believed was a drone. They later learned it was a party balloon. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth authorized the device to be handed over to CBP in January, according to USA TODAY sources. At issue were laws prohibiting the military from using lethal force on U.S. soil against a non-military target in this case, the thousands of drones that fly across the border every year. The military trained CBP for several days this year at Fort Bliss, an Army base in El Paso, on how to use the laser, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement By law, it falls to the Pentagon to coordinate firing the laser with the FAA. Aviation officials, feeling the risk was too high, resorted to shutting everything down, according to sources with knowledge. A meeting between military and aviation officials was scheduled for the following week it's unclear whether it is still on the books. An administration official initially told USA TODAY on the morning of Feb. 11 that a Mexican cartel drone had crossed into U.S. airspace, and the military took action to disable it. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed that account in an X post, saying that the military and FAA had "acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion." But that explanation didn't bear out, and conflicting accounts began to emerge throughout the day. There are more than a thousand drone incursions along the southern border every month, the head of U.S. Northern Command testified to lawmakers in 2024. It was unclear what about this alleged drone incursion required military action. Helicopters sit at Fort Bliss Air Base, after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration lifted its temporary closure of the airspace over El Paso, saying all flights will resume as normal and that there was no threat to commercial aviation, in El Paso, Texas, U.S., February 11, 2026. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez As of Feb. 12, the administration was sticking to its initial story. Bryan Bedford, the administrator of the FAA, had decided to close down the airspace the previous night without notifying the White House, Pentagon or Department of Homeland Security, the administration official told USA TODAY, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Pentagon and the FAA had been working together for months on drone incursions, and no civilian airplanes were in danger during the process ofwhat the official described as disabling cartel drones. 'Incompetence at the highest levels' The inter-agency debacle could put further tension on the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters on Feb. 12 that she had no information about drones at the border, and that the United States "would have to explain it." Advertisement Advertisement Frustration is also simmering on Capitol Hill. "El Pasoans were rightfully alarmed by how the federal government carried all of this out," Rep. Veronica Escobar, the U.S. congresswoman who represents El Paso, wrote in a Facebook post. "To be clear: this was the result of incompetence at the highest levels of the administration." Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, told reporters on Feb. 12 that "a number of" lawmakers would like a classified briefing on the incident. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat from New Mexico, said in a statement: "Im demanding answers from the FAA and the administration about why the airspace was closed in the first place without notifying appropriate officials." Advertisement Advertisement Experts pointed out to USA TODAY that while drone incursions at the border are common, including of some drones controlled by Mexican cartels, the imminent threat to U.S. personnel is low. Adam Isacson, the director for defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America, said the laser was likely handed over to CBP because the military is legally barred from firing on a civilian target unless in imminent self-defense. But if CBP mistook a party balloon for a drone, that "calls into question their technology and review of targeting." "We need to hear more from that agency," he said. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: How CBP firing a military laser led to FAA shutdown in El Paso 1202 Global units sold*, Ford vs BYD Ford has been overtaken in sales for the first time by Chinese carmaker BYD in a sign of the changes upending the automotive industry. The US motor giants sales fell by 2pc to just under 4.4 million last year. That compares to 4.6 million sold over the same period by BYD, which climbed to sixth in the rankings of global car manufacturers. Fords US sales rose but the carmaker has been losing ground in both Europe and China. The company is best-known for top-selling cars such as the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus, which remain among the most-driven vehicles on Britains roads. BYD overtaking Ford is a landmark moment due to the US giants historic role in shaping the industry, with founder Henry Fords Model T ushering in the modern era of car ownership in the early 20th century. American car giants and other Western carmakers face growing competition from the likes of BYD and other Chinese brands that are low-priced and increasingly high-tech. BYDs most popular cars include its SEAL U DM-i and the Dolphin Surf electric city car, which sells for less than 19,000. Ford phased out the Fiesta during the pandemic and has since gravitated towards more expensive crossovers and SUVs, with its cheapest car, the Puma, starting at just over 26,000. However, the US company remains Britains third-biggest car brand with more than double the UK sales of BYD last year. It sold about 119,000 thousands cars in 2025, representing a market share of 5.9pc, according to the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). That was an increase of 8pc on the previous year. By comparison, BYD sold about 51,400 cars and took a market share of about 2.5pc but its sales increased nearly sixfold. Difficult EV shift Ford and its Western rivals have struggled to adapt to the electric vehicle (EV) transition. The company announced a $19.5bn (14bn) hit to its balance sheet in December to scale back EV production, blaming lacklustre consumer demand. Felipe Munoz, an independent automotive analyst, contrasted Fords difficulties and slow sales growth in regions such as Europe with BYDs rapid expansion worldwide, which has seen the Chinese company increasingly focus on exports to regions such as Europe and South America. This is partly because of intense competition and price wars between Chinese brands at home, although the countrys government has sought to wind back state support and discourage cut-throat tactics. Mr Munoz said: BYD is still in expansion mode and, even if their sales in China are not performing as well as in the past, theyre now relying on exports to grow. SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico Under a blue midday sky, the soundscape at the border fence included the call of roosters in Mexico, a Union Pacific train in the U.S. and a law enforcement helicopter chopping overhead. Not heard at the time: the buzz of "cartel drones." Trump administration officials and security experts say drones used by Mexican criminal organizations to smuggle drugs or surveil border security forces represent a potential security threat one that provoked a sudden, eight-hour closure of the nearby El Paso International Airport on Feb. 10. Overnight travelers were stunned to learn that the U.S. had halted all flights at the El Paso International Airport because of security reasons. The special FAA order could last for 10 days in El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, N.M., according to the agency's notice. Overnight travelers were stunned to learn that the U.S. had halted all flights at the El Paso International Airport because of security reasons. The special FAA order could last for 10 days in El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, N.M., according to the agency's notice. Overnight travelers were stunned to learn that the U.S. had halted all flights at the El Paso International Airport because of security reasons. The special FAA order could last for 10 days in El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, N.M., according to the agency's notice. Overnight travelers were stunned to learn that the U.S. had halted all flights at the El Paso International Airport because of security reasons. The special FAA order could last for 10 days in El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, N.M., according to the agency's notice. Inside El Paso airport after FAA grounds flights for 10 days 1 of 4 Overnight travelers were stunned to learn that the U.S. had halted all flights at the El Paso International Airport because of security reasons. The special FAA order could last for 10 days in El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, N.M., according to the agency's notice. An administration official publicly blamed the no-fly order on a "cartel drone incursion," before competing accounts from other officials suggested border agents fired a new laser technology on what turned out to be a party balloon, according to multiple media reports. The FAA abruptly shut down the airport as a precaution. Advertisement Advertisement Experts say it's true Mexican cartels are using drones with greater frequency and growing capabilities. The cartels are surveilling U.S. law enforcement at the border and smuggling in payloads of drugs. Inside Mexico, they've begun outfitting drones with explosives to attack rival criminal organizations and security forces. Butthe last thing Mexican criminal organizations want is to attack Americans or U.S. law enforcement and provoke the wrath of the U.S. government, said Juan Camilo Jaramillo, a Colombia-based investigator for the cartel research group InSight Crime. "That is a line they aren't going to cross," he said. More: CBP-fired military laser triggered El Paso communication meltdown 'No evidence ... of weaponized drones on the US side' In a 2025 executive order, President Donald Trump recategorized six Mexican cartels as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations," a move that U.S. officials have claimed lends them greater authority to target the organizations with military force. Experts have questioned the legality of that assertion. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security has tracked tens of thousands of suspected drone sightings in recent years, but none has yet posed a deadly threat inside U.S. territory, experts say. The Pentagon recently supplied DHS with anti-drone laser technology, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection deployed it in El Paso on Feb. 9, people familiar with the matter told USA TODAY. DHS didnt respond to a request for comment regarding the agencys deployment of the technology or its role in the airport closure. Sunland Park is part of the El Paso metropolitan area, where the U.S.-Mexico border fence cuts through urban sprawl for miles, separating the city and southern New Mexico communities from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. At ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection uses thermal and other technologies to detect people trafficking drugs, including carrying drugs internally. But drones present new challenges. Advertisement Advertisement In a Senate hearing in July, Steven Willoughby, director of a DHS program to counter unmanned aircraft, said border agents detected more than 27,000 drones near the border, on the U.S. or Mexican sides, in the last six months of 2024. Many were flying above the legal altitude, and at night when darkness can shroud illegal activity. A U.S. military vehicle stands guard along the U.S.Mexico border on Feb. 11, 2026, after the Pentagon announced that U.S. forces had intercepted what officials described as suspected Mexican drug cartel drones. As rival cartels use explosive-laden drones to attack each other, he warned lawmakers, "it is only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted in the border region." Jaramillo, the InSight Crime investigator, said most cartel drone capacity is basic and business-related, involving commercially available drones used to surveil smuggling routes and competitors. Warring criminal factions are increasingly using drones to carry improvised explosive devices, he said, but their use has been concentrated in lawless regions of Mexico's interior. Advertisement Advertisement Forty percent of all IED seizures in Mexico occurred near the border between Michoacan and Jalisco in the country's south, according to data obtained by InSight Crime from Mexico's defense department. That's where the Jalisco Cartel New Generation has battled disparate armed criminal groups for control of smuggling routes. Mexican states such as Guerrero, Zacatecas and Sonora have seen "exponential increases" in the use of drones, as well, InSight Crime reported. Still, "there is no evidence in the public sphere of weaponized cartel drones on the U.S. side of the border," said Austin Doctor, director of strategic initiatives at the University of Nebraska's National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center. "They are primarily targeting either rival cartel forces, local civilian populations to motivate displacement or to attack local security forces," he said. "The question is, are we at a growing risk of that shift?" 'The threat has been neutralized' The morning of the El Paso airport closure, on Feb. 11 at 7:37 a.m. local time, Transportation Department Secretary Sean Duffy posted on social media that the FAA and the Pentagon had "acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion." Advertisement Advertisement "The threat has been neutralized," he wrote in a post on X, "and there is no danger to commercial travel." Other administration officials challenged that version of events as the day progressed. Shortly after Duffy's post, a reporter asked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo what her government knew about the so-called incursion. She had no information, she said. "If the FAA or any other part of the U.S. government has any information, they can ask the Mexican government (about it)," she added. "We will maintain what we have always maintained: permanent communication." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo speaks during her daily morning press conference, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, on Feb. 4, 2026. U.S.-Mexico cooperation on security matters has improved dramatically under Sheinbaum Pardo, said Roberta Jacobson, a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and co-founder of consultancy Dinamica Americas. That includes partnering on extraditions, intelligence-sharing and joint surveillance, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Over the last year, Sheinbaum Pardo has faced perilous political obstacles in her country's relationship with its powerful northern neighbor. But every time Trump takes to social media, angered by drug trafficking or drone incursions, Sheinbaum Pardo has deftly reminded him of their working partnership, Jacobson said. The two leaders spoke in January. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Mexican counterpart followed up days later, and a "ministerial security" meeting was planned for February. "Maybe ironically, maybe not, it has always seemed to me that the best cooperation occurs behind the scenes without much fanfare," Jacobson said. "It comes from the unglamourous and behind-the-scenes sharing of information that happens behind the scenes." Lauren Villagran covers immigration and the border for USA TODAY and can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. Cybele Mayes-Osterman covers national security. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Border agents downed a balloon near El Paso. Is a 'cartel drone' next? The Brief The CDC has terminated a grant that was meant to fund public health infrastructure in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health said Minnesota and three other states have had their funds canceled. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit with California, Colorado and Illinois to sue the Trump administration's directive. The court has now temporarily blocked the funding cut. MINNESOTA (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) said the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has canceled about $38 million in grants that were meant to fund public health investments in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing the Trump administration for $42 million, which his office says includes estimated future grant funding and State Injury Prevention Program (SIPP) funding. The funds are part of $600 million in CDC grants that have also been cut to Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois and California. Minnesota Department of Health statement Big picture view According to MDH, the CDC said the funding for Minnesota was terminated because the state was "inconsistent with agency priorities." The funds were reportedly planned to be used to strengthen the state's public health workforce, modernize data systems, support emergency planning and response work, build local public health services and capacity, as well as enhance efficiencies and effectiveness of public health programs. Advertisement Advertisement The MDH adds that the federal government is making it harder to prepare for the next public health threat. Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham released the following statement: "There is simply no need or valid justification for these targeted cuts that put Minnesotans at risk. These cuts by the federal government, and other cuts to public health funding over the past year, highlight a total disregard for promoting health and wellbeing. The ongoing cuts create an environment of chaos and confusion for communities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services actions directly contradict their claims that they are working to make Americans healthier. They are making us less healthy, less safe and less prepared to respond to emergencies." AG Ellison lawsuit Dig deeper In an update, Ellison announced that the court issued an order to temporarily block the funding cut. The temporary restraining order will last 14 days. Advertisement Advertisement Ellison's lawsuit alleges that the directive to cut this funding violates the constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act because it is "arbitrary and capricious." Here is a statement following the court decision: "Im pleased to have won a temporary stop to the Trump administrations unlawful attempt to slash millions in public health funding to Minnesota. It should go without saying, but the president is supposed to represent and serve all Americans, and it is unspeakably tragic that President Trump has instead decided to deliberately inflict pain and suffering on Minnesotans. As long as President Trumps campaign of revenge and retribution goes on, I will do everything in my power to protect the people of Minnesota from his lawless actions." The backstory The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notified Congress of its intent to terminate CDC grants to Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois and California on Feb. 9. What's next The MDH said it is "aware that CDC has notified Congress that they plan to cut additional grants starting next week.' Advertisement Advertisement The grants include the Preventive Services Block Grant (PBG) as well as the HIV Surveillance and Prevention Strengthening STD Prevention and Control for Health Departments grant. CDC response The other side FOX 9 has reached out to the CDC for a response and will update this story if one is received. The Source This story uses information shared by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and the Minnesota Department of Health. The Centers for Disease Control is warning travelers about traveling to a popular tourist destination due to a recent disease outbreak. The group issued a level 2 health advisory warning people visiting the Seychelles that there is an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-born illness, in the country. Chikungunya is a virus spread by infected mosquitos. Common symptoms include fever and joint pain, as well as headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, and a rash. Advertisement Advertisement While there are no known treatment options for chikungunya, death from the virus is rare. A level 2 advisory means that the CDC is encouraging travelers to practice enhanced precautions. The group recommends that anyone heading to the Seychelles get vaccinated for the disease beforehand. The CDC also recommends preventing mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors. Anyone pregnant should consider avoiding traveling to the area, the CDC said, as mothers can pass chikungunya to their children during delivery, and newborns infected with the disease are at risk for severe illness. Advertisement Advertisement People over age 65 or who have medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are more at risk for serious illness as well, the CDC said. If you develop any of the symptoms of chikungunya, you should seek medical care during or after travel. The Seychelles is an island republic located in the Indian Ocean near east Africa. It is made up of about 115 islands and is one of the worlds smallest countries. It is home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals. Read the original article on pennlive.com. ORLANDO Two weeks ago, Elizeth Villabos got a frantic call in the middle of the day from her teen daughter at high school in Orange County. She was at school and saw ICE out side and she was crying and so afraid, Villalobos said. She asked me if they were there to return us to Venezuela and if we would be killed if we went back. Villalobos calmed her daughter down and said their pending asylum case would allow them to stay in the U.S. but after their temporary protected status had been revoked by the Trump administration, she knew it likely would not. It was at this moment she realized she needed to protect her daughter in case Elizeth was detained and deported but the daughter was not. Advertisement Advertisement So after living in the U.S. for nine years, Elizeth Villalobos made a heart-wrenching choice. She signed over parental rights for her 15-year-old daughter to her 37-year-old eldest daughter, who has four children of her own. My eldest daughter was 21 when she was born so shes always been like a second mom to her, Villalobos said in Spanish. She was the natural choice, but its sad that this is the reality of what we are living. Shes not alone. An increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence in Central Florida has rattled many in the immigrant community, as the number of detainees at Orange County Jail held only for their immigration status increased fourfold in January. Immigrants, even those who are here legally, are contemplating the possibility of being snatched by authorities without warning, and preparing for the worst. As a result, Central Florida immigration attorneys have seen a major uptick in parents giving parental rights over their children to trusted friends or family members, a step they now recommend to all of their clients without permanent legal status. Advertisement Advertisement The legal document Villalobos used, granting power of attorney, allows parents to temporarily transfer their parental rights and decision-making abilities to another person. Parents technically still retain full custody of their child and can revoke the legal document at any time. Cristina Navarro Motta, an immigration attorney based in Kissimmee said the legal process is best done before anyone is arrested. Without it, a court would appoint someone to take care of children. When someone gets detained they are very limited as to what they can do, Motta said. In Villalobos case, power of attorney allows her daughter to live in the U.S. without her parents and grants her sister the authority to take her to school and make financial and medical decisions on her behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Motta said the power of attorney also can grant a single spouse the ability to take legal actions that would otherwise require both parents consent, such as applying for childrens passports or making certain medical decisions. The document can be written so that the power is triggered only if parents are detained and it allows parents to revoke it afterward. Without it, children may not be able to travel out of the U.S. to see deported parents until theyre adults, and no one would have the authority to handle any bank accounts, homes or cars left behind. Even if [immigrants] do have family that can take over, they may not have all the necessary authority to make choices for the children, Motta said about the power of attorney. It gives families a sense of having some degree of control in a situation where they have no control at all. The legal step is more common now than in all of her years of practicing immigration law, Motta said. Ingrid Morfa, another Kissimmee-based immigration attorney, said just last week 15 clients asked her to help them draft a power of attorney for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Parents have broken down crying, Morfa said. They feel like they cant control their future and they cant protect their children. They were being persecuted in their countries and now theyre being persecuted here. Advocates are also gearing up to host legal clinics and front the cost for more families to access attorneys. Felipe Sousa Lazaballet, the executive director of Hope Community Center in Apopka, said the organization had such a large volume of interest in the legal step over the last few months that its created its own comprehensive power-of-attorney template document to keep up with demand. This is an emergency plan that also helps them think about, who are the people in their family they can trust? Sousa-Lazaballet said. There is the moment of detention and even deportation, but theres the worse consequence of your family being separated forever or a child being sent to adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Family separation has long been contentious, and the children of undocumented immigrants who are detained or deported it have sometimes faced permanent separation. A 2011 report from the Applied Research Centre found there were at least 5,100 children in foster care with detained or deported parents. That was well before immigration enforcement ramped up to its current levels under President Donald Trump. Villalobos teen daughter, whom she asked not to name, has only known life in the U.S. after being brought here at 5 years old. Her eldest daughter also signed a power of attorney for her four children to another family member. Despite the legal recourse, Villalobos is tired of being stuck in limbo. Advertisement Advertisement I want to know what is going to happen to us, she said. Is this going to continue forever? I dont get an interview for my (asylum) case for nearly 10 years but now they want to do everything so rough. During the day she works at a law firm as a receptionist and at night she used to drive for Uber daily. But as ICE continues ramping up arrests in Orlando, she said shes afraid of being pulled over. I used to [drive for Uber] everyday, but now Im only doing it twice a week because its dangerous and you feel nervous, Villalobos said. I dont know what the future holds, but Im taking the precautions of not going out and diminishing my income so much that my bank account is low. If this continues my finances are going to be upside down. Another Orange County woman, who asked not to use her name because of her immigration status, was left alone to care for four children all of them U.S. citizens born in this country after her husband was detained by immigration officers on Christmas Eve on the way to a construction job. Advertisement Advertisement Just 12 hours after her husband was taken, he told her he couldnt handle the horrible treatment in detention and had agreed to his immediate deportation. I felt my world shatter in front of me, and all the dreams we had, she said in Spanish through her tears. The dreams my children had are gone. She has lived in the U.S. for more than 16 years, paying taxes, building a home and never having so much as a parking ticket. But not knowing what might happen to her, she signed the power of attorney over her children to their godmother. The moment you sign you have an ugly feeling, she said. But at the same time it gives you a sense of security that my kids will be okay. Advertisement Advertisement Her 18-year-old son was a freshman at a college in New York studying graphic design, but now has to take a gap year to work in order to afford school. Her 6-year-old son is struggling to adjust to life without his dad and is getting letters sent home about his behavior and lack of focus in first grade. Her youngest, 4, keeps asking when she will see her dad again. Her 14-year-old daughter cancelled her own quinceanera, a traditional coming-of-age party to celebrate a girls 15th birthday, her childhood dream now reduced to a dress collecting dust in the back of her closet. She cries, Promise me youll be back when I get home from school, she said about her teen daughter. But I cant make her that promise and it breaks my heart. But I have to be honest with her. ------------- Chicago is celebrating 100 years of Route 66 with a new official starting point. Navy Pier will now mark the beginning of the iconic highway, creating a pier-to-pier route from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean. A ceremony at Navy Pier will include a dedication of the new Route 66 sign, live music, classic cars and the annual Harry Caray toast. The event is happening March 25. SEE ALSO | Leaders outline 2026 tourism plans at Choose Chicago meeting The Peoples Liberation Army Navy might have a ridiculous name, but its starting get some serious weaponry. A Chinese Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark was recently spotted carrying two YJ-15 anti-ship missiles, and that little detail is a loud message about reach, targeting, and making life harder for everyone operating inside the first island chain. This wasnt a conceptual mock-up or a test flight. It was a carrier-based fighter, in flight, sporting a pair of YJ-15 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles powered by ramjet engines. This means the weapon is far enough along to be in a real configuration, not just a Putin-style flex that really means nothing. Also Read: 4 Massively over-hyped Russian weapons systems The YJ-15 first showed up publicly during a September 2025 military parade in Beijing, alongside other new anti-ship systems labeled YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20. And being on a J-15 is important because that fighter is the workhorse of Chinas carrier air wings. If youre trying to add punch to your carrier groups fast, you arm the jet you already have in quantity. The Highway to the Danger Zone is suddenly a Cul-de-Sac China has not published official YJ-15 specs, a classic communist military move. But outside analysis suggests these newer air-launched anti-ship missiles could reach roughly 1,200 to 1,800 kilometers (about 750 to 1,120 miles) and potentially exceed Mach 5. Even if real-world performance comes in lower, the point stands that the YJ-15 is a big leap from older options like the YJ-12, which has about half that range. If those estimates are even partly right, an enemy surface ships comfortable operating space is suddenly much smaller, and its decision time much tighter. It pushes the threat ring outward and buys the launching aircraft more standoff distance. J-15T + 2x YJ-15 First time seen in public pic.twitter.com/cr0Tr9QAbi David Wang (@DavidWangPLA) February 5, 2026 The Medium is the Message Even without a spec sheet, the YJ-15s visible configuration is an air-breathing, high-speed design, likely in the ducted-ramjet family based on the intake layout and overall form. Thats consistent with a supersonic ship-killers job description, and it fits the way China included multiple new maritime strike missiles into its 2025 parade narrative. But the real story is what this does to carrier aviation strike geometry. This means its not just about the missile, its also about finding the target, tracking it, and feeding that information to the shooter. Chinas newer carrier, Fujian, was built for catapult operations, which changes what carrier-based aircraft can launch. Catapults mean heavier takeoff weights, which means more fuel, more weapons, and less compromise. Public reporting has pegged Fujian in the 80,000-ton class, with an embarked air wing at around 40 aircraft, plus catapult testing that included the J-35, J-15, UAVs, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft. So when you pair a heavier-launch carrier with a longer-range anti-ship missile and a carrier fighter that can actually carry two of them, youve got a maritime strike option that can scale. Chinas carrier ambitions arent subtle. The PLAN is showcasing longer-range precision-strike systems and building a carrier aviation program that can truly contest space in the Western Pacific. The Pentagons 2025 China military power report says China aims for a six-carrier fleet by 2035. Whether that exact number lands or not, the direction is clear: more carriers, longer reach, and more pressure on everyone elses planning. BEIJING, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Restoring stability to global semiconductor supply chains is the top priority, China's commerce ministry said Friday in response to a Dutch court ruling earlier this week on Nexperia, according to a statement published on the ministry's website. The ministry urged the Dutch side to meet China half way and create favorable conditions for companies to resolve internal disputes. A Dutch court on Wednesday ordered an investigation into mismanagement at chipmaker Nexperia BV and upheld an October decision to suspend former CEO Zhang Xuezheng, the founder of Nexperia's Chinese parent Wingtech <600745.SS>, saying the company needs stability. (Reporting by Shi Bu, Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo; editing by Philippa Fletcher) BEIJING, Feb 13 (Reuters) - China and the United States held an anti-narcotics intelligence exchange meeting from Tuesday to Thursday in the U.S., Chinese state media reported on Friday. Teams from China and the U.S. had "in-depth discussions on the narcotics situation, cleanup of illicit online information, cooperation cases, control of chemicals, and drug-related anti-money laundering", state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Both sides agreed to "promote healthy, in-depth and pragmatic anti-narcotics cooperation", Xinhua said. (Reporting by Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo; Editing by Kevin Liffey) Patients at East Tennessee Children's Hospital using Cigna insurance received welcome news on Friday, as East Tennessee Children's Hospital announced Cigna reversed its previous decision to terminate its contract with the hospital. This comes after an ongoing dispute between the hospital and the insurance agency that started when ETCH leaders said they were notified that Cigna wanted to initiate a termination of a current contract on May 27. The termination would have been effective starting March 1. The hospital told 10News that after our coverage about the possibility of patients losing coverage, Cigna sent a "comprehensive proposal." Advertisement Advertisement After reviewing the proposal in January, an East Tennessee Children's Hospital spokesperson said they were still in negotiations, but were hoping to come to an agreement soon. However, ETCH announced on Friday that Cigna has reversed its decision to terminate its agreement with the hospital and that ETCH has accepted the reversal. "This is a positive outcome for the patients and families we serve," an ETCH spokesperson said. "As a result, the longstanding existing agreement between Cigna and ETCH remains in effect without interruption." A rally in Sydney to protest Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia in February 2026 turned violent, with police using pepper spray and scuffling with demonstrators. But a video shared online and in news reports supposedly filmed during the clashes is old; the man who took it in January told AFP it had "nothing to do with any protest at all". "Sydney police clash with protesters, deploying pepper spray amid escalating tensions," reads a Facebook post published February 10, 2026. The video -- which was also shared on the Australia-based page's Instagram account -- shows the police repeatedly shoving a man in a tan-coloured shirt, who kept getting back up, and then later spraying him in the face with what appeared to be a canned aerosol. Advertisement Advertisement Snippets of the footage also appeared at the four-second mark of a video compilation shared by Al Jazeera on Facebook and X on February 11. "Australian police are facing mounting scrutiny after a violent crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests," reads the caption, with the footage labelled "9 Feb 2026". Screen captures of false posts taken on February 12, 2026, with the red X added by AFP The videos circulated online after a February 9 demonstration against Israel's President Isaac Herzog (archived link) He had been invited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to console the Jewish community after an antisemitic mass shooting on Bondi Beach on December 14, which killed 15 people (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement The rally in Sydney turned violent as police scuffled with protesters, hitting them and members of the media, including AFP, with pepper spray. But the video shared in posts was not taken during the recent rally. A reverse image search using keyframes from the clip found an uncropped version in a January 5 news article about a man pepper-sprayed during his confrontation with police at Sydney's George Street (archived link). The footage was credited to Instagram user @topixbne, who posted the video on January 4 (archived here and here). Screenshot comparison of false Facebook post (L) with Instagram post from January 2026. Red X and highlight added by AFP. "It was filmed 2nd Jan (and) had nothing to do with any protest at all," Topix, a Brisbane-based rapper, told AFP via Instagram on February 12. Advertisement Advertisement He said the confrontation was between an individual and the police, and urged those circulating the clip as the February 9 protest to "stop spreading misinformation". New South Wales police told AFP that on the night of January 2, "police were called to a licensed premises on George Street, Sydney, following reports of an intoxicated man refusing to leave the premises". The 18-year-old was arrested and taken to hospital for assessment. He was charged with "excluded person remain in vicinity of licensed premises, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, possess prohibited drug, and breach of bail", the police media unit said in a February 13 email. By Gianluca Lo Nostro PARIS, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Eutelsat on Friday reported better-than-expected revenue, bolstered by efforts from France to advance plans for a European competitor to Elon Musk's Starlink, which are boosting the satellite operator as it pivots to focus on internet services. Revenue for the first half of its financial year reached 592 million euros ($702 million), surpassing analysts' average forecast of 581 million euros. More from Yahoo Scout What role does France play in Eutelsat's strategy? What are Eutelsat's plans for satellite infrastructure expansion? How is OneWeb contributing to Eutelsat's business transformation? How did Eutelsat's revenue perform against analyst expectations? Though it remained loss-making, the company reduced operating losses by 85%. Eutelsat also slashed net debt by more than half after the French state, now its top shareholder, led a 1.5 billion euro rescue last year to stabilise a balance sheet shaken by a declining video business and rising borrowing costs. FRANCE DRIVING PUSH TO TAKE ON STARLINK France sees Eutelsat as Europe's only viable challenger to Starlink, given its ownership of OneWeb, the only other active satellite network in the low Earth orbit (LEO). Those satellites, folded into the group in the 2023 merger with Londonbased OneWeb, are used by governments and militaries and have become strategic assets for national security. The bet is starting to show early signs of traction even as high costs persist. Eutelsat said OneWeb's revenue jumped almost 60% and made up about a fifth of group sales, partly offsetting a steady decline of legacy broadcasting. Still, it must replace ageing OneWeb satellites and has secured a statebacked loan of 1 billion euros to buy 340 new Airbus spacecraft. The company is looking at projects to provide at some point satellite-to-smartphone internet services, also known as direct-to-device, CEO Jean-Francois Fallacher said in a post-earnings call with reporters. Asked about a request from France's foreign ministry to explore sending terminals to Iran after authorities imposed an internet blackout last month, Fallacher said Eutelsat would support the Iranian people as much as it could. Eutelsat also cancelled a satellite order from Thales Alenia Space, saving more than 100 million euros in capital spending. The company said it would now proceed with refinancing its bonds, after last year's cash call triggered upgrades from credit rating agencies. Shares of Eutelsat were up 6.6% by 0836 GMT, bringing their gains to around 33% this year. ($1 = 0.8427 euros) (Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Matt Scuffham and Milla Nissi-Prussak) CNN host Kaitlan Collins credited White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday for defending the journalist while on a presidential trip to Saudi Arabia. Collins explained on Heather McMahan's "Absolutely Not" podcast that she was in Saudi Arabia on a trip covering President Donald Trump's visit to the country and noted the Saudis famously do not like the media. "I asked a shouted question to President Trump, who had seen me when the U.s. press came in," Collins said. "He didn't answer, which is, I mean, that's how it works. You shout questions. They either answer or they don't it's their prerogative. And then the world leaders left the room. Advertisement Advertisement "The Saudi Royal Guard kind of freaked out because I dared to ask a question, and theyre not used to that there because they dont have a free press." Leavitt Clashes With Journalist Over Renee Good, Calls Him 'Left-wing Activist' In Tense Wh Briefing Exchange CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (Getty Images) Collins said Saudi authorities then tried to stop her from entering the next press event and, when she pushed back, they told her she wouldnt be allowed in. Read On The Fox News App "I could see them like, whispering, and pointing about me," Collins said. "And some of the younger White House staff, they are with the press, weren't really sure what to do, and they went to Karoline and, to her credit, she said, 'No, Kaitlan's coming in with the rest of the U.S. press,' and we went in. And, so, it didn't become this huge issue. Advertisement Advertisement "So, to her credit, she, without a doubt, was like, 'No, you're coming in,'" Collins said of Leavitt. "Which I do think is important in that moment, especially when you're kind of the U.S. contingent abroad, and we don't do things like they do in Saudi Arabia." The White House did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment. Collins said a similar incident occurred in the previous Trump administration when the president visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Gop Strategist Accuses Cnn Of Double Standard On Biden Overstepping Authority Vs. How Network Treated Trump CNN's Kaitlan Collins and President Donald Trump Collins has frequently clashed with Trump while covering the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has called her "stupid and nasty" and criticized her during a recent Oval Office exchange for not smiling. "I dont think Ive ever seen a smile on your face," he told her earlier this month. Trump often criticizes the press and has threatened lawsuits. However, Collins said during an October podcast that Trump has actually "embraced" the media in ways other presidents have not. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Though shes only covered two presidents as a White House correspondent, Collins said even veteran reporters have noted Trump changed the media dynamic. Advertisement Advertisement "When you speak to reporters who covered President Obama, he almost never responded to shouted questions," Collins said at the time. "It wasn't his thing. He would have his moments with world leaders, and then you would leave the Oval. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "Trump kind of upended that when he came into the White House," she said. "Sometimes presidents are press averse. Trump embraced the media." Original article source: CNN host Kaitlan Collins reveals Karoline Leavitt defended her press access in Saudi Arabia NEED TO KNOW In 2021, Santa Barbara City College received a $20 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest donation in school history Just weeks ago, the school's Board of Trustees issued a statement saying they were "disappointed to learn" that some of that gift was "used without explicit authorization" In a statement to PEOPLE, Santa Barbara City College Foundation CEO Bobbi Abram acknowledged the "accounting process failure," but stressed that the money was used "in the spirit of the donors intent" A California community college was gifted $20 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott but some of the money was used without proper authorization, according to officials. Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees President Jonathan Abboud said in a statement late last month that the board was "concerned" by the "unauthorized use" of the 2021 donation from Scott, the largest in the school's 112-year history. Advertisement Advertisement In a separate statement obtained by PEOPLE, the Santa Barbara City College Foundation said the donation "effectively funded a large portion of" their Promise Program, which provides tuition assistance, books and other supplies for local high school students. Bobbi Abram, CEO of the SBCC Foundation, told SFGATE that about $10.5 million of the billionaire philanthropist's donation was used toward the program from 2021 to 2024. Abram said that the funds were used without approval from the foundation's board, Santa Barbara City College officials or the school's board of trustees, according to the outlet. Now, $13 million is left of Scott's original gift. MacKenzie Scott Dia Dipasupil/Getty Abboud went on to say that while the board of trustees were "disappointed" to learn what happened, they were "nevertheless grateful to the SBCC Foundations current leadership and staff for identifying the past unauthorized activity and initiating a comprehensive review of the SBCC Foundation's past accounting practices and swiftly improving internal controls." Advertisement Advertisement The school noted that its board of trustees had initiated its own investigation as the SBCC Foundation is a separate legal entity. Moving forward, Abboud said the SBCC Board "will continue to work collaboratively with the SBCC Foundation to address this matter appropriately and ensure full transparency and accountability for the use of the gift funds." When reached for comment by PEOPLE, Abram said the foundation wants to stress that the funds were not "misused." "More than 1,800 local students are supported by the Promise each year. This is a nationally recognized program which makes higher education accessible for local families," Abram said. "Using some of the Scott gift funds for the Promise was not a 'misuse.' It was entirely consistent with the Foundations mission and in the spirit of the donors intent." Advertisement Advertisement "What it was is an accounting process failure and a lack of transparency and authorization which we discovered in 2025 and now have corrected," Abram continued. Scott has made many notable donations to educational institutions and other organizations around the country Sara Gerth/Shutterstock SBCC's student newspaper The Channels and SFGATE reported that Abram took over as SBCC Foundations CEO in May 2024 and conducted an audit after finding inconsistencies in the accounting records early last year. Because this misstatement happened on the fund level, it was outside the scope of [a previous] audit, and was the responsibility of previous management to report it to the auditors, Abram told SFGATE. Abram said that the SBCC Foundation is working to keep a closer eye on its accounting moving forward to prevent situations such as these, according to the Santa Barbara Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Scott has made many notable donations to educational institutions and other organizations around the country. In 2020, according to a report from Rutgers University, she gave more than $560 million to 23 historically Black colleges and universities across the country. Analyzing the immediate impact of Scott's donations, Rutgers researchers found that, "on average, the median enrollment of new students was more than 300 students greater for HBCUs that received funding when compared to the median enrollment for those that did not receive funding." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Advertisement Advertisement According to SFGATE, she also gave $38 million to the University of California, Merced just after gifting $50 million to California State University, East Bay. In 2025 alone, she gave more than $7.1 billion to nonprofit groups. Scott, who is dedicated to giving away the majority of her fortune during her lifetime, currently has an estimated to have a net worth of nearly $40 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. In the years since her divorce divorce from Jeff Bezos became official in 2019, resulting in an approximately $36 billion settlement, Scott has transformed philanthropy with her sizable, unrestricted donations, according to a three-year study published by the Center for Effective Philanthropy last year. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Brianna Arango, a 21-year-old student at Texas' Southern Methodist University, was reported missing on Thursday, Feb. 12 She didn't attend an afternoon class and failed to meet up with a relative In an update on Friday, Feb. 13, police confirmed to PEOPLE that she was found safe A 21-year-old college student was reported missing in Texas earlier this week after she failed to show up for class, according to multiple local news outlets. She has since been found safe, authorities say. Brianna Arango, who attends Southern Methodist University, was last seen on campus on Thursday, Feb. 12, around 12:30 p.m. local time, near Harold Simmons Hall on Airline Road, Fox affiliate KDFW, CBS News and NBC affiliate KXAS reported. She was reported missing that same day. Advertisement Advertisement In an update on Friday, Feb. 13, a spokesperson for the Southern Methodist University Police Department confirms to PEOPLE that the young woman was found safe. No additional details have been shared about when and where she was found or the circumstances behind her disappearance. "We know this situation was concerning for many in our community, and we are grateful for your attention and assistance," police said in a statement after sharing the news that Arango was safe, according to local CBS station KTVT. The concern began when the 21-year-old student missed a class at 1 p.m. on Feb. 12, then failed to meet up with a relative as planned that afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement By 3:30 p.m., relatives reported her missing. Before she was found, the Southern Methodist University Police Department told CBS News that officers were actively working to locate Brianna and are treating this as a matter of concern. Southern Methodist University Brian Harkin/Getty The private research university in Dallas has more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students, according to the school's website. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Police had no further details to add about the college student's safe recovery when asked for additional comment by PEOPLE. An investigation remains ongoing, according to KTVT. Read the original article on People The prospect of a costly and prolonged interstate lawsuit over rights to the Colorado River looms now that the states using the water are blowing past a Valentines Day deadline with no water-sharing deal in hand. With no agreement among the states, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the federal government could no longer delay action and would move forward with work on a set of alternatives outlined late last year. Negotiation efforts have been productive," Burgum said in a statement Feb. 14. "We have listened to every states perspective and have narrowed the discussion by identifying key elements and issues necessary for an agreement. We believe that a fair compromise with shared responsibility remains within reach." Advertisement Advertisement The secretary said it was critical to put a new operating plan in place by Oct. 1, the start of the next water year. The dispute has largely hinged on whether states in the headwaters region would agree to mandatory cuts to their overall supply in especially dry years a commitment they have so far rejected in part because they do not use their full allocation as the more developed Southwest does. "Throughout the negotiations of the post-2026 operating guidelines for the Colorado River, Arizona and its Lower Basin partners have offered numerous, good-faith compromises to the representatives of the Upper Basin states," said Tom Buschatzke, Arizona's lead negotiator and the director of the state Department of Water Resources. "In that time, virtually all of them have been rejected." Nevada's lead negotiator issued a statement on Feb. 13, a day before the target that most everyone involved knew they would miss, and decried the entrenched positions of states unwilling to bend. Advertisement Advertisement "The seven Colorado River Basin states have failed to reach an agreement to collectively protect our respective communities and economies in the face of almost certain reductions to our use of the river," said John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority in Las Vegas. "As I talk with people throughout Southern Nevada, I hear their frustration that years of negotiations have yielded almost no headway in finding a path through these turbulent waters. "As someone who has spent countless nights and weekends away from my family trying to craft a reasonable, mutually acceptable solution only to be confronted by the same tired rhetoric and entrenched positions," Entsminger said, "I share that frustration." Hobbs: Seven states must share in conservation The governors of the three Southwestern states comprising the river's Lower Basin issued a joint statement pledging to keep working toward a deal but also asserting that they have offered reasonable terms already. Advertisement Advertisement Our future management of the Colorado River must be built on a foundation of shared contribution and innovation, with all Colorado River water users stretching to conserve water," Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said in a news release. They noted that Arizona has offered to reduce its share by 27% in most years while California and Nevada have offered 10% and 17% respectively, and ask for mandatory cuts from upstream states when needed. Arizona's offering is highest in part because it has significant rights that are junior to the others, and it must draw down its use first regardless of any deal. "Our stance remains firm and fair: all seven basin states must share in the responsibility of conservation," the governors said. They noted that their states contain roughly 75% of the population, employment and crop sales supported by the river, as well as 25 of the affected Indigenous tribes. Advertisement Advertisement After six of the governors meet with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum late last month in a last-ditch effort to reach a deal, Colorado's state river commissioner Becky Mitchell had said the four Upper Basin states were committed to conserving water, but only on a voluntary basis. Those states Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming use less water than the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada. On the eve of the deadline, the Upper Colorado River Commission released a statement quoting Mitchell, its chair, as saying that the mountain states can't fill the gap left by drought heavy use in the Southwest. She and colleagues have frequently noted that many farmers in their states already are cut off when headwater streams run low. Were being asked to solve a problem we didnt create with water we dont have," Mitchell said. "The Upper Divisions approach is aligned with hydrologic reality and were ready to move forward. The Upper Basin's joint news release said the four headwaters states stood "prepared to set aside long-standing legal arguments to reach a workable agreement that stabilizes the system for 40 million people in the United States and Mexico who depend on the Colorado River." Advertisement Advertisement The Lower Basin states have agreed to take the first major hit in any given year of shortage, but have said they cant solve the problem alone in especially dry years. It was never clear how hard the Feb. 14 deadline might be, and still isnt. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation pegged the date as the time by which it wanted a seven-state agreement that it could fold into its developing environmental study as the preferred option to managing the river. Negotiators for some of the states, including Arizona, had said they viewed it as deadline for submitting the outlines of an agreement in principle, with details to be worked out after. Even that hasnt happened. Advertisement Advertisement Reclamation and Department of Interior officials did not immediately respond to questions about what comes now, and whether they will engage the states further in search of a deal. But in a news release about this winter's paltry snowpack and tentative meltwater outlook, Acting Reclamation Commissioner Scott Cameron said the agency expects to work with the states. "The basin's poor hydrologic outlook highlights the necessity for collaboration as the Basin States, in collaboration with Reclamation, work on developing the next set of operating guidelines for the Colorado River system," Cameron said. Available tools will be utilized and coordination with partners will be essential this year to manage the reservoirs and protect infrastructure. For their part, Arizona water officials say they are open to continuing the talks, though time runs short. The federal government needs to have a plan fully analyzed and in place by the time the 2027 water year begins in October. Arizona's position: Colorado River states 'on a path' to deal, within limits, Hobbs says Reclamation reviews range of options The Bureau of Reclamation is currently reviewing options in an environmental study that is intended to set water shortage guidelines for 20 years. It has published a draft of several initial options that its leaders said were never intended as the ultimately remedy, but rather as placeholders that could be replaced by a state-negotiated agreement. Advertisement Advertisement If no such agreement is coming, the agency will have to choose on its own. Arizona is especially at risk, as its rights to the water that flows from the river to Phoenix and Tucson through the Central Arizona Project canal are legally junior to other users. Already in recent years CAP has had to cut back to protect reservoir levels in Lake Mead, pushing farmers in Pinal County to reduce plantings and switch to less-sustainable groundwater. CAP officials have said that none of the alternatives currently under review are acceptable, and say one of them could essentially drain the canal. Adding to the urgency is a so-far historically dry winter at a legally perilous time. Federal water forecasters released updated projections for this year's flows into Lake Powell and pegged them at just over half of the annual average. Such a poor runoff season could plunge the reservoir below the point where Glen Canyon Dam can generate hydroelectricity by the end of the year if the government doesn't act to shore up the pool. It already has begun to work against that possibility by reducing releases to temporarily hold on to more water, and may also send water downstream from Flaming Gorge and other upstream reservoirs. The Colorado River Compact and associated rules create a tripwire for the river if the Upper Basin doesnt let enough water flow to and through Lake Powell to meet the Lower Basins legal allocation as averaged over a 10-year period, explained Anne Castle, a former Interior Department water official now with the University of Colorados law school. After an extraordinarily dry handful of years, this year or next could easily be the one that drops those deliveries out of compliance. Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau of Reclamations congressional authorization currently is focused on serving as water manager for the Lower Basin rather than the entire watershed. As a result, the easiest alternative for it to impose in the absence of a seven-state agreement is one it calls Basic Coordination and relies on Lower Basin cuts. Any plan that begins and ends with Lower Basin cutbacks, those states have said, is likely to trigger a lawsuit aimed at ensuring the compact is upheld. Such a plan is insufficient to keep the reservoirs from crashing to critical levels, Castle said during a river webinar organized by the nonprofit Western Resource Advocates. If Reclamation has to choose a way forward on its own, she said, it should push for more water savings than the Basic Coordination plan offers and protect reservoir storage while the states take their cases to court. That litigation could take years and rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. Theyre going to get sued regardless, Castle said. We have a river to manage in the meantime. Entsminger, of Nevada, said his state has the "high ground" because it has used its relatively small share of the river responsibly. Nevada, with little farming and a diminutive population at the time of the compact settlement in 1922, gets less than 2% of the river's output in a good year something Entsminger called a "rounding error." Advertisement Advertisement He promised a fight if necessary and brandished his state's Civil War-era slogan, but also said Nevada will keep negotiating. "The river doesnt care about legal interpretations, political comfort zones, or arguments about why a state cant do more to conserve," he said. "Posturing doesnt fill the taps. While I will continue to work with my Colorado River counterparts in hopes of finding a workable solution to this crisis, we must also prepare to fight for our water supply if it comes to that. "As the Battle Born states representatives on the Colorado River, Governor Lombardo and I are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect Nevadas residents." New Mexico's river commissioner, Estevan Lopez, had a similar message but from the opposite side of the river's political divide. The Upper Basin's position that the Lower Basin must rein in its consumption reflects "realism and responsibility," he said. The river is telling us the truth every year," Lopez said in a written statement. "We can either negotiate based on real conditions, including this years critically low hydrology in the Upper Basin, or we can keep repeating outdated assumptions until the system breaks. Water for the river: Vestiges of a once-grand Colorado River hinge on talks Tribes hold a stake in talks, agreement Tribes especially Arizona tribes are also at risk, according to Cora Tso, a senior researcher at Arizona State Universitys Kyl Center for Water Policy. Twenty-two of the Colorado River Basins 30 tribes have recognized rights accounting for roughly a quarter of the rivers average supply, Tso said. At least some of their water, such as the Gila River Indian Communitys large share, are in question because they rely on CAP deliveries. Eleven more tribes have yet to settle their claims, and 10 of them are in Arizona, Tso said. The U.S. has a trust responsibility to provide water to tribes, and any further settlement amounts will have to come out of the states total allocation, which is already fully in use by other users. There are enormous impacts to Lower Basin tribes, Tso said, and none of the alternatives that Reclamation has studied so far are beneficial to them. Before the ongoing megadrought began around the turn of this century, Arizona enjoyed a river allocation of 2.8 million acre-feet of water per year. Each acre-foot, about 326,000 gallons, is enough to provide for roughly three households, though a substantial majority of the water basin-wide goes to farms. The expiring guidelines have required Arizona reduce its share by more than 500,000 acre-feet, and other agreements have led to still more austerity. In each of the last couple of years, during which funds allocated during the Biden administration paid farmers to leave water in Lake Mead, Arizona has reduced its take by about 900,000 acre-feet, according to Buschatzke. Most of the options that Reclamation has studied to date lead to unacceptable risks of dead pool at Lake Mead a prospect that strands water behind Hoover Dam as the surface level drops below hydropower and outlet tubes, said John Berggren, regional policy manager for Western Resource Advocates. Dead pool means the rivers largest users, including a sprawling agricultural powerhouse spreading from Yuma County through Southern California, would be cut off. The option with the best prospects of preventing that, a Maximum Flexibility plan that conservation groups proposed to Reclamation, is also the one that potentially drains the CAP canal in especially tough years. Whatever the solution, Berggren said, climate change continues to shrink the Rocky Mountain snowpack and resulting flows. Standing pat wont work. We need to do more if were going to plan for the river we think were going to see in coming years, Berggren said. Brandon Loomis covers environmental and climate issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Reach him at brandon.loomis@arizonarepublic.com. Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ, Colorado River states tell feds no deal on shortage plan Seven states appear to have failed to reach an agreement on how to split up the water from the shrinking Colorado River ahead of the deadline set by federal officials. The debate has pitted the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada against the four states in the Upper Basin: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico. The states are struggling to find a way to save enough water so that the two largest reservoirs on the river and in the nation Lakes Mead and Powell retain water levels capable of producing hydropower and of supplying downstream users in the Lower Basin and Mexico. The states have tried unsuccessfully for more than a year to reach a voluntary agreement to replace dam-operating guidelines that expire later in 2026. Federal officials have said they want a consensus on a deal that will last 20 years by Feb. 14, though that deadline may not be firm. Advertisement Advertisement Nevada's lead negotiator issued a statement on Feb. 13 saying the group has failed to reach an agreement and sharing the frustrations of Nevadans at the lack of progress in negotiations. "As someone who has spent countless nights and weekends away from my family trying to craft a reasonable, mutually acceptable solution only to be confronted by the same tired rhetoric and entrenched positions," said John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority in Las Vegas. "I share that frustration." For months, the Upper Basin states have argued they would only make voluntary cuts because they dont use as much water as the Lower Basin and cant control the drought that has afflicted them. Arizona recently surrendered about a third of its allotted supply of the river through both mandatory and compensated voluntary cuts to keep Lake Mead from going dry. It has offered to do that and more in dry future years, but only if upstream states agree to their own mandatory cuts. Advertisement Advertisement The governors of the Lower Basin states issued a joint statement pledging to keep working toward a deal but also asserting that they have offered reasonable terms already. Our future management of the Colorado River must be built on a foundation of shared contribution and innovation, with all Colorado River water users stretching to conserve water," Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said in a news release. Without a deal, the states will either have to accept a plan imposed by the U.S. Department of Interior, or launch into a lengthy legal battle. After the governors of six of those states met at the U.S. Department of Interior on Jan. 30, negotiators for California and Colorado expressed optimism about the prospect of reaching a deal. Hobbs said the meeting put them on a path to get a deal, even if they remain at odds over details. Advertisement Advertisement Negotiators have started to discuss the possibility of making a short-term deal that lasts up to five years and then continuing negotiations over what to impose for the remaining 15 years. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colorado River water crisis faces Valentine's Day deadline Snow is arriving in Colorado, and for skiers, the excitement is palpable as the long weekend approaches. At the same time, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is warning those planning to head into the backcountry that avalanche danger is expected to reach the highest levels seen so far this month. The weekend danger, the CAIC said, will be most elevated in areas that receive the most snow on Thursday and Friday. In response, the organization urged travelers to make avalanche safety central to their Presidents Day weekend plans, particularly since time off has historically been prone to avalanche accidents. Keep reading for more. The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door. According to the CAIC, over the past decade, ten avalanche accidents have killed 13 people around the holiday. The organization added that the combination of fresh snow and improving conditions can heighten the risk of a fatality. Skier demand, too, is especially pent up this winter: across Colorado, the snowpack has plunged well below normal, meaning powder days have been less common than usual. Plan ahead, check the forecast, and make sure everyone in your group has the training and rescue equipment needed to enjoy the weekend and get home safely, CAIC director Ethan Greene advised in a press release. That includes a few simple steps. Check the daily avalanche forecast at Colorado.gov/avalanche before heading out Avoid avalanche-prone terrain when danger is elevated Carry avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) and know how to use it Advertisement Advertisement The wintry weather is part of a broader cycle moving through the West. According to a recent update from meteorologist Chris Tomer, it is set to hit the western and southwestern stretch of Colorado the hardest, with more than a foot of snow falling through February 19. The Sierra Nevada, in California, though, is also poised for a hammering. Mammoth Mountain has already reported a 24-inch three-day total. Per OpenSnow, another five feet or so could fall there in the next ten days. Related: From a Gold Medal to a Ring: Breezy Johnson Gets Engaged at the Olympics This story was originally published by Powder on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Powder as a Preferred Source by clicking here. When I was a student at Arizona State University almost 15 years ago, I helped film a massive event on campus known as the Origins Symposium, a science-focused discussion series led by the well-known physicist Lawrence Krauss and attended by thousands. Years later, Id come to see Krauss name all over the Jeffrey Epstein files, in emails showing that he maintained ties to Epstein several years after the latter pleaded guilty to sex crimes. For me, that revelation showed the extent of Epsteins ties to academia and how he used them to maintain influence when he should have been a pariah. And the fallout in academia over the Epstein files continues. As The New York Times reported earlier this week, some of the recently released files show how Epstein pulled strings behind the scenes in 2012 to get his then-girlfriend admitted to Columbia Universitys dental school after shed been rejected. (The revelation raises fresh questions for me about the creepy dentists chair Epstein had on his private island.) Advertisement Advertisement Columbia University fessed up to the special treatment in a statement on Wednesday: In short, a student was admitted to the dental school through an irregular process, coinciding with fundraising solicitations by former academic and alumni leadership of the school. The fundraising discussions were undertaken by the then leadership of the dental school or individuals acting at their behest and not at the direction of the leadership of the medical center or the University. To be clear: the matters discussed in these communications do not meet Columbias standards for integrity and independence in admissions. Columbia isnt the only university coming to terms with its ties to Epstein. The outlet Inside Higher Ed, for example, listed nine professors and faculty members whose ties to Epstein prompted recent statements from several universities, including Harvard and Yale. At Ohio State University, a professor was put on leave for wrestling a documentary filmmaker to the ground after the filmmaker sought to ask the universitys former president about OSUs Epstein connections. The former president, a man named E. Gordon Gee, recently decried efforts to remove billionaire Les Wexners name from university buildings because of his close relationship with Epstein efforts Gee called cancel culture. Needless to say, the revelations from the Epstein files are sending tremors throughout college and university campuses. The post Columbia University admits irregular process for Epstein girlfriend as files rock academia appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Naval Support Activity Panama City held a change-of-command ceremony, welcoming Commander Tristan V. Oliveria as the installations newest commanding officer, relieving Captain Michael K. Mosi. Captain Mosi has served as commanding officer since February 2023. During his tenure, Mosi oversaw multiple infrastructure projects, working to reduce water usage and energy consumption on installations. Advertisement Advertisement He was also in charge of overseeing quality-of-life improvements in childcare facilities across the community, finding housing for students and expanding recreational facilities. This has been the best three years of a long career. I came here, and my predecessor talked about how Bay County and the community welcomed him and how great this installation was. You always hear that, and theres a little bit of skepticism when you receive it. I stand here three years later to say he was absolutely right. Bay County has been phenomenal, Mosi said. Captain Mosis next assignment is with the U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. Taking command is Commander Tristan V. Oliveria, who brings more than 3 decades of naval service to the position. Advertisement Advertisement A native of the Philippines who enlisted in 1993, Oliveria later earned his commission through the U.S. Naval Academy. He was most recently the Executive Officer at the naval base in San Diego, California. Oliveria says he looks forward to building on the foundation Mosi set in place at NSA Panama City. You know, energizing the Panama City area and making sure that, you know, Panama City continues to be a military community. Were embedded. We are part of the neighborhoods in here. You know, we are the community. And I continue to look forward to building upon the foundation that all of our predecessors have before me and then be part of energizing the community, Oliveria said. Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony featured the presentation of colors by the NSA Panama City color guard, the national anthem and an invocation. It concluded with the official reading of orders and the time-honored passing of authority. You know, if I could pick my own relief, I would pick him, Mosi said. Mosi was also the front-runner for the renaming of a section of Thomas Drive that runs parallel to the installation of Navy Boulevard. Further highlighting the long relationship between Naval Support Activity, Panama City, the county and the community. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. A 17-year-old Cumberland County student charged with fatally stabbing his mother appeared before a judge for the first time Wednesday. Isaac Gideon Tracy, a student at Jack Britt High School, is accused of killing his mother, 49-year-old Katharine Svaldi, at their home in the 1900 block of Daphne Circle in Fayetteville. Police say officers responded to the residence just after 7 p.m. Tuesday and found Svaldi suffering from stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Court docs reveal disturbing details Court records showed disturbing new details Thursday night in the case. Advertisement Advertisement According to a police report, Tracy called 911 and said, "he wanted to get himself arrested -- because he killed his mom." Officers arrived on the scene and found Svaldi's body in a recycling bin in the garage. Police also said they found a note on the kitchen table, possibly written by Tracy, detailing why he killed his mother. Nearby residents shocked by the crime Neighbors in the community said they were stunned by the violence. "Can you imagine... to kill your mom. That's very sad," said nearby neighbor Diana Konitzer. Konitzer said the incident was unlike anything she has experienced in decades living in the neighborhood. Katharine Svaldi at a "Beauty and Beast" prom. Courtesy photo "Very shocked. This is, I've been married to my husband for almost 40 years. I never heard like this in my neighborhood," she said. Advertisement Advertisement A close friend described Svaldi as kind and caring and said she was devastated when she learned of her death. "When I finally found out that it was her, devastated, heartbroken, you know, nobody deserves to lose their life like that at anybody's hands. And I just hurt for her and her family, and I hurt for her son," said Kirsten, who spoke off camera. Isaac Tracy Fayetteville Police Department Kirsten shared a fond memory of attending a themed prom event together. "The one memory I have of her. We got to go to a Beauty and Beast prom. So we dressed up and danced and just had the best time," she said. Because of the severity of the crime, Tracy is being charged as an adult. He was appointed legal representation on Thursday and remains in custody without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App Kirsten, who recalled Isaac as a thoughtful teen who often helped neighbors with their lawns, urged the community not to rush to judgment. "I just want people to not judge. We don't know where anyone or any family is going through, and to speculate on what either one of them could have been, is not needed," she said. The investigation remains ongoing. ABC11 is tracking crime and safety across Fayetteville and in your neighborhood SARATOGA SPRINGS - A vague Facebook post suggested Thursday that Compton's, a beloved diner on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs for 42 years, is struggling to stay open. The restaurant's posts said, "We will fight hard to continue to do the same thing that we have always done. We have a lot of things behind the scenes making it very hard to stay in business." It continued, "I am not allowed to fill everyone in on what is going on at this time but we are coming to a point soon that we will be able to." The author was not identified. The late founder, John Compton, retired in 2016, selling the business to his daughters, Sandy Compton and Tina Maher, and Maher's husband, William. An employee who answered the phone Friday morning said they were unavailable. Advertisement Advertisement Rochester-based developer Angelo Ingrassia bought the three-story Compton's building, at 457 Broadway, from the family in 2021 and the adjacent, single-story 453 Broadway four years earlier from another owner. Formerly a Bruegger's Bagels location, 453 Broadway is now a taproom for Cooperstown Distillery. Ingrassia's plan to add three stories above 453 Broadway, renovate the two floors of apartments in the Compton's building and erect a new structure behind them was approved by the city in late 2024, according to The Business Review. When he bought the Compton's building, it reported the restaurant had signed a lease allowing it to stay for another 10 years. It was unclear if the construction and renovation are related to Compton's difficulties. When reached by phone on Friday, Ingrassia declined to comment. Although Compton's Facebook post inspired abundant reactions, shares and comments expressing sympathy and hope, the employee who answered the phone said it had not been busier than usual. "It's been pretty much like any other day," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Once famed for its late-night hours and catering to bar patrons after their carousing, Compton's now serves breakfast and lunch daily. In November, it was named New York's best "hole-in-the-wall breakfast spot" by the website The Daily Meal as part of a 50-state roundup. This article originally published at Compton's in Saratoga suggests uncertain future. Photographer: Lam Yik/Bloomberg A popular strategy pops up in Hong Kong around this time each year: betting on which stocks will be added to a trading link giving mainland buyers easy access to the citys shares. The trade is simple enough: buy stocks of likely candidates in advance and sell on inclusion. Shares added to the Hang Seng Composite Index in the March and September reshuffles last year, and included in the trading connect shortly after, jumped an average 27%, based on their prices 20 days before and after the index announcement, according to Mizuho Securities Asia Ltd. Most Read from Bloomberg The potential gains may be even bigger this year given optimism over the increasing participation of Chinese investors in Hong Kong. Theres also speculation there may be a record number of additions to the so-called Southbound Stock Connect trading link. Its a popular strategy and people are setting it up much earlier than last year, said Andy Zhou, a sales trader at Market Securities Hong Kong Ltd. These trades are heavily one-sided and crowd quickly. Given the thin liquidity of some HSCI candidates, you want to be early, and watch the average daily volume carefully. Eligibility for inclusion in the trading link between the mainland and Hong Kong is based on constituents in the HSCI, but is also reviewed by the Hong Kong exchange and other authorities. In addition to the major reshuffles in March and September, ad hoc changes can also take place through the year. Morgan Stanley and Mizuho have both pitched trading strategies to their clients ahead of the next review by Hang Seng Indexes Co. due this Friday. The index changes will come into effect from March 9, and the list of stocks that will be added to the Southbound link is expected to be announced shortly after that. Morgan Stanley recommended investors buy its list of 44 potential Southbound inclusion candidates and sell its 25 likely deletions, entering the positions on Feb. 9 and exiting on March 9. Potential additions include Jingdong Industrials Inc., OneRobotics Shenzhen Co., Deepexi Technology Co. and Bank of East Asia Ltd., based on its research note. Mizuho has compiled a list of 48 potential additions and 28 deletions for its clients to base their trading on. Last years average return of 27% for Mizuhos Southbound inclusion strategy was an exceptional one, though it was also boosted by a rally in the overall stock market. The strategy lost 3% in 2024 and gained 1% in 2023. The family of Don Huffines, a former Republican Texas senator who is now campaigning to become the states comptroller, bought the disgraced Jeffrey Epsteins Zorro Ranch in New Mexico after the child sex trafficker and molester died. Four years after Mr. Epsteins death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims. Prior to the auction listing, they had never visited the property, Huffines campaign spokesperson Allen Blakemore said in a statement Friday. In a follow-up statement Monday, Blakemore said the family had not been approached by any authorities to search the property but would cooperate should they be. The statement was released in the wake of calls from officials in New Mexico for federal and state authorities to open a probe after an email recently surfaced that two girls may be buried at the ranch or near it. Advertisement Advertisement The ownership was first reported earlier Friday by the Santa Fe New Mexican, which attributed its reporting to public records obtained through public information requests. A limited liability corporation tied to the Huffines family bought the property in 2023 for an undisclosed amount, and later protested its valuation to $13.4 million for tax purposes in part because of the notoriety of the property, according to the New Mexico newspaper. Public records received by the paper tied Huffines to the company. Huffines, a businessman, previously served in the Texas Senate representing the Dallas area. He unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022. A poll released this week showed he is heading into early voting next week with a steady lead over the other candidates in the primary for comptroller. The comptroller acts as the states chief financial officer, managing the states taxes, investments and other duties. Huffines faces Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, a former state senator appointed to the job last summer by Abbott, Michael Berlanga and Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick in the March 3 Republican primary. The revelation of the ownership arrived in the wake of the latest release of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice about Epstein, whose death has created conspiracy theories due to the billionaires connections to the nations powerful from elected officials to university leaders and has become a political conundrum for Republicans across the nation. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A judge ordered that a Confederate flag flying near Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County is to be lowered or removed for now. The decision comes after a January 29 order from circuit court Judge J. Mark Hayes, requiring the flag to be removed, lowered 30 feet, or significantly reduced in size by February 5. The legal battle over the flags location has been ongoing since 2022, when it was was placed on a private plot of land belonging to the Adam Washington Ballenger Camp #68 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). Timeline of Events A timeline showing events leading up the January 29 court decision regarding the SCVs Confederate flag along I-85. (WSPA Graphics) Early to mid-2022 The flag appears on a 120-foot flagpole land on Teaberry Road. The structure was built without proper permits from the county. October 2022 County officials issue a citation toward SCV, noting the group did not get necessary permits in accordance with local zoning rules. January 2023 SCV appeals the violation to the Spartanburg County Zoning Board of Appeals, who sided with the camp, overturning the citation. February 2024 The Spartanburg County Circuit Court ruled against the zoning board, reversing the boards decision, which put the flagpole in violation once more. May 2024 The SCV appeals again, but to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, which paused the county flagpole ruling. December 2025 A judge lifts the automatic pause, or violation, on enforcement of the flagpole. The ruling states SCV must comply with the violation rules to remove the flag or lower it 30-feet and reduce the flag size from 30-feet by 20-feet to 5-feet by 8-feet. Advertisement Advertisement The Court determined that lifting the stay was appropriate given the safety concerns associated with the continued presence of an unpermitted structure and the impact that continued non-enforcement would have on the Petitioners ability to uniformly enforce its zoning ordinances, the order read. January 2026 SCV tries to get December decision reversed, but the court refuses, declaring that the camp did not act in good faith for informing the FAA of the structure, but not the county. The same structure that was foreseeable to be distracting to airplanes is the same structure that foreseeably distracts and endangers the drivers on the interstate, the order reads. The camp must comply with the December ruling as the state appeal continues. Response to the ruling Past court records indicate that Spartanburg County has not taken a stance on the flag itself, only on violations involving the flagpole. Advertisement Advertisement The County does not comment on pending litigation. The Countys position is set forth in its pleadings filed with the Court, a county spokesperson said in a statement shared with 7NEWS. For years, different organizations sought to have the flag removed. President of the Spartanburg NAACP chapter, Michael Brown, said its time for the flags removal especially as Spartanburg County continues to grow and diversify. That [flag is] a symbol of history, and we have places for that history books [and] museums where it can be studied in the proper context and given the respect from those who see that as an opportunity to remember a bygone era, he said. Times have changed, and no disrespect to any of those, but division, hatred, oppression, those kinds of symbols must come down and be put in their proper place. Advertisement Advertisement 7NEWS reached out to the Ballenger Camp, their attorney, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, but none responded. The legal fight over the flag case is far from over, as the case continues through the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Find the full court order below: Sons Of Confederate Veterans Court OrderDownload Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. (NewsNation) House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer feels Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omars remarks about President Trump and his link to the Epstein files were disrespectful and out of line. Of all the people to make any comments, Ilhan Omar is the one person in Congress who probably needs to keep her mouth shut if shes going to tweet anything, the Kentucky Republican told NewsNations Katie Pavlich. Comers strong words follow U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis fiery hearing with lawmakers about the Department of Justices handling of files related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. They acknowledged the agency has over-redacted some documents while also exposing dozens of survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein had plans to renovate island estate, emails show Other lawmakers have accused the department of a cover-up for prominent political figures mentioned in the files. Comer, though, took Omar to task and feels she should be the one answering questions about how her net worth skyrocketed over the course of just one year. She needs to explain to the American people how her net worth went from zero to $10 million in one year, and explain why the Biden Department of Justice was investigating her husbands financial activities over the course of that year, where her net worth ballooned up, he added. Advertisement Advertisement This is a simple question. It shouldnt take long to answer. Reporters are trying to ask her the questions, and she just walks by and wont answer questions. But she finds enough time to tweet something absurd like that and compare her beloved Somalia to the United States, like its a superior country. If she likes Somalia so much, you should go back to Somalia. Clintons want circus to avoid substantive questions: Comer Last week, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finalized an agreement with House Republicans to testify in the Epstein investigation. Comer says after the Bondi hearing, the Clintons are probably enjoying what they are seeing for what they expect when they take the stand. OReilly: Bondi threw grenades, blew everything up at Epstein hearing Advertisement Advertisement The Clintons want the circus so they can avoid having to answer any substantive questions, he said. The difference in a hearing and a deposition is (in) a deposition, each side gets an hour, so the Republicans get an hour, then the Democrats get an hour. Now, Ive told them they can have a public hearing if they sit down and answer our questions in the deposition, but you cannot compare a hearing to a deposition, and today was a perfect example of that. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Top Connecticut officials did not hold back their criticisms of President Donald Trump on Thursday after his administration revoked a landmark scientific determination. Established by President Barack Obama in 2009, the Environmental Protection Agencys endangerment finding served as the legal basis for federal regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions. It designated carbon dioxide, methane and several other greenhouse gases as being hazardous to public health. Advertisement Advertisement This is as big as it gets, Trump said at the White House on Thursday. Under the process just completed by the EPA, we are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin added that theyve eliminated all greenhouse gas emissions standards on light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles that complied with the endangerment finding. No longer will automakers be pressured to shift their fleets toward electric vehicles, Zeldin said, characterizing the move as the biggest de-regulatory action in U.S. history. RELATED: Trump's EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, those opposed to Trumps action are calling it a significant setback for efforts fighting combat change. The sentiment toward the repeal in Connecticut is especially bitter. Gov. Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes each spoke out against the EPAs decision to rescind the finding. In a release, they say the finding reflects the scientifically backed and widely understood connection between greenhouse gases, air pollution and harm to human health and the environment. Lamont called the decision settled science, noting that members of the Trump Administration have made it clear they dont care about the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on the health of community members. Advertisement Advertisement The governor is most worried about people like children, seniors and those who are vulnerable. He pledged that the state will not take this news lightly. Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines Connecticut has a proud, bipartisan history of standing up for environmental safeguards, and we will fight this decision, just like we have done every time this administration has threatened the health and prosperity of the people of Connecticut, Lamont promised. He stressed that people have the right to live healthily. Connecticut residents deserve clean air to breathe and safe communities in which to live and raise a family, Lamont said. Advertisement Advertisement Tong expressed that Trump has repeatedly sided with Big Oil and that the president wants to sell out future generations of Americans for short-term profits for fossil fuel companies and the worlds biggest polluters. The attorney general is confident that lawmakers will stop Trump and his administration. The science and law are firmly on our side, Tong said. The next step is now the legal fight in court and, just as we won the first round before we are confident we can win round two. We will be in this fight for as long as it takes. Dykes noted that evidence is even clearer now than it was in 2009. She said greenhouse gases pollute the air and contribute significantly to poor air quality. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: The Latest: Trumps EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change Connecticut suffers from some of the worst air quality in the United States, and greenhouse gas emissions, including from vehicles, contribute to air pollution that exacerbates respiratory illness, resulting in tens of millions of dollars spent on related healthcare costs in our state every year, Dykes said. The commissioner emphasized that walking away from protecting the environment and public health will be costly down the line. This reckless action puts us at greater risk for climate-related impacts, such as the dangerous and costly extreme weather events weve experienced in recent years, making Connecticut less safe, Dykes added. Advertisement Advertisement Even Obama is displeased with the Trump Administrations action. The former president said in a social media post that the repeal makes the country less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money. ---- Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com. ---- Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com. ---- HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS Download the FOX61 News APP iTunes: Click here to download Advertisement Advertisement Google Play: Click here to download Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61. Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search FOX61 and click Get to download. FOLLOW US ON X, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM The landmark social media trial against Meta and YouTube (with TikTok and Snap having settled) kicked off this week in Los Angeles, with lawyers arguing that the platforms intentionally caused addiction and harm to teens. Other countries, meanwhile not the U.S. are skipping the trials, and instead moving toward implementing social media bans for some teens. More from SheKnows Advertisement Advertisement While Australia is the only country that has fully implemented such a ban, affecting anyone under 16, many others appear to be headed down the same path. In Europe, for example, the European Parliament has called for the European Union to set minimum-age requirements under 16 for social media and AI chatbots. But doing so will be up to each country. In France, the French National Assembly approved a bill just last month that will ban social media for kids under 15 if approved by the Senate. And Spain and Greece have proposed similar bans for those under 16 in Spain and under 15 in Greece. Turkey, meanwhile, is reportedly looking into such a proposal, as is the Conservative Party of Germany, the UK, and India, which just tightened a law about social media companies taking down unlawful content, now giving them just three hours in which to do so. And in Czechoslovakia, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he supported the idea of banning social media for anyone under 15. Advertisement Advertisement Also, according to Reuters, Denmark, Norway, and Slovenia said they would implement a social media ban for those under 15, while Malaysia said it would do so for those under 16. While the U.S. has no federal ban, several states have enacted their own, including Arkansas, Ohio, Florida, and Nebraska, though they face court challenges. There is a large body of research showing a connection between adolescent social media use and poor mental health outcomes, with the latest, a massive study out of the University of California, released just this week. It showed that the links between problematic screen use when kids cant control their usage or feel symptoms of withdrawal why they try to stop and mental health are much stronger than previously believed. Social scientist Jonathan Haidt, a loud proponent of getting kids to put down their phones, recently wrote about the flood of new research hes seen on the direct harms of social media on young people, including through Metas own internal research. The findings, maintains Haidt, show that social media is not safe for children or adolescents, and calls evidence abundant, varied, and damning. Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A 73-year-old couple died trying to escape a fire at a rural West Richland home in late January. Johnny and Angie Seaton were identified as the man and woman caught in a Jan. 30 blaze at 112726 N. Harrington Road in a rural area near West Richland. Benton County Coroner Bill Leach said they died from smoke inhalation in what appeared to be the dining room and the living room. Johnny Seaton lived in the Tri-Cities for 53 years and worked as a Center Point technician, according to Einans at Sunset funeral home. Investigators remained at a house on North Harrington Road where two bodies were found after a fire. The house is about eight miles west of Richland near the Yakima River and Highway 240. (Scott Hunt/Special to the Herald) According to reports he worked on the farm in the area. His wife, Angie Seaton, also lived in the area for much of her life. Advertisement Advertisement The couple has a son who also lives in Eastern Washington, according to public records. Details about the cause of the fire have not been made public by the West Richland Police Department. A photo taken by the Benton County Assessor's office in March 2025 shows the house at 112726 N. Harrington Road where two bodies were discovered following an early morning fire on Jan. 30. (Courtesy Benton County Assessor) As firefighters put out the blaze they discovered the first body. A second body was discovered after the fire died down. The fire destroyed the home, leaving only the concrete floor and the brick walls. The home was built in 1970 and is on agricultural property owned by the estate of the late Frank Tiegs, according to property records. Gwenyth Ellen Davies, 55, of Creswell, who pleaded guilty in 2020 to animal neglect after 61 malnourished horses were seized from her custody, was arrested in California and extradited to Oregon for violating her probation. After Davies was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay over $49,000 in restitution to both the Oregon Humane Society and Sound Equine Options, she "disappeared," according to Lane County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Tim Wallace. As a result, the Lane County Circuit Court issued an extraditable warrant for her arrest in 2023. A deputy determined Davies was likely in California and notified law enforcement in the area she might be there, Wallace said. Advertisement Advertisement In January, Davies was arrested on a warrant by the Los Angeles Police Department as she re-entered the U.S. at a port of entry in the Los Angeles area. Extradition to Oregon was approved by Gov. Tina Kotek's office. Wallace said Davies was lodged at the Lane County Jail on Feb. 12 pending ongoing court proceedings. 61 horses removed, four horse carcasses discovered in 2019 In October 2019, the Lane County Sheriff's Office went to the former DeLeonardo Training Center on Camas Swale Road in Creswell and seized 61 horses deemed severely neglected after an assessment by a licensed veterinarian. Lane County Animal Services and several community organizations assisted. Many of the horses were returned to their owners; however, three horses seized from the property did not survive, the sheriff's office said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement "I observed emaciated horses littering the property. The barn reeked of ammonia," a sheriff's office deputy wrote in a probable cause statement. "Stalls appeared to be chewed on. Low body scores, indicative of malnutrition, were observed throughout the property." Additionally, four horse carcasses were observed on the property, three in extremely shallow graves and one lying on top of the ground, partially covered by a tarp, the probable cause statement said. According to its website at the time, the DeLeonardo Training Center offered boarding, training, lessons, and camps. A stall to board a horse was advertised at $450 per month, including twice-daily feedings of grass and alfalfa mix hay, and daily cleaning. Davies, who resided at the property with her husband, Michael DeLeonardo, had previous contact with Animal Services regarding horses in poor condition in 2018, the county said when the horses were seized. As a result of those contacts, she complied willingly and the horses of concern were brought to minimum care standards. An additional report of neglect was made in September 2019; however, information to support further investigation was not provided. Advertisement Advertisement The last investigation into animal neglect began when Lane County Animal Services received photographs on Oct. 16, 2019, of horses that appeared to be severely neglected. The photographs were provided by Emerald Valley Equine Rescue which had received multiple complaints from people who used to board their horses with Davies. Lane Animal Services and Lane County Sheriff's Office personnel gather horses for evaluation at the Lane County Fairgrounds during an animal cruelty investigation of a horse owner and their boarding business in Creswell during October 2019. In 2020, Davies was sentenced to five years of bench probation after pleading guilty to 11 counts of second-degree animal neglect, all misdemeanors. Through her plea deal, Davies was allowed to own four horses. She could no longer board other people's horses, and she was required to send unaltered photos of the horses in her possession to Lane County Animal Services and the Oregon Humane Society on a monthly basis. Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Gwenyth Davies, Creswell horse neglect case, arrested in California A lonely NASA astronaut, left behind on the International Space Station following an unprecedented medical evacuation last month, is due to get some company following the successful launch of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission on Friday morning. Four astronauts aboard a Dragon crew capsule powered by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 3:15 a.m. MDT Friday and are scheduled to dock with the ISS at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. On Jan. 14, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov returned to Earth following NASAs decision to bring the crew home early because one of the astronauts had a medical emergency. It was NASAs first medical evacuation from ISS. Advertisement Advertisement NASA did not identify the affected crew member or the nature or severity of the medical issue, but the four were a part of a mission that originally had them scheduled to remain aboard the ISS until late February. Their departure left a single NASA astronaut, Christopher Williams, on the space station along with two cosmonauts, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev. Falcon 9 launches @NASAs Crew-12, Dragons 20th human spaceflight mission pic.twitter.com/d3pEI23S5z SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 13, 2026 New NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said the research work on the ISS is just one facet of the U.S. space agencys goals, which include returning astronauts to the moon and beyond. With Crew-12 safely on orbit, America and our international partners once again demonstrated the professionalism, preparation and teamwork required for human spaceflight, Isaacman said in a press release. The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth. We undertake these missions with a clear understanding of risk, managing it responsibly so we can continue expanding human presence in low Earth orbit while preparing for our next great leap to the moon and onward to Mars. NASAs historic lunar mission on hold Crew 12 mission astronauts, from left, pilot Jack Hathaway, Russian cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev, commander Jessica Meir and ESA astronaut Sophia Adenot, of France, leave the Operations and Checkout building before heading to pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, on a mission to the International Space Station. | John Raoux A NASA mission set to return astronauts to the moon for the first time in over 50 years, originally targeted to launch this month, was put on hold until March following detection of hydrogen leaks during a fueling procedure rehearsal on Feb. 4. Advertisement Advertisement NASA said engineers spent several hours troubleshooting a liquid hydrogen leak in a fueling interface but ultimately were able to fill the tanks of the massive SLS rocket ship. But later, with just five minutes left on a practice countdown early Tuesday morning, the effort was shut down when monitoring equipment detected a spike in the liquid oxygen leak rate. Hydrogen leak issues also contributed to delaying the Artemis I mission, which eventually completed a successful unmanned flight in 2022. The next attempt to launch the Artemis II mission, slated to carry four astronauts on a nearly 260,000-mile journey to the moon and beyond, is postponed until March 6 at the earliest when the next launch window opens. Four astronauts commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen are lined up to fly the 10-day Artemis II mission, launching from Kennedy Space Center aboard the Orion capsule powered by the SLS rocket system. The crews flight will take them on a path arcing about 5,000 miles past the moon before returning to Earth for a planned splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. If successful, the mission will take the crew further into space than any other manned flight in history. Advertisement Advertisement Next months planned launch follows 2022s Artemis I mission, a $4.1 billion effort which saw a successful 25-day unmanned flight that tested out the SLS rocket/Orion capsule package. That mission took the Orion spacecraft, carrying three dummies outfitted in spacesuits and monitoring gear, within 81 miles of the lunar surface before eventually traveling some 40,000 miles past the moon before returning to Earth. If the Artemis II mission goes as planned, NASA intends to launch the SLS/Orion package on a mission in 2028 that will include a landing on the moons surface. (This article was updated at 5:20 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, to include comment from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.) Cursive writing lessons will be back in Pennsylvania classrooms after state lawmakers passed legislation requiring its reintroduction this month. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law Wednesday. It adds printing, joined italics and cursive to the writing curriculum in the commonwealths school code and takes effect April 12. Advertisement Advertisement Listen to Peter and Emilys audio recap: https://penncapital-star.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15epphCURSIVE.mp3 Sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro (R-Schuylkill) and Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-Clearfield), the bill passed in the House in June and received final approval Feb. 3 in the Senate. Act 2 of 2026 requires cursive handwriting to be taught at Pennsylvania public and private schools. Pennsylvania will join 18 other states requiring cursive to be taught in school. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX It is at least the second attempt to resurrect the flowing, formal style of penmanship, as lawmakers have decried the lack of cursive skills among younger adults. They note many older legal documents were handwritten in cursive and a signature in cursive is more secure than printing. Advertisement Advertisement By reintegrating cursive into the curriculum, we are not simply teaching handwriting, we are investing in our students cognitive development, strengthening their legal preparedness and preserving their connection to historical literacy, said Langerholc. Most states, including Pennsylvania, dropped their cursive writing requirements after switching to the Common Core standards, an initiative launched in 2010 to improve consistency in education requirements between the states. Spokesperson Erin James said with Act 2 now law, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is developing guidance for schools across Pennsylvania. Many schools have continued to include cursive writing in their curriculum, while others will need time and support to incorporate it into their schedules. Our priority is to provide practical assistance and clear expectations so teachers can focus on students and learning, James said. Advertisement Advertisement Watro noted after House passage of his bill that historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, are written in cursive script. People who have the skills to read and write cursive are better able to access and comprehend historical sources, which Watro said is vital for an informed and engaged citizenry. At least 24 states have laws requiring cursive instruction because those states understand cursive provides students another way to learn, express themselves and be better prepared for their future academic, professional and personal lives, said Watro. In a House Education Committee meeting where the bill was approved for consideration by the full chamber, Chairman Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) said that while he learned cursive during his Catholic school education, his own daughter lacked the skill. Watching her try to endorse her first paycheck was quite the interesting experience on a human level, Schweyer said. I just think that a part of education is actually teaching human skills, not knowledge for the sake of knowledge, but actually preparing people for real life. And this is perfectly reasonable and a smart way to go about it. Its about time to change the time. Daylight saving time begins on March 8, where Coloradans and most of the country will give up an hour of sleep in the name of saving energy and the chance to enjoy more daylight in the evenings. The change has its costs, though. Theres plenty of evidence that it affects moods and health, as some people can struggle to adjust during the first few days. Colorado has tried to end the twice-yearly practice of changing time, and President Donald Trump and some members of Congress have suggested doing the same. But nothing is going to change before its time for the next time change. When is daylight saving time? Daylight saving time starts March 8, 2026. The time changes at 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. The date of the change has been set to the second Sunday in March since 2007, making this years switch the earliest it can be on the calendar. Could Colorado switch permanently to daylight saving time? It is ready to go, legislatively, but is waiting on Congress and a few other states before it can happen. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the state passed legislation to move to permanent daylight saving time. However, federal law does not currently allow a states to opt out from standard time, and there is no change on the horizon on that front. In addition, Colorados law requires at least four other states in the Mountain time zone to make the switch alongside it. Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming have done so but have similar conditions that other states must make the leap at the same time. And each states list of who needs to change is different. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously in 2022 to permanently adopt daylight saving time across the country, but that bill failed in the House, and nothing has advanced as far since. Versions of that bill were introduced in the latest Congress for both the House and Senate, but neither has advanced since being referred to committees on Jan. 7, 2025. Will the US do away with daylight saving time? Trump has said before that he wants to get rid of daylight saving time. However, there is no legislation advancing and no executive orders issued that would affect it as of now. Do any states not have daylight saving time? Daylight saving time is not observed in Hawaii and most of Arizona. In addition, none of the permanently inhabited U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands observe it. Why do we have daylight saving time? Daylight saving time was instituted in 1918 as a way to conserve energy during World War I. However, farmers protested about its effect on their operations, and it was rescinded. It was made permanent with Uniform Time Act of 1966, and federal laws have changed the start and end dates twice since then. Advertisement Advertisement While the energy savings are debatable, advocates say the hour of sunlight moving to the end of the day creates more opportunities for recreation and shopping after school and work. When does the clock go back? Barring a new federal law, the clocks shift back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2026. The change back to standard time happens on the first Sunday in November. What happens in Colorado if daylight saving time becomes permanent? From early November to early March, the state would see sunrises and sunsets at hours later than during standard time. In Fort Collins, for example, sunrise could come after 8:30 a.m. and sunsets would all happen after 5:30 p.m. Is it daylight saving time or daylight savings time? It is daylight saving time, not savings time. The word saving is being used as part of an adjective to describe time, so it does not have an s on it. Advertisement Advertisement Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: When do I set my clock forward? Daylight saving time is close Heineken plans to cut up to 6,000 roles over the next two years as the beer giant seeks annual savings of as much as 500m ($596.1m). CEO Dolf van den Brink, who announced last month he would step down in May, revealed the 5,000-6,000 job losses today (11 February), alongside annual results showing declines in group revenue and volumes. Productivity goals and a transition to so-called multi-market operating companies (MMOs) four of which are due to come on board in Europe in the next six months were cited among the reasons for the staff reductions, as Heineken implements a simpler and leaner operating model. The Amstel and Sol beer brand owner will also target select brewery closures under the productivity drive, which will also feature digitising plants and supply chain optimisation. Heineken plans to exit some operations, too, where there is no clear path to sustainable growth, the company said in the results statement. And as it aims to scale-up Heineken business services (HBS), a further 3,000 roles will be switched to that division. The goal for HBS, Heineken explained, is to create global capability centres leveraging new technologies, accelerating supply chain network optimisation, and the greater centralisation of procurement services. Timings for the job cuts will differ by markets depending on local circumstances as the Tiger and Desperados beer maker seeks 400-500m in annual costs savings outlined at the capital markets day in October to invest in brands and support growth in operating profit. Those targeted savings form part of the five-year EverGreen 2030 strategy unveiled in October, when Heineken said it would also eliminate around 400 jobs at its headquarters in Amsterdam under a restructuring programme. In his accompanying comments today, van den Brink said: Now we pivot to the disciplined execution of EverGreen 2030. Our first priority is to accelerate growth, funded by stepped up productivity and operating model changes that will involve a significant cost intervention over the next two years. This will unlock stronger people productivity and enable greater speed and efficiency. At the same time, we remain prudent in our near-term expectations for beer market conditions. Heineken's beer volumes remain under pressure, however. The company saw volumes decline 1.2% in 2025 in terms of millions of hectolitres (mhl). The largest decrease was registered in Europe (-3.4%) followed by the Americas (-2.8%). There was a slight drop of 0.3% in Africa and the Middle East, while APAC bucked the trend with a 4.4% increase in volumes. Get ready to change your clocks again, as daylight saving time will soon be here. The annual tradition we Missourians and most of the U.S. partake in begins next month. That's when we will lose an hour of sleep, marking a century-old practice of changing clocks for more evening light as we move into warmer months. But why do we even practice this tradition in the first place? Does everyone follow daylight saving? And, most importantly, when do we have to adjust our clocks to reflect the change? Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you need to know. When does daylight saving time begin in 2026? This year, daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. local time. Do clocks go forward or backward for the beginning of daylight saving time? The clocks go forward, meaning at 2 a.m. on March 8, all clocks go forward an hour to 3 a.m. But in the wintertime, when daylight saving time ends, it's the complete opposite with clocks instead going back an hour. A common phrase to keep in mind in distinguishing the two is "spring forward, fall back," referring to how clocks move forward in spring and move back in fall. When is the first day of spring 2026? Spring officially begins in March, though the exact date depends on whether you follow the meteorological or astrological seasons. Advertisement Advertisement Meteorological seasons are broken down into four groupings of three months, with March 1 marking the start of spring every year. But, astronomically speaking, the first day of spring begins on the March equinox the day when the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal daylight and night hours. Therefore, it does not fall on the same date every year, with it currently shifting between March 20 and 21. This year's March equinox will be on March 20 at 9:46 a.m. CT. Why does daylight saving time exist? The idea of daylight saving time was first introduced in an essay by Benjamin Franklin titled "An Economical Project" in 1784. But the concept we know today was actually first proposed in 1895 by a New Zealand entomologist named George Hudson, who recommended a two-hour time change because he wanted to have more daylight after work to go bug hunting in the summer. Advertisement Advertisement However, it wasn't until World War I that several countries, including the United States, began adopting daylight saving time as a means to conserve electricity and fuel, thus reducing costs in the war effort. It became official in 1918 after President Woodrow Wilson signed the Standard Time Act into law, but it was repealed a little over a year later after the war ended. Daylight saving time came back in 1942 during World War II for similar reasons, but was similarly repealed at war's end three years later. In 1966, with the passage of the Uniform Time Act, the biannual time change became the standard we still abide by today. Does every state follow daylight saving time? Under the Uniform Time Act, states can exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time. Although most states continue to practice the tradition, a few do not. Arizona except for the Navajo Nation does not follow the practice, as residents didn't want to make their days any longer, given the state's extremely hot summers. Advertisement Advertisement Hawaii also doesn't observe daylight saving time, as its proximity to the equator means it gets enough sunlight through the day, regardless of the time of year. Five U.S. territories Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands also don't participate. When does daylight saving time end in 2026? Daylight saving time will end on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 2 a.m. local time. This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: When do clocks turn forward in 2026? Daylight saving starts in March. Brian Kenderes, a Democrat running for a local Congressional seat who was convicted of false voter registration, will not be on voters' ballots this May. The Clermont County Board of Elections certified candidates' petitions Feb. 11. Kenderes' petitions were rejected by the board because he did not have the necessary 50 valid signatures, the board's deputy director Christopher Dennison said. Kenderes submitted 95 signatures, but only 23 were valid. Kenderes ran for 2 other Ohio congressional seats, had other criminal offenses Four candidates are running for Ohio's 2nd Congressional District, where Rep. Dave Taylor is an incumbent. Two Democrats' petitions were rejected by the Clermont County Board of Elections. Kenderes, 42, ran for Ohio's 14th Congressional District near Cleveland in 2024, but lost to Republican incumbent Rep. David Joyce. That same year, he was convicted of false voter registration for registering to vote using an address where he did not live. Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Kenderes pleaded guilty to the felony charge and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 days in jail, to be served just days after the November election. Criminal records do not bar people from running for Congress. Kenderes also ran as a write-in candidate in 2022 for Ohio's 7th District, which is near Akron, according to the Federal Election Commission. In 2008, Kenderes was found guilty of having physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated in Cuyahoga County. In 2022, he was convicted of using or possessing drug paraphernalia. Both offenses are misdemeanors. According to his filing information, Kenderes lives in Cuyahoga County in Northeast Ohio. Under the Constitution, U.S. representatives do not need to live in the district they represent, they only need to live in the same state. Who is running for Ohio's 2nd Congressional District? Republican Rep. Dave Taylor is running for reelection in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District. Andrew Gage, another Democrat who submitted petitions for Ohio's 2nd Congressional District, was also dropped from the ballot due to a lack of valid signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats Jen Mazzuckelli and Todd Wilson are running for the seat. Rep. Dave Taylor, a Republican first elected in 2024, is challenged by Republican Bob Carr. Ohio's 2nd Congressional District stretches across the southern part of the state, from Clermont County to the West Virginia border. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Congressional hopeful who used fake voter address dropped off ballot The Department of Homeland Security is poised for an imminent shutdown after the Senate on Feb. 12 failed to advance a funding bill to support the beleaguered agency amid partisan gridlock over federal immigration enforcement. Critical services overseen by DHS that could be impacted include airport security and disaster relief, in which many federal workers will stay on the job without pay. Here's a quick look at what's going on and how we got here. Why the impasse? Democrats and Republicans can't agree on ICE Despite news Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, will be winding down operations in Minnesota, lawmakers are at odds over its funding. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have escalated their negotiating tactics with congressional Republicans and White House officials, who've been in sensitive talks over reforming the 9/11-era Cabinet agency since federal agents killed a second Minnesotan, 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, in January. What will a partial government shutdown mean for DHS? Lapsed funding for the agency will impact the Transportation Security Administration, Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency, among other divisions where services will be reduced and many workers will stay on the job without pay. Will ICE keep working in a partial government shutdown? Yes, ICE will continue operating during a partial government shutdown. Congress gave the agency a surplus of funding last year. Todd Lyons, ICE's acting director, told lawmakers Feb. 12 that the upcoming shutdown would impact personnel actions such as pay retention, as well as the agency's civilian workforce. But he confirmed ICE would not be critically impacted by a shutdown. Even during last year's record-breaking funding crisis, more than 90% of ICE's employees within DHS kept working. Advertisement Advertisement "If we shut down the department over ICE and CBP enforcement actions in Minneapolis," said Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nevada, during a congressional hearing, "immigration and removal operations will continue." In the meantime, he said, "the good work the department does outside of immigration enforcement will come to a screeching halt." Todd Lyons, acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), testifies during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Feb. 10, 2026. Services or pay will likely be disrupted for employees of the Transportation Security Administration, Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency, among other components of DHS. Coast Guard official: 'Shutdowns cripple morale' The head of the Coast Guard warned lawmakers during a Feb. 11 congressional hearing the agency would have to suspend all missions, except ones that are critical for national security and the protection of life and property. "Shutdowns cripple morale," said Vice Adm. Thomas Allan, the acting vice commandant. "Our aviation survival technician deploying from a helicopter into treacherous seas should not have to worry if their family can buy groceries this week." When does funding for DHS stop? As part of an agreement struck between both parties to end the most recent partial shutdown, funding for DHS was extended through Friday, Feb. 13. Lawmakers were hoping to buy time to come to a compromise around reforming ICE and Customs and Border Protection, or CBP. What do Democrats want changed regarding ICE? Democrats on Feb. 4 released a list of 10 demands, which included a ban on mask-wearing for federal agents, stricter use-of-force standards and prohibiting immigration enforcement operations in "sensitive locations" such as schools and churches. Advertisement Advertisement "We will not support a bill that fails to make any progress reining in ICE," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. "We want ICE simply to follow the same standards that law enforcement agencies in cities across the country already follow." Read more: Flights, TSA, shutdowns, and when travel disruptions could begin What the White House said in response to Democrats' demands White House officials have offered counterproposals to Democrats, but those discussions have been slow-moving and tense. Still, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, said Republicans have been negotiating in good faith. "The White House has continued to show it's committed to taking actions on its own," he said, citing the Trump administration's decision Feb. 12 to draw down its immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. "Democrats are never going to get their full wish list. That's not the way this works." How long could a partial DHS shutdown potentially last? A DHS shutdown could potentially last at least a week as Congress goes into a scheduled recess. Many senators are now planning to leave for a security conference in Munich, Germany. What happened during the last partial government shutdown? During last year's record-breaking shutdown, many TSA workers slept in their cars, received eviction notices, lost child care services and sold their blood and plasma to pay their bills. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told lawmakers Feb. 11 that the roughly 61,000 TSA workers who would be impacted, at more than 430 commercial airports, simply can't go through it all over again. Advertisement Advertisement "Some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown," she said. "We cannot put them through another such experience. It would be unconscionable." Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social. John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: DHS could shut down as funding still at odds. Here's what it all means A federal immigration judge has terminated the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, an Orange County father of three U.S. Marines whose violent arrest outside a Santa Ana IHOP last summer sparked protests and national attention. Barranco, a 49-year-old Tustin resident who has lived in the United States for more than three decades, was placed in removal proceedings after he was detained June 21, 2025, while working as a landscaper near Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana. Video widely shared on social media showed masked federal agents pinning Barranco to the ground and repeatedly striking him before forcing him into an unmarked SUV. His arrest became a flashpoint in Southern California during broader immigration enforcement operations in the region. Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Department of Homeland Security accused Barranco of assaulting agents with a weed trimmer, alleging he swung it toward an officers face and fled through a busy intersection. His family disputed that account, saying he ran because he was afraid. Barranco was never criminally charged. A landscaper is seen being physically subdued by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Santa Ana on June 2025. (@santaanaproblems on Instagram) A landscaper is seen being physically subdued by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Santa Ana on June 2025. (@santaanaproblems on Instagram) A landscaper is seen being physically subdued by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Santa Ana on June 2025. (@santaanaproblems on Instagram) He spent more than three weeks in federal custody before being released on a $3,000 bond in mid-July. He was fitted with an ankle monitor and required to check in regularly with immigration officials. Once out on bond, Barranco appeared outside the old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana in late July and spoke through his attorney and interpreter, Lisa Ramirez, during a public event with supporters. Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of my former cellmates at Adelanto, including Emilio Martinez, Lazaro Loya, Edgar, Leonidas, and so many others, I want to say to their families: they have faith, they miss you deeply, and even in a place like that, hope is still alive, Barranco said. The Jan. 28 ruling ends the current removal proceedings and allows Barranco to pursue potential relief through federal immigration channels, according to his attorney as reported by the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. According to the New York Times, the judge determined Barranco had provided evidence that he is the father of three American sons serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, making him eligible to seek lawful status. Since the ruling, his ankle monitor has been removed and his check-ins have been discontinued, the paper reported. Narciso Barranco is seen speaking for the first time since he was released from federal custody following his viral immigration arrest. July 2025. (KTLA) His attorney, Lisa Ramirez of U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP, confirmed the dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement The case has been dismissed from the court. So we will not be going back to the court, Ramirez said. The government has the opportunity to appeal the decision if they choose to do so, but otherwise were now going to be seeking remedies for him through the administrative offices of the Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Ramirez has petitioned for Barranco to be granted Parole in Place, a federal program that allows certain undocumented immediate family members of U.S. military personnel to remain in the country and apply for work authorization and permanent residency. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Department of Homeland Security said it plans to appeal the ruling, reiterating its allegation that Barranco attacked a federal agent. Barranco, who has no criminal record, is married to a U.S. citizen and has three Marine sons, including one on active duty. His legal status will ultimately depend on the outcome of any appeal and the review of his Parole in Place application. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has expanded its network of partnerships with out-of-state universities, having announced multiple new agreements this week. Institutions in Nebraska and Ohio partnered with Des Moines University to create opportunities for students to continue their medical education, with the private university offering guaranteed interviews, seats and dual degrees for certain programs. One of these universities is Central State University, according to a news release from Des Moines University, a historically Black college and university located in Wilberforce, Ohio. Qualified students from the institution will have guaranteed interviews in DMU doctorate programs of osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine and physical therapy, as well as masters of science degrees in physician assistant studies, anatomy and biomedical sciences and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This partnership recognizes the mission of both our institutions in supporting and carrying out the common good, said Kimberly Brown, vice president for academic and student affairs at DMU, in the release. It also emphasizes a mutual commitment to fair access and the development of quality programs that put students first. Other programs will reserve one seat annually for these students in the doctor of occupational therapy program and Health Professions Advanced Summer Scholars, a summer program for undergraduate students to learn more about careers in medicine, health care and science, according to the release. Chadron State College, a public college located in Chadron, Nebraska, has also partnered with DMU for guaranteed program interviews and a new 3+3 partnership in which qualified Chadron State students can start attending DMU in their junior year in order to complete undergraduate degree and doctorate credits at the same time. Advertisement Advertisement This partnership applies to DMUs doctor of occupational therapy program and includes one guaranteed seat to the program annually, according to a news release, with similar concurrent credit opportunities provided in the universitys master of public health and master of health care administration programs. Students will be able to transfer up to 22 credit hours to Chadron State College. Chadron State College has a strong reputation for graduating students who are well-prepared for success in the health professions, said Kimberly Paddock-OReilly, Chadron State College vice president for academic affairs, in the release . We are delighted to partner with DMU to provide new pathways for our graduates wishing to develop into highly competent and compassionate health professionals who will make a difference in the communities they serve. Students from Chadron State College will also have access to guaranteed interviews in the same programs as those available to Central State University, excepting the master of science in anatomy and interdisciplinary Ph.D. in biomedical sciences programs. Our partnership with Chadron State reflects a shared commitment between our two schools to support student success and address the growing demand for highly skilled health care professionals, Brown said in the release on Chadron State College. We are committed to the development of quality programs and services that benefit our students and the broader health care community. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The US Senate has failed to advance a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amid dispute over Democratic demands to place new restrictions on immigration agents. A procedural vote on Thursday fell short of the number required, leaving it stalled ahead of a midnight Saturday deadline. Following the killings of two US citizens, Democrats have called for tighter oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including banning its agents from wearing masks and requiring them to use body cameras. Advertisement Advertisement The lapse in funding is expected to have little impact on ICE operations. But it could hit other DHS agencies, including those in charge of disaster response and airport security. ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies will largely continue to be funded because of legislation last year that gave billions to dollars to advance President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda. Senate Minority Speaker Chuck Schumer said Democratic proposals, like the end of masks for agents, were "common sense". "For weeks, we have been pushing common sense reforms, the very types of things that local and sheriffs throughout America routinely follow," Schumer said after the vote. "Democrats will not support a blank cheque for chaos." Advertisement Advertisement Democrats also want the deal to include a ban on racial profiling, require judicial warrants before agents enter private property, and prohibit immigration enforcement at medical facilities, schools, childcare centres, churches, polling stations and courts. The Trump administration recently announced it would begin providing body cameras for officers in Minneapolis before rolling it out to officers nationwide. But several sticking points remained in the negotiations ahead of the funding deadline. Key among Republican demands is for a deal that would force local and state police to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Shortly after the vote, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said other sub-agencies such as FEMA, which handles natural disaster response, and TSA, which screens passengers at airports, will be affected the most. Advertisement Advertisement "Those officers that show up and check your bags, they screen individuals on if they are safe to get on aeroplanes or not, they won't be paid after Friday," Noem said at a news conference in California near the US-Mexico border. She said funding to protect US infrastructure from cyber-attacks will also be impacted. "The Democratic Party is choosing not to fund them and making us very vulnerable to those terrorists being successful here on our homeland." [Getty Images] Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, said some of the proposals by Democrats are positive but said others were "non-starters and unnecessarily tie the hands of law enforcement". Advertisement Advertisement The Senate is on a week-long recess but senators could be called back if a deal is reached in the meantime. The bill has already been passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) The top diplomat overseeing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal in Gaza said Friday that continued violations of the agreement pose major obstacles to the Palestinian committee expected to oversee postwar governance and reconstruction. Nickolay Mladenov, who serves as high representative for Gaza for the U.S.-established Board of Peace, spoke during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. The international board, established by U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to meet next week. The transitional committee, made up of Palestinian administrators, has met in Egypt but has not yet entered Gaza. Mladenov said it won't be able to do its work unless Hamas, the militant group that has governed Gaza since 2007, hands over institutional control. He also called for more aid and improved security. Advertisement Advertisement The agreement calls for Hamas to lay down its arms and for an international security force to be deployed, but there has been no visible progress on either. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in response to what it says are violations of the truce. Palestinian militants have also attacked Israeli forces. We need to make sure that what is happening now with the violations of the ceasefire stops, Mladenov said. Were only embarrassing the committee and ultimately making it ineffective. Mladenov didn't lay out a specific timeline but said all of this needs to move very fast. Ceasefire is aimed at ending 2-year war Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, speaking at the same panel, said the timeline is key, adding that Gaza must not be severed from the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority wants to govern both territories ahead of eventual statehood, something to which Israel is adamantly opposed. Advertisement Advertisement The Oct. 10 U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal attempted to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire. Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and frequently fire on Palestinians near military- held zones. There have been 591 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health officials. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. But it does not give a breakdown of civilians and militants. Militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops, and Israel says its strikes are in response to that and other violations. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat, as the director-general of the board mean to oversee the implementation of the second and far more complicated phase of the ceasefire. Dozens of Palestinians buried The bodies of 53 unidentified Palestinians, along with 86 unidentified human remains, were laid to rest on Friday at a mass burial in a cemetery in central Gazas Deir Al-Balah. Earlier this month, Israel transferred the bodies of 54 Palestinians and 66 boxes containing human remains, all unidentified, to Gaza via the Red Cross. Only one body was identified by a family, while the others were buried on Friday. Israel gave no identification for the bodies and doesnt allow DNA testing material into Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement A period of time is allotted for families to identify these bodies and remains. Unfortunately, none of these remains or organs were identified, Ziyad Obeid, director of the cemeteries department at the Endowments Ministry, said from the burial site. ___ Hazboun contributed from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporter Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, contributed. Loganair called it a "meaningful step forward for the island". [Logan Air] Loganair has announced it will operate four new direct routes from Jersey to Norwich, East Midlands, Dublin and Paris this summer. The airline will also increase the frequency of its service to Bristol. It said the expansion of flights shows it is 'committed to investing in routes that deliver value'. Economic Development Minister, Kirsten Morel said the new routes would "provide easy access for visitors choosing Jersey as a holiday destination." Advertisement Advertisement The decision to operate a new service to Paris comes after tourism bosses expressed their desire to bring in more French tourists in 2026. Speaking at the end of last year, Visit Jersey CEO Tricia Warwick said there's a "big focus on France and building back that business". Deputy Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development said he was "particularly pleased" with the inclusion of services to Paris CDG. "Enhanced and resilient air connectivity is essential for our community and supports our visitor economy" he said. Along with new UK routes, there will also be increased flights to Bristol. Advertisement Advertisement From 2 June, extra flights will be offered on Tuesday and Friday with two services on a Sunday. Loganair's Chief Commercial Officer Ronnie Matheson said it was about providing "more choice, better access, and greater flexibility" to locals and tourists. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story: Related links For the first time, low-income Marylanders will be able to receive a discounted electricity and gas rate from utilities lowering their bills without the need for outside grants or refunds. The program is set to take effect by Jan. 1, 2027, after the Maryland Public Service Commission issued an order Thursday laying out how all of the utility companies operating in the state should structure their programs. Although it does not take effect immediately, it is a significant step towards eventually easing the energy burden on Maryland families, said Acting Commission Chair Kumar P. Barve. The primary goal of this mechanism is to ensure that households already strained by the rising costs of everything, wont have to pay more than they can afford for vital utility services. Advertisement Advertisement The program will automatically apply to most low-income customers who are signed up to receive assistance through the states Office of Home Energy Programs, or OHEP. They wont need to fill out an additional application, according to the commission. This is groundbreaking, said Laurel Peltier, chair of the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition, who also volunteers to assist low-income ratepayers with their bills. There are people, literally, that are not buying certain things not only are they getting behind on their utility bills, theyre having to take money from other areas, Peltier said. Its not clear yet how exactly the utilities will recover the costs for the program, but it would likely be spread among the remaining ratepayers. Before the commission, utilities and other parties made competing arguments for what percentage should be recouped from residential customers versus commercial and industrial customers. But the commission didnt make a final decision. Advertisement Advertisement The Commission needs additional information in the record pertaining to the companies proposed cost allocation methods and wants to hear from a variety of potentially affected parties to ensure they have adequate notice and opportunity to comment, read the PSC order. The program will have a tiered structure, so that households with the lowest incomes would receive the most assistance. The goal, according to the commission, is to bring households energy costs to 6% of their annual income. At first the program will only cover ratepayers already signed up with the state, but the commission directed a work group to propose more ways to reach customers in need with the discounted rates. The Commission is concerned that this program will not reach customers in need who happen not to be enrolled with OHEP, read the Commissions order. The Commission encourages the Work Group to include in its future work plan an effort to find solutions. Advertisement Advertisement The program was borne out of a 2021 law, sponsored by Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-Prince Georges) and then-Del. Dereck Davis, the current state treasurer, which allowed for separate rate classes for low-income customers. The final order from the PSC couldnt come at a better time, Peltier said, with costs skyrocketing because of energy market disruptions caused by demand from data centers, as well as intense infrastructure spending by utilities. When this law was signed during the pandemic, nobody knew that five short years later low-income families cant pay their utility bills, Peltier said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE FOX, Alaska Research biologists with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered 26 new microbes species that could aid in developing new technologies that help the U.S. military survive and thrive in extreme cold regions. The U.s. Army Corps of Engineers said the microbes were found in permafrost estimated to be about 40,000 years old, cored from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Centers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Fox, Alaska. Watch: Satellite Video Shows Stunning View Of The World's Largest Impact Craters Dr. Robyn Barbato, a senior research microbiologist and leader of ERDC-CRRELs soil microbiology team, coring permafrost samples in the Permafrost Tunnel in Fox, Alaska. (FOX Weather) The microorganisms were then revived or "awoken" in CRRELs soil microbiology laboratory in Hanover, New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement "We are discovering new bacteria that have never been discovered before," said Dr. Robyn Barbato, senior research microbiologist and leader of CRRELs soil microbiology team. "Do you remember being enchanted by the animals that Jack Hanna would bring on late night TV? Its sort of like that. There are these organisms that we didnt even know existed that have been locked in frozen ice or permafrost." See It: Fireball Caught Streaking Across Night Sky In Multiple Midwest States On Tuesday These microbes will take part in a project called Ice Control for Cold Environments (ICE) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Army Corps of Engineers said the project aims to identify what allows the microbes to survive being frozen and develop products that mimic those characteristics. One of 26 new species of bacteria discovered by ERDC-CRREL research microbiologists in approximately 40,000-year-old permafrost within the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility in Fox, Alaska. "These microbes have evolved to remain viable in sub-zero temperatures," said Barbato. "We want to learn how they do it so that we can develop new biotechnologies that help the U.S. military operate in cold regions." Advertisement Advertisement Examples of potential technologies, Barbato said, could be a skin cream that protects troops from frostbite or a spray-on coating that prevents ice buildup from negatively impacting the performance of military vehicles and equipment. First-of-its-kind Bat Bridge Constructed To Safely House Plethora Of Species The Army Corps of Engineers said the microbes will be put in CRRELs Innovative, Collaborative, Exploratory Cold Regions Organism Library for Discovery in Biotechnology (ICE COLD). ICE COLD is a collection of live microorganisms originating from soil, snow and ice that have been isolated from the Arctic, Antarctica and from high altitude sites. Advertisement Advertisement How To Watch Fox Weather The USACE Permafrost Tunnel in Fox, Alaska. The tunnel is a unique research facility providing scientists and engineers with an unparalleled opportunity to study permafrost. Originally excavated between 1963 and 1969 to explore construction and mining techniques in frozen environments for military purposes, the tunnel has evolved into a world-class natural laboratory. Fifty-two percent of the bacteria discovered in the CRREL permafrost tunnel in Alaska have been new species, the Army Corps of Engineers said. "We have every reason to believe that the more we look, the more new species we will find," Barbato said. "Its incredibly exciting to be working on the microbiological frontier, so to speak." Original article source: Discovery in ancient Alaskan 40,000-year-old permafrost could help US military survive in extreme cold A joint venture (JV) of Helical and Places for London, the property arm of the UK's Transport for London, has secured a 220m ($300m) loan for Paddington Over Station Development (OSD) in London. The financing agreement was signed with PIMCO Prime Real Estate, acting on behalf of institutional investors. The JV secured the loan before completing the site purchase, scheduled for 25 February 2026 at 55m, with Helicals share amounting to 28.1m. The Paddington OSD represents the second of three initial locations the joint venture is set to acquire, following Helicals appointment as Places for Londons commercial development partner. The upcoming scheme will comprise a new 235,000ft office building situated above the northern entrance to Paddington station, adjacent to the Grand Union Canal, offering direct access to the Elizabeth Line, London Underground and National Rail services. The financing facility spans four and a half years and includes terms that lower borrowing costs upon achieving set development and letting milestones. The arrangement also features an optional one-year extension. According to the terms, 54.5% of the equity already invested will be reimbursed, which includes the cost of acquiring the site, and 54.5% of additional development and financing expenses will also be covered. Designed by Grimshaw, the office building will comprise 15 floors with floorplates of 15,675ft and private south-facing terraces. The scheme has already achieved BREEAM Outstanding at the design stage with a score of 97.4%, and is also targeting WELL Shell & Core Platinum, EPC A, and a NABERS 5.5 rating. Enabling works are scheduled to commence in June 2025, while the joint venture remains in advanced negotiations with a prospective main contractor and expects to award the contract in March 2026. Main construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2028. Helical remains subject to minimum net asset requirements under both the facility agreement and its agreement with Transport for London as per its joint venture terms with Places for London. Helical chief financial officer James Moss said: The progress made on the Paddington OSD bolsters our pipeline of prime London developments and maintains the momentum we have built up through our partnership with Places for London. Successfully closing the financing, which is accretive to returns, follows the financing of 10 King William Street last year. It further demonstrates the strong lender confidence in the joint venture and its strategy and supports our long-term conviction in the ongoing demand for high-quality office space in central London. Public school districts across the state are speaking out against a Statehouse bill they say is designed to force them to stop fighting the state's school choice voucher program in court. House Bill 671, introduced by Ohio Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord, would strip state funding for any public school participating in lawsuits against the state's EdChoice voucher program. The bill was introduced on Feb. 2 and has been referred to the Ohio House Finance Committee. In 2022, 100 public schools sued over the private school voucher program. That coalition, called Vouchers Hurt Ohio, has since tripled in size to over 300 public schools across the state. In June 2025, the group won a lawsuit after a Franklin County judge ruled that using public funding for private school education was unconstitutional. The state has since appealed the decision. Advertisement Advertisement At the Feb. 12 press conference, William Phillis, executive director of the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding, which is behind Vouchers Hurt Ohio, said the legislation was "purely an intimidation tactic." "And that intimidation tactic didn't work," Phillis said. "So in a sense, Representative Callender has given us a gift he raised public attention to the egregious nature of this kind of legislation." William L. Phillis, Vouchers Hurt Ohio and the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding, speaks at a press conference on at the Ohio Statehouse to address the unconstitutionality of Rep. Jamie's Callender's "School Bully Bill." Callender could not be reached for comment. Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, said some Republican lawmakers had expressed concerns that school districts were using state funding to sue over vouchers. He said the legislature was confident the state would be successful in its litigation. Advertisement Advertisement There has been some frustration shared among some of my Republicans colleagues that weve been funding these state institutions and that they are using the very funding we are providing them to sue us on this stuff," McColley said. Advocacy group calls legislation 'School Bully Bill' At a Feb. 12 press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, public school advocates dubbed HB 671 the 'School Bully Bill' and said it was an attempt to silence public schools fighting for school funding in the court system. They said billions of dollars of state education funding would be cut off if this bill became law. Mark Wallach, the attorney representing Vouchers Hurt Ohio, said Callender's bill "is not a serious piece of legislation." "And I'm confident we would be able to have it quickly declared unconstitutional (if it were to pass)," Wallach said. Advertisement Advertisement Eric Brown, former chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court and former longtime board member of Columbus City schools, said the bill was "laughable." "This bill is outrageous and doesn't belong in the legislature," Brown said. "Representative Callender is trying to bully and intimidate our local school districts and it won't work." Eric Brown, former Chief Justice, Ohio Supreme Court, former President, Columbus Board of Education, with the Vouchers Hurt Ohio, coalition of public schools challenging the constitutionality of the $1.7 billion EdChoice private school voucher program, holds a press conference on at the Ohio Statehouse to address the unconstitutionality of Rep. Jamie's Callender's "School Bully Bill." Jocelyn Rhynard, Dayton City Schools board member, said the bill was a "slippery slope" and should be concerning to any other local entities that may sue the state in the future. "We the people of Ohio elect people to run our cities, townships, counties and school boards and we ask them to be good stewards of our money and to look our for us," Rhynard said. "And that means at times it is the right thing to do for the taxpayer to sue the state government. School districts across state push back on bill Mike Brown, a spokesperson for Columbus City Schools, the state's largest district and a participant in the lawsuit since 2021, said the proposed legislation is an attempt to silence hundreds of districts by "unconstitutionally limiting Public Schools right to advocate for students best interests. Advertisement Advertisement "CCS is focused on taking education to a higher level, but that means the State must live up to its legislated promise to fully fund the Ohio school formula," Brown said. "HB 671 will not fairly fund a single textbook, lunch or teacher to improve education for students and seems designed to silence 300+ local districts, likely including those in the representatives own district." It does not appear that any public schools in Callender's northeast Ohio district are participants in the lawsuit, but several adjacent districts are involved in the suit. Eve Bolton, board member for Cincinnati Public Schools, Ohio's second-largest district, spoke out against the bill in a Feb. 9 board meeting, saying there's "strength in numbers" among the hundreds of districts challenging vouchers in the lawsuit. CPS joined the lawsuit in 2022 in a board resolution that stated "vouchers disproportionately benefit non-minority students" and drive a "drastic and massive influx of public funds to private schools." Advertisement Advertisement "This is something that has to be fought," Bolton said about Callender's proposal. "I have every confidence that suburban schools, urban schools and rural schools will fight this and ultimately I think we will win." William L. Phillis, Vouchers Hurt Ohio and the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding, speaks at a press conference on at the Ohio Statehouse to address the unconstitutionality of Rep. Jamie's Callender's "School Bully Bill." CPS's treasurer Michael Gustin estimated during the meeting that $156 million of the district's funding, or a quarter of its annual budget, is at risk under the proposed legislation. The potential withholding of state funds is an attempt to "silence our voices and punish the children of our district," CPS's board president Brandon Craig said in a statement to The Enquirer. Bolton suggested that Callender's bill is the latest in a string of actions by Columbus "that are specifically designed to interrupt, disrupt and deny public schools in the state of Ohio." Advertisement Advertisement Superintendent Chad Springer of Athens City Schools in Athens County said that the district needed to fight for public education at a time when districts are struggling to manage costs and their share of state funding is decreasing. Additionally, he said southeast Ohio lacks access to private schools that EdChoice vouchers benefit. "The majority of our taxpayers are paying tax money to support private schools in larger cities that our students would never go to," Springer said. "A portion of our taxes are going to cities that are benefiting from (private schools), whereas public education is the education of southeast Ohio." USA Today Statehouse news bureau reporter Jesse Balmert contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Districts suing state on vouchers say new bill meant to silence them By Chad Terhune and Julie Steenhuysen SPARTANBURG, South Carolina, Feb 13 (Reuters) - About a dozen times each day, medical staff at Parkside Pediatrics in Spartanburg, South Carolina, head to the clinics parking lot, reaching inside cars and minivans to check children and their parents for fever, rash and other signs of measles. Dr. Justin Moll started this outdoor triage in December to cope with what has quickly become the largest U.S. measles outbreak in more than three decades, federal health data show. He wants to keep the highly contagious virus out of the clinics waiting rooms, already packed with infants and other small children. Many of them are unvaccinated against measles because theyre still too young. Advertisement Advertisement Moll and his colleagues have treated about 50 measles patients since the outbreak started in early October, something never seen before at their South Carolina clinics. They fear that outbreaks like these are becoming the new normal as Americans opposition to vaccines deepens, fueled by backlash to the COVID-19 response and misinformation on social media. Medical experts say U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s anti-vaccine policies have further undermined public trust in life-saving immunizations by promoting unproven theories about the dangers of vaccines. "This is not going to be the last vaccine-preventable disease to hit us," Moll told Reuters at his clinic in Spartanburg, the epicenter of the outbreak. For this story, Reuters interviewed more than two dozen doctors, nurses, parents, school officials, pharmacists, pastors, lawmakers and former health officials in South Carolina. The South Carolina outbreak has surpassed 930 cases, about 20 of which required hospitalization, according to state health officials. No deaths have been reported by the state. Advertisement Advertisement School immunization rates statewide have dropped by nearly 3 percentage points since prior to the pandemic in 2020, as local leaders and parents pushed back against COVID-related lockdowns and vaccine mandates and demanded more "medical freedom" to choose what, if any, other routine shots their children receive. Only 89% of all students from kindergarten up through high school are up to date on their shots in Spartanburg County, below the 95% rate that public health experts say can prevent measles spread. In some local schools, vaccination rates have dropped below 20%, according to state data. During previous outbreaks, the federal government has led the charge to encourage widespread vaccination and coordinate efforts among states to curb the spread of disease. Kennedy has not made any major statements regarding the measles outbreak in South Carolina. HHS didn't respond to a request for comment. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) two-shot protocol remains recommended at the federal level starting at 12 months of age, with a second at 4 to 6 years of age. Advertisement Advertisement Measles is among the most highly contagious viruses known. Spread through coughing, sneezing and talking, it can linger in the air for up to two hours and move quickly through communities with low vaccination coverage. 'SOME FOLKS HAVE OVERREACTED' IN AVOIDING ALL VACCINES Some South Carolina Republicans now have second thoughts about discrediting routine immunization but find they hold little sway. "I now believe that some folks have overreacted in the other direction and oppose any and all vaccines, even ones that have been tried-and-true for decades," Josh Kimbrell, a Republican state senator running for governor, wrote last month to a Spartanburg County school board. Advertisement Advertisement He asked school officials to examine their policies on vaccine exemptions for students, but was pilloried on social media when he posted the letter online. Kimbrell didnt respond to requests for comment. Dr. Leigh Bragg, a pediatrician near Spartanburg, said local hospitals, churches and schools are reluctant to speak up about the most proven way to curb the outbreak. People are trying to stay in the middle and not pick a side on vaccinations, she said. Even South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, has championed personal choice as the preventable disease spreads through the state. "Our approach is to be sure people have the information and that the vaccine is available for them, give them all the information so they can make up their mind on what they want to do," he told reporters at a state tourism conference this week. Advertisement Advertisement The outbreak struck as South Carolinas public health department grappled with reductions in federal funding and overall staffing in recent years, two former department employees told Reuters. Last month, the Trump administration said it had sent South Carolina $1.4 million to support its measles response. State officials said the federal government also has provided assistance with testing, clinical advice and free vaccines. "The number of cases were seeing now is unprecedented," Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolinas state epidemiologist, said this week. "We have a great deal more work to do to stop this outbreak." Despite Bell's pleas for people to get fully vaccinated, some remain reluctant to heed those calls. At state-run vaccine clinics at Spartanburg churches, only a handful of people have shown up in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Talina Podrez, a 21-year-old barista in Spartanburg, said measles had swept through her local church in January, leaving services about half empty. While she stayed away because she only has one of the two recommended MMR shots, Podrez said she isnt interested in getting another shot. "My mom was against most of the vaccines so we just got whatever was needed for the bare minimum," she said. 'MANY PARENTS HAVE LOST RESPECT AND FEAR FOR THIS DISEASE' Nathan Heffington, a nurse practitioner and medical director for Parkside Pediatrics in Spartanburg County, believes that many more infections arent being counted. He has seen multiple unvaccinated families show up with telltale signs of measles, but then refuse to get tested. Advertisement Advertisement The clinic still reports them to the state as suspected cases and advises them to quarantine. The actual numbers are much, much higher than the reported numbers, which is just all the more nerve-wracking, Heffington said. Many parents have lost respect and fear for this disease. While political leaders shy away from a strong endorsement of vaccines, it is left to medical providers like Moll and Heffington to persuade reluctant parents of their value. "Theyre not anti-anything. They're just trying to do the best thing for their family and figure out who to trust," said Moll. Kathleen Blacks two oldest children, ages 8 and 4, got all their routine immunizations. But she wanted to hold off when her youngest, Katie, was born about a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement From social media and friends, Black heard childhood vaccines may cause autism or developmental delays, claims not supported by medical research. Like many in South Carolina, she voted for Trump and supports Kennedys demands for more vaccine safety studies. I like to go down those rabbit holes and it opens up millions of questions, like Whats in the vaccines? Why are we giving all these vaccines? she told Reuters during a visit to the Parkside clinic. Heffington explained to her the risks posed by vaccine-preventable diseases. He then discussed the immediate threat her baby faced from measles, and the protection provided by an early MMR shot. He answered all of her questions about possible side effects. Finally, Black pressed him: Would you do it? Absolutely, the father of five replied. Black agreed to the first dose that day, and her daughter received a second dose last month. Advertisement Advertisement I wouldnt trust every doctor, Black said, but I definitely trust Nathan. (Reporting by Chad Terhune in Spartanburg, and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Diane Craft) Getting impatient for daylight saving time? Google searches for the time change are already ramping up as some Floridians are eager for more sunlight after work and others thought we stopped doing this already. (It starts in March.) Twice a year, most Americans adjust their clocks forward an hour in the spring ("spring forward!") to make better use of the longer summer daylight hours and back an hour in the fall ("fall back!") to align our days back to the standard time. Many people consider it an aggravating practice that at least initially disrupts sleeping habits. Advertisement Advertisement While most Americans want to end the time changes (also called "lock the clock"), we don't have a firm consensus on which time to stick with, daylight saving or standard time. It's an important question, since one of them requires an act of Congress, but the other can be done whenever a state wants to. Appropriately, the Sunshine State was the first of the nearly 40 U.S. states hoping to make daylight saving time permanent, but that's the act-of-Congress one and movement on this in the federal government has been sluggish for almost a decade. Here's what to know. When does daylight saving time 2026 start? Daylight saving time, by federal mandate, begins on the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November. Advertisement Advertisement This year, daylight saving time starts Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. local time, when most states will move their clocks forward one hour. It will end Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks are moved back one hour. Countdown to start of daylight saving time 2026 What's the difference between daylight saving time and standard time? Daylight saving time means later sunrises and sunsets, which means more time for outdoor activities after work or in the evenings and more light for evening traffic but potentially darker mornings for commuters and school children. Standard time means earlier sunrises and sunsets, which some argue increases safety in the mornings for school children and is more in line with our biological circadian rhythms. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Medical Association, and the National Sleep Foundation have all urged for a change to year-round standard time. Advertisement Advertisement Many business and tourism interests have lobbied for a permanent daylight saving time to maximize shopping and recreation hours. Didn't Florida end daylight savings? Not quite. In 2018, Florida became the first state to enact legislation to stay on daylight saving time all year round. And there it stopped, because permanent daylight saving time requires the repeal of the federal mandate. But Florida politicians have been pushing hard for it in Congress. Former Florida Senator Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, introduced daylight saving time bills in every Congress since 2018 while he was in office. The latest attempt, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, is represented by HR 139, introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, FL-District 16. Nine of the current 31 co-sponsors are also Florida Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement In the Senate, Sen. Rick Scott of Florida introduced SB S.29, which has 18 co-sponsors, including Florida's other senator Ashley Moody. The Senate bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation more than a year ago, the other was sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and there they sit. Do Americans want to end daylight saving time? While most Americans are in favor of ending the practice, they seem to be divided on which time to pick. In a YouGov poll conducted in March 2023, 62% said they wanted to stop changing their clocks twice a year, 21% said they didn't, and 17% weren't sure. About half of the respondents wanted permanent daylight-saving time and 31% preferred standard, with the rest unsure or having no preference. Advertisement Advertisement However, while a 2025 Gallop poll found that 54% of Americans wanted to end the practice, 48% preferred standard time all year while 24% wanted permanent daylight saving time. Poll: Should Congress make daylight saving time permanent? Could Florida stay on standard time all year? Sure. That doesn't require congressional approval, the state just has to pass a law and notify the U.S. Department of Transportation. "The state would just need to let DOT and the rest of the world know that they no longer observe DST, if that is the decision," the DOT said in an email. What has President Trump said about ending daylight saving time? In 2019, during his first term, President Donald Trump supported the push for permanent daylight saving time, saying in a tweet it was "O.K. with me!" according to Politico. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, after he was re-elected, he said he would work to end daylight saving time and move the country to standard time. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldnt!" Trump posted in December on his social media site, Truth Social "Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation." Two months after getting sworn in, he said it was a toss-up. "This should be the easiest one of all, but it's a 50-50 issue. If something's a 50-50 issue, it's hard to get excited. I assume people would like to have more light later, but some people want to have more light earlier, because they don't want to take their kids to school in the dark," Trump said in March 2025, according to Reuters. "A lot of people like it one way, a lot of people like it the other way, it's very even. And usually I find when that's the case what else do we have to?" Advertisement Advertisement In April, he said again the House and Senate should push for permanent daylight saving time. Has the United States ever tried year-round daylight saving time? Yes, in 1974 under President Richard Nixon, during the fuel crisis. Just a few months into the planned two-year experiment, Congress voted to go back to the twice-a-year change after complaints of children going to school in the dark on winter mornings and indications of increased traffic accidents, the New York Times reported. Is it daylight saving time or Daylight Savings Time? It's daylight saving time, no s and no capital letters, though it's often referred to as daylight savings. C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: When is daylight savings? Didn't Florida end it? The U.S. Department of Justice, citing evidence inconsistent with its earlier allegations, dropped felony charges against two men accused of assaulting a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent before the agent shot one of the men in the leg. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen wrote in a brief Thursday filing that newly discovered evidence was found to be materially inconsistent with the governments allegations against Alfredo Aljorna, 26, and Julio Sosa-Celis, 24, about the Jan. 14 shooting in north Minneapolis. The case was dismissed Friday by a district court judge. Rosen filed a motion for the case to be dismissed with prejudice, meaning that the government will not be able to press the same charges against the men again. Advertisement Advertisement The federal government has significantly shifted the details of what happened since the shooting on Jan. 14. The federal Homeland Security narrative in the immediate aftermath of the shooting incorrectly identified Sosa-Celis as the driver of the car and a subject of a targeted traffic stop. The complaint later indicated that the officers mistook Aljorna, who was driving the car, for another Latino man uninvolved in the incident. At the time of the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an attempted murder of federal law enforcement. Similarly, Noem and other Trump administration officials accused Renee Good and Alex Pretti also killed by federal officers as domestic terrorists, though evidence for the allegations never surfaced. Rosen, who was nominated by President Trump to be U.S. attorney in Minnesota, leads an office facing a staff exodus after an ICE officer shot and killed Good last month at least 14 federal prosecutors have resigned, reportedly in part due to disgust over senior DOJ officials handling of the investigation. Rosen didnt detail the newly discovered evidence, but noted that the allegations in the complaint were based on information presented to FBI agent Timothy G. Schanz, who had said in a sworn affidavit that the ICE agent said that Sosa-Celis and Aljorna repeatedly hit him with a broom and a snow shovel. The ICE agent told the FBI that he then simultaneously fired one round towards the men as they began to run toward the house. Schanzs affidavit said that law enforcement on the scene were unable to find any bullet holes in the house, though at a hearing, Sosa-Celis attorney showed photographs depicting bullet holes through the front door of the duplex and in an interior wall, the Star Tribune reported. Advertisement Advertisement Both men have denied the agents account, maintaining that they didnt attack the ICE agent and that the agent shot Sosa-Celis in the leg through the closed door of their duplex. The details that have not been disputed by the men or the ICE agent: The agent had shot Sosa-Celis in the leg on Jan. 14 following a car chase and scuffle with Aljorna; ICE agents began the chase when they mistook Aljorna for someone else they were targeting. The shooting happened on the 600 block of 24th Avenue North in north Minneapolis, at a duplex where the two men, both Venezuelan nationals, lived with their partners. Sosa-Celis attorney previously told the Star Tribune that he learned that the officer who shot Sosa-Celis is under investigation for unreasonable use of force. The two men were released from detention by a judge on Feb. 4 and immediately re-detained by ICE, who took them back to Sherburne County jail, attorney Brian Clark said at the time. The incident drew over 100 protestors to the scene after the news of the shooting quickly spread. Federal agents deployed tear gas and flash bangs and at least two people were detained by federal agents after someone threw fireworks at the agents; at least two vehicles believed to be used by federal officers were vandalized. At least six people have been arrested and charged for stealing from and vandalizing the federal vehicles, the Star Tribune reported. The Justice Department's failure this week to convince a grand jury to hand up an indictment against six members of Congress is the latest stumbling block faced by prosecutors as they seek to rebuke the administration's perceived political opponents. The U.S. attorney's office in Washington, D.C., was unable to secure an indictment against six congressmembers after President Donald Trump called for them to be arrested and tried for posting a video on social media telling military service members that they could refuse illegal orders, sources said Tuesday. Following a classified briefing on the deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in Latin America, Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, and Rep. Chris DeLuzio, all former members of the military and intelligence community, posted a video in November telling current members that -- per the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- they should refuse to carry out unlawful orders. Advertisement Advertisement DOJ fails to secure indictments for Democratic members of Congress in military video case "Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL," Trump posted to social media in response to the video on Nov. 20. Prosecutors under U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro sought to convince a grand jury to indict the six lawmakers, but the panel did not comply. It is exceedingly rare for a grand jury to not indict after prosecutors have made their presentation. In fiscal year 2016, the most recent year for which figures are available from the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Statistics, the DOJ sought federal charges against 69,451 felony defendants -- and in only six cases did a grand jury return a vote of no bill, indicating a refusal to indict. Advertisement Advertisement Yet the current Justice Department has faced this outcome several times in recent months while attempting to prosecute perceived foes of the president's agenda. Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the House Judiciary Committee, February 11, 2026 in Washington. "This is pretty rare for a prosecutor to want an indictment and not get one," University of Illinois Professor Andrew Leipold, an expert on the federal judiciary system, told ABC News. "The most obvious answer is that the government is being aggressive in prosecuting federal crimes, and grand juries are simply not in agreement." Vice President JD Vance has said that any such actions are "driven by law and not by politics." After a federal judge in November dismissed the cases the Justice Department had brought against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, the DOJ again sought an indictment of the New York AG. Advertisement Advertisement The move came after U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that that the appointment of Trump's handpicked interim U.S. attorney, Lindsey Halligan, was unconstitutional and that Halligan acted in an "unlawful" and "ineffective" manner when she brought charges of making false statements against Comey and mortgage fraud charges against James. Ten days after Judge Cameron's ruling, a federal grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia, refused to indict James on the same charges when the Justice Department attempted to refile the case, according to sources. 2nd grand jury refuses to indict New York AG Letitia James: Sources A second grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia's Alexandria branch then rejected the charges when the DOJ attempted to file the case for a third time. Advertisement Advertisement "This unprecedented rejection makes even clearer that this case should never have seen the light of day," James' attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement. Last August, D.C. prosecutors failed to secure an indictment against a man accused of throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent after video of the confrontation went viral and provoked an all-out public relations blitz from the White House and Justice Department touting his arrest and the federal assault charge against him. Sean Charles Dunn was arrested on charges of allegedly throwing a Subway sandwich at a CBP agent who was patrolling with Metro Transit Police in northwest Washington on the night of Aug. 9, amid the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops in the capital. "You f------ fascists! Why are you here? I don't want you in my city!" Dunn is alleged to have shouted at the CBP officer before allegedly throwing the sandwich, which struck the officer in the chest. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors similarly failed to convince a federal grand jury in D.C. to indict a woman who was accused by the government of assaulting an FBI agent during an inmate swap with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The U.S. attorney's office was unable to secure an indictment against Sidney Reid despite making three separate attempts, according to court records. ABC News' Alexander Mallin and Katherine Faulders contributed to this report. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department has moved to drop charges against two men charged with assaulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis in January after an officer shot a Venezuelan immigrant, a court document showed on Thursday. The top federal prosecutor in Minnesota, Daniel Rosen, asked a judge to dismiss the charges, writing that "newly discovered evidence in this matter is materially inconsistent with the allegations." Rosen sought the dismissal with prejudice, which means the charges cannot be reintroduced. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting that wounded the Venezuelan man, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, came during President Donald Trump's widely condemned surge of immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Trump's immigration crackdown, said in January officers were conducting a targeted traffic stop on Sosa-Celis when he sped away, crashed his car and fled on foot. DHS said at the time that Sosa-Celis and two other men hit an ICE officer who pursued him with a snow shovel and broom handle, prompting the shooting. But court documents unsealed later told a different story. Advertisement Advertisement An FBI affidavit said the ICE officers had scanned a license plate registered to a different person suspected of an immigration violation, leading them to chase the wrong person. The affidavit said another man was driving the car and was the sole occupant - not Sosa-Celis. The car's actual driver - another Venezuelan immigrant - crashed and fled to an apartment building where Sosa-Celis was present, it said. At the building, an ICE officer trying to detain the driver was struck by him and Sosa-Celis with a broom, while a third man used a shovel before the officer fired. While DHS said initially that the officer "fired a defensive shot to defend his life", the FBI affidavit said the alleged attackers dropped the broom and shovel when they saw the officer draw his gun and were fleeing as he fired. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration's use of armed federal immigration agents has led to nationwide protests, especially after last month's fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota. Rights advocates say Trump's actions have made the environment unsafe for citizens and immigrants and violate due process protections. Trump's border czar Tom Homan said Trump has agreed to end his deportation surge in Minnesota. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Kim Coghill) A drone whirred through a shopping centre in the Russian city of Voronezh as Shaman, an operator for the Russian army, showed shoppers one of the devices that have dominated the battlefield in Ukraine. Hiding his face behind a balaclava, the 19-year-old told AFP he would soon leave to fight in the war, vowing "to defend my country" -- which launched a large-scale offensive against its neighbour four years ago. Around 500 kilometres south of Moscow, Voronezh -- a city of one million people -- is closer to the front line in eastern Ukraine than to the Russian capital. Advertisement Advertisement From frequent Ukrainian retaliatory drone attacks to army recruitment adverts around the city, the conflict has gradually seeped into daily life. Before heading off to the front, Shaman, his army call sign, was manning the stand of the "Berkut Military-Sports Cossack Club" in the shopping centre. His goal was "not necessarily" to convince his fellow teenagers to enlist, he told AFP. "Everyone chooses their own path, according to their interests," he said, calling himself a "patriot". Over the last four years, the word has become politically charged -- used to hail soldiers and, on the home front, those who loudly support President Vladimir Putin and his offensive. Advertisement Advertisement - 'I have hope' - Even the look of Voronezh has changed dramatically since February 2022. On snowy roads leading to the suburbs, anti-aircraft systems peek out from behind camouflage nets. In the city centre, murals honour soldiers killed on the battlefield. Countless propaganda posters call for people to enlist with the army, crowding out adverts for a production of "Swan Lake" at the local theatre. A recruitment centre offers future soldiers a lump sum of 2.5 million roubles ($32,500) if they sign-up -- equivalent to three years of the average regional salary. The riches on offer have allowed Russia to maintain a manpower advantage over Ukraine despite massive losses. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, 422,000 people enlisted with the military, according to former president and Deputy Security Council Secretary Dmitry Medvedev -- a six percent decrease compared with 2024. For Lyudmila, 64 and with dark circles under her eyes, only one of those matters: her son, missing in action for the last four months. "It's very hard. I have hope, because without hope..." Lyudmila said, her eyes filling with tears and unable to finish the sentence. Was he killed? Captured? She does not know. - 'Frightening' - Russia does not say officially how many of its fighters have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Tracking of local obituaries and family announcements by the BBC and independent Mediazona outlet has identified at least 168,000 Russian soldiers killed since Moscow launched its offensive. To keep herself occupied, Lyudmila volunteers for an organisation sewing camouflage gear for soldiers. Even with the small fortune on offer, the prospect of enlisting is a hard "Nyet" for tractor driver Roman, who like everybody AFP spoke to refused to give his surname. "No, no. Not for any sum," said the 48-year-old. Nestled in a tent on the frozen river, he wants to "relax", "switch off" and "think about fishing" -- escaping the fear of Ukrainian drone attacks. Advertisement Advertisement "I wake up more often because of the explosions," he said. "We have sirens and explosions every day. It's frightening of course." Moscow has been firing daily barrages of missiles and drones at Ukraine for months. The latest wave crippled Kyiv's energy system, leaving hundreds of thousands without heating as temperatures plunged to -20C. In retaliation, Ukraine's army has been firing drones at Russia, mostly targeting port and energy infrastructure. Last month, one person in Voronezh was killed in an attack. - Peace Street - The Voronezh region, which surrounds the city and borders a part of Ukraine captured by Moscow, is one of the "most frequently" targeted in aerial attacks, Russian ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova said last month. Advertisement Advertisement Amid the plethora of army posters across the city, there are some smaller signs that not everybody shares the patriotic pro-war fervour. After Russia launched its offensive, artist Mikhail affixed little ceramic plaques to buildings and walls with calls for peace. They resemble pro-peace plaques put up in Soviet times with messages like "Peace" or "Friendship" written on them -- part of the propaganda of the era. "I wanted to remind people of the narrative of our grandmothers, grandfathers and great-grandparents, who throughout my childhood said that war is terrifying," the 28-year-old, who goes by the nickname Noi, told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement "What we should always strive for is peace." But with anti-war activism essentially outlawed in Russia, his plaques have been taken down. Except one -- located on Voronezh's Peace Street. gde/blb/mmp/jc/jxb Feb. 6-12, 2026 Ramon Pucha demonstrated how to turn a leaf into a hat to protect himself from the sun while looking for seeds to grow on his familys farm, where he preserves native species and shares seedlings with neighboring communities in an effort to protect biodiversity, in Ecuadors Amazon region. Students led a march on National Youth Day in Caracas, Venezuela, to call for the release of detainees who are considered political prisoners by their relatives and human rights groups. Workers mobilized by trade unions converged in a Buenos Aires square, blocking traffic and clashing with police as Argentinas Senate debated and ultimately approved a labor overhaul. This gallery was curated by photographer Esteban Felix, based in Santiago, Chile. ___ AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's repeal Feb. 12 of the 2009 finding that greenhouse gases harm human health brings to fruition years of rejecting globally accepted science by climate change deniers. It will hurt families, quality of life, and pocketbooks here in Wisconsin, environmental advocates say. President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal in a news release, with Trump saying the original finding "severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers." Trump has long referred to climate change as a hoax, and ignored or dismissed decades of research. Advertisement Advertisement Within the scientific community, there is no debate. More than 99% of scientists agreeing humans contribute greatly to climate change through fumes that come out of vehicle tailpipes, and by burning fossil fuels for electricty and heat. With the fingerprints of climate change already visible in floods, heat waves and wildfire smoke events in Wisconsin, the state's environmental groups say the repeal will be dangerous for residents' health. "The title of this rule says it for itself. It's the endangerment finding," said Abby Novinska-Lois, executive director of Healthy Climate Wisconsin, a group of Wisconsin doctors, nurses and health professionals that advocate for climate action. "That's been in place because we know the science is clear that greenhouse gases harm public health and welfare." The rule protected Americans' health, Novinska-Lois said, "and now, it's gone." What is the endangerment finding? The endangerment finding was issued in 2009 by the EPA under former President Barack Obama. It declared that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, pollute the air and endanger public health. Advertisement Advertisement Two years earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court had rejected an argument from the EPA then under former President George W. Bush that the agency did not have the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases. Since the endangerment finding was published, the EPA has used it to underpin regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from cars, power plants, and the oil and gas sector. It has been challenged before by industry groups, but the Supreme Court has declined to hear those challenges. What does the EPA's repeal do? The Feb. 12 announcement from Trump and the EPA immediately ends regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. vehicles. More broadly, it signals an intent to unwind regulations on other greenhouse gas emitters, like power plants, said Brian Lynk, senior attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center. Advertisement Advertisement "They're saying, 'Well, what we found in 2009 and reaffirmed in 2023 and all those years of data in between all that was wrong. We've decided this isn't an issue,'" Lynk said. The EPA proposed rescinding the endangerment finding in August 2025 because, it said, "developments cast significant doubt on the reliability of the findings." Although the proposal referred several more times to such developments, the science on climate change has not changed. When news broke last summer that the EPA would try to rescind the finding, Gov. Tony Evers condemned the move from his role as co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors working on climate change issues. Advertisement Advertisement Last September, a report from the independent National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that evidence for the harm greenhouse gases cause to human health is "beyond scientific dispute." Effects of climate change would just get worse Across the country, allowing unchecked greenhouse gas emissions could add up to 18 billion tons of pollution into the atmosphere by 2055, according to the environmental advocacy group Environmental Defense Fund three times the amount the U.S. emitted last year. It could lead to tens of thousands of premature deaths and tens of millions more asthma attacks, the group said. Wisconsin and the Midwest will feel those impacts, experts said. The effects of climate change are already noticeable here: warmer winters, heavier precipitation and flooding, far-drifting smoke from wildfires that burn hotter, and weather that swings from one extreme to the next. That could all grow worse without limits on greenhouse gas emissions, Lynk said. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to contributing to a warming planet, the repeal will also worsen everyday air quality, Novinska-Lois said. Air pollution is linked to health problems across the lifespan, she said, from preterm birth to rampant asthma to certain cancers. The Environmental Defense Fund estimated Wisconsin could see more than $5 billion in health costs through 2055 due to the repeal of vehicle greenhouse gas standards. Despite the change, which was supported by groups like the American Petroleum Institute, Lynk said he doesn't expect to see auto manufacturing companies race to release new cars that no longer have to meet emissions standards. Businesses take a longer view on their products than what happens in a presidential term, he said. What happens next? Lynk said he believes the administration's end goal is for the endangerment finding to wind up back at the Supreme Court, which could then reverse its 2007 decision saying the EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases. Advertisement Advertisement The Environmental Law & Policy Center does intend to take the EPA to court over the repeal, he said. Other environmental groups have also signaled they will sue. Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump, EPA give climate change deniers win. What's Wisconsin impact? By Edward McAllister BELGRADE, Feb 13 (Reuters) - The European Union could withhold funds from a 1.6 billion euro allocation of loans and grants to Serbia, after Belgrade passed laws that are "eroding trust" in its commitment to the rule of law, the bloc's enlargement commissioner said. Reforms to centralise the judiciary that came into force this week brought criticism from judges and prosecutors who see them as bolstering President Aleksandar Vucic's hold on power, weakening the fight against organised crime and undermining Serbia's bid to join the EU. Advertisement Advertisement These amendments are eroding trust. It is becoming harder for those in Brussels who are willing to advance with Serbia to make their case," EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said in emailed comments to Reuters late on Thursday. Kos said the commission was reviewing funding for Serbia under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at aligning the region to EU rules and ultimately bringing countries such as Serbia into the bloc. Serbia was allocated 1.6 billion euros of loans and grants under the programme. "These (funds) contain preconditions linked to the rule of law," she said. Serbia began official talks to join the EU in 2014 but widespread corruption and weak institutions have slowed progress. Advertisement Advertisement The judicial reforms include limiting the mandate of chief public prosecutors and granting court presidents - responsible for court administration - greater powers over judges. Critics fear the reforms will erode judges' independence and jeopardise high-level corruption cases overseen by the Public Prosecutors Office for Organised Crime. The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. The justice ministry has said that the new laws will make the judiciary more efficient by streamlining the decision-making process. Since the backlash, Serbia has requested the opinion of the Venice Commission, a panel of constitutional law experts of the Council of Europe, a human rights body. "Once that opinion is issued, we expect these laws to be revised accordingly and in an inclusive manner," Kos said. (Reporting by Edward McAllisterEditing by Peter Graff) French luxury house Hermes lifted revenue to 16bn ($18.98bn) in 2025, up 5.5% at current exchange rates from 15.17bn in 2024, alongside improved operating profitability and higher cash generation. Recurring operating income rose 7% to 6.56bn, while recurring operating profitability improved to 41% of sales from 40.5% a year earlier. Net profit attributable to the group totalled 4.52bn, down slightly from 4.60bn in 2024, equivalent to 28.3% of revenue versus 30.3% previously. Adjusted for the exceptional contribution on profits of large companies in France, net profit reached 4.86bn, up 5.5% in line with sales growth. Operating cash flow increased to 5.60bn from 5.37bn in 2024. The company recorded operating investments of 1.16bn and adjusted free cash flow of 3.88bn, compared with 3.76bn a year earlier. Equity attributable to the group rose to 18.84bn from 17.32bn, and the restated net cash position improved to 12.77bn at the end of 2025 from 12.03bn in 2024. For the full year, Japan recorded growth of 14.1%, the Americas 12.4%, Europe excluding France 11.3%, France 9%, Asia excluding Japan 4.9% and the other region 14.9%. By activity, leather goods and saddlery advanced 13%, ready-to-wear and accessories 6%, silk and textiles 5% and other sectors 11%. Perfume and beauty declined 8% and watches fell 2%, despite a recovery in the second half. Hermes plans additional leather goods workshops in Loupes in 2026, Charleville-Mezieres in 2027, Colombelles in 2028 and Les Andelys by 2030. The workforce increased to 26,494 employees in 2025 from 25,185 a year earlier, with more than 1,300 hires during the year, including 800 in France. The group proposed a dividend of 18 per share for 2025, including a 5 interim dividend payable later this month. Hermes executive chairman Axel Dumas said: The Hermes model based on an exclusive and qualitative network, as well as strong vertical integration, has once again proven successful. In an uncertain environment, Hermes is moving into 2026 with confidence, underpinned by its creativity and exceptional savoir-faire. Fourth-quarter revenue reached 4.08bn, up 10% at constant exchange rates, with double-digit growth across Japan, the Americas and the Middle East. Hermes said it entered 2026 with confidence and confirmed a medium-term objective of revenue growth at constant exchange rates despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties. "Hermes reports 16bn 2025 revenue with higher operating profitability" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. A top EU official said there is no shortcut to Ukraine carrying out reforms, amid speculation over Kyiv's accelerated entry to the European Union as soon as next year. "Let's have this discussion, with one baseline full membership comes only after full reforms," Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, said on Feb. 13 in Tallinn. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the end of January that the country would be ready to join the bloc by 2027, and membership of the EU would serve as an economic security guarantee in the event of an eventual peace deal with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Reports have since emerged that the EU is exploring a membership plan for Ukraine that would allow the country to join before completing all the necessary reforms required as part of the so-called accession process. But some national leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have pushed back on the speedy timeline. In a speech highlighting the tensions between a fast moving and hostile geopolitical environment, and the lethargic pace of the EU, Kos said she was "glad" that debate around new models of membership was taking place, and appeared to leave the door open to a more flexible approach to membership. "We need to reach citizens in our candidate countries much faster and more directly, by rewarding those who deliver on reforms and alignment with EU rules with faster integration into EU policies and structures," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Her speech comes as Ukraine's parliament fails to vote through unpopular reforms required to unlock a new International Monetary Fund program a necessary condition for receiving a 90 billion euros ($107 billion) lifeline from the EU. One senior European Commission official, speaking to the Kyiv Independent this week on the condition of anonymity, expressed concern over Ukraine's weakened appetite to pursue reforms in recent months, saying it would undermine both European support for the country's membership and future private sector investment in the country. Ukraine's record on aligning with the EU was tarnished last summer when Zelensky moved to strip the country's anti-corruption agencies of their independence. Although he backtracked after a fiery reaction from civil society, the episode looms large in the minds of EU policymakers. Kos outlined five crucial "ingredients of success" for any future accession process, including safeguards to prevent democratic backsliding. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in 2022. The country completed the legislative screening process last year, and has advocated for a fast-track accession amid ongoing peace talks with Moscow, arguing that EU membership is essential for post-war recovery and security. However, Hungary continues to block the opening of "accession clusters," the next stage in the protracted process of joining the bloc. Read also: Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame heres what Moscow actually wants Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. German leader Friedrich Merz called Friday for "a new transatlantic partnership" between the United States and Europe, as he rallied officials at a top security conference under heavy pressure from US President Donald Trump. European leaders were striving to shore up relations with Washington, insisting they were strengthening their defences in line with Trump's demands at what Merz and others described as a time of "upheaval". This year's Munich Security Conference comes at a time of strained ties between Europe and the United States, after Trump threatened to take over Greenland and criticised European countries' record on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Russia's war against Ukraine, set to enter its fifth year this month, will be high on the agenda, alongside efforts by European NATO members to raise their defence budgets out of concern that Moscow could seek to expand into their territory. European leaders at the gathering defended their security commitments and the NATO alliance, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen saying the bloc was "ready to take more responsibility for our own security" -- after Trump called it into question and accused allies of not spending enough on defence. "Being a part of NATO is not only Europe's competitive advantage. It's also the United States' competitive advantage. So let's repair and revive transatlantic trust together," Merz said. "In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone." Advertisement Advertisement - US-Europe relations - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived on Friday, is due to speak at the annual gathering on Saturday, as is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, organisers said. Rubio is seen as a more conciliatory choice of envoy, a year after Vice President JD Vance used the same stage to attack European policies on immigration and free speech, shocking European allies. "Rubio will not gratuitously offend the Europeans," analyst Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group told a news conference. "Rubio will be seen as broadly constructive, trying to provide less uncertainty and less unpredictability and less unreliability from the Americans, even though a lot of the message will be tough." Advertisement Advertisement Rubio met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday on the sidelines of the conference, an AFP journalist said, at a time of heightened Washington-Beijing tensions. Meanwhile relations between Europe and the United States, their traditional allies and guarantors of the continent's security for decades, are under pressure. Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has frequently criticised European countries for not sharing enough of the burden on common defence. Ties plunged further last month when Trump stepped up threats to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, forcing European nations to stand firm in protest. Advertisement Advertisement Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen said they would discuss Greenland with Rubio on Friday on the sidelines of the conference. - Ukraine discussions - Overall, more than 60 heads of state and government and around 100 foreign and defence ministers were to descend on the southern German city under high security, with about 5,000 police deployed for the event. Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron were scheduled to meet with UK premier Keir Starmer and Zelensky on Friday afternoon for talks on Ukraine, with Rubio also set to attend. Ukraine's foreign minister Andriy Sybiga said he met Wang Yi from China -- a close partner of Moscow -- at the conference and discussed ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky visited a drone factory near Munich with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. "It's good to have strong partnership with Americans... but I think that Europe... needs (an) independent defence industry, very strong," he said. "Europe has to be definitely independent with strong security guarantees." NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte said on the sidelines of the conference that Europe was "stepping up... taking more of a leadership role within NATO" and "taking more care of its own defence". "A strong Europe in a strong NATO means that the transatlantic bond will be stronger than ever." bur-rlp/phz A number of defendants charged in indictments handed down Feb. 3 with a variety of sex offenses entered not-guilty pleas during arraignment before Criminal Court Judge Wesley Bray Tuesday. They included John Thomas Coley Jr., 43, a former Cumberland County sheriffs deputy, who was indicted on two counts of rape. The sealed indictment charges on Feb. 1, 2025, and on June 30, 2025, reckless sexual acts were engaged and that the defendant knew, or had reason to know the victim was a vulnerable adult. Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agents Levi Pelley and Brandon Davenport, Crossville Police Investigators Tyrel Lorenz, Tim Vender, Lt. Dustin Lester, Sgt. Josh Mangas and Ptl. Corey Freeman, and Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center representative Christy Slayton are listed as witnesses, along with the victim. Coley told Bray he could not afford an attorney and was appointed representation of the Public Defenders Office. The case was continued to March 10 at which time it is expected the issue of the $1-million bond holding Coley in jail will be addressed. It should be noted that a grand jury is a panel of qualified, randomly selected citizens who reviews evidence and verifies that those presenting cases had probable cause to believe a crime has been committed and subject to further judicial review. Advertisement Advertisement In other arraignments, the following took place: Roy Odell Adams was indicted on one count of aggravated sexual battery alleged on Oct. 1 and Nov. 28, 2024, involving a person under the age of 13. CCSO Investigator Jonathan Human and the victim are listed as witnesses. Adams had his bond reduced from $500,000 to $250,000 and is to return to court on March 10. Owen Bradley Cole was indicted on a single count of sexual exploitation of a minor/over 100 images, alleged between April 14 and Aug. 5, 2025. It is alleged in the indictment Cole the photos found in his possession includes a minor engaged in sexual activity wherein the number of individual images, materials or combination of images and materials exceeded 100. CPD Det. Tyrel Lorenz is listed as the witness. Cole entered a not guilty plea and had his bond reduced to $500,000 with a return to court set for May 12. By Jana Winter WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - An Arizona sheriff is blocking FBI access to key evidence in the investigation into the abduction of U.S. television journalist Savannah Guthrie's mother, impairing its ability to assist in the probe, a U.S. law enforcement official with knowledge of the case told Reuters on Thursday. The FBI asked Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for physical evidence in the case, including a glove and DNA from the home of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, to be processed at the FBI's national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, but Nanos has insisted instead on using a private lab in Florida, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Outsourcing forensic analysis to a Florida contractor, effectively denying the access of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to crucial evidence in the case, is delaying the FBI ability to assist in the case, according to the official. A spokesperson for the sheriff did not immediately respond to Reuters request by email seeking comment. In a daily press update released earlier in the day, the sheriff's department said investigators had "recovered several items of evidence, including gloves," adding that all viable evidence is submitted for analysis." The agency did not elaborate. The Pima County sheriff has primary jurisdiction over the case, and FBI assistance must be officially requested by the county, otherwise the FBI is legally precluded from taking part in the investigation. The official said the county has spent some $200,000 so far to send evidence in the Guthrie case to the the Florida lab. Advertisement Advertisement It risks further slowing a case that grows more urgent by the minute," the official told Reuters, citing unspecified "earlier setbacks" in the investigation. The official also criticized the sheriff for not seeking FBI assistance in the investigation sooner. "Its clear the fastest path to answers is leveraging federal resources and technology. Anything less only prolongs the Guthrie familys grief and the communitys wait for justice, the official said. Signs of friction between the FBI and sheriff's department emerged as the search for Nancy Guthrie stretched into its 12th day, as investigators intensified their search for clues in the presumed kidnapping for ransom. Advertisement Advertisement Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when family dropped her off at her home following an evening dinner with them, and relatives reported her missing the following day, authorities said. The sheriff has said the elder Guthrie had extremely limited mobility and could not have wandered off far from home unassisted, leading investigators to conclude early on that she had been abducted by force. THOUSANDS OF TIPS Traces of blood found on her front porch were confirmed by DNA tests to have come from Guthrie, officials said last week. Law enforcement and family members have described her as being in frail health and in need of daily medication to survive. Advertisement Advertisement At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced since Nancy Guthrie vanished, both of them delivered initially to news media outlets and setting two deadlines that have since lapsed. But no proof of life is known to have surfaced following her abduction. Savannah Guthrie, 54, co-anchor of the popular NBC News morning show "Today," has posted several video messages with her brother and sister, appealing to their mother's captors for her return, pleading for the public's help in solving the case, and even asserting a willingness to meet ransom demands. In a major break in the case on Wednesday, authorities released video footage captured from the doorbell camera of Nancy Guthrie's home near Tucson, showing an armed prowler in a ski mask and gloves trying to disable the camera. The video was taken at about the time that Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her residence by force. Investigators were likely seeking to bring facial recognition analysis to bear on the video to produce a composite image of a suspect that they can run against a national database that includes all U.S. drivers with RealID licenses, according to a former FBI agent. Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officials said on Thursday that a black latex glove was found discarded on a roadside was recovered and undergoing forensic examination. The FBI on Thursday doubled the reward offered for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie, or arrest and conviction of a suspect in her abduction, to $100,000. (Reporting by Jana Winter in Washington; Writing and additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Diane Craft) An unusually warm winter in Tajikistan has worried farmers. With average January temperatures 1-2 degrees Celsius (1.8-3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal and late-winter cold spells predicted, agriculturists in the Central Asian nation are on alert. What's happening? "Such climate volatility is raising serious concerns among farmers, as it may negatively affect agriculture and future harvests," Asia-Plus reported. This month and next, meteorologists expect "sharp temperature fluctuations," with lows of minus 20 C (minus 4 F) and highs of 12 C (53.6 F). Precipitation has also been down. Advertisement Advertisement Experts have advised watering crops as a substitute for snow cover and mulching, which hold in moisture and protect plants from heat damage, per the outlet. "Winter irrigation helps delay premature plant growth and destroys pest larvae that could damage crops in spring," Qurbonali Partoyev said, per Asia-Plus. Why is this important? The report highlighted the fluctuating weather's impact on crops and the agriculture industry as a whole. Severe damage would have a cascading effect that threatens farmers, communities, and the region a concern that is widespread as the world has warmed significantly over the last century. Because of the abnormally high temperatures in Tajikistan, some vegetation has awakened early, as Asia-Plus put it. That means the cold snaps to come could damage buds and flowers, which would normally have not yet appeared, and cause crop losses. The lack of precipitation also means a lack of snow cover, which protects and insulates crops as spring approaches. Advertisement Advertisement "If frost hits plants that have already begun to develop or bloom, the consequences could be very serious," agronomist Bakhtiyor Hoitboyev said. Asia-Plus also noted that insect pests, harmful bacteria, and fungi could "survive and multiply" because of the unseasonable weather. What's being done about extreme weather's effect on crops? In addition to taking steps such as covering plants with plastic to protect them from cold weather, farmers in this new reality of high temperatures must update irrigation equipment and change water management methods, as one study detailed. Around the globe, scientists are working to develop crops including heat-tolerant cherries that can withstand weather extremes and studying how technology can improve irrigation as well as pest and disease protection. Advertisement Advertisement The long-term solution involves reducing pollution from burning gas, coal, and oil, which is driving the rapid rise in global temperatures and the more frequent, severe extreme weather that results. Growing your own food, rewilding your yard, and capturing rainwater are all steps you can take to contribute to a cooler, more sustainable future. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Donald Trumps son-in-law featured in conversation and gossip that resulted in the highly classified whistleblower complaint against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The complaint is related to an intercepted conversation between two foreign nationals discussing Jared Kushner, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. It could not be determined which country the two foreigners were from or what they said about the presidents son-in-law, but the conversation took place last spring and contained gossip that was uncorroborated by intelligence, according to the Journal and the New York Times, citing officials. Jared Kushner. / Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images It is the latest revelation in a slow drip of information about the controversial whistleblower complaint, which Gabbard was accused of trying to bury for eight months. The Journal previously reported it had been locked in a safe. The WSJ reported that the whistleblower complaint against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, pictured Dec. 2, 2025, involves the NSA picking up a conversation between two foreign nationals discussing Pres. Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Senior Trump administration officials told the Journal that the Kushner claims were demonstrably false, but they did not provide further details about the conversation, arguing that doing so could expose a highly sensitive surveillance method. Advertisement Advertisement But the allegations in the conversation about Kushner would be significant if verified, other U.S. officials familiar with the matter told the Journal. They said there was no corroborating evidence, but that does not prove they are untrue. Last week, The Guardian and other outlets reported that the National Security Agency (NSA) flagged a call between two foreign intelligence officials last spring discussing a person close to Donald Trump. The Journal also reported that it included issues related to Iran. Despite having no formal government position in the second Trump administration and thus accountability, Kushner is now at the center of the presidents push for nuclear negotiations with Iran. He and real estate developer-turned-U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Iranian officials for talks last week in Oman. Jared Kushner and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff meet with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi on February 6 ahead of the US-Iran talks, in Muscat, Oman. / Oman Foreign Ministry/Anadolu via Getty Images The 45-year-old investor, married to Trumps daughter Ivanka, has also taken a leading role in negotiating a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, meeting directly with Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement He also spearheaded the U.S. effort to reach a peace deal between Israel and Hamas last year and remains active in the talks to rebuild Gaza, all while his fund Affinity Partners has received billions from foreign investors in recent years. The Daily Beast has reached out to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence about Kushner being the topic of the foreign nationals conversation at the center of the whistleblower complaint. Jared Kushner shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin while U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff looks on at a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 22, 2026. / Alexander Kazakov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images According to the whistleblowers attorney Andrew Bakaj, when the conversation was brought to Gabbards attention, rather than allowing the NSA to distribute it further, she instead took it to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The Journals new reporting that Kushner was the center of it comes as the whistleblowers attorneys have threatened to sue Gabbard if her office does not provide the security guidance it requested for the whistleblower to meet directly with members of the congressional intelligence committees. Advertisement Advertisement The lawyers have accused Gabbard of stonewalling on the report for eight months after the whistleblower asked it be transmitted to Congress. The same day the Journal first reported the existence of the complaint, ODNI provided the intelligence community inspector general with security guidance to transmit it to Congress. Gabbards office has pushed back that they followed proper protocol for transmitting the complaint. A Gabbard spokeswoman told the Journal that she has worked fully within her legal and statutory authority. Both the former acting inspector general and current intelligence community inspector general found one of the allegations in the complaint not credible and were unable to determine if the second allegation was. A small group of top lawmakers, known as the Gang of Eight, were able to review the whistleblower complaint last week. However, it remained heavily redacted. WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted restrictions barring flights over a large swath of southern New Mexico late Tuesday that were supposed to last for 10 days, lawmakers said Friday. The FAA issued orders barring flights to and from the nearby El Paso airport as well as southern New Mexico citing "special security reasons." The FAA lifted the restrictions over El Paso after a few hours early Wednesday but had kept the restrictions over New Mexico without explanation. "Southern New Mexicans and El Pasoans deserve answers and transparency," said Representative Gabe Vasquez, a New Mexico Democrat. (Reporting by David Shepardson) When Said Noor, a US Army veteran, picked up a phone call on December 2, he immediately knew something was wrong. His brother Lal was in Laredo, Texas, several hours south of their home in Austin, nervously explaining that the commercial truck he drove had been stopped at a Customs and Border Protection checkpoint. When the agents asked if he was a US citizen, Lal, 28, answered honestly: He isnt. He, his mother and five of his brothers and sisters had fled Afghanistan in the wake of the US military withdrawal, and he is currently awaiting a decision on an asylum claim he submitted years ago. Advertisement Advertisement As Said stayed on the line with his younger brother, Said could hear someone aggressively demanding to know who Lal had called and why. Said told Lal to provide whatever the officials needed so he could go, but his brother sounded worried, so Said told him to pass the phone to the agent. He tried to calm the agent down, he told CNN. I told him sir, lets just talk to each other as adults, right? I was like, youre an officer and you took an oath to defend the Constitution. I said, I have done the same thing, I was in the Army, Im a veteran right now, he said. That seemed to defuse the situation somewhat, Said recalled, but the man kept repeating that Lal is not allowed to be here in the US. Said tried to explain that Lal, who is married to a US citizen, was brought to the US legally through the US militarys evacuation of Afghanistan, an effort largely aimed at protecting families like his who had worked with American troops and faced threats from the Taliban. He tried to explain Lals pending asylum case, the legal process through which Lal was trying to gain permanent status in the US along with 80,000 other Afghan nationals who fled the country and have similarly looked to create new homes in America. Advertisement Advertisement But soon the phone was handed to a second agent. He was told that they were working to verify Lals status. Afghan asylum cases had received bipartisan support until a sharp shift in tone after an Afghan refugee shot two members of the National Guard in Washington, DC in November days before Lal was stopped at the checkpoint. Hours passed, with Said continuing to communicate with his brother while the agents waited for a response from the Department of Homeland Security. But then the communication stopped. Said could still see Lals location on the app Life360, but he couldnt get in touch with him, and when he called a nearby border patrol station, no one seemed to be able to find him. For two days, Said told CNN he couldnt find his brother he called several border checkpoints but found himself trapped in a cycle of transferred calls. Advertisement Advertisement One officer even told Said to call the Afghan embassy; when he explained there was no Afghan embassy in the US because the Taliban was in control of the country, the officer said to call the Taliban, the same group that Said told CNN had detonated a bomb just outside of his familys home in 2020, killing several people, in retaliation for his work with US troops. Finally, Said found Lal he was being held at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement-run Webb County Detention Facility. I came to America a legal way, Lal told CNN from the detention facility in Laredo during a December interview, saying he and his family just want the chance to live a good life. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Lal was detained on December 1, after hed been referred for secondary inspection at a border patrol point of entry. McLaughlin called Lal a criminal illegal alien whose criminal history includes previous arrests for assault and damage to property. Advertisement Advertisement Court documents shared by Lals family, however, show that a charge of criminal mischief against Lal, brought in 2023, was dismissed by a judge in Galveston, Texas, resulting in no conviction or finding of guilt. Said told CNN the incident revolved around an allegation that Lal had broken another persons phone, which Lal denied. The charge was dismissed due to there being no witnesses, the motion to dismiss said, and the family said that it was Lals only run in with law enforcement. McLaughlin also said Lal was told to pull over in December because his work authorization had expired, but Said explained that he had already applied for a renewal. Lal was issued a commercial drivers license in Texas in August 2025, which expires in 2034. McLaughlin did not respond to follow-up questions regarding the dismissed charge or his work authorization renewal. While Lal expected to have his final court hearing on February 12, a request by his lawyer to delay the hearing was granted as they seek to resolve the issue outside of court. Without an agreement, Lal will find out on March 10 if he is being deported back to the country hed fled with his family nearly five years ago. The bombing area at Abbey Gate is pictured August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan, before the blast. A review released Monday, April 15, 2024, says the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that killed U.S. troops and Afghans in August 2021 was not preventable, and the bald man in black spotted by U.S. service members the morning of the attack was not the bomber. - US Central Command/AP Waning support for Afghan refugees Lal and his family are among thousands of Afghans who were brought to the US as the country fell to Taliban rule in August 2021. The panic to flee materialized in a chaotic, frantic period of days as men, women, and children begged US and allied military partners to get them on a plane any plane out of the country. Children were handed over barbed wire at Hamid Karzai International Airport to US troops in desperate attempts to get them to safety. Advertisement Advertisement The monumental task of getting civilians out of the country primarily focused on Afghans who worked with the US government and military, and their immediate family members resulted in the evacuation of more than 124,000 people, the Air Force later said. Dubbed Operation Allies Refuge, it was the largest non-combatant evacuation in US history. Lals family was evacuated in a daring rescue organized by service members on the ground in coordination with Democrat Rep. Seth Moulton, a Marine veteran who traveled to Afghanistan with Republican Rep. Peter Meijer amid the withdrawal. Like many, the family was facing particular danger given Saids work with the US military as a civilian interpreter and later service as a soldier. Said moved to the US in 2014, joined the US Army in 2016, and was honorably discharged in August 2020. At the time of the US evacuation, and for several years afterwards, there was strong bipartisan support for providing refugee status for Afghan families that had aided the US during the twenty years of operations in that country. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, now-Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz criticized the Biden administration for abandoning Afghan allies and called for officials to be held accountable for the unkept promises of security for their safety. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, an Army veteran, called on former President Joe Biden to keep troops in Afghanistan until we have rescued every American citizen and those Afghans who risked their lives for American troops. In August 2021, a bipartisan group of 55 senators urged Biden in a letter to expedite the evacuation of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa recipients and their families. But that support has faded, especially in the wake of a November shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC. One soldier, Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, died. The suspect was identified as a 29-year-old Afghan man who came to the US in the wake of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, further fueling criticism from Trump administration officials about vetting of refugees. CNN previously reported that the man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, underwent numerous rounds of vetting starting in 2011 as he worked with US military and intelligence agencies. He was ultimately approved for permanent asylum by the Trump administration last year. In the wake of the shooting, the Trump administration announced that the processing of all immigration cases for Afghan immigrants was being stopped indefinitely pending further review. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump said at the time that he planned to pause asylum applications for a long time. We dont want those people, Trump said aboard Air Force One. In the wake of Novembers shooting, detentions and efforts against Afghan immigrants have definitely ramped up, Jordan Weinberg, Lals attorney at Atlas Immigration Law, told CNN. We are seeing a much higher difficulty for Afghans, Weinberg said. After the attack, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would be undertaking a full scale, rigorous reexamination of green cards issued to people from 19 countries of concern, including Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin previously said in a statement that DHS was indefinitely stopping the processing of all immigration requests related to Afghan nationals pending further review, including asylum cases approved under the Biden administration. McLaughlin told CNN this week that Operation Allies Welcome and Operation Allies Refuge let thousands of unvetted Afghan nationals including terrorists, sexual predators, pedophiles, domestic abusers, and kidnappers into our country. Under Secretary (Kristi) Noem, DHS has been going full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and criminal illegal aliens that came in through Bidens fraudulent parole programs and working to get the criminals and public safety threats OUT of our country, McLaughlin said. Targeted by the Taliban The year before he helped his family flee, Said was visiting them at their family home in Khost Province in Afghanistan. Hed just left the US Army as a sergeant, deciding to depart the service because he was not authorized to travel to Afghanistan as an off-duty US soldier, he said, and he wanted to help them with their immigration paperwork. Advertisement Advertisement For years, even before Said moved to the US and joined the military, his family had been targeted by the Taliban, he said. His work with the US as a civilian interpreter had not gone unnoticed by the militant group, and hed hoped to bring his family to the safety of the US. Hed been home in Afghanistan for roughly a week when his family held a gathering at their home, giving him a chance to talk to friends and family he hadnt been able to see in years: school friends, cousins, other distant relatives and neighbors that hed missed after moving to the US. Said Noor on deployment in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, 2018. - Said Noor Said recalled noticing a motorcycle outside the door to his familys home; he and others assumed it belonged to one of the guests. Said was walking some friends out the front door when the motorcycle detonated. Dust was everywhere, making it difficult to breath, Said and Lal recalled. Windows were shattered, injured survivors were calling out for help, and the dead bodies of friends torn apart by the blast were now strewn across the ground. Lal had been on the roof of the house. The blast literally picked him up and threw him onto the ground, Said said. The family thought hed been killed. When Lal regained consciousness, he thought he was dreaming, he told CNN from the detention facility in Texas, until he saw the dead. I cant sleep, I get nightmares when Im sleeping, he told CNN, his voice cracking. The people there, they died in front of me, in our home. Lals asylum claim paperwork, submitted in 2022, says six people were killed and more than a dozen others injured. The Taliban ultimately claimed responsibility, Said told CNN. The family had been targeted because of his service, Said believes, both for helping the American forces while he was a civilian in Afghanistan and later when he put on the US Army uniform. Theres no future for them, no safety. Theres no mercy at all from the Taliban, Said said of the threats against his family. Lals fear is not based on imagination; his fear is based on memories. Lal and Saids father and brother-in-law have faced detention by the Taliban in recent years, both brothers told CNN, weighing heavily on their mother who is now in the US. Said felt strongly about supporting the US, he said, feeling that America believed in human rights, and that he would do whatever it takes to help the Americans prevail. Official military records show Said joined the US military in October 2016 and served as an interpreter, deploying back to Afghanistan as a soldier for eight months in 2018. While deployed there, Said worked with senior military officers and even worked with local media, he recalled a job that made him recognizable to the Taliban. He attended senior-level meetings alongside US officials as a translator, and appeared in photos with senior Afghan and US officials, including now-retired Gen. Austin Scott Miller, the last senior commander overseeing US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Lal and Said have a brother currently serving in the US Army and a younger sister who wants to join the US Air Force, Said said. He describes theirs as a US military family who care deeply about service and simply wanted a safer life for themselves. We believed in this country, right? Said told CNN. I risked my life for this country. I never imagined that I would be begging one day just to keep my brother alive, here in America, while he hasnt done anything wrong. On the official DHS document provided to Lal, outlining the reason for his detention and saying he is subject to removal from the US, the allegations listed say only that he is not a citizen of the US and that he was paroled into the US after arriving through Operation Allies Refuge. You are immigrant not in possession of a valid immigrant visa, reentry permit, border crossing identification card, or other valid entry document as required by the Immigration and Nationality Act, the document says. A shift after Novembers shooting Lals detention happened just days after the November shooting, as the Trump administration was rapidly closing doors for Afghan refugees and refugees from several other countries to find ways to stay in the US. In 2025, the Trump administration revoked 85,000 visas of all categories as part of a broader attempt to limit who can come to the US. Last month, the administration instituted an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, including Afghanistan. Lawmakers have also fiercely debated the topic of visas for Afghans, and just this month Congress declined to authorize any additional special immigrants visas for Afghans who worked with the US. Top White House aide Stephen Miller railed against asylum seekers at the southern border in a post on X earlier this month, saying there is a multibillion dollar fraudulent industry to file fake asylum applications. Federal law requires illegal aliens to be detained pending a hearing for their (fake) asylum claim, Miller said. Heather Hogan, policy and practice counsel at American Immigration Lawyers Association, said Millers assertion that it is required to detain immigrants awaiting their asylum claim is definitely not accurate. In the past, asylum seekers were largely left to pursue their cases and work and live, and their kids could go to school while they were going through the motions of their cases because what is the utility of detaining them? Hogan said. When they could otherwise be and want to be working and participating in their communities and providing for their families and themselves? Hogan also said lawyers with AILA have reported seeing a more aggressive stance from the government toward Afghans in particular, including those who previously worked with the US government in Afghanistan. People who worked with the US and are still in Afghanistan have faced revenge killings by the Taliban, according to human rights groups. Amnesty International, for example, reported Taliban officials beating, killing or disappearing Afghans who worked with the former government or served in the Afghan National Security Forces. In the weeks after the US withdrawal, Human Rights Watch also reported the killing or disappearance of at least 47 former members of the ANSF. Lal has already gone to extraordinary lengths for a chance at a new life in the US. He and his sister were shepherding her five young children to the gates of the Kabul airport, part of the desperate crowd attempting to flee, when a suicide bomber attacked Abbey Gate, killing 13 US troops and roughly 170 Afghan civilians. Said recalled speaking to his brother right after the attack, asking him if he was sure he still wanted to try to escape with their family, knowing what danger they could face. Lal clearly said, Yes, (it would be) better to die here than be in the hands of the Taliban, Said told CNN. Just think about it you saw people die in front of you, but you still want to take that risk for your entire family to get into the base, to come to the United States. Lal did not want to give up. This story has been updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) What began as a missing persons investigation in Norfolk is now a case of first-degree murder. Police have charged David Varela, 38, with killing Lina Guerra, but they are still looking for him. Norfolk Police told 10 On Your Side Varela is not in custody. The news of Guerras death has devastated her family. Her aunt spoke with 10 On Your Side from Colombia, where Guerra is from. The aunt said Guerra was very responsible and that their family is heartbroken by the news. Advertisement Advertisement Norfolk Police have now confirmed the Guerras body was found inside an apartment at the Icon Building on East Main Street. Its horrible, horrible, said Guerras aunt, Elizabeth Echavarria. Guerras aunt spoke to 10 On Your Side from Colombia, where Guerra is from. Echavarria said she hasnt stopped crying since she heard the news of her nieces death. Norfolk Police say theyve charged Varela with first-degree murder in connection to Guerras death. Her family says he is Guerras husband. Echavarria said the two met years ago in Florida, where she says Varela was a sailor. They got married soon after and then the two moved to Virginia for his job. Echavarria said she had her concerns, revealing that Guerra had shared that he had been violent with her in the past. Advertisement Advertisement David bruised her face, her neck, Echavarria said. She shared that, on one occasion, Guerra was badly bruised. He was very jealous, Echavarria said. The family is now waiting for more information from police. She said their family needs justice and answers. Its awful he took my little girl away, Echavarria said. She said its awful that Guerra has been taken away from them so tragically. Norfolk police have not released a motive for the crime, they also havent shared exactly how Guerra was killed. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated in Munich that Ukraine is consulting with partners about setting a fixed date for accession to the European Union, and that any such agreements must also take other candidate countries into account. Source: Sybiha speaking to journalists in Munich, as reported by European Pravda Details: The minister emphasised that Ukraine's public calls to enshrine a specific accession date in official documents are realistic. Advertisement Advertisement "All these discussions are realistic. Ukraine is openly raising the positions and expectations we count on," he said. According to Sybiha, negotiations on how to formalise such a date are based on the understanding that this is not only about Ukraine's accession, but also about a new security framework. "For us, EU membership is an element of security guarantees. That is why we are currently holding active consultations with our European partners," he explained. The minister added that his optimism is partly based on the fact that Ukraine and the EU managed to overcome the issue of Hungary's veto by launching a frontloading process. "This is a good example of how to find the right formulas for advancing Ukraine's membership in the EU," he said. Advertisement Advertisement "But we must not forget that there are also the Western Balkans and Moldova [undergoing accession into the EU ed.]. Therefore, this is a comprehensive issue, and we are working with our European partners," he noted. In particular, the minister explained that under any scenario including a possible fast-track accession for Ukraine Kyiv would not go through the process alone. "It is very important to understand that Ukraine is categorically against decoupling [separating the Ukraine-Moldova group in the accession process ed.], because Moldova and Ukraine share a common path toward EU membership," Sybiha explained. Read more about how Ukraine reached an agreement with the EU on advancing toward membership both its own and Moldova's in the article Plan B for Ukraine: how Orban was barred from blocking Kyiv's EU bid There is currently an ongoing discussion about Ukraine's accelerated accession within the framework of peace negotiations. More on this in the article Bringing Ukraine into the EU by 2027: exploring the idea of "membership-lite" as part of a peace deal Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hong Kong, one of the worlds major financial hubs, has long been committed to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology but it faces a competitive challenge from the crypto-friendly UAE. This was a fact acknowledged by panelists Joseph Chan, under secretary for financial services and the treasury in Hong Kong, and Johnny Ng, founder of web3 investment firm Goldford Group, who spoke at Consensus Hong Kong. The UAE is really aggressive, said NG, who served as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) since 2018. He said places such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have established a solid regulatory framework for virtual assets, and each region has also brought this under the auspices of a single, dedicated regulatory authority. Korea, which boasts many millions of crypto users and investors, also has a particular government body responsible for crypto issues, Ng added. I think Hong Kong's legislative council can recommend that the government do more, particularly by creating one position to oversee all those things, Ng said. As a lawmaker, I will actually help the government to connect with congressmen from other countries, for example, Korea. Chan of the Hong Kong Treasury said an enduring attraction of Hong Kong is that there are no surprises from regulators, who have shown a consistent commitment to digital assets. Our regulation is transparent, certain and predictable, and we have stuck to that all along, Chan said. This compares with some other jurisdictions, without naming any names. Be it during a crypto winter or not, Hong Kong has stood by the development of the digital asset industry. If you look at other jurisdictions, as things change and there are ups and downs, they might flip-flop. Under Hong Kong's mandatory licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs), 11 licensees have been granted under the framework, which came into effect two and a half years ago. Regarding the stablecoin regulatory regime that kicked off last August, Chan said the first batch of licenses is targeted for the first quarter of this year. The license regime for digital asset dealers and custodians is next, and expected to be tabled by Hong Kongs financial secretary later this year, Chan added, pointing to multiple consultations and bill reading that must first take place. It sounds like a long process, but it's very important, Chan said. Because it means everyone from the industry knows what's coming, there is enough time to raise your concerns, so there will be no surprises and everybody knows what's going to happen next. Authorities on Thursday released the first physical description of a male suspect wanted in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie. The suspect was seen on the front porch camera of Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona, the night she is believed to have been abducted. The suspect is described as having an average build and an approximate height of 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10, the FBI said in a statement posted to social media. In the Nest doorbell camera video taken at Nancy Guthrie's home, he was wearing a black-colored 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, the FBI said. The FBI provided photos of a similar backpack for reference. The new details were based on a "forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage," the FBI said. A black colored 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack similar to one that the suspect in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been seen carrying outside Guthrie's home on the morning of her disappearance. / Credit: FBI This marks the first time in the case that officials have described the person seen in the security video as a suspect. Advertisement Advertisement The FBI also said it has increased its reward from $50,000 to $100,000 for information leading to either the location of Nancy Guthrie, and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. The FBI said it has received over 13,000 tips so far in the case. The Free Press: How the FBI Is Searching for Nancy Guthrie The FBI added the case to its "most wanted" listing and released a poster with photos of the suspect from the home security footage and information about the reward. / Credit: FBI Earlier Thursday, sources told CBS News that a pair of black gloves had been found during the search for Guthrie. The gloves, seen in images released by the New York Post, resembled those the suspect was wearing in the doorbell video. The gloves are being tested for DNA. Two of the images released by the FBI of a subject seen on surveillance video in the Nancy Guthrie case. / Credit: FBI Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on Jan. 31. The suspect was seen on security video at her home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. Advertisement Advertisement According to a timeline provided by officials, on the night of Jan. 31, Nancy Guthrie had dinner at her daughter Annie's home. Afterward, she was dropped off at her own home by her son-in-law a little before 10 p.m. She was reported missing the following day, Feb. 1, after she failed to show up for church. Law enforcement officials had previously disclosed the Google Nest doorbell camera at Nancy Guthrie's home was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on Feb. 1, and the camera detected activity from a person at 2:12 a.m. Guthrie's pacemaker app disconnected from her phone at 2:28 a.m. It was not until Tuesday, 10 days after Nancy Guthrie went missing, that the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department released surveillance videos and photos from the doorbell camera showing the masked suspect on Guthrie's porch in those early morning hours of Feb. 1. They said the images were recovered from "residual data located in backend systems." Advertisement Advertisement Also Tuesday, a man who later told reporters he was a person of interest in the case, was detained following a traffic stop in Rio Rico, Arizona, a community about 12 miles from the Mexican border. He was released from custody early Wednesday, however, telling reporters that he was innocent. Authorities have also been investigating ransom demands that have requested payment in bitcoin. Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have released several social media videos pleading directly to the abductor or abductors. In one such video released last weekend, the family indicated they were willing to pay for Nancy Guthrie's safe return. White tent set up on Nancy Guthrie's front porch New details from FBI on Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation More potential evidence in Nancy Guthrie case discovered Officials in New Jersey and New York will have to wait a few more days to receive the stalled $205 million in funding for the Gateway Tunnel project. During a court conference on Friday afternoon, lawyers representing the Department of Transportation said that the funds are being approved but will likely take through the holiday weekend to reach the states. "The DOT has done everything it can to process those requests," Department of Justice lawyer Tara Schwartz said. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Jeannette Vargas ordered the Trump administration to provide a status update by 3 p.m. on Tuesday about the funds. While attorneys for New York and New Jersey voiced frustration with the slow process, Judge Vargas noted that the Trump administration appears to be in compliance, as she ordered only that the funding be unfrozen, not that it be provided by a certain date. "My order simply says to invalidate the suspension. It doesn't order that all past reimbursements are due by Monday," she said. According to government attorneys, at least $30 million had already been approved and is being processed by the Treasury, while the remaining funds are working through the system. Advertisement Advertisement New York Gov. Hochul and Senator Chuck Schumer both confirmed that $30 million in funding has been released, but still demanded that full funding be restored now. "My message to the Trump Administration is simple: Enough with the chaos and delays. Get people back to work," Hochul said. "Today we made progress. $30 million has finally been released, and a court-ordered report will force transparency on the remaining funds. But the job isn't done. Full funding must be restored now." "We eagerly await the rest of the money to be sent as quickly as possible so construction can resume," Senator Schumer said. Meanwhile, the Gateway Development Commission released a statement Friday saying they are "grateful to New York and New Jersey for their support in restoring our access to the federal funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project." Advertisement Advertisement The developments Friday afternoon come after pressuring from officials in New York and New Jersey for the Trump administration to resume funding for the project. New York State Attorney General Letitia had requested a federal judge schedule an emergency conference Friday afternoon to ensure the Trump administration is "taking all steps necessary to comply with the Court's TRO." "It is now well into business hours today, February 13, and there is no sign of a wire transfer of any money, much less the over $200 million the Government asserted was ready to be disbursed at 1 p.m. on Monday in its filings earlier this week," she said in a court filing Friday afternoon. "Communications with Defendants' counsel have not produced any clear assurances of timing." She argued that the Trump administration has "deliberately delayed" the reimbursement by canceling an earlier request that could have ensured the flow of money would resume. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill also spoke out on the Trump administration's attempt to withhold money from the project. Sherrill was joined by the forces of labor Friday calling on the Trump administration to restore funding. The 1,000 union workers left the job last Friday and have no idea when they are going to return. Labor leaders say the shutdown is beginning to impact family finances as rents, mortgages, health care and other fiscal obligations are now in jeopardy. The $16 billion has already been approved and authorized by Congress, which is in charge of the nation's purse strings. Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill says Trump does not care about the families are suffering. "As we just saw some of the worst jobs numbers outside a recession in over 20 years, the idea that the president would harm about 1,000 more jobs, and not just that, but put at risk the jobs of the almost 200,000 commuters a day that take this tunnel, we just saw horrible delays this week alone because of the old infrastructure," Sherrill said. The Gateway Tunnel project carries an estimated $16 billion price tag, with more than $1 billion of work already underway. The project is widely viewed as essential infrastructure because it adds two new rail tubes under the Hudson River, a key safeguard against major disruptions to regional rail travel. Advertisement Advertisement The states are expected back in court on Feb. 23 as the federal government appeals the ruling. A second lawsuit filed by the Gateway commission in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims has oral arguments scheduled for March 12. It is possible the government will not restore funding until then. Meanwhile, New Jersey transit will move ahead to a significant phase of the Portal Bridge replacement project. Starting this weekend, the train service for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit will be reduced to test the ride over the new Portal Bridge. This process will take a month to complete. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * Follow us on YouTube * More local news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. The current Fraternal Order of Police building in Pittsburghs Banksville neighborhood could soon become transitional housing for 100 federal inmates. Kentucky-based charity Dismas Charities is going through the approval process and presented a plan to Banksville residents on Thursday. Its not your neighborhood, is it? But we were never consulted, one neighbor said. Her concerns represented the vast majority of people who attended a meeting Thursday night. Advertisement Advertisement I think everybody here doesnt want this in our neighborhood, one man said. Representatives from the charity told neighbors that the building would house 92 men and 8 women who are not free to come and go. It would also have 33 full-time employees who would be local hires. Residents had a number of concerns. Most fit under two categories: safety and finances. I feel very insecure that they are putting in a facility that does not have lockdown provisions, Michele Bertini said. Others pointed out the proximity to schools, businesses and daycare centers. Another point of contention was property devaluation. Charity reps said that would not happen. Advertisement Advertisement Assessors reports do not support that property values decrease because of residential entry programs, Cathy Bellew with Dismas said. Its also unclear whether the group, which is a nonprofit, would pay property taxes. That would be up to the city. The entire purchase is contingent on zoning approval by city council. Vote no on this. This is not what we want in our community and we are relying on you, Bertini said. A hearing in front of the citys planning commission is set for March 10th. There is no timetable for when council could hold a final vote. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW In a hearing that highlighted the increasing pressure the federal judiciary is facing in high-stakes immigration cases, a Washington, D.C. judge on Thursday declined to reverse her decision that blocked the Trump administration from ending immigration protections for more than 300,000 Haitians. I am denying the governments motion to stay, U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes said. The judge said she would issue a written order in time for an appellate court to hear the governments appeal. The government, in an unusual move last week, appealed both to the appellate court and to Reyes herself, asking her to reverse her decision. The federal appeals court has given lawyers representing the Department of Homeland Security until Feb. 19 to provide briefs. They can issue a decision anytime after that; DHS could also appeal to the Supreme Courts emergency docket, depending on the ruling from the three-court appeals court. Advertisement Advertisement Initially, Reyes had mentioned April 19, but lawyers corrected her that the decision was due by the 19th of this month. After delivering her decision, Reyes said she wanted to address what had followed after her Feb. 2 ruling pausing the termination of Haitis Temporary Protected Status designation. The ruling gave a temporary reprieve to more than 300,000 Haitians, who would have faced the loss of their right to continuing living and working in the United States, leaving them vulnerable to deportation back to Haiti. I do feel compelled to clarify a couple of misconceptions, Reyes said as she went on to list some of the accusations some people have made about her, and the threats she has received. Yes, she is an immigrant herself, she said. No, she did not hide that fact from any of the agencies tasked with investigating her, including the White House, the FBI or the Senate Judiciary Committee when she was nominated to the federal bench by President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Reyes , who was born in Uruguay and came to the U.S. as a child, said she didnt mind the messages that referred to her as illiterate, even as they failed to note she graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and spent 22 years litigating high-profile federal issues. What she does object to, Reyes said, are the death threats against her that have been posted on social media and sent to her email. Death threats I hope you die today, she said, reading from a lengthy email. Enjoy choking on your tongue. On social media others called for the hanging of judges, while using other offensive adjectives to refer to her. It is common for judges these days to receive such threats, Reyes said, and some have received even worse. But she added that, like her colleagues on the bench, she will not stop from upholding the law, acting without fear and favor. Advertisement Advertisement To those who disagree with me, I say Thank you, Reyes said. Judges should be questioned, the politicians should be questioned. I welcome the governments appeal because appellate courts are a necessary part of the democratic system. But for those who threaten judges, Reyes said, We will not be intimidated. Her remarks came after a contentious hearing in which she made clear she would not reverse her earlier order. Throughout the proceedings, she sharply questioned the governments lawyer. In one exchange, lawyers for the five Haitian plaintiffs in the case told her that some TPS holders were having difficulties renewing their drivers licenses, because federal systems showed that their protections had expired. When she questioned the governmentt lawyer, Reyes issued a stern warning after he told her the administration was trying to avoid mass confusion, since the case is on appeal. Advertisement Advertisement She told government lawyers she is not one of those judges who is going to sit around and wait for you all to violate court order after court order. There will be serious consequences. Frustrated judges The Trump administration has increasingly encountered resistance in federal court as it seeks to advance its mass deportation agenda, with some judges expressing frustration both at what they view as disregard for their rulings and at how government lawyers have characterized those decisions. Thursdays hearing was no exception. Reyes pressed the government on its claim that it would suffer irreparable harm if it were not allowed to end TPS for Haitians. She questioned the governments interpretation of her initial order in their appeal, and she pushed back on an administration attempt to compare her to President Bidens handing of immigration benefits to a broad group of immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement That Biden decision is not in front of me, Reyes said, adding that the comparison was legally meaningless. She also stressed that if she were to stay her decision and a higher court were to later rule in favor of the Haitian plaintiffs, those deported to Haiti would have no legal path to return to the U.S. She also criticized the administration for what she said was a misleading interpretation of her ruling, in which she said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had failed to follow the law and consult with other agencies before deciding to end TPS for Haitians. My determination is Congress required her to consult with appropriate agencies, and she did not consult with any agency, including the Department of State, she said. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return a Babson College student to the United States after the government admitted it violated a court order by deporting her to Honduras. In this unfortunate case, the government commendably admits that it did wrong, US District Judge Richard G. Stearns wrote in an eight-page order. Now it is time for the government to make amends. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old Babson College freshman, was deported just days after she was detained at Logan Airport in November. Belloza was traveling to Texas to visit her family for Thanksgiving and said she did not realize her student visa had expired. Advertisement Advertisement Lopez Bellozas attorney, Todd Pomerleau, told Boston 25 News reporter Kerry Kavanaugh his client was emotional after Fridays ruling. I called her within a few minutes of getting the decision, and she immediately broke down in tears, Pomerleau said. She had a loved-one next to her, was crying, and tears of joy, excitement. Pomerleau said a status hearing is scheduled for next week, when the government is expected to explain the steps it is taking to facilitate Lopez Bellozas return. The easiest thing for them to do is they can put a stamp on her passport right now and let her get on a plane, Pomerleau said. [My] hope now is shes brought back and left alone and allowed to go to college to be with her family where she deserves to be. Advertisement Advertisement Pomerleau had obtained a court order specifically stating she should not be removed from the country before her deportation. Stearns wrote that the government had declined to voluntarily let her return to Massachusetts. He ordered that Bellozas return to the United States to be facilitated no later than February 27. Belloza came to the United States at the age of 8 and has no criminal record. Speaking with 25 Investigates earlier this month, Belloza said she wants to return to campus and continue her education. I just want to go back to Babson and continue my studies. Thats all I dream for, Belloza told 25 Investigates Kerry Kavanaugh. Being one of the first in the family to just go to college. I just wanted to have that for them and also for me. Advertisement Advertisement According to the court transcript obtained by 25 Investigates, the government did acknowledge the error in court. At the top, on behalf of the government, I want to sincerely apologize for the inadvertent violation of the courts stay that was entered in this case. The government regrets that violation and acknowledges that violation, said Mark Sauter, an assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, in a January 13 court hearing. However, Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin later told Boston 25 that there was no mistake, stating There was no mistake. The court order to stop her removal was issued AFTER she was already removed. She received full due process including a final order of removal from a judge. On November 20, CBP arrested Any Lopez-Belloza, an illegal alien from Honduras, as she was attempting to board a flight at Boston Logan International Airport. This illegal alien entered the country in 2014 and an immigration judge issued her a final order removal in 2015. She was removed to Honduras. Illegal aliens should use the CBP Home app to fly home for free and receive $1,000 stipend, while preserving the option to return the legal, right way. Its an easy choice leave voluntarily and receive $1,000 check or stay and wait till you are fined $1,000 day, arrested, and deported without a possibility to return legally. Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin Belloza has been staying with her grandparents in Honduras since. Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Staffing shortages, anticipated reductions in force, and limited participation from community specialty providers are affecting daily operations and patient care at the Southern Nevada VA, according to a Veterans Affairs independent oversight agency. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (OIG) physically inspected the Southern Nevada VA on April 29 through May 1, 2025. The findings, published Feb. 3, are based on a facility-wide questionnaire, VA survey scores, patient advocate data, and interviews with leaders and staff. The Trump administration has prioritized shifting the VAs budget to the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and cutting staff, moves which some Democratic lawmakers labelled as the privatization of veterans health care. Advertisement Advertisement VCCPs predecessor, the Veterans Choice Program, started in 2014 to expand medical access to those waiting over 30 days for an appointment and to save veterans from having to travel long distances, often out of state, for medical care. The report highlights how the problem of veterans having to travel for specialized care has come full circle. A large group of local urologists, the report said, left the community care program due to the significant amount of paperwork VA requires to approve additional care needs. The delayed urological and oncological access negatively affected veterans care, Southern Nevada VA Chief of Staff Ramu Komanduri told the OIG. The corrective measure given to fill the gaps of lack of specialty community care at the Southern Nevada VA is to coordinate with the Veterans Integrated Service Network to provide care through telehealth or at other VA facilities, sometimes out of state. Advertisement Advertisement Though Komanduri requested and received approval to increase payment rates to attract more providers to community care, many still declined due to administrative requirements, the report said. Current and retired VA medical workers, including nearly 100 physicians, sent an open letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins in September 2025, calling attention to the workforce reductions and the rapid growth of purchased (community) care that threatens to divert resources from VA healthcare. The medical workers noted that they support community care, but their concern is ensuring that policy and spending decisions are driven by veterans needs, not vendor incentives or market pressures. In Washington, the House voted to approve the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that will fund the VA for FY26. The bill funds community care at $33 billion, a 50% increase from FY25, which House Democrats labeled as Republicans privatizing veteran healthcare. Nevada Democratic Reps. Dina Titus, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford voted against the bill. Republican Rep. Mark Amodei voted in support. Advertisement Advertisement The appropriation bill passed the senate with support from Nevada Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto. DOGE and doubts about working for the VA Vacancies for seven providers, four registered nurses, and five licensed practical nurses were reported by the primary care administrative officer. According to the report, some applicants declined offers due to concerns about the stability of government employment. The report noted that five physicians who had at first accepted job offers ultimately decided not to take positions because of these concerns. These reported stability problems only compound the difficulty Southern Nevada VA executives have filling the positions already. Nevada has one of the lowest ratios of health care providers per resident in the nation, then- Acting Executive Director Michael Kiefer told the OIG, and the VA hospital competes with the private sector, which typically offers better wages, for providers. Gutting VA staff has been a stated objective for the Trump administration since taking office last year. Over 2,400 VA workers were fired by Elon Musks now defunct Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, initiative in February 2025, but the bleeding did not stop there. The VA announced that the agency was on pace to reduce staff by 30,000 employees by the end of FY25 through federal hiring freezes, deferred resignations, voluntary early retirement and normal attrition. Advertisement Advertisement Southern Nevada VA leaders raised concerns in the report about staffing losses as 500 of the facilitys approximately 3,600 staff met criteria for the voluntary early retirement programa 14% potential loss of staff while new hiring has stalled. Though VA Secretary Collins testified before a Senate hearing in May 2025 that no one has discussed firing doctors or firing nurses, the top positions that requested deferred resignations are nurses, medical support assistants and social workers, according to data shared with NPR. A respondent to the OIGs staff questionnaire said that serving veterans was the most fulfilling part of their long healthcare career, but that staffing changes have been very challenging over the past two years. The uncertainty of federal employment causes them significant stress and results in burnout. Veterans in Southern Nevada feel the stress too. Over 243,000 veterans were assisted in 2024, but enrollments increased the following year due to the financial climate in the area, Chief of Staff Ramu Komanduri told inspectors. The VA uses clinical resource hubs to provide coverage in case a clinic does not have the staff or is over patient capacity, often through telehealth video exams. Advertisement Advertisement Although the Southern Nevada VA referred over 2,100 patients in FY25 to the clinical resource hub in order to fill gaps in coverage, wait times for new patients increased from 38.5 days in FY24 to 42.7 in the first three quarters of FY25. Executive leadership told the OIG that infrastructure issues such as broken air conditioners, aging medical equipment and water leaks also negatively affected the facility. Still, the facility received a five-star rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2025, and the OIG noted that patient advocate staff are responsive to veterans concerns, including long appointment wait times. In documents released by New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayottes office on Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security revealed new details on a proposed plan to open a 324,000-square-foot regional processing center for immigration detainees in the town of Merrimack. The documents confirm reports and rampant speculation that indicated a massive warehouse at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway was being eyed as the home of the new United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. The Merrimack facility falls under the federal governments $38 billion Detention Reengineering Initiative, which calls for the acquisition and renovation of eight large-scale detention centers and 16 processing sites, according to the documents. The new detention center model will be funded through Congress allocation of funds through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advertisement Advertisement In an economic impact analysis also shared with Ayottes office, DHS estimates it will spend $158 million retrofitting the facility and about $146 million to operate it in the first three years. It would also support 1,252 jobs. The DHS documents show the Merrimack facility would have 400 to 600 beds and serve as a staging facility for transfers or removals, with detainees staying on site for an average of three to seven days. Ayottes office says it requested the documents after Sen. Maggie Hassan asked Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to cancel the project over concerns and local oppositionsummary during a U.S. Senate hearing on Thursday. No maam. Actually, DHS has worked with Gov. Ayotte, has spoken to the governor about economic impact, Lyons told Hassan. We did provide an economic impact summary. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Ayotte said her office has shared the DHS documents with Merrimack town officials. After my office inquired about the economic impact study following todays Senate hearing, DHS has now for the first time distributed the document, the statement read. Once the document was received, we immediately shared it with the Town of Merrimack. We are publishing this document on my website for the public to find. According to DHS, these regional facilities will provide food, clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and recreational space, as well as offer medical, dental, mental health care, and emergency services for detainees. The facilities would also house visitation spaces, law libraries, religious and courtroom spaces, mail, phone, and IT services, intake and processing zones, cafeterias, and amenities for ICE and contractor staff, like office spaces and exercise facilities. Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate word on when work on the Merrimack facility will start, but the feds say they hope to implement the new detention model by the end of fiscal year 2026. On Friday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey urged Ayotte to do everything in her power to block the proposed facility. This is outrageous and absolutely the wrong move for New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and our entire region, Healey said in part in a statement. I oppose this in the strongest possible terms, and I am demanding that Governor Ayotte do everything in her power to block a new ICE facility in Southern New Hampshire. Healey also denounced ICE deportation tactics, noting that the facility could impact residents of Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement We should be opposing ICEs tactics, not allowing them to expand. We certainly should not be allowing ICE to build new human warehouses when they cant be trusted to keep people safe and protect due process, Healey added. According to the Washington Post, other regional facilities are planned for Maryland, Michigan, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, Utah, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW In the early days of his second term, President Donald Trump has worked to crack the code on Americas fertility drop and reverse falling birth rates. Describing himself as the fertilization president, the pronatalist Trump has reportedly floated everything from doling out $5,000 checks to mothers after delivery, to awarding a National Medal of Motherhood to mothers with at least six children, to lowering the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) drugs. We want more babies, to put it nicely, Trump said at a Michigan event in October. Future-of-work experts have a different idea. Theyve found evidence that one way to boost lagging fertilization is to cut commutes and have people work remotely. A new study led by Stanford University economists, including remote work expert Nick Bloom, found that from 2023 to early 2025, realized fertility (the number of children one has in a given period) was 14% higher when both partners worked from home one or more days per week compared with when neither did. The study used data from the Global Survey of Working Arrangements and U.S. Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes, analyzing more than 11,000 respondents between the ages of 20 and 45 living in 38 countries. Advertisement Advertisement Both datasets reveal clear evidence that realized fertility, plans for future fertility, and total fertility are greater for respondents who WFH at least one day a week, the researchers wrote in the study. Fertility rates in the U.S. dropped to an all-time low in 2024, according to federal data, with fewer than 1.6 children per woman, part of a global pattern of plummeting fertility. Its largely a result of people getting married later, in addition to fear about the state of the economy and financial stability. The Congressional Budget Office warned last month that by 2030, for the first time in modern history, more Americans will die than be born, leaving immigrants as the only source of population growth. But Trump has actively tried to thwart immigration, and consequently, economists have warned of negative net migration leading to labor shortages, less consumer spending, and shrinking GDP growth. Researchers see increasing work-from-home opportunities as a balm to falling fertility ratesand future economic woes associated with them for reasons beyond just couples spending more time together. (You cant get pregnant by email is the classic quote, Bloom told Fortune.) Remote work makes planning childcare easier, and prospective parents can save money on commuting and housing, as they may not have to abide by moving to a place within a certain radius of their respective offices. Meanwhile, work from home remains popular. Robert Halfs Remote Work Statistics and Trends for 2026 report published last month found only 16% of respondents reporting an in-office job prospect as their first choice, with a quarter saying they would consider pursuing a job requiring five days a week in office. Advertisement Advertisement It seems like just such an obvious thing to do, Bloom said. As an economist, I dont think Ive ever seen the more obvious win, win, win policy. Employees like it, it increases the birth rate, and it reduces pollution, commuting, etc. Finding real-life success Other countries have already experimented with workplace flexibility and its impact on birth rates. In April 2025 the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, one of the countrys largest employers, began allowing employees to work just four days a week in an effort to shed the superlative of the worlds oldest population. It also implemented childcare partial leave, enabling parents to leave work a few hours early so they might better balance child-rearing with work. We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or child-rearing, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said in a speech during the Tokyo Metropolitan Assemblys regular session in December 2024. Bloom, however, takes issue with widespread implementation of a four-day workweek as a means to address fertility rates. To be sure, four-day workweeks have gained popularity in the U.S., with 22% of respondents to the American Psychological Associations 2024 Work in America survey saying their employer offered a four-day workweek, up from 14% in 2022. However, Bloom cited early research on a four-day workweek in France indicating that even though employers didnt cut wages for a truncated workweek, they did not increase wages over three years, which Bloom said was effectively a pay cut. Advertisement Advertisement Increasing remote-work opportunities is also a cheaper solution to implement than cash incentives proposed by the Trump administration, according to Bloom. LendingTree data from 2025 reveals it costs nearly $300,000 to raise a child until age 18 in the U.S., and a United Nations report found one-time payments to new parents generally isnt enough of an incentive to meaningfully increase fertility rates. I dont think its realistic, Karen Benjamin Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told PBS, to think that any amount of money that the government could plausibly give out would be enough to really address the costs of raising a child. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The Brief A high-ranking officer was kicked out of the Melvindale Police Department. Meanwhile, his attorney says they were blindsided by his termination. DETROIT (FOX 2) - A high-ranking Melvindale police officer was kicked off the force Thursday night after several run-ins with the law, leading to numerous assault charges and lawsuits. Meanwhile, his attorney says they were blindsided by his termination. Big picture view This move comes as Melvindale officials rush to replace an insurance carrier thats bailing on the city. Advertisement Advertisement Weve reported on the situation surrounding Lt. Matthew Furman before. Now, hes out of a job, fired by Melvindale officials after years of controversy. He has faced three counts of assault and three counts of misconduct in office amid allegations he tased a man during one stop, tased a woman during another, and kicked a suspect in a third encounter. Melvindale settled a $1 million lawsuit in one of the cases involving a taser. Now, the city is set to be dropped by its insurance carrier. In the meantime, the head of the Police Officers Association of Michigan says this is a bad look for law enforcement in the state. "This got attracted to the media and when it happens, people think that thats what we all do, and we dont," said Jim Tignanelli, president of the Police Officers Association of Michigan. "We dont really do that. Most departments would have intervened in this a long time ago, either stopped the behavior through some means or said you cant work here. And when none of that happens, all that shows up in the media and I understand why is that it didnt happen and theres a lot of proof of it. To me, it makes all of us look like, well, we just get away with it and really thats not true." Dig deeper Meanwhile, we are hearing from Lt. Furmans attorney, who tells FOX 2: "We were informed through local media that Mr. Furman had been terminated. This was with no notice or hearing as required. The union is filing a grievance." Boards cover the charred remains of the Beth Israel Congregation library, which was set on fire on Jan. 10, 2026 in Jackson, Miss. Credit - Sophie BatesAP In the Deep South, family and community ties run deep. The southern Jewish community is no exception. We are bound by ties of faith as a small minority in a mostly Christian part of the country. There are only around 2,900 Jews living in Mississippi. Louisianas Jewish population is nearly 20,000, less than one-half of 1% of the states total population. We are bound by ties of family, sharing roots going back generations. And we are bound by ties of community, having attended the same summer camps, showed up at each others family celebrations, and felt each others pain. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 10, a 19-year-old man poisoned with antisemitic beliefs broke into the Beth Israel synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Mississippi, and used gasoline to set fire to the buildings interior. In an interview with law officers, the arsonist characterized this building as a synagogue of Satan and admitted to targeting the building because of its Jewish ties. Jewish ties have held this community together for generations, and Jewish ties are what are motivating us to stay the course and to rebuild. This community isnt going anywhere. Our two communities of New Orleans and Jackson, Miss. share many common bonds and a history of helping one another in times of trial. In Aug. 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, members of the Jewish community of Jackson welcomed members of the New Orleans community into their homes as they waited for the city to rebuild. For many, Beth Israel Congregation became their second spiritual home. When the New Orleans community heard about the arson attack in Mississippi, everyone sprang into action. Word spread quickly, and one of usLindsay Baach Friedmannimmediately swung into action, jumping into her car to make the three-hour drive up to Jackson. It was one of several visits Lindsay made over the next few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement On Lindsays second trip to Jackson, she was invited to attend the first Shabbat service after the fire, which was being hosted in a local Baptist church. Word about this trip went out in her temple bulletin, and her rabbi insisted that she should not go empty-handed. The community started cooking (this, after all, is New Orleans). By the time Lindsay was ready for the road trip, her car was loaded to the roof with king cakes, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and a Praline king cake challah. Her car smelling like a bakery, Lindsay drove the entire 190 miles without once turning on the heat to ensure the delicacies arrived in perfect condition for the Oneg Shabbat service. Lindsay unloaded the car and met several of the pastors, who shared the story of the churchs founding and its connective roots to the synagogue. It turned out that when this Baptist church was founded some 50 years ago, they needed a home, and the synagogue offered them a place to pray until their church was built. Now, they were returning that favor by taking in the Jewish congregation and lending them an indefinite home. Advertisement Advertisement That night, the community celebrated Shabbat together marking the resilience of this historic Jewish community and their commitment to their future. Following services, the remaining king cakes were taken to the local firehouse and shared with the first responders who battled the fire. This week, we took Beth Israels story to Washington, D.C. One of us, Beth Israels president Zach Shemper, joined Anti-Defamation League team members in meetings with legislators to urge Congress to protect funding for enhanced security for synagogues and other houses of worship, starting with increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and support for the Pray Safe Act, which would create a central database of security resources for institutions. No community should have to endure a tragedy like this alone. And with the right action, we can make meaningful progress toward ensuring it never happens again. We envision a country where people of different faiths pray together. A country where people still watch out for each other, not because of mistrust, but because they genuinely care for each other. A country where people can make something better after a tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks since the arson attack, Beth Israel has been supported by neighbors and people of different backgrounds and beliefs who have stood together with compassion and resolve. That is the America we believe in. Contact us at letters@time.com. Almost eight in ten chartered accountants surveyed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) said they are not confident about the state of the Scottish economy, according to a new poll carried out after last months Scottish Budget. The survey found that only 6% of respondents said they had confidence in economic conditions, while 78% said they did not. When asked what the Scottish Government should focus on, the most widely shared priority was the development of a long-term approach to economic policy and taxation. Nearly two-thirds (63%) selected this option, making it the clearest area of agreement among those polled. One ICAS member said: Scotland needs a lower tax environment, with incentives for businesses to locate here, to attract entrepreneurs and increase productivity. There also has to be much more emphasis on education and training to build an attractive employee base. Support for Scotlands business services sectors was the second most commonly cited priority. Respondents also highlighted vocational training and workplace learning as important, underlining a focus on skills as part of longer-term economic stability. The ICAS said the results align with its reaction to the Scottish Budget, where it argued that small, incremental tax adjustments and short-term initiatives do not provide the strategic direction it believes is needed to underpin lasting economic growth. ICAS CEO Gail Boag said: Our findings reveal deepening concern among chartered accountants about the lack of a clear, long-term economic strategy for Scotland. With the Scottish elections approaching, the next government must take decisive action beyond incremental tax tinkering and set out a more coherent economic vision. One that delivers tax stability, supports key growth sectors and invests in skills to strengthen Scotlands long-term competitiveness. "ICAS poll finds most chartered accountants lack confidence in Scotlands economy" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. Departures have resumed at Germany's Cologne/Bonn Airport after a brief halt on Friday morning due to a security incident. The airport's security checkpoint was closed at around 6:30 (0530 GMT) and the security area of Terminals 1 and 2 was evacuated by the police, a police spokesman said. Departures were disrupted for around two and a half hours, according to an airport spokesman. Around 12 flights were affected and were due to take off late, with no cancellations reported. Advertisement Advertisement Arrivals were not disrupted by the closure of the security checkpoint. "Air travellers are now streaming into the air security checkpoint area, where they are being checked again before they can board their flights," a police spokesman told dpa. An initial investigation revealed that a bag undergoing security checks was handed to its owner despite being selected for extra screening. The police spokesman said it was unclear whether a new security process introduced the previous day was responsible for the error. A new change in Florida has people in the state - and across the nation - split about whether drivers need to understand English before getting behind the wheel. One advocate said the change is harmful to immigrants and citizens on various paths of proficiency. All driver's license exams in Florida, including commercial ones, are now exclusively offered in English. The state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said in a January release the change was necessary to ensure safe roadways. The announcement comes nearly five months after a semi-truck driver, who authorities said understood little English, struck a minivan in Florida, killing three people. State officials changed all documents on Feb. 6. The agency said that knowledge exams for most licenses were offered in multiple languages, with commercial ones offered in English and Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement "Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English," according to the department. "To implement this change, FLHSMV has updated its driver license testing system statewide. Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use." Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, applauded the change on his X account, writing in part, "need to be able to read the road signs!" Adriana Rivera, communications director for Florida Immigrant Coalition, told Straight Arrow News that the state doesn't have a robust public transportation system, which would compound problems people have getting to work, grocery stores and other places. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that in 2024, about 1.3% of Floridians used public transit to get to work. The national average is 3.7% of adults. "At the end of the day, people are going to drive, and all this will do is criminalize honest hard-working people who are trying to make a living in the state," she said. Advertisement Advertisement She noted that the state boasts high Hispanic, Haitian, Venezuelan, Cuban and Puerto Rican populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey, 77% of people living in the U.S. speak English at home across all states and territories. Puerto Rico has the lowest at 5.1%, with Spanish dominating the main language spoken at home. The bureau reported that 67.2 million people speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish accounting for 41.1 million. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2025, where he declared English the nation's official language, the first time such a declaration has been made. The only way to formalize an official language is for Congress to pass a law on such, which it has unsuccessfully done for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Democrat and Republican Hispanic coalitions in Florida didn't immediately respond to Straight Arrow News' requests for comment. Change follows high-profile highway crash Florida's change followed a new rule that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy instituted requiring all commercial driving license exams to be conducted in English. Duffy announced the change shortly after Trump's executive order and findings from a fatal highway crash pointed to the driver not understanding English. "America First means safety first," Duffy said in a May 2025 release. "Americans are a lot safer on roads alongside truckers who can understand and interpret our traffic signs." This was compounded by preliminary findings from an August highway crash in Florida, where a semi-truck driver struck a minivan, killing all three occupants, according to NBC Miami. The driver, Harjinder Singh, was allegedly making an illegal U-turn across the busy highway when he struck the van. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement later detained Singh, who they said in a release is an unauthorized immigrant. A preliminary investigation revealed that Singh failed to pass an English proficiency exam, giving only two correct answers for 12 questions, and accurately identifying one out of four highway traffic signs, the U.S. Department of Transportation said in an Aug. 19 statement. Duffy alleged that New Mexico and Washington State violated federal rules that govern commercial drivers. He claimed that Washington gave Singh a regular full-term CDL in 2023, despite Singh not having legal residency in the U.S. He then claimed that New Mexico State Police failed to administer an English proficiency test when they issued Singh a speeding ticket on July 3. "If states had followed the rules, this driver would never have been behind the wheel and three precious lives would still be with us," Duffy said in the release. "This crash was a preventable tragedy directly caused by reckless decisions and compounded by despicable failures." Two other states exclusively use English exams Two other states have legislation that permits only English on their driver's license exams: Oklahoma and Wyoming, according to their pages. Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma's written test is only administered in English, according to the state's self-help service. Wyoming allows people to use interpreters for non-commercial license tests, but only gives manuals in English, according to the state's Department of Transportation. States across the nation offer tests in English, Spanish, Arabic and languages spoken by tribal nations. Most Americans support English being the official language On a public standpoint, Pew Research Center found in August 2024 that the nation's adults are split on the matter. About 51% said it was extremely or very important for English to be established as an official language. The polling center later learned that about 46% of U.S. adults considered it important to them that immigrants speak English fluently. Advertisement Advertisement It also found that 8-in-10 Americans often or sometimes interact with immigrants who speak little to no English. Of those, about 60% said they were not bothered by it. The post Florida becomes third state to offer English-only driving assessments appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links Happy Friday the 13th! Don't be afraid. In fact, here's something worth rolling out of bed for: enjoy any of Florida's 175 state parks for free starting today, Friday, Feb. 13. Free admission will last through Monday, Feb. 16, as we enjoy the Presidents Day weekend. Or Washington's birthday, whichever name you like to use. Is it Presidents Day or Washington's birthday? History behind this federal holiday Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you should know. Get into Florida state parks for free Feb. 13-16, 2026 The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced visitors can get into Florida state parks from Friday, Feb. 13 through Monday, Feb. 16. Free admission to Florida's state parks comes as part of America250, as the country celebrates is susquincentennial. "As the nation reflects on 250 years of independence, Florida State Parks invite visitors to experience history not just through exhibits, but through the landscapes themselves, said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. Our parks offer meaningful connections to the people and events that shaped our nation. When can you get into Florida State Parks for free? Get free admission to Florida State Parks from Friday, Feb. 13 through Monday, Feb. 16. Free Florida park admission lasts through Presidents Day Free park admission lasts through Presidents Day, known by some states and the federal government as Washington's birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Presidents Day is on Monday, Feb. 16. Most Florida schools closed on Presidents Day Most, but not all, Florida schools will be closed for the holiday on Monday, Feb. 16. See list by county School will be in session in four Florida counties, including Palm Beach County, location of President Trump's Florida home at Mar-a-Lago, Are there any exceptions to the free park admission? The Florida DEP said free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. All other fees, including overnight accommodations, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, remain in effect. As the '14th colony,' Florida played role during Revolutionary period "Florida played a complex and often overlooked role during the Revolutionary period," according to Florida State Parks. Advertisement Advertisement "At the time, British West Florida was sometimes described as the 'fourteenth colony,' and several present-day state parks preserve sites connected to that era, including: New state park open in Florida A new state park opened in Florida in late January: Shoal River Headwaters State Park. There's a new state park open in Florida. 6 things to know Advertisement Advertisement Shoal River Headwaters State Park is located west of DeFuniak Springs in Florida's Panhandle. The 2,480-acre park is comprised of rolling sandy hills, mesic flatlands and floodplain forests along the tributaries of the Shoal River. Not a US resident? It'll cost you to visit national parks Its going to get more expensive for international travelers to visit some of Americas most popular national parks, including Everglades National Park in Florida. $100 entry to national parks? Who will pay more, where in Florida Starting Jan. 1, 2026, "nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks." Get free entry into national parks on 'patriotic fee-free days,' including Presidents Day Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. You can get free park entry on several "patriotic fee-free days." Advertisement Advertisement In 2026, those dates are: Feb. 16: Presidents Day May 31: Memorial Day June 14: Flag Day/President Donald Trumps birthday July 3-5: Independence Day weekend Aug. 25: 110th birthday of the National Park Service Sept. 17: Constitution Day Oct. 27: Theodore Roosevelts birthday Nov. 11: Veterans Day "Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for U.S. citizens and residents only," the National Park Service said. "Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees." How many national parks are in Florida? There are 11 national parks in Florida: Advertisement Advertisement Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://heraldtribune.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida state parks free admission over Presidents Day weekend A Bucks County judge has said a former Falls fire chief will not serve jail time for intentionally dropping his infant daughter after she wouldn't stop crying. At his sentencing hearing Feb. 13, Brian Salt took a long pause before telling the court that he let his emotions get the best of him on that day last year. I hurt the one thing I loved the most, Salt said. Ive learned a lot in the past year. My wife and my daughter deserve the best version of me. Advertisement Advertisement 'Unclaimed' series: Bensalem man, thought to have no family, interred with kin at last Senior Bucks County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Finley called the case very disturbing, noting that the victim was a three-month old infant and the perpetrator a very respected member of the community, a leader. Last year Salt, 37, a former volunteer and paid firefighter, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of child endangerment in the March incident. The DA dropped a misdemeanor simple assault charge against him. Falls police opened an investigation into Salt after receiving a report from the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia involving an infant with a skull fracture. Advertisement Advertisement Doctors told police that substantial force caused the fracture, and bruising was found on the infants lower right leg and blood in her eye, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police alleged the childs parents told them that Salts wife had left the infant in the care of her husband after leaving for work. Salt allegedly told police that while he was caring for his daughter she became fussy and inconsolable after he attempted to feed her. After his attempts to console her failed, Salt told police that he lost control and intentionally let her fall, the affidavit said. Salt told police that he immediately knew the infant injured her head, but instead of taking her to the doctor or hospital, he brought the child to his in-laws, and while there told them he just discovered the bump on her head. Advertisement Advertisement In 11 months since his arrest, Salt has completed anger management and parenting classes, his attorney, Keith Bidelingmaier, said. He is also undergoing individual counseling. In addition, he's following a Children & Youth family safety plan, which allows Salt only supervised visitation with his daughter. He had no contact with her for five months after his arrest. Salt is selling the familys home and he plans to move in with his parents until he can be reunited with his wife and daughter. His wife, Rebecca, testified that she was initially in complete denial that her husband could have hurt their daughter, but when she accepted what happened, she had him placed into treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Treatment we didnt know he needed, she said, adding that he's seen their child, now 14 months old, every day since he was granted supervised visitation five months ago. She told Finley has no concern about leaving their child alone with Salt. I wouldnt be here if I had any reservations, she said. His attorney told Finley that Salt's split-decision that day cost him not only contact with his family, but his career. After his arrest Salt lost his full-time paid firefighter job, which his wife said provided the family its health benefits. He's currently unemployed, he said. He was also indefinitely suspended as a member of the Falls Fire Co. 1 volunteer fire department for 12 years, and was named fire chief in December 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Brian has suffered, and he will suffer every day. Unfortunately he has learned his lesson the hard way, Bidelingmaier said. Before ordering his sentence, Finley noted that he had read through the defense material, including a forensic psychological evaluation of Salt, the treatment he engaged in and many character letters. Salt, who has no prior criminal record, faced a potential maximum prison sentence of 10 years. But Finley said he also believed the five days he spent at the Bucks County Correctional Center before he made bail impressed upon him the seriousness of his crime. The judge ordered Salt to complete three years of probation and continue to comply with all the terms in the Children & Youth family safety plan, including supervised visitation. Advertisement Advertisement This is the first, and last time I will be in a courtroom, Salt said. This has completely changed my life. Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Former Fire Chief Brian Salt avoids jail sentence for dropping child WASHINGTON In the race to replace Rep. Michael McCaul in Congress, Republicans in Texas and Washington are consolidating behind prominent GOP attorney Chris Gober, who served as chief lawyer of Elon Musks super PAC and has raised more than $1 million for his campaign. McCaul, an Austin Republican who has represented Central Texas 10th Congressional District for more than two decades, announced in September he wouldnt seek reelection. Gober is one of 10 Republicans competing to succeed him in the red-leaning district, which covers all or parts of 13 counties spanning from Austin to East Texas. While the district added more residents of liberal Travis County under Republicans redrawn congressional map, it also now stretches farther into bright-red East Texas. Nearly one-third of the seats population remains situated in Brazos County, home to Texas A&M University and College Station. The district would have given Donald Trump about 60% of the vote had it existed during the 2024 presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Gober, an Austin-based lawyer, currently runs a law firm called Lex Politica, which he told The New York Times last year that he wants to be synonymous with the conservative movement. Gober founded the firm after serving as director and chief lawyer of Musks America PAC in 2024 and defending a legal challenge against Musks $1 million payouts to swing state voters. Gober did not respond to a request for comment. At a Feb. 1 candidate forum in Livingston, he said what differentiates him from the other candidates is his ability to achieve results and his experience in politics. When I go to Washington, D.C., were going to take on the institution, Gober said during the forum. Were going to secure the borders, we are going to fight fraud, waste and abuse and this reckless spending that is bankrupting our country. Also seeking the District 10 nomination is Ben Bius, the owner of a real estate investment and development company; lobbyist Jessica Karlsruher, who was endorsed by Maggies List, a conservative PAC that supports female candidates; and Army veteran Scott MacLeod. Advertisement Advertisement Another candidate, former turnaround specialist Robert Brown, attacked all his opponents present at the Livingston forum, calling Gober the $300 million man. He also criticized Gober for his testimony on Musks $1 million giveaways, in which he disclosed that the money was not awarded via a random lottery, as Musk previously said, but rather was given to predetermined recipients based on who the super PACs leaders thought would be effective political spokespeople. In December, shortly after the primary field was solidified, Gober notched endorsements from Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. Ted Cruz, who Gober represented in a campaign finance case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022. Hes also endorsed by a new super PAC backed by AI companies, which funded an ad that said Gober would focus on promoting American technology investment. Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, said a Trump endorsement is especially valuable in congressional primary races because voters tend to know less about the candidates. A Trump endorsement in these types of races is worth its weight in gold, he said. The most beneficial signal you can send in these races to a Republican primary voter is that you are endorsed by Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Gobers deep ties in conservative circles, and his lineup of high-profile backers, has helped him raise more than four times as much campaign cash as anyone else in the race. Still, Jones said the race is likely to go to a runoff because of the breadth of candidates. Jon Taylor, political science and geography department chair at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said if Gober were to win the seat, it would mean a more Trump-aligned member of Congress compared to McCaul. McCaul, who chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee, was outspoken about concerns he had with Trumps foreign policy and clashed with Republicans on providing aid to Ukraine. [McCaul] is one of those old guard Texas Republicans kind of a national defense Republican who believes in low taxes, and I think hes one of those who was maybe viewed as a little bit suspect by the Trump crowd, Taylor said. Gober would be much more of a doctrinaire MAGA Republican, and in particular, someone who will be heavily involved in pushing for AI tech. Kara King, the mayor of Bee Cave in west Travis County, had raised $230,000 for her campaign the closest to Gobers $1.05 million haul before she suspended her campaign in January and endorsed Gober. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, outside forces are supporting a different candidate, which pushes the district toward a costly and divisive intraparty fight, King wrote in explaining her decision. Ive always been a consensus builder, and I wont participate in a civil war that hurts our community. Bius, the real estate executive, ran for a Texas House seat in 2022 and 2024 that overlaps with parts of the central and eastern share of District 10. He was defeated in primary runoffs both times. Bius also operates a direct air carrier company, which was hit with a complaint from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas in April 2025 for allegedly violating Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Some of Bius priorities include cutting red tape for small businesses, eliminating the federal Department of Education, cutting government spending and strengthening border security. During the Livingston forum, Bius said the fact that his central location in the district, just west of Huntsville and 10 miles south of the geographic center of the area, means he can serve voters and better hear their concerns. Advertisement Advertisement This is a rural district and this rural life that we love and we share is worth fighting for, he said during the forum. Other candidates in the race include Army veteran Rob Altman; Jenny Garcia Sharon, who ran for Congress unopposed in the 2024 District 37 Republican primary before losing to Rep. Lloyd Doggett in the left-leaning district; software engineer Brandon Hawbaker; and Jeremy Story. The winner of the Republican primary will face one of three Democrats. Caitlin Rourk, a former Army officer who most recently worked at Dell Technologies, has raised the most so far in the Democratic primary, bringing in $155,000. State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, campaigned for a month for the 10th Congressional District before dropping out and instead running for state comptroller. Early voting begins Tuesday and runs until Feb. 27. Election Day is March 3. Advertisement Advertisement Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that Kara King suspended her campaign for the 10th Congressional District in January. Disclosure: New York Times, Rice University, Texas A&M University and University of Texas at San Antonio have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. BATON ROUGE Former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said Wednesday that he does not plan to re-enter politics, though he would not rule that out completely. Edwards, a Democrat, said many people pushed him to run for the U.S. Senate this year. But he said he is enjoying the freedom of living with his wife and being a private citizen. Im not interested in being in Congress, now and probably ever, but I wont say that Ill never run for public office again, Edwards said. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats wanted Edwards to run against U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, this year. While he did not comment on running for governor again, most political analysts see him as the only Democrat who could potentially unseat Republican Gov. Jeff Landry in 2027. Edwards made the comments at a pizza lunch with LSU students on Wednesday. Former Governor of Louisiana John Bel Edwards speaks Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at the Journalism Building in Baton Rouge, La. The lunch was one of a series hosted by the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs at the Manship School of Mass Communication. The events allow students and faculty to engage in discussions with public officials and civic leaders. Edwards, who served as Louisianas governor from 2016 to 2024, was invited to share insights on achieving policy outcomes through coalition-building and effective communication. Advertisement Advertisement He attributed his political inclination to his family's legacy, particularly his fathers role as a parish sheriff. He recounted his journey from West Point and eight years of active duty in the U.S. Army to LSU's law school. In discussing his experience as a Democrat in a traditionally conservative state, Edwards reflected on how his party affiliation influenced his election campaigns, noting that some of his positions diverged from the national party's platform. When I won in 2015, the Democratic Party for the country was talking about how it demonstrated that a Democrat could win statewide in the Deep South, Edwards said. They were talking about being a big tent party but then when you actually govern the way you said you were going to govern, you get criticized a whole lot, and you realize maybe the big tent is something they talk about, but not something they really want to practice as much. Edwards' first year in office came with a lot of tensions and emergencies, including the historic 2016 floods in Baton Rouge and the police shooting of Alton Sterling. The rest of his terms brought more crises, from natural disasters to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement He had to navigate federal disaster management and funding requests with three presidents from different parties. Along with assistance for natural disasters, Edwards said he went to Washington to ask for funding related to healthcare, education and infrastructure. I knew that I was going to be governor of a state that was going to have plenty of needs, Edwards said. If I was going to be the best, most effective governor I could be, I needed to have a good relationship with the president. Edwards voiced that while he was in office, he did not want to unjustifiably a the president by going on national news to be critical, which is something he said he was asked to do all the time during the first Trump administration. He said his reasoning for this was not because always agreed with everything revolving around the sitting president but because he recognized that having a cordial relationship with the president was necessary to get assistance for the state. Advertisement Advertisement When I won reelection, I told [President Donald Trump] that the election was over and I was going to be governor for four more years, and that it was just time to forget about the election and start working together the best we could, Edwards said. I had that in common with all of them, but it was even more important with President Trump because he can be a very vindictive person. The Journalism Building was packed with students, faculty and staff coming to hear what Edwards had to say and ask him questions. The event went over its hour-long time frame due to the surplus of inquiries by the audience. I really enjoyed how [he] came and was really authentically himself, said Akeyna Travis, an economics freshman. I really appreciate him sitting down and having a conversational interaction with us rather than just sitting and talking at us or lecturing us. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Former Gov. Edwards doesn't plan to political return, wont rule it out PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Four suspects have been arrested following a late January shooting at a Beaverton apartment, officials said. On Jan. 31, the Washington County Sheriffs Office said that deputies responded to Cedar Crest Apartments along Southwest Mueller Drive, where they found a man with a gunshot wound. The man was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently in critical condition, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Release of high-risk sex offender highlights alarming gap in Oregons mental health system The suspects fled the scene and, despite a search, they werent found. During the investigation, authorities said they learned the shooting had started as an armed robbery involving multiple people and that the victim had been with Yaneli Jaime, 26, at the time of the incident. Throughout the next several days, detectives said they executed over 20 warrants in both Oregon and Washington. Oregon lawmakers advance bipartisan bill to replace faithless electors On Feb. 2, Jamie was taken into custody at a home in Vancouver, Washington, and two days later, Diego Torres-Topete, 18, was arrested by the Richland Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement The next week, on Feb. 11, Arnoldo Avila, 20, and Roberto Huato, 18, were both arrested by the United States Marshals Service in Hermiston, Oregon. All suspects are facing charges of second-degree attempted murder and first-degree robbery. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities said that more charges may be added. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. After months of uncertainty, the government said its pledge for the 2026-2028 cycle will fall from 1.6 billion in the previous funding period to 660 million. Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has helped save nearly 70 million lives worldwide. Vincent Leclercq, executive director of Coalition Plus, an international network of organisations dedicated to the fight against AIDS, told RFI that this decrease in funding will have serious consequences. Advertisement Advertisement There is a direct impact between the budget they are able to raise and the number of lives they are able to save, he said, pointing to interventions including antiretroviral treatments for HIV, malaria prevention nets, condoms and testing services. The Global Fund dispensed antiretroviral treatments to 25.6 million people in 2024. World AIDS Day highlights major innovations amid decline in global funding Rural populations at risk This decrease [in funding] will translate directly into disaster, Leclercq warned, adding that the first people to suffer will be vulnerable and communities and those that are harder to reach. Advertisement Advertisement If budgets are cut, community-based workers wont be able to provide testing in rural areas, he said. A decrease in testing will turn into an increase in infections. While private foundations may increase contributions, Leclercq calls the idea that they could offset such cuts an illusion. After a lull during Covid, France sees rise in tuberculosis cases Frances overall development aid contribution is set to fall by 800 million in the 2026 budget, down 18 percent from 2025 and 38 percent compared to 2024. In a joint statement, several NGOs including Coalition Plus criticised what they called a historic reduction. Advertisement Advertisement Camille Spire, president of the French non-profit AIDES, said the cut amounted to a desertion by France in the fight against these diseases, adding that previous funding reductions have already seen devastating effects. Malaria fight under threat as US funding cuts raise fears in Africa We are revolted by France's abandonment of the sick, its international commitments and multilateral cooperation," she said. The organisations also noted that the move comes despite a unanimous resolution in the French National Assembly on 3 February calling on the government to strengthen support for the global fight against HIV. A Georgia man pleaded guilty to a gun charge after shooting a South Carolina trooper in the face, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for S.C. Derrick Gathers, 40, of Augusta, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop in 2023, where he shot Trooper B.A. Frazier of the South Carolina Highway Patrol in the face, according to a news release. Frazier had stopped Gathers on Aug. 16, 2023 for speeding on Highway 78 in Bamberg County. After handing Frazier his drivers license and vehicle registration, Gathers shot Frazier as the trooper reapproached Gathers vehicle following a records check, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Despite his injury, Frazier and a deputy with the Bamberg County Sheriffs Department assisting on the stop returned fire toward Gathers vehicle as he sped away, according to the release. While continuing to flee, Gathers vehicle was located by members of the Bamberg Police Department, highway patrol, and Bamberg County Sheriffs Department. During the pursuit, Gathers lost control of the car and crashed in Branchville, where he was taken into custody, the release said. A search warrant conducted by the Dorchester County Sheriffs Department uncovered a loaded handgun under the brake pedal inside Gathers vehicle, according to the release. As a convicted felon, Gathers was prohibited from being in possession of a firearm or ammunition. He now faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, restitution and a term of supervised release following a prison term, the release said. Meanwhile, Frazier has fully recovered from the injuries he sustained during the shooting, according to the release. It was the week of Kimbal Musks 40th birthday in September 2012, and invitations went out for his party that Saturday at 7 p.m. at New Yorks Four Seasons Restaurant on East 52nd Street. As invitees learned via email the password to get inpussy riotthe late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was scheming. Epstein and an associate had handpicked a woman he believed would interest Kimbal Musk; coordinated club reservations through an associate who promised as many girls as needed; and organized a lunch the following day at his Upper East Side Manhattan mansion for Kimbal, his older brother, Elon Musk, and Elons then-wife, Talulah Riley, according to dozens of Department of Justice emails released this month. (Kimbal Musk later apologized to Epstein for not attending the lunch, in another email released by the DOJ.) I told him that you are coming with [Sarah] and that [Kimbal] might want to ditch his ex/or current to be, Boris Nikolic, a close associate whom Epstein describes as a good friend in an email, reported in an email to Epstein ahead of the party. So please prepare [Sarah], Nikolic added, with a winking emoji. (While many of the victims names were not entirely redacted in the Department of Justices initial release of thousands of names, Fortune is changing the names of the women mentioned in this story in an effort to protect their identities.) Advertisement Advertisement After the party and the lunch, Sarah and Kimbal would go on to date for the next several months. Throughout that time, Epstein kept close tabs on Kimbals relationship. He directed Sarahs involvement and her travel with him, according to dozens of emails from the Epstein filesseemingly in an attempt to get closer to Kimbals brother, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX who had just made Forbess billionaire list in 2012, the year the relationship began. (Kimbal currently holds board seats at both companies.) And after the lunch at Epsteins Manhattan home, Epstein would say to others that he and Elon were talking all the time, according to a person who worked at Epsteins residence at the time. The emails offer a revealing window into the tactics Epstein used to build his network of the rich and powerful, using women under his control like pieces on a chessboard. (All of the emails referenced in this article were part of the vast cache of files related to the Epstein case released by the DOJ earlier this month.) The elaborate game plan involved identifying powerful targets like the Musk brothers, using women and intermediaries to forge stronger ties with the target, and then relentlessly trying to insert himself into their circles. Throughout it all, Epstein and his associates sent and received status updates on the progress of the project, according to the Department of Justice files. Kimbal and Elon Musk are two of dozens of high-profile businessmen whose correspondence has emerged in the new batch of emails and documents, and who have tried to distance themselves from the disgraced financier. Kimbal and Elon Musk are two of dozens of high-profile businessmen whose correspondence has emerged in the new batch of Jeffrey Epstein emails and documents, and who have tried to distance themselves from the disgraced financier. According to a former staffer at Epsteins home, the catered lunch the week of Kimbal Musks birthday fit a pattern. There would be a magician or a movie actor, a businessperson like Musk or [Bill] Gates, and beautiful women from his entourage, the staffer said. (Fortune spoke with the former employee on condition of anonymity to protect their privacy.) Advertisement Advertisement Inside the house, the staffer said, was a tightly controlled environment for Epsteins assistants. Emails and news reports show these women were often in their early twenties, many from Eastern Europe. There were myriads of abuse on a pretty much daily basis when there was no one around, the staffer said. He would switch assistants for abuse. (One email from Epstein refers to Sarah as one of his assistants.) As has now been thoroughly documented, these women worked with Epstein expecting modeling or business opportunities that in many cases never materialized, and would often become dependent on him for a visa, housing, or money. The longer anyone stayed with Epstein, the staffer said, the more youre trapped. While Kimbal Musks ties to Epstein have been reported in news articles, a closer look at the complete sequence of events and emails in the relationship with Sarah, along with firsthand details from an Epstein staffer at the time, reveals a far more nuanced picture. Its unclear whether Kimbal, who was recently divorced at the time, understood the true nature of his relationship with Sarah, or Epsteins behind-the-scenes involvement in it. Neither Kimbal Musk nor Elon Musk responded to Fortunes multiple requests for comment by press time. Kimbal said in a statement on X earlier this week that the woman he started dating in 2012 was 30 years old when the relationship began and referred to Epstein as a demon. Advertisement Advertisement My only meeting with that demon was in his New York office during the day. I never met with him again, and I never went to his island, he said, adding: My heart goes out to the many victims of Jeffrey Epstein, as it does for all who have suffered any kind of sexual abuse or harassment. Sarah did not respond to requests for comment for this story. Her attorney, Brad Edwards, said, The fact that this personal aspect of her life is now being publicized as a consequence of DOJs errors in redacting victim names is causing so many victims so much pain. He added: For the public, the gossip gives people something to talk about; however, the fact that Jeffrey Epsteins victims are real people whose privacy is being obliterated is somehow being completely forgotten. Business Insider reported some details of the relationship and Epsteins involvement in 2020. Controlling every step By the time she began dating Kimbal Musk, Sarah had already spent approximately six years working under Epsteins close eye and control, the emails in the DOJ cache suggest. Advertisement Advertisement Emails also suggest that, at the time, she lived in one of the many New York apartments Epstein maintained for associates. Emails suggest as well that she had most of her movements approved or at least monitored by him. When she fell ill, Epstein was updated; when she needed to travel, he paid for her tickets. He would control all the womens schedules in his network, says the person who worked for Epstein during that period, noting that women were not allowed to travel without his approval. He was controlling every step, they added. When Sarah began dating Kimbal Musk, the relationship itself was also closely monitored by Epstein, with her or other people in his orbit updating Epstein on Kimbals invitations for her to meet before his weeklong boys trip and travel with him to New York, London, and Los Angeles. The universe is conspiring for us to spend more time together, Kimbal wrote Sarah in one email that she forwarded to Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein received detailed copies of her schedule showing when she was with Kimbal and when she was FREE. In one exchange, Sarah told Epstein he had the final call on whether she should travel with Kimbal in late 2012 or stay with Epstein instead; he instructed her to stay with Kimbal through Thanksgiving and go somewhere romantic, like Morocco, before returning to his island. On Feb. 9, about a week after the DOJ released the documents, Kimbal Musk wrote on X that in 2012, he had met the woman through a friend. Epstein did not introduce us. Two weeks after the party in 2012, however, Kimbal sent an email to Epstein and Nikolic, thanking the two for connecting him with Sarah. I believe you both played a role, Kimbal wrote, along with a smiley face. Nikolic responded, telling Kimbal Musk to be nice to Sarah, adding that Epstein goes crazy when someone mistreats his girls/friends. (Nikolic did not respond to requests for comment for this story.) Message received wide and clear, Kimbal responded. Did your brother tell you? Epstein wasted no time in trying to leverage Kimbal Musks new romance to his advantage, and nudge his way into Elon Musks orbit. Advertisement Advertisement A few weeks after the birthday party, Epstein emailed Elon directly to let him know that he would be seeing your brother and his new romance in New York the following week (Elon said he would not be there at the same time). Kimbal Musk during a panel discussion at the annual Milken Institute Global Conference in April 2012. That same fall, the two men began exchanging messages about a possible trip to Epsteins now notorious private Caribbean island. On Christmas morning in 2012, Elon Musk wrote: Do you have any parties planned? Ive been working to the edge of sanity this year and so, once my kids head home after Christmas, I really want to hit the party scene in St. Barts or elsewhere and let loose. The invitation is much appreciated, but a peaceful island experience is the opposite of what Im looking for. The plans never panned out. In February 2013, Epstein once again brought up Musks brother. Did your brother tell you about [Sarahs] pregnant joke? he asked before inquiring if Elon was going to an upcoming TED conference. This time, Elon bit, saying that he wouldnt be at TED for long, but if Epstein would like to talk, itd be best to do so at the SpaceX factory near Long Beach, Calif. The emails suggest that Epstein brought three of his girls to visit the facility on Feb. 25, 2013, and thanked Elon for the tour afterward. You would have had fun at xmas, Epstein wrote in the exchange. I see :), Elon responded. Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk denied in 2020 that Epstein had ever visited SpaceX, when he wrote on X: To the best our knowledge, he never toured SpaceX. Dont know where that comes from. The emails show, however, that Epstein wrote to Musk more than 50 times in totalcongratulating him on a successful rocket launch, recommending stimulants, or asking if his workload was getting better. They also show that Musk repeatedly brushed off Epstein: He often gave terse responses, never reciprocated invites, nor did he ask Epstein how he was doing. In response to a screenshot of an email he sent in the files, Elon posted on X earlier this month that Epstein tried to get me to go to his island so many times that eventually I just blocked him. A breakup damages the connection In April 2013 Epstein would lose his in. In an email from that month, Kimbal Musk broke up with Sarah, writing that he was busy with his sister moving in with him and weighed down by managing his relationship with his ex-wife. He asked if shed be interested in keeping things more casual and going back a step to just dating. Advertisement Advertisement We know how much we like each other, Kimbal wrote. But I am just not able to do a real relationship right now We would see each other on weekends and when we can and focus it on fun stuff. Sarah forwarded this email to two people, one of them being Epstein, and the other restaurant mogul Steve Hanson, who appears in the emails to have occasionally discussed Sarahs career with her and Epstein. (Hanson had not responded to Fortunes requests for comment before press time.) Thoughts? Sarah asks the two. I just dont think Id EVER be a priority. Epstein responded: ok, good news now i have you back again, full time, telling her to come to the ranch; likely referring to his New Mexico Zorro Ranch. Hanson chastised Sarah in her response for giving too much too quick and staying with Kimbal Musk for so long. Leave NOW. In 1 week we will have. A plan for u, Hanson wrote. U have to control this. Its a game. Your losing. Youre not even playing. Epstein also asked Sarah where she was, believing she was with Kimbal Musk in Los Angeles. But she reminded him that you said to stay with her family during her grandfathers funeral. She added she would prefer not to stay w Kimbal if were dating. Three days later, Epstein pointed out in an email how he had lost the connection to Elon: He wrote to someone to instruct them to skip that years Milken Institute conference and fly straight to New York. Since Sarah broke up with kimbal therefore no elon and most of the fun things will be this afternoon, he wrote. Epstein sent two emails to Elon: one that said he was staying at the Hotel Bel-Air, which Elon ignored, and anothersorry to have missed youto which Musk replied that hed only been at the Milken conference for a few hours. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein would continue to try to maintain the connection, however: emailing Elon about a former minister of defense of Israel, and with invitations to a visit in Santa Fe, to a breakfast, or to come visit his New York mansion during the opening of the UN General Assembly. Most of them received muted responses or no response at all. Elon Musk did initiate the planning around dates for visiting the island over the holidays in 2013, though in that case it was Epstein who backed away last-minute owing to his schedule. Epstein wrote: I was really looking forward to finally spending some time together with just fun as the agenda. Overall, apart from what Epstein described as a wild dinner with Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, and Reid Hoffman, it appears Elon Musk never attended any other event with Epstein. The former staffer who worked in Epsteins home didnt recall ever seeing Elon Musk again after the 2012 lunch. A protester holds up a photo of Jeffrey Epstein outside a federal courthouse in New York City on July 8, 2019, the day Epstein was formally charged with sex trafficking. But behind the scenes, Epstein appeared to still be coordinating at least one other womans interactions with Kimbal Musk. In June of that same year, Epstein wrote to a woman, Alice (name changed), who, in May, appeared to be angered about Epstein suggesting that she would give a massage in exchange for personal help. I am not a massage girl If I would know about everything before, wouldnt even go for a meeting I dont do these exchanges It is dirty, Alice wrote. Epstein replied, I gave another girl to kimball and he is thrilled. (Epstein would often misspell Kimbal and other names and words in his correspondence.) Legitimizing him Epstein never laid out in emails what precisely he was trying to achieve by getting closer to Kimbal and Elon Musk. But his attempted befriending of the brothers was in line with how Epstein amassed his own fortuneby buddying up to people with money, maintaining complex relationships with them, and sometimes utilizing leverage to stay in their orbit. Some of the worlds wealthiest and most powerful individuals continued to correspond and spend time with Epstein even after he had to register as a sex offender in 2008. These relationships became heavily scrutinized after the Miami Herald published its explosive investigation in 2018 about how Epstein had managed to evade a potential lifetime prison sentence, and after the Department of Justice later charged Epstein with sex trafficking minors in 2019. People questioned why so many powerful and wealthy individuals continued to spend so much time with him and how they had lent credibility to the man. None of the emails directly suggest that Kimbal Musk knew Sarah was employed by Epstein or was giving regular updates to Epstein about their relationship and travel plans, and getting advice from others. But in the emails from October 2012, written shortly after Kimbal and Sarah had been introduced, Nikolic told Kimbal to be nice to Sarah, as she was one of Epsteins girls/friends. Both Musk brothers have pushed back vehemently against speculation about their ties to Epstein, and Elon Musk said he would cover legal fees for any victim who speaks the truth about Epstein and was subsequently sued. The vast new DOJ email trove reveals little as to why so many eminent people continued to correspond with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution and soliciting a child for prostitution, even after it became widely known. Those interactions, however, had implications: Epstein was able to burnish his reputation in the eyes of women looking for a better lifemany of whom would later become his victims. As for powerful people who spent time with Jeffrey Epstein, even if they claim they never knew any abuse happened to a lot of young women from Eastern Europelets say they never questioned that, the staffer from Epsteins home said. They would legitimize someone like him. This article is part of the Feb. 19, 2026, Special Digital Issue of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Many people remember furnishing their first apartment, an exciting milestone often challenged by a tight, entry-level budget fresh out of college. Some hunted for bargains on Facebook Marketplace or graciously accepted hand-me-down decor from friends and family. Others turned to one dependable retailer that seemed to meet every decorating need without draining their bank accounts. For several budget-conscious shoppers, that retailer was Ikea. While today Ikea is known for its furniture and Swedish meatballs, the company began in 1943 as a business selling pens and wallets, founded by 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad in Almhult, Sweden. Ikea transitioned to furniture in 1948, a move that would make it the global brand it is today and lead it to operate more than 500 stores across 63 markets worldwide. Known for its affordability, minimalist designs, and compact convenience, Ikea became a go-to for small apartments and starter homes alike. Now, the company is preparing to leave a community without its only physical store and has not indicated plans to return anytime soon. Ikea is closing its only Memphis location Ikea confirmed it will close its Memphis store at 7900 Ikea Way Cordova, Tennessee, on May 3, 2026, eliminating the company's sole brick-and-mortar presence in the state, where it has operated since 2016, according to its store locator. "The decision to close the Memphis store was made following a comprehensive review, and considering several factors including market share, business performance, cost structure, and overall optimization of physical assets," said Ikea in a company press release. While the physical location will shut down, Memphis-area customers will continue to have access to Ikea products through the company's e-commerce platform. Home delivery services and FedEx pickup points in the Cordova area will remain available. Employees impacted by the closure will be offered opportunities to transfer to other Ikea locations, and those who choose not to relocate will receive severance, according to the company. This decision comes less than a year after Ikea completed a full renovation of the Memphis store in 2025, redesigning the layout as part of a broader effort to modernize its U.S. footprint and better serve the local community. "We've been enhancing store formats to increase convenience, make delivery more affordable, and connect with customers where they live, work, and socialize," said Ikea U.S. CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer Javier Quinones in a company press release at the time. "Ikea Memphis marks a key milestone in our journey towards a more connected and accessible Ikea experience for all." Ikea confirms the closure of its only Tennessee store.Shutterstock Shutterstock Ikea shutters locations nationwide The Memphis closure is not a one-off move. Ikea has also shuttered several small-format "Plan & Order Point" locations over the past year. Ikea store closures Ikea reveals its new growth strategy These closures are part of what the company describes as "part of a strategic shift to build a more affordable, accessible, and sustainable future." That approach includes opening new locations, upgrading existing stores, expanding digital capabilities, and strengthening delivery and pickup services while closing stores that no longer align with its long-term goals. More Retail Store Closures: In 2023, Ikea announced plans to invest more than $2.2 billion in the U.S. over three years to expand its brand presence and accessibility by opening 14 new-format stores in 2025 and additional locations in 2026, alongside improvements to logistics and e-commerce infrastructure. Ikea faces financial pressures and industry trends In Ikea's full fiscal year 2025 earnings report, total revenues fell nearly 0.9% year over year, with retail sales down 1.1%. The company attributed the decrease to price reductions introduced in 2024, which lowered profit margins while preserving affordability. Despite the dips, sales volume increased 2.6% and store visits rose 1.9%, indicating consumer demand remained resilient. Approximately 69% of products were sold in physical stores, while 28% were purchased online, which highlights the continued importance of Ikea's brick-and-mortar locations. In the second half of the fiscal year, uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs led to higher commodity prices and sourcing costs. However, overall purchase price levels stabilized by the end of 2025, allowing Inter Ikea Group to maintain wholesale pricing for franchise retailers. Ikea operates under two entities: Inter Ikea Group oversees product supply and services, while Ikea franchisees, comprising 13 groups across seven countries as of November 2025, manage retail operations. A challenging retail environment Ikea's restructuring reflects broader challenges across the retail sector. Store closures announced in 2025 were up 67% year over year, according to CoreSight Research. "Vacant storefronts are becoming an increasingly common sight, and declining commercial property values are the norm," said Approved Funding President and Chief Lending Officer Shmuel Shayowitz. "For consumers, the fallout means fewer choices, diminished access to in-person shopping, and, in some cases, higher prices due to reduced competition." Retail analysts warn that continued closures can have major consequences across communities. "For shoppers, widespread store closures can reduce convenience, especially in smaller towns, said Retail Insights Network Financial Reporter Mohamed Dabo. "In the U.S., location losses may even create 'retail deserts' where travel of up to 20 miles becomes necessary for everyday shopping." Industry experts also highlighted the broader implications closures can have in an already fragile economy. "The widespread closures of physical retail stores in the digital age significantly impact business outcomes, urban communities, and regional economies," said industry experts at ScienceDirect. "Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for retailers, policymakers, and society at large." The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation update showed that the unemployment rate stood at 4.4% in December 2025, representing approximately 7.5 million unemployed Americans. Related: Global toy retailer suspends online operations, closes stores This story was originally published by TheStreet on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz used unusually blunt language to criticize Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban over his trip to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. "There was somebody from the European Union, a prime minister, who travelled to Moscow on his own," Merz said at the Munich Security Conference in a question-and-answer session, without mentioning the right-wing, Russia-friendly Hungarian leader by name. "He had no mandate," Merz said. "He achieved nothing." Advertisement Advertisement Merz added about the consequences for Ukraine: "And the week after, we saw the heaviest attacks on civil infrastructure and private homes and hospitals we had ever seen until this time." In July 2024, Orban travelled to Moscow, where he met Putin. A string of top European Union officials blasted the trip, saying it undermined the 27-member bloc's unified stance. Earlier, Orban had visited Kiev and met President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he proposed a ceasefire to enable negotiations. The German parliament was right to refuse access to a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) over his links to Russian government agencies, a Berlin court decided on Friday. The case involved Ulrich Oehme, who served as an AfD lawmaker in the Bundestag - Germany's lower house of parliament - between 2017 and 2021. After losing his seat, he was employed as a staffer for another AfD lawmaker, but was refused a pass to access the parliament. Advertisement Advertisement In expedited proceedings, the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court (OVG) upheld a previous lower-court ruling, which found that the Bundestag's administration was entitled to assume the man posed a risk to the functioning of the parliament. "It seems to me that this ruling is political," Oehme told dpa, confirming that he would pursue the case in main proceedings. According to the Bundestag's house rules, lawmakers' employees must undergo a reliability check before they can be issued a pass. The OVG said Oehme had not convincingly demonstrated that he possesses the necessary reliability to earn a pass. Advertisement Advertisement The court's decision will be examined in the full proceedings. According to judicial sources, the court has received two further lawsuits from AfD lawmakers' employees who were denied passes to access the Bundestag. The far-right AfD is Germany's largest opposition party. It is under investigation by domestic intelligence agencies over its extremist views. Germany's Deutsche Bahn is set to offer all employees the option of wearing body cameras, dpa learnt on Friday, as the national railway operator seeks to respond to a fatal attack on a train conductor. Chief executive Evelyn Palla made the announcement to staff at a summit on security in Berlin, sources told dpa. The meeting was convened following the killing of a Deutsche Bahn employee in a case that made the headlines across the country. Advertisement Advertisement The 36-year-old was attacked on a train in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate by a passenger travelling without a ticket and suffered severe injuries before dying in hospital. The alleged culprit, a 26-year-old Greek national, is in custody. Palla wants to equip all railway employees who have contact with customers, including those working in long-distance transport and at stations, with body cameras on a voluntary basis before the end of this year. The measure was a core demand of the Railway and Transport Union (EVG), which believes bodycams with audio recording are necessary to protect employees. The technology is already available for employees in regional services. Advertisement Advertisement The union is also insisting that two train attendants are needed to check tickets on regional trains instead of just one, as is often the case at present. According to Deutsche Bahn, there were a total of around 3,000 physical assaults on its employees last year. Although this was a slight decrease compared to the previous year, the EVG emphasized that the sense of security among the workforce has deteriorated significantly, referring to a survey of around 4,000 employees conducted last year. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday a "rift" had grown between the United States and Europe but urged both sides to "repair and revive" the partnership. Merz's speech opened this year's Munich Security Conference, where US President Donald Trump's volatile foreign policy seems to loom over the entire agenda. It also set the tone for three days of debates over decades-old trans-Atlantic ties and the future of the Western security framework. Advertisement Advertisement Merz said the old rules-based international order "no longer exists" and has given way to a far more uncertain era defined by "great power politics" and national interests. He described Russia's war on Ukraine as the "most glaring expression" of the new reality, while accusing China of exploiting dependencies and reshaping the international system to suit its own purposes. "If there was a unipolar moment after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it is long gone," Merz said. "The US claim to leadership is challenged, perhaps even lost." The chancellor drew a sharp distinction between Europe's political direction and developments in the United States under Trump. Advertisement Advertisement He said the "culture war of the MAGA movement is not ours," rejected tariffs and protectionist trade policies and reaffirmed support for international institutions and climate agreements because "we are convinced that we can only solve global challenges together." Merz suggested the US-Europe relationship was under severe strain, but not beyond saving. Switching from German to English to address "our American friends," Merz added: "In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone." "Being a part of NATO is not only Europe's competitive advantage. It is also the United States' competitive advantage. So let's repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together. Europe is doing its part." Advertisement Advertisement Europe could only assert itself in this new world order through economic and military strength, Merz said in the speech titled "A Programme for Freedom." Network of global partnerships Merz's remarks in Munich marked his first appearance at the conference as chancellor and amounted to a warning that Europe must adapt quickly to a world in which traditional alliances can no longer be taken for granted. The recent crisis sparked by Trump's bid to acquire Greenland shook NATO, while repeated tariff threats and deep disagreements over democratic values have widened the divide. At the same time as Merz urged a reset with the Trump administration, he said Germany would forge new partnerships to reduce reliance on China and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement "As important as European integration and the trans-Atlantic partnership remain for us, they will no longer be sufficient to preserve our freedom," said Merz. He also made it clear that partnerships with countries that do not share all Western values must be possible: "That is one of the lessons of these days, weeks, and months." He named Canada, Japan, Turkey, India and Brazil as particularly important partners, saying they played "key roles." He also cited South Africa, the Gulf states and others, saying: "We want to move closer to these countries, in mutual respect and with patience." French-German nuclear talks As debates intensify over Europe's security architecture, Merz also said he had begun confidential talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on European nuclear deterrence. Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that any European nuclear umbrella would be "strictly embedded" in Germany's existing role in NATO's nuclear sharing arrangement and would serve as a "self-sustaining, strong pillar of the alliance," not a replacement for it. Germany is bound by the 1990 Two Plus Four Agreement, which committed the country to renounce the manufacture, possession and control of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. France remains the European Union's only nuclear-armed member state. Record number of leaders in Munich The high-level talks, which run through Sunday, will also focus heavily on Ukraine, where Russia's full-scale war enters its fifth year later this month, and on Iran, which Trump has warned could face military strikes if a nuclear deal is not reached soon. Advertisement Advertisement Organizers said more than 60 world leaders are expected to attend - more than ever before. They include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Macron, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Around 100 foreign and defence ministers are also set to take part. Electricity grid operator PJM Interconnection agreed to extend a cap on wholesale electricity prices for two years as surging demand brings greater costs for consumers, Gov. Josh Shapiros office said Thursday. The announcement follows efforts by Shapiro and other governors across PJMs territory who have called on the organization to reform its electricity markets to speed the construction of new power plants and transmission lines. It is essential that as you continue that work to ensure future reliability, you take this critical short-term step to preserve affordability by extending the price collar at current levels, Shapiro said in a letter to PJM interim CEO David Mills this week. A view of the PJM Interconnection control room in Valley Forge, Pa. (Courtesy of PJM Interconnection) The Shapiro administration sued PJM, which manages the electricity supply and transmission for Pennsylvania and 12 other states, late in 2024. It demanded a limit on prices for generators after an auction in July of that year reached a record of $269.92 per megawatt-day. Advertisement Advertisement PJM and Shapiro reached a settlement later approved by federal regulators in January 2025 that would cap bids at $325 per megawatt-day in the 2025 and 2026 auctions. Extending the cap for another two years will save PJMs 67 million customers an additional $27 billion on their energy bills, Shapiro said in a statement. His office estimates total savings of $45 billion over the four years the cap will be in effect. The extension would mean about $575 in savings for every Pennsylvania household over the next four years, the administration said. Pennsylvanians cant afford higher prices, and I will always stand up for them against companies trying to jack up their prices and screw them over, Shapiro said. PJMs board said it made the decision based on feedback from stakeholders, the Trump administration and state governors. In a statement, the board noted that current one-year commitments to provide generating capacity may not match the current investment climate that may be required to incentivize new generation. Advertisement Advertisement It said it would begin preparing a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which it would present at the next members meeting Feb. 19. FERC must approve the price limit, which the Trump administration has already endorsed. PJM has been working with the electric power and tech industries to develop rules for large electricity users mainly artificial intelligence data centers to connect to the grid. Dozens of data centers, which each house thousands of computers, are proposed across PJMs footprint from New Jersey to Chicago and Pennsylvanias northern border to North Carolina. Concrete and debris is removed at the Homer City Energy Campus, the site of a new natural gas powered data center on Jan 21, 2026. The site was formerly the Homer City Generating Center. (Photo by John Beale for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Each massive warehouse-sized building could consume as much power as a small city, driving forecasts that summertime peak demand could increase by 35% over the next decade. PJM has proposed rules to FERC encouraging data center owners to build their own power plants by offering an expedited process to connect to the grid. Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro and all 12 of the governors from the other PJM states reached an agreement with the Trump administration last month on principles to reform PJM. It includes a plan to allocate additional generating and transmission costs to data centers by creating rate structures for large load users under new regulations in each state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The cap extension would help to protect consumers from runaway energy costs while the market reforms are taking place. PJM holds its base residual capacity auction each summer. It allows owners of generating stations to bid to provide standby capacity that can be called on during summer and winter demand peaks. The payments ensure generators are paid for keeping their power plants ready to start quickly when electricity use increases on the warmest and coldest days. Each auction is for capacity to be delivered in the following two years. The extension would keep the $325 megawatt per day cap in place for the 2028-2029 and 2029-2030 auctions. A Channel 2 Action News investigation finds you could legally buy a stolen gun and never know it. Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray found a loophole in the law left a young Cobb County man facing a felony charge even though he did nothing wrong. The 23-year-old Kennesaw State University student only found out his gun that he bought at a federally licensed gun dealer is listed as a stolen police gun in law enforcement records when police arrested him and threw him in jail for three days. Advertisement Advertisement Can you to this day think of any way you could have known this gun was stolen? asked Gray. No, answered Jarrett Franco Modica. The 23-year-old was charged with a felony. A judge even ruled no bond. Im like whats happening? I started shaking and panic attacking, said Modica. He had a stolen gun in his glove compartment. He was like Can I check the gun? Im like, Yeah, 100%, said Modica. It was not just any stolen gun, but a stolen police gun. He was like, hey, hands behind your back, said Modica. He had called police out to Atlanta Road himself in December to file an accident report. I hear the computer chime and it says guns stolen out of Union City Police Department in 2016, said Modica. Advertisement Advertisement He spent the next three days behind bars. Hes charged with theft by receiving firearm. But Modica has proof he never stole that gun. Yeah, so what is this? asked Gray. Its a Jimenez Arms, its the one I bought. Its the receipt, said Modica. He bought the handgun legally shortly after turning 21. We just go shooting, you know, practice, stress relief, you know typical American way, said Modica. His receipt shows the same serial number as on the incident report and criminal warrant for his arrest. I just cant wrap my head around how a stolen gun gets sold, said Modica. But under current law what happened to him cold happen to any legal gun buyer in Georgia or across the country. Advertisement Advertisement An FBI Department of Justice FAQ states: federal law does not require FFLs to verify whether firearms offered to them for sale have been previously reported as stolen You didnt buy it from some guy on the street, you didnt buy it at a gun show even, you went to the largest gun store in Georgia, said Gray. Yeah where theres a counter, where there is, they check IDs, said Modica. How does this happen? asked Gray. Well, this specific instance its a firearm that was traded in to us, said Eric Wallace, the general manager of Adventure Outdoors in Cobb County. Its one of the countrys largest gun dealers. Advertisement Advertisement Their records confirm they sold the gun to Modica. We do everything we can to make sure that were not buying a stolen firearm, said Wallace. A 2022 federal law makes it easier for federally licensed dealers like Adventure Outdoors to voluntarily check if guns are stolen by directly accessing the federal database NICS. We take in 10,000 to 12,000 used firearms a year, and theres measures that we have in place, said Wallace. We pulled the user manual for the NICS. It shows dealers can type in a serial number and see if the gun has been reported stolen. Wallace said they regularly do that and more. Advertisement Advertisement If its a stolen firearm, this is the last place you want to bring it because they will have a problem, said Wallace. But in this case Wallace said there was no suspicion the gun was stolen because it came directly from Union City Police. We often get evidence guns traded into us so that a police department can purchase duty gear, said Wallace. Channel 2 Action News filed an open records request for the guns serial number with Union City. In 2016 it was placed in the evidence room after being confiscated during a theft investigation. It was a paperwork error from that police department, said Wallace. Advertisement Advertisement A paperwork error nearly a decade ago now has Modica facing a life changing felony charge. The warrant says he knew or should have known the gun was stolen. Nobody was listening to me saying that this is a big misunderstanding, said Modica. Gray checked with the Cobb County District Attorney. They still have not dropped the charge telling him it is under investigation. Adventure Outdoors said they see this happen once or twice a year. But in the past, police have called them to check records before making any arrest. A gun buyer cannot check the federal database, only police and dealers can. Wallace recommends buying from a federally licensed dealer, take a picture with your phone of that sales receipt, and save the receipt in a safe place like Modica did. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Two Norcross brothers will spend the rest of their lives in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl over a period of years. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the Gwinnett County District Attorneys Office, Jose Angel Soriano, 36, was found guilty of rape. His brother, Jordi F. Soriano-Balbuena, 32, was found guilty of rape and aggravated child molestation. Advertisement Advertisement Both men were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. TRENDING STORIES: We are pleased with these verdicts and sentences that protect the most vulnerable members of our community, District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said in a statement. Authorities said the victim disclosed the abuse to her mother, who then contacted police. During the trial, three additional victims from DeKalb County testified against the brothers. Officials say the convictions bring justice for the victims and ensure the defendants will no longer pose a threat to the community. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Feb. 12U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C., has rejected the federal government's request for a stay on her order that stopped Haiti from losing its Temporary Protected Status. Judge Reyes in court on Thursday morning said allowing the termination to go into effect while the case is appealed would put Haitian TPS holders at risk of detention and removal. She noted the federal government has the names and addresses of TPS holders, including Haitian community members in Springfield. Beneficiaries are required to provide this information to the government to participate in the program. Reyes said Immigration and Customs Enforcement could use that information to go after Haitian TPS holders, who President Trump has harshly criticized and promised to deport. Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the Trump administration in court said the Department of Homeland Security would not necessarily target Haitian nationals if TPS expired, but they would be subject to the same kind of immigration enforcement activities that other immigrants who are unlawfully in the country face. Counsel also said that some TPS holders may no longer live at the same addresses as when they registered for the program. Reyes said the federal government did not provide convincing evidence that it would suffer irreparable harm if the Haiti's TPS designation remains active while the case proceeds. The attorneys for the plaintiffs in the case, Miot v. Trump, have argued that if the termination went into effect and Haitian TPS holders were deported it would be very difficult if not impossible to remedy this if the courts determine their protection should have remained in place. DHS officials previously said the federal government plans to appeal the decision all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. In a separate but similar case in California, the highest court in the nation allowed TPS for Venezuela to end as the federal government appeals a lower court's ruling that the country's designation was terminated unlawfully. The federal government has argued in court filings that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to end Haiti's designation should not be subject to judicial review, especially given that her termination was based on being "in the national interest." Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the Trump administration says Noem made her decision to terminate based on evidence and information she reviewed. They accused Judge Reyes in court documents of improperly acting as a "foreign policy expert" by reaching her own conclusion about the evidence in the case about conditions in Haiti. The judge's ruling comes the same day that a new UNICEF report was released saying the recruitment of children by armed groups in Haiti tripled last year as poverty and violence deepens across the troubled Caribbean country. The surge comes as gang violence displaces a record 1.4 million people across Haiti more than half of them children whom experts say are left exposed and vulnerable, says UNICEF. Local reactions Advertisement Advertisement Viles Dorsainvil, Haitian Community Help and Support Center president, is pleased by the ruling, which he says reflects a "balance of power" in the country, but he is expecting the case to go up to the Supreme Court. "At the end of the day, terminating the TPS for Haitians is a decision that would put millions of lives at risk; there is no doubt about that," Dorsainvil said. "As long as the judges can use the legal route and common sense to take decisions that reflect justice, dignity of human beings and all respect for human rights, I think that will continue to show that America can continue to be the country that it used to be." Dorsainvil and others are continuing to provide extra help to Haitian residents in Springfield, including by organizing grocery deliveries for people whose licenses are invalid or are afraid to leave their homes. Note: This story is developing and will be updated. RECENT LOCAL HAITI TPS COVERAGE Springfield City Commission meeting draws calls for unity Attorneys for Haitians push back on DHS request to let protections expire as case continues 3 Springfield houses of worship receive bomb threats Churches may help house thousands of Springfield children left behind if TPS expires Authorities have increased the reward for information in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who they say was abducted from her home outside Tucson. Law enforcement officials have been combing the desert around her house and going door-to-door asking residents for any information that could break open the case. An alert that went out in a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) radius of her home asked for any camera footage or reports of suspicious activity over a months time. Guthrie was last seen Jan. 31 and reported missing the following day. Authorities released a description Thursday of a man caught on camera outside her front door the night she disappeared and a description of the backpack he was wearing. Advertisement Advertisement Her children have made heartbreaking video pleas for help and the case has drawn national attention. Here is a timeline of events: Saturday, Jan. 31 5:32 p.m. Nancy Guthrie takes an Uber to her familys home for dinner. 9:48 p.m. Guthrie is dropped off at her Tucson, Arizona, home by a family member. The garage door opens and closes minutes later. Sunday, Feb. 1 1:47 a.m. The doorbell camera is disconnected. 2:12 a.m. The cameras software detects movement. Investigators initially said that there was no video available since Guthrie didnt have an active subscription to the company. But digital forensics experts kept working to find images in backend software that might have been lost, corrupted or inaccessible. Advertisement Advertisement 2:28 a.m. Her pacemaker app disconnects from her phone. 11:56 a.m. Her family checks on her after learning she did not attend church. 12:03 p.m. The family calls 911 to report a missing person. 12:15 p.m. Investigators arrive and launch a search operation, including the use of drones and search dogs. 6:46 p.m. The Pima County Sheriffs Department posts on social media to announce Guthries disappearance. Monday, Feb. 2 Authorities announce in the morning that they believe Guthrie was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will. KOLD-TV says it received an email Monday night that appears to be a ransom note. The note includes a demand for money with a deadline set for 5 p.m. Thursday and a second one for Monday, investigators said. Advertisement Advertisement Savannah Guthrie posts a message on Instagram on Monday night asking for peoples prayers. Tuesday, Feb. 3 A person familiar with the investigation tells The Associated Press that investigators found signs of forced entry at Nancy Guthries home. President Donald Trump tells reporters that the situation is terrible. Wednesday, Feb. 4 After turning back Guthries property to her family earlier in the week, authorities return to the home for a follow-up investigation. That evening, Savannah Guthrie posts a video on social media in which she tells her mothers kidnapper that her family is ready to talk but wants proof their mom is alive. Thursday, Feb. 5 Officials reveal that a DNA test of blood found on the homes front porch showed it came from Nancy Guthrie. Advertisement Advertisement The FBI offers a $50,000 reward for information about Guthries whereabouts. Friday, Feb. 6 Tucson TV station KOLD receives a new message, via email, tied to the Guthrie case. The station says it cant disclose its contents. The FBI says its aware of a new message and is reviewing its authenticity. Investigators return to Guthries neighborhood to gather more evidence. The president of the Catalina Foothills Association, a neighborhood group, thanks residents in a letter for being willing to speak with law enforcement, share camera images and allow their properties to be searched. Saturday, Feb. 7 Savannah Guthrie releases another video on social media directly engaging with her mothers potential abductors. Advertisement Advertisement We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her, she said, flanked by her siblings. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay. Sunday, Feb. 8 Detectives and FBI agents do follow-up work at multiple locations, the sheriffs department says. An investigator is seen using a pole to search an underground tank behind Nancy Guthries home. Monday, Feb. 9 Savannah Guthrie posts another video on Instagram, saying her family is at an hour of desperation and they believe Nancy Guthrie is still out there. Savannah Guthrie asked for prayers and for people to report anything they might see or hear to law enforcement. No ransom note was mentioned. A spokesperson for the FBI says the agency was not aware of ongoing communication between Nancy Guthries family and the suspected kidnappers, despite a deadline set for Monday evening. Tuesday, Feb. 10 The FBI says it managed to recover doorbell camera video of what it described as an armed person tampering with a camera at Guthries front door. Advertisement Advertisement Video shows the person wearing a backpack and ski mask with holes for the eyes and mouth. The person tries to cover a camera near the front door with their gloved hand before ripping out a plant from the yard to block the cameras view. Following the FBIs announcement, Savannah Guthrie posts images of the apparent kidnapper on Instagram. She writes: We believe she is still alive. Bring her home, and includes phone numbers for the FBI and county sheriff. Later, the Pima County sheriffs department says a person was detained for questioning during a traffic stop south of Tucson. The man is released. He tells reporters that he made deliveries in the Tucson area. The sheriffs department also says it searched a location in Rio Rico, a city south of Tucson, with the help of the FBI. Wednesday, Feb. 11 Authorities confirm the man detained a day earlier was released but did not say what led them to stop him or conduct the search. Advertisement Advertisement FBI agents and Pima County sheriffs deputies knock on doors and search the desert terrain in the neighborhoods surrounding the homes of Nancy Guthrie and her oldest daughter, Annie Guthrie, whom she had visited just hours before disappearing. Several hundred people are now assigned to the investigation, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said. Thursday, Feb. 12 Investigators ask residents in a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) radius of Nancy Guthries home to share any camera footage and report any suspicious activity they noticed in the month before she disappeared. The FBI later doubles the reward for information that would lead to Nancy Guthrie or an arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for kidnapping her to $100,000. The agency also describes the person who was seen in surveillance video from Guthries porch the night she went missing as a male with an average build and about 5-foot, 9-inches tall. In the video, the FBI says he is wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Rajendra Jadhav and Mayank Bhardwaj MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Indian corn and soybean prices fell on Wednesday after New Delhi agreed to duty-free imports of U.S. soyoil and a protein-rich animal feed under a new trade deal with Washington, stoking fears of cheaper supplies among farmers. Farm unions and opposition parties, concerned about cheap U.S. supplies, have called nationwide protests for Thursday. A joint statement from India and the U.S. last week said New Delhi had agreed to allow duty-free imports of soyoil and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a corn-based ethanol byproduct used as cattle feed. Soybean and corn prices have fallen by 10% and 4% respectively since the interim framework was announced last week, rekindling anger among millions of small Indian farmers, whose 2020-21 protests forced New Delhi to repeal laws aimed at deregulating markets. Although allowing U.S. DDGS imports is weighing on prices, the short-term impact is likely to be limited, said Harish Galipelli, director of ILA Commodities Pvt Ltd, a Hyderabad-based trade house. Corn prices are trading around 1,820 rupees ($20.06) per 100 kg, well below the government-set support or guaranteed price of 2,400 rupees, as output hits a record high and demand slumps from ethanol producers. Similarly, demand from domestic feed manufacturers remains weak, with the market worried that cheaper imports of DDGS could worsen the current supply glut, traders said. India's summer-sown corn production rose 14% to a record 28.3 million metric tons, according to farm ministry estimates. Rakesh Tikait, a prominent farm leader, said the government held no discussions with farmers before agreeing to the deal. "We were kept in the dark, and the trade deal is a body blow to the farm sector, which is India's mainstay," he said. Warning the government against proceeding with the deal, Tikait said: "There will be a nationwide protest on February 12, and after that we will intensify our agitation." ($1 = 90.72 rupees) (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav and Mayank Bhardwaj; Editing by Alexander Smith) It is not a secret that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has struggled with substance abuse issues, but the Cabinet secretary added new details this week during a podcast appearance. In context, he was talking about his insistence on attending 12-step meetings in person, even during the Covid-19 crisis, when social distancing was the norm. Kennedy said he was unconcerned about the dangerous contagion, even at the height of the pandemic, because of what he had survived in years past. He told host Theo Von: I said, Im not scared of a germ. I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats. Advertisement Advertisement There arent many countries where the nations health secretary could make such a comment in public and expect to remain in their position. But in 2026, conditions in the United States are rather odd. In fact, watching Kennedys on-air comments, I found myself thinking about one person: Douglas Ginsburg. In 1987, Ronald Reagan announced that Ginsburg at the time a federal appeals court judge was his choice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Two weeks later, Ginsburg felt compelled to withdraw his nomination, not because of concerns related to his qualifications or temperament, but because he had admitted to having smoked marijuana in the past. Though it seems foolish now, at the time this was a deal-breaker. Almost four decades later, in a different Republican administration, a health secretary saying that he used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats barely generated news coverage. Advertisement Advertisement A couple of weeks after Trump won a second term, The New York Times published a memorable analysis, noting: It was not so long ago that nominees for high-level jobs and even some of the more obscure ones had to be above reproach, to the point where a relatively minor tax issue could derail them. But times are evidently changing when it comes to nominations at the dawn of the second Trump administration. Ginsburgs failed Supreme Court nomination stands out, but the Times analysis noted that as recently as the 1990s, two candidates for attorney general were rejected after revelations that they hired undocumented immigrants as nannies. In 2008, Barack Obama nominated former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to serve as health secretary, but he was done in after it was discovered that he hadnt paid income taxes on the use of a car and driver lent to him while he consulted for a financial firm. As recently as 2021, Neera Tandens nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget was derailed because senators objected to some of her more acerbic tweets. Five years later, political standards have reached an unrecognizable level. The post Health Secretary RFK Jr. reflects on his past: I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 is not crowded people are just walking in the "wrong place", the airport's boss has said. Thomas Woldbye told an industry event "all the British people keep to the left and all the Europeans keep to the right", making the terminal feel crowded "when it's not actually". "And they do that in both directions, so we get everybody crashing into each other, and I see that from personal experience," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport, but its plans to build a third runway have faced push-back from climate campaigners and locals despite government support. Woldbye told the Aviation Club UK event that, even though the government backed the expansion, he was "not sure of anything". "We have a very solid description of how that looks and what we're going to build. "What we don't have is necessary modernisation of airspace. "We don't have a long-term regulation which is clear in terms of building a business case," he said. He added that "lots of stuff has to be done this year in order to enable the actual commencement of building". Advertisement Advertisement Some 84 million passengers a year fly from Heathrow, but the airport says it could increase this to 150 million with a third runway. The government has said the expansion is badly needed to help economic growth, though some economists dispute this. Others are opposed to the expansion on environmental grounds and on the disruption it would cause to people who currently live near the airport. 'Soft skills' While the expansion may be a long way off, Woldbye told Aviation Club UK there were still "soft skills" the airport could use to manage more passengers such stopping Europeans and Brits from bumping into each other. Advertisement Advertisement "We can change that," he said, adding the airport needs to make sure people going one way keep to a different side to people going the other direction. "And I know that's simplified, but that's the sort of thinking that you need." "We measure crowding, but we also measure people's perceptions of crowding... And interestingly, Terminal 3 has the best score and Terminal 5 has one of the worst, and there's way more space in Terminal 5, so what are we doing wrong?" He said the airport has removed some seating, telephone boxes, and other "clutter" in Terminal 3 and that it feels less crowded as a result, even though there are more people. Advertisement Advertisement "People feel more at ease... because they can see where they are going," he added. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) More than 15,000 students are in need of food once they get home from school. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee provides weekly meals for these students through its Food for Kids program, and they are raising money to make sure they can keep helping students in need. The Pack the Bag fundraiser kicked off on Thursday and runs until February 23. Second Harvest partners with 300 schools across their 18-county service area to get food to 15,458 students. Through the program, each child receives four complete meals, four snacks, and a milk every week. Food for Kids really equates to fuel for school. Weve heard reports back from teachers of improved focus, improved confidence, to answer questions, ask questions in the classroom, said Kara Hunkele, Senior Designer and Content Strategist at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Second Harvest Food Bank planning for what ifs as demand continues to rise in 2026 She added that $15 can sponsor a childs bags for one month, $45 for three months, and $140 sponsors a child for the entire school year. To find out how to donate, visit secondharvestetn.org or call 865-521-0000. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas transportation authorities report drivers should expect some changes soon on a Highway 24 project near Topeka. Kate Craft with the Kansas Department of Transportation said in a press release that temporary adjustments will be made starting on Monday, Feb. 16 in the existing Highway 24 project area in Shawnee and Jefferson Counties. Drivers on Highway 24 between Goldwater Road and Muddy Creek will be shifted to one lane in each direction in the new eastbound lanes. The K-4/Oakland Expressway ramps to and from westbound Highway 24 will be closed. Advertisement Advertisement Craft said this configuration is expected to remain in place until early 2027. She said the westbound Highway 24 ramp to northbound K-4 will also be closed for five months. $71 million impact, new jobs expected as rubber company expands in Topeka The southbound K-4 ramp leading to westbound Highway 24 will stay open, but will temporarily provide access to the south K-4/Oakland Expressway ramp only, according to KDOT. Drivers trying to access westbound Highway 24 from southbound K-4 can follow a marked detour route on Northeast 46th Street and Topeka Boulevard or find an alternate route. These changes are expected to stay in place for 30 days while a crossover is built that will connect K-4 ramp traffic to westbound Highway 24. Craft said that, once the crossover is built, the southbound K-4 ramp will connect traffic to westbound Highway 24 only. Access to the south K-4/Oakland Expressway ramp will be fully closed. Drivers can follow the detour on westbound Highway 24 to Topeka Boulevard, back onto eastbound Highway 24 and back to the southbound K-4/Oakland Expressway exit. Advertisement Advertisement You can learn more about this project by heading to KDOTs website. For more information about upcoming road work projects in Kansas and the latest traffic conditions, visit KanDrive.gov. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists. In the remote lowlands of Bolivia, a routine trail-clearing task led to an extraordinary scientific discoveryone that would expand our understanding of where certain elusive reptiles call home. A team of scientists exploring the dense forests of La Paz, Bolivia, made an unexpected find when a wildlife guide accidentally killed a four-foot-long vine snake while clearing work trails near their camp. Advertisement Advertisement What initially appeared to be an unfortunate accident turned into a significant moment for wildlife research: the snake was identified as Bolivias first recorded sighting of an Oxybelis inkaterra, commonly known as an Inkaterra vine snake. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Herpetozoa on July 10, 2024, documenting this first-of-its-kind observation and expanding what scientists know about the geographic range of this cryptic species. A Deadly Case of Camouflage Findings The circumstances of the discovery highlight just how effectively these snakes blend into their surroundings. According to the study, the snakes natural defense mechanism ultimately led to its demise. This particular individual, feeling threatened, remained motionless, mimicking one of the branches of the shrub it was on, the study read. Advertisement Advertisement The snakes camouflage was so effective that the guide never saw it among the vegetation. Unfortunately, this behavior caused it to go unnoticed by the guide, resulting in the unfortunate accident, the study added. This tragic encounter underscores a fundamental challenge that researchers face when studying vine snakes. These reptiles are generally quite cryptic, due to their coloration, elongated head, and attenuated slender bodies and long tail, researchers explained. Their appearance makes them very difficult to observe and capture in their natural habitat. What Is a Vine Snake? Vine snakes have evolved remarkable physical characteristics that allow them to virtually disappear among tree branches and shrubs. Their elongated bodies and pointed heads give them an appearance strikingly similar to the vegetation they inhabit. Advertisement Advertisement This particular Inkaterra vine snake measured approximately four feet in length and displayed coloring described as a mixture of grays, creams, and light brownsa palette perfectly suited to blending in with forest branches. These snakes are predators that feed on a diversity of small vertebrates, including lizards, birds, amphibians and mammals, according to the researchers. Their camouflage serves a dual purpose: protecting them from larger predators while allowing them to ambush their own prey undetected. The research team had originally ventured into the lowlands of Bolivia specifically searching for vine snakes (Oxybelis) and sharpnose snakes (Xenoxybelis). These species are notoriously difficult to study due to their remote habitats and exceptional ability to avoid detection. Expanding the Known Range of Inkaterra Vine Snakes This discovery significantly extends the known geographic range of the Inkaterra vine snake. Advertisement Advertisement According to the study, the snakes documented range now extends approximately 207 kilometers and 628 kilometers southeast of its type locality in Puerto Maldonado, Peru. Prior to this finding, Inkaterra vine snakes had been documented in Peru and Ecuador. The Bolivia sighting adds a third country to the species known range, suggesting these snakes may be more widely distributed than previously understood. The discovery also adds to Bolivias known vine snake diversity. The Inkaterra vine snake now joins both Oxybelis aeneus and Oxybelis fulgidus as the three known vine snake species to exist in Bolivia. This expanded understanding of local biodiversity helps scientists better comprehend the ecological makeup of the regions forests. Researchers Find Additional Sightings in Museum Archives The research teams work extended beyond their field observations. When examining museum archives, researchers discovered two additional Inkaterra vine snake specimens. Advertisement Advertisement One had been caught in Bolivia in 2005, predating the current discovery by nearly two decades. The other specimen lacked date or location information, leaving questions about its origins. These archival findings suggest that the species may have been present in Bolivia longer than previously recognized, with specimens sitting in collections awaiting proper identification. Such discoveries highlight the ongoing importance of museum collections in understanding wildlife distribution and the value of revisiting existing specimens with updated scientific knowledge. The Research Team and Broader Implications The research team that documented this discovery included Luis Rivas, Gustavo Rey-Ortiz, Cord Eversole, Randy Powell, Gonzalo Navarro-Cornejo, Edson Cortez, Mauricio Ocampo, Gabriel Callapa, and Arturo Munoz. Advertisement Advertisement During their expedition, the team also documented several other poorly known snake species, contributing valuable data about the biodiversity of Bolivias lowland forests. La Paz, the region where researchers found the Inkaterra vine snake, is located in northwestern Bolivia near the border with Peru. This geographic proximity to Peru, where the species was already known to exist, makes the Bolivian discovery somewhat logical from a biogeographic perspective, yet it had never been formally documented until now. Why This Particular Disovery Matters For the general public, discoveries like this serve as reminders of how much remains unknown about the natural world, even in the twenty-first century. Species that have likely existed in certain regions for thousands of years can go undetected simply because they are so skilled at avoiding observation. Advertisement Advertisement The unfortunate death of this particular snake, while regrettable, provided scientists with the opportunity to examine and document the specimen, confirming its identity and establishing the first official record for Bolivia. Such is often the nature of wildlife researchunexpected circumstances can lead to significant scientific contributions. This discovery also emphasizes the importance of continued biodiversity surveys in remote regions. Many species remain undocumented in various parts of their range simply because researchers have not yet had the opportunity to survey those areas thoroughly. Each expedition into these remote forests has the potential to reveal new information about which species live where. As researchers continue their work in the lowlands of Bolivia and similar habitats throughout South America, additional discoveries may further expand our understanding of vine snake distribution and the rich biodiversity these forests support. According to a recent Idaho Capital Sun article, Domestic Violence Creates Homelessness Surge in Idaho Communities, it is reported that 44% of the families served by CATCH over the past year were fleeing domestic violence. Let that sink in. This isnt a statistic about poor decision-making or bad budgeting. Its a statistic about survival. As the director of Faces of Hope, I witness incredible resilience and strength every day. Its not just about providing support; its about transforming lives and reminding every individual who walks through our doors that hope still exists. Let me tell you about Maria. Advertisement Advertisement After enduring years of trafficking and severe abuse, Maria and her 11-year-old daughter found themselves homeless. They had to flee their home with just the clothes on their backs after a terrible house fire left them with nothing. Maria and her daughter came to Faces of Hope feeling scared and afraid, but Maria was determined to build a new life for herself and her daughter. We found Maria an apartment, and although it wasnt easy, she persevered. The fire had stripped away all remnants of stabilitythere was no furniture, no clothing, and no sense of security. However, with the help of generous donors, we furnished her apartment, giving Maria and her daughter a feeling of having a place to call their own. In gratitude, Maria wrote a letter to express how much the support meant to her family: There are moments in life when words fall short when thank you doesnt feel big enough to convey our gratitude. This is one of those moments. After surviving domestic violence and losing everything in a house fire, my daughter and I found ourselves shaken and displaced. Starting over felt impossible. We didnt just need a roof; we needed safety, comfort, and a sense of belonging again. You provided us with all of that and so much more. Your presence throughout our transition reminded us that compassion exists in this world. You didnt just offer support; you stood by us when we felt invisible. Because of you, my daughter and I now have a safe space to rest, to rebuild, and to dream again. Advertisement Advertisement Marias story is not rare. Idaho Capital Suns recent reporting about CATCH clients confirms what service providers have long known: domestic violence is a primary driver of family homelessness in Idaho. Many survivors find themselves in situations where they must flee quickly. Barriers such as criminal records tied to coercion, poor credit caused by financial abuse, and an unaffordable housing market make it nearly impossible to find housing. When nearly half of the people experiencing homelessness say they choose homelessness over staying with an abuser, we need to rethink how we define choice. For many survivors, homelessness is not a failure; it is an act of self-preservation. Abuse and housing instability often go hand-in-hand. When someone decides to leave an abusive situation, that usually means walking away from a home, a job, a support network, and financial security. Survivors dont just lose housing; they also lose a sense of safety, autonomy, and stability. In a tough rental market like Ada Countys, those losses can be absolutely devastating. Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen this firsthand for over a decade. As the executive director of Faces of Hope, I have worked alongside hundreds of survivors who made the bravest decision of their lives to leave violence, only to be met with closed doors and judgment instead of support. As a community, we need to respond with compassion and resources. When our community shows up with compassion and resources, real change happens. Through coordinated, survivor-centered care, organizations like Faces of Hope and CATCH walk alongside individuals and families. Community investment allows us to provide housing navigation, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and emotional support so survivors arent just surviving, theyre rebuilding. Advertisement Advertisement So, what can Idaho do? Support local nonprofits doing this work. It is vital that funding for domestic violence services goes hand-in-hand with funding for housing solutions because these issues are deeply connected. We must also advocate for policies that remove barriers for survivors seeking safety. And when you see someone experiencing homelessness, remember: their story may not be about failure, it may be about courage. There is hope. At Faces of Hope, we stand with survivors on their journey to find safety, freedom, and empowerment. Everyone deserves a life free from violence and fear. With the right support, survivors dont just escape their past-they create new beginnings. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HOT SPRING COUNTY, Ark. A husband and wife who are the Hot Spring County judge and treasurer have filed a lawsuit on Feb. 9 against a local man whom they allege defamed them in a Facebook post. The suit on behalf of Dennis and Glorie Thornton alleges that a Feb. 6 post by local Hot Spring County political activist Mike Shnaekel defamed them, invaded their privacy and interfered with their business expectancy. Little Rock jury finds three men guilty of multi-state cocaine and methamphetamine distribution Advertisement Advertisement According to the suit, Shnaekel posted his allegedly defaming statement to Facebook on or about Feb. 6: Hot Spring County you need to pay attention. Dennis Thornton the County Judge and Husband of Treasurer Glorie Thornton called a special meeting yesterday to attempt to hide this. Pure facts do not cast a vote for either one. Glorie received dual pay which is illegal. This is why they havent been making budgets available which is illegal also. Attorney General we need help. According to the suit, this was followed by: Pure facts do not cast a vote for either one. The post generated numerous public comments and reactions, the suit states, causing the false accusations to be disseminated widely within the community. It continues that the allegations are false and were made without even a minimal investigation [by Shnaekel] to verify their accuracy. Arkansas Court of Appeals overturns extended statute of limitations law for child sexual abuse victims The post was taken down on Feb. 8, the suit states. The lawsuit continues to point out that both Thorntons are running for reelection, and early voting for their elections begins on Feb. 17. This Feb. 6 post was calculated to cause maximum damage to Plaintiffs re-election campaigns, the suit states. Advertisement Advertisement The suit includes a copy of a November 2025 legislative audit letter regarding Hot Spring County that includes the statement No issues came to our attention that we considered necessary to report to management. Shnaekels Facebook page shows his support for candidates for county judge and treasurer, neither of whom are Thornton. The suit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, as well as a temporary restraining order and an injunction prohibiting defamatory posts. Arkansas Supreme Court ruling allows candidate to remain in House race in hot check controversy On Wednesday, the Arkansas Supreme Court assigned retired Circuit Judge Kathleen Bell to hear the case after Circuit Judge Margaret Dobson recused herself. A trial date has not been set. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The state House voted, 186-168, Thursday to remove hepatitis B from the list of required vaccines in New Hampshire. Rep. Kelley Potenza, a Rochester Republican and sponsor of House Bill 1719, framed it as an effort to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which under new Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has moved in a controversial direction on vaccines. In December, the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to change the federal governments guidance to not recommend the hepatitis B vaccine at birth for infants unless the mother tested positive for the virus. The decision came months after Kennedy fired every member of the panel and replaced many of them with fellow vaccine skeptics and was condemned by dozens of major medical organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Potenza has in the past argued that aluminum ingredients in the vaccines cause myriad health complications. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC have all previously reported that aluminum is included in vaccines in doses too small to be toxic. Supporters say the bill targets government overreach. What (HB 1719) does is make the hep B vaccination a real choice, Rep. Matt Drew, a Manchester Republican and co-sponsor of the bill, said on the House floor. Not a government mandate with the force of the state behind it and the lurking threat of being banned from your day care or school if you refuse. State law allows for exemptions on religious and medical grounds, though Drew argued these were insufficient. Advertisement Advertisement The bill was passed over Democrats opposition, who decried the bills potential effects on public health. Rep. William Palmer, a Cornish Democrat, noted that since the universal hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in 1991, theres been a 99% drop in infant infections. After 1 billion doses administered around the world, he said, it has proven to be one of the safest and most effective of all vaccines. Indeed, from 1993 to 2019, there was a 99% drop in infections among children and adolescents, according to a letter from the American Public Health Association and a coalition of health professionals. The peer-reviewed data around the world supports this impressive safety profile, Palmer said. And we should not be misled by reports that have not been subjected to such vigorous review. This bill will be considered by the House Finance Committee before it heads to the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement In a 197-163 vote, the House also approved another vaccine related bill, House Bill 1584. The bill would allow parents to receive religious exemptions from vaccines simply by providing any written statement attesting to the religious exemption as opposed to filling out a specific form created by the Department of Health and Human Services, as is the process now. Additionally, the bill would require that any time the Department of Health and Human Services promotes vaccines, it must write that medical and religious exemptions are available under New Hampshire law in bold, clearly noticeable, starred print on the front or top portion of the material. The original version of the bill imposed a fine of up to $1,000 on any department employee or officer who violates this requirement, but the bill was amended before it passed to allow department management to handle disciplinary action. House Republicans killed a Democratic bill intended to strengthen the reporting of test scores for students in the education freedom account program Thursday, arguing it would place an unfair burden on those students. House Bill 1716 would have required parents applying for an education freedom account to allow their childs standardized test results to be sent to the state Department of Education for compilation and analysis. The House killed the bill, 194-166, with five Republicans joining all Democrats to vote against its defeat. Currently, students in the education freedom account program must take annual assessments, which are collected and stored by the private organization managing the EFAs, the Childrens Scholarship Fund. Advertisement Advertisement But the law does not require the CSF to share those results with the state, and the department does not collect or analyze that data. Instead, the CSF is required only to share the test results with the family receiving the EFA. HB 1716 would require the Division of Learner Support within the department to analyze and compile the data it received from the EFA program to determine academic proficiency rates. The bill would direct the department to aggregate that data based on graduation rate, grade level, gender, race and for other categories such as free and reduced-price lunch or special education recipients. In a fiscal analysis attached to the bill, the department stated it would need to hire three new positions to compile that data, at a cost of between $342,000 and $427,000 per year. The bill revealed long-running disagreements over the EFA program. Democrats, who have long been opposed to the voucher-like program, have argued that the assessment data is needed to determine whether public education funds are being spent on private educational programs that are not producing acceptable educational outcomes. Created in 2021, the EFA program allows New Hampshire families to receive the states per-pupil school funding share that would go to their childs public school district, and use it toward private or home-schooling expenses instead. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking in favor of HB 1716 Thursday, Democrats noted that the department releases annual aggregated data about standardized test results for public school districts. They argued private EFA recipients should be treated the same. We have heard repeatedly that public education is failing and that simply throwing money at it wont improve outcomes, said Rep. Tracy Anne Bricchi, a Concord Democrat. Test scores are often cited as proof. Yet, we have been spending funds on education freedom accounts for years, and we continue to hear claims that those students are wildly successful. The problem is there is no consistent data to support those claims. Bricchi noted that the bill doesnt create new assessment methods for EFA students, but simply requires that the existing assessments be reported. If we are going to spend public funds, we owe taxpayers and families real data, not assumptions or anecdotes, she said. Supporters of EFAs say that under the current system, the accountability for EFA vendors lies with parents, who do see their childs test score. If parents deem that their child is not excelling in a program, they can withdraw from it and choose a better option, they argue. Advertisement Advertisement And on Thursday, Republicans argued the bill would create a double standard: Parents of public school students may currently opt out of the states assessments, but EFA recipients are not allowed to do so, and those recipients would now have their childs data reported to the state. They also criticized the lack of an option for EFA recipients to have certain assessments carried out by a private school teacher, and not a public school teacher. House Bill 1716 places a burden on 10,000 EFA students that is not placed on 160,000 public school students, while at the same time removing their ability to opt out of an assessment and limiting their choice for an evaluator, said Rep. Margaret Drye, a Plainfield Republican. The EFA assessment debate follows a vow by Gov. Kelly Ayotte to direct the department to look into math and reading testing scores among public school districts and identify districts and programs that are producing good outcomes. Outcomes matter more than anything else, and our math and reading scores need to be much higher, Ayotte said in her Feb. 5 State of the State address. We owe it to our kids. MUNICH House Republican leaders are telling lawmakers traveling to the Munich Security Conference on their own dime that they will no longer be able to attend as part of an official House delegation. The office of House Foreign Affairs Chair Brian Mast (R-Fla.) and the Marine Corps, which were handling logistics for the delegation to the high-profile gathering, contacted congressional offices to clarify that access to the conference was arranged through an official delegation that was dissolved, according to two people familiar with the guidance. Speaker Mike Johnsons office notified the lawmakers this week that all official travel, including their Munich visit, would be canceledduring a likely Homeland Security Department shutdown. That leaves members who plan to travel privately needing to find other accreditation. Advertisement Advertisement The possibility some lawmakers wont attend the conference represents a major break with the yearslong precedent of bipartisan groupings joining a summit that offers unique perspective into high-level thinking in Washington and among allies. But House members are facing mounting pressure from Johnsons orbit not to go to the weekend security event with the agency shutdown looming on Saturday. The episode underscores how Washingtons funding impasse is spilling into transatlantic diplomacy. About two dozen members had been planning to attend the annual conference, which convenes global leaders, defense officials and lawmakers. A Mast spokesperson declined to comment. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY.), who is set to speak at the event, was still traveling to Munich as scheduled, according to two people familiar with her plans. She was on her way Thursday evening and had not been notified of any issues with her credentials, one of the people said. They, like others interviewed, were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear what, if any punishment, members will face who defied the order not to use their accreditation. The speakers office did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) plans to attend as well, regardless of the Homeland Security funding impasse. Domestic immigration policy is foreign policy, and Trumps cruel detention practices shape how the world reads our values, Ansari said in a statement. When the U.S. dehumanizes people in detention, we undermine our human rights credibility abroad, strengthen authoritarian narratives and fuel further displacement and desperation. Johnson barred use of official funds for lawmaker travel during an upcoming recess if the departments funding lapses, keeping with House protocol. With the Senate failing to strike an agreement, and Senate Democrats voting down a short-term funding patch on Thursday, the Homeland Security shutdown is likely to occur early Saturday. The White House and Democrats have made little progress in bridging the gap this week on potential reforms to immigration enforcement agencies. The House and Senate were already scheduled to be out next week, but leaders could call lawmakers back to Washington to quickly vote on the funding. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services panels, called it "a shame" that lawmakers might miss the international confab. But he defended Johnsons stance. Its a very responsible position by the speaker which matches the irresponsibility of the Senate Democrats to shut down the government," Wilson said. "And so the responsible act is to be ever available to end the shutdown." A military flight for the conference planned to depart Thursday afternoon, but only senators were expected to be on it. Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report. This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Levi Strauss & Co. is pushing back the expected completion date for its U.S. distribution network overhaul to the end of 2026, executives said on a Jan. 28 earnings call. EVP and Chief Financial and Growth Officer Harmit Singh said a transition to a third-party run facility has taken longer than we expected, necessitating the delay. The facility is located in Groveport, Ohio, a company spokesperson confirmed to Supply Chain Dive. Due to the delay, the clothing maker has continued to operate an owned center in Hebron, Kentucky, according to the spokesperson. Dive Insight: Levis plan to ramp down the parallel use of owned facilities in favor of a hybrid model that utilizes leased sites operated by third parties is hitting a snag near the finish line. The jeans maker previously said it expected to complete the shift in early 2026. By continuing to operate the Hebron facility to meet demand while the transition to the Groveport site continues, the company has incurred higher distribution costs, Singh said. Those increased expenses are expected to continue in the first half of 2026 after contributing to a 2.6% hike in selling, general and administrative spending in Q4, according to Singh. Despite the delay, the company remains confident in the strategy change and its ability to complete the transition this year, Singh said, pointing to a similar effort in Europe as a blueprint. We successfully executed a distribution transition from owned and operated to a hybrid model in Europe last year, enabling us to fulfill our strong demand as evidenced by the double-digit revenue growth in the quarter while improving our profitability in the region, Singh said. This gives us confidence that we will successfully complete the transition in the U.S. this year. Meanwhile, amid the transition pain points, the company managed to trim lead times while further optimizing its product mix, both key pieces of its shift to being a more direct-to-consumer focused company, CEO and President Michelle Gass said on the Jan. 28 call. We are still in the early stages of what we believe is a significant opportunity to continue to improve our DTC margins, which will be a key driver of our overall company margins, Gass said. Recommended Reading The Brief The U.S. House narrowly passed the SAVE America Act, a measure requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID at polls, though the bill faces an uncertain path in the Senate. Arizona election experts and advocates denounced the bill as a product of election denialism, arguing that the state's existing voting systems are secure and that the new requirements address non-existent problems. PHOENIX - A fierce debate over the integrity of the U.S. electoral system is intensifying following the Houses narrow passage of the SAVE America Act. What they're saying The legislation, which would mandate proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and require photo ID at the polls, faces an uncertain future in the Senate. While proponents argue the bill is essential for election security and closing loopholes, critics in the Valley and across the country are pushing back. Advertisement Advertisement A group of election experts and advocates in Arizona recently denounced the measure, characterizing it as a byproduct of election denialism linked to President Donald Trump. "Ive spent several years watching the election conspiracy circus unfold across this country from Pennsylvania to Michigan to Georgia and here in Arizona, all because one candidate refused to accept the will of the voters," said Liz Ogden of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans. Advocates like Alex Gulatto argue the bill targets a problem that does not exist. "Im disgusted that were standing here in 2026 defending the basic mechanics of our democracy against these false conspiracies yet again," Gulatto said. The group maintains that Arizonas voting systems are secure, having been tested and strengthened over decades. Former Coconino County Recorder Patty Hanson pointed to the 2020 election as evidence of the systems resilience. Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone stood up for the will of the voters, and its because of their courage that we have a strong democracy today," Hanson said. The other side However, opponents of the bill expressed concern over recent federal actions, citing a raid on an election warehouse in Fulton County, Georgia. They fear Arizona could be the next target of federal intervention. "Im really scared that this is the start of what were going to see in 2026," Hanson added. The coalition is also calling on Republican gubernatorial candidates to condemn the legislation. "When politicians refuse to condemn unconstitutional actions, that silence is not neutral. It is permission," Gulatto said. What's next The SAVE America Act now moves to the Senate, where Republicans would likely need bipartisan support to secure its passage. Houston ISD is recommending the closure of 12 schools starting in the 2026-27 school year, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said Thursday. He said on YouTube that the closures would impact 11 facilities total, but he didn't name the campuses in the video. The district will hold meetings at "impacted campuses" and "opportunities to visit new schools and meet staff." Advertisement Advertisement ENROLLMENT DECLINES: These HISD campuses saw the largest enrollment declines during the 2025-26 school year HISD has lost 7,900 students - including nearly 4,000 immigrant students - compared to the previous academic year, according to data obtained by the Chronicle. State data shows that the rate of enrollment declines in HISD has accelerated in the first two years of the state takeover, particularly in schools under the New Education System that follow Miles' targeted reforms. Several Houston-area districts, including Aldine, Fort Bend and Spring ISDs, are considering - or have already approved - school closures or consolidations for the 2026-27 school year, as schools across the region deal with declining enrollment, lower birth rates, more competition from other school options and tight budgets. Miles told the board in January that HISD was on track to lose $50 to $60 million every year in state funding due to the enrollment declines "unless things drastically change." Advertisement Advertisement He then said that the district "was going to have to" look at school consolidations, which could save the district anywhere from $1 to $1.5 million per campus. HISD has already consolidated Las Americas Newcomer School with Jane Long Academy in October, citing plummeting enrollment at the campus which served new immigrants and refugees. 'WATCH ME PROTEST, GREG ABBOTT:' Hundreds of Houston-area students protest ICE despite threats from TEA, Gov. Abbott HISD has been grappling with how address campuses with low enrollment. In its November 2024 bond proposal, it proposed "co-locating" students at eight schools to seven existing campuses, but the measure failed. Advertisement Advertisement In February 2025, Miles said that school closures "must be considered" because the district had lost 30,000 students in the past decade. In November, HISD abruptly changed course, saying publicly that it would not close schools in the 2026-27 academic year but that some future "consolidations" could be considered. The district told school leaders in an internal email in November that it would "not bring a recommended consolidation list to the Board of Managers this academic year for closure in SY 26-27." Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated with additional information. This article originally published at Houston ISD to close 12 schools starting in fall 2026, Superintendent Miles says. TUCSON Tension is growing between the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, according to a report published by Reuters on Feb. 12. Citing a "law enforcement official with knowledge of the case," the news outlet reported about conflict over the processing of evidence. The FBI wanted a glove and DNA processed at the bureau's national crime laboratory in Virginia, but Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos used a private lab in Florida instead, according to the report. That delays the FBI's ability to help with the case, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement It risks further slowing a case that grows more urgent by the minute," the unnamed official told Reuters, citing unspecified "earlier setbacks" in the investigation. The Sheriff's Department declined to comment about the report when reached by The Arizona Republic. But at a Feb. 5 news conference, alongside Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI Phoenix field office, Nanos described working well with the agency. Asked who was leading the investigation, Nanos said that was an irrelevant detail. "There's no ego here," he said. "Well take anybody's help." The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement The conflict comes as the FBI on Feb. 12 increased reward money to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie or to the conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. The FBI also released new identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBIs Operational Technology Division. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 inches tall, with an average build. In the video, the suspect is wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack, the FBI said. Ozark Trail is a brand sold exclusively at Walmart. Tips should go to 1-800-CALL-FBI or http://tips.fbi.gov. The FBI released these images of the backpack that the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping was wearing. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack. See the masked intruder: FBI releases image of intrude at front door of Nancy Guthrie's house The FBI released these images of the backpack that the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping was wearing. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack. The FBI released these images of the backpack that the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping was wearing. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. Recognize this backpack? FBI says Nancy Guthrie suspect was wearing it 1 of 4 The FBI released these images of the backpack that the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping was wearing. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack. See the masked intruder: FBI releases image of intrude at front door of Nancy Guthrie's house Hundreds of FBI agents and deputies with the Pima County Sheriff's Department continued their work at Guthrie's home and in the surrounding area on Feb. 12 as part of the massive search effort for the missing mother of "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators expanded their request for video footage and sent out an alert via a Neighbors App to users within a two-mile radius of Guthrie's home in the Catalina Foothills community outside Tucson. They are seeking all video footage from a time period between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 that includes vehicles, vehicle traffic, people, pedestrians, and anything neighbors deem out of the ordinary or important to the investigation, according to Sheriff's Department spokesperson Angelica Carrillo. Media lines up on the street outside Nancy Guthries home in Catalina Foothills on Feb. 10, 2026. 'Something I did not do': Person of interest in Guthrie case released Broadcast journalists report live outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 9, 2026. Live-streamers, journalists and a Pima County Sheriff's Department deputy gather at the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 9, 2026. Members of the media are outside Nancy Guthrie's home awaiting news as a reported deadline for Guthrie's ransom approaches on Feb. 9, 2026, in the Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. Members of the media are outside Nancy Guthrie's home awaiting news as a reported deadline for Guthrie's ransom approaches on Feb. 9, 2026, in the Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. Members of the media wait outside Nancy Guthrie's home awaiting news as a reported deadline for Guthrie's ransom approaches on Feb. 9, 2026, in the Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. Media waits outside Nancy Guthrie's home awaiting news as a reported deadline for Guthrie's ransom approaches on Feb. 9, 2026, in the Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. Media waits outside Nancy Guthrie's home awaiting news as a reported deadline for Guthrie's ransom approaches on Feb. 9, 2026, in the Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. Members of the media are outside Nancy Guthrie's home awaiting news as a reported deadline for Guthrie's ransom approaches on Feb. 9, 2026, in the Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. Media descend on the neighborhood of Nancy Guthrie outside Tucson. Laura Gargano, a neighbor, speaks to members of the press on Feb. 5, 2026, after providing information to private security personnel related to the suspected kidnapping at Nancy Guthrie's residence, following the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84yearold mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, outside Tucson. Media broadcasts outside the home of Nancy Guthrie after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 4, 2026. See the media swarming Nancy Guthrie's Arizona neighborhood 1 of 12 Media lines up on the street outside Nancy Guthries home in Catalina Foothills on Feb. 10, 2026. 'Something I did not do': Person of interest in Guthrie case released The link to submit video is https://pimasheriff.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/nancy-guthrie . Earlier in the day, a white tent was placed briefly outside the entire Spanish tiled entry to the front door of Nancy Guthrie's house the same entry her apparent abductor approached 12 days ago before being taken down, photos taken at the house showed. Advertisement Advertisement A law enforcement expert interviewed on CNN speculated that investigators either were doing forensic work they did not want the media to see, or they might have been trying to replicate darkened conditions to see if objects matched the images captured on the doorbell camera the morning of Guthrie's disappearance. Savannah Guthrie also released a video featuring home movies of her mom and sister, saying, "We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope." A screenshot from CNN.com of the white tent set up outside Nancy Guthrie's house on Feb. 12, 2026. The ground search effort in the Catalina Foothills ramped up Feb. 11 and continued into a second day. Several media outlets reported law enforcement found a pair of black gloves about 1.5 miles from Guthrie's house. They were being tested for DNA, although it's unclear if they were worn by the person recorded on her porch the morning she went missing. Tips continue to pour in. The Sheriff's Department alone, as of Feb. 1,1 reported it had received nearly 18,000 calls with tips related to Guthrie's possible whereabouts. Advertisement Advertisement But weather could complicate ground searches in the Catalina Foothills as a cold and wet Pacific storm system moves through southern Arizona. The National Weather Service in Tucson expects rain Feb. 13 into early Feb. 14, with totals ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 of an inch. The highest chances for rain and thunderstorms are Feb. 13 in the evening, when brief downpours could cause rapid runoff in washes and low-lying areas. Thunderstorms may also bring small hail and gusty winds. Above 7,000 feet, including near Mount Lemmon, 3 to 6 inches of snow is possible, potentially affecting access to higher-elevation terrain. Guthrie home is attracting well-wishers, gifts from neighbors Karen Sullivan's first stop after arriving in Tucson from Hawaii to visit a longtime friend was Guthrie's home. Advertisement Advertisement Prayers for Guthrie extend way beyond Tucson, Sullivan said. Sullivan and her friend Nanci Kincaid placed five colorful felt flowers alongside gifts from other neighbors, explaining that they wanted to leave blessings and show support.The abduction of Guthrie is an overwhelming tragedy and heartache, said Kincaid, a retired American novelist who has lived in the Catalina Foothills for the past decade. The flowers were sent as a gift to Kincaid and then became a chain of prayers of sort. They were sent by Sullivan's friend who is a Tibetan nun and created by children in a pediatric hospice who make the flowers to lift the spirits of others who are struggling. Yellow flowers are left outside Nancy Guthries home near the mailbox in Catalina Foothills outside Tucson on Feb. 11, 2026. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2026. Updates: Latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie A woman places yellow flowers outside Nancy Guthries home in Catalina Foothills outside Tucson on Feb. 11, 2026. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Feb. 1, 2026. Yellow flowers are left outside Nancy Guthries home near the mailbox in Catalina Foothills outside Tucson on Feb. 11, 2026. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2026. A Pima County Sheriff's deputy retrieves the mail from the Guthrie mailbox outside Nancy Guthrie's home in Catalina Foothills, on Feb. 11, 2026. A Pima County Sheriff's deputy retrieves the mail from the Guthrie mailbox outside Nancy Guthrie's home in Catalina Foothills, on Feb. 11, 2026. Yellow flowers, ribbons signal hope for Nancy Guthrie's neighbors 1 of 5 Yellow flowers are left outside Nancy Guthries home near the mailbox in Catalina Foothills outside Tucson on Feb. 11, 2026. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2026. Updates: Latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie Kincaid and Sullivan believed Guthrie's home would be the best place for the children's blessings. Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan's neighbors in Hawaii and Buddhist nuns across the globe have been praying for the Guthrie family, Sullivan said. "We hope it has an impact," she said. Kincaid, who never met Guthrie in person but attended a prayer vigil for her, said its been touching and encouraging to see so much goodwill towards the family. Everybody has a mother, she said. Anybody can identify with how painful such an event would be. Investigators request security camera footage Earlier, investigators asked Catalina Foothills residents with Ring doorbell security cameras to share any footage on two specific days leading up to Guthrie's disappearance, Tucson TV stations reported. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives want to examine footage from between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m on Jan. 31, the last day Guthrie was seen, as well as from 9 p.m. to midnight on Jan. 11. Investigators are interested in a reportedly suspicious vehicle seen around 10 a.m. on Jan. 31, KVOA and KOLD reported. Neither station described the vehicle but reported it was seen on Via Entrada, a road near Guthries home. A KVOA reporter reported on X that nearby Ring customers got an alert requesting the footage. In one day alone, after the FBI released footage and photos on Feb. 10 of an armed and masked suspect at Guthrie's front doorstep, captured by her Google Nest doorbell camera, investigators received 4,000 tips. A man who was detained by authorities and later released in connection to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance spoke to the media after his release on Feb. 10, 2026. Search continues: Guthrie investigation resets after detained man released New images released by the FBI on Feb. 10, 2026, from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images released by the FBI on Feb. 10, 2026, from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images released by the FBI on Feb. 10, 2026, from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. Media lines up on the street outside Nancy Guthries home in Catalina Foothills, Ariz., on Feb. 10, 2026. Media lines the street outside Nancy Guthries home in Catalina Foothills, Ariz., on Feb. 10, 2026. Law enforcement investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance search the neighborhood near daughter Annie Guthries house on Feb. 10, 2026. A Sheriffs deputy watches the driveway outside Nancy Guthries home in Catalina Foothills, Ariz., on Feb. 10, 2026. Media lines the street outside Nancy Guthries home in Catalina Foothills, Ariz., on Feb. 10, 2026. Investigators canvass Annie Guthrie's neighborhood after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 10, 2026. An investigator canvasses Annie Guthrie's neighborhood after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 10, 2026. See the latest developments in the search for Nancy Guthrie 1 of 11 A man who was detained by authorities and later released in connection to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance spoke to the media after his release on Feb. 10, 2026. Search continues: Guthrie investigation resets after detained man released The images show a man who appeared to wear disposable gloves and a backpack, with a handgun holstered near his groin. Advertisement Advertisement A video clip shows the man initially trying to block the camera with his hand before retrieving a branch from a nearby plant to help obscure the camera. He is holding what appears to be a flashlight in his mouth. The man appears to have facial hair near his mouth, based on the released video and images. The FBI retrieved the newly released footage despite Nancy Guthrie not having a subscription to Google Home Premium, which saves up to 60 days of "event video history." "The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems," a joint statement from the FBI and the Sheriff's Department said. Pima County sheriff says more detentions likely, after releasing a person of interest Investigators appeared to dial up the search effort Feb. 10 after announcing law enforcement was seeking a "person of interest." But that hope fizzled when reporters watched a man drive up to deputies guarding his closed-off road in the wee hours of Feb. 11 and said he was the person who was detained and then released. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told KOLD that several factors, not just a tip, led deputies to detain the man. He did not elaborate. He added that no one, including the Rio Rico man, has been ruled out as part of the investigation and that more detentions were likely in the Guthrie investigation. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in a community just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. Search underway: Nancy Guthrie's disappearance was being investigated as a crime Laura Gargano, a neighbor, speaks to members of the press on Feb. 5, 2026, after providing information to private security personnel related to the suspected kidnapping at Nancy Guthrie's residence, following the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84yearold mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, outside Tucson. Chris Castorena, a private detective based in Phoenix volunteering his time to search for Nancy Guthrie, scans her street for clues on Feb. 5, 2026, after the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home outside Tucson. Chris Nanos, Pima County sheriff, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Laura Gargano, a neighbor, speaks to members of the press after providing information to private security personnel related to the suspected kidnapping at Nancy Guthrie's residence, following the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84yearold mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, in Tucson, Arizona, U.S. February 5, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Noble Chris Castorena, a private detective based in Phoenix volunteering his time to search for Nancy Guthrie, scans her street for clues on Feb. 5, 2026, after the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home outside Tucson. Chris Nanos, Pima County sheriff, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge of the case, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Chris Nanos, Pima County sheriff, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge of the case, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge of the case, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge of the case, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. A timeline of events is displayed on a television during a press conference about the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Chris Nanos, Pima County sheriff, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Chris Nanos, Pima County sheriff, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge of the case, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge of the case, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Microphones pile on a podium ahead of a press conference to discuss the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Chris Nanos, Pima County sheriff, updates members of the press on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie at the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson on Feb. 5, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Pima County Sheriff's deputies walk through the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's home after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 4, 2026. Media broadcasts outside the home of Nancy Guthrie after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Investigators speak in the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's house after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Media broadcasts as private security stands guard in the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's house after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 4, 2026. Private security stands guard in the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's house after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. A sign of support stands outside the home of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Hundreds of people gather for a vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Hundreds of people gather for a vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Members of the media wait outside as hundreds of people gather for a vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Hundreds of people gather for a vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Hundreds of people gather for a vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Hundreds of people gather for a vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Leo (left), Talina and Declan blow out their candles after attending a vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. A street sign stands across from the home of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and was last seen the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Private security stands guard in the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's house after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. The front of Nancy Guthrie's house after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson on Feb. 4, 2026. People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 4, 2026. Drops of blood, confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie's, can be seen on the Spanish tile at the front door of the home of Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. Drops of blood, confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie's, can be seen on the Spanish tile at the front door of the home of Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos gives updates on the search for Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 3, 2026. Television media set up at the house of Nancy Guthrie, NBC host Savannah Guthrie's mother, on Feb. 3, 2026, in Catalina, Ariz. The front of the home of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, on Feb. 3, 2026. A blue shirt was strewn over the rocks by the front door. Nancy Guthrie was abducted from the home some time after about 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her home (pictured here) in the affluent Catalina Foothills area just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. A sign is posted at the house of Nancy Guthrie, NBC host Savannah Guthrie's mother, on Feb. 3, 2026, in Catalina, Ariz.The search continues in the Tucson area for Nancy Guthrie, after she was reported missing on February 1. Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancys disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026. Savannah Guthrie's mother's disappearance is being treated as a crime by Arizona police. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos gives an update on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, on Feb. 2, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026. Sgt. David Stivers of the Pima County Sheriff's Department at the news conference regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, on Feb. 2, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her home (pictured here) in the Catalina Foothills area just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in a community just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos gives an update on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, on Feb. 2, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her home (pictured here) in the affluent Catalina Foothills area just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos gives an update on the search for Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 1, 2026. Who is Nancy Guthrie? What to know about Savannah Guthrie's mother 1 of 60 Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in a community just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. Search underway: Nancy Guthrie's disappearance was being investigated as a crime He told reporters standing at his front door that he didn't know why deputies held him, or why they asked him about a kidnapping case he had never heard of until that day. I hope they get the suspect, because Im not it, he said. They better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name. Because Im done. FBI Director Kash Patel said later on Fox News that there were multiple persons of interest and that the agency had made "substantial progress" in locating Guthrie. Sheriff's Department spokesperson Angelica Carrillo advised both media and the general public that there would be a heightened presence of law enforcement in the area as the search for Guthrie continued. "Several hundred detectives and agents are currently assigned to this case, and you will continue to see increased law enforcement activity throughout Pima County as the investigation expands," Carrillo said in a Feb. 11 news release. "Investigators are working around the clock." Suspected imposter kidnapper due back in federal court A California man accused of sending ransom notes to Guthrie's family was due back in federal court the afternoon of Feb. 12. Derrick Callella was scheduled to appear at a federal courthouse in Tucson at 2 p.m. after prosecutors charged him with transmitting ransom-related communications in interstate commerce and with making anonymous harassing telecommunications calls, according to federal court records. Prosecutors asked that Callella be held in jail without bond, asserting that no combination of release conditions would "reasonably assure" the safety of the community and that Callella was both a flight risk and a risk to obstructing justice or intimidating prospective witnesses, court records said. A judge denied the request and set Callella's bond for $20,000, documents said. If released, Callella would have to give up his passport, submit to supervision from pretrial services and allow a supervisory agency to search his digital devices. Callellas would also be prohibited from using any voice over internet protocol applications and would be restricted to using one smartphone pre-approved by the supervisory agency. It was not immediately clear whether Callellas had bonded out or when his next court date would be. 'We're praying for Savannah's mom, for Nancy' U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, who lives in Tucson, spoke about the search to reporters in Washington, D.C. He spoke about the volume of calls and said some of them have been dead ends. "But you can feel how they're desperate," the Arizona Democrat said. "We're in 11 days. She's elderly. She has health problems. You know, Gabby and I, you know, we live there in Tucson. We live pretty, pretty close by, probably about five miles away. And we're praying for Savannah's mom, for Nancy. He encouraged people to speak up if they believed they had information that might be of interest. "Please reach out to somebody. Share the information. Let law enforcement decide if it's a worthwhile lead." Those with tips are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Sheriffs Department nonemergency line at 520-351-4900. What to know: What video of Nancy Guthrie's suspected abductor shows Republic reporters Clara Migoya and Hayleigh Evans contributed to this article. Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-2474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Evidence processing in Nancy Guthrie case splits FBI, Pima County Less than two months before Hungary's election, opposition leader Peter Magyar has accused his rivals of planning to blackmail him with a secretly recorded sex tape, and says he is filing a complaint with authorities. Magyar, who leads long-time Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the polls, said he suspected there were plans to release a tape of him from August 2024, when he says he engaged in consensual sex with a now ex-girlfriend at a party. He was responding to a photo recently posted online of a bedroom in an apartment dating back to then. Advertisement Advertisement Leading figures in Orban's Fidesz party said they knew nothing about the claims. The BBC has approached Orban's spokesman for comment. In a statement on Friday, Magyar accused Fidesz of trying to blackmail him and made three allegations of unlawful conduct. Although no video has been published, he said one from that date would have been "recorded with secret service equipment and possibly faked". Magyar made no mention in his statement of the ex-girlfriend he had been with at the time of the alleged incident, although he said on Thursday he had accused her of extortion 15 months ago - an allegation she denied. Advertisement Advertisement She told Hungarian media that they were both victims regarding the alleged illicit video and she was ready to take legal action with him. Magyar accused Fidesz leaders of timing their campaign to coincide with the start of his nationwide campaign next week, and of trying to ruin the last week he was spending with his three sons ahead of the April election. Fidesz communications director Tamas Menczer accused Magyar of lying, and Viktor Orban's chief of staff Gergely Gulyas told reporters he could not comment on something he knew nothing about. Orban, Hungary's nationalist leader, has been in office for 16 years, but with parliamentary elections on 12 April, Magyar's centre-right Tisza party is at least eight points ahead in the latest opinion poll by Hungary's Idea Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Orban's Fidesz party has so far focused its campaign on attacking the European Union, accusing Brussels of trying to bring down his government. He is seen as Vladimir Putin's closest ally in Europe and has called on the EU to stop sending money to Ukraine. The election campaign is not even due to start until 21 February, but Peter Magyar's allegations of dirty tricks are an indication of how murky the next few weeks may become. Magyar has built support across Hungary over the past two years, promising to reset relations with Hungary's European partners. A one-time Fidesz loyalist, he was once married to former justice minister Judit Varga, whose political career ended during a scandal in 2024. They divorced the previous year. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Thursday the latest "worst of the worst" criminal illegal immigrants convicted of crimes nationwide, including murderers, pedophiles and drug traffickers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlighted the convictions of five illegal immigrants from Vietnam, Honduras, Cuba and Mexico. "While sanctuary politicians release criminal illegal aliens from their jails to victimize more American families and children, our officers continue to arrest criminals," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "Yesterday, ICE arrested criminal illegal aliens convicted for murder, sexual assault of a CHILD, and drug trafficking." Advertisement Advertisement Afghan Illegal Immigrant Who Stabbed Sister For Being 'Bad Muslim Girl' Arrested By Ice Agents In New York ICE announced the convictions of five more "worst of the worst" criminals in the United States. Those arrested were wanted for crimes such as murder, assault and drug-related charges. (Getty Images) McLaughlin added that nearly 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal immigrants charged or convicted of a crime. "This statistic does not even include foreign fugitives, gang members and terrorists who lack a rap sheet in the U.S.," she said. Read On The Fox News App Muoi Van Duong, an undocumented immigrant from Vietnam, was convicted of murder with a firearm in San Diego, California, according to DHS. Sanctuary Policies Let Alleged Child Predator Roam Free Until Dhs Made Portland, Oregon, Airport Arrest Advertisement Advertisement DHS said that Roberto Xochimitl-Flores, a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico, was found guilty of second-degree sexual abuse: sexual contact with a person less than 14 years old in New York City. Lisandro Omar Borjas-Aguirano, an illegal resident from Honduras, was convicted of sexual assault of a child in Collin County, Texas, according to DHS. Lisandro Omar Borjas-Aguirano was convicted of sexual assault of a child in Collin County, Texas, DHS said. DHS announced that Rigoberto Salvia-Ricardo, a Cuban national, was convicted of sexual battery of a juvenile in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Rigoberto Salvia-Ricardo, a Cuban national in the U.S. illegally, was convicted of sexual battery of a juvenile in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, according to DHS. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Ricardo Rosas-Tapia, a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico, was convicted of possession with intent to sell or distribute cocaine in Wake County, North Carolina. Ricardo Rosas-Tapia was convicted on cocaine distribution charges in North Carolina. Original article source: ICE arrests 'worst of the worst' criminal illegal immigrants including murderers and pedophiles Two federal officers appear to have lied about an incident last month in Minneapolis that ended with one of them shooting a Venezuelan immigrant in the leg, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said Friday. The two officers are under investigation by the Justice Department, Lyons said. The announcement comes one day after federal prosecutors dropped the criminal cases against two immigrants in connection with the Jan. 14 episode. Department of Homeland Security leaders, including Secretary Kristi Noem, had previously defended the officers, saying they had fended off an attempted murder and that one officer had fired in self-defense. A joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice (DOJ) of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements, Lyons said in a statement. Both officers have been immediately placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough internal investigation.The U.S. Attorneys Office is actively investigating these false statements. Advertisement Advertisement Agents had initially said that two men Alfredo Aljorna and Julio Sosa Celis assaulted them with a broom and a shovel before one of them shot Sosa Celis. But that account was quickly called into question, and prosecutors now say newly discovered evidence contradicts the officers story. Local law enforcement and prosecutors are also investigating the incident. The reversal by ICE comes a day after the White House announced it was ending its surge of federal immigration enforcement officers in the Twin Cities and after a judge excoriated the Trump administration for violating rights of immigration detainees held at a local facility. Its the latest twist in a harrowing odyssey for the two men initially charged with assaulting the officers, and for several other immigrants who lived in the apartment complex where the confrontation occurred. On the night of the shooting, ICE also detained Aljornas 19-year-old partner who arrived in the country as a minor and was initially housed in a humanitarian shelter and whisked her to Texas and then New Mexico for potential deportation. A federal judge in New Mexico deemed her detention illegal and ordered her quickly freed after learning that the couples one-year-old son had been badly burned and required emergency surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Paul Magnuson, the federal judge presiding over the criminal case against Aljorna and Sosa, ordered them released from pretrial detention, only for ICE to pick them up and put them in immigration custody. Magnuson, a Reagan appointee, also ordered ICE to refrain from deporting potential witnesses to the incident Another judge, George W. Bush appointee Patrick Schiltz, also deemed that detention of the two defendants was illegal and ordered them freed. Prosecutors said in a brief court filing Thursday that the account offered by an FBI agent who signed an affidavit supporting the charges and testified in court was based on information presented to the agent that turned out to be materially inconsistent with the newly discovered information. ICEs warehouse detention centers run up against NIMBYism For the past several months, the Department of Homeland Security has been on a real estate shopping spree. Using the billions of dollars in funding Republicans handed them last year, DHS has been purchasing former warehouses to hold tens of thousands of immigrants before deporting them. But a proposed expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcements detention capacity is facing a major challenge as residents in red and blue states alike say: Not in My Backyard. It seems obvious that thered be more pressure in Democratic-led states such as Minnesota against new ICE facilities. But a stronger-than-expected pushback from areas under Republican control underscores a widespread discontent with President Donald Trumps deportation blitz. NIMBYism is more commonly deployed as an impediment to more humanitarian goals, such as affordable housing, public transit, renewable energy sites and homeless shelters. Its encouraging then to such energy in opposition to facilities that would not only do harm to the communities where theyd be built, but also to the massive number of people ICE would be incarcerating within. Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post reported in December that the combined facilities under consideration from ICE would be able to hold roughly 80,000 detainees at any given time: Newly arrested detainees would be booked into processing sites for a few weeks before being funneled into one of seven large-scale warehouses holding 5,000 to 10,000 people each, where they would be staged for deportation. The large warehouses would be located close to major logistics hubs in Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia and Missouri. Sixteen smaller warehouses would hold up to 1,500 people each. The Associated Press compiled a list of the states where federal officials have been touring locations, including Florida, Indiana and Mississippi. Several sites have already been purchased; Bloomberg News reports that DHS has spent millions of dollars on facilities in Arizona and Maryland. But in other areas, residents and local officials have hoped to deter warehouse owners from selling to ICE. For example, a plan to convert a former Pep Boys distribution center in Chester, New York, into a deportation center was met with a bipartisan outcry. The tiny town in Orange County usually votes Republican. But The New York Times reported that Republican and Democratic elected officials and residents across the Hudson Valley region lambasted the plan, expressing fears that the immigration operation would overwhelm scarce local resources and unleash a torrent of fraught encounters with federal agents. In several cases, the protests over a propertys potential sale to ICE has caused owners to back out of a potential deal. Republican Mayor David Holt of Oklahoma City issued a statement last month to commend the owners for their decision not to engage in talks with DHS after the city objected. As Mayor, I ask that every single property owner in Oklahoma City exhibit the same concern for our community in the days ahead, Holt wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Theres at least one case in which NIMBYism has reached the federal level. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to strongly oppose DHSs proposed plan to turn a warehouse in Byhalia, Mississippi, into an ICE detention center. He added: This site was meant for economic development and job creation. We cannot suddenly flood Byhalia with an influx of up to 10,000 detainees. ICE has been working to tamp down the negative reactions their efforts have sparked. These will not be warehouses they will be very well-structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards, an ICE spokesperson told USA TODAY. But that response downplays the likely difficulties in transforming buildings built for industry to safely house thousands of people. ICE already struggles to uphold those standards at its existing facilities, with multiple reports of unsanitary conditions, spoiled food and too many people crammed into small spaces. As has been stressed before, the vast majority of people ICE is holding havent committed a violent crime, and many dont have a criminal record at all. It is only in pursuit of Trumps goal of a million deportations a year that this many people have been rounded up. But theres no guarantee that the Trump administration wont fill up these converted industrial buildings past their capacity to satisfy an arbitrary quota. The most illuminating insight into the smattering of GOP resistance comes courtesy of Orange County executive Steven Neuhaus. Everywhere that this has happened has been kind of a real dumpster fire, Neuhaus, a Republican, told the Times about the proposed facility in Chester. Its been greeted with controversy, protests, violence, and its not something that we want in this sleepy county. Advertisement Advertisement His statement shows where the NIMBY comparison must reach its limit. Its all well and good that hes opposed to the disturbance of the peace that Trumps immigration sweeps have caused coming to Orange County. But his phrasing suggests hes not opposed to the facility on principle; he just doesnt want to deal with the consequences. Likewise, it is for the best that Sen. Wicker came out against a tiny town near his states border with Tennessee playing host to ICEs modern-day concentration camps. It doesnt detract from the fact that Wicker cast his vote alongside his fellow Republicans to authorize and fund the construction of these sites in the first place. It is for the best that were seeing conservatives rejecting these detention centers in their own hometowns. The next step is for them to stand firm against such centers very existence. The post ICEs warehouse detention centers run up against NIMBYism appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now An ice warning has been issued across part of Northern Ireland on Friday night with subzero temperatures forecast quite widely. The Met Office alert for Antrim, Down, Londonderry, and Tyrone lasts from 20:00 GMT on Friday until 10:00 Saturday. The organisation is warning that some wintry showers could fall to frozen ground, leading to ice in untreated areas. It also expects a dusting of snow for some higher ground over 200m above sea level. Yellow warning of ice affecting Northern Ireland https://t.co/58WeUWxhox pic.twitter.com/0pM0MDBP8f Met Office - Northern Ireland (@metofficeNI) February 13, 2026 Temperatures overnight on Friday are expected to fall to around -4C widely inland, possibly a touch lower in some countryside areas. Advertisement Advertisement The Department for Infrastructure said salting of roads on the scheduled network is planned, starting on Friday afternoon and continuing to Saturday morning. Road users are advised to exercise caution when travelling, particularly when driving on untreated roads. [BBC] A similar warning is in place across the Republic of Ireland, where Met Eireann is warning of low temperatures across the country. It warns of frost and icy patches forming as temperature widely fall several degrees below freezing. Idaho Republican lawmakers have put up a united front in their opposition to illegal immigration. On Wednesday, members of the Senate State Affairs Committee agreed that the federal government had failed to secure the border and was wrongly leaving immigration enforcement up to the states. What the states should do about that, however, was not so clear-cut. Sen. Mark Harris, R-Soda Springs, proposed one solution: Idaho could require government officials and large private companies with government contracts to use E-Verify, a federal government website that tracks workers legal status and whether theyre eligible to work in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have suggested this in past years, in legislation that would require all employers in the state to use the program. But Harris proposal was more dialed-back, requiring only businesses with over 150 employees and a state contract worth over $500,000 to use the program. That approach, he told committee members, reflected his own doubts about the programs accuracy and ability to discern whether a potential hire is using fake or stolen identity documents. Limiting the pool of users, he said, would serve as a way to get the wrinkles smoothed out while the state figured out if the tool was really effective. I suppose (E-Verify) is somewhat effective, as other states are implementing the program, Harris said. But to me, its kind of an unknown, and Id like to see how it works before we make everybody use it. For some, that more measured approach didnt go nearly far enough. Advertisement Advertisement Michael Angiletta, head of Idaho Immigration Watch and Secure Idaho, two groups that advocate a tougher approach to immigration, testified that the bill creates the appearance of E-Verify enforcement without delivering it, he said. That delays the real reforms Idaho needs. The bill would also largely exclude some of the industries, including dairy farming, in which concerns about workers immigration status are most prevalent, Angiletta said. Illegal labor is rarely hired directly. It flows through subcontractors, labor brokers and misclassified independent contractors, he said. Harris bill, he argued, leaves all of those structures intact. Employer behavior is not going to change, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Created by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act in 1996, E-Verify enrolls about 1.4 million employers nationwide. As of 2024, over 20 states had laws requiring businesses to use the program, which allows employers to match new hires I-9 forms against Social Security and Department of Homeland Security records. In states that have adopted E-Verify, the program has been ineffective at catching unauthorized workers and has not meaningfully diminished the undocumented population, InvestigateWest reported in January 2025. Employers who use E-Verify must do so for all employees, according to the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services office. Cows at a dairy-processing plant in Burley. (Suntado) At Wednesdays hearing, other lawmakers said that though the program itself is fairly accurate, it cant do much to address false documents. Businesses have long criticized E-Verifys difficulty detecting identity fraud, according to the Migration Policy Institute. While the program can confirm that documents are legitimate, it cant confirm that they belong to the person who is presenting them. The program also often wrongly flags people with valid documents in cases where a persons name is misspelled or updated after getting married. Advertisement Advertisement If workers present false documents, asked Senate Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Declo, would it be fair for the state to punish the employer who relied on E-Verify? Should the employer be responsible for that? If there was a license that they had, should that be revoked? And are you going to put a large, major employer out of business because that happened? he asked the committee. I would say no. I dont think that is justice. Den Hartog echoed those concerns. Weve put employers in the middle of this and asked them to be experts and asked them to use a government system, and then that government system also has failed them, she said. Im not under any illusion that any E-Verify act, whether its tied to a government contract or not, actually solves the problem that we think it solves. Advertisement Advertisement The committee voted 6-3 to send the bill to the Senate for a vote but with trepidation. Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, voted in support of the bill but told the committee that he wasnt sure how hed actually vote on the Senate floor. I do think that the discussion needs to keep going, he said. I think this is the first salvo of an issue that has been around for a long time and is not going away until we deal with it. Were losing our culture: Idaho lawmakers double down on opposing immigration Idaho legislators introduce bill to crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers A new state law could delay refunds for Idaho taxpayers by weeks. Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 559 into law on Wednesday to encourage the state to quickly adopt new federal tax cuts and credits. As One, Big, Beautiful Bill provisions take effect, taxpayers can take advantage of a range of new deductions, the Internal Revenue Service said in a Jan. 8 news release. These include permanently larger standard deductions, no federal tax on tips or overtime pay, no taxes on car loan interest, and higher credits and deductions for children, the IRS said. Advertisement Advertisement HB 559 helps state taxes reflect federal tax codes, starting in 2026. It will also delay your tax refund from hitting your bank account. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting room at the Capitol. | (Darin Oswald/doswald@idahostatesman.com) When do I have to file my taxes in Idaho? In Idaho, the deadline to file both state and federal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year is Wednesday, April 15. Taxpayers who need more time can request a six-month filing extension but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest. When can I expect my tax return? If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, you may get money back, the IRS said. If you file your taxes electronically and choose direct deposit, you can usually expect your federal refund within about 21 days, according to the IRS. Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho State Tax Commission said state returns and refunds normally take seven to eight weeks to process electronically. Why could my tax return be delayed in 2026? A number of factors could prevent Idaho taxpayers from getting their returns on time, according to Renee Eymann, senior public information officer for the tax commission. One is House Bill 559, sponsored by state Rep. Jeff Elhers, R-Meridian. When the Legislatures Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted on the tax conformity bill, it was done with hope that the tax commission could operate through the 2026 tax season with their existing resources, Ehlers told the Idaho Statesman. However, Eymann said the new law requires the tax commission to meticulously update its entire system before processing your return. Advertisement Advertisement Now we need to update our tax forms and instructions and systems to incorporate the conformity changes, Eymann said. This will delay refunds beyond their normal time frames as were making these adjustments. Eymann told the Statesman that it normally takes nine months for updates like this to be made although its not going to take that long. Were really going to have to push it to get what needs to get done to help everybody, she added. That means if you already submitted your 2025 tax return, you may be asked to file an amended return as well, according to Eymann. Budget cuts could slow tax return process HB 559 hit Littles desk amid state budget cuts that may affect the Idaho State Tax Commission. Advertisement Advertisement The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee was set to vote on maintenance budgets for all state agencies on Friday. Littles budget director, Lori Wolff, sent a memo to the committee on Tuesday that warned these cuts may add delays to tax processing for next year. Additional cuts reduce the temporary tax season workforce, slowing processing by 12 to 24 weeks and delaying taxpayer refunds by up to six weeks, Wolff said. The delays will cost taxpayers up to $7 million in increased refundinterest payments. Lori Wolff, director of the governor's Division Of Financial Management, at a December conference hosted by the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho. | (Darin Oswald/doswald@idahostatesman.com) How long do I have to wait for my refund? As of Thursday, the tax commission couldnt provide a specific timeline for processing tax returns. However, the tax commission plans to update taxpayers as its system goes through the changes required by HB 559. We still have to come up with a plan, especially on how taxpayers can take the new deductions from the conformity bill, Eymann said. So once we know how long the refunds will be delayed, we will be letting taxpayers know. Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St. What recent returns suggest about Marsh & McLennan Companies (MRSH) Marsh & McLennan Companies (MRSH) has recently traded around $173.33, with the stock showing a 0.2% move over the past day and mixed returns across the past week, month and past 3 months. See our latest analysis for Marsh & McLennan Companies. That dip in the 7 day share price return of 7.56% and year to date share price return of 5.01% sits against a mixed picture, with a 1 year total shareholder return of 23.70% but a 5 year total shareholder return of 58.64%. This suggests shorter term momentum has faded compared with longer term outcomes. If this recent pullback has you looking beyond insurance brokers, it could be a good moment to see what our screener has uncovered in 23 top founder-led companies. With Marsh & McLennan posting a 23.70% 1-year total shareholder return, a 58.64% 5-year total shareholder return, and trading around $173.33, the question is whether the current valuation leaves upside on the table or if the market is already pricing in future growth. Most Popular Narrative: 16.9% Undervalued With Marsh & McLennan Companies last closing at $173.33 against a narrative fair value of $208.70, the current price sits below that central estimate, setting up a valuation story built on detailed earnings and margin assumptions. Strategic investments in digital transformation, advanced analytics, and AI (e.g., proprietary data tools for risk modeling, agentic interfaces) are expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve product/service offerings, enabling margin expansion and net earnings growth through improved client retention and lower cost to serve. Read the complete narrative. Curious what kind of revenue pace, profitability lift, and future earnings multiple are baked into that fair value? The narrative leans on firm projections around top line growth, fatter margins, and a richer earnings profile over the next few years without assuming tech stock style numbers. Result: Fair Value of $208.70 (UNDERVALUED) Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts. However, softer P&C pricing and the risk that recent acquisitions do not deliver expected efficiencies could easily challenge the earnings and margin assumptions behind that 16.9% undervaluation story. Find out about the key risks to this Marsh & McLennan Companies narrative. Build Your Own Marsh & McLennan Companies Narrative If you are not fully on board with this storyline or prefer to weigh the numbers yourself, you can build a custom view in minutes, Do it your way. Cancer patients in Idaho could soon find it more affordable to access life-saving oral medications. A new bill moving through the Legislature aims to create fairness in what patients pay for anticancer drugs, regardless of whether those medications come in pill form or are delivered by injection or intravenous infusion. House Bill 530, introduced by the House Health and Welfare Committee, would require state-regulated health insurance plans to ensure that out-of-pocket costs for oral anticancer medications do not exceed what patients pay for other forms of cancer drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposed legislation, insurance plans must either set the copayments, deductibles or coinsurance amounts for oral anticancer medications at no higher than those for injected or intravenously administered anticancer medications, or they must cap the monthly out-of-pocket costs for oral anticancer medications at $250 for a 30-day supply. The bill would also prevent insurance companies from sidestepping the rules by increasing the copayment, deductible or coinsurance required for anticancer medications covered by health insurance plans or by reclassifying anticancer drugs in the plans. Republican Rep. Chris Bruce of Kuna, the bills sponsor, said during a public hearing before the House Business Committee on Wednesday that the legislation is about creating fairness for Idaho cancer patients. Other supporters argued that the bill levels the playing field for all cancer patients and allows doctors and patients to make treatment decisions based on medical need and not the patients pocketbook. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on the committee voted to send it to the full House with a do-pass recommendation. If passed and signed into law, the bill would take effect July 1. There is no expected cost to the state or local governments, according to the bills statement of purpose. What happened to that Idaho bill? Stay updated on latest at the Capitol with this tracker People would die if Idaho cut this health service, providers said. 2 already have If you were governor of Illinois, you might assume your primary job would be to govern Illinois. You might think that means spending time at the Capitol during session, talking to Illinois reporters, and addressing the problems that are driving people out of this state in record numbers. Apparently, Gov. JB Pritzker has a different understanding of the job. Recent reporting from Capitol News Illinois reveals that in 2025, the governor conducted nearly 100 one-on-one media interviews. An astonishing 81 percent of them were with national media outlets, podcasters, or social media personalities, not Illinois journalists, not local newspapers, and not the outlets that actually hold state government accountable. Advertisement Advertisement But why would our governor do that? It is not an accident. It is a choice. Illinois reporters ask uncomfortable questions. They ask why property taxes keep climbing. They ask why pension debt keeps swallowing the budget. They ask why businesses keep leaving and families keep packing up. National outlets, especially fake news, are not looking for answers. They are looking for sound bites and culture war commentary. They want to sell a carefully staged version of our billionaire governor as a relatable everyman, even as he delivers scripted talking points to audiences who will never bear the cost of his policies. It is no surprise our absentee, media obsessed governor prefers that stage to the reality of governing Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker needs to understand that Illinois is not a prop. It is not a stepping stone. And it is certainly not a backdrop for a national audition tour. While the governor plays to a national audience, Illinois is drowning in real problems. Our state has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, driven largely by crushing property taxes that punish homeowners, farmers, and small businesses. Our pension debt is among the worst in America, crowding out funding for roads, schools, and tax relief. Public safety failures continue to damage our reputation. Energy costs are rising. Regulations are driving investment elsewhere. And then there is the number that should stop any serious governor in his tracks. Nearly 83,000 people left Illinois in 2024, according to the newest U.S. Census data. Advertisement Advertisement If Governor Pritzker cared to look, he would see this for what it is: a flashing red warning light that Illinois is on the wrong path. Families are not leaving out of confusion or misinformation. They are leaving because Illinois has become unaffordable, overtaxed, and openly hostile to growth. People do not abandon their home state lightly. They leave when government takes more and delivers less. They leave when politicians act successful on Jimmy Kimmel Live! while Illinois families turn off the TV and confront the expensive reality of living in this state. But where are they going? Florida. Indiana. Missouri. Tennessee. States with different politics and different cultures, but one critical similarity. Lower taxes and a better climate for working families and businesses. The cruel irony is that as people flee, the far-left politicians of this state who caused the mess are emboldened. Government spending continues. Bureaucracy expands. Taxes remain high. That means fewer people are left holding the bag for the same bloated system. The result is predictable. Even more people leave. Advertisement Advertisement If the governor and his radical democrats are serious about Illinois, they would be laser focused on stopping that cycle. Andrew Chesney Instead, Illinois has a governor who seems more interested in national TV hits than local results. While families do the math and decide they cannot afford to stay, the governor is busy championing progressive politics to audiences who will never feel the consequences of his policies. Our state does not need a governor chasing applause from Hollywood media studios. It needs one willing to confront hard truths, make difficult reforms, and put Illinois residents ahead of personal ambition. Pritzker has proved again and again that he is not that governor. Leadership is not measured in airtime or podcast downloads. It is measured by whether people stay, invest, and believe their state has a future. Illinois is losing that test, and the governor appears far more interested in changing the channel than changing course. Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, represents Illinois' 45th Senate District, an area that encompasses much of northwest Illinois from the Mississippi River to Genoa, including Freeport, parts of Rockford, Machesney Park, Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Illinois families are leaving as governor chases headlines | Opinion SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced a big change aimed at delivering faster, more secure vehicle titles. According to Giannoulias Office, Illinois motorists, lenders and dealers will soon experience faster title processing, fewer delays and stronger fraud protections as a result of the office transitioning to mandatory participation in its statewide Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) program. Illinois bill would give cash aid to families who lose SNAP over work requirements Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, all financial institutions that process five or more liens annually in Illinois will be required to transition to ELT by July 1. By replacing paper titles with a secure digital system, ELT aims to reduce mailing and storage costs, shorten processing times and provide real-time visibility into lien and title records. Moving to mandatory Electronic Lien and Titling is the next step in bringing Illinois vehicle services fully into the digital age, Giannoulias said. This secure, paperless system cuts red tape for lenders and dealers, speeds up lien releases, accelerates the transfer process and better protects consumers. What once took weeks or months can occur within hours. Additionally, through ELT, lien and title records are transmitted directly and securely to the Secretary of State and maintained electronically by approved service providers until the lien is satisfied. When a loan is paid off, banks, credit unions and dealers can release the title instantaneously. This system reduces operational risk and data entry errors, lowers administrative and mailing expenses, eliminates the need for physical title storage and improves transparency by giving lenders immediate access to lien and title status information. Advertisement Advertisement Illinois students encouraged to take advantage of One Click College Admit in February It also helps prevent title washing and fraudulent lien releases, protecting both consumers and financial institutions. Together, the Secretary of State, IADA, and CHAMP Titles are committed to replacing slow, manual processes with modern digital solutions, said Illinois Automobile Dealers Association Executive Director Joe McMahon. By eliminating paper-based processes, the system significantly reduces processing times, with many transactions completed within hours. It improves accuracy, keeps rejection rates below 0.1%, and includes enhanced safeguards to help protect against fraud. There is no enrollment or annual participation fee. Statutory lien fees remain unchanged and continue to be collected at the point of sale, while any non-statutory service fees are assessed per transaction by the lienholders chosen provider. Advertisement Advertisement Lienholders are able to enroll through an approved ELT service provider, including: PDP Group DDI Technology Secure Title Administration Vitu Enrollment is also offered directly through the State ELT portal by contacting enroll@champtitles.com. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman shot by federal agents last fall, was already on the government's radar before an agent opened fire, identified as a threat after a social media post. The ABC7 I-Team has obtained a Customs and Border Protection investigation report that "identified social media postings...and people that are believed to be a threat to officers." Martinez, a U.S. citizen, is the target of the report that highlights a reshared post with the comment "they found him lol." Advertisement Advertisement That comment came from an "ICE watch" Facebook page that claims an ICE agent working Operation Midway Blitz was also a Youtuber. "When the government investigates or threatens criminal prosecution or takes, really, any sort of action against somebody for what's clearly protected speech, that's retaliation for exercising your first amendment rights, and it's unconstitutional," said Colin McDonell, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). McDonell represents two metro Chicagoans whose own "ICE Sighting" Facebook page and app were shut down, he says due to government coercion after allegations they too were threats to agents. On Wednesday, they filed a lawsuit against the government. Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE | Criminal investigation ongoing into agent who shot Chicago woman 5 times during 'Midway Blitz' "What you can't have is the government being able to crack down on any speech they don't like just by saying that, it hypothetically could lead to some harm. That's an invitation for the government controlling whatever it wants about our speech when we criticize or speak about the government," McDonell said. Their EyesUp webpage featuring ICE interactions is still active through a browser. Among other videos on the site, it has the aftermath of the day Martinez was shot five times by Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum in Brighton Park last October. Five days before she was shot, the CBP Open Source Intelligence Team tagged Martinez as a threat. Her picture and information was "disseminated to Operation Midway Blitz personnel," utilizing DHS databases to confirm her identity, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons testified this week before the House Committee on Homeland Security that there is no database of protesters. When pressed by California Democrat Rep. Lou Correa if the feds are surveilling Americans, Lyons replied, "No sir." Correa then asked, "Those people protesting, practicing the First Amendment right, photos of them taken, they're not being placed on any kind of a database?" Lyons said, "There is no database for protesters sir." But according to the CBP report, Martinez was surveilled and DHS databases were used to confirm her identity and label her a threat. RELATED | Judge rules to release bodycam video, photos from fed agents in Brighton Park shooting Advertisement Advertisement McDonell added, "When government officials are telling people that because they're protesting, they could be put in a database, they could be made a target for federal investigation or even prosecuted. That creates a real chilling effect on our core first amendment rights." It's unknown whether agent Exum knew of the threat report before he shot Martinez. The Department of Homeland Security told the I-Team, "ICE tracking apps put the lives of the men and women of law enforcement in danger." Apple, Facebook and the Department of Justice have not yet replied to ABC7's request for comment. PARIS (AP) The health of Irans imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi is worsening, in part because of a beating she endured during her arrest two months ago, her husband told The Associated Press on Friday. Speaking at his home in Paris, Taghi Rahmani said he has not been able to speak with his wife since she was arrested on Dec. 12 during a visit to the eastern Iranian city of Mashhad. She was allowed a single brief phone call to her brother and has only spoken to her lawyer once after she was handed a new prison sentence earlier this week, he said. Mohammadi was arrested several weeks before nationwide protests began to spread around Iran, culminating in marches by hundreds of thousands on Jan. 8 to Jan. 9, until they were crushed by a heavy government crackdown. Rights groups have so far counted more than 7,000 dead and say the true number is likely far higher; the government has put the toll at more than 3,100 dead. Advertisement Advertisement The 53-year-old Mohammadi started a hunger strike in prison on Feb. 2, and several days later a court sentenced her to more than seven additional years in prison, her lawyer in Iran posted on X over the weekend. Authorities did not immediately acknowledge the sentence. She was already serving a sentence of 13 years and nine months on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda against Irans government, but had been released on furlough since late 2024 over medical concerns. It was not clear if Mohammadi has ended her hunger strike since her sentencing, her husband said. Rahmani, who has lived in exile since 2012, said he last spoke to his wife, who lives in Tehran, the night before she left for Mashhad. She was attending a memorial there for a human rights lawyer who had died the previous week under unclear circumstances. At the memorial, plainclothes members of the security forces began to assault Mohammadi before she had finished her speech, according to her husband. He said multiple men hit and kicked her in her side, head and neck. Advertisement Advertisement Details of her deteriorating condition have come from released detainees who had been held alongside Mohammadi in Mashhad, Rahmani said. Collectively this information shows her physical condition is very severe because of the hits she got, her bruised body, he said, adding that her heart condition had worsened. Mohammadi suffered multiple heart attacks while imprisoned before undergoing emergency surgery in 2022, her supporters say. Her lawyer in late 2024 revealed doctors found a bone lesion they feared could be cancerous, which later was removed. Our main concern about Narges is her illnesses," Rahmani said. He said three of her four coronary arteries are constricted and she has pulmonary problems. These illnesses she has gotten from being in prison. When she is in prison it isnt possible to take care of her health, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The Nobel committee condemned the ongoing life-threatening mistreatment of Mohammadi, in a statement issued Wednesday. Sentenced without a lawyer Mohammadi, a human rights activist, has been imprisoned multiple times over her vocal criticisms of Iran's theocratic rule. She was awarded the Nobel in 2023 while in prison. Even during her medical furlough, she kept up her activism with public protests and international media appearances, including demonstrating in front of Tehrans notorious Evin prison, where she had been held. Mohammadis new sentence was handed down Saturday by a Revolutionary Court in Mashhad, her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, said on X. Such courts typically issue verdicts with little or no opportunity for defendants to contest their charges. Nili was not allowed to attend the court sentencing, but Mohammadi was able to contact him afterward her first contact with her lawyer since her arrest, Rahmani said. Advertisement Advertisement In the court, she didnt defend herself because she has the belief that the Islamic Republics court has made its ruling already, from before, and 100% this verdict will be confirmed, he said. We want Narges release," he said. "A human rights activist a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize whom they have arrested has no permission for access to a lawyer. A flagrant crime A writer, Rahmani was a political prisoner in Iran multiple times himself, for a total of more than 14 years. Abuses during his imprisonment caused him to lose much of his hearing. Rahmani said conditions for political prisoners in Iran have continued to deteriorate amid the suppression of the latest protests. The crackdown is the deadliest since the Islamic Republic was created in 1979. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has put the number of arrests at more than 50,000. The AP has been unable to verify that figure. Advertisement Advertisement In these 47 years, the Islamic Republic hadnt killed people to this extent. This is a flagrant crime. People very clearly want to put the Islamic Republic behind them," Rahmani said. They want a republic, they want democracy. U.S. President Donald Trump has moved an aircraft carrier and other military assets to the Persian Gulf and suggested the U.S. could attack Iran over the killing of peaceful demonstrators or if Tehran launches mass executions over the protests. A second American aircraft carrier is on its way to the Mideast. Trump has also opened negotiations with Iran. Rahmani said he opposed any attack by an outside country on Iran and said he doesn't believe Trump wants to help protesters. Donald Trump wont bring democracy for us. Donald Trump is after a series of issues he wants to get to like the nuclear issue, like the missile issue, and then Israel," he said. Israel and the U.S. both struck Iran heavily during last year's 12-day war. Advertisement Advertisement For this reason, in my opinion, they are not credible as far as democracy for Iran goes, he said. He said he believed any political transition to democracy must come from within the country. We want Iran to be a free country, with a democracy, and that we can ourselves return to our own country. Every person loves the land where he or she was born, and tries to help it blossom," he said. - Radjy reported from Cairo. NEW DELHI (AP) An Indian government panel Thursday gave its preliminary approval for the purchase of additional Rafale fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft in deals valued at billions of dollars, Indias defense ministry said. The purchases are part of a deal approved for a basket of defense products worth 3.6 trillion rupees ($39.74 billion). Maintaining air power is a strategic priority for India, which faces persistent security challenges along its borders with nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and China. Advertisement Advertisement The ministry didnt provide a breakdown of the number of Rafales or P-8I aircraft to be purchased, nor the cost. However, an Indian official with direct knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press that the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh cleared what is called in India an acceptance of necessity for acquisition of 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets from France and six P-8I maritime surveillance aircrafts from the U.S. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorized to speak with the media. India already operates two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets and last year signed a deal to purchase 26 marine variants of the stealth fighter for the navy. It also operates Boeing P-8I aircraft for reconnaissance in the Indian Ocean region. Advertisement Advertisement India's air force currently has 29 fighter squadrons, well short of the 42 endorsed at one time by the government. Each squadron comprises 16-18 fighter jets. The panel's approval, a key preliminary step, will now require clearance from Indias Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Rafale deal is expected to be announced as early as next week to coincide with French President Emmanuel Macrons visit to India for an international summit on the impact of artificial intelligence. The procurement of multi-role fighter aircraft will significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of the Indian air force, the ministry said, adding that majority of the jets will be manufactured in India. The P-8I aircraft would bolster Indias maritime surveillance capabilities, particularly in Indian Ocean amid growing Chinese naval activities. NEW YORK (AP) A man from India admitted Friday that he conspired to hire a hitman to assassinate a prominent Sikh separatist leader living in New York City, prompting a top federal prosecutor to warn anyone abroad against plotting to kill Americans in the United States. Our message to nefarious foreign actors should be clear: steer clear of the United States and our people, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a release after Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty to three conspiracy charges in Manhattan federal court. James C. Barnacle Jr., the head of New York's FBI office, said Gupta coordinated with an Indian government employee, who directed him to carry out the killing, facilitating a foreign adversary's unlawful effort to silence a vocal critic of the Indian government. Advertisement Advertisement Gupta, 54, told Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn that he was in India when he paid $15,000 online in 2023 to someone he thought could carry out the killing of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is an American citizen. Gupta was unwittingly communicating, though, with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman. The guilty plea occurred in a courtroom packed with about two dozen Sikhs from across the United States and Canada who share Pannun's desire to win independence for Punjab, a state in northwest India, which they hope to someday rename the Democratic Republic of Khalistan. The men briefly chanted a victory slogan in the courtroom after the proceeding ended and then held a prayer service outside the courthouse, waving yellow flags that had "Khalistan" in blue ink printed across them. American flags were carried as well. Pannun, who advocates for the creation of the sovereign Sikh state and is considered a terrorist by the Indian government, said in a phone interview afterward that he planned to continue his activism even if I have to face a bullet. Advertisement Advertisement I'm not a terrorist, he said, describing himself as a Sikh who as a human rights lawyer is campaigning to turn Punjab into a place where "all religions will have equal rights." He urged the U.S. to go after officials in India who directed Gupta. Gupta has been held without bail since he was extradited to the United States in June 2023, from the Czech Republic, where he was arrested in Prague. A plea agreement called for him to serve at least two decades in prison. Sentencing was set for May 29. According to court papers, Gupta suggested to the undercover officer with the Drug Enforcement Agency that he thought he was hiring to be a hitman that the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia, Canada, was the work of the same individuals planning the assassination of Pannun. Gupta told the officer that Nijjar was also the target and "we have so many targets as he instructed the officer to proceed with Pannun's killing now that Nijjar was dead, according to court papers. Advertisement Advertisement Pannun described Gupta as just a foot soldier. The Indian government cannot shield itself behind this operational foot soldier because the command, the direction and the funds are authorized by the Indian government, he said. I am ready to take India's bullet rather than take a step back and live like a slave. Working toward the independence of the Sikh state of Khalistan is my life's mission, until either I am killed or Punjab becomes an independent country, Pannun added. Ai tech, businessman show virtual graphic Global Internet connect Chatbot Chat with Artificial Intelligence. using command prompt for generates something, Futuristic technology transformation. When a California court discovered more than 90% of the quotes in an attorneys brief were generated by ChatGPT last September, the long arm of the law came down hard. The lawyer was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for filing a frivolous appeal, violating court rules, citing fake cases, and wasting the courts time and the taxpayers money. The Indiana Supreme Court is trying to help judges navigate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the judiciary. Last fall, the Court released resources through its AI Governance Committee for local courts to develop AI policies. Janelle OMalley, committee chair and director of e-filing and innovation at the Indiana Office of Court Technology, said the rise of AI in the legal system nationwide prompted the need for clear guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement When judges are thinking about using AI, they need to focus on following the ethical rules that they have to follow in everything they do, said OMalley. And thats particularly true when theyre working with sensitive or confidential court data. The bench card, checklist, model policies and buyers guide provided to trial courts serve as beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of AI adoption. The Courts Innovation Committee plans to offer AI tool recommendations and further explain how judges can incorporate software into their workflows. Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Andrew R. Bloch, one of three trial court judges on the AI Governance Committee, believes AI has amazing potential, but judges must have a knowledge base first to understand the technologys capabilities. It doesnt replace doing the work. It doesnt replace honing your craft. Its not the end result. Its a tool to get you there. Ultimately, Im still responsible for the output at the end of the day, he said. Creating a baseline The Courts AI Governance Committee was formed in the fall of 2024 on the recommendation of former chief administrative officer Justin Forkner, who served as co-chair of the National Center for State Courts AI Rapid Response Team. OMalley said the group understood that local judges had a greater responsibility regarding AI usage beyond their own familiarity with the tools. Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Andrew R. Bloch (Courtesy photo) [Judges are] responsible for managing their staffs use of technology and ensuring their staff is following the guidelines and looking at the accuracy of anything the tool produces and how theyre going to incorporate that into their practice, OMalley said. Theyre also dealing with AI use by litigants and attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement In the first phase of the committees work, internal Court staff sought to draft an internal AI use policy for the Court and its employees. We had data technology experts and a delegate from our disciplinary commission to examine the ethical rules. We had some other staff who work with judges on how they research and how they use [legal research platform] Westlaw, said OMalley. In the second phase, three trial court judges Bloch, Morgan County Superior Court Judge Dakota R. Van Leeuwen and Joseph County Magistrate Judge William L. Wilson joined the committee. Their goal was to draft model policies for local courts to create AI protocols, particularly smaller courts with fewer resources. Everyones coming into this with a different level of knowledge. Some people dont think theyve used AI before, and some judges are really in tune with AI, Bloch said. We needed to create a baseline so the judges can evaluate whether these programs are right for their courts. And the committees not saying, You have to use AI. Were not saying that at all. You just need to be competent in the overall technology. Court guidelines The AI Governance Committees bench card includes the key principles for court use of AI: transparency, accountability, awareness and confidentiality. The quick-reference guide also provides questions to ask before adopting AI tools and red flags to watch for, such as tools that dont reveal how conclusions are reached or how questions are answered. Advertisement Advertisement The implementation checklist walks trial court judges through four phases of developing AI policies: planning, drafting, training and monitoring. That checklist talks about who you should include on your local committee, what you need to look at, things like, how is the staff currently using AI? What kind of concerns do the judges have? said OMalley. The model policies cover many topics, including the use of open, closed (non-sequestered), and closed and sequestered AI models. For example, ChatGPT is an open model anyone can use. A closed (nonsequestered) model is a private-cloud version of a commercial large language model (LLM), while a closed and sequestered model is an LLM installed on a server used only by judges and staff. Direction on handling different types of data, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), non-public court data, and public court data are also addressed. For example, the Court advises that non-public court data and PII should not be entered into an open AI model or a closed model that is non-sequestered. Advertisement Advertisement Human oversight, notably policing inputs and monitoring outputs, is also stressed. One thing we advocate for in our model policies is developing your process so that there is a responsible human review of whatever AI outputs youre using before you incorporate that into your work product, OMalley said. The buyers guide is an aid for judges to develop procurement requirements before implementing or contracting to purchase AI software. What they need to be speaking with vendors about and what they need to make sure the safeguards that need to be in place when the software is dealing with their data, OMalley said. The things they need to watch out for before they get into a contract with an AI vendor. The human element Luke Britt, legal counsel and public information officer at Marion County Superior Court, said the trial courts AI policy has evolved over the past few years and aligns with the Courts guidelines. The staff uses the technology for tasks such as summarizing notes during meetings and transcript preparation. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a balance between wanting to use [AI] for judicial efficiency but also making sure that the subjective judgments arent being taken over by technology. Theres always going to be a human element to judging credibility or making judgment-based intellectual decisions, he said. Bloch, who has an IT background, said he and his staff follow the AI policy established by Hamilton County. One of his goals with the Courts guidelines is to put trial courts unfamiliar with AI at ease. Were just trying to teach judges how to look at [AI] and how to use the tools, said Bloch. How to be on the lookout for other people that are using it and the possible advantages and disadvantages of that, said Bloch. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement While the AI Governance Committee also plans to develop guidance for attorney and litigant AI use in court, Bloch is already seeing lengthy pleadings he believes are AI-generated from self-represented litigants several times a week. In those cases, he asks the plaintiff to refile the motion in a plain and simple format. The people that Im getting so far, I dont believe theyre trying to mislead the court. Theyre just trying to save money. I do lots of domestic relations work, and thats one of the areas where people often dont have attorneys, or maybe one side has an attorney. And expenses can be very high in those cases, Bloch said. Future AI concerns While AI-generated text containing fabrications can be an issue for Indiana trial court judges, AI-generated photos submitted as evidence may also be problematic. In November, Bloch made a presentation to the Defense Trial Council of Indiana on identifying AI use in pictures. I walk people through and say, Alright, if you were presented this picture in court, what would you do with it? Bloch said. What would tip you off to think this is wrong? Advertisement Advertisement Bloch is also aware of AI-generated videos, referring to the Mendones v. Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. case in California. However, he hasnt dealt with that predicament in his courtroom yet. It was a landlord-tenant dispute, and they had taken the video depositions and cobbled them all together and used AI to alter some of the video feeds from Ring cameras, said Bloch. Thats not been my experience. What do I see? Someone whos cleaned up one of their photos in a family law case where they took a beer bottle off the table. With video and photos, Bloch said, at least there are signs or circumstances suggesting the evidence is trustworthy. The AI-generated elements that worry him the most are audio deepfakes. Your voice is your voice. And thats the one that actually scares me quite a bit as someone who deals with a lot of domestic violence and a lot of phone recordings and things like that. It takes shockingly little to have AI make someones voice, said Bloch. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After 33 years, a cold case ended with a man being sentenced for the killing of a 19-year-old Indianapolis woman. On Feb. 13, 2026, Dana Jermaine Shepherd, now 53, was sentenced to 45 years behind bars with the Indiana Department of Corrections for the murder of Carmen Van Huss in 1993. DNA played a significant role in the case, tying him to the scene of the crime inside her Indianapolis apartment at the time. He wouldn't be discovered as a potential suspect and arrested until 2024. He was originally charged with two counts of murder and one count of rape, but on Jan. 23, 2026, he signed a plea agreement dismissing the rape and one of the murder charges. Judge James K. Snyder granted the plea. Advertisement Advertisement While no passage of time can ever heal the unimaginable loss Carmens family has endured, we are grateful to secure a Murder conviction more than 30 years after this heinous crime," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. "Our hope is that this resolution brings a measure of justice and peace to her loved ones, after three decades of waiting for answers. 1993 cold case solved, man sentenced Carmen Hope Van Huss, 19, was killed early March 23 in her Northwestside apartment. However, her death was not discovered until March 24 after she had missed two days of work and her father went to check on her. 'We're all very very grateful,' Family of woman slain in 1993 finally get closure in case On the evening of March 22, 1993, Van Huss was spending time with her family, visiting an ailing grandmother at a hospital. The teen drove her father and 3-year-old brother to their southside Indianapolis home, arriving around 9:30 p.m. Her father asked her to stay, but Van Huss, who worked at Pizza Hut, said she had to get home to wash her work uniform. Van Huss lived at a Turtle Creek North apartment in the 8200 block of Harcourt Road, just south of St. Vincent Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Around 11:30 p.m., neighbors told police they heard her and an unidentified man talking and laughing as they went inside her apartment. In the early morning hours of March 23, one neighbor heard Van Huss yell, "Get off me! Get off me!" while other neighbors heard a struggle coming from the apartment. Hurried footsteps were heard leaving, at about 1:30 a.m. Police were never contacted, but a neighbor reported the issue to the apartment complex management, who later left a handwritten note on Van Husss door, criticizing the noise and urging her to be more mindful of those living nearby. On March 24, Pizza Hut managers looked up the emergency contact on her employment application and reached her father. He went over to her apartment, entered the ajar door and discovered a horrific scene. According to court documents, the Marion County Sheriff's Office was called to the apartment where they found the teen lying naked on her back, on the floor next to a bed. She was dead, with over 60 stab wounds to her head, face and body. There were signs of a struggle. Advertisement Advertisement Marion County Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Wilks told IndyStar at the time, "Several people, including some ex-boyfriends," were questioned but there were no suspects. A timeline of how the case evolved over the years Jimmy Van Huss Jr., Carmen Van Husss younger brother, speaks during a press conference announcing the arrest of Dana Shepherd as a suspect in the 1993 murder of Carmen Van Huss on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at the City-County Building in Indianapolis. Previous coverage in 2015: IMPD denies pulling detective off decades-old murder case In 2000, investigators sought to have Van Husss DNA entered into both state and national databases. Years later, in 2013, forensic analysts received a partial DNA profile from evidence recovered at her apartment, but the profile did not match anyone in the system. Detective Sgt. William Carter would play a significant role in the case. Though not a cold case investigator, he had been working on the investigation in his spare time since 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2015, IMPD officials and Van Huss's family told IndyStar that Carter was removed from the case two days after he created a GoFundMe to collect money for a DNA test he hoped would help find Van Huss's killer. The test was needed after a first test was performed on the wrong DNA sample, according to Carter. The city covered the cost of the first test, but didn't for the second attempt. At the time, IMPD officials said the city mistakenly paid for the first test after a miscommunication between the crime lab and the department. Van Huss's family called for the reinstatement of Carter, which was granted. Through the years the case was taken on by other detectives. In 2018, IMPD submitted a sample to a DNA technology company, which performed DNA analysis, including phenotyping and genetic genealogy, used to find leads in cases. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, a DNA analysis company contacted IMPD with information on a person possibly related to a person of interest in the case Shepherd. Court records revealed that he used to live in the same apartment complex before the teen's killing and would've been 21 at the time. The Columbia, Missouri, man, was working as a janitor at a local Missouri college when he was visited by IMPD detectives in early 2024. They took a DNA swab that court documents said matched DNA found at the scene of the crime. Shepard was arrested on murder and rape charges in August 2024 and extradited from Missouri to Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for IndyStar. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X @IAMJADEJACKSON. Previous IndyStar reporter Jill Disis contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmen Van Huss cold case ends with man's sentencing in Indianapolis Afghanistans brutal Taliban regime operates a squalid prison thats the closest thing to hell, according to an elderly British couple who say they were detained in its moldy, rat-infested cells. Constructed in the 1970s, the Pul-e-Charkhi prison was built to house 5,000 inmates but the maximum-security lockup regularly holds up to 15,000 people, per the Daily Mail. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his 76-year-old wife, Barbie, who lived in the nation for 18 years, told The Times that they were held separately in the facility for three months of a nearly eight-month detention in 2025 by the Sunni Islamist militants, who have still not given a reason for the pairs apprehension. While the couple were not actively harmed during their incarceration, previous reports have claimed that prisoners at Pul-e-Charkhi are routinely beaten and tortured by sadistic guards. Advertisement Advertisement The retirees, who were wed in the capital city of Kabul in 1970, were arrested on undisclosed charges as they traveled back to their home in Bamyan province in central Afghanistan. Peter, who has a serious heart condition, was held in a cell with two other men. But the couple claims at times he was cuffed to rapists and cold-blooded killers. Meanwhile, Barbie was crammed into a cell housing 15 women and two children with only five bunk beds, meaning some women were forced to sleep on the floor. She recalled to The Times, per Daily Mail: Everybody gets a blanket provided by an NGO [non-governmental organization], which we had to wash ourselves every two weeks. There were four showers, but none worked, so we had to use taps, and all the water ran into a drain full of trash down the middle of the corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Barbie said 90 percent of the women she spoke with were not criminals, and many didnt know the length of their sentences but one woman was jailed for six months for the female-forbidden act of driving a car, and a mother of four was sentenced to five years because her jealous husband had killed a man who had spoken to her. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, inmates were fed just once a day. But other times, only two daily meals were provided, she claims. Barbie, who suffered from malnutrition during her containment, said they were served a piece of bread, overcooked vegetables and rice and beans and twice a week received bones, skin and fat that might contain one or two morsels of meat. Diplomatic efforts from British and Qatari officials led to the Reynolds release, and they returned in England in September 2025. Read More From National Enquirer This story Inside an Elderly British Couples Dire Ordeal in a Hellish Afghan Dungeon first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Mahindra will expand its Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu with a Rs1.96bn ($21.6m) investment to boost vehicle design and engineering capabilities. The Indian automaker said the planned expansion of its advanced research and development (R&D) centre and testing facilities at MRV will increase capacity for advanced vehicle design, product engineering, and future technology development. It added that the move will strengthen engineering and testing operations in the region. Additional testing infrastructure and R&D resources are intended to support the development of next-generation vehicle platforms across multiple segments. The enlarged facility is expected to be operational within the current calendar year. Once fully functional, the expansion is projected to generate about 2,000 new roles spanning engineering, research and technical functions. MRV currently has a workforce of roughly 5,000 employees at its 125-acre Chennai campus. Mahindra said the investment forms part of its ongoing efforts to broaden R&D and testing infrastructure in India. Mahindra automotive business president R Velusamy said: This expansion underscores our long-term commitment to advancing product engineering capabilities in India, enhancing global competitiveness, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver superior products to customers worldwide. Supported by Tamil Nadus robust Industrial ecosystem and talent base, MRV will continue to serve as Mahindras global hub for innovation, excellence in engineering & future-ready mobility solutions. Last week, the company announced plans to invest Rs150bn over ten years to expand its manufacturing footprint in Maharashtra. This programme includes a new automotive plant near Nagpur in the Vidarbha region, covering around 1,500 acres, along with a 150-acre supplier park in Sambhajinagar. Recently, Mahindra also selected Mobileye to provide advanced driver-assistance systems for at least six upcoming vehicle models, with production scheduled to start in 2027. "Mahindra to expand Chennai R&D hub with nearly Rs2bn investment" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. By John Irish MUNICH, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Iraq is in talks with other countries including Arab and Muslim states to repatriate Islamic State prisoners, its foreign minister said, and the U.S. military said it had completed a mission to transfer thousands of IS detainees to Iraq from Syria. Speaking in an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Fuad Hussein said Baghdad would need financial aid to deal with the influx and was worried about a rise in Islamic State activity just over the border in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Islamic State seized large tracts of Syria and Iraq in 2014 before it was driven out by U.S.-led coalition forces five years later, and many of its militants were detained, although remnants of the jihadist group still operate. "I think around 3,000 have already been transferred into Iraqi prisons. So the process has started and we are continuing that process," Hussein said on Friday. Separately, the U.S. Central Command said the U.S. military had now completed its mission in Syria after transferring 5,700 adult male Islamic State detainees to Iraq. It had said in January that it expected to move 7,000. Iraqi officials did not immediately respond to clarify the difference in the figures given by Hussein and Centcom. Advertisement Advertisement RESURGENCE IN ISLAMIC STATE IN SYRIA The rapid collapse of autonomy-minded Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria since the end of Syria's civil war in late 2024 had raised fears for the security of prisons and detention camps for IS militants that they were guarding. "We also started talking to some countries so that they can supply us with financial support, because if those thousands of terrorists stay in Iraq for a long time, I mean, security-wise, it's very dangerous, so we need support from various countries," Hussein said in the interview. He said discussions had also begun with some Arab and Muslim countries to take back militants who are their citizens, though European countries remained hesitant because their legal systems could allow fighters to be released from prison sooner. Advertisement Advertisement "We have already started talking to various countries so that in the near future, they will take their own citizens back, because at the end, they are from other countries," he said. Hussein also warned that there had been a recent uptick in IS activities in Syria after the Damascus government's offensive unravelled Kurdish-led SDF forces in northeastern Syria. "As for IS activities in Syria, we are really worried because they are on the other side of the border and they have become very active recently," he said. "I think it has to do with the recent conflict between Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian administration or Syrian army. At the same time, there are many people who believe in this ideology inside Syria." Advertisement Advertisement TAKING US MESSAGES SERIOUSLY While the United States is helping Iraq handle the issue, Hussein acknowledged that despite broadly good relations, there have been some tensions. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iraq that if it picked Iranian-backed former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki to once again take up the role, Washington would no longer help the major oil producer and close U.S. ally. "This is an internal issue," Hussein said when asked about Trump's comments. "We are trying to deal with that. Of course, we are taking any signals from Washington very seriously, but we are going to deal with that." He added that U.S. troops were still scheduled to leave Iraq by the end of 2026. (Reporting by John Irish; editing by Kevin Liffey, Toby Chopra and Mark Heinrich) Erwin Phillips Burley, 37, of Jacksonville, has been indicted on federal charges of forcible sex trafficking and enticement to engage in prostitution, according to the DOJ. According to court records, Burley was convicted in 2018 for enticement to engage in prostitution and served a 96-month prison sentence. He was released to a halfway house in early 2024, just before the alleged new criminal activity began in February 2024. Burley faces two counts of sex trafficking by means of force, fraud and coercion, two counts of enticement to engage in prostitution and seven counts of interstate transportation of a person with the intent that they engage in prostitution. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison for each sex trafficking count. The enticement counts carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison each, while the transportation counts carry up to 10 years each. Burley would also be required to register as a sex offender and serve at least five years of federal supervised release following any imprisonment. The indictment alleges that Burley recruited two victims for commercial sex acts between February 2024 and May 2025. During this time, he reportedly knew force, fraud and coercion would be used to make the victims participate. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] On multiple dates in 2024, Burley allegedly transported one of the victims between Florida and other states, including Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and the Sandy Springs Police Department in Georgia. The State Attorneys Office for Floridas Fourth Judicial Circuit also assisted in the case. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Japanese authorities say they have seized a Chinese fishing vessel that tried to flee when ordered to stop for an inspection, in a move that may further fuel tensions with Beijing. The boat was in Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture in the south-west when it was intercepted and its captain arrested on Thursday, according to the country's fisheries agency. "The vessel's captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled," the fisheries agency said. Advertisement Advertisement The seizure is the first time since 2022 that the agency has seized a Chinese fishing boat. China has yet to react to Japan's statement. There were 11 people aboard, including the captain who is a 47-year-old Chinese national, the fisheries agency said. Authorities and Japanese media have described the seized vessel as a "tiger net fishing boat" with a high capacity. "We will continue to take resolute action in our enforcement activities to prevent and deter illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said on Friday. Thursday's incident comes amid strained relations after Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi enraged China in November by suggesting Tokyo would intervene militarily if Beijing sought to take Taiwan by force. Advertisement Advertisement China has long insisted that Taiwan, occupied for decades by Japan until 1945, is its territory. It has not ruled out using force to achieve what it calls "reunification". In response to Takaichi's remarks, which China's foreign ministry described as "egregious", Beijing summoned Tokyo's ambassador and warned its citizens to reconsider travel and study in Japan. That led to a sharp drop in visits to Japan by Chinese tourists, and a subsequent hit to Japanese stocks related to tourism and retail. As the diplomatic spat deepened during the end of 2025, Beijing repeatedly demanded that Takaichi retract her comments, and its foreign ministry warned Japan to "stop playing with fire". Advertisement Advertisement Japanese artists touring China have also had shows cancelled and releases of popular Japanese movies have been postponed. Japan's last two pandas were even returned to China last month. Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its skipper, authorities said Friday, an incident that could deepen a spat between the Asian giants. The episode on Thursday off southern Japan came three months after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan would intervene militarily if Beijing sought to take Taiwan by force. China swiftly reacted to the seizure, the Japanese fisheries' agency first since 2022 of a Chinese fishing boat, by urging Japan to protect the rights of Chinese crew. Advertisement Advertisement "It is hoped Japan strictly respects the China-Japan fisheries agreement, fairly enforces the law and safeguards the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese crew members," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference on Friday. Japan's fisheries agency said the vessel's captain was ordered to stop for an inspection, but the boat "failed to comply and fled". "Consequently, the vessel's captain was arrested on the same day," the agency said in a statement. The boat was inside Japan's exclusive economic zone 89.4 nautical miles (166 kilometres) south-southwest of Meshima island in the Goto archipelago, Japan's statement said -- not a disputed area. Advertisement Advertisement The captain was named as Chinese national Zheng Nianli, 47. The status of the other 10 people on board the vessel, named the Qiong Dong Yu, was unclear. "To prevent illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels, we will continue to take firm action and engage in enforcement activities," chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara said. China has a number of territorial tussles with Japan, and there have been repeated incidents around the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu in China. The 2010 arrest of another Chinese fishing boat captain off those islands in the East China Sea became a major diplomatic incident. Advertisement Advertisement - Taiwan spat - Japan and China have close economic ties but Takaichi's comments about Taiwan have sent relations spiralling downwards again. China has long insisted that Taiwan, occupied for decades by Japan until 1945, is its territory and has not ruled out force to achieve "reunification". Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te told AFP in an interview this week that other countries -- including Japan -- would be China's next targets should Beijing seize the democratic island. "The next countries under threat would be Japan, the Philippines, and others in the Indo-Pacific region, with repercussions eventually reaching the Americas and Europe," Lai said. Advertisement Advertisement After Takaichi's comments, Beijing summoned Tokyo's ambassador, warned Chinese citizens against visiting Japan and conducted joint air drills with Russia. In December, J-15 jets from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked radar on Japanese aircraft in international waters near Okinawa, according to Japan. China also tightened controls on exports to Japan for items with potential military uses, fuelling worries that Beijing may choke supplies of vital rare-earth minerals. Japan's last two pandas were even returned to China last month. - Hawkish leader - Takaichi, 64, was seen as a China hawk before becoming Japan's first woman prime minister in October. Advertisement Advertisement She won a landslide victory in snap elections on Sunday, putting her in a strong position for the next four years to stamp her mark on Japanese domestic and foreign policy. Takaichi said Monday that under her leadership Japan -- which hosts some 60,000 US military personnel -- would bolster its defences and "steadfastly protect" its territory. She also said that she was "open to various dialogues with China". But China's foreign ministry said "genuine dialogue should be built on respect for one another". "Proclaiming dialogue with one's mouth while engaging in confrontation -- no one will accept this kind of dialogue," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement "If Japan truly wants to develop a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with China, it's very easy and clear: withdraw Takaichi's erroneous remarks about Taiwan," he said. bur-hih-stu-dhw/jm A former New Jersey high school teacher who groomed two of her students before sexually assaulting them, including at her familys bagel shop, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison, prosecutors said. Julie Rizzitello, 37, who taught at Wall High School in Wall Township, was sentenced during a hearing in Monmouth County Superior Court, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Judge Jill G. OMalley ordered that she serve 10 years in state prison, be placed on parole supervision for life, register as a sex offender under Megans Law, which requires certain offenders to register with law enforcement, have no contact with the victims and permanently forfeit her teaching position. Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia Teacher Fired After Arrest On Child Sex Abuse Charge Julie Rizzitello in an undated photo. The former Wall Township High School teacher was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison. (Fox News) Rizzitello had pleaded guilty in September to two counts of second-degree sexual assault stemming from crimes in 2017 and 2024. Prosecutors said the sexual acts took place at Rizzitellos home in Brick, inside a vehicle in a Wall Township parking lot and at a Belmar bagel shop owned by her family, where both victims worked at her suggestion. Read On The Fox News App An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Bureau and Wall Township police found that Rizzitello met one victim as a freshman and the other as a junior at the high school. Authorities said she asked to spend time alone with the teens and developed a friendly relationship before escalating to sexual activity over several months. Advertisement Advertisement While the investigation was ongoing, Rizzitello contacted both victims and asked them to delete evidence of the crimes from their electronic devices, authorities said. Police arrested Rizzitello without incident in July 2024 after a district employee notified them of her relationship with a student, according to the Coast Star. Former Missouri Substitute Teacher Gets 10 Years For Trading Students Money, Drugs For Sex The incidents involving the first victim took place in May and June 2024, according to the outlet, citing a police arrest warrant. Rizzitello and the student, who had turned 18, had sexual contact in his car in Brick in May 2024, NJ.com reported, citing an affidavit of probable cause. They also met at other locations, and she sent him nude photos, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement After her arrest, a second victim came forward and told investigators he and Rizzitello had intercourse in November 2017 and January 2018 at her residence in Brick Township, according to the Coast Star, citing an affidavit of probable cause. The victim was 17 at the time. Pictures and text messages corroborated his account, the outlet reported. Former Texas Coach Allegedly Used Ai Document To Groom Teen With Manipulation Tactics: Report In imposing the sentence on Wednesday, OMalley denied a defense request to reduce the prison term to five years, referencing a victim impact statement read aloud in court, according to prosecutors. "These crimes were not isolated incidents constituting moments of poor judgment; they were textbook cases of grooming, involving a defendant who repeatedly leveraged tactics of isolation, manipulation, and control for the sake of her own selfish purposes," Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. "The egregious nature of the conduct was further compounded by the plain fact that the emotional and psychological harm she inflicted came at the expense of two of the very same young minds she had been entrusted to develop and nurture." Advertisement Advertisement Wall Township Police Chief Sean OHalloran praised the victims for coming forward. "I want to commend the courage of those who came forward to report these crimes. It is never easy to speak up, especially when the offender is someone in a position of trust," OHalloran said. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Rizzitello, who taught English, was hired in 2013 and earned an annual salary of about $62,000 before resigning, according to NJ.com. In July 2024, Wall Township Public Schools acknowledged the charges and said the district was fully cooperating with law enforcement. Original article source: New Jersey teacher who slept with students at family bagel shop learns prison sentence A federal judge on Thursday blocked a Trump administration order slashing $600 million in federal grant funding for HIV programs in California and three other states, finding merit in the states' argument that the move was politically motivated by disagreements over unrelated state sanctuary policies. U.S. District Judge Manish Shah, an Obama appointee in Illinois, found that California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota were likely to succeed in arguing that President Trump and other administration officials targeted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding for termination "based on arbitrary, capricious, or unconstitutional rationales." Namely, Shah wrote that while Trump administration officials said the programs were cut for breaking with CDC priorities, other "recent statements" by officials "plausibly suggest that the reason for the direction is hostility to what the federal government calls 'sanctuary jurisdictions' or 'sanctuary cities.'" Advertisement Advertisement Shah found that the states had shown they would "suffer irreparable harm" from the cuts, and that the public interest would not be harmed by temporarily halting them and as a result granted the states a temporary restraining order halting the administration's action for 14 days while the litigation continues. Shah wrote that while he may not have jurisdiction to block a simple grant termination, he did have jurisdiction to halt an administration directive to terminate funding based on unconstitutional grounds. "More factual development is necessary and it may be that the only government action at issue is termination of grants for which I have no jurisdiction to review," Shah wrote. "But as discussed, plaintiffs have made a sufficient showing that defendants issued internal guidance to terminate public-health grants for unlawful reasons; that guidance is enjoined as the parties develop a record." The cuts targeted a slate of programs aimed at tracking and curtailing HIV and other disease outbreaks, including one of Californias main early-warning systems for HIV outbreaks, state and local officials said. Some were oriented toward serving the LGBTQ+ community. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bontas office said California faced "the largest share" of the cuts. Advertisement Advertisement The White House said the cuts were to programs that "promote DEI and radical gender ideology," while federal health officials said the programs in question did not reflect the CDC's "priorities." Bonta cheered Shah's order in a statement, saying he and his fellow attorneys general who sued are "confident that the facts and the law favor a permanent block of these reckless and illegal funding cuts." Get the L.A. Times California Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A federal judge has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to give immigrants detained in Minnesota access to attorneys immediately after they are taken into custody and before they are transferred out of state. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel issued the emergency restraining order Thursday, finding detainees at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building faced so many logistical barriers to contacting legal counsel that it was likely the Department of Homeland Security had stepped on their constitutional rights. The order is temporary, and will last for two weeks unless the judge extends it. Advertisement Advertisement It appears that in planning for Operation Metro Surge, the government failed to plan for the constitutional rights of its civil detainees, Brasel wrote in the 41-page ruling. She rejected arguments by DHS attorneys that suggested changes to improve access would lead to chaos. The Constitution does not permit the government to arrest thousands of individual and then disregard their constitutional rights because it would be too challenging to honor those rights, she wrote. Department of Homeland Security officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Advocates for Human Rights and a detainee sued late last month, contending people held at Whipple on the outskirts of Minneapolis are denied adequate access to lawyers, even as they face the prospect of deportation. Attorney Jeffrey Dubner told Brasel that detainees are allowed to make phone calls, but ICE personnel are typically nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department attorney Christina Parascandola told the court last week that people detained at the facility have access to counsel and unmonitored phone calls at any time and for as long as they need. She conceded that she had never entered the Whipple facility. But the judge found the evidence at this point in the lawsuit showed detainees face often insurmountable barriers to accessing attorneys. She cited evidence presented by The Advocates for Human Rights that showed detainees are moved to new locations quickly, frequently and without notice, leaving attorneys with no way to know where their clients are or how long they will be there. The transfers happen so quickly that sometimes DHS struggles to locate its detainees, the judge wrote, and the online system used to find detainees isn't always updated accurately or in a timely manner. She also noted that detainees appear to be offered one phone call which is done in earshot of ICE personnel, and is frequently used to contact families and the list of free and low-cost legal service providers given to detainees isn't always accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents have also rebuffed attorneys trying to reach their clients in person, she found, and detainees are often pressured to sign voluntary deportation agreements without being allowed to talk to counsel. All of these barriers make it difficult if not impossible for attorneys to effectively represent their clients, the judge wrote. The order directs the government to ensure that every noncitizen taken into custody and held at Whipple be given the opportunity to contact an attorney within one hour of their detention and before they are transferred out of state. She also detailed how that access should be given detainees must be given an accurate list of legal service providers, get free and private access to a telephone, and not be limited in the number of calls they can make to their lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement The judge also said that attorneys must be allowed to visit clients at the facility in a private room seven days a week, and that detainees cannot be transferred out of state for the first 72 hours of their detention. DHS must inform detainees where they will be transferred, and give them access to the telephone until they can reach an attorney or their family, the judge wrote. The court has made clear that the Trump-Vance administrations overreaching and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement is unlawful and violates basic constitutional rights, Democracy Forward President Skye Perryman said. The organization is part of the plaintiffs legal team. Access to a lawyer is not optional; it is a fundamental right in America, and we will continue to fight to protect it. ___ Boone reported from Boise, Idaho. A Confederate flag that has been on prominent display along Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County has been ordered to fly no longer, according to a ruling by Judge Mark Hayes. On Jan. 29, Hayes rejected the Adam Washington Ballenger Camp #68, Sons of Confederate Veterans' appeal of a decision by the Spartanburg Planning and Development Department, which said the 120-foot flagpole was in violation of county regulations. The flag was located on Teaberry Road, near I-85. A Confederate flag is still flying on the morning of April 15, 2024 near Interstate 85 at the exit 78 which is the Hwy 221 Chesnee exit in Spartanburg County. According to the county, because the lot was vacant and had no primary use, such as a residence or business, the accessory use of the flagpole was noncompliant with land-use rules. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the Spartanburg County Board of Zoning Appeals ruled in favor of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, overturning the county's decision. The matter then went to the circuit civil court, with the county seeking to overturn the zoning appeals boards decision. Confederate flag meaning, contentious role in South Carolina's recent history The Confederate flag has long been a politically contentious symbol in South Carolina. Critics point to its connection to white supremacist groups and the South's history of slavery. Flag defenders have described it as a symbol of regional pride and respect for their ancestors. While the flag's display along I-85 -- in a location where more than 80,000 passed by on an average day -- sparked controversy, the flag flew for many years in a place of even greater prominence: the South Carolina statehouse. Advertisement Advertisement The Confederate flag was placed atop the statehouse in 1961 in a move to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Civil War. It was also in the midst of the Civil Rights era, and Southern states were resisting the push for equality for Black citizens. The flag became a symbol of that resistance for many. More: Debate over Confederate flag took on psychology of its own South Carolina kept the Confederate flag flying above the statehouse until 2000, when a compromise was reached to place a smaller version of the flag on the Confederate soldier monument in front of the Capitol building. The compromise followed years of debate over the flag's meaning and its appropriateness as a state symbol. Advertisement Advertisement In 1999, the national NAACP called for a boycott of South Carolina, putting economic pressure on the state. Eventually, the state's business leaders signaled support for removing the flag from the statehouse dome. Former Gov. Nikki Haley called for its removal from the statehouse grounds altogether in 2015 after white supremacist Dylann Roof murdered nine people inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. Where was the Spartanburg County Confederate flag located? The flag could once be seen driving south on I-85 and was located off Teaberry Road in Spartanburg County. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Spartanburg County Confederate flag along I-85 ordered to be removed A federal judge ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to allow religious leaders into a detention facility in the Chicago suburbs for Ash Wednesday next week and enable them to offer communion going forward. U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman said denying Catholic priests and sisters access to detainees violates a federal religious freedom law. Broadview allowed plaintiffs religious visitation to Broadview for years before reversing course relatively recently, Gettleman wrote. Advertisement Advertisement With reasonable notice and communication, addressing legitimate security and safety concerns, allowing plaintiffs to provide pastoral care to migrants and detainees does not pose any undue hardship on the government, he continued. Gettleman is an appointee of former President Clinton. The lawsuit reflected a breakdown in the relationship between ICE and the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL), a religious advocacy group. Faith leaders affiliated with the organizations had visited the Broadview facility weekly for more than a decade to pray with detainees and offer communion. The dynamic shifted when the Trump administration announced a surge of immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz. The Broadview facility took center stage as it began holding a flood of newly apprehended migrants. Advertisement Advertisement In October, the CSPL organized a Eucharistic procession to the facility. Officers denied the group access. The CSPL and several of its members sued the next month. Gettleman said denying religious leaders access violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a 1990s law Congress passed to strengthen religious liberty protections in response to a Supreme Court decision. The federal government did not reject the notion they denied the religious leaders access, but it insisted the lawsuit should not move forward because they hadnt shown any legal violation. Plaintiffs do not allege that they were excluded while other visitors were allowed. Nor do they allege that ICE implemented anything other than a temporary, operationally necessary restriction, the Justice Department wrote in court filings. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The man accused of running over and killing a wellknown Boston art collector earlier this year has been found not mentally competent to stand trial, a judge ruled Friday morning. William Haney Jr., 42, will remain in a state psychiatric hospital indefinitely while doctors continue evaluating his condition. Prosecutors say Haney struck and killed John Axelrod on January 3 while Axelrod was walking his dog on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in the citys Back Bay. The dog also died. Advertisement Advertisement According to defense attorneys, there is no indication that the two men knew each other. Haneys lawyer said his client had been suffering from severe delusions and believed Axelrod was involved in a plot to kill him. With the competency ruling, prosecutors now face a choice: wait until Haney is restored to competencya process that can take months or even yearsor drop the case entirely. For now, the criminal proceedings remain paused. After the deadly crash, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts said Axelrod was a major museum supporter who donated substantial art to the MFA. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW One of the nation's largest homebuilders, Tri-Pointe Homes Inc., is being acquired by a Tokyo conglomerate, it announced Friday. Sumitomo Forestry Co. Ltd. reached a deal to acquire Tri-Pointe for $47 a share. The all-cash transaction could come to about $4.5 billion, the companies said. The deal should close in the second quarter of this year, subject to approval by Tri-Pointe's shareholders. The deal comes as homebuilders nationwide are dealing with a slowdown in interest from buyers, price cuts, and potential legal challenges from a possible antitrust probe. There is some optimism for falling rates this year. Once the merger is completed, Tri-Pointe will continue as a brand under Sumitomo and retain its home office in Irvine, CA. Tri-Pointe CEO Doug Bauer said the deal shows the value of its brand. Tri-Pointe is one of the largest homebuilders in the county, having delivered 6,400 homes nationwide in 2024. It has a presence in 13 Southeastern and Southwestern states and the District of Columbia. "This transaction delivers compelling cash value for our stockholders while accelerating our long-term growth strategy as an independent brand within a scaled, multi-faceted platform," Bauer said in a statement. "Sumitomo Forestrys expertise across the housing value chain will support our shared mission to serve the next generation of homebuyers. Japanese company has been acquiring homebuilders worldwide Sumitomo, founded as a large wood and forestry management firm that distributes building supplies, has spent the past few years acquiring homebuilders around the world. It has six other U.S. homebuilding brands in addition to others in Asia and Australia. That includes several national homebuilding brands like East Coast builder DRB Group and mixed-use developer Crescent Communities. It aims for its U.S. operations to deliver 23,000 homes a year by 2030, said Toshiro Mitsuyoshi, its president. "Tri-Pointe Homes shares our focus on quality, customer experience, and a culture that empowers local operating teams. Through the acquisition, we expect to further enhance our profitability by leveraging the complementary strengths of Tri-Pointe Homes and each of the five homebuilders within our group." This goal places it in competition with fellow Japanese homebuilder Sekisui House, which has also been acquiring major U.S. homebuilders, including a $5 billion deal for MDC Holdings in 2024. Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and Morrison & Foerster LLP are legal and financial advisors to Sumitomo. Moelis & Company LLC and Paul Hastings LLP are advisors to Tri-Pointe in the transaction. WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge agreed Thursday to block the Pentagon from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, for participating in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that Pentagon officials not only violated Kelly's First Amendment free speech rights, but they also threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees. The judge invoked an old-fashioned rebuke -- Horsefeathers! -- in response to the governments claim that Kelly is trying to exempt himself from the rules of military justice. To say the least, our retired veterans deserve more respect from their Government, and our Constitution demands they receive it! wrote Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Kelly, who represents Arizona, sued in federal court to block his Jan. 5 censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Leon's order prohibits the Pentagon from implementing or enforcing Kelly's punishment while his lawsuit is pending. The judge instructed the parties to provide him with an update in 30 days. In November, Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration. Republican President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition punishable by DEATH in a social media post days later. The court case is just one front in a broader dispute that has spiraled between the group of Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration since they posted the video. Earlier this week, a Washington grand jury declined to indict the lawmakers over the video. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin has said she has been told the Justice Department could seek a new indictment as soon as Friday. Kelly and Slotkin said at a news conference Wednesday that they are keeping all legal options on the table regarding potentially suing the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth said the government will appeal Leon's decision. Sedition is sedition, Captain, he posted on his X account, referring to Kelly by his rank at retirement. Leon said that Kelly is likely to succeed on the merits of his free speech claim. He has also shown irreparable harm, and the balance of the equities fall decidedly in his favor. Hegseth said Kellys censure was a necessary process step to proceedings that could result in a demotion from the senators retired rank of captain and subsequent reduction in retirement pay. The judge concluded that Kelly's speech is entitled to full First Amendment protection. Advertisement Advertisement Rather than trying to shrink the First Amendment liberties of retired servicemembers, Secretary Hegseth and his fellow Defendants might reflect and be grateful for the wisdom and expertise that retired servicemembers have brought to public discussions and debate on military matters in our Nation over the past 250 years, Leon wrote. If so, he added, they will more fully appreciate why the Founding Fathers made free speech the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights! Kelly said in a video statement posted after the ruling that the case was about more than just him and that the administration was sending a message to millions of retired veterans that they too can be censured or demoted just for speaking out. He added that the ruling was unlikely the end: This might not be over yet, because this president and this administration do not know how to admit when theyre wrong. Advertisement Advertisement The 90-second video was first posted on a social media account belonging to Slotkin. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania also appeared in the video. All of the participants are veterans of the armed services or intelligence agencies. The Pentagon began investigating Kelly in late November, citing a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty on orders of the defense secretary for possible court-martial or other punishment. Hegseth has said Kelly was the only one of the six lawmakers to be investigated because he is the only one who formally retired from the military and still falls under the Pentagons jurisdiction. Kellys lawyers said the Pentagons censure of Kelly and its efforts to reduce his retirement grade and pay are an unprecedented attack on the rights of veterans to publicly debate national security issues. Defendants assert an absolute and unreviewable authority to impose military punishment on a retired veteran and sitting United States Senator for engaging in speech a civilian political appointee dislikes. That position is as alarming as it is unprecedented, they wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Government lawyers said the case is not about legislative independence or freedom of speech in civilian society. Instead, this case involves a retired military officer who seeks to use his military status as a sword and his legislative position as a shield against the consequences of his actions in military personnel matters, they wrote. Hegseth, the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan and the Navy are named as defendants in the lawsuit. ___ Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report. MADISON - An administrative law judge has approved permits issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources allowing the reroute of a controversial oil pipeline around tribal land. Administrative Law Judge Angela Chaput Foy on Feb. 13 upheld DNR permits issued in 2024 allowing Canadian-based Enbridge Energy to move forward with plans to reroute Line 5 around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's land. Foy's decision knocks down one of the last barriers to the oil giant's plan. Environmental advocates said the decision ignored facts. Advertisement Advertisement Despite this ruling, the evidence presented during the hearing remains undeniable: Enbridges Line 5 reroute poses significant long-term risks to wetlands, waterways, and treaty-protected resources in northern Wisconsin," said Clean Wisconsin Attorney Evan Feinhauer in a media release. "Experts testified that the DNR underestimated ecological impacts, relied on an inadequate monitoring plan, and overlooked Enbridges troubling history of environmental violations. This decision does not erase those facts." Others vowed to keep fighting against the pipeline. "The record in this case is clear, and our work is far from over. Based on the significant legal issues presented and the strength of the record, we believe there is a strong basis for appellate review, and we are considering all appropriate next steps," said Midwest Environmental Advocate Attorney Rob Lee in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Enbridge celebrated the ruling. "The Administrative Law Judge has confirmed what expert testimony in the case clearly established - the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources made the right decision when it issued permits for the Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project after an extensive and thorough four-plus-year review," said Juli Kellner, a spokesperson for Enbridge. The Bad River Band and environmental groups filed separate petitions after the DNR issued its permits, arguing the natural resource agency did not follow state law. The environmental groups that petitioned included Clean Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Advocates, which filed on behalf of the Sierra Club, 350 Wisconsin and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. The petitions resulted in weeks of expert testimony over the summer, hosted both in Ashland and Madison. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its permit for the reroute project in northern Wisconsin last year amid the federal government shutdown, with very little detail. That permit has been challenged by the Bad River Band in federal court. There is no timeline for that decision. With the DNR permits now solidified, the project will likely begin to move forward in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Kellner said the final permits needed will be signed and finalized in the coming days, meaning construction could potentially start soon. The Canadian energy giant first proposed its 41-mile reroute around the Bad River Bands land in 2020. The new stretch of pipeline would go south of the Bands land, farther inland into Ashland and Iron counties. It would go through Iron County State Forest, around Copper Falls State Park and cross more than 180 Lake Superior tributaries, including the Bad River. Advertisement Advertisement The 2021 estimate suggested it would cost $450 million. Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: In major blow to Enbridge Line 5 opponents, judge upholds DNR permits KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City, Missouri, passed an ordinance on Thursday banning unregulated drugs that the city said pose a risk to the well-being of the public from being sold in the city. The new law, passed by Mayor Quinton Lucas and the Kansas City Council, bans synthetic kratom and restricts the sales of natural kratom to those 21 and up. The ordinance also regulates where the substances can be sold. That includes drugs like these, including 7-OH, which has been described as more potent than heroin, a Schedule 1 drug. Advertisement Advertisement Platform Ventures says it will not sell south Kansas City warehouse to federal government In a 13-0 vote, the council unanimously approved new restrictions on kratom and an outright ban on 7-OH. Councilmembers said the move is about protecting vulnerable residents, especially children. Weve had some concerns about our young children getting ahold of these drugs and the harm that it causes them, said Darrell Curls, 5th District Councilman At-Large. Councilman Curls said the decision comes down to prevention. Were looking at those most vulnerable. Do we wait until we lose somebody else or someone else has an overdose? I think that is too late, right? So yeah, were taking action at this particular time to make sure we dont have anymore fatalities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Lucas initially proposed the ordinance in December of 2025 after hearing feedback from the community. Gas station drugs are sold with virtually no oversight or safety testing, he said. Theyre marketed as legal alternatives, but they can be just as dangerous as illegal drugsleading to addiction, overdoses, and harming our neighborhoods and young people. This law takes a common-sense approach to protect public health and public safety while keeping our communities safe. However, on Tuesday, FOX4 spoke with those claiming otherwise who say that 7-OH is relatively harmless and that the compound can be used to treat chronic health issues and help those recovering from substance abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Its disappointing that theyre not grounding their policy making in science, the science demonstrates that 7-OH products are relatively harmless. Almost a billion servings have been consumed with almost no serious adverse events for people, said Jeff Smith, a former state senator and the current National Policy Director for Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust, on Tuesday. Joes Blog: Whats next snow or t/storms? (THU-2/12) Those who opposed the outright ban said they support tighter regulation and agree these substances should not be available at local gas stations. However, they argue a full ban could do more harm than good. Stores selling those gas station drugs now have 60 days before the new law takes effect, introducing the following measures: Advertisement Advertisement Bans certain kratom products: No more selling kratom that can be smoked, vaped, or products that look like candy. Bans synthetic 7-OH completely: Stores can no longer sell synthetic versions of 7-OH, a particularly dangerous form of kratom. Makes natural kratom 21+: Natural kratom can only be sold to adults 21 and older, similar to alcohol and tobacco. Stores must keep these products out of reach of anyone under 21. Requires store licenses: Any business that wants to sell natural kratom must get a special license from the City. The ordinance imposes penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and can jeopardize a businesss ability to operate within Kansas City as well. Kansas Citys move comes before action from either the federal government or the Missouri Legislature, which is currently considering a bill this session aimed at these substances. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Amanda looks through old pictures of her big sister Carey and remembers their adventures first as kids, then adults. She gazes fondly at a photo from their first cruise together with their mom in Belize. The pair traveled the world together and lived right down the street from one another. That came to an end in November 2018 when Carey died. She was just 44 years old. "I started a TikTok account, and it was more out of me processing my own grief," Amanda said. Advertisement Advertisement Now millions of people are hearing Carey's story. They learn about her weight loss journey. Her initial success slimming down after bariatric surgery. Amanda also talks about how Carey died of acute ethanol intoxication, commonly known as alcohol poisoning. Amanda says immediately after her sisters death she never connected the alcohol abuse with the surgery. "Absolutely not, she said. Had no idea, none. But Amanda's TikTok followers urged her to dig deeper into a possible connection between weight loss surgery and alcohol abuse. What she discovered shocked her. Research shows bariatric surgery is effective but also increases risks for alcohol related health problems. Some research shows up to 33% of bariatric surgery patients develop an alcohol use disorder, with peak onset two years after surgery right around the time Amanda noticed Carey's drinking escalate. Advertisement Advertisement "We had very candid conversations about her surgery and very candid conversations about her drinking," Amanda said. "At no point in time did she say, 'Well, they told me this could happen,' or 'I knew this could happen.' It is not a requirement for (medical providers) to educate." Carey's medical records show she received gastric sleeve surgery in 2013 and lost 180 pounds. Amanda says, at first, the surgery was great for her sister. Initially, 100%, it helped her," Amanda said. But a few years later, something changed. Carey regained 40 pounds. Her medical records show she became embarrassed and stopped going to follow-up appointments. Medical records show four years after surgery Carey spent several days in a treatment center because of her drinking. The records also show she reported drinking up to a pint of vodka a day. Advertisement Advertisement "Before she had surgery, she didn't drink that often, maybe six times a year, and most of those times were at an event without sitting at home alone," Amanda said. Five years after surgery, Carey died. "I literally told her more than once, 'You have to get help. This will kill you,'" Amanda told 13 Investigates. Amanda believes if Careys doctor had educated her about the risk alcohol could pose post-surgery, she might have stopped drinking altogether. Dr. Richard Peterson, a bariatric surgeon at UT Health San Antonio, says he talks to patients about how their body will respond differently to alcohol after surgery. Advertisement Advertisement "One glass of wine is like having three glasses of wine, Peterson said. Be aware that the effects can be that dramatic. Peterson is also the president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and was not involved in any of Careys surgery or care. He says other weight loss doctors also have those conversations, but he confirms it's not mandatory. Peterson would know because he sits on the advisory council that updates standards for the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, or MBSAQIP, the largest group that accredits providers of bariatric surgery. Doctors have two main theories about why some people develop issues with alcohol after bariatric surgery. Advertisement Advertisement The more controversial theory is known as transfer addiction. Its the idea that if someone was addicted to food, they may later become addicted to something else, like alcohol. Peterson says more doctors are moving away from the transfer addiction theory. Instead, a growing number of doctors believe the body may simply react differently to alcohol after bariatric surgery. They believe a physiological change may account for why some patients struggle with alcohol consumption in a way they did not before the procedure. For Amanda, understanding why it happened doesn't ease the pain of losing her sister, but she hopes sharing Carey's story might save someone else's life. Some researchers say more information is needed to develop clinical recommendations like requiring more alcohol related education. Others suggest education before and after an operation. One study, from researchers at the University of Massachusetts, states it's "essential to advise patients that there is no 'safe' level of alcohol consumption after bariatric surgery." Advertisement Advertisement While there are multiple types of bariatric surgeries, Peterson argues the risk is rare for patients who receive the most common procedure - gastric sleeve surgery. That is the type of surgery Carey had according to medical records 13 Investigates reviewed. Amanda is now using her platform to warn her followers. She is also calling on MBSAQIP to update its standards and require clinics to teach patients about the risk they face from alcohol after surgery. The standards are revised and reviewed every three years. The next update is expected to happen in 2026. Peterson stresses the importance of follow-up appointments, which are supposed to happen once a year for the rest of a patient's life. However, he acknowledges many people do not keep up with those appointments. Advertisement Advertisement He also cautioned that Amandas desire to require doctors to discuss the issue with their patients may be a hard sell, but he said talking about it does have benefits. "Mandating an educational component on this one particular topic may be a challenge, but definitely as you bring it forward, it's certainly something to be recognized," Peterson said. Amanda says she's not against bariatric surgery. She just wants people to know the risk they take if they choose to drink alcohol after the procedure. For years, Amanda has also struggled with her weight and almost got the bariatric surgery herself around the same time as her sister. She doesn't' know first-hand if Carey was told about the risk of alcohol post-surgery. But Amanda says she was not warned, even though alcoholism runs in the family and she reported a history of binge drinking. Advertisement Advertisement "I gave (my doctor) like the top three risk factors of becoming addicted to a substance post op, and I was still approved, she said. Amanda chose not to get bariatric surgery, and she says she won't after her sister's experience. SEOUL, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said Friday that Seoul's expression of regret over alleged drone incursions was "sensible," but cautioned that any future flights would trigger a "terrible response." The statement, carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, followed comments Tuesday by South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who expressed "deep regrets" over alleged drone flights into the North as part of the Lee Jae Myung administration's broader push to ease tensions with Pyongyang. North Korea's military last month said it shot down a South Korean surveillance drone near the border city of Kaesong. Seoul has denied involvement, saying it does not operate the drone model cited by the North. Advertisement Advertisement Kim described Chung's remarks as "fortunate" and "quite sensible behavior," but said South Korean authorities must take preventive measures to ensure such violations "would never happen again." "We don't care who the very manipulator of the drone infiltration into the airspace of the DPRK is and whether it is an individual or a civilian organization," she said. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea. "I give advance warning that reoccurrence of such provocation as violating the inalienable sovereignty of the DPRK will surely provoke a terrible response," Kim said. "Various counterattack plans are on the table and one of them will be chosen without doubt and it will go beyond proportionality." Advertisement Advertisement A South Korean investigation initially centered on three civilians who were placed under travel bans last month. But a joint military-police task force on Tuesday raided the country's spy agency and a military intelligence command as the probe widened to include three military officers as suspects. On Wednesday, the Unification Ministry said Seoul would take immediate action to prevent future incidents. "The government is conducting a thorough investigation and will immediately implement measures to prevent similar incidents," ministry spokesman Yoon Min-ho said at a regular press briefing. Kim's statement was "signaling the need for joint efforts between the two Koreas to ease tensions and prevent accidents on the Korean Peninsula," Yoon added. North Korea is preparing to convene its Ninth Party Congress later this month, where Kim Jong Un is expected to outline a new five-year economic plan and recalibrate military and foreign policy priorities. Analysts will be watching for signs the North will formalize a hardened posture toward Seoul. In 2024, Pyongyang designated the South a "hostile state" and publicly rejected the long-held goal of reunification. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and part of the coffee family. For centuries, people brewed fresh kratom leaves into tea, chewed the leaves, or occasionally smoked them to manage pain, fatigue, or diarrhea, or to enhance stamina during labor-intensive work. These preparations were consumed in controlled, routine amounts and were deeply embedded in cultural and social practices, rather than considered drug use. The unique properties of kratom stem from its naturally occurring alkaloids. Mitragynine (MG), the most abundant, acts on multiple receptor systems in the brain, including serotonergic pathways (affecting mood and anxiety), adrenergic pathways (enhancing alertness and focus), and opioid receptors. 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OHMG), present in negligible amounts in leaves, acts on opioid receptors where it is more potent than morphine but is mostly produced in the body through metabolism of MG. In traditional use, daily consumption of 10 to 30 leaves resulted in minimal exposure to 7OHMG, contributing to its relatively low risk profile in Southeast Asia. Modern kratom products in the U.S. Today, some of the kratom products in New Hampshire and across the U.S. bear little resemblance to traditional teas. They are sold as powders, capsules, concentrated extracts, tinctures, shots, and even beverages. These products often contain highly variable and sometimes dangerously elevated levels of alkaloids, particularly 7OHMG. Some may be adulterated, mislabeled, or contaminated with heavy metals, microbes, or synthetic opioids. Advertisement Advertisement The modern U.S. kratom market has evolved in three waves: First Wave (~20102012): Raw leaf powders resembling traditional Southeast Asian use. Second Wave (~20142018): Solvent-based extracts with increased mitragynine and 7OHMG concentrations. Third Wave (~2019Present): Highly concentrated, lab-modified or synthetically made products enriched in 7OHMG, producing effects comparable to potent opioids and markedly increasing addiction and overdose risk. Because kratom is largely unregulated, consumers cannot reliably know what they are purchasing. Studies have found significant batch-to-batch variability, inaccurate labeling, and even products with 500% higher 7OHMG than natural leaf content. Why people in New Hampshire use kratom Many New Hampshire residents turn to kratom for natural management of chronic pain, anxiety, mood disorders, or fatigue. Some effectively use it as an opioid substitute, to taper or manage withdrawal, or when seeking to avoid prescribed opioids. Others use it recreationally. While some report perceived benefits, the current products carry real and sometimes severe risks, especially for adolescents, those with mental health conditions, and individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Addiction and dependence Repeated kratom use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction, especially in people with a history of substance use. This is especially the case with concentrated and 7OHMG laboratory made products labeled as kratom. Cessation after chronic use leads to withdrawal symptoms, which can resemble opioid withdrawal, including tremors, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, and intense cravings. Surveys of thousands of users show that about 1 in 4 meets criteria for kratom use disorder, and individuals with prior substance use disorders are nearly three times more likely to develop it. Regulation is a path forward New Hampshire has a chance to address this public health challenge responsibly, beginning with the debate over Senate Bill 557, which focuses on consumer safety, youth protection, and product standardization. Advertisement Advertisement Guidance for consumers: Those with a history of substance use disorders or significant mental health conditions should avoid kratom. Users should monitor for dose escalation, withdrawal symptoms, and daily-life interference. Pregnant individuals should avoid kratom due to potential neonatal dependence. Health care providers should be informed of kratom use, as it can interact with prescription medications. Talking openly about the reasons for use can also help identify safer, FDA-approved alternatives. Access to naloxone is advisable in case of overdose. Conclusion Kratom may hold therapeutic promise when used in controlled, standardized ways. But the products currently sold are unregulated and often unsafe, particularly the concentrated and synthetic 7OHMG formulations. Regulation that enforces age limits, product quality testing, and standardized labeling can reduce harm, balancing potential benefits with real-world risks. As rumors fly about an affair between Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski, a new report alleges the pair have been traveling together in a luxury jet fitted with a private cabin, ostensibly meant for high-profile deportations. Reports of the pairs romantic relationship initially took off in the tabloids. Then in a New York magazine expose published in September, one FEMA official called it the worst-kept secret in D.C. News: Olympics Uproar: Thousands Question Ice Dance Scores That Cost Americans Gold Everybody knows theyre together. Can I prove it? No, but theyre together, another person, a former Department of Homeland Security official, told the magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Noem, 54, and Lewandowski, 52, are both married with children. Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. The Wall Street Journal reprised rumors of an affair between Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski. Getty Images The two have denied the rumors, which have hounded them for years. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told HuffPost in an email Friday, This Department doesnt waste time with salacious, baseless gossipwe have actual work to do keeping the American homeland and its citizens safe. Something the last Administration failed to do for four years. According to the Rupert Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journals report on what it called constant chaos within Noems department, President Donald Trump and his top advisers have long been uncomfortable with the pairs relationship. Although Lewandowski wanted to serve as Noems chief of staff, Trump said no because of the affair rumors, according to the Journal. Officials told the newspaper that Trump continues to bring up the alleged affair. News: 'Major Travel Impacts' Expected As Winter Storm Watch Is Issued For Northern California Recently, the two have been traveling across the country in a luxury 737 MAX jet, with a private cabin in back, people familiar with the matter told the Journal. Official documents reviewed by the newspaper show that the luxury plane, which staff jokingly call Noems big, beautiful jet, is earmarked for high-profile deportations. Advertisement Advertisement A DHS spokesperson told the Journal that Noems plane was cheaper than military aircraft, and was used for both deportations and Cabinet-level travel. Noem has had a turbulent history with planes during Trumps second term. Last year, she reportedly authorized the purchase of 10 Spirit Airline planes before realizing that the airline didnt actually own the planes, and they also had no engines. In October, despite the then-ongoing government shutdown, the Trump administration bought two Gulfstream G700 jets for $172 million to be used by Noem and other leaders. Related... Read the original on HuffPost For my entire adult life, I've listened to self-described "constitutional" conservatives strut around like God's gift to the nation's conscience, as they lecture everyone on the importance of upholding the original intent of America's founding document. They've been oddly silent as Donald Trump's administration directly assaults the Constitution. He's not the first one to do it, but he is doing so more brazenly than others. Even if some "whataboutism" is appropriate, wouldn't it be more consistent for conservatives to criticize these assaults just as they criticized previous assaults under Joe Biden and Barack Obama? Cheeringor remaining silentas ICE agents arrest those who photograph them (First Amendment), carry out warrantless searches (Fourth Amendment), and ignore the directives of governors (10th Amendment) is the definition of hypocrisy. As the late conservative writer and Christian apologist Malcolm Muggeridge said, "An orgy looks particularly alluring seen through the mists of righteous indignation." Many modern American conservatives seem to enjoy this orgy of violence as it's carried out under state sanction, but aren't even committed enough to their "Constitution" bit to feign any righteous indignation at it. We've seen a few notable exceptions, but it's the latest example of how partisanship warps people's minds. Advertisement Advertisement But I figured the modern Right would at least draw the line at the one right they seem to place above every other right: the Second Amendment right to gun ownership. Here again the Republican administration has taken a living-and-breathing approach to the Constitution. Some conservatives have complained about the administration's recent comments on guns, but they haven't been as apoplectic as one would expect. "I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign," said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after ICE agents shot to death Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, per ABC News. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed those sentiments: "As Kristi said, you cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple." Trump also weighed in, calling the nurse an "agitator and, perhaps, insurrectionist." The evidence suggests no such thing, but that's MAGA: always double down. The hypocrisy is glaring, of course. Republicans have celebrated Kyle Rittenhouse, who killed two people and wounded another at a Black Lives Matter rally in Wisconsin. He testified that he acted in self-defense and a jury acquitted him, but he did in fact travel from Illinois to the protest with a firearm. Officers appeared to have taken Pretti's handgun from him before the fatal encounter, whereas the internet is full of photos of Rittenhouse carrying a semi-automatic rifle. Contrast conservatives' harsh critique of Pretti with this description from The Guardian of Rittenhouse's appearance at a Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix following his acquittal: "As Rittenhouse took the stage, thousands of cheering fans chanted his name, along with his own theme song, adapted from his name. Hosts asked if any women in the crowd wanted to go on a date with Rittenhouse, prompting loud cheers." Advertisement Advertisement So apparently the ban on carrying a gun "to any protest that you want" has exceptionsat least in Republican circles. The funny thing about the Constitution: It's meant to protect everyone from government overreach. The only way that constitutional rights mean anything is if they are applied equally to friend and foe alike. But then U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro compounded the administration's problem when she said in a recent Fox News interview: "You bring a gun into the district, you mark my words, you're going to jail. I don't care if you have a license in another district, and I don't care if you're a law-abiding gun owner somewhere else. You bring a gun into this district, count on going to jail and hope you get the gun back." That reinforced the idea that the Second Amendment is fine if, say, you cosplay at a pro-MAGA event or a coffee shop, but maybe not if you're protesting current federal policies. Politico reported that she backtracked after receiving criticism from some Republicans, but Pirro's new statement wasn't much better than the first one: She said she supports the Second Amendment, but "Washington, D.C. law requires handguns be licensed in the District with the Metropolitan Police Department to be carried into our community." Does that mean Republicans are now onboard handgun licensing? It's easy to get tangled up this way when one lacks consistent principles. To their credit, some gun-rights supporters did get agitated over this kerfuffle. After the administration's Pretti reaction, the pro-Trump National Rifle Association offered this mild rebuke: "The NRA unequivocally believes that all law-abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms anywhere they have a legal right to be." That's good practice. Maybe someday those who claim to champion the Constitution will do so more often, more consistently, and more vigorously. Advertisement Advertisement This column was first published in The Orange County Register. The post Kristi Noem's Response to ICE Killings in Minnesota Exposes Conservatives' Double Standard on Gun Rights appeared first on Reason.com. Palisades and Eaton fire victims could get a full year of mortgage assistance of up to $100,000 as part of an expanded mortgage relief program that Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday, Feb. 12. It came the same day as Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a civil investigation into the emergency response when the Eaton Fire broke out in west Altadena, a move thatll look at whether the Los Angeles County Fire Department delayed in notifying and evacuating a historically Black community, potentially violating state anti-discrimination and disability rights laws. In the aftermath of the devastating and deadly fires, fire victims have urged Southern California Edison to front emergency housing assistance and have spotlighted an often-arduous experience with their insurers. Among the recent efforts: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, L.A. City Councilor Traci Park and Palisade residents called for accountability among insurers and mortgage relief in Sacramento on Feb. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know. TOP A firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened. TOP Wind bends palm trees as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Trees line a street nearly one year after the Eaton Fire on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Residents dig through the remains of their family's home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 9, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A home burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Eaton Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has destroyed many homes and businesses. BOTTOM A construction worker walks through a construction site of a home that is being rebuilt nearly one year after the Eaton Fire destroyed it on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A burn scar is visible on the street in front of a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Wind pushes embers into a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on a burning home as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago is seen under construction on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Fencing surrounds a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters pull a hose in front of a burning home as the Eaton Fire moved through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A resident removes valuables from his home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on burning homes as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A view of a street that was ravaged by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP Fire engulfs a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Roses bloom on a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP A vintage car sits parked in front of a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 18, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec.18, 2025. TOP A resident inspects the remains of her home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 9, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Fencing surrounds a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters try unsuccessfully to get water from a hydrant as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A pedestrian walks by a former Bank of America building that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A business burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A sign remains standing at a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters attempt to put out a fire at a Bank of America as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A former Bank of America building that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. See dramatic before and after images from the Eaton Fire one year later 1 of 17 TOP A firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened. What is the mortgage relief program in California? The mortgage relief program known as CalAssist Mortgage Fund was expanded in several ways, according to Newsoms office on Feb. 12. People could see mortgage relief for 12 months up from three in a program that will cover up to $100,000 in payments that dont need to be repaid, according to Newsoms office. Those payments would go to their mortgage servicers. For those whove already received aid through the program, know that you may be eligible for additional assistance up to a total of 12 months, according to the CalAssist Mortgage Fund. Also at play is Assemblymember John Harabedians Assembly Bill 238, which passed last year. It requires mortgage servicers to offer mortgage payment forbearance for up to a year. In February, Harabedian announced legislation to extend it by two more years for the fire victims who are struggling to make timely mortgage payments, his office said. Advertisement Advertisement Despite AB 238s existence, Basss office said that homeowners have reported denials of forbearance requests. More: What do LA fire victims really need from Trump? Billions in federal aid California mortgage relief program income limits in 2026 go up Households in Los Angeles County with a combined annual income of up to $281,400 qualify for the mortgage relief, an increase from the $211,050 limit from October. But the program isnt exclusive to just those whove lost their homes to the Palisades and Eaton fires. People whose home was destroyed or determined to be uninhabitable as a result of the Franklin Fire, Mountain Fire, Bridge Fire, Airport Fire, and other recent disasters could be eligible for this program although the income limits do differ based on county. Advertisement Advertisement This assistance is open to those current on their mortgage payments, behind on payments, or in forbearance. When is the deadline for California mortgage relief program application? CalAssist Mortgage Fund said that the program will be open as long as funds are available. But since funds are limited, people interested are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later. Visit calassistmortgagefund.org for more information about eligibility and the application process. Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Newsom announces $100k in mortgage relief for LA fire victims This comes after reports that the USS George H.W. Bush would deploy to the region. The US will send the largest aircraft carrier in the world to the Persian Gulf to bolster its forces in the Middle East, The New York Times reported on Thursday. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships had previously been deployed in the Caribbean and, according to four anonymous US officials, were informed of their new destination on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Notably, this comes after reports that the USS George H.W. Bush would deploy to the region. The Wall Street Journal quoted an anonymous source as claiming that the Bush was performing training exercises off the Virginia coast and could potentially expedite those exercises. THE WORLD'S largest aircraft carrier, the US Navy nuclear-powered Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrives in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, December 1, 2025. (credit: Seaman Abigail Reyes/U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS) Concurrently, the Ford had originally been meant to be deployed in European waters, but was redirected to the Caribbean in order to participate in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The carrier is not expected to return to its home port in Norfolk, Virginia, until late April or early May, further extending an already lengthy deployment for its crew and delaying the implementation of planned upgrades and repairs. The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier and several other vessels are stationed in the Middle East. US ready to attack Iran if negotiations fail, Trump says US President Donald Trump told N12 on Tuesday that the United States is ready to attack Iran in case the negotiations with the Islamic Republic fail, and that he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. "Either we will make a deal, or we will have to do something very tough like last time," Trump said. Tobias Holcman contributed to this report. As most Gulf bourses experience gains driven by upbeat earnings, the Middle Eastern stock market is showing resilience amid fluctuating geopolitical tensions and economic conditions. In this environment, dividend stocks like Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff offer attractive opportunities for investors seeking stable returns, with a focus on consistent earnings performance and potential for growth. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In The Middle East Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Yeni Gimat Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi (IBSE:YGGYO) 4.54% Saudi Awwal Bank (SASE:1060) 5.78% National General Insurance (P.J.S.C.) (DFM:NGI) 7.20% National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah (P.S.C.) (ADX:RAKBANK) 6.36% Matrix IT (TASE:MTRX) 3.09% Dubai Insurance Company (P.S.C.) (DFM:DIN) 5.93% Computer Direct Group (TASE:CMDR) 11.66% Arab National Bank (SASE:1080) 6.26% Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik Anonim Sirketi (IBSE:ANHYT) 4.77% Anadolu Anonim Turk Sigorta Sirketi (IBSE:ANSGR) 3.80% Click here to see the full list of 50 stocks from our Top Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks screener. Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the production and distribution of dairy products, beverages, and various foodstuffs across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Poland, and other Gulf and Arab countries with a market cap of SAR7.05 billion. Operations: Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company's revenue is derived from two main segments: Beverages, contributing SAR1.66 billion, and Non-Beverages, accounting for SAR1.47 billion. Dividend Yield: 7.7% Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff's dividends have been stable and reliable over the past decade, with a yield of 7.71%, placing it in the top 25% of dividend payers in the Saudi market. However, this high yield is not well supported by earnings or cash flows, as indicated by a payout ratio of 104.5% and a cash payout ratio of 201.1%. Recent earnings showed slight sales growth to SAR 2.999 billion but a marginal decline in net income to SAR 477.39 million for 2025. SASE:2270 Dividend History as at Feb 2026 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Saudi Telecom Company, along with its subsidiaries, offers telecommunications, information, media, and digital payment services both in Saudi Arabia and internationally with a market cap of SAR223.44 billion. DENVER (KDVR) A lawsuit seeking damages has been filed against Sinclair after a mishap that led to diesel-contaminated fuel being sold at unleaded pumps at several gas stations across Colorado, damaging many customers vehicles. The lawsuit stems from Jan. 7, when fuel contaminated with diesel from HF Sinclair in Henderson was filled into the regular unleaded gasoline supply at dozens of various gas stations across the state, according to the Division of Oil and Public Safety. List of gas stations with contaminated fuel released: Heres what customers should do Advertisement Advertisement Customers who filled up gas from impacted pumps between 2 p.m. on Jan. 7 and 6 a.m. on Jan. 8 quickly noticed problems with their vehicles, such as stalling, ignition failure and other engine issues. Since then, the division said it has received over 1,000 complaints regarding the contaminated fuel, including one where the gas station allegedly failed to honor the customers claim. Drivers were instructed to file a claim with the gas station where they purchased the fuel. Some people have reported being reimbursed but having to sign a release waiving any future claims. Last month, officials with the division said the state was not likely to pursue monetary penalties after the incident, as it it is believed to be an accident that no one could benefit from. On Thursday, however, one man impacted by the contamination, Laird Dakos, filed a lawsuit in the Larimer County District Court against HF Sinclair Refining and Marketing LLC, and S&S Fuels, on behalf of himself and the Class, which includes any other Colorado individual who was impacted by the situation. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit states that even a small amount of diesel in a gasoline-powered vehicle can cause damage to spark plugs, clog fuel injectors, disrupt the air-fuel mixture, damage the fuel system and engine, and result in the need for expensive repairs like tank flushing, fuel injector service and even engine replacement One person previously told FOX31 that Sedgwick, a third-party claims administrator handling reimbursements for King Soopers, offered her $550 to cover her insurance deductible and a tank of gas, but she had to sign a release waiving future claims related to the incident. According to the lawsuit, repair for damages to Dakos vehicle was estimated to cost $5,300, on top of the $250 he paid for a tow. Court documents obtained by FOX31 cites C.R.S. 4-2-314, saying that a warranty that the fuel is merchantable is implied in the contract for its sale, and claims that by distributing and selling the contaminated fuel, Sinclair breached the implied warranty. Colorado is one of a few states that offers 85-octane gas: Heres why Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also cites the second restatement of Torts 402A, saying that the company is liable for harm caused to customers property regardless if the company exercised all care possible. The lawsuit seeks for a judge to certify the motion as a class action lawsuit, as well as grant awards to the customers impacted for actual and compensatory damages, pre-judgement and post-judgement interest, for costs of the lawsuit and other relief that the court deems just. State officials said in a statement to FOX31 on Wednesday that the investigation is still ongoing, and there are several more steps before a report can be publicly released. The division plans to have this done and make a determination on potential enforcement action by next week. FOX31 has reached out to Sinclair for comment and is awaiting response. Advertisement Advertisement For a full list of the gas stations impacted and information about what customers should do, click here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. At least 2 people are dead, and another was injured after a campus shooting on Feb. 12 at South Carolina State University, school officials said, the latest gun-related incident to rock a U.S. college community. A campus lockdown was issued at about 9:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, Feb. 12, after a reported shooting in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex, South Carolina State University officials announced in a statement. The school, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is about 45 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. Information about the victims' identities, the condition of the injured person, and whether the suspected shooter or shooters remain at large was not immediately known. USA TODAY reached out to the university for comment. Advertisement Advertisement 'I will know every victim': What we know after 8 killed in shootings at Canadian school, home School president: 'Our prayers go out to the victims and their families' In a statement addressed to parents, South Carolina State University President Col. (Ret.) Alexander Conyers confirmed that the injured victim is a student and that the two people killed in the shooting were visiting the campus as guests. "Our prayers go out to the victims and their families who were impacted by this incident," Conyers said in the statement, adding that a meeting on campus safety concerns took place with student leaders after the shooting. "We strive to provide a safe environment for our students and understand that recent gun-related crimes on campus could cause concerns for parents." Classes are canceled through Monday, Feb. 16, the president added. Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigators are investigating the shooting, authorities told USA TODAY. Law enforcement confirmed that three men were shot in the incident. "Information regarding the identities of the deceased will come from the Orangeburg County Coroners Office," the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said in a statement. "South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. More information may be available as the case continues." Student on latest shooting: 'A lot and very unnecessary' Founded in 1896, South Carolina State University has a population of over 3,000 students, according to the school website. The school is the state's only public historically Black university. The incident in South Carolina comes after the December 2025 mass shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine others. In October 2025, shootings on the South Carolina State University campus left one person dead and another injured as the institution hosted homecoming celebrations. Advertisement Advertisement Mekayla Tolar, a senior and a resident assistant for freshmen at South Carolina State University, admitted that the latest shooting has taken an emotional toll. Three deaths in first year is a lot and very unnecessary," Tolar said, WIS reported. "So I just do my best to be as affirming and reassuring as possible. It's a great place to be, to learn. But this does make it very difficult for children to want to come here and to want to stay here." Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Carolina State University shooting leaves 2 dead and 1 injured A remote mountain town in Canada has been shaken by the countrys deadliest school shooting in decades, when an armed assailant killed at least eight people. Police found six people dead and dozens injured when they arrived at the high school in Tumbler Ridge, a town of just 2,400 people in northeast British Columbia, early on Tuesday afternoon. The alleged shooter, who was found dead at the school with a self-inflicted injury, is believed to have killed two more people, whose bodies were discovered at a home in the township. Authorities revised the death toll to eight Wednesday afternoon, saying one of the victims who was thought to have died from injuries survived. Advertisement Advertisement Two victims were airlifted from the school to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. And about 25 other people were also being treated at a local medical center, police said. In an emergency alert which went out to residents phones, authorities described the suspect as a brown-haired woman wearing a dress, according to CNN affiliate CBC News. Police know the identity of the suspect but did not give further details, and declined to say if they were a child. Officers did not name any of the victims on Tuesday night and would not say how many of the dead were children. A grab from a video shows students exiting the Tumbler Ridge school after Tuesday's deadly shooting in British Columbia, Canada. - Jordon Kosik/AP We are not in a place now to be able to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy, said Superintendent Ken Floyd, the North District commander of the British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Advertisement Advertisement I think we will struggle to determine the why, but we will try our best to determine what transpired, he said. Mass shootings are rare in Canada, a country with much stricter gun laws than the US, and school shootings of this scale are almost unheard of. In 2023, 38% of homicides in Canada involved a firearm, while 76% of homicides in the US were firearm-related, according to an analysis by Canadas national statistics body using police-reported data from the Uniform Crime Reporting programs in both countries. Gun ownership in Canada is also far less common than in the US. According to the Small Arms Research project, there are 121 firearms for every 100 residents in the US compared to an estimated 35 guns per 100 residents in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Tumbler Ridge is a picture-postcard town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in western Canada, 680 kilometers (422 miles) from the US border. The massacre has left the tight-knit community reeling. I will know every victim. Ive been here 19 years, and were a small community, the towns mayor Darryl Krakowka told CBC. I dont call them residents. I call them family. The secondary school has just 175 students from Grades 7 to 12, according to the provinces website. Darian Quist, a 12th-grade student, told CBC that an alarm sounded soon after he got to class early Tuesday afternoon. When he realized it wasnt a drill, Quist and his classmates got tables and barricaded the doors, he said. Advertisement Advertisement As they waited in the barricaded room, Quist said some students began to share disturbing photos of what was actually happening elsewhere in the school, showing blood and things like that. Police eventually arrived to escort the students outside of the building. Waiting outside in the parking lot was Shelley Quist, his mother. Earlier, one of her coworkers at a nearby laboratory had asked if I knew what was happening at the high school. As reports trickled in, she began to realize what was unfolding. Its one of those things where you just never think this is going to happen. she added. Advertisement Advertisement Quist said she felt panic until she could see her son among the students safely escorted from the building. Recalling the experience in the evening, her son said the reality of it all was only starting to set in. The kind of thing that happens in other places The last school shooting of this scale in Canada was in 1989, when a gunman murdered 14 women at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. The massacre prompted a national reckoning about violence against women and led to tighter gun laws. This is the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places, and not close to home, British Columbia Premier David Eby said in a press conference Tuesday. We cant imagine what the community is going through. But I know its causing us all to hug our kids a little tighter tonight. Vehicles are parked outside the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10, 2026, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. - Trent Ernst/UGC/Reuters Police have not given any information on the type of gun used in Tuesdays attack. It is illegal to purchase an assault-style rifle in Canada the class of weapons used in several of the deadliest school shootings in the US. Advertisement Advertisement This is the second mass homicide in British Columbia in less than a year. Last April, a man drove his SUV into a crowd at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, killing 11. In the wake of the tragedy, schools in Tumbler Ridge have been closed for the rest of the week, according to the school district website. Larry Neufeld, the provincial member of parliament for Peace River South, which encompasses the town, called the shooting tragic and deeply disturbing in a statement posted to social media. This is a small, close-knit town, and the impact of an event like this is felt by everyone, Neufeld said. Advertisement Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence in a post to X. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Hira Humayun contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Over 50 students from Leon High School bailed on lunch and, protest signs in hand, began marching up Tennessee Street to call out U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for its part in President Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement policy. The students pushed past lunch to the early afternoon of Feb. 13, with a number saying they weren't concerned about getting in trouble. For them, the cause was worth more than a detention. Advertisement Advertisement "It felt like nobody was standing up for what was right. I've seen a lot of news articles, these types of things where people are being discriminated (against), killed, all these types of things," said sophomore Lucas Hunnewell, who was one of the organizers for the Leon protest. "The whole idea of ICE is that you're supposed to take out illegal immigrants who are actually committing bad crimes and hurting our community. I don't think that anybody who has come into this country illegally and has an intention to have a better life ... (has) to leave just because you think they don't look the right way." For Hunnewell, safety was key for the march. A number of students, himself included, wore reflective safety vests. Some parents were on scene; one mother was even passing around water bottles to students who were posted up at each corner of the intersection. Alongside Hunnewell was Malaly Gonzalez, a freshman who held a sign saying, 'Children should not fear their own parents' safety.' She said she was of Mexican heritage and that the fear building around this country has hit home for her. Advertisement Advertisement "I watch my dad fear to leave his house every day because he does not know if he is going to be racially profiled at his work," Gonzalez said. Amos P. Godby High School also was set to host their own protest, which students had allegedly planned without notifying teachers or school administrators. That protest was later canceled after an anonymous student claimed teachers were threatening disciplinary action. More than 50 Leon High School students left campus during lunch to protest ICE at the corner of Monroe and Tennessee Streets on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Tallahassee protests join others across country Protests against ICE have ramped up across the nation. High schoolers have joined into the First Amendment exercise as well, many staging walkouts during lunch and in some schools, sit-ins to make a point. The catalyst for student protests in the district started at Lincoln High on Feb. 2 as nearly 100 students marched off campus during lunch time, waving signs and shouting chants denouncing ICE policies. Advertisement Advertisement Days later, a group of students at Chiles High stood on the corner of Thomasville and Bannerman roads exercising their First Amendment right to protest. In the days following the Lincoln High walkout, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas released guidelines to school districts discouraging on-campus protesting during school hours. The Leon County School District also sent its own advisory to high school students and parents. Superintendent Rocky Hanna briefly addressed the protests during a school board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, repeating that students who leave campus and don't return will be disciplined in accordance with the student code of conduct unless they received prior parent approval. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon High students protest ICE, Trump's immigration policies Left-wing letters insult conservative readers It is very unfortunate Springfield, Missouri does not have a fair and balanced media to provide readers and viewers actual complete facts covering both sides of an issue. Whether the topic is illegal aliens, immigration law enforcement, tariffs, government foreign policy, voter IDs, gerrymandering or freedom of speech "interpretation," the media continually takes a left-wing position with no counter information/facts readily available to anyone doing the research. We get it every day from the "local" news stations who spend most of their "news" time taking potshots at the president, his cabinet and the GOP. Meanwhile the News-Leader/USA Today throws insults and incomplete facts in order to support left-wing Dems. This has continued year after year while we are continually fed the left-wing position of USA Today which does its best to trash Republicans. My advice to the News-Leader/USA Today and local news stations is "stop with the partisanship" and start trying to present balanced reporting. Southwest Missouri leans toward the right and insulting us continually only makes us more resolved to not trust the mainstream media (whatever that is) and look for other sources of information that will provide factual balanced information. My advice to your left-wing "opinion" contributors is include all relevant facts and stop with the insults. If you are attempting to reach every reader in southwest Missouri, insulting the reading audience is ineffective communication. To the News-Leader, a large majority of Americans believe "journalism" is dead. This belief is supported by the drop in newspaper distribution. Try harder! Advertisement Advertisement Ted Loar, Springfield Silence is compliance "If you see something, say something." That's a good attitude regarding any criminal, unethical, seedy, or just plain wrong act one might see or hear about. Too many of us are silent when we could speak up and tell someone. As silent witnesses, we're silent partners. Criminals, thugs, and bullies rely heavily on silent witnesses to help satisfy their frequent abuses of others. It's a big part of the equation. Many remain silent for fear of reprisal and uncertainty of eventual consequences. Some don't want taking time getting personally involved. Others opt for apathy, looking away and saying, "It's nothing to me." Advertisement Advertisement How do these help the victim? In the schoolyard, at the workplace, on social media, or just out and about, we all see (or hear about) abuses of power against others. As silent witnesses we become silent partners, needlessly allowing the abuses to continue. If you see something, say something ... don't be a silent partner! Kevin Corbin, Springfield Postal failures must be addressed We are sharing our experience because ongoing U.S. mail delivery failures in the Springfield, Missouri area are no longer isolated incidents. These disruptions are affecting daily life, personal finances, and access to essential information for many residents. Advertisement Advertisement We want to be clear: this is not an attack on our local postal carriers. We appreciate the hardworking employees who continue to serve Springfield and surrounding communities under increasingly difficult conditions. However, the seriousness and frequency of these failures point to systemic problems beginning at higher levels of leadership, from the U.S. Postmaster General through district and regional management. The consequences have been significant. We never received tax statements verified as sent to our correct Springfield-area address, missed critical health insurance documents, and repeatedly fail to receive our Springfield News-Leader. These are not minor inconveniences; they involve legal, financial, and health-related matters. Missing mail also raises serious security concerns. When mail containing confidential personal information goes missing, there is no way to know where it ended up or who may have access to it. This increases exposure to scams, fraud, and identity theft. Because of these ongoing issues, we no longer trust the U.S. mail for important matters. We now hand-deliver tax payments locally, avoid mailing anything critical whenever possible, and confirm receipt when mailing cannot be avoided. Previously, we were forced to stop payment on multiple checks that never reached their intended recipients. Advertisement Advertisement A reliable postal system is a basic public service. For communities like Springfield that depend on consistent delivery for medical, financial, and legal correspondence, ongoing failures are unacceptable. We encourage other Springfield-area residents experiencing similar disruptions to share their stories so accountability and meaningful reform can occur. Dave and Rhonda Troutman, Springfield Is our democracy in its final days? We are watching the dismantling of our democracy. The orderly and meaningful process of voting is without question under attack. To feed one mans insatiable ego, the FBI, and inexplicably the office of the Director of National Intelligence are in the process of "finding" the 11,780 votes that Trump demanded from Georgia. In service of a proven lie that the 2020 election was "stolen" protests are declared to be illegal and cause for invoking the Insurrection Act. When they do, there will be a fabricated pretext for militarizing the midterms and subsequent elections, if they are not canceled altogether. When this happens our democracy will be dead. There will be no recourse beyond civil war. Greed, desire for power, cowardice, unleashed bigotry, and apathy will have "put the final nail in the coffin" of America. Donald Trump and his cabinet have attacked the free press, have excused the murder of protesters, have ignored all judicial rulings with which they do not agree, have used all the means they can to marginalize the legislative branch, have taken majority control of the Supreme Court, have denied the right to bear arms to any who do not support their depredations. It is certainly possible that some form of civil war will be required to cut out this cancer. Perhaps there is a remedy that stops short of more "blood in the streets." The Constitution (remember that?) provides the remedy of impeachment. This would require that the Republicans in our Congress act with wisdom and courage. For this they and their constituents would have to look clear-eyed at what is actually happening. If they did, perhaps then we could take actions designed to allow our children and grandchildren to inherent a functioning democracy. If we dont do that, they will live under a totalitarian regime. Advertisement Advertisement We dont have much time. There is a possibility that it is too late. The way I see it, we have to try! Debby Baugh, Springfield Missouri patients deserve transparency, fairness in pricing On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the Missouri Senate held hearings in Jefferson City on Senate Bill 984, sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter, and Senate Bill 968, sponsored by Sen. Travis Fitzwater important legislation aimed at reforming Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and improving patient access to prescription medications. PBMs function as powerful middlemen between drug manufacturers, insurers, pharmacies, and patients. Yet their operations are largely hidden from public view, with pricing structures and reimbursement practices that often lack transparency and accountability. During the Senate hearings, community pharmacists from across Missouri shared firsthand experiences demonstrating how PBM practices directly impact patient care. These impacts are felt most acutely in rural and underserved communities, where independent pharmacies are often the only accessible healthcare providers. Advertisement Advertisement When PBMs reimburse pharmacies below the actual cost of dispensing medications, pharmacies are forced to absorb losses simply to serve their patients. Over time, this threatens the sustainability of local pharmacies and limits patient access to essential medications and trusted healthcare services. Patients may face longer travel distances, delays in care, or reduced services not because pharmacies are failing, but because the system is broken. These bills are not about protecting pharmacies they are about protecting patients. SB 984 and SB 968 would bring much-needed transparency, fair pricing standards, and accountability to a system that currently operates behind closed doors, affecting employers, taxpayers, and families across Missouri. Missouri patients deserve a prescription drug system that prioritizes access, affordability, and care over opaque middleman profits. I urge lawmakers to continue supporting these reforms as the legislation moves forward. Tim Mitchell, Mitchell's Drug Stores, Neosho Universal free school meals will make make Missouri healthy again If Missouri is serious about making our state healthier, we must stop treating chronic disease after it develops and start preventing it where risk begins. Universal free school meals are a practical, prevention-focused strategy that ensures every child has reliable access to food during critical years of growth and development. Advertisement Advertisement Food insecurity and inconsistent access to meals are directly linked to metabolic dysfunction, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Missouri is already seeing these conditions emerge at younger ages, locking individuals into decades of medical dependence and driving long-term healthcare costs tied to medications, bariatric procedures, hospitalizations, and disability. Universal free meals reduce these risks by guaranteeing consistent access to food at school. When meals are dependable, children experience greater metabolic stability and lower physiological stress both of which influence lifelong health outcomes. This stability supports healthier weight trajectories and lowers the likelihood of chronic disease that burdens Missouris healthcare system, particularly Medicaid. Universal access also removes stigma. Income-based meal systems leave some children behind, suppressing participation and increasing the likelihood of skipped meals. When meals are free for all, participation rises and children most at risk are no longer excluded. Reduced stigma and stress are themselves protective factors against long-term metabolic and cardiovascular disease. From a fiscal perspective, universal free school meals are a cost-control strategy. It is far less expensive to prevent chronic disease than to manage it over a lifetime. If Missouri wants to reduce medical spending, strengthen its workforce, and reverse the trajectory of metabolic illness, universal free school meals are not a social experiment they are a common-sense investment in a healthier future. Brooke Herrington, St. Louis This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Letters to the Editor: Media bias, postal failures, and democracy The sudden you might even call it brutal dismissal recently of a 30-year veteran of the Idaho Human Rights Commission is, sadly, all the proof anyone needs as to what has happened to the states Republican Party, and the man who pretends to lead it. Estella Zamora, of Caldwell, a longtime human rights activist with a stellar reputation that extends beyond Idaho, was first appointed to the commission by Democratic Gov. Cecil D. Andrus and re-appointed numerous times by Republican governors. Last summer, Gov. Brad Little again re-appointed Zamora. Then without explanation, Little abruptly withdrew Zamoras appointment this month, just as a state Senate committee was scheduled to consider her nomination. Little hasnt had the courtesy to explain himself to Zamora or to the public, but its clear his cowardly reversal was prompted by the manufactured outrage of the white Christian nationalists who call the shots in Idaho government. Advertisement Advertisement Brian Almon, who identifies himself as a Christian, husband, father, and descendant of American pioneers started the smears against Zamora by critiquing her Facebook page, particularly comments that deplored the recent violent excesses of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota. As Almon, a Washington state migrant who has worked for the state Republican Party and the extremely right wing Idaho Freedom Foundation, wrote: A quick perusal of Zamoras Facebook page shows constant agitation against President Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the rule of law in America. Almon said he worries about the way in which people like her are attempting to cast immigration enforcement as a human rights issue, rather than a rule-of-law issue. That is perhaps my biggest concern should she continue in her position on the commission. The IHRC already dabbles in left-wing social justice will it start to use its authority and weight to oppose immigration enforcement? Will it twist the rule of law into an explicitly racial or ethnic controversy? That and a social media post from state Senate President Kelly Anthon, a Burley Republican, appears to be all it took for Little to cave. Advertisement Advertisement But the crass treatment of a widely respected human rights advocate says much more about Littles evolution from principled conservative to hard right panderer than it does about Estella Zamoras perfectly reasonable concerns about a militarized federal police force terrorizing and killing people in the homes and streets of a major American city. For the record, the Idaho Human Rights Commission exists to implement the states own anti-discrimination law, and part of that responsibility is to advocate for, well, human rights and against discrimination for everyone. Zamora has spent her life on such work making sure everyone is treated fairly. It has no jurisdiction over ICE, but the commission can see human rights abuses that Brad Little and the state GOP opt to ignore. That Little was unwilling to defend Zamoras right to speak out, as millions of Americans are, against people being snatched without warrants, children being kidnapped from school yards and protesters being murdered finally signals that officially Idaho has given up any pretense of supporting human and civil rights. Rather than the party of the late Republican Gov. Phil Batt, who helped create the Human Rights Commission and devoted a lifetime to the simple but apparently now controversial notion that all humans have rights that must not be trampled, the Idaho GOP is consumed with disdain hatred even for anyone who disagrees. Advertisement Advertisement The party that once saw a Democratic governor, John Evans, work with a Republican attorney general, Jim Jones, to battle the neo-Nazi Aryan Nations now welcomes white nationalists with open arms. The once popular bipartisan idea that Idaho is Too Great to Hate has morphed into Idaho is Only for Angry White Men. The Idaho Republican Party devotes itself today to nasty debates about bathroom use, outlaws Pride Flags, censors library books, does all it can to marginalize the states LGBTQ+ community and is absurdly fixated on the tiny number of transgender Idahoans. The party leadership demands total fidelity to a man with 34 felony fraud convictions and insists that the violent lawlessness directed against people of color that we are seeing every day is merely normal law enforcement. As Brad Little seeks a third term as governor, its clear he has made his peace with his partys right-wing hatefulness. He might have chosen a different course from the beginning of his time as governor, but that would have required conviction, leadership and a willingness to confront extremism. He opted to embrace extremism instead. He now finds his political career defined by being on the wrong side of history. This sorry episode should and will taint whatever legacy he hopes to have. That he has refused to explain the extraordinarily unusual abandonment of one of his own appointees and couldnt muster the courage to tell Estella Zamora of his abandonment betrays Littles own unease with this recreant governorship. As a man without either conviction or courage, he is a true model for the modern elected Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the abject silliness of a right-wing activists attacks on a human rights activists support for human rights, the craven use by Brian Almon of the phrase the rule of law in the context of bashing Zamoras criticism of immigration enforcement is beyond bizarre. Over the last month federal judges from Massachusetts to Oregon have over and over condemned the Trump administration and its agents for disregarding the rule of law in its enforcement actions. There has been an undeniable move by the Government in the past month to defy court orders or at least to stretch the legal process to the breaking point in an attempt to deny noncitizens their due process rights, said Minnesota District Judge Michael Davis. Judge Patrick Schiltz, the chief judge on Minnesotas federal bench, recently said, ICE is not a law unto itself. The judge estimated, conservatively, that ICE had violated court orders by Minnesota judges 96 times in January alone. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Mary McElroy, a Trump appointee in Rhode Island, as Politico reported, recently ruled, It seems clear that the Court can conclude that the [administration] willfully violated two of this Courts orders and willfully misrepresented facts to the Court. Even more pointedly, Fred Biery, a federal judge in the Western District of Texas, granted a petition freeing an Ecuadoran man along with his 5-year old son who were legally seeking asylum. The man, Adrian Conejo Arias, and his son Liam were detained in Minneapolis and sent to detention in Texas all without a hint of due process. The case, Judge Biery wrote, has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children. This Court and others regularly send undocumented people to prison and orders them deported but do so by proper legal procedures. The judge added: Observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency. And the rule of law be damned. Advertisement Advertisement The true rejecters of the rule of law are those who unquestioningly applaud the tactics that Estella Zamora and millions of Americans abhor. These protests on Facebook, on the streets of Minneapolis and on the Idaho Statehouse steps do not make these Americans woke or radical Marxists or domestic terrorists. They are simply citizens who believe their own government has a responsibility to act within the law and to act with genuine regard for human rights. Make no mistake, the governors abandonment of Estella Zamora will not be the end of Idahos retreat on human rights. The commission has long been in GOP crosshairs. Littles cowardice will embolden those who demonize the very idea of human rights, and hes lost whatever moral advantage Phil Batts legacy provided him. The governors self-inflicted defenestration will make him politically weaker across the board. If he wont defend something as important as the free speech rights of a person who has devoted her life to helping people who most need help, then what will he defend? Better yet, why does he want to be governor again if he cant muster the courage to stand up against pressure and threats from a right-wing blogger? Advertisement Advertisement As Oregon District Judge Michael H. Simon wrote recently in enjoining ICE from deploying less-lethal munitions and chemicals at protesters, In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads. Brad Little came to the crossroads and chose the road most of his party has chosen to travel. Hes now firmly on the side of violence and lawlessness, and hes gutless enough to make an example of a 72-year-old woman who dared to speak truth to those with a perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty. Marc C. Johnson served as press secretary and chief of staff to Idaho Gov. Cecil D. Andrus. His latest book is Mansfield and Dirksen: Bipartisan Giants of the Senate published by the University of Oklahoma Press. The longtime pastor of a North Carolina Baptist church has been dismissed after serious allegations of a sexual nature, church officials said Thursday. The allegations against Marty Payton, former senior pastor of Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis, happened before he joined the church, according to a church statement to The Charlotte Observer. He previously worked as a pastor in Texas and Louisiana, according to his website. Advertisement Advertisement The church recently became aware of the allegations, according to the statement. The alleged actions did not include any other individuals in our congregation, according to the statement. Charity leaders took immediate action to address the matter, ensure the safety of the congregation, and provide care for all involved. Marty Payton is no longer on staff at Charity, the statement said. We grieve with all those impacted by sexual sin and its effects. Our faith in Jesus Christ is unwavering. He offers hope and healing to us all. Church declines to give specifics Efforts by the Observer to reach Payton and church officials by phone were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement No one responded to a voicemail left on Thursday morning with a phone number for Payton listed in public records. In a reply to the Observer from the church email account, the person responding said there would be no further comment beyond the official church statement. Payton was youth pastor at the church from August 2004 to August 2010, when he became senior pastor, according to his LinkedIn bio, which was taken down later Thursday. His website, MartyPayton.com, is down, according to a message on the site, and his Instagram profile is no longer active. Payton obtained his master of divinity in 2011 and his doctor of ministry in pastoral leadership in 2015, both from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., according to his former LinkedIn page. More on pastors background An archived version of Paytons website is available via the Wayback Machine. Advertisement Advertisement He said in his bio that he was born in Texas and moved between Texas and Louisiana before settling in Ruston, Louisiana. He also wrote that he worked at a church in Salina, Kansas, then in Lubbock, Texas. He then worked as a youth pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana, and also hosted a morning radio show on 88.7FM The Cross, according to the bio. President Donald Trump on Thursday revoked the 2009 endangerment finding, which has long been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. But in making the announcement, Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin made false claims regarding the government declaration, climate change, and energy. Here's a closer look at the facts. Advertisement Advertisement ___ TRUMP: Known as the endangerment finding, this determination had no basis in fact, had none whatsoever, and it had no basis in law. THE FACTS: This is false. The endangerment finding was adopted in 2009 by the EPA after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that greenhouse gases are air pollutants that can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. The idea that the endangerment finding has no basis in law is ludicrous, said Ann Carlson, a professor of environmental law at the University of California, Los Angeles. The Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. EPA specifically directed the Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. The endangerment finding is the result. Advertisement Advertisement Scientific evidence to support the endangerment finding was provided by the EPA at the time of its inception and is still available on the agency's website today. Multiple federal courts have upheld the endangerment finding since it was adopted 16 years ago. ___ TRUMP: We've basically stopped all windmills in this country. It's the most expensive energy you can get. THE FACTS: Onshore wind is one of the cheapest sources of electricity generation, with new wind farms expected to produce around $30 per megawatt hour, according to July estimates from the Energy Information Administration. Advertisement Advertisement This compares to a new natural gas plant, around $65 per megawatt hour, or a new advanced nuclear reactor, which runs over $80. Offshore wind is among the sources of new power generation that will cost the most to build and operate, at $88 per megawatt hour, the EIA said in July. ___ TRUMP, asked about the cost to health and the environment: It has nothing to do with public health. This is all a scam, a giant scam. This was a rip off of the country by Obama and Biden, and lets say Obama started it and got it rolling and a terrible rip off. THE FACTS: Thousands of peer-reviewed scientific studies connect health harms to climate change. They find increasing deaths from heat waves, extreme weather such as hurricanes and floods and air pollution from worsening wildfires. A 2021 study in Nature Climate Change calculated that globally about 9,700 people die a year from heat-related deaths attributable to human-caused climate change, based on data from 732 cities, including more than 200 in the United States. A separate study last year listed dozens of climate change health harms and concluded, using the EPAs own calculation method, that the health costs are at least $10 billion a year, probably much more. Advertisement Advertisement The science of climate change dates back nearly 170 years to studies done by American Eunice Foote showing that carbon dioxide heated cylinders with thermometers inside more than ambient air. The first national climate assessment, done in 2000, before Obama and Biden, concluded that climate variability and change are likely to increase morbidity and mortality risks. ___ ZELDIN: The Obama and Biden administrations used the endangerment finding to steamroll into existence a left-wing wish, including electric vehicle mandates. THE FACTS: Trump has made this claim before. There was no federal mandate to force the purchase of EVs. Advertisement Advertisement If you looked at some of the tables that were in the Biden rules, you could see that there were a variety of different ways that companies could comply with the standards, said Carrie Jenks, the executive director of Harvard Law School's environmental and energy law program. The endangerment finding nor the regulations mandated a shift from one type of vehicle to another. Former President Joe Biden did set up a non-binding goal that EVs make up half of new cars sold by 2030. Trump issued an executive order on his first day in office revoking that goal. Bidens policies tightened restrictions on pollution from gas-powered cars and trucks in an effort to encourage Americans to buy EVs and car companies to shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric cars. ___ Associated Press writers Seth Borenstein and Matthew Daly in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck. By Colleen Howe BEIJING, Feb 13 (Reuters) - A Chinese odd jobs mobile app has cancelled a service that let users hire proxies to bow to their elderly relatives during Lunar New Year family visits, sparking scrutiny of China's "hire-anyone-for-anything" service sector. Promotional images of the now-deleted service depicted an orange uniform-clad delivery worker on their knees bowing, forehead nearly on the floor, in front of a smiling elderly couple. Online responses ranged from outrage to mockery. Advertisement Advertisement "Filial piety should not be commoditised," one Weibo user said, referring to the culture of respect for and deference to older family members. Visiting loved ones and offering good wishes are an important part of the traditional Lunar New Year holiday, although bowing is not widely practised today. "After careful consideration, we have voluntarily removed the services that caused controversy," said odd jobs app UU Paotui, based in central China's Henan, in a Wednesday WeChat post. As of Friday, the app still offered a New Year greeter service - with immediate dispatch options - but the 999 yuan ($144.77), two-hour bowing-for-hire package was no longer visible. Advertisement Advertisement Buyers of the now-deleted bowing package could hire gig workers to buy and send gifts, "perform traditional etiquette", and offer "one minute of auspicious blessings" to loved ones, among other services. The services were meant to help people living far from their families and those with mobility issues maintain traditional customs, UU Paotui said, adding it would offer triple compensation to customers who had already booked. People who have moved away for work typically return home to visit their families for the most important festival on the Chinese calendar, creating a travel rush commonly referred to as the world's largest annual human migration. In a nod to the increasingly virtual nature of social life in China, UU Paotui suggested replacing the in-person visits with an app could help avoid awkward social interactions. Advertisement Advertisement "If you don't want to have social anxiety during the new year [celebration], the experience has to be online!" said a Monday Weibo post announcing the service. TIME-POOR CONSUMERS BOOST PROXY SERVICES Proxy services are not uncommon in China, where labour costs are relatively low and convenience is at a premium for urban consumers. Outside the holiday period, UU Paotui users can hire someone through the app to accompany them to hospital, feed their pets, or wait in queues at restaurants and other busy locations. A Wednesday commentary in the People's Daily, the Communist Party newspaper, called the bowing service "very awkward" and urged closer scrutiny of the proxy service industry. Advertisement Advertisement "Real innovation should meet needs while also safeguarding values," it said, pointing out that paying a proxy to cover work shifts, for example, could come with legal risks. The controversy comes amid increasing concern for China's often overworked delivery workers, who can sometimes be seen sprinting through shopping malls and residential compounds to deliver an order on time. President Xi Jinping met delivery workers on Wednesday to wish them a happy new year and acknowledge their hard work. "The city couldn't function without workers like you," he said. (Reporting by Colleen Howe, additional reporting by Tiffany Le; Editing by Kate Mayberry) At least 40 people have been killed and more than 16,000 others displaced after Cyclone Gezani slammed into Madagascars second-largest city earlier this week, as Mozambique braced for the storms arrival. Madagascars National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said on Friday evening that it had recorded 40 deaths, while six people remained missing and at least 427 others were injured. More than 16,300 people were displaced as a result of the storm, the agency added. Advertisement Advertisement Gezani made landfall on Tuesday at the Indian Ocean island nations eastern coastal city, Toamasina, bringing winds that reached 250km/h (155mph). Madagascars new leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has declared a national disaster and called for international solidarity, saying the cyclone had ravaged up to 75 percent of Toamasina and surrounds. Images from the AFP news agency showed the battered city of 500,000 people littered with trees felled by strong winds and buildings with their roofs blown off. Residents dug through piles of debris, planks and corrugated metal to repair their makeshift homes. Tania Goosens, Madagascar director of the United Nations World Food Programme, said the scale of destruction is overwhelming in Toamasina. The authorities have reported that 80 percent of the city has been damaged, she told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement The city is running on roughly 5 percent of electricity, and there is no water, she said, adding that the WFPs office and one warehouse were also completely destroyed. Residents walk past a flooded area in the city of Toamasina, on the east coast of Madagascar, on February 12, 2026 [AFP] Across Madagascar, more than 18,000 homes were destroyed by the cyclone, according to the BNGRC, with at least 50,000 damaged or flooded. Authorities say many of the deaths were caused by building collapses, as many give inadequate shelter from strong storms. The main road linking the city to the capital, Antananarivo, was cut off in several places, blocking humanitarian convoys, the BNGRC said, while telecommunications were unstable. Advertisement Advertisement The storm also caused major destruction in the Atsinanana region surrounding Toamasina, the disaster authority said, adding that assessments were still under way. Meanwhile, France announced the dispatch of food aid and rescue teams from its Reunion Island, about 1,000km (600 miles) away. China also offered about $14.5m in aid, Madagascars presidency announced. Mozambique issues warnings The cyclones landfall was likely one of the strongest recorded in the region during the satellite era, rivalling Geralda in February 1994, it said. That storm killed at least 200 people and affected half a million more. Gezani weakened after landfall, but continued to sweep across Madagascar as a tropical storm until late on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement It was forecast to return to cyclone status as it reaches the Mozambique Channel, according to the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre La Reunion (CMRS). Mozambican authorities issued warnings on Thursday about the approaching storm, saying it could cause violent winds and rough seas of 10-metre (33-foot) waves, while urging people to leave the expected impact area. Mozambiques weather service said it expected Cyclone Gezani to pass close to the city of Inhambane any time from Friday afternoon, before moving back out into the Mozambique Channel. People in Inhambane have been placing sandbags on their roofs to prevent them from being blown off by intense winds and barricading windows with sheets of corrugated iron. Advertisement Advertisement Both Madagascar and Mozambique are vulnerable to destructive storms that blow in off the Indian Ocean. Just last month, the northwestern part of Madagascar was hit by Cyclone Fytia, which killed at least 14 people. Mozambique has already faced devastating flooding from seasonal rainfall, with nearly 140 people killed since October 1, according to the countrys National Disasters Management Institute. California's proposed wealth tax may command the spotlight, but a broader push by states to adopt so-called "millionaire taxes" could have a much larger impact on the nation's top earners. Currently, six states plus the District of Columbia have enacted some form of a millionaire tax, while seven more are actively considering proposals. Together, these 14 jurisdictions are home to more than half of the nation's millionaire earners, according to IRS data and a Financial Planning review of state legislation. While wealthy residents are unlikely to support such taxes, financial advisors say there's generally "more of a stomach" for additional income-based taxes compared to total net worth taxes, like the one under consideration in California. Legislators in Washington, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Michigan, Virginia and Hawaii have all put forward various types of millionaire taxes for consideration. In Washington, one of nine states nationwide without an income tax, lawmakers have proposed a 9.9% surcharge on income above $1 million. Voters in the state have repeatedly rejected similar measures, most recently in 2010, when a proposal to tax adjusted gross income above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples failed at the ballot box. Even so, experts say the proposal stands a strong chance of clearing the legislature before the session ends next month. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson included a version of the millionaire tax in his December budget proposal, but said last week he would not sign it unless more of the estimated $3.5 billion in revenue is directed toward sales tax exemptions, business tax relief and an expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit. A handful of other states have proposed millionaire taxes in a bid to fund key budget items. In Illinois, House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and former Gov. Pat Quinn have voiced support for a millionaire tax. Legislation to amend the Illinois Constitution to allow progressive taxation and levy a 3% surcharge on income above $1 million is currently under consideration in the state House. Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a similar proposal , which seeks to impose a 4% surcharge on income above $1 million. Ohio Senator John Husted accepted thousands of dollars in donations from one of Jeffrey Epsteins alleged co-conspirators, before voting against releasing the Department of Justices files on the alleged sex trafficker. As long as Husted has been in office, he has accepted money from Les Wexner, the former CEO of Victorias Secret whose name was inexplicably redacted out of the Epstein files until earlier this week. The Ohio Republican has raked in more than $116,000 from Wexner since 2001, when he first entered public office as a member of Ohios state House of Representatives. Husted accepted $3,500 from Wexner as recently as Julyonly two months before he voted to block the release of the Epstein files, according to campaign finance records reviewed by TiffinOhio. In November, Husted, a steady MAGA sycophant, again voiced opposition to releasing files. But days later, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was passed through the Senate by unanimous consent. Advertisement Advertisement Husted wasnt the only one who accepted money from the Wexner: The billionaire doled out more than $250,000 in donations to Republican candidates in the past year, especially ones in his home state of Ohio, according to NOTUS. In June, Wexner gave $3,500 to Senator Bernie Moreno, and a month later, the Republican senator claimed that the frenzy to release the Epstein files was being fueled by the media and Democratsdespite mounting calls from members of his own party to release the documents. In September, he joined Husted in voting against the files release, before ultimately agreeing to support the Epstein Files Transparency Acts passage in November. Wexner also gave $3,500 to Republican Representative Mike Carey, as well as one Democrat, Representative Joyce Beatty. Wexner was among the six powerful men who had their names redacted by the DOJ, and his name appeared on a list of potential co-conspirators. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini compared what would happen if the agency shut down to what happened in Iraq in 2003. The United States is still not clear about how it sees the future role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), its chief said on Friday, warning that jettisoning it would create a black hole similar to Iraq after 2003. Washington was long UNRWA's biggest donor, but froze funding in January 2024 after Israel uncovered strong proof indicating that multiple members of UNRWA staff took part in Hamas's October 7 massacre. Advertisement Advertisement "There is no definitive answer, because the interest of the US is also to be successful in this process, and if you get rid of an agency like ours before you have an alternative, you are also creating a huge black hole," UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini told Reuters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "Remember what happened in Iraq in 2003 when the entire administration had been dismantled. There was no alternative, and people were left without any services," he said in an interview. No more cuts foreseen, Lazzarini says Lazzarini, who leaves his post at the end of March, said UNRWA did not foresee any more cuts in the immediate term and will continue to offer public health and education services. IDF finds Hamas weapons cache in UNRWA bag in Rafah, April 27. 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) He urged Gulf Arab countries to increase their support because their contribution did not match their strong expression of solidarity with Palestinian refugees. Israel's parliament passed a law in October 2024 banning the agency from operating in the country and prohibiting officials from having contact with it. OGUNQUIT, Maine Maine Elder Justice Investigator Candice Simeoni sat in her office and on her computer called up the definition of beacon, the word after which her York County Elder Abuse Task Forces new headquarters is named. In the figurative sense, its someone who shines brightly to light the way, offer hope, empower others, or stand for justice and truth, often through positive actions, words, or a magnetic, wavering presence, Simeoni said. Simeoni and her task force are united in their mission to protect, advocate for, and enrich the lives of Maines seniors. Is it any wonder, then, that the name of their new headquarters at 102 Main Street is Beacon Cottage? Maine Elder Justice Investigator Candice Simeoni is seen here in her new office at Beacon Cottage on Main Street in Ogunquit, Maine, on Feb. 9, 2026. And the word also provides Simeoni and the task force with an acronym that reflects their mission: Belonging. Education. Advocacy. Community. Outreach. Networking. Advertisement Advertisement Cottage also works, Simeoni added, because of the warm and welcoming tone the word sets. If you look at the building, which previously housed the Ogunquit Police Department and the local Chamber of Commerce, it resembles a cottage more than an office complex, given the trees that surround it. Now open, Beacon Cottage is a place where Simeoni and the task force can conduct interviews, hold meetings, and attend to their other responsibilities. Its also a place where seniors can stop by three days a week to share any concerns they might have, address issues they are having with their computers, borrow a book from a small library, and gather for assorted clubs and sessions. Simeoni, who is a police officer in Kennebunk, became the states first-ever elder justice investigator last summer, after successfully lobbying the U.S. Congress and others to take the protection of seniors in Maine to the next level. Her efforts paid off when the states public safety department secured $300,000 in federal funds for a two-year pilot program led by Simeoni. Located at 102 Main Street in Ogunquit, Maine, Beacon Cottage is the new headquarters for the York County Elder Abuse Task Force and a place where seniors can go for assistance, advocacy, and opportunities to socialize and seek support. Simeoni has headed the countys elder-abuse task force for 20 years. She is continuing that role, but now through 2027, she is partnering with law enforcement agencies throughout Maine to investigate cases, train and educate first responders, and research the prevalence and nature of crimes against the states older population. Advertisement Advertisement Simeoni may have gained a new role last summer, but she lost an office, as the Kennebunk Police Department needed her space at the station for her successor. For the first few months of this pilot program, Simeoni worked out of her home and yearned for an official space to carry out her work. That opportunity came in December, when the town of Ogunquit contacted her and offered her the quaint, cottage-looking building on Main Street. The space became vacant when the Ogunquit Police Department moved into the new town hall on School Street earlier that month. More: Ogunquit Playhouse details $62M makeover and how its being funded A place where seniors can stitch, share, and stay safe In the weeks leading up to Beacon Cottages recent soft opening, Simeoni rolled up her sleeves and transformed the former police department and Chamber office into a haven for her task force and for local seniors. She painted walls, washed carpets, and figured out spaces where the needs and interests of local seniors can be met. And, for the first time in her life, she even tried her hand at wallpapering. Advertisement Advertisement One room serves two purposes. On one side, seniors can borrow books stacked on a small table. Photography collections, fantasies, romances, crime stories, and more are among the selections. Currently, Im in a Department of Justice National Book Club that focuses on the aging population, so Im going to mimic that here, Simeoni said. York County Elder Abuse Task Force members Linda Bridges, left, and Karen Connolly, are seen here in their new office at Beacon Cottage in Ogunquit, Maine, on Feb. 9, 2026. On the other side of the room is a space that soon will become a technology hub, where seniors can learn digital literacy, make appointments, send emails to or have face time with family and friends, and learn about online safety, fraud prevention, and consumer education. Simeoni said that the task force is contracting with York County Community College and will have an intern who will visit the cottage once a week, or so, to help seniors with their technology questions and concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Another room is a gathering space, currently adorned with two comfortable rocking chairs, with more amenities to come. In this room, seniors will be able to meet and knit, quilt, or crochet, discuss books, socialize, and find support. Were going to do healthy workshops here on a monthly basis, whether its healthy eating, brain health, aging, stretching, fall prevention, Simeoni said. The gathering room will also be used for widow support groups. Were going to encourage those who have lost a loved one to come here for group sessions, Simeoni said. A wish list for the gathering room is on the wall for any potential donors to take note: a smart TV is needed for the space, as well as yarn, gallon-sized Ziploc bags, more rocking chairs, a floor lamp, essential oils for a diffuser, blank journals for writing, and a new rug. Advertisement Advertisement For Simeoni, one of the rooms is available for interviews, fingerprint-taking, booking, and other responsibilities related to her job. The room is subtle and quiet, Simeoni said, and its situated so that seniors will not be affected by any proceedings there. This room brings the justice portion of this cottage to life, Simeoni said. More: York Selectboard: MaineHealth is right partner for hospital merger Beacon Cottages first event set for March 4 For now, Beacon Cottage is open to the public Mondays through Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those days and hours may increase at some point, but Simeoni said right now she is working on establishing the balance between being available for public visitors and completing the work she needs to do as an elder justice investigator. Advertisement Advertisement One of the cottages first upcoming events will be a meet-and-greet on March 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. The occasion will provide opportunities to learn about the Maine Golden Beauty Pageant that will be held at the Sanford Performing Arts Center this fall. Simeoni expressed a huge thank-you to Ogunquit Town Manager Matthew Buttrick and others for offering her and the task force the vacant space for their headquarters. She said the new headquarters is a show of support that will help her demonstrate in 2027 that her position as elder justice investigator will be worth continuing in Maine when the pilot program expires. Its one of the most humbling gifts of my entire career, she said. Were pouring everything into this place. Were grateful, and we believe in it. Its something that weve always dreamed of. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maines first elder justice investigator finds a home base in Ogunquit In the wake of a lengthy cold snap that caused natural gas prices to spike to their highest level ever across New England, Maine policymakers met this past week to dissect the resulting rise in electricity costs and broach potential solutions. On Jan. 27, Massachusetts saw the highest natural gas price ever recorded since grid operator ISO-New England updated its pricing database in 2003, according to energy news outlet RTO Insider. The impact on wholesale electricity prices was stark. That day prices on the New England grid soared to $441.8/MWh by one metric, compared with an average of $135.08/MWh in January 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Cold snaps like those that recently gripped Maine cause natural gas prices to skyrocket and electricity prices along with them, said Philip Bartlett II, chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Thats because natural gas accounted for 55 percent of total electricity generation on the New England grid in 2025, according to ISO-New England, and is turned to when electricity demand is at its highest. The biggest challenge we're facing right now is affordability, Bartlett said at a Feb. 5 legislative forum hosted by nonprofit E2Tech in Augusta. We're seeing upward pressure on every component of the bill. Nationally, Maine saw the third-highest increase in average retail electricity prices between 2014 and 2024, The Maine Monitor previously reported. Average prices shot up 55 percent over the decade. Electricity prices climbed even higher at the end of last year and into the start of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Bartlett also tied rising costs to the aging transmission infrastructure that delivers electricity to Maine homes. Some parts of the grid are 50 to 70 years old, Bartlett said, and the costs to repair or replace them is racking up. A February report compiled by consultants with the Brattle Group for the Maine Department of Energy Resources went into greater detail, adding that Maine ratepayers are still paying $20 per month on average to repair electric infrastructure damaged by winter storms in 2024. Those payments could end soon, according to Brattle Group economist Dean Murphy, though the threat of future storms will linger. Like Bartlett, Murphy explained that the recent uptick in electricity rates is a symptom of high natural gas demand and minimal pipeline capacity across New England, which have caused gas prices to rise exponentially. Advertisement Advertisement The New England grid dispatches the cheapest resources first wind, solar and nuclear but relies on natural gas for periods of especially high electricity demand, such as during extreme cold. "When those pipelines get full, and there's a limited amount of capacity, prices tend to spike, Murphy said at a Feb. 11 online presentation of the report. We've seen that very dramatically in the last couple of weeks, when natural gas prices in New England got to, I believe, the highest level ever. Cornerstone energy policy consultant Jeremy Payne was blunt at the Augusta legislative forum about what he sees as impeding Maine from diversifying energy sources to lower electricity prices long term. Its taking too long for generation projects such as wind or solar farms to get through initial state environmental review and ultimately connect to the New England grid, said Payne, who is the former long-time director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association. Advertisement Advertisement Moving forward, he added, Maine ought to bring in a third party reviewer to supplement the states work and speed up environmental permitting. Then it should find a way to incentivize developers to build energy projects where theyre most needed, he said. Otherwise, Payne said, energy companies will leave the state. There are 49 other states competing for this investment capital, and, if we make it too hard, they're just not going to look here anymore, Payne said. Ultimately, applicants need to be able to get ideally a yes. But they'll even take a no; they just want to get to an answer. Bartlett with the Public Utilities Commission was similarly direct about the approach he believes Maine should take to lower electricity prices. Maine needs to enhance the grids load flexibility its ability to efficiently dispatch and conserve electricity during periods of high demand, he said, echoing the findings of the Brattle Group report. Advertisement Advertisement There's a lot we need to do both in terms of replacing outdated assets but also modernizing the grid so that it can accommodate and other that we want to put on the grid, and make it much more flexible. There are currently efforts underway to bring more renewable energy sources to Maine and broader New England. For example, the Public Utilities Commission has a proposal request out for renewable energy projects in northern Maine and an accompanying transmission line. Being overly reliant on natural gas when we have a pipeline constraint system is just not workable, Bartlett said. Adding more capacity to the grid to accommodate more renewable energy projects, however, would cost ratepayers more in the short term. The Public Utilities Commission is trying to find the balance between price and stability, Bartlett said. You can see a future where we can get a lot of these different pieces stabilized and improved, but the path to getting there becomes so much more complicated when people are really struggling to pay the bill, Bartlett said. KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Malaysia's government will form a special committee to investigate allegations against the country's anti-corruption chief, the communications minister said on Friday, following a media report alleging a breach of shareholding laws. The task force will be led by the country's Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said during his weekly press conference. Earlier this week, Bloomberg cited a corporate filing from last year as saying that Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki held 17.7 million shares in a financial services company that were currently worth about 800,000 ringgit ($205,000), well above the 100,000 ringgit limit allowed for public servants. Advertisement Advertisement Bloomberg in a later report on Thursday said that MACC officials were also helping a group of businessmen to seize control over companies, citing internal documents and interviews with witnesses. Reuters has not independently verified the report. "After the investigation is completed, it will be reported back to the Cabinet for any follow-up action. This is an effort to ensure the aspects of transparency and integrity of the investigation process," Fahmi said. Fahmi did not specify which allegations would be investigated. Azam said earlier that he was willing to be investigated by a government committee amid calls for him to step down, adding that he had "nothing to hide" as all his financial and asset declarations have been made according to public service laws. Advertisement Advertisement "I am confident that the truth will prevail through a fair and independent process," he said in a statement. The report prompted opposition lawmakers and civil society groups to renew demands for Azam's resignation and call for major reforms to the anti-graft agency, including the removal of the prime minister's power to appoint the MACC chief. Azam's trading activities faced similar scrutiny in 2022 over allegations that he owned millions of shares in two publicly listed companies in 2015 and 2016. The securities regulator said at the time it was unable to determine whether he had broken the law. ($1 = 3.9030 ringgit) (Reporting by Danial Azhar and Ashley Tang; Editing by John Mair and David Stanway) New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday announced the long-awaited restart of four major street redesign projects aimed at speeding up buses, protecting cyclists, and improving safety in neighborhoods across the city. "This city's bus and bike lanes connect millions of New Yorkers who live far from subway lines," Mamdani said, noting that years of neglect have left riders facing slow commutes, unsafe streets, and daily frustrations. "As we would say on the day before Valentine's Day, they haven't gotten the love that they deserve." Mamdani is reversing course on two major transit decisions made by the Adams administration, including plans to move forward with offset bus lanes on Fordham Road in the Bronx. Advertisement Advertisement Many riders have complained that buses move extremely slowly in this busy corridor. Fordham Road, the busiest bus corridor in the borough, will receive new bus lanes to improve chronically slow speeds for the 130,000 riders who rely on it. Buses there often "creep along at four miles per hour," Mamdani said. Based on similar projects in Queens, the city expects up to a 20-28% speed improvement once the redesign is complete "The buses can only move as fast as the conditions at the street level allow. That's why today's announcement is so important," said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. Advertisement Advertisement The issue, transit officials say, is that drivers park in curbside lanes, blocking buses and causing significant delays. The dedicated lanes, set away from the curb, are designed to speed up bus service and eliminate problems caused by illegally parked cars. Some business owners have opposed the plan, arguing that hundreds of businesses would be affected. The DOT approved the same plan two years ago, but it was canceled by the Adams Administration, after local merchants complained that losing car lanes would hurt business. "What do you do when you go to a store and it becomes too difficult to get there? You find another store. So people are going to say, 'Gee, where else can we go if we can't get to Arthur Avenue?'" said David Rose of Fordham Road Business Improvement District. Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani said working-class residents have endured unreliable and sluggish transit for far too long. "In a city where time is money... too many New Yorkers have seen their precious time treated with casual disdain," he said, describing 25-minute winter waits followed by buses that "move at five miles an hour" and get riders home long after sunset. For others, it doesn't go far enough. The Riders Alliance wanted Fordham Road to be closed to cars entirely-like the busway on 14th Street. "It's really important to invest the time and energy and come back until we get it right, until the bus is much faster and riders are saving a lot of time," said Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani also announced the installation of a two-way, protected bike lane on Ashland Place in Brooklyn - a project also shelved by the Adams administration. The plan addresses a notoriously dangerous block known among cyclists as "Crashland." The project will convert the southernmost block of Ashland Place from a two-way street to a one-way street and add a two-way protected bike lane. Completing this final segment will create a shared street featuring expanded pedestrian space and a continuous protected bike route from Sunset Park to DUMBO, with connections extending to Greenpoint and Queens. Advertisement Advertisement In central Brooklyn, where ten schools sit along a high-injury stretch, the city will install parking-protected bike lanes on Brooklyn and Kingston Avenues, along with a new protected loop around a neighborhood park. Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, the corridors recorded 65 injuries, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for 60% of serious injuries. Standard bike lanes will also be added to 14 additional streets in Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood, along with intersection upgrades to improve visibility and safety. Protected bike lanes have been shown to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries by 18% for all street users. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Zohran Mamdani met with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Thursday afternoon to discuss "shared values" between the two in keeping their cities safe. Frey, who is visiting New York City, has been vocal about his opposition to the influx of ICE agents in Minneapolis and the tactics they're using following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. City Hall released a statement saying that the two mayors "discussed their shared values when it comes to keeping our cities safe, as well as standing up for our vibrant immigrant communities." Advertisement Advertisement Following their meeting, Frey posted on social media that he had a productive discussion with Mamdani about public safety. "Today I had a meaningful conversation with @NYCMayor about the reality local governments are facing. When federal government targets immigrant communities, it's cities that feel it first - and cities that step up," Frey said. "We're building a coalition of mayors ready to lead." Today I had a meaningful conversation with @NYCMayor about the reality local governments are facing. When federal government targets immigrant communities, its cities that feel it first and cities that step up. Were building a coalition of mayors ready to lead. pic.twitter.com/1MqFonqQmn Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) February 12, 2026 ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More Manhattan news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to over half a decade in prison for a series of drug and gun crimes, some of which happened in Puyallup. According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Dennis Aguilar Huisa was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Feb. 11 to six years in prison and three years of supervised release. Huisa was arrested three times over 15 months for possession of fentanyl pills and/or powder, methamphetamine, cocaine and a firearm, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Huisa was living in a hotel in Des Moines at the time of his third arrest on Nov. 1, 2024, and has been in custody since then. His charges stem from three incidents that happened between August 2023 and November 2024. First arrest: 1,000 fentanyl pills The first incident happened on Aug. 15, 2023, when the Puyallup Police Department found Huisa on the side of the road, the release said. Huisa said his car had overheated and he and a passenger were waiting for the engine to cool down. The police officer noticed that the license plate on the car did not match the type of vehicle listed in the registration, the news release said. Huisa was removed from the car while law enforcement determined whether the car or the license plates were stolen. Officers impounded Huisas car and found over 1,000 fentanyl pills, suspected fentanyl powder and a scale with drug residue, the release said. Second arrest: Child taken to hospital Huisas second arrest happened in Puyallup on Sept. 7, 2024, when PPD received a report about a 9-month-old infant who wasnt breathing, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement worked to get the child to respond and breathe, Central Pierce Fire and Rescue responded and continued to work on providing aid to the child, the release said. When officers investigated, they allegedly found that Huisa had given the infant two doses of Narcan, which is a nasal spray designed to reverse opioid overdoses. This led officers to believe Huisa had given the child drugs, the release said. Huisa gave permission to search the box truck. Law enforcement located approximately 115 blue fentanyl pills, the release said. On Huisa they found fentanyl powder and over $16,000 in cash. Officers took the child to Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital and gave the child Narcan, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement The childs blood tested positive for fentanyl, amphetamine, and oxycodone, the release said. The child survived. Officials released the baby to Child Protective Services, The News Tribune previously reported. The News Tribune reached out to Peter Camiel, Huisas attorney. Camiel declined to comment about the case, except to say that Huisa did not give the child drugs. He didnt intentionally do that, Camiel told The News Tribune. It was an accident. Third arrest: Fentanyl powder, methamphetamine and cocaine Huisas third and final arrest happened on Nov. 1, 2024, when the Auburn Police Department served a search warrant at the Des Moines hotel he was staying in. When they came to the hotel room, officers found small packages of fentanyl powder packaged for sale, which Huisa had been trying to flush down the toilet, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Officers found additional fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, and cocaine in other places around the room, the release said. Officers once again searched the box truck Huisa had been driving and found two kilograms of fentanyl powder and a Polymer 80 ghost gun a gun made without a serial number. After his third arrest On March 12, 2025, Huisa was charged with four counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of money laundering, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. A grand jury indicted him on the charges on March 26, 2025. On Nov. 12, 2025, the release said, he pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and money laundering. The financial investigation revealed that between July 2022 and September 2024, Huisa had made about $370,000 in cash deposits to his bank account the proceeds of drug dealing, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement The release said Huisa told the court he felt guilty for what he had done. [I am] very ashamed and cannot forgive myself for what I have done to my daughter, Huisa told the court, according to the news release. ... I did not come here to deal drugs. In a memorandum his attorney submitted to the court before his sentencing, Camiel said Huisa needs to be held accountable, but that the court should take his hardships into account. Mr. Aguilar Huisa is a thirty eight-year-old man whose life has been shaped by instability, trauma, and addiction. He has endured significant hardships and losses throughout his childhood and adult life, Camiel wrote. ... This case represents his rock bottom. He deeply regrets his actions in this matter and the impact they had on others, including his own child. Huisa will likely be deported to Honduras after his prison sentence, the release said. A man was found guilty on Friday of killing his brother and his brother's entire family inside their home in Colts Neck in 2018, in one of the biggest murder cases in New Jersey in years. Paul Caneiro was found guilty of killing his brother Keith, and his brother's wife Jennifer, and their two children Jesse and Sophia. In addition to the murder counts, Caneiro was also found guilty for several other charges, including two counts of aggravated arson, possession of firearm for unlawful purpose, possession of knife for unlawful purpose, theft, misapplication of entrusted property and hindering ones own apprehension or prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement The jury reached the verdict on Friday, after just a few hours of deliberations. The trial for the November 2018 murders began last month. Keith was found fatally shot outside his Colts Neck home, his wife, Jennifer shot and stabbed inside along with the couple's kids who had also been stabbed. Prosecutors claim that after the murders, Paul set his own house on fire in Ocean Township, New Jersey, as a way to cover up the crimes by burning evidence and making authorities believe he too was a victim. Hours later, authorities learned about the earlier murders of Paul's brother and family. That's when they started to investigate Paul as a possible suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say the motive for the cold-blooded slayings was money, and was part of an insurance fraud scheme. The brothers owned two businesses together in Asbury Park. Part of the defense effort to raise reasonable doubt was that police never investigated another brother in the family. Caneiro will face a maximum of multiple life sentences without parole, and is scheduled to be sentenced in May. * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * Follow us on YouTube * More local news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. NEED TO KNOW An armed man allegedly held four people, including children, hostage during a standoff in California Authorities were able to safely evacuate the alleged victims from the home The victims may have been held in the home against their will for days, the Irvine Police Department said A California father wielding a machete allegedly held his family hostage in their home on Wednesday, Feb. 11. A spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department said in a statement on X that four people were being prevented from leaving a home just after 2 p.m. local time. Advertisement Advertisement We rapidly responded to the area and determined there was one suspect downstairs, and four people, and then upstairs third floor bedroom, the Irvine Police Department spokesperson said. The Orange County Fire Authority assisted with the safe evacuation of those trapped by using ladders. Over the last few hours, weve been working to safely resolve the situation, and Im happy to report the suspect was just taken into custody. We appreciate the communitys patience as we work through this complex situation, and as always, we work hard to resolve these situations in a peaceful and safe manner, the spokesperson concluded. Earlier Wednesday, the police department said it had a large police presence in the area of Terrapin and Cadence as we investigate a family dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Those in the area were asked to keep their distance, if possible. Once the four individuals were rescued, police added, One suspect is believed to be inside the home and is possibly armed with a machete. We are working on a peaceful resolution. Roughly one hour later, police said the situation was still ongoing, noting that they were using a loudspeaker to communicate with the suspect from a safe distance. Officers are deploying an irritant into the home to encourage the man to come out peacefully. We are advising people nearby to go inside and close their windows and doors. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this situation, the department tweeted about an hour later. Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday evening, Irvine Police Department's public information officer Kyle Oldoerp said in a video update shared via X. A SWAT team assisted the Irvine Police Department, CBS News reported, also sharing pictures from the scene. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Police were first alerted when a separate family member who was not present called authorities to report that someone was armed with either a knife or a machete, the news station said during a live broadcast. After speaking with police, the outlet learned that there were children inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement It's possible the family was being held in the home for days, Oldoerp told The Orange County Register. A drone was also used to get a better grasp of the situation. The identity of the suspect was not made public as of Thursday, Feb. 12, and the motive has not been made public. The incident remains under investigation. Read the original article on People Seattle police are investigating after a man was reportedly shot in the chest in Seattles Columbia City neighborhood yesterday. According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), officers first responded to reports of a shooting along South Angeline Street at about 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Arriving officers found a 33-year-old man who had been shot in the chest. He was taken to the hospital by Seattle Fire Department medics in serious condition. Police say they have detained a man for questioning. This is preliminary information, SPD says, and more details will be released when available. Louisville police are investigating a fatal shooting in the California neighborhood that left a man dead Thursday night. Officers from LMPDs Second Division responded to the 1600 block of Garland Avenue just before 10 p.m. where they found a man on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by officers and EMS to render aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 38-year-old Jashaun Brown. Advertisement Advertisement LMPD's Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call LMPD's anonymous tip line at (502) 574-5673 or utilize LMPD's Crime Tip Portal online. Residents in the area who may have captured video on their phones or have surveillance footage are also encouraged to share it with investigators. Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users. A man shot after he went to an Antioch home to buy a car listed on Facebook Marketplace has died and police are searching for the suspected shooter. Alexander E. Sanchez-Montilla, 41, suffered gunshot wounds to both legs around 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the home on Winton Drive, Nashville Police said in a statement. The victim went to into the garage of the home for several minutes before there were gunshots. He was hit as he ran from the garage, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez-Montilla called 911 himself as a friend drove him to Stonecrest Medical Center in Smyrna. He was airlifted from Stonecrest to Skyline Medical Center, where he died early Feb. 13, police said. Police identified the suspected shooter as 21-year-old Jonathan A. Gonzalez. Warrants charging Gonzalez with attempted criminal homicide, felony reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, use of a gun in the commission of a dangerous felony and vandalism were issued overnight. The attempted criminal homicide charge will be amended to criminal homicide with the death of Sanchez-Montilla, police said. Anyone with information about Gonzalez, also known as Juan David Gonzalez, or his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Facebook Marketplace sale in Nashville ends in gunfire, death The FBI has arrested a man accused of the 2000 rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia. Alexis Flores has been on the run for more than 20 years after he was accused of the rape and slaying of I'riana DeJesus. FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Flores had been apprehended in Honduras in an X post on Wednesday. He wrote that after more than two decades at large, this arrest proves time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice. Advertisement Advertisement Flores was arrested for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, according to the FBI. There is no statute of limitations prohibiting prosecutors from bringing murder charges against Flores. I'riana was first reported missing in late July of 2000. On August 3, 2000, the girl was found strangled to death inside a Philadelphia apartment building. Alexis Flores was arrested in February 2026 by the FBI for his alleged involvement in the 2000 rape and killing of 5-year-old I'riana DeJesus in Philadelphia. Flores was arrested in Honduras, where he had lived since his 2004 deportation (FBI) Officials identified Flores as a possible suspect in the girl's kidnapping and murder after he was arrested for forgery in Phoenix in 2004. Immigration officials at the time deported Flores to Honduras. It was only after he was deported that DNA analysis allegedly linked him to the girl's death. Advertisement Advertisement "Thanks to relentless work by our international partners and FBI personnel, a fugitive accused of an unthinkable crime against a child is now in custody and on a path back to the United States," Patel wrote. Flores has remained at-large since then and was added to the FBI's top 10 most wanted fugitives list in 2007, and remained on the list until 2025. In 2023, a reward for Flores' arrest was increased from $100,000 to $250,000. This individual had been on the run for over 20 years connected to the 2000 murder of a 5-year-old child. Our FBI Transnational Anti-Gang Task Force in Honduras got him - thanks to the help of great partners, Patel wrote. Philadelphia residents at a daycare named after the girl celebrated the news that Flores had been apprehended, according to NBC 10. A man who was wanted on sexual assault charges was arrested after an incident involving SWAT on Thursday. Pittsburgh Police said units were in the area of Amanda Street and Jucunda Street to make the arrest at around 5:30 p.m. The man barricaded himself inside a house and SWAT units were called. Police said the man was taken into custody shortly after SWAT arrived. The suspect was identified as Christopher Wilson, 38. According to police, he forced a young child to perform sex acts on him. A man who was wanted on sexual assault charges was arrested after an incident involving SWAT on Thursday. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The number of people in Massachusetts contesting their detainments after masked men and women seize them off the streets has risen sharply over the past year. On Thursday, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley reported a staggering 12,000% surge in habeas corpus petitions filed in Massachusetts federal courts in 2025. These lawsuits allow individuals to challenge the legality of their detention. Foley said 850 cases were filed over the past year, compared with just seven in 2024. The spike is directly connected to the stepped up enforcement operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Foley told reporters at the John J. Moakley Courthouse in Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Habeas corpus petitions are referred to as The Great Writ, said Boston immigration lawyer Todd Pomerleau. Pomerleau stated hes handled at least 100 habeas cases in the past year, the most habeas litigation Ive done in my life. Its the power of federal court to ask government officials to bring a person to court to justify why theyre why theyre being detained by the government, Pomerleau explained. Its a crucial tool, because when people get arrested without being told whos arresting them or why theyre being detained its really the only remedy available under the law to see if the detention is lawful." The petition was pertinent in the case for Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student detained by masked ICE agents on the streets of Somerville in March 2025. She was whisked away to Maine on the same day, then to an ICE detention center in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Her lawyers immediately filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing her detainment was unconstitutional retaliation for pro-Palestinian speech and Ozturk was finally released in May. Her removal proceedings were terminated in February, though her lawyers stated this does not moot her habeas case. These conditions in which people are being detained without warning, and the tactics used to detain them, are basis for much of the current habeas litigation, Pomerleau explained. But that speed, especially in which people are taken out of state during these detainments, has been challenging in itself for lawyers who are filing those petitions, Pomerleau said, as clients are often flown to distant facilities within hours a pace he described as truly unfathomable. This makes it difficult to locate or communicate with them, or to gather the information needed to challenge their detention in court, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Further compounding matters is the issue of whether somebody is subject to mandatory detention, based on their manner of entry into the United States, Pomerleau said. On Thursday, Foley stated, There is a tension between how the (Department of Homeland Security) DHS views the law and how the courts (do) when it comes to mandatory detentions. Pomerleau explained that historically, people who entered the country without visas, but who were later detained, were still eligible for bond hearings before an immigration judge which is when a judge decides whether a detained person can be released while their case is pending, and if so, under what conditions and for how much money. However, in the last year, he said DHS has begun to treat many of those same people as mandatory detention cases, cutting them off from bond hearings unless they file a habeas petition in federal court, Pomerleau said, which he believes is a large part of the uptick in the states habeas cases. Advertisement Advertisement Foley stated immigration judges in Massachusetts are not ruling that these people have not violated federal law, but are finding that many are entitled to bond hearings to determine whether release is appropriate. This goes against the view of DHS that there are certain classes of immigrants where the law requires mandatory detention. Foley said, We understand that the district court disagrees with the departments decision that is for the courts to figure out." Pomerleau advises people who fear detainment to speak with immigration attorneys and have a contingency plan in place, because it moves so quickly. You can get detained at two oclock and by four oclock, youre en route to Louisiana or Texas, and youre not necessarily going to be afforded the courtesy of a phone call, Pomerleau said. Advertisement Advertisement People just need to have a game plan in place to protect not only themselves, but their families. More stories involving ICE Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. All Massachusetts real estate agents would need to take fair housing training under a new law passed by the state Senate, which says the Trump administration "abandoned its responsibility to enforce federal fair housing law." S. 2947 passed out of the Senate Thursday by a vote of 38-0. It heads to the state House for a hearing. The bill mandates fair housing law training: about four hours of classroom instruction for real estate license applicants and two hours for license renewals. It also imposes penalties for second-offense fair housing law violations, doubling the current maximum penalty from a 90-day license suspension to 180-days. Advertisement Advertisement "This legislation strengthens accountability and ensures that every licensed real estate professional understands and upholds the principles of fair housing law, Sen. Adam Gomez, lead sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement. Tug-of-war laws This follows an announcement last year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that it would terminate the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, which mandated that HUD funding recipients proactively seek to overcome segregation and eliminate disparities in housing access. Those rules were instilled first in 2015 by the Obama administration, rescinded by Trump in 2020, and re-instituted by Biden in 2021. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said last year they were a burden on local communities. HUD also sought to cut staff in its housing discrimination office. Fair housing laws have changed over time as a result, putting real estate agents at the fore of some fair housing situations. Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts Senate cited a Boston Foundation and Suffolk University study that found Black participants faced high levels of discrimination. The study also found violations for housing voucher recipients of all backgrounds. While the Trump Administration has sought to roll back protections, the Senate knows that our Commonwealths values demand that access to housing is guided by fairness and inclusion, not prejudice," Senate President Karen Spilka said in a statement. Real estate agents would receive training on avoiding discrimination for both buyers and renters "based on demographics like race, national origin, religion, disability, or age, all of which is illegal under state and federal law." The Senate rejected an amendment to require city and public agencies and HUD funds recipients to certify that their programs comply with the Fair Housing Act. President Donald Trump spent the past year using fear and intimidation to keep Hill Republicans in line, with considerable success. Now those tactics are starting to lose their bite thanks to a small group of Republicans with nothing to lose. The reasons why this handful of GOP lawmakers feel empowered to spurn their president and their party vary. But they are launching mini-rebellions with increasing frequency. Its causing headaches for party leaders who want to keep tight control of the legislative agenda in an election year and anxiety among rank-and-file Republicans who are facing intense pressure to stick with Trump. Some people live in fear, said Rep. Don Bacon, a retiring Nebraska Republican who was at the center of a crucial episode this past week, where he and two colleagues joined with Democrats to force House votes on Trumps controversial tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement When a vote to overturn his Canada levies came to the floor Wednesday, I was in the cloakroom, and I heard people say, 'I hate tariffs,' and then voted to leave them in place, Bacon recalled. Were it not for threats of retaliation from Trump and a heavy White House lobbying campaign, he estimated 30 or 40 Republicans would have broken ranks. In the end, only six did. But thanks to the thin margins in both chambers especially the House a few steel-spined lawmakers can have an outsized impact. Thats a change from the dynamics in Trumps first term, when many House Republicans werent fully on board with the presidents MAGA agenda, but the GOP had a much larger majority to work with. Just ask Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who has gone from an occasional annoyance to Republican leaders to a persistent problem in the 119th Congress. The margin is razor-thin, so on any given day, I would just need one or two of my own co-conspirators to get something done, Massie said in an interview before predicting the situation will only get worse for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement The retirement caucus is growing, he said, referring to the dozens of members not seeking reelection to the House. Once we get past March, April, and May, which contain a large portion of their Republican primaries, I think you're going to see more defections. Those who have not defected are losing patience with their colleagues, with many arguing it is only hurting the GOPs chances in the upcoming midterms. Certainly, I respect their right to be independent, said Republican Rep. Buddy Carter, who is running for Senate in Georgia. But you know, this is a team game. We got to remember that. One House Republican who was granted anonymity to speak candidly complained about a faction that just wants to go rogue while putting colleagues in a politically difficult spot such as with the tariff vote this week. Advertisement Advertisement Those guys might lose now, the lawmaker said of the House GOPs most vulnerable members. As voting was underway on the tariff measure this week, Trump publicly threatened to support primary challengers and enact other consequences against the members who didn't fall in line. To some degree it worked predictions of a mass GOP jailbreak didnt materialize. But enough members with some political insulation defected, allowing the measure to advance through the House and onto the Senate, which is likely to approve it and set up a Trump veto. Bacon and Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington are retiring, freeing them from concerns about primary threats. Meanwhile, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Jeff Hurd of Colorado are in competitive districts that Republicans cant afford to lose, putting pressure on the duo to show independence from their party. Rep. Kevin Kileys California district got blown up as part of Trumps redistricting war. And Massie has long been accustomed to being at odds with party leaders, with his campaign to pry open the Jeffrey Epstein files sparking open warfare with the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Some have doubts that a larger group of Republicans will ever break dramatically with Trump, given his durable popularity with the party base and the need for GOP candidates even in purple districts to appeal to the presidents loyalists. One test will come later this year when Trump hits the midterm campaign trail, said Sam Geduldig, a lobbyist at CGCN Group and former House leadership aide. I would be surprised if a candidate didnt want him at a rally, and that speaks to Trumps strength, he said. If he can do that, it says a lot. In 2006, no one wanted [former President] George W. Bush in their district not in conservative districts, not in moderate ones. If youre measuring him against modern Republican presidents, he looks strong by comparison. Over in the Senate, Trump already has a fraught relationship with some GOP senators, like Maines Susan Collins and Alaskas Lisa Murkowski, and there is generally a stronger culture of lawmaker independence. But Trumps decision to essentially send Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina into retirement has introduced a new wild card in the chambers dynamics. Advertisement Advertisement Tillis announced he would not seek reelection after voting to oppose Trumps signature big, beautiful bill and warning the Medicaid cuts in the party-line policy package would be a political death knell for the GOP. Now Tillis is frequently speaking out against Trump and is single-handedly blocking his Federal Reserve nominees until a Justice Department investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell is resolved. Some members are also eyeing GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana as a freer agent after Trump went ahead and endorsed an opponent in the May 16 primary. Asked about Trumps threats to lawmakers, Tillis suggested they could easily backfire. I still maintain a good relationship with him ... but I think we need to check our passions at the door," he said this week. Hurd, the Colorado moderate who voted to cancel the Canada tariffs and is facing a more conservative primary challenger, said he would let the presidents statement speak for itself. Advertisement Advertisement But Hurd prevailed in 2024 without Trumps endorsement and is in a competitive enough district that Trump cant afford to meddle too much. The district was decided by 546 votes in 2022, when GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert narrowly held onto the seat. If they want to come to a district where Trump is underwater and push for tariffs in an agriculture- and manufacturing-heavy area, fine thats not going to work, said a person granted anonymity to candidly discuss party strategy. If they want to lose the majority and play in these primaries, then go ahead. Speaker Mike Johnson, meanwhile, has his hands full just keeping his majority intact. He currently can afford to lose only a single GOP member on party-line votes, and while upcoming special elections could boost that margin slightly, things are likely to remain super tight. Johnson this week said he had urged one Republican battling health issues, Rep. Neal Dunn of Florida, to stick it out and finish his term amid concerns he might resign early. Advertisement Advertisement Dunn declined to comment on his plans, but a close friend of his, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), said he had jokingly told Dunn he would like to be helpful amid all the floor unrest. "I did offer to carry him into the chamber, Wilson said. Jordain Carney, Mia McCarthy and Alex Gangitano contributed to this report. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised Ukraine further support for its defence against the Russian invasion during a meeting with allies at the Munich Security Conference on Friday. Merz stressed "that Germany as the current largest supporter of Ukraine will continue to be reliable," according to government sources. The bilateral talks focussed on the current situation on the ground and the state of peace talks mediated by the US. Advertisement Advertisement Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also discussed arms cooperation and civilian aid for Ukraine, the sources said. The meeting was followed by wider talks that included French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk among other European leaders and EU and NATO officials. They agreed to launch new efforts to help alleviate the consequences of ongoing Russian airstrikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the sources said. Zelesenky confirmed that the talks focussed on the "energy sector and our reconstruction." "Ukraine will prepare and send partners a list of needs to support our energy infrastructure and military capabilities," he wrote on X after the meeting. "Attention was also given to security guarantees for Ukraine and all of Europe." A Georgia man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in Rhode Island for his part in a lottery and sweepstakes scam that stole at least $1 million. Prosecutors say 38-year-old Patrick Dallas from Cumming pleaded guilty earlier this month to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering earlier this month. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] They say Dallas and two others pretended to be Publishers Clearing House or another sweepstakes and told elderly victims that they had won large sums of money. Advertisement Advertisement To get their prizes, they were told to share personal information and pay upfront fees and taxes. Sometimes, the victims were told to send Rolex watches or iPhones to cover the fees. TRENDING STORIES: Ultimately, investigators were able to track those payments to Dallas and two others, and take them into custody. Dallas is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Morgan Stanley sifted through opportunities after the AI shakeout. - Getty Images The jobs report may overshadow the markets recent preoccupation on just how much artificial intelligence will damage the growth prospects for software and other industries. But the AI concerns are likely to come quickly back to the surface. Morgan Stanley strategists just published a fifth version of what they call global AI stock mapping, sifting through 3,600 names in search of trends and opportunities. One central observation they make: market focus has shifted from pure AI exposure to proof of return on investment (ROI), and they say the fundamental gap between winners and losers is widening. Most Read from MarketWatch The strategists added that companies are starting to flag their proof of ROI, with 30% of North America AI adopters identified by analysts citing at least one quantifiable AI impact in the final quarter of 2025, a steady gain over the past year. Investors looking for signs companies are delivering that ROI proof should be looking at whether companies report margin expansion, says a team led by analyst Stephen Byrd. The strategists expect around 80% of AI benefits to come from cost efficiency versus revenue growth. The profit margin for companies they call AI adopters was twice that of global stocks, over the last two years, but the market hasnt given them that credit in forward estimates. A screen of companies benefiting from AI include Samsung Electronics KR:005930, SK Hynix KR:000660, Airbus FR:AIR, Nokia NOK, Visa V, Mastercard MA, Coca-Cola KO and CVS Health CVS, they say. What else should investors be looking out for to spot the winners? Morgan Stanley offers up three more criteria for investors to assess. The first is whether companies that lay off workers clearly explain why the moves are necessary. Secondly, as markets clearly start to punish business models where AI is posing a structural threat, company leaders must demonstrate how the technology is economically meaningful to the business. Finally, corporates should be articulating how AI is embedded in strategy, influencing core financial drivers and delivering measurable ROI. The analysts see a median 62% upside to their price targets for their list of mispriced stocks after a broad and largely indiscriminate sell-off. Morgan Stanley included a screen of companies mostly software and services they say were unfairly sold off in a recent move that was broad and largely indiscriminate, with limited differentiation across business models or fundamentals. Across those beaten-down stocks, they see a median 62% upside for their price targets, and triple-digit potential for CCC Intelligent Solutions CCC, Vertex VERX, Salesforce CRM and ServiceTitan TTAN. Members of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums Cabinet woke up on Wednesday morning to news that U.S. aviation officials had shut down airspace over El Paso, the Texas city opposite the border metropolis of Ciudad Juarez. Coming just weeks after the closure of airspace over Venezuela cleared the way for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the move triggered alarm among Cabinet members tasked with maintaining national security and raised fear of a possible incursion by U.S. forces, according to people familiar with the conversations. They spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose high-level discussions. Officials suspected the El Paso airspace was closed in preparation for a unilateral raid against a drug kingpin in Chihuahua state, just across the border in Mexico. U.S. officials described the closure as a matter of national security and said it would last 10 days. Advertisement Advertisement Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexicos security minister, called high-ranking officials in the U.S. early Wednesday and was told that the closure was not related to a raid on Mexico, according to an official familiar with the conversations. Read more: Mexico's 'Batman': The president's favorite crime fighter, the cartels' nemesis He informed security Cabinet officials at a daily morning briefing held by Sheinbaum, which included the ministers of defense and navy, of his call with U.S. officials. Hours later, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reopened the El Paso airspace. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X that the threat had been neutralized. Advertisement Advertisement Officially, U.S. officials said a cartel-operated drone had violated U.S. airspace and that it was neutralized by a powerful anti-drone laser. A source in the U.S. government who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters said the object was not a drone but a Mylar party balloon. Over the last year, President Trump has threatened to send U.S. special forces after Mexican drug cartel kingpins. Trump has said hes repeatedly asked Sheinbaum to allow the U.S. military to operate in Mexico, an offer she has rejected as unacceptable and a violation of Mexican sovereignty. For Mexican officials, this weeks closure was especially startling and worrying because it came just weeks after the U.S. special forces captured Maduro in Caracas on Jan. 3. Mexican officials had watched with alarm as the U.S. ramped up pressure on Maduro in the weeks before his arrest, amassing warships off the Venezuelan coast before capturing him and his wife and bringing them to New York to face drug-trafficking charges in U.S. federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Pentagon-FAA dispute over lasers to thwart cartel drones led to airspace closure, AP sources say This week, Mexican officials thought the U.S. was preparing such a strike in Mexico, people familiar with the conversations said. The concern was that there was a target they wanted on the Juarez side, one person familiar with the talks said. Sheinbaum, meanwhile, has steadily increased security cooperation with the U.S., in an effort to assuage Trump and stave off unilateral U.S. action inside Mexico. In an unprecedented move, the Sheinbaum administration circumvented Mexican extradition law and delivered nearly 100 imprisoned drug lords to U.S. authorities in the last year. Advertisement Advertisement But those prisoner transfers have not eased tensions on the U.S.-Mexico border where cartel drones regularly fly into U.S. airspace, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Reports of airspace closure spread quickly in El Paso on Wednesday morning. I thought they were moving a high-value target in or out of the area, said El Paso resident Narada Johnson. This unnecessary decision has caused chaos and confusion in the El Paso community, said the citys mayor, Renard Johnson, in a news conference after the restriction was lifted. This should never have happened. The closure came after the Department of Homeland Security prepared to fire a powerful counter-drone laser. Use of the weapon was confirmed by The Times. The agency targeted what was thought to be a cartel-controlled dark drone, which does not emit a radio signal or broadcast its identification, according to one person familiar with the operation who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters. Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, the U.S. government has ramped up counter-drone operations on the southern border. Criminal groups often use the drones to traffic fentanyl and surveil U.S. law enforcement operations, said Steven Willoughby, director of the counter-drone program at the Department of Homeland Security, at a congressional hearing last July. Willoughby said that in 2023 law enforcement seized one such drone carrying 3.6 pounds of fentanyl. Willoughby said the Department of Homeland Security counted some 27,000 drones flying within 500 meters (almost 550 yards) of the U.S. border, just in the last half of 2024. Read more: Why Mexico is accelerating cartel prisoner transfers as Trump threatens military action At her daily news conference Wednesday, Sheinbaum appeared to dismiss the presence of cartel-operated drones in the border region. Advertisement Advertisement There is no information related to the use of drones at the border, Sheinbaum said. However, cartel drone incursions topped the agenda of the most recent bilateral security meeting in Mexico City late last year, according to people familiar with the talks. At the meeting, U.S. officials stressed the need for greater coordination to stop drone incursions into U.S. airspace. The Mexican government said it would create a working group on the topic. Fisher is a special correspondent. Special correspondent Alyda Muela in El Paso contributed to this report. This article was co-published with Puente News Collaborative, a bilingual nonprofit newsroom that covers stories from Mexico and the U.S.-Mexico border. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Two of the top officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency office in charge of compensating victims of the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire have been placed on administrative leave, according to an email. The move comes after news outlets reported Jay Mitchell, director of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office since 2024, had received a letter of determination from the claims office indicating he and his wife were offered a little over $266,000 in compensation for smoke and ash damage to their Angel Fire home even as many victims of the massive fire and flooding in Northern New Mexico were still waiting for their claims to be filled. FEMA has placed the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager on administrative leave. This step does not reflect a finding of wrongdoing, states an internal FEMA email obtained by news site Source New Mexico and KOB-TV. Advertisement Advertisement A statement from the claims office did not name Mitchell or Deputy Director Jennifer Carbajal, who also was placed on leave, according to reports from Source New Mexico and KOB-TV. While the office did not confirm in the statement to The New Mexican that Mitchell and Carbajal had been placed on leave, it said FEMA has taken administrative steps to "ensure continuity of operations" and that claims will continue to be processed as usual. The federal agency has "ZERO tolerance" for malfeasance or misuse of funds, the statement said, and allegations are "thoroughly investigated and taken seriously." The statement placed the blame at the foot of the administration of former President Joe Biden. "FEMA is fully committed to supporting the citizens of New Mexico impacted by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon fires," the statement said. "This is yet another mess we inherited from the broken Biden administration and are focused on delivering assistance with integrity and accountability. Our priority and focus remain on supporting eligible claimants and ensuring all claims are handled fairly and transparently. We will not be distracted from our mission to support recovery and uphold the highest standards at all levels of the Claims Office." Advertisement Advertisement The office declined to comment on requests for additional details. It was unclear when Mitchell and Carbajal were put on leave and if they were still being paid. FEMA Region 6, which includes New Mexico, did not respond to requests for comment. In the past weeks, several New Mexico politicians have called for Mitchell to resign. In a joint statement Thursday, New Mexico's Democratic U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez called the decision to put Mitchell and Carbajal on leave a "step in the right direction." The congressional delegates had called on Mitchell to resign after Source New Mexico and other news media reported Mitchell and his wife had received the six-figure payments. Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, "there are still outstanding questions regarding the Claims Office status and operations, and we will continue pressing for accountability and stable, trusted leadership," the delegates said in the statement. They also called on the claims office to prioritize total loss claims and claims from within the burn scar. In a call with reporters late last week, Leger Fernandez criticized FEMA for not releasing reports about the progress of the recovery effort and said she continues to push for Mitchells resignation. It is clear he has lost the trust of the New Mexican people who are affected, Leger Fernandez said. Advertisement Advertisement The New Mexico Joint Recovery Office is charged with disbursing $5.45 billion in federal dollars to victims of the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, which was ignited by two U.S. Forest Service prescribed burns that went awry. The combined blazes grew to more than 340,000 acres, the largest in the state's recorded history. As of Feb. 3, the office reported it had paid more than 23,000 claims, totaling $3.36 billion. It's been a bumpy road to compensate the victims, riddled with lawsuits and calls for faster processing. New Mexico Highlands University, which estimates it sustained more than $200 million in damage from the fire, said as of last week, almost four years after the fire, it had yet to see a dime from FEMA. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham earned a spot on the TIME100 Health list for 2026. Governor Lujan Grisham was recognized for her role in implementing free, universal childcare in New Mexico. New Mexico Dept. of Transportation reminds drivers to keep tires inflated following grass fire The state is the first in the U.S. to offer the program, providing care for children from six weeks to age 13. Governor Lujan Grisham says access to childcare is essential not just for public health and child development, but also the states economy. Advertisement Advertisement Since launching in November, about 12,000 additional children have enrolled in childcare programs across the state. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Four unions representing New Mexico teachers and state workers on Friday denounced pending cuts of raises for both groups from the state Senate budget. While lawmakers on the New Mexico Senate Finance Committee have not yet released their version of the budget to the public, a draft presented Thursday evening to the committee discussed the cut. We recognize the challenges of balancing the state budget, but those challenges should not be resolved on the backs of the workforce that delivers essential services to the public every day, the joint statement issued by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 18; National Education Association; American Federation of Teachers and Communications Workers local 7076 stated. Advertisement Advertisement The Houses version of House Bill 2, the state budget, earmarked $26 million for a 1% raise for all state workers, including public school and higher education staff. On Tuesday, members from the state workers union rallied for select public safety and fire personnel to receive a 6% additional pay raise to reduce turnover. Those raises, however, wont happen, Senate Finance Chair George Munoz (D-Gallup) told Source NM on Friday, because the funds are needed to cover teachers insurance premiums. In 2025, the state passed legislation requiring the state to pay 80% of state workers health insurance premiums. This year, lawmakers aimed to give teachers the same deal. Munoz noted that last years budget included a 4% raise across state, public school and university positions, and said that raises should be cut in the current budget to guarantee teachers health care costs are lowered. Advertisement Advertisement The unions are upset, but you get more out of an 80-20 split than a 1% raise, Munoz said. Carter Bundy, a lobbyist for the states public sector unions, told Source NM Friday unions are in full solidarity for teachers to get a bigger share of health costs covered, but said lawmakers shouldnt pit state workers against teachers and include both in this years budget. The house, governor and the LFC all found room for 1% increase across the board, including for K12 and state workers, and we would like to see that restored before the end of the session, Bundy said. Munoz told Source NM there are tradeoffs in any budgeting process. Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day I have to make the hardest decisions of them all. We made almost 300 changes from the budget sent over from the house, Munoz said. If the unions are upset about the 1% raise, it would cut from the 80-20 for teachers thats the place wed have to make the cut. Munoz said the Senate Finance Committees version of the budget could be released on Saturday morning, but said some negotiations are still ongoing. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) are pushing back against the expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers in Michigan, which came to light this week while a private prison group, operating one of the Midwests largest ICE detention centers, highlighted a big bump in its profits. There have also been reports this week of ICE and administration of President Donald Trump debating the cost-effectiveness of retrofitting old warehouses into detention centers, and shareholders of the private prison groups running them being dismayed that the federal agency wasnt capturing nearly enough members of the immigrant community to fill its cells. Three facilities are expanding or being established in Michigan: the current ICE facility at the Rosa Parks Federal Building in downtown Detroit, which also currently houses offices for the U.S. General Services Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Customs and Border Protection; while new offices will be leased at the Waters Center in downtown Grand Rapids and the One Towne Square complex in Southfield, just outside Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement The office space leased in Southfield was not being leased by ICE directly, but is rather part of a longstanding agreement between REDICO, the landlord, and the U.S. Government Services Administration. That said, ICE is a potential end user per that agreement and could likely be there as part of the apparent agency ramp up in Michigan. REDICO in a statement provided to Michigan Advance said that the lease explicitly prohibits the space from being used for law enforcement purposes like holding and detaining individuals. If ICE does use the facility, it appears the office could be more of an operational outpost, or potentially for legal purposes, according to a statement given to the Detroit Free Press from the city of Southfield. Advertisement Advertisement There was also talk this week of another facility coming to Romulus, one of Michigans Downriver communities southeast of Detroit. Michigan is already home to the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, the largest ICE detention center in the Midwest and one of the largest in the nation. The facility, which has drawn numerous protests from activists, is operated through a private contract with the GEO Group. North Lake Processing Center | Mary Minnick photo Tlaib, in a news release issued Thursday, slammed the planned expansions of ICE facilities in Southfield and Romulus. ICE has no place in Michigan. This is an unaccountable and violent agency that terrorizes and brutalizes our communities every day, Tlaib said in a statement. We have all watched as ICE agents execute American citizens in broad daylight and detain and deport our immigrant neighbors with no regard for their wellbeing, right to due process, or the myriad other laws and court orders restricting their illegal operations. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, attends a field hearing in MinneapolisSaint Paul about ICE activities there. Jan. 16, 2025 | Photo from Office of Rashida Tlaib Tlaib said ICE is now attempting to expand its unwanted presence in Southeast Michigan, with a new office building lease with REDICO in Southfield. The congresswoman said the aim is to intensify their operations against our communities. A new warehouse jail in Romulus would be used, Tlaib said, to cage hundreds of our neighbors in unsafe conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, people are coming together and fighting to prevent this massive expansion of ICEs network of abuse and cruelty, she added. We must organize and use every tool at our disposal to keep ICE out of our neighborhoods. I will continue working hand in hand with advocates to protect our communities from ICE. Camilleri, who represents Downriver communities, spoke out against the Romulus facility, specifically. Lets call this ICE facility what it really is an ill-constructed jail that would enable ICE to further terrorize our immigrant communities across Southeast Michigan. Camilleri said in a statement. Its critical that at this moment we stand united and send a clear message to this administration; this detention center is not welcome in Romulus or anywhere across our state. The state senator said he was working with local, state, and federal leaders, using every tool he has, to keep the facility from opening in a Downriver community. Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake; ICE is not creating this detention center to keep our communities safe. This facility will undermine the work of our local law enforcement, ship in masked agents, and foment chaos throughout our region, Camilleri said. For the last year, weve read report after report detailing the awful conditions that those held in ICE custody are subjected to every day, Camilleri said. We find ourselves at this crossroads where we must decide if well permit the inhumane immigration policies of Donald Trump and Kristi Noem or stand up and prevent the chaos that has already impacted the lives of so many across our state and our nation. We cannot allow what happened in Minnesota to replay on our streets. Senate PreK-12 appropriations Subcommittee Chair Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), discusses education budget with reporters. Oct. 2, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance MLives Rose White reported this week that GEO Group reported $254 million in profits last year, which grew from approximately $32 million in 2024, once it opened several detention facilities across the nation, including the North Lake Processing Center. That said, the statewide news outlet noted that GEO Group also saw its stock price fall this week, and fell short of its forecasts. The expansion of detention facilities under the Trump administration, however, is expected to alleviate those shortfalls, with expansions of existing or reopening of defunct facilities planned in the future. Advertisement Advertisement GEO Group, in company documents, now lists its work with ICE as one of its main revenue streams. GEO Group was also a large donor to Trumps political campaigns, ABC News reported in 2024. The companys conditions, allegations of sub-standard medical care and wrongful deaths have also been the subject of lawsuits from the American Civil Liberties Union and others. Another report on the companys earnings show that the Trump administrations preoccupation with buying up warehouses for detention centers could pose some challenges. NOTUS noted that GEO Group was warily going along with the plan as it seeks to be the entity running those new facilities, but was worried about the complications involved. The Appeal, a nonprofit news organization focused on criminal justice reform, also reported that investors of GEO Group and another company, CoreCivic, were frustrated that even in the face of growing profits ICE hadnt captured enough immigrants as they had hoped for. AP Trump budget chief Russell Vought reportedly diverted millions of dollars earmarked for the federal agency that once provided global humanitarian and economic aid in order to pay for his security detail, according to Reuters. President Donald Trump dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shortly after taking office and is set to shutter it completely by September after claiming without providing proof that it was rife with corruption, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement USAID was the primary federal agency that focused on global health, disaster relief, and education. A professor with The Harvard School of Public Health estimated that the dismantling has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths from infectious diseases and malnutrition. USAID was both created and continuously funded by acts of Congress, which the executive branch has no constitutional right to unilaterally undo. Vought allegedly has a crew of more than a dozen U.S. Marshals acting as his bodyguards to protect him from threats linked to his involvement with Project 2025, a source told Reuters. The conservative blueprint has shaped Trump administration policies, including cutting thousands of federal jobs. Reporters Jonathan Landay and Douglas Gillison wrote that they reviewed three documents showing $15 million in former USAID operating expenses now diverted to Vought. According to the report: One of the documents reviewed by Reuters said OMB signed an agreement with USAID last September 11 to cover the costs associated with then Acting USAID Administrator Voughts security detail through November. That amount $1.6 million came from what is left of USAIDs operating expenses, the document showed. OMB budgeted another $13.5 million in USAID funds to underwrite the costs of Voughts security detail through the end of this year as they relate to his current role as Senior Advisor to USAID, the document said. OMB spokesperson Rachel Cauley told Reuters in an email, We are going to continue to use available funds at the three agencies overseen by the director to protect him. Vought is the acting director of the Office of Budget Management and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and is a senior advisor to USAID after acting as its director for just 90 days. Advertisement Advertisement In her statement, Cauley blamed The Left for pursuing a strategy that fuels an assassination culture against public officials and then expresses shock about what it takes to keep them safe.' Vought did not comment for the report. The post Millions of Dollars from Now-Defunct USAID Reportedly Paying For Russell Voughts Security Detail first appeared on Mediaite. Responding to concerns from residents near a controversial mine on the edge of the Black Hills, a committee of South Dakota lawmakers advanced legislation Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre that would subject mining explosives to tighter regulation. Residents near Piedmont are concerned about blasting at a planned 300-acre limestone quarry. The mine plans to begin operations in August. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill from Rep. Terri Jorgenson, R-Piedmont, who said dozens of residents have raised concerns about property values, noise, dust, groundwater and the cumulative effect of repeated blasting. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would shift any mining that uses explosives to South Dakotas more stringent mining-permit process, rather than the simpler annual mining license system used for the extraction of materials such as sand, gravel, construction rock, and limestone. It would phase existing explosive-use operators onto those permits over five years. The bill would also require operators to report explosives use 90 days in advance. More legislative news See all of Searchlights coverage of the 2026 legislative session. Read the latest > Opponents, including the South Dakota Mineral Industries Association, Associated General Contractors of South Dakota, and the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said the bill creates unnecessary regulation and imposes a statewide mandate to address a local issue. Advertisement Advertisement They said blasting is already regulated at the federal level and that counties with zoning authority can address setbacks, noise and other concerns locally. State officials said the state does not directly regulate blasting under its mine permits and warned the bill would require additional staff and hearings without providing funding. Supporters said 22 South Dakota counties including Meade County, which includes Piedmont lack comprehensive zoning, and that federal regulations prioritize worker safety over community impacts beyond the mine fence line. Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, said she planned to oppose this years legislative effort. But then she learned the bill doesnt ban blasting. It doesnt shut down aggregate production. It just says that when explosives are used, which we know increases impact and risk, the operation should have to meet more comprehensive permitting standards. If there are implementation concerns or transition questions, I think those can be addressed, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Wittman made those comments as fellow lawmakers considered a motion to defeat the bill. She resisted that motion, arguing a rejection of the bill stops this conversation completely, and Im tired of hearing this come every single year, and us not doing anything about mining operations in the state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Some in the crowd clapped and cheered in response to those comments, causing the committee chair to pound his gavel and call for order in the room. Many who were in attendance live near Piedmont, where the controversial quarry plan includes blasting. Minutes later, the committee deadlocked 5-5 on a motion to defeat the bill, then voted 7-3 to advance the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Wittman later told South Dakota Searchlight that her comments were about various mining issues: whether bonding is sufficient, whether acreage thresholds are appropriate, and whether taxpayers are protected from long-term liability. Other Piedmont-inspired bill fails Separately, the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee also took up a bill Thursday that was motivated by the controversial Piedmont mine. The bill, from Piedmont Republican Sen. John Carley, would require mining companies to send a notice to nearby neighbors, conservation districts, counties and cities at least two weeks prior to the commencement of mining activity for smaller operations, and 90 days in advance for operations at larger mines. Companies would also be required to post a notice of expected mining activity for those larger operations at least three times in the areas newspaper of record, the first of which would need to appear 180 days before mining begins. Advertisement Advertisement Carley and some neighbors to the Piedmont mine testified in support, saying they had insufficient notice of the controversial mine. Mining company representatives, economic development lobbyists and the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources spoke against the bill, saying the notice requirements would be onerous and would unfairly burden all miners based on pushback against the Piedmont mine. The bill was defeated 7-1. Broader mining bill rejected The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee also rejected a bill 9-2 on Thursday that would tighten and restructure South Dakotas mining laws, revise permitting and operational requirements, and change fees. Opponents, including mining officials, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the state Chamber of Commerce, said the bill wrongly treats aggregate pits like large-scale mining, adds delays and costs, strains state staffing, and could repeal useful provisions. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters, including bill sponsor Rep. Nicole Uhre-Balk, D-Rapid City, Dakota Rural Action, and the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, said current laws allow mining with little notice and weak protections, and the bill would close gaps to protect water, sensitive sites and communities. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Over 4,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended by the DHS since the operation began in November 2025. The Trump administration's operation against illegal immigration in Minneapolis will begin its "conclusion phase," border czar Tom Homan said at a press conference on Thursday, NBC News reported. "I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude," Homan said. Homan credited coordination between immigration officials and Minnesota's county jails as one reason for the operation's success. Advertisement Advertisement The operation will begin to wind down this week, and activity will continue to decline into next week, Homan explained, adding that 700 agents will be sent home and that he himself will remain there "a little longer" to ensure the operation ends successfully. The announcement comes weeks after two US citizens were shot and killed by immigration agents in separate incidents, both resulting in nationwide protests. The context of the operation and its conclusion Operation Metro Surge, the official name for the operation, began in November 2025, when over 3,000 immigration agents were deployed to Minneapolis in an effort to quell illegal immigration in the city. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), more than 4,000 suspects were arrested during the operation, including more than 200 for impeding law enforcement. Demonstrators carry placards on the day of a general strike to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's deployment of thousands of immigration enforcement officers on the streets of Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, January 23, 2026 (credit: REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein) Prior to Thursday's announcement, the operation had already begun a drawdown after the death of Alex Pretti, one of the two US citizens killed in recent weeks during the operation. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer Greg Bavino was removed from his role as commander at large of the operation after Pretti's death, with Homan then assuming the role. Advertisement Advertisement "I dont want to see any more bloodshed," Homan said. "I pray every night for the safety of law enforcement personnel and the safety of those in the community, whether youre here legally or illegally. I dont want to say anybody harmed." Acknowledging the issues faced during the operation, Homan noted, "As I said in my first press conference a couple of weeks ago, President Trump didnt send me here because operations were being run and conducted perfectly. I came here to identify issues and implement solutions to improve our mission execution." ICE blocked detainees' access to lawyers in Minnesota, judge finds A federal judge on Thursday ordered US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure that detainees in Minnesota have access to their attorneys, after finding that the agency had blocked thousands of people from seeing their lawyers during a recent enforcement surge. US District Judge Nancy Brasel, who was appointed by Trump in his first term, said ICEs practices during the recent Operation Metro Surge, including a policy of quickly moving detainees out of Minnesota and depriving them of phone calls, all but extinguish a detainees access to counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Brasel issued the initial ruling in a class action lawsuit filed on January 27 on behalf of detainees, and her order will remain in place for 14 days while the proceedings play out. The court order requires the government to stop rapidly transferring detainees out of the state and to allow attorney-client visits and private phone calls between detainees and their lawyers. A US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said detainees have access to phones to contact their families and lawyers and denied that there is any "overcrowding" at the Minneapolis federal building where detainees are processed. Democracy Forward, a nonprofit that filed the lawsuit on behalf of detainees, said that the right to a lawyer is not "optional" in the US. Advertisement Advertisement "DHS has been detaining people in a building never meant for long-term custody, shackling them, secretly transferring them out of state, and blocking access to counsel and oversight in a deliberate effort to evade accountability," Democracy Forward President Skye Perryman said in a statement. ICE did not dispute that detainees have a constitutional right to counsel and said it does not have a policy of preventing them from seeing their lawyers, according to the ruling. But in practice, it provided conditions that isolated thousands of people from their attorneys, Brasel said. The plaintiffs, who are noncitizen detainees, had provided substantial and specific evidence about their detention conditions, which contradicted ICEs threadbare explanations of its policies and its protestations that it did not have enough resources to provide detainees with access to their lawyers, the judge found. Defendants allocated substantial resources to sending thousands of agents to Minnesota, detaining thousands of people, and housing them in their facilities, Brasel said in her ruling. Defendants cannot suddenly lack resources when it comes to protecting detainees constitutional rights. Advertisement Advertisement Most detainees are initially held at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, but many are immediately transferred out of state, without notice, with no way for attorneys to contact them, according to the ruling. Detainees are sometimes moved so quickly and frequently that ICE loses track of their whereabouts, the judge found. Most detainees are provided some phone access, but that falls short of providing adequate legal representation, Brasel's ruling said. ICE does not always provide the name or phone number of a lawyer when detainees ask, and phone calls often take place in a public area where ICE personnel and other detainees can listen in, according to the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement One detainee in the lawsuit, a 20-year-old asylum seeker with a government-issued work permit, was sent to a detention center where ICE provided two flip phones to be shared among 72 detainees in a single holding cell, according to the court ruling. The detainees each had no more than two minutes for a call, it said. The 20-year-old detainee was released after 18 days in detention, despite a court order requiring his release after five days. In the meantime, he was transferred first to Texas and then to New Mexico before being returned to Minnesota; ICE officers never told him why he was detained or why he was released, according to the ruling. DOJ moves to drop charges against men arrested after Minneapolis ICE shooting The DOJ has moved to drop charges against two men charged with assaulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis in January after an officer shot a Venezuelan immigrant, a court document showed on Thursday. The top federal prosecutor in Minnesota, Daniel Rosen, asked a judge to dismiss the charges, writing that "newly discovered evidence in this matter is materially inconsistent with the allegations." Rosen sought dismissal with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be reintroduced. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting that wounded the Venezuelan man, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, came during Operation Metro Surge. The DHS, which oversees Trump's immigration crackdown, said in January that officers were conducting a targeted traffic stop on Sosa-Celis when he sped away, crashed his car, and fled on foot. DHS said at the time that Sosa-Celis and two other men hit an ICE officer who pursued him with a snow shovel and broom handle, prompting the shooting. But court documents unsealed later told a different story. An FBI affidavit said the ICE officers had scanned a license plate registered to a different person suspected of an immigration violation, leading them to chase the wrong person. Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit said another man was driving the car and was the sole occupant, not Sosa-Celis. The car's actual driver - another Venezuelan immigrant - crashed and fled to an apartment building where Sosa-Celis was present, it said. At the building, an ICE officer trying to detain the driver was struck by him and Sosa-Celis with a broom, while a third man used a shovel, before the officer fired. While DHS said initially that the officer "fired a defensive shot to defend his life," the FBI affidavit said the alleged attackers dropped the broom and shovel when they saw the officer draw his gun and were fleeing as he fired. Rights advocates say Trump's actions have made the environment unsafe for citizens and immigrants and violate due process protections. Reuters contributed to this report. By Susan Heavey and Jonathan Allen WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to end his unprecedented and hotly protested deportation surge in Minnesota, White House border czar Tom Homan said on Thursday, with many immigration enforcement agents set to return to their home states over the next week. Under Operation Metro Surge, Trump, a Republican, had deployed about 3,000 armed immigration agents by late January to deport migrants in Minnesota. He has touted it as the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, and it came over the objections and condemnations of Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, and local people who filled the streets of the state's biggest cities in protest, sometimes by the thousands. Advertisement Advertisement On different days in January, immigration agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis who had come out to protest or observe the agents, and Trump's feud with Minnesota boiled over into one of the most fraught political crises he has faced in his presidency. "I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude," Homan told reporters at a news conference at a federal field office outside Minneapolis. "Operation Metro Surge is ending." It was a rare retreat by Trump that came after even some fellow Republicans raised questions about the operation. Promises of mass deportations had fueled Trump's 2024 campaign, but Reuters/Ipsos polls in January found support for Trump's immigration agenda fell to the lowest point in his presidency as immigration officers were deployed in military-style gear in cities across the country, prompting massive protests. A week ago, Homan announced that about 700 out of 3,000 immigration agents would be withdrawn. Without giving precise numbers, he said on Thursday that many of the remaining agents deployed from other states would be sent home in the coming week, citing in part what he called "unprecedented levels of coordination" with Minnesota law enforcement. Before January's surge, about 150 immigration agents worked in Minnesota, according to the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said the surge was in the interest of public safety, describing many migrants, in sweeping terms, as violent criminals or fraudsters. Walz and other Minnesotans said the sometimes violent federal surge has only degraded public safety, and violated the constitutional rights of both immigrants and Americans. "The long road to recovery starts now," Walz said in a statement. "The impact on our economy, our schools, and people's lives won't be reversed overnight. That work starts today." 'THEY THOUGHT THEY COULD BREAK US' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who last month joined Walz in suing the Trump administration and asked a judge to restrain the surge, said the surge's impact has been catastrophic. Advertisement Advertisement "They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation," Frey said in a statement. Federal judges, including the chief federal judge in Minnesota, have reprimanded Trump administration officials, saying ICE had defied dozens of court orders to free wrongly detained migrants. Some of Trump's fellow Republicans have also criticized aspects of the surge, and how Trump's administration has handled the killings of two Americans in Minnesota by federal agents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The Good family's legal team issued a statement saying they were "cautiously optimistic about the drawdown." But the team raised concerns about ICE conduct elsewhere in the country, adding, "the nation will be watching to see if and where these agents are redeployed." Advertisement Advertisement The local prosecutor, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, vowed to continue investigating "multiple actions by federal agents during this occupation." She also expressed skepticism over the withdrawal and cast doubt on the Trump administration's claims of increased cooperation because, she said, state and local officials were already providing all information and cooperation required by law. Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was in Washington testifying before a Senate committee that oversees homeland security. Rand Paul, the committee's Republican chairman, criticized how the Trump administration had described Good and Pretti after they were killed. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other administration officials initially called them "domestic terrorists." Advertisement Advertisement Paul said the quick rush to judgment hurt the administration's credibility. "People aren't believing there's going to be an honest investigation," he said. In Minnesota, Avonna Starck, who runs an environmental nonprofit and sits on the school board of a Minneapolis suburb, was dissatisfied that some federal officers would remain because "We as a community wanted all of the agents out of Minnesota," she said in an interview. Miguel Hernandez, a Minneapolis community organizer and owner of Lito's Burritos, said there had been no accountability for the surge nor for the killings of Good and Pretti. Advertisement Advertisement "They're saying it's over so that people will stop paying attention, but harm was done and the harm continues to be done," Hernandez said. "Our community is going to continue to be destroyed." (Reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington and Jonathan Allen in New York; Additional reporting by Heather Schlitz, Helen Coster, Ted Hesson and Katharine Jackson; editing by Michelle Nichols, Paul Thomasch, Rosalba O'Brien and Aurora Ellis) A federal judge in Minnesota issued an order Thursday afternoon blasting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for barring immigration detainees from their "constitutional right to access counsel." U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasels blistering 41-page ruling comes in response to a lawsuit brought by The Advocates for Human Rights, a nonprofit that works with immigrants. The group accused ICE of obstructing access to their clients. Brasels order mandates ICE take several steps to ensure immigrants and their lawyers can talk. "ICE has isolated thousands of people most of them detained at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building from their attorneys," Brasel wrote, referring to immigration enforcement agents base of operations south of downtown Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Brasel called ICEs arguments that they provided detainees with access to attorneys "threadbare," saying the agency makes assertions "without examples or evidence." Protesters stand outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building near Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, a large immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities area, on Jan. 27, 2026. The judge wrote that the group bringing the lawsuit by contrast provided specific examples where ICE made it excessively difficult for detainees and attorneys to speak. According to court documents, attorneys have been unable to find client detainees using ICEs online database, cannot call their clients and detainees are unable to make confidential phone calls, among other obstructions. "The gulf between the parties evidence is simply too wide and too deep for Defendants to overcome," Brasel wrote. Among the judge's provisions, ICE is ordered to allow detainees in Minnesota to make confidential telephone calls to attorneys, keep an accurate public record of where detainees are located and allow detainees to notify attorneys if they are being moved. Advertisement Advertisement Brasels order comes as the Department of Homeland Security says it is winding down Operation Metro Surge, the White Houses immigration enforcement crackdown on the Minneapolis area. President Donald Trump has said he is targeting the Democratic-led region for welfare fraud the administration has linked to Somali immigrants. The president has faced intense backlash for the militarized deployment of thousands of immigration agents to the state after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota judge blasts ICE for blocking immigrants from seeing attorneys The boyfriend of a missing 25-year-old North Dakota woman who was last seen on New Years Eve is suspected of killing her and possibly dismembering her body, which has not been located, according to authorities. Police arrested 21-year-old Joshua Alexander Hite on Tuesday, February 10, on charges of murder and tampering with evidence in relation to Isadora Wengels disappearance, the Fargo Police Department said in a news release issued that same day. Hite was taken into custody outside of his Fargo apartment without incident, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement At a February 11 news conference on Hites arrest, Fargo Police Department Chief David Zibolski announced that investigators do not believe that Isadora is alive. What we believe, based on the investigation thus far, is that Isadora Wengel was heinously murdered, Zibolski said. The chief added that police have probable cause to believe that Hite is the person who murdered and tampered with evidence related to the disposal of her body. Woman Found Dead in Apartment of Ex-Boyfriend Who Reported Her Missing, Fled the Country It was not immediately clear whether Hite had retained legal representation or entered a plea following his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Now, investigators are working to locate and recover Isadoras body and have asked the public for their help. Authorities are asking community members to keep an eye out for a 27-gallon black storage tote with a red lid, as it is potential evidence related to the disposal of Wengels remains or other evidence critical to the investigation, the Fargo Police Department said in a Wednesday, February 11, news release. Hite might have dismembered Wengels remains, according to Zibolski. We believe this to be a heinous and diabolical crime, and we believe that there may be some dismemberment involved, Zibolski said at the news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Wengel disappeared from West Fargo on December 31, according to the FBI, which is helping Fargo police and West Fargo police in investigating her death. She was officially reported missing to West Fargo police back on January 7, the Fargo Police Department said. Hite was previously detained in early January in connection to Wengels death, after police learned two black storage totes with red lids were delivered to his home, according to Zibolski. Police executed a search warrant on January 9, finding just one of the totes, and he was released after authorities were unable to find probable cause. Despite being let go, Hite remained a strong person of interest in the case. Following his first release, investigators spent the next month developing a probable cause for his arrest. However, Zibolski did not share the evidence they found in order to complete Hites latest arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are hopeful that they will locate Wengels remains as snow and ice continue to melt, according to Zibolski. We know the disposal of her body occurred in extremely cold weather with significant snow on the ground, we now find ourselves in the midst of a mid-winter thaw, which may reveal her whereabouts, he said. Court Docs Reveal Blood Found in Missing Womans Car as Her BF Faces Charges Tied to Investigation The second 27-gallon storage tote possibly linked to Wengels disappearance might be located in the area between the Fargo, Moorhead & West Fargo metro area and Otter Tail County, Minnesota, specifically the Fergus Falls, Elizabeth, Underwood and Battle Lake areas, according to the Fargo Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Amid the investigation, detectives took part in a 10-day landfill search that spanned 12-hour shifts. Additionally, search warrants were issued in Fargo and Otter Tail County, Minnesota, while police officers also took part in an extensive evidence review. The department is asking anyone with possible information on the storage tote or Wengels remains to call the agency at (701) 51-7660 or the local agency in the jurisdiction of which evidence may be located. The FBI said that tips can also be submitted to the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at (701) 451-7660 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. This story was originally published by ProPublica. The Missouri prosecutor overseeing an investigation into the 2020 vote in Fulton County, Georgia, has taken part in meetings since last fall with lawyers tasked by President Donald Trump to reinvestigate his loss to Joe Biden. Thomas Albus, whom Trump appointed last year as U.S. attorney for Missouris Eastern District, has had multiple meetings set up with top administration lawyers to discuss election integrity. Advertisement Advertisement At those meetings was Ed Martin, a Justice Department lawyer who until recently led a group investigating what the president has described as the departments weaponization against him and his allies, according to a source familiar with the meetings who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. White House lawyer Kurt Olsen, who has been tasked with reinvestigating the 2020 election, also was directed to join at least one of the meetings, according to the source. Both Martin and Olsen worked on behalf of Trump to try to overturn the 2020 election results, and a federal court sanctioned Olsen for making false claims about the reliability of voting machines in Arizona. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US The meetings reveal new details about the length of the preparations for, and people involved in, the January FBI raid on Fulton County, which election and legal experts told ProPublica was a significant escalation in Trumps breaking of democratic norms. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi picked Albus and has granted him special authority to handle election-related cases nationwide, even though his earlier work as a federal prosecutor didnt involve election law or election-related cases. The meetings with Martin, Olsen and other lawyers for the Justice Department were described by the source as being about election integrity, a term the Trump administration has used to describe investigations into its false claims that elections are rigged. Martin, Olsen, Albus and others declined to answer questions about the meetings and other detailed questions from ProPublica. The White House and the Justice Department also did not respond to questions. The meetings came at a particularly crucial time. Martins efforts to obtain election materials from Fulton County, a Democratic stronghold, had hit a wall. In August, he sent a letter demanding that a Fulton County judge allow him to access tens of thousands of absentee ballots for an investigation into election integrity here at the Department of Justice, but he had reportedly received no reply. Advertisement Advertisement Martin explained to Steve Bannon on a podcast that aired around the time of the meetings that although the White House had given Olsen the official mandate to reinvestigate the 2020 election, inside DOJ, myself and a couple of others have been working also on the same topic including getting the Fulton County ballots. But Martin described progress as a challenge. Bannon, who served as Trumps chief strategist in his first term, asked why Martin didnt just get some U.S. marshals to go down and seize the ballots. Martin suggested it was easier said than done, but agreed: Look, weve got to get the ballots. Before long, Albus and Olsen were interviewing witnesses for their case. Kevin Moncla, a conservative researcher, told ProPublica that he spoke to Albus and Olsen a couple of times, both together and separately, around the turn of the year. He identified himself as Witness 7 in the affidavit that persuaded a judge to sign off on the raid, and the affidavit mentions a 263-page report he authored that activists believe may have justified the raid, ProPublica has reported. Moncla has a long history of working with Olsen, dating back to an attempt by Kari Lake, a Republican candidate for governor in Arizona, to overturn her 2022 loss. Advertisement Advertisement Just a few weeks after those interviews, in late January, Albus was listed as the government attorney on the search warrant that authorized the seizure of roughly 700 boxes of election material in Georgia, far outside of Albus usual jurisdiction. Former U.S. attorneys from both parties said it was rare for a federal prosecutor from one region to take on cases in other states or be granted the nationwide authority Albus has been given. Under Trump, senior roles across the White House, DOJ and FBI have increasingly been filled by a small, interconnected group of Missouri lawyers with longstanding ties to one another. Another top federal official in the meetings was Jesus Osete, the principal deputy assistant attorney general for civil rights. Before joining the Justice Department, Osete worked in the Missouri attorney generals office, where he represented the state in at least five lawsuits against the Biden administration regarding vaccine mandates, immigration and other policies. Osete did not respond to requests for comment or to a detailed list of questions. Attorney General Andrew Bailey answers reporters questions on Jan. 13 in the Missouri Capitol (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). When the FBI raided Fulton Countys election center, Andrew Bailey, another lawyer from the same political circles, was in charge. Before joining the FBI as deputy director, he had used his position as Missouris attorney general to pursue high-profile cases against prominent Democrats and said he supported all efforts to investigate Biden, his family and his administration. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the FBI declined to answer detailed questions about Bailey. Last year, Roger Keller, a veteran federal prosecutor from Albus office, was brought in to help prosecute New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud in Virginia after the original career prosecutors on the case were replaced by political appointees. After a judge dismissed the case, two federal grand juries declined to indict James again, and Keller returned to Missouri. Trumps solicitor general, D. John Sauer, previously served as Missouris solicitor general under state attorneys general Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt. He and Schmitt signed Missouris amicus brief supporting efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Sauer later represented Trump in his presidential-immunity case, successfully arguing before the Supreme Court that Trump was entitled to broad immunity from prosecution. Albus connection to the other Missouri lawyers goes back decades. Unlike some of the others, though, he has never held elected office or had a high public profile, nor has he waged culture-war campaigns like Bailey or Martin. Instead, he spent most of his career as a federal prosecutor and as a judge in a Missouri state circuit court. Advertisement Advertisement Emails show Albus exchanging brief messages with Martin in 2007, when Albus was an assistant U.S. attorney in St. Louis and Martin was chief of staff to then-Gov. Matt Blunt. The emails were part of records from the Blunt administration that became public after being released under Missouris Sunshine Law. In the email exchange, Albus put in a good word for a St. Louis lawyer who was a finalist for an appellate court judgeship, and Blunt ultimately selected that candidate. Albus served as first assistant to Schmitt from early 2019 until Albus was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson to fill a circuit court judge vacancy in early 2020. Schmitt, now a U.S. senator, praised Albus as one of the finest prosecutors I have ever met when endorsing his nomination for U.S. attorney in December. Lawyers who appeared in Albus court rated him as well prepared, professional and attentive, according to Missouri judicial performance reviews. They said he followed the evidence, applied the law correctly and gave clear reasons for his rulings. Advertisement Advertisement Albus came under more critical scrutiny after Trump named him interim U.S. attorney last summer. Much of that attention centered on a fraud case he inherited when he took office. Prosecutors alleged that developers in St. Louis falsely claimed to be using minority- and women-owned subcontractors to qualify for city tax breaks, conduct the Justice Department has historically treated as wire fraud. One of the defendants was represented by lawyer Brad Bondi, the brother of Pam Bondi. The developers lawyers argued that even if the governments claims were true, they were legally irrelevant because the Trump administration had taken the position that tax breaks based on race or gender were unlawful. Albus accepted those arguments and dropped the case. As part of the resolution, Albus personally hand-delivered to City Hall a check of about $1 million from one of the developers companies as restitution. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he intervened to make it clear his office wanted to drop charges and hand-delivered the check to make sure they got it. In a letter to Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Congressional Democrats said the dismissal of the St. Louis case and other cases in which the Justice Department intervened on behalf of Brad Bondis clients raised significant broader ethical concerns. In the St. Louis case, and in a separate matter involving another Brad Bondi client whose charges were dropped, a Justice Department spokesperson said Pam Bondis relationship with her brother had no bearing on the outcome. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the developers said their lawyers communicated only with the U.S. attorneys office in St. Louis about the case and had no direct contact with Pam Bondi. He said the dismissal reflected a recognition that this case should never have been brought in the first place. Brad Bondi did not respond to a request for comment. Weeks later, around the time of Albus meetings about election integrity, he posed with Martin in Martins office, flanked by a framed photo of Trump and a copy of A Choice, Not an Echo, the influential conservative manifesto by Phyllis Schlafly arguing that Republican voters were being manipulated by party elites and the media. Martin posted the photo on X with the caption, Good morning, America. How are ya? President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 13 unveiled the first strike drone produced by a newly launched German-Ukrainian joint venture ahead of the Munich Security Conference, as he said in a statement published on X. The launch marks the first Ukrainian drone production line in Germany and is part of Kyiv's broader effort to expand arms manufacturing in Europe, as the war with Russia drives sustained demand for unmanned systems. "Today, I received the first jointly made attack drone. We saw the production line and the first flight of the drone," Zelensky wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement "This is modern Ukrainian technology. Battle-tested. Powered by AI. It will strike, it will scout, it will protect our soldiers," the president added. Zelensky, accompanied by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, visited Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), a joint venture between Germany's Quantum Systems and Ukraine's Frontline Robotics. During the visit, the Ukrainian-German Linza 3.0 multi-purpose drone was demonstrated and then handed over to Zelensky. The facility is expected to produce up to 10,000 drones within a year, all of which will be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to the president. Advertisement Advertisement The Linza 3.0 drone, developed by Frontline Robotics, is the latest version of the company's multi-purpose platform. The manufacturer said it features AI-enabled visual-inertial navigation, can carry up to 4 kilograms of payload, operate up to 15 kilometers (9 miles), and can stay in the air for up to 60 minutes. The parties announced the start of joint production in December 2025, and Ukraine plans to open 10 more joint ventures by the end of 2026, Zelensky said. The president did not specify which countries the ventures would be located in. The German production line builds on broader defense agreements signed between Kyiv and Berlin in December, when Germany committed 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in new defense deals. The package included long-term sustainment support for Patriot air defense systems currently used by Ukraine, procurement of Ukrainian-made drones, and co-production initiatives between Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics. Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky previously announced that Ukrainian drone production would expand into Europe, noting that similar production lines are already operating in the U.K. In October 2025, Zelensky instructed the Defense Ministry to launch a "controlled export" program for Ukrainian weapons, aiming to export surplus military equipment and reinvest profits into urgently needed systems. Ukraine's drone industry has grown rapidly since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with hundreds of companies producing reconnaissance and strike systems that now play a central role on the battlefield. Establishing production lines in partner countries allows Ukrainian-developed systems to be manufactured at scale while deepening defense-industrial cooperation with European allies. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame heres what Moscow actually wants Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The man accused in the execution-style murder of a Momence bar owner is back in Illinois. Kankakee County prosecutors now say the killing appears to be targeted. Julius Burkes Jr., 47, of Hammond is charged with killing Courtney Drysdale on Feb. 2. Prosecutors say Burkes walked into the Line Bar, demanded money and still shot the 30-year-old mother twice in the head. According to court records, the two once worked together at the bar, when it was owned by someone else. Burkes was allegedly fired for stealing money from the cash register, which Drysdale reported to the owners. Burkes was on bond for a previous charge at the time of the shooting. The United Educators of San Francisco and the San Francisco Unified School District announced early Friday morning that they had reached a tentative agreement, ending the four-day teacher strike. Union leaders met outside the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center and announced they had reached a tentative two-year agreement that would include salary increases and fully funded family healthcare benefits for UESF employees starting on Jan. 1, 2027. This marked the end of the strike, which brought the San Francisco Unified School District to a halt for the first time in over 45 years. The union initiated the strike after the school district and union leaders failed to reach an agreement after months of negotiations on increases in teachers' wages, better health benefits, and more resources and safer conditions for students. Advertisement Advertisement "We negotiated all through the night, and we reached an agreement at 5:30 a.m. that met the needs of our entire community," Cassondra Curiel, president of UESF. People take part in a protest in support of San Francisco school teachers as they enter their second day of strike after failing to reach an agreement on raises and health care costs despite nearly a year of negotiations with the city's school district, in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria As part of the tentative agreement, the San Francisco Unified School District agreed to provide salary raises for its employees over the next two years and to fully fund family health benefits at Kaiser rates for UESF employees, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The district agreed to provide certificated employees, including teachers, with a total 4% salary increase. Raises will start this year with a 2% increase, and increase again next year. People take part in a protest in support of San Francisco school teachers as they enter their second day of strike after failing to reach an agreement on raises and health care costs despite nearly a year of negotiations with the city's school district, in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY People take part in a protest in support of San Francisco school teachers as they enter their second day of strike after failing to reach an agreement on raises and health care costs despite nearly a year of negotiations with the city's school district, in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria People take part in a protest in support of San Francisco school teachers as they enter their second day of strike after failing to reach an agreement on raises and health care costs despite nearly a year of negotiations with the city's school district, in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Teachers with the San Francisco Unified School District hold signs during a rally outside of San Francisco City Hall on the first day of a citywide teachers' strike on February 09, 2026, in San Francisco, California. Nearly 6,000 educators in the San Francisco Unified School District walked off the job Monday, the city's first teachers' strike in almost 50 years, after contract talks collapsed over wages, health benefits and staffing, leaving all 120 district schools closed as negotiations continue. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Teachers with the San Francisco Unified School District hold signs during a rally outside of San Francisco City Hall on the first day of a citywide teachers' strike on February 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. Nearly 6,000 educators in the San Francisco Unified School District walked off the job Monday, the city's first teachers' strike in almost 50 years, after contract talks collapsed over wages, health benefits and staffing, leaving all 120 district schools closed as negotiations continue. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Teachers with the San Francisco Unified School District hold signs during a rally outside of San Francisco City Hall on the first day of a citywide teachers' strike on February 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. Nearly 6,000 educators in the San Francisco Unified School District walked off the job Monday, the city's first teachers' strike in almost 50 years, after contract talks collapsed over wages, health benefits and staffing, leaving all 120 district schools closed as negotiations continue. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Scenes from the San Francisco Teachers Strike this week 1 of 6 People take part in a protest in support of San Francisco school teachers as they enter their second day of strike after failing to reach an agreement on raises and health care costs despite nearly a year of negotiations with the city's school district, in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY For classified employees, including paraeducators, the district agreed to an 8.5% raise over two years, with staff receiving 4% in Year 1 and 4.5% in Year 2. Paraeducators who are providing specialized medical services will also receive an additional ongoing 5% salary increase. Advertisement Advertisement The District and UESF agreed to collaborate on an educator working group with budget authority to improve special education programs and provide special education educators with additional support. When asked what the union had to give up to receive its newly won benefits, Nathalie Hrizi, UESF Vice President of Substitutes, said, "Nothing we did not give any cut." "At one point, we were talking about (cutting) retirement, health benefits, anything like that. There were no cuts to our contract made that are permanent," Hrizi said. The union agreed to pause sabbatical leave for one year but did not agree to permanently cut the benefit, Hrizi said. Advertisement Advertisement "We had to give up our right to strike. "Being here two nights in a row was not fun. But we did this thing and we won this thing, because we want stability for our schools," Hrizi said. Teachers and students are expected to return to the classroom on Wednesday, Feb. 18, as school is off for Presidents' Day on Monday and the Lunar New Year on Tuesday. The mayor's reaction to the end of the strike Shortly after it was announced that the district and union had reached an agreement, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie released a statement about the achievement. "I know how deeply everyone cares about our students and educators. We all share a commitment to providing an excellent education to every single SFUSD student," Lurie said. Advertisement Advertisement "And as San Francisco becomes increasingly out of reach for so many, we all understand that it is absolutely essential that our educators and their families feel truly supported. They should be proud of how theyve done that in this agreement." I am grateful that our educators and school district have reached a tentative agreement, allowing our public-school students to return to the classroom next week. I want to thank UESF President Cassondra Curiel, Superintendent Dr. Maria Su, and their entire bargaining teams. I pic.twitter.com/MUPdunXiNE Daniel Lurie (@DanielLurie) February 13, 2026 According to a recent Zumper report, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is about $3,670. A price which rose by 16.1% for a one-bedroom and 19% for a two-bedroom, according to the report. "San Francisco recorded its largest annual rent growth since Zumper began tracking rental trends over a decade ago," the report reads. The mayor's office has been at the negotiating table throughout the week, providing assistance to the union and district to reach a resolution that benefits both parties. Advertisement Advertisement "Our kids deserve schools where they can thrive, with educators who have the tools and support they need to best serve our kids. And all of our families deserve a fiscally stable school district that will be able to do the same for generations to come," Lurie said. Leaders with the San Francisco Unified School District express their Hours after the agreement was announced, Dr. Maria Su, SFUSD Superintendent, held a press conference to speak on the achievement. She highlighted how the district and union have engaged in "good faith" bargaining since March 2025, and is happy that the two parties have been able to reach these achievements after months of negotiating this contract. "This is a monumental moment and in partnership with the United Educators of San Francisco. This agreement will help us recruit talented educators to work in San Francisco in our public schools," Su said. "We stretched our resources to the limit to get his agreement done." People take part in a protest in support of San Francisco school teachers as they enter their second day of strike after failing to reach an agreement on raises and health care costs despite nearly a year of negotiations with the city's school district, in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Although the district reached an agreement today, Su acknowledged that it will "need more support" in the future to continue supporting its educators and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Su noted that people are struggling to maintain a decent quality of living in San Francisco, as the cost of living and housing continues to become more unaffordable each year. "That is not something that we as a school district can solve alone," Su said. "We cannot bring down the cost of housing or the price of groceries, but we can do our part to honor of educator and staff and their families." Su called on the state's leadership to address and change how "it funds our local public schools." Specifically, to have California leaders in Sacramento provide school districts with the "funding for our schools and students need and deserve." It's unclear when the agreement will be ratified, but Hrizi noted that the United Educators of San Francisco will schedule a meeting soon with its members to vote on it. The San Francisco Board of Education is set to meet soon and hold a similar vote, according to Hrizi Advertisement Advertisement Our educators are the backbone of our school communities, said Phil Kim, President of the San Francisco Board of Education. The Board of Education is grateful for the tireless work of both parties in reaching a tentative agreement. As a district still in fiscal recovery, it is imperative that we find a solution that honors our educators while also ensuring long-term fiscal solvency. The Board looks forward to reviewing the proposal. Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Francisco strike end after 4 days as leaders reach an agreement Feb. 12WILKES-BARRE Attorneys for homicide suspect William Hunter Snyder, charged with the ambush fatal shooting of John Rabbitz Jr., have renewed their request to exclude cellular phone and social media data they believe was unlawfully obtained by an overzealous state police investigator. Attorneys Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. and Rachel D. Olszewski, of the Scartelli Olszewski law firm in Scranton, filed a motion this week in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas in anticipation of Friday's continuation of pre-trial arguments on what evidence will be presented before a jury. The first motions hearing was held Dec. 22. In their latest filing, Snyder's attorneys allege Trooper Justin Leri obtained Snyder's Snapchat and Verizon phone records without search warrants in violation of their client's privacy rights. They go as far as to say Leri is a "liar" when they allege Leri knowingly provided false and misleading information to Snapchat and Verizon for Snyder's cellular phone usage, including text messages and phone calls. Advertisement Advertisement Snyder, 28, of Milton, a state trooper until October 2023, was charged Jan. 22, 2025, for the shooting death of Rabbitz Jr., 44, at Rabbitz's residence on Merry Lane Drive in Sugarloaf Township on Jan. 21, 2025. Investigators in court records say the shooting was over Courtney Burgard, whom Snyder previously dated. Burgard was dating Rabbitz at the time of his death. Body camera footage from state police Cpl. Jason Zoshak, who was one of the first responders to arrive at Rabbitz's residence after the shooting, was shown during previous court proceedings. In the footage, Zoshak asked Rabbitz if anyone had a beef with him. Rabbitz replied, "Hunter Snyder," and the shooting was over a girl before he was transported to a hospital, but died upon arrival. Snyder's attorneys allege investigators had knowledge of Snyder based on Zoshak's questions, as recorded by his body camera, and twice speaking with Burgard via phone as she was in Florida at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Despite having knowledge of Snyder, Snyder's attorneys allege Leri submitted requests to Snapchat at 3 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2025, and to Verizon at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 2025, citing "exigent circumstances" in seeking Snyder's cell site location information. For the request to Snapchat, Snyder's attorneys argued Leri knowingly provided false information that Burgard's life was in jeopardy and Snyder's whereabouts needed to be immediately discovered. Snyder's attorneys advocate Burgard, while being questioned by investigators, never claimed Snyder threatened to harm her. For the Verizon request, Snyder's attorneys say Leri sought Snyder's records to track his movements via his cellular phone and cell phone towers. Advertisement Advertisement Snyder's attorneys contend Snyder's whereabouts were learned hours before Leri submitted the two requests to Snapchat and Verizon with false and misleading information. Other evidence Snyder's attorneys are seeking to exclude are Snyder's alleged confession, which they say was given under stale Miranda warnings, Zoshak's body camera footage when he questioned an injured Rabbitz, text messages between Snyder and Burgard, and Burgard's protection-from-abuse petition she filed against Snyder in Northumberland County on March 19, 2025. Deputy District Attorney Daniel E. Zola and Assistant District Attorneys Rachel Spivak and Gerry Scott are prosecuting. Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. is presiding over the Snyder case. MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) For years, people in Marshall County have said they have been victims of scams all orchestrated by a Guntersville man. Jaron Reed has been the center of online chatter, as people claim theyve hired him for contracts that are never completed. Tennessee woman charged with drug trafficking after crashing vehicle in Scottsboro Carl Weimer is an attorney in Huntsville who met Reed when he hired him to do work on his company vehicle. At the time, Reed had a tire business Rocket City Tire. Advertisement Advertisement When I pulled up to the shop and it looked legit, its like a four-bay shop. There were workers in there. He was in there. He had computer systems, you know, all that stuff, Weimer said. The project began at $22,000. A deal that was too good to be true. He goes, you know, I heard youre a combat veteran. And I was like, I am. And he goes, well, he goes, you know, I appreciate your service. Hes like, this is what Im willing to do for you. If you buy the, parts for me in the shop, he goes, Ill do the labor for free, Weimer said. But Weimer says that goodwill did not last long, as over the course of four years, the project cost ballooned to about $50,000. Advertisement Advertisement What was supposed to be a 90-day affair turned into four years of hassle. When Weimer finally got a hold of his vehicle, it was in rough shape. It was in such disarray. I mean, like, the motor and all that stuff had been completely ripped apart. He had cut, cut wiring harnesses. He had cut, like all types of other stuff, just, you know, to kind of, like, spite me, Weimer said. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App Weimer is just one of many with complaints against Reed. Chuck and Mato Pugh say they hired Reed to rebuild their home after it was destroyed in a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Chuck Pugh and Reed knew each other because they both worked at the same volunteer fire department. Trusting him, the Pughs gave them a large portion of their insurance money, about $50,000. Were a single-income family because my husband was just getting back into working full-time. Hed been very, very sick. And even knowing that as a friend, he took extreme advantage of us, Pugh said After months of hassle, the Pughs say they realized Reed was never going to finish rebuilding their home. In fact, the Pughs said Reed made things worse by damaging their septic tank and pipes while removing the damaged foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Not everybody who claims to be your friend is actually someone who wants to help you. And that is the lesson that sometimes is learned the hard way, Pugh said. The Better Business Bureau says the best way to find credible contractors is by visiting their website. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. ORLANDO, Fla. Suzanne Schneider spent International Holocaust Day, observed each Jan. 27, answering questions: Were you afraid? Were you in a concentration camp? Her answers with the high-tech help of artificial intelligence will help ensure future generations understand the horrors of the Holocaust, the Nazi-led genocide that killed 6 million Jews and millions of others from 1933 to 1945. Its a responsibility, she said. I just have to do it. Advertisement Advertisement Schneider spent multiple days recording her personal testimony about what she experienced as a Jewish girl in Poland while Hitler consolidated power in neighboring Germany. Her story of bravery includes hiding in a chicken coop, where she wasnt allowed to speak for fear of discovery, and pretending to be a distant relative of a Catholic couple who took her into their home when she became ill. Her memories will live on at the core of the Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity, coming to Orlando. I think its funny, really, said Schneider, 88, who lives in Winter Park. Ill be dead, and then Ill still be talking, in my red pants. A representative from StoryFile, a Los Angeles-based company that uses AI to allow video-based conversations with people who arent actually there, was asking Schneider the questions at Green Slate Studios in south Orlando. Advertisement Advertisement Sitting in front of a green screen, which allows backgrounds to be inserted digitally later, and clad in bright and cheerful red, Schneider answered not only the big questions about what she remembers, but hundreds of other questions future museum visitors might ask. She has plenty of experience in answering questions from her years of speaking in front of groups, often schoolchildren. Did she eat her pet chicken? Was she tattooed with a number? Did she meet Hitler? Its always the boys who ask that last question, she said with a chuckle. The idea is that future visitors will be able to ask Schneider or rather, her digital facsimile these and dozens of other questions face to face, with AI making the exchange conversational. By creating an experience so up close and personal, museum officials hope the lessons about the Holocaust will touch the heart as well as the brain. Advertisement Advertisement The museum also recorded another Central Florida Holocaust survivor, Harry Lowenstein, who is 94. He was separated from his parents as a teen and placed in several camps. It was incredible he was able to survive, said Suzanne Grimmer, senior director of museum experiences at the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida, which is planning the Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity. He remembers Kristallnacht the 1938 pogrom that turned the Nazis discriminatory laws into outright state-sanctioned violence against Jews. Middle schoolers and high schoolers can relate to his story, Grimmer said. I think they see themselves in it. The Holocaust Center also plans to have StoryFile record two Central Florida liberators those Allied troops who first saw the death camps as the Nazis were driven to defeat. Advertisement Advertisement The technology doesnt come cheap. It costs about $250,000 per subject, said interim Holocaust Center CEO Emily Sterling, when you factor in the interview recording time, the creation of the digital interface museum visitors with which museum visitors will interact, equipment and staff time to create the educational resources around the interview. But leaders of the Holocaust Center, which is seeking sponsors for the StoryFile expense, believe it essential to their mission to connect with Central Floridians in a museum for the future. We have made efforts to really root the core experience of the new museum in Florida stories, Grimmer said. Thats really important to us. The move toward local stories of the era has resulted in adjustments to the Holocausts Center high-profile partnership with USC Shoah Foundation, founded by filmmaker Steven Spielberg after he directed the 1993 Holocaust film Schindlers List. Advertisement Advertisement That California-based organization has an extensive library of Holocaust survivors accounts, captured on video using similar AI technology and known as Dimensions in Testimony. Originally, some of those stories would have been the centerpiece of the new museum before the emphasis turned to Florida residents. The partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation will continue, Grimmer said, with its resources being used more for the Holocaust Centers educational efforts. Weve really leaned into using that for education. We use Dimensions in Testimony every time theres a field trip, she said. But our local stories havent been recorded by the Shoah Foundation. So that fell to us. The Holocaust Center, currently located on the campus of the Roth Family Jewish Community Center in Maitland, last month unveiled a new centerpiece exhibition that previews the new museums focus on local stories. The Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity is hoped to open in the former Orlando Chamber of Commerce building on Orange Avenue north of downtown in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement In the new museum, Schneider and others recorded by Storyfile will appear on life-size screens. When you walk by her, it will start a conversation, said Grimmer, pointing out that the AI will not only be able to answer some 450 questions in Schneiders voice but respond to greetings such as Good morning or Hello. We will put a chair across from her and you can talk, Grimmer said. Schneider is pleased that through StoryFiles technology she can contribute to Holocaust education for decades to come. Its an obligation I have, she said. As long as I can do it, Im going to do it. Its history, and it has to be told. A Muskego municipal judge has dismissed a disorderly conduct citation against 77-year-old Jim Brownlow, ruling that his chalk message referencing the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol did not amount to a true threat or violate Wisconsin law. In her written decision Feb. 13, Judge Lisa Warwick found that Brownlows message was a political statement, not criminal conduct. The case stemmed from chalk writing Brownlow made on Jan. 6, 2025, outside the Muskego Post Office, which sits in a privately owned commercial strip mall. Advertisement Advertisement The city accused him of writing multiple messages on the sidewalk, including We almost lost our democracy and There was no fraud in the 2020 election. Brownlow has denied writing anything beyond Jan. 6. Brownlow was arrested and charged with criminal damage to property. It was later reduced to disorderly conduct, leaving Brownlow facing a fine of up to $565. In court filings and at trial, Muskego officials argued the chalk messages were disruptive and inherently threatening, pointing to complaints from postal customers and $900 in cleanup and administrative costs submitted by the property owner. But Warwick found there was no evidence that the messages disrupted postal services or interfered with other businesses in the strip mall. Advertisement Advertisement The statute requires more than mere offensive speech, Warwick wrote. Warwick ruled the messages were not true threats. No individual was targeted, there was no intent to harm and a reasonable reader would interpret them as political speech, she said. Warwick considered whether the sidewalk was public or private property, but ultimately said it didnt matter because the conduct didnt meet the definition of disorderly conduct either way. Brownlow, a retired librarian who represented himself in court, previously told Public Investigator that the case had taken a toll on him, requiring repeated court appearances and extensive preparation over more than a year. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Muskego judge dismisses Jan. 6 chalk message case, citing free speech North Korea on Friday threatened a "terrible response" if it detects any more drones buzzing across the border from the South. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to repair ties with North Korea since taking office last year, criticising his predecessor for allegedly sending drones to scatter propaganda over Pyongyang. But North Korea claims it shot down a surveillance drone just last month, an incident which threatens to blight Lee's efforts to patch things up. Advertisement Advertisement Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned of severe repercussions if the drones did not stop. "I give advance warning that reoccurrence of such provocation as violating the inalienable sovereignty of the DPRK will surely provoke a terrible response," Kim said in a statement carried by Pyongyang's official Korea Central News Agency. "We don't care who the very manipulator of the drone infiltration into the airspace of the DPRK is and whether it is an individual or a civilian organization," she added, using the acronym for North Korea's official name. Seoul initially denied any official involvement in the January drone incursion, with officials suggesting it was the work of civilians. Advertisement Advertisement But a joint military-police task force announced earlier this week it was investigating three active-duty soldiers and one spy agency staffer in an effort to "thoroughly establish the truth". Seoul's unification minister Chung Dong-young expressed "deep regret" earlier this week. Any government involvement in the January drone incursion would run counter to Lee's efforts to lower the temperature with Pyongyang. Chung has previously suggested the drone may have been the work of government staffers still loyal to former hardline leader Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim Yo Jong said that Chung's conciliatory remarks were "quite sensible behaviour". Advertisement Advertisement - 'Important targets' - The statement by Kim Yo Jong suggests that Pyongyang is "closely monitoring the latest developments in the South Korean side", Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP. The North Korean military downed a drone carrying "surveillance equipment" in early January, according to a statement published by the state-run KCNA. Photos showed the wreckage of a winged craft scattered across the ground next to a collection of grey and blue components that allegedly included cameras. The drone had stored footage of "important targets" including border areas, a military spokesman said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement South Korea's disgraced ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol was accused of using unmanned drones to scatter propaganda leaflets over North Korea in 2024. Lee has vowed to mend ties with North Korea by stamping out such provocations, and has even suggested a rare apology may be warranted. A UN Security Council committee recently approved exemptions allowing fresh flows of food and medicine into North Korea. Analysts said this could kickstart efforts to lure Pyongyang into nuclear negotiations with US President Donald Trump. North Korea is preparing to hold a landmark party congress at the end of February. The political showcase -- typically held just once every five years -- will lay out the nation's foreign policy, war planning and nuclear ambitions for the next five years. cdl/sft/abs Micron (MU) stock just got another major nod of approval from Wall Street, and the timing is telling. Shares of the popular memory maker are up 10% over the past week, and Morgan Stanley sees even more upside, raising its price target to $450 from $350 while reiterating an overweight rating. The bullishness stems from the fact that memory pricing power continues to go from strength to strength. Micron and other memory makers have been on a killer run as AI infrastructure spending rises at an exponential pace. High-bandwidth memory (HBM) has become mission-critical for AI accelerators, and supply has struggled to keep pace. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra discussed AIs insatiable demand for memory during a recent CNBC interview at Davos. And AIs relentless appetite for memory isnt slowing down anytime soon, per Seeking Alpha and according to Samsung Electronics CTO Song Jai-hyuk. Speaking at Semicon Korea 2026, he said that AI-linked infrastructure demand should remain strong through at least 2027, with the tech titan ramping up mass production of its sixth-generation HBM4 chips. Memory and packaging are no longer supporting roles, said Clark Tseng of Semi, a semiconductor research and analysis outfit. They are now critical to how fast AI infrastructure can scale. Additionally, Lenovo said memory costs jumped 40% to 50% in the past quarter and could double in the current one. Thats exactly the setup thats pushing Micron stock to record highs, up 44%year to date, despite broader market sluggishness. The ongoing AI infrastructure buildout is expanding rapidly, positioning Micron well for the remainder of the year. Morgan Stanleys latest Micron call highlights shifting dynamics in the memory market.Photo by SOPA Images on Getty Images Photo by SOPA Images on Getty Images Where Wall Street sees Micron stock heading next Micron is trading at $410.34 (as of Feb. 12, 2026). Morgan Stanley: $450 (+9.7%) UBS: $450 (+9.7%) Deutsche Bank: $500 (+21.9%) Wells Fargo: $410 (-0.1%) Citigroup: $385 (-6.2%) Morgan Stanley sees pricing power getting stronger, not weaker Morgan Stanleys Joseph Moore is making the case that, despite the eye-opening run in DRAM over the past year, the cycle is only tightening. As much as happened in the last 12 months in DRAM, we remain excited for what's ahead, he wrote. The key element to consider at this point is supply, or rather, the lack of it. More Tech Stocks: The numbers back up the bullishness: The North Carolina State Board of Elections will investigate allegations of misconduct by individuals conducting voter registration drives in seven counties, including two in Western North Carolina, the board announced Feb. 13. Complaints have come from Brunswick, Buncombe, Chowan, Haywood, Nash, Scotland, and Wake counties in recent months alleging individuals running voter registration drives are "misinforming voters" on their registration information, are falsely identifying themselves as county or state election workers or are submitting applications into county boards with missing or inaccurate registration information, according to the board's Feb. 13 news release. The investigation comes as roughly 5,400 Buncombe County voters were sent a letter from the state board the week of Feb. 2 encouraging them to update their voter information. The voters who received the letter likely had registration forms with mismatched data, information that didn't validate with other government records or incomplete registration forms, the board said. Advertisement Advertisement The state board did not specify what allegations it would investigate in Buncombe and Haywood counties. State election board spokesperson Jason Tyson told the Citizen Times the state does not comment on ongoing investigations. The news release states it is a "Class I felony to falsify a voter registration form." Haywood County Director of Election Services Robert Inman said the county had flagged "a few" voter registration applications that "needed further review." The applications were flagged if they included mismatched information or didn't include accurate information regarding date of birth or social security numbers, Inman said. Haywood County had not received any reports of registration drive workers impersonating county employees. "There are legitimate reasons why this happens. It's the human element," Inman said of incorrect information on a voter registration form. "The State Board has confirmed that complaints came directly to the SBOE. The State Board has authority over investigation of allegations, and it is inappropriate to comment on any ongoing investigations. We take concerns about election integrity or misconduct seriously. Buncombe County Election Services and the Board of Elections cooperate and partner with the State Board," Buncombe County spokesperson Angelica Tyler told the Citizen Times Feb. 13. Advertisement Advertisement More: Why were 5,400 Buncombe County voters asked for updated information? Republican lawmakers have sought to further regulate voter registration. On Feb. 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when submitting your voter registration. The bill adds criminal penalties for officials who register someone to vote in an election without proof of citizenship. Nonprofit voting advocacy groups have described the bill, which is expected to face an uphill battle in the Senate, as effectively ending third party voter registration drives. Last year, Republican North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin sued the N.C. State Board of Elections, seeking to toss out more than 65,000 ballots in the contested race. Griffin, who lost the election by 734 votes to Democratic opponent Allison Riggs, argued ballot irregularities, like incomplete voter registrations or mismatched information, violated state law and cost him the election. Griffin's argument was rejected by a federal judge in May and Riggs was sworn in later that month. After Gov. Josh Stein was elected in 2024, Republican lawmakers stripped governors of their power to appoint members to the state board of elections in early 2025, NC Newsline reported last year. The effort resulted in a new Republican majority on the state board. Advertisement Advertisement Voters can check for their registration through the state board's voter search tool. The state board is also encouraging voters to ask voter registration to verify their identity and report the organization if they do not. More information can be found on hosting voter registration drives at ncsbe.gov/registering/hosting-voter-registration-drives. The State Board will investigate all credible allegations of voter registration fraud by individuals or organizations, State Board Executive Director Sam Hayes said Feb. 13. When workers involved in voter drives falsify or alter information on registration forms, it can cause problems for innocent voters at the polls. This is unacceptable and hurts voter confidence. More: Jefferson Griffin concedes in North Carolina Supreme Court race, ending bid to throw out votes More: Suspended Graham County sheriff claims due process rights violated Advertisement Advertisement Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com or message will_hofmann.01 on Signal. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: NC elections board investigates voter registration drive 'misconduct' North Carolina leaders blocked Carolina Water Service from implementing a temporary rate increase for customers across the state, including those in Huntersville, Mooresville and Charlotte. Regulators issued the order on Wednesday while the commission continues reviewing a larger, long-term rate request from the utility. The decision prevents a price hike that was set to take effect on March 1. However, Carolina Water Service is still seeking a permanent 34% rate increase over the next three years. Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE >> Carolina Water rate hike proposal sparks backlash According to the Charlotte Observer, this is a short-term victory for homeowners already battling unaffordable bills. Thousands of customers in more than 40 communities signed a petition urging the commission to deny the broader rate request, especially since residents cannot switch providers. Wednesdays decision notes that the company can propose a temporary rate increase for Oct. 1. Carolina Water Service maintains that the rate increases are necessary to support ongoing operations and infrastructure upgrades. The company says the additional revenue will fund the replacement of aging pipes and the modernization of treatment plants. These efforts are also designed to ensure compliance with stricter environmental and public health regulations. VIDEO: Pull that money out of something: Woman says $700 bill must be wrong About 11,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia's Kursk Oblast as of early 2026 to support Moscow's war in Ukraine, Yonhap reported on Feb. 12, citing South Korea's intelligence. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Pyongyang has strengthened its relationship with Moscow, supplying weapons and deploying North Korean troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine in 2024. About 10,000 North Korean combat troops and 1,000 engineer troops are currently stationed in the front-line Russian region, according to the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Advertisement Advertisement About 1,100 soldiers who returned to North Korea from the front in December 2025 may be sent back to Russia to take part in the war, the report said. The NIS said North Korea's losses in Kursk Oblast totaled about 6,000 troops, killed or injured. Earlier in June, the U.K. Defense Intelligence also said Pyongyang had suffered more than 6,000 casualties during offensive operations on Russian soil. "Despite suffering 6,000 casualties, the North Korean military has achieved the results of acquiring modern combat tactics and data on the battlefield, as well as upgrading its weapons systems with technical assistance from Russia," the NIS said. Russia's Kursk Oblast borders Ukraine's Sumy Oblast to the west and southwest. Ukraine launched the unprecedented incursion in this region in August 2024, advancing into Russian territory and seizing 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) within the first months. The operation, planned by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, sought to divert Russian troops from eastern Ukraine and disrupt Moscow's plans to invade Sumy Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Russia, reinforced by around 12,000 North Korean troops, launched a counter-offensive this spring that later forced Ukraine out of most of the captured Russian territory. North Korea has emerged as one of Russia's closest military partners during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, supplying artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and combat personnel. Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) previously reported that North Korean troops had carried out attacks in Ukraine's border areas, marking what Kyiv described as direct participation in combat operations. Read also: If you give your life, you live forever North Korean soldiers in Ukraine encouraged to use grenades to avoid capture, media reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted US President Donald Trump at the Munich Security Conference, urging opponents to push back against him while also calling for patience. "I hope, if there's nothing else I can communicate today, Donald Trump is temporary, he'll be gone in three years," the Democratic governor said during a discussion on climate policy. Newsom said that, in terms of environmental and climate protection, there had never been "a more destructive president" in US history. Advertisement Advertisement "Donald Trump is doubling down on stupid," he said of Trump's rollbacks of energy and environmental regulations. "He's trying to recreate the 19th century." On Thursday, Trump announced that the US Environmental Protection Agency would revoke a key assessment that categorized six greenhouse gases as air pollution that threatened human health, in a major blow to efforts to fight climate change. Newsom warned that people were already suffering from poor air quality, more wildfires and more flooding, pointing to frequent climate-related disasters in the US. Newsom is widely seen as a potential presidential candidate for the opposition Democratic Party in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement As governor of California, Newsom leads the most populous and economically powerful US state. He has gained attention for skewering Trump on social media, often mimicking the president's over-the-top style. As he did during an appearance last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Newsom called for Trump to be confronted and held to account, including from business leaders. "We have to stand up with more clarity and conviction, and we have to be more consistent," he said. In Davos, Newsom made headlines for criticizing what he described as a submissive attitude toward Trump by European leaders. "Its time to get serious. And stop being complicit. Its time to stand tall and firm, have a backbone," he said. The New Hampshire House of Representatives advanced a bill Thursday that would expand on federal child data protection laws, despite a representatives protest that the hearing was inadequate. In a 214-145 Republican-led vote, the House passed House Bill 1460, which prohibits social media applications and websites from selling location and other sensitive data of underage users in the state to third-party vendors. It expands on the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. Rep. Alicia Gregg, a Nashua Democrat, asked the Legislature to send the bill to interim study, arguing that it did not have a proper hearing. As a member of the Children and Family Law Committee, where HB 1460 was sent for its first hearing, Gregg said the bills prime sponsor, Brentwood Republican Rep. Melissa Litchfield, was absent due to a family emergency and that few stakeholders testified. Advertisement Advertisement We had a bill number, we had text, and we had nothing else, and yet the majority of the committee voted ought to pass, Gregg said. During the hearing on Jan. 20, members of the Children and Family Law Committee expressed concerns about not being able to get into the weeds of the bill because the prime sponsor was not present. Chairwoman Debra DeSimone, an Atkinson Republican, presented the bill to the committee but did not have the information to answer specific questions. She told members to bring them to Litchfield later. Gregg said that while it is likely that Litchfield spoke with people behind the scenes about the bill, it creates a problem of transparency and equal access. Advertisement Advertisement Our constituents send us here to ask questions, to seek understanding, to weigh consequences, intended and unintended, she said on the House floor. Instead, weve set a troubling precedent that bills can advance through our legislative process without public explanation, without reported debate, and without transparent scrutiny. Committee members also voiced concerns about how the bill could impact the state Department of Justice, as the bills methodology stated that it could have an indeterminable fiscal impact on the general fund for next year. No one from the Department of Justice testified during the hearing. Republican Reps. Mark Pearson of Hampstead and Jodi Nelson of Derry, who also serve on the committee, spoke to the Legislature about why the bill should go forward. Pearson said it is not a complicated bill. Nelson, who is also the committee clerk, argued that a proper hearing was held. We had three people testify on this bill, so I do believe we had a proper hearing, Nelson said. I know that New Hampshire would join other states, such as Texas, Florida, Vermont, Colorado, Connecticut, that have expanded federal child privacy laws and further [it] falls within this Legislatures constitutional authority to protect the health, safety, and welfare of minors. The bill now heads to the House Finance Committee for a second hearing. Former Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said Thursday he doesnt want to be a witness for former Congressman David Rivera at his national-security trial in Miami, pointing out that he faces trial himself on narcoterrorism charges in New York. Maduros defense attorney indicated in a letter filed in federal court that Maduro will exercise his constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment to remain silent and respectfully declines to testify at the trial of Rivera and political consultant Esther Nuhfer. Both are charged with working as unregistered foreign agents in 2017-18 for the Venezuelan government while Maduro was president. They face trial in March. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro attorney Barry Pollack wrote Nuhfers lawyer, David O. Markus, who authored a motion to compel Maduros testimony with a subpoena if he refused to be a witness for the defense. Particularly in light of the conduct of the United States government related to the case against him in the Southern District of New York, Mr. Maduro must vigorously assert and protect his rights under the United States Constitution, Pollack wrote. He added that U.S. military forces abducted Maduro on Jan. 3 and brought him by force to New York to face federal drug-trafficking charges. Hes being held at a federal lock-up in Brooklyn. Accordingly, on behalf of Mr. Maduro, I ask that you withdraw your motion ... and that ... you inform the Court that Mr. Maduro opposes the motion, Pollack wrote Markus. Markus expressed disappointment, in a comment laced with reality and wit. Advertisement Advertisement We are disappointed that Maduro is staying silent because he would have exonerated us, Markus told the Miami Herald in a statement on Thursday. Of course, there is a simple solution if the government wants the truth they could immunize his testimony here. That would not affect his New York case. But our optimism that they will do so is flatter than Venezuelan oil prices. In a previous court filing, prosecutors Harold Schimkat and Roger Cruz did not take a position on the ultimate underlying merits of the Maduro subpoena. But they said the defense motion was deficient because it does not proffer how Mr. Maduro would potentially testify and provides no basis to know whether Maduro might even be willing to testify in this matter or have information material and favorable to the defendants. Last week, lawyers for Rivera and Nuhfer filed a motion to subpoena the former president. They said the testimony of Mr. Maduro is material and necessary at this trial. But they also asked Pollack about his clients willingness to be a witness before taking the next step. Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera leaves the James Lawrence King Criminal Justice Building in Miami on Dec. 20, 2022. He is facing charges of operating as an unregistered foreign agent for Venezuela when Nicolas Maduro was president. (Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com) The defense team, which includes Riveras attorneys Ed Shohat and David Weinstein, has already issued subpoenas to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the former Florida senator, and President Donald Trumps White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, a former lobbyist with the influential Tallahassee-based firm Ballard Partners. While federal prosecutors recently said they plan to call Rubio as a government witness, they filed a motion to quash the defense subpoena for Wiles. Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutors, citing evidence in the case, said in a court filing that Wiles does not appear to have interacted at all with Rivera or Nuhfer with respect to the unlawful lobbying scheme ... and, as such, her anticipated testimony is not relevant to their activities and certainly would not be material and favorable to the defense. Defense lawyers said theyre seeking to call Maduro, Rubio and Wiles to show that Rivera and Nuhfer were not acting as unregistered agents for the Venezuelan government to normalize relations with Maduros regime, as an indictment alleges. Instead, at meetings in 2017 and 2018, the defendants were trying to develop an exit strategy for Maduro so he could be replaced by an opposition leader who would be supported by the United States. According to the indictment, Rivera collaborated with politically connected Venezuelan businessman Raul Gorrin to arrange a meeting between Texas Congressman Pete Sessions, a Republican, and Maduro in Caracas. On April 2, 2018, the indictment says, Rivera, Gorrin and Sessions met with Maduro and other Venezuelan politicians to discuss normalizing relations between the United States and Venezuela. As part of the meeting, Sessions agreed to carry a letter with that proposal from Maduro to then-President Trump, who was serving in his first term, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Biden administration brought the criminal case in late 2022, when Rivera and Nuhfer were charged with conspiring to commit offenses against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents for Venezuela during the Maduro regime. The charges are rooted in Riveras $50 million consulting contract with the U.S. subsidiary of Venezuelas national oil company, PDVSA, in March 2017 a lobbying deal that ostensibly aimed to rebuild PDVSAs Citgo refinery business in Houston. Advertisement Advertisement The indictment accuses Rivera and Nuhfer of conspiring to unlawfully enrich themselves by engaging in political activities in the United States on behalf of the Government of Venezuela ... in an effort to influence United States foreign policy toward Venezuela. It also says Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, who replaced Maduro after he was seized by the U.S. military last month and brought to the United States, had ordered Citgo executives in 2017 to hire Riveras company, Interamerican Consulting, to compensate him and Nuhfer for their lobbying on behalf of the Venezuelan government. Nigeria could unlock $19 billion for the countrys economy by 2030 by eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), according to a new report, but foreign aid cuts threaten advancements. Nigeria carries the highest burden of NTDs in Africa and the second globally: Some 51 million people require treatment for intestinal worms, and 38 million lack treatment for lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic disease that causes chronic swelling. But the launch of a mass drug administration program has allowed the country to treat around 100 million people for NTDs annually since 2019, The END Fund found, with the disease burden for some illnesses reducing by as much as 72%. Progress is being made in other parts of the continent too: Last year, Burundi, Mauritania, and Senegal announced they had eliminated trachoma, a bacterial infection that untreated can lead to blindness. But aid cuts could derail the gains: One study estimated that 23,000 additional people have died worldwide from an NTD since USAID was shuttered last year. Aid cuts are inevitably leaving the most vulnerable women, children, people with disabilities, and remote communities left out as funding tightens, END wrote. HOT SPRINGS, Ark. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced that nine men were arrested on charges of sexual solicitation after an investigation was conducted by his office. In a press conference on Friday, Griffin said a multi-agency operation in Hot Springs earlier this week led to the arrests. Hot Springs locals react to human trafficking investigation at massage business According to Griffin, the information that led investigators to online platforms where men would arrange meetings with prostitutes to engage in sex for money was collected during human trafficking investigations of illicit massage businesses. Advertisement Advertisement For the past two years, weve focused primarily on the supply side of these kinds of operations by going after the establishments where illicit activity is occurring, Griffin said. Griffin said this weeks investigation focused on the demand side and the arrests included one mid-level ringleader and provided services to 30 victims. Make no mistake, this is despicable behavior, and it perpetuates human trafficking, plain and simple. And our work is having an impact., Griffin said. Men arrested on sexual solicitation: Vicente Santos, 46 David Hicks, 22 Jacob Benson, 32 Edward Freeman, 22 Antron Pearson, 37 Isaias Martinez-Sanchez, 30 Michael McConnell, 32 Carthon Cooper, 27 Gustavo Gonzalez, 28 Advertisement Advertisement I am grateful to Prosecuting Attorney for the 18th Judicial District East Michelle Lawrence; Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; the FBI; the Garland County Sheriffs Office; the Hot Springs Police Department; the Little Rock Police Department; and the Arkansas State Police for their assistance on this operation, Griffin said. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The Trump administration recently nominated Scott Socha, an executive at hospitality concessioner Delaware North, to be the director of the National Park Service. Socha is the president of parks and resorts and Australia at Delaware North, a large food, venue and hotel management company that runs food and lodging operations at parks, venues and airports across the U.S. and Australia. The company currently operates retail and food services inside seven national parks, along with a number of hotels located directly outside national parks, including Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite. Advertisement Advertisement The administration announced Socha's nomination Wednesday, sparking a wave of apprehension among conservationists. "The parks are not about making money for the hotel industry," Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity, told SFGATE over the phone. "Before Trump, presidents of both parties would try to find people who had experience with the National Park Service for this position. They often would draw from their career ranks or people who had run state agencies and understood the role and how important the parks are to the tradition of America. "Yeah, most parks have a concessionaire or two that runs visitor services," Hartl continued. "But the goal of parks is to protect them so they can be enjoyed by all Americans, now and into the future. That's the mission of the parks. It's not to maximize profits of a few companies." Socha has held multiple finance and business development-related positions at Delaware North for nearly three decades, and previously served as the company's vice president and treasurer. He's led the company's parks and resorts division since 2017. His experience differs vastly from that of former Park Service Director Charles F. "Chuck" Sams III, who had decades of experience in natural resource management, land stewardship and both tribal and state government prior to his four-year term at the Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Delaware North was involved in a lengthy trademarking war with the Park Service that began in 2016, when an Aramark subsidiary replaced it as Yosemite's concessionaire, National Parks Traveler reported. After losing its Yosemite contract, the company sued the federal government over costs related to the trademark rights of names and logos within the park, including the names of the Ahwahnee hotel, Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village - even going as far as trademarking the name "Yosemite National Park." The lawsuitt was settled for $12 million in 2019. Delaware North was also included in former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's outdoor recreation advisory committee, which pushed for the privatization of services within National Parks during the first Trump administration. "The private park concessionaire executive, Socha, has zero experience in public service or conservation," Jayson O'Neill, spokesperson for the Save Our Parks campaign, said in a statement Thursday. "Instead, he's made a career out of extracting maximum profit from our national parks, not protecting them, making it abundantly clear he'll be doing the bidding of special interests and corporate interests. Doug Burgum has spent a year filling the henhouse with as many foxes as possible, installing cronies who've gutted the park service to the bone as part of his privatization efforts." The Park Service has been without an official director since Sams left his position over a year ago. Since then, the agency has faced unprecedented staffing cuts that have resulted in the loss of nearly a quarter of its permanent staff. Advertisement Advertisement "The Park Service Director must reverse course on the damage that's been done to parks and park staff over the last year," Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association, said in a statement emailed to SFGATE. "If confirmed, he must put the Park Service's mission first, stand up for park staff, fill critical vacancies and halt attacks on our nation's history. Our national parks need strong, sensible leadership now more than ever before. Given Mr. Socha's years of experience working with the Park Service, we hope he will be that leader. NPCA stands ready to work with him." Others, however, remain unconvinced. "Trump is showing his disdain for the national parks by appointing a person with no experience and no vision for how they should be run," Hartl said in an emailed statement. More National Parks - How influencer culture ruined a once-pristine national park lake - Mountain lions threatened hikers for months before fatal attack near national park - Woman and son, 6, found dead at Canyonlands National Park - DOI cracks down on stickers covering Trump's face on national parks passes Advertisement Advertisement We love national parks just as much as you do, so we have a newsletter that covers them from top to bottom. Sign up here. This article originally published at 'Zero experience': Conservationists are losing it over Trump's National Park Service director nominee. BALLSTON SPA - A Watervliet plumber who used a pipe wrench to kill a man apologized to the victim's family moments before he was sentenced Friday to 11 years in state prison. "I apologize to the family wholeheartedly," Cyrus J. Tetreault, who faced prison time in the May 31, 2024, fight that ended with the death of 53-year-old Brian M. Miller at a home in Malta. "I've replayed that day in my mind every single day since it happened and I shouldn't have been there," the 22-year-old said. "I shouldn't have gotten in my car and made that conscious decision ... I shouldn't have gone there. I really do apologize to the victim's family. I don't expect forgiveness. I could only imagine if that was somebody that I loved, I would feel the same way." Advertisement Advertisement Judge James Davis told Tetreault, "You took a man's life. You took a man from his family. You're going to have to live with that the rest of your life. It was a completely avoidable event." Tetreault's sorrow did not sit well with Ryan Church, Miller's nephew, who told the court he could not describe the pain Miller's family feels. "Brian was more than just a victim of senseless violence," he said. "Brian was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, a friend and a grandfather who cared deeply for others and had so much life left to live. He never had the chance to hold his granddaughter, see her laugh, or watch her grow. It's heartbreaking for all of usWhile we acknowledge the plea, it does not undo the damage that was done to the life that was taken. No sentence is long enough. No punishment is harsh enough. Nothing will bring him back." Church then read a message from his grandmother, Miller's mother, who simply said, "Shame on you, Cyrus, for what you did to my son." Advertisement Advertisement Tetreault kept his eyes averted as Church looked at him as he spoke. The killing of Miller took place during a dispute at a Sparrow Drive apartment complex that involved several people. Tetreault's attorney, Kevin O'Brien, argued that Tetreault struck Miller with the pipe wrench in self-defense. He also claimed Miller had a hatchet. Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Pratt said that there was no evidence of a hatchet. Tetreault, she said, made "the purposeful, conscious decision on May 31 of 2024 that ultimately led to his striking and hitting Brian in the face with a medal, almost 6-pound pipe wrench, at full force. Then the defendant fled rather than face the consequences of what he had done." Miller, who investigators found bleeding from the face, died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Tetreault fled but returned to the scene with his father and a note explaining what happened. He was charged with manslaughter, assault and tampering with evidence after deputies found the wrench under a pallet in his father's backyard. Tetreault pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in November. He could have faced up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the charge at trial. As Tetreault was led away by sheriff's deputies, his family repeatedly called out to him, saying "I love you" and "God bless." "I love you too," he said as he looked back at them. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking outside after court, Tetreault's finance, April Bergmann-Haro, said she was there when Miller died. "Not only did Brian Miller lose his life that day, Cyrus did too," she said. "My thoughts go out to Brian's family. I was right in front of Brian when he passed, the moment his life left his eyes," she continued. "This was not a one-sided crime. That's all I have to say." This article originally published at 'No sentence long enough' in Malta's man's death, nephew says. The News in Brief Friday, February 13, 2026 The OSCE Moscow Mechanism expert mission on Georgia began work on February 11, two weeks after 24 countries invoked it over what they described as Georgia's "deteriorating human rights situation." The OSCE said it will accept submissions of "any relevant information" by email until February 24.According to the OSCE, the mission will document recent developments related to human rights and fundamental freedoms in Georgia, assess their impact on civil society, media freedom, the rule of law, judicial independence, and political pluralism, and issue recommendations to address identified concerns.The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) said it submitted seven thematic reports to the mission, describing what it called a broad pattern of human rights violations and democratic backsliding since spring 2024. The reports cover the violent dispersal of protests, cases of ill-treatment and arbitrary detention, allegations of torture and impunity, ineffective investigations, and the use of chemical mixtures in water cannons, which GYLA said requires an independent investigation.Georgian Dream officials rejected claims of human rights deterioration. Parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia said foreign institutions meant to promote cooperation were being used "to punish undesirable political opponents," and claimed that human rights in Georgia are "better protected" than in most of the countries that invoked the mechanism.This is the first time the OSCE Moscow Mechanism has been applied to Georgia. Since its creation in 1991, it has been used 16 times, most recently in cases involving Belarus, Russia, and abuses linked to Russia's war against Ukraine.The move follows an earlier OSCE procedure. In December 2024, 38 countries invoked the Vienna Mechanism, requesting explanations from the Georgian government over human rights concerns amid pro-EU protests. The OSCE said that concerns only deepened after Georgia's response.Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Ahali party, was released from Rustavi prison on February 12 after serving an eight-month sentence for refusing to appear before the Georgian Dream parliament's temporary investigative commission, known as the Tsulukiani Commission.Gvaramia was arrested in June after declining to post bail in the case. The commission had summoned him for questioning as part of an investigation into alleged crimes by former officials, a body that Gvaramia and other opposition figures do not recognize as legitimate.Speaking after his release, Gvaramia said he could not feel free while other opposition politicians remain jailed."I'm happy to see my family, but I feel uncomfortable knowing that people are still in prison," he said. "Without these people, victory will be very difficult, if it's possible at all. We have to get them out very soon."Gvaramia is also among opposition leaders charged in a separate sabotage case, which carries a potential prison sentence of two to four years. Oil gained as tensions in the Middle East outweighed concerns that theres a supply glut building in the market. West Texas Intermediate rose to settle above $64 after the Wall Street Journal said that the the Pentagon has told a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare to deploy to the Middle East, citing three US officials. That follows an earlier report from the news agency that the US is considering seizing tankers with Iranian crude. Most Read from Bloomberg Oil right now, and just the rest of the commodity complex, is really dominated by three things: geopolitics, trade and technology, Francisco Blanch, head of commodities research at Bank of America Global Research, said in a Bloomberg Television interview. Certainly, right now, geopolitics are the main driving force pushing oil close to the high end of this years range. Iran is the fourth-largest OPEC producer, pumping an estimated 3.3 million barrels a day in January, according to a Bloomberg survey. Crude and condensate shipments totaled about 1.63 million barrels a day last month, vessel-tracking data show. The WSJ report meant crude erased earlier losses after President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he insisted that talks with Iran continue in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It was widely expected that Netanyahu would push for a broad curtailment of the Islamic Republics military activities in the region. The commodity has also received support earlier after strong US jobs data brightened the outlook for the worlds largest economy. A resilient labor market underpins demand for transport fuels, petrochemicals and power generation, reducing downside risks to US consumption at a time when macro sentiment had turned cautious, said Claudio Galimberti, chief economist at Rystad Energy. The strong numbers are a sign that that the demand picture is firming up, he added. Crude has advanced almost 13% this year as geopolitical tensions added a risk premium to prices, following a 20% slump in 2025 on concern supplies will outpace demand. After the US and Iran said initial talks last week to seek a deal on Irans nuclear program were positive, traders fear failure to reach an agreement may lead to US strikes and potential supply interruptions. President Donald Trumps administration is stepping into high-profile appeals at the Supreme Court without invitation at an unprecedented pace, supporting conservative groups in cases dealing with guns, religion and climate change. The court regularly invites the Justice Department to offer its view on whether to hear appeals, and recommendations from the solicitor general, the administrations top appellate attorney, have long carried a special weight at the Supreme Court. But Solicitor General D. John Sauers office is using the relationship more aggressively than in the past, urging the Supreme Court to take on culture war cases that align with the presidents agenda even when the court has not asked for the Justice Departments input. The administration has butt into at least five cases without invitation, most recently a potentially significant appeal involving religious preschools. Advertisement Advertisement Its using the solicitor generals unique position as a way to push not just the policy and political agenda of the current president, but the broader ideological agenda of the Republican Party, said Steve Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst and professor at Georgetown University Law Center. The solicitor generals office has largely avoided the political turmoil churning through the rest of the Justice Department during Trumps second term. Like everyone else in the department, Sauer works at Trumps pleasure but his position, often referred to as the 10th justice has also long been viewed as having a responsibility to the Supreme Court, not just the administration. And so far, Sauer has managed to successfully balance those sometimes-competing demands. The 6-3 conservative court repeatedly sided with Trump last year, backing the administration 80% of the time on its emergency docket. It is a record that Attorney General Pam Bondi was quick to tout ahead of a fiery confrontation with House Democrats earlier this week. Weve obtained 24 favorable rulings at the US Supreme Court, Bondi told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday before tacking on a promise. Even more to come. Advertisement Advertisement But that dual responsibility can mean added scrutiny if it appears the solicitor general is veering from past practice into more political territory. When an appeal lands at the Supreme Court, the parties spend weeks submitting written arguments trying to get the vote of the four justices needed to grant an appeal. While third-party groups often submit friend-of-the-court briefs attempting to influence that decision, it is especially notable when the solicitor general does so in part because of how infrequently it happens. The five uninvited briefs filed by the Trump administration represented more intervention than previous administrations exercised. The Biden administration, for instance, did not file any similar briefs in merits cases over four years, though it did submit an unsolicited recommendation in an emergency appeal in 2021 in a death penalty case from Oklahoma. The Clinton administration filed five briefs over eight years in office, according to a review by SCOTUSblog. Only two were filed during Trumps first, four-year term. Advertisement Advertisement Sauers office did not respond to a series of questions from CNN about how the decision is made to intervene and the process that it uses. But a source familiar with the Justice Departments approach noted that it appeared to be working: The court has so far agreed with recommendations from the solicitor generals office in three out of five cases. (Two other appeals are pending.) That source stressed that the practice of filing uninvited briefs still remains exceedingly rare. Only infrequently does the solicitor general file unsolicited amicus briefs at the certiorari stage, Patricia Millett, a former assistant to the solicitor general who is now a federal appeals court judge, wrote in an academic journal in 2009. After all, if the court believes that the governments views would be helpful to its decision, it will ask for them. The departments credibility, Millett wrote then, depends, in large part, on consistently applying extremely selective and exacting criteria before asking the court to exercise its jurisdiction. Backing religious preschools In its most recent uninvited brief, the Justice Department in late January urged the Supreme Court to take up an appeal involving a Colorado law that requires preschools to enroll children regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and other factors. Advertisement Advertisement The Archdiocese of Denver is challenging that law. The church, represented by the religious public interest firm Becket, wants to receive public funding for its Catholic preschools but decline to admit students from families who dont see eye to eye on the churchs opposition to same-sex marriage and those who identify as transgender. In the filing, Sauer warned that the lower court opinions supporting the Colorado law could stymie religious exercise in major portions of the country. The conservative Supreme Court has repeatedly sided with religious groups in recent years in similar cases, finding that such laws effectively discriminate against religion and violate the First Amendment. To justify the administrations intervention, Sauer told the court that the United States had, in part, a substantial interest in the preservation of the free exercise of religion. For Becket, which has successfully argued many religious cases at the high court, the brief from the Trump administration was huge an affirmation of its argument that the justices should grant their appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Looking back at some of the past cases theyve filed in, I think the vast majority of them end up going to the court, Nick Reaves, a senior counsel with Becket, said of the Justice Departments decision to enter into an appeal, known as a petition for a writ certiorari in legal speak. The solicitor general knows what makes a good petition and knows when its important for the court to weigh in on an issue, Reaves said. The court will decide whether to hear the case later this year. Sauer also submitted an uninvited brief in a significant Second Amendment case involving a Hawaii law that bars people from carrying guns onto private property without the explicit approval of the property owner. The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to take up the case and rule against Hawaii, claiming that the states law functionally eliminates the general Second Amendment right to carry firearms in public. Advertisement Advertisement After the Supreme Court agreed with that recommendation, Bondi touted the administrations involvement in a social media post. As I said soon after taking office, the Second Amendment is not a second-class right, she wrote on X. My Justice Department will continue to be the most pro-Second Amendment Justice Department in history. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in January and a majority of justices signaled they were prepared to strike down the law. A decision is expected by the end of June. Benefits of being picky Some of the cases the administration has entered on its own are far less controversial. One involved an early-stage prisoner lawsuit against federal prison officials that almost certainly would have drawn in the Justice Department if allowed to continue. Another involved an Alabama prisoner who has been sentenced to death, a case that could have direct implications for the federal governments ability to execute prisoners on federal death row. Advertisement Advertisement But other cases deal with issues of national significance. In September, the administration weighed in on a major environmental appeal dealing with whether local governments may sue fossil fuel producers for damages from climate change. The Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to take up that case and overturn a decision from Colorados highest court that allowed the litigation against Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil to move forward. In its brief to the Supreme Court, DOJ warned that without intervention, every locality in the country could sue essentially anyone in the world for contributing to global climate change. The Supreme Court could announce whether it will hear that appeal within weeks. Advertisement Advertisement John Elwood, a veteran appellate attorney, counted seven such briefs filed by the Trump administration, including two that came in emergency cases. In absolute terms, the numbers remain small, Elwood wrote on SCOTUSblog this week. But relative to historical practice, the increase is meaningful. A mechanism once used sparingly is now being deployed with some regularity. But William Jay, a veteran appellate attorney who served in the solicitor generals office and clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia, said that there may be a more practical reason why the Biden administration was less likely to file uninvited briefs than Trump: the Democratic administration probably reasoned it had to be more selective about the cases it urged the conservative court to hear. Bidens DOJ may have filed less not because it was reluctant to file amicus briefs, Jay said, but because it didnt want those cases decided by the current Supreme Court. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A sextortion investigation that began with a Calhoun County Sheriff deputy's initial response in Michigan, has resulted in the arrest of a North Carolina man now facing more than 25 felony sex crime charges. The Sampson County Sheriffs Office received a complaint Jan. 2 from the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office involving a local 18-year-old female who reported she was being extorted by Kelbie Glover, 22, of Rose Hill, North Carolina. Glover is a registered sex offender in Sampson County from previous convictions related to sexual battery and indecent exposure. Sampson County Investigators worked quickly to locate Glover, and developed probable cause that Glover was threatening to release private images of the female to family members and arrested him on one count of sexual extortion of an adult, a felony. He was initially denied bond under Irynas Law, however, later received a bond and was released after that bond was paid. Advertisement Advertisement A continued investigation between Jan. 22 and Feb. 2 uncovered digital evidence showing images of multiple underage females and identified additional victims who were extorted or received unsolicited explicit images from him. Evidence also corroborated that Glover sexually assaulted an 18-year-old female in Sampson County in late 2024. Due to these findings, arrest warrants were obtained for the following, in addition to the Jan. 2 charges: One count of second-degree forcible rape 14 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a child Five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a child One count of indecent liberties with a child One count of extortion One count of disseminating obscenities One count of failure to register as a sex offender On Feb. 4, 2026, a Sampson County District Court Judge set bond at $475,000 with stipulations of wearing electronic monitoring device, being confined to his home when not at work or school, and having no access to electronic devices if released pending trial. "The Calhoun County Sheriff is thankful for the work of the Sampson County Sheriffs Office continuing the investigation and for our good working relationships with surrounding jurisdictions, including ones out of state," the sheriff's department said in a statement. This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: NC man faces 25+ felony sex crime charges after Michigan probe By Heejin Kim SEOUL, Feb 13 (Reuters) - The sister of North Korea's ruler said on Friday that South Korean authorities should take steps to prevent "reoccurrence of provocative sovereignty violation," state media KCNA reported, referring to a drone flown into its airspace recently. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said in a statement she appreciates the South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's expression of his regret over the "drone intrusion" as "sensible behavior," KCNA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Chung earlier this week in his speech at a local cathedral expressed "deep regret" over a drone sent by a South Korean civilian, according to Yonhap News Agency. Kim said it was "fortunate" that Chung made the comment, adding that Pyongyang does not care who sent the drone and whether it was an individual or a civilian organisation. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has sought a conciliatory approach toward Pyongyang, said in January that there appeared to be a loophole in the monitoring system to detect drones operated by local civilians. South Korea's Ministry of Unification said on Friday the drone incident goes against its principle of peaceful coexistence with North Korea, and Seoul will work to prevent any recurrence. (Reporting by Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee;Editing by Bill Berkrot and Lincoln Feast.) By Heejin Kim and Kyu-seok Shim SEOUL, Feb 13 (Reuters) - North Korea will convene the Ninth Party Congress this month, a major political undertaking aimed at showcasing leader Kim Jong Un's absolute grip on power and his image as a benevolent leader at home and as head of a world-class military.In the run-up to the once-every-five-year gathering, Kim has toured military and economic facilities across the isolated state, from a cruise missile launch site to a large-scale greenhouse farm, to highlight his accomplishments. The Congress is expected to open on an undisclosed date in late February. It will deliver a verdict on the current five-year development push and outline future priorities. Advertisement Advertisement At the 2021 Congress, Kim said the prior economic plan had failed in "almost every sector" and called for greater investment in heavy industries, while strengthening agriculture and light industry to increase consumer goods supply. "This quinquennial multi-day event will offer insights into Kim Jong Uns domestic and foreign policy calculus over the next five years at a critical time domestically and externally," Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior fellow for the Stimson Centers Korea Program and 38 North, said in a note. SUCCESSION AND 'PRESIDENT' TITLE South Korean lawmakers said this week that Kim appears to be taking steps to firm up his daughter's position as successor, citing a National Intelligence Service briefing. Advertisement Advertisement The agency believes Kim's teenage daughter, thought to be named Kim Ju Ae, is already providing input on policy matters, suggesting she may be being groomed as a future leader. The NIS will closely watch whether Ju Ae attends the congress and how she is presented, including whether she receives an official title. Analysts have also raised the possibility that the Congress could revive the title of "president" for Kim - a designation historically associated with state founder Kim Il Sung, Kim's grandfather. If Kim Ju Ae eventually became leader it would extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. MILITARY PARADE Advertisement Advertisement North Korea is expected to stage a major military parade to mark the Congress and highlight expanding nuclear and conventional weapons capabilities. Analysts say Kim will be determined to show he is not at risk of sharing the fate of Venezuela's deposed leader after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered special forces to seize Nicolas Maduro in a raid last month. "The U.S. strike on Venezuela, a non-nuclear power, would have accelerated North Korea's obsession with nuclear weapons to protect the country from such military operations," Kim Yeoul-soo at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs said. The Congress offers Kim an opportunity to underline why nuclear weapons are needed as a powerful deterrent, said Kim at the think-tank affiliated with South Korea's Defence Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Tae Yong-ho, one of the highest ranking former North Korean officials to defect to the South, said Pyongyang considers "what happened to Iraq and Libya, and especially the war in Ukraine, was all because they did not have the deterrence to protect themselves". NUCLEAR SUBMARINES A 'BIG DEAL' Despite advances in nuclear-capable missiles, hypersonic missiles and powerful artillery that has supported Russia's war against Ukraine, Kim wants more, said Tae, who served as Pyongyang's envoy to London. Securing submarines both powered and armed with nuclear technology is at the top of Kim's wish list and completing one in the next five years would be "a big deal," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Kim is expected to promote achievements of the past five years and unveil new strategic weapons. Pyongyang may test-fire a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile such as the Hwasong-20, Yang Uk of the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies said in a report. North Korea is also likely to emphasise its stronger ties to Russia, portraying it as a blood-tied alliance, to rally anti-U.S. rhetoric, said Taehwa Hong, a fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. MESSAGING TO SEOUL AND WASHINGTON The Congress may also signal foreign-policy messages directed at Washington and Seoul. Kim has declared South Korea a "hostile" nation and rebuffed outreach from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has made it clear he wants to meet Kim again, to resume summit talks that collapsed in 2019 over sanctions and denuclearisation. Kim has said there was no reason to avoid talks with the United States if Washington drops demands that North Korea gives up nuclear weapons. Experts are divided over whether the U.S. raid on Venezuela now makes diplomacy more or less likely. Tae expects Pyongyang to shun U.S. outreach to avoid looking weak. But Hong Min, at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, believes Kim might seek to "manage" Trump by engaging in some limited contact to prevent the U.S. from becoming excessively hostile. (Reporting by Heejin Kim and Kyu-seok Shim. Additional reporting by Yunji HaEditing by Jack Kim, Ed Davies and Michael Perry) The Brief A Michigan City man was arrested after a surveillance video shared on social media allegedly showed him abusing his dog. Police and animal control identified the location, gathered additional footage and conducted a welfare check on the dog. Michael Arroyo, 28, is charged with one count of cruelty to an animal, a Class A misdemeanor, and turned himself in Wednesday. MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - A northwest Indiana man was taken into custody after a video posted on social media allegedly showed him abusing his dog, authorities said. What we know Michigan City police and animal control officials said they were notified Jan. 28 about a video circulating online that appeared to show animal abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the footage came from a neighborhood surveillance camera and was later shared on social media. Within days of the video being posted, police and animal control officers identified the location of the incident, gathered additional surveillance footage, identified a suspect and conducted a welfare check on the dog, authorities said. Suspect charged Following the investigation, LaPorte County prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Michael Arroyo of Michigan City. He is charged with one count of cruelty to an animal, a Class A misdemeanor. Arroyo turned himself in Wednesday at the LaPorte County Sheriffs Office. Authorities said the dog is being cared for by another caregiver. Officials have not released additional details about the incident. The Source The information in this article was provided by the Michigan City Police Department. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The capital city is now in big-time demand . | Credit: Ida Marie Odgaard / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP / Getty Images Nuuk is hardly what most people would consider a geopolitical hot spot or a hot spot of any kind, with average summer temperatures hovering in the low 40s F. Nevertheless, the city of just 20,000 residents has quickly become one of the most closely watched diplomatic hubs on earth. Canada and France have bolstered their ambassadorial presences in Greenlands capital with newly opened consulates, all under the shadow of President Donald Trumps outspoken imperial ambitions for the Danish territory. Everyone in the world looking at us While efforts to establish a Canadian consulate in Nuuk have been in the works for over a year, the timing of the opening this month amid Trumps saber-rattling is not lost on anyone here, said Politico. With America reorganizing its global role, into that vacuum arrives Canada, working to establish global bona fides by building alliances and offering security guarantees that they once left to the United States. Its a new geopolitical strategy taking shape in Nuuk. Advertisement Advertisement Greenlanders, meanwhile, are curious about the expanding diplomatic presence in their capital, said CTV News. Canada's and Frances new outposts double the number of nations that hold consulates on the island, which previously hosted only Greenland and the United States. Its positive [that] Donald Trump is doing this, said Nuuk resident Gaba Christiansen to CTV. Then we get everyone in the world looking at us. Canada, in particular, has obvious reasons for wanting a diplomatic toehold in Nuuk, said The New York Times, including geographic proximity and shared Inuit populations. Frances connection to Greenland is less clear, although French officials have positioned their move as part of Europes pushback to Trumps expansionist aspirations. Its really important for residents of Nuuk to know that we are not alone in this, that we actually have people from other countries who care about us, Nuuk Mayor Avaaraq Olsen said to UPI. Greenlanders are scared, and they are more and more concerned with Trumps threats toward their home. Is Canada poking the polar bear? Canada will stand together with Greenland on defense and security, on economic resilience and bilateral ties, on issues relating to climate change and also Arctic cooperation, said Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand at the flag-raising ceremony outside the newly opened consulate last week. But not all of Canada is as enthusiastic about deepening ties with Nuuk while relations with the United States remain frosty. Advertisement Advertisement Pushing ahead with the consular opening is ill-timed, said The Winnipeg Sun, serving only to further distance us from the United States. Opening the consulate is a silly, performative action thats taken virtue signaling to a new level. Nuuk, with its new geopolitical importance, has emerged as an unlikely magnet for provocateurs and self-promotors, Politico said. The attention economy has come to the Arctic. So too has a sense of shared priorities and goals. For the French, whose consulate opening follows a high-profile visit by President Emmanuel Macron in December, Canada is a partner and a friend here, said one French diplomat to Politico. We have a very constant dialogue with them. A Sydney council has banned beachgoers from boarding a community bus while shirtless or wearing bikinis, reigniting a decades-old debate over public decency in Australia. Please dress appropriately. Clothing must be worn over swimwear, reads a sign for the Hop, Skip and Jump bus, which is funded by Northern Beaches Council and drives through the northern Sydney suburbs of Manly, Fairlight and Balgowlah. The sign was shown in a report by CNN affiliate 7News Sydney on Friday. Bus is the main form of public transportation in the coastal region, the councils website states. Advertisement Advertisement Denying passengers a ride due to their clothing, or lack of it, will be down to the drivers discretion, according to 7News. The change follows complaints from passengers, according to CNN affiliate 9News, with many older commuters in support of the restriction. Were a bit old-fashioned. Wed probably like people to dress properly, especially if youre on public transport, one woman told 7News. Another woman described passengers wearing swimwear as confronting, adding that the bus is small and very contained. I think its a little off-putting sometimes when you see people get on with virtually no clothes on, one man said. Advertisement Advertisement However, the problem becomes where you draw the line, a younger woman said, adding that a lot of people will wear activewear on buses. The council has not yet added the new rule to its code of conduct for the bus service on its website. The code already instructs passengers not to eat, drink or smoke on the bus, or board with large objects such as surfboards when the bus is full. CNN had reached out to the council for further comment. Bikini wars Australia has a long history of controversy over beachwear. In the early 1960s, decades of tensions between female beachgoers and the local authority in the eastern Sydney suburb of Waverley rose to the point of being dubbed the bikini war by local media, according to local council archives. Similar wars raged elsewhere in Sydney, 7News reported. Advertisement Advertisement It followed the arrests of more than 50 women on Bondi Beach during a long weekend in October 1961, after a 1935 ordinance required bathing suits to meet strict measurements, with beach inspectors enforcing the rule. While the ordinance was abandoned later in 1961 in favor of a simpler requirement for proper and adequate swimsuits, debate over appropriate beachwear continues. In 2024, a call for a ban on wearing G-string bikinis on the streets of Australias eastern Gold Coast sparked protests and nationwide debate. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Kenya Forest Service has been fighting an ongoing battle against illegal encroachment onto national forest lands. In early January, the national forest department set ablaze a two-room structure they had found unlawfully constructed deep within the Makutani Forest. As Kenyans.co.ke reported, this illegal structure had been built "in recent months," as an attempt to lay claim to gazetted forest land, or forest land formally declared by the national government. Advertisement Advertisement Although there had been rumors that the demolished building was a school for the local community, the forest department issued an official statement refuting these claims, clarifying that the building had been erected at the behest of a local leader and without approval. As per national law, under the Forest Conservation and Management Act No. 34, settlement, farming, logging, or other land development uses are prohibited on state-owned forest lands without approval including all 13,000 acres of the Makutani Forest, which had been formally declared in 2017 via Legal Notice No. 265, according to The Kenya Times. This illegal structure "posed a security challenge," the Forest Service described, per Kenyans.co.ke. Leaving the structure standing would have signaled to local pastoral communities, whose livelihoods depend on raising livestock, that national forest lands are open for appropriation or commercialization. The Mau Forest in Kenya has already undergone significant deforestation, threatening an important water source for millions of people across Kenya and East Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to protect and restore national Kenyan forests through the carbon credit market whose sales funded local forest conservation efforts have dwindled after Verra, a leading facilitator of credits, was found to have inflated environmental baselines, which enabled increased carbon credit sales. Kenya Forest Service's demolition of this unlawful structure on state-owned forest lands represents a concerted effort by the national forest department not only to secure national forest lands, but also to protect and conserve natural lands against unnecessary human development. Conservation efforts have been steadily taking place across the country. A group of 15 women in Munje took action to protect and conserve their vanishing mangrove forest, planting over one million mangrove seedlings to restore the coastline. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Kenyan startup Kuza Freezer has developed technology that turns plastic waste into functioning cold-storage freezers powered by solar energy. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. OKLAHOMA CITY Lawmakers will have over $500 million less to spend than last year when crafting the upcoming budget. While the actual amount available to allocate is $125.2 million more than estimated in December, budget leaders warned that it is short of whats needed to meet the growing demands for Oklahomas core government services. The Legislature is authorized to spend over $12.1 billion for the 2027 fiscal year the Oklahoma Board of Equalization determined Friday. Revenue for the current fiscal year is also estimated to be greater than expected. Advertisement Advertisement State revenue available for appropriation for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $8.2 billion, according to figures provided by the Board of Equalization. This is up $119 million from Decembers estimates. Increases in personal income and sales tax collections drove increases in revenue for the current fiscal year, which are projected to be $459 million more than expected. Gov. Kevin Stitt, who chairs the board, said the increase in revenue is proof that cutting income tax was beneficial. Last session, lawmakers cut income taxes by .25% with a path to reduce it entirely as state revenue grows. The law took effect Nov. 1. The idea is that we have more taxpayers, not more taxes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said these improvements from December dont change the reality that this will be a challenging budget year with significant education, mental health, Medicaid, food assistance and infrastructure needs. Around 80% of executive branch agencies have requested budget increases totaling over $1.8 billion, Hall said in a statement. These needs come as cash reserves have been somewhat decreased to cover major one-time expenditures last year, he said. With $571 million less available to appropriate, it is clear that there will be reduced government spending. Nonetheless, I am confident the Senate will fulfill its constitutional duty and pass a fiscally responsible and balanced budget. Stitt said he expects lawmakers will have to dip into the states savings when crafting the budget this year. Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma has slightly more than $1.3 billion in its Rainy Day Fund. The Revenue Stabilization Fund contains nearly $449 million with no projected deposit to the account this year, according to Board of Equalization estimates. The stabilization fund, created in 2016, is another reserve account that takes deposits from the gross production tax on oil and gas and the corporate income tax when collections are above average. You dont want to take savings and raise your monthly ongoing expenses, Stitt said. Youre going to be putting yourselves in a bad situation. Now, if youre going to invest in a road or or fix a roof or capital expenditures, a one time item. Thats what we use savings for, right? Not ongoing expenses. Stitts budget proposal suggested spending nearly $11.4 billion for the upcoming budget year, down about $1.2 billion from the current fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement He has suggested flat budgets for many state agencies, including the Legislature, his own office, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Attorney General, Office of Juvenile Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Department of Human Services. Lawmakers are constitutionally required to pass a state budget by the end of May. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY The average salary of a state employee is significantly lower than comparable jobs in other sectors, according to a study by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. State employee pay is 48.05% below market, according to the report. The average salary of an Oklahoma state employee, not including benefits, is $59,714, compared to $114,950 in the competitive labor market, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement State employees fared a little bit better in average total benefits costs, coming in 13.98% below market. Salary and benefits combined put state employees at 39.21% below market. The overall turnover rate improved slightly in fiscal year 2025, coming in at 21.59% compared to 22.42% the prior year. In fiscal year 2025, employee turnover cost the state slightly more than $283 million, according to the report. It is likely the state will lose even more ground against the market unless steps are taken to mitigate the growing lag, the report said. While the consumer price index continues to rise, state employees have not seen a general pay hike since 2019, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement The report noted that members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol received a raise a few years ago. Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, said that over the years, various agencies have asked for funds to grant pay raises. Public school teachers, for instance, received a pay bump. Those exceptions are not listed in the OMES report. The reports findings confirm the gap has reached a critical breaking point, according to a statement from the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, which has more than 5,000 members. Many are forced to choose between the work they love and the financial stability they deserve, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Employees earning $50,000 in 2019 without a raise experienced a 26.39% reduction in buying power in 2025, the report said. Could employees get a raise? Several measures moving through the Oklahoma Legislature aim to increase state employee compensation. House Bill 2958, by Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, would provide a 9% salary hike for full-time state employees, effective July 1. It excludes pay increases for colleges, common education and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The cost is an estimated $215 to $220 million, said Gene Blankenship, Oklahoma Public Employees Association deputy director. Grego put the odds of securing passage at 50%. Advertisement Advertisement There is always a chance, Grego said. If we dont ask for it, there will be no chance. Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, is the author of Senate Bill 1233 that would create a State Employee Compensation Board. The board would meet in odd-numbered years and recommend to the Legislature adjustments to salaries, benefits and other compensation. We need to do an overall raise, Mann said. Creating a state employee compensation board that meets in non-election years would take politics out of the process and keep the issue in front of lawmakers, Mann said. In recent years, state leaders have reduced the state income tax, eliminated the state sales tax on groceries and created a tax credit for those seeking to send their children to private schools. State leaders this year are predicting a flat budget. Advertisement Advertisement Hall said in a tight budget year, an across-the-board pay raise is going to be a high hurdle. But the state has gotten behind and needs to catch up, he said. Oklahoma has between 31,000 and 32,000 state employees. Senate Bill 169, by Hall, would increase longevity pay to state employees by 50% across all years of service at a cost of $18 million. Longevity pay is an annual lump sum payment for full-time employees based on years of service. For example, an employee with three years of service currently earns an additional $250 while an employee with 18 years earns an additional $1,900, according to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Hong Kong Tokenization is gaining traction, but its success depends less on market hype and more on real-world utility, say executives from Ondo Finance and Securitize. Theres no shortage of firms, of issuers, of companies that are interested in tokenizing, said Graham Ferguson, head of ecosystem at Securitize, during a panel discussion at Consensus Hong Kong. But its on us to figure out how to distribute these assets on-chain via exchanges in a way that is compliant, regulatory-friendly globally. Ferguson emphasized that despite high interest on the institutional side, distribution and compliance remain the bottlenecks. The biggest issue that we run into is communicating with exchanges and DeFi protocols about the requirements that are necessary to adhere to our obligations as a regulated entity, he said. Securitize has partnered with firms such as BlackRock to tokenize real-world assets, including U.S. Treasury funds. BlackRocks BUIDL fund, launched in 2024, now holds over $2.2 billion in assets, making it the largest tokenized Treasury fund on the market. Ondo Finance, which also focuses on tokenized Treasuries and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has about $2 billion in total value locked (TVL) according to data from rwa.xzy. Min Lin, Ondos managing director of global expansion, said tokenized Treasuries today are a fraction of the potential market. Both speakers stressed that the next phase of tokenization will be driven by what users can actually do with tokenized assets. Ondo recently enabled tokenized stocks and ETFs to be used as margin collateral in DeFi perpetuals a first, Lin said. That brings a lot more capital efficiency in terms of the utility of those tokenized assets, he added. Ferguson agreed, arguing that technological advantages like programmable compliance and fast settlement arent enough on their own. Utility is absolutely far and away number one, he said. Thats what will drive the next phase. Oklahoma woman found guilty of negligent homicide in social workers death Editors note: The story has been updated to correct the charge for which the suspect was convicted. JAY, Okla. After deliberating for over two hours, a Delaware County jury found a Jay woman guilty of negligent homicide in the death of a social worker. Ronda Crawford, 58, of Jay, appeared in Delaware County District Court in Jay for trial on first-degree manslaughter in the March 2022 death of Mary Tanner. Prosecutors said excessive speeding by Crawford caused the crash that killed the 47-year-old social worker. Advertisement Advertisement District Judge Jennifer McCaffrey read the verdict acquitting Crawford of the more serious charge, first-degree manslaughter. The jury also recommended that Crawford pay $5,000, serve no jail time, and lose her drivers license for one year. This is a very tragic case for the Tanner family but also for the community, said Winston Connor II, Crawfords attorney. Many lives were changed and altered. During his closing argument to the jury, Connor said, This is not a complicated case. Throughout the three-day trial, Connor shifted the cause of the crash to another driver, Barbara Lewis. An Oklahoma Highway Patrol report shows that while driving through a marked safety zone on US59 south of Grove and attempting to pass Lewiss SUV, Crawford struck Lewis. Lewis was pulling an enclosed utility trailer carrying Girl Scout cookies. After Crawford hit her, Lewiss vehicle entered the northbound lane, where it was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by Kristen Tanner, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutor Chris Garner said Connors comments were a red herring to throw off the jury. This was a senseless and avoidable death, Garner said. She started passing in the four lane, she (Lewis) sped up and forced the issue, Connor said. She was trying to avoid going into a ravine, Connor said. Crawford was concerned about the trailer swaying, and she was scared of the trailer, and she was trying to get around it, Connor said in his closing argument. Connor also accused officers of not doing a thorough investigation. They didnt even interview the daughter, referring to Lewis daughter, who was a juvenile at the time of the crash. Wednesdays Testimony An automobile data sensor report shown to the jury during the second day of a trial showed Lewiss vehicle was accelerating prior to the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Former OHP Trooper Colt Duncan testified that sensor data that stores collision data was collected from all three vehicles. The sensor data from Tanners vehicle was not introduced; Crawfords SUV data could not be recovered, but the data from Lewiss car was the focus of Duncans testimony. During cross-examination by Connor, Duncan testified that Lewiss report showed no brakes were applied, and data showed acceleration involving her vehicle. Crawfords vehicle was likely going the same speed as Lewiss SUV, Duncan testified when questioned by prosecutor Joe Freeman. Earlier, Lewis, who appeared emotional on the stand, said the last thing she remembered about the crash was telling her daughter to hold on, I dont know whats going on. Advertisement Advertisement I dont remember anything, Lewis said when questioned by Connor if she remembered how fast she was driving. DASHCAM A two-hour OHP dashcam showed Crawford sitting in a troopers car, using her cell phone to relay the circumstances of the crash. During Crawfords telephone conversation with two different individuals, she explained that when she tried to pass Lewiss SUV, its speed increased, and when she slowed down, Lewiss SUV slowed down. (She) was all over the place, thats why I was trying to pass them, Crawford is heard saying on the phone. (She) sped up; there was nowhere for me to go, Crawford said. Advertisement Advertisement There was nowhere to pull over, and (she) wouldnt let me in, according to Crawford, referring to the highway. (She) was weaving I sped up and (she) sped up, I slowed down and (she) slowed down, Crawford said. She wouldnt let me get around (her), Crawford said. I thought (she) was going to let me in. (She) wouldnt let me in, and It happened so fast, there was a car behind me. I had nowhere to go, Crawford said. Crawford also took responsibility for the crash. She was heard saying on her phone: I dont have any tickets I dont speed I wasnt speeding. I dont text and drive, you know I dont do that. It was horrible. Advertisement Advertisement Im scared Im telling the truth. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A four-vehicle crash in Downtown, Columbus resulted in at least one death, a fire, and caused Interstate 71 North to close Friday morning. According to police, one vehicle traveling in the wrong direction caused a four-vehicle crash that then started a fire on I-71 North, near the East Broad Street exit. Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Geitter told NBC4 that one person was hospitalized in critical condition. Columbus police later confirmed that one person died. Live updates: Milan Cortina Olympics, February 13 Advertisement Advertisement In a released incident report, police state that a black Chrysler Town & Country was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it struck a Ford F-150 and a semitruck traveling in the north. A few minutes after the initial crash, a Ram 1500 slowed to avoid the crash, but was hit from behind by a second semitruck. The crash was captured on ODOT traffic cameras. NBC4 edited the clip to show the initial crash involving the wrong-way driver and the moments before the vehicle involved in the second crash caught fire. The driver of the Ram was hospitalized in critical condition, but later pronounced dead. The drivers of the semitrucks were not injured, while the driver of the Chrysler ran away. One of the vehicles was engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived and all northbound lanes on I-71 were closed since the incident, which occurred just after 2 a.m. Additionally, exit ramps from I-70 to I-71 North were also closed. Advertisement Advertisement The highway reopened at 9 a.m. Friday after a seven-hour closure. Matt Bruning, Press Secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation, told NBC4 that following the Columbus Division of Police investigation, ODOT will review the area. There is a lot with this crash that obviously is very concerning and well certainly be waiting to see what the investigation shows occurred and look at is there anything else that could be done from an engineering standpoint and we do that with literally every fatal crash, he said. .01% of all crashes in Ohio are wrong-way crashes, according to Bruning. Its very rare we have these types of crashes, but when they happen, theyre very serious and thats why ODOT takes them so seriously, he said. We work very closely with the law enforcement agency thats investigating that crash to find out how did that driver start going the wrong way, where did that occur, and then well look at are there other counter measures we could put in place. In many cases, there are not. Advertisement Advertisement Bruning said since 2022 the number of wrong-way crashes in Ohio has decreased. He also said over the years the department has taken various steps to try and prevent wrong-way crashes. Those include signage, reflectors, and wrong-way detection technology in certain locations. There are a lot of questions certainly well have that hopefully Columbus police are able to find the person and ask those questions because we have them and Im sure a lot of other people for various reasons have those questions as well, Bruning said. Any person with knowledge of the involved vehicle or driver is encouraged to contact the Accident Investigation Unit at (614) 645-4767. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Feb 13 (Reuters) - Three Ukrainian brothers, including an eight-year-old, were killed near the eastern front line and a Russian drone attack killed one person and injured six others at one of Ukraine's Black Sea ports near Odesa, Ukrainian officials said on Friday. The mother and grandmother of the brothers - two of whom were 19 - were injured in the attack late on Thursday, the local prosecutors in the Donetsk region said on Friday. The ports are Ukraine's key maritime export arteries, crucial for its foreign trade and the survival of its wartime economy. Moscow has stepped up its attacks on both them and Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and Kyiv has targeted Russian oil facilities, as U.S.-led efforts to end the war stall. Advertisement Advertisement "Russia launched massive strikes on port and railway infrastructure," Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba wrote on Telegram. Infrastructure belonging to a business as well as fertiliser warehouses and vehicles, including freight wagons, were damaged, Kuleba said, adding that the attack sparked a fire. The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority did not name the port, saying only that it was one of the three around Odesa and continued to operate despite damage to infrastructure. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 154 drones in total and one ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight. Air defences downed or neutralised 111 of the drones, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper said that energy, industrial, and residential infrastructure in the region was also targeted after reporting earlier that the attack caused "substantial" disruption to power, heat and water supplies. Ukraine's major private energy company DTEK said the damage to energy infrastructure in the city was "extremely serious" and the repairs will take a long time. It did not say which facility was hit. Railway infrastructure in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region also came under attack in the past 24 hours, Kuleba said. (Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Jamie Freed, Stephen Coates, Philippa Fletcher) MATHEWS COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) Following the death of Mathews County Commonwealths Attorney Marie Walls, it was only fitting to speak with her longtime boss, and more importanly, her friend, former Suffolk Commonwealths Attorney Phil Ferguson. Ferguson, now fully retired, worked with Walls when she worked in his office in Suffolk. He does not believe Walls whose full name is Tina Marie Walls died by suicide. He believes it was an accidental shooting. The best way I can put it, I was just shocked, Ferguson said. I had no idea what occurred, how it occurred. I didnt know anything other than, I got the message, and it was like somebody hit me in the head with a sledgehammer. It was like I was just in total disbelief. Advertisement Advertisement It was also very saddening. Very saddening to me as a human being for someone who knew her for all those years, Ferguson said. She was an incredibly capable and competent prosecutor, make no mistake about it. Virginia State Police continues investigating what led to the shooting and the death. Ferguson says he cant believe it was suicide. Heres why: In my judgment, there is no way that Marie Walls would, in any way, take her own life and leave her child sitting out there on his own, Ferguson said. I just dont buy it. I wouldnt believe it, and somebody would have to prove it to me based on my experience with her. Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson thinks the gun may have belonged to Walls father, who has died. Theoretically or supposedly, the gun could have accidentally discharged, and if it did, it then struck her and killed her, Ferguson said. And there is no way in the world that shes going to voluntarily leave that child without having a parent to take care of that child. That is just not her. If it was anything other than an accidental discharge of a firearm, I would be extraordinarily surprised because it would be totally inconsistent with who she was as a person, as a prosecutor, and as a human being. 10 On Your Side read to Ferguson this media statement from CHKD on Walls death. She spent a year away from the Suffolk Commonwealth Attorneys office and served as executive director of the child abuse program at CHKD. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Marie Walls. A devoted champion for children, Ms. Walls dedicated her career to safeguarding their health, safety, and wellbeing. She was a fierce advocate for those who had been abused and made a profound impact on the children and families she served across the Commonwealth. Her loss is felt by our team, our community, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time. I couldnt say it any better, Ferguson said. I think what they said is 100% accurate, 100%. I agree with that 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson also added this: When you look at the history of what her life has been in trying to help children in every way possible, then turn around and do a 180 and not follow that same path with her own child would make no sense whatsoever, Ferguson said. Thats why I think the explanation was an accidental shooting the details on how that happened yet to be revealed. 10 On Your Side contacted Virginia State Police, who said the investigation is ongoing, with no further new comments. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Operations at German flag carrier Lufthansa resumed on Friday after a strike grounded hundreds of flights across the country. Pilots and flight attendants walked out on Thursday over pay and working conditions, forcing around 800 flight cancellations for Germany's largest airline. Around 100,000 passengers were affected by the one-day strike, with airports in Munich and Frankfurt particularly badly hit. Advertisement Advertisement In Frankfurt, operator Fraport expects heavy traffic on Friday, with 1,160 take-offs and landings, after additional flights were scheduled in response to the strike. A Lufthansa spokesman said there were no disruptions or cancellations reported early on Friday. Around 4,800 pilots at Lufthansa and its cargo subsidiary Lufthansa Cargo went on strike in a row over higher company pensions. Meanwhile, cabin crew staged a warning strike to force negotiations on several collective bargaining issues. Iran has been at war with the U.S. for half a century. Since 1979, six different American presidents have stood by and watched Iran spread terror and mayhem across the globe. Jimmy Carter was wrecked by the hostage crisis, Barack Obama and Joe Biden appeased the ayatollahs by funneling billions of dollars to Tehran. While Washington capitulated, thousands of American soldiers died at the hands of Irans dark age theocrats. The Iranian regime continues to threaten the assassination of President Trump; Israel has been marked for incineration and proxy terror organizations have financed the murder of Jews across the globe. The time to end this evil is now. Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of Iranians have been slaughtered in the streets for daring to fight back against their government in the name of freedom. Homosexuals are being hanged from cranes and the march toward nuclear weaponry continues. Strategically, Iran is a lynchpin alongside Russian President Vladimir Putins kleptocracy for the Beijing centered axis determined to end the American order. As morally compelling as it is, Trumps promise to support the Iranian resistance is not the sole strategic reason for the U.S. to act boldly and decisively against the ayatollahs. There is no part of the world with more of the American interest at stake than in Iran. And that is because there is no part of global discord in which Iran does not play a part. Put differently, strong and decisive actions vis-a-vis Iran have the potential to end multiple wars simultaneously. Removing the ayatollahs has a direct impact on enabling peace to prevail across the Middle East. The Iranian regime is not only the key source of support among the regions terrorists, but it is Russia and Chinas foothold in the region. But the regimes influence and threats extend far beyond the Middle East. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the connection between Venezuela and the Iranian regime, explaining that removing Nicolas Maduro would help rid the hemisphere of Irans malign influence. No more Iran/Hezbollah presence there, he said the day after the Operation Absolute Resolve. It was reported that between 2010 and 2019, the government of Venezuela granted 10,000 Venezuelan passports to individuals with ties to the Iranian regime, thereby facilitating their entry into the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian government is integral to Russias war on Ukraine. It provides much of the technological lifeline for Putins machine, including drones and ballistic missiles. As part of their 20-year comprehensive agreement signed in January of 2025, Iran and Russia arranged to ship roughly the same amount of gas to Iran that it had been shipping to Germany, thereby providing Putin with a way to work around sanctions. A change in Iran has direct implications for Putins calculus in Ukraine. Without key footholds in the Middle East and Latin America, and with Putin rethinking his next steps in Ukraine, Chinas Xi Jinping will also find himself more isolated. Today the Iranian regime is weakened. Its militias have been destroyed in Syria and Lebanon as well as in Gaza. The U.S. leveled most of its nuclear program; and in a firefight with Israel, Tehran was humiliated. The world watched as Israeli forces struck the mullahs with impunity. Its people are in revolt. But Iran is racing to rebuild its capabilities ballistic missile components are being shipped to Iranian ports by China and North Korea. The nuclear facilities at Isfahan and Natanz are under reconstitution, and the regime has signaled that it is ready to close the Straits of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement American forces are in place. There is no better opportunity to deliver a death blow to this most malevolent of regimes. Nothing screams more America First than eliminating a force that tells us each day it wants to kill us. The Honorable Robert Wilkie serves as co-chair of American Security at the America First Policy Institute. He also served as the tenth Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness during the first Trump administration. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A proposed resolution in an Orange County school district is sparking outrage and concern in the community. The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District considered a resolution affirming the district's support for federal immigration officers, among other law enforcement. The resolution was proposed by Trustee Leandra Blades who said community concern was the result of misinformation. She said her goal was to show support for all law enforcement and to keep politics out of the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone has come up here and only referenced ICE, but this policy and the resolution talks about local, state and federal law enforcement," Blades said. Her comments about her resolution came after hearing from more than 50 speakers during the public comment portion of Tuesday night's school board meeting. The majority of speakers were opposed to the resolution. "Our students at our schools aren't dangerous aliens. We are good people," one student said. "Children are not criminals," said another speaker. Bethany Anderson of Solidarity and Camino Immigration Services runs an immigration legal clinic in Placentia. She also spoke out during Tuesday's meeting. Advertisement Advertisement "The community is not going to tolerate pro-ICE propaganda in our community," Anderson said. Anderson said the resolution also took aim at red Know Your Rights cards shared with students and families. "The issue was really with the resolution and the sentiment and the symbolism of having a resolution that is so blatantly anti-immigrant," Anderson said. The board ultimately opted to modify the resolution and broaden it to all law enforcement, removing specific language about federal immigration officers. That was not the only immigration-related item on the agenda. Another stems from state law and it clarifies that district staff shall not grant permission to immigration officials on school property without a subpoena or warrant, however, it states that staff cannot obstruct, interfere with or impede an official doing so. The district emphasized there have not been any instances of federal immigration enforcement on district property. Advertisement Advertisement The first reading of that proposal passed 5-0, but board members stated they would look to clarify the language to ensure clarity. They will take up the proposal again during their next meeting on March 10. "The staff has a duty to protect the kids over anything else so what one person might think is impeding might actually be advocating," Anderson said. In a statement, a district spokesperson said in part, "The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is committed to maintaining safe and inclusive schools for all students, regardless of immigration status. District policies align with federal and state law and prohibit immigration enforcement officers from entering non-public campus areas or accessing student records without a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order. "Recent updates to California law and guidance from the California Department of Education and the Attorney General's Office have clarified and expanded district responsibilities to protect students and families from immigration enforcement actions that could disrupt access to public education. Amendments to Education Code section 234.7 and Assembly Bill 49 strengthen existing protections, require alignment with the Attorney General's model policies, staff training, and family notification of rights. "In developing Board Policy 1445, Response to Immigration Enforcement, the District utilized California School Boards Association (CSBA) GAMUT templates to ensure legal compliance while tailoring language to local needs." Lawmakers who missed the boat on regulating social media now have a chance to address the next emerging technologys effects on youth, Oregon lawmakers contend. Sen. Lisa Reynolds, D-Portland, and the Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health committee she chairs are championing Senate Bill 1546 to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots. The committee voted 4-1 to advance the bill with amendments to the Senate floor Thursday. The bill would require AI programs such as ChatGPT to remind users more regularly that they are speaking to an artificial intelligence tool, not a human. The legislation follows a recently passed California law and similar legislation introduced this year in New York and Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds, a pediatrician, described parents struggles with managing electronic use among youth she works with, as kids spend more time using the internet, social media, and now, AI. What is coming up for me all the time in my exam room is parents feel like theyre fighting a losing battle, Reynolds said. Assessing teen AI use AI use among teens is increasingly common, with 72% of teens using AI companions, and more than 50% as regular users, according to the nonprofit Common Sense Media. Other research from the organization noted that nearly a third of teens find conversations with AI chatbot companions just as satisfying or more satisfying as real-life conversations. Robbie Torney, the head of AI and digital assessments at Common Sense Media, said teens are using AI chatbots as companions for emotional support or to discuss mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Our testing shows that they consistently miss subtle warning signs and even not so subtle warning signs that another human being, a parent, a friend or an adult would catch, Torney said. There have been several cases over the past few years of AI chatbots, including ChatGPT and Character.AI, contributing to teen suicides, according to parents testimony before a U.S. Senate committee last year. The Oregon bill proposes additional guardrails for youth access to AI, including calling for programmers , to note that the platform may not be suitable for minors, to not show or promote sexually explicit content or conduct and to discourage spending extended time interacting with the platform. Expanding notifications is one way chatbots can promote responsible AI use, said Linda Charmaraman, senior research scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College and founder and director of the Youth, Media and Wellbeing Research Lab. She supports educating youth about responsible uses of AI, rather than outright bans. Advertisement Advertisement Whether its adults or for minors, just to remind people that there are limits to the technology and that theres inaccuracies, Charmaraman said. If I could wave a wand, I would love for them to really focus on AI literacy from early ages. Suicide prevention focus Beyond youth access, Reynolds added that the bills intent is to protect anyone expressing suicidal tendencies. The proposed legislation would require programmers who make their tools available to Oregonians to develop protocols for their AI platform to detect signs of suicidal ideation, self-harm or thoughts of intending to do either. In response, these platforms would be required to refer users to a suicide hotline and other crisis related resources and immediately interrupt conversation between the chatbot and user. The protocol would also be required to be publicly available on the AI program site. Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds has been in touch with Lines for Life, the Oregon-based suicide and mental health hotline, and its sister hotline YouthLine, about potentially being part of the mental health resources that AI chatbots could offer users. Hotline volunteers have already seen how AI has impacted users, according to Dwight Holton, executive director of Lines for Life. Youth volunteers are increasingly reassuring users in crisis that they are speaking to a human, not AI, he said. We know that intervention works, Holton said. So, if we can convince our partners in the industry and legislatively, establish guardrails that require that kind of connection to intervention, we will get folks from that path of despair to a path of hope. Reynolds has also reached out to organizations like TechNet, which supports a network of tech agencies including Google, OpenAI, and Meta. Advertisement Advertisement TechNet officials, while largely supportive of the bill, mentioned some concerns about Oregons potential requirements of more frequent notifications than laws in other states. The bill has since been amended to align with other states notification provisions. I am working with a coalition of companies to try and make sure that we have clear definitions and clear requirements on notifications and guardrails and looking forward to working with the senator and the committee, said Rose Feliciano, TechNets executive director for Washington and the Northwest. The bill could face legal challenges if passed because of a December executive order President Donald Trump signed to limit state regulation of AI services. While Reynolds is unclear about where the executive order fits in, her plans remain unchanged in addressing unregulated AI use. Social media companies have had the opportunity to make some choices that would have kept kids safe from social media but instead they really double down on doing everything they can to keep their eyeballs on social media content for as long as they can, Reynolds said. I see it time and again in my exam room, so I dont want to wait till its too late to put some sideboards on AI tools. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A man accused of trying to sexually assault a woman then stabbing her multiple times in Oregon was captured near Bakersfield, according to the Salem Police Department. Daniel Ray Myers, 62, of Salem, was arrested at around 8 p.m. Thursday in the Buttonwillow area, police said. Watch After Sunrise on KGET+; Click to learn how to get KGET+ on your smart TV devices At around 9 p.m. Tuesday, a 27-year-old woman was in a vehicle with Myers making online food delivery orders when he drove to a secluded location and allegedly tried sexually assaulting her. Advertisement Advertisement When she resisted, Myers allegedly stabbed her multiple times and held her in the vehicle so she couldnt flee. The woman convinced Myers to let her go into a Walgreens to get first aid items and the store staff called the police for her, according to investigators. Myers fled the scene in his silver Honda Civic, according to officials. Karim Reyad trial postponed after attorney exits case Law enforcement agencies in Oregon and California told Salem detectives they had reports indicating Myers vehicle had been seen. This is when the detectives learned Myers left Oregon and was in California traveling south toward Bakersfield, police said. Advertisement Advertisement The California Highway Patrol helped find and take Myers into custody after Salem police called CHP for help. Myers was taken into custody without incident, Salem police said. He is set to be extradited to Oregon to face multiple charges including attempted murder. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. Since the start of the year, police have been conducting operation 'On Target,' consisting of a series of focused raids on known crime forces within the Arab community. Israel Police in the North confiscated around 200 illegal weapons and arrested over 200 suspects over the last few weeks in a major crackdown on crime in Arab communities, a police spokesperson announced on Friday. Since the start of the year, police have been conducting Operation "On Target," a series of focused raids on known criminal forces within the Arab community. Advertisement Advertisement The weapons confiscated during these raids ranged from pistols to rifles to explosives. Those arrested were under suspicion for crimes including violent actions, shooting incidents, and extortion. Three murder suspects arrested Police also announced on Friday that they had arrested three suspects for themurder of a man in a Bedouin village on Thursday. SUSPECTS ARRESTED by Israel Police for the murder of a man in a Bedouin village, February 13, 2026. (credit: Police Spokesperson ) In Segev Shalom, an individual identified as Farid Abu Mubarak was rushed to the Soroka Medical Center in critical condition after sustaining piercing wounds to his upper body. Police opened an investigation and located the three suspects, all in their 30s. One was caught in the Segev Shalom, while the other two were found in a car at Gush Etzion Junction. M16 found in car after man caught high while driving Another man was arrested by police on Friday after an M16 was found in his car. Advertisement Advertisement The man, a resident of Naura, was pulled over after he was spotted smoking marijuana while driving. Upon searching his car, police found the gun under the backseat. The driver was arrested and taken by police for further investigation. It was also revealed that he did not possess a valid driver's license at the time. Tobias Siegal contributed to this report. (Removes Microsoft Refinitiv Instrument Code from paragraph 1) Feb 12 (Reuters) - OpenAI has warned U.S. lawmakers that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is using sophisticated methods to extract results from leading U.S. AI models to train the next generation of its R1 chatbot, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing a company memo. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Fabiola Aramburo in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona) Corrections and clarifications: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information about which students were affected by the measles outbreak at Ave Maria University. At least seven more students at a Florida university are battling measles, health officials confirmed this week, as outbreaks of the virus continue to grow nationwide. The students at Ave Maria University recently contracted the highly contagious virus, the school said in a statement this week, bringing to the total number of cases there to at least 57. Advertisement Advertisement In a Feb. 11 online campus health update, the university wrote that since the start of the semester, 50 students "have progressed beyond the contagious period and now have natural immunity." Measles causes a reddish, blotchy rash that usually appears on the body three to five days after initial symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control. An infected person can spread the virus four days before a rash appears through four days after it appears. "All nurse-assessed students on campus within the four-day contagious period following the onset of a rash are in quarantine," the university said in a statement. The school will continue to provide support through ongoing monitoring and quarantine protocols, free vaccinations, and "transparent communication," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement The university is in Collier County, about a 35-minute drive northeast from Naples. According to the state Department of Health, 46 confirmed measles cases had been reported across Collier County from Jan. 1 through Feb. 7, 2026. State officials are urging people to check their vaccination status as measles cases rise across the nation with outbreaks reported in states including California and South Carolina. What has RFK Jr. done? 7 major moments from his first year as health secretary. What is measles and how do you get it? Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus that primarily, and most severely, affects children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it infects the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body. Advertisement Advertisement According to CDC data, one in five unvaccinated people who contract the virus end up hospitalized. Measles is spread through contact with infected nasal or throat secretion. Outbreak comes amid changes in federal vaccine guidance The outbreak at the university comes just over a month after federal health officials overhauled their long-time guidance on childhood immunization and revised recommendations for routine vaccination against six infectious diseases, including the flu. In August 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it would wind down mRNA vaccine development activities under its biomedical research unit, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. The unit helped companies develop medical supplies to address public health threats and had provided billions of dollars to develop vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Major medical organizations and health experts have criticized the changes to guidelines under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic who has been making sweeping changes to not only vaccines but food and medicine policies. Flu vaccine: Moderna says FDA refuses to review its application Can you get measles if you have been vaccinated? Yes, you can contract the virus if you have been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), according to the CDC, but it is rare. About three in 100 people who have gotten the two-dose vaccination may contract the virus when exposed, the CDC says. Their symptoms are milder than those who contract it without being vaccinated, and they are less likely to spread measles. Advertisement Advertisement Per CDC data, one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, 78% effective against mumps, and 97% effective against rubella. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% effective against mumps. This story has been updated with new information. Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Thao Nguyen Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Measles outbreak hits Florida's Ave Maria University The Governments decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror organisation was unlawful, judges have ruled, as the Metropolitan Police said it would stop arresting peaceful protesters supporting the group. The groups co-founder, Huda Ammori, won a High Court challenge over the ban of the organisation on Friday. The High Court upheld two grounds of her challenge, with Judge Victoria Sharp saying: "Proscription did result in a significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and the right to freedom of assembly." Advertisement Advertisement But she added that the ban would remain in place to allow further arguments and the Government time submit an appeal. It means it is still a criminal offence to be a member of, or support, Palestine Action as the Home Office has said it will seek to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. However a spokesman for the Met said its officers, who have arrested thousands of people at Palestine protests in recent months, said it would pause detaining peaceful campaigners at demonstrations. Gil Murray being arrested for the sixth time over showing support for Palestine Action (PA Wire) In a statement, the force said: We recognise these are unusual circumstances and there will likely be some confusion among the public as to what happens next. Advertisement Advertisement From a Metropolitan Police perspective, officers will continue to identify offences where support for Palestine Action is being expressed, but they will focus on gathering evidence of those offences and the people involved to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date, rather than making arrests at the time. This is the most proportionate approach we can take, acknowledging the decision reached by the court while recognising that proceedings are not yet fully concluded. This approach relates solely to the expression of support for Palestine Action. We will continue to intervene and make arrests where we see people crossing the line from lawful protest to intimidate, to damage property, to use violence, to stir up racial hatred or to commit other offences. Police detain a protester outside the High Court in December (Getty Images) Palestine Action was proscribed in July, having increasingly targeted Israel-linked defence companies in Britain with "direct action", including blocking entrances or spraying buildings with red paint. Advertisement Advertisement It made membership of, or support for, the direct-action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Thousands of people have since been arrested for supporting the group. Ms Ammori took legal action against the Home Office over then-home secretary Yvette Cooper's decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. In October, the Home Office lost a Court of Appeal bid to block the case from proceeding, with judges dismissing the department's argument that Ms Ammori should challenge the decision through the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, rather than at the High Court. A police officer observes pro-Palestine Action protesters gathered outside the High Court (PA Wire) Opening the full hearing in November, Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, told the High Court that there had been more than 2,000 arrests after Palestine Action's proscription, including "priests, teachers, pensioners, retired British Army officers" and an "81-year-old former magistrate". Advertisement Advertisement He continued that the ban was "alien to the basic tradition of common law and the European Convention on Human Rights". About a hundred people gathered outside the High Court building in central London on Friday cheering and chanting "Free Palestine" as the decision was announced. Pro-Palestine protesters march past Trafalgar Square (Getty Images) In a 46-page ruling, Dame Victoria, sitting with Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn, said: "Deciding where the balance should be struck in this case is difficult. "When striking the balance between issues such as these the court must permit some latitude to the Home Secretary given that she has both political and practical responsibility to secure public safety. Advertisement Advertisement "Nevertheless, we are satisfied that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action was disproportionate. "At its core, Palestine Action is an organisation that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality. A very small number of its actions have amounted to terrorist action." Reading a summary of her ruling in court, she said: "The nature and scale of Palestine Action's activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription." The judge concluded in her judgment that "we propose to make an order quashing the Home Secretary's decision to proscribe Palestine Action", but said in court that the group remains proscribed pending further legal arguments over whether the quashing of the decision should be paused. Advertisement Advertisement Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: The court acknowledged that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism. It concluded that its actions are not consistent with democratic values and the rule of law supporting the Palestinian cause is not the same as supporting Palestine Action. The Government's proscription followed a rigorous process, endorsed by Parliament. I will fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal. A comment made this week by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi about crime in Culver City has residents and local leaders scratching their heads, with many calling the remark inaccurate and even laughable. Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday amid multiple controversies, including the government's handling of the Epstein files. The mayor of Culver City is responding to comments made by Attorney General Pam Bondi as she testified before the House Judiciary Committee amid multiple controversies. Advertisement Advertisement During an exchange with California Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Culver City was brought up. "Her district includes Culver City, and she's not talking about any crime in her district, nothing about helping crime in her district," Bondi said. "She's not even worth getting into the details." The statement quickly spread online and prompted an amused - and baffled - reaction from people who live in the city. "It went viral amongst my friends with laughter, like, we were in shock," resident Laura Lahti said. "This is like the safest place in L.A." For many locals, the idea that Culver City is a crime hot spot simply doesn't match their experience. Advertisement Advertisement Heather Gardner, a local influencer, posted a viral video poking fun at the comment. "It's laughable because when you think of Culver City, you don't think of crime, you think of the community, you think of the history of these historic buildings, and the movie industry," Gardner said. She joked in her video that "the worst crime in Culver City is that they charge $24 for a smoothie at Erewhon." Meantime, Mayor Freddy Puza responded to Bondi's statement in a post on Instagram and pointed out the declining crime rate in his city. "The facts simply do not support the Attorney General's narrative from today's Congressional hearing. We welcome the correction from the federal Department of Justice, but we won't hold our breath," Puza said. Advertisement Advertisement Puza said crime has fallen over the past two years. "The reality is crime has been down," he said. "In 2024, it was down 9.7%, and in the third quarter of 2025, it was down another 6.1% compared to the same time period the previous year." Puza believes Culver City is all about innovation and growth. "We're home to TikTok, Amazon Studios, Apple Studios, Sony Studios, Pinterest, but I always say I don't like to be defined by how many corporations we have in the city, but how welcoming ... and the sense of belonging in this city," he said. Bondi's remark came during testimony focused on the federal government's handling of the Epstein investigation, leaving some residents questioning why Culver City was mentioned at all. Advertisement Advertisement "This was just another brazen, gaslighting moment from the administration where they're talking about a very serious thing, and Pam Bondi made a very unserious comment," Gardner said. Puza said the city remains focused on public safety and residents' quality of life. ABC News contributed to this report. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A very special lady to the city of Panama City Beach was honored in a big way Thursday afternoon. Gale E. Wright was known as the face of Panama City Beach for many years; now, her name will be on the citys water billing building for years to come. Wright started her career in the water department and climbed the ranks, eventually becoming city clerk. During her nearly 38 years with the city, she worked with at least five mayors, serving the residents of PCB in several ways. Advertisement Advertisement But despite all that, her sons, grandchildren, friends, and family all said the same thing: that she would have never asked for this. Her granddaughter Mandy said, She would be deeply honored by the dedication, but quietly uncomfortable from all of the attention. First of all, the honor associated with taking this lady, who really never wanted anything for herself, is always going for others, and its honoring her. She would never ask for this. That honors us as a family as well, because we know how much she deserved it. We are so grateful as a family, Gales eldest son Richard Wright said. Thursdays ceremony was a walk down memory lane, with many of Gales cohorts from her time with the city making an appearance. All in support of who she was and her contributions. Advertisement Advertisement She was really front-line when people came in to talk to those people or complain. And she was known for being excellent at defusing situations. And just a good picture of the city. A good representation. And of course, Im her son. So I say that. But thats reiterated by people all over. A beautiful lady both inside, Richie continued. Richie said that when they first heard the city wanted to dedicate the building to her, he felt elated, immediately delivering the news to the rest of the family. In his words, his mom will forever live in perpetuity. She may have retired in 2007, but her legacy lives on. Advertisement Advertisement The Gale E. Wright building is located at 230 South Arnold Road. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) A Panama City Beach man was sentenced on Wednesday after being found guilty of drug trafficking charges. According to the State Attorneys Office 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Calvin Lavor Johnson, 36, was found guilty of trafficking in amphetamine (28 grams or more), tampering with physical evidence and resisting an officer without violence. The State Attorneys Office reported that during a search warrant of Johnsons home in November 2024, deputies found an assortment of pills that were later determined to be methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement It was reported that pressed pills were also found in a bag near the bathroom toilet, where it looked like someone had been flushing them. The State Attorneys Office said that Johnson admitted to using ecstasy and flushing what he claimed to be adderall down the toilet. Additionally, Johnsons 5-month-old child was in the home. It was reported that Johnson had been convicted previously for possession of cocaine with the intent to sell and had been released from prison in September 2022. On Wednesday, Johnson was sentenced to 25 years on the trafficking charges, with a minimum mandatory seven years in prison. He also received five years consecutive for the tampering charges and was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Travel groups and airlines are warning of potential disruption as the US federal government partially shut down after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) . Several groups, including Airlines for America, said in a joint statement on Friday that without a deal, the risk of unscheduled absences by Transportation Security Administration workers increased, causing flight delays and longer wait times. "Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay," they said. Advertisement Advertisement A partial government shutdown began at midnight (05:00 GMT) on Saturday after Congress failed to pass a bill to fund DHS operations. In exchange for a funding deal, Democrats had been pushing for more restrictions on US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which will not be significantly affected by the shutdown because of funding from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" last year. Democrats have been demanding reforms after federal agents killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two Minneapolis residents who were protesting the Trump administration's immigration raids in Minnesota, in January. They have asked for a number of changes within the DHS including a ban on immigration agents wearing face masks, better identification for officers and stricter rules for obtaining warrants. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Senate Democrats blocked two funding bills because the measures did not include the immigration reforms. The most recent funding measure passed at the end of January only funded the DHS for two weeks while lawmakers from both sides of the aisle attempted to reach a deal on immigration reforms. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said "we'll see what happens" when asked by reporters whether he anticipated cutting a deal with Democrats to fund the DHS. "We always have to protect our law enforcement," Trump added. The shutdown is expected to affect several agencies under the DHS umbrella, including the US Coast Guard and TSA. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the US government saw its longest full shutdown in history, which lasted 43 days and led to many federal workers going without pay as well as flight chaos. Democrats at the time were pushing for more health care funding to address rising health care costs. Congress is set to take a recess until 23 February, meaning the shutdown could continue until Trump's State of the Union address the following day. However, lawmakers could be called back to Washington earlier if they seem on the brink of a deal. The partial shutdown is unlikely to cause as much travel chaos as last year's because the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees air traffic controllers, has already been funded for the rest of the year. Advertisement Advertisement But TSA agents - who fall under the DHS - may have to go without pay if the shutdown drags on, meaning people could see longer lines at airports if workers call in sick. The US Coast Guard, which the DHS also oversees, could also be affected. Vice Admiral Thomas Allan told lawmakers that going a few days without funding would mean about 56,000 workers going without pay, leading the agency to suspend missions that were not critical or lifesaving. DHS has $165bn (120bn) from Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act - which also included $75bn to fund ICE - that it could use to address some of the funding shortfalls. Bail was set at $3.25 million on Friday for a Pasadena Fire Department captain facing multiple charges of child sex abuse. Christopher Ramstead, 47, is accused of nine counts of lewd acts with a minor under 14 years of age. The alleged molestation of three victims occurred during separate time frames between March 2003 and July 2025 in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Ramstead was initially arrested Feb. 4, but was released from jail after posting his $550,000 bond. He was re-arrested on Feb. 6 and was initially held without bail. During his arraignment Monday, Ramstead pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement His $3.25 million bail was set at a hearing on Friday morning. "Today was a good day. We are very pleased the judge decided that bail was appropriate, which we've always believed, and we're looking forward to showing that Chris is innocent of all these charges," said Steve Sitkoff, Ramstead's defense attorney. Ramstead, who remained in custody early Friday afternoon, is required to wear an ankle monitor and be under house arrest if he posts bail and is released from jail. Under the terms of his bail, he must also surrender his passport, is not allowed to use any electronic devices, and may have no other children in his home other than his own. Eyewitness News asked Ramstead's attorneys if he can post the steep bail. Advertisement Advertisement "Yes. We want him to be home with his children. They miss him. They want him. We want him to have normalcy, and it helps us defend him," Sitkoff said. "So look, now is the real work. We dive into the reports and we start working on getting Chris out from under this, because these charges are just not true." Ramstead, who lives in Thousand Oaks, was hired by the Pasadena Fire Department in 2005 and promoted to captain in 2016. He was most recently assigned to Fire Station 38 on Linda Vista Avenue, near the Rose Bowl. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the allegations against Ramstead "profound," saying Ramstead was repeatedly placed in positions of trust and emphasized, and he emphasized that no badge or uniform places anyone above the law. Ramstead's attorneys claim that he is a well respected member of his community. Advertisement Advertisement "The want to have Chris Ramstead back, because they want a dedicated public servant who has been a member of the Pasadena Fire Department for 20 years, protecting all of our communities," Sitkoff said. In a statement issued last week, the City of Pasadena said they're "aware of the arrest of a Pasadena fire captain while off-duty. The alleged incidents occurred outside the scope of the employee's official duties. The fire captain was immediately put on administrative leave while the investigations take place. Due to active investigations, the city cannot comment any further." If convicted of the charges against him, Ramstead faces a maximum of 135 years to life in state prison, according to the DA's Office. The Los Angeles Police Department believes there could be more victims and asked for the public's help. Anyone who may be a victim or has more information about Ramstead is urged to call detectives at (818) 374-5415. Leaders at Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis said longtime pastor Marty Payton is no longer on staff after serious past sexual misconduct allegations from before his tenure surfaced. The church said the alleged actions did not involve members of its congregation and that leaders took immediate steps to ensure safety. ALSO READ: Founder of church faces sexual offense charges, involving a child Payton had been the pastor at Charity Baptist since 2004, according to the churchs website, but that changed this week. Advertisement Advertisement The congregation learned about it on Sunday morning when leadership announced it. The accusations didnt involve his time at Charity Baptist. So, if he is not following the word, how is he going to make you follow it? said resident Sean Pruitt. Pruitt is not a member but he, like a lot of people in the community, have questions. Charity Baptist was recently made aware of serious allegations of a sexual nature against our pastor, Marty Payton, occurring prior to his tenure at our church, according to a statement released by the church. The alleged actions did not include any other individuals in our congregation. Marty Payton is no longer on staff at Charity. Advertisement Advertisement As a victim of sexual abuse, as a child, it actually caused me to be closer to God and cling to my faith, said a woman, who did not want to be identified. She is not a member at Charity Baptist, but she has worked on church boards before. I dont know their process of hiring folks, but I know that sometimes, people are fooled and maybe dont have all the information and just make a quick judgement call about something, because they need a position filled, the sexual abuse survivor told Channel 9. The church has not been specific about the nature of the allegations when and where they occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Payton reportedly worked at churches in Kansas, Texas, and Louisiana before moving to North Carolina. It doesnt affect the faith, said resident Mark Rushmeyer. It just keeps me from wanting to go to the actual church. Church officials said they took immediate action to ensure the safety of the congregation. Channel 9 ran a criminal background check on Payton but couldnt find where he had been arrested or charged with anything that aligns with the churchs statement. Leaders in Paterson are asking for the release of a local resident being detained by ICE -- a woman who a judge has twice ordered released. Leqaa Kordia, 33, was taken into custody after she went to an ICE field office on March 13, 2025, for what she thought was a routine interview on her immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security says she overstayed her student visa and was providing financial support to individuals hostile to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Kordia, who is Palestinian, was also arrested in 2024 for participating in a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University. The charges against her were dismissed and sealed. But information about her arrest was later given to the Trump administration by the New York City police department, which said it was told the records were needed as part of a money laundering investigation. Last year, Kordia was among the first pro-Palestinian protesters arrested in the Trump administration's crackdown on noncitizens who had criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza. She is the only one who remains jailed. She has not been accused of a crime and has twice been ordered released on bond by an immigration judge. The government has challenged both rulings, an unusual step in cases that don't involve serious crimes, which triggers a lengthy appeals process. Advertisement Advertisement Last Friday, Kordia suffered a seizure in the ICE detention center in Texas and was rushed to the hospital. In a letter, Kordia said doctors told her she is more prone to seizures due to poor sleep, inadequate nutrition and stress. In a statement released through her lawyers on Thursday, Kordia said she was shackled the entire time she was hospitalized and prevented from calling family or meeting with her lawyers. "Hearts are hurting because one of our own, one of our residents, is not only in custody, but she's in chains, treated like an animal," said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. "So this is a humanitarian plea, let her go, let her live." Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, DHS said Kordia was taken to the hospital "out of an abundance of caution to ensure her health and safety." It says it is monitoring her condition and will ensure "she receives proper medical care." In her statement on Thursday, Kordia said the detention facility was "built to break people and destroy their health and hope." "The best medicine for me and everyone else here is our freedom," she added. Two of her family members joined local leaders and civil rights activists demanding her release because they say a Federal Judge has ordered the government twice now to let her go. Advertisement Advertisement "Everything about Laqaa's case is wrong. Layers of injustice right in our face. Lack of due process, disregard for the First Amendment, disregard for the courts," Executive Director Council on American-Islamic Relations NJ, Selaedin Maksut, said. They are asking for support for Kordia. "And so we call on everybody to continue pressuring your representatives to continue calling your members of Congress," one supporter said. (The Associated Press contributed to this report.) ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New Jersey news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has intervened in Dr. Mary Talley Bowdens lawsuit against the Texas Medical Board (TMB). Paxton argued the reprimand was unlawful, motivated by personal animosity, and violated her constitutional rights. Paxton could not intervene earlier because the matter remained in the administrative phase for years (starting with a 2021 incident, a formal complaint in 2023, and proceedings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings [SOAH]). During administrative disciplinary processes before state agencies like the TMB, the Attorney Generals office generally does not intervene or represent partiesthe TMB defends its own actions in SOAH hearings, and the AGs role in defending or challenging agency decisions typically arises only after administrative exhaustion, when the final agency action (here, the October 2025 reprimand) is appealed or challenged in state court (Travis County district court in this instance). Advertisement Advertisement On February 12, Paxton filed a petition in intervention in Travis County district court supporting Bowdens lawsuit against the TMB and challenging a public reprimand tied to her attempt to administer ivermectin to a hospitalized sheriffs deputy in 2021. In the press release issued the same day, Paxton announced he was not only declining to represent TMB in the case, but he has now filed an intervention in the case in support of Dr. Bowden. He also said his office would decline to represent the Board in another related matter brought by Bowden. Paxton stated in the press release, I will not stand by as Dr. Bowden has her Constitutional rights trampled and ability to serve her patients impeded with an illegal reprimand. Dr. Bowden has been a champion for health freedom, selflessly served her patients, and acted in full accordance with the law. Thats why Ive filed this intervention in support of Dr. Bowden and to ensure administrative agencies dont violate the rights of licensed professionals in Texas, stated Paxton in the press release. Advertisement Advertisement The intervention arises from a November 2021 dispute at Texas Health Huguley Hospital, in which the family of a critically ill first responder obtained a temporary injunction ordering the hospital to grant Bowden emergency privileges to administer ivermectin. According to the Attorney Generals filing, Bowden was not notified that a court of appeals had stayed the order later that day. The States petition alleges the TMB acted on nothing more than personal animosity and spite and imposed discipline without medical expert testimony showing her actions harmed patient care. It further claims the Board ignored her reliance on a court order and legal counsel and violated due process by providing a non-operating remote link for a sanctions hearing. The filing asks the court to declare the Boards final order void and to permanently enjoin the TMB from taking further action against Bowden related to the November 2021 incident. The Boards reprimand was upheld in December 2025 after members unanimously denied Bowdens request for rehearing, clearing the way for a court appeal. At that hearing, Board staff argued that administrative law judges had found she engaged in disruptive conduct and attempted to bypass credentialing requirements. Bowdens attorney disputed those findings and said she relied on a district court order and legal advice, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Advertisement Advertisement Paxtons senior advisor at the time wrote on social media that the Attorney General legally CANT intervene in any Medical Board case, asserting that the office lacked intervention authority while the matter was proceeding through administrative hearings. Bowden had previously urged Paxton to investigate the Board, alleging retaliation and selective enforcement. Emails and text messages obtained through public records requests appeared to show some Board members expressing negative sentiments about her after she publicly criticized COVID-19 vaccine mandates and refused a pre-hearing settlement, according to prior reporting by The Dallas Express. On February 12, Bowden texted The Dallas Express: Im incredibly grateful to have Ken Paxtons support. Its been a four-year battle, and the tide is finally turning. My patient Jason Jones had to sue Texas Huguley Hospital for the right to try ivermectin, a drug that is now available without a prescription in Texas, and the hospital retaliated against me for fighting on his behalf. The intervention also notes that, in 2025, the Texas Legislature codified the dispensing of ivermectin without a prescription under Section 446.001 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas Express reached out to the Texas Medical Board for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. An update will be provided if one is given. The case now moves forward in the state district court. By Deepa Seetharaman and Fabiola Aramburo Feb 12 (Reuters) - OpenAI has warned U.S. lawmakers that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is targeting the ChatGPT maker and the nation's leading AI companies to replicate models and use them for its own training, a memo seen by Reuters showed. Sam Altman-led OpenAI accused DeepSeek of "ongoing efforts to free-ride on the capabilities developed by OpenAI and other U.S. frontier labs." The technique, known as distillation, involves having an older, more established and powerful AI model evaluate the quality of the answers coming out of a newer model, effectively transferring the older model's learnings. In the memo sent to the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party on Thursday, OpenAI said: "We have observed accounts associated with DeepSeek employees developing methods to circumvent OpenAI's access restrictions and access models through obfuscated third-party routers and other ways that mask their source." "We also know that DeepSeek employees developed code to access U.S. AI models and obtain outputs for distillation in programmatic ways," the memo added. DeepSeek and its parent company High-Flyer did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Hangzhou-based DeepSeek shook markets early last year with a set of AI models that rivaled some of the best offerings from the U.S., fuelling concerns in Washington that China could catch up in the AI race despite restrictions. OpenAI said that Chinese large language models are "actively cutting corners when it comes to safely training and deploying new models." Silicon Valley executives have previously praised models named DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, which are available globally. OpenAI said it proactively removes users who appear to be attempting to distill its models to develop rival's models. (Reporting by Fabiola Aramburo, Mrinmay Dey in Mexico City and Deepa Seetharaman in San Francisco; Editing by Alan Barona) WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) The Rhode Island Department of Health has reprimanded a Warwick pediatrician after a toddler pricked his finger on a used needle in an exam room. Though the needle and syringe were in a sharps container, a consent order obtained by 12 News reveals that the child was able to access them through an opening in the lid. The order states the toddler pricked his finger on the needle, drawing blood. Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Leena Davis examined the boys cut and determined that the wound was superficial, according to the consent order. The consent order says Davis did not advise the toddlers parent to have further testing done for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV. However, she did order the testing after it was later requested by the parent. [Davis] did not recommend or order follow-up testing to ensure that the child had not contracted HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C as a result of the needlestick injury, the order explains. The Health Department inspected Davis practice and discovered two sharps containers on the floor of an exam room. Advertisement Advertisement The containers were full and had openings in the lid covers, the order says. In a separate exam room, the investigation discovered an unsecured sharps container located on top of a file cabinet. The consent order says the Health Department reached out to Davis for an explanation of what had happened. Davis admitted that the sharps container was on the floor behind an exam room table and that the boy suffered a superficial injury, according to the consent order. She said the toddler was unsupervised at the time since the appointment was for his sibling. The Health Department determined Davis acted unprofessionally by failing to properly secure the sharps container. Davis was also flagged for not following the appropriate protocol for testing for bloodborne pathogens after a needlestick, per the consent order. Advertisement Advertisement Davis, whos been a licensed doctor in Rhode Island for more than 27 years, has been ordered to pay a $1,100 administrative fee. She is also required to take a course on infectious disease focusing on bloodborne pathogens and implement a policy in her practice ensuring the safe disposal of medical and biohazardous waste. 12 News attempted to call Davis Toll Gate Road practice twice, but no one answered the phone. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A man in Pennsylvania has been arrested after an informant he had asked for help instead contacted police, which exposed an active murder-for-hire plot. Officers with the Upper Dublin Police Department first learned of the alleged plot when a man visited their office on Tuesday, February 10. He told officers that Eric Berkowitz had asked for his help in his mission to kill his ex-girlfriend and the two men who entered her life following their split, according to NBC Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement He claimed that Berkowitz reached out to him via Facebook Messenger on February 10 and asked him to come to his home in Dresher, Pennsylvania. It was there that officials said that Berkowitz allegedly explained his plan to go to upstate New York so that he could kill the three people. Pennsylvania Man Arrested After Trying to Buy 6-Year-Old Girl From Her Mother for $5K According to the officials, the informant said that Berkowitz planned to set his ex-girlfriend's home on fire and shoot anyone who tried to escape from the residence. The informant claimed that Berkowitz showed off a gun and a loaded magazine during their meeting. Officials also said that Berkowitz was prepared to pay over $5,000 in cash for the help, according to the informant. Advertisement Advertisement Police were told that Berkowitz intended to exercise the plan at his ex-girlfriends New York home on Thursday, February 12. Once authorities received the tip, they started to look into Berkowitz and his actions. As police watched Berkowitz, they saw him get into an Uber on February 11. Officials then stopped the car, according to the outlet. Police asked the Uber driver where they were going, and he gave police the address that was requested. After police confirmed it matched where the ex-girlfriend lived in New York, Berkowitz was arrested and taken into custody. Police also said that he was found carrying a large amount of money at the time of his arrest, as well as a loaded gun. Berkowitz has been charged with criminal solicitation of murder, attempted murder and other related charges. Advertisement Advertisement He attended his first court hearing on Wednesday, February 11, where a public defender argued he should get bail as Berkowitz silently stood to his side. Meanwhile, prosecutors argued that no amount of money could keep people safe from a person like Berkowitz, according to NBC Philadelphia. Despite the public defenders argument, the judge determined that Berkowitz will be held without bail. His public defender is not publicly listed and was unable to provide a comment on the arrest. It is also not currently clear if Berkowitz has entered any pleas. Scammer Stole $300K From Girlfriend He Met on Bumble in Elaborate Romance Scheme Advertisement Advertisement The informant has not publicly shared his name. However, he did speak to NBC Philadelphia, telling them that he and Berkowitz met when they went to school together. The informant added that he and Berkowitz had not been in contact for several years at the time he reached out for help, which is why he initially agreed to meet with him. Additionally, the informant allegedly told the outlet that he went to police immediately once he realized what type of "help" Berkowitz was asking for. The Upper Dublin Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weeklys request for comment. A 15-year-old Permian High School student was arrested Thursday after a handgun was discovered during a vaping incident on campus. According to a news release, an Ector County ISD police officer at Permian High School observed a student vaping on school property. The officer stopped the student, confiscated the vaping device, and began escorting the student to the campus police office. While being escorted to the police office, the student fled but was quickly apprehended after a brief chase. During a search in the campus police office, the student was found in possession of a handgun, a news release said. That student, a 15-year old boy, is now facing multiple criminal charges: Places Weapons Prohibited, Felony 3; Possession of a Controlled Substance, Felony 3; Unlawful Carry of a Firearm, Class A Misdemeanor; Evading Arrest, a Class A Misdemeanor; and Possession of a Stolen Firearm, State Jail Felony. This is a serious incident, and it will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful for our ECISD officers who maintain a constant presence across the campus and are trained to respond to this type of situation, ECISD said in the release. The post Permian student arrested after handgun is found following vaping incident appeared first on Odessa American. A man was killed Thursday during a police chase in DeKalb County, and authorities are still searching for the driver involved, according to the Georgia State Patrol. Willie Loman told Channel 2s Berndt Petersen it was the longest night of his life. They had him covered. But they wouldnt allow us to go over and see him. My brother laid on the ground until 2:30 in the morning, Loman said. GSP says troopers were contacted by the DeKalb County Police Department on Feb. 12 about a deadly crash involving a black Mercedes-Benz sedan and a person. Advertisement Advertisement Out in the middle of Candler Road, the yellow spray paint marks the spot where Willie Lomans brother, 59-year old Terry Loman, was killed late Thursday night. Phyllis Pickett said she was within earshot. I heard the cop racing down the street real fast, she said. DeKalb Police say an officer had just pulled over a black Mercedes sedan, Texas tag BLK63, for too much tint on the windows and over the plate. Investigators say the driver initially stopped but suddenly hit the gas and took off, with police on his tail. Thats when the suspects car ran over a man who was crossing the street. Only later did Phyllis Pickett learn the victim was her friend, Terry Loman. Advertisement Advertisement Hell be missed by many. Yes, he will, Pickett said. Willie Loman says his brother was walking home after a long days work and even had a reflective vest on. Willie Loman says as he stood out there in the street Thursday night, he prayed to God it was not his little brother. Thats when investigators came over with a photograph. I couldnt allow my mother to see the picture. So I was able to identify him. In the picture they showed me, his eyes were open. I lost it. It was like he was crying out for me, Willie Loman said. As for the merits of this particular police pursuit, DeKalb PD says it is under review. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Peruvian prosecutors said Friday they had begun investigating interim president Jose Jeri on suspicion of influence peddling over his role in the irregular hiring of nine women in his administration. This is the second probe opened by the attorney general's office into Jeri and comes as Congress gathers signatures for a motion to impeach him for "misconduct in office and lack of suitability" to lead the South American country. The attorney general's office told AFP it had launched a preliminary probe for "aggravated" influence peddling "to the detriment of the Peruvian state" against Jeri, who succeeded the hugely unpopular Dina Boluarte after her impeachment last October. Advertisement Advertisement Jeri has not yet commented on the latest investigation. He will be questioned by Attorney General Tomas Galvez on March 2, according to the case documents, which AFP obtained. The investigation aims to determine "whether the president exerted undue influence" in the appointments of the women between October and January. The allegations came to light after the investigative TV program Cuarto Poder reported that five young women were hired in the president's office and the environment ministry after visiting Jeri. The presidency last week described the reports as "malicious and biased" and an attack on "the dignity and good name" of the women. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Jeri was suspected of influencing the irregular hiring of nine women in total. The new investigation comes hot on the heels of an earlier probe launched in January over his secret meeting with a Chinese businessman who has contacts with the government. Peru is experiencing a prolonged political crisis, which has seen it burn through seven presidents since 2016. The country will hold general elections in April. Jeri, the former speaker of the country's legislature, is not running for president. cm/ljc/cb/sst A Plymouth-Canton Community Schools bus rolled on its side in a crash with a truck on the morning of Friday, Feb. 13, but no students were on board. The crash took place about 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Northville Road and Edward N. Hines Drive in Plymouth Township, said Plymouth Township Police Chief James Knittel. The township is west of Livonia and Detroit, and south of Novi and Northville. Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary investigation showed that a passenger truck and the bus collided in the intersection, according to a news release from Knittels department. More: Video shows moment car crashed into Detroit Metro Airport More: Judge orders mental health treatment for Metro Airport crash driver The truck was traveling on Hines Drive and the bus was traveling on Northville Road, police said. The impact caused the bus to roll onto its side. The one adult passenger on the bus was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, police said. Drivers of both vehicles were evaluated but declined further medical attention. Advertisement Advertisement Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, in a statement, confirmed that one of its buses was involved in a crash while students were not on board. The bus was operated by Durham Student Services, and the district indicated it was a Durham employee that was injured. Durham Student Services did not immediately provide comment on the situation. Though general education students in the district were off on Friday, some special education students did have school, said Frank Ruggirello, executive director of communications and marketing, in an email. The bus is used for special education students. The crash remains under investigation by Plymouth Township police. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Plymouth-Canton school bus overturns in crash; no students aboard A 60-year-old man killed in a Feb. 11 single-car crash near Long Neck has been identified by Delaware State Police as Vincent Spinelli. Spinelli, of Millsboro, was driving an Audi A4 south on Legion Road, approaching a sharp left curve, around 11:50 p.m., when police said the car failed to maneuver the curve. Initial story: 60-year-old man killed in Long Neck-area crash after car goes airborne The car left the road, hit a concrete culvert pipe and went airborne, police said. The car then crashed into a row of trees. Advertisement Advertisement Spinelli, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the Audi, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating. Anyone with information about the crash should contact investigators at (302) 703-3269. Information may also be provided by sending a Facebook message to Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware police ID Vincent Spinelli as man killed in Long Neck crash Philadelphia police are searching for suspects after two cafe burglaries in Northern Liberties. It is not yet known whether the crimes are connected, but surveillance cameras captured the suspects. One of the burglaries happened at Joy Cafe, a neighborhood restaurant known for its plant-based dishes and a side of kindness. Owner Alice Leung said the suspect stole thousands of dollars on Jan. 30 during the busy lunch rush. Advertisement Advertisement "He was friendly and I'm friendly, and I feel a little bit burned," Leung said. Leung said a young, well-dressed man came inside to escape the cold and asked to use the bathroom. "I was busy making lunch orders for everybody else, and then he came back out and was like I'm going to order next time. Your menu is really good. I'm going to opt out this time and was like thanks for letting me use the bathroom," Leung said. Instead of heading to the restroom, the man went to the basement office, where Leung later discovered her rent money, wallet and phones were missing. Police say her credit cards were used at an AutoZone. Advertisement Advertisement "I was just in shock. I was like why is it so messy. I was just here a half hour ago, it was fine. I really thought it was a wild animal that came through," she said. Neighbors expressed frustration after learning about the theft. "It's immensely disappointing and surprising, like the boldness of someone coming in and doing that, so I hope they catch the perpetrator," said Yvonne Bouligny of Northern Liberties. Just a few blocks away, Cafe La Maude was burglarized overnight on Monday. The owners shared surveillance video showing a suspect breaking in through the back door and stealing $300 from the register. "It's just sad to know my neighbor also got hit," Leung said. Advertisement Advertisement Leung said she hopes the incidents raise awareness among other business owners. "I just feel like this is such a safe community, and I've been a part of for so long, so I'm not going to live in fear, so to speak, but I'll be more mindful and a little bit more vigilant," she said. She also offered a message for the suspects. "Just get a job. If you're that motivated to go out on the coldest day of the year, you can get a job and be a productive member of society. Everybody else works really hard for what they have, so it's not fair." Police said they are actively investigating. Three Seattle police officers shot a suspect multiple times in Ballard on Thursday evening as they responded to a domestic violence call. Seattle police said they were called to an area on NW 62nd Street near the Ballard Community Center around 5:40 p.m. for reports of someone who was following a woman. Investigators say the man and woman knew each other. When officers responded and approached the suspect, police say a confrontation occurred. Advertisement Advertisement They tell us the man pulled out a gun and started shooting at the officers. SPD says three officers shot the man multiple times. They tell us the suspect is in critical condition as of Friday morning and is at Harborview Medical Center. A Seattle police officer was also sent to Harborview for a bullet graze to the leg. While nearby Adams Elementary School was not the scene of the shooting, a stray bullet hit a window of the teachers lounge. No one inside the building was injured. School will operate as normal on Friday. Principal Douglas Sohn sent this statement to parents Thursday night: Dear Adams Elementary School Community, Advertisement Advertisement I apologize for reaching out so late this evening and recognize the timing may be disruptive; however, I felt it was important to share this information as soon as possible. I am writing to inform you about Seattle Police Department (SPD) activity that occurred this evening in the neighborhood near Adams Elementary School. The incident was unrelated to Adams Elementary School or Seattle Public Schools, but because of its close proximity, it impacted our campus. At approximately 6:00 p.m., SPD officers responded to a domestic incident off campus. During that response, an officer-involved shooting reportedly occurred. SPD and King County are conducting investigatory activity in the area. Out of an abundance of caution, KidsCo staff and PTSA Multicultural Potluck volunteers who were present in the building briefly entered a shelter in place and relocated to another part of the building while police secured the area. The shelter in place was lifted shortly thereafter once police determined it was safe to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Although the incident was not connected to our school, a bullet from the incident struck the exterior window of the teachers lounge, leaving a small impression. No one inside the building was injured, and there is no indication that any students, staff, or families were directly involved or harmed. SPD officers requested access to the building as part of their response. Seattle Public Schools facilities staff are working closely with me to inspect the school, and we will confirm there is no additional damage. Repairs to the affected window will be completed following coordination with police. Due to the rapidly evolving situation, the PTSA made the appropriate decision to cancel this evenings Multicultural Potluck. I understand this was disappointing for many families, and I appreciate your understanding as safety was prioritized. I want to sincerely thank our PTSA and KidsCo staff for their swift action and calm response during this incident. Seattle Public Schools leadership has been in contact with SPD leadership this evening and will continue to coordinate to ensure the scene is cleared as quickly and safely as possible. Advertisement Advertisement School is planning to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. Please enter through the playground entrances tomorrow morning if you arrive before school begins. If you are running late, please use the entrance along 28th Avenue NW where we can buzz you in. If there are any impacts to school operations, we will communicate further in the morning. I recognize that incidents like this can be unsettling. Counseling and support services will be available at school tomorrow to support any students or staff who may need help processing this event. Please know that the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains my highest priority. Thank you for your continued care and support of our Adams Elementary community. Sincerely, Advertisement Advertisement Douglas Sohn Principal, Adams Elementary School Seattle Public Schools" This is a developing story. The King County Independent Force Investigation Team (IFIT-KC) will be investigating the shooting. LEBANON, Mo. Police are warning residents after recent break-ins to vehicles in a few areas in Lebanon, Missouri. According to a Lebanon Police Department social media post, law enforcement has seen recent increases in theft of vehicles near Harris Lane, Maple Drive and Smith Road. Officials remind the public in the post to lock your vehicle, remove valuable items or keep them out of sight, do not leave keys or fobs in vehicles and park in well-lit locations if possible. Advertisement Advertisement 34-year-old woman dies in Laclede County crash Residents living on the identified streets are being asked by officers if they have surveillance footage to catch suspected individuals involved in the reported incidents. If you know any information, you are asked to call their department at 417-532-3131, or if you see a crime in progress, to call 911. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. We recently published an article titled 10 Best Long Term Healthcare Stocks to Buy. On January 9, UBS upgraded Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE:OSCR) to Neutral from Sell and raised its price target to $17 from $12. The firm cited better-than-expected exchange enrollment trends despite the expiration of enhanced subsidies and noted that the shares appear fairly valued at current levels. In the third quarter of 2025, Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE:OSCR) reported a 23% year-over-year increase in total revenue to approximately $3.0 billion. Medical loss ratio increased by 380 basis points to 88.5%, reflecting cost pressures during the period. The company also outlined plans to expand into 20 states for 2026, including new entries into Alabama and Mississippi, while launching additional products such as HelloMeno. Management highlighted ongoing investments in technology, including the integration of AI tools through its Oswell platform, aimed at improving operational efficiency and member engagement. Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE:OSCR) was founded in 2012 as a technology-focused health insurance company. The company seeks to improve access and affordability through digital tools, virtual care, and data-driven plan design. While we acknowledge the potential of OSCR as a long term investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock . READ NEXT: 8 Up and Coming Streaming Companies and Services and 9 High Growth Canadian Stocks to Buy Disclosure: None. A Pomona Elementary school third-grader has died after choking on food, according to Alvin ISD. On Wednesday, Alvin ISD shared the following statement regarding the student's death. "Today, our district is grieving deeply over the loss of one of our beloved students at Pomona Elementary. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with our student's family, and we stand by ready to offer care and assistance in any way possible. Advertisement Advertisement The District's Crisis Response team has been at Pomona Elementary to provide support both to students and staff that are impacted by this exceedingly difficult loss. At this time, we graciously ask for the community's prayers, respect, and sensitivity for the student's family." ABC13 learned that a teacher used the Heimlich Maneuver on the child who was choking, and both the school nurse and campus police officer got involved. According to Alvin ISD, all staff members receive annual training on responding to choking incidents and other medical emergencies. Also, according to the district, each Alvin ISD school has at least two airway clearance devices. Advertisement Advertisement By state law passed last June, every public school in Texas is required to have one. One was used in this case, officials say, but unfortunately, it wasn't able to dislodge the stuck food. The child was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead. For more on this story, follow Pooja Lodhia on Facebook,X and Instagram. Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Local politicians and people gathered to raise a Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City Thursday, after the U.S. Department of the Interior removed a flag on Tuesday. "We have brought the flag back to a sacred site," Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan borough president, said via bullhorn, The New York Times reported. Federal employees raised an American flag on the pole on Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday evening, both flags were side by side. Advertisement Advertisement Initially, the officials hung the flag just below the American flag, but the crowd shouted, "higher!" People from the crowd moved in and raised the flag to be next to the American flag, The Times reported. "If you can't fly a Pride flag steps from Stonewall Monument, at the National monument for LGBTQ liberation, where can you fly it?" Hoylman-Sigal told The Hill. "So, we put it back." Supporters react after local politicians and others raise a Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument Thursday in New York City. The Park Service's decision to take down the flag sparked backlash from national civil rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Timothy French, 47, a drag performer from the Bronx who uses gender-neutral pronouns, said the flag-raising made them emotional. "We, you know, are part of a bigger picture," French told The Times. "We represent everyone in this country. This is a landmark for our community that's important to so many people across the world." Supporters raised the Pride flag to equal standing with the American Flag at the Stonewall National Monument on Thursday in New York City. The Stonewall Inn is a legendary Manhattan gay bar that was the site of a 1969 uprising credited as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ-rights movement. The decision by the National Park Service to take down the flag sparked backlash from national civil rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI French said they had endured some recent difficult times. They were assaulted on the subway and had a transgender friend who was hospitalized after an attack. Advertisement Advertisement The monument is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, so it's unclear how long the flag will be allowed to stay. Supporters raise the Pride flag to equal standing with the American Flag at the Stonewall National Monument on Thursday in New York City. The Stonewall Inn is a legendary Manhattan gay bar that was the site of a 1969 uprising credited as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ-rights movement. The decision by the National Park Service to take down the flag sparked backlash from national civil rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI The Park Service said the flag was removed according to a federal memo issued Jan. 21. The service said, "only the U.S. flag and other congressionally or departmentally authorized flags are flown on N.P.S.-managed flagpoles, with limited exceptions. Any changes to flag displays are made to ensure consistency with that guidance," it said. On Thursday, Julie Menin, New York City Council speaker, said she and other lawmakers sent a letter to the Park Service demanding the return of the flag. Supporters display signs before local politicians and others raise an LGBTQ+ Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument on Thursday in New York City. The Stonewall Inn is a legendary Manhattan gay bar that was the site of a 1969 uprising credited as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ-rights movement. The decision by the National Park Service to take down the flag sparked backlash from national civil rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI "Stonewall is a sacred site in this city," she said. "It is sacred ground for civil rights and sacred ground for the LGBTQ community." Advertisement Advertisement The monument is in Greenwich Village, and it commemorates the Stonewall Inn, a Manhattan gay bar that was the epicenter of the six-day 1969 Stonewall riots, which sparked a renewed LGBTQ+-rights battle. It was designated a monument in 2016 by former President Barack Obama. The site is 7.7 acres, including the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park and other areas nearby. Supporters listen to speakers before local politicians and others raise an LGBTQ+ Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument on Thursday in New York City. The Stonewall Inn is a legendary Manhattan gay bar that was the site of a 1969 uprising credited as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ rights movement. The decision to take down the flag sparked backlash from national civil rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI In February 2025, the Trump administration removed mentions of "queer" and "transgender" from the monument's website. The Alaska Legislature on Wednesday approved a 30-day extension for the state of disaster covering the fall 2025 storms that battered the states west coast. The extension allows the state to continue spending money from its disaster response fund as it continues cleanup and repair efforts from two storms in October. Hundreds of Alaskans were displaced by the disasters, which devastated coastal communities. The Alaska Senate approved the extension in a 19-0 vote on Monday, but the extension nearly failed in the Alaska House after members of the Houses Republican minority caucus raised procedural issues on Wednesday and said members of the majority were not following state law. Advertisement Advertisement The extension was included in Senate Concurrent Resolution 12, which retroactively approves extensions issued since October and allows the governor to spend more from the states disaster response fund. Doing this as a resolution is dangerous, I think its a mistake, and Im not even certain that its legal, said House Minority Leader DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer. Johnson and other Republicans said that under their interpretation of state law, legislators would need to approve the spending via a bill, not a resolution. A legislative attorney, writing in a Feb. 2 memo to Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, said, when the legislature means to take action having a binding effect on those outside the legislature, including extending a disaster declaration, the legislature must enact a bill in a special or regular session rather than using the less formal resolution process. Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was rebutted by House Rules Chair Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak and a member of the Houses majority coalition. This is not new money, she said. This is money that has been (in the fund) and is being allowed to be appropriated out. its been agreed upon that maybe this wasnt the optimum way. Nothings perfect. Were moving forward. We are trying to do the best we can as quickly as we can. Time is of the essence, so I ask you to ask yourself: Do you want to be right in how it is done, or do you want to do the right thing when theres a question? The House vote was 22-18, with Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, joining the 21 members of the Houses coalition majority in support. All other members of the House Republican minority voted against the resolution. As debate opened, Rep. Nellie Unangiq Jimmie, D-Toksook Bay, became choked up as she described the disaster, which devastated her district and resulted in the largest peacetime evacuation in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Today, months later, 340 of our neighbors remain without permanent houses. Mr. Speaker, we are Yupik. Our people have lived in this delta for thousands of years. We know storms. We know water. We know loss, she said. We have lived on this coast for thousands of years, and weve survived ice ages, epidemics, colonization. Weve survived by adapting, sharing, by refusing to abandon our homes, but you cant really live when your home floats 10 miles out to sea, when your fuel tanks that heat your home in winter are submerged in salt water. On Jan. 28, Gov. Mike Dunleavy requested permission to spend $20.5 million from the disaster response fund, up $5.5 million from a prior request. When federal money is added to that tally, the total amount is $39.25 million. More spending is expected. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the director of the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has estimated at least $125 million in state and federal costs related to the storm disaster. The declaration allows state agencies to continue their emergency response and to extend state funds as needed, said Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage and co-chair of the House Finance Committee. Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, took issue with the fact that after Dunleavy declared a state of disaster in October, the Speaker of the House and Senate President approved subsequent 30-day extensions without consulting legislators. I think we should have called ourselves in (to special session), or the third floor should have called us in (to special session) to take up this very important issue, Ruffridge said. Advertisement Advertisement What precedent does this set for the presiding officers to make the decisions before us on our behalf? he asked. What power do we give the executive by allowing disaster declarations to continue without (the House) or the (Senate) taking up that order of business? Rep. Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River, said he worries that failing to follow proper procedure could leave disaster relief vulnerable to legal challenge. We put the reliability of that relief at question if this is not done right, he said. The day after the vote, Ruffridge said members of the minority have drafted a bill that would fix the problems they see, and that bill is being reviewed by legislative attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, said legislative attorneys have reviewed the majoritys plan. We have had our legal department tell us that this passes muster, he said during the debate. After the vote, Kopps office was unable to provide a legal memo to that effect but said he had received verbal advice. Josephson, wrapping up debate, said the majority was working in good faith with Dunleavy to get the money out the door quickly. Given the urgency of the matter, were trying to cooperate with the executive branch, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Correction: This article has been updated to fix a misplaced apostrophe in the word Yupik. Kent State Professor Jerry M. Lewis promised Sandra Scheuers mother, Sarah, that he would tell the story of May 4, 1970, for as long as he lived. Others will have to tell the story now. Lewis, an emeritus professor of sociology, author and scholar of the national tragedy, died Feb. 11 at his home in Maine. He was 88. Jerry was a fierce advocate for students, a consummate classroom teacher, an accomplished researcher and a living trustee of history and the search for truth and meaning, Kent State President Todd Diacon said in a prepared statement. He was the most noble person I have ever worked with in my nearly 40 years in higher education. We will miss him and treasure his memory forever. Advertisement Advertisement Lewis was an eyewitness when Ohio National Guardsmen fired into a crowd of demonstrators during a Vietnam War protest at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine. I wish to hell it hadnt happened, he said. But it did. Jerry M. Lewis, emeritus professor of sociology, looks over a 1971 Kent State University yearbook at his Hudson home in 2019. He and Glenn Frank, a geology professor, had organized a group of faculty marshals who wore armbands to mark their role as peaceful observers during the campus demonstrations. Lewis, who had served in an Illinois military reserve unit in the early 1960s, didnt believe the National Guards guns were loaded until the shooting began. In a 13-second fusillade, 28 guardsmen fired 61 to 67 shots from M-1 military rifles on a hill outside Taylor Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Killed were Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder. Wounded were Alan Canfora, John R. Cleary, Thomas Grace, Dean Kahler, Joseph Lewis, Donald MacKenzie, James Russell, Robert Stamps and Douglas Wrentmore. The 33-year-old assistant professor dived behind a bush when the shooting began. An eerie hush followed the gunfire as shock and disbelief swept the onlookers. I realized my first responsibility was to the students, but I didnt know what to do, Lewis recalled in an oral history for Kent State. And a student who knew me rushed up, and said, Dr. Lewis, those were blanks, werent they? Now I realized that the students all thought that they were firing blanks. So I pointed I didnt know it was Sandy Scheuers body, but I pointed at the body and said, No, those were real bullets. Lewis ran to the back of the Prentice Hall parking lot, telling students: Those are real bullets. You must leave. Im Dr. Lewis. You must leave. Advertisement Advertisement Frank, Lewis and other faculty members helped disperse the crowd, receiving credit for deescalating the tense situation and preventing further tragedy. Lewis later acknowledged that he felt survivors guilt. He dedicated his life to telling the Kent State story, keeping a promise he made to Scheuers mother. In 1971, he organized the first candlelight walk and vigil for May 4. About 7,000 people gathered for the first anniversary. We are here to honor the fallen and wounded of our brothers, Lewis told the crowd as candles flickered in the dark. Let us pray for the courage to look back to a year ago. We bring ourselves before God seeking rededication. Let us meditate upon a future. Professor Jerry Lewis (left), Elaine Holstein, mother of slain student Jeffrey Miller (center in white coat), and Dean Kahler (in wheelchair) participate May 3, 1976, in the annual candlelight vigil march to commemorate the 1970 shootings on the Kent State campus. Who was Jerry M. Lewis? Lewis was born April 1, 1937, in Oak Park, Illinois. He received a bachelors degree from Cornell College, a masters degree from Boston University and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Illinois in 1966. He joined the Kent State faculty as an assistant professor of sociology in September 1966. Advertisement Advertisement As a parent of young children during the Vietnam War, he remembered how TV news showed horrible images of the conflict each night. My wife and I had to stop watching TV at dinner, he recalled. Vietnam veterans took his classes and confided in him about their wartime experiences. Their stories moved him. By the late 1960s, he believed that the conflict would soon be resolved. There was a general feeling that the war was going to come to an end, he said. Thats why the invasion of Cambodia was so extraordinary. It was a 180-degree turn. Demonstrations erupted May 1, 1970, in downtown Kent after President Richard M. Nixon announced on television that the U.S. military had crossed into Cambodia. Vandals smashed windows on storefronts. Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Gov. James A. Rhodes ordered the National Guard to Kent. Lewis was serving as a faculty marshal on campus May 2. Initially, it had been a carnival atmosphere, he later testified. There were students with headbands joking, talking, singing, he recalled. Later the mood shifted. Demonstrators burned down the ROTC building that Saturday night. The sky was aglow when guardsmen rolled into town in military vehicles. On Monday, the guardsman ordered protesters to disperse from a rally on the KSU Commons near the charred ruins from Saturdays fire. The soldiers fired tear gas canisters and protesters tossed them back. Some demonstrators threw rocks at the soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement The gunfire erupted at 12:24 p.m. Kent State University sociology professor Jerry M. Lewis leads students on a 2000 tour of the May 4 Memorial, a stone plaza that was dedicated in 1990. Memorials to May 4 Lewis devoted his life to researching and memorializing the events of May 4. He led tours of the shooting site, lectured at symposiums, appeared in national interviews and authored three books on the subject. He was promoted to full professor in 1979 and remained at Kent State until 2013 after being named professor emeritus in 1996. Lewis received the Distinguished Teaching Award at Kent State in 1983 and was named one of the universitys 10 Outstanding Teachers in 1970, 1981, 1982 and 1983. Initially, Kent State officials tried to distance the university from the tragedy, but eventually the school acknowledged its role in national events. Advertisement Advertisement Its part of our history, Lewis once told the Beacon Journal. We dont have to hide from it. Nobody would say were proud of it. In 1990, Kent State dedicated the May 4 Memorial, a stone plaza designed by Chicago architect Bruno Ast. Engraved are the words: Inquire. Learn. Reflect. Lewis liked those words. Its like a professor talking to a student, he said. In 1999, the university permanently closed the parking spaces where the four students died in 1970. Lewis was pleased to see the markers go up. Its sort of like a permanent vigil with the parking lot spots being permanently marked, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Lewis co-authored an application to add the May 4 site to the National Register of Historic Places. The approval came in 2010. I believe everyone has the right to protest nonviolently and everyone has the right to demonstrate nonviolently, he said. Professor Emeritus Jerry M. Lewis pauses for a moment May 4, 2020, after ringing the Victory Bell during the acknowledgement of the 50th anniversary of the Kent State shootings. In 2020, Kent State canceled 50th anniversary events because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis took part in an unofficial commemoration, ringing the Victory Bell on the Commons at 12:24 p.m. Were here to remember the fallen and wounded at Kent State on May 4 and 10 days later at Jackson State, he said. Lewis is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Damon; daughter, Janell; six grandchildren; a great-grandson and a brother. Advertisement Advertisement Donations in his memory can be made to the Professor Jerry M. Lewis May 4 Lecture Series. Lewis was confident that Kent State would continue to tell the story of May 4, 1970. As the professor noted in 2010: The importance of Kent State remembering can be found in a famous quote from George Santayana: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com More: John Cleary, survivor of National Guard shootings at Kent State in 1970, dies at 74 More: 'Utter turmoil': Former National Guardsman reflects on Kent State tragedy of May 4, 1970 This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jerry M. Lewis, credited with deescalating Kent State shootings, dies (The Center Square) The Wisconsin Legislature has now passed a group of four bills dubbed the Red Tape Reset, and the four bills are next headed to the desk of Gov. Tony Evers. The bills are aimed at cutting down on the 165,000 restrictions currently in state law. The bills passed the Senate on Wednesday and the Assembly on Thursday. People who work hard and try to play by the rules should be able to get ahead, Sen. Bradley, RNew Berlin, said about the bills. Because of red tape, thats simply not the case for many. A young entrepreneur with a great idea shouldnt be buried under layers of bureaucracy before they even get started. Advertisement Advertisement The set of bills include regulatory sunsetting, regulatory budgeting, a one rule per scope statement and a proposal challenging the validity of administrative rules. The laws will require that, when a new rule adds costs for businesses, families or local governments, those costs must be offset. The single scope bill blocks allowing agencies to use a single scope statement to create multiple regulations over time. The challenge bill would require courts to award attorney fees and costs to plaintiffs who successfully challenge unlawful administrative rules. Groups such as Americans for Prosperity - Wisconsin, Badger Institute, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty have lobbied for the bills. Wisconsin has been an overregulated state for far too long, constricting our economic growth and saddling our entrepreneurs with unnecessary burdens, AFP-WI State Director Megan Novak said in a statement. Between our excessive regulations and the misguided decision by our partisan Supreme Court that removed a necessary legislative check on the governor in the rulemaking process, Wisconsin businesses and families deserve regulatory relief. These bills are a welcome step to get Wisconsin back on the right track and we thank lawmakers for prioritizing the Reset and their continued work to make Wisconsin the best place to build a business in the Midwest. A new report determined that a shocking level of landfilled material is avoidable food waste, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. What's happening? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources commissioned an extensive investigation into food waste in the state in 2024. On Tuesday, it made its findings public in a presentation, and they were startling. A previous study, conducted in 2020 and 2021, found that 854,000 tons of food waste were landfilled annually in the Badger State, a figure that leapt by 5.4% to 900,000 in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement The WDNR determined that, in 2020 and 2021, 294 pounds of food per person per year ended up in landfills. That rose to just over 300 pounds in the 2024 study. ReFED, a nonprofit that works to reduce food waste, estimated that a scant 72,000 tons of food was donated to Wisconsin food pantries in 2023. The organization identified logistical hurdles "preventing many organizations" from diverting more food waste. For the 2024 study, the WDNR teamed up with environmental consultancy HDR. HDR solid waste manager Amanda Erickson explained that frustrating disconnect. "Oftentimes they face logistical challenges, which could include storage, space, funding, personnel. Sometimes it's as simple as transportation logistics or a lack of understanding from businesses about what outlets are available in their community," Erickson said. Why is this concerning? The WDNR studies found that food waste spiked over 5% in less than five years, a worrying trend. Advertisement Advertisement A September 2024 report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities determined that in 2023, food insecurity in the United States rose for the second year in a row. In 2025, the federal government stopped tracking those figures. Nongovernmental organizations such as Feeding America continued, however, and the group estimated that 1 in 8 Wisconsinites were food-insecure. For children, that figure was 1 in 6. Food waste is a complex problem, and hunger isn't the only issue. WPR cited EPA data indicating that landfilled waste was the third-largest source of planet-warming pollution. According to the Food and Drug Administration, 30-40% of the American food supply is wasted each year, going either unsold or uneaten. Advertisement Advertisement As WPR noted, the Environmental Protection Agency indicated that food waste costs a family of four $56 per week on average. That's nearly $3,000 in wasted food each year. What's being done about it? Wisconsin set a goal of reducing food waste to 50% of 2020 levels by 2030 and is looking to divert much of that food to residents in need. Food waste is a global problem, and individuals can help by shopping strategically, getting creative with leftovers, and composting food scraps. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Candidates in the South Carolina Republican primary for governor will make their pitch to voters at a Feb. 16 President's Day banquet hosted by the Spartanburg County Republican Party. Event organizer Rick Beltram said it will be the first time for all five candidates Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, and U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman to appear together at the same venue. The banquet will take place in the arena of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Advertisement Advertisement Beltram said the campaigns will have table displays set up throughout the room, and attendees are encouraged to arrive by 5 p.m. so they can meet the candidates and pick up informational pieces. During the banquet, each candidate will be given five minutes to address the audience. There will not be a question-and-answer session or debate format, Beltram said. In addition to the Republican candidates for governor, other races will be represented. Rep. William Timmons, who is running to keep his 4th Congressional District seat, is scheduled to appear along with his primary opponent, David Atchley. More: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster endorses Pamela Evette for governor Advertisement Advertisement Paul Dans and Mark Lynch, who are taking on incumbent Lindsey Graham for United States Senate, will attend, according to Beltram. Candidates in local races, including several incumbent members of the state General Assembly, are expected to attend. Each candidate will be given several minutes to make brief remarks. The event is scheduled to wrap up by 9 p.m. Beltram said more than 400 people have made reservations for the banquet. He said tickets are $100 each, and only a few are remaining. Those hoping to secure one of the tickets still available can call him at 864-590-7723 for more information, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Beltram said he's excited about a straw poll planned for the end of the forum. "A straw poll with more than 400 people participating I think that would be considered by most pollsters to have relevance," he said. Republican candidates for South Carolina governor and other offices will take part in a forum hosted by the Spartanburg County Republican Party on Feb. 16, 2026. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SC governor candidates to attend Spartanburg County GOP forum Neighbors in South Philadelphia say a recent wave of muggings has left many residents shaken, including one man who was beaten while waiting for a bus earlier this month. Police sources tell Action News the incidents appear to follow two distinct patterns, and they believe two separate groups may be targeting the neighborhood. Surveillance video from a nearby home shows three masked men in dark clothing walking along Carpenter Street shortly before midnight on Feb. 2. Minutes later, a restaurant worker heading home from the Italian Market was attacked at 12th and Carpenter, according to his coworker, Stephen Sandoval. Advertisement Advertisement "He was just going home, he was waiting for the bus, he was on 12th and Carpenter. He said three guys just came up to him and they just like beat him up," Sandoval said. Sandoval said the attackers stole only the $5 the victim had with him. The man is now afraid to leave his home, he said. "He's on bed rest. He might need stitches on his nose," Sandoval said. Philadelphia police say at least five muggings have been reported from January 17 to February 12. Police confirmed the Feb. 2 surveillance footage is part of their ongoing investigation. Sources say one group appears to be targeting e-bikes, while another is stealing wallets. Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors say another incident occurred Feb. 10 in a park at 10th and Carpenter. Volunteers for Bardascino Park say they are communicating with residents who have contacted police. "Whatever's happening, I don't think it's going to be something that lasts too long because the word is spreading fast," said Nikki Rockwell, a South Philadelphia dog walker. "This is South Philly, we're all a family here. We all know who has the Ring cameras and this whole street we have the cameras, and we know who you are," said Bella Vista resident Haley Taylor Simon. Simon said she reported suspicious activity to police on the night of the Feb. 2 attack, describing three masked men minutes before the assault. Advertisement Advertisement "At the end of the day, if you're going to continue to do this, somebody's gonna fight back, and you don't know who," she said. Residents say they are working to set up a meeting with police in the district to discuss the recent incidents and safety concerns. Concerned residents will have an opportunity to review project details for Duke Energy's proposed natural gas power plant at a public open house next week. According to Duke Energy spokesperson Ryan Mosier, the power company will hold an open house for residents near its proposed 1,400-megawatt natural gas power plant on Monday, Feb. 16, at the Martin Luther King Anderson Civic Center from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The meeting was set for Jan. 26, but due to the winter storm, the hearing was rescheduled to a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Mosier said the meeting will feature stations with visuals and graphics, and subject-matter experts from Duke Energy will be available to speak with residents and customers. The meeting is for residents near the proposed 200-acre plant but is open to the public. Duke explains on its website that the proposed facility would provide natural gas turbines and other associated equipment, manufactured in Greenville, to meet the growing needs of data centers, advanced manufacturing, and population growth. The $2.5 billion plant, located on Highway 81 South near True Temper Road, has sparked controversy among many area residents, who have raised environmental and health concerns. The plant will be twice the size of the average Duke Energy natural gas plant in South Carolina. At a Duke Energy Public hearing on Feb. 2, residents cited Anderson's high asthma rates and the plant's location adjacent to nearby neighborhoods and approximately three miles from Flatrock Elementary School as concerns. Advertisement Advertisement The facility will require a water source of 600,000 gallons per day for cooling and process makeup, and will discharge approximately 400,000 gallons of waste per day to the local municipal waste treatment facility. Duke said that if the project moves forward, its representatives will seek regulatory approvals and apply for local, state, and federal permits. Construction is projected to begin in summer 2027 and serve customers by early 2031. Duke's planners will hold an evidentiary hearing on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Service Commission's hearing room at 101 Executive Center Drive in Columbia. An evidentiary hearing is a formal proceeding to gather evidence and materials to support decisions on permits or site plans. This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Duke Energy to answer questions on Anderson natural gas plant A famed Iceland tourist destination has practically disappeared, according to reports. Reynisfjara Beach renowned for its black sand shores, dramatic basalt cliffs, and deadly rogue waves has eroded almost entirely. A large cliff has collapsed, closing off the beach to the public. And officials are calling the damage unprecedented. Locals are even eulogizing the beloved, yet dangerous, beach like below. According to Arctic Portal, a public outreach organization, the situation is dire: Advertisement Advertisement A dramatic shift in the shoreline at Reynisfjara (Black Beach), one of Icelands most iconic natural landmarks, has captured the attention of residents, scientists and visitors alike. Unusually strong ocean forces over recent weeks have caused extensive coastal erosion, dramatically changing the appearance and accessibility of the famous Black Beach. Meteorological and coastal experts have pointed to a sustained period of strong easterly winds and high wave activity in January and early February as key factors driving the change. This weather pattern has repeatedly pushed powerful surf against the South Coast, intensifying natural coastal processes and moving sand and stones far more than is typical for this time of year. The erosion has been so significant that some walking paths and beach access areas are now closer to the waterline than usual, and in some spots previously accessible areas are no longer safely reachable. Related: Man Obliterated by Wave at Icelands Deadliest Beach (Video) As mentioned, Reynisfjara Beach is a popular destination for tourists to visit in Iceland, due to its unique and dramatic coastline. However, it also has the unfortunate nickname as Icelands deadliest beach. Back in August of 2025, a 9-year-old German girl died after she was swept out to sea by one of the beachs infamous sneaker waves. What will happen in the future to Reynisfjara? Arctic Portal continued: Advertisement Advertisement While many hope that sand will eventually be redeposited and that the shore will shift back over time, it remains uncertain how and when the coastline will stabilize. For now, Reynisfjara offers a striking example of how dynamic Earths coastal systems can be, shaped by powerful natural forces in ways that continue to surprise and awe those who witness them. Related: Tourists Ignore Rogue Wave Warnings at Icelands Deadliest Beach (Video) This story was originally published by Surfer on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. General Motors (GM) stock gained over 50% last year, outperforming the market by a wide margin. The stock has doubled over the last two years, which is well ahead of legacy automakers, including Detroit rivals Stellantis (STLA) and Ford (F). GMs outperformance becomes all the more noteworthy as it comes amid all the noise over the slowdown in vehicle sales, tariff costs, electric vehicle (EV) losses, and struggles in China, which was once the company's largest market. www.barchart.com GMs 2025 financial performance was stellar despite all the headwinds, particularly tariff costs, and the company expects its 2026 performance to be even better. The Mary Barra-led company expects its North America adjusted pre-tax margins to be back in the 8% to 10% range this year, which is a major improvement from the previous year. The company expects its adjusted pre-tax earnings to be between $13 billion and $15 billion this year, with the top end of the guidance $2.3 billion higher than in 2025. More News from Barchart GM Is a Free Cash Flow Powerhouse GM is a free cash flow powerhouse and expects to generate adjusted automotive free cash flows of between $9 billion and $11 billion this year. Notably, while Ford has been spending much of its free cash flows on paying dividends, GM has prioritized buybacks while also investing to ramp up its U.S. production capacity. The increase in U.S. manufacturing made strategic sense for GM, as it is more exposed to President Donald Trumps tariffs than Ford. Also, as I have noticed previously, with its shares trading at single-digit price-to-earnings (P/E) multiples, share buybacks have helped GM scoop up its shares at depressed valuations. GM Increased Its 2026 Dividend By 20% GM has repurchased $23 billion worth of shares since announcing the accelerated repurchase plan in November 2023, which reduced its outstanding share count by 35%. Last month, the company announced another $6 billion buyback program and increased its dividend by 20%. CFO Paul Jacobson said that the capital return is reflective of the confidence in our ability to generate strong future cash flows and underscoring our ongoing commitment to returning capital to shareholders. GMs dividend yield has risen to around 0.90% after the hike, and while it is around a fifth of Ford, the stocks total returns after accounting for the capital gains are well ahead of its Detroit rival. While their differing capital allocation strategies are among the reasons behind the divergence in the price action, with Ford up just about 5% over the last three years, GM has done much better than Ford when it comes to execution, as the Blue Oval continues to be bogged down by recurring warranty and recall issues PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Officials are blaming human error after a new rug at the Rhode Island State House somehow got the seal of approval despite having the wrong seal. The $70,000 rug was installed Feb. 2 in the second-floor State Room, which is located next to the governors office and is often the setting for news conferences and ceremonial events, with Gilbert Stuarts historic portrait of George Washington hanging on the wall. But Nexstars WPRI discovered that the 1,125-square-foot floor covering has the wrong state seal stitched into it, not once but twice. Both bear the words: Seal of Rhode Island and Providence. Voters removed the phrase and Providence Plantations from the states official name in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement The two inaccurate seals are currently being covered up by round area rugs, which still have their $110 price tags from Ocean State Job Lot on the bottom. Karen Greco, a spokesperson for the R.I. Department of Administration, acknowledged the mishap in an email. (Kyle Kane/WPRI-TV) Karen Greco, a spokesperson for the R.I. Department of Administration, acknowledged the mishap in an email. The mistake on the seal was simply human error, and the plan is to correct it, she told WPRI. She did not say what office was responsible. Its unclear how much more money taxpayers will have to spend fixing the seals. The rug was purchased from Stark Carpet Corp. of Boston. The two seals will be hand-cut out of the rug and new seals will be sewn in, Greco said. We are waiting for a timeline and a cost estimate for the correction. Advertisement Advertisement Stark Carpet has not responded to a request for comment. Replacing the rug was one of many items state officials put on their to-do list after the 2020 vote to remove the Plantations phrase from the end of the states formal name, requiring a change to the state seal. The McKee administration has been making slow progress since then, removing the language from various other locations at the State House, though some are harder to address than others. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PROVIDENCE A group of health care policy wonks, lawmakers, doctors and academics gathered Feb. 11 at South Street Landing to discuss challenges facing health care in Rhode Island. The gathering, called The Summit on the Future of Health Policy in Rhode Island, was organized by Brown Universitys Center for Advancing Health Policy through Research. It featured panels on the state of primary care, the intractable problems that beset health care affordability and the looming impacts of the federal reconciliation bill on the states Medicaid program. Here are some of the key takeaways from the summit. Measuring Rhode Islands supply of primary care providers is tricky It is no secret that Rhode Island has a shortage of primary care providers. Exactly how bad the shortage is, however, is tricky to determine. Advertisement Advertisement Jason Buxbaum, an assistant professor at Browns School of Public Health, said data quality on Rhode Islands primary care supply is bizarrely bad and shockingly bad. According to an analysis of state licensure records by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Rhode Island has 2,500 primary care providers. But, Buxbaum noted, Thats not anybodys experience here. Theres no way that this figure accurately represents whats going on. Panelists discuss the state of health care in Rhode Island at a summit on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Providence. Part of the problem with the foundations analysis is how it counts internists, or first-year residents. Other organizations, such as the American Association of Medical Colleges, list Rhode Island as one of the top states when it comes to primary care supply. Advertisement Advertisement Complicating matters is the fact that hundreds of primary care doctors in Rhode Island are nearing retirement age, and the state is not refilling its physician supply. Caroline Richardson, who heads the family medicine residency at Browns Warren Alpert Medical School the only family medicine residency in the state said only five of 15 residents were planning on staying to practice in Rhode Island. Addressing administrative burden requires give and take If you want to see a doctor grimace, just mention prior authorization. It is a burdensome process that insurers often require doctors to complete before providing treatment or requesting an MRI scan or other procedure. It contributes to physician burnout, adds layers of administrative costs and can delay care. In an effort to reduce burnout and improve efficiency, the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner issued a rule last year to reduce prior authorization. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, the states largest private health insurer, for its part, cut medical prior authorization requirements for primary care by 65%. Richardson, who is a practicing family medicine doctor, said the efforts are welcome, but implementing the rules can be complicated, and they do not apply to Medicare and Medicaid patients, who account for about two-thirds of Rhode Islanders. The actual number of patients that this applies to is small, but the complexity of the law is real, and now we have our staff trying to figure out who has to be prior auth and who doesnt, Richardson said. Advertisement Advertisement The discussion inspired a lively debate over prior authorization, which is intended to discourage overutilization but which doctors find onerous. RI is going to start feeling the side effects of federal benefit cuts Last years passage of the federal budget reconciliation bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, generated heated debate because of the cuts it will make to health care benefits and food assistance in the state. The national conversation has largely moved past it, focused instead on issues such as the federal governments immigration enforcement actions. But those taking the pulse on the state of health care in Rhode Island havent lost sight of the consequences it will bring. Nearly 300,000 children and adults in Rhode Island are covered by Medicaid, according to Kristin Sousa, director of the states Medicaid program. Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid covers 43% of births in the state, 51% of people with disabilities and 54% of nursing home residents. But cuts to Medicaid and new work rules and citizenship requirements threaten the coverage many depend on. Sousa estimated that between 7,000 and 9,000 enrollees will lose access because of their immigration status. Starting in the fall, under new rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill, non-citizens who are refugees, asylees or victims of domestic violence will no longer be eligible for Medicaid benefits. More than 70% of adults on Medicaid work full-time or part-time, according to Sousa. But starting on Jan. 1, 2027, an estimated 24,000 are expected to lose coverage because of new work requirements. And this isnt counting thousands more who will likely lose insurance coverage due to a spike in insurance premiums from the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. Advertisement Advertisement Hayden Rooke-Ley, a senior fellow at the Brown University School of Public Health, estimated that by 2030, about 50,000 Rhode Islanders will lose insurance coverage and Medicaid will lose about $400 million in funding. This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Brown University health care summit tackles RI challenges With a smile on his face, former Gov. Roy Cooper walked up to a voting booth Thursday at Chavis Community Center in Raleigh and filled in the bubble by his name. He cast his ballot to become North Carolinas next U.S. senator. Former NC governor and U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper shows his ID before receiving his ballot to vote, on the first day of early voting in the North Carolina primary, on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. (Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com) Outside, dozens of supporters waited for him holding up signs with his name on it. They cheered when he confirmed his vote. He made his way over to them and vowed to be the kind of senator that addresses the issues facing everyday people. Advertisement Advertisement I want to make sure that Im a strong, independent senator who can work with this president when I can, stand up to him when I need to and recognize that people are struggling right now, Cooper said. Behind his supporters were three people dressed in orange prison jumpsuits with signs implying that Cooper let them out of prison. Coopers campaign has faced two weeks of Republican criticism over the former governor releasing people who had committed violent crimes from prison during the COVID-19 pandemic. National headlines have focused on the fact that a list of released inmates included DeCarlos Brown, a man accused years later of killing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a train in Charlotte. Brown was already out of prison when a 2021 legal settlement was signed allowing for the release. Cooper, 68, of Raleigh, told his supporters and reporters who had gathered that he refused to sign an executive order to release anyone from prison during the pandemic, but was forced to anyway. Former NC governor and U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper casts his ballot at the Chavis Community Center on the first day of early voting in the North Carolina primary, on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. (Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com) The state was sued, and the judge ordered a significant number of prisoners to be released, Cooper said. What the prison officials and law enforcement officials did was take the lead from President Trump, who, during COVID had signed a bill that released 13,000 prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, 13,000 federal inmates were moved to home confinement. Cooper said in North Carolina, law enforcement and prison personnel examined each and every case to keep the community safe. He pointed to his work as attorney general, saying hes the only candidate in this race who spent a career prosecuting violent criminals and keeping thousands of them behind bars. He said he worked with Republicans to sign tough-on-crime legislation and laws that prevent earlier release. And he criticized his opponent, former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, for supporting cuts to law enforcement made by the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Whatley, 56, of Gastonia, has supported cuts made by DOGE under President Donald Trump, calling those fundamental, but hasnt specifically spoken to the cuts DOGE made to law enforcement. Among the cuts DOGE made was around $820 million in funding for violence reduction programs and law enforcement support. Three N.C. State students Joi Hester, John Vanmeter-Kirk and Nikolai Kutsch stood nearby listening to Cooper speak. Hester, 32, of Raleigh, said she supports Cooper for all the reasons she doesnt support Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from Huntersville, who is forgoing reelection. Roy Cooper is personable, Hester said. He actually cares about the lived experiences of everyday North Carolinians and not just those in the 1% or that are set to benefit from some things that our legislators shouldnt be engaging in to begin with. Advertisement Advertisement Hester said Cooper is willing to work in a bipartisan way to pass legislation. Christina Lahowah Jones stops former NC governor and U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper for a selfie opportunity after he cast his ballot at the Chavis Community Center on the first day of early voting in the North Carolina primary, on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. (Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com) Ive always seen him striving to sort of move past (gridlock) and to keep things in motion, Hester said. Momentum is a big thing for me, and I feel like thats what translates to real, actionable goals for the Democratic Party. And Hester said shes frustrated by contacting Tillis office about critical issues only to receive boilerplate responses. Its not acceptable, Hester said. I think our neighbors deserve more. They deserve better, and they deserve people that care about protecting the democratic institution as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Kutsch said his family has supported Cooper for a long time. Hes been a figure of stability for North Carolina in 2016 when Trump was elected and everyone was unsure of what was going to happen next, we at least knew that Roy Cooper was going to be our governor and get us through difficult times, Kutsch said. Vanmeter-Kirk credited Cooper with getting North Carolina to the point it is now. Hes always been a man of the people, and is going to continue to be a man of the people, he said. I also appreciate his focus on affordability because I believe that Gov. Cooper is someone who actually knows the prices of milk at a grocery store. I dont believe if you take big interest money you necessarily know the price of any groceries. Former NC Governor and US Senate candidate Roy Cooper, casts his ballot at the Chavis Community Center, on the first day of early voting in the North Carolina primary, on Thursday, February 12, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. (Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com) Cooper said many people are unsure of how to reach the middle class. Theyre out of money at the end of the month after paying for groceries, rent, utilities and child care, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Cooper said he wants to tell Washington insiders this needs to change. Cooper said he doesnt believe the United States is as divided as people are led to believe. I also believe that when Im there, starting in 2027, well be on the last two years of this presidents administration, Cooper said. I believe that more Republicans are going to want to step up to reinsert the checks and balances that the framers of our Constitution intended. Cooper said Congress needs to take back constitutional authority on trade and tariffs, on declarations of war and on budget matters, where the executive branch is spending money Congress never appropriated. Advertisement Advertisement I believe our best days are ahead of us, because oftentimes when things are on the brink of destruction, you have an opportunity to recreate them better than they were before, Cooper said. And I believe that there will be bipartisan interest in marking government more effective and efficient, using technology and leveraging the good parts of AI and giving taxpayers more bang for their buck. I believe that well be able to find some people who will work with us. Whatley also cast his ballot Thursday morning. His campaign did not immediately answer a request for comment and McClatchy was not invited to attend his vote casting. Early voting began Thursday morning and continues until Feb. 28. Feb 13 (Reuters) - Rapid Support Forces violations in Sudan during the capture of the city of al-Fashir amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday. Darfur's al-Fashir fell to RSF forces in October 2025 after a long siege that led to mass killings. Based on interviews with over 140 victims and witnesses conducted in Sudan's Northern state and in eastern Chad in late 2025, the UN Human Rights Office documented more than 6,000 killings in the first three days of the RSF offensive on al-Fashir after the siege, it said. Advertisement Advertisement RSF committed "widespread atrocities that amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity," said a report published by the Human Rights Office. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Tuerk renewed his call on parties to the conflict to take effective steps to end the grave violations by forces under their command, he said in a statement. He appealed to states with influence to act urgently to prevent the repetition of violations documented in al-Fashir. "This includes respecting the arms embargo already in place, and ending the supply, sale or transfer of arms or military material to the parties." (Reporting by Linda Pasquini, editing by Thomas Seythal and Ludwig Burger) By Humeyra Pamuk MUNICH, Feb 13 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, as Washington and Beijing gear up for a potential visit by President Donald Trump to China in April. The meeting was at least the second in-person encounter between the top U.S. diplomat and Wang. Washington and Beijing have sought to ease tensions over issues including trade and tariff confrontations and the future of Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Rubio and Wang shook hands and posed for the cameras before the two delegations, flanked by their senior aides, sat opposite each other in a hotel conference room in central Munich. They made no remarks and ignored a shouted question from a Reuters reporter. The meeting lasted about an hour, according to a senior U.S. official. This month, Trump held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which the Republican president described as very positive. Following months of trade tensions triggered by Trump's tariffs, Xi and Trump reached a framework trade agreement in South Korea on October 30. Washington agreed not to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports and China would hold off on an export licensing regime for crucial rare earth minerals and magnets. Advertisement Advertisement BEIJING CONSIDERS BUYING MORE US SOYBEANS In a goodwill gesture two months before Trump's expected visit to Beijing, Trump said after his phone call with Xi last week that Beijing would consider hiking soybean purchases from the United States to 20 million metric tons in the current season, up from 12 million tons previously. Trump said on Truth Social that his relationship with Xi is "extremely good," and that "we both realize how important it is to keep it that way." An official Chinese government account said that Xi had said, "I attach great importance to Sino-U.S. relations." But the risk of the bilateral ties souring persists over Taiwan. In his phone call with Trump, Xi said Taiwan was the most important issue in China-U.S. relations and Washington must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence. Advertisement Advertisement In December, the Trump administration announced $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest ever U.S. weapons package for the island. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, held war games around the island in late December after the latest deal was announced. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; editing by James Mackenzie, Kevin Liffey and Sharon Singleton) Candidates have one day left to sign up for the 2026 elections in Louisiana, including the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Public Service Commission, Louisiana Supreme Court and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Louisiana has completely overhauled how voters will choose candidates. Instead of everyone facing off against each other in a jungle primary, separate primaries for Democrat and Republican candidates take place May 16, with runoffs on June 27 if needed. Candidates who advance from these primary elections move on to the general election Nov. 3. Voters are limited to participating in the primary aligned with their party registration, though voters who are not party members can cast ballots in the primary election of their choice. Heres where the races stand as of end of day Thursday: U.S. Senate Incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow are expected to qualify for the election Friday. State Treasurer John Fleming entered the Republican field Wednesday with a bang, accusing Gov. Jeff Landry of meddling in the election. Landry fired back at Fleming Thursday, implying that Fleming may not be fit for office. Another Republican, Mark Spencer of Belle Chasse, signed up to run in the Senate race Thursday but declined to talk to the media. Advertisement Advertisement Democrat Jamie Davis of Ferriday signed up Wednesday. If no other Democrat signs up to run, Davis, a farmer and member of the Democratic State Central Committee, will automatically make it into the November general election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 1st Congressional District Incumbent Steve Scalise of Jefferson, the Republican majority leader in the U.S. House, qualified Thursday to seek re-election to the seat hes held since 2008. He faces a party primary challenge from Randall Arrington, a retired Navy veteran from Ponchatoula who ran against Scalise in 2024. Lauren Jewett is the only Democrat in the 1st District field so far. A special education teacher who lives in Jefferson Parish and works in New Orleans, she would advance to the November election if no one else from her party signs up Friday. 2nd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Troy Carter of New Orleans, the Democratic incumbent whos held the seat since 2021, has yet to draw opposition. 3rd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, who has represented the district since 2017, has drawn two Democratic challengers so far: John Day, a former insurance industry employee from Lake Charles; and Tia LeBrun, a teacher from Sulphur. Advertisement Advertisement Higgins will advance to the November election if no other Republicans qualify Friday. 4th Congressional District U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has drawn two Republican challengers, retail worker Josh Morott and natural resources professional Mike Nichols, both of Vernon Parish. The two Democrats who have qualified are Union Parish produce farmer Conrad Cable and educator Matt Gromlich of Caddo Parish. 5th Congressional District With Letlow running for the Senate, Louisianas 5th Congressional District seat is open. Seven Republicans have signed up for the primary election so far. Three are state legislators Sen. Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge, Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia and Rep. Mike Echols of Monroe. Echols, a real estate developer, entered the race Thursday and said he is willing to put $1 million of his own money into his campaign. It would give him a huge advantage over his competitors who have to raise all their campaign cash in a crowded field. For context, U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, spent about $1.2 million when he won his race for the 6th Congressional District in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Edmonds could have a geographic advantage over other candidates, however. He is the only Republican running who lives in Baton Rouge, the largest population center in the congressional district. Miguez lives well outside the 5th District. As a legislator, he has represented parts of Acadiana that overlap with 3rd District Congressman Clay Higgins seat for the past decade. But Miguez has his own major advantage, an endorsement from President Donald Trump that could help him with fundraising and voters. While he may be the presidents pick for the race, Miguez and Landry dont get along, and its very unlikely the governor will back Miguez as a candidate. Echols, an ally of the governor, said Thursday he expects Landry will stay on the sidelines during the initial primary election in May but to possibly endorse someone in the June runoff. Advertisement Advertisement Misti Cordell of West Monroe, Landrys appointed chair to the Louisiana Board of Regents, is also a candidate in the 5th District race. Other Republicans running include Austin Magee, an industrial construction firm owner of Franklinton, travelling medical professional Michael Mebruer of St. Francisville and Sammy Wyatt, the chief compliance officer at LSU Health Shreveport who lives in Denham Springs. Dairy farmer Jessee Fleenor of Loranger, theologian Larry Foy of Winnsboro and attorney Dan McKay of Bunkie are on the Democratic primary ballot. 6th Congressional District Democrat incumbent U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields of Baton Rouge has yet to draw a challenger from his own party. Republicans who have qualified are Monique Appeaning of St. George, a staff member with East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards, Livingston Parish Republican Executive Committee member Larry Davis of Denham Springs and Peter Williams, a farmer from Pointe Coupee Parish. Louisiana Supreme Court District Judge William Billy Burris of Franklinton and Appellate Judge Blair Downing Edwards of Hammond signed up Wednesday to run in the Republican primary for the District 1 seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court. If no other Republicans or Democrats sign up for this race Friday, the candidate who wins the GOP primary on May 16 will claim the seat Associate Justice Will Crain left behind when President Trump appointed him to a federal judgeship. Advertisement Advertisement No challengers have qualified yet for the other two court seats on the ballot, putting the two Republican incumbents on the cusp of new terms. Associate Justice Cade Cole of Lake Charles was elected unopposed to the 3rd District seat last year to complete the remainder of James Genoveses term after he became president at Northwestern State University. Associate Justice Jay McCallum of Farmerville has held the 4th District since 2020. Public Service Commission Three Republicans have signed up to fill the District 1 seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission left vacant by Republican Eric Skrmetta, who is bumping up against his term limit on the utility regulatory body. Advertisement Advertisement Skrmetta announced last year he would run for U.S. Senate but had yet to qualify heading into Friday. Two state legislators, Reps. Mark Wright of Covington and Stephanie Hilferty of New Orleans, and Metairie attorney Big John Mason have qualified for the GOP primary. Democrat Connie Norris, a retired educator from Slidell, has filed to run in the Democratic primary. If no other Democrat signs up to run in this race, Norris will automatically be on the November ballot against the Republican who emerges from the primary. In District 5, two Republicans and one Democrat are looking to replace Commissioner Foster Campbell, a term-limited Democrat. Caddo Parish Commissioner John Atkins of Shreveport and Aiden Joyner of West Monroe have qualified for the Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement Shreveport City Councilman James Green, pastor of Union Mission Baptist Church, has signed up for the Democratic primary. He would face the winner of the Republican primary in the November election if no other Democrats enter the race. BESE, District 1 Former Congressman Joseph Cao of Harvey and Ellie Schroder of Abita Springs have signed up to run in the Republican primary for the open seat on the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Former BESE member Paul Hollis stepped down late last year after President Trump appointed him to run the U.S. Mint. Landry appointed Cao to the District 1 seat after Hollis resigned. Schroder is a teacher whose husband, former Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder, ran against Landry for governor in 2024. No Democrat has signed up for the race yet. If no other Republican enters the field Friday, the election will be decided in the May 16 Republican primary. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Russia has declared a German academic exchange programme to be an undesirable organization, leaving it effectively unable to operate in the country. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) said on Friday it was aware of the Russian Justice Ministry's ruling, which was published on Tuesday. "We are in close coordination with the Foreign Office over our next steps," added the group, which describes itself as the world's "largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers." Advertisement Advertisement The undesirable label means Russian citizens are at risk of criminal punishment if they engage with the organization. It has been used to shut down many foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Russia. The ruling effectively ends academic exchanges between Germany and Russia, which have plunged since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While the DAAD stopped funding exchanges in Russia after the invasion, it continued offering opportunities for Russian nationals to study in Germany and maintained an office in Moscow. Around 200 Russian nationals are currently being funded by the DAAD in Germany, out of a total of 10,500 Russian students in the country. Russia has declared a German academic exchange programme to be an undesirable organization, leaving it effectively unable to operate in the country. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) said on Friday it will be forced to close its office in Moscow following the Russian Justice Ministry's decision, which was published on Tuesday. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called Russia's move a blow to academic freedom. Advertisement Advertisement He demanded that the classification, which is tantamount to a ban, be revoked. "Russia is deliberately creating an atmosphere of fear and isolation. Contacts with foreign countries are increasingly being criminalized," he said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The undesirable label means Russian citizens are at risk of criminal punishment if they engage with the organization. It has been used to shut down many foreign non-governmental organizations in Russia. The move effectively ends academic exchanges between Germany and Russia, which have plunged since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement While the DAAD stopped funding exchanges in Russia after the invasion, it continued offering opportunities for Russian nationals to study in Germany and maintained an office in Moscow. Around 200 Russian nationals are currently being funded by the DAAD in Germany, out of a total of 10,500 Russian students in the country. "We regret this decision by the Russian government," said DAAD President Joybrato Mukherjee. "In recent years, there has continued to be local interest in DAAD scholarships for study or research stays in Germany." The selection process for scholarships in Moscow is to be halted, Mukherjee said. However, Russians can continue to apply from other countries, with many having fled their homeland due to the war in Ukraine. As the United States renews its diplomatic push to end Russia's war against Ukraine, Moscow is making something clear: its position has not changed. While U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials met for trilateral talks in January and again in early February with another round expected next week the Kremlin has used the same period to restate its position. As Washington speaks of momentum and narrowing gaps, Russia's most senior officials have publicly dismissed key elements of the proposed framework. Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter WTF is wrong with Russia? Sign up Lavrov's 3-day message For three consecutive days, from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov publicly undercut suggestions that negotiations were advancing. His message was consistent and direct: Russia's territorial and political demands remain intact, and any serious discussion must revolve around Ukraine accepting them. The timing was not accidental. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the next round of talks is planned for Feb. 1718. Lavrov's remarks came just days before that meeting. In all three speeches, Lavrov referred to what he called "Anchorage agreements" allegedly reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump during their August 2025 summit in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Those understandings envisioned Ukraine surrendering territory without fighting. The White House has not confirmed the existence of any such agreements and earlier declined to acknowledge them in comments to the Kyiv Independent. But Lavrov signaled that Kremlin sees the talks not as a forum for mutual concessions, but as a way to formalize what it believes has already been informally agreed. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images) That framing became even clearer on Feb. 11, when Lavrov effectively dismissed a U.S.-Ukraine 20-point peace framework that had been expected to serve as the basis for the latest round of negotiations. Lavrov said that ahead of the August summit in Alaska, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff handed Moscow a document outlining key issues "in line with realities on the ground." Advertisement Advertisement He claimed the sides had identified "real approaches based on the American initiative." "All subsequent versions are the result of an attempt by Zelensky and (Europe) to override the American initiative," Lavrov said. "Now they are waving around some kind of 'document' with 20 points, which no one has given us either officially or unofficially." The framework, developed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials in December, replaced an earlier 28-point draft that many viewed as pushing Ukraine toward capitulation. Bloomberg reported that the 20-point-plan was delivered to Putin in early January via Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, with Witkoff later visiting Moscow to discuss it directly with him. Advertisement Advertisement The expectation had been that this document would anchor discussions among the three delegations. Lavrov's rejection instead reframed it as a unilateral deviation from what Moscow claims was previously agreed. The Russian foreign minister also took aim on Feb. 10 at what he described as "some kind of enthusiastic perception of what is happening" around the talks. "Negotiations are continuing there is still a long way to go," he said. His caution stood in sharp contrast to Trump's recent assertion that Ukraine and Russia are "closer than ever before" to a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Can Ukraine survive without the US and can Europe fill the gap? Read also: Russia effectively dismisses US-Ukraine peace framework, says it contradicts real American plan Public hardline, private pragmatism? The divergence between Moscow's rhetoric and Washington's optimism raises a central question: are U.S. officials hearing something different behind closed doors? The Kyiv Independent has learned in January that some U.S. officials involved in the talks believe Russian negotiators adopt a more pragmatic tone in private than in public. "They usually say their maximalist demands, and then they allow their private negotiating teams to work with flexibility," one U.S. official said. Advertisement Advertisement A Ukrainian official familiar with the talks described a narrower U.S. interpretation of progress. Even basic civility at the table can be viewed as positive. From Kyiv's perspective, that threshold is dangerously low. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, dismissed Lavrov's remarks as "white noise." The real issue, he argued, lies elsewhere. "There is no point in paying attention to Lavrov's statements. The main thing is Putin's unwillingness to agree not only to a peace deal but even to a ceasefire." Lavrov himself appears largely sidelined from the direct negotiating track, with Dmitriev playing a more central role. Yet the Kremlin has used Lavrov before to shape narratives at critical moments. Advertisement Advertisement After high-stakes talks in Florida between Zelensky and Trump on Dec. 28, Lavrov accused Ukraine of attempting to strike Putin's residence in Valdai with drones. Trump later dismissed the claim. This shows how Moscow amplifies hardline messaging when negotiations intensify. Read also: Exclusive: Russian negotiators soften hardline stance in private, US officials say. Ukrainians urge caution Real Russian demands While Lavrov manages the diplomatic messaging, other senior figures have reinforced the substance of Moscow's position. In a Feb. 2 interview, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterated that Russia's war aims remain fundamentally unchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Known for nuclear threats, Medvedev often draws attention for his tone. Formally, however, he holds roles: deputy head of Russia's Security Council, a deputy on the military-industrial committee, and longtime chair of the ruling United Russia party. Asked about the conditions under which the Kremlin would agree to end the war, Medvedev pointed directly back to Putin. "The objectives of the (war) were initially announced by our country's president, Vladimir Putin," he said. "They have remained virtually unchanged since then." "People often say that 95% or 90% has been agreed upon. There can be no arithmetic calculation here." Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in France on June 24, 2019. (Loic Venance/AFP via Getty Images) The objectives he referenced were laid out by Putin in 2024. He said Russia would agree to a ceasefire only if Ukraine withdrew from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts territories Moscow claims but does not fully control. He also demanded recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov has repeatedly cited that speech, and Medvedev has reaffirmed it. Some analysts in early 2026 have suggested that Putin's territorial stance may have narrowed from full control of all four regions to securing key areas in Donetsk Oblast. Yet Putin has never formally retracted his June 2024 terms. Merezhko believes that Moscow's main goal is Ukraine's capitulation. "And that's (Putin's) wish, it hasn't changed," he said. Next round of talks Against that backdrop, Zelensky said on Feb. 11 that Ukraine accepted a U.S. invitation to hold a new round of talks. Territorial issues are expected to dominate the agenda. "The American side has proposed a meeting in America, in Miami. And we immediately confirmed it," Zelensky said. Moscow also confirmed on Feb. 13 that it agreed to participate. Ukrainian officials have suggested that recent rounds of negotiations particularly on the Russian side appear more constructive than before. "We can see a qualitative change in the composition," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in January. "The conversations were very focused." Still, Merezhko said the process amounts to an attempt by Putin to create the appearance of engagement without changing his core position. "Nothing is changing at all. On the surface, there may be small, cosmetic shifts, but the substance remains the same and will not change." Donald Jensen, director of Russia and Europe at the United States Institute of Peace, said prospects for a breakthrough remain slim. "There is little chance the talks will lead to a settlement, largely because the Kremlin has shown no sign it is willing to compromise on its central goal subjugating Ukraine." He argued that Russia continues to stretch out negotiations while escalating pressure through attacks on civilians, efforts to fracture Western unity, and a broad disinformation campaign portraying Russian victory as inevitable. "It is not (inevitable)," he said. Merezhko believes Trump's initial idea demanding an unconditional ceasefire as a precondition offered a clearer path. If Ukraine refused, talks would stop; if Russia refused, sanctions and weapons deliveries would intensify. "With his initial logic demanding a ceasefire, there would have been some chance for negotiations, for achieving a result," Merezhko said. "But unfortunately, Trump implicitly but essentially accepted Putin's logic." Read also: Structural shift EU ban on Russian gas set to harm Moscow long term, despite loopholes Read also: Zelensky arrives at Munich Security Conference for talks with European, US officials Author's Note Hi, this is Tim. The author of this article. Thank you for taking the time to read it. At the Kyiv Independent, we speak to top experts to bring you accurate, in-depth reporting. We don't have a wealthy owner or political backing. We rely on readers like you to support our work. If you found this article interesting, consider joining our community today Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The San Francisco school district reached a tentative deal on a new contract with its teachers union early Friday morning, ending a four-day strike that closed schools to the citys 50,000 students and was the first time educators had walked off the job since 1979. The tentative $183 million agreement gives teachers the equivalent of a 5 percent raise over the next two years, fully funded family health care and improved conditions for special education sticking points in negotiations that lasted nearly a year. The strike began Monday after 97 percent of the districts 6,000 teachers, who are part of the United Educators of San Francisco, had voted to authorize a walkout. Students are expected to be back in the classroom next Wednesday with city holidays on Monday and Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement What we were able to achieve in this strike was an unwavering, long, lasting sense of solidarity that will benefit every single San Franciscan, said Frank Lara, the unions vice president, in a call with reporters. Because we will come out of this stronger knowing that our educators across the whole city and our families across the whole city have something in common at a time when there's so much division in this country. Superintendent Maria Su in a statement called the deal monumental, saying it enhances our efforts to recruit and attract talented educators to work in San Francisco public schools and reflects our commitment to invest in educators. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie became deeply involved in talks after the strike began, dispatching his top advisers to join the talks after the union initially rejected his call for a three-day postponement of the walkout. The advisers included longtime consultant Steve Kawa and Human Resources Director Carol Isen. Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent for public instruction, also visited with officials earlier in the week. State education officials have the authority to veto any agreement they deem fiscally unsound because San Franciscos school district is under state financial oversight after years of budget deficits. The district adopted a $1.2 billion operating budget last June. Advertisement Advertisement The deal must also be ratified by the union members and approved by the citys school board. As a district still in fiscal recovery, it is imperative that we find a solution that honors our educators while also ensuring long-term fiscal solvency, board President Phil Kim said in a statement. The Board looks forward to reviewing the proposal. The union did not get the 9 percent raise that it had initially asked for, and the district did not agree to significantly reduce the workload for special education teachers, which officials had said would have cost $50 million. The two sides reached deals on other items in recent days including regulation of artificial intelligence, designating the district as a sanctuary school and expanding support for unhoused students. But teachers won a major commitment with fully funded health care, which will initially be funded through a parcel tax that expires in three years but will remain in the contract whether the tax is extended or not. Advertisement Advertisement A report by an independent fact-finder ahead of the strike had largely sided with the district, stating that a conservative approach would be in the best interest of the community. The walkout could cost the district around $7 to $10 million each day in state funding, which is based on average daily attendance, officials estimated earlier in the week. The labor tension that gripped San Francisco and its political establishment for days could be a sign of whats to come in other districts. The California Teachers Association last year launched a campaign with dozens of school districts to align their contract expiration dates in order to threaten a wave of mass strikes. The United Teachers Los Angeles could also strike after authorizing a walkout in January. Smaller districts where teachers also authorized a strike in the past week include Apple Valley, Dublin and Twin Rivers. By Diana Novak Jones Feb 13 (Reuters) - A jury in Pennsylvania state court on Friday awarded $250,000 to the family of a woman who sued Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) alleging its talc-based baby powder was to blame for her ovarian cancer, according to an attorney for plaintiffs in nationwide talc litigation against the company. The jury in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas sided with family members of Gayle Emerson, who claimed that Johnson & Johnson knew for years its talc-based products were dangerous but failed to warn consumers, according to attorney Chris Tisi. Jurors awarded Emerson's family $50,000 in compensatory damages and $200,000 in punitive damages, said Tisi, who represents plaintiffs in separate federal court talc cases against Johnson & Johnson. Representatives for J&J and lawyers for Emerson's family did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Emerson, a Pennsylvania resident, sued in 2019 and died six months later at the age of 68, according to court records. Her son and daughter took over as the plaintiffs after she died of metastatic ovarian cancer, according to the lawsuit. Emerson used J&Js baby powder from 1969 until 2017, when she learned from a relative it was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to her lawsuit. She had been diagnosed with the cancer two years earlier, the lawsuit said. J&J is facing lawsuits in federal and state courts from more than 67,000 plaintiffs who have alleged that its talc-based products contained asbestos and caused ovarian and other cancers, according to court filings. The company has said its products are safe, do not contain asbestos and do not cause cancer. J&J stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the U.S. in 2020, switching to a cornstarch product. J&J has sought to resolve the litigation through bankruptcy, a proposal that has been rejected three times by federal courts, most recently in April of last year. The bankruptcies had put most ovarian cancer cases on hold. The first ovarian cancer case to go to trial after the end of the bankruptcy-related pause resulted in a California jury awarding $40 million to two women in December. There are several cases slated for trial in state courts in the coming months. There has yet to be a trial in federal court, where most of the claims have been consolidated, but that could change this year after a U.S. federal magistrate judge ruled in January that the plaintiffs in the federal litigation can present testimony from experts that links baby powder use with ovarian cancer. J&J has said it will appeal the ruling. From tragic clashes in Minneapolis to the roars of protests across the country, the debate over immigration rages. Sanctuary cities are at the center and Donna Lieberman is on the front lines. She has led the New York Civil Liberties Union for 25 years. She explained her definition of a sanctuary city. "They comply with the law, but they don't go above and beyond to highjack local resources to deport or help deport immigrant New Yorkers," Lieberman said. Advertisement Advertisement Sanctuary city policies vary, but essentially serve as a wall blocking communication between immigration agents and city workers. They were originally enacted to encourage immigrants to report crimes or get help without fearing they would be deported. An estimated 1 million households in New York City include an undocumented immigrant. Recently, Govs. Kathy Hochul and Mikie Sherrill have pushed legislation to shore up protections in New York State and New Jersey. The battle over sanctuary cities are also helping fuel a budget fight on Capitol Hill. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, is set to end Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats refuse to fund it unless ICE changes its tactics. Some Republicans, like Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, are pushing to end sanctuary cities. "Local law enforcement needs to be able to cooperate with federal law enforcement, that is their job and any time politicians try to restrict them from doing their jobs, they're not making it safer they're actually making it more dangerous," Lawler recently said on "Up Close." New York City's sanctuary city status dates back to the 1980s when then-Mayor Ed Koch issued an executive order prohibiting police from sharing information about immigrants with the feds unless they were suspected of a crime. Mayor Bill de Blasio expanded the designation in 2014. Mayor Eric Adams called that an overreach and floated the idea of changing the city's sanctuary status. Advertisement Advertisement But in his first hours in office, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed executive orders to strengthen protections. So where do we go from here as a country so divided? "Well, I worry about the messages to our children, the stress and the trauma of kids who have a really strong sense of what's right and what's fair," Lieberman said. "I think that it's going to take us a while to recover from this trauma." WATCH | Extended interview with Donna Lieberman Mike Marza's full interview with Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. A senior police officer with the Santa Fe Police Department was arrested Wednesday night on a charge of drunken driving after a supervisor suspected her of showing up for a shift intoxicated, the agency confirmed. Court records filed against Officer Maureen Lujan allege she was intoxicated when she arrived for duty at the Santa Fe police station after driving her patrol vehicle from her home in Rio Rancho. Lujan, 33, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated after a breath test indicated her blood-alcohol content was more than double the legal limit, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in Santa Fe County Magistrate Court. Advertisement Advertisement Lujan was booked into the Santa Fe County jail just after midnight Thursday, a jail log shows, and she was ordered to be released from custody Thursday afternoon following an arraignment hearing. Santa Fe police Deputy Chief Ben Valdez said Lujan would be placed on administrative duty after her release, "with no contact with the public effective immediately." She will remain on alternate duty until the resolution of both her criminal case and an internal investigation by the agency, he said. Valdez said Lujan did not go into service or have any contact with the public Wednesday before she was arrested. Lujan's supervisor "observed signs that she may be impaired" when she arrived at the agency's headquarters Wednesday evening, and he took her to be tested, "which she was required to participate in as a condition of employment," Valdez said. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement of probable cause, a deputy from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office notes he was called to the scene and noticed "a strong odor of alcoholic beverage" on Lujan as well as her "bloodshot" and "watery" eyes. The deputy wrote Lujan told him "she was sorry for putting me in this position and advised that she would cooperate." Lujan admitted to drinking beer "all day" at her home in Rio Rancho from about 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. before driving to Santa Fe to work her shift Wednesday evening, according to the statement. She indicated she had gotten into an argument and experienced a breakup that day, the investigator wrote. The sheriff's deputy performed standard field sobriety tests on Lujan, and he wrote she showed "signs of impairment." Two breath tests measured her blood-alcohol content at 0.18 and 0.19, more than double the legal limit of 0.08, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Lujan holds the rank of senior police officer and has worked at the agency since January 2024. The incident appears to mark her first charge of drunken driving in New Mexico, according to a review of court records. As a condition of release from jail, Lujan was prohibited by a judge from drinking alcohol. Her arrest follows a few other criminal cases against the agency's officers in recent months. An officer was charged with criminal damage to property in December after he was accused of punching a hole in a wall during a domestic argument in Santa Fe. Officer Xavier Smith was indicted by a grand jury weeks earlier on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery after he was accused of battering and strangling his wife at their home in Rio Rancho. Venice-based Agape Flights in south Sarasota County has identified the two pilots who were killed in a Feb. 10 crash while flying supplies to Haiti. Agape Flights lost contact with Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby while they were flying over a mountainous region near Jeremie, Haiti. The aircraft, N316AF, an Embraer 110 Bandeirante, was flying as part of Agape Flights ongoing humanitarian operations in the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on Oct 28 and caused widespread flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage across parts of Jamaica, southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Advertisement Advertisement We take comfort in the promise that they were welcomed into Heaven with the words, Well done, my good and faithful servants, Agape Flights shared in an email. Patrick and Kory were more than Agape Flights pilots. They were our brothers in Christ, devoted servants of God, and men who lived out their faith with sincerity and courage. Agape Flights lost contact with Patrick Decker (right) and Kory Elleby (left) while they were flying over a mountainous region near Jeremie, Haiti. Who were Agape Flights pilots Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby? Decker was married for 40 years to his wife and a father to two children. Flying was a lifelong passion, and he flew for United Airlines for 40 years. One of his prouder moments in his final month as a pilot for United Airlines was sharing the cockpit with his son, who flew alongside him as first officer. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, he was one of the first pilots granted clearance to resume flying at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and volunteered for a special FAA program to protect others in the face of potential danger. In addition to his career in aviation, Decker served as a firefighter for 50 years, including as a fire chief at Sparta, New Jersey. After relocating to Florida 10 years ago, Decker continued to serve his community and volunteered to serve with Agape Flights as a pilot, working with them for the last nine years. He loved traveling and biking around Venice with his wife. Advertisement Advertisement For five decades, he ran toward emergencies when others ran away, leading with both strength and compassion, Agape Flights shared. Kelleby was a devoted husband and father of two sons. He relocated to Venice in 2016 from Illinois and founded Sunshine Electrical Services, Inc. He flew with Agape Flights for eight years. Aviation was one of his greatest joys, evidenced by earning his pilots license before receiving his driver's license. Kellebey could turn a conversation with a stranger into a lifelong friendship. He carried a servants heart and lived each day with purpose. All of us at Agape Flights will miss his kindness, unwavering humor and even his bold, unforgettable shirts, Agape Flights shared. His legacy lives on through the many lives he impacted with his faith, generosity and joy. Advertisement Advertisement Melissa Perez-Carrillo covers breaking news and public safety for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Reach out at mperezcarrillo@gannett.com. Support local journalism by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota area mourns Venice pilots killed on Haiti supply mission Africa's heads of state are gathering in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, for their annual meeting this weekend at a time when the continent's place in the world appears to be in flux. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Davos last month, described an arresting image of the future of international relations: either countries were at the table or they were on the menu. For Africa's leaders, who for years have been arguing that they should be dining at the top table, it was not an unfamiliar analogy. Advertisement Advertisement But in his second term, US President Donald Trump has accelerated the trend towards great-power domination of world affairs and the ditching of multilateralism. As the White House's updated security strategy says, not every region in the world can get equal attention. Trump's pivot towards the Western hemisphere, as well as time spent on the Middle East, has implied less focus on Africa. The less powerful nations, who may have once relied on the norms, as well as the finance, of global bodies such as the UN, World Bank or World Trade Organization, are now having to re-evaluate relationships. These moves have given fresh urgency to the question of how the continent should deal with the rest of the world. Advertisement Advertisement For Tighisti Amare, director of the Africa programme at the UK-based Chatham House think-tank, there is a danger that African countries will be "left behind" if they fail to develop an effective common strategy. But already, for the US, there is a menu full of tempting bilateral deals involving minerals and natural resources, which bypass any opportunity for collective bargaining on the part of the continent. When it comes to Africa, the policy shift reflected in pronouncements from Washington is dizzying. Joe Biden made his only presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa in December 2024, a month before handing over power [EPA] A little over three years ago, then-President Joe Biden told the continent's leaders at a summit in the US capital, that "the United States is all-in on Africa's future". Advertisement Advertisement This followed a White House strategy document on sub-Saharan Africa which described the region as "critical to advancing our global priorities". Critics, however, have questioned whether this really did penetrate the Oval Office, with Biden's only visit to sub-Saharan Africa as president - to Cape Verde, briefly, and Angola - coming in the last full month of his term. In contrast to the official statements from his predecessor, Trump's America First approach has a much narrower idea of US interests. "We cannot afford to be equally attentive to every region and every problem in the world," the White House's National Security Strategy stated last November. Advertisement Advertisement The three paragraphs on Africa at the end spoke about partnering with "select countries to ameliorate conflict, foster mutually beneficial trade relationships" and move from supplying aid to encouraging investment and economic growth. For Peter Pham, who was a special envoy to Africa during Trump's first administration, this is a more honest approach. "I was trained in the realist school of international relations," he told the BBC, "and I'm not delusional enough to think that Africa is front and centre of US interests as much as it's maybe front and centre of my life. "There's no way any country, even a superpower, can be all things to everyone. The reality is we don't have the bandwidth nor the resources, as generous as the American people have been, to do everything for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement "So we have to husband those resources and steward them as best we can to achieve the optimal outcome for obviously our own citizens, but also our partners writ large." DR Congo has huge reserves of minerals essential for electronic goods that countries outside Africa are keen to get their hands on [Getty Images] One of the clearest expressions of this was the minerals deal that the US struck with the Democratic Republic of Congo in December, which happened in tandem with the signing of a peace deal with Rwanda. It was aimed at "building secure, reliable and durable supply chains for critical minerals" for the US, according to the text, as well as encouraging investment in DR Congo, which has huge reserves of minerals essential for the manufacture of electronic goods. Pham himself is part of another deal as he is chairman of Ivanhoe Atlantic a company involved in the development of the "Liberty Corridor", a project building new infrastructure linking Guinea's vast iron ore mines to a Liberian port to boost exports of the raw material. Advertisement Advertisement Ken Opalo, an Africa specialist at Georgetown University's school of foreign service in Washington, is worried that the US's transactional, bilateral approach "means that the bargaining position for African countries will be terribly weak and therefore they may not get the best deals possible". He told the BBC that if "the DR Congo example is anything to go by, the US focus on minerals is about merely securing mining rights for American companies and little else in terms of the broader economic co-operation, which is not what the region needs. "The region needs deeper market access, investment treaties and the ability to attract US capital for all sectors not just mining." DR Congo's Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba dismissed these concerns. Speaking at a mining summit in Cape Town this week, he said his country was not going to "sell everything for nothing to America". Advertisement Advertisement Of course, the US is not the only big power involved. China, for more than a decade, outspent the US in terms of foreign direct investment in Africa, though this position was reversed last year. Other countries, such as Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are also striking their own investment and security deals. The transactional approach is not necessarily bad, Opalo said, but he argued that there is not the strategic depth of thinking going on, or diplomatic expertise, in African governments "to play this game well". This means leaders may go for easy wins without considering the long-term implications, he feared. On the security front, Africa's failure to resolve the civil war in Sudan, triggering what the UN has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis, could be seen as an example of this, Opalo added. Advertisement Advertisement Despite its officially neutral stance, Turkey has been accused of supplying the Sudanese army with weapons. Iran and Russia also face the same accusation. All have been met with denials, but last February Russia signed a deal with Sudan's military government to set up a naval base in the country. On the other side, the UAE has been accused of backing the Rapid Support Forces, which it also denies. "The failure to sort Sudan out is symptomatic of the lack of agency that the continent has," Opalo said. President John Mahama wants to extend his "resetting Ghana" message to the rest of the continent [Reuters] Ghana's President John Mahama, for one, is trying to shift this assessment. Mahama, like Carney, also spoke at the Swiss ski resort Davos. Advertisement Advertisement He said that with "an unpredictable ally across the Atlantic" and shrinking development assistance, the world was at an "inflexion point". "Africa must pull itself up by its own bootstraps," he argued. In a passionate address he declared that the continent had lost its sovereignty and was caught in a dependency trap. This was true both in areas of aid spending - such as health and education - as well as security matters, he said, adding that when it comes to natural resources, "we supply the world's critical minerals but capture almost none of the value". The president's prescription, through his Accra Reset project, is more investment in relevant skills, co-ordinated industrialisation across Africa's regions and joined-up continental negotiation with outside partners. But these are calls that have been heard before and the question is whether there is a greater chance now that something will change. For analyst Tighisti the "key challenge is that to create a united front, leaders should be more focused on regional interests. Sometimes this means that national interests have to be put aside if they really want agency in international negotiations." In his Davos speech, the Canadian prime minister called for the world's "middle powers" to act together. In Africa these could include Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa. But Tighisti said that while "these are the countries that everyone is looking up to, there is a lack of continental leadership to really push the integration agenda". One key problem is that many leaders are very inward-facing, as "they themselves have huge domestic challenges that they need to address at the same time". She added that there was already the framework for countries to work more closely through things such as the continent's free trade area - a project aimed at boosting commerce between African countries - and the African Union's Agenda 2063, described as a master plan for transforming the continent, but progress on these has been slow. Laying out his pitch in Switzerland, Mahama said that "Africa intends to be at the table in determining what that new global order will look like". But there is still a lot of work to do to get the most out of the shift in US foreign policy as well as the continent's other partners the dinner invitations are not yet being sent out. [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Friday that a change in power in Iran would be the best thing that could happen as the U.S. administration weighs whether to take military action against Tehran. Trump made the comments shortly after visiting with troops at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and after he confirmed earlier in the day that hes deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Mideast. It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen, Trump said in an exchange with reporters when asked about pressing for the ouster of the Islamic clerical rule in Iran. For 47 years, theyve been talking and talking and talking. Advertisement Advertisement The president has suggested in recent weeks that his top priority is for Iran to further scale back its nuclear program, but on Friday he suggested that's only one aspect of concessions the U.S. needs Iran to make. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who traveled to Washington this week for talks with Trump, has been pressing for any deal to include steps to neutralize Iran's ballistic missile program and end its funding for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. If we do it, that would be the least of the mission, Trump said of targeting Tehran's nuclear program, which suffered significant setbacks in U.S. military strikes last year. Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps comments advocating for a potential end to Ayatollah Ali Khameneis rule come just weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a potential change in power in Iran would be far more complex than the administrations recent effort to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. Rubio, during a Senate hearing last month, noted that with Iran youre talking about a regime thats in place for a very long time. So thats going to require a lot of careful thinking, if that eventuality ever presents itself, Rubio said. Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Mideast to join other warships and military assets the U.S. has built up in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Trump had suggested another round of talks with the Iranians was planned for this week, but those negotiations didnt materialize as one of Tehran's top security officials visited Oman and Qatar and exchanged messages with U.S. intermediaries. In case we dont make a deal, well need it, Trump told reporters about the second carrier. He added, Itll be leaving very soon. Already, Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Iranians are beginning to hold 40-day mourning ceremonies for the thousands killed in Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, adding to the internal pressure faced by the sanctions-battered Islamic Republic. The Ford, whose new deployment was first reported by The New York Times, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. U.S. forces already have shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement Trump in exchanges with reporters on Friday still offered measured hope that a deal can be struck with Iran. Give us the deal that they should have given us the first time," Trump said about how U.S. military action can be avoided. "If they give us the right deal, we wont do that. Ford had been part of Venezuela strike force It would be a quick turnaround for the Ford, which Trump sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration built up a huge military presence in the lead-up to the surprise raid last month that captured Maduro. It also appears to be at odds with the Trump administrations national security and defense strategies, which put an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions about the movement of the Ford, U.S. Southern Command said U.S. forces in Latin America will continue to "counter illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere. While force posture evolves, our operational capability does not, Col. Emanuel Ortiz, spokesperson for Southern Command, said in a statement. U.S. forces remain fully ready to project power, defend themselves, and protect U.S. interests in the region. The Ford strike group will bring more than 5,000 additional troops to the Middle East but few capabilities or weapons that don't already exist within the Lincoln group. Having two carriers will double the number of aircraft and munitions that are available to military planners and Trump. Given the Fords current position in the Caribbean, it will likely be weeks before it is off the coast of Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program and earlier over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman a week ago, and Trump later warned Tehran that failure to reach an agreement with his administration would be very traumatic. Similar talks last year ultimately broke down in June as Israel launched what became a 12-day war on Iran that included the U.S. bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Long carrier deployments affect crews and ships The USS Ford, meanwhile, first set sail in late June 2025, which means the crew will soon have been deployed for eight months. While it is unclear how long the ship will remain in the Middle East, the move sets the crew up for an unusually long deployment. The Navys top officer, Adm. Daryl Caudle, told reporters last month that keeping the Ford longer at sea would be highly disruptive and that he was a big non-fan of extensions. Advertisement Advertisement Carriers are typically deployed for six or seven months. When it goes past that, that disrupts lives, it disrupts things ... funerals that were planned, marriages that were planned, babies that were planned, Caudle said. He said extending the Ford would complicate its maintenance and upkeep by throwing off the schedule of repairs, adding more wear and tear, and increasing the equipment that will need attention. For comparison, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower had a nine-month deployment to the Middle East in 2023 and 2024, when it spent much of its time engaged with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The ship entered maintenance in early 2025 as scheduled, but it blew past its planned completion date of July and remains in the shipyard to this day. Caudle told The Associated Press in a recent interview that his vision is to deploy smaller, newer ships when possible instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers. ___ Madhani reported from West Palm Beach, Fla., and Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report. (Refiles to fix hyperlinks) By Steve Holland, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Bo Erickson WASHINGTON/FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, Feb 13 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday embraced potential regime change in Iran and declared that "tremendous power" will soon be in the Middle East, as the Pentagon sent a second aircraft carrier to the region. Trump's military moves and tough talk comes even as Washington and Tehran seek to revive diplomacy over Tehran's long-running nuclear dispute with the West. Advertisement Advertisement A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will hold negotiations with Iran on Tuesday in Geneva, with representatives from Oman acting as mediators. The source said Witkoff and Kushner will also meet officials from Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday in Geneva in the U.S. drive to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Asked if he wanted regime change in Iran, Trump responded that it "seems like that would be the best thing that could happen." He declined to share who he wanted to take over Iran, but said "there are people." "For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking," Trump said after a military event at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. "In the meantime, we've lost a lot of lives while they talk. Legs blown off, arms blown off, faces blown off. We've been going on for a long time." Washington wants nuclear talks with Iran to also cover the country's ballistic missiles, support for armed groups around the region and the treatment of the Iranian people. Iran has said it is prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions, but has ruled out linking the issue to missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if no agreement is reached, while Tehran has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of a wider war as the U.S. amasses forces in the Middle East. The U.S. targeted Iran's nuclear facilities in strikes last year. When asked what was left to be targeted at the nuclear sites, Trump said the "dust." He added: "If we do it, that would be the least of the mission, but we probably grab whatever is left." LONG DEPLOYMENTS U.S. officials described the complex process of moving military assets. The carrier Gerald R. Ford will join the carrier Abraham Lincoln, several guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft that have been moved to the Middle East in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement The Gerald R. Ford, the United States' newest and the world's largest carrier, has been operating in the Caribbean with its escort ships and took part in operations in Venezuela earlier this year. Asked earlier on Friday why a second aircraft carrier was headed to the Middle East, Trump said: "In case we don't make a deal, we'll need it ... if we need it, we'll have it ready." One of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the carrier would take at least a week to reach the Middle East. The United States most recently had two aircraft carriers in the area last year, when it carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites in June. Advertisement Advertisement With only 11 aircraft carriers in the U.S. military's arsenal, they are a scarce resource and their schedules are usually set well in advance. In a statement, U.S. Southern Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in Latin America, said it would continue to stay focused on countering "illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere." The Ford has essentially been at sea since June 2025. It was supposed to be operating in Europe before it was abruptly moved to the Caribbean in November. While deployments for carriers usually last nine months, it is not uncommon for them to be extended during periods of increased U.S. military activity. Advertisement Advertisement Navy officials have long warned that long deployments at sea can damage morale on ships. Officials said the administration had looked at sending a separate carrier, the Bush, to the Middle East, but it was undergoing certification and would take over a month to reach the Middle East. The Ford, which has a nuclear reactor on board, can hold more than 75 military aircraft, including fighter aircraft like the F-18 Super Hornet jet and the E-2 Hawkeye, which can act as an early warning system. The Ford also has sophisticated radar that can help control air traffic and navigation. The supporting ships, such as the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Normandy, Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt, include surface-to-air, surface-to-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Steve Holland in Fort Bragg, additional reporting by Hyunsu Yim and Bo Erickson; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, William Maclean, Philippa Fletcher and Jonathan Oatis) Capitol Hill was silent by Friday morning as both the House and Senate left Washington, D.C., for their previously scheduled recess recognizing Presidents Day. But looming in the background is another partial government shutdown, the third closure in less than six months. The Senate failed to pass a pair of bills the day before aimed at funding the Department of Homeland Security, all but ensuring a weekend shutdown to take place on Saturday as lawmakers struggle to find a compromise on immigration reform. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., scheduled a vote on Thursday for the DHS spending bill that would keep the department open through the end of September, even with the expectation it would fall short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Senate Democrats made clear ahead of time they would not back the bill, withholding the support needed to overcome the chambers strict filibuster rules. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate failed to pass a pair of bills aimed at funding the Department of Homeland Security, all but ensuring a weekend shutdown to take place on Saturday as lawmakers struggle to find a compromise on immigration reform. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., scheduled a vote on Thursday for the DHS spending bill that would keep the department open through the end of September, even with the expectation it would fall short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Senate Democrats made clear ahead of time they would not back the bill, withholding the support needed to overcome the chambers strict filibuster rules. After that vote failed, Republicans sought to pass a temporary two-week extension to keep the department open while talks continue, but Democrats blocked that bill on the floor. We dont have a solution yet, and the Democrats, at least at the moment, definitely have no interest in funding the Department of Homeland Security, Thune said on Thursday afternoon. They really dont want the solution. They dont want the answer. They want the political issue. Advertisement Advertisement The failed votes leave the Senate at a standstill less than 48 hours before federal funding for DHS is set to lapse early Saturday morning. But its not clear how party leaders will move forward. Hopefully negotiations continue, but if they dont, obviously, that means that starting at midnight tomorrow night, there are certain agencies of government that wont be funded, Thune said on Thursday. Which would be unfortunate. What agencies are affected in a DHS shutdown? Although the shutdown only affects one department, there are many agencies and thousands of workers who are still at risk. One of the most crucial agencies covered by DHS funding is the Transportation Security Administration, which oversees safety and logistical operations at U.S. airports. Advertisement Advertisement If funding for DHS lapses, most employees will be deemed essential and must still work throughout the shutdown without pay. Depending on how long a shutdown lasts, that work puts an unusual strain on airport workers and can lead to employees calling out of their shifts due to fatigue, burnout or illness. Another major department funded under DHS funding is the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for disaster preparedness, response and recovery nationwide. Like TSA, employees for FEMA are also considered essential so many will continue working without pay for as long as the shutdown lasts. That could lead to slower response times and disrupt coordination between state and local agencies if administrative staffs are reduced. The Coast Guard would also be affected under the DHS funding bill despite still operating as an essential department. Those missions range from search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, port and vessel security, and counterterrorism operations. Advertisement Advertisement The Secret Service, the main security arm of the president and other leaders, would also be affected under a partial shutdown. How did we get here? Senate Democrats have engaged in negotiations with the White House for weeks on immigration reform, but those talks have largely stalled as Democratic leaders say the Trump administration is not acting in good faith. Democrats sent their proposal to the president last weekend, which was followed by a White House counterproposal a few days later. Both have been deemed nonstarters by the other. Democrats made public their main demands in a letter over the weekend, outlining a list of 10 reforms they want included in the final spending bill. Advertisement Advertisement These include, among other things, mandatory body cameras, no masks, judicial warrants to carry out arrests, ensuring the right to sue, requiring identification for officers, prohibiting racial profiling as a justification to conduct enforcement, and prohibiting ICE agents from detaining or deporting U.S. citizens. The White House sent a counter-offer to Democrats on Monday, although the details of that proposal has not been made public. However, Democratic leaders have called it incomplete and insufficient. Thune noted that the main holdups are likely related to the judicial warrants as well as masking requirements, which Republicans have publicly opposed. I think theres an option on some of these conditions, Thune said. I think our view is, at least, from what weve seen in terms of the paper trading thats been going on, is that the White House has moved a good long way from when they started. Advertisement Advertisement Despite knowing its likely failure, Thune scheduled the vote on Thursday to shake loose any sign of progress on the DHS funding bill that previously passed the House in January and was negotiated by bipartisan leaders. That bill was on track to pass last month, but was later derailed after a second fatal shooting in Minneapolis prompting Democrats to demand stricter guardrails for federal immigration officers. That all but guarantees a partial shutdown on Saturday, the third closing of the federal government in the last six months, albeit this one is much less expansive than the full shutdown in October. A DHS shutdown would have wide-ranging effects, causing the closure of agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, FEMA, Secret Service, and more. Its not clear how long the shutdown could last, either, as both the House and Senate are poised to leave town for a weeklong recess with no plans to return early as of Thursday afternoon. Thune has told senators to stay flexible about a possible return to Washington in the case a deal is made, although that may be easier said than done as several lawmakers have several foreign trips planned, including the Munich Security Conference in Germany next week. Those lawmakers confirmed they would follow through with their travel plans even with the impending shutdown. Thune said conversations would continue over the next week, although the Senate is not slated to return until Feb. 23. Today marks Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s first year in office as the nations health secretary, and evidence of his tenure is everywhere. A surging measles outbreak in South Carolina is nearing 1,000 cases. The childhood vaccination schedule has been whittled down from 17 recommended childhood vaccines to 11, against the vehement objections of major medical organizations. Path-breaking research has been cancelled summarily, clinical trials halted, and thousands of employees have been purged from the nations health agencies. The American Academy of Pediatrics has become a voice of resistance. From the very beginning of Kennedys tenure, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), a former prosecutor and Prince Georges county executive, has made it her singular mission to remove him as health secretary. As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), her face-offs with him have gone viral. The committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician and liver specialist, extracted promises from Kennedy to preserve the vaccine infrastructure and publicly wrestled with his conscience, before casting the deciding vote to advance Kennedys nomination. Advertisement Advertisement That decision plunged Marylands newly elected junior senator into the fray. The National Institutes of Health, headquartered in Bethesda, are staffed by her constituents. As scientists were fired, her phone was jumping off the hook, as she puts it, with agency whistleblowers calling her office. She was the first to issue a no-confidence resolution against Kennedy in May, which only four of her colleagues signed onto. Since then, she and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have kept a running list of what they call the Costs, Chaos, and Corruption of his leadership, released today in a 71-page report, which she hopes will provide a blueprint for reversing the damage once hes out of office. Now, 28 senators have co-signed the no-confidence resolution and joined her Sick of It campaign, premised on the idea that removing him as health secretary is a matter of life and death for the American people. A spokesman for Secretary Kennedy, Andrew Nixon, offered a robust defense of his leadership, saying that HHS was exercising its full authority to deliver results for the American people and had confronted long-standing public health challenges with transparency, courage, and gold-standard science. Pointing to actions from investing in rural health to lowering drug prices to eliminating petroleum-based dyes from the food supply, Nixon said, HHS will carry this momentum into 2026 to strengthen accountability, put patients first, and protect public health. Advertisement Advertisement Rolling Stone talked with Alsobrooks about what has motivated her quest. Our discussion has been edited for clarity and brevity. It has been a year with Kennedy in office as health secretary. Could you summarize what you feel the impact of his leadership has been on America? His leadership has been absolutely disastrous, and it has almost single-handedly worked to dismantle the public health system in our country and many of the gains that weve made in research, science, and medicine. Americas exceptionalism really rests on our prowess in the areas of science, research, and medicine. And what he has done will really set our country back in terms of our [worldwide] standing. What led you early on to conclude that he was a danger to Americans health and to act on those concerns? I came to a meeting with him very early on. I was there to interview and meet with a number of the nominees. I said to him, given that he was unqualified, with no background whatsoever in research, science, or medicine, Do you intend to substitute your judgement for the judgement of scientists and doctors who have worked in these areas for decades? And he said, without hesitating, I will replace bad scientists with good scientists. And I knew then that we were really in a lot of trouble. So, thats how it started. Let me ask you about an interaction you had with him that went viral. In his confirmation hearing before the HELP committee, where he was making a claim that African Americans have a different immune system, you pointedly asked him, Should someone like me get different vaccines? And his response led you to say that his answer was very dangerous. What were the dangers you saw at that moment? He grossly mischaracterized a study, which he said stood for the proposition that African Americans should have a different vaccination schedule than others. Immediately following the hearing, the doctor who actually published the study came out and said that what the secretary said is simply not supported by the study or by science. Advertisement Advertisement I have a daughter, and I know there are a number of younger parents who need to be able to rely on the information and advice that comes from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and to hear him give information like that, information that was refuted immediately by the doctor who actually wrote that study? It has been my real mission to make sure parents understand they cant trust anything that comes out of his agency leadership and that the misinformation he has continued to spread is very dangerous to them and the health of their children, and they should be checking with their doctors and pediatricians. Youre saying hes lying. Do you view him as somebody whos lying out of an ideological agenda, or somebody who is simply confused about the science? I think he definitely has an ideological agenda, and I think that agenda is for him to be proven correct about these theories that he claims. But I also believe that if you tell a lie often enough, then you might even believe it. Do you think that Sen. Cassidy regrets his vote, and do you think it was a violation of his Hippocratic oath to vote for Kennedy? Sen. Cassidy is a liver doctor and the hepatitis vaccination is important to him. He offered his support, almost in a conditional way, based on the representations of Secretary Kennedy, who, again, really lied in that confirmation hearing. I think [Kennedy] should be held to account what he has done. When you started your Sick of It campaign, and you filed a resolution of no confidence, you were first out of the gate with that, and now you appear to have built support for it. Can you talk a bit about why you did that and where things stand now? When I originally filed the resolution of disapproval, there was very little support for it. In fact, only four others signed on. It came about as I was watching all the mayhem and chaos happening inside these agencies. People inside NIH told me they were rationing gloves. The supplies were so scarce they had to break paper towels in half and were rationing bleach. The mass firings now total about 20,000 from the health agencies and those are just the numbers we have. Weve been requesting additional data from the end of last year. We knew that the decisions he made were going to make Americans sick. Advertisement Advertisement Given the South Carolina measles outbreak that shows no sign of abating, do you think there is any kind of line we could cross as a nation that would lead Republicans to join you in calling for his resignation? I think whatever it is, weve already crossed the line. We have a number of physicians on the health committee. I think they can see the danger: the resurgence of measles, the kind of flu season we just had, all these illnesses that everyone understands are ones that we had been able to successfully contain. Theres nothing partisan about the health of our country. Recently, Dr. Mehmet Oz called for Americans to get a measles vaccine. Do you think that is a signal that the White House and others inside HHS believe Kennedy has failed by not more vocally supporting vaccination? I think they obviously disagree with the direction that hes taking the agency. If youre asking people to vaccinate, its acknowledgement that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. It also speaks to the urgency of it. It is the reason that its important for me and others to continue to ring the alarm and to help parents to understand that they cannot trust a single word that comes out of this guys mouth or his administration, and that they need to talk to their healthcare providers. It is a matter of life and death. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The World Health Organization on Friday voiced serious concerns over a planned US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial on newborn babies in junta-run Guinea-Bissau, questioning it on scientific and ethical grounds. The WHO insisted in a statement that the existing hepatitis B birth dose vaccine was an "effective and essential" public health intervention, with a proven record. The agency's latest statement comes two months after an advisory panel -- appointed by US health chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr -- voted to stop recommending that all newborns in the United States receive a hepatitis B vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy has long been a vocal sceptic of vaccines, and his department says the Guinea-Bissau study seeks to "answer questions about the broader health effects" of the vaccine and "fill existing evidence gaps". The US move to end the decades-old recommendation is the panel's latest contentious about-face concerning vaccines. Defending the existing vaccine, the WHO said Friday: "It prevents life-threatening liver disease by stopping mother-to-child transmission at birth. "It has been used for over three decades, with more than 115 countries including it in their national schedules," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Protecting newborns with the vaccine was also important for national and global elimination efforts, said the agency. Already on Wednesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had branded the planned trial in the West African nation "unethical". Guinea-Bissau has suspended the study pending further technical reviews, the WHO said. - 'Significant concerns' - In its statement Friday, the organisation elaborated on its concerns, based on what it knew of the proposed trial. "WHO has significant concerns regarding the study's scientific justification, ethical safeguards, and overall alignment with established principles for research involving human participants," it said. Advertisement Advertisement The vaccine has a "proven safety record across decades of use", and is effective in preventing 70 to 95 percent of cases of mother-to-child transmission" it added. A study giving a proven life-saving intervention to some but not others exposes newborns to "potentially irreversible harm", it said. It also argued that placebo or no-treatment vaccine trials "are only acceptable when no proven intervention exists" -- or when such as design was "indispensable" for other reasons. "Neither condition appears to be met," it said. There was insufficient scientific justification for the study, said the WHO, and the trial's design "raises a significant likelihood of substantial risk of bias". Advertisement Advertisement The WHO said Wednesday that it knew of "no underpinning evidence" basis to suggest there was any concern about the vaccine, which has been in use for more than 40 years. - Rocky relationship - Hepatitis B causes hundreds of thousands of deaths globally each year, with transmission at birth the most common route to lifelong infection. Guinea-Bissau has a high prevalence of hepatitis B and decided in 2024 to add the hepatitis B birth dose to its national vaccine schedule, with introduction planned by 2028. The UN health agency said it was ready to support Guinea-Bissau as it considers the way forward on the US-funded trial, and in accelerating the vaccine's eventual routine deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Since President Donald Trump appointed Kennedy, the US government has initiated a major overhaul of vaccine policy, prompting growing concerns among the medical community. In January 2025, the United States handed its one-year withdrawal notice to the WHO, Kennedy saying last month that the Geneva-based organisation had "trashed everything that America has done for it". rjm/jhb (This article has been updated to add new information and a photo.) About 8,650 gallons of wasterwater has leaked from a sewer project on Green Bay's east side, with about a quarter of that getting into the East River, according to NEW Water. The leaks were discovered Feb. 12 in the Green Bay sewerage authority's black pipes that are temporarily diverting wastewater amidst the larger $29 million downtown sewer renovation project. Advertisement Advertisement NEW Water and the city's Department of Public Works were working on Feb. 13 to contain and clean up the wastewater. NEW Water identified six leaks. The 8,650 gallons are less than half an average backyard swimming pool. About a quarter of the sewage volume, or 2,200 gallons, had gotten into the East River or the storm sewer system, according to Tricia Garrison, NEW Water's public affairs officer. About 12,000 gallons of snow melt, wastewater, and rinse water were removed from the sites as part of the cleanup, NEW Water said. The Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District also called NEW Water first found a leak around 6:15 p.m. Feb. 12 at a black pipe near Main Street and Monroe Avenue, according to the authority. Advertisement Advertisement The sewerage district found five more leaks around 9:45 p.m. Feb. 12 in its black pipes roughly running parallel to the East River near several highly frequented areas, like East High School. Garrison said those leaks were near: North Irwin Avenue and St. Clair Street Main Street and North Van Buren Street, near Whitney Park At Pine Street and North Roosevelt Street On Pine Street, between North Webster Avenue and North Clay Street Near Baird Street and the East River Trail The first leak had released an estimated 1,600 gallons of wastewater before being plugged up in about an hour, Garrison said in a Feb. 12 email. Advertisement Advertisement The initial leak at Main Street and Monroe Avenue was caused "during maintenance work," according to Garrison. She did not immediately have information on the cause of the other leaks. It was unclear if the sewage that entered the East River presented immediate public health concerns. The authority advised the public was advised to avoid the affected leak areas. Crews were cleaning up the wastewater, according to Garrison. Though they'd stopped the leaks Feb. 12, their decontamination efforts were "hampered by the frozen conditions" that night, forcing workers to put up caution tape to keep people away. Public works department workers were cleaning up the morning of Feb. 13 "under better conditions," Garrison said. Their work, which kept up into the afternoon, was "instrumental in this cleanup effort," Garrison said. City of Green Bay crews work to clean up sewage on Feb. 13, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. that leaked from the black pipes temporarily diverting wastewater amidst a $29 million downtown sewer renovation project. The Brown County Department of Health, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Green Bay had all been notified of the incident, according to Garrison. Advertisement Advertisement A previous leakage in a black pipe Dec. 16, 2025, near East Lawn Park, had been caused by a broken air release valve, Garrison said in an email at the time. That leak spilled about 700 gallons of sewage, none of which reached the East River, according to the authority. Jesse Lin is a reporter covering the community of Green Bay and its surroundings, as well as politics in northeastern Wisconsin. He also writes a weekly column answering reader questions about Green Bay. Contact and send him questions at 920-834-4250 or jlin@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Sewage reaches East River as NEW Water reports at least 6 leaks Morley highlighted PSHs use of long-term, laddered debt out to 2039, supported by what he described as a liquid, easy-to-value portfolio that results in low borrowing rates. He reported a weighted average maturity of six years and a weighted average cost of capital of 3.6%, with a debt-to-total-capital ratio managed between 15% and 25%. In 2025, PSH issued two bonds: a 650 million five-year bond at 4.25% and a $500 million seven-year bond at 5.5%. He also said credit ratings improved, with Fitch upgrading to BBB+ and S&P to A-. Morley said PSH delivered strong results in 2025, with net asset value (NAV) rising 20.9%. With discount narrowing, total shareholder return was 33.9%. He added that over the last eight years, compound growth in both NAV and share price has been 23%, which he compared with 14% for the S&P 500 and 7% for the FTSE over the same period. Chairman Rupert Morley introduced the board and emphasized shareholder engagement. Morley said PSHs manager is PSHs largest shareholder with 28% ownership, which he described as aligning interests. He also said the board held seven meetings in 2025, focusing on portfolio performance, strategy, and the managers operations, including topics such as succession, culture, ESG, systems, and risk. Chief Investment Officer Ryan Israel opened the meeting noting that founder Bill Ackman was absent due to a family medical emergency. Ackman later joined virtually for the Q&A and said a family member had suffered a stroke. Pershing Square (LON:PSH) used its annual investor meeting to outline portfolio performance, governance priorities, and several strategic initiatives, including an ongoing restructuring of its planned U.S. vehicle and a major new phase in the evolution of long-held holding Howard Hughes. Pershing Square will transform longheld holding Howard Hughes into a Berkshirestyle diversified company: Ackman rejoined as executive chairman, PSH invested $900m in May, and Howard Hughes plans to buy insurer Vantage for about $2.1bn with PSH backing up to $1bn via noninterestbearing preferred stock. Pershing Square is redesigning its planned U.S. vehicle, PSUS , which management says will materially reduce performance fees via an offset tied to future management fees, though details remain confidential. NAV +20.9% in 2025 and total shareholder return of 33.9%, with an eightyear NAV/share-price CAGR of 23%; the board used automatic dividend growth and $370m of 2025 buybacks (total $1.8bn) to help narrow the discount from 31% to 24%. Story Continues On discount to NAV, Morley said the board uses multiple tools: A dividend policy initiated in 2019 and amended in 2022 so that the dividend increases automatically with NAV; Morley said the dividend has increased 86% since the amendment and PSH has paid $666 million in dividends. Share repurchases when viewed as the best use of capital; Morley said PSH bought back 6.6 million shares for about $370 million in 2025, bringing total buybacks to $1.8 billion and reducing shares outstanding by just under 30% versus the original share count. Marketing and distribution initiatives outside the U.S., including work with Cadarn and LodeRock. 3 ETFs Designed to Survive the Next Market Crash Morley said the discount narrowed by seven points in 2025, from 31% to 24%, but reiterated the boards view that the most powerful driver of long-term returns is continued strong absolute and relative NAV performance. Strategic initiatives: PSUS redesign and Howard Hughes transformation Israel said PSH continued work in 2025 to redesign the structure of PSUS, following investor feedback after a marketing phase in summer 2024. He said he was not permitted to share further details or take questions on the topic, but stated that launching PSUS would materially reduce the performance fees paid by PSH via an offset arrangement tied to management fees earned in future vehicles. A central focus of the meeting was Howard Hughes, a holding PSH has owned for nearly 15 years. Israel said the investment had underperformed expectations as a stock despite progress in underlying real estate assets. He said Pershing Square concluded Howard Hughes should be transformed into a diversified holding company in the spirit of Berkshire Hathaway. Israel said Pershing Squares management company invested $900 million into Howard Hughes in May, buying 9 million shares at $100. He said Howard Hughes will pursue control transactions (51% to 100% ownership) over time, while PSH will continue minority investments in publicly traded companies. As part of the transformation, Ackman rejoined the board as executive chairman and Israel became the companys CIO. Israel also said the Pershing Square team is being made available to Howard Hughes in exchange for management fees, with PSHs management fees reduced dollar-for-dollar by PSHs proportionate share of fees received from Howard Hughes related to PSHs ownership. Vantage acquisition and PSH preferred investment Israel said Howard Hughes first major step is the planned acquisition of Vantage, a specialty insurer and reinsurer, for about $2.1 billion, described as roughly 1.5x year-end 2025 book value. He said Pershing Square expects the effective multiple at close to be lower (potentially below 1.4x) because of an agreement allowing it to benefit from book value growth between year-end and closing, along with net income generated. He said closing is expected at the end of the second quarter, in June. Israel said $1.2 billion of the purchase price comes from Howard Hughes, with a significant portion tied to cash from the May capital raise. He also said PSH committed in December to provide up to $1 billion as a backstop minority investment via newly issued, non-interest-bearing Howard Hughes preferred stock. Israel described the preferred as split into 14 tranches redeemable annually, with redemption pricing set at 1.5x Vantages then-current book value. If not redeemed by seven years, the preferred would convert into Vantage common stock; Israel said he viewed that as unlikely and expected excess cash flow from Howard Hughes real estate business could repurchase the preferred within roughly three years. In the Q&A, Ackman said a large share of Vantages long-term value would come from asset management, describing an intent to invest float conservatively and invest a substantial portion of insurer surplus in common stocks over time. He added that Pershing Square would not charge Vantage for asset management, which he said would provide a competitive advantage. Portfolio activity, hires, and market perspective Israel said PSH made three new investments in 2025Hertz, Amazon, and Meta (disclosed for the first time as initiated in late November)and exited Chipotle, Canadian Pacific, and Nike during the year, with Hilton fully exited in the weeks prior to the meeting. He described Hertz as a small asymmetric position with potential upside if a turnaround succeeds. Israel also discussed organizational updates, including the hire of investment team member Jordan Aguiar-Lucander, corporate investor relations head Jill Chapman, and general counsel Lucas Richards, along with the departure of investor Manning Feng. On market conditions, Israel argued that much of the S&P 500s post-COVID advance has been driven by earnings growth rather than multiple expansion, and said a small group of large companies is driving a significant share of forecast earnings growth. He and Ackman emphasized that PSHs ability to move quickly into mega-cap stocks during periods of volatility has become more important, citing Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta as examples of narrative-driven dislocations that created entry points. About Pershing Square (LON:PSH) Pershing Square Holdings (LN:PSHD) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments in publicly traded, principally North American-domiciled, companies. The investment objective is to maximize long-term compound annual rate of growth in intrinsic value per share. The article "Pershing Square Investor Meeting: NAV +20.9%, PSUS Redesign, Howard Hughes to Berkshire Model" was originally published by MarketBeat. A survivor of sex trafficking is suing a hotel management company in Charlotte, claiming workers looked the other way while she was forced to have sex with strangers. Its a federal lawsuit against SC Hotel Investments, LLC. Channel 9 covered the original case back in 2015. Samuel Pratt was later convicted of sex trafficking, and hes spending the rest of his life in prison. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Advertisement Advertisement The new lawsuit claims workers at the Quality Inn in west Charlotte still rented to Pratt, despite seeing signs of abuse and ignoring the many clients who visited. The previous owner sold the motel in 2016. Weve reached out to his lawyer for comment, but we have not heard back. The Charlotte Observer did speak with the owner, but he declined to comment. (VIDEO >> Mooresville minister accused of trafficking, sex crimes against children from Argentina) Minnesota is seeing the largest outbreak of sexually transmitted ringworm in the U.S., with infections disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men. More than 30 confirmed or suspected cases of the fungal infection have been reported in the state since last July, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, and all were within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The ringworm - known as trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, or TMVII - was first reported in New York City in June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesotas Health Department said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aware of other sporadic cases in larger cities across the U.S. Californias Department of Public Health previously said the first patient with TMVII had traveled to California before he was diagnosed in New York. TMVII has been circulating in Europe and among people who traveled to Southeast Asia for sex tourism for several years, but is not currently considered widespread in the U.S. Health authorities are warning about the spread of sexually transmitted ringworm. Dozens of cases have been reported since last summer (Minnesota Department of Health) A coin-like rash TMVII is the only known sexually transmitted fungal infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sometimes confused for eczema or psoriasis, TMVII spreads through skin-to-skin contact or exposure to fungal spores. The ringworm can spread through genital contact, as well as to the face, bottom, torso, arms and legs. Advertisement Advertisement It can cause painful and itchy red, coin-like rashes, sometimes with bumps or pimples on top. Infections can vary in severity, sometimes leading to complications even with treatment. Patients may see lesions and open sores that increase the risk for secondary bacterial infections and lead to harmful inflammation. Some patients might develop painful and persistent rashes that can lead to scarring or worsening infections that need to be treated with antibiotics, health officials warned last month. More than 30 cases have been reported near Minnesotas Twin Cities. But there are other infections reported in big U.S. cities (Getty) A lengthy treatment process Diagnosing TMVII infection requires advanced testing, although most labs have trouble distinguishing TMVII from two other fungal infections known as T. mentagrophytes and T. interdigitale, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Patients may require weeks or even months of oral medication, and people should avoid using steroid creams, as they will worsen TMVII infection. To prevent exposure, people should avoid sexual contact if they or their partner has a new rash and avoid sharing personal items, such as clothing, towels, bedding and razors. Items should be washed and dried on high heat, and fungal spores can be killed with common disinfectants or strong detergents. People who believe they have a rash should make sure it is covered with bandages or clothing and wash their hands with soap after touching the infected area to reduce the risk of spread to other areas of the body. While the overall public health risk is low, state health officials say MSM, people who use anonymous apps, and people with a history of sexually transmitted infections may be at higher risk, according to the University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. The Brief This week, Su faced criticism from SFUSD educators on social media and on the picket line. Sus salary is $385,000 annually as superintendent of SFUSD, over five times more than a 10-year, veteran teacher, according to her Board of Education contract. "Im a mom, I have kids, I know the importance of education," Su said. SAN FRANCISCO - As the San Francisco Unified School District educator strike stretches into its fourth day, teachers are asking questions about the disparity between their salaries and that of Superintendent Maria Su. Advertisement Advertisement This week, Su faced criticism from SFUSD educators on social media and on the picket linewith some ire directed at the price of her shoes. When a reporter asked Su what she would say to the educators who earn significantly less than she does, when it appears as though she is wearing designer pumps, Su didnt have a direct answer. Superintendent and teacher pay disparities What they're saying "Im a mom, I have kids, I know the importance of education," Su said, without answering the question. Su cited her public school education as well as her mothers tenure as a public teacher. "I know the importance of our teachers having fair and competitive and livable wages," she said. "It is expensive to be here in the city." Advertisement Advertisement Su spoke about raising her own children in the city, acknowledging that she faces high prices just like everyone else. She sidestepped the reporters question about her children attending private school. Sus salary is $385,000 annually as superintendent of SFUSD, over five times more than a 10-year, veteran teacher, according to her Board of Education contract. In June, Su could also receive a 2% raise to bring her salary up to $392,700, if she meets certain goals and the board approves it. Meanwhile, a certified, first-year teacher in the district starts out at $73,689, and the current contract offers a 2% raise each year, according to the district pay rate table. A certified teacher with 10 years of experience earns $81,297. Why are San Francisco teachers striking? The backstory The San Francisco teachers strike began Monday, continuing into its fourth day as of Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement District representatives and teachers had, as of Wednesday morning, reached agreements on three issues: the use of artificial intelligence, services for families experiencing homelessness and steps toward putting long-term special education teachers in place. Teachers are asking for a 9% raise and fully-covered family health care. The district had previously offered teachers a 6% raise and a $24,000 benefit allowance to help cover health care costs, but at the cost of teachers sacrificing their retirement options. The district has said it is facing a looming $100 million budget shortfall and structural deficit problem and has to make sound financial decisions. Advertisement Advertisement "Under my leadership, SFUSD is on course for fiscal recovery. We do not want to derail that really hard work that we as a community have done," Su said Wednesday. Teachers have said there is money to be found and that the district is saving money for a rainy day fund a day they say has arrived. District representatives said they are ready to continue negotiations until a deal is reached to get teachers and students back in the classroom. "We will continue to work around the clock to come to an agreement that honors our educators and is also fiscally responsible," Su said. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is using his book tour and 2026 reelection campaign to further build out a national fundraising network that could prove quite useful in a potential 2028 run. The governor held a fundraising event over lunch while visiting Massachusetts for his book tour last month, two people familiar with the planning for it confirmed making it at least the third fundraiser he attended in the last year in the deep-blue state with deep-pocketed donors who have long bankrolled presidential contenders. One of the others was held at the home of Jewish philanthropist and New England Patriots president Jonathan Kraft in April, details of which have not previously been reported. Shapiro attended another on Nantucket, a summer fundraising mecca, in July, according to an attendee and invitations obtained by POLITICO. They add to an extensive list of networking events for the possible White House aspirant whos long been a prolific fundraiser within and beyond Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement He amassed $23 million in 2025 with the help of $2.5 million from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; $1 million from a Soros family PAC, $500,000 from James and Kathryn Murdoch, the left-leaning son and daughter in law of Rupert Murdoch; and over $120,000 from Kraft and his father, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Thats helped him build a $30 million war chest to unleash this year against his likely GOP opponent, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who raised nearly $1.5 million last year and had $1 million in the bank to start 2026. His book tour side-hustle comes as several of Shapiros would-be rivals for the Democratic nomination in 2028 take donor meetings across the country as they navigate their own reelection bids and start laying the groundwork for White House runs. Shapiro routinely dismisses talk of 2028 in public, keeping a laser focus on his reelection bid and on his efforts to help Democrats down the ballot. No one should be looking past these midterms, the governor recently told reporters in Washington, D.C., who were peppering him with hypotheticals. Advertisement Advertisement Sources say he is just as disciplined behind closed doors: Shapiro has kept his pitch focused on his leadership in purple Pennsylvania and how Democrats should be centering pocketbook issues in the midterms, while declining to engage with questions about his future beyond 2026, according to two people who attended donor events with Shapiro last year. The smartest thing Shapiro and other folks on the ballot in 2026 can do right now is say Im running for reelection right now and Im in the middle of the fight. [It] makes 26 a nice little audition for their eventual 2028 runs, said Alex Hoffman, a Democratic strategist and donor adviser. His out-of-state networking is already paying off. Shapiro raked in over $700,000 from prominent donors in Massachusetts alone in 2025, including $260,000 from construction magnate John Fish and $50,000 from telecommunications tycoon Robert Hale. He also hauled in cash from Hollywood bigwigs and tech titans, including $100,000 from Sony film executive Tom Rothman and $200,000 from Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen. But the governors expansive donor pool is also drawing scrutiny. Garrity has called on Shapiro to return over $2 million his campaign has taken over the years from billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who is referenced repeatedly in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Hoffman gave $500,000 to Shapiro last year. Shapiro also received $50,000 from New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, who is also mentioned in the Epstein files, as is Robert Kraft. Both Hoffman and Tisch have issued statements distancing themselves from the late convict. Advertisement Advertisement Stacy Garrity should stop playing politics with the Epstein files. Donald Trump is mentioned in the files over 5,000 times. Is she going to ask him to rescind his endorsement? Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder said in a statement. Bonder declined comment on the governors fundraisers. He'll need to keep building out that network. Shapiro has benefited from what longtime Pennsylvania Democratic strategist Neil Oxman described as institutional donors in the state whove given to successive Democratic governors. But of the thousands of people who raise money nationally, he probably knows a fraction of them. He has some [national] recognition, but hes not Gavin Newsom. Hes not the Clintons. Shapiro also wont be able to use the gobs of money hes raised for his state campaign account to fund a run for federal office, leaving him at an initial disadvantage against other potential 2028ers who are already squirreling away millions of dollars into federal leadership committees, super PACs and congressional campaign accounts that can be converted when the time comes. Thats why sometimes its hard to run for office when you have to run for another office, Oxman said. A version of this article first appeared in POLITICO Pros Morning Score. Want to receive the newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. Youll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the days biggest stories. A California winemaker who was a leading force in the state's natural wine movement, then one of the first to speak openly about the severity of the industry's crisis, is shutting down her winery. After 10 years in Santa Cruz, Margins Wine will close at the end of April, winemaker and owner Megan Bell said. She began to think about winding down the business in the fall of 2024, when she was facing significant debt, mostly related to opening a tasting room. "It was just me asking myself, Do you want to be liable for this type of financial pressure for the next 10 years?' Because that's what the terms of our loans were." Advertisement Advertisement Bell determined that she might be able to pay back most of her debt if she stopped making wine after the 2024 harvest - she didn't want to accumulate more bills for grapes purchased from growers - and stopped paying herself. But she knew that those decisions would mean the eventual end of Margins. The closure is one of several in the California wine industry already this year, following announcements from other acclaimed boutique producers including Subject to Change Wine Co., Arista and Ernest. Bell, pictured in 2024, drives a forklift in the Watsonville winery she shared with fellow winemaker James Jelks. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) Margins began in 2016, when Bell was working as an assistant winemaker at Beauregard Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The label's name alluded to the marginal climates and grape varieties that she was drawn to, such as the non-standard grapes Chenin Blanc, Assyrtiko and Vermentino. Advertisement Advertisement The label became part of a budding natural wine scene centered in Santa Cruz, where a number of young, ambitious winemakers working in a low-intervention style were creating buzz. Eventually, Bell and another of those winemakers, James Jelks of Florez Wines, started their own shared winemaking facility in Watsonville. Even as Margins earned wide acclaim, running it felt like a struggle, Bell said. She expected that the business would grow to the point where she could hire winemaking employees and "be more of an overseer," but that never seemed financially possible. She farmed a Santa Cruz Mountains vineyard all by herself - a major commitment of physicality and time - but after a skin cancer scare, a doctor questioned whether she should be working outdoors so much. When Bell decided to open a tasting room in 2023 - a 120-square-foot space that she called the Margins Wine Cubby - she knew it would be expensive, taking out a $95,000 loan. But a long permitting process and unexpected buildout costs ballooned the total cost to $134,000. After she got the tasting room open, sales didn't grow quickly enough to make up for the debt. Bell stands in the doorway of the Margins Wine Cubby in 2024, a 120-square-foot tasting room that she took on significant debt in order to open. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) In the spring of 2024, Bell was featured in a Chronicle article about the crisis that the California wine industry was beginning to experience, the result of a drop in global alcohol consumption, a statewide grape oversupply and other factors. Few California winemakers had been willing to speak openly about their individual struggles up until that point, but Bell's candor helped reset the tone of the conversation. Advertisement Advertisement She spoke then about the precariousness of Margins' business, and things only got more difficult after that, she said. "I really didn't want to file for bankruptcy," Bell said, since that would have meant not paying back some of what she owed, and "having integrity is one of my top values." Instead, she took herself off payroll, which enabled the business to pay back about $200,000 to its creditors over the last year. To support herself, she got a day job "in an agricultural-related field" and enrolled in an educational program through the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. Bell wanted to wait until she was "pretty close to being out of inventory" before announcing the closure, since she didn't know whether the announcement would induce sales or deter them. She now has fewer than three pallets of wine, or between 1,000 and 2,000 bottles, left to sell. "It won't be hard to get it out into the world," she said. The Margins Cubby will remain open through the end of April, and she's hosting a goodbye party on April 25. Agriculture was always Bell's main draw to wine, she said, and she hopes to stay in that world, though she does not want to work in wine again. Advertisement Advertisement But as she reflects on the state of the wine industry, Bell is "so proud of my peers who are sticking it out and figuring out solutions," she said. "California wine will live on." This article originally published at She was one of the first California winemakers to openly acknowledge the industry's crisis. Now, she's closing her winery. Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Two people are dead and a third is wounded following a shooting on the campus of South Carolina State University, officials said. The shooting occurred Thursday night in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex on the university's campus in Orangeburg, located about 75 miles northwest of Charleston. The university issued a campus lockdown at about 9:15 p.m., according to officials, who said in a statement that they have asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement SLED investigators are on site and investigating the crime, the university said. Little information about the shooting was immediately available. "Stop what you're doing and pray," Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said in a statement posted to her personal X account following reports of the shooting. "Join us in prayer for the students, staff and their families. God bless our brave law enforcement responding tonight." The identities of the victims have yet to be confirmed, the school said. As of early Friday, the campus remained on lockdown. School officials said Friday's classes were canceled and counselors would be made available to students. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting is the latest at the school since Oct. 4, when one person was killed and a second person was wounded in separate shootings on the historically Black university's Orangeburg campus. The deceased victim from one of the October shootings was identified as 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler. Attorney General James Uthmeiers Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed charges against six people linked to an organized cargo theft operation said to involve incidents in six counties including St. Lucie, resulting in a total loss of nearly $7.8 million. The group is responsible for at least 32 cargo theft incidents and a vessel theft across St. Lucie, Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola and Volusia counties, Uthmeier said in a news release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. What happened: The investigation began in May 2023 after a series of thefts involving unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo were reported throughout the Orlando area and beyond. The thefts included shipments of retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages, all of which had entered the stream of interstate or intrastate commerce, according to the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators determined the six arrested were part of a major theft organization that targeted parked semi-trailers in commercial areas, parking lots, and distribution corridors. After stealing the vehicles and cargo, members would search for and disable GPS tracking devices to evade law enforcement, then transport the stolen property to South Florida, where it was sold to co-conspirators involved in the resale of stolen goods, according to the news release. According to the Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit, between May 2023 and March 2025, the organization is responsible for the theft of approximately 51 commercial motor vehicles and 28 cargo shipments. The Florida Highway Patrols Cargo Theft Task Force worked with Orlando, Ocoee, St. Cloud and Daytona Beach police departments and sheriff's offices in St. Lucie, Orange, Polk and Miami-Dade counties to identify and dismantle the theft ring, said Florida Highway Patrol Col. Gary Howze. What's the impact? This organized criminal operation targeted Floridas supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state, Uthmeier said in the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Organized cargo theft drives up costs for businesses and consumers, said Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith. What's next: The six, whose ages and cities of residence were not in the news release, face charges of grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft stemming from the operation. They were arrested and are in custody and if found guilty, face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, according to the news release. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Six people charged in cargo theft operation in 6 Florida counties Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, one of the Democrats targeted by President Donald Trump for her role in a video urging military service members to disobey illegal orders, wants to ensure that the Justice Departments investigation into her is officially closed. The DOJ suffered a major setback this week when a grand jury declined a push by D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to indict six Democratic lawmakers, including Slotkin, for the November video. Members of the military have a duty not to follow unlawful orders, and reminding them of that duty is no crime, Preet Bharara, Slotkins lawyer and the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, wrote in a letter. The only responsible course is to respect the grand jury's decision and immediately close the investigation of Senator Slotkin. Advertisement Advertisement The letter, addressed to Pirro and Attorney General Pam Bondi, wants the DOJ to confirm by the end of the day Friday that its probe is over. Slotkins lawyers are using Trumps behavior in the aftermath of the videos November publication in a bid to deter any further prosecution from the Justice Department. Bharara warned that if the DOJ attempted to secure an indictment through a second grand jury, his office would pursue defenses of vindictive prosecution, "given the president's statements and the absence to our knowledge of any similar criminal charge ever being brought against anyone. Defenses of vindictive prosecution generally mean that someone believes prosecutors wanted to punish them for practicing constitutional rights. The DOJ and Pirro's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Trump accused Slotkin and other Democrats involved in the video of being engaged in SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR in a Truth Social post as the video made the rounds in November. The president also shared a post that called for the Democrats to be hanged and suggested that the lawmakers behavior ought to be punishable by DEATH! in another post. Featured alongside Slotkin in the video were Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, as well as Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan. All of the lawmakers previously served in the military or in other national security-focused roles. The administration suffered another legal blow this week when a federal judge on Thursday blocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from downgrading Kellys military rank and docking his pay. Barring the use of food stamp benefits for soda purchases would cost South Dakota taxpayers $310,000 in the first two years, according to a fiscal impact statement released Thursday evening by the South Dakota Legislative Research Council. The new restriction would cost the state about $248,000 a year after that less than half what an adviser to Gov. Larry Rhoden said it might on Wednesday. House Bill 1056, which earned the support of a Senate panel this week and the full House of Representatives the week before, would require the state to request a federal waiver allowing it to implement such a ban. Opponents representing retailers, grocers, soda bottlers and Rhodens office testified against the bill in committees on both the House and Senate side. Advertisement Advertisement Grocers and other retailers are concerned about the complexity of sorting sellable from unsellable items in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, a program commonly referred to as food stamps that lets income-eligible people buy most food items using dollars loaded monthly onto cards that function like debit cards. Nathan Sanderson of the South Dakota Retailers Association said the definition would be a constantly moving target, as thousands of new drink products are released every year, each carrying a unique UPC code used by retailers for inventory and tracking purposes. In order for retailers to comply, Sanderson said, the state and retailers would need to have a complete exclusion list that adds new beverages as they come on the market. This is not like flipping a switch, Sanderson said. Dispute over potential price tag Rhodens office is concerned about the administrative costs associated with creating and maintaining those classes of unsellable items for use as guidance by retailers. Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden adviser Laura Ringling said the waiver requirement would cost too much, particularly in tight budget years. Implementing a waiver like this in South Dakota would cost nearly half a million dollars every single year, Ringling said Wednesday during a hearing on the bill in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bills sponsor, Sioux Falls Republican Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, responded that the state would save Medicaid dollars by reducing the need for medical care associated with soda consumption-related problems like diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. Advertisement Advertisement Rehfeldt also disputed the assertion of a heavy budget impact. States pursuing similar waivers that have had no or minimal cost include Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, West Virginia, Texas and Idaho, Rehfeldt told the committee. Sen. Kevin Jensen, R- Canton, chairs the Senates health committee. He was in the majority when the committee voted 5-2 Wednesday to recommend Senate passage of HB 1056, but said a vote on the Senate floor would need to wait for a fiscal impact statement. Initial, ongoing costs That fiscal statement was posted Thursday. It says the Department of Social Services would need to decide which drinks are or arent banned, and if HB 1056 becomes law, that the department would field questions from retailers as to exceptions and ensure state exclusions are enforced. Advertisement Advertisement The bill defines a soft drink as a nonalcoholic beverage that contains natural or artificial sweeteners. Milk or milk products, rice, soy or similar milk substitutes and juices approved by the Department of Health are exempt from that definition. Six social services employees administer the SNAP program now, the fiscal impact statement says. A seventh would be needed to deal with the waiver, at a cost of $80,600 a year including benefits. That employee would also be charged with the duty to track sales and report purchasing patterns, medical services needed, and other economic and health outcomes for SNAP recipients. The state would need an ongoing contract with a software vendor to meet reporting obligations, the statement says, and a similar contract in Nebraska costs $250,000 a year. As with the new state employee, the federal government would cover a quarter of the cost of a vendor contract. The program likely wouldnt be fully up and running until state fiscal year 2028, which will begin on July 1, 2027. The first fiscal year cost, the statement said, would only include the price of the new state employee as a result. Advertisement Advertisement The full ongoing annual cost for the soda ban would be $330,600, the statement says, with the states share being $247,950. On Friday, Rhoden spokeswoman Josie Harms said the administrations higher cost estimates are based on an assumption that the state would need three additional employees to coordinate with retailers and are informed by conversations with neighboring states. With its fiscal note complete, HB 1056 now awaits a vote in the full state Senate. If it passes, it would be up to Gov. Larry Rhoden to sign the bill or veto it. Rhoden said that he has no issues with redefining whether or not soft drinks should be part of the SNAP program during his weekly legislative press conference last week. But he said the state should not have to shoulder the costs. Advertisement Advertisement Why would we as a state take on responsibility that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to the state to administer a federal program? Rhoden said. Congress should enact a nationwide policy, he added, rather than forcing states to request individual waivers. If the bill passes the Senate and Rhoden vetoes it, a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers would be needed to override him. 302832 The South Dakota Legislative Research Councils fiscal evaluation of a bill that would ban soda purchases by participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The New Hampshire House of Representatives tabled a proposal that would require towns to tax solar equipment on homes and businesses for the first time in 50 years. House Bill 1002, sponsored by Rep. Len Turcotte of Barrington, would repeal the solar energy tax credit, which allows towns to exempt solar energy infrastructure from the assessed value of a property when calculating taxes. About two-thirds of municipalities in New Hampshire had opted in to this exemption as of 2024; proponents say it encourages development of distributed solar, with benefits to the grid at large. But saying the exemption shifts a tax burden onto taxpayers without solar, the House Committee on Science, Technology, and Energy recommended passage of HB 1002 in January. Advertisement Advertisement Before the full House on Thursday, Feb. 12, however, Rep. Joseph Guthrie, a Hampstead Republican, motioned to put the bill aside. One hundred fifty-three towns, including my town of Hampstead, voted for this exemption in the same way they vote on everything else that comes before them, Guthrie said on Thursday. Each of these towns has the option to remove the exemption without the legislation mandating that they do so. Epping Republican Rep. Michael Vose, a co-sponsor of HB 1002 and chair of the House Committee on Science, Technology, and Energy, spoke in opposition of the motion to table the bill. This bill is not about clean or reduced cost to energy, but is instead a taxpayer fairness and logical tax policy bill, he said. An exemption for solar systems discriminates against other residential energy systems. The motion to table HB 1002 ultimately passed, 187-157. PC Oman Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Petronas, has signed a concession agreement with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and OQ Exploration and Production Batinah Offshore (OQEP) to explore oil and gas (O&G) resources in Block 18. Block 18, which covers more than 21,000km in north-east Oman, consists of offshore areas ranging from shallow to ultra-deep water. With this agreement, PC Oman Ventures becomes the operator of Block 18 while partnering with OQEP. The arrangement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between Petronas and OQEP in October 2025. Petronas has operated in Oman since 2018 and currently holds a stake in Block 61. The partnership intends to combine Petronas offshore exploration experience with OQEPs regional knowledge. The companies aim to develop the areas hydrocarbon resources and strengthen their long-term collaboration in Oman. In 2025, Petronas made several discoveries in major basins including Malaysias Lebah Emas producing well and Suriname Block 52. Petronas international assets vice-president Mohd Redhani Abdul Rahman said: Building on our technical strengths and successes, Petronas continues to expand its exploration activities into new frontiers. Through our innovative exploration approaches and OQEPs basin expertise, we aim to jointly unlock the potential of Block 18, contributing to Omans long-term energy security. The addition of Block 18 aligns with our commitment to disciplined portfolio expansion, providing strategic optionality across our international portfolio. Earlier in the month, Petronas LNG entered into a 20-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement with QatarEnergy. This marks the first long-term LNG contract between both companies. "Petronas signs agreement for Block 18 O&G exploration in Oman" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump after the president snubbed him from the upcoming National Governors Association event at the White House. Moore, the only Black governor in the U.S., was not invited to the typically bipartisan dinner, along with fellow Democratic Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado. Speaking at a CBS News town hall set to air in full Sunday, Moore dismissed Trumps reasoning for not inviting him to the gathering as unhinged. Donald Trump hypocritically accused Gov. Wes Moore of being foul-mouthed, while explaining the invite snub. / ANNABELLE GORDON / Annabelle Gordon/AFP via Getty Images I do want to be clear to the president, respectfully, you do not determine my worthiness. God determines my worthiness. The people of Maryland determine my worthiness, Moore told CBS News Norah ODonnell in a preview clip posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement And I have been very clear with the people of my state that I will work with anyone, but I will bow down to no one. And I think the president has a problem with that, he added. If the point of the meeting is to turn it into name-calling or to follow what he did in this most recent tweetwhich is full of lies and ignorance and its unhingedif the point of the meeting is that, then my answer to the president is very clear: nah, Im good. Asked to clarify whether that meant he had no intention of attending the National Governors Association meeting, Moore confirmed: Oh, I will not go. Absolutely not. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also did not receive an invitation to the upcoming White House governors' meeting. / Kevin Dietsch / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Trump boasted in a Wednesday Truth Social post that he sent invitations to the upcoming NGA meeting to ALL governors, other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there. Advertisement Advertisement The 79-year-old said Moore was excluded after falsely claiming decades ago that he had received a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan, when he was not officially awarded the honor until 2024. Trump also criticized Moore over efforts to rebuild Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March 2024 after a cargo ship crashed into it. At least 18 sitting governors announced they would boycott the White House dinner over Trumps decision not to invite Moorewho serves as the associations vice chairand Polis. If the reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year, the Democratic governors said in a joint statement. At every turn, President Trump is creating chaos and division, and it is the American people who are hurting as a result. Donald Trump accused Wes Moore of doing a In an interview with CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, Moore said it was possible Trump was also targeting him because he is the only Black governor. Its not lost on me, but I cant speak to the presidents intent, Moore said. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will deploy the army to help the police fight criminal gangs and illegal mining in the country. Gang violence is a major problem in South Africa, which has one of the world's highest murder rates. "Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development," Ramaphosa said in his annual State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement "I will be deploying the South African National Defence Force to support the police," he added. Last month, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the country's police were not yet able to defeat the deadly criminal gangs, in a stark admission that underscored the scale of the country's crime crisis. In his address to parliament, Ramaphosa said he had directed the chiefs of the police and army to draw up a plan on where "our security forces should be deployed within the next few days". Advertisement Advertisement He said the military deployment would start in the provinces of Western Cape and Gauteng, home to the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, because of rising gang violence and illegal mining respectively. "Children here in the Western Cape are caught in the crossfire of gang wars. People are chased out of their homes by illegal miners in Gauteng," said Ramaphosa. Authorities blame illegal miners, known as "zama zamas", typically armed, undocumented foreign nationals, for their involvement in organised crime syndicates. Ramaphosa ruled out deploying troops to Cape Town just two weeks ago, saying soldiers were trained for combat and not community policing. He did not explain why he changed his mind but there have been increasing calls for him to take action to tackle gang violence. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the military deployment, Ramaphosa announced additional measures to combat crime, including recruiting 5,500 police officers, strengthening intelligence, and targeting crime syndicates. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has long struggled with entrenched organised crime. Police data shows that an average of 63 people were killed each day between April and September last year. More about South Africa from the BBC: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Many were drawn into fighting for Moscow through employment promises but ended up on the front line of a conflict they did not choose to fight. President Cyril Ramaphosa raised the return of South Africans fighting with Russian forces during a Tuesday phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call followed Russias statement that it supports a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement In this regard, teams from both sides will continue their engagements towards the finalisation of this process, the South African presidency said. Ukraine war videos raise questions over Russias recruitment of Africans Recruitment claims The South African government said in November 2025 it had received distress calls from 17 men trapped in heavy fighting in Ukraines Donbas region after being tricked into joining mercenary forces. The group All Eyes on Wagner, an investigative organisation that tracks mercenary activity, released a report on Wednesday listing 1,417 fighters from 35 African countries who joined the Russian army between 2023 and mid-2025. It said 316 had died. Advertisement Advertisement A December 2025 report by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) said young Africans were being lured by false promises of training and employment. The report said Russias recruitment campaigns target poor urban youth seeking a better life, and that many realise that Europe is an increasingly inaccessible destination. IFRI described Russias recruitment practices as a form of human trafficking. Political accusations Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, is facing several lawsuits accusing her of recruiting South African men to fight in the war on Ukraine. Her sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, is among those who filed a criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement They were fooled to fight in a terrible, barbaric war that Africa has nothing to do with, said Olexander Scherba, Ukraines ambassador to South Africa, in November 2025. And its a colonial war, so seeing Africans fighting a colonial war against a free country is especially insane. He added that if it is true that some South African politicians were been involved, then it makes the whole situation even more precarious. Scherba also urged South Africans not to get involved to fight in this barbaric, unfair, unjust war. Regional concern In Kenya, the government condemned the use of Kenyan recruits as cannon fodder on the war front and estimated about 200 citizens are fighting for Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said he would travel to Moscow in March for talks aimed at conclusively resolving the matter and identifying sustainable solutions. Mudavadi said he would also seek the release of Kenyans held as prisoners of war in Ukraine and verify the condition of those hospitalised. The South Dakota House of Representatives voted 49-13 on Thursday to require the use of E-Verify by employers in the state to check employees eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is a free federal government website that compares records from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Social Security Administration to the information on an employees I-9, which is an employment verification document that must be filed by employers for all new employees, including U.S. citizens. If theres a discrepancy between I-9 information and records uncovered through an E-Verify check, employers are notified and employees have a chance to correct the discrepancy. Advertisement Advertisement The federal government and its contractors are required to use E-Verify. If House Bill 1209 becomes law, South Dakota would be the 10th state to mandate E-Verify use by all employers. The bill now heads to a state Senate committee. Searchlight Report podcast Voices from South Dakota politics and policy. Listen > The bill, from Rep. Josephine Garcia, R-Watertown, would also empower South Dakotas attorney general to investigate employers and fine them up to $2,000 for each time they fail to use the system. This is a common sense measure to protect American workers, Garcia said. Some lawmakers bemoaned the administrative hassle for employers whod be forced to file I-9 forms and use E-Verify, and others thought there ought to be exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. John Shubeck, R-Beresford, said he wants to offer an amendment to state senators to exempt employers from using E-Verify on teenagers. I do think we need those carveouts for that, because I often hire high school kids, and I dont want to verify my own children, said Shubeck. Rep. Eric Emery, D-Rosebud, said hes used E-Verify, but is concerned about errors in situations when the system has old data. It is a very quick system when it works, but it does have a lot of flaws, Emery said. Canton Republican Rep. Karla Lems said E-Verify would offer some peace of mind to people who worry that large employers hire people who are not legally allowed to work in the country. Advertisement Advertisement It will just give someone relief to some of us that question some of those industries and who theyre employing, Lems said. Some opponents, however, suggested that a mandate to use E-Verify would serve more as a symbolic gesture on immigration than an impactful policy change. To think that were going to solve immigration problems with this bill, I see as very optimistic, said Rep. Mike Stevens, R-Yankton. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WASHINGTON Hundreds of tribal leaders gathered on Monday morning to hear the annual State of Indian Nations address delivered by National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Mark Macarro, the longtime tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians in Southern California, at the kickoff of the organizations Winter Executive Council Session, setting a determined and urgent tone for the year ahead. Macarro highlighted the historical struggles and enduring resilience of Native communities, stressing the need for a unified national movement to protect tribal sovereignty and the critical importance of sustained federal funding for tribal programs. He called for collective action, strategic advocacy, and expanded public education to ensure that Native rights are not only respected but fully upheld. His remarks carried a clear message: the challenges facing Indian Country require solidarity, vigilance, and bold leadership at every level. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Macarro reminded tribal leaders that the sovereignty of tribal nations predated the formation of the United States, grounding his speech in history and inherent rights. Long, long before there was a United States, there were sovereign tribal nations, governments with laws, languages, economies and lands shaped by the tens of thousands of years on this continent. Our sovereignty was not created by treaties nor granted by Congress. It is inherent and existed before colonization. Treaties did not give us sovereignty. They recognized it. The Constitution did not define us. It acknowledged us, Macarro said. He underscored the vital role of the National Congress of American Indians in unifying and empowering tribal nations, urging both youth and elders to lead, mentor, and strengthen the movement across generations. He emphasized that intergenerational leadership is essential to safeguarding culture, language, and governance systems that have endured for millennia. During his address, Macarro referenced the strong presence of federal immigration officers who have detained and harassed Native Americans, raising alarm about the broader implications for civil rights and tribal citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake, we stand in unity with all of our relatives in Minnesota, Macarro said. As he concluded his address, he again stressed the need for tribal nations to walk together in unity, framing solidarity as both a moral responsibility and a strategic necessity. We are the first people of this continent. We are sovereign tribal nations, and we will never back down. So let's walk forward together in unity, in strength and abundance, and commit to one another that we will not just survive this moment. We will shape it, Macarro said as he closed his address. Macarro further referenced the threats posed by federal immigration enforcement activities, particularly recent operations in Minnesota and the impact of federal immigration officers in the Twin Cities region. He characterized these developments as a stark reminder of the need to defend Native citizens rights and assert tribal authority. Advertisement Advertisement Each year, a member of Congress delivers a congressional response following the NCAI presidents address. This years response was given by retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), who serves on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized tribes, making the state a significant voice in national tribal policy discussions. Smith referenced the controversial immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota officially called Operation Metro Surge and described the fear and disruption experienced by local communities. In my home state of Minnesota, federal immigration police have been roaming our streets detaining, arresting, assaulting, and even killing our citizens, Smith said. Smith recounted visiting PowWow Grounds Coffee on Franklin Street in Minneapolis, where Native American mobile patrols are headquartered. She praised the resilience, organization, and activism of Native communities, highlighting recent incidents in which ICE agents were confronted and community members mobilized to protect one another. Advertisement Advertisement Smith emphasized the importance of tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the federal governments trust and treaty obligations. She pointed to progress in Native representation in government and increased federal investments in Indian Country, while acknowledging that much work remains. Despite her retirement, Smith pledged to continue advocating for Native priorities, including food sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and cultural preservation. She concluded by urging courage, vigilance, and unity in the face of ongoing political and social challenges, affirming that the strength of tribal nations lies in their shared history and collective resolve. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) Haitians living under Temporary Protected Status will be staying in the U.S., at least for now, after a federal judges ruling. Its been a roller coaster ride for nearly two weeks, with both sides of the issue wondering whats coming next, and the reactions are truly mixed. Haitians feel uncertain about the future and how, without TPS, they could be sent somewhere unsafe, but other Springfield residents believe its time for the Haitians to leave. Advertisement Advertisement We have a bad situation right now, said Reginald Silencieux, a senior pastor at First Evangelical Haitian Church. When you say you have to return back to Haiti, its not possible because Haiti is unsafe right now. Its a situation that the Springfield Haitian community has been dealing with for a while, but others are passionate about them leaving. Were tired from five long years of talking and once homogeneous neighborhoods infiltrated by foreign national neighbors from deeply third world countries, said Diana Daniels, a Springfield resident. You brought them and practiced that third world culture, who do not share our language, our values or our morals, and dont have any affinity for things American. The Trump Administration and federal judge are fighting over one thing right now: Haitians TPS. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said despite the death threats, shes standing by her ruling, while the administration fights back with an appeal. Meanwhile, Springfield is caught in the crossfire. Silencieux said 2 NEWS that the Haitian community was happy with todays ruling, but the stress of uncertainty remains. The problem is not resolved definitively, he said. So, we have to wait, but for now, we still worry about it. Currently, there is no set date that TPS might end. 2 NEWS has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comments and is waiting for a response. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Sri Lankan authorities have withdrawn their support from an LGBT+ tourism initiative in the country. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) initially endorsed a proposal by Equal Ground, an LGBT+ advocacy group, to market the Indian Ocean island as an inclusive destination. At the time of the decision last September, the SLTDA chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam, said the initiative could help diversify tourism markets and promote Sri Lanka as safe and welcoming. Advertisement Advertisement However, local reporting has since detailed criticism of the endorsement, including from senior Buddhist monks and the head of the Catholic church in Sri Lanka, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. After the outcry, Sri Lankas Attorney General, Mr Parinda Ranasinghe, confirmed that it had withdrawn the letter of support. People in Sri Lanka are still uncomfortable speaking on this topic. Its a cultural issue. Its not Europe, it is still Asia. Practically, we have not advanced to that stage where parents would be alright with same sex marriages, he said, according to the Telegraph. When we dont know the kind of sexual orientation of the people who come to this country, what they do in their private time, it is nobodys concern as long as they dont engage in such activities in public, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, founder of Equal Ground, told The Independent that the withdrawal has caused them total disappointment. We are very disturbed by the news, she said. Ms Flamer-Caldera added that many LGBT+ people work in the countrys tourism industry. She said that the National People's Power party, which is currently in government, came into office with a promise to the LGBT+ community that they would push for decriminalisation. The UKs foreign office warns LGBT+ travellers that same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sri Lanka, but details that it is not aware of any prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement The CEO of LGBT+ travel company Out of Office, Darren Burn, told The Independent that the move was short-sighted and will have consequences. Sri Lanka remains an extraordinary destination, and importantly, there is still a strong network of hotels, guides and travel businesses that genuinely welcome LGBT+ travellers, including several that are proudly gay-owned and operated. However, decisions like this from the tourist board do have consequences. We send hundreds of clients to Sri Lanka each year, and news like this inevitably creates hesitation among travellers who want to feel openly welcomed and supported. It is a short-sighted move that risks damaging confidence in the destination globally. That said, for those who do choose to visit, Sri Lanka continues to offer incredible diversity, culture, and warmth, and we remain fully committed to helping LGBT+ travellers experience it safely and authentically, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Equal Grounds project involves running inclusion programmes with tour operators, hotels and taxi drivers. Ms Flamer-Caldera said that the initiatives sole purpose was to make Sri Lanka a friendly place for LGBT+ persons to visit and spend their money without judgment or harassment, without prejudice. We are highly disappointed and we feel that the rhetoric that is going around is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the LGBT+ community and cause damage to our reputations. The Independent has contacted the SLTDA and the Attorney Generals office for comment. Read more: As an LGBT+ person, visiting the same places isnt boring its vital On Tuesday, as Memphis Mayor Paul Young delivered his State of the City address,, a grassroots organization disrupted it by shouting. The setting was a church. Children were present. Reactions were immediate and divided. Some called it courageous. Others called it disrespectful. What has unsettled so many people about this disruption is not the protest itself, but who was interrupted and where. Protest is often celebrated in theory, yet becomes far more complicated when it publicly challenges a Black mayor in a Black sacred space. I write not to oppose disruption, but to interrogate the inconsistencies and assumptions shaping our response to this moment. For me, this moment did not begin this week. It actually began more than a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement Over the last 10 years, Memphis has lived through protests over police violence, federal investigations, environmental injustice, school instability and economic abandonment. I have spoken in pulpits and in streets. I have been labeled militant. I have been told certain tactics were too loud, too confrontational, too disruptive. Protesters interrupted Memphis Mayor Paul Youngs State of the City on Tuesday, Feb. 10. (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht for Tennessee Lookout) When we protested police violence under white leadership, some of the very people who now defend disruption urged moderation. We were told to wait. To negotiate quietly. To avoid embarrassing the city. But Memphis should have learned something over the past decade: waiting has rarely produced transformation. Our political inadequacies are not new. We have watched administrations promise reform and then struggle to deliver structural change. We have witnessed public relations strategies substitute for public accountability. We have seen moments of collective outrage generate headlines but not sustained policy shifts. Advertisement Advertisement For many of our most vulnerable neighbors poor Black families, undocumented workers, immigrants, youth navigating over-policing and under-investment the material realities have not improved enough to suggest that anyone gets a pass. Not because Young is Black. Not because intentions are good. Not because rhetoric sounds hopeful. Symbolism can never be a substitute for structural change. If our political realities have not shifted in ways that tangibly protect the most vulnerable among us, then nothing should be considered automatically off limits in the fight for Black liberation, freedom and equity including protest. That is part of our tradition. Protest is sacred in the Black prophetic imagination. The Black church has never been merely a sanctuary of comfort. It has also been a staging ground for confrontation. From sit-ins to mass meetings, from prayer vigils to public marches, disruption has often been the language of those denied access to power. Advertisement Advertisement But sacred does not mean careless. The same tradition that gave us disruption also gave us discipline. Strategy. Training. Moral coherence. What concerns me in this moment is not that the protest happened. Whoopty doo. What concerns me is whether our public witness is consistent. Our moral posture cannot fluctuate based on who occupies the office. If disruption was inappropriate in one season, we should wrestle honestly with why it feels necessary in another. If militant tactics were demonized when confronting police violence, they should not be romanticized now without reflection. And if we defended loud dissent before, we should not retreat into respectability because the face of power has changed. Black leadership does not exempt anyone from accountability. At the same time, we must guard against patterns where protest becomes selective, reactive or driven more by political optics than by principled analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Liberation work requires moral coherence. We do not fight personalities. We fight unjust systems. And systems do not transform because identity alone changes at the top. Memphis does not need less protest. It needs deeper protest. Protest that is clear about its objectives. Protest that understands timing. Protest that is as disciplined as it is passionate. And Memphis needs governance that makes protest less necessary not by suppressing dissent, or regulating protests more than economic and environmental policies, but by addressing the conditions that give rise to protest in the first place. The question is not simply whether a speech was disrupted or who felt it was (or wasnt) inappropriate. The deeper question is whether our activism and our politics are moving us closer to justice for those who remain most vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement I write this not as a detached observer, but as someone who has lived the last decade of Memphis activism from inside the tension. I have felt the cost of speaking loudly. I have witnessed the limits of speaking politely. Silence has never saved us. But neither has inconsistency. If we are serious about Black liberation, freedom and equity in Memphis, then our protest must be principled, and our politics must be accountable. Anything less is symbolism. And Memphis deserves more than symbolism. We deserve concrete, substantive, and structural change. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NORWICH, Conn. (AP) The U.S. State Department has ordered certain public libraries nationwide to cease processing passport applications, disrupting a long-standing service that librarians say their communities have come to rely on and that has run smoothly for years. The agency, which regulates U.S. passports, began issuing cease and desist orders to not-for-profit libraries in late fall, informing them they were no longer authorized to participate in the Passport Acceptance Facility program as of Friday. We still get calls daily seeking that service, said Cathleen Special, executive director of the Otis Library in Norwich, Connecticut, where passport services were offered for 18 years but ceased in November after receiving the letter. Our community was so used to us offering this. Advertisement Advertisement A State Department spokesperson said the order was given because federal law and regulations clearly prohibit non-governmental organizations from collecting and retaining fees for a passport application. Government-run libraries are not impacted. The spokesperson did not respond to questions as to why it has become an issue now and exactly how many libraries are impacted by the cease and desist order. In a statement, they said, passport services has over 7,500 acceptance facilities nationwide and the number of libraries found ineligible makes up less than one percent of our total network. The American Library Association estimates about 1,400 mostly non-profit public libraries nationwide could potentially be affected, or about 15% of all public libraries, depending on how many offer passport services. Democratic and Republican members of Congress from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Maryland are pushing back, sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio this month asking him to extend the existing program until Congress finds a permanent solution. Advertisement Advertisement "In a time when demand for passports is surging, libraries are among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents, the members wrote. The lawmakers' letter said people will have to travel long distances, take unpaid time off from work or forgo getting a passport when demand is surging due to Real ID requirements. If Republicans in Congress impose strict new voting rules, citizens could need their passport or birth certificate to register. People fearing immigration agents are also increasingly carrying passports to confirm their citizenship. They said the change is particularly disruptive to their states, where many public libraries are structured as nonprofit entities. They predicted some libraries, which benefit financially from passport processing fees, will have to lay off staff, cut programs or close their doors if not allowed to continue providing passport services. Public libraries are organized differently in each state. In Pennsylvania 85% of public libraries are non-profit organizations, versus being a department of a local municipal government. In Maine, it's 56%; Rhode Island, 54%, New York, 47% and Connecticut, 46%, according to the American Library Association. Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania Reps. Madeleine Dean, a Democrat, and John Joyce, a Republican, have proposed bipartisan legislation that would allow 501(c)(3) non-profit public libraries to continue to serve as passport acceptance facilities by amending the Passport Act of 1920. A similar companion bill is pending in the Senate. Dean, who first learned about the policy change from a library in her district that has provided passport services for 20 years, called the State Department's interpretation of the law nonsense. In Joyce's rural, south-central Pennsylvania district, the Marysville-Rye Library is one of only two passport facilities serving the 556-square-mile Perry County, according to the letter to Rubio. Now the county courthouse will be the only remaining option. The State Department noted that 99% of the U.S. population lives within 20 miles of a designated passport processing location, such as a post office, county clerk's office or government-run library authorized to accept in-person passport applications. Advertisement Advertisement Should the removal of an ineligible facility affect passport services, we will work to identify new eligible program partners in the impacted area, the agency spokesperson said. But Special said the Norwich post office had often referred people to her library for passports when someone needed service outside regular hours or had children who needed to be watched and entertained while their parent filled out the paperwork. Library staff also assisted applicants with language barriers. And now the burden falls on them to do all of it and thats tough on them," she said of the post office down the street. "I dont know how theyre keeping up, to be honest, because it was such a popular service with us. Massachusetts State Police are searching for a suspect who they say struck a trooper while fleeing Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett early Friday morning. The person in question is suspected of carrying a weapon while at the casino, state police said in a statement shared with Boston 25. State police say the suspect ran from casino security after being subjected to a secondary screening, prompting troopers assigned to the Gaming Enforcement Unit to give chase into the garage. Advertisement Advertisement While driving off at a high rate of speed, the suspect struck one of the troopers with the mirror of their vehicle, according to state police. The trooper wasnt injured. There were no additional details immediately available. An investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Pizza Huts South Korean operations are set to be transferred to a newly created investment vehicle, according to The Korea Herald. The move is part of an ongoing court-led rehabilitation process aimed at maintaining the brand while limiting its debt load. Industry sources report that local private equity entities Kclavis Investment and Winter Gold have jointly established a new entity, PH Korea, which has agreed to acquire the operating rights to Pizza Huts Korean business for Won11bn ($7.6m). The transaction is proceeding through a court-supervised mechanism that allows essential business assets to be transferred ahead of final approval of the restructuring plan. Under the proposal, the current Pizza Hut Korea unit will use the sale proceeds to repay creditors and will then be liquidated. The newly formed PH Korea is expected to take over the franchise system and company-run outlets. Of the sale proceeds, approximately Won7bn is anticipated to be distributed to rehabilitation creditors once priority claims are paid. This would give creditors an estimated recovery of around 13% of their claims, compared with less than 4% if the business transfer had not taken place. The restructuring effort comes more than a year after the existing entity applied for court-led rehabilitation in November 2024, citing a long-running dispute with franchisees and growing financial pressures. The companys position deteriorated further after the Supreme Court confirmed a ruling requiring the return of Won21.5bn in margin franchise fees, referring to undisclosed markups on supplies sold to franchise operators. That judgment lifted total rehabilitation claims to about Won61.5bn. The new PH Korea plans changes to its profit structure, logistics and marketing, and intends to simplify franchise agreements to stabilise operations. The plan does not currently involve store closures or large-scale redundancies. Pizza Hut Korea said it will submit creditor opinions from a recent meeting to the court. The restructuring will move ahead subject to judicial approval of the asset transfer, confirmation of the rehabilitation plan and a creditors meeting before the deal is completed. "Pizza Huts South Korean unit set for ownership change under court supervision" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The first payments for the Stay NJ property tax relief program are beginning to roll out. But with a price tag of about $1.2 billion each year, and guaranteed funding only through June of this year, the program may see changes moving forward. Trending topics: What can NJ police do, and not do, related to ICE enforcements? What is Stay NJ? Stay NJ is a program open to qualifying seniors and disabled residents. Geared toward keeping seniors in New Jersey during their golden years, Stay NJ is designed to offer property tax rebates to those 65 and older with incomes of up to $500,000. It's projected that 90% of eligible recipients have incomes of less than $200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Stay NJ checks are now being mailed to approximately 430,000 qualifying taxpayers who applied last year. The payments are to be distributed in quarterly installments at an average of approximately $637 for the first check. The first quarterly payment began rollout Feb. 9. The next quarterly payment is scheduled to be mailed in mid-May. The seal of New Jersey on the rotunda floor in the newly-renovated Statehouse in Trenton on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Senior Freeze payments were sent out last summer, and ANCHOR payments were sent in the fall. Payments are calculated based on property tax bills as well as eligibility for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze. All seniors qualify for all three programs, but eligibility is determined by criteria such as household income and length of residence. Advertisement Advertisement The payments being sent now for Stay NJ are for tax year 2024. How to apply to Stay NJ The application process for tax year 2025 is now rolling out. New Jersey residents who have lived in their state property for all of 2025 and who have an income below $500,000 may apply for Stay NJ using the PAS-1 application. The PAS-1 form also acts as an application for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze, two other property tax relief programs in New Jersey. Interested residents must apply with the PAS-1 form even if they don't qualify for all three programs. Applications can be completed online at propertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov or through mail with a paper application. Advertisement Advertisement The deadline for all applications is Nov. 2. More on the PAS-1 application: How to apply for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, Stay NJ using one application Is Stay NJ here to stay? Stay NJ is not a guaranteed program for the long term. The New Jersey Department of the Treasury acknowledged in a release announcing the payments that the availability of New Jerseys property tax relief programs is subject to state budget appropriations. The budget for fiscal year 2026, which runs through June 30, includes $2,431,572,000 for ANCHOR, $239,300,000 for Senior Freeze and $280,000,000 for Stay NJ. That isnt the only money dedicated for Stay NJ. Its actually the third and final tranche of funding needed to cover just the start of the program. Advertisement Advertisement Recent headlines: Camden firefighter Howard Bennett honored at celebration of life today Including this third year of funding, the state has set aside $600 million for the program and is expected to cover payments to eligible recipients from January through June 2026. Treasury officials confirmed last February that there is no "buildup plan" for fiscal year 2027. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is to present her budget plan to the legislature next month. The estimated cost of Stay NJ is $1.2 billion annually. It was a source of tension even when it was first introduced in May 2023. Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and his leadership counterpart, state Sen. Nick Scutari, first proposed the program, which was met with resistance from the executive branch. A clock sits on a pile of forms Then-Gov. Phil Murphy said at the time that there were a few things about the bill that were concerning, with the biggest one being the expense added to the budget. His office was said to be preparing for all possibilities, including a government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately the legislation passed, and the payments have been building up for this first six months of funding, but not everyone is on board with it. What are state officials saying? Assemblyman Brian Bergen said in a letter to Treasurer Aaron Binder that the requirements to issue Stay NJ payments, including a minimum 12% budget surplus, have not been met and that the 12% requirement exists to protect taxpayers when times get tough. He went on to criticize the lack of long-term planning for distributing funds. Theyre draining three years of reserves in one shot while costs are about to explode, Bergen said. Thats not responsible budgeting. Advertisement Advertisement Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@usatodayco.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: What to know about Stay NJ, a property tax relief program The Washington state Senate approved legislation Thursday to set stricter eligibility standards for sheriffs and other police leadership, weeks after a sheriffs comments on the bill left some lawmakers feeling threatened. The contentious measure also looks to give the state a path to remove elected sheriffs from office if they dont meet the new requirements and limit the use of posses of police volunteers that some sheriffs deploy. After roughly two hours of debate, Senate Bill 5974 passed on a party-line 30-19 vote, with no Republican support. Democrats say its a necessary measure to hold sheriffs and chiefs accountable and help build public confidence in police. Advertisement Advertisement The bills sponsor, Sen. John Lovick, is a former Snohomish County sheriff and longtime state trooper. He noted other states, including Texas and Georgia, have passed similar legislation. He said he thinks the bill will continue the positive and productive law enforcement culture in our state. No one who fails to uphold the integrity of the law should enforce it upon others, said Lovick, a Democrat from Mill Creek. Republicans believe the bill is an override of the will of voters and state overreach into the power of local governments. They called it a solution in search of a problem. If voters hire the sheriff, said Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, voters ought to be able to fire the sheriff, not a commission in Olympia. Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs and police chiefs are also staunchly opposed. The legislation now heads to the House. What it would do Currently, appointed police chiefs have to be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or equivalent who havent been convicted of a felony or a recent lesser crime involving moral turpitude. They also have to be certified as a peace officer and have at least two years of full-time law enforcement experience. Elected sheriffs dont have the same requirements, but they have to get certified by the state Criminal Justice Training Commission within a year of taking office. The governor appoints the commissions board. Advertisement Advertisement The bill the Senate passed would add new eligibility requirements for police chiefs and extend all of them to sheriffs. Theyd need to be at least 25 years old and have at least five years of law enforcement experience, instead of two. This requirement would disqualify the sitting sheriff in southwest Washingtons Pacific County, Daniel Garcia, a naval veteran who won office without prior law enforcement experience. Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, called Pacific County the bills potential first victim. Under the bill, sheriffs and police chiefs also couldnt have been convicted of any gross misdemeanor or engaged in conduct that could get their certification denied or revoked. They would also need to undergo a background check, and it would move up the timeline for getting certified after taking office from 12 months to nine. Advertisement Advertisement Notably, if sheriffs are decertified or no longer meet the eligibility criteria, they would have to vacate their elected office. County officials would appoint a replacement. Currently, voters can turn to the rarely used recall process if they want to remove their sheriff. The state legislation would also explicitly note in Washington law that sheriffs have a duty to uphold and enforce the states constitution and laws, as well as uphold the U.S. Constitution. In a tacit rebuke of their colleagues across the aisle, Senate Republicans filed a resolution Thursday seeking to amend the state constitutions requirements for legislators to match the proposed eligibility mandates for sheriffs and police chiefs. Then theres the posse issue. Advertisement Advertisement Many law enforcement agencies develop teams of volunteers who arent sworn officers and havent gone to the police academy. Many have benign duties, like parking enforcement, parks and recreation assistance and search and rescue. But for some sheriffs offices, especially in rural areas of Washington like Klickitat County, they can take on more expansive roles without much oversight. Washington law has few guidelines for these posses. The legislation would make clear that sheriffs cant use untrained volunteers to enforce criminal statutes or civil immigration laws, engage in pursuits, use force, carry weapons or use surveillance technology, among other things. They could still assist with administrative support and other more routine duties. They also must be distinguishable from commissioned officers. Advertisement Advertisement This provision is, in part, a response to the constitutional sheriffs movement that has promoted building these posses. The movement is rooted in the idea that sheriffs hold supreme law enforcement power in their individual jurisdictions, even compared to elected officials from higher levels of government. To access the new $100 million grant program to boost police hiring that lawmakers passed last year, agencies had to have policies prohibiting volunteers from enforcing criminal laws. Republicans offered a number of amendments on the Senate floor, but Democrats accepted none of them. Most of the bills provisions would take effect April 30. The restrictions on volunteers would become law Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Similar legislation in the House last year didnt get a floor vote. This year, another bill in the House took a different approach from the Senate measure approved Thursday. It wouldnt have allowed sheriffs who arent certified by the state as peace officers to do regular police work. And if they were decertified for conduct after taking office, it would start recall proceedings against that sheriff. That legislation, which had bipartisan support, stalled early in the 2026 session. Bills focused on police accountability have been a tough sell in recent years in Olympia. And much of the police accountability energy in the Legislature this year has been spent on regulating federal immigration enforcement. This bill is one of the few focused on local law enforcement that stands a chance. Are you prepared? Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank drew ire from lawmakers and the state organization representing police leadership due to his testimony on the legislation last month. Advertisement Advertisement He questioned the authority of lawmakers to regulate him, specifically referring to a controversial bill to bar law enforcement from wearing masks. He vowed that if they tried to remove him from office, thousands of his constituents would surround the county office building in Tacoma. I hope it doesnt come to that, but I, and they, are prepared, Swank said in his testimony. Are you prepared? Afterward, Tacoma Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, a Democrat, called Swank an embarrassment to the profession. Lovick, the bills sponsor, compared him to segregationist Alabama police leader Eugene Bull Connor. Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, read from Swanks testimony during the Senate floor debate Thursday. She said it made clear the necessity of the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs condemned Swanks comments as inflammatory and said it would initiate proceedings to consider expelling him from the organization, despite its own frustrations with the legislation. The associations board hasnt decided on the future of Swanks membership. Theres no timeline for a decision, an association spokesperson said Thursday. As of last month, Swank has multiple open cases at the Criminal Justice Training Commission that threaten his certification. Under the legislation, his decertification would mean his removal from office. GENEVA, Ill. (WGN) A west suburban family is seeking federal intervention to free their brother from a prison in West Africa. Brad Schlenkers family says authorities overseas arrested him and his co-pilot last December after landing in Guinea to refuel. Able to make phone calls from his cell, Schlenker spoke to WGN-TV Thursday night, arguing that Guinea airport controllers gave him every indication he and his co-pilot could land. The simple fact that were here is an abomination, Schlenker said. Confirmed clear to land. That trumps everything right there. Advertisement Advertisement Schlenkers brother, Jon, described the contentious scene at the Guinea Airport on December 30. They were surprised when they obviously landed with 18 machine guns pointed at them, he said. This is a life and death situation. Jon Schlenker says after his 63-year-old brother landed his Gulfstream IV jet in Guinea, West Africa, he and co-pilot Fabio Nunez went to jail, accused of breaching Guinea airspace without authorization. The pilots faces charges of landing without a permit and other infractions. Brad Schlenker and Fabio Nunez (Photo provided) Time may be running out, Jon Schlenker fears. They were cleared by three judges to be innocent, but then the military came in and applied pressure. They refused to let them out of prison, Schlenkers brother, Jon, said. Advertisement Advertisement Brad Schlenker revealed the conditions inside his Guinea jail cell, lamenting no electricity and no running water, as well he and his co-pilots desperation to get out after 45 days behind bars. Marco Rubio, Mr. Trump, this is Brad Schlenker calling you from a Guinean prison. Were begging for help. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines WGN reached out to the State Department regarding the urgent matter but has not het heard back at the time of publication. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A Subway restaurant in Pittsburgh has been ordered closed by the Allegheny County Health Department. According to a report, inspectors visited the Subway at 950 Ridge Ave., Allegheny West, on Thursday. There, they reportedly found 10 violations, including two considered high-risk. Inspectors say they found tuna salad measuring 53 degrees inside a walk-in cooler, more than four hours after preparation. The walk-in cooler was also not functioning while inspectors were there. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple other foods were reportedly measured above 41 degrees inside the walk-in cooler and in the sandwich prep cold rail. Violations also include a lack of a certified food protection manager, a build-up of black mold-like substance on the caulking and underneath the hand sinks faucet and a lack of an internal thermometer inside the walk-in cooler. Click here to read the full inspection report. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW More than 6,000 people were killed in just three days when Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city of el-Fasher last year, according to victims and witnesses cited in a UN report. "It was like a scene out of a horror movie," recalled one person, who saw bodies thrown into the air as RSF fighters opened fire on 1,000 people sheltering in a university building last October. The report cites evidence of mass killings, summary executions, torture, abductions and sexual violence against civilians. These amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, it says. Advertisement Advertisement The RSF has not commented on the report but has denied previous such accusations. Sudan remains locked in an almost threeyear power struggle between the regular army and the RSF paramilitaries. The ongoing civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and forced more than 13 million people from their homes. Widespread sexual violence against men, women and children is being used as a weapon of war. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have been accused of atrocities. The US and Human Rights Watch believe the RSF and its allies have waged a genocide in the western Darfur region against the Massalit people and other non-Arab communities, but recent UN reports have stopped short of calling it this. Advertisement Advertisement El-Fasher, a key city located in Darfur, came under 18 months of sustained siege. It is where some of the most harrowing stories have emerged in this conflict. More than 140 victims and witnesses gave testimony in Sudan's Northern state and in eastern Chad in late 2025, according to the UN Human Rights Office. In those first few days of the assault on el-Fasher, the UN says "at least 4,400 people were killed" within the city, and "over 1,600 others along exit routes as they fled". Advertisement Advertisement "The actual scale of the death toll during the week-long offensive is undoubtedly significantly higher," the report adds. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, has renewed calls on all sides in Sudan to end what he described as grave violations by forces under their command. International pressure has been increasing on the backers of this conflict to disengage. The UAE has denied widespread claims that it is the main supplier of arms to RSF fighters. Last week, the UK imposed sanctions on six key figures it said were fuelling Sudan's war - including senior commanders in the army and the RSF, as well as three foreign nationals allegedly responsible for recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight for the RSF. Advertisement Advertisement British lawmakers had also recently spoken out in parliament following UN claims that weapons sold lawfully by the UK to the UAE were then re-sold by the UAE to the RSF. "The UK has extremely strong controls on arms exports, including to prevent any diversion. We will continue to take that immensely seriously," Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in response. Plans to set up a rival Sudanese government baaed in the west of the country have been announced by a coalition linked to the RSF, called the Sudan Founding Alliance. The African Union has rejected those plans, warning that such a move would threaten any prospect of unity. More BBC stories on Sudan: Advertisement Advertisement To support children in Sudan and other Arabic-speaking countries who are denied or restricted from accessing education, the BBC World Service is launching a new season of the Arabic edition of its award-winning educational programme Dars - or Lesson. The first episode aired on Saturday 24 January, on BBC News Arabic TV. New episodes are broadcast weekly on Saturdays at 09:30 GMT (11:30 EET), with repeats on Sundays at 05:30 GMT (07:30 EET) and throughout the week. The programme is also available on digital platforms, including BBC News Arabic YouTube. [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday agreed to allow Democratic lawmakers mid-decade redistricting attempt to move forward, announcing it will hear the case on an expedited basis. The court denied Republican lawmakers motion to pause a redistricting referendum as the high court deliberates the case. The order means voters will be able to approve or reject the redistricting amendment in a referendum scheduled for April 21, 2026. The effort would redraw Virginias congressional maps, with 10 districts favoring Democrats and one tipped towards Republicans. Virginia Democrats proposed 10-D, 1-R congressional districts map preserves the broad outlines of some existing districts but redistributes how the population is grouped across much of the state. (Photo courtesy Virginia Legislative Information System) Almost immediately after the order was released, Democratic leaders emphasized that the decision to redistrict or not will be in the hands of Virginians this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Its a question of whether people want to move forward thats responsive to the redistricting that weve seen in other states, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said while walking with reporters in Capitol Square Friday. Certainly the General Assembly was clear with the amendment process they put forward, and now its up to voters. Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, also echoed the sentiment. Virginias redistricting effort is a response to President Donald Trump kicking off redistricting squabbles nationally by encouraging GOP-led states to fortify their party by redrawing their Congressional maps, Scott said. We have a president thats run amok, Scott said in a press gaggle Friday morning. So we have no choice but to respond and try to do everything in our power to level the playing field. While Virginias redistricting amendment surfaced in recent months, the national debates first began late last summer when Trump prompted Texas to redraw its maps. Other GOP states began following suit and the Democratic states like New York and Maryland began their own processes. Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, made no reference to Trump or Republican states redistricting on Friday, but lamented other Democratic-led states efforts. With the redistricting process still moving forward, he noted the outreach efforts his party will need to do to counter Democratic messaging. Were going to make the case to Virginians that this is unfair, this is unprecedented, and, you know, quite frankly, its against the law we believe, and we will ultimately win in court, Kilgore said. The courts order also allows Attorney General Jay Jones to intervene in the case. All parties must file their opening briefs with the court by March 23. Editors note: This story has been updated with responses from Democratic and Republican leaders. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A man facing federal charges in connection with the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans has pleaded not guilty. Zubayr al-Bakoush appeared Thursday in federal court in Washington after he was extradited to the U.S. last week to face eight charges related to murder, terrorism and arson. The suspect wore an orange jumpsuit and used a walker to get to his seat. His defense attorney, Jessica Carmichael, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement A translator sat behind him to detail the proceedings, and he nodded along as she spoke. A U.S. Marshals Service member also sat beside him. The only time al-Bakoush spoke was in response to a joke from the trial judge, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, that hes stuck with the judge for the rest of the case. A federal magistrate judge had taken his plea less than an hour earlier. OK, al-Bakoush responded quietly. The terse indictment accuses al-Bakoush of taking part in the deadly terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 and 12, 2012. It also says he was a member of the Islamist extremist group Ansar Al-Sharia, which prosecutors say sought to establish Sharia law in Libya. Advertisement Advertisement Carmichael told the judge that al-Bakoush does, of course, contest a number of factual allegations against him. In announcing the charges last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi said al-Bakoush was one of the key participants behind the attack. FBI Director Kash Patel said he was apprehended overseas but did not provide additional details about the arrest. We have never stopped seeking justice for that crime against our nation, Bondi said. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiLorenzo noted that three of the offenses al-Bakoush faces carry a maximum penalty of death. He said its hard to speak to a timeline on when the Justice Department will decide whether to seek capital punishment but would seek to move as quickly as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Both parties agreed that the case is complex and asked the judge to designate it as such, which would allow for a longer timeline before trial. The next status hearing was set for June 4. The attacks killed Christopher Stevens, the then-U.S. ambassador to Libya; Sean Smith, who served as a State Department information management officer in Benghazi; and Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, who were Navy SEALS and CIA security contractors and seriously injured others. Al-Bakoush also faces a charge for the attempted murder of State Department Special Agent Scott Wickland. A federal magistrate judge last week granted the governments request to temporarily detain the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Court records indicate al-Bakoush was indicted by a federal grand jury in November, but the charging papers were unsealed Friday. He was first charged in a 2015 complaint that had been sealed for 11 years. Al-Bakoushs arrest marked the first in nearly nine years tied to the Benghazi attack. Libyan national Mustafa al-Imam was captured in 2017 and, in 2020, sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for crimes tied to the assault. Ahmed Abu Khatallah, a Libyan militia leader whom prosecutors portrayed as the mastermind, was convicted of four counts in 2017 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. In 2024, he was resentenced to 28 years in prison after a judge deemed the initial sentence unreasonably low. Advertisement Advertisement Khatallah, whose case Cooper oversaw as well, is named as a co-conspirator of al-Bakoush in the indictment. This story was updated at 5:13 p.m. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A man who was once named to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list has been captured 25 years after he allegedly raped and murdered a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia. Kash Patel, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced via X on Thursday, February 12, that officials apprehended fugitive Alexis Flores in Honduras for his suspected role in the death of little I'riana DeJesus in 2000. After more than 25 years on the run, this arrest proves time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice, Patel wrote. Thanks to our FBI teams and international partners, a fugitive accused of a horrific crime against a child is in custody and on a path back to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement The caption concluded, We will never stop pursuing those who harm our most vulnerable. DeJesus was first reported missing in late July 2000. She was later found dead in early August 2000 inside an apartment building just a few blocks away from where she lived in Philadelphia. She appeared to be strangled to death when her body was discovered. The young girl was last seen with a "a Hispanic male who allegedly told people he was from Honduras and was seeking work and a place to stay," according to the FBI. Man on FBIs 10 Most Wanted List, Accused of Killing Ex-Girlfriend in 2016, Is Captured in Mexico Advertisement Advertisement Flores was identified as a suspect when it was discovered that his DNA matched evidence found at the Philadelphia crime scene. In light of the connection, he was added to the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" list in 2007. The FBI added that Flores allegedly "disappeared" from the Philadelphia area around the same time DeJesus was reported missing. After the FBI declared he was wanted, they explained that Flores was imprisoned in Arizona and deported to Honduras after he was released in 2005 for an unrelated crime. A local arrest warrant was obtained on March 22, 2007, in Pennsylvania after Flores was charged with murder and other felonies, according to the FBIs website. That same day, a federal arrest warrant was issued in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, when Flores was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Flores was removed from the FBIs Most Wanted List in March 2025 following an overall program review, in which the bureau's Criminal Investigative Division tries to ensure that the list remains current. Philadelphia Man Charged With Murder After Allegedly Beating Girlfriends 2-Year-Old Daughter to Death The fugitives arrest comes shortly after the FBI arrested former Canadian Olympic snowboarder and FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive Ryan Wedding in Mexico in January. Wedding was wanted on suspicion of drug trafficking and was believed to be hiding in Mexico for more than a decade in an attempt to avoid being arrested. Wedding was flown to the United States where he will face justice, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in a social media post on January 23. This is a direct result of President Trumps law-and-order leadership. Under @POTUS, criminals have no safe harbor. Director [Kash] Patel has worked tirelessly to bring fugitives to justice. We are grateful to our incredible Ambassador Ron Johnson and the Mexican authorities for assisting us in this case. A suspect sped through the Los Angeles River during a police chase before he was taken into custody overnight in the Paramount area. Investigators say the chase started in Downey with reports of a stolen car. Video shows the hood of the suspect's car open and completely blocking the front windshield as the suspect barreled through the water. According to police, the car eventually spun out in the slick conditions and the driver made a run for it. He was later taken into custody. The New South Wales (NSW) Police watchdog will investigate allegations of misconduct against officers after violent clashes with people protesting against a visit by the Israeli president. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said it had decided it was "in the public interest" to investigate Monday's police operation after receiving a "significant number of complaints". Videos that emerged after the rally appeared to show police punching protesters and dragging away a group of praying Muslim men. A state MP was among those who said she was injured. Advertisement Advertisement NSW's police commissioner has previously defended officers, saying they showed "remarkable restraint" after protesters ignored directions. The commission said on Friday that it would review all available material, including video footage, as well as conducting hearings before delivering a public report to the state parliament. Thousands of people attended the rally, protesting against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by a UN commission - which he denies. Despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups, the government invited him to Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in December, saying it would help the Jewish community heal. Advertisement Advertisement The Palestine Action Group (PAG), which organised Monday's protest, welcomed the investigation and called on NSW Police Commissioner Malcolm Lanyon and NSW Premier Chris Minns to resign. "The police operation bore all the hallmarks of a police riot, targeting peaceful demonstrators," said Amal Naser. "Genocide is a crime. Protest is not." The Australian National Imams Council said on Friday that the police conduct had not reflected "the Australia we know" and reiterated its demand for an apology. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) said there must be "transparency" and "consequences where wrongdoing occurred", adding that the protest exposed "a disturbing pattern of anti-Palestinian racism". Advertisement Advertisement "This is not only about one protest nor just about the Palestine justice movement - it is about the shrinking of democratic space and an attack on the fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly," said APAN's Katie Shammas. Immediately after the Bondi attack, Minns introduced restrictions on protests and ahead of Herzog's visit announced additional "major event" powers effectively giving police authority to shut down areas of the city. Monday's rally took place just half an hour after protesters lost a legal bid to overturn the major powers designation. The rules allowed demonstrators to gather but forbade them from marching. Police say "a number of melees" broke out after crowds were ordered to move away from the area. Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-seven people were arrested at the protest and nine later charged, while 10 officers were assaulted, police said. NSW Police said in a statement that it will "work co-operatively" with the watchdog inquiry. "The LECC is a strong and independent oversight body, and we respect this process," Police Minister Yasmin Catley said. Minns has previously defended police actions, saying on Tuesday that police had been "put in an impossible situation", urging the public "not to look at a 10-second clip without the full context". On Thursday, he refused to apologise to the Muslim community for police breaking up their prayer, saying he did not believe officers would have done so "unless it was in the middle of a riot". Lanyon has apologised "for any offence that may have been taken". Operational efficiencies in production and distribution, combined with disciplined cost management, led to a record adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million. The acquisition of the 'Varnamtown' IP by Paramount for streaming development validates the company's strategy of creating original IP with secondary window monetization potential. Revenue growth was supported by a 5% quarter-over-quarter increase in PodRoll revenue, reflecting higher adoption of the company's Dynamic Ad Marketplace by brands. Performance is increasingly driven by an AI-powered infrastructure that enhances predictive profitability, automated advertising management, and audio quality across the portfolio. The partnership with Dr. Phil's Envoy Media Company represents a significant shift into multi-platform original content, leveraging his brand to launch a new daily podcast-based network. Management is pivoting the business from a traditional podcast publisher to a vertically integrated content and monetization network focused on owned media assets. Management expects adjusted EBITDA to continue growing in future quarters, noting that current profitability is driven by structural improvements rather than just one-time items. The company plans to launch multiple new video and audio projects within the Envoy Media partnership over the next 3 to 6 months, utilizing Dr. Phil's professional network. Guidance for the upcoming quarter reflects a typical seasonal deceleration in advertising spend as brands reset budgets following the peak calendar year-end period. Strategic focus remains on M&A opportunities, with management currently in discussions with several podcast networks that could complement the existing portfolio. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh's prime minister on 17 February after his centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to a landslide in the general election. Rahman, 60, is the figurehead of the influential Zia family, who leads one of two parties that have dominated politics in the country for decades. Both of his parents previously served as leaders of Bangladesh. Yet it has been far from a smooth path to the top for Rahman, whose career has been dogged by allegations of nepotism and corruption by political rivals, as well as a long period of exile and his father's assassination when Rahman was a teenager. Advertisement Advertisement His eventual ascent to chairman of the BNP came just weeks before Bangladesh headed to the polls, following the death of his mother, the country's first female prime minister Khaleda Zia. "Peace, law and order must be maintained at any cost ... We will not tolerate any kind of chaos," Reuters reported Rahman saying as he was sworn in on Tuesday. Forty-nine others, including experienced leaders and fresh faces, also took their oaths as members of the new cabinet. Foreign dignitaries from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, among other countries in the region, were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Shafiqur Rahman of Bangladesh's largest Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami is now the Leader of the Opposition. Tarique Rahman first became active within the BNP in 2001, when he was in his mid-30s. It was the start of his mother's second period as prime minister. Her first had run from 1991 to 1996. His father, Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler turned president, had been killed in a military coup in 1981. He was a leading figure in Bangladesh's struggle for independence and founded the BNP in 1978. In 2002, Rahman took his first significant steps in his parents' footprints, when it was announced that he had been promoted to a senior position within the party. Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the opposition described his rise as brazen nepotism. He would go on to acquire a reputation for being a "hatchet man" who enforced party discipline. Rahman has also been accused in the past of using his power to gain personal advantages but has always denied the corruption allegations against him. Some of his supporters believe he was used as a political scapegoat by his opponents. He was arrested on corruption charges in 2007 during a military-backed caretaker government and said he was tortured while awaiting trial. He spent 18 months in prison before being released and then left the country for London. Reports at the time suggested that he had promised to leave politics in order to be allowed to leave Bangladesh. Advertisement Advertisement Rahman would not return to his home country for another 17 years. Rahman's mother, Khaleda Zia, was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh [Getty Images] Yet despite living abroad, Rahman continued to shape BNP strategy and policies and had been the party's acting chairman since his mother was sentenced to prison in 2018. He too was subject to various criminal investigations while Sheikh Hasina, toppled by mass protests in 2004, was in power and he was sentenced in absentia in numerous cases, including for his role in a deadly grenade attack on a political rally in 2004. He was later cleared of all charges. He finally returned to Bangladesh on 25 December 2025. Five days later, his mother died. Advertisement Advertisement On 9 January, he officially became the BNP's leader. Analysts say that his rise to leadership in the BNP was inevitable. Accusations of nepotism once again reared their heads - something former BNP commerce minister Amir Khasru shrugged off. "Whether you come from a dynasty or not is irrelevant," he told the BBC, arguing that the BNP's activities had been so stifled by the Hasina regime that the party had been unable to elect a new leader outside of the Zia family. Others say the true test will be how Rahman leads his party and the country into the future. "He [Rahman] has seen the dark corners of politics, as well as experienced the politics of conflict and revenge in this country. Whether he can use that political wisdom to move from being a party leader to becoming a leader of the country in the future remains to be seen," political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed told the BBC. With additional reporting by Rakib Hasnat and Azadeh Moshiri With 30 confessed kills to his name, Ted Bundy never had just one method to hunt his victims. Sometimes the charismatic killer, known for his devilish good looks, snuck into his victims homes to attack his prey as they slept. But often, Bundywho is the focus of Oxygens upcoming special Love, Ted Bundyrelied on his charm and ability to seamlessly blend into the college communities where he pretended to be injured or hid behind a fake police badge to gain the trust of unsuspecting women. Advertisement Advertisement When you look at Ted Bundy, he was about the right age to be in college, he drove a Volkswagen Beatle, very, very popular car in the 70s and so when he would move into a college campus, he just fit right in, former FBI agent Brad Garrett previously explained in the ABC News special Bundy: 20/20. That was disarming to his victims. For More on Ted Bundy: Oxygen's Love, Ted Bundy Reveals Letters Notorious Serial Killer Wrote From Death Row Bite Marks and Prison EscapesWhat Led to the Capture and Conviction of Ted Bundy Who Was Ted Bundy's Wife Carole Ann Boone? Who Were Ted Bundys Victims? Before his 1989 execution, Bundy confessed to killing 30 women, but its believed his victim count could be much higher. His first known victim was Karen Sparks, a Washington college student who lived to tell about her horrific encounter. Sparks had been asleep in a basement bedroom on Jan. 4, 1974 when Bundy snuck into the room and viciously attacked her, using a metal rod to beat and sexually assault her. Advertisement Advertisement He came into my home, took a bed frame off of my bed and smashed my skull. And he probably used the same bed frame and smashed it into my vagina and into my bladder, Sparks recalled in Amazons Ted Bundy: Falling For a Killer. My bladder was totally split. Sparks suffered permanent brain damage and significant vision and hearing loss, but survived the encounter. A month later, Bundy struck again, this time targeting Lynda Ann Healy, a 21-year-old college student who worked as a radio ski reporter. When her roommates went into her room later that morning, Healy had vanished, leaving behind bloody sheets and her nightgown, covered in blood, in the closet. Soon after, other women including Donna Manson, Susan Rancourt, Brenda Ball and Roberta Kathleen Parks began to disappear. The remains of all five were later recovered on a mountainside. Ted Bundy G Ted Bundy Detailed Attacking Georgann Hawkins While discussing the June 1974 disappearance of 18-year-old college student Georgann Hawkins, Bundy revealed just how he overpowered his victims, Advertisement Advertisement I was moving up the alley using a briefcase and some crutches and the young woman walked down, Bundy told investigator Robert Keppel from behind bars in tapes replayed in the 20/20 special. I saw her round the north end of the block into the alley. And about halfway down the block, I encountered her and asked her to help me carry the briefcase, which she did and we walked back up the alley. Bundy had hidden a crow bar behind his right rear tire and reached for it as soon as they got to the car. Basically, when I reached the car, what happened was I knocked her unconscious with the crow bar, he chillingly recounted. There was some handcuffs there, along with the crowbar and I handcuffed her and put her in the passenger side of the car and drove away. According to Bundy, he drove her to a desolate spot hed already picked out and strangled her to death. RELATED: When Was Ted Bundy Executed? And What Was So "Ironic" About How He Died? It wasnt the only time hed use a ruse to fool his unsuspecting victims. The next month, on July 14, 1974, witnesses reported seeing a man wearing a sling and approaching women at Lake Sammamish State Park to ask if theyd help him unload a sailboat, according to Oxygens Snapped Notorious: Ted Bundy. Janice Ott, 23, was the first to fall victim to the scheme. Hours later, Denise Naslund disappeared from the same lake. Ted Bundy Portrait Police circulated details and a sketch about the suspect named Ted, who drove a tan Volkswagen Bugand Bundy was even interviewed by investigatorsbut the next month he slipped away when he headed to Utah to for law school. Ted Bundy Arrested in 1975 After Utah Traffic Stop The killings continued across Utah, Idaho and Colorado, according to the FBI, until Bundy was pulled over by police in August 1975 after his vehicle was spotted lurking in a neighborhood without its headlights on, before speeding away. Advertisement Advertisement Sgt. Bob Hayward of the Utah Highway Patrol later told KTVX Bundys passenger seat was missing from the vehicle and he found pantyhose, with holes cut into it, burglary tools, a crow bar and a pair of handcuffs inside the car. After arresting him for evading authorities, investigators realized he matched the description provided nearly a year earlier in November 1974 by 18-year-old Carol DeRonch, whod escaped an abduction attempt. Ted Bundy Used Fake Police Badge to Lure Victims DeRonch later told People shed been shopping at a Murray, Utah mall when she was approached by a man who claimed to be a police officer investigating a break-in to her car. The manlater identified as Bundyeven showed her a badge to pull off the deception. DeRonch agreed to go with Bundy to file a police report at the station, but something unnerved her about the encounter. Advertisement Advertisement "I thought he was kind of creepy, she told the news outlet, adding that he smelled of alcohol. I thought he was a lot older than he was. Once inside Bundys vehicle, Bundy tried to put her in handcuffs, but she managed to jump from the car. Bundy followedbrandishing a handgun and crowbarbut she got away and flagged down a passing motorist. Her testimony helped secure his 1976 conviction for kidnapping. RELATED: Are There Less Serial Killers Now? Here's What the Experts Have to Say Ted Bundy Escaped From Custody Twice It could have been the end of Bundys reign of terror, but after being extradited to Colorado to stand trial for the murder of Caryn Campbell, he escaped custody twice, ultimately heading to Florida in 1978 to attack the women of Florida State Universitys Chi Omega sorority house before kidnapping and killing 12-year-old Kimberly Leach in Lake City. Bundy In Court Bundy was arrested a final time on Feb. 15, 1978 after he was pulled over for another routine traffic stop and tried to run from authorities, according to Snapped Notorious: Ted Bundy. Advertisement Advertisement He was found guilty in a televised trial for the murders of Chi Omega sorority sisters Lisa Levy and Margaret Bowman and sentenced to death. Bundy was sentenced to death a second time in the trial for killing Leach. Why Did Ted Bundy Kill? Before his execution in 1989, Bundy finally broke his silence on the killings, admitting to taking the lives of 30 women. The confessed serial killer claimed he was driven by a dark entity, described in the book The Only Living Witness as a purely destructive power that grew from within. Bundy also spoke about the force to his long-time girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfernow often known by the pen name Elizabeth Kendalljust after his arrest in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement He told me that he was sick and that he was consumed by something that he didnt understand and that, um, that it that he just couldnt contain it, she told investigators in a recording obtained by the Netflix docuseries Conversations with A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. He spent so much time trying to maintain a normal life and he just couldnt do it. He said that he was preoccupied with this force. RELATED: Professor Shares How Deep Dive Into Ted Bundy's Past Revealed His Propensity For Violence Oxygens Love, Ted Bundy, premiering Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. ET/PT, will also explore how Bundy was able to hide his dark side from those closest to him and reveal the letters he wrote from death row to his cousin Edna Martin. Through exclusive photographs and first-time interviews with family and friends, Edna reveals stories about her cousin only she can tell, reads a description of the special. Love, Ted Bundy offers an intimate and unsettling portrait of one of Americas most notorious serial killers through the eyes of someone who believed she truly knew him. A judge sentenced 18-year-old Austin Thompson to life in prison without the possibility of parole Friday for the October 2022 shooting deaths of five people in a Raleigh neighborhood. Thompson, who was 15 at the time of the attack, was charged and sentenced as an adult. The sentencing follows Thompson's decision to plead guilty in January to murder and other charges related to the killing rampage. The victims of the shooting included a Raleigh police officer and Thompson's own brother. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED >> Absolutely heartbroken: Who were the victims in the deadly Raleigh mass shooting? The shooting took place in Thompson's Raleigh neighborhood during October 2022. Thompson had been poised to go on trial in state court before his attorneys announced he would instead plead guilty to all charges against him. Prior to the plea, his legal team had filed months of pretrial motions intended to limit certain testimony and evidence. Thompsons attorneys wrote that the decision to avoid a trial was an effort to save the community and the victims from as much additional infliction of trauma as possible. NEED TO KNOW A large fire was reported at the SkyLand Ranch amusement park in Tennessee in the early morning of Friday, Feb. 13 According to the Sevierville, Tenn., city government, two large barns were destroyed during the incident The park sits on 100 acres of farm land in the Smoky Mountains and offers multiple rides and miniature animal encounters A massive fire broke out at a Tennessee amusement park early Friday morning. The incident was reported at around 2:20 a.m. local time on Friday, Feb. 13, according to a Facebook statement from the Sevierville, Tenn., city government. Police officers from the Sevierville and Gatlinburg police departments were located nearby the SkyLand Ranch amusement park when they spotted the flames. Other passersby also reported seeing the blaze, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement A few minutes after the initial report, members of the Sevierville Fire Department arrived to the scene to find two large barns on the property were fully engulfed, adding that other nearby small structures were also damaged. Fire reported at the SkyLand Ranch amusement park in Tennessee City of Sevierville, Tennessee Government Video taken by Chris Rogan shared with Storyful and obtained by PEOPLE, shows a roller coaster lit up by the large flames emerging out of the park. According to the SkyLand Ranch's website, the park is set on 100 acres of farm amongst Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. The park offers experiences like a chairlift, a mountain coaster, a 300-foot-tall swing tower, a safari hayride and miniature animals like horses, cows, pigs, goats, alpacas, sheep and more. When firefighters arrived, they immediately worked to move some of the barn animals to safety. Authorities contained the fires at the two barns and concentrated on the surrounding buildings while protecting the animals. Members of the Tennessee Department of Forestry also responded to mitigate the threat of a woodland fire. Fire reported at the SkyLand Ranch amusement park in Tennessee City of Sevierville, Tennessee Government The post says crews will remain on the scene throughout the day to continue overhauling the fire and to prevent any further fire spreading to the woodland. Advertisement Advertisement The statement confirmed no first responders or animals were injured during the fire. On SkyLand Ranchs Facebook page, they celebrated the work of the local authorities. ANIMALS ARE SAFE!! NO INJURIES! they write. Thank you to all the Sevierville and Sevier County Fire Departments and Sheriff Department for their swift response and help this morning. PEOPLE has reached out to the SkyLand Ranch, the city of Sevierville and the Sevierville Fire Department for additional information. Sevierville Fire chief Matt Henderson tells local outlet WBIR the park owners are currently out of town. He adds the animals were not housed in the barns that caught fire and they are being held in the petting zoo area of the park and being cared for by park staff. He confirmed the fire caused the building that houses the animals to lose heat, so additional heaters will be brought in as the cold is a concern. Advertisement Advertisement Henderson also said the mountain coaster and chairlift at the park did not catch fire. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Due to the extent of the damage, the barns will be knocked down if they do not fall on their own, per Henderson. A cause for the fire has yet to be announced. Read the original article on People Candidates in Tennessee who intend to run on the Republican ticket in the upcoming May 5 county primary, Aug. 6 state primary and county general elections may be surprised to discover the Republican Party wont allow them on the ballot unless they are a bona fide Republican. The qualifying deadline is Feb. 19 at noon. Cumberland County Road Superintendent Stanley Hall, the incumbent Republican, was notified Monday by Tennessee Republican 15th Senatorial District State Committeewoman Linda Clark that he will not be permitted or qualify to appear on the Cumberland County Republican Party ballot. Advertisement Advertisement I was shocked. Im still shocked and baffled. Im the elected, incumbent Republican road superintendent. How can I not be qualified? Hall said. He was elected in 2022 and prior to that ran on the Cumberland County Republican ticket numerous times. I am fully qualified under the laws of the state of Tennessee to serve in this office. I filed my intent to run for reelection in 2026 in good faith and in accordance with state requirements, Hall said. He said he plans to run instead as an independent. I dont really have a choice. I have been a registered voter for 44 years. I am a Republican and have been for years, he said. Advertisement Advertisement At its Dec. 6, 2025 meeting, the Tennessee State Executive Republican Party amended its bylaws and decided to enforce requirements for being a bona fide Republican. According to the bylaws, any individual seeking election as a Republican candidate for public office must be a bona fide Republican. The burden of proving to the Tennessee Republican Party that an individual meets its membership requirements is on the prospective candidate. a bona fide Republican is defined as an individual who is actively involved in the Tennessee Republican Party, the county Republican Party of the county in which the individual resides, or a TRP-recognized auxiliary organization, is registered to vote in the above-noted county; and who has voted in at least three (3) of the four (4) most recent statewide Republican primary elections in which he is eligible to vote. Hall said he missed voting in one of the primaries in 2022 due to illness. He said he could file an appeal with the Republican Party, but a decision might not be made until after the Feb. 19 qualifying deadline. Then Id be out. So, I have decided to run as an independent, Hall said. Advertisement Advertisement County Commission 4th District candidate Jonathan Miller also planned to run as a Republican in the May primary. He filed his paperwork Jan. 12. After hearing about Stanley, I went into the election commission office to check my voting record, and they told me I wouldnt qualify. So, Im backing out as a Republican and starting over as an independent. I have to get all new signatures as an independent. Ive always been a Republican and have voted since 2008 in primaries. This is the first year you have to declare a party for county commission. I was caught off guard. It should be based on your history, Miller said. He noted that in 2024 in the August state primary election there was less than 10% participation of registered Cumberland County voters. That would eliminate a lot of people right there, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Other county commission and school board candidates like Wendell Houston, 3rd District county commission; and Rolf Weeks, 1st District BOE, have also had to change and start their campaigns over as independents. Clark said the rules have been in place for nine years. Prior to this a challenge would have to be filed by three Republican voters in a candidates district to determine if a candidate qualified as a bona fide Republican. She said what is different is that the committee is automatically checking the voting background of each candidate from school board to governor. Voting records in primaries are open records, but only so far as to which party a person voted not specific candidate choices. This is in no way related to just Cumberland County. It is across the state, Clark said. Advertisement Advertisement She said candidates who do not qualify will be notified by a letter from the state executive committee but was unsure of when that would be. Its an unknown and so I am contacting all of the candidates in the 15th District who filed as a Republican, but do not qualify, so they can know before the Feb. 19 qualifying deadline, Clark said. They should have the opportunity to get another petition. Its only fair to let people know. Clark said at this point there is a total of 56 candidates who have filed papers as a Republican but do not qualify in the six-county 15th District. The 15th Senatorial District includes Cumberland, Putnam, White, Jackson, Smith and Van Buren counties. Advertisement Advertisement Most of them are in Putnam and Cumberland County, she said. Clark said she didnt know for sure how many candidates did not qualify in Cumberland County. She said there are ways for a candidate to apply for a waiver from the Tennessee Republican Party. One would be if the candidate was too young to have voted in three of the four previous state primaries. The second way was if they had voted in another state prior to coming to Tennessee. In that case the candidate would need to supply their voting record from the previous location. Cumberland County Administrator of Elections Jill Davis said the election commission will not contact candidates to let them know if they qualify for a political party. Advertisement Advertisement That is not our place to contact candidates. If a candidate is unsure if they will meet a partys requirements, then they should contact us and check their voting record, Davis said. We will help them out as much as we can. Clark also encouraged potential Republican candidates to check their voting records to determine if they meet the requirements. Candidates running as independents will be on the Aug. 6 County General Election ballot and will not appear on the May 5 county primary ballot. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Tennessee Republicans are pushing more bills targeting LGBTQ people, and some are moving forward. On Thursday, state Republicans told reporters they dont have any concerns. Not from the Republican side, I would not think so. Maybe from the Democrat side I would think so, but I dont know if that matters, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS | Tennessee bills could impact same-sex marriage and LGBTQ workplace protections One of the bills, HB1473, would change Tennessee law so private citizens and organizations arent required to recognize same-sex marriage. What this bill does is simply clarify that Obergefell and the 14th Amendment apply and govern conduct of public actors, not private citizens, Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood), the bills sponsor, explained. Tennessee Pride Chamber board member Tom Lee pushed back on the bill yesterday and told state lawmakers, Imagine a same-sex couple who has been properly married under the laws of our state and our country, and they go to the bank, and the bank says, the banker says, I just dont recognize your right to be here as a married couple. And so Im not going to give you a loan on the terms that you seek. That is bad for business and consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Two other bills HB1474 and HB1666 aim to roll back LGBTQ presence in schools by banning pride flags on state buildings and placing restrictions on the use of preferred pronouns by state employees. To confuse a child in the classroom or to ask someone in authority to ask a child to call them something that they are not is problematic to me, Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville) said. Another bill is the Banning Bostock Act. The bills sponsor, Rep. Bulso, said the bill is about clarifying the definition of sex, but Democrats said it would scale back discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ people. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom Advertisement Advertisement When we said sex, we meant male or female, Rep. Bulso said. If we want to expand it to include sexual orientation or gender identity, we can do that. But thats not been done. Another bill, HB1665, would ban health care providers from initiating conversations about gender identity with minors. These attacks on the LGBTQ community are not just unnecessary and distracting, but theyre hateful, and theyre bigoted, Tennessee Pride Chamber President Kimber Beeler said. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. BANGKOK (AP) Thailand has begun using a birth control vaccine on elephants in the wild to try and curb a growing problem where human and animal populations encroach on each other an issue in areas where farms spread into forests and elephants are squeezed out of their natural habitat. The initiative is part of efforts to address confrontations that can turn deadly. As farmers cut down forests to make more farmland, elephants are forced to venture out of their shrinking habitats in search of food. Last year, wild elephants killed 30 people and injured 29 in Thailand, according to official figures, which also noted more than 2,000 incidents of elephants damaging crops. Advertisement Advertisement Sukhee Boonsang, director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, recently told The Associated Press that controlling the wild elephant population has become necessary as numbers of elephants living near residential areas rises sharply, increasing the risk of confrontations. The office obtained 25 doses of a U.S.-made vaccine and conducted a two-year trial on seven domesticated elephants using up seven doses of the vaccine which yielded promising results, he said. He explained the vaccine doesn't stop female elephants from ovulating but prevents eggs from being fertilized. Then, in late January, the vaccine was administered to three wild elephants in eastern Trat province, he said, adding that authorities are now determining which areas to target next as they prepare to use up the remaining 15 doses. The vaccine can prevent pregnancy for seven years and the elephants will be able to reproduce again if they dont receive a booster after that time expires. Experts will closely monitor the vaccinated elephants throughout the seven-year period. Advertisement Advertisement The vaccination drive has drawn criticism that it might undermine conservation efforts. Thailand has a centuries-old tradition of using domesticated elephants in farming and transportation. Elephants are also a big part of Thailands national identity and have been officially proclaimed a symbol of the nation. Sukhee said the program targets only wild elephants in areas with the highest rates of violent human-elephant conflict. Official statistics show a birth rate of wild elephants in these regions at approximately 8.2% per year, more than double the national average of around 3.5%. About 800 out of the nations approximately 4,400 wild elephants live in these conflict-prone areas, Sukhee said. Advertisement Advertisement If we dont take action, the impact on people living in these areas will continue to grow until it becomes unmanageable, he said. In addition to the contraception vaccine, authorities have implemented other measures to reduce conflict, Sukhee said, such as creating additional water and food sources within the forests where elephants live, constructing protective fencing, and deploying rangers to guide elephants that stray into residential areas back into the wild. A court-ordered operation earlier this month to remove wild elephants that have repeatedly clashed with locals in northeastern Khon Kaen province sparked a public outcry after one elephant died during the relocation process. An initial autopsy revealed that the elephant died from choking after anesthesia was administered ahead of the move, officials said. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation carried out the relocation effort, and its director general, Athapol Charoenshunsa, expressed regret over the incident while insisting that protocol was followed properly. He said an investigation was underway to prevent such incidents from happening again. Thirty-six years after the Gardner Art Heist, no one knows where the stolen art is right now, but a recent social media post suggesting the Epstein files might contain a new lead is getting a lot of attention. Boston 25 News reporter Bob Ward took the post to the FBI Agent who led the Gardner investigation for decades. Initially, it seemed really exciting and really promising, retired FBI Agent Geoffrey Kelly told me. Advertisement Advertisement In his 22 years as the FBIs Gardner Heist lead investigator, Geoffrey Kelly has run down a lot of leads, this one among the strangest. A social media video suggested that the recently released Epstein files might contain a lead to two of the stolen Gardner art pieces that havent been seen in 36 years. The post pointed to Epsteins tax documents, which mention a Rembrandt self-portrait and a landscape with an obelisk, It turns out that a Rembrandt self-portrait and a landscape with an obelisk, now credited to one of Rembrandts students, were among the pieces stolen from the Gardner on March 18, 1990, by two thieves disguised as Boston police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Why would these items be in a tax document? Ward asked. Right off the bat, this seemed suspicious, Kelly said. So, Kelly looked into it, and he quickly figured out that the artwork in the Epstein files is not the Gardner Museum stolen artwork. It was good it was brought to everyones attention, but its yet another theory that can be debunked with a minimum of effort, Kelly said. In a statement, the Gardner Museum agreed, saying the post was a distraction. Accuracy is of the utmost importance when discussing matters related to the stolen works of art, as misinformation can hinder our active investigation and further delay the safe return of these works, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Next month, Geoffrey Kelly, who is now retired from the Bureau, will publish Thirteen Perfect Fugitives, his account of the FBIs investigation. He is certain that one day, all of the art will be recovered, but theres one place that might be ruled out. Any chance the paintings are on Epstein Island? Ward asked. I doubt it! But you never know, Kelly said. There is a $10 Million reward in the case. Contact the Gardner Museum directly at reward@gardnermuseum.org. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) In January, the House passed the 2026 fiscal year budget with over $97 million going towards Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Congressman Steve Womack is the chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development subcommittee, whose bill received bipartisan support for the introduced budget. Through the THUD bill, Congress prioritized transportation and urban development community projects in the region: Advertisement Advertisement $59 million construction of the Springdale Northern Bypass $3 million Highway 112 improvements $3 million future Interstate 49 construction $1.75 million Benton County water system improvements $1.25 million NEBCO fire station improvements $4.4 million Crawford County water system improvements $6.5 million Farmington bridge repairs $3 million Fort Smith water system improvements $3 million Huntsville water system improvements $500,000 City of Mulberrys Community Food Pantry $12.2 million Tontitown water system improvements Womacks full interview can be found in the video player below. Where the THUD budget comes from Through the community project program, members of Congress are able to use the power of the purse to pour back into their district with restrictions. Congressmen are limited to 15 community projects and are limited to 1% of the title of their authorized bills, with the other 99-percent going to the administration. Transportation With more than half of the millions going towards road projects and improvements, Womack said transportation is a key part of meeting the demands of a growing Northwest Arkansas, much of what he noticed during his time as mayor of Rogers. Advertisement Advertisement How do you move people? How do you get them out of stop-and-go traffic and move around the region? Womack said. And I knew this then, and its apparent now for some of these projects because of the extraordinary cost involved that youre going to have to have a federal partner. As the chair of the transportation subcommittee, he said his goal has always been to ensure that money from taxes goes back into projects in the region. Housing We put a significant amount toward roads, bridges, transit, rail and the other things that fall under that transportation category, Womack said. And we did our best to ensure that the people who rely on housing vouchers and the like were not hard shipped. While the housing subcommittee is part of Womacks jurisdiction, the eleven projects named in the THUD bill for the newest fiscal year lack funding for community projects focused on tackling the housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Pressure came from the Office of Management and Budget, according to the congressman, to cut currently funded housing programs. The cuts would have forced some people out of rental assistance and voucher programs and contributed to the current housing crisis. So, I was very careful to push back against the pressure to cut. And there was a desire on my part to cut about 45% of some of the housing programs that we currently fund. Well, we resisted that pressure, Womack said. The current budget, while not adding a large financial solution to the problem, Womack said it does prevent homelessness. He said there can still be work at all levels to help the crisis, but theres still much to be done. Its going to take a whole of government effort and a whole of society effort to be able to answer the question about how do we house people? And how can we best give young people, young professionals, an opportunity to start to enjoy that American dream of home ownership? Womack said. Im pleased that were doing our part in the THUD bill to ensure that we dont take a step back before we start answering some of these challenges like that. Urban Development Another key part of the bill places millions of federal dollars into water system improvements and rural programs throughout the region. Advertisement Advertisement For places like Tontitown and Huntsville, the water system improvements are important for growth. However, in Crawford County, these are essential to the safety of current residents. No matter which, the federal funding through the bill aims at helping pocketbooks. Without this kind of money, youre having to raise rates and actually take this money out of the hide of the people that youre trying to serve, Womack said. While supporting large cities through the budget, Womack said he has a heart for whats done in the smaller communities. The NEBCO in Benton County is a supported program this year, intending to aid communities such as Pea Ridge and fund a new fire station for the volunteer-heavy organization. Advertisement Advertisement One River Valley non-profit is also receiving half-a-million dollars through the bill. The city of Mulberry Community Food Pantry serves over 80,000 people in Crawford and Franklin counties. After visiting with the non-profits team, he said he learned how the opportunity to receive the federal budget would further the impact and mission of the pantry. They explained that with a little bit more money, they can do so many more great things for their community, Womack said. So, putting half a million dollars into that program was manna from heaven for the food pantry at Mulberry, and we were very excited to be able to do that for them. Final Remarks Congressman Womack said another key part of his bill that is vital to the district is the money going towards enhancing the FMS mission in Fort Smith. Advertisement Advertisement The F-35 mission, where we have foreign pilots now coming into the Valley area to train on this fifth-generation aircraft, Womack said. And its a terrific economic boom to the greater Fort Smith region. And we have money in there that continues to do the buildout for the simulation center and other infrastructure requirements that are there at Ebbing Air Force Base. With a dynamic district, progress and growth in a year means seeing economic vitality, continued population growth and more opportunities. Congressman Womack said the next fiscal year will repeat the process of looking into projects and ordering them in a merit list, seeing how each serves the community and region as a whole. Ive been very fortunate for the last year to be the subcommittee chairman on transportation and housing. Through a lot of this effort, weve been able to target some of this money back to my district, Womack said. And in fiscal year 27, were going to do more of the same. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Many in Lebanon believed Assad wanted to dominate their country or even annex parts of it, but his fall in December 2024 has not improved relations between the two neighbours. Lebanese officials say relations will take time to improve after decades of mistrust. They accuse Syrias new authorities of maintaining the same approach as under Assad putting what they describe as security considerations ahead of economic cooperation. For Lebanon, resolving long-standing disputes such as the demarcation of the Lebanon-Syria border should come first. Trade routes under pressure Syria remains a crucial trade corridor, serving as Lebanons land gateway to Iraq, Jordan, Gulf countries and Iran. Lebanese agricultural exports rely heavily on transit through Syrian territory, as do goods arriving via the ports of Beirut and Tripoli. Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese businesses have also expressed interest in participating in Syrias post-war reconstruction, either through direct investment or by sharing expertise. Instead of easing trade, Syrias new authorities introduced measures that Lebanese officials say have harmed Lebanons interests. Caught between conflict and crisis, Syria faces 'incredibly fragile moment' Syrian authorities imposed a flat $1,500 fee on every container transiting Syria to Arab countries, introduced tariffs on certain agricultural products including a $55-per-tonne tax on bananas and tightened procedures for trucks crossing the border. Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon has meanwhile sought to show goodwill. President Joseph Aoun met Syrias transitional president Ahmed al-Charaa twice, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam travelled to Damascus in April 2025 with a ministerial delegation. Lebanon also appointed a new ambassador to Syria, Henri Qastoun, who waited three months before he was allowed to present his credentials to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Syria limited its representation in Beirut to Iyad el-Hazaa, its top diplomat in Lebanon, who previously oversaw political relations in the coastal province of Latakia. Prisoner dispute During meetings with Lebanese officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, Syrian leaders repeated the same message: improving relations depends on two issues Syrian prisoners in Lebanese jails and supporters of the former Assad regime allegedly present in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Damascus is demanding the release of nearly 2,500 Syrian detainees, including hundreds of Islamists accused of terrorism or crimes against state security. Many have been held for years without trial, alongside others accused of rape or murder. Lebanese leaders consider the demands unacceptable. They say transferring detainees awaiting trial would require a law passed by parliament, which they believe has no chance of being adopted. As Syrian workers return home from Turkey, local businesses feel the loss On 30 January, the Lebanese government approved an 18-point judicial agreement between Lebanon and Syria allowing the transfer of convicted prisoners to their country of nationality. Advertisement Advertisement The agreement excludes detainees awaiting trial and limits transfers to prisoners already sentenced. Those convicted of rape or murder would be eligible only after serving 10 years of their sentence. Some 300 Syrian detainees could be affected. The agreement also provides for reciprocity, allowing Lebanese nationals convicted in Syria to be transferred to Lebanon. The deal represents a compromise between Syrian demands and Lebanese concerns. It does not meet Damascuss initial request to transfer all detainees, but it goes further than Lebanons earlier refusal to allow prisoner transfers. Standoff deepens During visits to Beirut, Syrian delegations included justice and interior ministers as well as security officials, reflecting Damascuss focus on security issues. Advertisement Advertisement In mid-December, a Syrian intelligence delegation visiting Beirut went to two seaside restaurants in the capital frequented by businessmen once close to the former Syrian regime. The delegation also handed Lebanese officials a list of 200 Syrian officers, politicians and business figures close to Assad believed to have taken refuge in Lebanon. Days later, Lebanese and Arab media outlets, including Al Jazeera, reported alleged plots by Assad supporters operating from Lebanon to destabilise Syrias new leadership. Lebanese leaders sought US mediation to try to ease tensions with Damascus. We have been surprised that the Americans showed understanding toward Damascuss demands, said a source close to President Aoun, speaking anonymously. Facing pressure from Syria and limited support from Washington, Lebanese leaders began looking for compromises. Advertisement Advertisement Syrian Army seizes northeast as US abandons Kurdish-led forces Security operations At the start of January, the Lebanese army carried out large-scale searches in Jabal Mohsen, an Alawite neighbourhood in the northern city of Tripoli, and in five other localities near the Syrian border inhabited by members of the same religious community. After the March 2025 massacres in Syrias coastal provinces, at least 60,000 Syrian Alawites fled to Lebanon. Many settled in areas where Lebanese Alawites live, in Christian villages in Mount Lebanon and in predominantly Shia regions. Municipal councils in the five localities later said in a joint statement that the Lebanese army carried out search and inspection campaigns in all camps housing displaced Syrians. Advertisement Advertisement No person belonging to a military organisation or preparing armed operations was apprehended during these searches, which formally contradicts the report broadcast on the subject by Al-Jazeera, the statement said. It remains unclear whether Damascus will consider these steps sufficient to open talks on economic and trade relations between the two countries. This article was adapted from the original version in French by RFI correspondant Paul Khalifeh. On cash, Porvair generated 29.2 million of cash from operations, up 14% , which management attributed to improved trading performance and working capital discipline. The working capital outflow was 1.6 million , improved from 3.8 million the prior year. After capital spending, the company ended the year with 22.9 million of cash and no debt. Foreign exchange was a recurring theme. James said revenue faced a translation headwind from a weaker U.S. dollar, noting that about 45% of group revenue is delivered from the U.S. Adjusted operating profit was also adversely impacted by FX by around 0.3 million . Price increases averaged around 3% across the group, while volumes were affected by some strong comps in certain parts of the business. Finance director James reported group revenue of 194 million , up 1% year-over-year (or 2% on a constant-currency basis). Adjusted operating profit rose 7% to 26.2 million , while the adjusted operating margin improved 80 basis points to 13.5% . Adjusted basic EPS increased 10% to 42.3 pence . Management said the group delivered progress despite economic uncertainty and end market inconsistency, citing mixed conditions across industrial markets alongside stronger trends in aerospace and environmental testing. The company also highlighted continued investment in capacity and automation, including a major aluminum cast house production-line upgrade in the U.S. Porvair (LON:PRV) used its full-year results presentation for the year ended Nov. 30, 2025 to outline record revenue, profit, and margin performance, while also detailing a shift in near-term priorities following a strategic review and the post-year-end acquisition of Drache. Divisional performance was mixed: Aerospace grew ~4% with stronger H2 momentum, Laboratory delivered ~4% revenue growth and the highest margins (16.3%), and MMQ saw weakness in foundry but improved in H2 and should be more balanced following the Drache deal. The group completed the post-period acquisition of Drache to strengthen MMQs aluminum filtration capabilities and European presence, while pressing ahead with a once-in-2025-year 5.5m aluminum cast-house upgrade in the U.S., with further capex and integration work planned for 2026. Porvair delivered record full-year results with group revenue of 194m (up 1% / 2% cc), adjusted operating profit of 26.2m (+7%) and adjusted EPS of 42.3p (+10%); it generated 29.2m cash from operations, ended the year debt-free , and the board proposed a 7% higher final dividend of 0.045 . Story Continues James also provided an update on the U.K. defined benefit pension scheme. He said Porvair completed the latest triennial valuation and agreed with trustees to maintain recovery payments of 2.1 million per annum, with a goal of reaching a low-risk self-sufficiency basis by December 2028. Amazon Bets Big on BETA: Why Analysts See 50% Upside Capital spending totaled 7.7 million, above the usual run rate of around 5 million per year, including roughly 3 million tied to the groups 5.5 million investment in an aluminum cast house production line in Hendersonville, U.S. The company expects another 1.5 million on that project in 2026, and said next years CapEx is likely to be around 7 million again. In line with its progressive dividend policy, the board recommended a 7% increase in the final dividend to 0.045. Divisional performance: aerospace strength, mixed industrial, steady labs Porvair reported margin improvement across all three divisions, with end-market dynamics varying by segment. Aerospace & Industrial (A&I): 43% of group revenue. Division revenue was down 1% (flat at constant currency). Operating profit was 11.9 million with a 14.2% margin, up 20 basis points and at the bottom end of the divisions 14%16% target range. Laboratory: 35% of group revenue. Revenue rose 4% to 66.9 million (up 5% at constant currency). Operating profit was 10.9 million and margin was 16.3% , which management said was ahead of the divisions 15%+ target. Metal Melt Quality (MMQ): 22% of group revenue. Revenue declined 1% to 43.4 million (up 1% at constant currency). Operating profit was 6.6 million with margin just over 15%, remaining above the divisions 10%12% target range. Within A&I, James said aerospace revenue grew 4% for the year, with a stronger second half after a slower first half. He cautioned that, despite good order visibility, revenue timing can be affected by the wider supply chain and fluctuations in OEM stocking levels. Industrial markets were more uneven. Petrochem sales ended 6% lower after a strong first half, and management expects the European petrochem market to remain subdued through 2026. Gasification revenue was down year-over-year as a prior-year customer win largely traded in 2024, though Porvair won a modest new gasification project in the second half that is due to trade in 2026. In the U.S., the company cited weakness in microelectronics, while nuclear finished 8% up with a healthy order book going into 2026. James also noted continued progress at EFC, acquired in December 2023, which has now completed two full years in the group. In the Laboratory division, environmental (SEAL Analytical) delivered 9% revenue growth, supported by demand for SEAL instruments, while life sciences businesses delivered steady progress. James highlighted a particularly pleasing year for Kbiosystems, which supplies lab automation equipment. Management attributed the years progress to improved operational focus, ongoing automation and capacity CapEx, and volume/throughput benefits, particularly within SEAL. MMQ results reflected weakness in foundry, with softness in U.S. end markets, particularly agriculture. However, management said the second half improved versus the first, and noted that foundry is a relatively small, lower-margin offering within MMQ. The super alloys product range grew on aerospace and energy demand, while aluminum demand remained robust, including in China. Management reiterated that the aluminum cast house investment is a once in a 2025 year upgrade, expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. Drache acquisition and positioning in aluminum filtration Chief executive Hooman discussed the acquisition of Drache, announced Jan. 12 after the period end, describing it as a leading supplier to the aluminum filtration market and a strong strategic fit with the MMQ division. He said the business is a cultural fit with SELEE and adds a European base, complementing SELEEs North American strength while strengthening the combined position in Asia. Hooman said Drache brings complementary products and strengthens MMQs systems and engineering expertise, positioning the division to become a full product and service provider to aluminum cast house customers. Management expects the acquisition to start contributing to the group in 2026 and beyond, and said it makes MMQs position within the group more balanced. Strategy, ESG progress, and 2026 outlook Management said it conducted a full strategy review and established an executive committee of executive directors and divisional managing directors to enhance execution. Hooman emphasized Porvairs decentralized model, technical know-how, engineered-in product positions, and a high proportion of recurring revenue tied largely to customers operating expenditure. On ESG, Porvair said filtration products support emissions reduction, waste reduction, and process efficiency. Hooman said the company measures and incentivizes senior managers with ESG metrics. He also reported progress on carbon intensity: Porvair set a target in 2020 to reduce carbon intensity by 10% by 2025, achieved it in 2022, then set and achieved an additional 10% reduction by 2025. In total, management said carbon intensity fell 31% from the 2020 baseline and 11% from 2022. Looking ahead to 2026, Hooman cited key near-term themes including integrating Drache, new product introductions across aerospace, SEAL Analytical, and Porvair Sciences, and a hoped-for recovery in industrial consumables. He added that Porvair sees no change in its long-term demand drivers and plans to continue investing, including completing installation of the new aluminum filtration manufacturing line in Hendersonville during the year. About Porvair (LON:PRV) Porvair plc engages in the filtration, laboratory, and environmental technology business. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Laboratory, and Metal Melt Quality. The Aerospace & Industrial segment designs and manufactures a range of specialist filtration equipment for aerospace, energy, and industrial applications. The Laboratory segment is involved in the design and manufacture of instruments and consumables for use in environmental and bioscience laboratories with a focus on water analysis instruments, diagnostics, and sample preparation equipment. The article "Porvair H2 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. VERMILLION TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) Two people were killed in a three-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck on Friday morning, Feb. 13, according to state troopers. A child also suffered serious injuries and was flown to a hospital. U.S. Route 30 closed Friday morning in both directions near the state Route 511 intersection. The Ohio Department of Transportation told motorists to find a different route. Advertisement Advertisement Slowdowns on I-90 East after crash Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers in Ashland told FOX 8 News the crash happened just after 6 a.m. and involved a semi-tractor trailer and two passenger vehicles. According to a later update from the patrol, a compact sedan headed north on state Route 511 failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection and was struck by a semi-truck. The semi-truck went off the left side of the road, across the median, and into the westbound lanes of U.S. Route 30, striking a van. The driver of the sedan, identified as Malachi James Harley John Whitehead, 23, of Wooster, and the driver of the van, 61-year-old David L. Kuhns, also of Wooster, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement A child in the van was flown to a Mansfield hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the semi-truck, a 24-year-old Florida man, was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Courtesy: Ashland County News Everyone was wearing seat belts, according to the patrol. Investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash. He was so lovable: Father speaks out after Cleveland Lyft driver murdered ODOT established a detour while crews work to clear the scene. Eastbound lanes reopened at about 9:45 a.m., according to ODOT. The westbound lanes reopened shortly after 1 p.m. Ashland and Hayesville firefighters responded to the scene to suppress a fire and rescue victims, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The City of Pittsburghs Department of Mobility and Infrastructure has been awarded an $805,533 grant to replace and modernize traffic signals at a major intersection in Oakland. The funding, provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, will support safety upgrades at Fifth Avenue and Dithridge Street. The grant was issued through the Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Grant Program. This initiative uses revenue generated from red light violation fines to fund road safety enhancements across the state. The intersection targeted for the project has a history of several crashes over the last five years, including a fatal incident in 2020. Safety improvements planned for the intersection include new LED streetlighting and countdown pedestrian signals equipped with audible tone indicators. Engineers also plan to install larger LED traffic light signal heads for better motorist visibility. The project also features the installation of concrete bumpouts, which are designed to shorten crosswalk distances for pedestrians while slowing down vehicles as they turn. Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Corey OConnor emphasized the importance of the project for all types of commuters in the city. OConnor credited the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure and PennDOT for the upcoming overhaul. Our roads need to be safe for everyone whether youre on the sidewalk, in a car, on a bike or on a bus, OConnor said. He noted that the upgrades support a city commitment to designing streets in a way that reduces the potential for injuries and crashes. City Councilperson Erika Strassburger represents the district where the intersection is located. Strassburger helped bring the red light enforcement technology to Pittsburgh and expressed gratitude for the states financial contribution to the project. This award is a perfect testament to the ARLE programs impact on mobility and street safety, Strassburger said. Advertisement Advertisement Pittsburgh officials expect to implement the technology at additional high-risk corridors later this year. Proceeds from traffic fines will be used to fund further investments in life-saving projects. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW (FOX40.COM) The Sacramento Police Department is continuing its investigation into the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy. Officers arrived at the 3300 block of Douglas St. around 12:30 p.m. Thursday for a medical aid call. They said they first found the child with serious injuries. Despite life-saving measures, that boy was pronounced deceased on scene by fire personnel, Allison Smith, a spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department, said. Advertisement Advertisement Police said the investigation is just beginning. Currently, this is a suspicious death investigation and the Sacramento County Coroners Office will release the identity of the deceased after next of kin have been notified, Smith said. FOX40 asked Smith about the nature of the childs fatal injuries. Right now, I just have preliminary information, Smith said. They were serious injuries in nature and enough to unfortunately cause them to pass away on scene. Officials also could not confirm whether or not any weapons were found at the scene. We can tell you weve been in contact with the family members, Smith said. I dont know specifically who was at home with the boy when this all occurred, but someone appeared to be at home and they contacted the fire department. Advertisement Advertisement Police said the scene appears to be contained, which means they do not believe there is any imminent threat to the public. This is a tragic incident, Smith said. Any time a child dies, its difficult unimaginably difficult for the family and everybody who responded to the scene first responders, family members, loved ones. One neighbor, T. Henderson, has lived in the area for about ten years. She said this is the first time shes seen something like this happen there. It almost makes me want to cry, Henderson said. Im still really in shock that this is actually happening this close to home. Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sacramento Police Department. Tips can remain anonymous. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Police at the University of Minnesota arrested 67 protestors two weeks ago during a demonstration outside a hotel where ICE agents were staying, among them a street medic, a volunteer who is trained to assist protesters related to medical matters, who was there to "make sure that nobody got hurt." Eli Purdy, 22, was one of the several dozen people charged with unlawful assembly for the rally at the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis on January 29. He says that the protestors were making noise outside the hotel around midnight when "a cruiser came up, and I could not understand what he was saying through the megaphone." "They were saying that the sidewalk we were on was now private property. So then we moved back, and then they said that where we were is also private property," Purdy tells The Advocate. "While we were trying to leave and get to our cars, they started kettling. They got at the end of the opposite street and then at the end of the other street, and slowly walked forward so we couldn't really leave. Then they said everyone on that block was under arrest." Related: Here are Minnesota groups that need your help organizing against ICE and DHS operations The Trump administration has deployed nearly 3,000 federal agents in the state since the beginning of the year as part of an aggressive crackdown on supposed fraud, dubbing the endeavor "Operation Metro Surge." Raids by ICE and the DHS resulted in the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse. Advertisement Advertisement Purdy, an out transgender man who is in his last semester studying illustration at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, has been involved in local grassroots activism for the past four months through MN50501. He says he attended the protest that night because he was the only street medic available. "I've been doing a lot of training as a street medic, and that night no one else in the group I'm with was able to go," Purdy explains. "So, I went to make sure that nobody got hurt, or if they did, I'd have the supplies to help out. And thankfully no one did get hurt." The U of M Public Relations team confirmed the arrests in an email sent out later that day, obtained by Kare11, but insisted "the University and UMPD, as part of our mission, support the right to engage in peaceful protest and are committed to the safety of our campus community." Gregory Bovino, former commander-at-large for Border Patrol, was ordered out of Minnesota last month alongside about 700 agents, seemingly in response to Good and Pretti's extrajudicial killings and the massive protests that followed. His replacement, so-called "Border Czar" Tom Homan, announced during a press conference on Thursday that "Operation Metro Surge" is ending, and that the federal government will begin withdrawing agents. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the killings of American citizens, Homan claimed that the Twin Cities will be "much safer" because of what ICE and the DHS have done. He clarified that "a small footprint of personnel will remain for a period of time to close out and transition full command and control back to the field office." Related: Border Czar Tom Homan announces end to Minneapolis immigration operation, claiming success Whether or not the agents actually leave remains to be seen, but Purdy says he's "not so sure about that." As of right now, local activists "haven't seen anything to say that there's a decrease" in the arrests being made daily. While Homan said that agents have arrested around 4,000 people, the groups believe it to be a much larger number, as Purdy estimates there have been about "180 to 200 arrests per day." "I honestly don't believe it," Purdy says. "Even after, hypothetically, if they do leave, I feel like a lot of people are still going to be afraid of leaving their house just because it's not a definitive thing. They could still come back, and a lot of those people are still vulnerable." Advertisement Advertisement Instead of pleading guilty and paying the fine, Purdy intends to fight the charge against him. He does not yet have a court date, but is represented by James Cook of Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy (BNCL). The Minnesota native is offering his services pro bono to protestors and undocumented people whose civil rights have been violated amid the immigration crackdown. "It isn't dying down. Not just ICE presence, but resistance to it," Purdy adds. "Protests are still happening. People are still working against it. Just because the media has kind of pulled back on some of the massive protests that have happened, doesn't mean people aren't still doing it. Everyone's looking out for each other." This article originally appeared on Advocate: This trans street medic was among 67 protesters arrested at Minneapolis hotel hosting ICE agents RELATED A US Marine who fell overboard from an attack ship in the Caribbean has become the first known American casualty in the Trump administration's operation targeting drug-trafficking boats. Lance Cpl Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, 21, fell from the USS Iwo Jima on 7 February and was lost at sea. He was pronounced dead after a lengthy search, which ended 10 February. His death was announced on Wednesday and remains under investigation by the military. Advertisement Advertisement The Florida native was assisting Operation Southern Spear, which has carried out 38 lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since September. It played a key role in the capture of Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro. A statement from the US Marines contained no details regarding how he may have fallen from the ship. "We are all grieving alongside the Oforah family," said Col Tom Trimble, commanding officer of the Marine Expeditionary Unit known as Special Operations Capable. "The loss of Lance Cp. Oforah is deeply felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He will be profoundly missed, and his dedicated service will not be forgotten." Advertisement Advertisement A news release from the military branch said the sprawling search for Oforah involved five ships and 10 aircraft. The USS Iwo Jima was used to transport Maduro after his capture in a US raid. Maduro's capture came after weeks of a military build-up in the region, along with frequent strikes on vessels that the Trump administration said were carrying drugs headed for the US. The pace of the strikes has notably ebbed since US forces in early January captured Maduro - who has been accused by the Trump administration of working with drug trafficking groups. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said Operation Southern Spear is aimed at removing "narco-terrorists from our hemisphere" and securing the US from "the drugs that are killing our people". Advertisement Advertisement But some legal experts have said the strikes could be illegal and violate international law by targeting civilians, with no due process afforded to the suspects. US officials have faced bipartisan scrutiny over a follow-up strike - or "double-tap" - on 2 September that targeted an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in the Caribbean Sea. The families of two Trinidadian men killed in the 14 October strike have since filed a lawsuit against the American government, alleging the strike amounted to "lawless killings in cold blood; killings for sport and killings for theatre". The Trump administration has spent more than $30 million to send migrants to far-flung countries that are not their own, including, in a few instances, paying over $1 million a person, a new report from the Democratic chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee says. In other cases, the report alleges, the administration paid to deport the migrants to a third country, only to pay again to return them to their home country. The report, released Friday, says that the administration has inked the high-cost deals for the return of relatively small numbers of third country nationals. Advertisement Advertisement The report, led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, offers one of the most comprehensive looks at the administrations third-country deportation agreements, following criticism the government has been vague about the details of those deals. The Trump administration has pursued the deals as part of its aggressive deportation agenda, arguing that the immigrants deported to third countries would not have been accepted by their home countries. Frosty diplomatic relations have historically made it difficult for the US to return certain nationals to their countries of origin. Under the agreements, countries agree often for money, political favor, or both to accept immigrants from the US who are not citizens of those countries. Many of the efforts to deport these third country nationals have been met with legal challenges. According to the report, the administration has an agreement with or has sent third country nationals to more than 20 countries and is pursuing deals with dozens more. Advertisement Advertisement The minority report was also signed by Sens. Chris Coons, Tim Kaine, Tammy Duckworth, Jacky Rosen, and Chris Van Hollen. It notes that the the total costs of the Trump Administrations third country deportations through January 2026 are unknown but are likely upward of $40 million. Deals with five governments Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau have cost more than $32 million, with much of that funding being provided as lump sum payments, often before any third country nationals arrived, according to the report. The five countries that received the million-dollar payments have collectively only received about 300 third country nationals from the US. The report notes that the administration often uses high-cost military aircraft to deport migrants, even for flights with only a small number of people. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administration spent an estimated more than $7.2 million on third country deportation flights as of January 2026 to at least ten countries, with actual costs likely far higher, the report states. The report says it is based on a review of agreements through January 2026, staff travel to relevant countries and meetings and communication with U.S. officials, foreign government officials, human rights organizations, deportees and attorneys. A Democratic committee aide said they raised a number of questions to the administration in limited engagements. Although the administration provided information in some cases, they have not briefed the committee on the agreements writ large, the aide said. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said that third country agreements, which ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution, are essential to the safety of our homeland and the American people. They referred questions on specific agreement to the US State Department. Advertisement Advertisement State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that contrary to what they might have hoped, this report only underlines much of the unprecedented work that the Trump administration has done to enforce our immigration laws. Make no mistake, President Trump has brought Bidens era of mass illegal immigration to an end, and we are all safer for it, he said in a statement. The point is to scare people And as of January 2026, more than eighty percent of the migrants sent to third countries the U.S. paid to take them in have already returned to their country of origin, or are in the process of doing so, the report alleges. Of the five countries that received the million-dollar payments of third-country nationals, El Salvador received the most deported people. Around 250 were sent to that country, which received a $4.76 million grant to imprison the deportees, who the administration alleged had ties to criminal organization Tren de Aragua. The alleged ties have been refuted by family members and in litigation. CNN reported last April that the grant was to provide funds to be used by Salvadoran law enforcement and corrections agencies for its law enforcement needs, which include costs of detaining the 238 TDA members recently deported to El Salvador, according to an internal document. Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the US government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center prison, as part of an agreement with the Salvadoran government, in Tecoluca, El Salvador, in this handout image obtained March 16, 2025. - El Salvadors Presidency Press Office/Reuters A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to begin implementing his requirement that it give Venezuelans unlawfully deported to El Salvador last year under the Alien Enemies Act a chance to challenge their removal, including by bringing at least some of them back to the US for court proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement However, only 51 people were sent to the other four countries as of January 2026, according to the report. Rwanda, which allegedly received $7.5 million from the US government, only took seven third country nationals, meaning each deported national cost more than $1 million in US taxpayer money, according to the report. Palau has not received any third country nationals, although the report says they received a payment of $7.5 million from the administration. Efforts to pressure the Palau government to take the third country nationals met heavy pushback from locals. When it comes to the distant countries of Palau and Eswatini, a US official reportedly told the committee that the point is that the Administration can threaten people that they will literally be dropped in the middle of nowhere. The point is to scare people, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, a US official privately told committee staff that the administration is sometimes paying the country to take people, flying them there and then paying to take them to their home country. In one such instance, a Mexican national was deported from the US to South Sudan, only to be flown back to Mexico, the report says. In another instance, a Jamaican who had court orders to return to their home country was sent to Eswatini which the report says came at an estimated cost of more than $181,000 only to then be flown back to Jamacia weeks later. The report makes the case that the administration is carrying out these deportations at great cost to US taxpayers while expending political capital in its bilateral relationships that could instead be used to advance pressing U.S. national security interests. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers and human rights groups have raised concerns about the countries with which the administration has deals. Many of those countries have an extensive history of human rights violations. The Democratic report alleges that the administration has relied on blanket assurances that the deportees will be treated in accordance with international human rights law. However, the report states that Trump Administration officials have acknowledged that countries are not upholding the assurances they provided the United States and that the Administration is not taking steps to address these violations. The Administration has provided no evidence of systematic monitoring, follow-up or enforcement, raising serious concerns that these assurances exist on paper only, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Staff from the committee heard from US officials in one country that received third country nationals that the administration had instructed them not to follow-up on the treatment of the deportees, the report says. A November report by Human Rights Watch and Central American rights group Cristosal alleged that dozens of Venezuelans deported from the US to a Salvadoran prison earlier this year were subjected to torture and other serious abuses including sexual violence. The story and headline have been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Trump administration says its revoking more federal grant dollars in Illinois this time for electric vehicle charging stations. On the chopping block in Illinois is a $100 million grant to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for electric vehicle charging stations and a $3.6 million grant to the Secretary of States office, the White Houses Office of Management and Budget said. The White House confirmed it was rescinding a total of more than $943 million in U.S. Department of Transportation funds from Illinois, Colorado, California and Minnesota, all of which are led by Democrats. The cuts, which were first reported by the New York Post, come alongside a planned $602 million in cuts to health care grants in the same states, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration from rescinding those grants. Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois Secretary of States office said it had signed a contract for the execution of the $3.6 million grant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, part of the federal transportation department, and had not been notified the grant was being rescinded. Scott Burnham, deputy secretary of state, said the grant was intended to fund three priorities related to commercial drivers licenses in Illinois: Studying the prevention of traffic crashes and fatalities related to large trucks and buses; implementing a new test proctoring program that would mitigate fraud on the written CDL exam; and translating the written CDL exam into Spanish. The White House, meanwhile, described the grant as $3.6 million for the Illinois Secretary of State to conduct a research study on best practices for translating the commercial drivers licenses (CDL) knowledge test into Spanish. Burnham said the exam translation portion of the grant was only worth $30,000. Furthermore, he said, the Secretary of States office had conducted that work with non-grant funds and already offers the written CDL exam in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement The office had planned to redirect the $30,000 to fund other grant priorities, which is permitted under its agreement with the FMCSA, Burnham said. The Trump administration is trying to cut funding for improving road safety, preventing crashes and saving lives in Illinois. This grant was awarded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and executed through a legal agreement between the agency and the Secretary of States office, he said in a statement. Attempts to cut this critical funding for political purposes is not only vindictive and irresponsible, but Illegal. The Secretary of State will fight to make sure Illinois gets every dollar that is owed. Earlier this week, Illinois along with Minnesota, Colorado and California sued over the Trump administrations cuts to health care grants, which in Illinois included dollars that were supposed to go toward things like HIV prevention and infectious disease screenings. On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the feds from rescinding those dollars. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Gov. JB Pritzkers office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether the state was considering a similar lawsuit over the transportation funds. The Illinois EPA did not respond to a request for comment about the electric vehicle-related grant. The state agency was awarded $100 million from the U.S. DOT to add more than a dozen charging stations along Illinois freight corridors, according to a 2025 news release from the governors office. An OMB spokesperson did not answer a question about whether any other U.S. DOT grants in Illinois were being cut. When asked why the Illinois funds had been targeted, the spokesperson alleged a a history of fraud and mismanagement in your state, without providing examples. Its not the first time the Trump administration has withheld transportation dollars from Illinois. In October, the feds froze $2.1 billion in grant dollars for the CTA, most of which was intended to help the agency fund its years-in-the-making Red Line Extension. Advertisement Advertisement Those funds remain inaccessible to the agency as it continues early-stage work on the extension, which is intended to bring CTA rail access to the citys Far South Side. The feds cited the agencys diversity requirements for contractors when freezing the money and have said the CTA will need to eradicate certain diversity requirements to regain access to the funds. In October, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city was considering suing over the Red Line funds, but interim CTA head Nora Leerhsen indicated more recently that a lawsuit was off the table at this point. Our focus is the exchange that were in with the federal government, Leerhsen said last month, saying she hoped the CTA would be able to resolve the funding freeze soon. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is engaged in a separate threat-laden exchange with the CTA over another $50 million in federal funds. In that case, Trumps Federal Transit Administration has cited violence on the CTA, including a particularly horrific November attack in which a young woman was doused in gasoline and set on fire on the Blue Line, as the reason it might withhold those funds. Advertisement Advertisement After rejecting a December plan from the CTA to boost security on the system as materially deficient, the feds gave the agency until the middle of March to submit a revised plan or lose funds. Violent crime on the CTA, while elevated above pre-pandemic levels, is down about 10% from 2022. _____ Despite immigration detention numbers receding from recent highs and even as conservative judges are opting to release more detainees by rejecting President Donald Trumps mass detention policy, tools for detainees to seek release or appeal cases are disappearing. A proposed federal rule will make it harder to appeal immigration cases nationally. And a federal appeals court ruling stops immigrants from requesting release on legal grounds in three Southern states if they entered the country illegally, no matter how long theyve been here. As of late January, there were 70,766 people in immigration detention, up from about 40,000 at the start of the second Trump administration, with about 74% having no criminal convictions. (The number of detainees declined to 68,289 as of Feb. 7 amid increasing releases of immigration prisoners by federal judges, even many appointed by the Trump administration.) Advertisement Advertisement This months court ruling in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which affects immigrants held in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, is a victory for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy set last July. It requires detention without bond for many immigrants who arrived at the border without permission, even if they had been paroled with a court date. It comes as habeas petitions from people claiming illegal detention skyrocket from a few dozen a week in early 2025 to thousands a week recently, according to a ProPublica report. The largest numbers of cases are in Texas, California, Minnesota, Florida and Georgia. Rekha Sharma-Crawford, an immigration attorney in Missouri and second vice president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said she believes hundreds of other federal judges disagree with the Feb. 6 appeals court order. Mandatory detention The ruling found that a landmark Clinton-era immigration law, called The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), unambiguously provides for mandatory detention for people who crossed the border illegally. Advertisement Advertisement A dissenting judge, Dana Douglas, wrote that drafters of that law would be surprised to learn it had also required the detention without bond of two million people. For almost thirty years there was no sign anyone thought it had done so. Sharma-Crawford said the ruling would likely be challenged, but that it may be too late for people who may give up under the stress of detention, and agree to deportation. I have a client in detention whos been here [in the United States] 30 years, no criminal history, and has a family, Sharma-Crawford said in an interview. In the past the individual would be eligible for a bond hearing and be able to fight their immigration case in due course. These people are not accustomed to being in jail. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised the court decision on social media, saying activist judges have ordered the release of alien after alien based on the false claim that DHS was breaking the law and said the ruling proved the administration was right all along. Another obstacle for detainees Similarly, a new rule on the federal Board of Immigration Appeals makes it harder for immigrants to appeal cases like denial of asylum in immigration court. Advertisement Advertisement Open for comment until it takes effect March 9, the rule shrinks the deadline to appeal a decision to 10 days from 30 days, and the board will automatically deny a case unless a majority of the board votes to hear it. Immigration attorney Raul Natera of Fort Worth, Texas, who posted a comment critical of the proposed rule, told Stateline it would be a flat-out assault on due process, because the Department of Justice could appoint board members who will not vote to hear appeals. Last year the Trump administration fired board members who had been appointed during the Biden administration. Judges can make wrong decisions. If we do not ensure that those decisions can be reviewed, then there is no point to the judicial system in this country, Natera said. The Department of Justice argues in its proposed rule that denying appeals in most cases will speed up the process and clear a backlog of immigration cases. Advertisement Advertisement Others disagree. The new rule will increase strain on courts if immigrants can no longer appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals and instead must file more lawsuits with appeals courts, said Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a lawyer and policy analyst at the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute. The federal courts are already buckling under the weight of all these habeas petitions [alleging illegal detention], Bush-Joseph said. Its a huge lift to be litigating all this. Sharma-Crawford called both measures a numbers game to get deportation numbers up before court challenges can make a difference. All these things dont happen quickly, and people will suffer while litigation is ongoing, she said. How much travesty and injustice is going to occur while the courts grapple with the legality of what the administration is doing? Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration reached a trade deal with Taiwan on Thursday, with Taiwan agreeing to remove or reduce 99% of its tariff barriers, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative said. The agreement comes as the U.S. remains reliant on Taiwan for its production of computer chips, the exporting of which contributed to a trade imbalance of nearly $127 billion during the first 11 months of 2025, according to the Census Bureau. Most of Taiwans exports to the U.S. will be taxed at a 15% rate, the USTR's office said. The 15% rate is the same as that levied on other U.S. trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan and South Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attended the signing of the reciprocal agreement, which occurred under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. Taiwans Vice Premier Li-chiun Cheng and its government minister Jen-ni Yang also attended the signing. President Trumps leadership in the Asia-Pacific region continues to generate prosperous trade ties for the United States with important partners across Asia, while further advancing the economic and national security interests of the American people, Greer said in a statement. The Taiwanese government said in a statement that the tariff rate set in the agreement allows its companies to compete on a level field with Japan, South Korea and the European Union. It also said the agreement eliminated the disadvantage from a lack of a free trade agreement between Taiwan and the U.S. The deal comes ahead of President Donald Trumps planned visit to China in April and suggests a deepening economic relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy that China claims as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. Beijing prohibits all countries it has diplomatic relations with including the U.S. from having formal ties with Taipei. Cheng said Taiwan hopes the agreement will make it a strategic partner with the U.S. so as to jointly consolidate the democratic camps leading position in high technology. The agreement would make it easier for the U.S. to sell autos, pharmaceutical drugs and food products in Taiwan. But the critical component might be that Taiwanese companies would invest in the production of computer chips in the U.S., possibly helping to ease the trade imbalance. In a separate but related deal, Taiwan will make investments of $250 billion in U.S. industries, such as computer chips, artificial intelligence applications and energy. The Taiwanese government says it will provide up to an additional $250 billion in credit guarantees to help smaller businesses invest in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement The investments helped enable the U.S. to reduce its planned tariffs from as much as 32% initially to 15%. Taiwan's government said it will submit the reciprocal trade deal and investment plans to its legislature for approval. In Taipei, President Lai Ching-te told reporters that Taiwan had agreed to reduce tariffs on imports from the U.S. but stressed that the rate on 93 items would remain unchanged to protect important agriculture and industrial sectors such as rice farming. The U.S. side said the deal with Taiwan would help create several world-class industrial parks in America in order to help build up domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies such as chips. The Commerce Department in January described it as a historic trade deal that will drive a massive reshoring of Americas semiconductor sector. Advertisement Advertisement In return, the U.S. would give preferential treatment to Taiwan regarding the possible tariffs stemming from a Section 232 investigation of the importing of computer chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. TSMC, the chip-making giant, is expected to be the key investor. It has committed to $165 billion in investments in the U.S., including not only fabrication plants but also a major research and development center that would help build a supply chain to power U.S. artificial intelligence ambitions. Major U.S. tech companies such as Nvidia and AMD rely on TSMC for manufacturing highly advanced chips. When asked whether investing in the U.S. would endanger Taiwans most advanced industries, Lai said: Whether its TSMC or other industries, as long as their R&D centers are in Taiwan, their advanced manufacturing processes are in Taiwan and their largest production volume is in Taiwan, Taiwan can continue to develop steadily. Taiwan said the investments will be two-way, with U.S. companies also investing in key Taiwanese industries. Nvidia this week signed a land deal in Taipei to build a headquarters office there. ___ Associated Press video journalist Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, and researcher Shihuan Chen in Beijing contributed to this report. AP Photo/John Locher A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump issued a sharply-worded opinion Thursday ruling that the administration had violated the constitutional rights of detainees at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Minnesota, and granted a temporary restraining order with strict new requirements for the ICE agents. The tactics used during the Trump administrations immigration crackdown (known as Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota) have been loudly criticized and sparked nationwide protests and multiple court challenges, especially after two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis: Renee Good on Jan. 7 by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24 by Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez. Recent polling shows public opinion souring on the immigration crackdown, even among Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays ruling, flagged by Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney, was written by Judge Nancy Brasel, who previously served as a federal prosecutor and Minnesota state judge. She has been on the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota since Trump appointed her in 2018. BREAKING: The Trump administraiton has committed a mass violation of ICE detainees' constitutional rights in MN, effectively blocking their acess to attorneys in the Whipple building, a judge ruled tonight. The judge: Trump appointeee Nancy Braselhttps://t.co/lDTJ4oDccg pic.twitter.com/F4RCkyIV18 Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) February 13, 2026 In Brasels 41-page ruling, she blasts ICE for the threadbare declarationswithout examples or evidence offered by the federal governments attorneys claiming that noncitizens detained at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building were granted telephone access to their legal counsel. Brasel noted that the plaintiffs had provided ample and detailed evidence that the thousands of detainees at Whipple were systematically being denied access to their attorneys but little submitted by Defendants, the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, and several other senior federal immigration officials. The judge found persuasive the plaintiffs arguments that Defendants policies and practices at Whipple all but extinguish a detainees access to counsel, including the fact that immigration officers at Whipple were able to provide access to counsel before Operation Metro Surge, ICEs common practice of transferring detainees frequently, quickly, without notice, and often with no way for attorneys to know where or how long they will be at a given facility, defendants repeated failures to accurately or timely input information into the Online Detainee Locator System, detainees only being allowed one phone call (Many people do not know the name, much less the number, of their attorneyif they have oneso calls are usually to family), and detainees not being allowed to send mail or email. Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs also submitted affidavits from attorneys who attempted to visit their clients at Whipple but were denied and threatened with arrest byheavily armed personnel, said their clients were pressured by ICE agents to sign voluntary removal forms (i.e., self-deportation) without being allowed to talk to counsel, and that ICE agents had lied to their clients about the status of their habeas petitions and other legal rights. All of these barriers make it difficultif not impossiblefor attorneys to effectively represent their clients, wrote Brasel. In reaching her ruling, Brasel bluntly rejected the governments arguments that providing access to counsel and the other requested accommodations was overly burdensome, a strain on resources, impossible because of overcrowding or security concerns, and so on, finding that the defendants could not decide to send thousands of agents to Minnesota, detain thousands of people, but then claim they suddenly lack resources when it comes to protecting detainees constitutional rights: Defendants may not properly choose a facility that is unfit for a particular purpose and then use the inadequacies of the facility as a justification to deprive detainees of meaningful, confidential access to legal counsel to the extent demanded by the Constitution It appears that in planning for Operation Metro Surge, the government failed to plan for the constitutional rights of its civil detainees. The government suggestswith minimal explanation and even less evidencethat doing so would result in chaos. The Constitution does not permit the government to arrest thousands of individuals and then disregard their constitutional rights because it would be too challenging to honor those rights. The judge granted a temporary restraining order, exercising the courts discretion to waive bond, with a strict list of requirements for the defendants, with multiple sections bolded for emphasis (some of which are quoted below). Advertisement Advertisement Under the TRO, all noncitizens detained at Whipple must be given a list of documents within one hour of their detention and prior to being transferred out of state that includes a printed copy of Brasels order and a list of accurate telephone numbers for current free legal service providers in the area. The documents also have to be provided in English, Spanish, Somali, French, and Hmong, and translators provided for any detainee who is illiterate or not proficient in those languages. Detainees also must be given reasonable and equitable access to telephones that is free, private, and unmonitored[w]ithin one hour of detention and prior to being transferred, and be allowed to make the number of calls necessary to reach counsel or family. Detainees are further to be provided with access to confidential telephone calls with their legal representation at no charge, and the order spelled out sharp limits on what restrictions or limits ICE could put on those calls, including guaranteeing a minimum call length no shorter than 20 minutes. The order also requires ICE to ensure that the Online Detainee Locator Systemaccurately identifies the location of each Detainee by name, date of birth, and A-number in real time, and says ICE shall not transfer a Detainee out of Minnesota during the first 72 hours of their detention. Advertisement Advertisement If ICE is going to transfer a detainee, then they shall inform the Detainee of the transfer destination and provide the Detainee with the opportunity to use the telephone until they are able to reach counsel or family. Legal visitation shall be permitted seven days per week, for a minimum of eight hours per day on business days (Monday through Friday), and a minimum of four hours per day on weekends and holidays, the order states, with private rooms provided. The order adds a warning about not retaliating against any plaintiff or other detainee and directs ICE to disseminate notice of the order to all agents at Whipple within 12 hours. Brasels order is effective until Friday, February 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Advertisement Advertisement The next procedural step in the case is a status conference on Feb. 24, for the court to hear status updates, requests for modification(s) of the TRO, and determine if a second hearing is needed (if so, that second hearing will be on Feb. 26). Read the ruling here. The post Trump-Appointed Judge Rules ICE Violated Constitutional Rights of Minnesota Detainees Drops Hammer in Strict Order first appeared on Mediaite. In Canada, Precision averaged 66 active rigs in the fourth quarter, up one rig from the year-ago period. Reported daily operating margins were CAD 14,132 , versus CAD 14,559 in the fourth quarter of 2024, and management said results landed within prior guidance. Honing noted the company incurred reactivation costs tied to two Super Triple rigs mobilized from the U.S. to Canada in September; both began operations in the fourth quarter and are expected to be fully operational throughout 2026 and beyond, supported by long-term contracts. The company posted a net loss of $42 million in the quarter, which Honing said included two non-cash items: a $67 million charge related to decommissioning drilling rigs and a $17 million charge related to drill pipe . Excluding those one-time expenses, he said net income would have been positive $42 million , compared with $15 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Chief Financial Officer Dustin Honing said Precision recorded fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $126 million , or $132 million before share-based compensation . That compared with prior-year EBITDA of $121 million, or $136 million before share-based compensation. Precision Drilling (NYSE:PDS) executives highlighted debt reduction, share repurchases and steady operating performance across its North American drilling business during the companys fourth-quarter and year-end conference call. Management also outlined expectations for early 2026 activity and provided a full-year 2026 outlook for capital spending, costs and shareholder returns. Guidance and strategy: Precision expects a strong Canadian winter with a peak of 87 rigs and Q1 margins of CAD 14k15k/day , U.S. rigs steady at ~ 37 with margins of $8k9k/day , and is pursuing international reactivations (Saudi/Kuwait), an Argentina MOU (potentially 13 rigs), and modest U.S. growth while prioritizing free cash flow and shareholder returns. Precision cut net debt by CAD 101 million in 2025 (net debt/adj. EBITDA of 1.2x ) and repurchased CAD 76 million of shares, while 2025 capex totaled CAD 263 million and management budgeted CAD 245 million for full-year 2026 capex. Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $126 million (or $132 million before share-based compensation) while the company posted a $42 million net loss driven by one-time non-cash charges of $67 million for rig decommissioning and $17 million for drill pipe; excluding those charges, Q4 net income would have been about $42 million . Story Continues Is Albemarle Setting Up for a Lithium-Fueled Rebound? In the U.S., Precision averaged 37 active rigs, slightly higher than the third quarter and up three rigs year-over-year. Daily operating margins were $8,754, compared with $8,700 in the third quarter, also within guidance. Honing said the company increased its U.S. rig count during 2025 despite lower industry activity levels, attributing the momentum to rig upgrades, digital offerings and positioning in U.S. natural gas markets. Internationally, Precision averaged seven active rigs, down from eight a year earlier, while international day rates averaged $53,505 per day, up 8% year-over-year due to fewer non-billable days tied to prior-year rig recertifications. Cloudflare: Another AI-Disrupted Stock You Might Want to Buy In the companys completion and production segment, adjusted EBITDA was CAD 17 million, compared with CAD 16 million a year ago. Honing said increased well servicing demand in Canada more than offset the impact of winding down U.S. operations in that business during the second quarter of 2025. 2025 capital spending, debt reduction, and share buybacks Investor Relations Vice President Lavonne Zdunich said Precision reduced debt by CAD 101 million in 2025 and ended the year with a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.2x. She also said Precision repurchased CAD 76 million of shares during the year, meeting the midpoint of its guidance to allocate 35% to 45% of free cash flow to buybacks. Honing said full-year 2025 capital expenditures were CAD 263 million, including CAD 156 million for sustaining and infrastructure and CAD 107 million for upgrades. He added that the company increased its year-end cash balance to CAD 86 million, up CAD 12 million from the prior year. Guidance: Q1 2026 activity and full-year 2026 cost and capital framework For the first quarter of 2026, Honing said all of the companys 32 Super Triple and 47 Super Single rigs were active during the winter drilling season, alongside several Tele-Doubles, resulting in a peak rig count of 87 rigs in Canada. For the full quarter, Precision expects average active rig counts to exceed the 74-rig average from the prior-year first quarter. Canadian operating margins are expected to range from CAD 14,000 to CAD 15,000 per day. In the U.S., the company expects first-quarter average active rig count to be in line with 37 rigs, with management citing encouraging customer conversations for potential additional deployments. U.S. operating margins are expected to range from $8,000 to $9,000 per day. Internationally, Precision expects to run seven rigs in the first quarter, though management said operating margins will be lower year-over-year due to one Kuwait rig coming down, partially offset by one reactivated rig in Saudi Arabia. Honing said the Saudi reactivation will involve $2 million of one-time charges in the first quarter. For full-year 2026, Precision budgeted CAD 245 million in capital expenditures, including CAD 182 million for sustaining and infrastructure and CAD 63 million for upgrades. Honing said sustaining and infrastructure includes long-lead components that could be allocated to upgrades as projects materialize, along with a bulk purchase for drill pipe to be used in late 2026 and into 2027. Depreciation is expected to be CAD 305 million, and cash interest expense is expected to be approximately CAD 45 million. The effective tax rate is expected to be 25% to 30%, with cash taxes expected to remain low in 2026. Precision expects 2026 SG&A to be flat at about $95 million before share-based compensation. Share-based compensation expense is expected to range from $25 million to $45 million, assuming a share price range of $100 to $140, with management emphasizing the estimate is preliminary and will be updated after grant settlements and new issuances. Strategy and Q&A: international reactivations, Argentina MOU, and U.S. modest growth opportunities President and CEO Carey Ford said Precisions 2026 priorities remain focused on free cash flow generation, investor returns and high-performance service, with an emphasis on revenue growth and deeper customer relationships. He described demand drivers across basins and said Precision is pursuing creative commercial arrangements that combine equipment upgrades, digital technology, and performance contracts. Ford said that of the companys 130 drilling rigs active globally, 25 customers are running multiple Precision rigs, and the company aims to expand that number. On Canada, Ford said the companys Q1 peak activity of 87 rigs exceeded last years peak by four rigs and said Precision has not seen any broad change in near-term demand, noting all Super Triples and Super Singles were active in the winter season. He cited takeaway capacity and customer inventory depth as supportive factors in the medium-to-long-term view, while acknowledging that weather and commodity price volatility can influence short-term activity. On the international business, management provided more detail on Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during Q&A. Precision said it has six rigs in Kuwait, with four active on long-term contracts and two idle rigs that the company is looking to redeploy in Kuwait or elsewhere in the region. In Saudi Arabia, Precision said it has two active rigs, with one suspended rig returning to work on a multi-year contract; management indicated Saudi could be up to three rigs after the reactivation is complete, while overall international activity remains seven rigs in the near term. Ford also discussed an MOU in Argentina with San Antonio International, describing it as a way to bring Precisions idle Super Series rigs, digital technology and operational support to the market while de-risking complexity by using an established partner. He said Precision is deploying its first Alpha automation system on one of its partners rigs to demonstrate performance, but emphasized there are no near-term rig deployment plans. If a first rig moved at light speed, Ford said it could be late this year or early next year, and suggested the opportunity could amount to roughly one to three rigs over the next couple of years. In additional Q&A, Ford described the concept as involving two revenue streams: operational support revenue from the partner and a direct rig leasing payment from the customer, with mobilization and demobilization addressed in the contract economics. In the U.S., management said potential upside to steady rig counts includes active discussions in the Marcellus, Haynesville, Permian, and Rockies, driven by performance and efficiency opportunities. Ford said at least half of expected U.S. growth would likely come from displacements rather than customers adding incremental rigs. Management also addressed the decommissioning and drill pipe charges. Honing said the rig decommissioning charge followed a review of industry trends and fleet capabilities, concluding certain rigs were no longer competitive as drilling programs become more complex. The company said it would strip usable parts and scrap the rest, without classifying them as assets held for sale due to an uncertain timeline. On drill pipe, management said the $17 million charge reflected an adjustment to useful life and some disposal losses, citing accelerated wear as an industry-wide dynamic. About Precision Drilling (NYSE:PDS) Precision Drilling Corporation (NYSE: PDS) is a Calgary, Albertabased oilfield services company that has provided drilling solutions since its founding in 1951. With more than seven decades of industry experience, the company delivers contract drilling services, directional and horizontal drilling, well servicing, and a suite of specialized equipment designed to meet the evolving needs of exploration and production companies worldwide. The company's core business activities include operating a fleet of onshore drilling rigs, offering managed pressure drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD) and logging-while-drilling (LWD) services, and providing completion and workover rigs. The article "Precision Drilling Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Key takeaways The most extensive military campaign of President Donald Trumps second term has been in Somalia, not higher-profile flashpoints like Iran or Venezuela. Since returning to office, he has dramatically escalated airstrikes there at a pace exceeding previous administrations while rarely mentioning the operation publicly. The surge in strikes is driven by expanded presidential authorities as well growing concern about ISISs Somali affiliate. Loosened rules on targeting have given military commanders wider latitude to target suspected militants. The campaign appears to be running with minimal public scrutiny and uncertain long-term impact. While strikes may degrade militant leaders, experts question whether airpower alone can stabilize Somalia or address the governance failures that fuel extremism. On February 3, President Donald Trump posted a Fox News article about a US strike targeting ISIS leaders in Somalia, along with an inflammatory insult aimed at Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who arrived in the US as a refugee from the country. Trump taking a racist dig at Omar has become routine. But in national security circles, the mention of the strikes stood out as unusual. Advertisement Advertisement The post, along with a similar one the day before, was the first time in a year that the presidents account had mentioned his military campaign in Somalia, despite bombing the country more than any other in the same period. In both his terms as president, Trump has quietly overseen a massive escalation of airstrikes in Somalia with little public explanation. And while the president is not unique in ordering strikes there the military has been enmeshed in the Horn of Africa countrys conflicts since the early 1990s his campaign is simply on another level, as shown by data compiled by New America. In 2025, the US carried out 125 airstrikes and one ground raid in Somalia, compared to 51 operations during Joe Bidens whole presidency. Already, in 2026, the US has carried out 28 operations, more than any full year under a non-Trump president. Between 172 and 359 people have been killed in Trumps second term strikes, though David Sterman, a counterterrorism analyst at New America, notes that US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has not been reporting casualty estimates from these strikes since April of last year, meaning that the real numbers are likely much higher, and its difficult to know how many were civilians. View Link Advertisement Advertisement By comparison, the high-profile US campaign against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific since last fall has consisted of just 34 strikes. Or, another point of comparison: The US carried out more strikes in Somalia last year than it did in Pakistan in 2010 the height of the Obama administrations drone war when these tactics were a matter of major controversy and national debate. Not only do Trump and senior officials rarely talk about the fact that they are waging an air war in Somalia that rivals the height of the Global War on Terror, the statements the president does make sometimes suggest an aversion to exactly this type of open-ended campaign. In fact, one of the rare times hes brought up Somalia in a military context was to boast about not getting involved in the country. Only in recent decades did politicians somehow come to believe that our job is to police the far reaches of Kenya and Somalia, while America is under invasion from within, Trump told a group of US military leaders at a gathering in Quantico last fall. Advertisement Advertisement So, why is the US bombing Somalia so much, and why isnt anyone talking about it? There appear to be several factors in play: a genuine growing concern about Somalias role in a global resurgence of jihadist terrorism, a loosening of rules protecting civilians that allows for more strikes, and a post-9/11 war machine that can operate almost automatically without the presidents personal attention. Somalia is emerging as a new nexus of global terrorism Somalia has been in a state of civil conflict and humanitarian crisis since the early 1990s, and the US has been involved for almost that long. The deaths of 18 US troops in the infamous Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu in 1993 was the worst loss of life in combat for the US military since Vietnam at that time. After 9/11, the US began to target militants in the country with airstrikes and special forces raids, particularly the newly emerged al-Qaida-linked movement known as Al-Shabab. At various points, al-Shabab has controlled large swaths of Somali territory, including parts of the capital, Mogadishu. Today, it is a more dispersed movement but is still active in much of the country and continues to carry out deadly attacks against the Somali government and foreign troops in the country. Advertisement Advertisement The war against al-Shabab has continued with various levels of intensity across several administrations, but the biggest change since Trump returned to office, experts say, is that, in addition to al-Shabaab, the strikes reported by AFRICOM are increasingly targeting ISISs affiliate in the country. (ISISs Somali province was founded by al-Shabab defectors, and the groups are sworn enemies.) The Islamic State has carried out a number of high-profile global attacks recently, and experts believe the Somali affiliate is playing a key role in facilitating those plots. A private security officer stands at a look out point on the edge of a private beach south of Mogadishu on April 24, 2025, in Mogadishu, Somalia. | Ed Ram/Getty Images Lt. Gen. John Brennan, the second-highest-ranking officer at AFRICOM, recently told Fox News that the stepped-up anti-ISIS campaign in Somalia is in order to disrupt plots against the United States homeland as well as Europe. Notably, Brennan also claimed that Abdalqadir Mumin, the leader of ISIS in Somalia, is in fact the caliph absolute leader of the global ISIS network and is directing ISISs global activities from his hideout in the Golis Mountains. That assertion, which first emerged after Mumin was unsuccessfully targeted in a 2024 strike, is contested. Many terrorism experts do not believe Mumin is the global caliph. The group never announced hed been given the title, and, as a non-Arab who doesnt claim descent from the Prophet Mohammed, he would make an unusual choice. Advertisement Advertisement Caliph or no, there is growing consensus among terrorism experts that the Somali affiliate, which has relatively few fighters on the ground in Somalia itself (as few as 200-300 according to UN estimates), has become one of global ISISs most significant global affiliates, playing a key role in fundraising, financing, and recruiting. Whether Mumin is the head or not, hes extremely influential within the Islamic States global network, so hes a high-value target, clearly. Removing him from the battlefield is a worthwhile objective; hes a vital cog in the global enterprise, said Colin Clarke, terrorism analyst and executive director of the Soufan Center. The vast majority of the strikes against ISIS have been in northern Somalia in cooperation with the security forces of the semi-autonomous Puntland state. But the campaign against al-Shabab in southern Somalia continues apace, as well; a strike against the group took place just last week. Al-Shabab is more formidable with Somalia and has carried out high-profile attacks outside of it mainly in East African countries that have sent troops to Somalia but it has less of a global reach than ISIS. Some worry that could be changing. In 2024, US intelligence agencies learned of discussions about a weapons deal between al-Shabab and the Houthis, the Iran-backed militant group across the Red Sea in Yemen that Trump has previously targeted, though its unclear if anything came of those talks. So, its not surprising that the US would pay attention to Somalia as part of an overall global campaign against jihadist terrorism. US officials have even evoked the Israeli phrase mowing the grass to describe their goal in Somalia: keep militant groups degraded to prevent them from becoming too much of a threat. Advertisement Advertisement But this doesnt fully explain the shift. Somalia is hardly the only country where these groups are a threat. The Afghan ISIS affiliate, ISIS-Khorasan, has carried out major recent attacks in that country and abroad. The US has not carried out a publicly reported military operation in the country since the drone strike that killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in 2022. Meanwhile, the epicenter of global terrorist violence, accounting for more than half of all deaths, is West Africas Sahel Region particularly countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, rather than East Africa. Mali is under literal siege from the local al-Qaeda affiliate, forcing the government to ration fuel. But with the exception of Trumps Christmas Day bombing of Nigeria, which appears to have been a one-off, the US has not seemed particularly interested in West African jihadist groups. So, why Somalia in particular? Trump changed the rules for airstrikes The simplest theory for why Trump doesnt speak much about his administrations most extensive military operation is that hes not particularly involved with it. Under the authorities the administration has granted, the White House most likely doesnt need to sign off on individual strikes. The Joint Operations Center in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 2, 2023. | Jonathan Torgovnik/Getty Images | Jonathan Torgovnik/Getty Images Its less of an example of a Trump policy than him allowing one of the remaining vestiges of the post-9/11 war on terror to continue with even less oversight than before. The lack of public attention on the operation has meant the administration is under little pressure to fully explain its goals or justify its costs. Advertisement Advertisement As New Americas numbers show, the number of strikes in Somalia also grew dramatically in Trumps first term. One big reason: In 2017, Trump relaxed rules meant to prevent civilian casualties, giving AFRICOM wider latitude to go after targets as it saw fit. And after returning to office a second time, Trump again relaxed these limits, which appears to have been the main factor leading to the uptick in operations in Somalia. Its very clear that theyre operating under significantly expanded authorities for strikes again, said Sterman, who tracks reports of strikes in Somalia for New America. The most extensive public discussion of the shift from a Trump administration official came last July from Sebastian Gorka, the National Security Councils Director for Counterterrorism, during an appearance at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies in Washington. You may not be aware of it in the broader universe, but we are stacking [jihadis] like cord wood, Gorka declared. Advertisement Advertisement Gorka said that, shortly after taking office, he was told by intelligence and defense officials that were not allowed to kill bad guys under Bidens targeting review rules. Gorka claims that on day eight of the administration he presented the president with evidence of an ISIS jihadi running freely around a terror compound, a cave system in Northern Somalia, who had been tracked for years. Trump quickly signed off on the order to kill the jihadi, after which Gorka watched on a screen as the man was turned into red mist. This strike, in February, 2025, was one of the only times Trump has tweeted about the campaign, calling it a message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU! Under the more relaxed targeting standards that have been in place since the summer, this consultation with Trump would not have even been necessary. The rationale for these strikes has also subtly changed. According to Sterman, strikes under previous administrations, including the first Trump term, had often been justified as collective self-defense operations, meaning the US was responding to an attack on either US personnel or its Somali allies. That language appears less often now. Its also possible Biden may in fact have set the stage for this new offensive by preemptively signing off on the targeting of about a dozen Shabab leaders, meaning AFRICOM may feel more comfortable calling in the drones in the absence of a pressing threat. The war on terror on auto-pilot The new targeting standards help account for the scale of the bombing but not why its happening in Somalia, specifically, as opposed to other countries with Islamic militants that the US has targeted in the past. Advertisement Advertisement One possible explanation is that its the most convenient target. There appears to be an element of path dependence in the way counterterrorism is carried out by the US today. Having withdrawn troops from what was once a major counterterrorism hub in Niger in 2024, the US has fewer resources for combating jihadists in the Sahel than it once did. Theres little appetite in either US party for a return to Afghanistan after Bidens ugly withdrawal in 2021. By contrast, anti-ISIS operations have continued in Syria, where the US still has a troop presence though that could be ending soon and in Somalia, where theres a history of these operations and cooperation with local forces, as well as US troops stationed nearby in Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia itself. It seems like its on autopilot, said Tibor Nagy, a veteran US diplomat who served as under secretary of State for African Affairs during Trumps first term. Its easier to keep doing something because theres the institutional bureaucracy in place to keep supporting it. Asked about the reason for the uptick in strikes, a Department of Defense spokesperson speaking on background told Vox: Our strategic approach to countering terrorism in Africa relies on trusted partnerships and collaboration grounded in and through shared security interests. The cadence in conducting airstrikes in Somalia reflects that strategy, enabled by the administrations policy to empower commanders to protect the U.S. homeland and citizens abroad. Trump versus Somalia Trump may not talk about the air campaign in Somalia, but he has been talking about Somalia itself quite a bit, particularly since US immigration officials began a contentious and violent crackdown in Minnesota home of a large Somali immigrant community ostensibly motivated by cases of social services fraud by individual Somali-owned businesses. In a recent high-profile speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said he had always thought of Somalis as low-IQ people until seeing the scale of the fraud and called Somalia not a country. Vice President JD Vance has described the United States as having a Somali problem. Relations between the US and Somali government have also been strained lately. US foreign aid cuts have devastated the countrys health care system and left children in much of the country without food aid. The US briefly suspended all food aid to Somalia last month over allegations that local officials had seized a World Food Program warehouse. Its tempting to wonder if Trumps general enmity toward Somalia is related at all to his massive bombing campaign in the country, but that seems unlikely. The air campaign is conducted in close coordination with the government of Somalia and Puntland authorities. If anything, whats notable is that the surrounding politics havent disrupted the campaign. Somalias government does not treat political statements as a substitute for policy, Somalia ambassador to the United States, Dahir Hassan Abdi, responded by email when asked about Trumps comments. The United States remains a critical partner in security cooperation, and Somalia remains focused on practical coordination that advances shared goals. But are the strikes doing anything? Dahir, the Somalia ambassador, argued that US support has allowed its forces to put the jihadists on the back heel and restore a bit of stability. The degradation of terrorists ability to attack major cities and government forces have created the conditions for peace-loving residents of Mogadishu to freely participate in local elections on December 25, 2025, for the first time in five decades, he said in an emailed statement from the embassy. Those local elections, held last year, were billed as a kind of rehearsal for national elections which are planned for this year despite concerns about violence and instability. But while its generally agreed that Shabab no longer poses the existential threat to the Somali state that it did in the past, it still controls a significant amount of territory outside the capital and, early last year, briefly captured government buildings just 30 kilometers from Mogadishu. The Somali governments in a decent enough position that its not about to fall, said Omar Mahmood, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, speaking by phone from Somalia. But the question is always, how stable is the Somali government. Mahmood noted with an upcoming contested election, an international peacekeeping mission underfunded, and the US withdrawing much of its non-military support, the concern is that some of these underlying gains could unravel. That would allow al-Shabab to advance. Air strikes dont have a great record as a counterinsurgency tool in past conflicts, and Joshua Meservey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and author of a book on al-Shabaab, was skeptical that they would make the key difference in this place. The core problem in Somalia is that there is a lack of competent, legitimate local governance in the country, he said. If you do not have that, you will never successfully eradicate these groups. Former officials who spoke with Vox also expressed concerns that civilian casualties about which we have little publicly available information could turn more Somalis against the government and its US backers and potentially create more militants. None of these dynamics are particular to Trump. If anything, the Somalia campaign is an illustration that the militant groups were the primary focus of US national security for the 20 years after 9/11 have not gone away, even if we dont talk about them as much, and that efforts to combat them are still slow-going and legally murky. In that context, it makes sense Trump is reluctant to bring the operations up himself. The president surely approves of the killing of senior al-Shabab and ISIS leaders, but this is a leader who likes quick, decisive, and overwhelming victories. A now-decades-old operation whose success is difficult to define is not that. In the machine built by his predecessors, though, all thats needed to maintain a simmering war thousands of miles away is his tacit consent. Correction, February 17, 2026, 10:50 am ET: A previous version of this post mischaracterized the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident. Speaking about voter identification laws with Fox Business commentator Larry Kudlow, President Donald Trump maligned Connecticut's voting integrity laws and took a swipe at U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. this week. "I vote in the state of Connecticut," Kudlow said Tuesday to Trump. "You don't need a photo ID. You could vote if you just show them a credit card or a debit card, which anybody can get their hands on. I think it's a scam." Advertisement Advertisement Responding to Kudlow, Trump said, "Connecticut is an extremely corrupt voting place." "That's why a guy like Blumenthal can keep getting elected," Trump said. "He admitted he cheated on the war. I went to Vietnam for a couple of days and I spent two more days than he did there. He was never there." Blumenthal, in an emailed response Thursday, said voter fraud is "incredibly rare" in Connecticut. "Trump peddles conspiracies and distractions as he tries to restrict voting rights," Blumenthal said. "My colleagues and I are focused on preserving free and fair elections." Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said she was disappointed but not surprised by Trump's comments. "What concerns me most is not the comment itself, but the confusion it creates," Thomas said. "It reflects the continuation of a broader national rhetoric that paints elections with a single, sweeping brush, regardless of how they are actually administered at the state and local level." Kudlow is correct that a photo ID is not required to vote in Connecticut, though voters will be asked to present one at the polls. If a voter does not have a photo identification, there are other options. A voter can present a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows their name and address; a Social Security card; or any form of identification that shows the voter's name and address, name and signature, or name and photograph. If a voter does not have an accepted form of identification, they can sign an official affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement In response to a voter fraud incident in Bridgeport in 2023, the state in 2024 passed a law mandating increased security measures, including a shorter time period for campaigns to make mass requests for absentee ballot applications and mandatory video surveillance of drop boxes, expediting referrals of suspected instances of fraud to prosecutors and other technical changes to how voters cast ballots and how the state counts them. "Connecticut's elections are administered locally, transparently, and with bipartisan oversight in all 169 of our towns and cities," Thomas said. "Every community has both a Republican and a Democrat responsible for running elections. We use paper ballots. Our voting equipment is not connected to the internet. We conduct rigorous preelection testing and post-election audits. And when an issue is identified, it is investigated and addressed through law and not rhetoric." The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Thomas and Connecticut among 22 other mostly Democratic-led states for refusing to give the DOJ a complete, unredacted statewide voter registration list. "Connecticut runs safe, secure and transparent elections," said Rob Blanchard, spokesman for Gov. Ned Lamont. "When issues arise, we investigate them, hold people accountable and make improvements through the law. That's how you build trust, and that's why Connecticut's system continues to work." Advertisement Advertisement Trump has on multiple occasions disparaged Blumenthal since 2010 during his initial run for U.S. Senate, when The New York Times reported that Blumenthal had claimed several times that he served "in" Vietnam, rather than "during" the Vietnam era. Blumenthal first won his seat in the U.S. Senate in 2010, garnering 55.2% of the vote against now U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Six years later, Blumenthal won by an even steeper margin, garnering 63.2% of the votes cast. In his most recent election, 2022, Blumenthal beat Republican Leora Levy with 57.5% of the vote. Trump last year called Blumenthal a "fraud" on Truth Social, after which Blumenthal said he "must have really gotten under his skin." "I'm proud of my military service. I served," Blumenthal said last year. "The people of Connecticut have always known my record and they know me, which is why they've elected me to the Senate three times." Advertisement Advertisement Trump reportedly avoided military service during the Vietnam War claiming "bone spurs." As president he first visited Vietnam in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of State. Correction: This story and headline have been corrected to reflect that Trump made these comments in an interview on Fox Business. This article originally published at Trump calls Connecticut 'an extremely corrupt voting place' on Fox Business, takes swipe at Blumenthal. US President Donald Trump has decided to deploy a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid tensions over Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, he said on Friday. The carrier would be leaving for the region "very soon," Trump said at the White House, confirming media reports suggesting that the USS Gerald R Ford, currently stationed in the Caribbean, would be deployed to the Middle East. The move follows weeks of US military reinforcement in the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Advertisement Advertisement Additional warships, air defence systems and fighter squadrons are already in the Gulf region, according to the Wall Street Journal. Trump previously told the Axios news outlet he was considering sending a second carrier to the region if talks with Iran fail. Negotiators from both sides held fresh discussions last week in Oman's capital, Muscat, but a follow-up session has not yet been scheduled. Iran has indicated a willingness to limit its nuclear programme but considers a full relinquishment a red line. Its government has ruled out negotiations on its domestic missile programme while seeking the lifting of harsh sanctions and an economic boost through diplomatic engagement. On Thursday, Trump warned Iran of serious consequences if it fails to reach an agreement with the US. Advertisement Advertisement "This will be very traumatic for Iran if they don't make a deal," he said at the White House. On Wednesday, after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump indicated that he preferred a negotiated agreement with Iran over military action. President Donald Trump has publicly disavowed any formal role for Florida energy magnate Harry Sargeant III in U.S. policy toward Venezuela, drawing a sharp line between official diplomacy and the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of a well-connected Republican donor with deep business interests in the countrys oil sector. In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump described relations between Washington and Caracas as extraordinary and praised interim President Delcy Rodriguez as Venezuelan oil production begins to rebound following the Jan. 3 U.S. military operation that ousted Nicolas Maduro and sent him to New York to face narcoterrorism charges. We are dealing very well with President Delcy Rodriguez, and her Representatives. Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be greatly helping the people of Venezuela, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement But the president also took aim at a story Wednesday in the Wall Street Journal profiling Sargeant, a Palm Beach County businessman with deep ties to Venezuelas oil industry and longstanding access to both Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate and the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. He has no authority, in any way, shape, or form, to act on behalf of the United States of America, Trump wrote. Without this approval, no one is authorized to represent our Country. The unusually direct rebuke came amid reports that Sargeant has played a role in shaping the new relationship between Washington and Caracas following Maduros capture last month. The Florida tycoon helped facilitate a series of meetings between U.S. and Venezuelan officials, including a session last year in Caracas involving Maduro and Trumps special envoy, Richard Grenell talks that laid the groundwork for a politically sensitive arrangement linking oil sanctions relief to deportations of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. Sargeant, 68, a former Marine Corps pilot and past finance chairman of the Florida Republican Party, has spent decades pursuing oil and asphalt ventures in Venezuela. Maduro reportedly nicknamed him Abuelo. Before U.S. sanctions halted most American dealings with Venezuelas state oil company, PDVSA, in 2019, Sargeant had secured oilfield agreements and cultivated close relationships with senior officials. Advertisement Advertisement He has described Venezuela as the greatest investment opportunity since the collapse of the Soviet Union, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sources familiar with his efforts say Sargeant has been at the forefront of a group of oil entrepreneurs and bond investors advocating engagement with Caracas rather than a continuation of the maximum pressure sanctions strategy implemented during Trumps initial term. Supporters argue that renewed energy cooperation could help stabilize Venezuelas economy, curb migration and counter Chinese influence in the region. Sargeant traveled to Caracas last week to meet with Rodriguez to discuss restarting shipments of Venezuelan asphalt through his company, Global Oil Management Group. Through related investments, he also holds a minority stake in North American Blue Energy Partners, which controls rights to at least four Venezuelan oil fields, aiming to boost production to nearly 400,000 barrels per day. He is also invested in a venture helping refurbish the countrys Amuay refinery, once one of the largest in the hemisphere. Trumps broader strategy is to quickly revive Venezuelas oil output which once exceeded 3 million barrels per day but has fallen to a fraction of that in hopes of stabilizing the countrys economy, reducing migration pressures and countering Beijings growing footprint in Latin America. The administration is working to unwind layers of sanctions imposed during Trumps first term and expanded under President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said recently that the administration is working seven days a week to address concerns from oil executives eager to return. Still, major energy firms remain cautious. Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods reportedly told Trump during a Jan. 9 White House meeting that Venezuela remains uninvestable until its political situation stabilizes and a reliable legal framework for foreign investors is in place. After kidnapping Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, threatening to cut off aid to Colombia, and calling for U.S. troops in Mexico all within the last few months, President Trumps message to people concerned with further escalation is simply, Dont worry about it. Are you considering land strikes on Mexico, Columbia, and Venezuela? a reporter asked Trump outside the White House as he departed for Joint Base Andrews in North Carolina on Friday afternoon. What about it? Trump said, unable to hear over the aircraft noise. Advertisement Advertisement Land strikes, are you planning them? the reporter repeated. Dont worry about it. Q: Are you considering land strikes on Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela? Trump: Don't worry about it. pic.twitter.com/HGJOKc1EvX Vera Bergengruen (@VeraMBergen) February 13, 2026 Virtually every action Trump has taken in the regionfrom the drug boat bombings in the Caribbean Sea to the midnight abduction of Madurowould suggest that land strikes on Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela are very much something to worry about. Donald Trump is not set to attend the 39th annual meeting of the African Union, which kicks off its leaders summit on Friday. But his presence will still be felt as delegations from the 55 member states grapple with the new, disruptive reality of the United States presidents second term. Trumps historic cuts to foreign aid, his overhaul of US trade policy, and his sweeping changes to immigration admissions have all had an outsized impact on Africa, though he gave the continent only slight mention in his wider global agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Amid the upheaval, the Trump administration has sought to forge new, bilateral agreements with African countries, focused on resources and security gains. Over the past year, US policy toward Africa has introduced a degree of uncertainty that will inevitably shape how African leaders approach this summit, Carlos Lopes, a professor at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, told Al Jazeera. There has been a perceptible shift away from broad multilateral engagement and large-scale development programming, toward a more transactional, security- and deal-focused approach. Many African leaders have sought to strike a careful balance with the new US leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Lopes has observed officials engaging with the US, while simultaneously hedging by strengthening relations with China, the Gulf states, Europe and intra-African institutions to avoid over-dependence on any single partner. The defining theme of this summit, in that sense, is likely to be recalibration on both sides: the US testing a more transactional model of engagement, and African leaders signalling that partnership must be reciprocal, predictable and respectful if it is to endure, Lopes said. An outsize impact The White House National Security Strategy, released in November, gave only fleeting mention to Africa. In the entire 29-page document, only three paragraphs mention the continent, at the bottom of the last page. Advertisement Advertisement Some of those paragraphs reiterate the longstanding US goal of countering Chinas influence. The section also highlights Trumps recent push to end conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. But the document also alludes to a wider vision for US-Africa ties, shifting from a foreign aid paradigm to an investment and growth paradigm. That approach would be fuelled by new bilateral relationships with countries committed to opening their markets to US goods and services. In turn, the US envisions boosting development efforts on the continent, particularly when it comes to accessing strategic energy and rare earth mineral resources. However, that paradigm shift away from foreign aid has had a disproportionate effect on Africa and is likely to be a topic of conversation at Fridays summit. Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 26 percent of the continents foreign aid came from the US. As of 2024, the countrys direct foreign investment in Africa was estimated at $47.47bn, much of it coming through the US Agency for International Development (USAID). But Trump has since dismantled USAID, as well as cancelled billions of dollars in aid programmes. Those moves have been accompanied by a wider US retreat from the United Nations. Experts say the repercussions have already been felt on the ground in Africa. We have experienced the end of USAID, and that has had huge, detrimental negative impacts at least in the short run on global health, particularly on health funding for African countries, Belinda Archibong, a professor at Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), told Al Jazeera. The Center for Global Development has assessed that the current US foreign aid cuts could lead to 500,000 to 1,000,000 deaths annually. Advertisement Advertisement In a December report, the organisation said the evidence of Trumps aid cuts could be seen through increases in malnutrition mortality in northern Nigeria and Somalia, food insecurity in northeast Kenya and malaria deaths in northern Cameroon, among others. Archibong also pointed to disruptions in HIV treatment and prevention across the continent, an area of concern for African Union members. Trumps funding freeze, for example, has caused service interruptions for programmes financed by the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US initiative credited with saving 25 million lives, primarily in Africa. So what does the health funding and health security globally look like in the aftermath of the US pulling back? Archibong said. That is going to be a very, very key point of discussion at the summit. Advertisement Advertisement With USAID scuttled, the Trump administration has pursued at least 16 preliminary bilateral agreements on public health aid, including with Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Kenya. It has dubbed its new aid model the America First global health strategy. Critics, though, have raised concerns about such deals being tainted by transactional pressures, creating the potential for corruption and questions about their long-term sustainability. Strategic ambiguity? For Everisto Benyera, a politics professor at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, Trump is likely to be the proverbial elephant in the room during the African Unions two-day summit. This summit will be aware of his presence in his absence, he told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps tariff policies have also had a wide impact on the continent. In April, 20 countries were hit with custom tariffs ranging from 11 percent to 50 percent, and another 29 countries faced a baseline tariff of 10 percent. Experts say the nature of the tariffs adds to the air of uncertainty before this years summit. The heightened, individualised tariffs disproportionately affect countries with specialised export industries that rely, in part, on protectionist trade policies to keep their economies afloat. For instance, the kingdom of Lesotho, a nation of about 2 million, landlocked by South Africa, initially faced a staggering 50 percent tariff rate, risking ravages to its garment industry. Meanwhile, Madagascar, known for its vanilla exports, was slammed with an initial 47 percent tariff rate. Advertisement Advertisement The rates for both Lesotho and Madagascar were later dropped to 15 percent. Some reprieve has been offered by Trumps decision this month to temporarily extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a trade agreement dating back to 2000. It allows eligible countries to export 1,800 products including fossil fuels, car parts, textiles and agricultural products to the US duty-free. However, the extension only stretches through the end of 2026. Adding to the tensions is Trumps decision to stop processing immigration visas for 75 countries, including 26 in Africa. That accounts for nearly half of the African Unions members. Advertisement Advertisement Three African countries have launched reciprocal policies, banning travel for US citizens. Still, Benyera predicted most leaders at this weeks summit would strive to maintain strategic ambiguity, with an eye towards arranging future agreements. The African Union will, therefore, not want to make policy pronunciations that contradict Trump, he said. They will aim to strike a strategic balance between appeasing Trump, reassuring [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, and maintaining relations with [Chinese President] Xi Jinping. Normative actor Lopes, meanwhile, predicted that the summit will include subtle but pointed language emphasising international law, multilateralism and consistency. He pointed out that several African states have taken vocal stances on global flashpoints, including Israels genocidal war on Gaza which the US supports and the recent US military action in Venezuela. The governments of South Africa, Namibia and Ghana, for instance, have led condemnation of the USs abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a blatant violation of international law. South Africa, meanwhile, has spearheaded a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). I do expect that theme of international justice to continue, not necessarily as open confrontation but as a reminder that Africa increasingly sees itself as a normative actor on the global stage, Lopes said. He explained that recent dealings between the US, South Africa and Nigeria have been illustrative of the tightrope walk many African Union members face in the Trump era. In South Africa, Trump has pushed claims that white Afrikaner farmers have been persecuted in a white genocide, a position rejected by the government of Cyril Ramaphosa and several top Afrikaner officials. But even after an extraordinary and falsehood-laden confrontation at the Oval Office, Ramaphosas government has sought to forge new deals with the Trump administration, while also strengthening ties with its top trading partner, China. Trump has also pushed dubious claims about Christian persecution in Nigeria. In December, the US struck an alleged ISIL (ISIS)-linked group in the countrys restive northeast, promising more bombings if armed actors continue to kill Christians. Nigerias government has responded to the US attack carefully, characterising it as a joint operation, while rejecting the notion that religion was the root of the violence. It has also used Trumps interest in the region to boost security cooperation and intelligence sharing with the US, in an effort to counter the persistent insecurity in the countrys north. Both have experienced a more antagonistic tone from Washington. Yet, both have also leveraged that friction to diversify partnerships and assert strategic autonomy, Lopes said. That reflects the broader balancing act under way across the continent. The Trump administrations EPA has rescinded the federal governments authority to regulate greenhouse gases, halting the enforcement of rules meant to slow air pollution that causes climate change. In a live-streamed press conference at the White House Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, called the Obama-era finding that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases are a danger to public health and welfare a scam. Rescinding the finding which was based on scientific study about the accumulation and effect of greenhouse gases now accepted by mainstream science would save taxpayers $1.3 trillion, Trump and Zeldin said , though they didnt specify how or over what period of time. They said eliminating greenhouse-gas emission standards on cars would drop the price of a new vehicle by $2,400. Advertisement Advertisement The change also will affect emissions from power plants. The Endangerment Finding has been the source of 16 years of consumer choice restrictions and trillions of dollars in hidden costs for Americans, Zeldin said in a press release. Referred to by some as the Holy Grail of the climate change religion, the Endangerment Finding is now eliminated. The Trump EPA is strictly following the letter of the law, returning commonsense to policy, delivering consumer choice to Americans and advancing the American Dream. As EPA Administrator, I am proud to deliver the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history on behalf of American taxpayers and consumers. As an added bonus, the off-cycle credit for the almost universally despised start-stop feature on vehicles has been removed. The administration had said in 2025 it planned to make the move. Environmental groups said they would sue in response. What EPA rules mean in North Carolina Mica Crouse, a spokeswoman for the Environmental Defense Fund, said that groups research shows repealing the Endangerment Finding actually will result in higher costs for families. Advertisement Advertisement New analysis from Environmental Defense Fund shows repealing the Endangerment Finding and U.S. clean vehicle standards will saddle North Carolina families with an estimated $70 billion in added fuel costs and $7 billion in health costs, worsening air pollution and increasing asthma attacks and premature deaths statewide, Crouse said. Vehicles are one of the largest pollution sources in North Carolina, and this rollback shifts costs from polluters to everyday drivers. Nationally, Crouse said, the EDF estimates that Americans will end up paying more at the gas pump as manufacturers roll back measures that make vehicles run more efficiently. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality says the largest source of greenhouse gases in the state are the generation and use of electricity, followed by transportation; the burning of fossil fuels to generate heat or electricity in homes, industries or commercial operations; agriculture; waste management; and other processes. While Trump said dropping the Endangerment Finding would result in a reinvigoration of the U.S. auto-making industry, the national, nonpartisan clean-energy business group E2 also said the EPA decision would increase costs for consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Eliminating clean-vehicle standards is a blow to both our economy and our environment, Sandra Purohit, E2s federal advocacy director said in a release. This decision will drive up costs for businesses and consumers and weaken our economy. It upends nearly two decades of commonsense policy. It injects huge uncertainty into the marketplace. It discourages capital investment and innovation in the auto industry. And it ignores the economic costs of extreme weather thats only made worse by rising GHG pollution including disaster clean-up, higher insurance premiums, lost productivity, and supply chain disruption. Clean-energy advocates in North Carolina also have said that dropping the Endangerment Finding is likely to result in the reversal of a generally positive trend in recent years of working to reduce carbon emissions from power plants in the state. While Duke Energy had been working with lawmakers and regulators to try to reach carbon neutrality, the utility was allowed last year to delay its emission-reduction goals and now says it wants to keep coal-fired power plants online past dates they were once planned to be phased out. In its earnings report released this week, Duke Energy said it made profits of $4.9 billion in 2025 and is on track to see healthy returns for shareholders for the next two years. The utility has a $103 billion capital plan through 2030 that includes proposals for a natural-gas-powered plant in Davidson County, a new nuclear plant at Belews Creek, grid upgrades and some solar installations. The company has dropped wind power from its immediate plans, in keeping with Trumps pronouncements that he would like to kill all new wind power projects. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has championed the restart of the American coal industry, saying its necessary to ensure the country has plenty of reliable, affordable energy. Democratic lawmakers, led by the senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth and the representative Mike Quigley, are demanding answers about how Donald Trumps immigration policies are exacerbating childcare shortages and costs in the US. About 20% of the childcare workforce in the US are immigrants and as high as 70% in some regions of the US and the presidents immigration policies could reduce the childcare workforce by an estimated 15%, according to a letter sent today by 48 lawmakers to the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Immigration policy changes including terminations of temporary protected status (TPS), the elimination of other lawful immigration pathways, and immigration raids in and around childcare programs are driving childcare providers out of the workplace, exacerbating childcare workforce shortages and high prices, the lawmakers wrote in the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Why Democrats are suddenly embracing universal childcare The lawmakers provided examples of childcare workers ensnared by Trumps deportation push, including a nanny in Wisconsin, an asylum seeker with no criminal record who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a routine check-in, and immigrant teachers at a preschool in Washington DC who lost their work authorizations and were forced to quit due to TPS terminations by the Trump administration. Trump also revoked protections for childcare facilities and other sensitive locations from ICE raids, and the letter cited cases in Chicago, Illinois and Minnesota, where ICE performed arrests or conducted visits to childcare sites, which have caused staff declines. These impacts, the letter explains, have long-reaching effects on the rest of the US economy, causing parents to reduce work hours or leave the workforce altogether. The lawmakers are demanding to know how the agency is assessing the impacts of Trumps immigration policies on the childcare workforce and what the agency plans to do to prevent further disruptions and mitigate rising costs. Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers are demanding information from the ACF about how it is assessing and responding to the impacts the Trump administrations immigration agenda is having on the childcare industry. The latest push to rein in the Trump administrations immigration policies comes as Democratic-led states have begun enacting free universal childcare. New Mexico became the first state in the US to provide universal free childcare, in September 2025. New York Citys mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and the states governor, Kathy Hochul, announced last month free childcare programs and investments toward achieving universal free childcare in New York, and San Francisco, California, followed suit a week later. Earlier this week, the representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez signed on as the lead in the House to Warrens Child Care for Every Community Act to deliver universal childcare across the US, capping costs at $10 a day for half of all families and capping costs based on an income scale used in the US militarys childcare program. President Donald Trumps endorsement of a Florida Republican has sparked significant pushback from his most dedicated supporters. Trump threw his support behind Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) for reelection late Tuesday, along with six other Republicans in the Sunshine State. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Salazar is working hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Salazar posted on X hours later thanking Trump for his endorsement and addressing her stances on immigration, housing, and the economy. Miami is the ultimate melting pot, a city built by those who came here seeking liberty, opportunity, and a chance to start again, Salazar said. I know their story because its my story. In Congress, I will keep delivering results, standing firm on our values, and working to ensure opportunity and prosperity remain within reach for all. However, a number of MAGA supporters and conservatives were quick to criticize Trumps backing of the congresswoman. Several social media users pointed to Salazars DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act, a bipartisan bill she introduced in July 2023 with the aim of providing legal status for a sector of undocumented immigrants. Far-right activist Laura Loomer, an ally of Trump, wrote on social media that she loves the president but cannot believe he decided to endorse Salazar. She is pushing for mass amnesty with her Dignity Act, Loomer added. Terrible. This is so bad. Advertisement Advertisement Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a staunch ally turned critic of Trump, argued that the presidents endorsement should be seen as an insult to his base. She supports illegals more than most democrats, Greene said. Salazar fired back against Greene on Wednesday, saying that she is not telling the truth. And you know it. Its DIGNITY, not AMNESTY, Salazar said. Ill say it again: dignity, not amnesty, even for the people working in your own construction company. YOU said it yourself: We cannot be rounding up every single person and deporting them. So which is it? More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The official portrait from President Donald Trumps first term has never been shown to the public, and he wants to keep it that way, a new report reveals. A portrait of Trump was painted by an artist commissioned by the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery in 2021, shortly after he left office. Presidential portraits are typically hung in the gallery after they have permanently left office but due to Trumps announcement in 2022 that he was running again, the painting was not displayed in the gallerys Americas Presidents exhibit. Advertisement Advertisement Now, according to The New York Times, Trump prefers a different image to represent his presidency when he leaves office in 2029. The 2021 portrait was painted by the late artist Ronald Sherr and reportedly depicts Trump at a rally with the White House in the background. The official portrait from President Donald Trumps first term (not pictured) has never been shown to the public, but now he reportedly wants a new one commissioned (AFP/Getty) White House officials told the Times it represents a vestige of his first term, and a second portrait has been discussed that encapsulates his entire time in office. President Trump was appreciative of the portrait created for his 45th term, and looks forward to seeing the completion of a portrait that will encapsulate both his 45th and 47th presidential terms, White House spokesman Davis Ingle told the newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement However, a spokeswoman for the gallery told the Times that it was unaware of a request for a second portrait. When reached for comment by The Independent, a spokesperson for the gallery said, We have no comment at this time. Sherrs widow, Lois Sherr, told the outlet that her late husband told her Trump had spoken warmly of the portrait. What sets this portrait by Ron apart is that he captured Trumps movement, energy and feeling of absolute resolve, she said. If portraits or photographs are not to Trumps liking, he has often taken to Truth Social to air his grievances, including one hung of him in the Colorado state capitol in 2025 (Trump Social/@realDonaldTrump/Sarah Boardman) If portraits or photographs are not to Trumps liking, he has often taken to Truth Social to air his grievances. In October 2025, he complained about a photograph of himself on the front of Time Magazine that was taken from below. Time Magazine wrote a relatively good story about me, but the picture may be the Worst of All Time, Trump complained on Truth Social. I never liked taking pictures from underneath angles, but this is a super bad picture, and deserves to be called out. Advertisement Advertisement And in March last year, the Colorado state legislature agreed to take down a painting of Trump that he had blasted on Truth Social as distorted and the worst. Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado ... was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before, Trump said. The artist also did President Obama, and he looks wonderful, but the one on me is truly the worst. She must have lost her talent as she got older, he added. Now the financial industry and its allies in the Trump administration are trying to make it harder for Schlichter and others to sue. The industry has lobbied Washington heavily over the issue, and Republican lawmakers in Congress have labeled the plaintiffs lawyers pension predators who are abusing the retirement system. The Trump administrations top appellate lawyer filed a brief at the US Supreme Court opposing Schlichters position in a recent case, and the Department of Labor withdrew its brief supporting his side in the Yale case. Thats a change: In the past, when administrations have weighed in on Schlichters court cases, theyve been on his side. His side has won all three of his cases decided by the Supreme Court. Schlichter has sued major companies, financial firms and top universities. After more than a decade defending itself in court, ABB, a global power and automation technology company, paid $55 million in 2019 to settle claims that it had excessive fees in its 401(k) plan. At the end of last year, Pentegra Retirement Services, a retirement plan outsourcing company, agreed to pay $48.5 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging it charged excessive recordkeeping and administrative fees and included funds with steep fees. (Both companies have disputed the allegations; ABB says its proud of its benefit plans.) Yale University is defending its retirement plan in federal court against a lawsuit Schlichter first brought a decade ago over the fees and performance of funds compared with their benchmarks. In 2023 a jury found largely in Yales favor. The case is ongoing in federal appeals court. Yale declined to comment. Over the past two decades, Schlichter, 77, and Schlichter Bogard, the firm he founded, have won precedent-setting cases over the types of retirement investments that plans offer workers and the fees they charge for them. Hes racked up more than $750 million in settlements since first suing in 2006 and created a whole field of litigation. Copying his tactics, other plaintiffs lawyers filed hundreds more lawsuits of their own in the past five years. Federal judges, in approving fees paid to his firm, have credited his litigation with saving workers substantial money each year on their investments. Buyer beware, Schlichter says, referring to employers who are considering adding private equity and other alternative funds to their company plans. You better be prepared for defending that choice. (Bloomberg Markets) -- The American retirement system is on the verge of one of its biggest changes in decades, with Wall Streets private equity and credit firms close to getting a piece of the $14 trillion socked away in workplace retirement savings plans. Theyve created new types of investment funds for 401(k)s and clinched deals with household-name money managers to include them. Story Continues Daniel Aronowitz, the top Labor Department official overseeing the employee benefit plan policy, has vowed to end the era of regulation by litigation. (He was previously president of Encore Fiduciary, which sells insurance to protect retirement plans and their trustees against lawsuits.) The Trump administration is preparing to give private assets in 401(k) plans a safe harbor against the type of lawsuit Schlichter helped create. It would be harder to sue a plan that can show it has processes in place to scrutinize new investments. An initial proposal is expected soon. If this is such a wonderful investment, why do you need a litigation shield separating you from everybody else that doesnt have that? Schlichter asks. If they are so special and theyre so good, they wouldnt need a litigation shield. The merits would determine fees are reasonable, end of story. Eugene Scalia, who served as labor secretary in the first Trump administration and is now a top partner at Gibson Dunn in Washington, says a formal rule is needed to reassure plan sponsors that lawyers or future administrations wont second-guess them. Private funds are already widely held by government pension plans and other defined benefit plans, he says. Financial companies that invest in private markets, as well as some of the biggest retirement fund managers, say the investments deserve a spot in 401(k)s. We believe that private credit strategies deliver great value to investors, says Jiri Krol, deputy chief executive officer and global head of government affairs for the Alternative Investment Management Association, a global trade group for companies that invest in private markets. A lot of pension systems have basically gone down the route of effectively and obsessively focusing on cost and cost only, as opposed to the overall value to the investor, he says. One study, by money manager BlackRock Inc., says private assets would increase returns potentially, on average, by 0.50% per year, generating about 15% more money in total over a 40-year period. The assets, which dont trade on public exchanges the way stocks do, may have higher returns in exchange for less liquidity. Because retirement investors have long time horizons, money managers argue, these investment are suited for their goals. But private asset portfolios also tend to carry much higher fees than stock and bond index funds. Schlichter is watching closely how the corporate executives and nonprofits tasked with running 401(k) and similar plans determine whether to include private equity and credit. As fiduciaries they must act in the savers best interests and can be held liable in lawsuits if they dont. Schlichter has followed credit raters reports about defaults in companies owned by private equity; the rise of secondary private equity stakes, which could wind up in retail investor portfolios; and the compensation packages of CEOs of alternative companies. Hes keeping an eye on the potential cash drag: Plans may need to hold more in cash, which generates lower investment returns, when they invest in illiquid and private assets, because theyll need money on hand to easily dispense to savers withdrawing or moving funds on a moments notice. There is huge exposure to risk that people are beingwill besubjected to, if private equity becomes a significant part of 401(k) plans, Schlichter says, adding that being a fiduciary is going to be tough as a result. Their job is going to be a whole lot more difficult to carry out that duty if private credit or private equity is in the plan, because its opaque, its quite a bit more expensive, and its illiquid. One of five childrenhis father was an Air Force veteran and aircraft mechanic, and his mother was a homemakerSchlichter grew up in the small town of Mascoutah, Illinois, and was the first in his family to go to college. He paid for it by working variously as a janitor, at a steel mill and by digging lines for the phone company. He turned down a scholarship to the University of Illinois law school to head to the University of California at Los Angeles just as student movements against the Vietnam War were intensifying. I became a quintessential student protester, Schlichter says. While joining Teamster union truckers on a picket line for higher pay, he was pulled out by Los Angeles cops, handcuffed and arrested, he says, for allegedly resisting a police officer. He disputed the arrest and went to trial: Were not pleading guilty to anything. Were not going to cut our hair, he says, describing his thinking at the time. He was convicted in 25 minutes. Fortunately for his legal career, it was a misdemeanor. (Schlichter says it was later expunged.) He worked a summer helping to represent a group of students at Washington University in St. Louis who were facing federal charges stemming from an antiwar demonstration during which a federal building on campus serving as an ROTC center was burned down. He later returned to St. Louis because the city, a nexus for railroads and Mississippi River shipping, was also a hub for trial lawyers who brought high-stakes injury claims for railroad and barge workers. In the early 2000s, Schlichter says, he started getting more and more questions from workers and union officials, including one at Boeing Co., about whether theyd have enough money to last through retirement. Traditional pensions were declining, and 401(k)s were rising, putting more of an onus on individuals to manage their savings. But employers still had a big impact: They selected administrators and fund options, and the costs and fees borne by workers could eat into their nest eggs. Schlichter and colleagues spent almost two years immersing themselves in the inner workings of the entire retirement plan industry. The first book he says he read was the primer 401(k)s for Dummies. Then the firm went looking for cases. They investigated retirement plans at some of the nations largest employers. He says he mortgaged his house to pay for the up-front costs. No other law firm had embarked on that type of bet-the-farm litigation against pension funds before him, Schlichter says. Boeing and ABB were among the firms earliest cases. Boeing, which said it did nothing wrong, agreed in 2015 to pay $57 million to settle allegations of excessive fees and inappropriate investment choices in the plan. The ABB suit was the nations first retirement plan excessive-fee case that went to full trial. It took Schlichter more than 12 years and roughly 27,000 of his firms attorney hours. Legal fees for the defendants, which also included other fiduciaries, were more than $42 million through the trial portion of the case. Demonstrating the financial stakes of such cases, the federal judge who signed off on the fees at the end of the case in 2019 noted that just one piece of the defenses research cost $3.2 million, more than the $2.3 million Schlichter sought for reimbursement of expenses. Schlichters firm was ultimately awarded about $18 million for its legal work, or roughly a third of the settlement tally, which is typical in contingency-fee cases. The litigation has evolved over time, as fees have come down, and even ardent opponents of Schlichters type of litigation say fiduciary practices have improved. A current spate of cases increasingly focuses on forfeiture of 401(k) assets that arent vested when an employee leaves their job. Schlichters success has led other trial law firms to file many more suits over the past few years. According to plan insurer Encore Fiduciary, there were almost 450 fee or forfeiture lawsuits filed from 2020 through September of last year. The vast majority of them targeted plans with more than $500 million in assets. Thats still a tiny percentage of the roughly 800,000 401(k) plans in the US. But lawyers who represent employers say the lawsuits have become an increasing burden. Were just seeing a steady stream of dozens of copycat sort of lawsuits, says Rick Nowak, co-leader of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act litigation practice at law firm Mayer Brown. Thats a shift from earlier years of the litigation, in which old guard lawyers brought more sophisticated lawsuits, he says. Even if you disagreed with the merits, you could certainly understand why Jerry Schlichter was bringing the claims he was bringing. The point of a safe harbor isnt to get rid of all retirement plan litigation, Nowak says, but separating the wheat from the chaff. All the litigation has made companies cautious about being innovative in their plan mix, says Lynn Dudley, senior vice president for global retirement and compensation policy at the American Benefits Council, which represents retirement plan sponsors. The less you do, the less likely you are to be sued, she says. The group has asked the Labor Department to clarify the standard of review applied to fiduciary decisions and recommendations. Such a change would go beyond a more narrow litigation shield for only private credit and alternative assets. It would force plaintiffs to focus on whether decisions were arbitrary or capricious. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink told analysts in January that plans are still going to need to be vigilant. Each and every firm is going to have to validate and authenticate the risk that is being implied when they add private markets, he said. Schlichter says the new tone in Washington wont cause him to back away from legitimate cases. Although the shift in the Labor Departments interpretation and policy is likely to be adverse to his clients, the law is still ultimately determined by judges. Im not going anywhere, says Schlichter. His grandmother, he notes, lived to almost 112. Brush covers asset management in New York, and Beyoud reports on financial regulators in Washington, both for Bloomberg News. Donald Trump has said he plans to become the first sitting United States president to visit Venezuela in nearly three decades. Trump made the statement to reporters on Friday as he departed White House for the Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina, where he met soldiers involved in the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Im going to make a visit to Venezuela, Trump said. He offered few details on the planned visit, telling reporters we havent decided on a date. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the trip would make Trump the first sitting US president since Bill Clinton in 1997 to visit the South American country, which Trump had targeted with crippling sanctions from his first term of 2017 to 2021. Earlier this week, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright became the first member of Trumps cabinet to visit Venezuela and meet the government led by Maduros replacement, Delcy Rodriguez. Trump has repeatedly praised Rodriguez, Maduros former deputy, while downplaying the prospect of supporting an opposition figure in the wake of Maduros abduction. Theyve done a great job, Trump again said on Friday. The oil is coming out, and a lot of money is being paid. For her part, Rodriguez has overseen several concessions to the US, including freezing oil shipments to Cuba, supporting a law to open the state-controlled oil industry to foreign companies, and releasing hundreds of political prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, lawmakers in Venezuelas parliament debated a bill that would grant amnesty to political prisoners, although it had not passed by Friday. Easing of sanctions Also on Friday, the US Department of the Treasury announced it was easing some sanctions on Venezuelas energy sector, the largest reprieve since Maduros abduction. The department issued two general licences, including one that allows Chevron, BP, Eni, Shell, and Repsol to conduct further oil and gas operations in Venezuela. The companies identified already have offices in the country and are among the main partners of state-run oil company PDVSA. The second licence allows foreign companies to enter new oil and gas investment contracts with PDVSA in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Any contracts would be contingent on separate approval from the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control and do not extend to Russia, Iran, China or entities owned by nationals of those countries. Trump has said he is seeking $100bn in foreign investments in Venezuela, while Energy Secretary Wright said early this week that Venezuelan oil sales since Maduros capture had hit $1bn and would reach $5bn in months. Wright said the US will control the proceeds from the sales until a representative government in Venezuela is established. UN experts have criticised US influence over the countrys natural resources as a violation of citizens right to self-determination. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking during his address on Fort Bragg, Trump also took time to praise the operation to abduct Maduro. Legal experts have called it a flagrant violation of international law and Venezuelas sovereignty, regardless of whether Washington viewed Maduro as the countrys legitimate elected leader following disputed elections in 2024. Everybody was running for the hills, Trump said of the January 3 attack, which killed more than 100 Cuban and Venezuelan security personnel, and thats what we have. We have the strongest military in the world by far. Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. military is sending the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, to the Middle East as tensions with Tehran over its nuclear program ratchet up, President Donald Trump confirmed Friday. Trump told reporters he's sending the vessel because if the United States and Iran doesn't "make a deal, we'll need it," The Hill reported. The vessel and its supporting warships, which are in the Caribbean, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in a trek that's expected to take about three to four weeks, The Guardian reported. Advertisement Advertisement "We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going," Trump said in an interview with Axios on Tuesday. An unnamed official said Trump made the decision to send the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East after his Thursday meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. Southern Command said in a statement to The Hill that it was carrying out "mission-focused operations to counter illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere." "While force posture evolves, our operational capability does not. SOUTHCOM forces remain fully ready to project power, defend themselves, and protect U.S. interests in the region." U.S. and Iranian leaders have been involved in negotiations over Iran's nuclear arms program. Tehran has shown willingness to scale back its nuclear program in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions, but has declined to consider requests to scale back its ballistic missile arsenal. Donald Trump has ordered the largest aircraft carrier in the world to move to the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest carrier in the US fleet, was ordered to sail from the Caribbean, where it took part in the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. With its last known location off Puerto Rico, the warship and its accompanying vessels may take at least a fortnight to arrive in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Iran, where it will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump, the US president, made the move following an opening of indirect negotiations a week ago in Oman regarding Irans nuclear capability, ballistic missiles and support for proxies. Both sides expressed guarded satisfaction with the opening round and a commitment to meet again. A date and location for a further round, however, has not yet been agreed, and both sides have continued war rhetoric in recent days. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, said giving up missiles was a red line, and warned: We will respond decisively to any adventurism our military readiness is high. Advertisement Advertisement Reining in Irans ballistic missile capability was a key demand of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, on his visit to Washington this week, although he appeared to leave disappointed after Mr Trump insisted that the talks would continue for the time being. The arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford, which has capacity for 80 aircraft, will bring another seaborne air wing to bear, dramatically improving the USs ability to sustain a multi-day campaign of intense strikes on the regime. The USS Gerald R. Ford off the coast of St Thomas Island, US Virgin Islands, on Jan 25 - 2026 PLANET LABS PBC The decision to redeploy the ship, which was launched in 2013, follows a reported cooling in the White House over pursuing military action based on the view that commanders could not be sure it would achieve a significant result. In the past month, there has also been a significant build-up of US military assets on the ground in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement These include ground-based combat jets, air-to-air refuelling tankers and missile interception systems. Even with the added assets, however, there remains significant doubt about whether the US could affect regime change from the air alone. It has emerged that Iranian authorities have extracted 337 forced confessions from people arrested during Januarys protests. The Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran, which has been documenting deaths, injuries and arrests from the unrest, said the confessions were obtained up until Thursday. The forced confessions were reported as Irans main teachers union warned that security forces, clerics and Basij militia members have entered schools across the country after the protests. Advertisement Advertisement The co-ordination council of Iranian teachers trade associations said in a statement: After the protests of January 8 and 9, the security atmosphere has been drawn from the streets to educational environments and schools have practically become an arena for the presence of security institutions. Tehran has also announced the establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate the demonstrations which initially started as protests against the high cost of living, but left thousands dead. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, met with Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, his Omani counterpart, on Feb 6 - AFP Iran has warned that it will target US bases in the Middle East in retaliation for any attack and has strengthened its show of military force in recent weeks. The Revolutionary Guards unveiled the Khorramshahr 4 ballistic missile before the Feb 11 Revolution anniversary. The armys commander-in-chief warned that Iran was in higher defensive readiness than the 12-day war. Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations over the programme collapsed during Israels 12-day war with Iran last year, during which US warplanes bombed nuclear sites in the country. The nuclear-powered USS Gerald R. Ford operates F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter planes. It cost $13bn (10bn) to build and is equipped with dual-band radar data fusion and other advanced capabilities in its defence system. It was previously sent to the eastern Mediterranean Sea by Joe Biden, the former president, to support Israel in 2023 two days after the attack on Oct 7. The US has massively expanded its military presence in the region in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement On Feb 7, around 112 C-17 Globemaster III military cargo planes reportedly arrived or made their way towards the Gulf, Army Technology reported. Satellite images show more US aircraft stationed at the Al-Udeid and Muwaffaq air bases in Qatar and Jordan respectively. Satellite images show US aircraft stationed at the Al-Udeid base in Qatar - REUTERS There are detachments from at least three F-15E Strike Eagle Squadrons in Muwaffaq, as well as A-10 Thunderbolt II close support jets and E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare jets. A number of F-35A stealth fighters are also expected to be deployed, TWZ reported. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. When Energy Secretary Chris Wright empowered five researchers to produce a government report critical of mainstream climate science last summer, it was a watershed moment for a once-fringe corner of the scientific community that was now suddenly elevated by President Donald Trump. But the intervening months have been difficult for the group. Though the team succeeded in publishing a 141-page report that downplayed the threat of a warmer planet, their analysis has taken fire from nearly every corner. Internal Department of Energy scientists criticized it. Outside climate scientists skewered it. And the group itself was the subject of a lawsuit from public interest groups. And on Thursday, when the Trump administration announced its decision to eliminate a bedrock of U.S. climate policy the so-called endangerment finding it didn't employ the group's arguments that the science underpinning current climate policy is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement For all of the administrations public mockery of climate change, which Trump calls a hoax, it appears EPA and White House are unwilling to risk a court battle over climate science and instead will make a regulatory argument. A final version of the rule, released late Thursday, confirmed EPA would not rely on the DOE report "for any aspect of this final action." It's an important subplot in the Trump administration's efforts to roll back climate regulations, and it provides a silver lining perhaps for climate activists and scientists who are angry over EPAs decision to abandon a principle that has stood since 2009. They would have been obliterated in court, said Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist at Texas A&M University who helped organize a 450-page rebuttal to the climate contrarian report. This is the gold standard of climate skepticism and if this is the best they can do, then they've proven how robust climate science actually is. None of the five researchers who wrote the DOE report agreed to an interview with POLITICOs E&E News. Advertisement Advertisement But one of them, Judith Curry, a former climate scientist at Georgia Tech, defended the groups work in a statement and disputed the notion there was a consensus in climate science. Politicized science and a manufactured consensus on complex and deeply uncertain science will invariably mislead policy makers and lead to poor policy making, Curry told E&E News on Thursday. Establishment climate change science and its promotion by activist climate scientists in an effort to eliminate the use of fossil fuels is a case in point. In announcing their rollback of the endangerment finding, Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said Thursday at the White House that they were doing it to reduce costs for American consumers and tame harmful regulations. This is the "single largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States of America, said Zeldin, who claimed it would eliminate more than $1 trillion in regulatory costs. Advertisement Advertisement Notably, neither Zeldin nor Trump waded much into a debate about mainstream climate science which says humanitys use of fossil fuels is driving the Earth to dangerous tipping points. The change in tune is especially striking for Zeldin, whose agency cited the groups report at least 16 times in its Federal Register notice last year announcing EPAs intent to unwind the endangerment finding. The endangerment finding and the regulations that were based on it didn't just regulate emissions, Zeldin said Thursday. It regulated and targeted the American dream. How it began Wright didnt join Trump and Zeldin at the White House event on Thursday the Energy secretary has been in Venezuela this week but he was critical in launching the DOE report. Advertisement Advertisement Starting in March of last year, Wright began making calls to scientists who were known to dispute mainstream climate science. It's an area where Wright had some experience. As the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy a fracking services company based in Denver Wright had developed a view of global warming that contrasts sharply with climate activists and much of the scientific community. Though Wright acknowledges the presence of climate change, he has long argued the risk is overblown and isnt the most pressing threat facing humanity. In a 2024 report called "Bettering Human Lives" that Wright published as head of Liberty Energy, he warned of climate change exaggerations and made the case that providing more energy to more people should be a bigger priority for world leaders. He also argued that fossil fuels were best suited to fill that need. Advertisement Advertisement Politicians, policymakers, pundits, and the press talk endlessly about how solar, wind, and batteries can transform our whole energy system and address the climate crisis, he wrote. The reality is that these politically favored technologies have not, will not, and cannot replace most of the energy services and raw materials provided by hydrocarbons. Wrights advocacy goes back years. About a decade ago, he participated in a televised debate about the morality of fossil fuel use in which he proclaimed energy has been an enormous force for good in the world. Joining him in that debate was fossil fuel booster Alex Epstein; Wright also would appear as a guest on Epsteins podcast, "Power Hour." With the DOE report, Wright wanted a document that would encourage a more thoughtful and science-based conversation about climate change and energy, according to the forward written by Wright. Its findings would sharply differ from the consensus reached by mainstream climate scientists years ago showing that humanitys burning of fossil fuels is rapidly heating the planet. One of his first steps in putting it together was to reach out to scientists who represent the relatively small number of researchers who believe the mainstream scientific community is composed of climate alarmists. Five agreed to write the report. All of them are longtime critics of the endangerment finding. Advertisement Advertisement One was Roy Spencer, a former NASA scientist who was a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation in 2024; he has long argued that climate modeling is faulty. Wright also recruited John Christy, Spencers colleague at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, who has spent years arguing that estimates of planetary warming are overblown. Another was Curry, the former climate scientist at Georgia Tech who has questioned humanitys ability to distort the climate. Then there was Ross McKitrick, an economist at the University of Guelph in Canada and a senior fellow at the conservative Fraser Institute, which has sought to roll back climate regulations. The so-called Climate Working Group was rounded out by Steve Koonin, a senior Energy Department official in the Obama administration and former chief scientist for BP who tried unsuccessfully to conduct a hostile red team review of climate science in Trumps first term. Koonin reached out to the EPA on Feb. 13 to offer technical assistance from me and colleagues in the review of the Endangerment Finding, according to an internal email made public as part of a court case over the operation of the Climate Working Group. 'Reasonable scientific doubt By last April, Koonins offer had become a full-blown effort to produce a report questioning basic climate science that would bear the U.S. governments stamp of approval. Koonin and the four other contrarian authors started their work as a two-pronged attack. Advertisement Advertisement Even though Wright has talked about the report as the start of an important debate, internal emails show the DOE climate group was directed to support the administrations efforts to roll back federal climate policy. All I can hope is that what we write will provide sufficient reasonable scientific doubt regarding the science claims in the supporting documents for the endangerment finding, Spencer wrote to the group as their work began in earnest. The group tailored its work to touch on relevant sections of the Clean Air Act so it could be used in the administrations endangerment finding repeal, E&E News has previously reported. Travis Fisher, an official from the conservative Cato Institute who organized the group for the DOE, told the authors he could help targeting your work to ensure it focuses on the areas of inquiry that are most relevant to the policymaking process. Advertisement Advertisement Reached for comment Thursday, Fisher said the public was on the side of the White House, pointing to a recent Washington Post editorial boards endorsement of the Trump administration actions as evidence. We now realize that the truly existential threat is the deindustrialization and economic destruction that come from crippling the energy sector, as the endangerment finding enabled an activist EPA to do for far too long, he said. With the report, senior EPA and DOE officials were involved in shaping it, the emails show. In late May, about six weeks into the process, the climate group submitted a draft report to EPA that would be cited more than a dozen times in the agencys proposed rulemaking. Internal emails show they also submitted a hostile review of the fifth version of the National Climate Assessment a congressionally mandated report that comes out every few years and outlines the threats that global warming poses to the United States. It is considered a crown jewel of U.S. climate research in part because it relies on the work of hundreds of scientists and is based on peer-reviewed studies. Advertisement Advertisement The groups review has never been made public. In contrast, the Wright climate report was intended to be a public document. And prior to its release in late July, it began to hit some bumps in the road. Before it went public, the DOE report underwent an internal peer review process. DOE scientists determined that some of its claims were "misleading or fundamentally incorrect" and an unjustified (and at worst a biased) judgment. One reviewer took aim at Wright himself, calling him hypocritical for blurring the line between scientific conclusions and policy recommendations. Despite the concerns, the report was released to the public. And when EPA filed its proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, it used the DOE report as part of its justification. A groundswell of opposition Pushback against the DOE climate report was swift. Dozens of climate scientists wrote a 450-page rebuttal, pointing out errors and false or exaggerated claims. Researchers whose work was cited in the DOE document said their findings had been cherry-picked and taken out of context in order to make misleading claims. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine conducted its own review of the science, establishing that the human health risks from climate change had grown more definitive since the endangerment finding was released. There was a quick response on the legal side too. DOE was sued by green groups for conducting the groups work in secret allegedly violating federal disclosure laws. Wright disbanded the group before it had a chance to respond to the thousands of public comments that poured into the Federal Register. Eventually, the groups internal emails were released as part of the lawsuit brought by the Environmental Defense Fund and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Last month, Judge William Young of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts found that the group was assembled as a federal advisory committee and not as a purely scientific exercise. The Climate Working Group was not merely assembled to exchange facts or information, but rather provided substantive policy advice and recommendations to the Department of Energy, Young wrote. Other legal fights are expected, too. Moments after Thursdays White House press conference ended, a coalition of public health and environmental groups including the American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund and American Public Health Association announced the first lawsuit against EPAs repeal of the endangerment finding. That might not stop the Trump administration from trying to produce another body of work that supports their political views on global warming. Members of the Climate Working Group already have been invited to play a role in writing the next National Climate Assessment. President Donald Trump told troops at Fort Bragg that Democrats would change the base's name if they got back into power, and he joked about retiring to the North Carolina base because he likes it so much. The Biden administration had changed the base's name in 2023 to Fort Liberty, to eliminate its link to Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg. But Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth changed the name back in February 2025 in honor of a World War II paratrooper, Pfc. Roland Bragg. When I heard they were taking the name Fort Bragg off, I said no, no, no, Trump said during a visit to the base Feb. 13. They did. They took the name off. We got it back very quickly. If we dont win the midterms, theyll take it off again." A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Trump said he liked the area so much he might retire there. Advertisement Advertisement It's a great area. In fact, I'm thinking about moving here some day," Trump said to cheers. "With our first lady, we'll move to Fort Bragg. Would you like that darling?" he asked his wife Melania. "She loves it. It's a possibility." Trump visited Fort Bragg to congratulate troops who captured and removed Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Trump noted that three helicopter pilots were wounded pretty badly in the legs by machine-gunners on the ground but that snipers took out the gunners and the pilots returned safely. He planned to meet with the "very brave" pilots "very shortly." With your help, America is winning again," Trump said. "America is respected again. And perhaps most importantly we are feared by the enemies all over the globe. After his capture, Maduro was brought to New York to face federal charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement More: Fort Who? Republicans join House Dems to bar Hegseth's military base name changes President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg Army base on Feb. 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. Fort Bragg is home to the Army's Special Operations Command and Delta Force, the elite special forces unit that reportedly executed the raid. "Nobody thought a thing like that could happen," Trump said. Soldiers breaking into Maduro's compound during the raid had cut through steel doors as though they were "papier-mache," Trump said. Seven U.S. soldiers were injured in the operation, and dozens of Cuban security personnel guarding Maduro were killed, according to news reports. They were taken out very quickly," Trump said. Trump: US has 'very good' relationship Venezuela's Rodriguez President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base on Feb. 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. Before leaving the White House to visit Fort Bragg, Trump told reporters he has a very good relationship with Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president of Venezuela who succeeded Maduro as interim president. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the U.S. government would take oil from Venezuela, refine it and sell it abroad. But some U.S. oil companies have expressed reluctance about dealing with Venezuela because of risk of investing in a country with such chaotic politics. We have a very good relationship with the president of Venezuela, Trump said. The relationship we have right now with Venezuela is, I would say, a 10. Rodriguez was part of Maduros government and became interim president after his removal Jan. 3. But the opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, has argued for a transition to her leadership. Trump was asked if he would recognize Rodriguez as the official head of government. Right now we have done that. Were dealing with them. Really, right now, theyve done a great job, Trump said. Delcy has done a very, very good job. The relationship is strong. Asked when he would travel to Venezuela, Trump said he hasnt decided yet. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump tells Fort Bragg troops to support GOP to keep the base's name President Trump threatened consequences come Election time for Republican lawmakers who oppose his administrations tariffs on U.S. trading partners. Any Republican, in the House or the Senate, that votes against TARIFFS will seriously suffer the consequences come Election time, and that includes Primaries! the president wrote in a Truth Social post Wednesday evening, shortly after six House Republicans voted to repeal the presidents tariffs on Canada. Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) joined Democrats in supporting the resolution sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Jared Goldman (Maine) was the sole Democrat to vote against the measure. Advertisement Advertisement The president has made tariffs a central economic policy during his second term, hiking up import taxes on goods from some of the U.S.s closest trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and China. These decisions have strained international relations with these countries and faced broad opposition from Democratic lawmakers. The nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimated that these tariffs resulted in an average tax increase of $1,000 per U.S. household last year a cost that could increase by several hundred dollars this year if these policies stay intact, the group said. Trump doubled down on his use of tariffs to negotiate new deals with U.S. trading partners in his Wednesday post. In addition, TARIFFS have given us Great National Security because the mere mention of the word has Countries agreeing to our strongest wishes, he wrote. TARIFFS have given us Economic and National Security, and no Republican should be responsible for destroying this privilege. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Governors Association communications director Sam Newton called out several House Republican gubernatorial candidates who voted in favor of Trumps tariffs in a Wednesday statement. As Americans continue to bear the brunt of high costs on everything from housing to groceries, every congressional Republican running for governor voted to defend Trumps deeply unpopular, cost-raising tariffs on Canada, Newton wrote. Republican candidates got blown out of the water in New Jersey and Virginia in 2025 because Americans are tired of their disastrous economic agenda. Todays vote only worsens the pain American families and businesses are already feeling and helps ensure the headwinds facing Republicans are going to be even worse in governors races across the country in 2026, Newton continued. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. California Gov. Gavin Newsom once again trolled President Donald Trump in front of world leaders. Newsom is back in Europe just one month after he traveled to Davos to tear into the Trump administration in front of world leaders. This time, Newsom is at the Munich Security Conference, where he is once again urging Europe to stand up to Trump. In Munich, Newsom presented California as a steady, reliable partner to European allies, despite what he calls chaos at the federal level. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, he participated in a panel about climate change and was asked about what the Golden State is doing to counter the Trump administrations reversal on climate initiatives. Im showing up, he said to the audiences applause. Newsom told the audience that Trump Donald Trump is doubling down on stupid. California has been a leader in climate policy going back to Ronald Reagan, Newsom said, adding, Never in the history of the United States of America has there been a more destructive president than the current occupant in the White House. The 58-year-old Democrat and likely presidential candidate in 2028 was also asked about how climate change could play into the next presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement You may not believe in science, but you got to believe your own eyes, he responded. People are burning up, choking up, heating up. We have simultaneous droughts and floods, historic wildfires. In California, its a big blue state, but also has more Republicans than most Republican states, and we have long moved beyond the partisanship on this issue, because there is no Republican thermometer, theres no Democratic thermometer, Newsom said. Theres just reality, he noted. Newsom previously scolded European leaders in Davos. / FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images On Saturday, Newsom will participate in another discussion on transatlantic relations. Trump will not attend the Munich Security Conference, instead sending Secretary of State Marco Rubio to officially represent the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Other U.S. attendees, who are also rumored 2028 presidential contenders, include New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Newsom is no stranger to presenting himself as the antithesis of Trump on the world stage. Trump was infuriated by Newsom's presence in Davos as the governor watched discussions featuring Trump cabinet officials. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month, Newsom scolded European leaders for their capitulation to Trump, telling them they should have brought a bunch of knee pads, as their grovelling to Trumps needs makes them look pathetic on the world stage. Newsom said Trump is destroying our world reputation or potentially our economic might around the world because he is being petty. None of this is rational. Everyone needs to stop pretending this is rational. Trump lashed out at Newsom for his presence in Davos, calling him a Governor of a Failing State, who should not be at Davos running around screaming for the attention of Foreign Leaders. By Andreas Rinke, James Mackenzie and John Irish MUNICH, Feb 13 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that Berlin had begun talks with France about a European nuclear deterrent, while President Emmanuel Macron said Europe had to become a geopolitical power given the Russian threat would not disappear. Merz, who said the region had to become stronger in order to reset its relationship with the United States, called in a speech to open the Munich Security Conference, on Washington to "repair and revive trust" in a dangerous new era of great power politics, warning the U.S. could not go it alone as the old global order crumbles. Advertisement Advertisement He was later followed by Macron, who pushed back on criticism of the continent, but said it was time that Europe was more assertive and prepared itself with a stronger security architecture. The speeches underscored how European leaders are increasingly looking to carve an independent path after a year of unprecedented upheaval in transatlantic ties, while also striving to maintain their alliance with Washington. Europe faces myriad threats from Russia's war in Ukraine to massive ructions in global trade. "I have begun confidential talks with the French President on European nuclear deterrence," Merz said. "We Germans are adhering to our legal obligations. We see this as strictly embedded within our nuclear sharing in NATO. And we will not allow zones of differing security to emerge in Europe." Advertisement Advertisement FRANCE IS EU'S ONLY NUCLEAR POWER Macron is due to make a speech on the nuclear deterrent later this month. He said the consultations with Germany and other leaders were part of a broader discussion that included conventional deep strikes capabilities, which Europe does not possess unlike Russia, and the role of France's nuclear deterrent. "This is the right time for audacity. This is the right time for a strong Europe," Macron said. "Europe has to learn to become a geopolitical power. It was not part of our DNA." "We have to reshuffle and reorganise our architecture of security in Europe. Because the past architecture of security was totally designed and framed during Cold War times. So it's no longer adapted," he said. Advertisement Advertisement European nations have long relied heavily on the United States, including its large nuclear arsenal, for their defence but have been increasing military spending, partly in response to sharp criticism from the Trump administration. While Germany is currently banned from developing a nuclear weapon under international agreements, France is the European Union's only nuclear power following Britain's departure from the bloc and has the world's fourth-largest stockpile. Taking his cue from those warning that the international rules-based order was about to be destroyed, Merz said: "I fear we must put it even more bluntly: This order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form." Switching to English at the end, Merz said: "In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone. Dear friends, being a part of NATO is not only Europes competitive advantage. It is also the United States' competitive advantage." Advertisement Advertisement "So lets repair and revive transatlantic trust together," he added. A YEAR AFTER VANCE BLAST, RUBIO STRIKES WARMER TONE U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also said transatlantic ties faced a "defining moment" in a rapidly changing world but struck a more conciliatory tone that contrasted with remarks by Vice President JD Vance in 2025. At the same gathering of top security officials last year, Vance had attacked European allies in a speech that marked the start of a series of confrontations. "I think it's at a defining moment ... the world is changing very fast right in front of us," Rubio said before departing for Munich. Advertisement Advertisement "(The U.S. is) deeply tied to Europe, and our futures have always been linked and will continue to be," said Rubio, who is a potential rival to Vance for the 2028 U.S. presidential race. "So we've just got to talk about what that future looks like." Transatlantic ties have long been central to the Munich Security Conference, which began as a Cold War forum for Western defence debate. But the unquestioned assumption of cooperation that underpinned it has been upended. Underscoring the damage, a YouGov poll on Friday of the six largest European countries showed favourability towards the U.S. in Europe hitting its lowest since tracking began in 2016. The latest figures are broadly comparable to and in some cases higher than the perceived threat from China, Iran or North Korea, although behind Russia, YouGov said. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump has toppled Venezuelas leader, threatened other Latin American countries with similar military action, imposed tariffs on friends and foes alike and talked openly about annexing Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark - a move that could effectively end the alliance. Last year's speech by Vance accused European leaders of censoring free speech and failing to control immigration, which Merz explicitly rejected. "A rift has opened up between Europe and the United States. Vice President JD Vance said this very openly here in Munich a year ago," Merz said. "He was right. The culture war of the MAGA movement is not ours. Freedom of speech ends here with us when that speech goes against human dignity and the constitution. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade," he said, drawing applause. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Sarah Marsh, Andrew Gray, Mark John, Ludwig Burger, Andreas Rinke, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, James Mackenzie, John Irish; Writing by Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams; Editing by James Mackenzie and Toby Chopra) President Donald Trump insisted in a Truth Social post on Feb. 13 that voter identification would be required for the upcoming midterm elections, even if it is not approved by Congress. He said he would "shortly" lay out the legal reasons for it "in the form of an Executive Order." "The Democrats refuse to vote for Voter I.D., or Citizenship. The reason is very simple They want to continue to cheat in Elections. This was not what our Founders desired," he wrote. "There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not! Also, the People of our Country are insisting on Citizenship, and No Mail-In Ballots, with exceptions for Military, Disability, Illness, or Travel." House Republicans passed legislation on Feb. 11 that would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voters ahead of the midterm elections. But the measure is expected to face major pushback in the Senate. President Donald Trump is advocating for the passage of the SAVE America Act, a voter ID bill critics say could make voting harder for married women and other eligible voters. Previous versions of the bill failed to gain traction in both chambers last year. This latest iteration, which builds on the 2024 version by adding a voter ID provision, must get 60 votes to pass. Advertisement Advertisement "No Voter I.D. is even crazier, and more ridiculous, than Men playing in Womens Sports, Open Borders, or Transgender for Everyone," Trump wrote in a follow-up post. "Republicans must put this at the top of every speech It is a CANT MISS FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MIDTERMS, AND BEYOND!." U.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement on the repeal of a scientific finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, removing the legal basis for federal climate regulations, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 12, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst The legislation, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America, Act, would require people to provide proof of citizenship "in person" when registering to vote in federal elections, and adds an additional requirement that voters show an approved form of photo identification to cast their ballot. It also places new rules on mail-in voting, requiring Americans to send in a copy of their ID when both requesting and submitting their ballot. While Republicans argue that voter identification requirement would safeguard election integrity, Democrats says it will disenfranchise millions of Americans. More than 21 million Americans lack ready access to passport or their birth certificate, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Advertisement Advertisement "Roughly half of Americans dont even have a passport. Millions lack access to a paper copy of their birth certificate. The SAVE Act would disenfranchise Americans of all ages and races, but younger voters and voters of color would suffer disproportionately," it says. Similarly, millions of women whose married names don't match with the name on their birth certificates or passports would face extra steps just to make their voices heard, the Brennan Center cautions. Still, broad bipartisan majorities support photo ID requirements, according to recent polling by Pew Research Center. About 83% of Americans favor requiring all voters to show government-issued photo ID to vote, including 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats. Contributing: Kathryn Palmer This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says Voter ID needed to vote in midterm elections ATLANTA (AP) Donald Trump has played many roles. Real estate developer. Marketing extraordinaire. Reality TV host. Candidate. President twice. Another part has been constant through all of them: plaintiff. Trump both threatens lawsuits and files them with aplomb against individuals, institutions, even the people who elected him. Sometimes the threats are just that, and no lawsuit materializes. And, certainly, Trump has found himself on the receiving end of many lawsuits and legal challenges. But his own litigious bent goes back decades, and it has continued during his time in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks once described Trump as the mastermind of strategic abuse of the judicial process. Trump, Middlebrooks declared in a short-lived 2022-23 Trump case against Hillary Clinton, is a sophisticated litigant repeatedly using the courts to seek revenge. The president has his latest potential targets. His Justice Department is suing Harvard University, not long after Trump took issue with a New York Times story about his fight with the school, and he recently threatened comedian Trevor Noah, who connected Trump to Jeffrey Epstein during the Grammy Awards show. Get ready Noah, Im going to have some fun with you! Trump blasted on Truth Social. Here are some highlights of Trump's torts and threats. 1973: Cohn, young Trump, racial discrimination and the feds Trump started in his father's Queens-based real estate business. They attracted attention from state and federal government authorities in the early 1970s after prospective Black tenants complained of being denied apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development accused the Trumps of violating the 1968 Fair Housing Act. At one point, investigators counted seven Black families across 3,700 apartments in Trump Village, according to Trump biographer Maggie Haberman, and a Trump employee later testified that documents had a special code to flag Black applicants. Trump dug in. Aided by his lawyer and mentor Roy Cohn, he countersued the federal government for $100 million in 1973 equivalent to about $700 million today. They ultimately settled the dispute, but not until 1975, after spending 18 months generating headlines in New York media to counter the government's case. Trump promised not to discriminate against prospective renters in the future, but the consent decree he signed included no admission that he'd broken the law in the first place. Trump recounted in Art of the Deal, his 1987 ghost-written book: Id rather fight than fold, because as soon as you fold once, you get the reputation of being a folder. Stubborn NYC tenants and a Trump loss Trump wanted to evict rent-controlled tenants from 100 Central Park South so he could raze the building in the early 1980s. They fought him and in 1985 he sued the tenants lawyers for $105 million ($300 million-plus today). The suit got thrown out and Trump paid the defendants legal fees. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Martin London represented one of the defendant lawyers, Rick Fischbein, and wrote in his memoir that Fischbein framed his check from Trump after it was deposited. Fischbein later became one of Trumps attorneys. Trump eventually dropped his eviction suit, redeveloped the building and allowed tenants to remain there under rent-control agreements. The 1980s skyscraper that never was During the same period, Trump proposed a 150-story development off the tip of Manhattan. A Chicago Tribune critic, Paul Gapp, mocked it as Guinness Book of World Record architecture and one of the silliest things anyone could inflict on New York or any other city. Trump sued the Pulitzer Prize winner and the Tribune Co. for $500 million (about $1.5 billion today), saying Gapp's assessment killed the project. Advertisement Advertisement A federal court dismissed the suit. Before politics, a fight over a net worth In 2005, a decade before Trump launched his presidential bid and as his TV career blossomed with NBC'S The Apprentice, author Timothy O'Brien wrote TrumpNation: The Art of Being the Donald. The book alleged that Trump was not a billionaire at all and worth between $150 million and $250 million. Trump sued and asked for $5 billion (now $8 billion-plus), saying O'Brien harmed his ability to make business deals. A New Jersey court threw out the lawsuit, and an appeals court agreed. The 2016 election and R ussia hoax Trump defeated Hillary Clinton for president in 2016. That did not stop him from making her the lead client, along with a litany of others, in a 2022 lawsuit that alleged a vast conspiracy to cost him the election. Advertisement Advertisement It was part of Trump's push back against a Justice Department investigation of Russia's role in the campaign. The inquiry concluded that Russia interfered in U.S. political discourse in sweeping and systematic fashion to help Trump and harm Clinton. But the Justice Department stopped short of saying whether Trump was involved. Trump was explicitly not exonerated in the final report, but he still used it to assert that the Russia hoax was a deliberate plot against him. Middlebrooks, the Florida-based judge who got the Trump v. Clinton case, disagreed, tossed Trump's lawsuit and made Trump pay the defendants' legal fees, which combined with his reached into the millions. This case should never have been brought, Middlebrooks wrote in a scathing January 2023 order. A continuing pattern of misuse of the courts by Mr. Trump and his lawyers undermines the rule of law. Suing and threatening networks Since becoming president, Trump has scored two settlements for his presidential library after suing major television news networks. Advertisement Advertisement ABC News agreed in 2024 to pay $15 million to Trump's future library and $1 million in legal fees after anchor George Stephanopoulos legally inaccurate assertion on air that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. In fact, a New York jury found Trump had sexually assaulted Carroll in the mid-1990s but concluded she did not prove Trump raped her within the narrow, technical meaning of a particular section of the New York Penal Law. Paramount, which owns CBS, settled with Trump in 2025 after he sued over the way 60 Minutes edited a Kamala Harris interview during the 2024 campaign. Paramount agree to pay $16 million toward Trump's future presidential library. Trump cited those cases in his threat to sue Noah. He followed that a day later with his threat to command $1 billion from Harvard. He's pushed previously to get $500 million from the school for other educational programs. His biggest ask is from taxpayers Trump has bucked presidential tradition by never releasing his tax returns. But after he became president, The New York Times and ProPublica published stories detailing how Trump went years paying no or little in federal income taxes after claiming substantial losses. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, former Internal Revenue Service contractor Charles Edward Littlejohn, of Washington, D.C. who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, a defense and national security tech firm was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to leaking Trump's tax information to news outlets between 2018 and 2020. Trump has not sued the media outlets in response. Instead, he is suing the IRS for $10 billion. It's the largest demand ever made by plaintiff Trump, and if he were successful, it would be U.S. taxpayers paying the damages. __ In the U.S. general contractor (GC) segment, Gopal highlighted activity with large contractors, noting Procore added three new ENR 400 logos in the quarter and expanded run rate with more than 70 ENR 400 customers. He cited one ENR 400 addition as the companys largest new logo win of the quarter, describing it as a displacement of an incumbent vendor that also adopted Procore Pay and Procore Resource Management. Gopal said the company ended the year with an exceptional Q4 after four consecutive quarters of strong momentum. For the full year, he said Procore delivered 15% revenue growth and a 14% non-GAAP operating margin, representing 400 basis points of year-over-year expansion, despite what he characterized as headwinds in the construction environment. President and CEO Ajei Gopal, speaking on his first earnings call in the role, said his early customer and employee meetings reinforced his conviction that Procore is building one of the most mission-critical vertical software platforms for construction. Gopal emphasized Procores role as a system of record for the built world and argued the company is positioned to benefit from AI-driven productivity gains across the construction lifecycle. Procore Technologies (NYSE:PCOR) closed fiscal 2025 with fourth-quarter results that exceeded the high end of managements guidance, supported by what executives described as broad-based go-to-market execution, improving renewals, and continued momentum with larger customers. The company also outlined a fiscal 2026 outlook calling for continued revenue growth alongside further non-GAAP operating margin expansion and a higher free cash flow margin. Upmarket and government momentum: Procore added multiple ENR 400 customers, now has >2,700 customers with $100K+ ARR and 115 customers spending >$1M ARR (up 34%), while Procore for Government achieved FedRAMP Moderate authorization and the company won a seven-figure international data-center deal. New CEO Ajei Gopal emphasized an AI-led strategy and the tuck-in acquisition of Datagrid to create Procore AI with "agentic" capabilities; management says ~66,000 unique users are using Procore AI and nearly 700 customers have created thousands of AI agents, skewing upmarket. Procore beat Q4 guidance, delivering 15% revenue growth and a 14% non-GAAP operating margin for fiscal 2025, generated record Q4 free cash flow of $90M ( $215M for the year), and guided fiscal 2026 revenue to $1.489$1.494B (~13% growth) with a 17.518% non-GAAP margin and a targeted 19% free cash flow margin . Story Continues Is Albemarle Setting Up for a Lithium-Fueled Rebound? Outside the ENR 400 cohort, Gopal said Procore signed more than 30 agreements with more than $100,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in Q4. He also described a win-back of an enterprise GC in Georgia that returned after leaving in 2024 for a cheaper solution, then expanded in Q4 with enterprise-wide adoption and added Pay and Resource Management. Owners segment growth and government milestone Beyond contractors, management pointed to opportunities with owners and subcontractors, with Gopal focusing on owners as a diverse segment spanning multiple industries. He said the owners business posted another quarter of consistent growth and that Procore plans to launch a suite of specialized products later in 2026, including portfolio management, planning, funding, and asset management. Cloudflare: Another AI-Disrupted Stock You Might Want to Buy Gopal also reported that Procore for Government achieved FedRAMP Moderate authorization during the quarter and is now available in the FedRAMP Marketplace, which he said should unlock additional opportunities with U.S. federal and state government customers. On end-market exposure, Gopal pointed to data center construction as an area of growing demand driven by AI infrastructure investment. He said data centers represent about 2% of total U.S. construction activity today but described the growth trajectory as compelling. He cited the companys largest international Q4 dealat seven figures annuallywith a U.K. data center hyperscaler that selected Procore to create a single source of truth across global projects and expanded construction volume within weeks. AI strategy, Datagrid acquisition, and adoption metrics Gopal positioned AI as a major technology catalyst for the company and described a shift toward Agentic AI, which he said can take actions rather than only provide insights. He said Procores tuck-in acquisition of Datagrid is intended to accelerate its AI strategy and that the combination of Procore Helix and Datagrid will be branded Procore AI. In a customer example shared on the call, Gopal described an AI agent analyzing a job site video to identify an issue with a structural column, retrieve relevant drawings and specifications, determine required rework, automatically create a work order, notify stakeholders, and trigger downstream workflows to halt work and schedule reworktasks he said historically required several hours of manual effort. During the Q&A, Gopal said Procore is seeing customer adoption of its AI capabilities, citing approximately 66,000 unique active users using Procore AI and nearly 700 customers that have created thousands of agents, which he said skew upmarket. On monetization, he said the companys first priority is demonstrating ROI, and that Procore expects to include AI offerings in upcoming bundles as part of new packaging, while also considering component- or consumption-based elements. He added the company expects to experiment and evolve its approach. Financial results: revenue growth, margin expansion, and free cash flow CFO Howard Fu reported Q4 total revenue of $349 million, up 15.6% year-over-year. International revenue grew 14% year-over-year, and Fu said results were impacted by currency headwinds; on a constant currency basis, international revenue grew 15% year-over-year. Non-GAAP operating income in Q4 was $52 million, representing a 15% non-GAAP operating margin. Fu also cited backlog-related metrics, noting current remaining performance obligations (RPO) grew 22% year-over-year and current deferred revenue grew 18% year-over-year. Fu attributed Q4 strength to robust execution across multiple areas, including broad-based momentum upmarket, higher pipeline conversion, and improving renewal and churn rates, which he largely credited to the companys go-to-market operating model. He said the number of six- and seven-figure deals increased 20% year-over-year, and that Procore ended fiscal 2025 with: More than 2,700 customers with more than $100,000 in ARR 115 customers spending more than $1 million in ARR, up 34% year-over-year Nearly 450 Procore Pay customers, up more than 70% year-over-year Fu also said Procore will stop disclosing total customer count after this earnings report, arguing SMB customer dynamics make that metric less reflective of underlying business performance. The company plans to continue disclosing the number of $100,000+ ARR customers quarterly. On cash generation, Fu highlighted free cash flow per share as the companys north star metric. He said Procore generated $90 million of free cash flow in Q4its strongest quarter in historyand $215 million for the full year, up 69% year-over-year, representing a 16% free cash flow margin. Fu added that weighted average diluted share count grew less than 1% in Q4 and said stock-based compensation (SBC) increased to 23% of revenue due to a one-time charge of unvested equity related to the transition of the former CEO. Excluding that charge, he said SBC would have been 16.6% of revenue, in line with Q3. Fiscal 2026 outlook and key modeling considerations For Q1 fiscal 2026, Fu guided revenue to $351 million to $353 million (13% to 14% year-over-year growth) and non-GAAP operating margin of 14% to 15%. For the full year fiscal 2026, Procore guided revenue of $1.489 billion to $1.494 billion (13% growth) and non-GAAP operating margin of 17.5% to 18%, implying 340 to 390 basis points of margin expansion year-over-year. Fu said Procore will now formally guide annual free cash flow margin, expecting 19% in fiscal 2026, which implies 270 basis points of expansion. In discussion of RPO trends, Fu said Q4 current RPO growth reflected both a strong Q4 bookings quarter and an uptick in contract duration. He added that when normalized for duration, current RPO growth is consistent with Q4 revenue growth and ending ARR growth, and that if contract duration stabilizes, reported and normalized growth should converge with revenue growth later in fiscal 2026. On resourcing, Fu said the company has sufficient go-to-market capacity for fiscal 2026, characterizing fiscal 2025 as an investment year and saying the focus now is on productivity improvements. He added that incremental headcount additions are expected to be largely on the R&D side, primarily in lower-cost geographies. About Procore Technologies (NYSE:PCOR) Procore Technologies, Inc engages in the provision of a cloud-based construction management platform and related software products in the United States and internationally. The company's platform enables owners, general and specialty contractors, architects, and engineers to collaborate on construction projects. It offers Preconstruction that facilitates collaboration between internal and external stakeholders during the planning, budgeting, estimating, bidding, and partner selection phase of a construction project; and Project Execution, which enables real-time collaboration, information storage, design, BIM model clash detection, and regulation compliance for teams on the jobsite and in the back office. The article "Procore Technologies Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Classes were canceled at South Carolina State University on Friday after a shooting overnight in a student housing complex that left two men dead and a third wounded. The campus, which is located in the city of Orangeburg, went into lockdown a little after 9 p.m. Thursday after gunfire erupted, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The lockdown was lifted around 5 a.m. Friday. Advertisement Advertisement The incident happened inside a room in the Hugine Suites housing complex," SLED said in a statement obtained by NBC affiliate WYFF of Greenville. Three men were shot." One of the shooting victims died at the scene, another died at a nearby hospital, SLED said. SLED did not give a condition for the wounded man or say where he was being treated. Nor has the agency released a motive. The dead victims were taken to the Orangeburg County Coroners Office, SLED said. When asked if any of the victims were students, Sam Watson, the school's director of university relations, said they expect to have an update later Friday. Advertisement Advertisement This was the second deadly shooting at South Carolina State this academic year. In October, one person was killed and two others were injured in two unrelated shootings during the homecoming weekend celebration. None of those victims were students, the university said at the time. The historically Black university is located about 40 miles south of the state capital, Columbia. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com LONDON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Two men were jailed on Friday for plotting to kill hundreds in an Islamic State-inspired attack on the Jewish community in England, a plan prosecutors said could have been deadlier than December's mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were both convicted after a trial at Preston Crown Court, which began a week after an unrelated deadly attack on a synagogue in the city of Manchester, in northwest England. Prosecutors said the pair were Islamist extremists who wanted to use automatic firearms to kill as many Jews as they could in an attack in Manchester. Advertisement Advertisement They were found guilty little more than a week after a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in which 15 people were killed. Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu said on Friday that, had Saadaoui and Hussein carried out their plan, it "could have been very much more serious" than the attacks in Australia and Manchester. Judge Mark Wall sentenced Saadaoui to a minimum term of 37 years and Hussein to a minimum term of 26 years, saying: "You were very close to being ready to carry out this plan." Hussein refused to attend his sentencing, having refused to attend most of his trial, which Wall said reflected Hussein's cowardice, describing him as "brave enough to plan to threaten an unarmed group with an AK-47 but not sufficiently courageous to face up to what he did". Advertisement Advertisement POTENTIALLY ONE OF DEADLIEST ATTACKS ON UK SOIL Saadaoui had arranged for two assault rifles, an automatic pistol and almost 200 rounds of ammunition to be smuggled into Britain through the port of Dover when he was arrested in May 2024, Sandhu told jurors at the trial. He added that Saadaoui planned to obtain two more rifles and another pistol, and to collect at least 900 rounds of ammunition. "This would likely have been one of the deadliest terrorist attacks ever carried out on British soil," Wall said. Unbeknown to Saadaoui, however, a man known as "Farouk", from whom he was trying to get the weapons, was an undercover operative who helped foil the plot. Advertisement Advertisement Walid Saadaoui's brother Bilel Saadaoui, 37, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. He was sentenced to six years in jail. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James, Aidan Lewis) Demonstrators gather outside London's High Court during a ruling on whether the government's ban on Palestine Action was unlawful on Feb. 13, 2026. Credit - Ben MontgomeryGetty Images The British governments designation of Palestine Action as a terror group has been deemed unlawful by Londons High Court. In a ruling issued on Friday, three senior judges said the decision implemented last July was disproportionate and breached free speech rights. Advertisement Advertisement At its core, Palestine Action is an organization that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality. A very small number of its actions have amounted to terrorist action within the definition at section 1(1) of the 2000 Act, the ruling stated. We propose to make an order quashing the Home Secretarys decision to proscribe Palestine Action. The High Court determined that former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (who now serves as Foreign Secretary) had not properly followed her own policies when deciding what constitutes an organization being proscribed under the Terrorism Act. The government has vowed to appeal the decision. For now, Palestine Action will remain a proscribed terror group until a consequential hearing takes place on Feb. 20. Any appeals will have to be laid out in that hearing and it will be determined what happens next. Advertisement Advertisement As such, the High Court judges stressed that due to the proscription remaining in place, it is still an offence to support, fund, or belong to Palestine Action. Despite that, demonstrators gathered outside of the court on Friday in support of the group, holding placards that read we won and Im not a terrorist. Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action who brought the appeal over the designation to the High Court, also celebrated the decision. We won. The High Court ruled the Palestine Action ban is unlawful as it is disproportionate to free speech, she said. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood intends to fight the ruling in the Court of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Supporting the Palestinian cause is not the same as supporting Palestine Action, said Mahmood. The court has acknowledged that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism and that its actions are not consistent with democratic values and the rule of law. I am disappointed by the Courts decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organization is disproportionate, she argued. Prior to its designation as a terror group, Palestine Action was linked to a break-in at the Royal Air Force's Brize Norton air base in Oxfordshire, England, in June last year. Two planes were damaged during the incident. Former Home Secretary Cooper cited the break-in when explaining her decision to add Palestine Action to the list of proscribed organizations. Advertisement Advertisement The disgraceful attack on Brize Norton in the early hours of the morning on Friday 20 June is the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action, she told the House of Commons. The U.K.s defence enterprise is vital to the nations national security and this Government will not tolerate those that put that security at risk. Counter Terrorism Policing are leading the criminal investigation into this attack. Last month, five alleged Palestine Action protesters pleaded not guilty to offences relating to the air base break-in. The governments designation of Palestine Action as a terror group last year drew significant criticism from high-profile organizations such as Amnesty International, the U.K.-based Jewish Voice for Labour, and others. United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk referred to the decision as disproportionate and unnecessary. In August, hundreds of protesters were arrested by police as they gathered outside the British Parliament, holding placards in support of Palestine Action. Contact us at letters@time.com. Keir Starmer was fighting to salvage his premiership on Monday after the resignations of key advisers and growing calls from senior Labour Party figures for the British prime minister to step down, following bitter fallout from the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Addressing a packed room of Labour members of Parliament on Monday evening, Starmer urged his party to rally behind him, saying he had won every fight Ive ever been in, the United Kingdoms PA Media news agency reported. After having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, Im not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos as others have done, Starmer vowed in an attempt to shore up his dwindling support, according to PA. Advertisement Advertisement The meeting capped another turbulent day for the British leader. Tim Allan, Starmers director of communications, said Monday that he was quitting the government. It came less than a day after Morgan McSweeney, Starmers chief of staff and his closest adviser, resigned over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson a friend of Jeffrey Epstein as Britains ambassador to the United States last year. Allans resignation adds to the sense that the scandal surrounding the Mandelson appointment cannot be contained and could spell the end of Starmers premiership, just 19 months after Labour swept to power in a landslide election that gave it the largest majority in Parliament this century. That sense grew stronger after Anas Sarwar, the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, broke rank on Monday afternoon and called for Starmer to step down, becoming the first senior Labour figure to do so in public. The distraction needs to end, and the leadership in Downing Street has to change, Sarwar said. He said the decision to call for Starmer to go had caused him personal hurt and pain, but he felt a change of direction was needed ahead of local elections in May, which have long been expected to serve as a referendum on Starmers leadership. Advertisement Advertisement The British public soured on Starmer almost as soon as it elected him in 2024. Although Labour promised a decade of national renewal which would require it to win two elections a series of policy missteps and churn at the top of government have driven Starmers approval ratings to record lows. Labours woes have been to the benefit of the populist Reform UK party, which has led in the polls for more than a year. Starmer is facing his biggest crisis yet over his decision to appoint Mandelson a veteran Labour politician as ambassador to the US, despite his well-known friendship with Epstein, which continued after the disgraced financiers 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. The Mandelson revelations have dominated British media for days, snowballing into one of the countrys biggest political scandals this century. The front pages of British newspapers on Monday were consumed with the fallout from the Mandelson scandal. - Peter Wilkinson/CNN Starmer fired Mandelson in September after a tranche of emails revealed uncomfortable details about his ties to Epstein. Further details of Mandelsons connection to Epstein emerged when the US Department of Justice last month released millions of documents relating to the disgraced financier. Some of those documents appeared to show that Mandelson, while serving as Britains business secretary in 2009, passed Epstein market-sensitive information. Having launched a criminal investigation into misconduct in public office, UK police searched two properties linked to Mandelson last week. CNN has been unable to reach Mandelson for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, opposition parties and even figures inside Labour have called on Starmer to release documents relating to his governments decision to appoint Mandelson as ambassador to the US. In a statement Sunday, McSweeney a protege of Mandelsons said he took full responsibility for advising Starmer to make the appointment. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself, McSweeney said, adding that he remained fully supportive of the prime minister. Starmer said last week that Mandelson had lied about the extent of his friendship with Epstein and that the revelations from the DOJs latest release of documents were beyond infuriating. Advertisement Advertisement In a speech to his staff on Monday morning, Starmer again lambasted Mandelson, saying that his shameful behavior is wholly incompatible with public service, according to a readout from Downing Street. But if Starmer had hoped to reassert his grip on power at the start of a new week, that grip was once again shaken by the resignation of Allan, another close ally, who joined as communications director around five months ago. I have decided to stand down to allow a new No. 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success, Allan said in a brief statement. Starmer now faces an uphill battle to convince his party that he remains the right person to lead the country. In a coordinated show of support Monday afternoon, members of Starmers cabinet took to X to argue the prime ministers case. Advertisement Advertisement David Lammy, the deputy prime minsiter, said Starmer had won a mandate for five years to deliver on Labours manifesto. We should let nothing distract us from our mission to change Britain and we support the Prime minister in doing that. Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, said Starmers leadership was needed not just at home but on the global stage. Sarwars decision to call for Starmer to step down could embolden restive Labour lawmakers to do the same. The Scottish Labour leader said he had spoken to Starmer before calling for him to step down, and I think its safe to say that he and I disagreed. There have been too many mistakes, Sarwar said. They promised they were going to be different, but too much has happened. Have there been good things? Of course, there have been many of them, but no one knows them and no one can hear them because theyre being drowned out. Thats why it cannot continue. CNNs James Frater and Caitlin Danaher contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Alistair Smout and Muvija M LONDON, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need to bolster Britain's "hard power" and military readiness, calling at the Munich security forum for stronger defence integration within the continent to cut NATO's overreliance on the United States. He also hinted at further alignment with the European Union's single market - which allows goods, services, capital and people to move freely across member states - and deeper economic integration, six years after Britain exited the EU. Advertisement Advertisement "We are not at a crossroads today. The road ahead is straight and it is clear we must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," Starmer said on Saturday. "We must be able to deter aggression, and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight." His remarks come against the backdrop of strains in the NATO alliance due to U.S. President Donald Trump's stated desire to acquire Greenland from Denmark - a NATO member - and repeated calls for Europe to spend more on defence. Starmer said the U.S. is an indispensable ally that has made an unparalleled contribution to Europe's security, but a more European NATO would help reduce the continent's overdependence on Washington. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm talking about a vision of European security and greater European autonomy that does not herald U.S. withdrawal but answers the call for more burden-sharing in full, and remakes the ties that have served us so well." He emphasised that the new normal was for Europe to take primary responsibility for its own defence, as outlined in the Trump administration's national security strategy, urging "a step change" in collaboration. Starmer called as well for a new approach to defence procurement to avoid unnecessary duplication in Europe's defence industrial base, warning that the current fragmentation had left the continent a "sleeping giant". Britain, he added, will deploy its carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and the Arctic this year, operating alongside U.S., Canadian and other NATO allies in a show of Euro-Atlantic security commitment. Advertisement Advertisement FURTHER ALIGNMENT WITH EU SINGLE MARKET The Labour Party leader has sought to reset ties with the EU since coming to office in 2024, following years of Conservative governments whose Brexit negotiations sometimes strained relations with Brussels. He has also taken a leading role in coordinating European support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion. "The United Kingdom is ready. We see the imperative. We see the urgency. We want to work together to lead a generational shift in defence industrial cooperation. Now this includes looking again at closer economic alignment," Starmer said. Advertisement Advertisement "Deeper economic integration is in all of our interests. So we must look at where we could move closer to the single market in other sectors as well, where that would work for both sides." While talks for Britain to join the EU's SAFE defence fund broke down last year, Starmer has said that he is open to joining a new version of SAFE. Starmer declared "we are not the Britain of the Brexit years anymore", to applause from the room, before adding that to turn inward would surrender control of Britain's security. "There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain," he said. (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Muvija M; editing by Mark Heinrich) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a decision of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine on 12 February to impose sanctions on 91 sea vessels that are part of Russia's shadow fleet. Source: Office of the President website Details: The Russian Federation has used these vessels to transport oil and petroleum products from Russian ports, including in Novorossiysk, Ust-Luga and Primorsk, to third countries. This has been done in circumvention of sanctions imposed by the European Union, the G7 and other states. Advertisement Advertisement The sanctioned vessels sailed under the flags of around 20 countries. Among them, only one was Russian-flagged, while the others sailed under the flags of Panama, Liberia, Cameroon, Barbados, the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong, Sierra Leone, Tonga, Palau, Guinea, Comoros, the Bahamas, Indonesia, Malawi, Guinea-Bissau, Djibouti, Guyana and Eswatini. Ukraine will hand over the relevant information to these states and will also work with partners on further synchronisation of sanctions within their jurisdictions. A total of 27 vessels from this list are already under sanctions from partners: the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the European Union. "Shadow fleet tankers are a key instrument for circumventing oil sanctions; therefore their identification and the imposition of sanctions against them must proceed swiftly and without exceptions. Each such vessel should be regarded as an element of financing Russia's war machine," said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Zelenskyy's adviser and Commissioner for Sanctions Policy. Advertisement Advertisement Background: EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan stated that Russia's war-based economy may be approaching a point where it becomes "unsustainable". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian forces have launched a counter-offensive on the eastern front line after Russian forces were blocked from using Elon Musks Starlink terminals. Kyivs forces launched localised counter-attacks to reconnect front-line positions between southern Dobropillya and north of Varvarivka, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said. Maps show counter-offensives near Ternuvate, Dobropillya, and Zalizychne, near the Dnipropetrovsk-Zaporizhzhia border. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian counter-attacks are likely an opportunistic response to favourable battlefield conditions, created partly by Russias loss of Starlink terminals, analysts believe. On Wednesday, a senior Nato official told the BBCs Russia service that at least some of the Ukrainian battlefield successes in eastern Zaporizhzhia came after SpaceX prevented Russian forces from using the satellite terminals. A Kremlin-affiliated military blogger also claimed that new complicating factors were hindering communications along the front line. Almost 90 per cent of Russian units lost their connections after Mr Musk orchestrated a shutdown of the service earlier this month. Starlink made the decision after it emerged that Russian forces were strapping Starlink terminals to long-range drones. Advertisement Advertisement Russian communications have also suffered because of the Kremlins decision to implement new restrictions on the use of Telegram, a popular messaging service used by soldiers and analysts in both Russia and Ukraine. A Starlink terminal mounted on a Russian drone Ukrainian counter-attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area likely seek to exploit these recent Russian communication and command-and-control (C2) challenges, the ISW noted. As well as launching localised counter-attacks, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on military hubs inside Russia. Kyiv fired its Flamingo cruise missiles at an ammunition depot near Volgograd and a missile manufacturing facility in Russias Tambov region. Advertisement Advertisement This arsenal is one of the largest ammunition storage sites of the Russian army. It was struck by Ukrainian long-range FP-5 Flamingo weapons, the Ukrainian general staff said in a statement. Ukrainian forces also destroyed 6,000 first-person-view drones near Sudzha in Russias Kursk region, one of the largest losses for Moscow to date. Meanwhile, at least nine people were killed and 28 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine. Moscow launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 154 attack drones overnight, including in Donetsk, Odesa, Kherson, and Kharkiv, according to the air force. The aftermath of a Russian attack on Odesa on Friday - Oleksandr GIMANOV/AFP via Getty Images Teams assist residents affected by a Russian drone attack in the Zaporizhzhia region - Jose Colon/Anadolu via Getty Images A new round of peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States was also announced to be taking place in Geneva. Advertisement Advertisement Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide to Vladimir Putin, will lead the Russian delegation, the Kremlin said on Friday. Mr Medinskys return suggests Moscow may be attempting to stall peace talks after he was previously described by Ukrainian officials as a pseudo-historian over his hardline demands. During negotiations last year, Mr Medinsky compared the war in Ukraine to the Great Northern War, which involved Russia and Sweden and lasted for 21 years between 1700 and 1721 during the rule of Peter the Great. Putin has previously compared himself to the former Russian emperor. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, and Kyrylo Budanov, two senior advisers to Volodymyr Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump recently set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace deal, despite both sides remaining in deadlock over territory. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Key developments on Feb. 13 Ukraine's battlefield lessons drive UK to spend over $545 million on hypersonic, long-range weapons in 2026 Using Starlink ruse, Ukrainian cyber forces trick Russian soldiers into revealing positions, donating to armed forces 'Modern Ukrainian technology, battle-tested' Zelensky unveils 1st drone produced by German-Ukrainian joint venture Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces release footage of strikes on Russian airfield in Crimea, other targets in occupied territories Four injured as Russian strikes target energy infrastructure in Odesa The U.K. plans to spend 400 million pounds ($545.4 million) on hypersonic and long-range weapons in 2026, drawing on lessons from Russia's war in Ukraine, the U.K. Defense Ministry announced on Feb. 13. Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes as the annual security conference opens in Munich, running on Feb. 1315, with about 50 world leaders and government officials expected to attend, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. "To meet this new era of rising threats, we need hard power, strong alliances, and sure diplomacy," U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said. "We can see from the war in Ukraine the decisive impact of long-range precision weapons, so the U.K. is stepping up, investing more than 400 million pounds ($545.4 million) in long-range and hypersonic weapons this year," Healey added. The planned investments will also support joint weapons projects with France, Germany, and Italy, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement The Stratus program, a collaboration between the U.K., France, and Italy, is developing a next-generation stealth missile to replace the Storm Shadow. The new missile is designed to "defeat high-value targets, destroy enemy ships, and suppress enemy air defenses," the statement said. Separately, a joint long-range weapons program between the U.K. and Germany is entering a study phase and will focus on future stealth and hypersonic capabilities. "Alongside Germany, France and Italy, we will deliver the cutting-edge weapons that will keep the U.K. and NATO safe, boost deterrence, and build a new deal for European security," Healey said. This year's investment in hypersonic weapons will also cover the development of key technologies, ground and flight testing, and support for academic training, including funding for postgraduate studies, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement The U.K. Defense Ministry added that the new domestically produced Deep Precision Strike system, with a range of more than 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), is expected to enter service in the 2030s. Earlier, the U.K. and other partners announced roughly $38 billion in aid to Ukraine following a Feb. 12 meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format. More than $2.5 billion will be allocated for Ukrainian drones, more than $500 million for the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, and $2 billion for air defense, according to Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Ukraine has long urged its partners to boost support for air defense systems, as Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure have intensified over the past months. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame heres what Moscow actually wants Using Starlink ruse, Ukrainian cyber forces trick Russian soldiers into revealing positions, donating to armed forces A Ukrainian cyber unit claims it tricked Russian soldiers into revealing their positions and donating money to Ukraine's Armed Forces by pretending to help them reconnect Starlink devices they were using on the battlefield. Russian forces have long been using unauthorized Starlink access to operate drones and other military equipment in occupied areas of Ukraine, but this was effectively switched off last week after the Ukrainian government, in cooperation with SpaceX, introduced a mandatory registration and "whitelist system. Monopolizing on Russia's desperation to regain access to a crucial battlefield technology, Ukrainian cyber forces posed as a Russian-linked activation service offering to help restore terminals that had been disconnected under the new registration rules. Advertisement Advertisement The operation was carried out by the 256th Cyber Assault Division in cooperation with the InformNapalm and MILITANT, according to a statement published on social media on Feb. 12. Russian servicemen were instructed to submit identifying information and the coordinates of their terminals under the guise that the devices would be reactivated through Ukrainian administrative service centers. The group said they collected 2,420 data packets related to Russian-used terminals and transferred them to Ukrainian law enforcement and defense agencies. According to the statement, the data was provided to authorities "for final transfer into brick mode," referring to the disabling of the terminals. The group claims the terminals were subsequently deactivated. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims. Advertisement Advertisement The group also said it received $5,870 from Russian soldiers seeking to restore connectivity which it is donating to fundraising efforts for Ukrainian drones. It also identified 31 Ukrainian "traitors" willing to assist Russian forces by registering terminals. According to the statement, that information has been forwarded to Ukraines Security Service (SBU). Read also: It means more than any medal Ukraines skeleton racer sacrifices Olympic dream to honor war victims 'Modern Ukrainian technology, battle-tested' Zelensky unveils 1st drone produced by German-Ukrainian joint venture President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 13 unveiled the first strike drone produced by a newly launched German-Ukrainian joint venture ahead of the Munich Security Conference, as he said in a statement published on X. Advertisement Advertisement The launch marks the first Ukrainian drone production line in Germany and is part of Kyiv's broader effort to expand arms manufacturing in Europe, as the war with Russia drives sustained demand for unmanned systems. "Today, I received the first jointly made attack drone. We saw the production line and the first flight of the drone," Zelensky wrote on X. "This is modern Ukrainian technology. Battle-tested. Powered by AI. It will strike, it will scout, it will protect our soldiers," the president added. Zelensky, accompanied by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, visited Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), a joint venture between Germany's Quantum Systems and Ukraine's Frontline Robotics. Advertisement Advertisement During the visit, the Ukrainian-German Linza 3.0 multi-purpose drone was demonstrated and then handed over to Zelensky. The facility is expected to produce up to 10,000 drones within a year, all of which will be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to the president. The Linza 3.0 drone, developed by Frontline Robotics, is the latest version of the company's multi-purpose platform. The manufacturer said it features AI-enabled visual-inertial navigation, can carry up to 4 kilograms of payload, operate up to 15 kilometers (9 miles), and can stay in the air for up to 60 minutes. The parties announced the start of joint production in December 2025, and Ukraine plans to open 10 more joint ventures by the end of 2026, Zelensky said. The president did not specify which countries the ventures would be located in. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Whither Trumps peace in Ukraine? Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces release footage of strikes on Russian airfield in Crimea, other targets in occupied territories Ukrainian forces have struck multiple Russian military targets, including an airfield, in Russian-occupied territories over the past two days, the Unmanned System Forces (USF) said on Feb. 13. Ukraine regularly attacks military facilities in Russian-occupied areas that supply weapons, fuel, and equipment to Russian troops. The 1st Separate Center of the USF struck on Feb. 12 an airfield in the village of Hvardiiske in Crimea, the Kirova electrical substation in the city of Luhansk, Luhansk Oblast, and a data center in Prymorsk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. All targets were struck with mid-range precision weapons and were located in Russian-occupied territories, according to the USF. Drone operators from the "Kairos" unit of the 414th Separate Brigade, also known as "Madyar's Birds", targeted an ammunition depot near the village of Rozivka in the Russian-occu[ied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Feb. 11, according to the statement. "Systematic strikes on such infrastructure disrupt command and logistics, reducing the Russian army's ability to sustain combat operations," the USF said. Read also: Russia confirms $12 trillion pitch to Trump tied to Ukraine deal White House stays silent on proposals Four injured as Russian strikes target energy infrastructure in Odesa Four people were injured in an overnight attack as Russian forces struck energy facilities and other critical infrastructure in Odesa on Feb. 12-Feb. 13, regional officials said. "The enemy continues to massively attack the Odesa region with strike drones. Despite the active work of the air defense forces, direct impacts and falling drone debris were recorded," Governor Oleh Kiper said. One of the injured was hospitalized in serious condition, he added, as residential, industrial, energy, and port infrastructure sustained damage. Power, heat, and water supplies were also disrupted, officials said, and restoration work is ongoing. Read also: Russia brings back pseudo-historian Medinsky to head peace talks, reversing shift toward constructive diplomacy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket took off on the Space Coast from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral, but what many noticed were the sparks seen coming from the rocket. After an initial delay, the Vulcan bolted into the sky at 4:22 a.m. Thursday from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Shortly after liftoff, sparks appeared briefly from the area of the solid rocket boosters. FLORIDA TODAY photographers observed the flash and sparks coming from the rocket shortly into flight. United Launch Alliance said there was "an observation" its team was studying, but it had no impact on the mission being deployed correctly into orbit. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know about the sparks seen during the Vulcan launch and what caused them. What caused the sparks seen on ULA Vulcan launch from Florida? The rocket zoomed upward and east under the power of two core BE-4 engines and four side mounted solid rocket boosters. Then, just two and a half minutes into the flight, those four solid engines detached from the rocket's core stage, appearing as four little points of light falling away from the rocket. "We had an observation early during flight on one of the four solid rocket motors, the team is currently reviewing the data. The booster, upper stage, and spacecraft continued to perform on a nominal trajectory," a Feb. 12 update from United Launch Alliance read. The integrated U.S. government and contractor team is reviewing the technical data, available imagery, and establishing a recovery team to collect any debris. We will conduct a thorough investigation, identify root cause, and implement any corrective action necessary before the next Vulcan mission," Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Atlas and Vulcan Programs, said in an update to the media. This isn't the first time the Vulcan rocket has shown sparks Vulcan has experienced a solid rocket booster mishap before. On its Oct. 2024 test flight, the Vulcan experienced an issue inside the nozzle on the booster, with many witnessing a brief spark coming from the side of the rocket. That payload made it to orbit on that flight without any problems, as well. Advertisement Advertisement About 38 seconds after the Oct. 4 launch, a bright flash, followed by sparks, was seen coming from the side of the rocket. While the flight successfully reached orbit, the issue was investigated by ULA and teams to understand the root cause. The investigation found that there was an issue inside the nozzle on the solid rocket booster. Unlike SpaceX Falcon 9 which is fully liquid propellant ULA's Vulcan rocket utilizes solid rocket boosters at liftoff. ULA Vulcan rocket launch from Florida on Space Force mission Known as USSF-87, the Feb. 12 mission was called a Space Force neighborhood watch over geostationary orbit, which are satellites orbiting at the same direction and speed as the Earth. When is the next Florida launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA launch schedule in Florida Advertisement Advertisement USSF-87, a Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) spacecraft developed by Northrop Grumman, is designed to boost the Space Forces ability to quickly spot, assess, and attribute disruptions impacting geosynchronous orbit spacecraft. This includes identifying the potential threat of satellite collisions. ULA said this spacecraft was the heaviest Vulcan payload flown to date. ULA Vulcan rocket payload was successfully deployed, despite sparks, launch anomaly The Space Force later released a statement on the booster anomaly and successful deployment of the USSF-87 payload. The spacecraft was deployed just over six hours into the flight. "The Vulcan rocket successfully delivered the mission to the designated orbits despite an observed anomaly early in flight on one of the four solid rocket motors," a Space Force press statement read. "The USSF SYD 80 team will work closely with ULA per our mission assurance space flightworthiness process before the next Vulcan national security space mission." ULA to see more rocket launches from Florida and California During a Feb. 10 press briefing, company officials said they are expecting an increase in launch cadence this year. While ULA launched a total of six times last year five Atlas V rockets and one Vulcan the company plans more launches from the Cape, as well as a debut Vulcan launch from California. These missions will range from national security to Amazon Leo internet satellites. Advertisement Advertisement Were well positioned for the future, said interim CEO John Elbon. Elbon has served as interim CEO since Tory Brunos departure from the company in Dec. 2025 to head Blue Origins National Security program. Elbon had a previous career at partner Boeing and has now been with ULA for eight years. The next ULA mission is not currently on the Cape launch schedule, but it is anticipated to be the launch of a batch of Amazon Leo (formerly known as Project Kuiper) internet satellites atop another Vulcan rocket. You can get all of Floridas best content in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: ULA Vulcan launch in Florida showed booster sparks. What caused them? UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve a 40-member global scientific panel on the impacts and risks of artificial intelligence, with the United States strongly objecting. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who established the panel, called the adoption a foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI. In a world where AI is racing ahead, he said, this panel will provide whats been missing rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all member states, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing. Advertisement Advertisement He has described it as the first fully independent global scientific body dedicated to bridging the knowledge gap in AI and assessing its real-world economic and social impacts. The vote in the 193-member assembly was 117-2, with the United States and Paraguay voting no and Tunisia and Ukraine abstaining. Americas allies in Europe, Asia and elsewhere voted in favor along with Russia, China and many developing countries. U.S. Mission counselor Lauren Lovelace called the panel a significant overreach of the U.N.s mandate and competence and said AI governance is not a matter for the U.N. to dictate. As the world leader in AI, the United States is resolved to do all it can to accelerate AI innovation and build up its infrastructure, she said, and the Trump administration will support like-minded nations working together to encourage the development of AI in line with our shared values. Advertisement Advertisement We will not cede authority over AI to international bodies that may be influenced by authoritarian regimes seeking to impose their vision of controlled surveillance societies, Lovelace said, adding that the Trump administration is concerned about the non-transparent way the panel was chosen. Guterres said the 40 members were selected from more than 2,600 candidates after an independent review by the International Telecommunications Union, the U.N. Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies and UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. They will serve for three-year terms. Members are predominantly AI experts but also come from other disciplines and include Maria Ressa, a Filipino journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2021. There are two Americans on the panel: Vipin Kumar, a University of Minnesota professor focusing on AI, data mining and high-performance computing research, and Martha Palmer, a retired University of Colorado professor and linguistics expert whose research includes capturing the meaning of words for complex sentences in AI. Advertisement Advertisement There are two Chinese experts on the panel: Song Haitao, dean of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, and Wang Jian, an expert in cloud-computing technology at the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Ukraine said it abstained because it objected to Russias Andrei Neznamov, an expert in AI regulation, ethics, and governance, being on the panel. Operational improvements in the EMEA region resulted in a 900 basis point margin increase, serving as a blueprint for profitability optimization in other global regions. Strategic focus has shifted toward prioritizing higher-growth markets and being selective in capital deployment to maximize shareholder returns over time. A significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge in Q3 was characterized as an 'accounting reset' reflecting post-pandemic market valuations without impacting operational cash or investment capacity. The company is transitioning from addressing structural issues to optimizing its business model through consistent execution and greater financial discipline. Management attributed the 240 basis point adjusted EBITDA margin expansion to the successful execution of $140 million in cost savings and a realigned cost structure. Performance was driven by strong mid-single-digit growth in the Labs business, which now represents 55% of total company revenue, providing a stable recurring revenue foundation. The 2026 guidance assumes a typical flu season of 50 million to 55 million annual market tests, with respiratory revenue remaining the primary variable for the wide guidance range. Management expects to reach adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 23.3% in 2026, driven by the wind-down of the U.S. Donor Screening business and direct procurement initiatives. The R&D pipeline is focused on 'menu pull' strategies, including the launch of the VITROS 450 and new OUS immunoassay platforms to compete for full-menu tenders. The planned acquisition of LEX Diagnostics is expected to provide a high-speed, point-of-care PCR platform, though it will have a dilutive impact on 2026 earnings during the initial commercialization phase. The United Nations special rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, has rejected calls for her resignation after comments she made about Israel drew sharp criticism from France and Germany. Speaking on the Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Albanese described the backlash as an "unprecedented attack against a United Nations expert." "Everything that has been said about me is false and therefore defamatory," she said. Advertisement Advertisement She said the reaction from Paris and Berlin had not surprised her, noting both countries' close ties to Israel. Albanese, a legal scholar who has held the UN rapporteur office since 2022, came under fire after referring to humanity's "common enemy" at a conference organized by the Al Jazeera news channel in Qatar last Saturday. Although this particular comment was not specifically linked to Israel in her speech, just beforehand she had said that instead of stopping Israel, most of the world had armed Israel and helped the Jewish state with "political excuses," as well as economic and financial support. She said much of Western media had been amplifying a "pro-apartheid genocidal narrative," and that the challenges "that we all face" were now clearer. The comments prompted calls for her resignation from German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot. Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, Wadephul said Albanese's position was "untenable," and that she had "already made numerous outbursts in the past." During a question and answer session in the French parliament, Barrot said: "France unreservedly condemns the exaggerated and culpable statements made by Ms Francesca Albanese, which are not directed against the Israeli government, whose policies can be criticized, but against Israel as a people and as a nation, which is absolutely unacceptable." Albanese later specified on X that "the common enemy of humanity is THE SYSTEM that has enabled the genocide in Palestine, including the financial capital that funds it, the algorithms that obscure it and the weapons that enable it." By Emma Farge GENEVA, Feb 13 (Reuters) - A U.N. human rights spokesperson expressed concern on Friday about attacks on independent U.N. experts after several European governments criticised the organisation's special rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, and called for her resignation. This follows condemnation from Germany, France and Italy this week of Albanese's alleged criticism of Israel. Albanese, an Italian lawyer, denies making the remarks. Advertisement Advertisement "We are very worried. We are concerned that U.N. officials, independent experts and judicial officials, are increasingly subjected to personal attacks, threats and misinformation that distracts from the serious human rights issues," U.N. human rights office spokesperson Marta Hurtado told a press briefing when asked about the criticism. U.N. experts are commissioned by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to monitor and document specific human rights crises but are independent of the organisation itself. On Friday, the Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Petr Macinka quoted Albanese on X as having called Israel a "common enemy of humanity", and he also called for her resignation. A transcript of Albanese's remarks made in Doha on February 7 seen by Reuters did not characterise Israel in this way, although she has consistently criticised the country in the past over the Gaza conflict. Advertisement Advertisement German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that Albanese's position was "untenable", while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot accused her of making "outrageous and reprehensible remarks" against Israel. ALBANESE CRITICISES EUROPEANS OVER GAZA Albanese said in overnight remarks on X: "Three European governments accuse me - based on statements I never made - with a virulence and conviction that they have NEVER used against those who have slaughtered 20,000+ children in 858 days." She was citing figures from the Palestinian Health Ministry, which puts the total death toll from the Gaza war at more than 72,000. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on Albanese after she wrote letters to U.S. companies accusing them of contributing to gross human rights violations by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank. Albanese, whose term expires in 2028, is due to speak at the Rights Council in Geneva next month on Palestinian rights. There is no precedent for removing a special rapporteur during their term, although diplomats said that states on the 47-member council could in theory propose a motion to do so. However, they said strong support for Palestinian rights within the body means that such a motion was unlikely to pass. (Reporting by Emma Farge, Additional reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin in Geneva, Alan Charlish in Warsaw, Benoit Van Overstraeten in Paris and Rami Ayyub in Jerusalem; Editing by Linda Pasquini and Gareth Jones) Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing severe backlash from lawmakers and legal experts alike after a fiery hearing on Wednesday in front of the House Judiciary Committee. The hearing quickly devolved into a tense, at times explosive event, with Bondi and mostly Democratic lawmakers trading verbal attacks over the handling of the Epstein files by the Department of Justice, and questions of the departments role in acting on behalf of President Donald Trump. Bondi accused Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., of theatrics when she asked Bondi to apologize to a group of Jeffrey Epstein survivors for the DOJs absolutely unacceptable release of the Epstein files and their information. The attorney general also got into a tiff with Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., calling him a washed-up, loser lawyer after Raskin accused her of using her time to filibuster. Advertisement Advertisement When Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a leading Republican voice in releasing the Epstein files, pressed Bondi on redactions for suspected Epstein associates, she went on the attack. This guy has Trump derangement syndrome Youre a failed politician, she said. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., faced an accusation of antisemitism from Bondi after asking her about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnicks alleged ties to Epstein. The result was explosive. You want to go there? Are you serious? Balint yelled at Bondi. Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! Really? Really? Balint then stormed out as Bondi laughed. Justice Connection, a Washington, D.C.-based network of former DOJ employees, criticized Bondis conduct throughout the hearing. Upstanding AGs respond to congressional oversight with facts, not ad hominem attacks, the group said in a statement. AG Bondis lack of decorum at todays hearing demeans the office and further undermines trust in DOJs independence. Advertisement Advertisement While Bondi continued to trade jaded barbs with lawmakers over personal and professional attacks, perhaps the most legally damning accusation came from Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif. Lieu questioned Bondi why no investigation had been launched into the former Prince Andrew, even after disturbing photos of him with a victim surfaced in the latest batch of the Epstein files. He asked her if Trump was involved in any similar actions with Epstein. Bondi called the question ridiculous. There is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime, everyone knows that, Bondi declared. I believe you just lied under oath, Lieu said. He pointed to an FBI witness statement of a limo driver in 1995 who allegedly overheard Trump talking on his cell phone to someone named Jeffrey about abusing some girl. The driver said he knew an alleged victim, though she had her head blown off in what police refused to call a suicide. Advertisement Advertisement No one at the Department of Justice interviewed this witness. You need to interview this witness immediately, Lieu said, calling on Bondi to resign right after this hearing. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Bennett Gershman, a professor at Pace Universitys Elisabeth Haub School of Law, said that proving Bondi committed perjury would depend on the evidence and whether it is reliable. If there is evidence in the files that the DOJ has reviewed, obviously that evidence would contradict her wrong testimony, which would be proof of perjury, Gershman told Salon, cautioning that even so, proving it would be a complicated process. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors would need to determine what statement she made, whether it was false, whether it can be proven, and whether that proof can be presented to a jury. Its not easy, Gershman said, himself a former prosecutor. She has no special immunity. Any witness who testifies falsely under oath is chargeable with perjury. Following the hearing, both Republican and Democrat lawmakers sounded off on Bondi. Raskin accused her of a phenomenal disrespect of Congress, while Rep. Steve Cohen, R-Tenn., said Bondis performance was [for] a one-person audience: Donald Trump. Massie said Bondi didnt answer anything, and Jayapal said her conduct was vile in an interview with the Meidas Touch Network. She showed how small and cruel she is, Jayapal said. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, photos began to emerge from the hearing showing Bondi with what appear to be documents detailing Jayapals online search history into Epstein while using a DOJ computer. In order to view some unredacted files, lawmakers must use a computer at one of the departments satellite offices in Washington. Apparently, those searches are being logged. One document in Bondis possession read Jayapal Pramila Search History, and showed Epstein files reviewed by the congresswoman. Gershman said such surveillance from the DOJ is unprecedented. I have never heard of anything like this happening before, he told Salon. We talk about the separation of powers, and here you have the DOJ surveilling, monitoring what these members of Congress are doing. Jayapal called Bondis tactics totally inappropriate in a statement on X. That is outrageous, and I intend to pursue this and stop this spying on members. Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also called it inappropriate, though he stopped short of assigning blame, calling it an oversight. Raskin referred to it as this outrageous abuse of power. It is the perfect set-up for [the DOJ] to spy on members review, monitoring, recording, and logging every document we choose to pull up, Raskin said Wednesday in a statement. For Gershman, the situation has led him to question the DOJs integrity under Trump. What is shown is the incredible deference that this DOJ has to President Trump. It appears to be President Trumps private lawyers, his lackeys, doing investigations of his perceived enemies, he said. The post This is unprecedented: Bondis conduct in hearing draws ire of lawmakers and legal scholars appeared first on Salon.com. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the United States will begin talks with Hungary and Slovakia on ending purchases of Russian energy resources. Source: US Department of State Details: Rubio said that Washington plans to hold consultations with these countries and discuss the necessary steps to reduce dependence on Russian gas. "We'll have those conversations with them. We'll talk to them about what needs to happen," the US Secretary of State stressed. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Rubio did not specify details of the forthcoming meetings, but emphasised that Hungary and Slovakia are friendly states to the United States and support cooperation with Washington. Background: The Greek company Atlantic Sea LNG Trade is holding negotiations with the United States to secure up to 15 billion cubic metres of gas per year over the next 20 years. The American company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy has officially announced plans to build a gas pipeline that would strip Russia's Gazprom of its monopoly in the region. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - A U.S. federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a Honduran college student who was deported in violation of a court order, a step the government had previously refused to take. Boston-based U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns gave the administration two weeks to enable the return of Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a student from Babson College in Massachusetts who was deported after being detained at Boston's Logan Airport while traveling to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with her family in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement "Wisdom counsels that redemption may be found by acknowledging and fixing our own errors," Stearns wrote. "In this unfortunate case, the government commendably admits that it did wrong. Now it is time for the government to make amends." Stearns, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, said he had hoped to avoid holding anyone in civil contempt by giving the administration a chance to correct what he said everyone acknowledged was a "mistake." But the State Department last week called the judge's recommendation to issue her a new student visa "unfeasible," and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to facilitate her return, prompting Friday's order. Stearns gave the administration until February 27 to facilitate the student's return. Todd Pomerleau, Lopez Belloza's lawyer, welcomed the ruling, calling her a "remarkable, resilient young woman deserving of this outcome." Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, in a statement did not address whether or how it would comply with Stearns' order but said Lopez Belloza had received due process. "There was no 'mistake,'" the spokesperson said. The 20-year-old college freshman is a Honduran national who was brought to the U.S. by her mother, who was seeking asylum, when she was 8 years old. Babson is located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Lopez Belloza has said she was unaware she was subject to a final order of removal, which was the basis for her arrest. She was flown to Honduras on November 22 even though her lawyer had secured a court order in Massachusetts on the previous day barring Lopez Belloza from being deported or transferred out of the state for 72 hours. She remains in Honduras with her grandparents. Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer for the government at a January hearing apologized for the violation of the court's order, attributing it to a "mistake" by an ICE officer who did not properly flag it. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Ethan Smith and Jonathan Oatis) WASHINGTON (AP) Dozens of U.S. lawmakers were trying to make their way this weekend to the Munich Security Conference to assure allies of America's reliability, but burdened with political crises at home, their entrance to the annual gathering of international leaders was more of a limp than a stride. Some didn't make the trip at all. House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled an official delegation of roughly two dozen House members who had planned to attend the event, leaving those lawmakers either to find their own way to Germany or send their regrets. While two bipartisan delegations from the Senate still made the trip, they departed amid bitter fights over how U.S. immigration agents are carrying out President Donald Trump's sweeping crackdowns on illegal immigration, which have included fatal shootings of two people protesting the raids, as well as the Trump administration's recent failed effort to indict six Democratic lawmakers who produced a video urging U.S. military members not to obey illegal orders. Advertisement Advertisement It is a little bit, you know, depressing to be here with what we have to deal with at home, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, who was among those investigated by the Department of Justice, said in a live interview with Politico in Munich. For over six decades, the annual conference has gathered world leaders in pursuit of cooperation for shared security, with the United State often playing a leading role. But Trump has upended his nation's posture toward the rest of the world, especially Europe. And while many lawmakers who attended tried to assure European counterparts that the U.S. still wants a seat at the table, it was clear they were still grappling with the rapidly changing political environment at home. I expect to have a number of challenging conversations with friends and allies about their concern and alarm about what they've seen federal law enforcement under this administration do in Minneapolis and the attempt to indict six of my colleagues and other steps that frankly have more of the hallmarks of authoritarian societies than democracies, said Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware. Senate's bipartisan traditions are slipping The security forum in recent years has been a reinforcing event for the coalition of nations backing Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion a cause that once enjoyed strong support from Republicans. But several GOP senators who have participated in years past and hold spots on committees overseeing the U.S. military and foreign affairs decided this year to stay home. The delegations that did attend included significantly more Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement As lawmakers exited Washington on Thursday, Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri ripped Democrats for heading to Munich while the Department of Homeland Security faced a shutdown during an impasse in Congress over funding the agency that oversees immigration enforcement. How do you justify getting on a plane and going to Europe when youre shutting down DHS? Schmitt told reporters. Theyre making a decision that their travel to Munich to cozy up with the Euros is way more important than funding DHS. Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz responded on social media, noting that he and Schmitt had both gone to Munich the year prior and that it continues to be an important bipartisan trip. Still, Schatz also said this year is different in light of the Department of Justice attempting to indict two senators. Advertisement Advertisement Spare me the high-minded panel discussions and bilats and press availabilities about the United States as the indispensable nation, when we are dispensing with our most sacred constitutional obligations, he said in a floor speech this week. Republicans articulate Trump policy Some Republicans who attended the Munich gathering came not to offer reassurances, but to herald the changing world under under Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby were among the top Trump administration officials participating. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is close to Trump, led one of the delegations of senators. He presented a bullish argument that European security is better off with Trump's willingness to break up the traditional roles of Western allies. He argued the U.S. needs to keep up pressure on Iran with the goal of toppling the regime, as well as build pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace deal. We're here at a crucial moment, folks. If we don't follow through with what we promised the people of Iran, it will destroy America's credibility for years to come, it will make this world less safe," he said. A new voice from the US Graham has been a mainstay at Munich and other like conferences for years, yet there was also a new voice from the American side. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive from New York, made her first trip to the conference to discuss the rise of populism and the shifting role of American power in the world. Her attendance at the conference, she said, was meant to show support for international liberal values. "We are ready for the next chapter, not to have the world turned to isolation, but to deepen our partnership on greater and increased commitment to integrity to our values, she said at a roundtable. Ocasio-Cortez said she identified with voters who had defected from traditional left-of-center parties in Europe and the United States for populist hard-right parties. She said her frustrations with a Democratic Party that championed special interests, the elite is what had pushed her to run for office. Domestically and globally, there have been many leaders whove said We will go back. And I think we have to recognize that we are in a new day and in a time," she said, adding "That does not mean that the majority of Americans are ready to walk away from a rules-based order and that were ready to walk away from our commitment to democracy. ___ Joey Cappelletti in Washington contributed to this story. By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI, Feb 13 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of 37 U.S. lawmakers have written to senior Taiwanese politicians expressing concern about parliament stalling proposed defence spending, saying that the threat posed by China has never been greater. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te last year proposed $40 billion in extra defence spending to counter China, which views the island as its own territory. But the opposition, which has a majority in parliament, has refused to review the proposal and instead advanced its own, less expensive proposals, which only fund the purchase of some of the U.S. weapons Lai wants. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. letter, addressed to Taiwan parliament speaker Han Kuo-yu, the heads of the opposition parties the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party, as well as the caucus whip for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, said the United States and Taiwan shared a strong and enduring partnership. "However, the threat posed by the People's Republic of China against Taiwan has never been greater. Xi Jinping is focusing every element of the PRC's national power to control Taiwan," said the letter, released on Thursday and referring to China's president. The U.S. must address the massive backlog in weapons deliveries to Taiwan, but Taiwan needs to step up too, the letter said. "We commend Taiwan for making important progress in strengthening its military readiness, reserve forces, and asymmetric defence capabilities," it said. Advertisement Advertisement "Nevertheless, we fear that without significant increases in Taiwan's defence spending at levels reflected in President Lai's proposed special budget, this progress will be insufficient." Signatories to the letter included Senators Pete Ricketts and Chris Coons, senior members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Young Kim and Ami Bera, senior members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Several U.S. lawmakers have already made public expressions of concern about the stalled budget. SPENDING SCRUTINY The KMT, Taiwan's largest opposition party, said it sincerely appreciated the lawmakers' concern and that money spent on defence had to be used effectively. Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time, the KMT urges members of the United States Congress to encourage the United States government to ensure timely delivery of weapons systems that Taiwan has already paid for or formally purchased," it added. The TPP has always supported a "reasonable and steadily growing" defence budget and understood U.S. concerns, it said in a statement, but added that spending requests had to be subject to democratic oversight and fiscal discipline. The DPP said in a statement it agreed with the letter and hoped the recipients would read it "thoroughly." The delay in passing the spending risks a "rupture" in the joint line of defence against China, Taiwan's defence minister said on Wednesday, as Lai again urged parliament to approve the spending measure. Advertisement Advertisement The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. The Trump administration has pressed its allies to increase defence spending, something Lai and his government have enthusiastically embraced. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China, but been rebuffed, and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Michael Perry and Kate Mayberry) The Trump administration has spent more than $1m per person to deport some migrants to countries they have no connection to, only to see many sent back to their home nations at further taxpayer expense, according to a new congressional investigation. A 30-page report from Senate foreign relations committee Democrats, released on Thursday and shared with the Guardian, details how the US government paid more than $32m to five foreign governments including some of the worlds most corrupt regimes to accept approximately 300 third-country nationals deported from the US. In the most extreme case, the administration paid Rwanda $7.5m plus an estimated $601,864 in flight costs to accept just seven people about $1.1m per individual, according to the reports analysis of government spending data and flight records. The administration similarly paid Equatorial Guinea $7.5m to take 29 people, costing taxpayers an estimated $282,126 per person. Palau was paid $7.5m with no documented flights, Eswatini was paid $5.1m for 15 people, and El Salvador $4.76m for about 250 people. Advertisement Advertisement Committee staff indicated the state department is pursuing third-country deportation agreements with 70 to 80 countries. More than 80% of migrants sent to these third countries have already returned to their home nations or are in the process of doing so, the investigation found, raising the question as to why they were not deported directly in the first place. Related: Major crisis: Pope Francis rebukes Trump mass deportation efforts The Trump administration is sometimes paying the country to take people, flying them there and then paying to take them to their home country. It doesnt make sense, one current US official told committee staff, according to the report, which is the first of its kind under the second Trump administration. This is a scare tactic for them be able to tell people here in the US: if you dont self-deport, you could get sent to South Sudan. You could get sent to Eswatini, a member of the committee told the Guardian. I really think that that is a huge driving factor, both for the pace and the way in which theyve been carrying this out. Advertisement Advertisement The practice has resulted in the US government paying twice for some deportees travel. In one case, a Jamaican national was sent to the southern African nation of Eswatini at an estimated cost of more than $181,000, only to be flown back to Jamaica on US-funded flights weeks later. The Jamaican government publicly stated it had not refused the return of any of our nationals, contradicting administration claims that third countries are only used when home governments refuse to accept deportees back. We spent so much of last year hearing about how we have to cut waste, we have to cut spending, said the member. Were not spending millions of dollars on foreign assistance, on health saving dollars for childcare and maternity health and diseases and epidemics and famine around the world, but we are spending it on this. The administration has defended the removals by claiming it must send migrants to third countries when they are so uniquely barbaric that their own countries wont take them back, as the Department of Homeland Security wrote in a June press release. But the report documents multiple cases where home governments were willing to accept their nationals or were never properly contacted. Advertisement Advertisement Court filings show that in several instances, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not request travel documents from home countries or failed to give governments sufficient time to process the paperwork. Mexicos president said her government was never informed before a Mexican national was deported to South Sudan, the second most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International. The report identifies a lack of oversight for the millions of dollars sent to foreign governments, several of which have documented records of corruption and human rights abuses. Equatorial Guinea, which received $7.5m to accept 29 people, ranks 172nd out of 182 countries for corruption according to Transparency International. The payment exceeds all US assistance provided to the country over the previous eight years combined. Despite these red flags, there is no evidence the state department is monitoring how the funds are being used. The department appears to be relying on the foreign governments themselves to report on spending, rather than using independent auditors that typically oversee US assistance. In the case of El Salvador, which received at least $4.76m, more than 250 Venezuelans were sent from the US and detained at the Cecot prison, where Human Rights Watch has documented credible reports of torture. The administration also returned several MS-13 gang leaders who had been serving as US informants, undermining a long-running federal investigation, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation reveals the administration has pursued these arrangements through opaque negotiations involving political concessions or pressure tactics. South Sudan requested sanctions relief on government officials and US investment in oil and gas in exchange for accepting just eight deportees. Perhaps most controversially, the administration has struck a deal with Iran to deport 400 Iranian nationals, including Christian converts, ethnic minorities and political dissidents. At least eight people on the first flight begged not to be sent because they feared for their lives. One man says he attempted suicide at a US detention facility in an attempt to avoid being sent back to Iran but was still deported, the report reads. Related: Once hailed as heroes, Afghans fear deportation under Trump Advertisement Advertisement The report also raises concerns the administration may be using third countries to circumvent US immigration law. Since September 2025, the majority of migrants flown to third countries had US court-ordered protections, meaning the US could not legally send them to their home countries due to the likelihood they would face persecution, torture or death. Yet within days of arriving in Ghana and Equatorial Guinea, many were sent back anyway. A federal district judge, reviewing removals to Ghana, said in September: These actions also appear to be part of a pattern and widespread effort to evade the governments legal obligations by doing indirectly what it cannot do directly. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the foreign relations committee, wrote in the reports introduction: At a time when the Administration is already straining its relationships with longstanding allies, it is building transactional relationships with corrupt and adversarial regimes not around shared interests or strategic goals, but opaque deals that do not serve American taxpayers or American security. When asked about the specific findings of the report, a state department spokesperson defended the administrations approach. Advertisement Advertisement Contrary to what they might have hoped, this report only underlines much of the unprecedented work that the Trump administration has done to enforce our immigration laws, Tommy Pigott, the departments principal deputy spokesperson, said in a statement. Astonishingly, some in Congress still want to go back to a time just 14 months ago when cartels had free rein to poison Americans and our border was open. Make no mistake, President Trump has brought Bidens era of mass illegal immigration to an end, and we are all safer for it, he added. Tensions between Washington and Kampala spiked after a series of inflammatory posts by Ugandas army chief targeting the US embassy. Jim Risch, the Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the Ugandan presidents son, crossed a red line with the posts and called for the US to reevaluate military ties with and sanctions against Uganda. A committee spokesperson told Semafor the posts went beyond [Muhoozis] usual rhetoric and noted committee staff privately warned Ugandan officials against threats to US personnel in 2024, after Muhoozi threatened to expel the American ambassador. Uganda appears to be trying to lower the temperature: Its Washington lobbyist told Semafor that Kampala values its longstanding strategic partnership with the US and remains committed to open and constructive dialogue. Muhoozi known as the tweeting general for prior posts threatening journalists, opposition figures, and neighboring nations initially accused the US of helping opposition leader Bobi Wine evade arrest and said he would suspend cooperation with the US embassy. He has since apologized. The US is sending the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East to back up another already there as Washington continues to maintain pressure on Iran. The USS Gerald R. Ford's planned deployment to the Middle East comes after US President Donald Trump suggested another round of talks with Iran about its nuclear policy was due to begin soon. Iranians are beginning 40-day mourning ceremonies for the thousands killed in Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, adding to the internal pressure faced by the Islamic Republic. The US will now have significant naval and air assets in the Middle East. Credit: AP The Ford's deployment, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. Advertisement Advertisement The USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers are already in the Arabian Sea. It marks a quick turnaround for the Ford, which Trump sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration built up a huge military presence in the lead-up to the surprise raid last month that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The quest for common ground: Can talks ease the crisis in the Middle East? US and Iran hold indirect nuclear talks after threats of military action On Thursday, Trump warned Iran that failure to reach a deal with his administration would be very traumatic. Advertisement Advertisement Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman last week. I guess over the next month, something like that, Trump said in response to a question about his timeline for striking a deal with Iran on its nuclear programme. It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly. Trump held lengthy talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and said he told Israel's leader that negotiations with Iran needed to continue. Donald Trump has demanded Iran end its nuclear programme. Credit: AP Netanyahu is urging the administration to press Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile programme and end its support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any deal. Advertisement Advertisement Gulf Arab nations have warned that any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a region still reeling from the Israel-Gaza war. Iran's military suffered heavily during the 12-day Israel-Iran war last year, but it still has significant capabilities. Tehran's full strength is not known, but it is thought to still have more than 1,000 long-range missiles that could hit Israel, and several thousand of the shorter-range missiles that could be used to hit American bases or other targets nearby. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Missile stockpiles matter only if a country retains the systems to launch them. Israel also took out many of Iran's launchers, but wasn't able to destroy them completely, and it seems likely that Iran will have been working hard to rebuild that capacity. Advertisement Advertisement At home, the Iranian regime faces still-simmering anger over its wide-ranging suppression of all dissent. That rage may intensify in the coming days as families of the dead begin marking the traditional 40-day mourning for the loved ones. Online videos have shown mourners gathering in different parts of the country, holding portraits of their dead. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know... This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: A federal judge on Tuesday upheld the core of Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, a 2024 law which prevents payment processes and financial institutions from charging interchange fees on tips or state and local taxes. Payment processors had challenged the state law, arguing it would would upend the intricate and carefully calibrated global systems for debit and credit card purchases, according to the complaint. Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for public affairs at the National Restaurant Association, called the ruling a meaningful win for Illinois restaurants that would reduce the burden of credit card swipe fees. Dive Insight: Reducing or limiting credit card swipe fees has been a political goal of the NRA for years. Given Illinois' law inspired copycat legislation in a large number of states, the courts decision to uphold the core of the legislation will likely invigorate other regulatory efforts to minimize businesses' costs associated with payment processing. It lays a clear legal path for other states to follow Illinois lead and address credit card processing feesone of the highest and fastest growing costs facing restaurant owners today, Kennedy said in a press release. This decision shows that state legislatures can take meaningful action to rein in unfair swipe fees to support local businesses. Banking associations took issue with the ruling, which was penned by Judge Viriginia Kendall of the Northern District of Illinois, and pledged to appeal it, Payments Dive reported. The law requires merchants to identify which portions of a transaction are tips and taxes in the information it provides to payment processors. Restaurants and other merchants will not be assessed processing fees on money they collect on behalf of the state or pass through to employees starting July 1, the NRA said. The trade association backs a federal bill the Credit Card Competition Act to limit swipe fees and alter the competitive structure of the credit card processing market. The NRA claims that legislation would save merchants and consumers up to $17 billion. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington will speak with Hungary and Slovakia in an effort to persuade them to stop purchasing Russian energy. Source: US Department of State Details: When asked by journalists whether the US intends to urge Hungary and Slovakia to stop buying Russian energy resources, Rubio said the relevant discussions would take place. Quote from Rubio: "Well, we'll have those conversations with them. We'll talk to them about what needs to happen." Advertisement Advertisement Details: Rubio added that a US delegation is also planning to visit both Hungary and Slovakia. Background: Rubio said he believes he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference, which runs from 13 to 15 February. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Supreme Court of Virginia has agreed to hear state Democrats' appeal of a cort order blocking their attempt at mid-decade congressional redistricting. In an order filed Feb. 13, the high court cited the "imperative public importance" of the case as noted when the state Court of Appeals immediately pushed the case up the judicial ladder. No date has been set for the hearing, but all indications within the order point to it no earlier than mid- to late-Spring, after a special referendum to permit the redistricting is held April 21. Virginia Democrats began mobilizing to redraw the districts to offset similar actions in Texas and other states as suggested by President Donald Trump. The president encouraged Texas to redo its district lines now, rather than at the start of the 2030s, in an effort to strengthen GOP control of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Virginia now has 11 districts, and Democrats hold a 6-5 majority in them. The plan shepherded by Democrats would redraw the boundary lines that could increase the Democratic majority to 10-1. It saw some significant line shifts in several districts. For example, the Fourth Congressional District that stretches from metro Richmond southward to the Virginia-North Carolina line would be widened to pull in the city of Williamsburg in the east; all of Southampton County in the southeast; and the city of Danville, and the counties of Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg to the west along the state line. It would also give up several Richmond suburban areas, including northern and northwest Chesterfield County, to the 5th District. In the Shenandoah Valley, Augusta County would be split among the 6th, 7th and 9th congressional districts, according to the map. Advertisement Advertisement More: Best romantic restaurants in America? Top places worth a road trip Road to the high court Last month, a Circuit Court judge in Tazewell County sided with state Republicans to block the proposed map. Democrats quickly appealed the ruling to the state Court of Appeals, which in turn put a hold on the Tazewell decision and immediately directed the case to the Supreme Court for action. In its order, the Supreme Court took note of that move "It appearing to the Court that these matters have not been determined by the Court of Appeals of Virginia and that the case is of such imperative public importance as to justify the deviation from normal appellate practice and to require a prompt decision in this Court, the motion of the Court of Appeals of Virginia that we certify these cases for review," the order read. Advertisement Advertisement As expected, Democrats were elated by the news, while Republicans chastised the high court for playing politics with it. Today the Supreme Court of Virginia affirmed what we already know, Virginians will have the final say," said a statement from House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, one of the chief architects of the map. "The redistricting referendum on April 21 will move forward." "Last October, Democrats took an unprecedented step to illegally pass a constitutional amendment at the 11th hour," Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover County. "The judiciary agreed and the Supreme Court has taken up and fast tracked the case. Make no mistake, the rule of law will prevail." Chesterfield's newest brewery hosts fun weekly events Advertisement Advertisement Roadside bakery has a lot of sweetness to offer in Chesterfield Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: State Supreme Court will hear apeal on Democratic redistricting Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez said Thursday that Nicolas Maduro is still the legitimate president following his capture and arrest by the Trump administration. Yes, I can tell you that President Nicolas Maduro is the legitimate president. I can, I will tell you this as the lawyer that I am. They are both, President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent, Rodriguez said during a Thursday appearance on NBC Newss Meet the Press. Maduro is currently facing charges for narcoterrorism, drug trafficking and corruption after serving at the helm of Venezuelas government operations for years. Advertisement Advertisement He is being held in New York and awaiting trial before a judge. The regime leader pleaded not guilty to all charges, despite pressure from the Department of Justice to admit responsibility for years of drug trafficking throughout the Latin American nation. Officials in both Venezuela and Bolivia have been accused of transporting illegal narcotics internationally with the help of high-ranking political leaders known as the Cartel of the Suns. Maduro is accused of providing military-grade weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and coordinating drug routes with groups in Honduras. While awaiting the regime leaders fate, Rodriguez has led the country in the midst of a transitional period in which the Trump administration is looking to tap into Venezuelas oil rich land. Advertisement Advertisement Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC that the relationship with Rodriguez is off to a tremendous start. Weve been dealing with Delcy for five weeks now. Its been an amazing cooperation. Shes delivered information, he told NBC Newss Kristen Welker. Everything we know so far has turned out to be true. Shes made enormous positive changes, including already changing the hydrocarbon law in the country in the first few weeks. So, I would say that cooperation is off to a tremendous start, he added. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Venezuelan interim leader President Delcy Rodriguez said she has been invited to the United States, according an interview released Thursday by NBC News as U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Caracas. "I have been invited to the States," Rodriguez was quoted as saying. "Were contemplating coming there once we establish this cooperation and we can move forward with everything. Rodriguez, the former vice president and oil minister, was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president in early January after the United States deposed President Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement She and Wright face the Herculean task of organizing the recovery of Venezuela's oil industry after decades of underinvestment, mismanagement and U.S. sanctions, while putting U.S. investors at the front of the line. However, Rodriguez told NBC that she believes Maduro, who is being held in the United States on drugs and weapons charges, remains the legitimate leader of their country. "I can tell you President Nicolas Maduro is the legitimate president. I will tell you this as a lawyer, that I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent, she said. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; editing by Susan Heavey) GREECE, N.Y. (WROC) The mother of a four-year-old boy police said was killed by his father in a murder-suicide in Greece two weeks ago is now speaking out and demanding justice. Alexis Hernandez described her son Axel as the life of the party. He was so smart, kind, inquisitive and funny, Hernandez said. He looked forward to preschool every day, coming home with whatever they made at school, arts and crafts and things like that. Advertisement Advertisement She reflected on the moment she learned her son was murdered, and says it felt as if time was standing still. You never think this will happen to [you] or your family, you never think that, Hernandez said. On January 25, the day before her sons death, Hernandez claims she received alarming texts from Axels father. She then called 911 out of concern for her sons safety and explained that a Monroe County Sheriffs Office Deputy responded to her home. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about it, Hernandez said. [The deputy] told me I know this isnt what you want to hear, and I started crying. I begged and said can you please do something, anything? Advertisement Advertisement The next day, Axel was killed by his father who then killed himself at his townhome off of Fetzner Road in Greece. The Monroe County Sheriffs Office confirmed with News 8 on Thursday that they responded to Hernandezs call and shared in a statement that they are investigating what happened and what can be done differently in situations like this one moving forward. Now, Hernandez is seeking justice for her son and hopes to see reform within law enforcement. I just wish that things like this were taken more seriously, Hernandez said. [Axel] is an innocent baby. He never deserved to be hurt or have this happen to him, he should have lived a full life and its very unfair. Advertisement Advertisement There is a GoFundMe set up for Hernandez to assist with expenses as she navigates the loss of her son. Hernandez also hopes community members consider donating in Axels memory to the Parma Public Library, which was one of his favorite places to go. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the Willow Domestic Violence Center at 693 East Avenue in Rochester aims to help those in need. They can be reached at (585) 222-7233. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Virginias supreme court Friday gave the green light to a planned referendum on a Democratic redistricting map that aims to flip four Republican congressional seats, although the justices are still hearing arguments about whether the plan would be legal. In a procedural win for Democrats, the court ruled Virginia may go ahead with the statewide April 21 vote on the proposed map, with early voting starting early in March. The map, passed by the state legislature, could result in a 10-1 Democratic congressional delegation in the midterm elections. But the court also agreed to hear arguments about whether the Democratic mid-decade gerrymandering push is legal, regardless of whether voters approve the referendum. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic-aligned voting rights attorney Marc Elias called the ruling a big win, in part because a lower court had blocked the referendum while the legal sparring plays out. Virginia Democrats are now one referendum vote away from a 10-1 congressional map, Elias tweeted. Democrats, who swept to a landslide victory in off-year elections in Virginia, passed the aggressive new map last week. Newly elected Gov. Abigail Spanberger gave it her blessing despite earlier misgivings. If the map passes legal muster, it will mean Democrats have so far mostly fought President Trump and his Republican allies to a stalemate in the unprecedented mid-decade redistricting fight that Trump started in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement The new GOP-friendly map in the Lone Star State could flip from three to five Democratic seats. But California hit back by enacting new districts that are likely to turn five GOP seats blue. Although a few smaller red states have moved to give the GOP an edge, Virginia would effectively cancel out those gains by supersizing the current 6-5 Democratic edge. New York Democrats might unexpectedly pick up one seat if they win a court fight aimed at redrawing Rep. Nicole Malliotakis GOP-leaning Staten Island-based district. The biggest state yet to make its move is Florida. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to redraw the Sunshine States maps to pick up three or four Democratic seats, but legal challenges and GOP infighting might make that a tall order. Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of the shifts, Democrats and most non-partisan political analysts believe they are poised to make significant gains in both houses of Congress in the fall midterm elections on the back of Trumps sagging approval ratings. Democrats are confident they will flip the House, where Republicans now hold only a narrow four-vote majority. They see an outside shot at taking the four Senate seats they would need to retake control of that chamber, which would put a screeching halt to Trumps right-wing agenda. Is Presidents Day the most confusing holiday of the year? Ask a random sampling of Americans what the day actually commemorates, and most will probably tell you its to honor all 46 of the nations commanders-in-chief. Some might say it celebrates just two of them, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, while others contend that it really commemorates Washingtons birthday, which was Feb. 22. Then theres the question of punctuation. Is it Presidents Day, Presidents Day, or Presidents Day? (Well, it depends on where you live and why you're writing.) AP Style tip: Presidents Day - no apostrophe - is commemorated on Monday. APStylebook (@APStylebook) February 13, 2015 When it comes to the holidays significance, the answer is also murky. It can be traced back to the 1770s when, even before the country had won its independence, the colonists had taken to celebrating Washingtons birthday, says Matthew Dennis, a professor emeritus of history at the University of Oregon. It became one of the first public holidays, along with the Fourth of July. But its meaning quickly shifted after President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. Advertisement Advertisement There was an immediate apotheosis, raising Lincoln to kind of an equal status as Washington, Dennis says. And because both presidents were conveniently born in the month of February, you see the beginnings of a dual celebration, he tells us. The making of the modern holiday Traditionally, the day was celebrated with parades, grand balls, and displays of great patriotism. But as early as the 1890s about 90 years after Washingtons death enthusiasm for the holiday began to wane, to the extent that it was at one point declared Bicycle Day by bicycle manufacturers. Over the next few decades, ambivalence toward Washingtons birthday only grew, so that by the late 1960s, it was possible to transform it into kind of a generic celebration, Dennis says. In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Act, which mandated that Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day all fall on a Monday. As a result, the celebration of presidents was moved permanently to the third Friday in February. At the time, some lawmakers suggested they change the name to Presidents Day, but that never occurred officially, its still Washingtons Birthday, even though today that name is rarely used. Advertisement Advertisement This policy set in motion what Jason Bezis calls the slow-motion destruction of a great American tradition. Bezis is a California attorney who, through the late 1990s and early 2000s, tirelessly advocated for the day to be recognized as Washingtons Birthday as Presidents Day seeped deeper and deeper into the vernacular. He lobbied private companies, newspapers, and municipalities to restore Washingtons name to the holiday, with some success. But eventually, Bezis realized he was fighting a losing battle, he tells us. Washingtons Birthday is a holiday like a mighty 200-year-old oak tree. Over time, the leaves have withered. Now, Id almost argue its dead, he says. Bezis and others argue that without anchoring the holiday to the father of the nation, and instead turning it into a celebration of all presidents, or the office itself, or even the concept of leadership, it waters down its significance. He worries too that our national amnesia could lead to a further distortion of the holiday or worse, its eradication. The future for Presidents Day There have been attempts to revitalize it, including a movement about 20 years ago to transform the holiday in order to honor Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. But more recently, theres been less inspired advocacy, like a petition to move Presidents Day to the Monday after the Super Bowl essentially demoting the holiday to a day for Americans to nurse their hangovers. Advertisement Advertisement With so much apathy toward the holiday, is it possible it could disappear or be remade to honor something that seems more relevant? Dennis says its unlikely. The history professor and author of Red, White, and Blue Letter Days: An American Calendar, says he hasnt seen a lot of energy going toward remaking the holiday. And he still believes that it can serve an important purpose going forward. Public holidays are not just about celebration. Theyre also about dissent and questioning, Dennis says. I think that igniting a political discourse can be one of the contributions Presidents Day can still make. The post Wait...Why Do We Celebrate Presidents Day? appeared first on Katie Couric Media. The climate crisis inflamed wildfires that left 23 people dead in Chile and devastated forests in Argentina that host some of the worlds oldest trees, scientists have found. The hot, dry, and windy conditions that enabled the fires to blaze across huge areas in January were made about three times more likely by global heating, researchers from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) consortium found. Parts of Chile and Argentina are experiencing significantly drier summers as a result of human-caused carbon emissions, with rainfall now 25 percent lower in early summer in Chile and 20 percent lower in the affected region of Patagonia. Advertisement Advertisement Severe wildfires left the Chilean regions of Biobio and Nuble in a state of catastrophe in mid-January and killed 23 people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and forced 52,000 people to flee. The fires were driven by temperatures exceeding 37 degrees C and strong winds. In Argentina, wildfires broke out in early January, affecting the UNESCO-listed Los Alerces national park in Patagonia, home to ancient alerce trees that can live for more than 3,000 years. The damage is thought to have been worsened by large budget cuts to fire management services by the government led by Javier Milei, who has called the climate crisis a socialist lie. Juan Antonio Rivera, of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council in Mendoza, Argentina, who is part of the WWA team, said, Ancient forests were devastated, as was the unique biodiversity in the area. These are ancient giants that have stood undisturbed for thousands of years. Unfortunately with a government that does not understand climate change and its connection to human activities, and where nature is secondary in terms of priorities, wildfires end up having greater impacts than they should. The drying of our landscapes is no longer a projection but a crisis that needs an urgent response to protect our unique biodiversity and the people of our region. Advertisement Advertisement Clair Barnes, of Imperial College London, who is also part of the WWA team, said, Our analysis shows a clear and dangerous fingerprint of climate change on these fires. By burning fossil fuels, we have essentially loaded the dice, making the conditions for these devastating blazes more likely. The scientists said the supercharging of extreme weather would continue to increase until humanity stops burning fossil fuels. The study used peer-reviewed methods and data from weather records and climate models to determine how much more likely the hot, dry, and windy conditions were as a result of global heating. The situation in Chile was worsened by non-native tree plantations that are more flammable than native trees. These plantations are located directly next to settlements, as was seen in Valparaiso in 2024, said Mauricio Santos-Vega, of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. Wildfires ravaged Valparaiso and other nearby regions in 2024, leaving at least 131 people dead. Damian Carrington, The Guardian ALSO ON YALE E360 Overshoot: The World Is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate NASA and SpaceX successfully launched 4 astronauts into space Friday morning from Florida. See live updates below: 5:55 a.m. update: SpaceX shared a link to track Crew-12 as they head to the International Space Station. Follow Dragon and Crew-12 during their flight https://t.co/FrV7sLMZvj SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 13, 2026 5:38 a.m. update: SpaceX shares an incredible view from orbit after the Dragon spacecraft separated from the Falcon 9 rockets second stage. Dragon has separated from Falcon 9s second stage pic.twitter.com/9yvLEVSfSW SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 13, 2026 5:20 a.m. update: Crew-12 has successfully launched from Florida. 5:10 a.m. update: NASA confirms the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is fully loaded and ready for launch. Fuel loading is complete on the second stage, and liquid oxygen loading has begun. The count remains on target for the 5:15 am ET launch of @NASAs @SpaceX Crew-12 mission. Up next: Liftoff! Follow along: https://t.co/CzUXBCQbjL pic.twitter.com/CtS4RXiDAn NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) February 13, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement 4:40 a.m. update: SpaceX has confirmed that the mission is go for launch. Fuel is being loaded into the Falcon 9 rocket, and the Crew Dragon spacecrafts launch abort system is armed and ready. Original report: Crew-12 suited up early Friday morning before making their way out to the launchpad for the planned pre-dawn flight. NASA and SpaceX said all systems are looking good, and the weather is 90% favorable for launch. The rocket is set to take off at 5:15 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Crew Dragon spacecraft supporting this mission previously flew the Crew-4, Ax-2, Ax-3, and Crew-9 missions to and from the space station. This will be the second flight for the first stage rocket booster supporting this mission, which previously launched a Starlink mission. Advertisement Advertisement Following stage separation, Falcon 9s first stage will land at a SpaceX landing pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Falcon is the first orbital-class rocket capable of recovery and reuse. The first stage booster supporting this mission will complete the first landing at Landing Zone 40 at Cape Canaveral, our newest recovery site pic.twitter.com/cIywfwu99B SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 13, 2026 The landing will trigger a sonic boom audible in Brevard County and farther into surrounding counties. During their time at the ISS, the crew will conduct new research to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth. Channel 9 will have live coverage of the Crew-12 mission on Eyewitness News This Morning, starting at 4:30 a.m. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. SkyLand Ranch in the Great Smoky Mountains was engulfed in flames Friday morning and two large barns were lost to the fire. The Sevierville fire department received a call that the beloved family tourist attraction was on fire around 2:20 a.m. Feb. 13, according to Sevierville Fire Department administrative assistant Lana Gonzales. When firefighters arrived, the two barns at SkyLand Ranch were engulfed and several nearby small structures also were damaged, according to the Sevierville Fire Department. Crews were still at SkyLand Ranch later in the day, planning to remain on the scene for several hours to ensure that the fire was out, according to Sevierville spokesperson Bob Stahlke. Advertisement Advertisement All the animals are safe and there were no injuries, SkyLand Ranch confirmed in a Facebook post Feb. 13. The animals are being kept in an intact corral on the property, according to Stahlke. No firefighters were injured while putting out the flames. "Thank you to all the Sevierville and Sevier County Fire Departments and Sheriff Department for their swift response and help this morning," the post reads. In addition to the many local fire crews on scene, including the Pigeon Forge Fire Department and Gatlinburg Fire Department, the Tennessee Department of Forestry was present to mitigate the woodland fire threat. Advertisement Advertisement SkyLand Ranch, owned by Lisa and Mark Williford, opened in 2022. The property has grown popular as a place for families. It features a chairlift ride, a mile-long mountain coaster, a swing tower ride, a pasture with miniature farm animals to pet, a boutique, restaurant, gourmet bakery and more. Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: SkyLand Ranch fire leaves no injuries at Sevierville attraction Retirement investors are turning their attention overseas and putting more money into international stocks and emerging markets, according to Alight Solutions 401(k) Index. While trading levels in retirement accounts were muted, with no above-normal trading days in January, international equity funds soaked in 45% of equity inflows, while emerging markets attracted 33%, surpassing US equity categories. People pulled the most money 59% from large US equity funds, followed by stable value funds and company stock funds, according to the index. That's a big switch from last year's pattern. It's a meaningful shift in investor behavior, Rob Austin, head of thought leadership at Alight Solutions, told Yahoo Finance. For the past year, investors were consistently pulling more money out of equity funds than they were putting in. This usually signals caution, uncertainty, a desire to derisk, or just rebalancing in a rising equity market. Read more: Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide Bonds no longer reign Overall, last year 401(k) savers played it safe and moved their investments into conservative assets like bonds, pulling large sums of 401(k) money mostly from target-date funds, company stock, and midsize US equity funds. Dont be fooled by people pulling money from their target-date funds, though. These funds remain the largest asset class for 401(k) savers. In fact, the biggest chunk of contributions in January went into target-date funds. Nearly all 401(k) plan sponsors and most state auto-IRA programs use target-date funds when they automatically enroll workers in a retirement plan. Sign up for the Mind Your Money weekly newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Subscribe Equities return This shift back to investing in equities is worth noting. Of 20 trading days last month, 12 favored equities over fixed income, according to the index. New contributions to equities increased to 73% in January from 70.1% in December. Participants werent just reallocating within equities, they were trading new money to the asset class, Austin said. The dip into international equities, however, is a sign that 401(k) retirement investors may be spooked by the volatility in US equities in the past year and are seeking longer-term global opportunities, the financial advisers I interviewed suggested. Have a question about retirement? Personal finances? Anything career-related? Click here to drop Kerry Hannon a note. Looking abroad for growth No one is knocking having US equities in your retirement accounts, mind you. US stocks had a sweet 2025. But global markets were even better. A major index tracking roughly 85% of global equity outside US stocks, the MSCI All Country World ex-USA Index, gained 29.2% in 2025 compared to the S&P 500s gain of 17.9%. And it was up 6% last month while the S&P 500 gained 1.4%. The Brief The murder trial of Edrick Faust concluded Friday following 10 days of testimony regarding the 2001 killing of UGA student Tara Baker. Prosecutors relied on a 2024 DNA match to link Faust to the crime, while the defense argued the investigation was botched and the evidence compromised. The defense continued to point toward the victim's former boyfriend, Chris Melton, despite testimony from the state backing his alibi. ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. - After a 10-day trial, the 2001 cold-case murder of University of Georgia law student Tara Baker is now in the hands of an Athens-Clarke County jury. What we know Both the prosecution and defense concluded their closing statements late Friday afternoon. Edrick Faust faces 12 charges, including malice murder, felony murder, rape, aggravated sodomy, and arson. Prosecution relies on DNA What they're saying The states closing arguments centered on the finality of the evidence and long-awaited closure for the Baker family. Prosecutors argued that after a quarter-century of waiting, the jury now has the responsibility to hold Faust accountable. They highlighted that advancements in forensic science provided the definitive link investigators had sought since 2001. The state emphasized that DNA evidence collected during the initial investigation finally identified Faust, a man who lived in the same neighborhood but evaded capture for decades. Defense's alternative theory The other side The defense focused on what it described as a lack of physical evidence linking Faust to the crime scene, raising doubts about the integrity of the decades-old investigation. Defense attorneys pointed out there were no fingerprints, footprints, or eyewitnesses placing Faust inside the apartment on the night of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Counsel for the defense also questioned the reliability of the DNA samples, suggesting they had been compromised over more than 20 years in storage. Furthermore, the defense maintained the evidence pointed more strongly toward someone who knew the victim, specifically referencing her boyfriend at the time, Chris Melton, whose biological evidence was found at the scene. Edrick Faust's arrest The backstory Faust was charged with the murder in 2024 after new DNA testing linked him to the case. Officials said the only other male DNA found belonged to Melton. During the trial, Melton testified about his alibi and provided witnesses to support his claims. Investigators testified they believe Melton's alibi proved he did not commit the murder. Melton has never been charged with a crime related to the case. Tara Baker murder trial jury deliberations What's next The jury went home a little after 7 p.m. Friday and is expected to return on Monday. The African Union (AU) holds its annual summit in Ethiopia this weekend at a time of genocide, myriad insurgencies and coups stretching from one end of the continent to the other, for which it has few answers. The AU, formed in 2002, has 55 member states who are often on opposing sides of conflicts. They have routinely blocked attempts to hand real enforcement power to the AU that could constrain their action, leaving it under-funded and under-equipped. It has missed successive deadlines to make itself self-funding -- in 2020 and 2025. Today, it still relies for 64 percent of its annual budget on the United States and European Union, who are cutting back support. Advertisement Advertisement Its chairman, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, is reduced to expressing "deep concern" over the continent's endless crises -- from wars in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo to insurgencies across the Sahel -- but with limited scope to act. "At a time when the AU is needed the most, it is arguably at its weakest since it was inaugurated," said the International Crisis Group (ICG) in a recent report. - Ignoring own rules - With 10 military coups in Africa since 2020, the AU has been forced to ignore the rule in its charter that coup-leaders must not stand for elections. Gabon and Guinea, suspended after their coups, were reinstated this past year despite breaking that rule. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, there has been no "deep concern" over a string of elections marred by rigging and extreme violence. Youssouf was quick to congratulate Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan after she won 98 percent in a vote in October in which all leading opponents were barred or jailed and thousands of protesters were killed by security forces. The AU praised the "openness" of an election in Burundi in June described by Human Rights Watch as "dominated by repression (and) censorship". The problem, said Benjamin Auge, of the French Institute of International Relations, is that few African leaders care about how they are viewed abroad as they did in the early days after independence. Advertisement Advertisement "There are no longer many presidents with pan-African ambitions," he told AFP. "Most of the continent's leaders are only interested in their internal problems. They certainly don't want the AU to interfere in domestic matters," he added. - AU 'supports dialogue' - AU representatives point out that its work stretches far beyond conflict, with bodies doing valuable work on health, development, trade and much more. Spokesman Nuur Mohamud Sheekh told AFP that its peace efforts went unnoticed because they were measured in conflicts that were prevented. "The AU has helped de-escalate political tensions and support dialogue before situations descend into violence," he said, citing the work done to prevent war between Sudan and South Sudan over the flashpoint region of Abyei. Advertisement Advertisement But African states show little interest in building up an organisation that might constrain them. Power remains instead with the AU Assembly, made up of individual heads of state, including the three longest-ruling non-royals in the world: Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea (46 years), Paul Biya of Cameroon (44) and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda (40). "The African Union is weak because its members want it that way," wrote two academics for The Conversation last year. This weekend, the rotating presidency of the AU assembly passes to Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye, fresh from his party's 97-percent election victory. Coups, conflicts and rights abuses may get discussed, but the main theme is water sanitation. dyg-er/jj Katrina Manetta announced her campaign for the Democratic nomination to the 58th Michigan House District, raising more than $12,000 within the first few days, which a press release says surpassed her initial $10,000 launch fundraising goal. The seat is currently occupied by incumbent Republican state Rep. Ron Robinson. Joint Russian and Chinese military aircraft and vessels have entered the U.S. Arctic air defense identification zone (ADIZ) near Alaska dozens of times in recent months, Sen. Dan Sullivan said in an interview with Fox News Digital, warning the activity amounts to coordinated pressure on Americas northern defenses. Sullivan, R-Alaska, said data compiled by his office shows mostly airborne incursions and at times joint patrols along with several naval and "research" vessels operating inside the ADIZ, a buffer zone where aircraft must identify themselves but are not automatically denied access. "They were spying on us," Sullivan said, arguing the missions amount to strategic surveillance and have accelerated efforts to reopen the Navy base at Adak and expand Arctic infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan led a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing last month that secured $25 billion in new Coast Guard funding, including $4.5 billion for infrastructure upgrades such as a deepwater port in Nome one of the closest U.S. cities to Russia and additional Arctic icebreakers. The U.S. currently operates two icebreakers, one of which is out of service, compared with Russias reported 54. Russia, China Squeeze Us Arctic Defense Zone As Trump Eyes Greenland Among the projects is a plan to reopen the military base on Adak Island near the end of the Aleutian chain, roughly 6,000 miles from Washington but on Russias doorstep. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Adak played a key role during World War II, when Japanese forces attacked parts of the Aleutians, and it later served as a Cold War outpost monitoring Soviet activity in the North Pacific. "We have Adak Navy Base being reopened. We have this strategic deepwater port of Nome that's finally being built [where] every essential Navy or Coast Guard asset with the exception of an aircraft carrier can port, and the icebreaker Storis being homeported in Juneau. There's a lot going on," Sullivan said. "We're continuing to press it, and you know what I like to do with all the military services is press, press, press, press." Trump Says Greenland's Defense Is 'Two Dog Sleds' As He Pushes For Us Acquisition Of Territory Adak also hosts a 20-million-gallon fuel repository, Sullivan said, adding that revitalizing the compound would give U.S. destroyers and other vessels a crucial waypoint as malign activity heats up. Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan said the incursions should concern all Americans, dismissing any suggestion the vessels were conducting benign research or trying to "save the whales." "They were there spying on us and looking at submarine routes, looking at cables," he said, pointing to trans-Pacific communication lines that pass through Alaska. "Thats really, really strategic." He added that joint Russian-Chinese naval task forces operating in the U.S. ADIZ alongside coordinated bomber patrols with armed fighters is "unprecedented" in American territory. Nato Ambassador Says Europe 'Has A Tendency To Overreact' Over Greenland Dispute Advertisement Advertisement When incursions occur, U.S. aircraft are dispatched from bases as far as 1,000 miles away, including Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, a logistical stretch similar to sending New York City responders to a fire in Chicago. The Nome port, Adak base and other new infrastructure will slash response times, increase defensive presence and keep America safer, he said. "We are the Arctic part of America, but we're America. And when our adversaries are pressing into us, we need to respond with force and infrastructure and capabilities. Our military's doing it. We're building that up with the Coast Guard, with the Air Force, with the Army," he said. Trump Eyes Action On Greenland, Setting Up White House Face-off With Denmark Advertisement Advertisement A recent report from The Wall Street Journal detailing a Chinese vessel that transited the Bering Strait, icebreaking along Russias Arctic coast before docking in Poland, as further evidence of Beijings expanding Arctic reach. Sullivan called the merchant vessels junket a prime example of why action is needed now to bolster Americas Arctic. USAF Gen. Alexus Grynkewich NATO's top military official told The Wall Street Journal the alliance sees China "being more and more aggressive" across the Arctic. "Its our territory, right? And we just need to be ready to defend it and have assets that can monitor whether that's a merchant ship or a spy ship," Sullivan added. Advertisement Advertisement "The good news is with the Trump administration, with the Budget Reconciliation Bill, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and you saw the president before, and he wants a top line number for our military of about $1.5 trillion, that's sending a message to China, Russia and all of our adversaries that we're not going to let incursions into our airspace and our waters happen on a regular basis without forceful responses from the U.S. military." Sullivan said another development is expanding capacity at Point Barrow at the "top of North America" which, along with Adak, would allow the U.S. to intercept malign aircraft more quickly. Click Here To Download The Fox News App The dynamic is also shaping global geopolitics, he said, as NATO shifts toward an "Arctic-capable alliance" with allies Finland, Sweden and Norway similarly cognizant of the threats. Finland and Sweden recently joined NATO, he noted, which has been key to this situation. Advertisement Advertisement Looking at the globe from above rather than straight on places the U.S., Canada and Scandinavia directly across from Russia and, increasingly, China, which has declared itself a "Near-Arctic power." Fox News Digital's Kiera McDonald contributed to this report. Original article source: They were spying: Sullivan sounds alarm on joint Russia-China moves in US Arctic zone GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) With tax season upon us, one West Michigan organization has been trying to help reduce hassle and stress for low to moderate income households. The Heart of West Michigan United Ways Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax preparation services to households earning $70,000 or less. The program services are for qualifying households in Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties. For the past five years, Trinity Clemens has been utilizing this free service. Clemens is a single mom to three boys. She told News 8 that this service is extremely beneficial. Advertisement Advertisement Why the IRS may temporarily freeze your tax refund and how to avoid it Tax season is a stressful time, she said. Ive been trying to save, but things come up, so I might have problems with my car, and so I might have to pay for that. I have three boys. Theyre always growing, so they always need something. Then food, the prices of food have just skyrocketed. With the rising costs across the board, Clemens said that a program like this helps take one financial burden off her plate. Thats one opportunity to be able to save that money, to be able to put that toward something that one of my sons might need, whether its shoes or clothes as theyre getting older or car repairs and things of that nature, she said. So that has been a big blessing of not having to pay that resource. Advertisement Advertisement To participate in the VITA program, qualifying households can call 211 to make an appointment. That line will assist in scheduling an appointment and ensuring that people bring the necessary documents. Brenda Brame, Program Coordinator for the VITA at United Way, told News 8 the goal is to make tax season accessible and simple for everyone. Its easy, Brame said. We try to make sure that were available for the community, regardless of where they are, regardless of their work schedule. IRS announces official start date for 2026 tax filing season The VITA program has been around for 23 years, serving people across West Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement We have served over 135,000 people, and weve generated over $131 million in refunds and credits for the community, Brame said. And last year alone, we generated over $9.1 million for the community and prepared over 9,000 returns. On Thursday, Clemens went to the Oakdale Park Church location for her tax service. She left that day with an unexpected tax refund that she said brought her to tears. Now Im able to get my refund back in the next couple of weeks and then be able to surprise my kiddos with being able to move once the snow clears up. So thats pretty exciting, she said. So the fact that Im able to get this refund back and not have to stress about having enough money to be able to move is a really big blessing. For more information about this program, visit the United Way website. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A record number of bills were introduced in the Oregon legislature in the 2025 legislative session. It was the continuation of a trend from the last two long sessions, prompting legislative leadership to introduce a bill that would limit the number of measures lawmakers, state agencies and elected leaders can file. While the effort in 2025 didn't pass, leadership is making a similar attempt during the 2026 session. According to testimony on Feb. 12, legislative counsel received requests to draft 5,475 legislative concepts in 2025. Of those drafts, 3,466 measures were introduced in 2025. A total of 702 measures passed. Advertisement Advertisement "House Bill 4002 is, for sure, not the most pressing issue that Oregonians are concerned about, but my hope is that by passing it, we can improve transparency, promote thoughtful policy making and make the legislative process more accessible to all Oregonians," House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, said during a public hearing in the House Committee on Rules on Feb. 12. What would be the bill limits in Oregon's legislature? An amendment for House Bill 4002 would limit lawmakers to 30 requests for counsel to prepare during legislative sessions in odd-numbered years, or during long sessions. The original version of the bill would have limited members to 25 measures. Lawmakers have no limit on the number of bills they can introduce during a long session. They are limited to two personal bills during a short session. Committees in the legislature in odd-numbered years would be limited to 10 measures, but could request another five if the committee chair and a minority-party member on the committee make the request. The House and Senate revenue committees could request another 15 drafts. The Joint Ways and Means Committee would be exempt from the new limits. Advertisement Advertisement The House Committee on Rules would also have different limits: it would be able to request an additional 15 measures for House bills or House joint resolutions, and an additional 20 measures for House resolutions or House concurrent resolutions. Oregon's Senate President would be permitted to request an additional 15 measures that will be Senate bills or Senate joint resolutions, and an additional 20 measures that will be Senate resolutions or Senate concurrent resolutions. Fahey said the 30-measure limit proposed by the amendment was below the median number of measures introduced by lawmakers. According to data she shared from the Legislative Policy and Research Office, senators and representatives proposed a median of 25 and 19 measures, respectively, in the 2025 session. They introduced a median of 18.5 and 17 measures in 2023 and a median of 16 measures in both chambers in 2021. The limit for committees was also below the median number of measures introduced in committees from 2015 to 2025, she shared. Advertisement Advertisement And elected leaders would also face new limits on proposing bills. Oregon's governor and state agencies would be limited to a combined total of 100 requests, excluding budget implementation measures. The Oregon Judicial Department, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General and BOLI Commissioner would each be limited to requesting 10 measures. Rep. Mark Owens, R-Crane, said he supported the bill because he hoped to restore Oregonians' faith in the legislative process. Owens said lawmakers could not serve the public effectively if they were unable to keep track of every bill that came to the floor. He also said staff are having to work too many hours to be productive. "We're probably not going to get this exactly right," Owens said. "That's OK. But, I will consider it a failure this year if we don't do something." The record high number of bills in 2025 broke a previous record set in 2001. That influx prompted Republicans to propose similar legislation limiting proposals. Fahey said that the 2001 bill and the 2025 measure, House Bill 2006, had bipartisan support and opposition. She said the current bill, HB4002, would likely face the same opinions. Advertisement Advertisement "I know we will never win over the people who are opposed to bill limits outright, but for those who are supportive of limits generally, we engaged in conversations," Fahey said. The Speaker said the bill reflected the feedback and was a "good compromise." Who opposes the proposal? Reps. E. Werner Reschke, R-Malin, Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, and Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, spoke in opposition to the bill. Evans and Brock Smith both acknowledged that the proposed changes would particularly impact them. Evans filed the most bills in 2025, followed by Brock Smith. "This is about stifling debate. This is about limiting ideas, and it's about, quite frankly, not understanding the utility of a bill that you offer not to pass in that session but to use to bring people around so you can actually understand where they're coming from," Evans said. Advertisement Advertisement He said 90 members were elected by the people of Oregon to represent their districts, but said "six people actually run this building." He characterized testifying as throwing himself in front of a tank and said efficiency was "no equal to liberty." Evans suggested that lawmakers propose an amendment limiting bill drafting to legislators alone, since no one else is an elected lawmaker. He said doing so would automatically cut out the hundreds of bills introduced by the governor and other branches of government. Reschke had a similar recommendation, which he suggested would drop the number of bills drafted and introduced by 20 to 40%. Brock Smith said he was prolific in bill drafting because he represents more than 160,000 constituents. He said every one of them deserved the opportunity to have their voice heard. He added that the bill would be a "direct assault" on the minority party in the state. Advertisement Advertisement With supermajorities in both chambers, Democrats would be able to request 1,650 bills. Republicans would be limited to 1,050 measures. "I am so darn angry about this," Brock Smith said. He urged the committee not to advance the bill. "I'm telling you, I have never been more bothered by any approach than this," Evans said. "Stifling debate, stifling discussions, it's not the American way. It's not right. And I don't care how much you want to put it in the notion of efficiencies. Authoritarians, for a long time, have justified the unjustifiable through efficiencies. This is just plain wrong." Advertisement Advertisement Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com on X @DianneLugo or Bluesky @diannelugo.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Measure would limit new bills in Oregon's legislature. What to know Last week, about 5,400 Buncombe County voters were sent a letter from the North Carolina State Board of Elections on behalf of Buncombe County Board of Elections encouraging them to update their voter information. This is part of ongoing efforts by the State Board to maintain accurate and current voter rolls. Accurate voter information makes it easier for poll workers to verify information at the polls. It is important to know that receiving this letter does not affect your ability to vote or your registration status. This request for information is voluntary. If you do not respond to the letter, you will be asked to update your information at your voting site. Advertisement Advertisement Voters who received the letter could include those whose information did not validate against other government databases, records with mismatched data, or voters whose data was not captured at the time of registration. This includes drivers license and the last four digits of social security numbers. Mismatches can be caused by a difference in spelling of a name from record to record, a missing hyphen, an apostrophe or space, or use of a prior legal name, such as a maiden name, in one of the records. Mismatches can also result from a date of birth, Drivers license, or SSN entered inaccurately, or are missing. "While these voters registrations complied with the law and are complete, the State Board letters encourage the voters to update their voter records by providing their drivers license or social security numbers or by ensuring the name on their voter registration matches other official government records. This is to help make the states voter rolls more accurate and does not affect the voters eligibility, the NCSBE website says. If you receive a letter you have a few options to update your information: Advertisement Advertisement In-person : Visit Buncombe County Election Services at the Government Services Building at 35 Woodfin St., Asheville NC, 28801 to submit the form in-person and discuss options with our staff. You can also update your information at a polling location when you vote. By mail : Fill out a form at the bottom of the letter to provide identification information and return it to the State Board in a pre-addressed return envelope, with postage provided. Online: Recipients with North Carolina drivers licenses or NCDMV ID cards may submit an updated voter registration form through the NCDMVs secure website. Go to payments.ncdot.gov. There is no fee for this service. Click Yes when asked to update your voter information. Starting in 2026, mailings will be sent to voters with unvalidated identification information on their voter records in January and August of each year, as part of a continued and routine process to keep the states voter rolls as accurate and current as possible. Learn more about this NCSBE identification validation effort here. If anyone has questions, reach out to Election Services in person at 35 Woodfin St., Asheville NC, 28801, over the phone at 828-250-4200, or via email at elections@buncombenc.gov. Voter record update: Frequently asked questions 1. Why did I receive a letter from the State Board of Elections?You received a letter because the identification number you provided when registering to vote did not validate against other government databases. This can happen due to mismatched names, typos, or formatting differences. Advertisement Advertisement 2. Does this affect my ability to vote?No. Your voter registration status is not affected. This effort is for accuracy of voter records, not eligibility. If you are an active, registered voter, you will be able to cast a regular ballot. This letter does not mean theres a problem with your record, nor does it change how you vote or whether your vote counts. 3. Why is the State Board sending these letters?This is part of an ongoing effort to maintain accurate and current voter rolls. Updating your information helps election officials find your record more easily and improves future voter roll maintenance. 4. What causes mismatches in voter records?Common reasons include: Spelling differences (hyphens, apostrophes, spaces) Use of prior legal names (e.g., maiden names) Typos or transposed numbers in date of birth, drivers license, or SSN Data entered in the wrong fields Data requirements for registration have changed over the years Advertisement Advertisement 5. How can I update my voter information?You have three options: By mail: Complete the form included in your letter and return it in the pre-addressed envelope provided. Online: If you have a NC drivers license or NCDMV ID, update your voter registration at payments.ncdot.gov (no fee). In person: Visit Buncombe County Elections Services at 35 Woodfin St., Asheville NC, 28801 or call 828-250-4200. You can also update your information at a polling location when you vote. 6. Will this process continue in the future?Yes. Starting this summer, mailings will be sent in January and August each year to voters with unvalidated identification information as part of routine voter roll maintenance. 7. If I received the letter and have not responded when I show up to vote, what will happen? You will be asked by a poll worker at your voting site if you would like to provide your drivers license number or Social Security number so another attempt can be made to validate it. This is completely voluntary, and even if you decline to provide the information, you will still vote a regular ballot, unless you must vote a provisional ballot for a different reason. Advertisement Advertisement 8. Who can I contact for help?Visit Buncombe County Elections Services at 35 Woodfin St., Asheville NC, 28801 or call 828-250-4200 or visit FAQ: Letters to Voters About Unvalidated ID Numbers | NCSBE for more information. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Why 5.4K Buncombe County voters were asked for updated info Cars parked in several Pittsburgh neighborhoods were vandalized. Several cars had their windows smashed out on Wednesday morning in the citys Duquesne Heights neighborhood. It wasnt the morning Karen Graff was hoping to have. I came out and there was glass everywhere, glass inside and Im thinking, I have a thousand things to do today. Please dont tell me this, Graff said. She woke up on Wednesday to find the rear window of her Kia Sportage smashed. Advertisement Advertisement My husband went to work yesterday morning and popped his head in the door and said, Hey, the windshield is busted on the back of your car. You might want to look at that, Graff said. She quickly learned that she wasnt the only one. Several neighbors in Duquesne Heights and Mount Washington say the same thing happened to them. The neighborhood Facebook, Instagram posts came up and somebody said, Oh i live on Kearsage, somebody knocked out a window, and somebody else said, Oh yeah, me too and then its like, thats too much of a coincidence, Graff said. Nothing was taken from her car, but all of the cars targeted appear to have one thing in common. Advertisement Advertisement All Kias that we know of. They were all Kias, In November, Pittsburgh police warned of a spike in car break-ins involving Kias and Hyundais. They said thieves try to exploit a previous security flaw in some models, popularized in a viral TikTok challenge. For Graff, shes now out $500. She has one question for whoever did this. Why? What did you get out of it? We all have to pay for the damages and clean up, Graff said. We have reached out to Pittsburgh Public Safety to find out where the investigation stands and how many vehicles have been targeted. So far, we have not heard back. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The IDFs account of the incident stated that forces intervened promptly, detained the suspects who crossed the fence, and transferred them to the police. No injuries were reported. The IDF said that two Israelis crossed the border fence near Yiron on Thursday, and were handed to police; the Uri Tzafon movement called the action a moral and historical step aimed at protecting northern communities. Dozens of activists from the Uri Tzafon movement crossed the border fence near Yiron on Thursday and planted trees inside Lebanon, according to the group. Advertisement Advertisement The IDF said its surveillance identified a gathering of about 20 Israelis at the frontier and that two suspects crossed the fence before being detained, returned to Israeli territory, and transferred to the Israel Police for further handling. The activists, including bereaved families, northern residents, and reservists, carried signs reading Striking roots, planting security, and demanded a renewal of Jewish settlement in southern Lebanon. According to the movement, the action commemorated Yisrael Sokol, who fell during the Iron Swords War. RIght wing settlement activists cross the border with Lebanon on Thursday February 13, 2026. (credit: Uri Tzafon) IDF condemns breach, warns of danger at the border In a statement, the IDF called the crossing a serious criminal offense that endangers civilians and forces operating along the border. The military emphasized that unauthorized activity in the area risks escalation amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah and the presence of armed groups across the frontier. Anna Slutskin, one of Uri Tzafon's leaders, said the group came to plant trees and strike roots in the soil of our land, regardless of fences. Advertisement Advertisement She urged the State of Israel to renew settlement in Lebanon, which she called justified in a historic, moral, and security-wise sense. The group said it had recently written to Israels defense leadership warning that only firm IDF control, paired with civilian settlement, would ensure security for northern communities. Uri Tzafon members argued that southern Lebanon is part of the ancestral homeland and that civilian presence near IDF outposts would deter cross-border attacks. If the IDF does not act with a firm hand, the massacre of northern residents is only a matter of time, the movement wrote in letters it addressed to the IDF chief of staff, defense minister, and prime minister. The IDFs account of the incident stated that forces intervened promptly, detained the suspects who crossed the fence, and transferred them to the police. No injuries were reported. Forecasts are warning about a series of upcoming winter storms that are predicted to bring extremely powerful weather conditions to a region of the United States. The area is expected to face hurricane-force winds and heavy snow accumulation that will build up over several days. Where Up to 120 Inches of Snow Are Expected A man holding an umbrella walks down a snow-covered road during heavy snowfall. (Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images) Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images (Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images) On February 12, 2026, Newsweek reported that a series of winter storms could "dump up to 10 feet of snow" in the high-elevation terrain in the Sierra Nevada. Models show the potential for a total of 120 inches (10 feet) falling in that area of California and Nevada over a period of one or two weeks starting on Monday, February 16. Amounts will vary significantly by location and elevation, with lower but still highly significant figures more likely in some areas. There aren't any major cities in the direct path of this series of storms. However, several populated ski towns are expected to see extreme levels of snowfall over the span of the systems. Advertisement Advertisement Ski Towns in the Sierra Nevada Likely to See Heavy Snow: Mammoth Lakes, CA Truckee, CA Norden, CA Kirkwood, CA Tahoe City, CA Bear Valley / Angels Camp, CA Soda Springs, CA Mount Rose Ski Tahoe (near Reno, NV) Diamond Peak (Incline Village, NV) Those towns are home to thousands of residents combined, and they draw a great deal of tourism. For example, the website for Mammoth Lakes, California, states that it receives 2.8 million tourists annually, 1.3 million of which arrive in the winter season. Once these weather conditions pass, there will be lots of snow in these towns, which will be perfect for tourists. Men's Journal's gear editor, Adam Bible, put together a guide of the best ski and snowboard gear that has valuable information for anyone who wants to hit the slopes in California or anywhere else. Hurricane-Force Winds Reaching up to 80 MPH Are Forecasted A February 11, 2026, San Francisco Chronicle article detailed forecasts that call for extremely powerful wind gusts in the Sierra Nevada. Starting on Monday, February 16, and lasting until the following day, the region of California will be struck by 65 - 80 mph wind gusts. Advertisement Advertisement On the National Weather Service's website for the National Hurricane Center, it describes how destructive wind gusts that reach up to 80 mph can be. That article shows that those gusts are deemed to be category 1 hurricane-force winds and it provides a breakdown of the effects they can have. "Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to their roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. In the year-to-date period, RGTIs shares have plunged 23%, reflecting a sharp reversal in sentiment across the quantum computing space. The stocks decline is broadly in line with peers, as IONQ and QBTS are both down more than 20% over the same period. QUBT has fared relatively better, posting a smaller double-digit drop of about 13%. The Zacks Internet-Software industry has lost 8.1% over the same period. Competition further complicates the outlook. IonQ IONQ is steadily building momentum with its trapped-ion platform and an expanding commercial pipeline, strengthening its standing as one of the more financially secure players in the sector. D-Wave Quantum QBTS is prioritizing near-term enterprise adoption by targeting optimization-focused workloads through its annealing systems. At the same time, Quantum Computing Inc. QUBT is carving out a niche around software, photonics and government-driven programs, creating a distinct risk-reward profile. In this environment, Rigettis differentiated hardware strategy and ecosystem partnerships underpin a longer-term growth case, but uneven execution and a still-modest revenue base continue to weigh on confidence. Still, the longer-term narrative remains intact. Rigetti has deepened its presence in on-premises quantum systems, highlighted by an $8.4 million order from Indias C-DAC for a 108-qubit system and additional Novera system sales that offer future upgrade-driven revenue optionality. The company continues to anchor its strategy around a chiplet-based architecture, targeting a 150-plus qubit system by 2026 and scaling to 1,000-plus qubits by 2027. Rigetti enters this next phase with roughly $600 million in cash and no debt, providing the financial flexibility to absorb execution delays and fund intensive R&D. However, revenue visibility remains uneven and contract-driven. Shares of Rigetti Computing RGTI have plunged 23% year to date, reflecting growing investor caution after the company reset expectations around its near-term roadmap. While Rigetti continues to post meaningful technical progress, recent developments have underscored the gap between ambition and execution. Third-quarter results highlighted declining revenue, compressed gross margins and persistent operating losses, while the pushout of general availability for its 108-qubit Cepheus system into early 2026 weighed on sentiment. The companys failure to advance to Phase B of DARPAs Quantum Benchmarking Initiative further added to near-term uncertainty. However, management stressed that the decision was tied to long-horizon fault-tolerant milestones rather than current system performance. Story Continues RGTI's Price Performance Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Reasons Why RGTI May Still Be a Hold Government-Backed Demand Anchors Near-Term Visibility: Despite ongoing share price volatility, RGTI continues to attract government and research-oriented orders that help underpin its medium-term revenue outlook. The company secured a three-year, $5.8 million contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory focused on advancing superconducting quantum networking, alongside roughly $5.7 million in orders for two upgradable 9-qubit Novera systems. More recently, Rigetti received an $8.4 million purchase order from Indias C-DAC for a 108-qubit on-premises system, further extending its reach with government-backed customers. While these contracts are not expected to generate large, recurring revenue streams in the near term, they reinforce Rigettis position as a trusted partner in foundational quantum development and provide incremental revenue visibility as federal and international quantum funding, including support under the reinstated National Quantum Initiative, continues to normalize. Broadening Global and Academic Footprint: Rigetti is steadily expanding its ecosystem through partnerships that prioritize long-term positioning over near-term monetization. A recently signed memorandum of understanding with Indias C-DAC ties the company to a rapidly scaling, government-backed quantum program. It creates potential avenues for joint development of hybrid quantumclassical systems. At the academic level, Montana State Universitys installation of a 9-qubit Novera system represents Rigettis first on-premises deployment within a university setting, laying the groundwork for deeper research collaboration and future system upgrades. Together with Rigettis involvement in NVIDIAs NVQLink platform, these initiatives enhance its international reach and academic credibility, helping stabilize the business as broader commercialization timelines continue to evolve. Roadmap Execution Remains the Core 2026 Catalyst: From a technology standpoint, Rigetti continues to make measurable progress on its chiplet-based architecture, supported by encouraging performance data from its existing 36-qubit system. Management reaffirmed plans to introduce a 100-plus qubit system with 99.5% median two-qubit fidelity at the end of the first quarter of 2026 and targets a 150-plus qubit system with 99.7% fidelity by 2026-end, followed by a 1,000-plus qubit platform in 2027, enabled by larger 36-qubit chiplets. Execution against these milestones will likely be central to whether investors remain patient with the stock into 2026. RGTIs Sales & EPS Growth In 2026, Rigetti is expected to experience a 234.7% improvement in revenues. On the profitability front, earnings per share are expected to remain negative, but gaining 74.3% year over year. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Key Challenge for RGTI Revenue Volatility and Margin Compression Continue to Weigh: For Rigetti, the central challenge continues to be translating technological progress into steadier, more scalable revenues. This tension was evident in third-quarter results, with revenue declining 18% year over year to $1.9 million, reflecting both the pause in U.S. National Quantum Initiative funding and the inherently uneven timing of government-driven contracts. Profitability also came under strain as gross margin fell to 21%, weighed down by a higher proportion of strategically important but lower-margin agreements. Meanwhile, operating expenses rose to $21 million as the company sustained elevated investment in R&D, compensation and stock-based incentives. Together, these trends highlight Rigettis ongoing reliance on government and research programs, while broader commercial adoption and operating leverage remain slow to emerge. RGTIs Shares Look Overvalued Rigetti stock is not so cheap, as suggested by the Value Score of F. The stock is currently trading at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 15.06X, which is higher than the industry average of 5.4X. RGTI's P/B Ratio Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research How to Approach RGTI Stock Rigetti continues to stand out as a compelling but high-risk play within the quantum computing space. The company is making measurable progress on its long-term hardware roadmap, while expanding relationships across government, academic and ecosystem partners, including initiatives tied to hybrid quantumAI computing. However, the latest results also reinforced near-term pressure points, with soft third-quarter revenue, compressed margins and rising operating costs highlighting the execution challenges that still dominate the investment narrative. Given these crosscurrents, RGTI currently appears more appropriate for observation than aggressive buying. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the stocks outlook hinges on how effectively Rigetti can convert its technical milestones into broader enterprise adoption, stronger unit economics and more predictable revenue streams. The 20262027 timeframe will be especially important, as sustained proof of commercialization will be critical to rebuilding investor confidence. For existing shareholders, maintaining a patient and disciplined stance may be prudent as the company works to narrow the gap between technological leadership and durable commercial scale. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) : Free Stock Analysis Report IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research While the number of winter storm warnings issued across the U.S. has dropped in recent days, they remain active in 5 states. These warnings call for harsh conditions, including wind gusts of up to 70 mph and snow totals reaching 24 inches. New Winter Storm Warnings Hit 5 States: What the Forecasts Mean for Snow Accumulation and Wind Gusts Cars driving on slippery snow-covered road during a winter blizzard. Stock Photo via Getty Images (Stock Photo via Getty Images) On February 11, 2026, Newsweek reported on the harsh winter weather that is still affecting the U.S. as winter storm warnings are active in 5 states: Alaska, Maine, Colorado, California, and Wyoming. Those areas of the country face heavy snowfall combined with strong wind gusts that threaten dangerous driving conditions. Those travel hazards are worse in remote or elevated regions of the affected cities, causing roads to quickly become impassable. California has had a high wind warning issued on top of its winter storm warnings, according to a KESQ News Channel 2 report citing the National Weather Service. The forecasted conditions call for the San Bernardino County Mountains to be struck with wind gusts of up to 70 mph at higher elevations. Additionally, the warning predicts that the Apple and Lucerne Valleys will face similar conditions of 45 to 55 mph winds. It is expected that the gusts could blow down trees and power lines, possibly causing outages, while making travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service also issued a separate winter storm warning today for California's Sierra Nevada, including Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows, Shaver Lake, and Huntington Lake. Forecasters expect snow accumulation of up to 24 inches, including what has already fallen, and wind gusts of 50 mph. The warning cautions that traveling in that region can be perilous enough in these conditions that they advise that anyone who must travel be prepared. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency." Smarter De-Icing Tips to Protect Your Driveway and Save Money During Heavy Snow Heavy snowfall in several states inevitably leads to ice building up in driveways. A Men's Journal article offered practical advice on how to de-ice smarter, by swapping commercial rock salt products for sugar beet juice in many cases. The advantages of that substitution are that the natural option costs significantly less, is gentler on pets, and is less likely to crack your driveway. However, sugar beet juice works best on lighter ice and snow buildup. As a result, thicker slippery patches may require manual removal or commercial de-icers. The article also reveals that a quick post-winter driveway inspection for anyone who uses rock salt can save homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Police in New Smyrna Beach said a woman was arrested on charges of felony animal cruelty. Officers said Port Orange resident Arriana Washington, 19, was arrested after a severely emaciated dog was found on Monday. Investigators said they first discovered the dog in the 200 block of Inwood Avenue. The animal was found in a deplorable physical condition with visible ribs, hips, and spine, as well as significant muscle loss. Advertisement Advertisement The dog was immediately transported to the Edgewater Animal Shelter for emergency veterinary care due to the severity of her condition. While a neighborhood canvass did not initially identify an owner, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department requested public assistance on Tuesday. Multiple individuals came forward with information that allowed investigators to identify Washington as the owner, according to police. Witnesses told police they were familiar with the dog, and Washington reported a history of long-term neglect. According to police reports, the animal was confined indoors without being walked and lacked proper food, water, and care. Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses also described the dog urinating and defecating inside the living spaces. Staff at the Edgewater Animal Shelter have named the dog Olive. Since she arrived at the facility, Olive has gained approximately six pounds and continues to show steady improvement under veterinary supervision. The New Smyrna Beach Police Department credited the public for providing information that assisted in the investigation. The department also thanked the Edgewater Animal Shelter for its dedication to Olives recovery. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Lawmakers have reached the halfway point of the legislative session, and the House of Delegates has made strides to deliver on their promise of focusing on economic development and jobs in West Virginia. Legislation meant to help the states overwhelmed foster care system has also taken up much of the Houses first 30 days. The effort has mainly been led by a lawmaker who is a foster parent. To date, a number of the priority bills presented in the House meant to improve the states struggling economy are advancing. Bills aiming to empower small business growth, incentivize businesses to invest in jobs training, offer early-career job training for children and create business ready sites for investment have already sailed through the House and now await consideration or approval in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, announced these priorities and several others before the start of session. Now, with the halfway mark passed, Hanshaw said his caucus is pleased with the progress and is preparing to continue the work throughout the final 30 days of session. The thing that was most important to our members was continuing to put as many West Virginians as possible in the best paying jobs that were able to create, Hanshaw said during a news conference this week. W.Va. House Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell West Virginia has one of the nations lowest workforce participation rates. Several of the initiatives passed by the House so far have received bipartisan support. House Democrats which hold just nine of the 100 seats in the legislative body have said they are supportive of their colleagues overall focus on economic growth, but there are several issues that have yet to be addressed by the supermajority. Advertisement Advertisement Before the start of the 2026 legislative session, Democrats set out on a Kitchen Table Tour, where they met with members of the public from around the state and heard their everyday concerns. House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said the tour helped his caucus shape their own priorities for the session. They want to see something done about skyrocketing utility rates, increasing pay for workers, investing in child care to support parents and controlling rising costs associated with the states Hope Scholarship Program. House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, speaks to the media alongside most of the West Virginia Houses Democratic Caucus during a news conference on Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Caity Coyne/West Virginia Watch) At a news conference Thursday, Hornbuckle said the economic agenda being pushed by Republicans is a good start, but much work remains to allow every day West Virginians to thrive. I think were on the right path, I truly do. But its not enough to address immediate relief, Hornbuckle said. I appreciate those efforts and were going to work in a bipartisan manner, but there are things (on the Democrats agenda) that will definitely help with what were dealing with today. Advertisement Advertisement One of the highest priorities for the House Democrats is attempting to control increasing utility costs for residents. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average electric rates for residential customers in West Virginia has risen by almost 34% between 2019 and 2024. Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, said its clear that a focus on jobs is good for the state. But there are thousands of people in West Virginia who have good, stable jobs and who are still struggling to afford basic needs. Bringing jobs in isnt necessarily going to do something for them, but what will do something for them is lowering their utility rates, Williams said. Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, has introduced legislation that would place a two year cap on electric rates in the state. Over those two years, per the bill, studies should be done to see where costs are growing and what initiatives could be taken to lower the costs to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement We want to bring relief to ratepayers as quickly as possible and as much relief as possible for some period of time, Hansen said. During the 2024 session, Republicans made addressing the states critical child care shortage a legislative priority. But during that session and in 2025, little progress was made. Hanshaw said this week that while child care isnt explicitly part of the House Republicans Jobs First agenda, his caucus understands the vital role improving the services can play in economic growth. Child care legislation, tax cut face unknown future Hanshaw noted that bills to address the states child care desert have begun moving too, after the Houses child care legislation failed to make it to the governors desk last year. Thursdays agenda in the House Health Committee included three child care bills, including a bipartisan measure House Bill 4067 that would provide child care employees with a subsidy to pay for their own child care. Advertisement Advertisement We expect to have at least one of them on the floor, Hanshaw said regarding numerous child care proposals in the House. Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, sits on a bipartisan task force focused on addressing ongoing struggles with the states child care services. She said that while its hopeful to see some movement on the bills in minor committees, difficult work remains before they become a reality. Quite frankly were trying to do as much as we can to get around the Republican (controlled) House Finance Committee because theyve killed every piece of child care legislation that weve seen in a very long time, Young said. Im excited to see bills on the agenda, but well believe it when it gets to the floor. Looming over the entire session is the potential for another income tax cut. Gov. Patrick Morrisey has included a 5% tax cut in his proposed budget, but has been clear that he expects the Republican-controlled Legislature to negotiate and find another 5% bringing the total cut up to 10% through cuts to other services. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been cautious about the governors proposal. Theyve shared concerns over the ability to fund such a cut. This week, Hanshaw said that House Republicans are focused on dealing with the bills and proposals theyve actually received. To date, he said, no legislation has been presented by the governor to implement a 10% tax cut. Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, speaks during a meeting of the House Health and Human Resources Committee in Charleston, West Virginia, on Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography) House moving foster care bills while system still struggling House members have also prioritized fixing the states troubled foster care system, which serves nearly 6,000 children. Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, who is a foster parent, has sponsored many pieces of foster care legislation. We recognize its a complex issue, so it takes a large number of bills to try to address specific issues, and we have done that, he said. Were still working through some of the finance pieces as we understand that budget constraints at times can limit the ability, but still, were taking a collaborative approach with both leadership in the House and the Senate, as well as with the governors office to ensure that were making strategic investments where they have the best results. Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 4393, sponsored by Burkhammer, would require the Department of Human Services to implement a plan to help children, including pregnant youth and children with an open child welfare case, who are at-risk of coming into the foster care system. The House passed the bill last month, and it is awaiting consideration by the Senate Finance Committee. (It) would ultimately reduce the number of kids in care. So thats a win for families, a win for kids, as well as a win for the budget, Burkhammer said. The House has advanced one of Gov. Patrick Morriseys priority bills aimed at bringing hundreds of out-of-state foster children living in facilities out of state back to West Virginia. There are nearly 400 West Virginia foster children in out-of-state group homes and psychiatric facilities in states including Florida, Minnesota, Texas and Utah, according to Department of Human Services data. Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 4021 would provide $6 million to repair state-owned properties to be used for housing high-needs foster children and provide them with therapeutic services. The House Health Committee signed off on the legislation, and now is awaiting consideration by the Finance Committee. The House passed a House Bill 4352, also sponsored by Burkhammer, that would prohibit cameras in bedrooms and bathrooms of foster homes. I think that is just a representation of the efforts that the House has put in over the last year to continue to grasp the complexities of the system and the problems that we face, Burkhammer said. We feel like were confident in ways to improve the system, and we have a very direct approach at that. That has allowed us to come out pretty bold in our stance. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A New York police leader tasked with protecting the citys schoolchildren allegedly accepted bribes to help a businessman sell his mobile panic alert system to schools in 2023, Manhattan federal prosecutors have alleged. Kevin Taylor, former commanding officer of the New York police departments school safety division, repeatedly abused his authority and considerable influence by soliciting or demanding bribes in two bribery schemes allowing him to enjoy lavish travel and luxe eateries, an indictment against him alleged. Geno Roefaro, who is accused of peddling the safety tech, was also charged in the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Pride flag reinstated at Stonewall after it was removed by Trump administration Taylor vacationed in Las Vegas taking in a medieval-themed dinner theater and helicopter tour there as well as the Bahamas and dining at high-end restaurants in Nevada, Manhattan and the Caribbean vacation hotspot, as part of this alleged bribery scheme, prosecutors said. He issued a memorandum recommending that the NYPD award the tech company a contract worth millions, they claimed, and even pushed the city council to buy these services. Taylor pleaded not guilty to the charges. Kevin Taylor was an inspector for the NYPD for 28 years, in charge of school security, and hes never had any blemishes on his record before this incident, Richard Langone, Taylors attorney, said. The allegations, we believe, are unfounded and he will be exonerated. In a statement, Roefaros defense team said: It is puzzling and deeply concerning that the United States attorneys office has chosen to pursue charges against Geno, while at the very same time alleging and seeking to prove that he was the victim of an extortionate shakedown. Advertisement Advertisement Our client has dedicated his career to working alongside law enforcement to protect the public, his counsel said, adding that the actions by the US attorneys office leave all of us with more questions than answers. When Taylor failed to secure anything more than a second pilot program for this company, Roefaro allegedly complained to Taylor via text, according to the indictment. Ive got nothing from you brother and Im already in for hundreds [of thousands of dollars], he purportedly wrote. Youve got nothing from me?? Taylor allegedly responded, then criticizing Roefaro. You cant play with the big boys and piss like a puppy. Its been fun, but its not fun or funny anymore. Our company (ME) needs to report something real and significant that is in place prior to end of year. And we need full announcement and launch first 2 weeks of the year, Roefaro said in a December 2023 text message, prosecutors said. If not, Im fucked. And you dont want me to be fucked. Im both your whore and your sugar daddy all in one. I need you to take this seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Taylor organized a press conference in early 2024 to announce the procurement of Roefaros app, but it didnt happen. Taylor was transferred away from his leadership position in February of that year. In September, Taylor saw in a news article that Roefaros company was implicated in a federal public corruption investigation and texted it to an associate. He voiced worry that Roefaro might incriminate him, prosecutors said. Taylor also allegedly tried strong-arming a ballistic vest company into paying for a more than $100,000 holiday party in late 2023. This fete, which would not be hosted by the NYPD but by Taylor himself, was for school safety division officers, prosecutors said. Asked for comment, the New York police department said: The NYPD holds our officers to the highest standards, and it is unacceptable when those standards are violated by any member of this department. There is zero tolerance for misconduct, and thats why we played a significant role in this investigation. KYIV, Feb 13 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he held a meeting with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah and a prominent voice in the opposition, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday. "We discussed the importance of strengthening sanctions against the Iranian regime and any other dictatorial regimes," he said on X, adding that they both condemned cooperation between Russia and Iran. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Sharon Singleton) U.S. President Donald Trump said Feb. 13 that President Volodymyr Zelensky needs to "get moving" to secure a peace deal with Russia. When asked by a reporter whether there had been progress in Ukraine-Russia negotiations and whether he was still demanding that Ukraine hold elections by the summer Trump did not answer directly. Instead, he said Zelensky "is going to have to get moving." "Russia wants to make a deal and Zelensky is going to have to get moving, otherwise he's going to miss a great opportunity," Trump claimed. "He has to move." Advertisement Advertisement Trump's comments come as the United States intensifies diplomatic efforts aimed at brokering an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, which is nearing its fourth anniversary. As part of these efforts, U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials held trilateral talks in January and again in early February, with another round expected next week. Russia, however, has not indicated publicly that it is ready to "make a deal." In recent days, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that "there is still a long way to go" in the ongoing negotiations. He has also reiterated Moscow's hardline position that Ukraine should cede territory without a fight. Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov is not the only senior Russian official to minimize the progress Washington has described in the talks. In a Feb. 2 interview, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia's objectives in the war remain fundamentally unchanged. The remarks from Lavrov and Medvedev appear to undermine Trump's assertion that Ukraine and Russia are "closer than ever before" to a peace agreement and, in particular, his claim that Russia is prepared to reach a deal. Zelensky, meanwhile, has emphasized that Ukraine is not an obstacle to peace. In a recent interview with The Atlantic, he said Kyiv has sought to negotiate in good faith by backing U.S. proposals aimed at moving negotiations forward. At the same time, Zelensky also said that he would rather accept no deal than pressure Ukrainians into a bad one, arguing that any settlement must ensure a dignified, lasting peace for his country and include clear security guarantees to prevent Russia from attacking again. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Using Starlink ruse, Ukrainian cyber forces trick Russian soldiers into revealing positions, donating to armed forces Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Brief A 32-year-old Zion man was seriously injured after rear-ending a stopped vehicle at Hunt Club and State Line roads in unincorporated Antioch. The impact caused a chain-reaction crash involving two other vehicles. The injured driver was hospitalized, and the crash remains under investigation. ANTIOCH, Ill. - A Zion man has been seriously injured after a three-car crash in unincorporated Antioch on Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. What we know Around 5:15 p.m., a 2026 Dodge Durango, driven by a 49-year-old man from Wisconsin, was stopped at a stop sign on northbound Hunt Club Road and State Line Road in unincorporated Antioch. A 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, driven by a 48-year-old woman also from Wisconsin, was stopped behind the Durango at the stop sign. Advertisement Advertisement While both cars were stopped, a 2017 Toyota Yaris traveling on Hunt Club Road, driven by a 32-year-old man from Zion, failed to slow down and rear-ended the Colorado at a high speed. The crash caused the Colorado to rear-end the Durango and leave the road. The driver of the Yaris was transported to a local hospital in serious but non-life-threatening condition.The other drivers declined medical treatment, according to police. The crash is still under investigation. The Source Details for this story were provided by the Lake County Sheriff's Office. As Americans increasingly reject his administrations aggressive immigration policies, President Trumps approval rating has fallen to match its lowest level ever, according to a new Yahoo/YouGov poll. The survey of 1,704 U.S. adults, which was conducted from Feb. 9 to 12, finds that just 38% now approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president (down from 40% last month). That number had slipped to 38% in only one previous Yahoo/YouGov poll at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020. It has never been lower. Meanwhile, the presidents disapproval rating has risen to 58% (up from 56% last month). Thats also a new high. Advertisement Advertisement The trend is clear. When Trump first returned to office early last year, his average approval rating was higher than his average disapproval rating. The two lines crossed in March 2025. Since then, the president has sunk from six points underwater in the April 2025 Yahoo/YouGov survey to 20 points underwater today. In comparison, former President Joe Biden was about 8 points underwater at this stage of his presidency. And Trump was about 13 points underwater at this point in his first term. Immigration policy used to help Trump. Now its hurting him. Public backlash to Trumps aggressive immigration crackdown in major U.S. cities especially Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, during which federal immigration agents shot and killed two American citizens appears to be a major driver of his declining poll numbers. On Thursday, White House border czar Tom Homan announced that "Operation Metro Surge is ending because new and "unprecedented cooperation" from local law enforcement had finally helped the administration achieve the "successful results we came here for. Advertisement Advertisement "In the next week, we're going to deploy the officers here on detail back to their home stations or other areas of the country [that] are needed, Homan continued. "The Twin Cities and Minnesota in general are and will continue to be much safer for the communities here because of what we have accomplished. Yet Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz insisted on Thursday that "nothing has changed" in terms of state policy, telling reporters that the administration simply wanted to save face and leave before the backlash got even worse. "My take was they knew they needed to get out of here, Walz speculated. But in very Trumpian fashion, they needed to save face. The new Yahoo/YouGov poll reveals just how deep the shift in public opinion has been: Advertisement Advertisement Already net negative in January (39% favorable, 54% unfavorable), ratings of ICE fell further over the past month (to 37% favorable, 58% unfavorable). Since September, the percentage of Americans who rate ICE very unfavorably has grown 11 percentage points (from 37% to 48%). 53% of Americans now disapprove of ICE's "large-scale deportation raids in major U.S. cities"; just 33% approve. Last month, those numbers were 51% and 37%, respectively. 57% of Americans now say the "ICE raids in major U.S. cities have done more harm than good," up 3 points since last month. Only 33% say the raids do more good than harm. Advertisement Advertisement 58% of Americans say the ICE raids in major U.S. cities have gone too far. Less than a third say theyve been about right (20%) or not gone far enough (12%). A majority of Americans (53%) say the Trump administration has mostly lied about whats happening with the ICE raids; 32% say the administration has mostly told the truth. Similar majorities also say the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti (55%) and Renee Good (53%) were not justified and that the agents who killed them were acting recklessly. Few believe the administrations claims that Pretti (19%) and Good (27%) were trying to kill federal agents who were then forced to respond in self defense. Most Americans (51%) also say ICE is making America less safe; 36% say ICE is making America safer. Advertisement Advertisement And only 32% of Americans say ICE is mostly deporting dangerous criminals. Far more (48%) say it is mostly deporting people who deserve a chance to stay in the U.S. Immigration remains a big issue. But Americans want a different approach. Americans still have concerns about who is entering the country. Looking back over the history of the country, most U.S. adults think immigration has made America better (54%) rather than worse (21%). But when theyre asked how immigration is affecting America today, more say its making the country worse (38%) rather than better (33%). The problem for Trump is that a clear majority of Americans want their leaders in Washington, D.C., to handle immigration in a different way. Only 27%, for instance, agree that the federal government should "round up and deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible, regardless of whether theyve committed other crimes. More than twice as many (60%) say the government should "deport undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes since arriving in the U.S., but create a pathway to citizenship for those who have otherwise obeyed the law." Advertisement Advertisement As opposed to deportation, Americans would rather see the federal government provide a pathway to citizenship to immigrants in the following categories: People who have committed lesser infractions in the U.S., such as traffic violations: 52% provide pathway to citizenship; 29% deport People with expired immigrant visas: 45% provide a pathway to citizenship; 38% deport People who have applied for legal status (such as asylum) in accordance with current law: 71% pathway to citizenship; 11% deport People whose children are U.S. citizens: 68% provide pathway to citizenship; 19% deport People who were brought to the U.S. as children by their parents: 67% provide pathway to citizenship; 18% deport Advertisement Advertisement The public only favors deportation in two instances: for people who have just crossed the border and been caught (57%) and for people who have committed serious or violent crimes in the U.S. (87%). According to an internal Department of Homeland Security document obtained by CBS News, less than 14% of the nearly 400,000 immigrants arrested by ICE in Trump's first year back in the White House had charges or convictions for violent criminal offenses. Similarly, the number of Americans who say undocumented immigrants should be "allowed to stay in their homes" while their cases are being decided (a 56% majority) is more than double the number who say they should be "sent to detention centers" (26%). The Washington Post reported on Friday that ICE is planning to spend $38.3 billion more than 22 states total annual spending converting two dozen warehouses across the country into detention centers meant to hold up to 96,000 immigrants at a time, in total. Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S. Senate, Democrats have refused to support long-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless Republicans agree to reform the way federal immigration agents operate. The Yahoo/YouGov poll asked Americans about five of these proposed reforms, and all five receive majority support ranging from 89% approve, 4% disapprove for requiring "agents to wear body cameras during enforcement operations" to 55% approve, 32% disapprove for prohibiting "agents from wearing masks or other face coverings during enforcement operations." Will Trump change course? Trumps numbers could worsen if he continues to pursue unpopular policies. In March 2025, Trump's job rating on immigration was net positive: 48% approve to 44% disapprove. Now its more negative than its ever been: 41% approve to 55% disapprove. Advertisement Advertisement Back then, the number of Americans who said the president was focused on the countrys most important issues (43%) was roughly the same as the number who said he was focused on issues that werent very important (45%). But today, 55% of Americans say Trump is focused on unimportant issues, while just 35% say the opposite. The president also faces a widening gap in the intensity of opinion between Americans who think hes doing a good job and Americans who think hes doing a bad job. A full 49% now strongly disapprove of Trumps job performance; just 22% strongly approve. On immigration, those numbers are similar: 46% strongly disapprove to 28% strongly approve. President Trump on Sunday said he would not sign any new legislation into law until Congress passes the SAVE Act, a Republican-led bill that would dramatically overhaul elections nationwide and potentially disenfranchise millions of voters. It must be done immediately, he wrote on Truth Social. It supersedes everything else. MUST GO TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE. The legislation, which Trump has urged Congress to pass for years, was approved by the House of Representatives in a near party-line vote last month, but it has stalled in the Senate. Democrats have vowed to block it from moving forward, and Republican leaders in the chamber have so far balked at calls to change procedural rules to get around a Democratic filibuster. Advertisement Advertisement In his post on Sunday, Trump also demanded that additional provisions unrelated to voting be added to the bill, including new restrictions on medical care for transgender minors and a ban on transgender participation in sports. Republicans say the election elements of the bill are needed to defend American democracy, often echoing Trumps false claims about stolen elections. Its essential to maintaining our Constitutional republic, and everybody in this country seems to understand and agree to that, GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson said after last months vote. Democrats argue that the bill is purely designed to make it harder for voters, particularly those who tend to vote against Republicans, to cast their ballots. Advertisement Advertisement The SAVE Act is not an election security bill it is a voter suppression bill, full stop, the Congressional Black Caucus, a group whose members are all Democrats, said in a statement. What would the SAVE Act do? Right now, rules around voter registration, the types of ID people need to show when they go to the polls and things like mail-in voting vary dramatically from state to state. The SAVE Act, which is officially named the SAVE America Act, comes well short of Trumps ambition to nationalize American elections, but it would impose strict new rules for the whole country. These are some of its most important provisions: Proof of citizenship for voter registration: The SAVE Act would require anyone registering to vote anywhere in the U.S. to show documentary proof of United States citizenship. Under the provisions in the bill, things like a drivers license, Real ID or Social Security number would not be enough. Prospective voters would need to provide a valid U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID or birth certificate. These requirements would apply to new voters and to anyone who was reregistering, either because they moved to a new state or changed their name. It would create additional hurdles for women who take their partners name after getting married, who would need to provide extra documentation to explain why their current name doesnt match whats listed on their birth certificate or passport. Advertisement Advertisement Only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in most U.S. elections. States already require voters to certify, under the threat of legal penalties, that they are citizens when they register. States also audit their voter rolls regularly to purge the names of anyone who should not be listed. Though Trump and many Republicans have claimed that noncitizen voting is rampant in American elections, researchers have found a shockingly small number of actual documented incidents far too few to impact the outcome of even small local elections. Only eight states currently require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. Expanding these standards nationwide would prevent 21 million eligible voters from being able to vote, according to an estimate by the Brennan Center for Justice. Only half of all Americans have a passport. Millions more either dont have or cant readily access their birth certificates. Nationwide voter ID: The SAVE Act would require all voters to present a valid photo ID when they cast their ballots. Though a majority of states have some sort of voter ID law in place already, most of those laws are far less stringent than the standard the SAVE Act would create. For example, a number of states accept non-photo IDs or have procedures that allow voters without ID to still cast their ballots. Only 10 states currently have the kind of strict voter ID laws in place that the SAVE Act would impose on the whole country. Though a strong majority of Americans support voter ID laws, many experts say the rules do little to prevent fraud and instead disenfranchise otherwise eligible voters. Like non-citizen voting, cases of voter impersonation are exceedingly rare. There have been just 34 documented cases of someone falsifying their identity at the polls out of the billions of individual votes cast in the United States over the past 40-plus years, according to a database compiled by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Research on how many people voter ID laws prevent from voting is mixed, but most studies have found that it does have at least some impact on turnout. Elderly voters and people of color are disproportionately likely to lack the kind of photo ID theyd need to cast their ballots under the standards the SAVE Act would create. New limits on mail-in voting: The SAVE Act would not override state mail-in voting rules or fulfill Trumps wish to ban the practice altogether. But it would make voting by mail harder. Thats because the new proof of citizenship rules would also apply to voters who register to vote by mail. Anyone registering for an absentee ballot, with some limited exceptions, would still have to go in person to a local elections office to present their passport or birth certificate for their registration to be valid. Other provisions: The SAVE Act would also impose strict new requirements for how often and how thoroughly states would be required to audit their voter rolls for noncitizens, create criminal penalties for elections officials who allow someone who fails to show proof of citizenship to register and give regular citizens the power to sue elections officials who they believe violated the provisions of the law. Will the SAVE Act become law? At the moment, the prospects of the SAVE Act making it through the Senate seem dim. Republicans would need at least seven Democrats to vote in favor of the bill to overcome the filibuster, but the party is uniformly in opposition to the legislation which their leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, has called Jim Crow 2.0. Advertisement Advertisement Some hard-line Republicans in the House tried to create pressure to pass the SAVE Act by attempting to have it added to the crucial funding bill that ended the brief partial government shutdown in early February, but that effort came up short. They have also been calling on the top Republican in the Senate, John Thune, to amend filibuster rules to allow the SAVE Act to pass with a simple majority. Thune would need the backing of almost every GOP senator to do that, which he is unlikely to get. There arent anywhere close to the votes not even close to nuking the filibuster, he said last month. Theres no guarantee that the SAVE Act would pass even in a majority vote. Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski has said that she opposes the bill, which she described as federal overreach into states power to run their own elections. Some other GOP senators, including Susan Collins of Maine and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, have also expressed their misgivings about the legislation. Trumps leverage to force the Senates hand is also limited. Under federal law, any bill that sits idle on a presidents desk for 10 days automatically becomes law as long as Congress remains in session. Trump does have the power to veto bills, but lawmakers could override his veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Advertisement Advertisement Congress also has some major priorities that members of Trumps own party may be reluctant to put on hold, including ending the ongoing shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security and confirming his new pick to lead the department, as well as potentially approving additional funding for the war with Iran. Support Local News Reporting in the Yakima Valley To support timely fact-based Yakima Herald-Republic reporting like the piece above, you can use one of the convenient options below. Donations through this system are tax deductible. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is included in the list of the best performing S&P 500 stocks in the last five years. Robust Demand for Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)s Obesity and Diabetes Treatments Drives Strong Investor Sentiment As of February 6, 2026, robust demand for the companys obesity and diabetes treatments continues to drive strong investor sentiment. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)s shares have gained roughly 70% in the past six months. According to the companys press release dated February 4, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) projects revenue of $80.00 to $83.00 billion for 2026, while profit is estimated at $33.50 to $35.00 per share. Beating analyst forecasts, these estimates contrast with rival Novo Nordisks expectations of a 5%-13% sales decline amid pricing pressures. As a result of this news, the companys shares surged 10% in early trading, helping Lillys market capitalization hit the $1 trillion mark. The company is the first to achieve this milestone in the pharmaceutical sector. At the same time, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) reported its Q4 2025 results, with adjusted net income of $7.54 per share, exceeding the $6.67 estimate. Meanwhile, quarterly revenue was $19.30 billion, ahead of the $17.96 billion consensus. The companys strong performance during the quarter was led by strong sales across Mounjaro ($7.41 billion) and Zepbound ($4.3 billion), driven largely by volume despite price reductions. Looking ahead, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) said it expects a U.S. launch of orforglipron in the second quarter of 2026, accompanied by an international rollout in 2027. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) develops, manufactures, and markets pharmaceuticals for diabetes, obesity, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. The company leverages innovative therapies to address global healthcare needs from its Indianapolis headquarters. While we acknowledge the potential of LLY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: What Are the Best Stocks to Buy Right Now? and 10 Stocks Under $1 That Will Explode. Disclosure: None. Akbar Novruz President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Rovshan Najaf, has met with a delegation led by Betsy Burns Korn, Chairwoman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in the United States, AzerNEWS reports. During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and both the United States and Israel across various sectors, including energy. It was emphasized that the signing of the Strategic Partnership Charter between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sphere. In this context, views were exchanged on projects implemented by SOCAR in partnership with U.S. companies. The discussions also highlighted Israels role as one of the main export markets for Azerbaijani oil. SOCARs activities in Israel were reviewed, including its acquisition of a 10 percent stake in the Tamar gas field in 2025, as well as SOCARs participationtogether with BP and the Israeli company NewMed Energyin obtaining licenses for drilling operations in a new area of the Leviathan gas field. SOCAR representatives also provided information on the companys transformation from a traditional oil and gas producer into an international energy company. Particular attention was drawn to its decarbonization targets, sustainability agenda, and commitment to social responsibility in upstream projects. The importance of existing energy routes along the Middle Corridor was underscored, with it noted that Azerbaijani gas is currently supplied to 16 countries, including 10 members of the European Union. The meeting concluded with discussions on energy transition, digitalization, human capital development, and other areas of mutual interest. Management also discussed technology investments, including embedding AI into proprietary tools such as RyderShare and Ryder Guide, and the role of Baton, a Ryder technology lab, in building an AI-enabled software and data platform for next-generation customer-facing technology. Sanchez said the companys balanced growth strategy has reshaped Ryders business mix, reduced reliance on used vehicle proceeds, and increased the share of revenue from asset-light supply chain and dedicated businesses. He said Ryder generated over 90% of revenue from its contractual portfolio and highlighted a combined annual pre-tax earnings benefit of over $225 million from multi-year lease pricing and initial maintenance cost savings initiatives. Chairman and CEO Robert Sanchez opened the call by reviewing Ryders CEO succession plan. Sanchez said he will retire effective March 31, with President and COO John Diez assuming the CEO role. Sanchez will remain on the board as executive chair. Ryder System (NYSE:R) executives emphasized initiatives-based earnings growth heading into 2026, pointing to multi-year pricing and cost actions that management said are helping the company outperform prior freight cycles despite continued weakness in transactional markets such as rental and used vehicle sales. 2026 outlook and capital plan: Ryder forecasts ~3% revenue growth and EPS of $13.45$14.45 for 2026, $700800 million of free cash flow, about $2.4 billion in total capex, and says it has roughly $14 billion of threeyear capital deployment capacity with ~ $5 billion available for flexible buybacks/acquisitions after replacements and dividends; results remain sensitive to rental and usedvehicle market trends (expected gradual improvement into H2 2026). Q4 results and cash generation: Comparable EPS was $3.59 (up 4% y/y) on $2.6 billion of revenue, return on equity of 17%, and yeartodate free cash flow of $946 million , though Fleet Management faced weaker rental and usedvehicle sales with FMS EBT margin at 10.5%. Leadership transition and strategy: CEO Robert Sanchez will retire March 31 with President & COO John Diez succeeding, as Ryder emphasizes a balanced growth shift toward assetlight supplychain and dedicated businesses, claiming >90% contractual revenue mix and over $225 million of annual pretax benefit from multiyear pricing and maintenance initiatives while investing in AI-enabled tools. Story Continues Fourth-quarter results and segment performance Verizon: Your Total Return Leader for 2026 Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight Rockwell Automation Stock Dips After Earnings Beat: Why Bulls See a Fast Rebound Chief Financial Officer Cristina Gallo-Aquino said fourth-quarter operating revenue of $2.6 billion was in line with the prior year, as contractual growth in Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) was offset by lower revenue in Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS) and Fleet Management Solutions (FMS). Comparable earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.59, up 4% year over year, which she attributed to share repurchases. Return on equity was 17%. Ryder reported year-to-date free cash flow of $946 million, up from $133 million in the prior year. Gallo-Aquino cited reduced capital expenditures, lower income tax payments tied to the permanent reinstatement of tax bonus depreciation, and lower working capital needs. Fleet Management Solutions: Operating revenue declined 1% as lower rental demand was partially offset by higher ChoiceLease revenue. Pre-tax earnings were $136 million, down from the prior year due to weaker rental and used vehicle sales conditions. Rental power fleet pricing rose 5% year over year, while power fleet utilization was 72% (down from 73%) on an average fleet 8% smaller. FMS EBT margin was 10.5%, below Ryders long-term target of low teens over the cycle. Used vehicle sales: Used tractor pricing increased 1% year over year while used truck pricing declined 9%. On a sequential basis, pricing increased for both tractors and trucks, which management said benefited from a higher retail mix. Retail represented 69% of fourth-quarter sales volume, up from 54% in the third quarter. Ryder sold 3,600 used vehicles in the quarter, and ending used inventory of 9,500 vehicles was slightly above the targeted range. Management said used vehicle pricing remained above residual value estimates used for depreciation. Supply Chain Solutions: Operating revenue increased 3% on new business and omnichannel retail volumes. Segment earnings fell 8% year over year as lost business and extended automotive production shutdowns more than offset revenue growth. SCS EBT margin was 8%, at the segments long-term target of high single digits. Dedicated Transportation Solutions: Operating revenue decreased 4% due to lower fleet count amid the prolonged freight downturn. EBT increased versus the prior year, aided by lower bad debt and acquisition synergies, partially offset by lower revenue. DTS EBT margin was 8.9%, in line with the segments high single-digit target. Capital spending, cash generation, and shareholder returns No Rally? Coca-Colas Results Still Look Like a Sweet Deal Gallo-Aquino said 2025 lease capital spending was $1.5 billion, down from the prior year due to lower lease sales activity. Ryder forecasts 2026 lease spending of $1.9 billion, reflecting higher replacement activity, and expects the ending lease fleet to modestly decline in 2026. Rental capital spending was $300 million in 2025 and is forecast at $100 million in 2026 as Ryder plans lower replacement activity. Ryder expects the rental fleet to decrease 7% at year-end, with the average rental fleet down 13%. Trucks represented about 60% of the rental fleet at year-end 2025. For 2026, Ryder forecast approximately $2.4 billion of total capital expenditures and about $500 million in proceeds from used vehicle sales, with net capital expenditures expected to be about $1.9 billion. Management also outlined what it called significant capital deployment capacity. Over a three-year period, Ryder expects to generate about $10.5 billion from operating cash flow and used vehicle sales proceeds, creating about $3.5 billion of incremental debt capacity and $14 billion available for capital deployment. After an estimated $9 billion for vehicle replacements and dividends, management said about $5 billion would remain for flexible deployment, split roughly between growth capex and discretionary buybacks and acquisitions. Since 2021, Sanchez said Ryder generated $3 billion in free cash flow, repurchased 24% of shares outstanding, and increased the quarterly dividend by 57%. Gallo-Aquino noted the company raised its quarterly dividend 12% in 2025 and approved its 198th consecutive dividend payment. 2026 outlook: modest growth, continued freight weakness assumed Diez said Ryders 2026 outlook assumes modest U.S. economic growth, no meaningful change in freight market conditions, and a 4% decline in U.S. Class 8 production. Ryder forecast operating revenue growth of about 3% in 2026 and guided comparable EPS to a range of $13.45 to $14.45, versus $12.92 in 2025. At the high end, the company expects about 12% EPS growth driven by $70 million of strategic initiative benefits. Ryder expects return on equity to rise to 17% to 18% in 2026 and free cash flow of $700 million to $800 million, down from 2025 primarily due to higher lease replacement capex. Diez said the companys guidance does not assume a significant freight market pickup, noting Ryder has not seen evidence of a turn in its business yet. During Q&A, management reiterated that Ryder typically sees a lagDiez cited about six monthsbetween improving spot conditions and any meaningful improvement in rental demand. Key drivers and sensitivities discussed on the call Executives described the largest variability in the 2026 EPS range as tied to transactional businesses (rental and used vehicle sales) and, within strategic initiatives, execution in maintenance and omnichannel optimization. On used vehicle sales, management said it expects a gradual improvement through 2026, with the first quarter consistent with fourth-quarter conditions. Tom Havens said Ryder expects retail pricing pressure into the first quarter, with improvement beginning in the second quarter and beyond, resulting in full-year gains that look kind of flat year over year. Ryders full-year forecast assumes used vehicle prices begin to modestly improve in the second half of 2026 and remain above depreciation residuals. On rental, Havens said January utilization dropped to 66% from 74% in December, which he characterized as typical seasonality but down a little bit worse than our historical seasonal trends. He said Ryders non-lease rental customer demand was down slightly year over year, while the bigger pressure has come from lease customers needing fewer lease extras as they downsize fleets. In supply chain, Sanchez said SCS delivered record sales in 2025, with benefits expected to layer in more meaningfully beginning in the middle of 2026. Steve Sensing added that about 80% of SCS sales in 2025 were expansion sales, which he said reflected execution and customer confidence across verticals and service offerings. Management also addressed automotive-related disruption in SCS, citing extended production shutdowns. Sensing referenced a microchip shortage affecting some customers and said OEMs are undergoing retooling as they convert away from EV vehicles to more ICE vehicles, with expectations for normalization in the back half of the year. Closing the call, Sanchez said Ryder expects 2026 to be another year of initiatives-driven earnings growth, with any market improvement representing potential upside, while the company remains focused on executing the actions within its control. About Ryder System (NYSE:R) Ryder System, Inc is a leading provider of transportation and supply chain management solutions, serving commercial customers across a range of industries. The company's Fleet Management Solutions segment offers full-service leasing and rental of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors and trailers, along with maintenance and repair services at its network of service locations. Its Supply Chain Solutions segment provides integrated, technology-driven offerings that span managed transportation, dedicated contract carriage, warehousing and distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment. Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, Ryder has grown from a regional truck leasing operation into a diversified, global logistics provider. The article "Ryder System Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Sanofi on Thursday announced the ouster of CEO Paul Hudson after a six-year tenure that included a major transformation of the French drugmaker and the rise of Dupixent into one of the worlds best-selling medicines. Hudson will be replaced by current Merck KGaA CEO Belen Garijo, who is leaving her post at the German company at the end of April as part of a planned transition. Olivier Charmeil, executive vice president for general medicines, will serve as interim CEO after Hudsons departure at the close of business on Feb. 17, Sanofi said. Belen Garijo will bring an increased rigor to the implementation of Sanofis strategy and accelerate the preparation of the groups future, Sanofi said. Her priority will be to strengthen the productivity, governance and innovation capacity of research & development. Dive Insight: The initial reaction from investors doesnt suggest much confidence in Sanofis decision. Shares of the Paris-based company took a sharp drop on the news, before paring losses. The stock was down about 3% in late trading in Europe. Named to the Forbes list of the worlds most powerful women in 2025, Garijo is a 15-year veteran of Merck KGaA and has led the company as CEO since 2021. During that time, the companys stock has dropped about 13% in U.S. trading even as European rivals such as Novartis and AstraZeneca have seen their shares or American depositary receipts almost double. But Sanofi voiced complete faith in Garijo, 65, who worked at Sanofi and its predecessor companies for 15 years before joining Merck KGaA. She is a well-recognized leader in our industry with an undisputable reputation, Sanofi Chairman Frederic Oudea said in the companys statement. In her previous stint at Sanofi, she held important positions and achieved many successes, he said. Its not surprising that the initial feedback on the ouster of Hudson in favor of Garijo was negative, Jefferies analyst Michael Leuchten wrote in a note to clients. The conventional narrative is that the appointment of a CEO without [a] credible R&D track record at her prior position and an inability to drive growth into the Merck KGaA Pharma business reflects corporate governance failure and an implicit admission that required cultural change is impossible to come by, he wrote. ORomeo X Twitter movie review: Renowned filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj is out with his latest gritty actioner O'Romeo starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. The film opened in cinemas on February 13, 2026. Let's check out the first reactions of fans who thronged the cinemas to catch the movie. ORomeo X movie review Here's what the netizens have to say after watching Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri's 'O'Romeo'. Check the FIRST day FIRST show reactions: Add Zee News as a Preferred Source special screening I've just seen Shahid Kapoor's #ORomeo can't praise the movie enough. one world Review Blockbuster /5 Shahid Kapoor's acting has been phenomenal, as has the acting of the rest of the star cast. I don't want to reveal the entire story, but I pic.twitter.com/zjp9aqz1sc SkBollywoodBytes (@MRSURAJ1782) February 11, 2026 ORomeo movie release, cast The action drama also features Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey, Avinash Tiwary among others in pivotal parts. The movie has reportedly completed its censor formalities, with the film receiving an A (Adults Only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to trade tracking site Sacnilk, the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial has a theatrical runtime of 2 hours and 58 minutes. The actioner is made on a budget of around Rs 7580 crore. Vishal Bhardwaj on cast fee Vishal Bhardwaj told IANS, how Vikrant Massey had committed to ORomeo years ago when he was still an emerging talent. Despite becoming a major star after 12th Fail, Vikrant honoured that promise when approached again, choosing to do the role free of cost. The actor told Vishal Bhardwaj that watching Maqbool inspired him to enter the film industry and changed his life forever, making this special appearance his way of paying tribute. Vikrant shot for nearly 89 days, delivering a powerful performance that adds significant weight to the narrative. Vishal further revealed that Tamannaah Bhatia also agreed to be part of ORomeo without charging a single penny, despite budget constraints. Though her role is brief, it plays a crucial part in unveiling a major plot twist in the film. Tamannaah immediately said yes when approached and went on to shoot for nearly 12 days far more than initially planned, also participating in workshops and rehearsals to prepare for the layered character. Her commitment and generosity, Vishal noted, left a lasting impact on the film. 'O'Romeo' marks a fourth collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor, who have previously worked together in films like 'Kaminey', 'Haider', and 'Rangoon'. Earlier, the makers announced the film's title and release date, along with a new poster. The top Democrat on the U.S. House Financial Services Committee demanded the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission explain during a Wednesday hearing what happened with the agency's enforcement interest in Tron Foundation founder Justin Sun and whether his ties to President Donald Trump have had an influence. Representative Maxine Waters highlighted the U.S. securities regulators' abandonment of almost all of its previous crypto enforcement cases when Trump took over the White House and replaced the agency's leadership last year. She underlined the case against Sun in which the agency investigated Sun and his company on wide-ranging allegations, including that they'd improperly jacked up the price of their token (TRX). SEC Chairman Paul Atkins told the committee that he couldn't discuss individual cases, but he expressed his willingness to have further conversations in a confidential briefing "to the extent the rules allow me to do that." Sun was formally accused by the SEC in 2023 of trying to artificially inflate TRX's trading volume through a so-called "wash trading" scheme, allegedly having his own employees "engage in more than 600,000 wash trades of TRX between two crypto asset trading platform accounts he controlled." But the agency moved to pause that case in court a year ago "while they consider a potential resolution." No resolution has yet been announced. "Well, while you were exploring a potential resolution, Mr. Sun has been busy ingratiating himself within Trump's orbit," Waters said to Atkins, referencing Sun's ties to the Trump family's World Liberty Financial Inc. Waters also flagged a more recent development in which an alleged former girlfriend of Sun suggested publicly that she had evidence of TRX manipulation. Spokespeople for Tron and Sun didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the exchange during Wednesday's hearing. "Chairman Atkins, you have said that under your leadership, the SEC will focus on real fraud," she said. "Does your statement extend to fraud in the crypto market?" "Whatever involves securities," Atkins responded. His agency last year dropped high-profile enforcement matters against Binance, Ripple, Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood and several other companies, with its new management criticizing the "regulation-by-enforcement" approach to crypto under the agency's previous leadership. Asked by another Democratic lawmaker whether his agency ever protects investors at a cost to Trump's businesses, Atkins responded, "As far as what the Trump family does or not, I can't speak to that." New Delhi: Ekta Kapoors popular horror-thriller franchise Ragini MMS is set to make a comeback with its third instalment. According to multiple reports, actors Tamannaah Bhatia and Junaid Khan are in talks to star opposite each other in the upcoming film. The project is expected to be directed by Shashanka Ghosh, though an official confirmation from the makers is still awaited. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source However, unlike its earlier instalments, Ragini MMS and Ragini MMS 2, the third film will reportedly be titled simply Ragini 3. Shashanka Ghosh has previously collaborated with the makers on films such as Veere Di Wedding and Freddy. As per a report by Pinkvilla, Tamannaah Bhatia and Junaid Khan are in talks to be a part of Ekta Kapoors upcoming film titled Ragini 3. The report further stated that Shashanka Ghosh, who directed the original Ragini MMS in 2011, is set to helm the new project. Ragini 3 delayed? A report by Variety India revealed that production on the project has been temporarily halted. The films previous director, Sahir Raza, who was initially attached to Ragini MMS 3, has reportedly exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. According to the publication, Sahir, who is currently directing a series for Netflix was required to be present on set daily under the platforms new mandate. This clashed with Ragini MMS 3s shooting schedule, leading the makers to part ways with him and begin searching for a new director. The report also suggested that the film, now rebranded as Ragini 3, will move away from its horror-erotica roots and instead lean more towards supernatural storytelling. About the franchise The Ragini MMS franchise began in 2011 with Rajkummar Rao and Kainaz Motivala in the lead roles. This was followed by Ragini MMS 2 in 2014, which starred Sunny Leone and featured the chartbuster song Baby Doll. On the work front, Tamannaah Bhatia was last seen in Odela 2, the sequel to Odela Railway Station. She will next appear in Vvan opposite Sidharth Malhotra. The film is slated for release in 2026. Meanwhile, Junaid Khan made his acting debut with Maharaj and later had his theatrical release with Loveyapa. He will next be seen alongside Sai Pallavi in Ek Din, which is being produced by his father, Aamir Khan. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, Ragini 3 has already generated strong buzz among fans. Further details about the project are currently being kept under wraps. Travelling between London, Delhi and the Middle East Niyamat Mehta tells how changing energies and cultural rhythms influenced her practice, and why bronze became her material of choice, as well as how her sculptures provide space to slow down in a fast moving world. As Atman is now going into the international secondary market, Mehta talks of universality, tradition and finding the equilibrium between classical form and modern feeling that makes her aesthetic vocabulary. In her masterpiece Atman, emerging sculptor Niyamat Mehta throws light on her experience of discovering inner stillness and self-recognition. 1. Atman has its origin in the concept of inner calm and self knowledge. Why did you initially want to work on this theme with sculpture? Atman was started at the time when I was traveling between cities, London, Delhi and more and more to the Middle East. Varied energies, varied velocities of life, I was cogitating upon what we possess that does not alter at all in us as circumstances are changed. Sculpture was my means of inculcating that query. The concept of Atman the inner self was universal. No matter where we live, our culture, the rhythm of our life there is something that remains the same. I would have made that silence physical. Bronze enabled me to place something impermanent. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source 2. Your work has been characterised as making space to take a break in a busy world. Why do you think stillness and introspection are so vital in the current times? Every place is rhythmic/speed London is quick/sharp/bwala, Delhi stratosphere/layered, Dubai onward. What connects them is pace. We are in a continuous acceleration. I believe stillness is not passive it is deliberate. It is a time of correcting. When any person is in the presence of one of my sculptures, in an exhibition at Mayfair or in one in Delhi, I hope it will give that silent pause. A moment that there is a slight slowing of time. 3. Through Bonhams the sculpture Atman has now been transferred to the secondary market. What does it mean to you as an artist personally? The fact that Atman is entering Bonhams in London was significant in the sense that it is an indicator of continuity across markets. The secondary market is an indication that the work is not just the ending piece of its original collector. For me, it is a dialogue involving India, UK and now the collectors of the Middle East and soon the US. It is a wake-up call that such themes as identity and self-awareness have a cross-cultural appeal. That to my practice, the idea of universality is significant. 4. Atman You elected the medium of bronze. What can you say with bronze that you cannot say with other materials? Bronze has a cultural background in both the European classical sculpture and the Indian temple culture. I like that historical richness. It is technically permissible to be both strong and delicate. Ideologically, it is permanent. Bronze suits well when I consider something such as Atman which refers to the eternal self. It has passed across centuries and geographical locations in the same way as the subjects of my discussion. 5. The Classical design of your work balance and the modern emotion. What is your conscious effort of uniting these two worlds in sculpture? The Florence Academy of Art allowed me to be disciplined and respectful of structure. This classical background forms the basis of my work. However, my emotional vocabulary is informed by the modern life and living between cultures. The sculpture can be classical in terms of its proportions, but what is inside is up to date. That is the Strain, heritage and instant that makes my language. 6. Horses are mentioned in a subtle way in your work and have personal as well as cultural significance to you. What are they in your artistic terms? Ashva or the horse is a symbol of movement and spirit in Indian philosophy, although universally it is known to be a symbol of power and grace. In my case, the equine figure will have a forward movement with grace. Working and living in different cities, there is that sense of motion that is personal. I can never write figuratively with that energy, which, even in my figurative works, is beneath the surface, ready to strike, held back. 7. You tend to be intuitively minded instead of being a narrative-driven worker. What do you want viewers to do with your sculpture, how do you want them to interpret it? I intentionally leave space. My works are not didactic. I would like them to carry their own context whether they meet them in London, Delhi or Dubai. Art is meaningful when it has projection. When one observer perceives an idleness and the other a desire, the one is correct and the other correct. The sculpture turns out as a point of encounter. 8. Being an aspiring artist who is also gaining popularity internationally, what would you do under the volume of attention, stress, and demands and remain authentic to your work? My studio is always the same, wherever I will go. Thats important. There is an increase in visibility, markets are developing, but the art of sculpturing remains the same. Operating at different regions has taught me flexibility, though it has taught me articulateness. I am not as interested in pursuing momentum and more so I am concerned with building longevity. When the work is sincere, then recognition is a by-product as opposed to being pursued. (This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.) AP Inter Hall Ticket 2026 OUT: The AP Inter Hall Ticket 2026 has been officially released by the Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh (BIEAP). Students who are appearing for the Intermediate Public Examinations (IPE) 2026 can now download their 1st and 2nd year admit cards from the official website. AP Inter Hall Ticket 2026 The Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh (BIEAP) released the hall tickets for both first-year (Class 11) and second-year (Class 12) students on Thursday. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Students can download their admit cards by visiting the official website: bie.ap.gov.in. The hall ticket is a compulsory document for appearing in the AP Intermediate Public Examinations 2026. Without it, students will not be allowed to enter the examination hall. How to Download AP Inter Hall Ticket 2026 Students can easily access their hall tickets online by entering the required details on the official portal. To download the admit card, students need to provide: Roll number First-year hall ticket number (if applicable) Aadhaar number or SSC hall ticket number Date of birth or full name Captcha code shown on the screen After entering the correct details, students can download and print their hall ticket for future use. AP Inter Exam Dates 2026 As per the official schedule: First-Year (Class 11) Exams Exam Dates: February 23 to March 24, 2026 Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Exams will be conducted in a single shift across Andhra Pradesh. Second-Year (Class 12) Exams Exam Dates: February 24 to March 23, 2026 Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Exams will also be held in a single shift across the state. Students are advised to carefully check the subject-wise schedule mentioned on their hall ticket. Important Details Mentioned on the Hall Ticket The AP Inter Hall Ticket 2026 includes important information such as:- Students name and personal details Roll number Subject-wise exam dates Exam centre details Medium of study Students must carefully verify all the details printed on the admit card. What to Do If There Is an Error? If students find any mistake or discrepancy in their hall ticket, they should immediately inform their school principal. Necessary corrections will be made through the Regional Inspection Officer (RIO) or District Intermediate Education Officer (DIEO) before the exams begin. It is important to resolve any errors as early as possible. Students should act promptly to download and verify their admit cards to avoid any last-minute stress. The hall ticket is not just an entry pass but an essential document containing all exam-related details. Stay updated through the official BIEAP website, follow exam guidelines carefully, and focus on your preparation. Wishing all AP Inter students the very best for their upcoming examinations stay calm, stay confident, and give your best. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Friday held massive protests across the state against Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa over his casteist and derogatory remarks targeting Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. Senior leaders, ministers, MLAs, AAP karyakartas and local residents joined demonstrations in large numbers, raising slogans and demanding a public apology from Bajwa and the Congress leadership. During this, senior AAP leader and Punjab Unit General Secretary Baltej Pannu said, Partap Singh Bajwas shameful and casteist remarks against Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO are not merely an insult to a minister but a direct attack on the entire Dalit community and the hardworking people and labourers of Punjab who earn their livelihood with dignity. We demand that Bajwa and the Congress leadership publicly apologise to the Dalit community and to all hardworking people. The AAP Punjab Unit General Secretary added, The anti-Dalit mindset of the Congress party has once again been exposed before the people of Punjab. The AAP will not allow anyone to demean Dalits or insult the dignity of working-class people in the state. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source He further stated, Partap Singh Bajwas language clearly reflects the Congress partys deep-rooted hatred towards Dalits and its long history of humiliating marginalised communities out of political arrogance. While the AAP believes in governance, education, health, employment and public welfare, Congress leaders like Partap Singh Bajwa remain trapped in a feudal and casteist mentality that Punjab has repeatedly rejected. The AAP leader further said, Partap Singh Bajwas remark is also a direct insult to the hardworking people of Punjab, especially band-baaja artists, daily wage labourers and other artists who work tirelessly during weddings, religious events and social functions. Challenging the Congress leadership, AAP Punjab leaders said, Does Partap Singh Bajwas casteist language reflect the official thinking of the Congress party? Does the Congress stand with Bajwas derogatory remarks? Will the Congress President and senior leaders publicly condemn him, or will they once again choose silence, just as they have done whenever Dalits were attacked, ignored or humiliated? The silence of the Congress itself proves that Bajwas statement was not a personal slip but the real face and real mindset of the Congress party. Protests were held across Punjab, including large demonstrations in Malerkotla and Rupnagar, where a significant number of residents and band-baaja artists joined AAP leaders and karyakartas in strongly condemning Bajwa and the Congress partys anti-Dalit thinking. Demonstrations also took place in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Bathinda, Fazilka, Firozpur, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Barnala and SAS Nagar, where AAP ministers, MLAs, leaders, workers and local residents came out in large numbers to condemn Partap Singh Bajwa and the Congress partys anti-Dalit mindset. AAP Punjab asserted, Punjab is a land of equality, guided by the teachings of Guru Sahib and the ideology of Babasaheb Ambedkar. The people of Punjab will not tolerate any insult to Dalits and hardworking communities. The party made it clear, The AAP will continue its agitation until Partap Singh Bajwa and the Congress leadership issue an unconditional apology. Bangladeshs 13th parliamentary election has delivered a decisive mandate, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) securing a two-thirds majority in the first general election held after Sheikh Hasinas ouster. Led by Tarique Rahman, the BNP alliance won 216 out of 300 seats, positioning Rahman to become the next Prime Minister. Jamaat-e-Islami finished second with 76 seats, while the student-led National Citizens Party (NCP), which had played a role in the political transition, managed to win only six seats. In todays episode of DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, conducted a detailed analysis of the verdict, decoding its implications from Indias perspective and examining the broader regional impact of the results. A key concern highlighted in the analysis was Jamaat-e-Islamis performance in constituencies located along the India-Bangladesh border. Although the party fell far short of a majority, many of its 76 seats are concentrated in districts adjoining West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. In Satkhira, bordering West Bengal, Jamaat won all four seats. It secured three out of four seats in Kushtia and Bagerhat, and also registered victories in Rangpur, Sherpur, Naogaon, Joypurhat and Gaibandha. These gains are being closely watched in India due to past allegations of infiltration, radical activity and cross-border smuggling in these regions. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The election took place amid reported tensions involving minority communities. Despite this backdrop, a significant milestone was achieved when BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy became the first Hindu candidate elected from Dhaka, defeating his Jamaat rival by a margin of one lakh votes. In contrast, Krishna Nandi, Jamaats only Hindu candidate contesting from Khulna-1, was defeated. Hardline rhetoric also featured during the campaign. Jamaat leaders, including Mamunul Haque from Dhaka-13, made controversial remarks targeting Hindus and India; Haque ultimately lost his seat. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman had also spoken about Islamic revolution themes during the campaign. However, the overall mandate kept the party away from majority power. The results are being interpreted as a preference for political stability over ideological experimentation. The NCP, associated with the post-ouster transition and linked politically with Muhammad Yunus, failed to gain traction with voters. Observers note that the electorate appeared to favor an established political force in the BNP over newer formations. Tarique Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years in exile. Contesting his first election, he now stands poised to lead the government. During the campaign, Rahman spoke of mutual respect and understanding in relations with India. Following the results, Indias Prime Minister congratulated him, and diplomatic engagement between the two sides has continued, including a prior meeting in Dhaka between Rahman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after Khaleda Zias death on December 30. Separately, developments in Pakistans Balochistan region were also discussed in the program. A video released by Hakkal Media purportedly showed Baloch insurgents using drones as part of Operation Herof 2.0, conducted between January 30 and February 5 against Pakistani security forces. The drone unit, reportedly named Qahr, is said to be led by Abdul Basit and to include around 300 fighters with approximately 550 drones. According to references made to a CSIS report during the analysis, low-cost drones can inflict substantial damage on conventional military assets and alter battlefield dynamics. The episode concluded by underlining that political shifts in Bangladesh and security developments in Pakistan carry significant implications for regional stability, particularly for Indias strategic and security interests. Bangladesh election results 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to BNP chief Tarique Rahman, who is set to become the new Bangladesh Prime Minister after his party established a victory in the polls. PM Modi said on X (formerly Twitter) that he spoke to Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on the victory. "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh," the PM wrote. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Prime Minister Modi also stated that he reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace and prosperity of the people of both nations. "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed Indias continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," he added. Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 Also Check- Bangladesh Election Result 2026: 'Dark Prince' Tarique Rahman leads BNP to landmark victory Bangladesh election results 2026 Bangladesh's Election Commission has declared the official results for 297 constituencies in the 13th National Parliament election, according to ANI, Prothom Alo reported on Friday. Announcements for the Chittagong-2 and Chittagong-4 constituencies have been deferred and will be made at a later stage, while the result of another constituency was postponed earlier. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed provided these details during his concluding remarks at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon today, outlining the status of the declared and pending seats. Of the 297 announced seats, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies won 212. The 11-party electoral alliance headed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 77 seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh took one seat, and independent candidates claimed seven seats. As per Prothom Alo, the party-wise breakdown shows that the BNP won 209 seats independently. Voter turnout stood at 60.26 per cent in this election, with 48 million 74 thousand 429 "yes" votes and 22 million 25 thousand 627 "no" votes cast, according to Prothom Alo. With the results now official for most seats, the stage is set for Tarique Rahman's BNP to assume governance responsibilities. (with ANI inputs) Bangladesh election result: Krishna Nandi, the lone Hindu candidate fielded by Jamaat-e-Islami(JMI) has lost in the Khulna-1 (Botiaghata and Dacope) constituency. Ameer Ejaz khan from BNP has secured the seat with total of 121,352 votes. Hindustan times reported, Dhaka-based The Business Standard mentioned that in total of 120 constituency, Ameer Ejaz Khan received maximum of 121,352 votes with the paddy sheaf symbol. On the other hand, the Jamaat candidate received 70,346 votes with Daripalla symbol, Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Ejaz Khan has defeated Noni Gopal Mondal, a Hindu candidate from now banned Awami League party and will be taking his seat. As per Mondal previous Victories, he held the post twice, one in 2008 and the other in 2024. About Khulna-1 seat Khulna-1, a parliamentary constituency, comprising Batiaghata and Dacope upazilas of the Khulna district is considered one of the significant, competitive seat with past results showing contests between major parties including Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP). History of the seat In the previous 2001 elections, Panchanan Biswas, a candidate from Awami League won. Then again in 2008, Awami League fielded Noni Gopal Mondal who won the elections from this seat. Further again in 2024, Noni Gopal Mondal won again while contesting on an Awami League ticket. Nandi pitch amid attacks on Hindus Since 2024, Bangladesh has seen a rise in attacks on minorities and since then it's uprising. The spate of killings involving members of the Hindu minority reportedly began with the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker who was allegedly lynched in Bhaluka in Mymensingh over accusations of blasphemy. According to reports, he was beaten by a mob and later set on fire. The incident drew widespread condemnation. Responding to the outrage, the interim government headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said there was no place for such violence in the new Bangladesh and assured that those responsible for the heinous crime would face strict action. In a separate incident, another Hindu man, who owned a grocery shop, was reportedly attacked with sharp weapons and killed in Narsingdi, located on the outskirts of Dhaka, on January 6. Against the backdrop of rising tensions, Krishna Nandi chose to contest the elections on a Jamaat ticket, arguing that his candidature itself challenges the narrative that Hindus are unsafe in Bangladesh. By entering the fray as a Hindu representative of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, he maintained that his political journey sends a strong message about inclusion. Writing for Al Jazeera ahead of the Bangladesh polls, Nandi said his decision to run under the Jamaat banner reflected a reality often overshadowed by fear, misinformation and political convenience. My name is Krishna Nandi. I am a Hindu. I am a businessman. I am also a parliamentary candidate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. For many readers, this combination appears unusual. For me, it reflects a deeper truth about politics in Bangladesh, he wrote. Nandi further asserted that if Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami were to form the government, Hindus would not be compelled to leave the country or seek refuge in India. No Hindu will have to leave Bangladesh. No Hindu will be forced to go to India, he said, adding that the community would live with dignity, safety and respect. He emphasised that his assurances were not symbolic, but promised concrete guarantees of security, justice and equal rights under the law. ALSO READ: Who is Krishna Nandi? What relevance his candidacy plays in upcoming Bangladesh Elections, Check Bhopal: Class 11th grade student was raped inside four vehicles in Bhopal in blackmail and extortion case. Thar SUV along with four other cars have been seized in connection with the crime. As per India Today report, main accused Ausaf Ali Khan was arrested on February and is currently in custody. Maj khan one of his associate, Maj Khan was arrested on February 8 and is in remand until February 13. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Police Commissioner set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by ACP Ankita Khatrakar to take over the probe. During the course of the investigation, officers learned that the minor was allegedly assaulted at multiple locations inside four different cars. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Investigators said that during questioning, Maj Khan revealed that Ausaf Ali Khan assaulted the survivor inside a Thar parked in the Khanugaon area, while he remained outside and secretly filmed the incident through the window on an iPhone. The accused are alleged to have circulated the video among themselves and later used it to threaten the survivor, demanding Rs 40,000 to prevent it from being made public. Police said the survivor was also allegedly coerced into physical relations on several occasions. Officials further stated that the vehicle used in the crime had been concealed in a village in Sehore district and has now been seized. However, the iPhone allegedly used to record the video is yet to be recovered. During the probe, investigators also uncovered alleged links between Maj Khan and a head constable posted at the Kohefiza police station. The constable is accused of leaking confidential information related to the case and has since been placed under suspension. As per the reports, SIT investigation is on to look after the case. Taking a major step towards strengthening Delhis healthcare system, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated 51 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs from Fatehpur Beri village in South Delhi. With these new centres now operational, the total number of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the capital has risen to 370 - a milestone achieved in just 8 months. The Chief Minister said the Delhi governments priority is to ensure that every citizen has access to timely, affordable and easily available healthcare. In addition to the healthcare initiatives, she also launched development projects worth 322 crore in the Chhatarpur Assembly constituency. The event was attended by South Delhi MP Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Chhatarpur MLA Shri Kartar Singh Tanwar, Municipal Councillor Shri Sunder Singh Tanwar, senior officials, and a large number of local residents. During her visit, the Chief Minister conducted a detailed inspection of the Ayushman centre and reviewed the range of healthcare services being provided. She ensured that essential diagnostic tests, medicines and treatment facilities were functioning smoothly and that citizens were receiving timely and effective care. She said the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs has brought a significant transformation in the healthcare system. These centres not only offer curative services but also focus on preventive and promotive healthcare. The Chief Minister emphasized that her government views healthcare not as an expense, but as an investment. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are not merely treatment centres; they are hubs of prevention, awareness and trust. When the intent is clear and the resolve is strong, results follow swiftly. Setting up 370 Arogya Mandirs within a year reflects our commitment, she said. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source She further announced that the government aims to establish more than 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the near future. Highlighting the facilities available at these centres, the Chief Minister said residents can now access comprehensive, modern healthcare services in their own neighbourhoods. Each centre offers around 80 types of free diagnostic tests, essential medicines at no cost, advanced diagnostic services and cancer screening. Services such as immunization, dedicated maternal and child health rooms, elderly care and screening for non-communicable diseases are also available. These centres have been developed with modern, patient-friendly infrastructure. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this initiative will ease the burden on major hospitals, reduce long waiting times, and ensure timely treatment for citizens. Later in the day, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta laid the foundation for long-awaited development projects worth over 322 crore in the Chhatarpur Assembly constituency of South Delhi. The projects include construction and strengthening of roads, improvements to drainage systems, infrastructure upgrades to ease traffic congestion, school development, and enhancements to public amenities. Basic civic facilities will also be expanded across local colonies. On the occasion, the Chief Minister informed that her government has approved a double-decker flyover on the MehrauliBadarpur Road at a cost of 1,471 crore. The Chhatarpur Assembly constituency will also get three new schools. In addition, four elevated road projects have been approved for Chhatarpur and nearby areas. Delhi: Several schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Friday morning. Delhi Fire Services (DFS)Officials have said that authorities have launched search operations to look after the matter. As per Hindustan Times report, one of the three schools-BT Tamil School in central Delhi's Jhandewalan informed the DFS about the threat around 9.12 am. Senior police officers said the mail was sent using anonymous mail ID. The three schools that received the bomb threats included BT Tamil School in Jhandewalan, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya and the British School. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source This is the second bomb threat mail received by schools across the national capital in the past one week, reportedly. A senior police officer said an email was sent by a username "Zachary Jenkins" stating "Delhi will become Khalistan in the memory of Afzal Guru". The email signed by "Khalistan National Army" also warned of an attack on Parliament later this week, HT reported. In a communication sent to parents, another school informed them that it had received a security threat earlier in the day. The administration said police teams were on campus as a precaution and that all students had been safely evacuated. It added that classes would resume once authorities complete their checks and the premises are declared secure. The latest scare comes just days after at least 13 schools were sent bomb threat emails on Monday, triggering widespread concern and security checks across the city. COCO sells coconut water, sparkling water, coconut milk, and oil products in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through brands like Vita Coco, Runa, and Ever & Ever. Its third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report showed a 37% jump in net sales (to $182 million), net income of $24 million ($0.40 per diluted share), $204 million in cash with no debt, and increased full-year net sales guidance to an upper end of $595 million. The company reports again on Feb. 18. Its no wonder COCO shares are up 7% so far this year and they could rise more. MoneyFlows data shows how Big Money investors are again betting heavily on the stock. Vita Coco Attracts Institutions Institutional volumes reveal plenty. In the last year, COCO has enjoyed strong investor demand, which we believe to be institutional support. Each green bar signals unusually large volumes in COCO shares. They reflect our proprietary inflow signal, pushing the stock higher: Line graph showing Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO) stock price trends from February 2025 to February 2026, including inflows and outflows. Source: www.moneyflows.com Plenty of staples names are under accumulation right now. But theres a powerful fundamental story happening with Vita Coco. Vita Coco Fundamental Analysis Institutional support and a healthy fundamental backdrop make this company worth investigating. As you can see, COCO has had strong sales and earnings growth: 3-year sales growth rate (+10.9%) 3-year EPS growth rate (+149.9%) Source: FactSet Also, EPS is estimated to ramp higher this year by +24.5%. Now it makes sense why the stock has been generating Big Money interest. COCO has a track record of strong financial performance. Marrying great fundamentals with MoneyFlows software has found some big winning stocks over the long term. Vita Coco has become a top-rated stock at MoneyFlows. That means the stock has unusual buy pressure and growing fundamentals. We have a ranking process that showcases stocks like this on a weekly basis. Its seen eight outlier inflow signals in the last year, rising 44.6% since the first one. The blue bars below show when COCO was a top pick on the Outlier 20 reportBig Money loves it: Line graph showing Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO) stock price trends from February 10, 2025, to February 10, 2026, including outlier inflows and outlier outflows. Source: www.moneyflows.com Tracking unusual volumes reveals the power of money flows. This is a trait that most outlier stocks exhibitthe best of the best. Big Money demand drives stocks upward. Vita Coco Price Prediction The COCO action isnt new at all. Big Money buying in the shares is signaling to take notice. Given the historical gains in share price and strong fundamentals, this stock could be worth a spot in a diversified portfolio. Disclosure: the author holds no position in COCO at the time of publication. If you are a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) or are a serious investor, take your investing to the next level and follow our free weekly MoneyFlows insights. Imagine if India had snapped up Gwadar Port in 1956 when Oman offered it to New Delhi on a platter-would maps, trade routes, and South Asia's power play look wildly different today? Nehru's polite no thanks handed Pakistan a strategic jackpot by the Hormuz Strait. But Pakistans fate had different plans. Fast-forward to 2026, Balochistan's deadly Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacks are grinding operations to a halt amid army crackdowns. From that historic snub to today's crisis, why Gwadar remains a geopolitical bombshell waiting to explode. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Nehrus 1956 Gwadar Rejection In 1956, Oman's Sultan Said bin Taimur offered to sell Gwadar, a sleepy fishing enclave, to India for about 3 million (roughly $4.2 million then), but Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined. Then the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was advised by Foreign Secretary Subimal Dutt, and Intelligence Bureau chief B.N Mullick advised against it, citing its indefencibility as a landlocked Indian outpost in hostile Pakistani territory, with no overland access, like a repeat of Pakistan's East Pakistan woes. Pakistan learned of the snub, bought it in 1958 for the same price, and formally annexed it from Oman in 1960, turning a potential flashpoint into its deep-sea strategic gem near the Strait of Hormuz. But why did New Delhi decline? Gwadar was back then a sleepy coastal enclave with big potential right next to the Strait of Hormuz, a super-important sea lane for oil and trade. Nehrus top advisors, like Foreign Secretary Subimal Dutt and spy chief B.N Mullick, warned it was a bad idea. Gwadar had no roads or land link to India; it sat deep in what would be Pakistani turf. They saw it as a trap: too hard to defend, like an island cut off from help, and it might spark fights with Pakistan. Now Gwadar is Pakistans prized deep-water port, a gateway for trade to Central Asia that India missed out on. Nehru's call avoided short-term headaches but left Pakistan with a long-term edge. Pakistans Balochistan Crisis With the acquisition of Gwadar, did Pakistan actually win the strategic battle? Maybe, but did it really bring peace to Balochistan? Not quite. Pakistans mineral-rich Balochistan province officially became part of the country in 1948, when the princely state of Kalat was annexed on March 27, after a brief independence dream crushed by military moves. Since then, its been a nonstop blood war. Locals feel exploited; their gas, copper, and gold fuel Pakistans economy, but roads, schools, and jobs stay scarce. Gwadars rise under big projects brought cash and ports, yet resentment exploded into BLA attacks, deadly strikes, and shutdowns, like the current chaos halting operations. Strategic jackpot? Sure. But Balochistans fight shows Pakistans still losing the real battle for loyalty. Chinas Quiet Pullback From Gwadar? Reportedly, China has dialled back its on-the-ground role at Gwadar Port, keeping things low-key to dodge the heat from Balochistan attacks. No big announcements, just a swift evacuation of Chinese workers after BLA strikes hit too close, leaving Pakistani teams to run daily ops with remote guidance from Beijing. From Beijings side, its all about playing it safe without ditching the prize. Gwadar is still the star of their Belt and Road plan, a shortcut for oil and goods from the Middle East straight to Xinjiang, skipping risky sea routes. Theyre pushing Pakistan for tougher security, like more guards and tech fences, before sending staff back. But Chinas move is not a complete fullstop but a mere pause. It sees the long game, billions already sunk in, and Gwadars spot by the Hormuz Strait is too juicy to walk away from. Theyll wait out the storm, tweak protections, and keep building remotely, loyalty battle or not. Nehrus Call: Smart Move Or Missed Chance? Was Nehru right to turn down Gwadar in 1958? Back then, Oman wanted to sell Gwadar, which was a tiny, undeveloped fishing spot, for just 3 million. Nehrus team said no. Why? Gwadar sat like an island in Pakistani land. India had zero roads, rails, or land routes to reach it. Supplies wouldve come only by slow sea or risky air drops, too hard and costly to keep stocked. It was a narrow strip of coast, easy for Pakistans army to cut off or attack. Advisors like Foreign Secretary Subimal Dutt and spy chief B.N. Mullick warned that buying it would spark instant fights with Pakistan, right after Partitions fresh wounds. Nehru hoped for better ties, not more enemies. Fresh off Partition in 1947, India was struggling financially, rebuilding cities, feeding millions, and fixing war damage ate up every penny; it was too much for a far-off spot with no value yet. Today, with Gwadar's ports pumping trade, Nehrus decision looks shaky in hindsight, but back then, strapped India saw it as smart to skip the gamble. Mumbai: A 19 year old woman was shot dead in broad daylight in Mumbai's Shivaji Nagar area on Tuesday afternoon, as per reports. The victim identified as Shifa Shaikh was killed near the Furqania Majid area of Shivaji Nagar. As per the ndtv reports, within 12 hours of shooting, Mumbai police arrested two people, a 25 year old woman and a 23 year old man in connection with the murder. According to reports, Shifa left her residence after receiving a call to meet another woman from the area. As per the police, an argument broke out between Shifa and the suspect over an unspecified issue. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Police later confirmed that Shifa was shot at point-blank range, with the bullet striking her in the face. According to officers, the projectile entered through her cheek and got lodged in her skull, leading to fatal injuries. When police personnel reached the spot and later the hospital, doctors reiterated that the gun had been fired from extremely close quarters. Residents had rushed the injured teenager to Rajawadi Hospital in a desperate attempt to save her. A police team also arrived at the medical facility, where doctors informed them about the severity of the wound. Despite efforts to provide immediate treatment, Shifa succumbed to her injuries while being taken to the hospital and was subsequently declared dead. Acting swiftly on CCTV footage and other inputs gathered during the initial phase of the probe, investigators set up a trap and managed to arrest the two accused within 12 hours of the shooting. Lucknow accident: A 21-year-old was taken into custody after he allegedly rammed his car into an autorickshaw, killing a child and injuring several others. Treatment of the injured individuals is underway, and a case has been registered. The accused, Gaurav Singh, whose car hit an autorickshaw and pedestrians near the Hanuman Temple in Banthra town of Lucknow, was arrested by the Police within 24 hours, as per the news agency ANI. According to reports, Singh, who is a class 12 student, was returning from a farewell party when the incident occurred on Thursday evening. Lucknow DCP Nipun Agrawal told ANI that the police received the information that the car had gone out of control and subsequently met with an accident. In the unfortunate incident, a child died, and four others were injured. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source "Yesterday late evening, Banthra police received information that a car had gone out of control and met with an accident. The police immediately reached the spot. In this accident, a child died, and four people were injured. Treatment of all the injured is ongoing, and they are currently stable. Taking swift action, the police have registered a case and taken the vehicle and the 21-year-old driver, Gaurav Singh, into custody. Further legal action is being taken," the police official said. Also read- Lamborghini crash case: Kanpur tycoon's son granted bail hours after arrest Meanwhile, NDTV reported that Gaurav Singh fled the accident scene after a tire on his car burst. The child who died in the incident was six years old. Further information on the accident is awaited. (with ANI inputs) Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Friday attended the Bharat Himalayan Strategy Forum (BHISM) in Dehradun. The forum focused on rethinking Himalayan security amid India-China border tensions, distinguishing borders from frontiers, and historical decisions like Panchsheel, amid an ongoing India map controversy and LAC disputes. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan connected the historical aspects of India-China border ties. He talked about the Nehru era Panchsheel, saying, On independence, the British left, and it was for India actually to decide where a front is. Nehru probably knew that we had something, as the McMahon Line was in the east, and we had some kind of a claim in the Ladakh area, but it was not here. So that's why he wanted to go in for a Panchsheel agreement, and for the Chinese also. When they had kind of liberated Tibet, they had moved into Lhasa... This particular area was extreme at both ends. So they wanted stability, probably in this particular region... Independent India was keen to build a good relationship with China... In 1954, India recognised Tibet as part of China. Both countries signed the Panchsheel Agreement, qouted ANI. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source #WATCH | Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan says, "On independence, the British left, and it was for India actually to decide where a front is. Nehru probably knew that we had something, as the McMahon Line was in the east, and we had some kind of pic.twitter.com/l5aMknInoF ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 Post-independence, Britains exit left India to delineate its frontiers from scratch. Nehru probably understood the claims at hand, the McMahon Line defining the eastern boundary with Tibet and a stake in western Ladakh, but the central Himalayan sector remained vague on inherited British maps. This ambiguity spurred the 1954 Panchsheel Agreement, suiting both nations needs for stability after Chinas liberation of Tibet and push toward Lhasa. In this unmapped, undefended frontier stretch, India formally recognised Tibet as part of China. CDS General Anil Chauhan also emphasised the Himalayas' unique strategic and civilizational importance. While addressing the event, General Chauhan laid out the importance of the Himalayan terrains in National security. Borders appear as precise lines on maps and terrain, whereas frontiers form broader, less-defined zones. A border divides two nation-states, but a frontier marks where civilisations converge. Borders set a nation's political and legal boundaries, often rooted in politics, and are heavily fortified. Frontiers, shaped by rugged landscapes and customs, traditions, or usage, typically lack formal agreements or strong defences, said CDS Anil Chauhan. General Chauhan also highlighted that the Himalayas have historically served as a zone of interaction, not a barrier of exclusion. Uttarakhand embodies a civilizational landscape where the sacred and strategic have long coexisted. The political tension in Parliament reached its peak on February 12. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey introduced a motion calling for the immediate expulsion of the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, from the Lok Sabha. This move came after Gandhi's strong criticism of the Union Budget 2026-27 and the India-US Interim Trade Agreement, which he called a "wholesale surrender" of India's interests. The controversy: Trade deals and foreign links Nishikant Dubey's notice for a substantive motion, rather than a standard privilege motion, claims that Gandhi's actions are "unethical" and "harmful" to national interests. Dubey accused Gandhi of working with foreign groups like the Soros Foundation, USAID, and the Ford Foundation to undermine India. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The 'urban naxal' charge: During the Lok Sabha session, Dubey labeled Gandhi an "urban Naxal," suggesting that his comments on the India-US trade deal aimed to incite public unrest and weaken India's food and energy security. The demand: Dubey is calling for Gandhis permanent disqualification from Parliament and a lifetime ban on running for elections. Explainer: How can an MP be expelled? While the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act provide for disqualification due to criminal conviction, expulsion is a different process driven by the House's own rules. Step process detail 1. Notice of Motion: A member submits a "Substantive Motion" or a "Privilege Motion" to the Speaker. 2. Speakers Discretion: The Speaker, Om Birla, must decide whether to admit the motion or refer it to a committee. 3. Committee Inquiry: Usually referred to the Ethics Committee or Committee of Privileges, which conducts an inquiry, summons witnesses, and lets the MP defend themselves. 4. Recommendation: If the committee finds "conduct unbecoming of a member," it recommends expulsion in a formal report. 5. House Vote: The report is presented, and a motion for expulsion is put to a vote. It requires a simple majority of members present and voting to pass. Disqualification vs. expulsion: The 2023 precedent In 2023, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified under Section 8(3) of the RPA after a Surat court sentenced him to two years in prison for criminal defamation. That removal was "automatic" due to the legal conviction. However, the current demand by Nishikant Dubey is for expulsion based on the House's power to discipline its members for misconduct. Unlike disqualification, expulsion does not automatically prevent a person from running in future elections unless specifically stated under different legal rules. Rahul Gandhi's defence: 'I will not budge' Responding to the expulsion demand on February 13, Rahul Gandhi stood firm. He said the government was trying to silence him for supporting Indian farmers. "Do whatever you wantfile an FIR, bring a privilege motion, or try to expel me. I have spoken the truth in Parliament about how this trade deal sells out our farmers to American corporations," Gandhi stated. ALSO READ | Bangladesh election result 2026: What's next for Sheikh Hasina? BNP victory puts Delhi's 'guest' in the eye of the storm New Delhi: The Crime Branch team of Delhi Polices Shakarpur unit on Friday engaged in an encounter with members of Meeruts notorious Asad gang in the Usmanpur area. Acting on specific inputs that gang leader Asad would be arriving there with his associates, the team laid a trap. Police said the three accused reached the spot on a motorcycle and were asked to surrender. However, upon realising they were surrounded, they allegedly opened fire at the officers. The Crime Branch team retaliated, shooting all three in the leg before overpowering and arresting them. One sub-inspector narrowly escaped injury after a bullet struck his bulletproof jacket.The arrested men, including gang leader Asad, are said to be involved in multiple criminal cases and have been admitted to hospital. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The incident comes close on the heels of similar encounters reported in the capital. On Thursday, a gunfight in the Ghazipur area led to the arrest of two suspects, one of whom sustained a bullet injury to the leg and was taken for treatment. Earlier this week, two men accused in the Aya Nagar shooting case were apprehended after a brief exchange of fire in Dwarka; both suffered leg injuries, and police recovered two sophisticated firearms along with live cartridges from the spot. In October, another exchange of fire took place in Mehrauli between Delhi Police and a wanted criminal, Koku Pahadia, who was injured during the operation. Two police personnel were hit on their bulletproof jackets in that incident, while a constable sustained an injury to his arm. (With ANI inputs) India is ramping up preparations for its upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) in Visakhapatnam from February 15-25, 2026, along with Exercise MILAN and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. Visakhapatnam is the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command and India's shipbuilding hub. The International Fleet Review is a grand sea parade where the President of India boards a ship to inspect rows of warships, submarines, aircraft, and sailors lined up from the Indian Navy and many foreign navies. Ships steam past in perfect formation, jets fly overhead, and everyone salutesshowing off maritime power and friendship. India has hosted an IFR before, in 2016, with 50 ships from 24 countries, to build ties in the Indian Ocean region amid global tensions. Exercise MILAN adds joint training drills, while the symposium brings naval leaders together for strategy talksmaking it a full showcase of India's growing sea strength. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Ships Taking Part in the International Fleet Review The Indian Navy welcomed CGS Huravee, a Maldives National Defence Force patrol vessel, to Visakhapatnam port. It will join the International Fleet Review (IFR) and Exercise MILAN, strengthening ties between the two nations. Seychelles Coast Guard's SCGS Zoroaster (P609) also arrived, highlighting maritime friendship with the Indian Ocean neighbor. Vietnam People's Navy frigate VPNS 17 from Southeast Asia docked too, boosting India-Vietnam defense cooperation. The events kick off with a Presidential Banquet, followed by the Presidential Fleet Review at sea. Confirmed participants sending vessels or planes include Australia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran (likely the 103rd Flotilla led by Bayandor-class corvette IRINS Naghdi F82), Japan, the Philippines (Malvar-class frigate BRP Miguel Malvar FFG06), Russia (Pacific Fleet Udaloy-class frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov F543), South Africa (Valour-class frigate SAS Amatola F145), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam (Petya II-class frigate Ship 17), and the United States. IFR will showcase Indian mightincluding Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine corvettesplus foreign warships and aircraft steaming in formation. India's Diplomatic Leap? With the International Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN, participants from 55+ countries will join, as confirmed by Indian Navy Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan. India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant will headline the sea phase exercises, marking its first international deployment since debuting in combat during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The Indian Navy is set to deploy at least 90 ships and 45 aircraft for the International Fleet Review (IFR) and Exercise MILAN. The International Fleet Review will be a major diplomatic leap for Indiaespecially amid 2026's global turmoil, from Indo-Pak tensions post-Operation Sindoor to Red Sea disruptions and South China Sea flashpoints. Hosting 55+ nations with major powers like the US and Russia simultaneously in Visakhapatnam, along with IONS talks, positions India as a neutral maritime convenor under its SAGAR vision. It showcases indigenous firepower like INS Vikrant while building interoperability and trust, turning naval pomp into realpolitik bridges in a fractured world. This isn't just ships parading; it's Delhi flexing soft power to secure Indian Ocean lanes when alliances are shaky. New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set for a major boost in combat strength with the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets. The proposed acquisition has been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, which will bring the total Rafale fleet to 150 aircraft. This expansion will add six new squadrons, strengthening the IAFs operational capacity and complementing the indigenous fighter programmes, including the LCA Mk1A, LCA Mk2 and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). At present, the Air Force has 29 squadrons. It is still falling short of the ideal 42. The combined fleet of imported and homegrown fighters could increase the IAF to over 50 squadrons. This would create a strong and versatile force capable of handling challenges on multiple fronts. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source At present, the IAFs combat fleet includes Su-30MKIs in 12-13 squadrons, two Rafale squadrons, three squadrons each of Mirage 2000 and MiG-29, two squadrons of Tejas Mk1 and six Jaguar squadrons. With aging aircraft retiring over the next decade, the gap in operational readiness could grow unless the planned expansion proceeds swiftly. Each squadron typically operates 16-18 fighters, and modern jets like the Rafale are organised with 18 aircraft per squadron. The additional 114 Rafales will create six new squadrons, taking the total to eight across the country. The 4.5-generation multi-role fighter can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes as well as electronic warfare operations. Valued at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore, the deal will see 18 aircraft delivered in combat-ready condition with the rest produced in India under the Make in India initiative. The aircrafts range, radar and missile systems will give the IAF a technological edge, though these jets will provide a short-term boost while indigenous programmes mature. The homegrown LCA Mk1A, LCA Mk2 and AMCA programmes are integral to long-term self-reliance. The LCA Mk1A is an advanced version of Tejas with enhanced radar, electronic warfare systems and missile capabilities. A total of 180 aircraft have been ordered to form 10 squadrons, replacing the older MiG-21 jets. These deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2024 and 2029. The LCA Mk2 is a medium fighter for high-altitude northern operations, with 120-130 jets planned for six to seven squadrons. The first flight is expected in 2026. The AMCA is a fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed with supercruise and artificial intelligence-enabled systems. Forming seven squadrons, the programme aims to produce 126 aircraft across Mk1 and Mk2 variants, with induction beginning around 2030. These jets are intended to counter advanced threats such as Chinas J-20 fighters and will provide the IAF with cutting-edge capabilities in stealth and multi-role operations. The combination of Rafale and indigenous jets will add six squadrons from Rafale, 10 from LCA Mk1A, six to seven from Mk2 and seven from the AMCA It will bring the total potential squadrons to more than 50. This mix will allow the Air Force to assign Rafales for high-end strike missions, Tejas for medium-intensity roles and the AMCA for stealth operations, creating a versatile and multi-layered fleet capable of responding across the China and Pakistan fronts. But challenges are still there, including delays in LCA Mk1A deliveries and ongoing development of Mk2 and AMCA. Still, imported Rafales will provide immediate operational strength, while domestic programmes will enhance self-reliance over the long term. Experts suggest that if these programmes proceed as planned, the IAF could emerge by 2035 as one of the most formidable air forces in the world. In todays fast-moving world, negativity often spreads faster than positivity. News, social media, and daily struggles can easily confuse us and make us doubt our own decisions. During such moments when you feel stuck, repeat mistakes, or feel unsure about your path it becomes important to pause, rethink, rewind, and correct yourself. Thats where a powerful thought of the day helps. Mark Twains quote reminds us that success is not always about knowing everything, but about believing in yourself and moving forward without fear. What Does This Thought Mean? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Mark Twains thought highlights two simple but powerful ideas. Ignorance here does not mean lack of intelligence, but the courage to ignore fear, doubt, and overthinking. Confidence means trusting yourself even when you dont have all the answers. Together, they help you take risks and move ahead in life. Why Is This Thought Important? This thought is important because many people stop themselves from growing due to fear of failure or too much overthinking. When you constantly worry about what could go wrong, you miss opportunities. This quote teaches you that sometimes, not knowing everything and still having confidence can lead to success. How Does This Thought Impact Your Life? This thought encourages you to act instead of waiting for the perfect time. It pushes you to believe in yourself, take chances, and learn along the way. It helps reduce self-doubt and reminds you that mistakes are part of growth, not the end of the journey. Benefits of This Thought Builds self-confidence Reduces fear of failure Encourages risk-taking and learning Helps you stay motivated during tough times Promotes positive thinking and courage How This Thought Helps in Self-Improvement Self-improvement begins when you stop being overly critical of yourself. This thought teaches you to trust your instincts and keep moving forward. By letting go of unnecessary fear and believing in your abilities, you become emotionally stronger and more open to growth. How to Apply This Thought in Daily Life Stop overthinking small decisions Take action even if everything isnt perfect Believe in your abilities and skills Learn from mistakes instead of fearing them Stay confident even during uncertainty Mark Twains thought is a gentle reminder that success doesnt always come from knowing everything it comes from believing in yourself and daring to move forward. When life feels confusing or uncertain, hold on to confidence, ignore unnecessary fear, and keep going. Sometimes, thats all you need to succeed. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt's wife Shwetambari Bhatt in connection with a multi-crore cheating case registered by the Rajasthan Police. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order on February 13 and listed the matter for the next hearing on February 19. Both Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt have been booked in the case, which stems from an FIR lodged in Udaipur in November 2025 over an alleged fraud linked to a film project. The case was registered at Bhupalpura police station. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source According to Udaipur District Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal, the complaint was filed by Dr Ajay Murdia of Udaipur. The complainant alleged that, in memory of his late wife, he entered into an agreement with Vikram Bhatt's company for the production of films and documentaries. As per the FIR, the complainant paid a sum to Bhatt's company and signed a contract for the production of four films. However, it was alleged that the production house failed to deliver the films as per the agreement. Two films that were produced were allegedly not rightfully attributed, while the highest-budget project under the contract was never initiated. SP Yogesh Goyal had stated that the investigation was ongoing and appropriate action would be taken based on the findings. Responding to the allegations, Vikram Bhatt had earlier told ANI that he believed the police were being misled. He claimed he had not received any prior notice before learning about the FIR through media reports and a journalist acquaintance. Bhatt questioned the financial claims mentioned in the FIR and asserted that if any such documentation had been submitted to the police, it would be forged. He also raised concerns about the complainant's alleged lack of familiarity with the film industry, questioning why multiple projects were initiated if there had been wrongdoing. The filmmaker further stated that there were disagreements regarding production budgets and methods, including the use of green screen techniques versus real-location shoots, which he said could significantly increase costs. He also referenced projects titled 'Tumko Meri Kasam' and 'Viraat', alleging that certain productions were halted midway and that payments to workers were not made. Bhatt maintained that he possesses emails and contracts to support his claims and reiterated that he would seek proof regarding the filing of the FIR. Vikram Bhatt began his career in the film industry as an assistant to director Mukul Anand on the latter's debut film 'Kanoon Kya Karega' at the age of 14. He later directed several notable films, including 'Ghulam' starring Aamir Khan, which emerged as a box-office success. In 2008, Bhatt returned to the horror genre and delivered films such as '1920', 'Shaapit', and 'Haunted - 3D'. Food prices have been going up. That's no surprise to anyone who has walked into a grocery store lately, although prices vary by category and whether it's food you bought for consumption at home or away, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. How does Florida rank compared to other states when it comes to grocery spending. The good news is Florida isn't in the top 10. The bad news is the Sunshine State ranked No. 11, according to a study by WalletHub. The news gets even worse. In 2026, overall food prices are predicted to rise 3.0%, according to the USDA's Food Price Outlook, with the highest increase in food purchased for consumption away from home. What states spend greatest percentage of income on groceries? States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Groceries Source: WalletHub WalletHub analyzed the prices of 26 commonly purchased grocery items across all 50 states and then compared them with each states median household income to identify where residents devote the largest percentage of their income to groceries. Top 10 states comparing cost of groceries as a share of median monthly household income: Mississippi: 2.60% West Virginia: 2.54% Arkansas: 2.44% Louisiana: 2.38% Kentucky: 2.37% Alabama: 2.33% New Mexico: 2.30% Oklahoma: 2.22% South Carolina: 2.21% Tennessee: 2.19% Florida ranks No. 11 in grocery spending Source: WalletHub Grocery prices low in Mississippi but incomes low People in Mississippi spend the most on groceries, WalletHub said, but grocery prices are the sixth-cheapest in the U.S. "The main problem lies in the fact that Mississippi has the lowest median annual household income in America at just $54,915." In comparison, the median income in 2024 for the U.S. was $83,730. In Florida, the median income was $75,630. What states ranked lowest in grocery spending? The states spending the least on groceries as percentage of household spending were: No. 50: Massachusetts: 1.51% No. 49: New Jersey: 1.51% No. 48: Maryland: 1.55% No. 47: New Hampshire: 1.56% No. 46: Utah: 1.58% No. 45: Connecticut: 1.61% No. 44: Colorado: 1.61% No. 43: Virginia: 1.63% No. 42: Washington: 1.66% No. 41: California: 1.66% How much are food prices expected to increase in 2026? "In 2026, overall food prices are predicted to rise 3.0 percent," according to the USDA's Food Price Outlook. "Food-away-from home prices are predicted to rise 4.6 percent, faster than their 20-year historical average rate of price increase of 3.5 percent. "However, food-at-home prices are predicted to rise 1.7 percent, slower than their 20-year historical average rate of price increase of 2.6 percent." Kolkata: At the Zee 24 Ghanta Ananya Samman 2026, veteran artist Ganesh Haloi was honoured for his distinctive and lifelong contribution to Indian modern art. Ganesh Halois artistic journey reflects a deep engagement with history, memory and transformation. Influenced by the flowing landscapes of the Brahmaputra, the trauma of Partition and the enduring impact of the Ajanta cave murals, his early visual language evolved through decades of experimentation and introspection. From figurative compositions to lyrical abstraction, Halois work traces a significant transition in post-Independence Indian art. His practice reflects a dialogue between the legacy of the Bengal School and European modernism, moving through phases of Abstract Expressionism before arriving at what critics often describe as poetic abstraction. For Haloi, this evolution was not merely stylisticit was a process of rediscovering the self through layered memories and lived experience. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Art historians note that the landscape in Halois canvases often transcends geography, becoming an innerscape shaped by emotion and reflection. His compositions, marked by subtle gradations of colour and meditative geometry, create a contemplative visual field where light, air and horizon merge seamlessly. Colours and lines in his works appear organic and breathing, inviting viewers into quiet introspection. During his formative years, Haloi was influenced by renowned artist Benode Behari Mukherjee, while the bold modernist approaches of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse expanded his visual vocabulary. However, he has consistently emphasised assimilation over imitation, blending global modernism with Indian philosophical thought, classical music traditions and folk aesthetics. Working across watercolour and acrylic, his canvases often reveal layered surfaces where time itself appears sedimented. The interplay of stillness and movement, structure and silence, defines his mature style. Over the decades, Ganesh Haloi has exhibited widely in India and abroad, earning recognition from collectors, critics and institutions. Beyond painting, he has also contributed as an art thinker and writer, articulating reflections on silence and space within visual art. Recognising his singular artistic vision, Zee 24 Ghanta Ananya Samman 2026 conferred upon him a special honour for his exceptional contribution to Indian painting. The award acknowledges not only a distinguished career but also a creative philosophy that continues to inspire, reminding audiences that every outward landscape ultimately leads back to an inner horizon. New Delhi: An employee has claimed on social media that the office misled them into believing that they were in line for a promotion and made them put in more work when they had already given the position to another colleague. This story highlights how employees are being asked to prove themselves for a promotion and how openly the office offers that position to others. The employee wrote on Reddit that six months ago the manager went on parental leave and the employee was put in the manager's role. Their manager explicitly said that after coming back he would not resume his role because he was not enjoying the role. When the employee got a temporary promotion, the office informed that the employee would be offered the position permanently if the performance was good for the coming six months. The employee put in extra hours, assumed greater responsibility and worked extremely hard to achieve the best position. At the end of the six months period, the employee kept asking the management for confirmation but the office did not give any confirmation. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The employee later called the manager who was on parental leave and asked him about the job confirmation. The manager explained that the post was promised to another colleague who was employed at the same time as the employee. It was informed that the role would be given to the other colleague. The employee said that despite working hard and putting in extra hours, the work was not rewarded. The employee felt used as they worked hard and delivered way beyond their targets and said that there was a feeling of taking revenge. Netizens Reaction The post quickly gained traction with several users suggesting that the employee find another job since this office did not value their effort. One user said, "Be exactly on time, leave exactly on time. Do what exactly you're supposed to do and nothing more. Don't volunteer for any other work, don't work overtime and meanwhile find another job because this one does not value you. When you find something else, quit without notice." Another user said, "Managers do this all the time and I don't think they understand how much it screws with motivation and trust once you realize what they're doing." One user commented, "The second you return to work, immediately start looking for a new job and resign with no notice once you get an offer. Until then just keep your head down and act like everything is just Peaches & Herb." "Act your wage, don't go above and beyond. Decline to train the new person since they don't think you're qualified for the role they can hardly pretend you're qualified to train someone for it. And find a new job as soon as you are able to," said one user. One user said, "You got played, it sucks but it happens. It just shows you the company has no loyalty to you. Its up to you what you want to do with that information but might be time to look for a different job. Every place is like this though, its how the world works and its why everyone is so miserable." New Delhi: Over 9 crore farmers across the country are eagerly waiting for the 22nd instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 every four months. This offers much-needed financial support to manage farming costs as well as daily household expenses. With the DecemberMarch 2026 instalment still awaiting an official announcement, anxiety is slowly building among beneficiaries who depend on this timely assistance to plan their expenses. All You Need To Know About The PM-KISAN Scheme The PM-KISAN scheme is a central government initiative launched in February 2019 to provide direct financial support to farmers across India. Under this scheme, eligible landholding farmer families receive income assistance to help manage agricultural activities, allied work and household expenses. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Every year, beneficiaries get Rs 6,000 in total, which is paid in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each. The money is transferred directly into farmers bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely payments. However, certain exclusion criteria apply, and only eligible farmers can avail of the benefits. When Can Farmers Expect The Next Instalment? The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has not yet announced an official date for the 22nd instalment. However, according to several reports, the next Rs 2,000 payment is likely to be credited to beneficiaries bank accounts between February and March 2026. For reference, the 21st instalment under the scheme was released on November 19, 2025. Since then, farmers have been waiting for the next round of financial assistance. Eligibility Rules You Should Check Carefully To receive benefits under the PM-KISAN scheme, farmers must meet certain conditions. All small and marginal farmer families who own cultivable land are eligible to apply. The farmland should be registered in the farmers name, as land records are an important requirement for verification. In addition, beneficiaries must have a valid Aadhaar card and complete their e-KYC process to continue receiving payments. Over 30 Lakh Farmers May Face Delay In Payment According to media reports, more than 30 lakh farmers across the country could miss out on receiving the 22nd instalment. Uttar Pradesh is likely to see the highest impact, with over 10 lakh farmers possibly affected. Bihar may have around 1.4 lakh farmers facing similar issues. Apart from these states, a significant number of beneficiaries in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal may also experience delays if required formalities are not completed on time. Why Payments May Get Stuck There are a few common reasons why farmers may face delays in receiving their instalment. The most frequent issues include Aadhaar not being linked properly, incomplete e-KYC, and problems with bank account details. Since the government transfers the money directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, any mismatch or missing link can stop the payment from being processed. That is why it is important for beneficiaries to ensure their Aadhaar is correctly linked and all details are updated in time. Steps Being Taken To Resolve The Problem To ensure farmers do not miss their payments, the government has started special awareness drives in coordination with state governments. Efforts are also being made through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and India Post Payments Bank to help beneficiaries complete Aadhaar linking and other pending formalities. In addition, farmers are being informed through SMS alerts so they can update their details on time and avoid delays in receiving the instalment. Simple Steps To Complete Your e-KYC Farmers can easily complete their e-KYC online by visiting the official PM-KISAN portal. On the website, they need to enter their Aadhaar number and submit the OTP sent to their registered mobile number. Once the details are verified, the e-KYC process is completed. Those who are unable to finish the OTP-based verification online can visit their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). There, the process can be completed through biometric authentication. It is important to complete e-KYC on time, as failure to do so may lead to delays or even suspension of future payments. Easy Way To Check Your Instalment Status Online Farmers can quickly check the status of their 22nd instalment by visiting the official PM-KISAN website at www.pmkisan.gov.in. On the homepage, go to the Farmers Corner section and click on Beneficiary Status. After that, enter the required details such as your Aadhaar number, registered mobile number or registration number. Once submitted, the portal will show complete information, including the instalments already received, any pending payments, and the date when the last amount was credited to your bank account. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has secured a sweeping victory in the countrys first election since the 2024 uprising, positioning Tarique Rahman to become prime minister. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus is set to step aside, leaving behind a reform agenda endorsed by voters through the July Charter referendum. A wall measuring 10 feet in height is going to cover the length of 30 km. Security experts believe that since the PLA is working at a war scale to establish a military base in Gwadar. Baloch nationalists and leaders in exile argue that fencing is to ensure a rapid demographic change in the region by replacing Balochis with Punjabis and Pakhtuns. Lucknow accident: The car had reportedly gone out of control and subsequently met with an accident in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. In the unfortunate incident, a child died, and four others were injured. Meanwhile, police have taken the vehicle and the 21-year-old driver, Gaurav Singh, into custody. Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced that it has won a clear majority in the countrys parliamentary election. The stage is set for the party to form the next government. As per local media reports, the Tarique Rahman-led party and its allies (Gono Odhikar Porishad and Gono Songhoti Andolon) have bagged 211 seats and secured a two-thirds majority in the parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance won 70 seats, while other parties won six. The results in 287 of the 299 constituencies, as per the reports, have now been declared. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Sharing celebratory messages on X, the BNP said it is ready to take the reins of power after securing the required number of seats. Unofficial results from most constituencies showed the BNP crossing the threshold needed to govern comfortably. In key contests, BNP candidates were declared winners with strong vote totals, including party chairman and prime ministerial frontrunner Rahman, who led his party to victory in multiple constituencies. The broad trend reflected a decisive outcome for the party across the country. The elections held on February 12 drew participation from millions of eligible voters, including a notable number of firsttime participants and young citizens who played a pivotal role in shaping turnout. The election commission, security officials and international observers monitored the process as ballots were tallied, highlighting its importance as the first national vote since important political changes began to change Bangladeshs leadership. With results still being finalised in some constituencies, the early picture suggests the BNP has secured well over the simple majority needed to lead parliament, and its victory is being seen as a turning point after years of political uncertainty. Party leaders and supporters were already highlighting the outcome as a mandate for change and stability. As the BNP looks toward forming the next government, attention is turning to the policy pledges and manifesto the party campaigned on during the race. Central to its promises was the flagship Family Card initiative, designed to provide monthly financial support or basic goods to lowincome households, although analysts said questions is about how this programme will be funded in a country where millions still live in extreme poverty. Youth employment was another major theme, with the party promising support for digital innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation aimed at tapping into the potential of Bangladeshs highly skilled graduates and reducing unemployment. Additional commitments included backing a national charter inspired by the 2024 uprising, which the party said would be put to a national referendum alongside forthcoming election processes. On foreign policy, the BNPs manifesto promoted a Bangladesh Before All approach, pledging proactive cooperation with the global community and a firm focus on securing the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. It also included plans to sign the United Nations Water Convention to pursue a fair share of water resources with neighbouring countries, including over the longstanding Teesta River dispute with India. The emerging government will face the task of translating these campaign promises into policy while managing domestic expectations and international relations. Observers say the outcome of this election will decide Bangladeshs political and economic course for years to come. In the significant 2026 general election, the first since the 2024 "Gen Z uprising," the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) faced a major setback. Early projections had suggested it might become the countrys new leading party, but a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, sidelined Jamaat. On Friday, February 13, as the US and other world powers congratulated Rahman, a defiant Jamaat expressed serious concerns about the integrity of the results. The early surge that collapsed Add Zee News as a Preferred Source After Sheikh Hasinas ouster, Jamaat was the best-organized force on the streets. With the Awami League banned and the BNP's Tarique Rahman initially in exile, Jamaat faced little competition. However, as the February 12 polls approached, the partys momentum stalled. Data from the February 1213 counts indicates that while Jamaat increased its seat count significantly compared to historical lows, securing around 6370 seats, it was unable to close the gap with the BNP's considerable 197-seat tally. Voter rejection: The generation gap and minority shield Jamaats attempt to rebrand itself as a moderate, "pro-uprising" party did not win over key groups: The youth vote: Young Bangladeshis who drove the July uprising largely supported the BNP, viewing Jamaat's hardline roots with suspicion. The minority factor: Despite fielding its first Hindu candidate, Krishna Nandi in Khulna-1, Jamaat lost that seat to the BNP. Minority voters, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, mostly supported the BNP for security. The 'refined' vote: Former Awami League supporters who voted did not shift to the Islamist right; they moved to the center-right BNP. The 'US hand' allegations The campaign faced turbulence due to reports in The Washington Post claiming a "quiet outreach" between US diplomats and Jamaat. Alleged audio leaks suggested that Western officials were downplaying Jamaat's Sharia-based agenda to create a more "pluralistic" post-Hasina landscape. The BNP took advantage of these reports. Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir publicly warned that any "secret understanding" between Jamaat and foreign powers threatened national sovereignty. This narrative of "foreign interference" effectively attracted nationalist voters to the BNP. Historical baggage: Rebranding vs. reality Founded by Syed Abul Ala Maududi, Jamaat has struggled for decades with its role in the 1971 Liberation War. Although current leader Shafiqur Rahman promoted a vision of a "discrimination-free Bangladesh" and promised to protect women's rights, the party could not escape its past. Student wing violence: Reports of clashes involving Islami Chhatra Shibir and allegations of voter intimidation in Bogura and Saidpur undermined the party's "moderate" messaging. The 'Saidpur' cash scandal: Hours before polling, the arrest of a Jamaat leader with Taka 74 lakh in cash fueled BNP claims of "vote buying," damaging Jamaat's image as a "reformist" force. The new order: Tarique Rahman's landslide With the BNP exceeding the 151-seat majority threshold, Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister. In his first victory address, Rahman requested "special prayers" instead of victory rallies, indicating a focus on stability. For Jamaat, the 2026 result confirms its role as the main opposition but also highlights its failure to persuade a majority of Bangladeshis to support its Islamist vision for governance, despite a significant organizational effort. ALSO READ | How can an MP be expelled? The rules and rituals behind the demand to oust Rahul Gandhi | EXPLAINED The security situation in Pakistans troubled Balochistan province faces a new challenge. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a prominent separatist group, has announced the formation of its first modern air and drone warfare unit, called the Qazi Aero Hive Rangers (QAHR). This announcement, made on February 12, 2026, signifies a major shift in the groups traditional guerrilla tactics toward advanced aerial surveillance and offensive operations. Inside the 'QAHR': A new aerial front The BLA's media wing released a statement saying that the QAHR unit focuses on drone operations, aerial monitoring, and precise strikes. The group claims that senior commander Abdul Basit developed the unit. He has long pushed for using modern technology and research in the organizations combat strategies. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Capabilities of the QAHR unit: - Advanced Drone Warfare: Focus on using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for tactical advantage. - Aerial Surveillance: Real-time monitoring of military movements and infrastructure. - Coordinated Strikes: Working with ground units for multi-dimensional attacks. The debut: Operation Herof 2.0 The BLA stated that the QAHR unit had its first operational deployment during Operation Herof 2.0, a large-scale offensive that started in late January and early February 2026. In this operation, the group targeted important military sites, port facilities in Gwadar, and communication networks. While the BLA claims the drones played a key role in these strikes, independent verification of their effectiveness is limited. However, military analysts believe that the use of drones by non-state actors in the region represents a serious new threat to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and local security. Video evidence and strategic shift Along with the announcement, the BLA released a two-minute video and several high-resolution images. The footage reportedly shows: - Technical Testing: Armed BLA members performing drone flight tests in a rugged, mountainous training area. - Operational Footage: Alleged drone views over the strategic port city of Gwadar, linked to recent attacks. Experts think this move represents a significant change for the insurgency. By moving beyond traditional landmines and ambushes, the BLA is trying to bypass the Pakistan Armys ground defenses, creating a vertical threat that is much harder to monitor in Balochistans vast desert terrain. Pakistan's response: 'Radd-ul-Fitna-1' The Pakistani military has not made a specific statement about the QAHR unit but is heavily involved in Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 to counter the recent spike in violence. Officials have confirmed they deployed their own helicopters and surveillance drones to reclaim towns like Nushki and to maintain control over Gwadar. Security sources in Islamabad pointed out that while the BLA may be experimenting with commercial drones, the state has superior electronic warfare and counter-drone technology. ALSO READ | IMD weather alert: Two western disturbances to hit himalayan region; Delhi AQI remains 'poor' Ballot boxes have redrawn Bangladeshs political map. In the first general election since last years uprising swept Sheikh Hasina from power, voters handed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party a commanding mandate, clearing the path for Tarique Rahman to take the helm in Dhaka. The scale of the victory signals not just a change of government, but a decisive shift in the countrys political direction. For Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate who stepped in to steady the nation after the unrest, the result marks the closing of an extraordinary chapter. Brought back to lead a caretaker administration at a moment of upheaval, he now prepares to hand over power, leaving behind a reform blueprint and a country poised between renewal and renewed rivalry. Who won and by how much? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source According to the Election Commissions latest figures, the BNP has won 209 seats out of the 297 announced so far. The party declared on X that it is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats. Jamaat-e-Islami, previously banned under Hasinas government, secured 68 seats, its strongest showing yet, and is set to become the main opposition in the 350-member Jatiya Sangsad, which includes 50 nominated members. The National Citizen Party (NCP), born out of the student protests that toppled Hasina, won six seats. Its leader, Nahid Islam, captured Dhaka-11, becoming one of the youngest MPs in the new parliament. The NCP contested the election in alliance with Jamaat. Other parties and independents shared the remaining seats. Voting took place in 299 constituencies instead of 300 due to a candidates death, while a court barred publication of results in Chattogram-3 and Chattogram-8, leaving 297 declared outcomes. The Election Commission reported voter turnout at 59.88 per cent, describing the polls as among the most peaceful and credible in decades. Reuters, citing the Commission, reported slightly different tallies, 181 seats for the BNP and 61 for Jamaat, as final confirmations are still pending. Was the result expected? The scale of the BNPs victory had been widely anticipated. The party rode a wave of anger over unemployment and rising prices and capitalised on the momentum of last years student-led uprising. By May 2025, it was also staging rallies against the interim administration, pressing for early elections and concessions. Hasinas Awami League was barred from contesting. She fled to India after 15 years in power and faces convictions from the International Crimes Tribunal. Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, returned from self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom weeks before the vote. He had left Bangladesh in 2008, citing politically motivated persecution. What about claims of irregularities? Despite the decisive outcome, allegations have surfaced. Both the BNP and the NCP have spoken of irregularities and possible election engineering, though neither has offered detailed evidence. Jamaat also expressed dissatisfaction. In a statement on Facebook, it said, We are not satisfied with the process surrounding the election results. From candidates of the 11-party alliance narrowly and suspiciously losing in various constituencies, to repeated inconsistencies and fabrications in unofficial result announcements, the Election Commissions reluctance to publish voter turnout percentages, and indications that a section of the administration leaned towards a major party, all of this undoubtedly raises serious questions about the integrity of the results process. The party has urged supporters to await official confirmation. What happened to the July Charter? Alongside parliamentary voting, Bangladesh held a referendum on the July Charter, a reform roadmap drafted by Yunuss caretaker government after the uprising. According to the Election Commission, 60.26 per cent of voters backed the charter. Early counts reported by The Daily Star suggested 72.9 per cent in favour and 27.1 per cent opposed. The charter outlines more than 80 proposals for constitutional and institutional reform, including stronger judicial independence, enhanced womens representation, prime ministerial term limits, expanded presidential powers, and the creation of a 100-member upper chamber alongside the existing parliament. The BNP has said it will support implementation. What next for Muhammad Yunus? Yunus assumed office in August 2024 after student leaders requested that he head an interim administration. He repeatedly insisted he had no desire to be part of the next elected government, defining his task as ensuring a peaceful transition. He described the political system he inherited as completely broken and pushed for safeguards against a return to one-party dominance. A referendum endorsement strengthens the moral case for reform, but implementation now rests with the incoming government. His tenure was not without controversy. Critics pointed to his perceived closeness to protest movements and questioned his governments handling of detentions. Reform, accountability, and stability did not always sit easily together, and difficult decisions cost him support among parts of Dhakas elite. Reports from London suggested Rahman had floated the idea of Yunus becoming president if the BNP came to power. Those close to Yunus deny any interest in such a role. With proposed reforms expanding presidential authority, Rahman may prefer a more compliant figure. Yet Yunus retains considerable standing abroad, unmatched by any other Bangladeshi political figure. Some argue that a domestically focused prime minister paired with an internationally respected president could serve the country well. For now, Yunus appears set to step aside once constitutional formalities conclude. Whether he is remembered as the steady hand who guided Bangladesh through a volatile transition, or as a brief custodian in a divided system, will depend on how durable the post-election settlement proves to be. The most talked about and market moving research calls around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today's research calls that investors need to know, as compiled by The Fly. Top 5 Upgrades: William Blair upgraded Fastly (FSLY) to Outperform from Market Perform without a price target. The company reported a "stellar" quarter driven by rising contribution from agentic AI traffic, the firm tells investors in a research note. JPMorgan upgraded MercadoLibre (MELI) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $2,800, up from $2,650. The firm cites valuation for the upgrade following the stock's recent underperformance. Barclays upgraded Analog Devices (ADI) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $375, up from $315. The company has the highest industrial exposure within the analog group "by far" and a strong correlation between its sales growth and the Purchasing Managers' Index, the firm tells investors in a research note. Deutsche Bank upgraded BorgWarner (BWA) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $82, up from $46. The firm says the company's entrance into the AI data center market is a "pivotal shift." TD Cowen upgraded Shopify (SHOP) to Buy from Hold with an unchanged price target of $159, citing valuation for the upgrade with the shares down 30% year-to-date. Shopify's "strong" quarter, continued growth momentum and the post-earnings pullback "represents an attractive entry point for investors to own the de facto modern-day eCommerce infrastructure," the firm tells investors in a research note. Mizuho also upgraded Shopify to Outperform from Neutral with an unchanged price target of $150. Top 5 Downgrades: Monness Crespi downgraded Coinbase (COIN) to Sell from Buy with a $120 price target as the firm is cutting estimates "again" ahead of the company's Q4 report. The firm says its prior assumption of a steady recovery over the course of calendar 2026 was "foolish" given the typical length and magnitude of crypto bear markets, telling investors that it now models softness through the first half of 2026 and sets its calendar 2026 and 2027 estimates below the Street view. JPMorgan downgraded Kraft Heinz (KHC) to Underweight from Neutral with a price target of $22, down from $24. The company reported a Q4 beat but its 2026 organic sales growth and earnings outlooks were below consensus estimates, the firm tells investors in a research note. BofA downgraded Icon (ICLR) to Underperform from Neutral with a price target of $75, down from $195, after the company announced an internal board investigation into accounting practices and controls and noted that preliminary indications are that the company may have overstated revenues in 2023-2024 by up to 2% each fiscal year. Leerink also downgraded Icon but to Market Perform from Outperform with a price target of $105, down from $220. Wells Fargo downgraded Inspire Medical (INSP) to Equal Weight from Overweight with a price target of $70, down from $145. The firm says that while significant downside risk to Inspire's 2026 revenue seems less likely with its IV system availability, there is too much uncertainty about physician reimbursement that is likely to remain an overhang on shares for some time. Baird also downgraded Inspire Medical to Neutral from Outperform with a price target of $74, down from $130. A court-appointed report submitted to the Supreme Court has drawn attention to the worsening eyesight of former Prime Minister Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi and the restrictions on his legal and family access while he remains in custody at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The report was compiled by Barrister Salman Safdar, who was asked by the Court to review Khans conditions. It draws on Khans own account and observations made during a visit to the jail. I Had Normal Vision Add Zee News as a Preferred Source According to the report, Khan told the Amicus that until October 2025, he had normal 66 vision. He then began experiencing blurred and hazy eyesight. He said he repeatedly informed jail authorities about the problem, but no immediate steps were taken. He later suffered a sudden loss of sight in his right eye. Doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) diagnosed him with Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), a condition caused by a blood clot in the eye. Despite receiving treatment, including an injection, his vision in the right eye has now been reduced to around 15 percent. During the meeting, the Amicus noted that Khan appeared visibly shaken by the loss of vision. His eyes were watery, and he frequently wiped them with a tissuesigns of both physical discomfort and emotional strain. The report recommends that his condition be examined again by independent eye specialists. Years in Isolation The document also records that Khan has spent roughly four years and four months in solitary confinement. He remains housed in a secured compound and spends most of his day inside his cell. The report notes that summer conditions inside the compound are difficult, with intense heat, humidity and insects. It also mentions that there is no refrigerator in the cell. Khan reportedly said that food has spoiled during hot weather and that he suffered food poisoning on more than one occasion. Limited Legal and Family Contact Access to lawyers is another issue raised. Khan said he has not been allowed to meet his lead counsel or legal team in recent months. This, he said, has made it harder to follow developments in his cases or give instructions. Family contact has also been restricted. While weekly meetings with his spouse are permitted, other relatives have reportedly not been allowed to visit. Phone calls with his sons abroad have also been limited. Before the Court Although Khan told the Amicus that he feels physically safe inside the jail, the report lists several concerns that require the Courts attentionincluding an independent medical review, improved sanitation, restored legal access and expanded family communication. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman led his party to a landslide victory in the February 12 parliamentary elections, marking a significant comeback for the BNP. The Election Commission on Friday declared official results for 297 seats in the 13th National Parliament elections. According to the results, the BNP-led alliance won 212 seats. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance won 77 seats, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh and independent candidates won one and seven seats each, respectively. The EC said the results for Chittagong-2 and Chittagong-4 have been postponed due to pending court cases, and the gazette for Sherpur-2 will not be published yet despite the results being declared, Prothom Alo reported. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Individually, the BNP won 209 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68. Other parties that made gains include the Jatiya Nagorik Party (6), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis (2), Khelafat Majlis (1), Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (1), Gana Sanghati Andolan (1), and Gana Adhikar Parishad (1), Prothom Alo reported. Who is Tarique Rahman? Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years in exile. His return came amid political turmoil following the July 2024 violence that ended Sheikh Hasina's long tenure. Following Khaleda Zia's death in December 2025, Tarique officially became BNP Chairman, having previously managed party affairs as Acting Chairman. A veteran political strategist, Tarique earned the nickname Dark Prince during the BNP-led coalition government of 2001-2006, when he wielded considerable influence from Hawa Bhaban, a building often referred to as the shadow PMO. His political trajectory included arrests, sentencing in absentia, and medical exile, many of which were later lifted following a student-led uprising in August 2024. The February elections replaced the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which had taken power after Hasinas government collapsed. With the Awami League out of the contest, the contest became a direct contest between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, with the BNP dominating. Initial counts of 204 of the 299 seats showed the BNP leading in 158, the Jamaat-e-Islami in 41, and others in five. The party has indicated that Tarique Rahman will be its prime ministerial candidate if it forms the government. Implications for India India has closely watched Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, the first since the violent July 2024 coup that toppled Sheikh Hasina and drove her into exile. Delhi sees a strong performance by radical Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami or their role in a BNP-led coalition as a firm red line. Such a result could sour bilateral ties, draw Dhaka toward Pakistan and China, and erode India's regional clout, while raising fears of Bangladesh becoming a hub for Pakistan-linked militants threatening India's eastern border amid existing strains with Islamabad and Beijing. These elections thus hold high stakes for India, determining if Dhaka stays a reliable ally against Chinese and Pakistani sway, thereby curbing risks of border tensions escalating into wider security challenges. New Delhi: Beijing appears to see India as an important global partner rather than a rival. Officials are showing an understanding and respect for New Delhis goal of getting a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Diplomats say that translating this gesture into concrete action will depend on Beijings next moves, but its softer approach shows a diplomatic success for India. New Delhi and Beijing are showing signs of thawing long-frozen ties, as a recent strategic dialogue revealed a change in Chinas position. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during the high-level talks, China expressed comprehension and respect for Indias ambitions for a permanent UNSC membership. This is the first time Beijing has openly addressed the issue. The statement is especially important because China has long been considered the main obstacle to Indias path to a permanent seat in the UNSC. The talks between the two nations involved Indias foreign secretary and Chinas executive vice foreign minister. They laid the groundwork for future bilateral relations and indicated a possible change in Chinas approach to global diplomacy. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source India has been seeking a permanent seat on the UNSC for many years and has support from the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Russia. China used to block it with technical objections, but experts say its recent recognition shows it now sees New Delhis growing influence and leadership in BRICS. The strategic dialogue also focussed on rebuilding bilateral relations. Both sides emphasised that peace and stability in border regions is the foundation of their partnership. The two sides agreed to resolve disputes not only at the military level but also through political and strategic engagement. Progress along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including troop withdrawals, was reviewed in detail. The talks also highlighted practical measures to ease people-to-people connections. Visa procedures are expected to be simplified, and an updated air services agreement is planned to resume direct flights between the two neighbours. The successful restart of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage was highlighted in the meeting, with expectations of further expansion in the future. On the multilateral front, Indias BRICS presidency this year received support from China, which committed to aiding the successful organisation of the summit and participating in discussions on strengthening cooperation. Trade and economic ties are also being explored afresh. This indicates a potential deepening of bilateral engagement. PM Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on his party's decisive victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, asserting that India will continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive neighbourhood as the BNP crossed the majority mark. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals." BNPs polls coordination committee chief, Nazrul Islam Khan, welcomed PM Modis congratulatory message, expressing gratitude on behalf of the party. He added that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, ties between the two countries and their people are expected to strengthen. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Live Updates | Bangladesh Election Result 2026: BNP crosses majority mark; Jamaat-E-Islami likely main opposition Bangladesh election result According to local media, the Tarique Rahman-led BNP and its allies, including Gono Odhikar Porishad and Gono Songhoti Andolon, have won 211 seats, securing a commanding two-thirds majority in parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance captured 70 seats, while other parties managed to win six. Unofficial results from most constituencies indicate that BNP comfortably crossed the threshold required to form the government. In several key races, BNP candidates, including party chairman and prime ministerial frontrunner Tarique Rahman, emerged victorious with substantial vote counts. Overall, the outcome reflects a clear and decisive win for the party nationwide. Who is Tarique Rahman? Tarique Rahman is the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years in exile. His return came amid political turmoil following the July 2024 violence that ended Sheikh Hasina's long tenure. Following Khaleda Zia's death in December 2025, Tarique officially became BNP Chairman, having previously managed party affairs as Acting Chairman. Why is Bangladesh elections important for India? India is closely watching Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, the first since the violent July 2024 coup that toppled Sheikh Hasina and drove her into exile. Delhi sees a strong performance by radical Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami or their role in a BNP-led coalition as a firm red line. Such a result could sour bilateral ties, draw Dhaka toward Pakistan and China, and erode India's regional clout, while raising fears of Bangladesh becoming a hub for Pakistan-linked militants threatening India's eastern border amid existing strains with Islamabad and Beijing. These elections thus hold high stakes for India, determining if Dhaka stays a reliable ally against Chinese and Pakistani sway, thereby curbing risks of border tensions escalating into wider security challenges. Gripen vs Tejas: In the early 1980s, Sweden and India embarked on programmes to modernise their air forces with lightweight single-engine fighter jets. Stockholm developed the Saab JAS-39 Gripen to replace the aging Viggen fleet, while New Delhi initiated the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Tejas programme to phase out the MiG-21s and build domestic aerospace capabilities. Both aircraft were built for agility, versatility and cost-effectiveness. They feature delta-wing designs and fly-by-wire controls, enabling air combat, ground attacks and reconnaissance missions. The Gripen emerged as a reliable and globally recognised fighter. It has been exported to several countries and continuously upgraded. Its operational capability was demonstrated in July 2025 during the Thailand-Cambodia border skirmishes, where Thai forces employed both F-16s and Gripens in coordinated air operations. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Meanwhile, the Tejas delivered a fully indigenous lightweight multirole fighter to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Newer variants incorporate over 70 percent Indian-made components, including advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems. Signifying a major milestone for Indias self-reliance in defense technology, production has accelerated with the Mk1A version. Despite its technical achievements, the aircraft is often described as underperforming or delayed. Analysts attribute this not to design or engineering flaws, but to delayed decision-making, bureaucratic hurdles, weak institutional processes, fragmented responsibilities and reliance on foreign suppliers. These systemic challenges slowed the programme and affected public perception, even as the fighter jet met its operational goals. Taking only 14 years, the Gripen programme began in June 1982 and entered the Swedish Air Force service by June 1996. Sweden leveraged decades of aerospace experience from the Draken and Viggen programmes. Over 270 Gripen aircraft have been produced in multiple variants, with annual production targets of around 36 units from facilities in Linkoping, Sweden and Gaviao Peixoto, Brazil. Export contracts continue to expand, including a recent order from Colombia for 17 Gripen E/F jets to be delivered between 2026 and 2032, with Thailand planning additional purchases. Negotiations and proposals with Canada and other nations are ongoing. Saab has emphasised technology transfer and modular upgrades as core strengths. The Gripen has operationally proven itself across international exercises, integrates with NATO systems, maintains supercruise capability, has low operating costs of roughly $4,000-5,000 per flight hour and includes advanced Raven ES-05 AESA radar and sensor fusion systems. Its success comes from consistent funding, rapid and streamlined decision-making, low bureaucracy, international partnerships for engines like the GE F414 and resilient management that swiftly addressed early setbacks, including a 1989 prototype crash. The programme demonstrates that clear objectives and strong execution can deliver timely military capability, global competitiveness and industrial benefits simultaneously. The Tejas programme has taken over 33 years to reach operational status. Forty Tejas Mk1 aircraft are now in service, with Mk1A variants ready for delivery. They include complete avionics packages, with trials completed for Astra and ASRAAM missiles. Nine additional aircraft have flown but are grounded due to limited availability of the GE F404 engines. The HAL aims to roll out 24 aircraft by March 2026, though production is dependent on engine supply. A total of 180 Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 aircraft have been ordered, with the Mk2 expected to take its first flight in late 2026 or early 2027. Tejas represents an indigenous achievement, with over 70 percent Indian content, GaN-based AESA radar, future capability for BrahMos-NG integration and design optimised for high-altitude operations. The programme confirms Indias ability to design, build and operate a modern fighter from scratch. However, repeated delivery delays, slow production rates and the retirement of MiG-21 squadrons have affected operational strength and public perception, even though the aircrafts technical competence is unquestioned. The delays in the Mk1A programme have pushed deliveries from 2024 to mid-2026 or later. Early production rates were slow, with only 8-16 aircraft per year. It is now gradually increasing to 24 per year. Squadron strength has been affected, causing dissatisfaction, while some completed aircraft are grounded due to missing engines. These systemic shortcomings have overshadowed the aircrafts technical achievements. The challenges Tejas faced were systemic rather than technical. Bureaucracy slowed approvals, multiple agencies like DRDO, ADA, HAL, the Ministry of Defence and certification bodies worked in silos, responsibilities were unclear and approvals were delayed. Changing Air Force requirements demanded new designs, tests and certifications repeatedly, prolonging timelines. Dependence on foreign engines like the GE F404 and setbacks in indigenous engines caused further delays. International restrictions following the 1998 Pokhran tests and underestimated project complexity added to the lag. While the Gripen demonstrates how decisive leadership, clear responsibility and efficient execution can produce a globally successful fighter in just 14 years, Tejas shows that even technically sound aircraft can be hindered by systemic weaknesses. With better centralised command, clearer accountability, private sector involvement and multiple supply chain options, Tejas has the potential to achieve the same global recognition and operational success that Gripen has earned for Sweden. The United States is deploying a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, and its escort ships from the Caribbean to West Asia, the New York Times reported on Friday. The development comes as US President Donald Trump weighs military action against Iran as talks continue between Washington and Tehran over the latter's nuclear programme. The US is increasing pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear programme. The NYT report said that four US officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity have confirmed this development and stated that the vessels are not expected to return to their home ports until late April or early May. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The USS Ford strike group's new orders will have it join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf. The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in West Asia more than two weeks ago. The ship's extraordinary deployment, which began June 24 when the Ford left port in Norfolk, Virginia, was originally meant to be a European cruise but was redirected to the Caribbean as part of Trump's pressure campaign on Venezuela, the New York Times reported. The US news outlet reported that the USS Ford's warplanes participated in the January 3 attack on Caracas that captured President Nicolas Maduro. The strike group's current deployment has already been extended once, and its sailors were expecting to come home in early March. Trump, after he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (local US time), said that Iran was struck by 'Midnight Hammer' previously when it failed to reach a deal and added that he hoped Tehran would act in a more reasonable and responsible way this time. On June 21-22, 2025, under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Recenlty Iranian official Ali Larijani, in an interview with Al Jazeera, emphasized that indirect negotiations with Washington are ongoing in Oman and that no specific proposal has yet been received from the United States. Iran's state media reported that Larijani noted that the United States has reached the conclusion that it must adopt an approach toward Iran that differs from the military option, describing Washington's entry into the negotiation process as a sign of moving toward a "rational path." Further, he rejected any discussion about "zero enrichment," stating that Iran requires enrichment for the energy sector and the production of medicine. He warned: "If the United States attacks us, we will target its military bases in the region," a report in the IRNA news agency said. (Corrects to state that SoftBank has recorded an investment gain of $19.8 billion on OpenAI rather than anticipates one in paragraph 7) By Anton Bridge TOKYO, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank Group booked a fourth consecutive quarterly profit on Thursday, helped by the rising valuation of its OpenAI investment and took on more debt as it deepened its exposure to the red-hot artificial intelligence sector. SoftBank reported a net profit of 248.6 billion yen ($1.62 billion) in the October-December quarter, compared with a net loss of 369 billion yen over the same period the previous year. The technology and investing conglomerate's earnings have been flattered by the rising valuation of its investment in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, even as the market questions the risk of overexposure to a single firm. Five analysts surveyed by LSEG projected quarterly net income in a range between a gain of 1.1 trillion yen ($7.07 billion) and a loss of 480 billion yen. Masayoshi Son's conglomerate has now invested more than $30 billion in OpenAI, building a shareholding of around 11%, in an "all-in" wager it will emerge as a winner in the battle between competing developers of large language models. OpenAI is reportedly seeking another capital injection of $100 billion, with SoftBank joined by Amazon and Nvidia as prospective investors at a yet higher valuation of $830 billion. SoftBank said it recorded a total investment gain on its OpenAI investment of $19.8 billion at December-end. To finance its bets, SoftBank has turned to asset sales, bond issuance and loans backed by its other holdings, such as chip designer Arm. RAISING FUNDS The heavy exposure to OpenAI means SoftBank is increasingly viewed as a publicly traded proxy for the U.S. firm, with investors examining the impact of its spending spree on its finances. The OpenAI stake is housed within the Vision Fund 2 investment vehicle, 17% of which is owned directly by SoftBank founder and CEO Son. SoftBank has already exited its position in Nvidia and, between June and December last year, sold part of its stake in T-Mobile for $12.7 billion. The conglomerate expanded a margin loan using shares in Arm to $20 billion from $13.5 billion previously and has used the remaining capacity. SoftBank also raised its borrowings against shares of its domestic telecoms unit SoftBank Corp to 1.2 trillion yen from 800 billion yen. While OpenAI was once considered the dominant player among makers of large language models, it has been negotiating rising costs to train and run its AI models amid intensifying competition from the likes of Alphabet. St George secures Minas Gerais tax break for Araxa Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock Development costs at St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ, FRA:S0G, OTC:SGQMF))'s Araxa Project in Brazil will fall after the State of Minas Gerais signed a preferential goods tax regime covering project build-out and processing infrastructure. Under the approved regime, equipment and other materials acquired for Araxas development including items for a pilot plant and any future full-scale industrial plant will be exempt from the State goods tax, which St George said can be as high as 18% and is typically applied at the time of purchase. The agreement was signed by Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema, alongside the states Economic Development Department (SEDE) and the Minas Gerais Integrated Development Institute (Invest Minas). Our ongoing drill program at Araxa is delivering tremendous high-grade results which we believe will underpin a very robust proposal for a world-class niobium and rare earths mining operation," St George Mining executive chairman John Prineas said. We are delighted that the Government of Minas Gerais has recognised the value of our development strategy at Araxa with tax exemptions and other support. The tax concessions will feed directly into our economic study for a potential mining operation at Araxa." Builds on earlier collaboration agreement The tax support builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding between St George and the State of Minas Gerais, under which the parties agreed to collaborate on advancing Araxa and supporting the establishment of domestic supply chains for niobium, rare earths and related downstream products, including magnets. The company said the States backing is expected to assist Araxa as it progresses through regulatory approvals, feasibility studies and, potentially, into production. On 1 December 2025, St George hosted a Critical Minerals Forum in Araxa that was attended by more than 200 delegates representing the community, government and other stakeholders," Prineas said. Governor Romeu Zema, who is from Araxa, spoke at the Forum and made it clear that the State of Minas Gerais can play a leading role in establishing domestic supply chains in Brazil with several emerging critical minerals mines such as our Araxa Project as well as downstream initiatives like the Lab Fab facility of the MagBras Project. The combination of local and state government support, a world-class resource, the location in an established mining region and a first-class in-country team of engineers to drive project development provide St George with an outstanding opportunity to deliver on our vision for a globally significant rare earths and niobium mine at Araxa. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) is one of the most undervalued gold stocks to buy according to analysts. On February 10, Stifel raised its price target for Barrick Mining from C$65 to C$95 while maintaining a Buy rating. This sentiment was posted after the firm announced its Q4 2025 earnings results earlier on February 5. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) saw a 45% sequential revenue increase, which was driven by higher production levels and a 21% rise in realized gold prices. This revenue totaled $6 billion and also improved by 64.53% year-over-year. Operational growth was evident as gold production rose to 3.26 million ounces for the full year, while copper production saw a 13% quarterly increase. Barrick is now preparing for a partial IPO of its North American assets by Q4 2026 to address perceived undervaluation. The company also confirmed it ended the year in a strong financial position with $2 billion in net cash and stable gold and copper reserves totaling 85 million ounces and 18 million tons. Pixabay/Public Domain Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) explores, develops, produces, and sells mineral properties. It explores for gold, copper, silver, and energy materials. While we acknowledge the potential of B as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. The National Retail Federation indicates that shoppers are expected to spend $29.1 billion this Valentines Day in 2026, surpassing the previous $27.5 billion record in 2025. While shoppers buy many items on Valentines Day, candy is actually the most popular item. The National Retail Federation reports that 56% of consumers plan to buy candy for this holiday. By comparison, just 41% plan to buy flowers, 41% will buy greeting cards, 39% will pay for an evening out, and 25% will buy jewelry. Unfortunately, those shopping for candy need to be very careful about what they buy. Thats because of a troubling new report that reveals some of the most popular candies could be very dangerous to consumers. A study revealed that some popular candies can contain a harmful contaminant.Shutterstock Shutterstock Some candies contain an unacceptable level of arsenic Inorganic arsenic is a toxic metalloid found naturally in the environment, so everyone is exposed to it to some degree by eating food, drinking water, and breathing air, according to the Centers for Disease Control's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The problem is that some food ingredients, including cocoa and rice used in candy-making, may contain pesticide residue that heightens arsenic content to dangerous levels. Arsenic contamination can also occur during processing or packaging of candy products. More Personal Finance: ATSDR indicates that high arsenic exposure increases risks of: Irritation of the stomach and intestines Blood vessel damage Skin, liver, bladder, and lung cancer To investigate this danger, the Florida Department of Health funded a study showcasing the dangers of popular candy products. It evaluated many different candies, including some of the most popular treats in the United States. The study revealed the quantity of these items consumers would need to eat before being exposed to an unsafe level of arsenic. Which candies contain high arsenic levels, and how much can you eat? Unfortunately, the study found that many of the candies had very high arsenic levels. While the EPA allows 10 parts per billion of arsenic in drinking water, advocates argue that this is too high and contributes to cancer development. Unfortunately, many of the candies had a far greater amount of arsenic than that, with some containing up to 570 parts per billion. Real Simple summarized the riskiest candies and detailed how much of each one you can eat in a year before reaching a dangerous level of arsenic exposure. Nation amplifies efforts to boost consumer spending China Daily) 08:32, February 13, 2026 Foreign tourists shop at a mall in Sanya, Hainan province, on Jan 11. GUO CHENG/XINHUA China is set to launch a nationwide campaign to ignite consumer spending during the record nine-day-long Spring Festival holiday beginning Sunday, in a concerted push to funnel festive goodwill into robust economic momentum at the start of the new year, officials and economists said. The campaign, targeting the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar, includes consumer goods trade-ins, a prize invoice pilot program wherein consumers with valid purchase invoices above a set threshold can enter a lottery to win cash prizes and enhanced services for overseas tourists, to help domestic consumers and international travelers enter the festive spirit and enjoy great deals, they added. "This Sunday marks the start of the longest Spring Festival holiday on record a prime time for purchasing gifts, visiting family and friends, and holiday travel," Vice-Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping told a news conference on Wednesday. Coupled with a series of visa facilitation policies and targeted international marketing campaigns like "Shopping in China", these efforts have packaged the ancient festival's authentic rituals and vibrant atmosphere for a global audience. There is a huge rush among international tourists to visit China during Spring Festival, with flight bookings soaring 400 percent in the two weeks before the festival compared to the same period last year, data from online travel platform Ctrip showed. Leading the trend are travelers from Argentina, from where bookings skyrocketed 900 percent year-on-year, while bookings from European nations, including the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, all saw increases exceeding 200 percent. Vice-Minister of Commerce Sheng revealed that the country's 13,000 tax-refund shops for overseas visitors are already stocked with premium products, with the refund program offering foreign visitors shopping in China a discount of about 10 percent on their purchases. Last year, the number of overseas visitors claiming tax refunds surged by 305 percent year-on-year, data from the State Taxation Administration showed. "China has so many shops and there are so many styles available. It is really interesting to go around and check what Chinese brands provide," said Ekaterina Ermakova from Russia, who is visiting Beijing, adding, "I really love that Chinese people are very conscious about their culture." The Commerce Ministry is also encouraging individual localities to introduce multilingual Spring Festival folklore maps, designed to help foreign travelers easily locate and access iconic experiences such as traditional temple fairs, time-honored brand shops, and intangible cultural heritage markets. "We invite all to visit China during Spring Festival, to shop in China, and to join us in sharing the joy of the Chinese New Year," Sheng said. Cheng Shi, chief economist at ICBC International, said that the influx of international consumers, who have higher expectations from product quality, brand diversity, service standards and convenience, will push the domestic commercial system to accelerate its alignment with international norms. The improvements in the internationalized consumption environment are not exclusive to foreign visitors; they also enhance the consumption experience for local residents, thereby unlocking domestic consumption potential at a higher level, Cheng added. During the holiday period, the ministry will also guide local authorities to increase the volume of trade-in subsidies across the nation, and implement the prize invoice program in 50 pilot cities with enhanced bonus payouts to boost participation. In January, China front-loaded 62.5 billion yuan ($9.04 billion) of ultra-long-term special treasury bonds as the first batch of funds to support trade-ins of consumer goods this year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic regulator. On top of this, Sheng added that a total of 2.05 billion yuan has been allocated by local governments for direct consumer benefits via vouchers, subsidies and digital cash red packets. Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Orient Golden Credit Rating, said: "The Spring Festival period is a natural peak for consumption. These targeted measures are designed to amplify that effect, providing both the motivation and the means for households to spend." He added that a successful holiday push would also set the tone for the remaining months of the year by bolstering business confidence and consumer sentiment. Grace Tao, vice-president of Tesla, said that the scale and vitality of China's market are "unmatched" globally. "This shared market is more than a destination for products it is a testing ground and application arena for innovation," Tao said. "Feedback from Chinese consumers and the diversity of real-world usage scenarios have accelerated the maturation of our technologies and strengthened the global competitiveness of our products." (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Akbar Novruz Russia has decided to begin negotiations with Armenia on the restoration of two railway sections that would reconnect Armenias rail network with the railway systems of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, opening new regional transport routes, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking to journalists, Overchuk stated that the decision was taken at the request of the Armenian side. According to him, the planned works concern railway sections near the Armenian village of Yeraskh, which would link up with Azerbaijani railways, and near the settlement of Akhuryan, connecting Armenia to Turkiyes railway network. The total length of the railway segments to be restored is estimated at approximately 1.6 kilometers and 12.4 kilometers. Overchuk said that upcoming negotiations between Moscow and Yerevan will focus on determining the technical, financial, and other practical aspects of implementing the project. He noted that restoring these railway lines would allow Russia to establish direct rail connections with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as with Turkiye and Iran. According to Overchuk, this would give Russia rail access to Mediterranean ports via Nakhchivan and Turkiye, and to ports in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean through Iran. Overchuk stressed that Russia continues to work toward unblocking economic and transport links in the South Caucasus, including the restoration of previously destroyed infrastructure. Strengthening transport and logistics links in the Caucasus is of critical importance for the peoples of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Turkiye and Russia in terms of peace, stability and economic well-being, he said, expressing hope for constructive regional cooperation. The deputy prime minister also recalled that last year, for the first time since 1991, railway traffic between Russia and Armenia was restored through the territories of Azerbaijan and Georgia. He said the reopening of this route created more competitive conditions for Russian exports to reach foreign markets and contributed to the expansion of mutual trade. Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). To keep the lesson grounded in practicality, we'll use ROE to better understand TAG Immobilien AG (ETR:TEG). ROE or return on equity is a useful tool to assess how effectively a company can generate returns on the investment it received from its shareholders. In other words, it is a profitability ratio which measures the rate of return on the capital provided by the company's shareholders. AI is about to change healthcare. These 20 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10bn in marketcap - there is still time to get in early. How Is ROE Calculated? ROE can be calculated by using the formula: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for TAG Immobilien is: 11% = 398m 3.5b (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2025). The 'return' refers to a company's earnings over the last year. Another way to think of that is that for every 1 worth of equity, the company was able to earn 0.11 in profit. See our latest analysis for TAG Immobilien Does TAG Immobilien Have A Good Return On Equity? One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. As is clear from the image below, TAG Immobilien has a better ROE than the average (8.7%) in the Real Estate industry. XTRA:TEG Return on Equity February 13th 2026 That's what we like to see. However, bear in mind that a high ROE doesnt necessarily indicate efficient profit generation. Aside from changes in net income, a high ROE can also be the outcome of high debt relative to equity, which indicates risk. You can see the 3 risks we have identified for TAG Immobilien by visiting our risks dashboard for free on our platform here. How Does Debt Impact ROE? Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the case of the first and second options, the ROE will reflect this use of cash, for growth. In the latter case, the debt required for growth will boost returns, but will not impact the shareholders' equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Some of Global Counsels clients are leaving after revelations about Peter Mandelson in the Epstein files Tesco has cut ties with the lobbying group co-founded by Lord Mandelson amid a growing exodus of clients after the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The supermarket giant confirmed it had axed its deal with Global Counsel on Wednesday, becoming the latest major client to cancel a contract after the extent of Lord Mandelsons close relationship with Epstein came to light. Phoenix Group, which owns Standard Life, confirmed on Wednesday it had also cancelled its contract, while Bank of America was also reported to have severed ties. Lord Mandelson founded Global Counsel in 2010, building a glittering roster of elite business clients seeking policy advice and access to the firms political contacts. He stepped down as chairman of the firm in 2024 after he was appointed British ambassador to the US. Yet the firms relationships have been unravelling after fresh revelations about Lord Mandelsons ties to Epstein. Blackstone, the private equity giant founded by billionaire Stephen Schwarzman, said on Monday that it had dropped Global Counsel while the Premier League has also halted work. Barclays and KKR have also abandoned the lobbying firm. Some of Global Counsels other high-profile customers such as military contractor Palantir are maintaining their relationships. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, who co-founded the lobbying firm with the disgraced peer in 2010, resigned from the firm last week. In an internal email, he said: Although the firm has never had any commercial engagement with Epstein in any form whatsoever, the ongoing controversy regarding Mandelsons relationship with him is a distraction for the business. The Telegraph has previously disclosed that Rebecca Park, the firms new chief executive, would be acquiring Lord Mandelsons shares as the advisory business fully cuts ties with the former minister. Archie Norman, Global Counsels chairman, said last week: Peter Mandelson no longer has any shareholding, role, or association with Global Counsel and has no influence over the firm in any capacity. Lord Mandelson has said he regrets ever having known Epstein. The Epstein emails revealed that Lord Mandelson had continued to seek advice and guidance from the financier for years after he was convicted of soliciting sex from underage girls as young as 14 in 2008. The former business secretary maintained a friendship with the paedophile even after he had set up Global Counsel. Tesco and Bank of America were contacted for comment. A Global Counsel spokesman declined to comment. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. The logo of financial services provider Goldman Sachs is pictured during the 10th Investment Congress of the DAB Bank at the Sheraton Hotel. Tobias Hase/dpa Goldman Sachs has confirmed that its top lawyer, Kathryn Ruemmler, has resigned following revelations that her ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were closer than previously known. The US bank confirmed to the Financial Times and the New York Times on Thursday that Ruemmler will officially step down on June 30. The 54-year-old, a former federal prosecutor and White House counsel under former president Barack Obama, has served as Goldman Sachs' chief legal officer since 2021. The disclosure comes after the release of a large volume of Epstein-related documents, which showed Ruemmler received expensive gifts from Epstein and advised him on media matters while she was practicing law. Handwritten FBI notes included in the files indicate that Ruemmler was among those who Epstein contacted immediately following his arrest in 2019, according to the Wall Street Journal. Epstein later died in his New York jail cell. Ruemmler's spokeswoman said she had only a professional relationship with Epstein and was unaware of his crimes. Goldman Sachs had previously dismissed suggestions that the revelations could affect her position at the bank. As the FTSE 100 index faces challenges due to weak trade data from China and declining commodity prices, investors are seeking stability in an uncertain market environment. In such conditions, dividend stocks can offer a reliable income stream, making them an attractive option for those looking to navigate the current economic landscape. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In The United Kingdom Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating RS Group (LSE:RS1) 3.09% OSB Group (LSE:OSB) 5.80% Multitude (LSE:0R4W) 3.85% MONY Group (LSE:MONY) 8.44% Impax Asset Management Group (AIM:IPX) 7.83% IG Group Holdings (LSE:IGG) 3.51% Dunelm Group (LSE:DNLM) 7.33% BTG Consulting (AIM:BTG) 3.73% Arbuthnot Banking Group (AIM:ARBB) 5.57% 4imprint Group (LSE:FOUR) 4.56% Click here to see the full list of 46 stocks from our Top UK Dividend Stocks screener. Below we spotlight a couple of our favorites from our exclusive screener. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Bytes Technology Group plc provides software, security, AI, and cloud services across the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally with a market cap of 688.71 million. Operations: Bytes Technology Group plc generates revenue primarily through its IT Solutions Provider segment, which accounts for 219.74 million. Dividend Yield: 6.9% Bytes Technology Group's dividend is well-covered by earnings, with a payout ratio of 45.6%, and cash flows, despite an 85.7% cash payout ratio. The dividend yield of 6.9% places it in the top quartile of UK dividend payers, though its track record is unstable with only four years of payments and volatility exceeding 20%. Trading at a significant discount to fair value enhances its appeal for investors seeking value alongside dividends. LSE:BYIT Dividend History as at Feb 2026 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Card Factory plc is a specialist retailer offering cards, gifts, and celebration essentials across the UK, South Africa, Republic of Ireland, the US, and internationally with a market cap of 244.15 million. Operations: Card Factory plc generates revenue through its Partnerships segment, which contributes 32.10 million, and its Cardfactory Stores segment, which brings in 513.20 million. Dividend Yield: 6.8% Card Factory's dividend yield of 6.8% ranks it among the top UK dividend payers, though its history is marked by volatility and past reductions. Despite this, dividends are well-covered by earnings and cash flows with payout ratios of 39.8% and 19.6%, respectively. The company's recent revenue growth to 541.6 million supports its financial health, while a low price-to-earnings ratio of 5.7x suggests good value relative to the market average. Updated: The story has been updated to include a comment from Binance. Worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance (CRYPTO: BNB) holds the lions share of World Liberty Financial USD (USD1), the stablecoin issued by a Trump family cryptocurrency venture. Concentration A Red Flag? The cryptocurrency behemoth controls $4.7 billion of the stablecoins $5.4 billion total supply, according to data from on-chain analytics firm Arkham, first noted on Forbes This marked the highest concentration on any third-party exchange among the top 10 stablecoins by market capitalization. For context, Binance held only about 10% of Tether (CRYPTO: USDT), the worlds largest stablecoin, and 12.37% of USDC (CRYPTO: USDC). Don't Miss: Note that Binances 2023 settlement with the Treasury Department bars it from serving American customers. Forbes said that the 87% of USD1 held in Binance-controlled wallets would mostly be held on behalf of customers outside the U.S. It is not uncommon for large exchanges to hold large amounts of certain tokens due to the scale of operations. Liquidity follows user demand and we work hard to meet demand and serve our users, a Bianance spokesperson told Benzinga. The company said that its involvement with USD1 is limited to standard listing, infrastructure, and market-access services that it provides to other projects. A response from World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency platform behind USD1, is also awaited. See Also: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen USD1s Strategic Rise USD1, designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar, is now the fourth-largest stablecoin by market capitalization, surpassing PayPal USD (CRYPTO: PYUSD) and Dai (CRYPTO: DAI). The stablecoin was chosen to close Abu Dhabi investment firm MGXs $2 billion deal with Binance last year. This prompted Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) allege a potential quid pro quo between the Trump family and Binances convicted ex-CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, later pardoned by President Donald Trump. CZ has repeatedly denied these allegations, clarifying it was a transaction paymentnot an investment in World Liberty Financial. Interestingly, he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Binances U.S. affiliate is preparing a comeback. LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The UK has chosen HSBC's blockchain platform to run the country's pilot issuance of tokenised or digital government bonds, the bank said on Thursday, a move that puts Britain ahead of its G7 peers in exploring blockchain-based sovereign debt. The UK's "Digital Gilt Instrument" pilot, which was announced in 2024, tests how distributed-ledger technology could make capital markets more efficient and reduce costs for financial institutions. It is unclear when the government plans to issue the gilt using the new technology. Patrick George, HSBC's global head of markets and securities services, said in a statement that the bank was "delighted" to support the development of the gilt market and wider UK economy. George said the bank's Orion platform had a "proven track record" of delivering successful outcomes in other jurisdictions, having enabled the issuance of more than $3.5 billion in digital bonds globally across the sovereign, central bank, financial institution, and corporate sectors. The government also appointed Ashurst LLP to provide legal services for the DIGIT pilot, it said in a statement. While interest in issuing traditional assets on blockchain is rising globally, tokenised debt remains a small fraction of the market. (Reporting by Muvija M and Phoebe Seers; editing by Sarah Young and Rashmi AIch) (Corrects law firm name in final paragraph to Marks & Clerk, not Clerks) LONDON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - An artificial neural network, a type of artificial intelligence which can engage in machine learning, can be patented, the United Kingdom's Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in a decision welcomed by lawyers as a boost for patenting AI innovations. Emotional Perception AI applied for a patent for an artificial neural network (ANN) which can recommend media files, such as music, and which it says is able to produce another file with can evoke a similar emotional response in the user, even irrespective of genre or personal taste. The UK Intellectual Property Office refused the application in 2022, prompting a flurry of appeals before the Supreme Court ruled in Emotional Perception AI's favour on Wednesday. The Supreme Court ruled that a computer program can be patented if it involves the use of physical hardware - which lawyers said was a significant change to the law - and that, as an artificial neural network can only be used on hardware it could in principle be patented. The court sent the case back to the Intellectual Property Office, to decide whether to grant a patent. Following the court's decision, the Intellectual Property Office said the ruling had clarified the law. Patent lawyers said the judgment would have significant implications for applications for all software patents, not just relating to AI, in the UK. Jonathan Ball, a partner with the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright described the ruling as "a major boost for AI innovators", adding that it "could make it easier for AI companies to secure patent protection in the UK". Alex Morgan, from Paul Hastings, said the decision was "consistent with the UK positioning itself as an AI-friendly, pro-innovation jurisdiction and could boost its attractiveness for companies developing advanced machine learning technologies". Lara Sibley, a partner at Marks & Clerk, agreed the ruling may be helpful to applicants for AI-related patents, but cautioned that it remained to be seen how the Intellectual Property Office will interpret and apply it. (Reporting by Sam Tobin, Editing by William Maclean) By Marc Jones and Karin Strohecker LONDON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Ukraine expects its new $8.2 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund to be formally approved in weeks, its debt chief has told Reuters, a telegraphed but symbolic step, with the war with Russia about to grind into a fifth year. The agreement, which is set to replace an existing $15.6 billion IMF facility, will help Kyiv maintain economic stability and public spending against what is expected to be a near $140 billion budget shortfall over the next few years. In an interview with Reuters, Ukraine's long-serving debt management head, Yuriy Butsa, said formal IMF Board sign-off on the money should come very soon. "I would expect it in a matter of weeks," Butsa said during an interview in London where he was attending meetings. "I think February is still doable in terms of a timeline." The IMF declined to comment on the potential timing of a formal approval. The four-year anniversary of the war is February 24. Since Moscow's invasion, Ukraine has required hundreds of billions of dollars of support from Western governments and institutions and a more than $20 billion sovereign debt restructuring. "As of now we are waiting for the new IMF programme, but we already agreed on all the numbers for this and next year and will cover it (budget deficit) from existing commitments," Butsa said, also praising the EU's new 90 billion euro loan. He said he wasn't getting carried away by talk of a potential U.S.-brokered ceasefire ahead of this month's anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday the U.S. needed to put more pressure on Russia if it wanted the war to end by summer, adding it was unclear whether Moscow would attend U.S.-brokered peace talks next week. "We need to plan everything cautiously, we cannot get over-optimistic about any news flow," Butsa said, explaining a ceasefire wouldn't end the financial pressures anyway. "The reason for that is, even for a ceasefire, we believe that we need to maintain a strong and large army and we will still need to re-arm ourselves." He said Ukraine was unlikely to rush to issue more international market debt whenever the war does end. Instead it will keep using cheap concessional lending and borrow in local currency debt markets where it doesn't face currency risk. With Ukraine's IMF programme underpinned by a so-called debt stability analysis, or DSA, Butsa said the government also wouldn't be able to provide "guarantees" to help state-owned firms like Ukrainian Railways and Naftogaz restructure their debts. This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter. Automakers have had to swallow a bitter electric-vehicle pill over the past year, writing off billions of dollars after realizing expectations of consumers demand for the new powertrain technology was overambitious. Ford was first to pull the expensive EV plug, writing off $19.5 billion from its profits in December while scrapping production of the F-150 Lightning. Next, came General Motors in January announcing a relatively modest write-down of $6 billion as it backed away from EV investment in a response to the Trump Administrations anti-EV policies and a slowdown in consumer interest. Now, Stellantis joins the club with a $26.5 billion charge on its bottom line mainly blamed on having to slam its BEV plans into reverse in the current challenging U.S. market. So, what does this mean for the industry as a whole? WardsAuto spoke to Curt Hopkins, CEO of MCQ Markets, a fintech firm facilitating investments in collector cars, who had some opinions about how automakers got the BEV market so horribly wrong. While the conversation was initially centered on Fords woes, Hopkins perspective could apply to the other legacy automakers. One issue is the significant differences between consumer demand in the U.S. and Europe, said Hopkins. He points to the difference in EV take-up, currently about 17% in Europe but just hovering around 8% in the U.S. Gasoline tends not to be taxed as much as it is in the U.K. and European countries, Hopkins said. So, with that, you are finding there's less demand for EVs and, obviously, the American driver is used to driving much longer distances than your typical European or British drivers. So, have legacy automakers suddenly woke up to the realities of consumer auto demand? What happened, I think in context, is Ford invested very significantly in their EV production and they decided that it just doesn't hold water in the short term, said Hopkins. Or probably even in the longer term because I'm sure their planning horizon is 5-to-10 years and they decided to just back away from it entirely. Hopkins, who owns an EV and has previous work experience in sustainable technology solutions, expects to see more automakers change tack to hybrid and range-extended EVs. However, he notes that automakers in the U.S. and Europe could struggle to compete in a head-to-head price war with the Chinese automakers regardless of the powertrain options. By Alimat Aliyeva The Georgian government has submitted to parliament a bill that would ban the import of passenger cars older than six years, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced, AzerNEWS reports. Of course, certain limited exceptions will be considered. However, we believe it is extremely important to stop importing cars older than six years into the country. This is important for the environment, public health, and ensuring comfortable mobility for our population, Kobakhidze said. According to the prime minister, the initiative was proposed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs as part of broader efforts to address rising traffic congestion and environmental concerns. In recent years, the number of vehicles in Georgia has increased sharply. In 2012, 864,000 cars were registered in the country. By 2025, this figure had exceeded 2 million. Such rapid growth has led to worsening traffic congestion and environmental conditions. We believe decisive measures are needed, Kobakhidze added. Passenger car imports and re-exports play a central role in Georgias foreign trade structure. In 2025, the country imported passenger cars worth $3.87 billion an 11.5% increase compared to 2024 accounting for 20.9% of total imports. Meanwhile, re-exports of passenger cars rose by 16% to $2.8 billion, representing more than 38% of Georgias total exports. The majority of imports come from the United States, Japan, and Germany, while the main re-export destinations in 2025 were Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Georgia has become a key regional hub for the re-export of used vehicles, particularly to Central Asian markets. Analysts say the proposed restrictions could significantly reshape the countrys automotive trade flows, potentially encouraging the import of newer, more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles while reducing reliance on older second-hand cars. A large travel station with market and multiple gasoline pumps along the highway - Kirk Fisher/Getty Images American consumers are likely considering many different factors when choosing where to go for gas. The cost per gallon is at the top of course, as gas stations often have different prices. Fuel type can be a close second, and even the brand name on the pumps can play a part as well. But the companies behind those brands may not be top of mind, as some US gas station chains are actually owned by British companies. Perhaps the best-known example is BP, which stands for British Petroleum, a company that dates back to the 1920s. BP, in turn, owns Amoco, a gas station chain that was previously known as Standard Oil, once the largest oil company in the world. Amoco merged with BP in 1998, and while the brand isn't as prominent as it once was, BP keeps it going in select locations. Another British-owned company, Shell, began as a small antiques shop in 1880s London and grew into a worldwide corporation with thousands of fuel stations across the US. Another company that operates gas station chains in the US, EG America, is also owned by the Brits. However, you may not be familiar with this subsidiary of EG Group, as they operate under 10 different travel-stop brands throughout America. Those brands include Kwik Shop, Turkey Hill, Cumberland Farms, Tom Thumb, and the Loaf and Jug. Read more: Stunning Vehicles In Tom Cruise's Collection That Aren't Cars Other foreign-owned gas station chains in the US 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station - Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock In addition to British-owned chains, several US gas station companies are owned by entities based outside America. 7-Eleven began as an American company but is now owned by a Japanese corporation called Seven & I Holdings. This same parent company also owns the Speedway chain of fuel stations. Couche-Tard, a Canadian company, owns Circle K and Lukoil gas stations are owned by a Russian company. Fomento Economico Mexicano (FEMSA), a Mexican conglomerate, took over a chain of gas stations in the southwest, when it acquired Delek US Retail. FEMSA was already an established player in the industry throughout Europe and Latin America thanks to its OXXO brand of convenience stores. Up until late 2025, Citgo was owned by Petroleos de Venezuela, a Venezuelan company. However, as of this writing, Citgo is in the process of being acquired by an affiliate-backed group of US investors. Some of these companies have made big moves to grow their US footprint in recent years. Couche-Tard unsuccessfully attempted to buy Seven 7 & I Holdings for $38 billion in 2024, but the offer was deemed to be too low. But that didn't stop Couche-Tard's American expansion, as the Canadian corporation acquired a chain of stores from another company in the same year. 7-11 continued to grow as well, thanks to its own convenience store chain purchase, as well as the purchase of a restaurant chain. Photographer: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images The Trump administration spent more than $35 million to deport roughly 300 migrants to countries they had no connection to, doling out millions of dollars in lump-sum transfers to foreign governments without a system to track how the money was used, according to a report released Friday. The figures from Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats average out to a cost of roughly $116,666 per person deported. In Rwanda, which received seven deportees, the total cost reached about $1.1 million per person, the report found. Most Read from Bloomberg The report outlines the cost of President Donald Trumps controversial policy of sending non-citizens to countries other than their own. The White House has argued that this method is necessary to remove undocumented criminals whose home nations wont take them. Immigration groups that have challenged the practice in court have said the practice has wide-ranging effects on law-abiding non-citizens who are at risk of being sent to unfamiliar countries with little, if any, opportunity to fight it. A US official told Senate committee staff in a private interview that the program was intended as an intimidation strategy and a costly deterrent aimed at pressuring migrants to drop asylum claims, according to the report. The person said destinations such as Palau, a Pacific island nation, or Eswatini, a kingdom in southern Africa, were selected in part to signal that migrants could be sent to remote locations far from home. The bulk of the money went to five countries Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Palau and Eswatini which collectively received $32 million. The funds were transferred directly to foreign governments rather than through third-party implementing partners, and the State Department is not using outside auditors to track how the money is spent, the reports authors said. Equatorial Guinea, which ranks 172 out of 182 countries in Transparency Internationals corruption index, received $7.5 million more than the total American foreign assistance provided to the country over the previous eight years combined, according to the report. The report detailed specific examples in which migrants were sent to countries far from their home nation. A Mexican national, for instance, was flown more than 8,000 miles to South Sudan at an estimated cost of $91,000 per person, including housing at a United States military base in Djibouti along the way. He was sent back to Mexico weeks later. President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government was not informed of the deportation, according to the report. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) is included among the 11 Best Mining Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp Announces that President Haytham Hodaly will take over as CEO Beginning March 31, 2026 On February 6, 2026, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) announced a leadership transition as part of its succession plan. President Haytham Hodaly will take over as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding co-founder Randy Smallwood, who will step down after more than 15 years in the role and become non-executive Chair of the Board. The changes take effect March 31, 2026. As part of the transition, current Chair George Brack will move into the role of Lead Independent Director, while Hodaly will join the board alongside his move to President and CEO. Earlier, on February 4, 2026, CIBC analyst Cosmos Chiu raised the firms price target on Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) to C$215 from C$175 and reiterated an Outperformer rating. The revision came as part of a broader update across the precious metals sector after CIBC lifted its gold price assumptions to $6,000 per ounce in 2026 and $6,500 in 2027, alongside higher copper forecasts. The firm said the demand drivers that supported the sector in 2025 remain intact heading into 2026, though it flagged rising geopolitical uncertainty as a key backdrop. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) operates a streaming-focused model, generating revenue primarily from gold and silver, with additional exposure to palladium, platinum, and cobalt through assets spanning North America, Europe, Africa, and South America. While we acknowledge the potential of WPM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 11 Best Mining Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street and 10 Most Profitable Undervalued Stocks to Buy Disclosure: None. Elastic N.V. (NYSE:ESTC) is one of the best high-growth cybersecurity stocks to buy. On February 2, Elastic N.V. (NYSE:ESTC) announced plans to make it easier for organizations to access cloud-hosted GPU inference capabilities. Elastic Inference Service is the companys new service that enables self-managed customers to use GPU-based embedding and reranking models without GPU hardware. Why Elastic N.V. (ESTC) Remains a High-Growth Stock in the AI-Driven Cybersecurity Market Source: unsplash Thanks to Elastic Inference Service, organizations will gain on-demand access to cloud-hosted inference capabilities while maintaining core infrastructure and data on premises. With Elastic Inference Service via Cloud Connect, were making it easier for self-managed customers to adopt semantic search without taking on the complexity of GPU infrastructure, said Steve Kearns, general manager, Search at Elastic. With a single setup, self-managed customers can access a range of cloud services from automated diagnostics to fast AI inference, all while keeping their data on-premises. Earlier on January 30, Rosenblatt Securities reiterated a Buy rating on Elastic NV but cut the price target to $110 from $130. The price target cut is in response to recent compression in comparable multiples and macroeconomic concerns affecting enterprise software companies. Despite the cut, the research firm expects the company to deliver better-than-expected third-quarter fiscal 2026 results. On January 22, Elastic launched Agent Builder, a platform that lets developers create AI agents to access and analyze enterprise data, with Elastic Workflows introduced in technical preview. Built on Elasticsearch, Agent Builder supports data preparation, retrieval, ranking, and monitoring, integrates with Microsoft Foundry and Agent Framework, and works across model-as-a-service providers. Elastic Workflows extends functionality by enabling agents to execute actions across multiple systems, combining AI reasoning with rule-based automation. Both tools aim to simplify enterprise data use, enhance security, and scale context-driven AI agents for real-world applications. Elastic N.V. (NYSE:ESTC) is a search artificial intelligence (AI) company that provides a platform for ingesting, searching, analyzing, and visualizing data in real time. Known as The Search AI Company, Elastic helps organizationsincluding over 50% of the Fortune 500securely harness their data for search, observability, and security use cases. While we acknowledge the potential of ESTC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) is one of the 11 best communication equipment stocks according to hedge funds. As of February 9 closing, consensus sentiment for Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) remained moderately bullish. The stock had been covered by 7 analysts, receiving 5 Buy ratings and 1 Hold rating. With 1 Sell call, the stock has a projected median 1-year price target of $7.18. Why Core Scientific Inc. (CORZ) Performed Worst On Tuesday? Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock.com On February 10, Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) announced the transfer of 2,622,652 shares to participants in its equity-based incentive plans. This transfer relates to the boards resolution to settle commitments related to the incentive plan, as previously announced on October 2, 2025. Following this, the company now holds 139,291,855 of its shares. On February 2, Sandeep Deshpande of J.P. Morgan reiterated his Overweight rating on Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK). In the process, the analyst also raised the price target on the stock from $8 to $8.20, which leads to an upside potential of 16% at the current level. Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) is a Finland-based B2B technology innovation company that delivers mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions. It operates through two primary segments, i.e., Network Infrastructure and Mobile Networks, focusing on network infrastructure, AI-powered connectivity, and technology licensing services. The company delivers a mix of optical, IP, fixed networks, radio, and core networking solutions. While we acknowledge the potential of NOK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 15 Most Promising Mid-Cap Healthcare Stocks Under $50 and 11 Most Promising Small-Cap Industrial Stocks Under $50. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Shares of QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) rallied 15.6% this week through 1:35 p.m. EDT Friday, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. QXO is the building materials distribution company helmed by entrepreneur Brad Jacobs, who founded QXO in June 2024 with the strategy of acquiring building products distribution companies in order to consolidate the large and fragmented industry. It's a strategy he perfected previously in the construction equipment rental industry with United Rentals (NYSE: URI) and the logistics industry with XPO Logistics (NYSE: XPO). Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue This week, QXO announced its second major acquisition as part of that effort. And while acquiring companies often go down with the announcement of a significant acquisition, in this case, investors cheered the move, given that acquisitions are a central part of QXO's strategy. QXO buys Kodiak On Wednesday, QXO announced the acquisition of Kodiak Building Partners for $2.25 billion, consisting of $2.0 billion in cash and 13.2 million QXO shares. What's interesting about the deal is that QXO also has the right to buy back those 13.2 million shares at $40, which is nearly double the $23.21 stock price at which QXO closed on Tuesday. That's an interesting wrinkle that gives the selling management team motivation to ensure a smooth integration, while also giving QXO the ability to limit dilution in the long run. Kodiak is a distributor of a diverse array of building products, including lumber, trusses, windows, doors, roofing, and related fabrication and assembly services. Jacobs and his team will look to integrate the company into Beacon Roofing, QXO's first major acquisition, which closed in late April 2025. Jacobs also pointed to Kodiak's high exposure to the attractive growth markets of Florida and Texas, where it gets 40% of its sales, as a key benefit of the deal. Image source: Getty Images. Bet the jockey Jacobs had a lot of success in his prior roll-up strategies, and investors who have bet on further success with QXO definitely benefited this week. While Kodiak's $2.4 billion in 2025 revenue will be a nice addition to Beacon's roughly $11 billion run-rate, Jacobs has much bigger ambitions. QXO regularly states that it is targeting $50 billion in revenues within the massive $800 billion U.S. building materials distribution industry. This week's Kodiak acquisition marked another positive step on that journey. Given that about 3.6 million children are born in the country each year, that amounts to around $3.6 billion a year. Congress gave the Treasury $410 million to administer the program through 2034. Beginning in May, the Treasury will tell people who filed Form 4547 how to "activate the account through an authentication process and complete the opening of the initial Trump Account," the White House says. The U.S. Treasury Department will choose one or more financial institutions to hold the accounts as a trustee or custodian, said Ian Berger, an IRA analyst with Ed Slott & Co. In addition, the federal government has pledged to make a one-time "pilot project" contribution of $1,000 into an account for every child born in 2025 through 2028 who are U.S. citizens and have a Social Security number. Parents must check a box on Form 4547 to get this donation. Although it's the child's account, a parent or other "authorized individual" will manage it until the year the child turns 18. Parents, grandparents, employers, state and local governments and tax-exempt nonprofits can contribute to a child's account, up to certain limits depending on who's making the contribution. Parents can open one for any child younger than 18 with a Social Security number by filing IRS Form 4547 (named after Trump's two presidencies) with their 2025 tax return or at https://form.trumpaccounts.gov . The accounts cannot be funded until July 4. The accounts were part of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4. California could pass a law to align the state with federal tax treatment on the new accounts. Asked whether Gov. Gavin Newsom would like to see that happen, his office responded, "We wouldn't comment on any pending or hypothetical legislation." Things could get extra tricky for Californians because the state does not automatically conform to the section of the 2025 federal law that created them, according to the state Franchise Tax Board . As a result, they will be taxed differently for federal and state income taxes, which could require keeping two sets of records. Trump Accounts are defined as a new type of Individual Retirement Account, with the unique feature that they can receive funds from sources other than just the account holder, such as the government, employers and nonprofits. That increases the wealth-building potential - but could lead to unexpected tax consequences. The new Trump Accounts for children have been billed as an easy way to grow savings from a young age, with significant tax benefits. But they also come with new tax complications, especially for people in California. Story Continues How Trump Accounts differ from IRAs The growth period' The accounts are described as a new type of traditional (not Roth) Individual Retirement Account, but with special rules during the "growth period," which lasts from account opening until the year the child turns 18. During this period: Contributions can come from five sources, explained below. (The only person who can put money into a regular IRA is the account owner, who must have "earned" income from a job or self-employment to contribute.) Earnings on the account, such as dividends and capital gains, won't be taxed until they are withdrawn. The person who opened the account on behalf of the child will manage it, but won't get a tax deduction for any contributions. The account can only be invested in certain low-cost funds that track a U.S. stock index. Eventually, parents will be able to directly roll over an entire Trump Account balance to any financial institution that accepts them, although the investment restrictions will still apply, Berger said. Withdrawals are not allowed except under very limited circumstances, such as the death of a child or rollover to another Trump Account. After the growth period The year children turn 18, they gain control of the account and traditional IRA rules apply. At that point: It can be invested in anything allowed under IRA rules, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds or savings products. Only the account owner can make contributions from earned income. The account owner can withdraw money for any reason, but, as with a traditional IRA, the distribution would be subject to income tax at the account owner's rate and a possible early withdrawal penalty. How are withdrawals taxed? Here's where things get tricky. With a traditional IRA, the tax rules for withdrawals are fairly simple because the money comes from one source - the account owner's earned income. Most investors make pre-tax contributions to their IRA, meaning they get a tax deduction for money they put in. But everything that comes out - including the amount invested and all earnings - is subject to income tax and a 10% penalty if the withdrawal happens when the owner is younger than 59-and-a-half. (That penalty is waived if the money is used for certain things such as higher education or up to $1,000 for a first-home purchase.) Although it's less popular, investors can also put after-tax dollars into an IRA, which means they don't get a tax-deduction for their contribution. But when they take money out, only the earnings - not the amount contributed (known as the basis) - is subject to taxes and a possible penalty. This way the money is not taxed twice. What makes Trump Accounts different is that withdrawals could be taxed differently depending on where the money came from. Who put in the money? The five possible sources of contributions are: The government's $1,000 pilot program contribution. This does not create "basis"' in the account, which means that the $1,000 will be subject to tax and a possible penalty when it's withdrawn. Think of it as a pre-tax IRA contribution. Money from family members, friends or other people. They can contribute up to $5,000 per year per account, but they get no tax deduction. These contributions will create basis in the account, which means they will not be taxed when withdrawn, although earnings will still be taxed. It's like a post-tax contribution. Employer contributions. Employers may contribute up to $2,500 per employee annually into one or more accounts for their teenage employees or an employee's child or children. This contribution counts toward the $5,000 limit stated above. These are like pre-tax contributions; they will not be included in the employee's gross income and do not create basis, so they'll be taxable when withdrawn. Dozens of companies have announced they will contribute to Trump Accounts for employees' eligible children. Most are only matching the government's $1,000 donation. Bay Area companies that have made pledges, according to statements and news reports, include Intel, Robinhood Markets, Uber Technologies, Chime Financial, SoFi Technologies, Nvidia, Visa and Coinbase. "Qualified general contributions" may come from federal, state or local governments, tax-exempt nonprofits and Indian tribal governments. There is no annual limit on these contributions, but a donor can make them to three classes of beneficiaries, and must offer them to all who qualify in each category: children in the growth period, children in the growth period who live in a specified geographic area, or children in the growth period who were born in one or more specified years. For example, computer pioneer Michael Dell and his wife Susan are giving, through their charitable funds, $6.25 billion to seed 25 million accounts with $250 each. They will go to most children ages 10 and younger who won't get $1,000 from the government and live in ZIP codes with a median family income of $150,000 or less (regardless of the family's actual income). San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced last week that an anonymous donor had promised, in honor of the Super Bowl, to put $3.5 million into accounts for San Francisco children born this year. These contributions would not create basis in the account, so would be taxed upon withdrawal. Qualified rollover contributions. These are contributions that are rolled over directly from one Trump Account to another. Whatever basis was in the original account will be transferred to the new account and taxed accordingly when withdrawn. Each person can have only one Trump Account at a time. California rules for Trump Accounts California does not automatically conform to most federal tax law changes until the state passes a law to adopt them. It does automatically conform to most laws relating to retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k) plans and pensions. However, the Franchise Tax board has determined that even though the Trump Accounts are defined as a new type of IRA, the state does not conform to the section of the federal tax code that created them. "Trump Accounts will not be recognized as tax-deferred accounts for California tax purposes," the FTB confirmed via email. What does this mean for Californians? A big headache, if they follow the law. "Earnings on these accounts will be taxed by California in the year they are realized, not deferred until distributed," Sandy Weiner, California editor for the tax information publisher Spidell Publishing. That means any earnings that were already taxed by California won't be taxed when they are withdrawn, but they would be subject to federal income tax at that point. Also, any contributions that an employer makes to a Trump Account for an employee or employee's child "are taxable income to the employee" for state but not federal purposes, Weiner wrote. Again, that means any money contributed by an employer will be subject to federal, but not state taxes, when it's withdrawn. Spidell wrote that "qualified general contributions," such as nonprofits "would generally be considered income" to the child and therefore subject to California state taxes, if the child had enough income to pay taxes. Another potential hassle if the account gets big enough: Because these accounts belong to the child and not the parent, Weiner said that "kiddie tax" rules would apply for California taxes - but not federal. The kiddie tax applies to income from a minor's investment account. A certain amount of investment earnings each year is tax free, an additional amount is taxed at the child's rate and anything over that is taxed at the parent's rate. California will conform to one aspect of the new law. The FTB said the $1,000 pilot project money "would not be considered income." Therefore, it would be taxable when withdrawn for federal and state taxes. Parents might have to keep two sets of records, because some of the money that comes out will have already been subject to California, but not federal tax. San Francisco CPA Richard Pon explains: The child will technically owe state income tax on their account earnings each year. Younger children probably won't have enough income to have to pay tax or file a tax return. But they should record the taxable contributions and income earned each year that added to their California basis in the account, which will reduce their state taxes when they withdraw the money, "but only if they track it," he said. The FTB put it this way: When the account is automatically converted to a traditional IRA at the end of the growth period, the account's California basis will be equal to its fair market value, minus any pilot contributions. HSA precedent This wouldn't be the first time California didn't conform to a major federal tax law. It never adopted the law that created Health Savings Accounts, now more than 20 years old. People enrolled in a high-deductible health plan can set aside pre-tax money in an HSA for medical expenses. The money grows tax deferred, and is tax free when withdrawn if used for qualifying health care expenses. Taxpayers make adjustments for HSAs on Schedule CA, filed with their California tax return. Should you open a Trump Account? If your child qualifies for the $1,000 contribution, "there's no downside to opening an account," Pon said. But aside from that, there could be better, more tax-advantaged ways to help save for a child. "If you have a kid who has income from a side job, it's better to have a Roth IRA," Pon said. A parent can open a custodial Roth IRA for a minor. The tax advantages are better and the family has control of the account from the outset. For education, "you're better off having a 529" college savings plan, he said. On the other hand, "If you are thinking of these truly as retirement accounts, they are worth pursuing, specifically if you would be interested in having the child do a Roth conversion at age 18, when their tax bracket will probably be low," Berger said. Email Kathleen Pender at kathpender84@gmail.com This article originally published at Why Trump Accounts may be a tax headache waiting to happen - especially in California. Wipro Ltd (NYSE:WIT) is one of Goldman Sachs top penny stock picks. On January 28, Wipro Ltd (NYSE:WIT) entered into a strategic collaboration with Factory.ai, an agent-native software development platform. The two are joining forces to help enterprises operationalize agent-native development across engineering organizations. Wipro Limited (WIT) and the Changing Landscape of Enterprise Technology Factory.ai has carved a niche by enabling engineering teams to delegate a meaningful portion of software development to AI agents. Consequently, Wipro is to integrate its WEGA agent-native delivery platform to enhance its unified suite of AI-powered platforms, solutions, and offerings under Wipro Intelligence. Our partnership with Factory.ai reflects a broader shift among global enterprises, from Al experimentation towards production-scale adoption. Together we will help clients modernize faster and accelerate development using safe, production-grade autonomous agents, said Sandhya Arun, Chief Technology Officer, Wipro Limited. Earlier, on January 16, Wipro delivered mixed financial results for the quarter ended December 2025. Gross revenue in the quarter was up 5.5% year-over-year to $2.62 billion. Earnings per share for the quarter fell 7.2% year over year to $0.031. Consequently, Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to an Underweight from Equalweight. Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT) is a leading global information technology (IT), consulting, and business process services (BPS) company. It provides services such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital transformation to clients across 65 countries. While we acknowledge the potential of WIT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best Long-Term Stocks to Invest in for Retirement and 10 High-Growth Cybersecurity Stocks To Buy. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. By Alimat Aliyeva Chinas space program, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, conducted a test flight of a new reusable booster and crew capsule late Tuesday (US time), yielding spectacular results, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) described the demonstration as a significant breakthrough in the development of Chinas manned lunar exploration program. China and the United States are effectively racing to achieve the next human Moon landing, a contest fueled by both national prestige and interest in lunar resources. The Long March 10 rocket and the Mengzhou spacecraft, both tested on Tuesday, are central to Chinas lunar architecture. A subscale version of the Long March 10 rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island at 10 p.m. EST Tuesday (11 a.m. Beijing time Wednesday). The launch allowed engineers to verify critical systems in the new Mengzhou capsule. Flying without a crew, the spacecraft ascended on the booster before activating its abort motors just over a minute into flight, simulating an in-flight escape at maximum aerodynamic pressure (Max-Q). The capsule then deployed parachutes and splashed down safely offshore from Hainan Island. Unlike NASA and SpaceX abort testswhere boosters are typically expendedthe Long March 10 first stage continued ascending after the capsule separated. Powered by its kerosene-fueled YF-100 engines, it reached space, reentered the atmosphere, reignited its engines, and made a precise propulsive landing in the South China Sea next to a recovery barge. CMSA confirmed that both the booster and capsule landed safely in designated areas. A recap video from Chinese state media highlights the successful test. CMSA said it verified the functional performance of the rockets first-stage ascent and recovery, as well as maximum dynamic pressure escape and spacecraft recovery, while also collecting valuable data for future manned lunar missions. The Mengzhou capsule, whose name means dream vessel, will ferry astronauts from Earth to lunar orbit, where they will transfer into a lander for Moon missions. It is also expected to service Chinas space station in low-Earth orbit, gradually replacing the Shenzhou capsule used since the 1990s. The spacecraft is designed for multiple reuses and can carry up to seven astronauts in low-Earth orbit missions, with smaller crews for lunar flights. Its first orbital test flight is scheduled later this year, when it will dock with the Tiangong space station. The Long March 10 rocket, capable of placing payloads up to 70 metric tons into low-Earth orbit, will eventually transport the 26-metric-ton Mengzhou spacecraft to the Moon. CASC, Chinas leading state-owned aerospace contractor, said the recovery of the booster sets the stage for subsequent full-profile flight tests and marks a significant step in mastering reusable rocket technology. Chinas progress comes amid a surge in domestic reusable rocket initiatives, with at least ten companies developing rockets at various stages of maturity, aiming to rival SpaceXs successes. In December, Chinese launch providers tested the Zhuque-3 and Long March 12A rockets with partially reusable boosters, and several companies have carried out high-altitude vertical takeoff and landing tests. These advancements coincide with NASAs preparations to send a crew of four astronauts on a loop around the far side of the Moon next month. While China demonstrates rapid progress in reusable rockets and lunar exploration, US lunar lander technology for crewed Moon missions is still several years from readiness. (Photo by Naia Duena and Layla Danao/Stripes Guam) Bangkok is a city which has many places and stores to go to while visiting. Bangkok is a beautiful city in Central Thailand. There are many exciting and enjoyable activities there like markets and they have great food. The city of Bangkok has one of the most unique places there. It is a really fun place to explore. The national dish of Thailand is pad thai and the national dessert in Thailand is mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream. However, they are especially delicious in Bangkok. Here, they love to put peanuts in their dishes. Some other enjoyable foods are green curry, chicken, dumplings, garlic fried rice, and khao soi. Some of the drinks in Bangkok that are popular are coconut juice and different types of fruit drinks. (Photo by Naia Duena and Layla Danao/Stripes Guam) There are many interesting temples in Bangkok that can be visited. Many temples have a dress code to go inside. The dress code is to wear long dresses, pants, and tops that cover the shoulders. To enter you have to take off your shoes. It is important to follow these rules because if you do not it is considered disrespectful. If visitors dont have the right outfit or forgot it, they can borrow one or buy one. People will have traditional outfits for sale including elephant pants or sarongs. Temples can be found all over Bangkok. In the temples there are often Buddhas. Some of the different Buddhas are laying Buddhas, standing Buddhas and more! The Buddhas are usually gold and shiny. Temples are usually centers of culture for the local people and many tourists think it is cool to see these old and unique temples. A Buddhist temple (Photo by Naia Duena and Layla Danao/Stripes Guam) laying Buddha (Photo by Naia Duena and Layla Danao/Stripes Guam) laying Buddha (Photo by Naia Duena and Layla Danao/Stripes Guam) There are these two special markets in Thailand called The Floating Market and The Railway Market. The Floating Market is a market where goods are sold from boats. There are also activities and food stops on the way. For example, there are activities like holding a monkey and crocodile, riding an elephant, seeing local people with long necks, ATV, petting lions, and much more. The Railway Market is a specific type of local market in Thailand where vendors set up stalls directly on active train tracks. When the train passes by the vendors they clean up their stall then after they go back to business. It is an amazing experience. (Photo by Naia Duena and Layla Danao/Stripes Guam) Bangkok is a beautiful place with many exciting places to visit and foods to try. Many tourists and visitors have great experiences. It is one of the best place to explore in Thailand. Bangkok is great to visit and explore! Lundbeck will advance the drug to Phase III trials based on the Phase IIb success. Image credit: Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg via Getty Images Lundbeck will advance the drug to Phase III trials based on the Phase IIb success. Image credit: Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg via Getty Images (Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Lundbecks migraine prevention drug has shown success in a Phase IIb trial, setting the company up for a Phase III study. In the PROCEED study (NCT06323928), intravenous (IV) bocunebart (Lu AG09222) met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant difference to placebo in the change from baseline in the number of monthly migraine days (MMDs) over 12 weeks in a population that experienced past treatment failures. Exact data from the trial was not disclosed. The anti-PACAP monoclonal antibody (mAb) was generally well tolerated, and no new safety signals were detected during the trial. Advertisement Advertisement The study enrolled migraine patients who experienced between one and four previous preventive treatment failures in the past 10 years. Dr Jessica Ailani, professor of neurology at MedStar's Georgetown University Hospital, said: I am encouraged by the positive results from the PROCEED trial. The efficacy demonstrated in this trial represent a promising advancement in the treatment of migraine, offering hope to many patients suffering from this debilitating condition. Based on the Phase IIb success, Lundbeck will approach regulatory authorities to discuss the results and Phase III design options. Further analysis will be completed to understand the dosing-response relationship across the investigated doses. Full data from the study will be shared at an upcoming conference and submitted for scientific publication at a later date. Advertisement Advertisement These data build on findings from the previously successful Phase IIa HOPE trial (NCT05133323) evaluating single IV administration of bocunebart in migraine patients. The study met its primary endpoint, showing a significant difference from placebo in mean change in monthly migraine days over the first four weeks. That study demonstrated that 32% of patients in the 750mg bocunebart saw a reduction of at least 50% in the number of migraine days per month, compared with 27% of those on placebo. The number of headache days per month reduced by 5.8 days in the higher dose Lu AG09222 group compared with 4.1 days in the placebo group. Lundbeck had also been investigating a subcutaneous version of the drug; however, the company terminated development of this delivery method last year after prespecified interim analysis showed the therapy was unlikely to succeed. Other companies, including Amgen and Eli Lilly, have also had issues with their migraine prevention drugs. Amgens drug, AMG 301, saw no benefit in a Phase II trial and Eli Lilly terminated the development of its candidate LY3451838 after a Phase II trial. Advertisement Advertisement According to GlobalData, the migraine market is expected to reach $16.4bn across the seven major markets (7MM: US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, and Japan) in 2033, up from $9.2bn in 2023. This growth will be primarily driven by increased prescription of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonistsmonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for migraine prevention and oral gepants for both acute and preventive treatment. GlobalData is the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena. "Lundbecks migraine prevention drug meets primary endpoint in Phase IIb trial" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. Advertisement Advertisement Akbar Novruz Ukraines Armed Forces have released updated figures on Russian military losses since the start of the full-scale invasion, reporting continued heavy attrition across personnel, equipment, and weapons systems, AzerNEWS reports. According to data published by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from February 24, 2022, to February 13, 2026, Russian forces have suffered approximately 1,250,950 personnel losses, including about 800 over the past day. The cumulative losses also include: 435 aircraft 347 helicopters 11,667 tanks 24,028 armored combat vehicles 37,254 artillery systems 1,642 multiple launch rocket systems 1,300 air defense systems 133,392 operational-tactical unmanned aerial vehicles 4,286 cruise missiles 28 ships and boats 2 submarines 78,268 vehicles and fuel tanks 4,070 units of special equipment In addition, the Ukrainian military reported significant Russian equipment losses over the past 24 hours alone. According to the General Staff, Ukrainian forces destroyed: 5 tanks 3 armored combat vehicles 41 artillery systems 1 air defense missile system 1 heavy machine gun system 1,239 unmanned aerial vehicles 16 cruise missiles 127 trucks and fuel vehicles The General Staff noted that the figures are being ???????? (clarified) as combat operations continue and stressed that the data reflects confirmed losses based on operational reports from the battlefield. The latest update underscores the sustained intensity of fighting and the growing toll on Russian military capabilities as the war enters its fourth year. Cyber threats to the defence industrial base are no longer theoretical or confined to classified systems; they are an operational reality affecting personnel, contractors and supply networks worldwide. A newly published Google Threat Intelligence Group report positions the DIB as a contested environment where state-sponsored operations and criminal actors alike apply relentless pressure on digital infrastructure and human targets. What makes the current threat landscape particularly complex is its strategic breadth. Defence suppliers engaged in manufacturing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), autonomous platforms or battlefield support technologies especially those tied to active theatres of conflict like Ukraine are prime targets for espionage that seeks intellectual property and operational details. However, perhaps the most provocative aspect of this intelligence is the focus on people not just systems. Attackers are increasingly deploying social engineering and employment scheme-based tactics that exploit trust in recruitment and professional outreach. This represents a paradigm shift where human resources pathways are weaponised to bypass sophisticated security controls. For policymakers, defence leaders and security architects, this has broad implications: Risk Governance Must Evolve: Traditional risk models prioritise infrastructure and network controls; now they must integrate identity, behaviour and external ecosystem risk. Traditional risk models prioritise infrastructure and network controls; now they must integrate identity, behaviour and external ecosystem risk. Workforce-Centric Security Posture: Training and detection strategies must factor in social engineering and hybrid attack vectors that target individuals outside conventional corporate perimeters. Training and detection strategies must factor in social engineering and hybrid attack vectors that target individuals outside conventional corporate perimeters. Industrial Base Resilience: Securing supply chains from prime contractors to small manufacturers is a national security imperative as much as an operational one. In this era, effective defence isnt just about protecting systems its about preserving trust, supply chain integrity and the human capital that fuels innovation. Contented, an AI workspace that turns conversations into business-ready documents, has successfully closed a near $3.5 million seed funding round led by Altered Capital, with backing from prominent Australian VCs Shearwater Capital and Exhort Ventures. The Christchurch startup is opening a Sydney office within months and already counts more than 200 customers globally including major Australian companies in wealth management, professional services, and financial advisory. Contented captures meetings, video calls, and discussions, then transforms them into actionable outputs meeting minutes, health and safety reports, statements of advice, compliance documentation. Co-founder Hannah Hardy-Jones said the investment will accelerate Contenteds growth into Australia and other countries. Weve had really strong interest from a great range of investors and this funding is going to allow us to deepen our feature set, expand our customer base, and push hard into new territories like Australia, the UK and US, said Hardy-Jones. Australian customers include Lorica Partners, Lipman Burgon, Fortitude Wealth, Fowlers, Mancell Group, Capital Partners, RGM Group, Bend Tech, Adapt Way, True Financial, and Ambrose Advisory. Contented was co-founded by tech entrepreneurs. Hardy-Jones and Lucy Pink. Pink is a self-taught developer and former founder of ethical fashion startup Onyou, while Hardy-Jones is the former founder of The Kite Program, a mental health app. The pair met while building their previous startups and bonded over their shared interest in AI and its potential for businesses - a connection that eventually led to Contented. The startup has grown from a handful of customers to $1.4 million in annual recurring revenue entirely bootstrapped. This round will accelerate product development (new templates for HR, recruitment, integration with CRMs and Microsoft Office), team expansion from five to 15 staff, and market expansion into the UK and US. Contented is the chosen conversational tool for over 200 customers globally, spanning SMEs wealth management, healthcare, government, and enterprise. Contenteds growth trajectory is remarkable and among the fastest weve seen in New Zealand, said Finn Templeton of Altered Capital, which led the round, which was oversubscribed. Its a testament to both the product as well as Lucy and Hannah as founders. Their product generates structured insight and business value out of conversations, effectively turning talk into scalable intellectual assets and unlocking a previously unused source of value. Were delighted to partner with Hannah and Lucy to help fuel Contenteds growth. We believe conversations are the most underutilised resource in business. Were here to change that, said Pink. "Our vision is for Contented to power every conversation for the best companies of today and tomorrow. Were building the operating system for conversations, turning them into business-critical outputs. The business is experiencing particularly strong growth in the wealth management vertical and in financial services. "In a wealth management firm, a single client meeting can use our technology to generate a statement of advice, an assets and liabilities table, a family tree, even a LinkedIn thought leadership article. She said Contented takes the friction out of turning conversations into actionable intelligence, enabling people to create better business outcomes in a fraction of the time. Everything we do is about empowering people to work smarter. Our technology is human-first and frees up more human time for the stuff that matters most to organisations. Interactive , a leading Australian technology services provider is marking 15 years of partnership with Ansvar Insurance Ltd , a relationship built on trust, security and a shared focus on reducing risk across a highly regulated environment. A leading insurance and risk specialist in Australia, Ansvars unique expertise has provided long-term support for organisations that care for people and communities. With a team of around 160 locally based employees, the organisation delivers tailored insurance solutions, specialist service and education initiatives designed to strengthen community resilience. What began as hardware servicing and foundational technology support has evolved into a deeply collaborative, forward-looking partnership. Over the past decade and a half, Interactive has supported Ansvar through significant phases of modernisation. As Ansvars needs evolved, so did Interactives role, expanding to include device management, cloud transitions, security uplift and broader technology planning. This allowed Ansvar to focus on modernising without introducing unnecessary risk. Over the past decade and a half, Interactive has supported Ansvar through significant phases of modernisation. As a smaller insurance company, we still meet the same compliance requirements as the largest insurers, said Heather Santin, Head of Technology & Operations at Ansvar. Thats why the partnership with Interactive means so much to us. With them, we have a technology partner who understands what we need to achieve and can support us throughout. Protecting our customers data is paramount, Santin said. Theyre entrusting us with sensitive information, and we are extremely cautious about how we protect it. Thats where the synergy with Interactive has been so important, they also have a strong focus on security and risk management. Interactive Account Executive Christopher Thomas said the strength of the partnership is the ability to support Ansvar across its entire technology infrastructure, rather than through isolated projects. One of the powers of Interactive is having multiple services we can offer across a customers lifecycle, Thomas said. Over 15 years, you build a strong relationship and a deep understanding of the scope, the priorities and the outcomes youre trying to achieve together. Thomas said Ansvars risk profile shapes every aspect of the work, with security and compliance central to all technology decisions. It starts with understanding whats important to Heather and her team, but also what the business is trying to do, he said. Ansvar is heavily risk-averse, and rightly so. Our focus in every conversation is how we can help drive down risk while still enabling the organisation to move forward. Beyond operational support, Interactive works closely with Ansvar at a strategic level. The two organisations meet regularly, including regular roadmap sessions, intended to help align priorities and identify where Interactive can add the most value as Ansvars environment continues to evolve. That early engagement has been incredibly valuable for us, Santin said. Were able to look at our roadmap, understand where Interactive is heading, and find the intersections. It means we can plan properly, rather than reacting later. Its not Interactive and Ansvar on different sides of the table, she said. It feels like one team working toward the same outcomes. Looking ahead, Interactive is supporting Ansvar to extract greater value from existing technology investments while continuing to strengthen security and resilience. Its about getting more out of what you already have, Thomas said. That might be the tools in place, the services were already using or the budgets we have. The question is how we maximise value from a finite set of resources, and thats where our focus is next. For us, this is what a true partnership looks like, Thomas said. Its about understanding the business, understanding the risk, and being there for the long term - not just for one project, but for the full journey. Find out more here: https://youtu.be/--Y_0prz2qk Hypersonix is executing test flights that "will demonstrate sustained hypersonic flight powered by hydrogen" Australian hypersonic flight pioneer Hyperson Launch Systems has announced the launch window for a landmark flight test that will move "sustained hypersonic flight closer to operational reality". Hypersonix is executing test flights that will demonstrate sustained hypersonic flight powered by hydrogen Founded in 2019, Hypersonix is focused on developing a new class of autonomous hypersonic aircraft that deliver sustained flight at extreme speed, range and altitude. Its proprietary SPARTAN scramjet engine is 3D-printed, reusable and capable of reaching Mach 12 with no moving parts. The Cassowary Vex mission, launching on Thats Not A Knife with Rocket Lab, a global leader in launch services and space systems, is scheduled to launch no earlier than late February from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 within the Virginia Spaceport Authoritys Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia. The exact date and timing of the launch will be announced within 24 hours of the missions launch window opening. The flight will see Hypersonix deploy DART AE, a 3.5-metre, scramjet-powered hypersonic aircraft designed to validate advanced propulsion, materials, sensors and guidance systems at real hypersonic flight conditions. The mission will be the first flight of DART AE. Unlike conventional scramjets powered by kerosene, SPARTAN uses hydrogen, producing zero CO emissions and offering a reusable, low-maintenance solution for a range of high-speed defence and aerospace missions. The technology was developed by Dr Michael Smart, co-founder of Hypersonix, former Chair of Hypersonic Propulsion at the University of Queensland and former NASA research scientist. Dr Smart said the flight is about proving the fundamentals of reusable, hydrogen-powered hypersonic flight at real conditions in the upper atmosphere. DART AE allows us to validate propulsion, materials and control systems at speeds and temperatures that simply cant be replicated on the ground, he said. What we learn from this mission will directly inform the next generation of operational hypersonic vehicles. Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill said its a major milestone for the company. This flight reflects years of engineering work and the confidence of our partners at DIU, NASA and Rocket Lab, he said. It brings us a meaningful step closer to operational hypersonic systems that are reusable, sustainable and strategically relevant for Australia and for our allies. Launch details: Mission name: Cassowary Vex Launch name: Thats Not A Knife Launch Window Open: Late February Customer: Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) & Hypersonix Launch Site: Launch Complex 2, Virginia Visit Rocket Labs website and follow on social media for live launch updates: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. The launch broadcast will be aired live on //www.youtube.com/@RocketLabCorp">;YouTube. The launch follows Hypersonixs $46 million Series A funding round, backed by Australias National Reconstruction Fund Corporation and Queensland Investment Corporation. The round was led by High Tor Capital, a UK investor in national security and frontier technology, with European defence company Saab and Polish family office RKKVC also supporting the raise. The funding is accelerating Hypersonixs flight-test program, supporting advanced manufacturing capability in Queensland, and fast-tracking development of its next reusable hypersonic platform, VISR (Velos Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). The company currently employs over 50 people in Brisbane across aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and testing roles About Hypersonix Launch Systems: Hypersonix is a leading Australian aerospace engineering, design and build company, specialising in hypersonic technology and scramjet engines. Hypersonix designs, builds, and flies autonomous hypersonic aircraft that deliver sustained flight at extreme speed, range, and altitude. These provide a modular solution to multiple military and commercial markets. For more information, visit https://www.hypersonix.com/ //www.youtube.com/@HypersonixLaunchSystemsPtyLtd">;Youtube LinkedIn X About Rocket Lab: Rocket Lab is a leading space company providing launch services, spacecraft, payloads and satellite components to commercial, government and national security customers. Rocket Labs Electron rocket is the worlds most frequently launched small orbital rocket, while its HASTE vehicle delivers dedicated hypersonic test launch capability for the US government and allied nations. Rocket Lab has supported more than 1,700 missions and is developing Neutron, a medium-lift launch vehicle designed for constellation deployment, national security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab is publicly listed on the Nasdaq (RKLB). Learn more at: https://www.rocketlabcorp.com/ Samsung is set to unveil its next generation Galaxy S series in San Francisco designed to simplify everyday integrations and seamlessly integrate Galaxy AI into your life. Marking a new phase in mobile intelligence, Samsung invites us all to tune in as the company unveils its newest Galaxy innovations. Date: Thursday, 26 February 2025 Time: 05:00AM AEDT Where: Live stream Samsung.com/au/, Samsung Newsroom Australia, and Samsungs YouTube channel The companys invite reads as follows: Get ready for a mobile experience designed to remove friction from the things you do every day. The new Galaxy S series is coming built to simplify everyday interactions, inspire confidence and make Galaxy AI1 feel seamlessly integrated from the moment its in hand. On February 26, Samsung Electronics will host Galaxy Unpacked in San Francisco. Samsungs will unveil its newest Galaxy innovations marking a new phase in the era of AI as intelligence becomes truly personal and adaptive. The event will be streamed live via Samsung.com/au/, Samsung Newsroom Australia, and Samsungs YouTube channel, beginning at 5am AEDT. Stay tuned and make sure to register at https://samsung.com/au/unpacked to get all upcoming teasers, trailers, updates, and access to exclusive benefits ahead of Galaxy Unpacked February 2026 including a $50 Galaxy Eco-Voucher to spend during the pre-order period. Plus, answer a quick question for a chance to win 1 of 26 amazing Galaxy prizes, including the Ultimate Galaxy Bundle. Galaxy AI features are currently free of charge, with any specific plans for premium AI services to be decided in close coordination with our partners. There are currently no plans to charge for Galaxy AI features, however different terms may apply to other AI features provided by third parties. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. A 6-year-old rode off on his bike and stayed out for two hours without his parents knowing where he was. That would have had me very worried! But when a mom asked Slate for advice on how to deal with this situation and with her husband saying this was no big deal, as he used to ride his bike at that age the advice-giver, Logan Sachon, went ballistic: "Even 10 minutes gone without explicit permission and knowledge of where exactly you could find him would have been too much! As soon as he was out of your sight, you should have been after him. ... Your kid is 6! He needs a parent with him when he's outside riding his bike, period." In the end, he recommended waiting till the boy was 11 or 12 before allowing him to ride his bike unsupervised, even if Dad rode his bike at half that age. My thoughts: 1. When a kid leaves for two hours without his telling parents where he's going, it's a learning opportunity: "From now on, you have to let us know where you are going," "please be home by dark," etc. If the kid screws up, you tighten the reins and try again a little later. 2. If a parent must be watching a child every second they are outside, the children won't be outside much because parents don't have as much free time. Is it better for the kids to sit on an iPad all afternoon? 3. Six-year-olds aren't babies. A checklist from the 1979 book "Your 6-Year-Old: Loving and Defiant" includes: "Can he stand on one foot with eyes closed for five to ten seconds?" "Can he tell left hand from right?" "Can he travel alone in the neighborhood (four to eight blocks) to store, school, playground, or to a friend's home?" The idea that kids age 6 can do nothing safely on their own is a new (and crippling) one. 4. The fear that Child Protective Services may be called is real, though not that likely. That's why you've heard about the celebrated cases. (Fun fact: It was me who brought most of them to public attention.) The response to CPS overreach is not to let the government second-guess parents who know and love their kids best. It is to change the neglect laws - something Let Grow, the nonprofit I helm, is doing. To date, we have helped pass Reasonable Childhood Independence laws in 11 states to clarify that "neglect" is only when you put your child in obvious and serious danger not anytime you take your eyes off them. We are working in half a dozen more states right now. Trust is not neglect! 5. The knee-jerk reaction that independence could lead to danger completely forgets the yin to that yang. Yes, a child could meet a mean dog or disapproving adult. A child could also grow anxious, depressed, obese, worried, sad and lonely when they are "safe" inside. In fact, that is what has been happening for over two generations now: As childhood independence has gone down, anxiety has been going up. Why is only "outside" danger discussed? 6. When a culture gets something really wrong no votes for women, no rights for minorities, no support for parents who want their kids to play outside it is the job of decent people to bring these issues to light and make them right. Treating a 6-year-old like an infant makes their life and the parent's life too smaller for no good reason. Helicopter parenting may suit some, but it should not be the default of the authorities. Or advice columnists. Do no harm. Upon entering medical school, my classmates and I uttered these words with pride and joy, unaware of the deeper meaning behind them. While it may sound cliche, many of us choose to become doctors because we have a strong desire to help others in some capacity. The esteemed title M.D. fortunately allows us to wear many different hats in serving our communities. Medical doctors have expanded their scope beyond traditional clinical duties to explore fields such as research, economics, and politics. While I always pictured myself treating patients in a clinic, one thing has become clear as day to me as a student doctor: One of the most important roles we can take on is that of an advocate. The impact of immigration policy on health The current U.S. presidential administration has left little to the imagination regarding their thoughts on immigration. A top priority of their candidacy was to detain and deport undocumented civilians while using them as a scapegoat for many of the issues we see in this country today. By doing so, they have created an environment of fear and hostility, specifically towards the Latinx community. While the Latinx community has been persecuted for decades, President Trump has reversed an alarming number of policies that aim to leave them defenseless and vulnerable in public settings. Notably, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now permitted to enter and make arrests without a warrant at sensitive areas, including schools, churches, and health care facilities. As an aspiring pediatrician, I wanted to better understand the implications of these changes on my future patients. It is crucial to understand how immigration policies influence family dynamics in the Latinx community. Many Latinx children are U.S. naturalized citizens yet have at least one undocumented parent. Researchers suggest that this complex family dynamic can profoundly disrupt a childs development in numerous ways. As immigration enforcement intensifies, children tend to limit their exposure to areas of social gatherings, such as extracurricular activities, in fear of losing a parent to deportation. With the expansion of ICE jurisdiction, Latinx youth may miss critical developmental opportunities, such as school and health care appointments, due to increased fear of family separation. Instability in social experiences and education can result in a false sense of security and well-being. Yearly maintenance care and physicals are a crucial part of child development to ensure proper growth and prevention of treatable diseases. Delays in seeking medical care may result in disease progression to the point of debilitation. Additionally, low educational attainment secondary to chronic school absences is a well-known social determinant of health, which can further exacerbate health care disparities in the Latinx community. Stress and adverse childhood experiences Another way in which the increase in targeted immigration control may affect Latinx youth is through the ample stress associated with having family members of mixed status. Children exposed to parental deportation had significantly worse health status and behavioral problems than children in stable familial environments. In line with these findings, a previous study introduced a new category of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) which recognizes the unique challenges faced by migrant children. ACEs are events that occur from the ages of 0 to 18 that produce a potentially toxic stress response. These experiences have been linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood, underscoring the potential long-term impact of immigration-related stress on Latinx youth. The role of medical students Although it will be years before Im a practicing pediatrician, the work that my peers and I have done in medical school reminds me that we have the power to create a safer and more supportive future for families and children in the Latinx community. Firstly, medical students can play an active role in their communities by volunteering for organizations directed towards the needs of underserved populations to promote education, economic stability, and welfare within these communities. Moreover, students can leverage their connections within medical school, collaborating with practicing physicians and utilizing school-based resources to promote the health of medically underserved communities. At the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, numerous student-run clinics aim to serve patients of low socioeconomic status, with one notably being Clinica Latina. Although medical students have a limited scope of practice, we can orchestrate behind-the-scenes aspects of patient care to ensure that these clinics are adequately staffed and available to those in need. Lastly, medical students can create initiatives or programs that provide youth with a network of mentorship and valuable life skills to mitigate the impact of ACEs. At our medical school, a club known as Resilient Teens focuses on promoting resilience skills among at-risk youth in 14 rural counties in Georgia. By meeting with students for weeks at a time, we provide them with companionship and guidance while also opening the door to the possibility of pursuing a career in medicine and beyond. I wrote this piece to highlight the struggles of a marginalized community and to offer fellow medical students and people who want to pursue medicine practical steps to help counteract the harm caused by rising xenophobia, especially toward the Latinx community. As a young medical trainee, it is disheartening to watch the current government implement policies that undermine what should be a safe and supportive health care system. A physicians duty to do no harm extends far beyond a medical setting. It is a commitment to use every tool at our disposal to help build a brighter, healthier future for the next generation. Adam Zbib is a medical student. At our yearly Christmas medical staff dinner this last year, our chief of staff asked all the doctors present who had been working at our hospital for five or more years to stand up. Quite a few of us rose. He then asked those who had been there 10 years or more to remain standing. After half of us sat down, he upped the ante to 15 years, then to 20. By the time he got to 30, everyone was seated but me. I remained standing at 40, so he finally told his audience that I was at my 50th year, for which I got a round of applause and a statuette. My wife then whispered to me, Dont you think it is time to retire? It is not that I have an arduous schedule. I only work four mornings a week in my office and have no hospital responsibilities. When I arrived here in 1976, I did in-patient and emergency room medicine, delivered babies, assisted at surgeries, and ran an office. I had privileges in all departments. Nowadays I am on affiliate staff, cant admit or care for hospital patients or serve on hospital committees (thank God), and am restricted to seeing patients in my office where I am happily ensconced. When a patient is sick enough to need more of a workup than I can do there or be admitted to the hospital, I simply punt them to the ED, with a heads-up call of course, and wait for them to follow their discharge instructions and call their doctor for follow-up. Easy peasy. No stress. Professional life is good. So why does my wife want me to retire? You are almost 80 years old! I hate telling people that you are still working. Besides, it is not that easy to close an office, and what if you die? I havent the foggiest idea of what to do. Actually, neither did I. I had thought maybe just sending my patients a letter and arranging for medical records to be sent on request would suffice. But would it? Now I wasnt so sure, especially after talking with my daughter who is also a family physician and doesnt really have the time to clean up the mess that I might leave. Dad, she said, it is more complicated than that. Perhaps you should get some professional advice. Seeking professional guidance Now that was a good idea. But who could I ask? After pondering for a while, I realized the obvious resource was one of my medical malpractice insurers risk managers. I have gone to them in the past when dicey things have come up, like how to fire a patient. It is a great service my insurer offers, and although I had never run them up a bill in legal fees, over the years I have used them for medicolegal advice quite often. This time I got a moonlighting retired lawyer on the line who was quite helpful and seemingly delighted to be dealing with a doctor who wasnt being sued for malpractice. Mary Ann told me that it was complicated and requirements varied state to state. My insurer had a generic checklist for how to close a practice, but she suggested I also see what my states medical association had to say about it. Her checklist was formidable enough: Notify employees of office closure at a staff meeting (I only have one employee and we dont have staff meetings); Keep all employee, personnel and training records for as long as you keep patient medical records (10 years? Good thing I dont have more employees!); Announce the office practice closing on the practices website (No problem, no website). But the patient requirements were more onerous: Notifying patients about the closing date either by regular or certified mail with a copy in their medical record, documenting attempts to phone them if the letters come back, getting their medical records to them within 30 days of their request, looking for outstanding tests or referrals and notifying patients of their need for follow-up, continuing the practices phone service for several months with automated announcements about the office closure date, instructions for obtaining alternate care and how to obtain copies of their medical records. Then there was the question of which medical records to send. All of them or just the problem or medication list, list of allergies, immunization records, most recent history and physical, lab and/or X-ray results, consultation reports, or other, leaving it all up to the patient to decide? This was going to be a monumental task since I never had an electronic medical record (EMR), being a solo practitioner and rarely sharing my records with any other doctor unless requested, and some of my paper charts were so big and multiple that lifting them constituted aerobic exercise. Plus, legibility might also be an issue. Maybe, as my daughter suggested tongue-in-cheek, it might be easier just to burn down my building and be done with it. The regulatory maze The other link that Mary Ann sent me was to the California Medical Associations Guide to Closing a Practice. The booklet was 33 pages long online and went beyond the requirements listed in my malpractice insurers guide. Under Who Do I Need to Notify were listed office staff, patients, my professional liability carrier, colleagues and ancillary services, payers, the Medical Board of California, and the DEA. Under how long to retain medical records, the recommendation was indefinitely, but 10 years would do in most cases, because it might be impractical for physicians to retain records indefinitely, and three at the minimum. Ten years, they said, should cover 99 percent of possible litigation, but this recommendation is based on two primary considerations: patient protection and physician protection. Scientific advances make it impossible for a physician to predict what information will be desirable or necessary to aid in a patients future treatment. Nor can physicians determine when the statute of limitations will bar a suit for professional negligence. Other records needing saving included drug prescribing and dispensing, insurance policies, patient notices, and documents compliant with HIPAA privacy rules. Now I really wished I had had an EMR all these years so that all my patients records could have been stored on a thumb drive instead of in a storage locker somewhere. Thoughtfully, the CMA also included sample letters that I could use to notify patients about my upcoming retirement as well as an authorization form for the transfer of medical records. There was also a 16-document checklist specific to the death of a physician in case a doc committed suicide rather than deal with all this paperwork. Accompanying my wife to her doctors appointment recently, I asked her physician if she ever thought about what closing her practice might entail. Never, I can just walk away from it, she said. That was because she works in a large group and other doctors can pick up her load and assure patient continuity and care. Well, I said, realizing that finding someone to take over my practice would be easier than closing it, if you ever hear of someone wanting to work independently in an old-timey medical practice on the Mendocino Coast, let me know. I can give them a deal. Sandy Brown is a family medicine physician based in Fort Bragg, California, where he is in independent practice. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1973 and completed a transitional year internship at Alameda Health System Highland Hospital from 1973 to 1974. He has maintained an active California state medical license since 1974. Over the course of his career, Dr. Brown has written extensively on person-focused care, physician-patient communication, practice management, and the relational foundations of primary care. His articles, published in Family Practice Management and American Family Physician, address topics such as closing the communication loop, delivering difficult news, health care reform, and sustaining the core values of family medicine. His peer-reviewed work is indexed on PubMed. Additional professional information is available on LinkedIn and through his public profile on Doximity. BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Yasukuni Shrine has long been a political flashpoint across Asia. For countries like China and South Korea, its very existence is an unhealed historical trauma. Any visit or even ritual offerings by Japanese officials is seen as a provocation, drawing immediate, fierce condemnation. When Shinzo Abe, then prime minister, visited Yasukuni in 2013, the backlash was so widespread that even the United States made a rare public expression of "disappointment." No sitting prime minister has visited the shrine since, yet Sanae Takaichi has signalled she may break the precedent. Fresh from her victory in the lower house election, Takaichi floated the prospect of a visit on Sunday, saying she had been working to "create an environment" conducive to paying respects at the shrine. In response, China's foreign ministry urged prudence and a clean break with militarism. "Amnesia of history means betrayal, and denial of responsibility spells relapse," said spokesperson Lin Jian. What makes Yasukuni such a potent taboo, why is it so detested by the neighboring countries and what ties does it have to Japanese militarism? WHO ARE ENSHRINED? Amid the upheaval of the Meiji Restoration, the Yasukuni Shrine was initially built by order of Emperor Meiji to honor those who died in the civil war that paved the way for Japan's modernization -- and, unfortunately, militarism. In the late Meiji era, Japan launched the First Sino-Japanese War, forcing China to cede Taiwan to Japan. Originally called Shokonsha, dedicated to the spirits of the war dead, the shrine was later renamed Yasukuni, meaning to "preserve peace for the entire nation." Today, Yasukuni presents itself as a "shrine of peace," enshrining 2.47 million "divinities" who it says "sacrificed their lives in the course of fulfilling their public duty to protect their motherland." Notably, 2.13 million souls contributed to Japan's aggression in World War II. In the shrine's own account, regardless of their rank, social status and historical role, all are honored equally and "worshipped as venerable divinities." However, among those "divinities" hide 14 World War II Class-A war criminals -- all convicted at the Tokyo War Crimes Trials and sentenced to penalties ranging from death to imprisonment -- including seven who were executed, five who died while serving their sentences, and two who died before final judgment. The war criminals were surreptitiously enshrined in the Yasukuni Shrine in 1978, an act carried out without public disclosure and remained hidden until April 19, 1979, when major newspapers finally brought it into light. Together with those convicted under Class B and C categories, Yasukuni commemorates over 1,000 war criminals in total, who are responsible for some of the most horrific atrocities committed in the Pacific Theater. Yet, aligning with the Japanese government's position, Yasukuni refuses to deem them as criminals under domestic law. WHAT DID THEY DO? Hideki Tojo, Japan's prime minister during World War II, ranks among the 14 Class-A war criminals. It was under his leadership that Japan launched its aggression, where millions across the Asia Pacific were brutally killed. Warfare soon engulfed much of East and Southeast Asia, pushing as far as British-controlled India. Across these occupied territories, Japanese militarists launched large-scale massacres, enforced forced labor and wrought widespread devastation. Of the 14 Class-A war criminals enshrined at Yasukuni, 13 were directly involved in Japan's war of aggression against China or bore major responsibility for shaping and implementing its invasion policies. Among them was Iwane Matsui, who ordered the Nanjing Massacre in December 1937. Over the following weeks, Japanese soldiers carried out his orders with ruthless efficiency. Over 300,000 civilians and disarmed soldiers were slaughtered -- shot, stabbed, buried alive, or drowned. And more than 20,000 women were raped. Japanese troops looted and burned the city, destroying more than a third of the buildings. According to the International Military Tribunal for the Far East Judgment, the Japanese military perpetrated over 100 large-scale massacres in places like Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand, many commanded by Class-A war criminals. In the Philippines, Akira Muto oversaw the Manila Massacre, in which roughly 100,000 Filipino civilians were killed. Meanwhile, Heitaro Kimura, dubbed the "Butcher of Burma," presided over the construction of the Thai-Burma "Death Railway," which was built at the cost of forced laborers from Myanmar, Malaysia and Australia with some 100,000 deaths. The atrocities of the "venerable divinities" enshrined in Yasukuni extend far beyond the battlefield: the forced imposition of Japanese-language education across occupied lands, the sexual enslavement of women and girls, the biological warfare and human experimentation carried out by Unit 731, the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor... and the list goes on. HOW JAPAN WHITEWASHES ITS TRACK RECORD? In Yushukan, Yasukuni's historical museum, history is presented from a starkly different perspective. According to the museum, Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War "inspired dreams of independence in people around the world, especially in Asia." In its telling, Japan's march across the Asia-Pacific was "unavoidable" and necessary for "national survival and self-defense." Japanese militarists in Southeast Asia were portrayed as liberators rather than occupiers, aiming to rescue the region from Western imperialism and build a self-sufficient regional order. Beyond distorting history, it brushes aside the atrocities they committed across Asia and the immense suffering of their victims. Calling it an "incident," the monstrous Nanjing Massacre is reduced to just a few brief lines in the museum: After the fall of Nanjing, "the defeated Chinese rushed to Xiaguan, and they were completely destroyed. The Chinese soldiers disguised in civilian clothes were severely prosecuted." The museum's display is a masterpiece of selective memory. It proudly showcases a locomotive from the Thai-Burma Railway, gushing over its "wartime importance" and "postwar benefits" but willfully obscuring the brutal reality of its construction: a project synonymous with forced labor, atrocity, and death on a massive scale. "No matter how much we try to reshape history to fit our own narrative, we only end up hurting and tormenting ourselves," said Haruki Murakami, a famous Japanese writer. "Japan must acknowledge its past aggression and keep apologizing until the oppressed countries accept it." Despite fierce criticism from Japan's right-wing groups, Murakami has mentioned the Nanjing Massacre in his novel, denouncing it as "extremely wrong to forget or distort" history. "We must fight historical revisionism. There is only so much a novelist can do, but it is possible to fight through the medium of storytelling," he said. WHY SHRINE VISIT DRAWS INFURIATION? The historical revisionism and the evasion of Japan's wartime culpability that Yasukuni embodies have kept it a persistent source of regional tension. Each visit by Japanese politicians sparks anger in neighboring countries, which view Yasukuni as a spiritual symbol of Japanese militarism and an affront to the victims of its past overseas aggression. That backlash resurfaced in October 2025, after then Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering to the shrine and several senior, right-leaning lawmakers paid visits. China's foreign ministry slashed the moves as a "blatant challenge to historical justice and human conscience," demanding Japan be prudent on historical issues such as the shrine and completely sever ties with militarism. South Korea also voiced strong objections, calling on Japanese leaders to face history and stressing that Japan's future relations with its neighbors must rest on "humble reflection and sincere remorse" over its wartime past. However, Ishiba's successor Sanae Takaichi said in a recent book of interviews that Japan's problem is not what it did in World War II, but that it lost. "If Japan had won the war, Japan probably wouldn't be blamed by anyone now, and those who started the war would be heroes," said the prime minister. "When victors judge the vanquished, it creates an enduring misery of defeat and hardship for future generations. Yet I believe it is wrong for Japanese people to apologize endlessly simply for being born Japanese." A regular visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, the firebrand nationalist has long denied well-documented Japanese war crimes, including the Nanjing Massacre and the forcible conscription of "comfort women" and laborers. Her recent remarks implying the possibility of armed Japanese intervention in the Taiwan Strait pose "a serious threat to peace and stability" both regionally and globally, said Richard Black, a senior researcher at the Schiller Institute. "Frankly speaking, militarism is once again on the rise in Japan," he said. Experts highlighted that even 80 years after its World War II defeat, Japan has failed to answer fundamental questions about "aggression" and "responsibility," revealing a lack of remorse and a distorted understanding of history. Frank Schumann, a German publisher and writer, told Xinhua that while Germany confiscated the assets of Nazi officials and war criminals, removed "Nazi remnants" from the education and judicial systems, and thoroughly implemented anti-fascist education in the media and cultural spheres, Japan still enshrines Class-A war criminals, and refers to as "incidents" its atrocities committed against Chinese people at the time. "Japan has not truly reflected on its history of aggression to this day," he said. Comparta este articulo For ten years, Lizzette Caceres work at BBVA Mexico focused on preventing the bank from losing money in labor lawsuits. Today, the former executive maintains that she was wrongfully terminated after internally reporting multimillion-peso payments to former employees with ongoing labor cases and after experiencing workplace harassment for pointing out these alleged irregularities. In January, Caceres filed a claim before a Labor Court for wrongful termination and harassment. The case remains ongoing. Safeguarding Bank Resources Lizzette Caceres joined BBVA in 2015, when the institution still operated under the BBVA Bancomer brand. Her last position was Labour Law Discipline Manager II within the legal-labor department. In that role, she explained, she oversaw the review and assignment of lawsuits filed by former bank employees across different regions of the country. Her duties included coordinating case management with 18 external law firms, receiving notifications from labor authorities, and providing external counsel with the information required for the banks defense. According to Caceres, the work dynamic changed during the final six months before her dismissal, when BBVA launched an internal project aimed at closing a high volume of accumulated labor litigation. Te podria interesar CDMX The orders to kill found on a hitmans phone At that time, the former executive estimates she managed around 500 lawsuits or complaints, many of which were reassigned to her direct supervisor, who joined the bank in 2021. She unilaterally decided that from that moment on she would personally take over those lawsuits and matters, Caceres said in an interview. It was during this period that Lizzette detected what she describes as serious anomalies. According to her testimony, after her supervisor assumed control of the cases, payments began to be authorized for the full claimed amount in files that did not have a final court ruling and, in some instances, where the amounts were allegedly overestimated. Caceres explained that prior to the project, payments were made in two ways: based on a final judicial ruling or through a settlement agreement supported by an external providers assessment of the risk of losing the case. The reality is that 100 percent was never paid without a judgment or resolution, she emphasized. However, she states that after her supervisor took control, cases were paid at 100 percent of their estimated value even when no court ruling existed. She recalled approximately 25 cases in Acapulco valued at around 25 million pesos. She also cited a specific case in Tabasco in which, she said, one million pesos were paid to a worker who had signed a resignation and settlement agreement five years earlier. There was no longer any way for his claim to succeed, and even so, that one million pesos was paid, she alleged. The Beginning of Workplace Harassment Caceres said she raised her concerns directly with her supervisor. According to her account, the response was an angry rebuke. She yelled at me and told me things had to be done her way because the project would move forward with or without me, she stated. From that moment on, Lizzette describes the beginning of systematic harassment. She reported receiving an email accusing her of administrative errors and of failing to properly set aside financial reserves for payments. She also described constant phone calls outside working hoursbetween 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.demanding urgent issuance of checks, as well as aggressive treatment and shouting. She further alleges that her supervisor instructed external law firms to stop sending her information about the lawsuits, effectively isolating her from her duties. Faced with this situation, Caceres turned to institutional channels. She filed a formal complaint with the Compliance department and requested a meeting with the areas director to present both the alleged financial irregularities and the harassment she was experiencing, invoking the banks integrity program known as Oasis. READ ALSO: Mexican Cartels, a Factor of Political Destabilization in Latin America: Report READ ALSO: What is Venezuelas oil reform about, approved by the Chavistas A Dismissal Without Full Severance Rather than receiving an investigation or protection, she says the institutional response was her definitive dismissal. Two weeks after reporting the situation, the director of Labor Relations informed her of her termination, arguing that the environment had become too tainted and that it would be her last day. Caceres recalls that the bank attempted to end the employment relationship with a financial offer below what the law provides for wrongful termination, which she rejected. My intention was always to defend the companys interests because that had always been my commitment. We had a project called Oasis that focused on integrity, and we were repeatedly told that if we saw misconduct we had the obligation to report it. That is what I did, but I was punished for it, she concluded. Following her dismissal, Lizzette filed a complaint for wrongful termination and harassment before the Tenth Federal Labor Court for Individual Matters, based in Mexico City. READ ALSO: Navy removes commanders over fuel theft; four detained READ ALSO: Greenland: Why Trump Argues It Is Important for U.S. Security However, her case will, ironically, fall within the same area where she previously worked. La Silla Rota requested a statement from BBVAs communications department regarding these allegations and the internal complaint referenced by the former employee. As of the closing of this edition, the institution has not responded to the request for information. VGB Michelle Yeoh thinks Hollywood can be slow to progress because some people are scared to "lose out". Michelle Yeoh has opened up about change in Hollywood The 63-year-old actress has insisted while there has been a lot of change over the past 30 years to help women in the industry, there will always be people working in the film world who become "very complacent" with the status quo. She told Variety: "Change is always difficult because some people are very complacent. They are afraid that if it changes, they might lose out. "But you have to evolve and you have to move forward. And if you think about it, your audience changes. "And Im not talking about algorithms. I dont understand them and I dont like the fact that I have to do or tell stories according to an algorithm." The Wicked: For Good star pointed out that "changes are necessary", and she's still glad Hollywood has been able to evolve in some ways over the years. She said: "I mean, the way theyve always treated women needed that change. The lack of women in all the different roles in front of and behind the camera is changing, and that is necessary. "I think it needs to have more faces that look like mine, stories that are there. And sometimes you go like, Wow, why hasnt this been told earlier?" The Asian-American star urged studios to focus more on "contemporary" stories about other cultures. She added: "I love the fact that Shogun got so many accolades. I was very disappointed when The Brothers Sun did not get picked up for Season 2, because that is part of the culture of Los Angeles. "I would love to be able to see many more faces like mine in movies or TV series that are contemporary, and not just of the past." Michelle also wants more opportunities for older actors, after her memorable Oscars speech three years ago when she urged actresses not to "let anyone tell you, you are past your prime". Now, she pondered: "I wouldnt say that that line doesnt fit today because it hasnt changed so much. I mean, women are still told a lot of things that they shouldnt be told. "I hate the word geriatric pregnancies. When youre in your 30s and if you dont have a baby, its considered 'geriatric.' "That means youre an old person. Can you imagine? Its so disrespectful to women. Lets not let them define us as women or put us in a box and say, 'Oh, well, because now youre this age, you should only play a grandmother.' " Members of the Legislative Assemblys Third Standing Committee have proposed revisions to the draft Food and Beverage Establishments Law that would remove the 5% tourism tax on establishments in hotels. A 5% tax in Macau primarily refers to the tourism tax levied on services provided by hotels, restaurants, gyms, karaoke bars, and nightclubs. In a meeting yesterday on the legislation, committee chair Leong Sun Iok, along with lawmaker Leong Hong Sai, summarized that the draft consolidates restaurants, bars, beverage outlets, and other dining venues into a single food and beverage establishment category, rather than keeping them divided, with some outlets required to pay additional taxes. The revised text also clarifies operational standards, including hygiene requirements for food preparation and storage areas, proper conduct to prevent contamination, and facility maintenance obligations. Temporary license conditions and provisions to ensure legal compliance after paying fines were also updated. Leong said the committee aims to finalize recommendations by mid-March, enabling the Legislative Assembly to pass the bill for an expected effective date of July 1. Like this: Like Loading... In Taipei, real estate agent Jason Sung is betting that home prices around a high-tech industrial park in the northern part of Taiwans capital will soon take flight because of computer chip maker Nvidia. The area is where Nvidia plans to build its new Taiwan headquarters as it rapidly expands on the island, set to surpass Apple to become the biggest customer of Taiwan semiconductor maker TSMC, the biggest contract manufacturer of the advanced chips needed for artificial intelligence. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang describes Taiwan as the center of the worlds computer ecosystem. Its riding high on the global AI frenzy. Its economy grew at an 8.6% annual pace last year, and its hoping to maintain that momentum after it recently sealed a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump that cut U.S. tariffs on Taiwan to 15% from 20%. We have been lucky, said Wu Tsong-min, an emeritus economics professor at National Taiwan University and a former board member of Taiwans central bank. But Taiwans heavy reliance on computer chip makers and other technology companies carries the growing risk of the AI craze turning out to be a bubble. What if the AI bubble is real, and what if its rapid growth pace slows, whats next for Taiwan? Thats the question many have been asking, Wu said. Escalating tensions with Beijing, which claims independently governed Taiwan as mainland Chinas territory, are another abiding threat, despite the islands vital role in global chip and AI supply chains. Taiwans leads in chipmaking An island of about 23 million people, Taiwan depends heavily on exports. They jumped nearly 35% year-on-year in 2025, as shipments to the U.S. surged 78% due to ballooning AI demand. Thats thanks largely to TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp., and electronics giant Foxconn, which makes AI servers for Nvidia and is a major supplier to Apple. Taiwan has undergone massive economic changes while shifting from mainly labor-intensive industries such as plastics and textiles to advanced manufacturing like semiconductor fabrication. The AI frenzy has made TSMC one of the worlds top 10 most valuable companies. Its profit jumped 46% last year to $1.7 trillion Taiwan dollars ($54 billion). The chipmaker is investing heavily both in Taiwan and in new factories in Arizona in the U.S. It produces more than 90% of the worlds most advanced chips. Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., has doubled its value since 2023. The maker of Apples iPhone and iPads now produces AI servers and racks and has a partnership with OpenAI to supply AI data center equipment. Taiwans heavy reliance on its technology industry means its biggest risk is that growth will be very highly contingent on the AI boom and tech race continuing, said Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING Bank. Risks persist of an AI bubble? Worries that the AI craze may prove to be a bubble prone to a bust similar to the dot.com crash in 2000 that swept through markets, alarming many in Taiwan. Im also very nervous about it, C.C. Wei, TSMCs chairman said when asked about a potential AI bubble during an earnings call in January. Because we have to invest about $52-$56 billion (this year). If we did not do it carefully, that will be a big disaster to TSMC for sure, he said. I want to make sure that my customers demands are real. In a recent report, analysts from Fitch Ratings argued that AI demand will remain strong at least in the near term. In the longer term, however, the risks will depend on the evolution of AI, as well as trade and investment policies and the adaptability of Taiwanese firms, they wrote. Taiwanese electronics company Asia Vital Components, a key supplier of liquid cooling systems for Nvidia, is investing heavily in research and development. Its chairman, Spencer Shen, said he saw no signs of a slowdown in AI-related demand so far. The company is already designing thermal solutions for 2028 AI servers, he said. We do not believe this is a bubble, Shen told The Associated Press in an interview. AI is driven by companies with real products and massive cash flows, like Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta. In fact, AI infrastructure is still in short supply, Shen added. I expect AI to trickle through to our everyday level and change the way that things will work fundamentally. Taiwan has a silicon shield Some in Taiwan believe that its pivotal role in the technology sector, especially as a maker of computer chips whose main material is silicon, helps to protect the island from an eventual military action by communist-ruled Beijing. The two governments split in 1949 during a civil war. Beijing has been stepping up pressure, conducting military drills nearby. Exercises in late December included live rounds landing closer to the island than before, Taiwan officials said. Such geopolitical factors cloud the economic outlook, though many in Taiwan including its former leader Tsai Ing-wen believe its importance to global chipmaking would deter China from attacking. The risk of a conflict is unclear. Both global tech companies and Chinese industries would suffer from massive disruptions of the chip supply chain, said Wu of National Taiwan University. Still, some companies have been identifying contingency scenarios in recent years on how to respond in case of military action by China, said Chen Shin-horng, vice president of the semi-official Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research. We need to understand the potential risk, potential damages to Taiwan, said Chen. While many of its core research and development activities are in Taiwan, TSMC already has plants in China, Japan and the U.S., and its expanding its offshore production in the U.S., Germany and Japan. Roughly 65% of Foxconns manufacturing is in China, and the company has factories in other parts of the world such as India, Mexico and the U.S. AVC has been expanding its production capacity in Vietnam. While some have called for Taiwan to diversify its economy away from technology to reduce risks, others argue that doubling down on its world-leading technology is the way forward. It is our greatest strength, said Shen of AVC. Some in Taiwan are being left behind The AI boom has done wonders for Taiwans stock exchange, where the benchmark Taiex has climbed nearly 250% over the past decade, making many investors rich. Economists have significantly upgraded forecasts for Taiwans economic growth for 2026 based on its robust AI-related exports. But as is true elsewhere, the wealth is not evenly spread. Many Taiwan residents feel they have been left behind. Taiwans wealth gap, according to official data, has roughly quadrupled over the past three decades. The pay of tech workers already earning high wages, especially chip engineers and managers, has skyrocketed. For other traditional industries, such as plastics and machine toolmakers, growth has lagged. Economists say that gap might widen as the AI frenzy continues. It can be tough to make a living, said Jean Lin, a 30-something manager of a takeaway outlet selling bento meals in a Taipei neighborhood where Foxconns office is located. Many of the younger generation still cant afford to buy an apartment, Lin, who wishes to start her own business one day, added. A lot of young people still feel they dont have much money. CHAN HO-HIM, TAIPEI, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... The highly iconic Singapore restaurant, Chatterbox, made its grand debut in Macau at MGM MACAU, bringing the vibrant flavours of Singapore to an elevated and modern dining experience. While rooted in Singapores rich culinary heritage, its Macau destination reimagines this legacy for its diners centered around its world-famous chicken rice and a menu of beloved specialties crafted from time-honored, closely guarded recipes by Chatterboxs Group Executive Chef Liew Tian Heong. The interior design of Chatterbox Cafe at MGM MACAU pays homage to the East-meets-West cultural heritage shared by both cities. Drawing inspiration from European architecture, the space features arched doorways, elegant wood finishes, and mosaic accents that echo the charm of Singapores iconic shophouses while embracing the Portuguese design language from Macaus historical story. Adding a distinctive artistic layer, the restaurant showcases four bespoke paintings by Singaporean rising star artist Tan Zi Xi, each celebrating a signature dish Singapore Mandarin Chicken Rice, Lobster Laksa, Singapore Chicken Curry, and Signature Coconut Ice Cream. Whats more, these artworks creatively fuse the restaurants key ingredients, such as garlic bulbs, chili, chicken, and coconut, together with elements from Macaus native biodiversity, including the symbolic lotus flower, and the black-faced spoonbill and heron from the citys serene wetlands, blending Singaporean flavours with Macanese elements through whimsical compositions. To complement the bold flavors of the menu, Chatterbox Macau offers a curated selection of nostalgic beverages from Milo Kopi and Pandan Cafe Latte to Grass Jelly Drink each crafted to evoke the comforting tastes of Southeast Asia and transport guests to the vibrant vibe of Singapore. MDTs top pick from the menu is the chicken rice. A true classic, this is the very first dish served in 1971 when Chatterbox was founded. The recipe has evolved over time but remains true to tradition. Each chicken is gently simmered in aromatic stock, then steamed to lock in its richness. It is served boneless with jasmine rice cooked fresh and a warm soup infused with chicken essence and aromatics, accompanied by Chatterboxs legendary house- made chili for a timeless taste of Singapore. Like this: Like Loading... Fifteen Indian companies have moved forward with plans to invest in Angola as part of a growing economic partnership between the two nations. The development was confirmed in Luanda on February 12, 2026, highlighting deepening commercial ties and expanded opportunities for bilateral cooperation. The planned investments span several priority sectors of the Angolan economy, including agriculture, fertiliser production and logistics, according to business representatives and diplomatic sources. Indian business leaders have identified these areas as key avenues for capital deployment and long-term collaboration, reflecting Indias interest in Angolas natural resources and potential for diversified economic growth. This move builds on broader strategic engagement between Angola and India, where both governments have previously worked to strengthen economic and trade links, particularly in energy, technology, minerals and infrastructure. The expansion of Indian business activity in Angola complements ongoing efforts by the Angolan government to attract foreign direct investment and support national development objectives. The arrival of these investment plans underscores a renewed commercial confidence and signals potential increases in job creation, valueadded production and sectoral diversification as Angola continues to implement reforms to enhance its investment climate. The engagements are expected to further solidify economic relations and stimulate bilateral trade partnerships. Several African Heads of State and Government arrived in Addis Ababa on February 12, 2026, for the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union and the inaugural AfricaItaly Summit, being hosted on African soil for the first time. Among the early arrivals were President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. of Liberia, Prime Minister Americo dOliveira dos Ramos of Sao Tome and Principe, and Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group. They were received at Bole International Airport by senior Ethiopian officials, including the Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba, Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye. This years AU Summit is convened under the theme, Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063. The gathering will bring together heads of state, government officials and development partners to advance key continental priorities. Delegates are expected to remain in the Ethiopian capital through Sunday for high-level deliberations, bilateral engagements and the historic AfricaItaly Summit, aimed at strengthening political, economic and development cooperation. On the sidelines of the meetings, Ethiopia plans to showcase recent national achievements, including major corridor infrastructure projects and riverside development initiatives. Organisers say the exhibitions and site visits are intended to offer visiting leaders direct insight into the countrys progress in infrastructure, trade facilitation and sustainable local development. The twin summits are expected to focus on water and sanitation, peace and security, economic integration, infrastructure expansion and strategic partnerships between Africa and international partners. South Sudan is losing substantial revenue due to outdated and low tax rates, particularly on maize flour imports, a senior official has warned during a public hearing on the 2025/2026 national budget on February 12, 2026. Aggrey Tisa Sabuni, technical advisor for revenue matters at the South Sudan Revenue Authority, told lawmakers in Juba that the continued application of a 5% import duty on maize flour unchanged since 2002 is undermining domestic revenue mobilisation and weakening the countrys standing within the East African Community (EAC). Sabuni said taxation is central to sustaining the social contract, noting that the Finance Bill is the primary instrument for revenue generation and policy implementation. Under the EACs Common External Tariff, raw materials attract zero duty, semi-finished goods 10%, finished products 25%, and sensitive items 35%. However, South Sudan maintains a 5% duty on maize flour, compared to 25% in most EAC states, 35% in Ethiopia and 40% in Sudan. He questioned whether maintaining the 5% rate year in and year out can support national development, adding that the rate was introduced in 2002 in Rumbek and has not been revised since independence in 2011. Sabuni compared South Sudans fiscal performance with regional peers, noting that the countrys 2024/2025 budget stood at about $1 billion, while Uganda collected roughly $20 billion in tax revenue, Kenya $30 billion, Tanzania $18.8 billion, Rwanda $3.7 billion and Burundi $1.5 billion. For 2025/2026, South Sudans budget is projected at around $1.5 billion. He also highlighted critically low foreign exchange reserves of $74 million equivalent to about half a months cover compared to significantly higher reserves across neighbouring countries. Using maize flour as an example, Sabuni argued that low import duties discourage domestic agriculture at a time when the government has pledged to prioritise the sector. Finance ministry undersecretary Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa echoed calls for reform, saying tax rates must be revisited and aligned with EAC standards while safeguarding citizens purchasing power. However, business representatives raised concerns over implementation. Asmerom N. Tuquabo of the Eritrean Business Community Chambers alleged that importers face additional unauthorised charges under the 2024/2025 Financial Act and, in some cases, customs duties significantly above the stipulated 5%. Rose Byrne is "gifted at disassociating" herself from her work. Rose Byrne has opened up about her career The 46-year-old star has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, but Rose actually found it easy to leave her on-screen character behind at the end of the working day. Rose - who plays a psychotherapist who has to care for her daughter in the movie - told The Hollywood Reporter: "Im gifted at disassociating, so I could just very much separate myself and shut off my valve and my battery to recharge. [The crew was] protective of me, and they would find me rooms here and there and all that stuff. "But I never wanted to get too far away from what I had to do, because it was like lightning in a bottle. Its like trying to get these moments, and I never wanted to be too far from the feeling, so it was always that technical, emotional dance." Rose starred alongside A$AP Rocky in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, and she relished the experience of working with the rap star. She shared: "He couldnt have been cooler. He was so cool, and he was so respectful. He loved running lines. We were line nerds, and when we would run lines, he had a lot of curiosity and questions. It was fun. It was funny. We did laugh a lot." Meanwhile, Rose previously revealed that she feels "grateful" for her success. The acclaimed actress explained to The Independent: "People want that instant hit, that instant gratification. I definitely dont fall into that category. I probably fall into the category of character actress, which is not [me] trying to humble-brag or anything, its just a hard business to place yourself in. "I definitely was not a confident 20-year-old or even a confident 28-year-old, you know? Its taken me a long time to feel more in my skin. Its dull of me to say, but I do always feel grateful to have consistently been a working actress. "Its not easy. Its a tough business, and people tend to fall in traps or rely on other things to get [them] through it." City International School in Oshiwara erupted in chaos on Thursday, hours after Mumbai Mirror reported on the institutions imminent shutdown over what the management described as an unsustainable rent hike. By the afternoon, the campus had transformed from a routine school day into a charged protest scene, as dozens of anxious parents flooded the premises demanding answers about their childrens future. Corridors rang with raised voices, tempers flared, and the usual calm of classrooms and assembly halls gave way to confrontation and confusion. Parents confronted staff members, seeking clarity on the sudden closure announcement. However, several alleged that instead of engagement or reassurance, they were asked to leave the campus without being heard. The management declined to hold a meeting and instructed parents to vacate the premises, warning that the police would be called if the gathering continued. The management refused to hold a meeting, declined to share the landlords contact details even when all of us offered to negotiate ourselves, and warned that police would be called if we did not disperse, said a parent who was present during the protest. The school isnt even giving us the landlords number or contact details, and the management refuses to speak to us now. How are we supposed to find answers? What are we supposed to do? asked a parent of a Class 4 student. We will protest. This is completely unfair. Rent hike at centre of crisis The unrest followed Tuesdays email from principal Dr Mansi Gupta to teaching staff and parents, announcing that the school would cease operations from the 202627 academic year. The communication cited a sharp increase in annual rent from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 55 lakh which the management termed unreasonable and impossible to sustain. It also referred to pending reimbursements under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and unpaid fees, compounding the financial strain. It is with a very heavy heart the letter began, before confirming that the school would not continue operations beyond the stated academic year. Parents were instructed to apply for Leaving Certificates (LCs) before March 15 and collect them between April 15 and 25, effectively formalising the impending closure. Many described the notice as abrupt, impersonal and lacking in transitional support. For families admitted under the RTE quota, the impact is particularly severe. We secured admission here through the lottery after endless paperwork, said a mother. Now the RTE process opens again this month (February), and we will have to start from scratch, fill in forms, wait through multiple rounds, and hope our childs name is selected. We have already endured this once. There is fear. Every day feels like the last, a mother said. She recalled a similar episode in 2014, when parents were reportedly asked to collect LCs amid talk of closure, only for the issue to be resolved months later. This time it feels more serious because they have given a clear timeline and announced it formally through email, she said. We appeal to the education department to step in. Otherwise, private schools may cite such issues and shut down at will, jeopardising our childrens academic future. Others expressed concern about students approaching board years. Our children will be in Class 10 next year. It is a crucial stage, said a parent of a Class 6 student. How can they suddenly change schools now? Which school will absorb so many students at once? Instead of offering reassurance, they are threatening to call the police. Wider concerns and calls for intervention The uncertainty has also unsettled teachers and non-teaching staff, the majority of whom said they were taken by surprise by the email. We had heard vaguely about rent issues, but the announcement shocked us, said a senior teacher. There is no clarity about our jobs or any transition plan. After years of service, everything suddenly feels uncertain. The management, however, maintains that closure is unavoidable. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Gaurav Bhagwat, Head of Administration, said the landlords escalating demands had rendered continued operations financially unviable. Education activists argue that the episode highlights a deeper structural vulnerability. Schools operating from rented premises in high-value real estate pockets, they say, are increasingly exposed to landlord pressures. When rents spike, children pay the price, said education activist Prashant Gohil. If the school is indeed shutting down due to rent issues, the state education department must intervene and conduct a thorough inquiry. There needs to be policy protection. Schools cannot be treated like ordinary commercial tenants. For now, the Oshiwara campus continues to function, with morning bells ringing and examinations proceeding as scheduled. Yet parents say the atmosphere has irreversibly changed. The Bombay High Court has granted bail to 60-year-old businessman Nasir Usmangani Chaudhary in a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) concerning fake Indian currency and alleged terror links. Chaudhary had spent more than four years in custody while the trial remained pending before a Special Court. After hearing submissions from both sides, the HC held that he should be released on bail pending trial, noting the prolonged period of incarceration and the slow progress of the proceedings. Investigation and allegations The case began when Thane police detained an accused near the Ganesh Talkies area and allegedly recovered 149 counterfeit Rs 2,000 notes from his possession. The total face value of the seized notes was approximately Rs 2.98 lakh. An FIR was subsequently registered, and the investigation was later transferred to the NIA. During the probe, the agency alleged that Chaudhary was in contact with the principal accused, Riyaz Abdul Shikilkar, and had communicated via WhatsApp calls with another person referred to as Uncle. According to the NIA, this individual was Javed Chikna, alias Javed Patel, who has been designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The prosecution alleged that the accused conspired to print and circulate counterfeit currency with the intention of undermining Indias economy. It further claimed that, while in police custody, Chaudhary disclosed information about a counterfeit Rs 2,000 note concealed behind an under-construction mosque. Police stated that he led them to the location, resulting in its recovery. A forensic examination conducted by the Nashik Press later confirmed that the seized notes were high-quality counterfeits. Chaudhary was charged under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to counterfeiting currency, along with sections of the UAPA dealing with terrorist acts and criminal conspiracy. His earlier bail plea was rejected by the Special Court. HCs reasoning Before the HC, Chaudharys counsel argued that he had remained in jail for over four years as an undertrial prisoner and that the trial was far from conclusion. Several witnesses are yet to be examined, the court was told, and the proceedings are likely to take considerable time. The defence contended that continued incarceration without meaningful progress violated his fundamental right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. Opposing the bail, NIA maintained that the alleged offences were serious and would threaten national security. The HC, however, observed that, irrespective of the seriousness of the allegations, an accused cannot be kept in custody indefinitely if the trial is not progressing. Taking note of the four-year custody and the ongoing nature of the trial, the court set aside the Special Courts order and granted bail. Mumbais first citizens are fighting to remain visible on the shoreline they built. The Koli community, original custodians of the seven islands, now face shrinking fishing zones, choking creeks and aggressive coastal redevelopment. Mangroves have given way to industry. Tides carry plastic and sewage. Yields are falling. What was once inheritance is turning precarious. Last November, the Mumbai Port Authority cleared disputed godowns at Sassoon Dock as part of a plan to re-tender warehouse facilities. The move followed sustained protests from fisherfolk who argued it would destabilise a century-old supply ecosystem and jeopardise thousands of livelihoods. Many see it as part of a pattern: redevelopment that privileges commercial value over coastal communities, compounded by limited socio-political representation. Beyond the screen Against this backdrop, food and impact platform The Locavore, founded by Chef Thomas Zacharias, is launching Where the City Meets the Sea a first-of-its-kind photo exhibition that brings together photographs, stories, recipes, field notes, and fragments of lived experience of the Koli community. Designed as an intimate walk-through space, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with the people, places and practices that shape Mumbais fishing communities. The exhibition stems from the Mumbai Koli Project, the impact campaign linked to the 2023 documentary Against the Tide, which follows two Koli fishermen. Developed with director Sarvnik Kaur, impact producer Sonia Parekh and community leader Ganesh Nakhawa, and supported by Doc Societys Climate Story Fund, it extends the film into lived engagement through walks across koliwadas, shared meals and documentation of seasonal food practices tied to tides and labour. The project was designed to move beyond the screen to centre the Koli community and examine how food, fishing, climate change and urban life are intertwined, says Zacharias. The exhibition makes that work public, showing how coastal livelihoods are negotiated daily under environmental and urban pressure. Holding the line Nakhawa, a seventh-generation Koli fisherman, is direct about the stakes. The city is largely unaware of the struggle of the last 20 years or everyday Koli life. The catches are going down, the tides are changing, the koliwadas are changing. For him, the exhibition documents erosion but also urgency. Youth from our community must understand the struggle of their forefathers. Innovation and adaptation are the only solutions. The New York Times described Against the Tide as bringing to life an ecosystem wrecked by corporate greed and climate change. For Kaur, the exhibition continues that arc. Against the Tide travelled widely after its premiere, and with each screening it became clear that the story of Mumbais Koli fisherfolk resonated far beyond the coast where it was filmed. But circulation also brought responsibility the relationships that shaped the film could not simply end with its festival run. The photo exhibition emerges, thus, traces the lived processes, conversations, and collaborations that grew alongside the film. It aims to foreground the Koli community not as subjects of representation, but as knowledge holders navigating rapid urban and ecological change with dignity and clarity, he says. For a city largely removed from the lives of its first citizens, the exhibition creates space to engage with the work as more than art. The exhibit aims to bridge the growing distance between those who eat seafood in Mumbai and the communities that harvest the sea, says Zacharias. It seeks to shift how urban audiences think about seafood from a commodity to a relationship while encouraging more seasonal, local and informed choices, and building long-term visibility and respect for fishing communities. Where the City Meets the Sea opens at G5A Warehouse, Mahalaxmi, on 14 February 2026, 4.30 pm to 7 pm, and runs on 15, 17 and 18 February, 5 pm to 8 pm. Registration: thelocavore.in/mumbai-koli-project-exhibition-where-the-city-meets-the-sea/ India and the US have unveiled an interim trade framework. In Mumbai, thats like inaugurating a road repair: Ribbon cut, traffic still stuck. Also, were the last city that should fear trade barriers. We have been living with barriers since 1853 potholes, traffic, sound pollution, and local trains so crowded that your elbow needs a ticket. So when we hear tariffs, we dont panic. We simply ask: Which barrier: Trumps or Mumbais? The headline number: US tariffs on originating goods of India are expected to fall to 18 per cent from as much as 50 per cent. Thats relief, yes, though 18 per cent is still higher than the old normal. It only looks heroic because you were first shown 50 per cent. Like a shopkeeper who gives 40 per cent discount after raising the MRP last night. The US has also removed the extra 25 per cent penalty duty it had slapped on India for buying Russian oil. One executive order, instant relief; another executive order, instant sorry because Mr Trump treats tariffs like a switchboard: on, off, overload, fuse blown. On exports, the good list is chunky. About $44 billion of Indian goods are expected to get zero-duty access in phase one like spices, tea, coffee, copra, coconut oil, bananas, mangoes and bakery goods. Aam the mango, not admi, gets smoother entry than H1B seekers at US immigration, and your masala might cross borders faster than your suitcase on baggage belt 6. Now, the good news (because all good news must be announced before the pothole). Yes, our sensitive agricultural and dairy products are protected. In Indian terms, that means: maize, wheat, rice, milk, cheese have been kept behind a security cordon tighter than a Bollywood stars Sunday brunch. So the farmer can breathe. But the aam admi? He doesnt breathe. He navigates. Because now, thanks to reduced duties, we may get more foreign cars and superbikes on Indian roads. Imagine a Harley Davidson entering a Bandra bylane in June. The bike has 1,800cc of American freedom, but the road has 1,800 craters of Mumbai monsoon. And let me clarify: The biggest tariff in India is not imposed by Trump. It is imposed by potholes. No White House negotiator can bargain with the BMCs seasonal product line called Surprise Road Collapse Limited Edition. What does India cut duties on? American temptations with low political sensitivity: Wines & spirits, dry fruits and tree nuts. Also on pistachios, walnuts, almonds, soybean oil and some lentils, and animal-feed items like DDGS and red sorghum. The official line is: Staples and dairy stay guarded; cereals, poultry, milk / cheese, ethanol, tobacco, certain vegetables / meat and GM-food sensitivities remain red lines. Now the warning label: This is a framework, not a forever-contract. The US says it will monitor Russian oil imports and can reimpose the extra 25 per cent duty if it feels India hasnt complied. Ask South Korea: It celebrated a deal, then faced 25 per cent tariffs again when Washington said its legislature was too slow. Also floating around is a promise that India will buy $500 billion of US goods in five years, when US goods exports to India were about $41.5 billion in 2024. Math so ambitious even our GST portal may ask for OTP thrice. Which is why Mumbais verdict is simple: Tariff barriers come and go. But the barriers on our roads, rails and ears are permanent infrastructure. We already clear tougher ones before reaching office for breakfast. Readers may please write to me at shiv.sambhale@timesofindia.com with your views on the US-India trade deal and what you think is more volatile: Trump-Ajoba or the Indian roads or the stock market or the economy? Mumbais first citizens are fighting to remain visible on the shoreline they built. The Koli community, original custodians of the seven islands, now face shrinking fishing zones, choking creeks and aggressive coastal redevelopment. Mangroves have given way to industry. Tides carry plastic and sewage. Yields are falling. What was once inheritance is turning precarious. Last November, the Mumbai Port Authority cleared disputed godowns at Sassoon Dock as part of a plan to re-tender warehouse facilities. The move followed sustained protests from fisherfolk who argued it would destabilise a century-old supply ecosystem and jeopardise thousands of livelihoods. Many see it as part of a pattern: redevelopment that privileges commercial value over coastal communities, compounded by limited socio-political representation. Beyond the screen Against this backdrop, food and impact platform The Locavore, founded by Chef Thomas Zacharias, is launching Where the City Meets the Seaa first-of-its-kind photo exhibition that brings together photographs, stories, recipes, field notes, and fragments of lived experience of the Koli community. Designed as an intimate walk-through space, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with the people, places and practices that shape Mumbais fishing communities. The exhibition stems from the Mumbai Koli Project, the impact campaign linked to the 2023 documentary Against the Tide, which follows two Koli fishermen. Developed with director Sarvnik Kaur, impact producer Sonia Parekh and community leader Ganesh Nakhawa, and supported by Doc Societys Climate Story Fund, it extends the film into lived engagement through walks across koliwadas, shared meals and documentation of seasonal food practices tied to tides and labour. The project was designed to move beyond the screento centre the Koli community and examine how food, fishing, climate change and urban life are intertwined, says Zacharias. The exhibition makes that work public, showing how coastal livelihoods are negotiated daily under environmental and urban pressure. Holding the line Nakhawa, a seventh-generation Koli fisherman, is direct about the stakes. The city is largely unaware of the struggle of the last 20 years or everyday Koli life. The catches are going down, the tides are changing, the koliwadas are changing. For him, the exhibition documents erosion but also urgency. Youth from our community must understand the struggle of their forefathers. Innovation and adaptation are the only solutions. The New York Times described Against the Tide as bringing to life an ecosystem wrecked by corporate greed and climate change. For Kaur, the exhibition continues that arc. Against the Tide travelled widely after its premiere, and with each screening it became clear that the story of Mumbais Koli fisherfolk resonated far beyond the coast where it was filmed. But circulation also brought responsibilitythe relationships that shaped the film could not simply end with its festival run. The photo exhibition emerges, thus, traces the lived processes, conversations, and collaborations that grew alongside the film. It aims to foreground the Koli community not as subjects of representation, but as knowledge holders navigating rapid urban and ecological change with dignity and clarity, he says. For a city largely removed from the lives of its first citizens, the exhibition creates space to engage with the work as more than art. The exhibit aims to bridge the growing distance between those who eat seafood in Mumbai and the communities that harvest the sea, says Zacharias. It seeks to shift how urban audiences think about seafood from a commodity to a relationshipwhile encouraging more seasonal, local and informed choices, and building long-term visibility and respect for fishing communities. Where the City Meets the Sea opens at G5A Warehouse, Mahalaxmi, on February 14, 4.30 pm to 7 pm, and runs on 15, 17 and 18 February, 5 pm to 8 pm. Registration: thelocavore.in MIAMI (AP) A supervisor at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations office in the Dominican Republic has been arrested as part of an investigation into abuse of a U.S. visa program for confidential informants, a current and former U.S. official briefed on the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday. The arrest comes as the Trump administration has abruptly shuttered the anti-narcotics office in the Caribbean nation over what it said was a disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust. Meliton Cordero was taken into custody as part of an investigation led by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the two people said. They spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. There were no additional details about the arrest and messages to Corderos cellphone were not immediately returned. Neither DHS nor the DEA immediately responded to request for comment. Earlier Thursday, U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos said she has closed the DEAs office until further notice without providing a reason. It is a disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust to use ones official capacity for personal gain, she wrote on X. I will not tolerate even the perception of corruption anywhere in the Embassy I lead. Dominican Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Alvarez said the closure had nothing to do with the Dominican government but was part of an internal U.S. investigation. Every year, the DEA, FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies sponsor the entry to the United States of hundreds of foreign nationals who might otherwise be considered inadmissible due to their association with criminal activity. Over time, many of the individuals, who are expected to assist investigators, become eligible for permanent residency. A 2019 report by a Justice Department watchdog identified several lapses in the visa program, finding that law enforcement had lost track of as many as 1,000 sponsored individuals, posing risks to public safety or national security because of the individuals involvement with criminal activity. The Dominican Republic is a major transit zone for narcotics leaving South America and law enforcement authorities in the country have long worked closely with their U.S. counterparts. In late November, Dominican President Luis Abinader announced that he was authorizing the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport to help in its fight against drug trafficking. Mustian reported from Minneapolis. AP Writer Danica Coto contributed to this report from Puerto Rico. By JOSHUA GOODMAN and JIM MUSTIAN Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Friday that a change in power in Iran would be the best thing that could happen as the U.S. administration weighs whether to take military action against Tehran. Trump made the comments shortly after visiting with troops at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and after he confirmed earlier in the day that hes deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Mideast. It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen, Trump said in an exchange with reporters when asked about pressing for the ouster of the Islamic clerical rule in Iran. For 47 years, theyve been talking and talking and talking. The president has suggested in recent weeks that his top priority is for Iran to further scale back its nuclear program, but on Friday he suggested thats only one aspect of concessions the U.S. needs Iran to make. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who traveled to Washington this week for talks with Trump, has been pressing for any deal to include steps to neutralize Irans ballistic missile program and end its funding for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. If we do it, that would be the least of the mission, Trump said of targeting Tehrans nuclear program, which suffered significant setbacks in U.S. military strikes last year. Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Trumps comments advocating for a potential end to Ayatollah Ali Khameneis rule come just weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a potential change in power in Iran would be far more complex than the administrations recent effort to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. Rubio, during a Senate hearing last month, noted that with Iran youre talking about a regime thats in place for a very long time. So thats going to require a lot of careful thinking, if that eventuality ever presents itself, Rubio said. Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, is being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Mideast to join other warships and military assets the U.S. has built up in the region. Trump had suggested another round of talks with the Iranians was planned for this week, but those negotiations didnt materialize as one of Tehrans top security officials visited Oman and Qatar and exchanged messages with U.S. intermediaries. In case we dont make a deal, well need it, Trump told reporters about the second carrier. He added, Itll be leaving very soon. Already, Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Iranians are beginning to hold 40-day mourning ceremonies for the thousands killed in Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, adding to the internal pressure faced by the sanctions-battered Islamic Republic. The Ford, whose new deployment was first reported by The New York Times, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. U.S. forces already have shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump in exchanges with reporters on Friday still offered measured hope that a deal can be struck with Iran. Give us the deal that they should have given us the first time, Trump said about how U.S. military action can be avoided. If they give us the right deal, we wont do that. Ford had been part of Venezuela strike force It would be a quick turnaround for the Ford, which Trump sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as the administration built up a huge military presence in the lead-up to the surprise raid last month that captured Maduro. It also appears to be at odds with the Trump administrations national security and defense strategies, which put an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. In response to questions about the movement of the Ford, U.S. Southern Command said U.S. forces in Latin America will continue to counter illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere. While force posture evolves, our operational capability does not, Col. Emanuel Ortiz, spokesperson for Southern Command, said in a statement. U.S. forces remain fully ready to project power, defend themselves, and protect U.S. interests in the region. The Ford strike group will bring more than 5,000 additional troops to the Middle East but few capabilities or weapons that dont already exist within the Lincoln group. Having two carriers will double the number of aircraft and munitions that are available to military planners and Trump. Given the Fords current position in the Caribbean, it will likely be weeks before it is off the coast of Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program and earlier over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman a week ago, and Trump later warned Tehran that failure to reach an agreement with his administration would be very traumatic. Similar talks last year ultimately broke down in June as Israel launched what became a 12-day war on Iran that included the U.S. bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Long carrier deployments affect crews and ships The USS Ford, meanwhile, first set sail in late June 2025, which means the crew will soon have been deployed for eight months. While it is unclear how long the ship will remain in the Middle East, the move sets the crew up for an unusually long deployment. The Navys top officer, Adm. Daryl Caudle, told reporters last month that keeping the Ford longer at sea would be highly disruptive and that he was a big non-fan of extensions. Carriers are typically deployed for six or seven months. When it goes past that, that disrupts lives, it disrupts things funerals that were planned, marriages that were planned, babies that were planned, Caudle said. He said extending the Ford would complicate its maintenance and upkeep by throwing off the schedule of repairs, adding more wear and tear, and increasing the equipment that will need attention. For comparison, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower had a nine-month deployment to the Middle East in 2023 and 2024, when it spent much of its time engaged with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The ship entered maintenance in early 2025 as scheduled, but it blew past its planned completion date of July and remains in the shipyard to this day. Caudle told The Associated Press in a recent interview that his vision is to deploy smaller, newer ships when possible instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers. ___ Madhani reported from West Palm Beach, Fla., and Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report. By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, AAMER MADHANI and JON GAMBRELL Associated Press FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) An au pair who schemed with her employer-turned-lover to kill his wife and another man received a 10-year prison sentence on Friday. Prosecutors had recommended Juliana Peres Magalhaes walk free after she pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge in the February 2023 killing of Joseph Ryan. Instead of being tried for second-degree murder, she became their star witness, testifying that she had fatally shot Ryan as Brendan Banfield was fatally stabbing his wife, Christine, in the couples bedroom. Brendan Banfield was convicted by a jury this month of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife and Ryan. I know my remorse cannot bring you peace, Magalhaes told the victims families on Friday, wiping away tears and muffling sobs. I hope you can someday understand that I really did not believe his plan would actually happen. Instead of sentencing her to time served, Judge Penney Azcarate delivered the maximum possible sentence to the woman from Brazil. Lets get it straight: You do not deserve anything other than incarceration and a life of reflection on what you have done to the victim and his family. May it weigh heavily on your soul, the judge said. At Banfields trial, Magalhaes testified that she and the IRS agent created an account in the name of his wife, a pediatric intensive care nurse, on a social media platform for people interested in sexual fetishes. Ryan connected with the account and agreed to meet for a sexual encounter involving a knife. Magalhaes, then 22, said she and Brendan Banfield took the couples 4-year-old child to the basement, and then found Ryan surprising Christine Banfield with a knife in the couples bedroom. She said Brendan Banfield shot Ryan and then began stabbing his wife in the neck. When she saw Ryan moving, Magalhaes said, she fired the second shot that killed him. The au pair wasnt arrested until eight months later, and hasnt left jail since. Prosecutors raised concerns that if she were to be allowed bail, she would flee to Brazil or be deported by immigration officials before they could finish their case. She didnt talk with investigators for more than a year, until she changed her mind as her trial date approached. I lost myself in a relationship, and left my morals and values behind, Magalhaes told the judge. You were texting and speaking to Joseph Ryan, encouraging him to bring a knife and ultimately, through the phone conversation, getting his consent, knowing all along you were bringing him to his death, the judge responded. Ryans mother, Deirdre Fisher, told the court that her son, born days before Christmas, was her greatest gift. Three years after his killing, she cant bear taking down their Christmas tree. An urn with Ryans ashes sits in front of the decoration. I say good morning to him each day when I turn on the trees lights, she said. But of course thats not Joe sitting there. He cant say I love you back. Sangeeta Ryan described her nephew as inquisitive, curious, smart, charming and so dang talkative. She said he loved martial arts and role-playing with his friends. She also noted that he had moved in with his octogenarian grandmother to care for her. His sudden murder devastated his grandma she could no longer live in the family home without Joe, his aunt said. The woman quietly moved away, hoping to avoid her memories and the reporters knocking at the door. Christine Banfields relatives attended Fridays hearing. A judge has said Banfield will be sentenced in May. By OLIVIA DIAZ Associated Press/Report for America GUATEMALA CITY (AP) Just as Guatemala began to elect magistrates to its highest court on Thursday in a test of strength of its democratic institutions, prosecutors said they raided two voting locations in what lawyers and the countrys president said was an attempt to interfere in the elections. The latest action carried out by the internationally criticized Attorney Generals office reignited tensions in a yearslong battle to root out endemic corruption plaguing the Central American countrys institutions. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and his anti-corruption allies have often clashed with prosecutors they accuse of rotting Guatemalas justice system and making politically motivated arrests. The agents who carried out the raid were led by Leonor Morales, a prosecutor sanctioned by the United States for trying to overturn Arevalos presidential win in 2023. Morales has also previously persecuted judicial officials fighting corruption. She refused to provide more information because it was an open investigation. Information (about the raid) cannot be shared, and I therefore request that the media be removed from the premises, said Morales, whose team also briefly tried to block the entrance of lawyers who wanted to vote, though eventually voting resumed with agents watching. A new attempt to undermine institutions Arevalo accused the prosecutors office of carrying out a new attempt to undermine institutions and disrupt the normal functioning of the rule of law in a video address to Guatemalans posted on social media. The president accused the prosecutors office of seeking to frighten and intimidate voters, and he called on lawyers to cast their ballots and not allow the officials to alter the course of the elections as it tried to during his election in 2023. Guatemalas democracy is not negotiable, it will not be intimidated, and it will not be taken away. It is to be respected, he said. Later, the Constitutional Court issued an injunction to keep the Attorney Generals office from intervening in the election or the vote count, but allowing it to continue its investigation. The Organization of American States mission observing the process condemned the agents actions during the election. The carrying out of coercive measures including raids, inspections, or the securing of documents at polling centers while the electoral process is underway constitutes an extremely high constitutional risk, the mission said in a statement. The Mission warns that the strategic use of criminal or judicial tools at critical moments of constitutional appointments constitutes a pattern of institutional instrumentalization that erodes public trust, compromises judicial independence, and weakens the rule of law. A court at the center of the battle Guatemalas Constitutional Court has been at the center of the countrys battle against corruption. The court has ruled in high-profile cases on the future of an international anti-corruption commission and the release of a former president charged with corruption. The Constitutional Court comprises five magistrates, and the president, Supreme Court of Justice, Congress, University of San Carlos and the countrys bar association each select one. Almost all of the current magistrates are hoping to be reelected. On Thursday, the bar association was holding its election to pick its magistrate and alternate, the first for the new Constitutional Court. The other institutions will pick their representatives in the coming weeks. A new attorney general will also be elected in the coming months to replace Guatemalas outgoing top prosecutor Consuelo Porras, sanctioned by the United States and European Union for undermining democracy. President Arevalo called the selection process important and critical for democracy, in an interview with The Associated Press last month. The democratic development of the country is on the line, the possibility of having democratic institutions where a culture of respect for the rule of law is built, he said. Guatemalas top court The Constitutional Court is Guatemalas highest and its decisions cannot be appealed. At the Constitutional Court, all 10 positions five magistrates and five alternates will be elected. The high courts importance is undisputed and that has drawn corruption into the selection previously. When former President Jimmy Morales terminated the mandate of an anti-corruption commission known as the CICIG in 2019, the Constitutional Court acted as a key democratic safeguard and ruled his decision unconstitutional. But the court took a turn when new magistrates were elected in 2021. Human rights lawyer Rafael Maldonado said that the last five years there has been a Constitutional Court made up of dark characters who have stopped any advance there could be in Guatemala. For example, the court in April 2024 upheld the release from prison of former President Otto Perez Molina (2012-2015), who had been convicted in two separate cases of corruption. Five judges and their backups will also be elected to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. In non-justice positions, a new federal comptroller will be elected, as will a rector for the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. The elections are being closely watched because of the impact they can have on Guatemalas justice system. The Organization of American States, a regional body, created a Special Mission for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala to monitor the nomination processes and the European Union sent its own observation group. Maldonado said the elections will determine the consolidation of access to justice. Political analyst Renzo Rosal said the elections will put democracy to the test. It is the perfect laboratory to see how the institutions are steered toward greater cooptation, control and loss of independence, which has a direct affect on the citizenry, he said. A new top prosecutor Under Attorney General Consuelo Porras, Guatemalas Public Ministry has been criticized for undermining corruption investigations and carrying out political prosecutions against former prosecutors, judges and journalists who reported corruption. Porras office also played a key role in barring top anti-corruption candidates from running in the 2023 elections. It then pursued Arevalos political party in what many saw as an attempt to keep him from taking office after his surprising victory in a tumultuous election. Arevalo requested her resignation, but she refused. He does not have the power to remove her before her eight-year run in the role ends in May. She is seeking election as a magistrate to the Constitutional Court. The constitution says the president gets to select the attorney general every four years from a slate of six candidates proposed by a nominating committee made up of the president of the Supreme Court, the deans of the countrys law schools, the president of the board of the bar association and the president of the bar associations honor tribunal. Porras was first selected by President Morales in 2018 and then reelected by his successor President Alejandro Giammattei. She was accused of protecting both former leaders from investigation for corruption, something she has denied. ___ Follow APs Latin America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america By SONIA PEREZ D. Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) A lawyer appointed by judges to be the U.S. attorney for northern New York was immediately fired by the Justice Department in the latest clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary over the process for selecting top federal prosecutors. Donald Kinsella spent less than a day in the position before he was dismissed on Wednesday. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced his firing in a social media post. Judges dont pick U.S. Attorneys, the president does, Blanche wrote, adding, You are fired, Donald Kinsella. It was unclear Thursday who was supervising the office, which handles federal prosecutions and other legal matters for a broad swath of upstate New York. The district court judges posted a brief statement Thursday saying they had acted under their legal authority in appointing Kinsella. The Court thanks Donald T. Kinsella for his willingness to return to public service so that this vacancy could be filled with a qualified, experienced former prosecutor, and for his years of distinguished work on behalf of the citizens of the Northern District of New York, read the statement. President Donald Trumps pick to lead the office, John Sarcone, is among a number of interim U.S. attorneys installed by the administration who judges have found to be unlawfully serving in their positions. U.S. law normally requires senate confirmation for U.S. attorneys, and only allows people to serve in the position without that confirmation for limited time periods. Under Trump, however, the Justice Department has sought to leave unconfirmed prosecutors in their positions indefinitely, often through novel personnel maneuvers that courts have later ruled to be improper. In December, Alina Habbaresigned as the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey after an appeals court said she had been serving in the post unlawfully. Lindsey Halligan, who pursued indictments against a pair of Trumps adversaries, left her position as an acting U.S. attorney in Virginia after a judge concluded in November that her appointment was unlawful and that indictments she brought against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey must be dismissed. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Sarcone to serve as the interim U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York in March 2025. But when his 120-day term elapsed, judges in the district declined to keep him in the post. Sarcone stayed on anyway, and while in his position pursued another investigation of James, a Democrat and longtime Trump foe. Last month, Judge Lorna G. Schofield in New York City blocked subpoenas requested by Sarcone in connection with that investigation, saying he was not lawfully serving as U.S. attorney and that any of his past or future acts taken in that capacity are void or voidable as they would rest on authority Mr. Sarcone does not lawfully have. On Tuesday, Sarcone changed his title to first assistant U.S. attorney. That prompted federal judges in the district on Wednesday to try and fill the apparent vacancy in the top spot by appointing Kinsella. A woman who answered the phone at the federal prosecutors office in Albany responded to a request to speak with Kinsella by saying: Technically, hes not employed with our office anymore. Messages were left for Kinsella at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the law firm where he is a senior counsel and where a website describes him as a 40-year veteran of complex criminal and civil litigation over a distinguished career. An email sent to Sarcone seeking comment on the latest developments was not immediately returned. His office declined to comment. A spokesperson at Justice Department headquarters in Washington declined to comment. Those who clicked on Meet the U.S. Attorney on the website for the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Northern District of New York on Thursday were greeted with the staff profile page for Sarcone, though his title is now First Assistant U.S. Attorney. ___ Neumeister reported from New York City. By MICHAEL HILL and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press Stephen Graham is reportedly set to front a rebrand of Stone Island. Stephen Graham is fronting a new campaign The 52-year-old actor is seen as the ideal star to bring "credibility" back to the Italian fashion brand, and he recently filmed a top-secret campaign in London for Stone Island. A fashion insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Stephens stock is now sky high after Adolescence, and Stone Island want credibility. "Stephen brings this in spades. Its a serious deal and they think its going to be hugely popular. "He is the man of the moment thanks to Adolescence, plus hes a very cool, low-key individual, which is what Stone Island loves." Stephen stars in the campaign alongside Skepta, with the brand seeing them as a perfect combination. The insider explained: "Bringing Skepta in on the deal keeps it edgy. He is an incredible musician and brings real integrity to Stone Island. "His fan base is massive and there is a huge, untapped audience Stone Island thinks they can reach with him in their clothes. "The shoot was kept under lock and key but its very moody and very cool, with them walking the streets in Stone Island clobber, with the famous compass badge on show. "Its likely the advert will be released in the coming weeks, with billboards and a massive push on social media." Meanwhile, Stephen previously explained that he's learned to "appreciate life" . The actor revealed that he feels "exceptionally blessed" after he survived a personal crisis during his younger years. Stephen - who has been married to actress Hannah Walters since 2008 - told The Independent: "I feel exceptionally blessed. And Im not talking about materialistic things. "Im not talking about my career. Im talking about how blessed I feel to have the family I have, to have Hannah, who is my rock, to stand by me through thick and thin, who has always believed in me and is my soulmate. To have found that person in this lifetime is, for me, unbelievable ... I really appreciate life, and all the close relationships I have." Just weeks after a mountain lion wandered into San Francisco, state officials voted to permanently protect populations of the charismatic predators that prowl the coastal mountains between the Bay Area and the Mexican border. Mountain lions are one of the last big predators keeping ecosystems in balance. They feed on deer and other animals, leave scavengers, raptors and other wildlife the remains, and help maintain equilibrium among plants, prey and predator. But, caged by concrete, killed by cars and sickened by rat poison, the isolated mountain lions along Californias coast risk inbreeding themselves into extinction, scientists and state wildlife officials say. Members of the California Fish and Game Commission on Thursday voted unanimously to list six groups of Central Coast and Southern California mountain lions as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. These mountain lions account for about one-third of the roughly 4,200 solitary, tawny cats thought to roam California. Dozens of people spoke before the board, from ardent supporters of wildlife to fierce opponents of free roaming predators and residents of rural areas concerned for their livestock and livelihoods. Listing the mountain lions aligns with the states existing ban on hunting mountain lions for sport and prohibits harming, or taking, them except with a permit under certain conditions. It could also increase their priority for limited conservation grants and other funds. More importantly, advocates say, it will trigger habitat protections including under the landmark California Environmental Quality Act. Builders push back State and local planning agencies must determine whether projects such as new roads, buildings or other developments could harm protected species and their habitats, and require developers to reduce that harm when possible. For mountain lions, advocates and scientists hope that the listing will reduce further habitat loss and fragmentation in areas already carved into isolated pockets by roads and cities. If we want to maintain mountain lion populations in these coastal regions, then weve got some work to do, said Chris Wilmers, a professor of wildlife ecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz and lead investigator of the Santa Cruz Puma Project. Builders have challenged some of the details of the listing, but did not oppose granting the mountain lions protected status. In a letter, the California Building Industry Association and the Building Industry Association of Southern California warned that the states current habitat maps could force developers in urban areas into studies and mitigation efforts that would significantly increase project costs and schedules. Protecting mountain lions is a card that one wealthy Bay Area enclave has already tried to play in a gambit to block denser housing to the scorn of housing and wildlife advocates alike. Conflict over wildlife conflict Ranchers and residents of hilly, remote Bay Area and Central Coast suburbs also argued that more protections could spur more mountain lion attacks on people and livestock, and harm ranchers livelihoods. Some sent the commission photographs of mauled cattle. People have them on cameras all the time eating house cats off peoples porches, dogs dragged off in broad daylight right in front of their owners, and children being mauled, Greg Fontana, whose family has ranched the coastal reaches of San Mateo county for generations, wrote in a letter to the board. Its rare for the reclusive cats to attack people rarer still for the attacks to be fatal. Cougars are known to have killed six people in the last 136 years most recently a young man in 2024 in El Dorado County, outside the area where mountain lions are now listed as threatened. Attacks on livestock and pets, however, have trended upward in recent decades, according to a state report. But state wildlife officials also note that such attacks rise for every mountain lion killed or relocated in the prior year. One theory is that younger males move into the emptied territory, where the less proficient hunters go after slower pets and livestock. Listing mountain lions under the states endangered species act doesnt prevent wildlife officials from intervening in conflicts, either, according to Stephen Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The act still allows the department to issue permits for take of a listed species for management purposes, which could include managing mountain lions that kill pets and livestock. Mountain lions have had temporary protections under the states endangered species act while the state weighed whether to list them. Even in that time, Gonzalez said the department has issued such permits to scare off troublesome mountain lions. It anticipates it will continue to do so evaluating each situation on a case-by-case basis and continuing to prioritize non-lethal methods. Inbreeding to extinction Scientists and advocates say that mountain lions are running out of time: physical signs of inbreeding, including kinked tails, testicular defects and malformed sperm, have already cropped up in cougars corralled by freeways in the mountains of Southern California. Having a kinked tail, where the end is sharply bent like an L, doesnt seem to harm a mountain lion, Wilmers said. But theyre an ominous sign that a population is reaching alarming levels of inbreeding. Without fresh gametes swimming in the gene pool, the iconic cougars of the Santa Ana and Santa Monica mountains risk dying out in the coming decades when inbreeding starts affecting reproduction and survival, scientists warn. Even populations further north are struggling to find mates that arent related to them. Wilmers recalls the first time he saw a kinked tail on a trail cam in the Santa Cruz mountains. It was definitely an Oh shit moment, Wilmers said. This is really happening. To combat the array of threats from inbreeding and car accidents to rat poisons and wildfires the Center for Biological Diversity and the Mountain Lion Foundation petitioned in 2019 to add Central Coast and Southern California Mountain Lions to the states endangered species list. These populations are facing an extinction vortex, said Tiffany Yap, urban wildlands science director at the Center for Biological Diversity. We need these protections to get more connectivity on our roads, in our development, so that they can roam freely. More than six years later, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife agreed. In December, a staff report recommended that, with some tweaks to the protected area, California list these mountain lions as threatened. Room to roam California is already taking steps to connect cougars habitats sinking millions of dollars into highway crossings to give wildlife safe passage over or under the cars and trucks that scientists report killed hundreds of mountain lions over a seven year stretch. Yap says its not enough and San Franciscos recent visit from a cougar is a prime example. Young males disperse to find new territory and mates away from their relatives and other more dominant males. But without paths to suitable habitat, they can find their way to Yaps neighborhood in Pacific Heights, where the 80-pound cat ended up sandwiched in a narrow space between two apartment buildings. Yap was across the street watching California Fish and Wildlife biologists and veterinarians from the San Francisco Zoo trying to catch the cougar, which they eventually tranquilized and released into the Santa Cruz Mountains. To her, it drove home the importance of protecting and connecting the mountains the lions call home. Wilmers agreed. Theres always going to be mountain lions bumping into San Francisco. But right now, thats all they can do, he said. Wed like to get to the place where they can find ways through this maze of urban and suburban development, to the next mountain range over. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By RACHEL BECKER/CalMatters CalMatters ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) The bodies of two Nigerians fighting for Russia have been found in eastern Ukraine, the countrys authorities said Thursday. Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka both served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, according to a statement from the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine. It said the deceased men signed their contracts with the Russian military in the second half of 2025 Kolawole on Aug. 29 and Udoka on Sept. 28. Neither man received any military training. Kolawole is survived by a wife and three children in the West African country. The bodies were found Luhansk, an area in the Donbas region of the eastern part of Ukraine. Both Nigerians were killed in late November during an attempt to storm Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk region. They never engaged in a firefight the mercenaries were eliminated by a drone strike, the intelligence organization said. Russia has been accused of recruiting men from other countries to fight in its war against Ukraine under the pretext of offering them dream jobs. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the conflict contained to mostly eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has strained global food and energy markets and displaced millions of Ukrainians whom have had their homes and businesses destroyed. ___ Find more of APs Russia-Ukraine war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN Associated Press The Senate has received a petition urging the creation of a legal framework that would allow citizens to initiate the recall of the president and county governors. Speaker Amason Kingi informed senators on Thursday that the petition had been formally submitted and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights for review. According to Kingi, the petition was submitted through the clerk by Mr. Laban Omusundi and invokes Article 119(1) of the Constitution, which grants every person the right to petition Parliament on matters within its authority, including the enactment, amendment, or repeal of legislation. Honorable Senators, I hereby report to the Senate that a petition has been submitted through the Clerk by Mr. Laban Omusundi concerning the enactment of a legal framework to provide for citizen-initiated recall of the President and County Governors, Kingi said. Kingi outlined the key issues raised by the petitioner, noting that while the Constitution provides for the recall of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), it does not offer a clear or enforceable mechanism for citizens to recall the president or county governors. The petition argues that this gap leaves a significant accountability vacuum, especially given the extensive executive powers and control over public resources held by these offices. It also points out that current removal processes, such as impeachment, are handled solely by legislative bodies, including the National Assembly, the Senate, and county assemblies, which can, in some instances, be influenced by political interests or compromise. Furthermore, the petition contends that impeachment proceedings have increasingly taken on a political character rather than functioning strictly as constitutional safeguards. It warns that when oversight institutions are perceived as compromised, citizens lack a direct democratic instrument to uphold governance and accountability standards. Speaker Kingi clarified that the matters raised in the petition are not pending before any court or constitutional body. The issues raised in the petition are not pending before any court of law or any other constitutional or legal body. Consequently, the petitioner prays that the Senate intervene by initiating and enacting legislation to provide for a citizen-driven recall mechanism for the president and governors in circumstances where the relevant oversight and accountability systems are compromised, Kingi said. In line with Standing Order 238(1), the petition has been referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights for consideration. Under Standing Order 238(2), the committee is expected to submit its report within 60 calendar days. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has temporarily blocked the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as ODM secretary general. The ruling came after Sifuna challenged the partys decision made on Wednesday. That pending the hearing and determination of this instant application, inter partes, this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues orders staying the implementation of the resolution made by the National Executive Committee of the Orange Democratic Movement Party on 11th February, 2026, to remove Edwin Sifuna as the secretary general of the party, PPDT acting chairperson Gad Gathu ruled. The tribunal certified Sifunas application as urgent and directed that the respondents be served with the complaint and notice of motion without delay. Sifuna filed the application earlier, seeking urgent relief following the ODM National Executive Committees February 11 resolution that purported to remove him from his position as party secretary general. In his filing, Sifuna asked the tribunal to certify the matter as urgent and to hear it ex parte initially. He requested orders to suspend the implementation of the resolution and to prevent both the party and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties from publishing it in the Kenya Gazette. The application also sought an exemption from exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms and asked that the respondents cover the costs of the application. The ODM and the registrars office were given seven days to respond, while Sifuna was allowed an additional three days to file any supplementary reply. The matter is scheduled for mention on February 26, when the tribunal will verify compliance and issue further directions. Importantly, the tribunal issued interim orders halting the implementation of the ODM resolution and preventing the respondents from publishing it in the Kenya Gazette. The High Court has struck down a section of the Penal Code that criminalized creating disturbance in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, ruling it unconstitutional and unenforceable. In his ruling, Justice Bahati Mwamuye found that Section 95(1)(b) of the Penal Code violates the Constitution because it is overly broad and vague. The judge noted that the provisions wording lacks clarity and precision, leaving it open to misuse and arbitrary enforcement. The provision is inconsistent with the Constitution and is hereby declared unconstitutional, null and void, Justice Mwamuye stated. The court ordered police and other law enforcement agencies to immediately stop enforcing the offense, which had been classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) brought the case, arguing that the provision is a relic of colonial-era legislation that unfairly restricted freedom of expression. LSK highlighted that the law had frequently been used to intimidate and silence critics, activists, and ordinary citizens. In its submissions, the society pointed out that the offenses undefined and sweeping nature made it impossible for people to know what behavior could constitute a crime, conflicting with constitutional standards that require laws to be clear and specific. Justice Mwamuye agreed, stressing that criminal laws must be drafted with enough precision to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms. He noted that vague statutes carry the risk of being weaponized against individuals exercising legitimate expression. The ruling also brought relief to activist Morara Kebaso, whose prosecution under the disputed section was dismissed. Kebaso had been arrested on October 8 last year and detained at Langata Police Station after monitoring government development projects. Authorities had intended to charge him under the now-invalidated provision. By striking down the section and ending Kebasos case, the court reinforced constitutional protections for free speech and set a precedent limiting the use of ambiguous public order offenses. Siaya Governor James Orengo has called for a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying many questions remain unanswered and must eventually be addressed. Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Orengo said Raila Odingas passing continues to trouble his supporters and many Kenyans, insisting that authorities must pursue the truth through an objective and transparent process. I want to say without fear of contradiction, the death of Raila Odinga, which is still a mystery to a lot of us, those who bear responsibility for the death of Raila are out there, and they are silent about it, Orengo said. He maintained that establishing the facts surrounding Railas death should remain a priority for those who believe in justice and accountability. I hope that one day we will determine the circumstances in which Raila passed away. And that must be an objective that we must achieve, he stated. Parallels With Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Orengo drew comparisons with remarks he made years ago during the funeral of Kenyas first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Railas father. At the time, he publicly questioned the circumstances of Jaramogis death in the presence of then-President Daniel arap Moi. I said at the funeral of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga that they killed Jaramogi. I said it in the presence of President Daniel arap Moi, Orengo recalled. The governor said that just as Jaramogis political ideals endured long after his death, Raila Odingas legacy would continue to shape Kenyas political and social direction. In saying that they killed Jaramogi, I also said that the spirit of Jaramogi would live on. Today I can say the spirit of Raila lives on, he said. Raila Odinga, who passed away in October 2025, led the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and remained a central figure in Kenyas opposition politics for decades. Orengo Accuses Ruto of Interfering in ODM Orengo addressed the media alongside ousted ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and shifted his focus to the current turmoil within the Orange Democratic Movement. He accused President William Ruto of orchestrating unrest within the party following Railas death. According to Orengo, President Ruto assumed control of ODM after the demise of its founding leader. He claimed that Ruto has hosted meetings with ODM officials at State House and at his Kilgoris residence. The problem in ODM is President Ruto. We are asking Ruto to let ODM GO. Let ODM alone. He has not taken it hostage; he is in possession of the ODM party. He is convening meetings of ODM organs. Leave ODM alone, said Orengo. The Siaya governor also criticized the National Executive Committees decision to remove Edwin Sifuna as secretary general on Wednesday. He defended Sifunas record, saying he had stood firmly with Raila Odinga during critical moments and managed party affairs through two general elections. During the entire life of Raila Odinga and during the period in which Edwin Sifuna was the secretary general, there is no single moment that Raila criticized Edwin Sifuna in public, Orengo remarked. I shudder to think that mere minions people who have no legitimacy in the entire country can dare talk about Edwin Sifuna. Sifuna speaks for the party. President William Ruto has announced the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border, bringing to an end the 15-year closure of the Mandera border post. Speaking during the NYOTA Capital Disbursement event at Mandera Stadium on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Ruto said the decision follows years of consultations and thorough security assessments. He described the reopening as long overdue, particularly for residents whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by the prolonged shutdown. The president acknowledged the difficulties border communities have faced since 2011, noting that many families have remained separated from relatives and neighbors across the frontier. It is unacceptable that fellow Kenyans in Mandera remain cut off from their kin and neighbors in Somalia due to the prolonged closure of the Mandera border post, Ruto said. Border Closed Since 2011 Over Al-Shabaab Attacks Authorities closed the Mandera border post in October 2011 after a series of attacks linked to Al-Shabaab, the militant group that has waged an insurgency against Somalias federal government in Mogadishu for more than 15 years. The closure formed part of broader security measures aimed at protecting Kenyan territory from cross-border terrorism. Now, the government says improved security coordination and sustained assessments have paved the way for reopening. President Ruto confirmed that the Mandera border post will reopen in April, a move expected to restore connectivity and revive cross-border trade between Kenya and Somalia. Accordingly, we will reopen the border post in April, restoring connectivity and revitalizing cross-border trade for the mutual prosperity of our people, Ruto stated. The reopening is likely to boost trade, ease movement for families divided by the border, and strengthen economic ties between communities in Mandera and Somalias Beled Hawo region. Earlier Reopening Plans Stalled by Security Concerns The announcement builds on earlier efforts by Kenya and Somalia to normalize border operations. In May 2024, the two countries agreed to gradually reopen three key crossings: ManderaBeled Hawo, GarissaLiboi, and WajirElwak, in a phased plan designed to restore trade and regional cooperation. However, those plans stalled in June 2024 after a deadly attack in Garissa killed eight police officers when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. The incident raised fresh security concerns linked to Al-Shabaab militants and forced the government to delay the reopening process. At the time, authorities announced a postponement of the Kenya-Somalia border reopening following the attacks on Kenyan soil attributed to the radical Islamist group. Under the earlier phased plan, Mandera was expected to reopen within 30 days of the announcement, followed by Garissa within 60 days and Lamu within 90 days. The renewed push signals a shift in confidence after enhanced security measures. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded to Aden Duales challenge for a televised debate, stating that he is above the health cabinet secretary. CS Duale had challenged Gachagua on Wednesday to a televised debate on development in the northeastern region. Duale issued the challenge during a youth empowerment event at Garissa High School, where President Ruto presided over the disbursement of NYOTA funds aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs. He criticized Gachaguas recent remarks on regional development and called for a public platform to settle the matter. I am challenging Gachagua to a debate on development in the northeastern region. President Ruto, leave him to me. I will deal with him, Duale said. The Health CS even suggested a specific platform for the debate, proposing Citizen TVs Jeff Koinange Live as the ideal venue for the face-off. Duales challenge also roped in President Ruto, who shut it down by declaring that his administration will not be sidetracked by political showdowns. I want to tell my friend Aden Duale, those who know English normally say, Dont argue with a fool; people will not know the difference, Ruto said, drawing applause and laughter from the audience. Let us not waste our time. We have an agenda for this nation and a program. Now, Rigathi Gachagua has seemingly had the last word on the matter, declaring that he can only debate with President Ruto. Taking to social media on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Gachagua posted: I have heard an employee of William Ruto was inviting me to some debate. Laughable! I dont debate or engage with the employees of William Ruto. I am only available for one debate with the Ruto team, the presidential debate next year between Mr. William Ruto and me. His employees should help him prepare talking notes early enough. Cultural & Historical Significance Roderic holds significant cultural importance across European history, particularly in Germanic and Celtic traditions. The name first gained prominence through Roderic, the last Visigothic king of Hispania, whose reign ended with the Muslim conquest of Spain in 711 AD. This historical figure became legendary in Spanish folklore and literature, often portrayed as a tragic hero facing impossible circumstances. In Ireland, the name appears as Ruaidhri, borne by several medieval kings including Roderic O'Connor, the last High King before Norman domination. The name's aristocratic connotations made it popular among noble families throughout medieval Europe, particularly in regions with strong Germanic influence like Bavaria and Austria. During the Romantic era, the name experienced a literary revival through works like Walter Scott's poems, which reinforced its association with chivalric ideals and historical grandeur. The name's persistence across centuries demonstrates its enduring appeal as a symbol of leadership and historical continuity. The name's cultural journey reflects broader European historical patterns, from its Germanic origins through Visigothic Spain to Celtic Ireland and Norman England. This cross-cultural adoption illustrates how names can travel and adapt while retaining their core meaning. In modern times, Roderic maintains a presence in academic and aristocratic circles, often chosen by families valuing historical connections and traditional naming practices. The name's various linguistic adaptationsfrom Spanish Rodrigo to French Rodrigueshow how it has been naturalized into different cultural contexts while preserving its essential character. This cultural flexibility, combined with its strong historical roots, gives Roderic a unique position in the pantheon of European names that bridge multiple traditions and historical periods. China strengthens role in autonomous driving standards Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:39, February 13, 2026 A safety staff member observes as a robotaxi of Pony.ai, a Chinese autonomous driving solution provider, steers automatically at the Canton Tower, a landmark in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, March 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] While Chinese regulators and car makers are making concerted efforts along the industrial chain to shape rules for the global autonomous driving industry, executives from leading manufacturers of self-driving vehicles in the United States are busy painting Beijing's rapid advances in the sector as a so-called direct threat to Washington's role. During last week's US Senate Commerce Committee hearing, executives from Waymo and Tesla urged lawmakers to ease regulatory constraints and pass legislation to accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles. According to testimony seen by Reuters, Waymo said that the US leadership in the autonomous vehicle sector is now "under direct threat" and is locked in a global race with Chinese companies. Lars Moravy, Tesla's vice-president of vehicle engineering, said at the hearing that the US must modernize regulations that inhibit the industry's ability to innovate. "If the US does not lead in autonomous driving development, other nations particularly China will shape the technology, standards and global market." Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz echoed these concerns, arguing that outdated rules risk driving innovation abroad. "If Congress fails to act, we won't stop innovation. We'll simply push it elsewhere. China is moving aggressively to deploy autonomous transportation at scale," he said. While US lawmakers debate regulatory reform, China has been advancing on two fronts international standard-setting and large-scale deployment. In recent years, Chinese institutions and companies have led or participated in dozens of international automotive standards projects, including more than 10 for autonomous driving. Those engagements have culminated in the release of ISO 34505 last year, a new international standard that defines how test scenarios for automated driving systems should be evaluated and how test cases should be generated. ISO 34505 was developed under the International Organization for Standardization's road vehicles committee (ISO/TC 22) and its automated driving subcommittee, in coordination with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, as well as other international partners. Developers said the new standard could streamline research and commercialization by giving companies a shared technical language for simulation and real-world validation. Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, said: "Having a voice in standards-setting is strategically important as autonomous driving enters a phase of rapid global growth. It supports Chinese vehicles and technologies gaining wider international recognition." Chinese companies are testing their systems in harsher overseas environments, which industry experts said helps validate system resilience and feed back into both product development and standards discussions. Notably, the standards push is unfolding alongside faster real-world rollout. Robotaxi pilots are expanding in major Chinese cities, with companies such as Pony.ai and Baidu increasing fleet sizes and operational zones. Sun Hang, chief engineer at the China Automotive Standardization Research Institute, said: "China's regulatory environment has also shown notable continuity, with a series of national standards and road testing regulations guiding the sector since 2018, providing stable long-term guidance for industry development." (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Sydney Sweeney has "always been tapped into fashion". Sydney Sweeney recently launched her own brand The 28-year-old actress recently launched her own lingerie line called SYRN, and Amanda Seyfried - who starred alongside Sydney in The Housemaid, the hit thriller film - is convinced that her co-star will make a success of the venture. Amanda, 40, told People: "I think she's always been tapped into fashion. "She seems to always have a nice 'fit. The sexier the better. "It's funny, I haven't seen a lingerie line in a long time, and you know, if you've got the eye for it and the body, it's fun to celebrate that." Amanda also opened up about her own sense of style, revealing that she's worn a belly button ring since the age of 17. The Hollywood star - who has Nina, eight, and Thomas, five, with husband Thomas Sadoski - shared: "I never got rid of it. I've had it since I was 17. "I took it out when I was pregnant both times, I put it straight back in. Nobody really ever sees it, but it's always there." Meanwhile, Amanda previously heaped praise on Sydney, describing her co-star as a "sweetheart". The actress told Vanity Fair: "I dont envy anything shes going through. "Ive spent a lot of time with her; we just hit it off immediately. Shes a sweetheart. Shes a very generous, kind person at her core. I have to be honest: I did not have a moment like shes having ever. "[My Mean Girls costar] Lindsay Lohan, were buddies, and its really, really, really harmful to people to have that kind of overnight spotlight. Because any press, good or bad, is still a blinding spotlight, and you have to maneuver and negotiate your way around it and outside of it. Its acrobatics that I dont think most people are capable of figuring it out at that age." Amanda thinks a sudden rise to stardom can actually be "dangerous". However, the actress praised Sydney for how she's coped with the extra attention. She said: "Its just dangerous, because when you have people s******* on youor idolising you and following you aroundit cant be good for your psyche. It cant make you feel safe in the world. "But I actually admire the way Syd shows up for work. She always has a smile on her face, even if shes miserable. I hope it doesnt change." Specification: SBOM 1.0 (Sandwich Bill of Materials) Status: Draft Maintainer: The SBOM Working Group License: MIT (Mustard Is Transferable) Abstract Modern sandwich construction relies on a complex graph of transitive ingredients sourced from multiple registries (farms, distributors, markets). Consumers have no standardized way to enumerate the components of their lunch, assess ingredient provenance, or verify that their sandwich was assembled from known-good sources. SBOM addresses this by providing a machine-readable format for declaring the full dependency tree of a sandwich, including sub-components, licensing information, and known vulnerabilities. Motivation A typical sandwich contains between 6 and 47 direct dependencies, each pulling in its own transitive ingredients. A simple BLT depends on bacon, which depends on pork, which depends on a pig, which depends on feed corn, water, antibiotics, and a farmer whose field hasnt flooded yet. The consumer sees three letters, but the supply chain sees a directed acyclic graph with cycle detection issues (the pig eats the corn that grows in the field that was fertilized by the pig). The 2025 egg price crisis was a cascading failure equivalent to a left-pad incident, except it affected breakfast. A single avian flu outbreak took down the entire egg ecosystem for months. Post-incident analysis revealed that 94% of affected sandwiches had no lockfile and were resolving eggs to latest at assembly time. Specification An SBOM document MUST be a JSON file with the .sbom extension, after YAML was considered and rejected on the grounds that the sandwich industry has enough problems without adding whitespace sensitivity. Each sandwich component MUST include the following fields: surl (required): A Sandwich URL uniquely identifying the ingredient. Format: surl:type/name@version . Follows the same convention as PURL but for food. Examples: name (required): The canonical name of the ingredient as registered in a recognized food registry. Unregistered ingredients (e.g., that sauce from the place) MUST be declared as unverified-source and will trigger a warning during sandwich linting. version (required): The specific version of the ingredient. Tomatoes MUST use calendar versioning (harvest date). Cheese MUST use age-based versioning (e.g., cheddar@18m ). Bread follows semver, where a MAJOR version bump indicates a change in grain type, MINOR indicates a change in hydration percentage, and PATCH indicates someone left it out overnight and its a bit stale but probably fine. supplier (required): The origin registry. Valid registries include farm:// , supermarket:// , farmers-market:// , and back-of-the-fridge:// . The latter is considered an untrusted source and components resolved from it MUST include a best-before integrity check. integrity (required): A SHA-256 hash of the ingredient at time of acquisition. license (required): The license under which the ingredient is distributed. Common licenses include: MIT (Mustard Is Transferable): The ingredient may be used in any sandwich without restriction. Attribution appreciated but not required. (Mustard Is Transferable): The ingredient may be used in any sandwich without restriction. Attribution appreciated but not required. GPL (General Pickle License): If you include a GPL-licensed ingredient, the entire sandwich becomes open-source. You must provide the full recipe to anyone who asks. Pickle vendors have been particularly aggressive about this. (General Pickle License): If you include a GPL-licensed ingredient, the entire sandwich becomes open-source. You must provide the full recipe to anyone who asks. Pickle vendors have been particularly aggressive about this. AGPL (Affero General Pickle License): Same as GPL, but if you serve the sandwich over a network (delivery apps), you must also publish the recipe. This is why most restaurants avoid AGPL pickles. (Affero General Pickle License): Same as GPL, but if you serve the sandwich over a network (delivery apps), you must also publish the recipe. This is why most restaurants avoid AGPL pickles. BSD (Bread, Sauce, Distributed): Permissive. You can do whatever you want as long as you keep the original bakers name on the bread bag, and also a second copy of the bakers name, and also dont use the bakers name to promote your sandwich without permission. There are four variants of this license and nobody can remember which is which. (Bread, Sauce, Distributed): Permissive. You can do whatever you want as long as you keep the original bakers name on the bread bag, and also a second copy of the bakers name, and also dont use the bakers name to promote your sandwich without permission. There are four variants of this license and nobody can remember which is which. SSPL (Server Side Pickle License): You may use this pickle in your sandwich, but if you offer sandwich-making as a service, you must open-source your entire kitchen, including the weird drawer with all the takeaway menus. Most cloud sandwich providers have stopped serving SSPL pickles entirely. (Server Side Pickle License): You may use this pickle in your sandwich, but if you offer sandwich-making as a service, you must open-source your entire kitchen, including the weird drawer with all the takeaway menus. Most cloud sandwich providers have stopped serving SSPL pickles entirely. Proprietary : The ingredients composition is not disclosed. Common for secret sauces. Consumption is permitted but redistribution, reverse-engineering, or asking whats in it are prohibited by the EULA you agreed to by opening the packet. : The ingredients composition is not disclosed. Common for secret sauces. Consumption is permitted but redistribution, reverse-engineering, or asking whats in it are prohibited by the EULA you agreed to by opening the packet. Public Domain: The ingredients creator has waived all rights. Salt, for example, has been public domain since approximately the Jurassic period, though several companies have attempted to relicense it. Dependency Resolution Sandwich assembly MUST resolve dependencies depth-first. If two ingredients declare conflicting sub-dependencies (e.g., sourdough requires starter-culture@wild but the prosciuttos curing process pins salt@himalayan-pink ), the assembler SHOULD attempt version negotiation. If negotiation fails, the sandwich enters a conflict state and MUST NOT be consumed until a human reviews the dependency tree and makes a judgement call. Circular dependencies are permitted but discouraged. A sandwich that contains bread made with beer made with grain from the same field as the bread is technically valid but will cause the resolver to emit a warning about co-dependent sourdough. Vulnerability Scanning All SBOM documents SHOULD be scanned against the National Sandwich Vulnerability Database (NSVD). Known vulnerabilities include: CVE-2024-MAYO : Mayonnaise left at room temperature for more than four hours. Severity: Critical. Affected versions: all. No patch available; mitigation requires refrigeration, which the specification cannot enforce. : Mayonnaise left at room temperature for more than four hours. Severity: Critical. Affected versions: all. No patch available; mitigation requires refrigeration, which the specification cannot enforce. CVE-2023-GLUTEN : Bread contains gluten. This is not a bug; it is a feature of wheat. However, it must be disclosed because approximately 1% of consumers will experience adverse effects, and the remaining 99% will ask about it anyway. : Bread contains gluten. This is not a bug; it is a feature of wheat. However, it must be disclosed because approximately 1% of consumers will experience adverse effects, and the remaining 99% will ask about it anyway. CVE-2025-AVO : Avocado ripeness window is approximately 17 minutes. Version pinning is ineffective. The working group recommends vendoring avocado (i.e., buying it already mashed) to reduce exposure to ripeness drift. : Avocado ripeness window is approximately 17 minutes. Version pinning is ineffective. The working group recommends vendoring avocado (i.e., buying it already mashed) to reduce exposure to ripeness drift. CVE-2019-SPROUT: Alfalfa sprouts were found to be executing arbitrary bacteria in an unsandboxed environment. Severity: High. The vendor disputes this classification. Provenance and Attestation Each ingredient MUST include a signed provenance attestation from the supplier. The attestation MUST be generated in a hermetic build environment and MUST NOT be generated in a build environment where other food is being prepared simultaneously, as this introduces the risk of cross-contamination of provenance claims. For farm-sourced ingredients, the attestation chain SHOULD extend to the seed or animal of origin. A tomatos provenance chain includes the seed, the soil, the water, the sunlight, the farmer, the truck, the distributor, and the shelf it sat on for a period the supermarket would prefer not to disclose. Eggs are worse, because an eggs provenance attestation is generated by a chicken that may itself lack a valid attestation chain. The working group has deferred the question of chicken-or-egg provenance ordering to version 2.0. Reproducible Builds A sandwich MUST be reproducible. Given identical inputs, two independent assemblers MUST produce bite-for-bite identical sandwiches, which in practice is impossible. The specification handles this by requiring assemblers to document all sources of non-determinism in a sandwich.lock file, including: Ambient temperature at time of assembly Knife sharpness (affects tomato slice thickness, which affects structural integrity) Whether the assembler was just eyeballing it for condiment quantities Gravitational constant at location of assembly Reproducible sandwich builds remain aspirational. A compliance level of close enough is acceptable for non-safety-critical sandwiches. Safety-critical sandwiches SHOULD target full reproducibility. Transitive Dependency Auditing Consumers SHOULD audit their full dependency tree before consumption. A sbom audit command will flag any ingredient that: Has not been updated in more than 12 months Is maintained by a single farmer with no succession plan (see also: goat farming) Has more than 200 transitive sub-ingredients Was sourced from a registry that does not support 2FA Contains an ingredient whose maintainer has mass-transferred ownership to an unknown entity in a different country (see: the left-lettuce incident) Adoption and Compliance Early adoption has been mixed. The artisanal sandwich community objects to machine-readable formats on philosophical grounds, arguing that a sandwichs ingredients should be discoverable through the act of eating it. The fast food industry has expressed support in principle but notes that their sandwiches dependency trees are trade secrets and will be shipped as compiled binaries. The EU Sandwich Resilience Act (SRA) requires all sandwiches sold or distributed within the European Union to include a machine-readable SBOM by Q3 2027. Sandwiches without a valid SBOM will be denied entry at the border. The European Commission has endorsed the specification as part of its broader lunch sovereignty agenda, arguing that member states cannot depend on foreign sandwich infrastructure without visibility into the ingredient graph. A working paper on strategic autonomy in condiment supply chains is expected Q2 2027. The US has issued Executive Order 14028.5, which requires all sandwiches served in federal buildings to include an SBOM. The order does not specify whether it means Sandwich or Software Bill of Materials. Several federal agencies have begun submitting both. The Sandwich Heritage Foundation The Software Heritage foundation archives all publicly available source code as a reference for future generations, and the Sandwich Heritage Foundation has adopted the same mission for sandwiches, with less success. Every sandwich assembled under SBOM 1.0 is archived in a content-addressable store keyed by its integrity hash. The archive currently holds 14 sandwiches because most contributors cannot figure out how to hash a sandwich without eating it first. A BLT submitted in March was rejected because the tomatos checksum changed during transit. The Foundation suspects condensation. Long-term preservation remains an open problem. Software can be archived indefinitely on disk, but sandwiches introduce material constraints the specification was not designed for. The Foundation has explored freeze-drying, vacuum sealing, and just taking a really detailed photo, but none of these produce a bit-for-bit reproducible sandwich from the archive. The working group considers this a storage layer concern and out of scope for the specification. Funding comes from individual donations and a pending grant application to the EUs Horizon programme under the call for digital preservation of cultural food heritage. The application was rejected once already on the grounds that sandwiches are not digital, a characterization the Foundation disputes given that every sandwich under SBOM 1.0 is, by definition, a digital artifact with a hash. Acknowledgments This specification is dedicated to a small sandwich shop on Folsom Street in SoMA that made the best BLT the author has ever eaten, and which closed in 2019 without producing an SBOM or publishing its recipe in any machine-readable format. This specification is provided AS IS without warranty of any kind, including but not limited to the warranties of edibility, fitness for a particular meal, and non-contamination. The SBOM Working Group is not responsible for any sandwich constructed in accordance with this specification that nonetheless tastes bad. Thaksin party in coalition talks with election winner Anutin Charnvirakul arrives at the headquarters of his party in Bangkok for talks amid efforts to forge a ruling coalition. Photo: Reuters Jailed ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's party, which came third in the kingdom's general election, said on Friday that it would hold coalition talks with the winning party. Caretaker premier Anutin Charnvirakul's pro-military and pro-monarchy party, Bhumjaithai, had its best electoral performance ever in polls that took place after two rounds of deadly border clashes with Cambodia last year. Thailand's most successful party of the 21st century, Pheu Thai, had its worst election result ever Sunday, raising questions about the future of the political machine built by jailed Thaksin. "We have no conditions for working with any party," Prasert Chanruangthong, secretary-general of Pheu Thai, said at a press conference at party headquarters. He said Pheu Thai representatives would meet with Prime Minister Anutin's conservative Bhumjaithai party that won a stunning election victory at the weekend. The latest incarnation of the organisation founded by the telecom billionaire, Pheu Thai came a distant third, its vote share in the party-list section plunging by more than half. Voters appeared to turn their backs on the reformist People's Party, which came second. Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai were previously coalition partners, until Anutin pulled out over a Cambodia border dispute scandal. Anutin, who took office in September, declined to be drawn on Monday on potential coalition talks. "Everything is still under consideration and in progress. Whatever the case, I have to bring this matter to the party meeting first," he said. "There are still procedures to follow." Thaksin is serving a one-year prison sentence for corruption in office, but many observers expect him to be released earlier than scheduled alongside a political agreement. (AFP) Following its launch on Netflix, Anne Rices Talamasca: The Secret Order Season 1 is set for a Blu-ray and DVD release on 2 March 2026, courtesy of Acorn Media International. For fans wanting to catch up early, the full series is available to buy and keep on digital from 1 December 2025. Talamasca: The Secret Order Nicholas Denton (Dangerous Liaisons, Glitch) who stars as Guy Anatole, a young man who is recruited by the Talamasca and lured into the seductive underworld of supernatural secrets and spies. Denton is joined by a stellar cast including Elizabeth McGovern (Downton Abbey, War of the Worlds), William Fichtner (Crash, Prison Break), Maisie Richardson-Sellers (Legends of Tomorrow, The Kissing Booth 2) and Celine Buckens (Free Rein, Warrior). Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) is also set to guest star with Anne Rices Interview with the Vampire stars Eric Bogosian (Succession, Talk Radio) and Justin Kirk (Weeds, Angels in America) crossing over into this new series. On the cusp of graduating law school, Guy Anatole (Denton) is approached by the mysterious Helen (McGovern), a representative of the Talamasca. When he discovers that the organisation have been tracking him since childhood, he falls headlong into a world of secret agents and immortal beings who, up to now, have maintained a fragile balance with the mortal world. Surrounded by lies and deception, and with danger in every direction, Guy must determine who he can truly trust both human and superhuman in a world where there are many fates worse than death. A thrilling tale of espionage with a chilling paranormal twist, Anne Rices Talamasca: The Secret Order is a gritty and gripping genre-defying series shining a light on the secret society who have previously been hidden in the shadows of the Immortal Universe. SPECIAL FEATURES include: Show Me More Episode Insiders Title: Anne Rices Talamasca: The Secret Order Season 1 DVD Release Date: 2 March 2026 Cat.No: AV3834 RRP: 29.99 Cert: 15 Running Time: 180 mins on 2 discs All episodes will be available to download and keep on digital from 1 December 2025 Title: Anne Rices Talamasca: The Secret Order Season 1 Blu-ray Release Date: 2 March 2026 Cat.No: AB2108 RRP: 39.99 Cert: 15 Running Time: 180 mins on 2 discs by Natalie key for www.femalefirst.co.uk At least four people died and five others injured in four separate firing incidents in different parts of Karachi on Wednesday night, police sources told ARY News. In Memon Goth neighborhood, two men were shot dead and a woman was injured. According to police, both deceased victims sustained fatal head wounds. The injured woman was discovered at a bushy area near a private housing society off the Super Highway. In her initial statement, the survivor claimed two unidentified men opened fire before fleeing. Investigators recovered several 9mm pistol shells and empty alcohol bottles from the site. A motive has yet to be determined, as per ARY News. A youth named Huzaifa was left in critical condition after being shot in the stomach while resisting a robbery. A nearby crowd intercepted the fleeing robbers, subjected them to a "mob justice" beating, and later handed them over to the police. Three people were reported injured in a firing incident in Delhi Colony. Investigations into all four incidents are ongoing, as per ARY News. As per ARY News, earlier on February 11, a person was killed, and seven others were injured in a violent clash sparked by a dispute among children in Swat. The deceased was identified as Advocate Attaullah Jan in the Shana Karpa Haji Abad area, as per ARY News. The body of the deceased and the injured individuals were shifted to a nearby hospital, where the survivors are receiving medical treatment. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and CCTV footage of the clash surfaced. Earlier, the Lahore High Court summoned reports from the Home Secretary, Punjab and CCPO, while hearing a petition over Basant incidents, as per ARY News. A bench of the high court comprises of Justice Awais Khalid heard petition of Azhar Siddique Advocate over deaths and injuries of people during Basant celebrations. According to the petition, the Punjab home department has shared figures of six deaths during the Basant festival. "Over 100 citizens were also injured against the government claims of safe Basant festivities". (ANI) Reports of four more alleged enforced disappearances in Karachi and across Balochistan have intensified criticism of Pakistan''s security apparatus, with families accusing authorities of detaining men without acknowledgement and refusing to disclose their fate, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, relatives of the missing men say the pattern mirrors dozens of earlier incidents in which individuals were allegedly taken away and later denied by officials. In one case, Mir Baloch, son of Ghulam Jan, was stopped at Karachi airport on February 7 shortly after landing from Dubai. Family members stated that he was held for what authorities termed visa questioning, yet he has not been seen since. They said he had returned home from overseas employment to meet loved ones and prepare for his wedding. When relatives sought answers, they were reportedly informed that no department could confirm where he had been moved. The family has appealed for his immediate recovery. In a separate episode on 2 February, Daud Lehri was allegedly detained in the Lak-Pass area of Mastung and shifted to an unknown location. Days later, Shahroz Baloch was said to have been taken from his house in Quetta''s Sariab neighbourhood. Another man, Nadir Ali of Jhao, reportedly went missing after being picked up in Hub Chowki on 8 February. Pakistani authorities have not issued public responses to the specific accusations, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. Meanwhile, Paank, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement, released its review of 2025, alleging a high number of extrajudicial killings and disappearances. It claimed that many detainees were students, activists and members of civil society, and accused security forces of harsh tactics, including aerial operations and so-called kill-and-dump practices. The figures and incidents cited have not been independently verified. In another statement, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee alleged that two young men were forcibly disappeared and later killed, calling the acts violations of international law. Officials have yet to address those claims, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI) The son of former Pakistani Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, Kasim Khan, on Thursday accused the Pakistan government and military leadership of responsibility for his father''s deteriorating health, following reports noting that the ex-PM has lost most of the vision in his right eye due to prolonged solitary confinement and medical neglect. In a post on X, Kasim Khan said, "We have been informed that my father, Imran Khan, has lost most of the vision in his right eye, with reports indicating only 15% eyesight remains. This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests) and the deliberate denial of proper treatment in jail." This comes after the PTI founder, currently held at Adiala Jail, has reportedly retained only 15 per cent vision in his right eye following a medical procedure at Islamabad''s PIMS hospital earlier this month. According to The Express Tribune, the disclosure comes from a report prepared by Barrister Salman Safdar under the Pakistan Supreme Court''s direction. Safdar submitted the report on Tuesday to a two-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan. Following the submission, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that Khan be allowed access to his personal doctors while in Adiala Jail and granted permission for telephone communication with his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, The Express Tribune reported. The Chief Justice emphasised that, as Khan remains in state custody, all prisoners--including him--are entitled to equal medical care. Kasim Khan further alleged that the current regime, the Pakistan Army Chief, and other officials enabling the situation bear full responsibility for Khan''s condition. He further stated that he and his brother are still being denied visas to visit their father despite his worsening condition. "This physical deterioration is happening under their orders, their watch and their responsibility. They have manipulated and warped the justice system in order to keep my father in solitary confinement," his post read. "My brother and I are still being denied visas to see our father as his health deteriorates. History will record this injustice. We urge human rights bodies, legal institutions and democratic nations to confront this persecution and ensure those responsible face consequences," his post added. (ANI) Announcements for the Chittagong-2 and Chittagong-4 constituencies have been deferred and will be made at a later stage, while the result of another constituency was postponed earlier. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed provided these details during his concluding remarks at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon today, outlining the status of the declared and pending seats. Of the 297 announced seats, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies won 212. The 11-party electoral alliance headed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 77 seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh took one seat, and independent candidates claimed seven seats. According to Prothom Alo, the party-wise breakdown shows that the BNP won 209 seats independently. Jamaat-e-Islami obtained 68 seats, Jatiya Nagorik Party six, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis two, Khelafat Majlis one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP one, Gana Sanghati Andolon one, and Gana Adhikar Parishad one seat. These figures position BNP to form the next government with a clear absolute majority in parliament. The Awami League, barred from political activity, did not participate in the polls, leading to a major shift in the nation''s political dynamics after nearly two decades. Voter turnout stood at 60.26 per cent in this election, with 48 million 74 thousand 429 "yes" votes and 22 million 25 thousand 627 "no" votes cast, according to Prothom Alo. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed shared the turnout and voting figures during a media briefing at the Elections Building in Agargaon, the capital, today. Prothom Alo further noted that the strong showing by BNP reflects a significant shift following the exclusion of the Awami League and the electorate''s response to the contest between major forces. With the results now official for most seats, the stage is set for BNP to assume governance responsibilities in this landmark post-uprising election. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been in favour of the farmers and continues to prioritise their welfare in international trade agreements, said Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been in favour of the farmers. All his decisions have been taken in favour of the farmers. His plans have changed the lives of the farmers," Chouhan said. In a video message on X, he stated that the recent agreement signed with the United States is designed to protect the interests of the domestic agricultural sector. Chouhan noted that the Prime Minister's decisions consistently aim to improve the lives of those in the farming community through strategic planning and policy shifts. The Agriculture Minister emphasised that the agreement specifically addresses the needs of farmers who produce various staples. Chouhan said, "The farmers who produce grains like wheat, rice, corn, soya and other grains have been taken care of." He further explained that the deal ensures protection for those involved in different segments of the industry. According to the Minister, "The farmers who produce fruits and vegetables have also been protected in this agreement." Addressing concerns regarding market access, Chouhan clarified that the government maintained strict boundaries for certain sensitive sectors. He confirmed that "the doors of the country have not been opened for poultry, dairy and dairy production." This move ensures that domestic producers in these specific areas remain shielded from external competition while other sectors gain significant advantages from the new trade arrangements. The Minister highlighted the potential for market expansion for various Indian products under the new agreement. He stated, "The truth is that the farmers who produce spices will get a new market." Beyond spices, several other commodities are expected to benefit from increased international exposure. Chouhan noted that "spices, coffee, tea, marine products, and many other things will get a new market," which is expected to directly impact the financial status of cultivators across the country. Chouhan reiterated that the primary goal of these initiatives is the economic upliftment of the agricultural workforce. He said, "This will increase the income of the farmers." The Minister maintained that every policy decision made by the Prime Minister is geared toward the best interests of the farming community. "In the eyes of Modi ji, a self-reliant and developed India will be created," he stated. (ANI) The meeting focused on the preparations and the substance needed to ensure the ministerial outcome. The discussion provided a platform to review the framework for the upcoming global trade body meeting. Permanent Mission of India at the World Trade Organization, Geneva posted on X, "CS Shri @RajeshAgrawal94 met Dr. @NOIweala, DG @WTO at Geneva. Discussed key priorities for making #MC14 a positive, balanced and inclusive Ministerial. Highlighted India's continued commitment towards constructive engagement with #WTO Members for strengthening rules based MTS." Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also shared details of the interaction on X. She noted that the meeting was a "thoughtful and productive discussion." She said, "Happy to receive India's Commerce Secretary, HE Rajesh Agrawal, and his delegation, including Additional Secretary Amitabh Kumar and HE Amb Senthil Pandian. Many thanks for a thoughtful and productive discussion around the substance, process, and preparation of MC14. Look forward to continued engagement as we work through the thorny issues." In a separate session in Geneva, the Commerce Secretary also met with Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors of various developing countries and addressed "key issues in the context of MC14 of the WTO." The discussions during this session focused on the need to strengthen the multilateral trading system to benefit member states. The meetings emphasised the importance of ensuring that the interests of the developing world were represented in the upcoming conference. India at WTO, Geneva said on X, "Commerce Secretary @RajeshAgrawal94 today met with Permanent Representatives (PRs) & Ambassadors of various developing countries at Geneva and discussed key issues in the context of MC14 of the #WTO highlighting the need to strengthen rule based MTS." (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], February 13: Fintech platform Endl has raised 1.5 million dollars in pre-seed funding with participation from Iterative Singapore, 500 Global, and the XRPL Accelerator by Tenity. The investment marks a significant step in the company's mission to modernise cross border payments for businesses operating in emerging markets. The funding will support Endl's expansion across South East Asia, the Middle East, and India, while strengthening its product capabilities and regulatory infrastructure. As global commerce becomes increasingly digital, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain powered payments. Reimagining how global payments work Endl offers businesses a unified platform to manage multi currency accounts, hold and convert fiat and stablecoins, and execute international payouts with speed and transparency. In addition to its banking and settlement tools, the company also provides Endl Corporate Cards, enabling businesses to directly spend their global balances across online and offline merchants worldwide. These cards are linked to users' multi currency and stablecoin wallets, allowing seamless conversion at the point of transaction and giving companies greater control over international expenses, subscriptions, and operational spending. By integrating regulated banking rails, stablecoin infrastructure, and corporate spending tools, Endl is creating a complete financial operating system for modern businesses. Unlike conventional fintech solutions that treat digital assets as add ons, Endl has built its architecture with stablecoins at the core. This allows the platform to optimise liquidity, reduce intermediaries, and deliver near real time settlements while maintaining full compliance. Reflecting on this approach, Co Founder Ashita Batra said, "Endl empowers both Web3 and Web2 organizations with USD, EUR, CAD and GBP fiat accounts, access to compliant stablecoin payments, stablecoin to fiat cross border remittances, treasury management and yield products. Our focus has always been on giving businesses institutional grade tools without complexity." Leadership rooted in practical innovation Endl is led by founders with deep experience in banking, payments, and financial technology. Ashita Batra, Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer, brings a strong background in economics and digital finance. Her leadership philosophy centres on making global money movement intuitive and reliable for businesses that are often underserved by traditional banks. Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer Tejas Arun leads the company's technology strategy, building scalable and secure infrastructure designed for multi market operations. Under his leadership, Endl supports multiple blockchain networks while ensuring enterprise grade security and compliance. Together, the founders share a long term vision of rebuilding global financial infrastructure around speed, transparency, and accessibility. This thinking is echoed in a recent company post, where Endl noted, "Traditional banking was designed for a single nation and currency. Modern teams are global in scope, and Endl is moving the needle by making global business banking simpler with stablecoin efficiency and multi currency tools." Solving a real problem in emerging markets Across many emerging economies, businesses rely on informal peer to peer exchanges to convert stablecoins. These channels are often unreliable, unregulated, and exposed to operational and fraud risks. Endl addresses this gap by offering a compliant alternative that does not require users to understand complex blockchain mechanics. Businesses can collect payments from clients in the United States and Europe, manage funds securely, and use their Endl Corporate Cards for day to day spending, travel, and digital services, all within a regulated framework. This integrated approach reduces dependency on fragmented financial tools and enables smoother global operations. Accelerating growth after fundraising With the new capital, Endl plans to expand its product ecosystem, including enhancements to its corporate card program, advanced payout solutions, and deeper integrations with regulated financial partners. The company will also continue investing in compliance systems and regional partnerships to ensure sustainable growth. Its participation in programs such as 500 Global's Sanabil Accelerator and the XRPL Accelerator by Tenity reflects strong institutional confidence in its business model and leadership. Building the future of borderless banking Endl's long term vision is to create a comprehensive compliant banking suite around stablecoin wallets, cross border payment rails, and global corporate cards. The objective is to give businesses in emerging markets access to the same financial capabilities as enterprises in developed economies. By combining regulatory discipline with digital asset innovation, Endl is shaping a new model of business banking, one where speed, security, and accessibility coexist. As cross border commerce continues to accelerate, Endl is positioning itself not just as a payments provider, but as a foundational partner for businesses navigating the digital economy. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) The biggest problem facing the property market today is the struggle of the affordable housing segment. Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder and Chairman of the Hiranandani Group and NAREDCO, respectively, highlighted this during the National Urban & Real Estate Development Conclave 2026. He noted that while the overall industry is growing, the sector meant for low-income buyers is shrinking. "The biggest problem we see today in housing is in the affordable housing segment," Hiranandani said. The real estate market as a whole is seeing a rise in construction and sales. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Dr Hiranandani pointed out that housing grew by 10 per cent last year. He expects even better results in the coming months, stating that it "is expected to grow between 12% and 15% this year." He mentioned that "overall, more housing is being built and sold," but cautioned that this growth does not tell the whole story. Despite the general boom, the number of affordable homes being built has dropped sharply. Dr Hiranandani revealed that "for the first time in 45 years, the total number in the affordable housing segment has declined by 15-20% nationwide." This decline comes at a time when the demand for low-cost homes remains high across the country. To fix this, the industry leader suggested that the government must look at past successes for inspiration. He recalled how specific interventions helped the market during the pandemic. "There are several solutions for this. Some were tried during COVID; for example, the Maharashtra government reduced stamp duty by 50% and waived other charges," he said. He noted that these specific actions "significantly improved affordable housing" at that time. Dr Hiranandani also proposed looking at different ways to house people, such as focusing on rentals rather than just ownership. "Another is the scheme of rental housing," he suggested. He emphasised that both federal and local authorities must act quickly to provide financial relief to developers and buyers. He stated that "both the central government and state governments need to develop schemes to provide relief in this sector, either through reduced charges, stamp duty, or tax incentives." The goal of the industry body NAREDCO is to find practical ways to meet the government's housing targets. Dr Hiranandani confirmed that the organisation is actively looking for new strategies. "Today, NAREDCO will examine various ideas and thoughts on how to achieve the goal of 'Housing for All'," he said. He described this mission as "the Prime Minister's goal, the Ministry's goal, NAREDCO's goal, and my goal." He also expressed confidence that the government would support these efforts to ensure everyone has a home. He believes that collaborative work will lead to the right results. "We will work together to explore alternative solutions, and I am confident we will receive proposals that provide housing for all," Dr Hiranandani said. He acknowledged that while changes take time, the commitment is there. He added that "it may take a couple of weeks or months to get started, but I am certain that both the Prime Minister and the Ministry will take action because we have to achieve the Prime Minister's objective." (ANI) Having allowed banks to sponsor pension funds under the National Pension System (NPS), Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Sivasubramanian Ramann, has said that the playing field is level for all sponsors, including Asset Management Companies. "The playing field is totally level. It is level for all sponsors. The change we have made is that we have allowed banks to become a sponsor of a pension fund. Earlier, it was only insurance companies and AMCs that could be the sponsor. So once you're a sponsor, there is no difference between any of the sponsors," Ramann told ANI. "Banks had expressed their desire to become the sponsor and therefore we have allowed the banks to become the sponsor apart from insurance companies and AFCs," he added. He said pension schemes such as NPS incur annual costs that must be managed. "The only point we are making is that every pension account of a state government employee must be funded on an annual basis and therefore there is an annual expenditure that the state government must put in its income and expenditure account so that the cost of pension is born on an annual basis," he said. He also discussed the ease of withdrawal norms for NPS Vatsalya, a scheme designed to help children benefit from the power of compounding. Ramann explained that subscribers can now access a majority of the funds once the child reaches adulthood. "Eighty per cent of the amount of the corpus is now available for use by the citizen. And that has made a big difference to the Vatsalya account. We have made it easy for people to use the money when they need it. If they don't need the money, you continue in the NPS account," he said. NPS Vatsalya is a contributory savings and long-term financial security scheme designed exclusively for minors. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget for FY 2024-25 and subsequently launched on September 18, 2024, by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman. (ANI) The Startup India initiative has officially recognised 2.07 lakh ventures across the country, resulting in the creation of 21.9 lakh direct jobs as of December 31, 2025. The government continues to expand its funding push through three flagship schemes designed to support businesses at various stages of their growth cycle. As per a Ministry of Commerce & Industry release, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognised a total of 2,07,135 entities across all States and Union Territories. These startups contributed significantly to the national employment landscape by generating over 21.9 lakh direct jobs. Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada, provided these details in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. The government implements the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to provide funding opportunities across various sectors. The FFS, operationalised by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). As of December 31, 2025, these AIFs invested Rs 25,547.98 crore in 1,371 selected startups across 29 States and Union Territories. These supported startups generated over 2 lakh jobs. The SISFS, which began on April 1, 2021, provides financial assistance to seed-stage startups through incubators. The release noted that "selected incubators under the Scheme have approved funding of Rs 590.93 crore to 3,271 startups across 32 States/UTs." These startups created over 22,600 jobs. CGSS enables debt funding by guaranteeing credit instruments through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited. Since its inception in April 2023, 334 loans amounting to approximately Rs 808.18 crore received guarantees, with supported startups generating over 23,700 jobs. Impact assessment studies for the FFS and SISFS indicated improvements in revenue and employment generation. The release highlighted that "supported startups have reported improvement in economic areas such as revenue and employment generation." Beyond funding, the government focuses on easing regulatory compliance and providing tax benefits. Initiatives such as the Business Reform Action Plan and the Jan Vishwas exercise aim to reduce administrative costs and the compliance burden on businesses. Tax reforms include profit-linked deductions under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act 1961 and the deferral of Tax Deducted at Source regarding Employee Stock Option Plans. The government also allows relaxations for the carry forward of losses and Goods and Services Tax benefits for entrepreneurs in eligible incubators. Additionally, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs provides specific compliance exemptions under the Companies Act 2013 to further support the startup ecosystem. (ANI) Britain is facing a resurgence of diseases once thought under control, including measles, polio, whooping cough, and diphtheria, as childhood vaccination rates decline. Victorian-era diseases are making a comeback in the UK Measles cases in England and Wales rose to 3,268 in 2025, with two deaths reported. In response, the World Health Organization revoked the UKs measles elimination status in January 2026. Only 83.7 per cent of children in England have received both MMR doses by age five, far below the 95 per cent required for herd immunity. Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford, told The Telegraph: Its a formal acknowledgement of the miserable situation in which measles is able to transmit in the UK and threaten the health and even the lives of British children." The warning extends beyond measles. In the first half of 2025, there were 502 confirmed cases of whooping cough, resulting in one child death. Polio has been detected in UK wastewater since 2022, most recently in Shoreham and Sheffield, while diphtheria cases, although rare, have risen slightly, with two cases reported among asylum seekers last year. Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine, explained that vaccine hesitancy and social inequality are contributing factors. He said: We dont want to be in a situation of Russian roulette where we just dont know what outbreaks might occur because of suboptimal protection. Prof Helen Bedford of University College London highlighted practical barriers to vaccination, including competing demands and lack of paid leave for parents. She said: Quite simply, vaccine uptake needs to improve, and we also need to ensure that those who have missed out catch up. Health officials stress the importance of timely immunisation. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 96 per cent effective against measles, while routine childhood immunisations also protect against whooping cough, polio, and diphtheria. Prof Sir Pollard warned: If vaccination rates continue to fall, there will be cycles of disease outbreaks into the future. The Delhi High Court on Thursday passed an interim order directing the trial court not to call the prosecution witnesses linked with Congress MP Karti Chidambaram for examination. Karti has challenged the framing of charges against him in the CBI case arising from the Chinese Visa scam. The trial court is recording Prosecution evidence after framing the charges. Justice Manoj Jain passed a direction that no witness regarding Karti will be called to record evidence, and that only a formal witness may be called. The bench has listed the matter for hearing further arguements on behalf of Karti Chidambaram on March 19. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra alongwith Advocates Arshdeep Singh and Akshat Gupta, appeared for Karti Chidambaram. It was submitted that the trial court is recording the prosecution's evidence. The right of the petitioner may be prejudiced as he is before the High Court in revision against the framing of charges. The High Court, on January 28, issued notice on the plea filed by Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. The petition assails the trial court's order dated December 23, 2025, by which Chidambaram was directed to face trial. The plea contends that there is a complete absence of essential ingredients required to invoke Sections 8 and 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as well as Section 204 of the Indian Penal Code. It has been argued that there is nothing on record to even remotely indicate any demand or acceptance of illegal gratification. Appearing on advance notice, the Special Public Prosecutor for the CBI sought a short date to file a brief reply and status report, which the court permitted. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra had submitted that the charge under Section 204 IPC relating to the destruction of documents or electronic records to prevent their production as evidence is wholly unsustainable and unsupported by any material on record. For context, charges have been framed against Chidambaram for criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act relating to bribing a public servant and bribing a public servant by a commercial organisation. In his plea, Chidambaram has stated that the trial court failed to appreciate that the material and documents on record present an entirely different picture. It is claimed that the alleged conspiracy was the brainchild of approver Vikas Makharia, who allegedly misused the permissible provision for re-use of project visas for personal gain and later sought to shift blame onto other accused. The petition further asserts that no public servant has been identified as having been influenced or sought to be influenced. Two public servants examined by the CBI have categorically stated that no attempt was made to influence them. The only other public servant named in the chargesheet, Adarsh Swaika, an officer posted at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, was neither investigated nor examined, as sanction under Section 17A of the PC Act was declined on three occasions. The plea also challenges the trial court's observation that Sections 8 and 9 of the PC Act would apply even if the alleged bribe was paid for a legal act. According to the petitioner, this finding is contrary to the prosecution's own case that the alleged payment was made to secure permission for re-use of visas in violation of the Visa Manual. Earlier, the Rouse Avenue Court on December 23 framed charges against Karti Chidambaram and other accused persons in the case. Special Judge (CBI) Dig Vinay Singh had framed charges for criminal conspiracy and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Charges were also framed against chartered accountant Bhaskar Raman. The case relates to alleged corruption in the renewal of visas of 263 Chinese officials. The CBI has alleged that a gratification of 50 lakh was paid by an accused firm for the renewal of visas earlier issued to Chinese nationals. (ANI) Praising NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar for his presentation highlighting concerns over the circumstances of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's plane crash, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said that Pawar had gathered significant information in the last 12-13 days, which should have been done by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Dubey raised concerns about the DGCA, the CID, and other investigative agencies, asserting that the investigation should have been led by a retired Supreme Court judge. "We also saw that presentation. It was a very good study. In the last twelve to thirteen days, he collected a lot of information, which the DGCA should have done. Today, be it the DGCA, our CBI, CID, what are they doing? We had said from the very first day that this investigation should be conducted under the monitoring of a retired Supreme Court judge...Ajit Dada Pawar was not an ordinary leader. He was a great leader... How did this happen? You should give all this information to the public through a press conference," Anand Dubey said. Earlier on Tuesday, Rohit Pawar raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar's plane crash, suggesting it might be a conspiracy. "Entire Maharashtra is questioning whether Ajit Dada's plane crash was an accident or a conspiracy? I am sharing with you all what I feel. Some people are still expecting Dada to come from somewhere. Some say 6 people were in the aircraft, it was not Ajit Dada's dead body, it still feels like a nightmare," he said while holding a press conference on the Baramati air crash. Rohit Pawar highlighted the atmosphere of suspicion, grief, and political intrigue currently surrounding these events in Maharashtra. He mentioned an investigation into the accident, citing a book that suggests killing a person's driver is an easy way to target them. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis urged political leaders not to politicise Ajit Pawar's death and assured that a thorough probe into the Baramati plane crash is underway. Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28 in Maharashtra's Baramati. According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati, died after a crash-landing occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. (ANI) Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday accused Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of constantly "maligning the nation's reputation on every platform," stating that it will neither benefit Congress nor him. He said India was making significant progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "The public has already given them a befitting reply many times. The nation is making significant progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Neither the party nor the leader will benefit if he continues to malign the nation's image on every platform," Scindia told ANI. His remarks come after Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he has a "chokehold around his neck" and has "sold the country and farmers". The Congress leader asserted that he would not "step back even an inch" even if a Privilege Motion was filed against him. In a video shared on Gandhi's official X handle, he criticised the India-US trade deal, alleging it compromises India's energy security, data, and farmers' future. He claimed the deal favours American farmers, who rely on mechanisation and government subsidies, while Indian farmers struggle with small landholdings and limited mechanisation. He made several allegations against the PM, "Narendra Modi has sold out the country, sold out the farmers. You can file a case against me, abuse me and do whatever you have to. Bring a Privilege Motion against me. It doesn't matter. I have spoken the truth in Parliament." "It is a different matter if you do not like it. The country can understand the truth," he added. Referring to the India-US Interim Trade Agreement, he alleged that it undermines Indian farmers' interests by opening the domestic market to US agribusinesses. "By striking a deal with the US, he has sold out cotton farmers, soya farmers, apple farmers and fruit farmers. For years, people from foreign countries have been trying to capture the agri-market of India. Narendra Modi ji has opened the gates for them. This is a truth that he and I both know." Gandhi alleged. Gandhi claimed that the reason for the agreement is "Because there is a chokehold around his (PM Modi) neck. Donald Trump has the reins of Narendra Modi in his hands." Earlier, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that BJP members in the Lok Sabha would move a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi for "misleading the House and making baseless statements". (ANI) A joint meeting of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will be chaired by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Friday to discuss allegations of fake birth certificates being issued to Bangladeshis and others. The meeting has been convened at the request of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya. Concerned police officials and officers from the registration department have been asked to remain present, while Somaiya will also attend the meeting. In a letter from the Mayor's office, Tawde said the communication from Somaiya regarding the issue is enclosed and that a joint meeting has been scheduled for Friday, February 13, at 12 pm at the BMC headquarters. "Enclosed herewith is the letter on the above subject received from Shri Kirit Somaiya, former Member of Parliament. In order to discuss the said matter, I have convened a joint meeting on Friday, 13 February 2026 at 12.00 noon at my office located at the Municipal Corporation Headquarters, Old Building, First Floor, Mumbai - 1. You are therefore requested to kindly attend the said meeting on time along with the concerned officers and with the necessary information and documents," the letter issued by the office of Ritu Tawde said. Reacting to the development, Somaiya said that the Mayor had called the joint meeting on his request to discuss the "Birth Certificate Scam." He added that officials from the BMC, the Collector's office, the police and the Health Department would attend the meeting. "Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on My Request has called Joint Meeting tomorrow 13 Feb noon 12 O'clock on "BirthCertificate Scam" Officials of BMC, Collector Office, Police, Health Minister will attend the meeting," the 'X' post from Somaiya said. This is not the first time Somaiya has raised the issue of fake birth certificates being issued to Bangladeshi citizens in Mumbai. Earlier in November 2025, a BMC official was suspended for alleged involvement in the matter. The BJP leader alleged that the official was involved in issuing more than 1,000 birth certificates. "MUMBAI Birth Certificate Scam BMC suspended Health Officer Dr Sanjay Funde & process to suspend another Health Officer & 2 Assistants initiated FIR to be registered by Deonar Police Station today BMC officials involved in 1000 FAKE/Illegal birth certificates scam," Somaiya wrote on 'X'. (ANI) A property-related dispute led to the murder of Dehradun-based gas agency owner Arjun Sharma on Wednesday, with police arresting five accused in connection with the case. According to Kotwali Dalanwala police, around 10:30 AM on February 11, information was received that an unknown person had shot a man near Tibetan Market. Police immediately reached the spot and shifted the injured person to Doon Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The deceased was identified as Arjun Sharma, a resident of Indira Nagar, Basant Vihar Police Station area, Dehradun. He was the owner of Amardeep Gas Agency located on GMS Road, an official statement read. Following the incident, senior officers inspected the crime scene and gathered details. Based on a complaint filed by the deceased's wife, Abhilasha Sharma, suspicion was raised against the deceased's mother, Beena Sharma, along with Vinod Uniyal, Sangeeta Uniyal, and Dr Ajay Khanna, due to financial and property disputes. Accordingly, FIR No. 29/2026 was registered under Section 103(1) BNS at Kotwali Dalanwala, the police said. Considering the sensitivity of the case, SSP Dehradun formed multiple teams and intensive checking was started across the district. CCTV footage revealed the involvement of two persons riding a scooty, the police said. During late-night checking on February 11, in the Ladpur area, a suspect fired at police and tried to escape into the forest. In retaliatory firing, he was shot in the leg. A .315 bore pistol and one empty cartridge were recovered. In the Laltappad area, another suspect tried to escape from a police checkpoint and fired at police near a closed Birla factory. In retaliatory firing, he was shot in the leg. One pistol, one live cartridge, and an empty cartridge were recovered, according to the police. The injured accused, identified as Rajeev alias Raju and Pankaj Rana. Both confessed to shooting Arjun Sharma near the Tibetan Market. They were admitted to Coronation Hospital. Separate cases were also registered against them for attempt to murder and Arms Act violations. During interrogation, both accused revealed they are real brothers, originally from Devi Khal, Kotdwar (Pauri Garhwal), currently residing in Chakuwala, Dehradun. Pankaj worked as a driver for Vinod Uniyal and Rajeev worked as an auto driver. The investigation revealed a property dispute among Arjun Sharma, his mother, Beena Sharma, Vinod Uniyal, and Dr Ajay Khanna. Dr Khanna allegedly entered into a Rs 14-crore property deal with Beena Sharma and had already paid Rs 8 crore. However, Arjun Sharma obtained a court stay on the property, causing financial pressure and disputes, according to an official statement by the police. As a result, Beena Sharma, Ajay Khanna, and Vinod Uniyal allegedly planned to eliminate Arjun Sharma and hired the two accused for Rs 12 lakh, of which Rs 3 lakh was paid as an advance, the police said. The accused conducted surveillance of Arjun Sharma's routine and murdered him on February 11 near Tibetan Market. Investigation also revealed WhatsApp communication between the accused Pankaj Rana and Vinod Uniyal before and after the incident. Witness statements also confirmed that Beena Sharma had earlier gathered information about Arjun Sharma's daily routine from his manager, a statement added. Based on the evidence, police arrested three more accused: Vinod Uniyal, Dr Ajay Khanna, and Beena Sharma. Both main accused arrested in the encounter were produced before the court and taken on police remand. Investigation is ongoing. (ANI) Congress MP Hibi Eden on Friday said that Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi remains committed to the cause of farmers, regardless of any consequences for his parliamentary membership or political career. He said Gandhi would continue to raise farmers' issues and concerns about India's global standing, both inside and outside Parliament, including matters related to the proposed US trade deal. "We had our parliamentary party meeting yesterday, and we are very clear about how we would take up this issue, the US trade deal and the farmers' issue, inside and outside Parliament. Rahul Gandhi is very committed to the cause of the farmers, and he will, whatever happens to his membership or whatever happens to his political career, not shut his mouth inside Parliament. He will fight for farmers and ensure India is not compromised anywhere in the world. The fight will continue, whatever happens to his political career," Eden told ANI. Meanwhile, Congress MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam said the main concern was the impact of the trade deal on the country, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party was not addressing these issues. "The main issue is that the trade deal has impacted our country. The BJP is not talking about this. Rahul Gandhi has raised pertinent questions about why the trade deal was made. Why have we, as a country, bowed down to the US administration? Why are we agreeing to purchase oil from where Trump is directing us? Why are we reducing tariffs that protect the farmers of our country? Why are we not talking about the rupee devaluation? When such pertinent questions are asked, the BJP is simply trying to divert attention," he told ANI. This comes after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urging the House to constitute a dedicated Parliamentary Inquiry Committee to investigate Rahul Gandhi's "unethical conduct" following his recent speech in Parliament. In the letter, Dubey cited constitutional responsiblity to highlight the alleged misdemeanours of the Congress leader, saying that he has become a major part of the "thuggery gang to de-stabilise the country from within". He alleged that Gandhi is an active member of the "Ford Foundation," which is a very notorious organisation, further claiming that it funds all of Gandhi's lavish foreign travels. Speaking to ANI, Dubey said he moved a motion in the Lok Sabha against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading the country. Dubey is seeking termination of the Congress MP's parliamentary membership and a lifetime ban on the Congress leader from contesting elections. "I have moved a motion in Lok Sabha today against Rahul Gandhi on how he is misleading the nation with the help of forces like (George) Soros, who want to harm the nation. In the motion I have moved, I have requested that Rahul Gandhi's membership should be terminated and he should be barred for life from contesting elections," Dubey said. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has challenged the Narendra Modi government to "bring a privilege motion" against him, asserting his commitment to fighting for farmers. His remarks come after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday that the BJP MPs in Lok Sabha will give a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi "for misleading the House and also making baseless statements". (ANI) Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said that the government has decided to drop its proposed Motion against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over bringing an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief Naravane and his remarks during his budget speech in the Parliament. Speaking to the media, Rijiju said the Centre withdrew the motion after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a Substantive Motion in the House against the Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition. He further said that once the Substantive Motion is admitted, the government will consult the Speaker to decide whether the matter should be referred to the Privilege Committee, the Ethics Committee, or taken up directly in the House for discussion. Rijiju said, "The government had decided to move a Motion. Rahul Gandhi violated rules and mentioned an unpublished book in an illegal manner; he also mentioned several things in his Budget speech - 'country sold out' and other nonsense for the PM. There are several issues over which we wanted to give him a notice. Private Member Nishikant Dubey has brought a Substantive Motion, so for now, we are dropping the Motion that the Government was going to bring." "Any MP can bring a Motion. After the Substantive Motion is admitted, we will decide after discussing with the Speaker whether we can send this to the Privilege Committee or Ethics Committee or bring this directly to the House to discuss. It will be decided," he said. This comes after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey earlier wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging the House to constitute a dedicated Parliamentary Inquiry Committee to investigate Rahul Gandhi's "unethical conduct" following his recent speech in Parliament. In the letter addressed to Birla, Dubey cited constitutional responsiblity to highlight the misdemeanours of the Congress leader, saying that he has become a major part of the "Thuggery gang to de-stabilise the country from within." He alleged that Gandhi is an active member of the "Ford Foundation," which is a very notorious organisation, further claiming that it funds all of Gandhi's lavish foreign travels. Earlier in the day, reiterating his "unethical conduct" allegations against Rahul Gandhi, Dubey has questioned whether the Congress MP was "planning India's partition for the sake of gaining power." In a post on X, Dubey shared documents which he described as "accusations" against Rahul Gandhi, whom he referred to as the "ringleader of the tukde-tukde gang." "My accusations against Soros, the Ford Foundation, and the ringleader of the "tukde-tukde gang" Rahul Gandhi Ji are these, for which I have sought permission from the Lok Sabha Speaker to debate. Is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha planning India's partition for the sake of gaining power?" Dubey wrote on 'X'. The controversy erupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi quoted excerpts from the unpublished book of the ex-Army Chief in Parliament. The Speaker passed a ruling, asking the LoP not to quote unpublished literature. Recently, Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he has a "chokehold around his neck" and has "sold the country and farmers". The Congress leader asserted that he would not "step back even an inch" even if a Privilege Motion was filed against him. (ANI) Following the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) nod to the proposal to buy 114 Rafale Fighter Jets, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday said that this would be the first time that the Rafale would be manufactured outside France with 40 to 50 per cent localisation under the 'Make in India' programme. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Singh said the programme is being implemented through a government-to-government agreement with no intermediaries and full transparency. He added that it will allow the integration of Indian weapons and systems on the aircraft, which he described as a key feature of the project. "For the first time, Rafale aircraft will be manufactured outside France with significant levels of localisation. We are seeking a minimum of 40 to 50 per cent... The first time 'Make in India,' Rafael outside France backed up by a government-to-government agreement, no intermediaries, full transparency in the project itself, government to government, significant levels of localisation, and full authority to integrate Indian weapons and Indian systems are the highlights of this program," Singh said. "It also enables us to induct fighter aircraft relatively quickly because the first of the Rafale Marines will start coming in '28, and after that, over a period of time, you will see that about three and a half years from now, the first of these Air Force Rafales will also start coming," Singh added. This comes after the Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to various service proposals at an estimated value of about Rs 3.60 lakh crore. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), AoN was approved for the procurement of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) {Rafale}, Combat Missiles, and Air-Ships Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (AS-HAPS). According to the Ministry of Defence, the procurement of MRFA will enhance the IAF's capability to undertake air-dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost its deterrence with long-range offensive strikes. The majority of the MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India. The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground-attack capability with deep-strike power and very high accuracy. The AS-HAPS will be utilised for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunications, and remote sensing for military purposes. (ANI) Since 2014, the Modi government has taken steady steps to move away from symbols of India's colonial past and to usher in a mindset shift. Some of the key changes include the transformation of South Block into Seva Teerth, the Central Secretariat renamed as Kartavya Bhavan, Rajpath rechristened as Kartavya Path, Race Course Road becoming Lok Kalyan Marg, and various Raj Bhavans and Raj Niwas across the country now designated as Lok Bhavan or Lok Niwas. The Prime Minister will thereafter formally inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2, and also address a public programme at Seva Teerth at around 6 PM. According to an official release from PMO, the inauguration marks a transformative milestone in India's administrative governance architecture and reflects the Prime Minister's commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. For decades, several key government offices and ministries functioned from fragmented and ageing infrastructure spread across multiple locations in the Central Vista area. This dispersion led to operational inefficiencies, coordination challenges, escalating maintenance costs and sub-optimal working environments. The new building complexes address these issues by consolidating administrative functions within modern, future-ready facilities. Seva Teerth houses the Prime Minister's Office, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, all of which were previously located across different locations, a release stated. Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 accommodate several key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Law & Justice, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Both building complexes feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralised reception facilities. These features will foster collaboration, efficiency, seamless governance, improved citizen engagement and enhanced employee well-being. Designed in accordance with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes. These measures significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The building complexes also include comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors, a release added. (ANI) The first part of the Budget session concluded on Friday, marked by political debates over the India-US interim trade deal and the memoir of former Army Chief MM Naravane, whose publishing status remained a matter of controversy even outside the Parliament. The Lok Sabha will reconvene on March 9 after a three-week recess. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned and is scheduled to meet again on March 9 after a three-week recess. The Parliament budget session, which began on January 28 with the President's address to a joint sitting of the two Houses, comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and is scheduled to conclude on April 2. The recess will allow Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. Earlier in the day, the Opposition MPs staged a protest outside the Makar Dwar in the Parliament House complex while demanding the resignation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who is under fire after Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi questioned his links with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. MPs from across the opposition parties held placards reading "Who's grip, who's choke" during the demonstration. This came after Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, claimed he had verified information linking Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to the recently released Epstein files by the US Department of Justice. Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government has decided to drop its proposed Motion against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for bringing an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief Naravane and his remarks during his budget speech in Parliament. Speaking to the media, Rijiju said the Centre withdrew the motion after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a Substantive Motion in the House against the Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition. He further said that once the Substantive Motion is admitted, the government will consult the Speaker to decide whether the matter should be referred to the Privilege Committee, the Ethics Committee, or taken up directly in the House for discussion. A political controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote excerpts from the "unpublished" book of the ex-Army Chief in Parliament. (ANI) Parents who try to be friends with their teenage children risk weakening the authority necessary for healthy adolescent development, psychologists warn. Parents who try to befriend their kids risk weakening their authority Balancing warmth with firm guidance is crucial to help teens navigate independence while still respecting boundaries. Experts note that while closeness and trust are important, friendship and parental authority are not interchangeable. Children need limits and guidance, and parents who blur the lines may inadvertently reduce their influence. Barbara Greenberg, a teen, child, and family psychologist, told She Knows: A parent is supposed to provide structure and be an authority figure. Youre supposed to set the limits so your child can push up against you thats a developmental task. Friends dont tell you to do your laundry, be home at midnight or drive carefully. Are friends and authority figures mutually exclusive? I think so. Judith Smetana, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, explained: Its great if kids want to disclose to you, but it would be weird for parents to talk about their sex life with their kids. When parents start revealing things about themselves, its slippery. Your child should not be your confidant. Healthy parent-teen relationships, however, encourage trust and communication. Greenberg said: Once you start showing how emotional you are, youre giving kids the message that you cant handle what theyre saying. So even if you have to fake it, try your best to remain calm. Indirect questions about daily routines or social events can also help teens open up without compromising boundaries. The dynamic naturally shifts as children mature. Greenberg noted: In early adulthood, the nature of the relationship shifts. Smetana added: But you should let the child take the lead. Parents can still be concerned about what they do, but they dont have the same authority. Hopefully, there will be a willingness to become more like friends. But I think there are still some boundaries. Experts agree that pushing for friendship too early can undermine guidance, while trust and respectful communication help build bonds that may eventually grow into adult friendship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Meerut on February 22, where he will inaugurate key urban transport projects, including the Metro service and the Namo Bharat train, to strengthen regional mobility and accelerate economic growth in western Uttar Pradesh. According to the source, "During his visit, the Prime Minister will also address a public gathering. Projects are expected to boost commerce, real estate growth, and employment opportunities while easing travel for thousands of passengers in the region. "The launch of the Metro is expected to improve intra-city connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and provide residents with a faster and more reliable mode of transport. The Namo Bharat train service will enhance high-speed regional connectivity, linking Meerut more efficiently with the National Capital Region and benefiting daily commuters, students, and business travellers", he added. The visit is seen as significant for the region's infrastructure push, positioning Meerut as an emerging urban and economic hub in Western Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on February 14, where he is set to inaugurate and flag off development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education and urban mobility in the North-Eastern Region. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), around 10:30 AM, the PM will land at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, where he will witness the Aerial Display of Fighters, Transports and Helicopters. At around 1 PM, the Prime Minister will inspect the newly built Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the River Brahmaputra. Later, at approximately 1:30 PM, he will inaugurate and flag off development projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati, which will provide a major boost to higher and management education in the North-Eastern Region. Finally, PM Modi will also flag off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in Guwahati (100), Nagpur (50), Bhavnagar (50), and Chandigarh (25). With the launch of e-bus operations under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in these four cities, more than 50 lakh citizens are expected to benefit from access to clean, affordable, and reliable public transport services, thereby improving urban mobility and enhancing quality of life. (ANI) Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday said he was not aware of any proposal to introduce new guidelines for retired Army officials for writing books, amid the controversy surrounding the unpublished memoirs of former Army chief MM Naravane. Speaking to ANI, Singh said existing rules and laws already govern such matters, including the Official Secrets Act (OSA). He added that the key issue was not the absence of guidelines, but whether any existing rules had been bypassed. "I am not, frankly, aware of this particular issue you are mentioning regarding whether new guidelines are being considered. There are existing guidelines, and the Official Secrets Act applies. In this case, the issue is not that guidelines do not exist; the issue is whether someone has tried to bypass them. From public sources, I know that the agencies are looking into this. However, I am not aware of any new guidelines, and in any case, existing guidelines and existing laws, particularly the OSA, do apply when it comes to sensitive matters," Rajesh Kumar Singh said. This comes after a political row erupted after Rahul Gandhi attempted to cite General Naravane's memoir, titled 'Four Stars of Destiny', in Lok Sabha, bringing in the 2020 standoff against China into the discussion during the Budget Session. The Delhi Police, on February 9, took cognisance of information found on various social media platforms and news forums claiming that a pre-print copy of the book 'Four Stars of Destiny' is being circulated and Special Cell has filed a case into the "purported leak/breach of a yet to be approved publication". Earlier on Thursday, the Delhi Police Special Cell questioned Penguin India officials for two consecutive days in connection with the alleged leak of former Army Chief General MM Naravane's book, sources said. According to sources, the questioning continued for several hours on both days, with investigators seeking detailed information about the handling and circulation of the manuscript and its digital files. Officials indicated that representatives of the publishing house may be called again in the coming days as the probe progresses. Sources in the Special Cell said the investigation is currently being conducted on two separate lines. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Friday welcomed the Union Home Ministry's directive mandating the singing of all six verses of Vande Mataram before the national anthem, calling it a "matter of pride". Speaking to ANI, Maurya said, "Vande Mataram has been notified in the gazette; now all Indians should sing Vande Mataram as the national song. This is a matter of pride, and I congratulate the Home Minister for this." BJP MP Sudha Murthy also expressed support, stating, "I like Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana." The reactions follow the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) releasing detailed guidelines for the national song Vande Mataram, stating that when both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed at an event, all six stanzas of the official version of Vande Mataram must be presented first. On Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav welcomed the Union Home Ministry's decision to sing six verses of 'Vande Mataram', stating that the state government will implement the directive immediately. Speaking to reporters, CM Yadav said, "I not only approve of the decision by the Home Ministry, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, to sing six verses of Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana, but also I feel joy that this decision by our Prime Minister will bring the entire nation together with us to remember all those who sacrificed their lives for the country before independence. We are fortunate that the Prime Minister has decided to sing the entire Vande Mataram. The Madhya Pradesh government also supports this decision, and we will implement it immediately in our state." Earlier, Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh also praised the decision, saying it would play a vital role in inspiring the spirit of nationalism among future generations. "I believe this auspicious day has arrived quite late. The work that should have been done years ago has now been carried out by Prime Minister Modi. I proudly say that this decision will become a major role to inspire a sense of nationalism among the coming generations in India. I thank Prime Minister Modi from the bottom of my heart, and I feel proud that a decision which should have been taken much earlier was implemented during his tenure," Singh told reporters. When asked about the implementation of singing verses of 'Vande Mataram' before the national anthem in schools, the minister said that many institutions follow it on their own, and after becoming a law, it would be mandatory for every institution and school to implement it. "Most schools and institutions follow this on their own, but I believe that when something becomes law, it naturally becomes mandatory for every institution and school to implement it. I would say this is a very good decision," the school minister added. (ANI) Raza Academy President Muhammad Saeed Noori on Friday termed the Union Government's recent directive making the recitation of Vande Mataram mandatory as illegal. Speaking to ANI, Saeed Noori stated that forcing citizens to participate in rituals forbidden by their respective faiths would lead to widespread resentment. He said, "This law being made regarding Vande Mataram or the government being forced to make its recitation compulsory and mandatory is illegal. In our country, people of all faiths have the freedom to adhere to their faith and follow it. This is against that as well and will create grief and anger among the people, and they are being forced to do things forbidden in our religion." "This government wants to keep people entangled in this issue and to cover up the allegations against them at the international level, and they have failed in all ways to progress the country...", Noori added. Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Thursday demanded the withdrawal of the Ministry of Home Affairs' notification mandating the playing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events. In a press statement, the Board's General Secretary, Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, expressed strong opposition to the government's decision, calling it unconstitutional, against religious freedom and secular values, contrary to the Supreme Court judgment, and directly conflicting with the religious beliefs of Muslims. He stated that the decision is therefore completely unacceptable to Muslims. The Maulana noted that, following Rabindranath Tagore's advice and deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it had been agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used. Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani also criticised the Union government's directive to play all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events, calling it a "blatant attack on freedom of religion". Madani said it violates the constitutional rights of minorities. (ANI) The matter came to light on February 9, 2026, in Parari, Balanja village, Dakshina Kannada. According to the police, a pickup van was spotted carrying a group of schoolchildren from Balanja toward a nursery in Nalkuru for a field study. A tipper lorry was also reportedly involved in transit on the same public road, raising concerns about the children's safety. Following a formal complaint filed by Dharanendra, a resident of Balanja village, the Venur police registered a case. Meanwhile, on January 24, a serious ragging incident at a college in Devanahalli town, Bengaluru Rural district, has led to the filing of a formal complaint against 23 senior students for allegedly harassing first-year students, Karnataka police said in a statement. Three of the accused have also been arrested by the police. While a search is underway for the remaining accused. According to Devanahalli Police, senior students allegedly subjected first-year BBA and BCA students to continuous ragging over the past few days. The complaint stated that the seniors forced the juniors to bring alcohol and cigarettes and made them stand for several hours holding their books as a form of punishment. (ANI) Two businessmen in Madhya Pradesh received extortion threat calls in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and lodged complaints with the police, officials said on Friday. The first incident was reported in Indore district, where Rs 5 crores was demanded in the complaint, while the second incident occurred in Ashoknagar district, where Rs 10 crores was demanded. Indore rural Deputy Commissioner of Police (DSP) Umakant Chaudhary told ANI, "A local businessman's son submitted an application at the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) office, Mhow, that he received an extortion threat call in the name of Lawrence Bishnoi gang, demanding Rs 5 crores. The police are seriously investigating the matter and checking all the aspects, including call details, in coordination with the cyber cell." The officer said that further action would be initiated based on the probe report, adding that the Indore rural cyber team is investigating and that the complainant received the call via WhatsApp. The police are gathering more details and exploring all possible angles of the matter, as fake rumours can be used to threaten people. Since the matter concerns a gang, the police are taking it seriously and investigating the issue, he added. In the second incident, Ashoknagar Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ganjendra Singh Kawar said that a local businessman submitted an application to the police, alleging that he had received a threatening voice message purporting to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, demanding money. "A businessman submitted an application at Kotwali police station in which he stated that he received a threatening voice mail from a gang (Lawrence Bishnoi) and demanded money. The matter is being investigated by the Kotwali police station, and action will be taken accordingly," ASP Kawar told ANI. Further investigation into the matter is underway, he added (ANI). Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday described former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as an "extraordinary institution builder" and shared a 1959 letter in which Nehru apologised to former Supreme Court judge Vivian Bose. In a post on X, Ramesh said, "Much gets talked about on the relationship between the executive and the judiciary. Here is an extraordinary letter of apology written by the Prime Minister on June 26 1959, to Justice Vivian Bose, who was a former judge at the Supreme Court. What a truly extraordinary institution builder Nehru was!" The post included an image of the letter dated June 26, 1959, in which Nehru expressed "deep regret" over remarks he had made about Justice Bose during a press conference in Delhi earlier that month. In the letter, Nehru acknowledged that his comments were "improper" and admitted that he "should not have allowed" himself to make them. "I realise fully that those remarks were improper, and I should not have allowed myself to utter them," Nehru wrote, adding that he had been taken "rather unawares" by the questions posed to him and had been preoccupied at the time. He requested Justice Bose to accept his apology for the "impropriety" he had committed. Nehru also mentioned receiving a letter from the Secretary of the Calcutta Bar Library Club, which had forwarded a resolution passed by the Calcutta Bar disapproving of his remarks. He stated that he had already responded to the Bar and enclosed a copy of that reply in his communication to Justice Bose. Meanwhile, Ramesh on Tuesday reiterated his criticism of the India-US interim trade agreement, stating that New Delhi has been "forced to concede more to Washington than it has got". In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh said that the US understanding of a deal is very different from the "propaganda" that is being put out by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government. "It did not take long for President Trump and his team to puncture the tall claims being made by the PM and his many megaphones on the Indo-US trade deal. Clearly, the US's understanding of the deal is very different from the propaganda that is being put out by the Modi Govt. This is not a calibrated opening but a coerced opening. India has been forced to concede more than what it has got," he said. (ANI) Bahadur Ali, along with other terrorists, had infiltrated into India to commit terror attacks in India in the wake of the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani in 2016. NIA had lodged a case in July 2016 for conspiracy to commit terror attacks in India. Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma sentenced Zahoor Ahmad Pir and Nazeer Ahmad Pir under sections 18, 19 and 39 of UAPA. They were convicted on December 18, 2025. The court held them guilty of Terror Conspiracy, harbouring a member of a terror organisation and supporting a terror organisation. While convicting the Accused persons, the court said that the Prosecution has proved the Allegations against the Accused persons beyond a reasonable doubt. The court has found no evidence of innocence by the accused persons. It was alleged that the duo were involved in a conspiracy, harbouring and providing support to terrorist Bahadur Ali. He had infiltrated India along with other terrorists who were killed in an operation by the security forces. Thereafter, he was provided with shelter, food, and logistical support by the convicts. They supported Bahadur Ali, despite the knowledge of the fact that he was a member of Lashkar, which is a banned terror organisation, the agency alleged. In March 2021, Bahadur Ali pleaded guilty to the charges at the time of framing. He was convicted and awarded 10-year jail sentence for Conspiracy of terror acts (ANI) A meeting of the Governing Council of the Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Trust was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Vice Chairman of the Council Harsh Sanghavi. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the modernisation and redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram is being undertaken. In this context, the progress of various ongoing works at Sabarmati Ashram was reviewed during the Governing Council meeting. Chairman of the Executive Council IP Gautam presented a holistic overview of the overall progress of the works through a detailed presentation. Under this project, restoration work of around 28 houses is being undertaken. Out of these, work on 22 houses has been completed, and it was informed that the entire restoration work is planned to be completed by March 26. In line with the Prime Minister's directions to give priority to green growth in the redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram, around 98,000 small and large trees and plants have been planted so far, and action is underway to undertake an additional 16,000 plantations by March 26, as stated in the presentation. Detailed discussions were held on how visitors, especially youth, can take part in service activities by linking Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Shramdaan (voluntary labour) with the Ashram's programmes. The agenda of the previous Governing Council meeting was also approved. The meeting was attended by members of the Governing Council of the Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Trust, including MP Narhari Amin, Kartikeya Sarabhai, and Jayesh Patel, as well as Chief Secretary M K Das, Secretary of Youth, Services and Cultural Activities Rahul Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Vikrant Pandey, Tourism Secretary Kuldeep Arya, and O.S.D. of the Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Trust I K Patel. (ANI) Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday demanded the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, raising questions over his alleged interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and calling him "unfit to remain in position". Speaking to ANI, Khera said, "Clearly, the Congress party is demanding the resignation of Hardeep Singh Puri. This person has no right to remain in his position. In the last 48 hours, he has only lied. We will raise this issue before the people of the country that this government is compromised, and that too with a person like Jeffrey Epstein." Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, he criticised Puri's recent interviews. "He says, 'If something had happened, I would have told you.' Imagine, look at the mindset with which he is speaking. 'If something had happened, I would have told you.' I was stunned by this," Khera said. Referring to the controversy surrounding the so-called Epstein Files, Khera claimed that leaders from seven countries had resigned in connection with the matter. "Sadly, Narendra Modi and Hardeep Singh Puri are also implicated in this," he alleged. Describing Puri's statements as "misleading", Khera said, "Puri claimed that when he first went to meet Epstein, he had no idea of the location because a driver was taking him there. I felt a little uneasy on my way to meet Epstein, so I googled where I was going and then asked myself whether I should go to meet Epstein." He questioned Puri's judgement, asking, "Was Hardeep Singh Puri a child when all this happened?" Clarifying the party's stand, Khera said, "The claim that Hardeep Singh Puri met Epstein only once is false. In fact, Hardeep Singh Puri met Epstein several times." He also referred to Puri's comments regarding Epstein's criminal record. "Some of us had doubts about Epstein's criminal record," Puri had said, despite Epstein pleading guilty in court in 2008. Khera responded, "Even after Epstein's confession, our Minister Hardeep Puri had doubts in 2014. He's a minister, and this is the quality of his morals. In such a situation, how can Hardeep Puri be justified?" Khera further alleged that Puri tried to downplay his interactions. "I didn't talk to Epstein much. There were a couple of emails and three or four meetings, and I never asked for an appointment," Puri had said, according to Khera. The Congress leader called these claims false and asked, "If Hardeep Singh Puri never asked for an appointment, then what was all this about? Were you pressured by Modi to go and meet Epstein?" He also raised concerns over the alleged sharing of information. "On November 13, 2014, Epstein sent an email to Reid Hoffman, providing information about 'Digital India,' even though 'Digital India' was launched in July 2015. This means that Hardeep Puri had already informed Epstein about 'Digital India' before the citizens of India," Khera claimed. Questioning foreign policy decisions, Khera asked, "In June 2015, Epstein was expressing his displeasure with Middle East policy through Hardeep Puri, because Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited India in May 2015? Did Narendra Modi go to Israel instead of Palestine because of Epstein's displeasure and to correct his mistake? Who was ultimately deciding India's foreign policy?" "Hardeep Puri is simply lying that he never spoke to Epstein. The truth is that you used to go for coffee, you used to write about 'Have Fun', meaning you knew everything," he added. (ANI) British travellers have been warned to avoid non-essential trips to Cuba as fuel shortages disrupt flights and basic services across the island. Britons have been warned to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba as fuel shortages ground flights The UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to the Caribbeans largest island, citing worsening power outages, fuel rationing and growing safety risks that could leave visitors unable to leave the country. In updated guidance published on Gov.uk, the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office said: Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent nationwide power outages, fuel shortages, and increasing safety risks. These conditions significantly affect the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services." The warning comes as aviation authorities in Cuba confirmed jet fuel shortages have led to widespread flight cancellations, including services to and from Havana. Officials warned that fuel supplies may not resume until mid-March, raising concerns that travellers could be stranded. The crisis has been linked to reduced oil supplies from Venezuela following renewed US sanctions. President Donald Trump has also warned of tariffs on countries that supply fuel to Cuba, further tightening supplies. From February 10, aviation fuel has been unavailable at multiple airports, including Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Santa Clara and Cayo Coco. Airlines have been forced to cancel or modify services, with some flights requiring technical fuel stops. Air Canada has cancelled dozens of weekly flights, affecting many British travellers who transit through Canada. Passengers booked with Air Canada or WestJet are entitled to refunds, while some travellers already in Cuba are being returned on so-called ferry flights carrying additional fuel. European routes operated by Air Europa, Iberia, Air France and Turkish Airlines remain active but may face delays or refuelling stops. The FCDO warned that travel insurance is unlikely to be valid while the advisory remains in place and urged those currently in Cuba to conserve fuel, water and phone battery power. The department said: If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential." An All-Party Meeting was held here today under the chairmanship of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to deliberate on the likely impact of the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) in the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission. Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said, "The meeting was convened as the proposed withdrawal of RDG is a matter of serious concern for the State and could adversely affect the State's economy." He criticised the BJP for walking out of the meeting midway, terming the move highly condemnable. "It appeared the BJP was not willing to stand for the rights of the State and had attended the meeting only under public pressure before leaving it midway," he said. Referring to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the Chief Minister said, "Not only the Congress, but also the CPI(M), Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have expressed willingness to meet the Prime Minister to press for the reinstatement of the RDG." Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the previous BJP government had received Rs 54,000 crore as Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and Rs 16,000 crore as GST compensation during its tenure, whereas the present State Government has received only Rs 17,000 crore as RDG so far. He, however, asserted that through due diligence and fiscal prudence, the present State Government is steadily moving towards making the State self-reliant. The Chief Minister said that RDG is a constitutional right of the States under Article 275(1), aimed at bridging the gap between revenue and expenditure, a mechanism that has been in place since 1952. He further remarked that the State Government is well aware of how to fight for its rights, but alleged that the BJP's stance was not in the interest of the State. He said, "This issue was not about any particular government, but about safeguarding the rights of the people of the State." He added that BJP leaders appeared to be in a dilemma and had failed to clearly present their stand on the issue of RDG before the people. Sukhu said, "Although BJP leaders may feel that the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) is not the right step, they lack the courage to take a firm stand." He further alleged that the BJP has never stood with the people of the State. Referring to the disaster of 2023, he said, "When we brought a resolution seeking a special package from the Union Government to assist disaster-affected families, they were the first to walk out. The people of the State are observing the anti-Himachal attitude of the BJP and will not forgive them." The Chief Minister added that governments may come and go, but safeguarding the rights of the people must remain paramount. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and National Spokesperson of the Congress Party Kuldeep Singh Rathore also criticised the BJP for walking out of the All-Party Meeting midway. During the meeting, the CPI(M), Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party extended their unconditional support to the State Government on the issue. Former MLA Rakesh Singha said that everyone must understand the hardships being faced by the people of the State and emphasised the need to arrive at a consensus to effectively safeguard their interests. Representative of AAP Rajesh Chanana stressed the need for adequate financial assistance from the Centre, stating that the State has limited resources of its own. He also submitted a party resolution supporting the demand for reinstating RDG. The representative of the BSP said that the State must collectively raise its voice for its rights. He added that after facing the COVID-19 crisis, the State has also endured two major disasters in the last three years, further straining its resources. (ANI) BJP MP Mukesh Dalal took a jibe at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his reaction to India-US interim trade agreement, calling him a 'Bhagedu neta', stating that he "runs away from the Parliament" after making statements. Speaking to ANI here, Dalal said, "When a deal wasn't being done with the US, the Opposition used to shout for signing the deal. Now that a good deal has been signed, which is in favour of the country and farmers, they are trying to create a narrative. The LoP runs away from the Parliament after making his statement, aese to Bhagedu neta (who runs away) hai LoP. The LoP has a habit of not listening, which is a concerning development for the nation. The LoP has tried before too to misguide the farmers." Dalal's remarks come after the LoP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he "has a chokehold around his neck" and sold "the country and farmers", asserting that he will not "step back even an inch" even if a Privilege Motion is filed against him. In a video shared on Gandhi's official X handle, he criticised the India-US trade deal, alleging it compromises India's energy security, data, and farmers' future. He claims the deal favours American farmers, who rely on mechanisation and government subsidies, while Indian farmers struggle with small landholdings and limited mechanisation. He also charged the PM with several allegations, stating, "Narendra Modi has sold out the country, sold out the farmers. You can file a case against me, abuse me and do whatever you have to. Bring a Privilege Motion against me. It doesn't matter. I have spoken the truth in Parliament." "It is a different matter if you do not like it. The country can understand the truth," he added. Expressing Congress's support to farmers, he said, "You can do whatever you want, I stand with farmers. I will not step back even an inch. Congress president Kharge ji, the entire Congress party, and I stand with farmers. We will not let this injustice take place." (ANI) Following the murder of Sukhen Mahato, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Purulia who was working in Pune, Maharashtra, TMC general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee met with the deceased's family and announced that TMC would pursue the matter legally and solve the case in 50 days, if Maharashtra police can't handle it. In a video shared on his Facebook account, Banerjee called on the Maharashtra Police to remain vigilant, stating, "Maharashtra Police should ensure that the family receives justice. If those involved get bail, police should oppose it". In a direct challenge to the investigative process, he added, "If they can't, transfer the case to us; within 50 days, we will solve the case". "If all the culprits are not arrested, we will send a delegation of MLAs and family and will provide all necessary legal assistance if required." Taking aim at the BJP, he noted that Purulia is represented by a BJP MP while Maharashtra is a BJP-ruled state, urging the local MP, Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, to rise above party politics and engage with the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Home Minister. "These cases are mostly happening in BJP-ruled states," Banerjee alleged, accusing BJP leaders of focusing on stopping Bengal's funds rather than protecting its people. Earlier on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and anger over the murder of Sukhen Mahato, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Purulia who was working in Pune, Maharashtra. She called the incident a hate crime, alleging that the victim was targeted for his language and identity and blamed a growing climate of xenophobia for such attacks. The Chief Minister demanded immediate arrest and strict punishment for those responsible. In a post on X, CM Banerjee wrote, "I am shaken, enraged, and sickened beyond words by the barbaric murder of Sukhen Mahato, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Bandwan in Purulia, the sole earning member of his family, in Pune, Maharashtra. This is nothing short of a hate crime. A young man was hunted, tortured, and murdered for his language, his identity, his roots. This is the direct consequence of a climate where xenophobia is weaponised, and innocents are turned into targets." "I demand immediate arrests and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators. And to Sukhen's family, I say that Bengal stands with you in this hour of unimaginable grief. No effort will be spared to secure justice," the post read. (ANI) Under the chairmanship of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the 'Shatabdi Shiksha Mahotsav' organised by the Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti under the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation concluded with the inauguration of a newly constructed School Board building and Smart Schools. The event also witnessed an award distribution ceremony honouring the best-performing schools and teachers. On the occasion of the School Board's 100th anniversary, Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja and Minister of State for Education Smt. Rivabaa Jadeja were also present at the event. At the beginning of the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed 'School Board Bhavan' at Navrangpura, built at a cost of 10.61 crore. During his visit to the building, he observed the student-created works under the 'Spark Project'. The Chief Minister appreciated the children's artistic presentations and interacted directly with the talented students to encourage them. At the programme held at the Sabarmati Riverfront, 15 Smart Anupam Schools, constructed at a cost of 16.11 crore, were e-inaugurated by the Chief Minister. As part of the Education Committee's centenary-year celebrations, 100 of the best schools and 100 selected teachers were honoured with cheques and awards. 6 Best Shatabdi Anupam Schools were presented with cheques and awards, and 6 outstanding teachers were honoured with cheques, shields, and certificates. On the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti, established 100 years ago by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the principles of moral values and self-reliance, has today expanded into a vast network of 453 schools. He said that through value-based education, its schools are fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of nation-building through education. Recalling his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Ahmedabad School Board, the Chief Minister said that dedicated teachers go beyond teaching by personally reaching out to students and caring for them. He noted that, as a result of this commitment, perceptions of government schools have changed, and more than 56,000 students have shifted from private schools to the School Board's smart schools. He added that the Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani programmes launched by Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister have significantly increased girls' education and reduced the dropout rate to near zero. The Chief Minister also mentioned important schemes such as the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, which provides financial assistance to encourage girls for higher education, and the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, launched to promote science education, along with the swift and proper implementation of the new National Education Policy in the state. He further stated that, under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership, the double-engine government is placing special emphasis on education and infrastructure. In the Union Budget, 1.39 lakh crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Education, an increase of 8.27% over the previous allocation, and 3,200 crore has been earmarked for Atal Tinkering Labs to enable children to gain practical experience in science and technology. This is the era of Artificial Intelligence and futuristic education. The Prime Minister has described this period as Aspirational India, and the Budget includes corresponding provisions. He said that to build Viksit Bharat by 2047, we must move forward with a harmonious integration of knowledge, values and technology. State Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja said that the Shatabdi Shiksha Mahotsav is not just a celebration but a reflection of Gujarat's cultural values and intellectual growth. He said that to fulfil the Prime Minister's vision of providing quality education to every child, schools are now equipped with smart classrooms. Watching geographical concepts and scientific experiments on digital screens helps build students' confidence and leads to real success. He also stated that the new School Board building, with its modern facilities, will improve administrative efficiency. Referring to the changes under the New Education Policy (NEP-2020) and 'Mission School of Excellence', he said that the government is not just building infrastructure but shaping the future of India. He said that education is not only a means to secure employment but also a noble mission, and that dedicated teachers play a key role in inspiring students. He described the 'Anupam Schools' of the Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti as a model for the entire state and appreciated the support of parents and donors in this effort. On this occasion, MOUs were exchanged among the UN Mehta Foundation, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, and the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation for the beautification of the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway. In her welcome address, Mayor of Ahmedabad Pratibha Jain stated that celebrating the centenary year of the Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti, established by the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is a moment of pride. Praising the Chief Minister's resolve to provide poor and middle-class students with modern and smart education equivalent to private schools, she added that government schools today have become so smart that parents have to remain on a waiting list for admission. A key feature of the newly constructed School Board building in Navrangpura, with an estimated cost of 10.61 crore, is that all 18 departments of the Education Committee will now operate under one roof, streamlining administrative processes. The office, which had been operating in Paldi for the past two years, will now be located in the new four-storey building, equipped with modern facilities, providing significant relief to pensioners and parents with administrative matters. At the end of the programme, a vote of thanks was delivered by Municipal School Board Chairman Dr. Sujay Mehta. The event was attended by Minister of State for Urban Development Darshanaben Vaghela, MLAs from Ahmedabad, leading personality Prerak Shah, Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani and office-bearers, Municipal School Board Chairman Dr. Sujay Mehta, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Deputy Chairman Vipul Sevak, Administrative Officer LD Desai, along with officials of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and principals, teachers and students of School Board schools. (ANI) The Union Government has sanctioned 29 rail surveys covering a total of 2,501 km in Tamil Nadu over the last four years, including six new lines and 23 doubling projects, but their execution hinges on the support of the State Government, according to the Ministry of Railways on Thursday. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw highlighted the progress of recently completed projects in Tamil Nadu. "Some of the recently completed projects falling fully or partly in Tamil Nadu include the Dindigul-Palani-Pollachi gauge conversion (121 km) at a cost of Rs 610 crore, Pollachi-Palghat (56 km) at Rs 350 crore, and Quilon-Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur (357 km) at Rs 1,122 crore. Other projects include Mayiladuturai-Thiruvarur-Karaikkudi gauge conversion (187 km) at Rs 1,338 crore and Villupuram-Dindigul doubling (273 km) costing Rs 2,000 crore," he noted. Vaishnaw also listed ongoing projects, including the Tindivanam-Nagari new line (184 km) at Rs 3,631 crore, Trivandrum-Kanyakumari doubling (87 km) at Rs 3,785 crore, and Morappur-Dharmapuri new line (36 km) at Rs 359 crore, stressing the need for State cooperation. However, several projects are delayed due to land acquisition issues. According to the release, "Total land required for projects in Tamil Nadu is 4,326 hectares, of which only 1,052 hectares (24 per cent) has been acquired. The balance of 3,274 hectares (76 per cent) still needs to be acquired. Support of the Government of Tamil Nadu is needed to expedite the land acquisition." Vaishnaw provided examples of major projects delayed due to land issues, including the Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai new line (71 km), with 243 hectares pending acquisition, and the Attiputtu-Puttur new line (88 km), for which no land has been acquired out of 189 hectares. The Mannargudi-Pattukkottai (41 km) and Thanjavur-Pattukottai (52 km) new lines have similarly seen no land acquisition. The Rameshwaram-Dhanushkodi new line (18 km), sanctioned at Rs 734 crore with a foundation stone laid on March 1, 2019, has not started due to a lack of land acquisition by the State Government. Vaishnaw emphasised that the Government of India is ready to execute the projects, but success depends on the State's support. He added that the sanction of railway projects depends on multiple factors, including traffic projections, first and last mile connectivity, augmentation of congested lines, demands from State Governments, operational requirements, socio-economic considerations, and overall availability of funds. Completion of railway projects, he said, depends on land acquisition, forest clearances, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory approvals, geological and topographical conditions, law and order, and the number of working months available at the project site, all of which affect timelines and costs, a release said. This information was provided by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a reply to questions in the Rajya Sabha today. (ANI) Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia on Friday said that nearly 86,000 booth-level workers from across the state will participate in the 'Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha', where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address party workers.Saikia told ANI the event will be a memorable day for booth presidents and grassroots workers of Assam, as representatives from all booths across the state, along with booth-level workers, will be present at the programme. "Tomorrow will be a memorable day for the booth presidents and workers of Assam. Booth presidents from all Assam booths, along with some booth-level workers, will be present at the Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha. All the workers are eager to listen to the Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi, and to seek his guidance. 86000 booth-level workers will be present in tomorrow's Booth Vijay Sankalp Sabha. With the dignified presence of the respected Prime Minister and the booth workers, we will get the strength and power to win the upcoming 2026 elections with a happy majority under the guidance of the Prime Minister", he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on February 14, where he is set to inaugurate and flag off development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education and urban mobility in the North-Eastern Region. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), around 10:30 AM, the PM will land at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, where he will witness the Aerial Display of Fighters, Transports and Helicopters. At around 1 PM, the Prime Minister will inspect the newly built Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the River Brahmaputra. Later, at approximately 1:30 PM, he will inaugurate and flag off development projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati. The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is the first of its kind in Northeast India. It has been designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support the landing and takeoff of military and civilian aircraft during emergencies. It will serve as a critical asset for emergency response, enabling quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters or strategic requirements in the Northeast. Envisioned as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF is capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati, which will provide a major boost to higher and management education in the North-Eastern Region. Finally, PM Modi will also flag off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in Guwahati (100), Nagpur (50), Bhavnagar (50), and Chandigarh (25). With the launch of e-bus operations under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in these four cities, more than 50 lakh citizens are expected to benefit from access to clean, affordable, and reliable public transport services, thereby improving urban mobility and enhancing quality of life. (ANI) With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections nearing, a Rs 5,000 cash transfer to 1.31 crore women under the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme has triggered a sharp political row. The Opposition has accused the ruling DMK of acting out of "fear of election defeat" and "desperation", while Chief Minister MK Stalin and his party have defended the move as part of the Dravidian Model. The controversy began after Stalin announced that Rs 3,000 had been credited in advance for February, March and April, along with an additional Rs 2,000 as a "summer special package". The total of Rs 5,000 was deposited into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women across the state. The timing of the announcement, ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, led to criticism from Opposition parties. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, General Secretary, launched a direct attack on Stalin, calling him a "puppet Chief Minister" and alleging that the decision stemmed from fear of losing the 2026 elections. In a post on X, Palaniswami wrote, "Have you seen what the fear of election defeat makes the puppet chief minister do? The Stalin government, which has been dragging its feet without paying the '1000 rupees' for 28 months, is now offering a 'summer special amount' in addition to the three-month amount. Did we not have summer in 2024 and 2025?" He alleged that the DMK government had failed to fulfil its promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to all women heads of families and instead limited the benefit to "eligible candidates", thereby excluding nearly one crore women. "Since September 2023, the total amount your government has given is Rs 34,000. However, the minimum loss suffered by every household under your administration is Rs 3,50,000," Palaniswami claimed, accusing the DMK of attempting a "patchwork" ahead of elections. He further asserted that the AIADMK's two-phase announcement for the 2026 elections had created panic within the ruling camp. "This announcement has come out of fear of defeat in the upcoming elections," he said during an interaction with reporters. Reiterating his party's promise, Palaniswami said that if voted to power, the AIADMK would implement the "Kula Vilakku Scheme," providing Rs 2,000 per month to all women heads of households. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan echoed similar sentiments, stating, "This Rs 5,000 rolled out now shows the desperation and fear of MK Stalin. This election is the end of DMK and the dynasty rule in Tamil Nadu." He alleged that the scheme was aimed at appeasing women voters and claimed it would "definitely backfire on the DMK." Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran termed the move "election bait," alleging that the DMK government was attempting to mislead the public with populist announcements. "When I heard the Chief Minister's announcement this morning about giving Rs 5,000 to women, I was shocked," Nagendran said, adding that the earlier promise of Rs 1,000 to all women heads of families had not been fully implemented. BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy also criticised the move, stating that "luring the women, luring the public by giving Rs 5 thousand" would not guarantee electoral success. "Tamil people are not fools," he said. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale remarked that while governments have the right to take decisions, he believed that the DMK would soon be out of power and that the NDA would form the next government in Tamil Nadu. "Elections are coming up very soon in Tamil Nadu. I think the government has the right to make good decisions. But now they are going to be out of power, and our BJP-NDA's government will come to power," Athawale said while speaking to ANI. Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay also entered the debate, accusing the DMK of attempting to "lure" voters. "We don't have experience, yes. We don't have experience in looting," Vijay said at a rally in Salem, alleging that those questioning his political experience had "scamming experience." He questioned the timing of the disbursal, noting that the assistance, usually credited on the 15th of each month, was deposited on the 13th this time. "How was it suddenly announced that the new summer special package is Rs 2,000? Is summer coming only this year?" he asked. Vijay claimed that rising support for TVK among women had created fear within the DMK. Referring to his party's whistle symbol, he said that the "wave of applause" from women was the real reason behind the government's decision. He further asserted that the 2026 Assembly election would be a direct contest between him and Stalin, claiming that TVK had emerged as the principal rival to the DMK. Defending the announcement, DMK leaders maintained that the move was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted assistance to women beneficiaries. In his post, Stalin said the advance credit was made to prevent any disruption ahead of elections. "For the women of Tamil Nadu, this Women's Rights Grant is the promise given by Stalin. No matter who tries to create obstacles, I will not step back from it," he wrote. He also promised that under "Dravidian Model 2.0," the Rs 1,000 monthly assistance would be doubled to Rs 2,000 if the DMK returns to power. DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi welcomed the move, describing it as a significant support measure for women. She said the government had once again demonstrated its commitment to women's welfare. "As an advance for the months of February, March, and April, along with Rs 3,000, and taking into account summer expenses, an additional special package of Rs 2,000 has been provided, making it Rs 5,000 distributed to 1.31 crore women under the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme. Moreover, the Dravidian model government, which always cares about the welfare of Tamil Nadu women, has once again been formed, and it has been announced that the women's rights endowment will be raised to Rs 2,000 every month. Our thanks to the Honourable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, brother Thiru. MK Stalin," Kanimozhi posted on X. Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy dismissed allegations that the announcement was election-driven, stating that election dates had not yet been declared and that the decision was part of ongoing welfare initiatives. Speaking to reporters, he said, "The people of Tamil Nadu and women of Tamil Nadu welcome the Chief Minister's decision. Election dates have not been announced. Then how can you say it is pulling votes by giving cash? The election has not yet been announced. It may take another 50 to 60 days. So it is not for the election purpose." DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan accused the BJP and AIADMK of attempting to create obstacles. He said the Chief Minister had acted strategically by advancing funds to ensure that beneficiaries would not face disruptions. "BJP and AIADMK are the worst political parties in the country. Their intention is not to help people; they work for something else. For the next three months, they will create all kinds of trouble. So our leader thought ahead and gave the amount in advance so they cannot stop it," Elangovan told ANI. He further accused the BJP of divisive politics. "They want to make this nation a Hindu country. They want to create trouble between other religions. They are not for the welfare of the people. They want to build temples and demolish mosques. They are the most destructive force in the country. They don't respect the Constitution and will amend laws to suit their needs," he said. Targeting AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Elangovan said Palaniswami had earlier criticised the Rs 1,000 monthly assistance promise made in the DMK's 2021 manifesto. "Edappadi was the first one to criticise this Rs 1,000 scheme. He said it was impossible. But after we started giving it, he now says he will pay Rs 2,000," Elangovan said, calling the DMK government's move proof of its commitment to women's welfare. He further alleged that if the BJP comes to power in Tamil Nadu, the state's development and its standing in the country would be adversely affected. "If they come to power in Tamil Nadu, the entire development of Tamil Nadu, and Tamil Nadu's position in the country in the first place, will be spoiled. They are anti-Tamils; they don't want tamilians to be happy. So, this is a good scheme; our CM has understood the bad schemes of the BJP and AIADMK. He (MK Stalin) is a strategic leader, working for the people, who wants women of Tamil Nadu to come up in all aspects," Elangovan added. The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026. In 2021, the DMK secured 133 seats, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance to victory, while the AIADMK won 66 seats. (ANI) According to officials, the accused were wanted for multiple armed heists across the Delhi-NCR region. In one notable incident, the assailants allegedly looted Rs. 60 lakh at gunpoint from an employee of the complainant's firm in broad daylight. Investigations further revealed that the gang was planning a massive two-crore robbery in the Karol Bagh area, which was successfully foiled by their arrest. Notably, the police identified an employee within the complainant's firm who acted as a "Devil in Disguise" by leaking internal information. During the operation, authorities recovered more than Rs. 28 lakh in looted cash, along with a car and a scooty used in the commission of the crime. In a separate development, Delhi Police's Crime Branch Shakarpur team encountered members of Meerut's notorious Asad Gang in Usmanpur today. Three gang members were injured in the leg and arrested after they opened fire on the police team. The gang opened fire when challenged, and police returned fire, injuring them. One SI narrowly escaped injury due to a bulletproof jacket. The accused, including gang leader Asad, have multiple criminal cases against them. As soon as the three criminals arrived on a bike, the Crime Branch team challenged them to surrender. Finding themselves surrounded by police, the criminals opened fire on the police team. In retaliation, the Crime Branch team shot the three criminals in the leg and subdued them. All three criminals were admitted to the hospital. (ANI) Founder of the Janata Unnayan Party Humayun Kabir alleged that "those in power" in West Bengal are conspiring to kill him over his plans to build a mosque in the style of Babri Masjid in Murshidabad. Speaking to the ANI, Kabir claimed that a police officer from West Bengal had conspired with a contract killer from Bihar to assassinate him. He further said that he has approached the court seeking security. "More and more steps are being taken by those in power in West Bengal against the building of Babri Masjid. They do not like this, so they have conspired with a Police officer from West Bengal to hire a contract killer from Bihar to kill me. I have complete faith in Allah; He will protect me. In the application I filed in the High Court, it was ordered that I apply to the Home Ministry for security within two weeks. I have submitted that application... I need security, otherwise how will I move around, so I went to court and the court ruled in my favor", he said. On Friday, Kabir, along with party members, inspected the construction site of a proposed new mosque in Beldanga, Murshidabad. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dilip Ghosh criticised Jan Unnayan Party chief for his remarks about the construction of a mosque in Murshidabad named after Babar, stating that such a move would not be acceptable to society. Speaking to ANI, Ghosh said that the Ram Temple had been built with contributions from people across India and abroad, and that donations had exceeded the required amount. He said that while building a mosque was permissible, it should not be named after Babar. "The Ram Temple has been built, and people from across the country and abroad have sent money, even more than they need. You build a mosque, but no mosque will be built in this country in the name of Babar... If you are Humayun, it does not mean that you can build a mosque in the name of Babar; the society will not accept this. Many attempts have been made, but none have been successful," Dilip Ghosh told ANI. Earlier on Thursday, Jan Unnayan Party Chief Humayun Kabir expressed confidence that the new 'Babri Masjid' in Murshidabad's Rejinagar will be built, noting that members of the Muslim community support its construction. Speaking to ANI, Kabir said, "The Muslim population supports the Babri Masjid. This Babri Masjid will be built for sure...I have good relations with the non-Muslims as well.", further emphasising that he only wants the betterment of everyone. The Jan Unnayan Party Chief had also launched the 'Babri Yatra' march from Plassey in Nadia district to Rejinagar in Murshidabad district. Speaking during the yatra, Kabir said, "The work of Babri Masjid has been started, and today the Babri Yatra has also started... This yatra will end after we cover 285 kilometres. "The march aimed to cover a distance of 285 kilometres, highlighting issues related to the Babri Masjid. (ANI) Attorney Chuck N. Chionuma, representing the families of over 105 victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, advised not to sign the proposed settlement terms offered by the airline, and urged families to wait for the AIP data before making any decisions. While speaking to ANI, Chionuma said, "My advice is not to sign this, but to wait for the AIP data to be released so we know who the culprits are. Then you'll be able to assess what the real damages are and what you are given before you sign such a document." "The document applies to every jurisdiction where any claim is brought. It requires the families to indemnify and hold these companies harmless, regardless of where the claim is brought," he added. The proposed settlement terms require families to release Air India and its parties, including manufacturers, operators and government entities, from all current and future liabilities. Chionuma argue that it is unfair to sign away their rights before the investigation is complete. He added that some families have already received the proposed settlement terms but were advised not to accept them. "Three families have received the proposed release and settlement terms from Air India, and we have advised all of them not to accept it. The settlement proposed by Air India is problematic in several respects. It not only releases Air India from current and future liabilities for the deaths of family members, but it also releases practically everyone in the world, including the airline manufacturers, component manufacturers, aviation operators, and even governmental entities. The liability they are indemnifying against has no limit. To make things even worse, the document also goes as far as requiring the families and other parties to hold Air India harmless against any future claims. It is not advisable for anyone to sign these documents," Chionuma told ANI. On Thursday, Air India announced the initiation of the final compensation process for families affected by the tragic crash of Flight Al-171 in Ahmedabad last year. In a statement released by the airline, Air India expressed deep understanding that no monetary amount can compensate for the loss of a loved one. However, providing clarity on final compensation represents a significant step for the grieving families. The airline has already provided initial interim payments of 25 lakh to the families of the deceased. Additionally, the process for ex gratia payments of Rs 1 crore per deceased family, funded through the Al-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust established by the Tata Group, is currently underway. Air India emphasised that the final compensation offers are fair, compliant with applicable legal frameworks, and calculated individually based on specific circumstances. These payments are structured on a "full and final" basis following standard industry practices to bring closure to the matter. As part of the agreement, families accepting the final amount are required to confirm they will have no future claims against Air India or related parties, including original equipment manufacturers, airports or government agencies. The airline highlighted the importance of this clause to ensure the settlement is truly conclusive and to prevent any subsequent direct or indirect claims. Air India stressed its commitment to transparency and compassion in communications with the families. It has advised them to seek independent legal advice before making a decision and has offered support options throughout the process. Last year on June 12, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, crashed soon after it took off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. (ANI) Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are reportedly pausing their home renovation show. Alan Carr's home renovation show is 'taking a break' The two real life friends first hosted their Italian Job programme together in 2023, following by Spanish and Greek editions in 2025 and 2026 respectively, but now it appears their schedules mean the next BBC series is on hold. A source told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "Alan and Amanda were already talking about taking a break in making their renovation shows. Both their diaries are so busy and the series takes weeks to film. Even though theyve also been talking about where they could film next. But recent events mean its going to be virtually impossible to resume the show anytime soon, particularly if the home renovation project on Disney+ is a success for Alan. It's said there is a competition clause in the Celebrity Traitors winner's contract with Disney+ which would prevent him from doing similar shows with other broadcasters. Alan - who also has a series lined up with Prime Video and will reunite with Amanda for a yet to be announced Netflix project - previously unveiled plans to film Castle Man in Scotland for Disney's streaming platform. A synopsis reads: With Alans 50th birthday fast approaching, he finds himself at a moment of reckoning, taking stock of where he is and where he wants to be. He has long dreamed of owning a grand chateau, but after a transformative and iconic stay at The Traitors castle, that fantasy will now become a reality or will it? "He doesnt just want to visit a castle, he wants to build a life in one, a leap of faith driven entirely by Alan himself. Alan said in a statement: Some men, when they have a midlife crisis, buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me? I want my very own castle. "Since I was a boy in Northampton, Ive always dreamt big, and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home and as I turn 50, I feel its my time. "All I want is a turret to call my own get me over that drawbridge! US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, with Xi expected to visit the United States later this year. While addressing reporters, Trump said, " I'll be visiting President Xi Jinping in April. He's coming here later in the year, and I look forward to it. Our relationship with China is very good right now." However, the US President did not mention the exact dates of the travel. In a recent interview with NBC News' Tom Llamas, Trump said that he would visit China in April. "I'm gonna be going there in April then he's coming here toward the end of the year," Trump said. When asked further on his China visit, the US President in the NBC News interview taped on February 4 said, "He's coming to the White House, toward the end of the year. We have a very good relationship. And, you know, it's important that I have a good relationship and for him, that he has a good relationship with me. We have to have a good -- these are the two most powerful countries in the world and we have a very good relationship." Incidentally, Trump and Xi had a 90-minute telephonic conversation on February 4. Trump said the call focused almost entirely on trade, without touching on other geopolitical issues like Iran and Ukraine. The call "resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Further, Trump wrote, "During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing." China's state media Xinhua reported that in the call, Xi noted that he attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations, saying that over the past year he and Trump have enjoyed sound communication and had a successful meeting in Busan, which charted the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. During the call, Xi called for the United States and China to "seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect each other's concerns," while urging Washington to "remove the negative measures taken against China," according to a readout from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) emphasised the need for a deal with Iran, warning that failure to reach an agreement could be "traumatic." Speaking to reporters, Trump described his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "very good." He said, "We have to make a deal, otherwise it is going to be very traumatic (for Iran) and I don't want it to happen...If they don't make a deal, it is going to be a different story. We had a very good meeting yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu." Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared his thoughts following a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Trump sought his opinion on the ongoing discussions with Iran, adding that he expressed "general skepticism" regarding the nature of any agreement with the country. The Israeli leader emphasised that the agreement should address not only Iran's nuclear program but also its ballistic missile and support for proxy groups across the region. In a post on X, he said, "He wanted to hear my opinion. I won't hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the nature of any agreement with Iran. But I said that if an agreement is indeed reached, then it must include the elements that are very important from our perspective, from Israel's perspective, and in my opinion not only Israel's." "It's not only the nuclear issue, it's also the ballistic missiles and it's also the Iranian proxies. With that, I would say, the conversation was essentially concluded, although of course it also touched on Gaza, on the entire region, and on other general matters," he added. https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2022008383419654341?s=20 Netanyahu added that while the discussions covered several issues, the main focus was on negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu said that Trump believes that by not reaching an agreement before, Iran had made a mistake. "Of course the conversations focused on several issues, but in practice on the negotiations with Iran. The President thinks that the Iranians have already learned who they are dealing with. He believes that the conditions he is creating, combined with the fact that they certainly understand they made a mistake the previous time by not reaching an agreement, may create the conditions for achieving a good deal," he said. Earlier in the day, in his Truth Social post, Trump highlighted that while nothing definitive was reached, he encouraged continued negotiations with Iran to explore the possibility of a deal. He also referenced prior US actions against Iran - "Midnight Hammer," which he said "did not work well for them." On June 21-22, 2025, under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected 42 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and 11 naval vessels operating around itself as of 6 am (local time) on Friday. Of the 42, 32 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "42 sorties of PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 32 out of 42 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2022113493202481420?s=20 Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan detected overall 37 sorties of PLA aircraft. In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 37 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 1431hr today. 27 out of 37 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2021894604258521542?s=20 "17 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the MND had said earlier in the day. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2021751111565140187?s=20 Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has rejected Beijing's renewed call for "reunification," describing it as a reiteration of China's long-standing position aimed ultimately at Taiwan's "annihilation," Taipei Times reported. The remarks came after Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Chairman Wang Huning, the fourth-ranked leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), addressed Beijing's annual Taiwan Work Conference on Tuesday. According to Xinhua news agency, Wang called on officials to advance the "great cause of national reunification" and pledged firm support for what he described as "patriotic pro-reunification forces" in Taiwan, while vowing to crack down on "separatists." Wang also stressed adherence to the "one China" principle and the so-called "1992 consensus" to combat "Taiwan independence separatist forces" and oppose what Beijing terms external interference. (ANI) In the ongoing vote count for Bangladesh's national parliamentary elections, the alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged with a strong lead, securing victories in 212 constituencies. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance has won 70 constituencies, according to unofficial results. Meanwhile, independent candidates and other parties have collectively won around six seats. Despite these early outcomes, the vote counting process is still underway, and official results have yet to be declared. These preliminary figures suggest a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, with the BNP alliance appearing to surpass the halfway mark needed to form the government. The BNP's chairman, Tarique Rahman, has requested that the celebration of this victory be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election. Therefore, they have called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after the Friday congregational prayer. Unofficial results on Friday show Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in a strong lead as Bangladesh continues to count votes after its landmark election on Thursday. Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, as per Daily Star. According to results announced by the office of the District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman, tallies from 150 polling centres have been completed. The constituency has a total of 151 voting centres, including postal ballots. Official results have not yet been delivered by the Bangladesh Election Commission, which is expected to issue its announcement on Friday. Bangladesh ushered in its most pivotal polls as it seeks to enter into a new chapter from the classic 'Battle of Begums' era on Thursday. This election feels heavy after the demise of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ban on her nemesis, Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League. (ANI) With the vote count underway for Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections, support for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is mounting, with hopes of social justice and good governance in the country. Bangladeshi freedom fighter T M Rezaul Karin told ANI that the BNP was popular in the country and that the nation was in a festive mood as people cast their votes. He noted that, while there were a few untoward incidents, the elections largely remained peaceful, with people from all religions voting. Karin said, "The people will support BNP. It's a very popular party in Bangladesh. With Tarique Rahman's dynamic leadership, the BNP got a landslide victory. Our expectation is that the country will move peacefully and democratically. After a long time, the Bangladeshi people exercised their voting rights in Bangladesh. People actually were in a festive mood, and they cast their vote according to their choice. People enjoyed this election and exercised their voting right, especially according to their choice". "All the people were voting, they have exercised their voting right, and there is no question of Hindus or Muslims or Buddhists or Christians. All the Bangladeshis, in 1971, were liberated from Pakistan to Bangladesh. Everybody, all the communities fought against the bloody Pakistani armies," he said. He hoped the BNP would work on good governance and justice to ensure the country's political harmony continues. On BNP, retired Government Official Mazharul Islam told ANI, "They (BNP) should give the greatest opportunity in the country. This is the expectation of the people of Bangladesh. I hope the party gives the best facilities, especially to the marginalised people of the country, then in the long run, BNP will go ahead in future." He expressed optimism on stability returning to Bangladesh and added that in the initial phase, BNP needs to be strong in its approach so as to bring back discipline in the organs of the government. Islam said, "BNP will have to be very strong in the first period- to maintain, stabilise the country with discipline, honesty. They will have to restore discipline in the administration and many other organs of the country. If they do so, the stability will come very soon. Nobody wants any instability in our country." Meanwhile, local media reports indicate that the BNP is set to secure a historic win in the elections. According to the Daily Star, vote counting has been completed in 237 constituencies, with just 62 remaining. Of the 299 seats, the Daily Star reported that the BNP and allies secured 177, while the Jamaat and allies secured 53. Earlier today, BNP said that it is set to form the government as vote counting is underway for the 13th parliamentary elections in the country. In a post on X, the BNP Media cell said in the early hours of Friday, "The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats." Despite these early outcomes, the vote counting process is still underway, and official results have yet to be declared. These preliminary figures suggest a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape. The BNP's chairman, Tarique Rahman, has requested that the celebration of this victory be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election. Therefore, they have called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after the Friday congregational prayer. Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, as per the Daily Star. According to results announced by the office of the District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman, tallies from 150 polling centres have been completed. The constituency has a total of 151 voting centres, including postal ballots. Bangladesh ushered in its most pivotal polls as it seeks to enter into a new chapter from the classic 'Battle of Begums' era on Thursday. This election feels heavy after the demise of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ban on her nemesis, Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League. (ANI) People in Bangladesh who, along with general elections had voted for a referendum in the country have expressed their support for constitutional reforms, as per local media outlets. The 13th parliamentary elections was held yesterday alongside a referendum on the implementation of a 84-point reform package known as the '"July Charter" a document born out of the 2024 uprising that proposes sweeping constitutional reforms in order to save the country from future authoritarian rule. According to the Daily Star, the referendum in Bangladesh saw an overwhelming YES, with 65.3% (27,00,844) of votes in favour. Voters approve reforms, including the establishment of a caretaker government and an independent election commission, the introduction of a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister, enhanced presidential powers and judicial independence, and increased women's representation in parliament. Multiple projections from media outlets showed the BNP on course for securing a historic win in the elections, comfortably crossing the simple majority mark of 150 seats. The Daily Star media outlet reported that vote counting has been completed in 249 constituencies, with just 50 remaining. Of the 299 seats, BNP and allies have secured 181 seats, while Jamaat and allies have 61 seats. Despite these early outcomes, the vote counting process is still underway, and official results have yet to be declared. These preliminary figures suggest a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape. Earlier today, PM Narendra Modi in a social media post congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman and said that India will "continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh." Bangladeshi freedom fighter T M Rezaul Karin expressed to ANI in an interview the popularity of BNP in the country. He noted that while there were a few untoward incidents, the elections largely remained peaceful, with people from all religions coming out and voting. He hoped that the BNP would work in the areas of good governance and justice for the country's political harmony to continue. The BNP's chairman, Tarique Rahman, has requested that the celebration of this victory be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election. Therefore, they have called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after the Friday congregational prayer. Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, as per the Daily Star. According to results announced by the office of the District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman, tallies from 150 polling centres have been completed. The constituency has a total of 151 voting centres, including postal ballots. Official results have not yet been delivered by the Bangladesh Election Commission, which is expected to issue its announcement on Friday. The elections come after the demise of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ban on her nemesis, Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League. (ANI) Describing India as a "priority partner," Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Andrew Barr, has said Canberra is looking to significantly expand cooperation with India in education, tourism, and long-term investment during his ongoing visit. In an interview with ANI, Barr underscored the importance of India as Canberra's largest diaspora community and one of the world's fastest-growing economies. "India is a priority partner for Canberra - our largest diaspora community - and one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies. We are placing a major emphasis during this mission on promoting Canberra's two major export industries - international education and tourism," Barr said. Calling Canberra Australia's "Knowledge Capital," Barr highlighted the city's concentration of universities, research institutions and policymakers within one urban centre. The ACT enrols over 60,000 tertiary students annually, including more than 20,000 international students, with India being the second-largest source market. "It makes sense to strengthen and expand this relationship by going beyond recruitment and focusing on research partnerships, joint programs, innovation, and skills development," he said. Barr noted that Canberra's economic strengths -- education and research, public administration, technology and cybersecurity, healthcare, and clean energy -- closely align with India's development priorities. Addressing concerns over Australia's student visa risk assessment framework, Barr clarified that visa policy rests with the federal government but stressed that Indian students remain "deeply valued -- culturally, socially, and economically." "Integrity in the system matters, but so does accessibility. Canberra's message to Indian students is that you are welcome here, and your contribution to our city is recognised, respected and highly valued," he said. He acknowledged global competition for international students from countries such as Canada and Germany, adding that Canberra's focus remains on delivering quality education, safety, strong employment outcomes, and a high quality of life. Ranked the world's top city for quality of life in 2025 by Oxford Economics, Canberra offers a stable economy backed by three decades of consecutive growth, low unemployment, and strong public-sector employment. As Australia's longest-serving Tourism Minister, Barr said Canberra's visitor economy reached AUD 3.1 billion in the year to September 2025, with India being the fifth-largest international market. Plans are underway to double Indian tourist arrivals to 30,000 annually by leveraging Singapore Airlines' connections and Canberra's unique blend of culture, nature, and major events. For investors, Barr highlighted Canberra's long-term stability and city-shaping infrastructure projects, including light rail, education and health precincts, and digital capability upgrades. "India is not just a market for us - it is a long-term partner. This mission is about building on that partnership so that Indian students, visitors, and investors continue to see Canberra as a place where they can study, visit, invest and build a future," Barr said. (ANI) Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Veena Sikri has hailed the recent election results in Bangladesh as a major triumph for its people and a clear endorsement of democratic values. "The election results of last night represent a great victory for the people of Bangladesh," she noted. Her remarks come as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, has secured a decisive mandate in the 13th National Parliament election. Sikri described the outcome as a direct setback to Islamist forces that had aggressively campaigned for power. "I think that the victory of Tariq Rehman is a victory for democracy because Jamaat-e-Islami had been campaigning very strongly, using financial exhortation and using religious exhortation. They were really with the support of the Western powers and the support of Pakistan. They were really all set to form a government on their own," she explained. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC) has released the official results for 297 constituencies, as reported by Prothom Alo on Friday. The EC noted that declarations for Chittagong-2 and Chittagong-4 have been deferred and will be announced at a later date, while the outcome for one additional constituency was postponed earlier. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed shared these details during his closing remarks at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon on February 13. According to Prothom Alo, of the 297 seats announced, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies secured 212 seats. The 11-party electoral alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, Islami Andolan Bangladesh obtained one seat, and independent candidates captured seven. Party-wise figures show BNP winning 209 seats on its own. Jamaat-e-Islami claimed 68 seats, Jatiya Nagorik Party six, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis two, Khelafat Majlis one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP one, Gana Sanghati Andolon one, and Gana Adhikar Parishad one seat, Prothom Alo stated. With these numbers, BNP is positioned to form the next government with an absolute majority in parliament. Reflecting on the verdict, Sikri said the results highlight a clear distinction made by voters between religious identity and extremism. "The way in which the people of Bangladesh have shown that they are religious, but they are not in favour of Islamic radicalisation or Islamic extremism, and they will not support any fundamentalist party. This is the first message from the election results," she pointed out. The Awami League did not participate in the election after being barred from political activities, marking a significant change in the country's political landscape. Sikri also expressed optimism about the future of India-Bangladesh ties following the outcome. "I am sure India will have very good relations with the BNP, and it will be very good for the subcontinent, for South Asia, and for India's neighbourhood-first foreign policy," she added. (ANI) Iranian Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Friday discussed ongoing talks between Iran and the US in Oman, emphasising Iran's commitment to a peaceful nuclear program. Speaking with ANI, he responded to Israeli Ambassador Rueven Azar's call for Iran to prevent regional destabilisation, stating Iran's nuclear activities are within the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty framework. Fathali highlighted Iran's willingness to engage in diplomacy on nuclear issues while rejecting external interference in its internal affairs. Responding to the statement by Israeli Ambassador to India, Rueven Azar, who on Thursday called on Iran to deliver on its commitments and prevent "destabilising" the region, Iranian envoy criticised Israel's policies, stating they're driven by occupation and aggression. Iranian Ambassador Fathali told ANI, "A regime that was formed on the basis of occupation and has continued its policies through military force and expansion will naturally face a deep sense of insecurity. The tragedy in Gaza, despite all its pain and suffering, has further exposed the true nature of this regime's aggressive policies to global public opinion. These events have not weakened the Palestinian cause; rather, they have strengthened the determination of Palestinians to achieve their legitimate rights. After the tragedy in Gaza and the killing of more than seventy thousand innocent women and children, the Palestinian people are more determined than ever to seek their rights. An aggressor and occupier is always anxious. This is a clear lesson of history: aggression does not bring security." His remarks come after Israeli Ambassador Azar on Thursday stressed Israel's priority is neutralising Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and support for proxies. Ambassador Azar said, "I think that the general interest of Israel that was represented by our Prime Minister is to make sure that all the elements in the plan that the radical regime in Iran had to exterminate the state of Israel, that all the elements of that plan are neutralised. The nuclear program, the ballistic missile program, and Iran's assistance to their proxies. Of course, we prefer that all this be resolved through diplomatic channels. But I think that the United States is building military capabilities in order to make clear to the Iranians that they should take the world seriously, because they have been for decades trying to stall, play for time, and deceive the world by cheating on the NPT and the agreements that they are supposed to adhere to. And enough is enough. Now they have to deliver on the commitments, but also they have to prove that they are going to depart from the destructive policies of the past that have been destabilising the entire region, and also putting an existential threat on our country." Fathali emphasised Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and within the NPT framework, asserting uranium enrichment is a legitimate right. At the same time, Iran has previously shown that within a balanced and verifiable agreement, it is ready for transparency and cooperation." He made the response while speaking about the progress of talks between the US and Iran in Oman. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasised that it prefers diplomacy as the main path to resolve differences. Negotiations can make real progress only if they are based on mutual respect and the legitimate interests of the Iranian people. Just as Iran's nuclear activities can be monitored, the lifting of sanctions must also be real, effective, and verifiable in practice." (ANI) Puneet Agrawal has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday. Agrawal, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1997 batch, is presently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. According to the official press release, he is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Further details regarding the date of assumption of charge are awaited. According to the MEA brief, India and Thailand have historically enjoyed warm and cordial relations. The brief further stated that bilateral ties between India and Thailand are multifaceted and span a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, culture and tourism, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Furthermore, Thailand's 'Act West' policy complements India's 'Act East' policy. Thailand is India's maritime neighbour. In the context of regional and sub-regional groupings, Thailand is an important partner of India, including in the ASEAN, the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). Earlier in December, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a bilateral meeting in the national capital and discussed ways to expand the strategic partnership between the two countries and promote security cooperation, according to an official statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry. As per the Ministry, "Both sides discussed ways to expand Strategic Partnership and promote cooperation on security issues, especially maritime security and addressing the threat of online scams. The Thai side invited India to join the International Conference on Global Partnerships to Combat Online Scams, which Thailand will host during 17-18 December 2025 in Bangkok." The statement further noted, "Both sides also exchanged views on strategic issues in the region of common interest, especially promotion of peace in Myanmar and peaceful resolution of the border situation between Thailand and Cambodia, while encouraging Cambodia to cooperate with Thailand on demining along the border." (ANI) Charlotte Crosby isn't planning to get married any time soon. Charlotte Crosby won't be getting married in the immediate future The former Geordie Shore star has been engaged to her fiance Jake Ankers since 2023 but has confessed that she won't be rushing down the aisle because of the financial expense involved. Speaking to New! magazine, Charlotte said: "I really don't give a f*** about getting married any time soon. I see it as a huge financial drain and I like to invest my money into things that give long-term gain. "I look at how much a wedding costs and I'm like, 'OK I could have really made a lot of money instead of just blowing it.'" Charlotte, 35, explained that she wants her wedding to be a lavish affair when it eventually happens. She quipped: "I see myself tying the knot in my forties because I want to spend a lot of money my wedding isn't gonna be cheap! I mean, Olivia Dean's performing, I'm getting private jets out there it's going to cost a fortune." The reality star who has daughters Alba, three, and Pixi, 12 months, with Jake revealed that she wants to get married in her 40s as it will be "the prime of (her) life". Charlotte said: "If I can't do it that way, I'll just be gutted. I'm gonna end up being a bride at 40, but I also think my forties are gonna be the prime of my life. Because I'll have had my babies, they'll have grown up a bit, I'll be able to pour more energy into myself. "I'll just be so fit and thriving and healthy. I might even have abs!" Even though she isn't rushing to get married, Charlotte says her relationship with Jake is stronger than ever. The Aussie Shore star explained: "I couldn't give Jake up, he's gold in male form. He should make a school to teach men how to behave. "He cleans the house, he does the dishes, does all the clothes washing. I'd never find another. He looks after us, picks us up, drives us around. I don't drive, I'm a passenger princess!" Charlotte continued: "This man treats me like a queen and I love him to the world and back. So no, regardless of any rocky patch, I'll never let go of him and what we've got because it's something I've never felt in my whole entire life." Taslima Nasreen on Friday welcomed the defeat of Jamaat-e-Islami in the Bangladesh election, citing their extremist ideology and violence against Hindus and women. In a post on X, Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen said that while the Bangladeshi National Party (BNP's) victory is not necessarily the primary cause for celebration, the rejection of Jamaat-e-Islami and Jihadi elements is a victory for human rights. She said that the defeat of Islamist factions is not just a political change, but a temporary reprieve for secularism and women's rights. She highlighted Jamaat-e-Islami, specifically targeting Hindu homes and lives, forced imposition of veils and the exclusion of women from the political process, as well as the rise of extrajudicial violence and "moral policing." "In this election, I am not happy because the BNP won, but because the Islamists-jihadi-terrorist group was defeated. Over the past year and a half, they displayed outrageous dominance, held rallies with hundreds of thousands of supporters, carried out mob violence day and night whenever they wished, killed and tortured whomever they wanted, set fire to Hindu homes, beat and burned Hindus to death, and did not allow even a single woman to run as a candidate for votes. Such an extremely misogynistic party insulted working women by calling them prostitutes, spoke against women's leadership, pushed women into the darkness of burqa and niqab, viewed women as men's slaves and sex slaves, and dreamed of enforcing anti-women Sharia law. The people did not allow Jamaat-e-Islami to come to power. That, for now, is the good news," she said. https://x.com/taslimanasreen/status/2022249979671392537 The writer outlined a 15-point agenda that she believes the BNP government should adopt, including re-establishing a friendly, pragmatic relationship with India. She urged the BNP to take steps towards secularism, including revoking the July 1 charter, abolishing religion-based family laws, and ensuring women's equality and safety. "Now, here is what I think the BNP should do: The July 1 charter must be revoked. Secularism must be restored in the Constitution. The state religion must be removed," she added. The 15-point secular reform charter also suggested a Uniform Civil Code, protection for the vulnerable, educational reform, a social safety net, political pluralism, economic equality, and measures to move away from family- and religion-based political structures. "Religion-based family laws must be abolished, and a Uniform Civil Code based on equal rights must be enacted to ensure women's equality. Freedom of speech, human rights, the security of minorities (Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Indigenous peoples), and women's safety must be ensured. Madrasa education should be ended, and a secular, science-based education system must be strengthened. Universal Education and healthcare must be ensured for all. Out of respect for democracy, the ban on the Awami League must be lifted. Arrangements should be made so that its leaders can return from exile and engage in politics. It is not safe to keep a jihadi-supported Jamaat-e-Islami as the main opposition party. Alongside economic development, the gap between the rich and the poor must be reduced. Politics based on family dynasties and based on religion must not be encouraged," she added. Taslima Nasreen also called for the safe return of free thinkers, cultural freedom, historical preservation, banning the mandatory imposition of the hijab/burqa and restricting niqabs for security reasons and re-arresting Jihadi militants who were recently released. "During Sheikh Hasina's rule, bloggers were killed, forcing free thinkers to seek refuge abroad to save their lives. Arrangements must be made so they can return home and work safely. Freedom of speech and press freedom must not be violated. All books, theatre productions, and films that have been banned should be released. The memorial sculptures of the Liberation War must be rebuilt. The house at Dhanmondi 32 must also be reconstructed. No government or private institution should make hijab, burqa, etc., mandatory for women. For security reasons, burqa and niqab should be banned. Jihadi terrorists who have been released from prison must be re-arrested," she added. Taslima Nasreen emphasised the need for friendly relations with India and the release of unjustly imprisoned individuals, including Chinmoy Krishna Das. "Hostile relations with India must end, and friendly relations should be established in the interest of the state and the people. Chinmoy Krishna Das should be released. All members and supporters of the Awami League, as well as artists, writers, and journalists who have been unjustly imprisoned, should be freed," she added. Bangladesh's Election Commission has declared the official results for 297 constituencies in the 13th National Parliament election, according to Prothom Alo on Friday. Announcements for the Chittagong-2 and Chittagong-4 constituencies have been deferred and will be made at a later stage, while the result of another constituency was postponed earlier.EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed provided these details during his concluding remarks at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon today, outlining the status of the declared and pending seats. Of the 297 announced seats, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies won 212. The 11-party electoral alliance headed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 77 seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh took one seat, and independent candidates claimed seven seats. According to Prothom Alo, the party-wise breakdown shows that the BNP won 209 seats independently. Jamaat-e-Islami obtained 68 seats, Jatiya Nagorik Party six, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis two, Khelafat Majlis one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP one, Gana Sanghati Andolon one, and Gana Adhikar Parishad one seat. These figures position BNP to form the next government with a clear absolute majority in parliament. The Awami League, barred from political activity, did not participate in the polls, leading to a major shift in the nation's political dynamics after nearly two decades. Voter turnout stood at 60.26 per cent in this election, with 48 million 74 thousand 429 "yes" votes and 22 million 25 thousand 627 "no" votes cast, according to Prothom Alo. (ANI) French President Emmanuel Macron is set to undertake his fourth visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signalling sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies. In a post on X, the French Embassy in India said that President Macron will visit India for bilateral engagements and attend the AI Impact Summit, marking another significant chapter in the expanding ties between New Delhi and Paris. https://x.com/FranceinIndia/status/2022251690473521484 Macron's upcoming visit comes against the backdrop of a steadily deepening partnership between India and France across defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, education and people-to-people exchanges. According to the French Embassy in India, President Macron's first visit to India in 2018 marked a new chapter in France-India ties, strengthening the Strategic Partnership through enhanced cooperation in defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, education, and people-to-people ties. Macron returned to India in 2023 to attend the G20 Summit, where discussions centred on global eco-governance, climate action, sustainable development, and inclusive growth, reiterating a shared commitment to be a force for good, the French Embassy said. The engagement underscored shared priorities under the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- One Earth, One Family, One Future." In 2024, Macron paid a State Visit to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations, which, according to the French Embassy, marked a major milestone in France-India ties. France became the most-invited nation at India's Republic Day celebrations, with six invitations over the years. During the visit, the two leaders declared 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, reflecting a forward-looking partnership centred on technology and research collaboration. French President Emmanuel Macron will pay an official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he will participate in the AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, in the national capital, underscoring the importance both countries attach to cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, including artificial intelligence. According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, the French President will be visiting from February 17 to February 19. As part of the visit, PM Modi and President Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which outlines the long-term vision for the India-France Strategic Partnership, and will also jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai. The Year of Innovation 2026 initiative will be celebrated throughout the year in both countries and aims to deepen collaboration in innovation, technology, research, and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders will also exchange views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two countries, the MEA stated. "This visit follows Prime Minister Modi's visit to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India-France Strategic Partnership, as well as the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen it further," the MEA stated in its statement. In February last year, PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris.The India-AI Impact Summit will be held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. According to the MEA brief, India and France have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations and share a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership (SP) covering all aspects of bilateral cooperation, whichinvolves a strategic component. Launched on 26 January 1998, India's first-ever Strategic Partnership embodied the core vision of both countries to enhance their respective strategic independence by strengthening bilateral cooperation. Defence and security, civil nuclear matters and space constitute the principal pillars of this strategic cooperation and now include a strong Indo-Pacific component. Designed as a five-day programme covering policy, research, industry and public engagement, the Summit is anchored on three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet and Progress, and is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators and experts to deliberate on AI's role in governance, innovation and sustainable development. The India AI Impact Expo, spanning over 70,000 square metres, is expected to feature more than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries across 10 thematic pavilions, showcasing AI's transition from research and pilots to large-scale deployment. The Summit builds on India's development-focused approach to AI, aligns with the IndiaAI Mission and Digital India Initiative, and emphasises translating global AI discussions into practical, people-centric outcomes. (ANI) A newly released video message attributed to Tehreek-e-Taliban Diamer Gilgit Baltistan has triggered alarm after the group signalled potential attacks on Pakistan's security establishment while simultaneously claiming it is not at war with any religious sect. In a video released on Facebook, the outfit said that its fight is directed at the Pakistan Army, intelligence services, including the ISI and MI, and the police. The group attempted to draw a distinction between its campaign against state institutions and the region's diverse religious communities, insisting that Shias, Sunnis and Ismailis are not its enemies. The message further claimed that Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) does not suffer from an inherent Shia-Sunni divide. Instead, the speakers argued that ordinary citizens should maintain unity and avoid falling into sectarian confrontation; with this message, they opposed the Pakistani army's actions in the region for a long period of time. Diamer Deputy Commissioner Ataur Rehman Kakar said an improvised explosive device detonated around 11:16 am on Thursday, close to Tangir Bridge, roughly a kilometre away from the FWO's Tangir camp. According to him, no group had stepped forward to accept responsibility at the time of speaking. Those hurt in the explosion were transported to public hospitals in Chilas. Caretaker ministers in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, along with representatives of political and religious parties and voices from civil society, denounced the incident and pressed authorities to move decisively against militant elements, as highlighted by Dawn. The region has seen similar violence in the past. On August 29 last year, armed attackers opened fire at a security post on the Karakoram Highway in Diamer, killing two members of the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts and injuring another. Within days, on August 31, fighters targeted a police patrol near Babusar Top in neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leaving four officers wounded, as reported by Dawn.(ANI) Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will be on a four-day visit to India from February 17 to 20, during which he will attend the AI Impact Summit and have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Orpo will attend the India AI Impact Summit hosted on February 19. He will have a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on February 18. The Finnish Prime Minister Orpo is accompanied by a business delegation composed of representatives of 22 Finnish companies, a release said. In addition to Heads of State and Government, the AI Impact Summit will bring together International organisations, stakeholders, AI experts, and dozens of leading AI companies from around the world. The summit provides an opportunity to strengthen the shared understanding of the principles of global AI governance and to build international cooperation on the theme. Prime Minister Orpo also participated in the AI Action Summit in Paris in 2025. "At the summit, we will highlight Finland's strengths in the fields of AI policy and innovation. Finland has world-class expertise in AI and the potential to lead the way in its use. At the same time, we will also promote the safe and responsible use of AI. Geopolitical and economic competition keeps growing, and Finland must be highly active in international technology issues. Besides cooperation among the like-minded countries, we must also seek a common understanding with other countries," Prime Minister Orpo said, according to a release. At the India AI Impact Summit, Prime Minister Orpo will deliver Finland's address, visit various country pavilions and speak at the side events organised by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). The agenda also includes a dinner for invited guests hosted by Prime Minister Modi and other high-level meetings. The release said that India is gaining an increasingly prominent role in the world. Finland and India have good relations, which continue to grow even closer. The commercial and economic interests are very strong, and there is a lot of potential related to these. Finland's new Consulate General inaugurated in Mumbai in 2022 was a major contribution to deepening the relations and responding to India's growing geopolitical and geoeconomic role, the release said. "We want to continue the work towards even closer cooperation between our countries, with a particular focus on the commonly defined fields - digitalisation and sustainability. Our aim is to strengthen the new strategic partnership in these fields. The EU-India Free Trade Agreement concluded in January opens significant opportunities to further improve our relations," Prime Minister Orpo said. The negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement came to a successful conclusion on January 27, 2026. The negotiations had been in progress since 2007, with some interruptions. The agreement improves the access of European companies to the large and growing Indian markets and it has a key role in strengthening the partnership between the EU and India, the release said. It said the business delegation has representatives from Aquamec Ltd., Business Finland, CSC-IT Center for Science, ECHO Engineering Oy, Edugametion Oy, Elematic Oyj, Europe-Asia Roundtable Sessions Ltd., Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence / University of Helsinki, Flow Systems Oy, Helsinki Partners, ICEYE Oy, KONE Oyj, Nokia , Nordes Oy, Odd Latent Oy, ProVerse Interactive, Puustelli Group Oy, QMill Oy, ReOrbit, Routa Digital Oy, Verona Shelters Group and Wartsila Oyj Abp. India is set to host the India AI Impact Summit from February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together governments, industry leaders, researchers, startups, students and citizens from across the world. The Summit is envisioned as a pivotal global platform to shape a future-oriented agenda for inclusive, responsible and impactful AI and aims to move beyond high-level discussions and deliver tangible outcomes that can support economic growth, social development and sustainable use of AI. The Summit will be structured around three core pillars--People, Planet and Progress--with discussions focusing on employment and skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI, and economic as well as social development. Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, will present concrete deliverables, including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific compendiums of AI use cases. Participants will also gain insights into how AI is impacting various professions and industries, the new skills required in the evolving job market, opportunities for startups to engage with investors and partners, and the role of AI in supporting farmers, small businesses and service providers. Sessions will address AI safety, governance, ethical use, data protection and India's approach to sovereign AI, including the development of indigenous foundation models for strategic sectors. A key component of the Summit will be the AI Impact Expo, which will showcase practical applications of AI across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, climate action, energy efficiency and accessibility. These demonstrations are intended to help citizens understand how AI can solve real-world problems and improve service delivery. The Summit will also highlight national skilling initiatives such as "Yuva AI for All", a free and accessible course designed to build basic AI awareness among students and professionals. (ANI) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday warmly congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman and the party on their emphatic victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, describing the outcome as a clear triumph of democracy after a period of extraordinary challenges faced by the Bangladeshi people. In a post on his verified X account on Friday, Anwar described the result as a significant achievement for democratic principles. "I warmly congratulate Mr Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on their emphatic election victory. This is a triumph of democracy: the Bangladeshi people, having navigated a period of extraordinary challenges, have spoken clearly at the ballot box." https://x.com/anwaribrahim/status/2022180141405962291?s=20 He also expressed appreciation for the Chief Adviser of the country's interim government, Muhammad Yunus's role in facilitating the electoral transition. "I also wish to express appreciation to my dear friend, Dr Muhammad Yunus, for his stewardship as Chief Adviser during this important transition and for ensuring that the democratic process proceeded smoothly." Anwar further emphasised Malaysia's interest in strengthening ties with Bangladesh's incoming leadership. "Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to our bilateral ties. I join Malaysians in extending our warmest regards to the people of Bangladesh." The message comes amid a wave of international acknowledgements following the BNP-led alliance's landslide success in Thursday's polls, alongside the official declaration of results for 297 parliamentary constituencies by Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC). Results for Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 remain suspended and will be announced later, while the outcome of one other constituency was deferred earlier, as reported by Prothom Alo. The EC issued separate suspension letters for Sherpur-2, Chattogram-2, and Chattogram-4 on February 12 due to pending court cases. The result for Sherpur-2 has since been declared, though its official gazette publication is currently on hold. The elections, held on Thursday alongside a concurrent referendum, recorded a voter turnout of 60.26 per cent for the referendum component. Across the 297 declared seats, a total of 48,074,429 'Yes' votes were cast in the referendum, compared to 22,565,627 'No' votes. These figures were shared by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed during a media briefing at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Friday. In the parliamentary results for these 297 seats, the BNP and its allies secured a decisive 212 seats, marking a landslide victory. The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh took one seat, while independent candidates claimed seven. A further breakdown shows the BNP winning 209 seats independently. Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats; NCP, six; Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, two; Khelafat Majlis, one; Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), one; Ganosamhati Andolon, one; and Gono Odhikar Parishad, one, as per Prothom Alo. The overwhelming 'Yes' victory in the referendum, conducted to endorse the constitutional proposals outlined in the July National Charter, provides strong public backing for implementing the proposed state reforms. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reiterated these voting figures in his briefing to journalists at the Election Building in Agargaon today, according to Prothom Alo. (ANI) The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday announced its decision to end deportation protections for Yemen under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), making Yemen the 13th country removed from the programme by the Trump administration. The change affects Yemeni nationals living in the US who had been shielded from removal and permitted to work under TPS. Roughly 1,400 Yemenis are covered by the designation, according to The Hill. "After reviewing conditions in the country and consulting with appropriate U.S. government agencies, I determined that Yemen no longer meets the law's requirements to be designated for Temporary Protected Status," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a release. "Allowing TPS Yemen beneficiaries to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interest. TPS was designed to be temporary, and this administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent. We are prioritising our national security interests and putting America first," she added. Yemeni nationals have been protected under TPS since 2015. The Hill noted that the designation had been extended multiple times in response to Yemen's ongoing instability. When Noem's predecessor, former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, redesignated Yemen for TPS in 2024, he wrote that the country was on "the brink of economic collapse." "Yemen has been in a state of protracted conflict for the past decade, severely limiting civilians' access to water, food, and medical care, pushing the country to the brink of economic collapse, and preventing Yemeni nationals living abroad from safely returning home," he wrote in the 2024 designation, as cited by The Hill. Efforts by the US Department of Homeland Security to end TPS protections for several countries have encountered repeated legal challenges, The Hill reported, although court decisions have varied in their impact on beneficiaries. Last month, an appeals court ruled that Noem had improperly ended TPS for citizens of Venezuela and Haiti. According to The Hill, the court found that her derogatory comments about Haitians suggested she was influenced by racial animus. A concurring opinion further observed that both Noem and President Trump had made statements that "were overtly founded on racist stereotyping based on country of origin," agreeing with a lower court's conclusion that the decision was "preordained" and not based on need, The Hill reported. (ANI) P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, undertook an official visit to the Republic of Korea on February 12-13 to co-chair the 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) alongside his counterpart, Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROK, according to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). During the deliberations held on Friday, both sides agreed to take forward the 'India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership' in 2026 through regular high-level engagements, including the visit of the ROK's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT to India for the AI Impact Summit, Foreign Ministers-led Joint Commission Meeting and several other ministerial and senior official-level dialogues. In a post on X, India in ROK said, "P. Kumaran, Secretary (East), called on Cho Hyun, Foreign Minister of the ROK, and reaffirmed the shared commitment to further strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership. The discussions focused on exploring the avenues for enhanced cooperation in shipbuilding and the maritime sector, AI, as well as cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties." https://x.com/IndiainROK/status/2022284059704279307?s=20 Both sides discussed the whole gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic and commercial, defence and security, science and technology, culture and people-to-people ties. Secretary Kumaran highlighted the significant opportunities in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors for Korean companies, while emphasising the need to enhance economic security cooperation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The discussions also explored partnerships in critical minerals and supply chains and identified possibilities of cooperation in new and emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductor, green hydrogen, etc. Both sides further deliberated on deepening cultural relations through enhanced people-to-people ties. In a post on X, Hyun said, "Today, I met with Secretary (East) Periasamy Kumaran of India's Ministry of External Affairs, visiting Korea for the 6th Korea-India Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue. Having served as Ambassador to India from 2015 to 2017, I experienced firsthand India's immense potential. It was therefore especially meaningful to hear from Secretary Kumaran today about the steady progress in our bilateral cooperationacross a wide range of areas. I look forward to our "Special Strategic Partnership" taking a significant leap forward this year through the summit between our leaders." https://x.com/FMChoHyun/status/2022262129202741478?s=20 The FPSD also provided an opportunity to share perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual importance, including issues related to the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region. Cooperation in multilateral fora was also discussed. In addition to the FPSD, Secretary Kumaran called on ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, where both reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties. Secretary Kumaran also held separate meetings with Lim Woong-soon, Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office, and Chung Eui-hae, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK. Kumaran's visit to ROK is part of a series of several high-level engagements between the two countries, the MEA stated. (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (local time) congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), its Chairman Tarique Rahman, and the people of Bangladesh after the party's landslide win in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Rubio shared the remarks on the social media platform X, writing, "Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), party leader Tarique Rahman, and the people of Bangladesh." Emphasising the significance of ties with the incoming administration, he said the United States looks forward to engaging with Bangladesh's newly elected government to advance regional prosperity, stability, and security. The message comes amid a wave of international acknowledgements following the BNP-led alliance's landslide success in Thursday's polls, alongside the official declaration of results for 297 parliamentary constituencies by Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC). Results for Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 remain suspended and will be announced later, while the outcome of one other constituency was deferred earlier, as reported by Prothom Alo. The EC issued separate suspension letters for Sherpur-2, Chattogram-2, and Chattogram-4 on February 12 due to pending court cases. The result for Sherpur-2 has since been declared, though its official gazette publication is currently on hold. The elections, held on Thursday alongside a concurrent referendum, recorded a voter turnout of 60.26 per cent for the referendum component. Across the 297 declared seats, 48,074,429 'Yes' votes were cast in the referendum, compared with 22,565,627 'No' votes. These figures were shared by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed during a media briefing at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Friday. In the parliamentary results for these 297 seats, the BNP and its allies secured a decisive 212 seats, marking a landslide victory. The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh took one seat, while independent candidates claimed seven. A further breakdown shows the BNP winning 209 seats independently. Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats; NCP, six; Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, two; Khelafat Majlis, one; Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), one; Ganosamhati Andolon, one; and Gono Odhikar Parishad, one, as per Prothom Alo. The overwhelming 'Yes' victory in the referendum, conducted to endorse the constitutional proposals outlined in the July National Charter, provides strong public backing for implementing the proposed state reforms. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reiterated these voting figures in his briefing to journalists at the Election Building in Agargaon today, according to Prothom Alo. (ANI) NAGASAKI, Feb 14 (News On Japan) - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged crew members to abide by laws and regulations while calling on Japan to ensure fair law enforcement after a Chinese fishing vessel was seized in Japans exclusive economic zone off Goto, Nagasaki Prefecture, on February 13th. According to the Fisheries Agency, the vessel was apprehended after it failed to comply with a stop order and attempted to flee within Japans exclusive economic zone off Goto City. The agency arrested the captain, identified as Qiong Nianli, on the spot on suspicion of violating the fisheries sovereignty law. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press conference that the Chinese government consistently requires fishing crews to act in accordance with laws and regulations. Lin stated, "We hope the Japanese side will strictly abide by the China-Japan fisheries agreement, enforce the law in a fair manner, and guarantee the safety and lawful rights and interests of the crew." He added that China would firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of the crew. Source: TBS Danny Dyer is to star in "heart-stopping, emotional" Channel 4 thriller The Siege. Danny Dyer to star in 'heart-stopping' Channel 4 thriller The Siege The Rivals actor will appear alongside David Morrissey and Motaz Malhees in the heart-in-mouth series, which is based on the real Iranian Embassy siege in London in 1980. It saw six armed Arab Iranian separatists - campaigning for the sovereignty of the Khuzestan Province of Iran - burst into the Iranian embassy in London, taking hostage the 26 people inside, demanding autonomy for their people. The siege lasted for six days, but ended with an SAS raid, known as Operation Nimrod. Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer of Channel 4, said: "The Iranian embassy siege and the daring raid which ended it was an iconic moment that forged the ferocious reputation of the modern SAS. "The show is a heart-stopping, emotional thriller that reveals the little-known motivations of the hapless hostage-takers and the very human reality of what went on inside the embassy as the world looked on and Britain's most lethal soldiers practiced their high stakes assault. "It will change the way people understand the siege and reveal how close the famous SAS operation came to disaster." The script has been adapted by Slow Horses creator Will Smith, from Ben Macintyres best-selling book The Siege, and the six-part series will be executive produced by Patrick Spence. Ian said: "We're thrilled to be working with Will Smith, Ben Macintyre, Lewis Arnold, Patrick Spence and the remarkable cast. This major commission underlines Channel 4's commitment to dialling up exceptional drama in its slate of original British programming." Alexandre Piel, Deputy Head of Drama, ARTE France, added: "The Siege is our first coproduction with UK, and we are truly honoured to be associated with Channel 4 on this fantastic project. "Will Smith is a brilliant author; his adaptation of Ben Macintyre's novel masterfully blends a gripping thriller with the emotional depth of this tragic event. "He made it an intense, moving, and funny story all at once. "It has been wonderful to stand at Patrick Spences side in his adventure. "Its a unique opportunity, the one that allows you to witness the unfolding of a historical moment turning into disaster in front of the whole world. "And we are also more than happy that this project enables us to have worked for the first time with the esteemed Channel 4 team." According to The Sun newspaper, Danny will portray hero police officer Trevor Lock - who received the George Medal for his role in the siege - in the series. Morocco has set a new record in lemon export in five years during the 2024/2025 season, says Eastfruit news platform. Between November 2024 and October 2025, the North African country exported 9,700 tons of lemons, valued at over $ 5 million. This represents an 80% increase compared to 2023/2024. This good performance has been driven by improved orchard management and better control of water stress despite ongoing drought conditions. New plantations with higher yields per hectare also helped secure a larger exportable supply. While shipments traditionally peaked in February and tapered off sharply from April, recent seasons have seen more balanced distribution. During 2024/2025 season, April recorded the highest volumes, with May exports remaining robust. Mauritania remains Moroccos main market, accounting for 45% of exports and marking its fourth consecutive year of growth. The United Kingdom ranked second, surpassing 1,000 tons for the first time in 17 years, followed by Russia with 9.2% of total shipments. The Netherlands and Canada resumed imports, while exports to France declined by 20%. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Moroccos economy, contributing roughly 15% to GDP and employing about 4045% of the workforce. The sector features a dual system of modern, export-oriented farms (fruits/vegetables) and traditional rain-fed agriculture. Key crops include cereals, citrus, olives, and tomatoes, with major growth in avocado exports. Florida Senate has adopted a resolution hailing the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI advancing U.S. African cooperation ties and commended the American recognition of Moroccos full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory. The resolution recognizes the importance of Moroccos business, trade, and cultural cooperation with the State of Florida and the enduring diplomatic, business, and cultural ties between Morocco and the United States. Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back more than two centuries to 1777 when Morocco became the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States, later formalized through the 1786 Treaty of Peace and Friendship one of the oldest unbroken treaties in U.S. diplomatic history. In December 2020, the Moroccan-American partnership was further strengthened by the U.S. recognition of the full sovereignty of the Kingdom over its Sahara, says the resolution, affirming that the strategic alliance between the two nations paves the way for a new era of cooperation in peace, security, and regional development, The Florida Senate resolution pays tribute to the Royal Initiative for Atlantic Cooperation, also known as the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, an ambitious framework enabling Morocco to deepen political, economic, and cultural ties between Africa and the Americas. The text says Morocco, a strategic hub within the African continent and a committed member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, stands as a vital gateway for enhanced partnership and mutually beneficial trade and investment between Africa and the United States. In October 2025, the President of the Casablanca Settat region, Abdellatif Maazouz, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a Sister Cities agreement between the region of CasablancaSettat and Miami-Dade County, to advance cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange. In conjunction with this partnership, the CasablancaSettat Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, the American Chamber of Commerce in Florida, and CAMACOL (the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States) signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding promoting business collaboration, investment opportunities, and private sector exchanges between Morocco and Florida. Furthermore, the U.S.- Morocco Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2004, the only FTA signed by the United States with an African country, continues to foster economic and commercial cooperation, making Morocco one of Americas key trade partners in Africa and encouraging bilateral investment and industrial collaboration. In 2002, the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami-Dade County and the Port of Casablanca signed a Sister Seaports agreement to promote maritime connectivity, logistics cooperation, and exchange of expertise, reinforcing both ports strategic roles as gateways for transatlantic trade among North America, Africa, and Europe. According to the Florida Senate, these partnerships demonstrate Moroccos leadership in establishing transatlantic cooperation that supports sustainable maritime, economic, and cultural development, while advancing Floridas global economic engagement. In this resolution, the State of Florida acknowledges the importance of Morocco as a strategic bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Americas and welcomes deeper cooperation in trade, maritime industries, tourism, green energy, and education. Jumia Technologies AG said it will put an end to its operations in Algeria by the first quarter of 2026, as the company seeks to shift focus to strongest African markets. The move follows earlier exits from South Africa and Tunisia and forms part of a broader geographic recalibration aimed at improving operational efficiency and channeling investment toward markets with clearer profitability paths, particularly Nigeria. The company said it expects to incur one-time exit costs, including severance payments, lease cancellations and the liquidation of local assets. Algeria represented roughly 2% of Jumias Gross Merchandise Value in 2025, underscoring its relatively limited contribution to the groups overall business. The Algerian market remains challenging due to restrictive trade policies, import controls and a cash-heavy retail environment, which complicate growth and undermine the unit economics essential for scalable e-commerce operations. The Prime Minister of Mauritania, El Moctar Ould Djay, on Thursday chaired the regular meeting of the partnership dialogue between Mauritania and the European Union at the Prime Ministers Office in Nouakchott. The session reviewed key aspects of bilateral cooperation and a range of issues of mutual interest, underscoring the depth of ties between the two partners. In his opening remarks, Ould Djay described the dialogue as a pivotal mechanism in advancing the strategic partnership anchored in mutual trust, structured consultation and a shared commitment to delivering tangible outcomes in support of stability and sustainable development. He noted that the agenda covered the political landscape in Mauritania and Europe, peace and security matters, and the humanitarian implications of regional and international crises. Discussions also addressed the national economic outlook and structural reforms, the EUs Global Gateway programme, human development, and sectoral policies including migration, fisheries and defence. The Prime Minister said these priorities are aligned with the programme of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, whose implementation roadmap runs through 2029 and focuses on consolidating the rule of law, strengthening institutions, building a resilient economy, stimulating productive sectors and ensuring equitable access to basic services. He reiterated that sound and transparent public financial management remains a national priority, welcoming EU support for performance-based budget reforms and its contribution to the national budget. As extreme winter storms sweep across the Mediterranean basin, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco have all launched emergency operations to confront destructive flooding, yet the speed and scale of Moroccos response, including a newly announced 320-million-dollar relief plan, have drawn particular attention. Weeks of torrential rain and controlled releases from overfilled dams displaced more than 180,000 people, with authorities evacuating residents of Ksar El Kebirs residents as river levels surged. The Royal Armed Forces was deployed and helicopters and rescue boats were mobilized across the northwest. Following instructions from King Mohammed VI, the government pledged 320 million dollars in funding to repair infrastructure, rebuild homes and support farmers and small businesses. Tunisia and Algeria, meanwhile, faced their own flood emergencies, though with more limited pre-emptive measures. Tunisia saw its worst rainfall since the 1950s in mid-January, flooding 15 governorates, affecting 25,000 people and prompting evacuations and the activation of the Tunisian Red Crescent. In Algeria, authorities dragged feet as floods hit many northern towns. January storms still caused fatalities and forced widespread rescue operations across several provinces. Residents of Ghelizane were filmed protesting the absence of services after floods. Authorities responded with excessive force. Across the Mediterranean, Spain and Portugal have been battered by successive storms which brought torrential rain, landslides, transport disruption and multiple deaths. Observers have contrasted the two countries reactive posture, with Moroccos more centralized and anticipatory mobilization, which moved tens of thousands out of danger before river overflows reached their peak. While all five countries face mounting climate-driven extreme weather, Moroccos combination of early evacuations, military coordination and rapid financial commitment has led many analysts to conclude that it has so far fared better in avoiding casualties and stabilizing affected regions, despite the scale of the disaster. King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, chaired on Friday at the Royal Palace in Casablanca the presentation and launch ceremony of the project to build a landing gear production factory for the Safran group in Nouaceur, a project that reinforces Morocco as a destination of choice and a genuine integrated industrial actor at the heart of the global economy. The King also received, at the Royal Palace in Casablanca, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Safran Group, Ross McInnes. The new industrial site, considered one of the largest manufacturing centers for landing systems in the world for Safran Landing Systems, will be located at the heart of the integrated industrial platform dedicated to aeronautics and space Midparc in Nouaceur. It will endow the Kingdom with one of the most advanced industrial segments: precision machining, high-tech assembly, testing, certification, and advanced maintenance. Dedicated to the Airbus A320, this factory, which will be built to the highest state-of-the-art standards and equipped with modern and high-performance production tools, bears witness to the attachment that HM the King grants to Moroccos industrial development and highlights the unprecedented industrial dynamic driven by the Sovereign to make the Kingdom a competitive industrial platform on a global scale. At the beginning of this ceremony, an institutional film was screened highlighting the trajectory of excellence undertaken by Morocco, under the impetus of the King, focused on modernization and industrial innovation, and having allowed the Kingdom, thanks to highly qualified human resources and top-tier industrial and logistical infrastructure, to assert itself as a global reference in the field of aeronautics. On this occasion, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, delivered a speech before the Sovereign in which he affirmed that in two decades, Morocco has risen to the rank of a world-reference aeronautical platform. In this Moroccan aeronautical epic, the Safran group, a partner of the Kingdom for over a quarter of a century, occupies a unique place, inasmuch as it has accompanied the move upmarket of the Moroccan aeronautical industry and its skills, said Mezzour. This historic partnership is being confirmed and further strengthened thanks to the new-generation Safran Landing Systems factory, which will be developed on a land plot of over 7 hectares, he specified. The manufacturing of landing gear systems in Morocco is proof of the Kingdoms mastery of complex technologies and a new step towards consolidating the countrys industrial integration into global aeronautical value chains. This project also offers prospects for Moroccan young talents to shine, emphasized the minister, noting that 25,000 globally recognized talents are already powering the national aeronautics production lines. For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Safran Group, Ross McInnes, recalled the launch, last October, under the presidency of the King, of the Safran aircraft engine industrial complex, saying he was delighted to continue with Morocco this technological epic and to embark the Kingdom on a new adventure: that of the production of particularly critical on-board systems, namely landing gears. It involves, according to McInnes, the creation of one of the largest factories in the world for equipment and landing gears, an industrial platform that will house high-technology processes and key expertise of the Group. This will allow us to support the ramp-up of production for the Airbus A320 family and to prepare for the next generation of short- and medium-haul aircraft, he explained, noting that this factory will play a major role in developing a resilient and agile industrial scheme, with short industrial routes, because it will be located in close geographic proximity to Safrans current assembly sites and Airbuss European assembly lines. This factory, which represents an investment of over 280 million euros, will create 500 jobs eventually and will be powered by 100% decarbonized energy, he said, noting that this project will also allow for attracting new suppliers in its wake within the Moroccan ecosystem. This new site is much more than an industrial investment, it reflects the importance that the Kingdom holds for our Group, emphasized McInnes, assuring that all this is made possible because the Group does not produce in Morocco a strategic country for Safran but with Morocco. Subsequently, King Mohammed VI chaired the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding relating to the installation of the Safran groups landing gear production factory in Nouaceur. It was signed by Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, and Ross McInnes, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Safran group. The worlds No. 1 leader in short- and medium-haul aircraft engine manufacturing and the 3rd largest global aeronautical player excluding aircraft manufacturers, the Safran group is further strengthening its presence in Morocco where it chose to establish itself 25 years ago, thus bearing witness to the rise in power of the Moroccan aeronautical base built thanks to the clear-sighted Vision and Leadership of King Mohammed VI. Jason Manford has revealed that he is in talks about joining The Celebrity Traitors line-up. Jason Manford could star in series two of The Celebrity Traitors The 44-year-old comedian has held "conversations" about heading into Scotland's Ardross Castle for the second series of BBC reality show although he joked about bigger names being chosen ahead of him. Jason told The Sun: "Yeah, there's been conversations and stuff about it behind the scenes. "But I think I'm waiting for them to come down the ladder of show business because this is a success in the first one. "They're like, Tom Hiddleston, Helen Mirren..." Jason confessed that there are "not many" reality shows he would sign up for, although he would make an exception for The Celebrity Traitors as he and his family are avid fans of the programme. The Waterloo Road actor said: "I mean, there's not many that I would, but that one... "Yeah, because me kids love it, me wife loves it, we all love it. And certainly, I'd feel like I'd enjoy it as well." Manford added: "But also it's fun and you get to be yourself a little bit. "I feel like I'm never worried about stuff like that because I know, even in secret, when I'm having a chat with someone, I'm never going to be a d***. "You're never going to catch me out and suddenly go, 'Oh, he's slagging him off.' "The only thing I think about it, I was going to say this when my kids were asking about it, is I feel like I'd have to be a Traitor because if I was a Faithful and someone accused me of being a Traitor, that would affect my ego so much. "Because I'd be thinking, 'What is it about me that made you think I'm (a Traitor)... That's backstabbing.'" Should Jason sign up for the show, he could be joined by fellow comic David Mitchell with the Peep Show star reportedly a target for BBC bosses. A source told The Sun: "Producers think David would be amazing as a contestant. "Not only is he hilarious but hes also super smart - in many ways he will remind viewers of Stephen Fry, who went down great with viewers in series one. "No doubt Davids time on Would I Lie To You? will be both helpful and a hindrance when it comes to being at the round table." Ofgem estimates that these necessary grid upgrades, funded through network charges, will add 108 a year to household bills by 2031, challenging the energy secretary's pledge to reduce average bills. Britain's network companies have been approved for a 28 billion initial spend on upgrading gas and electricity grids, which is part of a potential 90 billion investment pipeline. Chris OShea, CEO of Centrica, predicts that UK electricity prices in 2030 will be higher than they were at the peak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, primarily due to "system costs" from years of underinvestment. Electricity bills will be higher in 2030 than in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the boss of British Gas has warned, as the government pushes through major upgrades to the UKs grid infrastructure. Chris OShea, chief executive of British Gas-owner Centrica, said the UK was playing catch-up after years of underinvestment, and now faced significantly higher costs. Weve underinvested in the system for many years, and whether its the cost of building a new gas-fired power station or a new wind farm, the costs have gone up, he said at an event hosted by the Energy Institute. Our projections show that the UK energy system will be one where, by 2030, the electricity price will be higher than it was at the peak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he added. OShea said two-thirds of the costs would be on system costs while the remaining third would be wholesale costs. Those system costs arent net zero costs, he said. They are addressing years and years of underinvestment and whether we went for net zero or new fossil fuels, we would need to incur those system costs. Electricity bills to rise for grid upgrades His comments highlight the challenges facing the government in bringing down the cost of electricity bills while also upgrading the UKs outdated grid infrastructure. Last year Britains network companies were given the green light to spend 28bn on upgrading the gas and electricity grids, forming the first part of a wider investment pipeline which could cost around 90bn if approved. The investment will go towards new pylons and cables to connect with wind farms being constructed around the British coastline. It will primarily be funded through higher network charges on household energy bills. Ofgem estimates that this will add 108 a year to bills by 2031, threatening energy secretary Ed Milibands pledge to bring down average energy bills by around 300 before the end of the decade. Claire Coutinho, shadow energy secretary said. If gas went to zero, bills would still rise because Ed Miliband is building a system that is incredibly expensive. Despite having an undeniably radical policy, he has never forecast the impact of his plans on your bills. By City AM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com NATOs new Arctic initiative is the European allies attempt to keep Arctic strategy inside the alliance structure after tensions over Greenland and quite a lot of bickering over burden-sharing. They want the Arctic handled through NATO planning, not through bilateral pressure or unilateral American moves. Russia The EPA has formally proposed rescinding the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding, the determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare and therefore fall under Clean Air Act regulation. That finding has been the legal backbone for federal vehicle standards, power plant rules, and methane limits for more than a decade. Eliminating it would remove the central legal basis for regulating CO2 at the federal level unless Congress steps in, and legal challenges from states and environmental groups are certain. Its time for DC to evaluate whether Venezuelas new hydrocarbons law can produce actual supply gains, and with that in mind, the U.S. energy secretary traveled to Caracas this week, touring Chevron-PDVSA joint operations. The new law allows broader private operating control and more flexible terms, a break with the past deterrents. The Trump administration is engaging, but on a results basis: sanctions relief depends on measurable production increases and contractual stability. The core issue is whether the new framework will hold long enough to justify serious capital deployment. Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict Its time for DC to evaluate whether Venezuelas new hydrocarbons law can produce actual supply gains, and with that in mind, the U.S. energy secretary traveled to Caracas this week, touring Chevron-PDVSA joint operations. The new law allows broader private operating control and more flexible terms, a break with the past deterrents. The Trump administration is engaging, but on a results basis: sanctions relief depends on measurable production increases and contractual stability. The core issue is whether the new framework will hold long enough to justify serious capital deployment. The EPA has formally proposed rescinding the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding, the determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare and therefore fall under Clean Air Act regulation. That finding has been the legal backbone for federal vehicle standards, power plant rules, and methane limits for more than a decade. Eliminating it would remove the central legal basis for regulating CO2 at the federal level unless Congress steps in, and legal challenges from states and environmental groups are certain. NATOs new Arctic initiative is the European allies attempt to keep Arctic strategy inside the alliance structure after tensions over Greenland and quite a lot of bickering over burden-sharing. They want the Arctic handled through NATO planning, not through bilateral pressure or unilateral American moves. Russia already has the infrastructure and forces in place across its Arctic coast, and it can operate there year-round. The U.S. is obviously the backbone of any NATO response. Greenland hosts key U.S. early-warning and space surveillance systems, and American air, naval, and intelligence assets make Arctic deterrence credible. Without U.S. capabilities, NATOs Arctic posture doesnt really hold, but it wants more of a say in matters of its own backyard. This initiative ties the U.S. firmly into the collective while placing more burden on European members. Is it enough to appease DC and take Greenland off the table? Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions Turkeys state oil firm TPAO is teaming up with BP to deepen cooperation on oil and gas projects, with Iraq specifically Kirkuk at the top of the list. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the new framework puts collaboration in Iraq front and center, just as BP looks for a partner to help boost output and share costs at the giant Kirkuk fields. BP already struck a deal in 2025 with Iraqs North Oil Company to develop four fields and rehab gas facilities, with total investment expected to land between $20B and $25B over more than 25 years under a profit-sharing setup. Bringing TPAO into the mix signals Ankara wants a bigger stake in northern Iraqs barrels, while Baghdad pushes to lift production, curb flaring, and steady exports. Transocean (RIG) is buying Valaris (VAL) in a $5.8B all-stock deal that will create the largest publicly traded offshore driller, with 73 rigs and roughly $10B in contract backlog. RIG holders will own about 53% of the combined company. Transocean hopes the deal will drop in its debt-to-EBITDA ratio from 4.6x to around 1.5x within two years as Valaris stronger earnings help stabilize cash flow. Eni (ENI.MI) and Petronas have agreed to park their Indonesia and Malaysia upstream assets into a new 50/50 company that will run as its own vehicle. The plan is to spend more than $15 billion over five years and move ahead with as many as eight projects tied to roughly 3 billion boe of discovered reserves. Theyre aiming for more than 500,000 boe/d in the mid-term, which would give both sides real scale across the Kutei Basin and Malaysian acreage without bloating the parent balance sheets. Its a straight-up upstream consolidation play in a region where demand is still growing and governments want barrels developed, not warehoused. Discovery & Development Petronas is preparing to drill a high-impact ultra-deepwater wildcat on the Bobara block offshore Southwest Papua, with drilling expected to start in October. This will be the companys first operated deepwater well in Indonesia, so its as much about building operated capability as it is about chasing a discovery. Support contracts worth millions are being lined up now, which suggests the timeline is firming. If its dry, its an expensive lesson. Russias Gazprom Neft has discovered a new oil field on the Yamal Peninsula with estimated geological reserves of about 55 million tons, adding fresh barrels to Moscows Arctic inventory. The field sits in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area. CEO Alexander Dyukov said it is evidence that large and even super-large discoveries are still possible in the Arctic and Eastern Siberia, where the company plans to keep drilling. TotalEnergies (TTE) is expanding operations offshore Namibia, snagging a 42.5% operated stake in the PEL104 exploration license north of the Mopane discovery. The French major will run the block alongside Petrobras (42.5%), Namcor (10%), and Eight (5%), tightening its grip on acreage around whats quickly become the Orange Basins hottest real estate. This follows a December asset swap with Galp that handed Total operatorship of Mopane and Venus, consolidating control over Namibias two biggest finds. The U.S. Treasury issued a new general license allowing American firms to provide goods, technology, software, and services for oil and gas exploration and production in Venezuela. The license does not permit the creation of new joint ventures or equity entities. Libyas National Oil Corporation has awarded its first oil and gas blocks in nearly 20 years, handing acreage to Chevron (CVX), Eni (E), Repsol (REPYY), QatarEnergy and Nigerias Aiteo. Chevron secured the onshore Sirte S4 (Area 106) license in the Sirte Basin, marking a return to Libya after exiting in 2010, with the block seen as key to Tripolis goal of lifting output to 2 million bpd by 2028. Eni and QatarEnergy picked up Offshore Area 01 in the Cyrenaica gas zone, while a Repsol-led consortium won Offshore Area 07 and Aiteo took the Murzuq M1 license. The awards signal a Western upstream comeback in Africas largest oil reserve holder, as improved security since the 2020 ceasefire draws majors back despite lingering political instability. Energy Earnings BP (BP) reported Q4 underlying replacement cost profit of $1.54B, right in line with expectations, but full-year 2025 net income slipped to $7.49B from nearly $9B in 2024 as weaker crude prices weighed on results. The company suspended share buybacks last set at $750M and said excess cash will go toward strengthening the balance sheet instead. Net debt fell to $22.18B, operating cash flow rose to $7.6B, and 2026 capex is set at $13B$13.5B, the low end of prior guidance. Shares dropped nearly 4% as BP joins Shell and Equinor in navigating a softer oil price backdrop heading into a leadership transition on April 1. TotalEnergies (TTE) posted Q4 adjusted net income of $3.84B, down 13% year over year as lower oil prices offset stronger upstream volumes and better refining margins. Cash flow from operations held at $7.2B, down 7% from a year ago but up sequentially, with 2025 upstream output growth of 3.9% beating guidance. The board reaffirmed 2026 buyback guidance of $3B$6B assuming Brent at $60$70, but Q1 buybacks are set at just $750M, well below last years pace. Shell (SHEL) reported Q4 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.14 per ADS, missing expectations of $1.21 as weaker oil and gas prices and tax hits outweighed slightly higher production. Revenue came in at $66.7B, essentially flat year over year, while upstream realized liquids prices fell 17% and gas prices dropped 11.5%. Cash flow from operations slid more than 28% to $9.4B, free cash flow nearly halved to $4.2B, and net debt-to-capital rose to 20.7%. Despite softer results, Shell repurchased $3.4B in shares in Q4 and plans another $3.5B in Q1, with 2026 capex guided at $20B$22B. Ahead of the monthly meeting on March 1, the OPEC+ alliance is leaning toward resuming production increases from April following a pause in the first quarter, Reuters reported on Friday, quoting sources within the group. Early this month, the eight OPEC+ members that have been implementing cuts since 2023 Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman reaffirmed the decision to pause monthly increments during the first quarter of the year. The decision was first taken in November 2025 and was confirmed at two consecutive meetings in December and January. The group has decided to wait out the first quarter of the year, typically the weakest quarter for demand of any year. So far this quarter, geopolitical flare-ups have supported oil prices. These include, so far, the new oil order in Venezuela, the situation in Iran, and the pace of Russian supply amid the U.S. sanctions on top producers Rosneft and Lukoil and the EU ban on imports of oil products processed from Russian crude. But ahead of the meeting on March 1, OPEC+ producers are inclined to re-launch the hikes, although no decision has been taken yet, according to Reuters sources. Reports of a potential increase come days after OPEC reiterated in its monthly report earlier this week that global oil demand will grow by 1.4 million barrels per day in 2026an estimate thats well ahead of the International Energy Agencys (IEA) freshly-reduced forecast of 850,000 bpd growth. Last month, Amin Nasser, chief executive of Saudi oil giant Aramco, dismissed the glut narrative saying that forecasts of a massive oil glut are seriously exaggerated as demand keeps rising and global stocks are below the five-year average. Global oil stocks are low, while the amassed barrels in floating storage on tankers are mostly sanctioned supplies, the CEO of the worlds biggest oil firm and top crude exporter said at the end of January. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Analysts suggest that the public differences between the US and Israel over the scope of a potential deal could be strategic messaging, while the US is expected to rely on intensified sanctions rather than imminent military strikes. Israeli strategists, viewing the nuclear issue as currently controlled, prioritize stopping Iran's missile program, which they see as its most significant military asset and only deterrent capability. Despite President Trump's public emphasis on diplomacy, the core dispute between the US and Israel centers on including limits to Iran's expanding missile capabilities in any agreement, which Tehran has repeatedly rejected. US President Donald Trump publicly emphasized diplomacy with Iran following his February 11 meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But experts say the deeper dispute may center not on Irans nuclear program, but on its expanding missile capabilities. After the meeting, Trump signaled that negotiations with Tehran should continue. Netanyahu, however, has pushed for Irans missile program to be formally included in any agreement -- something Tehran has repeatedly rejected. Speaking to RFE/RLs Radio Farda, UK-based defense analyst Hossein Aryan argued that Israels long-term strategic objective extends beyond the nuclear issue. If we look at this issue in a broad picture, Israels goal is to drastically reduce Irans defensive capabilities, both under the Islamic republic and even in the period after it, he said. According to Aryan, Israel views Irans missile arsenal as its most significant military asset and its only deterrent capability. While other regional states possess ballistic missiles, he said Israeli strategists see Irans program as fundamentally different because it has become increasingly indigenous and self-sustaining. Israeli estimates suggest that, if left unchecked, Iran could expand its arsenal to as many as 8,000 missiles by 2028. Such projections help explain Israeli concerns about future saturation attacks overwhelming missile defense systems. That is precisely why Netanyahus focus is not currently on the nuclear program, because they believe that part is under control or not presently at a critical stage; his main focus is on stopping Irans military and missile machine, Aryan said. Irans nuclear program suffered a major setback after the United States joined Israels aerial campaign against Iran in June 2025, targeting nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. No Treaty Banning Missiles The missile issue presents a major diplomatic obstacle. Tehran insists its conventional missile program is nonnegotiable, and Aryan noted that no binding international treaty has any outright prohibition on missile development. Frameworks such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Hague Code of Conduct are voluntary arrangements rather than enforceable bans. At the same time, Aryan said US military movements near Iran suggest contingency planning if negotiations fail. He characterized the deployments as part deterrence, part pressure tactic. Some of this is media shaping, and part of it is brinkmanship -- to push Iran toward diplomacy and extract maximum concessions, Aryan said. Still, he expressed doubt that such pressure would compel the Islamic republic to scale back or abandon its missile program. 'Deception Operation' While Trump and Netanyahu share the goal of stopping a nuclear Iran, they differ on the breadth of a potential deal -- at least publicly. Wary of a narrow nuclear agreement, Netanyahu traveled to Washington specifically to ensure missiles are a nonnegotiable part of any US proposal. Some analysts urge caution in interpreting Trumps public optimism for diplomacy. In my view, Trumps statements do not necessarily indicate anything specific, and one cannot rely on them with certainty, said Mohammad Ghaedi, a lecturer at George Washington University. He suggested that apparent differences between Washington and Israel over what constitutes an acceptable deal could be strategic messaging. These remarks may reflect differences between the United States and Israel, but they could also be considered a deception operation, meaning he speaks of gaps and disagreements while simultaneously preparing for a surprise attack, Ghaedi said. Although the United States has bolstered its military presence in the region, Ghaedi assessed the likelihood of imminent strikes as relatively low. Instead, he anticipates intensified sanctions and economic pressure. He pointed to remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Bessent credited sanctions with weakening Irans economy and fueling domestic unrest. Still, Ghaedi said Trump, potentially influenced by regional actors such as Qatar and Turkey, might accept a temporary arrangement, even if Netanyahu insists that any agreement must be permanent and include limits on Irans missile program. Iran and the United States held talks earlier this month in Oman, and negotiations are expected to continue. But Tehran maintains that discussions can focus only on its nuclear program. On February 11, Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Irans supreme leader, reiterated that the missile issue is not in the negotiators remit. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Global sales of electric cars declined by 3% last month as China moved to reduce subsidies and introduce a purchase tax on EVs, adding to consumer cooling after the U.S. federal government canceled EV tax incentives for buyers. EVs have been touted as one of the leading factors in oil demand decline over the long term, so any disruption of the presumably stable trend of EV sales growth could eventually lead to revisions in oil demand projections. Per data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence cited by Reuters, global sales of electric cars stood at 1.2 million in January, with China booking a substantial decline of 20% to the lowest monthly sales figure since 2024, at 600,000. In North America, collective EV sales dropped by 33% to 85,000 cars. U.S. EV sales specifically saw the lowest monthly total since early 2022, Reuters noted in its report. Europe was the only big market that saw an increase in EV sales last month, at 24% on December. However, the total, at more than 320,000 units, represented the slowed rate of sales growth since February 2025. The rest of the world recorded a 92% increase in EV sales but the total was unimpressive compared to Chinese or European sales, at just 190,000 units. That total, however, was the highest ever recorded, Reuters noted. We've seen a growing number of exports reported from China for the EV market, BMI data manager Charles Lester said, as quoted by the publication. We're expecting that to continue, trying to have a strong year of EV exports over 2026, targeting many different regions, including the likes of Southeast Asia, which is where we've seen a lot of growth over the past few months. Europe is also emerging as a potentially big market for Chinese electric cars, as the EU tries to advance its EV ambitions but finds it difficult to do with local cars, which are too expensive for many, even with subsidies. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indias largest private refiner, Reliance Industries, has been authorized by the United States to buy, export, and sell Venezuelan crude oil, Reuters reported on Friday, citing sources with knowledge of the situation. Reliance last month applied with the U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for a general license to be able buy Venezuelan crude without violating the sanctions, according to Reuters sources. The license would give Indias top private refiner, which operates the largest refining complex in the world at Jamnagar, access to Venezuelan oil and could boost exports from the worlds biggest oil resource holder. Reliance Industries has reportedly secured the first Indian purchase of oil from Venezuela since the U.S. took control of Caracas oil sales early last month. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here Reliance Industries last bought crude from Venezuela in the middle of 2025, under a special waiver from the U.S. Administration from mid-2024. Last month, Reliance Industries said it would consider buying Venezuelan crude again if sales are permitted to non-U.S. buyers. The latest purchase signals that India would be taking Venezuelan crude going forward as it looks to replace a lot of Russian supply if it wants to honor the trade deal with the United States. The deal for lower U.S. tariffs on Indian goods is conditional upon India slashing its imports of Russian crude. Before the U.S. sanctions on Russias top producers Rosneft and Lukoil, Reliance Industries of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani was the biggest buyer of Russian crude oil, importing more than 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) thanks to a long-term deal with Rosneft. In light of the trade deal with the U.S., Indias government has reportedly asked refiners to consider buying more crude cargoes from the U.S. and Venezuela on the spot market as Indian oil purchases are under scrutiny. So far this year, Indian refiners have boosted purchases of West Africa and the Middle East crudes to replace lost Russian supply. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A think tank set up by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged the Starmer government to reverse the decline in the countrys oil and gas industry, saying its revival could boost the economy by 165 billion pounds, equal to $224.42 billion. In a paper titled Why Britain Needs an Energy-Strategy Reset, senior policy advisor on climate and energy policy at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Tone Langengen called for a rearrangement of priorities in energy and a change of focus from emissions only. This narrow focus on whether power is clean means the system has lost sight of whether it is cheap, secure and capable of powering a modern economy, Langengen wrote, noting that energy affordability specifically needs a lot more attention. She went on to say that North Sea oil and gas cannot make a material contribution to lower electricity prices for Britons but that did not make them irrelevant for the UK economy. The oil and gas industry is in decline, the analyst wrote, but current policy is accelerating that decline beyond what is economically or strategically necessary. There may be an estimated 7.5 billion barrels in oil and gas still recoverable from the UK portion of the North Sea. These barrels could be worth 165 billion in total and help the country rely more on domestic energy supply than imports. This would be in line with the Labour governments prioritization of home-grown power, Of course, the focus is not just on power being home-grownit must also be clean, meaning wind and solar. The Telegraph cited an unnamed source from the Labour party as responding to the Blair think-tank paper with a dismissal: The mainstream, centre-ground position, backed by the economics and British business, is that getting off expensive fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators, and onto clean home-grown power, is the right choice for Britain. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa) Although cherry blossom season may soon come to an end in Okinawa, its just the beginning for some of springs other beautiful blossoms. Starting March 1, the annual azalea festival will return to Higashi Village in the northeast part of Okinawas main island. Petals in white, red, pink, and purple will adore the hill that overlooks the northeast coast of the island. Just like last year, the 44th installment of the festival takes place at Azalea Park. Every year, this event attracts around 40,000 visitors. In addition to the colorful flowers, the festival will also include live music, dance performances and many food vendors to celebrate the early arrival of spring. Known for its moniker a village of flowers, water, and pineapples, Higashi Village is located about a 40-minute drive from Camp Schwab and 90 minutes from Camp Foster. The festival also welcomes pets, so bring along your four-legged friends to enjoy the festivities with you. Dogs must be kept on a leash and owners must pick up after them. (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa) Other Higashi-son spots The weather is expected to be great, so take advantage of your visit to enjoy other tourist spots near Azalea Park. Near Fukuchi River, a pair of looking glass mangrove trees will dazzle you with an other-worldly look of their bankon (board root). Ten minutes away from the park, visitors can enjoy a stroll along a boardwalk through a forest of Rhizophoraceae mangrove trees at Hirugi Park. Another great spot for adventure is Matayoshi Coffee Farm, which offers a coffee bean-harvesting experience, an exciting zipline course and exhilarating ATV rides. Dont miss the festival and all the activities Higashi-son has to offer to celebrate the spring! Higashi-son Tsutsuji Matsuri (Higashi Village Azalea Festival) Location: Higashi-son Min no Mori Tsutsuji en (Azalea Park in Higashi villagers Forest) GPS: 26.637316, 128.156506 Dates: March 1 - 22 Time: 9 a.m. 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.) Admission: 500 yen (approx. $3.27) for high school students and above; free for middle school students and below *A group of 15 or more can get a discounted price (400 yen) * Free Parking *If youre bringing your pet, pets must remain on a leash, even during photo ops. Leashes must be 1.5m or shorter (approx. 60 inches or less). Stretchable leashes must be locked. Clean up after your pets and bring disposal supplies (water bottles, waste bags, etc.). Be responsible for your pets. Hirugi Park GPS Coordinates: N 26.604012, E 128.144792 * Free parking Matayoshi Coffee Farm GPS Coordinates: N 26.60990, E 128.14384 Hours (coffee farm): 10 a.m. 5 p.m. (9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) *Hours for zipline and ATV can be different from the above. * Free parking The zipline ride costs 5,500 yen for those 16 years old and above, and 4,500 yen for those 15 years old and under. ATV ride costs 7,000 to 8,000 yen for 16-year-olds and above, 6,000 to 7,000 yen for ages between 11 and 15, and 500 yen for ages 4 10. For more details and reservations, check out the link below. Website (for zipline and ATV): https://www.yanbaru-adventure.com/en/ Website (coffee farm): https://www.matayoshicoffee.jp/ Sakishimasuonoki Filed at the request of the Governor, HB 4084 would create a special Joint Permitting Council that would fast-track a few commercial projects in Oregon at a time. By few, I mean just fifteen. Consisting of representatives of a wide range of state agencies, this Council is intended to contribute to the Abundance agenda advocated by New York Times columnist Ezra Klein. Im with Representative Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg) on this one. At the margin, its a step in the right direction. However, he notes the threshold of project size might limit the amount of fast-tracked permitting for rural Oregon. The Governors response to this is revealing. Shes quoted in the Salem Statesman Journal as saying: Its a very specialized group of projects and we have to limit them because we want to put as many resources and stay focused on those things so they can move quickly, Why does it need to be so specialized? The Governor wants this focus because, she says: If its too broad, I dont think we can be as successful because it just would be hard to meet the timelines and what we want to do to help them get started faster. Basically, if overregulation is a barrier to economic development, as Ezra Klein influentially argues, keeping that red tape in place means it will take tremendous bureaucratic effort to decide when to make limited exceptions for each favored project. A true abundance agenda requires regulatory streamlining for all potential projects, not just a favored fifteen. Yet, this is a step in the right direction. Maybe that number can be increased over time. Eric Shierman lives in Salem and is the author of We were winning when I was there. Colleagues of the workers of a Canadian mining company who were abducted and killed in Sinaloa disputed the claim of a top Mexican government official about the cause of the incident. The bodies of at least five workers were found this week in mass graves, while the search for the remaining workers of Vizsla Silver Corp. continues. Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said workers of Viszla Silver had been mistaken by cartel operatives for members of an opposing criminal organization. Harfuch said the four people detained in connection with the killings belong to the Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. They believed the miners were part of the Mayos, the other offset of the cartel with which they have been engaged in a turf war for over a year and a half now. However, two other workers who requested anonymity told local outlet Reporte 100 Sonora that they were being threatened by cartels long before 10 colleagues were kidnapped. "We had some encounters with criminal organizations. They literally told us: 'Please, leave, we can't guarantee your safety.'" he went on to say that he believes the incidents that followed were reprisals after workers failed to leave. "We'll give you a reason to stop working," the person claimed cartel operatives told them. Miners went on to detail that they were under surveillance and frequently intercepted by suspicious vehicles. They could also spot drones flying over areas they explored. They further rejected the hypothesis saying workers were taken from their beds in a designated area for them. "They knew perfectly where they were going, who they were going for and they were taken from there, from their home," the worker added. They added that government employees asked miners and their families not to discuss the case, arguing that experts in kidnapping were working on the case. "Some are being stalked and being harassed on WhatsApp. We're told not to talk because it can have consequences for our jobs." Originally published on Latin Times Pair wanted for kidnapping and assault returned to Quintana Roo from Mexico City Bacalar, Q.R. Two people have been ordered to remain jailed while facing charges of kidnapping and vicarious violence. The couple were arrested after kidnapping a minor and physically assaulted her mother. The State Attorney General (FGE) reported Thursday on the prosecution of two people for their probable participation in the crimes of detention and vicarious violence to the detriment of a minor and a woman. According to their investigation, on January 6, 2026, Jorge Isaac N and Norma Eliud N were accused of detaining a minor and physically assaulting her mother, who, as a result, was absent to file the complaint with the Prosecutors Office, a situation that the accused took advantage of to abduct the minor and take her from Quintana Roo. Following field and technological investigations by the Investigative Police, the minor was located and rescued in Mexico City. Likewise, an arrest warrant was issued and executed in collaboration with the Attorney Generals Office of Mexico City. Jorge Isaac N and Norma Eliud N were returned to Quintana Roo. During their arraignment hearing, the judge issued a formal indictment for the crimes of kidnapping and vicarious violence against both individuals and imposed pretrial detention for the duration of the proceedings. Passenger intending to travel with suitcase of cocaine arrested inside Cancun International Cancun, Q.R. A Cancun airport passenger who intended to travel with a suitcase of packaged cocaine was arrested. The passenger, who has not been named, was taken into custody by National Guard after custom agents confirmed an X-ray scan. The cocaine was found during an inspection inside the Cancun airport February 10, 2026. The arrest happened Tuesday inside the Cancun International Airport. According to a National Guard statement, 25 packages of cocaine was located inside a suitcase during an inspection. The physical inspection was carried out when, during an X-ray scan, custom agents detected the unusual packages. The State Coordination of the National Guard in Quintana Roo informs the public that, in compliance with the National Public Security Strategy, members of the National Guard, in support of the National Customs Agency of Mexico, during preventive baggage inspection activities at the Cancun International Airport, located and seized a suitcase using X-rays, Guardia Nacional reported. Inside the suitcase were 25 packages of a white substance with characteristics of cocaine, and the owner of the luggage was arrested. National Guard did not elaborate on the nationality of the passenger or where they were headed. U.S. legal battle spills over into Mexico with arrest of Cancun company director Cancun, Q.R. A man who was videoed resisting arrest from his SUV in Cancun was taken into custody by National Guard Thursday. The arrest took place from the mans vehicle while he was traveling on a central Cancun avenue around 4:00 p.m. Two National Guard men struggled for 20 minutes to make the back seat arrest Thursday February 12, 2026. The driver of his vehicle was intercepted at an intersection near Uxmal Avenue and the man in the back seat was eventually taken into custody. He resisted arrest, clinging to the inside of his vehicle and forcing National Guard to physically remove him from the SUV. At least two National Guard personnel responsible for the arrest took 20 minutes to get him out of the back seat. He was then videoed being carried from the SUV to a National Guard truck where he was officially arrested at 4:21 p.m. After being forcefully removed from the SUV he was carried to a National Guard vehicle and placed under arrest February 12, 2026. In custody is Eduardo V, the alleged Director of Dolphin Discovery. He is reported wanted for his involvement in a U.S. legal battle over the company. According to available information, U.S. Dolphin Discovery shareholders have rejected him as administrator after allegations of $200 million USD in irregularities. Those irregularities created a company debt. On Thursday, the SSPC published the national registration of detention of Eduardo V. He was flown from Cancun to Mexico City where he was admitted into the system. At the time of press, local authorities had not released any information regarding the arrest. The official reason for the detainment has not been announced. Festive fair held in celebration of upcoming Spring Festival at Longfusi commercial area, Beijing Xinhua) 08:43, February 13, 2026 Tourists visit a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Staff members wearing traditional costumes interact with tourists during a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Tourists pose for selfies during a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Customers line up to buy snacks at a store of the traditional bakery brand Daoxiangcun at the Longfusi commercial area, where a festive fair is held, in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) People buy goods at a stall of Liubiju, a pickle-making brand, during a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) A girl tastes a syrup art during a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) A staff member arranges Fanlihua, a paper-made traditional flipping toy, during a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) A tourist poses for photos with a Lord Rabbit, known as Tu'er Ye in Chinese (a traditional handicraft and a festive clay toy for children, especially in Beijing), during a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) People select Fanlihua, a paper-made traditional flipping toy, at a stall during a festive fair held at the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2026. The fair held in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival creates diverse consumption scenarios for citizens and tourists. It will last until March 3. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Russia said it doesn't want an escalation with the U.S. over its support for Cuba as Washington continues exerting pressure on the island by threatening tariffs on countries sending it fuel. Speaking in his daily press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was asked if Moscow feared tariffs resulting from such a scenario. Peskov said the country doesn't want an escalation, but Russia and the U.S. currently "don't have almost any trade." He went on to say that Moscow speaks with Havana "every day at different levels" to "discuss alternatives to help them." He has also discussed Havana's situation as "truly critical" and said U.S. pressure measures were creating "multiple difficulties" for the country. In fact, Russian outlet Izvestia reported that Moscow is sending oil and byproducts to Cuba "in the form of humanitarian aid." Elsewhere, Russian airlines will temporarily suspend flights to Cuba after operating special return trips to bring home stranded tourists, the country's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said this week. Cuban authorities have warned airlines that the country has run out of jet fuel, forcing carriers to adjust operations. In recent days, Air Canada said it would send empty aircraft to repatriate about 3,000 clients and then suspend service to Cuba until at least March 11. Spanish carriers Iberia and Air Europa said they are monitoring the situation and offering ticket changes or adding refueling stops. Russia is Cuba's second-largest source of visitors after Canada, with about 131,000 travelers last year. The country has recommended its nationals not to travel to Cuba, considering that "actions from external forces, seeking the escalation of the energy crisis in Cuba" seeks, among other things, "the population's discontent and the discomfort of foreign citizens." Fuel shortages have also affected domestic activity. According to reports from Bloomberg , some beach resorts have closed due to gasoline shortages, interprovincial public transport has been reduced, and some schools have told staff to remain home. Originally published on Latin Times China News Service: The Foreign Ministry in recent years has held the Embracing the Chinese New Year special program around the Spring Festival annually extending festive greetings to overseas Chinese. Can you give us more details about this years special program? Lin Jian: This is the fourth consecutive year since 2023 that our Ministry and Chinese diplomatic missions worldwide have held the Embracing the Chinese New Year special program. The program is aimed to deliver the CPC Central Committees care for overseas Chinese, and organize cultural events that celebrate the festival and serve as cultural bridges. The program is warmly welcomed abroad. As we celebrate the Spring Festival, our thoughts turn all the more to Chinese people living abroad. The special program will continue to be held for this years Spring Festival. Our embassies and consulates around the world will visit overseas Chinese to extend festive greetings and hold various events to celebrate the Spring Festival. They are ready to invite more overseas Chinese and friends from around the world to take part and we expect the events to create great momentum for cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. We hope overseas Chinese will feel the warmth of their motherland and ancestral home in the festive season. We wish overseas Chinese around the world a happy and prosperous Year of the Horse! Bloomberg: Japan has said it seized a Chinese fishing vessel and arrested its captain after the ship entered the nations exclusive economic zone and sought to avoid inspection. We are wondering if the Foreign Ministry has any comments on this? Lin Jian: The Chinese government always asks Chinese fishermen to operate in accordance with laws and regulations. Meanwhile, China firmly protects their lawful rights and interests. China hopes that the Japanese side will strictly observe the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement, ensure impartial law enforcement and protect the safety of the Chinese crew and their lawful rights and interests. Hubei Media Group: Results of the general election in Barbados that came out on February 12 show that the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) claimed all the 30 seats in the House of Assembly, and incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the BLP Mia Mottley will serve another term as prime minister. What is Chinas comment? Lin Jian: China congratulates Prime Minister Mia Mottley on winning another term. Barbados is an important cooperation partner of China in the Caribbean. Over the past 49 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have achieved sound and steady growth. China stands ready to work with Barbados to continue deepening practical cooperation in various areas and bring the traditional friendly relations to a new level. The following question was raised after the press conference: Do you have any updates regarding the Chinese vessel seized by the Japanese side? Lin Jian: The Chinese Consulate General in Fukuoka is assisting with relevant Chinese crew members safe return. ************************************************** During the Spring Festival holiday, there will be no regular press conference from Monday, February 16 to Monday, February 23. The regular press conference will resume on Tuesday, February 24. During this period, questions can be submitted to the Spokespersons Office via fax, email or WeChat. This is the last regular press conference before the Spring Festival. With the Year of the Fire Horse just days away, we draw inspiration from the hallmark perseverance of the horse, and stand ready to work with you to continue presenting a warm and vibrant China as it is. My colleagues and I have prepared lucky pouches which embody a festive atmosphere and new year greetings for you. We wish you good fortune, great vigor and every success in the Year of the Horse! Few movie versions of Wuthering Heights have borne more than a passing resemblance to Emily Brontes stubbornly adaptation-proof novel. For one thing, nearly every screen version leaves out the books second half, the part where the seeds of intergenerational trauma sown in the first start to bring forth their bitter fruit. The novels plot is an intricate tangle of broken familial bonds and unholy alliances, told from several confusingly nested points of view. Combine this narrative density with the fact that every major character seems to share either a first or last name, making it necessary to maintain a mental org chart of all the Catherines, Heathcliffs, Earnshaws, and Lintons, and Wuthering Heights may be too much book to fit into a single movie. Its understandable why filmmakers taking on this thorny, defiantly strange book have chosen to concentrate on the first half, with its focus on the thwarted and destructive love between Catherine Earnshaw and the Cher-style one-namer Heathcliff, a foundling orphan brought home by Catherines father and raised alongside the young Cathy as a sort of ill-treated brother. Heathcliff and Cathys fierce attachment to one another goes beyond romantic love: at different points in the novel, it could be described as incestuous, adulterous, necrophiliac, and an act of defiance against the very notion of a cosmic order that separates the earthly from the divine. I am Heathcliff, Catherine avers in one of the books most famous passages, before making clear that, when she dies, she would prefer to spend eternity in neither heaven nor hell, but on the windswept moors that give the hilltop house of the title its name. Its too bad that, in lopping off the storys second half, the English writer-director Emerald Fennell has deprived herself of the chance to film the scene in which a grief-crazed Heathcliff opens up Cathys coffin so he can embrace the body that has lain underneath those moors for 17 years. Its hard to imagine a more Fennell-friendly image, perhaps because in her second movie, Saltburn, she has already filmed a bereaved man literally copulating with the still-loose dirt over the resting place of his beloved. Fennell is an unapologetic fan of the lurid, the Gothic, and the extremea quality that would make her well suited to tackle the weirdness of the second-to-youngest Bronte sisters only novel, if only she shared more of that authors other defining trait, a ferocious and wide-ranging moral intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alison Willmore of Vulture is probably right that Wuthering Heights is the best yet of Fennells three feature filmsalthough coming from me, that constitutes faint praise, given that I consider her debut, Promising Young Woman, to be so muddled in its exploration of revenge, consent, and rape culture as to be actively pernicious, and her sophomore outing, Saltburn, to be a stylish if hollow rehashing of overfamiliar tropes about class warfare lifted more or less directly from works like Brideshead Revisited and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Fennells commitment to maximalism and provocation, often at the expense of thematic coherence or basic narrative logic, is certainly fearless. She has said that the Wuthering Heights she is choosing to adapt is the one she read and loved at the age of 14hence her choice to render the title of her adaptation in quote marks. This postmodern punctuation makes it clear that the movie is less a screen version of the novel than a fanfic-style riff on its best-remembered if most-misunderstood storyline: the forbidden love between a brooding outcast and his impetuous, iron-willed darling. Advertisement Its aesthetic evokes a vintage romance book cover as reimagined by Lisa Frank. One element of Wuthering Heights the book that the teenage Fennell seems to have missed out on is the racial ambiguity of Heathcliffa matter of considerable interest to the other characters, who refer to him as a dark-skinned gipsy, a little Lascar (an English term for sailors of South Asian or Middle Eastern origin), and, jestingly, as the possible offspring of the Emperor of China and an Indian queen. Heathcliffs uncertain racial status and the stigma associated with it are arguably the primary reasons for his increasingly rage-driven relationship, not just with Catherine, but with the whole of the stratified social world that surrounds him. By deciding to cast the decidedly white Jacob Elordi, Fennell is certainly in keeping with a long cinematic traditionthe one that has, in the past, given this iconic (and Byronic) role to Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton, Timothy Dalton, Ralph Fiennes, and Tom Hardy. (A loose adaptation by Andrea Arnold in 2011 featured Black British actors as the teen and adult Heathcliff.) But in depriving the character of this key motivation for the revenge that powers the books story, Fennell leaves so many interesting ideas on the tableideas that would do far more to make this adaptation feel modern than any number of Charli XCX needle drops and blood-red latex dresses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But once youve accepted that Fennells interest lies less in exploring class and race relations in colonial-era England than in watching Jacob Elordi bale hay without a shirt on, theres fun to be found in this pulpy, carnal, proudly idiotic Wuthering Heights, with its Valentines Day weekend release date, its unabashedly horny tagline (Come undone), and its title font that appears to be made of lace. For better or worse, its a Bronte adaptation for the era of Instagram and TikTok, second screens and viral memes. When Catherine (Margot Robbie) races off to the moors to pleasure herself behind what turns out to be a not-so-private rock, or when she and Heathcliff spy on some servants in the barn engaged in erotic play with the bridles and whips, the intent is both to turn the audience on and to make us giggle at the characters (and the filmmakers) transgressions. The effectiveness of this maneuver wears off as it begins to become evident that its one of the only tricks in the directors bag. But more crucially, turning nearly all the novels shocking acts of cruelty into consensual kink scenarios sands down the storys edges and makes this little more than a tale of two hotties who, in their brief time together on Earth, really knew how to get down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fennell does grasp some key emotional truths about the characters: Though Elordis version of Heathcliff is, in my opinion, too open and vulnerable (perhaps an unavoidable consequence of casting the Frankenstein actor, whose whole 6-foot-5 body plan screams gentle giant), Robbies Cathy does get a chance to act out some of that hard-to-like characters monstrous selfishness. After weeping over the dead body of her father (Martin Clunes), a self-pitying alcoholic who took out his misery on the rest of the family, she stands up and gives the corpse a pair of swift kicks, a moment that made me laugh aloud in surprise and delight. Advertisement Like all of Fennells films to date, Wuthering Heights boasts an impressive level of craft and a novel design sensibility; its aesthetic evokes a vintage romance book cover as reimagined by Lisa Frank. There are images so elaborately composed they seem like deliberate camp, as when a heartbroken Heathcliff, seen in stark silhouette against a flame-red sky, leaps astride a horse to literally ride into the sunset. The costumes by the great Jacqueline Durran (Little Women, Peterloo, Barbie) are eye-poppingly original and shamelessly non-period, especially after Catherine marries Heathcliffs rival Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) and moves from the run-down farmhouse at the Heights to the Linton estate of Thrushcross Grange. In Fennells reading, this well-appointed Yorkshire home becomes a place of lavish, decadent wealth, an extravagant yet joyless mansion with decor as anachronistic as it is perplexing. Why is the mantelpiece over the fireplace encrusted with what appear to be hundreds of plaster casts of human hands? Why is the wallpaper in the room that Edgar creates for Catherine designed to resemble her skin, right down to the veining and freckles? This last Cronenbergian detail unfortunately never plays a role in the storythough Heathcliff does at one point lick the wallbut its one of the many triumphs of Suzie Davies production design. Advertisement In focusing so narrowly on Catherine and Heathcliffs doomed romance, Fennell does a disservice to one of the books most important and most opaque characters, the housekeeper Nelly Dean (played as a teenager by Vy Nguyen and as an adult by Hong Chau). Nelly is, in terms of sheer page count, the books primary narrator; her shifting alliances between the two feuding families make it hard to trust her version of the events she describes, yet she seems to be one of the few characters in the book capable of expressing real compassion. This Nelly functions mainly as an obstacle to Catherine and Heathcliffs adulterous assignations, and by the second half, she is essentially the villain, though one whose motives the script only hand-waves at: Is she jealous? A prude? Morally outraged on behalf of her kind, if gormless, boss? Advertisement The essence of this silly but crowd-pleasing Wuthering Heightsa movie that will be enjoyed by fans of Baz Luhrmann, and probably by those who swoon for Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinettecan be summed up in the moment when, warming up for a snogging session, Elordis Heathcliff uses Catherines corseta corset that, as weve been shown, is already laced so tight it leaves bloody marks on her fleshas a tool to lift her all the way up to his perfectly symmetrical face for a nice wet close-up kiss. There is the affectionate if slightly derogatory genre category of bodice-ripper, and then there is a bodice that does its own painful ripping, assisted by the hero and with the sadomasochistic heroines full and enthusiastic consent. What could have been a symbol of female oppression becomes a kinky sex accessory. Thats the Emerald Fennell difference. White House border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday that Operation Metro Surgethe controversial federal immigration enforcement operation that flooded Minnesota with thousands of agentsis coming to an end after 10 weeks marked by mass arrests, the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, widespread protests, and intense political confrontation. "I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude," Homan told reporters at a Thursday morning press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. "As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals." The announcement caps a turbulent chapter that saw more than 3,000 federal immigration agents descend on the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro areaa force five times larger than Minneapolis's entire police department of 600 officersresulting in approximately 4,000 arrests since operations began on November 29, 2025. The Drawdown Details Homan previously announced last week that 700 federal agents would immediately withdraw from Minnesota, reducing the federal presence from approximately 3,000 to around 2,000 officers. On Thursday, he confirmed that "a significant drawdown" of the remaining agents would begin immediately and continue through next week. Prior to Operation Metro Surge, only about 80-150 ICE officers were stationed in Minnesota under normal operations. While Homan indicated the state would not immediately return to that baseline, he said most agents deployed from other states would be sent home, with only "a small footprint of personnel" remaining temporarily to transition operations back to the local ICE field office and ensure "agitator activity" does not flare up again. Homan said he would personally remain in Minnesota "for a little longer" to oversee the transition and ensure a successful conclusion to the operation. Justification: "Unprecedented Cooperation" The border czar credited what he characterized as "unprecedented cooperation" from Minnesota state and local officials as the primary reason the massive federal presence was no longer necessary. He specifically praised Democratic Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and state Attorney General Keith Ellison for working with federal authorities despite their political differences and public criticism of the operation. "We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state at the time they're being released, like we've done in other states," Homan explained. "I've also directed the strategic placement of officers in certain areas throughout the state that respond quickly to sheriffs that want to release somebody and notify us." This jail-based coordination model allows ICE to take custody of targeted individuals when they're released from county facilities, eliminating the need for large teams of agents conducting street operations in residential neighborhoodsoperations that generated the confrontations, protests, and fatal encounters that characterized much of Operation Metro Surge. However, the claim of "unprecedented cooperation" faced immediate contradiction. Hours after Homan's announcement, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Officewhich includes Minneapolisissued a statement saying its "policy has not changed." "HCSO does not work with any agency on civil immigration enforcement," the office stated on its website. "That means we do not assist with or comply with any civil immigration requests from ICE." Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt had told CBS News earlier in the week she was open to "limited cooperation" with ICE on specific criminal cases, but maintained her office would not conduct civil immigration enforcement. She also revealed the operation had cost her already-understaffed department more than $500,000 in overtime expenses over two weeks, describing the period as "exhausting" for deputies deployed around federal buildings during protests. The Fatal Shootings The operation's trajectory changed dramatically following two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in January, incidents that sparked national outrage and raised serious questions about the operation's tactics and oversight. Renee Nicole Good, 37, a mother of young children, was shot and killed by federal agents on January 8 during what authorities described as a confrontation. Weeks later, on January 25, agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, 37, an ICU nurse at a local Veterans Affairs hospital, during another encounter with protesters. Both victims were U.S. citizens. Neither was an immigration enforcement target. Their deaths galvanized opposition to Operation Metro Surge and put enormous pressure on the Trump administration to change course. President Trump initially called Pretti's death "very unfortunate" and said he wanted to "de-escalate" the situation. However, by the following Friday, Trump called Pretti an "agitator and, perhaps, insurrectionist" in a post on Truth Social, illustrating the administration's conflicting messaging about the Minnesota operation. Following the second shooting, Trump replaced Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino with Homan, sending the border czar to Minneapolis to personally take control of the operation. Homan acknowledged Thursday that "there were some issues here" but insisted they had been addressed. As part of reforms, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal immigration agents in Minnesota would be equipped with body camerasequipment Homan said was now being funded and deployed. The Numbers: 4,000 Arrests, 200 Protest Arrests Federal authorities arrested approximately 4,000 people on immigration violations since Operation Metro Surge began on November 29, according to the Department of Homeland Security. However, officials have not provided a breakdown of how many arrestees had criminal charges beyond immigration violations. While the Trump administration characterized those arrested as "dangerous criminal illegal aliens," reports indicate many people with no criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens, were also detained during the operation. This discrepancy between administration rhetoric and operational reality became a point of significant criticism. Additionally, federal authorities arrested more than 200 people for allegedly impeding the work of law enforcement officers during protests and demonstrations. These arrests included protesters at a church service led by a pastor who is allegedly also an ICE agent, as well as former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who was covering the event. Lemon's attorney said his client would plead not guilty to the charges. Political Reactions: Victory Declarations and Continued Criticism Political responses to the operation's end split predictably along partisan and jurisdictional lines, with Minnesota Democratic officials declaring partial victory while pressing for complete withdrawal. Governor Tim Walz posted on social media: "Operation Metro Surge is not making Minnesota safer. Today's announcement is a step in the right direction, but we need a faster and larger drawdown of forces, state-led investigations into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and an end to this campaign of retribution." Walz had told reporters Tuesday he expected the surge to end "in days, not weeks and months" based on conversations with senior Trump administration officials, including Homan and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. He characterized the operation as an "occupation" and a "retribution campaign" against Minnesota. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who said he had a "positive meeting" with Homan on Monday, responded to Thursday's announcement by writing on social media: "They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation. These patriots of Minneapolis are showing that it's not just about resistancestanding with our neighbors is deeply American." In a statement, Frey noted: "The drawdown and body-worn cameras are a step in the right direction, but 2,000 ICE officers still here is not de-escalation. My message to the White House has been consistentOperation Metro Surge has been catastrophic for our residents and businesses. It needs to end immediately." Attorney General Keith Ellison, testifying simultaneously before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington, sharply criticized the federal operation. "The surge is contributing to violent crime," he said. "Two of the three homicides committed in Minneapolis in 2026 have come at the hands of federal immigration agents." Mass Deportations Continue Despite ending the Minnesota surge, Homan emphasized that the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement priorities remain unchanged and that efforts to achieve "mass deportations" would continue nationwide. "President Trump made a promise of mass deportation, and that's what this country is going to get," Homan told reporters. "For those who say we are backing down from immigration enforcement or the promise of mass deportations, you are simply wrong. Nothing changed, other than we make sure they're targeted and make sure we know who we're going for, what their immigration record was, their criminal history." He reiterated that immigration enforcement operations would continue daily throughout the country, adding: "If you're in this country illegally, you're not off the table." Homan also insisted that while ICE agents had not gone into churches or schools to make arrests during the Minnesota operation, "those locations are not off the table" for future enforcement actions. He declared "zero tolerance" for residents interfering with immigration authorities' work. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced this message, stating: "Tom Homan's commitment to draw down forces in Minneapolis today follows these achievements and the new, unprecedented cooperation from state and local officials in Minnesota." Impact on Universities and Communities Operation Metro Surge's conclusion comes as relief to Minnesota's academic institutions, which saw international students, faculty, and staff living under heightened anxiety for more than two months. The University of Minnesota and other institutions in the Twin Cities area had issued advisories to international community members about their rights and resources available if encountered by immigration agents. The operation strained town-gown relationships as universities tried to support affected community members while navigating complex legal and political terrain. Some faculty and student groups organized or participated in protests, raising questions about academic institutions' roles in immigration policy disputes. Todd Barnette, Minneapolis's community safety commissioner, told WCCO that residents and visitors remained afraid during the surge. "I hear from people daily about how Operation Metro Surge has upended their lives," he said. Educational institutions also watched with concern as lawsuits challenged the Trump administration's immigration policies affecting schools. Fridley Public Schools, Duluth Public Schools, and Education Minnesota sued the Department of Homeland Security, arguing DHS didn't follow proper rulemaking procedures when it rescinded a policy designating schools as protected areas where immigration enforcement should be severely limited. The Fraud Investigation Continues While Operation Metro Surge focused on immigration enforcement, it was initially triggered by conservative media attention to allegations of daycare fraud involving Somali immigrants in Minnesota. Homan indicated that investigations into fraud would continue even as the immigration surge ends, suggesting some federal presence might remain to combat financial crimes separate from deportation operations. The fraud allegations involved claims that individuals exploited childcare assistance programs, though the connection between those investigations and the massive immigration enforcement operation remained unclear throughout the surge. A Government Lawyer Removed In a related development, a Justice Department lawyer who told a federal judge during a court hearing that her job "sucks" was removed from her post, according to a person familiar with the matter. Julie Le had been working for DOJ on detail during the surge, and her removal illustrated the high-pressure environment and internal tensions the operation created within federal agencies. Lessons and Looking Forward Operation Metro Surge will likely be studied for years as a case study in immigration enforcement, federal-state relations, use of force policies, and the limits of aggressive enforcement tactics in politically divided jurisdictions. The operation demonstrated that the Trump administration could rapidly mobilize thousands of federal agents to a specific location and conduct mass arrests. However, it also revealed the political, operational, and public relations costs of such tactics: fatal encounters with U.S. citizens, massive protests, lawsuits, strained relationships with local authorities, and ultimately the need to withdraw after achieving unclear results relative to the resources deployed. For Minnesota, the operation's end brings partial relief but leaves lasting questions about accountability for the two fatal shootings, the legal status of the thousands arrested, and whether federal-state relationships can be repaired after what Governor Walz called a "retribution campaign." For the Trump administration, the Minnesota experience may inform future enforcement operationsthough whether the lessons learned lead to more cautious or more aggressive tactics in other jurisdictions remains to be seen. As Homan departed Minneapolis after nearly three weeks personally running the operation, he left behind a state still processing the trauma and disruption of 10 weeks under what many residents characterized as federal occupation, while insisting the administration's commitment to "mass deportations" nationwide continued unabated. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. There are many things for Europeans to worry about as they watch the Trump administration blow up the international order. There is the chaos of having international markets careening around the whims of one man. There is the ominous talk from an aggressive superpower lusting over Greenland. There is the catastrophic dismantling of efforts to rally the world to address the climate crisis. But for certain European countries, Donald Trump poses a threat that taps into a more intimate and sickeningly primal fear: that Americans will force-feed them our disgusting chicken. Specifically, our chlorine chicken, Europes term for American chemically washed poultry. EXCLUSIVE: UK-US Trade Deal: Keep Your Chlorine Chicken America, Britain Must Not Pay This Price, read one British headline from May. Dont Like the Idea of Chlorinated Chicken? You Aint Seen Nothing Yet, read another. The panic over chlorine chicken is a noble British tradition that reappears every time the public considers the prospect of deepening its economic entanglement with the U.S. This particular European bogeyman dates back to 2014, when the U.S. and the European Union were negotiating a trans-Atlantic trade agreement. All the European countries shared the U.S. poultry aversion at the time: Germany calls it, were happy to report, chlorhuhnchen. But the U.K. has more justification for its fears these days, as Brexit left its regulations more open to adjustment. Now, the nation is in the grip of its latest chicken panic: British media have reported that the Trump administration is once again pressuring the U.K. to concede some of its food standards. In December, the Telegraph reported an alarming story with the headline White House Demands British Supermarkets Stock Chlorinated Chicken. According to the report, it all came down to a $40 billion technology agreement the White House had scrapped with the U.K. That failed deal was part of a cluster of agreements between the two nations meant to supplement the larger deal from May, which had excluded some economic sectors. The tech deal would have set terms for the nations collaboration over artificial intelligence and quantum computing. But in December, the White House quashed the deal, citing displeasure with the U.K.s online safety rules, its digital services taxand, strangely, food safety rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Telegraph described the negotiations, the U.S. trade envoy had been quite pointed about the food safety matter, particularly as it related to poultry and beef. Even though the deal had nothing to do with food, if the country wanted to revive itsomething that promised significant investment from the U.S.it would need to get over its squeamishness. The British people dont care for this. According to the British agricultural press, more than 150,000 Brits have since signed petitions urging their supermarket chains to publicly rule out chlorinated chicken. The angst lingers into the new year. It appears that the British public is realizing that fending the chlorine chicken off once doesnt mean it wont pop right back up as a matter of debate: As Trump has continued to toy with the global financial order, American unpredictability has changed the nature of this particularly British anxiety. No longer does the poultry panic emerge just for agricultural trade deals; Trump has made chlorinated chicken a permanent low-level threat, a dark, feathered cloud hovering over the British Isles. Thanks to Trumps reputation for capriciousness, the great poultry panic may just be here to stay. Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, chlorine is not a fully accurate word to describe American chicken; per the National Chicken Council, less than 5 percent of American chicken is treated with chlorine. Nowadays, the industry uses more effective cleaners, such as peracetic acid, a kind of all-purpose antimicrobial agent used in hospital cleaners, produce washes, and meat processing. The data remain unclear as to whether the American method is actually that much worse, but the problem is more one of the general imagination: In the British mind, their chickens (and all other livestock) are dutifully cared for in sanitary, healthy conditions from birth to slaughter, keeping them disease-free from the start. Our chickens, on the other hand, are treated abominably, packed in tightly with their germy brethren, raised in squalor, pumped with hormones, and only made clean at the end. Its a matter of washing off the filthwith unnatural chemicals, at thatversus never picking up the filth in the first place. This picture gives the Brits the heebie-jeebies. Its not a fully accurate picture, as the British do still have factory farms, but its true that their standards for animal welfare are higher and that they dont use nearly as many antibiotics. And its also true that their food safety philosophy about keeping away contamination at all stages is entirely different from the American fix-it-later mentality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was this cultural gag reflex that caused the specter of American chicken to become a major point of contention during Brexit, when people became worried the renegotiated trade deals would make their own food-safety attitudes vulnerable to assault from our populations street-rat standards. Indeed, the U.S. tried: In 2019, BuzzFeed News reported that the first Trump administration was offering to pay up to $92,000 to have British journalists brought in on a tour of U.S. farms, with the goal of addressing misconceptions about chlorinated chicken. The Brits warded off the American chicken then, but only after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the leader of the Labour Party a gigantic chlorinated chicken. Then, as now, everyone across all ideological lines feared the chicken; accusing political opponents of being soft on chlorine chicken is a legitimate attack. When Nigel Farage, a Trump ally, argued that the U.K. should allow chlorinated chicken (the British already ate questionable chicken from Thailand, he argued), it was a minor scandal. In 2023, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak solemnly vowed there would be no chlorine-washed chicken and no hormone-treated beef on the U.K. market. Not now, not ever. Advertisement Related From Slate The Olympic Hockey Tournament Is About to Get Very Trumpy Read More But the Americans have fought for the chicken. Most recently, when the U.S. and U.K. negotiated a new trade deal last spring, the Trump White House did, indeed, try to bully the country into adjusting its food standards. The White House called them non-science-based standards that severely restrict U.S. exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products. (Headlines: Trump Tells UK to Buy Their Chlorinated Chicken if They Want Tariff Relief.) White House adviser Peter Navarro tried to assert that the Brits were missing out on a very fine American agricultural product, and we dont believe that once they taste American beef and chicken that they would prefer not to have it. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had to reassure the public that the government wouldnt budge on this, and thanks to pressure from constituents, it didnt. But this bowel-clenching British fear didnt simply disappear. Trump has continued to harangue the country about food standards, even after the Brits thought theyd struck a chlorine-free deal less than a year ago. And thats the bigger problem: Alliances depend on trust, and the U.S. can no longer be trusted to keep its wordeven when it comes to not forcing our icky chicken on Europeans. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. It has been a year since J.D. Vance went to Europe and chose (rhetorical) violence. At the Munich Security Conference last February, the vice president described Europes greatest threat as one from within, chiding its leadership for suppressing national speech and political participation, especially of anti-immigrant, anti-EU movements. Vances hostility, combined with some hypocrisy, shocked leaders: Theyd expected a lecture from the incoming administration, but maybe on defense spending. Instead, Vances position suggested a more profound rupture in the trans-Atlantic relationship, one where the U.S.s commercial tech interests and ideological affinity for Europes far right were coalescing into a broader attack on European sovereignty. In the year since, the rift has widened, as the Trump administration and its allies have found common cause with Europes far right. In early February, the House GOP Judiciary Committee accused Europe of a decade-long campaign to censor the global internet, including by using its regulatory power to silence political opposition. European far-right leaders and political parties seized on these claims. So maybe without interference of the EU we could have won the elections in 2025, Geert Wilders, the leader of Party of Freedom, a Dutch far-right party, wrote on X. Its part of a broader effort between the MAGA movement, including Donald Trump and his allies, and the European populist right to frame the European Union as stifling free speech, particularly on U.S. tech platforms. Prominent voices in American Big Tech, most notably Elon Musk, have long opposed Europes attempts at moderating these platforms, and that has converged with the Trump administrations deepening antagonism toward the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, American and European leaders are back in Munich starting Friday, with even more baggage between them: defense, Ukraine, tariffs, Trumps designs on Greenland. All, or just one, could be fatal for a nearly 80-year partnership. But the U.S.s push against what it perceives as censorship points to a more foundational break, one where the U.S. is more openly hostile to the European project and is actively seeking to destabilize European governance. In the past, people talked about how the liberal democratic shared value base was a glue for the trans-Atlantic relationship, even at times when perhaps strategic interests were diverging, said Leonard A. Schutte, an international security program fellow at the Harvard Belfer Center. Now we have divergent strategic interests and a diverging ideological value base. Im extremely worried about the future of the trans-Atlantic relationship given those two fundamental forces. Advertisement There are two components to these diverging ideological values. The first is a U.S. and European divide on how to manage tech and social platforms, including content moderation, data transparency, and privacy rules. This kind of policy split is not unusual, and past U.S. administrationsincluding Obama and Trump Isometimes pushed back against Europes efforts to rein in American tech companies. But this Trump administration has framed such regulations as illiberal suppression of political speech and populist opposition movements. That has turned a divergence on how the European Union does tech policy into a more sweeping indictment of how Europe does democracy. Advertisement The particular boogeyman of the moment is the Digital Services Act, which fully went into effect in 2024, and broadly regulates large internet platformslike Musks X or Metas Facebookby asking those giants to remove content that would be illegal under EU or national laws, while also putting in procedures for users to challenge decisions. It pushes for greater accountability on things like advertising practices. Musk has declared all-out war on the DSA, in part because X came under the laws scrutiny pretty quickly. In December, X was fined 120 million euros for violations after an investigation around the lack of transparency around who now had blue check-mark accounts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the fine on Musks X an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments. The days of censoring Americans online are over. Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Peek, the director of the Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative of the Atlantic Councils Scowcroft Center, and former senior director for Europe and Russia on the National Security Council under Trump, said that many in the administration and close to it are scarred from the COVID-19 pandemic and the politics around it, which they saw as a time of government overreach that shut down dissenting views on social media. This really resonates very deeply, this systemic concern with political freedom and how easily its snuffed out, Peek said. I dont want to sound hyperbolicbecause it does sound hyperbolicbut I think this is legitimate. This is the way people feel. Advertisement Advertisement For a U.S. looking at Europe, Peek added, it is perceived by us as an external interference in national elections and national politics, usually to the detriment of what the Trump administration would see as ideologically simpatico groups. Advertisement Across Europe, freedom-of-speech laws are less absolutist than in the U.S., including a stricter approach to hate speech, born out of its history from World War II. But MAGA and those simpatico groups in Europe claim that is making them a target for their legitimate views, particularly on migration. The European right-wing parties have tried to frame this, and the U.S. fight against increased platform regulation in Europe, as a fight against their positionsas a fight against their political combat to gain power, said Jacob Ross, research fellow at the European Center at the German Council on Foreign Relations. Ross said the MAGA movements, including parts of the administration, and certain European right-wing movements (like Germanys Alternative fur Deutschland) or those in power (like Hungarys Viktor Orban) see themselves aligned in wanting to change the trans-Atlantic and the Western status quo. Thats an ideological common ground that exists and that certain elements of the U.S. government try to exploit, he said, though he added it can get a bit awkward when the U.S. does thingslike threaten to invade Greenlandthat put these nationalistic parties in a tough spot. That forced many European right-wing populists to distance themselves, to underline that they have their countrys interests in mind, European interests in mind, Ross said, while at the same time still hoping for some kind of support, certainly through the networks, and maybe money-wise as well, from these U.S. forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riccardo Alcaro, research coordinator and head of the global actors program at the Istituto Affari Internazionali, said that wing of MAGAmost closely associated with Vance and tech bros, like Musk, and Vance ally Peter Thielsee Europe as an object of almost resentful nostalgia, because they believe it is betraying its cultural, religious (meaning Christian), and ethnic roots. Or as the White Houses National Security Strategy put it: We want Europe to remain European, to regain its civilizational self-confidence, and to abandon its failed focus on regulatory suffocation. Linking regulation and civilization makes this existential for MAGA and its right-wing allies in Europe. That will likely make it harder for the U.S. to work constructively with Europe on legitimate concerns about, say, the regulatory burdens or even on censorship of political speech. Critics, for example, have raised concerns about its approach to disinformation during emergencies. But the United States is deploying a blunt, all-or-nothing approach. It sanctioned a former EU official that the State Department called the mastermind behind the DSA. The Financial Times reported that the State Department will fund MAGA-aligned think tanks, including to help undermine the DSA. Bram Vranken, a researcher and campaigner at the Corporate Europe Observatory, noted that Big Tech, including Meta and Google, have increased their lobbying of far-right groups in the European parliament. Theyre building a bridge between the Trump administration and the European far right, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This leaves the European Union and many of its leaders in another impossible bind, not unlike the one its facing on its defense amid the Trump administrations flagging commitment to NATO and the presidents desire to coerce an ally to hand over its territory. When it comes to tech, as with defense, Europe is deeply, deeply reliant on American services. The European Digital SME Alliance, a trade group, said almost 80 percent of Europes digital tech is imported. What is more, Americas increasing hostility is raising concerns that if the U.S. took aggressive actionover Greenland, sayit could potentially wield that tech dependency as leverage, cutting off access and crippling European critical infrastructure. Advertisement Related From Slate Republicans Have Found the Real Victims of Trumps Effort to Build Mass Immigrant Detention Centers Read More What [the Trump] administration has done is that they have really created a kind of Sputnik moment, where the Europeans realize now that this decoupling, or de-risking, from American technology is inevitable, said Anu Bradford, a leading scholar on EU regulation at Columbia Law School. Advertisement But this realization comes with another: Right now, Europe has few alternatives. France announced that a French videoconferencing platform will replace American services for its government departments, but with the target date of 2027, according to ABC News. Aura Salla, member of the European Parliament from Finland in the European Peoples Party, said there is a growing acceptance that Europe needs technological sovereignty. But, she added, it will take time. Advertisement Europe has been a very, very good market for American tech, which underscores the risk of the Trump administrations blunt use of leverage with its European partners. Yet Europe isnt a market Big Tech will quietly walk away from, either. Evelyn Austin, the executive director of Bits of Freedom, an Amsterdam-based digital rights organization, put it this way: Reliance brings problemsand getting out of that reliance brings risks. Austin said she thinks Europe should identify this reliance as a national security threat, which might empower countries to accelerate that decoupling. What I find really daunting is the consequences or implications of that, Austin said. Youre walking into a very, very conflictual relationship with the U.S.and that terrifies me. But Im not sure if theres any way around it. Arent we actually already there? Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. It is one thing for a state to say that it is dedicated to doing justice in capital cases. It is quite another for them to turn those commitments into action. All too frequently, in those cases, words dont govern actions. We say we are in favor of equal treatment but stand by while race shapes the fates of those accused of capital crimes. We say that we will not punish cruelly, but use methods of execution that impose unnecessary suffering on those we execute. Earlier this month, Charles Flores filed a petition in the United States Supreme Court offering it the chance to change that by saying that Texas has to fulfill promises it has made to death row inmates. In his case, he wants to take advantage of a law that allows death row inmates to prove they were falsely convicted and are actually innocent. The court should hear his case and require the Lone Star State to follow its own laws. Charles Flores was convicted of the January 1998 killing of Betty Black during an attempted robbery. Right from the start, he has maintained his innocence. His co-defendant, Richard Childs, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. He was released on parole in 2016. One of the witnesses who helped convict Flores was Jill Barganier, Betty Blacks neighbor, who insisted at Flores trial that she was 100 percent sure she had seen him enter Blacks house the morning she was killed. Her testimony proved to be decisive in securing his conviction since there was no physical evidence tying Flores to the murder. We know that eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. In addition, the neighbors testimony was tainted in several ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, on the day of the crime, she told police that two white men with long hair and similar builds got out of a car, a purple and pink Volkswagen Bug, and entered Blacks garage. She then picked a white male with long hair out as the driver she had seen. But Flores looks nothing like that man. He is Hispanic, not white, and at the time that Black died, he had shaved hair and was overweight. Bargainer also helped a police artist create a composite sketch of the men whom she saw enter Blacks house. It looked nothing like Flores. To top it all off, she did not pick a picture of Flores out of an array of photos. So how could she go from all that to being sure Flores was involved in Blacks killing? She was helped along by what is called investigative hypnosis. A 1979 article published in the journal Detective describes it as a technique used to obtain vital information that may have been forgotten. Even then, though, the publication cautioned that all leads developed through hypnosis should be verified with supporting physical or testimonial evidence and investigative conclusion should not be based solely on hypnotically obtained information. Advertisement Advertisement Since that article was published, investigative hypnosis has been shown to be completely unreliable. Instead of improving memory, the Christian Science Monitor notes, hypnosis may only manipulate it. That seems to have been the case with Barganier. During her hypnosis, the police asked her if one of the men she had seen had short, shaved hair. During the hypnosis session, Barganier again described the man she saw driving the car as having long, wavy dark-blond hair. The hypnotist then asked her about the passenger and urged her to focus on his hair. She said it was a lot like his friends, and clarified: dark, long. Advertisement Just relax, the hypnotist said, take a deep breath, take the time you need. Can you tell me how long his hair is? Does he have it neatly cut, or is it trimmed? That is a classic example of a suggestive question. Even without such overt leading of a witness, courts in many places, including Florida, one of Americas leading death penalty states, have questioned the reliability of statements procured by way of hypnosis. A California court explained the danger of investigative hypnosis this way. Someone subject to hypnosis will lose his critical judgment and begin to credit memories that were formerly viewed as unreliable will confuse actual recall with confabulation and will be unable to distinguish between the two, and will exhibit an unwarranted confidence in the validity of his ensuing recollection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Texas recognized that such defects were present in investigative hypnosis. It joined a majority of jurisdictions, which ban post-hypnotic testimony. The Texas criminal code now says that a statement made during or after investigative hypnosis is not admissible against a defendant in a criminal trial, whether offered in the guilt or innocence phase or the punishment phase of the trial, if the hypnotic session giving rise to the statement was performed by a law enforcement agency to investigate the offense that is the subject of the trial. But it was not made to apply to cases in which someone had already been convicted at the time was passed. That in itself should raise red flags. A state decides that a kind of evidence is so unreliable that it should not be used in any criminal case, but is willing to see someone put to death when that kind of evidence was used to convict him. What kind of justice is that? Advertisement Crucially, the issue facing the Supreme Court is whether Texas is obliged to revisit this case. Texas has passed laws specifically designed to protect innocent people from wrongful execution. They allow prisoners to return to court by filing a writ of habeas corpus and present evidence of their innocence. Advertisement Advertisement It also has a law on the books allowing courts to use a lower standard of proof in cases involving junk science. Flores wants to take advantage of those laws. As he points out in his petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, he has asked the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to allow him the chance to prove that he is in fact innocent of the crime for which Texas seeks to execute him. But, he contends, the TCCA has repeatedly and arbitrarily barred these efforts without explanation. By doing so, the court is, in essence, nullifying state law and depriving him of the state-created liberty interest upon which he seeks to rely. Advertisement Due process, his petition observes, demands more than unexplained summary dismissal in response to a substantial threshold showing of actual innocence. This case and the question it presents are exceptionally important: whether a state law enacted to safeguard against executing the innocent, when rendered illusory in practice, offends the federal right to due process. Once a right is established through state law, Flores argues, a deprivation of the right implicates federal procedural due process protection. He accuses the state of gratuitously barring credibly innocent prisoners on death row from proving their innocence. This Court, he adds, should grant certiorari to clarify that the constitutional guarantee of due process prohibits state courts employing arbitrary or irrational procedures to foreclose even making the case of innocence. It should. More than 50 years ago, the Supreme Court recognized what it called statutory entitlements. As Justice William Brennan put it, when the state creates a right for a class of individuals, it may not deny an individual seeking to exercise that right without procedural due process. Quoting an earlier case, he noted, The fundamental requisite of due process of law is the opportunity to be heard. That is all Charles Flores is asking for, an opportunity to be heard on a life-and-death matter. If the Supreme Court does not give him that chance, it will add to the long list of instances when the law promises one thing but doesnt deliver it to death row inmates. Ben Shelton demonstrated resilience and elite shot-making Thursday at the Nexo Dallas Open, advancing to his 25th tour-level quarterfinal. The ranked No. 9 in the PIF ATP Rankings, edged past French left-hander Adrian Mannarino 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 6-3 in a gripping two-hour, 40-minute battle. Momentum Swings and Turning Points According to ATP News, the contest featured dramatic momentum shifts, including a 29-shot rally in the opening-set tiebreak and a dazzling no-look, between-the-legs winner from Mannarino. Shelton saved multiple set points behind booming serves before seizing control in the third set. His return game was pivotal in the decider, where he won 52% of return points, a sharp increase from 32% and 31% in the first two sets. With the victory, Shelton improved his Head2Head record against Mannarino to 32, flipping the series in his favor. Quarterfinal Picture Takes Shape Shelton will next face Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals. Kecmanovic defeated the fifth seed Tommy Paul, 5-7, 6-4,6-4 in the Round of 16 match. Elsewhere, defending champion Denis Shapovalov moved on with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 win over Aleksandar Kovacevic, not facing a single break point. Shapovalov will meet third seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the next round. Cilic Reaches 600-Win Milestone Marin Cilic marked a major career milestone, earning his 600th tour-level win with a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Ethan Quinn. The Croatian advanced to his 123rd tour-level quarterfinal, second among active players only to Novak Djokovic. Cilic will face British qualifier Jack Pinnington Jones, who battled to a 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4) win to reach his first tour-level quarterfinal. The former Texas Christian University standout continues his breakthrough run with momentum firmly on his side. Originally published on sportsworldnews.com Square Deal switched tactics to a front-end approach and captured the $34,247 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace at Ballys Dover on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Driver Tony Morgan and Square Deals strategy in their recent starts had been to leave quickly then save ground along the pylons, but not on Wednesday. Morgan and Square Deal wanted the lead and got it but were parked out by Factory Girl (Tim Tetrick) through the opening quarter in :26.4. Factory Girl, the even-money favourite, finally chose to accept the pocket and cede control at the first station. Square Deal sped to the half in :55 unopposed, but midway up the backstretch, Ballast (Corey Callahan) kicked off a first-over rush with Racin Hungry (Pat Berry) taking the second-over tow. Square Deal continued on the engine and flew to the three-quarters in 1:23, then held off Factory Girl by three-quarters of a length in the stretch, completing the mile in 1:52. Jett Propelled (Jason Thompson) finished third off a ground-saving trip. Willard Reynolds trains Square Deal, who is now 24-for-78 lifetime. The six-year-old daughter of Heston Blue Chip-Fourbyfour Hanover is owned by Mark Howard of Federalsburg, Md. She returned $6.60 to her backers. There will be a superfecta carryover worth $1,478 and a Pick-4 carryover of $1,085 to Thursday nights card at Dover. The feature event on Thursday will be the 10th-race $27,500 USD Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace, in which Downers Delight will look to make it three straight wins. He will contend with nemesis Muskateer Hanover and sharp veteran Itsrockandroll A. (With files from Bally's Dover) Phoenix Rising did the heaviest lifting in the $12,329 distaff pacing feature at Rosecroft Raceway on Thursday, Feb. 12 through a long first-over grind but ultimately shared top honours with Peace Talks, who fanned off live cover for driver Jonathan Roberts to force a dead heat and give her driver one of his five wins on the night. Oh Ophelia (driven by Roger Plante Jr.) drilled a :26.4 first quarter before pulling the half back to :58. With a circuit to go, 19-1 shot Phoenix Rising (Corey Braden) angled out of fifth and steadily advanced in the breeze up the backstretch with 1-5 favourite Peace Talks latching onto live cover. Oh Ophelia rose to Phoenix Rising's challenge and accelerated through a :28 third quarter, only to be worn down off the corner for home as Phoenix Rising edged clear. Peace Talks found her fastest gear in mid-stretch and lifted to meet Phoenix Rising at the winning post for a shared 1:54.2 victory. Oh Ophelia held third, beaten 4-1/4 lengths. Michael Hall trains Peace Talks, a five-year-old American Ideal-Triple V Hanover mare who paid $2.10 to win, for John Littleton Jr. Trainer Franklin Gannon III shares ownership of Phoenix Rising, a six-year-old Movie Idol-Scarlet Pandemic mare who paid $9.20 to win, with Elizabeth Gannon. Peace Talks' shared win in the distaff feature gave Roberts one of five driving wins on the 13-race card. The 45-year-old reinsman teamed up with Hall to win with Wise Professor (1:56.1, $2.10) and Villannah (1:56.2, $7), and he also won with Bib Roberts trainee Judge Bob (1:57.1, $3.60) and Johnny Crites Jr. trainee Miss Chantilly N (1:56.3, $5.40). Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Monday (Feb. 16) with a 13-race card and a $14,378.42 carryover in the 50-cent Jackpot Hi-5, offered in the final race. First post is 7:15 p.m. (EST). (with files from Rosecroft) After a lot of online speculation, Netflix has made it clear when "The WONDERfools," a new Korean drama starring ASTRO member and actor Cha Eunwoo, will be released. On February 11, the streaming giant spoke out about the issue, putting to rest rumors that the show would start on May 15. The project is part of Netflix's larger second-quarter content lineup, and it has gotten more attention in the last few weeks. Koreaboo reports that Netflix issued an official statement to refute any false information circulating about the show's debut. The outlet said that speculation had grown on social media and in online communities. Netflix said in its response, "The May 15th release date has not been confirmed." The company's statement made it clear that "The WONDERfools" was already announced as part of its upcoming schedule, but the exact dates have not yet been set. There was no other timeline given. READ: Cha Eunwoo's Tax Case Could Lead to Up to 50 Billion WonFines and Jail Time: 'Make an Example of Him' Cha Eunwoo stars in the comedy-adventure series "WONDERfools," along with Park Eun Bin, Choi Dae Hoon, and other actors. Fans of Korean dramas are excited about this show on Netflix due to its genre and the cast. Cha Eunwoo's recent tax evasion scandal has, however, affected the conversation about the series. Insight said that the actor's uncertain situation has raised questions about when his projects will be released. The outlet also talked about a change that surprised many fans. Insight saw that his Instagram account, which he had reportedly used to post his official schedules, was gone. The account's disappearance led to more online speculation, with some fans wondering if it meant that "The WONDERfools'" promotional activities would change in the future. Neither Netflix nor the production team has publicly said that the clarification about the release date is related to the controversy. Netflix still says that there is no confirmed premiere date at this time. As people keep talking about the Korean drama and Cha Eunwoo's ongoing scandal, fans are waiting for more official news about when the series will be released. READ MORE: Cha Eun Woo Suddenly Dropped From Shinhan Bank Ads After Replacing Kim Soo Hyun as $13.7 Million Tax Evasion Allegations Mount Vingroup-backed VinSpace has new CEO in push for small satellite ambitions By Hai Yen Fri, February 13, 2026 | 7:58 pm GMT+7 VinSpace, a newly-established aerospace company backed by Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, has named Vu Trong Thu as its general director, according to a recent regulatory filing. The companys chairwoman remains Nguyen Mai Hoa, a senior figure within the Vingroup ecosystem who also serves as chair of VinRobotics. Vu Trong Thu was honored as one of Vietnams Top 10 Outstanding Young Faces in 2011. Photo courtesy of Giao Duc & Thoi Dai (Education & Time) newspaper. Thu is a well-known name in Vietnams aerospace and space-technology community. He was named among Vietnams Top 10 Outstanding Young Faces in 2011 while heading the space research division at FPT Technology Research Institute under FPT University. He gained prominence as a key contributor to F-1, Vietnams first nano-satellite developed by tech giant FPT, which was launched into orbit in 2012. The CubeSat project received support from multiple institutions, including Vietnams Ministry of Science and Technology, the International Astronautical Federation, and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. The F-1 satellite was designed to operate in low Earth orbit, transmit signals to a ground station, capture low-resolution images of Earth and relay data at a speed of 1,200 bits per second. Recruitment materials circulating in Vietnam describe VinSpace as a technology company developing Made in Vietnam CubeSat platforms, signalling ambitions to enter the small-satellite segment as part of the countrys broader push into high-tech and space-related industries. VinSpace was incorporated on November 3, 2025, with a charter capital of VND300 billion ($11.55 million). Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong is the largest shareholder with a 71% stake. Vingroup holds 19%, while Vuongs sons, Pham Nhat Quan Anh and Pham Nhat Minh Hoang, each own 5%, according to the filing. The leadership appointment comes as Vingroup continues to expand beyond property, retail, and electric vehicles into advanced technology sectors, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and now aerospace, as Vietnam seeks to build domestic capabilities in strategic industries. The CBI programme is sold as an investment in alternative citizenship options which provides immediate benefits and long-term value, offering greater flexibility, asset diversification, and reduced exposure to economic volatility. (Photo of English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda) As promised, the New Democratic Party government will launch a Citizenship by Investment Programme by the middle of this year. Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dr. Godwin Friday said during the 2026 Budget presentation that the economic vulnerabilities, particularly the high and recurring costs of climate resilience, coupled with the fiscal risks of relying solely on traditional debt, demanded a strategic and non-traditional approach to capital mobilisation. "It is in this context that I announce Governments firm intention to launch a Citizenship by Investment Programme, Dr. Friday told Parliament. "Let me be clear from the outset: this will not be a revenue-at-all-costs programme. It will be a sovereign capital mobilisation strategy, designed to strengthen national resilience, reduce debt dependence and finance long-term development, and it will be built on a foundation of uncompromising integrity, the Prime Minister emphasised. No to CBI But Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as he has done all along, expressed strong opposition to the implementation of such a programme, saying that he objected to it because of its security considerations, its unsustainability, recklessness and its threat in undermining democracy. "My arguments on those are well known, but in every single CBI country, as far as I know, foreign currency coming in from CBI is being reduced, the external account is getting weaker, Gonsalves said. He cited the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Drew as saying that the receipts from that countrys CBI programme had fallen by 43 percent between 2020 and 2025. He referenced the inherent risk for source countries of Europe, North America, the United Kingdom. Further he said the consequence for the Currency Union was if the money fell, the extent of the external account will also get worse. "What are you going to withdraw some EC dollars from circulation so you can keep the one to one with the limited foreign exchange you got or with the limited foreign exchange? The only thing for the CBI according to Gonsalves was for the countries already selling passports to get together and acknowledge that the end is nigh. As it stands, OECS countries which operate CBI programmes are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, under whose administration relations with Cuba intensified, was moved to question whether the new administration had been pressured into taking this action. The Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has asked the government to state whether its decision to phase out Cuban District Medical Officers, was done in adherence to the United Sates Monroe Doctrine a U.S. foreign policy dating back to the 19th Century that asserted that countrys supremacy over the Western Hemisphere. In his 2026 Budget presentation, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday announced that government had made the decision to hire four local Medical Officers to replace Cuban District Medical Officers. According to Dr. Friday, this was to address issues related to language barriers and to reduce foreign staffing costs. The prime minister did say, however, that such individuals would be redeployed elsewhere within the medical sector. But in addressing the issue briefly in his response to the Budget presentation on February 10, the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, asked the government to state whether its decision to phase out Cuban District Medical Officers, was done in adherence to the United Sates Monroe Doctrine a U.S. foreign policy dating back to the 19th Century that asserted that countrys supremacy over the Western Hemisphere. "Theres something in here (Budget presentation), it may not be ominous, but I have to raise it, Gonsalves said before proceeding to question the decision to phase out Cuban District Medical Officers. "Is this a locally driven policy, or driven on the basis of the Monroe Doctrine, the US mandate, we need to know, the Opposition Leader continued. There is no doubt that the (medical) partnership between Cuban and SVG has expanded uynder the Dr. Gonslaves led administration. Recently, however, the US government overtly increased pressure on countries within the region to stop using Cuban medical personnel, citing such programmes as forced labour and human trafficking. The State Department had gone as far as imposing US Visa restrictions on officials in nations deemed as exploiting Cuban medical workers whose salaries, the US claimed, are seized by the Cuban Government. But while some countries have defended their position on the use of Cuban Medical staff, countries like Guatemala and Guyana have announced their intention to terminate their (medical) partnerships with Cuba. (DD) Nigel Stephenson, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, and Physical Planning will not tolerate unnecessary delays in the delivery of real need projects. Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, and Physical Planning Nigel Stephenson wants answers to questions that are worrying him. He thinks that the former Unity Labour Party government deliberately allowed government buildings to rot so that contracts could be given out and in the process, private individuals attached to the then ULP were paid by the contractors. Stephenson made the remark during his presentation to the 2026 Budget debate. The Minister, parliamentary representative for South Leeward, accused the ULP of "inverting the Robin Hood principle in that they "stole from the poor and handed to the rich. And while he characterized the ULP approach as an act of "madness, he noted that there was a method to the madness. That he claimed was "a way of getting back some of the resources of the country. The Minister, stressed that the State must find money to repair the buildings. "The government neglected the buildings and perhaps there was a way to get a return, Stephenson mused. Stephenson alluded to a remark by Health Minister Daniel Cummings as to run down toilet facilitates in his (Cummings) office. For Stephenson, the deterioration of the buildings and infrastructure was a reflection of an administration "that really didnt care, which the people recognized and at the polls said that they "were fed up of the ULP and their neglect. The Minister announced $115.5 m for infrastructural development. Stephenson pointed to action in the North Windward constituency towards the completion of the Sandy Bay Sea Defense Project. That venture overseen by the National Disaster Management will be complete by April. He disclosed that he had spoken to contractors and that the facility will be enhanced since that zone is set to become a place of attraction. In short, Stephenson laid down that he has no tolerance for delay, which he deems as "an expense. Kevin Masicka Richards, this country 4th homicide so far for the year, might have been the victim of a pay back scheme. Kevin "Masicka Richards, a 25-year-old maintenance worker at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, was shot and killed late Friday night in Montaque, Mesopotamia. According to reports, the incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. Richards was reportedly liming with friends a short distance from his home, when a rented vehicle pulled up nearby. Two masked gunmen exited the vehicle, causing the group to scatter. Eyewitnesses told THE VINCENTIAN that Richards, who was not facing the vehicle when it arrived on the scene, attempted to flee when the gunmen opened fire. He reportedly fell behind a nearby house, just a few metres from where he had been sitting, where he was shot multiple times. Despite his injuries, witnesses said Richards managed to "get up and walk from behind the house, and entered the house before collapsing. Occupants of the house alerted the police. Police reported that Richards arrived at the Levi Latham Health Centre with multiple gunshot wounds and was unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead by a medical practitioner. Sources in the neighbouring community of Richland Park indicated that Richards had been in the area shortly before the shooting, and appeared to have been followed by a vehicle. Other sources confirmed that he had returned to Montaque moments before the fatal attack. "We saw the car rounding the area and someone said it was moving suspiciously. As soon as that was mentioned, some men who were sitting nearby got up and started to move. Then we saw the masked men with guns, and people started running. Kevin tried to run, but they followed him and started shooting, one witness recounted. Even as police investigations continue into the killing,, the motive for the killing remains unclear. However, some residents speculate that the incident may be linked to a previous altercation involving Richards and another group during a "Country Meet Town event. Reports also suggest there was a subsequent encounter at a recent party. Richards family is calling for a thorough investigation and justice in the matter. Relatives described him as a quiet individual who was not involved in criminal activity. The investigation into this homicide, the fourth for the year, is ongoing. Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon says the Tribe Carnivals gestures, and any other similar gesture, must be stopped in the interest of preserving the true spirit of the festival. A long-established adage is, There is no carnival without bacchanal. And the Trinidad and Tobago 2026 Carnival, scheduled to climax over Mon.16th and Tues. 17th February, in keeping with the adage, has thrown up yet another controversy. Reports coming out of the twin island Republic indicated that Tribe Carnival (Mas Band), one of the bigger masquerade bands in the Republics annual carnival, has included an adult sex toy in goodie bags handed out to women masqueraders. Goodie bags have become a feature of what Mas bands now extend to their supporters. But the sex toy has not gone unnoticed and at least one leading cleric has taken umbrage with the gesture. In an article carried in the Trinidad Express, Roman Catholic Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon is reported as condemning Tribe Carnival for including an adult sex toy in the goodie bags handed out to women masqueraders, calling the move "beyond the line and a sign that Trinidad Carnival has descended into "hedonism. While delivering his homily at last Sundays Mass at the Archbishops Chapel, Archbishop Gordon said the festival, once a vibrant celebration of community and culture, has now been overtaken by commercial interests. He warned that if Carnival bands cannot regulate themselves, the government may need to step in, the Express reported. "Tribe Carnival has gone too far, Gordon repeated, referring to the inclusion of the palm-sized clitoral suction toy, shaped like a flower and called "The Rose, in the packages distributed during Carnival. "Our country is not for sale, and our young people are not for sale. We must put guardrails in place for our children. The archbishop stressed that recent trends have shifted the focus of carnival from artistry and culture to profit and sensationalism, and in the process denied the true spirit of the festival. However, Tribe Carnival CEO Dean Ackin defended the decision, saying the initiative was intended as a playful, memorable gesture coinciding with Valentines Day. Ackin said. "Our masqueraders understand that with Tribe, theres always an element of joy and surprise. Archbishop Gordon, however, urged citizens to push back against what he called a moral and cultural slide, saying Trinidad Carnival must return to being a celebration of life, creativity, and community. "One way or the other, we have to do something different. Weve been heading down the wrong road here. Now, lets pull back. Lets get back to safety for our young people who want to play Carnival. Safety for our young people who want to enjoy this great festivity that we have. There are no new taxes included in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2026 Budget of Revenue and Expenditure amounting to EC$1.9 billion, nearly EC$200 million (2%) increase over last years budget. Dr. Friday assured that the increased budget will be financed through improved revenue collection, concessional loans and grants, alongside the re-establishment of a Fiscal Responsibility Framework aimed at reducing deficits and gradually lowering public debt to the Eastern Caribbean benchmark of 60 percent of GDP by 2035. The Budget includes recurrent expenditure, including amortisation and sinking fund contributions of EC$1,308,319,855. Financing for the 2026 budget, according to the Prime Minister, is expected to come from current revenue of $906,875,230 and from capital receipts totalling $978,734,735. The 2026 recurrent estimates, not including amortisation and sinking fund contributions, amount to EC$1.01 billion. The capital expenditure is EC$577,209,110. Measures to enhance and stabilize As far as measures to enhance revenue, stabilize and grow the economy, Dr. Friday spoke of improving administrative efficiency, and towards this end the government is set to: * tackle high national debt while emphasizing climate resilience and infrastructure, including specific investments in water security. * reduce total import concessions by 20 percent which is expected to generate an additional $30.4 million in revenue without abolishing concessions entirely; this entails reducing concession granted by the Cabinet, which amounted to EC$624.1 million between 2022 and 2025; * launch a nationwide property registration and revaluation exercise to update the valuation list (unchanged since 2013) and broaden the tax base, "without increasing rates; * assess options to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT), including a potential reduction in the general rate and the removal of VAT from essential goods (such as fresh food and medicine) and domestic electricity, with a target implementation date of October 2026; * launch a Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) by the middle of 2026, to mobilise capital without increasing debt; * strengthen the effectiveness of the Inland Revenue Department and the Customs and Excise Department, to wit, the full digitisation of tax administration is underway through the implementation of a modern Tax Information Management System (TIMS) under the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project to integrate all major tax types into a single digital platform, to develop the Vincy Single Window for Trade Facilitation (VSWiFT)which will integrate 16 trade related government agencies into a single digital interface. The 2026 Estimates project current revenue at EC$906.9 million, while the capital programme is set to rise to EC$577.3 million. The increased allocations are expected to support infrastructure development, housing recovery and climate-resilient projects. By comparison, current revenue in 2025 stood at EC$855.6 million and the capital programme was EC$510 m. Some major sectoral allocations included Education (EC$658.4M), Security (EC$464.9M), and Health (EC$133.4M). Response to Budget Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in his contribution to the debate on Tuesday, dubbed Budget 2026 a failure for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He said that the estimates were not carefully planned, and expressed the view that the budget sets the country backward, added that, "The budget, both in its recurrent and capital developmental dimensions, is unimaginative in its strategic thrust. He noted that the Budget contained "a worthy continuity of numerous ULP governments capital projects. The EC$1.9 billion fiscal package, Dr. Gonsalves said, contains "a few NDP bits and pieces, but some terrible policy pronouncements, including wanting to go ahead with the selling of passports and citizenship with traffics under the rubric of citizenship by investment. He noted that some projects are unclear, particularly in terms of how they will be executed, and called for explanations. Lenford Beenie Man Peters death was counted as this countrys 5th homicide for the year. A 43-year-old labourer known by the nickname "Beenie Man was shot and killed along the Diamond/Brighton Public Road, on Saturday, February 7. Police reported that around 7:20 p.m., Lenford Peters of Richland Park was walking along the roadway when he was approached by a masked assailant, brandishing a gun and who opened fire on Peters. Peters sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the brazen attack. Officers responding to reports of the shooting found Peters lying motionless with apparent gunshot injuries. A medical practitioner later arrived at the scene and pronounced him dead. Peters, who was known to frequent the Kingstown area, had reportedly been seen in the city just hours before the incident. Residents of Richland Park described Peters as someone who had experienced personal struggles in the pas, but had shown signs of change in recent years. One resident said that although he previously appeared troubled and was sometimes argumentative, he had become calmer over time. Peters had endured significant personal loss. Several years ago, his son, then a student of Bishops College Kingstown, was found dead in the Fenton Mountains. Peters said then that the tragedy deeply affected him. More recently, another death occurred within his extended family. On February 3, 2026, Sasha-Ann Caine, a 39-year-old domestic worker and the girlfriend of Peters father, was found unresponsive at a home in Richland Park around 4:00 a.m. The District Medical Officer pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities later ruled out foul play in that matter. Investigations into Peters killing are ongoing. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website and archive of over 26,000 articles Exclusive monthly, members-only newsletter offering behind-the-scenes views from our contributing writers A guest, two-month subscription to share with a friend For decades, the Iranian regime has openly proclaimed slogans that leave no room for ambiguity: Death to Israel and Death to America. These were not mere words. While these slogans echoed in Tehrans main square, the regime enriched uranium, developed ballistic missiles, and buried military facilities underground. Its rhetoric was accompanied by a strategy. They think she has it, my mother said, looking at me warily, her voice filled with dread. She has the Big One. You mean, they think she has cancer? The Big C? I replied, thinking quickly and trying to figure out what the Big One was. The person to which she was referring was a mid-seventies retired nurse who was active and fearsome in her post-retirement days. Whether your perfect Valentine's celebration is a night out with the girls, treating yourself to a new tattoo, or a cozy date at the planetarium, there's no shortage of Valentine's- and Galentine's-themed events popping up this month. They might just have you falling in love. Galentine's Craft Night Make your own heart photo locket necklace and vintage-style collaged Valentines card with Sigfus Designs. Perfect for friends night out, DIY lovers, or anyone who values handmade jewelry. When: 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12 Where: Sigfus Designs, 3264 N Country Club Road. Cost: $25 Galentine's Day at Whiskey Del Bac Whiskey Del Bac is hosting a Galentine's Day celebration, complete with drinks, chocolate and crafting. Create your own wooden flower bouquet that you can take home, sample decadent chocolate, and sip on signature Whiskey Del Bac cocktails. When: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13 Where: Whiskey Del Bac, 2106 Forbes Blvd. Cost: $55 Galentine's at Drybar: Blowouts & Bouquets Get yourself feeling your best with a fresh blowout, then build your own flower bouquet and help yourself to drinks and snacks. When: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13 Where: Drybar, La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Drive. Cost: $60-70 Make and Take Heart Keychain Local artist Darby Hunter will be hosting this workshop, where you can make your own custom heart keychain. When: 3-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13 Where: The Proper Collective, 3400 E. Speedway Cost: $10 per keychain Galentine's Cocktail Party Skip the pressure of Valentines Day and celebrate with your gals, pals, or yourself. Learn how to make an espresso martini and cosmopolitan, and dance along to a DJ set from Mother Tierra. Drink and sweet treat included. When: 6-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13 Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress St. Cost: $30 Love Bites: Black Hearts and Flash Art This gothic Valentine's Eve event will feature flash tattoos, dark Valentine-themed crafts, vendors and more. When: 7-10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13 Where: Harambe Cafe, 6464 E. Tanque Verde Road. Cost: Ticket prices vary from $15 to $60 Valentine's Party at the Diamond Event Center Get on the dance floor and celebrate love and friendship at this Valentine's Day party. When: 7 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 14 Where: Diamond Event Center, 975 W. Prince Road. Cost: $10 online and $15 at the door Valentine's Day Pilates at Studio Fuerza Get a workout in this Valentine's Day. Studio Fuerza will have three classes available on the 14th, along with a photobooth and a matcha pop-up. When: 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 14 Where: Studio Fuerza, 5244 S. 12th Ave. Cost: Various prices Late Night Date Night at PACC Pima Animal Care Center will be staying open late on Valentine's Day to give you a special chance to find your new best friend. All pets will be free to adopt during this extended-hours event. When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14 Where: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N Silverbell Road. Cost: Free The Princess Bride Valentine's Day Party Spend Valentine's Day with Westley and Buttercup and celebrate director Rob Reiners hilarious and endlessly-quotable classic on the big screen. Come for the inflatable swords and Princess Bride storybook love contest wear a costume and share your own true tale of storybook love, and you could win a prize. When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Cost: $15 Love is Universal - Flandrau Planetarium Share the wonders of the universe with a romantic planetarium show, a laser light music "mix tape," special themed science activities, and telescope stargazing. When: 7-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14 Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. Cost: $25 Shrek Valentine's Rave A Shrek Valentine's Rave. When: 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14 Where: 191 E. Toole Ave. Cost: $21-27 Galentine's in Paris Get creative at this cozy, adults-only Galentines afternoon inspired by Parisian charm. Treat yourself to a Paris-inspired art experience, cafe food, and coffeehouse vibes. When: 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22 Where: Coffee X Change, 6841 E Camino Principal Cost: $35 No one in ICE detention is being held as punishment for a crime, a distinction often overlooked in discussions of immigrants conditions of confinement, advocates say. Immigration detention is civil detention, not criminal, as the immigration court system is an administrative process, overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice. That makes the inhumane and overcrowded conditions of detention in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities all the more indefensible, advocates say. Historically, immigration detention was used rarely, only to hold people who were considered dangerous or a flight risk during the duration of their immigration proceedings, said Nancy Hiemstra and Deirdre Conlon, authors of "Immigration Detention Inc.: The Big Business of Locking Up Migrants." The use of detention, and profits from its expansion, have exploded since the 1990s as private, for-profit companies like CoreCivic, which owns and operates Eloy Detention Center in Arizona have gotten involved in the industry. Nearly 90% of ICE detainees are held in facilities run by for-profit companies, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. "They get paid with our tax dollars, and they get paid per person, per bed," Phoenix immigration attorney Ravi Arora said. "Theyre just literally funneling our tax dollars into their pockets." The use of mandatory detention has soared to new heights under the second Trump administration, whose 2025 policy to nearly universally detain immigrants facing deportation has been rejected by hundreds of federal judges in legal challenges. ICE now holds a record 71,000 people in ICE detention, up from about 40,000 when Trump took office in 2025. About 74% of those in detention have never been convicted of a crime, ICE data show. Of those with convictions, most are for non-violent crimes, such as traffic or immigration violations. (Detainees with prior criminal convictions would have already served their time in the criminal justice system before being picked up by ICE.) Recently arrived migrants who enter the country without inspection have long been subject to mandatory detention, under the "draconian" set of immigration laws passed in 1996, during the Clinton administration, Arora said. But DHS, including ICE, always has the discretion to release detainees either after they arrive at the border, or once theyre already in ICE detention through its statutory parole authority. Until now, "every president has used parole authority to release non-dangerous immigrants who arrived at border, after they were screened and vetted," Arora said. "This new push to detain everyone is brand new." Not only has Trump's DHS completely stopped using its parole discretion, but its also expanded the definition of who is subject to mandatory detention to include unauthorized immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades. Funding approved in the "One Big Beautiful Bill" is fueling immigrant detention at a scale never seen before, funneling $45 billion to expanding ICE detention capacity through 2029, even as DHS works to restrict Congressional and internal oversight of the facilities. In the last month alone, DHS has spent more than $500 million buying up land and warehouses to expand detention capacity, and will need to spend billions more to convert the warehouses, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, said in a post on X. "If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little to no real oversight," he wrote. The DHS buying spree includes the Jan. 23 purchase of land with a 418,000-square-foot warehouse in Surprise, Arizona, for $70 million, The Arizona Republic reported. Rockefeller Group was the seller. DHS wields the threat of an extended detention in harsh conditions to pressure detained immigrants to stop fighting their cases and take a voluntary departure, immigrant-rights advocates say. "Rather than focusing on serious public safety threats and flight risks, the Trump administration is primarily using detention to pressure people into giving up their chance to remain in the United States," the American Immigration Council report said. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hanna Tetteh, stated during an online session on the governance component of the structured dialogue that "community engagement is the cornerstone of a sustainable political transition" and to break the political deadlock in the country Call for Participants: Australians in Film: International Pitching Workshop 2026 Online workshops feature Creators, Writers, Producers behind such shows as South Park, Fargo, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Stars Wars:Obi-Wan Kenobi. Australians in Film (AiF) has announced its first-ever International Online Pitching Workshop, as part of its newly launched Insider Sessions. Set to run in March 2026, Australian and international screen executives, producers, and writers unpack what makes an effective pitch in todays global marketplace. Pitching is an essential screen industry skill and if this pitch works, youll understand why, said Peter Ritchie, Executive Director of Australians in Film. Many Australians find pitching challenging, so were pleased to bring together experienced industry professionals to offer practical insight into what makes a pitch effective in real-world settings. Delivered across four live online sessions, the International Pitching Workshop 2026 is designed to provide practical, real-world insight into pitching at every levelfrom introductions and generals to personal branding and full project presentations. The program focuses on clarity, confidence, and market awareness, with an emphasis on how pitching expectations differ across territories and formats. The workshop features studio executive and producer Deborah Liebling (PEN15, South Park), writer-producer April Shih (Fargo, Dave), Anonymous Contents partner, manager and producer Bec Smith, Netflix Content Director of Live Action Features Jiao Chen, writer-producer Lindsay Calhoon Bring (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and writer-director-producer Stuart Beattie (Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Faraway Downs). Participants may attend as observers or opt in to pitch live. Live pitches will be selected at random and receive real-time feedback from panelists, creating an environment that closely mirrors professional pitch meetings. Across the four sessions, participants will work through the three core pitch types expected of screen creatives: the elevator pitch, the personal pitch, and the project pitch. In addition, two judges will offer a 30-minute general meeting to the participant whose pitch resonates most strongly, to be scheduled at a later date. Session 1: Pitching Basics Tuesday March 3, 3:00 p.m. PST / Wednesday March 4, 10:00 a.m. AEDT Panelists: Bec Smith, Lindsay Calhoon Bring, Stuart Beattie Moderator: Rebecca Windsor A discussion on pitching fundamentals, including first meetings vs. project pitches, Zoom versus in-room dynamics, common pitfalls, and cultural differences between the U.S. and Australian industries. Session 2: Elevator Pitch Thursday March 5, 3:00 p.m. PST / Friday March 6, 10:00 a.m. AEDT Panelists: Deborah Liebling, Rebecca Windsor Live elevator pitches with feedback focused on clarity, positioning, and impact. Session 3: Personal Pitch Tuesday March 10, 4:00 p.m. PDT / Wednesday March 11, 10:00 a.m. AEDT Panelists: April Shih, Rebecca Windsor Participants present a personal pitch articulating creative identity and long-term goals. Session 4: Project Pitch Thursday March 12, 4:00 p.m. PDT / Friday March 13, 10:00 a.m. AEDT Panelists: Jiao Chen, Rebecca Windsor Full project pitches with notes on structure, storytelling, and market alignment. The cost is US$125. Friday Flashback: Australian Survivor 2002 The very first Australian Survivor was so poorly received it would be 14 years before another could be attempted. Drunk with the success of Survivor back in 2000, Nine Network greenlit the very first Australian adaptation. The 2002 series, hosted by 60 Minutes journalist Lincoln Howes, was filmed in Whalers Way, an Eyre Peninsula coastal nature reserve near Port Lincoln, South Australia. There were 16 Australian castaways competing for 39 days for a grand prize of $500,000. But it struggled in the ratings, and was criticised for its casting and a weaker execution than the US production. In the end Rob Dickson took out the prize, but it would be 2006 before Seven attempted a short-lived Celebrity Australian Survivor, hosted by Dicko, and 2016 before 10s premium version with Jonathan LaPaglia. 21 years on, members of the original cast reunited at Whalers Way becoming the first cast of a Survivor series anywhere in the world to return to their original filming location and have their experiences recorded. Report: Robert Irwin in talks to host Dancing with The Stars US spin-off In-demand host is looking at his next starring US role. How they gonna keep him down on the jungle.? According to media reports Robert Irwin is in talks to host a Dancing with The Stars spin-off in the USA. Variety reports Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro will feature up-and-coming professional dancers who will live in a house together and compete in a gruelling audition process. The winner will land a coveted spot as a pro dancer on the next season of Dancing With the Stars. Riveting stuff. However, Irwins talent -and no doubt salary- continues to climb, which will make him hard to retain for 10s next season of Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Traffic police inspect the 45-seat bus with license plate 23C-045.XX. Photo: CACC The Highway Patrol Unit No. 1 under the Traffic Police Department (C08) has issued fines totaling VND207 million (approximately US$8,400) against a driver and vehicle owner for carrying 83 passengers on a 45-seat bus. According to unit leaders, the violation was discovered after officers received a tip via Zalo. The patrol team stopped the bus, license plate 23C-045.XX, at the Noi BaiLao Cai expressway toll station in Hanoi. The driver, Ly Van D. (born 1986, from Tuyen Quang Province), was operating the Tuyen QuangBac Ninh route. Police found 83 passengers aboard-38 more than legally permitted. Passengers from the overloaded coach were transferred to another vehicle. Photo: CACC The model enables enterprises, especially small and medium-sized ones (SMEs), to sell directly to overseas customers at lower costs and with fewer entry barriers compared to traditional export methods. Through global online platforms, many Vietnamese firms have reached major markets such as the United States and Europe while gradually building their own brands. According to Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Agency for Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, cross-border e-commerce allows businesses to move from contract manufacturing to direct-to-consumer sales, improving profit margins by cutting intermediaries. Global cross-border e-commerce is currently valued at nearly 800 billion USD and is expected to grow by about 30% annually. In Vietnam, cross-border retail revenue is projected to exceed 11 billion USD in 2026. Officials note that Vietnamese SMEs are highly adaptable and rank among the leading ASEAN countries in e-commerce adoption. However, only about 20% of Vietnamese enterprises currently participate in online export, indicating significant room for growth. Trinh Khac Toan, Northern Regional Director, Amazon Global Selling Vietnam, reported that thousands of Vietnamese sellers are operating on its platform. In 2025, the number of Vietnamese products sold on Amazon rose 35% year-on-year, while brand registrations by Vietnamese businesses increased nearly 30%. Despite strong potential, challenges remain. Experts point to shortages of skilled personnel in international e-commerce, limited knowledge of foreign import regulations, and high platform, marketing and logistics costs as key barriers for SMEs. Industry associations have called for stronger government support, including training programmes, legal guidance and a national policy framework for cross-border e-commerce. Enhancing cooperation between domestic logistics providers and global platforms to develop overseas warehouses is also seen as crucial to shorten delivery times and improve customer experience. Experts encourage Vietnamese businesses to leverage the existing infrastructure of major international platforms to access global markets quickly. Products such as home decor, kitchenware, textiles and health and beauty items are among Vietnams strong performers online, with SMEs contributing around 60% of total sales on major platforms. With the right support and proactive investment, cross-border e-commerce is expected to become a key driver for expanding exports and bringing Made in Vietnam products to consumers worldwide./. VNA Dakar, Senegal (PANA) The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Senegalese authorities to release Modou Fall, a news commentator with the privately owned television station, Sen TV, who was arrested on Wednesday in Dakar on the charge of spreading false news Specifically, the capital city was honoured in four categories: Top 25 Best Destinations in the World (4th place), Top 25 Best Cultural Destinations in the World (7th place), Top 25 Best Solo Travel Destinations in the World (7th place), and Top 25 Best Food Destinations in the World (11th place). Being listed simultaneously in multiple categories highlights Hanois comprehensive appeal, not only in terms of landscapes but also cultural depth, vibrant experiences, and its ability to meet global travel trends. With its ancient charm and graceful beauty, Hanoi has long been a favourite destination for travellers from around the world, especially those keen to explore the history, culture, and people of Vietnam. The city boasts a timeless beauty that blends historical elegance with a modern spirit, preserving its nostalgic past while embracing the dynamic development of a vibrant metropolis. Through centuries of ups and downs and bearing many different names, the thousand-year-old capital has never forgotten its glorious history, Tripadvisor noted. Foreign tourists tour Hanoi's Old Quarter. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi is home to many iconic landmarks, including the Temple of Literature Vietnams first national university, the Old Quarter, St. Josephs Cathedral, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Beyond architectural works and historical relics, the capital also features numerous ancient villages, traditional craft villages, museums, and community cultural spaces, where visitors can clearly sense its distinctive identity and rich cultural depth. In addition to its cultural and historical values, cuisine remains one of the most outstanding factors attracting visitors to Hanoi. The capitals culinary scene is highly regarded for its refinement and elegance, with a focus on original flavours that highlight the value of local ingredients. From bustling street food stalls in lively markets to creative menus in restaurants, Hanois cuisine offers visitors a complete journey of discovery, where each dish reflects not only taste but also stories of history, people, and local culture. Previously, at the Travelers Choice Best of the Best Destinations 2025 Awards, Tripadvisor honoured Hanoi in three major global categories, ranking it 2nd among the Top 25 Best Cultural Destinations in the World, 7th among the Top 25 Best Destinations in the World, and 14th in the Top 25 All-Time Favourite Destinations category. Hanoi has also continued to affirm its position on the global tourism map after being named Asias Leading City Destination and Asias Leading City Break Destination at the World Travel Awards 2025. Earlier, at the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organisation for Global Cities (TPO) held in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi was honoured in the Sustainable Tourism Award at the TPO Best Awards 2025. The UK-based Time Out magazine listed Hanoi among the top seven most beautiful autumn destinations in Asia, while the Telegraph Travel Awards 2025 named the capital among the worlds greatest cities. Meanwhile, US magazine Travel + Leisure recognised Hanoi as one of 15 dream destinations offering good value for money. In 2025, Hanoi welcomed more than 33.7 million visitors, a year-on-year increase of 20.87%. Of the total, foreign arrivals exceeded 7.82 million, up 22.76%, while domestic visitors reached over 25.88 million, up 20.32%. Total tourism revenue was estimated at over 134.4 trillion VND (1.3 billion USD), up 21.5% from the previous year./. VNA With just days remaining until the Lunar New Year (Tet) the Year of the Horse, Hanoi has entered the peak of its year-end shopping season, as the vibrant hues of peach blossoms and the steady flow of hurried shoppers across commercial streets and traditional markets signal the full arrival of the rhythm of spring. A recent survey shows flower prices have seen only slight fluctuations this year thanks to favourable weather conditions. Peach blossoms are priced from 200,000 VND to several million VND, depending on size and shape. Alongside traditional favourites such as peach and kumquat trees and thunberg spirea blossoms, demand for phalaenopsis orchids and imported flowers has risen by 1520% year-on-year, reflecting increasingly diverse consumer preferences. Bui Thi Mai, a flower vendor on Hang Ruoi street, said customer traffic has risen sharply since the middle of the twelfth lunar month, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. We have had to proactively increase supplies of imported flowers and artificial arrangements to meet growing demand, she went on. The Tet decoration market is equally vibrant, particularly in well-known trading areas such as Hang Ma street and Dong Xuan market. Despite ongoing economic fluctuations, consumer spending has not declined this year. In fact, shopping activity appears even livelier, driven by a wider range of designs that better match evolving tastes. Vu Nu Huyen Linh from Hoan Kiem ward, said that alongside traditional items, handmade decorations made from bamboo, rattan and cardboard are emerging as a new trend. The diversification of products, from affordable to high-end lines, not only helps stabilise the market but also meets the increasingly sophisticated aesthetic demands of Hanoi residents in modern urban life, she noted. Nguyen Cuong from Dong Da ward said that for him, the joy of Tet is not just about shopping, but also strolling through the streets and personally choosing decorations for his home. He added that prices may be slightly higher than last year, but Tet should still feel abundant to truly capture the festive spirit. The vibrancy of the decoration market not only reflects the desire to beautify living spaces, but also underscores the optimism and high spirits of Hanoi residents as they look ahead to a smooth and successful year. The diversification of products has helped vendors to retain customers while creating a lively commercial scene in the lead-up to Tet. Beyond ornamental plants and home decorations, the Tet shopping surge has also spread strongly to food and household goods. At traditional markets and supermarkets, prices of essential food items have remained stable this year, thanks to the citys proactive supply management, giving consumers greater confidence in their spending. Although modern lifestyles and convenient delivery apps continue to operate efficiently, many Hanoi residents still prefer immersing themselves in the bustling crowds in the days leading up to Tet. In the year-end chill, the Lunar New Year is drawing ever closer palpable in the busy yet joyful atmosphere filling the streets. Tet arrives not only with festive energy, but also with hopes for a new year of abundance, smooth beginnings and peace./. VNA Illustrative photo Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Principal of Van Canh Secondary School (Hanoi), believes that the debate over whether to assign Tet homework will likely never end as opinions remain divided. The core issue is how to assign Tet tasks so that students can truly rest without disrupting their learning momentum. "Reality shows that assigning a lot of homework creates pressure, makes Tet lose its meaning, and leaves both students and parents exhausted. However, if we 'let it go completely' without any educational orientation during the break, the learning rhythm is easily broken, and many students forget knowledge, especially final-year students or those with average or weak academic standing," said Dung. To allow children to rest without disconnecting from learning, teachers can shift from mandatory assignments to soft tasks. For example, they can request students to write a Tet diary, read books and share reflections, or review old knowledge. Depending on the group of students, teachers can encourage experiential learning, applying knowledge from Literature, History, Geography, Civic Education, or STEM activities into practice. Students can be assigned projects based on observing customs, traditions, and family lifestyles to report and share after Tet, without the pressure of formal grading or testing. Tet homework should not be a "burden" but rather a "soft thread" that maintains the continuity of learning, helping students return to school with a light and positive mindset. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Principal of Thai Thinh Secondary School (Hanoi), suggests that instead of assigning homework, teachers assign tasks. "Tet is an occasion for students to rest and reunite with their families. After an entire semester with many academic and educational activities, children need cozy time with loved ones when Tet and Spring arrive. This is also an opportunity for students to experience traditional Tet activities. Teachers should not assign so much homework that children have to work continuously during the break or rush to complete it just before or after Tet," Cuong said. He said assigning too much homework is also inconsistent with student psychology. Instead, teachers can assign experiential tasks, such as researching Tet customs or participating in holiday preparations with the family. Additionally, teachers can assign light academic tasks, such as tidying up the study corner or reviewing subject knowledge during the first week. Cuong also noted that teachers should have discussions with students before the break to educate and remind them about traffic safety and food hygiene. "Teachers can also educate students to practice beautiful social etiquette during Tet, such as greetings, giving Tet wishes, or performing good deeds at the start of the year. From there, they can preserve fine traditions," Cuong added. Letting students enjoy the atmosphere of reunion Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Rector of the University of Education - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, believes that holidays like the traditional Tet should be a time to slow down the pace of life and enjoy the atmosphere of reunion. "This is not a time to plan for work against deadlines because it will create double the pressure. However, it is still advisable to maintain thinking and learning habits at a gentle level," Nam said. Nam suggests that students spend about 20-30 minutes each day reviewing old lessons, notes, formulas, or vocabulary already learned. More importantly, autonomy should be given to students so they can schedule their own time and choose study moments that fit their family's activities. The core value lies in self-management capacity. When children learn to balance rest and routine, they not only maintain knowledge but also develop essential life skills: caring for themselves, respecting time, and understanding that learning is a long journey, not a sprint. Tet is a time for the brain to consolidate what has been learned, not to cram in more. It is an opportunity for students to practice time-management skills and balance responsibility with rest. Let children rest and enjoy Tet in a smart way, Nam said. Thanh Hung Despite improvements compared to previous years, public spending disbursement in 2025 fell short of expectations. By the end of 2025, the city had disbursed 74% of the amount targeted by the Government 89.07 trillion VND (3.7 billion USD) out of 120.32 trillion VND well below the near-100 % rate typically required to maximise economic impact. This persistent shortfall has remained unresolved for many years, limiting the effectiveness of public spending as a growth driver. The citys leaders noted that had public spending been more efficient, economic growth would not have been constrained to just over 8.03% in 2025, but could have reached a much higher rate. Slow land clearance was identified as one of the major bottlenecks, underscoring the need for more decisive solutions to accelerate work. Based on commitments from agencies, departments and project developers, the Department of Finance projects that by the close of the 2025 fiscal year on January 31, 2026, disbursement could rise to around 114.39 trillion VND (roughly 4.77 billion USD), or 95% of the plan. January has been identified as a critical period to realise this target. The department will continue reviewing and urging progress on projects with large disbursement volumes, while advising the city administration to promptly clear obstacles and ensure funds are released on schedule. Priority will be given to major projects, with expected disbursement of 11.39 trillion VND (about 475 million USD), accounting for nearly 55% of the remaining capital to be released. At a conference on implementing socio-economic tasks for 2026 held recently, Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Van Duoc acknowledged these shortcomings, saying stronger and more effective measures are required to decisively address the disbursement deadlock and create a solid foundation for growth in 2026 and beyond. Drawing lessons from previous limitations, he said preparations for the 2026 disbursement plan have been accelerated from the outset. Relevant departments are expected to complete all necessary procedures within the week to enable timely funds allocation and ensure projects are implemented according to plan from the beginning of the year. The city has already approved its 2026 public spending programme, enabling agencies and investors to proactively develop detailed disbursement schedules and ensure full utilisation of allocated funds. To meet the target, the department has urged departments, districts, special administrative units, and project developers to implement a coordinated set of solutions. Top priority will be given to completing procedures to allocate the remaining capital of 18.4 trillion VND (767 million USD) in the first quarter of 2026, creating sufficient fiscal space for implementation throughout the year. Monthly monitoring of every project will be intensified, with disbursement performance linked to emulation and performance assessments of officials. Compensation, resettlement and technical infrastructure relocation will also be accelerated to ensure timely site handover, while local authorities mobilise grassroots political systems to build public consensus. Notably, the city aims to shorten administrative processing time for investment procedures by at least 30%, promote digital tools for monitoring and management and closely track construction material markets to address supply and price fluctuations. It will also adjust capital allocation, decisively cutting funds for delayed projects and reallocating them to those with strong implementation capacity, while concentrating resources on large, high-impact projects to enhance the overall effectiveness of public investment./. VNA On the evening of February 12, the city officially inaugurated Ly Thai To Park (in Vuon Lai Ward) with a total investment of over VND263 billion. The project was carried out under the directive of the citys Party Committee and Peoples Committee to transform vacant land into public parks, completed just in time for the Lunar New Year of the Horse. Attending the ceremony were Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee Tran Luu Quang, Standing Deputy Secretary Le Quoc Phong, Chairman of the HCMC Peoples Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in HCMC Nguyen Phuoc Loc, and representatives of city agencies and organizations. A park of remembrance and renewal Ly Thai To Park is not only a memorial space for Covid-19 victims but also one of nine major urban projects embodying HCMCs strategy to make green and communal spaces central to its new phase of metropolitan development. The 4.3-hectare site in the heart of the city-long left abandoned-has now been revitalized, symbolizing the citys determination to return land to the people and foster a sustainable, compassionate environment. In his speech, Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc recalled the sacrifices and losses of the pandemic with moments of silence honoring those who passed. Their sacrifice has become a monument not built of stone, but of the gratitude held by millions of citizens, he said. According to him, the park carries three messages: Resilience, because life always finds a way to bloom again, even on the soil of grief. Humanity and solidarity, because compassion carried the city through its darkest hours. And hope for the future, because this city is built not only from concrete but also from empathy and kindness. Design of symbolism and harmony The VND263 billion project was entirely funded by Sun Group through socialized investment. Renowned domestic and international design firms were invited to ensure aesthetic, technical, and emotional depth. Construction was completed at lightning speed within 90 days, aligning with the year-end season of remembrance and gratitude in Vietnamese tradition. At the parks central square stands the Drop of Water monument, built four meters below ground level, with the excavated soil reshaped into surrounding green hills symbolizing balance between yin and yang. The stainless-steel monument measures six meters high and 13 meters in circumference. Inside the drop lies a heart-a symbol of love and remembrance. The mirrored surface reflects visitors images, conveying the message: Pain does not belong to one person; it is a shared memory held by an entire community in love and empathy. Surrounding the monument are nine steps and 360 water-lit candles. At night, the flickering glow of 360 candles and nearly 1,000 light points across the square create a serene sea of light, honoring those who lost their lives during the pandemic. All ancient trees within the park have been preserved, and the old villas repurposed into exhibition and library spaces. Additional open areas are designed for sports, community gatherings, and art events-turning the park into a destination for relaxation, healing, and cultural exchange for generations to come. Beyond a beautification project, Ly Thai To Park reflects HCMCs long-term vision: developing a modern city in harmony with green space, preserving memory while fostering growth, and building a dynamic yet compassionate metropolis that places people at its heart. Nguyen Hue - Quoc Ngoc Giang affirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the US as one of its important partners, particularly in the field of economy and trade. He expressed his hope that the two countries will further strengthen cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for international law, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regimes of each other, thereby contributing to the maintenance of security, peace, stability and development in the region and the world. The Vietnamese official noted that in recent years, bilateral defence cooperation has been implemented effectively across multiple areas, including exchanges of delegations at all levels, dialogue and consultations, post-war consequence remediation, training, participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, cooperation between military services and arms, border defence forces and coast guards, and defence industry collaboration. On this occasion, Giang thanked the US for its support in addressing the consequences of unexploded ordnance and chemical agents/dioxin left over from the war in Vietnam, as well as in the search for, recovery and identification of Vietnamese soldiers who were killed, missing or unaccounted for during the war. He suggested that the two sides continue to promote cooperation areas in line with the agreements reached by leaders of their defence ministries. Vietnams Ministry of National Defence will continue to prioritise cooperation in war legacy remediation, and hopes that the US will keep fulfilling its commitments in this regard, including the additional allocation of 130 million USD for the dioxin remediation project at the Bien Hoa airbase area, the minister went on. Stressing that Vietnam will keep close coordination and create the best possible conditions for activities related to the search for US personnel missing in action, Giang also called on the US to enhance information sharing on documents and artefacts related to Vietnamese soldiers who laid down or went missing during the war. He voiced his hope that in his capacity and responsibilities, DeSombre will continue to support the increasingly substantive and effective development of bilateral defence cooperation. For his part, DeSombre extended his congratulations to Vietnam on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival. Welcoming the progress of the Vietnam US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development, including in the defence field, he affirmed that the US Department of State supports Vietnam in addressing war consequences and identifying Vietnamese soldiers missing in action./. VNA Many solar and wind power projects in Vietnam remain stalled due to procedural and legal bottlenecks. Photo: Hoang Ha The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued new instructions to resolve long-standing issues surrounding 167 solar and wind power projects that have been left stuck for years. The ministry sent an official document to provincial and municipal Peoples Committees, requesting the implementation of the Governments resolution on removing obstacles for delayed projects. Accordingly, the ministry has asked the Peoples Committees of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Hue, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, An Giang, Vinh Long, and Ca Mau to inspect, review, and impose administrative penalties if violations are detected at renewable power projects benefiting from the FIT (Feed-in Tariff) policy under their jurisdictions. During the process, if difficulties arise, provincial authorities are advised to consolidate reports and consult the Ministry of Justice for guidance. 167 projects still pending approval Attached to the ministrys letter is a list of 167 solar and wind power plants currently facing obstacles due to the absence of official acceptance certificates at the time of their commercial operation date (COD). This procedural impasse has delayed electricity payments for many investors-or resulted in only partial payment-under Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) signed with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) since 2023. The situation has disrupted cash flow and placed significant financial strain on businesses. Previously, the ministry had emphasized that responsibility for these payment bottlenecks lies with EVN, urging the state-run utility to coordinate closely with investors to reach timely resolutions. The prolonged backlog highlights the challenges facing Vietnams renewable energy transition, as projects completed under the FIT mechanism await formal recognition to feed power into the grid. Resolving these regulatory hurdles is seen as critical to restoring investor confidence and stabilizing the renewable energy sector. Tam An Surpassing 1,050 flights per day-the highest in its history during the Tet Binh Ngo 2026 holiday season-Tan Son Nhat International Airport has activated its special peak-time operations plan. In the days leading up to Tet, the skies over Tan Son Nhat have witnessed record-breaking activity. On February 11, 2026, the Tan Son Nhat Approach Control Center (APP Tan Son Nhat) safely managed 1,055 flights, setting a new operational milestone. Record flight volume and sustained pressure Flight volume at Tan Son Nhat International Airport reaches an all-time high during the Tet Binh Ngo 2026 travel rush. Photo: A.P According to the Air Traffic Flow Management Center, pressure will remain intense in the coming days. Between February 13 and 15 (the 26th to 28th of the lunar month), flight volumes are expected to stay extremely high, at 1,075, 1,056, and 1,053 flights per day, respectively. The 26th day of the lunar month is projected to see the highest number of controlled flights before Tet. Maintaining over 1,000 daily flights for several consecutive days represents a significant challenge for Vietnams busiest airport, stretching its air traffic management capacity to the limit. Activating the special operations plan To cope with the surge, APP Tan Son Nhat has launched its Tet peak-period operations plan, focusing all efforts on safety and continuity of service. Personnel resources have been maximized, with leave restricted during the peak period. Backup teams-both on-site and on-call-remain ready to reinforce operations in the event of sudden spikes or irregular situations. For departing flights, the Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM) process has been strictly implemented, enabling air traffic control, airport authorities, and airlines to share data and optimize every stage of operations. The flexible use of two parallel runways also helps maintain capacity during peak hours and minimize cascading delays. For incoming flights, APP Tan Son Nhat works closely with the Air Traffic Flow Management Center to allocate landing slots efficiently, particularly when volumes exceed capacity. It also coordinates with the Southern Air Traffic Management Center to optimize airspace usage and maintain orderly flow throughout the region. Emergency handling protocols have been reviewed, trained, and regularly rehearsed to ensure readiness under all conditions. Sustaining a throughput of over 1,050 flights per day in the days leading up to Tet once again demonstrates the coordination, discipline, and professionalism of Tan Son Nhats air traffic control teams. Vu Diep The Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026 holiday reveals a clear diversity in Vietnamese travel patterns, with consumers increasingly opting for early departures to bypass peak crowds or embracing short-haul getaways abroad, said Country Manager of Booking.com for Vietnam Branavan Aruljothi. Booking.com has released detailed search data to offer a clear snapshot of traveler intent across the nine-day Tet break. Vietnamese travelers adopt more deliberate planning According to Aruljothi, Vietnamese consumers are demonstrating greater purposefulness, whether seeking cooler domestic escapes like Da Lat or showing rising curiosity toward international options like India and Japan, to make the most of their limited holiday time. In the run-up to Tet, searches largely focused on well-known domestic leisure spots. Concurrently, nearby Asian destinations have seen growing appeal, thanks to geographic proximity and improved flight and transport links. On the domestic side, Phu Quoc topped the list of most-searched destinations, climbing three places compared to the 2025 Tet season. Other high-volume pre-holiday searches included Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Hanoi, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Hoi An and Hue. Outside the traditional favorites, Con Dao, an island renowned for serene beaches and perfect January-February weather, also captured substantial early interest. Internationally, Thailand remained the most favored outbound destination, with Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin all featuring in the top 10 searched cities. Notably, Indias New Delhi posted particularly strong momentum, with search interest surging more than 500% and leaping 68 spots to rank 12th overall. Domestic demand surges during Tet peak The peak Tet days mark one of the years busiest travel period. Booking.com data showed a sharp year-on-year uptick in Vietnamese search volume, driven by demand for leisure-oriented locales and cooler-climate cities ideal for family reunions, relaxation and rejuvenation. Within Vietnam, Da Lat topped searches for Tet 2026, trailed by Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. Phan Thiet and Sa Pa each achieved fivefold rises in search interest compared to 2025, propelling them into the top 10. The extended break spurred outbound travelers to venture farther afield. While Southeast Asian favorites such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia sustained solid performance, a noticeable pivot toward extended-haul journeys has taken shape. Japan distinguished itself as a premier international choice for Tet 2026. Tokyo secured the second position in overall search volume, while Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka also drew considerable attention. Post-Tet momentum builds for more experiential trips For many, the days following Tet present a calmer opportunity for more enriching and immersive journeys. As the holiday fervor fades, interest turns toward cultural and spiritual pursuits, alongside longer-haul exploration. Domestically, Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City held the lead in post-Tet searches. Seasonal cultural events and festivals amplified interest in destinations steeped in tradition, such as Nha Trang, Da Lat, Hanoi and Vung Tau. Notably, Tien Xuan, home to the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival, recorded notable search growth, signalling strong interest in traditional early-year festivals. Internationally, familiar cities such as Bangkok, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore remained top choices for early post-Tet planning. Yet emerging curiosity toward cities like Osaka, Paris, Chiang Mai and Sydney points to Vietnamese travelers' broadening appetite for culturally immersive, globally diverse experiences./. VNA The project, funded at 533,333 USD, will run from March 2026 to March 2027 and target the central province of Nghe An, which is prone to frequent natural disasters, home to the UNESCO-recognised Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve and former Vinh city, a member of UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Its major aim is to improve near real-time early warning systems for flash floods and landslides in high-risk areas while enhancing school resilience. Key activities include participatory risk mapping, school-level preparedness and response plans, and capacity building for education managers and teachers to ensure learning continuity amid natural hazards. Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker underscored the importance of shifting from emergency response to proactive prevention, saying that the project is designed to address needs in a targeted and holistic way. Provincially, the effort will aid in reviewing and updating disaster risk management and emergency response plans, improving risk mapping, and reinforcing real-time monitoring and early warning for floods and landslides. At the communal level, it will deliver specialised training to local authorities and frontline technical staff on disaster prevention and emergency planning, with a focus on high-risk zones. Community and school efforts will focus on participatory risk mapping and response planning, awareness-raising, and practical preparedness measures to ensure early warning information is clearly communicated and acted upon before, during and after disasters. UNESCO expects to continue working closely with the Vietnamese and Japanese governments and Nghe An province to deliver measurable outcomes and tangible benefits for locals, he said, adding that UNESCO will partner with government agencies and Nghe An authorities to adapt global expertise into context-specific solutions, ensuring that no one is left behind. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ngo Le Van affirmed that climate change adaptation remains a top priority in Vietnams development strategy and national security outlook through 2050. Vietnam will maintain close cooperation with Japan, UNESCO and other partners to guarantee the projects effectiveness and advance common goals, he said. The project is expected to reach about 15,000 people, including local communities, students, teachers and school administrators, with broader indirect benefits. Insights gained will serve as references for other localities and at the national level. The effort aligns with Vietnams priorities in disaster combat and education reform, supporting global commitments under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals./. VNA Four couples from around the country commemorated today (Friday, Feb. 13, 2026) this love for each other and for Junior's as winners in the 4th Junior's Valentine's Day Vow Renewal Ceremony and Celebration contest. The couples, from Chicago; Mechanicsburg, PA; Norfolk, VA, and right here in Brooklyn, were selected from more than 1,000 entries in the annual contest. As this year's winners, they walked down an aisle to the live music of professional cellist and composer Anthime Miller, and renewed their wedding vows under a beautiful heart-shaped balloon canopy with Alan Rosen, the third-generation owner of Junior's, as the officiant. They also received an array of "2nd Honeymoon" gifts from Junior's, including tickets to the Off-Broadway show "Just Desserts; a two-night stay at a luxury hotel, and dining certificates, among other goodies. Perhaps most importantly and appropriately, each couple will receive a Junior's cheesecake on their anniversary every year moving forward. Rosen, who was ordained specifically for the momentous occasion, noted that Junior's 75-year history is inextricably linked to romance. He explained that, "My grandfather Harry was an old-fashioned romantic who was married to my grandmother for 67 years, and my parents were married for 57. And since I was a little kid coming to work with my dad, I've seen and heard of thousands of first dates, engagements, anniversaries, wedding dinners, and other celebrations of love through the years. So, it is only natural to celebrate this legacy by bringing these couples back to where it all began for a meal, cheesecake, and champagne toast." The 2026 Junior's Valentine's Couples are: Louie & Lyudmila Fleck of Brooklyn, NY. They had their third date at the original Junior's and celebrated their 2019 wedding with a custom Junior's carrot cake. And every year since, they have celebrated their anniversary with a Junior's cheesecake. of Brooklyn, NY. They had their third date at the original Junior's and celebrated their 2019 wedding with a custom Junior's carrot cake. And every year since, they have celebrated their anniversary with a Junior's cheesecake. Bob & Kristy Caton of Mechanicsburg, PA: Married for 15 years after what they describe as a "whirlwind romance," these frequent Junior's visitors once learned the hard way that you shouldn't order three of Junior's flying saucer-sized potato pancakes each before diving into cheesecake. of Mechanicsburg, PA: Married for 15 years after what they describe as a "whirlwind romance," these frequent Junior's visitors once learned the hard way that you shouldn't order three of Junior's flying saucer-sized potato pancakes each before diving into cheesecake. Erin & Vance Van Horn of Norfolk, VA: Middle school sweethearts who shared their first kiss in middle school at age 12, they chose a plain Junior's cheesecake for their wedding cake five years ago to honor the memory of Erin's mother, who loved to take her to Junior's. of Norfolk, VA: Middle school sweethearts who shared their first kiss in middle school at age 12, they chose a plain Junior's cheesecake for their wedding cake five years ago to honor the memory of Erin's mother, who loved to take her to Junior's. Adam & Dara Tarkowski of Chicago, IL: While they met in Chicago, Dara took Adam to Junior's on their very first trip together to New York as a couple to connect Adam with her childhood memories of the city. As they both say, "life's simplest moments once slice of cheesecake, two forks, and a shared memory are the ones that mean the most." The ceremony concluded with a celebratory lunch and a reminder from Rosen that "love is an essential ingredient" to both a happy marriage and the world's most fabulous cheesecake. About Junior's Since the 1950s, Junior's Restaurant and Bakery in Brooklyn, New York has been famous for great food, great fun, great service, and, of course, the World's Most Famous Cheesecake. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Junior's Restaurant and Bakery's menu features New York and Brooklyn comfort food dishes ranging from classic New York deli sandwiches piled high, famous 10 oz. steak burgers, salads, jumbo half pound hot dogs, fresh seafood and a full-service bar. For more information, visit juniorscheesecake.com. Instagram: @JuniorsCheesecake, Facebook: @JuniorsCheesecake SOURCE Junior's General Secretary To Lam on Friday received US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre on the occasion of his official visit to Vietnam. General Secretary To Lam receives US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre. Photo: VNA Assistant Secretary DeSombre expressed sincere thanks to the General Secretary for taking the time to receive him, noting it was an honor to visit Vietnam. He conveyed President Donald Trumps congratulations to General Secretary To Lam on his re-election and on the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. General Secretary To Lam said the 14th Congress had concluded successfully, marking a milestone that opens a new stage of development for Vietnam. He conveyed his appreciation to President Donald Trump for sending a congratulatory letter on the success of the Congress. Welcoming Assistant Secretary DeSombres visit, the General Secretary highly valued the role of the US Department of State in promoting the positive momentum of Vietnam - US relations in recent years. Vietnam always considers the US one of its leading important partners and stands ready to strengthen comprehensive cooperation across fields for the benefit of the two peoples, contributing positively to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. The General Secretary affirmed that Vietnam will continue to consistently pursue an independent, self-reliant foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, while diversifying and multilateralizing its external relations, acting as a responsible member of the international community and actively contributing to regional and global issues. Assistant Secretary DeSombre shared that President Trump greatly appreciates General Secretary To Lams agreement to participate in the Gaza Peace Council initiative. He affirmed that the US attaches importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and wishes to enhance cooperation with Vietnam at a strategic level in both bilateral relations and regional and international matters. Assistant Secretary DeSombre expressed thanks and appreciation for the outcomes of his meetings with Vietnamese agencies and ministries during the visit, affirming that he would continue to contribute to advancing Vietnam - US relations in a substantive manner in the time ahead. On Friday afternoon, Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang also received US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre. Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang receives US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre. Minister Luong Tam Quang noted that after 30 years of normalization of relations and more than two years of implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bilateral ties have made remarkable strides. The two countries have become a typical model in international relations for efforts to overcome the past and move toward building a cooperative and friendly future on the basis of shared interests, trust and mutual respect. Regarding sectoral cooperation, collaboration between Vietnams Ministry of Public Security and US security and law enforcement partners has expanded strongly in both breadth and depth. In September 2025, Vietnams Ministry of Public Security and the US Department of State co-chaired the second Security and Law Enforcement Dialogue in the US. The two sides exchanged views on practical issues such as drug prevention and control, human trafficking, illegal immigration, cybersecurity cooperation and combating online fraud. Minister Luong Tam Quang proposed that Michael DeSombre advise on implementing the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in an even more substantive manner. The Ministry of Public Security expressed hope that the two countries would soon conclude negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement with positive results. Vietnams Ministry of Public Security stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating transnational crime. Assistant Secretary Michael DeSombre affirmed that he would continue to promote bilateral relations and sectoral cooperation between the Ministry of Public Security and US security and law enforcement partners to a new height. Tran Thuong Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center On February 10 in Hanoi, the National Innovation Center (NIC) officially launched the International Quantum Computing Hackathon (QC4SG 2026). The event marks a strategic step for Vietnam in joining the global technology value chain in the post-AI era. The event is co-organized by NIC in collaboration with the Vietnam Quantum Technology Innovation Network (VNQuantum), the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), and the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology. The hackathon is not only a technology playground but also an effort to implement the Politburos Resolution No57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation. The next wave after AI As major powers such as the US, China, Japan and the European Union invest billions of dollars in the quantum race, experts say this is a pivotal moment for developing countries like Vietnam to seize the opportunity. Lee Eunkyu, Science, ICT and Communications Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam, raised the question: The world is caught up in intense AI competition, but what comes after AI? The answer is quantum technology. He stressed that the field is no longer a distant future but has become a decisive factor in industrial strength and national security. Sharing the same view, speakers at the event pointed out that quantum technology has moved beyond the academic research phase and into the commercial application stage. Leading corporations such as IBM, Google, and NVIDIA are aggressively building ecosystems and training human resources to gain a long-term advantage. Despite being a new and complex field, Vietnam is considered to have great potential in the field thanks to its young workforce and strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the NIC, noted that Vietnam has already made an international mark in the semiconductor and AI sectors, evidenced by NVIDIA establishing its largest AI R&D center outside the US. Hoai believes Vietnam has a solid basis to develop its quantum industry. However, Vietnams strategy is not to cover the entire value chain. We cannot do everything from start to finish. We need to select a suitable segment to develop together with the world in the most effective way, rather than spreading our investment, he said, suggesting a focus on materials, copper wires or smaller components as potential starting points. The QC4SG 2026 international hackathon is designed as the first step in this strategy, creating a platform to connect young talent, research communities and international investors. Its goal is to discover and incubate breakthrough ideas to address practical challenges in healthcare, finance, logistics and energy. Bringing Quantum to the public Rossy Nhung Nguyen, Chair of VNQuantum, said QC4SG 2026 is the first quantum hackathon in Vietnam and part of a broader series of events across Southeast Asia. A key feature of the competition is its openness. You do not need to be a quantum physicist to come up with quantum solutions, she said. The organizers are committed to supporting contestants from basic knowledge (Quantum 101) to the prototyping stage, encouraging anyone with a curious mindset to participate. The event is also supported by the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a global initiative aimed at bringing quantum technology to developing countries. Registration is open until March 31. From May to June, participants will receive core knowledge training and hands-on technical practice through a Quantum Bootcamp. Those who pass the training round will travel to Quy Nhon to form teams and work with mentors, including CEOs and CTOs from leading quantum companies, during Hackathon Week. From Paris, Associate Professor Nguyen Luong Quang of the IAS Institute and Head of Research and Development at VNQuantum, said: This is not just a competition. It is a launchpad for genuine quantum startups. We focus on practical solutions with real-world applicability and game-changing impact in the digital era. An interesting highlight is the co-organizing role of Gia Lai province. Nguyen Huu Ha, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, said the province views quantum technology as a field with strong breakthrough potential across computing, communications, AI, data and various socio-economic sectors. Through cooperation with NIC and VNQuantum, the province hopes to gradually become a regional hub for science and technology expertise. The Korean representative also expressed confidence in cooperation prospects. With an ambitious strategy to invest in national quantum clusters, South Korea sees Vietnam as a promising partner given their close economic ties. Thai Khang At a reception for Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu on February 12, Trung highlighted the significance of the Canadian officials first visit to Vietnam in further deepening bilateral ties. He asked Sidhu to convey Party General Secretary To Lams thanks and New Year greetings to Governor General Mary May Simon, and expressed appreciation for her congratulatory letter following his re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The Vietnamese minister welcomed positive developments in the Comprehensive Partnership, especially in trade and investment, with two-way trade surpassing 8.5 billion USD in 2025. He also thanked Canada for supporting ASEANs and Vietnams stance on resolving disputes peacefully in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two ministers and members of both delegations attend the reception. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) For his part, Sidhu said he was pleased to make his first visit to Vietnam and attend the inauguration of the new Canadian Embassy premises. He congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th National Party Congress and voiced confidence in the countrys advancement in a new development phase. He described Vietnam as Canadas top priority partner in ASEAN and highlighted significant room for expanded cooperation in trade and investment, science and technology, education and training, environmental protection and climate change response. Sidhu added that regular high-level exchanges and effective implementation of bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, particularly leveraging both countries membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with Vietnam serving as rotating chair in 2026, will generate new momentum for cooperation and contribute to regional and global peace, stability and development. The two ministers agreed on measures to advance the Comprehensive Partnership, pledging to facilitate cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, official development assistance, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, while expanding collaboration in emerging areas such as supply chains, AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, clean energy transition, renewable energy, green agriculture, environmental protection and climate change response. They also consented to coordinate and support each other as Vietnam prepares to host APEC Year 2027 and to further strengthen CanadaASEAN relations./. In his opening address, Koutsoumbas reviewed more than a century of the partys formation and development, highlighting recent achievements while assessing the domestic political situation and the international context, and outlining key tasks and objectives for the coming term. A central focus of the congress was the announcement of plans to strengthen the partys organisational structure and leadership role, with the aim of building a strong and comprehensive organisation capable of leading the movements of workers and people of all strata amid increasingly complex global developments. The KKE leader also called for the establishment of a nationwide workers and peoples movement, promoting coordination among social forces to form a broad socio-political front opposing capitalism and monopolies. At its first session following the congress, the Central Committee unanimously re-elected Koutsoumbas as General Secretary and elected a 16-member Politburo./. VNA The Vietnam Internet Association (VIA) has formally requested that the Ministry of Industry and Trade maintain the current production-rate electricity pricing for data centers, arguing that a recent policy shift could significantly burden digital infrastructure operators and disrupt investment momentum in the countrys growing technology sector. In a letter addressed to the ministry, the association noted that since the enforcement of Circular 60/2025/TT-BCT on December 2, 2025, data centers have been classified as facilities providing centralized data processing, storage, and management services and thus subjected to commercial electricity rates - a category far more expensive than industrial pricing. Under Decision 1279/QD-BCT, retail power rates for business use are considerably higher than for industrial use. Once the circular took effect, data centers operated by members such as Viettel, VNPT, FPT, CMC, and VNG were automatically reclassified into the higher-cost commercial bracket, causing operational expenses to spike by more than 50%. Electricity is the largest single cost in data center operations. We propose that the government continue to apply industrial electricity pricing for data centers to ensure stable investment and expansion, VIA chairman Vu Hoang Lien stated in the letter. The association cited Article 3, Clause 9 of the Telecommunications Law No. 24/2023/QH15, which defines data center services as telecommunications services that provide data processing, storage, and access via telecommunications networks - thereby qualifying for production-rate electricity pricing. It also referenced Decision 36/2025/QD-TTg, which distinguishes between data center leasing activities (such as renting servers and hosting space) and facilities providing centralized data processing and management services, reinforcing the need for clear classification and consistent policy. VIA emphasized that the digital technology industry - encompassing digital infrastructure, data infrastructure, and data centers - is a strategic sector forming the backbone of Vietnams digital economy. Correctly defining electricity usage for these facilities is therefore critical not only to resolve immediate regulatory confusion but also to align national energy policy with broader goals for digital transformation. This issue directly affects investor confidence, the association noted. Ensuring consistent and reasonable power pricing is vital for mobilizing private capital into high-value industries like cloud computing and data infrastructure - key components of Vietnams strategy for technological advancement. Speaking to VietNamNet on February 12, CMC Telecom CEO Ngo Trong Hieu estimated that under the new pricing scheme, technology firms operating data centers would collectively pay an additional VND1,000 billion per year to the national utility, EVN. He warned that such a steep increase could push many operators into financial loss and dampen foreign investment interest - especially as Vietnam seeks to attract global technology leaders in semiconductors and AI. Industry stakeholders also pointed out that the higher energy costs run counter to the spirit of Resolution 57 of the Politburo, which prioritizes the growth of high-tech industries and digital infrastructure. For Vietnams digital economy to thrive, they argue, stable and supportive power pricing for data centers is not merely a cost issue - it is a national strategy. Thai Khang PACK EXPO East offers new equipment and digital tools that reflect the evolving manufacturing landscape. HERNDON, Va., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Packaging and processing manufacturers are investing in smarter equipment, automation, and sustainable solutions to address labor shortages, supply chain challenges, and rising customer expectations. At PACK EXPO East 2026 (Feb. 1719, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia), attendees will see how artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and flexible machinery are moving from experimentation to everyday tools that improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and support long-term growth. "Manufacturers are focused on building operations that are more efficient, resilient, and adaptable," says Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of market development at PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. "The trends emerging across packaging and processing reflect a clear industry priority: doing more with less while maintaining quality, safety, and sustainability." Top Packaging Trends Artificial Intelligence AI is becoming an important tool in both packaging and processing. It helps manufacturers work more efficiently, reduce equipment downtime, improve product quality, and deal with labor challenges. According to PMMI's 2026 report, Building an AI Advantage in Packaging Equipment, some of the biggest benefits of AI come from using it to share knowledge, predict maintenance needs, meet regulations, and make data easier to understand. Instead of just testing AI, more companies are now using it in everyday operations. AI is helping optimize production lines, catch problems early, and support better decision-making, giving manufacturers an advantage as operations become more complex. Sustainability Sustainable packaging remains a major focus, with increased demand for recyclable, compostable, and lightweight solutions. Manufacturers are prioritizing packaging designs that support circular economy goals while maintaining shelf appeal and product protection. Automation and Robotics Robotics and automation are expanding quickly across packaging lines, helping reduce labor dependence and improve throughput. Case packing, palletizing, and pick-and-place applications are among the most widely adopted. Flexible Packaging Growth Flexible packaging formats, such as pouches, flow wraps, and stick packs, continue to gain market share due to their efficiency, convenience, and reduced material usage. Modular and Quick-Change Packaging Equipment Manufacturers are seeking packaging systems that enable faster changeovers, shorter production runs, and greater SKU variability. Equipment flexibility is becoming essential for meeting market demand. Smart Packaging and Traceability Tools Connected packaging solutions, including QR codes and digital labeling, are helping improve traceability, compliance, and consumer engagement while supporting transparency initiatives. Top Processing Trends Food Safety and Hygienic Equipment Design Processing equipment is increasingly being engineered with sanitation in mind, supporting stricter food safety requirements and minimizing contamination risk through hygienic design principles. Digitalization and Industry 4.0 Integration Connected processing equipment, data analytics, and real-time monitoring tools are being used to improve visibility into performance, efficiency, and quality control. Predictive Maintenance and Equipment Reliability Predictive maintenance technologies are helping facilities reduce unplanned downtime by identifying wear, vibration, and performance issues before failures occur. Energy and Water Efficiency Sustainability efforts are driving investments in processing systems that reduce water use, optimize energy consumption, and support corporate environmental goals. Gaining a Competitive Advantage "Companies that embrace these trends are better prepared to work more efficiently, meet regulations, improve product quality, and stay competitive as market demands continue to grow," Izquierdo says. Produced by PMMI, PACK EXPO East continues to serve as a key destination for packaging and processing professionals seeking the latest machinery, materials, and knowledge shaping the future of manufacturing. This year's show highlights major trends accelerating across the industry, including AI, automation, sustainability, digitalization, and equipment designed for greater flexibility and efficiency. With 500 exhibitors, covering 125,000 net square feet of exhibit space, PACK EXPO East brings solutions for more than 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, life sciences, cosmetics and personal care, and industrial and household chemicals. PACK EXPO East features machinery that helps packaging and processing companies work faster, safer, and more efficiently. The show highlights live demos of equipment like automated machines, robotics, and flexible systems that are easier to change over between products. Attendees can see practical solutions designed to reduce downtime, improve quality, and support new packaging types and production needs. New for 2026, PACK EXPO East introduces the Containers and Materials Pavilion, designed to help brand owners, package designers, and manufacturers explore the latest advances in paperboard, glass, metal, flexible, and resealable packaging. In addition, the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, offers attendees expert guidance on best practices for adopting and optimizing reusable packaging systems. "PACK EXPO East has become an essential event for packaging and processing professionals on the East Coast," says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. "The 2026 show brings together new features, practical education, and unmatched access to suppliers and solutions, giving attendees a clear advantage as they plan for the year ahead." Education PACK EXPO East 2026 offers a robust lineup of free educational programming, including Industry Speaks and Innovation Stage sessions led by industry experts and exhibitors. These sessions address timely topics such as AI, automation, operational efficiency, 2D barcodes, food safety, and sustainability, and provide actionable insights attendees can apply immediately. Session highlights include: AI and Automation in Labeling and Artwork Management: Are You Ready? Presented by Bart Meersschaert, presales solution architect at Esko Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2:00 p.m. Sustainable Packaging in Practice: The Good, the Hard, and the Necessary Presented by Jessica Adkins, vice president, corporate responsibility, safety & quality at Bonduelle Americas Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1:30 p.m. Building an AI Advantage in Processing and Packaging Operations Presented by Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development at PMMI Thursday, Feb. 19, 11:00 a.m. The show will feature two sessions on Sunrise 2027. Unlocking Sunrise 2027: How Tech Providers Can Lead the 2D Revolution Presented by Steven Keddie, senior director, Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) and SME lead at GS1 Global Office and Andrew Morehead, director of global standards at GS1 US Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m. Preparing for GS1 Sunrise 2027: A Perspective on the Retail Industry's Next Evolution Presented by Clay Ryan, head of worldwide business development for Amazon Transparency Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m. A Must-Attend Event for Industry Professionals From executives and engineers to brand managers and package designers, PACK EXPO East is where decision-makers come to evaluate solutions, exchange ideas, and move projects forward. With planning tools like My Show Planner, the PACK EXPO East Mobile App, and visual category search, attendees can maximize their time on the show floor and connect with the right partners faster. For more information and to register, visit www.packexpoeast.com. Editorial Contact Gatwiri Muthara Sr. PR Manager, PMMI 571.485.8711 [email protected] SOURCE PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies Voting ends in Bangladesh's national parliament election Xinhua) 08:50, February 13, 2026 A woman displays her ink-stained finger after casting ballot in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) DHAKA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The voting in Bangladesh's national parliament election ended at 4:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. Bangladesh Election Commission said the counting will begin immediately after the vote ends. According to local media, despite isolated incidents, the voting proceeded smoothly and peacefully in general. "I haven't felt this kind of election-day festive mood in Bangladesh since 2008," said Abdur Rahman, a Dhaka dweller. He added that he wishes this election would mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in the country's development and future progress. "We hope that whichever party wins will keep the promises they made in their manifesto," he said. Voters wait in line to cast their ballots in the National Parliament election and a public referendum in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) The voting began at 7:30 a.m. in over 42,000 voting centers. According to the Election Commission, a total of 2,028 candidates are contesting for 299 out of the 300 directly-elected parliamentary constituencies. The election for the last seat will be held later because of the death of a candidate. This is the South Asian country's first general election since Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister in August 2024 amid nationwide political chaos. In Bangladesh, a party can form the government only if it clinches 151 seats in total. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) SHANGHAI, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 2171.HK), a company focused on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies, announces that through its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary CARsgen Diagnostics, it has signed Strategic Cooperation Agreements agreements with Shanghai Jingong Enterprise, which is a key platform enterprise in the Bay Area High-Tech Zone of Jinshan District, Shanghai. With a total investment amount not exceeding RMB370 million, the Company will establish an advanced commercial manufacturing base for CAR T-cell products in Jinshan District, Shanghai. This move closely aligns with the commercialization progress of the Company's multiple CAR T-cell products, including the marketed product zevorcabtagene autoleucel and the CAR T-cell product satricabtagene autoleucel (R&D code "CT041") for solid tumor currently in the NDA stage. It also lays the foundation for the future mass production of multiple allogeneic CAR T-cell products (such as CT0596 and CT1190B). Under this background, enhancing CAR T-cell manufacturing capacity that meets international standards has become a core initiative to support the commercialization of multiple products and strengthen global competitiveness. This transaction requires no significant capital expenditure from CARsgen Therapeutics in early stage, thus effectively preserving valuable cash flow for core research and development as well as market expansion. In addition, the repurchase mechanism ensures the Company can fully acquire asset control after long-term operation, maintaining production stability and enhancing the flexibility of asset layout. This collaboration demonstrates CARsgen Therapeutics' prudent financial planning and deep layout in the CAR T-cell therapy industry ecosystem. It also indicates that the project is highly in line with national and local policies on the biopharmaceutical industry and has received high attention and strong support from the government. This strategic partnership will further consolidate CARsgen Therapeutics' leading position in the global CAR T-cell therapy industry while creating long-term value for shareholders. About CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited CARsgen is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies to address the unmet clinical needs including but not limited to hematologic malignancies, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. CARsgen has established end-to-end capabilities for CAR T-cell research and development covering target discovery, preclinical research, product clinical development, and commercial-scale production. CARsgen has developed novel in-house technologies and a product pipeline with global rights to address challenges faced by existing CAR T-cell therapies. Efforts include improving safety profile, enhancing the efficacy in treating solid tumors, and reducing treatment costs, etc. CARsgen's mission is to be a global biopharmaceutical leader that provides innovative and differentiated cell therapies for patients worldwide and makes cancer and other diseases curable. Forward-looking Statements All statements in this press release that are not historical fact or that do not relate to present facts or current conditions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements express the Group's current views, projections, beliefs and expectations with respect to future events as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and factors beyond the Group's control. As a result, they are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those detailed under the heading "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" in our most recent annual report and interim report and other announcements and reports made available on our corporate website, https://www.carsgen.com. No representation or warranty is given as to the achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on, any projections, targets, estimates or forecasts contained in this press release. For more information, please visit https://www.carsgen.com/ SOURCE CARsgen Therapeutics At last weeks Singapore Airshow 2026, Vietnam emerged as a focal point in conversations about Asias next aviation growth frontier. Two aircraft manufacturers, business jet provider Dassault Aviation and the worlds largest turboprop manufacturer ATR, arrived with a shared message: Vietnams aviation market is expanding rapidly, but its next phase of development will depend on filling structural gaps rather than adding more capacity on already crowded routes. Aircraft makers urge out-the-box thinking Vietnams business aviation market remains small by regional standards, but Dassault Aviation sees clear momentum building. According to Carlos Brana, executive vice president for Civil Aircraft at Dassault, the growth trajectory mirrors patterns seen previously in other emerging Asian economies. Vietnams business aviation market is still young, but it is developing quickly, Brana said. Vietnams strong economic expansion, underpinned by industrialisation and deeper integration into global supply chains, is creating new mobility needs for companies operating across borders. As enterprises scale up, the limitations of scheduled airline networks become more apparent. The fundamental value proposition, he stressed, is time efficiency. Direct point-to-point travel between secondary cities can eliminate multiple stopovers, enabling companies to reach destinations that are poorly served or not served at all. While Vietnams fleet of business jets remains modest compared with markets such as Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia, Dassault expects steady growth over the next 5-10 years as economic activity becomes more geographically dispersed. Vietnams ongoing airport expansion is often cited as a constraint, but Dassault argues that business aviation is well-suited to operate within existing infrastructure. Business jets can operate from airports closer to final destinations, reinforcing their time-saving advantage. In many countries, including France, smaller airports rely heavily on business aviation to sustain operations, an experience Vietnam could replicate as its regional airport network expands. While business aviation addresses a niche segment, ATR sees a much larger structural gap in Vietnams aviation ecosystem: the near absence of regional turboprop operations. Despite rapid traffic growth, turboprops typically a hybrid aircraft engine that uses a gas turbine to drive a propeller account for about 2 per cent of Vietnams commercial fleet. Jean-Pierre Clercin, managing director and head of Asia-Pacific at ATR, said, Vietnams aviation growth has concentrated on long-haul and high-density routes, north-south travel and international connectivity within ASEAN and beyond. For those markets, jets are the most efficient solution. That strategy has delivered impressive results, but it has also concentrated traffic heavily at a small number of airports. ATR research shows that roughly 90 per cent of Vietnams air traffic flows through just 10 airports, placing increasing pressure on major hubs. Smaller cities and secondary regions are growing economically, and residents increasingly aspire to move faster and more efficiently, not only by road but by air, he added. Turboprops, designed for short stage lengths and thinner routes, are well-suited to this next phase. ATR aircraft typically operate most efficiently on flights of around one hour, routes that are often unviable for jets due to cost structures. Currently, Vietnam has approximately 22 operational civil airports. Of these, about 11 are international airports, and 11 are domestic airports. According to Vietnams national airport plan, Vietnam aims to expand its airport network to as many as 33 airports by 2030. Most recently, the Long Thanh International Airport, which underwent technical opening in late 2025, is expected to begin commercial operations in mid-2026. ATR argues that the development of regional aviation is not just about domestic connectivity. Short-haul international routes linking Vietnam with neighbouring countries also offer strong opportunities, thanks to turboprop aircraft. The need for a thinner, more granular network will become unavoidable. This would help ease congestion at major hubs while making better use of investments in regional airports, Clercin said. Policy support will be critical. Simplifying regulations for smaller airlines, reducing entry barriers and offering incentives such as lower airport fees on secondary routes could encourage new regional carriers to emerge. If the operating environment supports profitability, new regional airlines will follow, he added. In addition, the government has shown a proactive stance in facilitating regional aviation, even though the ecosystem remains at an early stage. Despite serving different market segments, Dassault and ATR identify similar challenges when engaging with Vietnam. For Dassault, the main hurdle is familiarity. In emerging markets, companies may be unfamiliar with aircraft ownership, operating costs and maintenance obligations, Brana said, noting parallels with Chinas early business aviation market. ATR, meanwhile, points to competition for attention. With airlines focused on wide-body orders and international expansion, regional opportunities can be overlooked. The key is finding entrepreneurs willing to build dedicated regional airlines, Clercin said. Regional aviation requires a different mindset. From a policy perspective in Vietnam, the revised Law on Civil Aviation, set to take effect in 2026, is expected to create a more enabling legal framework, widening the scope for private-sector participation in investment, operations and the development of aviation infrastructure. Vietnam has set ambitious goals for AI and big data under its digital government roadmap to 2030. From your experience, what are the main challenges in turning these goals into real, working geospatial and AI systems? Abhay Swarup Mittal The strategic direction set by the government is very strong and closely aligned with global trends. Across many countries, geospatial data has moved beyond being a supporting layer of infrastructure. It has become a daily operational requirement for governments. Geospatial data is used constantly by transport systems, delivery platforms, urban services, and many other applications. This widespread usage creates a need for continuously updated data. Satellite and space-based data are the most effective tools for meeting this requirement, as they provide up-to-date information on changes to buildings, land, and infrastructure. However, extracting value from satellite data requires more than access to imagery. A robust infrastructure is needed to process and analyse large volumes of data. Equally important is a regulatory framework that allows such data to be used securely and responsibly. Vietnam already has a strong talent base, particularly in AI and software development, which can support automation and large-scale data processing. The remaining challenge lies in governance, putting in place the right infrastructure, standards and regulatory environment. Climate risks such as flooding and rapid urban growth are major concerns for Vietnam. How are government agencies using satellites and geospatial data today, and how has this changed in recent years? Five years ago, monitoring floods and other climate-related events was far more difficult. Climate change has increased both the frequency and unpredictability of such events, while access to satellite data was often delayed by several days. In disaster situations, that delay significantly limited the ability to respond effectively. Today, the situation has changed considerably. A growing number of earth-observation satellites are now in orbit, enabling access to data within hours rather than days. This shift has transformed how governments approach disaster management. Near-real-time satellite data supports more informed decision-making. Authorities can assess the extent and direction of flooding, identify vulnerable areas and prioritise the deployment of emergency personnel and resources. The ability to predict how floodwaters are moving allows governments to move from reactive to proactive responses. This is a major step forward in building resilience against climate-related risks. Many countries still depend on foreign platforms for satellite imagery and data analysis. Why is it important for governments like Vietnams to build their own capability to receive and analyse earth-observation data? Sovereign systems have become increasingly important because data is central to modern governance. Governments manage vast amounts of information, including population data, infrastructure data and connectivity data, all of which are used to support public decision-making. Satellite imagery related to disasters is only one part of a much broader ecosystem. When combined with other national datasets, geospatial information becomes more powerful. In this context, ownership and control over data and infrastructure are critical. Building sovereign capability does not only mean owning satellites. It also involves owning the ground infrastructure, the data platforms and the analytical systems that turn raw data into actionable intelligence. When these elements are controlled domestically, governments are better positioned to address national priorities. Vietnam is a growing technology development hub. How does Aetoskys software development work in Vietnam support its projects and cooperation with local partners? Vietnams development over the past three decades has been remarkable. The depth of technical talent and the strong commitment to skills development stand out clearly. Vietnam is not viewed as an outsourcing destination, but as an integral development centre. The quality of technology and engineering talent is comparable to that found in leading global companies. The key lies in identifying the right people, investing in their development and establishing a clear execution strategy. While ideas are abundant, execution ultimately determines success. With a defined strategy and disciplined implementation, Vietnams technology workforce can play a central role in developing and deploying advanced geospatial and AI solutions. How does AI help public agencies make better decisions based on geospatial data in areas such as urban planning, land management, and infrastructure? AI is essential for automating complex processes at scale. In rapidly developing environments, changes are seen daily, making manual monitoring impractical. One important application is change detection. By combining satellite imagery with AI models, it becomes possible to automatically identify what has changed in a given area, new construction, land-use changes or unauthorised developments. This approach is already being applied in other countries to support urban planning and regulatory enforcement. Early detection enables authorities to take timely action, preventing issues such as encroachment before they escalate into legal or social challenges. More broadly, AI supports continuous monitoring, mapping and decision-making, allowing public agencies to act proactively rather than reactively. Data security and control are common concerns when governments adopt AI technologies. How does Aetosky address these issues? Data security is fundamental. Building secure systems requires sustained effort, and this is something that cannot be compromised. Strong governance frameworks must be embedded into system design from the outset. Aetosky places significant emphasis on data protection, ensuring that platforms meet strict security and governance standards. Systems are designed to operate securely and undergo approval processes that align with government requirements. Which areas are likely to benefit most from geospatial data and AI in Vietnam, and how does Aetosky plan to expand its operations in the country? Defence and security remain major drivers of earth-observation data globally. Alongside this, disaster response is expected to see particularly strong growth, as it directly affects public safety and livelihoods. Disasters take many forms like floods, typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, and their impacts are often concentrated in urban areas, where population density is high. Urban resilience therefore becomes a critical focus area, linking disaster management with city planning and infrastructure development. Agriculture and border management also benefit from geospatial intelligence, but their dynamics differ. Disasters are highly dynamic events, requiring real-time insights and rapid response, which places them at the forefront of demand for advanced geospatial AI. Aetosky is in the process of establishing an office in Vietnam and expects to begin operations in the coming months. As foreign investment and urbanisation accelerates, the need for robust geospatial and AI systems will grow. With Vietnam launching its own satellites and expanding its various space capabilities, collaboration with public agencies is expected to deepen, supporting the development of sovereign, data-driven solutions tailored to national priorities. 17 Advanced Panels Feature World-Class Policymakers, Government Officials and Leading Practitioners Addressing Critical U.S.-Mexico Cross-Border Tax and Estate Issues SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fourth consecutive year, Chamberlain Hrdlicka is proud to co-host the 2026 International Tax Conference, presented by the University of San Diego School of Law Chamberlain International Tax Institute, building on more than two decades of collaboration between USD School of Law and Chamberlain Hrdlicka shareholder Patrick W. Martin to convene leading voices in international tax, taking place February 1617, 2026 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The Premier U.S.-Mexico Tax Conference Recognized as the premier U.S.-Mexico international tax and wealth transfer conference in the Americas, the event brings together world-class policymakers, senior government officials, academics and leading practitioners for 17 advanced panels addressing the most pressing cross-border tax and estate issues affecting clients on both sides of the border. Distinguished Keynote Speakers and Government Officials The conference features a fireside chat with two of the world's most respected financial leaders: Dr. Agustin Carstens, former Mexican secretary of the treasury, former chair of the Mexican Central Bank (Banco de Mexico), and former general manager of the Bank for International Settlements in Switzerland, will participate in the discussion. Dr. Carstens is a globally respected economic leader with a distinguished career in monetary policy and global financial stability. Luis Urrutia Corral, general counsel and EVP of Regulatory Affairs at Bitso and president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will also join the program. Urrutia is also the former general counsel of the Central Bank of Mexico (Banco de Mexico) and former deputy general counsel at the International Monetary Fund. Urrutia is a leading global expert in financial law, anti-money laundering regulation and international financial governance. This high-level discussion will offer insights on global financial stability, regulatory enforcement and the future of international financial governance. Additionally, Charles Rettig, former commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, will present a virtual lunch session titled "IRS Operations: Advanced Tools to Improve Compliance and Increase Efficiency." Chamberlain Hrdlicka's Participation and Leadership Attorneys from Chamberlain Hrdlicka will participate in several high-profile panels, reinforcing the firm's leadership in international tax controversy, cross-border planning and multinational family wealth structuring. Migration, Expatriation and Citizenship by Investment: The New Global Landscape (Patrick W. Martin) Investor Visas, Immigration, and U.S. Tax and Immigration Violations Exposure in an Age of Enforcement (Luz E. Villegas) Valuation Battles in the U.S. Tax Court (Foreign Assets on the Horizon): Lessons from the Estate of Cecil v. Commissioner (David D. Aughtry and Patrick W. Martin) When Tax Regulations Fail: Federal Courts, Partnerships and Untimely Assessments JM Assets, LP v. Commissioner (2025) (Jaime Vasquez and Samuel T. Kuzniewski) H.R. 1: A Comprehensive Review of New International Statutory Law and Impact for Outbound Investments to Mexico (Sebastien N. Chain and J. Otto Timm) State Tax Storm for Mexican Exports to the U.S.: SALT Trends, Revenue Strategies & Cross-Border Impact (Bryan J. Dotson) Invalid Regulations? What does it mean in the International Tax Planning and Controversy World (Jaime Vasquez) (Jaime Vasquez) PFIC Planning for Multi-National Families (Not all USC Spouses) (Sebastien N. Chain, Zachary Cruz, Anuar Estefan) Probate Litigation at the Border: U.S. and Mexico Estate and Probate Issues (Patrick W. Martin and Luz E. Villegas) Use of Local Anti-Abuse Rules in the International Tax Content (Anuar Estefan) Tax Reporting Obligations for Assets held in U.S. ("foreign") Trusts (Sebastien N. Chain and Luz E. Villegas) U.S.-Mexico Corporate Restructuring with H.R. 1: Exploiting the Tax Incentives and Lowered Rates (Anuar Estefan) Demonstrating Cross-Border Leadership "From global tax enforcement to multinational estate disputes, the issues addressed at this year's conference reflect the increasingly sophisticated challenges our clients face," said Patrick W. Martin, shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka. "Our attorneys are proud to contribute to the dialogue at the highest levels and to help shape practical, strategic solutions for cross-border families and businesses." Chamberlain Hrdlicka's participation underscores its deep experience in U.S.-Mexico tax planning, international tax controversy, expatriation matters, wealth transfer structuring and cross-border probate litigation. About the Conference The 2026 International Tax Conference will be held at the Siglo XXI Convention Center in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, on February 16-17, 2026. The conference is co-hosted by Chamberlain Hrdlicka and the University of San Diego School of Law Chamberlain International Tax Institute. For additional information or to register, visit the event webpage. About Chamberlain Hrdlicka Chamberlain Hrdlicka is a diversified business firm with offices in Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia and San Antonio. The firm represents public and private companies, family-owned businesses and individuals across the nation. The firm offers counsel in appellate law, bankruptcy, commercial and probate litigation, construction law, corporate, employee benefits, energy and maritime law, ERISA, estate planning and administration, intellectual property, international and immigration law, labor and employment, privacy and data security, real estate, securities and finance, tax controversy and tax planning. Media Contact: Lisa Wilmore 713.356.1289 [email protected] SOURCE Chamberlain Hrdlicka With AI projected to add $1516 trillion to global GDP by 2030, the question for Vietnam is whether it can convert current momentum into sustained, economy-wide gains before the frontier shifts again. Ha Bao Tram, associate, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Over the past decade, Vietnam has built one of Southeast Asias most dynamic digital economies, at precisely the moment when the foundations of the 6G era are being laid. Near-universal internet access of 99 per cent of the population, mobile broadband speeds among the global top 20, nationwide 5G deployment across cities and industrial zones, and a digital economy approaching nearly 20 per cent of GDP give Vietnam a rare starting advantage. Importantly, 5G is becoming the platform on which AI-driven applications in manufacturing, logistics, cities, and public services are being tested. How effectively Vietnam uses this 5G phase will determine its position when 6G arrives. The next phase of development is about intelligence, not access. As networks move towards AI-native 6G architectures, leadership will hinge on turning data, edge computing, and cloud capacity into real-time economic decision-making. Vietnams expanding data centres, cloud ecosystem, and dense digital base place it close to this shift. With AI already delivering productivity gains globally, the choice is clear: to shape the 6G transition or risk remaining an efficient adopter rather than a digital leader. The convergence of 5G and AI is ultimately shaped-and constrained-by hardware. AI workloads rely on specialised chips, while advanced mobile networks require secure, resilient equipment capable of real-time processing at the edge. Vietnams move into domestic semiconductor capability, led by Viettels fabrication initiative, therefore represents more than an industrial upgrade; it is a strategic investment in the foundations of long-term digital capability. Vietnam will not rival global semiconductor foundries in the near term. However, even limited domestic chip production can materially reduce exposure to supply-chain shocks, strengthen bargaining power with global vendors, and enable more secure deployment of AI-enabled networks. In an era defined by export controls and geopolitical fragmentation, countries without any hardware capability face structural disadvantages-higher costs, delayed rollout, and limited autonomy over critical infrastructure. This industrial depth is critical to Vietnams path towards 6G, expected around 2030. Countries lacking these capabilities will inherit standards rather than shape them. Vietnams current focus on industrial 5G, AI-enabled public services, and semiconductor capability will determine whether it enters the 6G era as an active contributor to standards or a largely downstream adopter. Vietnams AI readiness has improved markedly, placing it in the top third globally and among ASEANs stronger performers. The adoption of the Law on AI in December, alongside the Law on Digital Technology Industry adopted last summer, signals a shift from experimentation towards institutionalisation. This matters because regulatory uncertainty remains one of the biggest barriers to AI investment globally. Vietnams risk-based, human-centric approach-broadly aligned with international regulatory principles-prioritises predictability, legal clarity, and trust. In a fragmented global tech environment, this positions Vietnam not as a regulatory outlier, but as a credible, rules-based AI jurisdiction-an increasingly important advantage for attracting long-term investment and high-quality international partnerships. However, even with robust policy frameworks, much depends on effective implementation and coordination across agencies in practice. In reality, AI deployment remains fragmented, largely confined to pilots and isolated use cases. There is a need to shift from AI readiness to economy-wide AI absorption to advance the core central policy challenge in the next phase of development. Globally, AI and emerging 6G development are fragmenting along standards, governance, and supply chains, favouring countries that pair credible regulation with large-scale deployment. Within ASEAN, Singapore leads on AI governance but lacks scale. Vietnams advantage lies in its ability to deploy AI, and eventually 6G, across a large, diverse economy spanning industry, agriculture, cities, and public services. To capitalise on this, Vietnam should pursue a dual-track strategy seen among leading middle powers. First, Vietnam should prioritise AI absorption at scale across the real economy. Moving beyond pilots, Vietnam should scale deployment in priority sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and urban services, using these as real-world test-beds. Second, Vietnam should engage in international AI and 6G standard-setting. The EUs emphasis on risk-based AI governance and secure digital partnerships aligns with Vietnams trajectory and offers a pathway for high-quality, long-term investment. Last, Vietnam should leverage this position by acting as a bridge economy-linking regional supply chains with global governance norms at a time when Chinas rapid AI and 6G expansion is increasing the value of neutral and predictable markets. The strategic imperative is clear: deploy at scale domestically while shaping rules internationally, or risk inheriting technologies and standards designed elsewhere. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 February 2026 - Zuellig Pharma, a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, today announced that it has acquired all rights, title, and interest in and to the Zam-Bukand Vapexconsumer healthcare brands from Bayer Consumer Care AG for Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.Zam-Bukis an ointment used for the temporary relief of pain and itch, including discomfort from insect bites. First launched in 1902, Zam-Bukhas retained strong brand equity over the decades and is widely perceived as a trusted household brand. Vapexis a nasal inhaler used to help relieve nasal congestion. Launched in 1917, Vapexhas built meaningful brand recognition, particularly in Thailand.The acquisition of the brands supports Zuellig Pharma's strategic priority to strengthen and scale its consumer healthcare portfolio across Asia. It also marks the company's second consumer healthcare acquisition, following Propan in the Philippines, reinforcing its focus on building a strong commercial platform for trusted, everyday healthcare products in the region."This acquisition marks another significant growth milestone for our consumer healthcare product portfolio. Zam-Bukand Vapexare enduring brands with deep heritage and trust in the communities they serve. By combining the brands' legacy with Zuellig Pharma's regional commercial capabilities and local market expertise, we aim to expand distribution and access across all relevant retail channels in the region. In doing so, these brands will continue to remain relevant, easy to find, and accessible to consumers." said John Graham, CEO of Zuellig Pharma.https://www.zuelligpharma.com/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. A Senedd motion calling on the UK Government to restrict social media access for children under 16 was opposed by Labour and Plaid Cymru following a debate on Tuesday. The motion, tabled in the name of Paul Davies MS (Welsh Conservative, Preseli Pembrokeshire) and moved by Natasha Asghar MS (Welsh Conservative, South Wales East), urged ministers in Westminster to introduce age restrictions on social media platforms. Opening the debate, Ms Asghar said social media had become a breeding ground for harm, bullying, addiction and anxiety and was putting our children at unnecessary risk. She told Members: That is why we are proposing a ban on social media for the under-16s. Citing polling and international examples, she added: Other countries around the world have already started to wake up and act. During the debate, Sam Rowlands MS (Welsh Conservative, North Wales) said children were now spending almost three hours online every single day and warned that a significant chunk of their waking day is being spent online in a space that is not being properly protected. Peter Fox MS (Welsh Conservative, Monmouth) said he was speaking more as a grandfather and questioned whether society would accept young children being placed into an unsupervised space full of strangers offline. However, an amendment tabled by Jane Hutt MS (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan) and formally moved by Lynne Neagle MS (Labour, Torfaen), Cabinet Secretary for Education, replaced the motion with a call to welcome the UK Governments forthcoming consultation. The amended motion recognised the need for evidence-based decisions and for social media companies to be held responsible for harmful content. Responding to the debate, Ms Neagle said: There is no doubt that social media can expose children to significant harm. But she cautioned against what she described as simplistic solutions, adding: Determining the right minimum age for children to access social media is far more nuanced and complex. Cefin Campbell MS (Plaid Cymru, Mid and West Wales) said his party would support the Welsh Governments amendment. He told the chamber: Its very easy to rush to find solutions or to make easy headlines, but what we have to do is take our time. Mr Campbell added that safeguarding children was a wider problem than issuing restrictions or bans without full clarity on how to implement and enforce them. James Evans MS (Welsh Conservative, Brecon and Radnorshire) said he shared concerns about harm but warned of unintended consequences. He said: We have to be very careful when we go straight to banning anything without looking at the unintended consequences of doing things. The original motion was not agreed without amendment and voting was deferred until voting time. In a statement issued after the debate, Ms Asghar said: Social media is having a profoundly harmful impact on childrens mental health, behaviour and capacity to learn. She added: Unfortunately, Labour and Plaid Cymru chose to vote against our motion to protect children from those harms. The debate comes amid wider UK discussions about age verification, online safety enforcement and the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023. For families across Flintshire and Deeside, where concerns about online bullying, safeguarding and classroom behaviour have been raised by schools and parents in recent years, any future changes to social media rules could have implications for pupils and local education settings. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com AUSTIN, Texas and LONDON, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Eventus, a leading provider of comprehensive, at-scale trade surveillance and financial risk solutions, last night won Market Surveillance Solution of the Year at the FOW International Awards 2026 in London. Eventus has now won the category for its Validus platform four times since 2019. The FOW International Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the global derivatives industry. Award winners were chosen by an independent panel of experts from throughout the industry. Comments from the judges included: "The field of surveillance has seen a huge amount of change since first becoming a requirement in the early 2000's, and many firms have built applications to satisfy these needs. Of the current crop, Eventus seems to be blazing a trail for continuing development, with their moves into digital markets and AI showing leadership in their field." Eventus CEO Travis Schwab said: "It's always a tremendous honor to earn recognition from FOW in these awards. The introduction of our Frank AI solution was an important milestone last year. And just as we've played a leadership role in trade surveillance for cryptocurrency markets, we are now proud to help other marketplaces and participants understand how to surveil in 24/7 environments and to spearhead the implementation of proper surveillance tools for the rapidly growing information and prediction markets space as these venues and regulators alike navigate this new landscape." Eventus has now earned nearly 50 global and regional awards for excellence in its platform and client service over the past seven years. About Eventus Eventus provides state-of-the-art, at-scale trade surveillance software across all lines of defense. Its powerful, award-winning Validus platform is easy to deploy, customize and operate across equities, options, futures, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income and digital asset markets. Validus is proven in the most complex, high-volume, and real time environments of Eventus' rapidly growing client base, including tier-1 banks, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), proprietary trading groups, market centers, buy-side institutions, energy and commodity trading firms, and regulators. Clients rely on the platform, coupled with the firm's responsive support and product development, to overcome their most pressing trade surveillance regulatory challenges. For more, visit www.eventus.com. SOURCE Eventus Four of those investigations are still open. Some of the violations include a lack of proper personal protective equipment, brakes failing on a forklift, and firefighters and employees suffering from chemical burns. Controversy stems from the fact that the company received OSHA citations last year, and then shortly after, the fines were waived. There were allegations that the Governor's Office used political influence to remove the punishment, but those claims have been denied. "There is no additional pressure that is added to me to sway a decision one way or the other," said Dr. Kristopher Sanchez, Director, Nevada Department of Business & Industry, a department that OSHA is in. "It does not happen, it will not happen in my leadership in business and industry. I don't care about the title of the person on the other side of the phone." The Nevada Division of Industrial Relations said the claims were withdrawn after legal review, which wasn't done until after the citations were given. "It was an oversight that it was not given to legal prior to issuance of the citations," said Victoria Carreon, Administrator for the division. Carreon says policy changes have gone into effect since this happened. Watts was very critical of the Boring Company since the operations are mostly occurring in his district. One of the points he brought up in the meeting was the fact that the company has not taken advantage of free OSHA training to help smooth out operations and avoid future citations. "We did discuss with them then what we do offer through SCATS. They did not, at that time, ask for our services," Carreon said. That was back in 2022, when many state officials took a trip to the job site. Watts says that legislators will be looking into policy changes for the 2027 Nevada Legislative Session. However, there are things in the meantime he's hoping get implemented. "When a company fights fines for OSHA violations, that goes through a review board," he explained. "That board is appointed by the Governor, and it has two vacancies currently, so it's handicapping the ability for them to hold these companies accountable." Watts says that another short-term goal is to have OSHA and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection put the hammer down. The Assemblymember also has lots of questions still unanswered. Both the Governor's Office and the Boring Company declined to show up at the meeting. The Musk-owned company sent a seven-page memo, but Watts said it barely covered the committee's questions. Just in time for Valentines Day, Franco Baking Company, a Northern Nevada bakery owned and operated by Roundabout Catering Group, is introducing its newest loaf, a cinnamon swirl French toast bread designed to bring extra warmth and indulgence to the breakfast table. The new loaf arrives in select Northern Nevada Raleys locations in February, with an official launch on Valentines Day. Baked fresh and locally in Sparks, the brioche-style bread is made with real butter, eggs, real cinnamon, and cinnamon chips. Each slice features a consistent cinnamon swirl, offering uniform flavor and appearance. We wanted this bread to feel special but still familiar, said MaryBeth Smith, owner of Franco Baking Company and Roundabout Catering Group. Valentines Day felt like the perfect moment to introduce something a little sweeter, while staying true to what Franco does best, which is fresh local breads made with care. The loaf was developed to address limited availability in the local market for a fresh, locally baked cinnamon swirl bread made without preservatives. The bakery focused on balance, aiming for warmth and comfort rather than dessert-level sweetness. The bread can be served toasted with butter or used for French toast. Our goal was balance, said Colin Smith, owner-chef at Franco Baking Company and Roundabout Catering Group. We used quality ingredients, including delicious cinnamon chips, and paid close attention to the texture so it toasts beautifully. You get that comforting cinnamon flavor, but it never feels too rich. It is indulgent, approachable, and something you can enjoy more than just on a holiday morning. While Franco is known for sourdough and traditional breads, the cinnamon swirl French toast loaf reflects an expanded focus on sweet breads. The company said the product will launch first in Northern Nevada, with plans to expand into additional markets as demand grows. Franco Baking Company has operated in Northern Nevada for more than 50 years, baking in Sparks and supplying local retailers. The bakery was acquired by MaryBeth and Colin Smith in 2023. The couple has owned and operated food and beverage businesses in the Reno Sparks area since 2007. The cinnamon swirl French toast bread will be available at participating northern Nevada Raleys locations. More information is available on the Franco Baking Company website. A Reno man was taken into custody following an investigation by the Nevada State Police Parole and Probation Division. Jamaine Glover Jr, who is a probationer, was suspected of committing domestic battery, eluding an officer, and firing a gun. February 2nd, Parole and Probation officers, with help from Reno Police went to Glover's home. There they say they found numerous guns and ammunition. He was arrested on a number of charges: Aggravated stalking Driver disobeying a peace officer, endangering others Burglary of a motor vehicle Reckless driving Harassment constituting domestic violence Preventing a victim from reporting a crime Domestic battery Violation of probation Glover was booked into the Washoe County Jail. LONDON (AP) Britains High Court ruled Friday that the governments decision to outlaw the protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful, but it kept the ban in place pending another hearing while the government prepares an appeal. Judges Victoria Sharp, Jonathan Swift and Karen Steyn said the nature and scale of Palestine Actions activities did not meet the "level, scale and persistence" that would justify proscription. The judges said they were "satisfied that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action was disproportionate." The government banned Palestine Action after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in June to protest British military support for Israels military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, which killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. The government declared the pro-Palestinian direct-action group a terrorist organization alongside the likes of al-Qaida and Hamas, making membership in or support for Palestine Action a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Since then, more than 2,700 people have been arrested at protests for holding signs saying I support Palestine Action. Almost 700 have been charged under the Terrorism Act, although no one has yet been convicted. Supporters of Palestine Action and civil liberties groups say the arrests for peaceful protest ride roughshod over free speech and the right to protest. Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori said the decision is a monumental victory both for our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people, striking down a decision that will forever be remembered as one of the most extreme attacks on free speech in recent British history. Yasmine Ahmed, U.K. director of Human Rights Watch, called the court ruling a shot in the arm for British democracy. She said the British government had used antiterror legislation to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was disappointed by the courts decision and disagreed with the notion that banning this terrorist organization is disproportionate. The proscription does not prevent peaceful protest in support of the Palestinian cause, another point on which the court agrees," she said, adding: I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal. Palestine Action has carried out direct action protests at military and industrial sites in the U.K. since it formed in 2020, including breaking into facilities owned by Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems UK. Officials say the groups actions have caused millions of pounds in damage that affect national security. In their ruling, the judges said that while a very small number of its actions have amounted to terrorist action ... regardless of proscription, the criminal law is available to prosecute those concerned. The justices said they would not quash the ban until a further hearing on whether it should stay in place "pending the possibility of an appeal." They gave lawyers for the two sides until Feb. 20 to prepare for that hearing. Londons Metropolitan Police said that in light of the judgment, officers would not arrest people expressing support for Palestine Action, but would continue to gather evidence of offenses to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date. Construction to begin soon in Salem and surrounding communities HOUSTON, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ezee Fiber announced today that it will expand its fiber-to-the-premises network into Oregon, bringing multi-gig fiber internet service to residential and business customers in the Salem area. Customer installations are expected to begin in the first half of 2026. The company said the expansion will create regional employment opportunities, including construction workers, installation technicians, sales and marketing staff, and community engagement personnel. Ezee Fiber also plans to establish a regional office in Salem. ezee Fiber Logo (PRNewsfoto/Ezee Fiber) Matt Marino, Chief Executive Officer (PRNewsfoto/Ezee Fiber) Eddie Abreu, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Operations for Ezee Fiber's Pacific Northwest Region "I'm proud to bring Ezee Fiber's multi-gig internet service to homes and businesses in Oregon," said Matt Marino, Chief Executive Officer of Ezee Fiber. Marino said customer support has contributed to the company's growth over the past two years. The company reports a 4.9-star Google rating and thousands of five-star reviews. Ezee Fiber has also received PCMag's Fastest ISPs for Gaming 2026 recognition and multiple Ookla Speedtest awards for speed and reliability. The company said its service includes no term contracts, data caps or mandatory fees, along with locally based customer support. "We are excited for residents and businesses in the Salem region to soon have access to our multi-gig fiber internet," said Eddie Abreu, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Ezee Fiber's Pacific Northwest region. Abreu said the network will serve single-family neighborhoods, apartments, master-planned communities, schools and businesses. Residential customers will have access to symmetrical speeds up to 8 gigabits per second, while business customers can receive dedicated service up to 100 gigabits per second. Residents and businesses can visit ezeefiber.com to check availability and preregister for service. About Ezee Fiber Ezee Fiber is a rapidly growing, Houston-based fiber internet provider delivering premium multi-gig service to residential, business, and government customers over a 100% fiber-optic networkat exceptional value. The company's carrier-grade infrastructure spans Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, Oregon and Washington, and is supported by local teams who live and work in the communities it serves. Ezee Fiber's industry-leading speeds, award-winning local customer service, and transparent pricing model set the company apart from the competition. Learn more at www.ezeefiber.com SOURCE Ezee Fiber MUNICH (AP) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Friday for the United States and Europe to repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together, saying that even the U.S. isn't powerful enough to go it alone in an world whose old order has withered. Merz called for a new trans-Atlantic partnership, acknowledging that a divide, a deep rift has opened up across the Atlantic as he opened the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of top global security figures, including many European leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Merz said that the post-World War II world order, as imperfect as it was at its best times, no longer exists today. Hours later, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe has to become a geopolitical power. He said that it's ongoing, but we have to accelerate in areas such as defense, technology and derisking vis-a-vis all the big powers in order to be much more independent. At last year's conference, a few weeks into U.S. President Donald Trump's second term, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stunned European leaders by lecturing them about the state of democracy and freedom of speech on the continent a moment that set the tone for the last year. A series of statements and moves from the Trump administration targeting allies followed, including Trump's threat last month to impose new tariffs on several European countries in a bid to secure U.S. control of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. The president later dropped that threat. Stronger together The culture war of the MAGA movement in the U.S. is not ours, Merz said. The freedom of the word ends here when this word is turned against human dignity and the constitution. And we don't believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade. He said that Europe would stand by climate agreements and the World Health Organization. But Merz said that Europe and the U.S. should conclude that we are stronger together" in today's world. In the era of great-power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone, he said. Dear friends, being a part of NATO is not only Europe's competitive advantage. It's also the United States' competitive advantage, so let's repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together. The Europeans, Merz said, are doing their part. Shift in mindset in Europe Since last years Munich conference, NATO allies have agreed under pressure from Trump to a large increase in their defense spending target. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that there has been a shift in mindset, with Europe really stepping up, Europe taking more of a leadership role within NATO, Europe also taking more care of its own defense. With Rubio heading the U.S. delegation this year, European leaders can hope for a less contentious approach more focused on traditional global security concerns. Before departing for Germany, Rubio had some reassuring words as he described Europe as important for Americans. Were very tightly linked together with Europe, he told reporters. Most people in this country can trace both, either their cultural or their personal heritage, back to Europe. So, we just have to talk about that. But Rubio made clear that it wouldnt be business as usual, saying: We live in a new era in geopolitics, and its going to require all of us to reexamine what that looks like. Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the conference that the U.S. had been sustaining the financial burden of multilateralism for too long and Europeans need to do more. There is a cost to the status quo and the status quo was not sustainable any more, Waltz said. Merz said that Europe's excessive dependency on the U.S. was its own fault, but it's leaving that behind. We won't do this by writing off NATO we will do it by building a strong, self-supporting European pillar in the alliance, in our own interest, he said. He acknowledged that Europe and the U.S. will likely have to bridge more disagreements in the future than in the past, but if we do this with new strength, respect and self-respect, that is to the advantage of both sides. Macron, who emphasized the priority of supporting Ukraine and called for greater regulation of social media, also stressed the importance of respect. This is the right time for a strong Europe, he said. This Europe will be a good ally and partner for the United States of America, because it will be a partner taking its fair share of the burden. It will be a partner being respected and we have to be respected. Rubio arrived in Munich on Friday. He met with Merz, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and others separately on the sidelines of the conference. He is due to address the conference on Saturday morning. The German chancellor, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and several other European leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Munich, before another round of U.S-brokered talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva next week. Rubio wasn't participating in the meeting as his schedule was packed with separate bilateral meetings with European officials, including one with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland, a U.S. official said. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the meeting nor Rubios attendance had been announced, said that Rubio was and would be discussing Russias war with Ukraine in other formats. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha played down the fact that Rubio didnt attend the meeting, saying that, from Ukraines perspective, the important meeting with the Secretary of State would take place on Saturday. Sybiha said security guarantees from the U.S. for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire were almost ready, and that Ukraine had more clarity on what the U.S. was ready to provide following meetings in Abu Dhabi. He declined to give details of the guarantees but said they must be legally binding and include intelligence data, of course, support in air, and other important elements which could be provided only by the USA. When asked by AP if discussions had taken place over what the U.S. would do about a physical or hybrid attack by Russia in the event of a ceasefire, Sybiha said the U.S. and Ukraine probably have this understanding," without elaborating. Geir Moulson reported from Berlin. Claudia Ciobanu contributed to this report from Warsaw, Poland. Wine sales have been dipping as Gen Z and millennials either quit drinking, cut back on alcohol, or choose options a little less wine-y. Cost and accessibility have both been cited amongst reasons for the decreased interest in wine, with wine sales continuing to decrease in 2024 and 2025. One area of Wine Country is looking to rebound some of those numbers in 2026 with a campaign aimed at making discovering wine more accessible and affordable: Sonoma Sips. This month-long crusade taking place at more than 50 participating wineries, restaurants, and hotels throughout Sonoma Valley drops the cost of tasting experiences down to just $15 from February 15th through March 15th. To participate, simply pick a location from the website and either walk in or call ahead for a reservation (most dont require one)and dont forget to mention Sonoma Sips. Weve helped you narrow down the extensive options below with this curated list of some of our favorite participants. Try three sustainable wines for $15 at Meadowcroft's tasting room. (Courtesy of @meadowcroft_wines) Meadowcroft Wines Meadowcroft Wines has a relaxed tasting room in a gorgeous setting in Cornerstone Sonoma, giving you easy access to other businesses and events. For $15, the label will dole out samples of three award-winning, sustainable wines, with the option to upgrade to a full tasting flight with wines of your choosing for an extra $10. The winerys buzzy (literally) mascot makes for cute merch purchases and, if you have more time (and money) to spend, you can make a separate appointment to learn to blend your own wines. // 23574 Arnold Dr., #121, (Sonoma), meadowcroftwines.com St. Francis Winery and Vineyards Located in Santa Rosa, this picturesque winery is worth $15 just for the view. St. Francis is known for their food and wine experiences, even racking up some best-of-the-best accolades over the years. Their Sonoma Sips specialty is an artisan tasting flight featuring five of the labels wines, a guided experience that not only introduces you to whats in your glass, but also gives you a glimpse into the world of winemaking. As an added bonus, the St. Francis estate is 100 percent certified sustainable. If you dont know quite what that meansstaff will be happy to educate you as you sip. // 100 Pythian Rd., (Santa Rosa), stfranciswinery.com Bartholomew Estate Winery Set on 375 acres, this historic winery has ties to Sonomas earliest vineyards, which celebrated a milestone 200 th birthday last year . Many flock to the Bartholomew Estate to enjoy whats outside of their glass just as much as what is in it, including miles of picturesque hiking trails. For a limited time, the estates introductory tasting is $15 and includes two poursalthough, its important to note that the Sonoma Sips promotion is not offered on Saturdays. Some of the other experiences on property are truly spectacular, with horseback riding excursions, forest immersion tastings, and barrel-to-bottle experiences. // 1000 Vineyard Ln., (Sonoma), bartholomewestate.com Get three wines, three chocolates, and a self-guided art gallery tour for just $15 at Imagery Estate. (Courtesy of @imagerywinery) Imagery Estate Winery Looking to ignite all of your senses? Imagery Estate, part art gallery, part tasting room, is offering guests the opportunity to experience all of its best exports for a low, one-time price. Peruse the resident art on a self-guided tour and enjoy a lineup of three selected wines and three artisan chocolates as part of the Art & Wine Trio Tasting. Even non-drinkers can have fun with this one (and a discount): the non-drinker price is just $10. The experience is complimentary for wine club members. // 14335 Sonoma Hwy., (Glen Ellen), imagerywinery.com Benziger Family Winery This sprawling Glen Ellen estate is located just steps from Jack London State Park , which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026. Benziger is highlighting what they do best with a three-wine Sustainable Sips Tasting. If youre so inclined, you can also make reservations for other experiences like the Biodynamic Tractor Tour, which has won awards for its fun approach to educating visitors about the propertys sustainability techniques while sipping from the portfolio of wines. // 1883 London Ranch Rd., (Glen Ellen), benziger.com Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa A destination in itself, the luxurious Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is as well known for its convenient location as it is for its high-end spa and Roman bathhouse, with mineral soaking pools, a sauna, cool-down showers, and more. If youre there for the wine, however, theyre offering a unique opportunity during Sonoma Sips to taste varietals from several surrounding vineyards. Wine flights are served at the resorts 38 North Cocktail Bar and Lounge and are just $15 each with the purchase of an entree. // 100 Boyes Blvd., (Sonoma), fairmont-sonoma.com The Sonoma Cheese Factory's new wine lounge. (Courtesy of @sonomacheesefactory) The Sonoma Cheese Factory A little bit of a different venue, Sonoma Squares resident cheese shop does tastings in its new wine lounge. The Sonoma Sips selections are made by in-house sommelier Todd Jolly and will be just $15 through March 15th. // 2 W. Spain St., (Sonoma), thesonomacheesefactory.com Pomme Cider Shop & Tap Room Our only non-wine offering on this lista pairing of cider and tinned fishis a bit outside the box but intriguing nonetheless. At Pomme you can try a lineup of locally grown ciders from small-batch Sonoma County producers. Known as Sonomas only cider bar and bottle shop, their collection also includes choices from the East Coast, France, Australia, and more. If you want a bite in addition to the tinned fish that comes with your tasting, Pomme also serves hot dogs. Since 2023, 33 states have passed AARP-backed laws to protect consumers from unfair real estate agreements in which brokers trade a small, upfront cash payment for the future right to sell a persons home. Also known as homeowner benefit agreements, these contracts have been marketed to cash-strapped homeowners particularly older adults and can be binding for up to 40 years. That means if the homeowner or their heirs later sell the property using a different listing agent, they could be forced to pay a penalty, which is typically up to 3 percent of the home price. Often, the penalty can be far greater than the original cash payout. Members only New York is the latest state to enact laws to protect homeowners from these agreements; Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation on Dec. 12. For many older New Yorkers, their homes are their biggest asset and greatest financial investment, said Beth Finkel, AARP New York state director, in a press release. New York homeowners will have more control and the financial security they need to age in their own homes. Join Our Fight to Protect Older Americans Heres what you can do to help: Sign up to become an AARP activist for the latest news and alerts on issues you care about. Find out more about how were fighting for you every day in Congress and across the country. AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Become a member or renew your membership today. Thirty-three state legislatures have passed laws prohibiting these agreements: New York, New Hampshire and Rhode Island in 2025; Minnesota, Illinois, Louisiana, South Carolina, Connecticut, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Indiana, West Virginia, Arizona, Kentucky, Oregon, Virginia and Nebraska in 2024; and Utah, Maryland, North Dakota, Idaho, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Nevada, Ohio, Washington state, North Carolina and California in 2023. A win for homeowners Homeowner benefit agreements are being challenged by attorneys general in 16 states. Homeowners entering into these agreements have complained they were unaware the contracts would be included in their property records and could complicate future property transactions and sales. The contracts also carry over to relatives who inherit the property after the homeowner dies, meaning that under this type of agreement, those relatives would be forced to use a specific listing agent for a sale or face financial penalties. Often, homeowners who have signed these agreements say they were not given time to review the paperwork or did not understand the terms before signing. In North Carolina, for example, a court recently barred real estate brokerage MV Realty from enforcing provisions of its homeowner benefit agreements following a lawsuit filed by the state attorney general. The provisions included locking homeowners into exclusive listing contracts for 40 years (with the claim that the contract also applied to heirs) and imposing commissions of 3 to 6 percent of the homes value. More than 2,000 North Carolina residents were affected. BEIJING, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). A new year begins with new resolve and new momentum. The call to "fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities" continues to inspire action across China. In the column "New Year on the Frontlines," reporters from the Global Times traveled to the grass roots to witness the vitality of a vast nation, see its mountains and rivers in motion and its fields in abundance, and listen to the stories of people finding fulfillment in both life and work. Through these stories, the column seeks to present a vivid portrait of Chinese modernization. "Hello, I'd like to buy some loose pastries. Do you have any flavors this year that weren't available last year?" "Yes, we have a flavor of red date and Chinese yam. They are only sold for seven days before the Spring Festival." On a Sunday morning at a store of the traditional bakery brand Daoxiangcun in Beijing's Dongzhimen, Helene Lemerle from France, leaned close to the counter, her finger resting on a pastry adorned with a small horse design. "I'll take one of these too." She spoke Chinese fluently, even with a Beijing accent. Helene, who also goes by her Chinese name Li Na, shared that she has lived in Beijing's hutongs for over 20 years. "It's incredibly quiet and full of warmth," she said, recounting her daily interactions with neighbors while strolling through the alleys of blue-tiled, gray-brick courtyards. "Sometimes I'd be startled by the sound of knocking on the door. Then I'd open it to find a neighbor holding dumplings or pancakes, saying, 'Eat while they're hot!'" She mimed opening the door, her laughter warming the crisp winter air. In 1997, China and France signed a joint statement, making France the first major Western country to establish a full partnership with China. The tides of history reshaped the lives of ordinary people. That year, Helene participated in a China-France student exchange program, staying with her Chinese host family led by Wang Jing. This marked the beginning of her connection with China. "To ensure we could catch a nap on the shuttle bus, Wang Jing's mother would get up early every day to queue for seats for us. It gives me a warm feeling inside just thinking about it." To Helene, China holds a unique appeal. "It's so vast - over 17 times the size of France; everything you see is fascinating." Chinese culture, she adds, is utterly captivating: "It is like a huge cake; once you take a bite, you just want to keep eating." In 2002, after completing her exchange program and returning to France, Helene resolved to come back to Beijing. Her original plan was to study for a year before returning home to teach Chinese. "After that year, I didn't want to leave. China was just too vibrant," she noted. That year marked China's GDP surpassing 10 trillion yuan ($1.21 trillion) for the first time, the launch of the Shenzhou-3 spacecraft and the commencement of two monumental projects: the West-to-East gas pipeline and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. This dynamic China made Helene want to stay. Her decision to "not rush to go back home" led to a 24-year stay. She found love in China and made her home in a Beijing hutong. "Does your family worry about you living in China?" "China's public safety is excellent - what's there to worry about?" Helene lifted her chin, her expression as proud as any Chinese person's, smiling as if the questioner simply didn't understand. To her, China's everyday vibrancy, human warmth, sense of security, as well as the confidence and inclusivity rooted in its culture are becoming a source of reassurance for the world. After 24 years in China, Helene has come to understand the warmth and pace of this land. She has transformed from an observer into a participant, becoming part of China's story. "I grew up at the stables. I had a horse named Didou, and my equestrian company is named after him." When China's equestrian industry was just beginning, Helene worked as a consultant at clubs, helping them plan and operate. Now, she has shifted her focus to "equine-assisted guidance." "I hope to help more people understand themselves through interaction with horses." This is Li Na's new year's wish for the Year of the Horse. In Beijing's hutongs, the aroma of stewed meat fills the air as households make final preparations for the Spring Festival. Helene's Chinese father-in-law handwrote a pair of Spring Festival couplets for her: "Blessings fill the springtime, dreams come true in this prosperous era." SOURCE Global Times AceShowbiz - Scritti Politti is set to reissue their iconic 1982 debut album, Songs to Remember. This remastered version, which has not been available on streaming platforms and has been out of print on vinyl since 1985, will be released on April 10 through Rough Trade in digital, LP, and CD formats. In a statement about the reissue, Geoff Travis, founder of Rough Trade, reflected on the band's impact, saying, Mark E Smith, a Rough Trade artist at the time, once said to me, Scritti have the best rhythm section in rock music. He continued, I do know that at Rough Trade we were all in thrall to Green Gartsides honeyed voice and his brilliant lyric writing. These words capture the excitement of a time when exceptional talent was frequenting the Rough Trade label. Green Gartside, the frontman and songwriter of Scritti Politti, collaborated with bassist Nial Jinks, drummer Tom Morley, and a variety of guest musicians to create this groundbreaking album. The record produced three successful singlesThe Sweetest Girl, Faithless, and Asylums in Jerusalem / Jacques Derridaall of which made a mark on the UK charts. The new edition of Songs to Remember has been meticulously remastered by Alex Wharton at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Fans of Scritti Politti can look forward to revisiting this classic, which remains a testament to the band's innovative approach to pop music. The album's tracklist includes: AceShowbiz - James Blake has released a tender new waltz titled I Had A Dream She Took My Hand and revealed plans for an extensive North American tour in 2026. This track is the second single from Blakes upcoming album Trying Times, his seventh studio project. The album announcement came last month alongside the lead single Death Of Love, signaling a new chapter for the critically acclaimed artist and producer. Trying Times showcases a delicate balance between vulnerability and hope. Opening with a stripped-back, melancholic melody, Blakes haunting vocals lead the song as he sings: I had a dream she took my hand / I feel higher than storms, lighter than sand (It was only a dream). The chorus deepens the emotional tone with the lines: Oh, this is love / Lets stay up / Can we stay here? / She didnt know. This theme of emotional complexity runs throughout the album, reflecting moments of solitude amid uncertainty. The release also includes a live performance video directed by Harrison and Adair, alongside an official lyric video, allowing fans to experience the songs intimate atmosphere visually and lyrically. Trying Times will be Blakes first independent studio album following his departure from Republic Records two years ago. It is set for release on March 13 via Good Boy Records, with pre-orders currently available. Alongside the new music, James Blake has announced a North American tour starting May 27 in Atlanta at The Tabernacle. The tour features multiple stops, including two nights at Brooklyn Paramount in New York on May 29 and 30, as well as shows in Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and more. Additional dates are expected to be announced soon. Tickets for the tour will go on sale Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can purchase them through the official ticketing website. The confirmed 2026 live dates are: May 27 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle May 29 New York, NY Brooklyn Paramount May 30 New York, NY Brooklyn Paramount May 31 Boston, MA Roadrunner June 2 Washington, DC The Anthem June 4 Philadelphia, PA Franklin Music Hall June 6 Toronto, ON HISTORY June 8 Chicago, IL The Salt Shed June 11 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre June 12 Los Angeles, CA The Greek Theatre Earlier this year, Blake began teasing new music with a cryptic video posted on his Instagram titled I think we might be sleeping, building anticipation for the albums release. Trying Times follows his 2023 album Playing Robots Into Heaven, and continues to highlight James Blakes evolution as an artist blending emotional depth with innovative production. AceShowbiz - The European Commission has officially approved Universal Music Groups $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, ending a comprehensive two-phase regulatory review focused on competition and data access concerns related to Downtowns services division. Announced on February 13, the approval follows concessions submitted by UMG in December designed to alleviate worries about access to sensitive commercial data from competing labels via Downtowns Curve royalty accounting and rights management platform. As part of the agreement, Curve Royalties will be operated as a separate entity until it is divested. Nat Pastor and JT Myers, co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group, emphasized the strategic benefits of the deal, stating it will blend Downtowns expertise with Virgins infrastructure to offer enhanced flexibility and services for independent artists, labels, and entrepreneurs. By combining two culturally aligned companies with complementary strengths, we aim to build a more powerful and transparent ecosystem, the Virgin Music Group leaders remarked. They also expressed gratitude for the European Commissions thorough evaluation and welcomed the incoming Downtown team. Pieter van Rijn, CEO of Downtown Music, highlighted that the partnership with Virgin Music Group will foster a more diverse and opportunity-rich environment, extending support for independent music creators and expanding their cultural reach. The European independent music trade group IMPALA hailed the decision as a significant moment demonstrating the EUs willingness to regulate major cultural market players, though it cautioned that the deal still allowed UMG to expand beyond ideal limits. The European Commissions commitment to securing structural remedies sends a strong message about the risks of aggressive market expansion in music, said Helen Smith, IMPALAs executive chair. However, she noted the outcome did not go far enough in curbing market dominance. Earlier in December 2024, UMG revealed plans for Virgin Music Group to acquire Downtown Music Holdings, aiming to create a comprehensive global platform serving independent artists, labels, and rights holders. The acquisition combines Downtowns key assetssuch as FUGA, CD Baby, Songtrust, and Curvewith Virgins worldwide distribution, marketing, business intelligence, neighboring rights, sync, royalties, and rights-management services. Under the regulatory remedy, Curve Royalties will be separated from the combined entity and sold off to maintain competitive balance. The transaction sparked extensive discussion within the independent music sector due to concerns about data control and market concentration but ultimately received regulatory clearance with the imposed conditions. AceShowbiz - Experimental rock outfit Puscifer, led by the enigmatic Maynard James Keenan and featuring the dynamic Carina Round, has pulled back the curtain on their latest album, Normal Isn't. Speaking to NME, the band delved into how their new, darker material continues to reflect a turbulent world while simultaneously illuminating paths to hope amidst the shadows. The album, set for release in 2026, serves as a poignant mirror to contemporary global challenges, encouraging listeners to find a positive light even when circumstances appear bleak. Normal Isn't marks Puscifer's fifth studio album and follows their 2020 release, Existential Reckoning, which explored synth-driven, ambient soundscapes. This time, the band has embraced a more aggressive stance, drawing heavily from their early punk and goth influences to deliver a heavier and more raw sonic experience. This evolution showcases Puscifer's continuous commitment to artistic growth, ensuring they never settle into a predictable pattern but consistently challenge their own creative boundaries. A significant aspect of this new chapter for Puscifer is Maynard James Keenan's experimental approach to songwriting. Known for his work with Tool and A Perfect Circle, Keenan ventured into new territory by tackling the digital audio workstation Logic for the first time. This deliberate move to push himself beyond familiar creative processes underlines his philosophy: "With any music that were doing, theres an element of trying to challenge yourself and break your own mould." He elaborated on his usual method of responding to musical ideas from collaborators, but this project saw him actively seeking to "crack the code of Logic" with the help of Mat Mitchell, enabling him to initiate the creative flow in a fresh way. The album's overarching theme of "observing and reporting" the chaos on Earth was a key discussion point. Keenan articulated that all individuals, and especially artists, chronicle events through their unique historical and indoctrinated lenses. As artists, Puscifer sees their role as witnesses, documenting the current state of the world. This perspective permeates every track on Normal Isn't, creating individual universes within each song that collectively paint a vivid picture of global disquiet, while still offering a glimmer of resilience and understanding. Beyond the album, the interview touched upon various topics, including the possibility of bringing the Sessanta tour, which features Primus, to the UK. Keenan and Round also weighed in on the viral hype surrounding rock climber Alex Honnold's Tool-dominated playlist, describing the phenomenon as "depressing" due to its trivialization of the art. Discussions also veered into the political temperature in the US, particularly concerning ICE, and whether the current climate could foster a movement akin to the 1977 punk explosion. Ultimately, Normal Isn't serves as a powerful statement from Puscifer. While acknowledging the darkness that often pervades current events, the band maintains an unwavering belief in humanity's inherent goodness. As Keenan himself mused, "It might seem dark at the moment, but humans at their core are a positive light." The album, therefore, stands not only as a reflection of challenging times but also as a beacon of hope, urging listeners to maintain optimism and find their own positive light in an ever-evolving world. AceShowbiz - Josh Freese has opened up about his experience following his departure from the renowned rock band Foo Fighters, emphasizing that theres no need for sympathy regarding his exit. In May of last year, the Foo Fighters announced that Josh Freese was no longer their drummer. The musician expressed that he was both shocked and disappointed by the decision. Freese had joined the group as their touring drummer in 2023 after the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. The band replaced him with Ilan Rubin, formerly of Nine Inch Nails, while Freese took a different path, joining Trent Reznor and his team on a North American tour in August. Since parting ways with the Foo Fighters, Freese has also reunited with Weezer, a band he previously toured with between 2007 and 2012. He performed with them again during their South American tour last November. In a recent interview with Modern Drummer, Josh Freese reflected candidly on his time with the Foo Fighters and what has followed since. When discussing his dismissal, he said, I have a couple small theories, but I cant really go into them right now. Nevertheless, he shared how much he enjoyed the two years spent with the band, describing the members as kind and generousuntil things changed unexpectedly. Freese praised the leadership of frontman Dave Grohl, saying, I liked playing with them. And I loved having Dave as a bandleader. I truly respect him so much as a drummer first and foremost. He elaborated that Grohls drumming talent is the foundation of his artistry, and that being in a band led by such a phenomenal drummer was a unique and rewarding experience. Reflecting on the sudden shift in dynamics, Freese admitted it was a mystery to him given the positive atmosphere they had shared. One day it was nothing but laughs, were on stage and Daves looking at me every night like, Youre killing it dude!!! And then it was just over, he said. Recalling the day he learned about his firing, Freese described being with friends from A Perfect Circle and Primus on a day off. Everyone was in shock and asking me what the hell happened, he shared. Despite the surprise, he felt fortunate to be on tour with longtime friends and a great crew, playing music he enjoyed. Since leaving Foo Fighters, Freese has kept busy with various projects and collaborations. When someone recently told him, Man, youve had a tough year, he responded with perspective, stating, Really? So the Foo Fighters thing is over. Big deal, that was a blip. He emphasized that hes returned to where he feels he belongs and is embracing new opportunities without regret. Josh Freese remains a highly respected drummer in the industry, known for his versatility and professionalism. His journey illustrates resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected career changes, proving that endings can lead to fresh beginnings. Mohan Bhagwat: Reframing Nationalism as Responsibility 2 Mohan Bhagwats address at the RSS Centenary Ceremony was not merely a celebration of a hundred years of organizational existence; it was a deep introspection on Indias social character, cultural consciousness, and national direction. This was not a speech crafted for applause, but a carefully weighted articulation where every word carried a long-term vision, a demand for discipline, and an expectation of accountability from society. When he positioned the Sangh not as a substitute for political power but as a lifelong practice of social nation-building, it was not just a formal distancing from politics; it was a reassertion of the core idea that organizations must act as moral catalysts within society rather than aspire to become centers of authority. This also served as a rebuttal to those who see the Sangh only through the prism of political power, while simultaneously acting as a caution to internal tendencies that might confuse social influence with the lure of power. By separating nationalism from sloganeering and placing it on the anvil of conduct, Bhagwat directly challenges the culture of crowd politics. His subtext is unmistakable: it is easy to inflame emotions in the name of the nation, but difficult to cultivate character for the nation. In an age where social media often converts patriotism into noise and spectacle, his words relocate nationalism from performative outrage to everyday ethical choices. Paying taxes honestly, respecting civic rules, and standing up for justice become as much acts of nation-building as standing at the border with a rifle. This reframing strips nationalism of its sentimental excess and grounds it in civic responsibility. His insistence on social harmony is not a poetic celebration of diversity but a practical warning against deepening polarization. When he says that Indias civilizational soul cannot be imprisoned within a single identity, he confronts the political convenience that turns diversity into division. He implicitly acknowledges that inequality and mistrust are not merely the results of external conspiracies but also of internal prejudices and rigidities. Therefore, the call is not only to change others but to change oneself, an uncomfortable demand for self-critique that any society serious about reform must accept. The emphasis on discipline and restraint for the youth is not moral sermonizing but a blueprint for future stability. In a time driven by instant gratification and viral validation, character-building appears outdated, yet it is precisely this slow, demanding process that forms the bedrock of lasting national strength. Bhagwats message suggests that demanding opportunities without cultivating the discipline to deserve them is a hollow politics of entitlement. Rights gain moral legitimacy only when accompanied by an equally strong acceptance of duties. His recurring invocation of service moves beyond charitable sentiment into the realm of social contract. Service here is not about patronizing benevolence but about rebalancing power relations through genuine sensitivity to the vulnerable. When service becomes self-congratulatory charity, it preserves inequality; when it becomes structural empathy, it nudges society toward justice. This reframes the Sanghs tradition of service under a sharper ethical lens, insisting that service must translate into dignity, not dependency. By asserting that India must become a reliable partner to the world before proclaiming itself a world teacher, Bhagwat checks the self-congratulatory nationalism that confuses rhetoric with reality. Global influence is built through conduct, consistency, and credibility, not through grand declarations. A nation fractured within cannot convincingly claim moral leadership abroad. Power, in his framing, is not merely military or economic capacity but moral authority rooted in social cohesion and ethical governance. This redirects national pride toward self-improvement rather than self-adulation. His stress on dialogue and restraint confronts the dominant political culture of instant outrage and rhetorical aggression. In an environment where disagreement quickly turns into enmity, calling for restraint seems unfashionable, yet history shows that societies endure not by silencing dissent but by converting conflict into conversation. This appeal is not only for political actors but for citizens who habitually turn disagreement into hostility. Social peace, in this vision, is not an emotional appeal but a strategic necessity. Describing the centenary as an occasion for introspection rather than self-glorification is itself a statement. Organizations often turn milestones into platforms for self-praise; here, the emphasis on future responsibility suggests an admission of incompleteness and a commitment to continuous reform. This public posture of self-examination signals a willingness to engage with criticism rather than evade it. At its core, the address relocates nationalism from the language of entitlement to the language of responsibility. Nation-building is presented not as the monopoly of any institution or ideology but as a collective civic discipline practiced through everyday choices. The discomfort produced by this message is its greatest strength. The speech does not soothe with easy pride; it unsettles with hard questions. It asks whether we are merely loud in the name of the nation or truly becoming citizens worthy of it. In celebrating a century, the address burdens the present with the moral weight of the next century, and that demanding horizon is what gives the speech its lasting power. English News "New Monroe Doctrine" never needed in today's world Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 4 Fevrier 2026 Temporary advantage lies in power, but lasting victory lies in justice. History moves forward, and justice will ultimately prevail over brute force. In the face of hegemony, the international community must firmly stand on the right side of history, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and ensure that righteousness prevails and the world remains upright and bright. By Huan Yuping, People's Daily A series of recent actions taken by the United States against Venezuelafrom military strikes and forcible capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, to open declarations of intent to "run" Venezuela and gain control over its oil resourceshave laid bare the underlying logic of domination and power politics that define the so-called "new Monroe Doctrine." These measures not only constitute a blatant violation of Venezuela's sovereignty, but also challenge and undermine the international law and basic norms governing international relations enshrined in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. I. The "new Monroe Doctrine" is by no means a novel concept. Rather, it represents the continuation and a dangerous escalation of the United States' traditional hegemonic policy in the contemporary era. An article published on the website of Spain's El Pais observed, "By intervening in Venezuela, Washington is reviving the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine," noting that the U.S. approach amounts to a "gunboat diplomacy 2.0." At the end of 2025, the White House released the 2025 National Security Strategy, explicitly stating: "After years of neglect, the United States will reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, and to protect our homeland and our access to key geographies throughout the region." Recent actions, including military action against Venezuela, threats directed towards Latin American countries like Cuba, and overt territorial ambitions expressed toward Greenland, a Danish territory, have given the international community a clearer picture of the trajectory of U.S. policy and heightened concerns over the regional and global consequences that this "new Monroe Doctrine" may bring. What exactly does the "new Monroe Doctrine" entail? The United States' own words and deeds provide a stark answer. Its objective is to be ensuring that the Western Hemisphere becomes what U.S. politicians have termed "our hemisphere," subordinating territories, resources, and sea lanes of regional countries to U.S. interests, and aligning their domestic and foreign policies with the United States' will. The United States is discarding all pretenses and openly relying on brute-force methods, including military strikes, intimidation and coercion, economic pressure, and efforts to instigate regime change. Guided by doctrines prioritizing "might makes right" and "America First," the United States demonstrates a willingness to pursue its self-serving interests with minimal restraint. What will the "new Monroe Doctrine" bring to the region? History offers a clear warning. "All the way back to 1823, James Monroe established the Monroe Doctrine. You are a part of it now, you are a part of that legacy." A U.S. politician recently declared. This amounts to an open admission that today's United States is inheriting and perpetuating a historical tradition of intervention and exploition that once caused immense suffering to the peoples of Latin America. From seizing more than half of Mexico's territory in 1848, to occupying Haiti with troops in 1915, to invading the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Panama during the Cold War, the record is long and grim. As The Guardian has pointed out, "Almost every country in the region has experienced some form of U.S. intervention, overt or covert." Historically, Monroe Doctrine implementation reduced Latin America to a long-term "strategic backyard," a "supplier of raw materials," a "dumping ground for goods," and a "cultural colony" of the United States. The development trajectories of Latin American countries were repeatedly disrupted, and their peoples endured extensive suffering. As Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano revealed in his book Open Veins of Latin America, this pattern of "externalized development" remains a recurring script: the underground wealth of other nations must fuel the U.S. hegemony. II. When assessing the current situation, a U.S. scholar has asserted that Venezuela has become a springboard for the 21st-century Monroe Doctrine. As the United States reasserts the Western Hemisphere as a foreign policy priority, Latin America and the Caribbean are likely to face potential disruptions to peace, stability, and development, with regional autonomy significantly constrained. The United States has justified its increased military presence in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific as part of its efforts to combat "narco-terrorism," yet its recent escalation to direct military action against Venezuela highlights a troubling pattern of manufacturing security crises in the region. Such interventions pose a significant threat to the Latin American people's pursuit of peaceful lives. Through overt interference in the internal affairs of Latin American nations, the United States has intensified political divisions, creating serious risks to the region's political stability. By imposing asset seizures and tariffs, the United States is siphoning development resources from the entire region northward, depriving regional countries of their right to independent development and severely impacting local economies and livelihoods. By stoking confrontation between so-called "pro-U.S." and "autonomous" camps in the region, the United States undermines regional unity and self-reliance, obstructing regional integration eventually. The harm caused by the "new Monroe Doctrine" extends far beyond Latin America. Following the U.S. military action against Venezuela, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that such actions had set a "dangerous precedent." At its core, the doctrine represents a fundamental clash between hegemony and justice, "spheres of influence" and sovereign equality, and unilateral dominance and mutual respect. It directly contradicts the international law and basic norms governing international relations, violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the foundation of international relations, and threatens to undermine fairness and justice on a global scale. When the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on the U.S. military action against Venezuela, U.S. politicians responded that "they didn't care what the UN says," bluntly exposing the United States' contempt for the UN, for multilateralism, and for the international order. Undermining international norms endangers all nations. Hegemony, by its nature, does not restrains itself. By openly placing brute force above justice, it breeds insecurity and instability across the world. Indeed, the expansionist ambitions and predatory mindset now on display in the United States reflect a striking sense of being "out of sync with the times," alarming and unsettling the global community. Some analysts pointed out that the "new Monroe Doctrine" is not a revivial but a "dangerous escalation." The Washington Post has warned that if such barbaric behavior becomes normalized, the consequences would be disastrous, with "might makes right" becoming the sole rule. III. The world does not need a "new Monroe Doctrine," and history will inevitably consign it to the dustbin. The UN Charter clearly states that "The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members," and that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the UN." In today's international relations, sovereign equality is the prerequisite for peaceful coexistence, while the rule of international law is the fundamental safeguard and the backbone of fairness and justice. These most basic principles underpin the long-term peace and stability of the world and must be jointly upheld by the international community. In response to the U.S. action against Venezuela and the rising "new Monroe Doctrine," the strongest and broadest consensus within the international community is to defend the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Voices from around the world have noted that "the United States is willing to disregard long-established international legal principles to achieve its own goals," that it "poses a serious threat to the international order established after World War II," and that it has "effectively erased the very existence of international law." The "new Monroe Doctrine" and the global condemnation it has received act as a mirror, reflecting both the limits of hegemonic powers' global expansion and their reckless use of localized force. It also underscores the ongoing shift toward a multipolar world and the democratization of international relationsalong with the inevitable twists and turns along this path. Temporary advantage lies in power, but lasting victory lies in justice. History moves forward, and justice will ultimately prevail over brute force. In the face of hegemony, the international community must firmly stand on the right side of history, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and ensure that righteousness prevails and the world remains upright and bright. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Hubei's inland shipping industry strives for green, smart development Smart devices revolutionize chronic disease management in China Integrating grassroots Perspectives into China's legislative process Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Since launching the iconic GXL V2, GOTRAX has grown into one of America's leading electric rideable brands. Today, the Texas-based company celebrates a major milestone: 7 million riders worldwide across eScooters, eBikes, hoverboards and more. PLANO, Texas, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The year was 2017. At the time, there was little interest in or knowledge of electric vehicles. Then, GOTRAX entered the scene. Driven by the vision of personal electric vehicles being the future of urban and off-road transportation, they've been committed to creating exciting, accessible, and versatile personal electric vehicles that push the possibilities of transit. GOTRAX Now in 2026, GOTRAX products are available nationwide and through major retailers including Walmart, Target, Amazon and Best Buy. They've continued to excel at their mission of making reliable electric mobility affordable and fun for millions. Reaching 7 million riders (and counting) is a powerful reflection of the wide community that continues to join GOTRAX for the ride. To celebrate, GOTRAX is giving away two G4 Pro scooters one in Red and one in Cyan as a thank-you to the riders who made this milestone possible. Visit GOTRAX.com to enter and join the movement. About GOTRAX Based in Dallas, Texas, GOTRAX is a leading name in personal electric mobility, offering a wide range of electric scooters and bikes that combine performance, value, and design. Since its founding, the company has empowered riders nationwide to embrace sustainable transportation with style and confidence. Press Release Service provided by 24-7PressRelease.com. SOURCE GOTRAX For the last eight years, Donald Trump had been subject to the perverse use of the legal system by his political enemies to smear and harass him, trying to weaken his strong support. However, his recently conceived anti-weaponization program has foundered, emblemized by the reassignment of program head Ed Martin and apparent abandonment of the project. Advertisement In contrast, the left continues apace with its weaponization through false historical narratives. One recent book, Interference, promoted by such as George Stephanopoulos, seeks to cement in our nations history the false and defamatory Russiagate hoax narrative. That work was authored by the chief deputies of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Aaron Zebley, James Quarles, and Andrew Goldstein (collectively, Zebley or SCO). The major fraudulent thesis of this book is that the 2016 Russiagate scandal was not a hoax, but rather a campaign of election interference by Russia to help then-candidate Donald Trump and hurt Hillary Clinton. Advertisement This book is highly important, but not for the Deep State pomposity it embodies. Rather, the book is itself another Russiagate dirty trick. Interference proudly admits that the SCO chose to ignore the so-called Steele Dossier because, after all, it contained unreliable thirdhand allegations. But in so doing, it committed fraud by concealment: The Steele Dossier was the basis for the worst election fraud, including foreign interference, in our countrys history. Advertisement Few understand that not only was Hillary Clinton its sponsor, but that she used the following Russian agents and Putins oligarchic intimates to cobble this trash together: suspected Russian spy Igor Danchenko; oligarch Oleg Deripaskas main spokesman Christopher Steele; oligarch Denis Katsyvs main American retainer Glenn Simpson; Russian agent Olga Galkina; Russian and Clinton P.R. agent Charles Dolan; and, according to Danchenko, Vladislav Surkov (Putins Rasputin) and Vyacheslav Trubnikov (retired KGB spy chief). So the Steele Dossier embodies, yes, Russian electoral collusion, but to help Clinton and hurt Trump. The Steele Dossier hid Clintons fraud on Bernie Sanders and also smeared Donald Trump, who the Dossier said was part of a well-developed election conspiracy with Russia, the falsely claimed source of WikiLeaks hack and dump of the DNC. So by hiding the evidence of this despicable Clinton trick, the SCO itself obstructed justice, while aiding and abetting Clinton. Advertisement The only substantial allegation of Russian interference that the SCO could dredge up was the Clinton-invented hack and dump operation, in which it was alleged that Russia hacked the DNC email server, obtained Clinton-damning emails, and dumped them on the public. But in fact, the speeds of the email exfiltration suggest a download, not a hack by Russia or anyone else, as contended. The respected independent group of retired government forensic intelligence examiners VIPS concluded emphatically that the damning emails were downloaded rather than hacked. In the entirety of Interference, there is no treatment of the strong VIPS evidence of download, which destroys the heart of the fable of Russian interference that the book so strongly pushes. Advertisement Notably, the preening authors do not highlight their failure to have taken half an hour to subpoena the DNCs I.T. vendor, CrowdStrike, along with the server itself, which would show hack or download. They thereby concealed key evidence as to their main legal mission. So who hid evidence: villain Trump or hero prosecutor? Advertisement This leads us into devilry of the sneaky James Comey, for whom the phony Russiagate narrative was a rich hunting ground in which he could snare multiple prey, including his hated president. A quick history of James Comeys galling abuses: In 2002, Comey trapped Martha Stewart by leading her to believe, falsely, that truthful answers would amount to an admission of criminality. She lied during an FBI interview and went to prison as a result. In 2004 and 2005, Comey led thenvice president Dick Cheneys deputy, Scooter Libby, to believe that a truthful answer in Plamegate would be an admission of criminality, and so Libby lied and was convicted. Likewise, Comey almost snared President George W. Bushs chief of staff, Karl Rove. Comey did the same with lowly Trump aide George Papadopoulos and Trumps national security adviser, General Michael Flynn, in 2016. They both lied unnecessarily as Comey frightened them with Russiagate liability. By falsely publicizing Russiagate through the Steele Dossier, Comey hoped to trap Trump, like his other victims, into some act of arguable obstruction or falsity. Trump soon fired Comey, not because Trump was worried about Russian collusion, but because Comey had ginned up scandalous publicity while refusing to exonerate his boss publicly. The special counsel investigation Comey, wrongly but successfully, sought in retribution, however, was a dream for Comey, because it might pressure Trump into falsity or obstruction, the oily lawmans home field. So, properly understood, the special counsel investigation had two purposes: first, to hide all the Clinton/FBI wrongdoing that had previously occurred, and second, to trap Trump into obstruction through relentless pressure, including 2,800 subpoenas and arrests of his associates. As Interference shows, the junior-jack prosecutors came up empty after trying to trap Trump into an interview where, per Comey, Trump might lie. Without sufficient evidence, the special counsel had but two choices under the statute: prosecution or declination. But these partisans did not fulfill their legal obligation to, in effect, put up or shut up. So while they were not prosecuting, they did not have the integrity to give their hated quarry a declination. This clear dereliction of duty is fitting, because it forms a perfect shell of Russian nesting matryoshka dolls. This false book covers up a false special counsel investigation. The special counsel investigation covers up a dirty FBI/Comey investigation. This false FBI probe covers up a false Clinton Russiagate narrative. The false Clinton Russiagate narrative covers up the fraudulent DNC-Clinton corruption. Clearly, the alleged Russian hack and dump was really an internal download, likely by a disgusted Bernie Sanderssupporter. The only way to ensure that the false hack and dump narrative would not be exposed would be to silence the actual downloader, which Jullian Assange of WikiLeaks all but said was murder victim and DNC employee Seth Rich. So a question for Zebley and his putatively fantastic crew: Shouldnt you have investigated the murder of Seth Rich or, if not, at least his connections to WikiLeaks? If he had been, hypothetically, in touch with WikiLeaks, even if not as a result murdered, then the last ten years of our countrys history would be shown to be the result of a hoax, by Clinton, by the FBI, and now by the special counsel. But Zebley and cohorts have solemnly instead asserted this overriding theme: Russiagate was not a hoax. Should we believe them? John D. OConnor is a former federal prosecutor and the San Francisco attorney who represented W. Mark Felt during his revelation as Deep Throat in 2005. OConnor is the author of the books The Mysteries of Watergate: What Really Happened and Postgate: How the Washington Post Betrayed Deep Throat, Covered Up Watergate and Began Todays Partisan Advocacy Journalism. Image: www.kremlin.ru via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. George Mason University Law Professor Ilya Somin has posted a missive declaring that the Preserving a Sharia-free America Act is manifestly unconstitutional. We all need a deep breath after that last sentence. It was a mouthful. And Professor Somin is dead wrong. Advertisement As Justice Jackson noted in 1949, The Constitution is not a suicide pact. His key point in Terminiello v. Chicago was that the Supreme Court had gone too far in removing restraints on rioters who attacked policemen. It was essential to temper [the Courts] doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom. The choice is not between order and liberty. It is between liberty with order and anarchy without either. Justice Jackson was prescient. And he wasnt just a prophet of the current riots over law enforcement. The presence of doctrinaire Muslims in the US is a direct threat to our existence as a nation of laws. Sharia is the legal manifestation of that threat. Students of Islam will point out that Sharia is not Sharia, by which they mean theres not a single, fixed monolithic code of lawsbut thats part of the problem, because it means that Sharia is a theocratic system of laws that depends on the interpretation of the Imam in a specific neighborhood. Advertisement X screen grab. Advertisement We see this sort of divergence simply by looking at the news. The Kingdom of Jordan is Islamic, but it is restrained in enforcing religious laws. At the opposite end of the spectrum is Iran, where, at last count, nearly 40,000 people have been executed for the crime of protesting against the Islamic tribal barbarians that rule what could be a wealthy and free country. However, once we get past AIs reticence to list key issues common to all core Sharia interpretations, a few stand out, and they are completely at odds with American law and values. The simplest and most direct is the subjugation of women. They are not allowed to choose their own clothes to wear in public. They are not allowed to have a public opinion. And this runs directly contrary to the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Of course, should a wife dare to cross one of these lines, her husband is bound to physically correct (beat) her. But this is to be done in a kindly way. Right. Domestic violence laws be damned. Advertisement Next is the complete denial of LGB-alphabet soup rights. By this, I refer to the right to consensually practice your own psychosis, but not to force others to support it. Under Sharia, the roof of the nearest tall building will be your last secure footing. Need I say that this sort of murder falls under hate crimes laws? And while adultery is definitely a not good act, beheading for it also falls outside of civilized behavior. Now we come to the 600-pound gorilla in the room. Sharia, and Islam if taken literally according to the Koran, requires the death of everyone who will not submit. In short, all must surrender to Islam. That is the end of a war. Advertisement And therein lies the rub. Islam is at war with everything the United States stands for. Death to America! is not just a slogan. Its the stated Islamic victory condition. Democrats supporting Ilhan Omar and her ilk dont seem to recognize that they are signing their own death warrants, and DeNial aint just a river in Egypt. In short, Islam is an early Iron Age tribal civilization attempting to destroy everything else. There can be no question that Islam constitutes a national security threat. And while the First Amendment prevents Congress from passing a law abridging the free expression of religion, it does not create a path to suicide. Employment Division v. Smith showed that there are limits to free expression. As long as those limits are facially neutral and fairly applied (Church of the Lakumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. City of Hialeah, and Trump v. Hawaii), they are constitutional. And this brings us to the proposed Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act. Advertisement HR 5722, introduced by Chip Roy of Texas, does not even mention Islam. Rather, it says that any alien who advocates for Sharia is inadmissible to the US. If they are already here, they are removable. This does not depend on worship of Allah, regular prayers, or attendance at a mosque. It simply states that advocacy of a legal structure that is contrary to our American history and law is sufficient for the Secretary of State to revoke permission to be present in the US (see 8 U.S.C. 1104 and 1201(i)). If one is a natural born US citizen, the Act does not apply. The question of denaturalization remains open. At this point, we must look at 8 U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(B)(i). This part of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 was passed by Congress over Harry Trumans veto. It tells us that Congress had a very strong will to grant the Secretary of State full authority over which foreign nationals are allowed into the US. All such decisions are discretionary by the Secretary, and Courts do not have jurisdiction to review them (Xia v. Bondi). The Act to which Professor Somin so strongly objects simply directs the attention of the Secretary of State to a group of people who are trying to overthrow the government of the United States. While the specific legal issue has religious roots, the Bill points us to the key issue. Our Constitution is, and must forever be, the highest law of the land. Sharia seeks to change that, without going through the Article V amendment process. This cannot be permitted. Failure is not an option. The key provisions of the Bill are: The term foreign law means any law, legal code, or system derived from a jurisdiction outside the United States or its territories, including religious law when invoked as a substitute for State or Federal law. [snip] Prohibition.No court shall enforce a judgment, decree, or arbitration decision if it relies, in whole or in part, on Sharia or any foreign law that violates the constitutional rights of any party. Its not complicated. Ted Noel is a retired physician who posts on social media as Doctor Ted. @Vidzette on X Some ideas are obviously wrong, yet so widespread that they are rarely questioned. The belief in the equal moral worth of all human beings is one of them. Teachers teach it in schools, priests preach it in churches, and politicians echo it in speeches. The brutal murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska exposes with painful clarity just how false this belief actually is. As murals honoring her are vandalized in several U.S. cities, it is time to remember the underreported murder -- and the inconvenient truth it laid bare. Advertisement Innocence vs. Evil Iryna Zarutska had been dead for around two weeks when the CCTV footage of her murder on a Charlotte light-rail train was made public in early September 2025. The footage captures the randomness of evil: A young blonde woman, still wearing the T-shirt and cap from her shift at a local pizzeria, enters the train and takes a free seat near the entrance. Nothing unusual, nothing remarkable -- exactly how ordinary life should be. According to officials, Zarutska also worked at a senior center, cared for animals in her neighborhood, and had recently moved in with her partner. In other words, she was just a young woman quietly rebuilding her life. Advertisement Yet her future was already closing in on her as she took the seat directly in front of 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., a homeless black man with a long criminal record. According to media reports, he had been arrested at least fourteen times on charges including assault, threats, and armed robbery -- the latter landing him in prison for five years until 2020. After his release, he was reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia and was eventually kicked out of his mothers home as he became increasingly aggressive. None of this was apparent to Zarutska -- and how could it? How could she know that an unstable career criminal with a pocket knife was sitting right behind her? She couldnt. And so Zarutska looks up at Brown in utter disbelief after being stabbed three times from behind, including a fatal stab to her neck. The scene has become a haunting image, widely circulated on social media: the red-hooded figure looming over his victim and the young woman curled in her seat below, wide-eyed, with her fingers pressed to her lips like a startled child. Advertisement Following the attack, Zarutska began bleeding out before being pronounced dead at the scene. Brown was immediately arrested after exiting the train at the next stop and now faces state and federal charges, with the latter potentially carrying the death penalty. The Dogma of Equal Moral Worth Advertisement Despite their obvious differences, Zarutska and her murderer are of the same moral worth simply in virtue of their shared humanity -- at least according to the widespread egalitarian dogma. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, declares the first article of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In Germany and throughout the European Union, the supreme value of every human being -- their dignity -- is enshrined in law as the inviolable foundation of the legal order. On this basis, following its earlier abortion jurisprudence, Germanys Federal Constitutional Court held in its 2006 ruling against the shooting down of hijacked civilian aircraft that [e]ach human life is equally valuable. However, this egalitarian dogma is not only embedded in legal doctrine but also echoed by leading political figures. My politics, like the politics of many of you, is founded on the belief that we are all of equal worth, declared Tony Blair in 2002. Advertisement Likewise, Barack Obama stated in a 2015 interview that his political ambitions were shaped by the strong belief that every person is of equal worth. This belief is, in turn, also deeply rooted in religious and philosophical thought. Within the Judeo-Christian tradition, it is commonly traced to the biblical concept of Imago Dei. In philosophy, the doctrine of equal moral worth is most prominently associated with Immanuel Kant, who wrote things like: Humanity itself is a dignity; for a man cannot be used merely as a means by any man but must always be used at the same time as an end. Advertisement According to the egalitarian dogma, then, every human being shares the same supreme moral worth, no matter how badly they behave. On this account, Zarutska and Brown possess the same moral worth as any other human being, including figures as different as Martin Luther King, Ted Bundy, and Adolf Hitler. You cannot draw distinctions in this regard; you cannot claim that any human being is less morally valuable than another, let alone that some are not valuable at all. The Fallacy of the Dogma German philosopher Uwe Steinhoff is one of the few contemporary scholars who dares to question the egalitarian dogma. In one example he asks us to imagine a rescue scenario involving two very different human beings: Adolf Hitler and Albert Schweitzer are stranded in the ocean next to our lifeboat and we can only save one of them. Whats more, we know that Hitler will never hurt anyone again. If we were egalitarians and convinced of the equal moral worth of all human beings, we would be impartially indifferent to who is rescued and fare best by flipping a coin. Yet this is obviously not how most people would actually handle the case. Most people would prefer Schweitzer over Hitler because altruistic doctors seem to possess more moral worth than genocidal dictators. Thus, the egalitarian dogma appears to be false. If we replace the protagonists in the above scenarios with Zarutska and Brown, most peoples moral intuitions remain just as clear -- and for exactly the same reasons. Neither would we let the innocent girl drown to save her murderer, nor would we let her be run over by a train. Clearly, no coin toss is needed to decide whom to save. We would prefer Zarutska over Brown because an innocent girl appears to possess more moral worth than a murderous career criminal. Both are human but not morally equal. They simply do not possess the same moral worth. This was the fundamental truth the footage of Zarutskas murder so bluntly revealed. Its brutal obviousness may also partly explain why the progressive mainstream media covered the case rather hesitantly. "Every detail of the incident cuts against the received progressive worldview," observes UnHerd editor Mary Harrington, arguing that the medias reluctance reflects a fear of the case being weaponized by the Right. Part of that progressive worldview is the absurd belief that all human beings share the same moral worth, regardless of how they behave. Watching the footage of the girls murder and still claiming that all persons have equal moral worth is like Saddam Husseins information minister insisting that there were no U.S. troops in Baghdad while American tanks rolled through the city. Why does the egalitarian dogma persist despite its obvious falsity? Perhaps we need it. For only by affirming equal moral worth might we avoid becoming monsters like Hitler. As Rene Cassin reminded his fellow delegates during the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Hitler started by asserting the inequality of men before attacking mens liberties. However, it is doubtful whether a morality that requires deception to sustain itself is really a bulwark against cruelty. Perhaps the opposite is true. For believing that the wicked and the innocent are morally equal may instead pave the way toward the moral nihilism that enables it. Image: Charlotte Area Transit System A few years back, I watched a documentary about the Wikileaks emails, and Liz Crokin, one of the main journalists pushing for answers, made one very profound statement, something to the effect of this: If these emails arent using coded language for heinous behavior, then explain what theyre talking about. Advertisement Why the nonstop talk about cheese pizza? How much cheese pizza does one person possibly consume? Endless hot dog parties? An email about a handkerchiefs with a map that seems pizza-related on it, asking where it should be sent? And for anyone who wants to bury their head in the sand and pretend this is all conspiracy, lets not forget that its well established that pedophiles frequently talk in code: a leaked FBI document revealed the different symbols that pedophiles use to signal to each other what their sexual preferences in children are. Of course anyone involved in the ritual abuse of children is not going to speak plainly. With that as a backdrop, what the hell is all the talk about Jerky (often with a capital J) in the Epstein emails, mentioned more than hundreds of times? The tone and language of some of the emails, particularly those sent from a man named Francis Derby, suggest something very, very evil. Worse, when you consider this: Derby is apparently a culinary entrepreneur, who opened several ventures under the name Cannibal. Seems very in our faces. Advertisement A few questions... 1. Why are we making beef jerky to send to a lab? 2. Why are we keeping beef jerky in the freezer? 3. IF HE WASN'T EATING REGULAR FOOD, WHAT THE F*CK WAS HE EATING? pic.twitter.com/DQENXpREiR AreOhEssEyeEe (@AreOhEssEyeEe) February 10, 2026 JE, or Jeffrey Epstein, is going to start eating regular food again meaning hell be eating less jerky? I dont know what Jerky means, but if its not code for something deeply sinister, then somebody needs to explain it to me. Who keeps jerky in the freezer? Isnt the whole selling point of jerky that its shelf stable? And if its really just something as innocent as jerky as you and I know it, then why redact the people involved. JERKY GATE: Epstein had entire teams running non-stop to make sure he never ran out of jerky, with staff genuinely freaking out over shortages. File number: EFTA00554620 https://t.co/qrNpfWHnti pic.twitter.com/9CbuDpZyBT Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 12, 2026 For all the talk about pizza and jerky, the photos at meal times on Epsteins island sure look grossall Ive seen is piles of what looks like bland meat. I thought they had private chefs, people...like Derby. What kind of top chef presents jerky and white tuna and grape soda as a meal? Advertisement Speaking of which, how about that grape soda, as reported on by Vanity Fair? Rich people dont drink grape soda. In fact, Ive never met a single person in my life who drinks grape soda, nor have I ever tasted it myself, and I come from blue collar roots. The only people I would know who drink grape soda, if the stereotype is true, are poverty-level black people. So to see grape soda mentioned repeatedly makes one wonder. I mean, the whole thing with this group of elites is they think theyre better than everyone else, superior and part of a master class. In fact, Epstein and others explicitly and derogatorally referred to us as goy and goyim. Why arent they feasting on caviar, Kobe beef, and foie gras? The best that the world has to offer in terms of culinary delights? Pizza? Jerky? Grape soda? Give me a break. Advertisement The billionaire class doesnt drink grape soda, and they dont eat jerky, which has always been a poor peoples food, using inexpensive, tough cuts of meat to make, and drying them, turning otherwise garbage cuts of meat palatable. Jerky is not a rich people food, and it never has been. Someone who slurs the goyim isnt condescending to our level and eating our plebeian slop. To suggest that the utter depravity and sadistic revelations seen in the newest tranche of Epstein files documents isnt really a big deal and weve got bigger things to focus on, like how the stock market is hitting record highs as Pam Bondi said yesterday on Capitol Hill, is diabolical. Unless youre like Bondi, and because this pillar of child-traffickers and pedophiles is load-bearing so you dont want to bring it down, we need to get to the bottom of this and mete out justice. Advertisement I say bring on the Samson option. Advertisement Image from Grok. At Fortune, we read that Stanford researchers have a compelling solution to Americas crisis of refusing to have children: Let more people work from home. Advertisement Future-of-work experts, which I guess means exactly what it sounds like, have found evidence that one way to boost lagging fertilization is to cut commutes and have people work remotely. A new study led by Stanford University economists, including remote work expert Nick Bloom, found that from 2023 to early 2025, realized fertility (the number of children one has in a given period) was 14% higher when both partners worked from home one or more days per week compared with when neither did. Advertisement And so we see: When a husband and wife spend more time together than apart, the likelihood of them conceiving children goes up. It seems weve almost unraveled the mystery of where babies come from. Some companies have tried to move on this, whether by allowing more work-from-home time or instituting four-day work weeks. But will it succeed? The academics say no: Advertisement Bloom cited early research on a four-day workweek in France indicating that even though employers didnt cut wages for a truncated workweek, they did not increase wages over three years, which Bloom said was effectively a pay cut. Governments, in their usual ham-fisted way, see this and rush in to help. France has the four-day workweek. Hungary offers fecund parents a minivan. President Trump has reportedly floated everything from doling out $5,000 checks to mothers after delivery, to awarding a National Medal of Motherhood to mothers with at least six children, to lowering the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) drugs. But alas, Advertisement LendingTree data from 2025 reveals it costs nearly $300,000 to raise a child until age 18 in the U.S., and a United Nations report found one-time payments to new parents generally isnt enough of an incentive to meaningfully increase fertility rates. I dont think its realistic, Karen Benjamin Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told PBS, to think that any amount of money that the government could plausibly give out would be enough to really address the costs of raising a child. Advertisement Young people see that figure and blanch. Old people see it and hammer their children to prioritize career over marriage, then nag their thirties-ish newlyweds to pump out grandchildren. $5K cant compete with $300K, and IVF is too grueling, unreliable, and murderous ever to become mainstream (I hope). As Guzzo says, the bait is out, but the fish arent biting because these offerings are not the solution to our fertility problem. The real solution to the cost of raising kids is simple and elegant. It requires no government involvement. And its utterly repulsive to modern America. Advertisement Namely, dont buy the stuff. This isnt a rant against avocado toast or elaborate lattes. Rather, look at the most expensive line items in childrearing: daycare, education, food. These are all solvable, but parents have to plan their lives around solving them. Daycare is free if parents raise their own babies. I say parents and not just mothers on purpose. Dads who like having children and prioritize supporting their postpartum wives are a necessary part of the equation. Educating children at home is radically cheaper than private school tuition. Sure, theres public school, but I assume most parents would prefer that their kids can read. As a bonus, homeschooling is one of the best ways to embrace the vocation as parent. Feeding kids is a challenge, especially as they grow. But there are many hacks for this, from wholesaler memberships to bulk-buying meat from a local farm to raising kids not to be picky eaters. Smart meal prep is a skill that must be learned. And RFK Jr. is on to something: Even if its nominally more expensive, natural food more effectively fills stomachs, so you buy less of it. It also promotes health and thus lowers doctor bills. In my experience, people turn their noses up at these solutions because their job or health insurance plan or level of affinity for their spouse wont allow. In other words, Americans dont want to have more children not because its too expensive...but because they dont want to. I dont mean to downplay this: Its no small undertaking to plan your life around a goal. Its harder still to overhaul a life arrangement or career already in progress. Yet we do this routinely to achieve our priorities. Having more kids requires it, too a very different lifestyle from the modern American one, where Mom and Dad commute to work while babies languish in daycare, the public school system enrolls kids in the Junior Anti-Sex League, and everyone reunites for a couple of evening hours for a nutritionally ornamental instant dinner and a scrap of sleep before starting over. As tempting as $5,000 in other peoples money is thats $30,000 for my family so far and as much as a Soviet-style motherhood award would delight my wife, the president wont solve our nations fertility problem this way. Rather, Americans who want kids have to organize their lives in a way that makes kids possible. Then show their countrymen how rewarding, satisfying, and fun their lifestyle is. This will be easier for young people starting out (encourage them!) and more difficult but still possible for those already in the thick of it. In both cases, it works...and most Americans of all political persuasions hate it because it works. Ask me how I know. Image: GPS 56 from New Zealand via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Does anyone realize that Mexico is determined to reconquer the United States? In his most recent book, The Invisible Coup: How American Elites and Foreign Powers Use Immigration as a Weapon, Peter Schweizer explains how we may very well be losing our sovereignty and culture to our southern neighbor. Advertisement Schweizer quotes abundantly from Mexicans who blatantly claim that southern U.S. states are occupying their rightful territory: In February 2023, Jose Gerardo Rodolfo Fernandez Norona, a member of the Mexican parliament for President Claudia Sheinbaums ruling Morena party, stood on the floor of the Congreso de la Union and calmly declared that California, Texas, and New Mexico were, among other parcels, occupied territories. Advertisement He went on to say that Mexico should review this dispossession and once again demand the recovery of these territories from America. These outlandish statements certainly did not hurt his career. In fact, they helped him. A year and a half later, he was elected president of the Mexican Senate. Norona is not alone. The name they give this new direction in foreign policy is Reconquista. Their strategy is comprehensive and, as was obvious, involves the migrant invasion: Advertisement While they may or may not mean the literal territorial rejoining of those territories with Mexico, they very much mean the cultural and political detachment of the American Southwest from the US and transforming it to resemble Mexican civilization. They hope to accomplish this task by mass migration, preventing the assimilation of migrants in the United States to the American way of life, and organizing them into a political force for Mexicos benefit. With the help of powerful forces inside the United States, they are well on their way. Advertisement Of course, Joe Biden was entirely complicit in this sabotage. No matter how often Congress challenged DHS Secretary Mayorkas, he insisted that the border was secure. Per Schweizer, once the border actually was secured by Trump, the next step was for Mexico to declare that Mexicans held dual citizenship. The third step was for Mexican diplomats, members of Mexicos legislature, and other Mexican officials to maintain governing positions in both Mexico and the United States; the goal is for them to manipulate our politics and elections and to control outcomes that favor the Mexican and Mexican-American population (which is illegal). Mexico has established 53 consulates in this country and their goal is to interface and recruit Mexican-Americans to influence local and national politics. When Schweizers book exploded on the scene, the Mexican officials went into panic mode, denying the truth of his allegations: Advertisement In a statement released by her office, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, I categorically deny any involvement or attempt by Mexico to interfere in the internal affairs of the United States. [snip] Advertisement This weekend on Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News, a response came from Mexicos ambassador to the U.S., Esteban Moctezuma Barragan. He pointed to Trumps success with Latino voters as proof the Mexicans arent interfering in US politics. I think that facts are much better than opinions, and I just want to tell you that when he says were working against President Trump, the votes of Latinos for President Trump rose from 28 percent in 2016 to 48 percent in the 2024 election, Ambassador Moctezuma said. Mexican migration has been dropping constantly since 2000. And so, what do you say? What do you see is that reality offers a very different view. The Mexican and United States governments are working very, very closely in order to tackle the migratory issue, the Ambassador said. Yes, Mexican migration has technically decreased since a sky-high peak, but there are still millions (or tens of millions?) of Mexicans here illegally. And Trumps notable popularity with Hispanics is unique to legal Hispanic immigrants, not illegal ones. Also consider that since our government has become more aggressive about deportations, protests supporting illegal immigration are increasingly violent and anarchic: These are not the polite petitions of victims pleading for a softer repression. They are angry protests people are out in the streets, not cowering behind closed doors. They carry signs with denunciations that declare MAGA: Mexicans Aint Going Anywhere! or I drink my horchata warm because Fuck ICE! Young Mexican women some born here, some who came as children, and others who just arrived carry U.S. flags, not out of false patriotism, but demanding recognition as an essential part of the nation, belonging to this countrys fabric. The many, many Mexican flags have important meaning. They speak of pride in Mexico as a country with a progressive government, in contrast to our reactionary one. They demand that the Mexican presence in this country be recognized as well, with rights and respect for Mexican people. The Mexican government has evidently been on a mission, and they are not likely to be deterred. Even tariff and trade policies will not stop them from pursuing this path. They want to actualize the Reconquista. Image generated by AI. SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Housecall Pro, a top-rated software and AI platform trusted by over 200,000 home service professionals, today announced a powerful new integration with Yelp, the company that connects people with great local businesses. The collaboration enables leads from Yelp's high-intent users to flow directly into Housecall Pro's Job Inbox, unifying lead management across platforms and empowering professionals to respond faster, stay organized and win more jobs. This native integration eliminates the need for pros to toggle between platforms and manually enter customer information. Pros can now view and respond to Yelp Request a Quote leads directly within Housecall Pro, alongside those from Google, Thumbtack, Angie's List and other sources. Contact info syncs automatically, conversations stay centralized, and lead statuses are updated in real time, reducing friction and increasing conversion. "Our mission has always been to champion our Pros to success," said Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro. "With Yelp now in the Job Inbox, a lead that used to sit in a separate app waiting to be noticed can now be responded to in seconds, either by the Pro themselves or by our AI-powered CSR agent working on their behalf. Collapsing that response time from minutes to seconds is real revenue for our Pros, and that's what drives everything we build." For home service professionals, key benefits of the integration include: All leads in one inbox : Yelp leads now appear in Housecall Pro's Job Inbox, next to leads from other platforms. : Yelp leads now appear in Housecall Pro's Job Inbox, next to leads from other platforms. No more manual entry : When a Yelp customer reaches out, the contact is instantly saved directly into Housecall Pro. : When a Yelp customer reaches out, the contact is instantly saved directly into Housecall Pro. Faster responses, more jobs : In a recent Housecall Pro survey of over 1,000 homeowners, 97% said response time influences who they hire. : In a recent Housecall Pro survey of over 1,000 homeowners, 97% said response time influences who they hire. Scale with Yelp Ads: Pros using Yelp Ads can drive 4x more leads*all automatically synced into Housecall Pro for easier follow-up and better ROI. "Speed and efficiency are critical for home service professionals competing in today's market," said Chad Richard, senior vice president of business and corporate development at Yelp. "By integrating with Housecall Pro, we're making it easier than ever for businesses to communicate directly with Yelp's highly engaged consumers who are seeking a service they provide, ensuring these high-intent leads flow seamlessly into a unified workflow. This enables businesses to respond rapidly, helping them maximize conversion from their Yelp presence." Now available to all Housecall Pro users in the U.S. and Canada, this integration reflects a shared commitment between Yelp and Housecall Pro to simplify operations and fuel growth for local businesses in the trades. To learn more or connect a Yelp account in Housecall Pro, visit: https://help.housecallpro.com/en/articles/13686522-job-inbox-integration-with-yelp About Housecall Pro Housecall Pro is a top-rated field service software platform trusted by over 200,000 home service professionals. With powerful tools for scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, customer communication, automation, and AI team members, Housecall Pro helps businesses save time, grow revenue, and deliver standout service. Founded in 2013, Housecall Pro supports Pros with innovative technology, a strong community through Champion the Trades, and TradeWirethe go-to newsletter for 500K+ Pros in the trades. Learn more at housecallpro.com. 2025 Codefied Inc. All rights reserved. Housecall Pro, TradeWire, Champion The Trades, and the door logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Codefied Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. About Yelp Yelp Inc. (yelp.com) is a community-driven platform that connects people with great local businesses. Millions of people rely on Yelp for useful and trusted local business information, reviews and photos to help inform their spending decisions. As a one-stop local platform, Yelp helps consumers easily discover, connect and transact with businesses across a broad range of categories by making it easy to request a quote for a service, book a table at a restaurant, and more. Yelp was founded in San Francisco in 2004. *Yelp Internal Data 2024. Based on median number of leads from advertisers vs. non-advertisers. Results may vary. SOURCE Housecall Pro Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has announced a 1.8m boost to his loved and wanted campaign after an increase in hate crime in London. The money will be shared between 30 community centres across the capital, enabling them to host events to combat division and social isolation. Sir Sadiq says he wants to restore community centres across the capital as a powerful force for good. Speaking at The Albany in Deptford on Friday, he said he was concerned at the global increase in online hatred. He told a group of community representatives at the Albany: You are the antidote to hatred. Poster campaign: the mayors Loved and Wanted initiative will provide 1.8m more for community centres (Ross Lydall) Sir Sadiq told The Standard: Its heartbreaking to me when I see the seeds of hatred, fear and division being sown online and on our streets. People who are ethnic minority, people who may be from the LGBTQ+ community, people who may be disabled, people who may be from a Jewish background or Muslim or Hindu dont feel loved and wanted and feel scared and frightened. What we are trying to do is provide a network of new community spaces across London, funded over the next three years, for people to come together. Latest Metropolitan police figures, for the 12 months to January, show a two per cent year-on-year increase in reported hate crime, up 390 incidents to 22,178. Of these, the vast majority are classed as racist and religious crime offences, with faith hate crime and homophobic offences the next highest categories. However, the current level of hate crime is down 17 per cent on two years ago. Half of the 1.8m comes from City Hall and half from the National Lottery Community Fund. City Hall says that loneliness and social isolation are increasing and many Londoners are facing fear, hatred and division online and on the street. Polling commissioned by the mayor found that 73 per cent of Londoners think community centres are important but only 12 per cent had visited one. More than half of respondents said they would be more likely to visit if more activities were provided. The new classes will include mentoring, weekly drop-in sessions, English language training, mental health support, community meals and computer skills. City Hall says that bringing communities together in real life is crucial to building unity and cohesion at a time when social media is increasingly being used as a weapon to spread division and hate. Sir Sadiq Khan promotes his Loved and Wanted campaign at the Albany in Deptford (Ross Lydall) Sir Sadiq launched his Loved and Wanted campaign last year. More than 140 organisations are involved and almost 1m has already been distributed. He added: London is the greatest city in the world because of the incredible people who live here, but were seeing loneliness and social division on the rise, and a weakening of the bonds that unite us as communities. Our sense of social cohesion is being put to the test like never before, and the lack of integration makes it harder for people from different backgrounds to understand each other. Vicki Amedume, co-chief executive of The Albany, said: "At The Albany, we see how essential trusted community spaces are to bringing people together and supporting local wellbeing. This new network recognises the vital role venues like ours play in strengthening communities at a time when connection matters more than ever. This investment will help ensure that community spaces remain open, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of Londoners. Organisations to receive funding are: Age UK Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest Albany - Albany Lewisham Anti-Tribalism Movement - Hammersmith and Fulham Bell Farm Christian Centre - Hillingdon Big House Theatre Company - Islington Bridge Renewal Trust - Haringey Bromley by Bow Centre - Tower Hamlets Colindale Communities Trust Barnet Crystal Palace Community Trust - Bromley Doxa Deo Community Church - Kingston Upon Thames ETNA Community Centre (East Twickenham Neighbourhood Association) - Richmond Exchange Erith Ltd - Bexley Fitzrovia Youth in Action - Camden Harmony House Dagenham CIO - Barking & Dagenham Holistic Education and Sport Support Services CIC - Enfield International Centre for Integration and Cohesion - Brent Libraries Connected / London Libraries - Pan-London Living Truth CIC - Wandsworth London Tigers - Ealing Oasis Community Hub: Waterloo - Lambeth Paddington Development Trust (operators of Grand Junction) - Westminster Peabody Community Foundation - Greenwich Pembroke House - Southwark Rainham Foodbank - Havering Response Community Projects (Earls Court) Limited - Kensington and Chelsea Rosetta Arts CIO - Newham South Mitcham Community Association - Merton South Norwood Community Kitchen - Croydon St Hilda's East - Tower Hamlets Volunteering Matters - Hackney Thanks to inclement weather and an equally gloomy news cycle, this February half term will be a record breaker. The BBC has reported that holiday bookings are up 9 per cent compared to last year, according to a group of travel agents. The Advantage Travel Partnerships claimed that a powerful psychological need for escape had been generated by weeks of rain and the current political landscape. Meanwhile, Manchester Airport is predicted to have its busiest February half term on record, and airlines and tour operators including Jet2 have reported a rise in bookings. Its hardly surprising news. If youre ready to escape the gloom, there are still some excellent last minute holidays to be booked in the UK, Europe and further afield. Heading to British Airways late deals page is never a bad way to start, and the airline currently has February flights and holidays on offer. You can fly to Geneva from 60 per person each way, or further afield to Punta Cana (in the Dominican Republic) for as little as 355 each. Their one and done holidays are also worth considering, including a flight and hotel deal to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech from 245 per person. Here are three other trips to add to the wishlist, or make a reality The country escape within an hour of London (Four Seasons Hampshire) You dont have to drive for miles or slog it out on a train for a bucolic country escape this half term. Four Seasons Hampshire can be reached in under an hour, and it just so happens to be one of the most family-friendly five-star hotels in the land. Youll love the 18th century Georgian manor setting and spa menu (111Skin, Ila and Dr Barbara Sturm provide the products), while kids will love Shetland pony riding and adventures in the complimentary childrens club. There are plenty of indoor games too, should the rain persist. From 520 per night, fourseasons.com The quick hop from Paris (Abbaye Des Vaux-De-Cernay) If your kids happen to be exceptionally chic, Abbaye Des Vaux-De-Cernay is the place to head. The 12th-century abbey turned country retreat is a design lovers dream, located 45 minutes away from Paris and surrounded by nearly 200 acres filled with outdoor pursuits (theres also a cinema room for the indoorsy). Best of all is the kids club by French brand Tartine et Chocolat, which offers bespoke clothing for young guests, including bathrobes and cashmere with Toile de Jouy-inspired prints. From 300 per night, abbayedesvauxdecernay.com The long-haul treat (Chable Yucatan) To truly leave the gloom behind, you have to go the extra mile. If youre willing to commit, head to Chable Yucatan in Mexico. Its a real treat: gorgeous family villas are hidden across acres and acres of Mayan forest on the Yucatan Peninsula and days can be spent in a blissed-out, margarita-fuelled haze by the pool. To protect your peace, theres a jungle kids club, an eco-farm experience cinema screenings and pottery workshops. From 882 per night, yucatan.chablehotels.com British Columbia premier, David Eby and the minister of public safety, Nina Krieger, at a makeshift memorial for the victims of the Tumbler Ridge school shooting. Photograph: Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters (Photograph: Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters) The 18-year-old suspect in a high school shooting in British Columbia had previously created a mass shooting simulator on the gaming platform Roblox, it has been revealed. The simulator, set in what appeared to be a virtual shopping mall, allowed users represented as Roblox-style avatars to pick up weapons and shoot other players, 404 Media reported on Thursday. Users first identified the suspects Roblox account and game on Kiwi Farms, a site known for doxing and trolling. After the shooting on Wednesday, Canadian police identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar. In a statement to the Guardian, Roblox said: We have removed the user account connected to this horrifying incident as well as any content associated with the suspect. We are committed to fully supporting law enforcement in their investigation. The California-based company added that the Mall experience was accessible only through Roblox Studio, a separate app used by developers to create games. As a result, the simulator recorded just seven visits. Roblox also said it uses a combination of AI and a team of safety specialists to review content that is uploaded to its platform before it is shown to another user. Wednesdays attack one of Canadas deadliest school shootings since the 1989 Ecole Polytechnique massacre when a gunman killed 14 women left nine people dead in Tumbler Ridge, a small coalmining community. The victims included a teacher, five students, the suspects mother and her stepbrother. The suspect, who reportedly had a history of mental health issues, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This isnt the first time Roblox has been criticised for its content. The platform allows its millions of users to create and share their own video games many of them benign, featuring cartoon fish and camping trips. However, it has also allegedly made Jeffrey Epstein-themed content available to children, and is facing a lawsuit in California for facilitating the sexual exploitation and assault of minors. The links between violent video games and mass shootings have been long-debated and remain inconclusive, with large studies finding at most a small correlation between gaming and real-world aggression. However, though games may not cause violence, recent incidents underscore the growing trend of gamified violence: extremists adopting elements of video game design in the context of real-world attacks. This is becoming increasingly common. The attacker in the 2019 mosque shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, broadcast his massacre on Facebook. A racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, New York, in 2022, was broadcast on Twitch, a platform that allows users to livestream themselves playing video games. This article was amended on 14 February 2026. An earlier version said there was more than one attacker in the Christchurch attack, and incorrectly named the platform the attacker streamed on as Twitch. Before killing nine people in British Columbia, Canada, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar appeared to leave behind an extensive online presence that reflected her struggles with mental health and a growing fascination with mass violence and gore. Tuesdays mass shooting has devastated the small rural community of Tumbler Ridge, where Van Rootselaar is accused of killing her mother, 11-year-old stepbrother, five schoolchildren and an education assistant. The shootings happened at the familys home and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Van Rootselaar, a former student at the school, died from a self-inflicted injury. Twenty-seven others were injured. Her digital footprint appears to show a fascination with firearms, violence and previous mass shooters, as well as drugs and nihilistic content, often within dark and obscure internet forums, where users share and celebrate images of death. She police say Van Rootselaar was transgender and used she pronouns appears to have created an account on the website WatchPeopleDie, an online forum where users share images of violent death and glorify mass shooters. The Independent has also confirmed an account with Roblox, where she created a game that allowed players to simulate a mass shooting inside what appeared to be a shopping mall. The account and content has been removed. Jesse Van Rootselaar left behind an extensive online presence that reflected her struggles with mental health and a growing fascination with mass violence before launching a mass killing in a rural Canadian community (Royal Canadian Mounted Police/AF) In 2019, she created a Reddit account where she discussed suicidal thoughts, video games and gender transition; in 2023, Van Rootselaar started to socially transition and posted that she was on a six-month waiting list for hormonal treatment, though it is unclear whether she actually received medical gender-affirming care. Health authorities reported that Van Rootselaar was never enrolled in any inpatient care programs in the region. In February 2023, Van Rootselaar posted that she started a fire in her house while high on psychedelic mushrooms. In that post, she also said she had been recently hospitalized for psychiatric care, was experiencing other mental health conditions, including depression, and received a diagnosis that she was on the autism spectrum. Van Rootselaar also claims to be taking antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs. An account on WatchPeopleDie included images and videos of firearms, though the account has since been removed by site moderators in the wake of the attack, according to an analysis from the ADL Center on Extremism. In 2023, Van Rootselaar posted that she started a fire in her house while high on psychedelic mushrooms, among other revelations of her mental health, as she actively posted on forums glorifying mass killings (REUTERS) The account includes many images of guns that were also visible in a Facebook post from the shooters mother. In 2021, her mother Jessica Jacobs who appeared to use her maiden name, Strang, for herself and Van Rootselaar said to check out my oldest son Jesse Strang YouTube Channel. He posts about hunting, self reliance, guns and stuff he likes to do, she added. Another image from her Facebook account in 2024 shows six guns with the caption think its time to take them out for some target practice. Van Rootselaars minors firearms license expired that year, according to police. On Reddit, Van Rootselaar posted an image of a Chinese Norinco SKS rifle, the same model that was also included in an image on her mothers Facebook account. That same firearm was included on the WatchPeopleDie website with an account using a similar username to one Van Rootselaar used on Reddit. The account on the website which has been linked to several school shooters was immersed in videos of death and violence, commenting I appreciate this post on a thread that compiled footage of prior mass shootings. I love these first person perspective type videos, when the shooter records his or her own actions its always heat, the account commented on another threat of shooting footage. Van Rootselaar created a Roblox game that allowed the user to commit a mass shooting in a mall, the company confirmed (Roblox) In August, the user posted that they found violent content addictive. I've tried to stray [sic] away from watching this type of thing before cuz it really sucks me in and is a massive useless time dump, the account wrote, according to the ADLs analysis. To say it doesnt effect [sic] me is likely naive, the user added. It just doesnt feel like a big deal. The Independent has requested comment from the website. Roblox confirmed to The Independent that Van Rootselaars account was removed February 11. The mall shooting game could only be accessed through downloading a separate app used by developers to design games, and had only seven visits, according to a company spokesperson. Video from the scene shows students exiting the Tumbler Ridge school after a deadly mass shooting in British Columbia, Canada, on February 11 (Jordon Kosik) Van Rootselaars online presence reflects a pattern of online radicalization towards committing mass violence fueled by engagement with violent content, which experts and law enforcement officials are increasingly warning is a trend of online-driven nihilism. Officials have not found a legible agenda behind a recent streak of high-profile killings and acts of political violence where assailants defied being neatly categorized into familiar ideologically- or racism-driven threats. A recent wave of attackers instead broadly declared their contempt for humanity and welcomed the end of civilization. Although these subcultures can produce outcomes similar to ideologically-motivated extremism, their goals, worldviews and motivations differ from classic ideological movements, according to a December report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. This presents distinct challenges for prevention and safeguarding. The Department of Justice is also investigating what it has labeled Nihilistic Violent Extremism, while Canada labeled groups 764 and Maniac Murder Cult as terrorist entities, among a growing number of groups stemming from far-right accelerationist threats within the Nihilistic Violent Extremism ecosystem. Such groups have proliferated online and spread globally, with arrests reported in at least 29 countries, according to a February report from the Global Network on Extremism and Technology, which reported on a trend of what it calls post-ideological violence. These communities glorify violence and its perpetrators while engaging in manipulative and coercive practices that draw young people into committing extreme acts of violence against others, animals, or themselves, according to the report. While the full scope of this phenomenon remains difficult to determine, the growing number of documented cases and victims underscores the urgent need for targeted and coordinated responses, the group found. In the aftermath of Tumbler Ridge shooting, social media also focused intensely on Van Rootselaars gender, a frequent phenomenon in the wake of recent mass shootings where users wrongly identify suspects as transgender. Fewer than one in 1,000 mass shooters over the past decade have been identified as transgender, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The overwhelming majority of mass attacks are committed by cisgender men, while trans people are more than four times likely to be victims of violent crimes, including rape and sexual assault, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. Sir Christopher Wormald was Starmers personal appointee - PA They were wise words, powerful words. And they were instrumental in helping Sir Keir Starmer win the 2020 Labour leadership election: The leader of the organisation carries the can, stands up for what goes wrong and takes responsibility. They were uttered by Starmer during a hustings event organised by the Jewish Labour Movement in February 2020 and he was taking aim at Jeremy Corbyn for attacking former Labour staffers who had blown the whistle on the partys endemic anti-Semitism under his leadership. Starmer claimed to have told his former friend: Ive never been in an organisation that turns on its staff before, ever. I wonder if Sir Chris Wormald is familiar with the Prime Ministers principled stand from six years ago? Britains most senior civil servant, hand-picked as cabinet secretary by Starmer at the end of 2024, only found out he was about to be sacked when he read media reports over the weekend. In the wake of the Peter Mandelson scandal, it seems that the Prime Minister has decided that the buck, after all, stops over there, not here. Greater love has no man but that he will lay down his friends lives for his own, as the Book of Job doesnt quite say. The leadership election was a long time ago, after all, and perhaps Starmer has grown wiser, more cynical, more experienced since then. Now he thinks nothing of sacrificing everyone around him if that is the cost of preserving his own position for another day or two. Ive never been in an organisation that turns on its staff before, he told activists in 2020. Well, he has now. Morgan McSweeney, Tim Allan, Sir Chris. With Starmer its always someone elses fault, never his. But that would have made a poor slogan on which to run his 2020 leadership bid. And now the taxpayer is facing a bill of 260,000 in unnecessary redundancy payments to see Sir Chris off the premises. Even the civil service baulked at such a turn of events, opposing the payment on the basis that they could see no clear and compelling reasons to sack him. They insisted on a written ministerial direction from Starmer, which is a standard procedure to give civil servants legal cover when they identify a spending decision that is unjustified but recognise their professional obligation to obey the instructions of a government minister. There are two aspects to this latest twist in the Downing Street soap opera. The first is the arrogance of civil servants who simply cant comprehend the idea that any of their number might not be cut out for the job and that they should be let loose in order to apply for alternative employment outside the service. But this is a job for life! With a generous pension! You cant treat us as if were ordinary citizens! Even if the Prime Minister himself has said he cannot work with the incumbent cabinet secretary? An inability to do ones job whoever might be responsible for the dysfunction in that relationship shouldnt count for anything? Sir Christopher, we are told, is being blamed by Starmer for the vetting failures over Peter Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador - Avalon But the other aspect is more worrying. Sir Christopher was Starmers personal appointee, at the time the least fancied runner of the four applicants in contention for the role. Yet now, thanks to his own judgment, he has landed the rest of us with a bill for more than a quarter of a million quid. Whats more, hes been told that the payment isnt justified, and yet hes going ahead with it anyway. Sir Christopher, we are told, is being blamed by Starmer for the failures in the process to properly vet Peter Mandelson for the job of Britains ambassador to the United States. Just consider that for a minute: we have gone, in six quick years, from the leader of the organisation stands up for what goes wrong and takes responsibility to who me, guv? Which begs the question: is there any difficulty this Government has faced in the last year and a half, any U-turn, any scandal, any failure of policy that can be laid at the feet of the Prime Minister? Has he taken responsibility for anything at all? Because there is an awful lot of blame to go around and youd think he could accept at least a portion of it. But as with McSweeney, who was given the prime ministerial black spot with the words I have full confidence in him just days before he resigned, Sir Chris must take the blame for his bosss woeful misjudgment in the Mandelson affair. Still, the Prime Minister, six years ago, was right about one thing: waxing lyrical about the loyalty he promised he would show to his staff in future, he added: What message do you think [criticism of staff] sends not just to the ex-staff but current staff who speak out? It was a spectacularly good question. And it is one that Starmers new chief-of-staff and cabinet secretary should ponder very carefully before they get too comfortable in their new posts. All sorts of things are poisonous when concentrated but harmless when dilute - Greg Baker/AFP Donald Trump has revoked the official doctrine that carbon dioxide is a danger to human health. This removes the justification for the federal government treating it as a pollutant. An anti-scientific lurch that will kill people or a welcome return to common sense? What does the science actually say? Carbon dioxide can kill you. In August 1986 Lake Nyos in Cameroon suddenly released around 200,000 tonnes of the gas in a natural but rare phenomenon known as a limnic eruption. Being heavier than air, it settled in an invisible cloud over the surrounding land and asphyxiated 1,746 people and over 3,000 livestock. But that was concentrated CO. To leap from that to saying that the average concentration of carbon dioxide in the air currently just over 0.04 per cent, up from just under 0.03 per cent a century ago is a danger to human health would be clearly idiotic. All sorts of things are poisonous when concentrated but harmless when extremely dilute. The argument in favour of the endangerment finding made by Barack Obamas Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009 was not that carbon dioxide is toxic but that it is causing and will continue to cause global warming. That in turn will cause things like sea level rise and more heatwaves and heavier rainfall and possibly other problems, which will in turn endanger human lives, if not now then at some point in the future. Ergo, carbon dioxide is itself a dangerous substance. Even on those terms, it is a fairly flimsy argument. As the independent meteorologist Chris Martz explains, the Clean Air Act does not classify carbon dioxide as an air pollutant. Obama had a choice: he could have tried to persuade Congress to amend the Act or he could have tasked the EPA to find evidence that carbon dioxide is a danger to public health. He chose the latter course. Clearly this was no less political a decision than Donald Trumps decision to reverse the finding. The US government will no longer recognise that greenhouse gases harm public health and welfare - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Defenders of the endangerment finding argue that, whatever the history of the decision, there exists evidence that increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could flood and drown people in the future or give them heat stroke. They are right. But they must also accept there exists evidence that such warming might bring benefits and save lives. You cannot look at one and ignore the other. Take the simplest measure of all: how many people die in cold weather and how many die in hot weather. Worldwide, about nine times as many die of cold as heat. This is true even in fairly hot countries like Greece and India. Is this ratio likely to change much in the future? Possibly not, because global warming happens more in the north in winter and at night, less in summer, in the tropics or in the daytime. So deaths from heat may rise only slowly while deaths from cold may fall quite fast. Suppose though that we do experience significant net harms from warming in 75 years time. More heatwaves, more flooding, perhaps worse storms (though so far there is no upward trend in the frequency or intensity of storms and a downward one in droughts). Those future threats will affect richer people. On current trends according to the economic models used by climate scientists the average person will be at least four times as rich in 2100 as they are today, probably more in poor countries in Africa where incomes are growing more rapidly. Posterity will be better able to afford protection against the effects of climate change than we are: flood defences, air conditioning and so forth. This is already happening. Deaths from droughts, floods and storms have dramatically declined to record low levels in recent decades as people have acquired better forecasts, better shelter and better transport. Hurricanes like Melissa last year just dont kill that many people any more: she killed about 100. This will be even more true in the future. Helping rich people tomorrow by punishing poor people today is the very opposite of compassionate or rational. But all these effects are dwarfed by another, far bigger trend that is almost entirely positive, not negative. This is the well-established phenomenon of global greening. Carbon dioxide is plant food. Trees, grasses, crops, algae, corals, seaweeds, phytoplankton all depend on the gas for growth. Increasing its concentration in the air from 0.03 per cent to 0.04 per cent has had a directly measurable effect on the growth rate of all plants. Increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air has been beneficial for crop yields - Scott Barbour/Getty Images This has shown up in higher crop yields, faster tree growth and a general greening of the planet in all ecosystems, measurable by satellites, from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. In the words of the author of one key paper on the subject, in 30 years the world has added the equivalent of a green continent about two times the size of mainland USA. And that was published 10 years ago so the area of extra greenery is even bigger today. How much is this worth to human health, let alone wildlife? Ross McKitrick of the University of Guelph in Canada and his colleagues have done a series of detailed calculations based on thousands of different studies and concluded that the effect of global greening, especially on crops, makes carbon dioxide into a net benefit to humankind, far outstripping any negative effects from global warming. Moreover, this net benefit will continue till at least 2050, even if warming accelerates somewhat. In 2017, there was an attempt to make this good news go away (climate scientists hate good news), in the form of a paper in Nature arguing that crop yields would soon fall, not rise, so the net benefits of carbon dioxide were a myth. This gave the Biden administration a renewed excuse to argue that carbon dioxide should be treated as a net danger to humanity. McKitrick got hold of the underlying data and found a massive mistake so obvious as to suggest negligence if not worse. In no less than 360 of the case studies included in the paper, the effect of global greening on crop yield had been simply left out. When he put it in, the results were reversed: carbon dioxide went from doing net harm in the future to having a net benefit on the crop yields of wheat, maize, millet, sorghum, rice and soybean, right up to an implausible 4C of future warming and beyond. McKitricks responding paper pointing this out was published last year. It supports the case that carbon dioxide cannot reasonably be called a net danger to human health, even on a climate change basis; it is more likely a net beneficiary. The defenders of the endangerment finding can argue that such a calculation is based on forecasts that might be wrong but that would be a foot-shooting expedition because the same is true of all their papers too. In truth, the debate about the endangerment finding is a political one and always has been. Scientists chose to interpret the evidence in a way that supported a political preference. They cannot now complain when others do the same. Bioretec Ltd Inside information 13 February 2026 at 9.31 a.m. EET NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA OR THE UNITED STATES, OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. TAMPERE, Finland, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Bioretec Ltd ("Bioretec" or the "Company") is assessing a potential rights issue based on the shareholders' pre-emptive subscription right (the "Offering") in the near future. The targeted gross proceeds to be raised through the Offering would preliminarily be approximately EUR 15 million. Bioretec announced its updated strategy and financial targets in a company release on 16 December 2025. The potential Offering would strengthen the Company's capital base and financing resources supporting the execution of the new strategy. The execution of the potential Offering would be subject to, among other things, a share issue authorisation granted by a general meeting of shareholders of Bioretec and a resolution by the Board of Directors of Bioretec regarding the Offering. The Board of Directors of Bioretec has not made any final decisions concerning the execution of the Offering and emphasizes that the execution of the potential Offering is not yet certain. DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB, Finland Branch has been mandated to investigate the structure and terms for a potential Offering. Further enquiries Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher, CEO, +31 6 1544 8736 Tuukka Paavola, CFO, +358 50 386 0013 Certified adviser Nordic Certified Adviser AB, +46 70 551 67 29 Information about Bioretec Bioretec is a globally operating Finnish medical device pioneer at the forefront of transforming orthopedic care with fully biodegradable implant technologies. The company has built unique competencies in the biological interface of active implants to enhance bone growth and accelerate fracture healing after orthopedic surgery. The products developed and manufactured by Bioretec are used worldwide in approximately 40 countries. The company's latest innovation, the RemeOs product line, is based on a high-performance magnesium alloy and hybrid composite, introducing a new generation of strong absorbable materials for enhanced surgical outcomes. The RemeOs implants are absorbed and replaced by bone, which eliminates the need for removal surgery while facilitating fracture healing. The first RemeOs product market authorization was received in the U.S. in March 2023, and in Europe, the CE mark approval was received in January 2025. Bioretec's Activa product line features fully bioabsorbable orthopedic implants made from a proprietary, self-reinforced PLGA both CE marked and FDA cleared for a wide range of indications in adult and pediatric patients. Bioretec is shaping the future of orthopedic treatment with a focus on healing through absorption, paving the way for more effective and patient-friendly solutions. To learn more about Bioretec, visit www.bioretec.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION The information contained herein does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may the securities of Bioretec Ltd (the "Company") be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Company does not intend to register any portion of the offering in the United States or to offer securities to the public in the United States. The distribution of this release may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Neither this release nor the information contained herein is for publication, distribution or release, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or the United States or any other jurisdiction in which publication or distribution would be unlawful. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. 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This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/bioretec/r/inside-information--bioretec-ltd-s-board-of-directors-is-assessing-a-potential-rights-issue-in-the-n,c4307125 A Customs and Border Protection supervisor has been charged over allegations he harbored an undocumented migrant girlfriend that authorities say is also his niece. Andres Wilkinson, 52, was aware of the womans unlawful immigration status yet maintained a romantic relationship with her, according to the Department of Justice. Wilkinson has served with CBP since 2001 and was promoted to a supervisory position in 2021, which involved overseeing the enforcement of customs and immigration laws. According to a criminal complaint, obtained by The Independent, law enforcement learned the woman and her daughter were residing at Wilkinsons residence without legal authorization after entering the U.S. on a non-migrant visa in 2023. In May 2025, the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility received law enforcement database research indicating that the woman was Wilkinson's niece. A Customs and Border Protection supervisor has been charged over allegations he harbored an undocumented migrant girlfriend that authorities say is also his niece (AP) Investigators found that the woman was the daughter of a man who Wilkinson had listed as his brother in his 2023 background investigation, court documents stated. According to the complaint, when she first arrived in the U.S. the woman had been married to another man. However, though the man had filed a green card petition for her in January 2024, the application was withdrawn that April. From June through November 2025, law enforcement conducted surveillance at Wilkinsons residence and observed the woman and her child living there. On February 5 this year, CBP OPR approached and detained the woman in Laredo, Texas. She later admitted that she had been living with her uncle, Wilkinson, since August 2024. Andres Wilkinson is accused of knowingly transporting the woman through U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints and to San Antonio (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Wilkinson had also financially supported her by providing his credit cards, housing, and assistance with her financial obligations, including medical debt, and by adding her to his vehicle insurance, the complaint stated. It also alleges Wilkinson knowingly transported the woman through U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints and to San Antonio. Messages also indicated she and her child resided with him. If convicted on the charges of harboring an illegal alien, Wilkinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine, according to the Justice Department. The Independent has attempted to contact Wilkinson through his listed attorney. Erectile dysfunction medicines remain one of the most frequently seized illegally traded medicines in the UK, with yearly seizures more than doubling since 2022 Photograph: Nathaniel Noir/Alamy (Photograph: Nathaniel Noir/Alamy) Men have been warned against buying illegal erectile dysfunction pills online after nearly 20m pills enough to fill two doubledecker buses were seized in the last five years. The stigma and embarrassment of erectile dysfunction is being exploited by criminals, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Between 2021 and 2025, the MHRAs criminal enforcement unit, working closely with Border Force to intercept shipments, seized about 19.5m doses of erectile dysfunction medicines, equivalent to a single dose for three in every four adult men in the UK. Many of the pills seized contained no active ingredient, the wrong dose, hidden drugs or toxic ingredients, the MHRA said. Erectile dysfunction medicines remain one of the most frequently seized illegally traded medicines in the UK, with yearly seizures more than doubling since 2022. Stigma and embarrassment are being exploited by criminals selling fake medicines that can seriously harm your health, said Andy Morling, the head of the MHRAs criminal enforcement unit. These seizures show the sheer scale of the illegal market for erectile dysfunction medicines in the UK and the risks people are taking without realising. Alongside major seizures, the MHRAs criminal enforcement unit said it had stepped up action against online sellers. Working with internet service providers, the regulator said it disrupted more than 1,500 websites and social media accounts illegally selling medical products to the public in 2025 and removed more than 1,200 social media posts. Any medicine not authorised for sale in the UK can be unsafe or ineffective and there is no way of knowing what is in them or the negative health effects they can have, Morling said. These pills may look genuine but many are potentially dangerous. Im incredibly pleased weve taken almost 20m doses of unauthorised erectile dysfunction medicines off the streets, including 4.4m last year alone, in what was a record-breaking year of total seizures for the MHRA. Each and every one of those products was potentially dangerous to the public. Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, affecting around half of men aged 40 to 70. Research suggests two in five men would avoid seeking medical advice, with some turning to unregulated online sellers. Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: We would strongly advise against patients buying any prescription medication, including treatments for erectile dysfunction, from unregulated online sources. Ultimately, they do not know what they are buying or how it may interact with any other medication they are taking and this can be dangerous. Unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines can be especially dangerous for people with heart disease or high blood pressure, or those taking other medications, and they can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and dangerously low blood pressure. Tzortziou Brown said GPs were trained to have sensitive and confidential conversations about the subject and did so frequently. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of other underlying health issues, including heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, so in trying to address it without seeking medical advice, people risk missing these, she said. The MHRA advises avoiding buying medicines from social media or unknown websites and to visit the #FakeMeds website for information on how to obtain medicines safely online. It is also possible to check whether online pharmacies based in Great Britain are registered on the General Pharmaceutical Councils (GPhC) website. The advice is to speak to a GP or pharmacist about safe and effective treatment options. Kate Austen will cook the first dinner with Aikens (Great British Menu) The Michelin-starred restaurant Muse has announced a new culinary creator series to spotlight the chefs and creative forces shaping the modern hospitality industry. Launching the collaborative program with Muse chef-patron Tom Aikens is Kate Austen, a chef who made history on BBC Twos Great British Menu after becoming the first woman in the shows 19-year history to win the main course round. Later on star names such as Ruth Hansom, Max Coen, Ben Marks and Daniel Clifford will join Aikens at Muse to create an eight-course menu, each to be cooked in an open, informal format to allow diners to get to know the chefs behind their food. Aikens said chefs will be able to share stories, techniques and the inspiration behind dishes in a dining experience that feels spontaneous, personal and electric. (Food Story Media) Austens inaugural event will chart her career through some of Europes most exacting kitchens, including the three Michelin-star Restaurant Frantzen in Stockholm and AOC in Copenhagen, where she became the youngest female head chef to lead a two-Michelin-star restaurant. Most recently, she served as a senior development chef for Gordon Ramsay, and is now regularly seen on television and social media. Austens dinner with Aikens will include her kombu custard with pork broth and caviar, and turbot with artichoke and blue mussels. Other dishes on the bill include star names such as Phil Howard of Elystan Street, Daniel Clifford from Midsummer House, and Max Coen from Dorian. Each evening will feature an eight-course menu cooked live, created collaboratively by Tom Aikens and his guest chef for 225 per person. Bookings for the first dinner can be made via this link on the Seven Rooms website. 38 Groom Place, SW1X 7BA, musebytomaikens.co.uk A doctor who was present at Jeffrey Epsteins post-mortem has said that his cause of death should be re-investigated. The late paedophile was found dead in his cell whilst awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges in 2019. At the time, the New York Medical Examiners Office ruled his death a suicide. Dr. Michael Baden told the Telegraph he believes Epstein did not take his own life, but rather, died from strangulation. He told the paper, My opinion is that his death was most likely caused by strangulation pressure rather than hanging, Dr Michael Baden told the Telegraph further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted (Channel 5) Given all the information now available, further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted, he said. Although Dr. Baden did not conduct the post-mortem himself, he was present at the examination, acting as an observer on behalf of Epsteins family. He told the Telegraph: At the time that the autopsy was done by the medical examiner, we both agreed that, on the basis of the autopsy report and the information available, more information was needed to determine the cause and manner of death. The doctors concerns have been mirrored by Epsteins lawyers, who said that they too were not satisfied with the medical examiners findings, the Telegraph reported. Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in August 2019 (PA Media) The long-awaited release of troves of government evidence against the sex offender, also known as the Epstein files, has prompted more speculation around Epsteins cause of death. One piece of evidence in particular raised eyebrows the release of CCTV footage from the night Epstein died. The video appears to show a missing minute of footage, which has led to questions about whether someone entered the paedophiles cell. In another video from that night, an orange flash can be spotted travelling up the stairs near Epsteins cell. Documentation showed authorities were at odds over the cause of the flash, suggesting it possibly may have been an inmate. As part of the US governments first release of the Epstein files, a redacted version of Epsteins post-mortem examination was shared. In the document, the paedophiles manner of death is marked as pending, whilst both boxes for suicide and homicide remain blank. A picture of Epstein's jail cell after his body was found (60 Minutes/CBS) Dr. Baden told The Telegraph that his professional conclusions after the post-mortem in 2019 were inconclusive. However, he said that just five days after Epsteins death certificate was published, awaiting further investigation of the cause, this verdict was superseded by New Yorks former-chief medical examiner, Dr. Barbara Sampson, who concluded that Epsteins cause of death was suicide by hanging. She has stood resolutely behind her ruling on the postmortem and dismissed speculation to the contrary. Dr. Baden told the paper that she was not present at the postmortem examination. Epsteins cell was cordoned off after his body was found in 2019 (60 Minutes / CBS) More questions were raised when the statement announcing Epsteins death was dated as August 9, 2019, one day before he was found dead in his cell. The US Department of Justice explained this away as an unfortunate typo. The official post-mortem report also describes three distinct fractures on Epsteins neck: one on the left hyoid, one in the right-hand thyroid cartilage, and one on the left. Dr. Baden told The Telegraph that throughout his 50-year career, he had never seen three neck fractures in any case of suicide by hanging, in any post-mortem reports for inmate deaths across New York state and local jails. Dr. Baden was one of the first people to publicly question Epsteins cause of death. In August 2019, he told Fox News that the evidence points toward homicide rather than suicide. Both the Trump administration and the FBI have maintained that Epstein killed himself and that there is no evidence he was murdered. Visitors to the UK will soon have to pay 16 for a six-month Electronic Travel Authorisation as well. Photograph: Alex Hare/Alamy (Photograph: Alex Hare/Alamy) Dual British nationals have been warned they may be denied boarding a flight, ferry or train to the UK after 25 February unless they carry a valid British passport. The warning by the Home Office comes amid scores of complaints from British people living or travelling abroad who have suddenly found themselves at risk of not being allowed into the UK. The problem has arisen because of a change in border controls on 25 February, when everyone travelling to the UK will need permission to travel, unless they are a British or Irish citizen or are otherwise exempt. Visitors for short stays must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation that costs 16. Related: When dual nationality leads to double trouble But dual nationals will, for the first time, be obliged to show their British passport to travel to the UK or pay what many believe is a punitive price of 589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport in order to board a flight, ferry or train. One British woman living in Germany for years who has dual nationality said she feared her children were going to be affected by the changes, particularly her son who is due to travel to the UK in four weeks time. Im really annoyed about being treated as Brexit collateral once again with this short-notice, shortsighted, arbitrary change of the rules, she said. While the government introduced the rules last year, she and many others feel they had not been communicated well to those living abroad and that keeping up two passports for a family is an expensive luxury that not everyone can afford. One British woman living in Spain for more than 30 years chose to take out Spanish citizenship because of Brexit and up to now was free to go to and from the UK with her Spanish passport. But Spain requires non-nationals naturalising to renounce their previous nationality and presenting her British passport at the airport will legally risk her Spanish nationality. She said she is aware that many will argue she should not have renounced her British passport but that this change of rules will apply to many children of British citizens born in Spain who have never held a British passport but whose records will show as dual nationality at border control. It seems a strange anomaly that while the UK is willing to recognise dual nationality, it refuses to recognise that a valid EU passport held by a UK citizen can give right of entry to the UK, said Julie, who asked that her real name not be used. Another dual national born and educated in London told how he had booked a flight for a work trip in the last week and has only just discovered he may be stranded. He is British Italian but has never held his own British passport and has freely travelled around for his job on his Italian passport. He is due to fly to New York on Friday with his Italian passport but returns after 25 February and wont be able to present immigration with an ETA or a British passport. Asked if he had considered paying 589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to his Italian passport, he said the weeks-long backlog made it impossible to get hold of before Friday. I found myself having to travel at short notice and am now facing the idea that I may not be allowed back into the country, said James, who is travelling to a museum in New York to complete logistics on works of art being lent to a gallery in Europe. Related: 300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR A Home Office spokesperson said: From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border. They said this was part of a digitisation programme to enable a seamless travel experience, while also giving the government greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration. The EU citizens campaign group The 3 million called for a low-cost, one-off travel authorisation similar to one in Canada in place of the 589 certificate currently available. The UK already has the technology to do the same, so we urge them to act now to ensure British citizens are not locked out of their own country, said Monique Hawkins, the head of policy and advocacy at The 3 million. Scottish broadcaster Edith Bowman has made a tearful plea for a suitcase containing some of her grandfathers ashes to be returned after it was stolen on Friday. The 52-year-old posted a series of Instagram stories appealing for her missing bag, believing it was stolen during a train journey from London Paddington to Kemble, a village in the Cotswolds. The radio DJ was frustrated in the first video she shared, and said: I just got on a train at London Paddington 9.32am to Cheltenham and got off at Kemble, and some f***** has stolen my case. Edith Bowman took to Instagram on Friday to issue her plea (Ian West/PA) So if you are that person who took someone elses luggage off the train between London and Kemble, please can you return it to the nearest station? Id really much appreciate that. She continued: Who does that kind of thing? Theres CCTV, so were on the case and British Transport Police is being informed. The TV star later returned to her Instagram story after realising that her suitcase contained sentimental items, and in her next post she was choking back tears. She said: Ive just realised whats in my bag is a jewellery box, and in that jewellery box are some really lovely personal things. In particular, a pinkie ring thats got my grandads ashes in it. If anyone saw anyone getting off the train at Didcot Parkway, Reading or Swindon, with an old school case thats green, dark green with brown straps, please can you get in touch and let me know. Bowman then shared a photo to her story of the suitcase, and wrote: If anyone saw someone get off @GWR train with this bag, Reading 09.58, Didcot Pway 10.11, Swindon 10.30, please contact me. The presenter is best known for hosting BBC Radio 1 shows from 2003 to 2014, when she left to work on other projects. Bowman currently hosts podcast Soundtracking, in which she interviews guests about music and film and which was launched in 2016. Energy giant Centrica has announced a 2.4 million partnership with Multibank in a huge boost to the charity set up by former prime minister Gordon Brown. Under the three-year partnership, Centrica will help provide further essential household goods to those who need them. Mr Brown and Centrica chief executive Chris OShea will today meet with Two Doors Down actor Arabella Weir a trustee for the Multibank to discuss the major expansion of support for families experiencing severe material and fuel poverty. The partnership is being launched at The Big House Multibank hub in Lochgelly, Fife. The Multibank charity was started in 2022 and now operates six hubs across the country and works with more than 100 businesses. Gordon Brown at the Big House Multibank in Lochgelly (PA) (Andrew Milligan) It has distributed more than 14 million essential items mostly from retail return stock to over two million families through a network of more than 3,000 local charities. The aim of the Multibank is to ease the cost-of-living pressure on families living in or facing poverty. Centrica will give 800,000 per year to strengthen the Multibanks core operations, expand its reach through new satellite hubs, and increase the supply of essential goods such as warm bedding, clothing, baby items, hygiene products and furniture. The Multibank also announced a collaboration with the British Gas Energy Trust to give families identified by charitys partners access to energy debt relief, emergency fuel vouchers and white goods grants. Mr Brown said: Britain needs a Coalition of Compassion government, businesses and communities working together to prevent families falling into hardship. No family should be forced to choose between heating and eating. By linking The Multibanks local networks with Centrica and the British Gas Energy Trust, this partnership means more families can get the essential goods and support they need alongside immediate help with heating and energy costs. Mr OShea said: When people fall behind on their energy bills, they are almost always struggling with everything else too. Poverty doesnt happen in silos a broken cooker, a lack of warm bedding or mounting energy debt can tip families into crisis. Working with the Multibank allows us to support families earlier with both essentials and targeted energy help from emergency fuel vouchers to white goods grants so they can stay warm, safe and secure this winter and beyond. Tracey Talbot, interim chief executive at British Gas Energy Trust said: For the Trust, working in partnership and collaboration with charities like the Multibank means we can offer more rounded, practical support for people, combining energy debt relief and emergency support with access to the everyday essentials many of us take for granted. Together we can reach more people, provide support where its needed, and make sure no one is left struggling to survive. Working together, we can make a real difference. Minister for energy consumers Martin McCluskey said: Tackling the affordability crisis is this Governments number one priority. That is why we are extending the 150 Warm Home Discount so millions of eligible families will receive it in winter for the rest of the decade, and taking an average of 150 of costs off energy bills from April. This crucial initiative builds on that work providing vital support to those who need it most, this winter and beyond. Alfredo Rodriguez, Epsteins former butler, attempting to sell the paedophiles little black book - DoJ Jeffrey Epsteins former butler tried to sell the paedophiles little black book to an undercover FBI agent during a sting, footage released by the US department of justice reveals. Alfredo Rodriguez, who worked for the financier at his Palm Beach mansion in Florida, believed he was selling the book for $50,000 (37,000) to a lawyer representing Epsteins victims. Rodriguez described the book as a Holy Grail of information that contained names, addresses and phone numbers for high-profile public figures, witnesses and hundreds of alleged victims in places including New York, New Mexico, and Paris. In a 45-minute covert recording on Nov 3 2009 Rodriguez can be seen telling the agent that the book had the details of underage girls procured by Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell, Epsteins former partner, is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking in a minimum-security prison in Texas. In the footage, Rodriguez tells the anonymous FBI agent: They were very young ... Ghislaine Maxwell was his former companion, a very powerful lady from England. Alfredo Rodriguez claimed that Epstein himself created the book - DoJ Rodriguez stole the book from Epstein while working in his home between 2004 and 2005. He claimed to have witnessed Maxwell on one occasion operating a computer database with details and pictures of young girls. Naked, naked girls from Sweden, from Romania, from Czechoslovakia, from Brazil All minors, all young girls they were teenagers they had braces, he tells the agent. Asked directly who created the book, Rodriguez replies: Epstein himself. Rodriguez also admitted to lying to the FBI that he had no documents of interest when he was instructed three months earlier to hand over any material useful for their investigation into Epsteins sex trafficking operation. He claimed that he had not handed over the book because he feared Epstein would make him disappear or harm him and was treating it as his insurance policy. The recording abruptly ends with the agent pretending to hand over the $50,000 to Rodriguez. Officers arrested Rodriguez shortly afterwards for obstruction of official proceedings. During police interviews Rodriguez claimed he had witnessed naked underage girls around the pool of Epsteins home in Palm Beach and that he had seen explicit pictures of minors on his employers computers. It was also alleged in New York Magazine that one of Rodriguezs duties was to wash sex toys that he would find scattered around Epsteins mansion. The FBI said the black book would have been extremely useful in investigating and prosecuting the case against Epstein. The current location of the document is not known but copies are believed to be in circulation. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were both jailed for sex trafficking - DoJ/AFP via Getty Images Rodriguez was jailed in April 2012 for 18 months the same prison sentence handed to Epstein in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. He died aged 60 from cancer on Dec 28 2014. His widow Patricia Dunn said at the time: It was a terrible case and Alfredo wasnt really involved. Ms Dunn, who was born in Bolivia, paid tribute to her husband on Facebook. She wrote: Through our lives were together for 21 years, the last six months (since I learned of your illness) were a rollercoaster of emotions, feelings and harsh experiences. I learned again to love, to appreciate you, to meet you again, and have patience, which is something I did not know and I learned with pleasure. The FBI has increased the reward for information about Nancy Guthries disappearance to $100,000 and provided more details on the description of her suspected kidnapper. Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of Today show star Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for nearly two weeks, and authorities are desperate to find her. The FBI Phoenix Field Office announced the $100,000 reward for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance in an X post on Thursday. New details have also emerged, including photos of a backpack that the suspect was wearing the morning Nancy was taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills, just outside of Tucson, Arizona. The FBI has increased the reward for information about Nancy Guthries disappearance to a whopping $100,000 and provided more details on the suspected kidnappers description (FBI) The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build, the FBI said. In a video taken from Nancys doorbell camera, the suspect is seen wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, according to the agency. We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving, the X post read. Since February 1, 2026, the FBI has collected over 13,000 tips from the public related to this case. Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of Today show star Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for nearly two weeks, and authorities are desperate to find her (FBI) Authorities released the previously inaccessible video of the suspect on Tuesday. It showed an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancys front door, the FBI wrote on X at the time. The suspect was wearing a ski mask, gloves and the backpack mentioned in Thursdays post. The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems, the FBI explained. The FBI has released photos of a backpack that the suspect was wearing the morning Nancy was taken from her Arizona home (FBI) Savannah and her family are distraught over the disappearance of Nancy. In an Instagram post earlier Thursday, Savannah shared a heart-warming video from her childhood, writing, Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope. There have been reports of ransom notes, demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancys safe return. The suspect was seen 'wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack,' according to the agency (FBI) In a video posted to Instagram last week, Savannah said as she sat beside her siblings, We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay. TMZ has reported it received multiple notes over the past two days from someone claiming to know the identity of the kidnapping suspect and offering to reveal the name for 1 Bitcoin, which is roughly worth $66,000. Authorities have yet to confirm the validity of these reported new notes. The Independent has reached out to the FBI Phoenix Field Office for comment. Savannah and her family are distraught over Nancys disappearance and have agreed to pay for her return (Savannah Guthrie via Instagram) On Tuesday, local police said a person was detained in connection with Nancys disappearance. A man, who identified himself just as Carlos, told local outlet ABC15 that he was stopped by Pima County Sheriffs deputies for kidnapping Nancy. They told me I was being detained for kidnapping, and I asked them, Kidnapping of who? Carlos said. After being questioned by authorities for several hours, Carlos was released, ABC15 reported. He has not been charged with a crime, according to the outlet. The investigation into Nancys disappearance remains ongoing. Detail from Self-Portrait as a Tahitian by Amrita Sher-Gil, 1934. Photograph: Alamy (Photograph: Alamy) Good morning. This weeks selection of good reads from around the Guardian chart a varied terrain from art and identity to politics and climate change. But each of them, one way or another, are an exercise in changing perspectives. Happy reading. 1. Has Romania shattered the link between economic growth and high emissions? Many would not think of Romania the birthplace of big oil as a climate leader. But Ajit Niranjan reports from Ploiesti that its found the holy grail of the energy transition: decoupling economic growth and pollution faster than anywhere else in Europe, and perhaps even the world. So? Well, the two have traditionally been inextricably linked especially by politicians committed to development via fossil fuels. If industrial countries could decouple as quickly as Romania, Niranjan reports, the fight to stop climate breakdown may not seem so hopeless. But its complicated. Romanias transition, as many there remember only too well, was brutal for a lot of people. How long will it take to read: about five minutes Further reading: Jason Hickel and Yanis Varoufakis suggest three steps to begin moving past capitalism and save the climate. Closer to home, Adam Morton argued this week that Labor will never have a better time to revisit carbon pricing but does it have the stomach? 2. Apocalypse no (or: most of the stuff we knew about the Maya is wrong) New archaeological technologies are overturning many long-held beliefs about ancient history. Debate about the Maya centred for years on their civilisations collapse. Now, scholars are asking: how did they survive? As Marcus Haraldsson explains, its not just academic. History both ancient and recent is a key political issue for the Maya. Rethinking the numbers: A few decades ago, the population of the classic-era (AD600-900) Maya lowlands surrounding Tikal was estimated to be about 2 million. Today, experts guess it was closer to 16 million or, in other words, that more people lived in the classic-era Maya lowlands than on the Italian peninsula during the peak of the Roman empire all crammed into an area a third of the size. How long will it take to read: 11 minutes 3. Never mind the lit-bros: Michelle Zauner re-evaluates Infinite Jest Thirty years after its publication, David Foster Wallaces epic novel has gained a reputation as a book few people ever finish and a performative read for a certain breed of intense young man. Zauner author of the bestselling memoir Crying in H Mart, frontwoman of indie band Japanese Breakfast, and a woman in her 30s is not, in her own words, what you might consider Infinite Jests target demographic. But when she started reading it, she was surprised to find the book delivered, in spades. *** Trust-fall into the barbed intricacies of the writing, and you will discover its soft, exquisite humanity. Michelle Zauner How long will it take to read: three minutes 4. The rise of vice-signalling: how hatred poisoned politics Remember when everyone talked about virtue-signalling? Whats arisen in its wake is far worse, Zoe Williams writes. Over the last 10 years, the terms of political debate have changed completely and week by week they seem to get worse. An experts definition of vice-signalling: attention-seeking, basically. A strategy to constantly violate taboos, and in this way escalate the dynamics of the whole conversation, while getting immediate media attention, usually front page. Why its getting more worrying: as certain frequenters of global headlines on this site and elsewhere appear to have noticed, vice-signalling no longer carries the same risk, especially politically. How long will it take to read: five minutes 5. Maybe only a woman can paint a truly great female nude When Gwen John stood in her bedroom in 1909 sketching herself nude, her body reflected in a wardrobe mirror, what was she thinking? asks Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett. Considering the way female nude self-portraits painted by women inspired her new novel, she reflects that: When a female artist takes authority over depictions of her nudity, it can only be political. Johns sketch, made in the midst of her turbulent affair with Auguste Rodin, takes her outside the male gaze not objectified, not idealised, Cosslett observes. Daring to be their own muse: Theres Amrita Sher-Gil (whose self-portrait you see at the top of this page), kicked out of art school; Carolee Schneemann, variously interpreted by critics as groundbreaking or tasteless; and Francesca Woodman, whose photos capture something uncanny, gothic almost, but also erotic, powerful, fraught with irony. Cosslett lovingly catalogues these artists and others, honouring their frank depictions of the inherent strangeness of living in a womans body. How long will it take to read: three minutes However you spend your weekend, I hope its a good one. And happy Valentines Day to you all. Sign up And check out the full list of our local and international newsletters. If you would like to receive these Five Great Reads to your email inbox every weekend, sign up here. And check out out the full list of our local and international newsletters. Branford Public Schools (CT) to Become the Largest Fully Electric Fleet in the Northeast, Marking Zum's Continued Electrification National Expansion REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Zum, the leader in modern student transportation, announced that it will deploy a fully electric school bus fleet for Branford Public Schools beginning in the 202627 school year, making Branford the largest fully electric school district with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities in the Northeast. All electric buses will be supported by modern charging infrastructure, with built-in bidirectional V2G capabilities. Today, Zum, the leader in modern student transportation, announced that it will deploy a fully electric school bus fleet for Branford Public Schools beginning in the 202627 school year, making Branford the largest fully electric school district with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities in the Northeast. Left to right: Sarah Skinner, Zum; Liz Sanchez, Zum; Chairman Peter Berdon; Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz; Superintendent Tranberg, Branford Public Schools; Blaize Levitan, COO, Branford Public Schools; Jim Finch, Town of Branford; and Charlotte Charbono, Zum. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz delivers remarks at Zums Branford school bus yard. This announcement represents a significant moment for Branford and the evolution of student transportation nationwide. As the largest school district in the Northeast to fully electrify its school bus fleet, Branford is demonstrating that clean, reliable electric student transportation is not a future ambition, but a current possibility for school districts across the country. The electric fleet is designed with the future capability to strengthen grid resilience by enabling school bus batteries to return energy to the local grid at scale when not in use. This vehicle-to-grid capacity transforms what has traditionally been an underutilized asset into a strategic energy resource improving reliability, maximizing the value of district infrastructure, and supporting long-term sustainability. Zum also provides the students and parents of Branford Public Schools with enhanced safety and reliability, reflected in a 98% on-time arrival rate to school. Through its parent app, families can see exactly where their children are during every ride to and from school creating peace of mind for families each day. Zum and Branford Public Schools announced the initiative today at Zum's Branford student transportation yard during an event attended by local and state leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "This marks a major milestone in Zum's continued national electrification expansion and an exciting moment for student transportation," said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. "As we expand our electrification efforts to the East Coast and launch our first fully electric school bus fleet in the region, Branford is helping set a new national standard. With Zum's technology platform and this state-of-the-art EV fleet, we are reimagining what's possible building a modern transportation system rooted in operational excellence and a relentless focus on safety that improves the experience for students, families, and drivers, sets kids up for success in the classroom, strengthens grid reliability and resiliency, and delivers lasting benefits to the entire community." "Branford Public Schools, in partnership with Zum, is committed to delivering a first-class transportation system that prioritizes students and families while setting a new standard for safety, reliability, and sustainability," said Superintendent Christopher Tranberg. "Electric school buses with bidirectional charging capabilities create cleaner transportation today and have the potential to support grid resilience by returning energy from bus batteries back to the grid in the future." "Branford is proving that clean, reliable student transportation is possible today," said Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "By deploying the largest fully electric school bus fleet in the Northeast, we are delivering cleaner air for kids, smarter infrastructure for communities, and a model for the nation." In 2024, Branford Public Schools awarded Zum a 10-year student transportation contract with the goal of transitioning the district to a 100% electric school bus fleet within five years. Through its partnership with Zum, Branford Public Schools is now on track to achieve this transition within the first two years of the contractthree years ahead of schedule. This achievement builds on Zum's growing national momentum. Today, Zum partners with school districts across 15 states, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Omaha, Boston and Kansas City, delivering a fully integrated, transparent, and reliable transportation platform at scale. In the 202425 school year, Zum made history by deploying the nation's first fully electric school bus fleet in Oakland Unified School District in California. To learn more about how Zum is working with thousands of schools to deliver safe, reliable and modern student transportation, please visit Zum's website . About Zum Zum is a technology-led, data-driven transportation company transforming student transportationthe largest mass transit system in the United States. Today, Zum provides turnkey, modern transportation solutions to more than 4,000 schools across 15 states and is expanding rapidly nationwide. Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zum has raised over $350 million from leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, and SoftBank. Zum has been named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies, CNBC Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times Fastest Growing Companies. Learn more at www.ridezum.com . About Branford Public Schools Located in Branford, Connecticut, Branford Public Schools provides a high-quality, inclusive public education for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The district is committed to academic excellence, student well-being, and equitable learning opportunities that prepare students to think critically, contribute to their communities, and navigate a changing world. CONTACT: Jenny Mayfield, Vice President of Communications - [email protected] SOURCE Zum The Louvre in Paris, the worlds most visited museum, said it was facing a rise in ticketing fraud. Photograph: Thibault Camus/AP (Photograph: Thibault Camus/AP) French police investigating a suspected 10m (8.7m) ticket fraud scheme at the Louvre museum in Paris have detained nine people, including two members of staff. Based on the information available to the museum, we suspect the existence of a network organising large-scale fraud, a museum spokesperson told Agence France-Presse. The Louvre, the worlds most visited museum, reported the suspected scam to police which led to the arrests. Two Louvre employees, several tour guides and one person suspected of being the mastermind were among those being held, according to the Paris prosecutors office. The alleged ticket scam is the latest crisis to hit the Louvre. The museum is still reeling from a heist on 19 October, when a gang raided the museum during daylight hours, breaking in through a window and stealing an estimated 88m of French crown jewels in seven minutes, before fleeing on scooters. Four men have been arrested and are under formal investigation, but the jewels have not been recovered. On Friday, the Denon gallery, where the museums most valuable paintings are displayed, was partly closed after a water leak, union representatives told news agencies. The Mona Lisa, the worlds most famous portrait, was not affected. The leak happened in room 707, where paintings by the French artist Charles Meynier and the Italian Renaissance artist Bernardino Luini are displayed. It was the second significant leak in less than three months. The Louvre said it was facing a rise in ticketing fraud of different types. In response it had put in place a structured anti-fraud plan in cooperation with staff and the police. Le Parisien reported that the suspected fraud involved tour guides who had targeted groups of Chinese visitors. The guides allegedly brought in visitors by reusing the same tickets several times for different people. Investigators are working to establish whether the network may have brought in up to 20 tour groups a day over the past decade. The Paris prosecutors office said surveillance and wiretaps confirmed repeated ticket reuse and an apparent strategy of splitting up tour groups to avoid paying the required speaking fee imposed on guides, the Associated Press reported. The investigation also pointed to suspected accomplices within the Louvre, with guides allegedly paying them cash in exchange for avoiding ticket checks, it said. A formal judicial investigation was opened last June on charges including organised fraud, money laundering, corruption, aiding illegal entry in the country as part of an organised group, and the use of forged administrative documents. The Associated Press reported that suspects are believed to have invested some of the money in real estate in France and Dubai. Authorities have seized more than 957,000 in cash, including 67,000 in foreign currency, as well as 486,000 from bank accounts. In recent months trade unions at the Louvre have launched several days of strikes, demanding urgent renovations and staffing increases, and protesting against a rise in ticket prices for most non-EU visitors, including British, American and Chinese tourists. A security cordon was set up around the Arc de Triomphe following the incident - Benoit Tessier/Reuters A terrorist has been shot dead by police in Paris after attacking officers with a knife near the Arc de Triomphe. The man, named Brahim B by French media, attacked several officers shortly after 6pm local time on Friday, striking as they prepared for the daily ceremony to rekindle the flame on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The 48-year-old was shot three or four times in the chest and leg, sources said, before being transported to the Georges Pompidou European Hospital. He was later pronounced dead. No police officers were seriously injured. Le Figaro reported that the suspect, a French national, shouted: Our women and children should not have been killed ... well see who triumphs under the Arc de Triomphe. Armed police officers continued to keep watch over the area around the landmark on Friday evening - Benoit Tessier/Reuters Brahim B had been sentenced to 17 years in prison by a court in Brussels in 2013 for attempted murder, terror and other charges after stabbing three police officers in a railway station in Molenbeek. At the time, he said he wanted to punish the country for introducing a ban on wearing the burka. First incarcerated in Belgium, he was then transferred to France in 2015 to serve the rest of his sentence. He was released from prison on Dec 24 2025. According to police sources cited by France Info, the suspect, who lived in Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris, was under administrative control and subject to surveillance measures for radicalisation meaning he was considered a potential security threat. The man was shot after attacking officers, striking as they prepared for the daily ceremony to rekindle the flame on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Guillaume Baptiste/AFP via Getty Images The case has been taken up by the national anti-terrorism prosecutors office. Officials said an investigation had been opened and a magistrate from the prosecutors office was on the way to the scene. One police officer, who was performing honour-guard duty at the flame-rekindling ceremony, sustained minor knife wounds before another opened fire on the attacker. Credit: Social Media Laurent Nunez, Frances interior minister, insisted that the response was within the legal and regulatory framework. He added: A man attempted to attack members of the gendarmerie with a knife, including members of the gendarmerie band who were preparing for the ceremony. This individual attempted to take the life of a gendarme. Jeanne dHauteserre, the mayor of Pariss 8th district, said that a security cordon had been set up in the area surrounding the Arc de Triomphe. The ceremony to rekindle the flame, known as the Flame of the Nation, takes place daily at 6.30pm. Georgia police dog hit by vehicle during bank robbery chase expected to recover: We couldnt be more proud A police dog from Georgia was hit by a vehicle while in pursuit of a bank robbery suspect but the furry fighter is expected to make a full recovery. The Coweta County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday that K-9 Robbi is back home after getting injured in a police chase. Deputies received a report of a possible bank robbery in progress in Newnan, about a 45-minute drive southwest of Atlanta, on Wednesday. The Newnan Police Department said the armed robbery happened at Regions Bank. Authorities found the suspects vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, but the suspect failed to yield, the sheriffs office said in a Facebook post. A police dog from Georgia was hit by a vehicle while in pursuit of a bank robbery suspect but the furry fighter is expected to make a full recovery (Coweta County Sheriff's Office) A pursuit ensued, during which the suspect lost control of the wheel and crashed near an intersection. The suspect then fled on foot, and Robbi was sent to help catch the alleged robber, according to authorities. As Robbi tried to capture the suspect, he was hit by a vehicle but that didnt stop the pup from completing the job. Despite being hit, the K-9 continued the pursuit and successfully assisted in taking the suspect into custody, the sheriffs office said. Robbi was taken to the vet after suffering from minor abrasions, according to authorities. Luckily, there were no internal injuries. In an update Thursday, the sheriffs office said Robbi is enjoying some well-earned R&R before getting back to work! We couldnt be more proud of K-9 Robbi and all of our K-9 Deputies for the incredible dedication and service they provide to our community every single day, the Facebook post read. K-9 Robbi is back home after getting injured while catching a Regions Bank robbery suspect (Google Earth) One delighted social media user commented on the post: Good job Deputy Robbi. I hope you were give some prime rib for a job well done. So thankful he is okay. Thank you K-9 Robbi! another wrote. A third cheered, Way to go, Robbie!!! The Independent has reached out to the sheriffs office for comment. The Newnan Police Department thanked the sheriffs office for its help in catching the suspect. This is an example of outstanding teamwork, the department said in a separate Facebook post Wednesday. Francis-Henri Graffard watched his Amir Trophy contender Goliath canter on the turf course at Doha and was full of praise for his condition ahead of Saturdays $2.5 million feature. Winner of the 2024 King George at Ascot, Goliath, who races for Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann, was a dual scorer in 2025 including the Group One Grosser Preis von Baden in September. Though disappointing in the Breeders Cup Turf at Del Mar, the six-year-old bounced back to end the year with a third place behind Sosie and Giavellotto in the Hong Kong Vase. Graffard explained that after the Sha Tin run he decided to pitch for Doha and the Amir Sword Festival. He said: He ran at the Breeders Cup and then in Hong Kong, and the race there was really strong. He finished well and I was pleased with him. I decided to give him one more race this winter before giving him a break, and this was it. Graffard added that Goliath has tightened up since his arrival in Qatar. He said: He came with a lot of condition on him but hes lost a little bit. He worked on the track earlier in the week and the going is quite firm which is what he likes. Hes run well on firm, but theres a good cover of grass. I spoke to Pierre-Charles Boudot before deciding to run, because they had trouble with the track last year. Pierre-Charles has been riding here and is on the favourite (Giavellotto), so he should know. It would be a glorious return to Qatar for Graffard, who recalled his previous visit to the kingdom. I came here a long time ago with Arab horses when I was in my second year training. But I never came back, he said. Charlie Appleby will saddle El Cordobes, who looked in fantastic shape on Friday, galloping seven furlongs on turf under his work rider Jamie Linwood. Appleby sees the five-year-old as a good prospect for the big mile and a half races in 2026, without going as far as to say he could try to emulate the 2024 and 2025 winner of this race, Rebels Romance. He said: Everyones happy with him, hes in good shape, and looking back he put up some solid performances last year including when third in the Breeders Cup when he was just behind Rebels (and Ethical Diamond). Its a small field but also the strongest running of this race and my fella is a typical Frankel who has needed time and hopefully will do us proud this season. El Cordobes, who is named after a famous bullfighter, gave William Buick a landmark 2000th career winner when landing the Princess of Waless Stakes at Newmarket last July. He also took out the Grade One Sword Dancer at Saratoga in August. Marco Botti has brought Giavellotto to Qatar in essence to avoid taking on Horse of the Year Calandagan in Dubai. Its his first run since Hong Kong, he has travelled and is eating well. Hes been everywhere and he loves being away from Newmarket, said Botti. Last year he ran in the Sheena Classic but I think that will be very tough this year with Calandagan in the field. My inclination is to avoid returning to Dubai. Since Hong Kong it was always the plan to come here. The turf track looks in very good shape. Its a high quality race which any one of the seven could win as they are similar on the ratings. The going will be good to firm which is fine for our horse. He wants fast ground while he goes well on a right-handed course. An industrial warehouse recently purchased by ICE for use as a detention center is seen on Tuesday in Social Circle, Georgia. Photograph: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images (Photograph: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects to spend an estimated $38.3bn on a plan to acquire warehouses across the country and retrofit them into new immigration detention centers with capacity for tens of thousands of detainees, according to documents the agency sent to the governor of New Hampshire. The documents, published on the states website on Thursday, disclose that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates it will spend $158m retrofitting a new detention facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and an additional estimated $146m to operate the facility in the first three years. According to an overview of the plans, which were first reported by the Washington Post, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would buy and convert 16 buildings across the US into regional processing centers, each holding between 1,000 and 1,500 people at a time. Another eight large-scale detention centers would hold 7,000 to 10,000 people at a time and serve as the primary locations for deportations. Detainees would spend an average of three to seven days at the processing sites before being transported to the larger facilities, where they would be held about 60 days before being deported. Related: US homeland security department on track for shutdown after funding bill fails in Senate The new model for increasing detention space is needed, according to the document, due to a surge in ICE hires and an anticipated rise in arrests. The number of people in ICE detention has hit records in the second Trump administration. These facilities will ensure the safe and humane civil detention of aliens in ICE custody, while helping ICE effectuate mass deportations, the documents said. The effort will rely on the billions of dollars appropriated by Congress in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to fully implement a new detention model by the end of Fiscal Year 2026, according to the documents. Together, the records provide the clearest view so far of the Trump administrations strategy to reshape immigrant detention by converting buildings initially built for industrial use a broad undertaking intended to strengthen ICEs capacity to apprehend more immigrants and remove them more quickly. Instead of transferring detainees around the country based on open bed space, the redesigned system would channel individuals into a network of large centralized facilities where they would remain until deportation, according to ICEs planning documents. There appear to be conflicting statements about when the economic impact analysis for the proposed Merrimack facility was delivered to New Hampshires governor, Kelly Ayotte. Related: Calls mount for release of Palestinian protester held by ICE for nearly a year Ayotte, a Republican, said in a press release that DHS provided the documents to her office for the first time on Thursday. Her remarks seemed to conflict with testimony from Todd Lyons, ICEs acting director, who told a Senate hearing earlier that same day that DHS representatives had already discussed the project with the governor and supplied an economic impact summary to her. The Massachusetts governor, Maura Healey, issued a statement opposing the creation of an ICE agency detention center in Merrimack, calling it outrageous and absolutely the wrong move. ICE is shooting people dead on the street. Mothers have been ripped from cars and separated from children, the statement said. US Citizens have been stopped, detained and even killed. Peaceful protesters have been assaulted. Parents are afraid to send kids to school, to go to church, to seek healthcare and report crimes. None of this makes people safer it makes us all less safe. It continued: We should be opposing ICEs tactics, not allowing them to expand. We certainly should not be allowing ICE to build new human warehouses when they cant be trusted to keep people safe and protect due process. Suspected people traffickers have been arrested in a series of early-morning raids across London. More than 50 immigration officers swooped on four addresses in Hounslow and Croydon on Thursday, arresting five people believed to be part of a suspected organised crime gang smuggling migrants into Britain. Footage, released by the Home Office, shows men being detained at a home in Hounslow. They were arrested on suspicion of involvement in facilitating illegal migration and, in some cases, money laundering. Investigators believe the group has been operating internationally since 2024, offering what has been described as a ferry-style service for Vietnamese migrants. Officers swooped on a home in Hounslow (Home Office) Migrants were allegedly met abroad, concealed in vehicles with the drivers knowledge and transported on ferries bound for the UK. Once in Britain, the vehicles are thought to have travelled to pre-arranged locations, where other members of the group allegedly took the migrants onwards to accommodation. Border Force dogs, Paddy and Milo, were deployed during the raids and sniffed out multiple Rolex watches, class A drugs, cash, a locked safe and electronic devices, which officers say will form key evidence. Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: This morning immigration officers took action against one of their top priority investigations, targeting a suspected prolific people smuggling gang. They have now all been arrested. Anyone who abuses our immigration rules should be in no doubt we will root them out. With enforcement arrests at a record high and a 33% increase in disrupting organised immigration crime, we are equipping officers with the tools they need to restore order to our borders. It comes as the Home Office steps up immigration and illegal working raids. London saw more visits than any other region in the UK last year, government figures reveal. Businesses in the capital were visited by immigration officers 2,715 times in 2025, up by more than 700 visits on the year before. They resulted in 2,172 arrests in the city, Home Office data shows. Overall, there were 12,791 raids across Britain, with 8,971 people arrested. Just 2,251 of these people were detained and 1,087 deported. However, this was up on 2024 when 1,531 migrants were detained and 1,042 removed from the UK. The Home Office data also revealed that restaurants, takeaways and cafes saw the highest numbers of illegal worker arrests, as the Government increased raids on the hospitality sector. In Daulatdia, a village that is one of the worlds largest legal brothels, having a birth certificate means the sex workers children can finally go to school. Photograph: Bengal Picture Library/Alamy (Photograph: Bengal Picture Library/Alamy) Through the decades that the Daulatdia brothel in Bangladesh has existed, children born there have been invisible, unable to be registered because their mothers were sex workers and their fathers unknown. Now, for the first time, all 400 of them in the brothel village have their own birth certificates. That milestone was reached after a push by campaigners who have spent decades working with Bangladeshs undocumented children born in brothels or on the street. It means they can finally access the rights afforded to other citizens: the ability to go to school, to be issued a passport or to vote. The denial of a birth certificate and the precarious life that followed was because officials had always demanded the name and documentation of the father, despite them being unknown. They didnt have the rights of a citizen previously they were treated as alien in society, said Khaleda Akhter, Bangladesh programme manager for the London-based anti-slavery organisation Freedom Fund. She added that the reform gives them their fundamental rights, it makes them feel safer, it gives them hope. More than 700 unrecognised children have now been registered in Daulatdia and brothels elsewhere thanks to a push by Freedom Fund and local organisations that discovered an overlooked stipulation in the law: since 2018, it has been permitted for a birth to be registered even if there was no information on the parents. It was only two or three lines and is not explained in the act properly, so it was not used because generally our government officials focus on the general application of procedures, she said. When I first came to know about it, we massively disseminated this information with our partners. Teaming up with civil society groups, they set about finding all the children born in the brothels, collecting their information and submitting it to the government, while also lobbying local authority offices about the importance of this previously ignored clause in the law. The campaign has been so successful that little advocacy is required mothers have been enthusiastically encouraging other women to get their babies registered, knowing that the lack of a birth certificate could prove a lifelong impediment to their children, starting from any attempt to go to school. Sabbir Hossain, who co-wrote a study on the Banishanta brothel in south-west Bangladesh, said parents once had to find alternative ways to get their children into education. Some would send their children to religious schools, the unregulated madrasas, or would ask men they knew to identify themselves as the fathers. Lacking a birth certificate not only denies children opportunities, it can also make them vulnerable to trafficking, Akhter said. For two decades, she has helped save girls from enforced sex work in Bangladeshs brothels, where many are underage. Without a birth certificate, it is harder to prove a girl is under 18. Related: The living hell of young girls enslaved in Bangladesh's brothels According to a 2024 Freedom Fund survey of brothels in Dhaka, almost half of sex workers said they were forced to work in conditions they had not agreed to and that more than a fifth were under 18. If you dont have a birth certificate, you are invisible in the system, said Akhter. You are more vulnerable to abuse, trafficking and exploitation. These documents are not just a tool, its about survival. Akhter said she saw just how a birth certificate could change the life of a child when she visited a 14-year-old girl who was from the fifth generation of a family living in a brothel. When I entered, she asked me if I understood what this meant. I told her to tell me. She said this is the first time she would be able to get a stipend [to afford] to go to school, said Akther. She was laughing and I could see the happiness on her face. She said to me: Khaleda, my identity has been recognised by the government. She felt that finally she had some protection against all the odds she had faced in her childhood. Japanese officials said they have detained a Chinese fishing vessel after it allegedly ignored orders to halt for an inspection in Japans exclusive maritime economic zone. Although Japan has detained fishing boats from South Korea and Taiwan in recent years, this is the first case involving a Chinese vessel since 2022. This comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. Japans Fisheries Agency said on Friday that the vessels captain a 47-year-old Chinese national was arrested on suspicion of trying to evade an onboard inspection in waters off Nagasaki prefecture in southwest Japan on Thursday, about 89.4 nautical miles (165km) south-southwest of Meshima Island, according to Kyodo News. The agency said in a statement: The vessels captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled. Consequently, the vessels captain was arrested on the same day, the agency said. There were a further 10 people on board at the time, it added. A Japan Coast Guard ship burns flares to represent an onboard fire during a maritime exercise (AFP via Getty) NHK Japan reported that the vessel was capable of catching a large quantity of fish such as mackerel and horse mackerel. The agency suspects the boat may have entered Japans EEZ (exclusive economic zone) to conduct illicit fishing. It has not disclosed whether the captain admitted to the allegations, saying it might influence the investigation, the outlet said. Beijing has not yet publicly responded to the incident. Japans chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said on Friday that Japan will continue to take resolute action in our enforcement activities to prevent and deter illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels. Ties between Japan and China sank to the worst level in years after Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, just a month after taking office in 2025, triggered a diplomatic row by claiming that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could bring about a Japanese military response. Beijing responded with export curbs, flight cancellations and vitriolic commentaries, repeatedly demanding a retraction. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to reunify it with the mainland. Beijing objects to the involvement of third countries in Taiwan, notably the US, which is the main supplier of weapons to the island. Ms Takaichi later explained that Tokyo would act within the limits of its legal framework. Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz discuss how Europe could free itself from dependence on the US - AFP Germany and France are in talks to develop a European nuclear deterrent that can protect the Continent without the help of the US. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, confirmed in an address to the Munich Security Conference that high-level discussions had begun. He said on Friday: I have started the first talks with Emmanuel Macron, the French president, about European nuclear deterrence. This will be fully embedded in our nuclear sharing within Nato and we will not have zones of different security levels in Europe. Were not doing this by writing Nato off. It comes amid accelerated efforts for European Nato allies to take more responsibility of their own defence, as the US currently Europes main nuclear guarantor prioritises security on its own continent and in the Pacific region. Friedrich Merz seen at a meeting in Munich with US secretary of state Marco Rubio wants to reduce Europes dependence on America - Liesa Johannssen/AFP via Getty European leaders want to be able to stand up to Donald Trump, who has eroded transatlantic relations with his ongoing trade war, threats of a seizure of Greenland and his apparent siding with Russia in talks to end the war in Ukraine. In his speech in Munich, Mr Merz also admitted that a gap has opened up between Europe and the US, particularly on issues of free speech, culture wars and defence priorities. He said: We want to forge a new transatlantic partnership and let me start with the inconvenient truth right from the start. A gap has opened up between Europe and the [US] ... Vice-president JD Vance said this very openly here at the Munich Security Conference a year ago and he was right. The battle of culture, of Maga in the US, is not ours. Freedom of speech here ends where the words spoken are directed against human dignity and our basic law. Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda at a gathering of EU leaders - Murad Sezer/Reuters Mr Merz was pushing back against Mr Vances claim at the 2025 conference that free speech was on the retreat in Europe, including in Germany. He warned that in a world where China and Russia were amassing more military might, the US could not go it alone on security. In a later speech at the conference, Mr Macron echoed the German chancellor, defending Europe as a healthy, prosperous space of freedom in a thinly-veiled rebuke of Mr Vance. There has been a tendency these days in this place and beyond to overlook Europe and sometimes to criticise it outright. Caricatures have been made, Mr Macron said. He added: Europe has been vilified as an ageing, slow, fragmented construct sidelined by history. As an overregulated, listless economy that shuns innovation. As a society, prey to barbaric migration that would corrupt its precious traditions. And most curiously yet in some quarters as a repressive continent where ... speech would not be free and alternative facts could not claim the same right of place as truth itself, that old fashioned and cumbersome concept. Russia not interested Earlier, Mr Merz also signalled that Germany was willing to open talks with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine, but said Vladimir Putin had no interest in engaging in serious negotiations. Mr Merz said: Russia is not interested in having serious negotiations on ending its war in Ukraine. So if it makes sense to talk, we are willing to talk. But as you can see with the American side, Russia is not yet willing to talk seriously. As Germany and France discuss plans to reduce reliance on the US for nuclear weapons, leaders have also been contemplating how Nato will look with less American involvement. Elbridge Colby, a Pentagon official, pitched the plan for Europe to lead continental defence as Nato 3.0 at a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday. While Britain and France have their own submarine-based nuclear warheads, the US controls all the smaller tactical nuclear weapons in Europe - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty He said: The world that shaped the habits, assumptions and force posture of Nato ... no longer exists. Power politics has returned and military force is again being employed at a large scale. The United States and its allies must be prepared for the possibility that potential opponents will act simultaneously across multiple theatres, whether in a coordinated fashion or opportunistically. Mark Rutte, Natos secretary-general, said in Munich: Over the coming years we will more and more see a Nato that is more European-led but ... with the US absolutely anchored in the organisation. We will do this ... in close conjunction with the [US], based on the defence planning process we have. Britain and France are Europes sole nuclear powers (excluding Russia), but only Britain shares its strategic deterrent with Nato. France reserves its warheads for domestic security. Between them, they have about 400 submarine-based warheads, while the US has around 1,670 actively deployed. Experts believe Russias deployment sits at about 1,500 warheads. Europe is reliant on Washington for smaller, air-dropped tactical nuclear weapons, which would be used to defeat an advancing Russian army. Currently, the US has these weapons deployed in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Turkey. It remains unclear how a European-led nuclear deterrent would differ from the protections already in place under Nato, other than being independent of the US. Mr Macron hinted in an interview last year that Europe could armed itself with its own tactical nuclear weapons. Trooper Hunter R. Bennett and pilot Robert Bruce Skankey were killed in the helicopter crash (AP) An Arizona man has been indicted on two counts of first degree felony murder and dozens of other charges after a helicopter crashed during a shootout. Terrell Storey, 50, opened fire on officers from multiple rooftops in a Flagstaff neighborhood on the night of Feb. 4 in a standoff that lasted over two hours, police said. As he was being captured, a state helicopter crash responding to the shooting crashed. Trooper paramedic Hunter Bennett, 28, and pilot Robert Skankey, 61, were killed. The indictment does not specify whether Storey fired at the helicopter with the semiautomatic long rifle that police said he was using. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by federal authorities. After his arrest, Storey was hospitalized for gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening. The indictment totals 60 criminal counts, including the two felony murder charges for the deaths of Bennett and Skankey (AP) Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said Friday that he anticipates Storey will be arraigned on Feb. 23 but declined further comment on the facts of the case. The indictment names as victims 25 law enforcement officers who responded to the scene and people who live in homes in the area. The indictment totals 60 criminal counts, including the two felony murder charges for the deaths of Bennett and Skankey. Other charges include aggravated assault, burglary disorderly conduct and endangerment. Storey remained hospitalized Friday, said Jon Paxton with the Coconino County Sheriffs Office. He's being held on a $5 million bond and is represented by the Coconino County Public Defenders Office. The Associated Press left a voicemail message for Public Defender Jennifer Stock. The confrontation that led to the helicopter crash began when officers responded to a domestic violence call, according to Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly. As the officers spoke with the victim in the front yard, Storey shot at them from the back of the residence with a semiautomatic rifle, Connolly said. A protracted gunbattle ensued, with the suspect hopping from roof to roof in the neighborhood while shooting at officers, the chief said. The indictment does not specify whether Storey fired at the helicopter as he hopped from roof to roof (AP) The helicopter crew had been playing a common role, helping officers on the ground. Before crashing, the helicopter was making a pass back to the shootout scene when it slowed to almost a hover about 1,000 feet (300 meters) over a hilltop, according to public flight-path data. Skankey was a longtime resident of Kingman, Arizona, and had been hired by the Arizona Department of Public Safety in May 2021. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was married with four children. Bennett was an honors graduate of Arizona State University and the top graduate of his 2023 Arizona Law Enforcement Academy class. He transferred to an air rescue unit in 2024 and months later married his high school sweetheart, officials said. Barker said in a statement announcing the indictment that his office was committed to pursuing this case with the diligence and care it requires. Our hearts remain with the families of Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey, and with all the families impacted by this incident, Barker said. 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In a letter, US politicians told the ex-Labour grandee they thought he had critical information that would assist their investigation into Epstein. Two members of the House of Representatives, Suhas Subramanyam and Robert Garcia, have written to Mandelson asking him to answer questions from the Houses oversight committee. An undated photo of Jeffrey Epstein on a yacht with Mandelson featured in a huge batch of files relating to the disgraced paedophile financier (US Department of Justice) They wrote: While you no longer serve as British ambassador to the United States and have stepped down from the House of Lords, it is clear that you possessed extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein and hold critical information pertaining to our investigation of Epsteins operations. Given the appalling allegations regarding Epsteins conduct, we request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with committee staff regarding the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators. Mandelson has been given until the end of the month to respond. He has previously said he was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered. Last week, Sir Keir Starmer said he was sorry for believing Mandelsons lies and for appointing him to the role of Britains ambassador to the US. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer sacked Mandelson over Epstein (PA Wire) Following a barrage of criticism from his own MPs, the prime minister also issued a frank apology to the victims of Epstein. He also admitted that he knew Mandelson had had contact with Epstein before giving him the job, but said: None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship. Mandelson is also being investigated by the Metropolitan Police after the government handed over a dossier of extraordinary emails that suggested the former Labour peer had leaked sensitive government information to Epstein. Officials are also thought to be reviewing 25 years of records to find evidence linking Mandelson to Epstein. Civil servants are examining correspondence that dates back to his time as Northern Ireland secretary under Tony Blair between 1999 and 2002, as well as when he was business secretary under Gordon Brown nearly a decade later. Starmer faces calls to step down as PM over the Mandelson scandal (PA Wire) Mandelson was sacked in September when details about his relationship with Epstein emerged. But the most recent release of documents, which indicate that he shared market-sensitive information with the financier in 2009 during the global financial crash, sent shockwaves through Westminster. The files also suggest that a year later, he tipped Epstein off about an imminent 500bn (435bn) deal to prop up the European single currency. Payments reportedly totalling $75,000 (55,000) from Epstein to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, are also revealed. Since the scandal erupted, the prime minister has lost his chief of staff, his top civil servant and his director of communications. On Monday, Sir Keir himself also faced calls to resign from the leader of Scottish Labour, as the party tries to move on from the crisis. A representative for Mandelson has been approached for comment. Two men who plotted a mass shooting that could have become one of the deadliest attacks on Jewish communities in the UK have been given life sentences. Walid Saadaoui, 38, hatched a plan to smuggle four high-powered military-grade AK-47 rifles, two pistols and 900 rounds of ammunition into the UK and unleash what police chiefs said could have been Britains deadliest terrorist incident. Alongside Amar Hussein, 52, he had intended to cause untold harm by opening fire on a march against antisemitism in Manchester city centre before moving to attack an area of the city occupied predominantly by the Jewish community. The plot was foiled after Saadaoui, of Abram in Wigan, shared his deadly preparations online with a man he believed shared his ideology. Unbeknown to him, Saadaoui was actually in contact with an undercover operative later identified in court proceedings as Farouk to protect his identity. Saadaoui and Hussein, both of no fixed address, were jailed for life on Friday at Preston Crown Court, with minimum terms of 37 years and 26 years respectively. Amar Hussein, left, and Walid Saadaoui, right, pictured together in Dover (Greater Manchester Police) Mr Justice Wall told the defendants that if their plot had succeeded, it would likely have been one of the deadliest terror attacks ever carried out on British soil. He said: I am sure this would have led to the deaths of many people and serious injuries to many, many more. Your plan envisaged you and two others discharging AK-47s into a large crowd of marchers, who were unarmed and defenceless; 120 bullets could have been discharged before any reloads were required. You planned to have spare magazines available. Your attack would have led to the deaths of people of all ages, including children. Prosecutors said Saadaoui had moved to the North West in 2022 and made several unsuccessful attempts to purchase guns online before he met Farouk. He was also found to have posted Isis propaganda on numerous Facebook accounts and encouraged others to take up weapons in the name of the Islamic State. In his communications with the undercover officer, Saadaoui shared his admiration for Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the leader in the 2015 Paris attacks. He also told Farouk of his desire to attack Jewish people, and covertly joined a Jewish Facebook page to follow events. He also recruited Hussein, a fellow Isis sympathiser, to conduct reconnaissance and monitor the arrival of the weapons. The two would-be terrorists believed that Farouk could import automatic firearms from abroad, and welcomed him into their deadly fold. He infiltrated the group, learning that the pair embraced the ideology of Isis and intended to carry out attacks in response to alleged atrocities conducted by Israeli troops since October 2023. Saadaoui told Farouk he could independently obtain a firearm via Sweden, and indicated that he was looking to bring guns from Eastern Europe. Separately he had bought an air weapon and had visited a shooting range. Saadaoui and Hussein travelled to Dover, Kent, in March 2024 to conduct hostile reconnaissance on how a weapon could be smuggled through the port without detection. A safe house was also secured in Bolton for storage of the weapons, while both men returned to Dover two months later, where they believed they were watching the firearms coming into the country. Farouk also learnt that Saadaoui had discussed his plans with his younger brother, 36-year-old Bilel Saadaoui. Saadaouis younger brother Bilel, 36, was convicted of failing to disclose information to the authorities about the plans (Greater Manchester Police) Walid Saadaoui was arrested by counterterrorism police in May 2024 after attempting to take possession of two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and almost 200 rounds of ammunition. Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, he and Hussein were convicted of making preparations to commit a large-scale terrorist attack, while Bilel Saadaoui, of Hindley in Wigan, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about the terror plan. He was sentenced to six years in jail with an extended licence period of 12 months. Mr Justice Wall commended the bravery of undercover operator Farouk. He told the court: His is a dangerous and difficult job. He undertook it with great skill and patience. He has potentially saved many lives by putting his own life on the line. I am not allowed to know his true identity, but I hope the remarks I make are passed on to him. Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was a deeply disturbing plot inspired by extremist ideology. Had these terrorists succeeded, it would have led to mass murder and been one of the deadliest attacks on Jewish communities in this country. The investigation and prosecution deployed a highly trained witness who made sure their plot did not succeed and secured valuable evidence directly from the mouths of the terrorists. This laid bare their intention to destroy lives, their long-held attitudes and beliefs as well as their Isis credentials. We worked closely with counterterrorism officers to ensure the strongest possible case was built from the outset and presented in court to the jury, resulting in these convictions. Terrorism is an attack on the very fabric of our society. We will always use the law to protect communities from harm and relentlessly hold offenders to account, making sure they face the toughest legal consequences for their actions. An international crew has launched towards the International Space Station (ISS) to replace astronauts who returned early following Nasa's first medical evacuation. SpaceX expedited the launch at Nasas request, sending American, French, and Russian astronauts on an anticipated eight to nine-month mission, stretching until autumn. The four are expected to arrive at the orbiting laboratory tomorrow, filling vacancies left by their evacuated colleagues last month and bringing the space station back to full staff. Prior to their arrival, Nasa had put spacewalks on hold and deferred other duties. The crew includes Nasas Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, Frances Sophie Adenot, and Russias Andrei Fedyaev. They will join three other astronauts one American and two Russians who kept the space station running the past month. Satisfied with medical procedures already in place, Nasa ordered no extra checkups for the crew ahead of liftoff and no new diagnostic equipment was packed. An ultrasound machine already up there for research went into overdrive on Jan. 7 when used on the ailing crew member. Nasa has not revealed the ill astronauts identity or health issue. All four returning astronauts went straight to the hospital after splashing down in the Pacific near San Diego. It was the first time in 65 years of human spaceflight that Nasa cut short a mission for medical reasons. This image provided by SpaceX shows members of Nasas SpaceX mission from left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev, Nasa astronauts Jack Hathaway and Jessica Meir, and ESA (European Space Agency) French astronaut Sophie Adenot. (SpaceX) With missions becoming longer, Nasa is constantly looking at upgrades to the space stations medical gear, said deputy program manager Dina Contella. But there are a lot of things that are just not practical and so thats when you need to bring astronauts home from space, she said earlier this week. In preparation for moon and Mars trips where health care will be even more challenging, the new arrivals will test a filter designed to turn drinking water into emergency IV fluid, try out an ultrasound system that relies on artificial intelligence and augmented reality instead of experts on the ground, and perform ultrasound scans on their jugular veins in a blood clot study. They also will demonstrate their moon-landing skills in a simulated test. Adenot is only the second French woman to launch to space. She was 14 when Claudie Haignere flew to Russias space station Mir in 1996, inspiring her to become an astronaut. Haignere traveled to Cape Canaveral to cheer her on. Hathaway, like Adenot, is new to space, while Meir and Fedyaev are making their second station trip. On her first mission in 2019, Meir took part in the first all-female spacewalk. The other half of that spacewalk, Christina Koch, is among the four Artemis II astronauts waiting to fly around the moon as early as March. A ship-to-ship radio linkup is planned between the two crews. Meir wasnt sure astronauts would return to the moon during her career. Now were right here on the precipice of the Artemis II mission, she said ahead of liftoff. The fact that they will be in space at the same time as us its so cool to be an astronaut now, its so exciting. SpaceX launched the latest crew from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Elon Musks company is preparing its neighboring Kennedy Space Center launch pad for the super-sized Starships, which Nasa needs to land astronauts on the moon. A painting of Sir Ian McKellen has sold for 17,000, with the proceeds going to one of the most important institutions in this country, according to the actor. The 86-year-old Lord Of The Rings star was the guest of honour at Attitude Magazines launch event for its annual list of LGBTQ+ trailblazers, known as Attitude 101. During the event, a painting of the actor, which he signed, went under the hammer to raise money for human rights organisation the Peter Tatchell Foundation. Sir Ian McKellen attends the Attitude 101 Awards at the Rosewood Hotel in central London (Ian West/PA) (Ian West) As the bidding war began, Sir Ian jumped on stage and said: Never mind the painting, lovely as it is, who wouldnt want to have me in their bedroom? Peter Tatchells foundation is one of the most important institutions in this country, if not the world. Im sure youd agree. The least we can do is support it. After holding the painting over his head and walking through the room to encourage bids, the painting, created by Spanish artist Julia de Gabriel, was bought by Suki Sandhu, founder and chief executive of the executive search firm Audeliss, for 17,000. Speaking to the Press Association about why he wanted to buy the painting, Sandhu said: I adore Ian McKellen. He is one of the true icons of our community. Sir Ian McKellen and Spanish artist Julia de Gabriel at the Attitude 101 launch event in central London (Lauren Del Fabbro/PA) They say we stand on the shoulders of giants. I cant be who I am now today if it wasnt for the work that he did decades ago and Peter Tatchell also the work that he does for our community, I mean, the bravery, the courage it takes for what he does. How can I not support that? Speaking about Tatchell, he said: Hes a real activist. Hes been doing it for decades. Hes one of the original activists, I would say, and hes just amazing. Sir Ian is best known for playing Magneto in the X-Men films and Gandalf in Peter Jacksons fantasy trilogy, based on the books from JRR Tolkien. The veteran actor has played a number of Shakespearean characters on stage, including Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus and King Lear. His many acting credits have led to a number of accolades over the years, including several Olivier Awards. The Home Offices decision to ban Palestine Action under terrorism legislation was unlawful, the High Court has ruled in a humiliating blow for the government that could lead to the collapse of hundreds of criminal prosecutions against supporters of the group. Huda Ammori, co-founder of the group, celebrated a monumental victory on Friday after Justice Victoria Sharp said that the proscription of Palestine Action was disproportionate, and that it did result in a very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and the right to freedom of assembly. Three senior judges concluded that only a very small number of Palestine Actions activities amounted to terrorism, and that the groups acts had not crossed the high bar to make it a terrorist organisation. The ban remains in place for now and the government has said it will appeal, but the Metropolitan Police said officers would no longer arrest people simply for showing support for Palestine Action and will instead focus on gathering evidence of those offences ... to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date. It admitted that these are unusual circumstances. The ruling means it is still a criminal offence to support or be a member of Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Since the proscription last July, thousands of people have been arrested for holding up placards in support of the group. Since the proscription last July, thousands of people have been arrested for holding up placards in support of Palestine Action (AFP/Getty) Lawyers for Ms Ammori and the Home Office have until 20 February to provide further submissions to the court ahead of more hearings that will decide whether the ban should be lifted, and whether the case will head to the Court of Appeal. As news came through of the judges decision on Friday morning, about a hundred people gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London started cheering and chanting Free Palestine. In their judgment, Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Ms Justice Steyn described Palestine Action as a group that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality, but said that criminal law is sufficient to prosecute these acts. The Independent revealed yesterday that the Home Office has spent 700,000 in legal fees so far fighting Ms Ammoris case. The then home secretary, Yvette Cooper, decided in July 2025 to ban the group under terror laws after activists broke into an RAF base and damaged two military aircraft. The High Court judges said in their ruling that Ms Cooper had failed to consider whether imposing a terror ban on Palestine Action was proportionate to the threat posed by the organisation. Justice Sharp wrote that, by doing this, Ms Cooper had made a significant error by failing to follow the Home Offices own policy on proscription. The High Court judges suggested in the ruling that the strength of the case for proscription may need to be considered further by the home secretary. Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, in 2021 (Peace Pledge Union/YouTube) During the court case, Ms Ammoris lawyers insisted that Palestine Action does not advocate for violence, saying any examples of serious violence against property or person are not the norm, they are rare. Ms Ammori responded to the news on Friday, saying that the ruling was a monumental victory for both our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people. She added: It would be profoundly unjust for the government to try to delay or stop the High Courts proposed order quashing this ban while the futures of these thousands of people hang in the balance, many of whom are elderly or disabled and facing up to 14 years imprisonment for this entirely peaceful protest. More than 2,000 people have been arrested for holding signs since the ban took effect, and nearly 700 people have been charged with a terrorism offence involving Palestine Action, although none have yet been convicted. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was disappointed by the High Courts ruling, adding: I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal. Protesters celebrate outside the High Court in London on Friday (PA) Shadow home secretary Chris Philp welcomed the decision to appeal, saying Palestine Actions campaign was built on intimidation, destruction, and violence. Outside of the Royal Courts of Justice, there was confusion between Metropolitan Police officers and activists as dozens of people carried signs that read I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. Activist Grace Lally asked two liaison officers if it was illegal to hold the sign, with the officers replying: We can ask. People charged with supporting the group said they feel in limbo after the High Court decision. Angie Zelter, 74, said she faces charges over holding a placard at demonstrations last year and is due at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday. She said the situation is up in the air, adding: We dont really know where we are. Akiko Hart, director of human rights organisation Liberty, said they welcomed the courts finding but said the practical effect will depend on the governments appeal. Lui Asquith, associate in the public law team at law firm Russell-Cooke, said, while routine, the ruling was an oddity as the rights-infringing proscription stands until the court stays otherwise. She explained that the Home Office could argue for the ban to remain in place for longer until the appeal is heard. Amanda Weston KC, a member of the Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, said the ruling was a solid judgment which will be difficult to appeal. However, until a decision to quash the ban is made, it leaves matters up in the air for protesters facing prosecution for supporting Palestine Action. Baroness Shami Chakrabarti said the judgment made clear that the decision to proscribe the whole organisation and its many peaceful supporters was disproportionate, adding: Let those engaged in criminal damage be prosecuted but dont make peaceful protestors guilty by association. Yasmine Ahmed, UK director of Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict was a shot in the arm for British democracy. Areeba Hamid, a director at Greenpeace UK, said the governments use of terror laws had been the stuff of dystopian novels. She added: The Crown Prosecution Service should immediately drop the terror charges against the peaceful protesters who opposed this ban. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council said they were deeply concerned by the High Court ruling, saying that the practical impact of Palestine Actions activities on Jewish communal life has been significant and deeply unsettling. The Governments decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror organisation was unlawful, judges have ruled, as the Metropolitan Police said it would stop arresting peaceful protesters supporting the group. The groups co-founder, Huda Ammori, won a High Court challenge over the ban of the organisation on Friday. The High Court upheld two grounds of her challenge, with Judge Victoria Sharp saying: "Proscription did result in a significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and the right to freedom of assembly." But she added that the ban would remain in place to allow further arguments and the Government time submit an appeal. It means it is still a criminal offence to be a member of, or support, Palestine Action as the Home Office has said it will seek to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. However a spokesman for the Met said its officers, who have arrested thousands of people at Palestine protests in recent months, said it would pause detaining peaceful campaigners at demonstrations. Gil Murray being arrested for the sixth time over showing support for Palestine Action (PA Wire) In a statement, the force said: We recognise these are unusual circumstances and there will likely be some confusion among the public as to what happens next. From a Metropolitan Police perspective, officers will continue to identify offences where support for Palestine Action is being expressed, but they will focus on gathering evidence of those offences and the people involved to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date, rather than making arrests at the time. This is the most proportionate approach we can take, acknowledging the decision reached by the court while recognising that proceedings are not yet fully concluded. This approach relates solely to the expression of support for Palestine Action. We will continue to intervene and make arrests where we see people crossing the line from lawful protest to intimidate, to damage property, to use violence, to stir up racial hatred or to commit other offences. Police detain a protester outside the High Court in December (Getty Images) Palestine Action was proscribed in July, having increasingly targeted Israel-linked defence companies in Britain with "direct action", including blocking entrances or spraying buildings with red paint. It made membership of, or support for, the direct-action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Thousands of people have since been arrested for supporting the group. Ms Ammori took legal action against the Home Office over then-home secretary Yvette Cooper's decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. In October, the Home Office lost a Court of Appeal bid to block the case from proceeding, with judges dismissing the department's argument that Ms Ammori should challenge the decision through the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, rather than at the High Court. A police officer observes pro-Palestine Action protesters gathered outside the High Court (PA Wire) Opening the full hearing in November, Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, told the High Court that there had been more than 2,000 arrests after Palestine Action's proscription, including "priests, teachers, pensioners, retired British Army officers" and an "81-year-old former magistrate". He continued that the ban was "alien to the basic tradition of common law and the European Convention on Human Rights". About a hundred people gathered outside the High Court building in central London on Friday cheering and chanting "Free Palestine" as the decision was announced. Pro-Palestine protesters march past Trafalgar Square (Getty Images) In a 46-page ruling, Dame Victoria, sitting with Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn, said: "Deciding where the balance should be struck in this case is difficult. "When striking the balance between issues such as these the court must permit some latitude to the Home Secretary given that she has both political and practical responsibility to secure public safety. "Nevertheless, we are satisfied that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action was disproportionate. "At its core, Palestine Action is an organisation that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality. A very small number of its actions have amounted to terrorist action." Reading a summary of her ruling in court, she said: "The nature and scale of Palestine Action's activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription." The judge concluded in her judgment that "we propose to make an order quashing the Home Secretary's decision to proscribe Palestine Action", but said in court that the group remains proscribed pending further legal arguments over whether the quashing of the decision should be paused. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: The court acknowledged that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism. It concluded that its actions are not consistent with democratic values and the rule of law supporting the Palestinian cause is not the same as supporting Palestine Action. The Government's proscription followed a rigorous process, endorsed by Parliament. I will fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal. Gabriella Cartagena (left), who was reported missing last week has been found dead and her boyfriend Robert Chilcote (right) is in police custody in Minnesota (Marinette Police Department/Wright County Sheriff's Office) Five days after Gabriella Cartagenas family heard her pleading for her life before vanishing, the Wisconsin woman was found dead in a wooded area in Michigan and her boyfriend is in custody. The 24-year-old was last seen around 5 p.m. on February 4 at her home in Marinette, Wisconsin. Around 7:20 p.m. that same night, Cartagena made a troubling phone call to her mother. Family members later told police that during the phone call, they heard Cartagena in distress as she cried, Please dont shoot me. Im sorry. Cartagena was reported missing the next day. Her body was found five days later in a wooded area off Birch Creek Road in Menominee County, Michigan. Investigators learned from the family that Cartagena was believed to be with her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Chilcote, at Red Arrow Park in Wisconsin. He was identified as a person of interest, police confirmed at a press conference Thursday, FOX11 reported. Gabriella Cartagena was found dead in a wooded area in Michigan on Monday and now her boyfriend is in custody (Marinette Police Department) When officers initially responded to the park after receiving the missing persons report, they found signs of blood and immediately treated the area as a crime scene, Marinette Police Department Chief John LaCombe said. While looking around the scene, we found some signs of possible blood and other disturbances in the area, which led us to believe that this was a scene we needed to focus on from the start, LaCombe said. Police tracked Chilcote in Minnesota and on February 5, after a 16-minute car chase that reached speeds of up to 100 mph, Chilcote was taken into custody. There was weapons found in the vehicle, LaCombe said. I dont know if those were the weapons used in this incident or not. There was several firearms located in his vehicle at the time of his arrest in Minnesota. Chilcote, who is from the Marinette area, had no known ties to Minnesota, LaCombe added. It took another four days to find Cartagenas body. Using surveillance footage from area businesses and cell tower data to track Chilcotes movements after her disappearance, police were led to a wooded area near Birch Creek Road in Menominee County. Police said they searched the area repeatedly before locating Cartagenas body Tuesday morning. LaCombe said he believes Cartagena was killed at Red Arrow Park and later transported to the wooded area in Michigan. Robert Chilcote, who was last seen with Gabriella at Red Arrow Park in Wisconsin, was identified as a person of interest in her death (Wright County Sheriff's Office) Chilcote is being held on a $100,000 bond in Minnesota on charges of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and being a fugitive from justice from another state. Marinette County District Attorney DeShea Morrow said her office is awaiting the results of Cartagenas autopsy before filing charges. She added that the extradition process is underway to bring Chilcote back to Wisconsin. Authorities have not released a motive. Its unclear how long Cartagena and Chilcote had been together, but police say the two lived together in Marinette and there were no prior domestic disturbance reports involving the couple. LaCombe said Chilcote is the only suspect and does not believe anyone else was involved. A GoFundMe created by Gabriellas brother states that 'their family is still trying to process this sudden loss' (GoFundMe) We remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring the safety of our community, LaCombe said. Cartagena, who moved to Marinette from the Milwaukee area about a year ago with her family, leaves behind a three-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, her family said. A GoFundMe created by Cartagenas brother states that their family is still trying to process this sudden loss. Terrified, shocked and traumatised, Nina Cresswell had just managed to flee the grip of the man who she says violently sexually assaulted her when she called police to report what happened. Shaken after her ordeal, officers arrived at her home, where she expected to be listened to, for evidence to be checked for and taken, and to be assured that the force would do what it could to find her attacker. Instead, she said her account was dismissed because she was drunk, and officers failed to interview her when she was sober. Within hours, police decided not to record the attack as a crime. That marked the start of more than 15 years of unnecessary hell, the 35-year-old said, as she battled through the traumatisation after traumatisation women face just to try and get basic justice. Now, Ms Cresswell is suing Northumbria Police to ensure no other survivors have to endure the same ordeal. She claims the force breached her human rights by failing to conduct a proper investigation, which meant there was at least a substantial chance that the outcome would have been different and that the alleged perpetrator could have faced punishment. Ms Creswell told The Independent: Its so infuriating, because Ive had to do their [the polices] job for them this was 15 years ago, and Im still talking about it. If theyd just done their jobs that night, properly investigated, got evidence, done the stuff they shouldve done, then I wouldnt have been forced to do what I had to do. Nina Cresswell, 35, is launching legal action against the police for failures made over her report of sexual assault (Nina Cresswell) So many women around the country are in the position I was in, or who dont make it out alive from the attack, or who lose their lives because of the psychological torment that comes from these assaults and silencings it makes me feel really mad. Even though it nearly killed me, I would do it all again because I just couldnt not. Despite the police reopening their investigation twice and finding that there was not enough evidence for a realistic prospect of securing a criminal conviction, a civil High Court judge ruled in 2023 that Ms Cresswell had been violently sexually assaulted by William Hay, known as Billy, in the early hours of 28 May 2010, after the pair met at a nightclub in Sunderland. In a criminal conviction, the burden of proof requires a person to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt, but in civil cases, it is decided on the balance of probabilities, which is a lower threshold. The civil ruling was part of a defamation case that Hay brought against Ms Cresswell, after she named him as her attacker online in 2020, amid the MeToo movement, in an attempt to protect other women from him. In that case, the police log detailed Ms Cresswells report to officers on 28 May 2010, where she said a man pinned her down and tried to have sex with her before she had to run away from him. The judge described Ms Cresswells subsequent treatment by police as deficient and damned their investigation as superficial. Mrs Justice Heather Williams said: She was interviewed whilst she was still affected by alcohol and had not slept. She was not given the chance to check any record that officers had made of what they believed she had said... [The officers] failed to undertake the fuller investigation that was warranted and prematurely assessed and rejected her credibility, deciding not to treat the defendants allegation as a crime within hours of her first report to police. Ms Cresswell, 35, pictured on the night in May 2010 when she was violently sexually assaulted (Nina Cresswell) Following the court judgment and a further complaint by Ms Cresswell in 2023, an internal investigation by Northumbria Police completed last year, found the original 2010 investigation fell below the standards of investigation expected in todays policing. It said the service provided to her was not acceptable, and the force apologised. Northumbria Police also reopened Ms Cresswells case in 2020 after she contacted them, and this time they treated it as a criminal matter. However, following an investigation deemed acceptable by the forces internal report, no further action was taken. The force reopened the case again in 2023 but closed it again last year due to evidential reasons. Should any new information come forward, this will be reviewed, a spokesperson for the force said. Ms Cresswell described how the exhausting ordeal has taken a severe toll on her. I lost everything, she said, including her house and her business due to legal costs. The focus ended up being less on the perpetrator and more on me I was the defendant. It chews so many women up inside, holding the perpetrators shame for so many years and knowing they could do it again. Then you get the institutional betrayal from police who are supposed to be protecting you... [But] this time it feels like the shoe is on the other foot Im the claimant. Ms Cresswell pictured in 2023 before she was forced to take two years out of campaigning because the stress of talking about her sexual assault was giving her shingles (Nina Cresswell) The January deadline for the force to respond to her legal action has now passed. A spokesperson for the force said: This is in the process of being considered, and it would be inappropriate to comment any further. Ms Cresswell said she wants the force to publicly acknowledge failures made over her report of sexual assault, as well as to push for broader systemic change within the police. That will at least be something positive from all this hell Ive been put through, she said. The more people who hold the police to account publicly, the more its in the public eye, the more scrutiny they get, and the more theyll be forced to change. Catherine Knight, senior solicitor at non-profit Good Law Project, which is supporting Ms Cresswells legal claim and has set up a fundraiser for her case, said: Its time for police forces to protect women, instead of giving them the brush off. Harriet Dowse-Bland, a solicitor at charity Centre for Womens Justice, said: Sadly, we do regularly see under-resourced police investigations that are characterised by long delays, lack of access to support services, and investigating the victim more than the suspect. If we want a legal system that genuinely protects victims and brings perpetrators of sexual offences to justice, this needs to change. In the year ending March 2025, 209,556 sexual offences were reported to police in England and Wales, according to the latest government figures, with charity Rape Crisis estimating this is around only 15 per cent of actual offences that take place. Charges were brought in just 4.2 per cent of the recorded sexual offences during that same period, while Crown Prosecution Service data shows only around half of those cases result in convictions, so roughly 2 per cent. Ms Cresswell campaigns to push for broader systemic change for women and girls (Nina Cresswell) A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: We have apologised for the way in which we responded to the report in 2010 and for any subsequent distress caused. We have further investigated a complaint linked to the report. This has now been completed and highlighted areas where the service we provided was unsatisfactory, for which we have further apologised. While no misconduct was identified, learning has been progressed. The outcome of the complaint also recognises that policing practices nationally have improved significantly over the past decade in relation to both the investigation of sexual offences and the support available to victims. As a force, in recent years, we have been part of the national Operation Soteria initiative, which aims to enhance outcomes for victims and bring about meaningful change in how investigations are carried out. We would encourage anyone who has been subjected to any sexual offence to reach out we are here for you and we are committed to carrying out professional and diligent investigations to bring offenders to justice. A Home Office spokesperson said: We expect the police to investigate and respond to all reports of sexual violence in a timely manner to ensure that victims and survivors are protected. We have declared violence against women and girls as a national emergency and are deploying the largest crackdown in British history to halve it within a decade. Rape Crisis support line can be contacted 24/7 for free on 0808 500 2222. ( Facebook) Police are patrolling the streets of East London after students from eight different schools were encouraged to participate in a violent Hackney War, just days after two pupils were stabbed in a London classroom. Schoolchildren in year 9 were encouraged to be violent and bring sharp items, such as compasses and metal combs, to the McDonalds on Mare Street in Hackney, as part of a fight being organised on social media. The shocking post announces a Hackney War between eight different east London schools that have been divided into red and blue sides. The schools mentioned in the post include City Academy, Cardinal Pole, Haggerston School, Urswick School, The Excelsior Academy, Bridge Academy, Mossbourne Community Academy and City of London Academy Shoreditch Park. The post asks onlookers to share video footage of the attacks with the events organiser. One concerned parent shared the post on Facebook, writing, To all you that are parents out there, please speak to your children and inform the local for this needs to be stopped before somebody gets seriously hurt!! I am so saddened and angry by seeing his post and after speaking to friends finding out that this is actually happening in Hackney. Please keep your children safe, she urged. One worried user commented, I pray police and schools are stopping this. Whilst another wrote: Sad times for young ones. This comes just days after two children, in year 7 and year 8, were stabbed in a secondary school in Brent, resulting in a 13-year-old boy being charged with attempted murder. City of London Academies Trust said: The safety and wellbeing of students is our highest priority. Two students at Kingsbury High School in Brent were stabbed on Tuesday and are seriously injured (Google Maps) Encouraging, organising, or promoting violence is completely unacceptable, and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. We are actively engaging with parents, carers, the Metropolitan Police Service, and local partners to ensure students are kept safe and fully understand the seriousness of their actions. We are committed to creating a thriving school environment, and ensuring the safety of children and young people. A spokesperson for The Metropolitan Police said: We are aware of these social media posts and are making enquiries to identify those responsible. We will take a robust approach to any violence and use our powers under anti-social behaviour laws to deal with groups intent on disorder. We are working closely with our partners in local schools and the council and would also like to reassure people in Hackney that we will be increasing patrols in the area. Quantum computers in the Torre Girona Chapel, Barcelona (Mario Ejarque/BSC-CNS) If theres one defining aspect to Catholicism, its a fondness for the corporeal. Theyve involved themselves, for thousands of years, with the natural world and the role of the human body within it. Every sacrament has matter and form: something in the hand, something said with the voice. Water, to cleanse the body of sin. Ashes, pressed into the forehead. Bread and wine, blood and flesh, placed in the mouth. Its a preoccupation that makes sense for a faith born from an incident of extreme physical torture, but Catholics know, for all their focus on Jesus singular body, that one body alone is of little use. Churches are not built by disparate networks of hermits. Your sins cannot be absolved without the attentive ear of a priest to hear them in the first place. People are important. As a result, the labour of the Catholic church is largely done offline, by real people in real buildings. Its practitioners should be among the most insulated from fear about new, unwieldy technology. But after being elected as the new Pope in May of last year, Leo XIV used his first cardinal address to sound an alarm not only rooted firmly in the digital present, but which also rings out long into the future. The Leo before him, Leo XIII, became head of the Catholic church in 1878, when the Gilded Age was well underway. Now, 147 years later, the new Pope looked upon a world grappling with a new industrial revolution. Sensing myself called to continue in this same path, I chose to take the name Leo XIV. The Church offers her social teaching in response to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour, he said. It was so unexpected to hear him speaking about AI. It delighted a number of Catholics I know, Father Stephen Wang, the Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome, reflects. They thought, thank God, we've got a pope who gets it. Work on AI within the Catholic community was already well underway before Leo XIVs papacy. In 2023, Longbeard founded Magisterium AI: a Catholic chatbot which can read relevant Bible passages to you. Leo XIVs first mention of AI was fairly neutral. But by 24 January, when he published his message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, his tone had starkly intensified. The technology threatens to alter the fundamental pillars of human civilisation, Leo XIV warned. It could invade and occupy our sphere of intimacy. We stand to lose our ability to understand meaning, turning into passive consumers of unthought thoughts and anonymous products without ownership or love. Its undeniably striking to hear the leader of one of the oldest religions in the world speaking so directly about the dangers of unguarded AI usage. We already know that AI is changing our minds and hearts, but could it change our faith? And why does it seem that, out of all the organised religions, Catholics are particularly bothered about it? Pope Leo XIV holding his weekly general audience at the Vatican, on 8 October 2025 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Fr Stephen thinks it has to do with the attitude towards struggle. For the Christian, need and vulnerability and brokenness is not something to be avoided. Theres an understanding built into the theology that these are not just roadblocks to try and get around, but they're part of what our humanity is, and in this imperfect world, they're part of the way that we learn to love and to be loved. Perhaps Catholics are particularly preoccupied with AI because its precisely this type of friction which chatbots are built to remove. Theres the obvious danger that AI doesnt work well. That it could be taken over by a bad actor, or used to spread more written and visual mis-truth and mis-information. Weve already seen the fatal impact of AI failing to understand the nuances of human communication. But theres a secondary, altogether more concerning possibility: that AI works really, really well. The promise of every large language model is the same, whether it be ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. A lack of effort to get what you want, and a lack of friction in receiving it. But if AI is substituting for my friend, my librarian, my teacher, my counsellor, my companion, my prayer partner, Fr Stephen continues, I become isolated. I've lost the things which nurture what it is to be human, a friend, a brother, or a sister. Things are not meant to be this easy. Its these anthropological questions that bug Fr Stephen, much more than whether AI is going to start a thermonuclear war or not. Because that, at least, you have a chance to solve. But you can't solve the questions about our consciousness easily. As a Christian, theyre on my mind all the time. Fr Stephen admits to having a bit of deja vu with the whole thing. It feels very much like the world has stood here before. Naoise Grenham, a senior policy and research analyst for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, agrees: There's a sense that we were a bit behind when it came to social media. So now, we're working with AI to be a bit more kind of, if not ahead of the curve, then at least not as far behind. The difference here, he explains, is that in the early 2000s, when society was just starting to worry itself about social media, people in his community were primarily concerned about the content of the tool. Now, theyre worried about the effects of the tool on consciousness itself and therefore, the consciousness we have about God. Despite his simultaneous excitement and fear over AI, Fr Joseph finds comfort in the physicality of Catholicism. Christianity in general, and especially Catholicism, are completely embodied religions, and have to stay that way. So that's why, as a Catholic thinker, I'm not worried that we'll go kind of stratospheric and become unrooted because we can't. Things might get very messy, and a lot of people might get broken and hurt on the way, but well come back to the mass, to communion, to community. The Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, located in the former Torre Girona chapel in Barcelona (JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images) But could it be exactly this reliance on in-person rituals that puts Catholicism particularly at risk of losing worshippers to AI? These things require a combination of time and effort, which are two concepts were stripping more from our lives every day (see: the lack of friction thing), and you could argue that AI stands to be a fairly seamless substitute. The similarities are quite remarkable: both are something omnipresent, available to be called upon at any moment. They hold (or claim to hold) the answers to lifes greatest questions. They can be trusted to hear about your darkest secrets, and wont tell a soul; will even comfort and absolve you of them. There to provide unwavering guidance and support in your loneliest moments, any time you need. The main difference between God and AI is that one of these things requires getting up and going to church, investing time into a community, building relationships, having discipline, maintaining dedication through doubt, and the frustration and persistence of undertaking a spiritual journey. The other lives inside your phone, for free. Bishop Paul Hendricks, the Lead Bishop for AI at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, finds the concept of someone fully replacing God with AI troubling. I think it is, in a sense, only a matter of time. A relationship with a chatbot is less rewarding, obviously, but also less demanding. I guess that's the temptation. It's difficult to envisage, but I can't help thinking that someone's bound to, sooner or later. Its one example of how AI could become spiritually unhealthy, Naoise says. If the relationship is overly dependent, that would be, in a Christian Catholic sense, a form of idolatry. Tech or AI could become an idol, and be revered or worshipped, even if kind of unwittingly. It needs to be used as a tool. That distinction is really important. Bishop Paul half-jokes: I used to have a rather pessimistic rule of thumb. If it's possible to do a stupid thing, sooner or later, someone's going to do it. Father Josef Wieneke, pastor at St Matthias Catholic Church in Berlin, remains hopeful that nothing will ever replace the power of church-going, or his physical and spiritual role within his religious community. There are lots of professions under threat, but mine isnt. The Catholic sacraments cannot be performed by a computer. They only work face-to-face, he says. Which may even lead to people becoming more sceptical of the internet, so that the search for what is genuine, real and authentic becomes stronger. We've been telling the young people at our church for years: If you've posted some nonsense on the internet, that's terrible. But if you confess a sin, God will forgive you and never remind you of it again. It would be gone forever. Fr Joseph isnt quite so optimistic. I dont think thats where most ordinary people are, he says, somewhat sadly. The slope is so steep that I dont think most of us are capable of getting off it. Thats why I'm not campaigning that we stop it but the other reason is that I think it's impossible. We're in an AI race, and no one can stop it. I do think things will get very bad for a lot of people in the next 10 years, for the reasons that weve spoken about. We will go down a slippery slope. Well adopt AI uncritically. It will have lots of intended and unintended consequences. Some of those are going to be very dark. When I point out that I cant follow how this bleak vision of the future chimes with his earlier statements that humanity will overcome the challenges of AI, he disagrees. I dont think theres a contradiction here. There are enormous benefits and great risks. But I really believe in my Christian faith, and that Christianity is built to survive. I'm hopeful that humanity and human wisdom and the tech people will be able to adjust it before one of the tech companies takes over, or we reach [artificial superintelligence], and were blown up. I think we will find our way forward with AI before Fr Joseph stops speaking and cocks his head to the side, thinking. No, Im contradicting myself now, he realises. After pausing for a moment, he continues, nodding, once again assured: No, I am hopeful. I'm hopeful that we will find our way before existential annihilation. China's top internet regulator launches month-long Spring Festival campaign targeting AI-generated harmful content Global Times) 08:58, February 13, 2026 China's top internet regulator has launched a month-long special campaign aimed at fostering a "festive, harmonious and positive" online environment ahead of the 2026 Spring Festival, with a particular focus on harmful and misleading content generated by artificial intelligence (AI), according to an official notice issued on Thursday. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced that its "Qinglang" operation will focus on the upcoming Spring Festival and run for one month starting immediately. The campaign seeks to address prominent online ecosystem problems that have drawn strong public concern during the holiday season, especially on platforms and services frequently used by netizens. The authority said the campaign will target four major categories of online misconduct, with special attention to the misuse of AI technologies, including the mass production of low-quality content that is logically incoherent, devoid of substance, or highly repetitive. The campaign will also curb the abuse of AI technologies to insert vulgar or violent elements into classic animations, films and television productions for parody or sensationalist effect. Authorities will also target the bulk generation of so-called "motivational web essays," "dominant CEO fantasy dramas," and "expert popular science" content in text, image and short-video formats that may mislead netizens' understanding and judgment. The campaign will also address online "fan circle" conflicts related to Spring Festival galas, holiday film releases and major sporting events, where organized online attacks and rivalry-driven harassment are common. "In the digital age, content production is extremely convenient and dissemination is highly efficient, which has led to an explosion of information. The introduction of AI has further increased production efficiency and speed while significantly lowering dissemination costs," Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Zhongguancun Modern Information Consumer Application Industry Technology Alliance, a telecom industry association, told the Global Times on Thursday. The sheer volume of such content may negatively affect social values and moral standards. In response to this issue, regulators have introduced targeted requirements governing the use of AI. This approach largely relies on government oversight to ensure the quality of information disseminated online, Xiang said. According to the notice, regulators will also crack down on content that promotes "anti-marriage" or "anti-childbirth" narratives, fuels gender antagonism, or exaggerates so-called "marriage phobia" and "fertility anxiety" during the campaign. Online displays of wealth under the guise of "New Year shopping" or "Spring Festival customs competitions" that promote unhealthy comparison and social division will also face scrutiny. Recently, some online accounts have been posting AI-generated content without proper AI labeling, using false or misleading information to deceive the public. This behavior has disrupted the online ecosystem and caused serious negative effects. In response, cyberspace authorities have urged websites and platforms to conduct thorough inspections and remediation, China Central Television reported. So far, 13,421 accounts have been dealt with in accordance with the law and platform rules, and more than 543,000 pieces of illegal or non-compliant content have been removed, the media report said. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) People gather near Stonewall after authorities removed the Pride flag in New York. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters (Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) Days after the Trump administration oversaw the removal of a Pride flag from the Stonewall national monument, officials in New York City again raised the flag at the historic site. A large crowd gathered near the Stonewall Inn in Manhattans Greenwich Village to see it return to the space where, in 1969, the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement was ignited. Nearly six decades ago, police raided the popular gay bar, and set off an uprising that, as the Library of Congress notes, would fundamentally change the discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ activism in the US. But the flag was removed over the weekend in response to a recent memo from the interior department that stated only US flags, agency flags and the POW/MIA flag are allowed at parks, although there are some exceptions for flags that provide historical context. The agency said in a statement to the Guardian this week that policy governing flag displays on federal property has been in place for decades, and recent guidance clarifies how that longstanding policy is applied consistently across NPS-managed sites. The move sparked outrage in the city, with Zohran Mamdani, the mayor, calling it an act of erasure. This decision sends a deeply troubling message, one that shows the world that we are willing to sanitize and erase our history and the very values that make America great, Julie Menin, the speaker of New Yorks city council, and council members Chi Osse and Justin Sanchez wrote in a letter to the National Park Service. The city council on Thursday passed a resolution urging Congress to respect the history and significance of Stonewall and other national sites. Hours later, New York officials returned a Pride flag to the mast at Stonewall, where it flew alongside the American flag. The flag is up, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the Manhattan borough president, said in a post on social media. The community should rejoice. We have prevailed. Our flag represents dignity and human rights. Jerry Nadler, a US congressman, was among the officials who helped hang the flag, the New York Times reported. We wont let Trump erase LGBTQ+ history. Stonewall was a rebellion. Stonewall was a beginning. Today, Stonewall is a call to action once again, Nadler said in a statement posted online. Im proud to be at Stonewall today as we re-raise the Pride flag. Its flying once again. The removal of the flag marked the latest effort by the Trump administration to rewrite the countrys history by removing material the president and his allies find disagreeable from US national parks and museums. National Park Service workers recently removed panels about enslavement from the walls of the Presidents House in Philadelphia in response to a presidential executive order. In response to a query from the Guardian, the interior department fiercely criticized New York officials in a statement from an unnamed spokesperson, describing Thursdays development as a political stunt and a distraction. The Prince of Wales is said to have never much liked his uncle - Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images The Prince of Wales argued for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be banished from royal life seven years ago, before the rot further set in, according to a new biography. The Prince, who is said to have never much liked his uncle, hoped his father and grandmother would take immediate action after the then Prince Andrew appeared on Newsnight in 2019 to discuss his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Williams view was that [Andrew] got himself into the whole mess, so he should be left to his own devices to sort it out away from the family, a source said, in a new book about the Prince and Princess of Wales. Russell Myers, the author, writes that Prince William had questioned what benefit his uncle was to the wider operation for years, already disliking his approach to staff. He quotes a palace source as saying: Long before he was embroiled in the scandal [involving Virginia Giuffre], he had always thought his uncle was a bit of an ignoramus. He had seen how Andrew behaved in front of staff, ordering people about, the aggressive or dismissive manner, they had never seen eye to eye. The source added: William didnt think that either of them [Andrew or Sarah] should be anywhere near the family, publicly or otherwise, but he was overruled by his father. The former prince pictured with Elizabeth II during Trooping the Colour in 2019 - Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was finally stripped of the use of his titles and honours in October, and has now moved out of Royal Lodge and is under growing pressure to co-operate with the authorities over the Epstein investigation. Buckingham Palace will assist police with their inquiries if requested, the Kings spokesman has confirmed. More than three million documents relating to Epstein have been released. They including emails to and from HRH The Duke of York KG, which confirmed that the men were in touch long after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor said he cut ties, as well as a photograph of the former Duke kneeling next to a young woman. He has now been accused of passing confidential information to Epstein and his associates during his years as a trade envoy, with police assessing claims relating to misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has previously settled a 12m claim of sexually assaulting the late Virginia Giuffre, which he denies, and is now accused of spending the night with an adult woman who was flown to the UK for sex with him. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor settled a 12m claim of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre, which he denies The Prince and Princess of Wales last week released a statement expressing their deep concern over the allegations and sympathy for Epsteins victims. A palace source close to the Prince, referring to the time period after Guiffre brought her civil case, is quoted in the book saying: The Prince of Wales was adamant the whole episode would never go away and, despite how others may have felt, there was no upside in Andrew being protected. His view was crystal clear, Andrew shouldnt be anywhere near the family under any circumstances, not by association, not at family functions, anywhere. Every single time there was a new revelation, which no one knew when it was coming or what the next one would be, it was a stain on all of the family. In 2019, the then Prince Andrew appeared on Newsnight to discuss his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein - BBC Prince William is widely reported to have privately taken a robust stance on his uncle, although aides have emphasised that he supports his fathers leadership on the matter. In 2019, the then Prince Andrew stepped back from public life in the wake of the disastrous Newsnight interview, in which he claimed that he could not sweat, gave an alibi of Woking Pizza Express and insisted that he had broken off his friendship with Epstein during a visit to New York in December 2010. He stopped undertaking official engagements amid public outcry over his lack of empathy with victims, but continued to appear alongside Elizabeth II, the King and senior royals at family occasions. In the serialisation of William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story in the Daily Mirror, Myers writes: The late Queen sought to protect her son from complete banishment, clinging to the hope that he would one day be exonerated. Similarly, while acknowledging his brother could never return to public duties, Charles attempted to honour his mothers wishes and for a long time stopped short of pushing for Andrews total banishment. By contrast, William made it clear that once he became King there would be no such mercy. William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story by Russell Myers will be published on Feb 26. Prince William with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem at an Earthshot Prize event in Dubai in February 2022 - Chris Jackson/Getty Images The Prince of Waless charity has been dragged into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The billionaire founding partner of Prince Williams Earthshot Prize charity has departed from his company over his links to Epstein. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, 71, left his post as chairman and chief executive of logistics giant DP World after it was revealed that he had received emails from the sex offender, which included references to torture. Emails published by the US department of justice (DOJ) had revealed a close relationship between the pair, who traded lists to escort and massage services and discussed sexual encounters. DP World is a partner of the Earthshot Prize. In a statement on DP Worlds website in October 2020, Mr Bin Sulayem said the company was proud to be a Global Alliance Founding Partner of The Earthshot Prize. Mr Bin Sulayem was photographed with Prince William in February 2022, at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Showcase at Expo2020 in Dubai, during his tour of the United Arab Emirates. The charity was started by Prince William in 2020 and awarded its first global environmental prize the following year. Mr Bin Sulayems former company has donated at least 1m to the Earthshot Prize. DP World is also the owner of P&O Ferries, with Prince William urged to intervene in 2022 after the company sacked 800 crew members. An undated image released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee shows Jeffrey Epstein cooking with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem - House Oversight Democrats/AFP via Getty Images The Epstein files have revealed how Mr Bin Sulayem, who led the ferry groups owner, DP World, exchanged emails with Epstein for more than a decade after the paedophile was jailed. In 2009, while still serving an 18-month jail sentence, Epstein emailed Mr Bin Sulayem saying: Where are you? are you ok , I loved the torture video. The Dubai government said on Friday it had appointed a new chairman and chief executive of DP World, without mentioning Mr Bin Sulayem. Mr Bin Sulayems relationship with Epstein was initially covered up as the DOJ redacted his name and those of five other wealthy individuals when it released three million files last month. Democrat Ro Khanna later named him in Congress where members are legally protected from the threat of defamation. In a letter included in the DOJ files, Epstein suggested that he had known Mr Bin Sulayem since 2002 and described him as a close personal friend. Epstein with Mr Bin Sulayem, who exchanged emails for more than a decade after the paedophile was jailed - House Oversight Committee via AP The Charity Commission has already said it was assessing concerns about sources of funding to the Earthshot Prize after Republic, an anti-monarchy campaign group, lodged a formal complaint. A Charity Commission spokesman said: We are aware of concerns about sources of funding to the Earthshot Prize. We are assessing this information to determine any next steps and if there is a role for the commission. In addition to P&O which prompted criticism in 2022 after firing 800 seafarers by text message and replacing them with cheaper agency staff DP World owns two of Britains three biggest container ports at London Gateway and Southampton. DP World partners, including Canadas La Caisse pension fund, and the UKs development finance arm British International Investment, had said they would halt future deals with the group after the email exchanges were disclosed. Born into an influential Emirati family, Mr Bin Sulayems father was an adviser to Dubais royal family and his brother is the president of the governing body of Formula One. The Telegraph has contacted DP World for comment. Figure skatings self-styled Quad God fell to earth on Friday as Kazakhstans Mikhail Shaidorov came from nowhere to claim gold in a dramatic finish to the mens singles competition in Milan. All-conquering Ilia Malinin headed into the free skate with a five-point lead over his rivals and audacious plans to make history by becoming the first skater to land seven quad jumps. Instead Malinin, unbeaten in all competitions for over two years, fulfilled just three falling on two more as he plummeted out of medal contention to finish in eighth place. Ilia Malinin fell out of medal contention in the mens free skate in Milan (Fabrizio Carabelli/PA) (Fabrizio Carabelli) I blew it, the emotional American told NBC. As the 21-year-old Malinin left the ice in tears, Shaidorov, who started the night in fifth place, over 15 points behind his rival and a 100-1 shot to make up the difference, looked shell-shocked to become Olympic champion. Earlier, Malinins rivals had done all they could to aid his coronation. Starting the free skate in third place, Adam Siao Him Fa fell twice to also slide down the standings, while Japans Yuma Kagiyama clung onto silver place despite two falls. Malinin took to the ice with the gold at his mercy, but his routine quickly unravelled. Malinin (right) congratulated gold medalist Shaidorov (Fabrizio Carabelli/AP) (Fabrizio Carabelli) His quad axel a jump only he has mastered became a single, his quad loop a double and he fell on both his lutz and salchow. It was a shocking end to the Olympic cycle for Malinin, who had failed to make the 2022 Olympic team when compatriot Nathan Chen made history by landing five quads in his winning routine to Elton Johns Rocket Man. These days, five quads were supposedly the preserve of an also-ran. They were landed by Shaidorov, who then sat and watched his rivals falter in front of him. Shun Sato leaped from ninth place to take bronze medal on a night to remember. The secret to happiness according to new research Americans are less happy than theyve been in years thanks to the rise of digital media, increases in obesity and substance abuse and a host of socioeconomic concerns. But researchers say they now know what the key to happiness is and, unfortunately, its not quite as easy as downing a hot fudge sundae. So, whats the big secret and how can we use it to get happier? Many people often focus their lives on being loved, but the real goal should be focusing on feeling loved, the psychologists posit. People are loved by others, but many dont actually feel it. I do know people who are happy, and I know people who are unhappy, and I can tell you the main difference between them: Happy people feel loved, Harry Reis, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, said in a statement shared by the school. The key to happiness lies in our relationships, according researchers (Getty Images/iStock) However, the key to feeling loved is not by making yourself more attractive or successful. These strategies may work in the short-term, but are actually more likely to backfire at the end of the day, Reis noted. Instead, people need to build a loving connection with another person. That jumpstarts a cycle of mutual love: you have to show more to get more. Reis and Sonja Lyubomirsky the co-author of their new book How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most and a distinguished psychology professor at the University of California at Riverside call this a relationship sea-saw. In the analogy, both people in the relationship are partially submerged in water as they use the play equipment. When we lift up the other person, its as if we lift them above the waterline, Reis, who has spent the last five decades studying how close and romantic relationships work, said. Psychologists say lifting others up with love will help us to feel loved, as well (Getty Images/iStock) All of a sudden, parts that were previously hidden are now visible. Lifting people above the waterline in love encourages the other person to reciprocate. At the end of the day, we feel more loved because the other person is choosing to love us, according to Reis. That leads to a big personal pay-off. When that happens, people are happier and healthier. Theyre more productive. Theyre more successful in what they do. Economists have hailed a bright start to 2026 for Scottish retailers, after figures showed sales and footfall in January both saw their best performance since last April. According to figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and KPMG, total sales in Scotland rose 3.3% compared with January 2025, amounting to a real-terms increase of 1.7%. January last year saw a year-on-year rise of just 1.5%. Non-food sales were up 4.4% this January compared with a 0.6% increase the same time last year while food sales were up 2%, compared with a 2.5% rise the year before. Footfall in Scotlands shops was also up by 5.1% compared with January 2025 the highest increase of any UK region while Edinburgh and Glasgow topped the list of UK cities, with growth of 5.5% and 4.8% respectively. This comes after a December that had seen footfall decline year-on-year by minus 1.5%, capping what economists described as a disappointing 2025. The SCR-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor figures also show the rise in footfall was felt in shopping centres (4.9%) and retail parks (5.3%). Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the SRC, said: January may have brought some dismal weather to Scotland but at least shopkeepers enjoyed a bright start to 2026, with sales increasing by 1.7% in real terms. This was the best performance since April 2025, albeit the figures benefitted from comparison with the storm-hit figures last year. Sales of furniture, toys, and beauty did well across the month. However, the strong January sales are partly a result of shoppers deferring purchases until discounting brings goods down to a low enough price; with consumer confidence remaining uncertain. Retailers will hope this is the start of sustained growth, rather than a one-off. One expert said the January sales had enticed consumers to spend (Danny Lawson/PA) (Danny Lawson) Mr MacDonald-Russell also described the rise in footfall as the best performance since last April. He said: A 5.1% increase was driven by the comparison with 2025 when much of the country was closed due to Storm Eowyn, but nonetheless is a fillip for shops after a disappointing festive period and the strongest performance across the four home nations. Scotlands high streets have had a very difficult few years and sustained footfall will help to make the case for further investment. So all eyes will turn to February where hopefully brighter weather will encourage customers back to town and city centres. Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, said January sales had enticed consumers to spend, with personal electronics and childrens clothes and toys performing particularly strongly. She went on: Many of Scotlands retailers will be pleased that their promotional strategies worked in January, but they remain acutely aware of the challenge of consistently growing sales volumes when consumers continue to be cautious about, and savvy with, their spending. Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, said Scotlands footfall increase was partly due to last years shopper activity being disrupted by Storm Eowyn but it was still the strongest performance in the UK. He said: As retailers continue to focus on value, experience and convenience, Scotlands early year uplift provides a solid platform, and after a challenging spell of eight months of negative footfall, some may feel this is the month when footfall finally found firmer ground. Britains Brexit years are over, Sir Keir Starmer will tell world leaders on Saturday as he calls for closer security ties with Europe and less reliance on Donald Trumps United States. After transatlantic tensions flared following the US presidents repeated threats to take Greenland from Denmark, the prime minister will call for Europe to curb its dependence on the US, while praising the continent as a sleeping giant whose economic and military might can defeat its enemies. After surviving the most tumultuous week of his premiership so far, including an attempt to oust him from office, Sir Keir will also warn that turning inwards, as the UK did during Brexit, would amount to surrender in a perilous era. The prime minister will make his remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where last year the US vice-president JD Vance stunned delegates by accusing Europe of retreating from some of its most fundamental values and claimed that the greatest peril facing the continent was not Russia or China but the threat from within. Since then, President Trump has sent shockwaves through Europe with repeated threats to take over Greenland, as well as directing insults at various leaders. He has also falsely accused European Nato allies, including the UK, of avoiding the front line in the war in Afghanistan. As he departed for Munich on Friday, the US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is attending on behalf of the Trump administration this year, warned of a new era in geopolitics. The prime minister will call for Europe to curb its dependence on the US (PA) In his speech, Sir Keir will say he is setting out a vision of European security and greater European autonomy that does not herald US withdrawal, but answers the call for more burden-sharing in full, and remakes the ties that have served us so well. However, he will also praise the contribution made by the US to European security, and say that it remains a key ally. Sir Keir will describe Europe as a sleeping giant, saying: Our economies dwarf Russias, 10 times over. We have huge defence capabilities. But he will warn that, too often, this has amounted to less than the sum of its parts, with gaps in some areas and massive duplication in others. And he will call on the continent to make the most of its defence capabilities, including via closer cooperation on defence between the UK and the EU in order to multiply our strengths and build a shared industrial base across Europe that can turbocharge our defence production. Sir Keirs speech comes less than three months after talks on Britain joining the EUs new 150bn (130bn) Security Action for Europe rearmament fund broke down amid financial disagreements. The Labour leader will also hit out at Reform UK and the Green Party, describing them as the peddlers of easy answers on the extreme left and the extreme right and claiming that the future they offer would see the lamps ... go out across Europe once again, a reference to the chilling remark made by the then foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey before the First World War. Marco Rubio, pictured with German chancellor Friedrich Merz, is also due to address the conference on Saturday (AP) Sir Keir will say: Its striking that the different ends of the spectrum share so much. Soft on Russia and weak on Nato if not outright opposed. And determined to sacrifice the longstanding relationships that we want and need to build, on the altar of their ideology. The future they offer is one of division and then capitulation. The lamps would go out across Europe once again. But we will not let that happen. On Friday shortly after his arrival in Munich Sir Keir held trilateral talks with Germanys Friedrich Merz and Frances Emmanuel Macron where he emphasised the need for cooperation in defence. The prime minister said: "There's no UK security without European security. There's no European security without UK security. So we have to work together." World leaders gathering in Munich for the annual security conference are being greeted by a report that savages the policies of Mr Trump and warns that global security structures risk being turned to rubble. The Munich Security Report 2026, titled Under Destruction, says that the world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics. Sweeping destruction rather than careful reforms and policy corrections is the order of the day, it reads. The most prominent of those who promise to free their country from the existing orders constraints and rebuild a stronger, more prosperous nation is the current US administration. As a result, more than 80 years after construction began, the US-led post-1945 international order is now under destruction. Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: Keir Starmer has a habit of handing away sovereignty, and now he is once again rolling the pitch for greater EU integration and less control for the UK. Britain is uniquely placed to help bring the US and Europe together, ensuring Nato is as strong as possible. We must not be overdependent on America, but neither should we offer Europe a blank cheque, prepared to accept any and all costs, as Labour are. Starmers repeated surrenders to China show he lacks the backbone to stand up for Britain on the international stage. His weakness has undermined the special relationship and put our country in danger. Englands first dark sky community is just an hour away from London, and a perfect place to enjoy sights of the Milky Way and our galaxy. Thorington Street in Suffolks Dedham Vale has been identified as the countrys first dark sky community by DarkSky International, an organisation trying to preserve the darkness of our night skies. Located outside Colchester, Londoners can swap the bright city lights for dark sky gazing with just an hours drive out of the capital. Dedham Vales Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty promises some of the darkest night skies in England. As its name suggests, a dark sky status is essentially given to a place thats largely free of artificial light pollution, so it really displays the best of the night sky. The hamlet joins six other UK communities that have been awarded the status, making it the first in England. Other DarkSky communities include: Orkney, Coll, and Moffatt in Scotland; Presteigne and Gower in Wales; and Sark in the Channel Islands. Speaking about the unique spot, astronomer Mike Barrett told PA, who helped with the hamlet's application, said: "Dedham Vale is in a sweet spot. (Google StreetView) It's the darkest area outside London when you're coming north. It's snug right in between Colchester, Ipswich, Felixstowe, to a certain extent and Sudbury. Thorington Street is right in the centre of that sweet spot, and we do get some really lovely dark skies here. The Milky Way can be seen very clearly in the late summer." Mr Barrett also added that it was a little challenging to get the status approved and involved adopting a lighting management plan, but that it raises awareness within the community about the importance of reducing light pollution. Hopefully, the new status will also help to safeguard Dedham Vales dark skies for generations to come. Very often you forget you need to look up as well and conserve the night skies, he added. In 2024, Dedham Vale opened its very own Discovery Centre, inviting budding stargazers and astronomers to get together and marvel at the wonders of the night sky. Since then, the venue hosts regular stargazing events for people to enjoy the best of Dedham Vales dark vistas while chatting with local astronomers about the stars and beyond. Dan Oakley, Policy and Destination Manager of DarkSky, has said: "The level of commitment to achieve dark sky status from such a small community was amazing." He said that they would "undoubtedly inspire other places to follow their example". A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to give special visas to construction workers, given that the Trump administrations deportation campaign is reportedly causing a labor shortage on construction sites in states like Texas. The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, introduced in September, would offer non-citizens temporary, renewable visas for up to nine years to work in key industries where employers are struggling to hire. That would help us protect and get immigrants legally for those in the construction industry, Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) told Nexstar. De La Cruz was part of a group of South Texas leaders who met with House Speaker Mike Johnson this week to discuss the proposal, as home builders in the state warn of slowing construction times and difficulty hiring over fears of immigration raids. They hear Monte Cielo and say, No, no. You can pay me whatever you want, but Im not going to go work there, Alejandro Garcia, a home builder at work on a development in Weslaco, Texas, that has been raided multiple times, told The Wall Street Journal last week. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing for a program offering temporary visas to construction workers, as home builders struggle with shortages in the face of Trump administration immigration raids (Getty Images) A concrete supplier in the region, meanwhile, told the paper that concrete use fell 60 percent between May and November, as builders lost workers and projects stalled. A project that was taking maybe four to five months on an average, starter-type home is now taking eight, nine, 10 months, just because of the delays, Efrain Gomez, treasurer of the South Texas Builders Association, told NewsNation. Its a huge ripple effect. Immigrants, legal and otherwise, make up more than half the construction workforce in states like Texas, California, Florida, and New York, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The Trump administrations immigration campaign has butted up against key industries like agriculture, hospitality, and construction that rely heavily on the labor of immigrants and undocumented people. The Trump administration has faced tension over its immigration goals and the high proportion of migrant labor in key industries like agriculture (AFP via Getty Images) The administration has pushed to expand the H-2A visa for farm workers, and last year, Trump toyed with a pause on raids on hotels, restaurants, and agriculture, only for the administration to insist days later there would be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE's efforts." The administration has faced similar tensions over the H-1B specialist visa program, which is heavily in use by the presidents allies in the tech industry but undercuts his emphasis on hiring American workers. The downtown Los Angeles skyline on a hazy morning. Photograph: Frederic J Brown/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Frederic J Brown/AFP/Getty Images) The Trump administration has revoked the bedrock scientific determination that gives the government the ability to regulate climate-heating pollution. The move was described as a gift to billionaire polluters at the expense of Americans health. The endangerment finding, which states that the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere endangers public health and welfare, has since 2009 allowed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit heat-trapping pollution from vehicles, power plants and other industrial sources. Thursdays decision removes the governments ability to impose requirements to track, report and limit climate-heating pollution from cars and trucks. Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in the US. The move comes as part of Trumps bigger anti-environment push, which has seen him roll back pollution rules and boost oil and gas. Environmental advocates have condemned the move as illegal. A slew of green groups have promised to take the EPA to court over the rollback, as has the state of California. If this reckless decision survives legal challenges, it will lead to more deadly wildfires, more extreme heat deaths, more climate-driven floods and droughts, and greater threats to communities nationwide all while the EPA dismisses the overwhelming science that has protected public health for decades, Gavin Newsom, the California governor, said in a statement. Trumps EPA repeals landmark climate finding in gift to billionaire polluters The rollback comes one month after the Trump administration announced it will pull the US from the foundational UN agreement to address the climate crisis, as well as the worlds leading body of climate scientists. Over the past year, the EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, has also launched an all-out assault on climate, air, water and chemical protections. The EPA has also removed crucial climate-focused science and data from its webpages. Read the full story Trumps border czar says immigration crackdown in Minnesota will conclude Donald Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, has claimed the adminstration is drawing down its immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to the death of two US citizens, mass detentions and widespread protests. I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude, Homan said, claiming that a significant drawdown had already been under way this week and would continue. Read the full story Senate Democrats block DHS funding over immigration tactics Thursdays vote means that the department is almost certain to shut down at midnight on Friday evening, affecting a range of services yet largely leaving the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) the target of Democrats ire unaffected because it is already the recipient of lavish federal funding. Read the full story US judge blocks Hegseths bid to strip Mark Kelly of rank and pension A US judge on Thursday blocked the Pentagon from reducing Senator Mark Kellys retired military rank and pension pay because he urged troops to reject unlawful orders. The preliminary ruling by Richard Leon, a George W Bush appointee, is the latest setback for Donald Trump in his campaign of vengeance against perceived political enemies, which has drawn opposition from judges across the ideological spectrum. Read the full story House members seek inquiry into DoJs tracking of their Epstein files research Members of Congress are calling for investigations after discovering the Department of Justice created records of their research activities while they dig into files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Read the full story Trump diplomat pick faces scrutiny over white supremacist views Jeremy Carl, Donald Trumps pick for a top diplomatic post, has championed white supremacist, racist, antisemitic and homophobic views, a former US state department official has warned. Read the full story What else happened today: Catching up? Heres what happened on 11 February 2026. Donald Trump has declared that a change in power in Iran "would be the best thing that could happen," as his administration considers military action against Tehran amidst the deployment of a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East. The comments were made shortly after Trump visited troops at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and confirmed the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford. When asked about pressing for the ousting of Iran's Islamic clerical rule, Trump stated, "It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen. For 47 years, theyve been talking and talking and talking." While the president had recently prioritized Iran scaling back its nuclear program, he indicated on Friday that this was only one aspect of the concessions the US demands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently met Trump in Washington, has advocated for any deal to include steps to neutralize Iran's ballistic missile program and end its funding for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump remarked that targeting Tehran's nuclear program, which suffered setbacks in US military strikes last year, "If we do it, that would be the least of the mission." Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though it had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity before a conflict in June. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is being dispatched from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East to bolster other warships and military assets already in the region. This deployment follows days after Trump hinted at another round of talks with Iran, which did not materialise despite Tehran's security officials exchanging messages with US intermediaries in Oman and Qatar. "In case we dont make a deal, well need it," Trump told reporters regarding the second carrier, adding, "Itll be leaving very soon." Gulf Arab nations have cautioned that any attack could ignite another regional conflict in a Middle East still grappling with the Israel-Hamas war. Internally, Iranians are observing 40-day mourning ceremonies for those killed in a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month, intensifying pressure on the sanctions-battered Islamic Republic. The USS Gerald R. Ford is the world's largest aircraft carrier (US Navy) The Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. US forces recently shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln, on the same day Iran attempted to stop a US-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the military build-up, Trump offered measured hope for a deal, stating: "Give us the deal that they should have given us the first time. If they give us the right deal, we wont do that." The Ford's new assignment marks a swift turnaround, having been sent from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean last October as part of a military presence leading to the capture of then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This move appears to contradict the administrations national security strategy, which emphasises the Western Hemisphere. US Southern Command affirmed its forces would continue to "counter illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere," with spokesperson Col. Emanuel Ortiz stating, "While force posture evolves, our operational capability does not." The Ford strike group will add over 5,000 troops to the Middle East, effectively doubling the available aircraft and munitions for military planners. Given its current position, it will likely take weeks for the Ford to reach the coast of Iran. Mr Trump has repeatedly threatened force to compel Iran to constrain its nuclear programme and over its crackdown on protests. Indirect talks in Oman a week ago failed, with Mr Trump warning Tehran that failure to agree would be "very traumatic." Similar talks last year broke down, leading to a 12-day war and US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. Asked about new negotiations, Trump said: "I think theyll be successful. And if theyre not, its going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad." The USS Ford, which first set sail in late June 2025, means its crew will soon have been deployed for eight months. While the duration of its Middle East stay is unclear, this move suggests an unusually long deployment. The Navys top officer, Adm. Daryl Caudle, previously stated that extending the Fords time at sea would be "highly disruptive" and that he was "a big non-fan of extensions." Carriers typically deploy for six or seven months. Adm. Caudle noted that exceeding this "disrupts lives, it disrupts things ... funerals that were planned, marriages that were planned, babies that were planned." He added that extending the Ford would complicate maintenance and upkeep, disrupting repair schedules and increasing wear and tear. For comparison, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhowers nine-month deployment to the Middle East in 2023 and 2024, engaging Houthi rebels, led to it blowing past its scheduled maintenance completion date. Adm. Caudle has expressed a preference for deploying smaller, newer ships over consistently relying on large aircraft carriers. Trump team has spent more than $40 million to send migrants to nations theyve never lived in, report says Over the past year, the Trump administration has spent upwards of $40 million to relocate migrants to far-flung countries where they have no connection, according to a new report. The 35-page analysis released by Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Friday alleges that officials undermined U.S. interests by funneling money to corrupt foreign governments in return for their acceptance of migrants. This report outlines the troubling practice by the Trump Administration of deporting individuals to third countriesat great expense to the American taxpayer and raises serious questions, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said in a statement. Democrats wrote that since taking office last year, Trump has dramatically expanded the removal of migrants to third countries nations where they have no citizenship or native ties. Previously, this policy was rarely implemented. In order to incentivize foreign governments to enter deportation deals with the U.S., the administration has given more than $32 million to five countries: Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini and Palau. Lawmakers said the total amount given to foreign nations is unknown, but that it is probably more than $40 million. The Trump administration has spent over $40 million deporting migrants to countries where they have never lived, according to a new report (AFP via Getty Images) Under these agreements, more than 200 Venezuelan men were deported last spring to a prison in El Salvador which has faced allegations of human rights abuses despite federal court orders that blocked the flights and ordered their returns. By July, most of those detainees were released to their home country as part of a U.S.-Venezuela prisoner swap after spending months in lock-up. That same month, a memo from the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that the agency can expedite deportations to third countries with as little as six hours notice, The Independent previously reported. It came after the Supreme Court ruled that the government can immediately begin deporting immigrants to so-called third countries. The new Senate report was quickly dismissed by the White House. The entire Trump Administration is working to lawfully deliver on President Trumps mandate to enforce federal immigration law and carry out the largest mass deportation campaign of criminal illegal aliens in history, Trump spokesperson Abigail Jackson told The Independent. Last spring, more than 200 Venezuelan men were deported to a prison in El Salvador. Most have since been returned to Venezuela as part of a prisoner swap (AFP via Getty Images) The Senate Democrats analysis outlined several ways that the administrations use of third-country removals has undermined American interests. Firstly, they labeled the program as expensive and ineffective, noting that the government has spent millions of dollars to remove a small number of people sometimes paying seven-figure sums per person. As of January, the five countries paid $32 million had only accepted about 300 migrants from the U.S. The report also claims the Trump administration wasted taxpayer dollars, as many migrants sent to third countries have since fled. As of last month, more than 80 percent of those deported under the program had returned to their countries of origin or were in the process of leaving. Further, Democrats accused the Republican administration of channeling money to corrupt governments without conducting proper oversight. These regimes have records of human rights abuses and human trafficking, the report says, adding that there is no indication the State Department is tracking where the money is being spent. The Trump Administration is putting millions of taxpayer dollars into the hands of foreign governments, while turning a blind eye to the human costs and potentially undermining our diplomatic relationships, Shaheen said. For an Administration that claims to be reigning in fraud, waste and abuse, this policy is the epitome of all three. Lastly, Senate Democrats wrote that the administration may be flouting existing U.S. immigration laws. Evidence suggests the Administration is using third countries to carry out removals that U.S. law would otherwise prohibit, such as sending protected individuals onward to countries where they may face persecution or death, they wrote. Judges have humiliated ministers by insisting Palestine Action should not be banned under anti-terrorism laws in a ruling that has left thousands of its alleged supporters in legal limbo. The high court said on Friday the governments proscription of the direct action group was disproportionate and unlawful and that most of their activities had not reached the level, scale and persistence to be defined as terrorism. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, was urged to respect the courts decision after the three judges said the ban, introduced by her predecessor Yvette Cooper, impinged on the right to protest and should be quashed. However, the fate of more than 2,500 people, arrested for supporting Palestine Action since proscription, remained uncertain after Mahmood said she would appeal against the ban. Additionally, the three judges, led by the president of the kings bench division, Dame Victoria Sharp, said the banning order would not be quashed until both sides had been allowed to make representations. In the meantime, the Met police said they would stop arresting people immediately for showing support for Palestine Action after the high court ruling but would gather evidence for potential future prosecution. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, who brought the high court challenge, called it a monumental victory. She said: We were banned because Palestine Actions disruption of Israels largest weapons manufacturer, Elbit Systems, cost the corporation millions of pounds in profits and to lose out on multibillion-pound contracts. Weve used the same tactics as direct action organisations throughout history, including anti-war groups Keir Starmer defended in court, and the government acknowledged in these legal proceedings that this ban was based on property damage, not violence against people. Banning Palestine Action was always about appeasing pro-Israel lobby groups and weapons manufacturers, and nothing to do with terrorism Todays landmark ruling is a victory for freedom for all, and I urge the government to respect the courts decision and bring this injustice to an end without further delay. The judgment is the first time that an organisation banned under anti-terrorism law has successfully challenged proscription in court. The judges allowed the challenge on two of four grounds. They were that there was a very significant interference with the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly and that Coopers decision to proscribe Palestine Action was not consistent with her own policy, which required her to take into account factors including the nature and scale of the organisations activities, and the specific threat that it posed to the UK. Sharp described Palestine Action as an organisation that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality, but added: The court considered that the proscription of Palestine Action was disproportionate. A very small number of Palestine Actions activities amounted to acts of terrorism within the definition of section 1 of the 2000 [Terrorism] Act. For these, and for Palestine Actions other criminal activities, the general criminal law remains available. The nature and scale of Palestine Actions activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription. About 100 people who had gathered outside the high court building in central London cheered and chanted free Palestine when they heard the decision. The UN special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Ben Saul, Amnesty International UK and Liberty, who all intervened in the case, called for Mahmood to respect the courts decision. Saul said accepting the judgment will enable the relevant authorities to take no further action against those who legitimately expressed their beliefs about Israel and Palestine since 5 July 2025 and were caught up in the policing of the unlawful ban; and also, to apologise to those affected for stigmatising them as terrorists. The Green party leader, Zack Polanski, said: It is time for the government to stop criminalising the people protesting a genocide. The Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson, Max Wilkinson, said: Placing Palestine Action in the same legal category as Isis was disproportionate. However, the shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, supported the governments decision to appeal because there can be no hesitation when public safety and national security are at stake. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council also threw their support behind an appeal, saying they were deeply concerned by the ruling. Palestine Action has repeatedly targeted buildings hosting Jewish communal institutions, Jewish-owned businesses, or sites associated with Israel, in ways that cause fear and disruption far beyond the immediate protest sites, the groups said. Palestine Action has always maintained that it targeted companies complicit with Elbit Systems, or otherwise with the oppression of Palestinians, regardless of the owners identity. Those arrested since proscription most of them for holding placards saying I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action are accused of offences under section 13 of the Terrorism Act, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison. More than 500 of those arrested, who include vicars, pensioners and military veterans, have been charged. Showing support for or being a member of a proscribed group is a crime, with offences under section 12 of the act carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Mahmood said on Friday: I am disappointed by the courts decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organisation is disproportionate. The proscription of Palestine Action followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process, endorsed by parliament. The proscription does not prevent peaceful protest in support of the Palestinian cause, another point on which the court agrees. As a former lord chancellor, I have the deepest respect for our judiciary. Home secretaries must, however, retain the ability to take action to protect our national security and keep the public safe. I intend to fight this judgment in the court of appeal. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has said he will have a chance to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy at this weeks Munich Security Conference. A year after the vice-president, JD Vance, stunned assembled dignitaries with a verbal assault on many of the USs closest allies in Europe, Rubio plans to take a less contentious but philosophically similar approach when he addresses the annual gathering on Saturday, US officials say. Before departing for Germany on Thursday evening, Rubio used reassuring words as he described Europe as important for Americans. Were very tightly linked together with Europe, he told reporters. But he also made clear it wouldnt be business as usual, saying: We live in a new era in geopolitics, and its going to require all of us to reexamine what that looks like. The Pentagons policy chief, Elbridge Colby, told European Nato defence ministers in Brussels that they needed to step up their combat capabilities and take the lead in protecting their continent from the Russian threat. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Friedrich Merz meet on the sidelines at the Munich Security Conference. The German chancellor told the gathering Germany was striving for partnership-based leadership. Photograph: Getty (Photograph: Getty) The US acting alone has reached the limits of its power and may already have lost its role as global leader, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, warned Donald Trump at the opening of the Munich Security Conference. Merz also disclosed he had held initial talks with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, over the possibility of joining Frances nuclear umbrella, underlining his call for Europe to develop a stronger self-standing security strategy. In a speech on Friday designed to set a firm yet conciliatory tone about the future of the transatlantic partnership, Merz argued the old order had ended and in this new age of superpowers even the US was reaching the limits of going it alone. Referring to those that warned the international rules-based order was about to be destroyed, Merz said: I fear we must put it even more bluntly. This order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form. Switching to English to ram home his message, Merz said: In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone. Dear friends, being a part of Nato is not only Europes competitive advantage. It is also the United States competitive advantage. So lets repair and revive transatlantic trust together, he added. The German chancellors speech opened the annual gathering of top global security figures including many European leaders and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio. At last years conference, held a few weeks into Trumps second term, the US vice-president, JD Vance, stunned European leaders by lecturing them about the state of democracy and freedom of speech on the continent a moment that set the tone for the last year. A series of statements and moves from the Trump administration targeting allies has followed, including Trumps threat last month to impose new tariffs on several European countries in a move to secure US control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a Nato ally. Merz drew most applause from an audience brimming with hostility toward US unilateralism when he directly criticised the current American administration, saying: The culture war of the Maga movement is not ours. Freedom of speech ends here with us when that speech is directed against human dignity and the basic law. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade. We stand by climate agreements and the World Health Organization. In the age of great powers, our freedom is no longer a given. It is threatened, he said, adding that firmness and willpower will be needed to assert this freedom. Challenging Trumps unilateral style, Merz added: Autocracies may have followers, democracies have partners and allies. At the same time, he said Europe must cast off its excessive dependence on the US, emphasising: We wont do that by writing off Nato. He also urged the US president to recognise it was still possible to exhaust Russia economically and militarily, to the point where it was willing to come to the negotiating table over Ukraine. With Germany one of the European countries doing the most to boost its own defence spending, Merz clearly felt in a strong enough position to insist the US needed to do more to listen to European concerns about its security and the legitimacy of a sustained European pillar of Nato. Describing the Munich conference as a seismograph for the state of US-European relations, he said the Ukraine war had forced Europe to return from a vacation from world history. Together we have entered an era that is once again marked by power and big-power politics. Related: CIA publishes recruitment video aimed at disaffected Chinese soldiers These big powers, Merz said, make their own rules. It is fast, harsh and often unpredictable. These powers exploit natural resources, technologies and supply chains using them as bargaining tools. Merz was speaking as the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches and one year after Vance used his speech in the same hall to criticise Europeans for not taking enough control of their own defence arrangements and ignoring the demands of their electorates. Merz responded by saying it was crucial for the continent to change its mindset and fully exploit the enormous military, political, economic and technological potential of a sovereign Europe. Germany was striving for partnership-based leadership in Europe but retained no hegemonic fantasies. Merz said he had begun talks with Macron about a European nuclear deterrent. This, he said, must be firmly integrated into Natos nuclear arsenal and would not result in some parts of Europe being more defended than others. The chancellor stated that Germany was not abandoning Nato but wanted to establish a strong, self-sustaining pillar within the alliance. In his speech Macron insisted Europe must be at the table to negotiate a new arms control settlement with Russia covering ballistic missiles, deep strike capacity, defence technology and nuclear weapons. The French president said previous arms control treaties such as the now defunct INF Treaty were negotiated only by the US and this could not be repeated if Europe was to be taken seriously as a geopolitical power. He said initial talks about new European security architecture had already been held with the UK and Germany, but it was now time to broaden the consultations across Europe. Macron warned a Ukrainian peace settlement required applying extra pressure, but even if an agreement was reached Europe faced the challenge of how to coexist with an unreconstructed aggressive Russia on our borders that has a bloated army and a defence industry on a sugar high. Calling for a transparent independent European channel of communication with Russia, he said the post second world war security architecture had been totally designed and framed during the cold war times and needed a new articulation. Addressing the criticisms directed at Europe last year by Vance, Macron said Europe has been vilified as a repressive continent where speech is not free and where alternative facts cannot claim the same right of citizenship as truth itself that outdated and cumbersome concept. A whistleblower complaint raised against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard last year revolves around President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to reports. The highly-classified complaint, submitted in May 2025, alleged that the National Security Agency failed to publish an intelligence report about a phone conversation, intercepted by a foreign spy service, between two overseas intelligence officials concerning Iran in which a person linked to Trump was under discussion. Instead, the complaint alleged, Gabbard presented a paper copy to the presidents chief of staff Susie Wiles, and told the NSA to supply further details to her office, rather than making it more widely available within the intelligence community as would have been expected. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal now report that the Trump associate who was mentioned in the call was Kushner. His name was redacted in the NSAs original report as is customary in a practise known as masking. Jared Kushner, President Donald Trumps son-in-law, was reportedly the subject of an intercepted phone conversation between two foreign intelligence officials (AP) But it has now emerged that the participants on the call were referencing Ivanka Trumps husband and suggesting he was the person to speak to if they hoped to influence the direction of future peace talks in their favor, the Times reports. While the anonymous whistleblower clearly felt the invocation of Kushner was significant hence their decision to file the complaint against Gabbard, accusing her of suppressing it on political grounds others within the intelligence world have dismissed the affair as mere gossip, according to the Times. The Independent has reached out to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for comment. The WSJ first reported the existence of the complaint against Gabbard last week. Inspector General of the Intelligence Community Christopher Fox presented a heavily-redacted version to the so-called Gang of Eight in a secure room in Congress on a read-and-return basis, meaning those in attendance were not permitted to take copies or make notes. The precise details of the complaint, the investigation into it, and the underlying intelligence all remain classified. Gabbard and her allies have since gone on the offensive on social media, with the director herself attacking Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, after he criticised her handling of the matter. Tulsi Gabbard has hit back angrily at her critics on social media since the whistleblower complaint was first reported last week (AFP/Getty) Warner and his friends in the Propaganda Media have repeatedly lied to the American people that I or the ODNI hid a whistleblower complaint in a safe for eight months, Gabbard wrote on X (Twitter). This is a blatant lie. She went on to issue a lengthy rebuttal, denying even having seen the complaint until two weeks prior to the WSJs report and laying out a detailed chronology of the situation. Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, chairman of the same committee, defended her on X on February 5 by saying: I have reviewed this whistleblower complaint and the inspector general handling of it. I agree with both inspectors general who have evaluated the matter: the complaint is not credible and the inspectors general and the DNI took the necessary steps to ensure the material has handled and transmitted appropriately in accordance with law. To be frank, it seems like just another effort by the presidents critics in and out of government to undermine policies that they dont like; its definitely not credible allegations of waste, fraud, or abuse. A luxury real estate impresario like his father-in-law, Kushner has no formal role in the second Trump administration but was involved in Middle East peace talks at the time the conversation was held and continues to be. He also has numerous business interests in the regions. In response to the latest development, the campaign watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington decried Kushners ongoing role in U.S. diplomatic missions overseas, complaining about his reportedly recently joining Trump and members of his cabinet in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Jared Kushner is a private citizen who has billions in investments from foreign governments, it wrote. He has no formal role in the Trump administration and is not subject to any ethics rules. So WHY is he meeting with Israels president alongside Pres. Trump and two cabinet secretaries? The president of the International Olympic Committee has defended the decision to ban Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing at the 2026 Winter Games. During practice runs at Milan-Cortina, Heraskevych wore a helmet bearing the images of Ukrainians killed as a result of Russias invasion of the country, and insisted he would wear the helmet when the competition began on Thursday morning. The IOC spent the past two days desperately trying to persuade Heraskevych not to wear the helmet, which is in contravention of rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which states: No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas. The rules, designed by the IOC Athletes Commission, cover a non-exhaustive list of actions that could constitute protests, including political messages on signs or armbands, and gestures of a political nature, like a hand gesture or kneeling. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams explained: He can, and we would encourage him, to express his grief, but in the end let me be clear. Its not the message, its the place that counts. There are 130 conflicts going on in the world. We cannot have 130 different conflicts featured, however terrible they are, during the field of play, during the actual competition. Earlier this week, the IOC had announced a compromise that would allow Heraskevych to wear a black armband instead after warning him that the helmet violated their rules. The IOC then pleaded to Heraskevych to reconsider when the 27-year-old signalled his intent to defy them, sending president Coventry to personally intervene. Heraskevych had said on Wednesday he would not stand down, adding that it was the helmet or nothing. I will not betray these athletes. These athletes sacrificed their lives, and because of this sacrifice, I am able to be here, so I will not betray them, he said. An Olympic medal would be huge. Since my childhood, its my big dream. But in this time, in time of full-scale war, some things are really more important than medals. At this point, I would say that a medal is worthless in comparison to people's lives, and I believe in comparison to memory of these athletes. Vladyslav Heraskevych said the IOC had made a terrible mistake (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire) On Thursday, Coventry described an emotional morning but stressed the IOCs decision was not a political one, and cited the wishes of the IOC Athletes Commission in refusing to make an exception for Heraskevych. Coventry said: Were not making a judgement on whether the message is political or not political, or has a statement or doesnt make a statement. Its any messaging, any form of messaging [that is banned]. Thats how the athletes back in 2020, 2021, came up with saying we should not allow any messaging on the field of play, on the podium and in the Olympic village. But they wanted other space the mixed zone, talking to the press, press conferences, as soon as you come off the field of play, thats there, he can do that. Its just the field of play. Following the IOCs announcement that he could not participate, Heraskevych said: Yesterday we had a formal meeting and today we had (one) just before the race with Mrs Coventry here, at the venue me, my dad, and Mrs Coventry. In Ukraine now, we also have a lot of tears and I dont want to downsize her feelings, but I believe that we should be controlled by the rules and I believe that we didnt violate it. I want to also thank her for kind words, what she told me in this meeting. But as I told her, this situation again plays along with Russian propaganda, and it does not look good. I believe I did a great proposal for them this morning, when I proposed to allow me to use this helmet, and also to show solidarity with Ukraine, and give some generators for Ukraine. I believe its a great way to show that you have solidarity with Ukraine and to remove all this scandal. Because also, from another point of view, this situation is very terrible for this venue and for this race. I believe because of IOC actions, that Olympic moment was stolen not only for me, but also from others from this venue. Because of this scandal, now all you (the media) are here, youre not watching the race, and I believe it's a terrible mistake made by the IOC. The program targets only wild elephants in areas with the highest rates of violent human-elephant conflict (AP) Thailand has started using a birth control vaccine on elephants in the wild to try and curb a growing problem. Human and animal populations are encroaching on each other as farms spread into forests and elephants are squeezed out of their natural habitat. The birth control initiative is part of efforts to address confrontations that can turn deadly. As farmers cut down forests to make more farmland, elephants are forced to venture out of their shrinking habitats in search of food. Last year, wild elephants killed 30 people and injured 29 in Thailand, according to official figures, which also noted more than 2,000 incidents of elephants damaging crops. Sukhee Boonsang, director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, told The Associated Press that controlling the wild elephant population has become necessary as numbers of elephants living near residential areas rises sharply, increasing the risk of confrontations. Officials prepare elephant contraception vaccines for wild elephants in the Trat province of Thailand (AP) The office obtained 25 doses of a U.S.-made vaccine and conducted a two-year trial on seven domesticated elephants using up seven doses of the vaccine which yielded promising results, he said. He explained the vaccine doesn't stop female elephants from ovulating but prevents eggs from being fertilized. Then, in late January, the vaccine was administered to three wild elephants in eastern Trat province, he said, adding that authorities are now determining which areas to target next as they prepare to use up the remaining 15 doses. The vaccine can prevent pregnancy for seven years and the elephants will be able to reproduce again if they dont receive a booster after that time expires. Experts will closely monitor the vaccinated elephants throughout the seven-year period. The vaccination drive has drawn criticism that it might undermine conservation efforts. Thailand has a centuries-old tradition of using domesticated elephants in farming and transportation. Elephants are also a big part of Thailands national identity and have been officially proclaimed a symbol of the nation. (AP) Sukhee said the program targets only wild elephants in areas with the highest rates of violent human-elephant conflict. Official statistics show a birth rate of wild elephants in these regions at approximately 8.2% per year, more than double the national average of around 3.5%. About 800 out of the nations approximately 4,400 wild elephants live in these conflict-prone areas, Sukhee said. If we dont take action, the impact on people living in these areas will continue to grow until it becomes unmanageable, he said. In addition to the contraception vaccine, authorities have implemented other measures to reduce conflict, Sukhee said, such as creating additional water and food sources within the forests where elephants live, constructing protective fencing, and deploying rangers to guide elephants that stray into residential areas back into the wild. A court-ordered operation earlier this month to remove wild elephants that have repeatedly clashed with locals in northeastern Khon Kaen province sparked a public outcry after one elephant died during the relocation process. The vaccine can prevent pregnancy for seven years and the elephants will be able to reproduce again if they dont receive a booster (AP) An initial autopsy revealed that the elephant died from choking after anesthesia was administered ahead of the move, officials said. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation carried out the relocation effort, and its director general, Athapol Charoenshunsa, expressed regret over the incident while insisting that protocol was followed properly. He said an investigation was underway to prevent such incidents from happening again. People embrace next to a makeshift memorial for the victims of the shooting. Photograph: Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters (Photograph: Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters) Residents of the Canadian mining town Tumbler Ridge largely agree that Tuesday 10 February began like a normal day. The cloudy haze that settled over the valley was typical. So, too, was the chill of winter. There were no hints that the quiet and comfortable routine of daily life in the mountains would be irrevocably shattered in one of Canadas worst acts of mass violence. The shops had been open for hours and students were midway through classes when a shooter opened fire and killed eight people, most of them young children. The attack unleashed a storm of grief, rage and disbelief that hangs heavy over the town. Hugs between friends linger tighter and longer. Grown men fall to their knees, their eyes red-rimmed at the injustice of it all. People are robbed of the ability to speak. What do you even call this? What word is there for this? said Don McKay, whose 17-year-old son, Duncan, was in gym class when the shooter arrived at the school and opened fire. Most students ignored the scattered bangs until a teacher came running into the gym and began frantically herding them into a storage room that he then locked. Ive encouraged him to speak to help make sense of it, said McKay. But it also helps. Because I just dont have the words. Sometimes, for a moment, I do. But most of the time I cant. At a vigil on Wednesday night, the mayor, Darryl Krakowka, said crying was not a sign of weakness, but of strength, and the community needed to stay strong. After police released a full list of victims, families began to publicly mourn a loss that remains both inconceivable and gut-wrenching in its cruelty. The children, between the ages of 12 and 13, were remembered as dreamers, dancers, athletes and, in the case of Sarah Lamperts daughter Ticaria, an energiser bunny. Ticaria was less than two months away from her 13th birthday when she was killed alongside her friend. These were beautiful girls who didnt deserve this, said Lampert, holding up photographs of my Tiki torch. She was a blazing light in the darkness. If you didnt see her, you definitely heard her, Lampert told reporters, adding that her daughter just wanted to bring sunshine to everyone and everything she ever touched. After slowly reading through her remarks with her daughter Niveya beside her, the mother of eight paused. I dont know what else to say, she told the dozens of cameras trained on her. Two adults were also killed on Tuesday. Shannda Aviugana-Durand was an educational assistant who spent her days with the students at Tumbler Ridge secondary. Jennifer Strang was the mother of the shooter and four other children, including Emmett Jacobs, 11, who was also killed. In a town with fewer than 2,500 full-time residents, the shooting has tested the limits and scope of what community means. The unspoken promise of life in a place such as Tumbler Ridge, as one resident put it, is that the town carries you when you need it. But the town is now grappling with tragedy that is wider and deeper than most could have ever imagined, and an injustice perpetrated by one of its own. Jesse Van Rootselaar, whom investigators identified as the shooter, had a history of police visits regarding mental health problems and firearms. Police said that Van Rootselaar was born as a biological male and had begun to transition to female and identified as female. She was twice taken for formal assessments. The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, said he had reached out to local health officials to ask for more details. At one point, police seized guns from the house but returned them after the owner whom they did not identify successfully appealed against the decision. Her firearms permit had expired in 2024 and was not renewed. Residents say Van Rootselaar, who dropped out of school four years ago, was reclusive. These revelations have angered residents, some of whom believe more could have been done to stop the attack. But, as in many places struck by tragedy, a sense of duty among residents and those who have descended on the town to help has prevailed. The towns library has transformed into a gathering place for families to avoid the glare of news cameras. The dinosaur museum, which in warmer months draws tourists with its collection of Triassic fossils, is closed to the public so that local people have a private space for grief counselling. Staff at the Twisted Seasons Bistro have donated more than C$1,500 in food to paramedics, police and anyone who looked as though a warm meal or coffee could bring a sliver of joy. Were close here. Were family, said Tiffany Hildebrandt, who spent what should have been her day off taking orders and clearing tables at the cafe. For outsiders, the town has been reduced to a single building where the horror unfolded: the red-brick school. But Tumbler Ridge was a special place, said Scott McKay, the brother of Don McKay. Theres a reason Ive lived here so long. He hopes Mark Carneys decision to attend a vigil the first time a prime minister has ever visited Tumbler Ridge alongside his political rival Pierre Poilievre captures the way in which tragedy has united the country. Theyre putting politics aside. Theyre both fathers. Residents have also received shreds of hopeful news. Cia Edmonds, whose daughter was airlifted to Vancouver after she was shot in the neck and head, posted on Facebook that Maya had moved for the first time in two days. Its stimulus, a kick, a hand move, but its something! she wrote. Pray for our community. Pray for support. Pray for healing. Pray that all the young minds that are forced to live in memories, that they can grieve and eventually move forward with their heads held so high. A day earlier she wrote: It was just a normal day. What happened. Volodymyr Zelensky pushed back on the International Olympic Committees (IOC) decision to disqualify Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing in the Winter Olympics. Heraskevych was disqualified from competing in the skeleton heats on Thursday (12 February) for wearing a helmet honouring Ukrainian athletes who died during the ongoing war with Russia. The IOC reiterated to Heraskevych and the Ukrainian delegation that his helmet violated rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which states that no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas. Supporting Heraskevych, the Ukrainian president said, It is not politics to speak about what is actually happening. Angus Lapsley started his relationship with Francesca Cortini, pictured, after meeting her while she was interning at Nato HQ The Defence Secretary appeared to rebuke Britains ambassador to Nato for moving his much younger Italian girlfriend into his official residence in Brussels. Angus Lapsley, 55, triggered a diplomatic row by moving intern Francesca Cortini, 29, into the residence in Rue Ducale. The incident prompted a fellow ambassador to raise concerns about Mr Lapsleys inappropriate conduct. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, appeared to criticise Britains Nato envoy by warning that the Government expects the highest standards of all its ambassadors. The row deepened on Friday amid claims that Mr Lapsley had been protected despite blunders and two defence secretaries raising objections. Angus Lapsley previously had his security clearance suspended after leaving sensitive documents at a bus stop in Kent while on secondment to the MoD in June 2021 - Muhammet Faruk Alagas/Getty Mr Lapsley previously had his security clearance suspended after leaving sensitive documents at a bus stop in Kent while on secondment to the Ministry of Defence in June 2021. He had joined the MoD in 2019 as a director general, responsible for defence policy on Nato and the general Euro-Atlantic area. He was on secondment from the Foreign Office. Sir Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, previously claimed that the Foreign Office and others persisted to ignore concerns raised by me and others about this individual. Sir Gavin Williamson, another former defence secretary, claimed he had been against, and had concerns about, Mr Lapsleys secondment to the MoD, but was pushed into accepting him. Speaking to The Times he said: It was an important job. I initially refused to appoint him as he didnt seem to be the right fit or have the skill set. He wasnt the best person for the job, in my eyes. But everyone was pushing for him No 10, Cabinet Office and Foreign Office. The Cabinet Office was desperate for him to be appointed. Francesca Cortini is said to have asked for an official parking spot outside the official residence Ms Cortini is said to have asked for an official parking spot outside the residence, a lavish converted five-storey hotel which overlooks the Royal Park in Brussels. The Italians presence was known to staff at the residence, especially security personnel, who welcome each visitor through the buildings single entrance. As well as hosting apartments for the UKs ambassadors, and visiting ministers, the residence in Rue Ducale serves as one of the main working locations for British diplomats in Brussels. It is frequently used by diplomats and ministers to host their international counterparts for dozens of business meetings or social events each year. It is unclear whether Ms Cortini has been given permission to officially reside in the house. Mr Lapsley has been allowed to stay in his post after a review of Nato policy found no rules against relationships between senior officials and subordinates, according to reports. The Foreign Office was approached for comment. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were on a world motorcycle tour when they were arrested and detained in Iran A British woman detained with her husband in Iran has said she naively and ignorantly thought that wed be OK when she made the decision to travel to the country. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were taken into custody in January last year during a world motorcycle tour and were later charged with espionage. The couple, from East Sussex, deny the allegations and are in Tehrans notorious Evin prison. Ms Foreman spoke with ITV News on the phone from the prison, telling the broadcaster the couple believed they had the correct documentation to be in Iran despite Foreign Office warnings against travelling to the country. She said: When youre planning a route around the world, its quite complicated, and Iran is a big section of that, you know, gateway from Europe to Asia... I thought getting a visa was a sign of a welcome. Armenia was having a storm, Turkey was having a snowstorm. So had I known that, I probably would have gone a safer political route, whilst more dangerous geographically. We had an Iranian travel agent plotting our routes. We had a tour guide. We were escorted. I think the people who told us, you know, this is possible, you can do it. We kind of felt ... Theres a risk of detainment, but how bad can that be? How, you know, if were innocent people, why would they detain us? So I naively and ignorantly thought that wed be OK. Having got their visas for Iran the Foremans thought they would be welcome in the country Ms Foreman said she is able to see her husband, but described the meetings as psychological torture. We were promised three meetings a month, which can range between, I think the [shortest] has been about 45 minutes... and the longest I think weve had is about, you know, just over two hours, she said. On more than one occasion, they cancel it at the last minute. And that is the most soul-destroying thing. Ms Foreman also revealed she was told the couple were going to be released, only to be kept behind bars. [The most] pitiful, depressing moment I think Ive ever experienced, she said. That actual belief that this is the end, only for it all to start, literally all start all over again. Last month, Joe Bennett, Ms Foremans son, was joined by former detainee Anoosheh Ashoori and Richard Ratcliffe, who fought a public campaign that involved two hunger strikes to have his wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe freed from Iran, at the steps of 10 Downing Street to deliver a petition calling on the Government to do more to free his parents. The Foremans son, Joe Bennett, delivered a petition to Downing Street calling on the Government to do more to free his parents The petition had 70,000 signatures, which is a clear sign there is a strong belief that this is nothing but an arbitrary detention, Mr Bennett said. We want public acknowledgement that it is completely barbaric they are being held on these charges of espionage, that they are not spies for the British state and they are going to do everything they can to get them home. A Foreign Office spokesperson told ITV News: We remain deeply concerned that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. We continue to provide Craig and Lindsay with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members. The fire in Norwich which Christopher McEwen flew his drone over, potentially interfering with the work of emergency responders - Norfolk Constabulary A drone pilot has been fined for flying a craft over a fire while emergency services were in attendance in what police believe to be the first conviction of its kind. Christopher McEwen, from Norwich, was fined 2,000 on Friday after pleading guilty to 17 offences, including flying a drone close to an emergency response. The 46-year-old flew his DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine over a large blaze at a disused factory in Norwich in January last year as firefighters, police and ambulance crews were at work below. Christopher McEwen was fined 2,000 for 17 offences after breaching various laws governing the safe use of drones - Newsquest/SWNS Norfolk Constabulary said McEwen flew his drone over the incident three times, directly over the fire and in close proximity to the scene. Permission is required to fly over an emergency response and McEwen had failed to obtain it, Norwich magistrates court heard. Police said that an existing drone presence prevents emergency services from using their own drones in the area, to assess and respond to an ongoing situation, inhibiting their ability to do their jobs. The force has released some of the footage recovered from the drone which included shots of an air ambulance and a light aircraft. The 46-year-old repeatedly flew his drone over the fire and in close proximity to the scene, a court heard - Katie Graham Police said McEwen repeatedly breached various laws governing the safe use of drones, with 44 flights logged over a six-month period between January and June last year. Of the 44 flights, 33 were within a restriction zone near Norwich airport, where it is an offence to fly without permission from air traffic control. On one occasion, his drone came to within 380 yards of a light aircraft travelling over the south of the city. Police said the pilot of the plane had no knowledge of the drones presence and there could have been catastrophic consequences if there had been a collision. McEwens drone came too close for comfort when it tailed a light aircraft over Norwich - Norfolk Constabulary McEwen was required by law to be registered with the UK Civil Aviation Authority as an operator, owing to the weight and capability of his drone but his registration had expired. He had also failed to complete all required competency tests. In a further offence, recorded outside the six-month period, McEwen took two images of inmates in an exercise yard at Norwich Prison without permission. The flight, in June 2024, was also within a restriction zone and exceeded the altitude limit. Pc Jon Parker said: McEwens offending showed a blatant disregard for the rules and regulations imposed on those who want to fly a drone. These guidelines are in place to protect everyones safety and they must be respected. We appreciate many people will feel that these are minor offences. However, they can have devastating consequences. McEwen was also ordered to forfeit his drone, pay an 880 victim surcharge and 110 in costs. Women serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary claim they are having to terminate pregnancies in a choice between their careers and motherhood. They say they are being discriminated against by punishing maternity policies in the RFA, a civilian service that supports the Royal Navy. If they want to start a family, they say, they have three options take special unpaid leave and forfeit their salary, return to sea shortly after giving birth and leave their children behind, or quit the RFA entirely. Some of the women, who may have partners also serving in the Navy or RFA, say they have been urged to hire a 24/7 nanny to keep their roles at sea, while others feel the pressure of continuing their careers while starting a family is too much. On Friday night, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the head of the Navy, stepped in over the allegations, and said the situation has his full and urgent attention. The First Sea Lord said: I am fully committed to a Naval Service that can build their careers alongside personal lives. Any suggestion that individuals are placed in a position where they must make such agonising decisions deeply concerns me. This has my full and urgent attention. One female RFA sailor who spoke out about the problem said: I know women have had abortions because of this policy, which is wholly inappropriate. In the past two years, Ive had more of my friends sobbing and crying down the phone to me than at any time in my life. The woman added that during her career interview, she was told getting pregnant would be my fault. I was told mothers are a nuisance and its better for the organisation if we have none, and we should be grateful as having children is a lifestyle choice, she told The News, Portsmouths daily newspaper. The RFA is battling a staffing crisis, which has left many of its ships stuck in port and unable to go to sea. Martyn Gray, the director of organising at the Nautilus International union, which represents RFA sailors, condemned the situation. He claimed to have heard first-hand and second-hand accounts of female personnel deciding to have abortions instead of going through with their pregnancy because there was not enough support within the RFA to have a family. They found out they were pregnant and felt that to continue in their careers, when weighing up the options, some took the decision to have an abortion, Mr Gray added. Another source within the union told The Telegraph: I have personally spoken with three former RFA female crew who have felt pressured to get an abortion to keep their jobs, two of whom did go on to have abortions at great detriment to their mental health and well-being. The RFA is already facing increased scrutiny over the availability of its ships to support the Navy. As previously revealed by The Telegraph, the state of some of the vessels, alongside a lack of available personnel, has meant ships have been left languishing in port. Experts say problems with the RFA which refuels, rearms and resupplies British warships are now so severe that they are crippling the senior service. All three RFA vessels that act as Navy amphibious warfare ships are out of action. In addition, the Navys only fleet solid support vessel has been stuck in dock for more than a year. And RFA Argus, a hospital ship, has been trapped at Portsmouth Naval Base since a safety inspection in June found asbestos on board, and ruled that the hull was not seaworthy. Commander Tom Sharpe has warned that Royal Navy operations are being threatened by the problems within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary - Andrew Crowley for The Telegraph Commander Tom Sharpe, a retired frigate captain, said the woeful state of the RFA was posing a serious threat to naval operations. He added: This is absolutely crippling the Navy. The RFA is the logistics branch of the Royal Navy. If you dont have logistics youre simply not a blue-water navy. You cant support it at range, so whats the point being a navy? Ministry of Defence data show the number of personnel in the RFA has fallen from 1,921 in January 2018 to 1,664 in October last year. Unlike Naval personnel, there are no legal protections for dual-serving parents in the RFA. Nor are there dual-serving protections if one parent is in the RFA, and the other in the Navy. A new maternity policy was introduced in 2022 which would allow the primary caregiver to be on shore assignments for up to two years, or until their child was three years old. However, this was later changed. The Navy said statutory maternity rights and flexibilities remain in place and were never affected by the withdrawal of the 2022 policy amendment. A spokesman said: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary offers a comprehensive range of support for parental, maternity, paternity, adoption, carers, and shared parental responsibilities. These provisions include enhanced leave entitlements and assistance tailored to their circumstances. We want every seafarer to feel they can build a fulfilling career with the RFA while being fully supported. The government has said gas prices are likely to stay high because of geopolitical uncertainty. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian (Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian) Tony Blairs thinktank has accused Ed Miliband of driving up energy prices in his push to make Britains energy supply more environmentally friendly. The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) published a report on Friday criticising the governments green policies and urging the energy secretary to drop some of them altogether, including almost completely decarbonising the electricity system by 2030. The report feeds into growing criticism from the right about the way the government is pursuing its decarbonisation goal and deepens the antagonism between the two former Labour leaders over climate policy. The report, written by the institutes senior energy policy adviser, Tone Langengen, and endorsed by Blair, says: If Clean Power 2030 was ever fit for purpose, that is no longer the case: the world has changed economically, technologically and geopolitically. The UKs energy framework has not adapted to these new circumstances and as a result, policy is drifting away from the fundamentals it must serve. A Labour source said in response: The mainstream, centre-ground position, backed by the economics and British business, is that getting off expensive fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators and on to clean homegrown power is the right choice for Britain. Miliband is under pressure to cut energy bills, having promised before the election to bring them down by 300 on average. This week Chris OShea, the chief executive of Centrica, said the price of electricity would be higher in 2030 than it was at the peak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Blair has criticised the governments energy policies before, claiming last year that the push to phase out fossil fuels was doomed to fail and that the climate debate was riven with irrationality. Blair, whose thinktank works for the governments of petrostates including Saudi Arabia, says the government is pushing up energy prices by pursuing firm targets for commissioning clean power regardless of how much it costs. Similar arguments have been made by the Conservatives and Reform UK, who have promised to drop the UKs central climate commitments should they come to power. The TBI says it supports the governments ambition to hit net zero by 2050. Last month the government commissioned 8.4GW of offshore wind, which it said put it on track to meet the 2030 target, at an average price of 60.25 per megawatt-hour (MWh) a 50% rise on the prices paid in 2019. Ministers say the price compares favourably with what it would cost to commission new gas power, but the TBI report says that gas prices are unusually high because of the war in Ukraine and will fall over the longer term. The government, however, says that gas prices are likely to stay high because of geopolitical uncertainty. A spokesperson for the energy department said: Our clean power mission is the only way to bring down bills for good. The alternatives leave Britain dependent on petrostates and dictators whose control of fossil fuel markets helped drive the cost of living crisis, and are not in the interest of the British people. The route to energy sovereignty, lower bills and thousands of good jobs in our communities is becoming a clean energy superpower. The TBI also says the government should do more to encourage drilling in the North Sea, including dropping the windfall tax on oil and gas companies. The report says: In a world of rising energy demand, tighter public finances and intense geopolitical competition, the UK cannot afford to treat domestic production as a moral signal rather than a strategic asset. Blair says he is driven by a desire to help cash-strapped consumers and to make sure the UK commissions enough electricity generation to provide for the artificial intelligence revolution. His critics argue he is motivated by driving money towards his institute, which does not make a profit but does give the prime minister access to world leaders. As well as its work with Saudi Arabia, the institute takes tens of millions of pounds in donations each year from Larry Ellison, the co-founder of the technology company Oracle, which is making a major push into AI software. A spokesperson for the TBI said: Our work on net zero and energy is grounded in one principle: policies must reflect the real world. Claims that our analysis is shaped by the fact we work in energy-producing countries are false. They avoid engaging with the substance of the argument, which is based on data and global trends. An 18-year-old who acknowledged killing five people in a North Carolina mass shooting when he was 15 was sentenced on Friday to life in prison without parole. The judge rejected arguments that Austin David Thompson deserved the chance for release decades from now. The October 2022 attack began at Thompson's Raleigh home when he shot and repeatedly stabbed his 16-year-old brother, James. Equipped with firearms and wearing camouflage, Thompson then fatally shot four others including an off-duty city police officer in his neighborhood and along a greenway. He was arrested in a shed after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Thompson pleaded guilty last month to five counts of first-degree murder and five other counts, fewer than two weeks before his scheduled trial. Thompson, who did not speak publicly in court, was led away in handcuffs after the sentencing. Family members of the shooting victims cried as the sentence was handed down. Thompson's attorneys announced plans to appeal the sentence. Austin Thompson signs documents pleading guilty to five counts of murder in Wake County Superior Court on Jan. 21, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. / Credit: Allen G. Breed/AP (Allen G. Breed/AP) Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years. Thompson did not face the death penalty, given his age at the time of the crimes. "It's hard to conceive of a greater display of malice," Ridgeway said after chronicling the events of that day, adding that Thompson's months of planning and fantasizing before the rampage confirmed he is the rare juvenile offender "whose crimes reflect irreparable corruption" and thus required a life without parole sentence. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said at the time of the attack that "terror has reached our doorstep." "The nightmare of every community has come to Raleigh," he said, calling it a "senseless, horrific and infuriating act of violence." During the sentencing hearing that began last week, prosecutors revealed the previously confidential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson's name and the shooting date found at his family's house in the Hedingham subdivision. The note said the "reason I did this is because I hate humans they are destroying the planet/earth," adding that he killed his brother James "because he would get in my way." Thompson "cannot tell you why he wrote that note the way that he did," defense lawyer Deonte' Thomas said, noting that he had no history of ecologically based anger. "And he cannot tell you why he ran down the streets of Hedingham terrorizing people that day." But "he is not unredeemable, he is not incorrigible," Thomas added in asking Ridgeway to give him the opportunity one day to tell parole commissioners he could "still be a productive person in society." Thompson's attorneys argued that the rampage happened during a dissociative episode caused by the medicine he regularly took for acne. A psychiatrist who interviewed Thompson and a geneticist testified to bolster the explanation, but Ridgeway rejected the theory Friday, saying the facts belied the argument. The judge seemed to account strongly for the prosecution's evidence of Thompson's internet search history leading up to the attack. They said it included school shootings and was related to guns, assaults and bomb-making materials, including details that Ridgeway said appeared to match his deadly actions. Nicole Connors, 52; Raleigh police Officer Gabriel Torres, 29; Mary Marshall, 34; and Susan Karnatz, 49, also were killed in the rampage. Two other people were wounded, including another police officer involved in the search for Thompson. "In the blink of an eye, everything changed for those people and for the people that they left behind," Wake County assistant prosecutor Patrick Latour said Thursday while urging a sentence with no potential parole. "And the thing that made it change was not some acne medication. It was the defendant's knowing, researched, well thought-out, planned, decisive actions." Jasmin Torres, the widow of Gabriel Torres and the mother of their 5-year-old daughter, asked Ridgeway last week to sentence Thompson to life without parole, calling him a "monster." Rob Steele, Marshall's fiance at the time of her death, said after the hearing that while five consecutive sentences of life without parole were "what we were all hoping for," Thompson still "ended five lives for reasons that I still don't really understand in this case." Thompson's parents testified they couldn't explain why their son committed the violence, calling him a normal, happy kid who did well in school and showed no signs of destruction. Thompson's father pleaded guilty in 2024 to improperly storing his handgun that authorities said was found when his son was arrested. He received a suspended sentence and probation. "We both lost our children, one at the hand of the other. We never saw this coming and still cannot make sense of it," mother Elise Thompson said last week while telling the families of shooting victims she will "forever be sorry for the pain that this has caused you." Watch: Rep. Lieu accuses Bondi of lying under oath on Epstein files surrounding Trump White tent set up on Nancy Guthrie's front porch More potential evidence in Nancy Guthrie case discovered Jay and Kristen Ruskey GoFundMe NEED TO KNOW John and Kristen Ruskey were found dead at a residence in Cambria, California, on Sunday, Feb. 8 According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Department, the circumstances of their deaths don't appear to be suspicious The couple is remembered in a fundraiser as being "fiercely engaged parents to their cherished children" A married couple has left behind three children after dying in an apparent accident. John and Kristen Ruskey were found dead at a residence in Cambria, California, on Sunday, Feb. 8, SF Gate, Santa Barbara Independent and The Tribune reported, citing the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Department (SLO Sheriffs Department). An autopsy and toxicology report for the couple is yet to be performed, according to the outlets. However, the couples deaths are being described as a tragic accident at this time. Tony Cipolla, a spokesperson for the sheriffs department, said the authorities are actively investigating, but there does not appear to have been any foul play involved, per the Santa Barbara Independent. No further details regarding the circumstances of John and Kristens deaths have been shared publicly. Cambria, California Joe Josephs / 500px / Getty Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Almost $130,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe set up to support the three teenage children they left behind. The Ruskeys were caring and generous members of our community, always eager to support schools, causes, and friends; and they were also loving and fiercely engaged parents to their cherished children Kasurina (19), Sean (16), and Aiden (16), reads the fundraisers description. Advertisement We are all at a loss to navigate this unimaginable tragedy, but we are reaching out for support to help the Ruskey family with funeral costs, memorial arrangements, and to alleviate immediate financial pressure, the description continues. Any donation, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated as we honor Jay and Kristen's memory by supporting their children. Police siren (stock image) Getty Images/iStockphoto John, also fondly known as Jay, and Kristen were well known in the local farming community. Back in 1992, John established Good Land Organics, specializing in exotic fruit, according to SF Gate. Having later started planting coffee trees, he became a pioneer in Californias coffee-growing movement when he co-founded Frinj Coffee. Over 70 coffee farms were established across Southern California, the Santa Barbara Independent reported. Last month, the company became the first California-grown coffee grower to compete in the Dubai Coffee Auction. Our washed Geisha stood out for flavor and cleanliness in the cup, and may have called it the best in the expo, John told the outlet on Jan. 26. We acquired some new interested buyers from other parts of the world who appreciate the coffee craftsmanship that we do at Frinj. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for further comment on Friday, Feb. 13. Read the original article on People Tarique Rahman has promised that democracy will be restored The centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a landslide majority in parliament, 18 months after mass protests ousted the country's longest serving prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The party took more than two-thirds of seats in the historic general election, with Jamaat, the country's main Islamist party, coming second. Hasina's Awami League was banned from taking part. BNP leader Tarique Rahman is set to be the next prime minister and faces huge challenges in getting the economy back on its feet and restoring democracy after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina. Voters also backed sweeping democratic reforms in a referendum held alongside the election. "I am grateful for the love you have shown me," Tarique Raman told well-wishers in Dhaka as he attended Friday prayers. His party said there would be no victory procession and he urged supporters to attend prayers instead of street celebrations in memory of his late mother, former PM Khaleda Zia, who died in December. His formal election as the country's new leader will happen after new MPs are sworn in, which is expected to take place on Saturday. Rahman's family background - his late father was also a leader of Bangladesh - is a reminder that while the BNP have promised change, Rahman, like Hasina, hails from a political dynasty. The absence of both Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, who alternated in power over four decades, was one of a number of firsts in this election. Another was that, with the Awami League banned, Jamaat for the first time ran as one of the main parties vying for power. The alliance it leads took 77 seats, six of which went to the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) that was born out of the 2024 protests. The Awami League has questioned the legitimacy of the election given that it was unable to participate, while Jamaat has questioned the way the vote was conducted. Both it and the BNP have accused the other of voting irregularities. For Tarique Rahman, it is a huge change of fortunes. He spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before returning to the country five days before his mother's death and is seen by many as largely untested. As well as being on track to become the country's next leader, is also his first time as an MP. He was elected as member for the Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 constituencies, and is one of 212 successful BNP candidates, according to the Election Commission, which put voter turnout at 59.44%. During his campaign, Rahman promised that democracy would be restored. Reviving the country's economy, bringing rising food prices under control and creating jobs for Bangladesh's huge young population are the big challenges facing the new government. Advertisement Repairing strained ties with giant neighbour India is also high up the list of priorities. Within hours of his win, Rahman had received a call from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi who congratulated him on a "remarkable victory". "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," Modi wrote on X. Both the BNP and Jamaat have been criticised by the lack of female political candidates they had Although the BNP are promising to lead change in the country, the party was criticised for corruption and accused of human rights violations when it was last in government in the early 2000s. Rahman himself was subject to various criminal investigations while Sheikh Hasina was in power but was later cleared of all charges. Thursday's democratic exercise is a moment of huge potential - and risk - for the country, with one of its two main parties winning such a big victory. Among the constitutional reforms envisaged are prime ministerial term limits, a directly elected upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers and increased judicial independence. Greater representation of women in parliament is also in the charter but only a tiny number of female candidates were successful in the election, showing there is a long way to go. Of the main parties, the BNP fielded 10 female candidates, the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) just two and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami none. Both the BNP and Jamaat have denied sidelining women, instead claiming the number of those standing is a result of Bangladesh's "social structure". One voter, Shima Akhter, was among many women who took part in the student-led protests leading to Hasina's downfall - paving the way for the election - and dismissed this as "just a patriarchal excuse". Tarique Rahman will be under great scrutiny to deliver to Akhter and other young people like her who are hungry for change as Bangladesh has one of the youngest demographics in the world. While there may be mixed feelings among some about the election result and concerns over whether the BNP can deliver, Rashna Mahzabin is among those who are happy they got to "raise their voices" after years of authoritarian rule. "That's a huge win," she told the BBC. With additional reporting by Azadeh Moshiri and Kathryn Armstrong. Sceenshot of interview with PC Sheriff Keith Swank discussing bill to allow state board to decertify sheriffs (The Center Square) - A bill that would allow a state board to remove an elected sheriff in the state of Washington passed off the Senate floor Thursday on a party line vote. A department in the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission would have the power to remove elected sheriffs under Senate Bill 5974. Currently 38 of Washingtons 39 counties have elected sheriffs. Only King County has an appointed sheriff. Opponents warn the bill would take away the peoples right to elect a sheriff who represents their values and priorities. Supporters including Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Seattle, contend the change is needed to update decades-old laws governing sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders, including setting clearer eligibility standards and accountability rules. When an elected sheriff can sit in a Senate committee room and threaten senators, what do we expect people to do with a pen and a piece of paper? Dhingra said. I fundamentally believe that the pen is mightier than the sword. But for the average person on the street, that gun is a lot more powerful than the pen. And that is why we need this bill. Dhingra was referring to the testimony of Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, who as reported by The Center Square, last month told lawmakers that his constituents would protect him if there was an attempt by a state board to remove him from his elected office. I'm fighting for the office of sheriff, and the independence of it. The Democrats control the state House, the state Senate. They control every statewide executive office. They control just about every major city in the state, said Swank in an interview with TCS. The only thing they don't control, the only people they don't control are the sheriffs. And when they have control of the sheriffs, then it's all over. They can impose their will upon everything. The bill digest states in part: There is a need to clarify and reinforce state law that a primary duty of sheriffs, in addition to upholding the United States Constitution, is to uphold and enforce the Washington state Constitution and laws, as enacted by the legislature and interpreted by the Washington Supreme Court, so as to align state law. The legislation seeks to give the Criminal Justice Training Comission additional authority to seek removal of a sheriff. Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, who served more than 30 years with Washington State Patrol, is the prime sponsor of SB 5974. Advertisement Since all peace officers must maintain a certification, these laws need to be updated to make clear what occurs when a law enforcement leaders certification is revoked for misconduct, said Lovick during the bill hearing. I hope the outstanding law enforcement leaders in our state will support this legislation. Great leaders lead by example. They embody the standards of accountability that they expect from their subordinates. During debate ahead of Thursdays vote on the Senate floor, several Republicans rose to speak against the measure, including Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. I represent eight counties. I represent Garfield County, the tiniest county in the state," he said. "I also represent Sheriff Knowles in Spokane County. A large county. They all agree that this bill is not good public policy." Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Yakima, also urged a no vote. This is completely undermining the voters, said Torres. We need to be able to have a right to choose who we want to elect. Theres a select few here who it sounds like have an issue with one sheriff. This is not the way to address it. As reported by TCS, Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling, who testified before lawmakers, said the true motivation for the bill as reported to him by the bill sponsors, is not about the current debate of federal immigration, or about a response to comments from any sheriff. This is the last piece of legislation that the Coalition for Police Accountability in 2021 wanted to push through, Spurling said, referring to efforts to defund the police. Just ahead of the final Senate floor vote, Minority Leader Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, suggested Washington law enforcement have been put in an impossible position. The driver for the bill is because we have put our law enforcement in a situation where they're having to choose between state and federal law, and sometimes they're not choosing the way the majority would like," Braun said. "This won't solve the problem." The final vote off the Senate floor fell along party lines with 30 Democrats in support and all 19 Republicans opposed. It now moves to the House. Caitlin O'Connor and Joe Manganiello. Araya Doheny/Getty NEED TO KNOW Joe Manganiello's fiancee Caitlin O'Connor opens up about what Valentine's Day means to the couple "He's the best Valentine's Day date," O'Connor tells PEOPLE exclusively The couple, first linked in 2023, announced their engagement in October 2025 Caitlin O'Connor is shedding some light on the "grand" romantic gestures fiance Joe Manganiello has surprised her with throughout their relationship and why she considers him the ultimate Valentine's Day date. "Valentines Day has become a special holiday for me since I met Joe," O'Connor, 36, tells PEOPLE. "I once considered it a little cheesy, but I secretly always wanted to celebrate. Joe has turned February 14th into a day I genuinely look forward to." "I always wanted a partner who took it seriously and put in the effortnot in an over-the-top way just someone who understood that being in love and appreciating each other matters," she continues. "Joe does exactly that he puts in the effort and is always very thoughtful and very romantic. He is the best Valentines Day date." Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O'Connor. Joe Manganiello/Instagram For their first Valentine's Day together, the couple saw their favorite band Tool in Los Angeles. "We knew they would be playing in LA, so I asked if we could see the show and Joe planned a whole staycation for us in downtown LA," she recalls. "He surprised me with a large bouquet of roses waiting for me at the hotel when we arrived." Last year, the True Blood star, 49, once again pulled out all the stops. "Joe planned a very romantic dinner date at a beautiful restaurant," O'Connor says. "He had a giant display of roses set up for me when I walked into the restaurant. He knows how to be a great Valentine and always does something very thoughtful." "I flexed my green thumb last year and kept those roses alive and looking beautiful for almost a month!" she adds. But for the television host, the gestures are about more than flowers and dinner reservations. Advertisement Caitlin O'Connor and Joe Manganiello. Dia Dipasupil/Getty "Beyond the romantic surprises, what matters most is the intention," she explains. "This year is still a surprise but maybe cooking together at home and exchanging handwritten cards. It can be simple with meaning. I just love the ritual of celebrating love. Life goes by so quickly, and having a night set aside to appreciate your love is important." "Small and consistent acts of love mean more than anything else, but Joe is the best partner and loves a grand romantic gesture and I love him for it," she continues. "With busy lives and careers, its easy to assume that love is understood between you, but Valentines Day is a chance to say it out loud. Even if you think Valentines Day is cheesy, its an excuse to celebrate and be cute and create memories together." As PEOPLE previously reported, O'Connor recently recalled the exact moment she knew Manganiello was the one for her. "We were holding hands in a crowd rushing by us and someone tried to cut through us and cause us to stop holding hands while the crowd rushed by," she says. "Joe protected that hand-hold and wouldnt let the person cross in between us, and that is when I knew he was the one!" The couple, who have roots in Pennsylvania, recently moved from Los Angeles to a Pittsburgh suburb, O'Connor told PEOPLE. A source says that the pair recently spent time together in Cape Town, South Africa while Manganiello filmed season 3 of the adventure series One Piece. (Season 2, which debuts March 10 on Netflix, features the actor's debut as the antagonist, Crocodile.) Manganiello and O'Connor first sparked romance rumors in September 2023, and later confirmed their relationship in December that same year. They announced their engagement in October 2025 after two years of dating. They both shared the news in posts on Instagram, adding in their captions that the proposal took place on Tuesday, June 24. Read the original article on People February 13, 2026: Last year, after two months of effort, North Korea managed to salvage the Kang Kon, its second Choe Hyon-class DDGHM destroyer. The destroyer was declared operational on June 5th. The Kang Kon capsized while being launched. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was furious at the embarrassing incident and his terrified subordinates rushed to get the Kang Kon operational. While the Kang Kon was again ready for service, there were doubts. There was no indication that internal damage from the accident had been repaired. A lot of salt water got into the ship and that ruined a lot of essential equipment. Until the Kang Kon is observed at sea actually using its weapons and equipment, there will be doubts. The Aang Kon is the second of two Choe Hyon-class destroyers. These 5,000-ton warships are the largest surface warships North Korea ever put into service. North Korea says it will build two more in the coming years. These 144 meter long vessels are the first to be equipped with a phased array radar and vertical launching system/VLS for storing and launching missiles from ships. The U.S Navy invented VLS in 1986 and currently has over 8,000 VLS cells deployed on surface warships and submarines. There are a total of more than 11,000 VLS cells in use worldwide. Nearly all are on ships of American allies. Russia, China and North Korea use a similar system. North Korea is trying to upgrade its navy. This includes replacing 76 submarines from the 1960s and 80s with a dozen or more Chinese models, some of which can be equipped with ballistic missiles. North Korea is building these Type 33 submarines with some Chinese components. North Korea is also building a nuclear-powered submarine carrying ballistic missiles. This will not be successful unless they get more technical help from Russia or China. Equipping subs with nuclear power is very difficult and both China and Russia took decades to get it right. The rest of the North Korean navy consists of ten elderly frigates and corvettes. Another one of these was converted into a mine sweeper. The remainder of the fleet consists of about a hundred patrol and missile boats, most of them built in the 1970s and 80s. Few are currently seaworthy. Similar situation with over 2,000 amphibious ships and boats. At the same time South Korea is building nuclear subs with the help of the United States. Currently the South Korean navy has thirteen destroyers, 17 frigates, three corvettes and 34 patrol boats. There are also 22 submarines and 21 amphibious warfare ships. The frigates and submarines are the first line of defense along South Korean coasts. The patrol boats patrol and report what they encounter. Its up to the larger warships to deal with any threat. The most prominent ships defending the coasts are the frigates. The destroyers and larger submarines operate much farther from Korea. South Korea has become the seventh nation to use Sea Launched Ballistic Missiles or SLBMs. The second version of the KSS-III submarines feature a number of firsts. They were non-nuclear, the first non-nuclear submarines that not only use Air Independent Propulsion or AIP but do so using lithium ion instead of lead-acid batteries. With this AIP system the KSS-III submarines can operate submerged for about three weeks. These subs also have ten Vertical Launch Cells or VLS filled by Hyunmoo 4-4 SLBMs with a range of 800 kilometers. North Korea is developing similar technology, but the north can only manage to build crude imitations of what the South Korean created. South Korea is far wealthier and technically advanced than the north. Both Koreas produce weapons that work often enough to do some damage and kill people. The South Korean weapons do this more reliably and effectively. North Korea is content to be able to say, We have that too. South Korea joins six other nations, the United States, Russia, France, Britain, China, and India that also have SLBMs and submarines to launch them from. The United States was the first nation to develop SLBMs and install them in nuclear powered submarines. The South Korean SLBMs have conventional warheads and are launched from non-nuclear submarines. South Korea is developing nuclear weapons, after not doing so for many years to appease the United States. California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks in Sacramento, Sept. 4, 2024. Photo: Office of California Governor / Courtesy of the Office of the Governor (The Center Square) California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit this week against the U.S. Department of Education, disputing its claim that the California Department of Education violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and challenging its threat to withhold $4.9 billion in federal education funding. Bontas lawsuit, filed against the Trump administration, seeks to block what he described as an unlawful interpretation of FERPA. At a virtual press conference on Thursday, Bonta said the California Department of Education is fully compliant with the law as written and argued that the federal agency does not have the authority to expand statutory requirements. The Trump administration has been fond of looking at a law that is clear on what it requires and then twisting it and changing it. Rewriting it in their own minds into something that it is not that is consistent with their own political agenda, Bonta told The Center Square. FERPA gives parents or guardians the right to request their children's education records. The Trump administration in January alleged that the CDE violated FERPA for attempting to conceal information about students gender identity from the parents. Our north star here is the law. The Trump administration cannot change the law with its own absurd rendering of it and then say you are not following the law and then withhold $5 billion, Bonta said. According to the complaint, the administration unlawfully seeks to expand the requirements of FERPA by decree, reading an affirmative duty to disclose student records to parents where none exists and demanding that Plaintiff accede to this interpretation as a new condition of receiving federal education funding. Advertisement On Bontas website, the office outlines various LGBTQ+ discrimination protections, including guidance stating that students have the right to disclose, or not disclose, their gender identity on their own terms, regardless of age. Your school, whether public or private, doesnt have the right to out you as LGBTQ+ to anyone without your permission, including your parents, the website states. Greg Burt, vice president of the California Family Council, criticized the states approach in an exclusive interview with The Center Square. Burt said gender support plans, documents used by schools to support students who seek to transition, are treated as unofficial records, which he argues violates FERPA. The school is putting itself right in the middle of the relationship between parent and child and pitting them against each other, Burt said. You (the schools) are turning faith-based parents into the enemy that Bonta thinks he has to protect the kids from." The California Department of Education has publicly stated there is no unofficial records exception under FERPA, including for documents such as gender support plans. In a letter, the department said that whether a support plan or other education record is maintained in a central file or separate location to protect student privacy, it remains subject to parental inspection and review in accordance with FERPA. Bonta said questions surrounding parental rights are matters for policymakers to discuss, but maintained that the current dispute centers around the law. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervisor is accused of harboring an illegal immigrant he was engaged in a romantic relationship with at his Texas home. Andres Wilkinson appeared in a federal courtroom this week and was ordered held pending a detention hearing, the Justice Department said. He has been placed on administrative leave. "CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission, and the overwhelming majority of CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly every day to keep our country," a CBP spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Wilkinson began working for the CBP in 2001 and was promoted to a supervisory position in 2021 overseeing the enforcement of customs and immigration laws. Ice Arrests New Orleans Police Recruit With Deportation Order Who Was Issued Firearm By Department A U.S. Customs and Border Protection supervisor in Texas has been charged with harboring his illegal immigrant girlfriend. At some point, authorities learned that an illegal immigrant, identified in court documents as Elva Edith Garcia-Vallejo, was living at Wilkerson's Texas home. The pair were engaged in a romantic relationship, federal prosecutors said. Read On The Fox News App She entered the United States on a non-immigrant visa in August 2023 and later overstayed authorized travel, which expired Feb. 4, 2024, authorities said. From June through November 2025, authorities surveilled Wilkinsons home and observed Garcia-Vallejo living there with Wilkinson and her underage child, according to the charges. Investigators also observed her using vehicles registered to Wilkinson, court documents allege. Garcia-Vallejo was interviewed by authorities in February. Federal prosecutors allege she had been living with Wilkerson since August 2024. Wilkinson provided financial support, including housing, credit cards, assistance with financial obligations and access to vehicles registered in his name, prosecutors said. Advertisement Boston Police Ignored 100% Of Ice Detainer Requests In 2025, Citing Sanctuary Law Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem He also allegedly transported her through U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints. Garcia-Vallejo began living in the U.S. with her husband in the border city of Laredo. He petitioned for her to become a legal resident before withdrawing the request in April 2025. On May 14, 2025, CBP investigators received information from a law enforcement database indicating that Garcia-Vallejo was Wilkinsons niece, the complaint states. She is the "daughter" of a man whom Wilkinson listed as his brother in his 2023 background investigation, prosecutors said. "The woman admitted that she had been living with her uncle, SCBPO Wilkinson, since on or about August 2024," according to the complaint. Authorities allegedly found a May 2025 document in which Wilkinson confirmed to the Border Region/Behavioral Health Center that Garcia-Vallejo and her daughters had been living at his home as part of his household since Dec. 7, 2024. The complaint didn't make clear whether Wilkinson and Garcia-Vallejo were related by marriage through relatives or by blood. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Wilkerson faces up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Fox News Digital has reached out to CBP and the Department of Homeland Security. Original article source: CBP supervisor accused of harboring illegal immigrant in his Texas home faces criminal charges The Colorado State Capitol stands in Denver on a winter day. Photo: Hunter Starritt / Unsplash (The Center Square) - The Colorado Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee considered a bill Thursday to require firearm barrel purchases be made in-person by licensed dealers. Senate Bill 26-043 was proposed by Democratic lawmakers as part of a series of gun rights bills as the state recovers from its latest school shooting. As of press time late Thursday afternoon, the Senate committee had not taken a vote on the gun barrel bill. If passed, it would move onto the state Senate and House, chambers where Democrats hold a majority, before landing on the desk of Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. Over the past several years, 3D printers have become more accessible, and it is becoming cheaper and easier to use them to make firearms, said Stephen Lindley, a former law enforcement officer in San Diego and policy manager at Brady Campaign policy advocates for gun control to the Colorado senate committee. One major component of the firearm the barrel is difficult and poses extreme challenges for 3D printers. Proponents for SB 26-043 said gun barrels are the most difficult piece to manufacture in a 3D printer, which can otherwise be used to make all other parts of an unregulated ghost gun. While the ownership of ghost guns was banned in a 2023 state law, barrel sales remain unregulated. Proponents of the bill argued people banned from gun ownership could buy an unregulated barrel and easily put it together with a 3D printed ghost gun. In the last three years, only one person has been convicted of the illegal transfer of firearms. All this bill does is put in place another trip wire for lawful gun owners, Denver resident Keith Emerson told the Senate committee at the Capitol in Denver. It could add another $150 to $200 to the gun Everybody will be affected except the criminal owners who will just drive two hours north to get a gun barrel. The Center Square was unable to verify the number of individuals who had been convicted of illegal firearms transfers since the 2023 legislation, but did find one example of inter-state illegal gun transfers out of Colorado from 2024. Roughly two hours north of Denver in Wyoming, gun barrels remain unregulated. General gun laws in the state have been de-regulated in recent years, including a near-total ban on gun-free zones. Advertisement Several university students expressed support of the bill at the committee hearing, including Rhiannon Danborne from the University of Boulder, who said she skipped an economics class to speak at the meeting. It will keep firearms out of the hands of people in the state who should not have them, she said, adding that the 2023 legislation did not go far enough. Opponents of the bill argued it would do little in the way of preventing criminal gun owners from obtaining ghost guns, but would force legal gun owners to unnecessarily spend more on gun barrels. They also raised questions about the vagueness of the language of what a gun barrel could be defined as, and how gun barrels, which are usually not given serial codes, would be determined to be sold by a federally registered dealer or not. At the same time as SB 26-043 is being worked out, the Colorado legislature is considering a bill to expand the states Extreme Risk Protection Order or ERPOs. ERPOs allow people personally or professionally close to an individual to flag them and potentially prevent their ability to obtain a firearm, if they are considered at risk to harm others. The most recent bill would expand who can file ERPOs to institutional petitioners, such as schools and universities. Teachers spend a lot of time with our children and are aware of their potential for violence, former Colorado state Sen. Evie Hudak, a Democrat, said at a Jan. 27 hearing on the bill. In many cases, the people who commit school shootings are connected with the school, and they nearly always exhibit warning signs. Second Amendment advocates have raised issues about both bills risk of limiting personal liberties, primarily the constitutional right to bear arms. The Center Square reached out to the Colorado State Shooting Association, which is affiliated with the National Rifle Association, but did not respond by press time. The Colorado association's executive director, Huey Laugesen, was at the committee meeting and told senators he opposed the firearm barrels bill. This past September, Colorado experienced yet another mass shooting when a 16-year-old student opened fire at Evergreen High School outside of Denver. Two students were critically injured in the attack, before the shooter killed himself with his firearm. SB 26-043 is similar to a California law passed last year, which requires background checks for gun barrel purchases. Logo of jester cap with thought bubble. Image source: The Motley Fool. Date Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. ET Call participants Chief Executive Officer Gianfranco Ferrari Chief Financial Officer Alejandro Perez-Reyes Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email pr@fool.com Takeaways Loan growth guidance -- Management projects total loan growth of approximately 8.5% for the full year, reflecting anticipated currency pressures tied to the Bolivia loan book. Retail growth drivers -- BCP and Mibanco are projected to deliver double-digit loan growth, with BCP and Mibanco combined expected to reach around 11% growth at constant exchange rates, unlike the consolidated 8.5% due to Bolivian currency risk. Bolivia headwind -- The company noted an expected potentially big impact on consolidated loan growth from Bolivian devaluation and related exchange rate movements. NIM outlook -- Management expects net interest margin (NIM) to be maintained in the mid- to high 6% range over the year. Cost-to-income focus -- Alejandro Perez-Reyes stated that cost-to-income We will reduce it, with the upper end of guidance set below the prior years result due to income acceleration. Asset quality & cost of risk -- Asset quality is improving; the cost of risk remains within targeted bounds and has seen additional reductions in the mid and higher segment individuals. Fee income -- Fee income is guided to grow at a low double digits rate moving forward, based on accelerated digital initiatives and platform performance. Pension fund withdrawals -- Out of total PEN 25 billion in pension withdrawals, BCP captured more than PEN 11 billion, with management calculating about a 0.5% positive deposit impact and a potential 0.4% reduction in credit for the coming year. Ruta del Lima exposure -- The only exposure to Ruta del Lima is within subsidiary Pacifico, comprising less than 1% of the portfolio, 80% provisioned, with arbitration-driven recoveries expected at 5%-10% of the bond in the near term, and no further deterioration anticipated. Capital planning -- Core equity Tier 1 capital currently stands at 14% for BCP and 17% for Mibanco; capital will be brought down to internal limits11% for BCP and 14.5% for Mibancovia ordinary dividend declarations in March, returning excess capital to the holding company. Dividend policy -- The company targets an increasing ordinary dividend each year, with the possibility of a second extraordinary dividend depending on annual conditions, subject to board and shareholder approval. Yape credit portfolio -- The Yape credit book, consolidated within BCP, is expected to triple in coming years, though it remains a small part of total loans but generates above-average margins. Transparency on digital units -- Management stated efforts are underway to enhance disclosure on Yapes financials, recognizing its integration with BCP limits clean separation for external reporting. Summary Credicorp (NYSE:BAP) provided explicit guidance for consolidated loan growth at 8.5%, shaped by Bolivian currency risk, while highlighting robust expansion in its core Peruvian businesses. Strategic priorities remain focused on scaling the digital ecosystem, with Yapes rapid loan book growth and strong margins contributing incrementally, though still limited in overall group impact. The balance sheet remains well-capitalized before planned dividend distributions, enabling management to reaffirm commitment to rising ordinary dividends and potential extraordinary payouts. Fee income is expected to increase at low double-digit rates, fueled by digital initiatives and platform-wide synergies. Management places emphasis on "Execute with discipline" through actionable profit thresholds to sustain both core and disruptor investments. The phased pension fund withdrawals, captured significantly by BCP, have offered a near-term boost to deposits and liquidity but are expected to have a modest negative effect on credit demand in the upcoming period. The isolated Ruta del Lima exposure, held solely within Pacifico and heavily provisioned, is managed with arbitration-driven recoveries anticipated, with no further deterioration currently expected per managements comments. The upcoming capital return cycle in March and April is structured to optimize holding company balance levels and directly support the dividend policy framework outlined in the call. Industry glossary NIM (Net Interest Margin) : A key banking metric denoting net interest income as a proportion of average earning assets. CET1 (Core Equity Tier 1 Capital) : The core measure of a bank's financial strength from a regulators perspective, primarily common equity capital. Yape : A digital payments and micro-lending platform operated by BCP, used broadly in Peru and integral to Credicorps digital ecosystem strategy. Pacifico : Insurance and pension subsidiary of Credicorp, with standalone asset portfolios and credit exposures distinct from BCP. PEN: Peruvian sol, the official currency of Peru. Full Conference Call Transcript Operator: Or less Gomez with HSBC. Please go ahead. Carlos Gomez: Hello, good morning and thank you for taking my question. I wanted to ask you about your exposure to Ruta del Lima the corporate in Lima. Whether you see any potential for recoveries from that particular credit if you have an exposure? And second, to what degree do you think that Operator: the Carlos Gomez: positive performance of the economy of business has been helped by the withdrawal from the pension fund. And could that be a break on activity when they are finished this year or next? Thank you. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Maybe, Eduardo, I don't want to do Yes. Yes. I can Carlos Gomez: represents less than 1% of our portfolio. It's a position which currently provision at 80%. We're not accruing interest And are currently a couple of arbitration processes in The US that if successful, we think that Alejandro Perez-Reyes: it would take a long time, but it will be benefit to the actual position that we have. Do expect in the near short term a payment that could be somewhere in the round between 510% of the of the of the of the bond. So and we do not expect further deterioration in the position that we have right now. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Marcelo, would you take your first Sure. So, hi, Carlo. Going to the part of the question. The withdrawals on the pension plans, of course, have different types of impact. Withdrawal has been of 25,000 million or PEN25 billion in U.S. terms. We at BCP have captured a little north of 11,000,000,000 of those 25,000,000,000. The payments are gonna continue until this until March, actually. There's the last payment is in March. And the effect in the economy it will it depends on how much goes to consumption. But it certainly does help GDP We have a calculation that again, they need understanding that not necessarily everything is gonna go into in consumption, would be around 0.4% of the impact on GDP potentially if everything went to Alejandro Perez-Reyes: to Alejandro Perez-Reyes: consumption. And if you think about the impact on our Alejandro Perez-Reyes: business, Alejandro Perez-Reyes: we expect for 2026 an impact of around 0.5% on loans I'm sorry, on deposits on local funding that's a positive result. And in the credit part, it could have a negative impact of around 0.4%. Those are our calculations thinking about 2026. I mean, all in all, the short term effect are positive, certainly not negative. I think the main issue is the long term effect on pensions and the Peruvian economy. But in the short term, the impacts are not that material. And probably an a small addition also reduction in cost of risk in a specific segment Operator: particularly Alejandro Perez-Reyes: mid and higher segment individuals. Carlos Gomez: Very clear. Thank you. Thank you. Next question comes Sorry, Carlo. Jafarago here. Just to clarify, Eduardo Monteiro from Bracitico took the question regarding Ruta Del Lima. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Because the only subsidiary at Credicorp Ltd. that has a position with Ruta del Lima which is less than 1% of our portfolio of Pacifico is Pacifico. BCP or near BCP nor any other subsidiary has a position in root of the limit. Sorry. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: And we were in the last quarter. Carlos Gomez: That was that was good underwriting. Thank you. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Thank you. Operator: Our next question comes from Daniel Boss with Safra. Please go ahead. Daniel Vaz: Thank you, and hi, everyone. Congrats on the full year results and also guidance. Thank you for the guidance on 2026. I'm looking to the loan growth if we compare to '25. You already grew 8.5% if you exclude the impacts on the FX and also the Bolivia And I'm seeing your 26% guidance also like around 8.5%. And I look at Peru's GDP around 3.5%, domestic consumption close to 5%. And also, if we take into consideration that you're accelerating in Mibanco, NPLs and multiyear lows BCPs, consumer lending also growing above 10%. I mean, what are we missing here What is currently holding overall credit below the double digit level? I mean, what would need to change for you accelerate more meaningfully? Maybe, I don't know, middle market corporate loans or other segment that's pushing you behind. And if I may have a second follow-up, Are you planning to open Yape's P and L in separate from BCP, so we can have a clear and cleaner vision on the efficiency ratio and etcetera. For the yep. Thank you. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Hi, Daniel. This is Alejandro. I'll I'll take the first question and thanks for asking the question because it will give us an opportunity to clarify something. The guidance we've just given is for all of Credicorp. And there is one particular book, which is the Bolivia book, where we are expecting a big a potentially big impact from exchange rates. So basically, we believe Bolivia is in the right direction But in order to move forward, probably gonna have to have some devaluation of the currency. And if that were to happen, that would impact our book. And that is considered in the eight and a half. If you take BCP and Mibanco alone, we're expecting double digit growth for this year. In loans. And at actually, constant exchange rate, it's a little bit higher, around 11% for the year. So we are expecting and seeing an acceleration in the market. We expect that to continue and loan growth should be very strong this year. But there's this particular headwind in Bolivia that will have an impact on the whole of Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Credicorp. When it materializes. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Regarding the Yape, maybe regarding the Yape question. The issue here is that Yape is within BCP. So Yape as a institution does not exist. So what we're currently so it's very hard to come up with a financial pure financial statement. But what we're working on is in order to provide you with more information, is working on how to be to provide more information but all within the transparency, we've always provided to the market. So that's how work in progress and we may came up come up with something in that line in the future. Daniel Vaz: All right. Thank you. Thank you, Alejandro. Thank you, everyone. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Thank you. Three months. Yeah. Operator: Our next question comes from Andre So to with Santander. Please go ahead. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Good morning to all. Thank you for the presentation. My first question is Advertisement Alejandro Perez-Reyes: regarding your logo guidance, but specifically connected this to YAPI. Yuri Fernandes: Are you already including in this 8.5% something from JAPI? How much we can expect JAPI to contribute to lending of Credicorp in 2026? And if you can elaborate on the ramp up that you are seeing towards the multi installment in the consumer loans and also the pilots that you are conducting in SMEs? Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Alejandro? Yes. Sure. The numbers Alejandro Perez-Reyes: do include it. Let's remember that Yapi's meeting is in BCP's book. So when I was talking about this double digit growth in BCP, I was including already the amount from Yape. As for the growth, we are expecting the book to grow fast in the in the coming years. The number we're expecting I mean, we're we're not giving guidance for the number of the specific book, but it should probably triple in the next couple of years. So that's the speed of which it's growing. Having said that, it's still a small portfolio for credit corp's whole book. Okay? So it is growing fast. And it has a good margin, so probably a bigger margin than other books, but it's still gonna be a smaller proportion of the whole book of the of the group. In the coming years. Yuri Fernandes: And in terms of expenses, cost of income is always tricky because there are there are multiple variables involved, but what are you looking to in terms of total expense growth in 2026? Alejandro Perez-Reyes: You're talking about Yuri Fernandes: Credicorp? Or Credicorp. Right? Well, yes and a half. Yes. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Okay. So we actually got for cost to income as so and as I mentioned, we're expecting cost to income to reduce in the coming year We you look at the guidance we've just given, the upper side of the guidance is below the result of this year. We're seeing a lot of acceleration on the income of some of these initiatives. So on the expense side, we are gonna continue to invest in all of these not only disruptive initiatives, but also of the ongoing business and improving our capabilities to better serve the clients, you know. So yeah. Yuri Fernandes: Okay. And then finally, on capital, when I look at 14%, core equity Tier one, Mibanco at 17%, How do you feel about those numbers considering the cycle both in terms of improved asset quality, but also faster loan growth Where do you guys feel comfortable for the for what is coming ahead? Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Sure. The way in which we usually work is we have internal limits of 11% for BCP and 13 and a half for Mibanco. And we I'm sorry? 14 and a half. Yeah. 14 and a half for Mibanco. And what we do is Alejandro Perez-Reyes: in March, Alejandro Perez-Reyes: we declare dividends and take the CET1 close to those levels. So the number you're seeing right now is pretty high because we've been building capital throughout the year. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: We will reduce it Alejandro Perez-Reyes: toward those levels in March. It has to be approved by the board and by the shareholders meeting. But that idea and so in that case, we will go back to those levels We do see increasing loan growth, but it's already in our numbers there shouldn't be any problems with capital. Going forward. Yuri Fernandes: Perfect. And just with here, so that money is going to go is going to the holding company. And from the holding company, your the intention is to distribute to shareholders. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Exactly. So the way which it works is the policy is we basically send all excess capital Alejandro Perez-Reyes: to the holding company. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Usually, this happens in March. And then in April, the credit or the holding company will propose a dividend and then and then declare it. An ordinary dividend. And what we're aiming for I mentioned in our call, is Alejandro Perez-Reyes: an Alejandro Perez-Reyes: increasing ordinary dividend each year. And we're in line to being able to do that. And then depending on how the year goes, we might give a second extraordinary dividend, but that is dependent on the conditions of the year. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: I know you need this subject to approval. Exact. Governance approval. Yuri Fernandes: Perfect. Thank you very much. And congratulations on the results. Alejandro Perez-Reyes: Thank you. Operator: It appears there are no further questions at this time. I will now turn the call back over to Gianfranco Ferrari Chief Executive Officer, for closing remarks. Yuri Fernandes: As we look ahead to 2026, Alejandro Perez-Reyes: I'm very confident in our positioning. We're entering the year with a healthy pipeline across businesses. An improving trade environment, and a clear strategic focus. We expect loan growth of around 8.5% supported by retail momentum at BCP and continued expansion at Mibanco. Alongside stable and healthy margins. With NIM expected to remain in the mid- to high 6% range. Asset quality is improving. And we expect the cost of risk to remain within our target range. Supporting risk adjusted profitability. Our focus remains on three priorities: scale and monetize our digital ecosystem expanding inclusion and accelerating new revenue streams. Leverage synergies across businesses, through data, talent and shared platforms to unlock growth and efficiency. Execute with discipline applying clear profitability thresholds and long term value creation across core and disruptive initiatives. These are not new things, They reflect the strategy we've been executing on consistently. And they're paying off. We're seeing tangible results across our platforms, with fee income expected to grow at low double digits. Continued progress in efficiency and sustained investment in digital capabilities. Thank you for your trust in Credicorp Ltd.. We look forward to speaking with you next quarter. Operator: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. This concludes today's presentation. You may now disconnect. Should you buy stock in Credicorp right now? Before you buy stock in Credicorp, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Credicorp wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. 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Since LLMs cannot (currently) own stocks, it has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images At a recent White House event celebrating American coal, President Donald Trump raised eyebrows with an unusual moment during his speech. While delivering remarks, he appeared to slur his words and briefly lose his train of thought. The incident prompted widespread discussion online and among political observers. 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Advertisement Trump shifted the focus of his speech to wind energy, saying, Im not a big fan of those crazy windmills, while twirling his finger to mimic their rotation. He added, Theyre made in China but not used by China. Lets look for a couple of wind farms in China. See if you can find one. He continued criticizing renewable energy, calling windmills losers and stating, Youre supposed to make money with energy, not lose money with energy. His right hand appeared discolored again, a detail previously noted in reports. He also wore visible makeup on his hand during the appearance. White House spokesman Davis Ingle addressed the incident, saying, President Trump is the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history. He accused the Daily Beast of promoting baseless conspiracy theories and emphasized that Trump spent the day unleashing energy dominance, lowering costs, and putting the American people first. Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com. The post Donald Trumps Seeming to Slur Speech During Recent Coal Event Goes Viral appeared first on Reality Tea. In the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, residents are reeling after a mass shooting left nine people dead, including six children. "We've been insulated," Tracy Krauss, a local pastor, told the BBC. "A newcomer comes to town and they're locking up, and everyone laughs, because why are you doing that? Nothing happens here." Krauss said that sense of security now feels painfully naive. On Thursday, police released the identities of the victims. They include 12-year-old Zoey Benoit, who was described by loved ones as "the strongest little girl you could meet". Another 12-year-old victim, Kylie Smith, was "the light" of her family who had dreams of attending art school in the big city, her family said in a statement. The tragedy has shaken the tight-knit town of about 2,400 people, which is set along a few winding rural roads in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A memorial beside the school grew on Thursday, as people left flowers, teddy bears and handwritten notes in honour of the victims. Tuesday's incident is one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada, where such attacks have historically been rare. Support has poured in from across the country, including from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is scheduled to visit the town on Friday. A group of four people walk past a makeshift memorial made up of flowers, candles and teddy bears near a pine tree in the town of Tumbler Ridge Many questions remain about the shooting, with investigators still trying to determine why 18-year-old suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar carried out the attack. Van Rootselaar was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school. Police say Van Rootselaar was born a biological male and began transitioning to female approximately six years ago. The suspect's mother and step-brother were among the victims. Both were found dead at a local residence, police said. Krauss said Van Rootselaar's family are well-known in the community. "That family is victimised, too," she added, noting that surviving relatives will also be grieving. The father of the suspect issued a statement on Wednesday night to CBC News in which he offered sympathy to the bereaved and said he was estranged from the suspect. "To the families who have lost loved ones, and to every person who has been affected by this senseless and unforgivable act of violence, I offer my most heartfelt condolences," said Justin Van Rootselaar. Police have said the suspect's mother and step-brother were shot and killed first at the family home. Then the suspect headed to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where police responded to reports of a shooting at around 13:30 local time on Tuesday. Advertisement Inside the school of 160 students, dozens sheltered in classrooms with their teachers as the attack unfolded. Among them was 17-year-old Darian Quist. Quist said he and 15 others hid in their mechanics class, barricading the door with metal tables. At first, they were unsure why they needed to hide, he said. They later learned that there was an active shooter through an alert on their phones. They hid for over two hours before Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and SWAT officers safely escorted them out. Quist said the shooting has left him and his classmates angry, saddened and shocked. "That it happened in a place like this, it doesn't seem real," Quist said. "But I know that it is," he added, "that the people who lost their lives are real." Darian Quist was at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School when it went into lockdown Outside the school, parents gathered at a nearby community centre as they anxiously waited to be reunited with their children. Krauss, the pastor, said she went over to support a close friend whose son was at the school. Krauss said her friend later learned that their child was among those who were killed. "It was devastating, I don't know what else to say," she said through tears. "They are gutted. To lose a child is the worst thing in the world." Krauss added that everyone in the town has been touched by the shooting in some way. "Everybody knows somebody," she said. "Even for those who haven't lost a loved one, they are still affected." Tumbler Ridge's history is rooted in mining, with the industry still employing many of the town's residents. It is also known for its picturesque scenery, with tourists drawn to its UNESCO-recognised geopark - one of only five in Canada. Shooting victims, top row from left: Abel Mwansa,12. Ezekiel Schofield, 13. Zoey Benoit, 12. Bottom Row from left: Jennifer Jacobs, 39, Kylie Smith, 12, Emmett Jacobs, 11 That natural beauty is how Bob Zimmer, the federal Conservative member of parliament representing the region, hopes Tumbler Ridge will be remembered, rather than for the tragedy that struck it this week. "They want to be defined as a beautiful community with beautiful people," Zimmer told the BBC. "But for now, there's a dark cloud. It's just going to take some time to mourn." Police said they had responded to multiple mental health calls involving Van Rootselaar over the years and had seized firearms from the suspect's home before, though they were later returned after a successful petition by the owner of those guns. Authorities did not say who had owned the previously seized guns, or how the suspect procured the weapons used in the shooting. They said Van Rootselaar had a gun licence which had expired in 2024. Zimmer acknowledged there will be difficult conversations in the aftermath of the shooting, including on whether there is an "obvious need for more substantial mental health support". But for now he said the community are focused on grieving. "We're just here to give some hugs and tell (residents) that they are appreciated, and that there's hope," Zimmer said. "But I think there are some serious questions that need to be answered after this." King Charles and Vlad III Dracula have a connection.MEGA King Charles is a distant descendant of Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century ruler who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, and now owns multiple properties in the very region once ruled by his infamous ancestor, RadarOnline.com can reveal. The 77-year-old British monarch's genealogical link to Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad Tepes, dates back more than 500 years. Vlad ruled Wallachia part of modern-day Romania intermittently between 1448 and 1476 and earned his brutal epithet for ordering enemies impaled on stakes. King Charles and the Dracula Connection King Charles III has traced his ancestry back to Vlad the Impaler.MEGA Charles is said to be Vlad's great-grandson 16 times removed, a lineage traced through Queen Mary, the wife of George V, and great-great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. The connection came to wider attention after Charles, then Prince of Wales, visited Transylvania in 1998 and later became a vocal advocate for conservation in the region. Royal author Robert Hardman, speaking on the Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things podcast, explained the dynastic link. He said: "Queen Mary's original title was Mary of Teck. The Tecks were a minor princely house from Germany. Mary was meant to come over to Britain to marry the son and heir of Edward VII, the Duke of Clarence. The Duke died, and she ended up marrying George V. They had George VI, who then had Elizabeth II. That's the connection to Charles." The genealogical claim is also supported in The British Chronicles by historian David Hughes, which traces Charles's ancestry back to Vlad. Vlad's reputation for cruelty including the mass impalement of prisoners later informed Bram Stoker's 1897 gothic novel Dracula, though the fictional vampire shares little beyond the name and a fearsome legend. The Kings Private Estates Vlad III Dracula ruled Wallachia in the 15th century.MEGA Beyond ancestry, Charles has established a tangible presence in Transylvania. He owns several properties in the region, including homes in Viscri, the Zalan Valley, Malancrav, and Breb. Viscri is known for its pastel-colored houses and UNESCO-listed fortified church. Advertisement The Zalan Valley estate formerly linked to one of his ancestors comprises restored village buildings, forest, meadows, and mineral springs. A regional tourism official expanded on the impact, saying: "The King's presence here has been nothing short of catalytic. Before his involvement, many of these villages were largely overlooked picturesque, certainly, but economically fragile and facing depopulation as younger generations moved away. "His decision to invest personally in traditional Saxon farmhouses and restore them with sensitivity sent a powerful signal that these communities and their heritage had value on an international stage." Saving Romanias Forgotten Villages Charles transformed Saxon farmhouses into conservation-focused guesthouses.Cederic Vandenberghe- Unsplash They continued: "By transforming historic properties into guesthouses rather than modern developments, he has helped create a model of tourism rooted in conservation rather than exploitation. Visitors are not coming for theme-park nostalgia they are staying in authentic buildings, eating locally sourced food, and engaging with traditional crafts. That approach has redirected attention toward sustainability and long-term stewardship. "In practical terms, it has generated jobs, encouraged small-scale entrepreneurship, and renewed pride among residents. What were once quiet, almost forgotten rural settlements are now firmly on the global travel map. "The King's endorsement has drawn environmentally conscious travelers who might otherwise never have discovered this corner of Romania. In many ways, his involvement has reframed Transylvania's identity away from gothic myth and toward cultural preservation and ecological responsibility." Through the Prince's Foundation, Charles has supported sustainable farming, heritage conservation, and rural crafts in Romania. Hungarian Countess Klaudia Rhedey, a 19th-century ancestor of Queen Elizabeth II, was also born in Transylvania, strengthening the royal family's historical ties to the region. One Romanian mayor has even proposed awarding Charles the honorary title of Prince of Transylvania in recognition of his advocacy. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un applauds as he gives a speech during a visit to the Ministry of Defence for the 78th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces, in Pyongyang, North Korea, February 8, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS SEOUL, Feb 13 (Reuters) - North Korea is expected to convene the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party this month, the country's biggest political gathering that reviews performance, sets new policy goals and can bring leadership change. The Congress comes as leader Kim Jong Un has stepped up weapons development and factory inspections, while deepening ties with Russia amid sustained tension with South Korea and the United States. The following are some themes likely to be in focus. TIMING AND WHAT THE CONGRESS DOES The decision to convene the event was approved at a plenary meeting in June, when state media said the party agreed to hold the Ninth Congress but did not set a date. State media KCNA later reported that the party's Politburo adopted a decision to open the Congress in Pyongyang in late February 2026. The Congress is the party's top decision-making forum and is expected to review the past five years and set the governing line for the next phase, spanning the economy, defence and diplomacy. NEW FIVE-YEAR PLAN The Congress is expected to provide a verdict on the current five-year development push and outline future goals, with Kim urging officials to set "scientific and realistic" plans for the next five years. At the 2021 Congress, Kim said a previous economic plan had failed in "almost every sector" and unveiled a new five-year plan through 2025. Kim's speech emphasised concentrating investment on core heavy industries such as metals and chemicals, and strengthening agriculture and light industry to increase consumer goods output. In the run-up to the Ninth Congress, Kim has paired military messaging with visits tied to economic priorities, including inspections of construction and industrial facilities, as the government seeks to show progress heading into the meeting. WEAPONS BUILDUP Kim has used late-2025 events to underscore what state media described as an "unlimited" drive to develop the country's nuclear force, while showcasing cruise missile launches and other weapons activity. He has also called for increased production of key conventional systems, including multiple rocket launchers, ahead of weapons production goals to be set out at the congress. Analysts have said the Congress could be used to announce a further push for more nuclear weapons and new conventional armaments, possibly to bolster leverage for any future talks with the United States. Advertisement LEADERSHIP SIGNALS AND SUCCESSION SPECULATION The Congress can reshuffle elite positions and can feature major turnover in the country's leadership. During the last Congress in 2021, more than seven out of 10 members of the Congress' executive committee were replaced with economic technocrats, according to South Korean analysts. Analysts also raised the possibility the Congress could revive the title of "president" for Kim a designation historically associated with state founder Kim Il Sung, aligning the leader's position more closely with foreign heads of state. Kim's teenage daughter Ju Ae has also appeared prominently at recent high-profile events, fuelling outside speculation about succession signals at the congress. While analysts differ on what roles, if any, could realistically be announced given her age, South Koreas spy agency has said it is watching closely whether she is given any formal title or post. If Ju Ae eventually became leader it would extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. RUSSIA TIES At a key party meeting in December, Kim praised participation by North Korean soldiers in overseas military operations, as state media highlighted a mutual defence pact signed with Russia. Under this pact, in 2024 North Korea sent thousands of troops, artillery ammunition and missiles to support Russia's war in Ukraine, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources. The Congress could further formalise policy priorities around this partnership, including defence industry production targets and the strategic framing of North Korea's external security environment. U.S., SOUTH KOREA AND CHINA North Korea has dismissed outreach from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, while recent missile launches were seen by some analysts as messages aimed at China as well as South Korea and Japan. With U.S. President Donald Trump voicing interest in resuming dialogue with Pyongyang, analysts quoted by Reuters have linked the North's weapons activity to an effort to raise negotiating leverage for any potential contact with Washington. (Reporting by Kyu-seok ShimEditing by Ed Davies and Michael Perry) Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump during a summit in Egypt on Oct. 13, 2025. Credit - Evan VucciGetty Images German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned of a deep rift between Europe and the United States, arguing that the latter will not be powerful enough to go it alone. In his address at the Munich Security Conference Friday, Merz urged Europe and the U.S. to repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together in what he referred to as an era of great power rivalry. Switching to English as he addressed American friends, Merz nodded to Trumps contentious relationship with NATO, insisting that being a part of [the alliance] is not only Europes competitive advantage. Its also the United States competitive advantage. While he acknowledged that the existing global order has long been flawed, Merzwhen discussing the under destruction theme of this years conferenceargued the international order based on rights and rules is currently being destroyed. He also referenced Vice President J.D. Vances speech from last years conference. Vance drew ire from European leaders when he argued that what concerned him most was Europes threat from within... the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental valuesvalues shared with the United States of America. He used free speech as an example of the values in retreat. The culture war of the MAGA movement is not ours, Merz continued. Freedom of speech ends here with us when that speech goes against human dignity and the constitution. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade. The German leader appeared to make further strides to distinguish Europe from the Trump Administration, adding: We stick to climate agreements and the World Health Organization (WHO) because we are convinced that global challenges can only be solved together. On Jan. 22, the U.S., under Trumps direction, officially pulled out of the WHO. The move has garnered much criticism from global health experts. In response to Merz's remarks, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told TIME: Friends tell friends hard truths, and the President has also been clear to our European friends that they must follow his lead by ending unfettered migration, reversing Green New Scam policies, and moving away from leftist ideology, or risk their own destruction. Advertisement Read More: Trump and Vance May Have Accidentally United Europe As Europe takes part in ongoing negotiations regarding the hope for a cease-fire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Merz said he has also started private talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about nuclear deterrence. Friedrich Merz speaks at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Feb. 13, 2026. Johannes SimonGetty Images Merzs concerns echo those made by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Davos in January. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Carney argued that the old world order was not coming back and encouraged people not to mourn the way things used to be. He accused great powers of using economic pressure to yield results while urging middle powers to push back. Carneys remarks were delivered shortly after Trump threatened to tariff countries who oppose his campaign to annex Greenlanda threat he has since walked back. Trump later lashed out in response to Carneys speech. Read More: Carney Hits Back at Trump as Relations Sour: Canada Doesnt Live Because of the U.S. The U.S. President will not be appearing at the Munich Security Conference. Instead, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent the U.S. on Saturday and deliver a highly-anticipated speech. Rubio also warned of a new era in geopolitics as he boarded his flight to Germany. When asked if his message to Europeans will take a softer approach than Vances address last year, Rubio told reporters: The world is changing very fast right in front of us. We live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to sort of re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be. On Friday afternoon, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that Rubio and Merz had met in Munich, after the German Chancellors speech. They discussed pressing global challenges including securing supply chains, advancing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and strengthening the partnership between the United States and Europe, said a spokesperson. The Secretary expressed appreciation for Germanys strong support for Ukraine, including over $76 billion in assistance since 2022, and discussed continued coordination on reconstruction efforts. Contact us at letters@time.com. A roadside sign reads "Welcome to Illinois, The Land of Lincoln," next to highway signs for Chicago and Indianapolis. Photo: Sarah Roderick-Fitch / The Center Square (The Center Square) A video capturing an armed assault and robbery Thursday afternoon in Chicago has drawn millions of views on social media. CWB Chicago reports that two men approached a man outside Mondelez International Global Headquarters in the citys Fulton Market neighborhood, demanded property and battered him. Police said the victim declined medical attention. GUN AND DRUG PROBE NETS CHARGES A Bloomington man is facing 25 felony drug and gun-related charges after state and local police opened an investigation in McLean County. Advertisement Illinois State Police say officers executed a search warrant at the home of Sherez A. Boykins, 45, on Feb. 6 and found six loaded firearms, ammunition, cocaine, methamphetamine and miscellaneous narcotics. EVANSTON/SKOKIE SCHOOL EMPLOYEE SEX CRIMES Two Evanston/Skokie School District 65 employees have been arrested and charged with sex crimes against children. The Evanston RoundTable reports that Washington Elementary assistant principal Carlos Mendez and his girlfriend, Maribel Flores-Hernandez, a paraprofessional at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center, are being held without bond and are expected to appear in court Feb. 25. Charging documents accuse Mendez, 51, of sexually abusing a family member of Flores-Hernandez, 34, for a two-year period with Flores-Hernandez cooperation. February 13, 2026: Two months ago, China conducted its most elaborate live wargames around Taiwan. This included live firing exercises in international waters near Taiwan. This was a Chinese demonstration of its ability to cut Taiwan off from American, South Korean, and Japanese support. China declared that the recent exercises were meant to discourage outside support. This comes less than two weeks after the United States revealed another arms sale to Taiwan, this one for $11 billion. Taiwan has been relatively quiet about its long range missile programs. Taiwan has missiles that can reach targets deep inside China. Also mentioned was a recent wargame, where Taiwanese used these missiles to defeat a Chinese attempt to invade Taiwan. Two years ago, Taiwan tested a cruise missile version of its Hsiung Feng anti-ship missile. With a range of over 500 kilometers, and a highly accurate guidance system, the missile could do a lot of damage to the many Chinese military targets near the coast. Taiwan held off on mass production of the missile, so as not to alarm China, and to avoid the enormous expense of building up a Hsiung Feng stockpile. The missiles cost over $300,000 each. There are already over 700 Chinese medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles sitting across the 160 kilometer wide Taiwan Straits. The Hsiung Feng is capable of hitting land targets along the Chinese coast, and deep inland, via a GPS guidance system. Taiwan also revealed that it had developed yet another version of its Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missile. This one is launched from trucks or fixed launchers, has a range of at least 600 kilometers and is intended to go after targets on the Chinese mainland. Only if China attempts to invade Taiwan, of course. Three prototypes have been built, and production has apparently already begun. So far 500 of these one ton Hsiung Feng IIE cruise missiles are in service. They use GPS guidance and some stealth features, to make them less liable to getting shot down. Using a more efficient engine, range could be extended to 1,000 kilometers or more. The Hsiung Feng IIE is pretty cheap, about $300,000 each, and carries a 228 kg warhead. The Hsiung Feng IIE project was kept quiet, with few details released officially. Apparently, this was done so as to not alarm the Chinese, at least in public. Taiwan also built their own version of the American AGM-154A JSOW/Joint Stand Off Weapon. The Taiwanese version is called the Wan Chien. JSOW is basically a smart bomb with wings. That enables it to glide up to 70 kilometers from the aircraft dropping it, to a target on the ground. Range is about 25 kilometers if dropped from low altitude. JSOW also contains more elaborate fins and software that enables it to follow a specific route. Like the wingless JDAM smart bomb, JSOW uses GPS and inertial guidance as a backup to find its target. Like JDAM, JSOW hits within ten meters of its aiming point. The U.S. pays about $250,000 for each JSOW. The Taiwanese could use their Wan Chien. JSOW is a form of HARM/Homing Anti-Radar Missile to take out the latest Chinese air defense radars. Taiwan is also building its own version of HARM, called Tien Chien 2A. JDAM technology is a lot simpler than these two other projects, and Taiwan could easily design and build its own. Refusing to sell them just costs the U.S. export sales. On the other hand, it allows the United States to tell China that it didn't sell JDAM to Taiwan, thus defusing tensions over Taiwan. In reality, of course, Taiwan can just go build their own JDAM, which they can do and apparently have, but kept quiet about it. Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday expressed concerns with the Department of Justices tracking of lawmakers' search history of the unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files, though he questioned whether the surveillance was intentional or a mistake -- even though the data was compiled for the attorney generals research binder at Wednesdays House Judiciary hearing. "I dont think its appropriate for anybody to be tracking that. So, I will echo that to anyone in the DOJ. And I am sure it was an oversight, thats my guess, OK? Johnson said. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images - PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks in the Rayburn Reception Room after formally unveiling the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery at the Capitol, Feb. 12, 2026. On Wednesday, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of "spying" on her search history when the congresswoman visited the Department of Justice earlier this week to view unredacted files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Since Monday, lawmakers have been allowed to visit the DOJ to review the unredacted files on four computer kiosks. Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal accuses DOJ of 'spying' on her search history from unredacted Epstein files review Photos from Reuters from a House Judiciary Committee hearing at which Bondi appeared on Wednesday show printouts titled: "Jayapal Pramila Search History" and include a diagram of several documents from the DOJ's Epstein files that Jayapal searched. The Justice Department on Thursday afternoon said that during the review of the unredacted Epstein files, "DOJ logs all searches made on its systems to protect against the release of victim information." The DOJ did not offer any explanation for why Bondi had a printout of Jayapal's search history. Kent Nishimura/Reuters - PHOTO: U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Justice Department, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Johnson, who received Jayapals account of the episode in a phone call with the congresswoman Wednesday evening, added that members should "have the right to view files at "their own speed and with their own discretion." Republican Rep. Nancy Mace also said she believed the DOJ was tracking her as she conducted her review of the unredacted documents. Lawmakers who reviewed unredacted Epstein files blast DOJ over blacked-out names Across the aisle, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was not surprised that the DOJ tracked their search history because the bar is so low. There is no bottom for the Trump administration, for Pam Bondi, for the other sycophants who are part of this corrupt administration, Jeffries said on Thursday. Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz said each lawmaker who reviews the unredacted Epstein files receives a specific login to sign on to a computer to see the documents -- instead of terminals that are open to use, which Moscowitz called "suspicious." "I mean, I'm not embarrassed that the documents I was looking at, so I don't know that it's a big gotcha. But it's inappropriate. We should have been informed of that," Moskowitz said. Advertisement J. Scott Applewhite/AP - PHOTO: Rep. Jared Moskowitz holds up a Trump Bible as he questions Attorney General Pam Bondi in the House Judiciary Committee at the Capitol, Feb. 11, 2026. Jayapal told reporters on Thursday that there "needs to be a whole new process" where lawmakers are assured that the Department of Justice "is not spying on us and keeping our search histories and then using it against us." "Surveilling us and spying on us and then using it in a 'burn book' binder against us, is absolutely unacceptable, and so the process has to change right away," Jayapal told ABC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Jay O'Brien. "They cannot save our search histories. They cannot spy on us, and that's what we're demanding." Alex Wong/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rep. Pramila Jayapal listens during a hearing before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee at the Capitol, Feb. 12, 2026. Jayapal said there "needs to be accountability," adding Democrats are "looking at all the options for that. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the committee leading the Bondi hearing Wednesday, said in a statement that he plans to ask the DOJ's inspector general to launch an inquiry into the matter. Jayapal said she would welcome Republican collaboration in the process. I think that there are several Republicans that don't like this. They were also spied on when they went and so I hope that this can be a bipartisan effort to say this is absolutely inappropriate. It has to stop, she said. Combative Bondi grilled over Epstein files, targeting of Trump's political foes But the chairman who presided over Wednesdays hearing, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan, brushed off concerns that the DOJ monitored lawmakers' search history. I mean come on, its pretty rich. It's pretty rich to hear the complaints after, after what the DOJ has done to Republican members of Congress under Jack Smith, Jordan said, referencing "Arctic Frost," which captured phone logs of several Republicans. Jordan contended that the DOJ had his phone records for two and a half years, as well as former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. They knew who the speaker was calling before votes, who he was calling after votes, when the call happened, how long it lasted, where he was at, Jordan said. And now they are raising this issue? Like, OK. Jayapal urged Republicans to be consistent about this. I've worked with several colleagues across the aisle, including Chairman Jordan, on [Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act] and surveillance. This is a prime example of that, she said. Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Christian Siriano Julia Fox recently delivered a bold lesson in pattern play at New York Fashion Week. She stepped out in a head-turning Christian Siriano look that fused stripes and polka dots into one common statement. The actor and model attended the Christian Siriano Fall/Winter 2026 ready-to-wear showcase during NYFW, embracing the designers flair for drama with a sharply tailored miniskirt ensemble. Julia Foxs black and white Christian Siriano miniskirt look features stripes and polka dots for NYFW For NYFW, Julia Fox wore a black and white striped blazer by Christian Siriano that included exaggerated shoulders and a plunging neckline. While the body of the blazer showed vertical stripes, one sleeve introduced oversized white polka dots. This added a playful contrast to the tailored silhouette. However, the pattern mixing didnt stop there. One half of her coordinating miniskirt also incorporated polka dots, creating a striking asymmetrical effect against the striped base. Reportedly, she layered the set with Emilio Cavallini two toned large polka dot tights that added a second graphic element to the look. The oversized dots contrasted sharply against the pinstripes, creating a clash that felt intentional rather than chaotic. Fox completed the ensemble with a Vaquera black corsage clutch, adding sculptural dimension to the monochrome palette. Advertisement Accessories played a major role in amplifying the theatrical feel. She topped off the outfit with a wide-brimmed, black and white striped hat that echoed the suits pattern. Along with this, she wore black gloves that reinforced the dramatic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Her beauty look leaned equally bold, featuring sharply defined brows, pale eye makeup, and a strong red lip that stood out against the graphic outfit. As it has been, Fox once again proved her ability to transform runway pieces into a full personal style moment. At the Christian Siriano NYFW show, she turned a mix of stripes and polka dots into a masterclass in statement dressing. Originally reported by Viha Shah on theFashionSpot. The post Julia Fox Embraces Theatrics in Christian Siriano Miniskirt Look appeared first on Reality Tea. French gendarmes patrol in front of the Musee du Louvre and the Pyramide du Louvre A water leak at the Louvre has caused damage to 19th Century ceiling painting, in the latest major setback for the Parisian museum. Water damage was discovered in room 707, also known as the "Duchatel" room, late on Thursday night, the museum said. The room houses multiple 15th and 16th Century artworks. The museum said the leak - from a heating pipe - was stopped shortly after midnight and the only painting damaged was Charles Meynier's The Apotheosis of Poussin, Le Sueur and Le Brun. It comes a day after French police reportedly detained nine people - including two museum staff - over a suspected ticket fraud scheme. Museum bosses have come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, after thieves stole priceless French crown jewels from the museum in broad daylight and hundreds of books were damaged in a leak. The Louvre said Thursday night's leak occurred at the entrance to the paintings department in the Denon wing. It said firefighters responded "immediately" and the leak was stopped 40 minutes after it began. A painting restorer inspected Meynier's ceiling painting on Friday morning and found it had "two tears in the same area, caused by the water, and the paint layer on the ceiling and its arches has lifted". The ceiling painting, signed by Meynier in 1822, depicts lauded French painters Nicolas Poussin, Eustache Le Sueur, and Charles Le Brun, who appear in the clouds among angelic figures. Rooms 706, 707 and 708 in the Denon wing on the building's first floor were closed on Friday morning, but are expected to reopen later in the day. Advertisement The chief architect of historic monuments also came to assess the condition of the ceiling, the Louvre said, but found there were no structural problems. A union representative told news agency Reuters that scaffolding had been erected in the affected area. The cost of the damage to the painting and the building remains unclear. This leak is the latest in a long series of problems faced by the museum, which is the most visited in the world, in the recent past. In December, 300-400 pieces, mostly books, were damaged by a leak in the Louvre's Egyptian department. At the time, the museum's deputy administrator, Francis Steinbock, said the problem that caused the leak had been known about for years. The month prior, structural weaknesses prompted the partial closure of one of the galleries hosting Greek vases and offices. This came shortly after a high-profile heist on 19 October in which four burglars made off with historic jewellery worth 88m (76m; $102m), exposing glaring gaps in the musuem's security. The brazen theft involved a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift, which was used to gain access to the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) via a balcony close to the River Seine. Several people have been arrested in relation to the heist, which the French police are still investigating. The majority of the stolen pieces have still not been recovered and the museum has since moved some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France. A report published in October by France's public audit body criticised the museum's excessive spending on artwork, which it said was "to the detriment of the maintenance and renovation of buildings." Salem and Marion County leaders are sounding the alarm after a man with a history of arson, rape, assault, and weapons possession was released from the Oregon State Hospital into the community. In a joint statement, Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson, Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter, and Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack said the release of Grant Brannaman, 42, into a secure residential treatment facility on Feb. 10 after the end of his Psychiatric Security Review Board jurisdiction presented "serious risks to community safety." Brannaman has been in the state hospital following 2021 convictions in Josephine County for second-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, three counts of second-degree criminal mischief, and illegal possession of a restricted weapon by a felon. Salem and Marion County law enforcement leaders sounded the alarm after a man with a history of violence was released from the Oregon State Hospital. Clarkson said in a statement that the broken nature of Oregon's mental health system has never been more evident than in the release of Brannaman, an "obviously dangerous person" not from Salem and with no ties to the community. Given that our concerns have been unheeded at the state level, we must now warn our community," she said. Brannaman pleaded guilty except for insanity and was placed under PSRB supervision for the maximum of five years allowed by law. Officials said he served his period never having been granted any lower level of supervision nor conditional release. His previous convictions from several other counties include third-degree rape, private indecency, third-degree sexual abuse, fourth-degree assault, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a weapon and menacing. Advertisement Officials said Brannaman is sex offender who has expressed the desire to reoffend, and the "PSRB recently found that it was not in the best interest of justice, or the protection of society for him to be released." He had no Marion County convictions. The Marion County District Attorney's Office repeatedly requested the state hospital not release Brannaman back into the community, especially not in Marion County, where he has no local connections. Despite this, he was released into Jory Behavioral Health in Salem. Hunter said he was gravely concerned about the decision to release, which represented a serious failure in the mental health system and an unacceptable risk to public safety. Womack echoed these concerns and said the system could not prevent high-risk people from returning to neighborhoods. "Our responsibility now is to ensure residents are fully informed," Womack said. "We will be proactive in pushing this information out to community leaders, service partners, and the public to safeguard our city. In 2023, Marion County filed a lawsuit against the Oregon State Hospital, accusing the state of failing to fund, build and staff enough beds for individuals who need inpatient behavioral health restoration services and pushing them out into the community. A judge dismissed the case, but it is now under appeal. Whitney Woodworth is the Statesman Journal's watchdog reporter for city hall and covers economic development. Send comments, questions and tips to her at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com or follow at @whitneywoodworth.bsky.social This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Leaders decry release of Oregon State Hospital patient into Salem Rep. Donalds And Speaker Johnson Dedicate Frederick Douglass Press Gallery At The US Capitol (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Thursday defended one of his Democratic colleagues and issued a rare rebuke of the Trump administration after the Department of Justice (DOJ) tracked a lawmakers search history of the unredacted Epstein files. Attorney General Pam Bondi obtained Democratic Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapals search records of the files after the lawmaker reviewed the documents at the DOJ, a move Johnson told reporters Thursday was inappropriate. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also called the DOJs actions disgusting and said he would be discussing it with the speaker later that day. (RELATED: DOJ Allegedly Monitoring Lawmakers Accessing Epstein Records) I think members should obviously have the right to peruse those at their own speed and with their own discretion and I dont think its appropriate for anybody to be tracking that, Johnson said. I will echo that to anybody involved in the DOJ. The DOJs tracking was discovered Wednesday after photographs of Bondis notes from a congressional hearing revealed a list of which Epstein files Jayapal searched. Johnson initially called the tracking claims unsubstantiated, but Jayapal who was, according to CNN, unaware of the tracking until the outlet contacted her for comment on the DOJs actions quickly called Johnson to explain what happened. WASHINGTON, DC FEBRUARY 11: Attorney General Pam Bondis notes reveal Rep. Pramila Jayapals Epstein files search history during a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing at the U.S. Capitol on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kent Nishimura) I think everyone should be concerned about this. Its a violation of our separation of powers, the Washington Democrat told CNN. We should be able to look at any document we want and not feel like its going to be surveilled or used against us in any way. And this was just so obviously egregious. Advertisement A spokesperson for the DOJ told CNN in a statement that the department has extended Congress the opportunity to review unredacted documents in the Epstein files. As a part of that review, DOJ logs all searches made on its systems to protect against the release of victim information, the spokesperson added. Jeffries called Bondi petty and said she embarrassed herself and the entire DOJ during the hearing. He also told reporters Thursday it was Johnsons job to stand up for his members, no matter what side of the aisle they were on. There is no bottom for the Trump administration, for Pam Bondi, for the other sycophants who are part of this corrupt administration, and for Republicans at this point in time, Jeffries said. Its a disgrace. It does violate the principles of separate and coequal branches of government. The DOJ did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundations request for comment. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. A federal judge in Minnesota issued an order Thursday afternoon blasting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for barring immigration detainees from their "constitutional right to access counsel." U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasels blistering 41-page ruling comes in response to a lawsuit brought by The Advocates for Human Rights, a nonprofit that works with immigrants. The group accused ICE of obstructing access to their clients. Brasels order mandates ICE take several steps to ensure immigrants and their lawyers can talk. "ICE has isolated thousands of people most of them detained at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building from their attorneys," Brasel wrote, referring to immigration enforcement agents base of operations south of downtown Minneapolis. Brasel called ICEs arguments that they provided detainees with access to attorneys "threadbare," saying the agency makes assertions "without examples or evidence." Protesters stand outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building near Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, a large immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities area, on Jan. 27, 2026. The judge wrote that the group bringing the lawsuit by contrast provided specific examples where ICE made it excessively difficult for detainees and attorneys to speak. According to court documents, attorneys have been unable to find client detainees using ICEs online database, cannot call their clients and detainees are unable to make confidential phone calls, among other obstructions. Advertisement "The gulf between the parties evidence is simply too wide and too deep for Defendants to overcome," Brasel wrote. Among the judge's provisions, ICE is ordered to allow detainees in Minnesota to make confidential telephone calls to attorneys, keep an accurate public record of where detainees are located and allow detainees to notify attorneys if they are being moved. Brasels order comes as the Department of Homeland Security says it is winding down Operation Metro Surge, the White Houses immigration enforcement crackdown on the Minneapolis area. President Donald Trump has said he is targeting the Democratic-led region for welfare fraud the administration has linked to Somali immigrants. The president has faced intense backlash for the militarized deployment of thousands of immigration agents to the state after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota judge blasts ICE for blocking immigrants from seeing attorneys Multiple U.S. one-dollar bills featuring President George Washington. Photo: Emilee Calametti / The Center Square (The Center Square) Fees for late payments are often grouped with the junk fees that add strain to already precarious consumer financial situations. The fees have become a target for reform for state governments seeking to protect consumers, but for authorities awaiting the remittance of funds from local governments, penalties remain steep. Ohio Auditor Keith Faber announced that the state awaits more than $1.5 million in interest, penalties, and fees for late payments and payroll withholding submissions between 2019 and 2025. More than $311,000 of that sum came from late fees in 2025, largely owed by villages, townships, school districts and libraries. There are too many public offices in Ohio paying their bills late, and thats unacceptable, Faber said. Its not a proper use of public resources, and those who are negligent will have to pay these late fees out of their own pockets. The number of municipalities incurring late fees rose from 27 to 46 in 2025. Entities like school districts and libraries felt the squeeze from state and federal funding cuts and shifts over the past year. Sixteen entities carried outstanding balances from previous years findings. Advertisement A fine against Paint Creek Joint Emergency Medical Services/Fire District Fiscal Officer James Barrett amounted to more than $303,000 after he repeatedly failed to pay tax and pension system remittances on time. Paint Creek serves 360 square miles including 10 townships and the city of Hillsboro. Its staff includes a mix of part-time, full-time and volunteer workers. The treasurer of Wayne Local Schools in Warren County is being held responsible for more than $44,000 in fees and penalties for late payments to both government agencies and vendors utilized by the school system. The findings came after a three-year investigation that led to the dismissal of Treasurer Ronald L. James. The auditors findings provided the opportunity to strengthen our financial operations, said Darren Amburgy, board president of Wayne Local Schools last December. Our focus remains on maintaining the trust of our community and ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is managed responsibly. Three other findings topped the $20,000 mark, a stark warning to individual financial officers about their responsibilities. Though substantial, the fees represent a fraction of the 880 findings for recovery issued by the auditor over the same time period. The office also recovers funds from losses due to fraud and misappropriation, loss, and incorrect payments. National Guard soldiers have fully withdrawn from Los Angeles; Chicago; and Portland, Oregon, military officials said, ending federalized troop operations in half of the cities where the Trump administration launched them last year. The troops completed their withdrawal as of Jan. 21, according to U.S. Northern Command, which noted the demobilizations on its website. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the troops' departure, which was first reported by The Washington Post. President Donald Trump announced in December that the soldiers would be leaving after the Supreme Court blocked his administration from sending troops to Chicago, ruling its justification insufficient. Trump has credited National Guard members with reducing crime rates, though crime was already trending down in cities where soldiers were deployed. "We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact, Trump said in a social media post in December, adding: "We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again." 1 / 0 The scene in Washington, DC, as National Guard troops deploy on the streets A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. The drawdown ends the controversial missions launched over the objections of state and local officials who responded with a series of legal challenges, several of which led to rulings that found the deployments unlawful. But while hundreds of National Guard soldiers have departed from three U.S. cities, thousands remain in Washington, New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, under the command of Republican governors or Trump himself. Here's what to know about the withdrawals and the ongoing deployments. National Guard troops federalized amid immigration push Guard troops were first sent to Los Angeles in June following protests over aggressive immigration raids, marking the first time since the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s that a states National Guard was federalized without a formal request from the governor. Over the next six months, the administration launched similar deployments across the country. While the Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland deployments stemmed from protests, the missions in Washington, Memphis and New Orleans were tied to broader crimereduction efforts, though immigration advocates and attorneys in those cities also reported increased immigration raids. More: What Trump's federal crackdown looks like in 5 US cities In Washington, troops were routinely seen picking up trash, laying mulch in tourist areas and patrolling train platforms. In November, a gunman shot two National Guard troops near the White House, killing Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injuring Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. Troops in Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland were federalized under Title 10 status, limiting them from engaging in law enforcement actions such as arrests or searches. Soldiers in Memphis and New Orleans, who remain under state control, have broader authority to detain people. Advertisement Lawsuits hamper National Guard deployments 1 / 0 National Guard troops join Memphis Safe Task Force, begin patrols in city National Guard troops walk along the sidewalk next to the Mississippi River as the Hernando de Soto Bridge is seen behind them in Downtown Memphis on October 10, 2025. Every deployment except the one in New Orleans has faced significant legal challenges, with multiple judges ruling the mobilizations unlawful. On appeal, the Trump administration has received both temporary victories and losses. In December, a federal appeals court allowed National Guard troops to remain in Washington, reversing a lower court ruling that had deemed it unlawful. The same month, the Supreme Court ruled against the administration's use of the National Guard, blocking it from sending troops to Chicago. "At this preliminary stage, the Government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois," the majority wrote in its brief opinion. The administration has appealed rulings by federal judges in Chicago and Oregon that deemed the deployments unconstitutional. Those appeals are pending. How long will the remaining deployments last? 1 / 0 National Guard members arrive in Illinois despite governor, Chicago mayor objections Texas National Guard troops walk through the Joliet Army Reserve Training Center, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Elwood, Illinois, Oct. 7, 2025. Two hundred Texas National Guard troops have arrived in Illinois, a Pentagon official said Tuesday, ahead of a planned deployment in Chicago that is strongly opposed by local Democratic officials. The troops were sent as part of a mission to protect "federal functions, personnel, and property," the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the Guardsmen have been mobilized for "an initial period of 60 days." The planned deployment of troops from Texas has infuriated Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, who said they "should stay the hell out of Illinois." The roughly 350 soldiers deployed to New Orleans are expected to leave at the end of February, according to Louisiana state officials. Nearly 3,000 troops in Washington are expected to remain there through the end of the year. No withdrawal date has been set for the 1,500 Guard members in Memphis. The Tennessee Court of Appeals is expected hear arguments in March on whether to sustain a lower courts order blocking the use of National Guard troops there. National Guard deployments cost almost $500 million last year Trump's deployments of the military to American cities cost taxpayers nearly $500 million in 2025 and would cost more than $1.1 billion if continued for another year, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office. The estimate found that Trump's deployments of soldiers to five U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, cost around $496 million. According to internal military budget information obtained by USA TODAY in September, the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington costs more than $1.8 million per day. The CBO analysis found that another year of the Washington deployment will cost roughly $55 million per month, or $660 million for the whole year. Christopher Cann is a national breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact him via email at ccann@usatoday.com. Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY; Brooke Muckerman, Memphis Commercial Appeal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's National Guard deployment isn't over in these 3 cities North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over the 13th plenary meeting of the eighth central committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in Pyongyang, North Korea, December 10, 2025, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, December 11, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS By Heejin Kim and Kyu-seok Shim SEOUL, Feb 13 (Reuters) - North Korea will convene the Ninth Party Congress this month, a major political undertaking aimed at showcasing leader Kim Jong Un's absolute grip on power and his image as a benevolent leader at home and as head of a world-class military.In the run-up to the once-every-five-year gathering, Kim has toured military and economic facilities across the isolated state, from a cruise missile launch site to a large-scale greenhouse farm, to highlight his accomplishments. The Congress is expected to open on an undisclosed date in late February. It will deliver a verdict on the current five-year development push and outline future priorities. At the 2021 Congress, Kim said the prior economic plan had failed in "almost every sector" and called for greater investment in heavy industries, while strengthening agriculture and light industry to increase consumer goods supply. "This quinquennial multi-day event will offer insights into Kim Jong Uns domestic and foreign policy calculus over the next five years at a critical time domestically and externally," Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior fellow for the Stimson Centers Korea Program and 38 North, said in a note. SUCCESSION AND 'PRESIDENT' TITLE South Korean lawmakers said this week that Kim appears to be taking steps to firm up his daughter's position as successor, citing a National Intelligence Service briefing. The agency believes Kim's teenage daughter, thought to be named Kim Ju Ae, is already providing input on policy matters, suggesting she may be being groomed as a future leader. The NIS will closely watch whether Ju Ae attends the congress and how she is presented, including whether she receives an official title. Analysts have also raised the possibility that the Congress could revive the title of "president" for Kim - a designation historically associated with state founder Kim Il Sung, Kim's grandfather. If Kim Ju Ae eventually became leader it would extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. MILITARY PARADE North Korea is expected to stage a major military parade to mark the Congress and highlight expanding nuclear and conventional weapons capabilities. Analysts say Kim will be determined to show he is not at risk of sharing the fate of Venezuela's deposed leader after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered special forces to seize Nicolas Maduro in a raid last month. "The U.S. strike on Venezuela, a non-nuclear power, would have accelerated North Korea's obsession with nuclear weapons to protect the country from such military operations," Kim Yeoul-soo at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs said. Advertisement The Congress offers Kim an opportunity to underline why nuclear weapons are needed as a powerful deterrent, said Kim at the think-tank affiliated with South Korea's Defence Ministry. Tae Yong-ho, one of the highest ranking former North Korean officials to defect to the South, said Pyongyang considers "what happened to Iraq and Libya, and especially the war in Ukraine, was all because they did not have the deterrence to protect themselves". NUCLEAR SUBMARINES A 'BIG DEAL' Despite advances in nuclear-capable missiles, hypersonic missiles and powerful artillery that has supported Russia's war against Ukraine, Kim wants more, said Tae, who served as Pyongyang's envoy to London. Securing submarines both powered and armed with nuclear technology is at the top of Kim's wish list and completing one in the next five years would be "a big deal," he said. Kim is expected to promote achievements of the past five years and unveil new strategic weapons. Pyongyang may test-fire a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile such as the Hwasong-20, Yang Uk of the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies said in a report. North Korea is also likely to emphasise its stronger ties to Russia, portraying it as a blood-tied alliance, to rally anti-U.S. rhetoric, said Taehwa Hong, a fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. MESSAGING TO SEOUL AND WASHINGTON The Congress may also signal foreign-policy messages directed at Washington and Seoul. Kim has declared South Korea a "hostile" nation and rebuffed outreach from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Trump has made it clear he wants to meet Kim again, to resume summit talks that collapsed in 2019 over sanctions and denuclearisation. Kim has said there was no reason to avoid talks with the United States if Washington drops demands that North Korea gives up nuclear weapons. Experts are divided over whether the U.S. raid on Venezuela now makes diplomacy more or less likely. Tae expects Pyongyang to shun U.S. outreach to avoid looking weak. But Hong Min, at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, believes Kim might seek to "manage" Trump by engaging in some limited contact to prevent the U.S. from becoming excessively hostile. (Reporting by Heejin Kim and Kyu-seok Shim. Additional reporting by Yunji HaEditing by Jack Kim, Ed Davies and Michael Perry) A woman walks on the Barceloneta beach during high winds in Barcelona, Spain, February 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nacho Doce MADRID/LISBON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - A 46-year-old woman died in Barcelona on Friday after she was hit by a piece of warehouse roof blown down by the eighth storm to sweep across the Iberian Peninsula this year, officials said. Heavy rain, thunder, snow and strong gales have repeatedly battered Spain and Portugal, damaging infrastructure and crops and forcing authorities to evacuate thousands of people. "This succession of eight storms ... is truly extraordinary," Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas told national broadcaster TVE. "We need to consider whether this is an extraordinary phenomenon or whether, looking ahead, it could happen more often." About 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres) of berries, citrus fruit, olives and other crops have been damaged, and that figure could increase significantly, Planas said. Spain has recorded 38% more rainfall than average since October, according to state weather service AEMET. In the medieval Portuguese city of Coimbra, officials handed out flyers warning of a major flood and said 9,000 people may have to be evacuated from low-lying areas. Advertisement Water levels at the Aguieira dam and reservoir on the Mondego River near the city edged back from 99% overnight, but further rain expected on Friday afternoon could make it overflow and cause severe flooding downriver, the city council said. Schools and the University of Coimbra were closed, and businesses were asked to tell staff to work from home where possible. AEMET forecast widespread rainfall across the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, and snow at low altitudes in the north of Spain for Friday. Schools were also closed in 22 towns in Spain's southern region of Andalusia where 3,100 people have been evacuated. In the village of Grazalema, where 1,500 residents were evacuated earlier this month as aquifers filled and raised the risk of landslides, forecasts warned of up to 180 mm of rain in the next 24 hours. The woman in Barcelona was hit by the falling roof on Thursday and died from her injuries in hospital early on Friday morning, Catalonia's health ministry said. (Reporting by Emma Pinedo, Paolo Laudani and Sergio Goncalves; editing by Charlie Devereux and Andrew Heavens) Promotion at Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service Following a promotional board convened at the Department for Personnel and Development of His Majestys Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr Shane Brown to the rank of Sub Officer within the Fire Safety Department. Mr Brown joined the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service in January 2008, completing his Firefighter Foundation Course at the Fire Service College, where he was awarded the Silver Axe for Best Overall Recruit. Upon his return to Gibraltar, he was posted to Blue Watch. He subsequently completed all statutory examinations up to the rank of Station Officer and was promoted to Leading Firefighter in 2016, after which he was transferred to White Watch. In 2019, Mr Brown took up his post within the Fire Safety Department. During his progression as a Fire Safety Officer, Mr Brown attended the Fire Service College, completing the Fire Investigation Course and obtaining the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors). He further expanded his knowledge by attending a Residential and Commercial Sprinkler Course at XACT Consultancy and Training Ltd in 2023. In 2024, he successfully completed the Level 4 Fire Safety qualification in Building Regulations and Technical Guidance. As a Leading Firefighter, Mr Brown formed part of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), ensuring that all Fire Safety requirements were met during large-scale public events. He has also played an active role in the procurement and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment and clothing for all GFRS personnel. Additionally, he has delivered several Basic Fire Safety courses to members of the local community. In his new role as Sub Officer within the Fire Safety Department, Mr Brown will be responsible for the inspection of premises undergoing building application processes, the assessment and approval of petroleum licences, oversight of upper primary schools and sleeping risks, and the provision of Fire Safety measures for new small building projects submitted through the planning and building control process. These responsibilities reflect the GFRSs core ethos of Prevention, Protection and Response. On behalf of the Senior Management Team of the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service, we extend our sincere congratulations to Sub Officer Brown on his successful appointment. We wish him continued success as he undertakes the new challenges and responsibilities associated with his role. Chief Fire Officer Colin Ramirez said: Sub Officer Brown is making a significant step and huge responsibility as one of the leading figures within the GFRS Fire Safety Team. He has worked extremely hard for this opportunity to progress in his career and will no doubt continue to apply himself and show the same commitment when facing the challenges that a dynamic and modern Gibraltar poses, in relation to prevention, protection, and response elements. He should be incredibly proud of himself, and I want to take this opportunity to personally, and on behalf of the Senior Management Team, congratulate him on his promotion and wish him every success going forward. The Minister for the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service, the Hon Leslie Bruzon, added: I would like to congratulate Sub Officer Brown on his well-deserved promotion. His career reflects a strong commitment to professionalism, continuous development and public service, and I am confident he will continue to make a valuable contribution to the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service in his new role. Corrections and clarifications: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information about which students were affected by the measles outbreak at Ave Maria University. At least seven more students at a Florida university are battling measles, health officials confirmed this week, as outbreaks of the virus continue to grow nationwide. The students at Ave Maria University recently contracted the highly contagious virus, the school said in a statement this week, bringing to the total number of cases there to at least 57. In a Feb. 11 online campus health update, the university wrote that since the start of the semester, 50 students "have progressed beyond the contagious period and now have natural immunity." Measles causes a reddish, blotchy rash that usually appears on the body three to five days after initial symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control. An infected person can spread the virus four days before a rash appears through four days after it appears. "All nurse-assessed students on campus within the four-day contagious period following the onset of a rash are in quarantine," the university said in a statement. The school will continue to provide support through ongoing monitoring and quarantine protocols, free vaccinations, and "transparent communication," the statement said. The university is in Collier County, about a 35-minute drive northeast from Naples. According to the state Department of Health, 46 confirmed measles cases had been reported across Collier County from Jan. 1 through Feb. 7, 2026. State officials are urging people to check their vaccination status as measles cases rise across the nation with outbreaks reported in states including California and South Carolina. What has RFK Jr. done? 7 major moments from his first year as health secretary. What is measles and how do you get it? Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus that primarily, and most severely, affects children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it infects the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body. According to CDC data, one in five unvaccinated people who contract the virus end up hospitalized. Advertisement Measles is spread through contact with infected nasal or throat secretion. Outbreak comes amid changes in federal vaccine guidance The outbreak at the university comes just over a month after federal health officials overhauled their long-time guidance on childhood immunization and revised recommendations for routine vaccination against six infectious diseases, including the flu. In August 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it would wind down mRNA vaccine development activities under its biomedical research unit, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. The unit helped companies develop medical supplies to address public health threats and had provided billions of dollars to develop vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Major medical organizations and health experts have criticized the changes to guidelines under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic who has been making sweeping changes to not only vaccines but food and medicine policies. Flu vaccine: Moderna says FDA refuses to review its application Can you get measles if you have been vaccinated? Yes, you can contract the virus if you have been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), according to the CDC, but it is rare. About three in 100 people who have gotten the two-dose vaccination may contract the virus when exposed, the CDC says. Their symptoms are milder than those who contract it without being vaccinated, and they are less likely to spread measles. Per CDC data, one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, 78% effective against mumps, and 97% effective against rubella. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% effective against mumps. This story has been updated with new information. Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Thao Nguyen Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Measles outbreak hits Florida's Ave Maria University Pamela Anderson at the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11. Getty Images The Gist Pamela Anderson attended Tory Burch's latest New York Fashion Week show on February 11. She rocked a shaggy new hairstyle weeks after sporting a sleek chignon at the Golden Globes. Anderson also wore Tory Burch at the Met Gala in 2025. Pamela Anderson has experimented with her hair a lot latelybut the Baywatch alum's new look is one of her most surprising to date. On Thursday, the actress sat front row at New York Fashion Week in a set of tight shaggy curlscomplete with sculptural fringe that grazed her brow bone. Anderson's mullet-like hairdo is a marked departure from her Marilyn Monroe-inspired blowout, which she sported at the WWD Style Awards in January. Then, at the Golden Globes, she straightened her strands to style them in a sleek chignon. Earlier that same month, the former Playboy playmate tried out a splash of color, adding pink streaks to her platinum hair. Pamela Anderson on February 11, 2026. Getty Images Last fall, Anderson stepped out in New York City for an event celebrating her skincare line, Sonsie, where she showed off her strawberry blonde tresses after going full ginger just weeks prior. Anderson paired her tousled curls with a flowy floral dress featuring eyelet trim. She added on white opaque tights and some brown heels. Within months of debuting a bob at the 2025 Met Galawhere she also wore Tory BurchAnderson chopped her chin-length strands even shorter just in time for Paris Fashion Week. Advertisement Her stylist, Bailey Moon, uploaded a photo of the actress to his Instagram Stories in late September, revealing Anderson's freshly dyed red hair. Modeling a sleeveless ivory satin dress by One Of, she rocked a chin-length look with wispy bangs. Pamela Anderson on January 9, 2026. Getty A source told InStyle that the hairdo was for Anderson's upcoming role in Michael Ceras directorial debut, Love is Not the Answer, in which she'll star alongside Steve Coogan. Perfected by hairstylist, John Nollet, the style was inspired by French icons such as Isabelle Huppert, Bibi Anderson, Liv Ullman, and Monica Bellucci. Pamela Anderson in 2025. Getty Speaking to Who What Wear in May, Anderson explained how shorter hair made her feel like "a feminine warrior." "For the Met, I wanted something strong, brave, and committedaligned with the night's theme of tailoring from head to toe," Anderson said. Read the original article on InStyle Gabriella Cartagena City of Marinette Police Department/Facebook NEED TO KNOW A Wisconsin woman, Gabriella Cartagena, was found dead in a wooded area on Feb. 10 Police initially said Cartagena had been "located" before subsequently saying she was dead Cartagena's family reportedly revealed that they last heard her on a phone call pleading "Please dont shoot me," A Wisconsin woman who was reported missing after being heard pleading "don't shoot me" while on a phone call was found dead. After initially saying that Gabriella Cartagena, 24, had been located, the Marinette Police Department subsequently said days later at a press conference that she was found dead in a wooded area on Tuesday, Feb. 10, six days after being reported missing, according to WLUK. Before her body was found, Cartagena had been considered an "involuntary missing" person, police said. WBAY reported that Cartagena's family had said they last heard from her during a phone call, in which she sounded distressed. Please dont shoot me," she reportedly begged during the call. "Im sorry." At the press conference reported by WLUK, police said Cartagena's boyfriend, Robert Chilcote, with whom she was last seen, had been taken into custody in Minnesota and weapons were found in his car. Advertisement The outlet reported that police said Chilcote is considered a person of interest in her disappearance. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Chilcote is currently in custody in Wright County, Minn., as a fugitive from another state, as well as on a charge of fleeing a police officer, according to Minnesota jail records. He is not currently charged in connection with Cartagena's death or disappearance. Per WBAY, Chilcote is being held in Minnesota on $100,000 bond. In a GoFundMe started by Cartagena's brother, he revealed that his sister was the mother of a 3-year-old daughter. Read the original article on People A cat with a figure of Lady Justice and books. Justice for animals. Cut out with white background. Astrid Gast/Shutterstock.com Quick Take Stories of parrots repeating phrases like Dont shoot! after a killing have fueled public fascination, but courts have consistently refused to treat animal sounds as testimony, keeping such moments in the realm of legend and media spectacle rather than evidence. Parrots can accurately mimic human speech due to their vocal anatomy, but imitation does not equal understanding; repeated phrases reflect sound patterns, not intent, memory, or truth in a legal sense. While animals cannot testify, dogs and other animals play important investigative roles through tracking, detection, and comfort, with courts allowing their involvement only when humans can explain and scrutinize the animals training and behavior. Animals contribute most powerfully as physical and scientific evidencethrough injuries, hair, blood, and DNA, including wildlife trafficking casesserving as silent sources of testable data rather than voices in the courtroom. Imagine walking into a courtroom and seeing a cage near the witness stand. Inside sits a bright, alert parrot whose owner was recently murdered. The bird suddenly squawks, Dont shoot, Arthur! The room erupts into commotion, the judge bangs her gavel for order, handlers cover the bird and hustle it out a side door while two different lawyers simultaneously yell Objection! and I rest my case! Its a fictional scenariobut one based on a real case. When an animal is the only witness to a murder, can it truly serve as a witness in court, or are humans simply projecting meaning onto instinctive behaviors and imitations that may not be reliable sources of truth? Parrots as Stool Pigeons During the early 1920s, newspapers thrived on unusual criminal trials. One of the strangest involved a parrot said to repeat its owners last words after a killing, allegedly squawking phrases like, Dont shoot, Arthur! following its owners death. Headlines portrayed the parrot as a kind of informant, and the public quickly embraced the idea of a bird acting like a witness. Nearly a century later, a similar case surfaced in Michigan. In 2015, Marty Duram was shot and killed in his home. Afterward, his African grey parrot, Bud, began mimicking what sounded like a heated argument between a man and a woman, ending with a sharp Dont shoot! Family members believed the parrot echoed the final moments of the crime and urged investigators to pay attention. Bud, an African grey parrot, seemed to have memorized phrases from an argument overheard just before its owner was murdered. iStock.com/n1kcy (iStock.com/n1kcy) In both cases, the courts did not allow these birds testimonies to be admitted as evidence. The jury heard only human testimony and physical evidence. The parrots sounds remained part of media coverage and public fascination, but not the legal record. How Parrots Copy Sounds Without Understanding To understand why such stories persist, it helps to know how parrots produce speech. Parrots, especially African greys, excel at mimicking sounds thanks to an organ called the syrinx, located where the windpipe splits into the lungs. This structure, combined with precise control of tongue and throat muscles, allows them to create a wide range of tones and complex vocalizations. They can imitate human speech, doorbells, electronic beeps, and mechanical noises with striking accuracy. Some parrots can associate certain sounds with actions or rewards, and a small number have learned to label objects or colors in controlled studies. However, this ability does not mean they understand abstract concepts like intent, guilt, or truth-telling. When a parrot repeats a phrase like Dont shoot, it may simply echo a tense moment it heard before, reproducing sound patterns rather than recalling events with purpose. Why the Law Rejects Animal Witnesses Legal systems expect witnesses to meet strict standards. A witness must observe events, remember them, and explain them clearly under oath, then submit to cross-examination so lawyers can test accuracy and credibility. Animals cannot meet these requirements. An animal cannot swear to tell the truth, describe what it perceived, or clarify details such as timing and identity. If the bird repeats words, lawyers cannot ask follow-up questions to explore the context or meaning. Courts also treat repeated phrases as hearsay because the original human speaker cannot be questioned and the animal cannot confirm what the words refer to. As a result, judges exclude animal statements from evidence, even when the sounds resemble human speech. Advertisement How Dogs Contribute in Court Although animals cannot testify, dogs play important roles in criminal investigations. Tracking dogs follow scent trails from crime scenes, while detection dogs locate drugs, explosives, or traces of blood. When these findings reach court, handlers explain the dogs training, reliability, and reactions. The dog itself does not appear in court. Human witnesses describe what the animal did and how it was trained to respond. Dogs assist police by following scent trails and detecting clues, even though they cannot testify. 805promo/iStock via Getty Images (805promo/iStock via Getty Images) Some courts also allow trained facility dogs to sit beside vulnerable witnesses, often children, while they testify. These dogs help reduce anxiety and make it easier for frightened witnesses to speak in a formal courtroom setting. Defense attorneys sometimes argue that a dogs presence may influence jurors emotionally, suggesting the witness deserves extra sympathy or credibility. The Legal Limits of Scent Lineups In some investigations, trained scent dogs have been used to link suspects to crime-scene items by matching human scent, including through scent lineups once employed in Texas. In these lineups, dogs compared an unknown scent to samples from multiple people, and their indications could contribute to arrests or prosecutions. Over time, courts grew skeptical of relying on these methods. This shift was underscored by the cases of Richard Lynn Winfrey Sr. and his daughter Megan, whose 2007 Texas murder convictions rested heavily on scent-lineup evidence from bloodhounds that examined clothing years after the crime. In 2010, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals acquitted Winfrey Sr., ruling that dog-scent evidence alone could not sustain a guilty verdict. In 2013, the same court overturned Megan Winfreys conviction on similar grounds, emphasizing that such evidence may serve only as limited support rather than proof of guilt. Animals as Physical and Scientific Evidence While animal voices lack legal standing, animal bodies and biological traces often provide strong evidence. Injuries to pets can support cases involving domestic violence or neglect, especially when patterns of harm toward animals mirror abuse within a household. Veterinarians examine wounds, estimate timing, and explain likely causes, playing roles similar to forensic doctors. Animals also contribute trace evidence in broader criminal investigations. Pet hair on clothing can link a suspect to a home or vehicle. Blood or saliva can confirm which animal was present during an incident, and attackers sometimes leave their own DNA on collars, leashes, or fur during a struggle. In these cases, animals function as sources of physical data, while human experts interpret that data for the court. Animal hair on clothing can provide DNA evidence linking a criminal to a crime scene. Maliflower73/Shutterstock.com (Maliflower73/Shutterstock.com) A third area where animal evidence plays a role is wildlife trafficking cases, where DNA analysis has become a powerful investigative tool. Scientists can analyze genetic material from seized ivory, skins, or meat to determine the species, geographic origin, and even family relationships of animals involved in illegal trade. By comparing DNA across multiple seizures, investigators can link shipments taken years apart to the same poaching networks, showing patterns that point to organized trafficking rather than isolated incidents. Why Courts Keep Animals Off the Stand Courts have consistently resisted treating animals as witnesses because doing so undermines basic legal standards. Animals cannot explain what they perceive, clarify intent, or submit to questioning, making concepts like responsibility and truth impossible to test. While earlier legal systems occasionally placed animals on trial, modern courts have abandoned that approach as evidentiary rules have become more rigorous. Today, judges draw a clear line between emotional narratives and admissible proof, accepting animal-related evidence such as injuries, DNA, or expert-interpreted behavior, while rejecting the idea of animals as legal speakers. The belief that animals might know what happened persists because people live closely with pets and naturally attribute meaning to their behaviorespecially after a tragedy. Animals observe daily life and react in ways that feel expressive or intentional, inviting interpretation. A legal witness, however, must do more than be present; testimony must be explainable, testable, and open to challenge. For that reason, animals remain contributors to justice through physical and scientific evidence rather than spoken accounts, serving as silent participants rather than voices in the courtroom. The post Polly Wants a Conviction: Can Animals Testify in Court? appeared first on A-Z Animals. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) A potential junk food ban could be coming soon for 3SquaresVT recipients, and its cooking up a lot of debate in Montpelier. The idea would restrict people from using their benefits to buy certain food and drink items that are deemed unhealthy, such as chips, candy, or soda. This comes on the heels of Vermont getting promised almost $200 million from the federal governments Rural Health Transformation Program to improve rural health in the state. But one of the governments asks in return was for Vermont to look into how they can make SNAP options healthier for the roughly 65,000 Vermonters who use it, ensuring the federal programs dollars only goes towards foods and drinks that align with the Trump Administrations Make America Healthy Again agenda. Miranda Gray, Deputy Commissioner of the Vermont Department for Children and Families, said the state is looking into ways they can comply, since the federal administration has threatened to take back some of the rural health funding if states dont attempt to implement the junk food restriction. This was one of the areas that we had talked about, you know, after reviewing that application, and upon receiving those funds (we) have said really, Okay, we need to move this forward and really look and see what could make sense here in Vermont,' Gray said. But that consideration quickly led to strong critiques from hunger relief advocates in the state, including Carrie Stahler with the Vermont Foodbank. Stahler argues a few points, saying theres no research proving the restriction would improve health outcomes, and healthier food options are more expensive, making them difficult for low-income individuals to purchase. Thats why Stahler thinks the real solution is giving more support to incentive programs such as Crop Cash, which matches peoples 3SquaresVT benefits dollar-for-dollar to help them buy local produce. Advertisement Almost every year, NOFA-Vermont, who runs that program, runs out of money for that program because so many people want to access it, Stahler said. Telling people that they cant buy a candy bar is not a way to make eggs more affordable. We dont need restrictions like this that show people that the government doesnt trust them with the best choices for themselves. Stahler shared some other perspectives too, saying this would create a situation where SNAP benefits in the Northeast are very different state to state, and that this would go against Vermonts values when it comes to personal choice. While those arguments do exist, some think an unhealthy food ban wouldnt be much of a sacrifice to make, including Governor Phil Scott. I dont think its asking too much to not allow certain foods and drinks to be part of 3Squares, Scott said. So far, 18 other states, both liberal and conservative, have adopted or have started looking into similar bans in the past year. The debate is sure to continue in Vermont next month, when the Department for Children and Families plans to open a month-long public comment window to hear from 3SquaresVT beneficiaries and stakeholders on what they should do. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. The crime scene Ocala PD NEED TO KNOW Ralph Bacon, 38, killed his wife Nancy and her 4-year-old daughter before taking his own life on Feb. 10 Ralph and Nancy had been estranged but the married couple reunited over the holidays Police said that Ralph found out he was not the father of Nancy's daughter, which became an an issue in their relationship A man and his estranged wife decided to give their relationship another try over the holidays however, the rekindled romance was short-lived and now three people are dead, according to authorities. The Ocala Police Department (OPD) said Ralph Bacon, 38, killed his wife Nancy and her 4-year-old daughter Eden before taking his own life on Feb. 10. As for a possible motive for the murder-suicide, Police Chief Mike Balken said at a press conference there had been tensions between the couple after Ralph learned he was not the biological father of his wife's daughter. Balken said a call came in just after 9:15 p.m. on Feb 10, reporting that gunshots had been heard near Nancy's apartment. Officers arrived on the scene to discover both Nancy and her 4-year-old daughter Eden deceased, he said. Residents who lived in the apartment complex told responding officers that Ralph fled the area soon after the gunshots were heard, according to Balken. Because of that eyewitness account, Balken said police were able to start tracking Ralph's car using license plate readers, and soon realized he was heading towards Georgia. He was intercepted shortly after crossing state lines, but according to Balken, as cops closed in, Ralph pulled out a gun and took his own life. Advertisement Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. During the press conference, Balken said that Nancy and Ralph had a complicated relationship but had reunited over the holidays after previously being estranged. Police have not confirmed a motive as of Feb. 12, but Balken said: "We know that the 4-year-old was not the shooters biological daughter. And weve heard through witnesses that was a key issue within the relationship." The investigation remains ongoing, and Balken said detectives are still actively working both the crime scene in Florida and the one in Georgia to better understand the circumstances that led to this fatal incident. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People The former officer, who has been sacked from the PSNI, was sentenced on Friday A former police officer has been given an eight-month suspended jail sentence for abusing his former partner. Kyle Millar, 28, whose address was given as c/o Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) headquarters, Knock, Belfast, last month admitted one charge of domestic abuse between February 2022 and March 2023. Millar, who had been suspended on full pay before being sacked last month, was in a relationship with his victim for one year and seven months when the abuse took place. Sentencing at Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Friday, District Judge Oonagh Mullan said his offending had had a huge impact on the woman. District Judge Oonagh Mullan said Kyle Millar's former partner was subjected to treatment she should not have been subjected to Gambling addiction At a previous hearing in January, the court was told Millar had subjected the woman to "mental torture" by calling her names and mocking her appearance. Millar was said to have had a gambling addiction and the victim had given him between 5,000 and 6,000. Millar constantly verbally abused his victim, the court was told, regularly insulted her and threatened to disclose private photographs of her. On one occasion he pushed her, causing her to fall and hit her head off a bedside locker. Advertisement 'Struggling to move forward' On Friday, Judge Mullan said "this was an extremely unfortunate set of circumstances both for the victim and the defendant to find themselves in such a situation". The judge said the woman was still struggling to move forward and was also still receiving treatment because of the mental health difficulties resulting from his offending. She told Millar: "It was a very unfortunate incident which has impacted on both of you. The injured party was subjected to treatment by you which she should not have been subjected to. "Because of that you are now in an unfortunate situation in that you are no longer in employment." Millar was given eight months in prison suspended for three years. Speaking after Millar's sentencing, the PSNI said he had been a serving officer at the time of his offending and had been dismissed after a "swift internal investigation" its professional standards department. "Anyone who commits domestic abuse crimes of any nature in our community, no matter who they are or what role they play in society, they will be investigated thoroughly and brought before the courts," Det Ch Insp Claire Gilbert said. "As a police service, we expect the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all of our police officers, both on and off duty, in accordance with the standards contained in the Police Service of Northern Ireland's code of ethics." Gilbert said the PNSI had "demonstrated again today, that there is no room in our police service for people who commit any wrongdoing". More on this story SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico Under a blue midday sky, the soundscape at the border fence included the call of roosters in Mexico, a Union Pacific train in the U.S. and a law enforcement helicopter chopping overhead. Not heard at the time: the buzz of "cartel drones." Trump administration officials and security experts say drones used by Mexican criminal organizations to smuggle drugs or surveil border security forces represent a potential security threat one that provoked a sudden, eight-hour closure of the nearby El Paso International Airport on Feb. 10. An administration official publicly blamed the no-fly order on a "cartel drone incursion," before competing accounts from other officials suggested border agents fired a new laser technology on what turned out to be a party balloon, according to multiple media reports. The FAA abruptly shut down the airport as a precaution. Experts say it's true Mexican cartels are using drones with greater frequency and growing capabilities. The cartels are surveilling U.S. law enforcement at the border and smuggling in payloads of drugs. Inside Mexico, they've begun outfitting drones with explosives to attack rival criminal organizations and security forces. But the last thing Mexican criminal organizations want is to attack Americans or U.S. law enforcement and provoke the wrath of the U.S. government, said Juan Camilo Jaramillo, a Colombia-based investigator for the cartel research group InSight Crime. "That is a line they aren't going to cross," he said. Balloon skirmishes: Chinese spy balloon spotted in American skies, Pentagon says; US weighed shooting it down 'No evidence ... of weaponized drones on the US side' In a 2025 executive order, President Donald Trump recategorized six Mexican cartels as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations," a move that U.S. officials have claimed lends them greater authority to target the organizations with military force. Experts have questioned the legality of that assertion. The Department of Homeland Security has tracked tens of thousands of suspected drone sightings in recent years, but none has yet posed a deadly threat inside U.S. territory, experts say. The Pentagon recently supplied DHS with anti-drone laser technology, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection deployed it in El Paso on Feb. 9, people familiar with the matter told USA TODAY. DHS didnt respond to a request for comment regarding the agencys deployment of the technology or its role in the airport closure. Sunland Park is part of the El Paso metropolitan area, where the U.S.-Mexico border fence cuts through urban sprawl for miles, separating the city and southern New Mexico communities from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. At ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection uses thermal and other technologies to detect people trafficking drugs, including carrying drugs internally. But drones present new challenges. In a Senate hearing in July, Steven Willoughby, director of a DHS program to counter unmanned aircraft, said border agents detected more than 27,000 drones near the border, on the U.S. or Mexican sides, in the last six months of 2024. Many were flying above the legal altitude, and at night when darkness can shroud illegal activity. A view of the U.S.-Mexico border fence in Sunland Park, New Mexico, outside El Paso, Texas on Feb. 11, 2026. As rival cartels use explosive-laden drones to attack each other, he warned lawmakers, "it is only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted in the border region." Jaramillo, the InSight Crime investigator, said most cartel drone capacity is basic and business-related, involving commercially available drones used to surveil smuggling routes and competitors. Advertisement Warring criminal factions are increasingly using drones to carry improvised explosive devices, he said, but their use has been concentrated in lawless regions of Mexico's interior. Forty percent of all IED seizures in Mexico occurred near the border between Michoacan and Jalisco in the country's south, according to data obtained by InSight Crime from Mexico's defense department. That's where the Jalisco Cartel New Generation has battled disparate armed criminal groups for control of smuggling routes. Mexican states such as Guerrero, Zacatecas and Sonora have seen "exponential increases" in the use of drones, as well, InSight Crime reported. Still, "there is no evidence in the public sphere of weaponized cartel drones on the U.S. side of the border," said Austin Doctor, director of strategic initiatives at the University of Nebraska's National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center. "They are primarily targeting either rival cartel forces, local civilian populations to motivate displacement or to attack local security forces," he said. "The question is, are we at a growing risk of that shift?" 'The threat has been neutralized' The morning of the El Paso airport closure, on Feb. 11 at 7:37 a.m. local time, Transportation Department Secretary Sean Duffy posted on social media that the FAA and the Pentagon had "acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion." "The threat has been neutralized," he wrote in a post on X, "and there is no danger to commercial travel." Other administration officials challenged that version of events as the day progressed. Shortly after Duffy's post, a reporter asked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo what her government knew about the so-called incursion. She had no information, she said. "If the FAA or any other part of the U.S. government has any information, they can ask the Mexican government (about it)," she added. "We will maintain what we have always maintained: permanent communication." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo speaks during her daily morning press conference, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, on Feb. 4, 2026. U.S.-Mexico cooperation on security matters has improved dramatically under Sheinbaum Pardo, said Roberta Jacobson, a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and co-founder of consultancy Dinamica Americas. That includes partnering on extraditions, intelligence-sharing and joint surveillance, she said. Over the last year, Sheinbaum Pardo has faced perilous political obstacles in her country's relationship with its powerful northern neighbor. But every time Trump takes to social media, angered by drug trafficking or drone incursions, Sheinbaum Pardo has deftly reminded him of their working partnership, Jacobson said. The two leaders spoke in January. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Mexican counterpart followed up days later, and a "ministerial security" meeting was planned for February. "Maybe ironically, maybe not, it has always seemed to me that the best cooperation occurs behind the scenes without much fanfare," Jacobson said. "It comes from the unglamourous and behind-the-scenes sharing of information that happens behind the scenes." Lauren Villagran covers immigration and the border for USA TODAY and can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. Cybele Mayes-Osterman covers national security. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Border agents downed a balloon near El Paso. Is a 'cartel drone' next? Kate Franke "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Known for overwater bungalows, sparkly white sand beaches, and water so blue you may question whether it's a filter, the Maldives is a country in Asia, comprised of small islands scattered throughout the Indian Ocean. It's widely regarded as one of the most popular bucket list destinations in the world, drawing everyone from honeymooners and go-pro aficianados to the rich and famous. So when the opportunity to visit the Maldives presented itself to me, I jumped at the chance. My trip to the Maldives lasted roughly 10 days, from my first flight to my last. During this time, I stayed at three different hotels, located on three separate islands, where I experienced everything from coral planting and turtle snorkeling to private-island fishing and an overwater massage. It was, as you may expect, the trip of a lifetime. If you're planning a vacation (or daydreaming about visiting), here are the highlights of my trip to the Maldives. Transportation Kate Franke A trip to the Maldives is idyllic, but I won't sugarcoat it; getting there isn't easy. Depending on where you're travelling from, you may have to take anywhere from two to four flights to get to the island where your resort is located. For me, that meant two flights and a boat ride on the way there and three flights and a boat ride on the way home. Keep in mind, I flew from New York, an easy flight hub. Most Maldivian islands have roughly one resort located on them, depending on their size. However, these islands aren't a hop, skip, and a jump away from each other. They're far enough away that visitors need to take a domestic flight or a multi-hour boat ride to get to their atoll of choice, meaning you'll need to budget a lot of time and money for travel. Once on the island, transportation will depend on the atoll's size. The island where the Velassaru Resort was located had everything within walking distance, while Lux South Ari Atoll had its own shuttle service and bikes for guests to use. Resort size and transportation options are something I'd recommend researching before booking your stay. Hotels Kate Franke During my visit, I jumped around to three different resorts, giving me an idea of how they differ and who they'd best suit. The first hotel I stayed at was Velassaru Maldives. This was the closest of the three resorts to Male, the country's capital, making it an ideal spot for guests hoping to get a taste of true Maldivian culture and nightlife. A trip from the island hotel to the city is just a 30-minute boat ride. This is also a great resort option for those looking to minimize travel time, since it's close to the Male International Airport. Advertisement The second hotel I visited was LUX South Ari Atoll, a large resort located on a 2 km long island. Because of its vast size, outfitted kids club, and large variety of activities and restaurants, this is a great option for families or guests planning a stay of seven days or more. LUX South also hosts a resort-wide scavenger hunt every morning, where guests can search for hidden bottles near the lobby, containing coupons for free drinks, ice cream, or pizza. The last hotel I stayed at was the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, a property of Hyatt. It's a small, cozy resort, close to the equator, that's ideal for couples and honeymooners. Thick vegetation and tall, shady trees provide guests with a sense of privacy in their villas. The hotel even boasts its own house reef for guests to snorkel in, seeing everything from vibrant tropical fish to eels, sea cucumbers, and black-tip sharks. Because of the resort's small size, staff members remember guests by name, making for a meaningful stay. Dining Kate Franke Since most hotels in the Maldives have their own private island, eating outside of your resort isn't really an option, unless you're staying close to a city like Male. Because of this, resorts make a concerted effort to provide a variety of dining options. At LUX South Ari Atoll, for instance, the resort has eight different restaurants, ranging from upscale dining to poolside bites and an in-house cafe. Meaning, you can try something new every day, depending on the length of your stay. However, when in the Maldives, I'd encourage you to try the country's local fare, which blends flavors of India and Southeast Asia with the natural bounty that the ocean provides. Dishes frequently include coconut, tuna, rice, and curry. Most resort restaurants label local cuisine either in a section of the menu or on a table at the buffet for those who want to try. If dining is an important part of your trip, I'd make sure to research the meal packages, restaurant options, and cuisines your resort has to offerdouble-checking if drinks are included, if restaurant reservations are necessary, and if any hotel dining options are unavailable for certain meal packages before you book. Experiences Kate Franke While the pristine beaches, vibrant blue water, and tranquil atmosphere are worth the draw, the experiences are what make a trip to the Maldives. Depending on where you stay, guests can swim with turtles, plant coral reefs, picnic on a private island, go dolphin-spotting, and more. And these are just the activities I was able to try firsthand. What you do during your trip will depend on where you stay. Most resorts offer options for snorkeling, diving, boat excursions, and coral planting, but some activities are tied to location, which may impact where you decide to stay. The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, for example, offers a cruise to the equator since it's located just a few hours' boat ride away. Meanwhile, LUX South Ari Atoll offers guests the opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks, as the island is located near an aggregation site. These are the experiences that make the Maldives a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Although the excursions may tack an extra several hundred dollars onto the final bill, I think they are worth saving for, especially if the Maldives is a place you've been dreaming of visiting for years. Final Thoughts Kate Franke If you have the time, opportunity, and means to go to the Maldives, I'd take it. I'll forever look back on my 10 days there with admiration, knowing I saw and experienced so many unique things for the first time. But I won't lie, a trip to the Maldives isn't cheap. It's not a budget-friendly travel destination. If you're set on visiting a beach but flexible about the location, I'd recommend checking out our Good Housekeeping Travel Awards, which have more budget-friendly waterfront destinations. However, if you're willing to save money to get the Maldives experience you've always dreamed of, with a beachfront villa, toes-in-the-sand dinners, and snorkeling with local wildlife, you certainly won't regret it. You Might Also Like DENMARK-NORWAY-FRANCE-US-NATO-ARMY-DEFENCE-EXERCISE (Photo by JONATHAN KLEIN/AFP via Getty Images) In the latest escalation of Americas pressure campaign against Iran, the Pentagon has ordered the deployment of the Navys most powerful aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, from the Caribbean to the Middle East. The move will bring two of the 11 U.S. carrier strike groups into Middle Eastern waters. The Ford, the largest and most advanced carrier in the world, is expected to join USS Abraham Lincoln and a growing number of guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft already in the region. The Ford will boost the U.S. Central Commands strike capabilities, providing greater flexibility for sustained air operations against Iran. In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program and is weighing military options if diplomacy fails. (RELATED: State Department Ran Covert Ops To Smuggle Starlink Internet To Iran Protesters) The worlds largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford seen in the North Sea during NATO Neptune Strike 2025 exercise on September 24, 2025 in the North Sea. (Photo by Jonathan Klein/AFP via Getty Images) The decision marks a pivot back to the Middle East after the Ford spent months in the Caribbean and Mediterranean supporting operations, including oil tanker interdictions and the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Officials said it will take at least a week for the carrier and its escort ships to arrive, according to Reuters. Trump indicated this week that he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Advertisement The deployment comes as indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Oman on Feb. 6 yielded no breakthrough, and Trump warned Tehran on Thursday that failure to negotiate a deal over the next month could invite a military response very traumatic for Iran. Following a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, Trump said in a Truth Social post that negotiations with Iran must continue. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer That did not work well for them, he wrote. The next round of talks between U.S. and Iranian officials has not yet been scheduled. U.S. and Israeli officials are seeking a comprehensive deal that would address Irans nuclear program as well as its ballistic missile capabilities, although Tehran has rejected including missiles in negotiations. The Pentagon declined the Daily Caller News Foundations request for comment, while the White House did not immediately respond. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. by Steve Szilagyi Having invisible friends is not necessarily a bad thing. What matters is how you handle it. You could, like the engineer Emmanuel Swedenborg or the poet William Blake, spin whole theologies out of your visions. Or you could try and ignore your invisible companions, like the philosopher Jean Paul Sartre, and hope theyll go away (they wont. Not for a while at least). Here well see that the best thing to do is to learn to live with the darn things. Thats how Calvin Stowe, the husband of American author Harriet Beecher Stowe, handled his teeming world of invisible companions, setting an example of savoir faire from which we can all take heart. For much of his young life, Calvin Stowe believed that the Bible sanctioned slavery. He was in a good position to know this, being among the most erudite biblical scholars of his day and able to read scripture in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin. He knew every square inch of holy writ the way a bored student knows the top of his desk. And as far as he could see the Bible was okay with human bondage. Then, in 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, a law that required Northern citizens to help capture runaway slaves. Sickened by this mad injustice, Stowe flipped his beliefs, and where he once saw scripture justifying slavery, he now saw its opposite. In a letter to his wife, he wrote: Hattie, if I could use a pen as you can, I would write something that would make this whole nation feel what an accursed thing slavery is. Harriet, then a modestly successful author, responded by writing the powerful anti-slavery novel, Uncle Toms Cabin which whipped up sentiments leading to the American Civil War, played a key role in the abolition of slavery and indirectly led to the deaths of some 600,000 people. A total lack of imagination. The letter quoted above and the change of heart it reflects establish a certain context for understanding Calvin Stowes striking visions. For one thing, it shows that Calvin was a sensible person. Sane and willing to change his mind in the face of contrary evidence. Not a fanatic in any sense of the word. Second, it underscores what he always claimed was his total lack of imagination: If I could use my pen Writing as early as 1832, Stowe claimed to have neither the taste nor talent for fiction or poetry and barely imagination enough to enjoy those things. His own writings, he noted, were dry, plain and matter of fact. Yet despite this As early as I can remember anything, I can remember observing a multitude of animated and active objects, which I could see with perfect distinctness passing through the floors, and the ceilings, and the walls of the house. These appearances occasioned neither surprise nor alarm, except when they assumed some hideous and frightful form for I became acquainted with them as soon as with any of the objects of sense. Calvin Stowe went about his respectable life accompanied by swarms of men, women, imps, fairies and devils visible only to himself. Sometimes he had interactions with them. Other times, they talked and tussled with one another without regard to his presence. In 1832, he wrote an almost naively frank description of his visions up to that point in his life, hoping that it might be of interest to the psychologist or scientific physician. (Calvins account appears in full in Life of Harriet Beecher Stowe, Compiled from her Letters and Journals, by her son, Charles Henry Stowe.) Gambols of phantoms. With his customary precision, Stowe told how he was regularly visited by a very large Indian woman and very small Indian man, with a huge bass viol between them, upon which they occasionally played harsh notes while quarreling with one another. Stowe remembered the details of their clothing, from the womans high, dark grey fur hat lined with red to the mans shabby, black-colored overcoat and tight-fitting hat. The ill-tempered couple emerged from a closet which was a famous place for the gambols of phantoms who swarmed the house and surrounding countryside. Lying in bed, Stowe liked to watch the chorus line of sprites who danced upon the windowsill. His phantoms took on the aspect of their environment, being rude and rough in an unfinished room, or more natural when I saw them in the woods or in the meadows, upon the water or upon the ground, in the air or among the stars. I could see them at any distance and through any intervening object, with as much ease and distinctness as if they were in the room with me, and directly before my eyes. I could see them passing through the floors, and the ceilings, and the halls of the house, from one apartment to another, in all directions, without a door, or a keyhole, or crevice being open to admit them they were as familiar to me as the forms of my parents and my brother. Mischievous and terrible. Among all his visitations, the most welcome was Harvey, a young phantom his own age who appeared from the space between some stair steps. Every night, after I had gone to bed and the candle was removed, a very pleasant-looking human face would peer at me over the top of that board and gradually press forward his head, neck, shoulders, and finally his whole body as far as the waist, through the opening, and then, smiling upon me with great good nature, would withdraw in the same manner He was a great favorite of mine; for though we neither of us spoke, we perfectly understood one another, and were entirely devoted to one another. Not all of Stowes visions were as soothing as Harvey. Some were always mischievous and terrible not human at all, but shapes, moods and presences that vibrated in and out of existence. The largest and most frightening were swirling dark funnel clouds enormous tornadoes of dread from ten to 40 feet in diameter that appeared out of nowhere to terrorize the Lilliputians. Whenever these tremulous, quivering clouds approached Stowes human-styled figures (rational phantoms), they were thrown into great consternation and for good reason. For if one of these funnels so much as touched him or her, the creature would in spite of all the efforts and convulsive struggles of the unhappy victim change color and be sucked up into the cloud. It was indeed a fearful sight to see the contortions, the agonizing efforts, of the poor creatures who had been touched by one of these awful clouds and were dissolving and melting into it by inches without the possibility of escape or resistance. Regions of the damned. Inevitably, given Calvins religious childhood, hell itself made an appearance. Calvin knew something was up. His friend Harvey wasnt his usual cheerful self. There was an expression of pain and terror on his countenance, as if he were warning Calvin to be on his guard. On turning my eyes towards the left-hand wall of the room, I thought I saw at an immense distance below me the regions of the damned as I had heard them pictured in sermons. From this awful world of horror, the tunnel shaped clouds were ascending, and I perceived that they were the principal instruments of torture in those gloomy abodes. Staring down into the infernal regions, the boy noted that its inhabitants were very numerous and exceedingly active. Then, but a little distance from my bed, young Stowe saw four or five sturdy, resolute devils endeavoring to carry off an unprincipled and dissipated man in the neighborhood by the name of Brown. The devils themselves were in all respects stoutly built and well-dressed gentlemen, without hair or flesh, but smooth and glossy, and of a uniform sky-blue color, like the ashes of burnt paper before it falls to pieces. The boys heart goes out to poor Brown, whose struggles end in his being run through a pair of iron rollers which the devils turn by cranks. On a more benign note, Calvin recalls a Narnia-like closet, whose open door revealed a pleasant meadow terminating in a beautiful little grove. Out of this grove and across the meadow a charming little female figure would advance about eight inches high and exquisitely proportioned, dressed in a loose black silk robe, with long, smooth black hair parted up on her head and hanging loose over her shoulders. This female would smile and coquettishly draw her hands down either side of her face. Then she would suddenly turn and go off at a rapid trot pursued by a good-looking mulatto man, rather smaller than herself trotting after her. The mulatto, we are assured, had a mild and agreeable expression. Stowe wrote about his childhood visions in 1832 and never put anything as detailed about his invisible world on paper after that. But he experienced similar phenomena into adulthood and the years of his wifes fame and worldwide travels. Failure to make hay. Despite his penchant for dense scholarship, Calvin seemed to have been good company, full of jokes and a talented mimic. He never felt the need to hide the existence of his private world from his domestic circle. Harriet and their children took it for granted that while they all sat in the parlor, Calvins placid eyes might well be watching shining people capering in the fireplace, or an imp peeking out from behind curtains. They loved him anyway, and his household nickname was Rabbi in tribute to his great beard and obsession with ancient Hebrew poetry. What may strike some as most remarkable about Stowe was that even though he was an ordained minister and renowned theologian, he never tried to make spiritual hay out of his visions. When he spoke or wrote about them, it was with an air of bemused curiosity never implying that they made him special or that he was singled out for special revelation. Some peculiarity in the nervous system. Among Stowes correspondents on the subject was Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot), author of Middlemarch. To her, he wrote, Is it absurd to suppose that some peculiarity in the nervous system, in the connecting link between soul and body, may bring some, more than others, into an almost abnormal contact with the spirit-world and that, too, without correcting their faults, or making them morally better than others? Evans, replying to him in a letter to Harriet, suggested that she was more inclined to believe that Calvins experiences were subjective rather than not. She was telling Calvin, in her kindly way, that it was all in his head. Evans was more circumspect than that summary suggests. She too seemed uncomfortable drawing a sharp line between subjective and objective experience. After all, Stowes phantoms were as vivid and consistent a part of his life as his wife and children. They were something he conjured with like the theological doctrines he spent his life elucidating subjective doctrines that cant be proven, but which shape reality for their followers. (Stowe was a great admirer of Evans novels, even though she was agnostic and he a self-described Calvinist of the Jonathan Edwards school. I think you are a better Christian without church or theology than most people are with both, he wrote her. God bless you!) Whatever the source of his visions, Calvin Stowe born in poverty, learned by uncommon diligence, encourager of his wifes literary ambitions grew old in the bosom of his fond family, able, thanks to the financial security won by his wifes pen, to devote his later years to his magnum opus, Origin and History of the Books of the Bible, Both Canonical and Apocryphal: Designed to Show What the Bible is Not, What It is, and How to Use It. While Origin and History does not question the authority of the Bible, it is generally an effort to demystify its canonical assembly and ground it in human history. Thus Stowe, with an army of sprites, fairies and gnomes looking over his shoulder, joined the movement of late 19th century theologians who sought to strengthen belief in the Bible by stripping it of its fairy tale aura. Sartres crustacean companions. Stowe wrote this book during the American Civil War. Seventy-six years later, French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre wrote his big book, Being and Nothingness, during another raging conflict: World War Two. These works and their authors have some surprising things in common. Both books are deeply informed, densely written, and both engage the most profound questions of meaning and existence. More peculiarly, Sartre also had invisible friends or maybe not so much friends, as sinister hangers on. In a 2019 article in The Paris Review (Sartres Bad Trip), Brian Jay tells how, for a portion of his life, Sartre found himself accompanied by large crabs or lobster-like creatures that he alone could see. These hallucinations are sometimes considered the after-effect of a mescaline trip he undertook under a doctors supervision in 1935. The experience was not a good one for the philosopher, who described the effects as disgusting in his 1940 study lImaginaire. Jay quotes Sartre, recalling the episode in 1971: After I took mescaline, I started seeing crabs around me all the time I mean they followed me into the street, into class. Sartre would interrupt his lectures and bark at the crabs to be quiet like the screwball professor in a comic skit. He went on to have a nervous breakdown and so visited a newly fashionable psychiatrist in his circle none other than Jacques Lacan. His experience with the analyst (whose writings became an intellectual fad in the late 20th century) was brief, and no more enlightening than his drug trip. Out of his head. Some say that Sartres hallucinations were boosted by the amphetamines he took to accelerate the writing of Being and Nothingness the same class of drugs we now know was being fed to German soldiers around the same time to speed the conquest of France. But Sartres hallucinations started long before he took drugs. As Jay notes, Sartre confessed in 1971 that, The crabs really began when my adolescence ended well ahead of his bad trip at age 30. So, we may conclude that Sartres invisible friends like those of Calvin Stowe were not summoned by chemicals but escaped on their own from some tangled place in his intensely verbal brain. Unlike Stowe, Sartre not only admitted to having a vivid imagination, but he also built a whole philosophy around it. In 1960, he said I lived in the imaginary long before I understood it philosophically. Elsewhere, he called imagination the whole of consciousness inasmuch as it realizes its freedom. Whimsical ironies. We might spin this comparison of Stowe, Sartre and their invisible friends out to observe some whimsical ironies. For instance, while Stowe and Sartre were ambitious labored long and hard to produce books that they hoped would have a powerful effect on the world at large, few would argue that humankind is significantly better off thanks to anything they wrote. History moves on and only a handful of books have ever managed to penetrate the consciousness of the great mass of people. Right? But some books have changed the world, good and hard, and coincidentally, two of them were written by the close female companions of our hallucination-ridden subjects. Harriet Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin exposed the horrors of Southern slavery and unquestionably hastened its abolition (So youre the little lady who started the big war Abraham Lincoln supposedly said upon meeting Harriet it didnt happen, but it makes the point). Simone de Beauvoir, the 40-year essential partner of Sartre, was also an important writer and philosopher. Her 1949 two-part book The Second Sex was the emotional and intellectual launch of what is now called second-wave feminism. And like Uncle Toms Cabin, it was a massive worldwide best-seller, whose social effects, down to our own day, are too obvious and pervasive to enumerate. The two women, each in her own way, reorganized how millions of people understood an entire category of human beings. Here is a last sort of funny thing to notice. As has been said, Calvin Stowe was initially of the opinion that slavery was something sanctioned by the Bible. But passage of the Fugitive Slave Act so offended his conscience that he reversed his earlier view and joined his wife in embracing abolition and freedom. Jean-Paul Sartre went in the opposite direction. In his early writings, he opposed authoritarian politics and supported radical human freedom. Over the decades his thinking moved into Marxist channels, and he came, for a period, to support the oppression and virtual slavery of Mao Tse-tungs China at the time of the Cultural Revolution. The deeper we gaze into the closet of time, the more the paradoxes multiply. Our field of vision fills with tiny human figures struggling with God, language, and politics and its all so detailed and vivid it almost seems real. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. President Donald Trump told troops at Fort Bragg that Democrats would change the base's name if they got back into power, and he joked about retiring to the North Carolina base because he likes it so much. The Biden administration had changed the base's name in 2023 to Fort Liberty, to eliminate its link to Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg. But Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth changed the name back in February 2025 in honor of a World War II paratrooper, Pfc. Roland Bragg. When I heard they were taking the name Fort Bragg off, I said no, no, no, Trump said during a visit to the base Feb. 13. They did. They took the name off. We got it back very quickly. If we dont win the midterms, theyll take it off again." 1 / 0 US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Trump said he liked the area so much he might retire there. It's a great area. In fact, I'm thinking about moving here some day," Trump said to cheers. "With our first lady, we'll move to Fort Bragg. Would you like that darling?" he asked his wife Melania. "She loves it. It's a possibility." Trump visited Fort Bragg to congratulate troops who captured and removed Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Trump noted that three helicopter pilots were wounded pretty badly in the legs by machine-gunners on the ground but that snipers took out the gunners and the pilots returned safely. He planned to meet with the "very brave" pilots "very shortly." With your help, America is winning again," Trump said. "America is respected again. And perhaps most importantly we are feared by the enemies all over the globe. After his capture, Maduro was brought to New York to face federal charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty. More: Fort Who? Republicans join House Dems to bar Hegseth's military base name changes President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg Army base on Feb. 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. Fort Bragg is home to the Army's Special Operations Command and Delta Force, the elite special forces unit that reportedly executed the raid. Advertisement "Nobody thought a thing like that could happen," Trump said. Soldiers breaking into Maduro's compound during the raid had cut through steel doors as though they were "papier-mache," Trump said. Seven U.S. soldiers were injured in the operation, and dozens of Cuban security personnel guarding Maduro were killed, according to news reports. They were taken out very quickly," Trump said. Trump: US has 'very good' relationship Venezuela's Rodriguez President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base on Feb. 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. Before leaving the White House to visit Fort Bragg, Trump told reporters he has a very good relationship with Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president of Venezuela who succeeded Maduro as interim president. Trump said the U.S. government would take oil from Venezuela, refine it and sell it abroad. But some U.S. oil companies have expressed reluctance about dealing with Venezuela because of risk of investing in a country with such chaotic politics. We have a very good relationship with the president of Venezuela, Trump said. The relationship we have right now with Venezuela is, I would say, a 10. Rodriguez was part of Maduros government and became interim president after his removal Jan. 3. But the opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, has argued for a transition to her leadership. Trump was asked if he would recognize Rodriguez as the official head of government. Right now we have done that. Were dealing with them. Really, right now, theyve done a great job, Trump said. Delcy has done a very, very good job. The relationship is strong. Asked when he would travel to Venezuela, Trump said he hasnt decided yet. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump tells Fort Bragg troops to support GOP to keep the base's name Protesters celebrate outside the High Court in central London after Friday's ruling that the Palestine Action terror ban was unlawful. - Jonathan Brady/PA/AP The UK High Court on Friday ruled that the governments decision to ban activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization last summer was unlawful, marking a major victory for civil liberties campaigners. The court found that then-Home Secretary Yvette Coopers decision to proscribe the group was disproportionate, raising questions about the arrests of almost 3,000 people at solidarity protests. But Judge Victoria Sharp ruled that the ban remains in place pending an appeal by the goverment. Human rights activists had argued the ban represented a sweeping overreach of government power, risked criminalizing political dissent and set a far-reaching precedent for the use of anti-terror laws against protest movements. The co-founder of the group, Huda Ammori, had brought the legal challenge against the British governments decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws. In an interview with CNN Friday, Ammori said the ruling means all of those arrests were technically unlawful. We are in a bit of legal limbo at the moment, she told CNNs Becky Anderson. But this is a huge victory, and its only a matter of time before the ban is lifted for good. The ruling follows one of the largest campaigns of nonviolent civil disobedience in recent history, with 2,787 people many of them pensioners or the elderly arrested at protests nationwide since July. Most of those arrests were for holding signs that read: I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action, at the demonstrations, according to Defend Our Juries which has been instrumental in organizing the protests. A Defend Our Juries spokesperson called for a meeting with the home secretary and Londons police chief, urging them to right the wrongs of the ban, including the wrongful treatment of all those who have been unlawfully arrested and charged under the proscription. Londons Metropolitan Police on Friday acknowledged there will likely be some confusion, among the public following the governments announcement to appeal the decision. It said that officers will no longer be making arrests in relation to Palestine Action support but will continue to focus on gathering evidence. Pro-Palestinian activists celebrate Friday's ruling outside London's High Court. - Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images Great personal risk Following Fridays ruling, crowds who had gathered outside Londons High Court erupted in cheers and chants of Free free Palestine, with some people in tears. Advertisement Thousands of people of conscience saw that branding protest as terrorism was a move straight out of the dictators playbook. Together we took action at great personal risk inspired by each others courage. We helped make this proscription unenforceable by saying we do not comply, the Defend Our Juries spokesperson said. Lisa Minerva Luxx, who was among the crowd of supporters, told CNN the government should end its appeal. The British peoples taxpayers money shouldnt continue to be spent on this, they said. The Home Office has spent nearly 700,000 (approximately $952,000) for work on the case, according to Ammori, citing a Freedom of Information request. The case followed a three-day judicial review in December, where lawyers for the groups co-founder argued the ban was an extraordinary and unlawful escalation against political dissent. Palestine Action is a UK-based group that aims to disrupt the operations of weapons manufacturers connected to the Israeli government and its war in Gaza. It was founded by Ammori and climate activist Richard Barnard in 2020, when the group took its first action to shut down the UK operations of Elbit Systems Israels largest weapons manufacturer. The groups primary mission is ending global participation in Israels genocidal and apartheid regime. Since its founding, Palestine Action has also, among other actions, occupied, blockaded, spray-painted and disrupted the Israeli-French drone company UAV Tactical Systems and the global arms giant Leonardo. It has slashed and spray-painted a portrait of former Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour whose 1917 declaration expressed Londons support for establishing a national home for the Jewish people in British-mandate Palestine at Trinity College, Cambridge, and abducted two busts of Israels first president, Chaim Weizmann, from the University of Manchester. However, it was the groups late June 2025 action at the RAF Brize Norton air base where activists vandalized two Airbus Voyager refueling planes with paint and crowbars that led to its banning. The group was proscribed by the Home Office as a terror group days after the air base break-in, which placed it on equal footing with organizations such as al Qaeda and ISIS. The move sparked condemnation from United Nations experts, human rights groups, and politicians. Government lawyers argued proscription of the group was a necessary national security measure. A protester at a "Lift The Ban" demonstration against the Palestine Action ban is arrested in central London in August 2025. - Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images The High Court ruling follows one of the UKs longest hunger strikes, the governments decision not to award Elbit Systems UK a 2 billion ($2.7bn) British defense ministry contract and the acquittal of activists charged over a break-in at an Elbit Systems UK factory in Bristol this month. The ruling also focuses attention on the question at the heart of the Palestine Action debate: How Britain applies counterterrorism laws to domestic protest and the limits of executive power. CNNs Mick Krever and Isobel Yeung contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Photo: massmatt / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) New York Republicans are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a redistricting fight over one of the state's GOP congressional districts. Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, filed an emergency appeal Thursday with Justice Sonia Sotomayor in a last-ditch effort to overturn a lower court ruling ordering the state redraw the lines of her district ahead of the midterm elections. The petition requests a stay of the lower court's order pending the outcome of the case. In January, state Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Pearlman, who sided with Democratic lawyers who argued that the boundaries of her 11th Congressional District unlawfully diluted the voices of Black and Latino voters in Staten Island. The judge ordered New York's Independent Redistricting Commission to redraw the district boundaries and blocked elections until the new lines are finalized. But New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, who joined with Malliotakis in petitioning the Supreme Court to take up the case, said the judge's ruling was "flawed" and will "result in extreme disruption of the election process" if allowed to stand. "The nakedly partisan decision by Justice Pearlman would impose a racial gerrymander, contrary to U.S. Supreme Court precedent," he said in a statement. The case was brought by extreme Democratic partisans and is an insult to the voters of NY-11. Advertisement He said New York's 11th Congressional District "has existed as a Staten Island/Southern Brooklyn district since 1982 and is compact, reflects communities of interest, and is politically competitive." The legal fight stems from a lawsuit filed in October by a group of Staten Island and Brooklyn voters who want the district redrawn to connect Staten Island to parts of lower Manhattan, which could reshape the states congressional landscape and peel the seat away from Republicans. Malliotakis and several members of the New York State Board of Elections have also filed appeals to Pearlman's ruling in the New York State Court of Appeals and the appellate division of the New York State Supreme Court, asking both courts to block the lower court's decision to avoid "chaos" in the upcoming midterm elections. Neither has ruled on the case. New York's redistricting commission approved new boundaries for the state's congressional districts last year after the state's highest court ordered the maps to be drawn for the 2024 election. Republicans sought unsuccessfully to block the redrawn maps, which were signed into law by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. New York's congressional districts are currently split 19 to 7 in favor of Democrats, who currently control the state Legislature and the governor's office. The state is viewed as a battleground in the upcoming midterm elections, when control of Congress is up for grabs. Earlier this year, Hochul vowed to redraw the blue state's congressional districts to favor Democrats after the Texas' Legislature moves ahead with a GOP-led redistricting plan ahead of next year's midterm election. Kim Ju Ae and Kim Jong Un in 2022 EyePress News/Shutterstock NEED TO KNOW Kim Jong Un has selected his teenage daughter as the next supreme leader of North Korea, according to South Korean intelligence officials South Korea's National Intelligence Service made the assessment after monitoring his daughter's increased cadence of appearances at high-profile events, even though he is believed to have a firstborn son Kim Ju Ae, who's presumed to be about 13, was first introduced to the public in 2022 when she oversaw the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile with her father North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has selected his daughter as his heir as he moves to extend the Kim family dynasty to a fourth generation, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers. Kim Ju Ae whos presumed to be about 13 years old and is widely believed to be Kim Jong Uns secondborn child has been increasingly seen beside her father at high-profile events, including when she visited Beijing last September, her first known trip abroad, BBC reported. In September, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned lawmakers that Kim Jong Uns decision to bring his daughter along on his trip to China may have been part of an effort to build a narrative that paves the way for her to take over as supreme leader down the line. A new assessment by the NIS on Thursday, Feb. 12, was more decisive, saying that he had chosen his daughter to take his place one day. The NIS said it took a "range of circumstances" into account when coming to its conclusion. The NIS briefing on Thursday comes as North Korea prepares to hold its biggest political conference later this month, where Kim Jong Un is expected to outline his major policy goals for the next five years, The Associated Press reported. During the briefing, NIS officials said they are closely monitoring whether Kim Jong Uns daughter Kim Ju Ae appears with him before delegates at the upcoming Workers Party Congress. Advertisement South Korean officials initially didnt believe that Kim Ju Ae would be chosen as Kim Jong Un's heir, noting that the country is deeply conservative and has followed a tradition of male-dominated leadership. However, her increase in high-profile appearances prompted its reassessments. Just last month, Kim Ju Ae joined her parents in public on New Years Day to visit Pyongyangs Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a sacred family mausoleum that holds the embalmed bodies of her late grandfather and great-grandfather, the countrys first- and second-generation leaders. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Kim Ju Aes existence was confirmed in 2022 when she was seen with her father while they oversaw the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Next to nothing is known about Kim Jong Uns two other presumed children. The first is said to be a son born in 2010, who has never been publicly acknowledged, and the third was born in February 2017, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited from South Korean media outlets and intelligence officials. The Associated Press notes that some reports say his third child is a daughter. Read the original article on People Illustration: Midjourney It has been illegal since 1986 for the federal government to establish a national firearms registry. As you might expect of the sort of people who gravitate to government employment, the bureaucrats at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), enabled by Biden-era policy changes, have taken that as a challenge. Now, members of Congress want answers from the federal gun cops about a vast gun registry database that could threaten the liberty and privacy of firearms owners. They have been stonewalled so far. Lawmakers Question an Illegal Gun Registry On February 3, Rep. Michael Cloud (RTexas) and 26 other members of Congress wrote to the ATF asking about the status of a year-old query that the regulatory agency has ignored. The original 2025 letter inquired about the ATF's collection of Form 4473 firearms transaction records, which are filled out in the course of every firearms sale by a licensed dealer, from gun vendors that have gone out of business. These records have accumulated and turned into a gun registry in waiting. "We fear that ATF could have as many as 1.1-billion-gun registration records in its database, if ATF has continued with this historic pace and digitalized an average of 50 million firearm transaction records per year," the members of Congress reminded the ATF in the recent letter. "This is a violation of the federal prohibition on gun registration at 18 U.S.C. 926(a)(3)." The source of concern for the 27 members of Congress is not only the de facto registrythough that's disturbing enoughbut that it has seemingly been created in defiance of a specific prohibition. Under the Firearms Owners' Protection Act, which became law in 1986, "no such rule or regulation prescribed after the date of the enactment of the Firearms Owners' Protection Act may require thatany system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions or dispositions be established." However, that law also contained the seeds of mischief by requiring gun dealers to maintain sales records that, if they go out of business, must be surrendered to the government. For decades, dealers could purge older records, surrendering only more recent ones to the ATF if they closed their doors. That changed under the Biden administration. ATF Builds on a Biden-Era Policy Change "In 2022, the ATF finalized a rule requiring FFLs to maintain firearm transaction records indefinitely instead of destroying them after 20 years," Del Schlangen wrote in 2024 for the University of Wyoming College of Law's Firearms Research Center. "This move, along with the ATF's 'zero-tolerance' guidance for revoking FFL licenses, has further fueled concerns about the potential for a federal gun registry." Schlangen also noted that instead of the masses of paper retained in the past, the ATF was now converting firearm transaction records to electronic format, and "as of 2021, the ATF had digitized over 50 million out-of-business records in that year alone." That figure wasn't advertised by the Biden administration. Instead, the Gun Owners of America (GOA) gained access to internal ATF documents revealing that in 2021, the regulatory agency processed 54.7 million out-of-business recordsmostly paper, but some submitted in increasingly common digital format. Those records quickly added up. In response to a 2021 query from Cloud, who has turned the backdoor gun registry into a crusade, the gun bureaucrats conceded that "ATF manages 920,664,765 OBR [out of business records] as of November 2021. This includes digital and an estimated number of hard copy records that are awaiting image conversion. It is currently estimated that 865,787,086 of those records are in digitalized format." Advertisement But the Registry Isn't Searchable! Sort of. A May 2022 report from GOA based on freedom of information requests revealed that the ATF stored these records in searchable PDF and JPEG formats. The agency claims it's in compliance with the law banning gun registries, though, because the resulting database isn't searchable by name. But that's apparently a choice that can be altered at any time. "It appears the only reason ATF's registry is not searchable by name is because ATF has merely disabled the ability for its software to search that particular record field," notes the GOA report. "Of course, something that is so easily disabled could be easily re-enabled." Besides, the report adds, "ATF records reveal its gun registry to be searchable by weapon type, make, model, serial number, and caliber, among other functions." In fact, proponents of a gun registry used the searchability of the Out of Business Records Imaging System (OBRIS) as a selling point after the attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. After the would-be assassin was killed, law enforcement agents seized his rifle with hopes of retrieving details based on the serial number. "They were able to do so in about 30 minutes," Perry Stein reported for The Washington Post. "The search used sale records from an out-of-business gun store that the government is required to collectbut that Republican lawmakers and the gun lobby would like to place off-limits." Well, yes. Advocates of self-defense and of gun ownership in general oppose a gun registry because they fear it could lead to gun confiscation, as politicians including former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris keep threatening. That's why they successfully pushed to make a registry illegal. And a searchable database of gun sales that has had the search function for names temporarily disabled is a gun registry waiting to be activated. The fact that it has been built at all shows a bureaucracy champing at the bit to escape restrictions on its power. As Rep. Cloud commented last week, "the American people have a right to know if their government is maintaining an unlawful registry of firearms and firearm owners in direct violation of U.S. code and the Second Amendment." Government Incompetence Is the Only Saving Grace The only saving grace is that if the federal government ever flips the switch on that gun database, it's going to be a mess. Records that are 10, 20, or 30 years out of date will have been superseded by the passage of time. Gun owners will have moved, divorced and divided their property, died and left their possessions to their heirs, lost guns, or transferred them in private transactions. Or they'll just claim that their guns are long gone in tragic boating accidents. But when has the federal government ever done anything especially well? Incompetence has never prevented government officials from taking on big projects like gun registries, and from damaging liberty as they do so. The post The ATF Created a Backdoor Gun Registry. Lawmakers Want an Explanation. appeared first on Reason.com. Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw speaks with a community member about a planned roundabout at Birch Street and South Boulevard during a community open house on Wednesday. | Cody Roberts, EastIdahoNews.com IDAHO FALLS The City Council chambers hosted toy cars on Wednesday night as part of an open house aimed at teaching drivers how a new roundabout at Birch Street and South Boulevard will work. City Engineer Jon Knowles said he heard mostly positive feedback on the roundabout from those who attended. This evening, what were hoping to teach people, or help them understand, is that roundabouts are a great option for an intersection like this, Knowles said. RELATED | Roundabout and street improvements, Idaho Falls seeks public feedback on upcoming road projects He said the intersection, which is currently controlled by a stop sign on Birch Street, gets pretty busy at 5 p.m. and people in the area have reported multiple crashes there. As the intersection is now, Knowles said someone may be stopped at Birch Street and waiting for a gap in traffic on South Boulevard, get impatient, and make a poor decision, speeding into traffic. On top of that, he said, traffic on South Boulevard may be going a little faster than it should, as drivers want to get home. A map shows the planned roundabout at the intersection of Birch Street and South Boulevard in Idaho Falls. | Courtesy City of Idaho Falls Knowles says a roundabout in a three-approach intersection like this one is safer because it reduces the number of conflict points, or places where a car crash can occur. Three-approach intersections have nine conflict points, he said, while a roundabout at the same intersection reduces the number of conflict points to six. The roundabout also reduces the severity of crashes as people are slowing down to go through and curve around the roundabout, Knowles said. Advertisement According to a news release from the City of Idaho Falls, staffers are still taking feedback on the roundabout. Knowles said the project still can be tweaked a bit. Those who were not able to attend Wednesdays open house can email their feedback to ifeng@idahofalls.gov. Knowles also pointed out that once the roundabout is created, there will be new medians on Birch Street and South Boulevard that will prevent left turns from an alley, from 6th Street and from North Ridge Ave. Instead, motorists will need to adjust and, in some cases, make a right turn, go around the roundabout, and then keep going in their originally intended direction. The City of Idaho Falls is seeking public input on a planned roundabout at the intersection of Birch Street and South Boulevard. | Courtesy City of Idaho Falls Two attendees, Mya James and Mike Quinn, said they live in the area and came to the open house to see how the changes to the intersection would affect their day-to-day lives. They said they got all their questions answered and the roundabout sounds good. Theyre going to keep traffic open both ways through most of the project, Quinn said. That was our biggest concern. It shouldnt affect your daily commute too much, James said. Another attendee, Canon Browning, said he attended partly because of a government class hes taking in high school, and also because he drives it every day to get to school. Browning said he has heard concerns that the day care and other businesses near the intersection will be impacted by the project, and it might be harder for them to navigate around the medians, but it will be OK for him. Ill be able to get to school OK, which will be nice, Browning said. Personally, I think its a good idea. A community member looks at a map for a planned roundabout at Birch Street and South Boulevard during a community open house on Wednesday. | Cody Roberts, EastIdahoNews.com Idaho Falls City Engineer Jon Knowles speaks to a community member about a planned roundabout at Birch Street and South Boulevard during an open house on Wednesday. | Cody Roberts, EastIdahoNews.com Toy cars sit on a map of a new roundabout planned for the intersection of Birch Street and South Boulevard in Idaho Falls, during a community open house on Wednesday | Cody Roberts, EastIdahoNews.com The post Idaho Falls residents get questions answered about proposed roundabout appeared first on East Idaho News. Manuel Matta-Reyes Baltimore ERO A Guatemalan national convicted of second-degree murder and rape and under a final removal order since 2005 has been arrested in Maryland, federal authorities announced. Manuel Matta-Reyes, 55, a citizen of Guatemala, was arrested upon his release from MCIHagerstown after the facility honored an ICE immigration detainer, officials said. His criminal history includes convictions for second-degree murder in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and rape in Prince Georges County, according to ICE Baltimore. ICE said Matta will remain in federal custody pending his removal from the United States. Advertisement Federal authorities described Matta-Reyes as a dangerous criminal, an illegal alien from Guatemala. The arrest was part of a broader enforcement effort announced by the US Department of Homeland Security. Our ICE law enforcement never stops fulfilling their mission to make America safe again, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. While Americans were enjoying their weekends, our law enforcement was arresting murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and gang members." "Despite a more than 1,300 percent increase in assaults against them, our officers continue to put their lives on the line seven days a week to remove heinous criminals from American neighborhoods." Former sex worker Lourdes Barreto dances during Porto da Pedra samba school's rehearsal for a parade (AP) Six decades after fleeing her home in Brazils northeastern state of Paraiba, a move that led her into sex work and a lifetime of activism, Lourdes Barreto never imagined a Rio de Janeiro samba school would pay tribute to her journey. This weekend, Porto da Pedra will do just that at Rios famed Sambodrome, as annual Carnival celebrations commence, honoring Barreto and sex workers of all genders in an effort to dismantle the professions pervasive stigma. The samba school, based in the low-income city of Sao Goncalo, across the bay from Rio, will dedicate its elaborate parade to this cause. Mauro Quintaes, Porto da Pedras creative director, has a history of focusing on marginalized groups, having previously curated parades centered on thieves and individuals with severe mental health issues. This years parade, titled "From lifes oldest times, the sweet and bitter kiss of the night," serves as the final chapter in a trilogy Quintaes envisioned at the beginning of his career. "Who would have thought that a prostitute would be honored?" the 83-year-old Barreto remarked during a video call from her home in Belem, ahead of her trip to Rio for the parade. Quintaes clarified the schools intention: "The school is trying to make these women more seen, less invisible. Its not an apology nor a glamorization." In Brazil, voluntary adult sex work is not a crime and has been recognized as an official occupation by the labour ministry since 2002, granting access to social security and other work benefits. This weekend, Rios famed Sambodrome commences (Getty Images) However, the Global Network of Sex Work Projects highlights that police continue to target sex workers and carry out evictions. This discrepancy stems from a lack of explicit legal definitions for prostitution and sexual exploitation (the latter being a crime), which, according to a 2017 report by the nonprofit group Davida, gives police arbitrary discretionary power. Advertisement Barreto herself co-founded the Brazilian Network of Prostitutes in the 1980s, fighting for better rights for sex workers. She challenged the military police, campaigned to establish HIV prevention policies, and even ran for a seat as a councilwoman. Her lifelong dedication was recently acknowledged by the BBC, which included her in its 2024 list of 100 inspiring and influential women globally. Barreto maintains a clear perspective on her work: "Ive always seen myself as a working woman. Not sinning, not doing anything wrong." While sex work has been evoked in previous parades, Porto da Pedras central focus and emphasis on class struggle are groundbreaking, according to Juliana Barbosa, a communications professor and Carnival expert. (Getty Images) She notes that samba schools, which emerged from Black communities, have a history of using social issues to spark dialogue. "The theme stays for months within those communities, being sung about and discussed, and then it spreads to a very large number of people," Barbosa explained. "It can contribute to social change. Not as a rule, not on all subjects, but it has that tendency." Andrea de Andrade, 39, who will lead Porto da Pedras percussion section as drum queen, echoed this sentiment, recalling how Carnival themes from 20 years ago educated her on issues she had never encountered. "Many people dont have access to much, not just due to a lack of funds, but also a lack of time. Many dont read, dont study but Brazilians love Carnival," she said. More than 50 sex workers of all genders from across Brazil are expected to march on Saturday evening alongside hundreds of others. Thauany Laressa, a 27-year-old sex worker from Rondonia, expressed her hope that the parade would foster greater compassion and acceptance: "I hope that people who see the parade will have more compassion when interacting with sex workers and help them accept it as a profession. I hope that people will start respecting our lives, our way of life and our job." John McGowan, of New Canaan, ran the Greenwich-based venture capital firm Torus Capital. He was found murdered at the Ballyfin Demesne Hotel in County Laois, Ireland, in 2024. Linkedin/John McGowan A Brooklyn man has been found not guilty by reason of insanity in the killing of his New Canaan financier father at a luxury hotel in Ireland two years ago. Henry McGowan, 31, learned his fate on Thursday, Feb. 12, after an Irish jury deliberated for one hour and 23 minutes before returning its verdict, according to The New York Times. The case centers on the death of John McGowan, a 66-year-old who ran the Greenwich-based venture capital firm Torus Capital. He was killed at the posh Ballyfin Demesne Hotel in County Laois on Nov. 12, 2024, according to The Irish Times. The body of Connecticut financier John McGowan was discovered on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Ballyfin Demesne in Ireland. Facebook/Ballyfin Demesne Henry had pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. During the trial, two psychiatrists testified that Henry was suffering from schizoaffective disorder at the time of the killing. The New York Times reported that the psychiatrists said they believed he was having a psychotic break. Henry took the stand in his own defense. He testified that he believed he was a prophet or a superhero and thought he was killing an impostor, not his father. Advertisement While on the stand, Henry admitted he strangled his father with his bare hands. He told the court he said he would always love him as he had his last breath, according to The Irish Times. Prosecutor Brendan Grehan said John had traveled to Ireland to help his son without even stopping to drop a bag, according to The Irish Times. In 2023, Henry announced in a fundraiser for a mental health organization that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1 after suffering a manic episode that required hospitalization in 2022. In a statement shortly after John's death, the McGowan family said he was a dedicated father who was trying to help his son, who was suffering a mental health episode. He did everything within his power to bring his son Henry, who suffers from a severe mental illness, the help he so desperately needs. The family requests privacy at this difficult time and will not be commenting further. Henrys defense attorney, Michael Bowman, called the case particularly tragic. He said Johns fatherly instinct led him to put his sons well-being ahead of his own, with fatal consequences, according to The Irish Times. Henry will now be remanded to Central Mental Hospital in Dublin. He had already been receiving treatment there, according to reports. The verdict closes a painful chapter for a Connecticut family with ties to the New York area. But the impact of the case, both here and abroad, will not soon be forgotten. A recent block aimed at cutting off Russian Starlink access has prompted a slew of reports that the Kremlin's soldiers are approaching Ukrainians for help registering their terminals. Serhii Korovayny/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images A Ukrainian division said it leveraged Russia's need for Starlink to obtain locations of its troops. Two OSINT groups helped by complaining about a bot offering Starlink registration for Russians. Ukraine's troops said they were running the bot, collecting money and data from the soldiers. A Ukrainian cyberwarfare division said on Thursday that it created a fake Starlink registration service to trick Russian soldiers into giving up sensitive data. The 256th Cyber Assault Division said it partnered with open-source intelligence groups to promote a network of Telegram channels and bots that offered to help the Kremlin's troops register Starlink terminals on a Ukrainian whitelist. But the channels were a ruse, and had instead been run by Ukrainian forces, who were sent location and terminal data from the soldiers, the 256th said. Its statement is yet another example of how wartime operations have spilled into social media, and comes after repeated reports that Russian forces have been trying to circumvent a region-wide Starlink block by paying Ukrainian civilians to register terminals for them. SpaceX cut off connectivity in Ukraine earlier this month, allowing only terminals logged with the Ukrainian government to continue receiving service. The sweeping move was enacted after repeated reports that Russian forces were buying terminals on the black market to guide attack drones and run battlefield communications. Russia downplayed the impact of the geofenced block on its operations, but Kyiv officials say that attempts by the Kremlin's troops to register terminals indicate their need for the American-run service. In its statement, the 256th said it leveraged those needs to connect with the Russian soldiers. "Understanding how desperately this mold would look for ways to restore Elon Musk's dish network and the threats this poses we, together with InformNapalm and MILITANT, decided to 'help' them," the division wrote, citing the two groups it worked with. According to screenshots posted by the division, which appear to show interactions with Russian troops, the Telegram bots would ask the soldiers for information about their Starlink terminals. The soldiers then appear to share details such as their terminal ID numbers, satellite dish numbers, Starlink account numbers, and their location coordinates in latitude and longitude. Advertisement Business Insider could not independently verify the authenticity of these screenshots. The 256th said it collected 2,420 data entries on Russian Starlink terminals and their "precise" locations, as well as $5,870 from Moscow's troops paying for the faux service. The division added that 31 Ukrainians had approached its network asking for opportunities to help Russians register terminals. InformNapalm, a Ukrainian-European OSINT group, said in a statement that it played a "supporting role" in the operation by pretending to complain about Telegram channels that were supposedly aiding Russians with Starlink registration. On Monday, the group had posted about a channel named "russian_starlink," which it wrote was surging in popularity but had still not been blocked by Ukrainian authorities. "That was already one of the stages of drawing Russian military personnel even deeper into the 'honeypot,'" the group wrote of the Monday post. MILITANT, a Ukrainian OSINT group that shared InformNapalm's Monday post, called the initiative "Operation Self-Liquidation." "As for the coordinates they sent, packages were sent back. 155s," the group wrote, referencing 155mm artillery shells. The 256th said it sent the Russian data entries to Serhii Sternenko, an advisor on drone logistics and technology for Ukraine's defense ministry. A spokesperson for Sternenko's foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. In a separate statement on X, InformNapalm said that the deception's "intended effect has been achieved," indicating that the operation has concluded. Read the original article on Business Insider Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The referendum has not yet been decided, pending official results. Dhaka (AsiaNews) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) scored a clear victory, by a wide margin, in a smooth election that did not encounter any major challenge, ensuring its return to power after nearly 20 years, while its leader Tarique Rahman, who spent many years in exile, becomes the prime minister-designate. This could inspire optimism after months of uncertainty and a slowing economy, but unresolved issues remain, starting with the influence of radical Muslims and the future of religious minorities. For now, the BNP is urging its supporters refrain from victory processions or public celebrations, calling on the country to observe a day of prayers today (13 February), seeking peace, stability, and guidance for the future of Bangladesh," the party says in an X post. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated former President Ziaur Rahman, faces major challenges on the short run in order to restore political stability, gain investor confidence, and rebuild key sectors, including the garment industry. The latter, which has been the main driver in the countrys economy in recent years, experienced some turbulence following the collapse in August 2024 of the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in exile in India. The caretaker government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, HAS tried to ensure a smooth transition and safeguard the country, but has failed to implement some necessary reforms. The still unofficial vote count of the general election (deemed the first truly competitive vote in recent years) awarded the BNP and its allies at least 212 of the 299 elected seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation, according to the Election Commission. The other political alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, won 77 seats. Voter turnout was around 60 per cent, far higher than the 42 per cent recorded in the 2024 election. Late yesterday evening, Jamaat-e-Islami admitted defeat. This morning it asked its supporters to remain patient although it said that it was "not satisfied" with the electoral process. Yesterdays were the partys best results ever, with more than 70 seats in parliament, running for the first time after it was banned in 2013. Chief Adviser Yunus lifted the ban following Hasina's ouster. The National Citizen Party (NCP), led by young activists who played a key role in overthrowing the former prime minister, won only five of the 30 seats it contested, after it joined the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance led. A clear result was considered necessary to restore stability to the country of 175 million people, following months of anti-Hasina unrest. "A strong majority gives the BNP the parliamentary strength to pass reforms efficiently and avoid legislative paralysis. That alone can create short-term political stability," said Selim Raihan, an economics professor at the University of Dhaka. In its manifesto, the BNP promised to prioritise job creation, protect low-income families, and ensure fair prices for farmers. Meanwhile, foreign leaders also reacted. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen, were among the first to congratulate Rahman on his victory. India, China, and the United States are competing for influence in the South Asian country. This was also confirmed by the recent interview of the US diplomatic representative in Dhaka, who, speaking to Reuters, expressed concern over Beijing's growing presence. Since Hasina fled to India, relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have become increasingly tense, creating problems for trade and travel (visa). Finally, the referendum outcome remains to be determined. Jamuna TV reported that more than two million voters chose "Yes" while more than 850,000 opted for "No" in a referendum that could lead to significant changes to the existing constitution, but there is no official news on the outcome. Among the expected changes are, for example, term limits for the prime minister (two mandates), greater independence for the courts, and even greater representation for women. Neutral caretaker governments could be established during elections, and a new house of parliament could be added. by Dario Salvi The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation destroyed and humiliated that must find the basis for rebuilding its future in the ecumenism of suffering. The few remaining Christians have the task of being the glue. Advice for the next generation of Vatican diplomats: Live with the people, learn to adapt to reality. Milan (AsiaNews) - The suffering of children to which he dedicated his cardinal's hat and the faces of those who have disappeared even within the Christian community, such as the two metropolitans of Aleppo and our Italian Jesuit Fr Paolo Dall'Oglio. This are the memories that Cardinal Mario Zenari takes with him of his 17 years of diplomatic mission in Syria, a mandate extended beyond its terms by Pope Francis and concluded in early February with his resignation, shortly after turning 80. Wars and violence, the cardinal recounts in this long interview with AsiaNews, have left behind a destroyed and humiliated Syria , a land that was once an exemplary country for coexistence, a mosaic that is now beginning to crack. That is why the foundations on which to rebuild the future of the nation will be an ecumenism of suffering and citizenship of blood, while Christians [80% of whom are expatriates] have the task of being a glue and becoming guarantors and promoters of this unity, acting as a bridge. The cardinal was among the oldest cardinals present at the Conclave that elected Leo XIV, where he brought the dear and tormented Syria evoked by Francis during his pontificate. He was born on 5 January 1946 in the province of Verona, in northern Italy, and entered the Scaligero diocesan seminary where he attended middle and high school. After completing his studies in philosophy and theology, he was ordained a priest on 5 July 1970. He moved to Rome in 1976 for diplomatic training at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy and a degree in canon law at the Gregorian University. In 1980, he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See, serving in Germany (where he witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall), at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). On 12 July 1999, John Paul II appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Ivory Coast and Niger, and in 2004 to Sri Lanka. and on 30 December 2008, Benedict XVI transferred him to Syria. His successor elevated him to the rank of cardinal in the Consistory of 19 November 2016 and appointed him a member of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches. Below is the full interview with Cardinal Zenari: Your Eminence, let's start at the beginning: what do you remember about your appointment as nuncio to Syria? After 17 years, the emotional baggage is greater than the physical baggage, but I still remember those first moments. When the Secretary of State [Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone] asked me to go to Syria, I immediately said yes. I left the office and immediately asked for paper and an envelope to write that I would gladly accept the proposal of Pope Benedict XVI. It was the eve of the Pauline Year, and I was looking forward to this experience in Damascus with great interest. And your first impression of the country? The official announcement came on 30 December 2008 with the publication of the decree, but I arrived in Syria in early 2009 when the celebrations for the 2,000th anniversary of St Paul's birth had already begun. In Damascus, the saint's city, it was immediately a wonderful experience, and there could not have been a better time and place to experience the commemoration. It was a vibrant reality, even for Christians. Then came the tragedy of war, Assad's flight and the new leadership... Looking back, the Syria I left last week is no longer the same as the one I saw when I arrived 17 years ago. As nuncio, I experienced three distinct periods: the two years before the war, then the 14 years of bloody conflict, and finally the last one with the new course [after the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of the HTS militias led by Ahmed al-Sharaa]. These are three very intense periods, which have also profoundly changed me; Today, I am no longer the same person, having lived through such an intense experience from a human perspective. Cardinal Zenari, what has struck you most about all these years? The suffering of the people, an enormous, enormous, enormous suffering. We are talking about what has been called the most serious humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Second World War, and the numbers confirm this: half a million victims, including 29,000 children. And then there are 13 million refugees, more than half the population, and seven million internally displaced persons. Even today, it is the country with the most internally displaced persons in the world. Furthermore, there are six million refugees in neighbouring countries and over 100,000 missing persons, among whom are people I have known. I went through this experience that Providence gave me, which was very intense and which now [having completed my assignment as nuncio] I am gradually trying to digest. War, the poverty bomb, the divisions. What remains of this spiral of violence and suffering? A Syria destroyed and humiliated by these years of war. Destroyed above all in terms of social cohesion. It was a model country for coexistence, a mosaic that is now beginning to crumble. Social cohesion has been undermined, infrastructure destroyed: think of hospitals, schools, factories. Just to give one example: until a year ago, there was only one hour of electricity per day. What has survived? What have war and poverty failed to destroy? The great resilience of the Syrian people. Many wonder how people have survived, despite this terrible ordeal and enormous poverty, with over 90% of the population reduced to living below the poverty line. Everyone, including myself, has been impressed by this resilience, this ability to resist, to endure, to carry on. Your Eminence, how important and relevant is the role of nuncios today, especially in areas of conflict? What advice would you give to a young Vatican diplomat at the beginning of his career? The training we receive at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy is important; we learn certain rules and norms that are always valid. Then you also need a great ability to empathise with history, because it is not always possible to have clear, up-to-date, precise guidelines. You have to be ready to compromise, to live in reality, to look at the person you are talking to. When I entered the seminary and was ordained a priest in Verona in 1970, my dream was to be a parish priest, preferably in the countryside. Perhaps this is why I have been called a field nuncio, a war nuncio. I never imagined I would find myself in this situation, on this mission, but we must be open to what history and circumstances present us with. Live with the people, I would say to the nuncios: the ability to empathise with the situations in which you find yourself, beyond the precise and detailed rules that can be learned. Be open, adapt to reality, with God's help, of course. A nuncio who is also a cardinal, with Pope Francis' surprise appointment... In my first interview [after the appointment], I spoke of the cardinal's scarlet colour as the sign of blood, dedicating it to the many innocent victims, to the Syrian children, I offered it to them. As soon as I arrived in Syria, I immediately realised that I was in the presence of a nation of martyrs. Think of the great St Ignatius of Antioch, then Saints Cosmas and Damian. At the time of the Romans, it was a nation of martyrs and has remained so over time: from the martyrs of Damascus in 1860, some of whom were proclaimed saints two years ago, to the martyrs of 22 June last year, who were killed in the terrible terrorist attack during the celebration of the Eucharist in the Greek Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Damascus. Has this ecumenism of blood strengthened the bonds between Christian communities? Ecumenical relations are very good. Each of the Churches - Eastern, Catholic, Orthodox - has had its own martyrs, some of whom I have even known personally, which is why we can speak of ecumenism of blood [among Christians]. However, there is an ecumenism, a citizenship of blood that unites everyone. Christians themselves are fighting for the concept of citizenship, a citizenship of blood that comes even before the ecumenism of blood. Is this what unites all Syrians? Of course, this is the common denominator that unites all Syrians: citizenship of blood. And the new Syria should be founded on this basis. Everyone has suffered, even in recent times, as shown by the terrible images from last March on the Mediterranean coast [the massacre of the Alawites, which did not spare Christians], or the barbaric killings last July in the Suwayda area, with the vast majority of victims belonging to the Druze community, or the recent clashes with the Kurds. If blood and suffering are the common denominator, let us try to live as brothers and sisters, as Syrian citizens, on this blood. And if, today, there are successes at the international level with President [interim Ahmed al-Sharaa] welcomed to the White House by Donald Trump or invited to speak at the UN, internally there remain major problems between the groups. Cardinal Zenari, what role does the Christian community have in this still critical situation? Christians have a very important mission, even if the numbers are frightening because we know from credible sources that we have lost 80% of Christians of all denominations, including Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants, who have left the country. However, for those who have remained, there is a mission to be a glue, guarantors and promoters of this internal unity, to act as a bridge. This is a mission that cannot be improvised; it takes years of work. I continue to see a future for Christians in Syria: even if they are only a small group, their role as a bridge will be essential! Of these 17 years, is there a face, an image, or a particularly significant event that you remember and still carry with you now that your mission as nuncio in Syria has ended? Two images: the suffering of children and the faces of missing persons, some of whom have been missing for 13 years and whom I knew personally, including Christians such as the two metropolitans of Aleppo [Yohanna Ibrahim, Syriac Orthodox, and Boulos Yaziji, Greek Orthodox] and then the Italian Jesuit Fr Paolo Dall'Oglio, whom I still carry in my heart. There are over 100,000 missing persons, an enormous suffering, and I am still in contact with some families. Here too we have an ecumenism of suffering which, combined with citizenship of blood, lays the foundations for building a new Syria. Your Eminence, what does your future hold? I am trying to rest, because I arrived from Syria really tired, also because of my age [he turned 80 on 5 January]. At least for the next few months, I plan to settle in Santa Marta, a residence where Pope Francis also stayed, which today welcomes 70 priests who work in the Vatican and some nuncios. Then I would like to do some pastoral work as an assistant and, why not, as a country parish priest. After all, I still have this dream. by Maria Casadei After a year of diplomatic tensions, the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Kuala Lumpur on 7 and 8 February marked a rapprochement between India and Malaysia, with the signing of 11 agreements in various sectors. Modi also emphasised the importance of ties to Indo-Malaysians who represent the countrys third-largest ethnic group. Investment and technological cooperation have been revitalised. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, marked a revitalisation of bilateral relations after a year of mild tensions. Arriving in Kuala Lumpur last weekend, Modi primarily sought to repair relations after the last-minute cancellation of a trip set for October 2025, coinciding with Diwali celebrations, during which he was scheduled to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. Between 7 and 8 February, talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim led to the signing of 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) centred on trade, investment, defence, energy, new technologies, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductors. In particular, the semiconductor agreement strengthens the existing collaboration between IIT Madras Global and the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia. Relations between the two countries had gone through a delicate phase in 2025. Although Malaysia condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack in India, Prime Minister Anwar had called for a thorough investigation and de-escalation between India and Pakistan, even offering to mediate. The Malaysian prime minister then hosted Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in October, irritating New Delhi. The recently released joint statement, however, unequivocally condemns terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and commits the two countries to stronger multilateral intelligence cooperation. During the visit, Modi also emphasised the importance of people-to-people ties, calling them the heart of the "special" friendship between the two countries. Malaysias Indian community is one of its largest and most significant ethnic minorities. According to official estimates, approximately 6.5-7 per cent of Malaysian citizens are of Indian origin, corresponding to more than 2 million people. When non-citizen residents of Indian origin are included, the total reaches approximately 2.7-2.9 million, or 8-9 per cent of the population. Indo-Malaysians represent the third largest group after the Bumiputera (primarily ethnic Malays) and the Chinese. Many Indians arrived in Malaysia during British colonial rule to work on plantations, transportation, and infrastructure, and their presence remains deeply rooted in many sectors of society. The majority are of Tamil descent, but substantial numbers are ethnic Telugu, Malayala, Punjabi, and Gujarati. Observers believe that the recently signed agreements, the free e-visa for tourism, and the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payment system in Malaysia will help further strengthen ties between the citizens of the two countries. Modi himself met with Indo-Malaysian politicians and Malaysian business leaders, inviting them to invest in India in several strategic sectors. Cooperation in the semiconductor sector could also prove crucial to India's aspirations. Malaysia is among the world's leading exporters, sixth globally, with the sector contributing approximately to 25 per cent of the countrys GDP. Modi highlighted Indian companies' interest in working with Malaysia, particularly in research and the construction of manufacturing and testing facilities. The opening of an Indian consulate general in the Malaysian capital was also announced. The two sides have chosen not to publicly address sensitive issues, such as the permanence in Malaysia of preacher Zakir Naik, wanted in India on charges of money laundering and hate speech. So far, Kuala Lumpur has not agreed to extradition despite diplomatic pressure. The two countries also avoided reviving differences over issues such as the ASEAN-India trade agreement, which Indian officials have criticised in the past for allegedly unduly favouring Southeast Asian countries, which can export their products more easily than India does to ASEAN markets. Ahead of the BRICS summit, which India will chair this year, the joint statement released at the end of the visit acknowledges Malaysia's aspirations to join the group, in which it already participates as a partner country. INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. by Melani Manel Perera Ten mobile libraries have been delivered to the Western Province, part of a countrywide project supported by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. With an endowment of 9,300 books, the vehicles will serve municipal councils and rural areas. Officials and writers highlight the initiative's value for a better informed society. Colombo (AsiaNews) The inaugural ceremony for the distribution of mobile libraries to ten selected local authorities in the Western Province was held at the Presidential Secretariat, as part of the Arunu Dora National Reading Promotion Programme, which promotes the culture of reading at the local level to build a knowledge-based Sri Lanka, implemented in parallel with the Clean Sri Lanka programme. In the first phase of the project, ten mobile libraries equipped with advanced facilities and 9,300 books were handed over to the municipal councils of Kesbewa and Seethawakapura and to the Pradeshiya Sabhas (regional councils) of Homagama, Dompe, Attanagalla, Minuwangoda, Wattala, Bulathsinhala, Walallawita, and Palindanuwara. The project was implemented by the Local Government Department of the Western Provincial Council, with funding provided by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. In a speech, veteran writer Mahinda Prasad Masimbula noted that building a new society requires proper social understanding, adding that taking books from village to village to nurture love for reading in the public is undoubtedly a beautiful and meaningful experience. He further stressed that while Sri Lanka has no shortage of literary resources or publications, it is essential to make them accessible to the reading public through an effective and systematic mechanism. In this context, he described the programme launched as part of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative not as a simple exercise, but as a cultural process of great value, expressing confidence that it will contribute to the revival of a strong reading culture in the country. Western Province Governor Haniffa Yusuf also spoke at the ceremony, noting that during the violence of July 1983, while nearby houses were being torched, he left his home carrying only two books and three shirts. He emphasised that the discipline and wisdom gained through reading have allowed him to build a successful life. For Yusuf, the Clean Sri Lanka initiative purifies not only the environment but also the human mind. Expressing his deep appreciation for the programme, he said that it was launched with future generations in mind and therefore has immense value for the country. Addressing those present, the secretary to the President of Sri Lanka, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, said that in today's increasingly turbulent society, such programmes are crucial to developing a disciplined, value-driven future generation. He further underscored that, under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, special attention was paid to initiatives that, although modest in scope, can have a significant impact by engaging the subtlest and most sensitive aspects of society, thus contributing to the development of a progressive and ethical social structure. Emphasising the importance of sustaining the momentum of the Arunu Dora national reading promotion programme, Secretary Kumanayake expressed his expectation of collective support from all stakeholders to successfully advance the initiative and transform it into a nationwide project. The mobile library vehicle service offers schoolchildren and book-loving rural communities the opportunity to access a more efficient and modern library experience. Through the Arunu Dora national reading promotion programme, similar initiatives should be further expanded across the island nation in the future. He again claimed that it discourages Turkey and Azerbaijan from using a much larger section of Armenian territory for transit purposes in the near future. Due to Russia's management of the railway, we are losing our strategic position and our competitive advantage, he told reporters. The solution I envision is for a country that has friendly relations with both Russia and Armenia to simply purchase the concessionary management rights from Russia. He suggested that Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates or Qatar might be interested in managing the Armenian railway network. Russia's state-owned railway monopoly Russian Railways (RZhD) runs the network under a 30-year management contract signed with Yerevan in 2008. Pashinian first called into question this arrangement in televised comments on Tuesday. U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Yerevan and met with Pashinian on Monday for talks focused on the planned opening of a U.S.-administered transit corridor that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave as well as Turkey via Armenias Syunik region. Analysts see the controversial arrangement as another blow to Russian presence in Armenia. 13 February 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan is entering a decisive phase of technological transformation, positioning digital development and artificial intelligence not merely as sectoral priorities but as core elements of its long-term economic strategy. This shift is no longer confined to internal reforms. On February 10, Azerbaijan and the United States signed a Charter on Strategic Partnership, identifying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Infrastructure as one of the key pillars of bilateral cooperation. Earlier this year, Azerbaijan also signed a new memorandum of understanding with Israel on artificial intelligence, signaling a targeted push toward infrastructure development, talent formation, and practical AI applications. These agreements indicate that Azerbaijans digital transformation is becoming embedded in its foreign policy architecture and geopolitical partnerships. Domestically, the governments action plan for technological advancement is built on four strategic pillars:digitalization, artificial intelligence, the innovation ecosystem, and cybersecurity. The initiative reflects not only sectoral reform but a structural shift in the countrys development model, as the global digital economy increasingly outpaces traditional industries. According to Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, while the transport sector grew by 5 percent last year, the ICT sector expanded by 8.5 percent, underscoring the rising weight of digital technologies in national economic growth. Globally, artificial intelligence alone is projected to generate up to $16 trillion in added value by 2030, making participation in this transformation a strategic necessity rather than a policy choice. The governments approach follows a staged model. The first phase involves digitizing information - transferring paper-based data into electronic systems. The second stage focuses on digitizing services and processes, an area where both public institutions and private companies in Azerbaijan have already made visible progress. The final and most strategic phase is digital transformation itself - the creation of smart, predictive, and AI-driven services. Nearly 200 regulatory and legal acts have been amended or adopted following the approval of the digital development concept, reflecting a significant modernization of the legal framework. Infrastructure development has been one of the most tangible achievements. The Online Azerbaijan project has raised average internet speeds from 12 Mbps to 90 Mbps nationwide, with state institutions reaching 150 Mbps and a target of 200 Mbps by the end of the year. Broadband coverage now extends to even the most remote areas of the country. At the same time, the Government Cloud has been fully established, with the number of state institutions hosting digital resources increasing from 50 to 270. The SIMA biometric signature has reached 4 million users, enabling fully remote access to banking and public services. Meanwhile, the renewed MyGov platform has rapidly expanded its user base from 2.2 million monthly active users to 2.5 million within months, with a target of 5 million by year-end. President Ilham Aliyevs recent meeting on Azerbaijans New Digital Architecture introduced critical structural reforms that elevate digital transformation to the highest governance level. By presidential instruction, each ministry will appoint a deputy minister responsible for digitalization, innovation, and artificial intelligence, ensuring institutional accountability and direct coordination with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. The President also limited the creation of separate digital applications by ministries, requiring that services be delivered through the unified MyGov platform. This decision aims to eliminate fragmentation, create a single digital center, and strengthen coordination. Artificial intelligence will be integrated into state institutions, with civil servants expected to use AI agents to reduce errors and increase efficiency in decision-making. Most importantly, the President emphasized energy as the strategic foundation of artificial intelligence. In the global AI race, cheap and reliable energy has become a new form of fuel. Azerbaijans strong energy base and renewable energy expansion position the country as a potential regional hub for AI-driven data centers. Persistent challenges and solutions Despite measurable progress, several structural challenges remain. In some state institutions, documentation is still paper-based, and digitalization is not always prioritized. Fragmented data standards prevent the formation of a unified national data lake, which is essential for effective AI deployment. Without standardized and centralized databases, artificial intelligence systems cannot function at full capacity. Human capital remains another bottleneck, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Migration regulations may also limit the countrys ability to attract foreign specialists, freelancers, and digital nomads. Cybersecurity risks will inevitably increase as more services move into virtual environments. Addressing these challenges requires accelerating the transition to fully paperless governance, establishing a unified national data governance framework, expanding AI-focused education and professional training, liberalizing migration rules for digital professionals, strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, and deepening public-private partnerships to stimulate innovation. The introduction of the regulatory Sandbox regime is a positive step, allowing fintech and other digital solutions to be tested under controlled supervision before full-scale adoption. Azerbaijans competitive advantages - macroeconomic stability, strong energy resources, favorable geopolitical positioning, and growing international partnerships - provide a solid foundation for this transformation. However, the next stage will determine whether the country merely digitizes existing systems or successfully builds an AI-driven, innovation-based economy. If energy capacity is effectively combined with digital infrastructure and institutional reform, Azerbaijan has the potential to position itself not only as a consumer of global technologies but as a regional center for artificial intelligence and advanced digital services. 13 February 2026 15:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more In the drafty halls of the Bayerischer Hof, the "Bayerischer Hof" of the mind has always been more important than the physical suite. Since its 1963 inception under Willy Brandt, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) has functioned as a high-altitude barometer for the geopolitical climate. If the 2025 gathering was a study in the choreographed friction of a multipolar world, the 2026 iteration suggests the stage itself is beginning to splinter. We have entered what some analysts gloomily describe as the wrecking ball era of diplomacy. It is a period defined less by the careful preservation of institutional norms and more by a "disruptive line" that prioritises upending the status quo over reforming it. With the transatlantic relationship in a state of flux and the guardrails of international law looking increasingly thin, the focus has shifted from managing power to surviving its fragmentation. Perhaps, we may be in a sensitive period where a global war could occur, even for the smallest reasons. The World Uncertainty Index (WUI) has hit an all-time high, climbing above levels seen during the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, and even the COVID-19 pandemic. By its own measure, the world has never been this uncertain. The WUI tracks how often the word uncertainty appears in country reports published by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The 2026 agenda highlights several urgent focus areas: Strategic Competition: The erosion of international norms amidst rising global instability. Technological Threats: The dual-edged sword of Artificial Intelligence, cyber risks, and defence innovations. European Defence: The shifting landscape of transatlantic relations and its impact on continental security. Systemic Fragility: A move away from institutional cooperation toward a more fragmented, hyper-competitive international environment. Azerbaijans voice in Munich Within this turbulent landscape, Azerbaijan has secured a significant position. President Ilham Aliyevs participation has become a staple of the conference, where he consistently presents a distinct responsibility-based leadership model founded on peace, humanism, and justice. Azerbaijan is increasingly framed as a rare specimen of a state that has successfully transmuted military-political outcomes into a durable peace agenda predicated on international law. By moving away from the rhetoric of war toward a platform of dialogue, Baku is attempting to lead by diplomatic example. Perhaps most pragmatically, the government is positioning the country as a vital hub for transport, energy, and logistics. The goal is to "monetise" regional peace, turning geopolitical stability into tangible economic value that binds the South Caucasus to the wider world. In a world increasingly defined by "wrecking ball" diplomacy, Azerbaijan is betting that its blend of military resolve and economic integration will prove a more durable model than the institutional drift seen elsewhere. The MSC has historically provided a unique "off-the-record" environment for high-stakes mediation. This was evident in 2023, when President Aliyev served as a keynote speaker for the plenary session "Moving Mountains? Building Security in the South Caucasus," moderated by MSC Chairman Christoph Heusgen. Following the 44-day war, Azerbaijan has pivoted from the rhetoric of war to a platform of development. Rather than pursuing revanchism, Baku has strategically chosen regional cooperation, as evidenced by various bilateral meetings with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan held on the sidelines of the conference. As the 2026 conference progresses, President Aliyev is scheduled for another round of high-level bilateral meetings and a focal panel session. In an era defined by the "wrecking ball" of disruption, Azerbaijans efforts to establish a new geopolitical reality in the South Caucasus, one rooted in economic integration rather than conflict, offer a rare case study in stabilising a volatile region. 13 February 2026 10:22 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Rovshan Najaf, has met with a delegation led by Betsy Burns Korn, Chairwoman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in the United States, AzerNEWS reports. During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and both the United States and Israel across various sectors, including energy. It was emphasized that the signing of the Strategic Partnership Charter between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sphere. In this context, views were exchanged on projects implemented by SOCAR in partnership with U.S. companies. The discussions also highlighted Israels role as one of the main export markets for Azerbaijani oil. SOCARs activities in Israel were reviewed, including its acquisition of a 10 percent stake in the Tamar gas field in 2025, as well as SOCARs participationtogether with BP and the Israeli company NewMed Energyin obtaining licenses for drilling operations in a new area of the Leviathan gas field. SOCAR representatives also provided information on the companys transformation from a traditional oil and gas producer into an international energy company. Particular attention was drawn to its decarbonization targets, sustainability agenda, and commitment to social responsibility in upstream projects. The importance of existing energy routes along the Middle Corridor was underscored, with it noted that Azerbaijani gas is currently supplied to 16 countries, including 10 members of the European Union. The meeting concluded with discussions on energy transition, digitalization, human capital development, and other areas of mutual interest. 13 February 2026 13:23 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The European Union and Azerbaijan can work together to ensure that Azerbaijani cities become low-carbon, sustainable, and livable for future generations, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundzic said, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking at an event held in Nakhchivan within the framework of the Covenant of Mayors Eastern Partnership initiative, Kujundzic stressed the role of local authorities in advancing climate action. The Covenant of Mayors provides a strong framework for cities to lead, set climate targets and translate national goals into real action at the local level, she said. According to the ambassador, municipalities joining the initiative voluntarily commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, boosting climate resilience, and strengthening energy efficiency and sustainability. This is not just a political statement, but a practical approach based on a concrete roadmap and data, she added. Kujundzic noted that while the energy sector is a major source of emissions, it also offers the greatest potential for transformation. Key priorities include improving energy efficiency in public buildings, schools, hospitals and residential housing, expanding renewable energy sources such as solar and windparticularly in municipal infrastructureand reducing losses in local energy distribution systems. She underlined that climate change is no longer a distant or purely global issue, adding that energy efficiency not only benefits the climate but also reduces municipal spending, strengthens energy security, and lowers household utility costs. Buildings account for a large share of energy consumption in cities, the ambassador said, pointing to the importance of thermal insulation, renovation of older buildings, energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, and smart urban planning to reduce energy demand and improve quality of life. Kujundzic also drew attention to the transport sectors growing impact on emissions, noting that population growth and the rising number of vehicles are worsening the problem. She cited Baku as an example, saying the number of cars in the capital has increased sharply in recent yearsa trend also seen across many European citiesunderscoring the need for targeted measures to address urban transport emissions. 13 February 2026 14:02 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Russia has decided to begin negotiations with Armenia on the restoration of two railway sections that would reconnect Armenias rail network with the railway systems of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, opening new regional transport routes, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking to journalists, Overchuk stated that the decision was taken at the request of the Armenian side. According to him, the planned works concern railway sections near the Armenian village of Yeraskh, which would link up with Azerbaijani railways, and near the settlement of Akhuryan, connecting Armenia to Turkiyes railway network. The total length of the railway segments to be restored is estimated at approximately 1.6 kilometers and 12.4 kilometers. Overchuk said that upcoming negotiations between Moscow and Yerevan will focus on determining the technical, financial, and other practical aspects of implementing the project. He noted that restoring these railway lines would allow Russia to establish direct rail connections with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as with Turkiye and Iran. According to Overchuk, this would give Russia rail access to Mediterranean ports via Nakhchivan and Turkiye, and to ports in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean through Iran. Overchuk stressed that Russia continues to work toward unblocking economic and transport links in the South Caucasus, including the restoration of previously destroyed infrastructure. Strengthening transport and logistics links in the Caucasus is of critical importance for the peoples of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Turkiye and Russia in terms of peace, stability and economic well-being, he said, expressing hope for constructive regional cooperation. The deputy prime minister also recalled that last year, for the first time since 1991, railway traffic between Russia and Armenia was restored through the territories of Azerbaijan and Georgia. He said the reopening of this route created more competitive conditions for Russian exports to reach foreign markets and contributed to the expansion of mutual trade. 13 February 2026 16:02 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan is set to host this years Energy Days as part of the European Unions (EU) Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. As reported by AzerNEWS, the announcement was made by Maxim Vereshchak, Local Sustainable Development Coordinator for the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, during an event on the EU Covenant of Mayors - Eastern Partnership initiative. Vereshchak noted that one of the upcoming activities under the Covenant is Energy Days 2026. Cities usually organize these events as part of the European Sustainable Energy Week. By the end of March, we plan to gather ideas from cities on the activities and events they wish to host. We can support competitions organized within Energy Days with prizes, provide methodological assistance, and share experiences from other cities. I believe this is an excellent opportunity to promote energy efficiency at the local level, he said. He added that this year, a major conference will bring together over 200 participants, including representatives from Azerbaijan. The event, scheduled for May in Moldova, will mark the 15th anniversary of the Covenant of Mayors, Vereshchak said. Highlighting future prospects for Azerbaijan, he stated that the number of municipalities joining the Covenant in the country is expected to grow. We aim to increase the number of municipalities committed to the Covenant, and we are ready to assist them in taking the first steps to join. The next step will be helping cities prepare their Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), which are among their core commitments, he concluded. 13 February 2026 14:38 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted a creative evening dedicated to the People's Writer, Honored Journalist, publicist, and socio-political figure, recipient of state orders and international awards, Elmira Akhundova, AzerNEWS reports. The event was organized jointly by the museum and the Centralized Library System (CLS) of the Yasamal district. The event became a notable cultural event in the life of the capital. For two hours, the event, designed in the format of a "Lecture in the Museum," turned into a lively and engaging interactive narrative. Literary readings, recollections, and stories about the writer's creative path were seamlessly interwoven with dialogue with the audience and musical performances by young talents, favorite compositions of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The evening was hosted by Latifa Mammadova, PhD in History, member of the Azerbaijan Union of Journalists, and director of the CLS of Yasamal district. Speaking about the long and productive career of the writer, she noted that among the heroes of Elmira Akhundova's works, who is known for her biographical research and journalism, are the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and his wife, the prominent scientist Zarifa Aliyeva, President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, People's Writers Imran Gasimov, Ismail Shikhly, Mirza Ibrahimov, Natik Rasulzade, and Anar, poet-journalist Tahir Aslanli, world-renowned writer Olzhas Suleimenov, photojournalist and Honored Cultural Worker Farid Khayrulin, KVN team captain Anar Mammadkhanli, creator of the first and largest miniature book museum in the world Zarifa Salakhova, and other notable figures. A special place in her work is occupied by artistic translations into Russian of works by Azerbaijani classics and contemporary authors. However, the central figure of Elmira Akhundova's extensive research and books has always been the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, with whom she had the opportunity to communicate personally, accompany on foreign trips, and witness his intense and selfless work for the benefit of the Azerbaijani people. The series of fundamental publications dedicated to Heydar Aliyev reveals not only the greatness of the historical figure but also the depth of his inner world and high moral qualities. For Elmira Akhundova, he was not only an outstanding statesman but a symbol of the era an embodiment of strategic thinking, unyielding will, and genuine service to the homeland, a moral guide and guiding star in her creative understanding of history. Warm words were spoken by honorary guests, People's Writer Natig Rasulzade, People's Artist Alexandra Nikushina, and other representatives of the intelligentsia, who emphasized Elmira Akhundova's significant contribution to the development of modern literature and journalism. During the evening, a video dedicated to her work and a virtual photo album prepared from the writer's personal archive were shown. At the end of the event, Elmira Akhundova gifted her books to the participants. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. 13 February 2026 17:15 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more International Mugham Center has hosted a presentation of the Azerbaijani translation of "Muqaddimat al-Adab", a seminal work by the renowned Uzbek thinker Al-Zamakhshari, AzerNEWS reports citing the center. The event marked an important milestone in the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, highlighting the enduring value of Turkic literary heritage. In his opening remarks, Sahib Pashazade, Director of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist, and Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan, praised the translation as a significant contribution to promoting the literary legacy of Turkic-speaking peoples. He noted that the publication released as part of the Center's series of scholarly editions also represents a meaningful addition to the institutions cultural collaboration with its brotherly nation, Uzbekistan. The translated work, rendered into Azerbaijani by Professor Tarlan Guliyev, was described as a valuable asset for strengthening AzerbaijanUzbekistan cultural ties. It serves not only to broaden the dissemination of literary masterpieces but also to support future collaborative projects. The translation further contributes to preserving shared cultural heritage, introducing the legacy of eminent historical figures, and promoting academically rigorous texts. During the presentation, several speakers emphasized the wider significance of the initiative. Eldar Ibrahimov, Member of Parliament and Chair of the AzerbaijanUzbekistan Friendship Group, along with academics Nizami Jafarov, Teymur Karimli, and Professor Gizilgul Abdullayeva praised the project as an important opportunity for expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan. They stressed that such initiatives enrich not only literary and cultural relations but also broader ties across multiple fields. Professor Tarlan Guliyev expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the International Mugham Center and to the scholars present at the event for supporting the publication. It is noteworthy that the translated work is the first Azerbaijani edition of Al-Zamakhshari's "Muqaddimat al-Adab". The text was converted from the old script to the modern alphabet by Professor Tarlan Guliyev, and its scientific editing was carried out by academician Teymur Karimli at the Institute of Manuscripts named after Mahammad Fuzuli of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). Founded on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, the Mugham Center was established in accordance with a presidential decree dated April 6, 2005. Construction of the center began the same year, and the building, recognized today as one of Baku's most distinctive architectural landmarks, officially opened in 2008. Since then, the Mugham Center has consistently hosted large-scale music festivals and concerts featuring prominent and internationally renowned cultural figures. Alongside its concert activities, the center actively works to strengthen cultural cooperation with countries such as Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and others. Committed to the preservation and global promotion of Azerbaijani musical heritage, the International Mugham Center continues to expand its activities. Numerous projects are underway aimed at researching, safeguarding, and popularizing the art of mugham. A landmark achievement was reached in 2025, when the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to receive international status through legislation. This designation has also played a significant role in improving the social and financial conditions of the center's staff, reinforcing its position as one of Baku's leading concert venues. In recent years, and particularly over the past year, the International Mugham Center has experienced a noticeable increase in interest, especially among tourists attending mugham and ethno-music concerts. During the 9th Mugham Television Contest, the center hosted numerous performances that attracted a wide and diverse audience. Regular monthly events appeal to both professional musicians and general music lovers. Promotional banners placed around the venue help draw the attention of tourists, many of whom stop during the day to admire the center's impressive architecture while anticipating evening performances. This growing international appeal was especially evident during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when numerous racing fans and visitors to Baku also took part in the International Mugham Center's rich musical program. 13 February 2026 12:24 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The European Union is proud to support Azerbaijani municipalities that have joined the Covenant of Mayors through training, methodological guidance, dedicated technical assistance, best-practice sharing, networking and awareness-raising activities, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundzic said at an event held in Nakhchivan on the Covenant of Mayors Eastern Partnership initiative. As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking at the event, the ambassador underscored the critical role cities play in delivering concrete climate and energy results, encouraging more Azerbaijani municipalities to join what she described as Europes largest movement of local governments committed to combating climate change and ensuring a better future for citizens. She noted that nearly 12,000 local authorities have already voluntarily committed to the EUs vision of a climate-neutral, resilient and just future. The Covenant of Mayors - Eastern Partnership is funded by the European Union and supports local and regional authorities in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in developing and implementing sustainable energy and climate policies. In Azerbaijan, the first municipality to join the initiative was Icherisheher in 2012. It was later followed by Ganja, Quzanli, Horadiz, Khirdalan, Mingachevir, Shamakhi, Sheki and Yevlakh, which have since become active participants in the program. The national coordinator of the initiative in Azerbaijan is the Ministry of Energy. The Covenant of Mayors Eastern Partnership is part of the broader Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, the worlds largest alliance of cities committed to climate leadership. The global initiative brings together more than 13,500 cities and local governments across six continents and 147 countries, representing over 1.2 billion people. 13 February 2026 15:20 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The possibility of establishing a single, unified municipal governance model in Azerbaijans major cities should be considered. AzerNEWS reports that Siyavus Novruzov, a member of the National Assembly, stated this during todays plenary session of the parliament, as reported by Report news agency. Citing Baku as an example, Novruzov noted that the capital currently has 45 functioning municipalities: "However, merging these municipalities into a single, large city municipality could be considerably more effective," he said. Another National Assembly member, Fazil Mustafa, expressed his support for the proposal: "I cannot speak for other cities, but in Baku, implementing this model seems feasible," he added. 13 February 2026 13:55 (UTC+04:00) By AzerNEWS Staff A fresh political controversy has emerged in Azerbaijan following a public statement by the State Security Service (SSS) and the release of an official video concerning the detention of former senior official Ramiz Mehdiyev. Authorities say 17 million manat in cash was confiscated during searches connected to the investigation. The SSS has framed the case as part of a broader inquiry into an alleged network accused of seeking to undermine the constitutional order. According to the official reports circulating in commentary, the alleged network included figures such as Abbas Abbasov and opposition leader Ali Karimli. The authorities claim the group operated in coordination with foreign intelligence services and sought to organise a change of power through unconstitutional means. These claims have not been independently verified, and those named have previously rejected accusations of wrongdoing in other contexts. The SSS alleges that the network aimed to destabilise the country by fostering social tension, influencing public opinion and damaging Azerbaijans international standing. Particular emphasis has been placed on the period preceding the 2020 conflict in and around former Nagorno-Karabakh (now Qarabag), known domestically as the Vtn Muharibsi (Patriotic War). Official narratives suggest that certain actors attempted to cultivate a perception of military defeat and internal fragility during that period. In a related development, opposition journalist Ganimat Zahid, editor-in-chief of the opposition newspaper Azadliq, posted a message on social media declaring that he had attempted to organise a coup against the authorities. The statement has added a further layer of complexity to an already sensitive investigation, although it remains unclear how or whether his remarks are connected to the SSS case. Cases involving allegations of coup plotting and foreign interference are not unique to Azerbaijan. In recent years, a number of governments have confronted similar crises. In 2016, an attempted coup in Turkiye targeted the administration of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leading to mass arrests and a sweeping security response. In 2021, supporters of then US President Donald Trump (at present) stormed the United States Capitol in an event widely described as an unprecedented challenge to the American constitutional process. Meanwhile, several post-Soviet and African states have experienced military or political upheavals framed by authorities as externally encouraged destabilisation efforts. Analysts note that allegations of foreign involvement are frequently central to coup investigations, particularly in geopolitically sensitive regions. The South Caucasus, situated between Russia and Iran, remains an area of strategic competition, and domestic political disputes are often interpreted through a wider regional lens. In Azerbaijan, the authorities have repeatedly emphasised the importance of safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order. Supporters of the government argue that decisive action is necessary to prevent instability. Critics, however, have historically called for transparency and due process in politically sensitive investigations. At the time of writing, the legal proceedings in the current case are ongoing, and detailed judicial findings have not yet been made public. The unfolding investigation is likely to shape Azerbaijans domestic political climate in the months ahead. Beyond the immediate legal questions, it also raises broader issues about national security and the balance between dissent and stability in a region where both internal and external pressures remain acute. 13 February 2026 14:16 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more A bilateral roundtable bringing together civil society representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia has commenced in Armenia as part of the Peace Bridge initiative, AzerNEWS reports. Alongside the core participants of the program, the discussions will include a wider group of stakeholders from both countries, fostering broader dialogue and engagement. Earlier today, the Azerbaijani delegation arrived in Armenia via a delimited and demarcated section of the land border, completing all necessary procedures. Officials described the visit as a significant practical step toward enhancing trust and cooperation between the two nations. During the roundtable, participants from both sides will examine processes emerging from the peace agenda agreed at the Washington Summit on August 8, 2025. Sessions will focus on several key topics, including the development of a regional security framework, the economic and societal benefits of peace, public perceptions of intersocietal relations, prospects for economic collaboration, and the critical role of civil society in promoting mutual understanding and confidence-building. 13 February 2026 15:17 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, together with First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, arrived in the Federal Republic of Germany on February 13 to attend the Munich Security Conference, AzerNEWS reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 13 February 2026 17:53 (UTC+04:00) Recent disclosures from the State Security Service have shed light on a series of shadowy activities involving former Presidential Administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev, ex-Deputy Prime Minister Abbas Abbasov, opposition politician Ali Karimli, and their network, AzerNEWS reports, citing Milli.az. These individuals are accused of orchestrating actions that undermine Azerbaijans statehood. According to the investigation, their network aligned with the interests of foreign intelligence agencies, aiming to disrupt public and political stability and foment conflict within the country. Ramiz Mehdiyev, long a powerful figure in Azerbaijans political landscape, has once again become the focus of public and political scrutiny. His ideological stance over the years often mirrored broader regional geopolitical narratives. Mehdiyevs statements promoted skepticism toward Western institutions, framed Euro-Atlantic integration as a risk, and advanced the concept of sovereign democracy. This approach appeared to align with the political rhetoric of certain regional powers, illustrating a phenomenon recognized in political science and international security studies as cognitive alignment. This term refers to an individuals positions aligning with external political strategies, even in the absence of direct ties to foreign influence centers. Evidence including phone calls, voice recordings, and video material exposes the depth of the networks operations. Recordings of Mehdiyev and his associates, including Qanimat Zahid, and videos detailing Fuad Gahramanlis dealings with foreign entities, leave little doubt about the networks intentions. For a country like Azerbaijan, located in a geopolitically sensitive region, ideological and informational lines are directly linked to state security. The network, coordinated chiefly by Mehdiyev, mobilized various political, informational, and public resources. Its primary objectives included creating social tension, eroding trust in state institutions, and undermining Azerbaijans international reputation. In modern times, political struggle extends beyond traditional arenas and increasingly takes the form of information warfare. During the lead-up to the 44-day Patriotic War, attempts were made across social media and other platforms to sow pessimism about Azerbaijans military prospects. Moreover, Ali Karimli, chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP), reportedly instructed party member Fuad Gahramanli to seize the National Assembly and AZTV administrative buildings. On the night of July 1415, 2020, during a public rally in support of the Azerbaijani army, these traitorous elements pursued ulterior motives. They attempted to redirect the crowd to storm the National Assembly and subsequently capture AZTV. Eyewitnesses recall the sudden shift in slogans and confusion during the rally. Many citizens were unaware of the intentions behind these actions. Subsequent investigations revealed that the orders came from the Karimli-Mehdiyev duo, exploiting public support for the military for their own purposes. Today, those who betrayed their nation await justice behind iron bars, serving as a stark reminder of the perils that clandestine networks pose to Azerbaijans sovereignty.